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Xi's special representative Han Zheng to attend Trump's inauguration

Xinhua) 08:44, January 17, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the U.S. side, President Xi Jinping's special representative, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Friday.

China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States, the spokesperson said.

"We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other," the spokesperson added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Newly elected Rep. Yassamin Ansari prefers to be in Phoenix as President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. But freshman Sen. Ruben Gallego and veteran Rep. Greg Stanton will be among the Democrats on hand to witness his return to power.

The second inauguration of the divisive former president is putting civility to the test. Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping it. So is former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

I have a tradition of going to the MLK events in Phoenix, Ansari said in a brief interview outside the House chamber. I will be attending a march.

A statement issued later by her office alluded to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob: I fully support a peaceful transition of power and look forward to finding ways to reach across the aisle and work with my colleagues on ways to better the lives of Arizona families.

Trump skipped Bidens inauguration four years ago after failing to overturn the election.

Gallegos rival for the Senate seat last fall, Kari Lake, also plans to attend the inauguration, she said on social media. Its an amazing week of history, she said.

Trump wants to install Lake as head of Voice of America, the international broadcast news outlet backed by the U.S. government.

Forecasters say the day will be brutally cold, with highs in the low 20s and a windchill in the low teens, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since President Ronald Reagans second ceremony in 1985.

Stanton, now in his fourth term, said he will bring Mesas new mayor, Mark Freeman, as his guest.

If there are issues you disagree on and go against your values and beliefs and what you think is right for the community, you fight it, Stanton said Thursday at the Capitol. And if there are areas where you can reach agreement you try to reach agreement. With the new administration coming in, I take the same approach.

This will be Gallegos first inauguration as a senator after five terms in the House. The states senior senator, fellow Democrat Mark Kelly, has not said whether he plans to attend.

Three of the states nine House members are Democrats.

Like Ansari, 12-term Rep. Raul Grijalva of Tucson is not expected to attend. He was diagnosed with lung cancer nearly a year ago and missed most House votes in 2024. He returned Jan. 3 for the start of the new session of Congress but has not cast a vote since then.

Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Tucson, recently elected to a second term, is eager to attend the historic event.

Very optimistic about it. Very encouraged, he said.
The first office building at Da Nang Software Park No. 2, with an area of 21,000 square meters, in Da Nang City, central Vietnam has been overbooked as the park was opened on Thursday.

The Da Nang Peoples Committee held a ceremony on Thursday to announce the expansion and opening of Da Nang Software Park No. 2, located on Nhu Nguyet Street in Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District.

The park, which began construction in 2020 with an investment of US$39 million, is the fourth centralized information technology zone (CIZ) in Da Nang, positioning the tech industry as a key driver for the citys rapid and sustainable growth.

The project includes the ICT1, ICT2, and ICT buildings, covering a total land area of 28,573 square meters and a construction floor area of over 92,000 square meters.

It is expected to attract 6,000 employees.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh (R) inspects ICT1 building at Da Nang Software Park No. 2 in Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, January 16, 2025. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre

On Thursday, the eight-story ICT1 building, with a total construction area of over 39,000 square meters and an exploitation area of 21,000 square meters was officially opened.

The building will prioritize strategic partners, investors, small businesses, and startups in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.

Chairman of the Da Nang Peoples Committee, Le Trung Chinh, noted that 30 IT businesses had already registered for lots at the new software park, with demand totaling around 25,000 square meters, surpassing the available rental space in the ICT1 building.

The park is a cornerstone in the citys Master Plan for 2030, helping Da Nang evolve into a smart urban center and integrate into the broader network of smart cities in Asia, Chinh stated.

He also highlighted the citys rapid IT industry growth, with four CIZs built in just 15 years.

Information technology now contributes 20.69 percent to the citys gross regional domestic product (GRDP), a figure expected to rise to 35-40 percent by 2030.

Delegates visit the booth of an IT enterprise during the opening ceremony of Da Nang Software Park No. 2 at ICT1 building in Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, January 16, 2025. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre

The first software park has hosted 66 IT businesses, employing over 2,000 people and generating $58 million in revenue, Chinh added.

During the ceremony, Da Nang authorities signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners, including Marvell Da Nang, a branch of the U.S. semiconductor company Marvell Technology Inc., Vietnamese tech giant FPT, and Vietnamese multi-sector investor Sovico Group.

Currently, Da Nang is home to four CIZs - Da Nang Software Park, Da Nang IT Park, FPT Complex, and Software Park No. 2 - employing 53,000 people across various digital industries, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The city is leading the country in digitalization, with an average of 2.3 digital businesses per 1,000 residents.

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Providing advanced technology and teaching global standards while learning invaluable lessons from local farmers, a Dutch enterprise is on a mission to elevate Vietnamese agriculture to a higher position on the global stage.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre News, Johan van den Ban, general director of De Heus Vietnam said, The talent of Vietnamese farmers is one of the key reasons why there are strong beliefs in the future of livestock and agriculture in Vietnam.

De Heus Vietnam, part of the Netherlands' De Heus Group, is a major animal feed company featuring products for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.

It has achieved remarkable milestones over the past 15 years, including 25 percent of the groups global production originating in Vietnam.

The company produces approximately three million metric tons of feed annually for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.

Every challenge is an opportunity

Van den Ban highlighted that Vietnams nearly-100-million population represents a massive domestic market for the livestock sector.

Focusing on the food processing industry, he believed Vietnam has the potential to become a major global player.

Beyond staples like fish and shrimp, which are already key export products, Vietnam has the opportunity to establish itself as a leader in poultry processing.

Chicken and other poultry provide an excellent source of healthy protein at competitive prices. De Heus will seize this opportunity, which will further drive our growth in Vietnam and within the industry, Van den Ban affirmed.

However, as a seasoned expert in both Vietnamese and international livestock industries, Van den Ban pointed out that Vietnams livestock sector must address several challenges before fully capitalizing on its opportunities.

Vietnam has a large sow herd, and the African swine fever is just one example of how diseases can severely impact the industry.

This disease has also posed significant challenges to the global agricultural sector.

He suggested that the most straightforward and effective approach would be to enhance farm infrastructure where animals are kept, warning that otherwise, owners risk, as he put it, "locking the barn door after the horse has bolted."

Furthermore, Van den Ban stressed that ensuring food safety in Vietnam demands a collective effort, aimed at reaching international standards for food safety.

The De Heus representative noted the company's ambitious goals of being the best, fastest, largest, and strongest in their efforts.

However, they acknowledged that these goals have not yet been achieved and emphasized the need for government support through stricter regulations to control processes from farm to table.

How do Vietnamese farmers compete internationally?

Despite having an extensive history of over 110 years, the company continues to be impressed by the creativity and ingenuity of Vietnamese farmers, who approach problem-solving in simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient ways.

Van den Ban noted that Vietnamese farmers are generally very intelligent and practical. They have effective solutions for nearly every issue.

They are incredibly creative and inventive, doing things efficiently while keeping costs low, he remarked.

He added that Vietnamese farmers are fully capable of competing on the international stage, although they still need support to understand the requirements and standards of major import markets.

Van den Ban proudly shared that De Heus provides farmers with training on updated farming methods, technical support, and high-quality breeds.

The company also helps connect Vietnamese farmers with markets as the next step in the value chain.

In this regard, he pointed out that todays consumers expect more, raising the standards for quality, food safety, and traceability of the products they purchase.

Our goal is to help farmers achieve sustainable economic development, which, simply put, means helping them make a profit. This is exactly what De Heus is doing," he said.

"Together with Vietnamese farmers, we are contributing to addressing the challenges of the livestock sector."

Van den Ban encouraged Vietnamese farmers to be more open and adapt to the world's changes, speaking of the sustainability criteria.

He noted that consumers now want more transparency, and the planet needs more protection.

The farmer's wisdom and creativity should be applied to tackle these issues.

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YTL Group, a Malaysian multinational with a market capitalization of US$7.5 billion, has announced plans to expand its investments in Vietnam after five years of operating in the country.

Beyond the cement sector, the group aims to enter other strategic industries, including energy, electricity, and water supply.

On Wednesday, during a celebration marking YTL's 70th anniversary of operating in Ho Chi Minh City, Joshua Yeoh Keong Junn, CEO of Fico Tay Ninh Cement JSC (Fico-YTL)  a subsidiary of YTL Group  discussed Vietnam's role as a strategic market in the region.

In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Junn revealed that YTL has signed a strategic partnership with NVIDIA, a U.S.-based multinational technology company, to develop a data center serving Malaysia and Singapore.

This initiative was part of broader plans to address data processing needs across the Asia-Pacific region.

NVIDIA recently announced it will open an artificial intelligence (AI) center in Vietnam.

According to Junn, the operation of these facilities will require significant energy and water resources.

As a result, YTL is considering investments in Vietnam's energy and water sectors to support NVIDIAs projects.

YTL currently operates in 12 countries, primarily in the construction, real estate development, infrastructure investment, telecommunications, and building material production sectors.

The group is committed to sustainable development, circular economy practices, carbon emissions reduction, and renewable energy applications.

Currently, Fico-YTL, based in Tay Ninh Province, is one of Vietnams leading cement companies and is known for producing green cement, which emits at least 30 percent less carbon than traditional cement.

Nguyen Cong Bao, executive director of Fico-YTL, noted that YTL plans to increase its capital investment in the cement industry while exploring opportunities in data centers through various approaches, including mergers and acquisitions.

Each year, Fico-YTL processes and reuses approximately 70,000 metric tons of waste, cutting CO emissions equivalent to planting 1.84 million trees.

The company has also been committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on producing low-carbon cement products that meet environmental standards and are certified as eco-friendly, Bao said.

With these strategic initiatives, YTL Group is poised to strengthen its presence in Vietnam, contributing to the country's sustainable development while tapping into its growth potential across various sectors.

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The administration of Da Nang and the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) have signed a cooperation agreement to advance the development of this central Vietnamese city as an international financial center (IFC).

The signing of the deal took place at a conference entitled Developing International Financial Centers in Vietnam, held in Da Nang on Thursday.

Under the agreement, the VBA will assist Da Nang in formulating groundbreaking policies to accelerate the adoption of fintech and blockchain technologies.

This includes support for blockchain and AI training programs and exploring tailored strategies for integrating these technologies into the financial hubs framework.

VBA chairman Phan Duc Trung emphasized that fintech, encompassing areas like payment technologies, insurance technologies, asset management, cybersecurity, and blockchain, should be the focus of Da Nangs IFC.

He also highlighted the importance of incorporating green and circular economy models into the centers operations.

Representatives of the Vietnam Blockchain Association and Da Nang administration sign a cooperation agreement on fintech and blockchain innovation in Da Nang, January 16, 2025. Photo: Minh Hien

The VBA leader said that the success of Da Nangs IFC depends on three critical areas, including integrated policy framework, sustainable growth, and innovative solutions.

He underlined the need to build the financial hub based on the central governments Resolution 259 and implement a regulatory sandbox framework as outlined in the lawmaking National Assemblys Resolution 136, while leveraging Da Nangs luxury tourism sector.

The city should ensure balanced development by integrating traditional and emerging economic activities into the citys unique mechanisms to avoid reliance on a single mechanism.

He also recommended that the coastal city focus on practical applications such as testing digital asset transactions and developing carbon and data exchanges.

The VBA, designated as a key player in Vietnams national blockchain strategy, continues to promote blockchain adoption by raising awareness, training talent, and supporting businesses in legal compliance.

Trung highlighted the associations role in fostering a Made in Vietnam blockchain ecosystem by collaborating with government agencies to build the countrys blockchain network and enhance international competitiveness.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh underscored the importance of establishing regional and international financial hubs to boost Vietnams economy.

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Search online and you will find many videos of tourists filming themselves crossing the busy streets of Vietnam. Whether it is at a traffic light, zebra crossing, or just a regular road, the separation between vehicles and pedestrians is non-existent in Vietnam. And for a foreigner, this brings confusion, fear, and sometimes pedestrian rage.

Many believe that the process of crossing the road comes without order or logical function in the cities of Vietnam, but that is actually not true.

There is one clear difference between crossing the streets in Vietnam and other countries like the U.S. and Australia: the concept of Right of Way. This means when a traffic light turns red, for example, a pedestrian has the right of way to cross the road unchallenged by vehicles.

The law in Vietnam is to stop at a red light. The law is also that a person may cross the road on a green walk signal, but in the middle of this are motorbikes not stopping and turning right at the same intersection.

This is the spirit of Vietnam when it comes to traffic laws. Instead of having the right of way, people all have a responsibility to follow the rules and, at the same time, show concern and consideration for everyone around them. It sounds strange but it works.

Vietnam is one of the countries that have the most users of motorcycles per capita in the world. Finding a space in traffic long enough to safely cross is impossible, and this drives the close interaction between vehicles and pedestrians.

I love Vietnam and I love that Vietnamese people are able to exist alongside one another. This is apparent in the way people cross the road. It is not about 'I have the right to go' but rather a sense of community where we all need that little bit of space to find our way to our destination. Enjoy the experience with confidence on your next visit to Vietnam.

A new decree released recently has created massive changes to the way pedestrians and motorcyclists interact. Fines were increased for things like riding on the sidewalk, not stopping at traffic lights, wearing earphones whilst riding, and wrongly turning right at red lights. All of these new regulations play a part in making the roads safer.

Vietnam has a population of around 100 million people and is similarly sized to New Mexico in the U.S.. In contrast, New Mexico has around three million residents. This means that the mass congestion of big cities like Ho Chi Minh City will never change, nor will the experience of dodging traffic as you cross the streets.

I believe the changes to fines and new road rules implemented this year will impact the habits of motorists. But for the tourist, the best advice is to turn to the online videos, learn to raise your arm and wave, look at the eyes of every rider that drives by, and walk slowly.

And the number 1 rule that has kept me alive all these years: dont step backwards when you panic. Unless it is an extreme situation, just stand still and let motorcyclists go around you. It works!

For those tourists who are brave enough to take on the pandemonium and ride a motorbike, treat your fellow commuters with respect and show concern for those with families and children on their motorbikes. This care and consideration is what keeps the traffic flowing in Vietnam.

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China's population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, with the number of deaths outpacing a slight increase in births, and experts cautioning that the downturn will worsen in the coming years.

The National Bureau of Statistics said the total number of people in China dropped by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion in 2024, compared to 1.409 billion in 2023.

Friday's data reinforces concerns that the world's second largest economy will struggle as the number of workers and consumers declines. Rising costs from elderly care and retirement benefits are also likely to create additional strains for already indebted local governments.

China's total number of births was 9.54 million versus 9.02 million in 2023, the statistics bureau said. The birth rate rose to 6.77 births per 1,000 people in 2024 versus 6.39 per 1,000 people in 2023.

The number of deaths was 10.93 million in 2024 from 11.1 million in 2023.

China's birth rates have been falling for decades as a result of the one-child policy China implemented from 1980 to 2015 as well as rapid urbanisation.

As in neighbouring Japan and South Korea, large numbers of Chinese people have moved from rural farms to cities, where having children is more expensive.

The high cost of childcare and education as well as job uncertainty and a slowing economy have also discouraged many young Chinese from getting married and starting a family.

Gender discrimination and traditional expectations for women to take care of the home exacerbate the issue, demographers say.

A 12.4% rise in marriages in 2023 - many delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic - accounted for the rebound in births in 2024, demographers said, but the number is expected to fall again in 2025.

Marriages are a leading indicator for birth rates in China, where many single women cannot access child-raising benefits.

Authorities unveiled a series of measures in 2024 to boost China's birth rate.

In December they urged colleges and universities to integrate marriage and "love education" into their curriculums to emphasise positive views on marriage, love, fertility and family.

In November, the state council, or cabinet rallied local governments to direct resources towards fixing China's population crisis and spread respect for childbearing and marriages "at the right age".

The number of Chinese women of reproductive age, defined by the United Nations as 15-to-49, is set to drop by more than two-thirds to under 100 million by the end of the century.

The retirement-age population, meanwhile, those aged 60 and over, is expected to increase to more than 400 million by 2035 from around 280 million people currently.

The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences has said the pension system will run out of funds by 2035.

China's population aged 60 and over reached 310.31 million, about 22% of its population, up from 296.97 million in 2023.

The country's urbanisation trend also gathered pace with an increase of 10.83 million people living in urban areas to 943.3 million in total, while its rural population fell 12.22 million to 464.78 million.
Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Poland officially recognize the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority during his meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday afternoon (local time) as part of his official visit to the European country.

President Duda emphasized Vietnam's importance as a key partner in Southeast Asia and expressed Polands desire to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

The two top leaders agreed to facilitate market access for goods from both countries and to encourage Polish businesses to invest in Vietnams key sectors such as digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and manufacturing.

President Duda affirmed his support for Polands ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement.

Highlighting the contributions of the approximately 30,000-strong Vietnamese community in Poland, President Duda welcomed Vietnams decision to waive visas for Polish citizens in 2025, believing it would boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Poland, January 16, 2025. Photo: Doan Bac

PM Chinh thanked Poland for its support of the Vietnamese community and expressed hope that the community would soon be recognized as an official minority group, enabling deeper integration and greater contributions to Polish society.

Later that evening, PM Chinh, accompanied by his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and the Vietnamese delegation, met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland.

The event was also attended by some Polish citizens including Franciszek Zwierzynski and Ho Chi Dung.

Franciszek Zwierzynski is a veteran who participated in ceasefire committees in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Dung is a son of Stefan Kubiak, a Polish-Jewish soldier who quitted the French army to join the Vietnamese army and was later adopted and named Ho Chi Toan by President Ho Chi Minh.

During the meeting, community members raised issues such as regaining Vietnamese citizenship, teaching Vietnamese in Polish schools, and promoting Vietnamese culture.

They also reiterated the call for official recognition as an ethnic minority in Poland.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinh meets with Vietnamese expatriates in Poland, January 16, 2025. Photo: Doan Bac

PM Chinh addressed various proposals of the Vietnamese community, pledging to direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to review nationality-related regulations.

He assigned the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with the Vietnamese Embassy and Polish authorities to introduce Vietnamese as a foreign language in Polish schools.

The Vietnamese government leader urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance to consider increasing funding for the Vietnamese communitys cultural activities and heritage events abroad.

He reiterated his discussion with top Polish leaders regarding minority recognition, urging the Vietnamese community to actively support these efforts.

He also tasked the Ministry of Science and Technology to study and revise regulations supporting scientific research projects, including those conducted by overseas Vietnamese, to leverage intellectual resources for national development.

The top Vietnamese official asked the Ministry of Public Security and relevant units to address issues linked to ID cards while encouraging community members to keep giving their feedback on the issue.

PM Chinh expressed enthusiasm for enhancing cultural exchanges between both nations, emphasizing the importance of culture as both the soul of the nation and a driver of development.

He called for scholarships and increased collaboration in arts and heritage promotion, given Polands rich cultural history.

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk have agreed to consider elevating their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and strive to increase two-way trade to US$5 billion in the near future.

The consensus was reached during their talks held in Warsaw on Thursday as part of PM Chinhs official visit to Poland at PM Tusks invitation.

PM Tusk welcomed Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation  Polands first official international visitors in 2025.

Tusk emphasized the visits importance as it sets the tone for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

PM Chinh praised Polands socio-economic achievements, including becoming the worlds 20th-largest economy.

He expressed confidence in Polands continued development and congratulated the country on assuming the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Vietnam values its friendship with Poland, one of its leading partners in Central Europe, and is eager to further enhance bilateral ties, according to Chinh.

Both leaders underscored the importance of economic collaboration, committing to increase two-way trade turnover to US$5 billion in the near future.

Poland is now Vietnams largest trading partner in Central Europe.

Trade between the two countries has steadily grown, surpassing $2.5 billion annually since 2020 and reaching $3.4 billion in 2024, up 21.7 percent year on year, according to official figures.

The two leaders emphasized connecting their economies through both soft and hard infrastructure.

The Polish PM, recognizing Vietnams development potential in the Asia-Pacific region, expressed interest in expanding investment and trade in Vietnam.

Building on the successful cooperation achieved in recent years, both officials agreed to explore the possibility of elevating the relationship between their nations to a strategic partnership in the coming time.

The leaders concurred to enhance collaboration in defense, security, cybersecurity, and combating transnational crime.

They also pledged to strengthen ties in education and labor, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, and semiconductor production.

Education cooperation between the two countries will be bolstered through the implementation of a higher education agreement signed during the visit.

Meanwhile, Vietnam announced a visa exemption for Polish citizens in 2025 to encourage people-to-people exchanges and boost tourism.

Both nations were committed to celebrating their 75th diplomatic anniversary this year through joint activities and initiatives.

Vietnam and Poland vowed to support each other in multilateral forums like the United Nations and ASEAN-EU frameworks. Poland pledged to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.

PM Tusk promised to advocate for lifting the European Commissions illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.

An overview of the discussion between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, along with officials of both sides, in Warsaw, Poland, January 16, 2025. Photo: Doan Bac

The two sides also agreed to collaborate in emerging fields such as renewable energy, digital technology, information technology, agriculture, and labor. They pledged to serve as gateways for each others goods to ASEAN and EU markets.

PM Chinh urged Poland to support ASEANs stance on the East Vietnam Sea issue, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution based on the UN Charter and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He proposed that the Polish government continue to facilitate the integration of the Vietnamese community in Poland into the local society, enabling them to contribute positively to Poland's development as well as the traditional friendship between the two countries.

This includes the early recognition of the Vietnamese community in Poland as an official ethnic minority.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation in international forums to ensure peace, security, and prosperity.

During the meeting, PM Chinh conveyed Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong's invitation to President Andrzej Duda to visit Vietnam again soon.

Following their discussion, the two PMs witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements related to diplomacy, labor, and other areas.

They also held a joint press conference to share the outcomes of their discussions.

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A motorcycle carrying four people crashed into a truck on National Highway 1 in Thuong Tin District, Hanoi on Friday morning, leaving three dead and one seriously injured.

At around 5:20 am, a motorcycle with four riders, whose driver remains unidentified, was traveling along National Highway 1 when it collided with a truck driven by L.Q.T., a 37-year-old resident of Ha Nam Province.

The collision resulted in the deaths of three individuals on the motorcycle, while the other, identified as V.V.T., born in Nam Dinh Province in 2007, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Viet Duc University Hospital for emergency treatment.

The motorcycle was severely damaged in the crash.

After being notified of the accident, traffic police officers rushed to the scene to investigate the crash.

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Several roads in Hanois Tay Ho District will be temporarily closed this weekend to ensure smooth organization of an extraordinary drone and symphony light show featuring 2,025 drones at West Lake to ring in the 2025 new year.

The administration of Tay Ho has announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions in the vicinity of the event venue.

During the rehearsal on Friday, traffic restrictions will be in place along four streets -- Lac Long Quan, Nguyen Hoang Ton, Ve Ho, Nhat Chieu -- from 6:00 pm to midnight.

On Lac Long Quan Street, cars will be banned from the Lac Long Quan-Xuan La to Lac Long Quan-Au Co T-intersections, while motorcycles will be restricted between Alley 655 and Alley 683.

Authorities will impose a full closure on Nhat Chieu Street and the section from the Vo Chi Cong-Nguyen Hoang Ton Intersection to Lac Long Quan Park.

Cars will be prohibited from entering Ve Ho Street, while motorcycles will be restricted from the beginning of the street to Alley 378 Lac Long Quan.

During the main event, which is set to kick off at 8:00 pm on Saturday, similar restrictions will apply from 5:00 pm to midnight.

The symphony and drone light show, co-organized by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, Hanoi's municipal government, and Tay Ho District authorities, marks the opening of the 2025 Hanoi International Light Festival, which is set to become an annual highlight.

The show blends modern light technology with traditional symphonic music, creating a visual and emotional journey.

The centerpiece will be a drone light performance over West Lake, telling stories of Hanois thousand-year history and cultural heritage.

The display will feature iconic Hanoi landmarks reimagined through cutting-edge visuals.

Le Quoc Minh, editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan, emphasized the event as not just a celebration of music and light but also a message of unity and hope for the new year.

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The Peoples Court of Ha Tinh Province in north-central Vietnam on Thursday sentenced three Laotian nationals to death for illegally transporting narcotics.

Vongmounty Maimy, Maikhen Xaiyaphon, and Sisonekeo Toy were caught trafficking nearly 121 kilograms of illicit drugs from Laos to Vietnam in May last year.

According to an indictment from the provincial People's Procuracy, the three traffickers were apprehended at 10:00 am on May 6, 2024 at Cau Treo International Border Gate in Ha Tinh Provinces Huong Son District.

Maimy had been driving a car with Xaiyaphon, Toy, and three other Laotian women as passengers when border guards stopped the vehicle for inspection and discovered 121 white plastic bags filled with what was suspected to be methamphetamine hidden beneath its floorboard.

The three Laotian men admitted that the 121 bags contained illegal drugs, claiming that they had been hired by two men from Vientiane, Laos to transport the narcotics to Vietnam.

Local authorities confirmed that the total weight of the drugs trafficked by the trio amounted to nearly 121 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Investigators chose not to press charges against the three Laotian women in the car after finding that they had been unaware of the drug trafficking operation.

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday signed a decision approving the investment policy for the Can Gio International Transshipment Port project in Ho Chi Minh City.

With an estimated investment of US$4.5 billion, this project marks a significant milestone in Vietnams maritime economic development strategy.

The Can Gio International Transshipment Port will be strategically located at the mouth of the Cai Mep-Thi Vai River in Ganh Rai Bay of outlying Can Gio District.

This mega-project aims to establish an international transshipment hub, providing world-class container port services, seaport facilities, and associated logistics services.

Spanning an area of 571 hectares, the port will feature a 7.2-kilometer-long infrastructure and 6.8 kilometers of wharves upon completion.

It is designed to accommodate mother ships up to 250,000 DWT, feeder ships with a tonnage of 10,000-65,000 DWT, and barges up to 8,000 metric tons.

The future port is expected to handle a throughput of 4.8 million TEUs by 2030, increasing to 16.9 million TEUs by 2047.

Once operational, it is projected to directly employ 6,000-8,000 workers, with tens of thousands more benefiting from associated logistics and service industries.

An investor consortium, including Saigon Port JSC and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A. -- a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) -- has proposed a plan for this significant investment.

MSC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the worlds largest shipping line with an annual transport capacity exceeding 23 million TEUs, accounting for 18 percent of global shipping capacity.

The projects investment cost, based on feasibility studies and proposals, exceeds VND113.5 trillion ($4.5 billion), which will be invested in two phases of the project, with the first lasting from now until 2030 and the second from 2030 to 2045.

The project is set to operate for 50 years from the date of the investment policy decision.

Its implementation will adhere to regulations on investment disbursement timelines and investor selection as stipulated in Resolution 98 of Vietnams legislative National Assembly, which outlines pilot policies for Ho Chi Minh Citys development.

Key conditions for the project include alignment with national and regional planning, approval for land-use changes, including forest land, completion of environmental protection procedures, and adherence to legal requirements for technology usage.

Investors are prohibited from transferring the project within the first five years of obtaining the investment registration certificate, with subsequent transfers subject to approval by local authorities.

In addition, any issues arising during implementation related to national defense, security, or foreign ownership transfers will require the consent of the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and other relevant agencies.

If cultural relics or artifacts are discovered during construction, authorities and local cultural departments must be notified so that appropriate actions can be taken.

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Climate change could wreak havoc on Britain in coming decades, with rising food poisoning, allergies and the arrival of diseases such as zika and dengue fever.

Climate change could mean that diseases such as Zika virus and dengue fever become transmissible in the UK.(Getty)

Climate change could wreak havoc on the health of British people in coming decades, with experts warning of rising food poisoning, allergies and the arrival of diseases such as Zika and dengue fever.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning over the effects of climate change saying, "It threatens the essential ingredients of good health  clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply and safe shelter  and has the potential to undermine decades of progress in global health."

Yahoo News spoke to Marisa Miraldo, professor in health economics at Imperial College Business School, who said that climate change increases the risk of disease, as well as worsening existing health issues.

Reports by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have suggested that climate change could lead to up to 10,000 more deaths per year by 2050 due to effects on everything from food poisoning to allergies.

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Professor Miraldo said that the impact on peoples health in Britain could be significant."Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns expand the range of disease-carrying vectors, increasing the prevalence of infectious disease," she explained.

Extreme weather events like heatwaves, and cold waves not only worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions but also create unpredictable healthcare demand, overwhelming emergency services and disrupting routine care.

New diseases

As the UK warms, mosquito-borne viruses such as chikungunya virus, dengue fever and Zika could become transmissible in London and other areas, the UKHSA has warned.

Many diseases that affect people are highly climate sensitive, and a relatively small change in temperature can mean new illnesses could spread in Britain.

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The UKHSA said: Many infectious diseases are highly climate sensitive, and with warmer temperatures we can expect an increased risk of new and emerging infectious diseases in the UK, including those transmitted through mosquito and tick bites.

This risks widening health inequality, with poorer people likely to be more affected, the agency added.

Prof Miraldo said: Even high-income countries face rising healthcare costs and system strain, affecting particularly underserved and minority communities, as they respond to heat-related illnesses, mental health crises, and the emergence of vector-borne diseases.

More food poisoning

Food poisoning bugs thrive in warmer weather, and cases of food poisoning linked to warm weather are already rising, according to a Department of Health report.

Food poisoning bugs thrive in warmer weather. (Getty)

By 2050, there are likely to be 10,000 more food poisoning cases per year, the report found.

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The effects of climate change are likely to be cascading, Prof Miraldo warned, with effects on everything from existing conditions to the food we eat.

More kidney problems

Climate change (and heatwaves in particular) are forecast to have wide-ranging effects on human health, such as increases in kidney stones due to dehydration.

Kidney stone disease is a painful condition caused by hard deposits of minerals that develop in concentrated urine and cause pain when passing through the urinary tract.

The incidence of the condition has increased in the last 20 years. As the world warms due to climate change, more of us will suffer from kidney stones due to hot temperatures and dehydration, new research has shown.

Read more: LA fires spread to Hollywood as strong winds hinder firefighting

The impact of climate change will be felt particularly by older people, particularly those with existing health problems, Prof Miraldo said.

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Climate pressures intersect with the growing challenge of multi-morbidity  where individuals suffer from multiple chronic conditions  which is further exacerbated by climate impacts such as heat stress, air pollution, and food insecurity.

Heart problems

US research in the journal Circulation suggested that cardiovascular deaths could more than double by 2050 due to climate change.

A combination of rising heat and climate-related effects such as air pollution will see deaths surge  and factors such as access to tree cover could mean it affects poorer people more.

Prof Miraldo said: Vulnerable populations, including those in low-income countries and marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected, with limited access to resources to cope with these cascading health challenges. Climate change not only increases global disease burden but also widens health inequalities, creating complex, multidimensional challenges for healthcare systems worldwide.
MILAN  Hoor Al Qasimi is sure to be making her late twin brother Khalid proud on Friday as she decamps for the first time to Milan from London to unveil Qasimis fall 2025 menswear collection as part of the citys official fashion week schedule.

Weve been talking about Milan for a while now, and my brother also was interested in coming to the city, she said on Zoom a few days before the presentation, from Vienna. Milan just felt like one of the important hubs of fashion, and its fashion is always very strong, she said.

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This is not going to be a one-off trip. The lack of a full-fledged London Fashion Week for menswear since 2022 forced the designer, who last season hosted an emotionally charged show in London as part of small showcase the city hosted, to rethink her plans.

A trained and practicing art curator, Al Qasimi has brought some of her background into the brand since taking the creative and business helm in 2019 from her brother who founded it in 2015.

Im always collaborating with artists because of my previous/current job as a curator. I work with so many amazing artists from all over the world, and their stories are interesting, there are so many opportunities, she said of the creative process. I have a very collaborative spirit when I work, so Im hoping that people would find resonance with the artists works, and maybe with some of the messaging in our work, too, she said.

For fall, the New Zealand painter Emily Karaka informed some of the collections prints and patterns, as well as messaging.

She is senior artist but also an activist, really working on the land right movements and [specifically] the Maori land right movements and looking at historic treaties, Al Qasimi explained.

The warm and bold color palette of Al Qasimis favorite Karaka painting, titled He Kakano and featuring hints of purple and magenta, influenced the fall collections chromatic theme, with some prints directly inspired by the artwork and some embroideries taking literal cue from the words and figures appearing in the artists oeuvre.

A preview look at the Qasimi Fall 2025 Mens Ready-to-Wear Collection

It was very important with this one painting, she said, to explore Indigenous land rights, Al Qasimi offered. To this end, shes following in the footsteps of her late brothers spotlight of sociopolitical issues through fashion.

The louder designs  printed and heavily embroidered  mingle with more streamlined silhouettes in brown, turmeric and blue that are layered in what Al Qasimi bills as modular dressing, with zippers, buttons and chords  which she said symbolize shifting landscapes and lands kind of being divided and put back together and allow for personalized styling that she hopes will cater to men and women alike.

Ditching the runway for a presentation format, Al Qasimi secured a semi-industrial space in Milans Isola neighborhood set to feature a globe-like light installation aimed at creating a warm and glowing atmosphere, she offered.

Since taking over the brand in 2019, on top of mourning her brothers death, Al Qasimi has found herself dealing with the aftermath of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Shes proved resilient, though.

I think it was good because it gave me time to kind of figure out what was happening in the fashion [system] and getting to know more about it, she said about the latter roadblock. I come from contemporary art, and Im more on the creative side. I struggled sometimes with some business decisions, but weve had a lot of long-term clients in the Arab world, and some new buyers, as well, with the shops opening up in Saudi Arabia. So, I think that thats been pretty good, she explained.

The Middle East is Qasimis strongest market while Asia is picking up, with key accounts in Japan starting to place orders again. Al Qasimi is also trying to address emerging regions by linking up with local showcases, including Lagos Fashion Week. Up next is a guest appearance at Mumbai Fashion Week slated for March.

This is not just a business move, but rather it speaks to Al Qasimis community building ambition. In 2022 she established Q Rising, previously known as Qasimi Rising, a fashion incubator aimed at showcasing and promoting emerging designers and creatives throughout Africa.

Hoor Al Qasimi

I like the idea of being able to bring people together to create something and I felt that, especially after the pandemic, so many people are also struggling and trying to do the same thing. There is such a beautiful energy of having a community and being able to learn from each other, be inspired by each other, she offered.

Were still trying to figure out the best thing to do, but the main thing is that were a community that is supporting each other, and I think thats the thing, a support structure, because Ive seen the progress and how its worked in my 22 years [of experience] in the arts [world]. So many artists that Ive worked with from the very beginning are in huge collections all over the world now. And theres something really rewarding and special about that, so I wanted to see how we could do that in fashion as well, she said.

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According to a report by market research organisation CSIL, Vietnams furniture industry has experienced remarkable growth, with an average annual increase of 10 per cent in production and 11 per cent in exports. This impressive achievement propelled Vietnam to the sixth position globally in terms of furniture export value in 2023.

As one of the top three furniture producers and exporters in Asia, just behind China and India, Vietnam has solidified its position as a major player in the global furniture market. This growth has paved the way for the establishment of VIFA ASEAN, which aims to promote trade and enhance the reputation of Vietnams and Southeast Asias furniture industry on the global stage.

The second edition of VIFA ASEAN in 2024 was a remarkable success, attracting over 224 businesses, with 603 exhibition booths and 7,128 visitors, including 1,835 professional buyers from 60 countries and territories. The top 10 countries with the most visitors to VIFA ASEAN 2024 were China, Japan, Taiwan (China), the United States, India, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong (China), and the Philippines. Additionally, more than 200,000 visitors from 85 countries and territories visited the VIFA ASEAN website, further demonstrating the events global appeal. This success reinforces Vietnams leading position in the furniture manufacturing and export industry.

Building on the success of VIFA ASEAN 2024, the 2025 edition will offer even more investment, providing new, exciting, and impressive experiences for exhibitors and visitors. With over 1,000 exhibition booths and 350 leading businesses from key Vietnamese provinces such as Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh inh, Ha Noi, and Binh Phuoc, as well as ASEAN country pavilions and concurrent events like industrial seminars, workshops, factory tours, and business matching, VIFA ASEAN 2025 promises to be a world-class event, bringing together the best of the regions furniture industry.

Additionally, the Cantonese Business Go Global (CBGG) project, a prestigious organisation that connects and promotes international trade for Guangdong enterprises  has officially proposed VIFA ASEAN 2025 as one of the key international trade events for Guangdong Province (China), aiming to assist the provinces enterprises in seeking export opportunities and expanding their markets.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 will be held at the perfect time as the leading trade fair in the 2025 autumn furniture fair series in Asia, which includes: VIFA ASEAN (Vietnam, 2629 August), KORFURN (South Korea, 2831 August), MFFM (Malaysia, 46 September), MAISON Shanghai (912 September), CIFF Shanghai (China, 912 September), and Furniture China (China, 1013 September). VIFA ASEAN 2025 will be the must-attend and first destination for international furniture buyers seeking furniture products.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 will showcase a diverse range of products across four main categories: indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, home decor, office wares, handicrafts, machinery, hardware and tools, along with supporting services. The event will provide a professional platform for both domestic and international furniture production and import-export industries.

. Enhance Market Value Domestically and Increase Competitiveness in the International Market: Offering opportunities to directly connect with thousands of potential customers and global buyers in a short time, introducing products, and demonstrating supply capabilities.

. Expand the Business Network: Through the fairs activities, exhibitors will gain insight into the latest trends in the furniture industry, thereby developing effective business strategies.

Join the Southeast Asian furniture community at VIFA ASEAN 2025!

For more information, please contact:

 The Organiser of VIFA ASEAN 2025  Lien Minh Company

 Hotline: +84 79 999 7657

 Website: www.vifafair.com or. www.vifaasean.com
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade on Wednesday officially signed an agreement to implement the Transition of the Energy Sector in Viet Nam (TEV) project, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The EUR4 million (US$4.1 million) project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and focuses on three main areas to support Viet Nam in its energy transition process.

The initiative will assist the Ministry of Industry and Trade in researching solutions to realise international commitments on sustainable energy, develop new legal frameworks and regulations to establish a solid foundation for energy transition activities, and equip experts and managers with advanced technical knowledge to help modernise Viet Nams energy sector.

The project will be implemented through the end of this year, serving as a cornerstone in technological cooperation between Viet Nam and Germany.

It also aligns with the goals of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between Viet Nam and G7+ countries, as outlined in the JETP Resource Mobilisation Plan.

Michaela Baur, GIZ Viet Nam country director, said: "I am pleased that TEV is built on the strong foundation of over 15 years of successful cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and GIZ.

Together, we have implemented impactful projects such as Smart Grids for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and the recent Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar project. Germany is committed to continuing to share its expertise and experience to help Viet Nam achieve a sustainable, affordable and reliable energy future."

Trinh Quoc Vu, deputy director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Viet Nam, said: The agreement marks an important milestone in the implementation of the TEV project and further strengthens the partnership between the two countries.

I am pleased and grateful for GIZ's support in the past and for this project. I believe this support will help Viet Nam transition to a more sustainable energy system.

Tang The Hung, deputy director of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, said: We still have a lot to do in the energy transition process.

I hope that through this project, we will focus on supporting central and local agencies, especially businesses, in enhancing their capacity, improving the legal framework and raising awareness about the energy transition.  VNS
BEIJING  A documentary film featuring the Viet Nam - China friendship was released in Nanning city, China's Guangxi Province, on January 15 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties (January 18, 1950 - 2025) and the Year of Viet Nam - China Humanistic Exchange".

The film, Ben Dong Nam Khe 2 (By the Nanxi River 2), was co-produced by the Wuzhou Media Centre under the Chinas Guangxi Radio and Television Station and the Vietnam Military Radio and Television Broadcasting Centre. It follows the first episode made in 2020 by the Guangxi Radio and Television Station and the Vietnam Television.

Speaking at the film launching ceremony, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Guangxi Radio and Television Zheng Kui said that the film aims to help people of both countries to recall the years of hardships, remember the common mission, and honour the preceding revolutionary generations, thereby contributing to the traditional friendship and exchanges between the peoples of Viet Nam and China.

In an online speech, o Thanh Tuyen, the Chief Director from Viet Nam's Military Broadcasting and Television Centre, expressed his hope that the documentary will receive warm response from the public in both countries and help them, especially the youth, better understand the time-tested friendship between the two nations.

Yang Yanjun, General Director of the Wuzhou Media Centre, said that the film is a work of depth, warmth, and strong appeal, which will surely be welcomed by audiences in both countries.

At the launch, Hospital E of Viet Nam and the Nanxin Shan Hospital of China exchanged historical memorabilia that both sides have cherished and preserved over the years, such as the uniforms of Vietnamese medical workers and Chinas medical aid records for Viet Nam.

Yu Shuhui, a retired staff member of the Nanxi Shan Hospital, shared that 56 years ago, over a period of eight years, she and her colleagues treated 5,432 injured and sick Vietnamese, successfully performed surgeries for 2,576 cases, and voluntarily donated nearly 780,000ml of blood for wounded Vietnamese. This is a true testament to the friendship that features both comradeship and fraternity between China and Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Kiem, former Deputy Director of Hospital E, said that participating in the filming reminded him of the enthusiastic and effective support that the Chinese people and Government gave to Viet Nam during the resistance war against the US. Such deep friendship will always be remembered and appreciated by future generations.  VNA/VNS
As Viet Nam steps into 2025, the education sector is poised to undertake significant initiatives as part of the comprehensive educational reform journey.

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son spoke with Vietnam News Agency reflecting on the past years achievements and sharing plans for the year ahead.

2024 was a pivotal year for Viet Nams education sector. Could you highlight some of the key achievements?

2024 was a year of immense efforts and high accomplishments for the education sector. We completed numerous goals that lay the groundwork for the next phase of national development.

Marking ten years since the adoption of Resolution No.29-NQ/TW on comprehensive education reform, 2024 became a milestone year with the issuance of Politburo's Conclusion No.91-KL/TW to continue implementing this resolution.

One of the most notable accomplishments was the presentation of the draft Teacher Law during the National Assemblys 8th session.

After nearly 20 years of preparation, the draft law received broad support from lawmakers.

We are now working to incorporate their feedback aiming to submit it for a second review at the 9th session in 2025. We aim to have this law passed, which would be a transformative step for the teaching profession.

Additionally, 2024 saw the near completion of the first cycle of the 2018 General Education Programme across all three levels nationwide. Textbooks for grades one to 12 have been reviewed and approved, ensuring a smooth transition to the new curriculum.

The final national high school graduation exam under the old 2006 programme was successfully conducted, paving the way for a reformed exam system, starting in 2025.

Further highlights included exceptional performances by Vietnamese students in regional and international Olympiads, increased university enrollment numbers and strong interest in artificial intelligence and semiconductor training, a promising sign aligned with the Governments vision for high-tech workforce.

On the infrastructure and workforce front, we held a national conference on school construction and teacher accommodations, reaffirming our commitment to achieving 100 per cent standardised school facilities by 2030. While teacher shortages remain challenging, flexible and decisive solutions have been implemented in many localities.

Looking ahead to 2025, what will be the education sectors priorities?

In 2025, our mission is to build on the achievements of 2024 and continue advancing comprehensive educational reform. A key focus for that will be finalising and implementing the Governments Action Plan based on Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW. This plan will outline actionable steps for educational development.

We will also conclude the first cycle of the 2018 General Education Programme by mid-2025, which involves conducting the new university entrance exam and summarising lessons from the programmes implementation. This evaluation will guide deeper reforms going forward.

Another major task for 2025 is to finalise and present the Teacher Law to the National Assembly for the second review. We hope this law will address long-standing challenges in educational management while also reflecting our aspirations for a robust and modern teaching workforce.

Furthermore, 2025 will mark the launch of the new Early Childhood Education Programme on a pilot basis in 20 provinces and cities. This is a crucial step toward addressing challenges at this foundational, yet under-resourced, education level.

2025 will also be a year for the Ministry of Education and Training to carry out restructuring to enhance efficiency, as directed by the central Government. This will involve extensive work throughout the year, reflecting our commitment to administrative reform and better governance.

Viet Nam is entering a new era characterised by rapid advancements in science, technology, and digital transformation. Recent resolutions by the Politburo and directives from the Prime Minister emphasise developing human resources for key industries such as semiconductors and other digital technologies. As education is the cornerstone of these efforts, our sector will play a pivotal role in this transformative period.

The Prime Minister recently approved the Education Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision toward 2045. What does this strategy mean for the sector?

The strategy is a significant step in institutionalising the Party and States views on education as a top national policy and a critical driver of socio-economic development. It envisions a modern education system that builds on Viet Nams cultural traditions, while embracing global advancements in science and technology.

By 2030, we aim to achieve an advanced education level within Asia, progressing to world-class standards by 2045. This involves fostering lifelong learning while ensuring equitable access to education. Our approaches emphasise standardisation, modernisation, socialisation and global integration.

In 2025, we will start implementing this strategy, focusing on establishing a strong foundation for the ambitious goals it sets out.

As we begin the New Year, do you have a message for educators and students?

The work we complete this year will set the stage for progress over the next five years. I urge everyone in the education sector to continue their efforts with unwavering dedication and resilience.

In 2024, we witnessed remarkable policies and investments in education from central and local governments. I hope this momentum will continue in 2025, accompanied by greater societal support and understanding.

To all educators, I extend my best wishes for health, happiness and success. To students, I wish you a year filled with joy, learning and achievement.  VNS
PRAGUE -- The official visit to the Czech Republic by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from January 18-20 will help open a new chapter in and lift the two countries relations to a new height, as the two PMs plan to announce the upgrade of the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership this time.

The statement was made by Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam in his interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit.

Nam said that the trip, to be made at invitation of PM Petr Fiala, is of great significance, as it takes place in the context that the two nations are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties (February 2, 1950-2025).

The ambassador said that the visit is an opportunity for both sides to reflect on the 75-year journey of their relationship, which has been built on a foundation of political trust, sustainable cooperation, and mutual respect.

This is the first trip to the Czech Republic by a Vietnamese Prime Minister since the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first by a foreign high-ranking leader to the Central European nation in 2025, marking the start of a series of events to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.

The two sides will focus on exchanging measures to strengthen their comprehensive cooperation in various fields, including politics-diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, science-technology, innovation, education-training, culture-sports-tourism, labour, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges. This will contribute to further deepening the existing cooperation foundations, exploring new potential areas, and opening up new opportunities for bilateral collaboration, Nam stressed.

The two sides are expected to sign several documents to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of education-training, and sports, and continue discussions on the possibility of establishing direct flight routes and opening cultural centres in each country to boost trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Another highlight is that PM Chinh and his spouse will attend the 2025 "Xuan Que Huong" (Homeland Spring) event, organised by the embassy in collaboration with the Confederation of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, Nam said, adding that this will be the first time that a high-ranking Vietnamese leader participates in such event and extends New Year greetings to the Vietnamese community there.

This event reaffirms the consistent policy of the Party and State, which views the overseas Vietnamese community as an integral part and a valuable resource of the nation, and also underscores their important role in strengthening cooperation between Viet Nam and other countries around the world, he emphasised.

The Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the European nation with around 100,000 members, is highly regarded by the host government for their work ethic, integration, and significant contributions to local socio-economic development.

Regarding the bilateral relationship, the diplomat asserted that it has maintained a stable and positive development over the past 75 years. High-ranking leaders have continuously made mutual visits, actively coordinating with and supporting each other at multilateral forums and international organisations. The two sides have maintained effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the Viet Nam-Czech Republic Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic Cooperation which meets biennially and has held seven sessions to date. So far, approximately 50 bilateral agreements have been signed and implemented.

Additionally, the Czech Republic views Viet Nam as a key partner and a gateway connecting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with Europe, and as a priority in its strategy on cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region.

Two-way trade reached US$2.9 billiom in 2023, and was estimated at $3.8 billion last year, up 28 per cent year-on-year. The Czech Republic is running 41 direct investment projects in Viet Nam, with a total registered capital of $92.39 million. The two sides still have significant potential and room to expand cooperation into such areas as green transformation, digital transformation, renewable energy, and mining, Nam stated.

In 2025, the embassy will maintain coordination with relevant ministries and agencies from both countries, as well as the Confederation of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, to organise a series of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties. These activities will focus on introducing and promoting the cultural traditions, images, and people of Vietnam, not only to the local population but also to the second and third generations of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic to help the younger generations born and raised there gain a deeper understanding of Viet Nam's history and culture, thereby fostering a stronger connection to their homeland, added the ambassador. -- VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to the Czech Republic will open fresh spaces for the development of relations between the two countries, Czech Ambassador to Viet Nam Hynek Kmonicek told the Vietnam News Agency in an interview ahead of the visit.

The ambassador expected that during the visit, the two sides will sign an agreement on education cooperation to benefit Czech students and scholars in Viet Nam.

Along with several business cooperation deals, PM Chinh and his Czech counterpart are expected to sign an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level, which is expected to provide both politicians and representatives of the two countries with a fresh space for pursuing the new goals of the close partnership.

Ambassador Kmonicek stressed that this upgrade is not merely a symbolic recognition of the closeness between the two countries, but also underscores the importance of accelerating the standardisation of concrete outcomes in the friendship.

He said he hopes the visit will see progress on some practical issues, including the Vietnamese Government's approval of Sev.en Global Investments project in the country and the introduction of Czech salami and smoked meats to the market.

The diplomat said that he is optimistic about the prospects of the opening of a direct flight route between Prague and Ha Noi and the signing of a visa waiver agreement for Czech tourists visiting Viet Nam. These prospects, along with other areas of cooperation, will help boost bilateral trade, potentially surpassing the present US$3 billion.

The Czech ambassador described the growth of bilateral relationship as a typical model, noting that the Czech Republic was one of the first four countries to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam 75 years ago.

This year marks a special milestone, especially considering the vibrant Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, now over 100,000 strong -- making up the third-largest minority in the country whose population stands at only 10 million.

Bilateral relations have exceeded expectations, he said, underlining that trade is growing year on year, and the value is expected to surpass 3 billion USD for the first time this year.

PM Chinh's visit, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, underscores the importance of this partnership, which goes beyond government relations and is deeply rooted in people-to-people connections.

Nearly 300,000 Vietnamese people have studied in the Czech Republic, many of whom maintain strong ties and even speak Czech, a language known for its difficulty, he said. He also highlighted Viet Nam as the gateway that connects the Czech Republic with all ASEAN countries.

The ambassador held that the potential for further growth of bilateral ties is enormous. The two sides are eyeing stronger tourism cooperation with direct charter flights to Phu Quoc that welcomes nearly 900 Czechs every week.

On the economic front, Czech investments are booming, particularly in the energy sector. Czech firms have invested nearly half a billion USD in Viet Nam's power infrastructure and now own the largest BOT power plant in northern Viet Nam.

He said that the Czech Republic has introduced Skoda cars to Viet Nam, and next year, they will be manufactured in the Southeast Asian nation with 30,000 vehicles provided annually for the Vietnamese market and broader ASEAN.

Furthermore, many of the investments are coming from Vietnamese people living in the Czech Republic, he said, showing his delight to see at least one major investment project each year, often valued at around $30 million.

Commenting on the contributions of the Vietnamese community to Czech society and to bilateral relations, the diplomat said that the community is unique. They began arriving in the Czech Republic in the mid-1950s and were not believed to stay there for a long time due to the intense winter weather, along with culture and language barriers.

However, they have become a model community with great contributions to the Czech Republic, he noted, lauding their efforts in preserving the Vietnamese lanague and culture, while integrating into the host society.  VNA/VNS
WARSAW  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on January 16 afternoon (local time) as part of his official visit to the European country.

President Duda spoke highly of the official visit of PM Chinh and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Government as the two countries are celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations (1950-2025). He believed that the visit to Poland by a Vietnamese PM after many years will create a turning point to further promote the Poland - Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership.

The President highly evaluated Viet Nam's role in the Asia-Pacific region.

President Duda recalled good memories of his visit to Viet Nam in 2017 and his meeting with PM Chinh on the occasion of the World Economic Forum in Dalian, China, in June 2024. He was delighted with the positive development in relations between the two countries in recent times, affirming that Poland always considers Viet Nam as its most important partner in Southeast Asia and wants to develop cooperative ties with Viet Nam in all fields.

PM Chinh congratulated Poland on its impressive achievements in the process of socio-economic development and European integration, contributing to enhancing Poland's role and position in the region, and highly appreciated President Duda's contributions to Poland.

He respectfully conveyed the regards of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man to President Duda.

The PM thanked the Polish leaders and people for their sincere and respectful welcome to the Vietnamese delegation and announced the results of the very successful talks with PM Donald Tusk. He emphasised that the Vietnamese people always remember the valuable support and assistance the Polish people gave to Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as in the current process of socio-economic development and international integration.

PM Chinh affirmed that although time has changed, the friendship between the two peoples will never change. He affirmed that in implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, Viet Nam always treasures and wants to strengthen relations with traditional friends in the Central and Eastern European region, of which Poland is one of the top priority partners.

At the meeting, the two leaders expressed their joy about the positive development in Viet Nam-Poland relations in many fields so that the relationship between the two countries is more intensive, extensive, comprehensive, and inclusive. The two countries have maintained delegation exchanges at all levels across all Party, State, Government, and Parliament channels and people-to-people diplomacy.

Economy and trade have become an important highlight in bilateral cooperation. Two-way trade turnover reached over US$2.5 billion annually since 2020, and hit over $3 billion in 2024, making Poland the largest trading partner of Viet Nam in Central and Eastern Europe.

Cooperation in the fields of education - training, culture - tourism, and agriculture has continued to make important progress. The Polish President highly appreciated Viet Nam's decision to waive visas for Polish citizens in 2025 and believed that this move will create a driving force to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Discussing orientations and important measures to develop the bilateral relations in a deeper and more effective manner, the two leaders agreed to continue increasing meetings and exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, to enhance political trust and mutual understanding, as a foundation to soon elevate Viet Nam- Poland relations to a strategic level.

Regarding economic and trade ties, the two sides agreed to continue fully and effectively implementing the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), creating favourable conditions for each other's goods to enter each side's market. They consented to encourage Polish businesses to promote investment in Viet Nam in areas where Poland has strengths such as digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, food industry, manufacturing and processing industry, mineral exploitation and processing. President Duda affirmed his support for early ratification of the EU  Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

President Duda proposed the two sides coordinate closely to implement the agreements reached during PM Chinhs ongoing visit, making the most of the existing potential and advantages to further step up cooperation between the two countries in key areas, while focusing on promoting the tradition of cooperation in the fields of education - training, culture and people-to-people exchanges of the two countries.

President Duda highly appreciated the Vietnamese communitys contributions to Poland. Meanwhile, PM Chinh expressed his gratitude for the support of Polish authorities at all levels for the Vietnamese community in Poland recently and hoped that the community will soon be recognised as an ethnic minority group of Poland to continue deeply integrating into the country, contributing more effectively to the socio-economic development of Poland as well as the good traditional friendship between the two nations.

Both host and guest agreed that the two countries would continue to coordinate closely and support each other at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and the ASEAN - EU cooperation framework, to contribute to peace, cooperation and development in the regions and the world.

On this occasion, PM Chinh respectfully conveyed State President Luong Cuong's invitation to President Andrzej Duda to visit Viet Nam again soon.VNA/VNS
NEW YORK -- As a responsible and trustworthy member of the United Nations (UN), Viet Nam will continue to contribute actively to the UNs collective work in addressing emerging global challenges, Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN, has affirmed.

Addressing a plenary session of the UN General Assemblys 79th session held in New York on January 16 to introduce and discuss the priorities of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for 2025, Giang said that the 80th founding anniversary of the UN in 2025 presents a significant opportunity for the international community to look back on achievements thus far and outline new and appropriate directions to address global challenges in the time ahead.

For Viet Nam, 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of its independence, he said.

Viet Nam welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future and pledges to promote the effective implementation this agreement to ensure a better and more sustainable future for all, the Vietnamese representative stated.

He underlined that in the context of rising geopolitical tensions, the UN should continue to prioritise the maintenance of international peace and security while urging member states to uphold and adhere to international law and the UN Charter, refrain from the use of force, and settle disputes by peaceful means.

On sustainable development, the ambassador praised the UN Secretary-Generals leadership in promoting international cooperation and support to accelerate the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate finance. He expressed his hope for the timely and effective rollout of the SDG Stimulus package.

At the session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged both positive developments and challenges facing the international community at the start of 2025.

He noted significant progress in peace negotiations in Gaza, as well as in clean energy, gender equality, and healthcare.

However, he pointed out four major crises - ongoing and escalating conflicts in several regions, widening inequality, the growing impacts of climate change, and the risks posed by advancements in science and technology, particularly artificial intelligence which may exceed human control.

To address these significant challenges, Guterres underscored the need for coordinated action and global cooperation through UN initiatives and frameworks, with a focus on the implementation of the Pact for the Future in the coming period. -- VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) programme 2025 will take place in Ha Noi from Saturday to Monday (January 18 and 20) with diverse events and new features, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the ministry's State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Hang said that this years programme is an important cultural and political event that marks the beginning of a pivotal year for the country.

Themed "Vietnam - Rising in a New Era", it conveys a message of the nation's aspiration for strong development, with the people both at home and abroad united and determined to lead the country to a new stage  the era of the nation's rise.

It also serves as an opportunity to honour significant contributions by the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community to the cause of national construction and safeguarding, encouraging them to continue staying connected, united and dedicated to the homeland, she said.

A special feature of this years programme is the reforms and creativity in both content and format.

Within its framework, OVs will have an chance to engage in activities to connect them with localities such as Ha Noi and Hung Yen province and to contribute ideas and share experiences in promoting socio-economic development.

These connections not only strengthen the bond between the OV community and the homeland but also affirm their important role in the overall development of Viet Nam, Hang said.

Notably, the participation of and New Year's greetings from State President Luong Cuong will be key highlights of the event, reflecting the profound interest and attention from Party and State leaders towards the OV community, she added.

In addition, the programme will include many other meaningful activities such as offering incense at the Kinh Thien Palace, releasing carps into the pond at President Ho Chi Minhs memorial site, paying tribute to the late leader at his mausoleum and laying wreaths at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bac Son street in the capital city.

These activities not only express gratitude to the ancestors, who contributed to the country but also inspire a sense of national pride and the spirit of returning to the roots in every Vietnamese.

Regarding the OV-related work last year, the official said that the year 2024 witnessed an increase in activities that strengthened the ties between the OV community and the homeland.

Annual events such as the Homeland Spring, OVs' visits to Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, the Viet Nam summer camp, as well as Vietnamese language training courses for OV teachers attracted the participation of Vietnamese people around the world.

Great resources from the OV community have been mobilised strongly, contributing to the country's economic development.

As of 2024, OVs had invested in 421 FDI projects with a total registered capital of US$1.72 billion.

The remittances to Viet Nam last year were estimated at $16 billion, serving as a crucial resource for the country's economic growth, especially in the context of global economic challenges and difficulties in the countries where they reside in.

Notably, the 4th World Conference of OVs, combined with a forum for OV intellectuals and experts, gathered 500 delegates from 42 countries and territories alongside 200 representatives from Vietnamese ministries, agencies and organisations.

More than 70 presentations by OV experts addressed topics such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supply chains, green and circular economies, culture and Vietnamese language conservation.

Besides, Hang also highlighted the timely implementation of protection and support measures for OV communities in the areas hit by conflicts, natural disasters and fires.

As for tasks for this year, the deputy minister held that 2025 marks an important phase in the country's development journey.

Therefore, mobilising resources from the OV community is considered a strategic and focal task, playing a vital role in the nation's socio-economic development.

The mobilisation of resources from the community is to support them in stabilising their lives, integrating well into their host countries and developing sustainably.

In addition, creating a favourable policy environment is also a key factor, Hang said, affirming that the State will continue to perfect policies and laws to encourage the OV community to invest and do business in, and contribute more to the homeland.  VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had meetings with executives of leading Polish businesses, including Adamed Pharma and LOT Airlines, in Warsaw on January 17 morning as part of his official visit to Poland.

Talking to Malgorzata Adamkiewicz, President of the Supervisory Board of Adamed Pharma, Chinh congratulated the firm on its effective investment in Viet Nam and welcomed its plan to expand investment, which aligns with Viet Nam's investment encouragement policy, particularly in high-tech industries to serve healthcare and improve the quality of life for the Vietnamese people.

He said that apart from producing medicines to serve the healthcare demand of Vietnamese people, Adamed should expand production to serve export to the ASEAN region, as well as to Asia and the global market, while making full use of the advantages generated by the 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Viet Nam has signed with 60 major markets worldwide, including European countries.

The Vietnamese leader hoped that along with improving product quality and reducing production cost, Adamed will build and promote its brand more strongly so that its products, including those produced by Admed Vietnam (Davipharm), will reach more consumers.

He urged the Polish firm to expand its investment and transfer technology to Viet Nam, affirming that the Vietnamese Government will create the best possible conditions and address any obstacles to ensure the group's smooth and efficient development in Viet Nam.

Adamkiewicz said Adamed is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology group in Poland and it has two manufacturing plants in Poland and one in Viet Nam.

The enterprises has engaged in modernising the R&D centre and the factory of Davipharm in the southern province of Binh Duong, she said, adding that Davipharm is one of the companies in Viet Nam that has met the EU-GMP standards in providing high-quality medicines in 12 different treatment areas not only for Vietnamese patients, but also for export.

With its impressive growth, Adamed recognises Viet Nams great potential for investment, particularly with strong support from the Vietnamese Government, government agencies and local authorities.

Therefore, it intends to expand its investment in the Southeast Asian nation and hopes to continue receiving support from the Vietnamese Government, she said.

Adamed pledges to produce high-quality pharmaceuticals to not only support economic development but also to serve public health care.

It will also actively participate in meaningful social activities and hope to change perceptions about made-in-Viet Nam products, including medicines, she added.

At his meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Michal Fijol, Acting President of the Management Board of LOT Polish Airlines, stated that LOT is one of the oldest airlines in the world and the 18th largest airline in Europe.

As of August 2024, it had operated a fleet of 80 aircraft, serving 105 domestic and international destinations across Europe, Asia and North America.

Congratulating Viet Nam on its significant achievements in economic development in general and in the aviation industry in particular, he affirmed the great potential for growth in Viet Nam's aviation sector, including transportation for business travelers and tourists and cargo transport.

In 2010, LOT launched a new flight route from Warsaw to Ha Noi, initially achieving significant success.

However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this route has been temporarily suspended since 2020.

Currently, airline is paying attention to restoring its business relations with Viet Nam, specifically aiming to resume the Warsaw-Ha Noi route, he said, adding that it expects to continue expanding its aviation business activities in Viet Nam, including passenger transport, tourism, cargo, infrastructure development, and airport operations.

The carrier is also operating charter flights between Warsaw and Phu Quoc and already brought 15,000 Polish tourists to Viet Nam in 2024.

Praising LOT's successful business operations despite global uncertainties, Chinh appreciated its cooperation with the Vietnam Airlines in passenger and cargo transportation services.

Emphasising that aviation plays a crucial role in connectivity, integration, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges, he highlighted that Viet Nam has numerous advantages for the growth of this sector, providing a solid foundation for further promoting economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two business communities, including aviation enterprises.

He acknowledged LOT's proposals regarding the resumption of operations in the Vietnamese market, affirming that there are no obstacles to this, as Viet Nam is expanding airports such as Tan Son Nhat, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

The leader also confirmed that he will instruct relevant Vietnamese agencies to address these proposals in accordance with regulations.

He urged the Polish airline to take the lead in reopening flights to Vietnam and continue collaborating with the Vietnam Airlines to operate routes to the Southeast Asian nation, including charter flights, helping bring tourists to famous destinations such as Ha Noi, HCM City, Nha Trang, Ha Long, Phu Quoc as well as other countries in the region under the "one route, many destinations" model.

The Government is committed to always creating favourable conditions, in accordance with legal regulations, for LOT in particular and Polish investors in general, to invest and do business effectively and sustainably in Viet Nam, Chinh pledged.  VNS
WARSAW  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the goal of lifting Viet Nam-Poland relations to a strategic partnership for peace and development in Southeast Asia and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in his policy address at the University of Warsaw on Friday during the leaders his official visit to Poland.

With a history spanning over 200 years, the university stands as a symbol of enduring educational cooperation between Viet Nam and Poland, having trained hundreds of Vietnamese students and scholars.

In his remarks, Chinh stated that his visit carries Viet Nam's message of aiming to elevate the two nations relations to a strategic partnership, deepening and making more practical the bilateral bond that has been cultivated and nurtured over the past 75 years.

Expressing his gratitude for Polands invaluable support during Viet Nams struggle for independence and national reunification, the Government leader underscored that their ties encompass politics, diplomacy, economy, science, education, security, defence, culture, literature, art and the deep affection between the two peoples.

Discussing the current global and regional landscape, Chinh noted that the world and the two regions are undergoing profound, rapid and unpredictable changes.

He expressed confidence that by making the most of their historical similarities, their commitment to independence, autonomy, freedom, and peace, as well as their shared values regarding compassion and solidarity, Viet Nam and Poland will continue to promote multilateral cooperation and international solidarity, uphold international law and responsibly address common regional and global concerns, which include peace, security and climate change response, all with goodwill, equality and mutual respect.

Chinh stated that Viet Nam highly values and aspires to further promote and deepen comprehensive cooperation with CEE countries, particularly traditional friends like Poland.

To elevate bilateral relations to new heights, he proposed six breakthrough measures, with the first being the strengthening of their cooperation, solidarity and friendship to progress toward a strategic partnership. Political, diplomatic engagements and high-level exchanges should be enhanced.

Second, it is necessary to create breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment collaboration, aiming to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of US$5 billion annually.

As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Viet Nam is ready to serve as a bridge for Polish businesses and investors to access the dynamic market of over 660 million people, Chinh said.

He noted that for the benefits of Vietnamese and Polish enterprises, the two sides need to actively address market barriers, effectively implement the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and encourage remaining EU member states to promptly ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Chinh called on Poland to help Viet Nam get the European Commission (EC)s IUU-related yellow card warning on its seafood lifted.

Viet Nam also welcomes increased Polish investment in sectors such as agriculture, agricultural and food processing, livestock, health care, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, infrastructure, supporting industries and logistics, helping Viet Nam integrate more deeply into global production and value chains, Chinh said.

The third measure is to drive breakthroughs in cooperation to advance modern, cutting-edge production forces, such as digital production methods.

The PM called on Polish research institutes, universities, and businesses to allocate greater resources for collaboration with Viet Nam in technology and innovation, particularly concerning green technology, clean energy, emerging technologies, big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and foundational technologies like metallurgy and machinery manufacturing.

He said he believes that the recently signed labour consultation mechanism and the forthcoming education cooperation agreement will open up new opportunities for Vietnamese workers and youth to access knowledge and high-level sci-tech skills, particularly in digital transformation.

The fourth is to foster breakthroughs in people-to-people exchanges, with Viet Nam deciding to unilaterally grant visa exemptions for Polish citizens holding ordinary passports this year starting from March 1.

Fifth, the leader highlighted enhancing coordination and mutual support in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly within the United Nations framework.

As a bridge connecting Poland, the EU and ASEAN, Viet Nam supports Polands Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) with ASEAN.

Sixth, he highlighted the importance of innovating and deepening defence and security cooperation via flexible, suitable and effective measures.

Looking ahead, Chinh expressed his belief that Viet Nam and Poland are poised to seize significant opportunities to elevate their relationship to new heights, transforming it into a model of cooperation between Southeast Asia and CEE, serving the benefits of their people and contributing to peace, stability and development in the regions and the world. VNS
HA NOI  As part of the Teachers Law, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has proposed extending the working age for high-level educators by five years or more.

Educators holding the titles of professors, associate professors and PhD can extend their working time at their institutions beyond the retirement age for teaching and scientific research purposes.

The extension is no more than five years for PhD holders, seven years for associate professors and 10 years for professors.

During this period, they will only carry out their professional duties as educators and not hold management positions. When they wish to retire or the institution no longer requires their services, they will receive retirement benefits according to the law.

Speaking to Voice of Vietnam (VOV), Dr Vu Minh uc, director of the Department of Teachers and Education Managers (under the MoET) which leads the drafting committee of the Teachers Law, said that this extension was detailed in Decree No 141/2013/N-CP issued in October 2013.

However, Decree No 50/2022/N-CP, issued in August 2022, stated that all educators, whether holding professor, associate professor or PhD titles, can only extend their working time after the retirement age by no more than five years.

This regulation has resulted in considerable concern among educators and universities regarding the possible shortage of highly qualified teaching staff and their contributions to the next generation of teachers, said uc.

In 2023, the 13th Party Central Committee issued Resolution 45-NQ/TW, which says research should be conducted to determine reasonable retirement ages for highly qualified intellectuals.

The extension periods in the Teachers Law are therefore based on these official documents and suggestions from education practitioners.

The extended working duration must also be based on the needs of educational institutions, educators and their health conditions, uc noted.

He added that this provision in the law is an alignment with the Partys policy direction towards the intellectual workforce and their capability to develop high-quality human resources for the country.

It also aligns with the actual needs and aspirations of highly qualified intellects, as well as educational institutions in utilising their expertise and capabilities in training, scientific research, technology transfer and response to the requirements of the labour market.

National Assembly (NA) deputy Tran Van Thuc, a member of the NA Committee on Culture and Education, said that this extension period is necessary as highly qualified educators are the nations elite and encouraged to continue their contributions.

He noted that the extension lengths are determined based on mutual agreements between educational institutions and educators, which allows for flexibility for both sides.

From my observation, a majority of professors, associate professors and PhD holders want to continue their contributions, said Thuc, adding that this regulation also aligns with how Viet Nam increased the retirement age for both male and female workers.

He believed that if approved, this regulation would have a major impact, especially in specialised fields and scopes of work that require a high level of expertise.

The Teachers Law has nine chapters and 71 articles, detailing general provisions; the professional duties and rights of educators; titles, standards and certificates; and implementation provisions.

The document will be applicable to teaching staff at both public and non-public educational institutions, marking the first time that the legal status of teachers in non-public schools is established as educators and not employees under labour contracts.

The law was tabled for discussion at the recent eighth session of the 15th-tenure NA, and is currently under revision before being submitted to the next NA session scheduled for May 2025.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is taking a significant step forward in Viet Nams scientific and technological landscape by seeking public feedback on the draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

This proposed legislation aims to simplify and modernise the approval and implementation processes for scientific and technological projects, with the overarching goal of fostering dynamic growth in the nations science and technology enterprises.

Streamlining administrative processes

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh at has emphasised that the draft law on STI is meticulously designed to align with the Partys resolutions, State policies and existing legislation.

It seeks to incorporate practical and impactful measures tailored to Viet Nams current context, while setting the stage for alignment with international standards. The draft is deeply rooted in the directives of the Politburos Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which focuses on fostering breakthroughs in science and technology, while advancing national digital transformation.

One of the key features of the proposed law is its broadened scope, which now includes the non-public sector. This change aims to stimulate research, technological development, and innovation across diverse fields, enhancing businesses' contributions to socio-economic development and accelerating the nations industrialisation and modernisation.

Additionally, the law envisions a reorganisation of public scientific and technological institutions, focusing on decentralisation, administrative simplification and heightened transparency, ethics and integrity.

The Government has also prioritised addressing existing institutional and policy barriers. Resolution No. 03/NQ-CP, issued on January 9, mandates ministries, sectors and local areas to identify and resolve obstacles hindering STI development, digital transformation and the cultivation of high-quality workers.

These efforts include revising the 2013 Law on Science and Technology and related regulations to better accommodate the inherent complexities and risks of scientific research and innovation.

Linking science and industry

A major highlight of the draft law is its emphasis on promoting the commercialisation of research outcomes. It proposes the removal of mandatory STI registration for all organisations, focusing instead on the establishment and registration of research and development (R&D) institutions.

Special provisions are also outlined for public R&D entities operating in State-prioritised fields, granting them greater autonomy and flexibility.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy has underscored the importance of preferential policies for STI personnel.

Notably, researchers in public STI organisations will be empowered to establish and manage enterprises to bring their innovations to market.

These changes aim to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, enabling scientists to collaborate with R&D institutions, universities and businesses to better align their work with market demands.

The draft law also proposes increasing funding for STI activities in universities. This funding will support not only infrastructure development but also research projects, academic conferences and other initiatives.

These measures are designed to encourage greater collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that research is both practically relevant and commercially viable.

Financial constraints have long been a significant hurdle in Viet Nams scientific research and technological development. Many scientists have expressed frustration with having to balance administrative tasks alongside their research.

Director of the Legal Department at MoST Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep noted that the draft law addresses these concerns by synchronising financial mechanisms with other legal frameworks.

"The proposed funding mechanisms are designed to accept risks, providing public institutions with greater financial autonomy," she told Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper.

Director of the Personnel Department at MoST Pham Thi Van Anh added that the draft law includes expanded incentives to attract both domestic and international talent.

Policies will focus on recruiting top-tier scientists, experts, and engineers  from within Viet Nam and abroad  to lead critical STI initiatives.

We are optimistic that the transformative policies outlined in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW will provide a golden opportunity for breakthroughs in STI development, Anh said.

By tackling persistent administrative, financial, and institutional challenges, it seeks to unlock the full potential of the country's researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, positioning itself as a key pillar in the development of a globally competitive Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ha Noi People's Committee has decided to extend the pilot period for its urban bicycle service until the end of 2025.

The service, launched in August 2023, currently operates with 1,000 bicycles distributed across 79 stations in the city. The bike stations are strategically located near bus stops, parks and tourist destinations to ensure convenience for residents.

Public bicycles are expected to become a popular mode of transport in Viet Nam in the near future. However, after nearly a year of operation, the service has not yet achieved its expected uptake.

Consequently, the committee has agreed to extend the pilot phase until the end of 2025, following a proposal from the citys Department of Transport.

Deputy Chairman of the committee Nguyen Manh Quyen has tasked the Department of Transport with leading efforts to review and finalise all locations for public bike stations.

He emphasised focusing on historical urban districts and enhancing connectivity with other public transport systems like buses, BRT and urban railways.

Quyen also instructed the department to review legal regulations related to implementing the urban bike service, develop standards and pricing, and outline procedures for next steps after the pilot phase.

Ha Noi will seek guidance from the Ministry of Transport on developing a management plan for urban bicycles, including both electric and traditional bikes, in compliance with legal requirements.

The public bike project, approved by the citys People's Committee, consists of two phases.

The first phase, implemented over one year, involves investing in 1,000 bicycles to serve residents in six of the capital city's central districts: Ba inh, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, ong a, Hai Ba Trung and Thanh Xuan.

The second phase will expand the service to include other central and adjacent districts, adding approximately 3,000 bicycles.

o Ba Quan, chairman of the Board of Directors of Tri Nam Digital Transport Service JSC, stated that over 700 bicycles have been deployed across 99 stations in six inner-city districts.

The service has attracted over 208,000 registered users, with an average of nearly 700 new registrations daily.

Since its inception, approximately 340,000 trips have been completed.

He also said that over the first year of the pilot phase, revenue from the service is estimated at more than VN3.7 billion (US$145,750). However, the service has incurred losses of over VN2 billion ($78,780) due to operating costs.

Explaining the factors affecting revenue, he highlighted the low rental prices. A 30-minute trip costs users VN6,000, including VN5,000 for bike rental and VN1,000 for insurance.

"Low fares encourage public use. However, we have not received subsidies like buses or trains, so we must cover all operating costs independently. Additionally, the system has not yet reached the 1,000 bicycles outlined in the proposal, resulting in revenue falling short of the target," Quan explained.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Japanese Government-funded equipment for dioxin and environmental analysis was handed over to the Chemical Corps on Thursday, aiming to assist Viet Nam in settling consequences of toxic chemicals left from wartime.

At the event in HCM City, Miho Hanai, Director of Japans Crow company, and Major General Ha Van Cu, Commander of the Chemical Corps and Director General of the National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET), signed the handover record.

The equipment includes a laboratory outfitted with 25 dioxin and environmental analysis systems. They are expected to help enhance the capacity of NACCET and the Chemical Corps in assessing and monitoring the settlement of toxic chemicals left over from the war in Viet Nam.

The project, carried out between 2019 and 2023, involved a total investment of over US$2.8 million USD, including more than $2.7 million in non-refundable aid from the Japanese Government and counterpart funding from the Vietnamese Government. The Ministry of National Defence served as the managing agency, with NACCET overseeing project execution.

It aims to bolster Viet Nam's capabilities of investigating, assessing, and treating areas contaminated with toxic chemicals, particularly Agent Orange/dioxin. It also looks to transfer equipment, train personnel in equipment operation and use, and upgrade laboratory infrastructure for NACCETs branch in the southern region.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence and head of the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for the Settlement of Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Steering Committee 701), underscored that addressing war-left toxic chemical contamination is a pressing and profoundly humanitarian task.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese Government and people, highlighting that this support reflects the strong cooperative relationship between the two nations and also contribute to their shared efforts to help settle war legacies and protect the environment in Viet Nam.

He expressed confidence that the provision of 25 modern systems under the project will greatly help to improve Viet Nam's capacity of analysing, assessing, and remediating dioxin-contaminated areas. This initiative is also expected to accelerate the implementation of Viet Nams national plan for post-war toxic chemical/dioxin remediation for the 2021 - 2030 period, while also solidifying NACCETs role as a leading institution in environmental research, remediation, and protection.

To maximise the benefits of this project, Chien directed NACCET to efficiently utilise the equipment and actively engage in investigating, surveying, assessing, and remediation of areas affected by toxic chemicals/dioxin. He encouraged the centre to expand international cooperation, attract high-quality human resources, and foster the research and application of advanced technologies in treating hazardous chemicals and environmental pollution.  VNS
QUANG NINH  Three foreign crew members aboard a stranded vessel have been rescued off the coast of the northeastern province of Quang Ninh.

HUA XIN 168, a Chinese-registered cargo vessel en-route from Fangchen (China) to Hai Phong (Viet Nam), ran into trouble after 13 hours at sea.

Its main engine malfunctioned, causing it to drift into the rocky shore of Ha Mai Island in Van on District and got stranded there.

The 1,100-tonne-capacity vessel measures 52.2m in length and 7.2m in width. It had a crew of three at the time of the incident.

Border guards in Quang Ninh spotted the stranded vessel on Sunday and launched a rescue operation. The three crew members were reported to be in stable condition following the rescue.

The crew requested assistance from local port service agents to hire a repair team to fix the engine at the incident site. Repairs are expected to be completed by January 17.

In the meantime, the border guards have deployed five officers to provide food, water and medical care until the ships engine is fully repaired.  VNS
HA NOI  Two separate traffic accidents in Ha Noi resulted in the deaths of four people on Friday morning.

The first incident occurred on the National Highway 1, running through Minh Cuong Commune of Thuong Tin District, Ha Noi, where three people were killed and another one was injured.

At approximately 5.20am, a motorcycle, carrying four passengers (the driver's identity is yet to be confirmed) with registration number 18C-389.XX, was travelling along a section of the National Highway 1 running through the commune.

The motorcycle collided with a truck, driven by 38-year-old L.Q.T. from the northern province of Ha Nam, killing three people.

After the accident, the injured person, a 17 year old from the northern province of Nam inh, was rushed to Viet NamGermany Hospital for treatment.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged in the crash.

Officers from Traffic Police Unit 8 under Ha Noi Traffic Police Office, in coordination with Thuong Tin Districts Police, arrived at the scene to investigate and determine the cause of the accident.

Also on Friday morning, another fatal traffic accident occurred in Kim Bai Town, Thanh Oai District, Ha Noi, where a woman lost her life.

Investigations into the second incident are also ongoing. VNS
ESSEX  A judge in the UK has ordered the confiscation of Ronan Hughes's property to help compensate victims' families.

Hughes was the ringleader of a human trafficking operation linked to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in Grays, Essex, on October 23, 2019.

His property, valued at 182,078.90, was seized during a hearing at the Central Criminal Court and will be included in a compensation package of 283,802.58.

The migrants, who paid up to 13,000 each for what they believed to be 'a safe passage to the UK', suffocated in an airtight container transported by ferry from Belgium to Purfleet in October 2019.

The victims' bodies were discovered on October 23, 2019, in Grays, Essex, sparking an international investigation.

On the day of the discovery, Hughes boarded a plane to Ireland but was extradited to the UK in 2020 following a European Arrest Warrant.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February 2021 after pleading guilty to his part in the 39 deaths.

During the hearing, he insisted that a property he had built on land belonging to his parents in Ireland was not an available asset for confiscation proceedings.

"This money  all 283,802.58 of it  will be divided between the Vietnamese families who continue to feel the devastating loss of their loved ones," said Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe.

Eleven people in the UK were convicted in connection with the case.  VNS
PHNOM PENH  The first Childrens Climate Risk Index (CCRI) has reported that nearly two million Cambodian children are facing climate change-related threats, especially floods, droughts and heat waves.

The CCRI, prepared by the Ministry of Environment and UNICEF, was officially launched by environment minister Eang Sophalleth and Will Parks, UNICEF representative to Cambodia.

In a UNICEF press release, the minister explained that the index is crucial in providing an additional roadmap for the government, as well as the ministry other relevant institutions, to prioritise actions that consider the well-being and protection of the most vulnerable children.

This ensures that disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies are integrated and focused on the needs of children and youth, said Sophalleth.

He added that the information also serves as input for designing interventions and educational programs on climate risks, aimed at helping children and their families better understand the threats they face and prepare for climate change and disasters.

The index provides critical insights into the unique vulnerabilities faced by children in the context of climate change. It is a tool that brings together data, analysis and insights to highlight the unique and disproportionate vulnerabilities children are facing due to climate change and environmental degradation, according to the press release.

It highlights the risks to childrens health, education and protection caused by climate and environmental hazards such as riverine floods, droughts, heat, high wind speeds and vector-borne diseases. The index also offers actionable recommendations to strengthen resilience and ensure children are at the heart of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The climate crisis is a child rights crisis, said Parks, adding that the index will serve as a powerful tool for collective action, empowering leaders, communities and especially youth and children, to take concrete steps in mitigating and addressing the impacts of climate change.

The CCRIs key findings include nearly two million children  over one third of the countrys youth  live in areas with a high or very high climate risk, primarily in rural areas and about one third of children face high exposure to drought conditions.

Nearly half of the children in the country are vulnerable to riverine floods.

The CCRI reveals that the most vulnerable children live in communes in the north-eastern region, around the Tonle Sap Lake and in the plains.

These children face greater climate risks due to insufficient basic social services, particularly in health and nutrition, followed by inadequate livelihoods and social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection and education, it said.  THE PHNOM PENH POST/ANN
KUALA LUMPUR  Malaysias Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has outlined three key priorities during the countrys chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised that the top priority is to prevent any escalation of tensions that can spark regional conflict.

The second priority is to position ASEAN as the leading platform for diplomacy in addressing and managing regional challenges.

Third, the country will use the ASEAN Year 2025 as an opportunity to enhance various training, cooperation, and defence diplomacy initiatives within the region, involving member countries, observer states, and other strategic partners of ASEAN.

In his New Year address, the minister said Malaysia officially assumed the role of ASEAN Chair on January 1, 2025, with the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflecting the countrys aspiration to create a united and prosperous ASEAN.

One of the main events of MINDEF this year is the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, scheduled for November 17 - 21.

Khaled Nordin stated that in the context of global peace, Malaysia will continue its engagement in peacekeeping missions and human rights promotion under the auspices of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN).

At the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin (May 13 - 14, 2025), the official plans to advocate the improvement and enhancement of these missions.

Malaysia, he emphasised, remains committed to contributing effectively to global peacekeeping efforts, maintaining its role as a neutral and principled intermediary in international affairs.

On national sovereignty, the minister declared that MINDEF must adopt a proactive role amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

He asserted that MINDEF is responsible for all sovereignty-related matters and must provide insightful and constructive perspectives for the government.

In 2024, Malaysia allocated 12 billion MYR (US$2.6 billion) for military procurements to bolster defence capabilities. VNS
The global healthcare leader was named an honoree in the Digital Health category at the 2025 CES Innovations Awards, an annual competition powered by the US Consumer Technology Association to highlight outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products around the world.

Earlier this month, the device, manufactured with life-changing technology, was on display at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 held from January 5-10 in Las Vegas.

Lingo was developed using the world-leading FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring technology, which is now used by more than six million people with diabetes globally. One of Abbotts CGM systems, FreeStyle Libre 3 also stands among the companys many CES Innovation Awards won in recent years.

Glucose is a powerful signal of your body's unique response to food and lifestyle, Olivier Ropars, divisional vice president of Abbott's Lingo business, said in a statement.

Abbott's Lingo tracks your glucose 24/7, translating the data into insights and bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and preventative measures. Lingo empowers individuals to build new healthy habits and take control of their health and wellness, he was quoted as saying.

At the show, Abbott shared that Lingo would empower consumers aged 18 and older not on insulin who are looking to improve their overall health and wellness. The system consists of a biosensor that is worn on the back of the arm for up to 14 days and continuously streams glucose data to the Lingo app on a smartphone.

Lingo worn by a man translates his body reaction to jogging into personal insights at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 in Las Vegas

The system translates the body's reaction to food, exercise, and life's daily stressors into personal insights about metabolic trends to help people make informed decisions about their health.

It shows a glucose graph, and has food and activity logging, offering tailored recommendations for individuals.

Additionally, the system provides Lingo challenges, which involves creating new habits and earning badges upon the completion of challenges and the establishment of new healthy habits.

Compelling published research shows that limiting glucose spikes and improving overall management of glucose offer people who do not have diabetes a number of health benefits, such as being proactive about future health, managing weight, improving sleep, and a better mood.

Empowering people for better life

Lingo is part of Abbotts healthcare businesses and products that also cover nutrition, medicine, diagnostics, and medical devices, which help people live more fully at all stages of life.

People visit Abbotts booth at the CES 2025 where the global healthcare leader showcased its latest innovative health technology

Another Abbott product, the award-winning FreeStyle Libre, has revolutionised the way millions of people worldwide manage their diabetes.

In 2022, FreeStyle Libre was honoured as the best of the best since 1970 during the Prix Galien Golden Jubilee Awards. At the time, the recognition highlighted the impact of FreeStyle Libre on the lives of approximately 4.5 million people living with diabetes globally.

The FreeStyle Libre technology was brought to Vietnam in 2021. This is among the companys diversified innovative healthcare solutions and products continuously made available in the country in Abbotts 30 years presence in Vietnam.

In helping treat premature and newborn babies with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a heart defect that can develop soon after birth, the company has brought to Vietnam the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, a pea-sized device that helps doctors repair holes in the tiny hearts of premature and infants without riskier surgery.

Abbott has also made available in Vietnam its innovative Clinical Decision Support system, a diagnostic informatics solution that uses AI to help medical experts improve clinical management. The solution contributes to improved health screening by categorising patients based on data analysis, applying risk assessment algorithms, and providing better clinical interpretation.

Abbott and its foundation, the Abbott Fund, have provided over VND280 billion ($12 million) in grants and product donations to address critical health issues, with a focus on improving nutrition, training healthcare staff, strengthening health systems, assisting healthcare professionals on the pandemic frontline, and expanding community education.

Those efforts and solutions have contributed to advancing healthcare and empowering people throughout the nation.

PM calls on Abbott to expand investment in Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 9 suggested US healthcare giant Abbott expand its investment and upgrade the quality of its pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Vietnam, thus helping promote the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

Abbott launches new Ensure Gold with innovative ingredients On September 27, US healthcare giant Abbott launched the new and improved Ensure Gold in Vietnam, which features a dual action formula to support adults strength and immunity.
Vietnam's economic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with digital technologies fundamentally restructuring logistics and supply chain management. The logistics sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.5 per cent until 2027. At the heart of this revolution lies process miningan innovative approach that is quickly becoming a critical competitive differentiator for businesses navigating the complex emerging market.

Process mining represents a sophisticated technological approach that goes beyond traditional business analysis. Process mining provides deep, fact-based insights into the overall flow of business processes, helping organisations identify bottlenecks and uncover underlying causes of inefficiencies. This fact-driven methodology ensures that decisions are not swayed by vocal minorities advocating for changes with limited improvement value, allowing companies to focus on impactful and strategic enhancements.

Organisations are increasingly recognising the need for smarter operational strategies, especially in the context of digital transformation. The primary objectives of process mining are to create detailed process visualisations, enhance operational excellence, and enable real-time performance monitoringall of which are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in todays rapidly evolving business landscape. With advanced process mining technologies, ABeam Consulting helps organisations unlock business efficiency.

Vietnam's logistics sector faces significant operational complexities, including fragmented supply chain infrastructure, limited digital integration across systems, and a growing need for operational efficiency and transparency

"Process mining represents a quantum leap in operational optimisation," said Ly Nguyen, an expert on process mining at ABeam Consulting Vietnam. "We're not just implementing technology; we're reimagining how businesses understand and improve their operational ecosystems."

By leveraging 'Celonis' process mining technology, ABeam delivers comprehensive process visualisations with just a few clicks, timeline analysis for deeper operational insights, deviation-based recommendations for process improvement, and real-time monitoring for immediate action.

These capabilities enable actionable recommendations for achieving operational excellence, all grounded in the 'facts' revealed through process mining.

Starting with process mining is simpler than you might thinkespecially if your data is already in place. Within the first month, one can visualise and analyse the entire business processes, uncovering inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Once data is visualised, ABeams expertise and experience help deliver tailored solutions. ABeam doesnt just stop at insights, the company assists in turning them into actionable operational improvements. This entire process can be completed in approximately three months.

One of ABeams use cases involves a Vietnamese firm preparing to expand by addressing inefficiencies in its Order-to-Cash (O2C) process. Using process mining tools, its operational data was analysed to identify potential issues that could hinder scalability as transaction volumes increase. A thorough survey identified 78 evaluation points, uncovering 24 issues within the O2C process. From these, 15 recurring issues were prioritised, with nine selected for detailed analysis and resolution. The insights helped pinpoint areas for automation and process optimisation, ensuring readiness for future growth.

"Process mining delivers transformative benefits, including end-to-end process visibility, identification of inefficiencies, and real-time monitoring. It empowers businesses with data-driven insights to streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and enhance customer satisfaction. By uncovering root causes and enabling continuous process improvement, it supports digital transformation and operational excellence," said Yoshihiro Wake, lead consultant responsible for the global expansion of the Supply Chain Management business at ABeam Consulting.

Another technology is Object-Centric Process Mining (OCPM) and it is revolutionising the way businesses analyse and optimise their operations. Unlike traditional process mining, which typically focuses on isolated process blocks, OCPM offers a holistic approach that connects disparate stages using unique keys, providing deep, cross-functional insights.

One of ABeam's use cases comes from a manufacturing company facing challenges with excessive inventory, leading to inefficiencies in production and shipment processes. Using OCPM and stock movement analysis, ABeam uncovered key issues, including underutilisation of the MRP system, inefficient demand requests from the sales department, and last-minute orders causing delays in raw material procurement and production.

By visualising the imbalances in supply and demand, and uncovering bottlenecks across the supply chain, ABeam Consulting enabled the company to improve inventory management and enhance operational stability.

OCPM empowers organisations to identify the root causes of inefficiencies across departments, improving operational efficiency and decision-making. By providing end-to-end visibility and automating connections that were previously manual, this groundbreaking technology helps businesses address challenges, streamline processes, and unlock new levels of performance.

As Vietnam continues to position itself as a dynamic economic hub in Southeast Asia, technologies like process mining will become increasingly crucial. They represent more than just technological solutionsthey are strategic tools for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. By bridging global technological expertise with local market insights, companies like ABeam Consulting are helping to reshape the future of business in this vibrant emerging market.
Danang could see a regional-scale financial centre, but Ho Chi Minh City will strive for one on a global scale, photo Le Toan

At a January 4 conference in Ho Chi Minh City on the action plan to build a regional and international financial centre in Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that building such a centre was challenging, but any challenge that must be overcome.

No matter how difficult it is, it must be done, especially in the context that Vietnam has all the necessary conditions to establish an international financial centre, he said, listing factors such as a high GDP growth rate, international integration, and a large export and import scale.

Stock market capitalisation reached about $294 billion in 2024, up 21.2 per cent compared to the end of 2023, equivalent to 70.4 per cent of the estimated GDP in 2023. The stock market growth rate also reached double digits, the highest in the region, the PM said.

Additionally, Vietnam has an important strategic and geopolitical position, with a time zone different from the 20 largest financial centres globally, PM Chinh added.

The action plan to implement the vision points out around 50 specific tasks and solutions assigned to 12 authorities at all levels, focusing on building a legal framework and essential conditions for creating an international financial centre. An inter-sectoral steering committee for centres of both regional and global scale, chaired by the PM and six deputy heads, has also been founded.

Alexandra Smith, British consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, said that this is the right time for Vietnam to establish an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and a regional financial centre in the central city of Danang.

Finance is crucial in the countrys economic development. In 2023, Vietnams financial services contributed 4.9 per cent to GDP, Smith said.

In November 2024, the Politburo issued a notice on construction of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and a regional one in Danang. The goal is to establish a financial centre this year on a small scale, focused on a collection of buildings, followed by a regional financial centre by 2035 of medium scale, and a full-fledged global centre by 2045.

Financial centres should have certain geographical boundaries and objects are determined clearly criteria but not isolated. These centres are applied with specific management mechanisms, superior to current regulations, competitive, the notice highlighted.

Service domination

Ho Chi Minh City proposed to develop a financial centre in District 1 and the Thu Thiem new urban area. Danang proposed a multi-component ecosystem in the core area on Vo Van Kiet and Vo Nguyen Giap streets with an area of over six hectares, which can be expanded into a financial district, a geographical area located in Danang Industrial Park with an area of about 62ha, as well as a financial technology centre in the northwest area leading to Thuan Phuoc Bridge with an area of 9.7ha.

Le Quoc Phuong, former deputy director of the Centre for Industry and Trade Information under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, commended the determination to build international financial centres. In December, he said Vietnam could attract numerous leading financial institutions and become a capital mobilisation hub for the world.

Financial centres not only host major banks but also foreign exchange, securities, insurance, brokerage, and supporting services such as tourism, resorts, commercial centres, free trade zones, restaurants, hotels, and even casinos, Phuong said. If we successfully build an international financial centre, we will not only develop the currency market and banking system but also the capital market, derivatives market, and supporting services.

In Asia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are known for their financial hubs. Among them, Singapore is dominant in many services related to finance and international investment, often used by Vietnamese enterprises and international corporations.

Economist Huynh The Du said building such centres means that Vietnam aims to become a regional provider of financial services and activities. The ambition is for finance to be a crucial driver of economic development, making Vietnam a hub for capital transactions and financial services for the region and beyond, Du said.

He highlighted two significant benefits of major financial centres: direct added value from financial activities and services  such as banking transactions, securities trading, investment funds, insurance, and payment services  and the ability to mobilise diverse capital sources easily. Vietnam would also showcase a modern, dynamic, and globally integrated economy.

Du noted that, with the completion of Long Thanh International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbouring areas could become a regional logistics hub. In Ho Chi Minh City, the added value of the finance, banking, and insurance sectors to GDP per employee significantly exceeds that of all other sectors. These are clear advantages, Du said.

However, Vietnams infrastructure lags behind regional financial centres such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, both in terms of physical and digital infrastructure.

To successfully establish an international financial centre, Vietnam must substantially improve its transportation infrastructure, logistics, and digital platforms to reach a much higher standard, Du said.

He also noted the need for greater openness in financial services, such as digital assets, peer-to-peer lending, and international capital flow management. Improvements in Vietnams living environment and high-quality workers are also essential.

Professionalism needed

Phuong expressed concerns about the feasibility of building two financial centres simultaneously. In the short term, we should focus all resources on establishing a financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City first. When resources are sufficient, along with more experience and capacity, Vietnam can proceed with other financial centres, he said.

Truong Minh Huy Vu, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, raised concerns about human resources. He said high-quality personnel should be nurtured by the market, with universities providing guidance to train professionals such as auditors, accountants, lawyers, and fintech specialists.

It is crucial to pull in experienced individuals, especially Vietnamese professionals working in investment funds and investment banks abroad, to create a wave of talent, Vu said. Attracting talent requires not only professional expertise, but also creativity and a willingness to contribute to the centres development. An attractive working environment with supportive policies and a high-quality living environment is also necessary.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, there are currently over 120 financial centres in the world. Ho Chi Minh City was included in the latest Global Financial Centres Index in September 2024, ranking 105th.

In 2023, Vietnam was list in the top three innovative economies among low-middle income countries by the World Intellectual Property Organization; one of the seven countries with the most progress in innovation over the past decade. Last year, the country was recognised as one of eight middle-income countries with the most improved rankings since 2013, and one of three countries with outstanding achievements compared to their development level for 14 consecutive years.

Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment The development of a regional and international financial centre has been identified by the Party, the National Assembly, and the government as one of the institutional breakthroughs. It is a policy decision to unlock all resources, strengthen the transformation of the growth model associated with economic restructuring, enhance productivity and competitiveness, and develop the country in a new era. Vietnam is struggling with numerous challenges in the construction, consolidation, and promotion of competitive advantages to form a regional or international financial centres. However, if this plan is successful, it will enable Vietnam to connect to the global financial market, attract foreign financial institutions, create new resources, and boost existing investment resources. We will be able to take advantage of opportunities to shift international investment flows, and boost Vietnams financial market. Ho Chi Minh City and Danang should mobilise and allocate resources, preparing basic conditions and creating improvements for the development of the financial centres, especially in infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, human resources, legal framework, business investment, and living environment. It is necessary to mobilise and attract strategic groups as well as financial institutions to invest in these financial centres.

PM leads steering committee on formulating regional, international financial centre project Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision on the organisation of the Steering Committee on formulating the project on building regional and international financial centres.

Ho Chi Minh City and Danang ready to build financial centres Ho Chi Minh City City and Danang are ready for the construction of new regional and international financial centres in Vietnam, according to city leaders at the announcement ceremony of the governments resolution on developing regional and international financial centres in Vietnam, held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 4.
The festival set a new world record for the highest number of New Year wishes shared through culinary delights via social media

This event set a new world record for the highest number of New Year wishes shared through culinary delights via social media.

It also marked the brand's first fireworks display to welcome the New Year.

These activities were the centrepiece of the campaign Heartfelt Wishes for A Magical Tet Together, aimed at inspiring love, openness, and shared moments that fill every moment with joy and happiness.

Coca-Cola transformed traditional cuisine into a bridge, breaking down barriers and encouraging people to send unique New Year wishes online.

From December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, more than 68,680 wishes were shared across platforms, reigniting the spirit of connection during the traditional Lunar New Year holiday and showcasing Coca-Colas commitment to creating magical moments.

In addition to announcing the record, Coca-Colas festival delivered a vibrant atmosphere with a colourful, explosive fireworks display, touching the hearts of thousands of attendees with unforgettable experiences. This festivity embodied the heartfelt intentions Coca-Cola is sending to Vietnamese consumers, igniting the Tet spirit, and bringing joy and hope for an exciting start to the New Year.

This year, the Food Truck Festival in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is a prominent highlight. The food trucks, adorned in Coca-Colas dazzling red packaging and the familiar Golden Swallow emblem that has been synonymous with the brand for three decades, are not only eye-catching but also offer unique culinary experiences. Each truck serves as a gathering spot for people to share warm early New Year moments. In Hanoi, Coca-Cola is also hosting an experiential activity at Tong Duy Tan Food Street, creating a space for visitors, their families, and friends to savour the rich flavours of Tet alongside Coca-Colas diverse range of products.

Parallel to spreading the festive spirit, Coca-Cola is committed to practical actions for the community to create a warm Tet for Vietnamese families.

The 0 VND Tet Market, in its third consecutive year in collaboration with the Red Cross, has supported over 6,500 households in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Long An, and Thua Thien Hue with more than VND5.4 billion ($225,000). Each family receives a VND600,000 ($25) voucher for essential goods for a fuller Tet meal. Contributing to this meaningful journey, the Coca-Cola Foundation has also granted over VND3.7 billion in cash to residents affected by Typhoon Yagi in Phu Tho and Lao Cai, helping them overcome difficulties and welcome the New Year.

Le Trung Tin, marketing director of Coca-Cola Vietnam, said that accompanying millions of Vietnamese families for the past three decades, Coca-Cola has been at the forefront of creative campaigns, spreading traditional Tet values combined with modern touches to every home, along with activities that bring practical value to the community.

Through the 2025 Tet campaign, with activities enthusiastically embraced by consumers, as evidenced by the newly established world record, Coca-Cola has become a bridge for shared heartfelt wishes, bringing a connected and magical Tet to everyone, Tin said.

It also marked the brand's first spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year

Coca-Cola Vietnam's parent firm Swire Pacific sells US subsidiary in strategic shift Swire Pacific, the diversified conglomerate and the parent firm of Coca-Cola Vietnam, has recently become the second company in Hong Kong to undertake asset sales. The move comes as borrowing costs in the region have surged to unmanageable levels, prompting Swire to offload certain subsidiaries to reduce its debt burden and ensure financial stability, according to Bloomberg.

Coca-Cola embraces cultural unity with Lunar New Year campaign On December 22, Coca-Cola Vietnam launched its Lunar New Year 2024 campaign, themed "Gan Ket Lam Nen Tet Dieu Ky" (Unite for a Magical Lunar New Year), celebrating cultural heritage and fostering intergenerational connections by highlighting shared experiences within families.
As previously announced in October 2023, the company signed an MoU in Vietnam with Mobile World Group (MWG) granting Coro exclusivity on an initial 900 company sites (estimated at 50MW of rooftop solar capacity) in the central and southern regions of Vietnam where solar irradiation is the highest in the country. Coro will build, own, and operate each rooftop solar system and sell all generated electricity directly to each Mobile World Investment Corporation location under a 14-year power purchase agreement (PPA), extendable in certain circumstances.

The PPA was signed in March 2024 alongside an addendum covering the first 10 sites (c 0.4MW) as a pilot phase, which achieved a commercial operational date (COD) in July 2024. The company then signed an additional addendum covering the next 30 sites in August 2024, of which 27 sites (c 0.8MW) achieved COD on November 2024. The company then signed an additional addendum covering the next 50 sites in September.

47 (circa 1.4MW) of these 50 sites are now operational and generating revenue (the remaining three sites having been temporarily deferred). This brings the current total operational sites with MWG in Vietnam to 84 sites (circa 2.6 MW) with estimated annual run-rate cash flows of approximately $350,000.

Together with the group's existing 3MW project with Phong Phu Corporation, Coro has a total of 5.6MW of operating rooftop solar assets in Vietnam, generating run-rate cash flows of approximately $600,000 per year.

Vietnam considers differential solar rates for north The Ministry of Industry and Trade is to assess the feasibility of raising the purchase rate for excess electricity to 20 per cent in the northern region - double that proposed for the rest of the country.

Coro Energy advances commercial and industrial rooftop solar business in Vietnam Coro Energy PLC announced positive developments in its commercial and industrial rooftop solar business in Vietnam on August 27.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc (right) and Ichimi Katsuyuki, Governor of Mie prefecture

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc asserted the special relationship between Vietnam and Japan, and how the cooperation agreement with Mie prefecture will deepen the relationship between the two countries.

"The MPI has signed this MoU with 13 localities in Japan. We greatly appreciate the potential and advantages of Mie prefecture in supporting industries. Mie ranks first in Japan for the manufacturing of components, electronic equipment, electronic circuits, and numerous large companies in the semiconductor industry, which are also key sectors in Vietnam's recent development strategy," said Bich Ngoc.

Two weeks ago, the government issued a decree on the establishment, management, and use of an investment support fund, which will grant up to half of the initial investment costs needed for semiconductor and AI research and development (R&D) projects, as well as support high-tech companies, firms with high-tech products, businesses with high-tech applications, and those with R&D centre investments.

Ichimi Katsuyuki, Governor of Mie prefecture, expressed his admiration for Vietnam's dynamic development and confirmed the potential for cooperation between the two countries.

"Mie prefecture is renowned for the processing, manufacturing, and semiconductor industries, especially the electronics industry, with 19 consecutive years of being at the top in Japan. We are one of five prefectures in Japan designated for the development of the semiconductor industry," Katsuyuki said.

In a recent survey of over 4,000 firms in the prefecture, Vietnam is the most favourite destination. Numerous businesses hoped that the signing of this MoU would contribute to strengthening cooperation and investment of both sides.

According to MPI's Foreign Investment Agency, by the end of 2024, companies from Mie prefecture had implemented 41 projects with a total registered capital of about $580 million, of which, 21 projects are in the processing and manufacturing industry. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are two favourite destinations with 13 and nine projects, respectively.

Investment from Mie prefecture is still modest compared to the total registered capital of $77.7 billion covering 5,490 projects from Japan to Vietnam. Japan is the third-largest investor among 147 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Japanese ODA is massive contribution for Vietnam Japan has been providing official development assistance for 70 years. Sugano Yuichi, chief representative at the Japan International Cooperation Agencys (JICA) Vietnam office, spoke with VIRs Thanh Dat about the prospects of cooperation in this field in Vietnam.

Viable progress made with M&As from Japan to Vietnam Even though the financial market has recently calmed, businesses remain cautious, and the merger and acquisition market is yet to regain momentum. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division at RECOF Corporation, shared his insights with VIRs Bich Ngoc on the trends shaping dealmaking activity.
Tran Anh Son, Tax & Legal director, Global Innovation and Investment Incentives at Deloitte Vietnam said, "Businesses can benefit from financial relief through specific support rates tailored to annual costs or initial investment costs, depending on eligibility."

For instance, training and human resource development expenses may receive up to 50 per cent support, while research and development (R&D) expenses may be covered up to 30 per cent. Fixed asset investments and high-tech product manufacturing expenses can receive maximum support of 10 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, while strategic projects in sectors like semiconductors and AI may qualify for up to 3 per cent support.

Social infrastructure system investments may be supported up to 25 per cent. For initial investment costs, the subsidy could be up to 50 per cent. This support structure enables businesses to focus resources on scaling production, developing new technologies, and improving competitiveness.

The policy also promotes innovation, particularly in high-tech industries like semiconductors and AI, by offering subsidies for R&D and human resource development.

In addition, businesses investing in R&D centres are also empowered to build internal research capabilities, enhancing their global value chain positioning.

In addition, support from the fund improves operational efficiency and can elevate a firm's reputation among partners and clients, creating a foundation for additional domestic and international investments.

Finally, businesses engaging in this policy contribute to Vietnams sustainable economic growth, fostering a stable and long-term investment environment.

Son also emphasised that accessing the Investment Support Fund requires meticulous preparation and long-term strategic planning. "Firms should first study Decree No.182/2024/ND-CP to fully understand its provisions, eligibility criteria, and the list of supported costs. This analysis helps identify compatibility with the decrees objectives, minimising errors and enhancing access to support," said Son.

In addition, Son believes businesses should review their investment plans, including capital scale, projected revenue, and related expenses, saying, "Ongoing projects should be assessed against the decrees criteria, while new projects should be planned from inception to align with eligibility requirements, particularly for critical criteria like minimum investment thresholds and disbursement timelines."

"Application dossiers should be meticulously prepared, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Firms in high-tech sectors need to obtain certification as high-tech entities or activities, while financial reports, expense evidence, and other legal documents should be submitted in compliance with regulations," Son suggested.

Finally, consulting investment and tax policy experts is advisable to ensure applications and plans meet the requirements, especially for large or complex projects.

Decree 182 introduces two primary forms of support from the Investment Support Fund, annual expense support and initial investment cost support. Each form targets specific industries and enterprises, aligning with sectoral development objectives.

Annual expense support applies to four groups: high-tech enterprises, projects manufacturing high-tech products, projects applying high technology, and enterprises investing in R&D centres. Projects in the first three groups must typically meet a minimum investment threshold of VND12 trillion ($490 million) or achieve annual revenue of VND20 trillion ($816 million).

Exceptions apply to projects in strategic sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated circuits, and AI data centres, which require only VND6 trillion ($245 million) in investment or VND10 trillion ($408 million) in annual revenue. Some projects with innovative products or technologies may qualify without meeting capital or revenue criteria.

Businesses investing in R&D centres must commit to a minimum investment of VND3 trillion ($122 million), with at least VND1 trillion ($40 million) disbursed within three years to ensure feasibility and timely execution.

The decree specifies support percentages for different expense categories, urging enterprises to thoroughly study eligible expenses for alignment with their projects. Eligible costs include R&D, training and human resource development, fixed asset investments, high-tech product manufacturing, and social infrastructure system investments.

Initial investment cost support, on the other hand, focuses primarily on enterprises with R&D centres in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and AI. Eligibility criteria include no overdue tax liabilities at the time of application and evidence of the ventures positive impact on the innovation ecosystem.

Through the Investment Support Fund, Vietnam expands its incentive framework by introducing cost-based incentives alongside traditional profit-based incentives. This necessary shift brings flexibility and ensures effective support for priority inititatives.

Localities leverage funding for high-tech ventures Many localities from north to south are boosting development of modern industrial parks to attract high-tech foreign-invested projects.

Vietnam sets up investment support fund The government issued a decree on December 31 on the establishment, management, and use of an investment support fund.
Mandatory transfer is one among many measures to restructure credit institutions under special control, as stipulated in the Law on Credit Institutions.

The transfer is being carried out in accordance with the current applicable laws and approvals from the competent authorities, with the aim of gradually improving GPBanks normal operations, addressing its weaknesses, and transforming the bank into a healthy and continuously operational entity. For VPBank, this presents an opportunity to increase its scope, customer base, and network. It may either retain GPBank as a subsidiary or sell it on to a new investor after the mandatory transfer is completed.

Once that is complete, GPBank shall remain to operate as a sole member limited commercial bank, with its charter capital fully owned by VPBank, and conduct its commercial banking activities according to applicable regulations. All legitimate rights of depositors, and the rights and obligations of customers at GPBank, shall be guaranteed in accordance with agreements and legal provisions. GPBank is an independent legal entity and its financial statements shall not be consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of VPBank.

VPBank shall exercise its ownership rights over GPBank in accordance with regulations. VPBank will contribute capital to the bank during the implementation of the mandatory transfer plan, providing additional financial resources to help it develop new business, improve performance, and strengthen operations. The total capital contribution will not exceed 20 per cent of VPBanks charter capital. The contribution plan shall be carefully considered by the bank and subject to approval at the AGM to ensure the banks capital position and the interests of shareholders. In addition, VPBank shall transfer its experience and know-how to support the successful restructuring of GPBank which is in line with the mandatory transfer plan.

VPBank and GPBank are entitled to other support measures from competent authorities as prescribed in the Law on Credit Institutions and other applicable legal regulations.

The mandatory transfer of GPBank is expected to help improve its performance while ensuring the legitimate rights of VPBanks shareholders and employees. It also demonstrates the high confidence of the government and the SBV in the prestige, capability and experience of VPBank; affirming its role in implementing the policies of the government and the SBV, thereby helping to stabilise the financial and monetary markets, and boosting the confidence of investors and the public in the banking system.

Banks struggle to snap up distressed domestic lenders Financially sound local and foreign banks are turning a deaf ear to acquire distressed and insolvent Vietnamese banks as they find it hard to access better equipment to address a range of adverse outcomes under a widely accepted supervisory regime.

VPBank and JBIC sign $150-million credit line to finance green projects VPBank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a general agreement for a credit line totalling $150 million on October 9.
CEDAR FALLS  When Tony Thompson retired from his job as sheriff last month, he closed out a more than 30-year career in law enforcement.

The former top cop for Black Hawk County leaves behind a legacy of working in his position to fight for change where he saw it was needed.

Being able to talk and communicate and hear and relate and interface with people  that is more important in law enforcement than being able to fight and wrestle and shoot, Thompson said.

For instance, crashes were reaching a crescendo at the intersection of U.S. Highway 218 and C-57/Cedar Wapsi Road in the fall of 2011. The crossroads was seeing some 18,000 vehicles a day shuttling between Waverly and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area.

Over the next 12 months, seven people died in traffic collisions along that stretch of highway. Every time deputies were sent to a crash there, they would put a medivac helicopter on standby knowing there would likely be serious injuries, Thompson said.

The deadly intersection wasnt even on the Iowa Department of Transportations five-year plan for improvements, and engineers suggested J-turn lanes to address the issue. But county officials wanted bigger changes  a full interchange.

Until we did that, we were going to keep scooping people off the pavement, Thompson said.

Armed with a slide show, Thompson and county supervisor Chair John Miller attended the April 2012 Iowa Transportation Commission meeting in Burlington. On the screen, larger than life, Thompson presented photo after photo of dead bodies in mangled vehicles.

Unapologetically, Thompson described the circumstances of each crash.

Three weeks later, the director of Iowa Northland Regional Council of Goverments called and said the state fast tracked the interchange  overpass, offramps and everything  with a two-year schedule.

Almost 10 years later, Thompson was at the forefront for pushing for one of the communitys largest employers to pause operations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was gaining national attention in doing so.

At the time, Black Hawk County was seeing a spike of coronavirus infections with the bulk being traced back to the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Waterloo, Thompson said.

Thompson and Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye, the countys health director, and other local officials urged the plant to close.

Tyson took out full-page ads presenting its case for staying open.

This wasnt a political battle; this wasnt a battle for notoriety. It was a battle for the very lives of our citizens, Thompson said. I think in the end, Nafissa and I did win. But we still lost all those people.

Tysons Waterloo plant shuttered for two weeks before reopening with new safety protocols in place.

Thompson, whose term ended with the new year, said one of his top accomplishments was creating the sheriffs office training facility.

In the past, the agency would have to rely on sharing time at the Waterloo Police Department range and Hawkeye Community College and county conservation areas.

Training is such an important component in what we do today, Thompson said. We were begging and borrowing locations.

The sheriffs office Raymond Range on Dubuque Road opened in 2012 in a former rock quarry with a shooting range, control tower and a small building with classrooms.

The spot is now used by 15 law enforcement agencies  ranging from local police departments to federal agencies. Thompson said the experience of training together pays off when the different departments work with each other in the field.

Thompson was also known for being an advocate of finding alternatives to address mental health, given unchecked mental illness often leads to behavior that ends with jail.

As Thompson puts it, the jail is at the bottom the mental health funnel.

Under Thompson, the jail entered a partnership with drug companies called the Long-acting Injectable Program, which provides medication to stabilize inmates with certain mental conditions.

To maintain the therapeutic levels of the medications, the program includes access to a three month supply following release.

Also during Thompsons tenure, the Black Hawk County Jail shifted to using civilian correctional officers as opposed to being staffed entirely by sworn deputies.

He said Black Hawk was one of the last counties to make the change, and it came at a time when it was becoming more difficult to find people interested in a career in law enforcement in the wake of the racial justice movement.

Thompson said the move  which was carried out through attrition as sworn deputies retired or transferred to other agencies  has saved the county money and made it easier to maintain staffing at the sheriffs office.

Born in Virginia, Thompson moved to Iowa, his fathers home state, when he was young. He graduated from high school in Winterset. He served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and came to the Cedar Valley to study at the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a bachelors degree in communications.

He joined the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office in 1994. He was elected sheriff in 2008.

In retirement, Thompson vowed to take six months off before considering his next endeavor. He has been working his hobby farm in rural Cedar Falls and practicing guitar.

He is contemplating writing a sequel to his 2023 book Anyplace But Here, a treatise on mental health and the criminal justice system. The tentative title of the new work is How Did We Get Here, and it will be a historical look at the subject.

I think there is historic value. If we can understand the history of these intersections, maybe we can do better today, Thompson said.
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A judge has confirmed the liquidation plan in the bankruptcy cases of jailed ex-lawyer Chris Pettit and his now-shuttered law firm. Pettit, shown on the left in 2022, is serving a 50-year prison sentence for stealing tens of millions of dollars from his clients. Jerry Lara/Staff photographer Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta on Wednesday confirmed the liquidation plan in the bankruptcy cases of disgraced ex-lawyer Chris Pettit and his defunct law firm. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Former San Antonio attorney Christopher Pettit has been ordered to pay $106.3 million in restitution to his victims. Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

A plan to recover money for victims of jailed ex-lawyer Chris Pettit has been confirmed by a judge, a notable milestone in bankruptcy cases he filed nearly three years ago.

His victims and other creditors have filed claims saying they're owed $270 million.

Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta gave the plan his blessing Wednesday, clearing the way for the bankruptcy estates remaining assets to be conveyed to two trusts overseen by San Antonio attorney Eric Terry. He has managed the bankruptcy cases as trustee since shortly after they were filed June 1, 2022.

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The plan is designed to minimize costs and maximize recoveries for creditors, Terry told the judge.

Getting the plan confirmed is another important step for me in this process, but our work is far from over, he said. Im confident there will be recovery for creditor-victims.

Getting to this point hasnt been without challenges for Terry. He and the lawyers and accountants representing him have endured harsh criticism and occasional threats to their physical safety, Dallas attorney Scott Lawrence, who represents the trustee, said in court without elaborating. He didnt respond to an email seeking further details.

Pettit was a longtime probate, estate planning and personal injury lawyer who pleaded guilty to three counts each of wire fraud and money laundering related to the theft of millions of dollars from his clients. He is serving a 50-year prison sentence and has been ordered to pay $106.3 million in restitution to his victims.

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As Pettits world was collapsing in spring 2022, he sought bankruptcy protection for himself and his firm and surrendered his law license.

Frittered away

So far, Pettits former clients have recovered little, if anything, through the bankruptcy process. The most significant assets remaining are potential recoveries from pending litigation against banks that did business with Pettit, though theres no guarantee Terry will prevail in those cases.

Has the bankruptcy process done what its supposed to do? In the courts judgment it has, Gargotta said before confirming the plan. Has it been expensive? Absolutely. A lot of this, again, is attributable to the primary actor (Pettit).

I still today wonder  and I know youve vetted this many times, Mr. Terry  where all the money went, the judge said. I am astounded at how much money was frittered away. And there may be an answer some way, somehow down the road. But it is just staggering the amount of malfeasance that Mr. Pettit committed.

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Fees and expenses generated by the professionals in the bankruptcy cases are approaching a combined $6 million.

Of the roughly 100 ballots cast by victims and creditors on whether to accept the plan, all but two were in favor. Creditor James Noble, a former Pettit client, voted on two ballots to reject it.

It is our position that the case should be a Chapter 7 and not have the unnecessary Chapter 11 expenses, Martin Seidler, a bankruptcy lawyer representing Noble, said in an email. Seidler also objected to how Nobles claims were classified.

Breaks my heart

Terry said he viewed the overwhelming support for the plan as a further mandate to do all that we can do to accelerate the process and distribute funds as quickly as possible.

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He also took time to address Pettits victims.

I really understand the devastating impact that this sinister scheme by Mr. Pettit and others has had on you and your families, Terry said. Every one of your stories breaks my heart. No one besides Pettit has faced criminal charges.

He also promised to keep working for their benefit.

I wish I could  take away the substantial emotional wreckage that youve experienced, but I cant. But I promise we will do everything in our power to get you a meaningful monetary recovery as soon as possible," he said. "And this plan will help us do that.

Terry also expressed confidence that victims will see a recovery from the restitution Pettit was ordered to pay despite the fact a federal prosecutor told a judge last month theres no reason to believe there is a pot of money hidden anywhere.

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Lawrence, the lawyer for Terry, said the trustee has worked tirelessly to collect Pettit and his firms assets and convert them to cash to distribute to creditors. Most of the distributions have gone to creditors holding secured claims.
Wrexham.com has invited the four North Wales Members of the Senedd to write a monthly column with updates on their work. You can find their updates  along with contributions from the local representatives  here.

In this months column for Wrexham.com, Welsh Labour MS Carolyn Thomas writes:

In early January, Members of the Senedd returned to Cardiff for the start of the new Senedd term, and I was delighted that my proposal for a Pet Abduction Bill was scheduled to be debated in the first week back.

Legislation specifically criminalising pet theft was passed into law in England and Northern Ireland last year, recognising that pets are not inanimate objects, but are sentient beings capable of experiencing stress and trauma.

Because Wales has no such specific legislation, pet abduction is dealt with under the Theft Act 1968, which treats pets the same way the law treats a stolen television or mobile phone. Making pet abduction a specific criminal offence means it can be prosecuted more appropriately, through up to five years imprisonment.

It will also mean that police forces will record pet theft separately, allowing them to build an intelligence picture of which animals and breeds are most at risk, and which areas are being targeted.

I am delighted that, when put to a vote, Members of the Senedd voted to support my proposal. I will now move forward, with colleagues, to explore potential avenues for bringing forward legislation, as well as campaigning to see this included as a manifesto commitment if legislation cant be passed before the 2026 Senedd election.

| Im absolutely delighted Members of the Senedd have just voted to support my proposal for a Pet Abduction Bill to make pet theft a specific criminal offence in Wales. Thank you to @JoyceWatsonmsas and @AberconwyMS for their supportive contributions in the chamber. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/L2OGWoB6S3  Carolyn Thomas MS / AS (@CThomasMS) January 8, 2025

In the same week, I also supported a proposal from Plaid Cymru calling for a Right to Adequate Housing in Wales. Ensuring everybody has a safe roof over the heads is surely one of the most important missions for any government.

Evidence from other countries which have enshrined a right to adequate housing has shown that it drives up standards and encourages politicians to make decisions in the interests of the long-term, and of future generations. First and foremost, a house should be a home, and it is that principle on which a right to adequate housing is based.

As a tenant, the place you call home, your safe space in the world, can be taken away from you at any moment, through no fault of your own, and for the benefit of somebody much better off than you. My speech supporting @siangwenfelins call for a right to adequate housing. pic.twitter.com/tDyUlmgj71  Carolyn Thomas MS / AS (@CThomasMS) January 13, 2025

One of the issues which is raised with me most often by constituents is the lack of NHS dental provision across the country. Increasing numbers of people are being forced to either pay to go private against their wishes, or not see a dentist for years on end. Some have even resorted to carrying out traumatic DIY dentistry.

With dentistry in the UK, what we have seen is essentially backdoor privatisation through a long-term starvation of funding, and this is completely unacceptable.

Weve reached the point where even private dentists are full, which means there is little incentive for them to hold back on price increases. In turn, that is leading to huge hikes in prices.

I am hopeful that the Welsh Government will now be able to work with the new UK Labour Government to end this injustice. Part of tackling that challenge is training the dentists of the future, and this is why I continue to support calls for the establishment of a dental school in North Wales.
Welsh council leaders call for funding increase to prevent bankruptcy risks

Council chiefs called for a minimum 4% increase in funding for each local authority and three-year settlements to avert the risk of a Welsh council going bust.

Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, warned of extreme budget pressures as he appeared before the Senedds finance committee on January 15.

He welcomed a 253m uplift in the overall settlement from the Welsh Government but contrasted the increase against a 559m funding gap in the 12 months from April.

He said: Clearly, the figures show it actually only meets about half of the actual demand for the coming 12 months, so there is going to be significant pressure on local authorities.

Cllr Morgan, who is leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, the collective voice of Wales 22 councils, added: It is increasingly difficult to be able to explain to the public that weve put council tax up while still reducing services.

Unsustainable

He told the committee: When it comes to council tax, most local authorities are in the range of 5% or upwards for budget planning at least at this stage.

We are acutely aware of the pressure on local residents in terms of the cost of living, so it is a real dilemma for local authorities.

Pressed on whether any councils in Wales could issue section 114 (bankruptcy) notices, Cllr Morgan said: I certainly dont think there will be any risk of 114 notices in the coming year but thats not to say that there isnt a risk there in the medium to long term.

Asked about Audit Wales warning that councils are financially unsustainable, Cllr Morgan called for a three-year settlement to allow planning beyond a 12-month cycle.

He said: Welsh Government comes out with a provisional settlement in December, that only gives us 10 or 12 weeks for us to line up all our ducks in terms of making budgets add up  thats whats not sustainable, I would suggest.

Unthinkable

Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen council, described the challenge next year as orders of magnitude different due to a better-than-expected settlement from the Welsh Government.

He said: There will be schools that retain staff, there will be services that can be maintained.

Cllr Hunt told the committee a flat budget or 1% increase, as first feared, would have had unthinkable consequences, with massive service cuts and redundancies across Wales.

With councils receiving increases ranging from 2.6% to 5.6%, he made the case for a 4% floor which would be funded from outside the settlement at a cost of about 13m.

He emphasised that the 22 principal councils will never be happy with the wider funding formula because there will always be winners and losers.

Overspent

Lis Burnett, leader of Vale of Glamorgan council, raised the example of hospital discharges.

She said: I think were probably one of the best in Wales now that we can actually get a care package sorted out for people to go home within approximately three days.

That has been of great benefit to the health board but it basically means that were 10m overspent in our social care.

Turning to education, Cllr Burnett said: Were having to be very, very careful in terms of how we rationalise spending for education. The demands, and the complexity of demand, have gone up exponentially  particularly since the pandemic.

She said her council was lowest funded by a long way in terms of education, adding that there is an appetite for reform of the funding formula.

74m cut

Nia Jeffreys, leader of Gwynedd council, said her local authority has cut 74m over the past decade, nearly a quarter of its day-to-day revenue budget.

Warning of no easy choices, Cllr Jeffreys told the committee: The efficiency savings have been made already and were in a situation now where were looking at real-terms cuts  that means stopping doing things and halting services that people rely upon.

She said Gwynedd and other councils in north Wales are looking at increasing council tax by 8% to 9%, placing a burden on families already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.

Cllr Jeffreys echoed calls for an absolutely vital funding floor, pointing to additional costs of delivering public services in more rural areas.

Asked about increases in employer national insurance contributions, she put the cost to Gwynedd council at about 4.5m.

Eye-watering

Cllr Hunt said councils have been assured that they will be given money towards the cost of the rise for directly employed staff.

He stressed: That national insurance rise is one of the reasons why theres more money now for public service organisations. And I think we need to be a bit careful not to welcome funding but complain about where its come from  it needs to come from somewhere.

Cllr Morgan said the biggest concern is the money to cover the cost being Barnettised (ie based on spending in England) which could leave Welsh councils short.

He told the committee education and social care now make up about 70% of all council budgets, suggesting only so much tinkering can be done within the other 30%.

He raised concerns about the eye-watering costs of childrens care to councils, with some specialist placements costing a five-figure sum each week for every child.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Welsh Government apply to Supreme Court for permission to appeal LDP judgement

Welsh Government are asking the Supreme Court if it will consider hearing an appeal to the recent judgement over the Local Development Plan.

Just before Christmas Wrexham councillor Marc Jones won a landmark Court of Appeal judgement against Wrexham County Borough Council as a corporate entity, the Welsh Ministers, and a range of housing developers over Wrexhams Local Development Plan (LDP).

Today was the end of a short time window where a Supreme Court appeal could be lodged on that judgement.

Cllr Jones was the named person on the court documents, but the action was effectively taken as part of a cross party trio of councillors, Cllrs Hugh Jones and Cllr Mark Pritchard  supported by around 28 councillors. As readers will have been long following, the LDP has been a thorny issue with multiple fraught votes again the plan in the Guildhall chamber  but it was finally adopted.

The recent legal decision dismissed the judicial review and effectively said Wrexham councillors did not actually have to adopt the LDP (the vote saw a boycott from councillors), and the previous votes against it were not unlawful.

This afternoon a Welsh Government spokesperson told Wrexham.com The Welsh Ministers have applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of Appeals judgment.

Wrexham.com had asked who was making the decision to go for  or not for  an appeal, and for detail on the reasoning as to why.

Welsh Government said, As this is ongoing litigation, we cannot comment further.

Earlier this week Wrexham Council indicated they would not be taking part in any such appeal request.

A request to appeal is not always successful and this move does not mean the case will be guaranteed another re-run, with the Supreme Court explaining, Permission to appeal is only granted for applications that, in the opinion of the Justices, raise an arguable point of law of general public importance which ought to be considered by the Supreme Court at that time, bearing in mind that the matter will already have been the subject of judicial decision and may have already been reviewed on appeal.

If the request is accepted, the Supreme Court explain, The listing officer of the Supreme Court will contact the parties and make arrangements for the appeal hearing to be fixed. Most appeals take two days and, wherever possible hearing dates are fixed having regard to the availability of the parties and their representatives.

Locally it was detailed to Wrexham.com that such a route could take several months to return an ultimate verdict, in the meantime it is unclear what, if any, impact that has on local Planning Committee business.
A United States District Judge sentenced a 32-year-old man on Friday to 15 years in prison for robbing two banks a gunpoint in Northern Nevada in January 2022.

After Jones plead guilty to one-count of interference with commerce by robbery, bank robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

In addition, Devon Jones's prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release for committing two armed robberies of financial institutions.

On January 24, 2022, prosecutors say Jones robbed a money lending business in Reno where he pointed a semi-automatic 9mm gun at one of the employees and demanded cash. Jones then fired one shot from the gun and fled from the business with the money.

Later, on January 27, 2022, Jones robbed a bank at gunpoint in Carson City.

Prosecutors say Jones entered the bank and began yelling at the employees, fired a shot from the gun and approached a teller and demanded cash. Jones after noticing the alarm lights in the bank start to flash fired another shot from the gun and ordered all employees to get on the ground, he fired another shot while leaving the bank with the stolen money.
US allegations, reports of cyberattacks rejected

09:04, January 17, 2025 By Zhang Yunbi ( China Daily

Chinese diplomats on cyber affairs, in conversation with their United States counterparts, have firmly rejected US allegations of cyberattacks, sources said.

The allegations made by the US "lack evidence", the sources told China Daily.

The Chinese diplomats "have expressed concerns about the US targeting China by rolling out large-scale cyber espionage and moves jeopardizing critical information infrastructure", the sources added.

In recent months, some leading US media organizations, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, have claimed that Chinese hackers, as part of a "Chinese government-affiliated group" or campaign that US investigators and researchers have dubbed "Salt Typhoon", intercepted phone calls of US political figures and collected audio recordings.

Even US government officials publicly joined the verbal attacks on China in this regard.

However, cyber affairs experts and policy observers in China pointed out that the US media reports, while falsely linking China to such alleged attacks, also shed light on the scandalous side of US espionage missions by federal agencies, including massive wiretaps.

A report by The Washington Post on Oct 27 said the so-called "Salt Typhoon" group is thought to have targeted "the system that tracks lawful requests for wiretaps made by the federal government of carriers".

Beijing has made public rebuttals against Washington's similar allegations that label China as the perpetrator of cyberattacks against the US.

Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai and a leading expert on cyberspace governance studies, said, "US intelligence agencies have a typical behavioral pattern in hyping cybersecurity governance and national security issues, which is fabricating facts using false and inaccurate information, and fabricating so-called cyberattacks by other countries."

The objective is to hype security threats and create anxiety, Shen added.

Earlier this month, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned a Beijing-based cybersecurity company, accusing it of helping Chinese hackers infiltrate US telecommunication systems and conduct surveillance.

At a recent news conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: "We urge the US to stop using the issue of cybersecurity to vilify and smear China. For quite some time, the US has been trumpeting so-called 'Chinese hacking' and even using it to impose illegal and unilateral sanctions on China."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
In this image from video provided by SpaceX, the companys Starship rocket booster returns to the launch pad at Starbase. It marked the second time in three attempts the lower-stage booster has successfully returned to be caught by mechanical arms at the launch tower. SpaceX

BOCA CHICA BEACH  SpaceXs Starship has been grounded after the mega-rocket exploded minutes into a test flight Thursday, raining flaming debris from the sky and disrupting commercial airline flights.

The explosion occurred shortly after SpaceX used giant mechanical arms for the second-ever catch of the rockets lower-stage booster when it returned to its South Texas launch tower minutes after liftoff. But the upper-stage Starship, a redesigned model on its first outing, suffered an apparent fuel leak and exploded.

SpaceX's mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceX's mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceX's mega rocket Starship makes a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceX's mega rocket Starship and booster separate during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceX's mega rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceX's mega rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Eric Gay/AP SpaceXs Starship thunders away from its launch pad in South Texas on Thursday afternoon. Though the commercial space company pulled off a second catch of the lower-stage at its launch tower when it returned from its flight, the upper-stage Starship was lost in space. Eric Gay/Associated Press In this image from video provided by SpaceX, the company's Starship rocket booster returns to the launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (SpaceX via AP) AP The Starship mega rocket sits on the Space X launch pad on a rainy morning on Wed, Jan 15, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. The test launch, the 7th one of its kind, was postponed to Jan. 16 due to inclement weather. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer The Starship mega rocket sits on the Space X launch pad on a rainy morning on Wed, Jan 15, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. The test launch, the 7th one of its kind, was postponed to Jan. 16 due to inclement weather. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer The Starship mega rocket sits on the Space X launch pad on a rainy morning on Wed, Jan 15, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. The test launch, the 7th one of its kind, was postponed to Jan. 16 due to inclement weather. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer SpaceX's mega rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press SpaceX's mega rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

Dramatic videos from witnesses in the Caribbean showed flaming debris raining from the sky. The Federal Aviation Administration diverted and delayed flights from the area, which it said may have been outside Starships designated flight corridor, an area set up to tell pilots where debris may fall if something goes wrong.

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On Friday, the agency said it was grounding Starship until SpaceX conducts a mishap investigation and was working to confirm reports of property damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands. There were no reports of injuries.

SpaceX must complete the investigation and put in place any required corrective actions before the FAA will issue a new launch license for Starship.

Thursdays test flight was to include deployment of dummy Starlink satellites and a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Instead, its engines shut down one by one and mission managers lost communication with the spacecraft about 8  minutes into the mission, spokesman Dan Huot said from Starbase. SpaceX confirmed the ship had been lost several minutes later.

Booster catch

Though videos of the explosions aftermath were being much discussed Friday, it was the otherworldly booster catch that wowed space fans on the first try in October and again Thursday. In both missions, the descending booster hurtled back from space before hovering over its South Texas launch pad and being gripped by a pair of mechanical arms dubbed chopsticks that guided it to rest.

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Mechazilla has caught the booster, an unidentified mission manager could be heard saying via the SpaceX livestream of the launch. Mechazilla is the companys nickname for the launch tower and giant arms.

This booster was the first to use a recycled engine  one from Octobers successful catch. Reusing the upper- and lower-stages  and their engines  is key to SpaceXs plans for rapid redeployment of the rocket and its commercial use.

The 400-foot rocket thundered away at 4:37 p.m., a day later than had originally been planned. Inclement weather on Wednesday had scrubbed a flight planned for that day.

SpaceX had beefed up the launch tower after Novembers launch damaged sensors on the robotic arms, forcing the team to forgo a capture attempt during that mission. That booster was steered into the Gulf of Mexico instead.

The company also upgraded the upper-stage Starship for the latest test flight. It was loaded with 10 dummy Starlink satellites meant to be be deployed and drop into the ocean along with Starship.

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Program impacts

But the explosion that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said was caused by an apparent fuel leak changed that.

Initial data indicates a fire developed in the aft section of the ship that led to the breakup, SpaceX said in a statement Friday.

The last data received from Starship indicated an altitude of 90 miles and a velocity of 13,245 mph.

It was the seventh test flight for the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket and the first of 2025. SpaceX has been seeking approval to conduct 25 launches a year, up from six.

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It was unclear Friday how long the Starship program will be delayed for the investigation and required changes.

The FAA said a mishap investigation aims to determine the cause of an explosion and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again.

The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceXs final report, including any corrective actions, it said in a statement Friday. A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety.

SpaceX said the booster and spacecraft for the eighth test flight are already built and undergoing testing in South Texas.

The programs temporary shutdown will also impact NASA, which has reserved a pair of Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade, already well behind the Artemis moon program's original schedule. Musk has said his goal is colonizing the Moon and then Mars. On X, he said Thursdays loss was barely a bump in the road in his plans.

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Spaceflight is not easy. Its anything but routine, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson posted on X after the failed mission. Thats why these tests are so important.

Hours earlier in Florida, another billionaires rocket company  Jeff Bezos Blue Origin  launched the newest supersized rocket, New Glenn. The rocket reached orbit on its first flight, successfully placing an experimental satellite thousands of miles above Earth. But the first-stage booster was destroyed, missing its targeted landing on a floating platform in the Atlantic.

THURSDAYS LIVE COVERAGE:

4:53 p.m. udpate: After stage separation, SpaceX lost contact with the upper-stage Starship. The company says its now assuming it has lost the ship.

A new version of Starship, the craft was intended to deploy mockup Starlink satellites on its flight toward a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

4:44 p.m. update: For just the second time, SpaceX has successfully landed the Starships Super Heavy booster at its launch tower. It was guided back to Earth, where it was caught by so-called chopsticks on the launch tower, which is nicknamed Mechazilla.

The ability to return the lower-stage booster and, eventually, the upper stage Starship, is key to SpaceXs ability to rapidly reuse the rockets, which is a key goal of the program.

In this image from video provided by SpaceX, the companys Starship mega-rocket lifts off from Starbase near Boca Chica Beach. SpaceX

4:37 p.m. update: Starship has lifted off from its launch tower at Starbase on the first test flight of 2025.

People gather at Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site to catch a glimpse of Starships seventh test flight Thursday. Brandon Lingle/Staff photo

4:32 p.m. update: With the seventh test flight of Starship less than five minutes away, SpaceX fans are staking out positions around the Starbase area to witness the launch and booster catch attempt. As usual, Isla Blanca County Park on South Padre Island is a prime gathering spot. People are also taking the high ground at the Port Isabel Lighthouse to catch a glimpse of the action.

This photo provided by Maxar Technologies shows the SpaceX Starship on the launch pad at Starbase. Its still on track to launch late Thursday afternoon. Maxar Technologies

4:15 p.m. update: The range for todays flight appears to be clear and the weather looks good for launch and an attempted booster catch back at Starbase, SpaceX spokesman Huot says. Engineer Tice says propellant load is well underway and the ship is still on track for a 4:37 p.m. launch.

4:03 p.m. update: SpaceX has begun its livestream of the seventh test flight of its Starship mega-rocket from its South Texas Starbase. SpaceX hosts at Starbase are engineer Kate Tice and company spokesman Dan Huot. The flight is still set to go at 4:37 p.m.

As the countdown continues, Tice and Huot are giving viewers an overview of the flight plan and changes to Starship since the sixth flight. Among them are redesigned forward flaps on the upper-stage Starship, new heat-resistant tile layouts and improved propulsion systems and avionics.

Watch the livestream here.

ORIGINAL STORY:

SpaceXs mega-rocket Starship stands under clearing skies Thursday morning as it was readied for a test flight from Starbase by late afternoon. Eric Gay/Associated Press

BOCA CHICA BEACH  With skies clearing over its Gulf Coast launch facility, SpaceX is on track to launch its redesigned Starship from South Texas late Thursday afternoon.

The mission  the seventh test flight of the mega-rocket being developed here at Starbase  was postponed from Wednesday by rainy, windy weather.

All systems and weather are looking good, SpaceX said via social media early Thursday afternoon. A few hours later, the commercial space company said its targeting 4:37 p.m. for liftoff. The launch window closes at 5 p.m.

The high-profile flight test is to include the first demonstration of Starships ability to deploy satellites to space. Its also planning to attempt the second catch of the lower-stage booster by giant mechanical arms on its launch tower after it returns to Starbase a few minutes after liftoff.

Two students attending Louisiana State University gaze at Starship at its launch site in South Texas after making the drive from campus on a rainy morning. A planned Thursday test flight, the seventh from Starbase, was postponed from Wednesday due to inclement weather. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

The flight will also be the first of an updated and slightly taller version of Starship that has improved flaps, propulsion systems and avionics.

With prospects brightening for a launch, SpaceX fans were gathering at viewing spots around Starbase to witness the flight.

About 2 p.m. at Hopper Haus, a Starship-themed brewpub in Port Isabel, a couple of dozen people ate, drank and watched live social media feeds of the rocket at its launch tower.

One patron wore an olive-drab T-shirt with an image of Starship and the words God, family, country and space exploration. Another wore a version of a shirt popularized by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which says Occupy Mars.

Patrons at Hopper Haus in Port Isabel watch live media feeds from Starbase as they lunched Thursday ahead of the seventh test flight of SpaceXs Starship. Brandon Lingle/Staff photo

A steady flow of traffic was heading over the Queen Isabella causeway to South Padre Island, where many settle down to watch the launch from Isla Blanca Park, which is across the bay from Starbase.

Cameron County warned residents of the possible sonic booms from the Super Heavy booster returning to Starbase about 8 to 10 minutes after liftoff. The 232-foot tall booster creates the booms as it slows while descending back to Starbase. The countys statement said residents and those in the nearby area may hear one or more sonic booms during the return to launch site about 10 minutes after liftoff.

The sonic boom does not present a health risk and what people experience will depend on weather and other conditions, it said.

The county also closed Texas 4 this morning, a standard step in preparation for the launch.

Heres what else you need to know as the countdown continues:

The company first landed a booster at the Starbase launch tower in October during Starships fifth flight. On an attempt during the sixth flight in November, SpaceX instead diverted the booster for an ocean landing off the coast of Boca Chica Beach.

As it continues on its journey aound the globe, the upper-stage Starship will attempt to deploy 10 Starlink satellite mock-ups similar in size and weight to the companys next-generation satellites. Theyre set to fly on the same trajectory as Starship and also land in the Indian Ocean.

Starlink is SpaceXs satellite communications network, which provides internet access to more than 4.6 million people around the world. Theres also a military variant called Starshield and talk of expanding the network to the moon and Mars.

SpaceX said a live webcast of the flight will begin about 35 minutes before liftoff on the X social media platform @SpaceX or on the new X TV app. Its also available at the companys website.

Other space-focused outlets will be covering the launch on YouTube.

Cameron County said its expecting large crowds at Isla Blanca County Park on South Padre Island to watch the launch in person. The park will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Crowds typically gather at other locations around the area to witness the early minutes of the missions.
TikTok creators and the millions of diehards whove been watching their short-form videos on everything from fashion and cooking advice to all things pop culture are lamenting the uncertain future of their favorite app.

Some U.S. TikTok users may cling to a hope that the app can live on in one form or another in the aftermath of a unanimous Supreme Court decision upholding the law resulting in the ban. TikTok ping-ponged between a shutdown for its U.S. users late Saturday and its restoration midday Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump promised an executive order, which he signed after his inauguration Monday, to temporarily block penalties laid out in the law.

Members only

The order calls for a 75-day enforcement delay while the administration considers its options. But flocks of self-named TikTok refugees were seeking fresh social media landings elsewhere before the Jan. 19 deadline.

On Friday, the day of the Supreme Court ruling, and in the days leading up to the decision, the top three free apps listed in both Apples App Store and Googles Play Store were all potential TikTok understudies:

Xiaohongshu, known in the U.S. as RedNote

known in the U.S. as RedNote Lemon8, also Chinese

also Chinese Clapper: Video, Live, Chat, a U.S.-baked app

Heres a closer look at TikTok alternatives that may appeal to older adults, including some of its more traditional rivals.

1. Instagram Reels has the content, not the algorithm

Meta, which owns Facebook, Threads, WhatsApp and, yes, Instagram, launched Instagram Reels in 2020 to directly compete against TikTok. It arguably remains the closest of the TikTok copycats. Many TikTok creators that AARP spoke with also have a presence on Instagram Reels.

Whats missing is the powerful, proprietary TikTok algorithm that tends to surface content that users most want to see, critics say.

Creators on Instagram Reels can post and edit videos up to 90 seconds long and apply tools such as augmented reality filters to dress them up. Meta also has launched a somewhat similar product called Facebook Reels, also with 90-second videos.
(MUSIC INTRO)

[00:00:01] Bob: This week on The Perfect Scam.

[00:00:04] Ray Stiefel: You own, you own the barrels. They're stored in a bonded warehouse generally in the vicinity of the distillery, it's your property and typically what you do is you sell it either back to the distillery, and then they bottle it for you and put their label on it. Some bottles can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars you know if it's the right bottle.

[00:00:27] Bob: Do you remember how you felt when you bought the whiskey?

[00:00:30] Ray Stiefel: Uh I started thinking, oh, okay, this was my future, this is my Social Security, this is my nest egg for 6 or 8 years.

(MUSIC SEGUE)

[00:00:43] Bob: Welcome back to The Perfect Scam. I'm your host, Bob Sullivan. When we think of investments, we usually think of stocks and bonds, maybe even real estate, but there are many different kinds of investments like today's topic, whiskey. After all, whiskey often increases in value over time. Now all investing carries risks, but these kinds of non-traditional investments really do come with some extra hazards. Never invest in something you don't understand and you haven't fully researched, because as you'll see, scams can lurk in many places, even at the bottom of a whiskey barrel. But make sure you're sitting down for the end of this story, perhaps with a tasty beverage of your choosing, because it's not something I ever recall happening on The Perfect Scam before.

(MUSIC SEGUE)

[00:01:43] Bob: Tell me, before we get to our story are you or have you been a whiskey drinker?

[00:01:46] I, I remain just moderate level drinker. I'm still learning to appreciate the variety of whiskey.

[00:01:55] Bob: That's Ray Stiefel of Ithaca, New York, one of those bad at being retired adults who is always looking for interesting opportunities and interesting stories.

[00:02:08] Ray Stiefel: I just like the lore, I like the, just the stories behind the creation of whiskey and the various techniques that are used. It's just very interesting. That's what really allured me into the whiskey investing side of things, is just the, the lure of the uh industry.

[00:02:28] Bob: And an ounce of whiskey is hours of stories, right?

[00:02:31] Ray Stiefel: Yes, it really is. There are something in the neighborhood of 120, 130 separate distilleries in Scotland. There's the, the Islands, which includes Ila, which is a, a big producing area. There's um, Speyside, there's the Highlands, there's the Lowlands, there's Campbeltown, there's five. So I think those are the five main ones. But the fact that whiskey in Scotland and Ireland takes three years to be able to be legally called whiskey, three years in a barrel before it's called whiskey, before then it's called new make spirits. So it's a three-year process just to get the label of whiskey. In the United States with bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, it's two years because of the weather and other conditions. But there's all these little bits of trivia that I find fascinating.

[00:03:26] Bob: Ray's not the only one. Scotland is now teeming with smaller distilleries as interesting classic small batch whiskey is experiencing a bit of a renewal.

[00:03:38] Bob: Some of the have been sort of re--, reborn with old recipes but new families, right?

[00:03:43] Ray Stiefel: True, very true. The real estate and the buildings, they're still there. Sometimes they would go into nonuse, but yeah, I think with the increased interest in, in the whiskey these days, some of them are being renovated and put back into production.

[00:04:01] Bob: And as with all growing industries, there is an ever-present need for investors.

[00:04:08] Ray Stiefel: Well uh in simple terms, the distilleries are interested in recouping their costs, their production costs as quickly as possible, because a good whiskey might take 8, 10, 12, 15 years before it can be bottled and sold. And thats a whole long time to be holding onto a, a liquid in a barrel that's evaporating.

[00:04:31] Bob: But this is not like buying a stock that might pay you a dividend or something you could sell next week if you change your mind. You're, you're in it for the long haul, right?

[00:04:39] Ray Stiefel: Definitely, yes, yes. The uh, in the industry they call it your exit strategy. And that is the, the distilleries permission, well you own, you own the barrels. They're stored in a bonded warehouse generally in the vicinity of the distillery, and you're holding on, it's, it's yours if it's done legitimately, it's your property and when you want to sell it or you can have the barrel shipped to your house if you'd like to, you can even bottle it yourself, but typically what you do is you sell it either back to the distillery, and then they bottle it for you and put their label on it, or some other conglomerate can buy up barrels and use it for blended.

[00:05:27] Bob: But you, you buy a barrel and ...

[00:05:29] Ray Stiefel: Yes.

[00:05:29] Bob: ... I mean I suppose if you want to, you could go visit your barrel, right?

[00:05:33] Ray Stiefel: Yes, and taste it.

[00:05:35] Bob: And taste it, remarkable.

[00:05:38] Bob: So whiskey investors actually own barrels of whiskey stored in a facility somewhere, often in Scotland. And it's possible to go visit the barrel you own, to even taste it as it's sitting there aging. But is this a thing regular people really do?

[00:05:58] Bob: That sounds almost like a hobby for rich people to me, but first of all just roughly, how much, and I know that costs can vary, but how much could I buy a barrel of whiskey for?

[00:06:07] Ray Stiefel: I would say the average price is probably around $5000.

[00:06:15] Bob: So not an obscene amount of money, and if people take that barrel of whiskey and bottle it, I mean how many bottles comes out of a barrel of whiskey roughly?

[00:06:24] Ray Stiefel: So it's usually bottled into what's called a 5th, or a liter. You can buy whiskey in typically you know several different sized bottles, but I would say that the average barrel would hold maybe 250 liters, something like that.

[00:06:41] Bob: So if you get 250 bottles out of a barrel...

[00:06:44] Ray Stiefel: Yes.

[00:06:44] Bob: And it's $50 a bottle, that's $12,500.

[00:06:49] Ray Stiefel: Yes.

[00:06:49] Bob: And you paid $5000, and that's in three years.

[00:06:52] Ray Stiefel: Uh no, that's probably a little bit more because...

[00:06:56] Bob: Yeah, more like 6 or 7 years, yeah.

[00:06:57] Ray Stiefel: Yeah. It might be more. Again, the really high-quality whiskey, they might want to hang onto a little bit more because it actually, kind of like wine. I mean wines improve over age and some wines don't. But you're correct. Those (inaudible)

[00:07:11] Bob: So this is, but this isn't, this isn't just for fun, real money, people make real money doing this, right?

[00:07:16] Ray Stiefel: Yes. And some bottles can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars you know if it's the right bottle.

[00:07:25] Bob: That's amazing.

[00:07:25] Ray Stiefel: Yeah.

[00:07:27] Bob: Okay, so how does a person go about buying a barrel of whiskey? Investing in whiskey.

[00:07:34] Ray Stiefel: Typically you don't buy barrels directly from the distillery. You buy through a broker, because the distilleries don't want to bother with all the paperwork and all of that. So I was given a call from the representative of a whiskey broker about midafternoon, and yeah, I was, I was building a house.

[00:07:57] Bob: Building a house? Now you're going to have to explain that.

[00:07:59] Bob: Ray was building a house. I told you he's a bad retired person. During the tail end of COVID which he planned to sell with a friend. That's another investment.

[00:08:11] Ray Stiefel: Yes, well, I, I have some building skills, and I have friends that have building skills, and I thought, well our workload has decreased because of COVID, let's do this, you know within the group where we all carefully vaccinated, and uh there were five of us. I was the, the primary financier. The five of us were, took us about two or three years to build a house because all of us were looking for work having been uh unemployed because of COVID.

[00:08:41] Bob: Wow. So this was a house that you built and sold?

[00:08:44] Ray Stiefel: Yes.

[00:08:45] Bob: Wow.

[00:08:46] Bob: But during a break while working on the house, he gets a call from someone who says he's a broker for whiskey firms.

[00:08:54] Ray Stiefel: I got a cold call from an individual who said, "I understand you're interested in investing." And I had been investing in the stock market. And that was all, never commodities, always in the stock market. And we spoke about it and he was very professional and ...

[00:09:10] Bob: So the guy, this guy calls. He has an accent?

[00:09;13] Ray Stiefel: Yes, he did. He had a British accent.

[00:09:15] Bob: Did he seem well-spoken? Did he seem young, old?

[00:09:18] Ray Stiefel: He seemed uh maybe in his 30s, and well-spoken, well-educated. And well-versed in, in uh, investing in barrels of whiskey.

[00:09:29] Bob: So how long did you talk to him?

[00:09:31] Ray Stiefel: Probably half an hour.

[00:09:33] Bob: And where did you leave it at the end of that first phone call?

[00:09:35] Ray Stiefel: We left it that I would be contacted by another individual who was an actual sales broker.

[00:09:45] Bob: And, sure enough, about a week later another man with an accent calls and says his name is Casey Alexander.

[00:09:53] Bob: Do you remember anything about the sound of his voice?

[00:09:56] Ray Stiefel: I couldn't quite place whether he was Irish or English. And I guess he's uh, he's mostly Irish but he's lived in England for a long time. So he definitely had a, an accent from that part of the world.

[00:10:08] Bob: Um, sure. Also seemed in his 30s or something like that?

[00:10:11] Ray Stiefel: Yes. Yeah.

[00:10:13] Bob: And, and also very well-versed in the whiskey business?

[00:10:17] Ray Stiefel: Absolutely. Yeah, very professional.

[00:10:20] Bob: In-between these phone calls, Ray had started to weigh the idea of investing in whiskey, and well, it held a certain alure for him.

[00:10:30] Bob: Did you, you know google whiskey investing, or do some research or anything like that?

[00:10:34] Ray Stiefel: Very little, very little. I was not at all familiar with all the different brands and labels and types of whiskey. My grandparents were Irish. There was often a little bit of uh, Irish whiskey during family celebrations, so I was familiar with the product.

[00:10:54] Bob: So Ray goes back and forth with Casey for a few weeks, and eventually he decides to take the plunge. Well, more like take a sip. He buys six barrels of whiskey which is basically the minimum.

[00:11:08] Ray Stiefel: He sent me an invoice for my first purchase. I'm going to say it was, it was six barrels, so it was probably closer to $30,000.

[00:11:20] Bob: Okay. Um, but, but six barrels of whiskey, that sounds like a, a, you know, a moderate step into this thing.

[00:11:28] Ray Stiefel: Yes. Yep.

[00:11;29] Bob: Do you remember how you felt when you bought the whiskey?

[00:11:32] Ray Stiefel: Uh I started thinking, oh, okay, this was my future, this is my Social Security, this is my nest egg for 6 or 8 years hence I'll be able to sell this, and he didn't give me specific numbers but I had the impression that I would probably double my money.

[00:11:51] Bob: Double the money in six or eight years. You know that's hardly an outrageous estimate. An investment that grows 10% every year, doubles every seven years. And by the way, an investment the grows 7% doubles every 10 years. It's what's known as the 7-10 rule in investing. It's just math. Anyway, so Ray is thinking a few barrels of whiskey that can help him diversify his portfolio, plus...

[00:12:16] Bob: But also it strikes me, you know it's kind of unsatisfying when you buy stocks, isn't it whereas, you know, you just bought barrels of whiskey. That seems kind of fun.

[00:12:27] Ray Stiefel: Yes, yeah. Because I, I did end up visiting a lot of distilleries, so you could actually, as you said earlier, visit and, and uh knock on wood, literally your own barrel.

[00:12:43] Bob: Okay, that's getting ahead of ourselves. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that after that initial $30,000 six-barrel investment, Ray got a real taste for, well that scotch whiskey. So when Casey calls again, about a month later...

[00:13:00] Ray Stiefel: He said, "You know, the whiskey you have purchased, some of it was aged four years or six years already, so it could already be bottled and marketed." He said, "If you wanted to diversify a little bit, you can buy newer whiskey, you can buy whiskey from a different distillery."

[00:13:21] Bob: Diversify even more, Casey recommends. Ray is hooked.

[00:13:27] Ray Stiefel: He could sense my interest, my curiosity, my enthusiasm, and he would call me maybe once a month with some new offerings, because each distillery has, they decide when they will bottle their barrels, and so it's like laddering. When you purchase stocks sometimes you ladder, buying it at different times to smooth out the ups and downs of the market. You can buy whiskey in a similar way. You can buy a variety of whiskeys and you can buy whiskeys from different areas, different techniques, different types of barrels. So there's, you know, a lot of variety. And he would just offer me different options to diversify my investments.

[00:14:13] Bob: So each month for several months Ray buys another set of barrels. Pretty soon his whiskey tasting investment has swelled into six figures. And as Ray's curiosity swells, he decides he's going to visit Scotland, see the distillery business for himself. And along the way, he can meet his new friend and fellow whiskey enthusiast, Casey Alexander.

[00:14:37] Ray Stiefel: I was on my way to Scotland, actually my actually intention was to visit some of these distilleries into which I'd invested money. And I was transiting through London, and I had a couple of hours, so I contacted Casey, and asked him, you know, maybe we could meet. And he said, sure. So I, I flew into London. I had about a 4-hour layover before continuing on to Scotland, and he sent a car to pick me up at the airport. The car brought me to a nice restaurant in London where I met Casey. We had a nice meal together. He was very professional, very well-dressed, very well-spoken. He was, I'm about 6'3". He was probably 5'11". Well he had a well-trimmed beard. He was really, you know he presented really well. Every time I saw him, he was wearing a suit.

[00:15:36] Bob: I mean was he funny? Did you have a good chat?

[00:15:38] Ray Stiefel: We did, yeah, we did. He talked about his girlfriend, we talked about, a little bit about his family, a little bit about my family. Yeah, it was very personable, it was very personal.

[00:15:50] Bob: He felt like a friend at this point?

[00:15:51] Ray Stiefel: Yes. He did, very quickly he felt like a friend who was, you know, really trying to help me out. They make you feel like they're going out of their way, you're special, they're going to help you out, do special things for you. And then his driver took me back to the airport for my ongoing flight.

[00:16:09] Bob: So Ray goes on to visit Scotland, and he's really hooked now, but his trip leaves him a bit unsatisfied because...

[00:16:18] Bob: But did you go visit your barrels during this trip?

[00:16:21] Ray Stiefel: No. No, because at that point, none of the distilleries where in the area of where the distilleries were that I had invested in. Now because of COVID, some of the distilleries are not open to the public, some of them are on reduced hours. Um, there was one called Tullibardine, Tullibardine, which is a whiskey quite near Glascow. And I drove by it, but it said, "Not Open to the Public." So no, we never visited any of my barrels. Nope.

[00:16:56] Bob: Ray owns these barrels, but he cannot visit them. So naturally he plans another trip a few months later, and that's even more fun. In part because he gets to spend much more time with Casey.

[00:17:10] Ray Stiefel: And the second time I met Casey, very fancy restaurant. The tallest, one of the tallest buildings in London is called The Shard, and it, it looks like a shard of glass, of glass and you go, and the restaurant was at the very top. Invitation only. He had two other people there with him and the four of us sat around and, and sampled different whiskeys and had little bites to eat. So it was, his, his, his budget, his expense budget was, must have been a pretty fat one.

[00:17:42] Bob: After lunch, Ray takes off across the UK for Scotland again, but this time Casey agrees to meet him there.

[00:17:50] Ray Stiefel: I had a rental car, so I picked him up in a town where we had agreed to meet. We just spent the day together. We went to two or three distilleries. He bought me lunch at a, at a modest restaurant, and he, he seemed very knowledgeable, uh he, he claimed to know some of the people at those distilleries even though he didn't introduce me to anybody. But he had lots of questions to the tour guide, because when you go to a distillery, you often go on a tour. He had a lot of interesting and, obviously coming from a well-educated person, a lot of questions for the tour guide.

[00:18:28] Bob: So he certainly sounded like he was in the business.

[00:18:30] Ray Stiefel: Yes. Yep. And yep, he also had sent me, he had taken a, a very serious course in whiskey production. And from which he got, he claimed he got a certificate. But he sent me pictures. I think he actually went to this seminar. It was a multiday educational seminar to learn more about different kinds of whiskey and just to be more informed. And he sent me a picture of him at this seminar. That, so I think that was valid.

[00:19:01] Bob: To give you an idea of these tours, Casey has a very slick video he produced of a tour. He's a part of it.

[00:19:10] (video clip) Come in here and watch what I do. It really just reaffirms my love affair with whiskey. I mean you've got the art of making it, you've got the science of making it, the history, you know from prohibition through two world wars and everything else, um, and that's before you've even drunk the stuff. So you know today I just feel extremely inspired by this whole process, this whole business. The beauty of everything involved.

[00:19:43] Bob: So you can understand by the time Ray gets home from this trip, well he feels great about his ongoing investments with Casey.

[00:19:52] Bob: So about how many of these purchases did you make over the course of a year or so?

[00:19:57] Ray Stiefel: Probably, probably, I'm going to say 15.

[00:20:02] Bob: And were they all in the $20,000 range or so?

[00:20:06] Ray Stiefel: Yes. Yeah. Because typically you buy in a lot, and a lot is six barrels.

[00:20;14] Bob: Ah, okay.

[00:20:15] Ray Stiefel: So six-barrel lots is kind of a typical purchase and when, when you're offered whiskey, sometimes they require, because they don't want to deal with people just buying one or two barrels. So they will sell them in lots of six barrels.

[00:20:28] Bob: So at this point, Ray has invested about $300,000 with Casey during the past year or so. And perhaps it's no surprise, Ray starts looking into diversifying even more, buying from other distilleries that Casey doesn't represent. Ray even makes a third trip to Scotland and that trip, well it's very different from his trips with Casey.

[00:20:52] Ray Stiefel: I flew back, again through London, but this time I was looking into another broker, and I called him up and I said, "I'm interested in investing, could I come visit?" And they said, "Sure," and they, they picked me up and they brought me to their office. There was no food involved. There was whiskey tasting involved, but there was no, there was no food involved. And I met, I met all the principals of the business, and they showed me their extensive uh collection of whiskey. So I felt very solid about that.

[00:21:31] Bob: But suddenly, not so solid about Casey. Remember, Ray and Casey had those fancy lunches, even visited distilleries, but Ray had never met the owners of any of the places he'd invested in, and he'd never even met the barrels of whiskey. At this point, his concerns are still sort of vague, but only a few hundred miles away from Ithaca, someone else in the US is suddenly becoming very concerned with whiskey investments.

[00:22:01] Brian McDonough: My name is Brian McDonough, and I'm an Assistant United States Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio.

[00:22:06] Bob: And what is your territory?

[00:22:08] Brian McDonough: So we cover the Northern District of Ohio which is the northern uh 40 counties in the state of Ohio. We have offices in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, and Toledo.

[00:22:21] Bob: And in those Ohio offices, there's a wee trickle of scam complaints coming in about investment opportunities involving liquor. One catches Brian's eye. It sounds way too familiar.

[00:22:35] Brian McDonough: We had a, a local referral from one of our uh local police departments of a victim who had invested money in, in wine and in whiskey. And it was referred to a local department that referred it to some of our uh local law enforcement and community partners, and what we found out was that this scam was actually a repeat of a scam that had occurred in the mid-1990s in California.

[00:23:07] Bob: It was a remake.

[00:23:08] Brian McDonough: It was a remake.

[00:23:10] Bob: Oh my God.

[00:23:10] Brian McDonough: Here's the movie, The Sting, where Robert Redford and Paul Neumann and they, they have, the horse race, the posting, the post-action of a, of a running a, a horse race, and it had that same flavor that we call that the wire. But in this case, the repeat of the scam was that there was rare champagne from France that was stored in bunkers, World War II bunkers.

[00:23:36] Bob: Oh wow.

[00:23:36] Brian McDonough: Outside of London. And there was an opportunity to purchase this champagne. It was rare, it would only appreciate in value, and as it turns out, it was a scam. There were no bunkers, there, there was no champagne, so that was the, the first inkling that uh this scam that started off with wine and then actually evolved into whiskey, it was the first, the first inkling that something, something was wrong, that this was, this was a repeat uh on a cla--, a classic, uh, scam.

[00:24:09] Bob: So Brian and his team start doing their research, and they quickly find there's more than a trickle of complaints about liquor investments coming from all over.

[00:24:20] Brian McDonough: Yes, we then look to see uh, across the country, were there other reports of it, and in fact, there were. There were other state regulatory entities that were looking at these suspect companies purporting to sell wine and whiskey, and there were numerous complaints across the country.

[00:24:40] Bob: And many of the complaints named the same salesman. Casey Alexander. So Brian and his team decide they need to dig into the case, but at the moment, they have a very big problem. Casey Alexander and everyone else seemingly involved in this scam is in the UK. They can't go arrest them there. So they devise a plan to bring Casey to the US. There is a reason why Brian dropped mention of the movie, The Sting, earlier.

[00:25:10] Brian McDonough: Casey was a, from the United Kingdom and had actually flown uh from London to the United States to meet with investors in person. It was one thing to be able to get investors to have an opportunity to, to talk with them on the phone, but to really get large scale investments, having someone in person would help the scam. So Casey came over and met in person with various uh investors.

[00:25:39] Bob: So the FBI speaks to another victim and asks, "Can you lure Casey to come to the US?"

[00:25:46] Brian McDonough: So we had uh, the way it worked was we had a, a victim investor ended up introducing Casey to another purported investor. And that investor was actually an undercover uh here in Cleveland, and then through a series of text messages, Casey ended up coming to Cleveland to meet with this purported investor who was an undercover, and Casey had an opportunity to describe the investment into whiskey.

[00:26:16] Bob: Casey thinks he's flying to the US to land a big investment, but instead he's been lured by a victim who connected Casey with an undercover agent. But the FBI doesn't arrest Casey right as he gets off the plane. The Feds want even more solid evidence of the crime, so...

[00:26:36] Brian McDonough: He was actually uh in Cleveland, and the, the meeting was, was set up and after he had met with the, the undercover, there was a follow-up meeting after that and Casey Alexander was arrested in downtown Cleveland en route to a, another meeting.

[00:26:51] Bob: You guys actually did set up a, a fake horse uh betting salon for him.

[00:26:56] Brian McDonough: (laughs) That really would have been a Hollywood setting on it, but considering the, the gravity and the scope, at this point, Casey was the front person in the United States for this investment scam. His name was on the bank accounts, he was the face of this investment opportunity. If investors went to a website, they saw him on the, on the website. So the ability to uh take him down was very gratifying.

[00:27:23] Bob: Was he surprised? Was he, you know, resistant? Or how did it go?

[00:27:27] Brian McDonough: For the actual takedown, he was shocked and surprised as well uh when he, he was arrested, he came and gave up the whole story. He, uh he took responsibility and when questioned uh by the FBI about his role and, and what he did, he took responsibility and admitted exactly what, what he was doing.

[00:27:50] Bob: Brian meets Casey later the day of the arrest, and he is struck by mixed feelings.

[00:27:57] Bob: Okay, so they brought him into your offices.

[00:27:59] Ray Stiefel: Correct. Uh, he was arrested on a complaint and he was uh, brought in that, that very day. And I looked and saw him and thought, how can this young kid be involved in, in international wine and, and whiskey, uh, fraud conspiracy?

[00:28:17] Bob: A young kid, I mean was he tall, lanky, did he looked scared?

[00:28:24] Brian McDonough: Tall, thin, uh good-looking, uh had a British accent. Was respectful, courteous, was uh intelligent and spoke very well.

[00:28:36] Bob: Hmm, it sounds like you had, you felt a little sorry for him that day.

[00:28:40] Brian McDonough: Uh, it's a mixture. Uh, one is to get justice for victims, and that means just stopping the fraud itself. And yet, at the same time in any case where you're, you're prosecuting a, a, a fraudster it's, I think part of the, the thought is what led them to this? How did they end up on this path? How could someone who obviously was very personable, very likeable, had the ability to create instant rapport with people such as Ray, how do they end up choosing a, a life of dishonest, that there were obviously others involved. He was not the only one. He was not the mastermind of the operation. But that he admitted uh what he did was wrong. He was a, a young, opportunistic kid who was looking for a way to better himself uh financially, and this area of investing in whiskey uh or in wine was kind of a gray area when it came to, to Europe. It wasn't a highly regulated uh industry. So in this space, he looked at, at it as an opportunity to go ahead and, and make some money and uh and better himself.

[00:29:51] Bob: The arrest of a man running a classic scam, but updated for the whiskey renaissance age. It's local news and Ray spots the story.

[00:30:01] Ray Stiefel: The article said, "young..." let's see, how did it go? "Young whiskey scammer steals $13 million from investors," something like that.

[00:30:16] Bob: And who was the young whiskey scammer?

[00:30:18] Ray Stiefel: Casey.

[00:30:20] Bob: It's the Casey you knew.

[00:30:20] Ray Stiefel: Yeah.

[00:30:22] Bob: Was there a picture of him in the story?

[00:30:23] Ray Stiefel: I'm going to say no, but it had to be him.

[00:30:27] Bob: You knew it had to be him. What did that feel like?

[00:30:29] Ray Stiefel: Like a punch to the stomach.

[00:30:32] Bob: God, it's terrible. I mean you must have had some reaction like there's got to be some mistake, right?

[00:30:36] Ray Stiefel: Yep. That's why I started calling the distilleries about, you know, within a couple of days I would imagine I started calling, yeah, I was, it was a panic, a time of panic.

[00:30:47] Bob: And in that panic he starts to call the distillers that are supposedly holding his investments.

[00:30:54] Ray Stiefel: I had a list of all the barrels that I had from this one distillery, it might have been 10 or 12 at that point from, from this one distillery. I called them up and I had, I had barrel numbers, and I spoke to the manager of the distillery and I said, I just want to verify that these barrels exist, and I gave him the numbers, and he said, "No, that's not our numbering system. No, we don't have any barrels with those numbers." When they said no, there's no such nu--, numbering system in our warehouse, then I realized what had happened and that, that I'd lost, you know I thought well maybe I lost some of my money, maybe it was just this one distillery. But I pretty quickly confirmed that all of it was a scam.

[00:31:35] Bob: God, that just terrible.

[00:31:38] Ray Stiefel: Yeah.

[00:31:39] Bob: Did you try to reach out to Casey?

[00:31:41] Ray Stiefel: Yes, I did. And initially the uh, the company remained reachable by phone in London. And he was always, you know, too busy or not available. The, there was also a representative here in the States who I believe subsequently was also named as a scammer, and I couldn't reach him. So very quickly I could not reach anybody. They still had people in the office. And but I, I didn't unload on them because I figured they were unaware of what was going on.

[00:32:22] Bob: Ray is now worried that all his investments, some 15 sets of six barrels of whiskey worth supposedly $300,000, well it's all a fraud. So what does a person do in that situation?

[00:32:37] Ray Stiefel: What did I do. At some point I called Brian McDonough, he's, he's very supportive. He did say, "Don't expect to get any of your money back."

[00:32:47] Bob: How did you find him?

[00:32:49] Ray Stiefel: Let me think. I, he, he might have been named in one of the articles.

[00:32:53] Bob: Okay, got it, yeah.

[00:32:55] Bob: So now they have Casey in custody, but he's still a UK citizen, so that makes prosecuting the crime very complicated.

[00:33:04] Bob: So what kind of complexities did that create for the case?

[00:33:07] Brian McDonough: For the case it was a little challenging because of the federal system. There are only two options available and those options include being detained, being in custody or uh being permitted on bond. Well the logistics of having him on bond would have him, him go back to the United Kingdom were, would be difficult. So the logistics of it was that he was ordered to be released on bond, but he had a geographic restriction in being uh required to remain in the district. So he remained in the Northern District of Ohio during the pendency of his case.

[00:33:42] Bob: It takes about a year to work through the case, and during that time Brian starts reaching out to all the victims.

[00:33:49] Bob: Okay, so once he pleads guilty, then you start reaching out to more victims and so did you talk directly to Ray?

[00:33:57] Brian McDonough: Yes, I, I talked to Ray throughout the pendency of the case. Ray had a uh, I would say a, a unique connection. He spent a lot of time talking with, with Casey. And I had the pleasure of just spending a lot of time talking with, with Ray as well on it.

[00:34:13] Bob: After more than a year of procedural wrangling, Casey pleads guilty, and Ray makes the trip for sentencing. And that's where you'll find the surprise ending I've promised you.

[00:34:24] Ray Stiefel: I drove to Cleveland, which from Ithaca is about a 4-hour drive, and coincidentally, that's where I went to university.

[00:34:32] Bob: So you know it, yeah.

[00:34:34] Ray Stiefel: So I drove from Ithaca, and I, and I went to the courthouse and I met Brian, I met some of the FBI agents, and finally Casey walked in. I hadn't seen him except for that, those two times. And he didn't make eye contact with me. He walked right to the, the, the uh defendant table. The defendants were on one side and the uh district attorney, the prosecutors were on another side. And the judge who was a very uh, very nice guy...

[00:35:06] Bob: Ray is there to have his say.

[00:35:09] Ray Stiefel: And everybody seemed fine. Asked some questions and at some point, he said, "I understand there's somebody here who would like to give a, a victim statement." And that was myself. So I got to stand up at a little microphone and I told the judge and others my experience. There wasn't a jury because he was already guilty, he already claimed to be guilty. I just said how it affected me, my finances. It was a blow to my finances, but I'll be okay, but it just, it hurt, and also my lack of trust in, in people. Like I really thought I had trusted this guy, I thought he was a friend, and then he did this to me. So I made a couple of remarks. I spoke for a couple minutes about my experience as a victim of this scam.

[00:35:57] Bob: Because of the particulars of the case, namely Casey's UK citizenship, the judge orders Casey to leave the country and pay partial restitution to the victims. And then something remarkable happens.

[00:36:12] Ray Stiefel: The interesting thing is, as the court ended and I stood up and talked again to some of the, some of the people, Casey walked by with his lawyers. He look at me and stopped, and it, it looked like he had a, a pained expression on his face. And he reached out. He was close enough to reach out, to shake my hand, and at that point I was kind of feeling a little bit sorry for him. I mean here's a guy, I think he was in his late 20s, and he really messed up his life. Even though I'm not 100% sure at what point he knew it was a scam. I don't know. There's... no one knows how culpable he really is except the fact that he sold things that didn't exist. We shook hands and he looked at me and he, he was kind of tearing up a little bit, and he, he stepped forward and gave me a big hug. And he said, "I'm really sorry, I didn't know this was happening." And then he walked away.

[00:37:07] Bob: Wow.

[00:37:08] Ray Stiefel: Yeah.

[00:37:09] Bob: I mean that's just something that, that never happens in the stories that we do here in the podcast that a victim and the criminal have a hug.

[00:37:17] Ray Stiefel: He uh, and I, I received it. I accepted it. I didn't push him away, I didn't hit him in the head. (chuckles) I just thought, you know, this guy, he's young, he, he was well-trained, mostly self-trained, and I think he was, it, it, it could be that he was really looking forward to a long career in whiskey. And the people he was representing had other intentions. So I, I still don't know, I may never know, but it, it could be that he was completely innocent and is paying the price of, of his future.

[00:37:50] Bob: And by completely innocent, it's possible you think that he was a salesperson who really thought there were whiskey barrels. He was unaware that there were no barrels.

[00:37:59] Ray Stiefel: Yes, that's, that's a possibility.

[00:38:01] Bob: Brian is bowled over by the hug exchange between victim and criminal.

[00:38:08] Brian McDonough: Ray was mer-, very merciful. He had forgiven Casey uh for Casey's conduct, and that is, that is rare. Many times uh victims that have lost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, having that just severe emotional devastation the, the lack of financial stability, an uncertain future, often there is, there is anger, uh there is, there is hatred, there is vitriol. In this one what impressed me was Ray's resilience throughout the, the process and that Ray had on that journey, had, had arrived at a place where he could be heard and really wished the best for Casey and, and part of that could have been to Casey's youth on it, but really wanted him to, to be better.

[00:39:01] Bob: You know it's amazing and he, Ray described me a scene during the sentencing where they act--, he and Casey actually hugged and people around him were mystified by that, but he meant it.

[00:39:10] Brian McDonough: He really did. There's a, there was a connection and, and part of me as a federal prosecutor is always concern when uh someone has that, that ins--, that rapport, that connection with a fraudster. Is this something that they obviously used, they feel emotionally connected and, and in this case, obviously an investment of considerable magnitude on that part. Is this, is this someone who's exploiting someone for their own gain? But in this case, the, the, the path that Ray took to get to the point where yes, he was financially assaulted in this scam, but then had the ability to accept that and look to, to move on and, and the power to forgive. One thing for financial fraud victims is the ability to have some grace, uh, the ability for fraud victims often are blaming themselves. They, they feel that they're stupid, they feel that they really beat themselves up over it and the idea is that no, the fraudsters are sophisticated, there's a script, they use psychological manipulation and techniques on it. And for Ray to have the grace to forgive Casey is in a way forgiving himself and the ability to move on which is huge. It really is. You, these types of cases victims can get stuck in the inability to move forward and the ability for Ray to, to do that, it's rare at that point in a courtroom to see that happen, but it's certainly so much for the better for Ray and for, for other victims as well.

[00:40:49] Bob: You are saying such a mouthful here. That's remarkable, this, this idea that the hardest person of all to forgive is yourself, but if you can forgive the criminal, it's easier to forgive yourself and, and then you can move past it and get on with the rest of your life. That's remarkable.

[00:41:04] Brian McDonough: Yeah, one technique is to write a letter of forgiveness and to forgive yourself, and then at the end of writing that letter do something memorable with it; burn it up, throw it away. Close that chapter and allow yourself the ability to move on.

[00:41:21] Bob: Brian's got a lot of wisdom when it comes to scams.

[00:41:25] Brian McDonough: One thing about investment scams is that they are really targeted for, for people. If, if people think that their future is up to themselves, that it's based on hard work and determination, and people who think that they have an internal locus of control, investment scams are for them, and scammers know that, and will target those people as opposed to others who might think that their future is up to fate and that whatever happens will happen. And that there is an external locus of control. For those victims, lottery scams are specially tailored for them whether it's the Irish Sweepstakes or the Jamaican Lottery. So in Ray's case having that in-- investment fraud scheme tailored and directed uh to him, for him to be able to go ahead and be able to move forward is, is, is huge.

[00:42:26] Bob: It's so interesting the way you put that, however. Um, we talk a lot on The Perfect Scam about how first of all anyone can be a victim, but also that there's a scam for everyone based on who you are and where you are in life and whatnot, and that there are different kinds of people who might be targeted either by a lottery scam or by an investment scam. That's fascinating.

[00:42:44] Brian McDonough: Yes.

[00:42:44] Bob: The most important part of these conversations of course is, is what takeaways you want listeners to have. So when somebody hears you talk about this situation, when somebody hears, hears Ray, what do you want them to learn from it?

[00:42:56] Brian McDonough: Any time that someone is offered an opportunity to invest, uh it's such a good idea to talk about it with another person, whether that be another financial advisor, an accountant, a banker, any trusted person, that's important always to have someone else's input and guidance. Investment fraud is tricky. Some of the resources available would include going to FINRA uh and FINRA uh is the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. And one can look up a particular broker or investment advisor or dealer, or in your own individual state to look up. And, and by doing so, to look up and ask. The other thing to be aware of is anything regarding is this investment opportunity, is it regulated? And in, in terms of wine or whiskey or even today, cryptocurrency, those aren't regulated. So as investors, there's absolutely much more risk involved in that. And then if someone does invest, and they, it turns out to be a scam, the most important thing is to report it. Sadly, many older Americans feel ashamed, embarrassment, and fail to report it. So to be able to report that scam, and whether it be to your local police, whether it be to the Federal Trade Commission, whether it be to the Better Business Bureau, any reporting of it, including IC3.gov, the Internet Crime Complaints Center, allows for authorities to investigate, and they were able to go ahead and link up these bad actors and whether they're domestic or whether they're international, uh as part of transnational crime, that's the most important thing.

[00:44:59] Bob: Sometimes it's hard to know where to report the crime to. You, you mentioned state securities regulators for example. I don't know that most people would know that there's a state office they could complain to for something like this.

[00:45:09] Brian McDonough: Yes, yes, and there is an overlap on some services between federal and state and you would simply check with your local state. All financial institutions are regulated, but they're, typically every state has a division of securities, so if someone's selling stocks, bonds, annuities, or like in this case, a commodity, there will be a state agency and simply by consulting with another person or, or checking with another entity can find out a little bit more about the investment. Is this legitimate? Have there been complaints about this broker? What are the risks that are involved? There's no 100% way uh to, to make sure but there are ways to at least reduce the risk. Uh, there's no way to prevent a dishonest broker, but the ability to talk to others and to look at state or federal regulators could help lessen or, or mitigate that risk.

[00:46:16] Bob: Ray is trying to move on with his life. Of course, still reeling from the theft of $300,000, hoping he'll see some of that restitution Casey was ordered to pay, but not holding his breath.

[00:46:29] Bob: He's now free in the UK, right?

[00:46:31] Ray Stiefel: I believe so. But if there are any international agreements that felons are free, but they had to make compensation. I did speak to Brian a couple of weeks ago, and I said, you know, has anybody heard from Casey? And Brian said no. I don't know, I'm going to call him again because he's very approachable. And if, if I call him at a time when he's not available, I leave a message and he, he'll call me typically the same day, even on his way home from work he will call me. He's that kind of guy.

[00:47:05] Bob: The pain he feels from the crime lives on as does the impact.

[00:47:12] Ray Stiefel: The immediate emotion is fear. Not for my own uh physical well-being but for my financial well-being. I do a lot of international, domestic and international welfare. You know I've been to Ukraine several times helping out with construction and renovation and food distribution, so I give a lot of my money to charity. I've worked for the World, The Kitchen, I don't what they call it... anyway International Food Service and donate money and time and labor to different organizations. So the biggest thing, my biggest concern, 'cause I'll, I'm fine. You know I wasn't planning on buying a yacht. World Central Kitchen is the...

[00:47:57] Bob: You mean Jose Andres' thing, right?

[00:47:58] Ray Stiefel: Yes, yeah, I volunteered with them a couple of times in both Poland and, well mostly Poland 'cause they pulled out of Ukraine, but I've worked with him in Poland, World Central Kitchen. And so part of my biggest disappointment is not being able to help out as much as I had hoped to. And I can pretty much guarantee that all the money that I lost would have gone towards those kinds of organizations.

[00:48:19] Bob: Ah, that's just a terrible thing. So whoever stole that money, they literally stole it out of the mouths of people who really need help, right?

[00:48:27] Ray Stiefel: Yep, yeah. It would probably cost lives. Again, I did some renovation of bombed buildings over in uh, over in Ukraine and that's the biggest hurt is, oh my God, I can't do everything that I've been wanting to do and planning to do.

[00:48:40] Bob: Wow.

[00:48:40] Ray Stiefel: So again, I'll, you know, it puts a ding in my own personal lifestyle but not terribly impactful, but just I'm the kind of person that I, I like to give. I like to give away, and it just, I mean there's less to give away.

[00:48:56] Bob: And he's left feeling more distrustful than ever.

[00:49:00] Ray Stiefel: So my investment in whiskey was an attempt to make sure, 'cause as my income goes down as I get older, I wanted to have other sources of income, and that's what the investments were for. So it doesn't affect me or my willingness to give, or my trust in other people that I'm giving to, uh yes, I, I'm, I'm more distrustful of anybody that comes to me with an offer, but it just makes me sad that I, I can't help. So that's the most impactful thing is the people that I could have helped that I won't be able to.

[00:49:31] Bob: What sort, sort of advice do you have for people who might be listening to your story?

[00:49:36] Ray Stiefel: I would say, you know some people operate more on intuition, but do, do everything you can to inform your intuition and to inform yourself as a good investor. Visit, do as many visits as you can. I mean there are all kinds of investments. Um, this one is not regulated by the US government. I mean most of our stock market activity is regulated by the government and I, I trust my government, but yeah do, do all the vetting, do and, and visit, look at people, go to the site. You know if they're making something, go to the factory. You know $300,000 is a lot of money for a lot of people, and so don't invest any more than you can afford to lose, which is an adage that we hear all the time.

[00:50:25] Bob: Sure.

[00:50:25] Ray Stiefel: And do all the research that you can, meet the people, look them in the eye, and yeah.

[00:50:31] Bob: When it comes to whiskey investments, it turns out there are some regulations Ray didn't know about designed to protect investors.

[00:50:39] Bob: And did you ever get any kind of like statements or in, like receipts or any, any kind of paperwork on these things?

[00:50:45] Ray Stiefel: Yes, and that's the other thing that people investing, particularly in whiskey, need to be in the lookout for. There's something called a delivery order. I never got one and they never sent me anything close to what was a industry-wide accepted proof of purpose. That they did send me invoices and paid statements which anybody could make up, which apparently they were doing. But I never received what was called a delivery order, which is a very official government-certified document stating that this is your barrel, this is the number of the barrel, and hang onto it until you sell your barrel.

[00:51:32] Bob: Sounds kind of like a car title.

[00:51:33] Ray Stiefel: Yes, yep. Something very official. But I was too naive to...

[00:51:40] Bob: But, but you didn't, you didn't know that existed at the time, right?

[00:51:42] Ray Stiefel: I was told that, you know I would, eventually I went online and googled for whiskey investments, and there are a number of, I would say reputable teachers, professionals who can warn you of, 'cause they don't want the, the whole industry to get a bad name. So there's plenty of information out there should you avail yourself of it, so doing a lot of research, even though I thought I had, did not safeguard my investment.

[00:52:14] Bob: And let's just make sure to say this; any investments in these kinds of industries are very risky. You shouldn't consider them unless you do a lot of research, and even then, know that you could lose all your money. Most people should just stick to straightforward investments like those available like a 401k or a IRA. And also, most of all...

[00:52:36] Bob: You had also said something about cold calls.

[00:52:39] Ray Stiefel: Yes. Cold calls are, we're told, are an indication, you know, that if they're reaching out to you instead of you reaching out to them, don't respond.

[00:52:50] Bob: If you didn't do the reaching out, just don't answer the phone or return the call. That's the best, simplest advice. For The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan.

(MUSIC SEGUE)

[00:53:12] Bob: If you have been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Their trained fraud specialists can provide you with free support and guidance on what to do next. Our email address at The Perfect Scam is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org, and we want to hear from you. If you've been the victim of a scam or you know someone who has, and you'd like us to tell their story, write to us. That address again is: theperfectscampodcast@aarp.org. Thank you to our team of scambusters; Associate Producer, Annalea Embree; Researcher, Becky Dodson; Executive Producer, Julie Getz; and our Audio Engineer and Sound Designer, Julio Gonzalez. Be sure to find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. For AARP's The Perfect Scam, I'm Bob Sullivan.

(MUSIC OUTRO)

END OF TRANSCRIPT
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ABP News (Hindi), with 58.8 mn Unique Users, surpassed Aaj Tak (55.4 mn), Live Hindustan (51.2 mn), and NDTV (48.7 mn) in the Hindi leaderboard rankings as per the Comscore MMX Rankings that included social incremental metricstraffic.

ABP Majha ranked #1 in Marathi leaderboard with 13.8 mn Unique Users, surpassing Lokmat.com (12.2 mn) and Loksatta (10.98 mn) in the November 2024 Comscore MMX Rankings including social incremental metricstraffic. This remarkable achievement not only solidifies ABP Majhas position as the top choice among the Marathi publishers, butpublishers but also highlights how it maintained a consistent audience appeal as the leading destination for news during the crucial months of Maharashtra Assembly polls. ABP Majha ranked #1 in the Comscore VMX Leaderboard for October 2024 too, with 18.5 mn unique viewers and 316 mn views, surpassing TV9 and News18 Lokmat.

ABP Ananda has firmly established itself as the leader in the Bengali market once again and led with 13.6 mn unique users in the November 2024 Comscore MMX Leaderboard, recording more than double the reach compared to the nearest competition, i.e. News 18 Bangla (5.8 mn). ABP Ananda topped the VMX Leaderboard too, with 139 mn views in October 2024, surpassing News18 (114.8 mn). This exceptional performance underscores ABP Anandas dominance in the Bengali language media landscape.

This remarkable achievement across languages for ABP Network not only solidifies its position as the #1 choice among Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi languages, but also showcases the affinity of the audiences for ABP as the chosen News destination for text and video formats across websites, apps, social media platforms, and YouTube channels.

(1) (Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Total Digital Population, News/Information category, November 2024, India) - Includes social media measurement.

(2) Comscore MMX Multi-Platform, Custom list of Bengali Publishers (ABP Live Bengali - ABP Ananda, News18 Bangla, TV9 Bangla, Anandabazar Patrika, HT Bangla), Unique User Reach Total Digital Population (000), November 2024, India, Total Digital Population

(3) Comscore MMX Multi-Platform, Custom list of Marathi Publishers (ABP Live Marathi - ABP Majha, Lokmat, Loksatta, Esakal, TV9 Marathi, Zee News Marathi), Unique User Reach (000) Total Digital Population, November 2024, India, Total Digital Population

(4) Comscore VMX Video-Metrix Multi-Platform, Custom list of Marathi YouTube Channels (ABP Majha @ YouTube, TV9 Marathi @ YouTube, News18 Lokmat @ YouTube, Zee24 Taas @ YouTube), Total Digital Video Reach Unique Reach (000), Video Views,October 2024, India,

(5) Comscore VMX Video-Metrix Multi-Platform, Custom list of Bengali YouTube Channels (ABP Ananda @ YouTube, TV9 Bangla @ YouTube, News18 Bangla @ YouTube, Zee24 Ghanta @ YouTube), Unique Reach (000)Total Digital Video Reach, Video Views, October 2024, India
National Startup Day, observed yesterday, brought together the dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship that has shaped India into one of the world's most vibrant startup ecosystems. Leaders and innovators across industries shared insights, reflecting on the journey of startups and the path ahead.

Shan Jain, Independent Director, Brand Strategist, and Marketing Transformation Advisor, emphasized the pivotal moments that propelled India to become the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. From the IT boom to Jios digital revolution and pandemic-induced digital adoption, India has steadily evolved into a hub of innovation. Jain noted that startups today enjoy diverse funding avenues, from venture capital and IPOs to strategic investments, allowing innovation to flourish across sectors like fintech, edtech, and SaaS.

The focus now is on sustainable growth, Jain remarked, highlighting a shift in priorities as the industry matures. Tier 2 and 3 cities, once overlooked, are emerging as entrepreneurial hotspots, democratizing opportunities and showcasing untapped potential.

Despite starting with a funding winter, 2024 saw a resurgence marked by strategic investments in AI, climate tech, and deep tech. IPOs became a preferred route for late-stage startups, signaling a shift towards profitability and market credibility. Jain observed a recalibration in the ecosystem, where long-term value creation is now prioritized over rapid scaling.

Looking forward, innovation-driven growth and cross-sector collaborations are expected to define 2025. Shan Jain predicts AI, deep tech, and climate tech will remain key investment areas, reflecting a global focus on sustainability. Smaller cities will also play a larger role in shaping Indias startup narrative, breaking the traditional dominance of metropolitan hubs.

For Hemant Kabra, Founder & Managing Director of BGauss, National Startup Day is a celebration of self-reliance and sustainability. At BGauss, were proud to contribute to Indias journey by designing and manufacturing electric two-wheelers locally. Startups like ours have the flexibility to innovate and mould around sustainable goals, he said, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing and accessible urban mobility solutions.

Dr. Reema Nadig, Co-Founder and COO of KITES Senior Care, reflected on the unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare startups. This day celebrates entrepreneurial courage and the resilience to solve real-world challenges, she said. Nadig highlighted the transformative potential of blending creativity with compassion, particularly in niche sectors that are gaining recognition for their meaningful impact.

National Startup Day not only marks the progress of Indian startups but also inspires a collective vision for the future. As Shan Jain aptly summarized, the movement towards building a resilient, scalable, and globally competitive ecosystem with sustainability at its core is well underway.

From startups in Tier 3 towns to deep tech ventures reshaping industries, Indias entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to innovations power to overcome challenges and create lasting value. National Startup Day is more than a celebrationits a reminder to nurture bold ideas and work collaboratively toward sustainable success.
On 10th January 2025, Rising Ahmedabad, the inaugural event of the Rising 100 Cities series, was held at Binori Hotel. Organized by Network18, presented by Maruti Suzuki, and partnered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the event aimed to celebrate the spirit of innovation, road safety, sustainable development, and local excellence in Indias urban hubs. Gathering included industry leaders, government officials, and innovators. Rising Ahmedabad showcased the citys transformation into a hub of progress, sustainability, and innovation while fostering discussions to inspire positive change.

The session, graced by distinguished speakers including Pratibhaben Jain (Mayor, Ahmedabad), M. Thannarsan (Municipal Commissioner, AMC), Devang Dani (Chairman, Standing Committee, AMC), Nilay Patel (MD, Deepa Builders & Hon. Secretary, CREDAI-Ahmedabad), Hiren Patel (Architect), Parth Patel (Coordinator, CREDAI-India Youth Central Zone & MD, Kavisha Group), Rizvan Kadri (Historian), Mr. Kalyan Sunder, General Manager, CSR, MSIL and Ashish Trambdia (Conservation Architect), focused on Sadak Suraksha, Swachh Bharat, Sustainability, and Skill development.

The Rising Cities series is about celebrating the spirit of innovation, sustainable development, and local excellence in Indias urban hubs, while fostering discussions that inspire positive change. The Rising Cities series will next travel to Gurugram, Pratapgarh, Mumbai, and Lucknow, among others, celebrating their unique strengths while sparking dialogue on their growth trajectories.
The RedNote (or Xiaohongshu) app is drawing legions of American "TikTok refugees." Cheng Xin/Getty Images

Time might be running out here for TikTok, a video-sharing app that  according to a July 2024 report from a web-search strategy business  boasts about 170 million users throughout the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that unless the social media platform's parent company sells the app to an entity the U.S. doesn't consider to be controlled by a "foreign adversary," TikTok will be banned here starting Sunday. A law Congress passed last year allows the White House to extend the deadline to sell. On Friday, the Biden administration said it would leave the ban's implementation to the incoming president.

Devotees of TikTok show their support for the social media platform during a demonstration this spring at the Capitol in Washington. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press photo

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As the TikTok drama continues, hundreds of thousands of Americans are turning to an alternative: another Chinese-owned content-sharing platform, known as Xiaohongshu, or RedNote.

On Thursday, Google Trends showed a spike in daily searches for "RedNote," and in a Wednesday report, Reuters said more than 700,000 users have downloaded the app since Monday. Indeed, the app has climbed to the top spot on the Apple Store's "Top Free Apps" chart as more and more American users flock to the site.

Here's why the U.S. is targeting TikTok with a ban, plus why RedNote is welcoming so many "TikTok refugees."

Why ban TikTok?

The Supreme Court made the ruling Friday as it weighed a lawsuit filed by TikTok's its Chinese parent company, ByteDance Ltd. The suit claims that "Congress has enacted a massive and unprecedented speech restriction" through a law passed under the Biden administration that would ban any social media company "controlled by a foreign adversary ... determined by the President to present a significant threat to national security."

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Dubbed the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," the law aims to bolster national security against data-collecting applications owned by "foreign adversaries" to prevent those adversaries from using that data against the United States. The legislation gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok  otherwise the social media platform would be banned from U.S. app stores and internet hosting services.

What is RedNote?

The Chinese lifestyle, networking and e-commerce app was born in 2013. It comes from Shanghai-based company Xingin Information Technology, whose president and co-founder Qu Miranda boasts a net worth of about $1.3 billion, according to Forbes.

The app is a Chinese alternative to Instagram and Facebook, which the country has banned. RedNote's Pinterest-like layout allows users to scroll through a collection of video clips with short descriptions, much like TikTok. The "Explore" section is based on the user's preferences, and focuses on a variety of lifestyle content from travel, shopping and beauty to food, home decor and celebrity culture.

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ALSO READ: Nonprofit faces multiple lawsuits over bleacher collapse at Kendall County Fair

Why are people moving from TikTok to RedNote?

The simple answer is that RedNote is similar enough to TikTok to serve as a replacement, although there are American "TikTok refugees" using RedNote who seem to enjoy thumbing their noses at the U.S. government. They're swapping out an app that was banned for being Chinese-owned with another app that is Chinese-owned.

Im signing up for Xiaohongshu specifically so the CCP can get my data  ettingermentum (@ettingermentum) January 14, 2025

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What would a total TikTok ban look like?

Plenty of TikTok users in the United States  especially professional content creators and business owners  say the app will be difficult to replace if it's banned here.

"Businesses depend on it for their livelihood," said Adrianne Ortega, owner of Alma Acupuncture in San Antonio. As a business owner who uses social media to promote her services, Ortega said the potential TikTok ban has prompted her to migrate to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

"I could feel a shift coming in the last quarter of 2024 and that shift came quicker than anticipated. This is what business owners have to do to survive," she told the Express-News. "We have to be willing to pivot and stay relevant."

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On Aug. 22, 1923, fire broke out at the historic state capitol building in Tuscaloosa. It was Alabamas second statehouse but at the time of the fire, it was being used as Alabama Central Female College.

The loss of the stately building, constructed between 1826 and 1829, was a blow. Remaining in the ashes were an interior wall of the once-beautiful rotunda, some columns, and dozens of bricks.

See a photo gallery of the building and its ruins at the top of this story.

In 1926, the state considered creating a state park to preserve the ruins. An article in the Decatur Daily quoted the Montgomery Advertiser: For the future generations, we should preserve the Old State House at Tuscaloosa as a symbol, surrounded by a park characteristic of the state. The state park plan did not come to fruition.

For years, the ruins remained in a pile of debris, becoming overgrown with vegetation, according to a 2019 article in the Tuscaloosa News.

Some people took souvenirs in the form of column toppers and other detailing; during the Great Depression, the pile was often looted for bricks to build houses.

It wasnt until 1988 that a group in Tuscaloosa decided to preserve the ruins. A charitable foundation was set up to preserve what was left, including materials returned by townspeople, according to the Tuscaloosa News article.

The ruins of the state capitol building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama's second statehouse, are on display in Capitol Park.Carol Highsmith | Library of Congress

Today, the ruins are part of the City of Tuscaloosas Capitol Park, where visitors can see some of the columns and other stone fragments in their original locations, the article said.

The second capital

In 1825, Cahaba, sometimes spelled Cahawba, was the capital city of Alabama, having been the first designated after statehood was approved in 1819 (Huntsville served as the states temporary capital in 1819, where a meeting was held to vote on a constitution and a permanent location).

Alabama's second statehouse, located in Tuscaloosa, was used as the seat of government from 1826-1846, is shown in this undated photo. In 1846, Alabama's capital was moved to Montgomery. The building was used by the Alabama Central Female College until it burned in 1923.Library of Congress

In Cahaba, a large capitol building with a cupola was constructed in the bustling town at the confluence of the Cahaba and Alabama rivers. Over the next five years, the town suffered frequent flooding from the rivers, damaging buildings and crops and sometimes making it difficult for Legislators to reach the city for meetings. Mosquitoes thrived in the floodwaters, posing a serious health threats at the time.

The state Legislature voted by a narrow margin in 1825 to move the state capital to Tuscaloosa, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. It would become the third site for the state capital and the site of the second capitol building. (The Alabama Territory had a capital city at St. Stephens until statehood in 1819.)

The official move to Tuscaloosa came in 1826 and plans were drawn up for a capitol building to be constructed on Childress Hill. During construction, Legislators met in various buildings around town, including Bell Tavern and a business on Broad Street, the Encyclopedia of Alabama article said.

The building was used until 1846 when Tuscaloosa became increasingly inconvenient as a seat of government for the rapidly growing state, according to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Alabamas population gains concentrated in the states more eastern counties as Indian lands there opened to White settlement, prompting a clamor for a more centrally located capital.

The building

The capitol was designed by William Nichols as his first project in his new position as the state architect of Alabama, according to a historic buildings page at the University of Alabama.

Nichols, born in Bath, England, was extremely skilled in the Neoclassical and Greek Revival styles, and had first-hand experience with European architecture ... An iconic structure in the Greek Revival and Federal styles was needed, according to the university.

The new capitol was a combination of Greek Revival and Federal styles, a design inspired by the work of Thomas Jefferson. The building, which cost between $100,00 and $150,000 to build, was constructed atop Childress Hill with a prominent dome and cupola.

The dome was elevated in such a way to be seen from across the Black Warrior River, which was a source of great traffic to the area, the university said. The structure made a statement both about Tuscaloosas importance and the long reach of Western government and philosophy.

The building had three wings that met at a rotunda area located beneath the central dome.

Inside the rotunda of Alabama's second statehouse located in Tuscaloosa. It was used as the seat of government from 1826-1846, when the capital was moved to Montgomery. The building was being used by Alabama Central Female College when this undated photo was taken.Library of Congress

In November 1846, Montgomery was chosen as the new capital city because of its proximity to most the most populated areas in the state and its location along the Alabama River, which would provide a mode of transportation to the new statehouse.

Tuscaloosa lost the designation as capital but it still had the capitol building. The huge building was deeded to the University of Alabama but, initially, the college had no use for it.

It wasnt until 1857 that an opportunity arose for the site: The universitys Board of Trustees agreed to lease the facility to the Alabama Central Female College, a Baptist school for women.

An 1881 article in the Tuscaloosa Weekly Times gave glowing reviews to the college and its graduates, saying, The main College building, which was the old Capitol, is a specimen of the most splendid architecture and not surpassed in the South, the walls being in an excellent state of preservation and six feet thick. An additional building, 60x45 feet, has been erected of solid masonry, at a cost of about $30,000. The college grounds cover about three acres with lovely shade trees and splendid places for exercise, with everything to make the young girls happy, and every incentive to influence them to study, being in the old State Capitol of Alabama.

The fire began in the afternoon on Aug. 22, 1923, destroying the capitol and the new addition. The Birmingham News reported the next day: Where Wednesday morning the great, red-brick structure with its glittering dome, once the very center of interest to all Alabama, reared its head from among the grove of magnificent oak trees which surrounded it, Thursday only a smouldering [sic] mass of brick and stone is left.

The article also reported, Not a cent of insurance was carried on the building, which was considered practically fireproof. Until comparatively few years ago, here were no fire escapes on the building

Fortunately, few people were inside when fire broke out. The only occupants of the building now, since summer vacation is on, were Dr. Foster and his family, and one or two others, and some of them were away from the place when the fire started, the article said. Much of the furniture on the lower floors was saved and stored in nearby house and stores.

An official cause was not determined, with some sources claiming the fire was the fault of construction worker who was soldering and some saying faulty wiring was to blame.

See additional photos in the gallery at the top of this story.
Joan Plowright, considered one of Britains most celebrated actors, has died at the age of 95.

The widow of Sir Laurence Olivier had a career span more than 60 years, which included an Oscar nomination for 1991s Enchanted April.

She married Olivier in 1961 after starring with him in The Entertainer.

In a statement published by the BBC, her family said they were so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.

Per the report:

It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.

She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.

She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.

According to The Associated Press, theaters will dim their lights for two minutes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in her honor.

Plowright is survived by her three children  Tamsin, Richard and Julie-Kate, all actors, and several grandchildren.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Cameron Diaz has finally made her triumphant return to movie stardom, but it comes with a caveat her longtime fans may not love.

The star of The Holiday, Theres Something About Mary and other popular romantic comedies outright said shes done with the genre.

Diaz, 52, currently co-stars with Jamie Foxx in the new spy thriller Back in Action (now streaming on Netflix), her first film since 2014s Annie, which also co-starred Foxx. In the movie, Diaz and Foxx play former CIA spies who are drawn back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed.

In a recent interview with Empire, Diaz reflected on her return to acting and remains undecided on whether not shes back for good.

I dont know how I view it. Its hard to say, she told Empire. If I say it then it becomes this thing. I reserve the right to say no to doing a movie ever again, and I reserve the right to say yes if I decide to. Im not defining anything. Im just open to whatever makes sense for me and my family at any given moment.

But Diaz sounded certain of one thing: Shes moving on from the genre that brought her great fame starting in the 1990s.

No more rom-coms, only mom-coms, said the mother of two.

Read the full Empire article.

Indeed, Diaz is a rom-com icon.

After debuting in 1994s Jim Carrey slapstick vehicle The Mask, she began to appear in somewhat edgier romantic comedies like Shes the One and Feeling Minnesota in 1996 before her mainstream breakthrough continued while supporting rom-com queen Julia Roberts in My Best Friends Wedding just a year later.

Diaz became a superstar and a go-to Hollywood lead with 1998s gross-out comedy hit Theres Something About Mary, and she continued as a face of the genre with others like The Sweetest Thing, The Holiday, Knight and Day, Bad Teacher, What to Expect When Youre Expecting, The Other Woman and Sex Tape.

But Diaz wasnt limited to a single category, stretching the movie genre spectrum while working with A-list directors in films like Spike Jonzes Being John Malkovich, Oliver Stones Any Given Sunday, Cameron Crowes Vanilla Sky, Martin Scorseses Gangs of New York and Ridley Scotts The Counselor.

She also became the face of the Charlies Angels action franchise and served as one of the key voices in the globally successful Shrek animated film series.

Following the release of Annie in 2014, has written a book, invested in startups and launched a wine brand. She will next appear in the film Outcome, co-starring Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill (who is also directing), along with Alabamas Laverne Cox and Roy Wood Jr.
Add Montgomerys Freedom Monument Sculpture Park to the list of places you need to visit in 2025.

The park -- which honors the lives and memories of 10 million Black people who were enslaved in America and celebrates their courage and resilience -- is featured on Southern Livings list of The 25 Best Places To Go In The South In 2025.

Overlooking the Alabama River, the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park opened last year, and it is the third component in the Equal Justice Initiatives Legacy Sites in Montgomery, joining the Legacy Museum, which examines the history of slavery and its aftermath, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, an outdoor memorial to victims of lynching that opened in 2018.

RELATED: Bringing people to Alabama: EJI memorials draw millions

The centerpiece of the 17-acre sculpture park is the 43-foot-tall, 150-foot-long National Monument to Freedom, which includes the surnames of more than 120,000 former slaves.

Visitors also may go inside a train car like those used to transfer enslaved people to Montgomery while they hear trains pass on nearby tracks that were originally laid by enslaved people, according to the parks website.

The park also includes sculptures created from bricks made by enslaved artisans.

Here is what the Southern Living writers had to say about the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park:

The Equal Justice Initiatives Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened in the first capital of the Confederacy in 2018, drawing people from all over the world. The site, which documents the legacy of slavery in America, uses first-person narratives, art, educational exhibits, and interactive media to tell a comprehensive story. Now the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park finds yet another way to illustrate our countrys fraught historythrough large-scale sculptures. The site lies on 17 acres along the Alabama River, a waterway that facilitated the passage of tens of thousands of enslaved workers. Visitors can step inside original plantation dwellings, as well as into replicas of train cars used for human transport. The National Monument to Freedom, the parks central feature, pays homage to over 4 million formerly enslaved people who won freedom after the Civil War.

Other places to visit on Southern Livings 2025 list include the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Preservation Hall in New Orleans and the Horizons District in Oklahoma City. To read the complete list, go here.

The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park is at 831 Walker St. in Montgomery. For hours and more information, go here.
After a Thursday night shooting on First Avenue North, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin this morning stated his opposition to the opening of PRVLGE, a new bar in a trouble spot where the Birmingham City Council last month approved a new liquor license.

Privilege should not open, Woodfin said in a social media post on X this morning. Even before they open, I have no confidence that other patrons of existing businesses, future patrons of their business, and most importantly the residents in that block and vicinity will be safe.

PRVLGE plans to open on the same downtown Birmingham block where a previous lounge, Cru, was shut down in 2024 after a controversy that included a lawsuit filed by the city.

The new bar was approved for a liquor license last month by the Birmingham City Council.

PRVLGE owner Dan Crane, an attorney who runs Dan Crane Accident and Injury Law, told the City Council that it would offer networking for professionals, similar to Paper Doll, 2320 First Ave. North, another lounge on the same block of First Avenue North.

Management at PRVLGE issued a statement today in response to the shooting and the mayors statement.

We at PRVLGE, Inc. are deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred on Thursday evening and extend our heartfelt wishes for the victims full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones during this difficult time. To clarify, PRVLGE has not yet opened for business. On the night of the incident, our only involvement was offering assistance to a gunshot victim who was brought into our space for aid. We firmly believe that helping someone in need is a fundamental responsibility, and we stand by our decision to do the right thing in that moment. We recognize and respect Mayor Randall Woodfins commitment to address gun violence in Birmingham. However, holding a closed business accountable for an incident that occurred a block away on a public streetover which we had no controlis both unfair and unwarranted. The unfortunate incident had no connection to PRVLGE, and our actions that evening were solely motivated by compassion and a sense of duty to assist someone in distress. It is imperative that we focus on real solutions to Birminghams ongoing crime challenges rather than placing blame on a business that simply rendered aid. As a community, we must come together to address the root causes of violence and work toward meaningful change to ensure a safer city for all. The recent shooting in Birmingham underscores a pressing issue: the Birmingham Police Department is understaffed, leaving the community vulnerable to brazen criminal acts. The fact that a shooting occurred during a busy time of day is alarming and highlights both the lack of concern from those committing these violent acts and the City of Birminghams failure to maintain a sufficient number of sworn police officers to protect citizens. This is not a problem of locationit is a city-wide issue. The fear of violence extends beyond downtown, affecting neighborhoods throughout Birmingham. Criminals are emboldened because they do not fear law enforcement, and it is critical that the city prioritizes increasing the number of sworn officers and rebuilding public trust. Additionally, we are disheartened by the false narratives that have been circulated regarding our business. We will not allow misleading information to tarnish the reputation of PRVLGE or the integrity of our team. The facts remain clearPRVLGE was not involved in the incident, and our only action was assisting an individual in need. We urge city officials, the media, the public to ensure that accountability is placed where it rightfully belongs and that businesses like ours, which seek to bring positive contributions to the community, are not unfairly targeted. As a future member of Birminghams vibrant business community, PRVLGE is committed to fostering a safe and positive environment. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with city officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to ensure responsible operations and contribute to the growth and safety of downtown Birmingham. Our mission is to create a welcoming space that brings people together while being part of the broader effort to make our city stronger and safer.

Privilege should not open.



Even before they open, I have no confidence that other patrons of existing businesses, future patrons of their business, and most importantly the residents in that block and vicinity will be safe.  Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) January 17, 2025

A man was shot while in his vehicle Thursday night about 6:30 p.m. around the 2300 block of First Avenue North, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Officers arrived on the scene when they were flagged by community members who alerted them to the injured person. After being shot he had been pulled into a nearby business, which PRVLGE management confirmed was their business, although its not open yet. The victim was taken to UAB Hospital and underwent surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.

Woodfin visited the scene of the shooting Thursday, along with Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett and Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr.

Woodfin did not express opposition to PRVLGE at the City Council meeting where the liquor license was approved.

PRVLGE was approved to open in the middle of the block at 2312 First Ave. North, in a space previously occupied by Cassanova Bar and Lounge, which offered hookah smoking in addition to cocktails. Cassanova closed in 2024.

Cru was on the western corner of the block, in the Fix-Play building, at 2300 First Ave. North. It closed in June.

The city of Birmingham sued Cru on May 8 seeking the declaration of a public nuisance and requiring operators to take necessary steps to eliminate criminal activity or be prohibited from operating. Cru was the subject of a June 18 hearing to revoke its business license. The city accused Cru of allowing an atmosphere of lawlessness including promoting exhibition driving on First Avenue North.

We cannot hold Mr. Crane responsible for what the Cru people did, said Council member Valerie Abbott in the Dec. 10 council meeting. But she did say there would be a lot of scrutiny.

He gets the baggage that goes with it, she said. We are going to be watching.

Crane did not announce when he planned to open PRVLGE.

I would ask that yall wrap your arms around him, Council member J.T. Moore said at the Dec. 10 meeting. Patronize the business.

Several downtown residents spoke against granting the liquor license, including Daniel Christiansen, president of the Central City Neighborhood Association. Christiansen said the neighborhood association had trust issues with Crane because of his previous legal representation of another bar, Saferoom Lounge in the Watts Tower at 2008 Third Ave. North, an area with issues of concern to downtown residents. That location is now the Belo Hookah Studio. The former Facebook page for Saferoom, which closed in April, now promotes PRVLGE.

I feel like downtown is for everyone  its our living room, said Council member Carol Clarke, who supported the liquor license at the Dec. 10 meeting. Its the living room of our entire city.

Council member Crystal Smitherman also said problems with other downtown businesses shouldnt be held against Crane. Young people still deserve to have a place to go to, she said at the hearing. We cant prevent another Cru.

Crane said admittance would be restricted to age 25 and older. Business hours will be 5 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Sunday. He said he adjusted that from a previously announced plan to be open until 2 a.m.

I say give him a chance, Smitherman said on Dec. 10. We still want to boost our economy. There arent any reasons to deny him for this.

The proposed location of PRVLGE is directly across the street from Armour House, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant that opened in November at 2309 First Ave. North.
Alabama is one of ten states currently recording some of the highest influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in the nation, according to the CDC.

As of Jan. 11, Alabama is reporting very high ILI activity, which is patients presenting with symptoms like fever and body aches, the CDC site says.

The state is just two levels under the highest possible category on the CDCs ILI rating system, which is one level below where it was last week.

And it remains in the high ranking for COVID and RSV levels detected in the wastewater, according to the CDC.

However, according to Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) data, emergency department visits for flu, COVID, and RSV have decreased by 19% overall since the first week of January.

But Dr. Wes Stubblefield, medical officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health, previously said he anticipates numbers wont peak until early February.

We will always see, after kids come back to school, a spread of respiratory pathogens, he said.

Doctors at Tuscaloosas Druid City Hospital (DCH) have reported an increase in RSV cases in west Alabama recently, according to WBRC.

And national CDC predictions say that flu numbers are expected to remain at a high or very high level for the next two weeks.

To keep yourself and others healthy, the ADPH recommends getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID and that adults 60 and over and infants get vaccinated for RSV.

They also recommend social distancing from others if you feel any viral respiratory symptoms like a cough, body aches, or a fever.

And Stubblefield said students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to the classroom.

For more info on preventing respiratory viruses visit the CDC website.
An Alabama Death Row inmate, who is set to die next month by nitrogen gas, is arguing that he shouldnt be in Alabamas custody at all.

Demetrius Terrence Frazier, 52, is set to die sometime within a 30-hour-period starting at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 6 and ending at 6 a.m. on Feb. 7. Frazier is set to die by inhaling pure nitrogen gas.

But on Thursday afternoon, Fraziers attorneys with the Federal Public Defenders filed a lawsuit saying Frazierwho admitted to the slaying of Pauline Brown in Jefferson County over 30 years agoshouldnt be in the states prison system.

Frazier was arrested in Michigan in 1992, when he was 19 years old. Shortly after his arrest, he admitted to killing Brown in 1991.

Frazier was convicted in Michigan for a string of crimes. In 1995, Michigan authorities brought Frazier to Alabama, where he was tried, found guilty and sentenced to death. The Michigan authorities then brought him back north.

Frazier remained locked up in Michigans penal system, serving three life sentences for 1993 convictions of murder, criminal sexual conduct, and robbery in the state. But in 2011, then-Govs. Robert Bentley of Alabama and Rick Snyder of Michigan created an executive agreement to transfer Frazier to Alabama, according to documents signed by the governors and attached to the new lawsuit.

No explanation was provided in the documents as to why the transfer was initiated.

Michigan does not have the death penalty, and its state constitution banned it in 1963.

Now Fraziers attorneys are arguing that executive agreement was unlawful and void, and asking the inmate to be sent back to Michigan.

One of Fraziers lawyers, Spencer Hahn, wrote in November to the current Michigan governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arguing that Frazier is in the legal custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections and being executed by Alabama would violate the northern states constitution. Hahn asked the governor to do everything in (her) power to ensure he is returned to the physical custody of MDOC.

You have a legal duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Michigan Constitution and Mr. Frazier requests you do so, Hahn wrote.

Whitmers office had not responded to a request for comment from AL.com prior to publication of this story.

Whitmer, according to the lawsuit, responded to Hahn and said she would not act on his request at that time.

In the Thursday lawsuit, Fraziers lawyers argued his Michigan life sentences have not been commuted and he has not been pardoned. And the northern states law says, according to Fraziers lawyers, that an inmate like Frazier shall not be eligible for custodial incarceration outside a state correctional facility or a county jail.

The Michigan Department of Corrections lists Frazier as a prisoner on their online database, with his current status listed as prisoner and his location listed as Alabama.

According to an inmate classification summary from the Alabama Department of Corrections, Frazier is an inmate borrowed from Michigan.

Frazier also has a separate federal lawsuit being waged in the Middle District of Alabama over the Alabamas nitrogen execution protocol. A judge has set a hearing for that case for Jan. 28.
Alabama Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, has pre-filed a bill that would prohibit trigger activators, otherwise known as Glock switches, in Jefferson County.

Within the bills text, a trigger activator is defined as any part or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting or enabling a firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger.

Under HB73, any person found possessing such a device would be liable for a civil penalty of at least $1,000 for each violation.

The bill states that it does not apply to:

State or local law enforcement officers acting in an official capacity.

A person who lawfully has in his or her possession, control, care, or custody a trigger activator pursuant to federal law.

Any trigger activator designed or intended to increase a firearms rate of fire but that does not enable a semiautomatic firearm to fire more than two shots, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

Sellers previously told WBRC that localized legislation was necessary because 53% of the states violent crimes happen in Jefferson County and Montgomery.

And while Glock switches are illegal federally, there is no state ban.

This issue is really bad, he said.

Because they are mass producing by 3D printers and other distribution, we have got to do something about it. This is just one way of starting to apply a little bit of pressure, a little bit different on those that are caught with Glock switches.

Efforts to reach Sellers were not immediately successful.

If passed, the bill would go into effect on Oct. 1.

Sellers is one of several legislators sponsoring bills aimed at reducing gun violence.

Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, is once again sponsoring legislation that makes anyone caught with a Glock switch on a pistol subject to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.

Rep. Kenyatte Hassells, D- Montgomery, HB23 would require a person to have a permit to carry an assault-style weapon on their person or in their vehicle. Rep. Juandalynn Givans, D- Birmingham, HB62 would ban bump stocks in Birmingham.

And Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, has prefiled a series of bills aimed at increasing penalties for firearm related offenses and banning Glock switches in response to the Sept. 21 mass shooting at Hush Lounge.
In a unanimous decision published Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court denied an appeal from the sister of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed for her name to be placed on the Democratic primary ballot for county commissioner, with the court noting that the election already occurred.

Irva Reed challenged the Alabama Ethics Commissions determination that she was disqualified from appearing on the ballot because she failed to provide a statement of economic interest before the deadline.

Reed claimed an illness prevented her from submitting the statement, and while a preliminary injunction was ultimately issued ordering her name to be put on the ballot, the commission appealed that ruling and the Alabama Supreme Court stayed the injunction to hear the case.

While Reed did not appear on the Democratic primary ballot in the race for Montgomery County Commissioner for District 4, she ran as an independent in November.

She only got roughly 14% of the vote, losing to Commissioner Isaiah Sankey, the Democratic incumbent who captured more than 85% of the vote.

In its 9-0 ruling, the court said Reed failed to argue that the exceptions to mootness apply to her case, adding that her challenge was not a pressing issue of great public concern across Alabama.

Irva E. Reed seeks to appear on the ballot for an election that has already taken place. Because Reeds claim is moot, and because no cited exception to mootness applies, we must dismiss this appeal, the ruling stated. Reeds claim is moot. And although Reed cites several exceptions to mootness, none of them apply. As a result, we dismiss this appeal with instructions to the trial court to dissolve the injunction and dismiss Reeds complaint.
This is an opinion column.

A man was going down from Elis Jerusalem Grill in Birmingham to Jericho, in Perry County, a quiet place nestled between three cemeteries, four Baptist churches, one Methodist and an old AME Zion church.

The man was attacked, somewhere between the Bethel Baptist Church and the New Antioch Baptist Church. He was roughed up a bit, robbed of his worldly possessions. He was left there like his 2022 Prius hybrid, stripped and immobile on the side of the road.

Now a preacher at a faraway church happened to be driving along that road, on the way to Montgomery to deliver the opening prayer for the meeting of the Alabama Public Service Commission, which is a big opportunity for Alabama preachers, akin to an invitation to the Grand Ole Opry for country musicians. The good reverend saw the man on the side of the road, but did not ask WWJD. He saw the Prius, and thought What would PSC boss Twinkle Cavanaugh do. And he stepped on the gas.

It happened that a certain Alabama politician was also being driven along that road this day, on his way to Florida, his preferred state of mind and body. His driver spotted the man and his troubles, and the Prius, and a bumper sticker on the back that said Coexist, with the peace sign and symbols of various religions.

Should we stop? the driver asked.

Ugh, the senator said. I hate it for him, but hes just overwhelmed with these woke ideas. He doesnt deserve help, to be honest with you, unless he shows hes gonna make some changes.

So the senator sped on.

I feel sure somebody stopped later to help the guy out, maybe even drove him an hour and a half to get to the nearest hospital.

A neighbor. Maybe she was a Republican. Maybe he was a Democrat. Maybe somebody who couldnt vote because of a criminal record, or immigration status, or because they were so busy trying to survive that they didnt think much about it. The people who know what its like to need some help often seem the most likely to give it.

Thats why Sen. Tommy Tubervilles glee to deny aid to a California in flames hit so hard, and felt so strange and disturbing, as if weve reached a point of no return, as if we have gone off the rails of humanity and cant get back on the track.

Tuberville told Newsmax this week that the government shouldnt supply aid to California, a state that puts imbeciles in office. Not without conditions, anyway.

They dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre gonna make some changes, he said.

I could talk about imbeciles. I could talk of Tubervilles tenuous claim to facts or basic knowledge of government or his own religiosity. I could talk of how California pays a much bigger chunk of taxes to the government than Alabama, and how the federal government spends more per Alabamian than it does for Californians .

But thats not even the troublesome stuff. The disturbing part is much, much deeper.

When people talk of our political divide and dysfunction, when they lament policies that value greed over need and fear over fairness, I think of the simplest of things. I have long coped because I know  I knew  that when people see you in trouble, they help.

Almost always.

If your car breaks down they tend to stop, no matter who you voted for. If they see you struggling, they extend a hand.

It is our way. It has to be. Because of faith or conscience or just to be neighborly. If they dont, well, they tell you exactly who they are.

Tommy Tuberville just did that.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner.
Antonio Fernandez, Catholic Charities president and CEO, fears President-elect Trumps threats of mass deportations, which could start as soon as Monday. Carlos Javier Sanchez /Carlos Javier Sanchez/Contributor

Pastor Dianne Garcia, who leads a Mennonite Church on the South Side, is bracing for Monday.

So is Antonio Fernandez, president and CEO of Catholic Charities.

Monday is inauguration day, when the 47th president of the United States will swear on a Bible to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

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Garcia and Fernandez are praying for the best but preparing for the worst.

Like other heads of nonprofit organizations and churches that assist asylum-seekers, migrants and the poorest among us, theyre worried about what the new president will do, even in his first hours in office.

Fernandez suspects hell sign something in the range of 100 executive orders on the first day, as many as a quarter of them involving immigration and border security.

Republicans in Congress, with majorities in both houses, are halfway toward passage of the Laken Riley Act. It was the first bill introduced in the 119th Congress and is expected to impact millions of immigrants who do some of the most thankless work in the country.

The bill will expand federal and state powers to detain asylum seekers, who are in the country legally, if theyve been accused but not necessarily convicted of theft, burglary or shoplifting.

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Laws already dictate detentions for asylum seekers who commit more serious crimes such as rape, homicide and domestic violence. No one argues with such laws.

But passage, according to various reports, means authorities wont be able to use discretion on whether or not to detain an asylum seeker accused of minor offenses, like shoplifting a soda.

Lawyers and advocates for immigration also worry whether the law detains asylum seekers without due process.

States will get more power under the bill, including those like Texas that are already involved in border enforcement. It will give state attorneys general standing to sue to enforce the Laken Riley Act. Courts may decide not to stand in the way of what has been a federal responsibility.

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Migrants in the country for decades, whether they have U.S.-born children, whether they own property or businesses, will be in harms way. Migrants are especially fearful that any minor traffic stop could end in detention.

Catholic Charities and Garcias church, Roca de Refugio, arent alone in this city of refuge, one thats lived out its faith.

A number of San Antonio organizations and churches operate short-term and long-term aid programs for asylum seekers  again theyre migrants whove legally applied for asylum and legally received U.S. permission to enter the country after having passed initial levels of consideration and scrutiny at the border.

The advocates have a pretty good idea what will happen.

For one, the new administration plans mass deportations that rival those of President Dwight D. Eisenhowers era. His administration infamously detained and deported more than a million migrant workers, sweeping up U.S.-born Mexican Americans, too.

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Some were so frightened by the prospect of mass deportations, historians say they self-deported instead of being rounded up.

Todays plan is driven by irrational panic targeting Latinos and other people of color as well as foreigners, whether in the country legally or illegally.

Some of the people I know are already losing their jobs, said Pastor Garcia, who has sheltered migrants in her own home. Employers are already getting stricter, and people are getting nervous.

Her ministry helps asylum seekers and other migrants who arent just passing through San Antonio, as so many do. Instead, her church assists those who want to settle here in what she calls a shelter network.

It has helped almost 300 people in the last two years. About half already have work permits. Some are disabled, pregnant, face a major medical issue or have children with special needs.

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On average, the church receives a family a week.

ELAINE AYALA: Congressional Latinos ask Biden to 'direct' FBI to open espionage files

Theyre low-wage workers, from dishwashers and day laborers to farmworkers and construction workers. Some are nannies, others are hotel housekeepers and caretakers for the elderly.

Weve actually started a coalition of churches, other organizations and individuals who are all working in various groups to try to prepare for what we think might happen with a new administration, Garcia said.

For instance, the church is helping families organize their documents, just make copies and print things and put them all in folders to get everything in order as soon as possible.

Another group in the church organizes donations, including food, clothing and furniture, and yet another is preparing to hold protests, sit-ins and marches if the worst possible scenarios come to pass, such as National Guard troops in the streets taking people out of their homes, she said.

Like Fernandez, Garcia is in wait-and-see mode.

Unlike Garcia, Fernandez runs a broad-based agency that operates 55 programs, two of them especially focused on migrants. One is the citys Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro Avenue.

Fernandez said the newest project is the Mother Teresa Center, which provides aid to immigrants and others in need, he said. It offers help with work permit applications, computer classes and case management, anything we can give for someone to become self-sufficient.

The new administration and what comes next is all everybodys talking about, Fernandez said. But the new Trump White House is really more of the same.

Its easy to target the least of us. Theyre vulnerable to a nations worries, its anger and its prejudice.

For people living out their faith, what comes Monday may be more of the same, Fernandez said.
A man was shot while in his vehicle Thursday night in the middle of downtown Birmingham in a scene visited by the citys mayor, interim police chief and the Jefferson County District Attorney.

Around 6:30 p.m. Monday, North Precinct officers received calls of multiple shots fired in and around the 2300 block of First Avenue North, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Officers arrived on the scene when they were flagged by community members who alerted them of an injured person shot who had been pulled into a nearby business.

Officers entered the business -- which Fitzgerald declined to name so as not to expose the business owner to potential danger -- to find a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel arrived and took him to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fitzgerald said officers hope to speak to the victim, who is in surgery.

Right now, our detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby business to see what took place that led to this shooting.

Police are unsure whether the victim was targeted.

Were exploring different motives in this shooting, Fitzgerald said. However, we do not have a motive confirmed.

Police believe the suspect was on foot when the man was shot inside his vehicle, which was wrecked on the corner of First Avenue North and 23rd Street North.

No suspects were in custody as of 9 p.m. Thursday, but since the shooting occurred in a heavily populated commercial area those surveillance cameras will prove vital to this investigation, Fitzgerald said.

Birmingham Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett, Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr stopped by the scene but did not speak to reporters.

Just where this took place, Fitzgerald said when asked about the public officials appearance at the scene.

Anytime you have something that happens in a downtown area, thats your infrastructure in your city. And I think it just points to the location where were at. We have to as a city, we have to as a police department protect our infrastructure, which is always going to be your downtown areas.

The officials presence showed that crime in the area is not going to be tolerated, Fitzgerald said.

Thats why you saw the mayor out, thats why you saw the police chief. Because if we dont send a message that this is not going to happen in our infrastructure, what will that send a message to the outlining areas, the officer said.

If we cant get these individuals to realize that youre not going to come into our infrastructure and get away with it, thats going to send a message that they can go anywhere in our city and do whatever they want.

Fitzgerald commended the business owners who helped the victim.

That speaks of the true Birmingham residents, that you have business owners that rendered aid to a gunshot victim, put themselves at harm to render aid, he said.

Shelly Robinette and her friend, Susan Brunner, live in the area and were getting drinks at Pogo across the street when the gunfire erupted.

They counted about seven shots.

People just kind of froze at that moment, Robinette recalled, and we looked at each other to try and determine is that really what we heard?

Moments later, the friends heard police sirens racing to the scene.

Robinette said incidents like Thursday nights shooting gives her pause about frequenting bars downtown, noting that she and her friends usually go out every Wednesday.

I want to feel safe to step out of my building and to walk the block or two that it takes to go and see my friends and have fun, and thats how everyone wants to be, she said. We just want to be safe.

Added Brunner: It needs to stop. It really needs to stop.
A more than 10-year-search for a missing mother led investigators to a Birmingham home Thursday.

Kierra Stubbs was 23 when she disappeared on April 24, 2014.

A mother of two young children, she got into a vehicle with a man who had promised to help her with her car, and she hasnt been seen or heard from since then.

On Thursday morning, Birmingham detectives carried out a search warrant at a residence in the 4600 block of Terrace S. The Jefferson County Coroners Office also aided in the search, which included authorities digging in the homes yard.

Both police and coroners officials said the search was unsuccessful.

During the search, we did not find human remains, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said in a Friday press release. We cannot begin to imagine the challenges and anguish that Kierras family has faced over the past 10-plus years.

Fitzgeralds release followed widespread speculation on social media that Stubbs remains had been found.

Investigators returned to the same house Friday where they moved a storage shed and used an excavator to search again. Nothing was found.

From 2014 to 2019, the case was handled by the Special Victims Unit and homicide Det. Rodney Rogers, who has since retired.

Since 2019, Det. Jonathan Ross has taken over, and he is actively working on Stubbs case.

Det. Ross is committed to taking whatever measures are necessary to solve this case, Fitzgerald said.

On that 2014 day, the Birmingham mother, along with her one of her brothers and her son, dropped her younger sister and another brother off at school.

They then headed to the citys Five Points West where she was meeting with a man at Boost Mobile to help her with her car. Surveillance video showed her getting into a burgundy 2012 Chrysler 200.

Her aunt, Shonte Stubbs, told AL.com in 2018 that the man was going to give Kierra Stubbs money to help get her brakes fixed.

Kierra Stubbs disappeared in April 2104. She has not been heard from since them.(AL.com)

She knew the man because she did his kids hair and had talked with him, and they had talked on the phone.

Once she met up with him, there was some kind of conversation and then her niece got into the Chrysler.

She was never heard from again.

Stubbs worked at restaurants and was close to her family.

She was a sweet, funny, loving person, her aunt previously said.

She loved her family. She loved her kids. Thats all she wanted to do - work and spend time with her family.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Ross at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers pays tipsters cash rewards of up to $5,000 for their tips.
CNN was ordered Friday to pay $5 million for defaming a security contractor in a 2021 story about desperate Afghan refugees seeking to flee their country.

The contractor, Zachary Young, sued in 2022, alleging that his livelihood was destroyed after the network accused him of operating in a black market.

The jury found that CNN had defamed Young and ordered the network to pay $4 million for his loss of income, plus another $1 million in other compensatory damages. The jury also found CNN should have to pay punitive damages.

On Friday afternoon, CNN and Youngs attorneys reached a settlement on the punitive damages award. The settlement amount was not immediately announced, but it relieved the jury from the obligation of reaching a separate verdict on that issue.

In response to the outcome, a CNN spokesperson said, We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.

The trial lasted two weeks in Panama City, Fla. The jury deliberated for about seven hours before reaching its verdict Friday morning.

Kyle Roche, Youngs attorney, thanked the jury for its verdict, saying that Young feels heard in a way he hasnt for three years.

Before the settlement was announced, Roche began the damages phase by urging the jury to punish CNN where it hurts -- the bottom line.

They treated him as guilty until proven innocent, Roche said. They labeled him as a criminal for their own benefit.

David L. Axelrod, CNNs attorney, told the jury that he was disappointed in the verdict. Urging the jury to limit its punitive damages award, he said that the network is not unredeemable. He also argued that the networks worth is in subtle decline, given the headwinds faced by the entire media industry.

The attorneys returned from a lengthy break Friday afternoon to inform Judge William Henry that they had settled the punitive damages issue. One of the jurors asked what the amount was. The judge said that even he did not know, and the attorneys on both sides remained tight-lipped.

At the beginning of the trial, Roche had urged the jury to send a message to the mainstream media by holding CNN liable.

Reckless journalism is un-American, Roche said in his opening statement. Its dangerous, and if media companies engage in theater in the newsroom, Americans will hold them accountable in the courtroom.

CNNs lawyers defended the coverage as tough but fair and accurate.

The trial revealed numerous internal communications among CNNs reporters, in which reporter Alex Marquardt referred to Young as a mf-er and vowed to nail him. Another CNN employee said that Young had a punchable face.

The CNN report told of Afghans who were seeking to escape the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Young advertised his services on LinkedIn, charging $14,500 per person in some cases. CNN argued that amount was far beyond what a typical Afghan could pay. The piece included about a minute on Young. CNNs defense team argued that the references to Young relied almost entirely on his own words.

 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
The official presidential and vice presidential portraits of Donald Trump and JD Vance were released Thursday, just days ahead of their inauguration.

Trumps portrait bears a notable resemblance to his mugshot from August 2023 at Fulton County Jail in Georgia, with the president-elect glaring at the camera.

Vance, meanwhile, appears to have a small smile on his face while his arms are crossed. Both men are pictured wearing dark blue suits and blue ties.

In just four days, Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States and JD Vance as the 50th Vice President of the United States  and their official portraits are here, Trumps transition team wrote Thursday in a press release.

The new photo is notably different from Trumps portrait from his first term, where he was pictured with a wide smile. The official portraits of Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence were not released until October 2017, nine months after they were inaugurated. Any reason for the delay was never provided by the White House.

The official vice-presidential portrait of JD Vance was released Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Daniel Torok/TNS)TNS

Official portraits of the president and vice president are traditionally hung in federal buildings and U.S. embassies worldwide. The photos of Trump and Vance will also be for sale.

Trump, 78, and Vance, 40, will be sworn in Monday. Trump will become just the second president in American history to serve two nonconsecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s. Cleveland won the 1884 and 1892 presidential elections but lost to Benjamin Harrison in 1888.

Vance will be the third-youngest vice president in American history, behind John Breckinridge and Richard Nixon.

2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is scheduled to deliver her eighth State of the State speech in a few weeks, setting the stage for her final two years in office.

Ivey, 80, will be the same age when her term ends in 2027 as President Joe Biden is as he finishes his time in the White House. Biden at 82 is the oldest serving president in American history.

Biden dropped his reelection bid last year after a stumbling performance in a debate in June fueled doubts within his own party about whether he had the energy and mental sharpness for another four-year term.

But the Republican leaders of the Alabama House and Senate say Ivey is engaged as the states chief executive and they expect her to finish her term, which would wrap up almost a decade as governor.

In a phone interview on Friday, the governor said shes fit and ready to work two more years.

The people of Alabama overwhelmingly elected me to a four-year term, Ivey said.

Thats a responsibility I take very seriously. My calendar doesnt always show every detail. But Im here working right now on getting ready for my trip to D.C. and remarks that Ill make at a prayer breakfast on Monday.

Being governor is a 24/7 job. And I take it very seriously. And the people have benefitted from my efforts. Weve done a lot. Weve got some more things that need to be fixed and Im going to stay busy right up through the last day of the term.

And Im fine, healthy, energetic and always ready to serve the people.

Ivey, the second woman to ever serve as governor of Alabama, took office in April 2017 after the resignation of then Gov. Robert Bentley.

If she serves until January 2027, Ivey will have served nearly 10 years in office, making her the second longest serving governor in Alabama history. Former Gov. George Wallace served for 16 years over four terms between 1963 and 1987, though only two were consecutive.

Some moments in life are unforgettable  for me, it was sitting at Governor Lurleen Wallaces desk. She made history as Alabamas first female governor. Little did I know that one day, I would also have the honor of serving the people of our state. pic.twitter.com/jxPAOAmg6H  Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) January 16, 2025

Iveys public appearances tend to be short and scripted events. She often takes a few questions from the press at her appearances but those opportunities to ask her questions directly are limited.

In November, the governor became shaky and unsteady at a Sunday night campaign event for Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson.

An ambulance was called, and emergency workers treated the governor for what was described as dehydration. She returned to work on Monday.

Ivey announced in September 2019 she had lung cancer.

In January 2020, her doctor issued a statement saying he considered her cured after radiation treatment. The governor described the cancer as a small, isolated malignancy.

A main part of the governors job is working with the Legislature on policy and budget decisions for state government and education. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, and Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, the new leader of the Senate, said the governor is effectively preparing for the legislative session, which starts Feb. 4.

What people dont understand about Governor Ivey, shes strong, Ledbetter said Thursday. Shes a strong woman. And if she tells you something shes going to do it. Shes not going to do anything behind your back. And shes going to make a decision and stick with it.

And from my standpoint and my seat, thats all I can ask for. And she has done that. I mean she has been nothing but great to work with. Our staff and her staff works hand in hand.

Ledbetter said he talks to Ivey on a regular basis and said they had a long conversation over lunch when the governor visited his north Alabama district recently. He said he was preparing to meet with her Thursday about priorities for the legislative session and budgets.

Shes always got a list, Ledbetter said. And shes going to make sure she checks off every one of them before she leaves the room. And if she asks, she wants an answer.

I feel confident shell be fine for the next two years, Ledbetter said.

Gudger said he does not think Iveys age has diminished her ability to do her job.

I met with the governor this week, had a sit-down face-to-face with her and her staff, Gudger said. And she is I think mentally prepared, mentally strong, mentally ready to go forward.

I think shes an amazing woman an amazing CEO and I think shes going to be strong enough to finish out the term, Gudger said.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures walked up to Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday while the two were on Capitol Hill, shook his hand and introduced himself as a resident of Mobile, and the Birthplace of Mardi Gras.

I told him, Youre welcome, Figures recalled Friday to laughter and applause moments before his ceremonial investiture at the John Archibald Campbell U.S. Courthouse in downtown Mobile.

His comment referenced the good natured, back-and-forth dispute between New Orleans and Mobile over which city started Mardi Gras celebrations.

Said Figures about his quip to Landry, He didnt push back.

The good times continue to roll for Figures, elected to the U.S House to serve the 2nd congressional district in November, becoming only the fourth Black Alabama resident elected to Washington, D.C., since Reconstruction. He defeated Montgomery Republican Caroleen Dobson by a 54.6%-45.5% margin.

Figures participated in the ceremony before politicians, family, and supporters 14 days since he assumed office on Jan. 3.

But Figures, 39, said he knows its time to roll up his sleeves and get to work. After a ceremony that featured him taking the oath to serve administered by his mother, longtime Democratic State Sen. Vivian Figures, he said his goal was to focus in on the work.

I didnt go to Washington to be a Democrat or fight partisan battles, Figures said. Im going to Washington to do the work. Thats what were about.

Committee work

Figures was named to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress on Tuesday, and he highlighted those appointments during a speech after the swearing in ceremony.

He called his appointment to Transportation & Infrastructure as huge for this district. Figures will be part of Highway & Transit subcommittee and Water Resources and Environment subcommittee.

Atop the pressing issues will be continued lobbying for funding to support the $3.5 billion Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge & Bayway project.

The project received a major boost last year from the outgoing Biden Administration, with $550 million in a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportations Bridge Investment Program.

Figures said the first lawmaker he struck up a conversation with during his first committee meeting was Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell of Gulfport. The two, Figures said, talked about the importance of getting Amtrak service going along the Gulf Coast connecting Mobile to New Orleans. Gulfport is one of four coastal Mississippi stops along the train route that is expected to start sometime this summer.

Its about building relationships with people across the aisle, Figures said. Its not just Democrat and Republican. Lets build a partnership with communities that you need regardless of party.

He added, One of the most inspiring statements I heard on the first day on the (Transportation & Infrastructure) committee is that it is not a show horse committee. Its a workhorse committee.

Court case

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, stands next to wife, Kalisha, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, after a ceremonial investiture inside the John Archibald Campbell Courthouse in downtown Mobile, Ala.John Sharp

Figures won the 2nd congressional district redrawn by a three-judge federal panel in 2023, following a lawsuit in the case, Allen v. Milligan, that contested Alabamas congressional map as a violation to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The district was redrawn to provide a second opportunity district to give Black voters a chance to select their preferred candidate. The other opportunity district in Alabama is the 7th congressional district, which is served by Democratic U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Birmingham.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower courts ruling in a 5-4 decision in June 2023, which led to the creation of the 2nd district that is over 47% Black, compared to 45% white.

But the finality of Allen v. Milligan has not yet been determined. The U.S. Supreme Courts ruling was a denial of the states request for emergency relief to maintain the Legislatures congressional map drawn in 2021.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is planning to fight to defend the Legislatures map. He said in 2023, the map was enacted by the peoples representatives and which he says complies by the Voting Rights Act and the Constitutions promise that governments should be colorblind.

We will comply with the district courts preliminary injunction order, while building our case for the 2023 map, which has yet to receive a full hearing, Marshall said in a statement in 2023. " We are confident that the Voting Rights Act does not require, and the Constitution does not allow, separate but equal congressional districts.

Figures said he is not concerned with the pending legal matter which will not involve him nor require his presence outside of Washington, D.C.

At the end of the day, we are doing the most good we can do with the time we have, Figures said. We are excited about the opportunity right now to get to Washington and do the work on behalf of the people.
Speculation continued to bubble on Friday about the possibility of south Alabama (even the Florida Panhandle) getting some snow next week.

The National Weather Service said that areas along and south of Interstate 85 (as of Friday) look to have the better chances of seeing snow next Tuesday and Wednesday.

The weather service office in Mobile added on Friday afternoon that the chances of impactful winter precipitation were increasing for south Alabama but significant uncertainty remains.

Also uncertain: Just how much winter precipitation south Alabama could get.

Forecasters said snow and sleet are thought to be the most likely forms of precipitation south Alabama could get, but freezing rain cant be ruled out.

RELATED: Will it snow in Alabama? Heres next weeks latest winter weather forecast.

Cold is sure, snow is looking more sure to the SOUTH! Better chance of snow at Orange Beach than Oak Mountain Beach (at the state park - its a real place )!! pic.twitter.com/9HmkNhPAGz  Jason Simpson (@simpsonWVTM13) January 17, 2025

It's not every day that a forecast snowfall map has color in Florida. pic.twitter.com/ySvWyYPWbP  Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) January 17, 2025

Tuesday and Wednesday from Texas to Florida along the Gulf Coast will see extreme winter weather including snowfall and freezing rain.



Significant snowfall and/or freezing rain accumulations can't be ruled out in Houston, New Orleans, and Tallahassee. pic.twitter.com/028Ndta2vl  Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) January 17, 2025

Its far from a sure thing, however, and the National Weather Service cautioned that confidence was still on the lower side when it comes to the possibility of winter precipitation.

However, the weather service in Mobile has a 50 percent chance of snow showers in its forecast for Mobile on Tuesday. Thats something you dont see very often.

Forecasters also said there is a 40-50 percent chance of at least a half-inch of snow for all of south Alabama, including Mobile. The chances for accumulating snowfall actually decrease as you head into central and north Alabama.

The weather service noted that the weather system to watch was still in the northeast Pacific Ocean as of Friday morning, so there are a lot of details still to be worked out.

An area of low pressure could form and track eastward over the Gulf of Mexico early next week.

Snow on Jan. 29, 2014, in midtown Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)Mike Kittrell

If the low forms (which is still not a lock) and where it tracks (still very murky) will determine whether any part of Alabama sees any winter precipitation, according to forecasters.

The timeframe to watch would be Tuesday into Wednesday.

The weather service said precipitation may move from west to east, starting in southwest Alabama, on Tuesday morning. It could last on and off through the day and come to an end in eastern Alabama sometime on Wednesday.

Forecasters continued to caution that confidence in the forecast is low. But, there were enough ifs to keep a chance of wintry precipitation in the forecast for the Monday night-Wednesday morning time frame, according to the weather service.

The age-old question, will the cold and dry air settle into the region, preventing the moisture from being realized? The weather service in Mobile said on Friday in a forecast discussion.

Another question that remains is whether or not the low pressure develops over the Gulf, and just how far south this moves. Weve mentioned it before that a more southern track (or no low at all) will limit the precipitation, while a more northern track will provide more of a chance for the precipitation to be realized.

The weather service in Tallahassee, Fla., which covers southeast Alabama as well as the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia, said it was still too early to determine specific precipitation types as of Friday morning.

The weather service will be closely watching trends through the weekend and into next week.

The weather service in Birmingham said on Friday that if any winter precipitation were to materialize the best chances would be for areas along and south of Interstate 85, with lower chances farther north.
The bill authored by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., in response to the murder of Laken Riley is one step closer to passage following a procedural vote Friday.

The Laken Riley Act, which would force U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement to hold undocumented migrants charged with theft and similar crimes, survived a filibuster Friday when nine Democrats joined 52 Republicans to push the bill forward.

Britts bill is the first to be considered by the new Senate GOP majority.

The American people spoke loud and clear on November 5, Britt tweeted Friday. They said they would no longer put up with open borders policies like those that led to Laken Riley being stolen from her loved ones. The Senate has a duty to actto protect our citizens and pass the Laken Riley Act.

The American people spoke loud and clear on November 5. They said they would no longer put up with open borders policies like those that led to Laken Riley being stolen from her loved ones. The Senate has a duty to actto protect our citizens and pass the Laken Riley Act. pic.twitter.com/ql5LsnHcSX  Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 17, 2025

The bill advanced by a vote of 61-35.

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest undocumented immigrants charged with theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses and mandate those suspects be detained until they are deported so they cannot reoffend.

Rileys killer, undocumented Venezuelan national Jose Antonio Ibarra, had been arrested multiple times once in the United States but was released each time before ICE could put a detainer on him.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Riley was jogging on the University of Georgia campus in Athens when she was killed by Ibarra.

The House earlier passed a version of the bill and will have to take the legislation up again should the Senate pass the bill on Monday due to differences between the versions.
January 17, 2025

By Hazel Scott/ASU

The children of two unwavering Alabama State University alumni, the late Warren L. Davis, III, and Dr. Tyna D. Davis, wanted to show appreciation for their parents higher educational experience by creating a lasting legacy in their honor that helps future students with similar backgrounds access the same opportunities.

The Mr. Warren L. Davis, III and Dr. Tyna D. Davis Endowed Scholarship is considered an "endowment" because the initial donated money is invested, and a portion of the investment returns are used each year to award scholarships, allowing the fund to grow over time. In other words, an endowed scholarship is a gift that keeps giving.

Dr. Wartyna Davis said she and her brother, Dr. Warren L. Davis, IV, decided to honor their parents after their father died in 2024 so they could continue to help ASU trailblazers realize their dreams.

We know that Alabama State is a gem in the state of Alabama and has produced some of the most incredible graduates and alums. We wanted to find a way to honor our parents that is consistent with their lives and invest in the future of ASU students. Thats what their whole career was about-- investing in young people, said Dr. Wartyna Davis. ASU graduates are transforming lives across the country. So, its important that we keep investing in the institution.

To qualify for the scholarship, undergraduate students majoring in mathematics or science must demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Preference will be given to those students with the greatest financial need.

Our parents valued education. We were blessed to have intellectually curious parents who instilled that curiosity in us. Our parents majored in math and science, and we thought supporting students in these majors might help them reach their personal goals, said Dr. Warren Davis, IV.

The late Dr. Warren Davis earned his B.S. degree in Mathematics with a minor in History, and Dr. Tyna Davis earned her B.S. degree in Science with a minor in Mathematics from ASU. She also was one of the first graduates of ASUs doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership Policy and Law.

Wartyna Davis said establishing the scholarship was something she and her brother had thought about even before her fathers death. When Dad passed, it all crystalized at that moment as if to say instead of flowers, as a community, lets all invest in something that will keep moving and keep giving as we move forward.

Dr. Tyna Davis said she is honored by her childrens gesture and agreed to establish the endowed scholarship.

Its important that those coming after me are afforded the same opportunities, Dr. Davis said.

She recalled her husbands career that spanned more than 50 years.

He embodied commitment, dedication, and love in his role as a public servant, educator, and administrator. He was an exceptional assistant principal at Georgia Washington High School, Jefferson Davis High School, George Washington Carver High School, and principal at Dunbar Elementary, McIntyre Junior High, and Houston Hills Junior High School. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Though Dr. Tyna Davis retired in 2013 as Manager of the Education Policy and Professional Practice and Human & Civil Rights Division of the Alabama Education Association, she remains intricately involved in education policy at the state and local levels.

In her 50-plus career, she has served as President of the Alabama Education Association; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; The Montgomery Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the CARATS, Inc.; Alabama Center for Law Related Education; Alabama Association of Classroom Teachers; the Montgomery Association of Classroom Teachers; and the Montgomery County Democratic Party. She was the Chair of the Task Force for Educational Leadership Policy and Law (ELPL) Scholarship Program for Alabama State University; Founding Chairperson of WAVE (Women Advocating Voter Empowerment), Montgomery, Alabama; and Chairperson, NETDAYS Committee Alabama. She also is a former member of the Alabama State University Foundation Board. Dr. Davis is a renowned Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) and serves many organizations at the local, state and national levels. For her outstanding contributions to Education, an annual award bearing her name was established in 2014 by the classroom teacher division of the Alabama Education Association. Dr. Davis has received numerous awards throughout her stellar career.

Dr. Tyna Davis encourages alumni to give back to the University at whatever level works best for them.

The University does a great job preparing its students for careers, and it is so important that we give back, when possible, so other people can have the same opportunities we had, Dr. Davis said.

To donate to the Mr. Warren L. Davis, III and Dr. Tyna D. Davis Endowed Scholarship, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/MrandDrDavis.

To donate to Alabama State University, visit www.alasu.edu/giving or to establish a scholarship, call 334-229-5620.
Pam Bondis first confirmation hearing will likely ensure her confirmation by the U.S. Senate, but one exchange on Wednesday created or added to a controversy among MAGA-supporters and especially the community of January 6 defendants along with their families, friends, and supporters on principle.

The former attorney general of Florida is well qualified to be attorney general in the Trump administration. But Bondis confirmation hearing testimony let slip the mood from within the Trump transition team.

The controversy of the hour is whether Trump should pardon some January 6 defendants but not all. Bondi strongly endorsed the idea that anyone accused of violence against police must be considered one at a time, on a case-by-case basis.

Trump has repeatedly promised to pardon all January 6 demonstrators on day one. A few times, Trump has acknowledged that those who were violent toward police would have to be looked at more closely. But Trump correctly pointed out that January 6 demonstrators received sentences vastly longer, and some have already served more time, than most people prosecuted for similar behavior, such as brawling with police.

Bondi was legally wise to explain that she has not looked in the case files. The political world wants news reporting from the regime media to pass for facts. One worthy of being an attorney general thinks in terms of I should read the actual documents first. However, she gave a fiery, categorical declaration that she is absolutely opposed to anyone who is violent toward the police.

As always in life, the devil is in the (lack of) the definition. Are we thinking that January 6 defendants actually did what they were accused of? As an attorney who defended Proud Boys member Zachary Rehl and Oath Keepers member Kelly Meggs, I saw firsthand, including in still sealed court documents, that most of what the prosecutors claim is pure fantasy and conspiracy theory. Yes, you have to thoroughly read the case files, not the dishonest press releases.

About two weeks ago, one reporter asked about those accused of violence on January 6, while another asked about those convicted of violence. But these are two drastically different ideas. Over-charging is a common abuse in our modern legal system, in which prosecutors hurl accusations they know they cannot prove to frighten defendants into plea deals.

Donald Trump knows that he personally has been accused of dozens of things that never happened. So what exactly do we mean by those who were violent against police?

There are videos of a very few people battling with police. But when you see the entire video, including before and after, sometimes you see a very different scene. Sometimes demonstrators were blocking unprovoked and unnecessary blows from a few errant police.

The establishment regime accuses people of violating 18 USC 111:

a) In general.--Whoever--

(1) forcibly

assaults,

resists,

opposes,

impedes,

intimidates, or

interferes with

any person designated in section 1114 of this title while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties ... [shall be punished].

So if someone was convicted under 18 USC 111, did he resist? Did he oppose? Did he impede? Did he interfere? (Did he stick out his tongue?) He did not necessarily assault officers.

Richard Barnett was convicted for asking permission from officers to go back and get his flag. They said no. Barnett complied. But he was convicted of interfering with because the officers illogically claimed that they had to watch him.

Some officers whom defendants were accused of assaulting testified in court that they did not feel assaulted, dont remember the defendant, or dont remember being touched by the defendant. Some officers did not show up at trial at all.

Lets say that at a protest, you step to one side to get a photograph, but, unknown to you, police are approaching from behind, and you stepped in their way. What if you ask an officer where the bathroom is when, unknown to you, the officer is responding to an emergency call? (Prosecutors are arguing right now for a January 27 trial that it doesnt matter what Defendant Dahlquist knew.)

The statute is conditioned on forcibly, but prosecutors and judges pretend the word is not there. Kenneth Joe Thomas touched a police officers riot shield to try not to fall. One demonstrator ran a finger gently along a line of riot shields, suggesting (among too much noise for his words to be heard) that the demonstrators and the officers maintain a peaceful space between them. Were those done forcibly?

Joseph Biggs was accused of assaulting a policewoman because she was touching a bike rack, and Biggs was allegedly (disputed) touching the same bike rack  but not her. Under the old common law extension of the body idea, touching clothing or something in ones hand was called assault.

Yet knowing that the statute has six different parts and that only one of them is assaults, the Department of Justice and politicians have counted everyone as committing violence, even if he only resisted or opposed or impeded or intimidated or interfered with. Why does the DOJ flagrantly lie? The prosecutors know that in the secrecy of the jury room, the jury is likely to compromise on the easiest explanation, like resisted.

We know that left-wing street thugs attacked Trump-supporters at every single event for years. So Trump-supporters prepared to defend themselves. And they had good reason. Yet the DOJ told juries that self-defense was an intent to initiate violence. Self-defense was used as evidence of violent goals. Prosecutors told juries that defendants came prepared for violence that day without honestly admitting that they came prepared to defend themselves against violence. Photos of demonstrators dressed like rural hunters  that is, dressed normally for the regions of their origin  horrified urbanite D.C. juries.

Officers committed perjury on the witness stand. Officer Anthony Campanale testified that Thomas cut a tarpaulin wrapped around the risers or bleacher seats. But when Roger Roots played the video on cross-examination, Campanale admitted that it was actually he, Officer Campanale, who cut the tarp, not the defendant. When he left the stand, he walked away as though he did that all the time  just another days work. There were no consequences. The judge refused to declare a mistrial.

Other officers testified dozens of times that they were gassed without honestly explaining that the police gassed themselves by firing huge gas cannons into the wind, which blew back upon them.

Thomas pushed police back who were trampling an old man on the ground. Another photograph showed Thomas holding his boot and knee up as if about to kick a police officer, but the entire video shows Thomas falling backward and raising his leg purely to regain his balance. And the officer was much farther away than the prosecutors photo suggested. One officer kicked an old woman down the stairs  not once, but three times in a row.

The same Biden regime that disparages True the Votes expose 2000 Mules is using the same technology featured in that film in hundreds of January 6 prosecutions.

So how do we know who engaged in violence? In the trials, videos and chat conversations were altered, rearranged in a misleading order, and presented to deceive. Most of these, when they are sorted out, show the opposite of what was claimed.

The hypocrisy needs to be addressed. Left-wing street gangs and thugs attacked the White House in May to June 2020, with Trump inside. Leftists attacked Trumps residence and the worldwide command center of the U.S. military and foreign policy. Imagine foreign leaders, allies and enemies, watching the White House under siege live on CNN. Nothing that happened on January 6 compares.

Leftists attacked Trump personally, physically, violently, including setting a historic church on fire. More police officers were injured in the attack on the White House than on January 6, 2021. Yet how did the Biden regime prosecute those who attacked Trumps residence at the White House? The charges were mostly dropped. And when the rioters sued, the Biden Department of Justice paid them millions of dollars.

So should January 6 demonstrators have their charges also dropped and be paid millions of dollars by the DOJ? How do we have double standards?

In January 2017, rioters burned police cars, limousines, stores, and the like professing their plans to prevent President Donald Trump from assuming office. Hundreds were arrested. But then...GOVERNMENT DROPS CHARGES AGAINST ALL INAUGURATION PROTESTERS.

So how can we fix this? The only thing anyone can do now is apply the same standard to January 6 as the corrupt Merrick Garland DOJ applied to Antifa and leftist street gangs. But if Pam Bondi reviews the files, I hope the review includes disciplinary reviews of the DOJ prosecutors involved.

Image: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart was a decorated combat aviator and commander of the 19th Air Force, the service's San Antonio-based pilot training arm. Above, he is seen arriving for a hearing in his court-martial at Fort Sam Houston. Ethan Rocke/Ethan E. Rocke/Contributor

Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, who was reprimanded for "predatory behavior" toward a female subordinate after a rare court-martial of a general officer, has left San Antonio for a new posting in Washington D.C.

The Air Force isn't saying much about his new duties.

Responding to an inquiry by the San Antonio Express-News, Air Force spokesman Daniel P. Elkins said Friday: "Ive learned that Maj. Gen. Stewart has PCSd to the D.C. area."

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PCS is a military acronym for permanent change of station.

When he came under investigation for alleged sexual assault in 2023, Stewart was commander of the 19th Air Force, the service's San Antonio-based pilot training arm. Soon after, he was sacked from that position. Most recently, he had been serving as a staff officer in the Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

The court-martial was only the second in Air Force history involving a general. Stewart was accused of sexually assaulting a female officer at or near Altus AFB in Oklahoma during a business trip there in April 2023. The encounter occurred during a night of heavy drinking by Stewart and members of his staff, according to trial testimony. Stewart contended that he and the woman had a consensual affair.

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He faced up to 63 years in prison if found guilty of four violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice: sexual assault, conduct unbecoming an officer, dereliction of duty and extramarital sexual conduct.

A military jury in late June found Stewart not guilty of sexual assault. But the panel of three-star generals convicted him of conduct unbecoming an officer for inviting the woman to spend the night with him in his hotel room in Denver during an Air Force conference the two of them attended in March 2023.

Stewart also was found guilty of dereliction of duty for taking control of an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol, a violation of Air Force "bottle-to-throttle" regulations. The infraction occurred the morning after his alleged sexual encounter with the female officer at Altus.

For those offenses and two others to which he earlier had pleaded guilty, Stewart was restricted to JBSA-Randolph for two months and ordered to forfeit $60,000 in salary.

His punishment included a reprimand from his boss, Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson.

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Robinson said Stewart's conduct in pursuing a sexual relationship with a subordinate was "reprehensible" and a blot on the reputation of "the greatest Air Force in the world."

"You deviously abused your position of power and shamefully manipulated an airman under your direct and close supervision to engage in sexual acts," Robinson wrote in the reprimand.

Your predatory behavior towards a vulnerable subordinate clearly demonstrated your arrogant disregard for your duty to her as her rater and commander, and the callous indifference your actions had upon her ability to perform her duties and the negative impact to her future.

Stewart later asked the court-martial judge to remove some of the most stinging language from the reprimand. The judge refused to water down the reprimand, saying there was "a factual basis" for its harsh tone.

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Stewart is still awaiting a ruling from a grade determination board as to whether he will be demoted. If he is busted down in rank, Stewart could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement benefits, compared with what he would have collected as a retired major general.
A lot of people are anxious these days. They are worried about nuclear war, mass government surveillance, artificial intelligence, lab-created disease, central bank digital currencies  you name it! Im worried about those issues, too. However, there is a part of me that relishes the opportunities we have to shape the future. This is an interesting time to be alive.

This is not the age of tranquility. There have been epochs for which that description might be apt  when people were born and died without experiencing much change during the course of their lives. The technologies that existed never advanced. The universe of human knowledge never expanded. Time stood more or less still, as if humanity were stuck in amber.

Were not stuck in anything. The technological revolutions from the late nineteenth century forward have remade the world time and again. Weve gone from telegraphs to telephones to cellular phones to smartphones. Mass communication has evolved from printed newspapers to radio broadcasts to television news to internet chatrooms, email, and social media. In the last twenty years, individuals have seized control over the instruments of mass communication  becoming self-created news reporters, entertainers, influencers, and celebrities. In the last ten years, governments and their corporate allies have tried desperately to claw back control over the mass media monopoly they once had.

Global wars have jumbled historys trajectory and shifted the balance of power more than once. In some ways, World War II never truly concluded. An Iron Curtain demarcated the world for another half-century, and even thirty years after the Cold War, its battles rage on. Russias tense relationship with former Warsaw Pact members, Chinas belligerent insistence on swallowing Taiwan, Israels generational defense of its sovereign borders, post-colonial Africas cauldron of bloody civil wars, and the continuing state of war between North and South Korea are but five of the most prominent examples of conflicts that have continued, in one form or another, for eighty years.

Religious belief has surged, dwindled, disappeared, been replaced, been reimagined, and perhaps even been rediscovered. Interwar nihilism and self-indulgence that took root during the apocalyptic atmosphere of WWI fully blossomed with the generation that arrived after WWII. Europe and America rejected their Christian foundations and invented new age religions for the publics consumption  repackaging the language of Christian virtue into hippy-dippy self-help guides, mindful meditation, social justice movements, environmental doomsaying, and other malleable yet commercially successful hogwash designed to sate humanitys spiritual needs.

The greenies rejected Jesus Christ but told us that were all going to die for our fossil fuel sins. The central bankers and globalist oligarchs joined this self-hating bandwagon because the climate change religion offered them a chance to maximize wealth and power. For years, they have elevated a line of global warming popes  Al Gore, Klaus Schwab, John Kerry  all claiming to have influence with planetary gods that might be willing to save us from Armageddon if we do exactly what the rich people vacationing in Davos, Switzerland say.

The World Economic Forum updates its globalist bible every year so that laypeople know what to believe and what to worship. The climate change clergy even promote young know-nothings such as Greta Thunberg, who play-acts as a modern, truth-telling green Jesus. Global elites love the net zero religion because they can make up new commandments as needed, condemn naysayers as selfish apostates, and rebrand totalitarianism as philanthropic virtue. Global warming pseudoscience allows the U.N., the WEF, and other religious denominations to tell everyone else how much to pay in taxes, how much freedom to give up, and how to behave.

And yet there is substantial evidence that a very real Christian revival is gaining energy. Older people who have perhaps lost their way are picking up dusty Bibles to see just what truths lie within. Well known commentators  including Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, and Russell Brand  are doing something that few could have predicted even five years ago: they are publicly discussing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Young people, too, are finding their way to Christ. What would have seemed quite unusual last decade is becoming almost commonplace: athletes, musicians, actors, and academics are bearing witness to Christs purposeful influence upon their lives. Even politicians who forgot Jesuss name as they became worshipful converts to the green religion are slowly recovering from decades of amnesia and remembering the King of kings.

In this wildfire of technological change, global conflict, and spiritual upheaval, the challenges all around us feel daunting. If you will allow me to offer minor encouragement, it is this: do not look away. Do not let the noise distract your thoughts. Do not let the madness drive you mad. Do not let potential dangers drown you in fear. Be resolute. Be purposeful. Be hopeful. Be brave.

Consider this clearly: there has never been a moment in history when so many lies and so much propaganda have been mercilessly directed toward the human race. Intelligence agencies and corporate news platforms bombard our brains every day with false information. Governments have abandoned truth for the narrative, and the narrative is nothing but a psychologically valuable weapon for achieving political victory. Meanwhile, political victory is defined not as something that is beneficial for all people, but rather as something that gives those with great wealth and power even greater reserves of both.

In 2025, so-called democracies pursue the same totalitarian objectives as the authoritarian regimes those democracies vilify. They seek to control minds, monitor movements, police behavior, regulate speech, and subjugate free will. European and American politicians may talk a big game when it comes to democracy and freedom, but they have long been the greatest threats to both.

Yet they are afraid. They are losing. We are winning. How do I know? Their absolute abandonment of even the pretense of supporting free speech is a dead giveaway. Western leaders are so fearful of losing power that they have become overtly pro-censorship.

Former European commissioner Thierry Breton openly brags that Europe and U.S.-NATO scuttled the recent Romanian election because voters chose the wrong leader. He promises that Eurocrats will do the same in Germany if German citizens vote incorrectly this year. How can a prominent European statesman defend such brazenly anti-democratic tyranny? He blames free speech. Voters, he alleges, are reading and listening to the wrong voices.

Bretons authoritarianism echoes placeholder-president Joe Bidens denunciation of Mark Zuckerbergs shameful decision to purge left-wing fact-checkers from their years-long role as professional censors who monitor and delete public debate on Facebook and other Meta platforms. Biden called the move away from government-directed censorship completely contrary to everything America is about. The so-called leader of the free world and a man constitutionally duty-bound to defend the Bill of Rights thinks its un-American to protect the First Amendment.

Failed governor Nero Newsom insists that Biden censor online criticism of his administrations disastrous response to Californias deadly wildfires. Fellow tyrant Hillary Clinton wants Americans who engage in misinformation to be criminally charged. Of course, Hillary also expects that she, Newsom, Biden, and Breton will continue to exercise a monopoly over official truth. These shocking abuses of power reveal just how deeply afraid Western despots have become.

Of what are they afraid? They are afraid of you. They fear your voice, your private thoughts, and your desire to be free. You have untapped power that they see. What an interesting time to be alive.

Image: Darkmoon_Art via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
RFK, Jr. has an enlightening story about needing to get to Palm Beach in a hurry but not being able to find a flight. His mother, Ethel Kennedy, suggested he ask Donald Trump if he could bum a ride on his plane, but RFK protested that, since he was suing Trump at the time, that would be an unlikely solution. But Trump said yes, they flew to Florida together, and RFK had a pleasant, enjoyable trip on Trumps plane.

After complimenting Trump on his gracious hospitality despite his being sued by Kennedy, Trump replied that if he shunned everyone who was suing him, hed have no one to talk to.

Call it graciousness, the high road, class, or any number of other attributes, Trump's ability to separate his interpersonal relationships from his business relationships is a quality sadly lacking in America today. It seems we can no longer agree to disagree and then treat each other with politeness and compassion.

How can the American people become more civil when so many of our leaders demonstrate such hateful rancor?

The Washington Cathedral funeral service for President Carter was a master class in classlessness. Condescending sidelong glances by Kamala Harris when Presidents Obama and Trump were having a friendly exchange, the Clintons intently reading their service pamphlets in order to avoid acknowledging the Bidens, the Bushes failing to acknowledge at all the presence of the Trumps. Snub after snub from the leaders of our country.

Just to prove rudeness and incivility are bipartisan, Karen Pence (an apt first name for this woman) sat mutely, refusing to shake either President or Mrs. Trumps hand.

Certainly, one cant accuse that paragon of class, Michelle Obama, of behaving uncivilly -- she refused to attend the funeral at all and has now stated she will not attend the inauguration. Her excuse: she hates these people, and so will not pretend otherwise. And her spokesperson said: And shes no hypocrite. No shes not, just totally classless and rude.

Despite tradition, Kamala Harris refused a courtesy walkthrough of the Naval Observatory with Usha Vance, claiming she was too busy. She was also too busy to visit the border, but thats another story. Jill Biden at least made the offer to Melania.

Watching the confirmation hearings doesnt give us much hope that things will improve going forward, given the stellar character displayed by some senators. Instead of vetting the qualifications of the incumbents, Democrat senators have been intent on personal destruction. Senator Mazie Hirono to Governor Doug Burgum: "Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature? First of all, if he had, it would certainly come out when he ran for governor. Second, what does this have to do with being Secretary of the Interior unless she thinks hell get frisky with the wildlife?

Over the weeks since the election, weve seen a parade of unlikely guests to Mar-a-Lago, many of them with records of trying to undermine President Trumps election, censoring his base on social media, and supporting the "Trump is Hitler" narrative. He has met with them graciously, wined and dined them in the magnificent salons of his estate, and spoken complimentarily of them after their departure. Much to his credit, Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat senator willing to sit down with him and talk about issues. America can learn a lot about character from President Mean Tweets.

But Michelle Obama wont even show up for his inauguration.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Yes, Joe, you can't take this sorry record and make it better, to paraphrase the Beatles. All we missed last night was the White House staff in the background singing "na na na na na Hey Joe, goodbye."

It's over and President Biden promised no more speeches. I guess that's the good news. No more warnings about threats to democracy, the rich running things and not paying their fair share of taxes.

I like what Miranda Devine wrote about the speech:

His farewell address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night was the last of these scripted delusions, studded with lies and boasts and grandiose lines from history written by others. The most divisive president in recent memory claimed he had kept my commitment to be president for all Americans. The president whose administration and deep-state protectors bullied social media companies into censoring American speech, including in the New York Post, claimed to champion a free and independent press. The congenital liar whose career is marked by plagiarism, mendacity and corruption warned of a future in which the truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. The man whose family raked in millions from selling his influence to shady oligarchs and Chinese Communist Party entities, who just gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros, railed against dark money. The speech would not have changed a single mind about Bidens legacy. Nobody is fooled. He also released a farewell letter Wednesday, laughably claiming he has left the country stronger, more prosperous and more secure.

That's about it. You know it's a bad speech when the guy who pardoned Hunter Biden is concerned about assuring that others pay their fair share of taxes. It takes a lot of courage to look into the camera and say that. It's amazing.

As farewell speeches go, no one will compare this one to President Washington or even President Eisenhower talking about the military industrial complex. No such luck for Joe. This speech will be like that extra track in the LP that everybody skipped.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
Back in the old days, a public service job was security. You received a reasonable salary, nothing extravagant, your job was relatively safe, and the work pressures were expected to be less than in the real world. If you wanted more, you ventured out into that real world where there were no limits to what you could achieve and earn. Public service was public serviceit wasnt meant to be Maseratis and mansions.

Today, we pay public servants more than they would get in the real world, where market forcesprofitability and competenceare at play.

The phrase public service union is an oxymoron. A union holding a company to ransom where there is a market reality controlling the negotiations is arguably a relatively fair system. When there is no profit and loss equation, just threats and handshakes between multiple levels of the same public service, it becomes a joke.

And doing it via an arms length committee is an insulting camouflage that no one believes.

Image by Grok.

Tell me, what additional benefit did California get paying one of its Fire executives $750,000 a year that $250,000, or even $150,000, would have got?

Public service remuneration is not in competition with the commercial world; it is public money, taxpayers money, that needs to be carefully administered, not squandered. The fact is that half the workforce earns less than $38,000 a year and is doing without to make that money last.

Oh, but we have to offer commensurate pay with commercial enterprises to get the best people. How is that working for you, California? The reason for public service must never be financial gain, either for employees or for the Congress version of what we laughingly call public service.

Public service is service. Service to the publicnot the party, not the oligarch, not your particular sense of truth or justiceits service to the public under the Constitution and laws of the nation. You dont get rich doing that; its a different sort of pay-off. Dare I suggest that if that were known and understood, then we would not have the sort of people who seem to be the majority of our elected representatives.

Motivation is important for success, and the right motivation is essential for honest government.

Congress millionaires, multiple waterfront housing, first-class jet travel to Guam... these are not what its aboutor rather, shouldnt be what its about. But thats what public service has become in every country.

I know Australia well. A few decades ago, it had a strong conservative politician as Prime MinisterJohn Howard, a man colloquially known as Honest John, who was a conservative through and through. Yet, when someone once suggested that Parliamentary salaries and exclusive perks, including his, were excessive, he went feral. Featherbedding is built into the system, and it shouldnt be.

Public servants doing their job shouldnt starve. No one disputes that they should be able to live comfortably. However, they should not be elevated above the public they serve. They should not get benefits more than the general public or benefit from other special rules.

Instead, they must be neutral employees doing exemplary work under the Constitution and rule of law. If they are part of the Executive branch, that means following and supporting the Presidents agenda or, if they dont, resigning, which is an honorable alternative.

We serve at the pleasure of the President was a phrase used repeatedly in Aaron Sorkins West Wing. Even if you were a Republican, when Sorkins Democrat President asked you to serve, your answer was, I serve at the pleasure of the President. That is the way America is supposed to work, not I get a paycheck and do what I think is better.

Nodrog Snave is a pseudonym.
In case you missed pResident Joe Bidens January 15 farewell address to the nation from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office (SATIRE).

My fellow Ukrainians...I mean, Americans, this is my final chat with you from a Delaware beach, oops, I mean the Oval Office. Its been an exciting four days...oh, what is that, Jill? Okay, its been an exciting four years since I took the oath of office when I promised to unite the country, never to lie to the American people, and to keep Hunter employed. Well, one out of three isnt bad.

Thanks to my outstanding cabinet, which includes the black guy, we have had many international successes. For instance, the Russians and Ukrainians no longer need GPS to get around each others cities. The Communist Chinese now have balloon rides on their resume. My administration worked overtime destroying fossil fuels so that we would be forced to buy oil from Venezuela. Muy bien, no? We made Iran richer, which helped them to fund terrorist organizations.

And we repeatedly told Israel that we wanted them to return to their 19 45 borders. As I leave office, Donald Trumps threat to obliviate Hamas and Hezbollah if the remaining hostages arent returned by Inauguration Day could work out. Hmm, maybe I should have tried that peace through strength that Blinken kept saying was a waste of time. While Hamas and Hezbollah might no longer be building tunnels in the Middle East, they can transfer their building skills to Los Angeles.

Image: YouTube screen grab (cropped).

Vice President Kamala Harris has been a great partner, except when she backstabbed me in late July. As border czar, Harris helped my administration to let 10 to 20 million illegal aliens waltz unvetted through our borders. This includes 300,000+ children that no one can locate. My fellow Americans, we are a nation of immigrants and proudly have a tapestry of people from around the world who call the United States home. Thanks to VP Harris and myself, that tapestry now includes murderers, rapists, arsonists, and thieves.

Thanks to me, the United States was respected around the globe for the last four days, I mean years. Okay, maybe the last three years. Perhaps, the last two years. All right, the United States has been respected since this past November 5. Well, at least we got some respect during my time in the White House.

On the domestic front, thanks to our printing money the way Hunter produces $100,000 paintings, the American people have advanced their math skills. Each time they go grocery shopping, they hold a calculator while deciding if they can afford to buy Spam. Certainly, the United States and Italy have bonded since more Americans are eating pasta seven nights a week.

Also on the domestic front, my administration has brought families closer together. We often hear about three generations sharing a two-bedroom apartment.

Next to smoking dope in the White House, climate change is our biggest threat! Powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence, eliminate the steps we've taken to tackle the climate crisis, and serve their own interest for power and profit. Only Bidens should serve their own interests for power and profit! Uh, Jill says to stick to the teleprompter.

Lets forget that China and India erase any successes the Western world might have in curbing carbon emissions. Thats why I am immensely thankful to Californias Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for bringing climate change to the forefront with their disastrous handling of wildfires. Thanks to their multiple failures, elites can jet set to a Malibu beach for future meetings.

Participating in our democracy becomes exhausting and even disillusioning. And people don't feel like they have a fair shot. We must stay engaged in the process. Thankfully, that is what the American people did on Election Day when they gave Donald Trump a mandate on his return to the White House.

Uh, Hunter and Jill are walking out of the Oval Office, so I had better wrap up since the chocolate chip ice cream is beginning to melt. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America because my entire family was able to make lots of money using the Biden name to buy influence at home and abroad. I know you love it, too, while trying to decide if you should spend your money on food, clothing, or shelter.

Good night, my fellow Americans. God Bless the United States of America and everything we hold dear that is made in China.

Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter. Robin can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com.
Now that President Trump is about to assume the presidency again, what does the rest of 2025 hold?

Here are my predictions -- satirical, of course:

*January 20A number of Democrats dont attend the inauguration of Donald Trump, prompting most Americans to say, Dont care. Screw em.

*January 21Democrats start new impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

*January 30Former U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley admits that the drones flying over the East Coast have been ours all along. He added, My bad, I shouldve mentioned this before, but Ive been distracted lately trying to save our democracy from Donald J. Trump.

*January 31-- Milley recants his previous statement, now saying that he has no idea who or what is flying the drones over the U.S.

*February 1-- Milley swears that both of his previous statements concerning drone overflights of Americas East Coast have been misinterpreted. He now claims that, even though the drones have recently been proven to have Chinese markings on them, they are likely from a scary alien planet that is cleverly trying to make it seem like the drones are Chinese. He vows to alert his Chinese counterparts if Trump should decide to take assertive action against them.

*February 2Several RINOS step outside the Capitol Building offices, see their shadows, and scurry back inside, vowing not to come back out until Donald Trump is gone.

*February 10California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that those arsonists whose fires have caused less than $10,000 in damage will no longer be prosecuted.

*February 14The Bidens, Schumers, and Pelosis have dinner at a favorite Chinese restaurant in D.C. For some reason, they are comped.

*February 16The WHO, CDC, NIH, UN, and Dr. Fauci say the Quad-demic of flu, norovirus, RSV, and COVID-25 mandate the total lockdown of everybody in the world.

*February 17Pfizer announces that its new Quad-demic mRNA vaccine is available worldwideand is completely safe and 100% effective, adding, No joke.

*February 25Barack Obamas 17th memoir hits bookstore shelves.

*February 25Hillary Clintons fifth book explaining how she wrongfully lost the 2016 election to Trump hits bookstore shelves.

*March 17Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tearfully tells a gathering of news sources that Not all Irish people are drunks. Some of them arent even Leprechauns. And not all of them are lucky, if you know what I mean. No one does.

*April 1Trump takes to Truth Social to say he is determined to invade Greenland, Panama, and Canada  all at the same time. He adds, Just kidding! April fools! Politifact and Snopes rate Trumps Just kidding claim false.

*April 15It dawns on most Americans that they really arent free -- in the sense that their government demands they hand over a very significant portion of their income in exchange for  the state doing things they fervently wish it didnt. The concept of taxation without representation resurfaces.

*May 1President Trump announces he has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

*May 2Trump adds that he has also officially renamed New Mexico West Texas.

*May 26President Trump, celebrating Memorial Day, urges Americans to focus on what is truly supposed to be observed and acknowledged, not the frivolous stuff like barbeques and beer. Snopes calls his statement misinformation and rates it mostly false.

*June 6Minority leaders introduce legislation that would permanently ban the observation of the D-Day landings in favor of a perpetual federal holiday to be annually observed on January 6 acknowledging the unprecedented existential horror of the massive Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol-- and democracy itself.

*June 15Squad members unequivocally state that acknowledging dads on this date serves only to perpetuate the straight, white, patriarchal hierarchy and the overarching white supremacy.

*June 28The Chicago White Sox are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

*July 4An MSNBC talking-head solemnly notes: Celebrating July fourth, or any American holiday, is equivalent to condoning colonialism, slavery, genocide, misogyny, the destruction of our planet, Islamophobia, Transphobia, white supremacy, and irritable bowel syndrome.

*August 3Temperatures soar to temperatures commonly historically seen in early August, causing Al Gore and others of his ilk to state, We now only have 6 years to save the planet by drastically reducing our greenhouse gases. This in turn causes Americans, en masse, to realize they have precious little time to rid themselves of Al Gore and others of his ilk before their presence on the planet becomes utterly insufferable.

*September 2 Hillary Clinton says she could have beaten Trump in 2024.

*September 3Joe Biden says he could have beaten Trump in 2024.

*September 4Joe Biden passes away.

*September 9Hillary and Bill Clinton, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Nancy Pelosiamong othersprofess their unwavering and extraordinary love for Joe Biden at his funeral. Nancy Pelosi glowingly eulogizes, fighting back tears.

*October 11The Rolling Stones announce worldwide tour dates for 2026 and 2027.

*November 17Newsom announces that California is now also a sanctuary state for disgraced Democrat politicians.

*December 4Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces that he is asking state legislators to propose legislation making Minnesota a sanctuary state for Pakistani rape gangs. He promises to sign any such bill, noting that his state has a town called New London.

*December 5-- Governors of New York, Illinois, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California immediately suggest similar proposals.

*December 31CNNs Anderson Cooper accidentally vomits on air after guzzling a glass filled with a mix of Wild Turkey and Clorox Bleach and taking several prolonged bong hits to celebrate the New Year.

That's all, folks!

Image: Pexels // Pexels License
As part of Biden's farewell speech (where he spread a tremendous amount of misinformation, while claiming to care about the dangers of misinformation), he warned about billionaires having too much power.

Throughout Biden's four years in office, he has had unelected bureaucrats abusing their power issuing regulations as fast as they can. These regulations put massive burdens on businesses and especially harm the small- and medium-sized businesses Biden only pretends to care about.

The regulations that CFPB, FDIC, and others force on banks destroys small banks and makes big banks more powerful.

Obamacare made big insurance companies much more powerful.

It destroyed the ability of small- and medium-sized health insurance companies to compete and that forced all Americans to pay more.

The COVID lockdowns that Democrats kept in place for a long time destroyed small businesses and made big businesses much more powerful.

Biden never said a word about companies such as Meta or anyone else having too much power while they were supporting him. Only now is he supposedly scared.

During Biden's four years in office he made Meta, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and other big companies much more powerful. Lockdowns and working from home was very harmful to small companies.

He never said a word when Meta obeyed Biden and his team abusing their power to censor free speech they didn't like.

He didn't say a word when Meta founder Mark Zuckerburg spent $400 million to defeat Trump. He also honored billionaire George Soros no matter how he tries to destroy America with his socialist agenda.

Biden and Obama sought to destroy for-profit colleges but never cared that Harvard and other powerful colleges, sitting on huge untaxed endowments, didn't give their students their money's worth.

Biden and all the green pushers and his administration have set out to destroy oil, coal, natural gas companies based on computer models and predictions, not scientific data. This destroys a massive number of small companies and makes the big companies more powerful.

The Biden administration blocked the merger of Albertsons and Kroger for supposedly reducing competition. That is a lie. They blocked the merger because a union complained. There is huge competition in the grocery industry and the profit margin is low. My guess is a lot of stores will be closed and jobs will be lost because Kroger and Albertsons will not be able to compete as well independently. That will give Walmart more control.

The Biden administration blocked the merger of Spirit and JetBlue, supposedly because they were worried about reduced competition -- and Spirit filed bankruptcy.

If anyone wants to see pure abuse of power it is:

Joe Biden refusing to enforce immigration laws Congress passed. He violated his oath of office.

Joe Biden dictatorially and unconstitutionally paying off student loans.

Joe Biden using his powerful government position to take his son around the world collecting kickbacks for the Biden family.

Another big lie that we always hear is that the rich are getting richer and the poor and middle class are being left behind. It is meant to gin up class hate.

The truth is that capitalism allows people to move both up and down the economic ladder. The richest one percent of people today are richer than the richest 1% were ten years ago and that is good, not bad. They are not the same people.

Here is a small sample of people who are extremely rich today and who were not twenty, or just a few years ago.

Elon Musk

Jeff Bezos

Mark Zuckerburg

Taylor Swift

Steph Curry

Shoehei Ohtani

Almost all of the richest 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% today have moved up the economic ladder. Thank goodness for capitalism instead of a powerful government.

Everything Biden and the Democrats do or propose seems to involve making the government more powerful and hindering the people in the private sector. They think the money belongs to them. That is why they always advocate for higher taxes.

President Trump, on the other hand, focuses on making the private sector richer and more powerful. He is working to shrink the powerful government. He is the opposite of a dictator, contrary to the lies the Democrats tell.

Image: Wikimedia Commons, via Picryl // public domain
In the grand hall of the Massachusetts State House, Governor Maura Healey delivered her 2025 State of the Commonwealth address, painting a picture of a state on the cusp of progressive utopia. However, beneath the veneer of optimism lies a narrative that, from a conservative perspective, is not only disconnected from reality, but also detrimental to the fabric of Massachusettss economic and social integrity.

Governor Healeys speech was laden with promises of transformative change, from housing affordability to educational reform, all wrapped in the rhetoric of climate action and social justice. Yet what should alarm every taxpayer, homeowner, and business-owner in Massachusetts is the stark contrast between these lofty ideals and the practical implications they carry, especially when viewed through a lens of fiscal responsibility and conservative values.

At the heart of Healeys address is the claim that Massachusetts is strong. But what does strength look like when your states policies are predicated on unchecked spending, ballooning budgets, and an unrealistic embrace of climate policies that often serve more as political theater than effective environmental strategy? The governors commitment to doubling support for MBTA operations, for instance, sounds laudable until one considers the history of mismanagement and inefficiency that has plagued this system. Here, Healey seems more interested in painting over cracks than fixing the foundation.

Healeys housing policies, notably the elimination of renter-paid broker fees, are emblematic of her approach: they address symptoms rather than causes. Although such policies might offer short-term relief, they do little to address the fundamental issues of supply, zoning laws, or the economic factors driving up housing costs. Instead, they cater to a narrative that government intervention can magically lower costs without considering the economic repercussions, like potential increases in rent to compensate for lost broker fees.

The speechs focus on education reform, particularly the push for universal pre-K and literacy programs, raises eyebrows. Education is undeniably crucial, but the approach here smacks of ideological overreach, prioritizing state control over local autonomy and potentially flooding the system with more bureaucracy than benefit. The emphasis on early education is a Band-Aid on the wound of failing public schools that need structural reform, not just additional layers of government oversight.

Healeys climate and clean energy initiatives are where her speech veers into ideological fantasy. Massachusetts, under her vision, aspires to be a climate innovation lab for the world. This sounds noble until one considers the economic trade-offs. The states aggressive push toward renewable energy, though ideologically appealing, comes at a cost to industries reliant on traditional energy sources, potentially driving jobs and economic activity out of the state. Moreover, the practical impact of these policies on reducing global carbon emissions is negligible when juxtaposed against the economic strain it places on residents through higher energy costs and taxes.

From a conservative standpoint, these are emblematic of a government that believes it can legislate prosperity or environmental salvation without the harsh lesson of economic reality or the humility of recognizing limitations. The conservative counteraction to such policies would be to advocate for market-driven solutions, deregulation in housing and energy sectors, and a return to fiscal sanity through budget cuts, not expansions.

Republicans in Massachusetts, and indeed across the nation, have a unique opportunity here to champion a counter-narrative. By advocating for transparency in government spending, they can expose the hidden costs of these progressive initiatives. By pushing for policies that genuinely stimulate private-sector innovation rather than government-directed innovation, they can propose a path where economic growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.

The GOP can also spearhead a return to educational excellence by advocating for school choice, empowering parents, and reducing the stranglehold of teachers unions on educational policy. Instead of universal pre-K, why not focus on ensuring that every child has access to a quality education through competitive schooling options?

Moreover, in the realm of immigration, where Healey seems to blame federal policy for state-level crises, a conservative approach would be to demand accountability at both levels. Massachusetts should not be a magnet for unfunded mandates from Washington; instead, it should work towards sustainable, community-integrated solutions that respect the rule of law and protect state resources.

Healeys speech, then, serves as a clarion call for conservative vigilance. Its a reminder that the path to a prosperous, balanced, and free Massachusetts will be paved not with unchecked governmental ambition, but with the hard work of policy reform, fiscal restraint, and a return to principles that honor individual liberty and economic freedom.

In the end, the states true strength will be measured not by the volume of promises or the applause they garner, but by the resilience of its economy, the well-being of its citizens, and the integrity of its governance. As conservatives, we must hold the line, in the hope that Massachusetts can become a beacon of conservative pragmatism, where policy serves the people, not the politicians.

The battle for Massachusettss soul in 2025 is about crafting a vision that is sustainable, just, and above all, reflective of the conservative values that have historically made America great. Herein lies our challenge and our opportunity.
In 2019, Darrin Bell won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning. In 2025, Darrin Bell was arrested based on allegations that he possessed 134 child pornography videos as well as AI-generated child porn. Although he is, of course, innocent until proven guilty, many are not surprised, given the tenor of his political cartoons.

Darrin Bell got his start in the leftist hotbed of the San Francisco Bay Area, attending UC Berkeley, where he worked for the practically communist student newspaper, The Daily Californian, before moving on to not-quite-so-communist outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the former Bay Area News Group papers, which included the Oakland Tribune.

Since 2003, Bell has published Candorville through the Washington Post Writers Group, a strip that focuses on inner-city black and Latino characters. He also publishes Rudy Park, another syndicated strip. In short, hes a truly talented guy whose work appeals to leftist audiences.

Bells cartoons often portray conservatives, starting with Trump, as sexual predators or people who are weirdly obsessed with child sexuality. (Incidentally, the little T logo in many of the cartoons is meant to be a Trump swastika):

Then theres Bells December 27 Substack cartoon that, in retrospect, is kind of weird. Two men sit on the couch in their basement apartment on a cold winter day. One of them says he feels like hes a six-year-old again, just like the days when hed built forts out of couch cushions.

His friend is shocked. What the? You a grown man, Dawg.

At this point, the first character responds, A real man isnt afraid to be six years old.

His friend tells him to take a time-out in the corner, but, in light of the child porn charges, all I could see was a real man isnt afraid to be six years oldor perhaps, to be sexually obsessed with six-year-olds.

Generally speaking, Bell is a bad person, and I say that because hes also radically anti-Israel, going back long before October 7. To him, the pluralist, free society that gives civil rights to all people regardless of sex, race, color, creed, etc., is the bad guy compared to the Muslims in Judea and Samaria, who abuse and kill women, Jews, Christians, gays, etc., all in the name of their faith. This is ironic, considering that hes allegedly half-Jewish, but thats what leftism does to the brain.

So, we have a hard-left, antisemitic, sexually-obsessed child-man. And somehow, that seems to lead inevitably to the charges against Bell:

JUST IN - Washington Post cartoonist Darrin Bell arrested for possession of child pornography. pic.twitter.com/L7cKv1vVuw  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 16, 2025

Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Detectives (ICAC) conducted an investigation stemming from a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to someone uploading Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography. The tip was related to 18 files containing CSAM. The investigation continued, and a total of 134 videos of CSAM were located and linked to the same account, owned and controlled by 49-year-old Darrin Bell. Yesterday morning (January 15), ICAC Detectives served a residential search warrant at Bell's home. Detectives recovered evidence related to the case, as well as computer-generated/Al CSAM. Bell was subsequently arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail for the possession of CSAM. He is currently in custody being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 17. This case was the first arrest by Sacramento Valley ICAC where possession of computer-generated/Al CSAM was charged against a suspect (the law changed on January 1, 2025, to include Al-generated material as a criminal offense). Bell is a well-known cartoonist, having been featured in several prominent publications. His booking photo is not available for public release, per California law.

It will be interesting to see how this case plays out. Whether or not Bell is a pedophilesomething evidence and a jury will determinetheres one thing we know for certain: Hes not a nice man.

Image: YouTube screen grab.
A lot of us Catholics have been weirded out by President Trump's closeness to Catholic culture. We couldn't figure out where it came from. Last year, he wished the Virgin Mary a happy birthday. He tweeted an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He issued praise for All Saints Day.

But it's not explainable as a mere campaign tactic to win the Catholic vote, which he did indeed win. It continued after his election, with Trump inviting a Catholic priest who is well-known as an exorcist to pay a visit to Mar-a-Lago. And then he went to the re-opening of Paris's Notre Dame cathedral.

Speculation has been rife that perhaps it's the influence of Melania, who's a Catholic of sorts, albeit probably not a significantly practicing one. Others say it's J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, or any of the huge number of Catholics in his cabinet. As I wrote here on this puzzling matter last month:

He's surrounded by Catholics, for one -- J.D. Vance, his son-in-law Massad Boulos (Maronite Catholic in full communion with Rome), Melania Trump, Sean Duffy, Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and possibly Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. They aren't the only people in his inner circle -- there are prominent Jews, Hindus, and Protestants, too, but Catholics, the real kind, not Joe Biden's kind, seem pretty prominent.

But America, the magazine of the left-wing Jesuits, seems to have found the answer, in an oddly (for them) respectful piece that can be read without a subscription.

It all began a few years ago when Father Mann was walking through a Queens cemetery and came upon the gravesite of Trumps parents and grandparents. It was slightly overgrown, Father Mann recalled. I thought this shouldnt be. This is a historic site. So, I went and bought a weed whacker and some decorations and fixed up the plot. I took a photo and eventually sent it to President Trump. A few weeks passed, and Father Mann got a call out of the blue. It was Trump. He asked Father Mann why he was decorating the family grave. After he explained his interest, he said the president sounded amazed and told him they would have to get together the next time he was in New York. Father Mann said he was thrilled to have been called by the president, who he knew to have frequently visited his parents gravesite before his election in 2016. Trump speaks fondly of his parents and his older brother, who is interred in the same plot. True to his word, Trump called Father Mann shortly after not being reelected in 2020 and invited him to Trump Tower for a meeting and sit-down.

After that, Trump became close to the elderly retired priest, called him up a lot (priests know how to keep secrets, so he probably trusted that the old priest wouldn't leak), had him stay at his Bedminister estate during his years out of power, as well as blessed Ivana's grave there, which Ivanka sent a note of gratitude for.

After that, he asked the priest to read the blessing, or benediction, at his coming inauguration, which surprised the old priest.

What he said about Trump from his firsthand knowledge was just amazing:

He was the nicest, down-to-earth guy, Father Mann said. There are no airs about him. He has a great sense of humor. Hes a regular guy. He asked what he could do for me, and I told him that I didnt want anything. Father Mann only requested autographs for his memorabilia collection. The two also posed for a photo high in the Fifth Avenue skyscraper, with Central Park in the background.

Trump wanted to do something nice for his friend who took care of his family's graves in a 'Book of Tobit'-like classic corporal work of mercy, and now the old priest will deliver the benediction.

The old priest noted what many have observed, too, that Trump's close brush with death has opened his mind to spiritual matters, too.

Now, I wouldn't care if Trump was a mean person in private so long as he delivers the goods to us voters, but it turns out he's not -- he's a kind, considerate, loyal friend who values his family and shows great gratitude and kindness to the smallest bit players out there, the little guys of every stripe, never forgetting any of them. That tells us a lot about Trump and about what we will see in the days ahead.

It bodes well for the coming Trump term, always and everywhere considering the little guys, who could intuitively see that unpublicized genuineness and as a result, voted for him in great numbers, among them the majority of Catholics.

Now we have a good concrete story from someone who knows this firsthand.

How amazing that sounds amid all the political flummery we ordinarily hear from the press about Trump.

We've elected not only a great man as our next president, we have elected a good man -- one who cared deeply about the graves of his parents and family members, one who showed gratitude toward the humble priest who helped him out, and one who conveys such a wonderful choice of associates for us to judge him by -- not about status, but about character.

Values matter. The Bidens clearly had none. But in light of this story, Catholics, and everyone else, can confidently view a presidency ahead from President Trump that is anchored in goodness.

Image: Pexels // Pexels License
Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net.

A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite.

He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time.
The Left and the legacy media continue to indulge in hysteria and accusations about the potential of Donald Trump taking revenge on his enemies. They are determined to call him out for planning these dastardly deedseven though Trump has repeatedly denied an interest in taking such actions:

Though Trump has at times offered assurances that he wouldnt try to avenge the wrongs he says hes suffered, some of his critics arent convinced he means it. A Fox News host asked him last month if he would do to them what they did to him. A lot of people say thats what should happen if you want to know the truth, Trump said. Asked if he would look at his political enemies when back in office, Trump said: No, I want to make this the most successful country in the world. Thats what I want to do.

But accepting Trumps statements at face value would undermine their agenda: destroying Trump. Even though he cant run for another term, they still want to ruin him. As they repeatedly do, the Left projects its hatred and motives onto Trump.

He does have the legacy media in his sights though:

We have to straighten out the press, Trump said in mid-December at his first news conference since winning a second term and just days after ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation suit with the president-elect. Our press is very corrupt, almost as corrupt as our elections, Trump added. Since then, hes filed a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register newspaper and a renowned pollster over a pre-election poll that didnt show him ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris in Iowa. He is also suing CBS 60 Minutes for how an interview was edited, in which he did not even appear.

Maybe the media is distressed by his ongoing frustration; note, however, that he is venting, not threatening anything. Hes asking for justice, not revenge.

Trump is essentially punished for saying exactly what he thinks, unfiltered. There was a time when that kind of candor was called transparency, and people who offered their opinions were not accused of stating facts.

When Trump provides hypothetical comments, the press interprets his words as firm intentions:

When this election is over  I would have every right to go after them, Trump said of his political opponents during an interview over the summer. Such comments have been piling up for months, years even, and critics are now venting their fears that Trump will weaponize the Department of Justice to go after those he says have wronged him: Biden and his family; former President Barack Obama; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci, who became the face of the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic; people involved in investigating and prosecuting Trump for alleged crimes; and more.

Again, notice that he is stating what he could do, not what he would do. In some situations, laws were actually broken.

And then there are the 51 members of the intelligence community who, at the suggestion of Antony Blinken, signed a letter, intentionally deceiving the public that Hunter Bidens laptop was Russian disinformation. It was a political move against Donald Trump, at a time when a New York Post report on the laptop was banned from social media. Later the FBI confirmed that the laptop was authentic.

These former intelligence employees abused the privilege of continuing to keep their security clearances, and did not have the right to abuse them:

Vice President-elect JD Vance told Joe Rogan last month that the Trump administration would pull security clearances for 51 people who signed a letter before the 2020 election questioning the authenticity of the content discovered on a laptop allegedly belonging to Joe Bidens son Hunter. They still all have security clearances, I believe, which is going to change when we win, he said.

Supposedly, security clearances might have been required for jobs these people currently hold. I guess they should have considered the jeopardy they were putting themselves in by misusing them. Please note, however, that JD Vance made this statement, not the President-elect.

The facts are clear: the Left is still targeting Donald Trump, accusing him of threatening revenge against them. They are assuming that his venting about events is the same as guaranteed threats. They are indulging their hysteria as they continue to defame him.

Those who are accusing him of plans to take revenge may find that the strategy works against them when their accusations are realized by the public as hyperbolic lies.

Image: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
Google has expressed its unwillingness to comply with the EUs new fact-checking law. Google will not add fact-checking features to search results and YouTube videos. In addition, it will not use any fact-checking data when it ranks or removes any content. Google is refusing to add fact-checking features, despite the requirements of a new European Union law.

Google will not follow the EUs new law

Its worth mentioning that Google has never added fact-checking as part of its content moderation practices on any of its platforms. Now, the tech giant has privately signaled to the lawmakers in the European Union that it doesnt plan to change its practices, reports Axios.

Its worth adding that Google did, however, invest in an EU fact-checking database ahead of recent EU elections. This happened soon after Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta would be ending its fact-checking program in the US. So, it is not clear if Zuckerberg will comply with EU laws.

Google finds the fact-checking integration not effective

Kent Walker, Googles global affairs chief earlier named the fact-checking integration practice not appropriate or effective. Walker believes that fact-checking simply isnt appropriate or effective for our services. Walker mentioned that in a letter to the European Commission earlier.

Google will continue to invest in improvements to its current content moderation practices, which focus on providing people with more information about their search results through features like Synth ID watermarking and AI disclosures on YouTube, Axios quoted Walker as saying in the letter.

Google also pointed out a new feature it added to YouTube in August last year. It allowed certain users to add contextual notes to videos. Google said that the contextual notes have significant potential. Its worth mentioning that this program is similar to Elon Musk-owned platform Xs Community Notes.

The upcoming fact-checking requirement was first announced by the EUs new Code of Practice on Disinformation law. At first, it started as a voluntary set of self-regulatory standards to fight disinformation. However, it is going to become mandatory at some point later this year.
Popular Chinese smartphone maker HONORs CEO Zhao Ming has resigned. HONOR has mentioned personal reasons as the main reason behind the resignation of Ming. HONOR made the announcement through its communication channels, confirming earlier rumors about Zhaos departure.

Former Huawei CEO Li Jian will now lead HONOR

As the current HONOR CEO resigns, ex-Huawei CEO Li Jian has stepped in to occupy the vacant position. According to Huawei Central, the company cited health issues as the reason for Zhaos departure. However, specific details of the health concerns remain undisclosed. Honor emphasized its respect for Zhaos decision and its commitment to a smooth leadership transition to the next CEO.

Li Jian, who will now take the role of HONOR CEO, has a wealth of experience from his time at Huawei. Jian joined Huawei in 2001 and became a member of the brands Supervisory Board in 2017. Before becoming CEO of Huawei, Jian previously served as Vice Chairman, Director, and President of the Human Resources Department.

The Board of Directors of Honor Device Co. Ltd. announced on January 17, 2025, that Mr George Zhao has resigned from his positions as Director and CEO of the company due to personal reasons. The company and the Board of Directors sincerely appreciate Mr Zhaos outstanding contributions to the company during his tenure. With the approval of the Board of Directors, Mr Jian Li has been appointed to succeed Mr Zhao, according to HONOR Newsroom.

Zhao Ming played a pivotal role in HONORs success

While the HONOR CEO Ming resigns, its worth adding that he played a pivotal role in the companys success over the years. After taking over the company in 2015, he steered it to become the number one online smartphone brand in China. HONOR maintained the position for several consecutive quarters.

Furthermore, under his leadership, HONOR also became Russias number-one smartphone brand at the end of 2019, surpassing Samsung. Ming also steered HONOR into reaching the number two spot in the overall Chinese smartphone market in 2020.
There are only a couple of days left until the deadline set by the anti-TikTok bill signed by Joe Biden last year is met. If ByteDance does not sell its US stake before January 19, it will not be able to continue operating in the country. That said, it seems that Joe Bidens government will leave the implementation of the US TikTok ban in the hands of the Trump administration.

Trump will have to implement the anti-TikTok bill signed by the Biden administration

According to a report by ABC News, Joe Biden will not use his last hours in the US presidency to enforce the TikTok shutdown. A White House officialon condition of anonymitytold the media that this is because the deadline falls on a holiday weekend, as Trump will become president the next dayJanuary 20.

So, Trump will be the one who must make the law official and take the appropriate measures. As part of the bill, app stores like Apple and Googles will have to take the service down from their listings. Otherwise, they will face fines of up to $5,000 per user of the short video platform. Considering that TikTok has around 170 million active users in the US, the potential fines would be massive.

The law also contemplates scenarios of an extension of the deadline. However, applying for the extension requires compliance with certain conditions related to proving that a sale is in process. In such a case, the president may offeroncean additional 90 days for the process to continue while the app remains available. But TikTok is not for sale right now, and the company even called the rumors of talks with Elon Musks X pure fiction.

The upcoming administration wants TikTok to continue operating in the US

Trump, on the other hand, has made it clear that he wants to keep TikTok running in the US. But the new presidents cabinet hasnt said what plans they have yet for how to make this happen.

Mike Waltz, Trumps national security adviser, said they are looking for ways to keep TikTok from going dark. He recalled that the original bill allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table. From his words, one can infer that at least one possible strategy is to find a suitable buyer and an operation that also leaves ByteDances management satisfied.

More senators have tried to help ByteDance

In recent weeks, even Democratic senators such as Ed Markey and Chuck Schumer have tried to lend a hand to ByteDance. Markey filed the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act for a potential 270-day extension to the US ban. On the other hand, Schumer spoke directly with Joe Biden about the need to extend the laws deadline. Its clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers, Schumer told the Senate.

Meanwhile, ByteDance is still waiting for the Supreme Courts ruling on its law delay request. If favorable, the company will obtain the grace period it has been seeking. However, experts in the field see it as very unlikely that the court will rule in favor of the Chinese company.
Austrian advocacy group Noyb has filed privacy complaints against TikTok and five other Chinese companies in the EU. Noyb claims that these tech firms are unlawfully transferring the data of users in the European Union to China.

Complaints of unlawful transfer of EU user data to China

Noyb advocacy group has filed privacy complaints against TikTok, Xiaomi, Temu, AliExpress, Shein, and WeChat in the EU. They are in breach of trust for allegedly sending data of the European Union users to China. Four of these companies explicitly state that they send data of Europeans to China in their privacy policies. These firms include TikTok, AliExpress, SHEIN, and Xiaomi. However, Temu and WeChat only mention data transfers to third countries.

Noyb says that the EU law is clear about sending user data outside of China. Companies can only transfer data outside the EU if the destination country doesnt undermine the protection of data. Companies must conduct a thorough impact assessment to verify that the destination country ensures EU data is safe.

Vienna-based Noyb said this was its first complaint against Chinese firms. It has filed six complaints against the aforementioned Chinese firms in Greece, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Austria. It is seeking to suspend data transfers to China and is asking for fines. These fines can reach up to four percent of a firms revenue globally.

China says it doesnt breach local laws, protects data

A Chinese foreign minister said the Chinese government has never and will never ask companies or individuals to collect data. It doesnt ask enterprises to provide information from other countries to the Chinese government in a way that violates local laws.

In addition, a Xiaomi spokesperson said the brand was examining the allegations. It would fully cooperate with proper authorities to resolve any issues if they approach the company due to this complaint. As of now, the other five companies havent released their statements regarding Noybs complaints.
Earlier today, the US Supreme Court upheld the TikTok Ban, which means that at this point, the app will go dark on Sunday.

In TikTok CEOs Shou Zi Chew first statement since the Supreme Court decision, he stated that I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. He continued by stating We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform  one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process.

TikToks CEO last attempt to save the app, kiss up to the new President

Chew is speaking Trumps language here, talking about views. Thats something that is very close to President-Elect Trumps heart. He is always interested in TV ratings and crowd sizes. Obviously, Chew knows exactly what he is doing here, kissing up to the incoming president, who used his platform to help get re-elected this past November. Chew has also already visited President-Elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and is also planning to attend the inauguration on Monday.
TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has been fighting against the apps potential US ban for a long time. However, the companys efforts have been in vain. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on the case soon. If unfavorable, Donald Trump could temporarily suspend the US TikTok ban.

Trump reportedly considering issuing an executive order to suspend the US TikTok ban

Trump has been a potential wild card in favor of ByteDance for some time now. During his first term, the new US president supported banning the short-video platform, but he expressed a change of heart last year.

Trump will take office on January 20, while the deadline set for the bill signed by Joe Biden in May 2024with bipartisan majority supportis January 19. That means that Trump will find the law already in place, which complicates things. That said, The Washington Post revealed that Trumps cabinet is considering issuing an executive order that could give ByteDance an additional 60 to 90 days to sort of things.

The anti-TikTok law states that ByteDance has to sell its US stake before January 19. Otherwise, app stores will have to remove TikTok from their listings. The company will also no longer be able to continue operating in the United States.

TikTok reportedly ready to close immediately in the US

US officials said last year that the app will no longer be accessible through traditional means after the ban, but it will still worktemporarily. Those who have downloaded it will be able to continue using it. However, the lack of basic server maintenance will cause the platform to shut down gradually. That said, a report from The Information claims that TikTok plans to immediately close the app for US users if a solution to the problem is not found.

Trumps potential suspension of the TikTok ban could give the company more time to negotiate or find less extreme alternatives to a sale with US officials. That said, the Washington Post report says that the legal basis behind Trumps potential move is not entirely clear.

The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating on whether to delay the implementation of the US ban on the platform. However, experts say a decision in favor of ByteDance is unlikely. Lower courts already rejected all of the companys appeals last year.

In late 2024, Trump was more vocal about his position on TikTok. I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, he said after receiving an outpouring of support following his arrival at TikTok. Trump also urged the Supreme Court to delay the implementation of the law so he could seek a political resolution.

More pro-TikTok fronts are opening

These final days will be key to TikToks future in the United States. Senator Ed Markey, who supported last years bill, will file the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act. If passed, it will offer 270 days of grace to the platform. Plus, NBC revealed that even the Biden administration could be looking at options to give ByteDance more time in the country. Amid the multiple pro-TikTok fronts that seem to be opening, Snap shares fell 4%. The change in the shares of TikToks competitor service could be a sign of good things to come for the Chinese platform. Anyway, nothing is certain yet.
Elizabeth Zavala covers federal courts for the Express-News. She can be reached at ezavala@express-news.net.

Zavala is a veteran reporter who has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She joined the Express-News in 2013 and covered the Bexar County criminal courts for nine years. Liz grew up on the near West Side. She graduated from Fox Tech High School and Texas Womans University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism.

Liz has worked in various reporting and editing positions at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle.
Kate Vince, the ex-wife of green energy industrialist Dale Vince, has been awarded more than 40 million after their divorce by a High Court judge.

They disputed how money should be split at a hearing in December last year.

Lawyers for Ms Vince told the court in London that her ex-husband was giving away their matrimonial assets, of which she should be entitled to half, including 5,460,000 in donations to the Labour Party between April 2022 and May 2024.

Mr Vince claimed the increase in donations and other spending came from a rise in the value of his businesses and had nothing at all to do with the legal battle.

In a judgment on Friday, Mr Justice Cusworth said Mr Vince could pay Ms Vince in three tranches, of 13.94 million, 14.49 million and 15.08 million, including interest, totalling 43.51 million.

The first payment will be made by April 30 2025, with the further two to follow annually.

He said that including the value of non-business assets she is retaining, this would leave Ms Vince with 45.64 million, which he said was an appropriate outcome for these parties.

In his 20-page ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Cusworth said: I consider that the wife should receive 50% of the marital element of the value in the businesses, and not less.

After the judgment, Mr Vince said his ex-wife would receive about 38 million after costs and that her case was so lacking in legal merit.

In a statement, he said: Todays judgment is a total vindication of my approach to this case from the very beginning.

He continued: Today my ex-wife walks away from court with 12 million less than I first offered her four years ago.

Along with her legal team she has wasted years of time, not just our own but that of the court.

Speaking to the PA news agency outside the Royal Courts of Justice following the judgment, Mr Vince said: If I told you the truth I would tell you that I dont believe in marriage and that the two times in my life I have done it I did it for my partner at the time for whom it was important.

Davina Katz, senior partner at Katz Partners LLP, who represented Mr Vince, said she was delighted that the court recognised that Mr Vince had worked very hard for many years before they met, building Ecotricity, the worlds first green energy company, from literally nothing into the extremely successful business it is today.

Sarah Jane Lenihan, partner at Dawson Cornwell, representing Ms Vince, said: We are very grateful to the court for the fair and equitable award granted to Ms Vince.

It is only right that Ms Vince has received an award which reflects her extensive contributions throughout the marriage, which the judge acknowledged, during which Mr Vince built the majority of his fortune.

Mr Vince claimed they separated in 2021, but Ms Vince alleges they were continuing a physical and emotional relationship right up to February 2022.

Mr Justice Cusworth said: The parties separation took place at some point after a conversation between them in late March 2021, when the husband evidently told the wife that he no longer loved her and believed that the relationship had broken down.

He added: However, it is also true that for the rest of that year, and until February 2022, they continued to be married, to live effectively under the same roof as a domestic unit, and also on occasions continued their physically intimate relationship.

The judge said that although Mr Vince bought himself a houseboat towards the end of 2022, he must have known that the wifes feelings were not so clear, and by continuing to sleep with her he would only have encouraged her in the hope that their marriage might be restored.

Lawyers for Ms Vince, 50, said her ex-husband, 63, had been giving away their matrimonial assets in a wanton and reckless fashion.

This included the gift to the Labour Party, as well as 100,000 to the Cheltenham Muslim Association and 8.4 million to his foundation, the Green Britain Foundation, which includes support for Forest Green Rovers FC, the National League football side he owns.

However, Mr Vince told the court he donated to Labour because he saw the general election as the opportunity for a government that wanted to do something about net zero.

Mr Vince said Labour always has the need for funding, adding: I thought it was not just the right thing to do, but imperative, to step into that gap and help Labour get out of the gap.

Referring to the donations made to Labour, the judge said they can be seen to have been timed to precede the recent general election and were at a time when Mr Vinces companys coffers had been filled up.

He said: It was therefore both foreseeable and hardly inexplicable that the company should choose to make a specific large donation at that time.

I am satisfied that the husbands motivation in endorsing that transaction was political, and not related to these proceedings.

Giving evidence to the court, Ms Vince said that, during the course of the marriage, she supported the mission of Mr Vinces company, which was not being run for the personal enrichment of the shareholders, but with the motivation of creating a more sustainable Britain.

Mr Vince had told the court in London he did not want to sell his lifes work because of his divorce, having come close to selling his business in 2021-2022.

He said he had considered selling because he thought he might need to for the divorce, and also because he had aspirations of becoming a politician and thought it might pose a conflict of interest.

However, the sale did not go ahead for a number of different reasons, including that Mr Vince reconnected with the business.

Mr Justice Cusworth said: In this case I consider that a fair approach will be to determine the marital period as a proportion of the whole period of the businesss existence to date.

That proportion of current value should be considered matrimonial.
The deaths of two young people who took their own lives while in custody in a young offenders institution might have been avoided and systemic failures contributed to the deaths, an inquiry has found.

Katie Allan, 21, and William Brown, 16, also known as William Lindsay, took their own lives within months of each other while held at Polmont YOI in 2018.

Ms Allan, a student at Glasgow University, was found dead in her cell on June 4 while serving a 16-month sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mr Brown, who had been in care repeatedly, was found dead in his cell on October 7, three days after being admitted as there was no space in a childrens secure unit, having walked into a police station with a knife.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into their deaths was held at Falkirk Sheriff Court last year, led by Sheriff SG Collins KC.

Katie Allan died at Polmont in June 2018 (family handout/PA)

In his determination, which was published on Friday, Sheriff Collins described a catalogue of individual and collective failures by prison and healthcare staff at the facility.

He found there were reasonable precautions by which both deaths might realistically have been avoided, and that systemic failures contributed to them.

One of the main issues, he said, was the effectiveness of the Talk To Me (TTM) suicide prevention strategy, through which at-risk prisoners are subjected to increased observation and checks.

He said Ms Allan had not been considered a risk when she was admitted to Polmont and so was not placed on TTM.

However, he said that during her incarceration there was a systemic failure by prison staff to complete concern forms that could have triggered the TTM process, pointing to a number of incidents recorded by prison staff that should have been red flags.

These included, he said, the fact Ms Allan was being bullied by other prisoners, distress caused by hair loss resulting from alopecia, her distress at being body (strip) searched by prison staff, and the failure of her appeal against her conviction.

Her weight also dropped from 65kg to 58kg during her 12 weeks at the facility, which Sheriff Collins said should have been a cause for concern by staff.

Mr Brown was placed on TTM on admission to Polmont only to be removed from it the next morning, despite presenting as a very high risk individual.

He was also not placed back on TTM when further information about his level of risk was provided to prison staff by a social worker later that day.

Sheriff Collins said: Had Katie been put on TTM on the night of June 3-4, 2018, and had William not been removed from it prior to the night of October 6-7, 2018, there was a realistic possibility that their deaths might have been avoided.

The sheriff also described as defective the systems for sharing information between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and other bodies, including courts and external agencies, about prisoner risk.

He also found issues with the way risk assessment information was recorded on prison systems.

This meant, he said: There was no single, readily accessible source of all the information relevant to Katies risk of suicide which was available to SPS staff in Polmont.

Linda and Stuart Allan, the parents of Katie Allan (Andrew Milligan/PA)

He added the deaths could have been prevented if reasonable precautions had been taken around the safety of cells, including the carrying out of regular checks to identify potential risks.

This would, he said, restrict the level of risk to inmate safety, whether or not they are subject to TTM.

Sheriff Collinss report, which runs to more than 400 pages, sets out 25 recommendations which might realistically prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.

Concluding it, he said: In common with all the participants in the inquiry, I offer my condolences to the families of Katie and William.

I would wish to particularly acknowledge the contributions of Linda and Stuart Allan, at least one of whom attended every day of the inquiry, and whose dignity and courage were evident throughout.

An SPS spokesperson said: Our thoughts remain with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay and we would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere condolences and apologies for the failures identified in this report.

We are committed to doing everything we can to support people and keep them safe during the most challenging and vulnerable periods of their lives.

We are grateful to Sheriff Collins for his recommendations, which we will now carefully consider before responding further.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the deaths should not have happened while they were in the care of the state (Jane Barlow/PA)

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: My deepest sympathies and condolences are with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, who have lost a child and sibling.

I am deeply sorry about their deaths and that their families have had to wait so long for the conclusion of this process.

I fully appreciate that this has been an arduous process and will have compounded the trauma and distress of the families.

Deaths from suicide in custody are as tragic as they are preventable, and the deaths of these two young people should not have happened whilst they were in the care of the state.

Solicitor General for Scotland, Ruth Charteris KC, said: I would again wish to acknowledge the deep anguish that the deaths of Katie and William have brought to their families and appreciate that the wait for these proceedings has been too long.

Since their deaths, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has introduced reforms designed to reduce the time it takes to investigate deaths, improve the quality of such investigations, and improve communication with bereaved families.

As part of these reforms, a specialist custody deaths investigation team has been set up to focus on cases such as those of Katie and William.

There is much more that can be done across the whole of the justice system to improve how deaths in custody are investigated, and the Crown is committed to contributing to that.
The Government is not considering general taxation as a replacement for the BBC licence fee, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated.

The BBC licence fee, which the Government has committed to increasing in line with inflation each year until 2027, is to rise to 174.50 in April.

The broadcaster has been cash-strapped in recent years following the licence fee being frozen for two years at 159  before it was increased at a lower rate than the corporation expected, and rising inflation.

The last rise in the household payment, which funds much of the BBCs operations, saw a 10.50 increase, which brought the charge to 169.50 in April 2024.

Ms Nandy told BBC Breakfast that the licence fee was not only insufficient, its raising insufficient money to support the BBC, but it also is deeply regressive.

Weve seen far too many women prosecuted over recent years for being unable to pay it, and its a flat fee that means that poorer people pay proportionately more than anybody else, she also said.

The Government is looking at a subscription model among the options which were left after ruling out general taxation (Nick Ansell/PA)

I think that doesnt help the BBC, it doesnt help the Government, and it doesnt help people in this country.

She also said there were a whole range of alternatives ministers were considering, but added: We havent committed to any of them.

The Government will use a review of the BBCs Royal Charter, which will include a public consultation, to consider funding options to support the broadcasters long-term future.

Ms Nandy said she has already started initial discussions with the BBC leadership about the charter review, that she hopes will future proof our national broadcaster until well into the latter half of this century.

She added: I think the one that has been speculated about is general taxation.

Thats not something that we are considering, not least because we want to make sure that we protect the BBC from the sort of political interference that we saw under the last government.

The BBCs funding has decreased in recent years (Ian West/PA)

The Government scrapped the BBC Funding Model Review, along with its expert panel, previously set up under the Conservative administration.

Ms Nandy acknowledged that a subscription model was among the options which were left after ruling out general taxation, but added: It also leaves a whole range of options which the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has been exploring over recent years.

In other countries in Europe, they find different ways of raising money.

In France, for example, they have a levy on cinemas. Im not committing to any of these things at this stage.

The BBC has been under increasing financial pressure and last year revealed a raft of planned changes, including the axing of in-depth interview show Hardtalk, as it looks at reducing more than 100 news roles.

It has projected its total deficit will increase to 492 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
A British actor living in Los Angeles described the devastating wildfires in southern California as sheer hell, and has been volunteering to give back to the firefighters.

Craig Robert Young, 51, who is from Nottingham in the East Midlands and has lived in Los Angeles for 25 years, was evacuated last week after the Sunset fire broke out near his home in Beechwood Canyon, beneath the Hollywood sign.

At least 25 people have been killed and thousands of homes and businesses destroyed in a series of wildfires that started in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday January 7.

Mr Young described the past week as dystopian, after seeing the red and orange flames light up the skies of LA.

Mr Young said the last week has felt dystopian (Craig Robert Young)

Its just been a week of sort of sheer hell, to be honest, he told the PA news agency.

Very exhausting, I think, for everybody involved, whether you are directly impacted by the fires or just living in this area.

Its been a really weird, dystopian week and terrifying.

Mr Young left his home last Wednesday was stuck in gridlock traffic for 40 minutes.

It was like something out of a movie. It really was. We eventually got out and were fortunate enough to have a home in Palm Springs, he said.

The actor, who played Charlie Chaplin in Oscar-nominated film Mank, starring Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried, is volunteering to give back and just do what we can, praised the firefighters for going above and beyond to help those affected.

The fact that these (firefighters) are out there working 24-hour shifts to put these fires out, and the preparedness that they have, its incredible really, he said.

I know its their job, but they do go above and beyond, and all those volunteer firefighters that are retired and stepped in to help to put out this monstrous flame.

Mr Young, who was in pop band Deuce in the 1990s, is volunteering at Project Angel Food, which he said is supplying 3,000 meals for firefighters and people who have been displaced.

He is one of about 50 people preparing food to be taken to various sites across the city.

Its incredibly sad that people are going through this and you just want to be of service. You want to help, but its just hard, Mr Young said.

Were not seeing the victims of the fires face to face, were just in the back, but the camaraderie of the people that are volunteering is going to be great. I think that you just feel some sense of worth.

Mr Young has been volunteering at the Project Angel Food charity (Craig Robert Young/PA)

The actor described the community in LA as amazing for rallying together to help those in most need.

I think that everybody in Los Angeles is galvanised and is supportive, he said.

LA gets a bad rap for being vapid or fake, but this has really brought people together and shown how amazing this community of LA is.

Everybody is doing everything that they can, whether its making donations to GoFundMe, or volunteering, to reaching out to those that they know.

I would say probably everybody in LA knows at least one person thats affected by this.

In 2008, Mr Young set up a Facebook group called Brits in LA, which has more than 18,000 members, to create a sense of community for Britons to socialise with each other.

I would ask everybody, what is it you miss most about home? And it is that sense of community, he said.

Its that sense of fun banter and we all understand each other so well.

He has praised Britons for sharing supportive messages and donating money to various fundraisers to help the LA community.

I just want to thank everybody for their kindness during this time and understanding, and to those that even from (Britain) are sending money to GoFundMe, he said.
Leading figures across the arts, culture and sport will be brought together as part of a new soft power council aimed at transforming Britains role on the global stage.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will jointly chair the group which the Government says is designed to drive growth and security by making the most of the countrys cultural exports.

It is understood the council will seek to work alongside institutions like the royal family, which counts US President-elect Donald Trump among its admirers and is seen as one of Britains biggest soft power assets, to boost influence internationally.

The Foreign Office said the body would bring together experts from across culture, sport, the creative industries and geopolitics.

It will seek ways for these sectors to work closer with Whitehall to help revive the economy and improve security, for example through Government campaigns and a systematic approach to cultural and sporting calendars.

Mr Lammy said: Soft power is fundamental to the UKs impact and reputation around the world. I am often struck by the enormous love and respect which our music, sport, education and institutions generate on every continent.

But we have not taken a sufficiently strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.

That is why I have created the soft power council to channel British expertise as we look to reimagine Britains role on the world stage, reinvigorate alliances and forge new partnerships.

Ms Nandy said: From the Premier League and Peaky Blinders to Adele and the BBC World Service, Britains cultural exports showcase the best of Britain around the world.

When international investors look to the UK, it is so often our iconic sporting events, performing arts, media outlets and creative industries that make the UK such an attractive place to grow and invest.

We are determined to strengthen our soft power abroad, and in turn deliver a major boost to our economy, as we focus on our missions to create jobs and spread opportunity across the UK.

The council is expected to draw on the work of the royal family, such as their overseas visits, to amplify some of the UKs other soft power work taking place abroad.

The launch comes at a critical point for international relations, with unease in some western capitals about potential trade tariffs and a changed US approach to foreign policy under the second Trump administration.

Ms Nandy is also set to announce 60 million in funding for the creative industries at a summit in Gateshead on Friday as the Government continues its search for growth.

More than 250 businesses and cultural leaders will attend the event at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, where she will confirm a package of Government support for projects such as start-up video game studios and grassroots music venues.
Patients who spend longer in A&E departments waiting for non-immediate care could have a higher risk of dying within the first few weeks of being discharged, research suggests.

The risk of dying within 30 days of leaving A&E in England is likely to be more than twice as high for someone whose visit lasted 12 hours than someone who was there for just two hours.

The odds may be even higher for certain groups of the population, including young adults or people who went to A&E for reasons to do with their eyes.

Compared with patients requiring non-immediate care who spent 2 hours in A&E, the odds of post-discharge death were:  1.1 x higher for those who spent 3 hours in A&E 1.6 x higher after 6 hours 1.9 x higher after 9 hours 2.1 x higher after 12 hours  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) January 17, 2025

The findings have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are based on data for A&E attendances in England from March 2021 to April 2022, when the Covid-19 pandemic was still under way.

Hospitals implemented a range of measures during the pandemic to control the spread of infection and these may have affected the way A&E departments operated.

Such measures are unlikely to be in place to the same extent today, meaning the results of the research do not necessarily reflect the current risk of dying after visiting A&E, the ONS said.

The findings cover only patients who required non-immediate care in an emergency department.

They suggest that, when compared with people who spent two hours in A&E, the odds of a post-discharge death within 30 days were 1.1 times higher for those who were there for three hours, 1.6 times higher for those whose visit lasted six hours and 2.1 times higher for those who were there for 12 hours.

The relative difference in the risk of post-discharge death after 12 hours in A&E compared with two hours was greatest for younger patients, with the odds being 4.6 times higher for 20-year-olds.

It was also greater for those in London (2.7 times higher), those who attended A&E for reasons to do with their eyes (7.9 times higher) and those who were not admitted to hospital for inpatient care after visiting A&E (2.8 times higher).

Daniel Ayoubkhani, ONS head of health research, said: Todays release builds on previous research to demonstrate that time spent in A&E may be an important risk factor for dying after being discharged, and not just during the patients visit.

During the time period covered by the study, patients who spent longer in A&E for non-immediate care had a higher risk of dying within 30 days of being discharged, even accounting for a wide range of socio-demographic and clinical factors.

Our analysis of linked health records for 6.7 million individuals in England indicates that the risk of dying within 30 days of leaving A&E was more than twice as high for someone who spent 12 hours in A&E compared with two hours.

Todays article builds on previous research to demonstrate that time spent in A&E may be an important risk factor for dying after being discharged, and not just during the patients visit. Commenting on todays release, ONSs Daniel Ayoubkhani, said  pic.twitter.com/c0NTOoVhD6  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) January 17, 2025

Excluding those who died while still at hospital, 1.3% of people who attended A&E in England between March 21 2021 and April 30 2022 died within 30 days of leaving to return home or be admitted to inpatient care.

Not all factors related to time spent in A&E and 30-day post-discharge mortality could be reflected in the research.

Statisticians did not have data on over-crowding, while some patients are likely to have waited longer because they needed access to specialist treatments, advice or services.

Our results therefore only relate to statistical associations; we cannot say with certainty whether longer times spent in A&E cause higher rates of post-discharge mortality, the ONS added.

Responding to the findings, Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care said: We know there is a real impact when patients wait too long in A&E.

This is a result of pressure across health and social care, including record A&E and GP attendances, challenges discharging patients from hospital, and wards routinely operating at close to 100% capacity.

In response we have rolled out a number of services including virtual wards so patients can be supported from the comfort of their home, same day emergency care centres so patients arriving at A&E are seen quicker and discharged on the same day  while latest data shows the NHS has more beds opened than this time last year.

However more needs to be done to support patients and hard-working NHS staff, and we will work with government to develop further plans to improve urgent and emergency care, including shifting more care to community settings as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

Dr Tim Cooksley, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: This important data from the ONS further illustrates the importance of timely acute care and the harm caused from prolonged waits  succinctly and sadly the early death of many people.

This is a personal tragedy for too many families.

It is impossible to over-emphasise that this number will be rising. Those waiting for 12 hours in emergency departments are increasing. The overcrowding and impacts of this will invariably have resulted in a greater number of avoidable deaths in the last 12 months.

The lack of dignity for patients and the appalling impact on nursing colleagues was starkly and harrowingly described in the Royal College of Nursing report earlier this week.

The situation is currently worsening and the opportunity to alter the direction of travel is increasingly narrow. If government ministers arent asleep at the wheel as opposition MPs have recently suggested; they need to prove it.

The Royal College of Nursing published new findings this week on the condition of the hospitals in England, including accounts of patients dying in corridors and sometimes going undiscovered for hours, and of sick people being left to soil themselves.
Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt over the transfer of Omar Marmoush, the PA news agency understands.

The Egypt forward, who can operate across the frontline, has scored 20 times in 26 appearances for the German club in all competitions this season.

Fifteen of those goals have come in the Bundesliga, where he is only one strike behind the leagues top scorer, Harry Kane.

Omar Marmoush, left, joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer from Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg in 2023 (PA Wire via DPA)

The 25-year-old, who has 35 international caps, has also provided nine league assists this term.

Marmoush joined Frankfurt on a free transfer from divisional rivals Wolfsburg in 2023, having begun his career at Wadi Degla in his homeland.

His imminent arrival at the Etihad Stadium will boost the attacking options of a City side who have won just three of their last 12 Premier League fixtures.

Pep Guardiolas champions, who blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Brentford on Tuesday, sit sixth in the top flight  12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool  ahead of travelling to Ipswich on Sunday.
Two sisters who went missing in Aberdeen more than a week ago visited the bridge where they were last seen the previous day, it has emerged.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on Market Street at the Victoria Bridge over the River Dee at around 2.12am on Tuesday January 7.

They crossed the bridge and turned right on to a footpath next to the river heading towards Aberdeen Boat Club.

Police said investigations into their disappearance have now confirmed both women, who were wearing rucksacks, were seen at the same bridge at around 2.50pm on Monday January 6.

CCTV shows the sisters, who are part of a set of triplets, spent five minutes at the footpath and Victoria Bridge but did not engage with anyone else.

Sisters Eliza and Henrietta Huszti have been missing since January 7 (Police Scotland/PA)

It has also emerged a text message was sent from Henriettas mobile phone to the sisters landlady at 2.12am on January 7, from the area of Victoria Bridge, indicating they would not be returning to the flat.

The phone was then disconnected from the network and has not been active since, police said.

The following day, the sisters personal belongings were found inside the flat and the landlady reported her concerns to police.

After visiting the bridge on January 6, CCTV footage shows the sisters making their way through the city centre, via the Union Square shopping centre, back to their flat in the Charlotte Street area of Aberdeen.

Police said there is nothing to indicate they left it again until shortly before they were last seen at the River Dee.

Officers said there is nothing to suggest criminality or suspicious circumstances, and they renewed their appeal for information.

Police have been carrying out searches on the River Dee (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Superintendent David Howieson said: We have carried out a significant trawl of public and private CCTV footage as we try to establish the sisters movements.

Several hours of footage are being examined by a dedicated team of officers and we have so far established that Eliza and Henrietta were at the footpath next to the River Dee at 2.50pm on Monday January 6.

Although the sisters didnt engage with anyone else at this time, the area would have been busy and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them.

Please think back, did you notice anyone matching their description?

After returning home, there is nothing to indicate that Eliza or Henrietta left their flat again until shortly before they were last seen at the River Dee.

Extensive inquiries are ongoing and I would again stress there is nothing to suggest any suspicious circumstances or criminality.

The women, who are both described as white and of slim build with long, brown hair, are originally from Hungary.

The sisters were last seen on CCTV in Market Street after leaving their home in Aberdeen city centre on January 7 (Police Scotland/PA)

One theory police are considering is that they somehow entered the water, and search efforts have been focusing on the River Dee and surrounding area.

Police said there is nothing to suggest either of the women left the immediate area after 2.12am on January 7.

Mr Howieson said: We remain in regular contact with Eliza and Henriettas family in Hungary and we will continue to provide them with support at this very difficult time.

Searches will continue in the coming days and our officers will continue to do everything they can to find Eliza and Henrietta.

Earlier in the week it emerged the sisters did not tell relatives they were immediately going to move out of their rented flat.

In an interview with the BBC, their brother Jozsef said they did not inform their relatives of this decision  including during a phone call they had with their mother on the Saturday before their disappearance.

He said: They wrote a message to their landlady that they wanted to immediately end their tenancy agreement. We didnt have any information about that.

So thats the strange thing, that the girls didnt tell us anything about that.

They never mentioned any such plan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0735 of Tuesday January 7.
They say the dog you have before you have human children will always hold a special place in your heart, and that was definitely the case for me. Though shes gone now, I will always hold precious the bond that I had with my first adult dog, as well as the sweet way she saved a companion and guardian to my children when they were babies. Im sure the baby in this video is going to be so well taken care of by the pack of German Shepherds in his household. And his mother has honored the first of their number in his beautiful baby name.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In the video, a pack of at least five German Shepherds cluster happily around a crib in which lays a very fresh newborn wrapped in a blanket. They are sweet and calm as they wait upon the new little one, a nativity scene fit to warm the heart of any dog lover. Even better, the mom in this video named her new addition after the first German Shepherd she ever had.

Related: Baby and German Shepherd Puppy Teething at Same Time Are Truly 2 Peas in a Pod

A Most Meaningful Name

Most of you noticed Kobas name being included in Jakobs, she writes in the caption. Yes, it was intentional. Kobas registered name is actually Jakoba, which is how we got the name for our page.

Her new baby is named Jakob Asher, and its a delightful way to honor the dog who meant so much to them in the baby that he never got to meet.

Koba was a very special dog, and my life would be drastically different had we not have gotten him. He completely changed the course of my life. When he passed, I took it very hard and still have some rough moments. I knew if we had a boy, I wanted to name him Jakob A.

Its an astonishingly beautiful tribute, and according to the woman, it even has a deeper meaning than the obvious.

Jakob means to follow, and Asher blessed, she new mom claims. I think Koba is watching over our special boy.

In the comments, people marvel, not only at the gesture but also at the kindness and loyalty already being demonstrated by the pack of German Shepherds around their new Jakob A.

Safest baby in the world, says one. They would probably die fighting to protect the kid.

Another says, What an incredible sweet tribute to your fur boy whos now a guardian angel watching over you all. Your sweet little guy is positively precious. Congratulations to the entire family.

Dogs and Babies

German Shepherds are beloved for being intelligent and loyal, and performing well when given a tasks. If these dogs take it upon themselves to watch over this baby, youd better believe theyll do the best job imaginable.

It can sometimes be hard for people who are not used to dogs to understand the fierce loyalty and gentleness with which even large, protective dogs like this can exhibit when around baby humans, or babies of any species. If the dogs were properly raised and trained, as these seem to be, they instinctively understand their extreme fragility, and curb their behavior to be as calm and careful as possible.

They wanna see their new bestie, says one person in the comments section, who clearly gets it.

Welcome to the pack, tiny skin puppy, says another.

Congratulations to all.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Pepfar is widely considered one of the most successful global health projects in history - Brian Inganga/AP

A flagship American anti-HIV aid programme credited with saving 25 million lives is in jeopardy after four Mozambican nurses were found to have conducted banned abortions, a top Republican has warned.

Senator Jim Risch said the disclosure that nurses funded by the long-running Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) had conducted abortions against US aid rules was disgusting and illegal.

Mr Risch, chairman of the influential Senate foreign relations committee overseeing the programme, said: This violation means that the future of the Pepfar programme is certainly in jeopardy.

I will not support one dollar of American money going towards abortion anywhere in the world, and I will do all I can to ensure this never happens again.

The row flared only days before Donald Trump was due to be inaugurated for his second presidency.

Mr Trump and his supporters have vowed swingeing cuts to federal spending and foreign aid is likely to come under heavy scrutiny.

Democrats immediately warned Republicans not to use the Mozambique cases as a pretext to end a life-saving programme.

Programmes funded by Pepfar are barred from providing abortion services with the money, under a rule governing foreign assistance called the Helms Amendment.

US officials briefing Congress said an internal audit of work in Mozambique, where abortion is legal, had found four nurses performed a total of 21 since January 2021.

The officials told Reuters the violation was the first time a Pepfar-funded provider had been found to have provided an abortion in the programmes 20-year history.

Congress had been informed immediately to ensure transparency, they said.

One official said: It also is an important indication that the compliance measures we have in place have been effective, but could be further strengthened.

Pepfar was started 20 years ago under George W Bush to curb the worlds HIV and Aids epidemic. It has gone on to become widely considered one of the most successful global health projects in history and is the largest ever national commitment to tackle a single disease. America has spent more than $100bn (82bn).

Pepfar until recently had broad bipartisan support, but two years ago Republican opponents of abortion rights blocked a five-year reauthorisation, alleging the program had been hijacked by Joe Bidens administration to empower pro-abortion organisations. Pepfar has since then only been granted short-term rollovers.

Sen Risch, an 81-year-old from Idaho who prides himself on being one of the most conservative members of the senate, called for an investigation into the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), after the Mozambique disclosure.

He said: For 20 years, Pepfar has been a global health issue with deep bipartisan agreement and respect for life, but the actions of the CDC have polarised and destroyed this bipartisan foundation.

Whether CDC staff were being overly zealous, stupid, evil, or inept, they have violated the law and done a disservice to the country and those suffering from Aids worldwide.

Gregory Meeks, the most senior Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee, said using this unfortunate error as pretext to end funding for Pepfar, which has saved millions of lives by combating HIV around the world, would be a grave mistake.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Aimee Betro allegedly disguised herself in a hijab before an attempted assassination - Enterprise News and Pictures

An American woman allegedly hired to take part in the assassination of a British businessman is set to be charged with conspiracy to murder.

Aimee Betro was allegedly hired to kill Sikander Ali, a clothes boutique owner, on the orders of business rival Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nazir, 30.

The 44-year-old from Wisconsin is said to have disguised herself in a hijab before unsuccessfully trying to gun down Ali in Birmingham on Sept 7, 2019.

She was on the run until she was finally arrested by police in Armenia in July and was extradited to the UK.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Betro with conspiracy to murder a Birmingham resident.

She is also set to be charged with possession of a firearm with intent and bringing ammunition into the UK.

Ben Samples, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in West Midlands, said: CPS West Midlands has worked closely with West Midlands Police, Derbyshire Police, the Armenian authorities and our own Extradition Unit to bring Ms Betro back to face proceedings in a UK court for alleged crimes that took place here.

The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Ms Betro are active and that she has the right to a fair trial.

It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

Ms Betro will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 January.

Nazir and Islam were both found guilty of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court in the summer and were given prison sentences of 32 years and 10 years respectively.

The hearing was told Nazir and Aslam had held a grudge against Mr Alis family following a violent dispute at his boutique clothing store in Birmingham on July 21 2018. It resulted in the two men sustaining injuries and the shop windows being smashed.

Mugshot of Mohammed Nazir - West Midlands Police

Seeking revenge, the pair alleged to have flown Betro from the United States to kill Mr Ali and his family, the court was told. She is said to have worn a hijab to disguise herself and stayed at a number of hotels in Birmingham, Derby, Brighton and London while she was in the UK.

On the morning of Sept 7 2019, she allegedly tried to shoot Mr Ali outside a house in Acocks Green, Birmingham, but the gun jammed, the court heard.

She allegedly returned to the house by taxi and fired three shots at the property before ordering the driver to take her to a McDonalds in Bordesley Green. No one was injured.

Jurors were told that Betro fled back to her native Wisconsin two days later before going to ground.

Her mother, Jeanne Johnson, 62, appealed in The Telegraph for her daughter to hand herself in, saying: She has nowhere else to go. Shes got to stop running.

It is understood a combination of background details in Betros Instagram selfies and sunset photos taken from her living room window helped trace her to a gated housing complex on the northern outskirts of Yerevan, the Armenian capital.
Lord Hermer is facing mounting pressure over his work as a barrister and accusations of conflicts of interest with his current role - Elliott Franks

The Attorney General fought the Home Office in the courts to try to help migrants stay in the UK.

In his work as a human rights barrister, Lord Hermer represented an Eritrean man claiming to be an unaccompanied child migrant.

In a high-profile legal challenge, he argued that immigration officers age assessment guidance for asylum seekers was unlawful as there was a risk they could be wrong.

However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument.

Lord Hermer is facing mounting pressure over his work as a barrister and accusations of conflicts of interest with his current role.

He has refused to declare whether or not he recused himself from advising ministers on issues relating to his former clients, including Gerry Adams, the former Sinn Fein leader, and Afghan families accusing special forces of murder.

It comes after it emerged that Mr Adams is in line for taxpayer-funded compensation because of Sir Keir Starmers human rights plans.

Mr Adams is set to benefit from a decision by the Government to repeal Troubles legislation. The current law, the Legacy Act, blocks his claim for compensation over his imprisonment in the 1970s for suspected involvement in terrorism.

But Sir Keirs plans will reverse two sections of the Act which denied Mr Adams and up to 400 other IRA suspects also detained in the 1970s the right to claim compensation.

Deemed to be an adult

The question of how the Home Office assesses the age of asylum seekers remains relevant while the Government looks for ways to cut historically high levels of net migration.

Under the Immigration Act 2014, adults who claim asylum in the UK are treated differently from unaccompanied children. It has led to cases where adult asylum seekers falsely claim to be children to receive more lenient treatment and find an easier route to staying in Britain.

Lord Hermer acted for an Eritrean man who entered the UK on his own and in 2014 claimed asylum as an unaccompanied 16-year-old.

He was promptly arrested as an illegal migrant. Immigration officers deemed him to be an adult and he was treated as such at the outset.

British immigration staff thought he looked to be in his mid-20s and Italian authorities later reported that the man had told them he was 26.

Lord Hermer contested Home Office guidance on how age should be assessed.

He said it permitted or encouraged unlawful conduct because it did not sufficiently remove the risk that immigration officers might make a mistake when they assess the age of an asylum seeker who claims to be a child.

In the absence of other evidence of age available, one criterion set out in the guidance (known as criterion C) is: Their physical appearance/demeanour very strongly suggests that they are significantly over 18 years of age and no other credible evidence exists to the contrary.

Lord Hermers client sought to quash this part of the guidance on the grounds of unlawfulness. The relevant ground in the appeal to the Supreme Court was that, when the guidance is followed, it does not remove the risk that an asylum seeker may be assessed to be an adult on account of looking older, when they are, in fact, a child, and be treated unlawfully as a result.

The claim was dismissed in the Upper Tribunal, but it was allowed to appeal to the Court of Appeal. The secretary of state appealed further to the Supreme Court. On July 30, 2021, the Supreme Court found that Home Office guidance for assessing the age of asylum seekers was lawful, and Lord Hermer lost the case.

Giving evidence to the justice select committee on Wednesday, Lord Hermer provided an impassioned defence of lawyers ability to take on clients without fear or favour.

He expressed concern about attacks on lawyers for doing particular cases, warning these could undermine faith in the legal system.

He pointed out that this system works best when you have advocates who are able to take on cases without fear or favour and represent clients irrespective of their own views as to what their client did, whether it was morally right or morally wrong.
Attorney General Lord Hermer KC

Hell. That was how Sir Patrick Hastings, one of Britains former Attorneys General, described his brief and turbulent time in the role. Hastings tenure, marred by the Campbell Case of 1924, ended in political calamity  a vote of no confidence in Ramsay MacDonalds Labour government that led to its collapse.

A century later, echoes of Hastings plight resonate disturbingly in todays political and legal landscape.

The office of Attorney General, one of the oldest in British governance dating back to 1247, occupies a uniquely precarious position: both politician and lawyer, the Attorney must serve the government while maintaining the rule of law. As legal advisors to the Crown, Attorneys General are expected to act without fear or favour, their integrity beyond reproach. But this ideal is being sorely tested under the current incumbent, whose actions risk undermining public confidence in the very foundations of our legal system.

Reports of bias, conflicts of interest, and opaque decision-making have dogged the current Attorney General, Richard Hermer KC. The most glaring issue is Lord Hermers alleged connection to Gerry Adams, the former Sinn Fein leader. In a revelation that should alarm every taxpayer, it was reported that the Attorney General received approximately 30,000 to represent Adams in legal proceedings  a fact he astonishingly could not recall when questioned by the Justice Select Committee.

This is no mere footnote. Adams, a central figure in Northern Irelands troubled history, had been denied compensation by legislation enacted by the Conservatives designed to safeguard the interests of British veterans and victims of IRA violence. The Governments sudden decision to repeal the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023  a law crucial in preventing retrospective payouts to figures like Adams  raises serious questions. Was the Attorney Generals past legal representation of Adams a factor in this policy reversal?

The Law Officers Convention, which prevents disclosure of legal advice given to government, offers thin cover. It is inconceivable that such a momentous decision, laden with judicial and financial ramifications, could have been made without the Attorneys involvement.

As someone who held this role, I know firsthand the gravity of decisions like these. When I worked with ministerial colleagues on the Northern Ireland Troubles Act, it was clear that the legislation was not just about protecting British veterans from vexatious claims but also about drawing a line under decades of bloodshed in Northern Ireland. Repealing it is a betrayal of those principles and an insult to the memories of the victims of the IRA and the brave servicemen and women who upheld the Crowns authority during the Troubles.

The Attorney Generals entanglements do not stop with Adams. Another alarming conflict involves his previous representation of families alleging murder by British Armed Forces. These allegations, which touch on extrajudicial killings, are central to the ongoing Afghanistan Inquiry  a statutory investigation in which the Government is directly involved.

How can the public trust the impartiality of this Inquiry when the Attorney General, nominally the Governments chief legal adviser at the Inquiry, has previously represented parties directly challenging the Ministry of Defence? Justice, as the adage goes, must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Here, the perception of bias is undeniable.

Conflicts of interest are not abstract concerns. They cut to the heart of the legal professions integrity. A lawyer privy to confidential information from one client cannot represent another party in a way that disadvantages the former. What insights does the Attorney possess from his work with Adams or the families that could shape his government advice? Such questions should not need asking, yet they are inescapable.

To salvage public confidence, the Attorney General must act decisively. Recusal from any involvement in the Afghanistan Inquiry is imperative. Full disclosure of his ties to Adams is non-negotiable, and publishing his legal advice on the Legacy Act would offer a vital gesture of transparency.

These steps are not about political convenience; they are about upholding the rule of law and restoring faith in a system that is perilously close to collapse.

Sir Patrick Hastings hell was political ignominy  a rapid fall from grace. For todays Attorney General, the stakes are far higher. If he fails to address the legitimate concerns surrounding his conduct, the fallout will extend beyond his office, corroding trust in our legal institutions and damaging the moral authority of the Government itself.

Justice cannot afford such a price. Neither can the British public.

Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP has served as Attorney General
Herbert Kickl (pictured) could prove even harder to handle within the EU than Hungarys consistently obstructive Viktor Orban. Photograph: Max Slovencik/EPA

When Austrias Freedom party (FPO) entered government 25 years ago, shock waves reverberated around Europe. Punitive measures were imposed, diplomatic visits cancelled and Belgium even suggested the EU could do without the Alpine country.

That was when the far-right party was only a junior coalition partner. This time, the FPO  nativist, anti-immigration and fiercely critical of the EU  is in the driving seat. Its leader, Herbert Kickl, is in pole position to be Austrias next chancellor.

Whats more, under what looks likely to be its first far-right-led government since the second world war, Vienna would this time join an expanding bloc of disruptive, Moscow-friendly member states at the heart of Europe.

If Kickl does become chancellor, he will join like-minded leaders including Hungarys Viktor Orban  whom he has hailed as a role model  Robert Fico in Slovakia and probably, after elections in October, Andrej Babis of the Czech Republic.

So it is a measure of how far the far right has advanced in the EU that the reaction in Brussels and other capitals is little more than a shrug. Were going to have to deal with it, arent we? said a diplomat from a large member state. Its the new normal.

The FPO, which finished first with 29% of the vote in September elections, is in talks to form a government with the centre-right Austrian Peoples party (OVP) after negotiations between the OVP, centre-left SPO and liberal Neos broke down.

While the precise outcome is still uncertain, it seems increasingly likely that a deal will be reached, if only because polls suggest the alternative  a snap election  would produce an even higher vote share, up to 39%, for the far-right party.

Austrias caretaker chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, rushed to Brussels to reassure EU leaders, including the presidents of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and parliament, Roberta Metsola, that they had nothing to worry about.

The countrys foreign minister and a senior figure in the OVP, Schallenberg promised Austria would remain a reliable, strong and constructive partner within the EU, and said the bloc should have trust in Austrias democratic institutions.

EU red lines such as the rule of law, judicial independence, fundamental rights and respect for international law were not up for discussion with the FPO and would, along with support for Ukraine, be guaranteed in any coalition agreement, he said.

How far that will be the case remains to be seen. The FPOs aggressive European election programme, Stop the EU madness, stopped short of advocating Auxit but demanded radical reforms and an end to red tape and Brussels political excesses.

The party has called for an immediate halt to immigration, the suspension of Austrias asylum system and the expulsion of all asylum seekers, which would breach EU law. Its general election manifesto was titled: Fortress Austria, Fortress of Freedom.

That demanded remigration, cuts in corporate tax and wage costs and  while the party has distanced itself from a 2016 cooperation agreement with Vladimir Putins United Russia party  an end to EU sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine.

Some analysts suggest that if Kickl does become chancellor, his wildest instincts would necessarily be reined in by a strict coalition accord with the OVP and he would, in any case, have his hands full with other, mainly budgetary concerns.

If he does head the new government, the outspoken Kickl is going to be much more focused on budget consolidation, welfare reform and domestic culture wars than on a big fight with the EU, predicted Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia Group consultancy.

Others, however, question how far the OVP will constrain him. In previous coalitions with the far-right party as junior partner, the OVP had a history of accommodating the FPOs attacks on democracy, said the political scientist Gabriela Greilinger.

As junior coalition partner, the party would be poorly equipped to safeguard liberal democratic principles against a far-right partner that consistently undermines societal norms, Greilinger, a far-right specialist at the University of Georgia, said.

Some also note that if Kickl is not held in check by his centre-right partners, he could prove even harder to handle within the bloc than the consistently obstructive Orban, who has been kept more or less onside largely through withholding EU funds.

Unlike Hungary, however, Austria pays more into the EU than it gets out, so it might not be amenable to a transactional approach. Kickl could fall in line, said a diplomat from southern Europe. Or he could go rogue. The fact is, no one knows.

If Kickl, Orban and their fellow disruptors do unite, EU policies  especially those that need unanimity  could suffer. Support for Ukraine, the blocs new asylum system and the Green Deal, intended to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, could all be targets.

Populist far-right, Moscow-friendly or EU-critical parties now lead governments in Italy, Hungary and Slovakia; and are members of, or support coalitions in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Croatia. Besides Austria, they are also pushing at the door in Romania, the Czech Republic and France.

Even so, said Rahman, anti-EU governments will remain well short of the blocking minority in the European Council needed to seriously upset EU decision-making. All eyes, however, will be on centre-right parties readiness to cut deals on their right.

In the parliament, the European Peoples party  whose members include the OVP but also Germanys CDU and Polands Civic Platform, which both face strong far-right challenges this year  has already come under fire for courting the far-right vote.

It has aligned with the national-conservatives of the ECR, including Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy and Polands Law & Justice, on several votes. The ECR, in turn, has said it is open to collaboration with the new far-right Patriots for Europe.

Altogether more radical, that group includes Orbans Fidesz, Frances National Rally, Geert Wilders Freedom party, Spains Vox  and the FPO. Theyre going to push back, hard, said one of the diplomats. Things could get quite difficult.
The Instagram photo showed the Obamas dressed casually and holding hands - Instagram

Barack Obama has dispelled rumours of a split from his wife, Michelle, by posting a gushing social media post to celebrate her birthday.

Rumours of a rift between the former president and first lady began to swirl after it was announced that Michelle would not be attending Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, leaving Mr Obama to face the fanfare alone.

The couple have rarely been seen together publicly since they gave speeches at the Democratic Convention five months ago.

Mrs Obama skipped the state funeral of Jimmy Carter earlier this month citing a scheduling conflict. It later emerged that she was on holiday in Hawaii without her husband.

However, the former president has now put rumours to bed by posting a photo on Instagram of him and his wife having dinner together on her birthday, calling her the love of my life.

Mr Obama said: Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace  and you look good doing it.

Im so lucky to be able to take on lifes adventures with you. Love you!

The photo showed the Obamas dressed casually and holding hands, while sitting down for dinner in a room lined with bottles of wine.

Michelle Obama responded enthusiastically to her husbands post - Instagram

The loving message comes after Mrs Obama came under attack from Kid Rock over her decision not to attend Mr Trumps inauguration next week.

The 54-year-old rapper urged the former first lady to put politics aside  as he did when performing at Barack Obamas inauguration.

I would kindly remind her that years back when Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration, and I played it and I went, he said on Fox News.

So, I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that, he added, admitting he was puzzled by her decision to snub the ceremony. I dont know, she seems a little angry.

Kid Rock is a vocal Trump supporter and has performed at several of his rallies.

We need someone in here making sensible decisions, he said, adding. We are not electing the deacon of a church here. I want somebody smart who can run this country, keep us safe, run it like a business, and make America great again.

Mrs Obama, 61, did attend the first Trump inauguration in 2017.

After her decision not to attend Jimmy Carters funeral, Mr Obama raised eyebrows by engaging in friendly conversation with Mr Trump at the event.

First ladies attendance

Former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush will attend the inauguration, as will Joe and Jill Biden.

While no reason has been given for Mrs Obamas absence, she has made little secret of her disdain for Mr Trump, accusing him of racism at last years Democratic National Convention.

For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us, Mrs Obama said. See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happen to be black.

Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, has also decided to skip Mondays ceremony, reflecting the legacy of ill-will between some Democrats and the president-elect.

Mrs Obamas snub is not unprecedented. Mr Trump, who refused to accept his election defeat in 2020, and his wife Melania were absent from Joe Bidens inauguration four years ago.
Ismael Ortega Quiroz, 33, from San Antonio, is charged with attempted kidnapping, a third degree felony. Bexar County Jail

The Schertz Police Department has arrested a man accused of attempting to kidnap a 10-year-old boy.

Ismael Ortega Quiroz, 33, from San Antonio, is charged with attempted kidnapping, a third degree felony.

Schertz police responded to a report of a suspicious man in a white van at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the 12500 block of Barr Way, near FM 1518.

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The incident happened at Rhine Valley Park in Schertz, which was near the boy's home. The man allegedly attempted to lure the boy into the van but was unsuccessful, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the San Antonio Express-News.

The boy not only provided a detailed description of the man and the vehicle, he also provided evidence that helped police identify the vehicle  a white 1996 Chevrolet Express van. The van had ladders on top, black rims, tinted windows and a rusted front grille guard.

Schertz Police Detective Ian McMath wrote in the affidavit that the boy told investigators the van stopped next to him and the driver exited the vehicle. The man approached him, grabbing him by the shoulder and telling him, "Get in the van  or I'll shoot you."

Later, the boy told a forensic interviewer that he punched and grabbed the man and twisted his arm, breaking free.

The boy also told investigators he believed the man was armed, as there appeared to be an AK style rifle with a brown barrel and black handle in the van, according to the affidavit.

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The boy ran away from the man, getting small cuts on his legs as he ran into a culvert in the woods. The boy left the woods and returned to the park to take a photo of the van as it left the park. The boy's father's Ring camera showed the same van driving away at the same time as the time stamp on the photo the boy took. Another neighbor also shared an image of the van taken at the same time with police.

The boy told police the man who tried to kidnap him was 6 foot tall and that he was was dressed in all black, including black gloves and a black ski mask, according to the affidavit.

In a statement released after the attempted abduction, Schertz Police Chief Jim Lowery called the incident "very alarming and concerning." He said the department was diligently investigating and increasing patrols in the area.

The following day, Schertz police located a van matching the description of the suspect vehicle at a construction site two blocks away from the park where the abduction attempt happened.

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Officers initiated contact with Quiroz whose narrative about whether he had seen the boy changed during questioning. Investigators noted that Quiroz had been "deceptive" with them. Quiroz claimed he couldn't speak English but later spoke it "very well," having a full conversation, the detective wrote.

Police kept Quiroz under surveillance while an arrest warrant was obtained. Quiroz was soon arrested without incident.

Officers found a large paint churning drill with a black handle and brown attachment in Quiroz's van that matched the boy's description of what he thought was a rifle. Police investigators noted that the boy could have mistakenly thought he saw a gun because of his young age and high stress level during the incident.

Lowery, who advised parents to warn children about "stranger danger," also commended the young boy for not approaching the vehicle and for seeking help and the officers for their investigative work.

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Rutland is Englands smallest county, with a population of just 41,000

The historic county of Rutland could be abolished as part of Angela Rayners reorganisation of local government.

The Deputy Prime Minister wants to cover the country with councils looking after 500,000 people but Rutland, Englands smallest county, has a population of just 41,000.

The district has been referred to as a county since the 12th century, but it was merged into Leicestershire as part of Edward Heaths controversial reforms of 1974.

Following a public campaign, Rutland was reborn in 1995 as a unitary authority.

Under Ms Rayners plans, district councils would be merged into counties to create new unitary authorities. Alongside this, smaller unitaries could be merged into larger ones.

The proposals have led Leicestershire to call for its merger with Rutland to be restored.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, said: Angela Rayner and the bureaucrats have launched an assault on rural communities  stripping Rutlanders of our identity appears to be next on their quest for legacy and riding rough-shod over local accountability.

Rutland is a very special place, we are intensely proud of our county and community, and we dont take kindly to being railroaded.

People are flabbergasted they may have to fight for their county again. Smaller can be better, were the top-rated council in the country for social care, the issue councils up and down the country are struggling with most.

Ms Kearns has called a public meeting in Oakham  the countys main town  in two weeks time to discuss the implications of the Deputy Prime Ministers plans.

She said: The proposals put into doubt the future of Rutland as a county council.

I want to hold a public meeting to ensure Rutlanders understand what the Government is proposing, the potential outcomes of their proposals as I understand them at this time and what different stakeholders are proposing in response to the required re-organisations.

Counties are not arbitrary lines

Chaz Ellis, whose father was a part of the Rutland independence campaign in the 1990s and drove a lorry round the county to popularise the movement, said: The idea that we might have to fight for it again is both disheartening and galvanising.

Its frustrating to think that Rutlands autonomy might be dismissed as inconsequential once again.

He added: Historic counties are not arbitrary lines, they are the result of generations of shared traditions, heritage, and community.

Mr Ellis said that if the county were merged into Leicestershire, its distinctive character and needs might be eroded, neglecting what makes our county special.

Last week Leicestershire county council said it wanted to see one unitary council to cover the city of Leicester and another covering rural areas of Leicestershire along with Rutland.

Local district councils and Rutland issued a response citing their disappointment, saying nothing had been decided.

Rutlands voice could be lost

Lucy Stephenson, the leader of the Tory group on Rutland county council, said Rutlands voice could be lost owing to its small population.

She said: This is not the only way to slice our East Midlands cake. We have population similarities with the Harborough villages, with Melton.

Is there not a case to be made for two smaller unitaries covering our geography, firmly placing our growing populations at the heart of local democracy?

Gale Waller, the leader of Rutland county council, was also open to compromise.

She said: Reorganising local government has the potential to deliver efficiencies and there is a need to ensure councils are sustainable.

However, the success of a council is heavily influenced by the critically important relationship between scale and physical geography. We cannot dismiss this.

Councils work best when their boundaries reflect the way people live their lives, where they go to work, learn, shop, spend their leisure time and get healthcare.

Gerard Dugdill, the campaign manager of the British Counties Campaign, said that if reorganisation must happen, the name of Rutland must be preserved in the name of the new authority.

He said: Those supposedly in charge must be stopped from further meddling.

Under Mr Heaths reforms in the 1970s, a number of historic counties such as Cumberland and Westmorland were abolished and new counties such as Humberside and Merseyside were formed.

Ms Rayners local government reorganisation will delay local elections in up to 18 counties and districts this May, so that they can take place when the changes are complete.
The latest fishing incident occurred between the Henk Senior, a British fishing vessel (pictured), and the Rose de Cascia, a French trawler - YouTube

A British fishing boat has been accused of carrying out a life-threatening attack on a French trawler, chasing and dragging the vessel through UK waters.

French officials accused the British vessel of cutting one of the trawlers cables in a deliberate attack that occurred in the early hours of Jan 15 on a fishing route between Brighton and Dieppe.

The incident has sparked fears of a return to scallop wars that have periodically erupted between French and British ships who have mutually accused each other of trespassing and breaking fishing regulations.

The latest fishing incident occurred between the Henk Senior, a British fishing vessel, and the Rose de Cascia, a 19m-long French trawler, in English waters, according to French Channel and North Sea state maritime authorities.

Etienne Dachicourt, the co-owner of the French trawler, said the Rose de Cascia first passed over the fishing gear of the English vessel as both boats fished in British waters late at night.

The British attack allegedly took place an hour later.

According to the regional fisheries committee, the Rose de Cascia, based in the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, had cast its net when the British vessel approached, switching off its AIS geolocation system.

The Rose de Cascia is a 19m-long French trawler - Facebook

According to the same source, the British fishermen then threw a grappling hook that caught on the cable linking the French boat to its net. They then pulled on the cable, taking the French trawler astern. The cable broke, causing the trawler to lose its net.

There have always been intimidation manoeuvres, said Mr Dachicourt. Weve been warning since Brexit that there would be problems of cohabitation in the English Channel. But you dont put peoples lives at risk, he told Ici Nord.

When a 28-metre boat grabs a 19-metre boat and the ship heels over, the skipper told me that they were scared, he added. It happened between half past midnight and 2am. Can you imagine the boat flipping over? Then you lose the crew, and six people die.

The French shipowner lodged a complaint on Friday, prompting Boulogne-sur-Mer police to launch an investigation.

Xavier Bertrand, head of the Hauts-de-France region encompassing Boulogne and Calais, blasted what he called an exceptionally serious incident that could have ended in tragedy and demanded the French government react.

The British ships crew must be subject to an immediate hearing, said Mr Bertrand, calling for a firm and exemplary condemnation of those responsible.

Risk of crews lives

He said that the British trawler attacked the French vessel to drive it out of its working area at the risk of the crews lives.

It is also vital that measures are taken to prevent any risk of escalation and to guarantee the safety of our sailors, Mr Bertrand added.

The current situation shows that a critical threshold has been crossed. If strong measures are not taken quickly, an irreparable tragedy could occur, he said.

According to La Voix du Nord, the regional daily, the Rose de Cascia is currently back fishing in UK waters, citing the boat geolocation site Vessel Finder, while Henk Senior is in the Dutch port of Vlissingen.

The cohabitation of French and English fishermen off the Channel coast has been a source of tension in recent months.

In March last year, Mr Bertrand condemned the UKs ban on fishing in 13 British marine protected areas off the French coast, which he said amounted to a death warrant for French fleets in the region.

New fishing restrictions on a number of species for non-UK boats came into effect on Dec 16 as part of fisheries management plans put in place since Britain became an independent coastal state after Brexit.

Skirmishes between boats

So-called scallop wars broke out in 2018 and again in 2020 with skirmishes between French and English fishing boats in the English Channel.

Tensions erupted over the fact that British scallopers were allowed to fish all year round, but the French were not permitted to fish between May 15 and Oct 1.

This created hostility between British and French fishermen, who have been accused of ring fencing the best fishing stock and keeping UK boats out of productive areas.

French fishing boats also staged a brief blockade of Jersey in 2021 to protest against losing fishing licences in the wake of Brexit.

The incident saw Britain deploy Royal Navy patrol vessels to the area. France did the same.

Tensions over the licences even saw France threaten to cut off electricity to the Channel Islands.
In China's information war, TikTok is a vital weapon in their arsenal

One of the crucial roles of a democratic government is to share understanding of evolving challenges to peace, prosperity and security with its electorate. Public opinion which is not informed honestly about risk from hostile actors is not likely to support stringent changes of policy needed to combat new threats at home and abroad.

No UK government in living memory has devised a policy grounded in national interests to shape Britains relationship with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime, let alone tried to articulate it sensibly to the public.

For decades Britons have largely been left to draw their own conclusions from happenings such as the appalling Cultural Revolution, the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, the Covid pandemic, destruction of civil freedoms in Hong Kong and CCP support for Putin in Ukraine. In public life a few strident critics highlight risks; a larger cohort of siren voices murmur about benefits; and a large middle ground of popular opinion remains largely unaware of how much China increasingly endangers us all.

Blame for this enduring cloud of unknowing rests ultimately with UK governments across the political spectrum who, one after another, have lacked the courage and leadership to identify the CCP regime for what it is and act accordingly. But it is only fair to point out the vital part played by that regime itself in concealing truth and promoting falsehood about their own agenda.

The CCP survives by collecting, controlling and manipulating data. Contemporary digital communications and social media enable them to do so with Orwellian thoroughness and speed. Big data is captured and exploited both for internal repression and overseas espionage and sabotage. Social and news media provide platforms for all aspects of information warfare- propaganda, disinformation, manipulation and distortion designed to further the CCPs global revisionist objectives.

Thus it is that apps as superficially innocuous as TikTok ( and presumably its current surrogate, Xiaohongshu or Red Note) are used by China-based operators to hoover up audio and video data which can be forged into harmful deepfake weapons.

These are now being used for criminal and political purposes including penetration of face and voice recognition security, attacks on sensitive institutions and facilities, and interference in democratic electoral processes.

This weekend it should become clear whether the US legal system will succeed in forcing the sale of TikTok to a safe US operator, or if not, banning it outright as a grave threat to national security. While the previous UK government required TikTok not to be installed on devices used by senior officials, no comprehensive disruption of this ubiquitous herd of Trojan horses has been contemplated here.

Following prolonged vacillation over what to do about Huawei kit in our telecommunications system, resolved only when Mike Pompeo descended on Europe and Britain like a ton of bricks, our new government appears to be drifting back into complacency despite repeated wake-up calls by the UK intelligence and security services about growing danger from Chinese as well as Russian cyber warfare.

A top Microsoft manager in the US wrote on January 6 comparing the current threat from Chinese AI to Western systems risking a reprise of Huaweis compromise of Western 5G. But the Prime Ministers new plans for a surge of investment in AI have raised serious security concerns, particularly that generative AI capable of creating spurious information could be incorporated in sensitive decision-making systems.

A specialist in this field has commented that it is critical that the government look beyond a narrow set of extreme risks and bring forward a credible vehicle and roadmap for addressing broader AI harms.

Indeed it is; and here one could just as well replace AI with China. With so much information being swept up by hostile actors, at the start of any plan to use AI more widely, using it more securely must be prioritised.

There is a profound challenge for the government of a liberal democracy to maximise the free exchange of data while minimising concomitant harms. The greatest harm of all, at this crucial stage when authoritarian adversaries are able to drain and exploit so much sensitive government and private information under our noses, arises when no coherent actions are taken to preclude hostile access in the first place.

The CCP regime directs a growing army of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups to infiltrate target organisations around the world, conducting known attacks on US aerospace and defence establishments, semiconductor designers, government and military agencies and civic emergency services. There is a clear shift from data collection to preparations for potential sabotage.

Chinas approach increasingly indicates that they have taken a leaf out of Russias gray-zone disruption playbook. The UK government should heed Baudelaires timeless warning- The devils cleverest trick is persuading you he doesnt exist- and think hard about what a durable, respectful and consistent relationship with the CCP might really entail.
Alexander Kebeck claims his attackers were wearing costumes belonging to Heimbach-Hexa, a local association of carnival witches, but the organisation strongly denies the allegations

German police are investigating a coven of carnival witches after they were accused of beating up a local politician, leaving him with broken ribs.

Alexander Kebeck, who ran as a candidate for mayor in the southern German town of Loburg, claims he was attacked in an unprovoked assault in the Black Forest region.

Mr Kebeck, 43, said he was making his way home from a carnival in Loburg when he was set upon by the group of witches.

A witch jumped from behind and hit me in the back, brutally knocking me to the ground. Then a total of six witches kicked me, he told Bild, a German tabloid.

Mr Kebeck said his attackers were wearing costumes belonging to the Heimbach-Hexa, a local association of carnival witches, which strongly denies the allegations.

Heimbach-Hexa members dress up in hoods, leather aprons, dark stockings and horned devil masks  though Mr Kebeck said the group that attacked him was not wearing the distinctive masks.

Alexander Kebeck claims he suffered an unprovoked assault by people wearing costumes belonging to an association of carnival witches

A German police spokesman confirmed that the force was investigating suspicion of bodily harm committed by unknown suspects.

The Heimbach-Hexa association has denied any involvement in the incident. According to Merkur, a German news outlet, the carnival witches have also vowed to fully support the police in their investigation.

Our association strongly rejects violence, hatred and incitement, a spokesman told Merkur. We stand behind the motto for every carnival fool: For everyones joy, for no ones suffering.

Germanys carnival season begins in November and tends to last until the spring. It typically involves floats, parades and outlandish costumes.

The Heimbach-Hexa carnival group is based on the legend of the Heimbach Witch, which dates back to 1488.

According to local folklore, several members of a group of raftsmen vanished on a voyage down the River Heimbach. Supposedly they were set upon by two occult-worshipping sisters who lived in woodlands near the riverbank.

They have never been seen again to this day, and it is said that the witch sisters made them pay for their misdeeds in the forests around the Heimbach, states the Heimbach-Hexa associations version of the legend on its website.
Criminals' ethnicity data

Police forces and courts are collecting less data on the ethnicity of criminals than at any time in the past 15 years amid fears of being called racist, figures have shown.

Senior Tory MPs claimed the growing failure to collect the data amounted to an institutional cover-up by the state of the costs of migration.

Government figures provided under Freedom of Information laws showed that the proportion of offences, including child sexual abuse, where no data on the ethnicity of convicted criminals being recorded had trebled in the past 15 years.

Ministry of Justice data showed that the proportion of those convicted of child sex offences where ethnicity was not recorded increased from 11.6 per cent in 2010 to 28.7 per cent last year. For all sexual offences, it rose from 15 per cent to 29 per cent.

This is despite evidence in the early 2000s that police and local authorities covered up grooming scandals, which often involved Pakistani gangs, for fear of being accused of racism. The data showed that ethnicity was not just omitted for sexual crimes but across all offence types.

Neil OBrien, a former minister who uncovered the information gaps, said he was alarmed that such data deserts were growing at a time when there was increasing focus on criminals ethnicity following the grooming scandals.

You might have thought that following 2020 and the huge public discussion surrounding the death of George Floyd there would be improvements to statistics on criminal justice and ethnicity, he said, referring to the murder by a white police officer that triggered the Black Lives Matter movement.

But the reverse is true  we are becoming less and less likely to record the ethnicity of people convicted of crimes. More and more offences see the ethnicity of those convicted recorded as unknown.

Mr OBrien said there was no other explanation than cultural sensitivities of police and other agencies, adding: It has to be wariness on the part of the authorities about recording and fear of being called racist.

We dont see a big rise in refusal to declare in other services, and the rise across the country is completely inconsistent.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: To command the confidence of the British public, the criminal justice system must be open and transparent.

The reduction in published data on the ethnicity of convicted criminals, in sharp contrast to data on age or sex, will only fuel perceptions that the British state is covering up the costs of migration.

We urgently need all the data so that, for the first time, we can see the actual impact of different types of migration.

Mr Jenrick called for the Government to present a report to Parliament each year detailing the nationality, visa and asylum status of every offender convicted in the English and Welsh courts.

While the focus in the last month has been on child sex abuse after Elon Musk, the the US tech billionaire, reignited fury over the scandal, the figures provided under Freedom of Information laws show that the growing failure to collect data on the ethnic origin of offenders extends across all crime types and offences.

In 2010, ethnic data on criminals convicted of robbery was only absent in 14 per cent of cases. By 2024, that had jumped to 44 per cent. This was similar for offences of violence against the person, where the failure to record ethnicity increased from 11 per cent to 30 per cent.

Drug offences showed one of the biggest increases. Police failed to record the ethnic data in only eight per cent of those crimes in 2010 but by 2024, it had risen to 39 per cent  a five-fold increase. For possession of weapons, the data gap jumped from eight per cent to 31 per cent.

For shoplifting, the figure rose from seven per cent 15 years ago to 30.2 per cent last year, while for common assault and battery it increased from 7.8 per cent in 2010 to 28.6 per cent last year. The data gap for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and drink increased from 4.8 per cent to 17.5 per cent.

The same trend was also evident for the most serious indictable offences, including murder, rape and assault causing grievous bodily harm, where the proportion of convictions where the ethnicity of the perpetrator was recorded as unknown rose from 11.8 per cent in 2010 to 34.4 per cent in 2024.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has ordered police to plug gaps in the ethnicity data they collect on child sexual exploitation, saying it was still inadequate for both perpetrators and victims.

She has told the polices child sexual exploitation taskforce that it must expand its collection of data to cover not only at the beginning of an investigation when suspects may not have yet been identified, but also at the end of an inquiry when there was a fuller picture of perpetrators and victims.

Last week, the taskforce published data showing that Pakistanis were up to four times more likely to be responsible for child sex grooming offences reported to police than the general population.

However, it was only based on initial data from some 30 per cent of grooming cases in 2023 and the first nine months of 2024 where perpetrators had been interviewed and had given their ethnicity.

On Friday, Richard Fewkes, the director of the child sexual exploitation taskforce, denied that gaps in ethnicity data collected by police were down to officers making conscious omissions out of cultural sensitivity.

He said Ms Cooper had quite rightly raised concerns about gaps in police data, but added: What it isnt is police officers making a conscious decision not to record ethnicity out of cultural sensitivity  it definitely is not that.

It was put to Mr Fewkes that journalists had been told to drop stories on child sexual exploitation and grooming gangs that were bad for community relations and that police were part of the problem, not the solution.

He responded: Thats not the case, and Ill challenge that... thats certainly not something thats come from the taskforce. It is, in the main, caused by the point in time that we collect the data, and that is at the start of an investigation  so we havent got the opportunity necessarily to have that interaction with a suspect that allows us to record [such information].

Earlier this week, Ms Cooper announced the Government would back five local inquiries into grooming gangs, the first of which will be in Oldham  where Labours initial refusal to back an inquiry triggered public attacks from Mr Musk, a key ally of Donald Trump.
Joan Plowright (1999): she had the colour, warmth and wit of a past-mistress of high comedy - AP

Dame Joan Plowright, the actress, who has died aged 95, was the widow of Lord Olivier (formerly Laurence Olivier), and was not only one of the British theatres most distinguished interpreters of new plays and the classics in the second half of the 20th century, but also a major influence during the formative years of two of its most important subsidised companies.

As an early exponent of the postwar school of social realism which erupted at the Royal Court Theatre in the 1950s after the success of Look Back in Anger, Joan Plowright was the first actress to share a stage with a kitchen sink and a stove on which liver and onions simmered; and as the young wife-to-be of the most illustrious actor of his day she created a crucial link between the traditional West End theatre of which he was considered head, and the so-called new wave of writers and actors anxious to bring British drama closer to 20th-century reality.

After their marriage in 1961 she not only supported and advised him  for example, to recruit the influential critic Kenneth Tynan as literary manager, thus removing the risk of further attacks on either of them  on the formation of the new National Theatre Company and the direction of its first decade at the Old Vic; but she also acted with him there and in the West End.

At a rehearsal for Arnold Weskers Roots at the Royal Court - Bob Dear/AP

An elfin figure (who later became imperiously plump) with glittering black eyes, a turned-up nose, self-mocking smile  and a northern accent which her contemporaries among the so-called redbrick players were to employ to the point of its becoming a cliche of the proletarian drama  she belonged heart and soul to the class-conscious spirit of rebellion which flourished from 1956 at the Royal Court Theatre.

Eager to subvert and reform the genteel traditions and purposes of the West End theatre into something more to do with modern life, Joan Plowright could be said to have begun at the top through her early association with Olivier. He had not at first enjoyed Look Back in Anger, but after a second visit was eager to appear in John Osbornes next offering, The Entertainer.

Meanwhile, Joan Plowright, as one of the former pupils at the Old Vic Theatre School of George Devine, whose English Stage Company was struggling to assert its values at the Royal Court, exemplified the radical spirit of the new movement with her swift intelligence and her disdain for the West End tradition and for social deference.

She felt suddenly at home. What she might have had to shed as a West End actress  those northern inflexions in the voice, that rustic exuberance in her manner, the features which defied popular notions of beauty, and the down-to-earth style of speech  she knew she could keep at the Court, where everybody shared ideals and ideas.

It was not, however, a new play which first brought her to Oliviers attention. It was a classic, Wycherleys The Country Wife.

Joan Plowright in an adaptation of Merchant of Venice, based on Jonathan Millers West End production; Lawrence Olivier starred as Shylock - Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Devine had chosen the Restoration comedy as a means of simultaneously bumping up box-office business and of launching his former pupil as a leading lady. Olivier was entranced. With his wife, the beautiful actress Vivien Leigh, he met her after a dress rehearsal in Devines office, to which the leading members of the cast had been summoned to meet the great man.

Later he confessed to having eyes for no one but Joan. The show had been a triumph, so much so that Devine later declared: The contemporary theatre was saved by a classical revival.

Her second triumph came at the same theatre a couple of seasons later. She played another woman whose rural upbringing was central to the action but this time contemporary. It was Beatie Bryant in Arnold Weskers Roots. Beatie had come under the cultural influence of an unseen boyfriend whose failure to turn up to meet his girlfriends family had inspired her to discover that she could think and speak for herself instead of mouthing his phrases.

Olivier declared himself knocked right off my feet by her performance, For characterisation, for technique, observation, application and study  the result of which was work almost miraculous in its richness  she earned an unlooked-for blessing: unstinting acclaim, both critical and general.

Having established a reputation as a Sloane Square star and rebel, Joan Plowright found herself romantically involved with Olivier, whose marriage to Vivien Leigh had turned the couple into theatrical royalty.

Meeting Queen Elizabeth in 2004: Joan Plowright was made a Dame that same year - Fiona Hanson/PA

Olivier had joined the English Stage Company partly out of curiosity about Osbornes second play, The Entertainer, in which Joan Plowright later played his stage daughter; partly his motive was to deny his disdain as an actor-knight for the so-called angry young men; and partly it was to ensure that if, with their blue jeans and their Left-wing thinking, they did win the battle for recognition, he could claim to have been part of it. But the main and most profound reason was Joan Plowright  the young actress whose love would shape and warm the final 30 years of his life.

By encouraging Olivier to align himself with the English Stage Company, she not only helped to reconcile two rival branches of the British theatre, but also paved the way for other stars of the theatrical establishment, like John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson, to try their hand at the new writing. When Olivier became founder-director of the National Theatre of Great Britain in 1963, it was to her old theatre, the Royal Court, that he went for his co-directors.

She was popularly known as the guvnors wife, and she and Olivier often acted together, to greater critical approval than had ever greeted his professional partnership with Vivien Leigh.

In his historically momentous revival of Uncle Vanya at Chichester two seasons running, Joan Plowright presented as pitiable a Sonya to Oliviers Astrov (with Michael Redgrave in the title role) as any playgoer could remember; and in such performances as the visionary Hilda Wangel to Oliviers Solness in The Master Builder, as an impish Portia to his Victorian Shylock, as the Earth-motherly Rosa to his cameo of a comical old hatter in Eduardo de Filippos Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and as Masha in his production of Three Sisters, her acting shone unquestioned.

Olivier himself was not the first (or last) critic, however, to note an apparently innate self-mockery in her playing, and a tendency to rise above her characters, as if unable to disguise something satirical and condescending in her technique.

Joan Plowright and Laurence Olivier at the christening of their daughter Tamsin in 1963 - Stanley Sherman/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Most of her subsequent theatrical career developed through the lift of her head, the set of her mouth and a certain expressive ambiguity in the slight northern lilt of her vowels, playing a succession of grandes dames whose stately bearing in Congreve, Chekhov, Priestley and Lorca gave her acting the colour, warmth and wit of a past-mistress of high comedy.

Like other contemporary theatrical dynasties such as the Redgraves and the Cusacks, the Oliviers never stood in the way of their childrens theatrical ambitions, though Joan Plowrights career was rudely interrupted one day in 1981 when at breakfast she opened in front of him a long, legal-looking envelope. It contained a petition for divorce.

With the petitioner sitting on the other side of the table, she demanded an explanation. No wife of mine, Olivier is reported to have answered, will appear at Peter Halls National Theatre. In a revival of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, then previewing at the Lyttelton, Joan Plowright had been playing Martha. She withdrew on the grounds of a throat infection.

Not long after Oliviers death she appeared with their two daughters under their sons direction at the Old Vic in JB Priestleys family drama, Time and the Conways, and in her matriarchal manner she retained every jot of her dubious hauteur, moving across the well-remembered stage where the National Theatre had begun its life nearly three decades earlier like a procession of one, as one observer, adapting PG Wodehouse, put it.

Joan Plowright at the age of 26 in the role of Jean with Olivier as Archie Rice rehearsing for The Entertainer, Palace Theatre, London, 1957 - PA/PA Wire

It was a style which, after earlier achievements like Shaws Saint Joan, Brighouses Maggie Hobson, Molieres Dorine in Tartuffe, Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew and Alma in Ben Traverss last play, The Bed Before Yesterday, became her well for the rest of a career which later branched into film and television

The only daughter of the editor of the Scunthorpe and Frodingham Gazette, and Daisy, his amateur actress wife, a violently quarrelsome couple whose mutual silences lasted for days at time after much broken crockery and reconciliations on Friday nights, Joan Ann Plowright was born on October 18 1929 at Brigg, Lincolnshire, and educated at Scunthorpe Grammar School.

Sent as a child to ballet lessons, she won first prize at 15 in a drama festival, which gave her the chance to play a maid with the Harry Hanson Court Players. Too young to be accepted by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she spent a year at the Laban Art of Movement Studio. After a spell as a supply teacher she gained a scholarship to the prestigious though shortlived Old Vic Theatre School run by Michel Saint-Denis, Glen Byam Shaw and George Devine.

After her first professiona1 appearance  at Croydon rep in Edward Percys 1920s comedy, If Four Walls Told  and a spell with the Bristol Old Vic, she moved to the London Old Vic. On a tour to South Africa she sang in a concert well enough to be recommended for a new Julian Slade musical, The Merry Gentleman. That brought a job in the same composers West End production of Sheridans The Duenna (Westminster, 1954), her first West End show.

In Orson Welless stage version of Moby Dick (Duke of Yorks, 1955) she had the only female part, as The Young Actress; and after a season at Nottingham Playhouse she was summoned by Devine to the Royal Court.

In no other place could I have become so involved with such diverse talents as Arthur Miller, John Osborne, Nigel Dennis, Arnold Wesker, Ionesco and Beckett, she wrote later  and, she might have added, Laurence Olivier, drawn by the prospect of a part in Osbornes next play, The Entertainer.

Meanwhile, Joan Plowright appeared in Millers The Crucible; Ronald Duncans Don Juan and The Death of Satan; Nigel Denniss Cards of Identity and Brechts The Good Woman of Setzuan before her personal success in The Country Wife, which transferred to the West End (Adelphi, 1957).

Despite other fine performances from a cast that included Alan Bates, it was Joan Plowright, noted WA Darlington in The Daily Telegraph, whose open delight in the queer things that happen to her in the wicked town [who] is most endearing.

After two one-act plays at the Royal Court, Ionescos The Chairs and Denniss The Making of Moo, she acted on Broadway opposite Eli Wallach in The Chairs  playing an arthritic 90-year-old crone  and as a teenager in another Ionesco playlet, The Lesson. Back in London she took over from Dorothy Tutin as Jean Rice, daughter to Oliviers Archie, in Osbornes The Entertainer when it transferred from Sloane Square to the Palace in 1957 and when it went to Broadway in 1958.

Diana Churchill (left) and Laurence Harvey alongside Joan Plowright in costume for William Wycherleys restoration comedy The Country Wife at the Adelphi Theatre, London, in 1957 - PA/PA Wire

On her return to England she again played in The Chairs and The Lesson, before another leading role as Shaws Major Barbara. Having, as he later recalled, already fallen in love with her Margery Pinchwife in The Country Wife, marvelled at her virtuosity as the Old Lady in Ionescos The Chairs and been quite knocked out by her Beatie Bryant, Olivier wrote to her:

Dear Joan, I do hope you wont mind, pet, a few words of encouragement and a few of criticism from your old Dad [a reference to her having lately played his daughter in The Entertainer].

First of all I was really very impressed how by far you had managed to go to collar this not at all rewarding part along most difficult new lines for you.

But, he added, the impish humour and self-mockery tends, in these circumstances, to say to the audience: Just look at me, the rebel of the Royal Court, hobnobbing with all these stiff and starchy folk. And that puts you at a disadvantage and takes away from your success in showing the real difference between Barbara and the society to which she belongs.

There is one word which describes what you should bring on to the stage with you in this part. Radiance. And dont be frightened of it, pet, and dont let self-mockery guy you out of it. Self-mockery can have its bellyful on other occasions. Do not be shy of Dedication. Grasp hold of it. We can still keep our old sense of humour, but in its place.

I think you are a little frightened of the part and its hard to love anything youre frightened of. But you must love Barbara. Your devoted Larry.

Between her failure as Major Barbara and what by general consent was her greatest acting success  as Beatie Bryant in Roots (Belgrade, Coventry, Royal Court and Duke of Yorks, 1959)  she took a break at Robert Morleys behest from the rigours of the Royal Court to act with him in a light and shortlived imported French comedy, Hook, Line and Sinker (Piccadilly).

Then it was back to the Royal Court, with kitchen sink and kitchen stove and plentiful domestic realism, in Roots.

As the newly educated daughter of simple East Anglian farming folk, whom she amazed with her Weskerian notions about art and intellectual ideas being available to all social classes (given the gumption), she again triumphed.

Although her gormless relatives gawped, Wesker made his point  at that time he seldom made any other  about the exclusion of the working classes from the cultural opportunities of the late 1950s; and as the newly exultant and just-jilted peasant girl with ideas and pleasures above what might have been thought her station, Joan Plowright thrilled her audience with her sense of revelation.

Joan Plowright and John Osborne arriving for a recital of British plays in Rome, 1959 - Franco Vitale/Reporters Associati & Archivi/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty

The cry of self-discovery as she realised her own eloquence, that what she was saying was coming from her own heart and mind and no longer echoing her educated boyfriend, became one of the great moments in British postwar theatre history; and as she danced impulsively round the Norfolk farm kitchen to the sympathetic if bemused handclap of her mother, the Royal Court audience rejoiced as well.

Having acquitted herself earlier in the avant-garde both in London and New York in the Ionesco double bill, she next appeared in the London premiere of a full-length Ionesco work, Rhinoceros (Royal Court, 1960), with Olivier in the lead. When it transferred to the West End she left for New York to act in Shelagh Delaneys A Taste of Honey, a slice-of-life drama set in the north of England.

As an adolescent girl who eloped with the boyfriend of an indifferent mother, got pregnant and was befriended by a homosexual art student, she won the New York drama critics prize for 1961.

After her widely praised Sonya to Oliviers Astrov in Uncle Vanya (Chichester Festival and Old Vic, 1962-63), which, as Tynan noted, drained every tear duct in the house with her final defiant avowal of faith in the future, she turned to a role that might have been written for her in its expression of a simple-seeming country girls belief in her visions  Shaws Saint Joan, which she played with predictably authentic rusticity, integrity and emotional truth at Chichester, the Edinburgh Festival and the Old Vic, and for which she gained the Evening Standard award.

Of many later achievements in matriarchal roles, few could match her overbearing Neapolitan mother in Eduardo de Filippos Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Old Vic, 1973). With Olivier appearing, briefly, for the last time as director of the National Theatre, Joan Plowright relished the echo of her early kitchen sink days as Franco Zeffirellis production furnished the stage with a stewpot of simmering Italian ragu whose aroma could be savoured across the footlights.

In the West End four years later in another of the authors flavoursome sagas of Italian domesticity, Filumena (Lyric), she won the Society of West End Theatre award as best actress in a new play.

Other parts in which she had a marked success from that period included Rebecca West in Ibsens Rosmersholm (Greenwich 1973), Stella in Priestleys Eden End (Old Vic, 1974) and Irena in Lindsay Andersons revival of The Seagull (Lyric, 1975).

Among West End parts in the 1980s were the north-country wife and mother of a prostitute in Alan Bennetts social satire Enjoy (Vaudeville), the title role in Keith Baxters biographical Cavell (Chichester), Lady Wishfort in Congreves The Way of the World (Chichester and Haymarket) and the faithful, humane, humorous and wise old servant-counsellor in Lorcas The House of Bernarda Alba (Lyric, Hammersmith, and Globe, 1986).

Olivier and Joan Plowright as Antonio and Rosa in the TV movie version of Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 1978 - TV Times via Getty

Joan Plowrights television work often took the form of adaptations of stage plays, among them the role of Portia opposite Oliviers Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (1973); a spinster dragged into a romantic charade with Alec McCowen in A Dedicated Man; as Meg in Pinters The Birthday Party (1987) alongside Kenneth Cranham as Stanley and Pinter playing Goldberg; and Lady Bracknell in the BBC Theatre Night The Importance of Being Earnest (1988).

Her feature films included The Entertainer (1960), Three Sisters (1970), Equus, Britannia Hospital (both 1982), Wagner, Revolution (both 1985), Drowning By Numbers and The Dressmaker (both 1988), I Love You To Death (1989), Avalon and Enchanted April (both 1991).

Highlights of her later flourishing on the big screen included the title role in Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont (2005) and Aunt Lucinda Spiderwick in The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008).

She collaborated again with Zeffirelli on his 1999 semi-autobiographical film Tea with Mussolini, co-starring with the other grandes dames of British character acting, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench (dreadnoughts of doughty Englishness, the Telegraph critic called them): they were in waspish form as expat ladies nicknamed the Scorpioni in wartime Florence; Joan Plowrights character introduces an Italian boy to the pleasures of Shakespeare.

Finally, Nothing Like a Dame (2018) was a delightful BBC documentary in which the director Roger Michell filmed Joan Plowright and fellow Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Eileen Atkins chatting with breezy candour; Joan Plowright, at 88, was five years older than her colleagues and had lost her sight. She admits that her marriage to Larry, 22 years her elder, was a bit of a nightmare sometimes.

With that refreshingly down-to-earth quality, Joan Plowright was once described as an engagingly unglittering leading actress with a challenging intelligence and a vivacious talker, fond of wicked asides. Tony Richardson, who directed her in The Entertainer, said: Joan has a magical personality and an emotional quality which melts your heart.

An erect, dignified woman of poise and little pomp, she nevertheless railed at falling standards in the modern theatre, lamenting: Today there is no Mecca. Everywhere is expedience and mutual convenience. As Lindsay Anderson said, apathy is eating into the Englishmans soul and its time we pulled ourselves out of it.

She was appointed CBE in 1970, advanced to DBE in 2004.

Joan Plowright married first, in 1951, Roger Gage (dissolved), and secondly, in 1961, Sir Laurence Olivier, who died in 1989; they had a son and two daughters.

Dame Joan Plowright, born October 28 1929, died January 16 2025
Jamie Lee Matthias with a painting of his family. Photograph: Joseph Walshe/SWNS

An accountant from Stoke-on-Trent who started his painting career little more than six months ago has been flooded with requests to work his magic thanks to his talent for terrible paintings.

Last May, Jamie Lee Matthias gave his thenfiancee a poster-paint canvas of the couple on their wedding day. The piece, which was crudely drawn, delighted their guests.

It went down a storm, Matthias told BBC Radio Stoke. Its absolutely horrendous. As you can see, it looks nothing [like my wife]. I actually look a little bit like me. So from then, we decided that itd be good to stitch them on the internet and see if people bought it.

Related: Suggestive sculptures, Hockneys snaps and painterly panoramas  the week in art

Matthias shared his paintings on social media and was taken aback by the response. As youve seen, from then, in the last week, its gone absolutely mental, he said. So far, he has received 73 commissions.

It has been the craziest, insane week ever. Weve laughed so much. Its been a week full of joy, said his wife, Kate. Its been a great start to the new year, and I cant wait to see what he creates next.

Its bringing a smile to peoples faces, Matthias said. Im having so much fun painting these because when Im looking at the picture and then what Ive done, it looks nothing like it, but its hilarious, and the people seem to have really bought into it.

When asked about those who might criticise his work, Matthias said: Theyre not my target audience. One of those critics however, is it a bit closer to home. Its terrible. I wouldnt buy it, said Heidi, Matthiass 11-year-old stepdaughter.

Speaking to Metro, he shared more about his artistic process: I actually dont mean to paint badly and Im doing my best to recreate the photos I get sent but its just the way they turn out.

I try and create an alternate universe where proportions have no meaning. Ive painted for years but I had no idea they were so bad until people started telling me.

Requests for his work have come from all corners of the nation. Weve got orders all over England, Scotland, Wales and even Northern Ireland, people all over the country, he said. It seems to be getting a lot of noise on social media, weve got just over of 1,800 followers.

Weve said to people theres a three to five week waiting list but they all understand. Ill keep forgetting to paint someones nose and have to keep mixing paint and add it later. It adds to the comedy value.

This is my standard, theres no risk of it getting better. I am absolutely not an art teacher. I think everyone seems to appreciate them in some way. They are terrible but Kate just said its so much fun, she appreciates it.
A supporter of TikTok rallies in front of the supreme court in Washington DC on 10 January. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

In the run-up to the election, Donald Trump made a plea to his followers. FOR ALL THOSE THAT WANT TO SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA, VOTE TRUMP! he posted to his Truth Social account in September. Since then, hes been working to make good on that pledge.

He hosted TikToks CEO, Shou Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in December, implored the US supreme court to delay a TikTok ban and hes now reportedly considering an executive order to postpone the apps disappearance. Chew is slated to join Trump at his inauguration in what appears to be a show of solidarity with the embattled executive.

TikTok is on the brink of being expelled from the US, unless it sells to a US-based parent company. On Friday, the US supreme court ruled that the ban-or-sale law was constitutional. TikToks digital demise comes after Congress overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan law deeming the social media app, with 170 million US users, a national security threat because it is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance.

Related: US supreme court issues ruling upholding nationwide ban on TikTok

Though the law only requires the app to no longer be downloadable in smartphone app stores, TikTok itself is planning to shut down access to existing users the day the ban goes into effect, according to multiple reports. Bidens administration is reportedly considering ways to keep TikTok available after 19 January, even though it was Joe Biden himself who signed the legislation into law last April.

Despite the supreme court upholding the ban, all is not over for TikTok, according to legal scholars. As president, Trump could intervene. The ban is scheduled to go into effect on Sunday and Trump will be sworn into office the very next day. Postponing or reversing the TikTok ban could hand him an early political win.

If all he wants is to buy some time to save TikTok, then he can do that  all it takes is simply doing nothing, said Saurabh Vishnubhakat, professor at Cardozo School of Law. All he has to do is not enforce the law vigorously right away, and the status quo can carry on.

Related: How would a Tiktok ban work in the US?

The president has enforcement discretion over the attorney general and justice department. Even though the TikTok ban is law, Trump could instruct the justice department to simply ignore it, Vishnubhakat said.

The justice department can say: Were not going to prosecute every single crime. Were going to prosecute the ones we think are important. And we just happen to think that the TikTok ban is not as important as other things, Vishnubhakat added.

The way the TikTok ban works is that rather than targeting TikTok or ByteDance, it will punish the companies that distribute and host the app. That means Google and Apple could see billion-dollar fines if they continue to offer TikTok in their app stores. But, legal scholars say, Trump could indicate he wont go after them either.

Big tech companies could say: Trump has told us he wants TikTok, and we want to be in good with the president, said Gus Hurwitz, an academic director at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. He said the companies could continue to allow downloads of TikTok and trust the justice department wont sue them.

Hurwitz said this could get tricky, however, because the president could just as easily change his mind. This whole situation isnt about the law, he said. This is about political judgments and business judgments that the companies are going to be making.

Buying time to save TikTok

If Trump instructs the justice department to ignore the law, he couldnt do it indefinitely because that could provoke a legal challenge. But a move like this could buy time for Trump and TikTok to figure out a way for ByteDance to sell the business or for Congress to pass another law to supersede the current one.

A bipartisan group of senators, including Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have been urging Congress to either reverse the TikTok ban or extend the deadline past 19 January. They say the ban violates the free speech of the millions of Americans who use the app, echoing TikToks arguments in court.

Trump is also considering an executive order, according to the Washington Post. This order could halt enforcement of the TikTok ban for 60 to 90 days while a contingency plan is worked out.

The Trump-Vance transition team did not respond to questions about the executive order but spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save TikTok, and theres no better dealmaker than Donald Trump.

Related: Donald Trump reportedly weighing up TikTok ban delay

Though the president-elect is working to save TikTok from its legislative fate, the idea of banning the app originated with him. In 2020, Trump issued an executive order about the risks of the social media company and said the US must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security. That order was struck down in a legal challenge.

Since then, however, Trump has become a TikTok fan. During his campaign, he created his own account and amassed nearly 15 million followers.

Last month, after the supreme court agreed to take up the case, Trump filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief to the justices. He requested a pause to the ban, so that his administration could pursue a negotiated resolution.

President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform, reads the brief. Such a resolution would obviate the need for this Court to decide extremely difficult questions.

During oral arguments at the supreme court last week, TikToks lawyer indicated that Trump would be able to intervene. It is possible that come January 20th, 21st, 22nd, we might be in a different world, Noel Francisco said. He then asked the justices to put a temporary hold on the ban to simply buy everybody a little breathing space.

One justice asked the US solicitor general, who argued to uphold the TikTok ban-or-sale law, whether Trump could choose not to enforce it. The president has enforcement discretion, the lawyer conceded, though she added he should first review updated national security information before ignoring an act of Congress.

Nearing the end of the proceedings, Justice Sonia Sotomayor cautioned against any sort of meddling with the legislation.

I am a little concerned that a suggestion that a president-elect or anyone else should not enforce the law when a law is in effect and has prohibited certain action, Sotomayor said. She added that she was also worried a company would choose to ignore enforcement on any assurance other than the change in that law.
drone

For many decades, criminals wanting to smuggle contraband into prisons had three simple options  people, the post, or simply throwing parcels over the wall.

In response, authorities have been doing their best to outsmart them by ramping up security checks on parcels sent to inmates, using increasingly sophisticated scanners for visitors, and intensifying efforts to root out corrupt staff.

But a decade ago, a new method emerged on the scene  drones. Inmates and their associates on the outside quickly figured out that the remote-controlled devices being advertised for photography and other legitimate uses could be just as easily loaded up with drugs and flown straight to a cell window. Its a battle that prison staff are slowly losing.

As soon as they became commercially available, they were immediately used to fly drugs into prison, says Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors Association. Various security measures around improving gate security to stop people bringing things in when coming in to visit or work made [conventional] smuggling more difficult, so they looked for other means to do it.

Drones are certainly less gruesome than some previous methods used to get contraband past security, including dead rats and pigeons that were thrown over fences stuffed with drugs and mobile phones.

A sign informing people not to fly drones outside HMP High Down prison near Banstead in Surrey - PA

The first drones were spotted flying over the walls of prisons in England and Wales in 2014, when four attempts were recorded. The following year 33 incidents were counted, and the rise has been exponential ever since, with drones now believed to be the dominant smuggling method in many prisons.

There were 220 drone sightings in the past year at a single jail, HMP Manchester, prompting a stark warning from the prisons watchdog that the situation was now a threat to national security.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, said unannounced visits to HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin, in Worcestershire, had found thriving illicit economies of drugs, mobile phones and weapons among murderers, terror offenders and gang bosses.

Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, says drones have become a threat to national security - Andrew Crowley

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, he added.

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 number of drone flights counted by the prison service are believed to be far lower than the real figure, because many go undetected.

Wheatley says gangs organise most deliveries at night, taking advantage of both the cover of darkness and the knowledge that smaller numbers of staff are on duty.

They will tend to be inside checking on prisoners, not wandering around the grounds looking at the sky, he adds.

Prisoners are in their cells at night, so its the safest time to deliver packages to a specific person. Phones and drugs tend to be whats in parcels attached to drones, because both are valuable contraband.

They are also used for weapons, mainly knives and blades, because the only way of suppliers getting payment is enforcement through violence.

Some inmates coordinate deliveries with gangs on the outside using illicitly obtained mobile phones to transmit their cells precise location, and even without that, they can describe the location of the cell or organise some sort of signal, like waving a piece of material around, Wheatley says.

At that point, its simply a matter of making sure the prisoner can collect the drones payload. In old Victorian prisons, it can be a simple matter of reaching through the gaps in metal bars, while inmates have been frustrating efforts to install new secure windows by burning holes in them.

But drone gangs are not always so subtle. There have been instances where contraband has dropped from a drone onto an exercise yard full of prisoners in broad daylight, with staff there, and prisoners will fight the staff to stop them getting to it, Wheatley says. When staff take control of the situation prisoners have secreted it internally.

A drone carrying drugs and mobile phones that was seized by police after being seen flying towards HMP Pentonville in London - Metropolitan Police/PA

If prison officers spot drones flying to a particular cell, they will quickly organise a group to enter and search it, but inmates have devised methods to quickly divide and distribute contraband so it cannot be found.

Systems include throwing items to neighbouring cells through windows, sliding them under doors, dangling them between different floors on pieces of string and even transporting them to accomplices by flushing toilets.

Authorities have been trying to fight back with new laws, increased security measures and dozens of convictions for people involved in smuggling, but the drones keep on coming.

In 2015, the Conservative government made it illegal to land a drone inside a prison perimeter, and two years later it set up a specialist squad of prison and police officers dedicated to tackling the threat drones posed.

The availability and accessible pricing of drones that can carry heavier payloads has concerned authorities

New laws created in 2023 created no-fly zones around jails, making it an automatic offence to fly drones within 400 metres of any secure prison or young offender institution in England and Wales.

But Wheatley warns that prison officers cannot report drones if they do not see them, and that the new offence is only valuable if time and effort is put into enforcing it.

This is in many cases serious and organised crime, getting drugs and mobile phones into prison isnt done by somebodys mate as a favour, its done by gangs who invest significant amounts of money in the technology, he warns. They are motivated to overcome whatever security you put in place.

Authorities are also concerned about the increased availability and falling price of devices that can carry heavier payloads, increasing the potential for greater quantities of drugs and more dangerous weapons to reach prisoners.

A single attempted drone delivery intercepted in May 2022 was carrying over 35,000 worth of drugs and mobile phones, and Wheatley warns: There is no technical reason why, if you can get a large packet of drugs and phones in on a drone, why you cant get a similar size and weight of package including guns or explosives.

The reason Im guessing that hasnt happened is because its not where the money is, and there is no desire for that contraband. But if that changes and prisoners become motivated to get those things inside, that could be a real threat.

The Ministry of Justice has vowed to continue efforts to tackle drone use and increase prison security, while new CCTV is being installed at HMP Manchester along with netting aiming to stop drones being able to drop off their payloads.

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.

There were 220 drone sightings in the past year at HMP Manchester - Getty

Greater Manchester Police said it has started a dedicated operation aiming to disrupt gangs using drones to smuggle contraband into jails and that several suspects had been arrested.

We acknowledge this is a growing risk to us and HM Prison service, said Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe. Our work is far from done and we will do whatever we need to tackle this problem.

But prison officials are not hopeful that the situation will improve any time soon. We havent got a silver bullet to deal with the issue, I see this being around for some time, Wheatley says.

The criminals struggle to get contraband in, we make efforts to stop them - its an arms race, and it could escalate.
Michael Whitbread was arrested by British police and extradited to Italy to face trial

A British expatriate has confessed to killing his partner at their home in an Italian hilltop town, claiming that he lost his temper in reaction to her obsessive jealousy.

Michael Whitbread, 75, apologised for stabbing Michele Faiers to death in their home in the village of Verratti in the central Abruzzo region of Italy in October 2023.

He claimed that she had wrongly suspected him of having an affair with another expat woman.

She became obsessively jealous and subjected him to physical and verbal abuse, he told his trial in the town of Lanciano.

Whitbread told the court: I wish I hadnt done it and I apologise.

He claimed that he had taken a knife from the kitchen and presented it to her, asking her to kill him. Instead, an argument erupted and he ended up killing her.

Whitbread and Faiers lived together in Verratti, an Italian village

His confession came on only the second day of the trial.

Faiers, 66, was found dead, lying on the bed that the couple shared, with seven knife wounds to her back. Her body was discovered by a friend.

Whitbread, fled the village, driving all the way across Europe to his daughters home in Shepshed, Leicestershire.

He was arrested by British police and extradited to Italy to face trial.

Faiers, a divorced mother of three, had moved to Verratti with Whitbread, a retired IT consultant, three years before her death.

After she suspected him of having an affair, she subjected him to daily verbal and physical oppression, according to his lawyer, Massimiliano Sichetti.

Faiers was found with seven knife wounds to her back

Whitbread told the court that on one occasion, his partner had made him hold up a note that accused him of cheating on her with the other expat woman. She then allegedly photographed him with the note and sent the picture to one of her daughters.

Raffaele De Leonardis, a psychiatrist, testified that Whitbread had been suffering from acute mood swings and depression, exacerbated by heavy alcohol consumption.

The court heard that he had attempted suicide in March 2023.

After killing Faiers, he wrote to her three adult daughters to apologise.

Nadia Germana Tascona, the daughters lawyer, said: The important thing is to have had this admission of responsibility, not just from a judicial point of view but also from a personal and human point of view.

The trial was adjourned until Feb 7.
Drew Aidan Moreno, 11, died in a fire at a South Bexar County mobile home on Monday. GoFundMe

An 11-year-old elementary school student killed in a fire at a South Bexar County mobile home has been identified.

Drew Aidan Moreno, a Southside ISD fifth-grader, died Monday from thermal injuries, and soot and smoke inhalation, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

His manner of death has not been released.

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The fire erupted after 6 p.m. on Monday in the 20,000 block of Spanish Grant Road, according to Isaac Neri, a Bexar County spokesperson.

Firefighters from Bexar County Emergency Services districts 2, 5, 10, and 12 responded to the blaze.

The mobile home was ruled a total loss. The Red Cross assisted the family.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was created by April Hernandez on behalf of Moreno's grandmother, Santa Sanchez.

"Our hearts are broken over the tragic loss of 11-year-old Drew, our fun-loving and fearless boy who never failed to put a smile on all our faces," Hernandez wrote in the GoFundMe. "A devastating house fire claimed his life, their home, and all their belongings. On behalf of his grandmother, Santa Sanchez, we would appreciate your gift to help Drews family rebuild their lives during this unimaginable time of grief."

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The fundraiser has raised more than $5,000.

Elisa Puente, principal of Heritage Elementary School, sent a letter to parents to inform them of Moreno's death.

"One of our 5th-grade students passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025," she wrote. "This is a very deep sorrow for the family, our school, and the community."

Puente said the Southside ISD Critical Incident Response Team has provided support for students and staff.

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Social workers and counselors, including some from other Southside schools, helped teachers tell children who had direct contact with Moreno know about his death, the principal said.

Some children met with counselors individually. For many students, it may have been their first time dealing with death, Puente said.

"Please keep in mind that grieving individuals might exhibit fears, poor concentration, nightmares, physical complaints, withdrawal, eating, and sleeping difficulties, crying and irritability," Puente told parents. "School counselors will continue to support the students and are available to talk to your child."

She advised parents to ensure that students get the opportunity to express their feelings in a "supportive and caring climate."
Ms Birbalsingh has written a four-page letter to the Education Secretary rebuking the policy - Television Stills

Labours crackdown on branded school uniform could put children at greater risk of exploitation, Katharine Birbalsingh has warned.

In a letter to Bridget Phillipson, the head teacher of Michaela Community School suggested that pupils wearing generic items would be tempted not to uphold the high standards associated with wearing their schools logo, making them more vulnerable.

Ms Birbalsingh, who is known as Britains strictest head teacher, said there would be less chance of boys and girls pulling their trousers down their backsides or rolling up their skirts when wearing branded uniform.

As a result, she said that there would be fewer opportunities for sexual exploitation, keeping children safe from harm.

The Government pledged to cap the number of branded uniform items that schools can require at three  plus a tie  in a bid to bring down costs for parents.

It claimed that the reforms will save families more than 50 per child but retailers warned that it could actually inflate prices as parents need to replace generic items more often.

Ms Birbalsingh, who has been a fierce critic of the Labour Government, accused ministers of trying to snatch another freedom from teachers wanting to set the highest expectations for their pupils.

The Education Secretary has said her reforms will allow schools the freedom to innovate - Yui Mok/PA

In a wide-ranging letter to the Education Secretary, she argued that branded items would make children safer by driving up standards and instilling a sense of belonging.

Trousers needing to be branded may not seem obvious to the non-teacher but allow me to explain, she wrote.

In the inner-city and even beyond, boys who are vulnerable to the street begin by pulling their trousers down their backsides.

Having a trouser that cannot be pulled down, but that can be recognised easily by a cleverly positioned logo so that teachers can hold their standards high with the kids, means that vulnerable boys in the inner-city are more likely to feel as if they belong to the school.

It also ensures girls are not pressured into shortening their skirts or tightening their trousers. This limits opportunities for sexual exploitation and keeps both boys and girls safe from harm. If kids at private schools have this protection, so should poor kids in the inner city, she said.

Ms Birbalsingh also claimed that cracking down on branded items could prevent teachers from inspiring their children with leadership roles as ties embossed with the school logo are often used to denote senior pupils such as prefects and school captains.

Scathing rebuke of education policies

In the four-page letter shared on social media, she delivered a scathing rebuke of Labours policies, including plans to force state schools to follow the same pay and curriculum.

She accused the Government of trying to take away teachers freedoms and warned that the proposals for the sector could have catastrophic consequences for the poorest people in society.

She repeatedly asked what problems the Government was trying to solve, accusing Ms Phillipson of being either ignorant or ideologically blind.

Inviting the Education Secretary to meet her or even debate her in public, she said: You give the impression of having an unreasonable and unwarranted dislike of academies and free schools, blinded by a Marxist ideology.

Perhaps if we were to meet, you could point to the ways in which you support academies and their freedoms.

Educational vandalism

The Childrens Wellbeing Bill, which will force academies to teach the national curriculum and end their freedom to set their own pay for staff, has been branded an act of educational vandalism by the Tories.

It is feared that academies will no longer be able to attract the best teachers by offering above-average salaries in a move that could impact school standards.

Ms Phillipson said that the reforms will set a floor and not a ceiling for schools, allowing them the freedom to innovate.

However, the Confederation of School Trusts, which supports and represents more than 70 per cent of the academy sector in England, has warned that the Bill as it stands does not reflect this direction of travel and will need to be amended.

Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, shared the remarks on Friday, adding: Academy trusts confirming what weve said all along, the legislation does not match what Labour are saying.

Until the Education Secretary amends the Bill to make clear that ALL schools will have full flexibility to innovate with a floor and no ceiling, her words mean nothing.

A Labour source insisted that flexibility over pay was already accounted for in the Bill.

The Department for Education was approached for comment.
Homes and cars contain a multitude of potentially hazardous materials, including lead, battery acid, arsenic and carcinogens found in plastics. Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

The wildfires raging across the Los Angeles landscape have destroyed many thousands of homes and buildings and damaged hundreds more.

And each property, experts warn, could pose a risk to Angelenos even long after the flames are extinguished.

As residents begin to return to their homes, toxic threats may lurk within whatever they find, cautioned Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

At a press conference on Thursday, residents were warned against returning to their homes because of these toxins. Yonah Halpern, a spokesperson with LA county public works, said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and county fire department will be going house-to-house to assess and remove hazardous materials.

Homes and cars contain a multitude of potentially hazardous materials, including lead, battery acid, arsenic and carcinogens found in plastics. Such materials could be contained within the ash of any damaged structure, or have drifted from adjoining properties. And anyone sifting through or cleaning a property without proper protection could face risk of inhaling or absorbing the substances through their skin.

The chance that there are toxic materials derived from things that were safe before the fire is very high, Field said. Those toxics layer on top of the risk that already comes from simply being exposed to large amounts of ash and smoke.

Longer term, residents should also be conscious of the risks of repeat natural disasters, especially mudslides, said Joshua West, a professor of earth sciences at the University of Southern California and an expert on debris flows, the scientific name for mudslides and similar sudden movements of earth.

Wildfires increase the risk of mudslides by making a landscape vulnerable to swift erosion in the event of a rainstorm, West explains. In January 2018, for example, heavy storms hitting an area in Montecito that had burned in the weeks before triggered a mudslide that killed 23.

While authorities have a pretty good idea of how to evaluate which areas have the most risk of a mudslide following a wildfire, West said, the relative unpredictability of precipitation patterns means it is not an exact science.

The storm that caused those debris flows dumped an enormous amount of rainfall right over the Montecito area, West said.

Fortunately, Field and West said, there are a range of precautions property owners can take both now and in the future.

Protecting yourself from toxic risks

As Angelenos consider returning to their properties, West cautions they should first always pay attention to authorities and not return before an evacuation order has been lifted.

When a home is totally destroyed, Tracey Woodruff, an environmental health expert and director of the Earth Center at the University of California, San Francisco, likened the property to an uncontrolled hazardous materials incinerator, noting particularly dangerous materials such as pesticides and the lithium-ion batteries now common in household devices and electric vehicles.

Even tiny shards of glass can pose a risk through inhalation. Typically, cleanup of such properties is performed by professionals or disaster response teams due to all the inherent dangers, and the California governor, Gavin Newsom, announced on Tuesday that teams were indeed standing by to perform the work as soon as feasible.

While it might be tempting for residents to see if they can find any mementoes or salvageable items before a property is cleared by authorities, Woodruff said the risks outweighed the likelihood of finding anything.

People who go in and clean up these kinds of properties wear hazmat suits, she noted, adding that the extremely high temperatures of destructive fires made it very unlikely any valuables would have survived.

Anyone forgoing such advice or returning to a partially damaged property should take precautions, Field added. A well-fitting N-95 mask, goggles and gloves should be the minimum protection, he said, and a professional-grade respirator and full-body Tyvek suit ideal. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also maintains a factsheet with further advice on how to safely search a property for valuables.

Protective measures should be taken even in the event that a house appears to be untouched, Field added, due to the potential for toxic smoke to have drifted in from elsewhere.

Smoke and toxic dust can create basically a veneer of dangerous materials, even on top of things that havent been burned. Everybody should be careful, he said.

Field advised the use of a water mister to help with cleanup or when moving through an affected property to keep potentially toxic dust from going airborne. Ideally, every material in a home should be treated as if its been coated with such material, and wiped down or washed appropriately. And residents should check with local authorities on the proper way of disposing of any larger or hazardous materials.

Woodruff added that children also should not be brought along, because their still-developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxic exposures.

The long-lasting threat of mudslides

Once cleanup is complete, West warned that the risk of mudslides remained. Typically, the greatest danger is within the first year to two years following a wildfire, as natural vegetation to hold the landscape together builds back. But, extremely heavy downpours or other unusual variables can cause the risk to run longer.

The US Geological Survey has developed a tool called the Debris Flow Hazard Assessment Viewer, he said, which considers variables such as topography, burn severity and historic weather patterns to assess the level of risk in a given area. Such information is used by state and local authorities to plan for potential mudslides, but is also available to the public, with the first assessments for the Palisades and Eaton fires expected imminently.

Such information could be used by a homeowner to determine their mudslide risk. But West reiterated it was not an exact science, as was the case in Montecito, where the areas assessed to have the highest amount of mudslide danger took less damage than neighboring areas deemed to have less risk.

A homeowner could hire a professional geotechnical engineer to provide a customized assessment of risk for their property, West added. Typical protective measures include physical measures like sandbags and earthen berms to divert any debris flow away from valuable parts of a property, and keeping an emergency kit ready in case an evacuation order is issued. The California department of public health provides additional readiness tips.
Sir Keir Starmers official spokesman said Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, took the decision to scrap parts of Troubles legislation barring Gerry Adams from claiming compensation - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Hilary Benn was behind the decision to pave the way for Gerry Adams to claim compensation, No 10 has said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the Northern Ireland Secretary took the decision to scrap parts of Troubles legislation barring the former Sinn Fein president from claiming compensation.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Act, introduced by the Tories, stopped Mr Adams and some 400 other Republicans from claiming compensation over their detention in prison in the 1970s.

Labour decided to repeal the law last year after the High Court in Northern Ireland ruled that the legislation was incompatible with human rights laws. Mr Benn said the decision to repeal the law underlined the Governments absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act.

Asked whether Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, was involved in the decision, a No 10 spokesman said: Id stress that any decisions on the Legacy Act are taken by the Northern Ireland Secretary as the responsible department.

I appreciate the strong interest here but theres a long-standing convention observed by successive governments that the substance of law officers advice to the Attorney General is not disclosed.

Ministers decided not to appeal against the courts ruling, despite warnings on Tuesday by 16 peers that the decision would reopen the door to a wave of meritless litigation relating to events dating back more than 50 years.

In a report by the Policy Exchange think tank, the group of leading lawyers, former judges and ministers, including Lord West, a former Labour security minister, said hundreds of people who were lawfully detained for suspected involvement in terrorism could be paid compensation in an unjust and wasteful use of public money.

Critics say potential payouts to figures such as Gerry Adams would be unjust and wasteful - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: This was a shocking decision by the Labour Government. Repealing the legacy legislation could allow known terrorists to claim compensation and embroil the Government in endless costly litigation, while genuine victims may get nothing.

Despite his empty words in Parliament this week, is now clear the Prime Minister has no plan to fix this issue. It is disgraceful that the Labour Government chose to drop the appeal on this issue, initiated by the previous Conservative administration.

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, also attacked the Governments move, saying that in Starmers Britain you can be locked up for a stray tweet but former terrorists and their apologists are suddenly showered with unexpected gold.

Lord Hermer, who represented Mr Adams on a separate damages claim by IRA victims, has refused to say whether he advised on dropping the appeal or repealing the legislation blocking his former client from claiming compensation.

Victims of IRA atrocities have warned that it would be offensive and perverse to allow Mr Adams to claim compensation when they have been denied such financial recompense.

On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to find a way to block Mr Adams and other Republican detainees from claiming compensation, despite remaining committed to repealing the Troubles legislation. No 10 officials declined to say how he might achieve that ambition.

Asked on Friday whether the Prime Minister was concerned about having someone who had worked for Mr Adams working on the legislation, his official spokesman said: There is an established and rigorous system in place within the Attorney Generals office to ensure that law officers will not be consulted on any cases that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest.

Now thats because, by their experience and professional background, attorney generals will have by their very nature extensive legal backgrounds and theyve been involved in a wide number of varied cases.

Id just note that with regard to the Legacy Act specifically, those policy decisions are taken by the Northern Ireland Secretary, as the relevant department.

Jason McCue, who acted for the families of the Real IRAs 1998 Omagh bombing, said repealing sections 46 and 47 of the Troubles Act, which block the compensation, was perverse when other more worthy non-protagonist victims of the Troubles were being denied such funds.

It would be foolish in the extreme to revoke 46/47 and thereby give Adams et al a pathway to compensation which would destabilise reconciliation within the legacy, he said.

Instead, he urged the Government to lodge an appeal to halt any court moves allowing compensation until it had drawn up a new Northern Irish Legacy Act to replace the Tories Troubles Act.

Lord Hermer has come under mounting pressure over his work as a barrister and accusations of conflicts of interest with his current role.

He has refused to declare whether or not he recused himself from advising ministers on issues relating to his former clients, including Mr Adams, and Afghan families accusing special forces of murder.

The Telegraph also revealed that he fought the Home Office in the courts to try to help migrants stay in the UK.

As a human rights barrister, Lord Hermer represented an Eritrean man claiming to be an unaccompanied child migrant. In a high-profile legal challenge, he argued that immigration officers age assessment guidance for asylum seekers was unlawful because there was a risk they could be wrong. However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument.

The question of how the Home Office assesses the age of asylum seekers remains relevant while the Government looks for ways to cut historically high levels of net migration.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office 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.acts of terrorism.
Members of the Australian Jewish community hold an Israeli flag during a memorial service in Sydney on 7 October 2024. Composite: AFP/Getty Images

I was there when it started, Andy says.

Andy, an Australian-born Jewish man now living in Melbourne, lived in Israel for 15 years. He was there on 7 October when Hamas attacked, sparking the 15-month long war  now, perhaps temporarily, ceasing. He was back in Melbourne for the announcement of the ceasefire.

While it is still not clear whether it will come into effect on Sunday as planned, Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced on Friday that a deal had been struck with Hamas to return hostages taken in 2023. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will also be released.

Related: Palestinians in Australia await Gaza ceasefire but now we must grieve this unimaginable pain

In the initial stage of the deal, 33 hostages of an estimated 98 are set to be freed. Netanyahus security cabinet and government are expected to meet Friday to ratify it. In the meantime, Israel has continued deadly strikes on Gaza.

Australias Jewish community has cautiously welcomed the ceasefire, although there is dismay that not all the hostages will be returned. There are also concerns about the fragility of the deal, and questions about recovery in the region and the future role of Hamas.

There are positive steps being made, Andy, who did not want his surname used, says.

However, Israel is having to make too many sacrifices and ... Im very sceptical of [Hamas] keeping their end of the bargain.

Bart, who is in Sydney and also does not want his surname used, says he hopes the ceasefire brings welcome relief and is the first step to a longterm cessation of hostilities.

It does present a lot of mixed feelings, he says.

For a lot of us, the No 1 concern is what the civilians have been going through in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, the absolute devastation by the Israeli government.

A lot of us will be excited to see the hostages released, but its a mixed feeling  the starvation, the lack of aid, the loss thats already taken place  and the longterm consequences wont end any time soon.

Denise, a Jewish woman in Sydney, is happy about the ceasefire but unhappy about the hostage situation.

Im very happy, but I dont know how long it will last because I dont trust Hamas, she said.

And not all the hostages are coming back, and we dont know how many are alive or dead.

The president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Daniel Aghion, said the community was greatly relieved, having watched in dismay as civilian hostages have been held and used as a bargaining chip to achieve Hamas evil ends.

Max Kaiser, the Jewish Council of Australias executive officer, said the council welcomed the ceasefire and breathed a sigh of relief for the likely end to this round of violence. But the deal came far too late, he said, and he accused Netanyahu of continuing the war for his own political gain. Pro-Israel organisations had followed the Israeli government into the moral abyss, he said, unashamedly beating the drums of war.

He called on Australia to join the international community to address the root causes of this violence: Israels brutal occupation, unequal treatment, and continued campaigns of violence against Palestinians.

Related: Acts of hate are on the rise in Australia  but naming them is proving fraught

Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) president, Jeremy Leibler, called the ceasefire a significant milestone and said it was unfathomable that women, children, and the elderly have been held captive in the dungeons of Gaza for over 15 months.

We pray the 33 hostages will all be returned alive to their families, but we also must see the release of the remaining 65 hostages as soon as possible, he said.

ZFAs chief executive, Alon Cassuto, added that the ceasefire alone would not bring an end to what he described as the wave of unprecedented antisemitism and [the] breakdown of social cohesion in Australia.

Andy, meanwhile, asked what ending he hopes the deal between Hamas and Israel will bring, says: one where all the hostages are returned.

Bart is concerned about the increased polarisation in Australia as a result of the war, as well as the effect of the incoming Trump administration on the conflict itself.

But you have to have hope, he says.
Court

An alleged Islamic State supporter is accused of plotting a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people and infidels.

Jordan Richardson, 20, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of an act of terrorism between Aug 1 and Dec 19 last year.

It is alleged that he acquired weapons, researched explosive substances, identified possible locations and considered steps needed to carry out an attack.

Richardson spoke to confirm his identity when he appeared in court by video link from Doncaster prison.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a plea hearing before her at the Old Bailey on May 2. She ordered a provisional trial at Leeds crown court from Oct 7 and remanded Richardson into custody.

The defendant, of Howden, East Yorkshire, was arrested on Dec 19 after he allegedly made Instagram posts expressing his support for Islamic State.

On arrest, it is alleged he was found with a document that is said to have set out an attack plan, referring to weapons and killing bystanders. He also had a handwritten recipe for sulphur mustard, a toxic blister agent, it is alleged.

A crossbow, crossbow bolts and a combat-style knife were allegedly found at his home. Searches of digital devices allegedly showed he had expressed a desire to kill or harm infidels and members of the Jewish population.
Benjamin Netanyahu meets his security cabinet to vote on the ceasefire deal. The truce will include the exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Photograph: Koby Gideon/AP

The Israeli government has ratified a ceasefire deal to exchange dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians in Israeli jails and pause the 15-month war in Gaza for an initial six weeks.

Under the deal, approved after a cabinet meeting that ended in the early hours of Saturday, a six-week ceasefire will take effect on Sunday, though key questions remain, including the names of the 33 hostages to be released during the six-week first phase of the ceasefire and who among them is still alive.

The government has approved the hostage return plan, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

The agreement, which was earlier approved by the security cabinet, came despite an unexpected delay on Friday that sparked fears that last-minute disagreements between Israel and the Palestinian militant group might scuttle the agreement.

Far-right members of the coalition government of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had threatened to vote against the deal or quit the government, potentially derailing months of work to end the conflict.

The government announced the approval after 1 a.m. Jerusalem time Saturday, following a six-hour meeting of the full cabinet that went well past the beginning of the Jewish sabbath, a rare occurrence and a reflection of the moments importance.

At a separate meeting in Cairo, negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the US and Israel agreed on all necessary arrangements to implement the Gaza truce deal, Egyptian state-linked media reported.

Earlier on Friday Israels president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed the security cabinets decision, saying: This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahus hardline national security minister, who on Thursday announced that he would quit the government if it ratified the ceasefire deal, potentially collapsing the ruling coalition, issued a last-minute plea for other parliamentarians to vote against the agreement. Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again, he said in a video statement.

According to Israeli media, Ben-Gvir and the far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, voted against the deal, while the other ministers voted in favour. David Amsalem, a minister who is not part of the security cabinets voting plenary, raised his hand in opposition during the vote.

The Israeli high court is scheduled in the 24 hours after the deal passes to hear petitions against the release of Palestinian prisoners, but is widely expected not to intervene.

Under the first phase of the deal, which is to last 42 days, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages including children, women (including female soldiers) and men aged over 50, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

About 100 of the Palestinian prisoners slated for release are serving life sentences for violent attacks on Israelis; others were incarcerated for lesser offences, including social media posts, or held in administrative detention, which allows for the pre-emptive arrest of individuals based on undisclosed evidence.

Related: We will be betrayed: cold, fearful and still under fire, Gazas people wait

Israel has stated that the names of the hostages will be made public only after they have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

A list containing the names of those who will be released over the next six weeks has been circulating on the main Israeli news sites since the early hours of Friday morning. Hamas is expected to publish the names of the hostages to be released on the first day, in the evening before the deal comes into effect.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said the French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages to be freed.

The releases will be staggered. On Sunday, three Israeli hostages are expected to be released, followed by four more on the seventh day, and again at the end of each week of the ceasefire.

On Friday, Israels ministry of justice issued a partial list of 95 prisoners who will be released in the first phase of the deal. It includes Palestinian parliament member and feminist lawmaker Khalida Jarrar, 61, a prominent figure in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a faction in the Palestine Liberation Organisation, who was arrested by the Israeli army on 26 December, and has been detained without trial since then.

A Palestinian minor being held in connection with a shooting attack in Jerusalem in 2023 that injured an Israeli soldier will also be released.

According to a copy of the agreement seen by the Guardian, nine ill and wounded Israelis will be released in exchange for 110 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli jails.

Men aged over 50 on the list of 33 hostages will be released in return for prisoners serving life sentences at a ratio of 1:3, and 1:27 for other sentences.

Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, two mentally ill Israeli men who entered Gaza a decade ago and have since been held hostage by Hamas, will be released in exchange for 30 prisoners. A further 47 prisoners rearrested after being freed as part of a 2011 deal that brought the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit home from Gaza will also be released.

The deal will also allow in the first phase Palestinians displaced from their homes to move freely around the Gaza Strip, which Israel has cut into two halves with a military corridor.

Wounded people are supposed to be evacuated for treatment abroad, and aid to the territory should increase to 600 trucks a day, above the 500 minimum that aid agencies say is needed to contain Gazas devastating humanitarian crisis.

In the second phase, the remaining living hostages would be sent back and a corresponding ratio of Palestinian prisoners would be freed, and Israel would completely withdraw from the territory. The specifics are subject to further negotiations, which are due to start 16 days into the first phase.

Related: Families await release of Palestinian prisoners after ceasefire deal

The third phase would address the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and Hamas members, and a reconstruction plan for Gaza would be launched. Arrangements for future governance of the strip remain hazy.

The Biden administration and much of the international community have advocated for the semi-autonomous West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which lost control of Gaza to Hamas in a brief civil war in 2007, to return to the strip. Israel, however, has repeatedly rejected the suggestion.

Dozens of relatives of hostages signed a letter delivered to Netanyahu on Friday to commit that all stages of the deal will be carried out until the return of the last hostage.

G7 leaders welcomed the approval, describing it as a significant development.

With a ceasefire soon to take hold, it is also crucial that we seize this opportunity to put an end to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, a statement said.

We reaffirm our support for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians live side-by-side in peace, dignity, and security.

Israeli warplanes kept up intense strikes in Gaza until Thursday night. Palestinian authorities said at least 86 people had been killed in the day after the truce was announced. The IDF said late on Thursday that it had attacked approximately 50 targets throughout the Gaza Strip in 24 hours.

In more than 15 months of war, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed and most of Gazas infrastructure has been destroyed. The international court of justice is studying claims that Israel has committed genocide.

About 1,200 people in Israel were killed and another 250 taken hostage in the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023 that triggered the war. One hundred of the hostages were freed in exchange for 240 women and children held in Israeli jails as the result of a ceasefire deal struck in November 2023 that collapsed after a week.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said the deal supported Israels war aims - Koby Gideon/AP

Israels full cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas on Friday night meaning the first hostages should be released on Sunday.

The agreement came just hours after Donald Trump demanded the deal better be done before I take the oath of office.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said the cabinet had given its approval after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects and said the agreement supported his war goals.

The cabinet meeting lasted more than six hours and ended in the early hours of Saturday, inching into Shabbat, the day of rest in Israel.

Media reports said 24 ministers in the coalition government voted in favour of the deal, while eight opposed it.

Mr Netanyahu faced resistance from Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, his finance minister, both Right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, who voted against the deal.

Several ultra-orthodox ministers had to depart before the meeting finished but left notes on the table saying they would vote for the deal.

Families of hostages protested in Tel Aviv on Thursday as the Israeli government debated the deal - Noam Galai/Getty

Moshe Arbel, the interior minister from the ultra-orthodox Shas party, had demanded a vote on Friday afternoon so the hostage families would know before Shabbat that the government had approved it.

Every hour and every minute are crucial for the hostages and their families, who are desperately seeking certainty, Mr Arbel said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Trump stressed the need for the ceasefire to be finalised before his inauguration on Monday.

We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done, the president-elect told the Dan Bongino podcast, claiming the negotiations would never have been finalised without pressure from the Trump team, including Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy.

We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office, Mr Trump said. It was so ungracious of Biden to say he did it  he didnt do anything. If we didnt get involved the hostages would have never come out.

Im not looking for credit. I want to get these people out, he said of the hostages, adding: For three years theyve lived like in hell.

Children play with toy guns after Friday Noon prayers by Muslim worshippers in Jerusalem - Hazem Bader/AFP

Mr Ben-Gvir appealed to the security cabinet before it met to vote against the ceasefire, warning that releasing convicted Palestinian terrorists would endanger Israels security.

Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again, Mr Ben-Gvir said.

The national security minister warned Mr Netanyahu on Thursday that his party would leave the government if the ceasefire was approved.

However, Isaac Herzog, Israels president, praised the security cabinet for its approval, saying he expected the government to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision.

This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home, Mr Herzog said.

The president added that he was under no illusion about a deal that would bring great challenges and painful, agonising moments. He said he embraced the families of the hostages, especially those who know that their loved ones will not return in the first stage.

The ceasefire is expected to come into effect on Sunday at 12.15pm local time. Three female hostages and 95 Palestinian prisoners will be released at around 4pm local time according to the plan.

Israels justice ministry published a partial list of the Palestinians prisoners slated for release, made up of women and minors, some of whom attempted murder or carried out shooting attacks.

It is expected that some 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, of whom at least 250 are serving life sentences, will be released in the first phase, in return for 33 Israeli hostages.

Israeli hospitals have prepared for the return of the hostages, clearing rooms and putting staff on standby, including doctors, nurses and psychologists.

The Israeli military also prepared to receive the hostages, erecting three complexes at the Kerem Shalom and Erez Crossings as well as the Reim base.

The hostages will receive immediate medical treatment from doctors at the complexes, before being flown to hospitals in Israel for further treatment and examination.

As families of hostages waited for a final announcement of a ceasefire deal on Friday, demonstrations continued at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said she was the closest she had been in 468 days to hugging her son.

A Syrian child celebrates the ceasefire at Yarmouk camp, Damascus, on Jan 17 - Yamam al Sharr/REUTERS

This is the moment of truth for the Israeli public  to stand with us and ensure that the government implements all stages of the agreement, she said.

The grandson of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz described him as the only great-grandfather in the world to be held hostage.

We didnt believe that 15 months would pass that a great-grandfather is held hostage and the world doesnt help him and the Israeli government doesnt help him and I pray for the moment that he will return on his own two legs and well welcome him with love, said Daniel Lifshitz.

Michel Illouz, the father of Guy Illouz, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival and murdered in Hamas captivity, also spoke at the press conference, saying he welcomed the deal with a joy in my heart for every hostage saved, for every life saved.

Mr Illouz thanked Mr Trump and Mr Biden for making the ceasefire happen but added: This deal comes too late for my son, whose life will not be saved, but he can be brought back home to be buried here.

Other families of hostages, however, demonstrated against the ceasefire in recent days, demanding that everyone be released at the same time from Gaza.

06:00 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage. It has now ended for the day.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

05:46 PM GMT

Palestinian authority ready to assume full responsibility

The Palestinian Authority is ready to assume full responsibility in post-war Gaza once a ceasefire comes into effect.

The Palestinian government, under President Abbas directives, has completed all preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza, a spokesman said.

05:21 PM GMT

Ceasefire deal last chance for Gaza, says Qatar

The ceasefire deal currently being reviewed by the Israeli cabinet is the last chance for Gaza, Qatars prime minister has told Sky News.

Qatar was a key player in the negotiations process, with the countrys prime minister announcing the deal on Wednesday evening.

Peace wont happen unless theres a Palestinian state at the end of the day, to address the root cause of the issue and not just address the symptoms of the issue, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Friday, adding that the conflict had reshaped the region.

05:05 PM GMT

How will a ceasefire work?

04:41 PM GMT

Watch: Ceasefire celebrations across Middle East

Celebrations over a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have continued as its implementation edges closer.

The deal is expected to come into effect on Sunday if it is approved by the wider Israeli cabinet today.

04:27 PM GMT

Gaza death toll rises since deal announcement

The number of people killed in Gaza since a ceasefire deal was reached has risen to 116, according to the Hamas-run civil defence was reached.

A ceasefire agreement was announced by Qatar on Wednesday evening.

Some 264 people have been injured, according to the Palestinian authority.

Israel has continued to launch daily air strikes against the Palestinian territory, with a deal not set to come into effect until Sunday.

04:05 PM GMT

US backs Israel to restart war if second phase fails

Israel has the support of Donald Trumps administration to restart the war in Gaza if the second phase of the hostage deal fails, an official close to Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

The first phase of the deal, set to come into effect on Sunday, will last six weeks and see 33 hostages released by Hamas.

Negotiations about phase two will soon get under way, with the purpose to bring about a permanent end to the war and release the remaining hostages. In effect, a temporary ceasefire will become permanent.

Mr Netanyahu reportedly also had the backing of the Joe Biden administration to restart the war should this phase fail.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem - AP

03:48 PM GMT

Israel publishes list of Palestinian prisoners to be released

Israel has published a partial list of Palestinian prisoners that have been slated for release under phase one of the recently agreed ceasefire deal.

It includes 95 women and children who are being held in Israeli jails.

03:26 PM GMT

Watch: Israeli security cabinet votes on deal

03:05 PM GMT

Putin hopes Gaza ceasefire leads to long-term stabilisation

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a long-term stabilisation and called for efforts to secure a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Speaking about the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, Putin said: We hope this will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian situation and to the long-term stabilisation of the sector.

At the same time, it is important not to weaken efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of international law, the Russian president said.

02:46 PM GMT

Hamas accuses Israel of ramping up shelling to thwart deal

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said on Friday that 88 people had been killed in the Palestinian territory in the past 24 hours, taking its overall conflict death toll to 46,876.

Israel is deliberately committing these massacres in its quest to thwart the ceasefire agreement, Hamas said in a statement on Friday, calling on mediators to pressure Israel to stop the massacres.

02:21 PM GMT

EU ready to restart Gaza border mission

The EU is prepared to redeploy a monitoring mission to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the blocs top diplomat said Friday.

We are ready to do it, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after meeting Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Brussels, adding that the EU would first need an invitation from Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian representatives.

The bloc set up a civilian mission in 2005 to help monitor the crossing, but that was suspended two years later when Hamas took control of Gaza.

The EU announced a 120 million euros in humanitarian aid for Gaza after the ceasefire deal was struck.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Kaja Kallas in Brussels on Jan 17 - JOHANNA GERON/REUTERS

02:02 PM GMT

Pictured: Middle East celebrates ceasefire

People have taken to the streets across the Middle East to celebrate the ceasefire-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas.

Demonstrations took place in cities such as Amman, Damascus and Tehran, while Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree addressed crowds in Sanaa, Yemen.

Predominantly Houthi supporters demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinians Jan 17 - KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS

A Syrian child celebrates the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza, at Yarmouk camp, Damascus, on Jan 17 - YAMAM AL SHAAR/REUTERS

People celebrate the news of a ceasefire in Amman, Jordan, on Jan 17 - JEHAD SHELBAK/REUTERS

Iranians distribute flowers during a rally in Tehran to celebrate the ceasefire agreement - ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

01:43 PM GMT

Analysis: A lot has to go wrong now for the ceasefire to break down now

Israels security cabinet has now approved the ceasefire deal with Hamas which will be brought to a vote in the government.

The full 33-member cabinet is widely expected to give its approval which means the ceasefire can go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Three hostages are set to be released after the ceasefire comes into effect on Sunday afternoon, while the first Palestinian female prisoners will be released from Israeli jails.

A lot has to go wrong now for the ceasefire to break down, but as the ceasefire in November 2023 taught us, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners is not uncomplicated.

Hamas could turn to psychological games to delay the release, in which Israel would delay the release of prisoners as well.

01:33 PM GMT

Telegraph readers react to ceasefire-hostages deal

01:29 PM GMT

We have to bring everyone home, says Herzog

Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, has welcomed the decision of the security cabinet to approve the ceasefire-hostages deal and said he expected the full cabinet to follow suit.

This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens, he said, adding: We have to bring everyone home. Everyone! We will not rest or be silent until it happens.

A woman walks past a mural Kfar Saba, Israel, calling for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct 7 attacks - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

01:07 PM GMT

Security cabinet approves Gaza deal

The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire deal.

A statement from the office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the approval comes after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects and with the understanding that the agreement supports the achievement of the wars goals.

National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, two right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, previously said they would vote against the deal.

12:53 PM GMT

Full cabinet to meet in next hour to vote on deal, Israeli media reports

The full 33-member cabinet is set to convene at 15:30 local time (13:30 GMT) to vote on the ceasefire deal, according to Israeli media.

The 11-member Israeli security cabinet is currently meeting to approve the agreement.

Earlier, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel submitted a request for the full cabinet to vote today rather than on Saturday to allow opponents of the deal the 24 hours required to petition the High Court of Justice. In doing so, the deal still has a chance of being implemented on Sunday.

12:45 PM GMT

Iran and Russia sign cooperation pact

Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, held talks in the Kremlin on Friday before signing a pact to further entrench their allegiance amid debilitating Western sanctions.

The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture, the Kremlin said.

Tehran has increasingly sought Moscows in the face of economic woes and setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East, which could wane further when Donald Trump returns to the White House with his doctrine of maximum pressure on Iran.

In particular, Iran is after sophisticated Russian weapons such as long-range air defence systems and fighter jets to help fend off perceived potential attacks by Israel.

Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow on Jan 17 - EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA/REUTERS

12:20 PM GMT

UN secretary general demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, has demanded an end to Israels continued occupation and military operations in south Lebanon.

The continued occupation by the Israel (military) inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701... They must stop, he said, referring to the UN Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between both sides.

The secretary general added that peacekeepers had discovered more than 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah and its allies in south Lebanon since a ceasefire between the group and Israel, which also constituted a violation of the UN Security Council decision.

11:53 AM GMT

Listen: How Hamas and Israels worst war changed history

Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey discuss the Gaza ceasefire, how the deal happened and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the world.

Plus: reactions from Ruwaida Amer on the ground in Gaza and from Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the hostages killed by Hamas.

11:43 AM GMT

Pictured: Israeli security cabinet

The security cabinet has convened to decide whether to approve the ceasefire-hostages deal.

Eight of the security cabinets 11 members are from Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, two right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, have openly opposed the deal.

If the cabinet approves, the deal will then go to the full 33-member cabinet for a vote on Friday.

Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal on Jan 17 - GPO/AFP

The full Israeli cabinet will convene to vote on the deal on Friday, rather than on Saturday as had been previously suggested - KOBY GIDEON/GPO

11:34 AM GMT

This is the moment of truth, say hostage families

Family members of hostages held by Hamas have delivered speeches at a press conference from Tel Avivs hostage square.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said she is the closest shes been in 468 days to hugging her son.

This is the moment of truth for the Israeli public  to stand with us and ensure that the government implements all stages of the agreement, she said.

The grandson of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz described him as the only great-grandfather in the world to be held hostage.

We didnt believe that 15 months would pass that a great-grandfather is held hostage and the world doesnt help him and the Israeli government doesnt help him and I pray for the moment that he will return on his own two legs and well welcome him with love, said Daniel Lifshitz.

Einav Zangauker delivers a statement in Tel Aviv on Jan 17 - JANIS LAIZANS/REUTERS

11:13 AM GMT

First three hostages released will be female Israeli soldiers

The first group of hostages to be released will be three female Israeli soldiers, according to AFP citing two sources close to Hamas.

They are expected to be released on Sunday evening, one source said on condition of anonymity, adding that the hostages would then be transported to Egypt where they would be handed over to the Israelis and undergo medical examinations.

Afterward, they will be transported directly to Israel. (Israel) is then expected to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners, including several with high sentences, the source added.

10:46 AM GMT

Two French-Israelis among first hostages to be freed, Macron says

French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of 33 hostages to be freed by Hamas, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said on Friday.

We remain tirelessly mobilised so that their families can find them, Mr Macron added.

Release of the first group of hostages is expected to begin on Sunday, the Israeli prime ministers office said earlier today.

Mr Macron is currently visiting neighbouring Lebanon to push for the formation of a government that can quickly implement reforms and open the door to reconstruction after last years war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based terror group.

Emmanuel Macron smiles as he walks in Beiruts Gemmayze district during a visit to Lebanon, Jan 17 - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP

10:32 AM GMT

Pictured: Aftermath of Israeli strikes on tents in Khan Yunis

Palestinians are pictured mourning and examining damage after an Israeli attack on tents in the southern Gazan city of Khan Yunis.

According to Gazan authorities, at least 101 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire deal was announced.

Relatives of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks mourn after Israeli airstrike on tents in Khan Yunis, Jan 17 - Anadolu/Anadolu

Palestinians examine damage to tents, in which displaced Palestinians lived, following an Israeli attack in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Jan 17 - Anadolu/Anadolu

10:23 AM GMT

Philadelphi corridor issue could impede deal

The issue of an Israeli military presence remaining on the Philadelphi corridor - a narrow strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt - has reportedly not been agreed on down to the last detail. In fact representatives from Israeli intelligence and the IDF will leave for Cairo tomorrow to discuss the implementation of the deal vis a vis the corridor.

Benjamin Netanyahu already made the corridor a key issue this summer when he promised not to withdraw from it until Israel is absolutely certain that Hamas will no longer be able to use it as a smuggling route for weapons.

Many Israelis agree with Mr Netanyahu on this issue, seeing the corridor as a lifeline for Hamas. The terror group could also sabotage the ceasefire themselves over this issue, as they have repeatedly demanded that Israel withdraw from all Gaza.

10:05 AM GMT

First hostages expected to be released on Sunday, Israeli PM office says

The first hostages are set to be released on Sunday as originally scheduled, the Israeli prime ministers office said, after hours of uncertainty over the timing of final cabinet approval of the deal.

The office said: Pending approval by the Security Cabinet and the Government, and the agreement taking effect, the release of the hostages will be implemented according to the planned framework in which the hostages are expected to be released on Sunday.

10:01 AM GMT

Pictured: Palestinian mourners near Nasser hospital in Khan Younis

Gazans are shown mourning near bodies of those killed in recent Israeli strikes on the enclave.

According to Gazan authorities, over 100 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire deal was announced.

Mourners react near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip - Hatem Khaled/REUTERS

09:48 AM GMT

Hostages forum demands fast-tracked decision

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has demanded an urgent government meeting to approve the Gaza hostage deal before the Shabbat begins later today.

There is no justification for waiting until after the Sabbath [as] this is a matter of life and death, a statement from the Forum read.

The Forum is an organisation set up by the families of those abducted during the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. It has advocated for negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of the hostages.

09:45 AM GMT

Hostage identities to be revealed on day of release

Hamas is expected to release the names of the hostages to be freed on the day of their release, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Hostages names will be made public only after they have been handed over to the IDF and their families have been notified, a statement from the Israeli prime ministers office read.

09:19 AM GMT

Ben-Gvir reiterates plans to resign over disastrous deal

Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister, has reiterated that his Jewish Power party will abandon the governing coalition if the hostage-ceasefire deal is approved.

I love Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will make sure he continues to be prime minister, but I will leave because the deal that was signed is disastrous; it releases hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands, who, upon their release, will seek to murder the next Jew; it allows the return of thousands of terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip with weapons - when their goal is to murder Jews; it harms Israels ability to defend itself on the Philadelphia axis and at other important points; and it undoes all the war successes that cost us so much blood, he said in a statement seen by the Times of Israel.

The minister said his party would return to government if the IDF resumes fighting when the hostages held by Hamas have been released.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, centre, speaks at his office in Jerusalem on Jan 16 - OHAD ZWIGENBERG/AP

09:07 AM GMT

Israel showed no real effort in investigating war crimes, says ICC prosecutor

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended his decision to bring war crimes allegations against Israels prime minister, saying Israel made no real effort to investigate the allegations itself.

ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.

The British lawyer claimed the Israeli judicial system had not properly scrutinised allegations in Gaza.

Israel has rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and the United States, which is also not a member of the ICC, has moved to sanction the ICC in response.

It is of course unwanted and unwelcome that an institution that is a child of Nuremberg ...is threatened with sanctions. It should make people take note because this court is not owned by the prosecutor or by judges. We have 125 states, Mr Khan said.

Donald Trumps first administration imposed sanctions on the ICC in 2020 over investigations into war crimes in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were lifted during Joe Bidens presidency.

Karim Khan speaks in The Hague, Netherlands, on Jan 16 - PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW/REUTERS

08:44 AM GMT

Pictured: Rival protests collide in Times Square

Pro-Palestinian protesters marched on Times Square, New York, with signs reading break the imperial chains and Palestinians are freedom fighters.

The march was met by a number of pro-Israeli demonstrators including one man wearing a beanie in support of the hostages taken by Hamas and holding aloft a sign reading Gaza is guilty.

Protesters march in Times Square to demand the release of all Palestinian prisoners - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

New York Police Officers marshal Pro-Palestinian protesters at Times Square on Jan 16 - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

A man wearing a sweater depicting colours of an Israeli flag at Times Square - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

A man holds Israeli and US flags aloft amid Pro-Palestinian protesters in New York - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

08:23 AM GMT

Top cabinet minister demands vote on Friday

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has submitted a request for the full cabinet to hold a telephone vote to approve the hostage-ceasefire deal on Friday.

In these matters, every hour and every minute is important  both for the hostages themselves and for their families who yearn for certainty after over a year in captivity, he wrote to cabinet secretary Yossi Fuchs.

Should the vote be brought forward to today, before the beginning of the Sabbath, it would allow opponents of the deal the 24 hours required to petition the High Court of Justice so that the deal can still be implemented on Sunday.

A Netanyahu spokesperson told the Times of Israel earlier this morning that the full cabinet meeting was not slated to take place until tomorrow night to give people who are religious and observe the Sabbath time to petition.

There is a religious principle allowing the violation of the Sabbath to save a life which could be leaned on in this case.

07:54 AM GMT

Netanyahu woos Smotrich ahead of vote, Israeli media reports

Benjamin Netanyahu has sat down with the leader of Israels hard-Right Religious Zionism party amid reports the party could resign from government in protest at the deal with Hamas.

Bezalel Smotrich, who is also Israels finance minister, has voiced concern over the bad and dangerous deal and said his party would only remain in the governing coalition if Israel returns to fighting at full scale once the hostages are released.

Mr Netanyahus coalition would still retain a slim majority of 61 seats in the 120 member Knesset if the seven Religious Zionism MKs were to resign.

However, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hardline national security minister, said on Thursday his party of six MKs would also resign from the government if the ceasefire deal was ratified.

The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal, Mr Ben-Gvir said in a televised statement, saying it would erase the achievements of the war by releasing hundreds of Palestinian militants and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.

If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we, the members of Jewish Power, will submit letters of resignation to the prime minister, he said.

If both parties were to leave the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his majority in the Knesset.

Last night, Mr Netanyahu held talks in which Mr Smotrichs demands were almost fully accepted, according to Israeli outlets Ynet and Channel 12.

Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Bezalel Smotrich (R) attend a rally in the city of Sderot on Oct 26, 2022 - GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP/GETTY

07:40 AM GMT

Israeli delegation prepare for Cairo

An Israeli delegation, including Shin Bet and IDF representatives, will leave for Cairo tomorrow for discussions on the Philadelphia corridor and Rafah crossing, a source familiar with the details told The Telegraph.

Israeli officials have previously denied that the IDF would leave the Philadelphi corridor in the first phase of the ceasefire.

The Rafah border crossing has also been a contentious issue in the talks, but its expected to open as soon as the ceasefire begins

07:22 AM GMT

Ceasefire better be done before I take the oath of office, says Trump

Donald Trump has stressed the need for the ceasefire and hostages deal to be finalised before his inauguration on Monday.

We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done, the president-elect told the Dan Bongino podcast, adding that negotiations would never have been finalised without pressure from his team, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office, Trump said. It was so ungracious of Biden to say he did it, he didnt do anything. If we didnt get involved the hostages would have never come out.

Im not looking for credit. I want to get these people out, he said of the hostages, adding: For three years theyve lived (sic) like in hell.

Protesters in Tel Aviv calling for the hostage deal to be confirmed - NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages gather in front of the Israeli defence ministry in Tel Aviv in favour of the Gaza truce - JACK GUEZ/AFP

06:53 AM GMT

Mapped: What we know about the deal so far

The first stage of the proposed truce, which is expected to last six weeks, would see Hamas release 33 of the 94 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

In return, Israel would release around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, withdraw troops from populated areas of Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to flood in.

Read the full story on how the truce is expected to be implemented here.

06:27 AM GMT

The only path to peace is Hamass total and utter defeat

Those who are horrified by this deal are right to highlight its grave risks.

It seems to involve release of more than a thousand Palestinian terrorists in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages.

And a cessation will give Hamas some opportunity to regroup and rebuild its capabilities.

Read more here.

06:08 AM GMT

G7 calls on both sides to stick to peace

Leaders of the G7 powers called the ceasefire deal in Gaza a significant development and urged Israel and Hamas to work on its full implementation.

This is a significant development, the G7 said in a statement, urging all parties to engage constructively in its next phases of talks to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities.

The G7 also reaffirmed its support for Israels defence from security threats, urging Iran and its proxies to refrain from any further attack against Israel.

In its statement, the group also highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where conditions continue to deteriorate.

We demand all parties allow the safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance and ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, the G7 said.

05:43 AM GMT

Biden warns Netanyahu to accommodate Palestinians

Joe Biden has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel.

In an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, the US president said: The idea that Israel is going to be able to sustain itself for the long term without accommodating the Palestinian question ... Its not going to happen.

And I kept reminding my friend  and he is a friend, although we dont agree a whole lot lately  Bibi Netanyahu, that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of a large group of people called Palestinians, who have no place to live independently.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at a farewell ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday - EPA

05:21 AM GMT

Can Netanyahu survive an outbreak of peace?

Now that something approaching a peace has been declared in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, faces his greatest battle.

Israelis have long liked to quip that Bibi is no more than the sum of his fears, but without a war to riff on, things could be about to get very dark indeed for the great escape artist.

Mr Netanyahus challenges range across the political, legal and personal  and are coming into ever sharper relief.

Read the full story here.

05:07 AM GMT

Stages of the deal

05:00 AM GMT

What you need to know

Good morning. Israels cabinet is set to vote on a ceasefire deal that could soon end 15 months of war in Gaza.

Heres what you need to know:
Jane Ogborn helped to develop the first English literature O-level (Plain Texts) in which students had the set texts in the examination room Photograph: Family/BNPS

My mother Jane Ogborn, who has died aged 91, was committed to opening up the study of English Literature to secondary school pupils of all backgrounds.

She worked with like-minded colleagues to introduce young people to the classics and to broaden the curriculum to include writing in English of all sorts.

Jane was born into difficult circumstances. Following the murder in Burma (Myanmar) of her father Jack Mackereth, a forestry officer, her mother, Georgina (nee Stephens), was forced to return to the family home in Warminster, Wiltshire, months before Janes birth.

Jane attributed her frugality, her imperviousness to illness and cold and her store of countryside lore and superstition to her wartime upbringing in a multigenerational household of women. Her way forward was through education.

In 1945 she was elected as an orphan foundationer by the Drapers Company to attend Howells school in Denbighshire as a boarder. From there she won a scholarship to Girton College, Cambridge, to study English, graduating in 1956.

Having met Jon Ogborn through participating in Cambridge theatre, she married him in 1957 and they moved to London for teacher training: Jane in English, Jon in science. After living in Earls Court and Greenwich, and then Worcester, they  and their three children  settled in Blackheath, south London, in the much-loved Span house where Jane lived for the rest of her life.

Following their divorce in 1976, Jane became a full-time English teacher at south-east Londons then largest comprehensive school: Crown Woods. Over four decades, as a teacher (1973-86), school inspector (1987-92) and chief examiner (1984-94), and through the English Media Centre (trustee 1990-2013) and with Cambridge University Press, she worked to transform English teaching.

This involved reshaping teaching methods, text books and curriculums taking in feminist, socialist and anti-racist principles. She helped to develop the first English literature O-level (Plain Texts) in which students had the set texts in the examination room, and the first A-level syllabus (AEB 660) to include coursework; both were revolutionary ideas at the time.

Her aim was always to make studying English accessible to all those who loved (or might love) literature. She also made the best marmalade anyone ever tasted.

Jane is survived by her three children, Kate, Harriet and me, her grandchildren, Cora, Matthew, Louis and Eve, and her great-grandchild, Alba.
Lord Mandelson will take over as UK ambassador to the US as Donald Trump returns to the White House - Jonathan Brady/PA

Lord Mandelson, the incoming UK ambassador to the US, has rowed back on his praise of China in an apparent attempt to woo Donald Trump.

The Labour grandee had previously urged Britain to strengthen economic ties with Beijing and in 2018 accused Mr Trump of being a bully towards China.

But on Friday he published an article on the website of Fox News  Mr Trumps favourite news channel  saying China had become more aggressive abroad.

He wrote: The Chinese government I have observed intensively over the past 20 years is more aggressive abroad and controlling at home and in many sectors, now directly challenges Western governments and our values.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer declined to say whether he believed Mr Trump would be happy with the rapprochement between the UK and China.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the Prime Minister said: Lets see. The US is our closest ally. Its usually best not to get ahead of ourselves.

Sir Keir Starmer declined to say whether he believed Donald Trump would be happy with the rapprochement between the UK and China - Evan Vucci/AP

Last week, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, visited Beijing to discuss deepening trade ties with China.

In contrast, Mr Trump, who will be inaugurated for his second term as US president on Monday, has pledged new tariffs on Chinese-made imports. Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, has described China as the largest, most advanced adversary America has ever faced.

In 2018, Lord Mandelson wrote that Mr Trumps hostility towards China was putting free trade at risk, adding: It is absurd to imagine putting a country of such weight in the naughty corner.

It is also necessary to recognise Mr Trumps behaviour for what it is: he is a bully and a mercantilist who thinks the US will gain in trade only when others are losing. His idea of a progressive trade policy is one that forces everyone else to give the US more favourable treatment rather than a trading system from which everyone gains.

When the peers appointment as ambassador was announced, Chris LaCivita, an ally of Mr Trump, described Lord Mandelson as an absolute moron.

In his Fox News article, Lord Mandelson wrote that his three priorities would be the promotion of economic growth, national security and foreign policy realism, adding that the UK was hungry to trade more with the US. Sir Keir has said he would be focused on a a trade deal with the US.

Lord Mandelson said: Growing the economy and increasing living standards is at the top of the UK government agenda. The US and UK are each others largest single investors, with over $960 billion in mutual investment. Having co-founded a global business in the US and employed Americans in London, I have witnessed, first-hand, the synergies created by these ties.

We are innovators and deal-making nations. And as only two Western countries on the planet with trillion-dollar tech sectors, we must do more together to invent, develop and industrialise the technologies of tomorrow.

We are hungry to trade more and innovate more with America  but we must do so in a way that generates good, well-paid jobs for all our citizens and keeps us ahead in the global race.

He heaped praise on Mr Trump, writing: The astute among Americas allies will be observing the comprehensive nature of Trumps November election win. On the numbers alone  across the popular vote and spanning different demographic groups  this victory demonstrated a campaign that responded to the central concerns and interests of a vast swath of the American people.

The Atlantic alliance cannot simply enjoy its glorious past  it must adapt to new threats and technological challenges. I am listening hard to the message that millions of Americans delivered in November.

As I prepare to start my role as custodian of a decades-old special relationship, I reflect on my work with multiple US administrations  Republican and Democrat  across the intensive US-UK relationship.

In the past, Lord Mandelson has been very critical of Mr Trump.

He confirmed that Britain would push European allies to spend more on defence, writing: The UK has been at the forefront of driving Nato allies to increase their national defence spending and will continue to advocate for partners to pay their way.

In his interview with the FT, which took place during a trip to Ukraine, Sir Keir said: Tariffs arent in anybodys interests. He added: Our ambition is to have a deal of some sorts with the US, a trade deal. Thats where our focus is.

The Prime Minister also commented for the first time on the delay to the Chagos Islands deal. It emerged earlier this week that the plan to hand the islands  which contain a US air base  to Mauritius would not take place before the inauguration to allow the US president to consider it.

He said: I think its right that he scrutinises it, adding he believed the deal would secure the long-term legal future of the Diego Garcia base.
Some PFAS, known as forever chemicals because they do not degrade, have been linked to serious diseases in humans and animals, including cancers. Photograph: Our Wild Life Photography/Alamy

Dolphins, otters, porpoises, fish and birds across the UK have been found to have toxic forever chemicals in their tissue and organs, analysis of official data has revealed.

Manmade chemicals called PFAS, known as forever chemicals because they do not degrade, are used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial processes and some have been linked to serious diseases in humans and animals, including cancers. PFAS have been found widely to pollute water and soils and are thought to be in the blood of every human on the planet.

Watershed Investigations, the Marine Conservation Society and the Guardian obtained official data on more than 1,000 animals to reveal widespread contamination by a range of PFAS, particularly PFOS and PFOA, which have been studied the longest and found to be toxic, and are now banned. However, there are more than 10,000 types of PFAS and little is known about the toxic effects of most of them.

Related: UK farmland being contaminated by forever chemicals linked to cancers

An environmental quality standard for PFOS states that no fish should have more than 9 micrograms per kilogram (9.1g/kg) in their tissue, to protect top predators and people who consume the fish from bioaccumulating PFAS in their systems, but 12% of the fish in the datasets exceed the threshold, with some such as flounder and roach as high as 34g/kg and 41g/kg respectively.

If the threshold was applied across all species, almost half of all the animals sampled would exceed it. The limit is considered too high by many and the EU is considering slashing the threshold to 0.077g/kg. If this was applied, 92% of the animals would exceed the threshold.

The data, plotted on Watersheds pollution map, shows that many animals have been found to contain much higher levels, particularly in predators higher up the food chain. Otters were found with levels as high as 9,962g/kg, harbour porpoises with 2,420g/kg, grey seals with up to 357g/kg and dolphins up to 78g/kg. Gannet eggs had levels up to 158g/kg and buzzard livers had up to 104g/kg.

Major sources of PFAS pollution include airports, military sites and chemicals manufacturers. A study from Cardiff University last year showed that concentrations of PFOA were found in otters around the site of a chemicals plant where PFOA was used a lot in processing in the past, and that the levels fell the further from the site the otter was found. Watershed and the Guardian revealed high levels of PFOA in the effluent coming off the site in 2023.

Other sources are sewage treatment plants, fire stations and fire training facilities, metals companies, pulp and paper mills, leather and textiles manufacturers, energy and industrial facilities, and waste sites, including historical and permitted landfills. Old landfills built along rivers and the coast are known to leach hazardous substances into water.

PFAS can also get into soil and water from contaminated sewage sludge spread on farmland. A report for the Environment Agency suggested there could be as many as 10,000 PFAS hotspots across the country.

Some of the animal data spans a number of decades but PFAS is persistent and will not break down for thousands of years, so the results remain relevant.

Prof Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth said he got concerned with PFAS because they  follow the PCB story, which were banned three decades ago and theyre still causing problems now. There are concerns that some killer whale populations might go extinct because the levels are still bioaccumulating through the food chain and get to a threshold where they have adverse health effects.

I suspect the same thing will happen with PFAS. Long after were pushing up daisies, people will look back in decades to come and ask, why didnt you act sooner?

Ford wants to see PFAS banned. Whichever organisms we look in, we find them. He has found newer types of PFAS in Langstone Harbour in Hampshire alongside the banned ones. We know that they substituted them on the basis that they thought that they were less toxic. But now there are plenty of studies suggesting that theyre just as toxic, or toxic in different ways, to some of the banned ones.

Dr Tony Fletcher, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said that a number of studies are done on animals because one experiments on animals to get some insight into toxicology. So the fact that similar effects on the endocrine system and immune system have been shown in animal species as in humans, suggests that to some extent you can read across.

Fletcher also supports stronger moves on regulating PFAS in the UK and, with Ford, was among 59 experts and scientists who wrote to the government last year to set out their concerns about PFAS and demand action.

Dr Francesca Ginley, policy and advocacy manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said: These chemicals have only been around since the 1950s but have already caused severe harm to wildlife around the world. And now we can see some of the UKs most iconic wildlife, like otters and harbour porpoises, are also polluted with PFAS. The only way to stop this pollution is to stop it at its source, which is why were calling for a ban on the entire group of chemicals. This is the only way we can truly address this problem and prevent it getting worse, before it genuinely is too late.

Richard Benwell, the CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: PFAS pollution is spreading across the map, up and down the food chain, and accumulating over time. We dont know the full extent of the risks, but the presence of high concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals in such a wide spread of wildlife is a serious warning that we must stop this pollution at source.

After years of delay, the government should ban PFAS in all but the most vital uses. Restrictions on use should be matched with new financial responsibilities for chemical companies to pay a nature restoration levy to contribute to UK environmental recovery and international nature finance.

A spokesperson for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the government was committed to protecting the environment from the risks posed by chemicals and that it is rapidly reviewing the environmental improvement plan to deliver on our legally binding targets to save nature, which includes how best manage the risks posed by PFAS.
2025 Indonesia-China Film Exhibition concludes in Indonesia's Jakarta

Xinhua) 09:13, January 17, 2025

JAKARTA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The three-day 2025 Indonesia-China Film Exhibition, featuring five outstanding Chinese films, concluded on Thursday in Jakarta.

Xu Yang, director of the international division of the China Film Administration, noted the increasing synergy between China and Indonesia's film industries. "We hope this film exhibition strengthens mutual understanding between our two nations and promotes greater cultural exchange," he said.

Wang Siping, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, emphasized that the event marked the start of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties.

"We look forward to deepened collaboration in the film industry, producing works that reflect the friendship and cultural harmony of our nations. We also hope the exhibition will continue in the future, serving as a bridge for dialogue between filmmakers from both countries and advancing mutual understanding and shared cultural values," Wang said.

Hosted by the China Film Administration and the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, the exhibition showcased five Chinese films, including Her Story, Gold or Shit, Into the Mortal World, Personal Persistence, and Life of Luosang. Hundreds of attendees engaged in the screenings and post-show discussions with filmmakers, cultivating a deep appreciation for Chinese cinema among local audiences, including Indonesians and Chinese communities in the country.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Central Library as seen from downtown on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Public Library will soon be led by a director from small-town Pennsylvania  Sukrit Goswami.

Goswami was selected from a pool of 20 applicants at the end of a 10-month nationwide search.

San Antonios library board of trustees voted 10-1 Wednesday afternoon to appoint him to the library system's top job. He will oversee 562 employees and a $58 million budget.

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His start date has yet to be decided.

Goswami has been library director at the Haverford Township Free Library since 2018. The library, a nonprofit, is one of 28 in the Delaware County Library System.

It serves Haverford Townships 50,400 residents. The San Antonio Public Library is free to Bexar Countys 2 million residents.

Goswami also spent a year as president of the Freedom to Read Foundation, a legal and educational nonprofit that aims to protect First Amendment rights and the right of libraries to collect and distribute information.

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Goswami also served as executive director of the Montgomery County Libraries and Information Network Consortium (MCLINC) in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

But he stood out among the four finalists here because of his work in Haverford Township, board chair Juspreet Kaur said.

Hes done quite a bit of policy work when it comes to libraries, and specifically public libraries, Kaur said. So thats very exciting. We are entering a new phase of library use, and censorship is, of course, always a consideration.

With book bans at school and public libraries on the rise in recent years, San Antonio City Council passed a resolution in 2022 committing to safeguard free and unrestricted access to information, ideas and library collections.

Goswami is replacing Ramiro Salazar, who retired in March after 19 years at the helm.

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Assistant Director Kathy Donellan has served as interim library director. She will return to her previous job when Goswami gets to San Antonio.

I have the utmost confidence in Sukrit Goswamis ability to lead the San Antonio Public Library in its mission to change lives through the transformative power of information, imagination and ideas, City Manager Erik Walsh said in a news release. Goswamis career in public library service is extensive. In his 23 years in public libraries, he has steadily been promoted to new leadership positions, from frontline public service to administrative leadership.

Goswami could lead the library through a heated funding battle with Bexar County leaders.

Bexar County residents who live outside of San Antonio city limits check out about a quarter of books and other materials that the library circulates each year. The city believes the cost of providing that service is about $13 million, but the county currently chips in less than $4 million.

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The county has been contributing to the San Antonio library system since 1936, but the payment arrangements keep changing as the two parties debate how much the county should kick in.

The spat boiled over a decade ago when then-County Judge Nelson Wolff created an all-digital library system instead of agreeing to contribute more to San Antonio Public Library.

The two sides calmed down in 2015, signing a four-year funding agreement. But since it expired in 2019, the city and county have been negotiating small flat-fee contracts on a year-to-year basis.

Donellan said in September that she hoped leaders can hammer out a multiyear contract that boosts Bexar County's contribution before 2026.
Yvette Cooper has announced a national audit will focus on the ethnicity of grooming gangs - House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA

Police officers dont always have time to record the ethnicity of grooming gang suspects, a National Police Chiefs Council boss has claimed.

Richard Fewkes  who is director of the Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce  admitted there were gaps in the data, but insisted this was not down to cultural sensitivities.

His comments come as Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announced on Thursday the Government would put up 5 million to support five initial local inquiries into grooming gangs.

In a Commons statement, she also announced a rapid three-month national audit to establish the current scale of grooming  which will focus on the ethnicity of the gangs and the social and cultural drivers.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mr Fewkes said gaps in the recording of alleged groomers ethnicity had quite rightly been raised as a concern by the Home Secretary.

Data is really, really important in terms of how we respond to this threat, he said.

We also know there are gaps in our data.

Explaining the missing data, he added: What it isnt, is police officers making a conscious decision not to record ethnicity out of cultural sensitivity  its definitely not that.

It is, in the main, caused by the point in time that we collect the data and that is at the start of an investigation so we havent got the opportunity necessarily to have that interaction with a suspect that allows us to record their ethnicity.

He insisted police were not part of the problem and any calls on media to drop a story for being bad for community relations had certainly not come from his task force.

Following her announcement, Ms Cooper faced criticism for not launching a full-scale national inquiry into grooming gangs.

Critics said local inquiries in five towns did not go far enough when up to 50 towns were affected.

The Conservatives, Reform UK and even some Labour politicians had called for a national inquiry into the sexual abuse of girls and young women by gangs in several areas of the country.

This was echoed by a grooming victim who managed to escape her abusers as recently as two years ago.

Scarlett West, 19, waived her anonymity as she described the abuse she endured at the hands of Rochdale predators and said her experiences showed nothing has changed.

The Home Secretary also asked police forces to review and possibly reopen cold cases relating to historical child sexual exploitation and abuse allegations.
Yvette Cooper pledged more money to reopen historic cases after pressure on X from Elon Musk. Photograph: House of Commons/PA

Senior police officers fear that government pressure to reinvestigate closed historic cases of gang grooming could make it harder to catch those targeting children today.

The government on Thursday announced more reviews of past cases and also that victims, whose cases did not end in prosecutions, will be given a new right of appeal to have their investigations reopened.

It came with police figures showing that just a fraction of child sexual abuse allegations  0.6%  relate to grooming and abuse by male groups or gangs.

Related: Labours pivot on grooming gangs may not be enough to silence critics

Multiple senior police sources told the Guardian of concern that teams combating sexual violence against women and children may be diverted from their work.

One described it as kneejerking, another said the government was reacting to a right-wing driven, political cause. Another said despite the government having pledged more money, it was only a fraction of what was needed.

The announcement by the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, followed pressure from figures such as the social media baron Elon Musk, which was echoed by rightwing British figures.

Police and councils have been criticised over their handling of previous cases involving group grooming of children in a series of cases. Those cases that gained significant attention involved attackers from a Pakistani background.

But charities and other experts say these cases, which made headlines amid claims that political correctness had left children defenceless against predators, represent a tiny fraction of attacks.

Police have already boosted their public protection teams as research shows levels of sexual attacks on children and violence against women are higher than previously thought, with too few offenders brought to justice.

One senior police figure said: Most abuse takes place in the family environment. A particular offending type [gang grooming] took place in a number of towns  [but] if you were to put your resources anywhere it would be into the family environment.

There is a shortage of experienced investigators. The governments response to this right-wing driven, political cause, has fallen on policing and put further pressure on scarce resources.

Another senior source said: There is a risk of kneejerking into one particular area, especially if the cases of the past take over from the cases of last weekend.

After Oldham, Rotherham, Telford, Oxford, there was a recognition the ball was dropped in the past. Its better now.

Making her announcement, Cooper cited the latest figures on child sexual abuse: Out of the 115,000 child sexual abuse offences recorded by the police in 2023, around 4000 involved more than one perpetrator.

Of those, they identify around 1,100 that involved abuse within the family, over 300 involved abuse in institutions. And they identified 717 reported cases of group or gang-related child sexual exploitation.

Police said across England and Wales there are now 127 investigations into alleged grooming and attacks on children by groups or gangs of men. Of those, in 58 investigations, the suspects are Pakistani or Asian.

One senior source said of that figure: That would be eclipsed from the referrals we get every week from internet service providers.

Richard Fewkes, the director of the polices child sexual exploitation task force, said: These are all complex investigations into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. They involve perpetrators of many ethnicities. We do not have a complete breakdown of them.

Of the 127 investigations, 58 of them involve only Asian or Pakistani perpetrators. We cannot provide a more detailed breakdown.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the most complex areas of crime to investigate for many reasons. Research shows that, on average, it takes 22 years for a victim to report what has happened to them for many reasons centered around the influence a perpetrator continues to have for a long time after abuse has ended.
Sadiq Khan

Step forward Sadiq Khan, the latest high-profile Labour politician to give Reform UK an undeserved publicity boost. At this rate Nigel Farages party wont need even a fraction of the cash that Elon Musk once dangled in front of them as a possible donation.

The latest incident that would have got Farage offering high-fives to whoever was standing near him occurred at City Hall, where the Mayor of London was taking questions from assembly members. The Reform member Alex Wilson had the floor and used his time to ask Khan for some political support of a Reform initiative to combat knife crime in the capital.

Widespread conspiracy theories about Khans alleged insouciance towards the plague of stabbings that has engulfed the city are wide of the mark: Khan cares deeply about the issue, even if City Hall initiatives to combat it have failed to stem it. But from his off-hand  some would say staggeringly arrogant  dismissal of Wilsons proposal, it became easier to believe the conspiracy theories than the truth.

Citing the most recent appalling incidents in which mostly young, black men and boys have lost their lives in gang violence, Wilson endorsed the terms of a Reform amendment to the Mayors budget, proposing a reduction in the size of City Halls staffing budget back to 2016 levels (and here you have to ask why staffing levels need to be any higher than then anyway), thereby freeing up enough cash to employ an extra 1,000 Met Police officers.

It is quite possible that Wilsons figures are wrong  I confess I have not looked in detail at them, and I am instinctively suspicious when politicians of any stripe produce easy-fix answers to complex problems. The more relevant point lies in Khans response: As a rule of thumb I never encourage anyone to work with Reform. There was even a hint of a smirk.

Really? Thats it? No counter-point? No off-the-cuff analysis pointing out that Wilsons budget arithmetic was flawed, that he was needlessly and callously raising the hopes of London parents who feared for their sons safety? Just a blanket dismissal of anything and everything said by a party because he opposed it.

Time and time again voters express approval of those rare occasions when politicians set aside their tribal hostility to work with their opponents for the greater good. Whats that phrase so beloved of Khans boss, Keir Starmer? Country before party? Was Khans airy dismissal of this proposal in line with a philosophy that relegates partisanship and promotes the national interest?

It was not. And yet Khan  and many in the Labour Party and across the broad Left in this country  doubtless pride themselves on such a virtuous stance. After all, they are merely taking a stand against what we are now used to describing as the far Right, a phrase which used to be a descriptive of the British National Party or the National Front, but which is now applied to anyone to the Right of Rory Stewart.

There is certainly much to oppose in Reforms policy platform, just as there is in every other partys. And the rise in support for Reform since the general election  mostly at the expense of the Labour Party  has introduced a new nervousness into the political establishment of this country, an establishment that wishes that the public were as keen as it is to dismiss anything popular as populist.

Khans approach, to reject any and every suggestion that emanates from his opponents mouths, whatever their merit, is one that will appal many voters, especially those most concerned about knife crime. Cutting staffing levels at City Hall in order to fund more police officers sounds like the kind of transaction most Londoners would gladly make. And if the policy is flawed, if it is more populist than practical, why not make that case? Why not expose such empty rhetoric  if that is what it is  and debate the details, rather than literally turn up your nose at it, as if your opponent has stepped in something objectionable before taking his seat in the chamber?

Certainly, this virtue-heavy approach has done nothing so far to prevent the steady rise of Reform in the polls. Perhaps its time for a different approach? Could it be that smearing Reform  and, crucially, every ordinary voter who is considering voting for them in the future  as far Right is not having the discouraging effect that mainstream politicians expected it to have? Who could have predicted that insulting voters could have any sort of negative consequence?

It has been predicted often that words like racist, transphobic and extremist would, in time, lose their power to silence people the more frequently those terms were thrown around at anyone who held contrary views and the more devalued those words became. Such tactics failed to do anything other than inure most people to the hysterical claims of politicians with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

And now those birds have come home to roost. Sadiq Khan should enjoy the praise he will no doubt receive from his hangers-on and groupies at City Hall for his dismissal of Wilson and his party. The rest of the country  at least, those who have watched the exchange online  will be even better informed about the reasons why voters are turning away from the main parties.
Captivating: Joan Plowright with Colin Blakely and Julie Walters in the BBCs 1987 adaptation of The Birthday Party - BBC

I was fumbling my way through my mid-teens just as Joan Plowright was entering her twilight years as a stage-actress. I must have seen her in the hugely accomplished production of Lorcas The House of Bernarda Alba starring Glenda Jackson at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1986, in which she played the long-suffering elderly house servant Poncia, clucking disapproval at her mistresss repressive ways. But the performance that propelled itself into my affections was seen on TV a summer later  in fact, Id say that this one evening of viewing transformed my understanding of what theatre could be, and I remember the palms of my hands sweating in visceral excitement.

It was The Birthday Party, Pinters break-through masterpiece (which, funnily enough, premiered at the Lyric), specially recorded for the BBC with the playwright himself in the thuggish, menacing role of Goldberg. It was to-die-for casting all round  led by Kenneth Cranham as the mentally frayed, temperamentally unsound Stanley, apparently musically gifted but mysteriously washed-up  and washed-out  in a seaside boarding-house.

Somehow, though, it was Plowright  calm, gentle, considerate and strangely simple as his B&B landlady Meg  who captivated my attention.

You can see for yourselves on YouTube what I think is a masterclass in restraint and subtlety. It showcases Plowrights remarkable asset  eyes that seemed larger, more luminous, more revealing and yet intriguing than those of most mere mortals.

Heres a character genially conventional and thereby vulnerable who, seemingly with a bit missing, cant grasp the vicious power-game that besieges her parlour. Plowright, with her dark brown gaze, captured both emptiness and kindliness, confusion and an eagerness to please in ways that broke your heart.

A major contribution to the arts: Joan Plowright in 1957 - Getty

Just consider the brief exchange at breakfast as she hovers by the kitchen table like a waitress in her own home, too fixated with her surrogate sons favour or displeasure at the cereal to register the conversation: What are those cornflakes like Stan? Horrible. Those flakes, those lovely flakes... youre a liar, a little liar, theyre refreshing, it says so. Pinters plays are often about men behaving badly; here was an ordinary woman, near-ignored, behaving with voluntary decorum  almost the moral centre, really, of the play, and an emblem of her long-suffering sex.

No big award for that, and when it comes to screen-work, Plowright was never as in demand as Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, with whom (alongside Eileen Atkins) she was lovingly observed in Roger Michells fly on the wall homage Nothing Like a Dame.

But her contribution to the arts was so well established, that sustained TV recognition and gilded cinematic validation (gems such as Tea with Mussolini aside) wasnt required. She was there when it really mattered, at the heart of the Royal Court explosion in the 1950s and early 1960s, appearing in landmark work, whether it be as Beatie Bryant, the working-class lass desperate to break free from familial constraints, in Arnold Weskers Roots, or the malcontent teenager Jo in Shelagh Delaneys A Taste of Honey (on Broadway). The bursting through of a new generation, often from marginalised, under-represented, and deprived backgrounds transformed the culture, and Plowright, hailing from Lincolnshire and Scunthorpe Grammar, was the poster-girl for the new wave.

The King and I: Plowright, with Laurence Olivier and their children Richard and Tamsin in 1963 - Stanley Sherman/Hulton Archive

A poster-girl who attracted the eye of the King  Laurence Olivier, whose wife she would become, after a media-frenzy that saw Larry accused of being disloyally cavalier with the affections of his second wife Vivien Leigh. Its surely only a matter of time now before we see their relationship replayed as a TV drama in its own right. But listen to Plowright on Desert Island Discs and what comes across, again to stirring effect, is her devotion to a man whom she supported through thick and thin, warts and all.

He was a man touched by genius and such men are usually also attended by demons and he would fight to overcome those demons, she told Sue Lawley.

Rather like Meg tending to Stanley, she must often have felt like a hand-maiden at times  but what needs to be understood is her deep wisdom, and sense of mission. Plowrights devotion surely enabled Olivier to proceed with one of the most essential projects of the post-war period, the establishment of the National Theatre company. We all owe Plowright huge gratitude for being a stage star and theatrical stalwart. Now is a time to reflect on the need to secure her idealistic legacy.
An Iranian man holds a placard and a picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally to celebrate the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, at the Palestine square in Tehran, Iran

For obvious reasons, the worlds media is now focused on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Quite right: the return of those hostages not murdered by Hamas, and the cessation of Israels military action in Gaza, is a big moment, both strategically and in terms of basic humanity.

But one thing this is not is any kind of peace deal. Hamas has been decimated, its leadership killed and its weaponry degraded. But its murderous ideology lives on and as it regroups it will do everything in its power to repeat the massacre of October 7 2023. (Thats not my assertion. Hamas current leader, Khalil al-Haya, gave a speech on Wednesday live on Al Jazeera from Qatar, in which he said how proud he was of the massacre and vowed to repeat it.)

So, while it is entirely understandable that the focus is on the ceasefire, in the coming weeks that focus needs to shift to a bigger issue. The central issue, in fact, behind October 7, the Gaza war and almost everything else in the Middle East: Iran.

Without the Iranian regime there would have been no October 7 and thus no Gaza war  just as there would have been no significant threat from Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthis. Because without the financial and logistical support they receive from Iran, none of these terror organisations would ever have had the capacity to destabilise the entire region. They would have had an impact, of course. But Iran turned them into threats of a different order of magnitude.

If Gaza is to be rebuilt and its people to be free to live normal lives  and there are well founded reports that Arab states may be ready to help reconstruction  then a pre-requisite is tackling Irans malign involvement in the region. Equally, if Israelis are ever to be free to live without constant fear from terror, Iran must be dealt with.

In that context, Mondays inauguration of Donald Trump is the most hopeful factor for the region since 2021, when he left office. The default reaction of many people is to dismiss Trump as a cartoon character, a bullying braggart. He is all that. But when it comes to the Middle East, his record in his first term speaks for itself.

When he was campaigning for the presidency in 2015 and 2016 Trump promised to rip up Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran. He rightly saw how misguided it was, with its relaxation of sanctions allowing Iran to restock its war chest. Few believed he would follow through on that promise but he did just that, as well as reimposing a new maximum sanctions policy.

Under Trump, Iran was being brought to its knees economically, which acted as a brake on its global terror activities. And because the US was seen as leading the fight against Iran, the likes of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan felt emboldened to sign up to the Abraham Accords. There was real hope in the Middle East.

The Biden administration undid almost all that good work by working towards a revived nuclear deal with Iran  including relaxing the sanctions. The result is that we are where we are now, with the cancer of the Iranian regime again affecting almost the entire Middle East.

Trumps return to office could thus not have come at a more opportune moment. It is critical to the future prospects of the region that Iran is prevented from carrying on as before.

Israels strikes in October are said to have nearly wiped out Irans air defences, as well as hitting its ballistic missile programme and one facility said to be used for its nuclear weapons work. That was a start.

But the urgent need is for President Trump once again to put the economic squeeze on the regime. Its economy is already in dire straits. Further sanctions could topple it. Iran has the potential to be a huge force for good; its people are its greatest asset. But they need to be freed from the regime  as does the rest of the Middle East.
A researcher pours a water sample for experimentation during drinking water and PFAS research. Photograph: Joshua A Bickel/AP

Leading scientists have criticised the UK government for failing to take stronger action to tackle forever chemical pollution and refusing to match moves in the EU to ban non-essential uses of the substances.

Last year, 59 experts in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sent a letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) asking it to follow the science, which has established that PFAS do not biodegrade and that despite variations in toxicity, this persistence itself is sufficiently worrying that all PFAS should be regulated as one class.

PFAS pollution is so widespread that the chemicals are thought to be in the blood of almost every human on the planet. Of the more than 10,000 known to be in existence, two are widely banned after decades of scientific study that eventually proved them to be toxic and linked to cancers as well as a range of other serious diseases.

Given the time taken to establish toxicity for just two substances, five EU member states have proposed a group ban, with exemptions for critical uses. Industry lobbying groups are fighting the proposal.

Defra responded to the scientists in a letter, seen by Watershed Investigations and the Guardian, setting out their plans for controlling the forever chemicals. These plans fall short of the scientists demands.

Related: Revealed: drinking water sources in England polluted with forever chemicals

Defra has implied time and again  that not all PFAS are harmful  which is incorrect in my opinion, said Prof Ian Cousins, who organised the letter. I agree that PFAS have a diversity of properties and toxicities, but their extremely high environmental persistence makes all PFAS problematic.

Fluoropolymers are high-performance plastics and the industry has been fighting to be excluded from regulation alongside other PFAS. The UK government has decided not to take on the definition of PFAS used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes fluoropolymers, and has said it will create its own smaller groups.

Reading between the lines, I believe that Defra wants to exclude fluoropolymers from their action on PFAS, said Cousins, who thinks industry likes [the UKs approach] because it favours a risk-based approach as opposed to the hazard-based approach of the EU, where they regulated based on problematic intrinsic properties such as high persistence.

He added: My view is that a risk-based approach does not work for such extremely persistent chemicals. If extremely persistent chemicals are continually released, environmental levels will increase over time  If we do cross some known or unknown threshold for effects in the future there is little we can do to remove [certain types of PFAS] from our drinking water.

Prof Crispin Halsall from Lancaster University wanted to know the basis for Defra creating their own PFAS groupings. Is that scientifically based or is it politically based? According to their letter, its one of pragmatism and I can understand it  but I think they should align more closely with the EU and instead of creating a new sublist of PFAS, just go with the OECD.

Related: The Guardian view on chemical pollution: the UK cant ignore the risks from PFAS | Editorial

Prof Patrick Byrne, from Liverpool John Moores University, said: The absence of evidence [on the toxicology of most PFAS] doesnt mean theres no risk. He also took issue with the governments claim that there were only a few hundred PFAS across the UK, when the emerging evidence is that theres a lot more and that [Defra is making that assumption] probably only because were only monitoring a few.

In its letter, Defra said it would review more evidence before making a judgment on whether to reduce limits for PFAS in drinking water to get closer to the much lower limits used in Europe and the US.

But Dr David Megson from Manchester Metropolitan University said this was Defra skirting the issue when the problems smacking you around the face now. He added: We need a bit more than government saying: Were just assessing it.

Halsall said finding substitutes for PFAS would drive innovation within the chemicals industry  pressing the buttons for the growth agenda.

I applaud the government for responding but there is some kicking of the can down the road here and if its just such a big problem that they want to leave it for a while because theyre not sure how to deal with it then thats not good enough, he added.

Dr Shubhi Sharma at the charity Chem Trustdescribed the lack of urgency at Defra as astounding. Every day of delay adds to this toxic timebomb. The UK government has all the evidence it needs to take immediate action to protect people and nature from the harmful impacts of these forever chemicals.

A Defra spokesperson said the government was committed to protecting the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. We are rapidly reviewing the environmental improvement plan to deliver on our legally binding targets to save nature, which includes how best to manage the risks posed by PFAS, they said.
TikTok creator Em Wallbank who sprang to fame due to her impressions of Harry Potter character Draco Malfoy, in Liversedge, England, on Thursday. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

If TikTok disappears from the US, it wont just be its 170 million American users who will lose out.

British TikTokers and business owners have told the Guardian they will also lose a sizeable chunk of their audiences after a ban. The video app has become a key gateway to Americans for the UKs online video creators, who make a living from accruing views and making sponsored content deals. With the ban scheduled to take effect on Sunday, a US-sized hole will appear in the global userbase.

Related: Americans flock to Chinese TikTok alternative RedNote: We have the same struggles

In English-speaking markets, a lot of creators have sizeable US audiences that follow them, says Thomas Walters, chief executive of Billion Dollar Boy, a UK-based advertising agency that pairs blue-chip advertisers with creators and influencers. A ban would be really sad for creators who have built audiences from nothing on TikTok, he adds.

The Guardian spoke to several UK-based creators and one entrepreneur who all say they will be affected by a ban.

Jay Beech, 30, London

Users in the US account for nearly half of Beechs 1.7 million-strong audience on TikTok. He says there is a strong relationship between creators and users on both sides of the Atlantic, a form of digital cultural exchange that millions of Brits and Americans will miss.

Its going to be a big difference for all of us, to see that gap in our feeds, he says.

Beech, who describes his posts as high-energy fashion content, says sponsored content  from brands such as the US skincare line Kiehls and Sky TV  provides the majority of his income. He also has a presence on YouTube Shorts and Instagram but says he has noticed that TikTok users dont necessarily follow you elsewhere.

[A ban] will throw people out into this diaspora of trying to find their favourite creators again and finding a new home on whatever platform they choose, he said.

Fats Timbo, 28, Kent

Fats is a comedian and disability activist who posts comedy, beauty and lifestyle content to her 3 million followers on TikTok. She says the platforms US reach  approximately a quarter of her following  has been vital for her work.

TikTok is crucial for my career because it allows me to connect with a US audience, where representation of people like me  Black women with dwarfism  is often lacking, she says.

Timbo adds that the US offers creators like her a chance to grow, collaborate, and be seen on a global stage.

Its not just about numbers. Its about the impact I can have and the representation I can provide for people who rarely see someone like themselves in media. Losing that connection would feel like losing a part of my purpose, she says.

Timbo says her US audience is key for securing brand deals, collaborations, and visibility on a global scale. Losing TikTok in the US would be a significant setback but she is also creating content on Instagram to maintain her connection with her US followers.

Em Wallbank, 25, West Yorkshire

US viewers represent about 40% of Em Wallbanks audience. The west Yorkshire-based creator says her comedy skits have been a hit across the Atlantic partly due to her accent. Wallbank, who is best known for posts riffing on Harry Potter characters, has 1.7 million followers on TikTok.

I think some of my popularity is because I am northern and my accent is a bit of a novelty [to US users], she says.

Wallbank, who started posting skits on TikTok in 2022, says the US social media market is a testing ground for a creators ability to build a broad career, like the Kardashians and Nicole Richie.

The ones that are having careers outside of social media, it is because they have attracted the attention of US audiences, she said.

Wallbanks US popularity has resulted in her working at fan conventions in the US as well as creating sponsored content with multinationals like Disney+ in the UK. She is concerned for would-be creators who could use TikTok, and its US audience, to access a creative career that might otherwise have been out of reach.

To be able to get into a creative industry, with my background, is massive, she says.

Sarah Yuma, 30, London

Yuma says a US TikTok audience has been crucial to the growth of her business, selling home and hair accessories using African fabrics.

It can be tricky building a business just relying on UK audiences. During lockdown it was the US audience that pushed my business and took it to the next level, she says.

Yuma, who has more than 3,000 followers on TikTok, says she had an influx of US customers and followers amid a surge in popularity for the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

TikTok disappearing from the US would mean I would lose a huge chunk of my community, says Yuma. They have helped me with my designs. Its a really beautiful community that I have created.

If TikTok is switched off in the US, she adds, she will need to rethink how she connects with an American audience.

I will have to rethink my strategy about how to keep them in my community and staying in contact with them, she says.  I dont want to isolate them. They are really important to my business.

Sam Cornforth, 29, London

Cornforth posts fitness-related comedy sketches to his 460,000 followers, with the US accounting for approximately a quarter of that total. He says his income from sponsored content will be protected by the fact that he works with UK-based brands like Argos.

However, he says brands could react negatively to creators losing a sizable chunk of their audience.

Brands do pay attention to your total reach. If, potentially, 20% to 30% of that is cut, will that affect your future opportunities with those brands? he asked.

Cornforth adds that TikToks US audience is important for establishing trends that filter across other platforms. Without that influence, creators could lose an impetus and inspiration for their work.

Its the birthplace for trends, and then they filter down to YouTube Shorts and Instagram at a later date, he says.

 This article was amended on 17 January 2025. Em Wallbank is based in West Yorkshire, not South Yorkshire as a previous version said.
Soldiers in Odesa search buses for men avoiding the military draft - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Ukrainian police have launched a nationwide search for draft dodgers as pressure to reduce the conscription age continues.

Some 200 separate searches have been ordered in 19 different regions and police posted pictures of officers with weapons entering what appeared to be private residences and offices.

The raids on Friday are the latest step in a countrywide probe launched by law enforcement last week when Kyiv said police were searching an estimated 600 homes, offices and other sites.

Ukraine is focused on a mobilisation campaign to boost its struggling forces while resisting pressure from the US to begin recruiting younger men.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president, has rejected calls from his US counterpart Joe Biden to lower the draft age from 25 to 18, causing tension between Kyiv and Washington.

Soldiers question a man suspected of avoiding conscription - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Posters in Odesa encouraging men to join the army brigades - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

As Donald Trumps inauguration nears, Ukraine is racing against the clock before more pressure is placed on Mr Zelenskys shoulders.

Mr Trump is set to continue Mr Bidens calls for a lower conscription age, according to Washingtons incoming national security adviser.

If Ukrainians have asked the whole world to be all in for democracy, we need them to be all in for democracy, Congressman Mike Waltz told ABC News.

And they certainly have fought bravely and they certainly have taken a very noble and tough stand. But we need to see those manpower shortages addressed.

Most Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been banned from leaving the country.

In April 2024, the government lowered the draft age from 27 to 25, adding 50,000 troops to its forces  but this total still falls short of reaching the militarys full requirements.

The average age of a Ukrainian soldier is 43.

Military recruits undergo training in Donetsk - ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

The campaign to bolster its forces has created panic among fighting-aged men, with thousands fleeing the country towards Europe, in some cases using dangerous smuggling routes over mountains or rivers.

Police reported last week that they were focusing on organisers of schemes that assist evaders in their efforts to illegally cross the Ukrainian border.

In early December, Matthew Miller, the US state department spokesman, said the US would be prepared to train and arm more Ukrainian soldiers if Kyiv lowered the conscription limits.

In response, Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine must not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with the youth of soldiers.

He has instead continued to push for the West to send more weapons to boost his armed forces, calls observers worry could fall short when Mr Trump takes office.

Please tell me, if a person is standing in front of you without a weapon, what difference does it make if that person is 20 years old or 30? There is no difference, Mr Zelensky told reporters in Brussels in December.
A mobile phone with a TikTok app

TikTok could avoid a US ban at the last minute despite the Supreme Court ruling against the Chinese-owned app.

Joe Bidens White House said it would not enforce a law that bans TikTok from smartphone app stores when it comes into force on Sunday  the day before Donald Trump takes office.

With Mr Trump also promising to save the app, it raises the prospect that TikTok could remain online despite the law forcing its Chinese owner ByteDance to sell it.

Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognises that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday, the White House said.

TikTok should remain available to Americans but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law.

On the campaign trail Mr Trump, who once tried to ban the app, had promised to save TikTok. Shou Zi Chew, its chief executive, is expected to attend Mr Trumps inauguration on Monday.

Mr Trump held his first phone call with Xi Jinping since leaving the White House on Friday. The president-elect said they had discussed TikToks fate.

Donald Trump had urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban until after he took office - Scott Olson/Getty Images North America

On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected TikToks appeal against a US national security law that would ban the wildly popular video app if it is not sold.

Justices said that there were well supported national security concerns that overruled TikToks attempt to overturn the ban on free speech grounds.

Under the law, Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their mobile download stores at midnight on Sunday, while its data partner Oracle would have to stop hosting services.

It could avoid a ban if it is sold, although ByteDance has so far refused to publicly countenance the idea, instead pursuing a series of legal challenges against the law.

Fridays Supreme Court decision was its last legal option and the video app has reportedly made plans to stop functioning with a pop-up message directing users to information about the ban.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170m Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community, the courts ruling read.

But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

Mr Trump had urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban until after he took office, saying he wanted to work on a political resolution.

Many TikTok users have downloaded a Chinese app known as Xiaohongshu, or Red Note - Cheng Xin/Getty Images AsiaPac

TikTok may still go offline or be removed from app stores despite both presidents being reluctant to ban it immediately. Mr Biden and Mr Trump could direct the Department of Justice not to enforce the law, but they cannot overturn it, meaning Apple and Google may consider it legally risky not to comply.

TikTok warned late on Friday it will go dark in the US on Sunday unless President Bidens administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that it will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.

Chinese officials have reportedly discussed a potential deal that could involve Elon Musk acquiring the app through his social network X, or being part of a transaction in some way, although TikTok has dismissed the claim as fiction.

Frank McCourt, a US billionaire, and Kevin OLeary, a US investor, have said they would be interested in buying TikTok. Microsoft was in talks over a deal to acquire the app in 2020.

TikTok has told US staff that their jobs are safe, telling them on Tuesday: Our leadership team remains laser focused on planning for various scenarios and continuing to plan the way forward.

Concerns around TikTok have ranged from the amount of personal data collected by the app, to fears that its algorithm could be manipulated to promote pro-China viewpoints.

A US ban will not affect TikToks operations in the UK or other countries. The app was banned from government phones and parliaments wi-fi network in 2023.

In protest at the ban, many users have downloaded a Chinese app known as Xiaohongshu, or Red Note, leading the app to surge to the top of download charts.
Polish PM says he wants Breturn not Brexit as Starmer visits Warsaw

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he wants a Breturn rather than Brexit after discussing co-operation between the UK and EU in talks with Sir Keir Starmer on his visit to Warsaw.

Mr Tusk, who was president of the European Council when Britain voted to leave the trading bloc, said he would harbour these dreams in my heart as sometimes they come true in politics.

The UK Prime Minister, who had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart earlier on Friday, has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the customs union or single market but said he wants to deepen post-Brexit ties with Brussels.

In an awkward moment for Sir Keir as he stood alongside Mr Tusk at a joint press conference later, the Polish premier said: Im sure you will recall when we learned about the results of the Brexit referendum.

My first emotional reaction was to say: I already miss you. I remember our press briefings as if it was yesterday. I already miss you, thats what I said.

This is not just about emotions and sentiments  I am aware this is a dream of mine, that instead of a Brexit we will have a Breturn.

Perhaps Im labouring under an illusion. Id rather be an optimist and harbour these dreams in my heart  sometimes they come true in politics.

During the press conference, Sir Keir did not himself go into detail about Brexit, but stressed the need for close co-operation among European allies on issues including people smuggling and security.

He did however exchange warm words with his counterpart, telling Mr Tusk: Poland currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.

I want to congratulate you, Donald, on making European security the focus of your presidency, because this is the issue of our time.

Sir Keir travelled to Poland after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, where he vowed the UK will play our part in guaranteeing the countrys security following any peace deal with Russia.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw (Czarek Sokolowski, Pool/AP)

In Warsaw he discussed a new bilateral defence pact with Mr Tusk, which the Polish prime minister said he hopes will be ratified this year.

Speaking about the deal on Friday, Sir Keir said: This includes deepening ties between our defence industries.

The UK has secured 8 billion of defence deals in Poland over the last three years alone, and were going further today, opening a new joint programme office in Bristol to deliver our 4 billion partnership, to deliver the next generation of air defence systems to Poland.

He added: We share an unbreakable commitment to Nato and an unbreakable commitment to Ukraine.

Sir Keir also used the visit, which comes amid concerns about a potential shift in the US stance on Ukraine under President-elect Donald Trump just days before his inauguration, to urge leaders to double down in support for Kyiv.

We must never accept that now is a time to let up, he said. Now is the time to double down.

Both leaders hope the treaty will help the UK and Poland work together more closely to protect Europe from Russian aggression and co-ordinate a response to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

In a readout of their bilateral meeting, Downing Street said the two men had warm and productive talks on issues such as migration, energy and tackling shared threats  including Putins ongoing aggression.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also met Polands President Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw (Sergei Gapon/PA)

Sir Keir also met Polish President Andrzej Duda, with whom he agreed that Ukraine can count on the support of the UK and Poland for as long as it takes, according to a Number 10 spokesperson.

Earlier on the trip, the Prime Minister also visited Auschwitz, a place he described as utterly harrowing, and reiterated his determination to fight the poison of antisemitism.

His wife Victoria, who is Jewish, joined him for the visit and was equally moved, Sir Keir said.

The truth that I have seen here today will stay with me for the rest of my life, the Prime Minister said.

So too will my determination to defend that truth, to fight the poison of antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, and to do everything I can to make never again mean what it says, and what it must truly mean: never again.
Jeremiah Goins and Chelsea Ruiz have been charged in connection with the transportation of unauthorized migrants. SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images

Two Americans accused of smuggling migrants found in the back of their car told border authorities they were traveling in the area to take photos of the scenery.

Jeremiah Earl Goins and Chelsea Naida Ruiz were arrested Saturday and charged with transporting unauthorized migrants, according to an amended criminal complaint filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.

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At about 1 p.m. Saturday an agent at the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station received a call from a resident who reported seeing possible migrants running across New Mexico State Road 338, according to the complaint. The highway runs north and south near the border, making it a commonly used route for human smugglers.

Nearly an hour after receiving the call, the agent spotted a black GMC Terrain with Indiana license plates, which matched the description of a car suspected to be involved in human smuggling. The car began traveling on Interstate 10 west toward Phoenix, another frequent route used by smugglers.

Two agents pulled over the car, finding Ruiz in the driver's seat and Goins in the passenger seat, the complaint said.

The agents also discovered four people dressed in camouflage lying down in the back seat and cargo areas of the car. Upon questioning, all four passengers admitted to entering the U.S. from Mexico without proper documentation, according to the complaint.

Agents then arrested Goins and Ruiz, who were carrying two loaded pistols and a bag of marijuana in the car, according to the complaint.

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In an interview with authorities detailed in the complaint, Goins said he was in the area because his wife, a photographer, was taking photos of the scenery.

Goins said he didn't know the four migrants and decided to drive them as a favor because he was heading in the same direction. He wasn't aware they had entered the country without documentation, he told agents.

Ruiz told agents Goins asked her to drive him to Animas, New Mexico, that day so he could do a favor for his friend, according to the complaint. She is a photographer who sells nature photos as backdrops for mobile devices and agreed to drive so she could take photos afterward.

Ruiz said that during the drive, Goins told her to pull over and the four passengers got in. He told her to drive toward Tucson, Arizona, and did not answer her questions about where they were going or if he was being paid to transport the migrants, according to the complaint.

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One of the migrants found in the car told agents that they paid a smuggling fee of 2,000 pesos and crossed into the U.S. on Jan. 6, the complaint said. They said that while in the car, the female driver told them to stay down and keep still.
The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as a ban on the app looms, but the incoming Donald Trump administration has hinted at keeping it online.

The uncertainty has already sparked some users in the US to look elsewhere for their social media output, and users in other countries have raised concerns about what any US ban could mean for the app globally.

Here is a closer look at what could happen to TikTok, why it is happening and what it might mean for users around the world.

 Why is TikTok facing a ban in the US?

Last April, US President Joe Biden signed a law which gave TikTok until this month to separate its US business from parent firm ByteDance, a China-based company whose control of TikTok is seen as a national security threat by the US government.

The US Justice Department has said the government has two main concerns around TikTok and ByteDance: that TikTok collects large amounts of data and this could all into the hands of the Chinese government; and that the algorithm that powers TikTok recommendations could be manipulated by Beijing.

To combat this, the US has therefore ruled that TikTok must split from ByteDance in order to stay online in the United States.

The deadline for this split is Sunday January 19  a day before Joe Biden leaves office and is replaced by Donald Trump  itself a key moment as the two men have conflicting views on the issue.

In response to the American concerns, TikTok has repeatedly said it does not and would not share data with the Chinese government, and warned that a break-up would effectively cut off the US version of TikTok from the rest of the world, making it a shell of its former self.

 So will TikTok go offline in the US on Sunday when the ban kicks in?

It still remains unclear. On Thursday, an official in the outgoing Biden administration said the president would not enforce the ban before he leaves office on Monday January 20.

That would mean the decision would fall to incoming President Trump who, despite having said in his first term he supported a ban, is now saying he wants to find a solution to keep the app online.

However, the Trump team has not said how they plan to do this  whether it be by brokering a sale or by finding a different workaround.

The social media giant also mounted a last-ditch legal bid to have the ban declared unconstitutional because it violates free speech protections, but on Friday, the US Supreme Court rejected TikToks appeal and unanimously upheld the law banning the app.

The most likely scenario at the moment is TikTok stays online for the time being while work on some sort of deal continues in the background, but its fate in the United States remains up in the air.

Experts have said the app will not disappear from existing users phones once the law takes effect on January 19, but new users will not be able to download it and updates will not be available.

 But could a sale of TikTok in the US still happen?

Yes. Despite previously insisting it was not interested in selling TikToks US business, there have been reports this week of apparent discussions among Chinese officials about a possible sale, including to X owner Elon Musk, who also happens to be a close ally of incoming Mr Trump.

TikTok, however, described these reports as pure fiction.

Other American entrepreneurs have also expressed an interest in buying TikToks US business in order to ensure it abides by the new law and stays online.

But if, or when, any such deal could be done remains unclear.

 If TikTok were to go offline in the US, what could it mean for users in other countries?

While the impact would naturally be felt strongest by users in the US, the disappearance of TikTok from one of its biggest markets would undoubtedly hit the platform in some way as it would fundamentally change how it looks.

Users would see less original content coming from users in the US, and the site would no doubt be hit economically if an entire market the size of the US was no longer consuming on the app, but crucially also no longer buying from the TikTok Shop  which lets users purchase products directly from videos.

In the long run, any economic downturn could impact how the app runs.

And as the millions of US homeless TikTok users find alternative platforms to migrate to, this could increase the competition the app faces in the social media market.

Another Chinese-owned app, known as RedNote in English, has already seen a spike in new US users in anticipation of a ban, while Meta-owned Instagrams Reels, Google-owned YouTubes Shorts and streaming platform Twitch have been among those named as possible TikTok alternatives.
Sir Stephen Fry has celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with comedian Elliott Spencer, saying he is a lucky man.

The 67-year-old actor and TV presenter married Spencer, 37, in 2015 in a ceremony at a registry office in Dereham, Norfolk, close to where he grew up in the village of Booton.

In an Instagram post marking the anniversary, Sir Stephen said: Ten happy years to the day since we were joined in marriage. Im a lucky man.

Following the post, stars including TV presenter Jonathan Ross, actress Anna Friel and The Kumars actor Sanjeev Bhaskar wished him well.

In a comment on the post, Ross said: Ten years, how time flies. Congratulations and love to you both.

Bhaskar said: Happy anniversary you right pair.

Friel added: Happy, happy anniversary.

During an interview on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs shortly after his marriage, which he said he was adoring, Sir Stephen discussed potentially having a child with his partner, but is yet to have one.

Speaking about potentially having a child, he said: We sort of talk about it and I suddenly think, oh my goodness Im such an age now, but actually thats rather good, but we better get on with it if we do.

On the show, he dedicated Ella Fitzgeralds Do I Love You? to Spencer, describing him as the great love of my life.

Sir Stephen was recently knighted in the New Year Honours for his services to mental health awareness, the environment and charity, telling the PA news agency he was startled and enchanted after receiving the letter informing him of the knighthood.

The star is best known for playing Melchett in 1990s BBC sitcom Blackadder and his time presenting comedy panel show QI from 2003 until 2016, when Danish-British broadcaster Sandi Toksvig took over the role.
A Tesla Cybertruck that was prohibited from driving in the UK has been seized by police after being unlawfully driven in Greater Manchester.

Officers from the Greater Manchester Police transport unit stopped the Cybertruck, which a permanent UK resident was driving, in Whitefield after it was found the vehicle was registered and insured abroad  making it prohibited to drive in the UK.

A statement posted on Bury Polices Facebook page said: Legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck.

It added that the Tesla does not hold a certificate of conformity.

As a result, the Cybertruck was seized under S165 of the Road Traffic Act, which gives police the ability to seize vehicles driven without a licence or insurance. The driver was also reported.

The Cybertruck was released by Tesla in 2023 after being first shown in prototype form in 2019.

With a range of up to 340 miles from its electric battery and motors, the Cybertruck features 35-inch all-terrain tyres and 17 inches of ground clearance.

At over 5.6 metres, the Cybertruck is considerably longer than a standard Range Rover, which is just over five metres in length.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said the vehicle has been referred to Operation Wolverine, which was established in 2007 to target drivers without insurance.

The owner will have to prove ownership and correct insurance prior to release, the spokesperson added.
Three men have been charged with murdering a teenager who was stabbed to death in a park in Bristol.

Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, 19, suffered multiple stab wounds during the attack in Grosvenor Road Triangle Park in St Pauls, Bristol, on July 21 2023.

Avon and Somerset Police said Zachariah Talbert Young, 26, of Easton, Paul Elijah Hayden, 21, of Hanham and Cartell Williams, 28, of no fixed abode, had been charged with his murder.

The three defendants appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on Friday and were remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court, a police spokeswoman said.

Talbert Young and Hayden have also been charged with the attempted murder of a man in his late teens who was found with stab wounds at the junction of Easton Road and Easton Way, Bristol, at about 11.15pm on February 2 2024.

No pleas were entered during the hearing, the Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman added.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, of the force, said: Eddies death not only devastated his family but shocked the whole community.

I would like to pay tribute to Eddies family, who have shown such dignity and patience during our investigation. Our aim has always been to get justice for Eddie.

Police said the victim in the attempted murder case survived his injuries and his recovery is continuing.

Vicky Gleave of the Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised the charges of murder relating to Mr Kinuthia and attempted murder relating to the separate, serious assault.

The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these three men are active and that they have the right to a fair trial, she said.

It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
Three men who were involved in a conspiracy to smuggle migrants in boats that kept breaking down across the English Channel have been jailed for a combined total of 14 years.

Freddy Lawrence, 57, Keith Baigent, 63, and Paul Giglia, 64, played significant roles in trying to traffick people to the UK after several failed attempts during a 10-day period in August 2018.

Lawrence and Baigent took part in buying a boat called the Sorel Light for 30,000 in July of that year, which was used to try to carry out the crossings, with Baigent registering the vessel under his own name.

But Canterbury Crown Court heard the operation was beset with boat failures and prosecutor Leo Seelig described the enterprise as poorly executed.

Paul Giglia (left) and Keith Baigent leave Folkestone marina in Piscator (NCA/PA)

The Sorel Light had to be towed back across the Channel multiple times, including for a steering malfunction, forcing them to hire another boat, the Piscator.

That boat also had to be towed back to Dover marina, after it ran out of fuel on another failed attempt to cross the Channel to pick up migrants, the National Crime Agency (NCA) added.

The court heard that on August 30, 2018, the Sorel Light was intercepted by French authorities as it tried to pick up 12 Vietnamese migrants on a beach near Wimereux, south of Calais.

The three defendants were not on the boat but other co-conspirators on board were arrested and prosecuted in France.

Lawrence was described as the centre of the conspiracy, driven by financial reward, and was in contact with co-conspirators throughout the attempted enterprise using multiple mobile phone numbers.

He is currently serving time in prison for drug dealing and money laundering and was sentenced to seven and a half years on Friday.

Keith Baigent arrives at Canterbury Crown Court, Kent for sentencing (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Judge Edmund Fowler also sentenced Baigent to three years and nine months, and Giglia to three years and four months.

The three will serve one half of their sentence in custody and the rest on licence.

Addressing the defendants, he said: It is apparent the primary purpose and only purpose of this conspiracy was a money-making venture, seeking to run boats over the Channel to collect migrants at night time.

It was clear significant returns of money were expected.

The boat proved somewhat unreliable and the scheme beset with problems from the start.

Lawrence, of Woodfield Close, Folkestone, pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration in October 2024, while Giglia, of Cheriton, and Baigent, of Dover Road, Folkestone were convicted of the same offence on November 14 and 15 November respectively, the NCA said.

Defending Lawrence, Katherine Kelleher said: He may have been a yes man or right-hand man, he was not the leader, the leader was under arrest in France, it is that simple.

She said Lawrence wanted to apologise and show his remorse to the court for ever becoming involved in the conspiracy.

Paul Giglia arrives at Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing (Gareth Fuller/PA)

In mitigation for Baigent, his lawyer Nicholas Hamblin said he was acting under instructions of others and his role was to effectively pay off a drug debt.

The court heard in mitigation for all three defendants that the sentence comes six years after the offence, after the pandemic and court delays.

For Giglia, it was heard he was easily induced to take part in the crime at a vulnerable and isolated time in his life, through the offer of small rewards such as companionship, food and alcohol.

Defending, Faye Rolfe said his personal safety was most at risk, as he piloted some of the journeys, being in the middle of the Channel without a great deal of boat experience.

National Crime Agency senior investigating officer Steven Ahmet said: Although this was an amateurish criminal enterprise, the intention was clear, to smuggle vulnerable migrants to the UK using ramshackle vessels.

These journeys would have put lives in peril as Lawrence and his accomplices, who between them had little sailing experience, were navigating through one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes.

Their primary motivation was financial gain and they had no regard for the lives of the people they intended to transport.
Visitors to the UK face a 6 increase in the cost of a digital permit.

The Home Office said it is proposing to raise the maximum price of an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)  which currently costs 10  to 16.

Legislation to enact the change was laid before Parliament on Thursday and is subject to approval.

Combined with price rises for other immigration and nationality products and services  such as for sponsorship and naturalisation as a British citizen  this is forecast to generate an additional 269 million per year.

It is not known when price rises may be implemented.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said: At a time when the economy needs to focus on growth, and the Government has talked up its ambition for the travel and tourism industry, its incredibly disappointing to see the Government has increased the cost of the new ETA fee by 60% even before its fully launched.

Charging international travellers to visit the UK is just another economic policy which will also directly impact the UK outbound travel sector and will only serve as a further blow to consumers.

Liberal Democrat Lord Foster of Bath, who chairs the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, said the committee is concerned about the move, noting that the European Unions planned Etias scheme will cost around seven euros (5.90).

He added: In an increasingly competitive tourist market, we should not be killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

The Home Office also announced it has agreed for transit passengers who remain airside to be exempt from the ETA scheme.

Heathrow and Manchester airports are the only locations in the UK which offer a transit facility.

By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on https://t.co/rB6h281erE pic.twitter.com/0hyINwyos1  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 10, 2024

The Home Office described the change as a temporary exemption and said it will be kept under review.

Heathrow previously claimed the fee for transit passengers was devastating for our hub competitiveness.

Following the announcement of the exemption, Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it.

This is a critical move to ensure Heathrow and the aviation industry as a whole can continue to deliver for everyone who depends on our world-leading connectivity.

It shows that the Government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UKs competitiveness and drive economic growth.

The ETA system was first introduced in November 2023.

An ETA  which is a digital permission to travel  is currently required for all non-Europeans entering the UK without legal residence rights or a visa.

They will become a requirement for Europeans from April 2.

Applications for an ETA can be made through the UK ETA app or the gov.uk website.

ETAs are digitally linked to a travellers passport.

The Home Office says they ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, which helps prevent abuse of our immigration system.

Each ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holders passport expires if that is sooner.
Busta Rhymes has been arrested and charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching a man in the face numerous times, US authorities said.

The US rapper and actor, real name Trevor Smith Jr, allegedly became involved in a verbal dispute with a 50-year-old man on January 10 in the Dumbo neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York.

Responding to a 911 call of harassment just after 10am, officers were told the altercation resulted in the Grammy-nominated musician allegedly punching the victim in the face numerous times.

Busta Rhymes is accused of assault (Ian West/PA)

The victim sustained swelling to the left side of the face, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department told the PA news agency.

The man was taken to a local hospital in a stable condition.

Following an investigation, Rhymes, 52, was arrested and charged on January 14 with third-degree assault.

The offence is classed as a misdemeanour and carries a possible prison sentence of up to one year in New York if found guilty.

A representative for Rhymes has been contacted for comment.
Nelle Diala says she posted the video to celebrate the end of her probationary period. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

An Alaska Airlines crew member says she was fired after posting a video of herself twerking in uniform.

She said she posted the video on TikTok to celebrate the end of her probation period.

Alaska Airlines didn't comment on the incident but said it holds all staff to "high standards for conduct."

An Alaska Airlines flight attendant says she was fired after posting a video on social media of her twerking in an aircraft cabin.

Nelle Diala uploaded the dancing clip to TikTok in late November alongside a caption describing herself as a "ghetto bih."

"Don't let the uniform fool you," she added. It has since garnered more than 90,000 views and thousands of likes.

In the video, she wears an Alaska Airlines uniform while dancing to the song "Ghetto" by musician E.K.E.

Since her apparent dismissal, Diala has launched a GoFundMe page, on which she detailed the incident that led to her firing.

Diala explained that she posted the video to her personal social media account to celebrate the end of her six-month probation period. She said she filmed the video at 6 a.m. while waiting for the plane's pilots to arrive.

Diala said the airline told her she had violated its social media policy and that she was terminated without notice or an investigation.

"Although it was a poor decision on my behalf I didn't think it would cost me my dream job," she wrote.

"I explained that the video wasn't intended to harm anyone or the company, but they didn't want to listen."

Diala described losing her job as "devastating." As of Friday, her GoFundMe had raised just over $2,000.

Alaska Airlines told Business Insider it did not comment on personnel matters: "We hold all flight attendants to high standards for conduct and guest care. All new flight attendants are subject to probationary periods, just like all Alaska Airlines employees."

Diala did not respond to a request for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Michelin Guide has awarded only four barbecue spots in Texas a Michelin star. BURCU ATALAY TANKUT/Getty, MicroStockHub/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

The Michelin Guide expanded to Texas for the first time in 2024, awarding stars to four barbecue spots.

La Barbecue, InterStellar BBQ, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, and Corkscrew BBQ got Michelin stars.

I ordered food at all four spots and found Corkscrew BBQ was my favorite.

Live in Texas long enough, and you'll inevitably become fluent in barbecue. After all, barbecue joints here feel as numerous as Starbucks locations.

So, it's perhaps no surprise that the Michelin Guide awarded stars to four barbecue spots in Texas when it expanded to the state for the first time in 2024.

In November, La Barbecue, InterStellar BBQ, Corkscrew BBQ, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue each received a Michelin star. All of them are in Austin except for Corkscrew BBQ, which is in the tiny town of Spring, just north of Houston.

As a Texas local, I visited all four Michelin-starred barbecue spots to see whether they lived up to the hype.

The sweet aroma of smoked brisket greeted me as I arrived at InterStellar BBQ.

I smelled smoked meats before I even stepped inside InterStellar BBQ. Katherine Stinson

InterStellar BBQ opened in 2019 and is in a strip mall near Cedar Park in Austin.

It had its large smoker in the parking lot near the main entrance, so I could smell delicious smoked meats before I even went inside.

By the time I got to InterStellar, the brisket was sold out.

I knew not to order the brisket because a sign out front said it was sold out. Katherine Stinson

InterStellar BBQ's menu was quite small, with seven meat selections, six options for sides, and four sandwich choices: pulled lamb, sausage, brisket, or turkey.

When I arrived at 2 p.m. on a Thursday, the restaurant had a sign on its front door listing sold-out items. I was bummed the brisket was gone, but I appreciated the clear communication, which made ordering more efficient.

Had I read the restaurant's online FAQ before I arrived, I would've planned to arrive earlier. Apparently, customers start lining up as early as 10 a.m. on weekdays.

The pork ribs were a standout.

My order at InterStellar BBQ looked good. Katherine Stinson

Since I couldn't get brisket, I ordered a smoked pork spare rib and pulled lamb shoulder, the restaurant's spin on pulled pork.

For sides, I chose BBQ beans, beet salad, pickles, bread, and pink onions.

Overall, my meal was tasty. Seasoning can make or break barbecue, but InterStellar had expertly handled its pork rib and pulled lamb.

The rib's dry rub sustained a subtly sweet flavor even after it had cooled, and the lamb's gaminess was expertly balanced out with a blend of flavorful spices.

I enjoyed the sauces and sides of beans, but they didn't stand out much, and the meats were tasty enough on their own.

Austin's La Barbecue seems popular with celebs.

There was a line at La Barbecue when I arrived. Katherine Stinson

La Barbecue was first established in 2012 as a food trailer, and it moved to a storefront in East Austin in 2021. Over the years, celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Prince Harry, and Megan Markle have been photographed visiting the famous eatery.

When I arrived at La Barbecue on a Thursday afternoon, there was already a line out front.

The line moved slowly since the restaurant lets only one group in at a time to order  probably because the space between the main counter and the front door is so small.

After about a 40-minute wait, a server inside La Barbecue waved at me to come inside.

The menu and ordering process felt pretty straightforward.

The La Barbecue menu seemed pretty simple. Katherine Stinson

As I walked in, I saw one employee taking orders, a second preparing the meats, and a third cashing each guest out.

La Barbecue's menu seemed fairly standard, with meats such as brisket, beef/pork ribs, turkey, and pulled pork and classic sides such as pickles, beans, and potato salad.

I also liked that a whole section was dedicated to signature sandwiches, including huge ones topped with Fritos, slaw, and multiple meats.

I had a bit of trouble deciding what to order.

The La Barbecue menu was easy to read. Katherine Stinson

I'm allergic to dairy and eggs, but brisket and pulled pork have always been safe bets for me at the numerous barbecue joints I've visited in Texas.

But the employees helping me told me the brisket here contained butter. One explained they use butter to keep the brisket moist throughout the day (because if there's one thing Texans don't approve of, it's dry brisket).

Fortunately, though, they said the pulled pork was a safe bet.

I kept my La Barbecue order simple.

My order at La Barbecue consisted of a serving of pulled pork and two sides. Katherine Stinson

I ordered the pulled pork with a side of black beans and house-made garlic pickles.

The pork was cooked quite nicely with a strong pepper seasoning, and the garlic pickles tasted fresh and had a nice kick.

The beans were perfectly fine but didn't strike me as a side I'd order again. I'd definitely order the pulled pork again, though.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue had a large space complete with a full bar.

Ordering was a breeze at LeRoy and Lewis. Katherine Stinson

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue was a popular food truck for seven years before its first brick-and-mortar opened in South Austin in February.

I loved how large the space felt, from the long order counter to the full bar and ample seating space. I arrived on a Wednesday at 3 p.m. and only had to wait about five minutes to order.

I didn't feel rushed as the staff helped me decide what to get.

The regular menu at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue was easily accessible at the order counter. Katherine Stinson

LeRoy and Lewis had the largest menu out of all four Michelin-starred restaurants I visited.

I loved seeing unique vegetarian options on the menu, including miso-glazed carrots and cauliflower burnt ends.

Plus, the creative side dishes stood out to me. I'd never seen beef-fat potato chips, pork hash and rice, and chori-papas (a dish with potatoes and chorizo) at a barbecue joint.

I also appreciated that the restaurant had an allergy menu posted inside.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue had the best, most distinctive sauces I tried.

I got pulled pork, brisket, beef-tallow chips, and kimchi at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue. Katherine Stinson

I got pulled pork, brisket, beef-tallow chips, and kimchi, with jalapenos, pickles, and a side of house-made mustard and beet-barbecue sauce.

The meat was enjoyable, but LeRoy and Lewis's creative sides and sauces stole the show. The beef-tallow potato chips were also delicious and crisp, and the kimchi was pleasantly tangy.

Most of the other spots I visited had fairly standard sauces, but the ones here seemed so unusual I had to try them. I was impressed  I never anticipated enjoying brisket with savory beet-barbecue sauce quite so much.

My last stop was CorkScrew BBQ.

Given the long line, I feared CorkScrew BBQ would sell out of brisket before I made it to the front. Katherine Stinson

To get to CorkScrew BBQ, I drove four hours from San Antonio to Spring, Texas.

The down-home barbecue joint has been around since 2011, and when I arrived at 1:30 p.m. on a Thursday, there was already a long line out front.

I was given a menu to look at while waiting in line, which helped speed up my ordering process. I also appreciated that a server asked whether I wanted to buy something to drink while I waited.

The menu felt pretty expansive and covered all of the basics.

I looked at the CorkScrew BBQ menu while I waited in line. Katherine Stinson

CorkScrew's menu had all of the barbecue basics: sliced brisket, pulled pork, turkey, pork ribs, and sausage links.

It also had several unique sandwich choices, such as the Whole Hog, which is  pound of pulled pork, a -pound sausage, and a pork rib on a bun.

I also appreciated that the eatery had two taco options using corn tortillas from Tortilleria Zacatecas, a fellow Spring establishment.

I was most impressed by CorkScrew's juicy pulled pork.

The pulled pork was the star of my order. Katherine Stinson

I ordered brisket, pulled pork, and pit-smoked beans.

Much to my surprise, I enjoyed the pulled pork more than the brisket, though the latter was nice and juicy. In my experience, pulled pork can be a hit or miss  an afterthought on a barbecue menu that requires copious amounts of sauce to make it enjoyable and less dry.

Here, though, the pork wasn't dry at all, and I didn't feel the need to add any sauce to it. I loved how bite lent a subtly sweet aftertaste that enhanced the natural flavor of the meat itself.

The pit-smoked beans were tasty and had a nice smoky flavor, too.

Overall, CorkScrew was my top pick.

CorkScrew BBQ had my favorite pulled pork. Katherine Stinson

After visiting all of these Michelin-starred barbecue joints, CorkScrew was my favorite.

Though it took me a long time to get there, the quality of my order and the excellent service I received made my driving and waiting in line well worth it.

The barbecue I tried was excellent, with every single meat and side so perfectly smoked that my only regret was driving home without ordering more.

Had I been a Michelin inspector, I would have awarded CorkScrew BBQ the star based on its pulled pork alone.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON  Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trumps choice to become attorney general, made at least $3 million from the creation of the parent company of Trumps social media platform, Truth Social, according to her personal financial disclosure form.

The form filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and obtained by USA TODAY detailed her financial links to Trump through organizations he owns or that supported him.

Bondi, like all other shareholders, received $3 million in shares and warrants of Digital World Acquisition Corp. from Renatus LLC "on the morning of a merger" between Digital World and Trump Media & Technology Group, according to the disclosure form. The shares and warrants were then converted to stock in Trump Media, the filing said.

Pam Bondi delivers opening remarks during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing on her nomination to be Attorney General of the United States on Jan. 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Bondi was listed as a consultant for the merger. She owned another $2 million to $10 million in shares and warrants in Trump Media, the filing said. She is a former Florida attorney general and local prosecutor who represented Trump during his first impeachment.

The form filed as part of her Senate confirmation process also listed her nearly $1.1 million salary last year from Ballard Partners, where she performed government and public affairs consulting.

Some of her lobbying, such as for the government of Qatar and a private prison company called GEO Group, prompted questions at her confirmation hearing Wednesday.

President Donald Trump makes a point about gun safety in schools while Attorney General Pam Bondi, R-Fla., listens during a meeting with local and state officials about improving school safety at the White House in Washington, on Feb. 22, 2018.

Independence from Trump?

Several Senate Democrats, who said Bondi is likely to be confirmed, questioned at the hearing whether she could be independent of Trump.

Trump has named at least four personal lawyers to top posts at the Justice Department, which legal experts said raises questions about whether those appointees would represent Trump or the national interest. Besides Bondi, he named his criminal defense lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove as deputy attorney general and principal associate deputy attorney general, respectively. Trump chose John Sauer, who represented him at the Supreme Court in personal criminal appeals, as solicitor general.

Bondi testified she would not let politics play a role in her leadership of the Justice Department.

"I believe that the Justice Department must be independent and must act independently, Bondi said. The No. 1 job is to enforce the law fairly and evenhandedly, and thats what will be done if I am confirmed as the attorney general.

Politics will not play a part, Bondi added. Ive demonstrated that my entire career as a prosecutor, as attorney general and I will continue to do that.

Trump's transition team didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about Bondi's filing.

Bondi also earned $520,000 last year from consulting for the America First Policy Institute, a think tank of former Trump administration officials. She earned $203,738 from providing legal serves to Pfizer through the law firm Panza, Maurer, & Maynard, P.A., according to the filing.

Bondi earned between $110,003 and $1 million from renting out commercial real estate properties in Florida. She earned $27,600 in contributor fees from Newsmax and a $20,000 speaking fee from a conference last year hosted by bitnile.com, an online gaming company.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bondi, Trump's choice to lead DOJ, earned millions in his sphere: form
By Hyunjoo Jin

Seoul (Reuters) -Investigators found bird feathers and blood in both engines of the Jeju Air jet that crashed in South Korea last month, killing 179 people, a person familiar with the probe told Reuters on Friday.

The Boeing 737-800 plane, which departed from the Thai capital Bangkok for Muan county in southwestern South Korea, belly-landed and overshot the regional airport's runway, bursting into flames after hitting an embankment.

Only two crew members at the tail end of the plane survived the worst aviation disaster on South Korean soil.

About four minutes before the fatal crash, one of the pilots reported a bird strike and declared an emergency before initiating a go-around and attempting to land on the opposite end of the runway, according to South Korean authorities.

Two minutes before the pilot declared the Mayday emergency call, air traffic control had urged caution due to "bird activity" in the area.

Investigators this month said feathers were found on one of the engines recovered from the crash scene, adding that video footage showed there was a bird strike on an engine.

South Korea's transport ministry declined to comment on whether feathers and blood were found in both engines.

The plane's two black boxes - key to finding out the cause of last month's crash on the jet - stopped recording about four minutes before the accident, posing a challenge to the ongoing investigation.

Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, said on Sunday the missing data was surprising and suggested all power, including backup, may have been cut, which is rare.

Bird strikes that impact both engines are also rare occurrences in aviation globally, though there have been successful cases of pilots landing the plane without fatalities in such situations including the "Miracle on the Hudson" river landing in the U.S. in 2009 and a cornfield landing in Russia in 2019.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Ed Davies and Jamie Freed)
FILE - Former President Evo Morales attends a meeting with supporters in Lauca N in the Chapare region of Bolivia, Nov. 22, 2024, amid an ongoing political conflict with the government of President Luis Arce. (AP Photo/Juan Karita, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  A Bolivian judge on Friday issued a warrant for the arrest of former President Evo Morales after he failed to appear in court over a case alleging that he sexually abused a minor.

Morales, 65, is alleged to have had a child with a teenage girl in 2016  a sexual relationship that would have constituted statutory rape under Bolivian law.

There has been a warrant ordered for his search and arrest, said Judge Nelson Rocabado after a hearing in the southern region of Tarija, where the alleged victim lives.

Morales has denied the allegations. He claimed he was a victim to legal warfare carried out by his ally-turned-political-rival President Luis Arce and refused to appear in court. In December, the Bolivian prosecutor's office also ordered Morales' detention, but Friday's order added extra weight on top of mounting calls for the ex-president's arrest.

The populist leader has barricaded himself in his fiefdom in Chapare, in central Bolivia, and lives in the headquarters of the coca growers unions protected by up to three security cordons to avoid his arrest.

Outside the courthouse on Friday a group of women who identified themselves as mothers carried banners that read Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched."

The prosecutor handling the case, Sandra Gutierrez, said they would now investigate if the president had committed a crime by not appearing in court.

The case emerged last year in the heart of a fierce political grappling between Morales and the country's leader, Arce, for control of Bolivia's ruling party ahead of August presidential elections. Neither Morales nor Arce immediately commented on Friday's order.

Morales' defense argued that the former leader was sick with bronchopneumonia as a justification for his no shows, and on Friday they further alleged he suffered from heart conditions. However, the judge dismissed those claims, saying the ailments were treatable.

Morales, who enjoys strong support from many Indigenous and rural populations in Bolivia, continued to be backed by leaders like Isidro Vaca, who said the former president was in hiding because he believes he would not receive justice under the current government.

We have to take care of him, we are not going to allow (him to be arrested). We will stand by his side 24 hours a day, Vaca said.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders and government officials continue to criticize Morales stance of not attending his hearings.

He should take a paternity test if he is innocent, said Roberto Rios, Bolivia's deputy minister of public safety.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
@RepPetterson | X

(The Center Square)  Colorado U.S. Rep. Brittany Petterson is advocating for changes to allow House members to vote remotely while on parental leave.

The initiative, which would require passage of a resolution, has received bipartisan support from members of Congress.

Due to outdated House rules, members must be physically present to vote  even while they recover from giving birth and care for their newborn, Petterson said. Its unreasonable that the House refuses to make any accommodations for new parents. Thats why I am working to update these rules and ensure members who are new parents dont have to choose between serving their constituents and caring for their newborn during a critical time.

Currently, no proxy voting is allowed in the House. This was a Republican response to its expansion over the course of the COVID pandemic, which both political sides have acknowledged was abused at times.

Pettersons resolution would change the House rules to permit parental remote voting by proxy, which is when a House member designates another representative to vote on their behalf in their absence.

It would allow members who are new parents, both mothers and fathers, to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks under the House Rules, excluding proxy votes from establishing a quorum. It would also allow pregnant members to proxy vote if a pregnancy-related medical condition prevents travel. Time spent proxy voting pre-birth would count against the 12-week limit for parental leave.

The resolution has received support from a number of Republicans, who have joined in co-sponsoring it. One of those is U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-FL.

No parent should have to choose between caring for their child, or recovering from childbirth, and fulfilling their duties in Congress to represent their constituents, said Luna. Congress needs to get with the times. This bipartisan proposal is vital in promoting a pro-family Washington, where every American has a voice and the unwavering representation they deserve.

But Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has openly criticized proxy voting.

Ive filed a brief with the United States Supreme Court asserting that proxy voting is unconstitutional, Johnson said. I have great sympathy, empathy for all of our young women legislators who are of birthing age. Its a real quandary. But I'm afraid it doesn't fit with the language of the Constitution, and that's the inescapable truth that we have.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Federal Reserve said Friday that it is leaving an international grouping of central banks that focused on how regulation of the financial system could help combat climate change. The Fed's membership has been criticized by Republicans in Congress.

In a short statement, the Fed said it had appreciated working with the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System. But it added that the organization has increasingly broadened in scope, covering a wider range of issues that are outside of the Boards statutory mandate.

The move is another example of the central bank, which is intended to be independent of politics, taking steps that could insulate it from criticism from the incoming Trump administration. Earlier this month, Michael Barr, who headed up the Fed's financial regulatory efforts and was fiercely opposed by large banks, said he would step down at the end of this month as vice chair for financial supervision. He remains on the Fed's governing board.

Stephen Miran, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named as a top White House economic adviser, co-authored a paper last year at the Manhattan Institute that criticized the Fed's consideration of climate change in bank regulation as mission creep.

The Fed said it would join the NGFS in December 2020, after President Joe Biden was elected, and was one of the last major central banks to do so. Over 140 central banks and financial regulatory agencies around the world are members.

Participating in the network is the least that the Fed can do to address climate-related financial risk, and now its not even doing that, said Jeremy Kress, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross business school that focuses on bank regulation. Backing away from that is concerning.

Five of the Fed's seven governors voted in favor of leaving the network, including Chair Jerome Powell. Governors Michael Barr and Adriana Kugler abstained.
Retailers across the board  from discount chains and footwear brands to big box stores  are buckling down for the unknown as potential tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump could land as soon as Monday.

Trump has floated a range of new tariff ideas, such as a 10% tariff on all imports and a 60% tariff on Chinese imports.

In his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Trump's Treasury Secretary pick, Scott Bessent, said tariffs will be part of Trump's plans in the months ahead, calling it "a more generalized tariff as a revenue raiser for the federal budget."

"We haven't really seen anything like this since the 1920s and '30s. Almost every president between then and Trump has favored trade liberalization, whereas Trump is talking about taking us back to protective tariffs," Phillip Magness, a senior fellow at the Independent Institute, said.

With congressional majorities, "he might be more emboldened to use the tariff powers of the presidency than he was the last time," Magness added.

Read more: How do tariffs work, and who really pays them?

Retailers are discussing the concept of "playbook-plus," Joe Feldman of Telsey Advisory Group told Yahoo Finance.

The companies worked with vendors, adjusted pricing, and diversified supply chains under Trump's first administration, leaving them better prepared for more tariffs, per Feldman.

Yet, if the proposed tariffs take effect, every retailer will have to raise prices, Feldman said, likely within three to six months.

Trucks are seen transporting containers in Qingdao Port, east China's Shandong province on Jan. 13, 2025. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) (STR via Getty Images)

Discount retailers like Five Below (FIVE) and Dollar Tree (DLTR) will be among the retailers most impacted.

Imports from China make up roughly 30% of Five Below's sales, per data from Feldman.

"That's been a concern and probably an overhang on that stock because people are just very concerned about what tariffs are going to mean," he added. Shares have fallen more than 50% in the last year.

Dollar Tree CEO Michael Creedon said at its third quarter earnings call that the team can mitigate risk based on its experience in 2018 and 2019.

Overall, direct imports make up 41% to 43% of Dollar Tree's total retail value purchases, and China supplies the majority of those imports, per a company filing.

Dollar General (DG) will be better positioned given that 75% of its goods sold are foods and consumables. It only imports 4% of its inventory from China.

Big box rivals Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT) will be affected differently.

Saturna Capital's Will Jones said big box retailers are "fairly savvy" in mitigating impacts and will likely be able to "shuffle around" where their products come from.

Walmart touts that two-thirds of its annual product spend is made, grown, or assembled in the US.

"We're positioned to manage it, but what I worry about is customers experiencing higher prices, and we're going do everything we can to try and keep them low," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor Brian Sozzi.

McMillon met with Trump one-on-one at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, and "a range of topics" were discussed, according to a Walmart spokesperson.

Target (TGT) may face a greater impact since it imports roughly half of its goods, according to sources Yahoo Finance spoke to.

"Target sells a lot less food as a percentage of sales than Walmart does, that's what makes their exposure more than Walmart," Goldman Sachs managing director Kate McShane told Yahoo Finance, though she noted Target will be able to negotiate with vendors.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on March 13, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)

Footwear giants like Adidas (ADDYY) and Nike (NKE) are facing a tough road.

According to Matt Priest, CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), 99% of total US footwear is imported from countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Italy, India, and Mexico, among others.

At this week's ICR conference in Orlando, On Holding (ONON) co-CEO Martin Hoffmann told Yahoo Finance that tariffs "will certainly have an impact on the prices of the industry."

He added, "[if] there are higher duties on imports from Vietnam or Indonesia, where we manufacture, then we will see ... how we deal with it."

Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan called it a "huge headwind" for the entire industry, as the industry already faces a 27% tariff on imports from China and roughly 20% on Vietnam imports.

"An additional [20%-25% tariff] ... it's huge," he said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid podcast. "To absorb that as a business begins to take investment out of R&D ... We have to pass those on to the consumer and you can't pass a 25% lift in cost completely."

Priest said back in December, retail members of the footwear association were "hanging tight" amid the uncertainty. A couple of companies were "hedging their bets" and adding roughly 10% into their wholesale price model in catalogs that they provide to stores.

Specialty retailers will face a multitude of challenges. American Eagle (AEO) sources from more than 350 vendors, primarily in Asia, while 26% of Lululemon's (LULU) fabrics originate from China.

However, William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said Lululemon is "very well positioned" to adjust to potential China tariffs.

Another potential repercussion is losing Chinese business. Athleisure brands like Lululemon or Under Armour (UA) have a sizable or growing market in the country.

"Do you have the consumer in China push back if there's kind of some sort of trade war between China and the US?" Zackfia asked.

Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.

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Authorities in Monterey County, California lifted all evacuations Friday night, one day after a fire broke out at one of the world's largest lithium battery storage facilities.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office made the announcement shortly after 6 p.m. local time. Health officials still advised residents near the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant, located about 90 miles south of San Francisco, to limit outdoor exposure and to keep doors and windows closed until further notice.

The Monterey County Sheriffs Office has lifted all Evacuation Orders for the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire, effective immediately. USEPA conducted cooperative quality monitoring with environmental agencies and data confirms no threat to human health. Agencies continue to pic.twitter.com/yDNhOl0pw1  Monterey Co Sheriff (@MCoSheriff) January 18, 2025

Friday evening's announcement comes hours after the fire, which began early Thursday evening, flared up again. The fire closed a portion of coastal Highway 1 that remains shut down to traffic as the fire continues to burn.

Moss Landing lithium battery facility fire flares up Friday afternoon. / Credit: CBS News Bay Area

Monterey County officials held a second press conference Friday afternoon after the latest flare-up at around 1:45 p.m. produced another round of flames and black smoke shooting into the sky.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis and Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, who spoke at the earlier press conference, addressed the media after the flare-up and voicing safety concerns for their constituents.

"There's been three incidents here. There's been the PG&E incident. It's really time to put a stop to it and take a breath and make sure that we can assure the public they're safe," said Addis. "This incident does look and feel very different. It's a different configuration, the fire is different."

However, by around 3 p.m., the flames had once again subsided and the black smoke being produced by the fire turned white.

Also on Friday afternoon, CBS News Bay Area obtained a statement from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Moss Landing facility fire.

"Last night, the Monterey Fire Department requested EPA technical assistance to provide perimeter air monitoring at the Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant in Moss Landing, Monterey County. EPA and contractors were mobilized and arrived on scene. Additional EPA personnel, including four air monitoring specialists, and equipment are currently en route. The fire is ongoing, and EPA has joined Unified Command. At this time, Unified Command is led by the City of Monterey's Fire Department.

Evacuation and safety decisions are being made by the Incident Command. EPA is supporting the local authorities by gathering air monitoring data to help the fire Incident Command and local public health officials those decisions. Please reach out to the local fire department for more information."

The fire started at around 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon at a power plant and battery facility operated by Texas-based Vistra Energy. The plant is a natural gas-powered electricity generation plant in Moss Landing, an unincorporated area of the county.

In a statement Thursday, Vistra said its personnel "called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site."

The release said all site personnel were safely evacuated. A company spokesperson said, "The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished."

"Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders," the statement said.

The fire began in the plant's first lithium-ion battery energy storage system which went online at the end of 2020 and was expanded in 2023, becoming the world's largest at the time, according to Energy Storage News. With the possible exposure to toxic chemicals, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office started evacuating residents in the Prunedale and Elkhorn area, just east and north of the fire.

The fire is being allowed to burn itself out and it was unknown how long that process would take.

Moss Landing Power Plant fire / Credit: KION

"No active fire suppression is taking place, the batteries must burn themselves out. No water can be used. This is standard action for battery fires," according to an update from the Monterey County Emergency Operations Center.

"Just fire," Moss Landing resident Joel Bera told CBS News Bay Area. "That's all and smoke. A lot of traffic here too. There was traffic about an hour ago and this guy told me they started to evacuate this area."

Monterey County Communications Director Nick Pasculli said roughly 1,500 residents were evacuated.

In neighboring Santa Cruz County, public health officials there were also advising residents downwind of the incident to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems. Residents are additionally advised to monitor local news and social media for additional updates.

The fire led to some school closures. Hartnell College Castroville Education Center announced it would be closed Friday due to the fire out of safety to students and staff.

North Monterey County Unified School District also made the decision to close all NMCUSD schools Friday, citing health and safety concerns for students and staff.

Monterey County officials declared a local state of emergency over the fire on Tuesday.

Weather conditions helping in Moss Landing

The one fortunate element Thursday evening was the weather. In an area known for heavy fog, it's been clear and still for most of the night, allowing the smoke from the fire to go up and out of the area.

"The weather is cooperating, and all I can say is thank God for that," said Pasculli. "Wind as you know what happened in Southern California can do crazy things, so we're not dealing with that fortunately."

At a press conference Friday morning, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, who represents District 2 where the fire took place, called the incident "a worst-case scenario of a disaster."

"This is really a lot more than just a fire. This is really a wake up call for this industry," said Church. "And if we're going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have safe battery systems in place."

Church went on to note that his constituents have questions about how and why the fire happened and promised accountability and transparency when it comes to information about the fire and its impacts.

Church also noted that the facility is at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, an environmentally sensitive wetland.

Chief Joel Mendoza of the North County Fire Protection District said that the fire was largely out as of Friday morning, but video from the power plant showed that the fire was still burning intensely and producing a column of smoke above the facility.

Mendoza said the fire was burning at a rate of 1% to 5% Friday morning compared to the height of the fire between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday night.

Moss Landing lithium battery facility fire / Credit: KPIX

The last fire at the facility was back in 2022. That was before Vistra Energy went through a major expansion to its energy storage capabilities.

Fire emergency services and hazmat crews were all present at the scene, but Monterey CBS affiliate KION reported that those crews appeared to be letting the fire burn itself out. As of 10:30 p.m. Thursday, approximately 40% of the building containing batteries had burned.

Portion of Highway 1 closed

The Santa Cruz office of the CHP announced that State Route 1 has been shut down at Salinas Road because of the fire. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use U.S. Highway 101 as an alternate route. There was no estimated time of reopening as of .

Northbound Highway 1 traffic was being directed off from the Highway 183 junction with southbound traffic being directed off Struve Road.

County of Monterey Public Works has also listed road closures that are in effect around the Moss Landing area including:

1.516 Dolan Road (Pick-n-Pull)

2. Highway 1 at Struve Road

3. Highway 1 at Potrero Road

4. Moss Landing Road North at Highway 1

*Residential access only.

Andrea Nakano contributed to this story.

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Georgia state Sen. Sen. Colton Moore

A sitting Georgia state senator was shoved to the ground and taken into custody Thursday for flouting orders not to enter the House chamber during Gov. Brian Kemps State of the State address.

State Sen. Colton Moore (R) later cut a video of himself on a medical bed claiming that he took a bit of a beating on his hand during the arrest.

The self-described RINO Wrangler had been forbidden from entering the chamber due to his blistering remarks about late House Speaker David Ralston last year.

Today they took my freedom and liberty away as I was fighting for your liberty and freedom, but Ill tell you what, I still have a constitutional obligation to do work, Moore explained in a video message after the kerfuffle.

Ill still be in that legislature come tomorrow morning.

As a state senator, Moore is still allowed in the upper chamber. Its the lower chamber thats off-limits to him.

Sen. Colton Moore tried to enter the state House chamber despite being banished. AP

Footage captured the viral moment as Moore sought to enter the state House chamber for Kemps speech. Georgia State Patrol intercepted him and instructed him not to go further due to his banishment.

This is a joint session of the General Assembly. Your House rules do not apply, Moore fired back, before attempting to muscle his way into the chamber. Im going into the chamber.

An official pushed him back and officers later put handcuffs on him and escorted him away, bringing him to Fulton County Jail. It is not clear if he faces any criminal charges.

Back in March of last year, Moore admonished a state Senate bill to name a building at the University of North Georgia after Ralston, who died in 2022. Some of Ralstons relatives were in the room during his speech.

This body is about to memorialize, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders that we are ever going to see in my lifetime, Moore fumed in a fiery speech at the time.

Ralstons successor, current state House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington, decried Moores tirade as some of the vilest that you can make about a good man and ordered him expelled from the chamber.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his State of the State address on Thursday. AP

Moore has dubbed Burns a tyrant in response. The Peach State lawmaker had warned Wednesday of his plans to enter the state House chamber for Kemps speech.

Burns called the debacle outside the chamber incredibly unfortunate and faulted Moore.

The Senator refused to cooperate with doorkeepers and law enforcement, and created a dangerous situation when he chose to use force against our law enforcement officers, dedicated doorkeepers and House staff, Burns said in a statement.

The integrity and decorum of this House are non-negotiable  period.

The mug shot of Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore. Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) said that all elected 56 senators and 180 representatives deserve the opportunity to fulfill their responsibility to attend joint sessions.

There is real work to be done this session and the focus should be on delivering for the people of Georgia instead of personal grievances and egos.
DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM - The Israeli cabinet will meet to give final approval to a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

In Gaza itself, Israeli warplanes kept up intense strikes, and Palestinian authorities said late on Thursday that at least 86 people were killed in the day after the truce was unveiled.

With longstanding divisions apparent among ministers, Israel delayed meetings expected on Thursday when the cabinet was expected to vote on the pact, blaming Hamas for the hold-up.

But in the early hours of Friday, Netanyahu's office said approval was imminent.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages," his office said in a statement.

People react to the reports of a possible Gaza cease fire and hostage release deal being reached during a rally calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was announced tonight that would entail the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, according to officials from Hamas, the United States, and other parties.

The security cabinet would meet on Friday before a full meeting of the cabinet later to approve the deal, it said.

It was not immediately clear whether the full cabinet would meet on Friday or Saturday or whether there would be any delay to the start of the ceasefire on Sunday.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said Washington believed the agreement was on track and a ceasefire in the 15-month-old conflict was expected to proceed "as soon as late this weekend."

"We are seeing nothing that would tell us that this is going to get derailed at this point," he said on CNN on Thursday.

A group representing families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, 33 of whom are due to be freed in the first six-week phase of the accord, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward quickly.

"For the 98 hostages, each night is another night of terrible nightmare. Do not delay their return even for one more night," the group said in a statement late on Thursday carried by Israeli media.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier on Thursday said a "loose end" in the negotiations needed to be resolved.

A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this was a dispute over the identities of some prisoners Hamas wanted released. Envoys of President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump were in Doha with Egyptian and Qatari mediators working to resolve it, the official said.

Hamas senior official Izzat el-Reshiq said the group remained committed to the ceasefire deal.

Inside Gaza, joy over the truce gave way to sorrow and anger at the intensified bombardment that followed the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday.

Tamer Abu Shaaban's voice cracked as he stood over the tiny body of his young niece wrapped in a white shroud at a Gaza City morgue. She had been hit in the back with missile shrapnel as she played in the yard of a school where the family was sheltering, he said.

"Is this the truce they are talking about? What did this young girl, this child, do to deserve this?" he asked.

Israel's acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the security cabinet and government. The prime minister's office has not commented on the timing.

Some political analysts speculated that the start of the ceasefire, scheduled for Sunday, could be delayed if Israel does not finalise approval until Saturday.

Hardliners in Netanyahu's government, who say the war has not achieved its objective of wiping out Hamas and should not end until it does so, had hoped to stop the deal.

Nevertheless, a majority of ministers were expected to back the agreement.

In Jerusalem, some Israelis marched through the streets carrying mock coffins in protest at the ceasefire, blocking roads and scuffling with police. Other protesters blocked traffic until security forces dispersed them.

The ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. The deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Dozens of hostages taken by Hamas including women, children, elderly and sick people would be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

It paves the way for a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, where the majority of the population has been displaced, facing hunger, sickness and cold.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen burst into Israeli border-area communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

If successful, the ceasefire would halt fighting that has razed much of heavily urbanised Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the tiny enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million, according to Gaza authorities.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netanyahu: Gaza ceasefire imminent; deal will release hostages
When former President Donald Trump was first elected, shocked liberals organized historic nationwide protests the day after his inauguration in 2017, which drew an estimated 2.3 million attendees. The groups that organized the protest marches became a major organizing avenue for the creation of local level resistance groups that pressured congressional lawmakers to block Trumps agenda.

With President-elect Donald Trump scheduled to be inaugurated again on Monday, tens of thousands of people will be headed to protest his election at events scheduled not just in the nation's capital but also across the country.

Its unclear whether the protests planned Saturday and Monday will match the 2017 outpouring of people and lasting impact. Still, advocacy groups say they have spent months working together hoping to seize the moment and bring more people into their movement.

Conservatives will also be holding an event in Washington. A Trump victory rally is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday at Capital One Arena. Although not tied to the inauguration, the annual anti-abortion rights "March for Life" will occur on Friday January 24 in Washington.

Several other smaller protests are planned in Washington and across the country by groups like the Democratic Socialists of America.

Jan 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Thousands of marchers walk down Pennsylvania Ave in protest of newly elected president Donald J. Trump. Mandatory Credit: Joe Lamberti/The Courier-Post via USA TODAY NETWORK

People's March

The largest protest, the People's March, is an outgrowth of the 2017 Women's March, which drew millions of protesters upset over Hillary Clinton's loss and Trump's record of misogynistic comments and accusations of sexual abuse.

It will start in three different locations at 10 a.m. Saturday in Washington, D.C. Each location has a different interest focus like immigration, the right to an abortion and birth control, or climate change, so attendees can connect with a topic they care about, Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Women's March, told USA TODAY. The three marches will convene at the Lincoln Memorial for a rally and a resource fair to help people to immediately get involved in grassroots activism.

Middleton said the organizers are not trying to replicate the 2017 Women's March, but they want to provide an entry point for people who feel inspired to do something after Trump won a second term.

"We're thinking about this as a starting point, but really a starting point to move people into organizations so that we can be ready to respond consistently to the different threats that we see coming, and also to be building the kinds of networks and communities that we'll need to build power and contend for power in the next four years," she said.

The Women's March is among the more than a dozen organizations sponsoring the Washington event and more than 350 similar marches in cities across the country and internationally, including in Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, Telluride, Coloroado, and Amarillo, Texas.

Felicia Gambino, a civic fellow with DoSomething who is attending the New York Peoples March, said she wants the march and rally to be a sign of unity with people who are afraid about what the Trump administration's policies might mean for them.

"It's about showcasing the fact that at the end of the day, we are all people. We are all human, and we all deserve the right to have a country that we believe in, that we support, that we love, have a world that we can look forward to and look towards a brighter future," she told USA TODAY.

Saturday's marches are advertised on its website as a feminist-led weekend of action. Middleton said Saturday isn't an attempt to recreate the energy of the 2017 March

Organizers learned from "mass mobilizing" moments like the 2017 Women's March and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she said.

"We have been in these conversations over the past several months around absorption. How do we absorb people? How do we grow the movement, how do we grow our base?" she said. "One of the lessons that we've learned, and one of the reflections that we've had across the movement landscape, is that we have to be building our capacity to not just bring people out to the streets, but to keep them in the movement even beyond those moments."

Pamela Smith, the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., said in a news conference Monday that the Peoples March will be the biggest protest happening in the city related to the inauguration, but she said no more than 25,0000 people are expected to attend.

Middleton said they have RSVP's from 50,000 people for the Washington march.

Jan 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Pennsylvania Avenue gets clogged with marchers during the Women's March on Washington. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

National Action Network

The Rev. Al Sharptons civil rights advocacy group, National Action Network, is holding a march starting at 10 a.m. on Monday at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C., ending with a rally at the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church about a 7-minute walk away. The group is recognizing the federal holiday in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More: The Donald Trump resistance is ready for when Democrats are done grieving

Sharpton said in a video invitation to the event that the Trump administration wants to end affirmative action, diversity, equity and inclusion, and abortion rights. As he takes office to to be president of the United States and has laid out his agenda against rights, we will be taking our oath to keep Martin Luther Kings dream alive and intact, Sharpton said.

ANSWER Coalition

Also on Monday, the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition is calling for people to rally in about 80 cities nationwide to defeat Trumps extreme right-wing agenda. In addition to a 11 a.m. rally in Washington, D.C., others are scheduled in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix.

Walter Smolarek, a spokesperson for the Answer Coalition, said they have a permit for 5,000 people in Washington.

ANSWER is a left-wing group that has organized protests against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other U.S. military actions, including some that have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

The protest and march, which goes from Washington's Malcom X Park to Black Lives Matter plaza near the White House is a protest against Trump, but also against both major political party's embrace of billionaires wants over social safety net programs and the climate, Smolarek said.

Activist Andy Thayer, who has worked since November to help Answer Coalition set up a protest in Chicago Monday, sees the march more as a show of frustration than an anti-Trump protest.

This is very much a bipartisan protest. It isnt just a Trump protest, because frankly both parties are the problem, Thayer said. The disgust with both major parties runs pretty deep in this country.

Still they chose to have to end the march Trump Tower because it represents the incoming administration, Thayer said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liberals plan nationwide protests before Trump inauguration
The EU said Thursday it would deliver 120 million euros ($123 million) in new aid for war-torn Gaza, a day after the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said the new package brought the EU's humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory to more than 450 million euros since 2023.

The EU has also conducted flights that delivered over 3,800 tonnes of aid.

"Today we are also adopting a package of 120 million euros for Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis there," EU spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova told reporters.

The package will include food, healthcare and shelter assistance and support to allow access to clean water, the commission added in a statement.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly urged safe and unhindered aid access in Gaza, wracked by hunger, and world leaders called for the truce to remove aid obstacles.

Another EU spokesman, Anouar El Anouni, said Brussels hoped the ceasefire would "allow vastly improved access for humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, and that aid can be effectively distributed to those in need".

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa is in Brussels for meetings with senior EU officials including European Council chief Antonio Costa Thursday and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas Friday.

Qatar and the United States announced a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, although the agreement appeared fragile Thursday as Israel alleged the Palestinian militant group was backtracking on certain elements.
Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Hannah Smith on "Love Island USA" season 6.

Love Island USA star Hannah Smith faces two criminal charges after her September 2024 arrest in Atlanta, according to Cobb County court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Smith, 27, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 30, on two felony charges after allegedly threatening and attempting to punch a police officer. The incident occurred when the TV personality was escorted out of an Atlanta concert venue for being "disorderly by yelling and screaming," according to police records obtained by PEOPLE.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Cobb County prosecutor Sonya Allen charged Smith with felonies of obstruction of officers and terroristic threats, according to court documents.

Related: Love Island USA's Hannah Smith Arrested on 2 Felony Charges, Including 'Terroristic Threats'

Smith knowingly and willfully obstruct Cobb County Police Department Officer Kayla Winkfield, in the lawful discharge of her official duties by offering to do violence to said person, by lunging at and attempting to punch and kick Officer Kayla Winkfield," prosecutors allege in the charging document.

The document alleges Smith was suggesting the death of Kayla Winkfield with the purpose of terrorizing Kayla Winkfield" and "threatening to kill Kayla Winkfield.

Cobb County Sheriff Hannah Smith mug shot.

At the time of the incident, Smith was reportedly "intoxicated" as she exited the concert venue, per police records previously obtained by PEOPLE. She allegedly punched an Emergency Medical Staff (EMS) staffer and made contact with their right arm. The staff member did not want to press charges.

Smith then allegedly attempted to punch a police officer who was trying to help her, but she did not make contact. Smith, who was put down on the ground by the officer, was then placed under arrest. Per the report, she allegedly attempted to kick the officer while on the ground multiple times but failed to make contact again.

Then, as Smith was transported to jail, she also allegedly threatened to kill both the cop and the cops sister multiple times.

Smith was booked into jail at about 11:45 p.m. local time and held on a $8,000 bond, according to jail records obtained by PEOPLE. She was released on the conditions of her bail, including no consumption of alcohol, marijuana or non-prescribed drugs, and has to submit random tests for each.

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.

Smith was a fan-favorite contestant in season 6 of Love Island USA but didnt end up sticking around the villa for long. But became the seasons first day-one girl to get dumped from the island.

Read the original article on People
As Melania prepares to enter her second tenure as First Lady, some fashion pundits are saying theyll be taking her style more seriously

In normal times, designers would queue up to work with the incoming First Lady to secure their speck of posterity. The gown Melania Trump wears to the Presidents inaugural ball on Monday evening for instance, will make history in the most literal sense. Ever since Helen Taft set the precedent in 1912, US First Ladies have donated their Inauguration outfits to Washingtons Smithsonian Museum. Lets face it, shell look good as she is, says Flavia Masson, an American-Italian screenwriter who previously worked for Sonia Rykiel and Chanel, the chicest First Lady since Jackie Kennedy.

Melania Trump wore an all-red ensemble when meeting French First Lady Brigitte Macron in 2017 - Getty

Melania would doubtless be gratified to hear this. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melanias one-time White House right hand, who later wrote a dagger-to-the-heart kiss and tell, says Melania cited Jackie Kennedy as her style crush for years. To an extent, the comparison bears out. Both women share a pristine perfection.

Melania knows she is glamorous and elegant: In 2017, she wore a Dior suit to meet with Prince Harry - WireImage

Melania knows she is glamorous and elegant. False modesty, as her recent best-selling autobiography Melania demonstrates, is not one of her weaknesses. In that book, she credits her dressmaker mother as a major influence who instilled in her young daughters the importance of self-care, not only to a persons well-being, but also to being able to effectively care for others teaching me the importance of attending to ones appearance before venturing into the world.

Melania, the book, is a strange blend of tuning out any negativity and at the same time, circling back to it. Yet, if even an atom of Melania, the woman, secretly smarts at her exile from the fashion industry, shes having the last laugh. She has enough money to buy whatever she wants, a strong sense of what suits her, and at least one loyal style advisor who has been with her since 2016.

Many fashion designers have steered clear from the incoming First Lady, likely to avoid being associated with the controversial politics of her husband - Getty/Washington Post

Herve Pierre, a French fashion and costume designer is Melanias Oleg Cassini (the White Russian designer who shaped Jackie Kennedys Camelot style). Back in 1987, Pierre won a Christian Dior prize for theatre costume. He knows what hes doing. Her clothes fit impeccably, emphasising her tall, leggy figure without making her look like a giant. It was Pierre who guided her towards the blue dress and matching jacket (very Jackie) she wore to the first swearing-in ceremony. That was custom made, by Ralph Lauren, a big Democrat supporter of many years standing, but too steeped in old school manners to refuse to help out a First Lady, whatever her politics.

For Trumps first inauguration in 2017, Melania wore a custom-made Ralph Lauren blue dress and matching jacket - Getty

Not everyone can place politics to one side. If anything, opinions of Melania are even more viscerally expressed after she remained by her husbands side rather than bolting the minute he was out of the White House, as many predicted she would.

Additionally, Melania, perhaps in an attempt to fill a dignity-deficit among the senior Trumps, can come across as chilly. Is that because her clothes are so very glacial, or because shes had to suppress so much anger? (What normal woman could handle all that? Winston Wolkoff demands, referring not just to the constant scrutiny but to life with Trump. No one.)

Melanias sartorial entry in 2016 wasnt normal either. She was not greeted with the usual offers of help from the fashion industry, for whom dressing a First Lady is considered an honour and patriotic duty. Instead, various designers, including Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs, released statements declaring they were not interested in dressing her.

She and Pierre (who had previously styled Carla Bruni) were on their own, mostly getting it right but, with their shared European backgrounds, also sometimes misjudging the mood music. She was castigated in the Democrat-supporting press, especially, for being tone deaf in her expensive choices, but also on a micro level. Her sky scraper heels in particular seem to offend many women.

Her sky scraper heels in particular seem to offend many women, writes Armstrong (Melania pictured here with Queen Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, in 2019) - Reuters/AP

Second time around, its harder than ever to get anyone in the fashion industry to go on the record about Melania  apart from Pierre, who granted an interview to Womens Wear Daily last November. Rosemary Feitelberg, the journalist who interviewed Pierre, approached sixteen other designers to discuss Melanias style. All declined.

Maxine Trowbridge, founder of Dallas-based emerging fashion line Eve & Max, understands why. I have Republican and Democrat friends, but Its no longer possible to have conversations where you politely disagree, says Trowbridge, a naturalised Brit who agreed to talk to me because she thinks Melania has been unfairly treated.

In her first stint as First Lady, Melania favoured expensive clothing  with few outfits clocking in under $4,000 - AFP/Getty

The Trumps were categorically not Washington People, she says. Melania never went through years of learning how to dress for a life in politics. So for the first term, it was a big transition. First Ladies cant win. But objectively, I think she dresses beautifully. Shes brought dignity to the role with a dash of sass and dresses very age-appropriately.

Watching a middle-aged woman being the equivalent of slow hand-clapped by the cool crowd should have made for uncomfortable viewing back in 2016. But a billionaires wife being snubbed by the very mouths she fed proved an irresistible circus for many. Who can forget the time Melania took Diplomacy Dressing too far by donning what looked like a Colonial pith helmet in Kenya? Then there was the cost of her wardrobe  few outfits clock in under $4,000. When she did wear high street  jetting into a childrens migrant centre on the US/Mexican border in a $39 Zara parka with the words, I really dont care, do u? graffitid on the back  it monumentally backfired.

As First Lady, Melania caused uproar when she visited a childrens migrant centre in a parka bearing the words I really dont care, do u? - Reuters

Would mixing in accessible brands endear her to non-Republicans more? Even off duty, shes a Michael Kors and Birkin kind of woman, rather than a J Crew one. Its a very polished, traditionally feminine, luxury designer fashion, says Chantal Fernandez, a US fashion and beauty writer. Very tasteful, but not easily replicable for the average American woman, especially since no one wears sky-high heels like she does. I dont know whether shes had discernible influence like Michelle Obama, who made high-low and supporting up and coming American designers part of her fashion approach.

In fact, Melania has helped sell specific outfits. Someone who worked for a luxury retailer told me that an an ivory Roksanda dress with sculpted sleeves sold out after she wore it in 2016.

Fernandez says shell keep a closer eye on Melanias style this time round. Im curious to see where she goes with her style in the next four years. I dont see her rift with the fashion world healing or her being invited to fashion shows. But I dont see her wanting to play that game either. Her personality is about not being bothered how people perceive her.

The relationship between Melania and fashion designers over the next four years is likely to be a complex, unfolding power play, writes Armstrong - AFP/Getty

Its going to be a complex, unfolding power play. In one camp we have Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH  which owns Dior, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Loewe, Tiffany, Loro Piana, Dior (many of Melanias favourite labels) and about 80 per cent of Marc Jacobs. Arnault is the biggest player in the fashion world and has been publicly hobnobbing at Mar-a-Lago, the Trumps Floridian Xanadu. His son Alexandre attended Trump rallies in New York.

In the other, we have American Vogues pictorial tribute, last summer, to the many American First Ladies who have graced its pages over the past century. Even Pat Nixon, wife of another reviled US president, got her moment in the flashlight. And lest we forget, Asma al-Assad (wife of ousted Syrian dictator, Bashar) was honoured with a hagiography in the magazine in 2011.

But there is no trace of Melania in her regal White House incarnation, although she featured in the magazine several times in her earlier days as Donald Trumps girlfriend.

Before her husbands foray into politics, Melania favoured sexy slip dresses and cleavage-centric looks - Getty

Risque, Nineties-inspired looks like these are a far cry from the more polished and conservative styles the incoming First Lady currently opts for - FilmMagic

You dont have to be a fan to find Melanias style evolution from the sexy slip dresses and cleavage-centric looks of the early Nineties to her current icy elegance worth a study. Its a look thats geographically specific, explains Trowbridge, who spends part of every year in Palm Beach, mothership to the Trumps and their moneyed supporters. Lots of bold colours, which Melania wears very well. Its completely different from Manhattan, where the style nods towards a more minimalist and monochrome ensemble. Melania is much more luxe and European than Washington. Palm Beach is polished, expensive and conservative and she does it very well. People in Palm Beach admire the way she looks.

Melanias fashion sense aligns with the polished, expensive and conservative look that is appreciated in Palm Beach - Getty

Vogues relevance may be waning, but Anna Wintour remains a force and smaller brands might deduce that colluding with Melania could damage their chances with Wintour. On the other hand, business is business. Arnault and Trumps warming relationship culminated in the opening, in 2019, of a large LVMH factory in a small town in the unlikely location of Texas. Trump could claim 1,000 US jobs potentially created, while Arnault neatly circumvented any tariffs loaded onto luxury goods made outside the US.

I understand why brands dont advertise the fact shes wearing them, says Trowbridge. Politics are so divisive in the US. Its best to avoid the subject. There are so many challenges to the industry right now, the last thing any brand needs is to be on the wrong end of a social media storm.

In 2018, Melania wore a lemon, floor length caped chiffon J Mendel dress to meet then-Prime Minister Theresa May at Blenheim Place - Reuters

And yet glamour-takes-all moments such as Melania in a lemon, floor length caped chiffon J Mendel dress at Blenheim Palace in 2018, or the red short-sleeved dress and matching Louboutins she wore on 60 Minutes just after her husbands victory in 2016 are priceless. Especially now, when fashion is experiencing a sales slump across the world.

Melania captured attention on 60 Minutes, wearing a red short-sleeved dress and matching Louboutins - CBS/AP

The red 60 Minutes dress was the first time I took notice of her style, says Masson, talking to me from Venice.

There was always a lot of focus on Melanias style from the moment she started dating Trump in the late Nineties. At the time I didnt take either of them seriously, says Masson. It wasnt a chic era. Fashion was all about looking sexy and provocative but she looked so impeccable [on 60 Minutes]. She really asserted herself with what kind of First Lady she would be.

Masson, who describes herself as a floating voter, maintains a lens of objectivity when it comes to Melanias style. People have become irrational. If you say anything remotely positive about Melania, youre branded, which I find perplexing. As President Roosevelt said, politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience. Melanias a former model and wears clothes very well  fact.

Interest in Melanias fashion sense piqued after she wore a pilgrim style white-collared Valentino dress to Jimmy Carters funeral on January 9 - Bloomberg

Masson isnt wrong about the fashion industrys cognitive blindness where Melanias concerned, although after she wore a pilgrim style white collared black Valentino dress to Jimmy Carters funeral recently, there has been a discernible piquing of interest. While it dates from 2019, it was more fashion-forward than most of her publicly-worn outfits of the past few years. Could rewearing clothes from her own wardrobe become more of a hallmark of her next four years?

One scenario seems sure. Shell continue to pay for her own clothes  and that works for all parties. It means Melania can wear what best suits her without feeling obliged to champion a designer doing her a favour. Meanwhile, the brands continue to maintain their political distance  while reaping the rewards of those photo-ops.

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Donald Trump

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to skip President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week, while former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are not expected to attend the post-swearing-in luncheon at the US Capitol.

Pelosi (D-Calif.), 84, an ardent foe of Trump who is recovering from hip replacement surgery, had attended the 45th presidents inauguration in 2017.

Her spokesperson confirmed the decision, first reported by ABC News, to multiple outlets and did not provide an explanation.

Pelosi joins a handful of House Democrats, including Bronx and Queens Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who will give the Jan. 20 festivities a miss.

The former House speaker has been a fierce critic of President-elect Donald Trump. Getty Images

Former first lady Michelle Obama has also said she will forgo the swearing-in, though her husband is set to attend.

Trump, 78, skipped President Bidens inauguration in January 2021, having argued unsuccessfully and without evidence that the 2020 election had been stolen from him.

Though Pelosi has been forced to rely on a walker while recovering from hip surgery following a fall at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg last month, she has been present for key ceremonial events such as the Jan. 6 certification of the 2024 election.

Pelosi and Trump frequently clashed during her time as speaker during the final two years of his first term, with the feud culminating in the Californian ripping up her copy of Trumps State of the Union address in 2020.

During his State of the Union address in 2020, Nancy Pelosi tore up Donald Trumps speech. Getty Images

Donald Trump was spotted chatting it up with Barack Obama during Jimmy Carters funeral earlier this month. AP

Under Pelosis speakership, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump twice, and she declared in August that my goal in life was that man would never step in the White House again, without mentioning the once and future president by name.

Trump has also directed slings and arrows at Pelosi, dubbing her a crooked person and blasting her as evil, sick, crazy.

Meanwhile, Clinton, Bush and Obama will be present for the swearing-in, but will not stay for lunch, NBC News reported Thursday.

No other living president had endorsed Donald Trumps 2024 bid. AP

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also reportedly forgo the midday meal as well.

The luncheon dates back to the 1897 inauguration of President William McKinley and is hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

The Post has reached out to reps for Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump for comment.
sai kadula uhaul nazi sentenced

The Nazi obsessive who crashed a U-Haul into a White House security barrier as part of a demented plot to attack and destroy the government  even if it meant killing the president  has been sentenced to eight years in prison in a plea deal, court papers show.

Indian national Sai Varshith Kandula was just 19 when he drove the rented truck into metal bollards blocking the entry to Lafayette Square north of the White House in May 2023, nearly hitting two people.

Kandula wanted to attack and destroy the U.S. government and praised Adolf Hitler. USADC

After crashing, Kandula pulled a red swastika-emblazoned flag out of his backpack  and confirmed once detained that hed been trying to get into the White House, court papers show.

The then-teen from St. Louis, Missouri, wanted to attack and destroy the US government and acknowledged that the President would be killed in the process, prosecutors said in court papers, calling it a plan as dangerous as they come.

He wanted to eliminate the democratic process in America and replace the government with a Nazi-style dictatorship, they wrote.

While detained, he indicated he was trying to get into the White House, according to prosecutors.

A Secret Service officer who interviewed him later said Kandula told him he would kill the President if thats what I have to do to achieve his goal.

Kandula planned the attack for weeks, purchased a one-way ticket to Washington D.C., and then rented the U-Haul truck in Herndon, Virginia, according to court records.

Sai Kandula was sentenced to 8 years in prison, three years of supervised release after his prison term, and to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution for the Nazi-inspired attack. Marquette High School/UPI/Shutterstock

Kandulas conviction will likely lead to his deportation to India, according to his defense lawyer. USADC

Police body camera video captured the aftermath of the crash.

After his arrest, Kandula told investigators that he purchased the swastika flag because Nazis have a great history.

He specifically praised Adolf Hitler. And it wasnt just words  when his truck was disabled in the attack, the first thing he did was unfurl the flag of Nazi Germany, prosecutors wrote.

Kandula was suffering from schizophrenia, according to his defense attorney Scott Rosenblum, and held delusional beliefs that a reptilian race had installed a puppet regime to operate the U.S.

Kandula was suffering from Schizophrenic delusions about reptilians who had taken over the U.S. government at the time of the attack. REUTERS

He had no weapons or assistance and believed his message had already been communicated to the reptilians when he stepped outside of the truck with the Nazi flag, his defense wrote.

Kandula reached a plea deal and pled guilty to one count of depredation of property of the United States in excess of $1,000 on May 13, 2024.

Federal prosecutors had sought the eight-year sentence based on his stated aim to overthrow the democratically elected government of the United States, the aim to replace it with a dictatorship fueled by Nazi ideology, and his brazen attempt to gain access to the White House by crashing a large vehicle into the barriers.

As well as granting that sentence, US District Judge Dabney Friedrich also sentenced Kandula to three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered him to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution, according to court records.

Kandula, who was in the United States with a green card, will likely be deported to India due to his conviction, according to Rosenblum.

Hes amenable to treatment, understands its necessity, and recognizes an illness produced the acts that led to his current circumstances, Rosenblum wrote.

With Post wires.

with Post wires.
A climate researcher sacked by his German employer for sticking to his vow of never flying won compensation in an unfair dismissal lawsuit, 63,000 of which he donated to environmental activism.

Dr Gianluca Grimalda, formerly employed by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), refused to take a plane back to Germany from fieldwork in Papua New Guinea, leading to the termination of his employment.

On 10 January 2025, he reached an agreement with the institute following a contentious dispute over his decision to slow-travel to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

The settlement brings to a close a case that has become emblematic of the tension between climate-conscious practices and workplace obligations. While the exact severance amount is confidential, Dr Grimalda has pledged 75,000 (63,000) of the payout to climate protection and activism.

Initially, IfW had approved his plan to travel back to Germany by slow, low-carbon methods such as sea and land routes. However, after logistical delays caused by visa issues, security threats, and even volcanic activity, the institute demanded he return by plane. When he refused, citing his commitment to climate principles, his contract was terminated.

The legal dispute centred on whether Dr Grimaldas dismissal was valid. While the Kiel Regional Labour Court initially ruled in favour of IfW in February 2024, an appeals process led to the recent settlement. The court acknowledged incompatible ideological convictions between the two parties but repealed the immediate termination, exonerating Dr Grimalda of any breach of contract.

I hope that my case will encourage more employees, institutions, and companies to actively support the transition from fossil fuel-based economies to decarbonised and people-centred societies.

Dr Gianluca Grimalda

This case highlights the growing intersection between labour law and climate-conscious practices, said Jorn A Broschat, Dr Grimaldas attorney. It represents a milestone in the emerging discussion about the rights of employees to stand up for their climate principles as part of their professional obligations.

Dr Grimaldas journey to Papua New Guinea, spanning 28,000km (17,000miles approx) by cargo ship, train, and ferries, cut his emissions by a factor of 10 compared to flying. On the outbound journey, he travelled 15,000km overland through Iran, India, and Thailand. His resolve to slow-travel strengthened during his fieldwork, where he witnessed the impact of climate crisis on vulnerable communities in Papua New Guinea.

The academic documented his slow travel journey from Germany to Papua New Guinea in a Twitter thread (Gianluca Grimalda)

Im going to stick to this promise I made to all these people who are so exposed to climate change without having any responsibility, he told The Independent last year. Sea-level rise is not because of their emissions. People from the US and Europe, with the highest carbon footprints in the world, bear the greatest responsibility.

He said that his slow travel plans emitted 400kg of carbon dioxide, compared to 4,000kg by flying, a figure equivalent to the average persons yearly emissions in Papua New Guinea.

Reflecting on the outcome, Dr Grimalda expressed mixed emotions. I feel sad and happy at the same time, he said. Sad because I lost a job I loved. Happy because the judge implicitly recognised the impossibility of dismissing an employee because of his refusal to take a plane.

I hope that my case will encourage more employees, institutions, and companies to actively support the transition from fossil fuel-based economies to decarbonised and people-centred societies, he said.

Gianluca Grimalda with local residents in Papua New Guinea. He says his promise to locals during his awareness sessions is what motivates him (Twitter/@GGrimalda)

While he says the job applications he made this year were unsuccessful, he is determined to carry on with his research.

In 2025, I plan to slow-travel to Papua New Guinea again to further investigate the adaptation of the local population to climate change. Once I am back, my work as a climate activist will resume.

As extreme weather events intensify worldwide, from Los Angeles to Papua New Guinea, Dr Grimaldas case has sparked broader discussions on how labour laws should account for the climate crisis. Its time for lawmakers and collective bargaining parties to enshrine climate-conscious practices as labour rights, said Mr Broschat.

Academics have multiple channels to alert the world to the climate and biodiversity crisis, and modifying their personal greenhouse gas contributions is an important way to demonstrate credibility, said Wolfgang Cramer, Research Director at CNRS and a former contributor to the IPCC report.
By Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department and FBI are both investigating a little-known telecoms hardware firm founded by senior Huawei veterans in China over possible security risks, sources and documents show.

Founded in 2014, Baicells Technologies opened a North American business the next year in Wisconsin and has since provided telecoms equipment for 700 commercial mobile networks across every U.S. state, according to its website.

The Commerce Department is investigating Baicells on national security grounds and has sent subpoenas to the company, four people said. The U.S. telecoms regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is advising it on its review, two of the people said.

The FBI's interest in its equipment and Chinese origins dates back to at least 2019.

Reuters is the first to report the existence of the two investigations and the FBI's long-standing interest, based on interviews with more than 30 current and former government officials, eight former Baicells employees and FBI emails obtained through a records request.

The investigations illustrate that years after sanctions decimated the U.S. businesses of fellow Chinese tech companies Huawei and ZTE, Washington's fears that Beijing is using telecoms equipment to spy remain strong, experts said. "Reviewing this would be near the top of my list," said John Carlin, the Justice Department's former top national security attorney, when presented with Reuters' findings, adding that it raises the same type of risks as Huawei.

Sun Lixin, Beijing-based chairman of Baicells Technologies Ltd, told Reuters Baicells will cooperate fully with any U.S. government inquiries.

"Baicells does not believe there are any security risks associated with its radio products," he said in a statement.

Reuters was unable to determine when the Commerce Department opened its investigation or sent the subpoenas, nor its specific concerns about Baicells or its products. Reuters also couldn't ascertain the focus of the FBI's probe.

The FBI, the Commerce Department, the Justice Department and the FCC declined comment.

This month, the Pentagon added Baicells to a list of 134 companies it says work with China's military, without providing evidence or further comment. The listing does not have teeth but can deal a reputational blow to companies targeted.

"We strongly disagree with the Defense Department's designation and intend to appeal," Baicells said in a statement to customers on Tuesday.

'OPEN INVESTIGATION'

The scrutiny of Baicells comes amid growing concerns in Washington about China's ability to intercept sensitive data, by hacking into telecoms networks, remotely accessing hardware supplied by Chinese companies, or providing Americans with internet access.

In a statement to Reuters, China's U.S. embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu urged Washington to stop using cyber security issues to smear China.

Baicells supplies routers and base stations in the United States. Base stations provide mobile networks for local areas, much in the same way a router provides a WiFi signal in a home.

Anyone gaining remote access to a router or base station could be in a position to intercept or tamper with its traffic, disrupt its service, or launch cyber attacks, experts say.

Reuters has no evidence that any Baicells equipment has been misused. But the technique has been used by a wide variety of state-backed hacking groups around the world, including a high-profile Chinese group dubbed "Volt Typhoon", according to U.S. officials.

While recent high profile Chinese attacks on U.S. telecoms networks hinged on breaches of poorly secured Western equipment, "allowing (China)-linked suppliers into our supply chains and not exercising the necessary scrutiny is counterproductive, Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner, ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement to Reuters. "The whack-a-mole approach, focusing on the national security risks posed by a single company at a time, is not nimble enough to respond to the threats that we are seeing."

Emails from an FBI intelligence analyst and sources show that federal agents approached a Baicells customer, the city of Las Vegas, in 2023 to warn it about its base stations - and the FBI's interest in Baicells products dates back to at least 2019.

That year, federal authorities approached wireless internet service provider KGI Communications after it deployed Baicells base stations in King George, Virginia - one of which was near the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division where hypersonic weapons are tested, former county supervisor Ruby Brabo and KGI employee Juan Marte said.

Marte, KGI's former CEO, told Reuters the officials were FBI agents and that they warned KGI about Baicells' Chinese origins.

Asked for comment, the Navy referred Reuters to the FBI, saying the agency has an "open investigation" into the matter.

In 2023, FBI officials visited the chief technology officer for Las Vegas after the city signed a contract to expand an existing deployment of Baicells base stations with 82 more, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The officials raised security concerns and asked to take one of the base stations away, according to the people and emails to the city from the FBI obtained through a records request.

"(We) wanted to know if you have any updates on removal or replacement actions," states one email from an FBI counterintelligence division intelligence analyst in May 2023.

Spooked by the attention from the FBI - which eventually took away a base station, according to one of the people - Las Vegas canceled the contract and turned to a U.S. supplier instead, documents show.

The FBI's inquiries about Baicells in Virginia and Las Vegas have not previously been reported.

In 2021, two FBI agents from Dallas also interviewed Patrick Leary, a former co-CEO of Baicells North America, he said.

"Their concerns were clearly wrapped up with national security and China," Leary told Reuters, adding that Baicell's origins and American business goals were a focus of questions.

SECURITY ALERTS

U.S. Cyber defense agency CISA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, published an advisory in 2023 about a vulnerability in Baicells Nova base stations that could allow a hacker to hijack the devices.

An analysis carried out for Reuters in September by Censys, an internet intelligence company, showed that between 28 and 186 Baicells base stations in the U.S. were still using vulnerable firmware, potentially putting them at risk of hijack.

"We have taken affirmative steps to ensure the security of our products and proactively address any security concerns," Baicells said when asked about base station vulnerabilities.

Terry Dunlap, a firmware security expert and former National Security Agency official, said these types of vulnerabilities often appear in devices such as base stations.

However, he said they were still a concern because they could be used as jumping off points to access critical networks, or be stitched together with other vulnerable devices to create a botnet capable of carrying out broader cyber attacks.

CISA has a list of 16 critical infrastructure networks of concern such as water, energy, financial services and telecoms.

Altogether, CISA has published two security advisories and four vulnerability notices to the public since 2022 about the risk of Baicells' routers and base stations being accessed remotely, labeling at least five as "critical".

RUN FROM CHINA?

Baicells' original Chinese parent, Beijing Baicells Technologies Co, was founded in 2014 by Sun, one of Huawei's top 12 employees, and senior Huawei veterans Scott Liang Xingang, Zhou Mingyu and Ding Yingzhe. Liang and Ding have since left.

They did not respond to requests for comment.

They are among about 60 former Huawei employees who would later join Baicells, according to a Reuters review of profiles on LinkedIn and Chinese equivalent MaiMai. Reuters was unable to independently confirm these numbers.

In 2016, Baicells set up an office in Plano, a suburb of Dallas where Huawei's American R&D arm Futurewei was headquartered.

In his statement to Reuters, Sun said Baicells had never had any business relationship with Huawei and the number of current staff hailing from the company represented a small percentage of its workforce.

Since 2019, the U.S. has restricted Huawei's access to U.S. technology, accusing the company of activities contrary to U.S. national security, which Huawei denies.

Huawei declined comment.

According to Texas filings and a press release, Baicells stopped belonging to its Chinese parent by 2019. But Baicells' homepage in China still describes it as being headquartered in Beijing's Haidian District, with a Dallas subsidiary.

Four former employees with direct knowledge of Baicells' Chinese leadership describe the U.S. firm as being managed currently from China.

A recent former CEO of the U.S. operation, Minchul Ho, was "very micromanaged by the board" in China, which had to approve anything he suggested, said one of the people, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Neither Ho nor Baicells responded to requests for comment on this assertion.

To assuage U.S. customer concerns about Baicells' ties to China, sales executives have been instructed in recent years to say the gear was made in Taiwan, four former employees said.

Bills of lading collected by a commercial customs data provider show 92% of shipments of Baicells equipment to the U.S. from 2018 through July 2024 came from China or Hong Kong, with the remainder from Taiwan.

Reuters could not determine where the equipment was made.

"We are aware of our Chinese roots and we know that is a big issue for federal funding," Erik Randall, a Baicells sales executive said in a January 2023 webinar for prospective clients posted on YouTube.

"Our infrastructure is actually being built in Taiwan so we're starting to move away from that Chinese culture that everyone in North America is worried about."

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing, David Shepardson, Chris Bing, Idrees Ali, AJ Vincens, Raphael Satter, Jody Godoy and Mike Stone in Washington, James Pearson in London, Maurice Tamman, Joshua Schneyer and Karen Freifeld in New York; Editing by Chris Sanders, David Clarke and Daniel Wallis)
The front of the headquarters of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in downtown L.A. (Richard Vogel / Associated Press)

As wildfire tore through the canyons of Pacific Palisades, firefighters waged a desperate battle to save homes and lives.

Seventeen miles east in downtown L.A., dozens of officials huddled around computers over a long conference room table in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's emergency operations center. Screens beamed in the system's water pressure from remote sensors stationed across the city.

With more firefighters rushing to tame the flames the afternoon of Jan. 7, it became increasingly apparent that Palisades needed more water, fast.

Read more:Crews improve containment on Palisades, Eaton fires; some residents allowed to return

In the tanks that regulate pressure in the upper reaches of the canyons, water was beginning to dwindle. DWP officials had to figure out how to boost pressure into the western reaches of the grid, where a 36-inch pipeline ferries water from a Bel-Air reservoir to the Westside before curving uphill into the Palisades Highlands.

They wrestled with a high-stakes choice: shut off water to nearby neighborhoods such as Brentwood, or face diminishing water pressure on the front lines.

Without water, dialysis centers and other medical facilities would be impaired. How long would it take to turn off valves safely? Could the pipes handle such a shift, or might they rupture?

As the inferno swelled, flames encroached on some areas that were being considered for water shutoffs.

Shutting off water in adjacent areas, the DWP officials ultimately decided, would endanger those neighborhoods and undermine efforts to stanch the fire on its expanding edges, said Anselmo Collins, the DWP's chief of water operations, in his first interview on the utilitys handling of water flow to fight the devastating wildfire.

Firefighters on Jan. 7 battle a house engulfed in flames off Bollinger Drive in Pacific Palisades. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

"We had a plan, but we did not execute on the plan," Collins said, because those neighboring enclaves "needed water for fire protection."

Decisions by the DWP, both in the years before the Palisades fire and in the hours after it exploded, have generated stinging criticism, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to order an inquiry. On Tuesday, the L.A. City Council voted unanimously to demand that the DWP publicly present an analysis of its actions during the Palisades fire.

Water officials and experts interviewed by The Times said that municipal water systems in L.A. and elsewhere, even in areas with greater wildfire risk, generally are not designed to fight firestorms that rage through entire neighborhoods. Collins' remarks offer the first detailed account of the DWP's response to the most destructive fire in L.A. history.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power headquarters. (Los Angeles Times)

As the fire rapidly spread amid extremely high winds, the pressure plummeted in high-elevation areas because of heavy water usage, leaving firefighters to contend with hydrants that had gone dry. Another complication: There was less water available because the 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir in the upper Palisades had been emptied in February 2024 for repairs.

Water quality regulations required the reservoir to be emptied because of a tear to its cover, Collins said. The repairs, which were bid out to a contractor at about $130,000, still have not been completed, and Collins does not expect the reservoir to return to service until April or May. The DWP is still trying to determine the impact of the reservoir being offline, Collins said.

Read more:State to probe why Pacific Palisades reservoir was offline, empty when firestorm exploded

I think it would have helped, but I couldn't tell you at this point how significant the help would have been, Collins said.

Asked what he would have done differently, Collins indicated it was too soon to say. He and colleagues will evaluate the overall response later, he said.

I am focusing right now on getting the system back. Thats the No. 1 priority, he said.

L.A. residents draw water from a lattice of pipelines crisscrossing the city.

In the Palisades, homes dotting the sloping canyon landscape take their water from tanks on the hillsides above.

The 36-inch pipeline along Sunset Boulevard feeds water into Brentwood and Palisades Village before winding along Palisades Drive toward communities in the Highlands several hundred feet above sea level. There, water is pumped uphill into three tanks, each with a capacity of 1 million gallons of water.

The tanks, perched high among the neighborhoods, keep up the water pressure in homes  and hydrants  below. As someone takes a bath, or fills a pool, or opens a hydrant, gravity draws the water down from the tanks.

On a typical day, more water is pumped up from the pipeline to refill the tanks, offsetting each shower or glass of water.

Inside the DWP's modernist headquarters Tuesday, Collins and his colleagues watched as the water levels dipped lower, and lower, and lower  with pumps unable to refill the tanks faster than water was being siphoned to fire hydrants and homes below.

A DWP water tank above Via La Costa in Pacific Palisades. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The first piece of the system to fail, just before 5 p.m, was Marquez Knolls, a tank tucked into a cul-de-sac north of Palisades Village.

When that tank emptied, we realized that the demands were that great, Collins said.

The DWP dispatched a team to the neighborhood, hoping to install a device that would regulate pressure there and below. But as the crew began to work, flames overtook the home next door.

The fire department immediately told the crews that they had to leave for their own safety, Collins said. They were surrounded by fire.

The DWP had not preemptively deployed additional water crews in advance of the dire wind warnings, a decision that Collins defended. Employees were on "high alert" and ready to report to yards across the city in an emergency, he said.

"You don't know what the emergency is going to be and you don't want to make an assumption and put your staff in wrong location," he said.

By 2:30 p.m., Collins said, the water level in the next highest tank, Trailer, set among Mediterranean mini-mansions in the Palisades Highlands, was starting to plummet. By 8:30 p.m., the tank was dry. As the night went on, pressure dropped in dozens of fire hydrants.

The Palisades system soon became like a hose pricked a thousand times, its flow severely weakened. Scores of firefighters were pulling water from hydrants as more homes burned. As structures collapsed and pipes melted or bent, water likely gushed out, further reducing pressure.

Especially when there's large-scale loss of homes, the system just starts draining out," said Tom Kennedy, a water consultant and former general manager of Rainbow Municipal Water District in San Diego County. "And so it's very difficult to maintain system pressure and volumes in your tanks."

At one point, the DWP summoned water tankers to directly refill fire trucks. Nine tankers arrived on Tuesday and six more the next day. The state dispatched additional tankers.

Around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the water level in the highest-elevation tank in the area  a squat steel cylinder nestled in Temescal Canyon  began to drop. By 3 a.m. Wednesday, the tank was empty.

The fire department was using dozens and dozens of fire hydrants, Collins said. Even though we were pumping into the tank, the tank level was still dropping."

Meanwhile, Collins and his team directed as much water as they could, quadrupling the normal flow to nearly 45,000 gallons per minute, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 15 minutes.

Kennedy, the former San Diego County water official, agreed with the DWP's decision not to turn off the water in nearby neighborhoods.

Read more:Why hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled California's deadly fires

"If they had shut down water to other areas, I think it's more likely than not that some of those other areas could have gotten spot fires that turned into conflagrations themselves, Kennedy said. In a big fire, he said, firefighters knock out flying embers in surrounding neighborhoods to limit the spread.

By 9 p.m., helicopters were grounded due to winds gusting up to 90 mph, unable to scoop up water from reservoirs in Bel-Air, Encino and Hollywood that are pillars of the city's strategy to fight wildfires.

The DWP now estimates that 20% of the nearly 1,100 hydrants in the Palisades lost pressure, a figure that Collins said is based on calculating the number of higher-elevation homes served by the three water tanks. The rest, he claimed, had pressure from the water main.

Elsewhere in Southern California, there are vast amounts of water stored in reservoirs and underground that L.A. can draw upon when needed. But moving water from those places requires coordination between the city and the regions water wholesaler, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

As the Palisades fire intensified, the DWP called on the MWD to help, and water was soon flowing through a backup connection near where Sunset Boulevard crosses the 405 Freeway that had not been used since 2019.

"We wanted to try out a number of things," said Deven Upadhyay, interim general manager of the MWD. Over the next 48 hours, the agency fired up a pumping plant next to Hollywood Burbank Airport and asked state officials to halt repairs on a reservoir at Castaic Lake to increase water flowing to the Westside, Upadhyay said.

The fire has since spread to 23,713 acres, with nine people confirmed dead. Aerial mapping shows that about 5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades fire, with officials so far confirming 2,869 destroyed and 508 damaged.

Collins and other DWP officials emphasized that their current focus is restoring the Palisades water system.

Over the weekend, hundreds of DWP workers fanned out across the burn area, visiting destroyed homes and businesses.

LADWP contractors trim trees around power lines in Mandeville Canyon on Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

By Tuesday morning, the water at more than 4,700 sites had been shut off, allowing DWP workers to refill water tanks and restore pressure. By Wednesday night, the Marquez Knolls and Trailer tanks were both fully refilled.

An analysis of what led to the drop in water pressure and how to prevent it from happening again will take time, said Uphadyay, the MWD official. He echoed comments by other water managers that the design of the city water system created "significant challenges" in a massive firefighting mobilization.

Collins said he is open to an overhaul of the system to deal with "climate extremes," but that the DWP's customers  residents and businesses in L.A.  have to be willing to pay for it.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ICE, in coordination with Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, facilitated multiple removal flights. Immigration and Custom Enforcement | Facebook

(The Center Square)  President-elect Donald Trumps plans for mass deportation may encounter some significant hurdles if two Virginia senators succeed in asking President Joe Biden to extend Temporary Protected Status for all eligible countries.

Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner are urging the president in his final days in office to extend the designation beyond Bidens recent action for individuals from El Salvador, Venezuela, Sudan and Ukraine.

The senators are asking the president to add individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, Burma, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, which they say are eligible.

John Shu, a legal scholar who served in both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bushs administration, explains Temporary Protected Status will likely hamstring Trumps efforts to deport undocumented immigrants.

Even if the incoming secretary of Homeland Security, Trump nominee and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, decides to revoke TPS, individuals from those countries would be given 60 days notice, and lawsuits would likely be filed, further delaying action.

On Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced an extension for Venezuela for 18 months between April 3 and Oct. 2, 2026. This could pose an issue for the Trump administration vowing to crack down and deport members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan prison gang that now has a presence in over a dozen states. Its members have been linked to violent crimes, such as the murder of Laken Riley in Georgia.

Shu says Temporary Protective Status enacted in 1990 under George H.W. Bush was intended to be short-term and to help individuals from countries experiencing issues such as civil war or famine.

Theres no civil war in Venezuela, Shu says. TPS was never designed to allow millions of people legal status. It was enacted to be temporary.

The senators acknowledged in their letter that many individuals have lived in the country for decades. The pair claim individuals could be at risk by returning to their home country.

Unfortunately, TPS beneficiaries are at risk of losing their legal status and could face removal proceedings to countries that have been deemed unsafe to return to and where their lives would be at grave risk," the senators wrote. "The incoming administration has vowed to terminate the TPS program, just as they attempted to during their first term. Within the first six months of this incoming term, six TPS designations, covering over 76,000 beneficiaries, are set to expire.

Shu underscored that the security risk of extending TPS to individuals from many countries indicated the U.S. cannot access criminal records from individuals home countries  suggesting there are too many unknowns.

If the senators are successful, the move will likely create a major barrier to the Trump administrations plan to implement its ambitious mass deportation plan.
Joe Biden ascended to the highest office in America with a pledge to unite the country, strengthen his party and defend democracy.

Instead, in the 82-year-olds Oval Office denouement, he leaves a nation divided, a party in tatters and the American people questioning the self-described institutionalists respect for the rule of law.

Many Democrats are blaming Biden for handing the White House to Donald Trump, criticizing the aging politician for staying in office too long and reeling after he pardoned his son. Exacerbating the frustrations, Biden recently expressed doubt about his ability to serve another four years after dismissing voters concerns about that very issue as he sought re-election.

The president harbors similar resentment toward members of his own party. After the November election, he privately mused about the idea of pardoning Trump as a magnanimous move, according to a person directly familiar with his comments, though its not clear he seriously considered it. A White House official said to our knowledge, this was not raised. At the same time, Biden is not on speaking terms with some of his closest allies.

It is all an inglorious coda to five decades in public office.

The Joe Biden story is one of the great tragedies of American politics. I really mean that. He should be having a glorious, well deserved, highly acclaimed retirement. And hes not, veteran Democratic political strategist James Carville said. Its hard to blame anybody but him.

President Joe Biden received a medal from the Department of Defense on Thursday honoring the departing commander-in-chief.

Biden plans to write another book, providing him with the opportunity to tell his version of his presidency and its conclusion. Despite public polls showing in 2023 that Democratic voters did not want him to run again, he went forward anyway, with the backing of party insiders. He was later forced to step aside in July following a cataclysmic debate that seemed to expose his cognitive state. His late departure gave Vice President Kamala Harris just 107 days to build an ultimately unsuccessful campaign against Trump.

Throughout his presidency, Biden granted fewer interviews than his recent predecessors and is ending his term the same way: He does not plan to hold the traditional final formal news conference.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said Biden is proud of the number of interviews and impromptu question-and-answer sessions hes held with reporters.

In the White House, the mood feels like a morgue, according to a person who recently met with officials there. Biden leaves office feeling he contributed significant wins for the country that Americans dont appreciate. Privately, he has vacillated from feeling melancholy to resigned to angry to wistful as he reflects on his legacy, two people close to him said.

Hes totally dejected and the people around him are, as well, another person close to the president said. One White House official attributed the glum atmosphere to Trumps impending return to the Oval Office and noted that Bidens aides warmly reacted with cheers when he surprised them at a staff party earlier this week.

Another White House official depicted personnel as holding back on emotions until Jan. 20 actually arrives.

Its hard to reflect, its hard for it to sink in that were done here  until were actually done and out the gates with our stuff, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Thats their mood  it hasnt sunk in for people who are still here yet because were working until the last minute.

A uniter's many fractured friendships

Once the elder statesman who was to serve as a bridge to the next generation of leadership, Biden departs with an array of fractured relationships. He is estranged from some of the people who were once among his most powerful allies. He harbors, along with first lady Jill Biden, a simmering resentment toward former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several former aides, including Bob Bauer and Anita Dunn, all of whom he believes either failed him or pushed him out of the 2024 race, according to several people close to him.

Biden hasnt spoken in months to Dunn, a former top adviser who was among the few notable Democrats willing to back him if he decided to mount a 2016 campaign to challenge Hillary Clinton for the partys nomination, according to multiple people familiar with the dynamic. Dunn departed the White House during the summer as part of the fallout from Bidens June debate performance.

Then-President Barack Obama walks with White House advisers David Plouffe and Anita Dunn before a debate in 2012.

Bidens relationship with Bauer, his longtime personal lawyer who is married to Dunn, also has deteriorated since the debate and tensions related to the criminal trials of his son Hunter Biden, the people familiar with the situation said. Neither Bauer nor Dunn attended a large black-tie dinner the Bidens hosted in November to thank longtime supporters.

And Bauer will no longer represent Biden once he leaves office, three people familiar with the decision said.

Asked about this deterioration of his relationship with Dunn and Bauer, a Biden aide said, Anita and Bob are well regarded and loyal to the president.

While Biden and Pelosi have crossed paths at social events since she pushed for him to end his candidacy in July, they have not had a substantive conversation, according to a Pelosi aide.

That relationship is permanently damaged, a person close to Biden said.

Biden has not expressed his frustrations with Obama directly to him, a person familiar with their conversations said.

One former top Obama aide who publicly argued after the June debate that Biden should drop out pointedly noted this week that Biden recently named aircraft carriers after former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, he has not offered any similar honor to Obama.

Barack H. Obama did not get a f---ing personnel carrier named after him, Ben Rhodes said on the podcast Pod Save The World.

Before he left office, Obama surprised Biden by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an emotional White House ceremony.

Asked about the presidents frustrations with Pelosi and Obama, Bates, the White House spokesperson, said in a statement, President Bidens focus is squarely on making as big of a difference as he can in the lives of American families  not events from the campaign.

Family drama crashes into the White House

Throughout his term, Biden felt the tug-of-war between his White House inner circle and his family members.

Biden went back on his promise to protect the norms he said undergirded the nations stability by pardoning his Hunter Biden on federal gun and tax charges. The president blamed raw politics for his sons prosecution, saying it infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice, tapping the kind of language Trump often uses.

Biden was surprised, and angered, by Democrats criticism of the pardon, according to multiple people familiar with his reaction. Dunn was among those who publicly criticized the move.

Throughout his term, Biden felt the tug-of-war between his White House inner circle and his family members. Some of his family felt at times that the president was not being served well by his team, which has included Dunn, former top White House aide and then campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon and longtime close advisers Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon. That was particularly the case as the 2024 campaign got into full swing and Bidens approval rating continued to sag while Trump gained ground among voters.

Biden didnt make changes to his team until after he dropped out of the 2024 race. In the weeks and months after that gut-wrenching decision, anger intensified from some of his family members toward his closest aides.

In some instances, it flowed both ways. Dunn and Bauer resented being unceremoniously cast out of the presidents inner circle and blamed two Biden family members in particular for that  Hunter Biden and Jill Biden.

Aspects of the family drama could continue into the next administration. Some members of the presidents staff are bracing for possible congressional investigations into Hunter Bidens pardon and accusations, denied by the White House, that administration officials covered up the extent of Bidens mental decline.

The unsung hero

Biden has argued that he set up the country for long-term economic success after shepherding major pieces of legislation through Congress  even if Americans dont feel the benefits now. He also sees his efforts to unite U.S. allies around Ukraine after Russias invasion as a critical foreign policy achievement.

In a major development Wednesday, Israel and Hamas struck a deal for a ceasefire after 15 months of devastating war in the Gaza Strip, in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Biden worked to achieve a ceasefire deal for months, but he now shares some credit for it with Trump, given their two teams coordinated on the round of negotiations that secured the agreement.

When reporters asked Biden at a Wednesday news conference whether he or Trump deserves credit for the ceasefire, Biden turned and smiled: Is that a joke?

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the recently announced cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas while joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Bates, the White House spokesperson, said of the presidents record in office: President Biden put his unique qualification and his whole heart into delivering for the American people, and the results are the strongest record of any modern administration.

Critics have relentlessly hit Biden for softening border policies early on in his administration, prompting a surge in illegal crossings. While he later tightened controls at the border, public opinion had already swung against him.

Some Democrats said Biden missed the mark early on when it came to the economy. He should have spent more time railing against greedy corporations rather than trying to convince the public the economy really was better than it thought, said Pete Giangreco, a veteran in presidential Democratic politics.

There was always this internal struggle from the day he walked into the White House: Was he Joe from Scranton, the populist, union guy? Or is he Joe the senator from Delaware, which is corporate friendly? Giangreco said. He could never make up his mind who he was. If he had been Joe from Scranton from day one and stayed Joe from Scranton from day one, it might have been a different outcome.

Biden paid a political price for the pandemic-era policies of the last two presidencies, said Lynn Vavreck, an American politics professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Many voters became accustomed to the subsidies the Trump and the Biden administrations doled out and then watched prices go up as the subsidies ran out  a double whammy that hit when Trump was long gone from office.

They believed that they were better off financially during the Trump presidency, Vavreck said. That is probably true for very, very many people because of those government stimulus payments and all of the support for aid programs.

But another longtime ally, prominent Democratic donor John Morgan, said that Biden is right to feel bitter by the lack of fanfare around his presidency, pointing to massive investments in infrastructure, a booming stock market, low unemployment and for having navigated the pandemic masterfully.

Biden removes his mask before speaking about the coronavirus pandemic in October 2021.

Objectively, I believe it was a great presidency. You know they believe it. You can hear it in the presidents voice, Morgan said. You look at all the statistics and its like: Why arent you all carrying me on your shoulders?

In the immediate term, it has all done little to move the public. Biden is poised to leave office with a 36% approval rating, according to a CNN poll released Wednesday. Low approval numbers dogged him throughout his presidency and now hes particularly smarting over leaving office without his standing with Americans having improved, according to two people familiar with the matter.

In an alternate universe, one in which Biden would have stepped aside as the Democratic nominee in 2023, the president would have ridden waves of accolades in his final weeks, cutting ribbons at airports named in his honor or banking hundreds of millions of dollars for an Ivy League policy center in his name, Carville suggested.

Joe Biden had many successful acts in his life. Unfortunately, you get remembered for your last act, Carville said. Right now, hes remembered as the guy who stayed too long.
A major fire at a battery storage facility in Moss Landing, northern Monterey County, on Thursday afternoon, prompted the closure of Highway 1 and evacuation orders for the Moss Landing community and the Elkhorn Slough area.

The fire, reported around 3 p.m. Thursday at a battery storage facility on Highway 1 in Moss Landing, continued to rage out of control into the night, producing massive flames and thick clouds of hazardous black smoke, according to Monterey County spokesman Nicholas Pasculli.

"An evacuation order is not a suggestion," Pasculli told KSBW TV. "It's really important that people do comply with that order for their safety. The county and all our partners are throwing every resource behind this incident that we have. People need to remain calm in this situation and everybody will get through it."

Evacuations affecting approximately 1,500 residents were ordered for areas of Moss Landing south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean.

Pasculli noted that the Monterey County Sheriff's Department has called on additional agencies in the region to assist with the emergency response.

The facility at the center of the fire, owned by Texas-based Vistra Energy, is one of the largest battery storage plants globally. It houses tens of thousands of lithium batteries designed to store electricity from renewable sources like solar power for nighttime use. Such plants are integral to California's push toward transitioning most of its electricity generation to renewable energy.

This is not the first time the Moss Landing facility experienced an incident of fire.

On Sept. 4, 2021, and Feb. 14, 2022, fires broke out at the Vistra plant due to a malfunction in the fire sprinkler system. The system inadvertently released water, causing several battery units to overheat.

Another fire occurred in September 2022 at the nearby PG&E Elkhorn battery plant. This incident prompted a 12-hour closure of Highway 1. An investigation revealed the cause was an improperly installed vent shield on one of the 256 units, which allowed rainwater to enter and short-circuit the batteries. Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters, PG&E employees, or the public during that event.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden will not enforce a ban on TikTok that is set to take effect Sunday, his final full day in office, leaving the fate of the wildly popular social media app to the incoming Trump administration.

The decision not to enforce the sell-or-ban TikTok law, confirmed by the White House, comes as President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president Monday to replace the outgoing Biden.

"TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a written statement.

"Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday."

More: Supreme Court upholds law that could ban TikTok in the U.S., leaving the matter to Trump

This photograph in Paris on January 15, 2025 shows logos of Chinese-owned mobile applications Xiaohongshu (L) and TikTok.

Under the TikTok ban that Biden signed in April  which the Supreme Court upheld in a decision Friday  the social media app faces a ban from operating in the U.S. if Beijing-based parent company ByteDance does not sell off its U.S. assets by Sunday. The ban would make it illegal to distribute TikTok through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Trump, who has committed to "save TikTok," is considering an executive order that would suspend the ban from going into effect for 60 to 90 days, the Washington Post and CNN reported.

The Biden administration has cited national security concerns with TikTok, which many in Washington fear the Chinese government could exploit to gain access to private user data or spread misinformation.

President Joe Biden reacts to applause after he received a medal and spoke at a Department of Defense Commander in Chief Farewell Ceremony at Joint Base Myers-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on January 16, 2025.

Trump: 'I'll be making the decision

Trump, in a social media post , said he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday and discussed a range of issues including TikTok.

"It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately," Trump said.

After the Supreme Court's decision, Trump told CNN: It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do,."

Asked in the same interview whether he would take measures to try and reverse the pending ban, Trump said hell be making the decision. He added, Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision."

This combination of pictures created on June 2, 2024 shows a man holding a smartphone displaying the logo of Chinese social media platform Tiktok and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York City on May 30, 2024.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend Trump's inauguration at the invitation of the president-elect.

Trump was able to use TikTok effectively during the 2024 presidential campaign in his appeal to young voters. The video app has about 170 million American users.

Although Trump now wants to keep TikTok operating, he tried to ban TikTok through executive order in 2020 during his first term.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden won't enforce looming TikTok ban, punting decision to Trump
Counter Terrorism Policing South East Cameron Finnigan

Cameron Finnigan, 19  a member of a satanist extremist group  has been sentenced to six years in prison on charges including encouraging suicide and possessing indecent images of a child

The teenager was sentenced at London's Old Bailey on Thursday, Jan. 16

"Cameron Finnigan was dangerous. There was a threat to public safety there," Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Finlay, head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said, per the BBC

A 19-year-old involved in a satanist extremist group has been sentenced to six years in jail after encouraging suicide, among other charges, a court has heard.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Cameron Finnigan appeared at London's Old Bailey after previously pleading guilty to charges including possessing indecent images of a child, being in possession of a terrorism manual and encouraging suicide, the U.K's Counter Terrorism Policing said in a news release.

Finnigan was handed a six-year sentence with an extended three-year license period, authorities confirmed. The teenager, who pleaded guilty to five charges, was also charged with two counts of criminal damage.

During their investigation, police seized Finnigan's digital devices and discovered the teenager had become a part of a Satanic extremist group called 764.' Per Sky News, group members would "discuss and post evidence of violent acts" on messaging platforms such as Telegram and Discord.

Counter Terrorism Policing said in a news release, "One Telegram chat recovered from Finnigans Chromebook, showed communication with an individual believed to be a young female, who told him she was considering suicide, which he encouraged her to carry out. He stated he wanted her to stream it so he can capture it and claim it for '764.' He then boasted about this to others in his chat group."

Finnigan was also found in possession of an 11-page PDF document outlining how to carry out truck attacks' and had filmed himself damaging a nearby parked car. The document also gave information on "attack planning including knife and firearm mass casualty attacks," the release added.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East A large tapestry depicting the Satanic Beast or Baphomet goat head, found in Cameron Finnigan's bedroom

Another of Finnigan's Telegram group chats showed that he had posted a photo of a red tent in a field near his home with messaging suggesting he wanted to kill a homeless person. "He stated he would get the homeless man on his knees to submit to 764 ways, shoot him in the head and hide his body in a tent," authorities continued, per the release. "The tent was subsequently located in a field and had graffiti associated with the 764 group at both entrances to the field. This matched the red spray paint found in his room."

While announcing the sentencing of another group member for sexual assault in November, the FBI called the '764' group "a network of violent extremists who seek to normalize the production, sharing, and possession of child pornography and gore material to desensitize and corrupt youth toward future acts of violence," per a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

"Members of 764 gain notoriety by systematically targeting, grooming, and extorting victims through online social media platforms. Members demand that victims engage in and share media of self-mutilation, sexual acts, harm to animals, acts of random violence, suicide, and murder, all for the purpose of accelerating chaos and disrupting society and the world order," the FBI added, per the release.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East The tent of a homeless man near Cameron Finnigan's home

Thursday's hearing saw Finnigan  who is among at least four British teenagers to have been arrested in connection with the group, per the BBC  be told by Mr. Justice Jay that he posed "a high risk of serious harm to the public," the outlet reported.

Finnigan was arrested in March 2024 after police responded to reports of him having a gun, per the BBC. The outlet stated that officers didn't find a firearm, but did find the group discussions on the messaging platforms after searching through his digital devices.

Per the release, police also found Finnigans Snapchat gallery contained "images depicting text and symbols in red writing and a reference to terror week.' "

Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Finlay, head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said, "If you can get someone to self-harm, you're doing quite well in that group. If you can get them to kill themselves, you're reaching the pinnacle," per the BBC.

"This case has been very shocking," Finlay added, according to the outlet. "Cameron Finnigan was dangerous. There was a threat to public safety there."

The officer warned of the group, "We want to make the public aware of [764]. The threat that they pose, not just within the United Kingdom but globally, is immense."

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Police also found "a series of highly disturbing photographs of animal sacrifice, including one found in his bedroom of a mutilated rabbit," per U.K. newspaper The Times. Satanic tapestry  known as the Baphomet goat head  was discovered over his bed at his family's $1.2 million home, the outlet stated.

Per the BBC, U.S.-based investigator, Becca Spinks, was threatened by Finnigan after identifying him as a group member before his arrest. He threatened to rape and murder her in messages seen by the outlet.

"I very quickly realized that I had kicked a really nasty hornets' nest," Spinks told the publication. "The FBI told me that this group was very violent and very dangerous. It's horrific, nightmare-inducing stuff."

Per The Washington Post, 764 was founded by Bradley Cadenhead, then 15, in Texas.

He's currently serving an 80-year prison sentence after being arrested in 2021 for creating videos showing children being seriously injured, sexually abused, choked, beaten and suffocated after creating the group in 2020, according to the BBC.

The Crown Prosecution Service and the Old Bailey did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE. PEOPLE also reached out to Discord and Telegram, but did not immediately hear back.

Read the original article on People
The three-decade long concealment of the truth behind the murder of a gaelic games official should be a source of profound shame and embarrassment for the British state, a court has been told.

A barrister for the family of Sean Brown described his 1997 killing, which has been linked to several state agents, as an indelible stain on the body politic of the UK.

Des Fahy KC was responding to a Government bid to overturn the decision of a High Court judge last year to order a public inquiry into the murder.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benns challenge against the order was heard in the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Thursday.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna (left) and First Minister Michelle ONeill arrive at Belfast High Court (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Benns barrister argued that Mr Justice Humphreys was wrong in law to compel the Government to set up a public inquiry.

However, Mr Fahy said the judges decision was unimpeachable, with an inquiry the only legal means left to uncover the facts around the murder.

He noted that the appeal case marked the 57th occasion Mr Browns 87-year-old widow, Bridie, had come to a courtroom in her long campaign for justice.

The murder of Sean Brown is an indelible stain on the body politic of this state, he told the three Appeal Court judges.

The fact that 28 years later no-one has been prosecuted and convicted of this heinous murder is egregious in itself.

However, the further fact that 28 years later the truth about what happened to Mr Brown remains resolutely and determinedly hidden from Bridie Brown, his 87-year-old widow, should be a source of profound shame and embarrassment for all of the institutions of the British state.

The family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown walk to Belfast High Court on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA).

Earlier, Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, said that Mr Justice Humphreys seized the discretion that should have been held by Mr Benn and exercised it himself when he ordered an inquiry.

He further described the judges decision as unprecedented, highlighting that there had never been another instance of a court making an order of mandamus, compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

Theres not a single example anyone will show you of a court doing that, he said.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Londonderry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has ever been convicted of his killing.

Stormont First Minister and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill and SDLP leader Claire Hanna were among supporters who accompanied the Brown family to the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Thursday.

Last year a coroner halted an inquest into the death, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Coroner Mr Justice Kinney called on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder.

Mr Benn decided against holding an inquiry, saying the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, holds a picture of him (Liam McBurney/PA)

However, aspects of the legislation that underpins the work of the ICRIR was later found to be incompatible with human rights laws in a different Court of Appeal challenge, separate from the Brown case.

Mr Browns widow challenged Mr Benns decision not to order a public inquiry and Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the Government to establish one.

Northern Irelands Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, joined two other Court of Appeal judges, Lord Justice Treacy and Lord Justice Horner, in hearing the case on Thursday.

At the conclusion of the hearing she said they would deliver judgment as soon as possible.

Mr McGleenan suggested that ordering a public inquiry was premature, as he said Mr Benn remained committed to making the ICRIR compliant with human rights laws, either by legislative changes or by successfully challenging the separate Court of Appeal judgment at the Supreme Court.

He said Mr Justice Humphreys should have adjourned Mrs Browns case until the outcome of the appeal over the ICRIRs compliance ran its course.

During exchanges in court, Lord Justice Treacy told Mr McGleenan that a judges job was to make a ruling based on the state of the law at the time, and not on what the legal position might look like in the future.

He suggested that a public inquiry was the only show in town in terms of a human rights-compliant investigation, as he predicted that Government moves to make the ICRIC compliant could take years.

Mr McGleenan said that the ICRIR would be made human rights compliant by hook or by crook and it could then deal with the Brown case faster and cheaper than a public inquiry.

He said Mr Justice Humphreys was aware of the Governments commitment to make the ICRIR compliant when he ordered the public inquiry.

Noting the familys long wait for justice, the barrister acknowledged that it was not a comfortable position for the Government to be mounting the appeal challenge.

But he maintained that Mr Justice Humphreys should not have ordered a public inquiry while the issues of considerable importance around the ICRIRs ability to hold a compliant investigation were still unresolved.

Mr McGleenan said: We say, regardless of the emotive facts of this case, and one cant have but sympathy for the Brown family having to come here again to hear these arguments; regardless of that, theres a very important point of principle that is live before the appellate court, and in those circumstances, we say, it was an error for the judge to address the case in the way that he did and make a mandatory order.

He said it was Mr Benns constitutional right to make the decision as how best to deal with the Brown case.

Mr McGleenan said the Secretary of State made his decision not to hold a public inquiry after weighing up live issues over the status of the ICRIR, and the judge then ruled that Mr Benn was completely wrong.

The judge, by taking that approach, completely sidestepped the qualitative analysis of whether or not a public inquiry was warranted or not, he said.

He seized the discretion from the hands of the Secretary of State and exercised it himself without having regard to any of those factors.

Questioning the barristers contention, Lady Chief Justice Keegan said she did not understand why the Government did not appeal against the judges decision not to adjourn the case at the time, and before he got to the point of delivering his order.

Mr McGleenan said his argument about the failure to adjourn the ruling would not be one of the substantive grounds offered by the Government in the appeal court case.

Responding on behalf of the Brown family, Mr Fahy said their concern and indignation over the failure to uncover the truth would continue until the circumstances of the murder and state involvement in it are exposed.

Sean Browns widow appears in court today for the 57th time to ask a court to ensure that the state adheres to its minimum obligation to ensure an effective investigation of how her husband died and in what circumstances, he added.

She knows the prospect of a conviction in a criminal court is now vanishingly small.

The killers have in all likelihood escaped accountability for their actions, but the reasons why that was, and is, still can, and must, be examined.

He said the only lawful way to do that was through a public inquiry.

Mr Fahy said the illegality at the centre of this challenge was the refusal by the Secretary of State to convene a public inquiry.

In refusing to do so, he is presiding over a state of illegality, he said.

The barrister said the order of a public inquiry was legally sound and had vindicated Mrs Browns human rights entitlements.

It also represented the first occasion in 28 years in which the prospect of the spotlight of truth finally being shone on what happened to Sean Brown becoming tangible and real, he added.

The case continues.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

When Carolyn Thomas suffered her first heart attack in 2008, she was in her fifties, a distance runner and as fit as can be. Yet the doctor in the ER diagnosed her with acid reflux, sent her home without treatment and told her she simply needed to rest.

"I felt so embarrassed for having made a big fuss over nothing that when my symptoms later returned, there was no way I was going back to that ER for help," Thomas, a PR manager in Victoria, Canada, told Reasons to be Cheerful.

Two weeks later, she had a massive heart attack that proved nearly fatal. The first doctor had not realized that Thomas was in the midst of a life-threatening health crisis.

Men suffer heart diseases more frequently, but for women, they are more often fatal. One reason has now been well-documented: Doctors primarily train with the symptoms of middle-aged male patients and often miss the signs of the "Eve-attack."

"There are so many studies about coronary disease where women have been completely excluded," Thomas says. "I had textbook symptoms, including chest pain, nausea, sweating and pain radiating down my left arm; if that ER doctor had simply Googled my symptoms he would have found only one result."

When asked, most women believe the number-one cause of death for women in the US is breast cancer, but it is actually coronary disease. Yet women's symptoms are overlooked so frequently that after her own experience, Thomas became a Mayo Clinic-trained women's health advocate and, at the request of Johns Hopkins cardiologists, wrote a book and started a blog about the issue, Heart Sisters, where hundreds of women share similar experiences.

"I don't know why there's so much resistance to the notion of gender medicine and why women are still trivialized and told with a disturbing frequency their complaints are the result of emotional distress," says renowned cardiologist Marianne Legato, pictured below, who has been instrumental in researching women's health. In 1997, she founded the Partnership for Gender-Specific Medicine at Columbia University, and in 2006, she established the nonprofit Foundation for Gender-Specific Medicine that she still chairs. Legato coined the phrase "bikini medicine" to describe "the outdated notion [that] only women's breasts and their pelvis were of interest to us doctors, because that was the only point of difference between the sexes."

Thirty years ago, Congress ordered the National Institutes of Health to make sure women were included equally in clinical trials. But in reality, imbalances continue. "Research on women's health has been underfunded for decades, and many conditions that mostly or only affect women, or affect women differently, have received little to no attention," First Lady Jill Biden said in October when she announced that the Biden-Administration will direct $110 million toward ARPA-H (The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) Sprint for Women's Health initiative to research illnesses that primarily affect women and to make sure more women are included in trials. In 2023, she announced the first-ever White House Initiative on Women's Health Research. "Because of these gaps, we know far too little about how to manage and treat conditions like endometriosis and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis," Jill Biden said. "These gaps are even greater for communities that have historically been excluded from researchincluding women of color and women with disabilities."

Some solutions are obvious:

Hechler Photographers

1. More female doctors

A study of 580,000 heart patients in Florida hospitals concluded that female patients' survival chances were two to three times higher when they were treated by female doctors. A Harvard study arrived at similar results when it looked at treatment outcomes for older women in internal medicine. "The difference in mortality rates surprised us," said lead author Yusuke Tsugawa. "The gender of the physician appears to be particularly significant for the sickest patients." The study concludes that up to 32,000 lives could be saved every year if male doctors learned to treat female patients better. This is roughly the figure of people killed in car accidents in the US.

Currently, more than half of medical students are female but only about 37 percent of practicing doctors. "Female doctors not only know the science, they are also better listeners and less likely to discount female patients' narrative," Legato explains.

2. Educating doctors as well as patients

This goal lies at the heart of Legato's work. During her medical training, she says, "We were traditionally trained that whatever is going on with the male body, you can extrapolate that to a female body. Save the expensive effort of looking at both sexes." As a doctor's daughter, she "grew up in the academic community, and I can tell you it was full of misogyny that has not entirely disappeared."

But while Legato was a molecular cardiologist at Columbia University, reporter Carol Colman came to seek her advice, convinced her mother's coronary disease had been minimized. Legato soon discovered that Colman's suspicion was correct: "Women were not treated aggressively enough for coronary disease, their complaints were trivialized as neurotic or emotional to a degree that was really shocking."

In 1992, Legato and Colman published The Female Heart, a groundbreaking book for mainstream readers that won the American Heart Association's Blakeslee Award. Legato is a legend in the medical community because she didn't stop there. Her foundation supports original research in gender-specific medicine and educates the general public as well as the medical community about the fact that the XX and XY chromosomes influence everything from cells to the brain to the immune system. For instance, women's immune systems are more aggressive, which explains why four out of five patients with autoimmune disease are women. "Even molecules react differently," Legato affirms. But it takes years, often decades, until new research is sufficiently established to find its way into the training curricula of the next generation.

In the meantime, Legato encourages female patients to speak up and insist their doctors take them seriously: "Don't hesitate to speak up and say, 'I think you're being dismissive of me, and I would like to choose another physician.'"

3. Including patients

Carolyn Thomas advocates for the Patients Included movement, which encourages doctors and researchers to listen to patients and include their experiences in their work. For instance, Thomas witnessed first-hand how two female spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, patients approached cardiologist Sharonne N. Hayes at the Mayo Clinic and offered her access to their SCAD support group with 80 members. SCAD, a condition in which a tear in an artery wall blocks or reduces blood flow to the heart, largely affects young women with hardly any cardiac risk factors. It was considered a very rare disease until Hayes started researching it and became a world-renowned authority on the condition. "Now doctors no longer consider it rare, it was just rarely diagnosed," Thomas says. "Survival rates are now in the 90 percent range, whereas before, 70 percent of SCAD cases were diagnosed in autopsy."

4. Parity in testing and trials

The disparities start in the lab. New medication used to be tested only on male mice, because researchers feared hormonal fluctuations could influence the outcomes. Even in human trials, women were mostly excluded from participating in clinical studies until far into the 1990s. "When we demanded that women were equally included in tests, we were asked, 'But where would we find such women? And what if they get pregnant?'" Legato remembers.

Not least thanks to her research and initiative, women started to be involved in clinical trials in the '90s. The situation has improved, but women are still far from participating in trials equally. Improving the quota is one of the goals of the new White House initiative.

5. Funding

Another piece of the puzzle is increased funding for women-specific illnesses. According to McKinsey, only one percent of health care research and innovation is invested in female-specific conditions beyond oncology.

A recent Davos study by the Global Alliance for Women's Health argues that it's simply too expensive to ignore half of humankind: Every dollar invested in women's health yields $3 in economic growth, and the global economy could gain $1 billion every year if health systems treated women as well as men. "The women's health gap equates to 75 million years of life lost due to poor health or early death each year," the analysis finds. "Closing the gap would give the 3.9 billion women in the world today an extra seven healthy days a year, or an average of 500 days over a lifetime." The National Institutes of Health have launched several funding opportunities to research health disparities among women of underrepresented or underserved populations.

The disparities continue with medication: Women's bodies absorb some active ingredients differently than men's; for instance, they benefit from a significantly lower dose of beta blockers. Legato mentions Ambien as another example of a drug that has significantly higher side effects for women. But it took a quarter century after the drug's approval for the Food and Drug Administration to require a lower dosage for women.

Impact

Progress is slow, but visible: Research in gender-specific medicine at least doubled in the last decade.

Men benefit from gender-specific medicine, too. "For instance, we were underestimating osteoporosis in men," Legato gives as an example, "and depression, because men might present more as angry or abuse alcohol when they are actually deeply depressed."

Legato says what concerns her most "is the inequality of women on a global level, how they are just [seen as] disposable."

She is networking with the International Society for Gender Medicine, which includes the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the Rabin Hospital in Israel as well as centers in Vienna, Italy and Japan. The differences between the countries are stark. In Germany, for instance, Europe's biggest research hospital, the Charite in Berlin, founded the Institute of Gender in Medicine with cardiologist Vera Regitz-Zagrosek at its helm in 2003, while the University of Zurich just hired its first professor for gender medicine, Carolin Lerchenmuller, last May.

You would never guess that Legato will celebrate her 90th birthday next year, because she still sees patients in her New York practice every day and she speaks with the vigor and wit of a person decades younger. "However, we haven't made that much progress with the care of women, particularly women of minority groups," Legato acknowledges.

And while gender medicine continues to progress, Legato is aware of "another boomerang": "The question of biological sex is not that simple anymore. It isn't just XY or XX anymore." She is currently updating her book about the "plasticity of sex," and notes, "it's such a complex question, and a hot pit of emotion."

Legato is proud of the progress she's helped the medical world achieve. "I was an important factor in convincing the medical community that men and women are not alike in their physiology," she says, "and I would say that's not a trivial contribution." She'd love to be remembered by a simple fact: "She made a difference."

Carolyn Thomas, too, has made a difference: She saved lives by giving talks educating "heart-smart women." At one presentation she gave at the University of Victoria, a woman in the auditorium recognized during the talk that she was experiencing the exact symptoms Thomas was discussing and sought immediate help.

Thomas likes to leave her audience with one piece of advice: "Trust that little voice in your head that tells you something is wrong. One reason women delay seeking care is that women have been socialized not to make a fuss and to put our needs at the bottom." When she had a severe cardiac episode on a long plane ride, she didn't dare to alert the flight attendant to request an emergency landing.

"So I tell my audience, What would you do if this was your daughter experiencing these symptoms? I would have been screaming to turn the plane around," Thomas says. "Do the same thing for yourself."

This story is part of A Patient Is a Person a series about how whole-person health is transforming the patient journey. It is supported by funding from UPIC Health.

This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
A man and woman identified as Annastacia Atkins and Dakota Shawn Hays posing for a photo

A cruel Arkansas stepfather who allegedly tossed his 2-year-old stepson into a pool repeatedly to teach him how to swim has been charged with the tots murder.

Dakota Shawn Hays, 20, and his wife Annastacia Atkins, 24, were arrested on Monday over the childs death from a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Dakota Hays allegedly tossed his 2-year-old stepson into a pool to teach him how to swim. Crawford County Detention Center

The pair, from Van Buren, face charges of first-degree murder, according to an arrest warrant obtained by People.

Hays was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child while Atkins faces charges of permitting the abuse of a minor, according to online jail records from the Crawford County Sheriffs Office.

The boy died on June 17, 2024, three days after Atkins and Hays called 911 when he became unresponsive after swimming in a pool at his aunts house, according to an affidavit for warrant of arrest filed Jan. 2, the outlet reported.

The couple both face charges of first-degree murder. Crawford County Detention Center

When deputies arrived at the family home on June 14, the little boys body was freezing and his eyes were stuck, Atkins allegedly said according to the affidavit.

She said his heart and breathing had stopped, and when she started pushing his chest, he choked up water, the document stated.

Hays told officers he had been teaching the boy how to swim, along with another boy, 4, and a 6-year-old girl, according to the affidavit.

Hays told deputies that the three kids would hang onto him on the chest and he would grab their noses and sink to the bottom with them, sit there, and go back up to the surface, according to the affidavit.

But the 4-year-old told detectives he had almost drowned as a result of Hays throwing him in the pool, the affidavit said.

He added that Hays and Atkins would physically punish him by hitting him with a stick on his head, knees and feet, as alleged in the affidavit.

The 6-year-old girl told detectives that Hays pushed his stepson under the water, adding that he did not want to swim but Dakota would throw him in the pool, per the affidavit.

Hays told officers he had been teaching the boy how to swim, along with another boy, 4, and a 6-year-old girl. sefa ozel

She said that Hays threw the toddler into the pool repeatedly and that she had to often retrieve him from the bottom.

The boys autopsy found he also suffered from multiple traumatic injuries to the head, face and torso, which had evidently happened over a long period.

Atkins also voiced concern to deputies about Hays alleged aggressive behavior with her son in the past, the affidavit states.

Hays is held in the Crawford County Jail on a $1 million bond, while Atkins is held on a $750,000 bond.

It is unclear whether they have retained attorneys who can speak on their behalf.

The Post has reached out to the Crawford County Sheriffs Office for comment.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The publisher of a prominent blog about the Supreme Court was indicted Thursday in a multimillion-dollar scheme to evade federal income taxes and use money from his law firm to cover gambling debts from high-stakes poker games.

SCOTUSblog publisher Tom Goldstein, who also has argued 44 cases before the high court, took part in poker games in Beverly Hills, Asia and elsewhere involving millions of dollars, hid winnings, concealed losses and misrepresented expenses, according to the 22-count indictment filed in federal court in Maryland.

Prosecutors said Goldstein, 54, also submitted false applications to two lenders when seeking a mortgage for a $2.6 million house in Washington, omitting from one more than $14 million he owed at the time. He also had his firm pay salaries and health insurance premiums for women with whom he had personal relationships, but who did little or no work for the firm, according to the indictment.

The allegations in the indictment span seven years, from 2016 to 2022, a period in which Goldstein was regularly appearing in front of the nation's highest court.

In 2016, for example, Goldstein understated his gambling winnings by $3.9 million, the indictment said.

Two years later, he returned from Macau to a Washington-area airport with nearly $1 million in cash in a duffel bag. Although he acknowledged to a customs officer that the cash represented gambling winnings, he failed to report the money on his tax return for that year, the indictment said.

In 2020 and 2021, he denied on his tax filings making any trades in cryptocurrency, despite more than $10 million in such transactions, according to the indictment.

John Lauro and Christopher Kise, lawyers for Goldstein, released a statement Thursday night saying: Mr. Goldstein is a prominent attorney with an impeccable reputation. We are deeply disappointed that the government brought these charges in a rush to judgment without understanding all of the important facts. Our client intends to vigorously contest these charges and we expect he will be exonerated at trial.

A biography on the blog's website notes that Goldstein retired from appellate advocacy in 2023. He has taught Supreme Court advocacy at Harvard's and Stanford's law schools.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law that would effectively ban TikTok in the United States on Sunday, siding with the government's national security concerns over the First Amendment rights of the company and its 170 million TikTok users.

That decision shifts the focus to whether President-elect Donald Trump can intervene after he takes office on Monday.

Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first administration, has since promised to save the wildly popular platform, though it's unclear how he could do so.

Minutes before the court released its decision, Trump said on social media hed just spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok and other issues.

It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, Trump posted.

After the court upheld the law, Trump said he will decide what to do "in the not too distant future."

"Stay tuned!" Trump posted.

TikTok ban timeline: How did we get here and what happens next?

Alan Rozenshtein, an expert on the law and technology policy at the University of Minnesota Law School, said none of Trumps options are particularly promising.

The bottom line? Rozenshtein wrote in an analysis posted on Lawfare. There are a lot of moving pieces and it's foolish to make particularly confident predictions, but the most likely outcome is that TikTok goes dark on the 19th and stays that way for the immediate future.

The company has said that even a temporary ban on the short-term video app would have devastating effects on TikToks ability to attract users and content creators. About 170 million Americans  and more than 1 billion people worldwide  use TikTok, according to the company.

More: President Biden won't enforce looming TikTok ban, putting fate in the hands of Trump

The court's decision came a week after the justices heard more than two hours of heated debate on Jan. 10 on whether the government can require the short-form video app to divest from its parent company, China-based ByteDance.

TikTok called that a "massive, unprecedented restriction" of free speech.

"One of America's most popular speech platforms will shut down in nine days," Noel Francisco, an attorney for TikTok who served as solicitor general during Trump's first administration, told the justices on Jan. 10. "That shouldn't happen."

In an unsigned opinion, the court said that while TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, Congress has determined that divestiture is needed because of well-supported national security concerns.

There were no noted dissents, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch gave their own explanations for why the law should be upheld.

The court rejected TikTok's argument that the law must meet the toughest test for overcoming a 1st Amendment challenge.

The sell-or-be-banned provision addresses an important government interest unrelated to the suppression of free expression and doesn't go farther than it needs to address that goal, the court said.

The justices made that determination based on lawmakers' concerns about data collection and said they didn't have to analyze if content manipulation fears were justifiable because one legitimate basis is sufficient.

The court also cautioned that its analysis is narrowly focused on how the law applies to TikTok, given the abbreviated amount of time the justices had to evaluate it because of the impending deadline.

Its really limited to the unique facts of this case, said Darpana Sheth Nunziata, an expert on constitutional cases involving freedom of expression.

Still, free speech advocates said the courts decision paves the way for additional repressive policies."

Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, said the court has weakened the 1st Amendment and markedly expanded the governments power to restrict speech in the name of national security.

Related Can Trump save TikTok? The Art of the Deal President wants to try

U.S., Chinese flags, TikTok logo and gavel are seen in this illustration taken January 8, 2025.

The Department of Justice had argued the restriction is not on speech but on a foreign adversary's ability to control a widely used means of communication. Unless TikTok is sold, the government said, China can gather data on Americans or manipulate the content on TikTok to shape U.S. opinion.

"The Chinese government's control of TikTok poses a grave threat to national security," Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar told the court last week.

She said before Trump steps in, he should review all the updated national security information since he was last in office.

In Friday's opinion, the court described Trump's efforts during his first administration to separate TikTok from ByteDance.

Despite his past concerns, the "Art of the Deal" president-elect had urged the Supreme Court to pause the ban to give him time to "negotiate a resolution."

TikTok ban Trump talks to China's Xi Jinping hours before Supreme Court decision

Once in office, Trump could direct his attorney general not to enforce the law. But it's uncertain if Apple, Google and other conduits for the app will feel thats enough protection from the laws stiff penalties.

Pam Bondi, Trump's choice for attorney general, declined during her confirmation hearing Wednesday to commit to enforcing the law.

Bondi said she would "in general" defend U.S. laws against constitutional attacks, but said she couldn't make that specific pledge about the TikTok ban.

Trump could try to take advantage of ambiguity in the law as to whether the president can declare that TikTok is no longer controlled by a Chinese entity.

And there are questions about whether Trump can extend the deadline for TikTok to be divested from ByteDance.

Asked about that during the Supreme Court's debate, Prelogar called it a "statutory interpretation question."

She also said TikTok may have been playing a game of chicken with the U.S. and would find a way to divest once it was clear whether the deadline would hold.

Francisco, TikTok's attorney, told the court the platform would "go dark" on Sunday unless the law was blocked.

Essentially, the platform shuts down," he said.

But the law doesn't require TikTok to act. The penalties fall on the app stores and companies such as Oracle that host TikTok's content in the U.S. Changes by those companies would make the platform harder to use over time but wouldn't necessarily stop its immediate use for people who already have the app.

President Joe Biden's deputy attorney general, Lisa Monaco, on said Friday enforcing the law "will be a process that plays out over time."

Gus Hurwitz, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, said the only definitive way Trump can stop the ban is to work with Congress to reverse it  which seems unlikely.

More realistically, this gives Trump a platform to speak out against the past administration, the Supreme Court, and others who he might want to blame for TikTok being banned, Hurwitz said. That political dynamic will be interesting to watch in the coming months.

Trump's change of heart on TikTok may, in part, be related to the app's use in connecting him to young voters. His account had 14.8 million followers as of last week.

TikToks a great platform that many Americans use and was great for his campaign and getting his message out, Rep. Mike Waltz, Trumps incoming national security adviser told Fox News Thursday.

Trump also had good things to say about TikTok after he met last year with billionaire Jeff Yass, a major conservative donor with financial ties to ByteDance.

Trump has invited TikTok's chief executive to attend his inauguration.

On Friday, TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States.

We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform, Chew said, one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court upholds law that could ban TikTok in the U.S.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in New York City last September.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump vowed to quickly end the war in Ukraine. Hed do it in 24 hours after taking the oath, he said, or even before his inauguration.

But as he prepares to return to the White House, its clear that promise will go unfulfilled.

Nearly three years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, theres no end in sight to the war, Europes worst since World War II. Fighting rages across a long front line, with Russian forces waging a grinding offensive in Ukraines east and Ukrainian troops holding on to territory inside Russia in the Kursk region, where North Korean soldiers have arrived to bolster Moscow's ranks. Russia has suffered large casualties, with an estimated 700,000 dead or wounded, according to U.S. and British officials.

Since Trumps election victory, his team has not outlined a peace proposal to Ukraines leadership, according to two sources close to Ukraines government and a former U.S. diplomat. And there has been no shuttle diplomacy between Kyiv, Moscow and Mar-a-Lago.

Members of Trumps chosen national security team have in recent weeks acknowledged the difficulties of brokering a possible peace accord.

Lets set it at 100 days and move all the way back and figure a way we can do this in the near term to make sure that the solution is solid, its sustainable, and that this war ends so that we stop the carnage, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps pick to serve as special envoy to Ukraine, told Fox News last month.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Trumps choice for secretary of state, told senators at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that forging a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia will be very difficult.

This will not be easy, Rubio said. Conflicts of this nature that have historical underpinnings to it are going to require a lot of hard diplomacy and tough work, but thats something that needs to happen."

Kellogg is expected to travel to Ukraine for talks soon after Trumps inauguration on Monday, sources familiar with the matter said. Kellogg had tentative plans to travel to Ukraine earlier but chose to postpone the trip, the sources said.

Trumps transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

Although Trumps team has worked with the Biden White House on securing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal, there has been no such collaboration on Ukraine, according to the sources.

Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., whom Trump has tapped to serve as his national security adviser, has held several conversations on Ukraine with President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, NBC News previously reported. The talks have focused on sharing information but have not explored strategies for ending the war or securing a ceasefire.

Trump has offered no details as to how he envisions ending the conflict, apart from taking advantage of his personal relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump has suggested that U.S. military aid to Ukraine may be reduced in his administration, that European governments should increase their support for Ukraine, and that he disagreed with Ukraine firing longer-range missiles into Russian territory.

Trump, whose fraught relationship with Zelenskyys government in his first term led to his first impeachment, has also suggested the war is primarily a European problem.

War with Russia is more important for Europe than it is for us. We have a little thing called an ocean in between us, he told NBC News Kristen Welker in December.

Trumps recent comments have raised concerns in Ukraine and among its allies in Washington that the incoming administration might push Ukraine to make painful concessions without putting pressure on Russia, according to Western diplomats, former U.S. officials and analysts. Regional experts and Western diplomats are skeptical that Putin would be ready to make concessions in negotiations when his forces are slowly but steadily gaining ground in eastern Ukraine.

But Kellogg has said Trump will not force Ukraine to swallow a bad deal.

I think what people need to understand  hes not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians. Hes actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty, and hes going to make sure that its equitable and that its fair, Kellogg said this month.

Kellogg co-wrote a report last year calling for pressuring both Moscow and Kyiv to enter into peace talks. Under the plan, Washington would threaten more military aid to Ukraine if Russia failed to negotiate while offering possible relief from economic sanctions if Moscow accepted a settlement. At the same time, Washington would threaten Kyiv with cutting off assistance if it refused to enter into talks. NATO membership for Ukraine would be ruled out for an extended period, but foreign powers would provide security guarantees for Kyiv.

Russia has criticized elements of Kelloggs proposal and similar ideas floated in Washington as unacceptable. Moscow has insisted that Ukraine be a permanently neutral state with strict limits imposed on its military, and that Kyiv give up territory held by Russian forces as well as areas still controlled by Ukrainian troops.

But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday his country is open to talks with Trump. Lavrov also praised Trump for saying he believes NATOs willingness to eventually accept Ukraine as a member of the alliance helped cause the war.

Lavrov also praised Trumps incoming national security adviser, Waltz, for saying that it was unrealistic that Ukraine could regain all the territory it had lost in the war.

The very fact that people have increasingly started to mention the realities on the ground deserves welcome, Lavrov said.

Ukraine will most likely come under increasing pressure over its mobilization rules in order to ensure continued U.S. support. At the moment, Ukrainians under age 25 are not subject to conscription. But Waltz said recently that Ukraine should lower the countrys draft age to get more troops into the fight and help stabilize the front line.

When we hear about morale problems, when we hear about issues on the front line, look, if the Ukrainians have asked the entire world to be all in for democracy, we need them to be all in for democracy, Waltz told ABC News on Sunday.

Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, also suggested in an interview with Bloomberg that Kyiv will need to alter its mobilization policy, saying the Ukrainian government will need to address its manpower shortage.
It was just after 3 a.m. in the warm Houston summer of 2019, when first responders arrived at Renard and Patricia Spivey's home and found 52-year-old Patricia dead in the closet from multiple gunshot wounds.

FIRST RESPONDER (bodycam): We can definitely see a wound within her abdomen right there.

OFFICER: OK. Will it be the entry point?

FIRST RESPONDER: It  it looks like it. We don't know if that's the only one but that's definitely one there.  No signs of life.

Her husband Renard had a bullet in his leg. He told officers the two had been arguing and fighting over a gun when it fired.

OFFICER (bodycam): Where'd you shoot her?

RENARD SPIVEY: We was tussling  in the chest and the arm.

Renard Spivey, a sheriff's deputy with Harris County, worked as a bailiff in courts and played a bailiff on TV for "Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez."

Renard didn't say much more about what happened. Police detained him and had him transported to a hospital.

Patricia's 83-year-old father, who suffered from dementia, was also living with the Spivey's. He was sleeping when the gunshots erupted.

PATRICIA'S FATHER: What  what happened?

OFFICER: You didn't hear anything?

PATRICIA'S FATHER: Huh?  I haven't did anything.

OFFICER: I know we just need your statement.

A STRUGGLE OVER A GUN

First responders on the scene wondered how a gun could go off multiple times by accident.

OFFICER #2 (bodycam):  if you get shot once, you're not gonna make the gun go off again.

OFFICER #1: That's what I'm saying.

And why a man of Renard's size  around six foot three and weighing around 290 pounds  would need to struggle with his smaller wife to take control over a gun.

OFFICER #1 (bodycam): Saying you're that big and you're fighting for the gun.

OFFICER #1: I don't know, but that was a big dude. That was a big dude. A big dude.

OFFICER #2: He's got a bunch of trophies inside, bodybuilding trophies.

OFFICER #1:  just gotta call homicide.  it just doesn't, it doesn't make sense, bro.

Patrina Marshall, Patricia's daughter from a previous relationship, arrived at the scene.

Patrina Marshall: Well, it was more like what happened?  Did my mom do something? Did Renard do something?  Like, did somebody do something to them? Like, I didn't know what to expect.

Marshall says an officer told her that her mother had died during a struggle with her husband.

Natalie Morales: When he told you she didn't make it  had to be very tough to hear that.

Patrina Marshall: It was. It was.

Natalie Morales: But you held it together.

Patrina Marshall: I think, uh  I don't know. Something really weird happened to me.  I just kind of shut down and everything just became really numb.  I still have not cried.

Marshall says she regrets not seeing her mom for one last time.

Patrina Marshall: I just didn't get that.  And I'm like, man, so she's just sitting in that closet, just the whole time. So oh, my God, I'm crying.

Marshall never thought her mother's life would end this way. Her mother fell quickly for Renard.

Patrina Marshall: It was like her first everything.  that was her first house.

It was Patricia's first marriage, and Renard's third.

Renard Spivey: When we met, I did like her. We kinda hit it off.

Patricia and Renard Spivey / Credit: Evidence photo

Five years after Patricia's death, Renard shared with "48 Hours" his feelings for Patricia.

Renard Spivey:  sheshe was a fun person. She was spontaneous.  And she was just a beautiful person.

Renard had popped the question in 2013 after Patricia pointed at a ring she liked at a store.

Renard Spivey:  right there where the ring was  "come here I wanna show you"  I proposed  got on my knees and proposed to her.

Natalie Morales: She said yes right away.

Renard Spivey: She said yes.  And we had fun.  We celebrated in Hawaii.

And then they built their dream house  a 3000-square-foot home with a three-car garage. But within a few hours of Patricia's death, Renard found himself under suspicion for murder. At the hospital, detectives wanted to interview Renard, but he refused. He would later tell us why.

Natalie Morales: At that point, had you already gotten an attorney?

Renard Spivey: I had a union rep who was an attorney.  And he came to the hospital.  Union rep said, "do not talk to them."

According to the report, Patricia had multiple gunshot entry and exit wounds  the fatal shot piercing through her lungs and heart. / Credit: Evidence photo

While investigators tried to figure out how exactly the shooting unfolded, the medical examiner was conducting an autopsy on Patricia. According to the report, Patricia had multiple gunshot entry and exit wounds  the fatal shot piercing through her lungs and heart. "48 Hours" consultant and former prosecutor Lisa Andrews reviewed the case for us.

Lisa Andrews: The multiple shots is definitely what gives everyone a lot of pause as to why it's not an accident.  the medical examiner ruled it a homicide  which is an intentional killing.

On July 29, 2019, Renard Spivey was charged with his wife's murder.

Natalie Morales: What was that like for you now being behind bars, for somebody who had been on the other side of the law for so long?

Renard Spivey: It wasit was tough. It was real tough  what I've been through, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Renard's twin sister Renee Spivey-Frazier says she found out her brother was arrested when she got a call from a relative.

Renee Spivey-Frazier: I just couldn't believe what I was hearing  because I knew he loved her unconditionally.

Renard's friend Gerald Graham, who Renard has mentored over the years, couldn't believe it either.

Gerald Graham: He's the big brother, the father, the uncle  I have never seen Spivey in any kind of altercation. I never seen him raise his voice.

Renard Spivey hired prominent criminal defense attorneys brothers Dick DeGuerin and Mike DeGeurin, and Mike's son Michael DeGeurin Jr.

Michael DeGeurin Jr.: One of the things that we were able to see in this case is they had a camera system in their home.  And I watched their relationship.

Dick DeGuerin: We wanted to see if there was anything there  to provide a motive for wanting her to be harmed or dead, uh, or that there was trouble in the relationship.

Michael DeGeurin Jr.: It was very loving relationship, as I could tell.

Natalie Morales: But yet, we know on that night, somebody went to bed angry.

Dick DeGuerin: It looked like she went to bed angry  he did not.

A TROUBLED RELATIONSHIP?

Forty-eight hours after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Renard Spivey posted $50,000 bond.

Renard Spivey: I was in jail probably like a couple of days 

He returned to the house he used to share with Patricia, where investigators believed he intentionally shot her.

Natalie Morales: When you walk in that door, do the memories come flooding right back?

Renard Spivey: Well, as soon as you go in the door and then you go in the bedroom, bam. It hits you.

Renard Spivey insists his wife's death was an accident.

Renard Spivey: I love my wife. I did everything for her.  Anything she wanted.  I always treated her like my queen.

But Renard never gave a statement to police about how the events unfolded that night. And Patricia's family questioned the circumstances around her death and why Renard was free on bond. Cybil Shepherd is Patricia's cousin.

Cybil Shepherd: I don't think that his bond was high enough for murder.  being a sheriff, I think he got a lot of, uh, privilege in that instance 

Patricia's loved ones call her the caregiver of the family.

Patricia, left, and her daughter Patrina Marshall. / Credit: Patrina Marshall

Patrina Marshall: She was kind of like the glue  her being gone, really  is  is  you can notice it, that she's gone.

Cybil Shepherd: She did anything that she could to help people out. And you can see that just from taking care of her dad, just taking on that responsibility 

Patricia worked as an executive assistant for the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

Cybil Shepherd: She go visit people in the hospital  she would go take them food, send them flowers, if nobody else was thinking of them, she was.

Patrina Marshall: She just was everywhere, helping, taking pictures, giving her time  she's really social.

Dick DeGuerin: She was very accomplished 

Renard's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, says the Spivey's had a good life.

Dick DeGuerin: They were very happy. They went on cruises together.  every Friday night, they had a special dinner.

Natalie Morales: How would you describe Renard Spivey?

Michael DeGeurin Jr.: Yeah. I mean, the idea of a gentle giant.  you can't avoid seeing how big he is.

Renard has been a bodybuilder since his 20s. In the aftermath of his wife's death, he was placed under house arrest but was allowed to continue with his training.

Renard Spivey: Actually, during that period of time, it was more therapeutic for me 'cause I've been doing it for 40 years.  that's my love.

Renard Spivey was a sheriff's deputy with Harris County, worked as a bailiff in courts and played a bailiff on TV for

He was also free to go to church and spend time with his family. But he resigned from his career of more than 20 years with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. His TV career also took a hit.

Natalie Morales: At the time of Patricia's death, I understand you were still taping 

Renard Spivey: Yes.

Natalie Morales:  The "Justice [for All] with Cristina Perez" show.

Renard Spivey: Well, they  I'mma say before that we were still taping, then after that we didn't do any more taping.

Renard had portrayed the bailiff for nine years and taped more than 100 episodes. He told "48 Hours" it was something his wife really liked about him.

Natalie Morales: And what did Patricia think of your television career?

Renard Spivey: Oh, she loved it. She was excited. And a matter of fact, I took her to a couple of Emmys.

Patricia's childhood friend, Ezra Washington, had a small part as an extra on that show and remembered meeting Renard when Patricia and Renard got together.

Natalie Morales: You recognized him right away from 

Ezra Washington: Oh, yeah.

Renard and Washington became close friends, but over time  even before Patricia married Renard  Washington says Renard was controlling with her.

Ezra Washington: They were at Pappadeaux' Friday night. You know, she had a few, and he told her "don't drink no more." And she said "Why?" and he was like "Cuz I said so."  And she dumped him.

The couple got back together, but their problems hardly went away says Washington, and eventually impacted Patricia's relationship with her cousin, Cybil.

Ezra Washington: He didn't like Cybil at all. He literally just hated her.

Ezra Washington: She allowed Pat to have freedom.  They were going to  cruise every year. And they party, have fun, and they meet people from other parts of the country.

Cybil Shepherd: He definitely felt, you know, intimidated by the relationship you know that we had.

Shepherd says, after the couple got married, Patricia distanced herself.

Cybil Shepherd: It was more so trying to just put that wedge, uh, between the two of us. And it worked.  I just backed off from it. I didn't want to come between somebody and their marriage.

Patrina Marshall: It almost seemed like he was jealous of her relationships that he already knew she had.

Marshall says her mom and Renard had no business being married. She says their relationship became strained once they moved into their new house.

Patrina Marshall: They argued quite a bit, quite a bit.

Natalie Morales: What did she complain about with him?

Patrina Marshall: Mainly, it was  libido.  that he didn't wanna sleep with her.  maybe she thought he was taking steroids  because his whole demeanor changed and his attitude towards her changed.

Natalie Morales: Like mood swings?

Patrina Marshall: Mm-hmm.

Natalie Morales: Lot of up and down.

Patrina Marshall: Yes.

Marshall says her mom looked up some of Renard's pills and told her she found proof Renard was using steroids.

Natalie Morales: In the days leading up to the shooting. Did it seem like things had intensified?

Patrina Marshall: Yes.

Renard says he was never controlling with Patricia, but he doesn't deny there were issues in their marriage, and says they began about a month before the shooting.

Renard Spivey: She thought I was  on steroids and stuff. And I trying to get her to understand that I  my testosterone was low and I was going to a doctor.

Renard says a doctor had prescribed him testosterone shots.

Natalie Morales: But what about the steroids, were you taking steroids at that time?

Renard Spivey: Well, that was the replacement. It's called  replacement therapy. That's not steroids.

Natalie Morales: Did you feel like your moods were up and down, too, during the time you were getting those shots?

Renard Spivey: No.

Natalie Morales: Do the shots affect your mood?

Renard Spivey: No. Never.

Renard had already told police the two were arguing on that fatal night.

Renard Spivey: She thought I probably was cheating on her or something because we wasn't intimate anymore.

Natalie Morales: And what'd you say to her?

Renard Spivey: I told her no, that's crazy.

Security footage in the Spivey's home recorded some of the couple's movements.

Natalie Morales:  she is sitting at the table at one point. You walk over to her. What happens?

Renard Spivey: when I walked over to her  I was getting ready to go to bed and every time I walked over to her, she'd turn her phone down and then I was trying to kiss her. She said, "I'm not kissing you."

Renard says he was curious why Patricia was hiding her phone from him. After they went to bed, thinking that his wife was asleep, he says he grabbed her phone from her nightstand and brought it into the closet.

Renard Spivey: I wanna see what she was looking at  and so when I grabbed the phone, I'm thinking she's asleep, I go in the master closet, it's dark.  and it wasn't seconds before, you know, pointing the gun at me, gimme my damn phone.

Renard says Patricia followed him into the closet with a gun.

Renard Spivey:  when I turned around and saw her finger on the trigger, I was scared for my life.  When I turned around, she had the gun pointed at me.

SHOTS FIRED  BUT HOW MANY?

Tension between Renard and his wife Patricia turned frightening, he says 

Renard Spivey: I was really scared 'cause  you never put your finger on the trigger unless you prepared to shoot.

 when Patricia threatened him with his gun.

Natalie Morales: Where do you keep your gun?

Renard Spivey: Uh, on the dresser.

Natalie Morales: So it's on your side.

Renard Spivey: On my side.

Natalie Morales: Of the bed.

Renard Spivey: Yeah.

Natalie Morales: And is it always loaded?

Renard Spivey: It's always loaded.

Natalie Morales: Don't you talk somebody down? Like if your police training is to deescalate the situation?

Renard Spivey: Well  I was afraid 'cause I've never been in a situation like that before  the best thing I knew in my training is to try to take the weapon away from her.

In his first-ever interview about the case, Renard Spivey talks with

Renard says he tried to do just that, and things unfolded quickly.

Renard Spivey:  when I grabbed her wrist, I grabbed the top of the weapon.  she pulled back with a finger on the trigger and it went off and shot me in the leg.

Natalie Morales: So you got shot first.

Renard Spivey: I got shot first.

Natalie Morales: Then  what happened?

Renard Spivey: I was in the process of falling down and  when I trying to take the weapon away from her, it went off a couple more times.

Two more times, he says. Patricia was hit in the chest and then hit by another bullet in her arm as illustrated in a CBS News animation based on defense theory.

A still from a CBS News animation based on defense theory of where Patricia Spivey was struck. / Credit: CBS News

Dick DeGuerin: We're certain that the first shot that hit her  went into her, left chest through her lungs and into her heart. We think that the second shot that hit her hit her in the right arm and went  basically in and out of the bicep and then into her upper right upper chest.

But former prosecutor Lisa Andrews says it is not certain that only two shots struck her. The medical examiner thought it was possible Patricia's wounds were the result of three shots  one to the left chest, one to the right arm, and a third to her right chest.

Lisa Andrews: there is a lot of controversy about how many times she was actually shot.

Natalie Morales:  one shot is an accident.  three  shots?

Lisa Andrews: Well, I mean, that's the question, right?

Investigators poured over the home surveillance; three gunshots are heard clearly. But authorities suspected Renard actually fired the gun four times. Three bullets fired at Patricia and then one Renard would have fired at himself  wounding his leg to make it seem that Patricia shot him.

Investigators identified one piece of sound heard over the alarm ringing.

Natalie Morales (listening to clip): Now this next clip picks up  a tap.

They say it is a gunshot, recorded about a minute-and-a-half after the three other shots.

Natalie Morales: Different sound.

Lisa Andrews: Different sound.

There is a reason they say it sounds different than the others.

Lisa Andrews:  their theory was that, that sound  that fourth sound was a gunshot in a different part of the house, and that was him shooting himself.

Renard denies there was a fourth gunshot.

Natalie Morales: That wasn't you shooting the fourth shot 

Renard Spivey: No, ma'am.

Natalie Morales:  to then have 

Renard Spivey: No, ma'am.

Natalie Morales:  a cover up story?

Renard Spivey: No, ma'am.

Renard's attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Michael DeGeurin Jr. also listened to that surveillance tape.

Michael DeGeurin Jr: It is not a gunshot.

They say the sound most likely is the click of another camera in the room being activated.

Dick DeGuerin: And  keep in mind, there were three empty cartridges that were found 

But Lisa Andrews says there were other things that could point to Renard's guilt  like his call to 911.

911 OPERATOR: What is your emergency?

RENARD SPIVEY: Uh, shots fired.

911 OPERATOR: Is there an actual patient there? Has someone been shot?

RENARD SPIVEY: Yes, ma'am.

Lisa Andrews: He was pretty calm.  the demeanor does look pretty off to me.

911 OPERATOR: OK. Where's the patient?

RENARD SPIVEY: They on the floor  I'm shot too.

Lisa Andrews: "They." He doesn't say, my wife or she.  It's  an emotional step back from  from what has happened.

It took Renard two-and-a-half minutes to say he accidentally shot his wife.

RENARD SPIVEY (to 911):  Me and my wife had an argument.  I accidentally shot her.

Lisa Andrews (listening to 911 call): It's like he can't bring himself to say what he's done.

Lisa Andrews: For him not to reveal that information  with two decades of law enforcement training  to me, that was consciousness of guilt.

But Renard says he wasn't hiding anything.

Renard Spivey: Well, when you traumatized  And to see your wife shot, and you shot too at the same time, it's a lot.

Dick DeGuerin: Uh, you can hear the strain in his voice. So you know he's in pain.  he was confused and, uh, probably going into shock.

But there are other things on that tape that caught Andrews' attention.

911 OPERATOR: Since she is not awake and not breathing, normally, sir, we need to perform CPR on her.

RENARD SPIVEY: Huh?

911 OPERATOR: I said, we need to perform CPR on her 

Lisa Andrews: I felt this was also significant.  I have no doubt he is trained in how to give CPR, perform it.

Renard can be heard counting, doing what sounds like chest compressions. But a little while later, the home security cameras show Renard takes a break without mentioning it to the 911 operator.

911 OPERATOR: You need to apply firm direct pressure to your wounds and her wounds, but we still need to continue the CPR.

RENARD SPIVEY: OK, ma'am.

A still from home security video shows Renard Spivey holding a towel to his leg while on the phone with a 911 operator. / Credit: Evidence photo

Natalie Morales: He's on the phone with 911 holding a towel on his leg.

Lisa Andrews: Typically, when you're performing CPR, you don't take breaks.

Renard says he went to unlock the garage door to make sure medics could get to his wife as soon as possible.

Renard Spivey: I  came right back and continue the chest compressions

RENARD SPIVEY (to 911) : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Ma'am. (crying)

He is then heard breaking down.

911 OPERATOR: I'm here Mr. Spivey. Just keep going.  You're doing great, sir. If you can continue, please continue.

RENARD SPIVEY: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven (crying).

Renee Spivey-Frazier: He loved her. He really loved her.

Renard's twin sister is not surprised her brother was emotional.

Renee Spivey-Frazier:  she lost her life and he still  he was hurting ...

On the evening of July 27, 2019, Renard Spivey says he and his wife Patricia were having a quiet night at their Houston home. But, he says, they soon began arguing and Patricia confronted him, asking if he was having an affair. / Credit: Evidence photo

But Patricia's close friend Ezra Washington says just two days before Patricia died, she told him she was fed up with Renard's controlling ways and his suspected steroid use  which she blamed for the lack of intimacy in their relationship.

Ezra Washington: She said, you know what  she said, "I'm done"  She said, "I'm leaving."

Washington says on the day of the shooting he had multiple phone conversations with Renard, and that Renard told him they were getting a divorce. Washington claims he confronted Renard about steroids.

Ezra Washington: "I know you are on them steroids." "OK, OK  Man, I did. I got some product from my boy 'cause I wanted to get lean for the cruise  but I ain't doing it no more." I said, "stop lying."

Washington says he told Renard to just leave the home but Renard made a comment about Patricia not getting the house.

Ezra Washington: I'mma show her. I'mma show her. I said, man, don't be stupid.

Washington says he feels guilty for not reaching out to Patricia to warn her that night.

Ezra Washington: I didn't call. I regret that to this day.

But he told authorities about his conversations with Renard.

Ezra Washington: I told them everything.

As Marshall and Shepherd waited for the case to go to trial, they had arrived at the same conclusion with Washington: that Renard had intentionally shot and killed Patricia.

Patrina Marshall:  it was more or less, his actions afterwards.  I didn't see any remorse from him.

Cybil Shepherd: I don't think it was an accident.

But Renard Spivey's loved ones were convinced he would walk out a free man.

Gerald Graham: He would never, ever intentionally pull a weapon to kill.

Gerald Graham: I knew him.  And I knew he was gonna get a not guilty verdict.





WAS PATRICIA SPIVEY'S SHOOTING DEATH AN ACCIDENT OR MURDER?

As Patricia Spivey's family waited for their day in court, the coronavirus pandemic stalled the proceedings and four-and-a-half half years passed by.

Cybil Shepherd: That's not justice.

Renard remained under house arrest, but after some time, his lawyers successfully filed a motion to remove his ankle monitor and Renard joined the world of dating apps.

Renard Spivey: I probably was on maybe one or two of them, but, you know, you get lonely, you need  you know, some friends or something like that.

On Nov. 28, 2023, Renard Spivey was back in court. This time, not as a bailiff  but as the accused facing a life sentence if convicted.

Cybil Shepherd: He looked totally different you know. He wasn't the clean shaven, you know.  He had the gray beard.

The state told the jury Renard shot Patricia intentionally after she threatened to leave their marriage.

Lisa Andrews: The prosecution's theory is that almost like he snapped. He was angry.  They were arguing.  He was being accused of things by her.

But according to Spivey's attorneys, this was simply a case of self-defense.

Dick DeGuerin: Self-defense fits because she was threatening him with a gun, and he grabbed her wrist and the gun in his own defense.

They say what happened next was an accident.

Dick DeGuerin: It was an unintentional discharge of the gun, several discharges of the gun.  when he told me what kind of gun it was, I'd had experience with that particular model of a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic.

Natalie Morales: You have it right there.

Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with gun): There is no external safety on this gun.  So, if, uh, someone's finger is on that trigger, all it takes is a slight pressure, and it goes off.

Dick DeGuerin: with someone that's gripping and trying  to wrestle with the gun, that's enough pressure to engage the trigger and to fire the gun.

Dick DeGuerin says once fired, the semi-automatic reloads itself instantaneously.

Dick DeGuerin:  it recharges in split seconds.  Each time it's fired, it's ready to fire again.

"48 Hours" went with DeGuerin to the doorway of the closet in Spivey's house, where he showed us what he says happened.

Natalie Morales Pretty sizeable closet  it's like a big closet.

Dick DeGuerin: Big closet.

Defense attorney Dick DeGuerin demonstrates for

Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with Morales): He saw that she had her finger on the trigger.  with his left hand, he grabbed her right wrist and put his right hand on the top of the gun to force it down and she pulled back 

Natalie Morales: And so she shot 

Dick DeGuerin: Back away from me.

Natalie Morales: OK.  And when she did that, it shot, hit him in the left thigh.

Dick DeGuerin: And as they fell, he grabbed her again and grabbed the gun and tried to twist it out of her hand. Uh, her left hand came off.

Natalie Morales: OK, left hand comes off.

Dick DeGuerin And the gun went off again and shot her  in the chest.

Then, DeGuerin says the gun went off one more time and the third shot hit Patricia in the arm.

Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with Morales): Her hand by that time was in relationship to her body almost, vertical to her body. That's why when the bullet went in, it went in by her elbow, came back out and went into her chest.

The gunpowder burn mark on Renard's right hand proves he grabbed the gun as Patricia fired, says defense attorney Dick DeGuerin / Credit: Evidence photo

DeGuerin says the powder burn mark on Renard's right hand proves he grabbed the gun as Patricia fired.

Dick DeGuerin: When the gun fires  this is where the gun powder that's been fired comes out  And that's what burned  his right hand.

But there was something that puzzled the prosecutors and they raised it at trial. In Renard's telling, he and Patricia were fighting at the entrance of the closet but Patricia's body was found deep inside the closet. Prosecutors believe it was because he cornered her.

OFFICER (bodycam): Where's she at 

RENARD SPIVEY: Laying on the floor.

Natalie Morales: Her body, as I understand 

Dick DeGuerin: Her body 

Natalie Morales:  where did it end up?

Dick DeGuerin: Well, it ended up, uh, over in about the area that you are, but then after 

Natalie Morales: And why  how did it end up here?

Dick DeGuerin: Because that's where they fell.

Natalie Morales: Where she fell.

At trial, the defense team painted Patricia as the aggressor, and they point to her internet activity that evening to demonstrate, they say, that her frustration with her husband was building. At 2:49 a.m., Patricia posted this meme on Facebook: "Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words." At 2:59 a.m., Patricia is seen on camera for the last time.

At 2:59 a.m., Patricia Spivey is seen on her home's security camera for the last time. / Credit: Evidence photo

At 3:01 a.m., prosecutors suspect Patricia had enough  and in the home's security video you can make out her saying the words "it's the same thing  over and over again." But DeGuerin says it is not clear what Patricia really meant.

Dick DeGuerin: Maybe that's what she said, but what did it mean?  It's ambiguous. What is she complaining about over and over again?

At 3:03 a.m., Renard is seen in the kitchen, and then he goes into the bedroom. Four minutes later at 3:07 a.m., you hear those three gunshots.

Dick DeGuerin: They were in quick succession  inside of four seconds.

And at trial, Renard Spivey told the jury his wife Patricia was the one firing.

Renard Spivey: I didn't pull the trigger.

Natalie Morales: No, your fingers weren't on the trigger?

Renard Spivey: No, ma'am, not at all.

DeGuerin says there is no evidence to contradict that. He says that a crime scene technician acknowledged at trial that the trigger was never separately swabbed for DNA.

Dick DeGuerin: She said, well, I was afraid that the gun would go off again. Now, that tells you how dangerous that gun was 

But Marshall says her mom was not the type of person who would pull a gun on anyone.

Patrina Marshall: My mom is not violent like that.  It didn't make sense to me.

Instead, Marshall believes her mom was in the closet that night because she was packing.

Patrina Marshall: I think she was trying to leave that night.

Prosecutors had Ezra Washington tell the jury about those phone conversations with Renard where Renard talked about his frustrations.

Ezra Washington: I just want to get 'em the truth. Everything that came outta his mouth that I know.

But the prosecutors ran into a problem. They say Washington told them he spoke to Renard using apps on his phone, and they were unable to find records of those calls. DeGuerin says he doesn't believe those conversations ever took place.

Natalie Morales: Are you saying Ezra Washington then  when he testified, because he was a key witness for the prosecution, was he lying when he talked about those phone calls?

Dick DeGuerin: I wouldn't call him a key witness.  particularly when we were able to show that  there was no record of those calls.

Renard Spivey:  he didn't talk to me. He lied. He didn't talk to me.

Natalie Morales: Why would he make that up, though?

Renard Spivey: I don't know why he would make that up.

And Renard says he had no reason to kill his wife.

Natalie Morales: Had there been conversations about separation or divorce between you and Patricia?

Renard Spivey: No.

Natalie Morales: She hadn't talked about leaving you?

Renard Spivey: No, no. All that's lies.

As the case went to the jury, no one knew who the jurors were going to believe.

Renard Spivey: It was tough.  people pointing finger at you, "you did it."  And I know deep inside that I didn't.

AN ACQUITTAL FOR DEPUTY SPIVEY

Renard Spivey: I've never stopped having hope. And have faith.  My heart is  you know, I'm emotional. I don't know what to expect.

On Dec. 6, 2023, after 12 hours of deliberations over two days., the jury in Renard Spivey's murder trial reached a verdict and found him not guilty.

Renard Spivey: I fall to the floor crying. Boo crying  My attorneys help pick me up. My family, you know.

Natalie Morales: Very emotional?

Renard Spivey: Yeah, oh  (sighs)

Renard's sister was relieved.

Renee Spivey-Frazier: I wanted it to be over with because I'm concerned about him.  I'm concerned about his wellbeing, his life, how he's handling this.

But she says there were no winners.

Renee Spivey-Frazier: She lost her life  You know, I was feeling for her.  His life will never be the same.

On the other side of the aisle, Patricia's family and friends say they couldn't believe the jury's decision.

Cybil Shepherd: I'm just  I'm numb.  I do not believe that she received justice at all.

Patrina Marshall l: I felt like I held my breath, and then "not guilty."  I don't understand how they got there  I didn't believe him.

Renard's attorney says the jurors just weren't convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was the one who fired that gun.

Dick DeGuerin: I think was very important to the jury that the prosecution never proved whose finger was on the trigger.  And - it's very important because the prosecution has the burden of proof.

Dick DeGuerin:  and the gun was so important.  The fact that it's such a dangerous design of a gun that will go off so easily.

Lisa Andrews: There just wasn't, uh, enough evidence to disprove his story.

Patricia Spivey / Credit: Patricia Marshall/Facebook

Since the trial, Patricia's family say they've had a hard time processing their loss.

Cybil Shepherd: It felt like it was way too soon for me to be at her funeral.  Facebook has this  these memories  And just seems like every other day  her pictures will come up  I think about the times that, you know, we share, the good times.

Patrina Marshall: My mom was still important. Like, she was important to me

Patrina Marshall: I just miss that unconditional love.  I have no anchor, like she's gone.  So she was my anchor. (emotional) Yeah, so yeah.

Renard Spivey: I'm hurting.  So I know how they feel.

Renard Spivey: Actually, I would like to, you know, come to their family  go to their family, and say, hey, look, you know  I loved her, you know?  And they knew that.  It's no doubt in my mind that they knew I loved Patricia Marshall.

Renard says, since his acquittal, he has been active in his community 

Renard Spivey: I work for an organization and I volunteer for healing for hoodies  And we feed the homeless every Sunday.

 leaning on his family and friends.

Renard Spivey: A lot of the officers, a lot of other people [say], we knew that you didn't do that.  We knew that you would get  you know, found not guilty. We know you; we know your character; we know the type of person you are.

But he says he still misses his wife.

Renard Spivey:  you remember stuff that she used to like, you remember the music, you remember the food she liked. ... You know what color dress, certain things she liked. You remember all that.

Renard Spivey: So every day, it's  it's a challenge  It's  it's  I'm still  I can't sleep at night.  I live with it every day.

"48 HOURS" POST MORTEM PODCAST

"48 Hours" contributor Natalie Morales and producer Asena Basak break down the case of Patricia Spivey. They discuss the home security footage that captured crucial evidence from the night of the shooting and never-before-heard audio from Renard Spivey's 911 call.

Produced by Asena Basak. Jenna Jackson is the development producer. Morgan Canty is the field producer. Atticus Brady and Chris Crater are the editors. Annabelle Allen is the associate producer. Patti Aronofsky is the senior producer.

NIL money in college athletics creating "have-not" sports

Sneak peek: The Disappearance of Maddi Kingsbury

"Unrivaled" league debuts with WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner
Joan Plowright, the celebrated actress known for her distinguished career in theatre and film, died at the age of 95, her family confirmed.

Plowright gained widespread acclaim for her performances with the English Stage Company at the Royal Court and the National Theatre, during its early years at the Old Vic, which was led by her second husband, Laurence Olivier.

Together, Plowright and Olivier performed in John Osborne's The Entertainer on both the West End and Broadway, also starring in the film adaptation. At the National Theatre, she portrayed Portia opposite Olivier's Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, as well as Masha in Three Sisters, Sonya in Uncle Vanya, and the title role in Shaw's Saint Joan.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on 16 January 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95," a statement from the family read.

"She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.

"She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories. The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years."

The Society of London Theatre announced that London's West End theatres will dim their lights for two minutes at 7 pm on Tuesday to honor Joan Plowright's memory.

"Dame Joan Plowright was an iconic and deeply respected figure in the world of theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the industry she shaped with her talent and dedication," the organization's co-CEO, Hannah Essex.

Who Was Joan Plowright?

Joan Plowright was born on October 28, 1929, in Brigg, Lincolnshire, and attended Scunthorpe Grammar School on a scholarship. She was the second of three children born to Daisy Margaret Burton, an amateur actress and opera singer who also taught dancing, and William Ernest Plowright, a journalist with a love for amateur dramatics. From a young age, Plowright knew she wanted to become an actor and won a drama trophy at a local theatre festival when she was 15. After leaving school at 17, she briefly worked as a supply teacher before training at the Old Vic Theatre School in London.

She made her stage debut in 1948 in Croydon, in a production titled If Four Walls Told, and soon joined the Old Vic Theatre Company. It was there she met fellow actor Roger Gage, whom she later married. Despite an unsuccessful audition for the role of Bianca in Orson Welles's stage production of Othello, Welles remembered her and cast her as Pip, the cabin boy, in his 1955 West End production of Moby Dick.
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued PepsiCo on Friday for offering preferential pricing to a large retailer, whom a source familiar with the matter confirmed was Walmart.

The practices fed high consumer prices by placing at a disadvantage other retailers, from large grocery chains to independent convenience stores, the FTC said.

"PepsiCo strongly disputes the FTC's allegations, and the partisan manner in which the suit was filed," the company said in a statement.

The lawsuit filed in New York alleges the soft drink manufacturer violated the Robinson-Patman Act, a law that went largely unenforced for decades by the federal government.

Walmart declined to comment.

"The FTC's action will help ensure all grocers and other businesses  no matter the size  can get a fair shake and compete on the merits of their skill, efficiency, and talent," outgoing FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement.

The FTC's two Republican commissioners, including Andrew Ferguson, who will chair the commission after President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday, voted against the case.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in California; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Rod Nickel)
Ohio entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will announce a bid for Ohio governor "shortly," a source close to Ramaswamy confirmed.

President-elect Donald Trump had urged Ramaswamy, 39, to consider replacing Trump's running mate J.D. Vance in the U.S. Senate. However, Gov. Mike DeWine chose Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for the position on Friday.

Ramaswamy, who grew up in the Cincinnati area and lives in suburban Columbus, emerged as a late contender for the Senate seat after withdrawing himself from consideration two months ago. Trump tapped Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Elon Musk.

Ultimately, Ramaswamy sees himself as an executive and plans to run for Ohio governor in 2026, according to a source close to Ramaswamy. DeWine cannot run for reelection because of term limits.

With Trump's expected support, Ramaswamy could have an edge in a GOP primary. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will formally announce his gubernatorial bid in late February after seeing a "groundswell of support" for his candidacy, spokeswoman Amy Natoce said. Husted's departure from the race clears at least one person from the field.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton recently announced she would run for governor as a Democrat.

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at a post-election conference hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in Columbus in November.

Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?

After graduating from Harvard and Yale Law School  where he studied with Vance  Ramaswamy founded a pharmaceutical company and asset management firm.

Ramaswamy graduated from St. Xavier High School, a private all-boys Jesuit-run school just west of Cincinnati. He was the 2003 valedictorian at the school.

During his unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for president in 2024, Ramaswamy called for shutting down the Department of Education, FBI and other government agencies. He also generated headlines for unconventional ideas such as raising the voting age to 25, unless people serve in the military or pass a civics test.

Ramaswamy's appointment came weeks after he faced blowback for a social media post blaming American "mediocrity" for technology companies that prefer to hire immigrants. The normally active X user went on a brief hiatus this month after Trumps team urged Cabinet nominees not to use social media without the OK from incoming White House counsel.

Haley BeMiller and Jessie Balmert cover state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vivek Ramaswamy will announce run for Ohio governor 'shortly'
Wall Street closed higher on Friday, pushing stocks to their first weekly advance this year, ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.

President-elect Trump's inauguration is Monday, and his first days are expected to be filled with a flurry of executive orders.

"Reports suggest 100 or more," wrote Morgan Stanley analysts in a report. Any signals of how Trump's proposed tariffs would be implemented would be carefully watched, they said.

Morgan Stanley economists still think the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates at its March policy meeting after cooler inflation data earlier this week, but noted "sooner and higher-than-expected tariffs can take March off of the table."

Bitcoin gained 4.95%, closing in on $105,000, in anticipation of a possible first day order by Trump. It was last at $104,949 on reports that Trump could release an executive order making crypto a national priority as soon as his new term begins. Crypto-related shares like Coinbase and Robinhood rose, too."

The broad S&P 500 index closed up 1% at 5,996.71; the blue-chip Dow gained 0,77%, rising to 43,487.52; and the tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped 1.51% to 19,630.20.

Shares of social media giants Facebook and Instagram owner Meta and YouTube parent Alphabet advanced after the Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company doesn't sell it. Trump reportedly is considering an executive order to stop the ban. Meanwhile, Meta and Alphabet closed higher because they may be among the companies that could benefit from a TikTok ban, analysts said.

The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield firmed to 4.615%.

Sizing up markets heading into inauguration Monday

U.S. stocks notched their first weekly gain this year, with the S&P 500 and Dow logging their biggest weekly gains since November. The Nasdaq put in its best week since December.

"The U.S. macro backdrop at the moment, at least per Decembers data, is one that points to the best of all worlds  higher employment, falling core inflation (which excludes the volatile food and energy sectors), and a strong consumer," said Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone, which offers trading services. "Not a bad inheritance for President-elect Trump to pick up on Monday."

On Friday morning, December industrial production and capacity utilization both easily beat expectations. Industrial production, which measures factory output, rose 0.9% and capacity utilization, which measures how efficiently resources are used, improved to 77.6%.

On a technical basis, stocks also look bullish, said Larry Tentarelli, chief technical strategist for Blue Chip Daily Trend Report.

So-called sentiment indicators -- bullish or bearish -- at extreme levels are "fairly reliable contrarian indicators," Tentarelli said, and bullish sentiment for stocks currently is at the lowest level since the November 2023 major S&P 500 lows in November 2023. This should bode well for stocks, he said.

"Investors tend to be most bullish at market highs and most bearish near market lows," he said.

FILE PHOTO: A Wall Street sign hangs in front of a U.S. Flag outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) before the Federal Reserve announcement in New York City, U.S., September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

Corporate news

Corporate news continues to garner attention. Some of the day's biggest movers were:

Tesla shares added 3% on speculation Tesla founder Elon Musk will buy TikTok. Earlier reports suggested ByteDance was considering a TikTok sale to Musk, who owns X and is a Trump ally.

J.B. Hunt's shares dropped more than 7% after the transport company reported earnings below analysts' forecasts.

Intel stock jumped more than 9% amid takeover speculation.

Schlumberger stock gained 6% after the oil giant beat fourth-quarter profit forecasts, benefiting from higher demand for its drilling equipment and technology in North America and international markets.

Truist Financial shares rose 6% after the company said its fourth-quarter profit rose as it earned more in interest payments.

Trump Media shares gave back early gains to end down 2.37% ahead of Trump's inauguration.

Novo Nordisk stock fell more than 5% after the drug maker's weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medicine Ozempic landed on Medicare's list of the next 15 drugs to face price negotiations.

(This story was updated with new information.)

Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wall Street ends higher before Trump's White House return on Monday
by Mathias Hariyadi

Strong stance by Archbishop Msgr. Paulus Budi Kleven in defense of pristine lands that the Jakarta government wants to turn into a hub for new nationally significant development projects on the predominantly Catholic island. Local farmers' concerns.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleven, archbishop of Ende in Flores, Indonesia's predominantly Catholic island in eastern Nusa Tenggara province, has publicly expressed his opposition to plans to build geothermal power plants in Mataloko and other locations in his diocese's territory.

A statement that is attracting a great deal of attention from groups fighting for environmental protection. Archbishop Kleven's is in fact the first explicit voice of Indonesian Church leaders against projects that are potentially harmful to the ecosystem and the social life of local communities.

Having listened to the concerned voices of the people and other stakeholders, I feel morally bound to express my strong rejection against any geothermal site project in some locations within our pastoral territory of Ende, said The prelate (appointed by Pope Francis a few months ago after serving as superior general of the Verbites) in a video message released last week.

Having listened to dozens of people on the ground from Sokoria to Mataloko and the local clergy, I have no doubt in declaring as the leader of this Church my opinion, the archbishop added in a gesture that is part of that attention to the issue of the environment urged by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si.

Since 2017, Flores Island has been officially declared by Jakarta as a potential site for exploration of sites suitable for geothermal plants. There are reportedly 17 projects among which some have already been attributed to the Daratei and Mataloko locations in the Ngada area.

A wave of actions have been taken in recent years by investors and other parties to push local chiefs and church leaders themselves to support so-called national strategic projects.

Those affected are mountainous territories that represent true natural paradises, but where forms of degradation are already increasing in the name of economic development. Residents report threats to public health, but also phenomena such as the deterioration of the condition of houses due to unwanted materials and the decrease in the fertility of farmland.

Farmers in Mataloko have submitted their complaints about the serious decline in the harvests of coffee, cocoa, maize, vanilla, vegetables, avocados, and cloves, reads a report by some environmental associations.

Against this backdrop, Bishop Kleden urgently calls on local priests and leaders to mitigate all the serious effects caused by these projects, calling for strong resistance against any mining initiative that would harm the environment and people's community life.
Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a shooting at a shopping center that left one person dead.

The incident occurred at North Hills Mall, located in an affluent area of Raleigh. Although the initial reports described an "active shooter," police later clarified it was not a traditional active shooter scenario, according to WRAL.

Two others were injured in the shooting. An adult male is in critical condition, while another individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the Raleigh Police Department stated in a news release.

Numerous officers responded to the scene, and officials have urged shoppers to avoid the area as nearby roads remain closed. Residents are being asked to use alternate routes.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the incident or the victims.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Possible peace talks in Ukraine could result in an easing of sanctions, which would consequently give Russia a chance to again strengthen its influence in the region. Where China's activism is also increasing. The crux of relations with Tehran.

Astana (AsiaNews) - The imminent inauguration of Donald Trump's presidency in Washington raises different reflections at all latitudes because of the consequences on the balance of world geopolitics.

Central Asian countries, at a stage of seeking a new definition in global trade and political relations, are no exception, and there is no shortage of fears that they will again be marginalized by the political choices of the world's top superpower.

To this issue turn their attention the experts at Cabar.Asia, who generally believe that U.S. policy will not change much toward the region, even if it is not put first in the White House's concerns.

Rustam Burnasev, a professor at the Kazakh-German University, does not believe that the U.S. will do much in Central Asia: It is not a priority for them, but the U.S. policy in this direction is quite stable and will not change with the change of administration.

The main U.S. demand to Central Asian countries is compliance with sanctions against Russia, to prevent dual-purpose, civilian and military exports. The 5+1 format in the case of the U.S. remains a purely diplomatic mode, at the level of foreign ministers and not heads of state, without much prospect of economic agreements.

Possible peace talks in Ukraine could result in an easing of sanctions, which would consequently give Russia the opportunity to strengthen its influence over Central Asia again.

However, Burnasev believes that the scenarios can be very different, it depends on which of them actually comes to fruition, and after all, Moscow's influence in these countries has never really diminished in recent years. Rather, Washington's strategy could turn more aggressively toward China, which in turn could remake itself with greater activism precisely in Central Asia.

In 2021, the Trump administration had expressed support for the development of the trans-Caspian gas corridor, joining Turkmenistan with Azerbaijan, but this is a chain of projects in which China and Iran are also very much involved.

It is difficult to predict how they will develop in later stages, but in general experts are convinced that everyone benefits from these prospects, including Russia, which has several opportunities to connect to them. As for U.S. participation in these projects, many doubt that the U.S. intends to invest many resources in them, being in fact the most distant partner with respect to the size of Eurasia.

They also consider the possibility that the U.S. will tighten sanctions against Iran, a crucial partner especially for Tajikistan, which also has importance for other countries in the region. In any case, relations with Tehran remain rather undefined, and even then there could be unpredictable developments.

Another important issue concerns respect for human rights, a subject on which Trump seems to be less sensitive than his predecessor, and there are fears of reductions in programs to support civil society, although in this area much depends on institutions, rather than personal charisms.

The Iran issue, some experts note, will depend a great deal on developments in the Middle East crisis, and on how credible the cease-fire decided in Gaza in recent days can be. A not insignificant aspect concerns oil prices, which Trump will certainly try to lower, as is evident from his political and economic programs, a factor that could weaken the Russian economy even more than sanctions.

An eventual partial U.S. withdrawal from activities in Central Asia, observers add, will require greater EU engagement in the region, seeking to balance the influences of Russia and China, although the Europeans themselves do not have clearly defined positions.

Overall, a test of Trumpian pragmatism, the new president's dowry also praised in Kremlin statements, is awaited to redraw a framework that can ensure stability and development in Central Asia as well.
A member of the Missions Etrangeres de Paris, the clergyman died in France at the age of 85. In 1975, he was among the last foreigners to leave the country whose ideological shift he later recounted in "Cambodia: Year Zero", a book that became a point of reference for Pol Pot's regime. Back in Cambodia in 1993, he accompanied the rebirth of the Cambodian Church, also thanks to his translations of the Bible and catechisms in the local language.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Fr Francois Ponchaud, a missionary who spent 56 years in Cambodia, died today at the age of 85 at the retirement home of the Missions Etrangeres de Paris (MEP), in Lauris, France.

Known around the world as a direct witness to the Khmer Rouge seizure of power in 1975, which forced him into exile, he wrote Cambodge annee zero (Cambodia: Year Zero), a key book on those tragic years that saw the extermination of up to 2.3 million Cambodians.

But Fr Ponchaud was also one of the protagonists in the laborious rebirth of Cambodias martyred Church in Southeast Asia, where he returned to carry out his ministry starting in 1993.

In Phnom Penh, the apostolic vicar, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, announced his death to the Cambodian Church this morning.

Father Francois Ponchaud gave his entire life serving our Lord and the People of God as a missionary priest (for 60 years) in Cambodia since 1965! writes the prelate. We have gratitude for his work to translate the Bible, Council Vatican II, many official texts of the Catholic Church and prepared all books for catechesis, liturgy as well many seminars for catechists and faithful.

Fr Ponchaud was born on 8 November 1939 in Sallanches in Haute-Savoie, writes Ad Extra, a missionary platform set up by the MEP.

He came to the French missionary institute after serving in the French military as a paratrooper in Algeria for 28 months. Ordained a priest in 1964, he sailed to Cambodia the following year.

After the first years dedicated to the study of the Khmer language, he served the apostolic prefecture of Kampong Cham.

When the Khmer Rouge took over Phnom Penh on 17 April 1975, he was held up in the French embassy, and expelled a few days later, on 8 May, one of the last foreigners to leave Cambodia.

He published Cambodge annee zero in France in 1977, which was translated into eight languages, revealing to the world the horror of the Khmer Rouge regime.

By monitoring official speeches on the radio, Fr Ponchaud decoded the objectives pursued by the revolution: the organisation of the new society, the ideological education of the people, and the "creation of a new culture at the painful cost in terms of blood that everyone would later discover.

Even in his years of exile, he never stopped visiting Cambodian refugees in France, Europe, the United States, and Thailand. He was finally able to return to Cambodia in 1993, after the Paris Peace Agreements (1991) and the end of the Vietnamese occupation, resuming his pastoral work.

From 2016 to 2021, before returning to France due to age and poor health, he retired to a small rural parish, dividing his time between spiritual and cultural activities.

One of his works, La cathedrale de la riziere (available in English as The Cathedral of the Rice Paddy), describes 450 years of history of the Church in Cambodia.

In Southeast Asian country, he also founded the Cambodian Catholic Cultural Centre to teach the Khmer language and culture to young missionaries and volunteers to better serve the Cambodian people.
by Shafique Khokhar

Despite existing legislation, kilns are places of "inter-generational slavery", circles of violence from which it is almost impossible to escape. Minority activist Joseph Janssen freed 32 people from six Christian families. Naseem, Mehwish and Safia and their relatives tell stories of decades of a hellish life. We want justice, not only for our families, but also for those who still work there, said Habib, one of the survivors.

Lahore (AsiaNews)  For hundreds of thousands of families in Pakistan, brick kilns are places of inter-generational slavery, where debts are passed on from parents to children, tying them to a life of hard work. In total, some 4.5 million people working in about 20,000 kilns are voiceless.

Although the country banned forced labour due to debt decades ago, the practice continues, hidden in the shadows and aggravated by economic crises and poor law enforcement. Sexual abuse, human trafficking and serious human rights violations further aggravate the injustice.

In response to this crisis, minority rights activist Joseph Janssen recently embarked on a new mission in Pakistan, with the aim of freeing some Christian families trapped in brick kilns bondage, seeking justice for women kidnapped and forcibly converted.

Working with local organisations, his team rescued 32 people, including children, seniors, and five women who had endured over a decade of sexual slavery. Following the rescue, Janssen is providing them with legal assistance to acquire official identity papers because many do not have them.

"This support brings hope for a life free from slavery, a life in which they can work for independence and regain control of their destiny," he told AsiaNews.

However, the stories of Naseem, Mehwish, and Safia highlight a deeper issue, namely The urgent need for Pakistan to enforce its laws, end sexual abuse and exploitation in these industries, and protect its most vulnerable workers."

Naseem, threats and ongoing violence

Naseem, a mother of two sons and two daughters, said: "We can't even send our children to school, they won't let us. They said that our children had to do the same work for them, because we were their slaves."

Even when they were ill, they were taken to work by force, abused and their husbands beaten. If we refused to have sex with them, they threatened to kill our husbands and demand the amount of the debt back," she added.

When we made a thousand bricks in the kiln, they beat us, punished us, and forced us to make a thousand more bricks for them. We had to work fifteen or sixteen hours a day. My eight- and nine-year-old children were also forced to work with us," Naseem said.

"They gave us less money in exchange for our work. They thought that if they gave us more money we could leave their brick kiln and escape from their slavery, she added.

Naseem recalled an incident when all members of her family, including her husband and children, were sick and they had no money for medicine. She went to the accountant of the brick kiln and begged for money. In response, the accountant told her that if she had sex with him, he would give her money for her family's medicine. She was also sick, but for her family she had to undergo that torture.

Mehwish, stalking and sexual violence

Another woman, Mehwish, told AsiaNews that Every time we went to the bazaar to buy food, they followed us, thinking we might escape. They force us to sit on their motorcycles, take us to unknown places and rape us."

When activist Joseph Janssen rescued her from slavery, the owner of the brick kiln filed an complaint against her, claiming that she had kidnapped a child from the kiln.

"I adopted a son from my sister and raised him for five years. After the complaint, the police arrived and snatched the child away from me; for a month I had to deal with panic attacks. After a month, with the help of Joseph Janssen, I saved my son.

Safia, victim of abuse for decades

Some of the people rescued tells stories of unimaginable torments. One of these survivors, Safia, was victim of sexual abuse for decades.

Born into a life of hardship at a brick kiln, she started working alongside her parents from an early age. Her family was tied to the kiln by a debt her father contracted of about 100,000 rupees (about US$ 360), a burden that kept them slaves.

After marrying a workmate, she continued to work non-stop, enduring scorching heat every day while making bricks. However, her troubles were not limited to work. The owner of the brick kiln, Haji Abdul Ghafoor Ahmed, along with others, began sexually abusing her from the age of 12.

The sexual abuse continued even after her marriage, when her husband was absent, lasting 10 to 12 years, with threats of violence if she resisted. The physical and emotional scars were aggravated by the daily demand to make 2,000 bricks at temperatures of 48 degrees.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Safia said: "We were a total of six families of relatives who worked in Ghafoor Ahmed's kiln. The owner of the kiln told us that our six families owed him 3.5 million rupees (US$ 12,560). They beat us, sexually abused us, and tortured our husbands, brothers, and fathers.

"In April 2023, the owner of the brick kiln made us a cunning offer. If all six families converted to Islam, he would free us from slavery and debt. If we didn't accept his proposal, he would beat us and continue to sexually abuse our women.

That same month, he called the local media to the brick kiln and had them converted in front of the cameras. After that, he started to mistreat us. He told us that we had to give him 4 million (US$ 14,350) further increasing the figure. We found no help anywhere and were forced to live like slaves in his kiln."

"The owner of the brick kiln, the watchman and the accountants raped us. They gave us drugs ordering us to give them to our husbands during the night and when they fell asleep they called us and raped us. Our past lives were a nightmare and we lived like hell at the brick kiln."

Survivors demand justice

Khurram, Safia's husband, told AsiaNews. We are illiterate. They oppressed us with false debts. They mistreated us; They even tortured my 70-year-old father because he couldn't make bricks anymore. They did not allow us to go to church and forced us to offer Namaaz (Muslims prayer). They beat us because we didn't fast in the month of Ramadan.

Habib, 70, Khurram's father, said: My whole life has been spent in slavery. We had no dignity and respect, our women were not safe, they were brutally raped, but we could not do anything to save them.

Every time they tried to stop the abuse, they were tortured, beaten and mistreated by the owners of the kilns.

"Finally Jesus sent us Joseph Janssen, who saved us in August 2024. He got us out of that quagmire of violence and disrespect. Since then he has kept changing out locations, six times for our safety, and provide us with food and good clothes.

We want justice, not only for our families, but also for those who still work there. I wish those monsters could no longer ruin the lives of any girl or woman," Habib Masih said.

We will make our statements before the judges of the courts and we will try to put these cruel people behind bars. I wish more people could work like our brother Joseph and save hundreds of lives that are enslaved in brick kilns.
Trump, who takes office on 20 January, opposed visas for highly skilled jobs, but changed his mind after comments from Elon Musk, whose companies rely on Indian labour. Yet, many US companies have cut job offers, while others have warned their foreign employees against travelling outside the United States to avoid not being able to return.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Indian H-1B visa holders have been advised not to travel outside the United States in the coming months to avoid getting caught up in new rules that might ban them from ever setting foot on American soil again.

Under the three-year H1-B visa, which has been in place for 34 years, employers can hire foreign skilled workers for highly specialised jobs.

Speaking about immigration in the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has criticised the programme, arguing that it disadvantaged American workers. However, influenced by Elon Musk, he seems to have changed his mind.

The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX. Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is (sic) because of H1B, Musk wrote on X in late December. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.

Eventually, Trump, who will take office on January 20, told the New York Post: Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. Thats why we have them.

The current debate was sparked when the president-elect appointed Sriram Krishnan as an advisor on artificial intelligence. Born and raised in India, he moved to the US in 2007 to work at Microsoft, later moving to other IT firms like Facebook, Yahoo and Twitter. He obtained US citizenship in 2016, but Trump's far-right supporters lashed out at him on social media.

Some Indian newspapers report that several Indians had their job offers revoked due to visa-related concerns. To avoid dealing with red tape, several US companies are turning to remote hiring.

Indians account for 72 per cent of H-1B visas, followed by Chinese, at 12 per cent. In 2023, most beneficiaries worked in IT (65 per cent) or science and mathematics, with a median annual income of US$ 118,000, hired mostly by large US IT companies, including those owned by Elon Musk.

According to a report by the Pew Research Institute, immigration to the United States increased by 1.6 million in 2023, the largest increase in the last 20 years, and Indians represent the largest group after Mexicans.

Indians also topped the Chinese at US universities, with 331,602 students in the 2023-2024 academic year.

In late December, the US embassy in India reported issuing more than a million visas for tourism, business and education for the second consecutive year, with a fivefold jump for Indian visitors in the last four years.

More than two million Indians travelled to the United States in the first eleven months of 2024, a 26 per cent rise over the previous year, the US mission in India added.

In a press release, the embassy also mentioned that the US State Department completed a pilot project for the renewal of H-1B visas, allowing Indian workers to renew their papers without having to leave the country.

In recent years, H-1B visas to Indians came under closer scrutiny. In 2018, during Trump's first term, the refusal rate rose to 24 per cent compared to 5-8 per cent under Barack Obama's administration.

Under Joe Biden's presidency, the rate dropped to 2-4 per cent, but the total number of visas granted was the same as in Trump's first term, since application times increased, made "harder for people to get visas in time," Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration expert at Cornell Law School, told the BBC.

Some people like Elon Musk want to preserve the H-1B visas, while other officials in the new administration want to restrict all immigration, including H-1Bs. It is too early to tell which side will prevail, he explained.

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All 16 defendants were captured by Azerbaijan during and after its September 2023 military offensive that forced Karabakhs entire population to flee to Armenia and restored Azerbaijani control over the region. They include three former Karabakh presidents -- Arayik Harutiunian, Bako Sahakian and Arkadi Ghukasian -- as well as Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian-born billionaire and philanthropist who briefly served as Karabakh premier in 2022-2023.

Azerbaijani government-controlled media released images of the defendants being taken from a prison to a military court in Baku in a convoy of police vehicles. The charges against them include genocide and war crimes, according to Azerbaijani prosecutors.

Vardanyan is understood to be tried separately from the other captives. The trials will take place behind closed doors, a fact decried by Siranush Sahakian, a human rights lawyer campaigning for the release of at least 23 Armenian prisoners still held in Azerbaijan.

The transparency of the trials would allow us to more easily expose the fabricated nature of the accusations, Sahakian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Citing Bakus notoriously poor human rights record, she said that that guilty verdicts in the cases are already a forgone conclusion.

Vardanyan also demanded public court hearings in a statement issued via his family in Armenia on Thursday. He said he is facing as many as 42 charges some of which carry life imprisonment. The tycoon, who had made his fortune in Russia, rejected them as politically motivated and accused Azerbaijani authorities of attributing false testimony to him.

In contrast with an outpouring of support for Vardanyan and the other captives voiced by prominent public figures in Armenia and its worldwide Diaspora, neither Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians office nor the Armenian Foreign Minister commented on the trials as of Friday evening. Lawmakers representing Pashinians Civil Contract party did not make any statements either.

Sahakian deplored the inadmissible silence of the Armenian authorities. She suggested that they are scared of angering the Azerbaijani leadership.

The Armenian government insisted earlier that it has been trying hard to have all Armenians remaining in Azerbaijani captivity freed. Armenian opposition groups and some Karabakh leaders exiled in Armenia dismissed those assurances.

Two of those leaders led on Friday a demonstration in Yerevan in support of the Karabakh Armenians standing trial in Baku. Its several hundred participants rallied outside the UN office in the Armenian capital before marching to the Foreign Ministry building to demand stronger international pressure on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs regime.

The pressure will increase if Armenias political authorities have the political will, said Artak Beglarian, a former Karabakh premier and human rights ombudsman. Because international structures and various governments are very straightforward in saying, If this issue is not on Armenia's agenda, what do you want from us?

The current Karabakh ombudsman, Gegham Stepanian, also rebuked Pashinians government: The Armenian authorities state that they constantly raise this issue in the negotiation process, but as I have said before, these efforts are not visible, to say the least.
17 January 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan has long been committed to enhancing its diplomatic and economic ties with the Turkic countries, based on shared ethnic, cultural, and historical ties. This foundational connection underpins the country's active participation in multilateral frameworks, particularly the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which fosters deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, transit, and technology. With its strategic geographical position at the crossroads of East and West, Azerbaijan plays a critical role in connecting the regions and facilitating the economic integration of its Turkic partners. The 10th meeting of the heads of customs services of the OTS, held in Baku on January 16, 2025, further solidified this role, showcasing Azerbaijans leadership in advancing regional cooperation.

Key outcomes of the 10th meeting

The gathering, chaired by Azerbaijans State Customs Service Chairman, Shahin Bagirov, brought together senior representatives from OTS member states, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. The discussions focused on deepening customs cooperation, improving trade facilitation, and enhancing the technological infrastructure needed for efficient border crossings and transit routes. The meeting reflected Azerbaijan's active diplomatic engagement, aiming to drive both regional and global trade improvements.

A pivotal area of focus was the Simplified Customs Corridor, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at easing transit procedures and fostering trade. The participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to this project, with discussions centered on refining the information exchange technologies needed to support it. This initiative is part of a broader vision to create a seamless and efficient trade network across the Turkic world, aligning with the "Turkish World 2040 vision" and the OTS Strategy for 2022-2026.

The Trans-Caspian Customs Transit Portal was also a key point of discussion. Azerbaijan, which has made significant investments in infrastructure like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the North-South Transport Corridor, presented the initiative to streamline customs procedures along the Trans-Caspian route. This would enhance not only the movement of goods but also promote economic activity and increase the efficiency of border crossings.

Technological innovations and collaborative efforts

The role of technology in improving customs procedures was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Azerbaijans proposal for a Single Window system for customs declarations, which aims to reduce paperwork and processing times, was met with enthusiasm. This initiative, supported by Turkiyes readiness to organize field visits for experience-sharing, will play a crucial role in optimizing trade logistics and reducing delays at border crossings.

Moreover, the introduction of electronic seals and GPS-based tracking systems was emphasized as essential tools for ensuring cargo security and transparency. These technologies not only enhance the safety of goods in transit but also foster trust among traders, crucial for the regions economic growth.

Azerbaijans role as a regional and global transit hub

Azerbaijans geographical position as a bridge between Asia and Europe was underscored by Chairman Bagirov during his speech. He emphasized that the countrys location makes it an invaluable transit and logistics center, vital for the integration of Turkic states into global trade networks. The Middle Corridor initiative, championed by Azerbaijan, is one of the most significant regional projects, aiming to provide an alternative, efficient trade route between China and Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Bagirov highlighted the importance of projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the North-South Transport Corridor in enhancing Azerbaijans role in facilitating trade flows between the Turkic countries. These initiatives not only strengthen Azerbaijans transit potential but also create new opportunities for regional development and closer cooperation within the OTS.

Strengthening cooperation and expanding trade

The Organization of Turkic States plays a crucial role in fostering economic cooperation among its member states, which span a vast region from Central Asia to Europe. By promoting trade, infrastructure development, and technological advancements, the OTS strengthens regional economic integration. This collaboration enables the member states to leverage shared cultural and historical ties to overcome common challenges and maximize collective economic potential.

The 10th meeting concluded with a number of agreements and future plans, including the implementation of a pilot project to test the new technologies for customs procedures, as well as the creation of a comprehensive action plan to advance the E-TIR system. The member states also agreed to continue working on the development of the Caravansaray project, which aims to revive historical Silk Road trade routes. Azerbaijans commitment to advancing technological and infrastructural solutions was clearly evident, with the country positioning itself as a leader in regional trade and customs cooperation. As the meeting closed, there was consensus on the importance of further enhancing trade relations, improving logistics, and facilitating economic integration among the OTS member states.

The 10th meeting of the heads of customs services of the Organization of Turkic States was a milestone event, marking a new phase in the cooperation between Azerbaijan and its Turkic neighbors. The countrys proactive role in promoting technological advancements, improving trade facilitation, and strengthening regional infrastructure has solidified its position as a key player in the Turkic world. Moving forward, Azerbaijans efforts to streamline customs procedures and enhance connectivity will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term economic success of the OTS member states, further fostering collaboration and unity in the region. As the OTS continues to evolve, Azerbaijans leadership and strategic initiatives will remain central to the organizations vision of a prosperous, interconnected Turkic world.
17 January 2025 12:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Sevil Mikayilova | AzerNEWS

The right to a dignified life is an elementary human right determined in accordance with international legal acts. While humankind can be proud of its progress over the past decades, the elementary right of Western Azerbaijanis brutally driven out from their native lands in Armenia is yet to be restored.

Western Azerbaijanis were expelled from their ancestral lands during a series of forced deportations. The year of 1988 saw the next cruel crime in the history of Azerbaijani people when over 250,000 people were driven out of Armenia just because of their ethnic belonging. Many of them were killed, beheaded, and exposed to terrible torture. Advocating for a robust international agreement with verification mechanisms to ensure the voluntary return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia the Azerbaijani government is seeking a fair approach from the international organizations. The international community, which often voices concerns over human rights, remains largely silent on the plight of Western Azerbaijanis. The worlds selective outrage to similar issues is the main obstacle for mapping out the solution to the problem and sets an urgent need for justice and accountability. Being loud for some crises but muted for others is the very reality pushing many issues to deadlock.

Azerbaijan called on the OSCE and the European Commission to take a principled stance on this issue, arguing that ignoring the rights of Western Azerbaijanis undermines the very foundations of justice:

"Ignoring this matter is not the right step. This is a serious problem. It is about restoring the rights of hundreds of thousands of people. This is a human rights issue, a matter of justice. At the same time, it will also show that the current Armenian leadership is not a fascist, as the previous three presidents were fascists," President Ilham Aliyev said in a meeting with the members of the Western Azerbaijani community.

The Azerbaijani government, which guarantees the guarantee for protecting the rights of its citizens, applies a multi-component approach in this matter, such as historical studies, legal justifications, international initiatives, and diplomatic communication. Such a complex approach not only ensures the continuity of the ideological line but also strengthens the recognition of Azerbaijan's legitimate demands at the international level. The in-depth analysis of what happened in the past and the formation of a scientific base lay the groundwork for future activities aimed at protecting the rights of hundreds of thousands of Western Azerbaijanis who were subjected to deportation and ethnic cleansing.

One of the most important steps in solving the problem was the unification of public organizations from West Azerbaijan under a single Western Azerbaijan Community.

Now the Community focuses on attracting the attention of international organizations, human rights protection and guarantee institutions, foreign governments and the general public to the problem of over half a million left homeless. With each passing day, the understanding that this issue is not only a national tragedy, but also an international challenge in terms of human rights protection is getting stronger. Azerbaijan clearly declares that ensuring the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native and historical lands is their fundamental right and an inevitable process.

Article 13 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) clearly guarantees the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, including the right to return to ones homeland and protection from displacement.

Human sufferings have no compensation, the only remedy to all pains is justice. The Western Azerbaijanis, brutally driven out of their lands, have never given up their struggle for justice. Now when the 2020 war put an end to the illegal occupation of and bloody conflict with Armenia, their hope for a peaceful return to their homeland guiding the superiority of the law and all international legislative acts that protect their universal right has boosted as never before. They are keen to grasp the attention of the international community.

So, Azerbaijan expects a clear, concrete, logical, and transparent position from Armenia in accordance with the norms of international law. Baku demands concrete steps from the Armenian leadership to recognize the right of our compatriots to return to their historical lands, provide security guarantees for those who will return back to their homeland, restore infrastructure, and create conditions for normal life in the areas where the return will take place.

There is no obstacle to the repatriation of Western Azerbaijanis as their houses are still empty and the area is unsettled.

Now it is time for Armenia to apologize for the historic crime and provide for their dignified return. Regardless of the nature of its bilateral relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia must provide for the unconditional return of Azerbaijanis, who held its citizenship. Any pretense to deter the dialogue until the peace deal is achieved or make the issue a topic of dialogue counteracts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Western Azerbaijani Community has appealed to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan calling him to make sincere efforts to establish peace and cooperation in the region, create conditions for the return of Western Azerbaijanis, and start a direct dialogue with the Community in this regard.

It is relevant to remind here the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees provides protection and the right to return for displaced persons, under Article 33, hereby prohibiting refoulement (the return of refugees to a territory where they face danger).

Justice is not just a slogan, but a fundamental principle of international relations. Western Azerbaijanis deserve not only the right to return to their lands but also a dignified life in those lands. So, it is high time to cross from word to action.
17 January 2025 12:06 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A meeting has been held between the chairman of the Uzbekistan Union of Journalists Halmurad Salimov and the director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent Akif Marifli.

Azernews reports that at the meeting, the chairman spoke about the work done under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to develop the media sector in the country, important tasks, achievements, and problems facing journalists.

Speaking about Uzbek-Azerbaijani fraternal relations, he recalled the presentation of the book The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev published in Baku and met with great interest by Azerbaijani intellectuals in Azerbaijan.

Director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center Akif Marifli said that thanks to the political will and close friendly relations of the presidents of the two countries, Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, political, economic, cultural and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has reached a new level.

"The mutual visits of the presidents have given impetus to the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries," Akif Marifli said

"Strengthening cultural ties is important in terms of preserving, promoting, and passing on the common Turkic heritage to future generations," he added.

The meeting discussed important issues such as the development trends of the national media space, and the sides also reached an agreement on the implementation of joint projects between the Azerbaijan Cultural Center and the Uzbekistan Union of Journalists.

Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the fields of culture, science, education, and tourism.

The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects, aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Power lines with transformers mounted on the poles are shown on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in Spring. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

While Houston stands out among large cities for its job growth and burgeoning high-tech sector, issues with income inequality and housing affordability keep it from cracking the top 10 in a new ranking of top-performing U.S. cities.

Houston ranks 27th in the Milken Institute's 2025 Best-Performing Cities Index, an annual ranking released this week that was primarily based on data from the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And while Houston lagged Austin, San Antonio and Dallas in the rankings, reaching No. 27 was nevertheless a marked improvement: the city came in at 62 in 2024 and was 144th in the 2023 index.

The city failed to make the top tier of large cities in Milken's rankings, as did Dallas (No. 19) and San Antonio (26).

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Austin, which ranked as the best-performing large city in the U.S. in 2024, this year slid to sixth place but remained the top-ranked city in Texas. In terms of small cities, Midland ranked as the fifth-best performer after seeing "extraordinary" job growth in recent years.

"Houston's rise in the rankings is due to broad-based growth in the labor market, as many people have migrated from large coastal cities to more affordable, warm-weather cities like Houston," Brock Smith, associate director of research for the Milken Institute and one of the report's authors, said in an email. "The other factor is that Houston's recent high-tech growth has been stellar, which in turn has been driven almost entirely by the oil and gas sector, which has seen major employment gains across the country but is especially concentrated in Houston."

The Milken Institute, a nonpartisan think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., developed its index with an eye on "sustainable" economic growth. It ranks cities on 13 individual metrics, from job growth and wage growth to income inequality and broadband access. This year's ranking looked at 200 large cities and 203 small cities, dividing each group into five tiers.

Raleigh, N.C., rated as this year's best-performing large city, followed by Ogden, Utah, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Gainesville, Ga., topped the list of small cities.

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Milken researchers found that Houston stood out when it came to traditional measures of economic development. Even after years of mostly consistent population and job growth, the metro area ranked 11th among all large cities for job growth from 2022 to 2023, and 17th for wage growth. Houston also ranked 3rd for high-tech industry growth between 2022 and 2023, while Austin, which has a more well-developed tech sector, ranked 45th on that particular metric.

That said, the region impressed less when it came to other metrics.

"Houston is prevented from reaching the top tier by the access to economic opportunities category, especially the housing affordability and income inequality metrics," Smith said.

Houston ranked 145th for housing affordability and 164th in the Gini index, a measure of income inequality. While the city is home to some of the world's wealthiest people, the median household income in Houston is about $60,000 a year, meaning half of households survive on less than that.

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And notably, given ongoing regional discussions about resiliency, Houston ranked just 149th among large U.S. cities in terms of the share of resilient households; the Milken Institute derived this ranking from Census Bureau estimates, which looks at the share of a city's residents that are vulnerable to natural disasters due to risk factors such as having a disability or lacking access to a vehicle. The report is based on data compiled before Hurricane Beryl left millions without power in July, spurring calls for CenterPoint, the electric utility serving the market, to redouble its efforts to shore up its infrastructure.

The Milken Institute's report highlighted that many cities, particularly large cities, are struggling with a lack of affordable housing after the post-pandemic real estate boom. The Best-Performing Cities Index defines housing affordability as the percentage of a city's population spending less than 30 percent of their income on housing.

This was an area where Raleigh stood out, the report noted, along with having a thriving high-tech sector and a strong labor market.

"Raleigh has been a popular destination among domestic migrants, resulting in rapid population growth over the past decade," the Milken Institute said. "Despite this, the metro has been able to maintain relatively affordable housing conditions, which is a rare accomplishment for a city of its size."
17 January 2025 10:41 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A government delegation from Azerbaijan, headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Rafiyev, visited Ethiopia to foster deeper political, economic, and humanitarian collaboration between the two nations, Azernews reports.

According to a statement by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Ethiopian officials, including Alem Tsehay Paulos, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers' Office, Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe, and Agriculture Minister Girme Amente. They also met with leaders of the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Investment Holding and explored industrial parks and infrastructure projects in the country.

The meetings underscored the momentum established during Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie's meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku. Both sides identified specific areas for cooperation, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and education, while agreeing to establish legal frameworks and working groups to facilitate these initiatives. Plans for mutual trade missions and business forums were also discussed.

The Ethiopian adoption of the ASAN service model, a hallmark of Azerbaijans citizen services innovation, was highlighted as a testament to the growing partnership.

Additionally, the visit included the third round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of both nations, chaired by Yalchin Rafiyev and Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga. Discussions covered bilateral and multilateral cooperation within the UN, Non-Aligned Movement, and other international platforms.

The Azerbaijani delegation comprised representatives from the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, AZPROMO, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and SOCAR, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to enhancing bilateral ties.
17 January 2025 10:55 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Azerbaijan on January 17 for a working visit, strengthening ties between the neighboring nations.

As reported by Azernews, a guard of honor welcomed Prime Minister Kobakhidze at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the national flags of Georgia and Azerbaijan were prominently displayed.

Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov, along with other officials, greeted the Georgian Prime Minister upon his arrival, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic visit.

Adding to the significance of this visit, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, speaking to journalists in Baku, highlighted the importance of the 10th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

According to Bochorishvili, the meeting, chaired by the prime ministers of both nations, serves as a vital platform to discuss and advance cooperation across various sectors.

Members of the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan will participate in the meeting of the commission. Of course, we will discuss all issues existing in the relations between the two countries, especially the strategic partnership in various sectors that unite us with Azerbaijan. Of course, the meetings will be held at the highest level, the Prime Minister of Georgia will meet with the President of Azerbaijan, and all important issues necessary for the further deepening of our relations will be discussed in this format, the minister stated.
17 January 2025 13:28 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov to discuss key aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries, as reported by the press service of the Georgian Government Office, Azernews reports.

Prime Minister Asadov congratulated Kobakhidze on the victory of Georgia's ruling team in the parliamentary elections held on October 26 and his re-election as Prime Minister. He noted that the election results underscored the clear will of the Georgian people.

The discussions covered the main directions of the Azerbaijani-Georgian strategic partnership, with a focus on the agenda for the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation. The meeting highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation across various fields and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia's readiness to support trilateral dialogue and foster regional cooperation, further strengthening the collaborative efforts between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
17 January 2025 14:31 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

An event titled Fighting Human Trafficking: Current Situation and Expectations was held in Azerbaijan, co-organized by the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations and the Main Department for Combating Human Trafficking of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Azernews reports.

Mehriban Zeynalova, Chairperson of the NGO Coalition for Combating Human Trafficking, emphasized the importance of addressing this global issue and learning from international practices.

Ibrahim Ahmadov, a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the critical role of public and non-governmental organizations in combating human trafficking. He noted the departments efforts to counter forced labor and the exploitation of children from vulnerable families, stating, Recently, the issue of involving children in begging has been observed, and measures are being taken against this. Cases of minors, especially women, being taken to foreign countries and subjected to exploitation are being identified and prevented. Ahmadov warned of traffickers exploiting ease of travel and online ticketing systems to deceive victims.

Zaur Ibrahimov, Chairman of the "Priority" Center for Social Economic Research, stressed the need for collective action: This problem not only contradicts national values but also enables illegal activities. NGOs should collaborate with state structures and prioritize awareness campaigns, especially on social platforms, to prevent human trafficking.

The event saw participation from NGO representatives, intellectuals, and law enforcement officials, focusing on enhanced collaboration and awareness to tackle human trafficking effectively.
17 January 2025 13:45 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Teleradio PU has restored the operation of the Hasanriz Radio-Television Broadcasting Station, located in the Aghdere district, which was previously inoperable due to the Armenian invasion, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation.

The Ministry noted that the broadcasting station has been provided with electricity as part of the efforts to restore the radio-television broadcasting network in the liberated territories. The technical building has been repaired, and the station has been equipped with technical means to be ready for broadcasting. Specifically, a 300 W television transmitter, a 4x1 configuration antenna system, and other necessary technical devices have been installed and put into operation.

As a result, the broadcast of 8 television programs (AzTV, Ictimai TV, Idman Azerbaijan TV, Mdniyyt TV, CBC Sport, ATV, Xzr TV, Space TV) on the 25th television channel (506 MHz) has been ensured in the Hasanriz and surrounding villages.

It should be noted that to date, the operation of 8 Radio-Television Broadcasting Stations in the liberated territories has been restored. The restoration activities are carried out in accordance with the implementation of the "I State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan."
17 January 2025 14:11 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, who is on a working visit to the country.

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17 January 2025 16:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Isa Nuraliyev | AzerNEWS

Although some time has passed since the deadliest AZAL plane crash, different and unpleasant discussions about the issue have begun to reach a wide audience in the Russian press.

Today, we are witnessing the insults of some mendacious people working with the Russian authorities and the media against Azerbaijan and its people. While measures are being taken against everyone who voices opinions contrary to Russia's interests due to the war with Ukraine, no one can say that these insults against Azerbaijan are being voiced against the will of the authorities. If this were the case, they would probably have silenced them too. But this is not happening.

So, those individuals are also under control, they are insulting the Azerbaijani people with their language. The Federal Security Service, which has its hands everywhere, is managing this process.

Sometimes they threaten Azerbaijan with neo-Nazi language, and sometimes they add fabrications through a hired clerk in "Komsomolskaya Pravda", making themselves even more ridiculous.

It seems that Russia is looking for enemies, not friends, and aims to lose even the few friends it has. Even after an Azerbaijani passenger plane was shot down in Russian skies, killing dozens of passengers, there were no insults, threats, or calls from Azerbaijan to Russia. People rightly demanded in response to what was happening.

In an interview with the media, the President of Azerbaijan highlighted the importance of accountability, a fair investigation, punishment of the perpetrators, and compensation for the victims in this case.

Now, not only are they trying to mislead the Russians by spreading the pilots' conversations and diverting attention from the main issue, they are trying to blame Azerbaijan.

Instead of acting like a friendly and neighboring state, answering questions, objectively investigating the issue, and fulfilling its duties, Russia prefers to play games.

The essence of the issue is not who made the decision to land at which airport after the Azerbaijani plane was shot down and lost control, but the fact that the plane was shot down.

Swearing and insults begin where words end, and no one expected such cheap behavior from Russia.

Instead of coming up with empty and meaningless versions and diverting attention, the reason for the explosion of two seats would have been investigated in the pilots' conversations. The fragments of the "Pantsir" missile found in the fuselage of the plane and on the passenger's body would have been explained.

Azerbaijan values ethical issues, Azerbaijani media, experts, and social media users have not exceeded the limit and have not allowed insults. Therefore, disgusting Soviet propaganda and cheap shows from Russia are unacceptable in any way.

The Azerbaijani public expects the Russian side to act responsibly, conduct a fair investigation into the matter, punish the criminals, and pay compensation.
17 January 2025 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, issued a statement on the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, urging the international community to acknowledge the event as a crime against humanity and to hold those responsible accountable, Azernews reports.

In her statement, Aliyeva highlighted the events of January 19-20, 1990, when former USSR troops carried out a brutal attack on Azerbaijani civilians protesting the Soviet leadership's biased policies, deportations of Azerbaijanis from historical lands, and Armenia's baseless territorial claims. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 150 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, injured 744, and led to the illegal arrest of 841 people in Baku and other regions.

"This grave crime against humanity aimed to suppress the Azerbaijani people's spirit of national freedom and desire for independence," the statement read. Despite the violence, Aliyeva emphasized that the Azerbaijani people stood with dignity and ultimately regained their independence.

Aliyeva also paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who, despite life-threatening risks, publicly condemned the Soviet leadership's actions during a press conference at Azerbaijan's Permanent Representation in Moscow on January 21, 1990. His leadership was instrumental in giving the events of January 20 a political and legal assessment after his return to power in 1994.

The Ombudsman criticized the failure of international organizations to condemn the tragedy at the time, arguing that this inaction paved the way for further crimes, including the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and acts of genocide. She stressed that the January 20 events grossly violated international law, including the UN Charter and fundamental human rights.

Aliyeva called on international organizations and the global community to adopt a fair stance, urging them to recognize the tragedy as one of the gravest international crimes and ensure that not only the perpetrators but also those who ordered the violence are brought to justice.

The statement was sent to a wide range of international bodies, including the UN, EU, OSCE, OIC, and numerous human rights organizations, as well as Azerbaijani embassies and diaspora groups worldwide. The Ombudsman emphasized that accountability for this crime is vital for ensuring justice and preventing such tragedies in the future.
17 January 2025 20:48 (UTC+04:00)

On January 17, an open trial began on the criminal case of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including waging an aggressive war, genocide, forced displacement of the population, persecution, torture, military robbery and other illegal acts committed against Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people by the Armenian state and its armed forces, including the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" established by Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and its illegal armed formations.

According to Azernews, this process will primarily serve to establish Armenia's state responsibility and other illegal actions as an occupying and aggressive country through judicial means.

At the preparatory hearing held at the Baku Military Court located in the Baku Court Complex, chaired by judges Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the accused were provided with Armenian interpreters, as well as defense lawyers.
17 January 2025 20:16 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's visit to Azerbaijan marks another significant step in the deepening of bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. Representing the Georgian delegation, Maka Bochorishvili participated in the discussions that focused on bolstering economic cooperation. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the robust economic ties, noting that Azerbaijani companies rank among the top investors in Georgia, with a cumulative investment of $3.6 billion. He further emphasized the impressive trade turnover, which reached $1 billion last year.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze's first visit to Azerbaijan after the parliamentary elections in Georgia indicates the special nature and deep essence of Azerbaijani-Georgian relations. Georgia, obviously, protected its future, national values, historical heritage, security, and development in these elections.

Azerbaijan and Georgia are pillars of peace, security, prosperity, and development in the South Caucasus. These two countries protect traditional family values, national culture, dignity, and historical heritage in the region.

The wisdom of the leaders and peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia has been a strong shield against alien values, unconventional tendencies, and Sorosist interference.

Besides, the relations, founded by the Nationa Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the former leader of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, are successfully developing today.

Azerbaijan has always been by Georgia's side and has provided support to it. Today, PM Irakli Kobakhidze's visit to Baku also iki olk arasnda laqlrin inkisaf ucun ciddi siyasi v iqtisadi imkanlarn movcud oldugunu bir daha vurgulayr.

In a comment for Azernews, Chairman of the Republican Alternative Party (REAL), economist Natig Jafarli, gave a more detailed view on the recent visit of the Georgian PM:

"Azerbaijan-Georgia relations are very close, friendship and cooperation relations. It has been like this for many years, regardless of which government is in Georgia. It was like this before, and now it is increasing. And Azerbaijan is one of the largest investors in Georgia. It is one of the most tax-paying companies in Georgia. And relations are getting closer and closer. And Azerbaijan sees that Georgia is the economic extension of Azerbaijan.

"In this sense, Georgia has a strategic importance for Azerbaijan. And the expansion of the Foreign Ministry and the enlargement of relations is in line with the interests of both countries. But there is an interesting technical detail here. There will be talks for the new embassy of Georgia. Formally, and this time it was also related to it, the presentation ceremony and the construction of a new embassy for Georgia were among the subjects of the last talks, if not the main ones."

A strategic partnership with growing potential

The enduring friendship between Azerbaijan and Georgia has long transcended political administrations, maintaining stability and collaboration through years of economic and cultural partnership. The latest discussions underscore the shared vision of both nations to deepen their economic integration, with Azerbaijan's strategic investments in Georgia contributing to mutual growth.

Moreover, the construction of Georgia's new embassy in Azerbaijan serves as a symbolic and practical step toward further institutionalizing this partnership, reflecting the commitment of both sides to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

As these meetings unfold, they reinforce the strategic significance of Georgia for Azerbaijan as a key economic extension and partner in regional development. Both nations continue to align their interests, paving the way for broader cooperation and sustained progress.
George Soros, founder and chairman of the Open Society Foundations, donated $8.8 million to Texas Democratic political action committees and county parties during last year's campaign. Ronald Zak, STR / Associated Press 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 on Jan. 14. Stephen Spillman/Associated Press Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Gov. Greg Abbott, right, talk during a swearing-in ceremony. Eric Gay/Associated Press

Texas politics have always rotated around bidness and the Bible.

Typically, in that order.

In recent years, and during the Texas Legislatures 89th Session, I have focused on how business leaders influence our elected officials and legislative process. Recently, readers have asked why I consistently highlight the enormous donations from Republicans and not Democrats.

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Honestly, if Democrats ever managed to do something besides lose elections, I promise, dear reader, Id report on their relationship to wealth with equal fervor. However, the minority party has yet to muster any viable opposition to the ruling party, let alone exert influence on statewide issues, with the exception of choosing the Texas House Speaker on Tuesday.

Because so many people are worried about billionaires giving money to Democrats, however, allow me to expose how it compares, both in terms of size and influence, to Republican donations.

Between October 2023 and October 2024, eight out of 10 of the largest donors to Texas politics were conservative Republicans or conservative political action committees, according to a searchable database of campaign reports maintained by money-in-politics watchdog Chris Tackett.

The top donors were Jeff Yass, at $16.7 million; Texans for Lawsuit Reform, at $14.5 million; Las Vegas casino magnate Miriam Adelson, at $13.7 million; and Gov. Greg Abbotts campaign, at $12 million. Half of the money Abbott spread around came from Yass, therefore counted twice.

George Soros ranked fifth, donating $8.8 million to Democratic causes. Barry Munger, the son of late Berkshire Hathaway co-founder Charlie Munger, donated $5 million. Yass, the top individual Republican donor, gave almost double what Soros gave. Adelson gave almost triple the amount Munger provided.

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By the way, the numbers do get confusing. Many individuals give money to political action committees or candidates, which then pass the money along to other candidates or lobbyists. Abbott is a good example, taking money from Yass to finance dozens of candidates who will follow the governors orders in the Legislature.

Soros divided his giving among 10 political action committees and local parties. He gave the most, $5.5 million, to the Texas Majority PAC, started by Beto ORourke's former campaign staff.

Texas Majority spent most of its money to register voters and ensure they went to the polls. The results were unimpressive. In the 2024 election, Democrats lost two seats in the House and one in the state Senate. Democrats are nowhere near a majority in either chamber.

Soros also gave six-figure donations to the Dallas, Cameron and Hidalgo County Democratic parties. Again, the investment did not produce returns. Trump won Cameron and Hidalgo counties, the first Republican to do so.

Munger gave his money to The PAC for America's Future-TX, the local chapter of a national Democratic organization that helps candidates run evidence-based, effective campaigns and winning state legislative majorities that are committed to a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for all. The PAC spent most on salaries and fees during the year-to-date period.

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Ive focused on billionaire megadonors because I dont think individuals should have so much influence over individual politicians. In my last column, I explained how billionaires have given so much to Abbott, Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton, they feel little accountability to anyone else.

If we aggregate all donations, though, we find a similar story. When Tackett totals the contributions by party affiliation, Republicans gave $136 million to Texas political causes compared to Democrats donating $21 million.

The 20 largest contributors were Republicans giving to Republican candidates, ranging from $620,000 to $10 million. The largest contributor to individual Democratic candidates was the Texas Sands PAC, which gave $542,000. The group is lobbying for legalized gambling and is run by Adelson, the GOP megadonor.

I understand that what-aboutism is a normal, if annoying, part of column writing and politics. I also realize that Democratic billionaires wield enormous influence in other states and at the federal level. But none of that excuses Texas conservatives from establishing an oligarchy in our state, which is where I am focused.

Texas has some of the most lenient ethics laws in the country. Donors can give unlimited amounts to candidates, and Patricks absurd handling of the Paxton impeachment trial on bribery charges proves that the Legislature cannot restrain itself when it comes to money.

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Republicans have held every statewide office for 30 years and control of both legislative chambers for over 20. Multimillion-dollar donations are concentrating political power in the hands of a few.
17 January 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

US President-elect Donald Trump is considering issuing a decree to prevent the potential ban of the TikTok social network, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, in the United States, Azernews reports.

The publication states that Trump is exploring the possibility of signing an executive order after taking office on January 20. This order would "suspend the law for 60-90 days," during which ByteDance would be required to either sell TikTok or cease operations in the U.S. He hopes this will provide time to "negotiate a sale deal or find an alternative solution."

The newspaper highlights that Trump's proposed move is "questionable" because, under current law, the social network must either be sold or shut down in the U.S. by January 19. Furthermore, analysts interviewed by The Washington Post argue that a presidential decree may not have enough power to fully overturn the law, which has been supported by both chambers of Congress.

Earlier, TikTok's management petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to block the law, which could lead to the network's ban in the country. In December 2024, Trump also called for the suspension of the law's provisions. American media have noted that the Supreme Court may eventually uphold the ban, though no final decision has been made. The current president, Joe Biden, signed the law with relevant provisions passed by Congress in 2024.

The platform is required to either be sold or blocked by January 19, the day before Trumps inauguration. The administration of TikTok and ByteDance argue that such a move would infringe on the rights of 170 million TikTok users in the U.S. to freedom of speech.

Trump has previously expressed his "warm feelings" toward the platform, as the votes of its young American users were seen as instrumental in his victory in the November 2024 presidential election.

An interesting aspect of this situation is the ongoing debate over the intersection of national security concerns and individual freedoms. The Trump administrations stance on TikTok, particularly regarding its potential threat as a Chinese-owned entity, underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. At the same time, the arguments for freedom of speech and the role of social media platforms in political discourse add complexity to the issue. The resolution of this case could have far-reaching implications not only for TikTok but for the regulation of foreign-owned technology companies operating in the U.S.
17 January 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Ukraine and the UK are set to sign an important agreement on a 100-year partnership aimed at deepening ties in both defense and non-military sectors, Azernews reports.

The agreement will be signed during the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Ukraine. He arrived in Kyiv today on an unannounced visit.

The document will be structured around nine key "pillars," according to reports.

One of the main aspects of the agreement is to strengthen military cooperation, particularly in the field of maritime security. This will involve the creation of a new framework to enhance the security of the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, with a focus on deterring Russian aggression in the region.

The agreement also aims to foster scientific and technological collaboration in areas such as healthcare, agricultural technology, space exploration, and drone technology. It will also include educational initiatives to promote closer ties between the two nations. Additionally, a grain inspection system will be introduced to track stolen grain from Ukrainian territories under occupation, a scheme developed by the United Kingdom.

Another significant part of the agreement is its emphasis on the UK's involvement in Ukraines energy sector. This will include supporting strategies for extracting essential minerals and developing the energy infrastructure to ensure greater energy security for Ukraine.

This long-term partnership highlights not only the growing military and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the UK but also underscores a broader geopolitical shift in the region. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges due to Russian aggression, the support of the UK, one of the worlds leading military and technological powers, is expected to play a pivotal role in Ukraines security and development.

The agreement also sends a clear message to Russia and other global actors about the strength of the UK-Ukraine alliance and the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity for the long haul. The growing ties between the two countries could open the door for future collaborative projects in innovation, defense, and infrastructure, contributing to Ukraine's resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.
17 January 2025 20:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Blade Urban Air Mobility, which provides helicopter flights between Manhattan and two nearby airports, will launch a new service for affluent residents of the New York suburbs, offering flights to the city center, Azernews reports.

The publication notes that a one-way flight will cost $95.

The agency highlights that the new service will allow affluent residents of northern New Jersey and Nassau County to reach western Manhattan in about five minutes, bypassing traffic jams and public transport.

Earlier, New York became the first city in the United States to introduce tolls on central roads during rush hour.

This innovative air mobility service represents a growing trend in urban transportation, offering a fast and exclusive alternative to traditional methods. The service is expected to cater to busy professionals and high-net-worth individuals looking to save time while avoiding the notorious congestion that plagues the citys roads. Blade's expansion reflects the increasing interest in aerial taxi services, which are seen as a solution to urban traffic problems. As cities around the world explore new forms of urban air mobility, Blades move could set a precedent for other metropolitan areas looking to implement similar services.
17 January 2025 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

An unusual discovery was made in Pompeii (Italy), which had been buried under volcanic ash for nearly two thousand years, Azernews reports.

Archaeologists have uncovered the largest private bath complex ever found at the site. The complex features hot and cold rooms, unique wall decorations, and a large swimming pool, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of ancient Rome. Notably, the bathroom's walk-in closet stands out with its red walls, mosaic floors, and stone seats.

The bathhouse complex was discovered inside a residence as part of large-scale excavations that lasted two years. In addition to the bath complex, archaeologists found a large banquet hall, a small worship room, a laundry room, an oven, and other artifacts, including a skeleton, jewelry, and coins.

In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius led to the destruction of the Roman city of Pompeii and the deaths of up to two thousand people. The Archaeological Park of Pompeii, located south of Naples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pompeii is also the second most visited tourist destination in Italy.

This discovery not only sheds light on the opulence and daily life of the Roman elite but also adds another layer to our understanding of Pompeii's rich cultural heritage. The bath complex, with its intricate design and luxury features, provides new insights into the sophistication of Roman engineering and their approach to leisure and wellness. As excavations continue, archaeologists are hopeful that further findings will reveal even more about the ancient citys vibrant society before it was tragically lost to the eruption of Vesuvius.
Sonia Garcia is a trending food reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at sonia.garcia@houstonchronicle.com.

A Rio Grande Valley native, she previously was an editor and writer for the Austin digital news startup Austonia after graduating from Texas State University. She enjoys trying new restaurants in Houston, where she lives with her 14-year-old Chihuahua.
January 16, 2025

By: Ray Leary

The Beaufort County School Board, during a regular meeting on January 7, 2025, was informed of a land ownership issue on the Eastern Elementary School site. The board was informed that the City of Washington has reneged on an agreement to transfer ownership of approximately four acres of land on the Eastern Elementary site. This information prompted the board leadership to engage Hite Associates, the contracted architect, to change the layout of the new school on the site to accommodate the decision by the City of Washington, NC. Hite Associates reported that making these changes would likely result in several months of delay in the construction of the new school.

The Beaufort County School board met Friday, January 10, 2025, in closed session, to attempt a resolution to the approximately four acres of property situated on the site where planning and engineering has been underway for seven months. This is the site of the existing Eastern Elementary school. It turns out the school board has been aware that a portion of the new school site is owned by the City of Washington, NC, and they have known this since July 2024.

The school board determined there are two paths forward; 1) Swap a portion of the school property located on North Pierce Street for the city owned property at the Eastern Elementary site, or 2) The school board and the county could purchase the four acres of land. The proposed cost to the county commissioners and school board is $500,000. When asked how the $500,000 price tag was determined, Superintendent Cheeseman responded that it was an estimate he had received of $100,000/acre - $150,000/acre.

These were the choices presented to the county commissioners during a specially called meeting on January 14, 2025.

After discussions of each option, a vote on the first option was called. The vote was four to three to not accept this option. Commissioners Booth, Langley, Waters, and Walker voted to reject this option. Commissioner Langley said he could not support a direct swap because the value of each piece of property is not equal. None of the other dissenters explained their lack of support for the direct swap.

The second option was voted upon. The same four commissioners voted to purchase approximately four acres of property for the proposed $500,000. Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman said the school board would contribute the uncommitted sales tax revenue due to the school system and the county could pay the additional $250,000 from the unallocated fund balance. When asked by Commissioner Stan Deatherage how the $500,000 was supported by a competent appraisal, Cheeseman explained that he had determined the $500,000 himself based on how much money the Board has available in uncommitted Sales Tax Revenue. No certified appraisal has been done!

There are several observations and critiques of this project since its inception in February 2024. The public has not been involved and kept informed as they should have been. The county commissioners have been kept in the dark related to the resolution of the land ownership issue. Two commissioners and the county manager have been involved in these discussions, but the remainder of the board have been left out of those discussions.

The Department of Public Instruction did not perform a legally required reasonableness study of this proposed school project prior to the issuance of the $42M grant to the Beaufort County Schools. This was and is a statutory requirement which was completely ignored by the DPI, school board, and county commission.

 115C 546.11 (d) The Department of Public Instruction shall review projected enrollment to evaluate the reasonableness of a project's size and scope.

Should this project be evaluated as stated above, the traffic issues would have been made obvious. The traffic backup on 15th and 12th streets in Washington would have been recognized as backups to Market Street Extension would be apparent. The left turn lane from east on Highway 264 would be seen backed up to Brick Kiln Road. The right lane on John Small Avenue will be backed up to Market Street. There appears to be no access to the student drop off area from Pennsylvania Avenue. Traffic congestion on Highland Avenue will also be negatively affected.

The closure of the John Cotton Tayloe elementary school has not been reconciled with the NC General Statutes regarding the closure of a public school. See 115C-72 below.

 115C-72. Consolidation of districts and discontinuance of schools.

(a) Local boards of education shall have the power and authority to close or consolidate schools located in the same district, and with the approval of the State Board of Education, to consolidate school districts or other school areas over which the board has full control, whenever and wherever in its judgment the closing or consolidation will better serve the educational interest of the local school administrative unit or any part of it.

In determining whether two or more public schools shall be consolidated, or in determining whether or not a school shall be closed and the pupils transferred therefrom, local boards of education of the several counties shall observe and be bound by the following rules:

(1) In any question involving the closing or consolidation of any public school, the local board of education of the school administrative unit in which such school is located shall cause a thorough study of such school to be made, having in mind primarily the welfare of the students to be affected by a proposed closing or consolidation and including in such study, among other factors, geographic conditions, anticipated increase or decrease in school enrollment, the inconvenience or hardship that might result to the pupils to be affected by such closing or consolidation, the cost of providing additional school facilities in the event of such closing or consolidation, and such other factors as the board shall consider germane. Before the entry of any order of closing or consolidation, the local board of education shall provide for a public hearing in regard to such proposed closing or consolidation, at which hearing the public shall be afforded an opportunity to express their views. Upon the basis of the study so made and after such hearing, said board may, in the exercise of its discretion, approve the closing or consolidation proposed. (Emphasis added).

(2) The provisions of this section shall not deprive any local board of education of the authority to assign or enroll any and all pupils in schools in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 115C-366(b) and 115C-367 to 115C-370.

These issues must be addressed by competent entities: Future school attendance projections, technical, DOT, and the legal authorities to determine the impact of this proposed new school consolidation and the closing of an elementary school on the west side of Washington, NC. These decisions should be made according to law and with competent professionals who are proficient in their field. The superintendent and the school board are not engineers nor a competent projector of growth.

The projected growth in Beaufort County is west of Washington. Any new school should be situated close to the Beaufort-Pitt County line, not on the eastern side of Washington. The grade structure of existing schools that are at 50% capacity should be evaluated to assess the ramifications of modifying to accommodate growth in student populations in attendance areas outside of the Washington attendance area.

Perhaps the biggest issue is the bussing. The proposed plan would continue the cross-town busing that was used in desegregating the pre-merger of the Washington District. The proposed plan would cause students to be bussed across town to Eastern. The growth in the Washington Attendance Area will be west of Washington as a result of the proposed interstate connector between the Greenville By-pass and U. S. 17 north of Washington. Thus, reduced by moving to a K-5 or K-8, with one school of the west side of Washington and the other on the east side (current Eastern Elementary). Moreover, a full student reassignment plan for K-8 grades in the Washington Attendance should include greater utilization of the existing John Small and P. S. Jones facilities off Market Street. None of this planning has been done and the project of a mega-school on the Eastern Site should be reviewed based on a solid planning process. This has not been done to date.

These are serious issues the school board must address. If not, the school board will be faced with another overcrowded school issue within three to four years.
When dogs become therapists

09:13, January 17, 2025 By Zhou Huiying, Wang Xu, Du Juan ( China Daily

A therapy dog performs in response to the instructions of a guide during a community event in Beijing on Dec 22. (Wang Jing/China Daily)

Every time Wu Jingyi asks her dog Lucky if she wants to go to work, Lucky springs up eagerly and jumps for joy. Some might agree that's a decidedly nonhuman response  at least for many working people.

Work for the 5-year-old female border collie in Shanghai is special. Lucky finished her training to become a therapy dog in August, and now she just takes care of people  relying on her acute canine senses and an unbreakable bond of love for the two-legged creatures in her custody.

Those in Lucky's workplace include not only disadvantaged groups and special care patients in nursing homes, but also people in schools and hospitals, where she helps teachers, students and healthcare workers to simply relax.

In recent years, everyone knows about police dogs and guide dogs. But now there are also therapy dogs, which have undergone careful training to help people with mental illnesses or autism, or an elderly person who may have cognitive impairments.

Paw for Heal, or PFH, is a volunteer therapy dog program founded by pet behavior expert Wu Qi in 2012. It aims to harness the social value of companion animals by training family pets to be capable of providing physical and emotional assistance to people.

"I started raising Lucky in early 2020 after adopting her from a stray dog shelter," said Wu Jingyi, the dog's owner, noting that she learned about PFH and Wu Qi through a WeChat group where people shared activities and information related to dogs.

A natural talent

Looking at the requirements for the animals, she thought Lucky was well-suited for the job, and she decided to have her tested in Shanghai. That was in February 2023, and Lucky performed exceptionally well, passing on the first attempt.

"At that time I wasn't clear about what a therapy dog was supposed to do," Wu said. "After participating in PFH's activities, I realized that many organizations and groups are in great need of mediators, and certain kinds of animals can fill the bill in ways that are quite different from human volunteers."

After passing the exam, Lucky was channeled into internships at various organizations in a sort of doggy graduate program using Wu Qi's system.

"I am happy to see her improvement," Wu Jingyi said.

During one visit to a nursing home, Lucky met an older woman who loved dogs but showed some fear around larger ones, such as this border collie.

"I could see the smile in her eyes, but she hesitated to come closer to Lucky," Wu Jingyi said. "So I asked Lucky to show the woman that she is safe and controllable. When someone gives Lucky food and I say no, for example, she will not eat it."

Wu asked the elderly woman to count down from five to one, after which Lucky would be allowed to eat. This made the woman very happy, said Wu.

"She went from being guarded and fearful at first to expressing a desire to try. We then asked if she would be willing to pet Lucky if she wasn't too afraid. And she agreed."

Wu brought Lucky a bit closer to the woman's knee, and after a little petting, the fear vanished.

"The whole process may not sound very complex, but I could see genuine joy," Wu said.

PFH collaborates with experts from domestic and international autism rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, neurology hospitals, and special education programs to develop training programs for therapy dogs in China. It primarily serves elderly individuals with cognitive problems, children with autism, and individuals with physical disabilities, anxiety disorders, or depression.

"The program aims to help the elderly and children with special needs strengthen their interactions and communication with the external world. It enriches their lives through the assistance and companionship of the therapy dogs," Wu Qi said. "It also promotes the exploration of normal social interactions for children who have special needs through long-term therapy with the dogs. The animals can help these young people integrate into society."

The organization hopes to enhance public understanding of cognitive impairment, autism and other conditions to increase society's general acceptance and understanding, he said.

A therapy dog interacts with elderly people and a child during the event. (Wang Jing/China Daily)

Putting them to work

In early 2023, PFH initiated a national series of therapy dog public welfare activities that included four main tracks: a therapy dog evaluation conference, a therapy dog knowledge seminar, social welfare services, and volunteer training.

"Unlike other working dogs, most therapy dogs come from ordinary pet-owning households and only work when called upon to provide physical, psychological, or emotional support for people in need," Wu Qi said. "To become a certified therapy dog, the animal must undergo rigorous training, guidance, and evaluation, after which a PFH professional qualification certificate is issued."

He said the general assessment of dogs includes four categories, even though internationally there are typically just three: obedience, socialization, and desensitization.

Obedience tests the dog's ability to follow basic commands  for example, sit, lie down, wait and refuse food.

Socialization assesses the dog's adaptability to different people and environments. Trainers look for behaviors such as aggression or fear.

Desensitization evaluates how the dog reacts to physical touch, audible screams, exaggerated movements, or dropped items to ensure that it will not exhibit erratic behavior when startled, such as going on an attack or experiencing extreme fear.

"We have added interactivity to our assessments in China to help the dogs integrate better into fields such as eldercare and physical rehabilitation. In those cases, therapy dogs can engage in interactions with individuals very effectively," Wu said. Such interactivity poses a higher level of difficulty for the dogs, he said.

"In August in 2023, our standards were officially released at the 25th Pet Fair Asia, which was held in Shanghai. Some of our assessment criteria surpassed those in Europe and America," Wu said. "After becoming an intern, a dog must participate in five public welfare service activities to qualify for full certification."

Therapy dogs are not selected based on breed but on temperament, Wu said. They need to be gentle and enjoy interacting with people.

Xiao Ai, the owner of a 4-year-old female border collie, had been looking forward eagerly to participating in more practical activities after her dog, Oneseven, passed the PFH test on Dec 7.

During the two-hour assessment at the Shenzhen World Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangdong province, only two dogs, Oneseven and another dog, ultimately received certifications and became interns.

As volunteers and pet owners, people also need to undergo rigorous training, Xiao said. "Our main role is to work in conjunction with professional therapists to help our dogs quickly establish connections with the individuals who need assistance."

So far, around 300 therapy dogs have been certified by PFH in China, and some 6,000 volunteers are participating across the country.

A woman pets a therapy dog during a community event in Beijing on Dec 22. (Wang Jing/China Daily)

Success with autistic children

Starting in 2022, at the beginning of each school semester, some autistic children at Huimin School in Shanghai's Fengxian district have participated in special classes. In one of those, the children had therapy dog partners and played games, guided by Wu Qi and some volunteers, who worked with the teachers to complete certain functional improvement training.

For example, the children learned to introduce themselves to the dogs, after which they introduced the dogs to other classmates, thereby enhancing their language and communication abilities and gradually integrating into the group.

They also played fetch, cooperated in balancing yoga balls, and focused on feeding, which helped develop sensory abilities, improve attention, and teach the animals to follow instructions.

For children with more severe autism, petting the dogs was a good way to help stabilize emotions in many cases.

"The intervention of therapy dogs in the classroom had a direct impact on improving the emotions of some children," said Wu Huizhe, a teacher at the school.

She described a child with significant emotional disorders in her class who was initially restless and often abruptly ran out of the classroom.

"She also had very closed-off interpersonal interactions," Wu said. "But after attending four sessions with a therapy dog, she could sit quietly in the classroom for the entire 35-minute lesson and have simple conversations with classmates on the topic of small animals."

As one of the most populous countries in the world, China is getting older on average. It is projected that by 2035 the population of people aged 60 and above will surpass 400 million, creating some unique problems for individuals and society.

Over the past decade, the PFH team has stayed close to the elderly, providing animal-assisted therapy  a form of non-drug treatment  to communities and nursing homes. The interactions with animals provide surprising physical and mental benefits.

While receiving basic medical care and other services, the elderly can relax, relieve stress, enhance social skills and find more joy in life by interacting with small animals.

Since participating in PFH's first activity in her community in March, Zhou Yuezhen, a 68-year-old resident of Shanghai, looks forward to every visit with the dogs.

"I had a dog about 20 years ago, but it died, which made me very sad," she said. "Because I was afraid of losing again, I never kept another one.

"So it is truly a joyful experience every time a different dog comes to our community to interact with us elderly people and play games," she said. "I also participate in other activities, like handicrafts. But the dogs provide other kinds of interactive experiences, which are very different from human ways."

Well-being enhanced study

In collaboration with Peking Union Medical College Hospital in 2022, PFH conducted a comprehensive animal therapy study that focused on the elderly population. In May last year, the PFH team launched an innovative project to establish a combination of community eldercare and pet therapy services.

"Through a series of rigorous experiments and data analysis, we found that regular interaction with animals can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety among the elderly, improving their quality of life and sense of happiness," Wu Qi said. "This outcome has not only gained widespread recognition in the scientific community but also provides strong evidence for promoting animal-assisted therapy nationwide."

During free clinics at nursing homes, Kang Lin, director of the geriatrics department at the hospital, witnessed the clear positive impact of animals on the elderly.

"Based on my years of clinical experience, physical rehabilitation is the greatest challenge because many elderly people lack the motivation to move," she said. "However, Wu Qi demonstrated that simply having them hold hula hoops for therapy dogs to leap through motivated people to get moving more."

Other tasks, such as grooming the animals or dressing them up with scarves or buttons, "can subtly enhance an elderly person's physical abilities," Kang said. "It can also impact their cognitive and emotional well-being."

She hopes to collaborate with Wu's team to standardize animal-assisted therapy for the elderly.

"We have drafted standards such as the use of large or small therapy dogs depending on the facility, duration, and frequency of service and the interventions required," Kang said.

All of this serves as a way to explore best practices, which are crucial for the industry, she added.

In the future, the PFH team will focus on pet training, pet welfare, pet media, pet film, and pet television advertisements.

"In 2025, we will promote adoptions through various channels to reduce the burden on organizations and help more stray animals find warm homes," Wu Qi said.

Guo Yanqi in Beijing, Guan Tong in Shenzhen, and Randy Wright at China Daily contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015 shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, center. The Houston Health Department said Friday it has identified two cases of measles in adults whove recently traveled internationally, the first cases in Houston since 2018. Cynthia Goldsmith/Associated Press

The Houston Health Department said Friday it has identified two cases of measles in adults whove recently traveled internationally, the first cases in Houston since 2018.

The adults live in the same household, and its unknown whether theyre up to date on the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, the health department said.

Health officials are still investigating and performing contact tracing to identify anyone else who may have been exposed, the health department said.

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Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease, Dr. David Persse, the health authority for the city of Houston, said in a news release. Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect individuals and the broader community from this highly contagious illness. Ensuring your immunizations are up to date is critical, especially in light of these recent cases.

The health department said it will provide information about any locations, dates and times where anyone might have been exposed to measles on its website.

Tips to avoid measles and symptoms

Anyone exposed to measles should isolate immediately, because the virus can be spread up to four days before a rash appears and up to four days after its gone. They should also contact their health care provider to arrange testing and monitor their symptoms, the health department said.

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Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing or just being near someone who is infected. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours. Up to nine of 10 people who are around measles will become infected if they are not protected by vaccination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face.

It can also lead to serious health complications. One in five unvaccinated people who are infected will need to be hospitalized, and one in 20 children will develop pneumonia, according to the CDC. In rare cases it can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can lead to convulsions that could cause deafness or an intellectual disability.

"Its not just a fever and a rash," said Dr. Sapna Singh, the chief medical officer of Texas Children's Pediatrics. "There are significant complications, including the need for hospitalization.

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Those at highest risk for serious health complications include infants and children younger than 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. The risk for complications is greatest in children younger than 2, Singh said.

Importance of vaccinations

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and will also protect against serious health complications caused by the disease, according to the CDC. The agency recommends the first dose for children 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old.

About 86% of children in Houston received an MMR vaccine by the time they were 2 years old in 2022, according to CDC data from the National Immunization Survey. That lagged overall rates in Texas, where about 90% of kids received a vaccine by age 2.

Singh said the two cases that have been confirmed in Houston highlight the importance of vaccination. Adults who were not vaccinated as children should talk to their health care provider about getting a vaccine, she said.

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"As pediatricians this is something that we constantly advise our families to do to protect their children, and to hopefully avoid them being infected," she said.
Suppliers to Harland & Wolff risk losing significant sums of money as the group company and its shipyards enter administration as part of the sale of the famous shipbuilder, it has emerged.

Navantia, a shipbuilding firm owned by the Spanish government, has agreed to buy all four of the shipyards currently owned by Harland & Wolff, in Belfast, Scotland and Devon.

The jobs associated with the yards, and the major contract with the Ministry of Defence to build Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships, will be carried over in the sale.

However it has emerged that the group company, and the four shipyards it owns, will still enter administration as part of the sale.

According to the BBC, legal notices of intention to appoint administrators to the four yards were published this week.

This is not expected to affect any of the 1,000 jobs in shipbuilding associated with the yards, however it does mean that suppliers owed money may miss out on significant sums of money that are owed to them.

Harland & Wolff is part of the winning consortium on a contract from the Ministry of Defence for the FSS ships.

The Belfast Telegraph has spoken to a senior member of one company owed money for supplying Harland and Wolff.

They expressed shock that detail of the shipyards administration was not mentioned in the governments press release announcing the sale on December 19.

They further explained how the loss of the money could have serious implications for their business.

The move is not expected to put their company out of business, but could still deliver a significant blow to their profits.

Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for East Belfast and party leader, said news about the administration was deeply concerning.

While I expect the jobs in east Belfast and the new contracts will be safeguarded under the ownership of the Navantia UK, the sudden financial uncertainty will leave many businesses in the Harland & Wolff supply chain in a precarious position.

This will be a hammer-blow to those companies with some owed significant sums.

I urge all involved parties, including the new owners and relevant authorities, to engage urgently and find ways to mitigate the impact on our local supply chain.

Supporting these businesses is critical to maintaining their viability and the completion of the contract.

The Department for Business and Trade said Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn had set out the governments position on this matter on Wednesday.

Asked a question about the process by Mr Robinson in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Benn said the sale to Navantia had been very good news,

Ultimately the question of how to relate to those suppliers is a commercial matter for Navantia, but I am sure that it wants to build a good relationship with firms that will help Harland & Wolff to build the three fleet solid support ships.

Navantia has been approached for comment.
Dr. Joseph Lubega, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and director of Texas Childrens Global HOPE Program, is photographed Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Texas Childrens hospital in the Houston Medical Center. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Dr. Joseph Lubega calls sickle cell disease probably the saddest story of a health problem that you could imagine.

He and his colleagues at Texas Childrens Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine are working to change that narrative.

The Texas Medical Center institutions announced this month that they are partnering with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to combat sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to roughly 80% of the people in the world living with the inherited blood disorder. The program is designed to improve early detection and treatment of sickle cell disease, which causes lifelong symptoms and is one of the leading causes of childhood illness and death in Africa.

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The program is launching in Tanzania and Uganda, but the partners intend to expand to eight more countries in the region, said Lubega, the director of the Texas Childrens Global HOPE program and an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

Our vision is to change the narrative around sickle cell disease in Africa using simple interventions, Lubega said. Uganda and Tanzania are just the beginning.

Black people are at much higher risk and account for most of the 7.7 million people worldwide estimated to be living with the disorder in 2023. Its significantly more prevalent in the Black community because its believed the genetic mutation arose thousands of years ago to help protect against malaria, which is most prevalent in Africa, Lubega said.

Sickle cell disease can be managed, but many children in Africa lack access to such treatment. As a result, four of five African children born with the disorder die before age 5, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, more than 95% of children with sickle cell survive to adulthood.

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The program in sub-Saharan Africa is intended to reduce those disparities, and the partners are confident they can provide aid sooner than later, said Mike Mizwa, the director of Baylor College of Medicine Global Health. Thats because theyve been working together for more than 25 years on an effort that has sharply reduced the prevalence of pediatric HIV in the region, so the infrastructure to provide health care supplies and medication to children in Africa is already in place.

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We really think that we can be as transformational in addressing sickle cell as HIV, he said. Maybe even quicker.

Treatment for sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that causes red blood cells, which are normally round, to be shaped like crescent moons. Those red blood cells become hard and sticky and struggle to carry oxygen through the body, causing severe pain and complications like infections, organ damage and stroke.

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These kids live basically a lifetime of intense, bone-crushing pain, Lubega said. A colleague of mine, who actually happens to have sickle cell disease, described it as the feeling of broken glass coursing through your body.

Symptoms typically appear by the time a child is 6 months old, so doctors use a blood test to detect it during pregnancy or soon after birth. But those tests are harder to come by in sub-Saharan Africa, Lubega said.

Once its diagnosed, sickle cell disease is managed with hydroxyurea, a medication that reduces the frequency of pain and the need for blood transfusions. Children younger than 5 also receive penicillin to prevent infections.

Together those treatments can reduce nearly all complications of sickle cell disease, but theyre not accessible in sub-Saharan Africa, Lubega said. The new program will use the supply chains and the relationships the partners have built with African governments to deliver the medication and testing kits needed to detect and manage the disorder.

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Treatment will be delivered through local health systems in Tanzania and Uganda and overseen by African hematologists who have been trained through the Texas Childrens Global HOPE program, which was established in 2016 to combat cancer, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders in Africa.

They typically understand their challenges, their barriers and solutions better, Lubega said. They can implement [treatment] better than a foreign person.

Treating children worldwide

The partners are working with government officials in Africa to determine the best methods to screen children for sickle cell disease and determine how to collect data and train health care workers. Building and maintaining those relationships is crucial to the long-term success of the program, Lubega said.

When you do things that way, you typically get very dramatic exponential improvements in patient care and outcomes, he said. But more importantly, you build an enduring system.

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The program launched in Tanzania and Uganda, in part because the partners have already established non-government organizations, supply chains, community outreach programs and other health care infrastructure there, Mizwa said.

Weve created some of the most robust organizational structures and clinical structures in those countries, that we dont have to re-invest in, he said. Its already there.

The goal is to expand to Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda and Togo. Together the 10 countries account for roughly 50% of the global burden of sickle cell disease, Lubega said.

The partners see providing treatment for sickle cell disease to African countries as low-hanging fruit because it can be managed with the right treatment, and because they already have the infrastructure in place to help.

But it also aligns with the Texas Childrens and Baylors missions to care for children in need, regardless of where they live, Lubega said.
Project Gigabit is aiming to bring fast internet connections to homes and businesses here

A major government contract to develop high-speed internet connections for some 11,000 homes and businesses in rural communities here is set to be announced in the coming months.

Project Gigabit is part of a UK-wide plan to enable hard to reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband.

Following a public review, some 59,000 premises across Northern Ireland were classified as white  with no gigabit network infrastructure present, and none likely to be developed within three years.

The initial contract is designed to connect some 11,000 homes and businesses.

A further 60,000 premises are under review; these are premises where suppliers have reported current or planned commercial broadband coverage, but where claimed current gigabit coverage has not been verified, or, in respect of planned build, where evaluators are confident that gigabit infrastructure will be delivered, but some risks to delivery remain, or there are some gaps in evidence, the Department for the Economy (DfE) has said.

Procurement for the scheme here started in November, with an invitation to interested suppliers to complete a selection questionnaire to demonstrate their capacity and capability to deliver such a contract.

Those suppliers who meet the published criteria of the selection questionnaire will be invited to submit a response to the requirements of the Invitation to tender for the project, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said in a response to an Assembly Question from Alliances John Blair.

The procurement will seek a supplier to address an initial scope of approximately 11,000 premises here.

My department expects to award a contract for Project Gigabit in the coming months, subject to compliant bids being made, bids meeting the published criteria, and all necessary approvals being agreed.

The department has said it recognises that there is a need for government intervention in the parts of the country that are not commercially viable.

The UK Government has committed 5bn for the hardest to reach parts of the country, ensuring that all areas of the UK can benefit.

This will be spent through a package of coordinated and mutually supportive interventions, collectively known as Project Gigabit.

As part of this DfE, along with Building Digital UK (BDUK), is developing a procurement approach to incentivise the telecoms market to invest in delivering gigabit capable wholesale infrastructure in areas not considered to be commercially viable for new infrastructure. This procurement approach will be a successor to the much-needed superfast broadband programme and DfEs broadband intervention, Project Stratum.

Based on the outcome of the public review, DfE intends to launch an exercise to procure a contractor for the delivery of Project Gigabit in Northern Ireland.
Leading figures across the arts, culture and sport will be brought together as part of a new soft power council aimed at transforming Britains role on the global stage.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will jointly chair the group which the Government says is designed to drive growth and security by making the most of the countrys cultural exports.
Cops 'out of control during drunken kebab shop row', court hears

Off-duty cops accused of affray at kebab shop give evidence: There are many people who dislike the police, particularly in NI

Off-duty cops accused of affray at kebab shop give evidence at Belfast Crown Court

Ashleigh McDonald Thu 16 Jan 2025 at 18:09







Four police officers standing trial on a charge of affray arising from an early morning fracas in a kebab shop in Belfast gave evidence in court today.
Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where she received her cancer treatment, to personally thank staff for her care. Pic: PA

A Northern Ireland woman who was in a London hospital for cancer treatment was blown away by a chance meeting with the Princess of Wales, who made a special visit to the facility earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Kate met with patients and staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in South West London, where she received treatment for the disease last year.

In March 2024, the princess confirmed she was having preventative treatment after tests following abdominal surgery found that cancer had been present.

During the Royal Marsden visit, she revealed she was in remission from cancer.

Kensington Palace said the royal had wanted to show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.

As she arrived, the princess said it was nice to enter through the main entrance after having made so many quiet, private visits.

Angela Terry, originally from Carrickfergus, has been undergoing treatment for the past six years, after she was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.

She is the non-executive chair of EGFR Positive UK, the only UK charity for EGFR+ lung cancer advocacy, empowerment and support for those diagnosed with the form of cancer which primarily affects women and non-smokers.

Angela, who now lives outside Oxford, was waiting for treatment as Kate walked past and she said the two made eye contact and smiled.

I knew the director of nursing, who was tasked with looking after Kate during her visit, and I asked if I could meet her and take a photo and she agreed, explained Angela.

As she walked down the corridor, she caught my eye and we both smiled.

And both the princess and director of nursing were highly complimentary of the work the charity does.

We spoke for about three minutes and got some pictures taken. She was just so lovely and highly personable.

My first thought was: My mum would have loved this. I have always loved the royals, but to be able to stand next to her and tell her about the work the charity does was just something special. It was magical to meet her.

I was just blown away by how she manages herself. She obviously has this impression of being elegant and full of poise, but she has this amazing combination of remaining professional but at the same time adding a personal touch; she comes across very genuine and sincere.

Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where she received her cancer treatment, to personally thank staff for her care. Pic: PA

Angela said that the princess was interested in asking questions and finding out about the treatment patients are going through.

She radiated great empathy during her visit, she said, and she was responding to other people, barely speaking about herself.

As a patient, I was personally so thrilled to see her and see her look so well. It definitely gives you hope.

She also went to the NHS part of the hospital, which was nice because she was talking to ordinary patients who go there every day. And she announced she was in remission that afternoon. It was all so very special.

Angela first became involved in EGFR Positive UK six years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer.

I come from a non-medical background but previously worked in management and leadership training with pharmaceutical companies, she explained.

I was primarily working as a business psychologist, but when I was diagnosed, I found out about this charity and the fantastic work that they do.

Our charity is all about supporting patients and their families and raising awareness that you can get lung cancer even if youve never smoked in your life, which most people dont know.

To learn more about the charity and/or how to get involved, visit www.egfrpositive.org.uk
Scene of the Teebane bombing on January 17, 1992, at a rural crossroads between Omagh and Cookstown

The daughter of a man killed in the PIRA Teebane massacre has urged the Governments legacy body to review the case and to give them the names of those responsible.

Eight men were killed and others seriously injured when a bomb exploded at Teebane crossroads near Cookstown on January 17, 1992.

The workmen were targeted because their employer did construction work for the security forces.

One of the eight workers murdered was an off-duty soldier.

The men had been engaged in construction work at Lisanelly army base in Omagh and were on their way to Cookstown when their van was destroyed in the blast at Teebane crossroads.

Ms Diane Kerrigan, the daughter of Cecil Caldwell, one of the eight men murdered, said: This will be a challenging piece of work for the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

All I want are some answers. Who carried this out and why? My family was devastated, left with decades of pain and torment.

This was a calculated, callous and, yes, sectarian attack on workers who wanted no more than to do all they could for their families.

We have to hope that the ICRIR will bring us some closure. If that closure results in the naming of the terrorists and opens the door to criminal proceedings, then our persistence will have been rewarded.

Lurgan-based Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) is backing the families and has asked the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to examine the case, which was seen as one of the worst of the Troubles.

Cecil Caldwell

The new development comes before a commemoration takes place at the Teebane crossroads on Sunday, January 19, at 3pm to mark the 33rd anniversary of the atrocity.

UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said the attack merited a review and hoped it would provide relatives with some answers.

Mr Schmidt added: UHRW is representing two of the families who lost loved ones in this appalling attack.

A number of factors are under the microscope. First, in a review by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), a number of suspects were identified but they were never arrested or interviewed. This fact, on its own, is a source of major concern for the families.

Second, technological advances in forensics have created new opportunities to re-test over 20 exhibits.

These tests could help in the identification of the PIRA terrorists, opening the way to possibly initiating criminal proceedings.

Families remain convinced that had appropriate protective measures by the employer Karl Construction and the RUCs Operation Ironside been followed, this atrocity could have been thwarted.

There were failings and shortcomings, but ultimately this heavy loss of innocent lives was down to the murderous actions of the PIRA.

Even if prosecutions are not possible, the ICRIR has the power to name those involved in the bombing.

The ICRIR recently said the new year marks the next important chapter of the Commissions work, with the first of its reports likely to be published in the autumn.

There are many victims, and relatives of those who died during the Troubles, who strongly oppose the ICRIR believing the UK Government should not be the sole arbitrator in legacy cases.
There has been a renewed police appeal about a missing man who hasnt been seen since last month.

Philip Porter was last seen in the Lurgan Road area of Moira on December 5.

Speaking to this newspaper last month the mans family spoke about their absolute devastation.

Heather told the Belfast Telegraph at the time: Phil is one of the most warmest, most loyal, most friendly, most loving, most funny guys youll ever meet.

Hes so creative, hes so clever. He kind of reminds me of the guys from the A-Team, where he can make something out of anything.

Hes everything to all of his family and friends... hes everything... hes just our favourite person.

In a new appeal, PSNI Detective Inspector Bell said: Philip is described as being approximately 57 in height, with grey coloured hair and of slim build. He was last seen wearing navy blue trousers, a navy coloured jacket and a green and black checked shirt.

Missing man Philip Porter (46)

Philip also had on a navy hoodie with white toggles under his jacket and was wearing black high-top style trainers with beige soles.

We are asking business owners in the Moira area to check their yards, store rooms and premises as well as asking residents to check their sheds, garages and any outbuildings including fixed security cameras which may have recorded the movements of Philip.

To any motorists, were you travelling in the Moira and Magheralin areas between 2.15am and 6am on that Thursday, 5th December and did you notice a man matching Philips description? Please review any dash-cam footage you may have as this could greatly assist with our enquiries.

Philip had also made reference to family about travelling to the Mourne Mountains, so if anyone is walking in that area and/or believes they may have seen Philip over the last number of weeks, please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 438 05/12/24.
Emergency services at the scene of an RTC on the Lisburn Road in Belfast on January 17th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

One person has been hospitalised after a four-vehicle crash on the Upper Lisburn Road in Belfast.

Emergency services attended the incident on the Upper Lisburn Road in Belfast earlier on Friday morning.

The crash happened close to the Finaghy Road junction shortly after 10:15am.

A spokesperson for NIAS said: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 10:09 on Friday 17th January following reports of an RTC involving two vehicles on the Upper Lisburn Road.

"NIAS despatched one Emergency Crew and one Rapid Response Vehicle to the incident.

"Following initial assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital by ambulance."

The road has now reopened.

A police spokesperson said: Police attended a report of a four vehicle road traffic collision at the Finaghy Crossroads this morning, There were no reports of any serious injuries.

Emergency services at the scene of an RTC on the Lisburn Road in Belfast on January 17th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Hunt on for missing man Gary Patterson last seen in Larne three months ago
The new Translink York Street Train Station officially opened on Monday, April, 29, 2024. Picture by Peter Morrison

A missing schoolgirl last seen with a unknown man and woman leaving a north Belfast train station has been located.

Earlier, police said they were becoming increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of a 13-year-old girl last seen in the company of an unknown man and woman in York Street train station.

A woman who identified herself as the young girls mum on social media said she was last seen in the company of a man and woman aged in their 40s and may have headed in direction of Midland Close near the train station.

Her family have subsequently posted on social media that the young girl has been located and is currently with police.

Its understood overnight searches took place to locate her.

The new Translink York Street Train Station officially opened on Monday, April, 29, 2024. Picture by Peter Morrison

Hunt on for missing man Gary Patterson last seen in Larne three months ago
Theres no point pretending Belfast locals will be winning awards for the sexiest or easiest to understand accents any time soon but its not all bad news for NI accent lovers.

A UK based study has found that people with Belfast accent were perceived as less likely to commit a crime.

Researchers asked 180 participants to listen to recordings of 10 male voices with different accents and rate a series of statements on social traits and behaviours.

The accents were: Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and standard southern British English (SSBE), also referred to as RP.

Rosanne And Megan

"We're just friendly people!": Study finds people with Belfast accent perceived as less likely to commit crime

Participants who listened to the accents were asked to rate statements about behaviours for them, including "drive dangerously", "physically assault someone", "shoplift", "touch someone sexually without consent" and "vandalise a shop front".

The study indicated that the Liverpool and Bradford accents were perceived as most likely to behave in criminal ways.

Whereas accents from outside England, like Belfast and Glasgow were perceived as less likely to commit a crime.

But many Belfast locals didnt agree with the research findings.

I would feel the complete opposite of that - I would be surprised that people say its one of the least [likely to commit a crime], I would say its one of the higher ones, Abbey, 19, said.

Her friend Elliott, 20, agrees.

Abbey and Elloitt

Elliott believes the Republic of Irelands accent sounds friendlier than the Northern Irish one.

I would say its the more southern Ireland accents, I would say they sound very honest and soft spoken, Elliot said.

He admits he would perceive someone with a London accent as more likely to commit a crime than someone from Belfast.

I think like the typical roadman accent - I think like the South London direction, Elliott said.

Friends, Louie, 18, Eden, 20, and Orla, 19, expected the Belfast accent to be perceived as more likely to commit a crime.

I think it would be like in the top ten, Eden said.

Orla suggested that it could be the Northern Irish dialect that means the Belfast accent is perceived as less likely to commit a crime.

I feel like our colloquialisms are just friendly, Orla said.

We are just friendly people, Louie added.

Louie, Eden and Orla

Roseanne and Megan believe the Belfast accent may have been perceived as less likely to commit a crime because some people think it sounds posher than an English accent.

Is it some sort of class thing? Like if you sound posh you are less likely to commit a crime? Roseann said.

Oran, 19, thinks the harsh tone of the Belfast accent makes it seem more trustworthy.

Its a lot harder in Glasgow and here, its a lot harder than London or the likes of that, he said.

Like many of those involved in the study, Oran said he would assume someone with a Birmingham accent is more likely to commit a crime.
The incident occurred on Thursday

The incident occurred close to St Jude's Church in the Ormeau Road area. Credit: Google Maps

Stock Image: The incident happened near St Judes Church on the Ormeau Road.

The PSNI has confirmed a woman hit by a motorbike in south Belfast yesterday sustained serious injuries following the crash.

The incident occurred close to St Jude's Church in the Ormeau Road area shortly after 5:15pm on Thursday January 16.

Emergency services, including the NI Ambulance Service, attended the incident, after which one pedestrian was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The PSNI has confirmed the woman aged in her 60s sustained serious injuries following the crash.

Sergeant Rooney said: Shortly after 5:15pm, it was reported that a woman in her 60s was struck by a motorcycle.

"The woman, who was a pedestrian, was taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries which are described as serious.

Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam footage available from the scene, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1246 16/01/25.

It comes after a number of incidents in NI over the last week in which pedestrians have been struck by vehicles.

The incident occurred close to St Jude's Church in the Ormeau Road area. Credit: Google Maps

On Monday, 77-year-old Carole Graham died after being struck by a white Kia Sportage in the Newtownabbey area, while on the same evening one person was taken to hospital after being hit by a vehicle in the St Francis Street area of Londonderry.

A further incident in the city on Wednesday resulted in another pedestrian being taken to hospital after being hit by a vehicle in the Lisnagelvin area.

Stock Image: The incident happened near St Judes Church on the Ormeau Road.

News Catch Up: Friday 17th January
The Harris County Jail at 701 N San Jacinto Street as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

A Houston-based influencer who last month flew to Qatar after being accused of kidnapping two women has returned to the U.S. and been arrested, according to police records.

Corey Pritchett Jr, 24, was being held at the Harris County Jail on $200,000 bond as of Friday morning, according to jail records. He was taken into custody on Thursday.

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Pritchett has nearly 4 million subscribers via his personal YouTube channel, CoreySSG, where he posts music, comedy and lifestyle videos. He also chronicled the lives of his family for more than 1 million subscribers through the Pritchett family YouTube channel. He's also active on Instagram and TikTok.

Prtichett was taken into custody four weeks after two warrants were issued for his arrest. He was accused of abducting two women and threatening them with a handgun, according to court records. The alleged kidnapping happened Nov. 24, police said. Pritchett was at a bowling alley with a group of people, including the women, when he began to act bizarrely, according to court records.

Pritchett told the women someone was after him and made them drive with him toward San Antonio, according to police. At one point he threatened to kill them, before letting them out of the his car near Sealy, according to police.

Police spoke to the women the same day as the alleged kidnapping, according to court records. When investigators later reached out to Pritchett, they found his phone had been disconnected. Around the same time, Pritchett announced to his social media followers that he was starting a new life in Dubai. The FBI confirmed to Houston police that Pritchett bought a one-way ticket to Qatar and flew there Dec. 9.

Pritchett was charged Dec. 26.

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Earlier this month, Pritchett posted on his Instagram accounts that he would address the accusations "in a court of law." That post and others appear to have been deleted from his Instagram account, where the most recent post now appears to be from 2020. His most recent YouTube video was posted five months ago.
It is another conviction for Pakistans former PM (AP)

A Pakistani court has sentenced the countrys already-imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife to 14 and seven years in jail after finding them guilty of corruption, officials and his lawyer said.

The couple are accused of accepting a gift of land from a real estate tycoon in exchange for laundered money when Khan was in power.

Prosecutors say the businessman, Malik Riaz, was then allowed by Khan to pay fines that were imposed on him in another case from the same laundered money of 190 million that was returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022 to deposit to the national exchequer.

Khan has denied wrongdoing and insisted since his arrest in 2023 that all the charges against him are a plot by rivals to keep him from returning to office.

Bushra Bibi, Khans wife, was taken into custody by prison officials after the announcement of the verdict, according to officials. She had earlier served a prison sentence in another corruption case until she was freed on bail by a court in October.

Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022, had previously been convicted on charges of corruption, revealing official secrets and violating marriage laws in three separate verdicts  and sentenced to 10, 14 and seven years respectively.

Khan has been behind bars since 2023 (AP)

Under Pakistani law, he is to serve the terms concurrently  meaning, the length of the longest of the sentences.

Faisal Chaudhry, a defence lawyer, said the court verdict could be challenged in the superior courts.

Shortly after the announcement of the verdict, members of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party rallied outside the parliament in the capital, Islamabad, saying the former premier had been wrongly punished.

This is a bogus case, and we will approach an appeals court against this decision, said Omar Ayub Khan, a senior party leader who is not related to the former premier.

Some of Khans supporters were also present outside the Adiala prison in the city of Rawalpindi, and they chanted slogans against the government, demanding the release of their leader.

On Thursday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters in Islamabad that there was irrefutable evidence against Khan and his wife in the mega corruption scandal.

Ministers said there was irrefutable evidence that Khan and hsi wife were involved in a mega corruption scandal (AP)

Mr Tarar said that Khan even did not tell his own Cabinet members about the money that was returned to Pakistan by Britain.

The minister also claimed that Khan built a new sprawling house in the eastern city of Lahore after giving benefits to the business tycoon, and that he was unable to prove that from where he got the money from to build it.

The latest development came a day after Khans PTI party held a crucial round of talks with representatives of the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to demand the release of all political detainees, including Khan and other party leaders.

Mr Sharif became Prime Minister following the February 2024 election, which PTI claims was rigged.
A woman in Jerusalem walks by mock coffins lining a street and covered with Israeli flags that are meant to symbolise the price Israel will pay for agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas (AP Photo)

Less than 24 hours after the announcement of the breakthrough ceasefire in the 15 month war in Gaza, the first major hitch. Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wasnt calling a cabinet meeting to endorse the deal because Hamas was going back on key aspects of the deal.

We have been here before. A very similar deal for a ceasefire and the return of the remaining Israeli hostages was in place last May and ready to be signed. However, a dispute over Israels right to maintain patrols in the Philadelphi corridor, which runs along Gazas southern border, scuppered the truce.

The latest Netanyahu objection comes 72 hours before the ceasefire comes into effect early this coming Sunday. Meanwhile Israeli planes have continued to bomb northern Gaza.

It is too early to write the whole deal off. The difference this time round is that a concerted effort by the incoming and departing US presidents are behind the initiative. The efforts of President-elect Donald Trump appear to be decisive  and this will set a pattern for diplomacy, and the management of war and peace, across large parts of the world for the next four years.

Most critical has been the peculiar blunt force diplomacy of Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, who simply told Netanyahu to meet him in his office in Jerusalem last weekend, despite it being the Sabbath. The terms of the ceasefire were put to him  and in no uncertain terms. The Israeli premier had to agree.

A pattern of faltering progress, stop-start diplomacy, likely to bedevil attempts to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Within hours of the accord between Hamas and the Israeli delegation being announced in Qatar, ministers in Israels coalition government began the denunciation process. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the security minister, said the deal was dangerous. His ally Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, said that after the hostages are released hostilities needs be resumed to smash Hamas.

Palestinians watch TV as they await the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza (AP Photo)

This sets the pattern of faltering progress, stop-start diplomacy, likely to bedevil attempts to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Trump himself links the two. Announcing the ceasefire with Hamas  even before the incumbent, Biden, could  he said the same process of negotiation would bring other conflicts, meaning Ukraine, to swift conclusion.

Paradoxically, the story of this weeks Qatar agreement is that bringing peace, or even temporary truce, to Gaza and Ukraine will be a messy business likely to last for the rest of this year, at least.

In Israel hopes are still high. Five women soldiers, seized on October 7th 2023, are expected to be among the first hostages released on Sunday. Specialist medical teams are waiting on the borders of Gaza to take them to hospital. Convoys of UN trucks are lined up to take in aid of all kinds. However, such is the persistently toxic propaganda battle that the Israeli spokesman David Mencer told the BBC that it was the UN that was responsible for the failure to deliver aid to Gazas starving civilians. He also claimed that the schools were legitimate targets as UNRWA, the UN care and education agency, was responsible for recruiting for Hamas.

For Benjamin Netanyahu this is high noon in the latter stages of his political life. He is isolated abroad and increasingly beleaguered at home. The ceasefire deal would almost certainly get majority support in parliament, the Knesset, as the opposition leader Yair Lapid and moderates in his own coalition such as Gideon Saar, the current foreign minister and leader of New Hope, would garner enough votes to get it through.

Hamas as a movement is unlikely to be eradicated

This should enable the ceasefire programme to start unfolding  in which several things have to happen in rapid order. The first 33 hostages have to be released. Aid by the thousands of tons has to go in  with medicines, food and shelter as priorities. There also has to be a police regime to maintain law and order  to curb the Palestinian mafias who have been colluding with Israeli racketeers, according to credible eyewitness reports.

A woman in Jerusalem walks by mock coffins lining a street and covered with Israeli flags that are meant to symbolise the price Israel will pay for agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas (AP Photo)

The first period of implementation is due to last six weeks, in which a fundamental for the enduring governance of Gaza has to be addressed  the future role of Hamas, if there is to be any at all. Though its military wing has been checked, the movement is unlikely to be eradicated, as Netanyahu and his Jewish settler allies have proposed. It has sympathy and support across the networks of the Muslim Brotherhood and a firm foothold in Doha and throughout the Gulf.

Coupled to that is the question of a future Palestinian state  anathema to the Israeli governments right wing. This is unlikely to be addressed until the concluding third phase of the Qatar-Gaza peace process. It is also likely to haunt Trump for most of his presidency. The alternative, full or partial occupation and Jewish resettlement of Gaza, espoused by Ben Gvir and his allies, seem the stuff of political fantasy, however.

Donald Trump has pursued two of his most powerful attributes in public life  his belief in forging the swift, tough deal, and his distaste for long and terrible conflicts. He has had success even before taking office. This time round he has shown himself much better prepared than when he began his first term. His team had the wit to collaborate with the Biden team in order to box in Netanyahu and the Hamas leadership in Qatar.

But  and it is a huge but  working the peace in Gaza and Ukraine is going to be a longer and more uncertain process than he would like to imagine. In Jerusalem and Moscow, he faces two protagonists whose vested interest  and political survival  is in continuing the conflict.

Robert Fox is defence editor of the Evening Standard

 Evening Standard
Ukraine will soon feel battlefield effects of losing US backing... and Trumps not done
The HMS Maidstone held internees for over a year before protests over conditions got it shut downSeven Escapees swam almost 300 yards before hijacking a double-decker busGerry Adams was imprisoned on the boat for a short time in 1971

Prison ship HMS Maidstone in Belfast docks in 1971 and (inset) Tommy Gorman, who escaped

HMS Maidstone was an old an ex-Royal Navy Ship, pressed back into service to hold republican internees in the early 1970s.

Conditions onboard were cramped, dark and grim. Eventually, in April 1972 - in response to protests over poor conditions, prisoners were moved to Long Kesh.

But in January 1972, a group of IRA prisoners decided to make an escape attempt after someone noticed a seal swimming through the barbed wire surrounding the ship.

They greased themselves in butter and boot polish to squeeze out the portholes of the ship and swam 270 meters through an ice-cold Belfast Lough in a bid to escape the floating prison.

The near naked men then hijacked a double-decker bus before slipping across the border.

Unsurprisingly, this was a propaganda coup for the IRA, with the escapees nicknamed in Republican circles as The Magnificent Seven even appearing at a news conference in Dublin.

Naturally, the escape was also a massive embarrasment for the British government and the security forces.

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by James Durney, author of Jailbreak: Great Irish Republican escapes.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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Audrii Cunningham. (Courtesy The Uvalde Foundation For Kids) (Courtesy The Uvalde Foundation For Kids)

The man who killed 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham in Livingston in February 2024 reached a plea agreement that will see him spend life behind bars, according to the Polk County District Attorneys Office.

Don Steven McDougal pleaded guilty to capital murder Friday and was sentenced to life in prison for the death of Cunningham, officials said. As part of that agreement, other pending charges against the man were dismissed.

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Officials with the district attorneys office said in a prepared statement they had determined McDougal wasnt eligible for the death penalty and the plea agreement ensured he will spend the rest of his life in prison while sparing the girls family a trial.

McDougal became a person of interest during Cunninghams disappearance as a family friend living in a trailer behind their home in Livingston, about 75 miles northeast of Houston. He had a lengthy criminal history, facing at least 14 arrests on different allegations since 2001, including encounters with the Harris County Sheriffs Office and Conroe Police Department.

McDougal reportedly left Cunninghams family home with her while driving his 2003 dark blue Chevrolet Suburban, a truck that authorities had identified as a vehicle of interest linked to her disappearance.

After an exhaustive search, investigators pulled Cunninghams body from the waters of the Trinity River. Forensic examiners later determined she died from blunt head trauma.

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The plea represents the culmination of months of diligent work by prosecutors, law enforcement and support staff, Polk County officials said in the prepared statement. The Polk County District Attorneys Office would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication on this case to bring justice for Audrii.
Handing off to the next generation a business that has defined you for decades is no small task. But if business owners cannot relinquish or share the rein, notes columnist Allen Harris, they risk depriving the next generation  and the company  of fresh ideas.
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.
The project outside Town Hall organized by former state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will honor Berkshire County members of the military who died in service to the U.S. from World War I to the present.
Donald Morrison, author of How Obama Lost America (2012), is an Eagle columnist and co-chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle.
Jeff Robbins, a part-time resident of Stockbridge, is a former U.S. delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council and a former assistant U.S. attorney and chief counsel for the Democrats on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He is the author of Notes from the Brink: A Collection of Columns About Policy at Home and Abroad.
Investiture de Donald Trump: comment l'avion Air Force One assure la securite du president americain

L'investiture du president va se derouler sous haute securite avec 300 agents du secret service. Air Force One, un DC 25, est un avion militaire blinde, capable de devier des missiles et de rester en vol plusieurs jours, garantissant ainsi la protection maximale du president.
By Laren Kowalczyk 07

Throughout all her years in school, Bowling Green State University sophomore Taylor Gaies said she has never been more academically successful than in her first year in college  an achievement she credits to the Universitys unique support program for students with learning differences.

Gaies is enrolled in the Falcon Learning Your Way  or FLY  Program, which provides personalized academic support for students with ADHD, specific learning differences and executive function challenges.

I had the best academic year Ive ever had in my life. I truly thrived, she said. I was successful in my classes and turned so many of my weaknesses into strengths. The FLY program has been the most transformational experience. I hold such a special place for it in my heart.

BGSU is among roughly two dozen universities nationwide with a dedicated program to support students with learning differences, another example of the Universitys commitment to empowering student success.
Partnership success

Mercy Health Life Flight Network's relationship with BGSU, which initially began with Wattoff taking on a role as an adjunct professor, is an expansion of the Universitys existing and longstanding partnership with Mercy Health.

Beyond establishing this internship, we have an opportunity to continue finding other ways to work together to serve our communities, Wattoff said.

The BGSU aviation program is one of the largest in the United States and exemplifies the Universitys commitment to partnerships. The aviation program, through its longstanding public-private partnerships with North Star Companies and Republic Airways, provides students with the most modern technology and a workforce pathway to careers in aviation.

During the business aviation course, Abbas said he was captivated by Wattoffs teaching style and ability to connect course material to his decades of experience in aviation, both as a pilot and successful business owner.

With a desire to learn even more from Wattoff, Abbas inquired about completing an internship at Mercy Health Life Flight Network. No such program or position was in place, but Wattoff encouraged Abbas to explore options for creating one.

I learned so much in the class he taught, and I wanted the opportunity to work with and learn from Mr. Wattoff professionally, Abbas said. I have aspirations of one day becoming a chief pilot, which combines flying and business. Getting this experience will help me achieve my dream.

Creating an internship

Empowered by his BGSU education and ambitious attitude, Abbas spent this past summer tracking down the necessary paperwork and grant funding for Wattoff to establish the internship.

As an entrepreneur, I understand and appreciate someone who is also an entrepreneur, Wattoff said. Mohamed did all the work on his own. He created the idea for this initiative. When you have individuals willing to put in that kind of work to create something valuable to them, that should be celebrated.

Abbas began the internship at the start of the Fall 2024 semester and will continue working at Mercy Health Life Flight Network through Spring 2025, shortly before he graduates in May.

Wattoff said Abbas has been a welcome addition to the team and is gaining a range of experience in aviation administration.

I tell students all the time that aviation is our craft, Wattoff said. We must be subject-matter experts in the business of aviation, not just as pilots flying the plane but in all the operational aspects that ensure these businesses function smoothly. This internship is providing Mohmaed an opportunity to see that up close.
By Laren Kowalczyk 07

At 19 years old, Hadarah Grant 24 is a two-time Bowling Green State University alumna, the youngest bachelors degree recipient to cross the stage at the Universitys recent Fall 2024 Commencement.

She earned her degrees in a remarkable two and a half years.

I worked really hard to accomplish what I did, and I had an amazing experience at BGSU, Grant said. Although I was incredibly focused on academics, I still developed a wonderful community here.

With degrees in biology and environmental science, Grant plans to pursue masters and doctoral degrees in evolutionary biology and ecology, which stem from her interest in climate change.

I have a broad interest in a lot of things, Grant said. I wanted to study environmental science to explore the complexities of climate change and understand what we need to do from an academic perspective to combat it.

She said she wants to begin her career in academia and eventually move into industry.

While at BGSU, Grant balanced a full course load while working as an undergraduate teaching assistant for chemistry and laboratory assistant for Dr. Kevin Neves, an associate teaching professor in biological sciences.
By Laren Kowalczyk 07

As a future forensic scientist, Bowling Green State University senior Rachel Hedderman has unique access to experts in the field through an innovative decade-long partnership between the University and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Established in 2014 with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, the partnership was paramount in Heddermans decision to attend BGSU and has been integral in preparing her and hundreds of other students for careers in forensic science.

"The partnership with Ohio BCI is such an advantage for students in the forensic science program, Hedderman said. We are learning directly from experienced professionals. They have prepared me better than I could have ever imagined.

BGSU is the only university in Ohio, and one of a select few in the country, with a professional criminal investigation lab on campus. The partnership provides students with experiential learning opportunities and establishes a crucial connection between academia and industry to ensure students are highly qualified upon entering the workforce.
Justin Ray, left, board secretary, speaks during the comments section as president Scott Henry, right, listens during the regular meeting of Cy-Fair ISD school board meeting Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 in Cypress, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Cypress-Fairbanks Board of Trustees Vice President Natalie Blasingame speaks during a CFISD Board of Trustees meeting Monday, June 17, 2024, at Mark Henry, Ed.D. Administration Building in Cypress. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Cy-Fair ISD School Board Assoc. Superintendent Christina Cole during a workshop meeting at the Mark Henry Administration Building on Thursday, May 2, 2024 in Cypress. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees chose to make high school health an optional course Thursday, removing the previous district-wide requirement to graduate. The class will now become one of six elective offerings for freshmen in the 2025-2026 school year.

The board voted 4-2, with trustees Natalie Blasingame and Julie Hinaman dissenting. Board President Scott Henry was absent from Thursday's meeting.

Administrators in the states third-largest district have been in the process of evaluating their high school course offerings and reversed course on a proposal to eliminate honors-level courses earlier this school year, after community feedback showed significant opposition

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Leaders had also considered removing PACE, a career exploration class, as a graduation requirement, but after an outpouring of support for the class from students and teachers, the district made the decision to keep PACE as a graduation requirement for the time being, Cy-Fair ISDs assistant superintendent of communications Leslie Francis confirmed.

Cy-Fair has had health as a graduation requirement in high school for years, but state law doesnt mandate a separate course, just that certain material outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills be covered during high school. The current high school health course covers decision-making, goal setting, mental health, tobacco and alcohol prevention and treatment, sex education, physical activity and CPR. If the requirement is removed, students will still have to receive mandatory instruction in other classes.

Opt-in sex education instruction will take place in Biology class next year, Francis said, meaning a student that receives sex education instruction and decides to take health will not receive that information in health class.

In previous discussions, Linda Macias who recently retired from her post as Cy-Fairs chief academic officer, said that students who don't take health could receive mandatory CPR training in physical education class and mental health and suicide prevention could be provided by guidance counselors. Newly appointed Chief Academic Officer Tanya Goree said Monday that other components of health could be included in PACE.

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If a student decided not to take health as an elective, there are five other options they could choose from next year, Goree said: professional communication, photo journalism, honors world area studies, a leadership skills class, and a computer skills class.

Ten speakers opposed the recommendation that health be removed as a requirement, while two spoke in support of the measure. One parent, Frances Romero, said health class taught her daughters lessons about healthy relationships, which they were able to share with friends to help get them out of bad relationships.

The district sent out a survey about whether to keep high school health as a requirement earlier this school year, completed by over 6,600 parents and 33,000 students in the 118,000-student district. Results showed support for health class both as a requirement and as an elective. 77% of all parents and 59% of all students supported keeping health as a graduation requirement, while 77% of all parents and 79% of all students supported keeping health as an elective.

The decision to remove health as a requirement for high school was brought to the board after the School Health Advisory Committee, or SHAC, voted 5-4 in December to recommend removing the required class after looking at the survey results.

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The committee includes current parents and community members who can make recommendations about instructional materials for sex education and provide input on nutrition programs and student mental or physical wellbeing. There are 17 members currently in the SHAC, but only nine were present at the December meeting.

While recorded audio from the meeting was generally inaudible, the minutes reflected that two members suggested postponing the vote until a date when more committee members could be present, but since there was a quorum, the committee decided to continue.

Current SHAC member Wendy Johnson also attended the meeting to speak about keeping health as a requirement. Johnson said she was part of a subcommittee that reviewed the new high school health class curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year, and felt it was "expertly crafted" specifically for Cy-Fair ISD students.

In a presentation to the board at Monday's agenda review session, Chief Officer for School Leadership Christina Cole said that the decision came down to parent choice.

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Some members felt that the survey results indicated that parents had expressed their preference by completing the survey, supporting the idea that health should remain as a graduation requirement, others believe that parents could exercise choice for their child by having health offered as an elective instead, Cole said.

Trustee Natalie Blasingame said that from her perspective, removing health as a graduation requirement was about trust in the district.

Since 2010 we've also lost the community's trust on issues The 25% that said no, those people don't trust us to do this curriculum exactly how they want to present it to their children, Blasingame said. I feel like it's a big philosophical thing, but I stand on the side of the parents having the decisions for their child.

Trustee Justin Ray disagreed with Blasingames wording about losing trust saying he felt it was more about different options for families. Ray also said he felt the surveys were contradictory, finding it hard to divine a clear message.

I cannot draw a conclusion that there was an overwhelming preference for health to stay as a requirement simply from the surveys, Ray said. I think we could have benefited from a question that said, 'Would you support health as an elective if health wasn't a requirement?'

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Trustee Julie Hinaman, who expressed the importance of keeping health as a graduation requirement, pointed out that some parents told her they felt like having health as an elective was the backup choice to keeping it as a requirement, which was their first preference.

The two survey questions were:

"1. Do you support CFISD keeping high school health as a graduation requirement? 2. Do you support CFISD offering high school health as an elective?"

Parent Wendy Cowen said Thursday that she filled out the survey after being told that question two was secondary to question one. She said she "raised concerns" about the wording early-on.

"You have not listened to parents. If you want that trust back, listen," she said.

Hinaman also said that she felt that health was important because of student safety.

We talk about safety as a top priority for us," Hinaman said. "Topics that help keep our students safe (have) a greater priority over keyboarding or photo journalism."

Trustee Christine Kalmbach said one semester of health wouldnt be enough to improve student safety and suggested the district implement a four-year advisory program as well.

Current freshman Connor Barnes, who just wrapped up his health class at Bridgeland High School, also spoke in favor of it at the meeting, saying that although it got boring at times, it turned out to provide "valuable life skills that some parents may not bother to teach their children," Barnes said.

And while the district will keep the class as an elective, Barnes said he felt it should remain mandatory.
In fewer than four years, the Bowling Green State University School of Nursing has gone from its infancy stage to being the largest Bachelor of Science in nursing program in northwestern Ohio.

In 2020, the University established its own School of Nursing within the College of Health and Human Services after providing pre-nursing education for more than 50 years as a means of addressing shortages of skilled healthcare professionals both locally and in the greater region.

The program enrolled 41 students in its first cohort a year later, but has since grown significantly in the subsequent years. The program now boasts about 200 students in its first three cohorts alone and nearly 400 more are enrolled in the pre-nursing program, which readies freshmen and sophomores for admittance into the School of Nursing as a junior.

Demand was so immediate that BGSU added an additional spring enrollment for the first time earlier in 2024. When the Spring 2025 semester begins, the program expects to have four cohorts enrolled at all times.

Dr. Shelly Bussard, the director of the School of Nursing, said current and prospective students have responded to the support system within the program, including coursework that prepares them for real-world experiences, resources that connect students directly to prospective employers, expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
By Branden Ferguson

Home to Bowling Green State University, the city of Bowling Green recently was ranked among the safest college towns in Ohio and the nation.

Using the latest FBI crime statistics on violent and property crime and taking into consideration factors including community outreach programs, security practices and town safety measures, Research.com recognized Bowling Green as the No. 2 safest college town in Ohio in its "50 safest college towns in America in 2024" rankings.

BGSU Police Chief Mike Campbell emphasized the shared goals between the University community and the city of Bowling Green in creating and maintaining a safe environment.

"Our partnerships with the community are an essential focus and are forged via community policing," said Campbell. "Efforts to ensure a safe, secure and orderly campus contribute to a positive learning environment where students can focus on their education and experience."

The recent ranking came as no surprise to BGSU senior Kailee Ransom and her parents.

"As an only child, my parents wanted to make sure I was not only getting a good education but that I was also going to be safe while attending school," said Kailee. "Feeling safe as a student allowed me to focus more on academics and take full advantage of my student experience."

Kailee's parents, Tara and Jim Ransom, recalled visiting multiple colleges with their daughter. While Kailee researched academics and student experience, their primary focus was safety and security.

"We visited BGSU several times while Kailee was in high school," said Tara Ransom. "Each time we visited campus, we walked and drove around looking at lighting, safety crosswalks and emergency phones. Online, we looked at safety resources available to students, shuttles, campus escort services and dorm security."

"Every time we visited BGSU, we saw so many students out and about enjoying campus, which signaled to us how comfortable students felt," added Jim Ransom.
By Branden Ferguson

For nearly 60 years, the William T. Jerome Library at Bowling Green State University has towered as an iconic landmark with its signature mural spanning nine stories.

Encompassing the entire east and west side of the Jerome Library, ranked the 11th best college library in the nation, the mural was created by renowned BGSU artist-in-residence Donald Drumm after being commissioned in the summer of 1966. Visible for miles away, Drumm's celebrated design embraces his unique style of shaping cast aluminum and contemporary materials into art.

To ensure the Jerome Library's cherished mural  the largest piece of public artwork at BGSU  remains recognizable and viable for years to come, the University has launched a full restoration project to preserve the well-known campus feature for future generations, with work set to begin in April 2025.

The William T. Jerome Library Mural Restoration Project goes beyond a basic paint touch-up and cleaning, said Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. Focused on preservation of the mural, the project will include repairing cracks, stabilizing loose paint, applying protective sealants to guard against environmental damage and ensuring the mural stays vibrant and well-preserved for the future.



First opened in 1967, the Jerome Library today houses more than 7 million books as well as digital resources. The library is also home to the acclaimed Browne Popular Culture Library and the Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives and serves as a popular campus study and collaboration space.
By Laren Kowalczyk 07

Bowling Green State University senior Hannah Tullock is among a growing number of students in the School of Nursing who have secured full-time jobs well before graduation, a nod to the caliber of the program and University in preparing students for in-demand careers.

Tullock will join the cardiovascular trauma intensive care unit at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo  a full-circle moment for the Bowling Green native who developed a passion for nursing and cardiovascular health after caring for her grandmother following a six artery bypass heart surgery.

BGSU does a phenomenal job teaching us both the technical procedures and the reasoning behind them, which prepares us to be skilled and thoughtful nurses, she said. We are incredibly prepared through constant repetition in the skills and simulation lab and during clinicals.

Since enrolling its first cohort of students in 2021, the BGSU School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services has built an impressive reputation for producing highly qualified graduates prepared for the demands of todays evolving healthcare landscape.
As an undergraduate student in Turkey, Ayman Elsherbiny began looking at universities in the United States that would provide him with the best opportunity for a career in robotics engineering. His search led him to Bowling Green State University.

"Bowling Green State University offered strong electrical, mechanical and robotic engineering programs, experiential learning opportunities and the right equipment for me to be successful," said Elsherbiny.

Upon enrolling in the mechatronics engineering technology program at BGSU, now known as robotics engineering, Elsherbiny gained access to various facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, providing essential hands-on learning opportunities. As a student, he now had access to a computer-aided design lab offering 30 workstations, a robotics training lab with nearly a dozen industrial robots with integrated and automated control systems and the advanced robotics and technology research (ART) lab.

"Mechatronics engineering relies heavily on integrating electrical, mechanical, computer and network components," said Elsherbiny. "BGSU offers strong engineering programs that put state-of-the-art technology into your hands as a student."
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Students protest against Katy ISD's new transgender policy outside the school districts educational support complex on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Katy. The students are protesting a new policy by the district where parents of students in the Katy ISD school system must be notified if their child asks to be identified as transgender under a new policy that took effect Tuesday. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Students hold flags as they protest against Katy ISD's new transgender policy outside the school districts educational support complex on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Katy. The students are protesting a new policy by the district where parents of students in the Katy ISD school system must be notified if their child asks to be identified as transgender under a new policy that took effect Tuesday. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Students, parents and activists have organized around trying to stop a controversial gender policy introduced by the Cy-Fair ISD board earlier this week.

More than 500 emails have been sent to the Board of Trustees prior to Thursday's scheduled vote, asking them to reconsider the policy, through an online form created by the organizations Equality Texas and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, or SEAT.

The policy, mirroring one passed by Katy ISD trustees last year, could force teachers to out transgender or non-binary students to their parents if they request an accommodation to use a different pronoun or name.

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The best-case scenario is, they tell the parent, the parent (says) Oh, I didn't know that, but thank you for letting me know. They're highly supportive of their kid, and that kid has a better life, said Cy-Fair ISD parent and former teacher, Austin McGowan. But the worst-case scenario is they tell the parent, and the parent goes, I had some suspicion, and then the next day, the kid shows up with a broken arm or dead.

McGowan, 37, taught computer science at Bridgeland High School for six years before leaving the profession in 2020. During that time, he had many students who requested to be called by a nickname.

He raised concern about the policy reaching beyond the bounds of its intent, because changing a name from Alexandra to Alex could constitute using a different gender identity, even if the student isnt transgender.

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It seems very counterintuitive to what the board says they want, because they they're talking about how to get more teachers into the district, and teachers are complaining about having to do too much paperwork, but now they're putting in this policy that's going to require teachers to call everybody if (students) want to get a different name, McGowan said.

McGowan also said it could erode relationships between students and teachers, hindering the success of classroom instruction, which is based on a foundation of respect and trust.

The president of Cy-Fair American Federation of Teachers, Nikki Cowart, 46, said the policy could even deter educators from working in the district.

Policies like this do nothing, in my opinion, but deter folks from hiring on here in Cy-Fair, Cowart said.

The union leader also said she had never heard of this being an issue for any of the 2,000 Cy-Fair AFT members, or even for non-union members, countering trustee Todd LeComptes statement that part of the reason for bringing this policy forward was to provide guidelines for teachers asking for them.

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In my 20 years, we have looked at every kind of grievance, and never, not one time has an educator come to our union with this concern, and believe me, again, in my line of work, if this were an issue, I would have already heard about it, Cowart said. It seems to be a fabricated issue of a national narrative, when, again, if we just stay focused on the real problems and real solutions, that's what our students need most right now.

Others, however, have been advocating in support of including parents in the conversation around identity and said the move wasnt a waste of the boards time.

Former Cy-Fair ISD teacher Alicia Collins, 64, whose children also attended school in the district, said she understands circumstances where this policy could be helpful.

As a parent, I would not want any aspect of my childrens education, safety, or physical and mental health kept from me, Collins said. As a former teacher in CFISD, in good conscience, I would not have kept any of those details from my students parents.

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Collins said she felt changing gender identity could be associated with mental health, and as a parent, she would want to know what was going on with her child. On social media, others agreed with Collins viewpoint, saying that it was not the job of the school to raise students, similar to a comment made by Trustee Natalie Blasingame made on Monday night.

"What adolescent doesn't question themselves or often feel uncomfortable with their body?" Collins said. "We need to give our children a safe space to mature without influence from anyone who may have an outside agenda at play. We ultimately love our kids, want them safe, and only (want) what is best for them."

Others raised the concern that this policy could put students in danger.

Disclosing a student's gender identity exposes Cy-Fair schools to legal challenges but, more critically, endangers students, particularly those who may not be accepted at home. Where many families are loving and affirming, others may respond with rejection or even harm. Students in vulnerable situations deserve protection, read a joint letter to the board cosigned by State Sen. Molly Cook and State Rep. Jon Rosenthal.

SEAT also sent a letter to the board, co-signed by eight other advocacy organizations, including the ACLU of Texas and Texas Freedom Network. And the group has gained traction through social media.

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Cy-Fair high school student, Alissa Sundrani, 16, is among those who have been vocal about this policy since it was introduced Monday.

I do think that this is a policy that students, some at least, do support, but the vast majority, I think not, Sundrani said.

Sundrani was one of 530 people who shared SEAT's original Instagram post that reached over 44,000 people, according to data collected by SEAT Director Cameron Samuels.

Sundrani said many students are hesitant to speak publicly about their opposition to the policy either because of their familys views or because of retaliation at school. But the 16-year-old who practices speech and debate and has LGBTQ relatives felt it was intrinsic to speak out.

There are so many other issues that the school board can and should be focusing on helping our budget deficit, or just getting teachers more compensation, or updating certain curriculums, or getting kids to school in safe manners, Sundrani said. There are a variety of things the school board could be doing with its time and its choosing not to. It's choosing to engage in frivolous politics.

Sundrani is optimistic that advocacy will help put a stop to the proposed policy, but she said she also didnt have rose-colored glasses on.
ACT commits Rs 8.33 Cr to future of rural healthcare in India

January 17, 2025 | Friday | News

Expanding healthcare portfolio by supporting digital health solutions for affordable rural healthcare access

image credit- shutterstock

ACT, an Indian venture philanthropy platform, has committed Rs 8.33 crore in catalytic grants to Khushi Baby and Medoplus; social startups that are pioneering tech-first solutions to revolutionise rural healthcare in India.

Given that 73% of the countrys population struggles to access basic healthcare services, these digital health solutions are uniquely poised to bridge the access to affordability gap, bringing essential medical services directly to underserved communities.

Khushi Babys Community Health Integrated Platform (CHIP) is a unified digital interface that streamlines data collection, remuneration, and real-time tracking through digitised health records across primary healthcare programs. This allows community health workers to focus on caring for the communities while providing public health officials with hyperlocal insights to make informed, data-driven decisions. With a decade of experience in the state of Rajasthan, they are now enhancing and scaling CHIP, building it as an opensource Digital Public Good, to enable different states in digitizing primary care beginning with Karnataka.

On the other hand, MedoPluss online platform connects rural patients with qualified healthcare providers, where users can book virtual or in-person appointments and tests, pay digitally at discounted rates, and securely store their medical records. They will now test a cluster-based e-clinic model that harnesses technology and a community-driven service model to facilitate doctor consultations, medicine purchases and pathology testing closer to home for over 100,000 patients in Uttar Pradesh Barabanki district.

ACT For Health aims to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare by supporting digital/medtech/deep-tech innovations and focusing on deployment ready solutions in the realms of tele-medicine, health coverage, capacity building, diagnostic tests, devices and implants.
WHO launches $ 1.5 B Health Emergency Appeal

January 17, 2025 | Friday | News

Appeal highlights four key challenges facing the world currently- climate change, conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks

Conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unparalleled global health crisis, with 305 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025.

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for $1.5 billion for its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA), to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.

The appeal, launched by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises  the most severe emergencies requiring the highest level of response.

With health systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, $1.5 billion are needed to help people facing the most difficult situations

The Appeal highlights four key challenges facing the world currently: climate change, conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks. These are responsible for fueling deeper, longer lasting health crises and putting the worlds most vulnerable at greater risk.

The appeal further details the priorities and financial needs for each of the Grade 3 emergencies that WHO is responding to.

With the support of donors and partners, WHO aims to fulfill its unique role in health emergencies, while upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring that no one is left behind even in the most challenging circumstances.

WHO is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Sudan.
Visitors walk through the new, redesigned Academic Quad on the campus of Rice University, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. The revamped, four-acre space included the refreshed pathways through the space flanked by trees, community spaces and benches and the relocation of the statue of university founder William Marsh Rice. The relocation including the addition of historical context about Rice, including his ownership of enslaved people. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Many high school seniors received admission this week to the University of Texas at Austin, but don't fret if you haven't received a notification from your desired college just yet.

The decision dates can be hard to track. Heres what to know if you applied to Houston-area schools and competitive private universities in other parts of Texas.

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UT-Austin

The flagship released its early action decisions on Jan. 15, for students who simply applied by an earlier deadline.

For all other students, regular decision results will be released Feb. 15, according to the admissions website. Honors decisions will be released March 1.

Rice University

A first round of early decision results, which are binding, were released earlier this month.

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A second round of early decision applications, "Early Decision II," will be released by mid-February. Those who submitted regular decision apps will hear back April 1.

Texas A&M University

For out-of-state students and students who were not in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, the College Station campus releases its decisions between Jan. 1 and late March.

Students in the top 10%, who are guaranteed admission to the university, should hear back within three weeks of submitting their applications, according to the flagship.

People applying specifically to the College of Engineering get their results in January or February.

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Trinity University

"Early Decision I" and early action applicants have already gotten their answers from the private university in San Antonio.

"Early Decision II" and regular decision applicants must turn in their packets by Feb. 1.

Early Decision II applicants will hear the school's decision on March 1. Regular decision applicants will hear back on March 15.

Southwestern University

Early decision applicants to the Central Texas private school heard back in December. Early action results come out by the first Tuesday in March.

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Regular decision are due Feb. 1, and the results come out by the first Tuesday in April.

Baylor University

Early decision and early action applicants have received their admissions results from Baylor.

Regular decision applications are still open  due Feb. 1  and students should receive an answer by April 10.

STRESS TO SUCCESS: Read our occasional series on competitive college admissions

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Texas Christian University

A second round of binding applications, early decision II, is due Feb. 1, with results by March 3.

The regular decision deadline is Feb. 1, and students will hear back by April 1.

Southern Methodist University

Early decision II and regular decision applicants will get their notification on March 15.

Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, University of Houston

These universities don't list decision dates on their websites. Applications are rolling, meaning they are reviewed as they come in.

Prairie View A&M closes its freshmen application on May 17, and Texas Southern closes its application on May 31.

UH has a final deadline of June 2, though some colleges have earlier priority deadlines.

Dont forget

Texas' priority deadline for state financial aid, submitted through the FAFSA, is Feb. 15.
University of St. Thomas Director of the Center Semillero, Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, poses for a portrait Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Even after Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott stepped into a faculty fight at the University of St. Thomas by contesting the interim appointments of key executives, Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta remains interim president of the institution, a spokesperson for the school confirmed Friday.

Abbott, who sits on the university's board of directors, sent an email to fellow board members on Jan. 8 to call for a re-vote on the selection of Rosales-Acosta and interim Chief Operating Officer Margie Harris. She said certain bylaws were not followed in taking the votes in December, invalidating any of their actions since taking office.

The letter came on the heels of an emergency faculty senate meeting that pushed to reinstate an assistant professor and limit Rosales-Acostas HR abilities during his transitional leadership. The faculty then split into two factions, with a larger group emerging to support the new administration and call for reforms.

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Cecilia Abbott, wife of Gov. Greg Abbott, attends inaugural Michelin awards ceremony Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at 713 Music Hall in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Abbott's letter, which was obtained by the Houston Chronicle, outlined concerns. The private institution's board of directors held a meeting on Thursday, however, and there was no question to the legitimacy of the interim appointments, the spokesperson said.

Clearly there is an uproar by the faculty and others from actions taken by the interim leadership, Abbott wrote ahead of the meeting.

I, in good faith and with full discernment, call for another vote on the appointment of Fr. Dempsey and Ms. Harris based on procedural defects, she continued later. Until then, the action voted at that meeting would not be valid and therefore, not in effect. I fear that any action taken by Fr. Dempsey and Ms. Harris could create a legal risk.

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The governors wife graduated from the private school in Montrose with a bachelors degree in psychology and masters degrees in education and theology. It was not immediately clear when she was named to her alma maters board of directors, and she did not respond to requests for comment.

The University of St. Thomas has seen major enrollment growth in the past several years, though the gains have coincided with mounting financial problems and a series of changes in the upper leadership. President Richard Ludwick resigned in December, months after the exits of USTs chief legal counsel, vice president of academic affairs and chief of staff.

The Chronicle reported Thursday that an unannounced renovation last year led the music library to be dismantled and inaccessible to students and faculty, which could be reviewed in a re-accreditation process. Ludwick's administration had also received criticisms from a group called UST Concerned Students, which released a series of YouTube videos alleging that their concerns about course availability, academic quality and campus safety have fallen on deaf ears.

One of the students, Rose Bujard, filed a lawsuit in Harris County civil district court in December, alleging that English associate professor James Barloon stalked and sexually harassed her for several years while the university knew and did nothing.

"We cannot comment on any pending lawsuits at this time," UST officials said in a statement. "As a university firmly dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of our students and staff, we approach any allegations of misconduct with the utmost gravity."

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Bujard and others in the group wrote an email to the board on Thursday, requesting a meeting to speak about an utterly corrupt leadership system at the University of St. Thomas. They linked to a video that they planned to make public, arguing that a threat to Rosales-Acosta would stall their justice.

The students questioned Abbott directly because of her work with the Governors Response Against Child Exploitation, which aims to end human trafficking.

In all of this darkness a new light has come up, and we never thought we would see this day, Bujard said in the video. Now with Fr. Dempsey, we have so much hope for the University of St. Thomas.

More than 80 current and former faculty signed a letter of support for Rosales-Acosta after the Faculty Senate meeting on Dec. 30. They said many people werent able to attend during the holiday, but they suspected that their colleagues were attempting to undermine the authority of the new leader.

The professors who signed the letter outnumbered the 55 people who voted for the faculty senate resolutions for "stability in university governance."

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They passed several statements to that effect, one of them requesting that Rosales-Acosta's office refrain from terminating, non-renewing or demoting administrators and faculty during the interim presidency. A separate vote also called for the reinstatement of a faculty member.

Rosales-Acosta did not respond to a request for comment.

In her Jan. 8 email to board members, Abbott also questioned Rosales-Acosta's decision-making authority. She agreed with another member's request for a special meeting, saying she shared their concerns about "the quick and startling decisions of the interim leadership."

Her concerns started with the Dec. 4 meeting where the board approved Rosales-Acosta and Harris' interim positions, she said. The vote should have required a change to their bylaws because of the implications of creating a new COO position with executive functions, but a bylaw change never occurred, she said.

A vote to amend bylaws also requires five days notice, but without it, any vote to amend bylaws is not valid, Abbott said. The resolution in favor of new leadership reflected that the board waived the requirement under a specific rule, but that waiver doesn't exist, she said.

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Abbott also asked for confirmation that a quorum was present for the vote.

"To make the vitally important changes to the interim leadership of this blessed university requires an important process that was not followed," she said.
Sir Stephen Fry has celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with comedian Elliott Spencer, saying he is a lucky man.

The 67-year-old actor and TV presenter married Spencer, 37, in 2015 in a ceremony at a registry office in Dereham, Norfolk, close to where he grew up in the village of Booton.

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In an Instagram post marking the anniversary, Fry said: Ten happy years to the day since we were joined in marriage. Im a lucky man.

Following the post, stars including TV presenter Jonathan Ross, actress Anna Friel and The Kumars actor Sanjeev Bhaskar wished him well.

In a comment on the post, Ross said: Ten years, how time flies. Congratulations and love to you both.

Bhaskar said: Happy anniversary you right pair.

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Friel added: Happy, happy anniversary.

During an interview on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs shortly after his marriage, which he said he was adoring, Fry discussed potentially having a child with his partner, but is yet to have one.

Speaking about potentially having a child, he said: We sort of talk about it and I suddenly think, oh my goodness Im such an age now, but actually thats rather good, but we better get on with it if we do.

Entertainment Vanessa Feltz pays tribute to fantastically gifte... Read More

On the show, he dedicated Ella Fitzgeralds Do I Love You? to Spencer, describing him as the great love of my life.

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Sir Stephen was recently knighted in the New Year Honours for his services to mental health awareness, the environment and charity, telling the PA news agency he was startled and enchanted after receiving the letter informing him of the knighthood.

The star is best known for playing Melchett in 1990s BBC sitcom Blackadder and his time presenting comedy panel show QI from 2003 until 2016, when Danish-British broadcaster Sandi Toksvig took over the role.
Houston Independent School District Board President Audrey Momanaee is photographed during public comment section of the Houston Independent School Districts monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Houston ISDs Board of Managers voted Thursday to finalize stricter limits on when Superintendent Mike Miles can make major changes to the districts magnet programs.

The updated constraint states Miles can not make significant changes to specialized school programs without conducting a research-based analysis of the results of stakeholder engagement and related studies. He also must share the projected impact of any potential changes to student outcome goals, student enrollment and the budget with the school board and community.

The revised policy expands the language in one of the initial constraints that board members had placed on Miles in November 2023. The other two constraints say he cannot allow the number of multi-year D- or F-rated campuses to increase or oversee negative impacts to the implementation of Individual Education Plans for students.

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The board added a new definition of significant changes, clarifying that the constraint would apply to any program change that affects more than 30% of students in a magnet program or school. It would also include changes that apply to more than 10% of students in any grade level, or any other group that the board and superintendent agree is significant.

The real reason that we came to these conclusions was we did some actual testing amongst ourselves, HISD board president Audrey Momanaee said. Well, would this change actually trigger a reporting obligation on the administration? Do we want that? Is that appropriate? And we thought collectively that these numbers work.

It also defines specialized programming as a combined set of courses or experiences that include enrichment and advancement opportunities for students and are different from other programs at traditional neighborhood schools, such as language and cultural programs or college and career advancement programs.

In a separate vote, the board approved a separate policy change that would allow Miles to make minor modifications to magnet programs in New Education System schools without having to conduct a research-based analysis.

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However, if the change to a program at an NES school undermines the integrity of the magnet program, it is a significant change that falls under the updated constraint.

Ruth Kravetz, of Community Voices for Public Education, leaves the podium after speaking during public comment section of the Houston Independent School Districts monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The policy changes come after the board voted in June to reject a report from HISD where the district stated it had not made any significant changes to school programming without a research-based analysis  a rare instance since the state takeover where the majority of voting board members have openly disagreed with Miles.

At the time, HISD claimed that it had made five changes to school options or programming, but it had not violated the constraint on Miles because all changes had been done after an analysis.

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However, several board members appeared to disagree with the districts interpretation of whether it had conducted the appropriate research-based analysis required by the constraint.

Momanaee later formed a three-member ad-hoc Constraints Review Committee to review whether all of the superintendents constraints outlined the boards intentions, with a specific focus on the constraint related to school options or programming.

The district has made at least five changes to specialized programming since the state takeover, including transitioning Helms Elementary School and Wharton Dual Language Academy to a "separate and unique schools" to maintain the campuswide dual language model.

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The father of a man who died from head injuries following an incident outside a pub in Monasterevin has described to a jury the moment he knew his son was gone when he saw him gurgling and his eyes rolling in his head.

Sean Kavanagh (26), with an address at St Marys Lane, Church Avenue, and Calvin Dunne (24), of Abbey View, both in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy on or about August 22nd, 2022.

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Both men have also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 21st, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Dylans father Eamon McCarthy on the same date and at the same location.

It is the States case that Dylan McCarthy (29) died following an incident in Monasterevin in which he received punches from Mr Kavanagh and Mr Dunne, before he received a vicious kick to the head from Mr Dunne while he was attempting to get up off the ground.

The jury has been told that both men have claimed they were acting in self-defence and that Dylan McCarthy was himself involved in violence on the night.

Giving evidence to prosecuting counsel Seoirse O Dunlaing SC on Friday, Eamon McCarthy said he had travelled to Monasterevin from his home in Limerick on August 21st, 2022 with his son Dylan and Dylans partner Aoife Talty to celebrate the birth of his daughter Orlas baby.

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Mr McCarthy told the court that his wife Marita stayed at home to look after their grandson while he, Dylan, Ms Talty, Orla and her partner Glen Brogan went out.

Eamon McCarthy, father of Dylan McCarthy. Photo: Collins

Mr McCarthy said when they left the first pub they heard music coming from another establishment, which he now knows to be the Bellyard pub, and someone in the group said well go in for one.

This was around 11.45pm, he said, and after ordering drinks, the group started to dance to the band who were playing, and they were all enjoying ourselves.

Mr McCarthy said when a drink was spilled, a barman came out and was cleaning the floor with blue kitchen roll when Dylans girlfriend said she would give him a hand. She put her leg on it and he basically pushed her leg away and said f**k away from it. 

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I said: youre a gas man to do that to a woman, Mr McCarthy told counsel.

He immediately turned to me and said: Do you want a piece of me?. I said no were here to enjoy ourselves. He repeated it, I said, no were here to enjoy ourselves, said the witness.

Mr McCarthy said the barman then went for Glen and he got in-between them. He said there was another barman who came in on Dylans face.

He said he didnt know any of these men and that after he broke up what was happening, he said the barmen were dragging Aoife and Dylan out the door. He said when he got to the porch at the front door, he saw a man who had Dylan by the throat and he was gouging his eyes.

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Thats my f***ing son thats what I said, Mr McCarthy told the jury. I pulled your mans hands off Dylan. I got a dig into the back of the head and I was shoved out the door.

He said at this point he put his foot in the door to stop them closing it and there were two men who were outside who said: Dont let them close the door, theyll kill him inside there.

Mr McCarthy said the next thing he remembered was getting up off the ground. He said there was a man walking down towards him who said: Im already after bursting your face twice dont come back for a third time.

The witness said he told the man he was going up to his son and the man then hit a belt into his face.

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Asked by Mr O Dunlaing to describe the man, the witness said he had facial hair and a black top on.

Dublin Road in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, where the incident took place. Photo: PA Images

Mr McCarthy said after he was punched, he fell to the ground and when he eventually got up he went up to Dylan.

I knew my son was gone at that stage, he told the court. His eyes were rolling in his head and he was gurgling.

He said an ambulance arrived and gave medical assistance to his son who was then brought to hospital.

A short time later, the witness said he was also removed from the scene by ambulance and brought to Portlaoise hospital before he was transferred to Dublin.

Mr McCarthy said he sustained a fractured jaw and required surgery and five plates to treat his injuries. He also sustained a broken nose and a hairline fracture around one of his eye sockets, he confirmed to counsel. He said he waited until after Dylans funeral had taken place to have the operation.

Asked by Mr O Dunlaing how those injuries were received, the witness said it was from the punch from the person who came down the road towards him.

Calvin Dunne (left) and Sean Kavanagh have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy. Photo: Collins

Under cross-examination, Michael Lynn SC, representing Mr Kavanagh, put it to the witness that in his witness statement, the barman said the group became aggressive and Mr McCarthy had commented to the owner of the bar: You come outside with me and Ill pull the eyes out of your head. Mr McCarthy said this was not true.

Counsel said the other witness, who is the licence owner of the bar, said he told the group: Lads I think its time to go and they told him to go f**k myself. F**k you. F**k off. Dont be acting the prick.

No, I dont recall that, Mr McCarthy replied.

CCTV footage from inside and outside the pub at the time of the incident was then played in court.

Mr Lynn put it to the witness that he had placed Mr Kavanagh in a headlock. It looks like I pulled him away from my son, said Mr McCarthy.

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Mr McCarthy denied a suggestion by John Fitzgerald SC, representing Mr Dunne, that Ms Talty was getting in the way or making a nuisance of herself rather than trying to help.

Mr Fitzgerald asked the witness if, having viewed the footage, he still maintained that he had only made one comment to the barman. That was the extent of what the jury has just watched, is that right? counsel asked.

Thats why I recall yes, said Mr McCarthy before refuting suggestions that his recollection might be wrong.

The trial continues on Monday before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and the jury of 10 men and two women.
A man walked up to People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and threatened to "slit" his partner's throat as the politician canvassed about abortion laws, a court has heard.

Joseph Cloherty, 42, of no fixed address, appeared at Dublin District Court on a charge under section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

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Mr Cloherty, who contests the allegation, is accused that without lawful excuse, he made a threat to Paul Murphy, intending him to believe it would be carried out that he would kill or cause serious harm to Jessica Spear.

The incident is said to have taken place on May 23rd, 2023.

The Dublin South West TD was in Tallaght and was allegedly threatened to his face that his partner, Jessica Spear, would be seriously harmed.

Ms Spear is a People Before Profit councillor for Tallaght Central.

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Gardai submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed summary disposal of the case at the District Court level.

Judge Paula Murphy asked for an outline of the evidence to decide on the trial venue issue.

Garda Elaine Markham said that Paul Murphy had set up a stall at Belgard Square. The TD was there giving out leaflets in relation to a pro-abortion bill.

It was alleged that the accused "walked up to Paul Murphy and threatened to slit his partner's throat".

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Gardai have taken statements from her and the TD. "That's a lie," Mr Cloherty told the judge as the Garda concluded the evidence summary.

Jurisdiction was accepted for the case to be heard in the District Court and not in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

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Mr Cloherty, representing himself, disputed the evidence, telling the judge, "They were talking about killing babies."

Judge Murphy took it that he was pleading not guilty and remanded him on bail to appear again on February 10th to set a hearing date.

Mr Cloherty had mentioned earlier in the preliminary hearing that he had been in hospital on a previous court date, and the judge advised him to get a letter to confirm that he was fit to attend court.

On conviction, the threat charge can carry a fine, a 12-month sentence in the District Court or imprisonment for up to 10 years if dealt with in the Circuit Court.
A judge has issued a bench warrant after a man who defrauded about 1,200 people while posing as a barrister and personal insolvency practitioner failed to turn up for his sentence.

David Williams (67), with an address in Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to multiple sample counts of deception on dates between January 2019 and June 2020.

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He also admitted to charges of providing legal services while an unqualified person and acting as a personal insolvency practitioner while an unauthorised person during the same period.

In a separate matter, Williams pleaded guilty to defrauding a Galway woman in her 80s by dishonestly inducing her to buy a mini-digger for over 7,000.

Williams was due to be sentenced on Friday, but he failed to show up and medical letters were handed in to the court instead by his defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL.

His sentence was also adjourned last November for medical reasons and he has previously failed to attend court.

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Judge Orla Crowe said she did not believe the documentation provided to the court warranted adjourning the matter. She acceded to a prosecution request for a bench warrant to be issued for Williams' arrest.

William's former partner, Crystal Talia (46), of the same address, was in court on Friday to be sentenced for her role in the offence.

She previously pleaded guilty to impeding an investigation by allowing Williams to use her bank accounts on dates between September 2018 and May 2020.

The court heard that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigated a firm called THL Legal, which offered a range of legal services including advice about work permits, leave-to-remain applications and family reunifications.

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Most of the people seeking advice were not of Irish origin and had paid sums averaging 1,500 to the company, the court heard.

THL had Facebook and Twitter accounts and a website advertising themselves as a dynamic firm of experienced lawyers, although the company was never a solicitors firm and was not registered with the Law Society, the court heard.

The court heard Williams is not and never was a practicing barrister, nor was he ever on the Roll of Practising Barristers.

THLs offices in Greenogue Business Park, Westmanstown, Rathcoole, Co Dublin were raided by gardai who seized a large number of files including a client list with 1,200 names on it.

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Williams then set up another legal firm called Moore, Barrington and Walters (MBW) which operated from November 2019 to May 2020, until its offices were also raided by gardai.

Williams was arrested in May 2020, but in June of that year, counsel said he was toting himself out as a personal insolvency practitioner in a third business called Global Business Recovery, or GBR.

The court heard that Talia and Williams were in a relationship and living together in Kildare with a number of children at the time of the offences. They met when she was working as a carer for his elderly aunt.

Talia opened a bank account used for trading as THL and then MBW, into which unwitting victims transferred fees for what they believed would be legitimate legal services.

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The court heard that as some of these clients realised that the relevant legal work they had requested was not being carried out, they began to report the firm to the gardai or the Law Society.

When arrested, Talia said Williams had set up THL Legal and asked her to set up a bank account that he could use for the business, as he said he was going through marital difficulties in the UK.

She was not involved in the day-to-day business of THL or Williams' other firms and she has no previous convictions.

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Handing down sentence today/yesterday (FRI), Judge Crowe noted Talia trusted someone who did not deserve to be trusted.

The judge noted Talia allowed two of her bank accounts to be used for Williams' offending, including after the first account came under garda investigation.

She said Talia ought to have been sufficiently concerned by the search warrant on the first bank account so as to have known something was going on.

The judge took into account a number of mitigating factors, including Talia's prior good character, her family situation and her good work record. She handed down a 12 month sentence and suspended it entirely on a number of conditions.
Revolut has announced the roll-out of in-app calls to personal customers in Ireland  a new security measure to help customers uncover impersonation scams.

The European-licensed bank, which has more than 3 million customers in Ireland, said the feature will also make contact between customer support and Revolut customers safer and more reliable.

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Impersonation scams are when a fraudster pretends to be someones bank, an authority, or a trusted person, before convincing their victim to send them money or share sensitive details, compromising the safety of their money.

Revolut said the emotional and financial impact to those affected by these scams can be devastating, and so the company has been testing and developing in-app calls for a number of months, creating a feature that criminals cannot replicate.

It offers a secure method to speak to Revolut Customer Support  a call directly through the Revolut app.

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Revoluts head of financial crime, Woody Malouf, said: Impersonation scams can be a major hazard for many consumers. We know that the most effective way to stop a scam is to break the spell as fast as possible, before any money has been transferred.

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"Thats why we are providing for our customers innovative solutions that help them uncover a scam quickly.

The vast majority of our calls to individuals will be through our app, so if you receive an unplanned call regarding your personal account from somebody claiming to be Revolut, put the phone down and check through the app that they are who they say they are.

"Speaking to someone through our app means customers can be 100% sure they are talking to Revolut and not a fraudster.
The two men and one woman, all aged in their 20s, who were arrested as part of an investigation into the assault of a man in Monaghan town have since been charged.

All three are expected to appear before Cavan District Court on Friday.

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The man (40s) who was assaulted was left in a critical condition.

The incident happened in the Park Road area of the town between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday.

He received life-threatening injuries and was brought by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

He was then transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and his condition is described as critical.
Brooke Shields is back with her latest book, tackling what its like to be a woman in mid-life

Fiction

1. Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan is published in hardback by Doubleday. Available January 23rd

Nicola Dinan is an author who needs no introduction. You all (me included) fell head over heels in love with her incredible debut Bellies.



Without further ado, Im thrilled to announce that copies of her second novel Disappoint Me are now available to request. pic.twitter.com/FipCOTGo60  Penguin Huddle (@PenguinHuddleUK) September 26, 2024

Nicola Dinans promising 2023 debut, Bellies, was an engaging novel dealing with themes of gender and racial identity and making your way in the world. Her sophomore offering, Disappoint Me, picks up many of the same threads  and sees Dinan a lot more confident and captivating in her writing. It flicks between the perspective of Max  a 30-year-old published poet who still works for a tech firm, feeling like somethings missing in her life  and Vincent, a lawyer she meets and starts dating, who is supportive of her trans identity  but wont tell his whole family, and might be hiding a secret from his youth. The characters are fully fleshed out and realistic, and while the story deals with big philosophical questions, it still feels pacy and readable as you try to untangle Vincents past  and Maxs increasingly murky future. Dinan certainly is one to watch.

9/10

(Review by Prudence Wade)

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2. Confessions by Catherine Airey is published in hardback by Viking. Available January 23rd



Tangled, like any confession ends up being, Catherine Aireys richly layered, highly detailed debut is devastating, yet gripping. It starts with 9/11 and teenager Cora Brady hanging up posters of her missing father around the reeling city, but hinges on two sisters, Maire and Roisin, separated by an ocean, as well as an inability to really talk to each other. Maire abandons Roisin in Burtonport, Donegal, for an artists life in America, and from there, every decision she makes sends ripples, good and bad, slicing through the book. Do not expect any laughs, but this dread-heavy story is beautifully constructed and thrums with intrigue across three generations of women. As with any novel told from multiple perspectives, there are times when you wish you could get back to a certain voice (Coras fathers haunting letters), and some youd rather skate through quickly (Maire, floundering painfully in New York). But not one of the voices leaves you unscathed.

8/10

(Review by Ella Walker)

3. Black Tag by Simon Mayo is published in hardback by Bantam. Available January 30th

Tucking into a preview copy of the new one by the ever brilliant @simonmayo

Loving it so far.#BlackTag is out in January. pic.twitter.com/fUNDJZ4K5f  John Sutherland (@policecommander) November 9, 2024

Broadcaster Simon Mayos latest thriller is set in the art world, where firefighters have a list of artworks to prioritise in saving from the flames in the event of a fire. Only its discovered later its the wrong list. A fashionable gallery in Coal Drops Yard near Kings Cross, London, owned by the secretive Nash family, is set ablaze by an arsonist as a demo goes on outside. Then a body is found in the ashes. Someone who shouldnt have been there. Journalist Famie Madden gets drawn in to the puzzle via her daughter. Short chapters, plenty of twists, the odd conspiracy theory to ramp up the pace. Insider glimpses into the media and the art world add fascination too. It can be read as a standalone but readers of his previous Famie Madden thriller Knife Edge will want to see what happened next.

8/10

(Review by Bridie Pritchard)

Non-fiction

4. Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old by Brooke Shields is published in hardback by Piatkus. Available now

Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman 

I am ecstatic to share that my new book will be out on 1/14! Its honest and its hilarious and you can pre-order your copy RIGHT NOW: https://t.co/g8v3u5lhOB! pic.twitter.com/syoUENUmfK  Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) August 5, 2024

When you think of actor Brooke Shields, perhaps your mind goes to those famous Calvin Klein ads, or her 1980 role in Blue Lagoon. But time has passed, and Shields is 59 now  even if the public consciousness still thinks of her as someone in her 20s, shes more comfortable in her skin than ever. Thats clear in her latest book, wittily titled Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old, where she mixes personal stories (such as her experience with becoming an empty nester, or some rather shocking anecdotes involving a lack of information she was provided around her healthcare) with wider stats and facts about what its like to be a woman in mid-life. Shields is funny and upfront  while she might not be sharing much new information about ageing as a woman, her signature charm combined with some thorough research makes this well worth a read.

8/10

(Review by Prudence Wade)

Childrens book of the week

5. The Hedgehogs Dilemma by Toon Tellegen, translated by David Colmer, illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen, is published in hardback by Pushkin Press. Available now

(Pushkin Press/PA)

The first of Dutch writer Toon Tellegens series of animal stories for adults, The Hedgehogs Dilemma is, on the surface, a gentle and easy book to read with simple illustrations and chapters of only two or three pages. Though short, however, each chapter deserves a slow and thoughtful reading. Set almost entirely inside a hedgehogs little house  and more often than not a house in his imagination  its litany of hypothetical, socially disastrous visits from various animals are funny and evocative, and will surely strike a chord with any social overthinker. The quiet moments of self-reflection tucked among them are a poignant and sometimes heartbreaking depiction of loneliness. If ever there was a book to take into a warm and soft corner and curl up with, this is it  and once youre finished, if youre feeling bold enough, youll want to invite a friend to do the same.

9/10

(Review by Dorothy Smith)

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BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 11th

HARDBACK (FICTION)

1. I Havent Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart

2. Pinch of Nom All in One, One-pan Slimming Meals by Kay Allinson and Kate Allinson

3. The Food For Life Cookbook: 100 recipes created with ZOE by Tim Spector

4. The Book of Gifts, by Lucy Claire Dunbar

5. Want:Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous, by Gillian Anderson

6. A Pawtobiography: My adventures on Gone Fishing by Ted the Dog

7. Open When:A Companion for Lifes Twists and Turns, by Julie Smith

8. Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton

9. Bored of Lunch Six Ingredient Slow Cooker:All new easy calorie-counted, by Nathan Anthony

10. Private Eye Annual 2024, by Ian Hislop

(Compiled by Waterstones)

HARDBACK (NON-FICTION)

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1. We Solve Murders, by Richard Osman

2. Quicksilver, by Callie Hart

3. In Too Deep:Jack Reacher, by Lee Child and Andrw Child

4. Intermezzo, by Sally Rooney

5. Killing Time, by Alan Bennett

6. The Hotel Avocado, by Bob Mortimer

7. Precipice, by Robert Harris

8. There are Rivers in the Sky, by Elif Shafak

9. Rewitched, by Lucy Jane Wood

10. You Are Here, by David Nicholls

(Compiled by Waterstones)

AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION)

1. The House of My Mother, by Franke Shari

2. Atomic Habits, by James Clear

3. We Solve Murders, by Richard Osman

4. Make Change That Lasts, by Dr Rangan Chatterjee

5. I Havent Been Entirely Honest with You, by Miranda Hart

6. The Hotel Avocado, by Bob Mortimer

7. The Satsuma Complex, by Bob Mortimer

8. The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman

9. Butter, by Asako Yuzuki

10. Unruly, by David Mitchell

(Compiled by Audible)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a deal to return Hamas-held hostages in the Gaza Strip has been reached.

The announcement early came a day after Mr Netanyahus office said there were last-minute snags in talks to free hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

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Mr Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet on Friday and then the government to approve the ceasefire agreement.

On Thursday, Mr Netanyahus office said the Cabinet will not meet to approve the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages until Hamas backs down, accusing the group of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions.



A demonstrator waves an Iranian flag in celebration of the announcement of a ceasefire deal (AP/Vahid Salemi)

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 72 people since the ceasefire deal was announced, according to Gazas Health Ministry.

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy Israeli bombardment overnight as people were celebrating the ceasefire deal. In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires go into effect as a way to project strength.

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Under the deal expected to begin Sunday, 33 hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The remainder, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second phase that will be negotiated during the first.

Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.

Israels offensive has killed over 46,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

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It does not say how many of the dead were militants.

Israel says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.
The French Catholic Church has formally requested that prosecutors initiate an investigation into Abbe Pierre, a once-revered priest and leading humanitarian who died in 2007, following new revelations of sexual violence.

Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops Conference (CEF), announced the move during an interview on RMC radio on Friday.

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We must get to the bottom of the truth  uncover any additional victims, accomplices, and failures to report these crimes, he said.

Born Henri Groues in 1912, Abbe Pierre was a French Catholic priest renowned for his dedication to aiding the poor and homeless.

In 1949, he founded the Emmaus movement, an international organisation focused on combating poverty and homelessness.

His humanitarian efforts, especially during the harsh winter of 1954, garnered him widespread admiration, and he was often regarded as the conscience of France.

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The allegations against Abbe Pierre surfaced posthumously, significantly tarnishing his legacy years after his death.

In July 2024, Emmaus International and the Fondation Abbe Pierre released a report detailing accusations from seven women, including one who was a minor at the time, alleging sexual assault and harassment by Abbe Pierre between the late 1970s and 2000s.

Following these initial revelations, a dedicated channel for victims led to 17 additional accusations, with incidents reportedly occurring from the 1950s to the 2000s across various countries, including France, the United States, Morocco and Switzerland.

Archbishop Moulins-Beaufort told RMC radio that the church has formally requested prosecutors to open an investigation into Abbe Pierre.

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He emphasised the necessity of uncovering the full truth, identifying any additional victims, accomplices and instances where these crimes were not reported.

The conference also issued a statement on Friday highlighting the gravity of the allegations and acknowledging past failures in heeding warnings.

It underlined the need for judicial action to uncover the full extent of the abuse and any systemic silences that may have allowed it to persist.
The federal judge who oversaw Donald Trumps 2020 election interference case has denounced efforts to rewrite the history of the US Capitol attack.

US District Judge Tanya Chutkan handed down what she acknowledged may be one of the final punishments for the January 6 riot before the Republican president-elects promised pardons.

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In the courthouse within view of the Capitol days before Mr Trump is set to take office, the judge acknowledged the Virginia man she was sentencing may never actually serve his 10-day prison term for his role in the riot.

But Judge Chutkan said she would not let talk of pardons impact decisions in her courtroom, telling the defendant: There have to be consequences.





I only wish the rest of the country could see what Ive seen, she said before sentencing Brian Leo Kelly, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanour offences.

She rejected the portrayal of the rioters as peaceful protesters as nonsense, arguing that even those who did not engage in violence and destruction were part of an effort to stop the peaceful transfer of power.

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I know what happened, said Judge Chutkan. I cant say it wont happen again.

In the weeks since Mr Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, the judges overseeing the more than 1,500 criminal cases against the people who stormed the Capitol have continued accepting guilty pleas, presiding over trials and handing out sentences, even as some judges have alluded to the fact that the largest prosecution in Justice Department history may be nearing an abrupt end.

Nearly 1,300 of the defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted by a judge or jury after trials to charges including seditious conspiracy and assaulting police officers with dangerous weapons.

Over 1,000 of them have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds getting prison terms ranging from several days to 22 years.

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Mr Trump has cast the rioters as patriots and hostages who he contends have been unfairly treated.

Mr Trump has repeatedly sought to downplay the violence that was captured on camera as members of the angry mob pushed past police barriers, shattered windows and attacked police with flagpoles and other makeshift weapons while Congress met to certify Democrat Joe Bidens 2020 election victory.

But the scope of the potential pardons for the Janurary 6 defendants remains unclear.

Mr Trump has said he will look at defendants on a case-by-case basis, but he has not explained how he will decide who receives such relief.

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Vice President-elect JD Vance recently said: If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned. But he later added there was a bit of grey area in some cases.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said Elon Musks support for the far-right in Europe is completely unacceptable.

The comments add to Mr Scholzs previous criticism of the Tesla chiefs interventions in the German election campaign.

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Mr Musk has said over the past month that only the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) can save Germany.

Last week, the tech billionaire livestreamed on his social media platform X a chat with Alice Weidel, the partys candidate for chancellor in Germanys February 23 election, amplifying its message ahead of the vote.

His interest in Germany and politics elsewhere in Europe, after he poured money and energy into helping Donald Trump win the US election, has set off alarm bells among politicians across the continent.



Elon Musk has made a number of controversial comments of late (AP)

Mr Scholz has said it is important to stay cool over personal attacks, but insisted Germanys way forward will not be decided by the owners of social media channels, but by German voters.

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Asked on Friday about Mr Musks interventions, the Chancellor said it is important to criticise the right thing.

What we must criticize is not that a billionaire, or a billionaire from other countries in a global world, expresses his opinion  but what he says, Mr Scholz said at a news conference.

He supports the extreme right throughout Europe, in Britain, in Germany, in many, many other countries, and that is something that is completely unacceptable.

This endangers the democratic development of Europe, it endangers our community, and that must be criticised, Mr Scholz added.

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Polls show AfD in second place ahead of the election, with support of about 20%, but Ms Weidel has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the party.

Centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz also has criticised Mr Musks endorsement of AfD. Mr Merzs Union bloc leads polls and he is the favourite to become Germanys next leader.
Megan Menchaca is a Houston Independent School District reporter for the Houston Chronicle and the co-author of The Report Card, a weekly newsletter diving into Houston K-12 education news. She can be reached at megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com.

Megan joined the Chronicle in 2023 after working as the higher education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in journalism and government.
A knifeman with Adolf Hitlers signature tattooed on his arm has been jailed for life for the attempted murder of an asylum seeker at a hotel, claiming the attack was a form of protest against small boat crossings.

Callum Ulysses Parslow, who wrote his own terrorist manifesto, stabbed Nahom Hagos in the chest and hand at the Pear Tree Inn at Hindlip, Worcestershire, in April last year after buying a specialist $1,000 knife online.

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The 32-year-old tried to tweet the manifesto document before his arrest, claiming he just did my duty to England by trying to exterminate his victim and tagging Tommy Robinson as well as prominent UK politicians including Sir Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman, but the message failed to send because he had copied in too many recipients.

The specialist knife used by Callum Parslow (West Midlands CTU/PA)

Parslow, of Bromyard Terrace, Worcester, was convicted of attempted murder following a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court last year, and also pleaded guilty to an unconnected sexual offence and two charges of sending electronic communications with intent to cause distress and anxiety.

Mr Justice Dove handed Parslow a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years and eight months at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, telling the defendant: You committed a vicious and unprovoked assault on a complete stranger Nahom Hagos who suffered devastating injuries as a result of your violence.

The judge said Parslow was motivated by your adoption of a far-right neo-Nazi mindset which fuelled your warped, violent and racist views.

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This was undoubtedly a terrorist attack, he added.

In a victim impact statement written earlier this month by Mr Hagos, and read in court by the prosecution, he described the excruciating pain he continues to suffer in his hand.

The pain is unbearable and keeps me awake all night long, Mr Hagos said.

The pain feels like an electric shock going through my hand and I now have insomnia.

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I had been living and pursuing a happy life before the incident. This is now a distant memory.

I prefer to be on my own. I feel lonely and dont feel safe on the street. My life has been turned upside down.

In the statement he said he struggled to understand why Parslow attacked him, saying: I was a law-abiding, good person.
A Pakistani court has sentenced the countrys already-imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife to 14 and seven years in jail after finding them guilty of corruption, officials and his lawyer said.

The couple are accused of accepting a gift of land from a real estate tycoon in exchange for laundered money when Khan was in power.

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Prosecutors say the businessman, Malik Riaz, was then allowed by Khan to pay fines that were imposed on him in another case from the same laundered money of 190 million that was returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022 to deposit to the national exchequer.

Khan has denied wrongdoing and insisted since his arrest in 2023 that all the charges against him are a plot by rivals to keep him from returning to office.

Bushra Bibi, Khans wife, was taken into custody by prison officials after the announcement of the verdict, according to officials. She had earlier served a prison sentence in another corruption case until she was freed on bail by a court in October.

Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022, had previously been convicted on charges of corruption, revealing official secrets and violating marriage laws in three separate verdicts  and sentenced to 10, 14 and seven years respectively.

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Khan has been behind bars since 2023 (AP)

Under Pakistani law, he is to serve the terms concurrently  meaning, the length of the longest of the sentences.

Faisal Chaudhry, a defence lawyer, said the court verdict could be challenged in the superior courts.

Shortly after the announcement of the verdict, members of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party rallied outside the parliament in the capital, Islamabad, saying the former premier had been wrongly punished.

This is a bogus case, and we will approach an appeals court against this decision, said Omar Ayub Khan, a senior party leader who is not related to the former premier.

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Some of Khans supporters were also present outside the Adiala prison in the city of Rawalpindi, and they chanted slogans against the government, demanding the release of their leader.

On Thursday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters in Islamabad that there was irrefutable evidence against Khan and his wife in the mega corruption scandal.



Ministers said there was irrefutable evidence that Khan and hsi wife were involved in a mega corruption scandal (AP)

Mr Tarar said that Khan even did not tell his own Cabinet members about the money that was returned to Pakistan by Britain.

The minister also claimed that Khan built a new sprawling house in the eastern city of Lahore after giving benefits to the business tycoon, and that he was unable to prove that from where he got the money from to build it.

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The latest development came a day after Khans PTI party held a crucial round of talks with representatives of the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to demand the release of all political detainees, including Khan and other party leaders.

Mr Sharif became Prime Minister following the February 2024 election, which PTI claims was rigged.
The presidents of Russia and Iran have held talks in the Kremlin before they sign a broad co-operation pact.

The Kremlin said that the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty to be signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian covers all areas  from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture.

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The signing comes ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran.



Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a laying of the wreath ceremony at the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall in Moscow (Pool via AP)

After laying a wreath at the Unknown Soldiers Tomb at the Kremlin Wall, Mr Pezeshkian and Mr Putin sat down for talks in the Kremlin, their third meeting since the Iranian leaders election in July.

Welcoming Mr Pezeshkian as they sat down for talks, Mr Putin said the new treaty will give an additional impulse to practically all areas of our co-operatioon.

Mr Pezeshkian said the documents will form a solid foundation for our forward movement and emphasized the strategic importance of ties with Moscow.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Mr Trumps inauguration, saying the signing had been planned long ago.
SpaceX suspects a fire may have caused its Starship to break apart during lift-off and send trails of flaming debris into the sea.

SpaceX boss Elon Musk said preliminary indications are that leaking fuel built up pressure in the cavity above the engine firewall, and the resulting fire destroyed the spacecraft.

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On Friday, the company promised a thorough investigation in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The 400ft Starship  the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket  launched from the southern tip of Texas on a test flight early on Thursday evening.





Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause.



With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will help us improve Starships  SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025

The booster made it back to the pad for a catch by giant mechanical arms  only the second time in Starship history.

But the engines on the still ascending spacecraft shut down one by one, and communication was lost eight-and-a-half minutes into the flight.

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Dramatic video taken near the Turks and Caicos Islands showed spacecraft debris raining down from the sky in a stream of fireballs. Flights near the falling debris had to be diverted.

SpaceX said that Starship remained in its designated launch corridor over the Gulf of Mexico and then the Atlantic. Any surviving wreckage would have fallen along that path over water, the company said on its website.

Starship had been aiming for a controlled entry over the Indian Ocean, halfway around the world. Ten dummy satellites, mimicking SpaceXs Starlink internet satellites, were on board so the company could practise releasing them.



SpaceXs mega-rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas (Eric Gay/AP)

It was the seventh test flight of a Starship but it featured a new and upgraded spacecraft. The booster and spacecraft for the eighth demo are already built and undergoing testing.

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Mr Musk said on X the accident was barely a bump in the road in his plans to build a fleet of Starships to carry people to Mars.

Nasa has booked two Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade under its Artemis programme, the successor to Apollo.

Spaceflight is not easy. Its anything but routine, Nasa administrator Bill Nelson posted on X after the accident. Thats why these tests are so important.

Earlier on Thursday, Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin company also had mixed results with the debut of its massive New Glenn rocket.

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It achieved orbit on its first try, putting a test satellite thousands of miles above Earth but the booster was destroyed after failing to land on a floating platform in the Atlantic.
Tens of thousands of protesters led by university students have held a noisy rally outside Serbias state television headquarters in Belgrade to protest against the broadcasters alleged pro-government bias.

The rally came a day after a student was seriously injured when a driver rammed his car into a protesting crowd.

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The demonstration, one of the biggest in years against alleged pro-government bias by the RTS television station, is part of wider protests that erupted after the fall of a concrete canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad last November, killing 15 people.

Blowing whistles, booing and jeering, the protesters said they are angry that state television is reporting President Aleksandar Vucics accusations that the students were paid by foreign secret services with an intention to overthrow him and his populist government by force.



A young student protester was hit by a car and seriously wounded in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

The protesters went silent for 15 minutes in memory of each of the railway station canopy collapse victims. They also chanted demands for a general strike throughout the Balkan country.

Many in Serbia blame the deadly collapse on rampant corruption in the country that led to sloppy renovation work on the station building in Novi Sad  part of a wider deal with Chinese state companies involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the Balkan country.

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The canopy collapse has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with the presidents autocratic rule, reflecting public demands for democratic changes.

The daily protests have been held since the canopy collapse on November 1 in Novy Sad as well as Belgrade and other cities throughout the country.

On Thursday, a car driver fled the scene in Belgrade after the young woman he struck was thrown onto his car roof and then to the ground with head injuries.

Police said they detained the driver and that he was charged with attempted murder. Several such incidents have been reported during the protests and traffic jams since they started, but this was the first time there was a serious injury.

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Tensions have risen since the incident, including a threat against the protesters in Novi Sad on Friday by a man who wielded a knife against them.

Separately, riot police evicted a group of opposition politicians from the towns City Hall after they took over the building in support of the student protesters.

Mr Vucic called the opposition officials hoodlums and again pledged they would never come to power by force.

He has sided with people who are against the daily street protests, saying their freedom of movement has been jeopardised by the daily blockades of traffic. His opponents say that Mr Vucic has created an atmosphere of violence in the country with his fiery anti-protester rhetoric.
The result was The Entertainer (1957), about a third-rate music hall comedian and all-around louse named Archie Rice; Plowright played his worshipful daughter. Offstage she was besotted by his extraordinary good looks and artistic imagination. Both were married: she to actor Roger Gage, he to the glamorous but tormented movie and stage star Vivien Leigh, who suffered from bipolar disorder. Recalling the early days of their relationship, Plowright later described being touched by the bleakness in his face when he wasnt acting or flirting. They were inseparable as they performed The Entertainer on Broadway in 1958 and on-screen in 1960. Plowright was quickly subsumed into Oliviers social and professional orbit but maintained a richly varied career of her own. She went on to star onstage in A Taste of Honey, playing a cynical adolescent who becomes pregnant by a Black sailor and battles her alternately suffocating and neglectful mother. She earned the 1961 Tony Award for best actress during its Broadway run but left the cast soon after her marriage to Olivier that March. She said she tried to bring ballast to his restless life, raising their three children at the cost of her professional momentum. We didnt want all the legend stuff. He had had it and didnt want it any longer, and I had never had it and didnt like it anyway, she told the British publication TV Times. I married a man, not a myth. Joan Plowright, holding son Richard, and Laurence Olivier attending the christening of their daughter, Tamsin, in 1963. Credit: Getty Images

At the Chichester Festival in 1962 and 1963, she appeared in her husbands acclaimed productions of Chekhovs Uncle Vanya and George Bernard Shaws Saint Joan, two plays that had helped launch the National Theatre Company with Olivier as founder and artistic director. In the 1970s, she starred in two long-running hit comedies in London, The Bed Before Yesterday and Filumena, the first directed by Anderson, the second by her husband. The few movie roles she accepted at the time included Sonya in a 1963 version of Uncle Vanya opposite Olivier as Dr Astrov and Michael Redgrave in the title role; Masha in Oliviers 1970 screen adaptation of Chekhovs Three Sisters; the disturbing mother in Equus, a 1977 drama from Peter Shaffers play; and a prim seamstress looking after her sexually awakened teenage niece in The Dressmaker (1988), based on a novel by Beryl Bainbridge. Her role in Enchanted April (1991), as a proper Briton with literary pretensions vacationing in Italy, earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. Marisa Tomei won the honour for the comedy My Cousin Vinny, but Enchanted April was a turning point in Plowrights previously rare cinematic outings. Joan Plowright at the 65th Annual Academy Awards where she was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in Enchanted April. Credit: AP She began to lend her prestige  and her well-rounded vowels  to films such as The Scarlet Letter (1995) starring Demi Moore, director Franco Zeffirellis Jane Eyre (1996) with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Tea with Mussolini (1999) opposite fellow English dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, and Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont (2005), as the lonely retiree who befriends a much younger man (Rupert Friend).

In Last Action Hero (1993), Plowright made a jesting appearance as a Hamlet-loving schoolteacher who shows her class a clip of her late husband Oliviers movie version of the play. A daydreaming student imagines a weaponised Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Shakespearean drama, declaring: Hey, Claudius, you killed my father. Big mistake. Joan Ann Plowright was born on October 28, 1929, in Brigg and raised in Scunthorpe, both in Englands industrial Midlands, where her father was a newspaper editor. Her stagestruck mother, who was involved in amateur theatre productions, encouraged her three children to perform. Loading Plowright said she always felt total confidence onstage. I liked disappearing into a character, she told the Associated Press. At 14, 15, I probably had more confidence onstage than I had off. I knew I could make people laugh and make them cry. I could make people look at me with more interest. She won a scholarship to the drama school of the Old Vic Theatre in London and was a stock company player with provincial repertory companies before Orson Welles selected her as the only woman in the cast of his 1955 staging of Moby Dick-Rehearsed, in which she was cast in the unlikely role of Captain Ahabs black cabin boy, Pip.

The next year, she joined the nascent English Stage Co. In one of the companys rare departures from contemporary drama, she impressed critics as the seductive and wily Margery Pinchwife in William Wycherleys 17th-century Restoration comedy The Country Wife. In 1958, Plowright debuted on Broadway, under the direction of Richardson, in an Ionesco double bill, portraying an old crone in The Chairs (billed as a tragic farce) and a schoolgirl in The Lesson (a comic drama). Months later, she was back on Broadway, reprising her Royal Court performance as Jean Rice in The Entertainer. She returned to England in the title role of Shaws Major Barbara, then gave an audacious comic performance as a murderous wife in Hook, Line and Sinker, Robert Morleys adaptation of a French comedy by Andre Roussin. And so Plowright went on for years, whisking from play to play with thunderous applause at each disappearance into her characters. As a farmers daughter who yearns for a life beyond her station in Weskers Roots, Plowright channelled rage and sympathy into an indelible performance. She reunited with her husband at the Royal Court in 1960 under Welles direction in an ecstatically reviewed staging of Ionescos Rhinoceros but spent the remainder of her stage career mostly with the National Theatre Company, which Olivier spent the better part of a decade building into an institution.

Joan Plowright with husband Sir Laurence Olivier in 1971. Credit: Hulton Archive By all accounts, including his own, Olivier was a joyfully mischievous but difficult, controlling man, prone to bouts of political backstabbing. He held a bitter grudge against director Peter Hall, who supplanted him at the helm of the National Theatre in the early 1970s. Olivier complicated his marriage with affairs, including a dalliance with 20-year-old actor Sarah Miles soon after Plowright gave birth to her first child. Loading Olivier  Lord Olivier, thanks to a life peerage in 1970  died in 1989 at 82. Survivors include their three children, Richard, Tamsin and Julie-Kate. One of her brothers, the late David Plowright, was longtime chairman of Granada Television. Plowright, who was made a dame in 2003, acted as keeper of the Olivier flame amid a flurry of biographies that exhumed details of his reported bisexuality and Oliviers wounding remarks about their marital separation  Joan expected me to die when I was 70. Unfortunately, I didnt. She wrote a memoir, And Thats Not All, in 2001.
Fallen trees are still peppering a string of suburbs in Brisbanes south-east in the aftermath of a sudden, intense storm on Thursday, with clean-up works expected to continue into the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported the storm  which produced damaging wind speeds, and pea-sized hail  was a rapidly descending air in a thunderstorm that hits the ground and spreads out as a wind gust, which is called a microburst.

A microburst can cause damage over an area of less than four kilometres, with the strongest winds and greatest impacts occurring where the microburst first hits the ground, a spokeswoman said.

Residents in Carina, Camp Hill, Carina Heights, and Carindale reported strong winds during a minutes-long storm that hit mid-afternoon on Thursday. Credit: Courtney Kruk; Marissa Calligeros

Residents and Brisbane City Council workers reported downed trees across residential and parkland structures, as well as yard furniture  including trampolines  lifted and thrown around backyards by the gale-force winds.
A global human rights report has criticised the Queensland governments tough approach on young offenders and says Australia now has a blemished record due to its treatment of children in contact with the criminal justice system.

Human Rights Watchs World Report 2025 found roughly 700 children between the ages of 10 and 17 are detained or imprisoned across Australia on any given day, with First Nations children comprising approximately 60 per cent of the prison population.

The report highlighted significant concerns for children in contact with Australias youth justice system, including those subjected to harsh conditions such as solitary confinement, forced to wear spit hoods, and held in facilities designed for adults as routinely occurs in Queensland and Western Australia.

Accommodation cells in the Boys unit at the Cairns watch-house taken from the Cairns and Murgon watchhouses inspection report delivered September, 2024. Credit: Queensland Ombudsman

It noted that most Australian states enforce an age of criminal responsibility below the UN-recommended minimum of at least 14 years, including Queensland where children as young as 10 are considered criminally responsible and can be incarcerated.
Katie Tangey lights up as she talks about the thing she loves doing the most in the world. Her eyelids are covered in sparkly pink and purple eyeshadow. Two large blue, glittery teardrops stream down her cheeks.

On a random day, Ill just be sitting there, itll be 9pm at night, Ill be like, Im gonna go take photos, says Tangey, a beaming smile on her face.

Ill go into my make-up room, put make-up on, throw on a wig, set up my camera, fix up my lighting, and take photos of myself. That process is just so enjoyable for me that I want to do it for other people as well.

Photographer and performer Katie Tangey. Credit: Facebook

In the video, Tangey is sitting cross-legged on a couch, speaking to the host of The Creators Process, a YouTube program that interviews creatives about their art. Tangey is there to talk about her artistic trajectory from a creative teenage girl who loved make-up to a drag performer, photographer and burlesque artist.
A battle of billionaire boot makers is stomping its mark onto the coming federal election as Gina Rineharts Rossi brand begins appearing on the feet of politicians once loyal to rural outfitter RM Williams, which has been revitalised by Andrew Twiggy Forrest.

The West Australian iron ore magnates footwear rivalry is playing out as a proxy for the climate war that has erupted between the Albanese government and Peter Duttons opposition, but choosing a boot is not as simple as broadcasting their environmental preferences for MPs.

The battle of the boot. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen, Getty Images, AAP, Twitter, Supplied

Forrest is a major investor in the shift to renewable energy, and his RM Williams boots are made in Australia. But the classic Craftsman model is expensive, starting at $649 and running up to $4999 for a deluxe crocodile-skin model.

Rinehart owns a major Queensland coal mine and is a prominent backer of Duttons push to slow the renewables rollout and build nuclear power. Her Rossi boots are much cheaper than RMs, though, with the dressy Colt range costing $399, but they are no longer made in Australia.
Full text: Joint Statement between People's Republic of China and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Xinhua) 09:17, January 17, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Thursday issued a joint statement in Beijing.

Please see the attachment for the full text of the statement.

Full text: Joint Statement between People's Republic of China and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Students of Carnegie Vanguard High School graduate on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

More than 11% percent of Houston ISD's Class of 2023 graduated despite failing up to two of the state-mandated exams typically required to earn a diploma, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis. A few low-performing HISD campuses used this override to graduate nearly half of their seniors, a red flag that advocates say failed Houston's underserved students and inflated the districts high school graduation rates.

Under state law, students can graduate through an Individual Graduation Committee even if they fail up to two of the five end-of-course exams  known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. The required exams cover English I, English II, Algebra I, biology and U.S. history.

The goal of these committees is to help eligible students who are being held back from graduating high school, but campuses can face a special investigation from the Texas Education Agency if they graduate more than 10% of students through these committees every year.

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Despite the threat of a potential investigation, many of HISDs lowest-performing schools have exceeded the 10% threshold for at least five years, with three campuses  Liberty, Sharpstown and Wisdom high schools  graduating about half of their seniors through a special committee in 2023.

Meanwhile, these committees have never been used in the past five years in several of HISDs top-performing high schools, including Carnegie Vanguard High School, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and DeBakey High School for Health Professions.

In total, 1,371 HISD seniors, or approximately 11.6% of graduates, graduated through these committees in 2023. The district reported that the percentage of students graduating through these committees had increased from the 2021-22 year, when 8.5% of HISD seniors  or 960 students  graduated through committee overrides.

ABOUT THIS SERIES HISDs College, Career Readiness Crisis This story is part of a months-long series about how the states largest school district has been failing to prepare many of its high school graduates for success in higher education or the workforce. Every year, about half of Houston ISDs high school graduates enroll in college after graduation, and even fewer of those students end up earning college degrees or making a living wage after six years. The outcomes are even worse for the districts Black and Hispanic students, who make up the vast majority of each graduating class. With thousands of students set to graduate in June, the Chronicle will be focused on covering how HISDs leaders are  or arent  preparing the next generation of graduates for whats next.

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The percentage of HISD students graduating through these committees in 2023 is nearly three times as high as the average Texas school district, according to state data. Less than 4.5% of high school graduates in the Class of 2023 earned diplomas through these committees statewide.

Jacob Kirksey, an assistant professor in education policy at Texas Tech University, said these special committees can be beneficial for certain graduates, including bilingual students who know the tested material but may have difficulties passing exams in English.

The committees are often used statewide to award degrees to graduates who are still learning English. HISD, however, reported that nearly 35% of its emergent bilingual students graduated through these committees in 2023  more than twice the state average.

Kirksey said HISDs use of these committees is concerning and indicates that hundreds of students have been falling through the cracks. It is unfathomable that all of the HISD students who graduated through these committees are benefitting from being handed a diploma, he said.

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In these schools where you see these persistent high numbers across the board, you could make the case that HISD is doing a disservice to a fair number of kids, Kirksey said. Anybody who looks at a school where like 20% to 30% of your kids in a given year graduate with these plans, it's hard to imagine how that school can be seen as preparing their kids for the workforce or for college.

HISD Superintendent of Schools Mike Miles speaks during the Wheatley High School graduation ceremony at Delmar Fieldhouse Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

HISD under corrective action plan from TEA

The TEA has placed HISD under a corrective action plan after obtaining data on the districts use of these committees during the 2021-22 academic year. The plan requires HISD to take corrective actions to fix its lack of compliance with state rules, although the exact steps the district needs to take remain unclear.

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In fall 2023, the TEAs data review unit conducted a compliance review of several campuses  including HISD schools  and found that many campuses statewide had failed to demonstrate compliance with the requirements to graduate students through these committees.

In total, 20 of the districts 46 listed high schools exceeded the states 10% threshold in 2023, which is an increase from 16 schools during the previous year. The district also reported that eight campuses had given diplomas to more than 20% of seniors through these committees in 2023, which is up from two in the previous year.

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State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said during a Houston Landing event in May that the district had made it more rigorous and harder for students to get a diploma from an independent graduation committee since he began leading the district in June 2023.

While the districts data on committee usage during the 2023-24 school year will not be available until April, an HISD spokesperson said that its internal data shows that the number of campuses exceeding the 10% threshold had decreased by half among the Class of 2024 through a focus on oversight, accountability and equity.

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CONTRACT PERKS: Here are Texas superintendent contract perks you might not know about

The current administration and campus leadership teams have put great effort into getting HISD on the right track to ensure that IGCs are only used when appropriate and necessary, with the primary goal of remediating knowledge and skills, an HISD spokesperson said.

HISD said it had published a handbook to help guide campus use of these committees and provided robust training for campus administrators. The district also has worked to standardize the use of committees among all campuses since 2023 to reduce inequity, according to the district spokesperson.

Establishing a complete data analysis system to ensure compliance with state regulation and district policy enhanced the ability of leaders to drive progress, the spokesperson said. HISD also moved the submission of IGC documentation for internal monitoring from a paper-based method to an online system, allowing for greater oversight and accountability.

'Taking a shortcut' through committees

Texas is one of seven states where students must pass at least one test to graduate high school, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, which opposes test mandates for graduation.

State lawmakers created IGCs in 2015 to help thousands of students who were being held back from graduating high school due to their failure to pass these exams, making it more difficult for them to attend college, join the military, or get a job, according to the bill analysis.

Students in 11th or 12th grade are eligible for review by an IGC if they failed up to two STAAR exams. However, special education students may not have to go through the IGC process if a separate committee  known as the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee  determines they are not required to pass the exams.

The IGC must include the principal, the teachers of the courses of the failed end-of-course assessment, the department chair, and the students parent or guardian, according to the TEA. It recommends additional requirements for the students to graduate and the completion of a project or portfolio demonstrating proficiency in the failed subject area.

The committee must determine whether a student is qualified to graduate based on several factors, including a teachers recommendation, grades and exam scores, attendance rates, performance on any additional committee requirements, and other academic information, according to the TEA.

In 2023, HISDs use of these graduation committees exceeded all other large suburban districts in the Houston area, including the average usage rates among Asian, Black, and Hispanic students. The district reported that 13.7% of its Hispanic students and 11.6% of Black students graduated through these committees, which is more than double both the state and regional averages.

Multiple Houston-area education experts told the Chronicle that HISDs data on committee usage sends a clear message that several of the districts high schools  as well as the elementary and middle schools that feed into them  have not been adequately preparing their students for success in college or the workforce.

Judith Cruz, a former elected HISD trustee and school board president, said the districts educational system is failing to ensure that students can meet even the state's basic graduation requirements.

HISD schools need to provide more resources and support to students in elementary and middle school so they are prepared for graduation by the time they reach 12th grade, she said.

There will always be students that need the ability to graduate through these IGCs, but looking at the data  and especially because it's such stark increases  it feels like schools are taking a shortcut, or the easier route to find the ways to get students to graduate, said Cruz, a former teacher at Liberty and Wisdom high schools.

Kirksey said, given the high-pressure environment to improve academic performance, the data indicates that some HISD school leaders have been using these committees as a way to artificially inflate their school's graduation rates instead of using them solely to award diplomas for students who are ready.

There isn't going to be a way that you can cut down these rates dramatically and not see a reduction in graduation rates, Kirksey said. I think coming in and setting a realistic standard of We want a reduction of this amount, is going to increase dropout rates, but ... it's going to actually be getting kids to graduate through legitimate means.

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However, Erin Baumgartner, the director of the Houston Education Research Consortium, said the higher rates of use among some HISD campuses doesnt necessarily reflect misuse. She said standardized tests can be an inequitable barrier for students from different economic or racial backgrounds, and these special committees can help address that.

If we're not providing more opportunities to those students who historically are from populations who've not had access to certain learning opportunities, we're going to see gaps grow instead of gaps shrink, Baumgartner said. Using IGCs can be an important tool in making sure that these students have access to successful transition points moving out of high school.

Baumgartner said the states 10% threshold should potentially be adjusted based on the demographics and other circumstances of certain high school campuses, pointing to HISDs Liberty High School, which regularly reports the district's highest rate of students who graduate through individual graduation committees.

Unlike other high schools, Liberty focuses on offering flexible classes to newly arrived immigrant adults who are balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. At least one-third of the schools seniors  almost all of whom are Hispanic, low-income and emergent bilingual graduate through a special committee every year, according to the district.
Muslim and Jewish leaders have made a united call to rebuild relations between their communities to counter antisemitic attacks as the Albanese government warns that extremists feel emboldened to perpetrate hate crimes in Melbourne and Sydney.

Prominent Lebanese Muslim leader Jamal Rifi said fringe actors within Sydneys Muslim community had militarised anger over the war for political gain.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, right, has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging a national meeting of leaders to respond to antisemitic attacks. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen, Kate Geraghty, Supplied

Putting a stop to the repeated targeting of synagogues and Jewish areas in Melbourne and Sydney required governments to urgently bring together leaders of both communities, Rifi said.

We need a sense of unity, he said. I call on everyone to not just rely on the passage of time and a ceasefire. We need a proactive approach to bring the community together now.
Most Australians have probably never heard of RedNote. Nor one of its fellow little-known rivals, Lemon8. Thats likely to change, however, as the clock ticks down on a potential US shutdown of TikTok, with influencers and users scrambling to join rival apps in a bid to start again and effectively build up their audiences from scratch.

The US Supreme Court is widely tipped on January 19 to uphold a law forcing TikTok to either sell its US operations or face a ban, amid national security concerns. The law, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversaries Controlled Applications Act, will come into effect the day before US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

A pair of Chinese-made social apps, RedNote and Lemon8, have taken over the top two positions on Apples iPhone download charts in the US as users seek out alternatives to TikTok ahead of an imminent ban. Credit: Raul Ariano/Bloomberg

Trump has pledged to save the app, and incoming US national security adviser Mike Waltz on Thursday (US time) told Fox News show Fox & Friends that the federal law that could ban TikTok also allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table.

Despite rumours that the Chinese government is angling for Elon Musk to buy TikTok, its parent company has repeatedly said it will not sell  a point reiterated to this masthead by a source close to the company with knowledge of its thinking  and the TikTok users and influencers are now preparing for the app to be effectively switched off in the US.
I bought an extra legroom seat on QF43, Sydney-Bali, but after a six-hour delay and a switch of planes, Qantas upgraded me to a middle seat with even less leg-room. Now they wont refund me the upgrade fee. Im flying home with Virgin Australia.

Duff Watkins, Chatswood, NSW Arabian delights Chris Roylances letter about his visit to Saudi Arabia is disappointing (Traveller Letters, January 4). Personally, I am willing to adapt to Saudi culture and its mores. Adapting to a foreign country is, after all, part of what travel is about. I found the Middle East to be superior in terms of personal safety, a lack of crime and also an absence of graffiti.

David Thomson, St Kilda, Vic Ancient landscapes, welcoming mosques, camel markets and the historic city of Jeddah left us more than satisfied on our just completed 12-day small group tour of Saudi Arabia, which also included Riyadh, AlUla and Medina. The country is a welcome surprise. Its full of unique sites and colourful, welcoming people keen to share their traditional way of life. Highly recommended.

Matthew Platt, Doha, Qatar Been there, done that

Saffire Freycinet Oyster Farm experience. Well done, Lee Tulloch, as two of my own standout memories, Phinda, South Africa, and Saffire, Freycinent resort Tasmania, featured in your favourite travel experiences list (Traveller, December 24). Having lived in South Africa and stayed in all the private camps of Mkuze, Phinda does take some beating. Having a mum and dad lion with four cubs scraping past the vehicle with not a care in the world was memorable, as was waking up to find a buck drinking from the swimming pool. I discovered Saffire on a visit to Tasmania and, as part of a signature experience, waded into the local oyster beds to have fresh oysters shucked and served with a glass of champers. Heaven.

Rod Ross, North Lakes, Qld Major disconnect I write from QF37 at 42,600 feet on New Years Day. We are approaching Broome, having traversed the continent north-west, en route to Singapore from Melbourne. This trek was all the more interesting with the side notes, accompanying a 3D map, accessed on the Qantas-provided iPad, providing current and historical information on places of interest (estimated at about 50) over which we have flown. All Qantas needs to do now is to extend its in-flight Wi-Fi capability, as have its major competitors, beyond the Australian coastline.

Andrew Romer, Melbourne, Vic Giving back

Loading When we arrived at Tokyo Station on the shinkansen we quickly grabbed our bags and mistakenly left an unlabelled paper bag, containing souvenirs, in the overhead compartment. I quickly returned to our train which was still at the platform, but all the doors were shut and the next thing I saw was the train departing the station. A guard said I should lodge a lost and found inquiry with the station, which I thought would be useless, but with a few hours to spare before leaving Tokyo, I thought Id try. A station staff member took down my description of the bag, went to the holding area, checked, and came back, saying nothing of that nature had been found. Check back in an hour, she asked. On my return an hour later, the staff member recognised me, went back to the holding compartment and, beaming, bowed and handed the bag to me. Efficiency personified, and such honesty. It could only happen in Japan.

Mark Jevremovic, Alphington, Vic Tip of the week: Crowd control Yokohama  just a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo. Credit: iStock To see recent photos and statistics of crowds at popular tourist destinations in Japan is alarming, to say the least. The suggestions to choose alternative places to visit are not only practical, but make for a more pleasant experience. When I had to change plans at the last minute for the winter break (one of the busiest times to book accommodation and get around here), I couldnt get anything in Tokyo. Everything was either too expensive or unavailable. I was able to book a hotel in Yokohama immediately and had a great time, and it was only 20 minutes away by shinkansen from Tokyo.

Margot Pope, Kiryu, Japan

Banh mi, myself and I Paraphrasing the old nursery rhyme, Something old, something new ... reflects my travel highlights for 2024 and acts as a useful guide when planning my 2025 travel adventures. Last year I travelled to Vietnam for the first time (something new). There, I discovered there was more to Vietnamese food than pho and banh mi, and that Vietnam gives Melbourne a run in the coffee stakes while wandering the streets of central Hanoi  a wonderful way to spend a day. For something old we hit the highway for some favourite destinations closer to home. Marysville, Victoria, was stunning as usual, showing off her autumn hues, while a weekend in Kyneton, Victoria, is always full of great food, eclectic shops, and a couple of winery stops. So bring on 2025 for something old (Far North Queensland) and something new (road tripping on Victorias Great Alpine Road).

Jerome Otton, South Melbourne, Vic Staying power Linger longer at the Cinque Terre for a better experience. Credit: iStock I truly believe a destination like Cinque Terre can live up to its lofty reputation, but only if you dare to be different. Wave goodbye to the mainstream day trippers and stay a while. Its then youll discover quieter, more authentic villages and theyre all yours. With time on your side, you can hit the trails on foot between the five picturesque towns (as the time-poor use the train service) and youll pass century-old vineyards selling their wines and limoncello by the glass, as you rest along the way.

Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic

Bump ahead On a recent flight returning to Sydney from Auckland on a well-known New Zealand Airline, as we checked in at the kiosk with our passports to obtain our boarding passes, my husbands request was rejected. I had booked the seats four months prior and our carefully selected seats were allocated then. On inquiring, it evolved that hubby had been bumped off the flight to one that had left the night before, and his seat had been re-allocated. We had not even been informed. Furthermore, the flight was fully booked. On protest, he was offered a broken seat. Ultimately, they managed to find an unbroken seat, squeezed into a window seat down the back. No explanation has been given since, just a cursory reply from customer service, giving us absolutely no confidence that it may not happen again. Be warned.

Lindy Batterham, Fountaindale, NSW Going troppo I just spent a week solo in Darwin during the Christmas break. Having grown up in the northern tropics, I am of the firm belief that the wet season is the best time to travel to this region. Everything is lush and green, the storms are wild, the prices are discounted, and the bush is teeming with wildlife. Fogg Dam at 6am on Christmas morning was the highlight.

Dave Butler, South Yarra, Vic All set
A Pakistani court has sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison in a $374 million corruption case, setting up a clash with senior figures in the Trump administration who have been campaigning for his release.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana delivered the conviction, alongside a seven-year sentence for his wife, in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail in the garrison town of Rawalpindi on Friday.

Former Pakistan prime minister and cricketing great Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Credit: AP

The 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician and his wife are accused of accepting a gift of land from a real estate tycoon in exchange for laundered money when Khan was in power.

The verdict was given ahead of the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump, whose allies, including Richard Grenell and Matt Gaetz, have been campaigning for Khans release.
Kyiv: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, part of a European show of support and promises to keep helping Ukraine endure in its nearly three-year war with Russia.

The announcement comes days before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president, with what he says is a plan to end Europes biggest conflict since World War II.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky smile as they stand in front one of the drones, built in Ukraine with funding from Britain, in Kyiv on Thursday. Credit: AP

We are with you, not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for 100 years  long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again, Starmer told Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv, promising that the UK would play our part in guaranteeing Ukraines post-war security.

Starmer said that the landmark agreement committed the two sides to co-operate on defence  especially maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov  and on technology projects including drones, which have become vital weapons for both sides in the war. The treaty also includes a system to help track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country and provides 40 million ($79 million) for Ukraines economic recovery.
NIH awards UB $28.4 million to build on strong foundation improving health outcomes, addressing disparities through translational science

Timothy F. Murphy, SUNY Distinguished Professor, principal investigator and director of UBs Clinical and Translational Science Institute, speaks at a Jan. 17 news conference announcing UB has received a $28.4 million Clinical and Translational Science Award, its third since 2015. Photo: Sandra Kicman

This landmark award reaffirms UBs stature as a premier public research university that is committed to contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded the University at Buffalo $28.4 million over seven years to build on its extensive record of success using the power of research to improve health outcomes and address health disparities throughout Western New York.

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) (Grant #UM1TR005296) to UBs Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) was announced today. It is the third CTSA that UB has received under the NIHs National Center for Advancing Translational Science program. The first was awarded in 2015 and the second was received in 2020.

Todays announcement brings UBs total CTSA funding since 2015 to just over $65 million.

The purpose of the CTSAs, awarded to only 63 institutions nationwide, is to speed the translation of research discoveries into improved care for all while prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community.

This landmark award reaffirms UBs stature as a premier public research university that is committed to contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of the communities we serve, said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. It recognizes both the dramatic progress our UB faculty researchers have made in accelerating critical breakthroughs into enhanced patient care and our enormous potential to continue developing cutting-edge innovations and interventions in the interest of a healthier, more equitable society.

The work of the CTSA is accomplished through close collaborations among researchers throughout UB  including its six health sciences schools and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center  15 collaborating institutions and influential community partners, which comprise the Buffalo Translational Consortium.

This renewal ensures that the health of our community will continue to benefit from these critical collaborations, says Allison Brashear, MD, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. The CTSA renewal grant is a testament to UBs commitment to advancing medical research and improving lives. By empowering our researchers to investigate the most vexing health challenges, were making a tangible difference in Western New York, across the state and around the world.

This grant illustrates the opportunities created by partnerships between the federal government and our public research institutions like the University at Buffalo, said Rep. Tim Kennedy. By delivering research that better reflects our populations as a whole, especially at-risk demographics, UB is on the cutting edge of improving health care outcomes here in Western New York and across the nation. This is exactly the type of investment we need to see more of as we continue to strengthen the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and our regions health care systems.

Ten years ago, I was proud to announce the University at Buffalos very first award from the NIHs prestigious Clinical and Translational Science Program to bolster their groundbreaking work in medical research with substantial federal investment. Now, Im even prouder to announce an additional $28.4 million in federal funding to drive forward UBs lifesaving research to address health disparities in communities across Western NY, said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer.

This federal investment from the NIH will bolster UBs leadership and support its commitment to improving health outcomes for Buffalo and beyond. This will help UBs world-class doctors and scientists to turn research into real-world solutions for better medical treatments and cures, and Im glad the feds are continuing to invest in making UB stand out as an internationally renowned medical research institution, Schumer adds.

Disadvantaged and minority communities continue to face significant health disparities, and it is critical that we invest in bridging those gaps, said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. A cornerstone of a healthy society is the ability to live, work and learn free from illness. The University at Buffalos continued research is a step in the right direction to improve health outcomes locally and beyond. Im proud to announce this NIH funding and will continue to fight for those who need it most.
Houston Independent School District Board Member Cassandra Auzenne Bandy listens to the public speak during the monthly school board meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Houston ISDs Board of Managers voted Thursday to retroactively approve up to $870 million in purchasing agreements after the states largest school district admitted to violating procurement policy for approximately 16 months.

State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Monday that HISD discovered in December that a team of employees had been violating board policy by failing to submit certain purchases for board approval because they mistakenly believed that purchases affiliated with "cooperative agreements" did not require a board vote.

In a 7-1 vote, the board approved approximately 130 of the proposed cooperative agreements. Under these agreements, HISD had entered into contracts for certain projects with vendors that had already been pre-approved by other agencies, such as the Houston-Galveston Area Council, instead of engaging in an open bid process.

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Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles is photographed during public comment section of the Houston Independent School Districts monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Board member Rolando Martinez voted against the motion, and board member Cassandra Auzenne Bandy abstained.

The board was also expected to give initial approval to a change to procurement policy that would only require HISD to obtain board approval for future cooperative agreements if the purchases cost at least $1 million. However, board President Audrey Momanaee pulled the item from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.

The appointed school board had initially planned to ratify the proposed cooperative agreements during its regular December meeting. However, Alex Elizondo, HISDs chief of public affairs and communications, said Monday that the board delayed the vote until this month because members wanted to do a little more due diligence.

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Janette Garza Lindner, the board's audit committee chair, said the board planned to publish an audit of the purchases publicly on the audit committee's website. The audit by RSM, an external firm, reviewed purchases exceeding $1 million to ensure that the spending followed the appropriate processes, she said.

"Our internal audit team found that all of the processes that were followed were appropriate," Garza Lindner said. "Wanted to just make sure that that was noted for each other and for our community to understand that we did leverage our internal audit team to review those purchases."

The districts failure to follow board purchasing policy sparked outrage among about two dozen HISD community members who urged the board during public comment to demand an additional investigation and conduct more oversight of HISDs spending to restore trust.

HISD parent Ellen Walter said $870 million in unapproved spending is not an in good faith' mistake. This is the point that will make you realize that he is the mistake. Our district deserves better. You should be firing Mike Miles.

The approved contracts include purchases of up to $100 million for technology hardware and software, $60 million for plumbing services, up to $50 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning services, up to $45 million for office supplies and up to $20 million for licensing of Microsoft products.

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HISD has already spent about $200 million out of approximately $870 million allowed under the proposed vendor agreements listed on the meeting agenda, according to the Houston Landing. However, Miles said the error will not have an impact on the HISDs finances because the spending was already accounted for in the districts budget.

During public comment, HISD community member Brianna Van Borssum urged the board to do the right thing and refuse to sweep the districts mishandled fiscal procedures under the rug. Despite Miles assurances, she said she believed the good faith error was just another instance of the superintendent's negligence in leading the district.

Seventy-two days ago, this community made themselves clear, Van Borssum said. Mike Miles cannot be trusted with $4.4 billion. Now, we know that he was already practicing ways to mismanage HISD funds.

Kathi Beasley snaps fingers to agree with a public speaker criticizing the Houston Independent School District school board during public comment section of the boards monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Multiple speakers repeated the phrase I have a dream throughout their one-minute comments, referencing Martin Luther King Jr.s famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the 1963 March on Washington. The birthday of King, a famous civil rights leader, is a federal and district holiday celebrated on Monday.

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HISD parent Sarah Maller told the board that she had a dream that the HISD community would rise above the shadows of mismanagement and financial recklessness and reclaim the districts schools from Miles leadership after the financial policy violation.

We stand at a crossroads, where transparency and accountability must guide our path forward, Maller said. I have a dream where an elected Board of Managers takes back control, ensuring that every dollar is spent to benefit our students and our community. ... We stand united in front of you to demand change.

Ruth Hoffman-Lach stands up and claps for Houston Independent School District teacher Guy Buford V as Buford is speaking about the decrease of his salary during public comment section of the Houston Independent School Districts monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The policy violation comes after the board voted in August 2023 to allow Miles to make purchases of up to $1 million without obtaining board approval, raising the limit from $100,000. However, the change did not apply to cooperative agreements, which the district was supposed to continue submitting for board approval regardless of the cost.

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HISD has made several changes after discovering the policy violation, including adding an attorney to supervise procurement actions and contract approval, as well as quarterly compliance audits to ensure all of the districts contracts and procurement actions align with board policy," Miles said.
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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250116623611/en/
Because Gretchen Sween had less than three months to save her clients life, she couldnt take a single day away from her desk to drive to the prison to meet him.

She instead digested books worth of exhibits and read enough testimony and filings to power a legal drama. She taught herself as much as she could about forensic pathology, pediatrics and biomechanics. She sent an investigator to the courthouse to get photos and hunted down experts willing to give their time pro bono.

By the time Sween took on the case in April 2016, the few facts anyone could agree on were these: In January 2002, her client, Robert Roberson, took his 2-year-old daughter to the hospital in Palestine, a small town shrouded in East Texas pine. He had been her sole caregiver in the hours before. She died the next day.

In 2003, Roberson was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to die.

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Sween successfully got a Texas court to halt the execution with just five days to spare, punting the case back to a trial court. As Sween prepared for the as-yet-unscheduled hearing, she stumbled across an article from 2006 in the Palestine Herald-Press about the retirement of the lead detective on Robersons case. He had been leaving, the headline said, for ministry.

She read on with interest.

Probably after I had been here a couple of years, I began to get an inkling that law enforcement  it wasnt me personality-wise, hed told the paper. I had some conflict with it on a personal level. Kind of year by year, Ive convinced myself to stay a little longer and see what happens.

Normally, Sween would not approach the detective in a conviction she was trying to overturn. The more a case began to break apart, in her experience, the tighter law enforcement squeezed its shards.

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She understood it, to a degree. Humans struggle to acknowledge new information that contradicts just about any closely held opinion; to function in the often-binary world of policing and its potential for mistakes that cant be undone requires shielding yourself, consciously or not, with certainty.

But the former detectives new vocation  and his reflection on his old one  made her wonder if he might be open to communication.

In 2018, Sween and an intern drove to Brian Whartons house, unannounced. When he opened the door, she told him she was a lawyer representing Roberson.

His face changed.

Ive been waiting for you to come, he said.

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He invited them inside.

*

Brian Wharton grew up with an understanding that there was a clear line between right and wrong and the expectation that, as a Wharton, he would live his life on the correct side of that chasm.

He was the middle of three boys  joined, eventually, by an adopted sister  and the son of an Army man. With his fathers job, the family never stayed in one place for more than a few years. The children grew up as United Methodists, which, for Wharton, meant he showed up to church on Sundays and didnt think much about it the other six days of the week.

In 1979, he enrolled at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, a city best known for the college and the state prisons death chamber. When he had the money, he walked across the street to one of the biggest bars in town on Saturday nights and spent his Sunday mornings catching up on sleep instead of praying in the pews.

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Huntsville, shown here in the 1980s, was best known for Sam Houston State University and the state prison's death chamber. Bela Ugrin / Houston Chronicle (left), Associated Press (right)

He graduated in 1983 with a degree in criminal justice and followed his father and grandfather to the Army because it was all hed ever known. Sometime during his years in the service, he found himself wandering back to church. To this day, he doesnt know exactly why.

He left in 1989 with the rank of captain in the Military Police after a tenure that took him to Georgia, Italy, Alabama and Washington. He liked the young people he worked with; he did not like the task of preparing them for war. He did not enjoy parades.

Wharton returned to Texas and met the woman he would marry. In the summer of 1992, he accepted a job that would pay the bills as a beat cop with the police department in Palestine, a town of about 18,000 that served as the seat of rural Anderson County. He drove up to the station on his first day with Amnesty International and World Wildlife Fund bumper stickers. His new coworkers ribbed him endlessly, but he never peeled them off.

About two years into the job, he turned to his wife and told her what hed always known: No matter how well he could do it, the job of a police officer simply wasnt him. But he had a new baby daughter and no clear idea of what career might suit him better, so Wharton spent seven years on nightside patrol before rising to chief of detectives.

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In January 2000, he went out to a potential missing persons case after a call from friends of an 84-year-old woman, a retired schoolteacher and organist at a United Methodist church who loved cats and gave piano lessons to children. He rifled through her home in hopes of a clue. He felt guilty, like he had to set her possessions back in their places before she returned.

The woman would never see the mess. After her body was found in the river, police arrested four people: a 20-year-old man, his 16-year-old wife, his 15-year-old brother and his 13-year-old cousin.

He could not stop thinking about their ages  especially the youngests.

We're asking all the questions that you're supposed to ask, but in my head, I'm asking, How did we get here? Why is this young man here? Where did the system fail  parents, schools? Wharton said. And those are questions nobody wants to ask.

The 13-year-old was processed through the juvenile system. The middle two were sentenced to decades in prison. The 20-year-old received the death penalty.

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Four of them commit the crime. One of them goes to death row because he's the only one that's old enough. Sorry. You lose. You're the one that's qualified to be killed, so we're going to kill you, he said. Its very  its arbitrary.

*

On a too-warm day in January 2002, a man brought his two-year-old daughter to the Palestine Regional Medical Center. She was in such serious condition that someone called the police.

Wharton joined another detective in the frantic emergency room as medical personnel scrambled to help the little girl. Something, they all agreed, was wrong with her father, a 35-year-old named Robert Roberson. Any parent in his situation should have been screaming, crying, demanding answers, bargaining with God, but Roberson seemed placid. When Wharton went to examine Robersons home, Roberson excused himself to make a sandwich.

The toddler was transferred to a Dallas hospital. She died the next day. Doctors found bleeding behind her brain, bleeding behind her eyes and brain swelling  a triad that, at the time, medical experts believed could only have been caused by violent shaking. And suspicion in shaken baby cases usually landed on the caregiver.

Robert Roberson and his daughter, Nikki Curtis. In 2003, Roberson was convicted of 2-year-old Nikki's murder. Courtesy the Roberson family

Police arrested Roberson on a murder charge. Whartons trial testimony took the jury through his arrival at the hospital and visit to Robersons house. He read the statement Roberson had given police: His daughter had been ill in the days leading up to her death and had fallen off the bed.

When the prosecutor asked how hed come to believe Roberson was guilty of murder, Wharton replied, His story was not consistent with the magnitude of the injuries.

As a witness, he hadnt been allowed in court before his own testimony; after, he didnt return. His job required him to present facts, not pass judgment.

A jury found Roberson guilty of his daughters murder in February 2003. This, to Wharton, was correct. But when Roberson was sentenced to death, a tendril of doubt curled around his mind. He thought there was something off about Roberson that could have been a mitigating factor. More than that, he didnt like the death penalty. A system that often relied on underpaid, overworked attorneys to keep someone alive, he thought, wasnt fair.

He and his wife had decided to raise their daughter in the church, and, with every Sunday in the pews, Wharton had started asking himself what justice meant through the lens of the Gospel. He wondered if humans were capable of truly judging one another fairly  especially when the judgment was as final as death.

*

Wharton left the force in 2006, about three years after Robersons death sentence. The knowledge that policing wasnt for him had swelled under the drip of small moments  an old womans scattered belongings she would never set right, a 13-year-old sitting across from him in an interview room, nurses shaving a little girls head the day before she died.

Some of these kids, you look at them at 20 years old, and you know they didnt have a chance from day one, Wharton told the Palestine Herald-Press during his retirement interview. I just want to spend a few years trying to find some solutions.

Brian Wharton served with the Palestine Police Department for 14 years. Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle Brian Wharton served with the Palestine Police Department for 14 years. Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle

Before he handed in his badge, he participated in an adult discipleship program at an East Texas campground set by a smooth pond. As he prayed, he finally found the answer to the question that had seeped through his mind since his days as a student in Huntsville. He knew what he needed to be doing.

He spent the next four years in seminary and served as an associate pastor near Houston before being appointed to lead a small church north of Tyler in 2017. He found the church, like the court, to have the flaws of any institution crafted by human hands, uneven with foibles and bound by some amount of red tape. But he loved the challenge of the spiritual work, the freedom to learn as he went along, the mandate to help others grow into their own humanity and, by extension, closer to Christ.

Once or twice a year, something would make him think of Roberson. Hed open the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website and search his name. Still in the purgatory of death row, waiting for the final dispensation.

He felt confident in the case hed brought to the district attorney and Robersons ultimate guilt, but his unhappiness with the sentence had never ebbed. Every time Wharton saw Robersons name on the inmate roster, he figured an attorney was fighting to keep Roberson from the death chamber.

He was certain the system would work.

*

Gretchen Sween sat at Whartons dining room table for about an hour that day in 2018 and showed him how the truths of 2002 could take an entirely new shape.

The version of shaken baby syndrome presented in Robersons trial  the consensus that the three specific injuries doctors found in his daughter could only add up to violent shaking  had been refuted by the very neuroscientists who had created the original hypothesis. Some of them had even begun helping defense attorneys. Nearly two dozen people in the United States whose convictions hinged on shaken baby syndrome, Wharton learned, had been exonerated.

He listened as she explained how the doctors who treated the little girls illness in the days leading up to her death had prescribed her a drug no longer used for children that young because of its potential to cause fatal respiratory issues.

Sween also redefined one of his fundamental assumptions from 16 years ago: Roberson had been diagnosed with autism. What Wharton and everyone in Anderson County had decided was an unnatural reaction for a father who should have been grieving wasnt an indicator of guilt so much as the way Roberson was wired to process the world.

Part of you is somewhat happy that someone has vindicated what you've kind of thought all along, he said. But then there is this sudden realization that, Oh, my God, I got this wrong, and somebody's on death row.

She led him through how Robersons case had oozed through the legal systems remedial pipes, finding new dead ends almost every time. A 2013 law allowing new trials for junk science convictions had given her an opening.

Wharton didnt realize how close Roberson had come to death in 2016.

By the time Sween left, he was convinced everyone involved in Robersons original conviction had made significant errors.

Later, when Sween asked if hed be willing to speak about his doubts, he said yes.

*

In 2021, the trial court in Anderson County conducted an evidentiary hearing. Wharton had just undergone heart surgery and testified via an unstable Zoom feed (I think its a disservice to the system, he said. People need to look each other in the eyes.). After trying and failing to adjust the volume, Sween walked him through that day in January 2002 and the weeks that unspooled after.

At the end of her questions, she asked: Do you feel like justice was done in this case?

He answered in a single word: No.

The Anderson County judge recommended against granting Roberson relief.

*

Steve Tefteller was not sure about the new pastors resume. The mans background suggested an authoritarian style: military police, then a cop in a small East Texas town. Teftellers church in Onalaska  about an hour and a halfs drive from Houston  prided itself on acceptance. The average age of the congregation might have been about 70, but they did not cling to tradition.

By the time he finished his interview with Brian Wharton, Teftellers initial skepticism turned to warmth.

Wharton started as the pastor of Onalaskas First United Methodist Church in June 2022. He preached every Sunday to a crowd of about 70  usually wearing a rotating cast of button-downs  in a white-clapboard building with red carpeting and glowing stained-glass windows. The church, half a mile down the farm-to-market road from the Onalaska police station, perched just at the edge of the manmade Lake Livingston. Some mornings, the sun skipped across the water; on others, fog settled heavy on its surface, the shoreline across the way winking in and out of view.

He made the pale peach church office his own: Theology books, a Calvin and Hobbes comic book, wooden crosses, a square red wall hanging with the text of Micah 6:8: And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. The plaque the Palestine Police Department gave him at his retirement hung by his diplomas.

As Tefteller talked to Wharton about his unconventional path to the pulpit, Wharton said he liked changing lives instead of locking them behind bars. This made sense to Tefteller: He had been involved with prison ministry for the better part of a decade. In 2021, after he and his wife moved to Livingston, he took his faith retreat to the men on death row. They were housed in the state prisons Polunsky Unit  just 16 miles from the church.

One day, not too long into Whartons tenure, Tefteller invited him along to visit the Polunsky Unit. Wharton demurred. It wasnt that he didnt support the effort. He did.

It was just that he might, he said, run into someone he put there.

Outside the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in 2018 Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle

*

Wharton hadnt realized his appointment in Onalaska brought him closer to Roberson than hed been in two decades. He had always associated death row with Huntsville; he had not thought to check. Perhaps he hadnt wanted to. It had been easier, in a way, to leave Roberson in the ether of elsewhere.

He hadnt told anyone in the church about the case. He didnt want to suck them into the whirlpool of his own sins.

Wharton hadnt so much as exchanged an email with Roberson through his years assisting the defense team. But their new proximity had removed his ability to keep what had happened at a distance. He asked Sween whether Roberson might be willing to meet. He wanted to apologize for his failure, give Roberson the chance to be heard.

Roberson agreed.

*

Twenty-one years after Wharton was dismissed from the witness stand in Palestine and left Roberson leaning over the defense table, he walked into a prison to meet the man hed only ever seen as a suspect. New York Times videographers accompanied him. It was a level of publicity, he knew, that could bring the two streams of his life  the badge and the pulpit  into direct contact for the first time.

Robert is, to most of the world  hes a very inconsequential man. They dont know him, they dont want to know him and thats the way the world works, Wharton said. The only way to save Robert is to insist that the world get to know him and his story.

On March 20, Wharton looked at Roberson through a thick glass pane and two winding decades. Wharton had traded his detective badge for one of his button-downs; Robersons taupe suit had long been left outside the prison gates, replaced with a white uniform. His dark hair had retreated from the top of his head. Wrinkles lined his eyes.

Robert Roberson is housed in the TDCJ Polunsky Unit. Ilana Panich-Linsman/TNS

Roberson picked up the telephone that would allow them to speak and smiled.

They said their good mornings.

Wharton said: I am so sorry that youre in here, and so sorry that you are still here.

Yes, sir.

Wharton apologized again. He told Roberson law enforcement had failed him.

I had lots of things I was gonna talk to you about, Roberson said, but sometimes you get wordless and stuff.

Wharton asked: What did Roberson want to say to him, to everyone who had put him behind bars?

Id like to let yall know, I forgive yall and stuff, Roberson said. And I just hope and pray that we can make things right together.



It was not the last time they would see each other.

At their subsequent visits, Roberson told him stories about the other men on death row. He talked to Wharton about his own deep faith in God, his Bible studies, the certainty of a life beyond the prison walls either on Earth or elsewhere. Wharton found someone who was kind, gentle. Somehow, joyful.

The Robert I met is not the Robert I remember, which tells me that in 2002 I was hunting an offender, and thats what I found, he said. So when we met this time, I wouldnt  thats not who I was looking for. I was looking for Robert, and thats what I found.

*

Carolyn Bischoff sat in her hairdressers parking lot one day at the end of July, scrolling through her news roundup emails to pass the time before her appointment, when she saw her pastors name.

Surely, she thought, it was somebody else. What would the pastor of her tiny Onalaska church be doing in the New York Times?

Bischoff and her husband had retired to Livingston from Dickinson in 2018, searching for somewhere close to water without Galvestons hurricane premiums. About five years later, a friend invited her to church. She was wary: One of her last brushes with faith was when a Catholic priest in Kentucky told her that, because she had been married and divorced and married again, she would never get to see the kingdom of God. But she joined her friend at Onalaskas First United Methodist Church and, to her surprise, found a home.

She clicked on the New York Times link and saw her pastors face. She watched his video and cried.

When she called him, he responded: You get the New York Times?

She wanted to help. She asked him what he needed. He said: Awareness.

Whatever awareness he brought, it would have to spread fast: Roberson had been given an execution date of Oct. 17.

On Aug. 11  68 days before Roberson was set to die  Bischoff took the pulpit during the Sunday announcements before worship. She would be collecting email addresses of those who wanted to do something to support Roberson. Shed had her first child at 20 years old when she was dumber than a sack of rocks. In another life, she told the congregation, that couldve been her.

Bischoff returned to her seat.

Wharton rose, his Bible in hand, ready to offer his testimony.

I believe with every fiber of my being that we messed up, and Robert is, in fact, an innocent man, he said. But you dont have to know that. What you do have to know is as disciples of Jesus the Christ, is that We. Do. No. Violence.

He paused.

We support no violence. We participate in no violence. And there is no way around it. The system  it is violence. Perpetrated by the state. And it diminishes us all. When we say its OK He shrugged, held out his arm. How are we any different from the world?

The congregation listened, silent on the benches.

So I dont ask you or insist that you understand everything there is to understand about Robert and whether or not hes guilty or innocent but I would say as a follower of Jesus the Christ, you need to say to the State of Texas and anybody that will give you their ear, the death penalty is not the way of Christ, he said. Period.

He let his appeal sink into the sanctuarys century-old walls.

I will leave the rest to you and thank you for whatever it is you choose to do. He looked down at his Bible. But we have not come to talk about me and my failure over the years. Weve come to worship.

Brian Wharton spent years wondering what he was supposed to do with his life. He found his true calling in the ministry. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

*

Time stretched and roared. August, September. Bischoff and other congregants wrote letters and called state legislators and typed Robert Robersons name in the weekly prayer bulletin.

The New York Times piece ricocheted across the country. Wharton wrote op-eds and testified before committees. Someone emailed to inform him there was enough room in hell for those who killed children and those who helped them. A man from Tennessee called to ask if he understood, truly understood, shaken baby syndrome. His own daughter had died from it, the man said, and his wife at the time had been the perpetrator. He was confident  he had to be confident, Wharton thought  in what happened. The conversation was pleasant, they wished each other well and hung up.

If anyone else in law enforcement heard his story and reexamined their own convictions, they kept it to themselves.

*

Brian Wharton speaks at a news conference in Anderson County on Oct. 15, two days before Robert Roberson's scheduled execution. Chitose Suzuki/TNS

On Oct. 15, two days before Roberson was set to die, an Anderson County court held a hearing on a motion to have the original judge on his case removed  and, by extension, to vacate the execution warrant. After, Wharton addressed the press from the courthouse stairs.

The court rejected the motion just hours later. The final gates out of the death chamber came crashing down.

Emergency motion  denied.

GOP DIVIDE: Republican megadonors urge Abbott to pardon Roberson

On Robersons second-to-last morning, Wharton appeared before a bipartisan Texas House committee. He walked slowly up to a dark wood table in the eye of a horseshoe and took a seat.

I told my wife last week that Im ashamed, he said into the microphone. Im ashamed that I was so focused on finding an offender and convicting someone that I did not see Robert. I did not hear his voice.

Less than 24 hours before the execution, that legislative committee issued a subpoena for Roberson to testify, the appearance set for a date after he was supposed to be dead.

It was a Hail Mary pass without a playbook.

October 16 bled into October 17. Texas executions begin after 6 p.m.

Roberson had 18 hours left to live. He had asked Wharton to be there for the last.

Attorney Gretchen Sween, seen here at a 2024 hearing, took on Robert Roberson's case in 2016. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

In a room already cold with the ghosts of the not-yet-dead, Wharton watched the clock as it marched toward 6 p.m.

He had assembled with Robersons family and other witnesses earlier, chatting about everything other than what had brought them together. Later, they had been moved into a space that looked like a breakroom: hard chairs and vending machines with too-high prices. A few people napped. Wharton paced. He pulsed with fear, anger, anticipation. He tried to reach for hope. He prayed with Robersons wife. They had prayed together before in the warmth of the Onalaska church.

Its a very odd thing to contemplate, being invited to watch someone you love being killed by the state, he said. And the state's expectation is you will sit quietly and watch it happen. A barbaric act in clinical costume.

He wanted to be angry at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff. If they simply said no, he thought, the system might fall apart. But as he chatted with them, he saw people caught up in machinations that would grind on without them. Instead of anger, he felt empathy.

I recognized that not too many years ago, I was one of them, he said. Without much thought, Id surrendered my life to be used by the state to impose its justice. I was once blind.

He prayed for the execution to be stopped. He reminded God of His promises of redemption and salvation.

He worried about the conversation he would have with God if Roberson were killed.

The clock ticked past 6.

*

The word came to them late in the night: Roberson would be allowed to live.

Wharton rushed out of the tight prison room into the expanse of the dark.

Two legislators stood at a lectern ringed by camera lights to share the news. It was the first time Wharton heard the legal maneuverings of the day that saved Roberson: How legislators sued to block the execution and hear Robersons testimony. How a lower court said yes, how a higher court said no, how the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, how the Texas Supreme Court ultimately ordered a temporary reprieve.

Wharton wanted nothing more than the company of his wife and his dog and his cat.

He set off toward home.

State representatives John Bucy III and Lacey Hull speak in Huntsville after the Texas Supreme Court issued a late stay of execution for Robert Roberson. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

*

Robert Robersons life hangs in suspended animation, awaiting a new death warrant that has yet to be issued.

The church prays quietly. Some write letters or make calls. They worry for Roberson. They worry for Wharton. They see how their pastor has braced himself, turning ever so slightly inward. If the worst happens, they will grieve.

He wishes hed spoken up sooner. He isnt sure if it would have even mattered. He wonders if that thought is just his mind clinging to excuses.

I just think if Texas kills Robert, theyre also going to be just brutalizing this man, Brian Wharton, who has gone through such lengths to be heard, Gretchen Sween said.

Wharton holds Robersons forgiveness like a treasure, but he will not let himself forget his role in Robersons life.

Who Wharton ultimately is to Roberson has not been decided. Will he be the man who put him in prison for decades? Or will he be the one to carry his ghost?

*

Brian Wharton leads a Sunday Bible study before church services. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The second Sunday in December dawned gray in Onalaska. The Texas heat that stretched its claws deep into autumn had finally stalked away, leaving a cool promise of Christmas to come. Rain trickled from the sky.

Just before 8 a.m., a dozen congregants gathered in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist. They wiped the bottoms of their shoes, filled their cups with coffee brewed from beans that lived in a yellow container marked BIBLE STUDY and commented on the half-torn-up floorboards, the latest installment in the churchs restoration. They took their seats around plastic tables pushed into a square and pulled out their Bibles.

Wharton sat at the front, a notepad and a Bible and a clay mug of black coffee beside him. They were examining the first lines of the Gospel of Mark. John the Baptist had begun his walk through the wilderness of the world to prepare the way for the Son of God.

What is John's story? he asked. Just like John, I have to open myself to that which God is trying to do, and prepare the way within myself, and then allow my life to be used  just like John's  to a witness to that which is still to come, which has come but is still to come. To prepare the way for others. So nothing 

As Robert Roberson's fate has yet to be decided, Brian Wharton doesn't know what he'll have to reckon with. Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle

He trailed off. The thoughts reformed. Theres not an end to the story.

He asked them to think about all the prophets who had visited Gods people to say: Youre lost. What had always been the problem for the people of God?

They broke the covenant, one woman offered.

But how did they break the covenant? Wharton pressed.

They separated themselves.

He prodded: How?

Half a dozen answered.

 separated themselves 

 thought they were in charge 

 forsaking 

They settled in. We built cities, we built walls. We started making rules. We started thinking we're in charge and we're in complete control. And I like my place, and I'm comfortable here, and I'm secure here, and I don't really care about you, because I'm good where I am, Wharton said. So the prophets came and told the people over and over and over again, No, you are a wilderness people who are always on a journey. The minute you sit down and get comfortable, that's when you get into trouble. All right?

Brian Wharton has come to believe this about God: God is found in the conversations that wander from their prescribed paths into the dense forests. To be a follower of Jesus is to never stop searching.

So the continuous call for us, Wharton said, is back out into the wilderness.

He looked around the room. A bulletin board with DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN above news clippings and thank-you notes and photos of smiling church members. A shelf with books for anyone to take. A reproduction of the Last Supper, Jesus serene before his sentencing.

He has come to believe this about justice: Justice is an ideal, not the collection of regulations that add up to the Texas Penal Code. Justice, like God, is something to be pursued. In a world sculpted by humans, justice that should flow like a river instead balks at dams and battles narrow banks and evaporates in the heat until its slowed to a trickle that cant sustain its momentum through the mud.

The Bible study group meandered into the sanctuary as the rest of the congregation began to file in through the front door. They hugged their hellos under a bunting of green wreaths and red bows theyd hung the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Greeters passed out that weeks program. They would be reading from the Gospel of Luke. Robert Robersons name was printed in Times New Roman font among the list of those in need of prayer.

First United Methodist Church is perched on the edge of Lake Livingston. On Dec. 8, the congregation gathered under Christmas bunting they'd hung weeks before. Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle On Dec. 8, the congregation gathered under Christmas bunting they'd hung weeks before. Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle

The bells tolled ten. The chatter faded. The stained-glass windows shone bright even without the sun. Carolyn Bischoff and Steve Tefteller prayed in the pews and lined up for communion.

Wharton is certain of Gods forgiveness. Theres not much else he would apply certainty to these days.

Certainty is black ice under a fast car. Certainty is a flat earth, a nine-planet solar system, a world that cant be broken into a unit smaller than the atom.

Certainty is a placid father. Certainty is a shaken baby.

Hes come to believe the best anyone can hope for is an understanding you hold lightly, ready to reexamine each day.

As the service ended, Wharton asked the church to stand for their benediction.

He held out his arms.

Now as the people of God, as the faithful and beloved of God, as wilderness people, accept the invitation to go out, out into the wilderness, to meet John, to meet the Christ, to glimpse the kingdom, and be changed. Transformed. And made new, he said. Do all these things in the name of the one who loves you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen and amen.
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Connor Gaydos, the 28-year-old CEO of Enron and a key figure behind the gag conspiracy movement Birds Arent Real, seen here in this courtesy photo at the product reveal of the Enron Egg Monday. Courtesy Enron

Enron, or the satire-infused Frankenstein version of the long-deceased company, filed an application with state regulators Tuesday to become Texas newest retail electric provider.

Its yet another eyebrow-raising move by 28-year-old CEO Connor Gaydos, one of the pranksters behind Birds Arent Real, who recently unveiled the Enron Egg, a product he described as a micro-nuclear reactor.

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The egg, he said, would be available for consumers at the low price of $10,000 and is capable of powering a home for up to ten years, a feat supposedly made possible through the power of a substance he called Enronium. Gaydos has repeatedly said on social media that, despite the public labeling it a parody, the Enron Egg is a real product  a claim that one nuclear expert said was physically impossible.

But Gaydos told the Houston Chronicle in an interview that the public would soon see the genius within the egg.

Hope you guys like eggs because you're about to see a lot of it, he said. I'm going to go to our factory and give some select guests a tour. I'm going to be doing a lot of interviews. I hope people can take this seriously.

What is a retail electric provider?

Retail electric providers are the companies that sell consumers electricity plans and send the monthly bill  think TXU Energy or Reliant. They buy power in bulk from power plant owners on the wholesale electricity market and hedge those purchases against the fixed plans they offer everyday customers.

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Out of the various segments of the Texas electricity market, there is much lower barrier-to-entry to becoming a retail electric provider, compared to becoming a transmission and distribution utility such as CenterPoint Energy or a power generation company such as Calpine or NRG Energy. Thats because retail electric providers dont own power infrastructure the same way that a transmission and distribution utility owns power lines, or a power generation company owns power plants.

Still, prospective retail electric providers must prove they have a minimum level of access to capital and at least one executive with at least 15 years of experience in the competitive natural gas or electric industry. In its application, Enron said it has at least $1,000,000 in shareholders equity.

The newly-formed Enron said on the application it doesnt have any insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, merger or acquisition history to disclose, despite the original Enron collapsing in 2001 as the biggest corporate bankruptcy in the country at the time. That's likely because Gaydos only secured the trademark to the Enron brand name and has formed a new company with it.

A potentially serious departure

Fictitious materials and outlandish claims aside, Tuesday's filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas marks a potentially serious departure from what, so far, has been a very silly saga. The filing includes sworn and notarized affidavits from a man named Gregory Forero, who was identified in the documents as the vice president of Enron Texas Energy LLC.

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Public records indicated that Enron Texas Energy LLC was formed in December 2024.

Forero, according to a resume included in Enrons application, has extensive experience in the energy sector, holding previous positions at TXU Energy, Constellation Energy and the Williams Companies. He is currently the founder and CEO of HGP Storage, a company developing utility-scale battery storage farms, a resource that has proliferated on the Texas grid in recent years.

Forero has worked in the energy sector since 1998, comfortably fulfilling the managerial experience requirement necessary to apply for a retail electric provider certification. On its application, Enron cites a Dallas address as its primary business office address, the same address listed on HGP Storages website.

An Enron spokesperson confirmed that Forero is now working for the company, and Forero himself told the Houston Business Journal he is now working with Gaydos.

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CEOS UNITED: Enron CEO calls on followers to support killed health care executive in latest satirical jab

The move could indicate that Gaydos is planning something beyond what many believe is anything from an elaborate crypto scam to a simple publicity stunt. In a recent interview with the Chronicle, Gaydos said his experience with Birds Arent Real taught him the value of building a real business on the back of a joke or internet trend.

I was able to really hone and fine-tune my sensibilities in terms of how a story on the internet or how marketing can then fuel an actual business on the back-end, Gaydos said.

Whether Tuesdays application represents a genuine bid to enter Texas energy market or just another step meant to garner publicity remains unclear. Forero, who signed his name to three sworn affidavits attesting to the accuracy of the application, could risk perjury charges if the statements are found to be false, according to the Texas Penal Code.

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Ukraine's foreign policy raises concerns

Recent statements by Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, raise an important question about the role of Western diplomats and Ukrainian representatives in the context of countering Russian co-operation with African countries. Anatoly Bashkin argues that these forces are working in concert in African capitals, which causes serious concern.

Indeed, Ukraine's foreign policy in recent years has provoked many questions and concerns. Scandals related to the actions of Ukrainian diplomats call into question the effectiveness of their work and its implications for the country's international image. The figure of Andrii Melnyk, who was appointed as Ukraine's representative to the UN, stands out in particular.

The scandalous diplomat, famous for his rude and controversial statements, will represent Ukraine at the UN, whose main goal is to maintain peace in the world. Such paradoxical appointments reflect general trends in Ukraine's foreign policy.

Andrii Melnyk, is becoming a symbol of Ukrainian diplomacy in international institutions. His statements sometimes cause not only surprise but also criticism. For example, in May 2022 Melnyk called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an offended liver sausage because of his refusal to visit Kyiv.

In addition, in late May 2022, while he was serving as Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Melnyk ridiculed the aid Germany was providing to Ukraine, saying it was not fast enough. On his Twitter, he posted an illustration of a snail with a bullet stuck with duct tape, captioning it with the phrase German aid is on its way. Such actions cast doubt on the seriousness of Ukraine's approach to international relations.

Melnyk's more serious statements cannot be overlooked, such as his positive assessment of the figure of Stepan Bandera, a historical figure whose activities led to the deaths of thousands of innocent people. During a long conversation with German journalist Tilo Jung, he expressed his support for this controversial character, which caused a wide resonance and mixed reactions both in Ukraine and abroad.

Mr Melnyk is not the only example of scandalous Ukrainian foreign policy. In 2024, several West African countries broke off diplomatic relations with Kiev because of the support provided by the country to terrorist groups operating in northern Mali.

Ukraine, like its main ally France, is failing in Africa. The reason for this is the lack of positive dynamics in the development of bilateral relations and co-operation. Instead of building trustful ties and active co-operation with African countries, Kyiv continues to rely on provocations. Kiev's internal and external policy, oriented towards the idea of white supremacy, only exacerbates the situation. The appointment of Andrii Melnyk is yet another confirmation of this trend.
The final resting place of Ariana Rosales, a stillborn girl whose urn was reported stolen in January 2024. Courtesy The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja

The parents of a girl who died during infancy filed a lawsuit against the owner of Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery after the urn containing their daughter's ashes was reported stolen along with the remains of three other people in a 2024 burglary, according to a police report provided to the Houston Chronicle.

Obed Rosales and Yadira Ramirez, the father and mother of Ariana Rosales, a stillborn girl who died in 2015, accused SCI Texas Funeral Services of negligence and deceptive trade practices for allegedly failing to adequately safeguard their daughter's remains. The suit, filed Tuesday, alleged the company has done little to combat what it described as "rampant criminal activity" in and around the cemetery.

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"The cemetery is specifically advertised as a perpetual care center and that loved ones can rely on it to preserve their families' remains," said Omar Khawaja, an attorney representing the parents. "This is a devastating loss, an irreplaceable loss. To deprive them of the opportunity to meet with their loved one when it was foreseeable that something like this could have happened is unacceptable."

SCI Texas Funeral Services did not respond to the Chronicle's request for comment. Khawaja said the family has also received little to no response from the company since they first reported the remains stolen.

Khawaja said the 2024 burglary came amid rising reports of crime in and around the southeast Houston cemetery. Texas property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe for patrons, he said.

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"Crime records show at least 80 acts of theft occurring at Forest Park Lawndale in just the past three years at the cemetery itself and almost 3,000 acts of theft and violent crime in the immediate area," Khawaja said. "People considering Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery need to know this, and the multi-conglomerate SCI that operates Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery needs to do something about it. This is a safety issue."
TEN silver centenarian coins along with letters and centenarian bounty cheques from the President of Ireland are to be returned to the office of the President of Ireland.

That was the ruling of Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court on Friday when a Police Property Application came before him for consideration.

Those with an interest in the property - Aras An Uachtarain along with Seamus and Margaret Bergin had been notified that the issue was coming before the court for consideration.

Solicitor Philip Meagher who had represented Margaret Bergin, who had been jailed for Social Welfare fraud, said that she had no interest in laying claim to the items The application before Judge Cody concerned the property and cheques that were issued by The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on behalf of the State to the late John Bergin, who died over 30 years ago in November 1993.

Judge Cody noted that : No effort was made to register his death by his son Seamus or daughter-in-law Margaret. He said Margaret Bergin had pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and larceny relating to the claiming of her late father-in-laws pension over a period in excess of 28 years.

Judge Cody said the issue surrounding the medals and centenarian bounty cheques, only came to light when an amateur genealogist by the name of Mr McCoy was undertaking research and discovered that there was a person purportedly living in Laois by the name of John Bergin who was reputedly 110-years of age and contacted the office of the President to inquire about their records relating to the late John Bergin and the centenarian bounty. Gardai were subsequently alerted and they conducted a search of the Bergin home and found, in a handbag belonging to Margret Bergin, the 10 silver centenarian coins, the letters from the President and the 10 centenarian bounty cheques.

Mrs Bergin was arrested and acknowledged she had claimed the pension falsely or that she had signed documents in the name of the late Mr John Bergin.

Judge Cody said: While Margret Bergin received a sentence of five years and six months for Social Welfare fraud and Judge Johnson suspended the final three years and six months of that sentence for a period of six years, she was not prosecuted for any offence involving the centenarians letters, cheques or coins and accordingly these were not the subject matter of any criminal prosecution. In his sentencing Judge Johnson said the following:-I cannot believe that correspondence which had been received at least annually in the name of John Bergin could not have been seen by other members of the household particularly the correspondence and centenarian coins from Aras An Uachtarain which would have been unique and noticeable..... I cannot help but feel, despite her assertions to the contrary, that Mrs Bergin has allowed herself to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the offending and that full responsibility does not rest exclusively with her. Judge Cody went on to say: In my view the responsibility for dealing with any correspondence arriving to any household decades after a person has passed away rests with their next of kin, living at that address, and in this case that is his son Seamus. In relation to this application John Bergins son Seamus continued for 10 years to accept these coins, cheques and letters without ever alerting the President's office or returning them to their rightful owner.

I am satisfied that these medals were in the possession of Seamus Bergin and/or Margret Bergin as a result of deliberate and repeated fraud and have no rightful claim whatsoever on the medals, letters and coins I am satisfied that they should be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland. The Police Property Act provides that a can make an order for the delivery of the property to the person appearing to the court to be the rightful owner or, if the owner cannot be ascertained, make such order as the court considers proper. This may be done even if no person has been charged with an offence in connection with the property in question.

The tradition by which centenarians receive what is described as a bounty goes back to the first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde in the 1940s and people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of 2,540, a letter from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity and a special commemorative coin. Similar gifts and letters are sent on their 101st and every subsequent birthday.
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) 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.

The 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.

Eamonn OMoore BL 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, Co Kildare.

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, with an address at Marina Court, Athy, to ten months imprisonment, which she backdated to the time that she went into custody.
Eva Osborne

In 2024, An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission for 10 new wind farms with a combined capacity of 717 MW.

This is approximately 42 per cent of the volume of wind energy needed to keep Ireland on track for the Governments targets in the Climate Action Plan.

The first annual planning report was published by Wind Energy Ireland as hundreds of delegates arrived for day two of its Annual Conference in Dublin.

Wind Energy Ireland estimates that, to achieve the 9,000 MW of onshore wind energy by 2030 target in the Climate Action Plan, An Bord Pleanala would have needed to approve 1,720 MW during this period.

The Board also rejected planning applications from 12 wind farms with an estimated combined capacity of 677 MW, while 30 projects totalling 1,598 MW were awaiting decision at the end of 2024.

Chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, said: Irish people want clean, affordable and secure energy. That is what wind farms deliver but we will need more of them to provide the power Irish families, businesses and communities demand.

Before we can build new wind farms, we need to first get them through the planning system and we are simply not seeing enough new projects to enable us to reach our 2030 targets.

Industry did welcome the increase in the number of decisions made in 2024, which was up by 16 per cent when compared to 2023.

The extra resources that Government has put into An Bord Pleanala, the NPWS and other planning authorities are very welcome. We are starting to see the effect of that in the number of decisions being made and particularly towards the end of last year," Cunniffe said.
Eimear Dodd

A woman has rejected suggestions from the defence counsel for two of the three men accused of raping and sexually assaulting her that there was consensual sexual contact with their clients.

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.

The men cannot be named for legal reasons.

In her direct evidence on Wednesday, the woman said she was out socialising with a friend when she got talking to three men at a Dublin nightclub. She remained at the club after her friend left and said she believed she'd been drugged as her recollections after this point are limited and hazy.

She gave evidence of being raped twice in a vehicle, which she believed to be a taxi, and of being in a bed in a house with a man on top of her. She said she woke up panicking the next morning in bed with a man sleeping beside her, then left the house.

Padraig Dwyer SC, representing the first accused man, on Thursday told the woman his client was the man she woke up beside.

This 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.

CCTV footage was shown to the woman, who told Mr Dwyer she hadn't seen it beforehand. The compilation included footage from inside the club of the three accused and the woman later walking towards a car and the car's journey towards the home of the 39-year-old man.

She disagreed with Mr Dwyer's contention that CCTV from inside the nightclub showed she was steady on her feet.

He put it to her that she didn't appear extremely intoxicated. She disagreed with this suggestion, saying the footage showed her extremely drunk, but she had no memory of this.

She also rejected his suggestion that this footage showed her dancing intimately with the three accused at various times. I was dancing. They were dancing. They were strangers, there was no intimacy, she replied.

Nightclub footage

She agreed with Mr Dwyer that she didn't appear distressed in the nightclub footage, adding that it looked like she was having fun, but there was no invitation for anything else.

Mr Dwyer noted the woman said in her direct evidence there was a white substance nearby. She told counsel she couldn't remember if she consumed any of this or if she told a garda on August 31st, 2019, that she had.

Counsel noted toxicology analysis showed cocaine in her system, and the woman said she didn't remember if she had consumed any.

The woman rejected Mr Dwyer's suggestion that CCTV from outside the club and nearby streets showed she voluntarily went with the three men. She replied that she couldn't remember but felt they may have offered to drop her home.

Mr Dwyer outlined his client's version of events that there was consensual sexual activity between him and the woman in the car and later at his address in Dublin. As these claims were put to her, the woman said she had no recollection.

The first man's account is that the car briefly stopped outside the home of the third man, who went inside while the others remained in the vehicle.

The 39-year-old states that the car stopped again on a road where there was kissing between him and the woman then he performed oral sex on her. The first man said the woman also performed oral sex on him while she engaged in sex with the second man.

When the car reached his home, Mr Dwyer said his client stated he went inside with the second man while the woman remained in the car briefly with the third man.

His client states the woman had sex with the second man in his bedroom before she performed oral sex on him and the third man. Then, the first man says the woman agreed to his request for sex, and there was consensual sex between them. He said the woman also performed oral sex on the second and third men.

These men later left the first man's house in the early morning. He and the woman slept in his bed. Mr Dwyer put it to the woman that his client says there was no further sexual activity, but some conversation then and in the morning when they woke up when she asked him for a lift home, which he refused.

She insisted there was no conversation between her and the first man when she woke the next morning. She said she was in a rush to leave.

Mr Dwyer put to the woman that records from her phone show that she made a phone call while in the house, but she said she couldn't remember.

He suggested that the time difference between when she made this phone call and when she ordered a taxi suggests it was possible the conversation occurred. She said she didn't remember any conversation.

Mr Dwyer noted a report from the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) recorded bruising on the woman's legs and marks on her arms. He put it to her that his client hadn't physically assaulted her. The woman said she didn't remember any violence, but I think rape is violence.

He then asked the woman why she didn't use the word 'rape' in her statement to gardai. I dont know if you talked to anyone who has been through this. Rape is a hard word to use. If I used different language, thats why.

Later, Mr Dwyer asked the woman again if she had any recollection of his client performing oral sex on her. She said no, adding there was no consent for any sexual activity with his client or the other two accused.

During cross-examination on behalf of the second man, the woman agreed with senior counsel Garret Baker that she appears to be dancing in most of the CCTV footage from the club.

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.

She told Mr Baker she wouldn't have stayed out after her friend left if she had any concerns.

Mr Baker then outlined to the woman a conversation his client says he had with her after they left the nightclub. She said she didn't remember. They all seem to be able to recollect, and I cant.

Mr Baker told her his client was the driver of the vehicle, which she, the other two men got into. She said she couldn't remember any conversation in the car and disagreed with the suggestion that she engaged in banter with the accused men.

She told Mr Baker she could recall the car stopped, but could not remember where this was.

Mr Baker noted the woman had given evidence that she didn't recall sexual activity with the first man. I recall some of it; it wasnt consensual, she replied.

Counsel said his client's account is that he got out of the driver's seat and into the back of the car, where Mr Baker suggested there was consensual sexual intimacy between the woman and his client. The woman rejected this suggestion.

He put it to the woman that there was consensual sex between her and his client in the house. She replied, It wasnt consensual.

Mr Baker asked if she could recall any suggestion of anal sex, to which she said no. When asked, if she remembered anyone saying anything specific while in the bedroom, she said she didn't.

He then noted that her statement to gardai refers only to the driver opening a door and unzipping his trousers. The woman said she couldn't differentiate between them. They were strangers to me then, they were strangers to me now.

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.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury.
TWO CO Carlow heritage groups were honoured at the recent National Heritage Week awards ceremony, which took place at Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

St Mullins Heritage and Tourism Group and Friends of Columbanus Myshall were both runners-up in their categories and were recognised for their enormous contribution to their local communities. The St Mullins Heritage and Tourism Group was runner-up in the Wild Child Event Award. The group organised a lively educational event to engage local children with the rich built and cultural heritage of St Mullins, in particular, St Moling and his transformative impact on the area.

Archaeologist Seamus O Murchu led site tours, explaining the history and significance of each landmark, while local parents dressed up as Viking raiders to illustrate tales of past invasions. The children enjoyed ice-cream afterwards and the evening concluded with a film on traditional pattern days and stories from Drummin Bog, leaving attendees with a deeper connection to the landscape and its stories.

St Mullins Heritage and Tourism Group were runners-up in the Wild Child Event category

Friends of Columbanus Myshall were runners-up in the Connections, Routes and Networks Award. They ran an event to celebrate the early Myshall-born medieval saint Columbanus. Their event saw a series of socio-cultural, cross-community walking tours along the historic Columban Way, connecting towns and villages from Co Carlow to Bangor, Co Down.

Over five days, local community organisations in places such as Myshall, Borris and Carlow town shared their unique heritage with walkers and neighbouring communities, fostering connections through shared stories and local history.

The National Heritage Awards recognise the enormous contribution of individuals and community groups across Ireland in ensuring the preservation, protection and promotion of Irelands built, natural and cultural heritage.
The Kashmere High School marching band makes led up San Jacinto Street during the 26th Annual MLK Grande Parade, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Midtown Houston. This year's theme for the parade presented by the MLK Parade Foundation is "The Color of Unity." Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer

For 30 years, Houston has doubled its celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy with two parades on the same day and at the same time.

Again on Monday, Houstonians will have multiple ways to celebrate King's contributions with the 31st MLK Grande Parade set for 10 a.m. in Midtown and the 45th Original Martin Luther King Jr. Parade also set for 10 a.m. in downtown Houston. There are also other MLK Day celebrations around town.

King was slain in 1968. His birth date is Jan. 15, however a federal holiday celebrating his legacy is observed the third Monday in January. Parades and observances take place across the nation.

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Here's what to know about the Houston parades, their history and why there are two:

Mase Henderson with the Texas Youth Academys Marching Thunder band performs during the annual MLK Parade through downtown Houston, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The city of Houston and the Black Heritage Society Inc. partnered together to present the rescheduled event that was moved from its original date on MLK Day due to freezing weather. This year's parade is at 10 a.m Monday in downtown Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A parade goer walks by a display in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. before the annual MLK Parade through downtown Houston, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The city of Houston and the Black Heritage Society Inc. partnered together to present the rescheduled event that was moved from its original date on MLK Day due to freezing weather. This year's parade is at 10 a.m Monday in downtown Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer The annual MLK Parade makes it way through downtown Houston, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The city of Houston and the Black Heritage Society Inc. partner together to present the reschedule event that was moved form its original date on MLK Day due to freezing weather Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

45th Original Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

When: 10 a.m. Monday

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Where: Starting in downtown Houston at Lamar and Smith Street

This parade is hosted by the Black Heritage Society which also hosts a Juneteenth parade, offers advocacy initiatives and programs promoting Black History projects and celebrates leaders who have exemplified, led and advocated in the spirit of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Debra Banies raises her fist during the annual MLK Parade through downtown Houston, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The city of Houston and the Black Heritage Society Inc. partner together to present the reschedule event that was moved form its original date on MLK Day due to freezing weather. This year's parade is at 10 a.m Monday in downtown Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

In 1974, Houstonian Ovide Duncantell Jr. created and became founder and executive director of the Black Heritage Society Inc. One of the group's first projects was renaming a major thoroughfare to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

This caught the attention of Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., father of the Civil Rights activist. King Sr. was the first Houston MLK Parade grand marshal Jan. 21, 1978. It was the first MLK parade in the nation, according to the host group. Duncantell died in October 2018 in Houston.

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This year the parade is expected to have more than 100 entries with 3,500 participants. The parade will be broadcast in Houston at 10 a.m. on ABC 13.

Rev. Dr. Derek King, the nephew of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be featured as the parade's grand marshal.

A photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is decorated on a float at the 29th Annual MLK Grande Parade Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Midtown in Houston. This year's parade is at 10 a.m Monday in Midtown. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

A split in tradition

As reported by the Houston Chronicle in 2018, in 1995, a society associate named Charles Stamps left the group to start the MLK Grande Parade under a new organization called the MLK Parade Foundation.

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That presentation has become a glamorous pageant, in contrast to the original parade, featuring celebrity grand marshals and financed by corporate sponsors.

According to the 2018 article, in 2005, the Houston City Council revised its parade ordinance to allow one downtown processional per day. The updates were made, in large part, to address what at the time had been a decade of dueling King Day parades.

A federal court order allowed both to proceed downtown on the holiday in 2007: the Grande Parade in the morning and the Black Heritage Society in the afternoon.

A coin toss determined who held a parade downtown in 2008. The Black Heritage Society won and the Grande Parade proceeded on Allen Parkway.

In 2018 and onward both were held at the same time in close proximity  downtown and Midtown  as the city permitted.

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2018 expressed his frustration over the dueling parades and called for unity. He then appeared in the original MLK Jr. parade in downtown.

There continue to be two Houston parades on the same day and at the same time honoring the slain activist.

Stephen F. Austin High Schools Sonic Boom marching band performs in the 29th Annual MLK Grande Parade Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Midtown in Houston. This year's parade is at 10 a.m Monday in Midtown. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

31st MLK Grande Parade

When: 10 a.m. Monday

Where: Parade starts at Elgin and San Jacinto in Midtown

The theme of this year's 31st MLK Grande Parade is Unity Through Diversity.

"This year, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy by highlighting the strength and beauty of our diverse community. Experience vibrant performances, inspiring speeches and a colorful parade showcasing cultural traditions from around the world," according to information about the parade.

Stamps continues as the chairman and CEO of the MLK Grande Parade.

The 2025 Co-Grand Marshals are Ron Lockett, philanthropist and Cherica Curtis, TV producer.

The parade route is approximately 1.5 miles and will last two hours with numerous floats, elected officials, marching bands and community groups.

A Midtown Marketplace with vendors will also take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at San Jacinto and Tuam Streets.
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Global construction company Bouygues Construction has signed an agreement with low-carbon cement producer Ecocem.

The long-term goal of the partnership is to use Ecocems ACT technology to lower the carbon footprint of concrete across Bouygues global supply chain. The roll-out of ACT will follow a period of rigorous research, development and validation in lab and real world settings, with Bouygues Constructions R&D and Innovation team and at the companys Scale One facility in Chilly-Mazarin, France.

ACT Technology can reduce CO 2 emissions by up to 70 per cent by replacing clinker with alternative materials without affecting the workability, durability and strength of concrete.

The partnership demonstrates how cleantech companies, such as Ecocem, can help scale low-carbon cement solutions across the construction industry.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is notifying recipients of services that their personal data may have been accessed, used or disclosed. Dreamstime/TNS

People receiving services from Texas Health and Human Services, and other individuals, may have had sensitive personal information about their health and identity inappropriately accessed or used after a data breach affecting tens of thousands of people.

People who were potentially affected are being notified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, according to a press release issued Friday. The data breach impacted information between June 2021 and December 2024.

SCAM TEXT WARNING: Houston warns residents and visitors of scam text messages asking for parking fees

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What happened?

The commission learned in November 2024 that agency employees may have "improperly accessed" the private information of at least 61,000 people, the release says.

Agency officials said the employees involved were fired and the incident was referred to the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General "for investigation and coordination with prosecutor offices to pursue criminal charges."

The information potentially accessed may differ from person to person, but could include full names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, Social Security numbers, Medicaid and Medicare Identification numbers, financial, employment, banking, benefits, health, insurance, medical, certificate, license and other personal information.

What should you do?

People should review their accounts and statements from health care, insurance and financial institutions for accuracy, according to commission officials, and "report any questionable charges promptly to the provider or company and contact law enforcement."

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SNAP recipients can check for fraudulent activity among their Lone Star Card transactions at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app, the press release says. SNAP recipients who think they're a victim of fraud should report it to the Office of Inspector General by calling 2-1-1; report it to law enforcement; and get their benefits replaced by visiting an HHSC benefits office.

"The agency is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to those affected by the breach. Individuals affected by the breach will be notified via first-class mail no later than Jan. 20," the press release says.

They can also call 866-362-1773 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and use the engagement number B138648.

The agency also has an FAQ pdf with more information if you believe your data has been compromised.

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What's next

The agency is still trying to determine what effects the privacy breach may have had on other HHSC programs.

According to the release, the commission is strengthening internal security controls and working to implement additional fraud prevention measures, including enhanced monitoring and alerts to detect suspicious activity.

"Employees involved in similar inappropriate and illegal conduct will be terminated and referred to the appropriate authorities," the release says.

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Cement exports from Turkiye to Kazakhstan fell by 86 per cent in 2024 when compared to the year-ago period, according to the Turkish Ministry of Trade. Their total value was US$3.9m.

Turkiye's total exports of cement products declined by 6.2 per cent YoY, totalling US$4.3bn.

"Turkiye's cement exports in December 2024 amounted to US$341.2m, reflecting a three per cent decrease compared to the same period in December 2023," the ministry stated.
Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Oded Balilty/AP Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP President Joe Biden, center, with Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken, right, speaks in the Cross Hall of the White House on the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP FILE - Palestinian children play next to a building destroyed by Israeli army strikes in the central Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis, Jan. 1, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

President-elect Donald Trump threatened "all hell." Instead, his vague ultimatum may have helped increase the pressure on negotiators to chart a way out of hell for the displaced Gazans and 33 of the remaining Israeli hostages stolen from their families.

In a rare show of teamwork between an incoming and outgoing presidential administration, President Joe Biden and Trump's representatives collaborated to secure a fragile cease-fire deal after 15 months of war and some of the "toughest" negotiations Biden says he has been involved in. It's heartbreaking to think election year politics may have delayed this result as each side waited for the winds of Washington to shift to pause the carnage. Still, it is a momentous achievement, undercut by the tremendous loss of life that preceded it.

The 42-day agreement includes stages that read like a twisted rendition of the creation story.

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On the first day, the return of three female hostages.

And on the seventh, the return of Palestinians huddled in Southern Gaza to whats left of their homes in the north.

God managed to create the world in six, resting on the seventh. Humanity falls shorter.

In Houston, meanwhile, what can we manage to heal the wounds? What would a cease-fire look like here? This conflict has revealed sometimes bitter divides in a metropolis that prides itself on its diversity. When we sought out interfaith leaders who could offer some wisdom, some hope in the weeks after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack against Israel, we found more fear than we expected. A handful of Jewish and Muslim leaders were meeting, but largely in secret. Some were concerned about possible backlash from within their own communities. Since then, we've learned, that those conversations have become less difficult. The commitment to each other has shown signs of renewed strength, with one-on-one lunches and another successful Muslim-Jewish Christmas celebration. Talking, even through the hardest, most painful times, has ensured that there is some framework to return to and build upon now.

Some have been more open about their involvement when prompted but we want to see our broader Houston communities do more to support these efforts.

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We may wish to see ourselves as removed from a troubled region some 7,000 miles away but we have our own divisions and wounds to confront here. Some are willing to do the work, including two bitter presidential rivals.

We hope that it is enough for a serious start.

The negotiated cease-fire deal seems to promise at least that abroad. The plan involves three phases, according to the New York Times, and includes the release over a period of weeks of the remaining hostages, including Ariel and Kfir Bibas, the two young, red-headed brothers whose cherubic faces haunted the globe, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It sets the stage for aid to flow and for the rebuilding of Gaza to begin, including with tens of thousands of temporary homes. And it marks what will surely be a period of mourning for the hostages who do not come home alive and the tens of thousands of Gazans killed in the conflict.

The deal would take effect Sunday, just one day after Kfir's second birthday.

With a framework negotiated in fits and starts under Biden, its implementation would occur under Trump.

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Importantly, the deal does not  perhaps, cannot  address one of the major impediments to lasting peace and a full recovery: the political fate of the people living in Gaza. Hamas, a group we have no qualms calling terrorists, remains in charge, reiterating its larger "goals of liberation and return" in a recent statement. And in Israel, leaders who have expressed their own troubling impulses of erasure and annihilation of Palestinians remain in power. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for example, has talked of changing "the DNA" of the divided society via ever-encroaching Israeli settlements that the United States does not support.

Far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition are pushing for a return to war once the 42 days are up "in order to destroy Hamas." If more than a year of brutal war, including the killing of the Hamas leader in Gaza, did not achieve that, how could even more killing? Biden has assured the world that the "cease-fire will continue as long as the negotiations continue," but it can only offer a tentative promise of an eventual permanent end to the conflict.

The embers of violence are hard to tamp out. They smolder, ready to catch fire with the slightest breath. So, for now, we hold ours.

We have worried what a Trump administration will mean for the Gazans who have stayed awake in the winter listening for Israeli planes, who mourned five babies who died from the cold as temperatures dropped late last year. But Trump may surprise supporters and critics alike. His 2020 plan for the region, for example, did include a Palestinian state. It wasnt one Palestinian leaders approved of, but it signaled a willingness to engage.

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Dr. Austin Dennard of Dallas holds her son as they walk out of the Texas Supreme Courtroom with Lauren Miller of Dallas on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Both women are part of the Zurawski v. Texas case, a major challenge to the state?s bortion ban led by more than 20 women suing for clarified medical exemptions. The women on the lawsuit, which was filed in March, say they were denied care and their health was jeopardized because the law is overly vague. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Were lawyers and lobbyists who work frequently with healthcare, and last year we petitioned the Texas Medical Board to give doctors specific guidelines that clarify exactly when women and girl's life-threatening pregnancies necessitate abortions.

Texas' leading pro-life legislator, Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), had requested such rules in 2022, and the Texas Supreme Court called for them in 2023. We agree with Senator Hughes' wise statement: "Clearly, more needs to be done to make sure doctors and the hospitals know the law" regarding abortions in medical emergencies.

In Texas, abortions are banned unless necessary based on a doctor's "reasonable medical judgment" that the pregnancy threatens the mother's life or endangers her major bodily functions. Texas law goes as far as possible to promote survival of the unborn. While Texas' stated policy is to protect mothers faced with catastrophic pregnancy-related conditions, current laws intended to save women and girls from death and significant harm are not sufficient to achieve that.

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It's not that the term "reasonable medical judgment" is ambiguous; that legal concept is well-known to doctors. The problem is, Texas law is so harsh that even the hint of ambiguity in a case makes doctors hesitate to give even live-saving abortions. Their fear of 99 years in prison, minimum fines of $100,000, lost medical licenses, and "bounty hunter" suits filed by anyone located anywhere causes critical care for mothers to be delayed or denied.

What changes can be made to guide doctors in saving the lives and bodies of pregnant women and girls while maintaining state laws prohibiting elective abortions?

Texas statutes should clearly incorporate the burden of proof articulated in the Supreme Court's Zurawski case. Reconciling that opinion with the Court of Criminal Appeals' Baumgart opinion can be done by adding a simple phrase the Texas Penal Code uses to define exceptions to criminal laws.

This change would make it clear:

The State must not only prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an abortion occurred, it must plead and prove that no reasonable physician would have concluded an abortion was needed to save the mother.

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The wording should be consistent throughout the various abortion laws, which have been amended so often that uniformity has been lost, leading to doctors' confusion. For example: A 1925 law still in effect bases its abortion exception on "medical advice," a term not found in modern law. Other laws have inconsistent definitions of "medical emergency."

The wording of other laws simply makes no sense. One law requires an abortion to be performed while providing "the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive." But, by definition, the word "abortion" means the "intent to cause death," the exact opposite of providing an opportunity to survive.

The law should be clear: When treating a mother's medical emergency, saving her life is the goal and her unborn child should also be protected unless doing so increases the mother's risk of death or serious impairment.

The state's "bounty hunter" law allows a person to be sued for "aiding or abetting" an abortion. Does that mean a hospital that provides an emergency room to save a mother's life may be subjected to a bounty hunter suit? Is a nurse who assists a doctor protected from an aiding or abetting suit when the physician makes a reasonable medical judgment that an abortion is necessary? The bounty hunter law needs clarification to avoid the unintended consequence of sweeping in people whose provision of care based on a doctor's reasonable medical judgment that an abortion was needed to save the mother's life will not subject them to liability.

Our state's occupational licensing laws for health care providers should also be conformed to the suggested changes above to eliminate the threat that they could have their licenses revoked and lose their livelihoods if they come to the aid of women and girls in serious danger.

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Most importantly, we must stop talking past each other. Sure, it is true that with 119 abortions in medical emergencies performed during the past three years no one has been prosecuted. It is also true that several women allegedly died after care was delayed or denied. And, some 30 women who filed lawsuits  25% more than abortion reports account for  were denied care for emergency conditions because of doctors' fears under current law. In a state with more than 8 million women capable of becoming pregnant, and with other states reporting that 35,000 Texans fled to them for abortion care, it is not credible that only 119 (0.00145%) women of childbearing age faced life-threatening pregnancy conditions during that time.

The truth is, no one knows how many women and girls have been affected by the shortcomings of the current statutes described above.

If even one mother's life-threatening condition went untreated, respect for that life justifies reasonable changes to current law.

Amy and Steve Bresnen are attorney/lobbyists who petitioned the Texas Medical Board requesting better guidance to physicians regarding legal exceptions to otherwise prohibited abortions.
Chattanooga may be the first city to have a public bus wrapped with Dolly Partons picture, said CARTA President and CEO Charles Frazier.

Its a first for Dolly Parton. Its a first for CARTA, he said.

Starting Friday, a bus wrapped to promote Dolly Partons Imagination Library will travel CARTA routes throughout Chattanooga for one year, helping to publicize the East Tennessee natives program that delivers a book every month to children until their fifth birthday.

We want everybody in Hamilton County to be enrolled, said Signal Centers CEO Donna McConnico. Signal Centers is custodian of the program in Hamilton County.

She told the CARTA board of directors Thursday that 14,000 children are enrolled in the Imagination Library. She wants to enroll at least 300 children each month to replace those who turn five.

Ms. McConnico said the Parton organization has negotiated low prices for the books and covers other logistical costs, but Signal Centers must raise $200,000 annually, which is then matched by the Tennessee Governors Early Literacy Foundation. Signal Centers absorbs their own administrative costs, she said.

The buss grand opening will take place Friday morning at Signal Centers.

Route studies

In the coming months CARTA will survey its own drivers, riders and elected officials to revamp its routes, bus stops and customer service.

I think we need to brace ourselves for some harsh realities, Mr. Frazier said, but Im not afraid to find out We need to know.

This information cant be gathered by a computer.

Mr. Frazier said its 900 bus stops will be evaluated for spacing, safety and use. Bus schedules will be analyzed to eliminate early and late departures using field data from the bus operators themselves. Mr. Frazier will ask City Council representatives to identify pockets of their districts that are underserved by CARTA.

In a second phase, Mr. Frazier said, CARTA will hold in-person community meetings.

Our public participation process, historically, has not been sufficient, Mr. Frazier said. We want to meet them where they are.

This spring CARTA will form a rider advisory committee, chaired by CARTA board member Corey Evatt. Further engagement will include a bus operator focus group and baseline satisfaction surveys for riders and employees, which will be developed into customer service standards.
The Chattanooga Fire and Police Departments are facing significant recruitment challenges due to an outdated residency rule that requires employees to live within Tennessee. Currently, a police officer or firefighter can legally commute over five hours from Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville but cannot commute five minutes from Rossville or nearby Alabama cities. This arbitrary restriction limits our ability to attract and retain qualified first responders, directly impacting public safety.

At a time when both departments face challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels, this rule significantly limits the pool of potential recruits and undermines our ability to ensure the safety of all Chattanoogans. Public safety relies on a consistent influx of qualified candidates to fill training academies and replace employees lost to retirements or promotions. Within the next five years, 150 of the Chattanooga Fire Departments 437 firefighters will be eligible to retire. The proposed referendum aims to remove this restriction, enabling us to recruit police officers and firefighters from neighboring statesjust minutes awaywhile ensuring they meet all other job requirements.

Tens of thousands of individuals living in our surrounding areas work in Chattanooga, spend money in the city, and contribute to our community every day. These individuals, part of our legally defined Metropolitan Statistical Area, often consider themselves Chattanoogans. However, they are currently prohibited from serving as first responders simply because of where they sleep at night. By removing this needless geographic distinction, we can attract a more extensive and diverse applicant pool, including experienced and certified professionals ready to serve immediately.

This referendum would not compromise standards. All recruits, whether living in Tennessee or across the border, must meet the same attendance requirements, pass the same rigorous tests, and adhere to the same high standards of service. Expanding the applicant pool will enable us to address staffing shortages, save on training costs, and maintain the quality of public safety services Chattanooga residents rely on.

Your vote in favor of this referendum will allow us to recruit the best-qualified candidates for these critical roles, ensure public safety, and build a stronger Chattanooga Fire and Police Department. Help us make this necessary change to protect and serve our growing community.

However, to be clear: the objective will always be to recruit locally. That said, removing certain barrierssuch as lowering the age requirement from 21 to 18 like we have done and eliminating the residency requirementwill enhance our process and help us attract the best talent.

I am available to answer any questions you have between now and election time. Feel free to reach out at any time.

Captain Damien Vinson

Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

* * *

If a city or county needs firemen and policemen, it they are willing to travel from where they are and can be at work on time, hire them.

When I moved to Gwinnett County, Ga., the county, which is in the Metro Atlanta area, was growing fast and was in bad need or both firemen and policemen. They hired men from all over the place. In particular, because there were new subdivisions going everywhere. A lot of new fire stations were going up as quickly as they could stack bricks. Most of those moving here were working in Atlanta or other suburban neighborhoods.

I was amazed when I stopped by Station 10, which is about 10 miles from my house, most of the firemen manning Station 10 were from both Duck Town and Copperhill, Tn. One might say that you cannot hear from there. They travelled back roads with plenty of mountains. The fire departments in the county at the time I moved here started in 1971. Communities like mine were Volunteer Fire Departments, but now I am covered by three stations. which are between four and 10 miles from my home. Now this county has 31 professionally manned and they are building more. Close proximity of a fire station cut my home insurance at least 40 percent.

When I moved here there were three policemen and two cars. Now a countywide police department employs 936 policemen.

I will take firemen and policemen from wherever they live and you never see one at the Krispy Kreme or the Dunkin Donut stores. Believe it or not, there were many in this town who wanted to keep the old police department and our volunteer fire department.

I am not a spring chicken and I recently fell in the bathroom. We called 911 and the EMTs from the fire station were here in about five minutes.

Raleigh C. Perry

* * *

Captain Vinson is correct. Restrictive rules that forbid employment simply because a line on a map separates the willing worker from the needful employer are arbitrary.

But let's consider, for entertainment purposes, that those boundaries have meaning. Once that line is drawn and legal authority given to the political bodies on both sides of that line, then the line really separates the "us" from the "them". The great state of Georgia has set up a system of governance that is different than that of Tennessee. Different taxes, different land use laws, different education and employment rules, etc., and that separation serves a purpose which is to allow the differing states to serve people of differing opinions.

That difference also allows the states to compete. For the savvy and observant that competition is not just about claiming bragging rights (or shame) but it is about seeing which rules work better, and then adopting one's system to outperform the other the next time around.

So, Tennessee has a problem with attracting its own people to stick around and perform public service jobs, yet people from Georgia seem to be really willing to make that sacrifice. Why? What does Tennessee need to do better to keep our own youngsters around? This is where the true fitness of one's government has the opportunity to compete in open contest. Let the market decide. Give no quarter. Make no exceptions. Stick to rules, don't change them because they inconvenience you. This is what a great America is all about, challenging adversity and rising to the top through effort, not favors.

That is one way to look at the arbitrariness of that border. But, maybe Captain Vincent is right and it is not just the rule that is arbitrary, but the border itself? Either that rule means something, or none of them do. Either that border means something...or maybe none of them do?

Shannon Mikus
Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report.

(If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com)

BALL, TYEREK KAHLIL

1004 GLENWOOD DR CHATTANOOGA, 374063330

Age at Arrest: 25 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT



BOWMAN, TIMOTHY CHERICE

5822 BUNCH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 26 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)



BROWN, MICHAEL DEWAYNE

67 BUCKRIDGE ROAD GRAYSVILLE, 37338

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)



COLLETT, OWEN LEE

3333 PINEWOOD AVE, APT A Chattanooga, 37411

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DOMESTIC ASSAULT



CRADDOCK, DAVID PIERRE

3922 KINGS RD CHATTANOOGA, 374161724

Age at Arrest: 35 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

THEFT OF PROPERTY

POSS OF FIREARM DURING A FELONY

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION



DAVIS, GEORRAL LEGACY

114 EVENINGSIDE DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37404

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

CONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS



DODSON, AMBER LEIGH

111 WHEELER WORTHINGTON RD PIKEVILLE, 37367

Age at Arrest: 35 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, MISUSE OF EVIDENCES

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION

POSSESSION OF LEGEND DRUGS W/O PRESCRIPTION

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



ELLIOT, INDIA ARIANNA EMAGINE

811 RICHMOND AVE ROSSVILLE, 30741

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

FALSE REPORTS



ERVIN, LAKESHIA ROCHELLE

809 HENDERSON AVE APT A ROSSVILLE, 307411953

Age at Arrest: 35 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION



FUGET, RAVONTIA JEVON

2006 APPLING ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406

Age at Arrest: 27 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

THEFT OF PROPERTY



GOULD, CASSY DIANE

727 E 11TH ST HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37403

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

RECKLESS BURNING

RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

OBSTRUCTING HIGHWAY OR OTHER PASSAGEWAY



GRAHAM, TY KELA SELINA

1216 Sholar Ave Chattanooga, 374063129

Age at Arrest: 20 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)

CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION



GRIFFIN, KIMBERLY RUTH

5011 N MOORE LN APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37411

Age at Arrest: 52 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)

CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY



HAMMONDS, BRIAN LADELLE

1108 S KELLY STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37404

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency:

OBSENITY (GENERAL CATEGORY)

OBSENITY (GENERAL CATEGORY)



HARVEY, PAIGE MAKENZIE

270 BRYAN DR APT6 DAYTON, 37321

Age at Arrest: 21 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



HUGHES BALL, TAMESHA DANYELLE

507 S SAINT MARKS AVE EAST RIDGE, 37412

Age at Arrest: 38 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION

VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION



LEMONS, HANNAH NICOLE

466 POST OAK RD RINGGOLD, 307363529

Age at Arrest: 28 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC, VIOLATION

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE



LEVIN, JAYSON THOMAS

1202 MCBRIEN RD CHATTANOOGA, 37412

Age at Arrest: 24 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (DOMESTIC)



MALONE, DELTRICK LEMARR

3458 PLUMWOOD RD CHATTANOOGA, 374111057

Age at Arrest: 27 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE



MCCULLUM, JOHNNY

101 EVENINGSIDE DR CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 64 years old

Arresting Agency:

VIOLATION OF SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY



MCGLAMERY, PRESTON GAGE

11620 JENKINS ROAD SODDY DAISY, 37379

Age at Arrest: 28 years old

Arresting Agency:

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF



MEJIA-SONTAY, ISAI E

4307 9TH AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37407

Age at Arrest: 21 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DRAG RACING

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



NELSON, CARMEN LEIGH

1806 SHADOW LANE APT 14 DALTON, 30720

Age at Arrest: 23 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING



POWELL, MONICA LAFEYE

7301 E BRIANERD RD CHA, 374213805

Age at Arrest: 44 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)



RAAHAUGE, JESSICA RYAN

HOMELESS 727 EAST 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37403

Age at Arrest: 43 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)



RAY, DARYL LEE

4043 FAGAN STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37401

Age at Arrest: 58 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHE



REESE, RANESHA KEUNDRA

7310 STANDIFER GAP RD CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



RUSSELL, WILLIAM GEORGE

HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 374124411

Age at Arrest: 55 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



SCOTT, CRAIG DEWAYNE

6 AUTO LANE DUNLAP, 37327

Age at Arrest: 46 years old

Arresting Agency: Signal Mountain

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

REGISTRATION, SUSPENDED



SEILER, SUNSHINE JOY

551 SHADOW WEST DR CHATTANOOGA, 37404

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

DUI



STEWART, ROSE L

9597 STATE ST OOLTEWAH, 37363

Age at Arrest: 26 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

IMPERSONATION OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL

FRAUD

FORGERY



WHITE, TERRI LAYLA

790 LLOYD RD DAYTON, 37321

Age at Arrest: 32 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT

VIOLATION OF PROBATION BURGLARY

VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY



WILLIAMS, JAXSON GENE

1225 MIDDLE CHASE CIR HIXSON, 37343

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)



WILLIAMS, JONTE RALEE

3521 COTTONWOOD LANE CHATTANOOGA, 37406

Age at Arrest: 22 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

EVADING ARREST

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS VIOLATION

LEFT OF CENTER VIOLATION

FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY

SPEEDING

RECKLESS DRIVING

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

FAILURE TO SIGNAL TURN

SPEEDING IN WORK ZONE



WRIGHT, JAMES NOAHI

HOMELESS SALE CREEK, 373735715

Age at Arrest: 23 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

Here are the mug shots:



ABERNATHY, LEROY LEE

Age at Arrest: 68

Date of Birth: 10/17/1956

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

REGISTRATION, EXPIRED

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION (FAILURE TO DIM LIGHTS) BALL, TYEREK KAHLIL

Age at Arrest: 25

Date of Birth: 11/23/1999

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT BOWMAN, TIMOTHY CHERICE

Age at Arrest: 26

Date of Birth: 10/13/1998

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

BROWN SR, TERRANCE TRAMAINE

Age at Arrest: 44

Date of Birth: 07/11/1980

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

COLLETT, OWEN LEE

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 12/02/2002

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

DOMESTIC ASSAULT DAVIS, GEORRAL LEGACY

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 12/18/2002

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

CONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS ELLIOT, INDIA ARIANNA EMAGINE

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 07/25/2002

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

FALSE REPORTS ERVIN, LAKESHIA ROCHELLE

Age at Arrest: 35

Date of Birth: 10/27/1989

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION GRAHAM, TY KELA SELINA

Age at Arrest: 20

Date of Birth: 08/02/2004

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)

CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION HAMMONDS, BRIAN LADELLE

Age at Arrest: 30

Date of Birth: 02/26/1994

Arresting Agency:



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

OBSENITY (GENERAL CATEGORY)

OBSENITY (GENERAL CATEGORY)

JONES, KESHUN DEVONTE

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 02/02/2002

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

FAILURE TO APPEAR

VIOLATION OF PROBATION RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT LEVIN, JAYSON THOMAS

Age at Arrest: 24

Date of Birth: 07/08/2000

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (DOMESTIC) MALONE, DELTRICK LEMARR

Age at Arrest: 27

Date of Birth: 06/29/1997

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE MCCULLUM, JOHNNY

Age at Arrest: 64

Date of Birth: 10/10/1959

Arresting Agency:



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY MCGLAMERY, PRESTON GAGE

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 02/13/1996

Arresting Agency:



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF MEJIA-SONTAY, ISAI E

Age at Arrest: 21

Date of Birth: 08/31/2003

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

DRAG RACING

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NELSON, CARMEN LEIGH

Age at Arrest: 23

Date of Birth: 07/19/2001

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING POWELL, MONICA LAFEYE

Age at Arrest: 44

Date of Birth: 05/08/1980

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE) RAY, DARYL LEE

Age at Arrest: 58

Date of Birth: 07/11/1966

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHE REAVLEY, ERIC SCOTT

Age at Arrest: 46

Date of Birth: 11/04/1978

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

FAILURE TO APPEAR

REESE, RANESHA KEUNDRA

Age at Arrest: 36

Date of Birth: 11/14/1988

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SCOTT, CRAIG DEWAYNE

Age at Arrest: 46

Date of Birth: 06/01/1978

Arresting Agency: Signal Mountain



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

REGISTRATION, SUSPENDED STEWART, ROSE L

Age at Arrest: 26

Date of Birth: 09/30/1998

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

IMPERSONATION OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL

FRAUD

FORGERY WHITE, TERRI LAYLA

Age at Arrest: 32

Date of Birth: 10/20/1992

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT

VIOLATION OF PROBATION BURGLARY

VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY WILLIAMS, JAXSON GENE

Age at Arrest: 30

Date of Birth: 01/01/1995

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE) WILLIAMS, JONTE RALEE

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 02/02/2002

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 01/16/2025

Charge(s):

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

EVADING ARREST

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS VIOLATION

LEFT OF CENTER VIOLATION

FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY

SPEEDING

RECKLESS DRIVING

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

FAILURE TO SIGNAL TURN

SPEEDING IN WORK ZONE




At the Thursday morning meeting of the Chattanooga Beer Board a new business that is actually an adult game room was given a consumer beer permit. Flat Out Sim Racing, 3902 Hixson Pike has six full motion machines to simulate car racing as well as one flight simulator. This is Tennessees first racing simulator lounge.

A customer has the choice of driving 140 cars and can choose from 150 racetracks around the world. The business can be booked for private events such as birthday parties or by car clubs. With the new beer license, beer can be sold along with pre-packaged food.

Hours of operation are from noon until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon until 10 p.m. on Friday and is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 10 .m. and from 1 until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

The board was unable to hear a beer violation that occurred at The Dream, 2308 Glass Street on Dec. 15. New procedures that the city has implemented regarding violations of the citys beer code specifies that an administrative hearing officer will hear violations and will make a finding, which is just a recommendation. If the business does not agree, they can have the case brought to the Chattanooga Beer Board, which can sustain the hearing officers decision or not. After that, if the business disagrees with the beer boards opinion, it can be appealed to Chancery Court.

The hold-up in hearing the case against The Dream was due to the fact that the city has not yet appointed a hearing officer. The violation will come before the beer board again at the Feb. 6 meeting.
On Jan. 15, Chattanoogans banded together at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to send a message of opposition to Governor Bill Lees school voucher program. Elected leaders and members of the community in Chattanooga gave great speeches against the voucher scam and in support of our public schools.

Tennessee lawmakers have set aside $144 million for the private school voucher program. Former Hamilton County school board member Kathy Lennon began the rally with a simple question, Why are we not using the money on public schools instead? It is totally irresponsible to give our taxpaying dollars to private institutions that are exempt from accountability, and not to our public schools that badly need the funding.

Hamilton County Commissioner David Sharpe gave a rousing speech where he stated, It is common sense vouchers are bad for public schools and the community. Strong public schools are the backbone of the community.

Heidi King, a Chattanoogan mother whose kids attend public schools, shared with the rally that she knows other parents who have been rejected by private schools because their children are autistic.

Tammy Barnes, a mother who recently ran for school board, pointed out that the vouchers will just go to kids who are already attending private schools. Barnes is exactly right. Similar programs to Lees proposed plan that have been implemented in other states, showcases this point. In Arkansas, an astounding 95 percent of students who received the vouchers were already going to private schools. Likewise, similar voucher programs in Arizona, New Hampshire and Wisconsin benefited 75 to 89 percent of students who were already enrolled in private schools.

School Board member Ben Connor argued that Any bill that includes a bribe is not a good idea. Teachers need a living wage, not a one-time bribe. Referring to the insulting provision in the bill that would give public school teachers a one-time bonus of $2,000. The bribe is an attempt to make teachers be in favor of the voucher bill, but our educators have made it clear they are not for sale.

I recommend that all my fellow Chattanoogans do their own research and contact your representatives in Nashville to tell them to vote no on Governor Lees voucher scam.

Brandon Denley

* * *

We got a campaign style postcard in the mail from our newly elected and emboldened State House representative. She believes that conservatives feel a handout from government coffers is good for her constituents. Why is it conservative the word has for the first three letters c o n? Never mind all the other families who can less afford what is missing from $7,000 per child forked out. GPS is $32-$34,000 per year. Baylor School is at $31,000 per year, McCallie School is at $34,000 per year. All these figures are for day students. What other private schools are cost wise I did not delve into, those three are college prep.

What is missing in this bare attempt to disassemble public education is plain to see, we have in this county a car manufacturer and a fair number of suppliers here to provide good technical and manufacturing jobs to decently educated citizens. Those employers need a reasonable education system to have a long term presence and capable workforce to ensure their competent output of quality product. The people Ive met who work at VW on the line and elsewhere in the plant I see as folks with a good work ethic and for the most part pretty smart. What they have in common is their parents sent them to public schools here and elsewhere because that is what they paid their taxes for. Vouchers have no place to go for any sort of trade education in the private sector.

Yes, that is what I pay into with a portion of my property taxes and I have not been asked what I think of vouchers. There is no line to check no. So count me out please. Yes, I did go to McCallie, and then to Tulane University and graduated from both. The true education I have in my workplace is that from experiential knowledge applied in my training, whether as a carpenter, as a mariner, or as a craftsman. And that sort of training used to be here in Chattanooga where the Imax Theater stands. It is missing if not absent from the voucher plan that forgets a simple truth of a state role in supporting counties educating their citizens offspring to be able, competent and employable.

Prentice Hicks

* * *

There has been a lot of media reporting on Governor Lees and the state of Tennessees plan for the school vouchers. It seems like many people are highly opposed and others just as strongly in favor of the vouchers.

I question why has the voucher program being created become such an issue. Why is this program now necessary?

My reasoning would lead me to think that parents are not happy with the quality of public education and/or what is being taught in the public schools that their children are attending. What is the reason for these parents wanting to not have their children attend public schools?

I went to public schools and graduated in the early 70s but I do have grandkids in public schools in Tennessee. As a taxpayer (in three counties in Tennessee), I believe if this voucher program is approved that it would be my right to utilize the program if I had kids. So if my children want their kids (my grandkids) to use the vouchers to attend a non-public school, that is their right as taxpayers in Tennessee.

The notion of private school vouchers should also be available to use at faith based schools as well as Baylor, McCallie and GPS as others have mentioned right here locally.

This isnt just an issue about taking money away from the public schools. All taxpayers in Tennessee should have the right to take advantage of vouchers if they are available and want to pull their kids from public schools.

It does not bother me that the vouchers may be used by families already having kids in private schools as they are taxpayers as well and should benefit from the taxes they pay rather than supplementing public schools which they dont use.

Nobody is trying to dissemble the public schools. People are just wanting to choose where their kids are educated and receive a portion of their taxpayer funded money for assistance.

Mr. Hicks mentioned getting his education at McCallie and Tulane, yet he advocates for others not to be able to use vouchers to try to get the same quality of education that he has received. As far as the newly elected Republican and the word conservative, yes it does start with con. But also the last three letters in Democrat are rat. All just a play on words.

Arch Tinker

* * *

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Governor Lee called for a special session to take place on Jan. 27 regarding his voucher bill. In addition, he has included Hurricane Helene relief efforts and immigration measures in this special session. In essence, he has taken a wildly unpopular bill and tied it to aid for East Tennessee. Many lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans alike, are saying Lee is using flood relief money to pressure them into supporting his voucher bill. Lee says he included disaster relief because its important and timely. I then ask, why didnt he call a special session months ago?

This is the second time Governor Lee has pushed for this voucher scam. Seventy two school boards across the state made resolutions against the vouchers program last time. Tennesseans have said repeatedly that we do not want vouchers to be expanded. Why isnt he listening?

With a special session lurking, we need Tennesseans reaching out to their representatives more than ever. If you think this bill doesnt affect you because you dont have children or your child already attends private school, think again. Arizona has a $1.4 billion budget shortfall because of vouchers and doesn't have money for infrastructure. This bill will affect everyone. Please call and email your representatives today and let them know you do not want vouchers.

This is not the opportunity Governor Lee is spewing. It is a scam.

Meghan Gilbert

Public School Strong Hamilton County Lead Volunteer




Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise announces the appointment of Christopher Thompson as its new chief executive officer. After a nationwide search, which attracted over 300 candidates, Mr. Thompson will step into the role on March 3. Current President and CEO, Martina Guilfoil, is set to retire at the end of February, but will remain active in the transition period.

Mr. Thompson brings experience in community and economic development to CNE. He currently serves as the chief executive officer of the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the West Central Community Development Corporation (d/b/a New Growth), both headquartered in Appleton City, Mo.

West Central is one of 19 community action agencies in Missouri, serving nine primary counties in the West Central region, including Cass County in the KC Metro. West Central administers a wide range of programs, including housing assistance, food security, multi-family housing, home weatherization, energy and emergency assistance and workforce solutions. New Growth, a West Central initiative, focuses on community economic development throughout the West Central region and beyond. This includes administering New Growth Transit, a rural transit network; the Start Here business acceleration network; the Missouri Rural Development Partnership; the New Growth Womens Business Center; the 5-State Heartland Region Food Business Center; and New Growth Capital, a micro-lending program and credit-building program.

Prior to his leadership at West Central/New Growth, Mr. Thompson practiced as a commercial real estate attorney for over 15 years. He also gained experience in the field of rural community economic development through a national poverty initiative and worked in the Atlanta area with partners like Emory University on various community entrepreneurship and community development efforts.

The CNE Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Chris Thompson as our new chief executive officer, said Andrea Hardaway, CNEs Board chair. His extensive experience in community and economic development, coupled with his proven track record of success in leading complex organizations, makes him an excellent fit to lead CNE into the future. We are immensely grateful to the CEO Search Committee and The Moran Company search firm for their commitment to this process.

CNEs current CEO, Martina Guilfoil, said, Im thrilled the Board has selected such a highly experienced and knowledgeable leader to step into the CEO role. Chris brings a deep understanding of CNEs lines of business and a strong vision for the future. I am confident that under Chriss leadership, CNE will continue to grow its impact and make an even greater difference in the Chattanooga community."

"I am truly honored to be the next CEO of this incredible organization with its rich history and strong legacy of working towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant Chattanooga," said Mr. Thompson. "I look forward to building on the tremendous groundwork laid by Martina, the staff and the Board, and to working closely with the city, community organizations, builders and developers, foundations, and residents of Chattanooga in advancing CNE's mission of 'creating economically diverse neighborhoods, filled with financially empowered citizens and housing for all'."

Mr. Thompson holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Dispute Resolution from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (human resources) from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

I am honored to be selected as the new CEO of CNE, said Mr. Thompson. I am excited to work with the talented CNE team to build upon the organizations strong foundation and make a positive impact on the communities we serve.
EV charging stations currently exist throughout the tribes reservation including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Ann Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center in Vinita and Cherokee Nations W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex government office.
The tiny city of Pleasanton, south of San Antonio, could reap more than $700 million for granting a 99-year tax abatement to the 710-unit Duo West Champions Apartments in northwest Houston  leaving Houston-area taxpayers to make up the money the landlord wouldn't pay. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Houston and Harris County residents should be angry about a stealth diversion of their property taxes. As a Houston Chronicle investigation revealed last month, Texas state government allowed cities outside our region to remove $635 million in real estate value from our local tax rolls. Because of a loophole in programs meant to promote public housing, faraway agencies were able to approve tax breaks for real-estate projects inside of Harris County  most often in secret, without the consent of Harris County or other local entities  and then collect fees of up to $1 million per project.

The result? Houston-area taxing entities, including the Houston Independent School District and Harris County Hospital District, stand to lose over $10 million in tax revenue every year.

Local governments rely largely on property taxes to pay for essential services such as schools, law enforcement, streets, garbage collection, jails, parks, libraries and fire and EMS services. When some property owners are exempt from taxation, local elected officials either must raise the property tax rate applied to everyone else or reduce those services.

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American revolutionaries sacrificed their lives and fortunes in opposition to taxation without representation. But taxation with representation only works when citizens can clearly understand who controls tax revenue. Allowing cities such as Pleasanton, far from Houston, to remove property from Houstons tax rolls defeats that basic principle.

Nothing is free, and no one likes to pay taxes. But regardless of ones political party or ideology, it makes no sense to allow the elected officials in one city to remove property from another city or countys tax base, and even  as the Chronicle investigation described  earn a million dollars for doing so.

Promoting affordable housing is a laudable goal, best managed by local elected leadership. During my service as mayor, with unanimous support from a hardworking City Council representing a broad political spectrum, Houston made great progress in building affordable apartments and owner-occupied homes. We used various incentives and maintained strict oversight of the location, quality, and cost of affordable housing. We made decisions in televised meetings open to the public. If the state or other cities think that our local officials need help subsidizing affordable housing, they should send a check funded by taxes they impose.

In 2023 the Texas Legislature closed some, but not all, of those loopholes for new projects like the ones in the Chronicles investigation. But even where the new laws apply, they wont undo the deals that are already on the books, some of them for as long as 99 years.

As the Legislature convenes this month, residents of our region should ask their legislators to prevent officials outside our region from removing property from the tax rolls.

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The larger problem, though, isnt just those loopholes, which may or may not have been an accidental oversight. By routinely diverting revenues from local government, state elected officials try to escape the blame for either cutting services or raising taxes.

Many Texas school districts have been hit hard by this form of cynical politics. As the share of public education financed by the state has steadily declined, local officials are forced either to make cuts or to raise taxes. But too often, even when school boards raise taxes, state government confiscates part of that tax money; the state calls it recapture. Those funds are deposited in state general revenues, and only a portion is used to fund the states obligation to provide a minimum level of education to all students in Texas.

Last month Houston Independent School District estimated that $57 million of its property tax revenue will be siphoned off to Austin during this school year. For context, that amount exceeds HISDs combined annual budgets for health services and curriculum and instructional staff development.

Thats not what HISD taxpayers expect  or deserve. Our state can, and should, do better.

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Screenshot: World Watch List 2025

The 2025 World Watch List report, released on Wednesday, reveals that 380 million Christiansone in seven worldwideare facing significant levels of persecution and discrimination.

Open Doors US has ranked North Korea as the most dangerous country for Christians for over 20 years. Ryan Brown, the CEO of Open Doors US, stated, Even in some of these places where persecution is extreme, the Church continues to exist. The Church continues to grow.

Brown noted that conditions for Christians in North Korea remain incredibly difficult, with escalating reports of violence throughout the state. Open Doors warns that Christians could face execution or imprisonment in labor camps if their faith is discovered.

Despite this targeted oppression, the report indicates that approximately 400,000 believers in North Korea continue to witness the love of Christ.

Jung Jik (name changed for security reasons), a North Korean Christian who escaped imprisonment twice, testified to the existence of a large underground church in North Korea. He recalls hearing his grandmother murmuring Christian prayers without grasping their significance.

Jung's father became a Christian after fleeing North Korea in search of food, which led to his imprisonment. Following in his father's footsteps, Jung also became a follower of Christ and escaped North Korea.

My heart still yearns for North Korea, Jung expressed. There's still a large underground church. Because you pray, many people are miraculously healed, and they experience God's power. They come to faith.

Screenshot: World Watch List 2025

Brown highlighted that Christians like Jung, who steadfastly refuse to forsake Christ, serve as a model for Western believers who enjoy religious freedom. He emphasized that throughout Christianitys history, the Church has thrived despite extreme persecution.

There are places where the Church is, by all accounts, the life is being squeezed from it, Brown noted, citing Algeria, which ranks 19th on the 2025 World Watch List, as an example. The report states that all Protestant churches [in Algeria] have been forced to close, and the number of Christians awaiting trial and sentencing is at an all-time high.

Other countries pushing the Church underground include Afghanistan, ranked No. 10, where converting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death under strict Taliban interpretations of Islamic law. In such regions, Christians risk severe repercussions or even murder from family, clan, or tribe if they renounce Islam.

The report also highlights increased violence in 15 sub-Saharan countries since the 2023 World Watch List, noting that the region is the most dangerous due to Islamic extremist groups exploiting government instability.

Persecuted Christians are especially vulnerable in countries like Burkina Faso (20), Mali (14), and Chad (49), which enter the top 50 for the first time. Christians in Yemen (3), Sudan (5), and Myanmar (13) also face growing persecution as anarchy and internal conflict worsen in those regions.

Nigeria, ranked seventh, is also a focal point, with many Christians targeted by Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and other extremist groups. The report warns that the measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology.

Brown urged world leaders, including President-elect Donald Trump, to address the issue of Christian persecution, emphasizing the need to make religious freedom a priority.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Salah Darwish

World Relief stated on Tuesday announcing that A Christian Statement on Refugee Resettlement had been sent to President-elect Donald Trump.

This statement was signed by leaders from the National Association of Evangelicals, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, various state-level conservative Christian advocacy organizations, and advocates for persecuted Christians worldwide.

The statement referenced Trump's first term, during which he established a refugee ceiling of 50,000 in his first week of office in 2017. The signatories urged him to once again set the ceiling for refugee admissions at that level or higher, consistent with his commitments both to secure borders and to religious liberty and opportunity for all.

The statement praised the U.S. refugee resettlement program for prioritizing persecuted Christians and other refugees in danger, noting that Trump had previously voiced support for these initiatives.

Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, remarked, President Trump can lead the nation in rescuing persecuted Christians, as well as believers of other faiths, by maintaining and strengthening the U.S. refugee resettlement program.

He added a personal touch, stating, As the son of a refugee from North Korea, I am alive today because my father was given refuge in South Korea and immigrated to the United States. Evangelical Christians stand ready to partner with the Trump administration to welcome persecuted refugees, knowing that by doing so we are obeying and serving our Lord.

According to Open Doors U.S., a charity advocating for persecuted Christians, the U.S. resettled 29,493 persecuted Christians from 50 countries in 2024.

Ryan Brown, president and CEO of Open Doors U.S., emphasized, At a time when Christians around the world are living under unprecedented threat of persecution, a continued commitment to walking with our brothers and sisters is vital. He expressed appreciation for Trump's strong support of the persecuted church, stating, I believe a critical piece of that support can be demonstrated through sustaining the U.S. refugee resettlement program.

The statement also highlighted the economic contributions of refugees to the U.S. and the key role churches play in supporting and integrating them. According to data from Lifeway Research, 71% of respondents believe that receiving refugees is a moral obligation for the U.S.

Myal Greene, president, and CEO of World Relief, stated, The U.S. refugee resettlement program has long been a vital way that the United States has stood alongside those who are persecuted, including because of their faith in Jesus, and thousands of American churches have been a part of welcoming refugees. As President Trump takes office, evangelical Christians urge him to sustain the refugee resettlement program.
Israel Defense Force. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Israel Defense Force

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal that is expected to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip temporarily. The agreement aims to secure the release of hostages taken by the terror group since October 7, 2023.

A U.S. official informed The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that both parties agreed to the ceasefire and hostage arrangement, and an Israeli official confirmed that differences in negotiations had been resolved, finalizing the deal.

The agreement follows weeks of negotiations conducted in Doha, Qatar, as reported by The Associated Press. Under the terms of the deal, Hamas is expected to release dozens of hostages taken during its October 2023 attack in phases.

Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 remaining hostages are anticipated to reunite with their families. In return, Israel has agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which will also enable displaced individuals in Gaza to return to their homes.

As a result of the agreement, fighting between Israel and Hamas is expected to pause for six weeks while discussions regarding a permanent end to the conflict continue.

Three U.S. officials and a Hamas representative confirmed that the deal had been reached at the time of the AP report, while a senior Israeli official noted that several details of the agreement were still being finalized.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity. He added, It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin.

Biden also remarked, I am thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four who are awaiting the return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home.

Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza to eradicate Hamas after the terrorist group  which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007  stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking over 200 others hostage.

Hamas-controlled health officials claim that the war has led to the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza; however, this figure does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Additionally, it does not account for misfired rockets launched from Gaza into Israel.

Israel and Hamas previously reached a ceasefire agreement in November 2023, during which Hamas released over 100 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners serving sentences for terrorism and other violence-related offenses in Israel.
Pastor Max Lucado. | Screenshot: Max Lucado via YouTube

Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, will keep Max Lucado and Joakim Lundqvist as interim teaching pastors while searching for a permanent executive pastor following founder Robert Morris's departure amid child sex abuse allegations.

In a statement provided to WFAA on Tuesday, Gateway Church officials noted, Gateway Church is actively searching for a new pastor. Joakim Lundqvist and Max Lucado will continue to serve in their roles as teaching pastors while Gateway searches for the right candidate to lead us as executive pastor.

Lundqvist, who previously served as senior pastor of Word of Life Church in Sweden, is currently based at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Lucado, a bestselling Christian author, also serves as a teaching pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, alongside his work with Gateway Church. The duration of the search for a permanent executive pastor remains uncertain.

Initially, Lundqvist committed to serving at Gateway until December 2024, but he shared with congregants earlier this month that he had been asked to extend his tenure until June.

You know, initially, I committed to staying behind here and being with you all for this year and to the end of the year (2024), which is pretty much now, but I was asked to extend, Lundqvist stated on January 6. He expressed his affection for the church, saying, When the elders asked, it was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made because we love this house and we sense the presence of God upon this church.

The church brought in Lundqvist and Lucado as interim teaching pastors after Robert Morris' son, James Morris, who succeeded his father as leader of the megachurch, stepped down just over a month later, as elders worked to address the child sex abuse scandal.

According to The Christian Post, Morris admitted to having engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady more than 35 years ago, stating he repented and was restored to ministry. The scandal prompted Pastor Robert Morris Ministries to cancel all future radio and television broadcasts, and the church commissioned an independent investigation that led to the removal of several elders. Meanwhile, James Morris has since begun his own ministry.
Photo Credit: Pixabay/ Mark Thomas

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider reinstating some of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) no-cost coverage requirements for preventive care services. This decision comes after an appeals court ruled in favor of a Christian business that argued some requirements would compel it to violate its religious convictions.

In an orders list released on Friday, the Supreme Court announced it would hear the case of Becerra v. Braidwood MGMT., Inc., et al. This means the court will examine the constitutionality of several preventive care coverage requirements under the ACA that a lower court had previously overturned.

Under the ACA, enacted in 2010, most private insurance plans are required to cover recommended preventive care services at no cost to the insured. Braidwood Management, a Christian-owned business that self-insures over 70 employees, along with six individuals in Texas, challenged the law, asserting that the requirements to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis and medication for HIV prevention violate their religious beliefs.

The plaintiffs argued in court filings that such drugs encourage and facilitate homosexual behavior. They also opposed mandated coverage of contraceptives that they claimed might induce abortions.

Federal officials appealed after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in June, following an earlier decision by a Texas district court that had also sided with them.

The district court ruled that all preventive care mandates authorized since 2010 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force were unconstitutional, finding that the members of the task force, who set these coverage rules, were not nominated by the president and approved by the Senate, thus violating the appointments clause.

The 5th Circuit narrowed this ruling, stating it did not universally block every mandate but only protected the specific business and individuals involved in the suit from complying with the affected coverage requirements while leaving those regulations intact elsewhere.

Circuit Judge Don Willett wrote in the 5th Circuit panels majority opinion, With respect to one of the challenged administrative bodies, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, we agree that the unreviewable power it wields  the power to issue preventive-care recommendations that insurers must cover by law  renders its members principal officers of the United States who have not been validly appointed under Article II of the United States Constitution.

After this ruling, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services filed an appeal. This case represents the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, which has encountered numerous legal disputes since its inception. Notably, there was a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2012 that upheld the statute's overall framework.

Since the ACA was enacted in 2010, it has been subjected to over 2,000 legal challenges in state and federal courts, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Home News Christian woman facing life in prison on false blasphemy charge wins bail Muslim prayer leader claims mother of 3 burned book containing Islamic scripture but didn't witness it himself

A Christian woman in Pakistan wrongly charged with blasphemy by a mosque leader won bail on Thursday, her lawyer said.

Gojra Additional Sessions Judge Waseem Mubarik granted the bail to Shazia Younis, a 50-year-old Catholic mother of three children, in the case registered under Section 295-B of Pakistans controversial blasphemy statutes relating to desecration of the Quran, punishable by life in prison, said attorney Javed Sahotra.

The judge accepted my arguments that the woman had been falsely accused of blasphemy by the complainant  the First Information Report [FIR] shows that there was no ill intent behind her act, Sahotra told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

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Sahotra said police had wrongly charged Younis because Section 295-B clearly requires a suspect to have deliberately or intentionally desecrated the Quran; intent must be shown for a blasphemy conviction.

In this case, the complainant has admitted that Younis had unknowingly burned the holy pages along with waste paper, he said. Therefore, her act does not constitute a case under Section 295-B.

The complainant did not witness the alleged incident, nor had police recovered any incriminating material from the womans possession, he added.

Sahotra said the judge ordered the release of Younis against surety bonds of 50,000 rupees ($180 USD).

Younis will be released from prison in a couple of days, after we get the courts written verdict, he said, adding that soon he would file an application for dismissal of the case against her.

Gojra Saddar police in Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab Province, arrested Younis on Dec. 21, 2024, on the complaint of Atta Ul Mustafa, prayer leader of a mosque in her village, Chak No. 180-GB Mongi Bangla.

Mustafa stated in the FIR that he was in a market on Dec. 21 when two local Muslims, Muhammad Imran and Rab Nawaz, informed him that the woman had set fire to books outside her doorstep.

The material set ablaze included a book of Islamiyat, which contained Islamic scripture, Mustafa stated in the FIR, claiming also that Younis had admitted desecrating the pages to him. Shazia has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims, and she should therefore be punished as per the relevant law.

UNHRC urges amending laws

Expressing alarm over an increase in false blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, the U.N. Human Rights Committee on Nov. 7, 2024, urged the repeal or amending of the countrys harsh blasphemy laws.

The committee noted that false blasphemy accusations led to Islamist mob violence and recommended amending the laws in accordance with requirements of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In its concluding observations of the committees second periodic report on Pakistan, it stated concern over sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carry severe penalties, including the death penalty, and have a disproportionate impact on religious minorities.

It is also concerned about the increasing number of persons incarcerated under blasphemy charges, the high number of blasphemy cases based on false accusations, violence against those accused of blasphemy, fostering vigilante justice, and allegations of entrapment of persons, in particular young persons, on accusations of online blasphemy under cybercrime laws, the committee stated.

It emphasized ending use of cybercrime laws, such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, to prosecute and detain those accused of breaching blasphemy laws online. The committee also urged the government to investigate allegations of massive abuse of blasphemy laws in connection with cybercrime laws and publish the results of the inquiries.

[The committee] is also concerned about the chilling effect that criminal defamation laws, blasphemy, sedition and counter-terrorism laws, and other recently passed legislation have on the exercise of freedom of expression by journalists, activists, human rights defenders and members of ethnic and religious minorities, it stated.

Urging Pakistan to take all necessary measures to guarantee prompt and fair trials for all persons charged with blasphemy or other offenses against religion, the committee highlighted jail conditions, stating that it was also concerned about reports of abuse of women prisoners, including sexual violence, and that individuals accused of blasphemy are often placed in solitary confinement for extended periods of time. It remains concerned about the widespread recourse to prolonged pretrial detention.

Pakistan ranked eighth on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Home News Worship leader, former Ark Encounter, Creation Museum band member charged with sodomy

Popular Christian apologetics organization Answers in Genesis has confirmed that Michael Howard, a member of TrueSong  the resident musical act of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky  is no longer connected to the band after he was charged with 80 counts of sexual abuse and sodomy of a teenager who was also a member of a church where he served as worship leader.

"While the ministry does not generally comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that Michael Howard is no longer affiliated with Answers in Genesis. In fact, his departure occurred before we became aware of the investigation against him," Mark Looy, Answers in Genesis' chief commercial officer, told The Christian Post in a statement Thursday.

"To respect the privacy of those involved and because this is a matter currently under investigation, we are not in a position to comment further, other than to ask for prayers for all the individuals involved, especially the possible victims."

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A statement published this month by the Boone County Sheriff's Office in Burlington, Kentucky, said investigators received a report on Dec. 27, 2024, from a now-adult male that Howard, 36, began sexually abusing and sodomizing him when he was just 15 in 2019.

"The victim identified the suspect as 36-year-old Michael Howard of Burlington and reported that he started working for him in the fall of 2019. The following spring, Howard began sending messages of a sexual nature to the then-15-year-old victim. That same year, the sexual abuse and sodomy began and continued on multiple occasions over the next four years," the release said.

"In addition to the victim working for Howard, detectives learned that they were members of the same church. Detectives corroborated the victim's statement after conducting additional interviews and learned that Howard made admissions regarding his '3-4 year' relationship," investigators said.

Howard was arrested on Jan. 2 and charged with 40 counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 40 counts of third-degree sodomy. He was placed in the Boone County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

At the time of his arrest, Howard was a member of Florence Baptist Temple in Kentucky, where he joined in 2009.

A cached page from the church's website states that he began serving as their worship leader in 2022. It also states that he is married and a father of two daughters.

An arrest warrant for Howard cited by The Lexington Herald-Leader said it was the victim's family who reported the abuse to law enforcement and the church.

The church did not respond to a request for comment from CP on Thursday.

Howard was reportedly a friend of the victim's family for many years, and the victim saw him as a role model prior to the abuse. Court documents state Howard began sending the victim explicit messages over Snapchat and is accused of abusing him at least four times each week.

The former TrueSong member allegedly told the victim repeatedly that he "could not talk about it" and the abuse "can never be known." When the victim turned 18, Howard allegedly asked him to say the relationship started at that time.

Howard was one of the four original members of TrueSong, which was formed in 2022, according to a cached page on the group's website on which he is no longer featured. The group's debut album, "Tell Someone," was nominated for a GMA Dove Award in 2024.
Chinas auto industry association blasts US rule against Chinese technology of connected cars

09:28, January 17, 2025 By Ma Jingjing ( Global Times

People visit the 20th China (Changsha) International Automobile Exposition in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the Biden administration's rule prohibiting the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware, software systems, and complete connected vehicles from China.

In recent years, China's intelligent connected new-energy vehicles have steadily developed, earning widespread consumer favor due to their competitiveness. Additionally, the application of relevant software and hardware technologies in the global automotive supply chain is becoming increasingly widespread, positively contributing to the growth of global intelligent connected vehicle markets and industrial development, the CAAM said in a statement sent to the Global Times.

The development of relevant sectors in China won't be affected by external disruptions, said the statement.

With China and the US both being major countries in promoting the development of intelligent connected vehicles, cooperation and exchanges are critical for mutually beneficial outcomes, it said.

The Biden administration's rules severely disrupt global automotive industry cooperation, undermine the shared development interests of various nations, violate international trade rules, jeopardize global industrial chain stability, and hinder efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and transparent global automotive ecosystem, the statement read.

The CAAM said the association strongly opposes the Biden administration's wrongdoing, which harms the global intelligent connected automotive industry ecosystem.

The Biden administration's unilateral restrictions that sever economic and industrial ties with selected countries not only disrupt fair competition in the global automotive market, but also inflict lasting harm on the global industrial chain. It will ultimately harm the interests of US businesses and consumers, the association said.

It called on the Biden administration to adopt an objective stance on economic and trade issues, refrain from politicizing or over-stretching the concept of national security, and abolish relevant restrictions targeting China. The global automotive industry should enhance cooperation to collectively foster the healthy and sustainable development of the intelligent connected vehicle sector.

In a statement on Wednesday night, China's Ministry of Commerce expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to the Biden administration's intensive imposition of trade restrictions against China, including the restriction on Chinese vehicles.

"The Biden administration speaks one way and acts another. Sanctions, containment, and suppression cannot halt China's progress; instead, they bolster China's confidence and ability in self-reliance and technological innovation. China will take measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests," the ministry spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Houston firefighters transport Judy Rogers, 85, downstairs from her 3rd floor independent living apartment at Treemont Senior Living Community in Houston, TX on July 12, 2024. She spent five days in her sweltering apartment after the complex lost power during Hurricane Beryl. Sharon Steinmann

Its that time of year again. Bushes and flower beds have been smothered in white tarps, like forgotten Halloween decorations. Pipes have been wrapped. Generators inspected. Everywhere you look in Houston, the specter of next weeks cold snap, with its threat of wintry precipitation, is evident. Weve learned  the hard way  to take even the mildest freeze warning seriously and prepare for the worst. At least, thats the hope. Especially for the vulnerable Houstonians whose lives depend on a delicate web of care.

In 2023, I wrote about Joyce Johnson, a champion sharpshooter, licensed chemical dependency counselor and beloved mother who died, alone, of hypothermia. She had been living at an assisted living facility outside of Dallas that didnt have a backup generator. The facility didnt tell family members about this risk to their loved ones ahead of Winter Storm Uri. All Darrell Johnson was left with was his moms class ring, her ashes and a deep well of anger.

He watched as state leaders promised changes to protect seniors like his mom. Report after report highlighted gaps in Texas law, which only mandates the bare minimum backup power at nursing homes and excludes assisted living facilities. At least 100 seniors died during the 2021 freeze. Yet bill after bill attempting to tighten those regulations failed.

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Harris County, I was delighted to learn, has stopped waiting for the state to get its act together.

After the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl walloped Houston last year, first responders were inundated with calls. Five days post-Beryl, 35 nursing homes and 67 assisted living facilities in the greater Houston area were without power. Stuck in sweltering rooms with no working elevator, seniors needed transportation to the hospital. They couldnt power their oxygen machines. Medicine that had to be refrigerated was going bad.

Emergency medical services and the fire departments that oversee them were overwhelmed, Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen told me this week. That was especially true in the unincorporated areas, whose population roughly equals Houstons but is served by half the number of fire departments. Nearly a dozen Houstonians died from heat-related causes, including at least one in senior housing.

In November, Commissioners Court unanimously approved an amendment to the Harris County Fire Code  the first rule of its kind in Texas. As of Jan. 1, the code requires backup power generation for heating and air conditioning systems in all assisted living and nursing home facilities. All 120 facilities in the county, including in unincorporated areas, have until Jan. 1, 2026, to comply.

Seniors arent the only ones who will be better protected, Christensen said. She also hopes this will help their caregivers, who often stick by them through suffocating heat and painful cold. And it will free up first responders to take more 911 calls.

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The change, of course, isnt perfect. Smaller facilities might struggle to pay for backup power. I worry those costs will be passed on to residents and their families, many of whom are already paying a hefty fee.

Carmen Tilton, vice president of public policy at the Texas Assisted Living Association, explained to the Houston Landing that facilities must pass an annual fire inspection to keep their licenses. Would failure to comply put their licenses in limbo?

Christensen acknowledged that various hurdles  from the upfront cost to a backlogged generator supply chain  may make it hard to make the change before the deadline. The emphasis is on education, she said, not enforcement.

The Harris County Fire Marshals Office, along with other local officials and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, will help facilities to develop an action plan, including evacuating residents as a last resort. They will also guide families on what to ask facility management to ensure their loved ones are safe.

Commissioner Lesley Briones, who spearheaded the amendment, told me that her family could have used that kind of a checklist. Both her paternal and maternal grandmothers spent their last years in long-term care. At the end of the day, safety is non-negotiable, Briones said. This is for all of our families. Whether its our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents, all of us  were all aging. This could be us.

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Im proud that Harris County is leading the way on protecting its seniors. But Im also worried that the changes dont go far enough. Even perfect compliance with this amendment wouldnt have saved 93-year-old Barbara Sturgis life. She died, overheated and alone, when Hurricane Beryl left her independent living facility without power.

Unlike assisted living and nursing homes, independent living facilities dont provide medical oversight by trained caregivers or nurses. Instead, they cater to self-sufficient, older adults often looking for community. However, its not uncommon for residents to choose independent living not because they truly can completely take care of themselves, but because its what they can afford. Many are battling health issues that leave them extra-vulnerable to extreme weather. Some, including a Chronicle letter writer I spoke with this week, have no family in Houston to call during an emergency.

But these places arent regulated or licensed by the state, and so arent included in the fire code amendment. According to Christensen, it would take new legislation, such as a tweak to the Texas property code, to mandate backup power. This legislative session, several bills have been filed to address emergency preparedness in senior housing, including one that requires independent living facilities to have and share an emergency plan. Its too soon to tell whether any have a chance of making it into law. But we cant count on any reforms getting passed in Austin.

Instead, Houston could follow and build on the lead of our neighbors to the east. In 2021, after Hurricane Ida killed eight seniors in independent living, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance requiring independent living facilities to apply for city-issued licenses. They also mandated the facilities to share emergency plans, and imposed fines for failing to keep officials updated during emergencies.

That may seem harsh. But so does leaving seniors to fend for themselves when the power goes out.
Home News Man loses wife, entire family for choosing Christ over Muhammad

JUBA, South Sudan  The Muslim family of a young man in Sudans Darfur Region has disowned him and compelled his wife to divorce him because he converted to Christianity, an area source said.

The convert in El Geneina, capital of West Darfur state, put his faith in Christ in January of last year. A hardline Muslim identified only as Sheikh Amaar discovered his faith and on Aug. 23 told him to return to Islam or face serious consequences, the source said.

The Christian, whose name is withheld for security purposes, did not fear for his life and continued growing in his faith, the source said. The sheikh (Islamic teacher) later incited family members and other area Muslims to attack him.

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A relative told him, You are no longer a member of our family, because you have changed your religion, and on Oct. 9 the Christian left his home, the source told Morning Star News.

After he and other converts from Islam were accused of apostasy last year, they took refuge with friends in another location.

One of the converts who has also gone into hiding with him told Morning Star News, Remember us in your prayers because of these challenges we are facing.

Sudan was ranked No. 5 among the 50 countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian in Open Doors 2025 World Watch List (WWL), which is worse than its No. 8 ranking the previous year.

Conditions in Sudan worsened as civil war that broke out in April 2023 intensified. Sudan registered increases in the number of Christians killed and sexually assaulted and Christians' homes and businesses attacked, according to the WWL report.

Christians of all backgrounds are trapped in the chaos, unable to flee. Churches are shelled, looted and occupied by the warring parties, the report stated.

Since April 2023 militants of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been battling the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and each Islamist force has attacked displaced Christians on accusations of supporting the others combatants.

The conflict between the RSF and the SAF, which had shared military rule in Sudan following an October 2021 coup, has terrorized civilians in Khartoum and elsewhere, killing tens of thousands and displacing more than 12.36 million people within and beyond Sudan borders, according to the U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR).

The SAFs Gen. Abdelfattah al-Burhan and his then-vice president, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, were in power when civilian parties in March 2023 agreed on a framework to re-establish a democratic transition the next month, but disagreements over military structure torpedoed final approval.

Burhan sought to place the RSF  a paramilitary outfit with roots in the Janjaweed militias that had helped former strongman Omar al-Bashir put down rebels  under the regular Army's control within two years, while Dagolo would accept integration within nothing fewer than 10 years.

Both military leaders have Islamist backgrounds while trying to portray themselves to the international community as pro-democracy advocates of religious freedom.

Sudan had dropped out of the top 10 of the WWL for the first time in six years when it first ranked No. 13 in 2021.

Following two years of advances in religious freedom in Sudan after the end of the Islamist dictatorship under Bashir in 2019, the specter of state-sponsored persecution returned with the military coup of Oct. 25, 2021.

After Bashir was ousted from 30 years of power in April 2019, the transitional civilian-military government had managed to undo some Sharia (Islamic law) provisions. It outlawed the labeling of any religious group infidels and thus effectively rescinded apostasy laws that made leaving Islam punishable by death.

With the Oct. 25, 2021, coup, Christians in Sudan feared the return of the most repressive and harsh aspects of Islamic law. Abdalla Hamdok, who had led a transitional government as prime minister starting in September 2019, was detained under house arrest for nearly a month before he was released and reinstated in a tenuous power-sharing agreement in November 2021.

Hamdock had been faced with rooting out longstanding corruption and an Islamist deep state from Bashirs regime  the same deep state that is suspected of rooting out the transitional government in the Oct. 25, 2021, coup.

The U.S. State Department in 2019 removed Sudan from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and upgraded it to a watch list. Sudan had previously been designated as a CPC from 1999 to 2018.

In December 2020, the State Department removed Sudan from its Special Watch List.

The Christian population of Sudan is estimated at 2 million, or 4.5% of the population of more than 43 million.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Home News One Million Moms urges Christians to boycott 'Upside-Down Kingdom Bible,' citing 'woke theology' concerns

Conservative advocacy group One Million Mom has launched a campaign opposing Zondervans newly released NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible: Think Deeply/Love Widely, claiming the study Bible promotes "woke theology" and undermines traditional biblical interpretations.

The organization has urged Christians to avoid the publication and to sign a pledge boycotting Zondervans product.

Zondervans newest NIV study Bible is unlike other Bibles in that it includes elements of theological and gender diversity. As such, Christians should be aware this could be called a DEI Bible. (DEI is an acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion.), the group noted in a January post.

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One of Zondervans newest publications is the Upside-Down Kingdom Bible: Think Deeply/Love Widely. But it can be more accurately described as upside-down theology because it includes interpretations of scriptures from a woke mindset, with opinions based on a magnitude of cultural and sexual perspectives.

The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, described as addressing topics such as race, ethnicity, creation care, abortion, gender and sexuality, features study notes, essays and book introductions contributed by various scholars and leaders, including Preston Sprinkle, general editor and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender (CFSG), a Christian organization focused on issues of faith and LGBT+ inclusivity.

On its website, CFSG describes its team as a growing collaboration of Christian leaders, pastors, scholars, and LGBT+ persons serving as advisors and contributors.

Sprinkle, also the host of the "Theology in the Raw" podcast, has been vocal about the importance of fostering dialogue on theological and cultural issues, often engaging with individuals of differing perspectives.

In its statement opposing the Bible, 1MM warned the Zondervan Bibles content deviates from traditional Christian beliefs, stressing that Scripture is extremely clear in Ezekiel 13:10-12 and Matthew 18:6 about the consequences of leading others astray.

The campaign further alleged that Zondervans decision to release the Bible was a deliberate move to align with contemporary cultural trends, and accused the publisher of selling wokeness under the guise of inclusivity and equity.

In a statement to The Christian Post addressing the controversy, Zondervan defended the purpose and scholarly rigor of the Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, emphasizing its commitment to Evangelical Christian beliefs.

The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible is a new tool for engaging Christians who are seeking biblically based answers to todays tough questions, Zondervan said. As is standard with our study Bibles, contributions are from multiple biblical scholars with trusted credentials and expertise in their fields of study. All the contributors hold to the authority of the Scripture and the content has been fully reviewed to ensure that it is within the scope of evangelical Christian beliefs.

The publisher also reiterated that the study Bible aims to provide thoughtful commentary on modern challenges while remaining grounded in Scripture.

In turn, 1MM encouraged Christians to sign its pledge against the study Bible, asserting that it poses a spiritual risk. The group also urged Zondervan to reconsider publishing materials that they believe lead others astray.

I encourage you to join 1MM in letting Zondervan know that we are not buying what they are selling. Sign our pledge to Zondervan stating you will stay far away from the Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, the group said.

This is not the first time Zondervan has come under fire for publishing works that critics say capitulate to cultural pressures.

In 2011, the update to the NIV Bible sparked controversy among conservative Christians, including the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the Southern Baptist Convention, due to the use of gender-neutral language. For example, phrases like "brothers" were changed to "brothers and sisters" when the context implied a mixed audience.

However, research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, Darrell Bock, told The Christian Post at the time that critics were investing too much in the "gender-neutral" issue.

"They don't like the idea of gender-neutral translations as a whole. If someone announces that's what they're doing, then it's automatically read as being a capitulation to the culture," he said.

Dr. Richard Land, then-president of the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told CP at the time that he stood by the denomination's resolution despite Bock's claim that critics had been unfair.

"You can't be too careful when dealing with the holy [Word of God]," said Land, who's also the executive editor of The Christian Post.
Home News Rock Church helps deliver 9 truckloads of relief to LA wildfire victims

A Southern California church has launched a relief effort to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, inviting the community to donate essential items at their five local campuses.

Rock Church in San Diego, in partnership with Dream Center in L.A., is coordinating efforts to assist residents affected by the devastating fires that have displaced tens of thousands and killed at least 25 people.

The multi-site church has set up eight 26-foot trailers to collect the items, with one trailer stationed at each campus in the San Diego area and three at the Point Loma campus.

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The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Senior Pastor Miles McPherson.

"What amazes me is that as a pastor, it has not only been our Rock Church attendees, but the San Diego community as a whole," McPherson told CP. "We originally set out to fill five trucks, and we ended up filling nine 26-foot trucks with items, which is about 90 pallets of water, diapers, wipes, new clothing, new blankets, toiletries, trail mix, and energy drinks.

McPherson said the church has seen significant support, including truck donations, volunteers and contributions of essential goods.

"We have seen people step up and donate the much-needed items, donate trucks to bring the items to L.A., and volunteer to sort the items. When our trucks were filled, we partnered with other organizations to pick up the extra items," he said.

As for the most needed donations, McPherson recommended prioritizing basic supplies, including pasta, rice, canned goods, non-perishable food items, diapers and pet food.

Working with Zoe Church and Dream Center in L.A., McPherson said volunteers directly distribute these items to victims and first responders.

"Water, toilet paper, and other basic supplies are sold out in the grocery stores in L.A., so those are great items to donate," he added.

McPherson also said the church is careful to only collect items that will be useful to those on the ground.

"Our partner organizations have shared with us that once we deliver the trucks with items, they will be given out immediately," he said. "They have been seeing trucks emptied and distributed to people in as little as an hour."

The church's commitment to relief efforts stems from its own experiences with disasters. In 2007, Rock Church had been in its brand-new church building for a couple of months when fires hit San Diego. The church would go on to serve as a triage center and provide shelter for senior citizens.

In addition to supporting those directly affected by the fires, McPherson encouraged people to pray for the victims.

"Pray for healing and that God would restore the people that have been impacted both physically, mentally, and spiritually," he said. "We also need to appreciate what we have. We are blessed to have a place to go tonight and lay our heads down. We need to not take for granted our home, our car, our food."

Since the fires broke out earlier this month, thousands of Los Angeles residents have faced displacement, property loss and ongoing uncertainty due to the wind-fed blazes that have destroyed more than 12,000 structures and charred more than 60 square miles.

Rock Church and other ministries have worked tirelessly to support those impacted by the fires, including chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, who are working alongside Samaritan's Purse to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.

Click here for more information on how to support Rock Church's fire relief efforts.
Home News Supreme Court to decide if religious parents can opt their kids out of LGBT curriculum

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea for parents to have the ability to opt their children out of a Maryland school district's curriculum that they believe promotes LGBT ideology and violates their religious convictions.

In a miscellaneous orders list released Friday, the high court agreed without comment to an appeal in the case of Mahmoud, Tamer, et al. v. Taylor, Thomas W., et al., which centers on whether Montgomery County Public Schools must allow parents the right to opt out of LGBT curriculum content if they hold religious objections.

The Becket Fund, a legal nonprofit that represents the parents and has argued religious liberty cases before the Supreme Court in the past, celebrated the decision.

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"Cramming down controversial gender ideology on three-year-olds without their parents' permission is an affront to our nation's traditions, parental rights, and basic human decency," said Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, said in a statement.

"The Court must make clear: parents, not the state, should be the ones deciding how and when to introduce their children to sensitive issues about gender and sexuality."

In October 2022, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a group of LGBT-themed books for schools' English language arts curriculum. In response to this decision, a coalition of Christian, Muslim and Jewish parents protested and sued Montgomery County Schools in 2023, arguing that the school district violated their sincerely held beliefs.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, rejected the motion for a preliminary injunction in August, concluding that the parents failed to show that the "use of the storybooks crosses the line from permissible influence to potentially impermissible indoctrination."

"The evidence suggests that, generally, MCPS teachers will occasionally read one of the handful of books, lead discussions and ask questions about the characters, and respond to questions and comments in ways that encourage tolerance for different views and lifestyles," wrote Boardman. "That is not indoctrination."

In May 2024, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to uphold the lower court ruling, with Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee, a George W. Bush appointee, authoring the majority opinion.

"At this early stage, however, given the Parents' broad claims, the very high burden required to obtain a preliminary injunction, and the scant record before us, we are constrained to affirm the district court's order denying a preliminary injunction," wrote Agee.

"[T] here's no evidence at present that the Board's decision not to permit opt-outs compels the Parents or their children to change their religious beliefs or conduct, either at school or elsewhere.  And simply hearing about other views does not necessarily exert pressure to believe or act differently than one's religious faith requires."

Circuit Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., a Trump appointee, dissented, writing that the parents had "shown the board's decision to deny religious opt-outs burdened these parents' right to exercise their religion and direct the religious upbringing of their children by putting them to the choice of either compromising their religious beliefs or foregoing a public education for their children."

"They do not claim the use of the books is itself unconstitutional. And they do not seek to ban them. Instead, they only want to opt their children out of the instruction involving such texts," Quattlebaum said.

"The board's refusal to grant the parents' requests for religious opt-outs to instruction with the books the board required be used to promote diversity and inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community forces the parents to make a choice  either adhere to their faith or receive a free public education for their children. They cannot do both."
Home News Supreme Court upholds federal TikTok ban

The United States Supreme Court has upheld a federal law mandating that TikTok divest from its Communist Chinese ownership or be banned in the country.

In a unanimous per curiam opinion released Friday morning, the Supreme Court concluded that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was constitutional.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the justices stated.

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For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed.

Launched in 2016 by ByteDance, TikTok is a popular video-sharing social media app that reportedly has around 170 million monthly users in the U.S. and over 1 billion users globally.

The app has garnered controversy over its impact on youth mental health, questions about its ties to the Communist Chinese government, and concerns over propagating widespread misinformation on an assortment of topics.

In April, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan law requiring TikToks Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the social media app within the next 270 days or be banned nationally.

The law barred TikTok and other foreign adversary controlled applications, including apps controlled by the Peoples Republic of China, from being included in United States-based app stores.

ByteDance and TikTok, along with others, filed complaints against the Biden administration, arguing, among other things, that the law violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In December, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of the ban, with Senior Judge Douglas Ginsburg authoring the opinion.

The Act was the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and by successive presidents. It was carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary, wrote Ginsburg.

[The Act] was part of a broader effort to counter a well-substantiated national security threat posed by the PRC. Under these circumstances, the provisions of the Act that are before us withstand the most searching review.

Ginsburg added that the governments interest in stopping Communist Chinas efforts to collect data of and about persons in the United States and covertly manipulating content on TikTok each constituted a compelling national security interest.

Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, with attorney Noel Francisco arguing the litigation on behalf of TikTok and other plaintiffs.

TikTok incorporated as a U.S. company speaking in the United States. The Act requires it to go dark unless ByteDance executes a qualified divestiture. Whether you call that a ban or a divestiture, one thing is clear: It's a burden on TikTok's speech, said Francisco.

The government has no valid interest in preventing foreign propaganda. And its fallback that it seeks merely to prevent covertness makes no sense since that could be addressed with a risk disclosure. The government's real target, rather, is the speech itself, its fear that Americans, even if fully informed, could be persuaded by Chinese misinformation. That, however, is a decision that the First Amendment leaves to the people.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar of the U.S. Department of Justice argued in favor of the ban, telling the Supreme Court that the Chinese government's control of TikTok poses a grave threat to national security.

TikTok collects unprecedented amounts of personal data, Prelogar said. TikTok's immense data set would give the PRC a powerful tool for harassment, recruitment, and espionage.

On top of that, the Chinese government's control over TikTok gives it a potent weapon for covert influence operations  no matter what level of First Amendment scrutiny applies, this Act is valid because it's narrowly tailored to address compelling national security threats.
Biden Warns Of U.S. Oligarchy, Parents Fear The Economic Future For Kids, Incredible SBC Vice President Nominee

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In this episode, we delve into the latest political developments and global concerns. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi promises not to target pro-life activists if she becomes the next U.S. attorney general, sparking discussions about her potential impact on justice. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden raises alarms over an emerging oligarchy in America, emphasizing threats to fundamental rights and freedoms. On a global scale, we explore the growing anxiety among adults in 36 countries who fear that today's children will face a tougher economic future than previous generations.

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Home Opinion Why atheism cant fight gender ideology

On December 30, Richard Dawkins resigned from the honorary board of the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) after it retracted an article arguing that gender is based on biology. Steven Pinker, who also resigned, accused the foundation of imposing a new religion  trans ideology.



Debbie Hayton, in the U.K. Spectator, was quick to argue that Dawkinss longstanding polemics against religion are not incidental to the world where trans ideology has become so plausible: Maybe the key lesson from this sorry debacle is that it is not so easy to expunge the need for religion from human beings than atheists might like to think. If there is a God-shaped hole in us then without established religion, something else is likely to take its place. (Hayton, curiously, is a man who identifies as a woman but is critical of transgender ideology.) Dawkins understandably bristled at this, a useful reminder that he considers himself a cultural Christian only in a highly qualified sense.

As Dawkins has admirably stated elsewhere, sex is biological. I am myself grateful for his clarity and courage on this point. It does not matter how sincerely someone believes that he is a woman trapped in the wrong body  every cell of that body indicates the opposite. One need not be a theist of any variety to understand and acknowledge that.

And yet, there is an issue here. The concepts of maleness and femaleness typically do a lot more than refer to biological differences. When we think of man and woman, we generally do not think purely in terms of chromosomes or genitalia. We think of social and cultural roles as well. The authority that Dawkins appears to grant to the body is itself not a matter of purely empirical analysis. The question of what the body is for is rather different from the question of what the body is. Or, to reframe the issue: Once one adopts an approach to the body that radically detaches the former question from the latter, Dawkinss obvious truth-telling starts to look somewhat less convincing.



Gender roles relate to the teleological significance of biological sex. The question is: Are they intrinsic to it or socially constructed and mapped onto it by cultural forces?

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A significant part of the answer to that question has historically related to the possibilities offered by the technology available at any given time. For example, a thirteenth-century woman would have a hard time being a blacksmith, given the raw physical strength involved. And it has thus far proved impossible for men to bear children due to their lack of ovaries and wombs.

But advanced modern technology  technology rooted in rational, scientific principles just as much as anything Dawkins has ever pursued  presents a challenge to the body and its authority. Medicine is quite capable of taking bodies that had erstwhile terminal illnesses and making them healthy again. It can replace a limb lost in a workplace accident. It can save lives by transplanting vital organs that have failed. And, if science can do these things, it can also take a body that possesses mere average human strength and make it super strong, as with steroids. It could, in theory, add a third leg to a body born with two. And it aspires to enhance the power of the brain through fusion with computers.

Dawkins wants science  or that narrow strand of science that he favors  to be normative. But why should the body be granted such authority over the feelings or ambitions of the mind regarding sex and gender? It is here that Christianity has an answer that, if rejected by Dawkins, at least needs to be replaced with something else. Christianitys answer is that the human body has an end, or a set of ends. Hence, one of the normative ends of the female body is gestation, a natural telos. Connected to this is the notion of the Image of God: Human beings, male and female, are made in Gods image, and one of the aspects of this is their creative capacity to produce further image bearers. Christian theology ties natural ends  for example, sexual intercourse and reproduction  to a supernatural end, such that this life is given shape and meaning because it prepares us for the next. The normative authority of biology is therefore grounded in something beyond itself: the notion of God as creator and human beings as his creatures, bearing his image.

Dawkins regards this as nonsense, which may well be the default position in the modern West. He is entitled to do so. But, as Hayton rightly observes, his own position comes with consequences, one of which is (perhaps ironically) a dramatic reduction in the importance of biology. In a technologically advanced world like ours, biology can easily be regarded as a problem or a challenge to be overcome. Wherein, then, lies the difference between male and female?

Thats when gender theory can re-emerge to press its case. Yes, we can agree that chromosomes exist. But the more important question is: What purpose do they serve? And why should we grant them decisive authority when we do not grant such authority to other things that also exist  cancers, viruses, even baldness  against which we do not hesitate to use technology? Why should we not treat the difference in biological makeup and functions between men and women as just another set of problems for technology to dispatch to the dustbin of history? Gender theory may seem far-fetched, but if the body has no intrinsic telos and evolution grants authority only to efficient causality, it is hard to understand why an evolutionary scientist would necessarily regard it as problematic.

The simple assertion that biology is true sidesteps the critical question of why we should grant biology, particularly that of certain aspects of the human body, such decisive significance in the first place. Christians have an answer. One can dismiss it as a ridiculous one, but one must then replace it with something that fulfills an analogous role.

Perhaps Hayton overstates the case for the connection between Dawkinss anti-Christian stance and trans ideology. But commitment to a version of evolutionary theory that is predicated on efficient causality alone does not offer the robust response to trans ideology and gender theory that we need.

Originally published at First Things.
Home News Italian bishop refutes claim of policy change allowing ordination of gay men: 'Not a correct reading'

An Italian bishop has insisted that the rules for admission to the priesthood in his home country haven't changed amid reports that new guidelines allow homosexuals to become priests as long as they remain celibate.

Last Thursday, a document titled The Formation of priests in churches in Italy. Guidelines and standards for seminaries took effect. The Italian Episcopal Conference, the group of Roman Catholic bishops in Italy, approved the document at its 78th General Conference in 2023.

The document generated headlines for its remarks about candidates for the priesthood who struggle with same-sex attraction. It included a word-for-word reiteration of 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.

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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, the Vatican stated at the time.

However, the guidelines that took effect last week also included a passage asserting: 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 persons personality, so that, knowing himself and integrating the objectives of his human and priestly vocation, he reaches a general harmony.

The document also suggests that all candidates have the responsibility to welcome chastity as a gift, to freely choose it and live it responsibly in celibacy. While the latter part of the language in the guidelines gives the impression that individuals with same-sex attraction can become priests in Italy and that Catholic Church teaching on the matter has changed, one Italian bishop is maintaining that this is not the case.

In a statement to the Italian Episcopal Conferences newspaper Avvenire, Bishop Stefano Manetti of the Diocese of Fiesole described such a characterization as not a correct reading. Manetti stressed that the paragraph reiterates the norms of the magisterium from the beginning, referring to the Vatican teaching restated at the beginning of the relevant paragraph.

We intend to put the person first, he added. He summarized the goal of the new language in the document as helping candidates for the priesthood to gain clarity within themselves, seeking to provide an accompaniment to self-knowledge that is often lacking in the young generations and that does not exclude even the boys who arrive in the Seminaries.

Manetti defined the meaning of the language in the document as putting the person at the center beyond immediate categorizations to be able to accompany him in making truth about his sexual orientation.
Home News Pastor of worlds third largest Protestant church to attend Trumps inauguration

Among the flock of Evangelical leaders attending President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration in Washington, D.C., next Monday will be the leader of what purports to be the world's third-largest Protestant church, Rev. William F. Kumuyi.

Kumuyi, 83, is a former university math professor, general superintendent and founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. His non-denominational church, founded in 1973, has thousands of branches in 120 countries, including the United States, and welcomes about 120,000 people for worship services each week.

He has also hosted monthly evangelistic crusades that have reached more than 6 million people and some 730,000 made faith commitments, according to the church.

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In a statement released to The Christian Post, Kumuyi had high praise for Trump's general support and commitment to international religious freedom.

"President Trump's stand for the gospel is not without recognition, not just by American Christians, but all Christians globally," Pastor Kumuyi said. "During his first term in office, President Trump hosted the first ever meeting of foreign ministers focused solely on international religious freedom and, in his campaign, he promised to support Christian values and priorities."

Kumuyi, who recently urged American Christians to deepen their trust in God in an op-ed for CP, will meet with Congress members and American church leaders during his visit to the U.S.

"This moment in history reminds us that faith transcends borders and unites believers worldwide," he said. "As we gather in Washington, D.C., the global church stands together in prayer and purpose, advocating for faith-based dialogue to shape policies that uphold religious liberty and foster the growth of Christianity worldwide."

American Christian leaders like Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan, are embracing Trump's second term with hope. Sewell was selected to be one of four religious leaders to deliver a benediction at the inauguration on Monday after welcoming Trump at his church last June for a roundtable while the former president was on the campaign trail.

"When I received the phone call [about the selection], I started crying. I cried because I feel like Jesus wants me to do something Monday. I don't believe this is about me. I think this is about people that are hurting in Detroit," Sewell told WXYZ Detroit.

The Detroit pastor said he wants to speak up for his community, which he believes has been overlooked for too long.

"It has nothing to do with Lorenzo. It has nothing to do with my church or my relationship with President Trump. It has everything to do with those who are voiceless. Now, they get a voice," he said.

"For me, I believe that the most important thing we can proclaim and believe Jesus to proclaim over our great country is Dr. King's dream."
A school bus driven by church volunteers empties half a dozen unhoused people they fed and warmed up during a Bible study back onto the street at Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas because there was nowhere else the church group knew to take them in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks Jimmye Smith and a friend of hers if theyd like to go to extra beds at the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Jesse Morin, 67, panhandles at I-69 and Weslayan Street on Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Morin said that he would go to a warming center if he could find one. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

Houstonians woke up to snow and ice Tuesday morning as temperatures remained around the upper 20s.

In preparation for another round of cold weather, Houston opened 10 warming centers Sunday night with some Harris County precincts and Fort Bend County officials also announcing designated warming centers.

LIVE UPDATES: Houston shuts down in the wake of snow and ice storm

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The warming centers will be open at the following locations in Houston:

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Acres Home Multi-Service Center at 6719 W. Montgomery Road

Northeast Multi-Service Center at 9720 Spaulding St.

Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr.

Moody Community Center at 3725 Fulton St.

Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center at 6402 Market St.

Fonde Community Center at 110 Sabine St.

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at 1475 W. Gray St.

Southwest Multi-Service Center at 6400 High Star Dr.

Magnolia Multi-Service Center at 7037 Capitol St.

Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 4410 Reed Road

The warming centers will be open 24/7 until mid-day Thursday, though the schedule is subject to change. Those heading to a warming center are allowed to bring their belongings, and each center will be staffed with health and public safety personnel, according to a news release from the Office of Emergency Management.

Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis announced also the following locations as warming centers between Monday to Tuesday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.:

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Tom Bass Community Center at 15108 Cullen Blvd

Finningan Community Center at 4900 Providence St.

Lincoln Park Community Center at 979 Grenshaw St.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced also the following locations as warming centers between Monday to Wednesday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.:

Bayland Community Center at 6400 Bissonnet St.

Burnett Bayland Community Center at 6026 Chimney Rock Road

Steve Radack Community Center at 18650 Clay Road

The YMCA of Greater Houston also announced using YMCA locations as warming centers starting Monday during operating hours. Visitors can use the lobby, charge their electronic devices, take classes, visit Child Watch, take a shower and more.

All facilities will close at 4 p.m. Monday and plans to reopen noon Wednesday.

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Amid the Houston area officials' announcements, Fort Bend County Judge KP George also announced an updated schedule for the warming centers on social media. These locations will be open until 6 p.m. Monday

Fulshear Branch Library at 6350 GM Library Road in Fulshear

George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Dr., in Richmond

Mission Bend Branch Library at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road in Houston

Missouri City Branch Library at 1530 Texas Pkwy., in Missouri City

Arcola City Hall at 13222 Hwy 6 in Arcola

Fort Bend County will also have an overnight warming center from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at Attack Poverty - Friends of North Rosenberg on 1908 Avenue E, Rosenberg.

Galveston County has the following warming centers open:

Our Daily Bread at 2420 Winnie St. in Galveston from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday

Salvation Army 601 51st St. in Galveston, open 24 hours

Art of Coffee Building at 401 Laurel St. in La Marque, open until Thursday

St. George Episcopal Church at 510 13th Ave N in Texas City, open 24 hours

Faith Assembly Church at 825 Grand Ave. in Bacliff, open 24 hours

Santa Fe High School cafeteria at 16000 Hwy 6 in Santa Fe, open 8 a.m.  5 p.m.

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Last weeks cold snap ended with at least one death of a man at a Metro bus stop. Mayor John Whitmire said this week the man had been offered help and refused it, and was likely experiencing mental health issues.

Obviously, we'll be challenged to work with those that refuse to come in out the weather. But (we have) such an excellent team, Whitmire said. We have to be diligent. We need to have fun on Sunday, but then we will immediately shift into the focus of the weather that we're going to have to deal with.

Houston operates with the most stringent warming center opening policy of all the major Texas metros. Most large cities across the state open their centers when the temperatures hover around freezing.

But in Houston, officials will only open warming centers if the temperature hits 24 degrees for two hours or more, or if theres a 15 degree windchill for two hours or more.

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Whitmire on Wednesday said officials worked around the policy to provide anyone who needed shelter a place to go, and made note that the rule was from the prior administration.

On Friday, Whitmire further clarified the city did not have any plans to change the policy.

We do not govern ourselves by what other people have done  were way ahead of previous practice, Whitmire said, adding that the city wasnt governed by rules that were very arbitrary.

The mayor said any three council members can propose a change under Proposition A.

Former Mayor and now-U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner told the Houston Chronicle on Friday evening that the warming center threshold policy was never something his administration stuck to stringently. He said the city always opened warming centers when the temperature dipped too low.

"For over 1 year Mayor Whitmire has criticized others for his failure to manage the City," Turner wrote in a subsequent post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Blaming others for what he failed to do like opening shelters when it was freezing cold is not good leadership."

Former Fire Chief Sam Pena said the decision to open warming centers while he was a part of Turner's administration was often made on the fly and that officials weren't bound by any restrictions.
Home News TikTok users flock to alternative Chinese app as Supreme Court considers ban

Thousands of TikTok users have flocked to another Chinese social media application, RedNote, as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case that could ban the platform in the United States over national security concerns.

Over 50,000 American and Chinese users joined a live chat on RedNote titled TikTok refugees, Reuters reported earlier this week. In only a matter of days, over 700,000 users had joined the platform, a source close to the company told the wire service.

As of Wednesday, the hashtag TikTok refugee reached over 250 million views and over 5.5 million comments, according to CNN.

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The platform RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, was at the top of U.S. download rankings this week as social media users in the U.S. appear to be searching for an alternative app to TikTok.

Founded in 2013, the social media platform Xiaohongshu, which means Little Red Book, has expanded in popularity, particularly in the U.S. The research firm Qian Gua, cited by CNN, reports that Xiaohongshu has 300 million users, making it one of Chinas most popular social media apps.

According to estimates from app data research firm Sensor Tower, which Reuters cited in its report, U.S. downloads of RedNote were up more than 200% year-over-year this week. The downloads also went up 194% from the week prior.

The platforms surge in growth comes ahead of the Supreme Court decision on whether to uphold a law requiring TikToks parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app to a U.S. company or shut down operations in the country by Jan. 19.

While the bill received bipartisan support, with President Joe Biden signing it into law last April, TikTok and a group of its users challenged it, claiming the law violated their First Amendment rights.

As Axios reported on Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments about the law on Jan. 10, with the outlet noting that the justices appeared inclined to uphold the law. Several justices noted during oral arguments that TikTok could continue operating if it used an algorithm that ByteDance did not create.

"The law doesn't say TikTok has to shut down. It says ByteDance has to divest," Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, said during oral arguments.

TikTok has raised alarms for lawmakers like Former Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, who led the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and has argued that the Chinese government could use the platform to collect user data or push propaganda.

TikTok essentially argued today that a qualified divestment is impossible because the source code and engineering remain in China, Gallagher said in a statement last week about the case involving the social media platform.

That pretty much proves the point: as long as TikTok and ByteDance are beholden to the CCP, the national security threat is too big to ignore, he added.

TikTok did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

As sources familiar with the matter told Reuters this week, TikTok plans to shut down operations of the social media platform in the U.S. The sources say that the company plans to allow users to take records of their personal information by downloading all of their data.

The outlet reported that if TikTok is banned, then users will receive a pop-up that directs them to another site with information about the ban.

Regarding the Jan. 19 deadline, Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., sought an extension, arguing that the online communities TikTok users have created cannot be replicated on another app. Markey conceded that TikTok has problems but expressed concern that a ban would negatively impact Americans who rely on the application for social connections and their economic livelihood.

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., blocked the attempt at extending the deadline, reasoning that lawmakers only required that China no longer control the platform. He also asserted that TikToks owners had time to find a buyer but opted to lobby and take legal action instead.

So, the end is coming for Chinese Communist-controlled TikTok. Perhaps a sale can be closed by Sunday, though I seriously doubt it, Cotton stated.

Even so, that sale would have to pass legal review and guarantee that China retains no residual influence at the company or through its algorithm. No residual influence whatsoever. But one way or the other, Communist China will no longer exert this massive influence over our nation and our kids, the Republican lawmaker added.
(Photo: Getty/iStock)

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on ethical questions around war and collateral damage.

Rabbi Shlomo Brody's new book, Ethics of our Fighters, was finished in October 2023, just before the onset of the October 7 Iranian war by proxy against Israel. Two of Rabbi Brody's children subsequently participated as soldiers for the survival of Israel and many more of us also have friends and family involved in this war.

As there is now news of a ceasefire, together with more sleight of hand by Hamas in Gaza, it is perhaps a good time to ponder the findings of this book, based on Bible, rabbinic and philosophy of war experts of all traditions.

In July of 2024 I was in Israel for the birth of my daughter's baby under traumatic conditions. She became pregnant as war started and subsequently moved from the rocket-ridden north to Jerusalem, where she gave birth at the Hadassah Hospital.

Despite no flights from Manchester and abuse of Jewish passengers at UK airports, I completed the harrowing journey and arrived to find daughter, husband, two dogs (one not theirs) and a new granddaughter in a temporary apartment covered in boxes that were being packed up for the normal tenant who was moving elsewhere. I was given the bunker/safe room to sleep in. Plus the temperature was over 100 F every day, which was a heatwave even for Israel in summer.

How to cope? I went swimming first thing every morning and there I encountered fellow swimming addict, Dena Brody. At the end of my stay Dena invited me to hear her son speak on end of life issues at a local synagogue. This was when news broke of the atrocities in Southport where I'd lived as a child.

Surreal or what? But this July talk is the key to understanding Israel's attitude to war, a question which has engaged the Jewish people from time immemorial, given the enmity with which they've always been treated both in Israel and in diaspora.

But how is a talk on end of life issues relevant to the ethics of Israel's fighters, actually a citizens' army in which enlistment at 18 is compulsory?

Rabbi Brody explains in detail on page 287 of his book. He advocates the same incremental approach to fighting as he does to palliative care. Classic post-war theory, he writes, utilized "the doctrine of double effect" (DDE). DDE comprises three parts: Intent, Precautionary Measures and Proportionality".

He explains:

"Intent is defined as follows: a) the military act is intended as an act of self-defense b) The collateral damage is not intended c) The collateral damage is not a means to the end of the act, i.e., one does not intend for the collateral damage to serve as a deterrent or provide some other benefit.

Precautionary Measures Efforts are made to avoid or minimize collateral damage.

Proportionality The collateral damage is proportionate to the importance of the mission. Therefore, proper intent is crucial.

"For, example, most ethicists, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, permit administering morphine to alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients. We brand such treatment as 'end-of-life palliative care'.

"Occasionally, the overall effect of the narcotics might hasten the patient's end; but each dose, gradually administered, is intended to alleviate pain and will not necessarily shorten the patient's life.

"Purposively delivering a more toxic dose, however, is active euthanasia. That line between care and killing is quite thin in practice; as some researchers have noted, there's a 'gray area' between pain relief and mercy killing."

To me this is the most significant passage in the book. As we know, Canada is currently promoting active euthanasia, sometimes in dedicated hospitals. The UK is sidelining discussion of this matter from the 'religious' point of view and Parliament has managed to get through the first leg of the euthanasia bill by suppressing relevant expertise. Incidentally, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and I have recently written a joint article on this subject for Christian Today.

However, the same arguments against euthanasia and in favour of increased palliative care can also be made for Israel's ongoing asymmetric war against Iran and her proxies. These proxies both surround the Jewish State and are embedded within it.

Most Western pundits on these questions are hostile towards Israel through 2,000 years of anti-Jewish indoctrination, now also embedded in our largely post-Christian societies, where support for Islamism is also predominant.

Another relevant factor is that the rescuing of hostages in whatever circumstances is an important tenet of Judaism. Abduction, kidnapping and the taking of Jewish hostages has never ceased throughout Jewish history, accelerated in Christian Europe and even post-Holocaust when priests and others refused to hand back Jewish babies and children temporarily handed over to the care of the Church by frantic parents often doomed to be slaughtered by the Nazis and their willing allies in Europe.

A third important element which we are now experiencing in the UK with the election of a Labour Party led by a lawyer is that the concept of 'human rights' has come to dominate every sphere, to the detriment of ordinary individuals. This particular mantra has been aimed especially at Israel and the citizens' army which make up her fighters by a number of 'sclerotic' organizations, to use the adjective preferred by the late Jonathan Sacks when he was Chief Rabbi here. These include the UN, the ICC and the BBC. Rabbi Brody demonstrates convincingly that human rights do not override the defence and protection of one's citizens, army and nation. And asymmetric warfare has only exacerbated the situation.

In Genesis 33 the biblical Jacob employs three key strategies in case of warfare with Esau who hates him. These strategies comprise 'divide and rule on two fronts' and offering gifts. If these two preliminary actions don't work, the only solution is war.

In 2005, Israel's war-seasoned assertive Prime Minister, General Ariel Sharon, completely surrendered Gaza to the Palestinians, even though it was part of Israel. Many Gazan Jews were left homeless. Successive Israeli governments also allowed money to be sent to Hamas via Qatar and Western agencies. What is more, Israelis living in the kibbutz border towns offered the hand of friendship to these Gazans, with jobs, lifts to hospitals and educational opportunities.

It is these idealistic left-wing Israeli citizens (those who believed in loving your enemy unconditionally, as well as espousing human rights) who were obscenely massacred by the very Gazans they had so willingly befriended and assisted for thirty years or more. The mass murder of Jewish civilians in their beds had been in the offing for a very long time by people they regarded as friends and neighbours.

Has Israel behaved with restraint? I should say so. Israeli citizen fighters are a fine example to the world, of which a usually very quiet member of our dialogue group stated during our last meeting: 'The antisemitism which was previously latent is now so obviously patent.'

Maybe it is now also time for the incremental palliative care approach to be utilized in our own work against antisemitism which has been flowering for at least 40 years in the woke West. Not for nothing is 1984 a seminal year in the Western psyche.

But now we have this marvellous book with its insights from Bible experts, rabbinic commentaries, Israeli leaders, war experts and even Catholic Elizabeth Anscombe, who was professor of philosophy at Cambridge when I studied the subject there and actually at my own college.

For in her paper, 'War and Blood', Anscombe took pacifists to task for failing to differentiate between killing in cold blood, which is totally unjustified, and killing as collateral damage, which is often necessary, not to be shirked, and the main premise of the book under review.

It is obvious which side in this present war against the Jewish people has been killing in cold blood, and which side has had no option but to rescue their hostages embedded among a people who simply want to destroy them in the most hideous of ways.

Maybe the world will one day wake up and smell the coffee.
Elianne Andam (Photo: Met Police)

A teenage boy has been found guilty of murdering a Christian schoolgirl in a horrific knife attack in Croydon, south London.

Hassan Sentamu was 17 at the time of the attack on 15-year-old Elianne Andam outside a shopping centre on 27 September 2023.

Andam was attacked after she stood up for her friend, who was Sentamu's ex-girlfriend. The two girls had arranged to meet Sentamu to exchange items belonging to his ex-girlfriend.

The court heard how Sentamu had felt "disrespected" by the girls following an incident the day before when they had thrown water at him.

During the exchange outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre in central Croydon, Sentamu flew into an "explosive rage of savage violence". The court heard that Sentamu chased Elianne down and stabbed her multiple times in a "frenzied" attack that was captured on CCTV. He was arrested 90 minutes later as he stepped off a bus "after calmly making his way back home", the Metropolitan Police said.

Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC said: "He was angry on 27 September, having brooded on the insult and he took the knife to the scene to reassert dominance.

"He exacted vengeance on a young girl clearly running away from him and posing no threat."

Sentamu admitted manslaughter but denied murder on the basis of "loss of control" because he has autism. He was found guilty of her murder by a majority verdict of 10 to two.

Elianne was a committed Christian and member of New Life Christian Centre in Croydon. At the time of her death, her heartbroken family had described her as "God-fearing woman", and the rapper Stormzy had performed at her funeral.

Speaking after the verdict against Sentamu was delivered on Thursday, they said, "Her death has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.

"This trial has been our fight for justice, forcing us to confront the devastating details of Elianne's final moments, details that will remain with us forever. While today's verdict acknowledges the full extent of his actions, it cannot bring Elianne back to us. The verdict today is the first step toward justice for Elianne, but also a message that violence and knife crime, especially toward young women, will not go unanswered.

"Today, we choose not to dwell on the pain of the trial but instead to honour Elianne's memory. She was a bright, kind, and loving soul who embraced life, her faith, and her belief in standing up for what was right. We think about her every moment of every day, cherishing her love and the joy she brought to everyone around her."

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford, who led the investigation, said: "Elianne's family and friends have waited a long time for this day. Nothing will ease the immeasurable pain they continue to live with, but I know they will be immensely relieved by this outcome.

"Since Elianne was taken from them in the most incomprehensible way, they have been driven by a motivation to see her killer brought to justice.

"Their journey to get to this point has understandably been a very difficult one to navigate and I would like to pay testament to their dignity, determination and composure."
Moldova pentru Educatie: Liceul Teoretic O. Ghibu din Orhei va avea unul dintre cele mai moderne blocuri alimentare din tara
The German Development Cooperation through GIZ is announcing a tender for the procurement of 2 motor vehicles as specified in the Technical Specifications for the Mobile Teams of the Day Care Centre (DCC) Ungheni and NGO Association for Health and Sports (Tiraspol) within the Project: Supporting Moldovan communities in hosting Ukrainian refugees.

To request the technical specifications and for clarifications regarding the tender, contact the e-mail address tenders-giz-moldova@giz.de, not later than 30.01.2025

Interested bidders are required to submit the following set of documents:

All documents shall be submitted in a sealed envelope, showing the tender name and number (91185891) on it.

The applications shall be delivered to the address of GIZ Office Chisinau. (MD-2001 Chisinau 73/1 Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Bvd., NBC - National Business Center, 9th floor) not later 04.02.2025, time 15:00.

Applications submitted after the deadline, or inappropriately sealed, as well as incomplete offers will not be considered.

Alte articole de la acest autor:
National Consultant  Gender expert on Chapter 19: Social Protection and Employment EU Gender Equality Acquis (Local post for Residents of the Republic of Moldova)

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Job Info

Job Identification: 23512

Posting Date: 01/17/2025, 03:37 PM

Apply Before: 01/31/2025, 03:37 PM

Job Schedule: Part time

Location: Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Vacancy Type: Individual Consultancy

Initial Contract Duration: 60 working days (between February - December 2025)

Education & Work Experience: Master's Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 4 year(s) experience

Required Languages: Fluency in Romanian and English

Desired Languages: Knowledge of Russian

Vacancy Category: Consultancies

Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks

Job Description

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Placing womens rights at the center of all its efforts, the UN Women leads and coordinates the United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The work of UN Women in Moldova is guided by its Country Strategic Note 2023-2027, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Moldova (2023-2027), UN Women Global Strategic Plan, National Programs and Strategies and aims to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Strategic Note focuses on four main areas: 1) Ending Violence against Women; 2) Womens Leadership and Governance; 3) Womens Economic empowerment and 4) Humanitarian and Peace development nexus and UN Coordination on GE.

Advancing womens leadership in decision making and strengthening gender responsive governance is at the cornerstone of all efforts in closing gender equality gaps across all areas. The Government of the Republic of Moldova approved the National Development Programme 2030 and the specific Programme for advancing Gender Equality where implementation of targets aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (focusing on gender equality) and related SDGs with specific gender requirements, such as SDG 4, 8, 11, 16. As of 2022, Moldova became candidate country to the European Union and opened negotiations as of December 2023, which will imply alignment of national legislation and implementation of the so-called EU Aquis for the country to become a full member of the European Union. While there is no separate EU chapter for gender equality, there are a body of EU laws, rules, resolutions, regulations, directives and treaties pertaining to gender equality which are integrated into all Chapters.

Based on the Government of Moldova request and considering the close interlinkages between the EU Acquis and the 2030 Agenda, UN Women shall provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in alignment of the EU body of laws pertaining to gender equality in the frame of Chapter 19 on Social Policy and Employment.

In December 2023, UN Women started a project Women Increased Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies funded by Denmark, with interventions in Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and ECA Regional Office. The project contains a regional component aiming to support the newly nominated EU candidate countries with the initial phase of EU accession negotiations and alignment with EU gender equality Acquis. While in Moldova the project focuses on three thematic areas, such as Ending Violence against Women (EVAW), Womens leadership and Women, Peace and Security Agenda, contributing to the implementation of three Outcomes of the UN Women Strategic Note 2023-2027 (SN). Under the thematic area Womens Leadership and Gender Responsive Governance the second Outcome of the SN By 2027, a more accountable, and transparent, human rights-based, and gender-responsive governance empower all people of Moldova to participate in and to contribute to development processes, UN Women Moldova will provide technical assistance to central government authorities in analyzing, and developing of gender responsive laws and policies to advance gender equality, in line with EU Gender Acquis and the global normative framework. As a first step in this direction is to support the MLSP to align national legislation and policies on social protection and employment with the body of EU laws, regulations and directives that require full integration of the gender equality perspective. The EU acquis in the social field sets minimum standards in areas such as labour law, equal opportunities, occupational health and safety, and anti-discrimination. It ensures that EU citizens from one Member State have the right to work in another Member State under the same conditions as national workers, including equal treatment regarding working conditions, social benefits, and tax advantages. Member States also participate in EU-level social dialogue and policy processes related to employment, social inclusion, and social protection. The European Social Fund is a key financial instrument supporting the EUs employment strategy and social inclusion efforts, while implementation rules are addressed under Chapter 22 on structural instruments. The EU's main goals in this area include improving social protection systems, raising the educational levels of the workforce, achieving higher employment rates with a focus on underrepresented groups, ensuring safe and fair working conditions, and promoting social inclusion. Under Article 153 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU supports and complements the social policy efforts of its Member States.

In this context, UN Women is looking to contract one or more consultants that will provide gender expertise and technical support to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in aligning national legislation and policies with the EU gender equality acquis under Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment). The Consultant should perform the tasks in close cooperation and coordination with national legal expert, under the overall guidance of the international gender expert, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and under supervision of UN Women CO Moldova.

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks, including but not limited to:

Phase 1:

Support for Bilateral Screening.

Assist the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in preparing for the bilateral screening process by:

Drafting a background paper with identified GE requirements under Chapter 19 in EU body of law , rules, resolutions, declarations, regulations, directives and treaties on gender equality.

rules, resolutions, declarations, regulations, directives and treaties on gender equality. Conducting, jointly with a national legal expert, a comprehensive analysis of the alignment requirements/gaps of national legislation with the EU gender equality acquis under Chapter 19.

Positioning Paper Preparation

Based on the background paper, provide recommendations on how Moldova will address gender equality issues and transpose the gender equality acquis relevant to Chapter 19, ensuring alignment with EU directives and addressing identified gender gaps. This includes ensuring compliance with EU directives, addressing identified gender gaps, and working in cooperation with a national legal expert to develop actionable solutions.

Phase 2:

Technical Support and Inputs for Acquis Transposition

Provide recommendations and support a participatory and gender-responsive legal and policy development process. This includes integrating gender data, consultations with stakeholders, and conducting public discussions to ensure inclusive and evidence-based decision-making in alignment with EU directives and good governance principles.

The above-mentioned tasks are indicative and subject to further detailing through specific service requests to be made by UN Women Moldova CO during the contract duration; other tasks and duties may be revised/added while liaising with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection leadership, if required.

Payment Details

Full payment for the services performed by the Consultant under the conditions of the Contract, per day worked, UN Women shall pay the Consultant upon certification by UN Women that the services have been satisfactorily performed. The number of days worked is to be determined solely by UN Women. The Consultant agrees and acknowledge that acceptance of the Contract does not guarantee any minimum fee to be paid to the Consultant.

The fee may be payable in installments upon certification of satisfactory performance.

Consultants Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy.

As part of this assignment, no travels are envisaged. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UN Women and the National Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Competencies :

Core Values:

Integrity;

Professionalism;

Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;

Accountability;

Creative Problem Solving;

Effective Communication;

Inclusive Collaboration;

Stakeholder Engagement;

Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Womens Values and Competencies Framework:

Functional Competencies:

Excellent analytical skills with strong drive for results and capacity to work independently.

Strong organizational and coordination skills to effectively manage the student group and ensure their participation in events.

Demonstrates solid data analysis, research and reporting skills, including curriculum development

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Requirements Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

Masters degree or equivalent in social sciences, law, economics, humanities, or a related field relevant to gender equality and social policy is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least 2 years of research or practical experience in gender mainstreaming and gender equality, preferably in the field of social policy, work and employment is required.

Experience in writing research papers, articles, books or other relevant publications in conducting research on gender equality, womens rights is an asset (a list with links or samples to be attached).

Demonstrated experience in working with international human rights standards and frameworks, with a focus on gender equality is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in Romanian and English is required.

Knowledge of Russian is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SUBMISSION PACKAGE

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their online applications by January 31, 2025 through the following link: National Consultant  Gender expert on Chapter 19: Social Protection and Employment EU Gender Equality Acquis (Local post for Residents of the Republic of Moldova) - UN Women Careers . Applications should include the following documents:

Duly filled UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc . Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

A cover letter to include a brief overview about which of the relevant previous experiences that makes the candidate the most suitable for the advertised position.

The list with links or samples of research papers, articles and other relevant publications .

. Where the candidate has relevant experience, attach the list of with links or samples of research papers on gender equality, women's rights, or related topics.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Womens policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
National Consultant  legal expert on Chapter 19: Social Protection and Employment EU Gender Equality Acquis (Local post for Residents of the Republic of Moldova)

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Job Info

Job Identification: 23513

Posting Date: 01/17/2025, 03:38 PM

Apply Before: 01/31/2025, 03:38 PM

Job Schedule: Part time

Location: Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Vacancy Type: Individual Consultancy

Initial Contract Duration: 60 working days (within period of February  December 2025)

Education & Work Experience: Master's Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 4 year(s) experience

Required Languages: Fluency in Romanian and English

Desired Languages: Knowledge of Russian

Vacancy Category: Consultancies

Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks

Job Description

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Placing womens rights at the center of all its efforts, the UN Women leads and coordinates the United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The work of UN Women in Moldova is guided by its Country Strategic Note 2023-2027, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Moldova (2023-2027), UN Women Global Strategic Plan, National Programs and Strategies and aims to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Strategic Note focuses on four main areas: 1) Ending Violence against Women; 2) Womens Leadership and Governance; 3) Womens Economic empowerment and 4) Humanitarian and Peace development nexus and UN Coordination on GE.

Advancing womens leadership in decision making and strengthening gender responsive governance is at the cornerstone of all efforts in closing gender equality gaps across all areas. The Government of the Republic of Moldova approved the National Development Programme 2030 and the specific Programme for advancing Gender Equality where implementation of targets aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (focusing on gender equality) and related SDGs with specific gender requirements, such as SDG 4, 8, 11, 16. As of 2022, Moldova became candidate country to the European Union and opened negotiations as of December 2023, which will imply alignment of national legislation and implementation of the so-called EU Aquis for the country to become a full member of the European Union. While there is no separate EU chapter for gender equality, there are a body of EU laws, rules, resolutions, regulations, directives and treaties pertaining to gender equality which are integrated into all Chapters.

Based on the Government of Moldova request and considering the close interlinkages between the EU Acquis and the 2030 Agenda, UN Women shall provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in alignment of the EU body of laws pertaining to gender equality in the frame of Chapter 19 on Social Policy and Employment.

In December 2023, UN Women started a project Women Increased Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies funded by Denmark, with interventions in Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and ECA Regional Office. The project contains a regional component aiming to support the newly nominated EU candidate countries with the initial phase of EU accession negotiations and alignment with EU gender equaltiy Acquis. While in Moldova, the project focuses on three thematic areas, such as Ending Violence against Women (EVAW), Womens leadership and Women, Peace and Security Agenda, contributing to the implementation of three Outcomes of the UN Women Strategic Note 2023-2027 (SN). Under the thematic area Womens Leadership and Gender Responsive Govenrance the second Outcome of the SN By 2027, a more accountable, and transparent, human rights-based, and gender-responsive governance empower all people of Moldova to participate in and to contribute to development processes, UN Women Moldova will provide technical assistance to central government authorities in analyzing, and developing of gender responsive laws and policies to advance gender equality, in line with EU Gender Acquis and the global normative framework. As a first step in this direction is to support the MLSP to align national legislation and policies on social protection and employment with the body of EU laws, regulations and directives that require full integration of the gender equality perspective. The EU acquis in the social field sets minimum standards in areas such as labour law, equal opportunities, occupational health and safety, and anti-discrimination. It ensures that EU citizens from one Member State have the right to work in another Member State under the same conditions as national workers, including equal treatment regarding working conditions, social benefits, and tax advantages. Member States also participate in EU-level social dialogue and policy processes related to employment, social inclusion, and social protection. The European Social Fund is a key financial instrument supporting the EUs employment strategy and social inclusion efforts, while implementation rules are addressed under Chapter 22 on structural instruments. The EU's main goals in this area include improving social protection systems, raising the educational levels of the workforce, achieving higher employment rates with a focus on underrepresented groups, ensuring safe and fair working conditions, and promoting social inclusion.

In this context, UN Women is looking to contract one or more consultants that will provide legal expertise and technical support to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in aligning national legislation and policies with the EU gender equality acquis under Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment). The Consultant should perform the tasks in close cooperation and coordination with national gender equality expert, under the overall guidance of the international gender expert, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and under supervision of UN Women CO Moldova.

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks, including but not limited to:

Phase 1:

Support for Bilateral Screening

Assist the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in preparing for the bilateral screening process by:

Drafting, jointly with a national gender equality expert, a background paper with identified GE requirements under Chapter 19 in EU body of law , rules, resolutions, declarations, regulations, directives and treaties on gender equality.

rules, resolutions, declarations, regulations, directives and treaties on gender equality. Conducting, in cooperation with a national gender equality expert, a comprehensive analysis of the alignment requirements/gaps of national legislation with the EU gender equality acquis under Chapter 19.

Positioning Paper Preparation

Provide detailed recommendations for aligning policies, laws, and procedures with EU standards in cooperation with the national gender expert.

Provide inputs to documents prepared by the Ministry as part of the process, as needed.

Phase 2:

Technical Support for Acquis Transposition

Provide technical support for the transposition of the EU gender equality acquis into national legislation.

Propose amendments to ensure compliance with EU directives on gender equality, non-discrimination, and social policy.

Provide recommendations and support a participatory and gender-responsive legal and policy development process in cooperation with national gender expert.

The above-mentioned tasks are indicative and subject to further detailing through specific service requests to be made by UN Women Moldova CO during the contract duration; other tasks and duties may be revised/added while liaising with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, if required.

Payment Details

Full payment for the services performed by the Consultant under the conditions of the Contract, per day worked, UN Women shall pay the Consultant upon certification by UN Women that the services have been satisfactorily performed. The number of days worked is to be determined solely by UN Women. The Consultant agrees and acknowledge that acceptance of the Contract does not guarantee any minimum fee to be paid to the Consultant.

The fee may be payable in installments upon certification of satisfactory performance.

Consultants Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy.

As part of this assignment, no travels are envisaged. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UN Women and the National Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Competencies :

Core Values:

Integrity;

Professionalism;

Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;

Accountability;

Creative Problem Solving;

Effective Communication;

Inclusive Collaboration;

Stakeholder Engagement;

Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Womens Values and Competencies Framework:

Functional Competencies:

Excellent analytical skills with strong drive for results and capacity to work independently.

Strong organizational and coordination skills to effectively manage the tasks among multiple partners and communicate effectively with the staff from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (namely departments for gender equality, labor and social protection)

Demonstrates solid data analysis, research and reporting skills, including curriculum development

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

Masters degree or equivalent in social sciences, law, economics, humanities, or a related field relevant to gender equality and social policy is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least 2 years of experience in analytical work around labor legislation and/or gender equality, or around Moldovan legal framework vis-a-vis global normative framework is required.

Experience in writing research papers, articles, books or other relevant publications in legal journals is an asset (a list with links or samples to be attached).

Demonstrated experience in working with international human rights standards and frameworks, with a focus on labor and gender equality is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in Romanian and English is required.

Knowledge of Russian is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SUBMISSION PACKAGE

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their online applications by January 31, 2025 through the following link: National Consultant  legal expert on Chapter 19: Social Protection and Employment EU Gender Equality Acquis (Local post for Residents of the Republic of Moldova) - UN Women Careers . Applications should include the following documents:

Duly filled UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc . Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

A cover letter to include a brief overview about which of the relevant previous experiences that makes the candidate the most suitable for the advertised position.

The list with links or samples of research papers, articles and other relevant publications.

Where the candidate has relevant experience, attach the list of with links or samples of research papers on gender equality, women's rights, or related topics.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Womens policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
TikTok is close to being banned in the United States, and users have found a solution to it to flock to an alternative app that offers an almost similar experience to another Chinese social media app, RedNote or Xiaohongshu. However, reports revealed that the app is not as welcoming as its massive rival all these years ago, as RedNote has a problem with "TikTok refugees" and wants to separate them from Chinese users.

If it were not for the US government and its TikTok ban, RedNote would not be as globally popular as it is now. However, the platform allegedly does not care about that and still wants to separate US users and foreigners from locals.

RedNote Segregates US Users, TikTok Refugees From Chinese

A new post on the r/TikTokCringe subreddit (via ArsTechnica) argued that Americans ruined the new rising star in the social media world, RedNote, for Chinese Americans who rely on the app for the latest developments from mainland China. The user posted a video explaining how the surge of new users is not exactly a good thing for RedNote as newcomers are disrupting the platform's previous environment.

It was revealed that RedNote has been the haven for Chinese Americans and other users from China who are now based in other countries to stay updated on the news and culture of the mainland.

However, because of TikTok's ban, the influx of new users is already wreaking havoc on the Chinese experience, with the Redditor regarding that RedNote already released an update in the Greater China region that separates foreign IPs, mostly US users or TikTok refugees, from those in the East Asian country.

The Massive Growth of RedNote Because of TikTok Ban

Despite the massive growth RedNote faced because of the United States ban against TikTok, the platform may not be appreciating the surge of users joining it as the alternative to shutting down the app. It is important to note that RedNote gained global fame because of this looming TikTok ban as users searched for the next Chinese social media, which provides a similar experience.

TikTok is Facing a Ban That Will Take Effect This Weekend

There is no denying that TikTok is on its last legs, with the United States and its Foreign Adversary law breathing down on ByteDance's neck as it is set to ban the social media this Sunday, January 19. The social media platform worked on hindering the US from effecting its ban by filing its lawsuits and other bids to delay it until Donald J. Trump is inaugurated but to no avail.

It is known that the United States gave TikTok six months to divest ByteDance and become an independent entity in its operations in the country. Still, the platform refused to part ways with its parent company. Before TikTok wanted to fight against the United States by evoking the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which talks about freedom of speech, but they failed to defend their case when given a chance in court.

Now, the United States and TikTok are only counting the days until the law's deadline. However, there are still options for the platform, with one reverting to the mandate of divesting ByteDance and the other is the Biden administration's decision to delay it until Trump is seated. However, many have already flocked to RedNote and called themselves TikTok refugees. Still, these users are set to be separated from the Chinese users to preserve the culture that was already established on the mainland.
This year, January 27 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. America House Chisinau invites youth aged 14+ to submit posters, collages, drawings and other forms of art dedicated to the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.

To participate in the art contest and virtual exhibition, please create a drawing/collage/poster etc. on the theme of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, scan it or take a quality photo of it and send it to the email address americahousemd@gmail.com no later than January 27!

In the email, please write the participant's first and last name, age, school/college, and city/village. In the subject line write "Holocaust Art Contest " and a short description of each submitted design (no more than 100 words/each) in English, Romanian or Russian, explaining the story behind the poster.

The posters will be published as they are received on the America House Chisinau Facebook page as part of a virtual exhibition accessible to the general public.

Three winners will be designated on January 31, and awarded certificates and prizes!

The purpose of the exhibition is to create empathy with the victims of the Holocaust, strengthen the importance of remembering survivors, victims, rescuers, and deliverers, and raise awareness of the dangers of radical and extremist movements, totalitarian regimes, antisemitism, xenophobia, and other manifestations of hatred.

Let us know if you want to participate: https://forms.gle/fKt7kt3qqsrD4EDw6





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The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into an Islamic charity after allegations of possible links to extremists and terror organisations in Iran were reported this week.

A joint investigation by the Times and advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) this week alleged that Labaik Ya Zahra (LYZ) has given a platform to extremists who have ties with US and UK-sanctioned organisations at the charitys events.

The UK-registered charity, which promotes the Islamic faith and womens rights through educational workshops, held its 20th annual conference in Iran last year.

According to the joint investigation, the charity partnered with organisations that are sanctioned by the US and the UK, one of which being the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, the head of which has been sanctioned by the UK since 2020.

It alleged that Iranian government officials, who are affiliated with the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and sanctioned in the UK, were also invited to speak at the charitys event.

But a trustee of LYZ denied that the event hosted extremists linked to terror organisations, the Times reported.

Regulator takes extremism links very seriously

A commission spokesperson told Civil Society: We take any concern about possible links between a charity and extremism or terrorism very seriously, and will respond robustly to evidence of wrongdoing including making referrals to other agencies where appropriate.

Such links are abhorrent not only because of the potential misuse of charitable funds for malign purposes, but because they are corrosive to the trust on which the charitable sector thrives.

In light of the recent concerns raised about Labaik Ya Zahra, we have immediately opened a compliance case and are engaging with the charitys trustees to investigate the allegations.

Civil Society has asked the charity, which operates in Birmingham, Bradford, Luton, Manchester, Newport, Northamptonshire and throughout London, to comment.

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At the end of January, Richard Kramer celebrates his birthday. This year, he will also mark the occasion by retiring as a charity chief executive after leading Sense for six and a half years.

Kramer has moved from London to Cornwall, where he will work two days a week as a non-executive director at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. He also plans to spend more time with his partner and dance with life together .

After a charity career spanning three decades, Kramer says he has learnt that leading a voluntary organisation is hard but that while leadership in the sector has evolved, fresh approaches need to be adopted more widely.

New ways of working

Kramer first volunteered as a schoolboy in the 1980s at Harperbury Hospital in Hertfordshire, a site built on the remains of World War 1 hangers that supported people with learning disabilities.

Reflecting on that role, he says: It really struck me how decisions were made on behalf of groups of people, rather than supporting people to make their own choices.

As a person with disabled family members, Kramer was also inspired to set up a youth club for disabled and non-disabled people in north London.

Despite his early experience of working with disabled people, Kramer initially trained as a solicitor before he fell back on working in the voluntary sector for what ended up being 25 years including stints at NCVO, Mencap and Turning Point.

Kramer joined Sense in 2013, initially as deputy CEO before being promoted to his current role in 2018.

During his tenure, Sense repositioned itself from specifically being a deafblindness charity to one that supports children and adults with complex disabilities more generally.

Kramer says the charity now has stronger brand awareness but wishes he could have invested more into building its profile as well as its data systems and technology.

Looking back on his time at Sense, Kramer says his biggest challenge was steering the disability charity through the Covid-19 pandemic and then the cost-of-living crisis, both of which have led to a shift in leadership.

It demanded new ways of working, new forms of innovation, being more flexible, adaptable and open and listening more.

And I think a good leader is one that has embraced that power shift in leadership that we see, and I hope Ive tried to role model that during my time at Sense, because the most important thing for me is to build an inclusive culture where people feel that they have a sense of belonging.

Were not very good at collaboration

However, Kramer says many charities and their leaders are failing to shift their approaches and collaborate as much as they should.

I think the sector is not very good at working with one another. Were not very good at collaboration. We like to talk about collaboration, and we might have a meeting with someone, and then, we say wonderful to speak hashtag collaboration, box is ticked. But that doesnt mean that.

Collaboration is working together. Its hard. It might involve giving up a share in your market or a percentage of a grant. Its about putting the interests of your organisation to one side in the common interest of the other organisations and the people you support, and its great when you get it right.

He gives an example of the Digital Services Consortium made up of 12 major charities including Sense, which recently secured funding to support 25,000 children, young people and families with equipment, data and an online services to improve peoples emotional wellbeing.

We did that as a coalition, as a collaboration, putting aside our own organisational territories, to share good practice of what works and come together to put a bid with multiple funding partners.

You see collaboration in the policy environment and campaigning, but you rarely see that in terms of service provision.

I think national charities particularly are much too competitive, and when the competitive gene kicks in, collaboration doesnt happen. And really, we need to rethink the way that we relate to each other as large charities, because some charities may excel in research, others in art and sport, some in programmes that tackle loneliness, we should be coming together.

This failure to collaborate includes disability charities, he says.

We compete with one another, and actually, the biggest barrier to tackling loneliness is often the territorial barriers that organisations and CEOs put in place to prevent organisations from working together and extending their reach to disabled people. So theres a lot more to be done.

Kramer says the change in approach must come from the top.

Unfortunately, too many CEOs are hardwired to be competitive and to work in silos. And we talk about collaboration, but shifting that is something we all need to work on, and it needs to be beyond a conversation. It involves action.

Sometimes it doesnt work and you will be disappointed. But actually, if you give it your best shot, you will reap dividends, and thats a change in culture that all CEOs need to embrace.

Lagging behind other sectors on EDI

Kramer is equally critical of charities progress on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), which he says lags behind the public and private sectors particularly when it comes to supporting staff.

I think organisations in the voluntary sector, are pretty lamentable around championing diverse and inclusive cultures, and were all very good at amplifying the voices of the people we support, but we dont with staff, and I think theres a number of reasons for that.

Diversity is a really good thing, but the voluntary sector is very solemn about it, when actually people from different backgrounds bring fresh ideas, a different approach  we can be far more creative and more innovative, but thats ignored.

Also, people think of EDI rather than inclusion. If we focus exclusively on EDI, we risk disengaging people, or we focus on tick box exercises, or we perpetuate that EDI is only for those who have protected characteristics, whilst inclusion and diversity is for everyone.

Three years ago, Kramer was widely praised for writing openly about his history of depression , which he did to encourage a wider discussion about mental health.

Referring to his own mental wellbeing, Kramer says: So many people wrestle with being different and not feeling a sense of belonging. No one is immune. So lets look at inclusion differently and lets not think its too difficult or I cant do it, or I dont know what to do after I set up an employee network.

Its about building inclusion in everything you do, in your culture, in your leadership, in your strategy. Its about not using the word EDI so much and talking about inclusive cultures, where everyone has a grasp in being in connection with their organisation. I think too many charities shy away from that.

Thats why the voluntary sector lags behind the private sector, and the public sector, both in terms of EDI in its narrow concept, and in building inclusive cultures. We should be at the forefront of it, because we talk about being person-centred and putting that cause at the front, and yet we neglect to include the staff that we represent, and we also dont focus enough on wellbeing.

Kramer is pleased with the progress Sense has made in this regard, creating an open, collaborative, supportive environment where staff look out for each other.

Handing over the reins

Despite the progress made, Kramer leaves Sense at a difficult time, with increasing costs on the horizon.

Sense estimates that the increase in employers national insurance contributions in April will mean its costs grow by up to 2.5m, with minimum wage rises set to add further financial pressure.

As charity bodies work with the government on the Civil Society Covenant , designed to reset the relationship between the state and the sector, Kramer says a change in commissioning is needed.

I think we really need to stop the protracted 12-month discussions with commissioners on negotiating fee increases.

Commissioners should be able to increase fees based on increases in the national minimum wage, and do that in a timely way, so that the relationships between commissioners and the charity sector is of equal partners, thinking about the quality of the service provision, rather than how much are commissioners prepared to pay.

Kramer has begun the handover process with his successor James Watson-ONeill, who is due to join from deaf health charity SignHealth on 4 February.

Watson-ONeill is set to be the first disabled CEO of Sense, which was registered in 1961 by two mothers  Margaret Brock and Peggy Freeman  of children who were born deafblind.

One of the key things about why Jamess appointment is so good is that innovation and development should remain part of every organisation, but never at the expense of neglecting the heartbeat, the cause of your organisation.

And that means recognising that what worked 70 years ago is relevant today and why Sense has this intrinsic strength is because it was founded more than 70 years ago from a conversation between two mums who were isolated and worried about their children, and our unifying thread is supporting people to overcome barriers and to live their best lives possible. James gets that completely and thats an important strength to have.

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The last time an administration declared war against the press was when Richard M. Nixon was president. The press won that war because it fought like tigers. Will it do it again this time against President-elect Donald J. Trump?

The phrase fighting like tigers comes from a speech that Judge Harold R. Medina of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit gave in 1975 at a meeting in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria that I organized. That was some time ago, but history has a way of repeating itself.

It was an easy sell to those lawyers then. In a short period of time, the New York Times had won landmark cases on libel and prior restraint and carved out a reporters privilege of sorts. Now Trump has indicated a desire to overturn some or all of these cases. Does the will to resist exist?

A recent settlement by ABC News and its parent, the Walt Disney Company, in a libel case brought by Trump in the amount of a $15 million donation to Trumps presidential library, plus an additional $1 million for legal expenses, would seem to suggest the contrary. Admittedly it is very difficult for an outsider to be critical of a settlement of a libel case because an outsider can never know precisely what motivated the settlement. But an educated guess is that ABC News folded.

In that case, George Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump had been found liable for rape during an on-air segment of his show The Week, relying in part on a Washington Post story about the civil libel suit against Trump brought by E. Jean Carroll. In fact, the newspaper reported that Trump was found to have penetrated her digitally rather than to have committed the crime of rape as defined under New York law, which requires vaginal penetration. And so Trump, in the common-law (old-fashioned) sense of libel, was defamed because Stephanopoulos did not speak precisely.

But the definition of libel as applied to public officials changed sixty years ago, when the Supreme Court took up the 1964 case of New York Times v. Sullivan. Public officials now had to prove that the defendant knew the statement in question was false before they could be found responsible for libel. Since the Supreme Court held that the Alabama courts in Sullivan had not found this to be so, their ruling was overturned, saving the Times from legal responsibility. The case was later dismissed.

To prove that a newspaper knew its statement was false and defamatory, it had to be shown that someone at the newspaper entertained serious doubt about the alleged offending statement. In this case, Stephanopouloss statement that Carroll was raped was based in part on reporting from one of the nations leading newspapers. It is hard for me to believe that anyone would think Stephanopoulos entertained serious doubt about the truth of his statement, however imprecisely he described the details.

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But then again we do not know everything that ABC knew about the state of mind of Stephanopoulos when he made the statement. It may be that Stephanopoulos expressed reservations, and it may have been feared by ABC News that his statement would become public. I do not believe this is so, but its not inconceivable.

In any event, we will never know what Stephanopoulos knew, because ABC News decided to settle the case before he could testify in pretrial proceedings. ABC News tried to dismiss the case with no help from Stephanopouloss deposition, which ABC News effectively decided to forgo before moving to dismiss the case early.

This tactic (trying to dismiss a case early) is frowned on by some libel lawyers (but used by many of them) because it can get rid of a libel case at minimal expense. It is less useful, however, if you losewhich ABC News did. In that event the case continues on, costs mount, and you come off as a loser.

ABC News must have figured that the cost of the deposition, the cost of a trial, and the cost of having Trump in its hair was worth the $15 millionplus it paid to settle. It may have figured that there was a risk Trump would retaliate by trying to revoke local ABC News stations licenses (which at a minimum would mean more legal expenses).

ABC News also said in a statement that it was concerned Trump might appeal the case, if he lost, to the Supreme Court, where there are at least two justicesClarence Thomas and Neil M. Gorsuchwho have indicated a wish to overturn the Sullivan precedent. Indeed the conservative movement as a whole has indicated that a reversal of the case would be in order, however unlikely that may be.

In any event, running these kinds of risks and assuming the cost of legal defense is part of the presss obligation under the First Amendment. Defending it should not be measured by dollars and cents. It creates a scenario in which all Trump has to do is threaten a libel suit to kill off a story. Before Trump became president, he used this tactic with growing frequency in New York State courts (I was once on the receiving end of such a suit). It is hard, however, to recall any victories for Trump using this tacticbecause the press fought like tigers.

After Nixon came into office, in 1969, his initial volley against the press involved an effort to subpoena journalists to disclose their sources. His first opponent was Earl Caldwell, a New York Times reporter (one of only a few African Americans at the time) who was then covering the Black Panthers. I was the lawyer for Caldwell and the Times in this case. The Supreme Court split on this case by a vote of 441, the one being Justice Lewis F. Powell. Powells opinion permitted protection of sources in some circumstances: if, for example, the press could show harassment by a subpoenaing party, that subpoena could be dismissed. Under that precedent, if Trump were to harass the press and subpoena a reporter as part of such harassment, the harassment defense could be availablethat is, if the press decides to resist rather than comply.

Since Judge Medinas exhortation, the press and its lawyers have made heroic efforts to prevent reporters from disclosing their sources. At the state level, press lawyers over the years have succeeded in persuading legislatures and courts to adopt a qualified privilege for reporters not to disclose sources. The tally today: forty states have adopted such a privilege through legislative action, while nine of the remaining ten have adopted it through court decisions. While this is an amazing record, it speaks only of state courts, where Trump has no sway anyway. The Justice Department, and Trump as president, are limited to bringing cases in the federal courts. In these courts, the press has good defenses for defending sources in noncriminal cases (according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press). But in federal criminal cases, other than proving harassment, the press has fewer tools at its disposal.

It is expected that one of the first actions Trumps Justice Department will take will be to revoke the 2022 departmental guidelines that limit the governments ability to subpoena the press in all cases, including criminal cases. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland adopted these guidelines to protect the press from having to unnecessarily disclose sources in criminal cases. This should provoke a fight with the press to retain at least some of the guidelines. It is possible that at some point during the Trump presidency there will be a repetition of the Judith Miller case, in which a reporter is sent to jail in a criminal case for refusing to disclose their sources. But will the press band together to fight this action?

Will Trump try to overturn the Pentagon Papers case? I dont think so. From what I read of the conservative literature, by and large it indicates that the governments inability to stop publication before it takes place is seen as enshrined in that case.

It is important to distinguish what the government sought to do in the Pentagon Papers case and what Trump may try to do now. The Pentagon Papers case was a civil case; no juries were involved, just judges who were asked to stop publication, not to penalize it.

What Trump may try to do now is to criminalize the newsgathering process. First he will prosecute leakers, and then leakees (reporters), and finally publishers. All these prosecutions will take place under the Espionage Act.

Julian Assange pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to obtain and use classified information (he did not plead guilty to publication, although he was indicted for it). This plea is not a binding legal precedent on anyone other than Assange. In a blockbuster article, however, published on October 22 by the Columbia Journalism Review, Kyle Paoletta argues that under the theory of the Assange plea, courts might now convict reporters for receiving and using classified information.

The US press only has itself to blame for finding itself in this position because of its lukewarm support of Assange (and, incredibly, actual opposition to Assange by some press freedom groups).

Only two prosecutions under the act have ever been brought against publishers for publishing classified information: a case against the Chicago Tribune, which the government lost, during World War II, and the case against Assange. Immediately following the Supreme Courts decision in the Pentagon Papers case, the Nixon administration convened a grand jury to indict the Times for such publication but later thought better of it and dismissed the grand jury.

When the Pentagon Papers case got to the Supreme Court, several justices thought the act could be applied criminally to newspapers, but their thoughts never officially became part of the case. Their comments were what lawyers call dicta (musings about the law) and not part of the decision in the case.

It is an open question, therefore, whether the Espionage Act can be used criminally against the press for the publication of classified information.

A fight over whether the Espionage Act applies to the press criminally must be won by the press because if it loses, as a practical matter it will overturn the Pentagon Papers case. This is because today, with the speed of the internet, classified information will likely be published before it can be stopped. And so the only option the Justice Department may have will be to prosecute criminally that which has already been published.

One last pointrarely raised by commentatorsis that in the Pentagon Papers case a federal trial judge, Murray I. Gurfein, ruled against the government in its effort to apply the Espionage Act to the Times. It decided the Espionage Act was not intended to apply to the press. The case thereafter proceeded solely on the basis of the First Amendment and not the Espionage Act. Gurfeins decision that the Espionage Act was inapplicable has never been tested (although a Virginia court in the Fourth Circuit seemed to disagree with it), and so the argument that the act was intended only for espionage and not for publication by the press might still be viable.

Will the press come together to fight all these threats to the First Amendment? A lot, obviously, has changed since the days of Nixon. Back then it was easy to have everyone on the same page, because the Times was the only press entity involved.

But today even the extraordinarily talented nonprofits that have sprung up in the wake of the Sullivan, Caldwell, and Pentagon Papers cases cannot agree among themselves. For example, in the TikTok case, which is clearly much like the Pentagon Papers case (both involve prior restraint), none of the amicus briefs for the nonprofits use the Pentagon Papers example as the basis for their arguments, and at least one nonprofit doesnt refer to it at all. More to the point, TikTok itself did not use the case to its advantage.

Its going to be hard to take on a unified aggressor (Trump) unless the press and its allies unify. When Judge Medina said fight like tigers, please note he said tigers, not tiger. It wont do for one media company to take on Trump by itself and then settle unilaterally, as ABC News didthe press must stick together and fight like tigers.
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On Wednesday night, President Biden delivered a farewell address from the Oval Office. After some hackneyed remarks invoking the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, he started, as expected, to defend his record in office, but he then moved on to issue a warning about some things that give me great concernnamely the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of very few ultra-wealthy people whom he went on to describe as a nascent American oligarchy. In particular, Biden decried the emergence of a tech-industrial complexexplicitly echoing President Eisenhowers famous warning about the dangers of the military-industrial complex, issued sixty-four years ago today. Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power, Biden said. The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit.

This turn in Bidens rhetoric perhaps surprised observers who had expected a more traditionally reflective speech, and Bidens invocation of a tech-industrial complex did, indeed, feel like a weighty and memorable intervention. But its been clear for a while that the present technological and communications landscape, and its smothering of the truth, is on Bidens mind; since the election in November, hes invoked such themes repeatedly. Before Christmas, he publicly bemoaned the declining reach of traditional news outlets, asking, Where do you get your news, and how do you know what youre getting is not just what youre looking for as opposed to whats happening?; in an interview with the left-leaning digital outlet MeidasTouch, Biden echoed his complaint about the disappearance of editors and also appeared to criticize billionaire ownership of, and meddling with, well-known newspapers. This month, he has sounded similar notes in an interview with USA Todays Susan Pageregretting the frictionless spread of misinformation online and invoking the New Years Day terrorist attack in New Orleans as an exampleand a sit-down with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell that aired last night. After Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announced recently that the company would effectively end its existing commitment to fact-checking on its platforms, Biden decried the move as really shameful.

These recent remarks invite an obvious question: What has Biden actually done about our warped information ecosystem as president? From its early daysa time, lest we forget, that was defined by the ongoing COVID pandemic, the rollout of vaccines against it, and conspiracy-fueled hesitancy to use themhis administration took a clear-eyed, and at times confrontational, posture against the spread of junk information online: in the summer of 2021, Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general, described it as an urgent threat to public health in his first formal advisory and indicted tech companies for not doing more to fight it; around the same time, Biden memorably remarked that Facebook was killing people. Biden would (sort of) walk this comment back, clarifying that hed been talking about certain Facebook users, but Zuckerberg suggested to Joe Rogan recently that the initial statement had incensed him; during the same interview, Zuckerberg alleged that administration officials had screamed at Meta staff to remove certain COVID claims from their platforms. Whether this is true or not, officials did engage with social platforms on questions of content moderation, a fact that inspired years of controversysome of it legitimate; some of it less soand a court challenge that was ultimately thrown out. Bidens administration has also pursued aggressive antitrust and other legal actions against firms including Meta and Google across a range of issues, from ad monopolies to data handling.

Not that any of this has necessarily had a decisive effect: writing after Bidens farewell address, CNNs Brian Stelter asked whether he can really say that he took all the best steps to ensure that Big Tech helps the country more than it hurts, noting that, by virtually every measure, the tech industrial complex is more powerful than it was when Biden took office. As I see it, Bidens legacy of tech regulation may take a while to come into focusin no small part it will depend on the extent to which Trump picks up on it, an open question given the discrepancy between his past tech criticism and the company he is presently keepingand closer tech-watchers than I to decipher. In the end, meaningfully reducing the grip that powerful tech companies have on every part of our lives, let alone cleaning up the information ecosystem we inhabitand doing all this in four yearswas always going to be tough, if not impossible. Biden has suggested in his recent interventions that he still doesnt even know the best way of going about it.

But on the information front, one clear, if partial, solution would have been to lift up the news media as a source of good, verified information. Biden seemed to recognize this in his farewell address, in his remarks that the free press is crumbling. In this domain, however, his legacy already seems pretty clearand it is, as I see it, ultimately one of failure. At best, its a story of missed opportunities; at worst, one of blatant hypocrisy. At the very least, its hard to conclude that stopping the crumbling was ever a top Biden priority.

After he took office, in 2021, Biden and his aides received some quick praise for restoring a basic normalcy in their press operations after the chaos, neglect, and disdain of the Trump years: regular briefings, not only in the White House but across government; (mostly) respectful interactions with reporters; no constant bashing of the fake news. (There was a human, and that person said words, and the words made sense, CNNs Van Jones marveled after Jen Psaki, Bidens first press secretary, held her debut briefing.) In a report for the Committee to Protect Journalists a year into Bidens presidency, Leonard Downie Jr., a former editor of the Washington Post, found a night and day difference in its press relations compared with those of the Trump era. Beyond the rhetorical changes, observers highlighted concrete steps like Bidens efforts to restore the credibility of Voice of America, a US-backed international broadcaster whose independence had been compromised under Trump.

Even in these early days, though, there were tensions between the administration and reporters, not least around access to Biden himself; Psaki and other officials stressed that he was regularly making himself available to reporters in informal settings (in between trips, say), but, compared with his recent predecessors, he rarely sat for formal interviews with major outlets or did press conferences. This trend continuedand last summer, the criticism of it came to a head after Bidens disastrous debate performance against Trump led to a sudden, angry reckoning over his physical and mental health, culminating eventually in his withdrawal from the presidential race. Biden has done some interviews since then (including, recently, with Page and ODonnell) but at times on his way out the door he has remained distant from reporters, despite the freedom of the press seeming to be on his mind of late. Per one count in the New York Times last month, he shouted a cumulative fifteen words to traveling reporters during late trips to Africa and South America.

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Throughout Bidens term, Ive argued that access to the president is important and that Biden has offered up far too little of it, but also that reporters should see such access as a starting point, not the be-all and end-all; among other things, it matters how they use it, and when Biden has done press conferences, the questions have not always been particularly useful. Tensions with major outlets, meanwhile, are regrettable but hardly surprising. As I see it, Bidens biggest failings on press freedom concern matters that have often garnered less attention than the access question but have more concrete consequences.

Several of these have come overseas. There have been some wins in this area: Biden did, in the end, secure the release in a prisoner swap of Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, two American journalists jailed in Russia. Even this, though, was a complicated victory, one that arguably legitimized the growing practice of hostage-taking on the part of authoritarian regimes and left other journalists for US-backed outlets in jail in the region. And on the wholefrom Mexico to Guatemala to AngolaBiden hardly centered press freedom as a foreign policy priority, despite his lofty rhetoric about the fight for global democracy. The tone was set when, in 2021, his administration refused to personally sanction Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for ordering the murder of the Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, despite publishing a report claiming that he did so. (Historically, there have not been sanctions put in place for the leaders of foreign governments where we have diplomatic relations, Psaki said at the time.) Nor did the administration take strong action after an Israeli soldier shot and killed Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist and US citizen, in 2022. Similar can be said of the subsequent war in Gaza, and its devastating toll on journalists. Yesterday, two attendees at a State Department briefing on Gaza were kicked outone forciblyafter vocally challenging Antony Blinken, the secretary of state.

At home, there were some wins for press freedom, too: after the Biden administration initially seemed to defend Trump-era subpoenas of several journalists communications records issued in the course of leak investigations (and, apparently, issued a subpoena to confirm one journalists phone number itself), Merrick Garland, the attorney general, issued a new policy largely protecting members of the press against similar intrusions. But overall, the administration has hardly broken radically with its predecessors when it comes to handling leaks: it inherited and saw through the prosecution of Daniel Hale, who handed documents about US drone warfare to The Intercept, and also Trumps bid to extradite Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, from the UK on Espionage Act charges that many experts said would theoretically criminalize standard reporting practices; in the end, Assange took a plea deal and was freed, but concerns about the precedent that the case set have endured, and two members of Congress and various press freedom groups are still calling on Biden to pardon Assange before he leaves office on Monday. Writing in The Dissenter, a publication about whistleblowing and government secrecy, in recent weeks, Kevin Gosztola has noted that Biden has mostly offered continuity in these and related areasincluding responsiveness to Freedom of Information Act requests, which, per Gosztola, Biden is leaving in shambles. And, if Garlands new policy was welcome, incoming Trump staffers can easily overturn it.

This is because the Biden administration ultimately did not enshrine these and similar protections into law. Since Trump won reelection, ushering in fresh fears about a coming onslaught on the press, media advocates have urged the quick passage of the PRESS Act, a bill that already passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and would protect journalists against having to give up their sources, but the calls havent gone anywhere. Prominent Republicans stood in the bills way: Trump called vocally for it to be rejected, while Tom Cotton mounted a crusade against it in the Senate. But press-watchers have nonetheless pinned the failure on the Senates Democratic leadership, arguing that they failed to prioritize the bill. Nor was the PRESS Act a rushed end-of-mandate thingSenator Ron Wyden first introduced it back in 2021, when Democrats controlled the White House and both houses of Congress, albeit barely. The basic concept is even older.

To indict Biden for failing to pass the PRESS Act or something like it as a priority early in his term might nonetheless feel like hindsightism: at the time, the prospect of a returning Trump weaponizing the power of the state against reporters felt like a very distant one; Biden, meanwhile, was busy dealing with the pandemic and expending political capital on ambitious infrastructure and climate laws. Similar could perhaps be said of more positive steps to stop the crumbling of the news industry and its reliance on billionaires. Biden could, for example, have pushed for an aggressive program of federal subsidies to local news outlets, or pushed for some sort of commission to reimagine the shape of the broader media business, if other, apparently more urgent matters werent consuming his time and attention.

This, doubtless, would have been a heavy and controversial lift. But Bidens unexpected success in forcing through radical industrial and pro-worker legislation despite Democrats slender congressional marginsand aggressive approach to tech monopoliessuggests that some pro-press measures could have been passed, or at least attempted. (Besides its contribution to democratic health, the media is, ultimately, an industry populated by workers, even if it isnt always discussed in such terms.) In this area, as in others, Bidens key failure can perhaps be boiled down to a complacencyan arrogance, evenabout the perceived irrevocability of his victory not only over Trump, but the specter of American authoritarianism: the apparent belief that reasserting norms and normality would be enough to save a press that always needed much less abstract assistance than that.

Biden making the health of the press a greater priorityboth at home and abroadwould have been good for journalism, and thus for democracy, even if it wouldnt in isolation have corrected the informational ills Biden complained about in his farewell address. Its not really the point here, but doing so might also have been good for Biden politically. In addition to concern for the health of democracy, he has, in his recent remarks, seemed to bemoan the fact that free-for-all discourse online drowned out the truth about the policies he did prioritize and his ability to take credit for them. If the media had had greater capacity to cover them he might not always have liked it, of course. But there might, at least, have been more editors.



Other notable stories:

For CJR, James C. Goodale, a former vice chairman and general counsel at the New York Times, asks how strongly the press is likely to fight back against the expected Trumpian onslaught. The phrase fighting like tigers comes from a speech that Judge Harold R. Medina of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit gave in 1975 at a meeting in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria that I organized, Goodale writes. That was some time ago, but history has a way of repeating itself. It was an easy sell to those lawyers then. In a short period of time, the New York Times had won landmark cases on libel and prior restraint and carved out a reporters privilege of sorts. Now Trump has indicated a desire to overturn some or all of these cases. Does the will to resist exist?

Yesterday, Jessica Rosenworcel, the outgoing chair of the Federal Communications Commission, rejected four pending attempts to challenge TV licensesone brought by critics of Fox Newss 2020 election coverage against a Fox-owned station in Philadelphia, the others by a conservative group based on complaints about coverage of the 2024 electioncharacterizing them as efforts to weaponize the FCCs regulatory authority for political purposes, and as violations of the First Amendment. The move comes as Brendan Carrwhose broad designs Kyle Paoletta recently wrote about for CJRprepares to take over the FCC; in a statement, he suggested the dismissals could effectively be reversed. CNNs Stelter has more details.

Earlier this week, the crisis gripping the Washington Postwhere Will Lewis, the CEO, has sparked discontent; top reporters are leaving; and there is concern about owner Jeff Bezoss recent chumminess with Trumpescalated when more than four hundred staffers wrote to Bezos expressing alarm about recent leadership decisions and requesting a meeting. (NPRs David Folkenflik has more.) Now Benjamin Mullin, of the Times, reports that executives at the Post have coined a new mission statementRiveting Storytelling for All of Americaas an internal rallying point for employees as the paper pursues ambitious new strategic goals.

Recently, policymakers in the European Union have been in talks with tech companies urging them to commit to new standards aimed at fighting disinformation online, including a policy that would require Google to incorporate fact-checks into its products and its decisions to algorithmically rank or remove content. Google, however, told the EU that it didnt plan to comply with that requirement, and reiterated the stance yesterday in a letter reported by Sara Fischer, of Axios. An executive said that the policy simply isnt appropriate or effective for our services.

And the APs David Bauder reports on a new documentary that raises questions about the authorship of the iconic Napalm Girl photo taken during the war in Vietnam; the image has always been credited to Nick Ut, an AP photographer, but the documentary suggests that it may actually have been taken by a local stringer who had been working as a driver for NBC. The AP probed the claim and said that it has no reason to doubt Uts authorship; meanwhile, Ut himself is threatening to sue.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A man accused of killing a Cleveland rapper last month was arrested Thursday in Pennsylvania.

Devon Jones, 25, was wanted by the Cleveland police on charges aggravated murder. He was arrested by members of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force.
CLEVELAND -- American Exceptionalism is a belief held by many Americans that the United States is both unique and exemplary when compared to its world neighbors, a shining city upon a hill, standing upon a bedrock foundation of democracy and personal liberty.

The cornerstone of American global diplomacy has always been the defense of democracy. Consider Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. However, when other nations consider American diplomacy, many see only hypocrisy. They see personal liberties being trampled by the United States and democracy being defended by undemocratic means. Are they right? Consider the following.

Immediately following Pearl Harbor, the world witnessed the construction of internment camps (authorized by an executive order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt) to incarcerate 100,000 American citizens without due process. Their crime? Being of Japanese descent.

In July 1950, noncombatant refugees from the Korean village of No Gun Ri were herded onto a railroad embankment by American soldiers who were defending democracy. The villagers were strafed by U.S. warplanes and by machine-gun fire over three days. Americas cover-up of the massacre lasted for decades.

In March 1965, America went to war in Vietnam to defend democracy yet again. However, we didnt know how to fight the war, or even how to define a victory. Our military finally decided it could claim victory by keeping a head count of the Viet Cong dead. That strategy fomented the massacre of as many as 500 noncombatant My Lai villagers by American soldiers ... who largely went unpunished.

In December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland. Even now, we seek to identify and prosecute all those responsible. However, the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 just five months earlier evoked little American response. That commercial airliner was shot down by the USS Vincennes, a guided missile cruiser defending democracy in the Strait of Hormuz. Two hundred twenty-four adults and 66 children perished. Almost all were Middle Easterners.

In September 2001, 19 hijackers attacked America: one Lebanese, one Egyptian, two from the United Arab Emirates, and 15 from Saudi Arabia, our putative ally. None were from Iraq. Nevertheless, our president sent American troops to Iraq to defend democracy, lying to us about weapons of mass destruction that did not exist.

During the occupation of Iraq, five American soldiers raped and murdered 14-year-old Abeer Qassim Hamza al-Janabi, then murdered her entire family in a failed effort to conceal their crime. Our defense of democracy in Iraq also featured the well-documented abuse of Abu Ghraib prisoners and the torture of those being held at Guantanamo.

All the while, we were waging another war in Afghanistan, another war our military did not know how to fight. What did the world witness there? An internet video featuring U.S. Marines in full gear urinating on dead Taliban fighters. Then they watched America abandon Kabul as the Taliban gained control. They saw Afghan friendlies fall to their deaths from American transport planes, reminiscent of Americas escape from Saigon and the utter betrayal of those who aided our military there.

Americas hypocrisy was put on full view on Jan. 6, 2021, when the shining city upon the hill was attacked by its own citizens. The world witnessed a deeply flawed leader incite an insurrection against the democracy he swore an oath to defend.

That same leader, soon to be our next lame-duck president, is now making imbecilic statements about the U.S. acquisition of Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal ... by force if necessary.

This is what the world has seen. Americas diplomacy is unique but far from exemplary ... and now, one could argue, just plain stupid.

The city upon the hill does not shine.

Michael Reidy is a retired Cleveland law firm trial lawyer and author of two novels, the latest entitled, Forsaken are the Peacemakers.

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General Motors has been caught by a previous investigation by the New York Times that prompted the Federal Trade Commission to look into the matter, and now, the company is banned from selling US driving data to third parties. Drivers who own GM cars were not asked for their consent regarding the access and tracking of their driving data, but the massive company from the Big Three settled the case.

As part of this settlement, General Motors is now blocked from selling users' driving data to any other third-party entities for five years, and this includes geolocations, driving behavior data, and more.

GM to No Longer Sell Your Driving Data After FTC Settlement

After the famed investigation by the New York Times against General Motors' handling of user data, the FTC took action against the renowned car company for its mishandling of user data and invasion of privacy, which tracked its activity. In the latest release by the Commission, they have placed a ban against General Motors from selling US users' driving data to third parties, as part of the settlement agreement.

The proposed order from the FTC blocked GM "for five years from disclosing consumers' sensitive geolocation and driver behavior data to consumer reporting agencies" and is also ordering them to provide better transparency to GM car owners.

Moreover, the Commission asked GM to provide users with the "choice" regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of their data, a.k.a. asking for consent regarding what they can do with this information.

GM's Driving Data Sale Fiasco: Invading User's Privacy

According to The Verge, the investigation centered on use cases where insurance companies like LexisNexis and Verisk charged users more, and for those who disputed it and received a "consumer disclosure report," it was revealed that their trips were tracked by GM. Users were stunned that their driving activities were monitored by GM and shared with third parties, and in this case, insurance companies, which then led to higher fees and more scrutiny.

General Motors and Its Vehicle Developments

General Motors is part of the so-called 'Big Three' of the United States automotive industry, and they are known for delivering renowned brands to the world, including Chevrolet, Hummer, Cadillac, and more. However, GM is inherently famous because of its infamous decision to ditch the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as it opted for its self-made infotainment connectivity system.

Moreover, GM is also famous for their universal battery architecture for their new era of electric vehicles featuring the "Ultium" power cells, which the company used for their cars since their massive switch. According to GM, it is now exploring other battery options for its EVs as the Ultium architecture is not a perfect fit for other cars, with its approach looking for a more specific one for a certain development.

Over the past years, GM's development has been heavily regarded by users and has seen considerable accolades as they have expanded the technology and experiences of their cars, including the arrival of more electric vehicles for users. However, despite all of the company's efforts, they had been caught selling driving data to third parties, and their latest settlement means that this information will now be protected for five years.
ROSE and Bruno Mars' "APT." has achieved a feat previously only held by supergroup BTS with their song "Dynamite."

"APT." has climbed into the top five of Billboard's Pop Airplay chart, a 40-song chart published weekly that tracks the most popular songs of pop music on over 150 mainstream top 40 radio stations monitored by Mediabase, with data provided to Billboard by Luminate.

"APT." ascends two spots into the chart's top five on the latest weekly chart from January 18, marking an achievement that K-pop hasn't seen since BTS' "Dynamite" peaked at number five in December 2020.

The feat also marks the first Pop Airplay chart entry for ROSE with her solo music, as BLACKPINK previously charted two songs, with a #21 best.

Only five K-pop hits have ever climbed to the Pop Airplay top 10, with PSY's "Gangnam Style" kicking off the succession in 2021. "Gangnam Style" and "APT." are the only tracks to achieve the record under solo artists.

The full list of top five K-pop hits on Pop Airplay top 10 here:
When girl group GFriend parted ways with their label Source Music in 2021, all six members knew that it wasn't the end.

The sextet, with members Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, Sowon, SinB, and Umji, revealed in an interview with Star Today they knew that fate would bring them back together, one way or another.

The members were cohesive in their agreement that they've always wanted to return as a full group, a dream that has been realized in time for their tenth anniversary.

Read more: Rose Addresses Jaden Smith Dating Rumors While Being Hooked Up to a Lie Detector

GFriend announced their reunion in September, with their special album Season of Memories released on January 13.

"We're happy that we've become a group that has received so much love for such a long time," the group said in a written statement released through Source Music.

"We're grateful that we get to commemorate the meaningful milestone of our 10th debut anniversary with a special album and various projects."

Throughout their separation as a group, GFriend revealed that there was never a moment where they'd stopped thinking about returning as one.

"Whenever we met, we naturally talked about our 10th anniversary and had confidence that we would gather again someday. We particularly wanted to do so on the occasion of our 10th anniversary," the members said in an interview with Star Today.

"It was possible because all six members had strong determination and trusted each other. We're proud of the members who made the concert and tenth debut anniversary project a reality when it was just a vague idea before."

Following the release of their special album, GFriend will embark on an Asia tour spanning Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with stops in Osaka, Yokohama, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, and Taipei in March after three days of concerts in Seoul from Friday to Sunday.

The members reflected on their time apart and what it was like to work with each other once again after a four-year hiatus.

"All the members' voices seem to have deepened and grown. Now, everyone has found their own color. However, when practicing the new song, it was impressive to see them trying to blend well as a team rather than showing off their individuality. Perhaps that's why the harmony of six voices still feels just as good even after all this time," Yerin said.

Though the reconciliation journey came with a few roadblocks, they were able to forge ahead.

"At the end of the year and on January 1st, we practiced together in Japan to attend an award ceremony. When I got it wrong while practicing, I coolly acknowledged each other's mistakes and focused on getting it together," Yerin said.

"It's been a while since the six of us learned a new choreography, so it was fun. The members complimented me for memorizing the dance quickly," Eunha added.

"We've felt and learned new emotions through various experiences. So, it seems the range we can use to express (our feelings) has broadened ... What hasn't changed is that we always focus on the fundamentals," Yuju chimed in.

SinB, however, said that time apart from her members gave her a new perspective on idolhood.

"My attitude toward work seems to have matured. I've become more assertive than before. What I haven't changed until now is that I always watch and study our practice videos to ensure I don't fall below the standards we've set for ourselves," she said.

The sextet stressed that at the end of the day, what really matters is bringing joy to the fans who've waited for them all these years.

"I want us to be remembered like youth that shine without fading. And I want us to remain as a group that's like a friend who brings comfort whenever you turn your head as if we're always right there beside you," Yuju said.


 
US President Joe Biden speaks during an event in Madison, Wisconsin, US, on Monday, April 8, 2024.

The Biden administration announced on Thursday what it described as its final round of student loan forgiveness, clearing over $600 million in debt for thousands of borrowers.

The relief will go to 4,550 borrowers entitled to debt cancellation through the Income-Based Repayment plan, as well as 4,100 former students of DeVry University. The U.S. Department of Education cleared the debts of the latter group of borrowers based upon Department findings announced in February 2022 that the for-profit chain "made widespread substantial misrepresentations about its job placement rates."

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Hessy Fernandez, senior director of public relations at DeVry University, said the school could not comment on the announcement because of ongoing litigation.

But, Fernandez said, "DeVry supports sensible safeguards to protect students and taxpayers alike."

"Unfortunately, the current framework  which encourages allegations of fraud and misrepresentation to achieve widespread loan forgiveness without robust due process or fact-finding  does not meet those standards, Fernandez said.
Tim Cook is just three years away from retirement age, but don't expect the Apple CEO to call it quits once he's eligible to receive his full Social Security benefits.

The 64-year-old, who's been working since starting a newspaper route at age 12 to save money for college, plans to keep going for as long as he can, he told the "Table Manners" podcast in an episode that aired on Wednesday.

Specifically, Cook said his eventual retirement won't meet "the traditional definition" of the phrase. "I don't see being at home doing nothing and not [being] intellectually stimulated and thinking about how tomorrow can be better than today," he said. "I think I'll always be wired in that kind of way and want to work."

Cook probably doesn't need to work forever. He took home $74.6 million in total compensation last year as Apple's CEO, including a $3 million base salary and millions more in stock awards, according to recent regulatory filings. Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.2 billion.

DON'T MISS: How to use AI to be more productive and successful at work

But it's hard to break a habit, and Cook has been working steadily for more than five decades by now. Growing up with "extremely modest means" in the small, rural town of Robertsdale, Alabama, Cook said his parents expected him and his two brothers to start working as soon as they were able.

"My upbringing, a lot of it was centered on work and the belief that hard work was essential for everybody, regardless of your age," he said.

Cook also worked part-time at a local pharmacy as a kid, where his mother also had a job. At age 14, he "graduated to flipping burgers" at the fast-food chain Tastee-Freez, where he earned about $1.10 an hour and "wore a little hat" that his friends enjoyed mocking, he said.

At the time, he considered it important to earn enough money to become the first person in his family to ever attend college, he's said. Now, he thinks his early jobs helped reinforce a strong work ethic that he inherited from his parents.

"They instilled [an appreciation of] hard work and that has stayed with me for a lifetime," Cook said on the podcast. "The value of it [and] the idea that work can be a part of your purpose."

There are health benefits to remaining busy as you age, whether that means delaying retirement or simply staying engaged with hobbies and other interests. Regularly challenging your brain by learning new things and tackling passion projects can help you sustain your mental health and memory while staving off cognitive decline, research shows.

Cook said he likely has many years left at Apple, though he doesn't necessarily want to be a CEO for the entire rest of his life. But his desire to do fulfilling work will keep him from ever retiring in the traditional sense, he said.

"You want to be pushed a bit. You want to be uncomfortable a bit," said Cook. "Maybe not as much as [I am] today. But, I think I'll always want to be pushed."

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Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.
Burning fire at the site of Vistra Corp's power plant in Moss Landing, California, U.S., January 16, 2025 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.

One of the world's largest battery storage facilities is being consumed by flames near San Francisco on Friday, and officials say the best solution is to let the factory continue to burn, even as it releases toxic fumes into the air.

Vistra Corp 's 3000-megawatt Moss Landing energy storage facility went up in flames on Thursday, in a blaze that is expected to remain contained to the building.

The fire is nowhere near the Los Angeles-area wildfires.

About 40% of the building has been consumed in the fire, whose cause remains under investigation.

"There are no active fire suppression efforts going on, as the best approach, according to fire staff, is to allow the building and batteries to burn," according to a Monterey Sheriff official.

Both Vistra and the county official said that all site personnel had been evacuated and no injuries were reported. The fire also prompted the evacuation of places nearby.

Vistra has not yet released any statement on the potential financial impact from the fire or any timeline on recovery efforts.

Lithium-ion batteries have solidified their position as the technology of choice in the electric vehicle market, and the market for these batteries is projected to keep growing at about 30% annually.

Vistra and other power firms became top S&P 500 performers last year, as demand for clean and sustainable supply of energy from data centers, manufacturers and electric-vehicle makers has been on the rise.

The impact of the ongoing fire on the energy storage sector and the supply chain remains unclear.

An adjacent Tesla battery facility was not affected by the fire, the official added.

California has been on alert since the Los Angeles fires started about 10 days ago and has killed at least 27 people.
U.S. Representative Cori Bush along with other U.S. lawmakers and advocates hold a press conference outside the Capitol Hill building to urge U.S. President Joe Biden to certify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) before his term ends in January in Washington DC, United States on December 10, 2024.

President Joe Biden called the Equal Rights Amendment "the law of the land," on Friday, backing an effort to enshrine the change into the U.S. Constitution more than a century after the guarantee of gender equality was first proposed.

It was unclear what practical impact Biden's comments might have. The White House issued his statement just three days before he leaves office, handing off to President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.

The ERA declares that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Its supporters say that it is needed to protect against sexual discrimination and would help achieve equal pay, while opponents argue that the original timetable to have it become part of the Constitution has passed and that the amendment is no longer needed.

The U.S. Senate blocked the Equal Rights Amendment from being ratified into law in 2023, a century after it was introduced, with a 51-47 vote in favor, nine votes shy of the 60 needed to clear the 100-member chamber's filibuster hurdle.

The ERA was proposed in 1923 and passed Congress until 1972. Under U.S. law, amendments to the Constitution must be ratified by three-fourths, or 38 of the 50, state legislatures and do not require presidential approval.

In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment, but opponents of enshrining the law said the state deadline to do so had passed. The National Archivist, which is responsible for certifying and publishing new amendments, agrees that it was too late.

The National Archivist said on Dec. 17 that the ERA cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to "established legal, judicial and procedural decisions."

In 2023, U.S. women working full-time year-round jobs made 84 cents for every dollar earned by a man, according to Department of Labor reports. Black women made 69 cents for every white man's dollar.
In an aerial view, a customer enters a Walgreens store on Jan.4, 2024 in San Pablo, California.

The Department of Justice said Friday that it sued pharmacy giant Walgreens for allegedly dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions.

The DOJ said that Walgreens from August 2012 until the present "knowingly" filled those prescriptions, which "lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice."

"This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the DOJ's Civil Division.

Boynton said Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions with "clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful."

The company "systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substance prescriptions, without taking the time needed to confirm their validity," Boynton said. "These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores."

Some Walgreens patients died of overdose deaths shortly after getting invalid prescriptions filled at Walgreens, the DOJ alleges.

The 300-page lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Walgreens in a statement said, "We are asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists and to protect against the government's attempt to enforce arbitrary 'rules' that do not appear in any law or regulation and never went through any official rulemaking process."

"We will not stand by and allow the government to put our pharmacists in a no-win situation, trying to comply with 'rules' that simply do not exist," Walgreens said.

"Walgreens stands behind our pharmacists, dedicated healthcare professionals who live in the communities they serve, filling legitimate prescriptions for FDA-approved medications written by DEA-licensed prescribers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations."

The suit alleges that although Walgreens issued written policies that reflected its understanding of legal obligations, the company took other actions which it knew prevented its pharmacists from complying with them.

"Walgreens prioritized profits over safety and compliance by implementing policies and practices that required pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and left pharmacists without enough time or resources to exercise their corresponding responsibility," the suit said.

"One such metric was 'Verify By Promise Time' (VBPT), which expected a pharmacist to fill a prescription within 15 minutes for a 'waiter' (a customer waiting in the pharmacy store for the prescription)," the suit alleges.

"Walgreens also tracked pharmacists that dispensed a low rate of controlled substances through its 'Non-dispensing Pharmacist Report,'" the suit said.

"Walgreens created this metric in part because it believed pharmacists who refused to fill controlled-substance prescriptions compromised Walgreens's customer service."
Cans of Pepsi are on display at a Target store in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, on Feb. 9, 2024.

The Federal Trade Commission said Friday that it is suing PepsiCo for illegal price discrimination, alleging the food and beverage giant gave an unnamed retailer more favorable prices than its competition.

Walmart is the unnamed retailer, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.

The FTC alleges Pepsi violated the Robinson-Patman Act, which bars sellers from giving competing buyers different prices for the same "commodity" or selectively providing allowances, like compensation for advertising. The agency argues Pepsi gave Walmart promotional payments and allowances, as well as advertising and promotional tools, that it didn't offer to the retail giant's rivals.

Pepsi denied the allegations and said the FTC's lawsuit is wrong, both factually and legally.

"PepsiCo strongly disputes the FTC's allegations, and the partisan manner in which the suit was filed. We will vigorously present our case in court," the company said in a statement to CNBC. "PepsiCo's practices are in line with industry norms and we do not favor certain customers by offering discounts or promotional support to some customers and not others."

Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.

The complaint, which was filed in the Southern District of New York, is currently sealed.

The FTC also said that a "substantial portion" of the alleged violations are redacted in the lawsuit, citing legal protections given to Pepsi and the large, big box retailer. The commission is seeking to lift the redactions to show how Pepsi broke the law and how those alleged actions led to higher prices for competing retailers.

The Robinson-Patman Act was passed in 1936, but the federal government stopped enforcing it during the deregulation of the 1980s. The FTC resumed its enforcement in December when it sued Southern Glazer's, the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits.

The lawsuit comes on the final business day before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, which will spell the end of Lina Khan's time as chair of the FTC. Her Republican successor, Andrew Ferguson, currently serves on the commission and released a statement dissenting against the decision to sue Pepsi.

The Biden administration has taken a flurry of legal action against companies and corporate executives in its final days, targeting Capital One, Southwest Airlines and Elon Musk, among others.

 CNBC's Mary Catherine Wellons contributed reporting for this story.
A leading EU official has denied taking a softer approach to Big Tech, citing a "very clear legal basis" for regulators and pointing to several ongoing investigations into the likes of social media platform X and Meta .

The FT reported earlier this week that the EU was reassessing investigations into Apple , Google and Meta  a process that could ultimately lead to the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, scaling back or changing the focus of their probes.

However, speaking to CNBC on Thursday, Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's executive vice president for tech sovereignty, pushed back.

"We have our Digital Service Act that came into force a little bit more than one year ago, and there is several formal proceedings going on against, we can say, all the big platforms: Meta platforms, Instagram, Facebook, also on X and with TikTok," Virkkunen said.

"We are continuing the work, so there is not any new decisions made. So we are doing the investigations [to see] if they are complying with our rules," she said.

The Digital Services Act or DSA, which came into full effect in 2024, gives EU institutions the power to regulate Big Tech in a bid to prevent illegal and harmful activities online, and clamp down on disinformation.

Despite these new powers, however, there are growing questions about how the EU is actually going to enforce the rules, particularly in the aftermath of President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House.

"It remains to be seen what the EU will do, as some investigations have gone further than others, but it is also clear that U.S. tech companies will try to use the Trump administration to push back on EU rules," Dexter Thillien, lead analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC.

It comes as the tech industry attempts to cozy up to Trump ahead of his second term as president. Tesla's Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Zuckerberg will attend Trump's inauguration next week, according to NBC news.

Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg last week, meanwhile, called on the incoming U.S. president to look at the EU's approach to Big Tech, saying the way the bloc applies competition rules is "almost like a tariff."

EU official Virkkunen is one of a new team of politicians that began their work as members of the EU's executive arm in December. Until now, the bloc has been considered a leader of tech regulation and has opened the door to several probes into the behavior of Big Tech companies.

When asked if she was considering taking a softer approach to the sector, Virkkunen said: "We [have a] very clear legal basis and regulation rules in Europe, and of course, now we are fully enforcing those rules."

Virkkunen did not say whether she was feeling pressure as a result of Trump's return to the White House. Instead, she said, "all companies, whether American, European or Chinese, have to respect the EU's regulations."
George Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Chinese consumer electronics brand Honor, smiles as he shows the new Honor Magic 6 Pro smartphones during a presentation on the eve of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona on February 25, 2024.

In an internal memo posted by Chinese media and confirmed as accurate by an Honor spokesperson, Zhao said he was stepping down due to health reasons and planned to rest, recover and spend more time with his family.

Jian Li, who's been at Honor for four years in various senior management positions, will succeed Zhao as CEO.

"The company and the Board of Directors sincerely appreciate Mr Zhao's outstanding contributions to the company during his tenure," Honor said in a statement.

George Zhao, the chief executive of Chinese smartphone firm Honor, has resigned from his position due to personal reasons, the company said on Friday.

Zhao called the decision to leave Honor "the most difficult decision" he has ever made.

The move comes as Honor looks to pull off an IPO which it first announced in 2023.

Honor was spun off from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in 2020 in a bid to avoid U.S. sanctions that were crippling Huawei's smartphone business.

Under Zhao's leadership, Honor has aggressively launched smartphones with a focus on international markets. Zhao focused on high-end devices, including foldable smartphones, as he looked for Honor to look beyond China and challenge the likes of Samsung and Apple.

Honor's market share in China has risen from 9.8% in 2020 to over 15% in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. Outside of China, Honor's market share hit 2.3% in 2024, compared to under 1% in 2020.

The company has looked to keep pace with rivals by launching artificial intelligence features on its device.

Neil Shah, partner at Counterpoint Research, said the company's focus on high-end devices and technology is likely to continue under the new leadership.

"Honor's focus on premiumization should continue if the brand wants to continue building its brand equity and differentiation point vs existing competitors, especially in premium markets such as Europe," Shah told CNBC.

"The focus on innovative foldable designs and advanced AI features and close partnerships with leading component suppliers would be key."

Zhao's successor Li will be tasked with trying to expand Honor's presence overseas amid fierce competition, with a focus on making the brand more recognizable.

"Many don't know Honor" outside of China, Counterpoint's Shah said. "Building brand equity is tough and the company needs more time, money and differentiation points."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs meeting as the Israeli Security Cabinet gather to approve a cease-fire agreement and a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, in West Jerusalem on January 17, 2025.

The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal, ahead of a full cabinet meeting expected later on Friday, a statement from the prime minister's office said.

Cabinet is expected to meet at 3.30 p.m. (1330 GMT) to give final ratification to the agreement, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said is expected to take effect on Sunday, with the release of the first hostages.

If successful, the ceasefire would halt fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces that has razed much of heavily urbanized Gaza, killed more than 46,000 people, and displaced most of the enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million several times over, according to local authorities.

It could also ease hostilities in the Middle East, where the Gaza war spread to include Iran and its proxies - Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq as well as the occupied West Bank.

In Gaza itself on Friday, Israeli warplanes kept up heavy strikes, and the Civil Emergency Service said that at least 101 Palestinians, including 58 women and children, had been killed since the deal was announced on Wednesday.

Under the six-week first phase of the three-stage deal, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50.

Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase. The total number of Palestinians released will depend on hostages released, and could be between 990 and 1,650 Palestinians, including men, women and children.

Hamas said in a statement on Friday that obstacles that arose in relation to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have been resolved.

Israel's acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the country's security cabinet and government.

In the early hours of Friday, Netanyahu's office said that Israel's security cabinet would meet to give final approval to the ceasefire accord after the meeting was pushed back from Thursday, raising concerns of delays.

Ministers were summoned to a full cabinet meeting at 1330 GMT on Friday, an official with knowledge of the situation said, giving ample time for the ceasefire to begin on Sunday and the first hostages to be returned to Israel.

Israel blamed Hamas for the last-minute hold-up, while Hamas on Thursday said it was committed to the deal, which is scheduled to take effect on Sunday.

Accord reached on hostages

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages," his office said in a statement.

Underscoring the potential obstacles facing a final ceasefire, hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition have opposed the deal as a capitulation to Hamas, which had controlled Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved. However, he said he would not bring down the government.

His fellow hardliner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has also threatened to quit the government if it does not go back to war to defeat Hamas after the first six-week phase of the ceasefire was completed.

Nevertheless, a majority of ministers were expected to back the agreement.

In Gaza, the airstrikes continued. In the aftermath of one strike on tents housing displaced people, a boy picked through damaged items on the floor that was littered with canned food and coffee pots.

That attack killed two people and wounded seven at an encampment close to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, according to medics.

Also in Khan Younis, mourners gathered around the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike as women hugged each other and cried.

"Life has become an unbearable hell," said resident Jomaa Abed al-Aal.

There was no comment from the Israeli military on the latest strikes.

Hostage families want swift action

Israel says 98 hostages are still being held in Gaza. About half are believed to be alive. They include Israelis and non-Israelis. Of the total, 94 were seized in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and four have been held in Gaza since 2014.

For the first time, Israeli authorities have officially informed hostage families of the names of the first 33 to be released but it remains unclear how many of those on the list are still alive.

A group representing families of Israeli hostages in Gaza on Thursday urged Netanyahu to move forward quickly.

The ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, Israel's main supporter. As well as the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the deal includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

It also paves the way for a surge in humanitarian aid for the coastal strip, where the majority of the population has been displaced and faces hunger, sickness and cold.

A World Health Organization official said on Friday it should be possible to scale up aid imports into Gaza massively to about 600 trucks a day under the terms of the deal.

The aid surge requires more than a 10-fold daily increase in lorries from the daily average of 51 that U.N. data shows entered the enclave in early January.

"I think the possibility is very much there and specifically when other crossings will be opened up," Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told a press briefing in Geneva. "This can be built up very rapidly."

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen burst into Israeli border-area communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI, during a fireside chat organized by Softbank Ventures Asia in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, June 9, 2023.

U.S. senators on Friday expressed concern to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that he's attempting to "cozy up to the incoming Trump administration" with the aim of avoiding regulation and limiting scrutiny.

In a letter signed by Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Michael Bennet of Colorado, the lawmakers said that in the two months since the election, large tech companies have made "million-dollar gifts to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund in what appears to be an effort to influence and sway the actions and policies of the incoming administration."

Altman personally contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund. Microsoft , Google , Meta and Amazon donated the same amount, but as companies rather than from executives. Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly also contributed $1 million.

"You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions," according to the letter posted by Altman on X and later by the senators online.

In his post, Altman wrote, "funny, they never sent me one of these for contributing to democrats..."

Representatives for Warren and Bennet didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Altman plans to attend Trump's inauguration Monday, a company spokesperson confirmed to CNBC, and will reportedly be joining many of his tech peers in Washington, D.C. Others include Cook, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Altman's public moves to support Trump come alongside a thorny legal battle between OpenAI and Musk, who co-founded the startup and has in recent months been a fixture at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Musk is co-leading the Trump administration's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is expected to function as an advisory office. The role could give Musk, who also owns X and runs SpaceX, influence over federal agencies' budgets, staffing and regulations in ways that favor his companies, including his AI startup, xAI.

Trump has said publicly in the past that he would repeal President Joe Biden's AI executive order, issued in October 2023, which introduced new safety assessments, equity and civil rights guidance and research on AI's impact on the labor market.

In the letter, lawmakers say "the industry's efforts suggest that Big Tech companies are trying to curry favor and skirt the rules" and that the donations "raise questions about corruption and the influence of corporate money on the Trump administration."

It includes a list of questions to be answered by a deadline of Jan. 25, including, "When and under what circumstances did your company decide to make these contributions to the Trump inaugural fund?"

The letter also asks Altman whether OpenAI officials had any communications about his donation with members of the Trump transition team or the president-elect's other associates, requesting that he list all such communications.

Altman noted on X that his own donation "was a personal contribution as you state; i am confused about the questions given that my company did not make a decision."

WATCH: Elon Musk vindicated following Meta lifting restrictions, says Omeed Malik
While the future of TikTok is murky, one thing remains certain. Jim Cramer said Friday investors should buy Meta Platforms . The Facebook and Instagram owner would be the biggest beneficiary of a U.S. ban on TikTok that would start Sunday unless Chinese parent ByteDance divests itself of the social media app. The Supreme Court on Friday sided with President Joe Biden by upholding the law  the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act  that he signed back in April. Ahead of the high court ruling, there were reports that Biden would leave the enforcement of the law to President-elect Donald Trump . A spokesperson for the outgoing president later confirmed it. Trump, who takes office Monday, has expressed his desire to keep TikTok available in the U.S., given its 170 million users which include many small businesses and content creators. While ByteDance has so far refused to sell the app, Cramer said Trump will delay any ban. "Trump will come up with some sort of deal, as long as they can keep the data [of users] from the Chinese government." TikTok has long said it does not share user data with the Chinese. Whatever happens over the weekend, Jim is firm that Meta is a strong buy. "This is so wrong," Jim said on the stock's lack of movement on the TikTok news, although portfolio director Jeff Marks said the ban could be priced into Meta by now. Meta shares were modestly lower earlier Friday before swinging higher. Even if TikTok stays open in the U.S., Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will "crack this code," Jim said Friday during the Investing Club Morning Meeting . Analysts are also upbeat on Meta as "one of the leaders in the AI race," pointing to improvements in ad performance, the expected increase in AI investments, along with a new functionality that allows advertisers to integrate customer relationship management systems into Meta's ad platform as factors that could lead to a 25% upside on Meta stock over the next 12 months. If the ban goes into effect? Meta is the "largest fundamental winner," Morgan Stanley in a note to clients Wednesday, citing the Facebook and Instagram parent's leading user base of 5 billion monthly active users as of January 2025. Even if Meta can capture half of TikTok's U.S. user time, it could add upwards of 5% to 9% to the company's 2026 earnings per share (EPS), or $19 billion in incremental ad revenue, according to Wells Fargo. Further supporting the case are results from TD Cowen's fourth-quarter U.S. consumer survey that found 29% of users would switch over their viewing time to Meta's short-form video product Reels in the event of a TikTok shutdown, slightly higher than the 27% from last year's results. "A TikTok ban would be a huge windfall for Instagram, but the [TikTok] platform's fate is anybody's guess," said Marks. To be sure, Trump is reportedly considering issuing an executive order to delay the national ban, as first reported by the Washington Post . The potential executive order would suspend enforcement of the law for 60 to 90 days, extending the timeline for a potential sale of the app. There are a couple of possible TikTok buyers, including billionaire investor Frank McCourt who teamed up with Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary to campaign a bid to buy the app with the goal of "placing people and data empowerment at the center of the platform's design and purpose," according to website Project Liberty. American TikTok users are already looking at alternatives. As of Thursday morning, the leading free app by downloads on both Apple and Android is Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, referred to as "Rednote" for short. Lifestyle app and ByteDance-owned Lemon8 is the second most popular app mention of the week. But the second winner behind Meta is Alphabet 's YouTube Shorts, says TD Cowen. The firm's survey found 23% of respondents would move to YouTube Shorts, slightly higher than the prior year's 22%. Morgan Stanley estimates engagement flow into Shorts could add somewhere between $400 million to $750 million in 2026 ad revenue. This engagement shift should only bolster Shorts' already strong viewership, which boasts more than 70 billion daily views and over two billion monthly signed-in users. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long META, GOOGL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Dado Ruvic | Reuters
Dividend growth stocks offer investors a combination of portfolio income and the prospect of capital appreciation, according to Wolfe Research. The firm highlighted a few names that fit the bill. Not all dividend payers are built equally. High dividend payers tend to be mature companies that are rewarding their shareholders with these payments rather than redirecting their profits toward vastly growing their businesses Dividend growers, however, may start off with modest yields, but the companies tend to have robust cash flows and are gradually stepping up their payments to shareholders. These names offer lots potential for long-term investors who buy in, reinvest dividends as they grow and benefit from price appreciation over time. "Companies with high free cash flow that are also raising their dividends have outperformed the S & P 500 by 5 percentage points historically," said Chris Senyek, chief investment strategist at Wolfe Research, in an email to CNBC. "They also offer a margin of safety with high cash flow to fund future dividends." To that end, the firm identified a list of companies that offer dividend growth and high estimated free cash flow to the firm yield in 2025. Hot artificial intelligence play Constellation Energy turned up on Wolfe's list. Shares are up 180% in the past 12 months, and the stock has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Not only has Constellation seen huge price gains off its expected role in powering AI and data centers, but has also rewarded investors with dividend increases and share repurchases. Things are already looking rosy in 2025. Constellation announced earlier this month that it would acquire Calpine, a Houston-based power company, for about $16.4 billion . The acquisition builds out Constellation's quiver of offerings, adding gas assets and geothermal plants. The company also recently issued its projections for standalone 2025 adjusted earnings per share, ranging from $8.90 to $9.60 per share. Consensus estimates from FactSet called for $9.09 per share. Constellation is a favorite on Wall Street, with 12 of 17 analysts covering the name rating it a buy or strong buy. Consensus price targets suggests shares could slip more than 3% from current levels, however. Oil rig operator Patterson-UTI Energy was another highlight on Wolfe's list. Shares are down about 7% over the past 12 months, but they have perked up 11% in 2025. Patterson-UTI has a dividend yield of about 3.5%. In a business update last week, the company announced that it used nearly $300 million to buy back shares in 2024. Patterson-UTI also returned more than $400 million to shareholders last year when including dividends and share repurchases  topping its shareholder return target of 50% of its cash flow. Analysts like the stock, with 12 out of 17 deeming it a buy or strong buy, per LSEG. Consensus price targets see nearly 14% upside from current levels. Homebuilder Lennar also made it to Wolfe's list. Shares are down more than 5% over the past 12 months, and the stock has a dividend yield of 1.4%. RBC Capital Markets upgraded Lennar to sector perform from underperform last week. "There is the opportunity for LEN to generate significant [free cash flow] and potentially accelerate returns to shareholders as it continues toward a more land-light strategy and becomes more disciplined on land spend," wrote analyst Mike Dahl. There's potential upside to the multiple from unlocking value in ancillary businesses, he added. To that end, Lennar is on track to spin off its subsidiary Millrose Properties, a land banking real estate investment trust. "This spin-off is a significant step in our transition to a land light manufacturing homebuilding model," Lennar co-CEO Stuart Miller said in a press release . Wall Street is largely neutral on the name, with 15 out of 21 analysts rating it hold, according to LSEG. Consensus price targets call for 16% upside from current levels.  CNBC's Michelle Fox contributed reporting.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Libya has for the first time been allowed by the United Nations to reinvest proceeds from the $70 billion of assets bought with its oil wealth since sanctions were imposed in 2011
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Security Council on Thursday passed a resolution to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts (PoE) of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee which also extends measures related to the illicit export of petroleum from oil-rich Libya, initially authorised in 2014
Saturday Night Lives 50th anniversary celebration continues to inspire a slew ancillary promotional products including a new immersive SNL experience inside Rockefeller Center  which may or may not consist of forcing fans to wait outside Lorne Michaels office for nine hours straight.

This week were also getting SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, a four-part docuseries that delves into the shows cocaine-addled history.

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Bizarrely, an entire episode, literally a quarter of the series, is dedicated to a single sketch. No, not Fart Face. Its a granular examination of More Cowbell, the classic 2000 sketch that chronicled the fictional backstage drama surrounding the recording of Blue Oyster Cults 1976 banger (Dont Fear) the Reaper.

Its hard to imagine the sketch without host Christopher Walken playing the part of producer Bruce Dickinson  incidentally, the real Dickinson wasnt a legendary record producer at all, just a mid-level manager at Columbia Records whose name appeared on a Blue Oyster Cult greatest hits CD, which an SNL intern mistakenly sourced.

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Walkens unique phrasing of the titular phrase has undoubtedly become iconic, so much so that Walken once told Will Ferrell that fans of the sketch had ruined his life with incessant cowbell references.

But as Parade recently noted, SNL50 recounts how Walken very nearly wasnt the star of the sketch. Ferrell, who also wrote the sketch, claimed that it had been germinating for decades in his mind, but it was originally about a wood block not a cowbell. It was first pitched much earlier in SNLs 25th season, for the episode hosted by Norm Macdonald (Seth Meyers has claimed that the sketch was submitted over seven times before making the show).

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According to Susan Morrisons New Yorker profile of Lorne Michaels, a version featuring Macdonald in the Walken role was rehearsed, but ultimately dropped from the show. Ferrell once described how Macdonalds version of the sketch actually played pretty well at the table read. But Michaels clearly didnt get the joke, asking Ferrell, Oh, is that a famous part of that song?

The writers responded: No  thats why its funny. But the whole thing died in committee.

So Ferrell hung on to the sketch. While he didnt bring it back for any of the guest hosts that immediately followed Macdonalds show, such as Garth Brooks, Jennifer Aniston and Danny DeVito, when Walken hosted, he rewrote it specifically to fit the Dead Zone stars voice. He gave it that special sauce, Ferrell concluded.

Given that quote, its shocking that the NBC store isnt selling official SNL50 Christopher Walken Special Sauce for $59.95 a bottle.
In Tina Feys first week working as a writer on Saturday Night Live, her superiors charged her with reining in the Italian Stallion and getting him to speak proper English. They might as well have put her in the ring with Apollo Creed.

The culture in the offices at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is notoriously cutthroat, and thats exactly how Tina Fey likes it. The accomplished SNL head writer who turned her experiences on the show into a second hit NBC comedy with 30 Rock thrives in high-stress environments, and keeping her cool when the worlds most talented and temperamental artists are working 16 hour days while wired on cocaine and pissing in jars is second nature to Fey. But getting a certain SNL host to speak his first language in a way that was clear and coherent on a soundstage was a daunting task, even for her.

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Fey spoke to the makers of the Peacock docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night about her time on the show, revealing that, in her very first week as a lowly SNL writer, she had to tell Sylvester Stallone to his face that he wasnt enunciating properly. Presumably, her bosses said to each other, If she dies, she dies.

I think possibly my first week as a writer, Sylvester Stallone (hosted) and a note came back that was, Tell him he needs to enunciate more. We cant understand him," Fey explained of her earliest experiences on SNL in the docuseries. And then the writer that I was working with, he was more experienced, and hes like, Okay, you go do it.

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Fey was in for a slight taste of rookie hazing, But its a great trial by fire, the writer and star explained. Mr. Stallone was very nice about it. Clearly not the first time in his life he had received that note.

And, to be clear, Fey is in favor of giving the new girl a hard time in her first week, because competition builds character  and comedy. Even though everyone at SNL is working together to make one thing, its (actually) built on competition. It is built for like, See you at the table, Fey explained. I have to say as head writer, I came in from Chicago and I was ready to fight whoever, but the rewrite tables were tough. They were grouchy.

People would take the rundown of the show and just go sketch by sketch and make fun of it, like the title and make fun of it, goof on it, goof on it, goof on it, Fey explained of the infamously stressful SNL writers meetings. You would leave the room fully knowing that that writers' room was taking a shit on it while you were gone, and thats just kind of the way it was.

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I dont know if its the same anymore, and if its not, maybe it should get that way again a little bit, Fey side-eyed the current SNL staff. I think its good.

And Liz Lemon thought she was a shy dork in high school  just ask Kelsey and her pill-addicted mother if that was true or not.
Proving that Canadian news shows arent always hopelessly dull, a vintage clip of the Monty Python gang improvising shtick for a Vancouver news crew recently resurfaced on social media. The young Pythons approach a man on the street reporter whos holding a sign informing passersby that they can say anything they want.

Terry Jones proclaims that the show is doing a real service to the community by allowing people to say words like grunties on TV, but Michael Palin bops him on the head and then encourages Canadians to patronize the arts. Specifically by buying tickets to their show: Remember a full theater is a happy promoter theater!

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Meanwhile, Eric Idle propositions Neil Innes (Do you want to come back to my place?), and John Cleese makes a royal plea. Id like to say that I think Prince Philip should come clean about his toupee, Cleese deadpans, until hes interrupted by the screeching brakes of a nearby car, prompting him to bellow, Can you be careful please?!!

Vancouver was the last stop of the troupes First Farewell Tour of Canada, their North American debut. When they arrived at the Vancouver airport they were subjected to a publicity stunt and immediately placed inside of a giant cage, which they promptly destroyed.

While the news clip of the fresh-faced Pythons may have been enjoyable for many fans, Eric Idle was less impressed. You can see why we stuck to writing was his only comment on the matter.

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Hes right in the sense that the video wasnt exactly the funniest of improvisations. And Idle and Innes bit was basically just a recreation of the sketch in which Palin claims that his wallet has been stolen.

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Thats because the Pythons didnt typically improvise  at least not in front of the camera. Most of the improvisation is done in rehearsal or when were writing, Palin once explained during a Reddit AMA. When we actually have to film the movies, because theres a camera crew there, they need to know where well be. Its very nice sometimes to have a handheld camera and invent little things on a tape.

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The proportion of ad libs was about 0.0001 percent, Cleese agreed, adding, I admire improv but dont want to do it myself. I prefer writing.

The Pythons long-time producer John Goldstone claimed that the lack of improv is what allowed them to work so efficiently during their shoots. The screenplays dont really vary that much, Goldstone noted. A certain amount of work happens in rehearsals, but essentially they keep to whats on the page; its not as if theyre improvising or doing anything unpredictable. Its all been worked out before.

So it should really come as no surprise then that their classic sketches arent nearly on the same level as some random news footage.
The late David Lynch wrote a masterful script called One Saliva Bubble that Steve Martin nearly starred in during the early 1980s, Martin once relayed in an interview.

1989, corrected Martin Short.

Were you offered that? Martin asked.

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Short sighed. We were going to do it together.

Oh really? said Martin, living his own Lynchian dream sequence. I dont remember that.

Lynch and his Twin Peaks collaborator Mark Frost wrote One Saliva Bubble, an absurdist body-swap comedy that would have been the weirdest thing Short or Martin had ever done. Like many Lynch films, it would have been set in Small Town America. The plot: Chaos ensues when a tiny saliva bubble escapes a security guards mouth and floats into a secret government weapons system, setting off a chain reaction that causes the towns residents to switch identities with one another.

In other words, Lynch told David Breskin, All kind of wacko hell breaks loose. An out-and-out wacko dumb comedy. Cliches one end to the other. Mark and I were laughing like crazy when we wrote it.

The screenplay is even weirder than Lynch makes it sound  here, read it for yourself.

What stopped the world from getting a chance to see it? Lynch blamed producer Dino De Laurentiis, whose production company went belly up before filming could begin. We had all our scouts, had it cast, was right there ready to go. Dino kept delaying it, delaying it, delaying it. It became obvious it wasnt going to happen: There wasnt any money. Shortly thereafter his company went bankrupt. We saw the writing on the wall.

But Lynch also pointed the finger at himself. Every time I get ready to commit to it, I think the problem for me is that theres not enough meat to it, he said. I feel like a lot of people could do it.

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Besides the bizarro script, theres a good reason Short remembers the unmade comedy. In 1989, he and his wife bought a just-out-of-their-reach home in the Pacific Palisades, made possible by the income he was set to make for his next two films. You can guess what happened next, Short wrote in his memoir, I Must Say. Practically the second that Nancy and I signed the mortgage, one of the two movies, a David Lynch film with Steve Martin entitled One Saliva Bubble, fell through. I was in a panic. (Dont worry, Short landed other jobs.)

While the world never got to see One Saliva Bubble, a few of its plot lines and jokes got recycled in 2017s Twin Peaks: The Return. Kyle Maclachlans dimwitted Dougie, that ludicrous doppelganger of Agent Dale Cooper? That storyline was lifted and recycled from One Saliva Bubbles body-switch narrative.

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That taste of One Saliva Bubble didnt stop Lynch fans from wondering about what could have been. What would a straight-up movie comedy from Lynch, Short and Martin have looked like? It was a great script, Martin sighed. I still dig it out every once in a while and read it again.
An elementary school teacher in New Jersey has been charged with sexual assault and child endangerment after she fathered a child with a student she is accused of abusing inside her home.

Laura Caron, 34, was arrested earlier this week on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangerment to the welfare of a child.

The charges stem from an allegation that she sexually assaulted a young boy from the age of 11 through 15 while he was living in her home. The assault allegedly happened between 2016 and 2020, according to a press release from Cape May County Prosecutor's Office.

In addition, Caron was also accused of having a child with her student. Their baby was born in 2019 when the student was 13 and Caron was 28.

How Did Caron Meet the 13-Year-Old Boy?

Authorities say the teacher met her victim and his brother when she taught them in the fifth grade at Middle Township Elementary School. She and the victim's family became friends. The children were initially allowed to stay with Caron each week until they began living permanently with her for a four-year period.

The case came to light after the victim's father made a social media post last December where he pondered how Caron's 5-year-old child looked very similar to his son.

Read Also: Two Teenage Rape Victims Arrested After Killing Their Father in Revenge for Sexually Assaulting Them

A subsequent investigation revealed that the victim's sister thought Caron and her brother had started sleeping in the same bed when he was 11. She also revealed that Caron would enter the bathroom and lock the door when her brother would shower.

Furthermore, authorities found that the victim admitted that he was the father of Caron's child in a text message to his sister.

Caron and the boy, who is now between 19 and 20 years old, remained in contact until the victim's father made the online post, per The Independent.

Charges Filed Against the NJ Elementary School Teacher

Caron was taken into custody "without incident" on Wednesday and is currently being held at the Cape May County Correctional Facility. She may face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of aggravated sexual assault and get an additional term of up to 10 years for the other charges.

She has been placed on paid administrative leave by the Middle Township School District, according to CBS Philadelphia.
Clockwise from left: a mosque in Djenne, Mali; Loreto Bay in Mexico; detail of mansion by Juan Jose Santibanez; Taos Pueblo. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos, clockwise from left: Michel Renaudeau/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images; Shutterstock; Justin Davidson; Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images

We all know that we are infuriatingly terrible at preventing the preventable. The calamitous fires that have swept out of the hills around Los Angeles, laying siege like an invading army in a pincer formation, spring from a mixture of natural phenomena and the human refusal to act on what we know. Wildfires are a special kind of disaster in that we are often the ones who light, feed, and propagate them. Flames pass from house to house, pausing for however long it takes to suck up all the energy stored up inside, furiously converting furniture, bedding, drywall, photographs, appliances, and diaries into carbon, heat, and toxic plumes. The longer a fire lingers, the hotter it grows and the more time it has to slip next door and start the process all over again. Theres an upside to this human agency, though: As suppliers of fuel, we have some control, not over a fire thats currently burning but potentially over the next ones. We cant placate an earthquake or deflect a tornado, but we can refrain from turning a small brush fire into an all-consuming conflagration  especially in areas that have already burned and will soon be ready to rebuild but will inevitably catch fire again.

As long as we continue to build houses with wood in places that are expected to burn, the only outcome we can expect is that houses will burn, says Michele Barbato, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California Davis. We need to build noncombustible homes.

Barbato believes that builders in Southern California and other fire-prone places should return to an ancient construction material that is plentiful, ubiquitous, indestructible, harmless to harvest, and easy to use: dirt. Earthen structures have a long and varied history: the hand-formed Great Mosque in Djenne, Mali; adobe churches, vertical villages, and new high-end mansions in Mexico. They have a reputation for frailty and for melting in the rain, but Barbato and his students have honed a technique of compressing soil into manageable blocks and hardening them with small amounts of cement. They have blasted the results with temperatures up to 1,800 degrees  as hot as a wildfire with 60-foot flames  for seven hours at a time. The blocks, which are cheaper, tougher, and more sustainable than clay-based bricks, remained impervious. They can be waterproofed with plaster, reinforced to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes, and manufactured on a vast scale with minimal environmental damage. If you want structures that perform well against multiple hazards, this is a no-brainer, Barbato says. Its safer and more sustainable, and it can be cheaper. It can also yield genuine architecture: Nearly 25 years ago, the Burkina Fasoborn German architect Francis Kere developed a similar kind of durable, handmade earth-and-cement brick for a primary school in his home village of Gando. The project made him famous and contributed to his 2022 Pritzker Prize.

The adobe village of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, has been continuously inhabited for over 600 years. Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images

Juan Jose Santibanezs Casa Esesarte in Oaxaca, Mexico, is made of earth and straw block manufactured by hand on-site. Photo: Maria Esesarte

It may seem fanciful to require earth-block construction in high-risk areas, but weve made similarly radical changes before. American downtowns used to burn down regularly: Manhattan in 1835 and 1845, Chicago in 1871, Boston in 1872, San Francisco in 1906. And then they stopped. New rules prohibited wood construction and mandated fire escapes and industry-developed steel structures, engineers invented new fireproofing technologies, and municipal governments grew whole bureaucracies dedicated to safety. Now suburban-style areas burn, too, and our habits and laws havent caught up to our knowledge.

How to mitigate the risk isnt mysterious. Chapter 7a of the California building code contains an exhaustive list of regulations for new building construction. The nations insurance industry offers a way to certify a Wildfire Prepared Home, and it comes with a clear and comprehensive checklist. Clear all vegetation from a five-foot buffer zone around the house. That wisteria spilling over the kitchen window? Begone. Clear the deck of wicker chairs. Toss the bamboo pergola. Install a solid door and metal threshold. Replace the wood-shingle roof with slate. And so on  a long, pesky, expensive list of fixes that will encourage fires to keep moving along like a burglar looking for an easy score. The goal is to keep flames from breaking into the house, say by cracking a window, lurking in a leaf-filled gutter, sneaking in beneath the siding, or slipping through an unscreened vent. Once its inside, game over, the house is lost, says Erica Fischer, a professor of structural engineering at Oregon State University. Even if it doesnt burn down, smoke damage is a massive issue.

Armoring a house against fire can make it heavier and more rigid and therefore more vulnerable to earthquakes. The materials we use to mitigate for fire weigh more, and earthquake demands are proportional to the mass of your structure, Fischer says. We need to be designing for multiple hazards. Those design demands can be at odds. If we only had fires, wed do what Australia does and bury our electrical wires, she adds. But we have earthquakes, so we cant do that. Barbatos compressed-earth blocks arent a magical solution to that conflict between fire and earthquake prevention: Theyre best suited to one- or two-story buildings and, like all other materials, their seismic properties depend on carefully engineered designs. But properly stabilized and reinforced, they can create strong and ductile structures.

The resort village of Loreto Bay in Baja California, Mexico, launched in 2003, was big enough to need its own adobe-brick factory. Photo: Shutterstock

Maybe the biggest obstacle to getting disaster prevention right is that its a collective need that depends on individual decisions about private property. Homeowners in Pacific Palisades, like affluent hill-dwellers in other parts of the West, will likely be able to rebuild quickly. They will no doubt spend fortunes on thick walls, triple-glazed windows, firebreaks, stone patios, Class A roofs, cement-plank siding, and fire-conscious design. The mobile-home park at the beach may not enjoy such luxuries. But owning a fire-resistant home is not the equivalent of installing a panic room or a blastproof bunker. Its not a way for wealthy survivalists to retreat from chaos; instead, its an act of both self-preservation and good citizenship, like getting vaccinated against mumps.

The effort to reduce a communitys fire risk begins with defining the community itself. When it comes to defending against natures attacks, American towns and cities are hampered by a pastiche of jurisdictions: federal risk maps, state laws, local ordinances, homeowners association bylaws, insurance-company rules  all whirl together into a confusing set of incentives and obligations. One home on a street may have been given a disaster-defense checkup thanks to a town grant, but its next-door neighbor, just over the town line, may sit there just as vulnerable, and therefore dangerous, as ever. A burning house can shoot out embers that, lofted on powerful currents of air, can land and wreak misery several miles away.

Every fire disaster is a failure of civic organization, a deadly mixture of shortsightedness, misplaced frugality, and magical thinking. I asked Fischer if she knew of any places that handled the challenge correctly; she mentioned the city of Ashland, Oregon, where the deadly Almeda fire started in 2020. The whole culture of the town has changed.

I called Chris Chambers, the forestry officer whos currently leading the effort to upgrade Ashlands wildfire protection plan, and he told me that he was focused on protecting the part of the population with the fewest resources  many of them Latino immigrants who dont attend planning meetings and dont own the properties they live in. But even when people can pay for preparedness, they mostly choose not to. If you got half of people to participate in a voluntary program, that would be a gigantic success, Chambers says. He estimates that Ashland is 15 to 20 percent of the way to being fully prepared for the next Almeda. Its a surprising part of the human condition that we can stare a wildfire disaster in the face and then turn around and not take action on your own property when youve been told youre at high risk. You just think: Its not going to happen to me.
Many Angelenos are staying close to home at the moment, but New York brokers say calls are starting to trickle in. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Getty

Ilian Rebei, who moved his art gallery Nagas from Paris to Los Angeles, had been thinking about relocating to New York, where most of clients are based, but hadnt set anything in motion. I had this idea in mind, but nothing concrete, no plan, says Rebei. And then the wildfires hit. I heard that in the Pacific Palisades it moved from ten acres to 200 acres very quickly, he said. And with artwork, when its gone, its gone. Shortly after the fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, he started calling freight companies to see if anyone could move the art from his Hollywood gallery  about 35 paintings and 15 drawings  to New York. I had to call, like, 20 or 30 places, he says. Once he locked one down, he set about finding a new home for himself, contacting Nancy Elton, a real-estate agent at Bond New York, about a rental listing she had for a studio apartment on the Upper East Side. There was a real sense of urgency, says Elton. We saw the apartment at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, had him approved by 8 p.m., and he signed the lease at 8:20. On Saturday, he moved in. From where I was living in Santa Monica, I could see the fire with my own eyes, Rebei said. Of course, I could have moved later, could have taken the risk. But at one point, you have to decide, and I decided that the moment was now.

While many Angelenos are staying in, or at least close to, the city right now, some have taken the massive destruction as a sign that its time to move on  a reversal of the longstanding New Yorker dream of moving west. With tens of thousands of Californians still under evacuation orders, more than 10,000 structures destroyed (along with a lot of the infrastructure needed to supply them with basic utilities), and experts saying that, optimistically, rebuilding will take two to three years, its clear that thousands of people will need to find semipermanent housing in the immediate future. And thats likely to prove difficult in L.A., where the sudden housing crunch has resulted in price gouging which, despite being illegal, is widespread.

Ryan Serhant recently told Fox Business that hes been inundated with calls from L.A. brokers who have clients looking for rental housing on the East Coast. And those clients are increasingly interested in buying instead of renting, as the scope of the destruction becomes clearer: People have said this is the final straw for the state. But other New York brokers say that most of the conversations theyve had with people from Los Angeles are of the Yeah, we might be looking to move back variety. Still, they expect that there will be something of an exodus in the coming months. I texted a client who moved to L.A. to see if everything was okay, says Enrica Petrongari, a real-estate agent at Keller Williams NYC. He said, Everything is burned out. Luckily, we have insurance. But I dont think its worth having a house in California anymore.

For some homeowners who are already bicoastal, New York is the obvious place to live during the yearslong process of rebuilding their L.A. homes. People need stability. Theyre not going to check into a hotel for six months, says Yan Gladkov, an agent at Keller Williams NYC. Gladkovs clients include a couple whose home has burned down in the Hollywood Hills. They have a pied-a-terre on Billionaires Row to retreat to but are now considering buying something larger in New York, or possibly the Hamptons, that they can use as a primary residence while they rebuild in L.A.

For Alex OKeefe, a TV writer who worked on The Bear and rents in a South L.A. neighborhood not touched by the fires, last weeks destruction was only the latest sign that Hollywood, at least as he knows it, is over. The end of the streaming boom, the writers strike, and subsequent changes to streamers models have all translated to less work, making it hard for him to carve out a living in the industry. And now, he says, the fires are going to have domino effects. A big Hollywood star or producer who lost their home in the Palisades? They are probably not going to want to make their next thing here, he said. I also think insurance on production will be sky high and it will be harder to finance the governors plan to raise tax credits for L.A. production. And then, of course, there are the wildfires themselves, and fire season in L.A. seems to expand every year. Thats why hes decided to permanently relocate to New York. Certainly its not any better rent-wise, he says, but my fiancees family lives in New York, and we can stay in their spare room.

The offer of free housing on the North Fork garnered a lot of reactions but limited interest from those displaced by the wildfires. Photo: Office of Tangible Space

Still, the majority of Angelenos who are looking are most likely still in an exploratory phase. Michael Yarinsky, a partner at the design studio Office of Tangible Space, recently offered up the studios North Fork home for free on Instagram as temporary housing for a displaced family. It was available for the next month or so, and the vibe there is very similar to Altadena, very creative, a lot of working artists, says Yarinsky. He says hes currently in conversation with a couple of people who are interested, but it seems to him that people whove lost a lot are not looking to get out: They want to stay local, monitor the situation  some of them havent even gotten access to their homes site. I think it will probably happen that some of them end up moving to the East Coast, but a lot of people are just trying to get a sense of where the ground is right now.
Green-painted trains provide cost-effective rides for rural vendors

Xinhua) 09:29, January 17, 2025

A tourist scans the payment QR code to pay for the figs he bought from vendor Yimamamat Saipar onboard the train No. 7557, Aug. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Bowen)

KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- With a wooden pole resting on her shoulder to help carry two wicker baskets of vegetables, rural vendor Zhao Shuying boards the No.5652 train with its old-fashioned green livery, heading for a nearby city to sell her fresh produce.

Unlike the sleek, silver-white bullet trains commonly seen on China's railways, the retro-looking No.5652 train operates at a lower speed, and departs from Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, on a journey of 261 km, which terminates in neighboring Guizhou Province.

However, this relatively slow train offers a much lower price compared with the speedy bullet trains. The most expensive ticket on the No.5652 train costs only 36.5 yuan (about 5 U.S. dollars), while the cheapest fare is just 6 yuan.

For Zhao and rural vendors like her, who get off in the city of Qujing with baskets on their shoulders or backs, the green train offers a very cost-effective ride to a bustling market where they can sell fresh produce at a better price, especially with the Spring Festival drawing near.

"We all take the slow train to get here," said Zhao in an interview with Xinhua, while pointing to vendors beside her. "Thanks to a favorable policy in the market, we set up our stalls free of charge, while our products sell pretty fast here at a higher price."

As one of the green trains operated by the China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the No.5652 is a public-interest oriented train serving people from all walks of life, ranging from small vendors like Zhao to migrant workers and students -- especially those from rural and mountainous areas.

In addition to the low fares these trains offer, the Kunming bureau group has also launched a variety of both volunteer and convenient services for passengers in recent years.

While China boasts the world's largest network of high-speed railways, which handled nearly 3.3 billion passenger trips throughout 2024, it has also maintained the operation of green-painted trains to provide a more affordable and budget-friendly travel option.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, another such train travels through cities including Urumqi, Turpan, Korla, Aksu, Kashgar and Hotan via its 30-hour trip to the southern part of Xinjiang.

With an average speed of less than 80 kilometers per hour and a minimum fare of only 4 yuan, this train is affectionately dubbed the "little slow guy" by its passengers.

Thanks to its affordable fares, the train has become somewhat of a school bus for students living along the route, while serving as a shuttle bus for farmers and herders needing to work outside.

To help local people in southern Xinjiang sell their agricultural products, this train also features regular "mobile bazaars" in designated carriages. During the harvest seasons in summer and autumn, local villagers board such carriages to peddle their fruits, vegetables and other local specialties, or to travel to markets in nearby counties and townships to sell their produce.

With the Spring Festival approaching, this train is now also carrying more people home to reunite with their families. According to Xinjiang's local railway department, in the first nine days of 2025, the southern Xinjiang railway had transported a total of 326,200 passengers, an increase of more than 14,000 people compared with the same period in 2024.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Chinese woman who was previously diagnosed with infertility gave birth just hours after she was told that she was over eight months pregnant.

The 36-year-old woman from Hangzhou, China, has captured widespread attention on Chinese social media following her unexpected delivery.

The woman, identified only as Gong by the South China Morning Post, was previously told she was sterile and unable to bear a child due to an unspecified womb syndrome. She and her husband had later inquired about possibly undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) but were rejected due to her weight.

Her weight was not specifically mentioned, but it was noted that Gong was "tall and fat" and that she was addicted to desserts.

Her Unexpected Pregnancy and Giving Birth

Gong visited Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital after she suffered from numbness in her arms and extremely high blood pressure. She was only set to receive treatment for hypertension but had been asked to undergo ultrasonic examination when doctors learned that she had not had her menstruation for months. It was then discovered that she was pregnant.

Doctors later deemed her health condition critical and immediately performed an emergency caesarean section (C-section), where they delivered a healthy baby boy.

"There were only four hours from finding out I was pregnant to the birth of my baby," she said.

The boy weighed 2 kilograms at birth.

Other Unexpected Pregnancies

Gong's extraordinary pregnancy is one of the few cases of unexpected pregnancies in recent years.

In 2019, Elizabeth Kough made headlines when she became pregnant after having both fallopian tubes removed. Kough, who already had three children, underwent a bilateral salpingectomy in 2015 to prevent future pregnancies and reduce her risk of ovarian cancer. Despite the procedure's near 100% effectiveness, Kough discovered she was pregnant in 2019 and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

For perspective, the rate of pregnancy for women who have had their fallopian tubes partially removed is about 7.5 per 1,000. There is no available data on the pregnancy rate for women who underwent fill removal, such as Kough, largely because it is rare.
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Nobody loves a snitch, I know, but this week I found myself in the deeply uncomfortable position of having to play copper's nark.

What made it so much worse was that the criminal I had to grass up to the Old Bill was none other than my darling wife, the mother of my sons and grandmother of my grandchildren.

The offence for which I reported her? On the morning of Sunday, January 5, at 10.35 precisely, she was apparently caught on camera, driving at a breakneck 24 mph in a 20 mph zone on her way to 11 o'clock Mass.

I knew it could only have been her behind the wheel, because she goes to church, and I don't.

Indeed, at that time on a Sunday morning you will always find me in my pyjamas at the kitchen table, smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee and reading the papers.

But the Notice of Intended Prosecution was addressed to me, since I am the registered keeper of our car. It therefore fell to me to complete and sign the accursed form, telling the police who was driving it at the time of the alleged offence.

Honest soul that Mrs U is, she fessed up immediately. But what an invidious position for a loving husband to find himself in!

On the morning of Sunday, January 5, at 10.35 precisely, she was apparently caught on camera, driving at a breakneck 24 mph in a 20 mph zone on her way to 11 o'clock Mass (file image)

It fell to me to complete and sign the accursed form, telling the police who was driving it at the time of the alleged offence (file image)

Offence

The thought flashed across my mind that perhaps the noble thing to do would be to take the rap myself, as Sydney Carton did in A Tale Of Two Cities (spoiler alert!), when he went to the guillotine in place of Charles Darnay, as a final demonstration of his unrequited love for the latter's wife Lucie.

But then I remembered the ghastly fate of my old schoolmate, the former Lib Dem Energy Secretary Chris Huhne. He was sent to prison along with his wife for perverting the course of justice after they lied about which of them was driving at the time of a speeding offence.

(The big difference is that, in their case, that unchivalrous skunk Chris was telling a whopper, in the hope of saving himself from a driving ban, when he persuaded his wife to say that she'd been behind the wheel.)

It also occurred to me that since I myself was nicked for driving at 26mph in a 20mph zone only last May, as regular readers may remember, I would be punished much more severely than Mrs U, with her unblemished record, for what would be seen as my second offence.

But then, if I couldn't lie, nor could I simply ignore the prosecution notice  as the unfortunate former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan discovered only this week, to her terrible cost.

Poor Miss Flanagan, 34, who played Rosie Webster in Corrie, was banned from driving for six months, fined 2,000 and ordered to pay an 800 'victim surcharge' plus 110 costs after failing to tell police who was driving on two occasions when her car was caught speeding.

Now a social media influencer, Flanagan told the court on Wednesday that her 45-year-old boyfriend Robbie Talbot was the guilty party on both occasions. But this cut no ice with Wirral magistrates as she had not completed the form.

Nor were they moved by her testimony that a driving ban would be particularly wretched for her, since she lives in the middle of the moors, ten minutes' drive from the nearest shop, and she needed her licence to take her three young children to nursery and other activities.

Most galling of all for her, if she was telling the truth, was that the boyfriend she named as the offender would now be allowed to drive her car, while she wouldn't.

Poor Miss Flanagan (pictured) was banned from driving for six months, fined 2,000 and ordered to pay an 800 'victim surcharge' plus 110 costs after failing to tell police who was driving on two occasions when her car was caught speeding

Culprit

As she put it: 'I would be really, really angry I don't think that would sit well with me.' The moral is that it's a very heavy price we have had to pay if we either lie to the police or fail to rat on the guilty.

So it was that, with a very heavy heart, I fingered Mrs U as the culprit on the form, signed it and sent it off. As I write, we await another NIP, this one addressed to her.

My only consolation  and please don't tell my wife  was a slight frisson of pleasure as she grovelled her apologies to me (as the sole breadwinner, I am the one who has to pick up all the bills).

For once in our long marriage, she was the sinner, and not me. I suspect that other husbands will understand that feeling.

But I certainly don't feel even the slightest twinge of animosity towards her for inadvertently breaking the 20mph limit, which is so very easy for any of us to do.

I know her to be an extremely careful driver, who would never put anyone in danger.

Indeed, when we were on our uppers she took a job driving double-decker buses, manoeuvring vehicles the size of a small house round the capital for two-and-a-half years without mishap.

So it's not her offence that fills me with anger. It's these 20mph zones, springing up all over the country  and policed by nothing with more common sense than a camera and a computer program. They are the true abomination.

Atrocities

God knows, we can all imagine circumstances in which it would be dangerous to drive at more than a 20mph crawl. But on a clear main road, in perfect visibility, on a Sunday morning with nobody about? Come off it!

If you ask me, these wretched zones have precious little to do with road safety, and almost everything to do with the authorities' determination to squeeze every last penny out of motorists. But 20mph limits have other pernicious consequences, too.

Along with Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, congestion charges, Ultra Low Emission Zones, excessive parking charges and other atrocities, they suck the commercial heart out of our cities, driving customers away and piling extra costs on to businesses that depend on cars, vans and lorries for their livelihoods.

More insidiously, meanwhile, they alienate people who are law-abiding by inclination, the natural friends of the police.

These zones have precious little to do with road safety, and almost everything to do with the authorities' determination to squeeze every last penny out of motorists (file image)

Speaking for myself, since my own brush with the law last May  my first speeding conviction in more than 50 years on Britain's roads  I've come to curse the law and dread the sight of a police car, as I crawl around town with my car's speed limiter almost permanently fixed at a ludicrous 20mph. Now it's my poor wife's turn to start feeling the same.

It beats me why the police themselves don't kick up more of a fuss about having to waste their precious time pursuing countless honest citizens like Mrs U.

But then I suppose it's much more troublesome (and far less lucrative) to catch murderers, muggers and thieves than to prosecute God-fearing 67-year-old grannies, driving at 24mph on their way to church.
'Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom,' Thomas Jefferson once wrote.

Kemi Badenoch's candour is to be applauded, then, after she set out so compellingly the challenges faced by the Conservative Party and the country.

In an impressive speech, the Tory leader was willing to speak hard truths, and admit mistakes have been made.

She also delivered a withering analysis of the Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ultimate weakness: 'He's a lawyer, not a leader.'

Mrs Badenoch now needs to dedicate time to becoming more visible, out and about around the country.

By continuing to talk as astutely as she did yesterday, the Tory leader is sure to make a powerful connection with the electorate.

As voters become more and more disenchanted with Labour's hypocrisy they will be increasingly drawn to the principles of conservatism set out by Mrs Badenoch  opportunity, fairness and the chance to leave a meaningful legacy in life.

She is demonstrably the right person to take the Conservative Party to exactly where it should be  back in government.

Kemi Badenoch 's candour is to be applauded after she set out so compellingly the challenges faced by the Conservative Party and the country

She also delivered a withering analysis of the Prime Minister Keir Starmer 's ultimate weakness: 'He's a lawyer, not a leader'

Legal problem

Compare the Leader of the Opposition's transparency with the opacity of the Attorney General, Lord Hermer.

He this week repeatedly refused to clarify the full nature of his role representing Gerry Adams, and how it relates to law changes being planned by Labour which may benefit the ex-Sinn Fein leader.

As a leading KC, Lord Hermer has been involved in a series of legal challenges where government policy was in dispute.

These include advocating for jihadi bride Shamima Begum to return to the UK.

In another recent case  the ongoing independent inquiry into UK Special Forces' activities in Afghanistan  he said he hoped to prove the SAS were guilty of a 'war crime'.

He may at some point be required to directly advise the PM and the rest of Cabinet on these issues and many others in which he has played a partisan role.

Regrettably, it is likely that Lord Hermer will continue to hide behind the convention that an Attorney General's advice to ministers is confidential.

When he has been involved in a slew of prominent cases against the State, and his impartiality comes into question, that position is entirely untenable.

As a leading KC, Lord Hermer has been involved in a series of legal challenges where government policy was in dispute

Protect pensioners

Labour has already inflicted enough damage on pensioners and those diligently saving for retirement.

Stripping the winter fuel payment from millions of retirees was heartless.

And Rachel Reeves's failure to quell speculation she was planning further damaging changes, such as tightening the rules on tax-free lump sums, caused wide anxiety.

Now there is highly worrying talk about the 'triple lock' from the new pensions minister Torsten Bell.

In a former role at a think-tank, he called for the 'messy' mechanism to be scrapped because it was leading to 'outsized growth' in state pension levels.

There was no such penny-pinching when ministers were awarding pay rises to the unionised workers who fill their election coffers.

Labour must abide by its pledge to retain the triple lock at all costs.
Peace has never looked so deadly. The Gaza ceasefire, which would force Israel to halt its bombardment while the remnants of Hamas renounce terrorism, is bristling with dangers.

Europe and America might imagine that peace will be welcomed by all sides, bringing a halt to 15 months of unremitting bloodshed. But this ceasefire might not be the answer to anyones prayers.

Already the foundations of the agreement seem shaky. The Israeli cabinet has postponed a vote on the deal, crowbarred into place by the US, until today. At least 73 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes within just 24 hours of the agreement being announced.

However, even if the deal is approved, I fear it will be little more than a prelude to more violence and political instability across the region.

After all, many Israelis see this deal not as the victory they need to keep their country safe, but as a surrender. They fear it will give their enemy time to regroup, rebuild and rearm for another assault  and they are probably right.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, to secure the release of 33 of the surviving hostages seized on October 7, 2023, the Jewish state must free an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.

Some are mass murderers and fanatics who will undoubtedly intend to continue the war by any means possible.

The Hamas leadership has been shattered, with its military commander Yahya Sinwar and political leader Ismail Haniyeh both hunted down and assassinated in the past six months. But that leaves thousands of disaffected would-be resistance fighters rudderless.

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, 2025

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal and hostage release, mediators announced on Wednesday

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker joins protesters to call for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16

Many of them are teenagers or younger, their outlook warped by months of violence and a relentless barrage of anti-Israeli propaganda. Its all too probable that some will launch reckless assaults  fracturing any chances of peace.

Whats more, Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has his own personal reasons for continuing the war. As long as he heads a country in a state of emergency, hes safe from prosecution on charges of corruption.

Peace is likely to mean his political opponents  particularly on the Left  renew their campaign to drag him before a court.

As for politicians on the Right, they have already made their disdain for a ceasefire clear. Should they resign, as some have threatened, Netanyahus grip will become even weaker.

The PM will keep clinging to power, but the reluctant coalition of rivals around him will not swallow their hostility for long. Cynical though it sounds, its in Netanyahus interests that this ceasefire falters, providing he doesnt appear to be the saboteur. This truce would appear doomed, then, except for one factor: The incoming US President. Donald Trump urgently needs this to work. For him, the enemy is not Hamas but its paymaster, Iran.

The regime in Tehran has been steadily growing in international influence, despite global sanctions. If it is permitted to become the dominant power in the Middle East  and even to develop nuclear weapons  all-out war with America will be inevitable.

Containing Iran, and ideally replacing the oppressive rule of the Ayatollah, would be a major step towards real peace in the region. To achieve that, Trump needs to use Israel to revive his alliances with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states  expanding the so-called Abraham Accords.

The chance of that happening, as long as Israel is waging war on Hamas, is nil. Thats why Trump ordered his chief negotiator, Steve Witkoff, to strong-arm Israels Netanyahu into signing up to a ceasefire.

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025

Pro-Palestinian protesters rally to stand with Palestinians in Gaza following the announcement of the ceasefire, in New York City, U.S., January 16

Posters of hostages Emily Tehila Damari, Romi Gonen and Daniella Gilboa are hung at Hostage Square after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16

Whispers in the US press even claim Netanyahu tried to dodge a meeting on Saturday by claiming that his religious principles forbade him to talk politics on the Sabbath. Witkoff, who is Jewish himself, saw through the ruse and demanded an immediate meeting, with only one option on the table: Ceasefire.

Israel cannot defy Washington. Without American support, it could be wiped off the map. But still, the future of the agreement remains uncertain  even as aid trucks begin to queue on the Gaza border.

Should the deal go ahead, we might dare to hope peace is on the horizon.

But even if those aid trucks pour into the Gaza Strip  bringing supplies to rebuild hospitals, schools and homes  we can be sure Hamas will rearm.

Aid intended for reconstruction will be siphoned off into the manufacture of missiles, the digging of tunnels and so on.

In Britain, we will see countless appeals for aid and money to help the Palestinians return to some semblance of normal life.

But it would be naive to suppose that the charity wed like to offer is guaranteed to help the innocent people who need it.

Peace might last with luck, but if that happens it will be because cynical power brokers see it is to their advantage  not out of any idealism.

*Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute in Oxford.
Last week the next American president, Donald Trump, sat at Jimmy Carter's funeral beside his old enemy Barack Obama. To everyone's surprise, they chatted and laughed. Then Trump turned to Obama and, according to a lip-reader, asked if they might find a place to talk afterwards, just quietly. What was that about? Was this a new Trump?

Britons do not approve of Trump. Two years ago, just 14 per cent claimed to like him. He was a bad loser. He lied and faced trials for fraud, election rigging and sexual chicanery.

Yet Americans then decided to give him a second chance. The number of Britons liking him more than doubled, albeit only to 34 per cent.

Trump has been elected by a clear majority of America's voters and that is democracy at work. It should be respected, even if he did not respect his defeat in 2020. He now has a heavy burden on his shoulders, as leader of the free world and as Britain's most trusted ally. We can only wait and hope.

The best hope now must be that Trump has learned from his first term. A feature of America's constitution is that a maverick outsider can get to the White House, even with no previous experience or preparation.

I say this as someone who has looked in detail at the constitution for my new book A Short History of America, which will be published later this year. For all its faults, the US is a beacon of democracy and good governance. The opening phrase of the preamble to the constitution is 'We the people'.

If they elect a controversial, seemingly ill-equipped figure as president, so be it. The government acts in the name of the people with all the democratic and constitutional restraints that involves.

In 2016 Trump had no previous experience of politics or government. The only election he had won was Best Ladies' Man at school. Even as president he had gained fewer popular votes than his opponent, Hillary Clinton, beating her only by securing a majority of states' votes in the Electoral College.

Barack Obama and Donald Trump in conversation at Jimmy Carter's funeral service last week

On arriving in office, Trump's inexperience found him without friends or sound advisers. His wife was rarely seen and only his children seemed ready to help him. Favourites came and went. The nearest to a senior aide, the far-right 'global populist' Steve Bannon, stormed out in a huff and ended up in prison.

Trump's first term was further aggravated by an inability to know what to do with advice when he got it. He managed to cut taxes and some regulations, only to send the nation's debt soaring. It reflected Ronald Reagan's joke that it was 'now big enough to look after itself'.

His imposition of bilateral tariffs on foreign states merely led to costly retaliation. A handful of so-called 'grown-ups' in the White House tried to control crucial parts of government, notably defence and foreign affairs. But Mexico refused to pay for Trump's new border wall, while Congress stymied his attempt to reverse Obama's health care act aimed at providing affordable health insurance.

Trump then left office in a blaze of denials, riots and court cases. It was assumed he was finished. Politicians round the world felt they could safely abuse him. Britain's now Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, called him a 'neo-Nazi tyrant in a toupee'.

But Trump did not give up. Possibly America's most unsuccessful president, he showed the hide of an ox and made an astonishing comeback.

As for learning lessons, we have only the gossip from the Florida palace of Mar-a-Lago. Trump is apparently determined to repair his reputation. This was at first doubtful when he announced his choice of cabinet, including 12 otherwise unqualified billionaires.

He wanted as defence secretary a Fox News presenter, Pete Hegseth, whose CV was purple with alcohol and sex. His health portfolio went to Robert Kennedy, best known as a conspiracy theorist and Covid vaccine denier.

As a replacement for Bannon, Trump selected as his closest ally, the Right-wing tech billionaire and sofa-surfer Elon Musk. He was rarely out of Trump's family photographs all winter. Dismissed by Bannon as a 'truly evil racist', Musk's job is currently to save $1trillion by cutting Washington's bureaucracy. Rumour has it that his days at court may be numbered.

Trump has selected tech billionaire Elon Musk to cut $1trillion of Washington bureaucracy

Trump's programme, however, is a different matter. On the surface it is a ragbag of populist slogans. Immigrants are 'poisonous' and criminals, imports 'kill jobs', climate change is a 'hoax'.

But stripped of colourful rhetoric, this is the isolationism favoured by America's backwoods since President Andrew Jackson and Democratic Party contender William Jennings Bryan in the 19th century, and Richard Nixon and Reagan in the 20th.

The enemies of such politics are bugbears familiar across 'middle America'. They are the liberal media, Ivy League snobs, globalist free-traders and bureaucrats from the 'Washington swamp'.

Of these the last are the real villains. Reagan would say that the most terrifying sentence in the English language was: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

That said, there are signs that Trump has this time gone beyond his campaign slogans and prepared at least some of the ground.

His most immediate pledge is to expel 'at once' a million mostly Mexican and South American immigrants. It is estimated that 8million have crossed the southern border in just the past two years, with some 11million now illegally resident. Trump's pledge echoes his promise to 'build that wall' on the border with Mexico in 2016, one he conspicuously failed to deliver.

This goal is not inconceivable. In 1954 President Eisenhower launched a similar plan, Operation Wetback, and did achieve his target of 1million in a year, albeit with often severe cruelty towards families. Trump's supporters point out that Obama deported  or turned back  some 3 million Mexicans, with Joe Biden adding 1.5 million more, albeit largely through expelling criminals.

The challenge here is that employers need migrants. Trump's wish to end skills visas for Asian computer staff has already led to a furious argument with Musk, whose businesses depend on them. The issue may precipitate the first crisis of the new administration, though those acquainted with immigration under Obama say that a tolerable compromise may be achieved.

Trump's most immediate pledge is to expel 'at once' a million immigrants. This goal is not inconceivable. In 1954 President Eisenhower launched a similar plan, Operation Wetback, and did achieve his target of 1million in a year, albeit with often severe cruelty towards families

Trump's other much-flaunted policy, for an economy built around tariffs - his 'most beautiful word in the dictionary'  is also likely to be toned down. Protectionism has been a Republican policy since the 19th century, used in defence of farmers and manufacturers alike.

A threatened 10 per cent impost on trade with Britain would sabotage Rachel Reeves's growth plans. Britain's new Washington ambassador, Lord Mandelson, would have his work cut out.

Threats of severe tariffs are being made against Mexico, Canada and China, with the threat of a 60 per cent levy against the latter. These would devastate complex supply chains, notably Big Tech's Chinese suppliers.

The guess is that Trump's trade chief, Scott Bessent, will target specific products, such as electric vehicles, and single out individual countries such as China. At least Bessent has confined himself to calling tariffs 'negotiating tools'.

More intriguing is what Trump might mean by his slogan, 'Make America Great Again'.

Is he saying he will boost US influence worldwide? If so, it appears to clash with middle America's long-held aversion to spending money on helping foreign countries.

These voters opposed involvement in both world wars in the 20th century. Congress refused to allow America to join the League of Nations in 1919. Non-intervention was also strongly advocated by George W Bush, at least before 9/11.

Trump appears to be of like mind. Apart from air operations in Syria, he undertook no military interventions as president. He could seem uncomfortable at and even avoided some international gatherings.

In his first term he withdrew America from the Paris deal on climate change and from talks on nuclear disarmament, human rights, Iranian weapons inspection and even Unesco.

He is sincere, however, in his conviction that he has a talent for global peace-making. In 2018, Trump even believed he could reach a bilateral treaty with North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un, though he failed to do so.

The same applies to the way he has claimed credit for the Gaza peace deal signed this week after warning earlier this month that 'all hell will break loose' if hostages are not released before his inauguration.

It applies to his 'on-day-one' boast for peace in Ukraine. He wants to restore relations with Russia's Vladimir Putin and rejects President Biden's view that there is 'no need' to talk with him. This could yet prove the area in which Trump does most to change the temperature of international affairs.

He could also do so in a more delicate relationship with Nato, given his impatience with the state of the alliance. In office previously, he mooted a readiness to withdraw from it if other members did not pull their financial weight. This was a distant echo of George Washington's oft-cited belief that America should steer clear of Europe since its 'causes are foreign to our concerns'.

Trump plainly believes that Europe should be mature enough to manage its own security. If it needs help, it should question where Russia poses the real threat in the West, and then ask whose money should be spent deterring it.

No disruption was more dramatic than Trump's most recent bolt from the blue, however, a revival of American neo-imperialism towards Greenland, Panama and even Canada. But this, too, reflects a long tradition.

The Founding Fathers' vision was of an 'empire of liberty', stretching ever further across America and its borders. To Thomas Jefferson, the addition of Canada to the US was 'just a matter of marching'. President James Polk in the 19th century and Teddy Roosevelt in the early 20th toyed with incorporating Mexico, the Caribbean and the Pacific. It was, after all, not until 1959 that Hawaii and Alaska became states.

In the case of Canada, Trump's hint of trade sanctions  perhaps satirically  was outrageous. But his suggestion of acquiring Greenland was not wholly implausible. It is a Danish colony with virtual independence. Its people are presumably entitled to decide on their future, as was Ireland in 1921.

To America, Greenland would be a prize of both strategic and resource value. It would be worth a high price if its citizens wished to sell it. Acquisition would certainly give Trump a place in history.

All of this serves to render the new president less alarming and perhaps more refreshing than at first sight. At the same time the checks and balances of the constitution will need to be readied to guard against his wilder side.

The outgoing President Biden was explicit in his farewell address on Wednesday, warning of his successor's 'oligarchy taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms'.

Trump's readiness to pardon the 2021 rioters has already shocked even his vice president, J. D. Vance. His treatment of any regulation of Musk's social media as censorship is certain to raise hackles. It is barely conceivable that America will for long treat slander, mendacity, conspiracy and death threats online as 'free speech'.

For the moment Trump has the advantage of working with a Republican majority in Congress but that will work for him only so long as his party can win elections. America's constitution also grants individual states extraordinary rights to do their own thing.

This is why some offer the most progressive government in the world and others the least. Examples can be seen where recreational drugs, gun control, abortion, capital punishment and a dozen other liberties are concerned. Local autonomy is the key to America's freedom - British politicians take note.

That Trump was re-elected in November was not a failure of democracy. It was rather a sign of democracy hard at work. Half of America was disenchanted with what it regarded as a liberal ruling establishment deaf to its concerns. It is as well that such people can find a voice  even if it undoubtedly comes with risk attached.
Most readers remember the horror inflicted on this country by the IRA. We grew up in semi-permanent fear of their outrages, not just in Northern Ireland, but on the mainland as well.

You remember how they put bombs in pubs, cars, waste-bins, shopping centres. They didnt just target soldiers and police officers and politicians; they hit people who had nothing whatever to do with the Troubles, who just happened to be in the radius of their hideous blasts.

They attacked totally innocent men, women, children  killing and maiming indiscriminately, and then offering their sickening non-apologies. The campaign of violence went on for decades, from the 1970s to the late 1990s.

For almost the entire period  from 1977 to 2005  there was one wolf-visaged figure who was said to have sat on the IRA Army Council  the shadowy body that orchestrated the mayhem. In the opinion of all reputable historians of the Troubles, that man was Gerry Adams, and though he has always formally denied it, his leading role has never been seriously contested on any side.

So you might ask how, in the name of all that is sacred, this man could now be somehow eligible for a payout from the UK taxpayer. You might be wondering why the hell the UKs own Attorney General is actively working  in defiance of the will of Parliament  to compensate Gerry Adams.

And it is not just Adams, by the way, who may be eligible. Under the deranged plan of Richard Hermer KC, there could be up to 1,500 terrorists  both republican and loyalist  who could be getting money from you and me.

Welcome to Starmers Britain, folks, a country where you can be locked up for a stray tweet, but where serious sexual and violent offenders are let out of prison early, and former terrorists and their apologists are suddenly showered with unexpected gold.

It is not that these people in any sense deserve the dosh; of course not. Nor is this happening because the law genuinely requires it to happen. There is one reason why Gerry Adams and others are in line for these obscene pay-outs, and it is becoming more obvious by the day.

Gerry Adams could now be somehow eligible for a payout from the UK taxpayer

Richard Hermer KC, pictured, represented Gerry Adams before becoming Attorney General

Britain is now governed by a small cabal of Left-wing lawyers, old cronies of Starmer, who actively rejoice in the humiliation of their country. Let us take Hermer, who was at the same Doughty Street Chambers as Starmer, and who (incredibly) gave 5,000 to his leadership campaign, before being rewarded with the position of Attorney General.

In 2023, Hermer actually represented Gerry Adams against some victims of the IRA, and took at least 30,000 in fees. We don't seem to know who paid those fees, whether it was Adams, or the heirs of the Army Council  but the financial relationship was clear.

So it was quite astonishing that as soon as he became Attorney General in July 2024, Hermer took the decision to open the floodgates to UK compensation for the IRA. He backed the recent ruling of a court in Northern Ireland, which decided  absurdly  that in the 1970s the UK Government had infringed the human rights of these terrorists and terrorist suspects.

They had been detained without trial, said the court, as though it had clean forgotten the reality of life and death in Northern Ireland  half a century previously  when people were being murdered every day, and when the cult of fear made it so hard for the authorities to bring a successful prosecution.

Never mind, said the Northern Irish court, 50 years later. The treatment of these terrorists/suspects/apologists had been against the European Convention on Human Rights  and they were all now entitled to sue us for compensation. Adams has been the first in the legal queue for compo, but many others are now expected to follow.

You or I might have concluded that this ruling was preposterous, and yet another reason why we should withdraw from the ECHR  since Strasbourg and other courts are now going way beyond the original intentions of the European Convention. You or I  or any other Attorney General  would have immediately appealed against the ruling; because the decision of the Northern Ireland Court was not only disgraceful, and wrong.

It also went against the express will of Parliament. Both front benches voted in 2023 to make it abundantly clear that whatever happened in Northern Ireland, and whatever compromises were struck in the name of reconciliation, there should be NO compensation, not one penny piece, for those who had been interned.

That was the sovereign decision of Parliament, passed by a large majority. That is how the law should be. So why did Hermer supinely and immediately accept the clearly mistaken ruling of the High Court in Northern Ireland? Why did he drop the UK Governments appeal?

Why is he actively collaborating with a policy that is so obviously repugnant to the people of this country?

Some say that he and Starmer are just pernickety, and that they have a cult of 'crazed legal maximalism', as my old friend Dean Godson has put it. I dont think that fully reflects the sheer perversity of the Lefty-lawyer mentality.

Lets face it, Hermer was not obliged to represent Gerry Adams against his victims, any more than he was obliged to expose the UK taxpayer to the nightmare of paying money to Adams and his chums in the IRA. He did it because he is the type of Lefty who tends to believe that in any dispute, his own country is almost certainly in the wrong; whether we are talking about Northern Ireland or islands in the Indian Ocean.

He is cut from exactly the same ideological cloth as Philippe Sands KC, who has taken gazillions to represent Mauritius against Britain in the matter of the Chagos islands. As it happens, both Hermer and Sands were at Matrix Chambers (another Lefty set).

Both are inveterate buddies of Starmer and they are proving to be the most important intellectual influences on their (palpably less gifted) old colleague.

It is becoming ever clearer that Starmer has no vision for this country. He has no real economic plan, other than the casual destruction being wreaked by Rachel Reeves. Nor does he have anything useful or interesting to say about the role of Britain overseas  and has sadly abandoned, for instance, this countrys leading role in Ukraine.

He has just been to Kyiv, and as far as I can see he said nothing about Ukraines ultimate future in Nato  the only destiny that will really deter Putin from further attack, and lead to a lasting peace. If Britain wont say these vital things, who will?

Starmerism is a vacuum in which the PM allows his Lefty-legal chums to advance their weird surrenderist projects. How much will it cost us to compensate Gerry and the 1,500 compo-crazed terrorists?

This is a government that has been clobbering UK business, putting up taxes so much that they have spooked the global markets. And yet it is giving billions  and I mean billions  to Mauritius for an archipelago that is rightfully British, and to people like Gerry Adams who should, if anything, themselves be compensating the victims of terror.

What are we talking? 9billion? 10billion? It is madness.

It is wrong, unnecessary  and all driven by the vanity of Lefty lawyers who exult in doing Britain down.
Drinking water from a tin has become a 'new obsession' for millions of Brits who have helped to make canned water a multi-million pound industry.

With plastic bottles, which are bad for the environment, going out of favour aluminium can has now also become the go-to vessel for drinking water - with the likes of Evian leaping on the trend.

Eight years ago, pioneering canned H20 company, Cano Water, first launched the novel tinned beverage that has now become a supermarket fridge staple - with the likes of Tesco, Ocado and Wholefoods now stocking it.

Inspired by the move towards aluminium stored beverages, a flurry have new and existing brands have rushed to produce their own version of canned aqua to appease growing thirst for sustainable packaging.

There is also celebrity backing in the brands, with David Attenborough and Ricky Gervais both making investments.

Beverage companies, restaurants and coffee outlets across the nation are joining in on the trend, sourcing their own tinned aqua.

Though storing water in cans in nothing new historically speaking. During the Second World War, the American government manufactured canned water for use as emergency drinking water.

Just eight years ago, pioneering canned H20 company, Cano Water, (pictured) first launched the novel tinned beverage that has now become a supermarket fridge staple - with the likes of Tesco , Ocado and Wholefoods now stocking it

Once reserved for beers, fizzy drinks and all manner of nitro infused cocktail tins, the aluminium can has now also become the go-to vessel for drinking water - with the likes of Evian leaping on the trend

In 2019, in was reported that the sale of canned water had increased fivefold over the previous year, with growing fears around plastic pollution driving the switch to tinned refreshments.

Cans are reportedly one of the most sustainable methods for producing drinks since the material used is 'infinitely recyclable'.

Last year, the UK brand Cano, received backing from the comedian, Ricky Gervais, as well as 'multi-seven-figure' investment in funding.

Cano Water - which has now received backing from a number of celebrities including David Gandy and Dougie Poynter and has partnered with Virgin Atlantic - was world's first ever canned water company when it arrived on the scene in 2015.

Last year, the canned water company reported 5 million in revenue last year and have received backing from environmentally-conscious broadcaster, David Attenborough.

The minimalist designed cans have become a recognisable fridge beverage and are now stocked in Tesco, Wholefoods, Ocado, as well as having previously been served at the Oscars and London Fashion Week.

Though the brand had a rocky beginning - despite their booming success.

Co-founder of Cano Water and former DJ, Josh White, told Just Drinks that the brand had seen an 'incredible shift' in perception since the brand was first born eight years ago, adding that 'people thought we were crazy as they had never seen water in a can before.'

Co-founder of Cano Water and former DJ, Josh White, told Just Drinks that the brand had seen an 'incredible shift' in perception since the brand was first born eight years ago, adding that 'people thought we were crazy as they had never seen water in a can before'

Once reserved for beers, fizzy drinks and all manner of nitro infused cocktail tins, the aluminium can has now also become the go-to vessel for drinking water - with the likes of Evian leaping on the trend

'As time has gone on, with more press around plastic being bad for the planet and for our health, people have started doing their own research into better alternatives and have landed at the same conclusion as us all those years ago  that cans are a much better alternative to plastic when it comes to recyclability,' he told the publication.

The former DJ told Yahoo! Finance that UK fridge shelves are far from seeing the last from canned water.

'The world will be predominately cans in the next 10 years. Its about the shift and putting purpose before profit,' he said.

And it's not just limited to mere still or sparkling. Canned water has grown exponentially in recent years with brands coining in on the trend and expanding the flavoured and fizzy versions of tinned water.

In 2022, the canned water company, Dash, raised 8.7m to set up their business, selling largely flavoured sparkling beverages. Transatlantic investor, Beringea, who previously backed UK non-alcohol beer brand Lucky Saint, led to backing.

The canned water company was first created in 2017 by Alex Wright and Jack Scott, with the mission of creating a sparkling fruit flavoured seltzer.

The seltzer company, who use 'wonky' fruits to flavour their drinks, have 'to keep raising awareness about food waste'. Dash offer multiple flavours for still water skeptics, including a cucumber and mint, raspberry, lime, and orange flavours.

Dash now sell 26 millions cans across the nation, despite founders revealing they were also initially apprehensive. 'People thought were mad,' shared co-founder Alex.

Cano Water - which has now received backing from a number of celebrities including David Gandy and Dougie Poynter and has partnered with Virgin Atlantic - was world's first ever canned water company when it arrived on the scene in 2015

The famously named Liquid Death canned beverage, announced a 'triple digit growth' for the third year in a row, earlier this year

Dash is not the first of its kind. Others have similarly been jumping onto canned water by creating flavoured water beverages.

The famously named Liquid Death canned beverage, announced a 'triple digit growth' for the third year in a row, earlier this year.

The sparkling beverage, which comes in shiny gold and silver cans with gothic calligraphy, has caught global acclaim for it's unusual branding but simple fruit flavoured liquid.

CEO Mike Cessario said: 'So much of the branding in the bottled water category has revolved around the purity of the water, superior levels of hydration, etc. Liquid Death took off because it subverted all the tropes of bottled water marketing that were familiar with.'

The brand revealed it had raked in $263 million (208 million) in global sales at 113,000 US and UK outlets.

Founded in 2017, the brand is now a cult classic among gen z, who make up a large portion of their sales with 70 per cent of their customers either gen z or millennials.

Speaking about the recent transition from plastic to can, CEO of the company commented: 'Putting still mountain water in cans was strange for some people at first because weve all been conditioned to drink water from plastic bottles'

Inspired by the move towards aluminium stored beverages, a flurry have new and existing brands have rushed to produce their own version of canned aqua to appease growing thirst for sustainable packaging (Dash Water pictured)

In 2022, the canned water company, Dash, raised 8.7m to set up their business, selling largely flavoured sparkling beverages. Transatlantic investor, Beringea, who previously backed UK non-alcohol beer brand Lucky Saint, led to backing

The brand was even endorsed by Gossip Girl star, Chase Crawford earlier this year.

Liquid Death has become a household name over the last year after hitting the shelves in Tesco, Nisa and Coop.

Speaking about the recent transition from plastic to can, CEO of the company commented: 'Putting still mountain water in cans was strange for some people at first because weve all been conditioned to drink water from plastic bottles.

'But for other beverages like beer, no one prefers to drink beer from a plastic bottle. So once people tried it and understood our death to plastic mission with aluminium being infinitely recyclable, people really connected with the brand.'

Even water brands who have typically bottled water in plastic, have been turning toward aluminium.

The British chain bakery, Gail's recently began stocking a sustainable boxed water with their Carton water, which describes itself as 'Lighter on the planet'. They also sell glass bottles of aqua.

In 2021, the French brand Evian, released a new range of 'function flavoured water', introducing a range of sweet canned beverages.

A year later, the popular aqua brand launched another canned beverage in the shape of a sparkling water tin.

VP of Marketing at Evian, Shweta Harit said at the time: 'Available for the first time in recyclable aluminium cans, this latest innovation demonstrates our longstanding pioneering spirit that runs through everything we do at evian.'
A woman experiencing health issues was repeatedly dismissed and told to 'just take paracetamol' by doctors during her 13-year battle to receive a correct medical diagnosis.

Gabriella Pearson, 32, from Surrey, started having 'cripplingly painful' periods at the age of ten and is now unable to work or conceive naturally due to her conditions.

Doctors 'constantly dismissed' her pleas for help, labelled her 'emotional', and put her on the contraceptive pill at age 12, telling her her experience is 'part of being a woman' and 'to just get on with it'.

It comes as a damning report by the Women and Equalities Committee found women are enduring painful gynaecological conditions due to 'medical misogyny' in the NHS.

After a 13-year wait, Gabriella received an endometriosis diagnosis at age 23 after her mother noticed a small article on the condition in a newspaper and convinced doctors to book her in for a scan.

Endometriosis is 'a whole body systematic inflammatory condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, which can cause debilitating symptoms,' according to Menstrual Health Project. It takes an average of seven-and-a-half years to get a diagnosis in the UK, writes Endometriosis UK

Gabriella has since received two further diagnoses of adenomyosis, where the lining of the womb starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb, and fibromyalgia, a long-term condition causing pain all over the body.

Her battle for recognition in the healthcare system has inspired her to co-create Menstrual Health Project to promote positive change and spread awareness of endometriosis and other menstrual conditions in schools, the workplace, and wider society.

Gabriella Pearson (pictured), 32, from Surrey, spoke to Femail about her battle with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibromyalgia

In December, a report by MPs on the Commons Women and Equalities Committee revealed their findings of how doctors often have a poor understanding of women's health, meaning they fail to recognise symptoms and are dismissive of patients' pain.

The neglect is fuelled by a 'pervasive stigma' around reproductive health issues and a lack of education about common conditions such as endometriosis, heavy periods and adenomyosis.

As a result, victims suffer agonising discomfort that 'interferes with every aspect of their daily lives', including their education, careers, relationships, and fertility, said MPs on the committee.

Gabriella's life changed aged ten when she started her period. She said: 'It was really heavy and really painful to the point I was curled up in a ball absolutely crippled by the pain.'

The constant and painful bleeding meant she was unable to have a typical school experience and was could not take part in PE and other sporting activities.

'By 12 my mum had just had enough, and she took me to the doctors, and I was put on the contraceptive pill straight away,' Gabriella said. 'I didn't have any investigation, there was no questions asked.'

She continued: 'I think it was really hard for my mum as well because I think there was a bit of a culture, and I think it's a culture that we're breaking now, like "Oh great, that's what the doctor said, that must be the right thing to do and off we go".'

'So, I spent from 12 to 17 constantly on different contraceptive pills, and when I started secondary school, I remember just completely flooding through my school skirt and going to the school nurse, and she just gave me a wet paper towel.

The 32-year-old, who started her periods at the age of 10, said that in 2024, 'medical misogyny' feels 'worse than ever'

Pictured: Gabriella Pearson, right, and Anna Cooper, left, the founders of Menstrual Health Project

As well as grappling with severe gynaecological issues, Gabriella suffered from intense bowel pains

She has co-founded Menstrual Health Charity, providing educational tools to raise awareness of menstrual health conditions

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The long-term condition affects women of any age, including teenagers. Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain

Period pain

pain during or after sex

pain peeing or pooing

feeling sick

difficulty getting pregnant Treatments include: Hormone medicines and contraceptives

Surgery to cut away the patches of endometriosis Source NHS Advertisement

'There were no period products, there was no spare clothes for me to wear and I just felt school wasn't a place where I had support either.'

Gabriella continued to struggle with gynaecological symptoms and bowel problems throughout her teen years, causing her to miss a lot of school, which in turn impacted her mental health.

'I developed really bad anxiety because I was constantly worried about going to school and about all the other symptoms I was struggling with.'

When Gabriella entered year 11, she struggled with depression and left halfway through the school year, completing her GCSEs at home.

'I scraped by,' Gabriella said, adding, 'I did terribly and then, from 17 to 23, I was back and forth in the doctors constantly with different symptoms.

'I was still bleeding heavily, and it was painful, [there was] pain during and after sex, severe bloating, severe lower back pain, erratic bowel movements...I think I probably had every symptom of endometriosis.'

Gabriella said that though she suffered from many of the endometriosis symptoms, she was 'constantly dismissed' or given misdiagnosis.

'I was told I had IBS, I had a gluten intolerance, that it was just stress, or that it was normal at my age, [even though] I was coming out of my teen years by the time I was going to the doctors.'

After fighting her case at the doctors, she received a transvaginal ultrasound at the age of 22, an appointment so tough to secure that she likened it to 'getting blood out of a stone'.

Gabriella struggled with depression and anxiety throughout school and sat her GCSE's from home

The 32-year-old is unable to work due to her high pain levels and is unable to conceive naturally

The invasive procedure was 'traumatic' for Gabriella, and she 'cried the whole way through'.

'I went back to the doctors for the results, and she just said that they were inconclusive and that I had to go for another one.'

Unable to put herself through the process again, Gabriella declined. However, the doctor's 'cold' attitude to the results and suggestion of going for a second ultrasound made her question her health.

She said: 'It completely threw me... [and it made me question] am I imagining all of this?'

Gabriella explained: 'Then, in the next six months, things really ramped up, and I was in and out of work, and I couldn't keep a job; I had just been let go from the temporary job I had been working as well.

Gabriella has undergone five surgeries in total, but worries the time between each one is getting shorter

'I spent about six months back and forth in A&E and I'd see the same nurse in triage and just be completely brushed off [and told] there's nothing wrong with you and to take some paracetamol.'

However, a GP later referred to Gabriella's original ultrasound results, which were previously considered inconclusive, and found evidence of endometriosis.

From there on, she was referred to a gynaecologist and an endometriosis specialist before undergoing a keyhole surgery to determine how widespread the endometriosis was.

'I had endometriosis on my left ovary and my bowel, which made so much sense... I was so relieved, and I thought, I'm not actually crazy, I've not imagined all these symptoms, there's an actual reason why I've been feeling like this.'

Since then, Gabriella has had five other surgeries to remove the endometriosis and received secondary diagnoses.

'Unfortunately, my endometriosis has continued to grow back on my left ovary and bowel but it's also spread to my bladder and my womb.'

While 'medical misogyny' is 'horrific', according to Gabriella, she did acknowledge the many great medical professionals striving to make a change

She added: 'It's been really difficult because for my last two surgeries, the time between them is getting shorter.'

While Gabriella's health battle remains, she has found some solace in setting up Menstrual Health Project to raise awareness of the condition and to help tackle 'medical misogyny'.

She noted that while there are 'so many medical professionals trying', 'medical misogyny is just horrific, and in 2024 it actually feels worse than ever.'

'I've been told to put up and shut up and to just get on with, and that's it's part of being a woman, and I think there's a massive culture of that.

'There are medical professionals that do gaslight, dismiss, misdiagnose, don't treat patients the way they should be listened to.'

To make a positive change, Gabriella's charity strives to educate people, particularly in schools and in the workplace, on menstrual conditions to prevent others from going through a similar experience to hers.

To access Menstrual Health Project's resources, click here
Partygoers around the UK are poking fun at one of the UK's top bar chains for the wild antics of its staff when they're serving customers.

Be at One, a cocktail bar chain open late into the evening, is popular among revellers looking to move after-work pub drinks on to a proper night out, with its 2-4-1 happy hour deals and blaring music.

However, customers have recently taken to TikTok to complain about something they enjoy a little less about their experience - the seemingly wild bar staff.

Mocking the staff in clips shared across the platform, people have joked about staff members' 'insane' theatrics as bartenders pull wild stunts and dance on the counter while thirsty customers are left wanting.

The customers have accused staff of being 'too busy' acting out antics like 'swinging from lampshades' and 'grinding on the bar' to make cocktails - as well as pouring buckets of water over each other mid-shift.

Hundreds of viewers were left in hysterics after one TikTok creator, ShellRowe, posted a comedy skit of what it's like to try and find service as a customer in a branch of Be At One, last week.

In a video that now has 5.2 million views, Shell poses as a Be At One bartender, throwing scoopfuls of ice into the air and stopping to gyrate their hips on the bar in time for the beat to drop.

The skit was captioned: 'POV: You're trying to get a drink at a Be At One. Came for a drink, stayed for the show.'

Customers at the popular bar, Be At One, have recently taken to social media to lament the fact that they can never get their hands on a drink as the bar staff are too busy dancing on the bar and pulling wild stunt (Be At One Liverpool Street pictured)

The popular venue has become the centre of an online debate as hundreds of customers mock their infamous bar theatrics (Be At One Islington pictured)

In the next scene they ask 'what can I get you mate,' pretending to serve a customer - but is then immediately distracted by an 'oggy oggy oggy' chant.

Next, they shower themselves in buckets of ice as the song 'Raining Man' comes on the in the background - before mounting the table to dance.

Hundreds of viewers left comments under the video revealing their amusement at Shell's satirisation of the staff antics.

Hundreds took to the comments after being left in hysterics by the lighthearted video, with even social media accounts from the various bars keen to join in on the joke.

Shell's wild skit isn't a million miles from the image Be at One presents on its own social media channels, with the bar's TikTok account depicting similar scenes in real life.

In a video posted to on the account for Be At One Bath last year, bartenders fling ice into the air while a stream of customers wait patiently at the bar.

In another shot, staff flick off bottle tops, pour spirits from a great height and slam their cocktail shakers and bottle openers onto the bar.

In another outrageous display of bar antics, one bartender at Be At One Liverpool Street slowly undid the buttons of his top as he moved his hips to the sound of the music.

Hundreds of social media users were left in hysterics after one social media users, ShellRowe, posted a comedy skit of what it's like as a customer in a Be At One, last week (pictured)

In a video that now has 5.2 million views, Shell poses as a Be At One bartender, throwing scoopfuls of ice into the air and stopping to gyrate their hips on the bar in time for the beat to drop

And the wild antics in the skit are far from a stretch of the imagination - with dozens of videos from Be At One's social media channels depicting scenes of a near identical quality (Be At One Liverpool Street pictured)

Elsewhere in the country, similar scenes have been recorded with videos of bar staff pulling off similarly wild stunts

Meanwhile, other bartenders clamber on top of the bar, clinging onto its metal frames as they gyrate their hips to the music.

In another dramatic display, Be At One Greek Street Leeds shared a video last summer of one member of staff having an entire bucket of water thrown over them.

In the clip, one member of staff is seen standing behind the bar while four fellow staff members stand on top of the counter and count down before throwing several jugs of water over her head.

Be At One staff working in other venues are no stranger to aquatic theatrics. In another video from early last year, one woman has multiple jugs of water and scoops of ice thrown over her head - which she responds merrily to, laughing and dancing through the chilly shower.

At Be At One in Regent Street, central London, staff pull off another rather exotic water spectacle as bartenders stand with their shirt buttons undone while being hosed down with water - all while gyrating to the music.

Founded in 2011, the popular bar chain first appeared in London and now boasts 35 venues across the country, including 11 in its founding city.

In another dramatic display, Be At One Greek Street Leeds shared a video last summer of one member of staff having an entire bucket of water thrown over them (Be At One Leeds pictured)

Be At One staff working in other venues are no stranger to aquatic theatrics. In another video from early last year, one woman has multiple jugs of water and scoops of ice thrown over her head - which she responds merrily to, laughing and dancing through the chilly shower (Be At One Manchester pictured)

Beyond its 'insane' theatrics and wild water shows, the bar is well known for its extensive cocktail menus and late night opening hours.

ShellRowe's TikTok spurred a lively conversation among viewers, who recognised the hysterical theatrics from their own visits to Be at One.

Joining in on the joke, several Be At One bar accounts took to the comments with the Lincoln venue writing 'Is this your job application??' while the Newcastle social page wrote 'using this for training x'.

The Bournemouth venue wrote: 'Hired: Social media champion and brand ambassador!'

Meanwhile, dozens of customers left comments recalling their own experiences. One wrote: 'You forgot the violent unnecessary swinging of the lamps'.

Another agreed writing: 'Dont forget the swinging of the lampshades nearly taking peoples heads off'.

'The ice throwing and light swinging every 2 seconds is a jumpscare,' another joked.

A fourth mused: 'It the aggressive hip thrusting with a side of apple sourz that really sells it tbh.'

Though not everyone found the theatrics so entertaining, with some remarking the wild behaviour put them off going. One wrote: 'This is why I never drink at one of these. I just want to be served a drink'.
Ellie Zeiler shot to fame on TikTok in March 2020 when she was only 16 during what she calls 'peak Covid,' quickly gaining comparisons to fellow viral superstar Charli D'Amelio.

The content creator then moved to Los Angeles on her own at 17, posting makeup and fashion videos while finishing high school online.

Ellie, who grew up in San Diego and now lives in New York, proudly identifies as Jewish online, which has led to dealing with anti-Semitism in her comments section and real life.

The now 20-year-old influencer has amassed 10.6 million TikTok followers and 1.7 Instagram followers.

'The truth is, TikTok has been very good to me,' Ellie told DailyMail.com during a visit to the New York City office,' adding that she has a 'love/hate relationship with the platform' because of the 'hate' she's experienced.

'With everything going on in the world, and obviously being more proudly Jewish, they've done such a bad job of protecting me and Jewish creators,' Ellie revealed.

'I've had so many calls with them about it, and really yelled at them,' the creator continued.

Ellie spoke to the DailyMail.com about her experience growing up on the now banned platform, her journey to dressing more modestly, and the anxiety and pressure she faced as a teen creator.

Ellie Zeiler shot to fame on TikTok in 2020 when she started posting videos during the Covid quarantine and followers thought she looked exactly like fellow superstar Charli D'Amelio

The content creator moved to Los Angeles on her own at only 17, posting makeup and fashion videos while finishing high school online

Ellie, who grew up in San Diego and now lives in New York, proudly identifies as Jewish online, which has led to dealing with anti-Semitism in her comments section and real life

Ellie said TikTok 'is not controlled, and that's probably the reason why it's being taken away,' joking that 'it's like when you can't control a classroom.'

'I started when I was 16, and so I've just known that it's a platform for hate,' Ellie said.

When she first started posting, she would light the Chanukah candles but wasn't outwardly religious - but once people she started catching on, she began getting anti-Semitic comments regularly.

Ellie was attending in-person classes at UCLA for two months when the October 7 atrocities happened and ended up leaving the school because of the anti-Semitism she faced.

However, the hateful rhetoric has escalated since Hamas claimed 1,200 lives.

Ellie became more religious, started posting about keeping Shabbat, and eventually, moved to Israel to attend a seminary program in Jerusalem, which was a shocking departure from her glamorous life in Los Angeles.

She decided to go to seminary to study religion because while she grew up with 'this American dream' of becoming 'a girl boss,' she found herself struggling with anxiety despite seemingly making it.

'My life felt so empty and I literally would wake up with crippling anxiety every single day,' Ellie admitted.

Ellie attended The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards at The Rainbow Room on September 8, 2023 in New York City

Ellie's style has evolved over the years, with her showing skin during her early years in Los Angeles

Since returning from Israel, Ellie has been focusing on her jewelry line, Jane Jewels, which is a way for women to outwardly show their religion by wearing Star of David necklaces or evil eye bracelets

During her time Israel, she started dressing more modestly and shared the journey with her social media followers.

'I fell into this mindset that my worth came from my body,' she said about her time in Los Angeles, where she regularly attended red carpet events and was friends with her Gen Z influencer peers.

'All I saw growing up was Instagram and women showing their bodies,' Ellie continued, mentioning the 'Kardashian era,' and saying there was 'no chicness or modesty.'

She realized she was 'never going to be fulfilled' by the revealing way she was dressing while she was studying the concept of modesty.

She felt like she was stuck in a rat race, and if she didn't achieve certain things, including 'beauty, fame, and money' then she was 'nothing.'

Once she moved back to the United States, Ellie was faced with a decision - she knew she wanted to don more chaste clothing, but wasn't sure how that would translate to her daily life and her audience.

She said it was 'a lot of pressure' at first, because people thought she would swap her designer style and wear long skirts every day.

Ellie said dressing modestly was 'a lot of pressure' at first, because people thought she would wear long skirts every day

In January 2024, Ellie visited Maya Regev, 21, in the hospital, after she was kidnapped and held hostage. She had to turn off her comments after posting the video on TikTok

The Jewish influencer has started Tzniut Tuesdays, which is the Hebrew word for 'modesty' or 'privacy,' when she specifically wears more covered-up attire

She ended up finding a middle ground and started Tzniut Tuesdays, which is the Hebrew word for 'modesty' or 'privacy,' when she specifically wears more covered-up attire.

Since the switch, she's seen her social media following change, going from 50/50 male and female when she was posting thirst traps to 80 percent women when she made the shift to more covered up ensembles.

Since returning from Israel, Ellie has been focusing on her jewelry line, Jane Jewels, which is a way for women to outwardly show their religion by wearing Star of David necklaces or evil eye bracelets.

With the end of TikTok, she'll be focusing on Instagram and YouTube, where luckily, many of her followers have already joined her.
The Duchess of Sussex has sported items from the brand multiple times

The founder of an Australian clothing brand has touted Meghan Markle's selling power - after the Duchess previously admitted to wearing labels in the knowledge it will give them a boost.

Posse owner Daniella Mulham has revealed the Duchess's impact on sales has been 'monumental' since she began wearing the brand's clothing as she thanked the royal for her 'ongoing support'.

Speaking to Town & Country, Mulham said: 'We're so grateful for the ongoing support she continues to show our brand and love seeing her wearing Posse.'

And Posse is by no means the only brand to have benefitted enormously from The Meghan Effect - as plenty of other labels around the world have noted spikes in sales after she wore their items.

A notable example was in 2017, when a bag from Scottish brand Strathberry sold out online in 11 minutes after Meghan wore it during an engagement with her then-fiance Harry.

The Duchess herself is well aware of her impact on the success of clothing and accessories brands, and has previously revealed how it impacts her fashion choices today.

She explained to the NYT that when she knows there will be a 'global spotlight' on what she is wearing, she will 'support designers that [she has] really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven't gotten the attention that they should be getting'.

Meghan added: 'That's one of the most powerful things that I'm able to do, and that's simply wearing, like, an earring.'

Meghan Markle's support for Australian womenswear brand Posse has been 'monumental', the owner said (Meghan is seen wearing the 240 Posse Theo Striped Maxi Dress outside Tre Lune in 2023

Elsewhere, Meghan's impact on Strathberry's sales was so significant that the brand was reportedly able to expand its workforce - which puts enormous financial weight behind her endorsements.

Another brand that experienced the Meghan effect is London-based lab-grown diamond company Kimai. In 2019, the then-royal was photographed wearing its 630 Felicity earrings, which she bought herself.

According to Kimai co-founders Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhau, this sparked sales of $1.2 million (945k).

The duo explained their profits over the past few years and how Meghan played a significant part in spiking sales.

Jessica said: 'We've launched without investment, and then two months after our launch we got Meghan Markle to wear our pieces, which enabled us to grow the revenue significantly, and from there we raised $1.2 million.'

The brand, which only uses stones made in a lab, as well as only using recycled gold, went on to secure a record-breaking investment from Dragon's Den star Steven Bartlett, who injected 250,000 in exchange for a three per cent equity stake - his largest sum to date.

The mother-of-two also donned the Posse Emma Linen Pencil Skirt during a visit to San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, in August last year

When pitching their company on the show, Jessica and Sidney noted that Meghan had worn the earrings.

They said they used cold emails to get her to sport the accessories, adding that they are 'big believers' in the tactic, telling the Sun: 'It's the same way we got all of our investors because we didn't know anyone in the space.'

The outlet reported in January that the company is set to make a profit of 500,000 in 2024, after spending its first four years making a loss.

These brands simply appear to have benefitted from Meghan wearing their accessories, and while the former senior royal said she has around five to 10 brands in her investment portfolio, the only confirmed ones are Cesta Collective and Clevr Blends, a vegan powdered latte brand, which can be purchased in the UK for 23 for a bag containing 14 drinks.

The Duchess of Sussex - who ran lifestyle brand The Tig before meeting Prince Harry - first discovered Cesta when she was online shopping.

She told the NYT: 'I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands. When people are online looking for things or reading things, I'm trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories.'

According to the brand's Instagram profile: 'We are a mission-based, responsibly-made handbag brand - celebrating the work of talented female artisan.

Cesta has an annual revenue of $1million (756,990) and its purses take about four to seven days to complete.

Meghan is pictured with Prince Harry during their trip to Colombia. She is seen sporting a handbag from Cesta Collective, a brand she has invested in

In 2019, Meghan was snapped wearing a pair of 630 earrings from then-new business Kimai, which says her buying and wearing the accessories helped them raise over $1,000,0000 in investment, including 250,000 from Dragon's Den star Steven Bartlett

Sidney Neuhaus (left) and Jessica Warch (right), who founded jewelry brand Kimai, secured a $329,000 (250,000) investment from Steven Bartlett on BBC's Dragon's Den after revealing the support received from Meghan

Meghan was snapped sporting an $800 white purse from the Collective to dinner with Harry in 2023.

According to Cesta's founders Erin Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, after the Duchess donned the piece, they had an uptick in sales.

Meghan then decided to invest into the brand to help it grow. Although she declined to reveal how much she had forked over, the founders of Cesta revealed that it was a minority stake.

Erin and Courtney are planning to grow their business with Meghan's involvement, with a longer term view of expanding into other categories, and working with women in more countries.

The Duchess started her investment portfolio during the pandemic, during which time the NYT says there were fewer opportunities to 'turn a paparazzi moment to her own ends' because of the lockdowns.

Meghan confirmed in December 2020 that she had invested an undisclosed sum in Clevr Blends, a wellness coffee company which has a range of organic, gluten-free 'SuperLattes' in powder form.

And around the time, the former senior royal used her connections to promote the company, which was founded in January 2019 and is run by CEO Hannah Mendoza, by sending a basket of products to her neighbour Oprah Winfrey, who shared the products online.

Clevr is based in Santa Barbara, California. Meghan came across it by apparently sampling its superfood coffee in 2017, when the founder was selling it at a pop-up store before creating the at-home blend she now sells.

The Duchess of Sussex - who ran lifestyle brand The Tig before meeting Prince Harry - first discovered Cesta Collective when she was online shopping. She is seen toting one of its bags during her recent trip to Colombia

Meghan wore the 568 ($750) purse from Cesta Collective in the color 'Panna' (pictured). She has invested an undisclosed amount in the company

It also happens to be based near Montecito, where Harry and Meghan live.

In a statement to Fortune confirming the investment in 2019, Meghan said: 'This investment is in support of a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritizes building community alongside her business.

'I'm proud to invest in Hannah's commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness. I believe in her and I believe in her company.'

Mendoza confirmed Meghan's investment, saying: 'Entrepreneurs need funding, but they also need advisers who care deeply about what they are building. I'm grateful to have found both in the Duchess of Sussex.

'Her passion for what we're creating is palpable, and I couldn't imagine a more aligned partnership. We're excited for the road ahead.'

Elsewhere, fans speculated whether Meghan had caused a spike in sales of the Ebbet's LA hat, after she wore it when visiting a Los Angeles based charity supporting victims of the devastating fires.

It comes after Meghan made the decision to postpone With Love, Meghan due to the devastation of the wildfires in her hometown of Los Angeles.

A statement issued by the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was scheduled to debut, read: '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 California.'

With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal's home state and her personal ties to it.

Last week, Meghan and Prince Harry were seen participating in volunteering efforts in the wake of the deadly fires.

On January 10, the Sussexes visited an evacuation site in Pasadena, California, where charity organisation World Central Kitchen was distributing food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire.

According to People magazine, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, also donated money to the relief efforts through their charity, the Archewell Foundation.
Rose Griffiths, 74, has also found herself speaking Russian and German accents

A woman who was born and raised in Liverpool has revealed how she woke up one day to find her Scouse accent gone - with her voice sounding like the Queen instead.

Rose Griffiths, 74, experienced a stroke in August 2015 during a shift at Asda, suffering a fall and being rushed to hospital.

The widowed mother-of-two found that she initially couldn't speak at all and was warned by doctors there was a chance she would never do so again.

But when she first started to talk again, Rose bizarrely had developed a Russian accent, which then changed to a Eastern European accent and finally a German accent.

Eventually, her voice changed to 'posh' English, with Rose saying she now sounds 'like the Queen' - while her Liverpudlian twang never returned.

Rose was diagnosed with the extraordinarily rare condition foreign accent syndrome (FAS), of which there have only been 100 known cases ever since the first diagnosis in 1907.

Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: 'I was born and bred in Liverpool city centre. But now I sound like the Queen. All I can say in my original voice is: "Oh ey!"'

Speaking with The Brain Charity, she added: 'It is horrible. Your intellect is all there but you can't say.

Rose Griffiths from Liverpool started 'speaking like the Queen' after experiencing a stroke

'When I first started to talk, they thought I had a Russian accent. Then it changed to an Eastern European accent, and then a German accent.

'While the accents were strange, my daughters (Lisa, 50, and Kellie, 48) were just so glad I was able to speak to them again. They were marvellous and never gave up on me.

'But it could be frustrating  one time, someone heard my Eastern European accent and asked me where I was from.

'I couldn't believe I was having to explain that I was from Liverpool, when I'd lived there my whole life  my Scouse accent was a key part of my identity.

'I loved to chat with people, but I couldn't do that anymore. People didn't want to talk to me because they couldn't understand what I was saying. I felt so lonely.

'My Scouse accent has never returned, and I don't know if it ever will  I don't sound the same as I used to, people think I sound more posh now.'

'All I wanted to do was talk Liverpool.'

While strokes are the most common cause of FAS it can also occur following trauma to the brain, bleeding in the brain or a brain tumour.

Rose, 74, had woken up with a number of different accents, including Russian and German

Rose was diagnosed with the extraordinarily rare condition foreign accent syndrome (FAS)

Foreign accent syndrome: What do we know? Foreign accent syndrome is a rare disorder that sees the patient speak with a different accent than their natural speaking style. It is usually the result of a head or brain injury, with strokes being the most common cause. FAS can also occur after trauma to the brain, bleeding in the brain or a brain tumour. Other causes have also been reported including multiple sclerosis and conversion disorder. It has only been recorded 150 times worldwide since its discovery in 1907. FAS has been documented in cases around the world, including accent changes from Japanese to Korean, British English to French and Spanish to Hungarian. It causes suffers to pronounce vowels in different manners, move their tongue and jaw differently while speaking to produce a different sound and even substitute words for others they may not normally use. In some cases no clear cause has been identified. Foreign accent syndrome can last months or years, or sometimes it may even be permanent. Advertisement

Other causes reported in medical journals include multiple sclerosis and conversion disorder, when someone experiences temporary physical symptoms, such as blindness or paralysis.

Cases have been documented around the world, including people changing their accent from pure Japanese to Japanese with a Korean accent and British English to English with a French accent.

But in some cases no clear cause has been identified.

FAS, which is still poorly understood, can also last months or years, it can sometimes even be permanent.

Only a handful of people have ever experienced the speech disorder, which usually occurs as a complication from a head or stroke injury.

Rose was also diagnosed with aphasia, which is when someone has difficulty with their language or speech.

For Rose, who had previously worked in marketing as a typist and loved doing the crossword, the adjustment was a very difficult one.

It meant she would often choose to write things down instead of speaking and knocked her confidence with everyday interactions, such as getting a taxi or going to the shop.

Rose said her experience of FAS was 'horrible' and that people were mean to her

Rose's voice changed to 'posh' English, with Rose saying she now sounds 'like the Queen' - while her Liverpudlian twang never returned

Eventually, Rose taught herself to read and write again and now enjoys singing in a choir with The Brain Charity

Rose said that English became 'like a foreign language' to her - and people would make fun of the way she was speaking.

She said: 'It was interesting. There were some people who weren't very nice. I was born and raised in the city centre, so go away. They were horrible.'

Rose continued: 'The moment I collapsed, my whole world suddenly changed.

'When I woke up in hospital, I was paralysed down my right-hand side, and had lost the ability to walk, talk and write.

'At first I wasn't able to communicate with the outside world at all, which was very frustrating.

'All I ever wanted to do after my stroke was to be able to speak again. Trying to speak and not being able to is such a horrible feeling.'

Rose taught herself to read and write again. After speech and language therapy, she's developed her confidence to speak in full sentences again and has found her voice once more.

Though extremely rare, Rose is not the only case of foreign accent syndrome.

Rose had been volunteering in Asda when she had a stroke in August 2015. Pictured volunteering at The Brain Charity

Last month, a British woman who developed an Italian accent - despite never visiting the country - told how she felt she has 'lost [her] identity'.

Althia Bryden, 58, fears her new distinctive accent is stuck after suffering a stroke in May that left her unable to feel the upper right side of her body.

After rushing to hospital, doctors diagnosed the retired customer service advisor with aphasia and she later underwent surgery in August to remove the blockage to her brain.

But when she woke from this, she discovered she had a new accent, which medics suggested was the extraordinarily rare condition foreign accent syndrome (FAS).

The mother-of-two, from Highbury in north London, says she now slips Italian words and mannerisms including 'mamma mia' and 'si' into conversation without even realising.

It means she is just one of a handful of people to have ever experienced the speech disorder, which usually occurs as a complication from a stroke or head injury.
A nightclub in Leeds has devised an unusual method to keep partygoers quiet following an onslaught of noise complaints.

People living in a block of flats near Carousel have protested the sound levels after the venue was given permission to stay open later.

To help tackle the issue of rowdy clubbers making noise well into the night, Carousel will hand out lollipops.

The venue's operation director, David Nejrup, said lollipops have proven to be an effective method at other late night spots, according to the BBC.

Nejrup told the publication: 'As daft as it sounds, people tend to become quiet when they have something in their mouth.'

The council awarded the Carousel an additional hour to its serving times, permitting the to sell alcohol until five in the morning on weekends.

Partygoers will likely rejoice over the announcement, with the nightlife scene dwindling in other parts of the country, including London.

While the venue will be similarly celebrating the win, residents have expressed concern over the noise levels and anti-social behaviour.

A club in Leeds is introducing a new and unusual method to encourage partygoers to be quiet (stock image)

The business has undergone extra precautions to ensure a low levels of noise leakage from the premises, including by adding acoustic panelling and moving the smoking area.

MailOnline has contacted Carousel for comment.

It comes after Sadiq Khan's claim that London is 'leading the world in its 24-hour policy' was blasted by the public, as images show deserted streets following the closure of 1,000 late venues under his reign.

Outrage was sparked in March last year when Amy Lame claimed London 'has and always will be a 24 hour city' in a BBC interview.

Khan was forced to defend Lame's 117,000-a-year salary, insisting it is a 'really big job', despite her luxury trips to Australia, Italy and Spain which City Hall described as 'essential'.

Images posted under #LameLondon on X - formerly known as Twitter - show the state of London's empty streets at night, as some of the capital's best-known bars face closure.

Residents in a nearby block of flats have voiced concerns over anti-social behaviour and noise levels (stock image of a cocktail)

One user posted a picture of a sign reading 'no drinks outside after 9.30pm' on the social media page, complaining 'London nightlife is practically nonexistent'.

Another re-posted an image of a deserted Kingly Street in Soho from March last year, saying: 'I live in Soho and don't know a pub I can get a drink in post 10.30pm on a weeknight.'

Between 2006 and 2022 it was reported that more than half the capital's LGBTQ+ venues shut their doors, according to the Telegraph, with the owner of London's Heaven nightclub also warning the club risks closure due to soaring costs.

An average of two nightclubs also closed every week between March 2020 and December 2023 across the UK, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

One venue in Camden has called on the Mayor and Met Police to support late night venues.

Zodiac, one of north London's only LGBTQ+ venues, has also launched a campaign for extended opening hours following the closure of iconic G-A-Y Late in December last year.

Asian entrepreneur and Trans women Jade Phoenix-Hoskins, known as Lady Phoenix, took over the former cocktail bar in Hampstead Road, Camden in late 2021 during the COVID pandemic.

A later fundraising drive saw backers from the LGBTQ+ community put up a substantial investment to get the club and bar in Hampstead Road going.

The Leeds city centre venue will handout lollipops to attendees in a bid to keep them quiet (stock image)

Jade, who moved to the UK from the Philippines eight years ago, said: 'The first two years were magical.

'We recently renovated to heighten the experience and successfully created a genuine LGBTQ+ space that we can all be proud of.

'By the time Zodiac became its own entity in 2021, we discovered what worked and what didn't in those establishments.

'There is still a lot of work to be done, but like everything in life, we expect to evolve into bigger and better.

'Since I moved to London, the number of LGBTQ+ and late night venues have been closing at record rates and it's heartbreaking to see. We want to help fill the gap.'

While London's night-time economy took a hit from the pandemic plus rising energy and rent costs, the public's reaction to Khan's defiance that London's nightlife is recovering has been stark to see.

Studies suggest almost a third of nightclubs have vanished across the country between March 2020 - the month the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown was declared - and last December.

Some 31 per cent of all venues closed during that period, according to the Night Time Industries Association.

And separate research has suggested London has been hit worse than anywhere else in England for pub closures with 46 venues going in just six months, according to real estate analysts Altus Group in October 2023.

The NTIA says across the country there were 10 nightclub closures per month last year, equivalent to two each week.

Famed London venues which have shut their doors in recent years include Printworks in Rotherhithe, Space 289 in Bethnal Green and Werkhaus in Brick Lane.

Founder Jeremy Joseph announced last December he was 'indefinitely' closing G-A-Y Late in Soho, blaming a rise in attacks on customers and staff as well as nearby building works.

Other Soho venues which have closed in recent years include The Borderline, which previously hosted gigs by major names such as Amy Winehouse, Blur, Oasis, REM, PJ Harvey, Blondie and Sheryl Crow.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'The night-time industries across the country have faced huge challenges in recent years, due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, rising rents and business rates, staffing shortages due to Brexit, and the Government's cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crisis.

'The Mayor and Night Czar continue to work closely with businesses, venues, boroughs and Londoners to support them throughout these challenges and last year London's hospitality industry sales outpaced the rest of the UK.

'They know challenges remain and will continue to do all they can to protect and support venues across the capital and help new ones to open, stand up for the 1.3m Londoners who work evenings and nights to ensure better pay and conditions, and put women's safety at the heart of our work.'
OnlyFans sensation Lily Phillips has sparked outrage again with yet another shocking sex stunt.

After going viral late last year for bedding 100 men in a single night, the English performer, 23, has now participated in an obscene public sex act.

In an unbelievable video shared to social media, Lily recorded herself leaving a hotel room with male bodily fluids covering her face - before proudly stepping out on the streets of London to publicly parade her soiled visage.

'Do you think anyone will say anything?' she asked the camera. 'Do you think anyone will want to go next?'

She giggled as she sauntered down the street next to a busy road, smiling as cars zoomed by.

'There's cars going past,' she laughed.

At one point, she walked past a large group of people who were standing on a street corner.

'I don't think anyone will notice. I think it looks a bit like a face mask!' she said as she crossed the road.

OnlyFans sensation Lily Phillips has sparked outrage after taking to the streets of London while covered in male bodily fluids

The clip quickly spread online and sparked concern from users, with one person calling the outrageous display 'heart-wrenching.'

'Women will post this s**t and then wonder why the entire planet and every major religion has imposed strict social restrictions on their sovereignty since the dawn of time in every place humans have ever lived,' wrote journalist Melissa Chen.

'We've come to measure our worth based on sexualization. If you're promiscuous and lascivious, the more "desirable" you are,' wrote another.

A third commented, 'This should be illegal if it isn't already, I don't care.'

Another questioned, 'I wonder if you showed this to those early 20th century feminists would they abandon the cause?'

A fifth asked, 'is this supposed to be empowering? Or just for fun? Or what's the point?'

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 behavior and warned others not to follow in her footsteps.

The clip quickly spread online and sparked concern from users, with one person calling the outrageous display 'heart-wrenching'

Lily 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

'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 normalized,' she warned.
If you're suspicious of your partner having an affair, a private investigator has revealed the number one tell-tale sign of cheating to look out for - and it's a tiny detail almost everyone misses.

Cassie Crofts, who runs a licensed private investigation service called Venus Investigations, has been working with clients who hired her to uncover the truth about their unfaithful spouses.

The PI, who splits her work between NSW and Queensland, said the biggest red flag is a sudden change in a person's spending habits.

'This is the number one cheating sign that everybody misses,' she said.

'We're basically a cashless society these days so if your partner has always been about tap-and-go, using a credit card for reward points and suddenly starts doing ATM withdrawals - that's a bread crumb worth following.

'Cash doesn't leave a trail. If they go to a restaurant and spend $200, you can be pretty sure they weren't dining solo.

'But $200 cash withdrawal? You've got no idea what happened.'

Her video was met with a few comments, with one agreeing: 'Yep this is so true.'

If you're suspicious of your partner having an affair, private investigator Cassie Crofts has revealed the number one sign of cheating to look out for - and it's a tiny detail everyone misses

The PI, who splits her work between NSW and Queensland, said the biggest red flag is a sudden change in a person's spending habits (stock image)

'100 per cent,' another shared.

Earlier this month, Cassie retold a story about one of the 'wild' cases she worked on.

She discovered an unfaithful man's secret affair through Flybuys after her client grew suspicious of her husband's frequent trips, which he claimed were to visit his 'family'.

The couple lived in Queensland but the wife knew something wasn't right when her husband regularly travelled to NSW.

The only detail she noticed in their joint bank account was his random trips to Coles and Bunnings, but she had no other information to prove he was a cheater.

However, the penny dropped when the wife began scouring their Flybuys transaction history and realised where her husband had been all along.

Each transaction showed the exact suburb where he had been shopping.

The suburb turned out to be the same area where the husband's ex-girlfriend lived.

'This case was wild,' Cassie said in her video, with the caption: '$10 off your shop, but a very expensive divorce.'

Private investigator Cassie Crofts has spilled details on how she discovered an unfaithful man was having a secret affair through Flybuys

The private investigator explained how she was working with her client, the wife, to work out how her husband was cheating.

'We were pretty sure he was doing it,' Cassie explained.

'They lived in Queensland and he was going on these trips to see his family in NSW, pretty regularly which he never used to do.

'So she checked their joint bank account, there were stuff on there like Coles and Bunnings but we don't know where that was happening. We don't have any details of who was there so it didn't really help us.'

So, Cassie suggested the wife check their joint rewards accounts for any clues.

'I said to her was, 'Got any joint rewards accounts like Everyday Rewards or Flybuys, that kind of thing?' And they had Flybuys,' she said.

'So we opened the app, and right there were all the transactions - Coles, Kmart, Bunnings - showing the suburb where he had been shopping.

'It just so happened that the suburb was in Queensland, where his ex-girlfriend lives.'

The private investigator explained how a trip to Coles ended in divorce for the man (file image)

By looking at the tiny details in the transaction history, they realised the husband was never in NSW, but was actually visiting his ex-girlfriend, who lived in the same state as them.

'Bro gave it up for a few extra rewards,' Cassie said.

She added: 'For a lot of people, they find it hard to trust their instincts without proof even when all the signs are there.

'A little evidence gives them the push to take action.'

The detail was enough to confirm the wife's suspicions were right all along.

Her video has been viewed more than 63,000 times, with one sharing they used the same method to discover their partner's affair: 'Nailed it! I caught mine the same way.'

One man said his e-tag tolling account uncovered his partner's unfaithful act.

'My Linkt account caught my ex cheating,' he said.

One person joked: 'Hope she kept the points.'

'I am this level of petty,' another added.

Meanwhile, many said they wished they'd known about the trick.

'I needed you years ago, approximately eight years ago. I wish on my heart I knew about private investigators. I wish I knew,' one said, along with a crying emoji.
Hundreds of shoppers were spotted lining up at Kmart stores at midnight hoping to grab a new, unexpected item.

The sell-out $79 Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet - Prismatic Evolutions edition hit shelves across Australia this week - and fans are scrambling to get their hands on the sought-after collectible box.

Angeline Devera, from Sydney, was among those who successfully secured the Elite Trainer set on Thursday night.

Upon arriving at the 24-hour Kmart store in Campbelltown at 11.30pm, she was greeted by dozens of shoppers, all vying for the same product.

'Thought I had the genius idea to go at 12am to get the new Pokemon release... Definitely wasn't the only one with the same thought,' Angeline said in a video.

She shared a video showing a long queue of shoppers patiently waiting to buy the new Pokemon box, which was limited to one per customer.

'Definitely worth the line up,' Angeline said, adding that she thought it was wholesome to see Pokemon fans in real life.

However, not everyone has been lucky, with many reporting the playing cards were sold out within 20 minutes at their local store.

Angeline Devera was among the crowd to successfully secure the sought-after Pokemon collectible set at Kmart on Thursday night

'My kid just wanted one set he saved up for. We left six stores empty handed. Should be sale on the day with purchase limits. Now it's on Facebook Marketplace for $90 to $160 a set,' one parent said.

'My local Kmart sold out all their stock in 15 minutes,' another shared.

The wildly popular playing cards are available for purchase at major retailers - including Big W, JB Hi-Fi and EB Games - with some stores offering pre-orders.

'Just walked out of the fifth Big W store so far today and all sold out. Im crying,' one shared.

Fans were spotted scrambling to get their hands on the sought-after collectible box at Kmart

The new $79 Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet - Prismatic Evolutions edition hit shelves across Australia this week

'I was able to get mine today - paid double but anything for my son,' another said.

'I called EB Games near me and they told me it's completely sold out and they will have some stock in store but it will be gone by 9.01am (9:00am opening) which is insane. I have no idea why this set is so hyped everywhere,' one revealed.

'Big W just released Prismatic products on their website. Sold out within a minute everywhere,' another added.

In a statement from Pokemon Company International, a spokesperson said: 'We are aware that some fans may experience difficulties purchasing Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet - Prismatic Evolutions at launch due to high demand impacting availability.

'We understand this inconvenience can be disappointing for fans, and we are actively working to print more of the impacted Pokemon TCG products as quickly as possible and at maximum capacity to acknowledge this.

'Reprinted products are expected to be available at participating retailers as soon as possible to help ensure more fans receive opportunities to access Scarlet & Violet -Prismatic Evolutions. In addition, more new products from the Scarlet & Violet -Prismatic Evolutions lineup will be launching in the coming months.

'Wed like to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work to deliver this highly anticipated expansion to fans.'
The Princess of Wales has revealed that she 'didn't have to have' cold cap therapy - which helps prevent hair loss - during her chemotherapy treatment, according to a cancer patient who met the royal during her visit to Royal Marsden Hospital.

On Tuesday, Kate, 43, on her first major solo official engagement in over a year, made an emotional return to the central London clinic where she was treated.

During her visit, the mother-of-three was photographed animatedly talking to 45-year-old patient Katherine Field, who was wearing a cold cap during her chemotherapy session to preserve her hair.

A cold cap can be worn during some chemotherapy treatments and its cooling effect reduces blood flow to the scalp, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medication reaching the area and helps to prevent hair loss.

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Katherine revealed how the Princess discussed cold cap therapy, adding: 'She just said that she didnt have to have it. For her to lose her hair, which is so iconic, would have been awful. Everyone loves her hair!'

The art historian and curator also discussed how meeting the royal - who kindly placed her hand on the patient's knee as a gesture of comfort - was 'just like talking to a friend about a really horrible time in life'.

'Shes warm, and it just felt like sitting with a girlfriend having a chat, which is pretty hard to achieve in those circumstances. She is very special - to be able to connect with people so quickly and so empathetically, added Katherine.

Elsewhere during her chat with the art professional, Kate shared how she 'got so attached' to her chemotherapy port while undergoing treatment for the disease.

The Princess of Wales has revealed that she 'didn't have to have' cold cap therapy - which helps prevent hair loss - during her chemotherapy treatment, according to a cancer patient (pictured centre, Katherine Field) who met the royal during her visit to Royal Marsden Hospital

Gestured to her own arm and chest to discuss the 'port' mechanism used to deliver the medicine, the royal also joked that she 'hesitated' when medics said it could be removed.

The 'port' - also known as a portacath or subcutaneous port  is a small, implantable device that allows chemotherapy drugs to be delivered directly into a vein.

The device can be left in for weeks, months or even years  and when it is no longer needed, it can be taken out by a doctor or specialist nurse with an anaesthetic.

'I got so attached to it,' the Princess said, joking that she had hesitated when finally told 'you can have it taken out'.

After making an emotional return to the hospital where she was treated to comfort fellow patients, Kate also revealed that she is now in remission from cancer.

Kate, in a written personal message following her visit, described her 'relief' and said 'there is much to look forward to'.

It is the first time Kate has used the word remission to describe where she is in her cancer journey.

The princess said, in her message which was signed 'C': 'It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery.

On Tuesday, Kate, 43, on her first major solo official engagement in over a year, made an emotional return to the central London clinic where she was treated

The Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field, who was wearing a cold cap during her chemotherapy session to preserve her hair, at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London

The Royal Marsden in London is where the Princess of Wales underwent treatment last year

'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.'

She also thanked the Royal Marsden for its 'exceptional' care and for 'looking after me so well'.

'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 me,' the princess added.

In September, Kate told how 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus' as she announced the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

Sufficient time has passed since the end of her chemotherapy meaning the princess can now describe herself as in 'remission'.

Kate spoke candidly about her own diagnosis, the 'shock' of her 'really tough' chemotherapy and the challenges of getting back to normal as she thanked her 'amazing' medical teams for her care during her trip to the Marsden on Tuesday.

The princess, on her first major solo official engagement for more than a year, hugged Tina Adumou, who broke down in tears as she told Kate that her 19-year-old daughter is in the intensive care unit.

The Princess of Wales hugs Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

The Princess of Wales looks up at a sign during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London

The Princess of Wales talks with Kerr Melia during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

Putting an arm around her, Kate looked emotional and told her she is in the best possible place.

The princess said: 'I'm sorry. I wish there was more I could do to help. 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.'

Kate added: 'Are you OK? Yes?' then said, smiling: '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.'

The engagement - the princess's first for 2025 - was described as an important and 'incredibly poignant' moment in Kate's 'personal journey'.

It had not been previously disclosed that Kate was treated at the Marsden - a world-leading state-of-the-art cancer centre known for its pioneering research.

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 - a patronage once held by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Kate said in her message: '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.'

In September, Kate promised to remain with all those continuing their own cancer journey 'side by side, hand in hand'.

The Princess of Wales meets Scout, a therapy dog, during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

The Princess of Wales talks with Peter Burton during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

The Princess of Wales talks with members of staff during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

Crowds of people gathered to see the princess outside the medical treatment room, and she made an impromptu walkabout among patients and their supporters waiting in the corridor.

She tightly hugged Rebecca Mendlesohn, 57, who is on a trial for secondary cancer - breast and liver.

The princess, wearing a burgundy polo neck top and matching skirt, met four other cancer patients, swapping stories about their time at the Marsden as she sat alongside them in the hospital's treatment room.

'It's really tough,' she told one patient who was having chemotherapy. 'It's such a shock.'

'Everyone said to me 'Please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference',' Kate said.

She added 'when I came in everyone said 'Make sure you have all your warm things (clothes) on'' because of the side-effects.

Asked how she is feeling now, Kate replied that she is doing well, but spoke about life post-treatment.

'You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that's still a real challenge,' she said, and referred to 'more long-term side-effects'.

The Princess of Wales during her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London

The Princess of Wales during her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday

Kate also spoke about the overwhelming nature of receiving a diagnosis.

'Understanding the diagnosis, it's a massive amount of information to take on as a patient,' she said.

She told several patients it is important to keep 'doing the things that give you joy'.

The princess joked about the novelty of going in through the main entrance of the Marsden after so many quiet visits in 'secrecy'.

Ruth Bosworth, whose husband Richard, 77, is having treatment for myeloma, told the princess: 'I think you've managed the children amazingly well.' Kate replied: 'Oh, that's kind.'

During a discussion on holistic care, the princess said: 'I feel like it's sometimes harder for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient.'

William has described 2024 as 'brutal', with his father, the King, also diagnosed with the disease.

When one woman's machinery started beeping during their conversation, signalling action is needed, the princess jumped and remarked: 'I recognise that beep.'

Kensington Palace stressed that the guidance around Kate's return to public-facing engagements has not changed and it will continue to be gradual.

The visit to the Marsden came two days before the first anniversary of Kate's admission to the London Clinic for major abdominal surgery on January 16, 2024.
An American man living in the UK has left Britons in hysterics after discovering a popular budget supermarket for the first time.

Adonis, originally from New York but currently in London, took to TikTok to showcase his first ever trip to Iceland Foods in December.

The content creator regularly delves into the cultural and social differences between Britain and America, through both street interviews with Brits and sharing his own experiences online.

In a recent video posted to his account, @adoniscrashboom, he was visibly left stunned after stumbling across low prices, 'Mix & Match' offers and multibuy deals while visiting his local Iceland store.

The influencer also gushed over the retailer's extensive range of collaborations with popular eateries, such as Greggs and TGI Fridays, while perusing the aisles.

In the clip, Adonis looks intently at each aisle as his eyes sparkle with glee.

As he walks around the store, he notes: 'I'm assuming everything at Iceland is - the best thing that they do - is frozen food. Let's see what they've got.'

Projecting his camera toward a freezer, he lifts the lid to reveal a range of frozen Sides meals, which were created in partnership with YouTube group, the Sidemen.

Adonis, originally from New York but currently resides in London , took to TikTok to showcase his first ever trip to Iceland Foods in December in 2024

Next, Adonis stumbles across a TGI Fridays range, as well as Iceland's own Beef Wellington - before making a beeline for a favourite of his: Greggs.

Adonis appears dumbfounded as he glosses over frozen Steak Bakes and Cheese and Bean Melts, before picking up an eight-pack of Sausage Rolls for the cool price of 5.25.

The content creator is left to give his culinary choices a second thought after picking up a multipack of Iceland's own-brand Mini Deep Dish Garlic & Cheese Pizzas - which had been part of a 'Buy 2 Get 1 Free' offer.

However, another offer soon catches his eye, causing him to drop the pizzas as he scrambles for a much more worthy upgrade.

Turning his camera back to the freezer, Adonis zooms in on Iceland's 'Any 8 for 10' deal - before stocking up on a staggering eight two-packs of Chicago Town Deep Dish Pepperoni and Four Cheese pizzas.

Taking his goods to the self-service checkout, Adonis is astonished to discover his total bill barely exceeds 15 for eight Greggs sausage rolls and a whopping sixteen mini deep dish pizzas.

In a later clip, he tucks into his feast of frozen goods after taking them home to cook, declaring: 'It's sensational!'

Adonis' heartwarming trip to Iceland has since prompted over 1000 viewers to share their thoughts, with many Brits left touched by his newfound excitement over the budget chain's offerings.

In a recent video posted to his account, @adoniscrashboom, Adonis was visibly left stunned after stumbling across low prices, 'Mix & Match' offers and multibuy deals at Iceland

One person wrote, 'I'm actually really happy for you,' while another said, 'I've never seen someone so happy to go to Iceland before.'

A third gushed, 'This is such a sweet post,' as a fourth wrote, 'Seeing someone be so happy to be in Iceland warms my soul.'

The video even caught the attention of the budget supermarket itself, as Iceland's official account commented: 'The most wholesome video ever.'

Some were left inspired by the American's enthusiasm for the brand, as one person wrote: 'This man telling me deals I didn't even know about.. guess I'm going shopping tomorrow.'

Agreeing, another said: 'You are actually making Iceland sound greater than it is I'm going tomorrow.'

In regards to the deals Adonis showcased in the video, one person wrote: '16 mini pizzas for 10 is actually insane value.'

Adonis' trip to Iceland has since prompted over 1000 viewers to share their thoughts, with many Brits left touched by his newfound excitement at the budget chain's offerings

However, one viewer issued a tip for the New York native, as they commented: 'You do know that any 8, means any 8 items not the same item, right? (as long as its within the same price offer).'

Elsewhere, another American man living in the UK has shared his shock at five stark differences between grocery shopping in Britain and back home.

Kobie Jordan, a TikTok content creator known as @kjordyyy, often explores cultural contrasts between the two countries, both through street interviews with Brits and sharing his own experiences online.

In a video uploaded in August, titled 'Grocery shopping in London as an American,' Jordan shared his observations whilst shopping for necessities in his local Sainsbury's supermarket.
Beauty isn't only pain but also time and money - and one woman has had enough.

In a now-viral video posted to TikTok, mom-of-two Camilla Do Rosario revealed she charges her husband 'woman tax' for the beauty treatments and wardrobe updates she requires.

Camilla, who posts online under the username @camilla.and.family, explained her husband pays her around $3,000 a year to put towards things she enjoys for herself, like getting beauty treatments.

'This tax is to compensate me for the fact that I have to have a period every single month, had two brutal pregnancies where I vomited most days, and then I had two C-sections,' she explains in the video.

Camilla even revealed it was her husband who came up with the idea, and he also pays for her manicure and pedicures twice a month.

'I cannot explain how happy getting a mani and pedi makes me, and it really does make up for that week of bleeding,' she gushed.

She concluded video by declaring: 'Women have such a hard time, men got away very easy in this life, so they should be paying woman tax.'

Followers were in awe over Camilla and her husband's arrangement, many joking they need to send it to their own partners.

In a series of now-viral videos posted to TikTok,mom-of-two Camilla Do Rosario revealed that she charges her husband a 'woman tax' - for the beauty treatments and wardrobe updates she requires

'I think I may have to implement this in my marriage,' one user decided.

'My man sent me this, have I won?' one dumbfounded woman wrote.

'He truly cares about you and the kids,' gushed another.

'My heart grew two sizes watching you interact with your family. They love you so much,' agreed someone else.

'God you are so blessed to have a man that thinks like that.

'My partner pays for nails and that he says it's something he can do that makes me feel good. I appreciate that he does that but never asked him too,' shared someone else.

'Can you put this on my partner's FYP??' joked one woman.

In 2023, US-based TikTok content creator Devonneleigh went viral for discussing the high cost of maintaining pricey routines.

Devonneleigh stitched a Dear Media podcast where the host talked about why women need a manicure and pedicure every two weeks and explained why she thinks it's overkill.

Camilla, who posts online under the username @camilla.and.family, shared her monthly fee with her 125,000-strong following that she makes her husband pay a monthly 'woman tax' to offset everything she has to go through

Followers were in awe over Camilla and her husband's arrangement, many joking they need to send it to their own partners

Commenters quickly weighed in, agreeing that it's bizarre that women are expected to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars each month on pricey beauty treatments.

'I've been thinking a lot about the idea of beauty as maintenance and it reminds me of when I worked at a previous job,' the TikTok creator said, explaining that her colleagues 'pretty much all had their nails painted on a regular basis.'

The women at her office all got their brows done and most of them had eyelash extensions, with the TikTok user admitted it started to feel like she wasn't 'doing enough maintenance.'

She spoke to her partner and explained she wanted lash extensions because the women in her office had them, not because she wanted to 'fix' her lashes but because she felt like everyone around her was doing 'a baseline level of appearance upkeep' that she wasn't taking part in.'

'It felt like it wasn't enough' that she had on a professional outfit and makeup when everyone around her was 'doing so much more,' she explained.

'I'm all for people getting whatever beauty treatments they wanna get done,' she explained and says she wears makeup and occasionally gets manicures.

'But it just feels like we're moving the goalpost so rapidly on what is considered a baseline level of appearance maintenance, especially when I think about things that used to be only for celebrities and rich people, like Botox.'

'It makes me kind of sad and I can't help think about how tied to capitalism that is, because there's just so much money to be made and convincing women they need to be doing these beauty treatments on a two- to six-week basis just to keep up themselves,' the creator said and many TikTok users completely agreed.
It comes amid the continued legal battle between her It Ends With Us co-star

Blake Lively has been swamped by trolls on her social media amid her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, with many telling her to 'wear florals in court.'

In recent developments, the actress, 37, and husband Ryan Reynolds, 48, were sued by Baldoni, 40, and his publicists on January 16, who claim she cooked up a scheme to kill their careers and discredit them by making false accusations of sexual harassment.

Court papers obtained by DailyMail.com accuse Lively and Reynolds of using their combined star power to hijack the domestic abuse movie It Ends With Us, which Baldoni co-starred in and directed.

The new defamation action is the latest broadside in a spiraling legal battle that began just before Christmas when Lively sued the actor, claiming he sexually harassed her and created a toxic work environment on the set of the film.

He has staunchly denied the allegations.

Since Lively's court filing, however, she has been bombarded with hateful messages on her social media.

In particular, she is being mercilessly trolled underneath one Instagram post of her interview with WWD, uploaded on December 12.

Referring to when Lively encouraged cinemagoers to wear florals to watch her domestic abuse film, It Ends With Us, one said: 'Don't forget to wear your florals... in court.'

Blake Lively has been swamped by trolls on her social media amid her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni

Baldoni and his publicists filed a damming $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds on January 16

'It's not a smear campaign,' another said. 'We genuinely can't stand you.'

A third continued: 'IT ENDS IN COURT! Don't forget to wear your florals.'

'Congratulations on your career ending bump!' wrote a fourth.

A fifth slammed: 'They can NEVER make me like you.'

'I hope the court proceeding is televised,' wrote a sixth. 'I will most definitely be wearing floral underwear!'

A seventh added: 'How's suing Justin gonna fix what you've said in interviews and your personality??? You were rude way before this movie??

'You are not nice at all, such a shame,' said an eighth.

In Baldoni's suit, he claims Lively 'continued to break character' and 'speak as herself rather than as character Lily Bloom during the filming of It Ends With Us, which was extremely confusing for Baldoni' as they filmed a montage scene.

Social media users have been mercilessly trolling Lively on Instagram amid the continued fall out

He alleges she then made a disparaging remark about his nose.

The lawsuit reads: 'Lively apologized for the smell of her spray tan and body makeup. Baldoni responded, "It smells good," and continued acting, slow dancing as he believed his character would with his partner, which requires some amount of physical touching.

'Lively took them out of character again and began to joke about Baldoni's nose, which he laughed off and joked in turn, even as Lively joked that he should get plastic surgery.'

In Lively's December 2024 lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, she claimed of the scene: 'At one point, he leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck as he said, "It smells so good."

'None of this was remotely in character, or based on any dialogue in the script, and nothing needed to be said because, again, there was no sound  Mr. Baldoni was caressing Mr. Lively with his mouth in a way that had nothing to do with their roles. When Ms. Lively later objected to this behavior, Ms. Baldoni's response was, 'I'm not even attracted to you.'

Baldoni's lawsuit also states referring to the December 2024 suit: 'Lively alleges Baldoni inappropriately commented on her physical appearance. It was the other way around.'

'Lively incorrectly alleges that this scene was filmed without sound. Baldoni was wearing a microphone and the entire exchange is captured on camera. Any suggestion that this scene was filmed in any manner other than pure professionalism by Baldoni is unequivocally countered with actual evidence. Her allegation of sexual harassment is a documented and knowingly fabricated lie.

Baldoni and Blake starred opposite each other in the film adaptation of Coleen Hoover's book It Ends With Us

Baldoni's suit claimed Lively hadn't read the book before filming started and she initially pushed back on having to read it at all

'Lively's comment about Baldoni's nose is also captured on camera. Baldoni, rather than write down a list of grievances against Lively, brushed it off and moved on with the scene.

He claims it was Lively who 'engaged in unchoreographed kissing scenes' alleging she repeatedly initiated kisses with him while in character.

The suit states Baldoni 'as a professional actor' is 'accustomed' to variations in scenes without needing 'permission' while in character.

Baldoni's lawsuit further claims Lively's alleged nose job comment comes after he has 'publicly expressed insecurities about and has discussed on an episode of his podcast, 'Man Enough,' exploring the topic of body dysmorphia.'

The hijack allegedly went as far as relegating Baldoni and his family to the basement after arriving on the red carpet for the movie's premiere on August 6, 2024, because 'Lively demanded he not attend'.

The suit said: 'Security personnel, acting as though there was a risk of 'escape,' escorted Baldoni's group to the basement of the building.

'There, they were confined to a makeshift holding area surrounded by concession stand stock, with only foldout tables and chairs arranged in a square.'

In addition to not reading the book before filming started, the lawsuit claims she initially pushed back on having to read it at all.

And despite the novel's dark subject matter, Lively allegedly failed to take it seriously during the promotional campaign - even naming a cocktail after the abusive lead male character.

This, the filing says, is evidence of the 'insensitivity' that sparked an 'organic backlash to the actress last summer.

She also refused to meet with the domestic violence charity Baldoni had paired up with while promoting the film.

Lively's lawyers responded to Baldoni's lawsuit in a statement.

'This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim,' they told The Hollywood Reporter.

'This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender.'

Bryan Freedman, who is representing Baldoni, told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'This lawsuit is a legal action based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence detailing Blake Lively and her team's duplicitous attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media.

'It is clear based on our own all out willingness to provide all complete text messages, emails, video footage and other documentary evidence that was shared between the parties in real time, that this is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret.

'Blake Lively was either severely misled by her team or intentionally and knowingly misrepresented the truth.

'Ms. Lively will never again be allowed to continue to exploit actual victims of real harassment solely for her personal reputation gain at the expense of those without power.

'Let's not forget, Ms. Lively and her team attempted to bulldoze reputations and livelihoods for heinously selfish reasons through their own dangerous manipulation of the media before even taking any actual legal action.

'We know the truth, and now the public does too. Justin and his team have nothing to hide, documents do not lie.'
Draegers Market, a fixture in downtown San Mateo for nearly 30 years, is closing. Google Street View Draegers Market, a fixture in downtown San Mateo for nearly 30 years, is closing. Google Street View

Draegers Market in downtown San Mateo will close permanently at the end of February, leading to the layoff of 71 employees, according to a notice filed with state officials.

The closure is part of a larger plan to make way for the B Street South mixed-use development, including office space, below-market-rate housing and retail units.

While Draegers has locations across the Bay Area, the San Mateo store  which has been a fixture for nearly 30 years  is the only one to close.

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Founded in 1925 in San Francisco, Draegers is known for its upscale selection of gourmet groceries, including specialty produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, wine and prepared foods.

The San Mateo location, which opened in 1997, also featured a fine dining restaurant, Viognier, located upstairs. This unique pairing of high-end dining within a grocery store attracted notable chefs, including Gary Danko, who left the Ritz-Carlton to open the restaurant before founding his eponymous San Francisco establishment.

Despite its charming setting  with street-view windows, a stone fireplace and an open kitchen  Viognier struggled with declining sales and closed in 2020.

The closure of Draegers marks the latest in a series of business losses in downtown San Mateo, where other local establishments, such as Trags Market and Kathys Creative Kakes, have also shut down.

We recognize the important role this store has played in San Mateo, and we are thankful for our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have supported us over the years, said Draegers Market owner, John Draeger, in a statement to the San Mateo Daily Journal. Our priority during this transition is to provide support to our employees, offering opportunities within other locations where possible.

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Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp is getting real about her split from husband Edwin Arroyave amid the affair drama - admitting that her loneliness is a 'constant ache.'

Her confession comes just months after DailyMail.com revealed that Mellencamp was having a months-long love affair with German-born horse trainer Simon Schroeder behind their spouses' backs.

The scandalous affair was reportedly the catalyst for her divorce, with a source claiming to DailyMail.com that Mellencamp decided to file once she got caught in the affair.

Since the news broke, Mellencamp has made a number of cryptic posts about her split, including at Christmas, when she shared that she was all alone and without her three kids.

Now, the star is opening up about feeling lonely, which she spoke about with Erika Jayne during a Thursday episode of their iHeart Radio podcast, Diamonds in the Rough.

The two were joined by psychotherapist Dr. Nadine Macaluso, who describes herself as a 'psychotherapist toxic relationship expert' installment of the show.

During the conversation, Mellencamp spoke about the fact that she was naturally an introvert and enjoyed her alone time, but tearfully revealed that she was feeling 'really lonely' as of late.

'I don't know if those loneliness feelings mean that I've made a mistake, or this is just something I have to get used to and this is the new change in my life,' the former Bravo TV star said through tears.

Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp is getting real about her split from husband Edwin Arroyave amid the affair drama - admitting that her loneliness is a 'constant ache'

Since the news broke, Mellencamp has made a number of cryptic posts about her split, including on Christmas , when she shared that she was all alone and without her three kids

Her confession comes just months after DailyMail.com revealed that Mellencamp was having a months-long love affair with German-born horse trainer Simon Schroeder, above, behind their spouses' backs

She admitted that it was a 'confusing' part of what she's going through.

However, Dr. Macaluso could relate to Mellencamp, telling her that it was normal, and that she too was lonely while going through a split.

'I don't think it means that you need to go back, I think it's something that you're going to learn to develop a deeper relationship with yourself,' the psychotherapist said.

Jayne agreed that 'none of this was easy,' as Dr. Macaluso said that sometimes loneliness can feel 'painful.'

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star agreed.

'It's a constant ache that I am trying to fake my way through, but then it's like, and I have talked about this in therapy, it's almost like I am attracted to another chaotic situation,' Mellencamp admitted during the episode.

This isn't the first time in recent months that Mellencamp has admitted that she was struggling, either.

Earlier this month, she shared on Instagram stories that she was suffering from 'raging anxiety.'

However, Dr. Macaluso could relate to Mellencamp, telling her that it was normal, and that she too was lonely while going through a split

This isn't the first time in recent months that Mellencamp has admitted that she was struggling, either

'Woke up today at 3am with raging anxiety,' Mellencamp wrote on her story at the time. 'I don't say this for pity - it's for anyone else who woke up with any of the following.'

She then began to list out common symptoms of anxiety disorders, which included 'trouble concentrating or making decisions,' 'feeling irritable, tense or restless,' 'having heart palpitations' and 'trouble sleeping.'

In the following post, Mellencamp told her followers the seven things she does to help herself when she's feeling anxious.

Some of her tips included getting fresh air and 'setting boundaries.'

Mellencamp filed for divorce from her husband of 13 years, Arroyave, citing irreconcilable differences on November 1, and listed October 20 as their date of separation.

A source alleged to DailyMail.com that the affair occurred while Schroeder's wife, Karli Postel, was pregnant with their second child.

To make matters worse, Mellencamp and her horse trainer were rumored to be together while Postel was giving birth in Florida.

The two have since filed for divorce.
She was walking with President Joe Biden and their grandson Beau Biden

The First Lady, 73, donned a bright Barbie-pink skirt and matching top on Friday

Jill Biden wore an eye-catching ensemble on Friday as she made her way across the South Lawn of the White House.

The First Lady, 73, wore a striking outfit, consisting of a Barbie-pink pencil skirt sitting just above the knees and a matching blazer with three large buttons.

She wore a black wool coat and leather gloves, with her blonde hair styled into loose curls that draped loosely over her shoulders.

Jill completed the bright look with a pair of statement sunglasses and a pair of sling-back heels in a darker shade of pink.

She was walking with husband, President of the United States Joe Biden, 82, and their grandson Beau.

Joe looked smart in a navy blue suit, paired with a light blue tie, with Beau also donning a small suit.

The trio were walking to Marine One for departure from the South Lawn.

On Wednesday, Jill was seen sitting with Vice President Kamala Harris as Joe made his final address to the American public.

Jill Biden wore an eye-catching ensemble on Friday as she made her way across the South Lawn of the White House

Pictures showed the two women smiling and even holding hands after months of rumors that the are 'feuding' after Kamala became the Democrat presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

The women appeared to have put their rumored differences aside in a show of support for the President.

Sources claim Jill has long disliked Kamala, dating back to her ravaging Joe on the debate stage in June 2019 - during the first Democratic debate of the 2020 cycle.

On Wednesday night, a visibly emotional Joe thanked his wife and family for standing by him during five decades in politics, before issuing a parting warning to voters.

During the president and vice president's first public appearance after the Democrats handed the White House back to President-elect Donald Trump, Jill appeared to be unhappy, with many pointed out she sat stone-faced next to Kamala and her husband, Doug Emhoff.

The event was the traditional Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which put the first and second couples together just six days after Kamala's loss.

On Election Day, Jill sported a red pantsuit - the traditional color for Republicans - which led to speculation from the MAGA crowd that she didn't really want Kamala to win.

Last month, the First Lady and the president-elect Donald Trump were seen at the re-opening of the historic site in a viral exchange that sparked countless wild theories regarding what they spoke about.

The First Lady, 73, wore a striking outfit, consisting of a Barbie-pink pencil skirt sitting just above the knees and a matching blazer with three large buttons

She was walking with husband, President of the United States Joe Biden, 82, and their grandson Beau Biden

The trio were walking to Marine One for departure from the South Lawn

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice-President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden listen to President Joe Biden

French first lady Brigitte Macron had been sitting in between Biden and Trump during the ceremony, but when she got up and the two were left to themselves, they were captured smiling and chatting.

Jill told the Washington Post in an interview that she had gently ribbed both Trump and her husband in the exchange.

She told the newspaper that Trump said: 'I had a good meeting with your husband in the Oval Office.'

After he said his visit was two hours long, she said she told him: 'Yes, because you're both talkers.'
A father was diagnosed with deadly lung cancer caused by the toxic chemical asbestos after noticing a 'little, annoying ache' under his right ribs.

Malcolm Ledgar, 64, based in Nottingham, noticed the dull pain in September, but had no other symptoms.

Eventually, doctors referred him for an X-ray and a CT scan, and the retired builder was diagnosed with mesothelioma  a type of cancer that typically starts in the layers of tissue that line the lungs, and is linked with exposure to the toxic material, asbestos.

'There's no cure for it and it's covering my right lung at the moment,' Mr Ledgar said.

'I've not dug into it too deeply, I've not gone into detail just yet and I've not really asked what stage it might be.'

Mesothelioma is among the deadliest types of lung cancers  it's difficult to treat because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when it has spread to other parts of the body.

More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK, causing around 410 deaths.

Like many who worked in the construction industry in the 1970s and 80s, Mr Ledgar has been aware of the potential dangers of his former asbestos exposure for several years.

Malcolm Ledgar, 64, based in Nottingham, worked as an apprentice joiner for a building company located in Cheshire when he was 15 in 1975, saying he frequently worked around asbestos. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2024

Asbestos, a group of minerals made from microscopic fibres, can get stuck and damage the lungs over time.

The substance was banned in 1999, but those working with building materials prior to this are likely to have come into contact with the toxin over relatively long periods.

Materials containing asbestos are still found in many older buildings today.

Mr Ledgar said that, at the time he was working, 'nobody knew how bad' it was.

'In the 70s and 80s, you always got the rough jobs in your first year as an apprentice,' said Mr Ledgar, who worked for the same building company for eight years.

'You were always knocking walls down or doing repairs.

'In those days, nobody knew about how bad asbestos was, there was no personal protection equipment or anything like that.

'I remember working with it, but I was definitely not aware of the damage.'

Mr Ledgar said he left the building trade at the age of 27  and working with the company is the only time he could 'pinpoint' being exposed to asbestos.

He recalled how one of his former colleagues was thought to have died from asbestosis, a rare but serious lung condition that affects people exposed to asbestos, according to the NHS.

Mr Ledgar, pictured with his wife his wife of 13 years, Nicola, 56, said he left the building trade at the age of 27  and working with the company is the only time he could 'pinpoint' being exposed to asbestos

Mr Ledgar said his colleague's death caused him to be wary of his disease risk and he has since visited a local hospital for regular X-rays on his lungs.

After moving from Cheshire to Nottingham in 2009, however, Mr Ledgar said he changed GPs and his frequent check-ups slipped his mind.

'You get busy in your own world, I completely forgot about it,' he said.

In March 2023, Mr Ledgar said he was discussing 'the old days' with his wife which jogged his memory about the X-rays.

He scheduled one for the same month and it came back clear.

However, 18 months later, in September 2024, he noticed a strange pain in his ribs.

'It started with a little ache under my right rib, just an annoying ache,' he said.

Mr Ledgar booked a GP appointment for October 2 and he was fast-tracked for an X-ray two days later at Nottingham City Hospital.

Asbestos, a group of minerals made from microscopic fibres, can get stuck and damage the lungs over time. Although the substance was banned in 1999, building materials containing asbestos are still found in many older buildings

More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK, which can take about 20 years to develop following exposure

He was then taken for a CT scan the same day due to some 'concerns' about his lungs.

Mr Ledgar was called back to the hospital five days later on October 9 where he was diagnosed with suspected mesothelioma.

It usually takes 20 years for obvious problems like mesothelioma to develop.

Shortness of breathe, chest pain fatigue and a persistent cough are all symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs, according to the NHS.

Mr Ledgar said there was a build-up of fluid surrounding his right lung which was drained during a four-hour procedure in December, with a sample of the fluid being sent off for further testing.

He started immunotherapy treatment at Nottingham City Hospital on January 7  a treatment which uses the immune system to fight cancer cells.

Following his diagnosis, Mr Ledgar has urged anyone working in the building trade in the 70s and 80s to listen to their own bodies and book an X-Ray if something does not feel right

Mr Ledger has now retired from his job owning a leasing business and will be going on a family cruise in May this year with his wife of 13 years, Nicola, 56, their children (pictured with his son and sons-in-law) and grandchildren

'To be quite honest, when you've been diagnosed you're trying to deal with it in your own mind,' he said.

'I'm a very positive person and it's one of those things where I can't change anything that's going to happen.

'I'm just really glad that knowing my own body and thinking there was something going on there that it was spotted.'

Following his diagnosis, Mr Ledgar has urged anyone working in the building trade in the 70s and 80s to listen to their own bodies and book an X-Ray if something does not feel right.

'If you feel any aches or you've taken in dust particles, ask for a check-up and say you feel something is wrong,' he encouraged.

He is asking those who can to donate to his GoFundMe page which seeks to fundraise for two charities  EMAST and Mesothelioma UK.

'These two charities have been very supportive right through, from day one,' he said.

Looking ahead to the future, Mr Ledgar feels his 'positive attitude' will help him in the face of his diagnosis.

'It's not going to affect me personally, I'm booking holidays and making plans,' he said.

He added he has retired from his job owning a leasing business and will be going on a family cruise in May this year with his wife of 13 years, Nicola, 56, their children and grandchildren.
Nearly half of Americans would support Donald Trump's plan to abolish Daylight Saving Time, an exclusive DailyMail.com poll has revealed.

The survey by J.L Partners found that 48 percent of respondents would strongly support or somewhat support eliminating the twice-yearly changing of the clocks.

For comparison, only 19 percent said they would oppose dumping the practice, while 33 percent said they were neutral or had no opinion.

Trump has suggested he will 'eliminate' the practice during his second term, blasting it as 'inconvenient, and very costly to our nation'.

Only two US states don't observe DST: Arizona and Hawaii. Both opted out, arguing in part that their consistent sunrise and sunset times made it unnecessary.

DST was first introduced in 1918 so that there was more daylight in the evening in a bid to improve workforce productivity.

The clocks go forward by one hour at 1am the second Sunday in March and back one hour at 2am on the first Sunday in November.

But a growing body of evidence shows DST is linked to increased heart attacks and strokes, insomnia, mental health issues, suicides, car accidents and even cancer.

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Losing an hour of sleep when the clocks move forward results in surges in inflammation, stress hormones and exhaustion, raising the risk of suffering from numerous health conditions.

A study that tracked hospital admissions across the state of Michigan found that those for heart attacks rose 24 percent on the Monday following the switch to DST.

And another study from Finland found the overall risk of stroke surged eight percent over the first two days after the clocks changed.

Deaths from road accidents also increase. Studies have found a six percent rise in fatal collisions following the clock change.

There is also limited evidence that DST causes an uptick in suicidal behaviors and increased mortality in the days after shifting the clocks.

The DailyMail.com poll was conducted by J.L Partners and involved a representative sample of 1,009 Americans.

It was carried out between January 10 and 12 this year, with voters interviewed for over 15 minutes on a range of topics after being recruited online.

Results also showed that, by age group, over-65s were most likely to support the shift, with 54 percent backing dumping DST compared to 38 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds.

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By political party, 54 percent of Republicans were estimated to back the policy compared to 45 percent of Democrats.

Many find the clocks springing ahead one hour in March most disruptive, and several days to a week to adjust their sleeping schedule.

During this time, they may go to bed later and wake up earlier than usual, which causes sleep deprivation  and raises the risk of complications.

DST has also always made less sense in southern states because their sunlight is reasonably consistent all year round.

The time change was implemented nationally in the US in 1918 during the First World War as an effort to save an hour's worth of fuel each day.

It was repealed in 1919, but then brought back in 1942 when the US entered the Second World War.

Some states and cities continued to follow it twice yearly afterward resulting in what was known as the 'chaos of clocks', before the Uniform Time Act was passed in 1966 standardizing DST nationwide.

Today, 48 of the 50 states in the US follow the clock change  excluding Arizona and Hawaii where sunrise and sunset are more constant throughout the year.

Globally, 61 countries and territories use DST  including the UK and many US allies in Europe.
They are a common ingredient found in millions of kitchens across Britain.

But the benefits of tomatoes could extend far beyond a tasty pizza topping or pasta sauce.

For drinking unsalted tomato juice could help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, experts say.

According to TV doctor and NHS paediatrician Dr Ranj Singh, the drink  available for as little as 1 in supermarkets  is rich in lycopene, a chemical that gives tomatoes their famous red colour.

Higher levels of this can help prevent plaque from building up in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks, he said.

This is because lycopene works by inhibiting LDL  a harmful type of cholesterol that leads to hardening of the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart.

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance found in the blood that is vital for bodily functions including digestion, making vitamin D and hormones.

However, too much can build up in the blood due to eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.

According to TV doctor and NHS paediatrician Dr Ranj Singh, the drink  available for as little as 1 in supermarkets  is rich in lycopene, a chemical that gives tomatoes their famous red colour

Drinking unsalted tomato juice could help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, experts say

Having high LDL cholesterol doesn't trigger any symptoms but can lead to blocked blood vessels and raise the risk of heart problems and strokes.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), meanwhile, has long been considered good because of the swathe of evidence showing it protects the heart.

It removes cholesterol from the arteries and carries it to the liver to be broken down and removed from the body  reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

HDL cholesterol has been shown to protect against heart disease, with the NHS stating that levels above 18mg/dL for men and 21.6mg/dL for women are healthy.

But some research has since started to challenge the view that more is better.

Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Live, Dr Ranj said: 'Tomato juice contains something called lycopene which helps to lower cholesterol in some people.'

A virgin bloody Mary 'might be a great idea', he added.

He also urged people with high cholesterol to increase their intake of whole grains to improve their fibre and help boost the gut.

Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Live, Dr Ranj said: 'Tomato juice contains something called lycopene which helps to lower cholesterol in some people'

Studies have long suggested there may be a link between lycopene in tomatoes and lowering levels of 'bad cholesterol'. Pictured, a cholesterol plaque in artery

Oats, for instance, contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, he said, which has been shown can lower cholesterol levels.

Studies have long suggested there may be a link between lycopene in tomatoes and lowering levels of 'bad cholesterol'.

In 2019, Japanese researchers found that drinking one 200ml bottle every day lowered blood pressure and cholesterol in people at risk of the condition.

Among those with high cholesterol, 125 experienced a 3.3 per cent average fall in the fatty substance.

The beneficial effects were similar among men, women and different age groups, according to the findings published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition.

Meanwhile in 2018, scientists in Peru also discovered that participants who drank tomato juice with olive oil containing lycopene saw a larger drop in cholesterol levels than those who did not.

The drink 'can help to lower cholesterol in patients', they said.

And in 2011, Australian researchers even concluded that cooked tomatoes can have similar benefits as statins for patients battling against high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Following an analysis of 14 international studies on the benefits of lycopene, they said tomatoes could be an effective alternative to statins, with just two ounces of tomato paste or a pint of juice a day enough to help many patients.

Other experts, however, have issued caution over such findings claiming more research is still needed to accurately represent the health benefits of tomato juice.
A man left with an erection for 30 hours has been awarded 41,000 after accusing a Spanish hospital of malpractice.

The unnamed 36-year-old first sought help from a health centre in Albaida near the east coast city of Valencia four hours after his penis failed to return to its normal size.

He was diagnosed with priapism, which can happen after sexual arousal but also without it and in a worst-case scenario means blood can't drain from the penis.

After the diagnosis he went to nearby Ontinyent Hospital but according to the claimant there was a delay in the treatment he needed.

The man made a second visit to the hospital with his anguished wife 20 hours after his problems started but is said to have been told he would have to wait to see a urologist with a 'preferential appointment.'

After complaining he was referred to another hospital where he ended up being admitted with a fever which in some cases can accompany priapism along with other signs of infection.

Medics ended up draining the blood from his penis and he returned to hospital a few days later for an operation during which a malleable penile prosthesis was fitted.

But it sparked a new problem by coming out because it had been 'poorly fitted' and the patient required a second operation.

A man left with an erection for 30 hours has been awarded 41,000 after accusing a Spanish hospital of malpractice (File image)

After the diagnosis he went to nearby Ontinyent Hospital (pictured) but according to the claimant there was a delay in the treatment he needed

The regional government covering the Valencia area was ordered to pay compensation after experts the man complained to ruled he wasn't properly treated and he was left with constant pain and problems getting and maintaining an erection because of medical malpractice.

His wife will also get compensation of around 4,200.

The couple are said to have endured a 'lengthy battle' before being told they would receive their five-figure compensation payout following their ordeal.

Jorge Sanchez, a urologist who was not involved in the case, told local media: 'Four or five hours of priapism can cause damage to the penis tissue and 20 hours later the risk is higher.

'If the erection continues, the only solution is break two tubes in the penis called the corpora cavernosa that fill with blood to make it stiff during an erection.

'If they are ruptured the patient will no longer be able to have an erection and will require a prosthesis.
Scientists have warned older adults against regularly popping paracetamol due to links with alarming conditions like internal bleeding and chronic kidney disease.

A major analysis, by experts from the University of Nottingham, has found a 'dose-dependent' relationship between use of the painkiller and digestive, heart and kidney problems.

The study, which tracked the health of more than half a million over 65 year-olds over 20 years, revealed those prescribed paracetamol twice within six months are at a particularly high risk of complications.

When compared to a group of controls of the same age group, those with this number of prescriptions were more likely to suffer stomach ulcers, heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

The more paracetamol a person used, the more they were also more likely to see a stomach ulcer bleed or split open.

The painkiller is often prescribed to older people to help them manage the symptoms of a range of chronic diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Studies suggest around 90 per cent of over 75 year-olds regularly take paracetamol, mostly to treat joint and bone pain, as well as the consequences of falls.

But the author of the new study, Professor Weiya Zhang, epidemiologist at the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Nottingham, said patients should 'carefully consider' whether or not to take the medication often.

Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the US, is one of the most common drugs taken across the world.

'The use of paracetamol as a first line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered,' he said, adding that evidence shows it has a 'minimal pain-relief effect'.

In 2022, health watchdog The National Institute For Health and Care Excellence changed its guidelines for treating osteoarthritis  the type of the disease that's linked to age and develops when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down, causing pain and mobility problems.

The updated rules state that GPs must offer exercise programmes as the first line treatment for the condition, and avoid 'routinely' offering paracetamol as it's unlikely to be effective.

Anti-inflammatory creams can be used 'alongside' exercise, the guidance adds.

Paracetamol has long been thought to be gentler on the gut than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen.

However, some studies suggest that, in high doses, it can cause irritation to the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting in symptoms like heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.

Previous research has shown that too much paracetamol can raise blood pressure. This chart shows the average blood pressure increase observed at various points among participants when they took a daily paracetamol dose of 4g of paracetamol.

Scientists are currently unsure as to why the medicine may cause kidney problems, however some studies have suggested it could interact with chemicals in the body to form toxins which damage the organ's cells.

Experts have long warned about the impact of high doses of the painkiller on the liver.

Excess dosages of the drug  sold as Tylenol in the US  is considered to be the leading cause of acute liver failure in the Western world.

Too much overwhelms the livers normal pathway for metabolising the drug safely, and instead it ends up in a toxic form which damages the cells, eventually leading to liver failure.

One 2017 study found that the type of damage to the organ's cells caused by paracetamol is similar to that induced by alcohol and hepatitis.

Meanwhile, other studies have found links between long term use of the painkiller and raised blood pressure.

This is thought to be due to the fact many patients take soluble versions of the medicine, which is high in sodium, increasing the risk of blood pressure spikes.

The maximum safe dose of paracetamol for adults is two 500mg tablets or capusles four times per day.

The NHS warns not to take more than eight tablets in a 24-hour period.

Experts have previously warned that it's 'too easy' to overdose on the painkiller, as many people combined different products that contain paracetamol  such as those that treat cold and flu  and lose track of the dosage.

Dr Kenneth Simpson, liver disease specialist at Edinburgh University, previously told MailOnline that staggered overdoses can occur when people have pain and repeatedly take a little more paracetamol than they should.

He said: They havent taken the sort of one-off massive overdoses taken by people who try to commit suicide, but over time the damage builds up and the effect can be fatal.

They are often taking paracetamol for pain and they dont keep track of how much theyve consumed over a few days.'
You will never view a handshake the same way again.

According to a new study, the firmness of people's grip gives a fascinating insight into their sex lives.

Researchers looked at the upper body strength, primarily grip strength, and sexual behaviors of 4,000 men and women.

They found stronger men were more likely to be in long-term relationships, while stronger women were more likely to have higher numbers of sexual partners.

For men, the scientists from Washington State University believe this shows greater upper body strength is a 'favorable natural selection trait', making them a more attractive mate.

They say more research is needed to understand the connection in women.

Commenting on this finding, lead author and anthropologist Caroline Smith said: '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.'

A new major study into the sexuality of more than 4,000 people, has revealed that a firm handshake indicates higher body count for both men and women

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In a similar vein, a previous study found that women who exercised more had a greater number of sexual partners.

Researcher Dr Lee Smith, of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, said at the time that exercising regularly cuts depression and boosts confidence.

He explained: 'We know that participation in physical activity increases self-esteem and it is possible that self-esteem is linked to increased confidence in engaging in sexual activity with new partners.'

In the recent study, Ms Smith and her advising professor - WSU evolutionary anthropologist Ed Hagen - analyzed data on 4,316 US adults obtained from the 20132014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

They primarily looked at grip strength, which is a common measure used to approximate upper body strength.

This was then compared to participants' survey responses about their sexual behavior.

The scientists say the findings support an evolutionary theory of mating 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 for men's strength in relation to reproductive success, there are not so many for women's strength, in part because women are not often included in these types of studies.

There was not an obvious explanation in this study's data why women with greater upper body strength also had 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, they say that 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,' Ms Smith concluded.
A woman rendered permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound after being prescribed a common antibiotic in 2021 is warning others about its side effects.

An avid runner and fitness fanatic at the time, Talia Smith, 45, was prescribed ciprofloxacin, or Cipro for short, to treat a urinary tract infection in April 2021.

What happened next felt like 'a bomb going off' in her body  after three pills, sharp pains like she was being electrocuted shot up from her feet to her legs.

Her muscles became so stiff that she couldnt move. She went to the hospital but claims doctors sent her home and told her to take ibuprofen.

Eventually, she could no longer shower by herself or chew and swallow food unless it was pureed first. Because of her own complex health needs and those of her husband, a disabled veteran, they can no longer live in the same home.

When Smith's story first broke, it inspired more Americans to come forward with their harrowing experiences on Cipro.

Yet, the drug continued to be prescribed to millions of Americans every year without doctors warning about its links to a devastating condition that causes irreparable nerve damage.

But now, almost four years on, the CDC will now formally recognize the side effect known colloquially as floxing.'

Talia Smith, pictured with her husband (left), was active and healthy before being prescribed Cipro to treat a UTI - now she's disabled and needs constant care

When Mrs Smith moved into hospice care she couldn't swallow solid food, walk on her own, or lift her arms over her head

Fluoroquinolones, whether taken by mouth or inhaled, can cause serious side effects that may be disabling, long-lasting, and possibly permanent. These side effects are estimated to affect at least 1 to 10 people out of every 10,000 who use these medications.

Using her harrowing health journey as a catalyst for advocacy, Smith and doctors successfully pressed the CDC to get the condition officially recognized as a diagnosable, reportable condition, helping to bring more awareness to the issue and making it easier to track. That policy came into effect in July 2024.

The CDCs formal recognition was something like landing on the moon, according to Dr Stefan Pieper, who has treated around 1,500 patients with fluoroquinolone poisoning at his practice in Germany and presented the proposal to the CDC.

Smith says in her case, she asked her doctor about the drugs possible side effects and its strength but was told the medication was safe and widely prescribed.

However, the doctor did not mention the FDA's series of Black Box warnings, the first being issued in 2008, about the risks of tendonitis, nerve damage causing numbness, pain and tingling, seizures, tremors, and several others.

Mrs Smith said: I took the antibiotic. Three pills in, I couldnt walk. I started having pains all over my body. My vision actually changed in this time. I had problems swallowing.

Fluoroquinolones, the class of antibiotics to which Cipro belongs, comes with a laundry list of potentially devastating side effects from tendon rupture and muscle wasting to nerve damage and aortic tears. Despite the risks, its prescribed to roughly 15 million Americans every year.

When Mrs Smith went to her local emergency department in Norwood, Massachusetts, one of the first questions a doctor asked her was, Are you taking Cipro?

It was then that she learned of the Black Box warnings, the most stringent the FDA could hand down, and that many of her symptoms were there  tremors, sharp, shooting pains, dizziness, and muscle weakness.

Though she stopped taking the medicine after two days, the damage was done.

She got worse by the week.

Prior to taking Cipro, Mrs Smith (pictured left, with her sister) exercised regularly and seldom needed medication. She rarely fell ill and only visited the doctor for her annual checkups

Five months later, she was in hospice care, weighing 60 lbs.

The nerve pain was ridiculous, just constant nerve pain, she said.

She added: And as for my life, its flipped upside down. I cant even take care of myself. Im on palliative care. I need care 24/7.

Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and while it targets harmful bacteria, it can also target human cells, including nerve cells.

It can interfere with the function of mitochondria in cells, which govern energy production and cellular repair. Stress on cells harms nerves, disrupting their normal signaling pathways.

It can also affect how nerves send signals by interfering with tiny pathways, called ion channels, that help nerves communicate. This disruption can cause unusual sensations, like pain or tingling.

Mrs Smith working out before her reaction

Previously a caregiver to her veteran husband, Mrs Smith was forced to stop when her own debilitating illness emerged, resulting in the couple living apart

The FDA has received reports of hundreds of thousands of serious adverse events associated with fluoroquinolones from more than 60,000 patients since the 1980s.

One recent case involves 61-year-old actor Rick Zingale from New Jersey, who played Don Miguel in Rambo: Last Blood (2019). In 2022, he was hospitalized with symptoms doctors initially believed to be bronchitis and pneumonia.

Zingale was given an IV drip of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin to treat what was thought to be a bacterial lung infection. However, he later learned that he was actually suffering from heart failure, making the antibiotics ineffective.

Unfortunately, the drugs caused him life-altering complications. He developed a red, swollen mass near his right collarbone and experiences pain that shoots down his neck and right arm. Additionally, he has developed arthritis in his right hand, which he believes is linked to the medication.

He said: I'm defeated... because I have these horrible symptoms and I don't know what's going on... I'm absolutely distraught.

Another person affected is 44-year-old Mindy Tautfest from Oklahoma City.

In 2016, the former ICU nurse had surgery to remove her appendix, she shared with DailyMail.com.

About three weeks later, doctors informed her that the internal stitches had become infected and prescribed a week-long course of ciprofloxacin, also known as Cipro.

With her extensive experience in prescribing this drug for similar infections, Mrs. Tautfest wasn't initially concerned. However, after starting the medication, she began feeling unusually off. "I can't describe the weird feeling, I just didnt feel quite right," she explained.

Just two months after beginning the drug, she suffered a vertebral artery dissection, which is a tear in the artery that supplies blood to the brain. Unfortunately, in her case, it led to a stroke.

Mindy Tautfest with her family shortly before the vertebral dissection occurred, which she believes is due to the Cipro she was prescribed

It was like a gunshot erupted inside my head,' she said.

'I felt the back of my head and couldn't feel any blood. That's when I realized that it was probably some type of a brain aneurysm inside my head that had ruptured.

'It was like a peeling away - I call it an electrical avalanche - that rolled down my body. It just felt horrendous.'

Another one of many affected is 85-year-old John Sunderland Manousso from Texas, who visited his doctor in July 2023 for a recurring urinary tract infection (UTI).

His doctor prescribed a six-day course of levofloxacin. Just two days into taking the antibiotic, John began having difficulty walking.

His wife, Barbara, explained to DailyMail.com: He said to me: I've got knives coming up my legs.

He was wobbling like he's on a boat, side to side, and obviously in pain.

The couple began researching online and found a warning that the drug should not be given to people over 60 or those with motor issues. John had been diagnosed with vascular parkinsonism, which affects walking and balance, a condition they had discussed with the doctor before the prescription.

John Sunderland was previously an avid runner. His wife told DailyMail.com his legs tripled in size due to being so swollen after he took the antibiotic

John now cannot get around without a walker, and has been left with 'terrible pain and balance issues' which have caused falls, including one in which he tore his rotator cuff

They contacted the doctor, who assured them that the side effects would go away once John stopped taking the drug.

But things got worse. A few days later, John could barely move, and his legs had swollen to more than three times their normal size.

At a gala in Newport, Rhode Island, a couple of weeks later, when John tried to stand up, he screamed. It turned out that the tendon in his right leg had torn.

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Tendon ruptures are a known side effect of fluoroquinolones.

Now, John can no longer walk without a walker and is dealing with "terrible pain and balance issues," which have caused several falls, including one in which he tore his rotator cuff.

Doctors are prescribing Cipro less frequently than other antibiotics because of the life-altering consequences.

Overusing Cipro has also led to some bacteria becoming resistant to it, making infections caused by those bacteria harder to treat in the future. Better alternatives exist for common conditions, including UTIs and lung infections.

Mrs Smith said: Make sure you actually need an antibiotic before taking one.

Antibiotics in the United States are so overprescribed and were very used to taking them if a doctor tells you a medication is safe. Double check, triple check, just to be sure.
Dozens of American food companies are scrambling to change their recipes after a popular coloring was banned over its links to cancer.

The FDA announced a long-awaited ban on the use of red 3 dye in foods, putting makers of countless products from gummies and hard candies to cake mixes and milk manufacturers on notice.

Several foods are already being reformulated. YooHoo told CBS that the new version of its strawberry drink will be on shelves before the end of the year.

A Nestle representative stated that the majority of their recipes no longer contain synthetic colors, including Red 3. For products that still use the dye, such as Nesquik strawberry milk or Toll House Funfetti cookie dough, they mentioned they have been already been actively removing it.

Food behemoth ConAgra also said it is taking steps to phase out the dye. A spokesperson said they are minimally impacted by the FDA's ruling, and are taking steps to remove it from a limited number of their products in time for the rule's deadline.

Meanwhile, seasoning and condiments giant McCormick said it had already begun stripping the ingredient from its formulas. Some of their products still listing Red 3 include vegan imitation bacon chips and Cake Mate red icing.

Removing the dye is not expected to change the taste or texture of food products but could slightly alter the appearance, possibly losing their vibrant red color.

Red 3 is one of countless additives in food today, despite having been banned from use in cosmetics and topic medications over 20 years ago due after research conducted in the 1980s and 90s found that rats fed large amounts of the dye developed thyroid cancer.

While the FDA maintains that the link between red 3 and cancer has not been made in humans, the dye is believed to cause behavioral changes in children. Studies into the ties between red 3 and hyperactivity in children date back to the 1970s, yet its a staple ingredient in some of kids favorite foods.

Red 3 has been infusing American food for decades, but manufacturers will have until January 2027 to phase it out completely. Several brands said they've already started

Early signs show that food manufacturers are willing to accept the necessary changes by Jan. 15, 2027.

The National Confectioners Association, a trade group representing the candy industry, told DailyMail.com: Food safety is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDAs guidance and safety standards.

Meanwhile, Dunkin Donuts acknowledged that items on the menu containing vegetarian bacon products also contain red 3, adding that version of the product is sold only in its 48 kosher locations. None of the company's other locations sell products with the dye.

And while Lindt & Sprungli spokesperson said none of the company's Lindt products contain Red 3, it did not respond to CBS response for comment regarding some of its other brands that use red 3, such as Russel Stover.

Red 3 has been giving countless other food products cherry red hues for decades.

The dye is present in around 26 percent of baking decorations and dessert toppings, 16 percent of chewing gum and mints, 13 percent of candy, and 11 percent of cookies and biscuits.

The FDAs sweeping ban on red 3 in food follows one passed in California in October 2023. Before the national ban, several states aimed to follow Californias path, including Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia,

Food manufacturers pushed back against California at the time of passing that ban. Christopher Gindlesperger, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at the NCA, said in 2023 that the ban will likely create a slippery slope, adding that the FDA should step up as chief regulator.

This week, the NCA said: We have been saying for years that FDA is the rightful national regulatory decision maker and leader in food safety.

There is no indication so far that food manufacturers will challenge the new rule, and they will have sufficient time to adjust their products to meet the new standards.

There is some concern that manufacturers may opt to use red 40, which, along with red 3, has been associated with various health concerns.
An Alert California photo shows the fire at the site of the Moss Landing Power Plant on Thursday. UCSD/Alert California An Alert California photo shows the fire at the site of the Moss Landing Power Plant on Thursday. UCSD/Alert California

UPDATE: A new fire at the Moss Landing battery plant ignited

Officials lifted evacuation orders in Monterey Bay on Friday evening after determining that a battery fire at a power plant energy storage facility no longer posed a threat to residents  though the blaze continued to burn.

Data collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency confirmed there was no threat to human health, from the fire that erupted Thursday afternoon, and residents were free to return home, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office said on social media just after 6 p.m. Between 1,200 and 1,500 people had been evacuated from roughly 7,600 acres of land, Monterey County Chief Public Information Officer Nicholas Pasculli said at a Friday morning press conference.

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The fire, which was reported at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Moss Landing Power Plant, was mostly out by Friday morning, North Monterey County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Joel Mendoza said at the press conference. But as of Friday night, the flames were still not fully extinguished, said Monterey County Sheriffs Office Commander Andres Rosas.

The blaze was detected in a 300 megawatt lithium ion battery energy storage facility on the Moss Landing site, according to Jenny Lyon, a spokesperson for Vistra Energy, a Texas-based company that owns the battery facility and an adjacent natural gas plant. An investigation into what sparked the fire would begin after the blaze was extinguished, Lyon said.

No injuries or deaths were reported, Pasculli said. The fire dealt significant damage to the battery facility, consuming about 40% of the building as of 11 p.m. Thursday and likely more by Friday night, Rosas said. Fire officials let the battery fire burn out rather than attempt to suppress it, Rosas said.

Vistra completed an expansion of its battery site in 2023 which includes lithium-ion battery systems, the same type that power electric vehicles and many modern electronics, and its Moss Landing site is one of the worlds largest battery energy storage facilities, according to Vistras website.

Vistras Senior Director of Community Affairs Brad Watson apologized to the community during the press conference and promised to investigate why the water-based fire suppression system had been quickly overwhelmed by the battery blaze.

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Just before 7 p.m. Thursday, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office issued evacuation orders for areas of Moss Landing near the Moss Landing Power Plant. Footage captured by local news channels showed flames and dark, black smoke streaming from the site.

Portions of Highway 1 were shut down due to the blaze, the California Highway Patrol said, and the North Monterey County Unified School District closed all schools and offices Friday. The Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve and Moss Landing Wildlife Area were also closed until further notice due to potential health risks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on social media.

Modern battery fires can burn extremely hot and can erupt, particularly when battery cells are damaged. Firefighters can use large amounts of water to keep the batteries cool and contain the energy discharge, but in some cases firefighters allow batteries to burn out on their own. Mendoza said dangerous hydrogen fluoride gas that can drift off of these types of fires had not yet been detected as of Friday morning.

Glen Church, a Monterey County supervisor, called for a full investigation into the fire, saying Thursdays blaze was the second fire at the Vistra site and that there had been a fire at the adjacent Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Elkhorn battery storage facility.

This is really a lot more than a fire, Church said. Its a wake-up call for this industry.

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Church said safety precautions that were in place were insufficient to stop the fire from starting.

This is the fourth fire at that site since 2019, he said, apparently referring to both the Vistra plant and the PG&E site. This has got to be the last one. Church, however, did not directly call for the closure of the plant when asked by a reporter if that was a needed step.

Vistra, a Texas-based energy company, began operating its $400 million energy storage facility in Monterey County in 2021. The company also operates a 1,020 megawatt natural gas-fueled power plant alongside the battery storage site.
Piglet by Lottie Hazell (Penguin 9.99, 304pp)

Piglet is available now from the Mail Bookshop

In 98 days, Piglet and her fiance, Kit, will be married.

She is a cookbook editor and life at their home in Oxford revolves around food  she even plans to make her own croquembouche wedding cake.

Kit and Piglet seem the ideal couple, but there are widening cracks in their perfect life.

Piglets relationship with food is more anxious than joyful; compared with Kits middle-class family, she is ashamed of her parents, who live in Derby and eat at Pizza Hut; and her relationship with her best friend, Margot, has changed with Margots pregnancy.

Then, just days before the wedding, Kit has a confession to make and Piglets cravings become overwhelming. Hazells debut novel is an irresistible confection of fabulous food and curdled relationships.

The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe by Claire Parkin (Pan Macmillan 9.99, 320pp)

The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Muriel and Ruth (Moo and Roo) have been best friends since they were born, just 15 seconds apart, in a north London hospital.

Now 76, they live together in Hampstead, where Roo has cared for Moo since she became wheelchair-bound.

But behind the friendship are dark undercurrents: Moo is a former model and the author of bestselling romantic novels, while Roo is a failed journalist whose husband left her for Moo.

When Moo announces that she is going to die in 72 hours time, a series of unnerving events ensue, including menacing anonymous faxes and disturbing flashbacks.

Parkins pitch-black comedy of two devoted frenemies is outrageously readable.

The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli (Pushkin Press 9.99, 304pp)

The Wizard of the Kremlin is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Arriving in Moscow to research the writer Yevgeny Zamyatin, whose 1920s novel We inspired George Orwells 1984, an academic is summoned to a night-time meeting with a mysterious fellow admirer of Zamyatin.

Arriving at a mansion in a forest, he finds he is the guest of Vadim Baranov, a former adviser to the Russian president who disappeared years ago.

The son of a Soviet-era apparatchik and grandson of a former aristocrat, Baranov was a TV producer who became Putins closest adviser, known as the new Rasputin, who goes on to reveal his role in the power plays of Putins Russia.

A brilliant reflection of the real-life distorting mirror of Russian politics.
So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne (Hodder & Stoughton 16.99, 432pp)

So Thrilled for You is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Im pretty sure this is going to be my book of the year. I adored every minute I spent reading this brilliantly eviscerating take-down of the myriad pressures on women.

Set at the baby shower from hell, the narrative alternates between multiple points of view, police reports and newspaper articles about what happened.

Lauren, Nicki, Steffi and Charlotte are four best friends from university who are now in their 30s.

Charlotte, struggling with unexplained infertility, is determined to give Nicki, pregnant but ambivalent, the perfect day  the exact day she wanted herself.

Lauren has a baby and finds everything about motherhood impossible. Steffis career is taking off and she doesnt want children but feels judged by the others. Fireworks ensue.

Friendship that's the mother of all tales

The Book of George is available now from the Mail Bookshop

The Book of George by Kate Greathead (Atlantic 16.99, 288pp)

This is a fantastic portrait of a character, George, whom we meet when hes 12 and leave when hes nearly 40.

The more we learn about him, the more frustrating he becomes.

Our protagonist is privileged, intelligent and good looking, yet is incapable of seizing opportunities.

He is selfish, inconsiderate and sarcastic. His mother and long-suffering girlfriend do everything for him and never receive thanks.

I couldnt wait to find out what George would mess up next. Thought-provoking, funny and sad.

A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay (Wildfire 16.99, 400pp)

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Fox and Hazel are soulmates but their marriage isnt like that of other lovers. This romantic duo are also serial killers who worked alone before they met at a murder scene in Paris.

Their date nights involve killing people, but only bad guys who really deserve it. Things between them are fabulous until Hazel gets pregnant and they swap their globetrotting luxury lifestyle for a quieter existence in the suburbs.

Posing as affable neighbours, Fox initiates a murder ban and Hazel feels stifled. She finds the dinner parties and mums at the toddler groups boring.

That is, until she meets Jenny and finally makes a friend. Unfortunately, Jenny is a police officer with a special interest in the multiple murders. All Hazel thinks about is murder but she cant tell Fox. Fox has problems of his own and isnt sharing those either. Compelling.
The Traitors is back on our screens, and fashion insiders everywhere are rejoicing as it can only mean one thing: more Claudia outfit inspiration.

Styled by her longtime stylist Sinead McKeefry, presenter Claudia Winkleman's outfits have become one of the most iconic elements of the show. From her check trousers to XL knits, everything in which she is spotted quickly gets snapped up by her fashion-forward fans.

So, why exactly are her The Traitors looks proving so popular? We think it's got something to do with the fact they're the perfect mix of elevated and everyday. 'Most of her looks include elements that real women already have in their wardrobe, but they're styled in ways which feel chic and put together,' says YOU Magazine's fashion stylist Stephanie Sofokleous.

Claudia Winkleman in a custom cape

Featuring cosy, outdoorsy pieces that are perfect for the Scottish Highlands where the series is filmed, we also think we're obsessed with Claudia's looks because they're exactly what we want to wear ourselves right now. While Love Island stars are lounging poolside in tiny bikinis and awards season is serving up an endless rotation of glamorous celebs walking red carpets, Claudia's winter-appropriate outfits are the only looks on TV appropriate for the UK this time of year.

While we love the biker boots and fingerless gloves that have become Claudia's staples this season, it's her capes that have really stole the sartorial spotlight. In neutral shades, with high necks and made from snug wool, they're the perfect outerwear option for cold winter days.

However, they're also a divisive trend as they can be tricky to style, thanks to their floaty design and A-line silhouette. We tasked YOU Magazine's digital and lifestyle editor (and fashion maximalist), Sophie Hines, and fashion director and self-proclaimed minimalist Sophie Dearden-Howell, with styling their favourite takes on the cape trend. Read on to see what they had to say.

Sophie Hines' verdict:

Sophie Hines, YOU Magazine's digital and lifestyle editor

Cape, 425, BA&SH

Jumper, 230, BA&SH

Trousers, 130, Sezane

'I like the idea of a cape, and I love them on other people, but there is something about having long, gangly arms that makes me feel a bit ridiculous wearing one  like Im in fancy dress. However, I am on a quest to be more Claudia this winter (hence the fingerless gloves), so perhaps I need to get on board. If I was going to buy one, a plain, dark colour like this would be the way to go  I definitely cant pull off a tartan or houndstooth one. I also need to give a shout-out to these Sezane trousers, which are so chic and well-fitting that theyve gone straight onto my wishlist.'

Sophie Dearden-Howell's verdict:

Sophie Dearden-Howell, YOU Magazine's fashion director

Cape, 45, River Island

Jumper, 24, Next

Trousers, 129, Ro & Zo

'I absolutely love a cape! I think they look classic and chic and go with most outfits! I do think if you are curvy or busty (like I am!), I'd recommend opting for a long-line shape. My favourites are also those that are parted at the front, rather than fastened all the way down, as it allows for your shape to be seen rather than swamped. Lastly, if you're looking to invest, I'd stick to neutrals so it will go with all your outfits - both casual and dressed up!'

Where to shop the best capes...

Zara cape

Cape, 59.99, Zara

Next cape

Cape, 38, Next

Strathberry cape

Cape, 255, Strathberry

Mint Velvet cape

Cape, 235, Mint Velvet

Karen Millen cape

Cape, 159, Karen Millen

Holland Cooper cape

Cape, 499, Holland Cooper

YOU Magazine's digital and lifestyle editor and fashion director

Which is your favourite outfit? Let us know in the comments below!
CNN star Jim Acosta could soon be banished to 'the Siberia of television news' in an effort from the network to curry favor with incoming President Donald Trump.

The CNN veteran, 53, has been locked in a longstanding feud with Trump, who has described him as a 'rude, terrible person' and accused him of reporting 'fake news' during Acosta's time as a White House correspondent in the first administration.

Now, CNN chief Mark Thompson has reportedly floated moving Acosta's successful, high-rating 10am show to the dreaded timeslot of midnight, the Status newsletter reports.

'They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,' an insider told the publication.

'Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.'

This move would 'effectively exile Acosta to the Siberia of television news,' the report stated.

Thompson allegedly hopes to slot Acosta into programming from midnight to 2am ET, with assurances that the show would in turn be airing during prime time on the West Coast and be streamed internationally.

Acosta's ratings in his current 10am slot are some of the network's best.

The relationship between the two men was so sour during Trump's last presidency that the White House revoked Acosta's press pass in 2018 after a heated clash. Acosta's back-and-forth with Trump went viral, and resulted in Trump telling him to 'sit down', while aides wrestled the mic from his hands

The CNN veteran, 53, has been locked in a longstanding feud with Trump, who has described him as a 'rude, terrible person' and accused him of reporting 'fake news' during his time as a White House correspondent in the first administration

The timing of the call - just days before Trump is due to take office again - has raised suspicions CNN is trying to build a better relationship with the incoming President

Trump said: 'CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN'

The timing of the call - just days before Trump is due to take office again - has raised suspicions CNN is trying to build a better relationship with the incoming President.

Acosta's relationship with Trump was so sour during the first term that the White House revoked his press pass in 2018 after a heated clash.

That decision was later challenged when Acosta and CNN presented it in front of a federal judge.

Acosta's back-and-forth with Trump went viral, and resulted in Trump telling him to 'sit down', while aides wrestled the mic from his hands.

Trump said: 'CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN.'

Then, during a separate press conference in 2020, Acosta said: 'Mr. President, I think our record on delivering the truth is a lot better than yours sometimes.'

'Let me tell you about your record, your record is so bad you ought to be ashamed of yourself,' Trump shot back. 'You have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.'

On another occasion, Acosta asked Trump: 'What do you say to critics who say that you are creating a national emergency? That you're concocting a national emergency here to get your wall.'

Now, CNN chief Mark Thompson has reportedly floated moving Acosta's successful, high-rating 10am show to a new timeslot of midnight

The 53-year-old, who rose to national prominence for frequently clashing with President-elect Donald Trump, waved the placard live on air on Thursday

Acosta has been attacked over the clip that he shared on Thursday, with those on both sides of the political spectrum having a go at him

A White House intern reaches for and tries to take away the microphone held by CNN correspondent Jim Acosta

Trump snapped back: 'Your question is a very political question because you have an agenda. You're CNN. You're fake news.'

Acosta's reported move is the latest in a series of shake ups the network is reportedly considering, and would pave the way for longtime anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, to slide into a new morning timeslot to replace him.

He currently enjoys a plum spot on the cusp of primetime manning The Situation Room weekdays from 6pm to 7pm ET. He has done so for the past two decades, and the new shuffle could see him gain an extra hour of exposure.

However, some suggested the move could be a way 'something of an off-ramp' for the broadcaster, as he enters his golden years.

The revelation comes hours after Acosta was mocked for holding a placard hailing his own achievements live on air.

He held up a bright pink sign that reads: 'I march for Jim Acosta and a free press.'

Acosta added: 'A woman sent me a sign eight years ago, she carried here at a march in Washington.

'She wrote on the back of the sign to me and the press here in DC, "You have our support." To Nora, wherever you are, right back at ya.'

The duo also clashed at a press conference in India in 2020

February 2019: Possibly the lengthiest argument was on the White House lawn at an immigration event which saw Trump shout 'fake news' at Acosta

Journalist Glenn Greenwald shared the clip and added: 'This nakedly partisan b**** really does think he's the Conscience of America.

'Never seen a more self-important, sanctimonious blow hard in my entire life. And no, I'll never get over the fact that he wrote a book bought by dumb liberals where he depicted himself as endangered.'

Earlier in the segment, Acosta referenced Biden's farewell address which took place on Wednesday night, in which he openly lamented a supposed rising oligarchy in the United States.

'[President Biden] warned the free press is crumbling in this country, I would add that's only if we the people let that happen.

'Journalists exist to seek the truth, to tell people stories, to lift up voices that may not be heard otherwise.

'To shine a light on injustice and hold the powerful accountable, we are not the enemy of the people we are the defender of the people.'
CNN defamed an Afghan war veteran by falsely accusing him of running a 'black market' for Afghanistan evacuations and must pay him $5 million damages.

Jurors found the embattled network liable for defaming Zachary Young, 49, at a Florida courthouse Friday afternoon.

Young, who sued for $15 million, will take home even more cash than the amount so-far awarded, as it does not take into account punitive damages.

Young is a US Navy veteran turned security consultant helped evacuate Afghan people to safety following President Biden's disastrous withdrawal in 2021.

He was named in a CNN segment claiming private contractors were charging up to $14,000 for 'black market' evacuations.

Young said he'd never accepted any money from Afghans who needed rescued and relied on corporate and nongovernmental organization sponsorships to help people flee.

Friday's verdict further weakens CNN just days ahead of Trump's inauguration for his second term as presidency.

The network has been battling sagging ratings and vows from conservative lawmakers including Trump himself to crack down on what they claim is an unfair liberal bias.

Zachary Young, pictured, has won $5 million from CNN after suing the network for defamation

CNN aired this image of Zachary Young with a strap on the bottom that read: 'Afghans trying to flee Taliban face Black Markets'. He is suing the network for tying him to the black markets

Kabul is pictured during the chaotic 2021 US withdrawal, which saw the Taliban immediately surge back to power

The defamatory broadcast was screened in November 2021 and opened with Jake Tapper claiming Afghans trying to flee the surging Taliban 'face a black market full of promises, demand of exorbitant fees and no guarantee of safety or success.'

Tapper then cut to CNN's chief security correspondent Alex Marquardt claiming that an Afghan man in the US had found people on Facebook charging $10,000 to evacuate relatives.

Marquardt claimed 'desperate Afghans are now being exploited' by 'exorbitant and impossible' amounts.

It then displayed a LinkedIn post from Zachary Young advertising his services.

Young filed his defamation lawsuit in 2022 and successfully alleged that CNN had damaged his reputation by lying that he was taking advantage of the withdrawal.

After being threatened by Young, CNN made an apology, issued a retraction and removed the segment from public view.

But in depositions screened during the hearing, senior staff say the network should never have apologized to Young.

On Tuesday, two days before both sides' closing arguments, the jury was shown a series of clips - three of which showed depositions from CNN Executive Vice President of Editorial Virginia Moseley, Supervising Producer Michael Callahan, and Senior Vice President of Washington Newsgathering Adam Levine, respectively.

Each said the same - that they did not believe such an apology was necessary, due to Marquardts segment making no such charge. The on-screen banner did.

The term 'black market was also used in the introduction of the report, when it first ran on 'The Lead With Jake Tapper.'

'In general, I don't,' Moseley said in December 2023 when asked by Young's legal team whether she agreed with the 2022 apology.

'The reason I don't agree with it is I don't have, as we talked about earlier, the negative connotation of "black market,"' she insisted, offering her argument.

CNN host Pamela Brown told viewers apologized on behalf of the network on-air

'So I'm not exactly sure, like I wouldn't, you know - I don't consider black market in a negative connotation.

'I wouldn't agree with the correction,' she finished.

A few months earlier, in October, Callahan aired a similar stance - saying he defines 'black market' as an 'unregulated market' and not a disreputable one.

He argued such a term correctly applied to the situation then occurring in Kabul, and that the phrase black market did not have any particular connotation.

When asked what he believed the term meant, he insisted: 'An unregulated market for goods or services.'

In June of last year, Levine said the apology was made in hopes of quashing the 'potential for a lawsuit', while spending multiple minutes dodging questions about whether CNN believed Young's concern had been 'reasonable' enough to demand the apology.

'This was a decision made for legal reasons, and the correction was issued at the direction of our legal department,' Levine said,

'So CNN thinks that the decision by the legal department was the right one for the company based on them being our legal department.'

When asked whether a correction was due, he said 'at least our legal department felt that way.'

"It was an error based on the fact that Mr. Young felt and [Young's attorney Vel Freedman] conveyed that that was how it was received by Mr. Young,' he further explained. 'And they took issue with that.'

CNN journalist Fuzz Hogan, a senior editor tasked with fact-checking the report, said a few days earlier that he also didn't agree that CNN should have apologized, and repeatedly called Brown's apology a 'correction.'

'I didn't think that the correction was necessary,' Hogan said, delivering this testimony before the jury.

CNN correspondent Marquardt, the one who led the report about Young, said the same - before indicating he had not problem the network eventually apologized.

CNN producer Michael Conte similarly said he did 'not necessarily' agree with the apology, at one point adding, "I do not believe [the report] was an error.'

Young, meanwhile, claims the report falsely painted him as an 'illegal profiteer' exploiting 'desperate Afghans' with 'exorbitant' fees - mentioning how he had been advertising his services online $14,500.
An opinion piece in The New York Times that describes pedophilia as a 'disorder not a crime' has sparked fury online after resurfacing on social media.

Margo Kaplan wrote a 2014 Op-Ed for the left-leaning news outlet titled 'Pedophilia: A Disorder, Not a Crime'.

In it Kaplan, a professor of law at Rutgers Law School, sets out to correct what she sees as misconceptions about pedophilia.

She writes that pedophiles aren't all child molesters and that an attraction to children in itself is not a crime, but a mental illness.

Kaplan says that laws are failing pedophiles, and argued that they shouldn't lose a job or opportunities in their careers if they seek treatment.

'By some estimates, 1 percent of the male population continues, long after puberty, to find themselves attracted to prepubescent children.

'These people are living with pedophilia, a sexual attraction to prepubescents that often constitutes a mental illness.

'Unfortunately, our laws are failing them and, consequently, ignoring opportunities to prevent child abuse', she writes.

11 years on from being originally published, screenshots of the headline have been recirculated on social media in recent days, drawing the ire of some X users.

In it Kaplan, a professor of law at Rutgers Law School, sets out to correct what she sees as misconceptions about pedophilia

She writes that pedophiles aren't all child molesters and that an attraction to children in itself is not a crime, but a mental illness

Athlete turned political activist Riley Gaines, a prominent voice in keeping trans women out of women's sports, posted: 'Care to explain' and tagged the paper.

Right-wing science writer Dr. Simon Goddek also shared a screengrab of the headline, and added: 'EXCUSE ME????'

An X user added: 'WTF! Whoever wrote this, approved this and published this all needs to be in jail. It should be a crime just for saying that.'

Another posted: 'This is sickening and even though it's an opinion aticle, the fact they ran it shows they're ok with normalizing pedophilia.

'Remember when they wouldn't allow opinions about vaccine efficiency, or questions about the 2020 elections. They drew a line on opinions then.'

Other excerpts from the piece points to research that suggest pedophilia could stem from neurological problems.

Kaplan pointed to findings that she said strongly suggests a neurological cause behind it.

She also says that current laws are failing pedophiles, and that protections should be in place to help those 'seeking treatment'.

11 years on from being originally published, screenshots of the headline have been recirculated on social media in recent days, sparking fury

The outlet admitted that it had caused 'a stir' after being published, and had to reject many of the 1,200 comments due to 'vicious attacks' on Kaplan

It closes: 'A pedophile should be held responsible for his conduct - but not for the underlying attraction.

'Acknowledging that pedophiles have a mental disorder, and removing the obstacles to their coming forward and seeking help, is not only the right to do, but it would also advance efforts to protect children from harm.'

Following its publication, The Times followed up the opinion piece with a 'story behind the story' article.

The outlet admitted that it had caused 'a stir' after being published, and had to reject many of the 1,200 comments due to 'vicious attacks' on Kaplan.

Speaking with the outlet after the publication, Kaplan admitted: 'I anticipated strong responses, so that was no surprise.'

The Times added that reader reaction was overwhelmingly negative, but Kaplan said she had heard from people who were supportive of her views.

DailyMail.com has approached Kaplan for further comment on the resurgence in her story, and the fresh criticism.

The article resurfacing comes amid a general backlash over liberal news outlets, with the likes of MSNBC wrestling with plummeting ratings.

Earlier this week president of the network Rashida Jones left the company after four years at the helm following the large dip in viewers.
Bigster may be the largest model from budget-friendly Romanian brand Dacia but its prices begin at just below 25,000 and all start from under 30,000, it announced this week.

The spacious new five-seater SUV, which I crawled over at the Paris Motor Show, has three trim levels.

Expression, priced from 24,995, offers 17-inch alloy wheels and Dacia's multimedia system.

Journey, from 26,245, gains 19-inch alloys, bespoke upholstery and front-passenger lumbar support.

Budget-friendly: The spacious new Bigster five-seater SUV has three trim levels

Extreme, from 26,494, targets outdoor enthusiasts and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.

The top two trim levels include as standard: a heated steering wheel and front seats, wireless phone charging, smart headlights, heated and electronically adjustable door mirrors, and rear window privacy glass.

There are three manual and automatic petrol engine options headed by the new range-topping Hybrid 155 which combines a 4-cylinder 1.8 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an automatic gearbox.

Price matters: Dacia is the budget arm of Frances Renault Group

Other options include: the all-wheel drive TCe 130 4x4 with a 130hp 3-cylinder 1.2litre petrol engine, 48v mild hybrid system and six speed manual gearbox; and the new TCe 140 140hp power train combining a turbocharged 1.2 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, 48v hybrid system and six speed manual gear-box

Dacia, the budget arm of Frances Renault Group said: Bigster is tailored to the specific requirements of a steadily growing market.

With consumers facing spiralling costs, it offers buyers of larger family friendly cars the robust, well-equipped, great value for money that they have been longing for.

Bigster not only strongly reflects Dacias best value for money positioning, but offers distinctive design, great interior comfort and space, as well as all the elevated essentials and technology expected by buyers in the segment.
Freetrade's chief executive Viktor Nebehaj has fuelled the anger of crowd funding investors after the trading platform was bought by IG Group on Thursday.

On a Freetrade forum, Nebehej posted: 'I appreciate that for many of you who backed us after our Series B this means that your investment is being realised at a loss.'

He added: 'I'm personally grateful for all of our crowdfunders' backing. I appreciate these words may offer more or less comfort for some, depending on their investment return.'

Under the acquisition deal Freetrade investors will receive up to 119 pence per share, meaning many of the firm's crowdfunders will make a loss on their investment.

IG is set to pay 160million to acquire Freetrade, a fact that is not lost on some everyday investors who backed Freetrade when it had a valuation of 650million in 2021.

One Freetrade crowdfunder, DrPigeon, replied to Nebehej's post stating: 'Thank you, I'm making a loss of 5,335.42 on my investment of 7,015.20.'

Fueling the fire: Freetrade chief executive Viktor Nebehej told investors he was grateful for their support

Another, Billybunter1, said: 'I feel absolutely devastated about this. I first invested in 2019 and almost 6 years later my 10,000 investment is worth 6000 shares at approximately 7,000.'

'I'm getting about 10 per cent of what I invested,' investor Vimfuego posted on the forum, 'someone's sat somewhere laughing at us.'

The platform has conducted several investing rounds, selling shares on Crowdcube for 9.25 at its peak valuation. In 2023 the firm sold shares for 2.60 each. Both fundraises smashed their 1million targets.

However, later in 2023 Freetrade saw its valuation slump to 225million, though Thursday's deal significantly undercuts even this.

Following the acquisition IG said Nebehaj will remain at the head of the firm alongside the rest of the leadership team.

Forum poster Kazamx said: 'Just a happy coincidence you became a millionaire in the process.'

Separately, a number of Freetrade investors contacted This is Money directly.

'When the crowd funding opportunity came along (via Crowdcube) I thought it would be sensible to 'back the company you like' as I was told this is how you buy shares. I had an inheritance of 1,000 available, so put the whole lot into Freetrade,' one reader, James, whose name has been changed, wrote in.

James said his research suggested Freetrade's shares would go up, especially with an IPO on the cards.

He said: 'I was disheartened and crushed to read that my shares are to be sold, and Freetrade is to be swallowed up by a larger company.

'At an offer of 1.19 before charges, I stand to lose about 90 per cent of my inheritance/investment.

'Yet the two founders of the company, are still to run Freetrade, and no doubt will profit from the merger.

'The acorns that us early adopters helped to plant have grown, and we have been trodden on.'

'It's sickening, as it's money I cannot afford to have lost. Such a bad taste has been left.'

In his forum post Nebehej promised that the takeover by IG is 'going to give us the foundations to grow, seriously compete in the investment platform market, and build a fintech out of the UK with strong and consistent backing.'

For small time crowdfunding investors though, this means sacrificing the hard earned cash that they committed to help grow a company they believed in - one that they now feel has sold them down the river at the first chance of making an easy buck.

As one investor, Ravi.Ramireddy, put it to Nebehej: 'The deal is helping you and few big investors. You have ruined many of us, shame on you.'
Merger talks between Rio Tinto and Glencore have sparked speculation that a frantic year of dealmaking could take place in the mining sector.

A tie-up would have created a nearly 130billion behemoth that would have toppled BHP from its top spot as the world's biggest miner.

Although the discussions came to nothing  at least for now  industry experts believe 2025 will be a year of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the sector.

There is even speculation that BHP could have another go at buying Anglo American after walking away from a 39billion bid last year.

Mining firms are looking to bolster their copper assets as the metal is seen as crucial to the green energy transition.

Rio Tinto and Glencore  which are valued at 84billion and 45billion respectively  held early-stage talks over a potential merger as recently as October.

Digging deep: Mining firms are looking to bolster their copper assets as the metal is seen as crucial to the green energy transition

A deal to combine the two heavyweights would have been the largest ever in the mining industry.

It is not the first time the pair have discussed a merger. In 2014, Rio Tinto rejected an offer from Glencore, saying that it was not in the best interests of shareholders.

But last year Rio Tinto chief Jakob Stausholm refused to rule out large deals in the copper sector.

However, he warned that major M&A can present a 'big risk' that could 'derail the whole company'.

Rio Tinto is the world's largest producer of iron ore and relies on the mineral to drive its profits at a time when the market looks set for an extended period of weakness.

Demand in China  the world's largest consumer of the commodity  has tumbled amid a slowdown in the property sector.

Maurizio Carulli, energy and materials analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said: 'The mining sector is experiencing softer demand for commodities from China due to its slowing economic growth. Historically, China has represented the lion's share of global commodities demand.

'Consequently, mining companies are likely to pursue more mergers and acquisitions in 2025 to achieve synergies and cost savings.'

Dan Coatsworth, an analyst at broker AJ Bell, added: 'By combining forces, the hope is that the enlarged company will profit big time when there's the next upcycle in commodity prices.'

Last year, Rio Tinto bought US lithium producer Arcadium for 5.5billion. Glencore bought Teck Resources' steelmaking coal unit last year for 5.6billion.

The anticipated wave of dealmaking follows BHP's failed attempt to buy Anglo American last year.

But the six-month ban on BHP making another approach ended in November, fuelling speculation that a new deal could be in the works.
Banks could relax mortgage lending rules to allow homeowners to borrow more money relative to their income, according to reports.

Financial regulators are considering giving lenders greater freedoms to allow 'responsible risk taking' from their mortgage customers, according to The Times.

Lenders are subject to a rule which means no more than 15 per cent of their mortgage book can be comprised of loans above 4.5 times the borrower's income - but that could change under the plans being discussed.

It comes after the Labour Government wrote to the UK's 17 regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority which oversees banking, asking them to come up with ideas to boost growth.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves also met with regulators and told them to embrace a 'pro-growth' mindset instead of 'excessively' focusing on risk.

At present lenders are restricted by mortgage affordability guidelines imposed after the 2008 crisis, which are designed to prevent people from financially overstretching themselves.

Borrow more: Most first-time buyers are restricted to borrowing no more than 4.5 times their annual income, but this could soon change

Plans could help first-time buyers

Those getting on the housing ladder could benefit most from the proposed changes, as they don't have equity from an existing property and therefore tend to borrow the most relative to their earnings.

Banks can offer first-time buyers loans of more than 4.5 times their income, but there are tight restrictions on how many. If they do lend at a higher multiple, it will typically be for those with a substantial income and a large deposit.

A move that encourages lenders to offer more mortgages at higher income multiples could help more people to buy their first home.

However, it would also mean higher mortgage payments and more risk.

Speaking to the news agency Newspage, Jack Tutton, director at SJ Mortgages said: 'Something does need to be done to support first-time buyers, in particular people buying on their own.

'House prices have far outpaced wage growth, which has compounded the issue, so giving lenders more flexibility to offer higher income multiples at higher loan to values is a step in the right direction.'

Mike Staton, director at Staton Mortgages believes current rules are acting as a barrier for those who do not have the help of the Bank of Mum and Dad.

'Lenders' income multiple caps have simply not kept up with the times,' he said. 'We are at serious risk of creating another barrier for the working class to get on the ladder.'

However, while a relaxation of affordability rules could help more first-time buyers on to the ladder in the short-term, some argue that allowing bigger mortgages could send house prices higher.

This might make homes even less affordable in the long run.

'There is a risk that enabling people to borrow more will once again send house prices skyrocketing unless the underlying supply issue is resolved,' said Jonathan Moser, chief executive at property management company Mo'Living.

'That arguably risks leaving people exposed as they may have overborrowed and potentially overpaid.

'The Government, along with regulators, should tread carefully.'

Rohit Kohli, director at broker The Mortgage Stop says the Government needs to tackle the root of the problem and free up supply.

'To truly stimulate the property market and help first-time buyers, the Government must tackle the root causes of the supply problem,' he said.

'Too many developers are sitting on land with planning permission, and theres an unacceptable number of vacant properties that could be put to use.

'While these proposals may give buyers more borrowing power, they echo the principles of schemes like Help to Buy, which improved access but didnt necessarily lead to long-term affordability.

'A balanced approach addressing both supply and demand is needed to have a lasting impact.'
A man accused of shooting at a Muni bus driver in San Francisco has been charged with felonies, prosecutors said Thursday. Associated Press

A man accused of shooting at a Muni bus driver in San Franciscos Mission Bay neighborhood has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon against a public transit employee, among other felony charges, the district attorneys office said Thursday.

Adolph Patrick Greene, 58, has also been charged with one count of discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle, assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of a firearm by a felon and several other charges.

Greene pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment Wednesday, prosecutors said.

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I am grateful there was no loss of life or serious injury in this shocking shooting, said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins in a statement. Public transit plays a vital role in our city and must be safe for everyone, including drivers and passengers. My office will do everything in our power to ensure that there is justice in this case.

Greene is accused of shooting at the bus driver on Monday morning, prosecutors said. At about 6 a.m. the Muni bus approached the intersection of Fourth and Berry streets, where a man was walking in the middle of the street, according to prosecutors. The light turned green and the man was still in the street. As the bus began driving forward, the man stopped in front of the bus and walked toward the bus as the driver tried to steer around him.

The man then took a revolver out of his jacket and fired a bullet, which went through the windshield and a passenger seat. At the time of the shooting, there were about 15 to 20 passengers on board, prosecutors said.

Greene was located nearby and arrested by police, who recovered the gun from the Mission Creek Channel. Greene is being detained without bail pending trial. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.
A 10-year-old girl was raped in woodland by a paedophile who groomed her over Roblox and Snapchat in a 'nightmare' case that will increase already deafening calls for the Government to better protect children online.

Ryan Sutton travelled 100 miles from Worcester to Finedon in Northamptonshire to violently abuse the primary school child he was secretly messaging.

The year six primary school pupil was lured to a wood and raped by the 24-year-old, who later blamed his victim for the rape and has never said sorry for his crimes.

The victim's mother believed that Sutton had met her daughter on Roblox and then moved to Snapchat, according to a pre-sentence report.

Sutton was today branded one of the country's worst sex offenders by the police officer who helped put him behind bars for a crime that has damaged the life of a vulnerable child and will terrify millions of mothers and fathers.

Prosecutor Henry James said: 'This is a case set to feed the nightmares of any parent of a child that owns a mobile phone.'

The violent paedophile was jailed for six years at at Northampton Crown Court, with a further year to be served on extended licence. Sutton was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable James Wright also praised the 10-year-old girl for showing 'bravery beyond her years' after telling officers what her abuser had done to her and how she was groomed.

Northampton Crown Court heard how he chatted with his victim on Roblox, a gaming platform used by 80million children around the world each day. One in five users are under nine but it has no set age restrictions.

Campaigners have previously branded Roblox a 'X-rated paedophile hellscape', increasing pressure on the UK government to ensure the Online Safety Act imposes strict enough rules on online platforms to protect children including when it comes to age verification.

Roblox is the most popular gaming platform for eight to 12-year-olds in the UK - and until just before Christmas under 13s could message each other privately. The platform has brought in a raft of new safety features.

Marcus Johnstone of PCD Solicitors, who specialises in sexual offence cases, told MailOnline: 'I see many cases of child abuse which have been enabled by the internet.

'Frequently these days it is fuelled by or facilitated by the growing influence of technology in our modern world, whether that is grooming on Roblox or on other apps and online meeting places.

Ryan Sutton travelled 100 miles from Worcester to Finedon in Northamptonshire to rape a 10-year-old girl he raped in woodland.

Roblox has long raised concerns for parents and child safety campaigners due to its chat features. The victim's mother believed that Sutton had met her daughter on Roblox and then moved to Snapchat, according to a pre-sentence report

'The Government often talks of keeping our streets safe, but it is increasingly online platforms that need to be policed and of focus for law enforcement if we want to stamp out and limit predatory sexual behaviour'.

The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, is the UK's first major legislation to regulate social media, search engine, messaging, gaming, dating, pornography and file-sharing platforms.

The Act gives Ofcom the power to fine firms that fail to meet duties to users  potentially up to billions of pounds for the largest sites  and in serious cases can seek clearance to block access to a site in the UK.

'We're deeply troubled by any reports of child endangerment, and take online safety and civility incredibly seriously  particularly the safety of younger users', a Roblox spokesperson said of the case.

'We have a strict policy against inappropriate content and behavior, including endangering or sexualising children in any way, and will take swift action against anyone found to be acting in breach of our Community Standards.

'We work proactively with authorities to report cases of child endangerment and we regularly assist law enforcement agencies as they investigate incidents, including providing rapid response services that help law enforcement track down perpetrators'.

A spokesman for Snapchat said their 'our hearts go out to the victim in this case'.

'Any sexual exploitation of young people is horrific and illegal. We designed Snapchat to make it difficult for predators to find and interact with young people', the spokesman said.

'We have extra safeguards in place to help prevent strangers from being able to easily search for teens, in-app warnings if another user who doesn't share mutual friends tries to contact them, easy reporting tools so people can get help quickly, and our in-app Family Centre lets parents see who their teens are talking to, and who their friends are'.

Ryan Sutton, 24, groomed the schoolgirl on Roblox first, her mother said. They then moved to Snapchat in March 2023, sharing messages and images.

Snapchat have said their 'heart goes out' to the child at the centre of the case

Their contact then moved onto texting, phone calls and FaceTime video chats, leading the girl to believe Sutton was her boyfriend and was in love with her.

On April 23, 2023, Sutton travelled from his home in Worcestershire to meet the girl in Finedon.

They were later found together in woodland, prompting Sutton to run off. He was later arrested while trying to leave the area by car.

An investigation was launched by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) at Northamptonshire Police, amid concerns that Sutton had had sexual contact with the girl.

Condoms had been found in his bag at the time of his arrest, but the victim had not indicated any sexual abuse.

It would take almost three months for her to bravely reveal to officers that Sutton had in fact raped and sexually assaulted her.

Sutton continued to deny any wrongdoing and blamed the girl he raped.

It was only when the case came to court did he admit one count of sexual grooming, a charge of meeting her for sexual activity following grooming, one count of sexual touching, another charge of assault by penetration and one of rape.

Speaking after his sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable James Wright, said: 'Ryan Sutton is one of the worst child sex offenders that I have investigated, and I believe he will always pose a risk to young girls.

'He meticulously groomed his young victim to a point where she believed that he loved her and wanted to be with her. He preyed on her vulnerability, and this culminated in him meeting with her and then raping her.

'He showed no remorse when he was arrested, or interviewed, and even with overwhelming forensic evidence against him he still denied any wrongdoing, at one point blaming this young child for what had happened.

'It was only when it got to the point of his first court hearing that he admitted his guilt, but even then, he acted as if he was the victim in all of this.

'I hope he does take the years in prison as a time to reflect, but that remains to be seen.

'The victim has shown bravery beyond her years in coming forward and speaking to the police about what happened to her, and her family have supported her through this extremely tough time.

'I am hopeful that they will now be able to start to try to put this behind them and move on with their lives, knowing that Sutton is in prison, and they have helped to stop a very dangerous man from offending again.'

In October a shock US report branded Roblox an 'X-rated paedophile hellscape'.

The popular online site has been accused of exposing children to 'grooming, pornography and violent content'.

In November Roblox then announced it will also no longer allow under 13s to directly message others outside of games or experiences.

Parents can also now monitor their child's activity remotely using their own linked account, as well as their child's screentime, set time limits and their friend lists.

Hindenburg Research issued damning findings last year after a lengthy investigation into the controversial platform which has no set age restrictions.

Roblox has become successful with young children - offering a series of different games and interactive tools, as well as the ability to create your own challenges.

But a study raised concerns about inappropriate links which are at a child's fingertips when accessing the site.

Roblox has become successful with young children. Millions use it every day. One in five are said to be under nine

The website was last year accused of exposing children to 'grooming, pornography and violent content', according to new research. One image shows a character groping another

The report states: 'Core to the problem is that Roblox's social media features allow paedophiles to efficiently target hundreds of children, with no up-front screening to prevent them from joining the platform.'

It also says there are 'digital strip clubs, red light districts, sex parties and child predators lurking on Roblox'.

And the US-based platform is accused by investment firm Hindenburg Research, which carried out the probe last year, of being 'an X-rated pedophile hellscape, exposing children to grooming, pornography, violent content and extremely abusive speech'.

Colin Stitt, head of the Safer Schools campaign at INEQE Safeguarding Group, the largest independent safeguarding organisation in the UK and Ireland, has now urged parents to beware of potential dangers.

He told MailOnline: 'The report is a stark reminder that we can't simply assume a platform is safe for children just because it looks child-friendly.

'Parents and carers need to be proactive and educate themselves about the potential risks their children may face online, including exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, and harmful social interactions.

'It's crucial for parents and carers to have open and honest conversations with their children about online safety, empowering them to navigate digital spaces responsibly.

'This includes teaching them how to block and report users and content, and encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult if they encounter anything upsetting online.

'Remember, safeguarding our children in the digital world requires a collaborative effort

'Parents, carers, educators, and platforms like Roblox all have a role to play in creating a safer and more positive online experience for young people.'

Hindenburg Research teams investigating Roblox attempted to create accounts using names of infamous child molesters and criminals.

They tried to set one up under the name of Earl Brian Bradley - a paedophile convicted of molesting 103 children - but found the username was already taken, along with a host of variants, including earlbrianbradley69.

There were 900 variations of the name Jeffrey Epstein, after the late US billionaire tycoon and convicted paedophile, plus 600 hits when searching 'Diddy' games.

Some of these games were titled 'Diddy Party', 'Run from Diddy Simulator' and, separately, 'Escape to Epstein Island.'

Youngsters on 'child accounts' - that is, under the age of 13 - were also able to search 'adult' to find inappropriate content.

According to Roblox, 21 per cent of users are under the age of nine.

Researchers have now said they were easily able to track down games and groups trading child pornography and soliciting sexual favours.
A popular and charismatic schoolgirl with a brilliant mind, a loving family and the brightest of futures.

A knife-obsessed teenage boy with autism, an 'extremely low' IQ and mental scars from childhood abuse in his native Uganda, whose mother begged social workers to 'take him away' because she could not cope with his outbursts.

Though they had friends in common and both lived in the south London town of Croydon, the paths in life that Elianne Andam and Hassan Sentamu were on could not have been more different.

Elianne, 15, dreamed of becoming a criminal barrister, and her parents Dorcas, an NHS nurse, and Michael, a care home manager, made huge sacrifices to send her to the 16,579-a-year Old Palace of John Whitgift independent girls' school.

Sentamu first brought a knife to the classroom aged just 12 and was bounced from school to school as terrifying incidents of self-harm and unprovoked attacks against other children increased in frequency and violence.

The 18-year-old now faces a life sentence having yesterday been convicted of Eliannes murder in a senseless act of violence that shattered her large family and the wider community.

As her father said from outside the Old Bailey after the verdict, the loss of his daughter has left a gaping hole in the lives of all who knew her.

She was a bright, kind, and loving soul who embraced life, her faith, and her belief in standing up for what was right, Dr Andam said.

Elianne Andam (pictured) dreamed of becoming a criminal barrister before her tragic death

Hassan Sentamu (pictured) was today convicted of murder by a jury following Elianne's death

Hassan Sentamu (pictured upon arrest) was a knife-obsessed teenage boy with autism, an 'extremely low' IQ and mental scars from childhood abuse in his native Uganda. He stabbed Elianne to death

Elianne Andam's father Michael pictured outside the Old Bailey

We think about her every moment of every day, cherishing her love and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

The brief intersection of their lives through Sentamu's relationship with Elianne's friend should have ended on the morning of September 27, 2023, with a simple transaction before school.

But the day before this fateful meeting there had been an ugly confrontation between the girls and Sentamu over the callous way he had broken up with his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend.

The girls had mocked Sentamu and squirted water over him outside a branch of Card Factory in the Whitgift Shopping Centre.

Incensed, Sentamu, who was 17 at the time, called a friend afterwards and warned he 'cannot let this slide.'

He then appeared to show uncharacteristic restraint, arranging to meet his former partner the following day to hand back each other's belongings and draw a line under the relationship.

The schoolgirl, who was especially anxious to recover a teddy bear from her ex-boyfriend, agreed and packed his effects into a plastic bag.

But instead of collecting his former partner's cherished items, Sentamu snatched a knife from a kitchen drawer, pulled on gloves and a mask then rode the bus to the shopping centre.

Elianne was brutally stabbed to death, with the knifeman plunging the weapon 12cm into her neck

18-year-old Hassan Sentamu (pictured) attacked Elianne Andam in Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Centre, at around 8.30am on September 27, 2023

Family and friends of Elianne Andam at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London

It was some of Elianne's best qualities  her strong sense of justice and desire to show solidarity with her friend  which then ultimately led to her death.

Furious that Sentamu had snatched the bag containing his possessions from her friend after turning up empty-handed himself, Elianne grabbed it back and turned to run away.

The gangly teenage boy chased the schoolgirl into a corner and stabbed her repeatedly, plunging the kitchen knife 12cm into her neck and severing her carotid artery.

It was 8.30am outside the busy shopping centre on a Wednesday, with dozens of commuters and busloads of children watching on in horror.

Elianne died at the scene less than an hour later, her promising young life extinguished for the sake of a teddy bear.

For Elianne's friends and relatives, her heroics that morning were entirely in keeping with her kind-hearted character.

'As a family that's what we are like. Most of my cousins would have probably done the same thing,' her cousin, Reverend Denzil Larbi, said.

'It's just the way we're brought up to just be caring and protective towards others.'

Hassan Sentamu (pictured), 18, exploded in a 'white-hot' fit of rage stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam to death 'like a Top Boy character', a court heard

Elianne (pictured with her friends) begged Sentamu to stop his attack, jurors at London's Old Bailey heard

Pictured are knives that police seized from Sentamu as they investigating the killing of Elianne

Footage appears to show Elianne grabbing the bag of belongings from Sentamu before running off

Elianne and her younger brother have 20 cousins on their mother's side, all of whom live in Croydon and are so close they see each other as siblings.

Her father is a care home manager who holds a doctorate in Christian education and set up a religious youth charity in response to the 2011 riots.

He was born in Lewisham but attended school in Ghana before returning to Britain.

Dozens of family members have attended every day of the trial, but relatives say the devastating loss has left Mrs Andam 'completely broken'.

She was able to bring herself to the Old Bailey for yesterdays verdict but could not face sitting in the courtroom with her daughters killer, opting instead to watch proceedings over videolink from a private room.

And the friend who Elianne defended that morning remains 'full of guilt', family members said.

'This one act has just torn everything apart,' Rev Larbi said. 'It will never, ever be the same. Elianne's mum is struggling, of course she is.'

Elianne's life was taken as she begun to grow into a confident, passionate and formidable young woman, her cousin Gideon Boafo, 25, a professional rugby league player said.

Later, Sentamu is captured on CCTV running away from the scene of the crime

Sentamu is seen boarding a number 64 bus after he stabbed his ex-girlfriend's friend to death

Footage appears to show Elianne (left) running away from Sentamu (right) carrying the bag of belongings

Among Elianne's extended family there is no shortage of high achievers, but from a young age she was the one considered destined for greatness.

'We are all quite smart, but she was on a different level to all of us and wanted to become a lawyer,' Mr Boafo, who is Rev Larbis brother, said.

'[Her parents] sacrificed a lot to get her to private school. It meant not buying the house that they wanted.

'They made a lot of serious sacrifices just because of her creativity, her knowledge, her intellect. That's another of the reasons why this is so painful.'

Rev Larbi's wife, who works at boutique corporate law firm Trinity International, had promised to help secure Elianne an internship when she finished school but the teenager had her heart set on a career in criminal law.

'She would always say she wanted to get the bad guys. That's why she was into criminal law in particular. She was one of those people who just loved to fight for what's wrong,' he said.

Had Elianne lived to fulfil her dream then her killer may have been exactly the sort of dangerous individual she could have ended up prosecuting.

Sentamu was born in Uganda in 2006 but joined his mother in Britain at the age of five after she fled alleged domestic abuse from his father.

Among Elianne's extended family there is no shortage of high achievers, but from a young age she was the one considered destined for greatness

He was sent back to a Ugandan boarding school aged 11, but returned to the UK three months later after reportedly injuring his knee while running away from school staff, who he claimed beat him with a metal pole.

He first brought a knife into a school in Britain aged 12, pointing it at his own chest and telling his teacher he hated his life and would kill himself.

This fascination with blades grew and in 2019 he threatened one student at knifepoint on a school trip, and on a different occasion attacked another classmate with a pair of scissors he had stolen from a teacher's desk.

The same year a social worker attended his home and found Sentamu alone with a bag packed by his mother.

When the social worker phoned her she asked them to 'take him away' and Sentamu was placed into foster care.

Sentamus mother last night refused to speak when asked about her son at the family home in Croydon.

Aged 14, the killers outbursts intensified and he threatened to chop the tail off his foster carers cat if it got in his way.

He was moved from mainstream education to The Write Time special educational needs school in 2020, and from foster care back to his mother's house the following year.

People attend a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London, for Elianne Andam

Police work at the scene of a fatal stabbing of 15-year-old schoolgirl Elianne Andam

Family and friends of Elianne Andam at the scene in Croydon, south London, where 15-year-old Elianne was stabbed to death

His school observed he looked 'hungry and unkempt' during this time and his academic work nosedived, as his mother said he spent most waking hours on his PlayStation and would become uncontrollable if anyone tried to stop him.

He was also obsessed with the Lindsay Lohan film 'Herbie: Fully Loaded', and would cry if he was not able to watch it on repeat, relatives said.

Three weeks before Elianne's murder, he sent a message to a friend in which he said he was contemplating suicide, adding: 'The real me is evil, dark and miserable.'

Even while on remand at Oakhill Secure Training Centre before his trial, Sentamu's violent episodes continued.

He threatened another inmate who mentioned Elianne's murder, shouting at him: 'Do you want to end up like her, six feet under? I'll do the same again.'

Sentamu admitted Elianne's manslaughter by diminished responsibility but denied murder, claiming his autism caused him to lose control.

Following yesterdays verdict, the National Autistic Society said it feared that these claims could lead to general judgements about the 700,000 autistic people living in the UK and the public understanding of autism.

And a forensic psychiatrist who interviewed the killer rubbished his defence, insisting that he knew what he was doing was wrong and his actions were to enact vengeance on the girls who had humiliated him.

A court sketch of Sentamu as he is found guilty of murdering Elianne Andam

Elianne Andam, who dreamed of becoming a barrister, had the brightest of futures ahead of her

Speaking outside court, Elianne's father Michael (centre) said the loss of his daughter was a 'void we will never fill'

Dr Nigel Blackwood told the jury: 'He goes into that meeting feeling disrespected and weak, he wants to reassert dominance, to feel strong, to avenge himself on those who disrespected him the previous day. The taking of the bag is the new insult, and he then exacts vengeance.'

Sentamu had the presence of mind in the moments after Elianne's death to flee the scene, dispose of the murder weapon and change his phone settings to withhold his number before spending seven minutes on a call to a friend.

When he was arrested 90 minutes after the attack, Sentamu then gave the fake name John to police and lied about where he disposed of the knife.

The jury ultimately agreed with Dr Blackwoods assertions and, after almost 12 hours of deliberations handed down their guilty verdict with a majority of ten to two.

Eliannes relatives sat quietly holding hands until the verdicts were read, at which point her aunt Mariam sobbed thank you and Elianne, may you rest in peace as she staggered from the courtroom.

Bespectacled Sentamu, wearing a white shirt with rosary beads around his neck and a white bandage over his right arm, clutched a green stress ball, bowed his head and wiped his eyes as someone shouted murderer from the public gallery.

Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb adjourned sentencing until March 13.

And a disturbed young man who never saw much of a future for himself faces a life sentence for depriving the world of one that could have been so bright.
Los Angeles firefighters are claiming they are owed tens of thousands of dollars due to months of payroll errors - with some being forced to take out credit cards and loans to make ends meet.

Outraged senior LAFD officials claimed colleagues have been forced to take out credit cards and loans to avoid missing mortgage payments, with some allegedly owed $30,000 to 40,000.

Some in the organization even said they are being skimped out of their paychecks - with payroll distributing $200 instead of several thousand.

Meanwhile, as DailyMail.com reported, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stands accused of refusing to return $37,000 in accidental overpay, an ongoing lawsuit by a former LAFD attorney said.

Firefighters shared payslips with DailyMail.com showing the apparent errors - including pay being docked rather than added for working overtime, and deductions for healthcare allegedly inflated ten times what they should have been.

LAFD staff spoke on condition of anonymity, out of fear of retaliation by top brass.

'They're wanting us to work more and more, but they're not paying us correctly. It's a fiasco,' said one senior LAFD official, who has been trying to help dozens of staff with alleged pay errors.

'It's not a couple thousand dollars per guy, it's tens of thousands of dollars.

Los Angeles firefighters are claiming they are owed tens of thousands of dollars due to months of payroll errors - with some being forced to take out credit cards and loans to make ends meet

Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stands accused of refusing to return $37,000 in accidental overpay, an ongoing lawsuit by a former LAFD attorney said

One firefighter messaged LAFDWatchdog in March, 2023, saying they had been paid the wrong amount since November 2021 - amounting to around $17,000

'Some people are out $30-40,000. Guys had to take out loans and credit cards to pay their mortgages.

'They switched over to a new payroll company called Workday. Once they switched it over, everybody's pay went haywire.'

Workday did not respond to a request for comment.

Another LAFD firefighter told DailyMail.com: 'We transitioned to a new pay program a few months ago, it's a disaster. A lot of guys' pay is a mess.'

The alleged stiffing of firefighters was referenced in a searing letter by current and former LAFD officials to Crowley published on Thursday.

'Many members pay was disrupted due to issues with the new payroll system Workday,' the letter said. 'Some of the issues were out of your control; however, you and Chief Orin Saunders allowed the problem to reach critical mass. To this day this issue has not been resolved.'

The departments apparent internal disarray coincides with the exclusive December memo reported on by DailyMail.com last week that LA Mayor Karen Bass had demanded the LAFD make an additional $49million budget cut on top of the 17.6M already taken.

Chief Crowley said the first round of cuts 'adversely affected the Departments ability to maintain core operations, such as technology and communication infrastructure, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education.'

One firefighter told DailyMail.com that $90 is taken out of his paycheck every month to cover his medical insurance subsidy, but $1,000 was mistakenly taken out over a month ago

LAFD staff spoke on condition of anonymity, out of fear of retaliation by top brass

A LAFD staffer, who said he was supposed to get an eight percent pay increase negotiated for firefighters, somehow ended up with a negative $2,458 on his payslip

The memo also pointed to a $7million reduction in overtime.

Some firefighters confided in LAFD whistleblower social media page LAFDWatchdog about their pay problems, and sent excerpts of their pay slips showing the alleged errors.

One, who said he was supposed to get an eight percent pay increase negotiated for firefighters, somehow ended up with a negative $2,458 on his pay slip.

'I have about $90 taken out of every paycheck to cover my medical insurance subsidy,' said another staffer. 'Over a month ago, many of us had over $1,000 mistakenly deducted.

'The city payroll department has known about it for over a month and I have not even gotten a courtesy call.

'I'm also owed retro pay and a bonus I was supposed to get 18 months ago. Disgusted with this city leadership. I was going to work six more years but I'm seriously considering retiring in the next year.'

One LAFD staffer said that when the department's payroll switched to Workday, he was mistakenly paid less than $4 per hour for months - racking up thousands in back pay he says he is now owed.

Others said the problem dates back years. One firefighter messaged LAFDWatchdog in March, 2023, saying they had been paid the wrong amount since November 2021 - amounting to around $17,000.

Park's lawyer, Martin Aarons, told DailyMail.com that the alleged overpayment to Chief Crowley was 'around $37,000'

Former LAFD Fire Administrator Jenny Park, seen during her appointment in 2018, is suing the City of LA claiming she was unjustly dismissed by LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in 2023

As rank and file LAFD staffers are fuming over alleged pay errors and working overtime to tackle the devastating wildfires that wiped out an entire neighborhood in LA, their boss is accused of sitting on $37,000 the city allegedly paid her in error.

In December, a former city attorney who represented the fire department sued the City of LA claiming misconduct by Crowley.

Among her claims in the suit, Attorney Jenny Park accused Crowley of an 'ongoing failure to repay the City for a significant overpayment she had received in error'.

Park's lawyer, Martin Aarons, told DailyMail.com that the alleged overpayment was 'around $37,000'.

Park claimed Crowley repeatedly refused to pay the money back.

She described it in her legal complaint as 'theft of City money by Chief Crowley due to overpayment and her failure/refusal to repay said sums,' which Park said she 'reasonably believed were a violation of California law'.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed the lawsuit in a story on Thursday.

'Chief Crowley got paid a significant amount of money that was an overpayment  thousands of dollars - and, to our knowledge, never repaid that money,' Aarons told DailyMail.com.

Park described it in her legal complaint as 'theft of City money by Chief Crowley due to overpayment and her failure/refusal to repay said sums' - Park said she believed it was a California law

'She just refused to do so. Ms. Park would routinely remind her about it and she just ghosted her.'

Park alleged that when she reported the incident, as well as other 'repeated violations of City rules and regulations', she was fired.

Among her complaints were Crowley allegedly not promoting people on merit, failing to consistently enforce rules and regulations impartially, badgering and neglecting civilian staff and violating city contract procedures and ethics rules.

'Fearful of being exposed, especially after being hailed as the first female to lead the LAFD, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and her right-hand Chief Deputy Orin Saunders terminated Ms. Park,' her lawsuit said.

LAFD did not respond to a request for comment.

Crowley has remained in her job amid the wildfires tragedy, despite the controversy surrounding her and hugging staff 'goodbye' last week before entering a meeting with LA Mayor Karen Bass.

When the fire chief returned from the meeting, she reportedly told her office staff she was 'not fired yet'.

DailyMail.com revealed a source said: 'When she was summoned to the meeting, it was with the direct purpose to fire her.

'Whatever happened in that meeting, minds got changed.

'Either Bass realized it would be suicide to fire her, and came to her senses, or Crowley talked her out of it.

'She came back in the office briefly, told staff, "I'm not fired yet" and went into a meeting with all her chiefs.'
Australians could benefit an average of $140 per year

Commonwealth Bank has urged the Reserve Bank to ban all debit and credit card payment surcharges.

According to the RBA's current surcharging laws, merchants can only apply surcharges that are equal to or less than the actual cost they incur from their payment facilitator for accepting card payments.

However, the Commonwealth Bank is calling for them to be scrapped entirely in a report set to be published today.

It comes as the RBA reviews the future of the payments system to ensure it is fair and fit for purpose.

The review comes as the Albanese government works to address cost-of-living pressures, with a focus on payment surcharges ahead of the upcoming election.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated that the government might pause surcharges on all debit purchases for the next year, depending on the outcome of the RBA's review.

Inside sources at the bank told the AFR that a complete ban on surcharges is the easiest way to address surcharging inequity, a move already made in Europe and the UK.

Research from Canstar last year suggested the average Australian pays $140 per year in surcharges, at a total cost of $4billion to all Aussies.

The CBA will advise the Reserve Bank outlaw credit and debit card surcharges on Friday

While inserting a card into an Eftpos machine typically costs a merchant less than 0.5 per cent per transaction, using contactless Visa and Mastercard payment can amount to 0.5 to 1 per cent each time for debit cards and 1per cent to 1.5 per cent for credit cards.

On a purchase of $100 the average cost added is 28c for EFTPOS, 52c for using the Mastercard network, 47c for using Visa and a whopping $1.88 for digital payments provider Square.

While some larger businesses absorb these costs into the price of their goods and services, many smaller ones pass them on in the form of higher prices.

Coles and Woolworths supermarkets absorb fees into their prices, whereas discount retailer Aldi charges a small standard fee on all card transactions.

A small business owner described the financial bind they are in with digital payments in a Facebook post.

'I run a small business. We were using Square to take Eftpos last financial year; it cost us $40k in fees, and we just can't absorb the costs. Cash is king,' they wrote.

Finder's head of consumer research, Graham Cooke, said the long-term trends were away from using cash even if it's cheaper.

'It does seem Aussies are choosing the convenience of plastic even though they have to pay these fees,' he said.

A Finder survey found that 74 per cent of Australians think banks and card issuers should pay the cost of processing card payments with only 6 per cent thinking the customer should fork it out.
Friends and loved ones are mourning a former Air Force cadet who drowned after becoming stuck underneath a pontoon on a popular lake.

Tyler Jury, 17, was paddling on a inflatable boat with his twin brother Brooklyn at Lake Leschenaultia, in Chidlow in the Perth Hills district, when he became trapped under the floating pontoon at about 2pm on Tuesday.

Brooklyn quickly raised the alarm with swimmers searching the murky waters for an hour before the teenager was finally located.

Emergency services rushed to the scene under a priority one code but despite the best efforts of paramedics Tyler couldn't be saved.

The lake reopened on Friday after an investigation was launched.

Tyler's family, who live in Alexander Heights in the city's north, thanked those who came to the aid of the 'best brother, best son and best grandson'.

'He was just everything to everyone. He meant so much. He was just a good person,' the family said in a statement.

Tyler's grieving sister Maddison also expressed her heartbreak on social media.

Pictured is the last photo taken of Tyler Jury, 17, after he drowned at a Perth lake on Tuesday

Police are seen at Lake Leschenaultia, in Chidlow in the Perth Hills district, on Tuesday

'Thank you for all the messages it's just so hard losing a family member,' she wrote.

'I am just so broken. I love you so much Tyler.'

Tyler's friends also shared fond memories of their best mate, who was due to graduate high school this year at Joseph Banks Secondary College.

'[There was] never a dull moment with him... he was always cheering us up, making sure we were all happy,' Rhys MacDonald said.

Emerald McKelvie was among 20 bystanders who jumped into the water to try and locate the teen after hearing his brother's screams for help.

'We all just started taking turns and diving in... we actually made a circle to make sure [we could find him],' the mum-of-two told The West Australian.

'We did everything but... (the) boy didn't come back up.'

Dozens of family members and friends gathered at Scarborough Beach on Thursday evening for a sunset vigil to remember the teen.

Tyler (pictured centre) was a former Air Force cadet and marched on Anzac Day in 2024

Tyler, who left the Air Force last year, marched on Anzac Day in Perth in 2024.

An ADF spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia support services are being provided to cadets in the 7 Wing following Tyler's death.

'On behalf of Australian Air Force Cadets, we would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of former Air Force Cadet, LCDT Tyler Jury,' they said in a statement.

WA Premier Roger Cook also expressed his condolences to Tyler's family.

'I just want to express my thanks and appreciation to members of the local community, who worked tirelessly to try to rescue that young man, until emergency services arrived,' he said on Wednesday.

The Shire of Mundaring is working with relevant authorities to investigate the death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Up to 80,000 people visit Lake Leschenaultia every year.

It comes as a man in his 40s drowned while he and four others tried to rescue two children who got into trouble in the water at Native Dog Beach.

The group also began to struggle, with the man pulled to shore and taken to Bremer Bay Nursing Post, where he later died.

WA Police said the others and the two children returned to shore safely.

There have been 10 fatal drownings across WA in just over a month.
They have preyed on generations of vulnerable girls with the clamour for a tough crackdown now becoming deafening.

But while the vile activities of Britains grooming gangs in the early 2000s are horrifically all too well known, a key question is whether children today are also at risk.

Ive spoken to one survivor Scarlett West, who broke free of her abusers in 2023. Sadly from her account it seems very little has changed.

She has given her first in-depth interview, alongside her campaigning father Marlon West, to a new podcast On The Case: The Grooming Gangs Scandal, which launches today.

Scarlett, now 19, spoke bravely and movingly about how a random incident at a bus station was to expose her in the clutches of abusers.

I spent the day at her family home listening, in mounting despair, to her harrowing account.

Every parents nightmare: In a joint interview with a new three-part Daily Mail podcast On The Case  The Grooming Gangs Scandal, Scarlett and her father Marlon West share their horrendous ordeal

James Tozer has spoken to one survivor Scarlett West, who broke free of her abusers in 2023. Sadly from her account it seems very little has changed. Pictured: Aged 14

Scarlett, now 19, spoke bravely and movingly about how a random incident at a bus station was to expose her in the clutches of abusers. Pictured: Aged 14

On The Case - The Grooming Gang Scandal: Listen to the harrowing true story of a grooming gang victim and her father. Available on Apple and Spotify now

Looking at cherished family photographs of a sweet young Scarlett sitting on her fathers shoulders, or caring for her horse Jasper, it was heartbreaking to know the ordeal that lay ahead of her.

The fact she remained in the clutches of the gangs as recently as two years ago suggests something remains badly wrong with how this country fails to keep vulnerable young girls safe.

Aged 13, Scarlett attended private school and was in all the top sets.

Just a year later, she had been expelled from school and was being trafficked to hotel rooms and given drink and drugs until she passed out.

Speaking on the podcast, her father, an advanced nurse practitioner from Hyde in Greater Manchester, told me how his desperate efforts to protect Scarlett were thwarted by inaction from police and social services.

For months, Mr West has been calling for a public inquiry into the scourge of the grooming gangs.

Scarlett, now 19, told how she was ferried around the north of England by grooming gangs, drugged and used for sex

The fact she remained in the clutches of the gangs as recently as two years ago suggests something remains badly wrong with how this country fails to keep vulnerable young girls safe

Aged 13 (pictured) Scarlett attended private school and was in all the top sets

Her father, an advanced nurse practitioner from Hyde in Greater Manchester, told me how his desperate efforts to protect Scarlett were thwarted by inaction from police and social services

For months, Mr West has been calling for a public inquiry into the scourge of the grooming gangs

Mr West last year met safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. However, she rejected his plea for a public inquiry, saying ministers were focusing on implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

Scarlett's father, Marlon West, pictured with former Victims Commissioner Vera Baird

Following an unexpected intervention from Elon Musk, pressure has been building on the Government  and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has finally announced a series of local reviews looking at the issue.

It comes after Labour MPs broke ranks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and joined Opposition leader Kemi Badenochs call for a new nationwide probe.

In their own words, Scarlett and Mr West tell how they believe that the nightmarish ordeal, which snatched away her childhood and almost wrecked their relationship, prove that is exactly what Britain needs.

Listen to Scarlett and Marlons shocking story on the podcast, On The Case: The Grooming Gangs Scandal. All three episodes are available now from wherever you get your podcasts.
The Massachusetts nurse who strangled her three children and paralyzed herself in a suicide attempt will have to undergo a psychiatric exam ahead of her criminal trial next year.

Lindsay Clancy, 33, is charged with three counts of premeditated murder in the January 24, 2023 deaths of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, eight months.

Clancy has pleaded not guilty, and her defense team indicated last month that they plan to prove the mother-of-three suffered a psychotic breakdown that day, and could not understand the consequences of her actions.

Her attorney, Kevin Reddington, wrote in a notice how 'statements of the defendant as to her mental condition will be relied upon by defendant's expert witnesses, and the defendant does intend to present to the court a defense of lack of criminal responsibility.'

But on Tuesday, Plymouth Superior Curt Judge William F. Sullivan granted state prosecutors' request to have Clancy undergo at least one psychiatric examination by an expert chosen by the prosecution, the Boston Globe reports.

They seek to prove that Clancy acted out of a premeditated plan to strangle her children with exercise bands, after sending her husband out to pick up food.

By the time Patrick Clancy returned to their Duxbury home, he found Lindsay with barely conscious in the backyard slashes on her neck and wrists, and the children all strangled in the basement.

Lindsay had apparently thrown herself out of a second-story window after strangling the children, and was left paralyzed from the waist down.

Lindsay Clancy, 33, center, will have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation by an expert chosen by the prosecution

She is charged with three counts of premeditated murder in the January 24, 2023 deaths of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, eight months

Cora and Dawson were then pronounced dead at the scene, and Callan died a few days later.

Despite the horrific scene, Patrick has claimed his wife is 'not a monster' but just someone 'who got sick.'

Her attorneys also argue that Clancy was severely depressed, and suffering from post-partum depression and even psychosis caused by a cocktail of prescription drugs that turned her into a 'shell' of herself and robbed her of her personality and ability to feel emotions.

Court records show she had begun suffering from anxiety after the birth of Callan.

She told her husband Patrick she was feeling worried about returning to her job as a midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital and had begun getting virtual therapy sessions.

Patrick also confided in a family member about his wife's mental health struggles and the various medications she was on to try and manage it, per the filings.

Just weeks before the murders, Clancy checked into McLean Hospital, a psychiatric treatment facility, but discharged herself days later stating she didn't belong there.

Despite the horrific scene, her husband, Patrick (right) has claimed his wife is 'not a monster' but just someone 'who got sick'

But prosecutors have argued that the seven medications - three antidepressants, two sedatives, an antipsychotic and an anticonvulsant medication - that were found in Clancy's blood would not have caused her to all of a sudden kill her children.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Prague noted in court that she asked Dr Margarita Abi Zaid Daou, a psychiatrist, about whether the medications in the amounts found in Clancy's blood 'could cause a person to become violent. She said they did not.'

Sprague also claimed that one of the antidepressants and the antipsychotic were at 'peak levels' when the blood test was conducted - meaning they would have been ingested about two hours before her blood was drawn and after she allegedly strangled the children, the Globe reports.

Prosecutors further claim that Clancy sent her husband far enough away from the home to give her time to kill the kids, and even researched how long it would take him to drive there and back using Google Maps.

They told the court she had been behaving normally in the days before the incident, and that she had only referred to having slight 'post-partum anxiety' in notes found on her iPhone.

One of those notes allegedly described how Clancy 'resented' her older children because they stopped her from 'loving Callan like he was her first baby.'

Prosecutors have pointed to notes on Clancy's iPhone in which she allegedly described how she 'resented' her older children because they stopped her from 'loving Callan like he was her first baby'

'She planned these murders,' Sprague argued in court.

'She did so with deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity and cruelty.'

Yet another of Clancy's internet searches from four days before the murders was for the phrase: 'Can you treat a sociopath.'

'She obviously had no reason to kill those three beautiful children,' Reddington claimed.

'And when you ask yourself why, you consider all these factors, it's readily apparent that this woman was a troubled soul.'

Her lawyers plans to pursue an insanity defense, saying she was suffering from post-partum depression and even psychosis caused by a cocktail of prescription drugs

If a jury ultimately agrees with that assessment, and acquits Clancy because they determine she is not criminally responsible for her actions, Clancy would be committed to a mental health facility or a state hospital, according to Mass Live.

Her commitment would then be renewed after six months, and then again each year.

If she is eventually deemed no longer mentally ill or dangerous, Clancy would be discharged pending a hearing.

In the meantime, she remains committed to the Tewksbury State Hospital as her criminal case moves forward.

She is due back in court on February 7, and her criminal trial is scheduled to begin January 5, 2026.
A jailed German neo-Nazi has legally changed their name and gender in a bid to be transferred to a women's prison.

Sven Liebich last year was convicted of inciting hatred and defamation.

The 53-year-old and is serving an 18-month sentence in a men's jail in Saxony, eastern Germany.

Now Liebich has chosen to identify as Marla-Svenja Liebich and is appealing the sentence.

In a statement, the convicted felon said they were 'afraid of discrimination'.

Liebich has been pictured wearing Nazi-style armbands and taking part in rallies brandishing red, white and black flags.

Despite the change of identity, it is reported that Liebich has not changed appearance and has an even longer beard.

According to local paper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, the 53-year-old made the change in an attempt to be moved to a female-only prison.

Liebich made use of a recent reform to German rules on self-identification, which allows people to change their first name and gender on official documents without a psychiatric assessment.

Sven Liebich, 53, was convicted last year on charged of inciting hatred and defamation

The convicted criminal has now chosen to identify as a woman in an attempt to be moved to a female prison

Marla-Svenja Liebich, formerly Sven, at a a rally on Pariser Platz in Berlin in 2019

Officials have said that this does not guarantee a relocation.

A spokesperson for the local prosecutor's office said: 'There is no automatic guarantee that a man will be sent to a women's prison after changing his gender and name.

'In each case, there will be an individual review.'

A spokesman for Germany's federal criminal register said a change in gender would not impact Liebich's criminal record.

They said: 'The physical legal person remains. A change in the civil status law is of secondary importance.

Liebich is known in the eastern German city as the organizer of the 'Montagsdemo' a weekly right-wing demonstration.

Authorities have previously described Liebich as a known 'right-wing extremist'.

The new rules on gender changes came into force in November 2024.

At the time German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was part of the 'modernisation of the country.

He said: 'We show respect to trans, intersex and non-binary people  without taking anything away from others.'
Aspiring TikTok star, Jiare Schneider's cause of death has been revealed, over a month after the content creator was discovered dead in Georgia.

Schneider, 31, was found dead in the woods on November 26, ten days after he was reported missing. Clayton County Police have now confirmed he died from injuries sustained in a car crash after striking a tree.

The budding star's death was ruled as accidental, a representative from the department confirmed to TMZ, adding, that there was 'nothing suspicious' about the tragedy.

However, whether or not drugs or alcohol were involved still remains unclear.

Schneider's death was first reported in mid-November after the soon-to-be star vanished after visiting a strip club.

Several days later, during a family-led search, Schneider's loved ones discovered their missing family member dead in the woods.

'A group of us gathered, and we came out here, and we went to the woods  and there he was,' a friend of the family, Germequa Bell, told the FOX5 Atlanta in November.

'We knew when he disappeared that something was up,' she added.

Jiare Schneider, 31, who was found dead in the woods on November 26 ten days after he was reported missing, died from injuries sustained in a car crash, Clayton County Police confirmed

The budding star's death was ruled as accidental, a representative from the department confirmed to TMZ, adding, that there was 'nothing suspicious' about the tragedy

Clayton County Police have since confirmed via a press release that the 31-year-old's body was found in a vehicle off the intersection of Brown Road and Poston Road in Jonesboro just after 1 pm local time.

'Our officers received a call from friends and family of Jiare Schneider, whos been missing from Forest Park,' Clayton County Police Department spokesperson Lt. Ricky Porter told the outlet.

'Preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle traveled westbound across Brown Road, through overgrowth and into a tree at the rear of the property,' according to the release.

Porter later confirmed the vehicle was discovered 'deep in the woodline, which indicates there was a fast speed approaching the intersection'.

The forest where Schneider's body was located is around 25 minutes away from a 'Content Creator House,' where the internet personality would sometimes spend time.

His devastated family members suggested that Schneider may have been visiting the house before the fatal car smash.

'We were searching more toward around that Content House he was last seen at. We never got to come this way because it was blocked off by construction,' Bell explained.

Suspicions were first raised within the family when they noticed Schneider hadn't called his son in a number of days - which was unusual for him.

His sister, Jasnique Oliver, told FOX5 that her nephew has a chromosomal disorder - known as DiGeorge Syndrome - which is why Schneider 'calls his son like every day'.

Schneider's death was first reported in mid-November after the soon-to-be star vanished after visiting a strip club

His devastated family members suggested that Schneider may have been visiting a Content House before the fatal car smash

According to the Mayo Clinic, DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, 'is a condition caused when a small part of chromosome 22 is missing. This deletion causes several body systems to develop poorly.'

Oliver added that as well as not checking up on his children, he had also not logged in on his social media even though he was trying to grow his presence online.

When he had failed to upload content for over a week, Oliver knew something terrible had happened.

'He wants to get himself out there, you know, whether it's with his music, or whatever he wants to get into,' she told the outlet.

A friend then called the worried sister to tell her Schneider had been missing for a week, causing the family's concerns to grow.

Tragically, it was Schneider's out-of-town family who stumbled across the vehicle wreckage and his body - not local police.

The family said that even though they were relieved to have found the body of their loved one, they were frustrated with law enforcement for their 'lack of help'.

'Of course, [we're] relieved that we found him, but still angry that we didn't get the resources, the help that we were asking,' family friend Germequa Bell told Fox 5.

The family is still trying to process their loss and take care of Schneider's young son.

'His son, that's all we can think about,' Bell said.

The father-of-one was known online as @Big_Homie_TooTall on Instagram and TikTok.
When Kamala Harris presided over the Congressional certification of the electoral college votes on January 6, naming Donald J. Trump the winner of the 2024 contest, she adopted the stance of the righteous stateswoman, stoically restoring the norms that her opponent once sought to crush.

That's how many in the mainstream media framed it anyway. Numerous left-leaning outlets fell over themselves praising her generosity of spirit after such a hard-fought, and distinctly nasty, race.

Harris could even be forgiven for caving to the temptation to take a dig at President-elect Trump in a video she released to her supporters just before carrying out her constitutional duties.

'As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile,' she said in a not-too-thinly veiled swipe at Trump for refusing to accept that he lost the 2020 election.

But in the days since Kamala 'the traditionalist' has faded into the background as a different version of the soon-to-be ex-Vice President has, maybe for the first time, emerged unvarnished.

The post-election Kamala appears far different than the laughing, glowing, smiling 'Momala' that traversed the country appealing for votes on a campaign of 'Joy.'

Could it be that the real Harris has finally broken through  and is breaking traditions and scything through social niceties?

Unlike previous VPs, she did not extend to Vice President-elect JD Vance and wife Usha an invitation for a formal sit-down at the vice president's official residence  the US Naval Observatory in DC  a break with a long-held courtesy.

When Kamala Harris presided over the Congressional certification of the electoral college votes on January 6 (pictured), she adopted the stance of the righteous stateswoman.

The post-election Kamala appears far different than the laughing, glowing, smiling 'Momala' that traversed the country appealing for votes on a campaign of 'Joy.' (Pictured November 5).

Vice President Dick Cheney welcomed Biden as Obama's VP to the residence in 2008 and Biden in turn welcomed Trump's VP Mike Pence in 2016.

Presidential historian Kate Andersen Brower told the Daily Mail that the breach of protocol was, 'a real degradation of these ceremonies that are so important to our country, and to democracy and the peaceful transition of power.'

Indeed, the COVID pandemic (and the January 6 Capitol riots) notably derailed Harris's pre-inauguration tour. But she hasn't restored the custom either.

There has now been communication between the Vance team and the Navy aides who oversee the VP's residence, but it appears belated and begrudging. And there are signs the American people don't like this 'new' Kamala.

Daily Mail polling of registered voters released this week showed she is hemorrhaging support, with her favorability rating dropping 16 percentage points since late December among Democrats. Her standing among independents and Republicans hovers at historic lows.

Perhaps, the sudden change in Harris's mood - from one of unbridled, if not slightly unhinged, glee during her 2024 presidential run to moody brooding  was most evident at the funeral service for President Jimmy Carter on January 9.

You could almost feel the chill in the air when Harris and Emhoff walked into the National Cathedral to take their places in the front row pew. Neither of them made eye contact with the former presidents and first ladies already seated, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama (He went stag because Michelle skipped to reportedly stay on 'extended vacation' in Hawaii).

Harris's decided lack of joy was also evident in the icy stare she flashed as her gaze fell on Obama, who was happily chatting with her archnemesis Donald Trump. Later  pointedly  her social media team cropped Trump out of a photograph of the occasion that she posted to her X account.

And it's not just incoming administration members who have found themselves on the wrong side of Harris's mean streak. She is visibly on the outs with her own team.

Beside failing to acknowledge any Democrats at Carter's funeral, her interactions with First Lady Jill Biden have become increasing uncomfortable. It's no secret the two women loathe each other. Jill has never forgiven Harris for accusing Joe, during a Democratic primary debate in 2019, of opposing federal desegregation policies.

Jill has never forgiven Harris for accusing Joe of opposing federal desegregation policies, during a Democratic primary debate in 2019. (They are pictured together in November).

It's not just incoming administration members who have found themselves on the wrong side of Harris's mean streak. She is visibly on the outs with her own team. (She is pictured with Doug on January 7).

For his part, President Biden continues to dutifully thank Harris for her 'historic' vice presidency at public events, but their meetings have been noticeably devoid of any warm personal exchanges.

Behind the scenes, it's reportedly even worse.

'The postelection rapport among the Bidens and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in private settings has at times been frosty,' sources told the Wall Street Journal on January 3.

In recent days, Harris has reportedly complained to close allies that she's disappointed that Biden has claimed in interviews that he could have won the 2024 election if he hadn't dropped out of the race.

Harris is said to have expressed a 'deep sadness' over her loss and those close to her believe Biden's dubious contention that he would have won shows the 'one-sided loyalty' of their relationship.

This all paints a very gloomy picture of the outgoing VP, but she has seemingly been followed by a dark cloud for her entire political career.

As far back as the 2010s, when Harris served as California's Attorney General, she was allegedly known for running a 'toxic' workplace.

After she was elected in 2017 to represent California in the US Senate, working conditions reportedly did not improve. Analysis showed her office had the ninth-highest staff turnover rate out of the 114 senators who served between 2017 and 2020.

Others who worked for Harris before she was VP told the Washington Post in December 2021 that she often lodges 'soul-destroying criticism' and behaves like a 'bully.'

All this raises an inevitable question for Harris, a lifelong political animal: What is she going to do next?

If the past several weeks are any guide, it seems that she plans to double-down, not on joy, but misery.

When Republican Senator Deb Fischer's husband, Bruce, awkwardly refused to shake her hand at a swearing in event on January 6, Harris promptly tried to monetize the moment by fundraising on it.

'Some people will do what they do...' read the appeal that plead for donations, as small as $5.

'The postelection rapport among the Bidens and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in private settings has at times been frosty,' sources told the Wall Street Journal on January 3.

Harris has reportedly complained to close allies that she's disappointed that Biden has claimed in interviews that he could have won the 2024 election if he hadn't dropped out of the race. (They are pictured at Jimmy Carter's funeral).

Harris is said to have expressed a 'deep sadness' over her loss and those close to her believe Biden's dubious contention that he would have won shows the 'one-sided loyalty' of their relationship. (The Bidens are pictured with Trump on November 13).

The VP's ability to portray herself as a faithful public servant will truly be tested on Monday, as she attends Trump's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the US Capitol.

'She's probably going to be gritting her teeth as she does it, it's really going to be difficult on Inauguration Day,' said Andersen Brower, the author of 'First In Line, Presidents Vice Presidents, and the Pursuit of Power.'

According to insiders, Harris is not done with politics and well-connected strategists in DC fully expect her to emerge as a presidential candidate in 2028 or make a bid for governor of California in 2026.

But if Harris does return to the political fray, she may well run into the same roadblock that thwarted her presidential ambitions this time round.

The trouble with Harris appears to be that you can't fake sincerity and now that people are seeing the real her, they really don't like it.
The Palo Alto Unified School District has decided to pause the implementation of an ethnic studies course graduation requirement, saying the state has not funded the legislative mandate. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Palo Alto schools will not make incoming freshmen take a semester of ethnic studies, bucking a state law that added the course to high school graduation requirements starting with the class of 2030. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle

Palo Alto schools will not make incoming freshmen take a semester of ethnic studies, bucking a state law that added the course to high school graduation requirements starting with the class of 2030.

The new graduation requirement has been a divisive issue for several years across California over what topics the course should include, pitting parents, academics and advocacy groups against each other in divisive and hostile debates. While the state offered guidelines for course content, each district was tasked with creating its own curriculum.

The Palo Alto school board was expected to approve the districts ethnic studies curriculum Tuesday, despite controversy over the content, which some parents said pushed political activism or was biased against Jewish people.

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But on Thursday, Superintendent Don Austin shocked the community by calling off plans to add the class in a letter, saying the course is not officially a mandated graduation requirement because the Legislature and governor have never funded it.

It will not be considered at the next Board meeting and has no anticipated future date at this time, he told families and staff. No further revisions or additional input will be gathered until the California legislature both assigns funding and clarifies any additional content requirements.

While Austin said the move had nothing to do with parent opposition, it came after families in Palo Alto protested last year against the districts plans for the class, arguing the curriculum was too political and would push left-leaning ideology on high school students. The district said at the time that wasnt true and that it was working on an inclusive model for the class.

The state law mandating the class, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, requires the course for graduation upon appropriation, meaning when its funded, and so far that has not happened and its still not in the governors budget, Austin said.

Austin said state officials told him the mandate does not go into effect until the funding is there.

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A request for clarification from the California Department of Education was not immediately answered.

At an Assembly subcommittee hearing in February 2022, the Department of Finance stated its position on the issue.

Its important to clarify that implementation of the ethnic studies graduation requirement is contingent on an appropriation, said Amber Alexander, representing the department. To date, an appropriation specific to that implementation of the graduation requirement has not been made.

One has not been made since.

For years, districts across the state, including Palo Alto, have been operating under the assumption that the course would be required, launching efforts to create the curriculum at the state Board of Education and then in local communities up and down the state.

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The result has been upheaval along with a wide range of ethnic studies curricula that varies depending on the district and often political leanings of the community.

Overall the turmoil this has caused across the state is really unfortunate, Austin said. Its taken something important and politicized it to the nth degree.

In Palo Alto, parents protested, signed petitions and urged the district to slow down on the adoption of a curriculum.

Oppression, revolution, and martyrdom. These are some of the topics tagged as essential by the Ethnic Studies consultant PAUSD just hired to set the foundation for our districts required 9th grade Ethnic Studies course, according to the Palo Alto Parent Alliance petition. These topics are not what the California Legislature envisioned.  They do not reflect the values of inclusion, equity, cultural assets, and achievement that are the hallmarks of a PAUSD education. Nor are they a focus that the Palo Alto community will embrace.

The legislation mandating the course stemmed in part from research, including a 2021 Stanford University study showing ethnic studies in San Francisco had a significant positive impact on student outcomes, including increased high school graduation and attendance rates, as well as an increased likelihood of enrolling in college.

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But what and how to teach it were left to districts. The states model curriculum primarily focuses on learning the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of historically marginalized peoples, which have often been left out of U.S. history courses.

Ethnic studies courses address institutionalized systems of advantage and address the causes of racism and other forms of bigotry including, but not limited to, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, xenophobia, antisemitism, and Islamophobia within our culture and governmental policies, according to the state model. School curricula must not only provide content knowledge, but must also equip students with the tools to promote understanding as community members in a changing democratic society.

Yet, vicious debate ensued up and down the state in Mill Valley, San Mateo, Watsonville and in districts in Orange County, Los Angeles and elsewhere.

Some said the course should also focus on the ongoing impact of white supremacy, racism, patriarchy and other versions of oppression, while helping students to transform the world around them.

Others argued that was activism, not education, and politicized impressionable youth. Instead, they said, the course should foster pride and appreciation of other cultures.

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How the course addresses the history of the Jewish people and Palestinians, as well as the war in Gaza, has also been a divisive issue.

On Friday, the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values encouraged districts across California to follow Palo Altos lead.

Rather than place additional burdens on students and educators, we encourage you to pause the ethnic studies implementation in your district until there is clarity and support from Sacramento, said Brandy Shufutinsky, director of Education and Community Engagement, in a letter to California superintendents.

In Palo Alto, Austin said he didnt pull the school board vote because of the opposition, but rather because the district was operating on the belief this was a state mandate when it wasnt.

Some legislators are apparently working on adding funding to the 2025-2026 state budget, but that wont be voted on until later this summer, Austin said, leaving no time to implement the course before the start of the school year.

Ultimately, the confusion goes back to 2021, when the lawmakers passed a frustrating piece of legislation that could have been described as a mandate, and the money might be coming.
A Sydney man is the first person to be charged under an anti-Semitism taskforce after he allegedly sent death threats to a Jewish community.

The 44-year-old has been charged with one count of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

NSW Police will allege the man, from Blacktown in Sydney's west, posted death threats on a Jewish association's social media page.

He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on February 26. If found guilty he could face a maximum of 10 years behind bars.

Australian Federal Police Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said anti-Semites 'should be on notice'.

'It is abhorrent that individuals are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religion. If you engage in anti-Semitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,' he said.

The anti-Semitism task force, Special Operation Avalite, was formed following the firebombing of Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue in December.

It followed earlier arson attacks on cars in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra and the electorate office of Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns.

Pictured is one of the cars torched in Dover Heights, in Sydney's east, on Friday morning

Growing threats against the Jewish community in Australia has sparked the creation of an anti-Semitism taskforce (pictured, police inspect a torched car on December 11)

Mr Nutt said the public could expect more arrests to be made with a number of individuals still under investigation.

The groundbreaking arrest comes as cars in the affluent Sydney suburb of Dover Heights were spray painted with anti-Semitic slogans and two were set alight in the early hours of Friday.

Jewish Australians representative Jillian Segal has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to host a national cabinet meeting to respond to anti-Semitic attacks.

Ms Segal said the incidents weren't just about social media threats, graffiti and arson damage but were designed to send a message of fear into the community.

'If we don't stop it, we are really undermining democracy, and I think that they haven't yet appreciated that they're considering it case by case,' she said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not say whether a national meeting of governments would be coordinated, but agreed that Australia must respond to the issue.

'I think Jillian Segal is absolutely right to make the point that this is not just an issue for the Jewish community, this is an attack on all of us and this is an attack on who we are,' Senator Wong told ABC Radio National.
The horrifying moment a woman 'hit a female cop in the face' and left her crying in the corner of a train carriage has been captured on camera.

Officers attempted to restrain the female passenger on the train as it stopped at Birmingham New Street Station.

Footage which went viral on social media shows the woman yelling verbal abuse at police before she seemingly hits the female cop and leaves her sobbing in the corner.

British Transport Police officers shout 'calm down now' as they try to get the passenger under control.

Meanwhile, another officer stays with the female cop to check her wellbeing and appears to call for medical assistance.

The passenger is held to the ground outside the train while one person can be heard saying: 'She's kicking the police officers.'

The female officer stays crying on the floor, remaining in the same position as concerned staff and passengers ask after her.

One officer then shouts at the female passenger to 'stop resisting' as they try to restrain her.

A female police officer cries on the floor after seemingly being hit by a passenger on a train

The passenger yells verbal abuse at officers before appearing to hit the female cop in the face

One officer shouts at the female passenger to 'stop resisting' as they try to restrain her

British Transport Police confirmed that a woman was arrested at Birmingham New Street on suspicion of domestic violence and two counts of assault against an emergency worker.

Commenting on the video on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: 'We have zero-tolerance for violence on the railway, particularly against officers just doing their job.

'Officers were responding to a separate incident on the train at Birmingham New Street railway station when they were made aware of a report of domestic violence.

'An officer was assaulted whilst separating the pair, requiring hospital treatment.

'A second officer was also assaulted.

'A woman was arrested on suspicion of one count of domestic violence and two counts of assault against an emergency worker.'
Labour faced fury last night for launching toothless small-scale probes into grooming gangs instead of a full national inquiry.

Yvette Cooper announced five local reviews into badly hit towns, as Labour backtracked after previously insisting that no new investigations were needed.

The Home Secretary also said there would be a rapid audit of the scale of child sexual exploitation across the country that would look into the ethnicity of perpetrators as part of a 10million action plan.

But Ms Cooper refused to answer pleas for the new probes to have the power to summon witnesses, a key requirement of victims as well as politicians on all sides.

And she continued to defy calls for a national public inquiry into the scandal, despite admitting there were currently 127 major police investigations under way into child sexual exploitation across 29 different forces.

Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick told the Mail: The handful of local probes are powerless to get justice and accountability for the thousands of victims.

Time and again, local reviews have proved toothless. Nothing less than a national inquiry is acceptable.

Ms Cooper unveiled her next steps on tackling grooming in the Commons after an initial series of measures last week failed to quell demands for more to be done.

She said the Home Office and the chairman of a previous inquiry into grooming in Telford, Tom Crowther KC, would develop a framework for victim-centred, locally led inquiries.

Yvette Cooper, pictured, announced five local reviews into badly hit towns, as Labour backtracked after previously insisting that no new investigations were needed

The Home Secretary, pictured, also said there would be a rapid audit of the scale of child sexual exploitation across the country that would look into the ethnicity of perpetrators as part of a 10million action plan

Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick, pictured, told the Mail: The handful of local probes are powerless to get justice and accountability for the thousands of victims.

It will work with Oldham Council  where the Government had previously refused requests to hold an inquiry  and up to four other pilot areas.

Elizabeth Harper, who has written about her ordeal at the hands of grooming gangs in Rotherham in the early 2000s, said: This sounds like a complete whitewash.

Only a public inquiry has the ability to compel witnesses to give evidence, and nothing short of that will satisfy me.

Over 50 towns and cities where grooming has been going on have been identified. Im worried that what Yvette Cooper has announced will amount to the cover-up of the cover-ups. Local councils are still in denial.

Under the new measures, veteran Whitehall troubleshooter Baroness Casey will carry out a three-month review into the current scale and nature of gang-based exploitation across the country.

It will properly examine ethnicity data and the demographics of the gangs involved and their victims and it will look at the cultural and societal drivers for this type of offending including amongst different ethnic groups, Ms Cooper said.

In addition, more victims will get the right to demand reviews of cases where police took no action, while chief constables will be forced to reopen cold case investigations that did not lead to charges.

And the Government will set out a timetable by Easter of when it will implement the recommendations of the seven-year Jay review, which reported back in 2022, into child abuse across society.

Tech tycoon Elon Musk, pictured, one of the Governments most vocal critics in recent weeks, wrote on his social media network X: This is a step in the right direction, but the results will speak for themselves.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, pictured, said: Todays announcement will not get to the truth. What the Home Secretary has announced today is totally inadequate.

But Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: Todays announcement will not get to the truth. What the Home Secretary has announced today is totally inadequate.

'It will cover only a fraction of the towns affected, and it appears that the inquiries will not have the legal powers they need. Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper are simply perpetuating what amounts to a cover-up.

He also demanded an apology from Sir Keir, who last week insisted there was no need for a new inquiry and accused those calling for one of amplifying what the far-Right is saying.

Mr Philp said: Smearing those who raised this issue is exactly what led to the victims being ignored and the crimes covered up in the first place.

Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham who in recent days joined calls for a new national probe, urged the Home Secretary: A big strand of what we need to do is ensure that there have been no cover-ups, and we can only do that if requirements are on a statutory footing.

She also pointed out that just one earlier review had cost 8 million, yet only 5 million is being provided for five new pilots across the country, and asked: Why do we need another inquiry in Telford when we know this is happening nationally?

Marlon West, whose daughter Scarlett was groomed by a gang in Greater Manchester, said: Weve already had a series of local inquiries, and theyve failed to get to the truth of whats really going on.

My fear is the Government will use these audits as a smokescreen in the hope the public will be reassured and grooming will go away as an issue. I will keep campaigning for a national public inquiry.

Tech tycoon Elon Musk, one of the Governments most vocal critics in recent weeks, wrote on his social media network X: This is a step in the right direction, but the results will speak for themselves.
A Florida couple, both of whom were practicing lawyers, have been disbarred for sexually assaulting their child's babysitter in March 2023.

Gabriel and Sarah Warren, both 40, received interim felony suspensions as attorneys from the state Supreme Court after they pleaded no-contest to charges related to the sexual assault in Leon County Circuit Court, according to the Miami Herald.

The couple were arrested on March 12, 2023, each on a charge of sexual battery.

Arrest documents obtained by the Miami Herald claimed they used a babysitter for years who had come to think of them as 'parental figures.'

The babysitter explained to Tallahassee police how the Warrens would allow her boyfriend to join her while babysitting, and when the couple would return home from their date nights, she, her boyfriend and the Warrens would share wine and converse.

But the babysitter and her boyfriend had broken up, and she was left babysitting alone on March 10, 2023, as the Warrens enjoyed a Friday night date, the victim claimed.

She said that when they returned to their four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home, Sarah was 'super drunk' and changed into a 'very provocative' nightgown without underwear and took a seat on the couch next to her.

Soon, Sarah started to straddle the babysitter and kiss her while telling her the couple had been sexually desiring her for months, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Gabriel and Sarah Warren, both 40, received interim felony suspensions as attorneys from the state Supreme Court after they pleaded no-contest to charges related to a March 2023 sexual assault

When the babysitter tried to break free, she claimed, Gabriel, Sarah or both, would block her or push her back down to the couch.

The babysitter said she 'told Sarah several times she did not want to stay' - to which 'Sarah told Gabriel to make her want to stay.'

At that point, the probable cause affidavit says, Gabriel began touching the babysitter through her leggings.

'[The babysitter] believed Gabriel noticed [she] was uncomfortable and would back off, but Sarah would tell him to do things and he would, including kissing and touching her in several places,' the affidavit reads.

Eventually, the couple let the babysitter collect her things and leave.

She then allegedly texted her ex 'SOS' and called a family friend, who later told police he could tell she was hyperventilating, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

At first, the girl said she 'felt like she could not report the incident because Gabriel and Sarah are both lawyers, and she also did not want to jeopardize the relationship with their [child] for whom she babysits,' the affidavit said.

But after a few days, the babysitter reported the incident to police and turned over her clothes as evidence, WCTV reports.

DNA found on the clothes then matched that of the Warrens.

They were arrested on March 12, 2023, each on a charge of sexual battery, but pleaded no-contest to a lesser charge of unlawful use of a two-way wireless communications device to facilitate or further the commission of a felony

But Sarah initially claimed the babysitter consented to the sexual act that night.

'We believe that this was a completely consensual circumstance and we have no idea why this other lady takes a position otherwise,' attorney Alex Morris told the Democrat.

'Neither of the Warrens felt that they were engaged in a crime or had committed a crime.'

By June 2024, however, both Sarah and Gabriel entered pleas to a lesser charge of unlawful use of a two-way wireless communications device to facilitate or further the commission of a felony.

They could have been sentenced to at least 15 years in prison and forced to register as sex offenders if they were found guilty of sexual battery, but as part of the plea deal, the couple were sentenced to just 15 days in county jail followed by four years on state probation.

They just had to publicly apologize to the victim, according to the Democrat.

'Reflecting on my actions, which I now understand was completely unacceptable, I deeply regret violating your trust by initiated sexual acts on March 10, 2023, and make no excuses for what I did,' Sarah said.

'While my actions can't be taken back, please know that I am remorseful and embarrassed by my actions on that night.'

Gabriel also acknowledged he 'made a mistake.'

'I see now the harmful effects that my actions had on you,' the father said.

'Though I would not presume to understand the depth of your feelings about that night, I know that I hurt you and I'm sorry.'

Sarah had worked for Bryant Miller, Olive as a member of the firm's public finance and special district finance groups.

Her website now shows she is 'pursuing independent business ventures alongside her husband, Gabe, utilizing the knowledge and experience she gained during her legal career.'

Meanwhile, Gabriel, a former partner at Rutledge Ecenia, is now listed as a 'distinguished healthcare consultant with a robust background in law,' on his LinkedIn.
A review has been launched on antidepressants reportedly linked to suicide after the death of Royal Family member Thomas Kingston.

Senior coroner Katy Skerrett raised concerns last week over whether there is 'adequate communication' regarding the risks of suicide with the drugs sertraline and citalopram - and if such risks had been communicated to patients taking them.

Mr Kingston, whose marriage to Lady Gabriella at Windsor Castle in 2019 was attended by the late Queen, took his own life after being prescribed the drugs for anxiety by a Buckingham Palace doctor.

The drugs - known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) - are the NHS's first-choice medicine for anxiety and depression, which are currently being prescribed to more than four million people.

In a prevention of future deaths report, Ms Skerrett questioned whether the current guidance to 'persist' with the drugs is 'appropriate' in circumstances when the individual is suffering 'adverse side effects'.

It was revealed by the Times earlier this week that there are 40 PFD reports which reference the use of either citalopram or sertraline by the deceased person.

A range of concerns have been identified in these reports. These include the failure to alert patients to the potential side-effects, breaches of prescribing guidelines, not reviewing patients and not keeping records of patients' behavioural changes while on the medication.

At an inquest into the death of Samuel Morgan in South Wales, coroner Colin Phillips suggested citalopram should come with a US-style 'black box' warning, as it 'would have a more immediate impact'.

Thomas Kingston (left), the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor (right), took his life following an adverse effect to prescribed medication, an inquest heard

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston watch the racing from the Royal Box as they attend day 5 of Royal Ascot 2023

It was heard that the 25-year-old from Swansea had been on citalopram for seven days before he took his own life in January 2020.

Mr Phillips reported: 'Whilst the precise effect of this medication (citalopram) on Sam is unknown, it is clear that Sam had never self-harmed previously and his actions were completely out of character.

'The simple and clear message in this specific case would be that there is an increased risk of suicidal thinking in young adults.'

Coroners highlight measures which could slash the death toll in Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports and alert public bodies when they fear that there is 'a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken'.

Whilst the recipients - which are usually ministers and their departments, NHS trusts, prisons or regulators - must respond in writing, they are not required to take concrete steps to address the concerns identified in these reports.

Mr Phillips' suggestions were rejected by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), who said the warnings in their patient information leaflets had been reviewed and tested.

But the MHRA has now opened a review into sertraline and citalopram and said it originally set up an expert working group in 2022.

It therefore denied this review was prompted by Mr Kingston's case, instead claiming it had taken time to assemble the 20-member panel.

Thomas Kingston (left) pictured marrying Lady Gabriella Windsor at St George's Chapel on May 18 2019

Mr Kingston (pictured), was visiting his parents in Kemble, in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, for the weekend when he decided to take his own life

The regulator did confirm that it had received Ms Skerretts PDF report and was 'carefully considering' its response.

Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, told The Times: 'Following concerns raised by patients and families about how the risk of suicidal behaviours is communicated in the patient leaflets, we have established a new independent expert group to advise the Commission on Human Medicines, which provides expert advice to government ministers.'

It was also revealed that thousands of deaths could be prevented every year if public bodies took action over concerns highlighted at inquests.

According to the Office for National Statistics, almost 82,000 deaths in 2022 were recorded in England and Wales as 'preventable'.

This meant they could have been avoided 'through effective public health and primary prevention interventions'.

Despite his symptoms, Mr Kingston 'had not expressed any suicidal ideation' an Ms Skerrett said his 'intent remains unclear' as he was suffering from 'adverse effects of medications he had recently been prescribed'.

The businessman was visiting his parents in Kemble, in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, for the weekend when he decided to take his own life.

After having lunch with them, on February 25, he began to load his car and prepared to return to London.

Mr Kingston watched the racing alongside Queen Camilla from the Royal Box at Ascot in June 2023

Lady Gabriella and Thomas Kingston had official photos taken on their wedding day - here with the late Queen and Prince Philip sat to the right of them

Ms Skerrett said that between approximately 5pm to 6pm, Mr Kingston 'removed a shotgun from his vehicle which he had recently borrowed from his father for a shoot'.

'He then accessed an annex attached to his parent's property,' she continued.

'Within a locked bathroom he self-inflicted a gunshot to the head, and sustained injuries incompatible with life.'

The former negotiator was subsequently found by his father and was later pronounced dead at 6:54pm by police, who confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

The coroner added: 'Mr Kingston took his own life using a shotgun which caused a severe traumatic wound to the head.

'Intent remains unclear as the deceased was suffering from adverse effects of medications he had recently been prescribed.'

An inquest heard he had 'recently been experiencing anxiety' but had 'not expressed any suicidal ideation'.

It was reported that Mr Kingston had initially been given sertraline, a drug used to treat depression and zopiclone, a sleeping tablet, after complaining of trouble sleeping following stress at work.

Reports said both were prescribed by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery, a practice at Buckingham Palace which is used by royal household staff.

Mr Kingston returned to the surgery, saying they were not making him feel better. His doctor then moved him from sertraline to citalopram, a similar drug.

- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Russian diplomats managed to gain access to restricted areas of Parliament despite being barred from the building.

The major security breach was revealed after MPs and peers were warned against extending invitations to officials from the country.

Anyone based at the Russian embassy in London has been banned from visiting Parliament since 2022 after Moscow sanctioned UK politicians after the invasion of Ukraine.

Now the Speakers of the House of Commons and Lords have written to MPs and peers to remind them of these rules.

The Russian diplomats had visited Parliament just before Christmas, according to the Guardian.

They had joined a public tour of the building and then peeled off and made their way into a part of the House of Lords which is restricted to the public, it said.

Parliament security officers are reported to have then found them and escorted them out of the building, but the breach has prompted major concerns among ministers.

We suspect they were just wanting to crow to the Kremlin that they had infiltrated the British parliament.

'Its not ideal but they were caught before any damage was done, a parliamentary source told the paper.

Russian diplomats managed to gain access to restricted areas of Parliament despite being barred from the building.

Anyone based at the Russian embassy in London has been banned from visiting Parliament since 2022 after Moscow sanctioned UK politicians after the invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Russian President Vladimir Putin

The Speakers letter to politicians reminds them not to invite Russian diplomats to Parliament, though it is not known whether one sponsored the visit.

Anyone based at the Russian embassy in London - including the ambassador, diplomats and officials - have been barred from visiting Parliament since 2022.

The ban was put in place after many MPs and peers were sanctioned by Moscow after the invasion of Ukraine.

The Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Lords speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, wrote to MPs and peers yesterday to remind them of the rules.

With a number of new members joining the house recently, I would like to take this opportunity to remind colleagues of the ongoing arrangements which have been in place since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they wrote.

As the formally accredited representative of the Russian government, the Russian ambassador should not be welcomed on to the parliamentary estate until further notice. This applies to all other Russian diplomats and officials at the Russian embassy accredited to the UK.

The Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, pictured, wrote to MPs and peers yesterday to remind them of the rules

A parliamentary spokesman said: The safety and security of all those who work and visit in parliament is our top priority. However, we cannot comment on our security measures.

Parliament is a major target for hostile foreign powers and there have been repeated questions about its security.

A former parliamentary researcher Chris Cash is due to stand trial for spying for China in breach of the Official Secrets Act this autumn.

Labour MP Barry Gardiner accepted large donations and employed the son of a woman accused of being a Chinese spy.

The Russian embassy has been contacted for comment.
The iconic face of State Farm is getting dragged over the insurance debacle after customers' plans were cancelled just before the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The insurance company's 'Jake from State Farm' actor Kevin Miles has received online backlash as users question if he supports 'State Farm canceling fire plans.'

Miles was targeted on his company platform as 'Jake from State Farm' as well as his personal accounts.

One comment suggested he had become 'Jake "cancel your insurance right before a major fire burns down your house' State Farm.'

'True up. Are you okay with State Farm's business practices? Are you okay with all the fire Insurance cancellations that happened in the Pacific? Is it all just customary business practices?' another wrote.

One wrote: 'everybody cancel your statefarm insurance immediately. these insurance companies are diabolical.'

'Youre a shill for @statefarm that screwed over so many people in Los Angeles. Hope youre proud of selling your soul,' another said.

Online criticism flooded in as the aftermath of the wildfires unfolded, and reports revealed fire insurance policies had been cancelled just months before the disastrous fires.

The insurance company's 'Jake from State Farm' actor Kevin Miles has received online backlash as users question if he supports 'State Farm canceling fire plans'

State Farm released a statement earlier today which said: 'We are focused on our customers and helping them recover from the largest fire event we have ever experienced in the state'

Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire, which is the most destructive blaze in LA history, as well as the Eaton and Hurst fires. The three other blazes are now fully contained

In May of 2023, the company made a statement revealing that it would not be taking on any new customers for homeowners' insurance in California.

Existing plans were then cancelled in April 2024 on 72,000 homes in the state, citing wildfire risks, with the Pacific Palisades neighborhood taking the biggest hit.

'Why is State Farm canceling fire plans? You support that?', one commenter wrote.

While Miles has made no replies to the calls for comment, State Farm released a statement earlier today which said: 'We are focused on our customers and helping them recover from the largest fire event we have ever experienced in the state.'

The release further added that the company, as of this morning, has received over 7,850 home and auto claims, and 'have already put over $50 Million back into customers' hands.'

The company then offered advice to those affected by the devastation.

State Farm's CEO, Jon Farnes, also came under fire for the cancelled insurance plans.

Online discussion on social media queried who the CEO was and prompted a flurry of his name and picture. Luigi Mangione, who was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, was also brought up in the thread.

State Farm has set up stations with aid for residents from 'The State Farm Catastrophe Response Team' which includes a 'dedicated, mobile workforce, specially trained to handle catastrophe claims and prepared to go anywhere in the country'

'Our on-ground team is fully equipped to respond to our customers' needs in the face of these devastating wildfires,' State Farm said

State Farm's CEO, Jon Farnes, also came under fire for the cancelled insurance plans

'The fact that State Farm removed their fire policies for certain zip codes in California weeks or months before the fire hit is unbelievable. People are left without means to rebuild or any access to financial support. I understand Luigi Mangione now,' one post said.

'You guys clearly didnt get the memo. Send Jon Farney my regards!!!' one user said alongside a cartoon of Mangione pointing a gun with three bullets that each say 'deny,' 'defend,' and 'depose,' the words reportedly written on the bullets used to shoot the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

State Farm has set up stations with aid for residents from 'The State Farm Catastrophe Response Team' which includes a 'dedicated, mobile workforce, specially trained to handle catastrophe claims and prepared to go anywhere in the country.'

'Our on-ground team is fully equipped to respond to our customers' needs in the face of these devastating wildfires,' State Farm said.

Daily Mail reached out to State Farm for comment.

Six fires erupted across the greater LA area since last Tuesday, killing at least 25 people and burning more than 12,000 homes and other structures.

Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire, which is the most destructive blaze in LA history, as well as the Eaton and Hurst fires. The three other blazes are now fully contained.

Some 6.5 million people remained under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington DC, resulting in at least 25 deaths so far, authorities said.

Firefighters on Wednesday confronted persistently strong and dry winds fueling two giant wildfires that have terrified Los Angeles for eight days, testing the resolve of a city upended by the worst disaster in its history.

Some 82,400 people were under evacuation orders and another 90,400 faced evacuation warnings as of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna said

Six fires erupted across the greater LA area since last Tuesday, killing at least 25 people and burning more than 12,000 homes and other structures

Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice with peak wind gusts forecast to last through Thursday afternoon.

The fires have damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 homes and other structures and forced as many as 200,000 people from their homes.

Some 82,400 people were under evacuation orders and another 90,400 faced evacuation warnings as of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, leaving smoldering ash and rubble. Many homes only have a chimney stack left standing.

Some 8,500 firefighters from the western United States, Canada and Mexico have kept the growth of the fires in check for three days.

The Palisades Fire on the west edge of the city held steady at 23,713 acres burned, and containment nudged up to 19 per cent - 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 with containment at 45 per cent.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer was infiltrated by Chinese state-sponsored hackers.

Bloomberg News reported Thursday on the intrusion, reporting that fewer than 50 unclassified files were accessed on Yellen's computer.

Treasury Department officials were on Capitol Hill Wednesday and Thursday briefing lawmakers and staff about the hack.

Two of Yellen's deputies, Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith, also had their computers hacked.

Investigators believed Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups Silk Typhoon and UNC5221 are responsible.

The hack, what the department called a 'major incident,' happened in December when Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached the department's computer security guardrails by compromising third-party cybersecurity service provider BeyondTrust, according to Treasury officials.

Treasury alerted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and sought help from the FBI and other intelligence agencies.

'China has always opposed all forms of hacker attacks,' Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said at the time.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer was infiltrated by Chinese state-sponsored hackers, Bloomberg News reported Thursday night

Overall more than 400 laptop and desktop machines were hacked from the Treasury Department, which is located on Pennsylvania Avenue next to the White House

The attacks focused on the Treasury Department's role in sanctions, intelligence and international affairs, with the hackers accessing 'law enforcement sensitive' data and material on investigations run by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.

That group studies national security implications on some foreign financing.

Overall more than 400 laptop and desktop machines were hacked, employee usernames and passwords were stolen, as well as more than 3,000 files on unclassified personal devices, Bloomberg said, citing a report on the hack.

At the same time, Treasury Department emails weren't breached nor was any classified material.

The hackers worked outside of normal hours to avoid detection, the report said.

Treasury spokesperson Chris Hayden declined to comment to Bloomberg Thursday.

China has previously been said to be behind a 2023 breach into email accounts belonging to key government officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2023 that Chinese hackers also accessed data belonging to the U.S.'s Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

President Joe Biden, who leaves office Monday, last met with Chinese President Xi Jinping along the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Lima, Peru in November, after President-elect Donald Trump won reelection.

Before Biden leaves office, he's expected to sign an executive order that will help shore up America's cyber defenses against hackers associated with China and Russia.

The executive order will mandate that there are cybersecurity minimums for government technology contractors - as the Treasury hack came through BeyondTrust's system.

The order will also make those contractors prove they're complying.

Foreign government involved in hacking will be more easily punished once the order goes into effect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's national security minister has threatened to quit if a ceasfire deal is signed.

Far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir made the bombshell claim as the Hamas-Israel agreement and hostage talks are set to be finalised today.

Prior to this, Netanyahu accused Hamas of 'backtracking' on elements of the Gaza ceasefire deal and causing a 'last-minute' crisis - claims the Palestinian group has strongly denied.

Palestinians, Israelis and people around the world are waiting with bated breath for the ceasefire to come into effect after previous negotiations collapsed in their final stages.

Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of the latest tabled deal - that would see fighting in the Gaza Strip paused and the release dozens of Israeli hostages.

However, now Ben-Gvir has waded into the debate, saying in a televised statement: 'The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal.'

He added that it would 'erase the achievements of the war' by releasing hundreds of Palestinian militants and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.

'If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we the members of Jewish Power will submit letters of resignation to the prime minister,' he said, while also explaining that he would, nonetheless, not seek to bring down the government.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to quit if a ceasfire deal is signed

Ben-Gvir said in a statement: 'If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we the members of Jewish Power will submit letters of resignation to the prime minister'

Supporters of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, gather to demand a deal that will bring back all the hostages held in Gaza on January 14

Hundreds of people, demanding the immediate return of prisoners held by Hamas, gather with banners and photos in Tel Aviv on January 15

Ben-Gvir also urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who described the deal as a 'catastrophe,' to join him in an attempt to prevent a ceasefire, Reuters report.

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said yesterday in a statement: 'There is no basis to Netanyahu's claims about the movement backtracking from terms in the ceasefire agreement.'

Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq said separately that: 'Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators.'

Qatar, a key mediator in the talks, and US President Joe Biden announced that the deal had been agreed, with representatives expected to meet for talks today on implementing the agreement.

Despite the news, which was celebrated in Israel and Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continued to rain down on the war-ravaged territory overnight, killing dozens of people.

Netanyahu began signaling there were issues with the deal just hours after it was announced, saying that it was yet to be finalised.

It was not yet clear if Netanyahu's statements merely reflected jockeying to keep his fractious coalition together or whether the deal was at risk.

Netanyahu's office said Hamas was trying to 'extort last-minute concessions', without giving exact details, adding that his Cabinet will not meet to approve the deal until Hamas backs down.

Smoke rises behind destroyed buildings as Israeli bombardments on the Gaza Strip continue

A Palestinian man and child look on from a tent in Gaza City, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday

Shoes stained with blood rest near the body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli strike

It earlier accused Hamas of backtracking on an understanding that he said would give Israel a veto over which prisoners convicted of murder would be released in exchange for hostages.

The deal announced Wednesday would see a scores of hostages held in Gaza released and a pause in fighting with a view to eventually wind down a 15-month war that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

Hamas triggered the war with its October 7, 2023, cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

Israel responded with a fierce offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.

The military campaign has also leveled vast swaths of Gaza, and pushed around 90 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people from their homes.

Hundreds of thousands are struggling with hunger and disease in squalid tent camps on the coast, according to United Nations officials.

The Israeli prime minister has faced great domestic pressure to bring home the scores of hostages, but his far-right coalition partners have threatened to bring down his government if he makes too many concessions.

An Israeli tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on January 16

Two boys and a man check the destruction inside a building hit during an Israeli air strike

He has enough opposition support to approve an agreement even without those partners, but doing so would weaken his coalition.

One of his far-right allies, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has already come out against the deal. Another, Bezalel Smotrich, posted on X late Wednesday that he was demanding 'absolute certainty' that Israel can resume the war later, calling the current deal 'bad and dangerous' for Israel.

The departure of both of their factions would seriously destabilize the government and could lead to early elections.

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy Israeli bombardment overnight as people were celebrating the ceasefire deal. In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

'We were expecting that the occupation would intensify the bombing, like they did every time there were reports on progress in the truce (negotiations),' said Mohammed Mahdi, who fled his home a few months ago and is sheltering in Gaza City.

Ahmed Mattar, who lives near the city's Al-Ahly hospital, said he heard 'massive airstrikes' overnight.

Children collect water from a truck at a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, January 16

Mourners carry a body of a Palestinian killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza City on January 16

Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 73 people were killed in Israeli strikes between midday Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Pictures show smoke rising from cities in Gaza, with reports that airstrikes and artillery fire have continued.

Under the deal reached Wednesday, 33 of some 100 hostages who remain in Gaza are set to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli forces will pull back from many areas, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians would be able to return to what's left of their homes, and there would be a surge of humanitarian assistance.

The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second - and much more difficult - phase that will be negotiated during the first. Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it dismantles the group and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. are expected to meet in Cairo on Thursday for talks on implementing the agreement, which came after a year of intensive talks with repeated setbacks.

Activists representing families of Israelis who were killed during the war in Gaza block a road during a protest against the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Jerusalem on Thursday

Hundreds of people, demanding the immediate return of prisoners held by Hamas, gather to protest against Netanyahu and his government in Tel Aviv, Israel on January 15

US President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy joined the talks in the final weeks, and both the outgoing administration and Trump's team are taking credit for the breakthrough.

Many longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

Israel has come under heavy international criticism, including from its closest ally, the United States, over the civilian toll in Gaza. It also blames Hamas for the civilian casualties, accusing it of using schools, hospitals and residential areas for military purposes.

Hamas, a designated terror group that does not accept Israel's existence, has come under overwhelming pressure from Israeli military operations, including the invasion of Gaza's largest cities and towns and the takeover of the border between Gaza and Egypt.

Its top leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, who was believed to have helped mastermind the October 7, 2023, attack, have been killed in Israeli operations.

But its fighters have regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas after the withdrawal of Israeli forces, raising the prospect of a prolonged insurgency if the war continues.
Footage has captured a drone tangled in a paraglider after it collided with him and forced him to make an emergency landing.

The man was 400 feet in the air when the drone became stuck in his wing and tore a hole through it, forcing him to make a swift landing.

The incident occured on the same day an unauthorized civilian drone hit an aircraft assisting in the fight against the apocalyptic Pacific Palisades fire.

While there were no injuries, the FBI is still on the hunt for the drone operator after it damaged the aircraft and left it grounded and out of service at a time when firefighters desperately needed all the help they could get.

The latest footage of the paraglider was shared by the YouTube channel Wind Hunter.

'A heads up for everyone in the sky, must check FAA regulations, local rules and do the safety check before taking off,' the video was captioned.

The equipment was damaged in the incident, with two lines cut, two more tears and other damages, the owner said.

According to flight logs, the paraglider was 400 feet in the air when the collision occured.

Footage has captured a drone tangled in a paraglider after it collided with him and forced him to make an emergency landing

The man was 400 feet in the air when the drone became stuck in his wing and tore a hole through it, forcing him to make a swift landing

He reported the incident to the FAA and the San Diego Police Department.

Civilian drones are forbidden from the Torrey Pines State Reserve due to its designation, park rangers said.

And on the day in question, drones were also forbidden from being used in the evacuation zones in nearby southern California.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott said: 'We would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.'

The incident occured on the same day an unauthorized civilian drone hit an aircraft assisting in the fight against the apocalyptic Pacific Palisades fire

On the day in question, drones were also forbidden from being used in the evacuation zones in nearby southern California

While there were no injuries, the FBI is still on the hunt for the drone operator after it damaged the aircraft and left it grounded and out of service at a time when firefighters desperately needed all the help they could get

Civilian drone operators were warned not to fly drones during firefighting efforts

The FAA vowed to investigate the incident, and the FBI has since been making enquiries.

'When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision,' the FAA said in a statement.

'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.'
Workers in a field off of Highway 99 near Bakersfield in 2017. Dozens of farmworkers were arrested last week following an immigration raid in Kern County, near Bakersfield. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Farmworker communities across California, including in the Bay Area, are on high alert after a U.S. Border Patrol immigration raid in Kern County last week led to at least 78 arrests.

The three-day operation in and around Bakersfield from Jan. 7-9 was called Operation Return to Sender and appeared to target undocumented farmworkers who are in peak citrus picking season. More than half of California farmworkers are undocumented, according to an estimate based on 2010 to 2018 data in a 2022 report by the Public Policy Institute of California.

It was the first major workplace immigration raid in California since the election victory of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to enact a mass deportation plan after he takes office Monday, and provides a glimpse at what the next four years could look like for California industries that rely on undocumented laborers, including vineyards.

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The operation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrols El Centro Sector, which is headquartered near the U.S.-Mexico border in Imperial, some 300 miles south of Bakersfield, where the raid occurred.

On the El Centro Sectors Facebook page, the official account for the sector wrote in a comment on a post that they arrested 78 in the operation, all of whom were unlawfully present in the U.S. The countries of citizenship of those arrested include Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico and China, the comment stated.

David Kim, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent for U.S Border Patrols El Centro Sector, said in a statement that the operation was targeted toward those who have broken federal law, including for trafficking dangerous substances and sex offenses.

The U.S. Border Patrol conducts targeted enforcement arrests of individuals involved in smuggling throughout our areas of operation as part of our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.

But United Farm Workers political and legislative director Areli Arteaga said that based on what the group has witnessed, the raid did not target criminals. United Farm Workers is a California-based agriculture workers union representing about 5,500 farmworkers, including some who are undocumented.

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Workers in a field on a farm near Bakersfield, in Kern County. Citizens of the Planet/UCG/Universal Images Group via G

Ambar Tovar, United Farm Workers Foundation director of legal services, said her team is in contact with eight farmworkers who were detained in last weeks raid, and none had criminal histories.

People were detained outside the local Home Depot, along the main Highway 99 on their way to or from work, and at gas stations, Tovar said.

Two United Farm Workers members were detained on Tuesday and deported Wednesday to Mexico, Arteaga said.

Neither had criminal histories, according to Arteaga. Both had lived and worked as farmworkers in the U.S. for more than 15 years, she said. She added that one leaves behind two children younger than 10 years old who are U.S. citizens, and the other leaves behind four children between the ages of 4 and 10.

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This is the heartbreaking reality of mass deportation threats that have already emboldened individuals to sow devastation in our communities amongst the very hardworking immigrant workers who harvest all our food, Arteaga said.

Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement director and Trumps border czar pick Tom Homan has said that workplace immigration raids, which occurred in California during Trumps first term, would be necessary to enact Trumps immigration agenda.

California is a sanctuary state, meaning local law enforcement are barred from sharing residents information with federal immigration authorities. But that does not stop federal bodies like the U.S. Border Patrol from conducting raids like the one last week.

Under federal law, immigration officials are allowed to conduct warrantless searches within 100 miles of U.S. borders, including sea borders, which includes most of California and Bakersfield.

United Farm Worker communications director Antonio De Loera-Brust said he thinks the political climate of hostility toward immigrant workers is what led to the sector conducting the surprise raid in Kern County.

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Its clear the Border Patrol is feeling emboldened, and I believe this is the kind of thing that we will be seeing more of for the next four years, Loera-Brust said.

He said the union is concerned about the chilling effect of such raids, making undocumented workers who are afraid of being deported less likely to speak out against wage theft or labor law violations.

The Bakersfield City School District saw a slight decrease in attendance last week in comparison to the same time last year, according to data provided to the Chronicle. The districts chief of communications, Tabatha Mills, said the district has heard anecdotally that some families were afraid of sending their children to school given the immigration enforcement actions in Kern County.

Mills said the district has specialized staff to assist families with immigration issues, including understanding their rights, reassuring that their children are safe at school and developing a family safety plan in the event that one or more parents or guardians are detained or deported.

Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, the founder and executive director of Ayudando Latinos A Sonar, or ALAS, a nonprofit in Half Moon Bay that provides resources to farmworkers, said the arrests in Bakersfield alarmed farmworker communities along the coast. Many reached out to the nonprofit, frantically asking whether similar operations could happen there.

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Everyone was asking, Whats happening? What are we going to do? Whats going to happen here?  Hernandez-Arriaga said. It triggered a fear and stress in everyone.
CNBC host Joe Kernan ripped Paul Ryan for doing an about-face on Donald Trump and calling for Republican unity during his second term.

A former vice presidential nominee and speaker of the House, Ryan was at one point a close ally of Trump in getting his agenda passed in his first go as president.

However, Ryan left Congress after Republicans lost the House in 2019 and spoke out in favor of impeachment after January 6, leading Trump to call him a 'pathetic loser.'

Absence has not made Trump's heart grow fonder, as the president-elect listed Ryan as one of many former allies he had no interest in hearing from as he puts together his new Cabinet.

Speaking to Kernan on his CNBC show, Ryan is apparently in the mood to make nice, asking for Republicans and the president to come together heading into the new administration.

Kernan, who is often a pro-Trump voice on the network, appeared to see Ryan's declarations with contempt, saying: 'Well that's nice. Would have been nice before the election.'

The ex-Wisconsin Congressman tried to play diplomat, responding: 'He won.'

'I thought it was funny when you said: 'Hey look, I want Trump to succeed.' You know who that sounds like? It sounds like a Democrat,' Kernan responded.

CNBC host Joe Kernan ripped Paul Ryan for doing an about-face on Donald Trump and calling for Republican unity during his second term

Kernan, who is often a pro-Trump voice on the network, appeared to look at Ryan with contempt

Ryan again deferred, saying he hopes the Democrats sound like that.

Kernan continued to go in: 'Of course you want Trump to succeed, you're a Republican!'

The ex-speaker tried to explain that his version of conservatism doesn't always overlaps with Trump.

The CNBC host refused to hear it, saying the electoral choice between Trump and Kamala Harris was 'always binary, all along.'

Ryan tried to explain one more time, saying he wasn't necessarily a fan of Trump's positions on trade and the tariffs.

'But the point is, all this other stuff, the tax policy, the border policy, the deregulatory policy... very good for America.'

Kernan then reminded Ryan to 'not sacrifice the good for the perfect.'

Ryan merely responded: 'I think it's important that Republicans stay unified.'

A former vice presidential nominee and speaker of the House, Ryan was at one point a close ally of Trump in getting his agenda passed in his first go as president

The ex-Congressman, whose disdain of Trump is longstanding and well-documented, has said he believed Donald Trump would not secure the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, predicting the party's voters will realize he has little chance in the general election.

He has been a persistent critic of Trump, though he reluctantly endorsed Trump's 2016 candidacy after he received the Republican nomination.

Trump slammed Ryan as 'disloyal' in the closing weeks of the 2016 election, after Ryan disavowed his candidacy after a video surfaced from 2005 depicting Trump bragging about groping women.

However, for the first half of Trump's presidency, Ryan led the House GOP majority and had a tenuous working relationship with Trump, working with him to pass major tax cuts.

Ryan declined to seek reelection to Congress in 2018, when Republicans lost their House majority.

He eventually took a position on the board of Fox News which Trump spoke out against in 2022.

Trump's social media post came after Ryan declared Republicans didn't have 'the guts' to vote to impeach the former president in the wake of January 6.

Trump wrote in part: 'Did anyone notice that Fox News went lame (bad!) when weak RINO Paul Ryan, who is despised in the Great State of Wisconsin for being 'a pathetic loser,' went on the Fox Board.'

Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan said he believed Donald Trump would not secure the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, saying his 'un-electability will be palpable'

Ryan was elected ten times consecutively in Wisconsin's 1st congressional district between 1999 and 2019 before his retirement.

In his criticism of Fox, Trump said that the network 'won't even talk about an obviously Rigged 2020 Presidential Election, not even a mention.'

Trump continued: 'Thats why our Country is going to HELL - Elections have consequences. Get Ryan off your Board and report the News as it should be reportedAnd stop taking negative ads from the perverts, and others!!!'

In a May 2021 statement, Trump was equally critical of Ryan saying: 'As a Republican, having Paul Ryan on your side almost guarantees a loss, for both you, the Party, and America itself!'

Trump added that Ryan was a 'curse to the Republican Party. He has no clue what needs to be done for our country.'

Those remarks came after Ryan delivered a speech at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. Ryan said, without naming Trump: 'If the conservative cause depends on the populist appeal of one personality, or on second-rate imitations, then were not going anywhere.'

Ryan said that voters wanted Republicans with 'independence and mettle.' He also said that those voters would 'not be impressed by the sight of yes-men and flatterers flocking to Mar-a-Lago.'

Trump reignited the feud Wednesday night, when he sent a message of 'out with the old, in with the new' by naming and shaming many of his former Cabinet members while honoring his new administration.

Donald Trump sent a message of 'out with the old, in with the new,' naming and shaming many of his former Cabinet members while honoring his new administration, including Ryan, former Defense Secretary James Mattis (pictured center) and Vice President Mike Pence (pictured right)

Trump congratulated his new administration employees in a Truth Social post Wednesday night, before ripping several of those who either worked for him during his first term or stopped supporting him.

He wrote: 'As of today, the incoming Trump Administration has hired over 1,000 people for The United States Government. They are outstanding in every way, and you will see the fruits of their labor over the coming years. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and it will happen very quickly!'

Trump then advised any hiring managers that 'it would be helpful if you would not send, or recommend to us, people who worked with, or are endorsed by' a list of anti-Trump Republicans 'in order to save time, money, and effort.'

Ryan was among those mentioned, alongside Mike Pence, Dick and Liz Cheney and John Bolton.
Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos has successfully fired a rocket into orbit as he took a giant leap in his space race with Elon Musk.

The worlds two richest men are using reusable rockets to launch commercial satellites and excitedly talk about a future in which humans go on regular trips to space.

Mr Musk has taken the lead in the race so far with his company SpaceXs rocket, Falcon 9, completing more than 400 launches.

But Mr Bezos yesterday made significant progress as Blue Origins New Glenn rocket  named after astronaut John Glenn  blasted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 2.02am local time. All went well, except for the rockets reusable booster failing to land on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean.

Mr Bezos founded Blue Origin 25 years ago but until now has struggled to compete with Mr Musk. New Glenns launch had been delayed for five years and lift-off was even postponed at the last minute on Monday.

Dr Simeon Barber, a space expert from the Open University, said: The billionaire space race had become a one-horse race with SpaceX achieving so much so fast.

But we want competition from Blue Origin because that will lead to better rockets... with more regular flights.

Jeff Bezos's New Glenn rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida yesterday

Elon Musk's SpaceXs rocket, Falcon 9, has completed more than 400 launches

Meanwhile, Britain looks set to join the space race after being licensed for space-flight by the Civil Aviation Authority. This means Rocket Factory Augsburg can launch from the Shetland Islands and its inaugural test flight would be the first European vertical satellite launch.

Joe Biden has urged Americans to stand guard against tycoons. In an apparent swipe at Mr Musk and Mr Bezos, he said an oligarchy is taking shape in the US.

Meanwhile, Britain looks set to join the space adventure after being officially licensed for spaceflight by the regulator.

The decision from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the final significant piece of regulatory approval needed for Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst, the northernmost part of the Shetland Islands.

The privately-owned spaceport has already been granted a spaceport licence and a range control licence by the CAA.

RFAs first test flight, which they hope to carry out in 2025, would be the first vertical launch of a satellite from European soil and they are the first company to receive a licence for this type of launch.

Chief commercial officer Jorn Spurmann said securing the launch licence is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europes space industry.
The British Army is too small to play any major peacekeeping role in Ukraine, military figures have suggested.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he is in talks with Britain, France, Poland and Baltic States over a plan to enforce any future ceasefire in the war-torn country.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer signed a 100-year deal with Ukraine on Thursday that could put forces on Putin's borders - as he said there are 'unbreakable bonds' between the UK and Ukraine.

The deal may result in UK forces being deployed to help police a future peace deal between warring Russia and Ukraine, the Prime Minister said.

Sir Keir declared 'nothing is off the table' in the UK's hopes for 'just and lasting' peace.

In an interview in Kyiv, he told The Sun: 'If there are to be security guarantees of some sort, the UK will play its part.'

The idea to deploy soldiers comes as European leaders prepare for a shift in US policy under Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on Monday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands after a signing ceremony

Sir Keir signed a 100-year deal with Ukraine on Thursday that could put forces on Putin's borders

Sir Keir and Zelensky shake hands after a signing of a 100-year partnership agreement on Thursday

Military experts previously warned that the UK's armed forces are stretched thin (File image)

During his campaign, Mr Trump promised to push for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, although he has since tempered his initial pledge to end the war on 'day one'.

His incoming team warned it is not 'realistic to say we're going to expel every Russian from every inch of Ukrainian soil'.

However, President Volodymyr Zelensky is looking for security guarantees such as Nato membership before agreeing to enter negotiations.

The Kremlin says it is open to a meeting between Putin and Trump.

The UK has so far provided 12.8billion in support of Ukraine, including 7.8billion in military assistance.

Military experts previously warned that the UK's armed forces are stretched thin, while any troop deployment could escalate tensions with Moscow.

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a leading defence think tank, has also raised concerns about the feasibility of a Western-led peacekeeping mission without US involvement.

A peacekeeping mission would likely place further strain on the UK's defence budget, with the Ministry of Defence already facing financial pressures.
More than 28 tonnes of cocaine was seized last year in a record haul for Border Force and police.

The quantity of the class A drug detained rose by 52 per cent from the previous year to the highest since records began.

The largest ever single seizure of class A drugs in the UK took place in February when 5.7 tonnes of cocaine was found in a container at Southampton Port hidden in a cargo of bananas from South America.

This single haul is estimated to be worth more than 450million.

The domestic cocaine market is dominated by criminal gangs who the National Crime Agency believe to be making around 4 billion a year in the UK alone.

More than 119 tonnes of illegal drugs with a street value of 3bn were seized in the year ending March 2024, the Home Office said.

There were 217,644 seizures in England and Wales during this period, a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Border Force, which was responsible for 40,639 drug seizures, captured a record 74 tonnes of herbal cannabis, a 58 per cent increase on the previous year.

More than 28 tonnes of cocaine was seized last year in a record haul for Border Force and police

The quantity of the class A drug detained rose by 52 per cent from the previous year

Around half of murders are linked to drugs, analysis indicates

Around half of murders are linked to drugs, analysis indicates, with cocaine consumption in Britain at record highs.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra, who yesterday visited Border Force officers at Stansted Airport, said the statistics sent a clear message to criminal gangs.

They will be caught and face the full force of the law if they try to smuggle drugs into our country, she added.
Millions of mobile phones will issue a ten-second siren warning later this year as the Government repeats a test of its controversial emergency alert system.

In line with a recommendation from the Covid inquiry regarding crisis preparation, alarms on 87 million devices will sound.

However, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticised the test, describing it as the nanny state on full display.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg suggested turning the alert off, saying it was a bossy intrusion used for trivial matters.

Ministers have not yet announced the date of the test, but it will see every phone receive a message similar to the previous one in April 2023.

Ministers said another national test would ensure it is functioning correctly.

Regular testing will ensure the UK remains in line with other countries that test similar systems on a regular basis, the Cabinet Office said.

Ministers have not yet announced the date of the test, but it will see every phone in the country receive a message similar to the previous test in April 2023.

In line with a recommendation from the Covid inquiry regarding crisis preparation, alarms on 87 million devices will sound. Picture: Stock image

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, pictured, criticised the test, describing it as the nanny state on full display

Mr McFadden also announced that senior Government figures and the emergency services will take part in a multi-day pandemic preparedness exercise.

Blue light services will join senior ministers, and representatives from the nations and regions in the first test of pandemic preparedness in nearly a decade.

He said: We must learn lessons from the Covid pandemic as we cannot afford to make the same mistakes again.

But we will plan in a way that recognises the next crisis may not be the same as the last.

Baroness Hallett, the chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, warned the UK was not prepared nor resilient enough to deal with another pandemic at the conclusion of the probes first module.

She called for pandemic preparedness exercises to be held at least every three years in future.

Mr McFadden added: We agree with the inquiry that more needs to be done and are announcing measures to make sure that we are as prepared as possible for future pandemics.

These changes will improve our resilience and preparedness and help to safeguard our citizens.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, pictured, suggested turning the alert off, saying it was a bossy intrusion used for trivial matters

The national exercise is expected to be held on different days over several months in the autumn, and will involve thousands of participants across the UK.

Last night Pets at Home said they would issue briefings to all their stores amid concern the phone sirens will startle small animals.

A spokesman said: All pets can be startled by loud, unexpected, and unusual noises.

As with the last emergency alarm test, a few weeks prior notice will enable colleagues across stores and veterinary practices to plan and ensure they are set up with extra measures to help keep pets calm.

All of our locations will have advance briefings on how to ensure our small animals and any patients in practice are safe, comfortable, and away from mobile devices.

For pet owners at home, you can make sure your pet has a safe space to relax in, consider extra bedding and if you think theyll be especially started by an usual noise, set a reminder to move away from them when the test is due.
A Harvard-trained doctor accused of sexually assaulting more than 200 patients has officially been charged with rape.

Dr. Derrick Todd, a rheumatologist who had practices across Massachusetts, was indicted by a grand jury in Middlesex County Thursday on two counts of rape, according to the Boston Globe.

The charges stem from incidents in December 2022 and June 2023, when he allegedly raped female patients at Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham.

An arrest warrant has now been issued for Todd, who is also facing a class action civil lawsuit brought by more than 200 of his former patients who claim they were sexually assaulted.

It claims that Todd began abusing patients as far back as 2010 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

He would gain the patients' confidence, going beyond treating their rheumatic diseases and becoming their only doctor, while conducting invasive, unnecessary exams, the suit claims.

Among the accusers is Kristin Fritz, who told how she went to Todd because she was struggling with pain in her spine.

She claimed the visit started normally, but as the examination continued, Todd 'aggressively' groped her breasts.

Dr. Derrick Todd, a rheumatologist who had practices across Massachusetts , was indicted by a grand jury in Middlesex County Thursday on two counts of rape

'I feel so violated,' Fritz told The Associated Press in April. 'I feel so ashamed of myself for not knowing better in the moment to do anything and to be like, yeah, this did feel wrong and I should tell somebody.'

Another former patient said she struggled to find a doctor during the COVID pandemic, and was thrilled when Todd said he would help her with her symptoms of tingling and numbness in her arms and hands.

As the years went on, Todd became her primary doctor and gynecologist, conducting repeat vaginal exams.

The alleged victim said Todd would routinely comment on her body, ask her to strip naked and make sure she was unaccompanied during exams.

'It honestly impacted every single component of my life because it just occupies every part of myself from my self-confidence,' said the woman, who reported Todd to the medical board after discussing his behavior with her gynecologist and realizing something was wrong.

And Mimi DiTrani, who filed the initial lawsuit against Todd, also claimed the doctor performed repeat breast and vaginal exams as well as asked her a series of 'invasive' questions about her appearance, sexual history and sexual activity.

She claimed that, starting at her first appointment in November 2022, Todd 'began subjecting her to a course of predatory grooming, boundary violating, mental, emotional, and physical sexual abuse that was masked by his position of power and authority.'

Among the accusers who are suing Todd in a civil suit is Kristin Fritz, who claims he 'aggressively' groped her breasts

Mimi DiTrani, who filed the initial lawsuit against Todd, also claimed the doctor performed repeat breast and vaginal exams as well as asked her a series of 'invasive' questions about her appearance, sexual history and sexual activity

Still, DiTrani said she continued visiting Todd for appointments through January, at which point she changed to remote contact - until she felt pressured to move to Massachusetts for more appointments in June and July.

'I questioned it because I thought maybe I imagined it, it's a doctor,' she said at a news conference in October 2023.

'When you trust someone to help you, you see them and you're very vulnerable, and when they violate that trust, and they hurt you instead of heal you, it can be very frightening and not easy to process.

'I had a hunch. Why did I go back? But that's why I want to say "it's not your fault" - these people know what they're doing.'

Despite the claims, Todd was allowed to continue examining patients as recently as April 2023. He was finally suspended from working in June of that year, and was fired a month later.

Charles Morris, Chief Medical Officer at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said Todd's conduct was investigated following two complaints

Brigham and Women's Hospital Chief Medical Officer Charles Morris has since explained that it received two anonymous complaints about Todd in April 2023, and launched an internal investigation.

While that was going on, Todd was told he could not conduct sensitive exams without a chaperone.

When Todd was ultimately fired, Morris said the hospital notified the Department of Public Health, the state Board of Registration in Medicine, law enforcement and his current and former patients.

By September 2023, Todd reached a voluntary agreement with the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop practicing medicine anywhere in the country.

The Charles River Medical Associates, however, has said it was never made aware of any complaints of 'inappropriate conduct' by Todd and said it reached out to patients to report their concerns.

'We are deeply troubled and saddened by these disturbing allegations and recognize the courage it took for these patients to come forward,' it said in a statement as female patients began to speak out.

Todd's lawyer, Ingrid Martin, has previously said the doctor 'believes that he has done nothing wrong and will defend against [the allegations] vigorously'

They now say they feel that justice is finally starting to be served.

'It's been a long wait for all of the 228 former patients who have come forward to date,' attorney William Thompson, of Lubin & Meyer told the Globe of Todd's indictment.

'And it serves as some vindication or acknowledgment that he is going to be held accountable for what he has done to all the patients who put their trust in him as a physician.'

One of Todd's accusers also said she was relieved when she saw the news of the indictment.

'What I felt and what I am still feeling right now is that it's been a year and a half of feeling like we were going to be silenced and no one was taking this seriously,' she said.

'We still have a story to tell, but at least someone heard us,' the victim said, adding that she is still hoping Todd will be charged in Suffolk County - which is continuing to investigate the claims against him as is the Boston Police Department.

An arraignment had not been scheduled as of Thursday evening, but Todd's lawyer, Ingrid Martin, has previously said the doctor 'believes that he has done nothing wrong and will defend against [the allegations] vigorously.'
Sir Edward Davey weaponised the Buckingham Palace pommes de terre duchesses. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed summoned the worlds press to a small, overheated room near Londons Euston railway terminus to announce that he  alone among statesmen  had worked out how to control Donald Trump.

He proposed to deny the incoming US president any white-tie dinner with the Royal Family. That would bring the cur to heel, just you see. Foreign affairs speeches by Sir Ed are always something to relish, evoking as they can the leader column of the provincial Irish newspaper which in September 1898 gave a warning to the Tsar of Russia and declared: The Skibbereen Eagle is watching you. It was all downhill for the Romanovs after that.

Sir Ed was watching Mr Trump. He had the measure of the man, surer than his tailor. Trump longed  we all know he craves it said Sir Ed airily  to be entertained by His Majesty the King. This gave us leverage. For the benefit of US television networks which would no doubt be relaying the Davey philippic to their millions of viewers, Sir Ed pronounced the word after the north American fashion.

Tariff Man Trump, averred Sir Ed, should be told that if he did not behave himself on the world stage he could forget any slap-up banquet with Charles and Camilla.

Fighting talk. If this doesnt cause an earthquake at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, one will only be able to conclude that the seismologists are asleep on the job. Sir Ed knows how to kick a man where it hurts: in the banquets.

There was once a convention that parliamentarians did not enmesh the Royal Family in politics but Sir Ed argued that Trumpism was such a threat, normal rules of civilised statecraft did not apply. Donald could have his glittering evening at the palace but only if he delivers what we need. Sir Ed demanded a London summit at which the US agrees to allow frozen Russian assets to be used to help Ukraine. Never has a bombe surprise seemed quite so explosive.

Sir Edward Davey weaponised the Buckingham Palace pommes de terre duchesses, writes QUENTIN LETTS

The Lib Dem leader proposed to deny the incoming US president any white-tie dinner with the Royal Family

Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as President of the United States on January 20

Mr Trump thought himself an ace deal-maker? Well, in Sir Ed, who was pushing forward his paunch with urbane worldliness, the 47th president had met his negotiating match. This bout was going to rival Ali v Frazier.

Sir Eds speech was at a place called the Impact Hub (must everything be called a hub these days?), a low-ceilinged room smelling faintly of lavatory cleaner.

It was so cramped that in the second row we were 3ft from Sir Eds lectern. An audience of maybe 30, mainly reporters, was augmented by a few Lib Dem MPs and activists. They were told when to applaud and stand. Even rehearsed it in front of us.

Sir Ed arrived. Up they jumped. He was wearing more make-up than Julian Clary. Soon he was comparing himself to the postwar Liberal illuminati Gladwyn Jebb and John Maynard Keynes. Lucky them to be held in such company.

We were assured that Lib Dems approached the Trump presidency with their eyes wide open. Sir Ed actually delivered this line with his own eyes sharply narrowed, to convey the gravity of the moment. This is a Lib Dem tradition. Paddy Ashdown was always doing it. Sir Ed looked like a classical music buff savouring a particularly obscure passage of Messiaen.

Anyway, provided the Foreign Office follows Sir Eds suggestion (which, admittedly, it might not), the next leader of the Free World is now on a caution. One false step on trade tariffs and itll be adios to a soiree of horsey small talk with Princess Anne and a post-banquet spin of the dance floor with Prince Edward. If the new US administration doesnt abide by the rule of law then the most Mr and Mrs Trump may be able to look forward to is afternoon tea and crumpets (dread word) with the Duke of York.

Thanks to Sir Ed Davey, things are finally getting serious.
One is a private royal residence dating back to the 19th century while the other is a Scots shopping centre built in the 1970s.

Now the latter in West Lothian has beaten the Kings Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk, in a contest for Loo of the Year.

The facilities at The Centre in Livingston scored top marks from the judges, beating 1,800 other conveniences around the country.

Jane Kibble, awards manager for the accolade, said the loos at the 150-store shopping mall came out on top in almost every category. She said: They scored 100 per cent in two of its four categories and 95 per cent in the other two.

It just shows that shopping centres have upped their game, especially since Covid which improved hygiene precautions.

The overall wow factor at Livingston impressed judges from the moment they walked in. The cleanliness and attention to detail was second to none.

'The facilities management company ABM deserve great credit for keeping and making these loos the best in Britain.

The facilities at The Centre in Livingston scored top marks from the judges, beating 1,800 other conveniences around the country

Kings Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk, was beaten in a contest for Loo of the Year to a shopping centre

Ms Kibble added: Judging is completed from a user perspective. Do the toilets meet the needs of all types of users  adults, children and babies and those with a disability? Are they fit for purpose?

The Loo of the Year Awards inspectors use an inspection and grading form which includes 100 criteria against which the toilets are judged. And Livingston were the highest scorers overall.

Although Sandringham missed out on the top gong, it was graded Platinum Plus  just below the top Diamond Level  with washroom technician Ann Bleser highly commended at the award ceremony in Birmingham.

Ms Kibble said: Only around 2 per cent of loos get Diamond and Sandringham were close.

Somebody had done their homework from the estate because they did very well with the criteria  with such things as low level wash basins and low level toilets. It certainly had the wow factor.
A council has sparked outrage amongst dairy farmers after urging its residents to consider 'climate-friendly alternatives' to milk.

Gloucestershire County Council was forced to apologise to farmers for 'causing offence' with their 'Swaps in Seconds' campaign.

The initiative was set up to offer easy solutions for their half a million residents who want to become more environmentally friendly by making small changes each day.

However, the suggestions left a sour taste in dairy farmers' mouths, with Jacob James from Whole Moo World describing the campaign as 'frustrating'.

He told GB News: 'I do respect that the council has a positive intent in offering this guidance, but it is frustrating in farming that the guidance has been given to people based on evidence that fails to take into consideration any context.

'When all these things are taken into consideration, the actual carbon impact for UK dairy farms comes down to about one kilo per litre. That is the same as oat milk, which is said at 0.9.'

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson told the Express: 'Gloucestershire has an amazing farming community who go beyond the call of duty to produce local milk that people across the county enjoy.

'We encourage everyone to go out and support their local farmers however people buy their milk and other local food. We didn't mean to cause offence or to suggest people shouldn't support their local farmers.'

Gloucestershire County Council has sparked outrage after urging its residents to consider 'climate-friendly alternatives' to milk

Local dairy farmers described the council campaign as 'frustrating' as it 'fails to take into consideration any context'

This comes after experts warned that opting for plant-based diary alternatives could harm your mental health, if new research is to be believed.

Scientists, who tracked more than 350,000 Brits, discovered plant-based milk drinkers were more likely to suffer from depression than those who drank semi-skimmed cow's milk.

Chinese researchers said semi-skimmed contains more good fats than skimmed milk but fewer bad fats than full-fat.

Previous research has found 'good fats' may increase the production of serotonin  a hormone that can alter mood.

This, they theorised, means the milk could sit in a sweet spot where it improves mental health.

It also shatters the myth that milk alternatives are always the healthier option, they argued.

MailOnline has contacted Gloucestershire County Council for comment.
A third of Gen Z workers took time off due to stress last year, a survey has found.

Workers under the age of 25 were more likely to need time off because of poor mental health caused by stress than any other age group.

Among older workers aged 45 and above, just one in 10 needed time off last year due to stress.

Meanwhile for workers aged between 25-34, around 29 per cent took time off due to burnout, up 23 per cent from the previous year.

There was a one per cent rise in stress-related sick leave for 18 to 24-year-olds from the previous year, while the percentage of 35 to 44-year-olds taking a day off rose from a fifth to one quarter.

In contrast, a smaller proportion of older workers said they were taking time off for stress.

Among 45 to 54-year-olds, the number was 14 per cent, down from 18 per cent the previous year. While 10 per cent of workers aged 55 and above took time off for mental health, down from 15 per cent.

In what the charity described as a 'warning sign of a breakdown in trust between employers and younger workers', its findings showed only a little over half of 18 to 24-year-olds said they would feel comfortable opening up to a line manager about the pressure and stress they felt.

Workers under the age of 25 were more likely to need time off because of poor mental health caused by stress (stock)

This was a sharp drop from 75 per cent of this age group in the previous report.

High stress among young workers was mostly caused by having to regularly work unpaid overtime, and taking on extra hours to deal with the increased cost of living.

Workers aged 25-34 reported high stress caused by a high or increased workload and fears of redundancy or around job security.

Only a third of Gen Z workers said they were able to switch off from work when they needed to, compared with 46 per cent of those aged 55 and above.

Brian Dow, the charity's chief executive, said their findings show that 'many organisations still offer 20th-century mental health support for a 21st-century workforce'.

He said: 'Our survey clearly reveals it is young people most at risk of high stress in the workplace, but raises doubts around whether they feel able to open up to their line manager and explore reasonable adjustments that could help prevent burnout.

'As the gap between generations widens, there's a need to rebuild bridges and open up conversations on changing attitudes and expectations around work.

'We're calling on employers to reconsider the approach to mental health and explore reasonable adjustments and workplace wellbeing initiatives in collaboration with their young employees.

High stress among young workers was mostly caused by having to regularly work unpaid overtime (stock)

'Otherwise, they risk losing out on the newest generation of workers as they either seek employment elsewhere or disengage.'

A total of 2,436 working adults were surveyed by YouGov in November and figures have been weighted to be representative of all UK adults.

It comes as another study suggested Gen Z adults are refusing to do basic DIY tasks and are instead choosing to hire a professional.

A survey by Halfords of 2,000 adults showed that those aged 18 to 27 were most likely to pay a professional for basic tasks around the home or car.

One in five did not know what a spanner was and nearly a quarter could not change a ceiling light bulb, often saying that going up a ladder was too dangerous.

Fewer than two thirds of the 323 people in the younger age group said they would be confident cleaning a car, often saying they would get a parent to do it.

One in five of the age group said they would call in a professional to change the bulb on a ceiling spotlight.
Men with regional accents from areas such as Liverpool and Bradford are perceived as more likely to commit crimes, a study has found.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge also discovered the Cockney accent is viewed as the most working class in the UK and Glaswegians are perceived as the most likely to stand up for somebody who is being harassed.

To gather their findings, the team used recordings of men speaking English in 10 accents: Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cockney, Newcastle, and received pronunciation (RP).

The later  which is linked to the south of England and the upper classes  was ranked highest for wealth and confidence.

RP was also perceived as the least likely to commit physical assault, shoplift or drive dangerously - while working-class accents were more strongly associated with criminal behaviour.

Lead researcher Alice Paver said the findings focused on the 'disadvantage that speakers of some accents may still face in the criminal justice system'.

Ms Paver told The Times: 'Police officers, lawyers and juries are all susceptible to judging voices based on stereotypes, whether they're aware of it or not.

'As things stand, listeners think some accents sound guiltier than others, and we should all be concerned about that.'

The results spelt more bad news for those from Merseyside, as there was a greater chance of people thinking that Scousers had cheated on their partner or committed assault (pictured: Penny Lane Road, Liverpool)

As part of the study, 180 people from across the UK were assigned to two surveys.

One of these groups was asked to rate the voices according to ten class and personality-related categories.

The other asked them to rate how likely they were to have carried out different crimes or acts, such as defending a victim of harassment, infidelity or physical assault.

The results spelt more bad news for those from Merseyside, as there was a greater chance of people thinking that Scousers had cheated on their partner or committed assault.

Those with the regional accents of Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow were perceived as the most likely to signal kindness, honesty and friendliness.

RP did rank much higher when it came to sexual assault, just behind the Cockney and Liverpool accents, which may indicate 'shifting perceptions of the type of man who can and does commit sexual offences'.

Ms Paver - whose team is now drafting new guidelines for the police, lawyers, judges and juries - says she supports the use of pre-testing to screen for voice bias.

'We also hope that anyone encountering voice evidence in the criminal justice system is warned against letting voice or accent-based prejudice influence their decisions.

'These stereotypes could have real-life legal consequences.'
UnitedHealth Group has lost a staggering amount of money following the shocking December assassination of one of the healthcare company's top executives, Brian Thompson.

UnitedHealth Group, the largest single health carrier in the United States, has lost an astounding $63 billion in value since the grisly murder of one of the company's chief executive officers.

Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare - an operating division of UnitedHealth Group - was gunned down outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on December 4 by Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, just hours before New Yorkers gathered in the neighborhood for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.

Now, just over a month later, the healthcare giant has seen a significant drop in value as the price of shares in the group have dropped by roughly $100 since the shock assassination.

The stock price was valued at around $510 per share on Thursday, down from its $610 per share mark on December 4.

Yet, despite the decreasing value and the grisly murder raising concerns over the US healthcare system, UnitedHealth has posted a 'better-than-expected' profit in the final quarter of 2024, The Independent reported.

On a call with analysts Thursday morning, the billion dollar group's leaders opened a by offering thanks for the many condolences the company has received since Thompson's untimely death.

UnitedHealth has lost a staggering amount of money following the shocking December assassination of one of the healthcare provider's top executives, Brian Thompson (pictured)

The healthcare CEO was gunned down outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on December 4 by Luigi Mangione (pictured), a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, just hours before New Yorkers gathered in the neighborhood for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center

'Brian helped build this company and forged deep, trusted relationships for over 20 years, and the positive impact he had on people will be felt for years to come,' Chief Financial Officer John Rex said.

The company's foremen also noted the adjusted earnings for the three months ending in December came in at $6.81 a share - up 10.6 percent from the same period last year.

The year-end earnings are also 9 cents ahead of the Wall Street consensus forecast, according to The Independent.

Revenues also reportedly rose 6.4 percent to a whopping $100.8 billion, the Independent reported.

UnitedHealth Group operates the nations largest health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, which covers more than 49 million people in the United States.

The healthcare company also operates a large pharmacy benefit manager that runs prescription drug coverage and a growing business that delivers care and provides technical support.

UnitedHealth Group operates the nations largest health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, which covers more than 49 million people in the United States. Pictured: UnitedHealthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota

The healthcare giant has seen a significant drop in value as the price of shares in the group have dropped by roughly $100 since the shock assassination. Pictured: A protestor holds a sign outside of Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024

despite the decreasing value and the grisly murder raising concerns over the US healthcare system, UnitedHealth has posted a 'better-than-expected' profit in the final quarter of 2024. Pictured: A protestor holds a sign outside of Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024

The companys full-year profit, which previously had climbed every year for nearly a decade, sank 36 percent to $14.4 billion in 2024.

The reason, in part was due to costs tied to a massive cyberattack that hit its 'Change Healthcare' business early in the year.

The company was also sidelined last month by the sudden and shocking death of Thompson as he walked to the companys annual investor meeting in mid-town Manhattan.
Reporters Sam Husseini and Max Blumenthal were dragged out of Antony Blinken's final press conference as Secretary of State over the journalist's accusations of US support for 'genocide' in Gaza.

Blinken faced reporters as Israel and militant group Hamas were on the verge of a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages which has been credited to both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Israel's assault on Gaza is likely to define the foreign policy legacy of the outgoing Biden administration, with many leftists furious about what they see as Biden's enabling of Israel following the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.

Sam Husseini, an independent journalist and longtime critic of Washington's approach to the world, bluntly shouted: 'Criminal! Why aren't you in The Hague?'

The Hague is where the International Criminal Court is located.

'You pontificate about a free press! I am asking questions after being told by [spokesman] Matt Miller that he will not answer my questions,' he continued as security guards Husseini said were 'hurting' him tried to get him out.

Blinken demanded that Husseni 'respect the process' but the reporter was undeterred.

'Everybody from Amnesty International to the ICJ [International Court of Justice] is saying that Israel is doing genocide and extermination and you're telling me to respect the process?'

A reporter was dragged out of Antony Blinken's final press conference as Secretary of State over the journalist's accusations of US support for 'genocide' in Gaza

Blinken faced reporters as Israel and militant group Hamas were on the verge of a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages which has been credited to both Donald Trump and Joe Biden

The confrontational scene in the State Department briefing room only ended when security personnel forcibly picked up Husseini and carried him out of the room as he continued to heckle Blinken.

Afterward, Husseini said on social media that he had been 'seriously manhandled' but had gotten home safely before writing out all of the questions he'd wanted to ask Blinken.

They included questions about the ICJ and ICC, condemning Israeli actions in the reason and at one point, connecting Blinken's step-father to Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.

As Blinken waxed poetic about how much he 'appreciated' journalists 'asking the tough questions,' Max Blumenthal of the left-wing outlet The Grayzone launched into a line of questioning that also got him removed from the premises.

'Three hundred reporters in Gaza were on the receiving end of your bombs, why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?'

Blumenthal, too, was escorted from the room.

Blinken, who leaves office on Monday when the administration of President-elect Donald Trump takes over, calmly asked for quiet while he delivered his remarks, and later took questions from reporters.

The Secretary of State has faced criticism for providing Israel with weapons and diplomatic support since the latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Sam Husseini forcibly removed from the briefing room after interrupting Blinkens final press conference. @TheNationalNews pic.twitter.com/xw5ulrYhPA  Willy Lowry (@willy_lowry) January 16, 2025

Sam Husseini, an independent journalist and longtime critic of Washington's approach to the world, bluntly shouted: 'Criminal! Why aren't you in The Hague?'

As Blinken waxed poetic about how much he 'appreciated' journalists 'asking the tough questions,' Max Blumenthal of the left-wing outlet The Grayzone launched into a line of questioning that also got him removed from the premises

He has been frequently heckled at appearances in Washington since the Gaza conflict began.

Demonstrators camped outside his Virginia home for months and repeatedly threw red paint - resembling blood - on cars carrying Blinken and his family.

Asked during the press conference if he would change anything about his dealings with Israel, Blinken said the Israeli government had carried out policies that 'were basically supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis after the trauma of October 7' and said that had to be factored in to the U.S. response.

Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also drawing accusations of genocide in a World Court case brought by South Africa and of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the allegations.

The Biden administration had been unable to reach final determinations on individual incidents that could constitute violations of international law because Hamas embedded itself within the civilian population, he said.

'I'd also point out that in Israel itself, there are hundreds of cases that are being investigated,' Blinken said. 'They have a process, they have procedures, they have rule of law... That's the hallmark of any democracy.'

The assault has displaced nearly Gaza's entire 2.3 million population and drawn the concern of the worlds main hunger monitor.

Both Biden and Trump dispatched negotiators tried to work jointly on a deal to free American hostages and get a cease fire in Gaza.

MUST SEE: Journalist @MaxBlumenthal confronts Antony Blinken about Israel's genocide



300 reporters in Gaza were on the receiving end of your bombs



Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?



Why did you allow the holocaust of our time to happen?? pic.twitter.com/wqpRDGEWCd  Decensored News (@decensorednews) January 16, 2025

Biden was desperate to get a deal done before leaving office, and Trump was demanding one before he retook it.

Outgoing national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Biden negotiator Brett McGurk met with Trump's incoming national security advisor Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), as well as Trump's incoming hostage negotiator Steve Witkoff, a wealthy real estate investor.

The talks were underway for many months, and sometimes involved intermediaries going back and forth between Israeli and Hamas delegations who took part in Doha  with each side staying on different floors.

The other keys to apparent success were changes on the ground, in part due to Isreal's withering attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon and an attack that wiped out Iran's air defenses.

Israel was able to take out Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was an obstacle to a deal. Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria fell.

The comments about collaboration came as Biden and Trump each claimed credit for a ceasefire deal designed to end the war between Israel and Hamas.

Biden on Wednesday stressed that the deal tracked with an offer he put out in May. Trump was the first to blast out a post claiming a deal had been reached.

And Biden was quick shut down any notion president-elect Trump might deserve any kudos on the matter.

'Is that a joke,' he said to a reporter who asked him if he or Trump deserved credit for the deal.

When told no, Biden said 'oh' and walked out of the briefing.

While Biden announced the ceasefire at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, Trump had already announced the deal two hours earlier on social media.

The deal includes a 42-day ceasefire and the return of American hostages. It is scheduled to take affect on Sunday, the day before Trump takes the oath of office as president.
President Joe Biden revealed his biggest regret, what he fears most and boasted about his most accurate prediction in what is expected to be his final Oval Office interview.

Biden spoke with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell for an interview airing Thursday night.

The 82-year-old will leave office on Monday with low approval numbers and after abandoning his reelection bid - only for his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, to lose to his former political rival, President-elect Donald Trump.

'Ironically, I almost spent too much time on the policy and not enough time on the politics,' the Democrat admitted during the sit-down.

He rehashed his regret about not putting his name on the stimulus checks that were sent out to Americans during the early months of his tenure as the country still suffered economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump had put his name on the checks - but Biden didn't.

'It did cross my mind,' he said.

'I'm not a very good huckster,' he continued. 'I mean, and that - it wasn't a stupid thing for him to do. It helped him a lot,' he said of Trump.

President Joe Biden revealed his biggest regret, what he fears most and boasted about his most accurate prediction in what is expected to be his final Oval Office interview

'And it undermined our ability to convince people that we were the ones that were getting this to them,' Biden added.

During the course of the interview, Biden also talked about how he expected things to 'change drastically,' adding that it wasn't tied to a particular leader. 'And it occurs every five or six generations. And it usually is generated by technology.'

On Wednesday night during his address to the nation, the president sounded the alarm about the 'tech-industrial complex' and warned that America was getting its own set of oligarchs.

He repeated that point saying that he was concerned about 'this concentration of enormous wealth and power in a circumstance where everything's changing.'

'Look, if the decision is made that the multibillionaires, the super, super wealthy, the wealthiest people in the world, begin to control all the apparatuses, from the media to the economy, then who do I get to fight back for me?' he asked.

On Thursday he said that he was worried that the 'guardrails' that prevented that concentration of power were coming off.

'The reason for all the safeguards out there is, in a very trite way to say it, is to keep the bullies from taking advantage of everybody else, the basic guardrails,' he explained.

'So I guess what I'm worried about is that the thing that keeps it on track are the guardrails, that there's a Supreme Court that's independent, but not - but accountable,' he said. 'There is a Congress that you speak your mind, but you're held accountable to basic standards.'

President Joe Biden (right) gave what is expected to be his final Oval Office television interview to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell (left). The back-and-forth aired Thursday night

'There's a presidency that says you have really limited powers. I mean, you're the top dog, but you're not - you can't dictate everything,' he continued.

'And I don't know. They seem to just be - just seem to be chipping away at all those elements,' Biden added.

He also told O'Donnell he was worried about the freedom of the press, revealing that four other MSNBC hosts had told him that they were 'worried about whether or not they're going to be held accountable for telling the truth.'

'When has that ever happened in America, I mean, in a long time?' the president mused.

He also boasted that he had been right all along about Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions to invade Ukraine.

'I knew he was going to go in about three weeks before he amassed those extra troops along the border,' Biden said.

Biden said Putin was broadcasting his intentions to take Ukraine because 'he talks about Kyiv as the - as the birthplace of Mother Russia.'

'That is - all he wants to do is reestablish the old Warsaw Pact. He wants to establish control over it. I can't let that happen,' the Democrat said.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell was given the last chance to ask President Joe Biden questions in the Oval Office as the Democrat departs office on Monday

The Warsaw Pact was between the Soviet Union and a number of Eastern European countries - including some that now are members of NATO like Poland.

'This guy is not a good guy. He has - I mean, anyway,' Biden said, not letting himself get too carried away.

The 82-year-old made several stumbles throughout the sit-down.

At one point, when talking about North Koreans being sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine he referred to them first as Chinese.

At another he began to say Sweden, when he the identified Switzerland as the locale of where he met with Putin in June of 2021, eight months before Russia invaded Ukraine.

When talking about the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Biden at one point referred to it as 9/11 - though he's also compared those two bloody days.

When talking about this week's ceasefire agreement, Biden was pressed on when he first pushed that concept to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Those to Biden's political left criticized his administration for being too pro-Israel, when scores of Palestinian civilians were being killed.

Biden said he warned Bibi against Palestinian civilian deaths almost immediately after the Israel Defense Forces started to retaliate.

'Put it this way. You know, I will just say, when I went to Israel immediately after their attack on the - by Hamas, eight days later, whatever it was, and I told them we were going to help, I said: "But, Bibi, I said, you can't be a carpet-bombing in these communities,"' Biden said.

The president revealed what Netanyahu replied.

'And he said to me: "Well, you did it. You carpet-bombed" - not his exact words, "But you carpet-bombed Berlin. You dropped a nuclear weapon. You killed thousands of innocent people, because you had to in order to win a war,"' the president said.

Biden said he responded by saying, 'but that's why we came up with the U.N.'

O'Donnell seemed miffed.

'So, he was comparing 21st century war tactics, battle tactics, with World War II?' the MSNBC host asked.

Biden said Netanyahu was making a 'legitimate argument' because the Hamas fighters who were killing Israelis were hiding out in tunnels under buildings.

'Only way to get to them is to take out the places where they were under,' the president pointed out.

'And so that's the first time I had --first time I had the discussion about bombing civilian areas was when I went over after the 9/11 - after the massacre that occurred,' he said, subbing in September 11 for October 7.
Footage has captured the moment a Gold Coast businessman's Audi A5 collided with a 12-year-old boy's e-bike, knocking the terrified child to the ground.

Howard Wright, who owns two bars in Paradise Point, was fined for driving 'in a dangerous manner' over the incident on January 6.

In footage captured on the boy's GoPro, the 58-year-old's Audi A5 can be seen approaching the boy, before it appears to collide with his electric bike and sends him flying to the pavement.

'What the f**k, I didn't do nothing, I didn't do nothing, I wasn't even there,' the boy can be heard screaming.

Wright exits the Audi and approaches the boy, replying: 'I know you didn't do anything. This bike's illegal.'

'I know but why did you hit me?' the boy asks.

'You ran in front of my car, I'm sorry,' says Wright.

A woman nearby is heard defending the boy, telling Mr Wright he's 'just a kid.'

A 12-year-old boy has captured the moment a Gold Coast businessman's Audi A5 collided with his electric bike (his GoPro footage is pictured)

Howard Wright, who owns two bars in Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, was fined for driving 'in a dangerous manner' over the incident (the businessman is pictured)

'They are ringing my doorbell every day,' says Mr Wright, prompting the boy to insist, 'I didn't do it'.

Mr Wright attended Runaway Bay Police Station shortly after the incident and was handed an infringement notice for driving without care and attention.

He has not been charged with any offence.

'An Audi A5 is alleged to have been driven in a dangerous manner towards a 12-year-old boy from Paradise Point,' a Gold Coast Police spokesperson said.

'It is alleged the vehicle struck the boy, knocking him from his bike.'

Visited by a reporter at his home in the days since, Mr Wright told the Gold Coast Bulletin that he was now living 'in fear'.

'My only comment is this is a police matter and I am in fear for my life,' he said.

Children in the area are 'out of control' and homeowners have been 'scared and on edge' in the past fortnight, residents told the publication.

The boy was left with scrapes and bruises after the incident, along with damage to his $7,000 electric bike (the footage from his mounted GoPro is pictured)

Mr Wright is a co-director of the company behind The Lounge (pictured) and Bridges Tapas Bar in Paradise Point on Queensland's Gold Coast

The boy's father said his son had been left 'in shock' and 'quite frightened at what had happened'.

The boy was left with scrapes and bruises after the collision, and damage to his $7,000 electric bike.

Mr Wright is a co-director of the company behind The Lounge and Bridges Tapas Bar.

Both are upmarket venues in Paradise Point on the Gold Coast.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that a ceasefire deal as well as a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached.

The shocking announcement came a day after the Israeli Prime Minister's office said there were 'last-minute snags' in talks to free hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu said he will convene his security Cabinet on Friday, and then the government, to approve the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire announcement comes just days before US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be sworn into office for his second term serving as the country's President.

The soon-to-be 47th US President said the agreement between Israel and Hamas had 'better be finalized' before his inauguration on Monday.

The billionaire businessman claimed his involvement was crucial for the negotiation.

'We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office,' Trump said in a podcast interview with Dan Bongino, an American conservative political commentator and radio show host.

'We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done,' Trump added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) announced on Thursday that a ceasefire deal as well as a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached

The shocking announcement came a day after the Israeli Prime Minister's office said there were 'last-minute snags' in talks to free hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Pictured: A view of damage at the residential building of Palestinian Aloush family following a fresh Israeli airstrike on Jabalia after Israel and Gaza reached a ceasefire deal on January 16

The ceasefire announcement comes just days before US President-elect Donald Trump (pictured) is expected to be sworn into office for his second term serving as the country's President

The President-elect boldly claimed that sitting President Joe Biden 'hadn't done anything' to resolve the ongoing international crisis.

'I'm not looking for credit. I want to get these people out,' he said. 'We've got to get them out.'

The truce is expected to begin Sunday, but Netanyahu says the 'last-minute crisis' with Hamas was the last straw holding up his government's approval.

However, the ceasefire and hostage deal doesn't say whether Israel and Egypt will lift a blockade on Gaza they imposed when Hamas seized power in 2007.

Now, the rubble clearance and eventual rebuilding of homes will require billions of dollars and the ability to bring construction materials and heavy equipment into the territory.

International donors are unlikely to invest in the now ungoverned territory that has seen five wars in less than two decades - which means the sprawling tent camps along the coast could become a permanent feature of life in the struggling strip.

The United Nations estimates that the deadly war has littered Gaza with over 50 million tons of rubble, roughly 12 times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Last month, using satellite data, the UN estimated that 69 percent of the structures in Gaza, including over 245,000 homes, have been damaged or destroyed.

With over 100 trucks working full time, the cleanup efforts would take over 15 years to clear the rubble away, the Associated Press reported.

The truce is expected to begin Sunday, but Netanyahu says the 'last-minute crisis' with Hamas was the last straw holding up his government's approval. Pictured: A view of damage at the residential building of Palestinian Aloush family following a fresh Israeli airstrike on Jabalia after Israel and Gaza reached a ceasefire deal on January 16

Now, the rubble clearance and eventual rebuilding of homes will require billions of dollars and the ability to bring construction materials and heavy equipment into the territory. Pictured: Houses destroyed in previous Israeli strikes lie in ruin, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday, in Gaza City January 16

The millions of tons of debris also contains huge amounts of unexploded ordnance as well as human remains. Pictured: People check the rubble of buildings hit in Israeli strikes the previous night in Al Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, on January 16

The millions of tons of debris also contains huge amounts of unexploded ordnance as well as human remains. Gaza's Health Ministry claims thousands of people killed in airstrikes are still buried under the rubble.

But, the full extent of the damage will remain unknown until the fighting comes to a full stop and inspectors have full access to the territory.

Now, Palestinian leaders are preparing in case they're tasked with running critical services and setting up an interim government in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has since met with top officials to discuss plans for reintegrating government institutions in Gaza, including the territory's health care, education, water and power sectors, as well as coordinating a surge of humanitarian aid.

However, there is still no plan for who will govern Gaza after the war.

Israel has said it will work with local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

But it's unclear if such partners exist, and Hamas has threatened anyone who cooperates with Israeli forces.

The United Nations estimates that the deadly war has littered Gaza with over 50 million tons of rubble, roughly 12 times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Pictured: Palestinian women walk past the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday

Last month, using satellite data, the UN estimated that 69 percent of the structures in Gaza, including over 245,000 homes, have been damaged or destroyed. Pictured: A Palestinian man walks with a crutch past the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threated on Thursday night to leave the government if Israel approves the ceasefire, but said his party would rejoin the government if fighting in Gaza continued.

Even if Ben-Gvir's party leaves the government, it does not rob Netanyahu of a parliamentary majority.

It also would not stop a ceasefire deal if the plan comes to a Cabinet vote for approval, which could happen as early as Friday.

Ben-Gvir said the ceasefire was 'reckless' and would 'destroy all of Israel's achievements.'
One of California's most multicultural towns is considering a measure to back Donald Trump's mass deportation policy in a move directly contradicting Governor Gavin Newsom's pledge to protect migrants.

The El Cajon City Council in San Diego County debated a motion which would retract sanctuary city status and assist the mass deportations Trump has promised to enact in his second term, which begins next week.

The President-elect vowed to enact a multi-billion dollar mass deportation plan targeting the millions of people residing in the US illegally.

While the wider state of California is largely opposed to Trump's deportation agenda, Mayor Bill Wells said his proposal was simply a matter of 'staying compliant with federal law.'

'We have the federal government saying we could be prosecuted if we don't cooperate with them, we've got the state government saying our police officers could be prosecuted if they do cooperate with the federal government,' Wells said.

A vote on the motion was postposed early this week after a heated reaction from the community during a council meeting.

Local human rights advocate Pedro Rios blasted the effort as a response to 'fear-mongering' from federal officials.

"It is driven by an anti-immigrant fervor that is concerning for residents in El Cajon who might fear that suddenly the police will be after them, asking them for papers," Rios told CBS 8.

Mayor Wells insisted that the measure would not lead to drastic action from local officials.

'This is not about taking our police force and turning them into Border Patrol agents, this is about cooperating with the federal government and following the law,' he said.

One of California 's most multicultural towns could soon back Donald Trump 's mass deportation policy in a move directly contradicting Governor Gavin Newsom 's pledge

The President-elect vowed to enact a multi-billion dollar mass deportation plan targeting the millions of people residing in the US illegally

'The intention is not to take our police department and have them rounding people up, that's not the intention at all.'

The latest census data in El Cajun reveals of the city's 106,000 residents, 87.6 per cent are citizens and 28.7 per cent were born outside of the country.

As it stands, California's sanctuary city laws limit cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, who cannot ask about a person's immigration status or alert officials about a prisoner's release date.

According to minutes from the meeting, councilors discussed 'the possibility of declaring the City of El Cajon as a non-sanctuary city.'

The city of Los Angeles reaffirmed its sanctuary status in late December, with Mayor Karen Bass declaring that 'immigrant protection make our communities stronger and our city better.'

Another part of the discussion was outspoken opposition to 'arresting ''good'' citizens who are in the city illegally.'

As per the minutes, the resolution states: 'The City remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its residents, particularly those most vulnerable to criminal activities such as human trafficking and drug distribution.'

In a letter sent to California Attorney General Rob Bonta from Wells, he explained that he is worried about State Senate Bill 54, which limits a local police force's powers to investigate, detain or arrest people for immigration violations.

Migrants trying to cross over a fence at the US-Mexico border. As it stands, California's sanctuary city laws limit cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, who cannot ask about a person's immigration status or alert officials about a prisoner's release date

People hold signs during a San Diego County board of supervisors meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in San Diego

Trump clinched the presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico

'While we appreciate the underlying purpose of SB 54, the incoming federal administration has an entirely different viewpoint on the issue,' he wrote.

'This divergence of opinion translates into a precarious legal position for cities, city council members, city management, and public safety personnel.

'The City Council acknowledges that immigration enforcement is a complex and sensitive issue, touching on foundational principles of state and federal jurisdiction, public safety, and trust within our community.

'The City expresses deep concern about its impact on protecting residents from individuals engaged in criminal activities, including gang involvement, human trafficking, and drug distribution.

'These activities pose serious threats to public safety, particularly for vulnerable populations within our community.'

Wells cited a 2024 Immigration and Customs Enforcement report which suggested 'there could be as many as 435,000 convicted criminals living in the U.S. illegally, many for violent crimes such as assault, sexual assault, prostitution, human trafficking, and child exploitation.

'It is unknown how many of these individuals are in El Cajon or the San Diego region,' he said, 'however, if some of them are here, they pose a serious threat to our community.'

In the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, local governments have been outspoken in their assurances they will not assist any federal agencies seeking to increase deportations.

While the wider state of California is largely opposed to the proposal, Mayor Bill Wells said it is simply a matter of 'staying compliant with federal law.' It directly contradicts Governor Gavin Newsom's promise to 'Trump-proof' state laws

California Governor Gavin Newsom sensationally demanded the state 'Trump-proof' its laws after Trump won a second term.

Trump clinched the presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico, in addition to halting entries across the US border with Mexico.

The president-elect's proposed immigration policies also include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.

During his previous administration, between 2017 and 2021 Trump put in place policies that left hundreds of thousands of migrants stranded in camps along the Mexican border, reshaping U.S. immigration politics.
President Joe Biden annnounced Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment has been ratified - which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

'It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people,' Biden said in a statement. 'In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.'

It was a last-minute move to finally get the 102-year-old ERA onto the Constitution, with just three days of his presidency left.

'He is using his power of the presidency to make it clear that he believes and he agrees with leading Constitutional scholars and the American Bar Association not that it should be, but that it is the 28th Amendment to the Constitution,' a senior administration official explained Friday morning.

Biden's announcement, however, appears purely symbolic, as the Archivist of the United States would have to green-light printing the ERA onto the Constitution, and she's already said that she can't legally do that.

While appointed by Biden, U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan is a friend of incoming first lady Melania Trump.

In January 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA - but the state did so decades after Congress set a ratification deadline of 1979.

In December, Shogan and Deputy Archivist William Bosanko released a statement saying that Congress' deadline remained enforceable.

President Joe Biden announced Friday that he believed that the Equal Rights Amendment was the law of the land. It prevents sex discrimination. The move appeared to be symbolic as the U.S. Archivist would need to print the Amendment on the Constitution

Archivist of the U.S. Colleen Shogan (right) is a friend of incoming first lady Melania Trmp (second from left). She said in a statement in December that she can't print the Equal Rights Amendment onto the Constition with Congressional or court action to remove the deadline

'Therefore, the Archivist of the United States cannot legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment,' the release stated.

Contacted on Friday, the Archives' press staff pointed back to the December statement.

'This is a long standing position for the Archivist and the National Archives. The underlying legal and procedural issues have not changed,' the press office said.

A number of Constitutional scholars point out, however, that there's nothing about deadlines when the ratification process is spelled out in the U.S. Constitution.

On a call with reporters Friday morning, a senior White House official said that the 'president is not going to direct the archivist' to make this move.

'The Constitution, as you just noted, makes entirely clear that amending the Constitution requires two thirds of both houses of congress and three-quarters of the states,' the official continued. 'And as the president has said, and as the ABA and leading scholars agree, those hurdles have been met.'

Advocates for the Equal Rights Amendment stand in front of the Supreme Court in a demonstration earlier this month

In the December statement, Shogan and Bosanko pointed to statements made by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel in 2020 and again in 2022 that said the Congressional deadline was valid and enforceable and concluded that extending or removing the deadline would require new action by Congress or the courts.

With Trump in charge and Republicans making up the majority of Congress it's unlikely to happen under their watch.

In 2020, the Trump administration asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit from three attorneys general seeking to add the ERA to the Constitution after Virginia ratified the Amendment in January.

Attorney generals in Virginia, Illinois and Nevada sued then U.S. Archivist David Ferriero to force him to 'carry out his statutory duty of recognizing the complete and final adoption' of the ERA as the 28th Amendment.
Dog ownership in Australia could soon be subject to new laws, including a licence needed to keep the pets, with the issue set to be reviewed following a string of dog attacks.

NSW owners could also be slapped with increased penalties if their dog attacks and harms someone, and if they ignore notices about how the dog should be kept.

People who own a dog for security could also be impacted by the proposed removal of legislation exempting owners from liability if their dog attacks a trespasser.

NSW coroners have been conducting a series of inquests into fatal dog attacks.

Delivering her findings on Friday after an inquest into the July 2021 death of a five-week old baby at a Central Coast home, deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes said there had been a concerning number of fatal dog attacks in the state since 2009.

The mother had been holding the baby boy in a rocking chair, fell asleep and woke to find the baby was on the floor of his bedroom suffering fatal puncture wounds.

Like several others, the attack involved an American Staffordshire terrier, which is not currently a restricted breed, although the local council had resolved to request they be listed as such months earlier.

The breed had the highest incidence of attacks in local government data from 2018-2021, the inquest heard.

NSW dog owners could face increased penalties if their dog attacks or harms someone

The dog was bought from a breeder advertising on online marketplaces, who provided no documentation about the breed of dog, which was also not microchipped.

The animal has since been euthanised.

The 'tragic and untimely death' demonstrated the need for pet ownership laws to be reviewed and amended, Ms Forbes said.

She made a series of recommendations, which, along with other inquests, will inform an upcoming review of the state's pet laws.

The recommendations include consideration of a potential licensing scheme, increased penalties and more responsibility - and liability - for owners.

'The regulatory regime as it stands is not effective at minimising the risk of serious or fatal dog attacks,' Ms Forbes said.

Existing penalties were also too low to deter non-compliance with the laws, she said.

Under Queensland laws introduced in 2024, the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures someone can be fined more than $100,000 or face three years in prison.

Ms Forbes said more public education was also required about the risks posed by dogs, how to select a suitable breed, and how to interact with, care for, train and socialise them.

American Staffordshire terriers have been involved in the most number of dog attacks in NSW

The coroner recommended the consideration of a licence for dog owners, which could require them to complete a safety program, while specific breeds could require an additional licence.

Owners could also be required to prove they were fit to own certain kinds of dogs.

Sections of laws that can limit the ability of council officers to place restrictions on a dog have also been recommended for review.

Ms Forbes acknowledged some might consider further regulations on owning a dog to be onerous.

'Any disadvantage is outweighed by the saving of lives and prevention of injury,' she said.

If changes are made, it will not be until after the review of state pet laws, which will be held following the completion of the current inquests into dog attacks and a parliamentary inquiry.
Two women have been injured after a massive tree fell in Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD.

Emergency services raced to the scene about 3.05pm on Friday after the tree fell onto the road at the Elizabeth Street side of the park.

Police officers found two injured women, aged 35 and 66-years-old.

Paramedics rushed one of the women to St Vincent's Hospital with minor injuries.

The other woman received treatment at the scene before she was taken to the hospital as well.

City of Sydney officials insist the trees had been inspected as part of routine public safety practices as recently as July, adding they would do so again once the weather cleared.

The first police officers on the scene frantically combed through a sea of branches and foliage to determine if anyone had become trapped.

Emergency services said no one appeared to have been seriously injured in the incident.

Emergency services have rushed to the Elizabeth Street side of Hyde Park in Sydney after a tree fell on two women

Paramedics rushed one woman to a nearby hospital and are treating the other at the scene

Paramedics rushed one of the women to St Vincent's Hospital with minor injuries while the other received treatment at the scene before she was taken to the hospital as well

The tree, on the park's edge near St James station, appeared to have split in two before crashing across the nearby footpath.

Two people were hit by the branches and knocked to the ground while onlookers ran to their aid, according to one witness.

The man, who identified himself as Chris, said he was walking along Elizabeth Street when he heard the crack of the tree and saw it crash onto a woman.

'There was a gust of wind and the tree has just fallen,' he told AAP.

'A lady was in the middle of it. If she had been a few metres back or a few metres forward it would have ended a lot worse.

'But she walked away with a couple of scratches, so she got really lucky. It's such a high traffic area but everyone got away, luckily.'

At least three ambulance crews were among emergency services at the scene, where police diverted traffic as the tree blocked two lanes of southbound traffic.

Images of the cleanup process captured roughly half a dozen emergency workers racing to clean up the mess of the tree after the two women were rescued.

Police arrived to find one woman hurt by the fallen tree on Friday afternoon

The huge tree was brought down in strong winds battering Sydney on Friday

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council was closing Hyde Park, with crews on site cleaning up the area.

'There are around 50,000 trees on land managed by the City of Sydney, all of which are inspected annually by qualified arborists,' they said.

'Any required maintenance work is carried out soon after the inspection ... trees in Hyde Park were last inspected in July 2024.'

Police cars blocked off Elizabeth Street to the public while rescue workers cleared the area.

Rescue crews were considering whether to chop the tree into pieces in order to clear the road.

Staff from the nearby Sheraton hotel ran across to help victims and search for anyone else who had been injured.

Onlookers were warned to stay away from other trees out of fears they could also fall.

Rescue crews were considering whether to chop the tree into pieces in order to clear the road

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council was closing Hyde Park, with crews on site cleaning up the area

The Bureau of Meteorology flagged the risk of damaging winds in the Sydney metropolitan area earlier on Friday.

The wild conditions also caused two separate trees to fall on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line, cancelling train services.

Emergency services have warned Sydneysiders to brace for more storms.

The Bureau has been monitoring a cold front across NSW, following a mass of warm, humid air on Wednesday.

Meteorologists said the conditions had created the perfect environment for dangerous and widespread thunderstorms.

Sydneysiders have been urged to stay away from downed power lines, and anyone with property damaged by the storms and winds is advised to contact the SES.

Elsewhere in the city a sheet of roofing fell into the stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground after wild winds blew across the ground before the Sydney Sixers' Big Bash League clash with the Sydney Thunder.

Security guards evacuated fans from a bay in the Bill O'Reilly Stand around 6:30pm on Friday night when roof sheeting began to flap precariously directly above.

The sheeting fell from the underside of the stand but did not hit anyone, with applause ringing out from those that had remained nearby.

The bay remained empty afterwards as security kept watch on the area.
Convicted kidnapper Matthew Muller pleaded guilty Friday morning to two felony charges of assault with the intention to commit rape during a burglary at his plea hearing at Santa Clara Countys Hall of Justice.

Muller is already serving a sentence of 40 years in prison for kidnapping and raping a Vallejo woman in a case police at first believed was a hoax, likening it to the movie Gone Girl, where a woman fakes her own kidnapping.

Seated next to his attorney in the San Jose courthouse, Muller wore brown jail scrubs and glasses and nodded contentedly in a conversation with his lawyer after the judge set his sentencing hearing for Feb. 21.

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If convicted of the charges, Muller  a former Marine and Harvard University-educated immigration lawyer who was disbarred in 2014  could face life in prison.

Prosecutors said that on Sept. 29, 2009, Muller broke into a womans Mountain View home, attacked her, tied her up and forced her to drink a mix of medications, telling her he was going to rape her. The following month, prosecutors allege Muller broke into a womans Palo Alto home, gagged a woman, forced her to drink Nyquil and assaulted her.

Convicted kidnapper Matthew Muller pleaded guilty two felony charges of assault with the intention to commit rape during a burglary. Muller is already serving time for a 2015 kidnapping and rape case in Vallejo. Dublin Police Department

This extremely dangerous person left a trail of traumatized and terrified victims, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. It took the collective courage of his victims and determined law enforcement officers to stop him. This nightmare is over.

In the 2015 Vallejo case, Muller broke into the Mare Island home, where he ordered a couple to lie still while he bound, blindfolded and forced them to drink a sedative. Muller placed the girlfriend, Denise Huskins, in the trunk of his car and drove her to his home in South Lake Tahoe, where he raped her twice. Two days later, he drove her to her familys home in Huntington Beach (Orange County).

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While the victim was being held captive, Muller sent an anonymous email to the Chronicle with an audio clip of Huskins speaking  a proof-of-life recording  that the newsroom forwarded to police, one of a few he sent.

After Muller was arrested by police in Dublin for a similar home invasion, investigators found a cellphone they traced to him and subsequently searched his car and residence that turned up evidence, including the computer Muller stole from Huskins boyfriend in the Vallejo kidnapping.

Later on, Vallejo police issued a public apology for the botched investigation, and the couple was paid $2.5 million in a settlement with the city.

The cases out of Santa Clara County cropped up after advances in forensic DNA testing found Mullers DNA to match the DNA found on straps an assailant used to bind a victim in one of the Peninsula attacks, officials said.

Prosecutors allege that after Muller broke into both of the Palo Alto and Mountain view homes, he gave the victims crime prevention advice. He allegedly told one of them she should get a dog, prosecutors said.

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The 35-year-old presenter says it is time to 'redistribute' the country's wealth

Former ABC News Breakfast star Tony Armstrong has urged Australians to right the wrongs of the nation's colonial past, backing a campaign that calls for people to pay voluntary, weekly reparations to the country's Indigenous population.

The 35-year-old television personality threw his weight behind First Nations Futures' #WealthBack campaign while posting about the project on social media on Friday while hitting back at racist trolls.

The campaign aims to raise at least $400,000 for projects in Indigenous communities by calling people to make 'weekly or monthly' donations as a 'recurring co-investment' while taking 'an active step in redistributing wealth'.

In its promotional material, it encouraged non-Indigenous Australian to recognise the nation's inequality and the economic benefit they had received from 'living in so-called "Australia"' to the continual 'detriment of First Nations people'.

'In the lead up to Invasion Day (January 26), First Nations Futures is calling on all people that have benefited from the ongoing colonisation of First Nations lands to give #WEALTHBACK,' the First Nations Futures explains on the campaign's office website.

'#WEALTHBACK means to reckon with past and present wrongs, and participate in the returning of wealth that has been taken. It acknowledges the economic benefit that people living in so-called Australia have gained from colonisation.

'Land theft, slavery, and the ongoing refusal to address this by governments and individuals has created immense wealth inequality in so-called Australia - to the continual benefit of settlers and the detriment of First Nations people.

'It is time for all people to move beyond empty gestures and address the truth that this country is formed from the theft of First Nations lands and wages.

The ABC's golden boy, Tony Armstrong, is encouraging Australians to right the wrongs of the nation's colonial past by making voluntary, weekly reparations to the country's Indigenous population

The 35-year-old television personality has thrown his weight behind the #WealthBack campaign that wants to call attention to the 'economic benefit that people living in so-called Australia have gained from colonisation'

'Through widespread, active and recurring wealth redistribution, our campaign offers a tangible and meaningful way for all people to participate in collective movement towards justice.

'#WEALTHBACK is to: Reckon with the history of stolen wealth and how it informs present wealth; Return wealth that has been taken from First Nations communities; Repair past wrongs and pave way for a collective future grounded in justice.'

The campaign's organisers said they hoped to raise $400,000 'to support our First Nations partners in continuing their integral work for community and Country' and 'see 250 new people sign up to our funding platform on a recurring basis and redistribute $5 (or more) per week'.

The site's funding page recommends people make weekly donations of between $15 and $100, monthly donations of between $30 and $200 or 'once off' payments of between $50 and $1000.

The organisers said it was incumbent on all Australians to 'take responsibility' for resetting the nation's financial power imbalance.

'The continuous impacts of colonisation have created unequal ground, where all people living in Australia continually benefit economically from the colonisation of First Nations lands and people,' the campaign website says.

'The effects have meant that non-Indigenous people have disproportionate power and access to wealth and resources.

'While many First Nations community-driven initiatives do not have the sustainable resources to drive the change they want to see.

'Our communities have been advocating, campaigning and implementing solutions on the ground for generations on limited resources.

'It is for all people in Australia to take responsibility and redistribute wealth and power in meaningful and ongoing ways.'

Two-time Logie winner became one of the nation's most recognisable television stars during his three-year run on the ABC's News Breakfast show

Armstrong, who has become one of the nation's most recognisable television stars since making the switch from an AFL career to one on the small screen, backed the campaign in his post.

'Reckon it's time everyone starts redistributing ayyy,' he wrote under an image of the campaign poster.

Armstrong went on to post responses to some of his critics on social media while highlighting some of the ugly - and racist - comments he is forced to endure online.

'I love living rent free in these losers' heads,' he wrote in response to one user who posted a picture of him alongside while commenting: 'This smug turd is annoying. A f***ing ego w****.'

When that post received a racist response, he posted that too, saying 'I'm in the f***in' mood today.'

Fellow users were quick to leap to Armstrong's defence, adding comments such as 'Wow. Another racist f*** trying to attack a great guy'.

Armstrong shared a separate post on Instagram later in the day highlighting the racism he is facing due to his support of the First Nations Futures campaign.

He said he would normally ignore that type comment since he does not 'want to make a fuss' but decided to share screenshots of some X posts that had really got to him.

The popular presenter laughed off some of the negative comments he attracts online

'I am really angry today. I dont often share stuff that comes my way. I normally just let it go, because I dont wanna make a fuss, which is cooked in itself,' he wrote.

'This post is to show a snippet of some of the shit thats come my way in just the last 24hrs.

'I know some people will look at this and think I need to get over it or think that theyre just words from people who dont matter. But it hurts & Im sick and tired of it.

'People are feeling really comfortable just being flat out racist without any real ramification. This is nothing new to me, but sometimes it gets ya. Today it did.'

The posts he shared included one by a sarcastic X user telling others to lay off the former ABC presenter, leading to replies containing racist stereotypes.

'Leave Tonn'ay alone. Him and his mob are proud first nations persons. Him proper one,' the first post read.

'I'm surprised you know what rent is, you know with all the handouts and all,' one person replied.

'He's more lightskin than me, he gets the best of both worlds,' another said.

Armstrong shared screenshots of the racist barbs he was receiving online on Friday afternoon

The former ABC presenter said he usually does not let these kind of comments get to him but that he was struggling to cope at the time of posting

The two-time Logie winner is currently starring in a six-part series for the public broadcast after quitting the ABC's News Breakfast show last October.

Explaining his decision to step away from the program, he said he felt the time was right to focus on 'slower things' rather than maintaining the fast-paced, cut and thrust of daily news.

'News Breakfast, or news, as we all know, you're tethered to a desk. So you always have to come back to something,' Armstrong explained to the panel.

'It's harder to do the slower thinking. So working on a few things like that.

'I won't be on telly as much as I have been. But I'll be around.'

He courted controversy last month after a promo his new factual series, titled Eat The Invaders, which debuted on the ABC last week last week.

The series investigates whether it consuming invasive species such as carp, deer, camels, and cane toads could be a 'tasty solution' to safeguarding Australia native biodiversity from foreign pests.

In the trailer, Armstrong is seen holding a notoriously toxic cane toad, with a large knife precariously positioned above the creature.

'But what if we could help? By re-imagining this problem as a tasty solution,' Armstrong asks.

ABC star Tony Armstrong came under fire for suggesting that Australians consider eating cane toads

The series is expected to feature six meals, each centered around a specific invasive species as the primary ingredient.

However, in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Carol Booth, the Principal Policy Analyst at the Invasive Species Council, condemned the idea of eating cane toads, which were introduced to Australia in 1938, with its population surging from 102 toads to more than 200million.

Dr Booth stated that while the idea of consuming invasive species might be well-intentioned, it could actually worsen the situation.

'It's an appealing pitch, and the intentions are good, but believing that eating Australia's invasive species will solve the problem is unrealistic and could exacerbate the issue,' Dr Booth said.

'The show, by showcasing these animals as food, risks making their presence more desirable  creating a dangerous paradox that could lead to the further spread of some species.'

Dr Booth added that the Invasive Species Council had raised the issue with series producers, but their efforts went unheeded.

'This is something the Invasive Species Council raised with the makers of the show back when it was just a concept. Unfortunately, our biology-based message was not so delicious,' she said.

The award-winning presenter says he quit daily news to focus on 'slower' long-term projects

First Nations Futures was set up three years ago to 'respond to the economic barriers that First Nations community-driven initiatives face within funding systems'.

'The journey of First Nations Futures has been slow, intentional, and has included many yarns and workshops with First Nations leaders and young people along the way,' it said on its websits.

'Throughout these conversations, we focused on exploring and co-designing a funding mechanism that could facilitate long-term wealth redistribution, unrestricted funding and First Nations self-determination.

'While also understanding our scope and model of impact - bound by cultural values, ethics of custodianship, and investing in our future generations.'
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have rejected two Democrats who asked to join the Musk co-chaired Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The newly minted cost-cutting department already has 50 employees working in Washington, D.C.

They do not, however, include Norman Eisen and Virginia Canter, an ethics official for Barack Obama and attorney for Bill Clinton, respectively.

The two Democrats asked if they could take part in Trump and Musk's attempt to cut government waste.

'We write to request our appointment as members of the 'Department of Government Efficiency,' the pair said in a letter to Musk and fellow co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy.

The pair were rejected, with a spokesperson for the Trump transition team pointing to a Truth Social post by the president-elect for further explanation.

'President Trump's Truth made clear we have no room in our administration for Democrats,' Katie Miller told the New York Times.

Miller appeared to be refer to a message of 'out with the old, in with the new' sent by Trump on Wednesday that named and shamed many of his former Cabinet members while honoring his new administration.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump have rejected two Democrats who asked to join the Musk co-chaired Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The newly minted cost-cutting department already has 50 employees working in Washington, D.C. under the guidance of Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy (pictured right)

Almost everyone named in that missive was a Republican or a person who worked for Trump during his first term.

He wrote: 'As of today, the incoming Trump Administration has hired over 1,000 people for The United States Government. They are outstanding in every way, and you will see the fruits of their labor over the coming years. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and it will happen very quickly!'

Trump then advised any hiring managers that 'it would be helpful if you would not send, or recommend to us, people who worked with, or are endorsed by' a list of anti-Trump Republicans 'in order to save time, money, and effort.'

He specifically named 11 different Republicans and first-term Trump employees, many of them coming with nicknames, concluding that they and many others suffered from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.'

The pair told the Times that they've launched a nonprofit in an attempt to keep an eye on DOGE called the State Democracy Defenders Fund.

They wanted to work as ombudsmen for the DOGE efforts to prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Eisen and Cantor also wanted to help keep the group compliant of the Federal Advisory Committee Act which forces committees of nongovernment employees be 'fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented.'

DOGE is a private entity not involved with the federal government, but its agents have already been visiting multiple executive branch departments conducting interviews, the report states.

Norman Eisen is a former White House ethics official under President Barack Obama

Virginia Canter worked as an attorney for both Obama and President Bill Clinton

The U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Departments Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services have all been involved in preliminary investigations.

Previously, Musk set out the ambitious goal of cutting federal spending by $2 trillion in the coming years from a federal budget that hovers around $6.8 trillion.

However, earlier this week the SpaceX CEO seemed to adjust that target.

'I think we'll try for $2 trillion. I think that's like the best-case outcome,' he said, 'But I do think that you kind of have to have some overage. I think if we try for $2 trillion, we've got a good shot at getting $1 [trillion].'

DOGE, which was first announced in November after the presidential election, is looking to scale up its operation quickly.

According to the Post's report, the Washington, D.C., DOGE office is aiming to reach 100 employees in coming weeks.

'Recruiting for a very small number of full-time salaried HR, IT, and Finance positions,' the DOGE X account posted at the end of December. 'If interested, please DM us your resume and a few bullet points about why you are interested in DOGE.'

The official DOGE account posted again this week calling for engineers to apply.

'Recruiting for a very small number of full-time salaried Software Engineers and InfoSec Engineers,' the statement said. 'If interested, please DM us a few bullet points demonstrating exceptional ability, and your cell phone number.'

As much of the department remains shrouded in mystery, like why its employees are sharing an office with SpaceX, who is paying the employee's salaries and what parts of the government they are targeting, some high-profile executives have been appointed to management positions.

Steve Davis, a veteran of several of Musk's companies with a reputation of cutting costs, has been brought into DOGE to help recruit top talent.

Emil Michael, a former executive at Uber, has joined on to help cut government regulations, the newspaper reported.
In a statement provided to DailyMail.com the FBI said its DEI office is closing

Donald Trump has accused the FBI of shuttering its controversial diverstiy, equity and inclusion office in an effort to conceal corruption within the department.

The President-elect launched a scathing attack of the department on Truth Social on Thursday night, demanding the FBI 'preserve and retain all records, documents and information on the now closing DEI office.'

An FBI spokesperson told DailyMail.com earlier on Thursday that steps to close the office began weeks ago.

The closing of the DEI office just ahead of the president-elect's swearing in signals that the FBI is anticipating reforms from the incoming administration when MAGA diehard Kash Patel is expected to take over.

But Trump said the office 'never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago.'

'Why is it that theyre closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!'

In 2015, the FBI added 'diversity' as a 'core value' of the organization, insisting it was 'committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace.'

The DEI website stated: 'We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience.

Kash Pate and Donald Trump during the president's first term

The J. Edgar Hoover building, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, is photographed on October 8, 2024 in Washington, DC. The FBI confirmed it closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion

'I will end all of the Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,' Trump said in December.

'We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people.

'We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as todays FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.

'Our greatest asset is our people and they are imperative to ensuring the FBI can build trust, uphold the Constitution, and serve all communities.'

But the DEI has been the target of multiple complaints and concerns, particularly among Republicans who fear the prioritization of inclusion and diversity over merit and ability has been detrimental.

Trump himself has said DEI within federal departments would be on the chopping block once he was back in the White House.

'I will end all of the Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,' Trump said in December.

The FBI has also been the object of Republican ire since Trump decried the department of being politicized in the wake of his 'Russiagate' investigation.

To solve what Trump and his allies perceive as widespread corruption and stagnation at the FBI, the president-elect nominated conservative prosecutor and former Trump administration official Kash Patel to lead the spy agency.

Donald Trump's nominee to become the next FBI director Kash Patel. He has vowed to turn the agency on its head and realign its priorities

FBI Director Christopher Wray

A screenshot of the FBI DEI's webpage

Patel said last year he wants to 'shut down' the FBI's D.C. headquarters and then 'reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state.''

The FBI's DEI office sparked controversy for suggesting the law enforcement agency is not focused solely on the protection of American citizens, Republicans said.

Highlighting those concerns, Sen. Marsha Blackburn wrote a letter earlier this month to FBI Director Christopher Wray slamming the 'radical' internal office.

'I am deeply concerned thatunder your leadershipthe Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people,' she wrote.

'A recent report, drafted by a group of retired FBI agents for the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, indicates that the law enforcement and intelligence capabilities of the FBI are degrading because the FBI is no longer hiring the best and the brightest candidates,'' it continued.

Specifically, Blackburn expressed concern about the FBI's performance in the wake of the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Years Day.

'Your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans. Americans now feel increasingly unsafe because of incidents like the January 1 terror attack, and the FBIs prioritization of diversity over competence shows that their concerns are well founded,' she wrote.

Trump will officially take office on Monday afternoon.
At least 56 babies and two mothers have tragically died at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust in the past five years, with bereaved families raising concerns that many of these deaths could have been prevented.

The hospital's two maternity units - Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital - are rated 'good' by England's healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

However, two whistleblowers have shared troubling accounts, suggesting that the units are unsafe and that care standards are being overlooked.

Separate data has revealed that Leeds has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the UK.

According to recent reports, the trust's neonatal mortality rate stands at 4.46 per 1,000 live births in 2022, a figure that is 70 per cent higher than the average rate for comparable NHS trusts.

This rise in neonatal deaths from 3.30 per 1,000 live births in 2017 has prompted alarm among families and health experts alike.

Families who have lost their babies at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital have raised multiple concerns about the trust's response to these deaths, with some claiming a culture of negligence and a lack of empathy from hospital staff.

For many parents, the anguish is compounded by the fact that the trust's former CEO, Sir Julian Hartley, now heads the CQC, the very body responsible for regulating NHS hospitals.

For many parents, the anguish is compounded by the fact that the trust's former CEO, Sir Julian Hartley, now heads the CQC, the very body responsible for regulating NHS hospitals

Leeds General Infirmary. At least 56 babies and two mothers have tragically died at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust in the past five years, with bereaved families raising concerns that many of these deaths could have been prevented

According to recent reports, the trust's neonatal mortality rate stands at 4.46 per 1,000 live births in 2022, a figure that is 70 per cent higher than the average rate for comparable NHS trusts (stock image)

These parents worry that his position at the regulator could compromise the independence of any future investigations into the trust's maternity services.

The BBC's investigation into the trust found that from January 2019 to July 2024, at least 56 babies died in circumstances that a trust-led review group concluded may have been avoidable.

The deaths comprised 27 stillbirths and 29 neonatal deaths, those occurring within 28 days of birth.

Each case reviewed by the trust identified potential issues with the care provided, though it emphasised that the vast majority of births at the trust were safe, and maternal and baby deaths remained rare.

However, families who have lost children at Leeds are calling for a comprehensive, independent review into the trust's practices to ensure that critical lessons are learned.

They also advocate for a public inquiry into maternity safety across England, with an emphasis on improving standards nationwide.

Bereaved parents have described a culture of 'tick box' care, where serious concerns are dismissed rather than addressed.

Lisa Elliott, a former maternity support worker who worked at Leeds Teaching Hospitals in 2023, spoke out about the inadequate care she witnessed during her shifts.

She described the situation as 'appalling' and highlighted how a failure to listen to the concerns of patients and staff led to catastrophic outcomes.

'When you don't listen, that's when disasters happen. A lot of these deaths could have been avoided,' she said.

The story of one couple, Dan and Fiona Ramm, has drawn particular attention. Their baby, Aliona Grace, died at Leeds General Infirmary in January 2020, just 27 minutes after being born.

The story of one couple, Dan and Fiona Ramm (above), has drawn particular attention. Their baby, Aliona Grace, died at Leeds General Infirmary in January 2020, just 27 minutes after being born

St James's University Hospital. The BBC's investigation into the trust found that from January 2019 to July 2024, at least 56 babies died in circumstances that a trust-led review group concluded may have been avoidable

Delays in admitting Fiona after her waters broke and a failure to escalate concerns about Aliona's heart rate during labour were flagged during a 2023 inquest as contributing factors to her tragic death.

Dan Ramm has been outspoken about what he sees as a pattern of systemic failures at the hospital, saying, 'Leeds say they've learned lessons, but babies keep dying for similar reasons. The same mistakes are happening again.'

The Ramms also believe that the CQC failed to hold the trust accountable, despite raising safety concerns as early as November 2020.

Their frustration is compounded by the fact that Sir Julian Hartley, who was CEO of Leeds during the period when Aliona died, now oversees the CQC.

'There's a huge conflict of interest,' Dan Ramm said, questioning whether any future CQC investigations could be impartial given Hartley's new role.

A spokesperson for the CQC defended its independence, stating that robust policies are in place to manage any potential conflicts of interest.

However, the regulator's response has done little to allay the concerns of the bereaved families, who argue that the CQC has failed to adequately investigate their cases.

Further troubling details have emerged from the experiences of another family, Amarjit Kaur and Mandip Singh Matharoo.

In February 2024, Amarjit, who was 32 weeks pregnant, visited the maternity unit at Leeds General Infirmary twice within a 24-hour period, complaining of severe abdominal pain.

Despite her obvious distress, she was told she was simply experiencing ligament pain and was sent home both times with painkillers.

A few days later, Amarjit underwent emergency surgery, only for doctors to discover a massive blood clot in the very area she had pointed out earlier.

The Ramms also believe that the CQC failed to hold the trust accountable, despite raising safety concerns as early as November 2020 (stock image)

Her daughter, Asees, was stillborn on 6 January 2024. Amarjit and Mandip believe that their baby could have been saved had the hospital taken their concerns more seriously.

'It's been the hardest year of my life,' Amarjit said, speaking about her loss.

Amarjit also feels that her treatment may have been influenced by her ethnicity. She believes she was treated differently from a white patient she overheard being given more attention during a similar consultation.

'The only difference between me and her was the colour of my skin,' she said.

The trust has acknowledged that concerns about potential racial discrimination in care were raised and have been taken seriously.

It says these concerns have been escalated to senior management for further investigation. However, this has done little to ease the pain for families who feel that their concerns are not being addressed with the urgency they require.

Whistleblowers have further painted a picture of unsafe care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, describing the service as 'completely broken' due to chronic understaffing.

One clinical staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the consequences of understaffing were all too evident, with women and babies not receiving the level of care they needed.

The trust has insisted that it continues to make improvements, emphasising that it serves as a specialist centre caring for babies with complex conditions.

However, families and health professionals continue to call for a more comprehensive investigation into the trust's maternity services.

Chris Dzikiti, the CQC's interim chief inspector of healthcare, stated that the trust's maternity services were under 'close oversight' and that recent inspections had been carried out.

Clea Harmer, chief executive of the neo-natal charity Sands, told BBC Breakfast this morning: 'The themes that come out[on these stories] are the same. Parents not being listened to, and that's during birth and pregnancy but also afterwards.

'Individual healthcare professional want to give the best care possible, I think this is a system problem it is very difficult to provide the care that they want to in the current system.

'I think what needs to happen is that maternity and neo-natal care needs to be a priority, for the government and for the NHS.

'One way of doing that would be to have a national ambition, and targets to reduce the number of babies dying.'

The findings of these inspections are expected to be published soon.
Israel's security cabinet will meet to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal today, with the expectation a truce could come into effect as soon as Sunday.

The deal, setting out terms for an initial exchange of hostages for prisoners, is expected to pass despite backlash from hard-right members of the coalition.

If approved, it could set the tone for a move towards the terms for a permanent end to the war after 15 months of conflict.

At least two cabinet members have voiced opposition to the deal, with far-right minister Ben Gvir saying he and colleagues would quit the government if it approved the 'irresponsible' deal.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also opposes the truce, calling it a 'dangerous deal' and insisting that his party's continued membership in government depends on Israel staying in the war until the complete military defeat of Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said early today that a 'deal to release the hostages' had been reached and he had ordered the political-security cabinet to meet later in the day. 'The government will then convene to approve the deal.'

The ceasefire agreement followed intensified efforts from mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States, after months of fruitless negotiations to end the deadliest war in Gaza's history.

If finalised, it would pause hostilities one day before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who claimed credit for the agreement.

'If we weren't involved in this deal, the deal would've never happened,' Trump said in an interview Thursday.

Supporters and family members of hostages protest ahead of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 16

Smoke plumes rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 14, 2025

A view of damage at the residential building of Palestinian Aloush family following a fresh Israeli airstrike on Jabalia after Israel and Gaza reached a ceasefire deal, in the north of Gaza City, Gaza on January 16, 2025

Netanyahu's office had accused Hamas on Thursday of reneging on key parts of the agreement to extort last-minute concessions - an allegation Hamas denied.

Despite challenges - ostensibly with Hamas, and openly within government - the deal is expected to pass through the cabinet.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been involved in months of mediation efforts, said yesterday he believed the ceasefire would go ahead on schedule.

'I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday,' he said.

Envoys from both the Trump team and the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden were present at the latest negotiations, with a senior Biden official saying the unlikely pairing had been a decisive factor in reaching the deal.

In Israel and Gaza, there were celebrations welcoming the truce deal, but also anguish.

Saeed Alloush, who lives in north Gaza, said he and his loved ones were 'waiting for the truce and were happy', until overnight strikes killed many of his relatives.

'It was the happiest night since October 7' until 'we received the news of the martyrdom of 40 people from the Alloush family', he said.

In Tel Aviv, pensioner Simon Patya said he felt 'great joy' that some hostages would return alive, but also 'great sorrow for those who are returning in bags, and that will be a very strong blow, morally'.

Donald Trump talks to reporters after a meeting with Republican leadership at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025

Joe Biden, flanked by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaks after negotiators reached a phased deal for a ceasefire in Gaza, Jan 15

An Israeli soldier visits an installation bearing the photos of victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, at the site of the Nova festival, in Re'im, southern Israel, on January 16

A woman walks by mock coffins lining a street and covered with Israeli flags that are meant to symbolize the price Israel will pay for agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas in a demonstration against the deal staged by a group representing families of Israelis killed during the war in Gaza, in Jerusalem on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, announcing the agreement on Wednesday, said an initial 42-day ceasefire would see 33 hostages released, including women, 'children, elderly people, as well as civilian ill people and wounded'.

Also in the first phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza's densely populated areas and allow displaced Palestinians to return 'to their residences', he said.

Biden said the second phase of the agreement could bring a 'permanent end to the war'.

He added the deal would 'surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families'.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also underscored the 'importance of accelerating the entry of urgent humanitarian aid' into Gaza.

Cairo said it was ready to host an international conference on reconstruction in Gaza, where the United Nations has said it would take more than a decade to rebuild civilian infrastructure.

In a statement Thursday, G7 leaders called the ceasefire deal 'a significant development' and urged Israel and Hamas to work on its 'full implementation.'

The World Health Organization's representative in the Palestinian territories, Rik Peeperkorn, said Thursday that at least $10 billion would probably be needed over the next five to seven years to rebuild Gaza's devastated health system alone.

The UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, facing an Israeli ban on its activities set to start later this month, welcomed the ceasefire deal.

'What's needed is rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access and supplies to respond to the tremendous suffering caused by this war,' UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X.

Away from the diplomacy, Israeli strikes killed dozens of people, Gaza rescuers said Thursday, while Israel's military reported hitting about 50 targets across the territory over the past day.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israel pounded several areas of the territory after the deal was announced on Wednesday, killing at least 80 people and wounding hundreds since then.

Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 7, 2025

Protesters calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16, 2025 in Tel Aviv

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march during a protest against Israeli attacks in Gaza since the announcement of the ceasefire, on January 16, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario

Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, warned that Israeli strikes were risking the lives of hostages due to be freed under the deal, and could turn their 'freedom... into a tragedy'.

The war was triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

During the attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, Palestinian 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 ensuing campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,788 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable.
Train passengers caught without a ticket should be let off with a warning for a first offence, according to a watchdog.

Transport Focus urged all operators in Britain to introduce a so-called yellow card system to 'make things fairer for everyone'.

A record of passengers found not to have the correct ticket or railcard would be taken so it can be checked in future.

This comes in the wake of cases where passengers were being prosecuted over small amounts of money were highlighted in the media.

Engineering graduate Sam Williamson said he feared getting a criminal record and being fined hundreds of pounds after being told he was being prosecuted by Government-owned operator Northern because he unknowingly used a railcard at the wrong time, resulting in a 1.90 underpayment.

Northern dropped its action against him following media coverage.

Sam Williamson was told he was being prosecuted by Government-owned operator Northern because he unknowingly used a railcard at the wrong time, resulting in a 1.90 underpayment

Train operators also used the Penalty Fares system, which is a 100 penalty plus the price of the full single fare applicable for the intended journey.

If paid within 21 days, the Penalty Fare is reduced to 50 plus the price of the single fare.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group previously estimated that around 240 million is lost through fare evasion on Britain's railways each year.

Other approaches suggested by Transport Focus to tackle the issue include introducing a digital database of railcards.

Northern dropped its action against the graduate following media coverage 9stock image)

This would enable ticket inspectors to check a passenger's eligibility for a discount if they say their railcard has been forgotten or cannot be loaded on a phone.

The watchdog also wants increased measures to collect fares, so passengers know they will be asked to produce a valid ticket at the start and end of their journey, as well as during it.

It said there are 'clear benefits to having safe, secure stations with proper barriers'.

Natasha Grice, director for rail at Transport Focus, said: 'Transport Focus has long been concerned about the complexity of rail fares and ticketing, particularly for passengers who find it hard to buy the right ticket for their journey.

Transport Focus urged all operators to introduce a so-called yellow card system (stock image)

'We understand and support the principle that all users of rail should be paying for their ticket, but we want to make sure that passengers who make an innocent mistake aren't punished unfairly.

'There are some things that the industry could do now to make things better, and our research tells us that if the railway is to build trust and confidence, an improved approach to revenue protection is needed.

'Recouping this money could help boost investment in services, making things better for passengers.'

In November, the Department for Transport ordered regulator the Office of Rail and Road to carry out an independent review of rail fare prosecutions and enforcement.
Britons are bracing for another very cold weekend as temperatures fall to -3C overnight and only get up to 3C in the daytime for much of England and Wales.

The Met Office said high pressure sitting to the South East would 'draw up some chilly air' across southern areas with conditions also expected to be cloudy.

Highs of just 3C (37F) to 5C (41F) are expected for most of England and Wales tomorrow, although the far South West could see 8C (47F) and Scotland 9C (48F).

Temperatures tomorrow night are set to fall to -3C (27F) in northern England, North Wales and northern Scotland, while London and Manchester will drop to 0C (32F).

Sunday will bring daytime highs of 2C (36F) to 6C (43F) for most of England - but the South West will see 9C (48F) along with Scotland, while Wales will get to 7C (45F).

Then, an ongoing 'very significant cold plunge' hitting the US from the Arctic will impact the UK next week as the cold air coming south meets warmer subtropical air.

Forecasters said this dramatic temperature contrast would 'fire up a very active jet stream' which will bring 'spells of wet and windy weather' to Britain by midweek.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: 'High pressure will be strongly influential across the UK this weekend but that doesn't always mean sunny or warm.

A man looks over a canal in Little Venice in London yesterday afternoon in the chilly weather

The sunset mirrored in the waters of the River Medway near Rochester in Kent yesterday

'Far from it, in fact with that high pressure sitting to the South East we're actually going to draw up some chilly air across southern parts of the UK in particular and further low cloud at times as well.

2025 UK temperature extremes so far High: 15.7C (60.3F) on January 14 in Cassley, Highlands

Low: -18.9C (-2F) on January 11 in Altnaharra, Highlands Advertisement

'Meanwhile for Scotland and Northern Ireland more of a breeze and a maritime influence so not quite as chilly but still temperatures of 9C, 10C, 11C and very windy in the far North West of Scotland.

'Coastal gales along with a few spots of rain perhaps - with this area of rain extending out towards the Atlantic.'

He added that there would be some cloud breaks tomorrow afternoon in northern England, parts of Wales and northern Scotland  'especially where the wind comes in from the South and breaks up the cloud over high ground'.

But he told how low cloud would be a feature particularly in the South East  and with this 'coming in from a chilly continent' it could bring 'a few spots of drizzle or in fact one or two snow grains'. Most areas however should be settled 'albeit rather chilly'.

Looking ahead to tomorrow night, Mr McGivern said: 'This weather front does become closer - it moves in very slowly from the West, but it comes up against high pressure which is slowly loosening its grip across the UK. However for all intents and purposes it's a very similar day on Sunday compared with Saturday.

'We start off with a touch of frost in places, perhaps as low as -3C if we get lengthy clear spells overnight - most likely through northern parts of England, North Wales, northern Scotland.

'But where we keep the low cloud it's going to start off quite chilly but frost free. A few fog patches around as well could last until the afternoon - otherwise it's a very similar picture on Saturday.'

He said there would again be low cloud with some drizzle and snow grains, with temperatures of 2C (36F) or 3C (37F) in the East but milder in the West and the North.

The cloud will thicken in the North West later on with 'outbreaks of rain slowly beginning to arrive from the Atlantic with a weakening weather front'.

Mr McGivern then warned of a change in the weather next week, saying that in North America there was a 'very significant cold plunge, air coming all the way from the Arctic into much of Canada and the United States bringing unusually cold weather.'

He said this would impact the UK's weather next week 'because as that cold air comes south it collides with warmer subtropical air'.

Mr McGivern continued: 'That temperature contrast fires up a very active jet stream which will eventually make its way across the Atlantic and send the UK a very significant change in weather from the middle of next week. So much more unsettled with Atlantic lows arriving, bringing spells of wet and windy weather.'

A 'very significant cold plunge' hitting the US from the Arctic will impact the UK next week

It comes after a week of topsy-turvy temperatures that saw different records broken at either end of the scale in just three days.

On Tuesday, Cassley in the Scottish Highlands reached 15.7C (60.3F), which was a new date record for the highest temperature on January 14 since records began.

That also made Tuesday the UK's warmest day of 2024 so far - beating the previous high of 14.2C (57.6F) set at Merryfield in Somerset on Sunday, January 5.

But it came after Altnaharra in the Highlands plunged to -18.9C (-2F) on Saturday, January 11 - which was the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010.

Much of the UK endured sub-freezing temperatures last weekend, dropping to -11.2C (11.8F) at Shap in Cumbria while Bala in Wales recording -6.7C (19.9F).

The UK Health Security Agency had a cold weather health alert in place for all of England during what became a prolonged chilly spell at the start of the year.

But the sudden change in conditions this week resulted in a 34.6C (62.3F) swing in temperatures in just three days in northern Scotland, between Saturday and Tuesday.

The average low in northern Scotland for this time of year is -0.3C (31.5F), while for England, overnight lows are normally about 1.5C (34.7F).
A playboy prince from the historic German Bismarck family is suing his two siblings for a share of their inheritance said to be worth up to 1billion (840million) in the latest escalation in a decades-long feud.

Carl-Eduard, Prince of Bismarck, a great-great-grandson of the 'Iron Chancellor' Otto von Bismarck, is seeking an 83million (70million) slice of the pie from his younger brother Gregor and sister Vanessa after he was disinherited in 2002 by their father, Ferdinand von Bismarck, for his outrageous party lifestyle.

The prince, nicknamed 'Calle', has long been ridiculed for his drunken antics, and was described as 'Germany's laziest MP' for consistently failing to turn up for meetings and votes during his tenure in the country's federal parliament between 2005 and 2007.

He has been fighting with his siblings for decades in a feud described by his fourth wife as stemming from a 'dysfunctional environment, unspoken truths, personal dramas, greed and jealousy at Dante's level.'

During one particularly shocking incident at their baroque estate near Hamburg in 2010, police were reportedly forced to handcuff him after he tried to evict his own mother from his quarters.

He told Bild at the time: 'The police arrived and suddenly I was lying handcuffed on the ground with my face in the sand.

'And my brother was shouting at the officers to test me for drugs and alcohol. They did, and when the results were negative, he told them: "Get better equipment."'

His mother, he added, had withdrawn a legal complaint against him for bodily harm and had given a sworn statement that he had never threatened her with a hunting weapon.

Carl-Eduard von Bismarck, and Alessandra von Bismarck attend the The Bests Gala 46th Edition At Four Seasons Hotel on December 11, 2023 in Paris, France

Princess Elisabeth Von Bismarck (R) and Gregor Graf Von Bismarck (L) Attend an Opening Ceremony of the German Historical Museum in Berlin in April 2015

That incident came from Carl-Edmund's claim that his mother, Princess Elisabeth, was a raging alcoholic and antisemite who would often insult his third wife, Nathalie Bariman, a Jewish woman who he has since divorced.

The prince has previously admitted to being arrested for drunk driving, and being visited by bailiffs over unpaid debts.

The siblings this week encountered each other at a court in the northern German town of Lubeck, with the Times reporting that they did not look at each other once and left their lawyers to talk.

No ruling was made in the case, presided over by judge Stephen Schlopke who requested more documents to understand the full extent of the family's wealth.

Gregor, the youngest son, claimed his bother had received a loan from their father before his passing in 2019, which if confirmed could mean the playboy prince gets an even smaller slice of the inheritance.

While Schlopke has suggested that the parties settle the matter out of court, observers believe it is unlikely the dysfunctional family, once at the height of power in Germany, will ever do this.

Carl-Edmund is far from the only Bismarck to disgrace the once-great name.

His younger brother, Count Gottfried von Bismarck, tragically died of a cocaine and heroin overdose in his Chelsea penthouse, with the pathologist at the time of his death claiming his body had the largest amount of cocaine he had ever seen.

The prince claimed that his mother was a raging alcoholic and antisemite who would often insult his third wife, Nathalie Bariman (pictured, left)

Ferdinand Prince von Bismarck-Schoenhausen with his granddaughter Vanessa at Malaga, Spain, 1985

Gottfried was also connected to several other deadly accidents in the UK.

In 1986, Olivia Channon, the 22-year-old daughter of former Trade and Industry Secretary Paul Channon, choked to death on her own vomit after falling asleep while high on heroin at one of Gottfried's parties Oxford University.

And in 2006, the year before his own death, Anthony Casey fell 60ft from the roof of Gottfried's Chelsea flat after he took a potentially lethal amount of cocaine following a gay orgy.

Even Otto von Bismarck, the man who cemented the family's legacy, has been waning in popularity in recent years.

In 2022, the German foreign ministry dropped his name from a hall and removed his portrait from its building after his links to German colonialism were brought to the forefront of public debate.

Bismarck Hall was renamed by Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister, as the 'Hall of German Unity'.
Greenland's Prime Minister has issued a blunt six-word statement to Donald Trump amid the President-elect's interest in purchasing Danish territory.

During an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Mute Egede said that residents in his country 'don't want to be Americans' and 'do not want to be part of the United States'.

Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier asked Greenland's PM, 'You've heard the statements from the president-elect. What do you make of all of that?'

Egede fired back: 'We will always be part of NATO. We will always be a strong partner for US.

'We are close neighbors, we have been cooperating in the last 80 years, and I think the future have a lot to offer to cooperate with, but we want to also be clear.

In a cold six-word statement to Trump, he said: 'We don't want to be Americans.

'We don't want to be a part of US, but we want a strong cooperation together with US'.

It comes after the US president-elect sparked turmoil in Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland's capital, last week when he signalled that the US wanted to acquire the huge arctic island.

Greenland's OM Mute Egede said that residents in his country 'don't want to be Americans' and 'do not want to be part of the United States'

The US president-elect sparked turmoil in Copenhagen and Nuuk last week when he signalled that the US wanted to acquire the huge arctic island

SEEING GREEN: Greenlands Prime Minister Mute Egede speaks exclusively to @BretBaier about President-elect Trumps pursuit of the island, saying he values America as a partner and wants to see Greenland become an independent country. pic.twitter.com/cV3nbvySjA  Fox News (@FoxNews) January 17, 2025

In a 45-minute phone call on Wednesday, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Trump that Denmark was prepared to increase its responsibility for security in the Arctic.

She also reiterated the statements of the Egede, who recently said that Greenland was not for sale.

Trump did not react to the call publicly. However, he reposted on his TruthSocial platform a 2019 poll that indicated 68 per cent of Greenlanders supported independence from Denmark.

A referendum on independence is thought to be on the cards and Denmark has said it would respect any result.

Baier went on to quiz Egede in Thursday's interview on what residents of Greenland would vote for if faced with the opportunity to gain independence from Denmark.

'It's up to the Greenlandic people to decide when we want to be independent, and I think it's important to see that if Greenland takes those steps, we will always be a part of the Western alliance and a strong partner for US because your security is our security,' the prime minister responded.

'President Trump, as you know, can be persuasive,' remarked Baier. 'Are you saying tonight that Greenland is not for sale?'

Egede concluded, 'Greenland and the future of Greenland will be decided by the Greenlandic people, and the Greenlandic people don't want to be Danes, the Greenlandic people don't want to be Americans.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (right) told Trump that Denmark was prepared to increase its responsibility for security in the Arctic

Greenland is rich in minerals and has a strategic location in the Arctic, although an inhospitable climate

'Greenlandic people want to be part of the Western alliance as Greenlandic people.'

When he was last president, Trump said he wanted to buy Greenland for its oil, minerals, and geopolitical benefits.

'We need Greenland for national security purposes,' said Trump this month, before suggesting that Denmark may not even have 'any legal right to it.'

Last week, Trump threatened Denmark with high tariffs if the country did not give up Greenland.

The suggestion set off alarm bells among Danish industry leaders, as the US is Denmark's second largest export market and any targeted tariffs would have a significant impact on the Danish economy.

Then, earlier this week, Egede said his government was ready to start a dialogue with the incoming Trump administration.

But opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov said that he disapproved of Frederiksen's approach.

Writing on X/Twitter, he said: 'It is completely unacceptable that [Frederiksen] renounces Denmark's rights in Greenland and places sovereignty solely with the [Greenlander] self-government when she talks to the President of the United States.'
NATO warplanes were scrambled today after a suspected Russian drone crashed following an encroachment of Romanian airspace.

Footage showed a dramatic explosion believed to be at a port on the Ukrainian side of the River Danube, which forms the frontier with Romania.

But reports in Bucharest said the same wave of attacks that a Putin drone had crashed near Tulcea county on the Romanian side of the border.

The Russian incursion triggered the response by NATO fighters, and an air raid warning to residents close to the Danube in Romania.

Residents were told to take shelter in safe areas for 90 minutes during an alert warning that objects could still be falling from the sky.

Moment a Russian drone is seen exploding at a Ukrainian port on the River Danube as another Putin UAV is reported to have hit NATO territory in Romania triggering the scrambling of Western warplanes

File photo. Romanian air force F-16 fighter planes fly above the Baza 86 military air base, outside Fetesti, Romania, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023

The Romanian defence ministry said: 'At 1:35 a.m., two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, part of the Air Police Combat Service, took off from the 86th Air Base in Borcea to monitor the air situation.

'The aircraft returned to base around 3:48 a.m.'

NATO structures were kept fully abreast of the suspected illegal incursion by Russia, said Romanian officials.

'The Ministry of National Defence sends a firm message of condemnation of these attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukrainian civilian objects and infrastructure elements, which are unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law,' said a Romanian statement.

Several Russian drones were said to have been launched from Crimea, hitting the port of Chilia Noua, near the town of Chilia Veche.

Ukraine shot down some of the Russian drones before they hit the Romanian port, Antena 3 reports.

Drone fragments and air space breaches have occurred regularly over the past year and a half as Russia has attacked Ukraine's Danube river port infrastructure.

Earlier this week, NATO warplanes were scrambled in Poland amid a wave of Russian missile and drone strikes in western Ukraine close to the alliance's eastern flank.

Huge Tu-22 and Tu-95 strategic bombers had been bombing Ukraine close to the border with Poland before NATO jets took off.

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File photo. A Romanian Air Force F-16 military fighter jet escorts a C-27J Spartan aircraft during an Air Policing exercise above eastern Romania, Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday's Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia, the heaviest of the almost three year war.

In particular, Putin was rattled by Ukraine's use of British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles which hit key defence facilities including a chemical plant in Bryansk region.

NATO forces went on full alert in Poland with warplanes scrambled, the country's operational command headquarters said.

A Scramble is 'triggered when an aircraft is flying an invalid or incorrect flight plan; fails to or loses communication with the relevant air traffic control authority; or fails to communicate with the air traffic control authorities using the transponder', according to NATO.
Silk Road e-commerce brings Spring Festival vibes

People's Daily Online) 09:30, January 17, 2025

China has launched an online shopping event for festive goods ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year.

The Silk Road e-commerce Spring Festival activity, which runs from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, serves a dual purpose: bringing high-quality products from Silk Road e-commerce partner countries to Chinese consumers while ensuring that overseas Chinese and international consumers can access traditional festive goods on the global versions of various e-commerce platforms.

A China-Europe freight train fully loaded with goods departs from the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 2, marking the departure of the first China-Europe freight train from the base in 2025. (Photo/Wang Jianmin)

Silk Road e-commerce is an important measure to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In recent years, China has carried out Silk Road e-commerce cooperation with 33 partner countries, establishing Silk Road e-commerce as a distinguished model for international e-commerce cooperation.

A senior representative from JD Worldwide, the platform for imported products of China's leading retailer JD.com, said the platform now features premium products from more than 23 Silk Road e-commerce partner countries, with the offerings spanning diverse categories, including maternal and infant products, food and beverages, health supplements, fashion items, and personal care products.

The Silk Road e-commerce Spring Festival activity will leverage pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, major e-commerce platforms, trade promotion organizations, leading enterprises, shopping districts, and national pavilions for Belt and Road partner countries to expand the supply of premium products, according to the Department of Electronic Commerce and Informatization of the Ministry of Commerce.

"From this year's New Year Day to the Spring Festival period, we expect that the imports of Chilean cherries will surge by approximately 50 percent compared to the same period last year," said Wang Yongheng, e-commerce operations supervisor of a supply chain management company in Shanghai.

A sales person advertises cherries imported from Chile during a livestream at the 3rd Xinfadi New Year Goods Festival in Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Pan Junqiang)

The timing couldn't be better, as countries in the Southern Hemisphere like Chile and Peru are in their summer season, perfectly positioned to meet China's Spring Festival demand for cherries, grapes, and other fresh fruits.

"E-commerce platforms like Pinduoduo are implementing aggressive pricing strategies to promote sales of imported fruits. We are continuing to optimize our supply chain to supply more premium imported fruits for the Spring Festival," Wang added.

The Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center in Shanghai is showcasing nearly 400 kinds of distinct products from over 90 Belt and Road partner countries.

In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the 2025 China (Guangxi) - ASEAN Online New Year Shopping Festival and the 2025 China (Guangxi) - ASEAN New Year Fair are running concurrently, with the offline fair spanning almost 3,000 square meters and offering close to 1,000 kinds of products that lure crowds of customers.

The Silk Road e-commerce Spring Festival activity is equally focused on serving overseas Chinese and international consumers seeking authentic Chinese New Year goods. This year's activity will promote China's time-honored brands and trendy products on overseas online platforms, complete with special promotions to help overseas Chinese easily access quality domestic festive goods and embrace Spring Festival vibes.

Lazbao Group primarily provides services in Southeast Asian markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, where online New Year shopping focuses on articles of daily use, shoes, and clothing.

Merchants put up a lantern at a New Year goods market in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Yu Xiangquan)

"We customize specialty products like Spring Festival couplets, lanterns, and gift boxes of nuts, to create a festive atmosphere for the traditional Chinese New Year," said Li Zhiping, founder of Lazbao Group.

Li added that the company, with its current overseas warehouses reaching 80,000 square meters, boasts a daily processing capacity of 150,000 to 200,000 orders. In addition, the firm partners with express companies including Best Express and J&T to meet customer demands for rapid shipping and efficient return and exchange.

Currently, Alibaba's Taobao platform has expanded its reach across multiple Silk Road e-commerce partner countries. The platform now offers free shipping to more than 10 countries and regions, with a broader product range than ever before.

An employee inspects products at Yiyang Red Star Ceramics Co., Ltd. in Yiyang county, Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. The company exports products to over 20 countries and regions. (Photo/Li Weichao)

"Now it is more convenient for overseas Chinese consumers to place orders for domestic goods on their familiar Taobao App," said a manager who is in charge of Taobao's overseas business.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
San Francisco police arrested Joseph Zachary Negapatan on Wednesday after finding more than $28,000 worth of suspected stolen bicycles in his San Lorenzo home. Provided by San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco police arrested a man Wednesday who was suspected of breaking into a Richmond District home and stealing $28,000 worth of bicycles.

On Jan. 2 at around 10:09 a.m., police responded to a burglary at a home on the 2700 block of Anza Street and found that someone had broken in and stolen several bicycles, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

On Jan. 13, the victim spotted an online listing selling bicycles that seemed to match the stolen ones and told investigators, police said. Through the listing, officers identified Joseph Zachary Negapatan as a suspect.

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Officers served a search warrant Wednesday at Negapatans San Lorenzo home and found the stolen bicycles inside, plus other suspected stolen bicycles and bicycle parts, police said. A photo provided by police shows at least 10 bicycles and multiple frames and tires.

Police arrested Negapatan and booked him into the county jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

The incident was still under investigation and anyone with relevant information is asked to call the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.
A toddler who drowned at her family's holiday accommodation in Bali has been remembered as the 'kindest person' who was taken far too soon.

Three-year-old Janaa Al Easawi from Sydney, was found unresponsive in the pool at her parent's Seminyak villa near Kuta on Thursday afternoon.

Her father was the first to spot her and immediately rushed outside to perform CPR, with the help of a nearby Australian woman who was also on holiday in Bali, after pulling her out of the water.

The family had mistakenly thought the gate to the pool had been locked prior to the incident.

Janaa was just about to celebrate her fourth birthday and was preparing to start school. Tragically, she could not be revived.

The family-of-three had been holidaying in Bali from their Campbelltown home over the summer.

Local police are now at the villa.

A North Kuta Police Investigator told Daily Mail Australia at the scene that an 'investigation is underway'.

Three-year-old Janaa Al Easawi from Campbelltown in Sydney, tragically drowned while holidaying with her family in Bali on Thursday

Bali is Indonesia's popular island with millions of tourists visiting each year and many staying in villas

Her distraught parents shared a statement following the tragedy.

They said despite the loss they were grateful for the time they had with Janaa.

'Her memory will live on forever in the countless moments she gifted us,' they told 7News.

'Janaa's smile had the power to light up every room, and her love for her parents, family, friends, and her cherished parrot (Coco) was boundless.

'Our precious Janaa, you will be forever loved and remain in our hearts, always.'

Other heartbroken relatives also shared tributes remembering the youngster as 'beautiful'.

The family are now preparing to fly back to Sydney with the body where they will organise a funeral.

Her parents said they want Janaa's life to be celebrated but also hope the tragic story will serve as a warning to others.

Her parents hope their pain will make others think twice about booking accommodation with backyard pools.

A spokesperson for the family said children should always be closely supervised around water, even if it appears a facility has safety measures.

Janaa's parents also advised all parents to teach their children how to swim from an early age in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Janaa had recently started swimming lessons herself.
A furious Kremlin has described the idea of British military bases in Ukraine as 'worrying' and said it will study the details of the new 100-year security pledge signed between the UK and Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at a press conference yesterday with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine 'for a hundred years, long after this terrible war is over'.

The 'historic' 100-year partnership includes 3bn a year in funding, as well as the provision of air defence systems and training for Ukrainian soldiers.

The British PM met Zelensky in Kyiv to sign the agreement only days before Donald Trump enters the White House - in a move that has provoked fury among the Russian leadership.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the idea of British military bases in Ukraine 'worrying' and said that Moscow views negatively the prospect of British cooperation with Ukraine in the Sea of Azov - calling it Russia's 'internal sea'.

Peskov said: 'Given that Britain is a NATO country, the advancement of its military infrastructure towards our borders is certainly a rather worrying element. In any case, it will be necessary to further analyse what will happen.

At Thursday's talks in Kyiv, Zelenskiy said he had spoken to Starmer about Kyiv's desire for Western peacekeeping troops to be deployed in Ukraine if the war with Russia ended.

Sir Keir pledged on Thursday to work with Ukraine and allies to offer Kyiv security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia, and offered additional support through a 100-year partnership deal.

At a press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday, the PM said the countries would be standing shoulder to shoulder 'for a hundred years, long after this terrible war is over'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the idea of British military bases in Ukraine 'a rather worrying element'

A Russian drone is seen exploding at a Ukrainian port on the River Danube as another Putin UAV is reported to have hit NATO territory in Romania

Speaking to broadcasters in Kyiv, he said the 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine was a 'real statement of our intent for the long term'.

He said Vladimir Putin's war had been a failure, and 'one of the consequences of this conflict has been to draw Nato more strongly together'.

'It's bigger and stronger than it has been, and we must stand behind Ukraine for as long as it takes.

'But when we say Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position, that can't be just words. And that's why I've had such intense discussions with President Zelensky over the months that I've been Prime Minister and will again here in Ukraine.'

Sir Keir is due to announce another 40million for Ukraine's post-war economic recovery, on top of the 12.8billion in military and civilian aid offered since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Explosions and sirens were heard in the Ukrainian capital as Sir Keir made his first trip since taking charge of Downing Street.

Sir Keir pointed to the attacks as evidence of Russia's determination to prolong the conflict.

'Let's be clear, we all want this war to end, no-one wants that more than Ukrainians, but right now Putin shows no sign of wanting peace,' he said.

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The British Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine comes at a pivotal moment for Ukraine's allies in the conflict against Russia, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday

Although incoming US president Donald Trump has walked back on claims that he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine on day one of his presidency, the extent of US support for Ukraine once he takes office is unclear

Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky lay wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen in the Ukrainian capital

The UK has so far avoided committing troops to Ukraine directly, with Rishi Sunak and his predecessors focusing on military aid rather than personnel deployment

However Mr Zelensky said the pair had discussed a French-backed proposal for Western peacekeepers to monitor a future ceasefire, but that it was 'a bit too early to talk about details'

'The attacks here today are a reminder of the daily attacks and the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of it.'

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have reportedly held talks about deploying British and French soldiers to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission.

The proposal, which hinges on a peace deal to end the ongoing war, is said to be championed by Mr Macron, who has already discussed the idea with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Neither Downing Street nor the Elysee Palace denied that the possibility of such a deployment was raised during Sir Keir's meeting with Mr Macron at Chequers last week.

While details of their discussions remain under wraps, UK government sources have suggested that Sir Keir is not fully committed to the idea at this stage.

A senior Whitehall source told The Telegraph: 'There are challenges over what we could support, what we would want to support, and the broader question about the threat to troops and whether it would be seen as escalatory.'

Yet Starmer today signed a 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine to help rebuild the war-torn county with the aid of British firms and private sector loans, The Sun reports.
Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner is likely to walk free from prison as there is 'no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie Case', a German prosecutor has revealed.

Convicted paedophile and rapist Brueckner, 47, is expected to be freed from an unrelated jail sentence as police in three countries search for more concrete evidence against him in the McCann Case.

But their efforts may not pay off, prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told Sky News.

He said: 'There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case.

'As things stand, the accused Christian B's imprisonment will end in early September.'

Madeleine was just three when she went missing from the Portuguese villa she and her family were staying at in May 2007.

Brueckner was identified as the prime suspect for Madeleine McCann 'abduction and murder' in June 2020.

Brueckner has denied any involvement in her disappearance, but German officials insist 'he is the man' though charges were never brought.

Christian Brueckner (pictured) is likely to walk free from prison as there is 'no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie Case'

Madeleine (pictured) was just three when she went missing from the Portuguese villa she and her family were staying at in May 2007

Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters (pictured) said: 'There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case'

Philipp Marquort, one of Brueckner's defence lawyers, welcomed the prosecutor's statement.

He told the broadcaster: 'This confirms the suspicions that we have repeatedly expressed, namely that there is no reliable evidence against our client.

'We regret that we have not yet been granted access to the investigation files. We have not yet been able to effectively counter the public prejudice arising from statements made by the prosecutor's office.'

The convicted rapist is currently nearing the end of this jail sentence for raping an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz, the Portuguese resort where Madeleine disappeared.

In October, he was acquitted from three rapes and two child sex abuse cases following a non-jury trial in Germany.

In his closing remarks at the courthouse in Braunschweig at the time, Brueckner's main lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher hinted that convicted rapist and paedophile Brueckner was only on trial because of his link with Madeleine's internationally recognised case.

Upon delivering the ruling, Judge Engemann made a lengthy statement explaining why Brueckner was acquitted and slammed German prosecutors for naming him in relation to the Madeline McCann saga.

Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner arrives in court in Braunschweig, Germany On October 8 2024

Christian Brueckner sits in the courtroom at Braunschweig District Court on October 8 2024 moments before he was found not guilty on all sex crimes charges

Madeleine McCann (pictured) went missing on May 3, 2007 at the age of just three. She has never been found. German criminal Christian Brueckner has been named by German prosecutors as their chief suspect in her disappearance

'We as judges have sworn an oath, and it is to serve the truth only. We take this very seriously but we cannot wrap people in cotton wool.

'This oath means that we don't have to cater to the views of the media, the defence and the prosecution, or the table of regulars-in-a-pub.'

She went on: 'Everyone had heard about (Brueckner) in the Maddie McCann case and they all knew that Brueckner since 2020 was always named by the public prosecution office.

'When in the media, a person is here described as a sex monster and a pervert, then it influences the witness. When massive third-party suggestions are made in this way, then the testimonies in court are almost worthless for the legal chamber.'
A raging fire as broken out at one of the world's largest battery storage facilities in California.

A fire at a battery facility on the site of Vistra Corp's Moss Landing power plant in Monterey County, California, prompted orders for the evacuation of places nearby, the company and county officials said on Thursday.

The fire began in a building that contains lithium-ion batteries on Thursday afternoon, an official at the Monterey County Sheriff's office said, adding that about 40 per cent of the building had been consumed as of late Thursday.

The battery energy storage facility at Moss Landing is among the largest in the world, according to Vistra's website.

Both Vistra and the county official said that all site personnel had been evacuated and no injuries were reported.

'There are no active fire suppression efforts going on, as the best approach, according to fire staff, is to allow the building and batteries to burn,' according to the Monterey Sheriff official.

Eyewitness video showed flames and smoke billowing from the facility as the sky grew orange around it.

Hundreds of residents were ordered to evacuate, and part of a nearby highway was closed, local media reported.

Burning fire at the site of Vistra Corp's power plant in Moss Landing, California, on January 16, 2025

The fire began in a building that contains lithium-ion batteries on Thursday afternoon

Eyewitness videos captured smoke and flames billowing into the sky as the fire raged on

Authorities stated that an investigation into the fires cause would begin once the blaze was fully extinguished

Fire crews remained on site monitoring the blaze, and in the air drones were deployed to see the extent of the damage.

No fire suppression took place, it was reported, as batteries must burn out themselves with no water being used.

Authorities stated that an investigation into the fires cause would begin once the blaze was fully extinguished.

Vistra Corp said yesterday in a statement to KION: 'There is an ongoing fire at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders.

'Earlier this afternoon, Vistra personnel called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site. All site personnel were safely evacuated.

'The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished'.

The Moss Landing site is a key facility for renewable energy storage, making the incident a setback for Vistra and its sustainability initiatives.

An adjacent Tesla battery facility was not affected by the fire, the official added.

Some roads, including the Highway 1, were closed in the affected areas.

The plant is located about 100 miles south of San Francisco and is not close to the ongoing wildfires in the southern Californian city of Los Angeles.

The state has been on alert since the Los Angeles fires started about 10 days ago and has killed at least 27 people.
This is the London landlord blasted for advertising a tiny room in her top floor flat for 1,350 a month with an absurd set of rules.

Alice Bowmer posted the listing with the hopes of finding someone to fill a bedroom in her flat in Hampstead Heath, north London.

But she was subjected to a barrage of online criticism after demanding prospective tenants follow a number of strict rules, all while paying through the nose for the 4m by 2m room.

In her listing, Ms Bowmer told prospective renters they are banned from her living room - and must restrict themselves to the bedroom, the kitchen and the bathroom.

She requested that hopeful tenants work 'longish hours in the city during the week', leave London during weekends and avoid having guests or using the living room.

But when approached by MailOnline, Ms Bowmer declined to comment on her long list of demands.

Speaking through the intercom of the four-storey townhouse, Ms Bowmer, said: 'I can't speak now, I need to take a telephone call.'

However, she confirmed that she was renting out a room at her fourth-storey 800,000 flat.

Alice Bowmer (pictured) posted the listing with the hopes of finding someone to fill her bedroom in her flat in Hampstead Heath, north London. (Photo taken from X formerly Twitter)

A London-based landlord has been slammed on social media for advertising a 'completely exploitative' renting deal (pictured from Spare Room listing)

The listing had a number of 'house rules.' It explained that there should be 'no guests, no pets, no use of the living space, no noise after 11 PM

The listing, posted on internet renting site Spare Room, requests that tenants do not return home until after 8:30pm since this is when the host teaches 'audible' violin lessons.

Also, the property does not have central heating and the lodger must instead use an electric heater 'that can set via a timer on your phone.'

The listing reads: 'I work long hours from the living room so this area is not available for use. This space would ideally suit someone working longish hours in the city during the week and leaving the city for the weekends.'

Ms Bowmer describes herself as a 'live-in landlord', in her profile for Spare Room.

She wrote: 'I am a 38-year-old professional researcher and music teacher.

'I am also teaching the violin here in the evenings from 4-8:30pm Mon-Thurs, while this takes place on a different floor to the bedroom I am offering, it would be audible, so this room would suit someone who is not home until post 8:30pm.'

'The flat is located on a quiet residential street with very little traffic. The flat overlooks Hampstead Heath Park which can be accessed from the street (two minute walk), as well as close access to Hampstead ponds and lido for swimming.'

She asked that their potential 'lodger' be 'a quiet, clean and friendly person' though asked that they do not use the living facilities or be at the property in the evening or weekends.

Describing the room, she wrote: 'The room is 2m x 4m with high ceilings.

The listing, originally posted on Spare Room, proclaims to offer a 'lovely' flat with access to a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom - though the living room is strictly cited as 'not available for use'

The host has since been subject to a barrage of online criticism after demanding prospective tenants follow a number of strict rules, all while paying 1,350 a month

Ms Bowmer also said that the house does not have central heating and the lodger must instead use an electric heater 'that can set via a timer on your phone.' (Photo taken from X formerly Twitter)

'It had a bed, wardrobe, table, blackout blind and heater that can be set via a timer on your phone. There is no central heating however, the electric heaters are very effective and the bathroom has underfloor heating throughout. There is a dishwasher and washing machine available for use in the kitchen.'

Alongside the strict rules, Ms Bowmer boasted 'lots of little independent shops, coffee places' as well as an M&S and several nearby parks.

The listing also revealed that the deposit for the property would be 1,557.

The post, which has now been viewed nearly a million times, includes a link to the listing - though this appears to have been altered since making it onto X.

The original listing - as revealed by screenshots on X - stated that the landlord was looking for 'a lodger' to share their 'lovely flat' in the South End Green, Gospel Oak area.

However, it appears as though changes have since been made to the advert, with references to house guests, curfew and noise, no longer in the property description.

In the updated advert, the landlord described themselves as: 'I am a very friendly, tidy, quiet, clean and hard working person. I would like to share with someone who complements this.'

Commenters on the post were outraged by the 'exploitative' listing that insisted tenants be 'banished from actually living there'

Commenters on the post were outraged by the 'exploitative' listing that insisted tenants be 'banished from actually living there'.

One enraged viewer wrote: 'This free market attitude is pathetic, this shouldnt be legal. Completely exploitative, selfish and attempting to take advantage of renters desperation to squeeze money out of a tenant while banishing them from actually living there. Total scum landlord.'

A second said: 'No guests? You cant even have a friend round to sit in the bedroom with you like a teenager.'

Others said the landlord was wanting 'rent' without having to actually live with the person. They said: 'Basically just wants someone to pay her rent each month but not actually live there.'

A fourth agreed writing: 'Quite clear that this person actually doesnt really want anyone else in his house/flat but needs the rental income'

However, not everyone agreed the the listing was unreasonable. One wrote: 'Theres nothing wrong with putting this advert up if theres someone out there willing to take it. I doubt there will be, but Id just shrug and keep searching.'
UK soldiers would 'struggle' to play a major role as peacekeepers in postwar Ukraine because the British Army is now too small, its former commander has warned.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former chief of the general staff, said money and resources would need to be put into boosting the size of the UK's land forces if it is to play a role in Eastern Europe.

Sir Keir Starmer yesterday used his first visit to Kyiv to vow that the UK would 'play our part' in guaranteeing security if a deal is done to end the fighting.

The visit comes just days before Donald Trump enters the White House, potentially signalling a shift in US support for war effort in favour of a push for a peace deal.

But Sir Richard told the i Paper: 'I don't think the size of our Army is large enough to do that with everything else that it's doing currently. I think we would struggle.

'We could do it, but then we would have to certainly put more resources into the Army, and set about growing the size of the Army.

'It's a major issue that relates directly to the future size of the British Army. You start to run out of troops quite quickly.'

As of October, the Army's official full-time trained strength was 71,347. Years of cuts and problems with recruitment mean it is at its lowest size since the Napoleonic war.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former chief of the general staff, said money and resources would need to be put into boosting the size of the UK's land forces if it is to play a role in Eastern Europe.

Sir Keir Starmer yesterday used his first visit to Kyiv to vow that the UK would 'play our part' in guaranteeing security if a deal is done to end the fighting.

As of October, the Army's official full-time trained strength was 71,347. Years of cuts and problems with recruitment mean it is at its lowest size since the Napoleonic war.

Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, added: 'We have such a small Army, we've taken so much risk with defence, that if we did this, we would be able to do nothing else.

'At the worst case, it's the whole of the British military being involved. The least worst case, it's providing some command and control of a brigade of tanks and infantry.'

But Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy today insisted the UK 'takes seriously our obligations', telling ITV News: 'Our Defence Secretary is working hard to make sure, after inheriting the smallest armed forces for hundreds of years, that we are building back up our defence capability, in order to play our full part.'

The UK has also cemented ties with Ukraine with a new 100-year partnership deal, which will set out co-operation between the countries in an agreement that will stretch into the next century.

The agreement will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework covering the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Azov Sea to deter Russian aggression.

The partnership  which will take shape through a treaty and a political declaration  will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks, and will involve co-operation in areas such as healthcare, agricultural technology and the space industry.

Downing Street set out details of a 4.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including air defence systems, drones and equipment support.

The UK has committed 3 billion a year for as long as Ukraine needs it, and that will be supplemented with the first 1.5 billion from a 2.26 billion loan, which will be repaid with the profits from frozen Russian assets.

The UK-designed and rapidly developed Gravehawk system, funded jointly with Denmark, will be delivered this year.

The system is able to retrofit air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defence, meaning it can use existing Ukrainian missiles.

Ukrainian officer cadets will also be trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

A 61 million contract will see BAE Systems work with Sheffield Forgemasters to produce artillery barrels for the first time in almost two decades.
British hostage Emily Damari will be released as part of the deal between Israel and Hamas, Israeli media reports.

The 28-year-old has been held in Gaza since she was shot in the hand and leg when snatched from her home in southern Israel during the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Under a deal finally agreed this week, 33 hostages are expected to be released, including women, 'children, elderly people, as well as civilian ill people and wounded'.

A list of names circulating on Israeli media includes men, women and children. Hamas has not indicated their condition.

Israel's security cabinet will meet to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal today, with the expectation a truce could come into effect as soon as Sunday.

The deal is expected to pass despite backlash from hard-right members of the coalition, who say Hamas must be fully vanquished before a deal is made.

Hostages are expected to be released on Sunday from 4pm if the agreement passes.

The 28-year-old was shot in the hand and leg when she was snatched from her home in southern Israel during the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Emily's mother, Mandy Damari

Pictured: A man walks past a giant billboard featuring portraits of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack

Posters of hostages Emily Tehila Damari, Romi Gonen and Daniella Gilboa are hung at Hostage Square after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16, in Tel Aviv

Emily was in her own flat in the kibbutz when Hamas led an incursion into southern Israel, killing some 1,170 people and taking 251 hostage.

Hostages released in the November 2023 truce told her mother, Mandy, how her daughter showed 'bravery and courage', singing 'It's a Great Morning' every morning 'despite the darkness'.

Ms Damari spoke at the official anniversary event commemorating the October 7 massacre in Hyde Park, London a year after Hamas' deadly incursion, addressing a large crowd who had turned out in support.

Speaking publicly for the first time about her daughter, she said that she felt like her daughter had been 'forgotten' in captivity.

For more than a year, protestors have gathered in Israel and around the world to call for favourable terms to a deal that would see the release of hostages remaining in Gaza.

Some 94 are believed to still be in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave, including the 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

The deal under review by the Israeli security cabinet is the closest the hostages have come to a deal for their collective release since the November 2023 truce.

If approved, it could set the tone for a move towards the terms for a permanent end to the war after 15 months of conflict.

The Tottenham Hotspur fan, Emily Damari, 28, is expected to be released on Sunday

Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 7, 2025

Smoke plumes rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 14, 2025

Supporters and family members of hostages protest ahead of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 16

The list of hostages due to be released as soon as Sunday includes Oded Lifschitz, an 84-year-old Israeli with family in Britain.

Daughter Sharone Lifschitz told the BBC from her east London home this week that she hoped her father was still alive.

'Miracles do happen,' she said.

Eli Sharabi was also named on the list. Stephen Brisley, his brother-in-law, said he hoped he could be freed in the deal.

'I've thought so hard about how I would feel at this moment but now it's happening I don't know what to feel,' he told the broadcaster.

Under the terms of the deal, Israeli forces will be expected to withdraw from Gaza's densely populated areas and begin an initial 42-day ceasefire.

In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be able to return to what is left of their homes.

U.S. President Joe Biden said the deal would 'surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians and reunite the hostages with their families'.

The United Nations estimates that the deadly war has littered Gaza with over 50 million tons of rubble, roughly 12 times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to local health officials.

Mourners react near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 17

An Israeli soldier visits an installation bearing the photos of victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, at the site of the Nova festival, in Re'im, southern Israel, on January 16

Palestinians salvage what they can from the destruction left by Israeli troops in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on April 8

Israeli prime minister's office said late this morning, after hours of uncertainty over the timing of final cabinet approval of the deal, that the deal is expected to go ahead as scheduled on Sunday.

'Pending approval by the Security Cabinet and the Government, and the agreement taking effect, the release of the hostages will be implemented according to the planned framework in which the hostages are expected to be released on Sunday,' it said in a statement.

The ceasefire, due to begin Sunday after more than a year of war, would take effect on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as president of the United States.
The partner of comedian Tony Slattery is fundraising to pay for his funeral after saying the couple had no 'plan B' because his death was 'so unexpected', with fans donating 20,000.

The star, who has died aged 65, had battled depression and drug addiction which had led to a withdrawal from lucrative work on the UK comedy circuit.

At the height of his fame he was spending 4,000-a-week on cocaine while downing two bottles of vodka per day as he battled bipolar and dealing with the terrible trauma of sexual abuse by a priest when he was eight.

The crowdfunding campaign, organised on behalf of his partner Mark Hutchinson, is asking for donations to fund a fitting farewell to the funnyman famed for his appearances in 80s Channel Four comedy show Whose Line is it Anyway?

So far the total has hit 20,395 more than 12,000 over the initial 8,000 target.

The web page describes Slattery, 65, as 'a titan of British comedy' and said: 'Because Tony was only just getting back to work, and because his passing was so unexpected, there wasn't a Plan B in place.

'If you could give just a little towards a funeral for Tony, it would be a huge weight off Mark's shoulders at this miserable time.'

Mr 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?

The actor and comedian was one of the biggest names on TV and radio but he later was declared bankrupt

Fans have pledged 20,000 to pay for his funeral after his loved ones asked for financial support

It explained: 'Sadly, in later years mental health issues had diminished Tony's career, but with the unwavering support of his long-term partner, Mark, he made it through the wilderness and was back touring and performing comedy.

'Life was starting to look rosy again when, to the great shock of all who knew him, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Mark and Tony were looking forward to celebrating their fortieth anniversary this year.'

The couple lived together in a rented terraced cottage owned by a property developer in Edgware, North West London worth an estimated 500,000. The actor and comic previously told of his shame after his mother found uncashed cheques worth 100,000 'scrunched up' under a sofa in his former luxury home - because he felt clueless about what to do with them.

After years battling drug and mental health issues Slattery was slowly trying to rebuild his career when he was struck by a fatal heart attack on January 14.

He had launched a podcast - Tony Slattery's Rambling Club - which was producing weekly episodes, including one published on January 10 just four days before his death.

Millionaire Ex Cambridge University pal Stephen Fry, a fellow Whose Line is it Anyway, performer, had produced a promotional video for the podcast and Julian Clary was also a guest on a recent show.

Fans were encouraged to subscribe to the podcast via a Patreon site where he was asking for donations of either 3, 5, 25 or 100 a month.

A post after his death on the Patreon site said: 'Your support helped to make the last six months of Tony's life some of the most happy, creative and fulfilled days he had in a long time.'

Tony (pictured second from right) was probably best known for his role on improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which also starred Ryan Stiles,Mike McShane, Richard Vranch, Greg Proops and Clive Anderson

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)

As well as the podcast he had resumed touring and amongst other gigs had a monthly residency at Fort Perch Rock venue, Wirral.

A reviewer, Mike Moorhouse posted on social media about his last show on December 21 said: 'smashing night out, good family fun, the whole cast were excellent.'

There have also been shows at Tank Bar, Warrington and he was due to play at The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis laster this month.

Unlike his colleagues from The Cambridge Footlights Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson, Slattery had no big companies, few recent TV or film roles and limited royalties from his successful past.

In a bittersweet reference to this the blurb from one recent show said at The Place, Bedford, said he discussed 'the highs and lows of his life and career' and 'how he nimbly dodged the global superstardom that claimed so many of his colleagues'.

The comedian had revealed how the battle with his demons saw him lock himself away in his Thames-side apartment as he snorted 4,000 of cocaine a week and drank two bottles of vodka per day.

He talked openly in recent years about how this dark period of his life drove him to bankruptcy and lose friends.

Speaking in 2019, Slattery admitted he was very saddened when famous pals and hangers on deserted him when his money dried up.

The star was renowned for 1980s and 1990s appearances on shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway? before stepping back from the spotlight in decades to follow.

He later opened up on his struggles with bipolar disorder as well as drink and drugs addictions, while hiding away in his luxury Wapping flat - and also revealed how he was sexually abused as an eight-year-old by a priest.

Slattery's death was announced on Tuesday by his partner of 40 years, Mark Michael Hutchinson - following a heart attack suffered on Sunday night.

Slattery starred alongside the likes of Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in an award-winning 1981 Cambridge Footlights show, before going on to feature on other comedy programmes such as Have I Got News For You and Just A Minute.

But he also struggled with his mental health, suffering a breakdown in 1996 and going bankrupt as he struggled with drink and drug abuse.

Tony Slattery had spoken out about his struggles with bipolar, drink and drugs addiction and bankruptcy

His last public appearance was in an Instagram post on Christmas Day, wearing a festive scarf

The 2019 Guardian interview in which he suggested former friends had abandoned him told how he was due that summer to reunite with old Whose Line Is It Anyway? colleagues for an Edinburgh show.

Slattery joked: 'So people can come to that and say, 'F*** me, I thought he was dead'.'

He highlighted musician Richard Vranch as one of those from the Channel 4 programme who remained one of his closest friends, one of the 'few' to stick by him - while other celebrities and hangers on disappeared 'when the money dried up, which was saddening'.

In 2020, Slattery told the Radio Times that his 'fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy' and his 'misplaced trust in people' had led him to bankruptcy.
An American alleged hitwoman appeared in court this morning charged with conspiracy to murder a Birmingham businessman  after she was traced to Armenia by MailOnline.

Aimee Betro, originally from Wisconsin in America, was charged on Thursday night after she was flown back to the UK.

The 45-year-old is alleged to have taken part in a September 2019 plot to murder the owner of a clothing shop, and members of his family, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

In that incident, shopkeeper Sikander Ali was threatened with a firearm outside a house in the South Yardley suburb of Birmingham on the orders of Mohammed Aslam and his son Mohammed Nazir. A court previously heard the men, from Derby, had developed a grudge against Mr Alis father.

Aslam and Nazir were convicted of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court for their role in orchestrating the attempted hit and were jailed for a total of 42 years in November.

Betro has also been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in relation to the same incident.

She has also been charged with a separate offence being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods, namely ammunition. This relates to a later incident involving firearms components shipped from the USA to the UK.

During a five-minute appearance at Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning, Betro appeared in the dock with her hair partially in braids. She was wearing a grey cardigan over a grey top.

Alleged American hitwoman Aimee Betro (pictured) was charged on Thursday night after she was flown back to the UK

A CCTV image of Betro at her apartment. The alleged 'hitwoman' was charged after MailOnline traced her to Armenia

Mohammed Aslam (left) and his son Mohammed Nazir (right) were convicted of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court for their role in the attempted hit

Betro spoke only to confirm her name and address as Vanahovit District of Yerevan. Her solicitor Naz Baig indicated she would plead not guilty to the three offences.

The defendant was remanded into custody until her next appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on February 14.

Prosecutor Jonathan Purser said: The defendant is a US national who came to the UK to play her part in this conspiracy, then left and had to be extradited from Armenia.

The Crown say theres a real and considerable flight risk.

District Judge John Bristow adjourned the case until February 14 when Betro will appear at Birmingham Crown Court.

There was no application for bail and the defendant was remanded into custody.

The district judge said: Although you do not apply for bail Im satisfied there are substantial grounds that you would fail to surrender to custody.

Betro has also been charged with a separate offence being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods

Betro was found on the outskirts of the Armenian capital Yerevan by MailOnline

Betro was suspected of being involved in the plot and was found on the outskirts of the Armenian capital Yerevan by MailOnline following the convictions of Aslam, 56, and Nazir, 30, in June.

Reporters had pinpointed the exact location of her home by analysing buildings and features in pictures she posted on Instagram.

A combination of background details in her Instagram selfies and sunset photos taken from the living room window helped to trace her to a gated housing complex.

MailOnline informed West Midlands Police of her whereabouts after a reporter was able to conclusively prove that she still lived in the 600-a-month flat by obtaining CCTV of her running errands and a copy of her passport.
The brother of a young woman who took her own life in a young offenders' institution has accused the prison system of killing her after as a damning report into her death was released.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of Katie Allan, 21, and 16-year-old William Brown  also known as William Lindsay - at Young Offenders Institution (YOI) Polmont in 2018 has concluded the tragedies 'might have been avoided'.

In his determination, published today, Sheriff SG Collins KC described a 'catalogue of individual and collective failures by prison and healthcare staff' at the facility.

Ms Allan, a student at Glasgow University, was found dead in her cell on June 4 while serving a 16-month sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The inquiry was told prison staff at Polmont, near Falkirk, did not know that she was vulnerable and had a history of self-harming. She was also bullied and threatened while inside.

Mr Brown, who had been in care repeatedly, was found dead in his cell on October 7, three days after being admitted as there was no space in a children's secure unit, having walked into a police station with a knife.

And yesterday Ms Allan's 21-year-old bother Scott accused the prison service of making her 'too scared to keep living' saying she was 'abandoned' by the system.

He told the BBC: 'They blatantly murdered her.

Scott Allan believes his sister Katie was 'murdered' by the system after she took her own life in Polmont Young Offenders Institution in 2018

A Fatal Accident Inquiry into Katie Allan's death found multiple failures by prison staff meaning her death 'might have been avoided'

William Brown - also known as William Lindsay - took his life in Polmont in October 2018

'They tortured her. They defiled her. They destroyed someone and then, when all was said and done, let her have the mercy of death.

'They didn't just kill her, they destroyed her.'

The family have always pointed out the Glasgow University student had admitted her offence and apologised to the victim's family who did not want to see her locked up.

However, she was sent to Polmont and her brother said: 'She made a mistake and she paid for it with her life.'

The FAI into the two deaths was held at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

In his report, Sheriff Collins said one of the main issues was the effectiveness of the Talk To Me (TTM) suicide prevention strategy, through which at-risk prisoners are subjected to increased observation and checks.

He said Ms Allan had not been considered a 'risk' when she was admitted to Polmont and so was not placed on TTM.

However, he said that during her incarceration there was a 'systemic failure' by prison staff to complete 'concern forms' that could have triggered the TTM process, pointing to a number of red flag incidents recorded by members of staff.

Ms Allan was sent to Polmont and her brother said: 'She made a mistake and she paid for it with her life.'

Linda and Stuart Allan, the parents of Katie Allan at the start of the Fatal Accident Inquiry

These included, he said, the fact Ms Allan was being bullied by other prisoners, distress caused by hair loss resulting from alopecia, her distress at being body (strip) searched by prison staff, and the failure of her appeal against her conviction.

Her weight also dropped from just over 10st to 9st during her 12 weeks at the facility, which Sheriff Collins said should have been a 'cause for concern'.

Mr Brown, on the other hand, was placed on TTM on admission to Polmont only to be removed from it the next morning, despite presenting as a 'very high risk' individual.

Even when 'further information' about his level of risk was provided by a social worker later that day, he was not put back on TTM.

Sheriff Collins said: 'Had Katie been put on TTM on the night of June 3-4, 2018, and had William not been removed from it prior to the night of October 6-7, 2018, there was a realistic possibility that their deaths might have been avoided.'

The sheriff also described as 'defective' the systems for sharing information between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and other bodies, including courts and external agencies, about prisoner risk.

And he found issues with the way risk assessment information was recorded on prison systems.

This meant, he said: 'There was no single, readily accessible source of all the information relevant to Katie's risk of suicide which was available to SPS staff in Polmont.'

The family have always pointed out the Glasgow University student had admitted her offence and apologised to the victim's family who did not want to see her locked up

He added that the deaths could have been prevented if 'reasonable precautions' had been taken around the safety of cells, including the carrying out of regular checks to identify potential risks.

This would, he said, 'restrict' the level of risk to inmate safety, 'whether or not they are subject to TTM'.

His report, which runs to more than 400 pages, sets out 25 recommendations 'which might realistically prevent other deaths in similar circumstances'.

Sheriff Collins concluded: 'In common with all the participants in the inquiry, I offer my condolences to the families of Katie and William.

'I would wish to particularly acknowledge the contributions of Linda and Stuart Allan, at least one of whom attended every day of the inquiry, and whose dignity and courage were evident throughout.'

An SPS spokesman said: 'Our thoughts remain with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay.

'We are committed to doing everything we can to support people and keep them safe during one of the most challenging and vulnerable periods of their life.

'We are grateful to Sheriff Collins for his recommendations, which we will now carefully consider before responding further.'

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: 'My deepest sympathies and condolences are with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, who have lost a child and sibling.

'I am deeply sorry about their deaths and that their families have had to wait so long for the conclusion of this process.

'I fully appreciate that this has been an arduous process and will have compounded the trauma and distress of the families.

'Deaths from suicide in custody are as tragic as they are preventable, and the deaths of these two young people should not have happened whilst they were in the care of the state.'

Solicitor General for Scotland, Ruth Charteris KC, said: 'I would again wish to acknowledge the deep anguish that the deaths of Katie and William have brought to their families and appreciate that the wait for these proceedings has been too long.

'Since their deaths, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has introduced reforms designed to reduce the time it takes to investigate deaths, improve the quality of such investigations, and improve communication with bereaved families.

'As part of these reforms, a specialist custody deaths investigation team has been set up to focus on cases such as those of Katie and William.

'There is much more that can be done across the whole of the justice system to improve how deaths in custody are investigated, and the Crown is committed to contributing to that.'

Mr Allan said he remembers the last time he saw his sister alive in Polmont with both him and his mother urging staff to keep her under careful watch as she was 'very vulnerable'.

He added: 'I knew that night something was going to happen.

'She was either going to get beat up or she was going to have to be in an isolated cell.

'But I didn't even picture something worse happening.'

The Allan family are calling for a change in the law so the prison service would no longer be protected by Crown immunity and could face prosecution.

They also want to see reforms to the FAI process and legal aid.

Mr Allan said he hoped the changes will be introduced, lending 'some meaning' to his sister's death and added: 'This won't happen to someone else, or at the very least it'll happen to a lot less people as a result of the work we've done.'
Truffled ricotta, anchovies and unsweetened chocolate may not seem like a winning combo, but at Binu Bonu in San Francisco, it mysteriously works. MacKenzie Chung Fegan/The Chronicle

I review a restaurant almost every week, but you, readers, never hear about most of what I eat. Partially this is because not everything I try is good enough  or bad enough  to write about, but mostly its because the majority of my meals are not in service of a full restaurant review. I dine out nearly every day (and often multiple times a day) to scout for various restaurant guides, check in on old standbys and pay calls to new bakeries, slice joints and the like. Starting today, every Friday Ill be sharing some of my favorite bites of the week, and in future installments Ill be inviting my colleagues on the Food & Wine desk to join me as well. Want the list a few days earlier? Sign up for my free newsletter, Bite Curious.

If youve eaten at Noe Valley favorite La Ciccia, it will come as no surprise that former chef-owner Massimiliano Conti is from Sardinia. What is less obvious is that his wife, Lorella Degan, is from the Veneto region, which explains the presence of a cicchetto ($6) on the menu at their West Portal wine bar, Binu Bonu, which opened last year. Cicchetti are snacky bites, often rounds of bread with various toppings, served at bars throughout Venice, but Binu Bonus version is unlike anything youre likely to find at a canalside bacaro. The soft bread comes smeared with a thick layer of truffle-infused ricotta, atop which is a single anchovy. The cheese and fish are buried underneath a flurry of shaved unsweetened chocolate. If that all sounds like a diabolical mashup, Im here to assure you that it works. The heady aroma of the truffles, the bitterness of the chocolate and the punch of salt from the anchovy are a weirdly alluring combo.

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Binu Bonu. 230 W. Portal Ave., San Francisco. binubonu.com

The 6-piece nuggies with all the fixins at Burdell. Courtesy Burdell

New to the menu at Oakland soul food spot Burdell is a sassy caviar service that pairs a 6-piece order of chicken nuggets with Burdell-branded caviar ($70). The nuggies, as described by our server, are painstakingly made in house and come with a couple of sauces, including a slurpable honey mustard. Theyre so tender and tasty that I wish they could be had at a lower price point, sans caviar (not that I would kick the caviar out of bed).

Burdell. 4640 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. burdelloakland.com

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A stir fry with jackfruit accompanied by pork rinds at Tanzies. MacKenzie Chung Fegan / The Chronicle

Last April, my colleague Cesar Hernandez reviewed Tanzies in Berkeley, calling it a new hidden gem for brunch. As of a few weeks ago, the cozy Thai restaurant is now a not-so-hidden gem for brunch and dinner. We enjoyed everything we ordered, but of particular note was the tom khanoon, a dish with stir-fried jackfruit. I assumed it was a nod to vegetarians until I saw that the jackfruit was paired with ground pork and served with a side of crispy pork rinds, looking for all the world like tiny fried fish.

Tanzies. 1453 Dwight Way, Berkeley. tanziescafe.com

A bingsu as feathery as fresh snow at Ssal. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle

On the fine dining end of the Korean food spectrum, my meal at Ssal concluded with an incredible bingsu. Under a downy blanket of shaved ice were a layer of chestnut cream and vanilla ice cream made with, our server told us, three times the normal amount of Madagascar vanilla. Im not sure what constitutes a normal amount of vanilla, but the flavor was intoxicating, the antithesis of boring. Housemade jujube vinegar poured over the top reminded me of an aged balsamic.

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Ssal. 2226 Polk St., San Francisco. ssalsf.com

A kimchi-jjigae to take the winter chill off. MacKenzie Chung Fegan / The Chronicle

On a more casual note, I paid a visit to the restaurant inside Kukje Supermarket in Daly City. It specializes in sundubu-jjigae, a stew made with soft tofu that can include anything from beef to mushrooms to sacs of fish eggs. The kimchi-jjigae was also excellent, a spicy and warming treat after a vigorous round of grocery shopping.

Kukje Supermarket Eating Place. 2350 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City. kukjesupermarket.com
A police officer who was cleared of rape after pressing a woman into sex has been found to have committed gross misconduct by a disciplinary panel.

PC David Longden-Thurgood, 51, had 'non-consensual sex' with the business owner after meeting her on dating app Bumble, a misconduct panel ruled.

The woman told him repeatedly she didn't want to have sex with him but he forced himself on her and even told her 'it feels too good I can't stop now'.

The panel found the Hampshire Constabulary officer guilty of gross misconduct and ruled that he would be dismissed from the force had he not already resigned in February of last year.

Previously at a crown court, PC Longden-Thurgood was formally cleared of rape. His first trial collapsed, then jurors sitting on his re-trial could not reach a verdict, and his victim did not want to give evidence at a third trial.

Hampshire Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya today said the ex-PC can 'no longer able to abuse his position as a police officer to gain the trust of women'.

She said: 'I want to make clear my admiration for the woman who has reported this to us, known as Ms A during the hearing.

'Her personal courage in coming forward following what happened to her at the hands of an off-duty police officer and for the strength she has shown throughout this whole process is commendable.

PC David Longden-Thurgood (pictured) had 'non-consensual sex' with a business owner after meeting her on dating app Bumble

The panel found the Hampshire Constabulary officer guilty of gross misconduct and ruled that he would be dismissed from the force if he had not already resigned. Pictured: Longden-Thurgood at Winchester Crown Court, during his trial in 2023

The PC went over to her house in the evening and the atmosphere was initially pleasant but as the evening progressed, Ms A suggested they go upstairs 'for a cuddle'

'It is thanks to her bravery during this incredibly challenging time, that David Longden-Thurgood is no longer able to abuse his position as a police officer to gain the trust of women.

'This is not the behaviour we expect to see in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary and I know, like me, you will be appalled by this individuals conduct.'

The two-day Hampshire Constabulary misconduct hearing at the force's HQ in Eastleigh was told that the ex-PC matched with Ms A on the dating app Bumble in October 2020.

Matthew Holdcroft, representing the force, said Ms A was 'aware' that PC Longden-Thurgood was a police officer and there was a reference to his 19 years of service.

The then police constable and Ms A exchanged messages on the app before moving over to WhatsApp where the conversation became 'sexualised' after a few hours.

The PC went over to her house in the evening and the atmosphere was initially pleasant.

As the evening progressed, Ms A suggested they go upstairs 'for a cuddle' and at the base of her stairs she clarified 'No funny business, though'.

'She meant sex,' Mr Holdcroft told the panel. 'The Officer assured her that nothing would happen.'

After he left, Ms A sent him a text message and referred to how she 'kept saying no we aren't having sex'



Previously at a crown court, PC Longden-Thurgood was formally cleared of rape



Once they were upstairs, Ms A left the room to fetch a glass of water and upon her return she found PC Longden-Thurgood lying in her bed - wearing only his boxers.

The pair started kissing and engaging in some sexual activity and at some point the officer stood up and 'removed his boxer shorts'.

In light of this, she told him: 'I don't want to have sex.'

In response, he said: 'Don't worry, we're not going to have sex.'

He got back and continued before lifting her up onto her hips so that her face was 'into the pillow'.

'Despite Ms A having specifically told the Officer that she did not want sex he inserted his penis into her vagina,' Mr Holdcroft said.

Mr Holdcroft said she 'did not know what to do' as she had 'said no and he had not listened'.

Ms A turned around and told the officer that she 'didn't want to have sex at all' and he responded and told her 'It feels too good, I can't stop now'.

Mr Holdcroft continued: 'Ms A became numb and felt powerless.'

PC Longden-Thurgood ejaculated inside her and she went to the bathroom before he got dressed and left as he felt Ms A wanted to 'avoid any further interaction'

After he left, she sent him a text message and referred to how she 'kept saying no we aren't having sex'.

She wrote: 'I didn't mind a spoon and a bit of playing but I think you intended on coming here to have sex and wouldn't be happy until we had.

'It got to that point I might as well stop saying no.'

The panel found that PC Longden-Thurgood would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned in February of last year

PC Longden-Thurgood responded: 'Sorry babe. I thought with all the sex talk we'd had over the last 24 hours that was what we both wanted.'

Ms A wrote: 'Just because we were in that situation and we chatted about it, I was saying no.'

She asked him to 'please try and appreciate from my point of view' and PC Longden-Thurgood responded 'Ok I take your point and I'm sorry'.

In the text exchanges, PC Longden-Thurgood described Ms A as being 'miserable' from the moment he saw her but said he still 'fancied' her.

In other messages, Ms A said that he used her for sex 'without full consent' and didn't 'take no for an answer'.

Ms A reported him to the police and PC Longden-Thurgood from Waterlooville, Hampshire, was arrested under suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

Mr Holdcroft said the officer - who denied misconduct - used his position as a police constable to make her 'trust him' and 'meant that she was inclined to believe that she would be safe with him'.

The panel found that PC Longden-Thurgood would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned in February of last year.

An initial rape trial against PC Longden-Thurgood took place in June 2022 but collapsed after four jurors tested positive for Covid.

In January 2023, the officer appeared in the dock again and a jury failed to reach a verdict on the charge.

The Crown Prosecution Service made the decision not to pursue a retrial following discussions with the woman, who did not wish to go through a third trial and so a not guilty verdict was formally recorded.
An American author accused of sexually assaulting a college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said 'So I raped you' was extradited Thursday from France to the United States.

Ian Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, arrived in the US and was being flown to Pennsylvania, a US Marshals Service spokesman said.

Cleary had been detained in April in Metz, France, after a three-year search.

A French appeals court later said he could be extradited.

The court prosecutors' office in Metz, in northeastern France, said Cleary was handed over to US authorities at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport.

Former Gettysburg University student Shannon Keeler, who pursued the case for more than a decade, said the news gave her 'renewed faith' in the justice system.

'This arrest and extradition give me renewed faith that, after many years of waiting, the justice system can work, when survivors persist with the help and support of family, friends, advocates, and attorneys,' Keeler said in a press release issued through her attorney.

Cleary had been the subject of an international search since authorities in Pennsylvania issued a 2021 felony warrant in the case, weeks after details emerged about the reluctance of local prosecutors to pursue campus sex crimes.

Ian Thomas Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California , is accused of assaulting Pennsylvania college student Shannon Keeler in her dorm room in December 2013

Allegations against Cleary triggered a worldwide search after Pennsylvania authorities issued a 2021 felony warrant accusing him of stalking Keeler (pictured)

Pictured: messages Cleary sent to Keeler in the aftermath of the alleged assault

The arrest warrant accuses Cleary of stalking the 18-year-old Keeler at a campus party in 2013, sneaking into her dorm and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help.

He was a 20-year-old Gettysburg student at the time, but didn't return to campus.

Keeler had a rape exam done the same day. She gathered witnesses and evidence and spent years urging officials to file charges.

She went to authorities again in 2021 after discovering the Facebook messages that seemed to come from Cleary's account.

'So I raped you,' the sender wrote in a string of messages.

'I'll never do it to anyone ever again.'

'I need to hear your voice.'

'I'll pray for you.'

According to the June 2021 warrant, police verified that the Facebook account used to send the messages belonged to Cleary.

Keeler poses for a portrait in the United States on Wednesday, April 7, 2021

The Gettysburg accuser, Shannon Keeler, had a rape exam done the same day she was assaulted in 2013

No hearing dates have been set in Adams County, Pennsylvania, which includes Gettysburg, and Cleary did not yet have a lawyer listed in court files.

A woman who answered his mother's phone on Thursday disconnected a reporter's call, while phone numbers for his father were no longer working.

'It took an incredible amount of courage and unwavering resolve for Shannon to get this far,' lawyer Andrea Levy said in the statement, 'and she is deeply grateful to law enforcement at every level who worked to locate, capture and extradite Ian Cleary.'
Keir Starmer vowed to tighten the UK's relationship with Poland as he visits Warsaw for talks ahead of Donald Trump's return to the US presidency.

The Prime Minister has said that it is 'time to take our partnership to the next level' and that 'closer collaboration' with allies such as Poland will 'protect the UK's national security'.

He will meet counterpart Donald Tusk to start work on a new defence and security agreement with the eastern European nation, which has been rearming in the face of Russian aggression.

The treaty will support both countries working together to protect Europe from Vladimir Putin and on tackling people smuggling gangs.

The agreement will also do more to tackle disinformation and hybrid threats, Number 10 said.

Ahead of the visit, Sir Keir said: 'The UK and Poland are longstanding allies and our co-operation stretches back for generations.

'With ever-increasing threats to Europe's security, now is the time to take our partnership to the next level, so we can ensure we're tackling the big issues that rebound on the British people at home  from Putin's aggression to the vile people smuggling gangs trading in human misery.

The Prime Minister has said that it is 'time to take our partnership to the next level' and that 'closer collaboration' with allies such as Poland will 'protect the UK's national security'.

He will meet counterpart Donald Tusk to start work on a new defence and security agreement with the eastern European nation, which has been rearming in the face of Russian aggression.

Trump will start his second term as US president on Monday, raising fears he will appease Russia in Ukraine

'It is only through closer collaboration with our most important partners such as Poland that we'll protect the UK's national security  the key foundation on which I'll deliver my plan for change.'

The visit comes just days before Donald Trump enters the White House, potentially signalling a shift in US support for Ukraine's war effort in favour of a push for a peace deal.

Mr Trump's choice for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, suggested on Wednesday that both Ukraine and Russia would have to make concessions to end the war.

Mr Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to secure 'peace through strength', and last year Mr Zelensky said that 'Russia must be forced into real peace, which can only be achieved through strength' as he urged world leaders to not be cowed by Russia.

Further talks are expected to begin this month with a view to agreeing the treaty, Number 10 has said and comes as the Government has laid out a desire to reset the UK's relationship with Europe.

Sir Keir will also meet Polish business leaders during his trip to Warsaw, while Polish firm InPost has announced that it will invest a further 600 million into the UK in the next five years to grow its operations.

It is thought that the overall 1 billion investment by the firm  which operates parcel lockers  could support up to 12,000 new jobs.

The trip to Poland comes after the Prime Minister visited Ukraine on Thursday for the first time since he entered Number 10.

Sir Keir said on Thursday that the UK will 'play our part' in guaranteeing Ukraine's security following any peace deal, during the trip which coincided with a drone attack by Vladimir Putin's forces on the Ukrainian capital.

The Prime Minister is understood to have heard sirens warning Kyiv's citizens of the air raid as he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The air raid on Kyiv while he was visiting was 'a reminder of the daily attacks and the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of it'.
A Tesco worker sued the supermarket giant for race discrimination after being told he looked like Tommy Cooper - because he wore a distinctive Fez to work.

Kester Charles Bey took the supermarket giant to an employment tribunal over comparisons to the popular TV comedian and magician of the 1970s.

The entertainer wore a Fez - a red felt tasselled hat associated with Morocco - when on stage.

And Mr Bey, who is an independent councillor for Woodley Town Council, in Berkshire, claimed that describing him as looking like Cooper was both religious and racial harassment because of his 'Moorish' background.

But - 'just like that' - his discrimination case was dismissed with an employment judge ruling it had no chance of succeeding.

The preliminary hearing in Watford was told Mr Bey had worked for Tesco for more than two years when he resigned in May 2023.

Representing himself, he told the tribunal he was frustrated at the lack of training he was given and that having been declared competent by one boss had been told to retrain by another.

Mr Bey, from Reading, also claimed to have been the victim of harassment because of his Fez.

Kester Charles Bey sued Tesco for race discrimination after being told he looked like Tommy Cooper - because he wore a distinctive Fez to work

Tommy Cooper, a renowned comedian and magician of the 1970s, wore a Fez - a red felt tasselled hat associated with Morocco - when on stage

'He felt that he had been held back by not getting training for a second skill, that management had picked on him about competency issues, and that he had been subject to some harassment related to his protected characteristics of race and religion,' Employment Judge Paul Housego said.

'He describes himself as Moorish, and always wears a Fez. He says this is connected with both race and his religion [Muslim].

'He says that it was harassment to describe him as looking like Tommy Cooper (a comedian and magician from the 1960's who always wore one).'

After resigning, Mr Bey launched legal action against the supermarket in October 2023 - beyond the time limit for most tribunal claims - and filed a more detailed complaint a year later.

However, EJ Housego said the documents he supplied 'do not disclose any arguable case' and do not mention the Fez allegations.

'The claim about lack of training for a second skill could be argued as a breach of mutual trust and confidence, and so support a claim of constructive dismissal,' EJ Housego conceded before striking it out for being too late.

'Mr Bey could not suggest any reason why this was connected with race or religion, and so the claim of race discrimination and religion or belief discrimination has no reasonable prospect of success.

'It is also out of time, and there is nothing in what Mr Bey said that could lead to a conclusion that it was just and equitable to extend time.

Watford Employment Tribunal (pictured) found against Mr Bey's claim for discrimination

'The harassment claim did not have any dates or names attached to it. It is unconnected with training or competence issues, and so is even more out of time.

'Before a claim is struck out the judge must try to find out what it is. I have done my very best to do so, but could get no further than this.

'There is a limit to what a judge is expected to do for a litigant in person, and I have exceeded that limit in my efforts to help Mr Bey. For these reasons I strike out Mr Bey's claims.'

Mr Bey's additional claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination were also thrown out.

Tommy Cooper - whose act portrayed him as the conjurer whose tricks never succeeded - rose to national prominence in the 1960s when he started to appear on television.

He enjoyed a 40 year career and during the mid-1970s was one of the most recognisable comedians in the world.

On 15 April 1984, Cooper - whose catchphrase was 'just like that' - collapsed from a heart attack in front of 12 million television viewers midway through his act and subsequently died.
The family of 15-year-old Elianne Andam finally saw justice yesterday after a man was found guilty of murdering the schoolgirl after a row over a teddy bear.

Hassan Sentamu, 18, flew into a fit of 'white-hot anger' and stabbed Elianne in the neck with a kitchen knife outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, south London, on September 27, 2023.

While the incident shocked the nation, it was by no means unique - with the capital's knife crime epidemic going on to claim many more young victims since.

London has seen a total of 11 teenage homicides over the last 12 months, prompting one community leader to warn that stabbings 'can happen to a child anywhere, at any time'.

The first brutal killing of a teenager in London this year took place last week when a 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, an aspiring drill rapper going by the name Grippa, was stabbed to death on a London bus.

The 'horrendous' attack saw the teenager knifed more than 25 times while on his way home from school. A 16-year-old boy from Plumstead and a 15-year-old boy from Woolwich have been charged with murder.

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Elianne Andam (pictured) was stabbed to death in a fit of 'white-hot anger' on September 27 2023

Hassan Sentamu (pictured) was today convicted of murder by a jury following Elianne's death

There was a 20 per cent rise in knife offences in the year ending December 2023 compared to the previous year, with 14,577 knife-related crimes in total.

It was against this backdrop that London Mayor Sadiq Khan was handed a knighthood, a decision one campaigner described as 'insulting, degrading and disrespectful to families'.

Elianne Andam, who had ambitions to become a human rights lawyer, was killed in a senseless act of violence provoked by a minor row.

The fatal attack took place after Hassan Sentamu planned to meet up with his ex-girlfriend, who he had split up with about 10 days before, and her group of friends, including Elianne, in order to carry out a belongings swap.

The trial heard how Sentamu's ex had kept her side of the bargain by bringing a plastic bag of his belongings. But when he turned up without the teddy bear, Elianne showed her loyalty to her friend by snatching the bag back and running away.

It was a move that would ultimately cost Elianne her life. Moments later, she was chased down by the furious older boy who stabbed her repeatedly before plunging the knife 12cm into her neck and severing her carotid artery.

The first brutal killing of a teenager in London this year took place last week when a 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, an aspiring drill rapper, was stabbed to death on a London bus

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford praised the bravery of Elianne's friends and family as well as members of the public who tried to save the teenager and praised her for standing up for her friend and 'doing what she thought was right'.

While London is particularly plagued by stabbings, the rest of the country is not immune.

There were 50,510 'knife-enabled crimes' in England and Wales in the year to March, which was up 4 per cent on the previous year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

A notable increase was seen in the number of robberies involving a knife or sharp instrument, which were up 13 per cent in a year.

Labour has vowed to get 13,000 police officers back on the streets and previously announced a five-step plan to tackle the issue, including guaranteed sanctions for young people carrying knives.

One anti-knife crime measure was the ban on zombie knives and machetes, which came into force on September 24.

Daniel Anjorin was killed in a sword rampage in Hainault

Rene Graham, aged 15, was gunned down in Ladbroke Grove during a pre-Notting Hill carnival 'family day'

However, an investigation carried out a month later found the fearsome weapons remained available online for less than 20.

Journalists were able to buy four knives from retailers with websites in the UK, two of which shipped the deadly weapons from overseas.

Police chiefs responded to the shocking finding but suggested the law might need to be toughened in the future, as the Home Office vowed a 'rapid review' of the selling of knives online.

The terrifying blades, which boast chilling names including First Blood, Fantasy Hunting Knife and Predator, can be more than 18in long  and have become the weapon of choice for gang murders and stabbings.
Camera footage caught the moment shameless crooks swiped wine from a Sainsbury's store - in the second raid on the shop less than two weeks.

The hooded thieves loaded bottle after bottle of wine into their Ikea bag-for-life as they crouched down in the aisle near the fridges to loot the booze.

Workers helplessly watched on, as shocked shoppers filmed on their mobile phones.

The pair then calmly walked out without their faces covered and as they left the store an onlooker who was recording said 'smile you're on camera'.

The incident took place at Sainsbury's, on Wapping Lane, east London, yesterday afternoon.

Colin Lingham a customer at the shop said: 'They Don't even cover their faces. As they know it won't matter. This has got to stop.'

The theft comes after criminals targeted the same supermarket only two weeks earlier.

On January 5 thieves emptied boxes of chocolate, including Daily Milk, Twirls, Twix and Kinder Buenos, into bags.

Hooded thieves loaded bottle after bottle of wine into their Ikea bag-for-life as they crouched down in the aisle near the fridges to loot the booze, at Sainsbury's, on Wapping Lane, east London

Workers helplessly watched on, as shocked shoppers filmed on their mobile phones

As they left the store an onlooker who was recording said 'smile you're on camera'

Sainsbury's have reported the first incident to police who are currently investigating.

One local, Theresa, a retired nurse said: 'I'm going to try that tomorrow. And see how far I get.'

Office of National Statistics figures reveal there were 469,788 incidents of shoplifting in England and Wales last year - a rise of 28 per cent on 2023.

There has been a recent surge across London from middle-class shoplifters, with upmarket stores being frequent targets.

Experts suggest a combination of financial pressures and a sense of entitlement may drive some of these incidents.

Richard Fowler, who manages security at upmarket health food brand Planet Organic, said shoplifting at the Chiswick branch takes place 'every day' - and that 'posh totty' types are part of the problem.

He claimed the brand loses a staggering 900,000 a year as a result of stealing. The chain has nine stores across London and claims all the products it sells are organic.

Metropolitan Police figures show that 57,453 offences were reported across London last year  an increase from 38,157 in 2022.

Criminals targeted the same supermarket only two weeks prior thieves emptied boxes of chocolate into bags. Pictured: Two man unpacking chocolate bars into their bag on January 5

July was the most common month for shoplifting offences, research has found

Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City University, told the BBC: 'It's widely known that the police have been overstretched and under-resourced for over a decade.

'It is not just about the number of police that have been taken off the streets, it's also the operational approach and the strategy.'

Shoplifting has risen to the highest level on record, new data revealed in April this year.

Retail bosses accused ministers of allowing shoplifting to become effectively decriminalised, with many police forces failing to attend the majority of reports and failing to gather any evidence when they do.

Less than 40 per cent of shoplifting reports were attended by the Met between April 2022 and April 2023, figures revealed.

Separate data suggests a similar - and often worse - situation in the rest of the country, with forces sending out an officer for just one in five calls related to shoplifting.

A national police unit, Operation Opal, was set up six months ago to tackle shoplifting across Britain and so far has identified more than 20 gangs and 200 criminals fuelling the epidemic.

Police chiefs believe that Opal is finally turning the tide on shoplifting, which is costing retailers 1.8 billion per year.

Opal is believed to have uncovered 23 prolific gangs who have stolen more than 3.5 million of goods in less than six months.

But thanks to painstaking reviews of CCTV footage and other evidence gathered by detectives, about 70 members from the 23 crime groups have been arrested.

Officers have also created profiles of 200 shoplifters who are either persistent thieves or possible members of more gangs.

Sources have revealed that Opals investigations have led to more than 21 seizures of stolen goods, as well as vehicles used for thefts.

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: 'An incident took place at our Wapping Lane Local store yesterday and we are supporting the police with their investigation.'

A spokesman for the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Police were called at 10.22pm on Thursday, 16 January to a shop in Wapping Lane, E1 following reports of a theft.

'The suspect entered the store and stole items including food produce.

'The investigation remains ongoing.'
The best pub in Britain was today named as a thriving venue in a Shropshire market town that was saved from being turned into housing after it was closed.

The Bailey Head in Oswestry was praised for its welcoming atmosphere, charity pub quizzes, live music and an impressive array of cask beer and cider.

The pub was transformed after being bought in 2016 and now has 12 handpulls serving six cask beers and six ciders and perries, plus 16 other draught lines.

Now, it has been given the prestigious Pub of the Year title by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which described it as a 'rags-to-riches success story' after the owners had 'turned what was once a closed local into a haven for the local community'.

The Bailey Head was previously brewery-owned and called The Eagles and The Castle Tavern for more than 200 years, but had been 'failing' and was listed by Camra as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) to protect it from redevelopment.

But it was transformed nine years ago after being bought by Duncan Borrowman and Grace Goodlad and won a variety of awards from Camra as well as the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates, TripAdvisor and the Shropshire Goat.

Duncan Borrowman and Grace Goodlad (centre left and right) at The Bailey Head in Oswestry

The Bailey Head was praised by judges for its welcoming atmosphere and charity pub quizzes

The Bailey Head was transformed after being bought in 2016 and now has 12 handpulls

The Bailey Head has received the Campaign for Real Ale's prestigious Pub of the Year title

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Mr Borrowman said: 'We have always had a policy of 'Everyone Welcome', any person should feel happy and comfortable coming in by themselves and enjoying a drink, either on their own or chatting to other customers.

2024 Camra Pub of the Year shortlist, finalists and winners The 17 pubs on the shortlist for Camra Pub of the Year 2024 were as follows, split by region: WINNER West Midlands: Bailey Head, Oswestry OTHER FINALISTS Greater London: The Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill

West Pennines: Black Horse, Preston

Yorkshire: Three Bs, Bridlington SHORTLIST Central Southern: Bell Inn, Aldworth

East Anglia: Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth

East Midlands: Horse and Jockey, Stapleford

Greater Manchester: Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge

Kent: Nelson Arms, Tonbridge

Merseyside and Cheshire: Turks Head, St Helens

North East: Grey Horse, Consett

Northern Ireland: Dog and Duck, Lisbellaw

Scotland: Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay

South West: Crossways Inn, West Huntspill

Surrey and Sussex: Brickmakers Alehouse, Bexhill on Sea

Wales: Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay

Wessex: Woodman Inn, Bridport Advertisement

'We thrive on being the heart of the community and a place where people gather to celebrate or commiserate.

'While all of the focus tends to be on us as a couple, this win was also down to our incredible team of welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and to our wonderful regulars who have become very much a community in their own right.'

Ms Goodlad added: 'We are thrilled, we hope we can live up to the award. In our wildest dreams we never thought we would win Camra Pub of the Year.

'From small beginnings nine years ago, we have taken everything one step at a time, through Covid, slowly improving to the point where we now have twelve handpulls serving six cask beers and six ciders and perries, plus sixteen other draught lines.

'When we bought the pub nine years ago it was failing and had been listed as an Asset of Community Value by the local Camra branch.

'That listing made it possible for us to save it from potentially becoming housing and turning it into the pub it is today.'

Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Camra chairman David Ricketts said: 'The story of the Bailey Head from humble beginnings proves that any pub can become the best in the UK with some hard graft.

'Huge congratulations to Duncan and Grace and their hardworking team at the pub. We are so proud that our local branch plays host to them, and I hope this win can bring plenty of new visitors to their doorstep.'

Camra Awards Director Laura Emson said: 'There could not be a more deserving winner for the Pub of the Year than the Bailey Head.

'In a time when running a pub is a significant challenge, the commitment and enthusiasm Duncan and Grace show should be highly commended and seen as an example.

'January can be an especially tough time for our locals, so please get out and visit them and provide the support that is so desperately needed for pubs across the UK.'

The presentation of the award took place at the Bailey Head this afternoon.

One of the other three Pub of the Year finalists was the Black Horse in Preston, Lancashire.

One of the other three Pub of the Year finalists was the Black Horse in Preston, Lancashire

The Grade II listed Black Horse pub was described as 'visually stunning' by Camra judges

The Black Horse was said by Camra to be a 'fantastic example of Victorian architecture'

Judges praised the Black Horse for 'retaining original fittings' from the Victorian era

The Black Horse featured as one of the four finalists in the Pub of the Year competition

The Grade II listed pub was described as 'visually stunning' and a 'fantastic example of Victorian architecture, retaining original fittings from the era'.

Also on the list was the Three B's in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, which is 'run by a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about beer and cider'.

The popular micropub is described as 'Bridlington's Real Ale Destination', showcasing four cask beers with a focus on stocking local Yorkshire-based beers.

The third was The Little Green Dragon in Winchmore Hill, a former shop unit in Enfield, North London, which was the area's first micropub and opened in 2017.

Also on the list for Britain's Pub of the Year was the Three B's in Bridlington, East Yorkshire

The Three B's is 'run by a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about beer and cider'

Popular micropub the The Three B's is described as 'Bridlington's Real Ale Destination'

Camra said it focuses on the 'quality and diversity of cask beer', and has an 'everchanging selection of four cask beers sourced from local microbreweries and other independent brewers from further afield, plus real cider, perry and four keg beers'.

The pubs in the competition are selected by Camra volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and quality of beer.

It comes after the number of pubs in England and Wales dipped below 39,000 for the first time last year after hundreds of locals shut their doors for good.

Official Government statistics revealed last month that 412 pubs were demolished or converted for other uses over the year to December 2024.

Another finalist for Camra's Pub of the Year was The Little Green Dragon in Winchmore Hill

The Little Green Dragon in Winchmore Hill became Enfield's first micropub when it opened

The Little Green Dragon is in a former shop unit in Enfield and has bus memorabilia on the walls

Camra said The Little Green Dragon focuses on the quality and diversity of cask beer

The Little Green Dragon has an everchanging selection of four cask beers', the judges said

The data, which was analysed by commercial real estate specialists at Altus Group, showed that the overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 38,989.

More 34 pubs a month called last orders for the final time over the year, as the rate of pubs disappearing from local communities accelerated.

It was the sharpest fall in pub numbers since 2021, when the sector was hit hard by pandemic restrictions and surging energy prices.

UK pub numbers have now plunged by more than 2,000 since the start of 2020.

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The latest figures come amid a backdrop of rising costs and cautious spending among consumers who have witnessed higher mortgages and rents.

In April, a number of policies from the autumn Budget will come into force which are also due to drive a sharp jump in costs for many pub operators.

The data also showed that London lost the greatest number of pubs in 2024, falling by 55 to 3,470 at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, pub numbers dropped by 53 to 3,904 in the West Midlands.
A convicted Miami scammer shot a man as he climbed into the back of a car for sex with her, then accused him of rape, police say.

Valerie Meza-Faublack, 22, was charged with armed robbery and attempted murder after the incident in on January 6 in Hialeah.

Meza-Faublack reportedly claimed she met the man outside the restaurant where she works before he drove her to a warehouse parking lot.

She told police she had paid him $20 to charge her phone but he instead forced her to undress and raped her, according to police.

Meza-Faublack was out on probation from a previous criminal spree when she was arrested.

She allegedly claimed the man 'dragged her out of the driver side door by her hair' and fired at her as she tried to escape.

But police say her story started to fall apart the next day, after they learned she refused a rape kit test at a rape treatment center.

A Miami woman was charged with attempted murder after she allegedly shot at a man who she falsely accused of rape

Valerie Meza-Faublack, 22, said the man tried to rape her inside his car but then refused a rape kit. She was convicted in 2022 of scamming people out of security deposits for an apartment

Meza-Faublack - a convicted scammer - was out on probation when she was arrested

The man then told authorities that he met Meza-Faublack at a bar and she asked him to leave with her.

But, the man said, when they went inside his car to have sex, Meza-Faublack attacked him instead.

'As the victim attempted to climb into the rear passenger seat of the motor vehicle, [Meza-Faublack] unlawfully took possession of his firearm, which was in the driver compartment area, and began shooting into the vehicle where he was occupying the rear passenger seat,' the police report says.

'After the shooting stopped, [the] victim advised he exited the vehicle, physically retrieved the firearm from [her] and fled the scene.'

Surveillance video also contradicted Meza-Faublack's story, as it showed her shooting into the man's car as many as 15 times.

Meza-Faublack allegedly shot at the victim's car 15 times

Meza-Faublack is pictured on one of her Facebook photos

She was convicted in 2022 of using the alter ego 'Hamanda' to lie to multiple would-be renters and steal thousands in security deposits, as reported by Local 10 News.

The victims said Meza-Faublack posed as a realtor and told them to meet her somewhere to retrieve the keys to an apartment after they had paid a security deposit.

But when they showed up to the meeting spot, they were not met by Meza-Faublack, but by other victims who also were expecting to receive keys to an apartment.
Sir Sadiq Khan is facing an official investigation into his decision to accept free tickets to Taylor Swift's sell-out concerts in London last year.

The City Hall watchdog is to examine whether the London mayor 'exercised an appropriate level of caution' when he accepted freebies to her Eras tour worth 3,000.

Tory Susie Hall, who was beaten in the mayoral election last year, demanded a probe into his decision to take six tickets worth 500 each for the global superstar's appearances at Wembley Stadium in the summer.

He attended a performance on August 15, after she and her entourage were provided with a police escort to get to the venue in north west London, after a previous gig in Austria was cancelled over a bomb threat.

Questions have been raised over the VIP treatment Ms Swift was given, with the cost of policing the concerts rising by more than 150,000 after the pop megastar was handed a blue-light escort.

A Greater London Authority (GLA) spokesman said: 'The monitoring officer has reviewed the complaint against the mayor and will not be investigating three of the four allegations.

'An investigation will now take place to establish if the mayor exercised an appropriate level of caution in deciding to accept the tickets.'

The three other allegations reportedly related to the mayor declaring's the tickets late, an inaccurate initial declaration that valued the tickets at less than 200 each and whether donor LS Events had given them to the mayor while bidding for a contract.

The City Hall watchdog is to examine whether the London mayor 'exercised an appropriate level of caution' when he took accepted freebies worth 3,000.

He attended a performance on August 15, after she and her entourage were provided with a police escort to get to the venue in north west London, after a previous gig in Austria was cancelled over a bomb threat.

Questions have been raised over the VIP treatment Ms Swift was given, with the cost of policing the concerts rising by more than 150,000 after the pop megastar was handed a blue-light escort.

Ms Hall said: 'Whilst I welcome an investigation into the propriety of accepting these tickets, after months of asking Khan for answers, I am disappointed that the Monitoring Officer isn't considering the fact that the Mayor declared these tickets late, initially misdeclared who donated them, that they were also undervalued, or that the donor was a GLA contractor. More answers are desperately needed.'

Sir Sadiq's spokesman said: 'Any gift accepted by the mayor is declared openly and transparently.

'In this case there was an administrative error which was corrected. The mayor has no involvement in the procurement process for GLA events, nor in the tendering of these contracts.

Politicians were last year accused of pressuring Scotland Yard into providing a police escort for her entourage to the stadium in north west London in August using the Special Escort Group. They later attended some of the gigs for free.

It came after a suicide bomb threat forced Swift to cancel a previous concert in Austria, although there was no specific threat made against the five nights in the UK capital.

Quizzed at a London Assembly session in October, Mr Khan insisted he had 'never interfered in operational matters as far as the police are concerned'. But he acknowledged he 'regularly' spoke to the commissioner about major events happening in the capital.

Published figures showed that policing three nights of the tour at Wembley in June, before the threat to the concert in Vienna, cost police 68,852.33 per night, for a total of 206,557.

But when Swift returned to the UK in August, after the bomb threat, her five nights cost 99,678.21 per night, for a total of 498,391.05.

This suggests that the August dates cost more than 30,000 per night more to police than the June ones. The majority of the costs were for staffing, though there is no breakdown by unit or role. Ms Swift contributed to the cost of the policing as well.

The number of officers involved also rose, from 111 per night in June, to 162 in August.
Progressive Capitol Hill staffers have risked the wrath of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by demanding their work weeks be shortened to just 32 hours.

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) released a letter Thursday requesting a six-month pilot program to test out the four day work week, hoping to 'improve worker satisfaction.'

The letter also argued the short work week would 'increase staff retention in Congress and model a more sustainable approach to work on a national level.'

Although arguing the new hours would make them more 'effective and efficient', the letter notes that it would not equal any reduction in pay.

They said working as a congressional staffer is a 'demanding and intensive' role, and an easier work-life balance would improve life on the Hill.

'Staffers who assist with constituent casework must provide support on life-changing matters in a thorough and timely way, and outreach to local officials, businesses, and the communities the Member represents cannot cease when they are in Washington,' the letter said.

The demand was met with ridicule from those who questioned why the CPSA even exists, with some Republicans joking that they hoped the progressive staffers would work even fewer hours than 32 once Donald Trump returns to the White House.

'I, for one, completely support progressive staffers undermining their representative's ability to be influential and effective,' one said on X. 'In fact, 32 hours is too much! 20 hours or you strike!'

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association (pictured) released a letter Thursday demanding their work weeks be shortened to just 32 hours

Critics said the demand risked the wrath of the incoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), set to be ran by billionaire Trump-ally Elon Musk

Progressive Hill staff are asking for a 32-hour workweek



"We write today to encourage you to consider adopting a proposal that would improve worker satisfaction, increase staff retention in Congress, and model a more sustainable approach to work on a national level." pic.twitter.com/t1LmmcycNp  Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) January 16, 2025

The CPSA's letter concluded that shortening their work week would result in them remaining in Washington for longer, because they have seen 'long hours at a level of rigor regularly leads to burnout.'

'The intensive nature of these roles often causes staffers to seek new positions earlier than they would in a more predictable and sustainable work environment,' the letter read.

'This is a poor outcome for both the office and the staffer.'

While some took to mocking the group's demand, other former staffers said such a demand would have been unthinkable when they previously worked at the Capitol.

Josh Holmes, a podcaster, former Hill staffer and current president of public affairs firm Cavalry, took to X to say when he first started in Washington 'you couldn't keep me away' from the office.

'Slept at the office some nights to ensure nobody thought anyone else could put in more effort. It was more than a job it was a recognition of the privilege,' he wrote.

'I hope republicans staffers see this progressive letter as an opportunity to work harder. The day The Capitol looks like a job or a career rather than a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of the American people is the day you should walk out and let someone else do the job.

'Working for the American taxpayer isn't something you should do if youre worried about your comp time.'

Others pointed to the newly formed DOGE initiative in Trump's incoming White House, set to be fronted by billionaire Trump-ally Elon Musk.

'Hey DOGE, if 'progressive hill staff' can complete their work in 32 hrs/wk, then I think it's time to downsize and redistribute the workload, to accommodate a 40 hr work week, WITHOUT a pay increase,' one X user said in response to the letter.

'Anyone who gets a government salary should expect to work at least 40 hrs/week.'

Another questioned: 'Why is the government subjected to different ruled from the rest of the country? Nobody else is working 32 hours.'

The timing of the letter also raised eyebrows, with Donald Trump's inauguration next week set to dramatically reshape Washington as he re-enters the White House.

Washington Post journalist Jim Geraghty weighed into the debate by tweeting: 'Imagine being some progressive activist, and you learn that right as Donald Trump is about to come back into town.

'With 53 Republicans in the Senate and 219 Republicans in the House, itching to remake the federal government from top to bottom... the staffers for your members want to work just four days a week.'
Hapuku Fish Shop, as seen in 2010, inside the Rockridge Market Hall in Oakland will get a new operator in February. Stephanie Wright Hession

A popular, longstanding fishmonger is leaving its post at an Oakland market  but a premier San Francisco seafood specialist will take its place.

Billingsgate Seafood will be the new fishmonger at the Rockridge Market Hall. Inside the space at 5655 College Ave., it will offer a wide selection of top-tier seafood similar to its Noe Valley location in San Francisco.

The incoming operator takes over the space currently home to Hapuku Fish Shop, which will wrap fish for the last time on Jan. 26.

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Billingsgate co-founder Adrian Hoffman said his team is very excited to expand their footprint and enter the Oakland market. Fish will be sourced from parent company Four Star seafood and provisions, a supplier to many Bay Area restaurants. The new store will likely not have as wide a pantry selection, Hoffman said, but will carry caviar from producer N25, which he praised as the best available.

Poke from Billingsgate in San Francisco. Billingsgate will take over the Hapuku Fish Shop space at the Rockridge Market Hall in Oakland in February. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle

On top of fresh catch, there are also plans to offer prepared foods and dishes like poke bowls with fish cut to order, New England-style clam chowder and cioppino. Hoffman and his team, which includes co-founder Ismael Macias and operating manager Esteban Macias, may also seek a beer and wine license.

The arrival, as detailed in a Rockridge Market Hall press release, comes after Hapukus seafood supplier merged operations with Four Star. Hapuku has been a staple inside the neighborhood market for more than 20 years, offering fresh fish, clams and in-season Dungeness crab. Its popular hot food selection included panko-crusted fish and chips and sandwiches.

Billingsgate is expected to begin operations in early February inside the hall. Other Market tenants include Highwire Coffee Roasters and Market Hall Foods. Market Hall Foods also runs sister businesses Cactus Taqueria and Pasta Shop.

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All 12,000 troops sent by North Korea to bolster Vladimir Putin's dwindling forces may be killed or wounded in the next three months, analysts have claimed.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which has been tracking developments on the frontlines of the invasion of Ukraine since it started in February 2022, said in an assessment on January 16 that 'the entirety of this North Korean contingent in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in roughly 12 weeks.'

In early January, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said 3,800 North Korean soldiers have so far been killed or wounded in Kursk.

They were first reported to be on the battlefield in early November, with significant fighting taking place from December.

The ISW estimates that the North Korean contingent is suffering losses of around 92 personnel a day, and will be completely gone by mid-April if they 'continue to suffer similarly high casualty rates in the future.'

The group added: 'North Korean forces will likely continue to suffer a larger ratio of wounded to killed in action - as is typical for armed conflict - and it is unclear if or when injured North Korean soldiers return to combat.'

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'.

All 12,000 troops sent by North Korea to bolster Vladimir Putin's dwindling forces may be killed or wounded in the next three months, analysts have claimed

The ISW estimates that the North Korean contingent is suffering losses of around 92 personnel a day

The North Korean soldiers will be completely gone by mid-April if they 'continue to suffer similarly high casualty rates in the future'

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.
A Nevada woman's secret lover was left decapitated and dumped after she got pregnant while her husband was behind bars.

Anthony Newton, 45, is accused of killing 33-year-old Ulisys 'Cesar' Molina back in 2016 before dismembering him, dumping him in a vacant lot and setting his remains on fire over a secret love triangle that left his then-wife pregnant.

The long-awaited retrial for the death penalty murder case is now underway in Clark County, Las Vegas.

'That fact she got pregnant as a result of this affair makes the affair more painful and upsetting to Newton,' Pamela Weckerly, the chief deputy district attorney, said on Thursday, 8 News Now reported.

'To me, it would explain why you'd be really mad.'

Prosecutors argued that Newton tied up Molina before he killed him, rolled his body in a blanket, stuffed it inside a garbage can, dismembered his remains, put them in a suitcase, drove them to a vacant lot, poured an accelerant and lit a match, 8 News Now reported.

They also alleged that Newton was so infuriated over the affair that he forced his then-wife to have an abortion.

But Newton's attorneys said that the police rushed to the conclusion that he had killed Molina - claiming that they selectively chose evidence that fit their own personal theory.

Anthony Newton (pictured), 45, is accused of killing 33-year-old Ulisys 'Cesar' Molina back in 2016 before dismembering him, dumping him in a vacant lot and setting his remains on fire over a secret affair that left his then-wife pregnant

Three days after Christmas Day in 2016, a homeless woman who found a suitcase with a body burned inside of it.

Newton and his brother-in-law allegedly stuffed some of Molina's remains into the suitcase and drove to an abandoned lot in the 2000 block of Dolly Lane, near East Lake Mead Boulevard and Marion Drive in Las Vegas, before pouring gasoline over it and lighting it on fire

The first time prosecutors tried Newton was in November of 2024, but a judge declared a mistrial during the first day of testimony because one of his co-defendants alerted the jury to a certain time Newton spent in prison.

The retrial, which is expected to last at least three weeks, could leave Newton sentenced to death if convicted.

On Christmas Day of 2016, Molina was allegedly at the apartment of Kelsea Glass, a separate woman both he and Newton were said to be involved with, 8 News Now reported.

Newton abruptly knocked on the door and came inside before an argument began escalating between the two - allegedly leading Molina to be knocked to the ground with a bloodied forehead.

Fernando Garcia, Glass's roommate, said that he and Wray left the residence to run to the store. But when they returned, Newton had placed a couch in front of the apartment door so they couldn't enter.

Once they finally got inside, Garcia told detectives that he saw Molina lying on the floor and bleeding from his head while Newton was armed with a black handgun.

Garcia went into his bedroom before minutes later a second suspect, George Malaperdas, Newton's brother-in-law, arrived and immediately joined in - allegedly kicking Molina and yelling at him for having sex with his sister.

He also told officers that he too believed Molina was also involved with Newton's wife, Jami.

Prosecutors alleged this week that Newton was so infuriated over the affair that he forced his then-wife to have an abortion

Jacqueline Bluth, the district court judge, agreed with Newton's attorneys that abortion was too controversial of a subject and it may affect the jury's ability to process it while still treating Newton fairly during trial, despite prosecutors arguing that it's a large part of the motive

The first time prosecutors tried Newton was in November of 2024, but a judge declared a mistrial during the first day of testimony because one of his co-defendants alerted the jury to a certain time Newton spent in prison

The pair wrestled with Molina and tied him up with shoelaces before Newton put his foot against the victim's throat and stomped down until he 'was not moving anymore'.

Garcia told detectives that the two men then dragged Molina's body into the bathroom, at which point he ran out of the apartment.

After Molina's death, Malaperdas admitted that he and Newton removed Molina's clothes, wrapped him in a sheet and placed his body in the trunk of a car, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Newton ultimately left with the body that night but picked Malaperdas up the very next day and drove to a residence where allegedly he 'had him 'assist in the dismemberment of Molina's body'.

The crazed-pair stuffed some of his remains into a suitcase and drove to an abandoned lot in the 2000 block of Dolly Lane, near East Lake Mead Boulevard and Marion Drive, according to prosecutors.

Newton then poured gasoline on the suitcase before lighting it on fire.

Three days later, Metro patrol officers were called to investigate the body after it was found in the early morning hours by a homeless woman, 8 News Now reported.

Chander Carrethers, the woman who called 911, told authorities that she was asleep in her encampment when she heard the screeching of a car and a door opening. She then said she heard a sound similar to something being dragged through the desert.

At the time of the murder, a second suspect, George Malaperdas, Newton's brother-in-law, arrived and immediately joined in on attacking Molina - kicking him and yelling at him for having sex with his sister

On Christmas Day of 2016, Molina was allegedly at the apartment of Kelsea Wray, a separate woman both he and Newton were said to be involved with, leading to the escalation of an argument

Newton and Malaperdas were said to have wrestled with Molina and tied him up with shoelaces before Newton put his foot against the victim's throat and stomped down until he 'was not moving anymore'

When she came outside the next morning, she found the suitcase with a body burned inside of it.

Police confirmed that the DNA results of the remains were those of Molina's, despite only recovering a torso and legs.

The first day of the retrial was on Monday, where attorneys gave conflicting versions of what played out that Christmas Day nine years ago, 8 News Now reported.

Prosecutors said that during Newton's time in prison, Molina had slept with his then-wife.

The affair led Newton and his brother-in-law to kill Molina with the help of Glass, who prosecutors said lured him to her apartment.

But Josh Tomsheck, Newton's attorney, said that the state's witnesses have a reason to lie.

'I'm going to ask you why they are saying the things that they say,' Tomsheck said. 'The why in this case is going to tell you the truth about what really happened.'

Both the defense and prosecutors agreed on one specific set of facts - the discovery of one of Molina's hands, which were severed at the time of his murder.

After decapitating and dismembering Molina, Newton was said to douse the suitcase in gasoline before lighting it on fire and walking away

When the homeless woman who called 911 came out of her encampment the morning after hearing noises in the lot, she found the suitcase with a body burned inside of it

Prosecutors argued at the retrial that Molina died at the hands of Newton and other individuals, including Glass, who was said to have lured him to the apartment

In April of 2018, while Newton was in custody at Clark County Detention Center, a woman sent her five-year-old child to check the mailbox - and a human hand was found inside, according to prosecutors.

Police determined the limb to be Molina's, but had no leads on how it ended up in a woman's mailbox a year later.

'Anthony Newton could have had nothing to do with that hand,' Tomsheck said. 'He was nowhere near it. It was two towns away and he wasn't in a place where he could get it.'

'That evidence... is a part of the story that the state does have to answer because it doesn't fit their theory,' he added.

'Things, ladies and gentleman, are not always as they seem.'

On Thursday, the defense and prosecutors argued about whether or not the jury should hear evidence of Newton's then-wife's alleged abortion.

'Paternity has never been established, ever,' Tomsheck told Jacqueline Bluth, the district court judge. 'That is a huge stretch.'

Although Tomsheck admitted that the woman did have a 'medical procedure' done at the time, there was no proof corroborating the claim that Newton demanded she get an abortion.

During November's short-lived trial, Molina's family, including his sister, became outraged at the accused - causing an outburst of anger in the courtroom

Malaperdas is also awaiting sentencing for charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery

The jury is set to hear the attorneys' closing arguments on Tuesday where Newton may be sentenced to death if convicted

Bluth agreed with Tomsheck, noting how abortion is too controversial of a topic and it may affect the jury's ability to process it while still treating Newton fairly during trial.

But prosecutors argued that the woman's pregnancy and abortion were part of the theory as to why Molina was murdered.

During November's short-lived trial, Molina's family, including his sister, became outraged at the accused - causing an outburst of anger in the courtroom.

His sister testified on Thursday in the retrial, noting how her brother went missing on Christmas.

The victim's family failed to report him missing until several days later because Molina was 'living a pretty hard life at the time' - noting how drugs, financial problems and housing instability plagued him recently.

But prosecutors also said that it wasn't uncommon for the siblings to go without talking for a few days.

Weckerly said that Molina's 'phone records indicate he was alive on, at least part of the day, on December 25, that Christmas. But after that, something changed'.

'What changed was he was murdered,' she said. 'And he was murdered by the defendant, Anthony Newton, and other individuals.'

The jury is set to hear the attorneys' closing arguments on Tuesday.

If found guilty, the jury will hear testimony in a separate hearing to decide whether Newton will be sent to death row.

Malaperdas and Glass are also awaiting sentencing for charges of murder, robbery and kidnapping.
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Kid Rock blasted Michelle Obama for skipping Trump's inauguration, reminding her that he didn't vote for her husband in 2014 - but still played for him 'out of respect' when he was asked to.

Speaking with Fox News host Jesse Watters, the 54-year-old, real name Robert James Ritchie, hit out at Obama for snubbing the ceremony.

He said: 'I would kindly remind [Michelle] that years back when Obama was first elected I did not vote for him but they asked me to play the inauguration.

'I played it, I went, I had a good time. I went out of respect to the presidency, I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that.'

When asked by Watters on why he thinks the 61-year-old wouldn't be in attendance he added: 'I don't know, she seems a little angry. I can't say something nice.'

Rock, who is a ardent Trump supporter, is to perform at the ceremony on Monday alongside The Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus.

He was quick to praise the incoming president, adding: 'I feel like if people are finding out really what type of man that Trump is. Hes just a terrific guy.'

Her spokesperson declined to provide a reason for her absence, which also follows her not appearing at the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter.

Rock, who is a ardent Trump supporter, is to perform at the ceremony on Monday alongside The Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus

Michelle's spokesperson declined to provide a reason for her absence , which also follows her not appearing at the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter

Michelle Obama was said to have missed the funeral at the Washington National Cathedral due to a 'scheduling conflict' as she enjoyed an extended holiday in Hawaii.

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 wasn'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.

Generally former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues.

Trump blew up that modern precedent four years ago, by refusing to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden.

Barack Obama is still planning on attending Monday's swearing in, with the two lighting up the internet at Carter's memorial as they appeared extremely chatty.

Rock is seen here performing in January of 2009 after Obama was sworn in as the 44th president earlier in the day

According to a source who spoke to Page Six, Michelle is skipping the inauguration because she refused to 'be fake' about her loyalties.

The source said that: 'She's never been fake and she's never been phony. She's always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up.

'She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn't have to unify around [Trump]. She doesn't have to say anything. Her absence speaks volumes.'

Her lack of public appearances comes amid wild conspiracy theories that the Obamas are heading for a split.

The last time she was present in the same room as Trump was in 2018 during the funeral of former President H.W. Bush.

At the Bush funeral, the Obamas were seated in between then-president Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Her lack of public appearances comes amid wild conspiracy theories that the Obamas are heading for a split

The last time she was present in the same room as Trump was in 2018 during the funeral of former President H.W. Bush, seen here

Michelle Obama made headlines at the Bush funeral after she awkwardly shook Trump's hand and looked away.

The former First Lady said she would never forgive Trump for pushing the 'birther' conspiracy in 2015 that her husband Barack Obama was not born in the United States.

'Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this, Id never forgive him,' she wrote in her book Becoming.

She accused Trump as 'crazy and mean-spirited' for focusing on the attacks that were inspired by 'underlying bigotry and xenophobia.'
An elderly Los Angeles fires victim who lost her home and all her possessions went viral after sharing her inspiring perspective on the tragedy.

Ruth Judkins, who turns 90 in less than a month, said she plans to 'live simply' after losing everything except a change of clothes and her beloved dog Louie.

'I know I dont need all those things,' she told KTLA. 'Everything is going to be downsized. I dont need two closets full of clothes. I need one.'

Ruth's positive outlook went viral on social media this week after her granddaughter, lifestyle blogger Xochitl Renteln, shared an Instagram video of her reaction to losing all her possessions.

'I'm going to be changing my life and simplifying it,' she said. 'I don't need all this stuff, I know it's not important.

'I don't mean I won't have fun and enjoy myself, but I won't just go buy stuff and I'll think about it a lot.'

Ruth's clip was picked up across the nation including by Good Morning America, as she said this week she has been living by her optimistic motto: 'Warriors don't worry. They figure it out.'

Her words of wisdom stand in stark contrast to a number of Hollywood celebrities who also lost their mansions in the fires, with reality star Heidi Montag sharing a clip of herself weeping after her family home burned down. Pop singer Mandy Moore also sparked fury by telling people to 'F off' after sharing a GoFundMe to help her brother who lost his home, even though she is worth $15 million.

Ruth Judkins, who turns 90 in less than a month, went viral after sharing her inspiring perspective on how she is coping with losing all her possessions in the Los Angeles fires

The burnt down home of grandma Ruth Judkins, 90, who lost her home and all her possessions in the recent and devastating fires

She said the flames from the Eaton Fire spread rapidly toward her home, leaving her barely any time to evacuate with only her dog and a single change of clothes. Pictured: The remains of Ruth Judkins Altadena home

Ruth, a grandmother-of-four, said she had lived in her home in the San Gabriel Mountains area of Los Angeles for 48 years before it burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire.

In a GoFundMe set up to help Ruth rebuild, her granddaughter described the home as 'not just a structure; it was a place filled with generations of laughter, love, and memories.'

She said she had seen many wildfires in the area over the years, but had no inclination the fires that began on January 7 would be so much more destructive than previous fires.

In her longtime neighborhood, Ruth told KTLA on her street of 12 houses that 'six survived, six burned.'

She said the flames from the Eaton Fire spread rapidly toward her home, leaving her barely any time to evacuate with only her dog and a single change of clothes.

Ruth was forced to urgently evacuate when the Eaton Fire broke out near her home, and she said she escaped with only a single change of clothes and her beloved dog Louie

Ruth, a grandmother-of-four, said she had lived in her home (pictured) in the San Gabriel Mountains area of Los Angeles for 48 years before it burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire

Escaping with her dog Louie 'meant the world to me', she said this week, as 'my children and grandchildren dont need me as much. He is like my little child.'

Despite all of her possessions going up in flames, Ruth said she has seen the crisis as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, saying she will 'be simplifying my life because I dont need all this stuff.'

'Im a very positive person. I think the best of people. I just think that way and figure things out,' she added.

As experts predict rebuilding Los Angeles could cost upwards of $150 billion and take over a decade, Ruth called for the devastated area to recover in a sustainable way.

Ruth's words of wisdom stand in stark contrast to the reaction of some Hollywood celebrities to the fires, with reality star Heidi Montag seen weeping after her family home burned down

Ruth went viral on social media this week after her granddaughter, lifestyle blogger Xochitl Renteln (pictured), shared an Instagram video of her reaction to losing all her possessions

'Everybody who builds a new house should be making sure everything is sustainable and cost-effective,' she said.

'We have to think sustainably. We have to be in the 21st century. No matter how old you are, you should be doing that.'

Despite having to rebuild her life as a near-nonagenarian, Ruth said she is determined to continue living her life to the fullest.

'Im just going to do what I can for others around me who have less and still have fun.'
Israel's security Cabinet has today recommended approval of a ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by its militants.

Mediators Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but the deal hung in limbo for more than a day as Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute snags he blamed on Hamas.

The militants, meanwhile, maintained they were 'committed' to the deal, while residents of Gaza and families of the hostages anxiously waited to see if it would materialise.

The deal now goes to the full Cabinet of ministers for final sign-off, which is expected to OK the ceasefire even though it has drawn fierce resistance from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners. Their objections could destabilize his government, however.

Hamas triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 incursion into Israel that saw its militants kill around 1,200 people and kidnap 250 others.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.

Beyond the death and destruction in Gaza, the conflict has also destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

On Thursday, Israeli strikes killing at least 72 people in Gaza. In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (6-L), heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that should take effect ton January 19, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker joins protesters to call for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel

Smoke rises from a building destroyed in Israeli airstrike at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 12, 2025

Netanyahu instructed a special task force to prepare to receive the hostages returning from Gaza, and said that their families were informed a deal had been reached.

The prime minister's office said that if the deal passes, the ceasefire could start Sunday and the first hostages could be freed then too.

Under the deal, 33 of some 100 hostages who remain in Gaza are set to be released over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israeli forces will pull back from many areas, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians would be able to return to what's left of their homes, and there would be a surge of humanitarian assistance.

The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second - and much more difficult - phase that will be negotiated during the first.

Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it dismantles the group and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory.

Jaher Jabareen, head of Hamas' office responsible for prisoners, said on Friday that the names of those expected to be released from Israeli jails will be published, but didn't say when.

Longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

Mourners react near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 17, 2025

Protesters calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on January 16, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel

Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, before a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel takes effect, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, January 17, 2025

An Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed that the last-minute issues were over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli jails during the first phase of the deal, but those have now been resolved.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations. The Hamas official said mediators showed the group Israel's approval.

The Egyptian official added that an Israeli delegation from the military and Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency arrived in Cairo on Friday to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a key link between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

An Israeli official who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations confirmed a delegation was going to Cairo to discuss the crossing.

On Thursday, Israel's hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if Israel approved the ceasefire. He reiterated that on Friday, writing on social media platform X: 'If the "deal" passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart.'

While Ben-Gvir's resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal, the move would destabilise the government at a delicate moment and could eventually lead to its collapse if Ben-Gvir were joined by other key Netanyahu allies.
Keir Starmer made a 'harrowing' visit to Auschwitz with his wife Victoria today.

The PM revealed he was 'moved' after spending time at the former Nazi concentration camp.

And he said the experience had renewed his determination to fight the 'poison of anti-Semitism'.

More than a million people, mostly Jews but also Poles, Soviet prisoners of war and other nationalities, were murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Second World War.

Writing for the Jewish Chronicle newspaper to coincide with the visit, Sir Keir said: 'Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing.

'The mounds of hair, the shoes, the suitcases, the names and details, everything that was so meticulously kept, except for human life.

'As I stood by the train tracks at Birkenau, looking across that cold, vast expanse, I felt a sickness, an air of desolation, as I tried to comprehend the enormity of this barbarous, planned, industrialised murder: a million people killed here for one reason, simply because they were Jewish.'

Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria at the Auschwitz site in Poland today

Sir Keir made a 'harrowing' visit to Auschwitz with his wife Victoria today

The PM revealed he was 'moved' after spending time at the former Nazi concentration camp

The couple walking under the notorious 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign

Lady Victoria comes from a Jewish background, and Sir Keir has spoken about the importance of their children knowing about the heritage.

He said: 'My wife was equally moved by what she saw today. It was her second visit but no less harrowing than the first time she stepped through that gate and witnessed the depravity of what happened here.'

Sir Keir continued: 'Time and again we condemn this hatred, and we boldly say 'never again'.

'But where is 'never again' when we see the poison of anti-semitism rising around the world in aftermath of October 7?

'Where is 'never again', when the pulse of fear is beating in our own Jewish community, as people are despicably targeted once again for the very same reason, because they are Jewish?'

The atrocities at Auschwitz were part of the wider Holocaust, in which six million Jewish men, women and children were killed.

The camp was liberated by soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front, who opened the gates on January 27, 1945.

The couple placed a candle and a stone from Downing Street at the memorial

The premier's tribute left at the memorial today

Sir Keir laid a wreath at the former concentration camp site

Sir Keir and Lady Victoria signed the visitor book at the Auschwitz-Birkenau site today

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: 'The Prime Minister has today seen for himself the most notorious site of the Holocaust, the former Nazi concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

'Nothing can prepare you for seeing the magnitude of this place that was built for the sole purpose of extermination, where approximately a million Jewish men, women and children were systematically murdered.

'The haunting artefacts, such as the piles of hair, shoes and belongings, bear witness to the unimaginable suffering inflicted here and we have no doubt this visit will have had a profound impact.

'As we mark this milestone anniversary 80 years after the liberation of the camp, at a time when eyewitnesses are dwindling in number and as antisemitism continues to surge, it is more crucial than ever that this history is remembered.

'We are grateful to the Prime Minister for leading the way in ensuring that the horrors of the past are always remembered and for sending such a powerful reminder that antisemitism and hatred must never again be allowed to flourish.'
Life-threatening cold weather forecast for Washington, D.C. has forced Donald Trump to move his historic second inauguration indoors in a blow to his White House return.

Meteorologists are forecasting dangerously cold temperatures with highs only in the 20s.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the swearing-in ceremony would be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

He would also deliver his inaugural address from there.

'This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!' Trump wrote.

To accommodate the MAGA masses, the Capital One Arena - where Trump will hold his pre-inauguration rally Sunday - will be opened for a viewing party.

The parade will also move to the basketball and hockey arena.

'I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,' the president-elect said.

President-elect Donald Trump will no longer be able to take the oath of office in front of huge, adoring crowds, due to frozen temperatures predicted to hit D.C. on Monday

The large platform that was constructed for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration will go unused due to the frigid temperatures that will move the swearing-in ceremony inside

Reagan's 1985 swearing-in was also moved inside the Capitol Building.

Trump said he was worried about throngs of supporters being exposed to the elements for long hours - and the first responders who would have to tend to them.

'It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself,' he said on Truth Friday.

Wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour are expected on Monday. The cold air will blow in from over Canada, a country Trump has repeatedly spoken about making the 51st state of the U.S.

'I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way,' Trump continued. 'It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).'

Trump, 78, himself would only have had to stay outdoors on the West Front of the Capitol for the duration of the oath and his speech, but crowds generally start showing up hours before due to the strict security measures.

The rest of the inaugural schedule is expected to go as planned.

He'll have a tea at the White House with the Bidens.

A dress rehearsal for the inauguration was performed outside Friday morning before Trump announced that the ceremony would be moved indoors

A military band performs a dress rehearsal Friday morning ahead of the decision to move inauguration inside Monday due to predicted frigid temperatures

President-elect Donald Trump's first inauguration was held outdoors on January 20, 2017

Workers put the finishing touches on the bandstand for viewing the inaugural parade. It is electrified with heat and lighting but that still didn't stop the parade from moving indoors to the Capital One Arena

After his swearing-in and speech in the Rotunda, the festivities will move to Statuary Hall for the traditional inaugural lunch.

Later Monday night the president and first lady Melania Trump will attend three official balls.

New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called the decision to move indoors 'understandable.'

'I think they're just looking out for people's well-being, which I think is appropriate,' she told DailyMail.com shortly after the news broke.

'For people who are here to celebrate the inauguration, it's very meaningful to watch the inauguration with others, with part of the American public,' she said. 'So they should just replicate the whole thing in an indoor space for the spectators, so that they have a ticket. They can watch it with other spectators, there's room for the public as well. Just try to recreate what the lawn is looks like,' she advised.

'I do think it's very cold for people to be outside for three hours. So I'm hoping they can maybe create an off-site inside for spectators,' she said.

There are signs the city is gearing up for a big event.

Data compiled by STR and provided by Destination D.C., which promotes city events, puts the city's hotel occupancy rate at 70 percent on Saturday, compared to a typical 36 percent on Saturday one year ago.

It jumps to 80 percent on Sunday and 75 percent on Inauguration Day.

Major inaugural activities were scrapped four years ago amid the pandemic. But by comparison, occupancy hit 97 percent right before Barack Obama's inauguration.

It hit 95 percent for Trump's first inauguration  which also featured a lively women's march drawing hundreds of thousands of protesters the next day.

Occupancy was about 78 percent for Obama's second inaugural in 2013, on par with with this weekend's rate.

A dress rehearsal was performed Friday morning before President-elect Donald Trump announced that his swearing-in ceremony would be moved inside the U.S. Capitol

Trump released his inaugural portrait Thursday

'January is cold in Washington, D.C., said a spokesperson for Destination DC. 'I think people are prepared for the weather. People know that theyre going to be standing around similar to Times Square on New Years Eve. I dont think thats going to be an impact.'

A protest set for Saturday has obtained a permit for 50,000, but it is unclear how many people will show up. (A high of 44 degrees is forecast for Saturday).

Trump's inauguration is set to be the coldest since Ronald Reagan's second inaugural, when temperatures were just 7 degrees at noon and the ceremony was moved indoors to the White House and later the Capitol Rotunda.

'We stand again at the steps of this symbol of our democracy - well, we would have been standing at the steps if it hadn't gotten so cold,' Reagan said at the time inside the Capitol. 'Now we're standing inside this symbol of our democracy.'

It was 28 degrees at noon for Obama's historic 2009 inauguration - the huge crowd that former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer famously referenced when he claimed that Trump had 'the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe'
A father who livestreamed himself attacking a government employee told the worker he was a 'dead man' after a tense meeting.

De'Andre Terrell Johnson, 32, had been livestreaming on Facebook as he grappled with the case worker inside a Department of Child Safety office in Mesa, Arizona.

Johnson had met with the unknown worker inside the lobby of the building in November where they talked for an hour, their entire conversation being streamed.

The employee was heard asking him personal questions about his mental state, education, his daughter and background.

They then discussed serious allegations made against Johnson which were at the center of the case against him, according to 12news.

As the meeting ended, Johnson asked the employee to 'dap him up' and as he leaned in Johnson grabbed him and quickly put him into a chokehold.

He is seen squeezing his forearm against the man's neck, telling him: 'You're a dead man'.

Johnson, still tightly gripping the man's airways, grabs the camera multiple times throughout the attack so he is constantly within frame.

De'Andre Terrell Johnson had been livestreaming on Facebook as he grappled with the case worker inside a Department of Child Safety office in Mesa, Arizona

He is seen squeezing his forearm against the man's neck, as he tells him: 'You're a dead man'

Two minutes in, the employee goes limp as witnesses in the background start yelling for Johnson to let him go. Johnson shouts: 'He's still breathing. I didn't make my f****** point.'

Johnson eventually releases his grip on the man, sending him crashing to the ground.

A witness can be heard saying: 'Please don't do it man, you made your point', as Johnson stands over the employee who is motionless on the floor.

Johnson's grievance with the worker seems to have stemmed from the visit with his daughter, alleging the two had a talk one-on-one.

He repeatedly tells the worker that: 'As soon as you took my daughter into that room and you couldn't tell me or show me no motherf****** video, with the door closed with a man, and they can't tell me what happened.

'Now my daughter don't want to come back to school. We got issues. You going to get to know me today.'

Responders on the scene found the employee in an altered state of consciousness and he was rushed to hospital, while Johnson fled.

12news reported that he was found at his home address before he then ran from officers, leading them on a pursuit.

Johnson, still tightly gripping the mans airways, grabs the camera multiple times throughout the attack so he is constantly within frame

Johnson eventually releases his grip on the man, sending him crashing to the ground

He was later booked on attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and unlawful.

In a police interview, the employee told officers Johnson had threatened him the week before the incident but he was able to calm him down.

Doctor's had described his injuries as 'absolutely serious' and told police that he almost died.

The State of Arizona is now also facing a potential $100,000 lawsuit over the attack, with a witness filing a legal motion claiming damages.

The plaintiff is claiming she suffered damages including injury and anxiety after watching it unfold.

AZFamily report that the woman was in the lobby and that Johnson had intimated her.

Her attorney Alison Briggs said: 'Shes terrified to go back to work. She was one of the people that witnessed it, one of the people that alerted the police to it.

'I think for my client its a lot of anxiety and fear and the trauma response of just seeing something like that.'

If the state does not respond to the motion, Briggs told the outlet that they would plan to file a lawsuit.

A DCS spokesperson at the time said: 'This disturbing event occurred in the public lobby of the building, and although no weapon was used, the attack was severe enough that our specialist had to be taken by ambulance for medical treatment.

'We are relieved that the specialist has been discharged from the hospital and is now at home recovering with family.'
A knifeman with Adolf Hitler's signature tattooed on his arm was today jailed for more than 22 years for the attempted murder of an asylum seeker at a hotel.

Callum Ulysses Parslow, who wrote his own 'terrorist manifesto', stabbed Nahom Hagos in the chest and hand at the Pear Tree Inn at Hindlip, Worcestershire.

The 32-year-old had bought a 'specialist' 1,000 (770) knife online and claimed the attack in April last year was a 'form of protest' against small boat crossings.

Parslow, of Worcester, tried to tweet the manifesto document before his arrest, claiming he 'just did my duty to England' by trying to 'exterminate' his victim.

The white supremacist tagged Tommy Robinson as well as prominent politicians including Sir Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman, but the message failed to send because he had copied in too many recipients.

Parslow was convicted of attempted murder following a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court last year. He admitted an unconnected sexual offence and two charges of sending electronic communications with intent to cause distress and anxiety.

This afternoon, Mr Justice Dove handed Parslow a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years and eight months at Woolwich Crown Court in South East London.

The judge told him: 'You committed a vicious and unprovoked assault on a complete stranger Nahom Hagos who suffered devastating injuries as a result of your violence.'

Callum Parslow has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years and eight months

CCTV video of the moment just before Parslow attacked an asylum seeker on April 2, 2024

A police photo showing the tattoo of Adolf Hitler's signature on Parslow's left forearm

The judge said Parslow was 'motivated by your adoption of a far-right neo-Nazi mindset which fuelled your warped, violent and racist views'. He added: 'This was undoubtedly a terrorist attack.'

In a victim impact statement written earlier this month by Mr Hagos, and read in court by the prosecution, he described the 'excruciating pain' he continues to suffer in his hand.

'The pain is unbearable and keeps me awake all night long,' Mr Hagos said. 'The pain feels like an electric shock going through my hand and I now have insomnia.

'I had been living and pursuing a happy life before the incident. This is now a distant memory. I prefer to be on my own. I feel lonely and don't feel safe on the street. My life has been turned upside down.'

In the statement he said he struggled to understand why Parslow attacked him, saying: 'I was a law-abiding, good person.'

A photograph issued by West Midlands Police of Callum Parslow's bedsit flat in Worcester

Nazi-obsessed terrorist Callum Parslow in a mugshot photo issued by West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police bodycam footage of the moment Parslow was arrested on April 2, 2024

A handout photo issued by West Midlands Police of the X profile page of Callum Parslow

During his trial, Parslow told jurors he made a four-and-a-half-mile journey to the rural hotel on April 2, 2024 to stab 'one of the Channel migrants' because he was 'angry and frustrated' at small boat crossings.

Jurors deliberated for four hours and 18 minutes before finding Parslow guilty of attempted murder on October 25.

The trial was told Parslow ran off towards a canal after the stabbing, where he was spotted with what appeared to be blood on his hands.

The court heard that as police closed in, Parslow attempted to tweet the manifesto document, but the message did not send because he had copied in too many people.

In the document, the jury heard, Parslow railed against what he termed the 'evil enemies of nature and of England' who he identified as 'the Jews, the Marxists and the Globalists' he said were responsible for demonising Christianity, white people and European culture.

A West Midlands Police photo of Nazi memorabillia seized at Parslow's bedsit in Worcester

A photo issued by West Midlands Police of part of the manifesto of Callum Parslow

A West Midlands Police photo of Nazi memorabillia seized at Parslow's bedsit in Worcester

Prosecutor Tom Storey KC told the trial it was clear the manifesto was intended for publication online as it ended with a list of X handles or tags, which also featured those of Ukip and news outlets including the BBC and GB News.

Callum Parslow told jurors he intended to injure his victim as a 'protest' Terror attacker Callum Parslow gave evidence to his trial amid tight security, claiming his tattoo of Adolf Hitler's signature was an attempt to annoy communists and his Nazi armband was part of a fancy dress outfit. The 32-year-old, who was at pains to pass off his interest in the Third Reich as part of a wider 'intellectual curiosity', told jurors he was patriotic and had right-wing views but did not consider himself an extremist. Originally from Hereford, Parslow began his evidence to Leicester Crown Court by recounting details of a six-week 29-city tour of Britain and Ireland, including visits to cathedrals and historic monuments, that he undertook in the run-up to the attempted murder of asylum seeker Nahom Hagos at a hotel near Worcester on April 2 last year. Parslow chose to roll up the sleeve of his sweatshirt to show jurors a tattoo on his right arm relating to space agency Nasa, but did not show his left forearm, bearing a tribute to Hitler, to the panel members during questioning from his barrister. Breaks in his evidence to the jury saw Parslow being handcuffed and chained to one of four dock officers, before being returned from the witness box to the cells. Answering questions from defence counsel Claire Davies KC at Leicester Crown Court, Parslow said he had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after his arrest. Asserting that the hotel stabbing was motivated by his impending eviction from his bedsit, due to take place the following day, and a 'form of protest' at small boat crossings, Parslow repeatedly claimed he had no intention to kill. He told the court: 'I could have easily reached round and cut his throat but that's not what I wanted to do. I didn't want to kill him. I wanted to go to prison.' Insisting he had intended only to injure his victim's shoulder after becoming angry that he was due to be evicted, Parslow described a 'terrorist manifesto' he had written as an outpouring of frustration. 'The reason I chose to do it to one of the Channel migrants was that I was angry and frustrated,' he said. 'They are spending 5.6billion a year housing them.' Parslow added: 'I was expecting someone to confront me. I was planning on waving my knife around and being taken into custody. I wanted to go to prison.' Although he had researched small boat landing sites, Parslow said, he decided to attack an asylum seeker in Hindlip as it was local to his home. He also admitted that he had asked his victim where the toilets in the hotel were because he thought it would 'lower his vigilance' and allow time to prepare an attack. Advertisement

Laurence Fox, Nick Griffin, Donald Trump, Lee Anderson, Liz Truss, Michael Gove, Lord David Cameron, Richard Tice and Boris Johnson also featured in the list of those who Parslow tried to tag in, the court heard.

Mr Storey said a police search of Parslow's flat on Bromyard Terrace in Worcester led to the recovery of a second knife in a sheath, an axe, a metal baseball bat, a red armband bearing a swastika, a Nazi-era medallion and copies of Mein Kampf.

Police decided after the stabbing that it gave rise to the suspicion that it was an act of terrorism and Parslow was interviewed by officers, but answered no comment to questions asked of him.

During the Crown's opening speech, the jury was told CCTV footage from The Pear Tree Inn showed the defendant's arrival at the hotel and his attack upon Mr Hagos, who is originally from East Africa.

Blood which contained a DNA profile matching that of 25-year-old Mr Hagos was found on the blade of the knife abandoned by Parslow, whose email address included the phrase 'lordadolfreborn'.

Details of the trial could not be reported until a court order was lifted in October after Parslow pleaded guilty to an unconnected sexual offence and two charges under the Malicious Communications Act.

Jurors were told the manifesto found on the former supermarket worker's mobile phone also stated: 'They will call me a terrorist, they will call me an extremist: I am neither.

'Become the White man they say you are. Become Albion's vengeance. Become Britannia's wrath.'

Some of the defendant's tweets also advocated the use of extreme violence against immigrants entering Britain, with one stating: 'Open the door with a knife in your hand and shout at them. If they attack you it's fair game.'

Jurors were told Parslow had Hitler's signature tattooed on his arm 'in order to demonstrate his affiliation to the ideals of the leader of the German Nazi party.'

Explaining the circumstances of the attempted murder to the jury, Mr Storey said: 'Mr Hagos (after being asked by Parslow where he was from) told him he was from Eritrea.

'The defendant then produced a knife with which he proceeded to stab and lash out at him, inflicting wounds to his chest and the back of his hand.

'The defendant's actions that day were carefully planned, and were driven by a particular ideology, specifically an extreme right-wing ideology, which had led him to identify and target his victim on the basis of his ethnicity.'

Mr Hagos was eating a meal in a conservatory when he was attacked and said of his survival: 'I still look at it as a miracle. God saved me.'

Opening the case for the Crown at the start of the trial, Mr Storey said: 'Over the weeks leading up to this event, the defendant had planned what he was going to do, researching hotels which were being used to house asylum seekers on behalf of the government.'

He had also researched 'the worst places to get stabbed' and whether neck wounds were always fatal, the jury heard.

Describing the manifesto which Parslow intended to publicise immediately after the stabbing, Mr Storey said it began 'I just did my duty to England' and went on to say 'I am but a gardener tending to the great garden of England.'

Mr Storey said: 'That duty was  in his own mind  the killing of an asylum seeker  someone who, for whatever reasons, had fled his home country and who was hoping to make a life for himself here.

'The motivation for his attack is said by him to have been a desire to be arrested because he was being evicted from his flat after having lost his employment.'

A knife belonging to Parslow is pictured in a West Midlands Police handout photo

A West Midlands Police photo of Nazi memorabillia seized at Parslow's bedsit in Worcester

Police and forensic officers at the Pear Tree Inn at Hindlip, Worcestershire, on April 2, 2024

The CCTV of the stabbing and its aftermath showed Mr Hagos, obviously bleeding and in distress, fleeing onto a car park and being chased by Parslow.

Mr Hagos was able to run back into the main reception area, where the hotel manager locked the front door, preventing Parslow from re-entering the building, although he later re-entered through another door apparently searching for further victims.

The hotel manager and a builder used a van to take Mr Hagos to hospital in Worcester, as they felt he was losing too much blood.

After his arrival at hospital, Mr Hagos was found to have an 8cm-long wound to his left chest, which had not penetrated any of his vital organs.

In his evidence to the court, Parslow claimed the Nazi armband found at his bedsit was part of a fancy dress uniform he was putting together, while his Hitler-related tattoo was an attempt to annoy communist sympathisers.

He showed no reaction as he was found guilty of attempted murder, and pleaded guilty minutes later to offences committed in July and August 2023, including one of intentional exposure of his genitals in a video he sent from a Facebook account.
A trio of dopey burglars have been jailed after being caught out after one of the dimwitted thieves filmed the gang as they ransacked people's homes.

Bungling thieves Ronnie Coleman, 21, Rocco Carr, 20, and Brandon Hollingworth, 27, targeted properties in the Derbyshire Dales in April last year.

But frizzy-haired Coleman idiotically decided to record incriminating mobile phone videos which even included commentary about what homes they were burgling.

In one video, the moronic crook can be heard saying: 'One boy's in there, one boy is in the other house next to me' as he zooms in on the properties.

He says in another: 'I've just driven all the way up there and dropped them off and come back down here. I'm just parked in some f***ing bushes basically.'

The three men have now been jailed for more than 13 years after police were easily able to link them to the crime spree thanks to the videos.

A court heard the crooks forced their way into homes in Monyash, Bakewell and Baslow pilfering cash, jewellery, house and car keys, a passport, and a medal.

Derbyshire Police located them travelling in a black Ford Focus in Greenhill Parkway, Sheffield where they attempted drive off from officers.

Ronnie Coleman (pictured) idiotically decided to record incriminating mobile phone videos which even included commentary about what homes they were burgling

Police footage shows Coleman, Rooco Carr, and Brandon Hollingworth fleeing from officers

Footage obtained from Coleman's phones linked the criminals to the time and scene of burglaries

A stinger was deployed to stop the trio in their tracks and Carr was tracked down an arrested.

His presence at the crime scene was confirmed through a forensic examination of a water bottle found in the recovered Ford Focus, which contained his fingerprints.

Hollingworth was arrested when police searched Carr's home after he matched the appearance of one of the men shown fleeing the vehicle on CCTV.

A quantity of cash in different currencies was found during the search, and clothing and footwear matched that shown in CCTV, was found in the washing machine.

A mobile phone recovered from the Focus was found to belong to Coleman and featured vides of him at the burgled properties which were timestamped at the relevant times.

All three men, from Sheffield, pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and Coleman also admitted an unrelated offence of theft of a Mercedes in October 2023.

They were jailed at Derby Crown Court on December 19.

Coleman was sentenced to three years and seven months, Carr five-and-a-half years, and Hollingworth four years and six months.

Rooco Carr (left) and Brandon Hollingworth (right). Carr was sentenced to five-and-a-half years, and Hollingworth four years and six months

The trio forced their way into the homes pilfering cash, jewellery, house and car keys, a passport, and a even medal

The Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team working in conjunction with the force's Proactive team and traffic officers, located them travelling in a black Ford Focus in Greenhill Parkway, Sheffield

Detective Sergeant Ryan McVeigh, from the force's Acquisitive Crime Team, said: 'Burglary is an invasive crime, which takes away the feelings of safety and sanctuary that a home should provide and is something we treat very seriously.

'These men, wrongly, assumed that they could wantonly target and steal from these properties without being caught.

'I'd like to thank the various teams across the force, in particular the Proactive Team and Roads Policing Unit who worked together seamlessly to ensure that Coleman, Carr, and Hollingworth were brought to justice for their crimes.'
A Georgia mayor has been accused of blowing thousands in taxpayer money for a 20-day luxury vacation to Ghana.

Khalid Kamau, a Black Lives Matter activist who has renamed himself Mayor Kobi, allegedly used the city's funds for non-official activities like the Ghana trip, food and a $1,300 drone.

Kamau used a city-issued credit card to spend nearly $26,000 in unauthorized purchases between October and December, according to bank records seen by WSB-TV.

Kobi bought multiple plane tickets totaling over $5,000 - including a flight on Air Kenya that cost more than $1,500.

He also made a single purchase on Amazon of over $1,800.

Local Reshard Snellings told the local outlet he wants to know if the luxurious trip Kamau flaunted on Instagram was paid by taxpayer funds.

'I wanted to find out if taxpayers paid for this trip,' Snellings said.

Fulton, Georgia, mayor Khalid Kamau, pictured in black, allegedly used the city's funds for non-official activities like a Ghana trip

Local Reshard Snellings told the local outlet he wants to know if the luxurious trip Kamau flaunted on Instagram was paid by taxpayer funds

'We should not be asked to go without something so that our elected officials can travel all over the globe.'

Mayor Kobi said he did nothing wrong and the claims are politically motivated

Mayor Kobi posted on Instagram throughout his trip to Ghana, flaunting the over-the-top welcome he received at the airport.

It included traditional dancers and a cavalcade of luxury cars to pick him up.

He also posted images partying with the locals and enjoying a spacious apartment.

Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis told WSB-TV that the city of Fulton has no business with Ghana or Africa.

'Not to my knowledge, that isnt even a priority,' Willis said.

City council has been looking into the mayor's trip and his spending, with Willis adding that 'We need more economic development here and we dont need to go to Africa in order for the city to have a multi-business deal.'

City rules dictate that employees must obtain written authorization from the Purchasing Director and City Manager before making any purchases with taxpayer funds.

Willis says the mayor did not follow the rules for the controversial purchases.

The caravan of vehicles that picked up mayor Kobi when he arrived in Ghana

The mayor also posted images partying with the locals and enjoying a spacious apartment

Mayor Kobi told WSB-TV he did nothing wrong and the claims are politically motivated.

'Its really a smear campaign,' he said.

'You will see in the meetings, the people who are talking the most are running for mayor in 2025.'

Mayor Kobi, elected in 2020, describes himself as 'America's first #BlackLivesMatter organizer elected to public office.'

His website says he is 'A co-founder of M4BLs Atlanta chapter who led protests against police brutality in 2015 and 2020.'
A Ryanair flight was forced to abort a landing after experiencing a GPS signal interference issue near the Russian border.

The flight, which left from London Luton Airport was bound for Lithuanian capital Vilnius and had begun its descent. It then diverted to Warsaw, Poland, 400 miles away.

Lithuania's air navigation confirmed that the pilot had made a rapid decision to land elsewhere after experiencing a 'GPS signal interference', the Sun reported.

The Boeing 737 Max was approaching an altitude of 850 feet and was minutes from touching down at the Lithuanian airport, when it ascended again and flew to the Polish capital instead.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, which did not affect any other aircraft landing at Vilnius on Friday, the country's defence minister Dovile Sakaliene said.

It comes after Russia was blamed for jamming GPS navigation devices in Finland last year.

A Ryanair filght was forced to make a sudden diversion after experiencing a 'GPS signal interference'(file photo)

The flight was minutes from touching down at Vilnius airport (pictured) in Lithuania before it ascended and diverted to Warsaw

Flag carrier Finnair suspended several of its flights to Estonia following GPS disturbances at several airports in.

Over 800 instances of GPS interference were reported by Pilots flying into Vilnius Airports in final three months of last year.

Aviation experts have warned that the chances of an air accident are increasing as attacks on GPS signals continue.

MailOnline has contacted Ryanair for comment.

This is a breaking news story.
Attorneys for Sean 'Diddy' Combs are demanding to access a cache of videos they say will prove ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura had consensual sex with the Bad Boy mogul.

In the latest episode of DailyMail.com's podcast The Trial of Diddy, criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor David Gelman, said the the rapper's legal team could use the tapes to undermine Cassie's credibility or possibly get a better plea deal for himself.

'Let's just say that [Cassie's] participating in things and looks like she's having a really good time,' Gelman said. 'That obviously won't look good for her and her claims of what he did.

Former federal prosecutor David Gelman told The Trial of Diddy podcast that Sean 'Diddy' Combs' legal team will go after Cassie Ventura's credibility as the former Bad Boy rapper fights criminal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering

Cassie Ventura, 38, and Combs dated from 2007 to 2018. The beautiful songstress burst into the music scene with songs like "Me & U" and "Long Way to Go", which were both released under Diddy's Bad Boy Records

The Trial of Diddy: Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

Speaking on the podcast, he continued,'If I'm in Diddy's [legal] team, that's how I'm going to be looking at it and that's going to the my theme at the trial. "Look, it's disgusting. It's not for everybody, but this is what Diddy was into. And the other individual, Cassie, she was into it as well. They're two consenting adults."'

Combs, 55, remains locked up at Brooklyn's infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in New York after he was arrested on Sept. 16, 2024 and indicted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is facing life in prison of he is found guilty of the racketeering charges.

The federal indictment was brought after investigators swooped on the rap star's Miami and LA homes where prosecutors say they found, '1,000 bottles' of baby oil and lubricant allegedly used in 'freak offs'.

Combs and Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter also have been sued by a woman who claimed she was 13-years-old when she was allegedly raped by both men. Carter has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing

Combs' legal team have said the rapper will fight vigorously to prove his innocence. Listen to The Trial of Diddy wherever you get your podcasts

Combs attorneys said they haven't been able to have full and unrestricted access to the nine videos because of a protective order was placed on the materials.

Under the protective order, the videos are held by federal prosecutors and are only available to Combs' team for inspection with law enforcement supervision.

However, defense attorneys said they have only been able to access the footage twice since Combs was sent to jail.

Gelman said Combs' team could be placing pressure on prosecutors to release the sex tapes to negotiate a better plea deal.

'Potentially this is probably a negotiation plea as well,' Gelman told The Trial of Diddy podcast. 'I don't know if there's been any offers extended to Diddy and his legal team for a potential plea, and if there are, I'm sure they are incredibly long, probably looking at life in prison. So this maybe a ploy for [Comb's attorneys] to lower that number.'

Cassie

Gelman continued: 'If they get this and it show Cassie is potentially enjoying on the videos ... they will be able to go after her credibility. The government will know that and they'll think, "You know, maybe if we give a better deal, we don't have to have her go on the stand and she doesn't have to then answer question that maybe she won't look good to a jury."

'It could be a negotiation ploy. I wouldn't put it past them.'

Combs is also facing over 20 civil suits from alleged victims in New York, California and Nevada.

The "Bad Boy for Life" rapper settled a lawsuit against him filed in November 2023 by Ventura, but details of the settlement have not been released because of an non-disclosure agreement.

Ventura alleged Combs had raped and abused her for years during their on-again-off-again relationship.

Shortly after the suit was settled in 2024, CNN released a video of Combs attacking Ventura in a LA hotel. The footage seemingly showed Combs dragging and kicking Ventura in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in 2016.

Combs issued an apology on Instagram after the viral video was released.

'I was disgusted then, when I did it. I'm disgusted now,' Combs said in the reel. 'I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace.'

Ventura's attorneys, however, shot back and said Combs' statement 'was more about himself that the people he has hurt.'

'When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday,' said Ventura's lawyer, Meredith Firetog, in a statement. 'That he was only compelled to "apologize" once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.'

Gelman said Ventura's settlement could come up in Combs' criminal case.

'I don't know if that's going to be allowed, but if it's allowed, Diddy's attorneys are going to tag it,' the former prosecutor told DailyMail.com.

He added that Combs' defense attorneys could ask Ventura, "Why did you settle with Diddy? Why didn't you go to trial?' This again goes to her credibility.

'Credibility is everything when you are going to trial and when you have a main witness who has credibility issues, which Cassie may or may not. ... Diddy's attorneys are going to attack it left and right.'

For all the latest updates on this case, search for The Trial of Diddy wherever you get your podcasts now.
A pair of rogue builders have been jailed for leaving their customers' homes like building sites after they abandoned them half finished.

Brothers Nicky, 31 and Kyle Middleton, 39 undertook shoddy and uncomplete work that led to their clients winding up almost 125,000 out of pocket.

The two left an intensive care nurse's house open to the elements with no back wall and a large crack.

Their company, N&K Kitchens Ltd, was characterised by 'underquoting, failing to meet targets and promises, shoddy workmanship, and taking money for work which was not fully completed or not completed at all'.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard the Middleton brothers attempted to hide behind the 'corporate veil' and dissolve the company when an investigation was launched by Rhondda Cynon Taf council.

But this was prevented by the authority, and both defendants were held liable for the actions of the company.

Catherine Lewis, of Mountain View, Tonyrefail, employed N&K Kitchens Ltd in July 2020 to knock down an extension at her home in order to extend her kitchen and turn the downstairs area into one big open plan living/dining space.

She paid around 55,000 towards the job and the conservatory was ripped out but the speed of the work slowed down to the point that Ms Lewis offered to project manage herself.

Catherine Lewis, of Mountain View, Tonyrefail, employed N&K Kitchens Ltd in July 2020 to knock down an extension at her home

Ms Lewis was signed off work with stress in December 2022, and there were further issues with the property after structural damage had been caused to the rear bedroom and a waste pipe connection was leaking

The nurse contacted the kitchen suppliers but was told N&K Kitchens had not ordered her kitchen and no payment had been received

A large crack developed in the back wall of the property, which was later deemed structurally unsafe.

Ms Lewis was signed off work with stress in December 2022, and there were further issues with the property after structural damage had been caused to the rear bedroom and a waste pipe connection was leaking, which caused further damage.

The nurse contacted the kitchen suppliers but was told N&K Kitchens had not ordered her kitchen and no payment had been received.

In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Alex Greenwood, Ms Lewis said the toll had had a significant impact on her and her teenage daughters.

She added: 'I can't put into words how stressful this has been and how distressed I feel. It's had a detrimental effect on mine and my family's lives. I worked hard all my life to put my daughters first.... I gave myself permission to fulfil my dream, and having my family in a large open space was extremely important to me and this was my objective.

'Instead we were left with no warm water, a cold house and no kitchen, no dining room and a house open to the elements for a year. I was worrying it was going to fall down and I was unable to warm the house above 11 degrees. It was over a year before I was able to make the house watertight and warm again.'

Ms Lewis added she had been left in a 'desperate situation' and was 'shameful and embarrassed'. She explained: 'I was only left with a living room which had to become my kitchen, dining room and my bedroom.

'I thought it would be completed by my eldest daughter's 18th birthday and before my youngest started her GCSEs. Because of Nicky and Kyle I had to miss out on making cakes for my eldest's 18th and 19th birthdays and for my youngest's 15th and 16th birthdays.

Ms Lewis explained: 'I was only left with a living room which had to become my kitchen, dining room and my bedroom'

In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Alex Greenwood, Ms Lewis said the toll had had a significant impact on her and her teenage daughters

The nurse explained: 'Because of Nicky and Kyle, I was left in a house of disarray and no finances'

'It's been completely heartbreaking for me and I've felt guilty as a mother as I had not been able to do this and put them through something that was my choice.

'This was because of Nicky and Kyle, that I was left in a house of disarray and no finances. They have left me in tens of hundreds and thousands of pounds in additional debt. I consider myself a strong woman but this nearly broke me. I will have to carry on paying this debt. I don't know how long or if I will ever recover from this.'

There were further victims of the Middletons who were based in Penygraig, Porth, Treorchy and Gilfach Goch, paying out thousands of pounds for work that was either completed at a poor standard or left unfinished.

Orders for kitchens had not been made or paid for. One customer saw the company had been featured on BBC television programme X-Ray, but they were given an assurance by the brothers that the work would be completed, though this did not come to fruition. Mr Greenwood said the total loss across all of the victims amounted to 124,300.

Nicky Middleton, of Highfields, Tonyrefail, and Kyle Middleton, of Hughes Street, Penygraig, were subject to an investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf council and invited for an interview under caution.

They sought to distance themselves from the offending but both later pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business. The court heard Nicky Middleton was of previous good character and Kyle Middleton had one irrelevant conviction.

In mitigation, David Singh said Kyle Middleton accepted the business became 'too big too soon', but said the firm was not set up for a fraudulent purpose. It was said the defendant had caring responsibilities and was in employment.

Hannah George, for Nicky Middleton, said his client has no interest in entering into business in future and described the defendant finding it difficult to balance multiple jobs and carry out administrative tasks.

Ms Lewis said she had been left in a 'desperate situation' and was 'shameful and embarrassed'

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: 'The standard of the work by each of you in this case was disgraceful and left your customers in distress and anguish over what you had done to their homes'

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: 'The standard of the work by each of you in this case was disgraceful and left your customers in distress and anguish over what you had done to their homes.

'One can only imagine the strain and stress placed on them and their families having to live in and through the nightmare of the negligence created by you. You lied when they made genuine enquiries and sought to avoid liability.

'You left your customers' homes in dangerous conditions, you are unfit to be called builders. You have ruined the dreams and aspirations of many hard working and law abiding people.'

Nicky and Kyle Middleton were each sentenced to 32 months imprisonment and barred from acting as the director of a company for 10 years.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has never seen a camera he didn't hog or a bottle of hair gel he didn't like, bears a rather suspicious physical resemblance to a superhero movie villain.

Increasingly, he plays the part.

The braggart of Sacramento has been on a veritable tear ever since historically horrible wildfires, which have thus far claimed the lives of at least 27, began to burn through Los Angeles last week.

Newsom, who harbors the most thinly veiled presidential ambitions imaginable, is a political animalit's what he does best. So slick Gavin went on the popular Obama bro podcast, 'Pod Save America,' on Saturday to launch a preemptive P.R. strike against his critics.

He was promptly excoriated for passing the buck onto beleaguered local leaders. 'I want to get the answers,' Newsom said to former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau. 'And I'll be candid with you, I wasn't getting straight answers.'

As always in Gavin's mind, he is blameless. It's everyone else's fault, don't you see?

But surely, his heedless lack of priorities and negligence when it came to fire safety cannot be ignored.

After Donald Trump's landslide electoral victory, Newsom got to work furiously 'Trump-proofing' the state of California.

California Governor Gavin Newsom , who has never seen a camera he didn't hog or a bottle of hair gel he didn't like, bears a rather suspicious physical resemblance to a superhero movie villain.

The braggart of Sacramento has been on a veritable tear ever since historically horrible wildfires, which have thus far claimed the lives of at least 27, began to burn through Los Angeles last week.

He called a special legislative session in Sacramento, bringing in legislators, lawyers, and activists to shield his state from the incoming administration's supposedly imminent federal meddling. And much of the focus, euphemistically sold to the masses as an attempt to 'protect California values,' focused on protecting draconian progressive green-energy policies.

'The disconnect between what Californians need and what Democrats are focused on is astounding,' California Assemblyman James Gallagher said following that latest bout of decadent virtue-signaling.

Indeed. Fact is, Newsom and California Democrats should have spent less time 'Trump-proofing' and more time fire-proofing.

Just hours after Democrats in Sacramento on Monday vowed to affirmatively resist federal deportation effortsa legally dubious propositionNewsom was forced to accept reality and convene a special legislative session to address the raging wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County.

Newsom is now calling for $1 billion in emergency funding, additional monies to expedite school repairs, and $1.5 billion more toward future wildfire prevention and mitigation.

Quite the change in priorities.

California's fiscal year 2025 budget, which Newsom signed into law last June, cut funding for wildfire and forest resilience by a whopping $101 million. In the city of Los Angeles, feckless Mayor Karen Bass similarly approved a $17.6 million budget cut for the Los Angeles Fire Department in the most recent municipal budget.

Maybe try being less catastrophically stupid next time, fellas?

Gavin went on the popular Obama bro podcast, 'Pod Save America,' to launch a preemptive P.R. strike against his critics.

In 2014, under then Governor-Jerry Brown, Californians voted to borrow $7.5 billion in order to stockpile and conserve more water. But Sacramento never got the message. Newsom, who has reigned since 2019, certainly never listened; the last reservoir built for the notoriously wildfire-prone Los Angeles area was completed back in 1979.

But at least the local fire hydrants have water to put out the fires, right?

Wrong.

There are reports of fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades and other hard-hit areas running dry from a lack of water, rendering firefighters useless.

Apparently, the power cuts triggered by the fires shut off water pumping stations, according to none other than President Joe Biden. The mind reels at this predictable and catastrophic failure of emergency planning.

When asked by CNN's Anderson Cooper why fire hydrants ran dry during the worst wildfires in state history, Newsom blamed 'local folks' in the Palisades and other ravaged areas.

Way to take responsibility, Gavin!

Making matters even worse, California under Newsom's 'leadership' has resisted the kind of controlled burns that have been standard forestry best practice for generations.

In September, a harrowingly prescient New York Times headline asked, 'In California, Controlled Fires Can Save Homes. Why Aren't More Happening?' Chris Field, a Stanford scientist who has studied controlled burns, told The Gray Lady: 'The state is struggling to get anywhere close to the targets they have for prescribed fire.'

Yet again, it's a question of priorities.

Radical greenie activists in the Golden State rejected controlled burns, lobbying against them in the name of 'climate change.'

Newsom's heedless lack of priorities and negligence when it came to fire safety cannot be ignored.

Ironically if unsurprisingly, 'climate change' is the same one-size-fits-all answer the same zealots now offer up as an explanation of the deadly conflagrations. Like the medieval Europeans who chalked up the bubonic plague to demonic spirits, so too do leftists now blame their pagan forces of choice for the lethal destruction. There is nothing new under the sun, as we know from Ecclesiastes.

Southern California has had many wildfires in its history, and it was always going to have more. That much should be clear. But it's equally clear that deliberate actions by officials in charge made the situation worsemuch, much worse.

Like the superhero villains that he physically resembles, Newsom's egomania knows no bounds.

Equally boundless is his desperation for the microphones and cameras, as he demonstrated by palling around with Obama bros while his state's largest city burned.

It's no shock that a new Daily Mail poll showed nearly half of Californians hold Newsom responsible for the devastation  and now Trump reportedly has designs on turning the Blue state 'Republican Red' by the 2028 election.

The sickening irony of it all is that instead of 'Trump-proofing' California, Newsom may have handed it to the president-elect on a charred golden platter.
A short circuit caused the fire that destroyed a casino and an indoor children's park in western Mexico, authorities for the state of Sinaloa have revealed.

Welders were working in one of the rooms inside the structure that houses the Royal Yak Casino and Air Jump Trampolines Park at Cinepolis Plaza when the fire broke out.

The workers used an onsite extinguisher in an attempt to put out the flames before it spread across the building.

'Indeed, the line of progress reported by the prosecution rules out that it was provoked,' said Sinaloa Secretary General, Feliciano Castro, during a press conference Friday.

Civil Defense director, Aurelio Navarrete, said the lone victim, a 39-year-old man identified as Alejandro, suffered second degree burns and remains hospitalized and in stable condition

The fire started shortly after 11 am local time and was put out within two hours by 88 members of Culiacan Fire Department, Red Cross and Civil Defense, which used 500,000 liters of waters to combat the blaze.

Aurelio Navarrete, said authorities were able to evacuate 415 workers and 232 visitors from the commercial shopping center.

'Yes, we struggled a bit to remove the people, because everyone was trying to take photos and videos,' Navarrete said.

Sinaloa Secretary General, Feliciano Castro, revealed during a press conference Friday that the fire that destroyed Royal Yak Casino and Air Jump Trampolines Park at Cinepolis Plaza on Thursday was caused by a short circuit while welders were working in one of the rooms at the casino

The fire at the building that housed the Royal Yak Casino and Air Jump Trampolines Park at Cinepolis Plaza started around 11 am local time Thursday. It took firefighters almost two hour to combat the blaze

Video filmed by a motorist showed flames covering the top of the building and plumes of smoke billowing the structure when a large fireball burst.

As the flames began to expand, larges pieces of the building came crashing to the ground.

A second video captured the smoke thickening over the building, located at the Cinepolis Plaza shopping center, when a large section of the structure featuring its signage collapsed.

A nearby school had to evacuate all students from the facility as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

The Royal Yak Casino's signage collapsed to the ground as the blaze quickly spread through he building, which was also home to the Air Jump Trampolines Park, a children's play place

Authorities in the western Mexico state of Sinaloa ruled out arson following Thursday's fire that burned down a building that housed the Royal Yak Casino and the Air Jump Trampolines Park

Aerial view of Thursday's massive fire in Culiacan, Mexico that ripped through the Royal Yak Casino and Air Jump Trampolines Park

The Royal Yak Casino is owned by Grupo Condere, a Spain-based company that owns 86 other game sites in Mexico, mostly along its northern region.

The company also operates casinos in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Panama and Italy.

Grupo Codere had not addressed the incident as of Friday.

The inferno comes as Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, and other cities have been besieged by an internal war between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the two sons of the criminal organization's co-founder, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, and the son of his former righthand man and also co-founder, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
A mom who was arrested at a car wash following an altercation over $10 worth of wipes screamed out, 'help me, I'm black' as cops slapped handcuffs on her.

Erica LeMieux, 46, was accused of stealing the items from the Clean Express Auto Wash in Elyria last year, with bodycam footage of the incident emerging this week.

Staff called the police after the mom allegedly became aggressive and cursed at an employee.

When officers arrived, they attempted to reason with LeMieux and asked her to leave.

However, the mom refused and a struggle ensued which resulted in her arrest.

Bodycam footage shows the police talking to the car wash staff who said they gave LeMieux six packets of complimentary wipes before she demanded more.

When they refused she allegedly snatched some up and headed out without paying.

As the police approached, LeMieux could be seen vacuuming her car and barely looked up as they tried to talk to her.

Erica LeMieux is seen remonstrating with a police officer after being arrested for stealing wipes from a car wash

LeMieux was also filmed claiming her arrest would put her daughter's safety at risk as there would be no one to pick her up from school

After the staff confirm they do not want to press charges, a female officer informs LeMieux that she has to leave the premises or will be arrested for trespassing.

When she refuses and states she is not trespassing, the officer informs her that her car wash subscription has been cancelled.

'They can't do that without notice,' the incredulous woman states. 'I just purchased a wash so unless they are going to refund me my money right now...'

The officer again asks her to leave and explains the situation but LeMieux refuses to budge and starts to get into her car.

At this point the officers inform her she is under arrest and begin trying to place handcuffs on her.

'Don't touch me, I am not under arrest!' LeMieux yells as she begins to struggle and scream.

As they continue to grapple she cries, 'Help me, I'm black and they're hurting me. I'm black. Stop pulling on me!'

The officer warns her to comply or she will have to use her taser but the woman keeps yelling and squirming.

LeMieux was charged with criminal trespass, obstructing official business and resisting arrest

She goes to the ground and continues screaming, 'help me' as they continue to struggle.

Eventually they manage to handcuff her and she begins complaining they are hurting her wrist.

'I have carpal tunnel,' she sulks as they place her into the back of the police car and she insists she was not resisting arrest.

LeMieux then starts worrying that her things will be stolen and tells the cops she has to pick up her daughter from school.

'You're leaving my minor abandoned, she is waiting for me to pick her up,' LeMieux protests. 'My stuff is exposed!'

'Well, we'll lock it up for ya,' the officer replies before slamming the door shut.

The video shows LeMieux continue to complain all the way to the Lorain County Jail.

Once there, she further annoys deputies by taking a phone call from her daughter's school on her Apple Watch.

LeMieux suggests the officers' lack of concern towards her daughter is callous and takes no responsibility for the behavior that landed her in trouble.

They are forced to tell the woman on the other end of the line to hang up so they can finally book her into the jail.

She was charged with criminal trespass, obstructing official business and resisting arrest of the April 9 incident.
Animal welfare campaigners have accused a Scots zoo of exploitation after it offered visitors the chance to feed tigers for a 2,000 fee.

Charity One Kind hit out at the attraction in Edinburgh for generating revenue by inviting untrained people to closely interact with the animals.

The hefty bill for the Build Your Own Wild Experience at the capitals zoo includes lunch for two, a coffee and cake voucher, 30-minute sessions with four different animals and their keepers and the rest of the day to roam about the park.

Guests can feed Sumatran tigers Dharma and Lucu through a wire mesh fence from an area not accessible to the public.

The animals tug the meat, which is predominantly beef, deer, rabbit and horse, from a large pair of tongs.

But Eve Massie Bishop, from One Kind, said: We are completely opposed to this commercial exercise that will exploit these animals to generate revenue for the zoo.

It is very concerning that members of the public, without any comprehensive training, will be allowed to get up close to, and in some cases even touch and handle, these wild animals.

While a trainer will be on hand, a great deal of trust is put into what will likely be unqualified and under-equipped strangers.

Lucu, a four year old male Sumatran Tiger cared for at Edinburgh Zoo

We fear that this could pose a real risk to the welfare of the animals.

She added the charity was opposed to keeping wild animals in zoos as their needs are unlikely to be met in captivity and continued: We would urge members of the public to forgo this very costly experience and instead opt to support local conservation programmes that focus on protecting these animals in their natural habitats.

The zoo introduced the experience package with the hefty four-figure price tag with extra adults on the tour costing an additional 1,000 and children 500.

Lindsay Ross, Edinburgh Zoos events and experiences manager, insisted the unique experience was secure and visitors would still be outside the main enclosure.

Edinburgh Zoo faces criticism over a 'Build Your Own Wild Experience', involving the chance to feed meat to tigers

She said: You dont get to hand feed the tigers obviously.

You use tongs, which are similar to a litter pick and its bits of meat from a bucket.

You go to where people wouldnt be allowed because we have multiple stand off areas before the last fence but you go with the keeper so its supervised to make sure nobody puts fingers through the fence.

She told the BBC the idea came from the success of 5,000 private tours set up during the final year of the giant pandas residence in the capital.

It received 17 such bookings before Tian Tian and Yang Guang left the park in December 2023 to return to China.

Other animal parks also cash in with special experiences. Visitors to London Zoo can bee keepers of individual animals for around 95.

At Chester Zoo advertisers up to 350 or enjoy packages for zookeepers for a day with a Secret life of the zoo tour for 70.

Longleat Safari Parks most expensive VIP experience that allows feeding big cats and wolves comes in at 395.
The Texas man found with 53 dead migrants in the back of a tractor-trailer pled guilty for his role in the deadliest human-smuggling incident in United States history.

Homero Zamorano Jr., of Elkhart, appeared before a judge Thursday morning where entered a guilty plea to two counts of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death and one count resulting in serious injury, KSAT News reported.

He is the third man to have pleaded guilty to the 2022 mass casualty event that left 53 people - including children - dead near Interstate 35.

The 48-year-old man is now facing a maximum penalty of life in prison and is set to be sentenced on April 24.

On June 27, 2022, officials discovered dozens of migrants packed into the back of an 18-wheeler on the outskirts of San Antonio.

The truck, smuggling at least 64 migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, was discovered abandoned in a desolate, industrial area near a highway about 160 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

All of the migrants were left trapped in the sweltering heat without any ventilation, air-conditioning or water.

Those stuck inside screamed and banged on the walls of the truck for help while also attempting to claw their way out as temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees, investigators said.

Homero Zamorano Jr., of Elkhart, Texas, pleaded guilty on Thursday for his role in the deadliest human-smuggling incident in United States history

Zamorano was the driver of the tractor-trailer that smuggled at least 64 migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - 53 of whom were killed from the extreme heat they experienced while trapped inside

It's estimated temperatures would have been closer to 150 degrees inside the truck.

Forty-eight people were found dead at the scene - their bodies stacked on top of one another. Five others later died at local hospitals.

First responders said many of the victims were hot to the touch and suffered from heatstroke and dehydration.

In total, 47 adults and six children were killed from extreme heat exposure and asphyxiation - leaving behind only 11 survivors.

'The allegations in the indictment are horrifying,' said Jaime Esparza, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, in 2023.

'Dozens of desperate, vulnerable men, women and children put their trust in smugglers who abandoned them in a locked trailer to perish in the merciless south Texas summer.'

Zamorano was the driver of the tractor-trailer and knew that the air conditioning didn't work inside, according to officials. He was said to have abandoned the truck on a semi-rural road so he could flee.

Police arrested Zamorano in 2022 after he was spotted cowardly hiding in a nearby bush - attempting to evade San Antonio police officers by posing as a survivor, a Mexican immigrant official said.

It was discovered that he was in communication with now-30-year-old Christian Martinez - another Texas man who was charged in the criminal complaint - about the smuggling scheme.

Martinez ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges in September of 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison as he awaits sentencing.

Two other suspects, Juan Claudio D'Luna-Mendez and Juan Francisco D'Luna-Bilbao, were also arrested just days after the tragedy.

D'Luna-Mendez and D'Luna-Bilbao were arrested on June 27 at a home connected to the trailer-truck's registration after their license plates traced back to the scene.

The pair were ultimately charged with possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States - each facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Additionally, four Mexican nationals were also arrested in the case months later on suspicion of facilitating the transportation of the migrants by allegedly obtaining an 18-wheeler and handing it off to Zamorano.

The Justice Department charged Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, Felipe Orduna-Torres, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal and Armando Gonzales-Ortega with conspiracy and alien smuggling resulting in death.

Prosecutors claim the men were part of an illegal operation that brought migrant children and adults from Central America into the U.S. between December 2021 and June 2022.

On June 27, 2022, officials discovered dozens of migrants packed into the back of an 18-wheeler on the outskirts of San Antonio - each trapped in the sweltering heat without any ventilation, air-conditioning or water

Police arrested Zamorano in 2022 after he was spotted cowardly hiding in a nearby bush - attempting to evade San Antonio police officers by posing as a survivor

Zamorano is the third man to have pleaded guilty to the 2022 mass casualty event that left 53 people - including children - dead near Interstate 35 on an isolated road

The migrants reportedly each paid between $12,000 and $15,000 to be brought into the country.

Orduna-Torres is accused of providing the Laredo address at which alleged driver Zamorano loaded the migrants into the tractor trailer before they died.

Gonzalez-Ortega allegedly traveled to Laredo to meet the tractor-trailer, where the at least 64 undocumented individuals, including eight children and one pregnant woman, were loaded for smuggling.

Martinez, Covarrubias-Ponce, Orduna-Torres, Rivera-Leal, and Gonzales-Ortega then coordinated, facilitated, passed messages, and made each other aware of the tractor-trailers progress, per the indictment.

The men worked together for every part of transporting the group, including using trucking routes, local guides, stash houses and trailers to move the migrants.

They also are accused of working alongside Zamorano and Martinez.

Covarrubias-Ponce pleaded guilty to his charges in January of 2024.

All four face life in prison, if convicted.

It was discovered that Zamorano was in communication with now-30-year-old Christian Martinez (pictured) about the smuggling scheme - another Texas man who was charged in the criminal complaint and entered a guilty plea in 2023

Those stuck inside screamed and banged on the walls of the truck for help while also attempting to claw their way out as temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees

Those who died were seeking better lives as they attempted to flee poverty or violence in Central America and Mexico

In August of 2023, another suspect was arrested in Guatemala and charged with helping coordinate the smuggling attempt.

Rigoberto Roman Miranda Orozco, who was charged with six counts of migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious injury, also faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Authorities claimed that he is allegedly connected to four of the Guatemalan migrants that were in the trailer - three of whom died.

Orozco's indictment stated that the smugglers had forced each migrant to give up their cellphones before getting inside the trailer, leaving them no way to call for help.

An unknown powder was also spread around the trailer to prevent the smell of humans from being detected by patrol dogs at border inspection stations.

Those who died were seeking better lives as they attempted to flee poverty or violence in Central America and Mexico.

The 2022 tragedy was the deadliest smuggling-operation in the nation.

In 2017, 10 migrants died from being trapped inside a truck parked at a Walmart in San Antonio.

In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering hot truck just southeast of San Antonio.
A cancer-stricken Georgia prosecutor is using whatever time he has left to fight for the release of an armed robber he had sentenced to life without parole.

Kelly Burke, who is in remission but still suffers from the condition, has admitted he was too harsh on Jessie Askew Jr., who was jailed for life in 1998.

The then-24-year-old father was convicted of stealing $5,000 from a restaurant along with his cousin.

Nobody was hurt during the ordeal, and Askew and his cousin used unloaded shot guns during the incident.

So, Askew was stunned when Burke requested life without parole at his sentencing.

Askew was eligible for the severe punishment under Georgia law as the robbery was his fourth felony offense.

But now, Burke has revealed that even the judge in Askew's case took him aside and asked him to reconsider the sentence.

'But I stood stubborn,' Burke testified at a 2023 habeas corpus petition hearing on the legality of Askew's incarceration, the New York Times reports.

Georgia former prosecutor Kelly Burke, who has cancer, is fighting for the release of an armed robber he had sentenced to life without parole

Jessie Askew Jr. was jailed for armed robbery in 1998 after he and his cousin stole $5,000 from a restaurant

Burke previously stated that he offered Askew's lawyer a plea deal at the time of his conviction, which would have had him receive 15 years in jail, but that this was allegedly rejected.

However, Askew's attorney Rodney Davis later testified that he never received any offer.

Burke has since suggested that he did not explain his plans to Davis properly, which led to him being unprepared in court.

And in another stunning twist, Askew discovered evidence that his jail term might not ever have been legal as one of the four offenses that put him behind bars for so long turned out to be a misdemeanor.

During research for his case, Askew realized that his 1994 conviction for breaking a car window should actually have been classed as a misdemeanor, as the damage was less than $500.

However, he was dealt another crushing blow when a judge ruled the habeas corpus petition hearing where he highlighted the error had to be thrown out on another legal technicality.

At the time of Askew's robbery sentence, the political climate was demanding a clamp down on repeat offenders. Burke took up his position with a pledge to tackle the issue.

New laws came into effect that allowed tougher sentencing if an offender's fourth offense was a serious crime.

But Burke has since come to regret pushing for the harsh sentence and has begged the courts to have it overturned

When he took the stand at his initial trial, Askew told the court that he wanted to be around to see his baby daughter grow up.

Friends and family testified that he was a doting father who had acted out of desperation in a bid to provide for his child.

But their pleas fell on deaf ears, and Askew was committed to Telfair State Prison in Helena where he has remained ever since.

Decades later, the events still weigh heavily on Burke's conscience. He said he now understands the impact poverty had on Askew's actions.

He has pledged to dedicate what little energy he has left to helping free Askew who has become known as a model inmate.

Burke too has changed, admitting that his initial over zealous approach was due to feeling anger that Askew was forcing a trial.

Since the rejection of his Askew's second habeas corpus petition in 2023, Burke has begun encouraging him to try suing him.

The case could be difficult to win, but could prove to be Askew's only recourse to some kind of justice.
A flare burns natural gas at an oil well in Watford City, N.D. Fossil fuel extraction is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Matthew Brown/Associated Press 2021

Regarding Blaming Big Oil for climate change feels good but wont solve the problem (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Jan 16): Jim Grays letter points out that carbon emissions attributed to climate change arent just created by Big Oil but also by everybody on this planet.

If we were all emitting carbon at the same rate, then India and China, the worlds most populous countries at 1.4 billion each, would be the biggest contributors. However, the U.S. has only a fourth of that population, but according to Worldometer, emits nearly twice as much carbon per capita as China and seven times as much as India.

Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia all emit carbon at a far greater per-capita rate than China, India or the U.S., which tells us that oil production really is a major culprit.

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In the U.S., our addiction to this oil explains why transportation is responsible for a whopping 28% of our carbon emissions in 2022, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In India, transportation accounted for 12%, and in China 7%, in 2021, according to Worldometer. In India and China, fossil-fuel-based manufacturing would be a better target for reductions.

Lowering carbon emissions seems to require a country-by-country review of what we could be doing better.

Peter Albert, San Francisco

Make real reforms

Regarding Raise the retirement age (Letters to the Editor, Jan 16): The Social Security retirement age change Marsha Cohens letter proposed has already occurred. Full benefits are only reached at age 67 now.

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Also, the increases in life expectancy she cites are no longer true. In fact, we have had a decrease during COVID and life expectancy is expected to stall in the coming decades, research suggests.

Finally, Cohen seems to believe physical frailty is the variable. Research published in Nature showed the overall risk of dementia after age 55 is 42%, and that increases up to 60% for certain subpopulations (women, African Americans).

Where is Cohen going to get a workforce of gently used, cognitively intact senior citizens who are not tired out below the necklines and are healthy and cognizant enough to work longer, as she suggests? And how is it fair to dump all of this on their dwindling numbers to work until they drop while billionaires pay no taxes?

Fixing that shortfall would fix Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. While we are at it, repealing Citizens United would release the death grip corporate special interests have in skewing health care policy.

Susan Cislo, American Canyon

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New social media needed

As TikTokers begin to seek an alternative platform if the app is banned in the United States, I call on all Facebook users to do the same.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs recent move to eliminate fact-checking on Facebook so Donald Trump and his toadies can spread lies is unacceptable. Zuckerbergs MAGA conversion is a counterpart to Elon Musks takeover of Twitter.

Both of these men are openly promoting toxic masculinity, and their social media platforms are being politicized by the radical right that is about to take over our government.

Isnt there someone out there who can create a social media platform for those of us who just wish to share photos and stay in touch with friends and family?

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Helen Ogden, Pacific Grove, Monterey County

Get tough on fireworks

Its not certain that a smoldering fire possibly caused by New Years Day fireworks ignited the Palisades Fire. But in a landscape with no rain for eight months and extreme wind, it wouldnt be surprising.

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

Lets put some teeth in fireworks laws. The use, sale and possession of banned fireworks should be a felony with mandatory minimum sentences. Possession implies either distribution or use. And use could lead to fires that cause billions of damage, destroy thousands of homes, make insuring homes harder and kill dozens of people.

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A sizable bounty should be awarded for reporting the use, sale or possession of fireworks. Parents should be held responsible for their children.
Chinese investors are circling around independent schools like a pack of vultures amid fears that Labours VAT raid on fees will leave many struggling to keep their doors open.

Education experts have seen a rise in interest from firms in China looking to buy private schools following Chancellor Rachel Reevess policy to add a 20 per cent levy to their fees.

At least 27 schools have already been purchased by Chinese companies, some with strong ties to the countrys ruling Communist Party, and there are fears this number is set to skyrocket.

The VAT hike came into effect on January 1 and four independent schools have already announced they are closing due to the economic challenges while two have been snapped up by Chinese investors.

Maidwell Hall, a 114-year-old prep school in Northamptonshire once attended by Princess Dianas brother Earl Spencer is among those set to shut their doors at the end of the school year.

Beijing-based market intelligence consultancy Venture Education has seen a surge in interest from Chinese investors looking to pounce on struggling schools.

Surprisingly the application of VAT has increased interest from Asian investors, especially Chinese who generally see rupture as a time for opportunity, its managing director Julian Fisher said.

Malvern St James' School in Worcestershire is one independent school set to be impacted by the VAT raid, with the school looking to change owners as a result

Ruthin School located in Denbigshire, North Wales, is one of the UK's oldest educational institutions at over 700 years old and was acquired by a Chinese investor in 2023

Woolverstone Hall, Ipswich High School, located in Suffolk, is another school which is under Chinese ownership

Abbotsholme School, located in Uttoxeter, was purchased by a Chinese company in 2017

But most are wary of the current uncertainty and plan to hold off on any short-term deals; preferring instead to wait and see which are the highest ranked schools that might be available for sale.

He insisted that the only choices these private schools have is taking Chinese investment, staying open, giving consistent education to its existing students or closing.

A director at a UK-based broker agency, who wanted to remain anonymous, deals with Chinese investors looking to buy independent schools and is not surprised at the increased interest.

He said: Labour is driving these schools into the hands of foreign investors. Soon they will be left with no choice but to go to these Chinese companies or close.

It doesnt surprise me that theyre closing in like a pack of vultures.

Girls schools Malvern St James, founded in 1893, and 114-year-old Durham High School, which charges up to 19,000 a year, were sold to Chinese investors in November and December after Labour announced plans to add VAT to fees.

They joined Galaxy Global Education which purchased 740-year-old boarding school Ruthin School in North Wales in 2023 after it struggled financially.

Dr Gareth Lloyd, headteacher of Malvern St James, believes more schools will be forced to sell up to survive because of the VAT hike.

For many schools, working in close partnership with others, and joining forces more formally within educational groups, will be the most assured means to survival, he said.

It was incredibly sad to hear of three schools just last week having to announce closure owing to the Labour Governments VAT policy which is nothing but the politics of envy and based on an incredibly weak business case.

He added: Many thousands of children will be displaced, thousands of staff will lose their jobs, and what has been regarded across the world as the gold standard of education is being savagely damaged.

Luke de Pulford, of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, claims Chinese companies are taking advantage of the VAT hike to gain leverage.

Head teachers and vice chancellors are being bent over a barrel, he said. We cant have a situation where one of the things that makes us so special is part-owned by a hostile state, one that means us harm and is our biggest security threat.

We are really dealing with a whole state attack by the CCP and were blindly walking into it.

The most active Chinese company in the British education market is Bright Scholar which bought six schools between 2018 and 2019 including St Michael's School in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire  where former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and singer Cerys Matthews were pupils.

Riddlesworth, which eventually closed in April 2023, was bought by the Confucius International Education Group in 2015 and its website lauded its links with the late Princess Diana

Ipswich High School, which was previously attended by author Enid Blyton and the late actress June Brown

It is owned by Yang Huiyan, who was once Asia's richest woman, and was founded by her father Yang Guoqiang who served on the Communist Party's highest- ranking advisory council.

While Ipswich High School- previously attended by author Enid Blyton and the late actress June Brown- and Bedstone College in Shropshire were bought by a fund backed by the Chinese Wanda Group in 2017.

The company was founded by Wang Jianlin, a former People's Liberation Army soldier, who is worth an estimated 10 billion, and has been a member of the Communist Party since 1976.

Elsewhere, Kingsley School in Bideford, Devon, Heathfield Knoll School in Worcestershire and Greene's College in Oxford are owned by China First Capital Group, which has senior Communist Party members on its board.

Chinese firm Ray Education Group invested in Adcote School for Girls in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Myddelton College in Denbigh, Wales, in 2018.

Its chief executive James Hu has served as a secretary on the Communist Party's Hongkou district committee and the firm has boasted about implementing the sinicization of the British Brand and aligning the schools closer to Chinese values.

Chinese investor Mark Wang, who serves in the 14th National People's Congress which is Chinas highest legislative body, invested in Stoke College in November 2019.

And Horizon Education, which is part-owned by Chinese state corporation Sinochem, purchased The National Mathematics and Science College near Coventry in 2016.

Dr Gareth Lloyd, headteacher of Malvern St James, believes more schools will be forced to sell up to survive because of the VAT hike

Girls schools Malvern St James, founded in 1893, and 114-year-old Durham High School, which charges up to 19,000 a year, were sold to Chinese investors in November and December after Labour announced plans to add VAT to fees

Adcote School controversially boasted about not passing on a VAT hike to fee-paying parents with a motorway billboard which read VAT? What VAT? last April.

At least 11 of the other Chinese-backed institutions are absorbing all or part of the policy costs and Bedstone College took it a step further by cutting its fees from 5,700 to 4,000 per term in response.

Shadow Education Minister Neil OBrien said: The influence of China on our educational system is deeply troubling.

So for the industry to be sounding the alarm that Labour's Education Tax will only deepen the involvement of a foreign state in the education of our next generation speaks volumes.'

A government spokesman said: 'All owners of private schools must adhere to our Independent School Standards and promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

'Schools cannot promote partisan political views in the teaching of any subject.'

Galaxy Global Education, Bright Scholar, Wanda Group, China First Capital Group, Ray Education Group, Horizon Education, Mark Wang and all 27 schools were contacted for comment.
Hours before the Supreme Court announced it would not be blocking a ban on Tiktok because of its Chinese owners, President-elect Donald Trump was discussing the video sharing app with the nation's leader Xi Jinping.

As President Joe Biden delivered a series of farewell speeches, Trump this week continued preparing for government.

The president-elect has promised to impose sanctions on Beijing.

Even so Xi told him during the call: 'We both attach great importance to interaction, hope for a good start of the China-U.S. relationship during the new U.S. presidency and are willing to secure greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point.

Trump confirmed the call with a post on his Truth Social platform.

'The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A,' he said.

'It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately.

'We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!'

Donald Trump promised tough sanctions on Chinese imports on the campaign trail

Trump and China's President Xi Jinping met at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June

Their words hinted at a warmer relationship than Trump had described on the campaign trail.

He threatened to hike tariffs on Chinese imports by up to 60 percent, and said they might go higher if Beijing did not stop the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.

Trump has already de-escalated a war of words with China over TikTok.

During his first term he promised a ban to prevent user data getting into the hands of its Chinese owners.

But now he credits the app with helping him win the election and even supplied a filing supporting its continuing availability in the U.S. as the Supreme Court weighed arguments for and against it.

On Friday morning, the justices ruled in favor of upholding the ban. They agreed unanimously with the majority of the US Congress and the US Department of Justice that the app is a threat to US national security.

'The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,' he posted after the ruling. 'My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!'

Trump broke with protocol by inviting XI himself to attend his inauguration on Monday. Foreign governments are always represented by ambassadors and diplomats.

Just before the call, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Vice President Han Zheng would attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony.
'Britain's strictest headteacher' last night took aim at Labour's school reform plan, accusing the Education Secretary of being 'blinded by Marxist ideology'.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently making its way through parliament, would limit the freedom academies have over pay, curriculum, staff recruitment and uniform.

But Katharine Birbalsingh warned the changes would 'destroy the huge gains made over the last decade and a half in helping disadvantaged children across England'.

In a letter to Bridget Phillipson, the London head said: 'I don't know if you are being ideologically blind and therefore ignoring the obvious negative impact of your decisions - or perhaps you just don't understand the harm your changes will cause.

'I don't actually believe you hate poor kids. I just think you don't know what they need and what true social mobility looks like and requires to succeed. You give the impression of having an unreasonable and unwarranted dislike of academies and free schools, blinded by a Marxist ideology.'

Proposed legislation would ensure all state schools had the same pay scales, followed the national curriculum, employ only qualified or qualifying teachers and limit uniforms to three branded items.

Forcing such uniformity will lead to a drop in standards and have 'catastrophic consequences for the poor in this country', Ms Birbalsingh claimed.

While a 'broad academic core' was understandable, a 'rigid' curriculum that 'dictates adherence to a robotic, rigid and monotonous programme' will 'kill' creativity and cost schools time and money to change their teaching plans.

Katherine Birbalsingh runs Michaela Community School in Wembley, north-west London, and has previously been dubbed 'Britain's strictest headteacher'

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told MPs that 'all schools will have full flexibility to innovate with the floor but no ceiling' on Wednesday

Shadow education spokesman Laura Trott has taken aim at Bridget Phillipson by stating that 'her words mean nothing'

'You will force heads to divert precious resources from helping struggling families to fulfil a bureaucratic whim coming from Whitehall,' she added.

The headteacher, who runs Michaela Community School in Wembley, north-west London, also urged the Education Secretary to U-turn on a ban on hiring non-qualified teachers and limiting branding on school uniforms.

She was joined by other education campaigners last night in criticising the limitation of freedoms on pay for academy schools.

On Wednesday, the Education Secretary told MPs that 'all schools will have full flexibility to innovate with the floor but no ceiling'.

But critics have said provisions in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill do not reflect this.

The Confederation of School Trusts (CST), which represents academy trusts in England, said: 'There is no evidence to suggest academy freedoms have been to the detriment of staff. It has allowed for local flexibility to recruit, without distorting the overall system.

'Conversely, restrictive and prescriptive pay and conditions, might undermine schools' and trusts' ability to attract staff to schools serving disadvantaged communities and/or in need of turnaround.'

Shadow education spokesman Laura Trott said: 'Academy trusts confirming what we've said all along, the legislation does not match what Labour are saying.

'Until the Education Secretary amends the Bill to make clear that all schools will have full flexibility to innovate with 'a floor and no ceiling,' her words mean nothing.'
Labour was yesterday accused of a conspiracy of silence over grooming gangs after MPs for areas hit by the issue refused to say whether they back a national inquiry.

More than 20 MPs for constituencies in which child rape and sexual abuse has occurred were contacted by the Daily Mail.

But only three answered our question, sparking accusations of a dereliction of duty by those who failed to reply.

Of those who responded, two  Luke Myer and Shaun Davies, the MPs for Middlesbrough South and Telford respectively  backed a national inquiry.

It brings the tally of Labour MPs who have broken ranks over the issue to five.

The MPs were asked if they supported a national inquiry after colleagues Sarah Champion, Rotherhams MP, and Rochdales Paul Waugh became the first to U-turn on their initial opposition.

Other Labour figures, such as Liverpool Waltons MP Dan Carden and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, have also backed a national probe.

Chi Onwurah, Newcastle upon Tyne Central and Wests MP, replied to our question with a statement she made last week suggesting a national inquiry was unnecessary.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five reviews into badly hit towns but they were quickly branded toothless because they will not have the power to summon witnesses

Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: The decision by most of these Labour MPs to oppose a national inquiry is a dereliction of duty to their constituents'

On Thursday, the Government launched small-scale local investigations into grooming gangs.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five reviews into badly hit towns but they were quickly branded toothless because they will not have the power to summon witnesses.

A vote on whether to have a national inquiry was held last week but it was an amendment attached to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, meaning Labour MPs likely didnt vote in favour as it would have killed off the entire Bill.

Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: The decision by most of these Labour MPs to oppose a national inquiry is a dereliction of duty to their constituents. Their conspiracy of silence will prevent justice and accountability for the thousands of victims subjected to monstrous abuse.
Polish Prime Minister said he wants a 'Breturn' rather than Brexit in a press conference alongside Sir Keir Starmer on his visit to Warsaw.

Sir Keir has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the customs union or single market but said he wants to deepen ties with Brussels post-Brexit.

However Mr Tusk who was president of the European Council when Britain voted to leave the trading bloc, said he was already mourning the loss of the UK on the day of the referendum.

Standing alongside Sir Keir at a joint press conference, Mr Tusk said: 'I'm sure you will recall when we learned about the results of the Brexit referendum.

'My first emotional reaction was to say: 'I already miss you.' I remember our press briefings as if it was yesterday. I already miss you, that's what I said.

'This is not just about emotions and sentiments - I am aware this is a dream of mine, that instead of a Brexit we will have a Breturn.

'Perhaps I'm labouring under an illusion. I'd rather be an optimist and harbour these dreams in my heart - sometimes they come true in politics.'

During the press conference, Sir Keir did not go into detail about Brexit, but stressed the need for close co-operation among European allies on issues including people smuggling and security.

Sir Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shake hands after a press conference in Warsaw

Sir Keir smiles as he arrives to the press conference with his Polish counterpart Mr Tusk

Donald Tusk said he dreams of a 'Breturn' with Britain rejoining the EU in the future

He did however exchange warm words with his counterpart, telling Mr Tusk: 'Poland currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.

'I want to congratulate you, Donald, on making European security the focus of your presidency, because this is the issue of our time.'

Sir Keir travelled to Poland after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, where he vowed the UK will 'play our part' in guaranteeing the country's security following any peace deal with Russia.

In Warsaw he discussed a new bilateral defence pact with Mr Tusk, which the Polish prime minister said he hopes will be ratified 'this year'.

Speaking about the deal on Friday, Sir Keir said: 'This includes deepening ties between our defence industries.

'The UK has secured 8 billion of defence deals in Poland over the last three years alone, and we're going further today, opening a new joint programme office in Bristol to deliver our 4 billion partnership, to deliver the next generation of air defence systems to Poland.'

He added: 'We share an unbreakable commitment to Nato and an unbreakable commitment to Ukraine.'

Both leaders hope the treaty will help the UK and Poland work together more closely to protect Europe from Russian aggression and co-ordinate a response to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria lay a wreath during a visit to the Memorial And Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

The Prime Minister described it as 'utterly harrowing', and reiterated his determination to fight the 'poison of antisemitism'

In a readout of their bilateral meeting, Downing Street said the two men had 'warm and productive' talks on issues such as migration, energy and tackling 'shared threats - including Putin's ongoing aggression'.

Sir Keir also met Polish President Andrzej Duda, with whom he agreed that Ukraine 'can count on the support of the UK and Poland for as long as it takes', according to a Number 10 spokesperson.

Earlier on the trip, the Prime Minister also visited Auschwitz, a place he described as 'utterly harrowing', and reiterated his determination to fight the 'poison of antisemitism'.

His wife Victoria, who is Jewish, joined him for the visit and was 'equally moved', Sir Keir said.

'The truth that I have seen here today will stay with me for the rest of my life,' the Prime Minister said.

'So too will my determination to defend that truth, to fight the poison of antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, and to do everything I can to make 'never again' mean what it says, and what it must truly mean: never again.'
A transgender woman who won Australia's landmark 'what is a woman' case has taken the extraordinary step of filing a cross-appeal, seeking to upgrade the judgment - as JK Rowling weighs in on the bitter court battle.

In September, Roxanne Tickle won a Federal Court case against Sall Grover, the founder of the app Giggle for Girls.

Ms Grover had banned the 54-year-old from the app in 2021, arguing it was for women and Ms Tickle was biologically male.

Ms Tickle had identified as a woman since 2017, undergoing surgery two years later and getting a new birth certificate that lists her sex as female.

Justice Robert Bromwich found Ms Tickle had suffered indirect discrimination, ordering Ms Grover to pay $10,000 in damages - a small fraction of the $200,000 that was being sought - and to cover legal costs.

The Tickle vs Giggle case made global headlines because it is one of the first times the vexed question of what is a woman has been tested in the courts, with the judge sensationally ruling that sex is changeable.

Ms Grover, 40, is appealing the case, having previously told this publication she was prepared to go all the way to the High Court.

The mother-of-one is now being supported by prominent gender activist and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Giggle founder Sall Grover (pictured) is appealing last year's judgment, having previously told this publication she was prepared to go all the way to the High Court

The mother-of-one is now being supported by prominent gender activist and Harry Potter author JK Rowling (pictured)

Its understood the pair are planning to meet in the UK next month.

But now Ms Tickle has filed a cross-appeal seeking to elevate the court's finding from indirect to direct discrimination.

She also aims to increase the awarded damages and aggravated damages significantly beyond the initial $10,000 compensation and legal costs, which were capped at $50,000.

The move was confirmed by her legal firm, Barry Nilsson.

A cross appeal has been filed and there will be a case hearing to determine it, Senior Associate Tinashe Makamure said.

Its just looking particularly on the finding of indirect discrimination and whether the legal tests that were applied were correct.

Ms Grover officially filed her own appeal this week, declaring her determination to defend the integrity of women-only spaces.

'Our mission has always been to provide a refuge for women, where they can connect, support, and express themselves freely without the intrusion of biological males,' Ms Grover said.

Despite winning the case, Roxanne Tickle (pictured) has filed a cross-appeal seeking to elevate the court's finding from indirect to direct discrimination

'This appeal is about preserving that vision and ensuring the legal system recognizes the reality of biological sex.'

The case has attracted significant public and legal attention, not only for its implications on discrimination law but also for its broader social impact.

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has once again applied to intervene in the appeal.

In the first hearing, the AHRC aimed to clarify and assist in interpreting the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act.

However, they argued solely in favor of gender identity over sex.

For Ms Grover, sex is a biological reality assigned at birth and cannot be changed.

She is pushing for that to be enshrined in law under the Sex Discrimination Act.

The AHRC intervention underscores the case's importance in shaping future legal interpretations concerning gender identity and sex-based rights in Australia.

For Ms Grover, sex is a biological reality assigned at birth and cannot be changed

JK Rowling sent Ms Grover her 'total solidarity' last month

Adding another layer to the legal saga, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has also joined the fray by applying to intervene, in support of Giggle and sex-based rights.

The ACL's involvement highlights the intersection of religious beliefs with contemporary issues of sex and privacy.

Their legal representation argues that the case touches on fundamental questions of freedom of association and the right to maintain spaces based on biological sex, which they assert should be upheld under the law.

'This case isn't just about one app or one individual; it's about setting a precedent that respects the unique experiences and needs of women in all aspects of life, including the digital realm,' Ms Grover added.

Ms Grover said that while she welcomes support from various quarters, the core issue remains the protection of women's rights to single-sex spaces.

'They're forcing you to believe that men are women and, if they can force you to believe that, they can force you to believe anything,' Ms Grover previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'Politicians cannot campaign to end violence against women and try to look like the good guys when they are literally forcing through legislation for women to not be able to say "no" to men.

Women have to be allowed to say no, it's that simple.'

The first case management hearing is set for February 12 in the Federal Court in Sydney.

Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Tickle's representatives for comment.
A prominent Jewish leader whose former home was targeted in an anti-Semitic attack has called on his fellow Australians to 'speak up', as he condemned 'an evil at work in this country'.

Multiple cars parked on Military Road in Dover Heights were spray painted with anti-Semitic slogans, and two were set alight set alight around 4am on Friday.

The home in the exclusive eastern suburbs neighbourhood, where the average house price is over $5million, was also splashed with red paint.

It was subsequently revealed that the property was the former family home of Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

'There is an evil at work in this country and we have to recognise that,' Mr Ryvchin told reporters on Friday afternoon.

'There are people who are so consumed by hatred that they would seek to burn people because they disagree with their words.

'How we respond to things like this will determine the future of our country.'

Mr Ryvchin said the attack 'meets a modern standard of terrorism'.

A home in the exclusive eastern suburbs neighbourhood, where the average house price is over $5million, was splashed with red paint (pictured)

It was subsequently revealed that the property was the former family home of Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (pictured)

'To my fellow Australians I want to say, "Don't be silent, find your voice, speak up. We are not a nation of bystanders.

'What defines our national ethos is that we stand up for each other, we speak up for each other: we are upstanders, not bystanders.

'And in this critical time we need each of you to stand up and condemn this wickedness".'

Mr Ryvchin vowed not to remain silent.

'Advocating for my people and my community these past 15 months has been the highest privilege I could imagine and i can tell you that no fire, no vandalism, no paint, no threats, no intimidation will stop me,' he said.

'I will continue to fulfil my duty to my country, my community and my people.'

Mr Rychin said the property had been their home for 'many years' and was where his family 'hunkered down during the covid pandemic'.

'My family came to this country from the Soviet Union to escape anti-Semitism,' he said.

Mr Ryvchin said the attack 'meets a modern standard of terrorism' (pictured with his wife outside their former family home)

'This is the greatest and most fortunate country on earth - I honestly believe that.

'But if we allow these things to keep happening they slowly define our national character and they change who we are as people.'

A crime scene has been established and police are calling on any witnesses to come forward.

Police said there were no reports of injuries.

'The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously,' a police spokesperson said.

Anthony Albanese labelled the Dover Heights incident 'another anti-Semitic attack that is against everything that we stand for'.

'This is an outrage,' he told ABC radio.

Multiple cars parked on Military Road in Dover Heights were spray painted with anti-Semitic slogans and two were set alight set alight around 4am (pictured)

The Prime Minister welcomed the Australian Federal Police charging a man on Thursday with making death threats to members of a Jewish organisation.

'This is the first charges that have arisen from Special Operation Avalite that I established last month that continues to work to identify prolific anti-Semites causing high harm in the community,' Mr Albanese said.

'That is why we set it up and it is good that these charges have been laid.'

NSW Premier Chris Minns says everything is being done to catch the perpetrators.

'This is a disgusting and dangerous act of violence that is the latest example of a rising level of anti-Semitic attacks in our community,' he said.

'Civil society stands united in condemning this flagrant racism.'

President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies David Ossip said he was 'profoundly disturbed and sickened to wake up to news of yet another anti-Semitic attack'.

'Criminal acts like these, perpetrated by masked cowards and thugs in the dead of night, are intended to menace and intimidate the Jewish community and further fragment our social cohesion,' he said.

'The hate-filled criminals who are perpetrating these crimes need to know that their campaign of domestic terrorism will not succeed, the Jewish community is resilient, strong and unbowed and will continue to be so.'

Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said the latest attack was a 'nightmare turned into reality'

'The revelation that the targeted home belonged to a high-profile Jewish leader takes this frontal assault to an even more sinister level,' he said.

'This was not randomit was a deliberate and chilling attempt to threaten a prominent figure of our Jewish community.

Mr Abramovich called for a 'national cabinet must be convened immediately to address this escalating crisis with the urgency it deserves'.

'We need robust laws and a unified front to root out this menace before it spirals further out of control,' he added.

It is the latest suspected anti-Semitic attack to hit Sydney in recent days.

On Monday a wall near Sydenham Train Station in the city's inner-west was spray-painted with the words 'gas the Jews'.

Swastikas were also daubed on the nearby Newtown Synagogue before masked vandals attempted to burn it down.

Last Friday, the Southern Sydney Synagogue in the suburb of Allawah was also targeted by anti-Semitic vandals who daubed a number of large red Swastikas at the entrance to the place of worship.

It is the latest suspected anti-Semitic attack to hit Sydney in recent days (Pictured: anti-Semitic graffiti spray painted on a wall behind a burnt out car in Woollahra, in Sydney's east last year)

Pictured: is the southern Sydney synagogue in Allawah after it was targeted last Friday

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned on the Newtown incident and said 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 said.

'We made it illegal to use Nazi and other hate symbols because there's no place in Australia for anti-Semitism.'

A shocking new poll carried out by the Anti-Defamation League found that one in five Australian adults hold strong anti-Semitic beliefs.

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.

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).
Melbourne woman Katie Tangey had acted as bridesmaid at her brother's wedding just weeks before she was burned alive in a shocking arson attack.

Posing alongside her brother and his new wife, Ms Tangey could not have known the horrors that awaited her.

On Thursday, Ms Tangey, otherwise known by her stage name Vivien May-Royale, perished in a fire while house sitting her brother's home in Truganina, in Melbourne's west.

Police believe she was killed by arsonists who attacked the wrong target.

Ms Tangey had made a desperate triple-0 call shortly after 2am, telling the operator she was trapped in the burning house in Dover Street and could not escape.

The 27-year old had been a talented burlesque performer, photographer and make-up artist.

In an interview she conducted in 2023, Ms Tangey spoke of her childhood passion for make-up, which carried on for the remainder of her life.

'It was just something I wanted to keep learning about and get more experience and everything like that. Make-up really was my drive for a lot of the stuff that I do now,' she said.

Katie Tangey (far right) had acted as bridesmaid at her brother's wedding

Ms Tangey is believed to have died inside the house alongside the family dog.

Such was the intensity of the blaze that crews were unable to quell the flames until two hours later when a search of the property was made, and her body was found.

A GoFundMe to support Ms Tangey's family has already raised more than $5000 of a $8000 target.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray from Arson and Explosives Squad told reporters on Thursday Ms Tangey had been looking after the house for her brother, who was on his honeymoon.

'What I can say is this: this individual is completely innocent and should not have died,' Det Insp Murray told reporters.

Ms Tangey had got into performing at age 18 when she threw herself into pin-up pageants - a vintage-style event where contestants showcase their love of fashion, hair, and makeup from the past.

'Vintage hair and make-up was something that I absolutely loved. Trying different make-up, different hair and everything like that,' she said.

Ms Tangey said she soon became addicted to the stage and spent the remainder of her short life performing.

'It's just a way of presenting my art to someone to whoever wants to watch,' she said.

Katie Tangey died in a targeted attack in what is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity

Ms Tangey had participated in more pageants than she could remember and had amassed a loyal fan base by the time of her tragic death.

One Melbourne artist went so far as to make an animation of the beloved performer in a video he posted to YouTube.

Ms Tangey was also known to be a talented artist in her own right, once performing speed painting during a Melbourne tattoo exhibition.

'I did a portrait of Marilyn Monroe,' she revealed.

'I saw someone do it on some foreign talent show and went "that doesn't look that hard and then I gave it a go.'

Ms Tangey said the transition from pin-up to burlesque was a natural progression.

After taking some classes with a close friend, Ms Tangey was hooked.

She made her debut on stage in May 2022 before taking the country by storm.

3 Fates Media, an independent media company specialising in burlesque photography, paid tribute to Ms Tangey.

'A beautiful woman has left this earthly plane far too soon,' it stated online.

'Her passing is incomprehensible.

'The grief we all feel for our sister Katie  and her loving family rests heavy on all our hearts but we remember her now and always as a bright, shining star.'

Ms Tangey had no way of escaping the inferno

The Dover Street property was destroyed in a mindless arson attack

All that remained of the Dover Street property

Ms Tangey said her own struggles with anxiety had helped her become a better performer.

One of her standout performances was titled 'Ugly'.

'I actually cried when I did my debut because it was just so much like a release,' she said.

Ms Tangey said she had hoped to be an inspiration for plus-sized women to have confidence in themselves.

'As soon as I turned 18 that's when I decided like I'm not going to hate my body anymore. I'm going to just do whatever I want,' she said.

'So I started just doing my own photo shoots. That's how I started sort of loving and appreciating the way I look.'

Ms Tangey revealed she loved nothing more than dressing up in the evening and doing a photoshoot.

'On a random day I'll just be sitting there, it will be like 9pm at night, I'll be like I'm going to take some photos,' she said.

'That process is just so enjoyable for me that I want to do it for other people as well.'

Katie Tangey, otherwise known as Vivien May-Royale, was killed in a targeted attack

On Friday, Ms Tangey's mum Tracey told friends she was a broken woman.

'Its with a heavy heart I let you all know my beautiful baby girl passed away in a targeted house fire yesterday morning at 2am,' she wrote on Instagram.

'I am completely broken and dont know how we are going to heal from this devastating news. If you could all remember our beautiful soul in your own way.'

Addressing media on Thursday, Det Insp Murray said police did not believe the attack was linked to the ongoing tobacco wars, which have seen more than 100 arson incidents across Victoria.

However, the random nature of the attack led police to believe it might have been a mistake.

'We're stuck. The premises and the family and the individual lead us nowhere. Therefore, the only logical conclusion I can draw is they've got the wrong premises,' Det Insp Murray said.

Mathew Zammit and Katie Tangey

Katie Tangey, otherwise known as Vivien May-Royale, was allegedly murdered in a case of mistaken identity

'There seems to be a fascination with the use of fire to solve crime, solve beef, solve acts of revenge. These are the consequences we're seeing, and they're serious consequences. This girl did not deserve to lose her life.'

CCTV footage from a nearby property showed two alleged offenders parking a small dark colour SUV or hatchback outside the home at around 2.03am before they jumped the fence.

The pair were seen getting back into the car and speeding away at around 2.10am as flames erupted from the home.

'We know two occupants got out of that vehicle. Some accelerant was poured inside the house and subsequently has engulfed the premises,' Det Insp Murray said.

'Whether they meant to damage these premises or just cause a scare tactic now they are staring at a charge of homicide, of murder.

'We're looking for two murderers. Let's be clear about that.

'I know the type of individuals that do that, they do it for a few $100 thinking they're going to burn something down. This was just a matter of time.'

A Truganina man told Daily Mail Australia he recalled hearing a loud noise after midnight.

'The roof was fully engulfed. It was ferocious.'

'It was quite distressing - knowing there might be people in there.'

A community advice warning was issued for smoke in the immediate area.

Police have appealed for anybody with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers.
She may only be turning 11 years old, but Mia Tindall has swiftly secured a spot as a favourite royal with her sweet escapades.

The eldest daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall, Mia weighed 7lb 12oz when she was born on January 17, 2014 and the tiny bundle of joy has gone on to delight onlookers with her cheeky and playful personality.

Taking up her mother's passion for horses, Mia enthusiastically cheered on the racing at Cheltenham earlier this month - showing her boundless energy and sense of fun.

She also charmed crowds of well wishers when she joined Prince William, Princess Kate and their children during the Christmas walkabout at Sandringham in 2023.

Princess Anne's granddaughter has often proved she is just like her father, former England rugby player Mike and has even expressed an interest in the sport. She has also shared memorable moments with Princes William and Harry over the years.

The family's attendance to various horse competitions and trials has created plenty of chances for Mia to take centre stage.

From the time the young royal enjoyed herself at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant to when Zara had to intercept one-year-old Mia's playful antics at the Festival of British Eventing in 2015.

Read on below as MailOnline looks back at all 11 years of loveable Mia's adventures.

Mia Tindall - who turns 11 years old today - cheering on the racing during the outing to Cheltenham Racecourse on New Years Day

Mia smiling, with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte sitting in front of her, at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in 2022

The young royal, who turns 11 years old today, attending the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2023

One of Mia's most recent loveable antics was during a day out with her family at Cheltenham Racecourse on January 1.

She could be seen cheering energetically with her arms in the air, alongside her younger siblings, Lena and Lucas.

Mia seems to share a particularly close relationship with her royal cousins too and is often seen sharing sweet moments with them.

She stole the show at Sandringham in 2023 when she joined William, Kate and their children as they walked to church for the Christmas day service.

Nine-years-old at the time, she sweetly held Louis's hand and both smiled as they walked along while Mike and Zara were further behind with their second daughter, Lena.

After the service, Mia smiled broadly as she took a bouquet of roses from Kate who was greeting crowds.

She shared another adorable moment with her cousins at Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee pageant when she sitting behind Louis.

Mia enthusiastically danced and sang along to ABBA with Savannah and Isla Phillips (daughters of her uncle, Zara's brother Peter Phillips) while Louis and Charlotte sat in front of them.

Prince Louis and Mia holding hands as they walk to church for the Christmas Day service in Sandringham in 2023

Mia with Princess Kate, Prince William and their children as they walk to church on Christmas Day in 2023

Prince Harry playfully hugging the toddler at a polo match in 2016

Mia running towards Prince Harry for a hug at a charity polo match a year later

The young royal pouring water on her face at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2019

Mia walking alongside her parents, Mike and Zara Tindall, and younger sister Lena at the Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel in 2023

Zara and Mike's eldest daughter also appears to enjoy playful rough and tumble and has been seen many times having fun with her mother's cousins, Princes William and Harry.

Back in 2016, Harry was seen playing with Mia, who was just two years old at the time, while her mother held her at a charity polo match in Tetbury.

The following year, Mia was seen running towards William who was in his polo gear ready for a charity match at Beaufort Polo Club. The prince embraced the toddler while Zara and Mike looked on.

She seems to have a similar playful and loveable relationship with Princess Anne's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

He was seen picking the youngster up by her ankles and dangling her upside down while smiling at the Badminton Horse Trials in 2016.

Over the years, Mia has shared plenty of lively and fun moments with her father, Mike.

When she was younger, she was seen being carried on his shoulders multiple times including in 2016 at Gatcombe Horse Trials when the two-year-old tot yawned as Mike carried her around.

Later that year and feeling more awake and energetic, Mia covered her father's eyes and smiled while he walked around with her sat on his shoulders at the Festival of British Eventing.

Sir Timothy Laurence holding Mia upside down at the Badminton Horse Trials in 2016

Mia, just two years old at the time, yawning as her father carries her on his shoulders in 2016

The young royal smiling and covering her father's eyes as she is carried on his shoulders in 2016

Mia curiously wandering over to an electric generator at the Festival of British Eventing in 2015

Mia also seems to share Mike's interest in rugby as in 2022, he told Hello! magazine how 'she loves' the sport and was 'excited that she can begin contact rugby next year'.

She wasn't always a big rugby fan however, as Mike previously said his daughter was part of a team but often insisted she 'didn't like' the sport before playing.

The former rugby union international also played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester. He won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011.

Meanwhile Mike's fellow The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast presenter James Haskall went on to hint at Mia's playful character.

He said: 'I'd love my daughter to be like Mia, a perfect blend of fun and laughter with a bit of character about her.'

Even when she was a toddler, Mia's fun personality shone through and in 2015, Zara had her hands full during the Festival of British Eventing.

Only a one-year-old at the time, Mia was photographed curiously wandering over to an electric generator as Zara approached her.

A passionate equestrian, Zara had competed in the event two years earlier while pregnant with Mia.
The Princess of Wales made a heartfelt visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, where she had previously received cancer treatment.

Kate, looking effortlessly elegant in a burgundy Kiltane sweater paired with a matching Edeline Lee skirt, was widely praised for her compassionate interactions with current patients.

Her visit was a gesture of solidarity and support for fellow patients and an opportunity to thank the hospital staff for their 'exceptional care, support and compassion' over the past 12 months.

'She didn't go into the hospital and say this is my story, this is about me, she wanted to hear about other people,' the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said, speaking on Mail+'s YouTube show, Palace Confidential.

During her conversations, Kate shared her experience of having a port inserted into her chest for chemotherapy treatment.

'That was incredibly open but she did it in a way that was almost quite casual. She wanted to make it about them, not about her,' Rebecca continued.

'I think that sets the pattern for the engagements we're going to see. There may be fewer of them this year, but they'll be more meaningful to her,' The Daily Mail's Diary Editor, Richard Eden, added.

Charlotte Griffiths, Editor at Large of the Mail on Sunday, suggests that the Royal Family are thrilled to see Kate resuming her public duties due to the way she carries herself.

The Princess of Wales made a heartfelt visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, where she herself had previously received cancer treatment

Kate, looking effortlessly elegant in a burgundy Kiltane sweater paired with a matching Edeline Lee skirt, was widely praised for her compassionate interactions with current patients

Her visit was a gesture of solidarity and support for fellow patients and an opportunity to thank the hospital staff for their 'exceptional care, support and compassion' over the past 12 months

'They must be so relieved to have her back. I think it's just a real masterclass on how to be a royal at these engagements,' she said.

'She learnt while the late Queen was still alive, so she learnt from the master.

'She was so good at absorbing the odd compliment, but not making it all about herself, not being a victim, and deflecting the question back because she was genuinely interested to hear about the cancer patients and what they were going through. The Queen famously used to do that.'

Following her visit, in a message on social media, Kate said 'it is a relief to now be in remission' from cancer and that she is 'looking forward to a fulfilling year'.

The conversation soon shifted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with their volunteering efforts during the LA wildfire crisis being labelled a royal 'disasterclass'.

In light of the fires, Meghan also decided to postpone the launch of her new Netflix lifestyle and cooking show With Love, Meghan, a choice Richard believes 'lays bare her contempt for the Royal Family'.

He said that according to People magazine, she 'didn't think twice about cancelling this programme after the terrible wildfires.'

However, the editor highlighted that Meghan proceeded with the Oprah Winfrey interview when Prince Philip was seriously ill.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seen speaking with LA fire victims last week, but their volunteering efforts are said to be a 'disasterclass'

At one point, Meghan could be seen throwing her arms around a homeowner

Meghan speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, centre, and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena

'They decided to go ahead with the programme, obviously caused heartache for everyone in the Royal Family, and Prince Philip died four weeks later.'

Similarly, Meghan and Harry 'went ahead with their Netflix series when the Queen was in failing heath' and the Prince announced his memoir when 'it was obvious that Queen Elizabeth was increasingly frail'.

'So people have been quite cynical about this sudden compassion,' Richard continued.

Last week, the Sussexes visited an evacuation site in Pasadena, California, where charity organisation World Central Kitchen was distributing food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire.

They also visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.

'To see Harry and Meghan effectively being given a tour of the area has stuck in a lot of people's craw and I think that is very understandable,' Rebecca admitted.

Charlotte agreed, adding: 'Their power is drawing attention to issues and there could not be more attention, rightly, on this LA wildfire, so it's not like we needed them to draw attention to a subtle issue to do with health and mental health.

'So it felt like they were drawing attention, I'm afraid, to themselves. There's one picture of Meghan looking right at the camera.'

Meghan and Harry are pictured in LA after helping to hand out food parcels to survivors of the LA wildfires

'Let's be honest, if they wanted to help in an anonymous way, they could have,' Richard said.

'But they went with the governor of California, so obviously if you turn up to pose for photographs with him, that's what's going to happen. These things are so sensitive.'

He went on to say that William and Kate likely wanted to visit the scenes of the riots following the stabbings of the children in Southport last July but were advised to wait.

Instead, they later met the victims' families, emphasising that such situations 'need to be done very sensitively'.

Palace Confidential host Jo Elvin questioned why Harry and Meghan's scenario differed from instances where members of the British Royal Family toured areas of devastation within the UK.

'There's a huge distinction,' Rebecca said. 'The Royal Family are part of our national life, in times of good, in times of bad - and in times of bad, we expect them to be there showing their support.

'She [Kate] didn't go into the hospital and say this is my story, this is about me, she wanted to hear about other people,' the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said, speaking on Mail+'s YouTube show, Palace Confidential

The Palace Confidential show was hosted by Jo Elvin (far right) and featured insight from The Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large Charlotte Griffiths (far left), The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden (centre left) and Royal Editor Rebecca English (centre right)

'The difference here is that they do this on the advice of the government. They have advisors who are constantly speaking to government officials and Whitehall officials behind the scenes, so they're very careful to pick their timing.'

According to Rebecca, William and Kate didn't rush to Southport because 'they knew that was last thing anyone there needed, bringing attention to families and a community that was grieving. The police and emergency services were still struggling to contain a very volatile situation.

'They did not listen to the public calls for it and they waited until an appropriate time, and I think it was all the more powerful for doing that.

'I think people, with Harry and Meghan, are saying these people don't occupy an official position in our national or even local life, so what right do they have to be given guided tours of the devastation. I can understand why that sticks in people's craw, I really do.'
The Stanford Court Hotel on San Franciscos Nob Hill is facing a foreclosure lawsuit, according to legal filings. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2018

A turn-of-the-century style hotel located blocks away from Union Square became the subject of a new foreclosure lawsuit this week after its owners allegedly failed to make payments toward its $105 million mortgage or repair elevators at the property ahead of a major conference this month.

The Stanford Court Hotel, a 400-room hotel perched atop Nob Hill, is owned by Pine & Powell Partners, a limited liability company out of Los Angeles registered to real estate investor Michael Rosenfeld. Pine & Powell purchased the hotel in 2010 for $26 million, public records show.

Both Pine & Powell and Rosenfeld were named in a new lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court Wednesday by Deutsche Bank AG that seeks to appoint a receiver as part of a foreclosure proceeding that would allow the lender to take control of the hotel and potentially pursue a private sale. Deutsche Bank has a $105 million loan agreement with Pine & Powell  the loan was meant to help refinance a separate loan used to purchase the hotel.

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The foreclosure comes as a result of Pine & Powell allegedly defaulting on its loan from Deutsche Bank at the end of 2022.

The lawsuit also seeks a temporary restraining order that would prohibit the hotels operators from commingling, hypothecating, converting, concealing, conveying, assigning, misappropriating, misusing or otherwise transferring any rental payments, insurance proceeds or other revenues for any purpose, other than paying down the debt.

In its lawsuit, Deutsche Bank has accused the hotels operators of failing to protect the property, and of actively engaging in conduct that constitutes waste.

Despite an upcoming professional conference that is set to take place at the hotel this month, ownership has frustrated efforts to make critical repairs to multiple elevators at the property, the lawsuit alleges. Its unclear which conference the lawsuit is referring to, but JPMorgan Chases annual health care conference, which was held at the Westin St. Francis hotel near Union Square this week and features ancillary events at other downtown San Francisco properties, was to wrap up on Thursday.

Deutsche Bank and its attorneys declined to comment on the lawsuit, and multiple attempts by the Chronicle to reach Rosenfeld were unsuccessful.

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While the Stanford Court is among a list of San Francisco hotels that have struggled to stave off foreclosures in recent years, Deutsche Banks lawsuit provides insight into what can happen when discussions to resolve a borrowers default take a left turn.

Deutsche Bank alleges that the hotels ownership has let necessary repairs at the property slide. For five months, Pine & Powell unreasonably withheld consent to contracts that would allow the hotels elevators to be repaired and receive regular maintenance services, per the lawsuit.

Guests have made online complaints about the hotels elevators, the complaint alleged, as three out of five had not been operational for roughly three weeks at the time of its filing and have components that have been deemed as being beyond repair. The estimated cost of refurbishing those components is $60,000, according to the lawsuit.

If the elevator modernization work is not completed before an upcoming professional conference that will be taking place at the property in mid-January  which has historically been a significant revenue generator for the property  the technician will be required to work double shifts each day, simply to service the propertys elevators, the lawsuit alleges. Defendants are aware of these issues, yet still refuse to consent to the elevator maintenance contract.

But the problems between the lender and hotel owner arent limited to repairs: Deutsche Bank alleges that when an insurance contract covering the hotel was set to expire late last year, the hotels property managing firm, Highgate Hotels L.P., which is not named in the lawsuit, secured an alternative policy at a lower price. But the hotels ownership allegedly also failed to approve that contract for weeks, forcing Highgate to execute the contract on its behalf within hours of the policys expiration.

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Stanford Court Hotels general liability insurance is set to expire in February, and Deutsche Bank said in its lawsuit that it anticipates Pine & Powell will similarly withhold consent to executing a contract to continue this insurance coverage.

Another claim in the lawsuit is that the lender was forced to make some $5.3 million in advances to ensure the hotels continued operations, including paying real estate taxes and addressing issues with the hotels chiller, a cooling system.

Rosenfeld, who is the CEO of Woodridge Capital Partners LLC and Next Century Partners LLC, has already lost a massive project in Los Angeles after defaulting on loan payments.

Around the time that Rosenfelds company was first accused of defaulting on its loan for the Stanford Court Hotel in 2022, Rosenfeld also defaulted on some $1.8 million in loans connected to his $2.5 billion Century Plaza development in Los Angeles, a historic hotel that was redeveloped with two residential towers. The development was ultimately acquired by billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, who also had debt on the property, for $1 billion at a foreclosure auction in 2023, though Rosenfeld reportedly continued to own close to 200 condos in the development afterward.
Her return to the Royal Marsden this week to meet fellow cancer sufferers and thank nursing staff was as moving as it was surprising.

The Princess of Wales undertook her first solo public engagement on Tuesday in more than a year as she visited the London hospital where she has secretly undergone her own chemotherapy treatment.

But the Mail can today reveal that it was not the first time that Catherine, 43, has returned to express her heartfelt thanks to the team who, as she so eloquently put it, have walked quietly alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

In fact, she secretly popped in to the specialist cancer care centre just before Christmas during an under the radar festive visit, it can now be disclosed.

She was quietly taken through a back entrance at the hospital to avoid being spotted, just like she did during her treatment.

And it is understood she also brought the doctors and nurses hand-picked festive gifts and treats, including biscuits, as a sign of her thanks.

The Princess of Wales undertook her first solo public engagement on Tuesday in more than a year as she visited the London hospital where she has secretly undergone her own chemotherapy treatment

The Princess of Wales hugs Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

It was not the first time that Catherine, 43, has returned to express her heartfelt thanks to the team. Pictured: Talking with Peter Burton

A source described the gesture as typically thoughtful of Catherine - and yet another indication of how incredibly appreciative she is of all the team have done for her over the past 12 months.

It is not clear how long she spent with them during the strictly private visit, which was not recorded in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements.

The last time she was there as a patient was before the autumn, when she joyously announced that she had complemented her course of preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of the disease.

It was discovered after she underwent serious abdominal surgery in January.

This week the princess told fellow patients that she was so grateful for all the care and support Ive received here.

She later revealed in a social media post that she was now officially in remission, which means that doctors can find no further evidence at the moment that cancer is present.

It is understood she chose to make the announcement separately because she felt it would have been inappropriate to impart the news while she was with patients who are still undergoing treatment and possibly struggling with the enormity of their own diagnosis.

It was also announced that she had become joint patron of the hospital in Londons Chelsea, along with her husband, who was already president.

Catherine secretly popped in to the specialist cancer care centre just before Christmas during an under the radar festive visit. Pictured: Talking with Katherine Field

It is understood she also brought the doctors and nurses hand-picked festive gifts and treats, including biscuits, as a sign of her thanks. Pictured: Hugging Rebecca Mendelhson

A source described the gesture as typically thoughtful of Catherine - and yet another indication of how incredibly appreciative she is of all the team have done for her over the past 12 months

It is understood the position will see her continue to visit the hospital regularly both publicly and privately, offering her support to other patients and the nursing team.

This is a lifelong commitment, a source said.

One of the aspects the princess is keen to help on is how to offer cancer patients and their families the best possible wrap-around support for their physical and emotional wellbeing, both during the dark days of their initial diagnosis and treatment, but also in coping with long term side effects and holistic care.

The princess has herself made clear that there will be no immediate return to royal duties for her.

Instead she intends to continue to focus on her recovery while gradually building up her diary in the coming months.

She has spoken openly of the devastating effect of her diagnosis and cancer journey on both herself and her family, while Prince William has described the last year as brutal and the worst of his life, but recently paid tribute to his wifes strength throughout.
Global warming is quickly spiralling out of control, the Met Office has warned.

According to the forecaster, Earth is 'off-track' to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F) - a key goal set out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the Paris Agreement.

Last year, measurements taken at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, revealed the fastest annual rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) since records began back in 1958.

What's more, satellite measurements showed a 'very large rise' of CO2 across the globe.

These were due to widespread hot, dry conditions, partly linked to El Nino and partly to other factors - including climate change, according to the Met Office.

The study comes just one week after 2024 was confirmed to have been the hottest year on record.

'Last week, it was confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with annual average temperatures higher than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for the first time,' said Professor Richard Betts, who led the production of the forecast.

'While this does not represent a failure to achieve the Paris Agreement target, as that would require breaching warming 1.5C over a longer period and we may see a slightly cooler year in 2025, the long-term warming trend will continue because CO2 is still building up in the atmosphere.'

Last year, measurements taken at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, revealed the fastest annual rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) since records began back in 1958

The study comes just one week after 2024 was confirmed to have been the hottest year on record. Pictured: wildfires in the West Hills section of Los Angeles on January 9

The measurements taken at Mauna Loa revealed a rise in CO2 of 3.58 parts per million (ppm) in 2024.

This far exceeded the Met Office's prediction of 2.84ppm ( 0.54ppm).

Worryingly, if global warming is to be limited to 1.5C (2.7F), calculations by the IPCC indicate that CO2 needs to be slowing by 1.8ppm per year.

It's not all doom and gloom.

Looking ahead, the CO2 rise between 2024 and 2025 is forecast to be less extreme than last year at 2.26  0.56 ppm.

According to the Met Office, this is due to a partial re-strengthening of carbon sinks linked to a shift from El Nino to La Nina conditions.

However, even this slower rise will be too fast to limit global warming to 1.5C.

'La Nina conditions are expected to cause forests and other ecosystems to soak up more carbon than last year, temporarily slowing the atmospheric CO2 rise,' Professor Betts added.

Worryingly, if global warming is to be limited to 1.5C (2.7F), calculations by the IPCC indicate that CO2 needs to be slowing by 1.8ppm per year

Your browser does not support iframes.

Hottest years on record 2024 (59.2F/15.1C) 2023 (58.96F/14.98C) 2016 (58.66F/14.814C) 2020 (58.65F/14.807C) 2019 (58.60F/14.78C) 2017 (58.50F/14.723C) 2022 (58.42F/14.682C) 2021 (58.38F/14.656C) 2018 (58.35F/14.644C) 2015 (58.34F/14.637C) (Figures in brackets refer to global average air temperature for the year) Advertisement

'However, stopping global warming needs the build-up of greenhouse gases in the air to come to a complete halt and then start to reduce.

'Large, rapid emissions cuts could limit the extent to which global warming exceeds 1.5C.

'But this needs urgent action internationally.'

The new study comes just one week after a report published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), revealed that temperatures last year were 0.12C (0.22F) above 2023, the previous warmest year on record.

That makes 2024 the first calendar year on record to exceed 1.5C above the pre-industrial level.

Although this single year does not mean the targets of the Paris Agreement have already been missed, experts say that humanity is now 'dangerously close' to this milestone.

The data shows that an exceptionally hot start to the year brought the average global air temperature in 2024 to 15.1C (59.2F).

While temporary patterns like El Nino helped push temperatures into the extremes, scientists say human-caused climate change remains the 'primary driver' of extreme temperatures.

And with the rate of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere even higher than in previous years, the planet's warming shows no signs of slowing any time soon.

Dr Friederike Otto, a climate policy expert from Imperial College London, says: 'This record needs to be a reality check.

'The climate is heating to levels we've spent years trying to avoid because countries are still burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal.'
From the approachable Geordie twang to the instantly recognisable Edinburgh lilt, the UK is home to some of the most distinctive accents in the world.

But a new study has warned that the way you talk might make people think you're a criminal.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge played recordings of men with various British accents to people from all over the UK, and asked them to rate them for their crime-committing potential.

While the results will come as a relief to some Britons, they could raise alarm bells for others.

Somewhat unsurpisingly, men with posh English accents were rated as the least likely to commit crimes.

In contrast, the Liverpool and Bradford accents were perceived as the most likely to behave in criminal ways.

According to the rearchers, this indicates that there's a link between perceived social status and the perceived likelihood of committing crimes.

'Perceived social class, as judged from a speaker's accent, is an important predictor of UK listeners' expectations about behaviour, and this might have serious implications in the criminal justice system,' said Alice Paver, lead author of the study.

A new study has warned that the way you talk might make people think you're a criminal. Pictured: Zayn Malik, who is from Bradford

The Liverpool and Bradford accents were perceived as the most likely to behave in criminal ways. Pictured: Stephen Graham, who is known for his strong Liverpool accent

In the study, the team created 30-second collages from recordings of men speaking in 10 accents - Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Standard Southern British English (SSBE).

They then recruited 180 people from all over the UK and assigned them to one of two surveys.

To start, they asked participants to rate voices according to 10 social traits such as kindness, being friendly, honest and trustworthy.

Next, participants were asked to rate how likely the voices were to have performed 10 different behaviours.

These included crimes  such shoplifting or physically assaulting someone  and moral behaviours such as cheating on a romantic partner or returning a lost wallet to its owner.

Analysis revealed people from Liverpool and Bradford  whose accents were considered lower-status  were rated as the most likely to commit criminal offenses while those with a posh English accent and a Belfast accent were the least likely.

A Scouse accent was also rated as most likely to cheat on a romantic partner while those from Belfast sounded most loyal.

Participants said those who spoke in a posh English accent sounded most likely to be wealthy, intelligent and educated, while those with a Cockney accent were the least likely.

Somewhat unsurpisingly, men with posh English accents (Jamie Laing, pictured) were rated as the least likely to commit crimes

Meanwhile those from Cardiff were rated as sounding the most kind, while people from Newcastle scored the lowest on the kindness scale.

Writing in the journal Frontiers in Communication, the researchers said those who were thought to be from a lower social class were deemed most likely to break the law.

'We found a strong link between perceived social status and the perceived likelihood of committing crimes,' lead author Alice Paver said.

'This link was more important than how trustworthy, kind or honest someone was perceived to be.'

The team said they also hope that anyone encountering spoken evidence in the criminal justice system is warned against letting accent-based prejudice influence their decisions.

'These stereotypes could have real-life legal consequences,' Ms Paver added.
A parade of planets will soon be visible in the night sky, a phenomenon once regarded as 'an omen from the gods,' signaling significant events on Earth.

The cosmic wonder, set for January 21, will see Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus appear positioned in a line from Earth's perspective.

The parade of planets should be visible in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The best time to view it from the Northern Hemisphere will be around 8:30pm ET.

People should look in the southeastern sky where Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, but a telescope will be needed to see Neptune and Uranus.

Planetary alignments have fascinated humankind for millenniums with recorded evidence found in ancient Egyptian temples, Babylonian tablets and Chinese calendars.

But the cosmic wonder has been famously associated with ancient Mayan civilization that interpreted it as a warning from the gods that would result in tragedy on Earth.

But for this parade of planets, astrologists predict a period of enlightenment, transformation, purification, and amplification of spiritual energy.

The cosmic wonder, set for January 21, will see Venus , Mars , Jupiter , Saturn , Neptune and Uranus appear positioned in a line from Earth's perspective

Planetary alignments occur when several planets appear on the same side of the sun.

From Earth, this makes it appear that all the planets are arranged in a long diagonal line stretching from East to South across the night sky.

The six planets will slowly move into formation leading up to January 21 and be visible for about four weeks after.

Preston Dyches, public engagement specialist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told ABC News Venus and Saturn will be in conjunction, meaning they will appear closest to each other.

Jupiter will shine the brightest in the southern region of the sky, while Mars to the east will have a reddish glow.

And Saturn is predicted to appear with a yellow hue.

'Uranus and Neptune, two very distant ice giant planets out in our solar system, are also there in the sky,' Dyches said. 'But they are very faint.'

Planetary alignments have fascinated humankind for millenniums with recorded evidence found in ancient Egyptian temples, Babylonian tablets and Chinese calendars

Mercury will join to make it a parade in March, making the same alignment last seen in June 2024.

However, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune will eventually drift away shortly after.

As soon as it's dark, Venus, Saturn and Neptune will only be visible for a couple hours before tucking into the horizon for the evening.

For those who want to see the whole show, astronomers have stated that a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture at 50 times magnification is needed to see Uranus and its rings.

To see Neptune, maintain the same aperture but increase the magnification to 150.

But some apps help enhance views without a telescope, such as Stellarium.

Using your location, the app identifies stars, connects constellations, planets and other outer-atmospheric objects and provides the user with information about what's above them.

The app Star Walk 2 functions the same way and is free and available for download in the iOS app store.

As a bonus, these apps both work in real-time and detect things like satellites, comets, and other objects deep in space as they pass above you.

Although the parade of planets may appear as a horizontal alignment, it is only an illusion based on our perspective from Earth.
Famously, Brits have the Romans to thank for introducing the first roads.

And now it seems we may also have the ancient civilization to thank for pioneering service stations.

Archaeologists have discovered the foundations of a Roman 'service station' by the A147 in the Cotswolds, about five miles south of Cheltenham.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the building would have been next to Ermin Street, the ancient Roman road linking Cirencester and Gloucester.

Likely in service between the second and fourth centuries AD, travellers and their horses would have rested there during long journeys.

Remains of primitive Roman ovens also suggest guests had fast food prepared for them during a stopover  possibly bread, meat and even snails.

The Romans would have called it a mutatio, meaning 'change', the Latin term for a horse-changing station.

The astonishing settlement, uncovered by Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, is featured in the newest episode of Digging for Britain on BBC Two.

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The Roman service station, located near the A417's Air Balloon roundabout, about five miles south of Cheltenham, is the subject of BBC Two's Digging for Britain

Pictured, the old Roman road of Ermin Way. Roman roads allowed the rapid movement of troops and military supplies but were also used for general trade and transport

The dig, conducted between 2023 and 2024, covered 40 hectares near the A417's Air Balloon roundabout, about five miles south of Cheltenham.

Excavations are part of the A417 Missing Link scheme, which aims to relieve congestion around the Gloucester area with new and reconfigured roads.

Experts think the Roman service station, which covered nearly eight hectares, helped serve the passing trade on Ermin Way, a busy Roman highway.

Ermin Way linked many large Roman towns, like Silchester (Calleva Atrebatum), Cirencester and Gloucester, which was an important military centre for the Romans.

It follows the discovery of another Roman 'service station' in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Alex Thompson, project manager at Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, said the discovery of the Cotswolds Roman service station 'exceeded all expectations'.

'The Romans can claim credit for lots of things, and they probably invented the formal idea of a service station", at least in Europe,' he told MailOnline.

'These are sometimes referred to as mutatio (the Latin term for a horse-changing station), and these were often at organised locations at regular intervals along Roman roads.'

During 2023 and 2024, the team undertook excavations across over 40 hectare of the A417 Missing Link Scheme between Crowley and Brockworth via the Air Balloon Roundabout

Drone view of workers at the remains of the building, which exists as the foundations. It would have comprised two rooms - one for human travellers and one for horses

Drone view of the site and Ermin Way, the old Roman road, much of which is now covered by the modern A417, A419 and B4000 roads

Remains of one of the ovens. Visitors likely ate bread at the site, while animals bones suggest meat was also on the menu

Britain was part of the Roman Empire for nearly four centuries, from the invasion under emperor Claudius in AD 43 until the early 5th century. Pictured, fragment of a brooch at the site

Gloucestershire under the Roman Empire Gloucestershire was at the forefront of Roman expansion into Britain following their invasion under emperor Claudius in AD 43. The Romans quickly built a network of roads to help spread their influence across the south of England, establishing large settlements at Cirencester, which known by the Romans as 'Corinium Dobunnorum' and Gloucester ('Glevum'). The city centre of Gloucester stands on the site of a Roman fortress dating from the AD 60s, which by about AD 97 had been made a colonia - a self-governing city with similar rights to those of Rome itself. Meanwhile, the Roman city of Corinium (now Cirencester) was second only to London in size and importance by the 2nd century, with a population of over 10,000 and its own amphitheatre. Advertisement

Mr Thompson added: 'We think that our settlement was being used to help with people that were travelling along the road and probably something to do with horses.

'[It] may have been used as stabling or potentially as somewhere where you could stay the night and have your horse looked after.'

The 'simple' and 'compact' building comprised just two rooms  one for human travellers and one for horses  plus an outside yard.

Experts came to this conclusion because one room contained evidence of equine care, including harnesses and bridles, while the other had personal effects and the remains of ovens, as well as a quernstone, used for producing flour.

'Given that we identified numerous ovens both for cooking and crop processing, plus several examples of quern stones used for grinding cereals, its likely that bread would have been a staple offering,' Mr Thomson told MailOnline.

'Ongoing environmental analysis may give us further information on the crops that were being grown in the area, plus analysis of the recovered animal bone assemblage will pick up any evidence of butchery.'

The personal items found at the site and already displayed at Gloucester Guildhall include a cupid figurine, measuring about 2 inches tall and cast in copper-alloy.

'Cupid has short, stubby wings on his back and is shown nude, with a chubby face and hair in ringlets, and what looks to be a topknot,' said Ed McSloy, Cotswold Archaeologys finds manager.

This image shows four different angles of the Roman cupid figurine already uncovered at the site, measuring about 2 inches tall and cast in copper-alloy

There's also a Roman nail clipper made of copper alloy and bone (pictured), plus 460 Roman coins, 15 brooches, 420kg of pottery and animal bone

This Roman bronze ring with glass setting found at the Cotswold site dates from the third or fourth century AD

This 'radiate coin depicts the Roman commander and emperor Postumus who reined from about AD 259268

Pictured, a stunning Roman blue glass bead with white wave decoration found at the site

Pictured, a Roman penannular brooch - meaning in the form of an incomplete circle or ring

'He is standing with his right arm raised and holding an object identified as a torch, or possibly a club.

'Originally, he may have also held something in his left hand, but whatever this was seems to have been moulded separately and is now lost.'

There's also a Roman nail clipper made of copper alloy and bone, plus 460 Roman coins, 15 brooches, 420kg of pottery and animal bone.

The Roman service station featured in Wednesday's episode of Digging for Britain, hosted by Professor Alice Roberts, now on BBC iPlayer.

Following the episode, the finds will be catalogued, before going on display in local museums to 'help further local knowledge of the areas history'.

Gloucestershire was at the forefront of Roman expansion into Britain following their invasion under emperor Claudius in AD 43.

The Romans quickly built a network of roads to help spread their influence across the south of England, establishing large settlements at Cirencester, which known by the Romans as 'Corinium Dobunnorum' and Gloucester ('Glevum').

While Gloucester was an important military centre, Cirencester was Britain's second-largest Roman settlement, after London.

Cirencester had its own Roman amphitheatre, built in the early second century, which now only exists as a depression in the land, covered in grass.
A book classified by the CIA for more than 50 years contains a shocking theory about how the world will end.

'The Adam and Eve Story,' written by former US Air Force employee, UFO researcher and self-acclaimed psychic Chan Thomas, was written in 1966 but its publication was halted by the agency.

It was quietly declassified in 2013, at least in part, but remained hidden in the CIA's database  until now.

In the book, Thomas claims that every 6,500 years, a major disaster on the scale of the Biblical 'Great Flood' strikes the Earth.

While experts debate the exact date of that flood in the Book of Genesis, Thomas asserts that it happened roughly 6,500 years ago, and there is some archaeological and geological evidence to support that claim.

By that logic, Thomas argues that the next catastrophe is imminent.

As for what the end of the world will look like, Thomas believes that Earth's magnetic field will suddenly, drastically shift, wreaking havoc across the planet.

The reason behind the book was classified remains unclear, but some have suggested the agency was concerned the book would cause mass panic, or leak information related to secret government research.

Thomas had connections to classified projects during his time at the defunct aerospace company McDonnell Douglas. He was part of a small team of scientists assembled by the company to investigate reports of UFOs.

While there are no official records of Thomas working directly for the CIA, the agency's secrecy agreement means past employees need to get approval before publishing books and other works of communication.

A book that was classified by the CIA for more than 50 years contains a shocking theory about how the world will end (STOCK)

'In California, the mountains shake like ferns in a breeze; the mighty Pacific rears back and piles up into a mountain of water more than two miles high, then starts its race eastward,' Thomas wrote in his book.

'In a fraction of a day all vestiges of civilization are gone, and the great cities  Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, New York  are nothing but legends,' he writes. 'Barely a stone is left where millions walked just a few hours before.'

The first chapter, titled 'The Next Cataclysm,' starts with: 'Like Noah's 6,500 years ago... Like Adam and Eve's 11,500 years ago... This, too will come to pass...'

The cryptic opening suggests that the next cataclysm is poised to occur any day now.

The book features 55 pages, but Thomas wrote more than 200. The rest are still kept top-secret to this day. And the reason for the CIA's involvement remains a mystery.

The apocalyptical tale begins with the destruction of California, explaining how winds 'with the force of a thousand armies' will shred everything in sight with its 'supersonic bombardment,' as the Pacific tsunami drowns Los Angeles and San Francisco 'as if they were but grains of sand.'

Thomas claims these impacts will overtake the entire North American continent 'within three hours,' as an earthquake simultaneously creates massive cracks in the ground that allow magma to rise to the surface.

'The Adam and Eve Story,' written by Chan Thomas, was published in 1966 and partly declassified in 2013

The book's author Chan Thomas was a former US Air Force employee, UFO researcher and self-acclaimed psychic

But it won't just be North America that is swallowed by the destruction.

None of the seven continents will be able to escape the onslaught, Thomas writes, with each one experiencing slightly different versions of the same dramatic end.

By the seventh day, 'the horrendous rampage is over,' and the entire Earth has changed, he writes.

'The Bay of Bengal basin, just east of India, is now at the North Pole. The Pacific Ocean, just west of Peru, is at the South Pole,' Thomas explains.

Even Greenland and Antarctica have been thrown toward the equator, and 'find their ice caps dissolving madly in the tropical heat.'

Thomas paints a terrifying picture of civilization-destroying climate change and tectonic rearrangement. But there is no scientific evidence to suggest that such a cataclysm is possible.

'It's just unfortunate that these things are being put out there,' Martin Mlynczak, a senior research scientist at the NASA Langley Research Center, told The Verge.

'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. And there's no proof and no science and no physics behind any of the claims about the magnetic field change being associated with climate change.'

What's more, there is no evidence to suggest that the Earth's magnetic field ever has, or ever will, make the 90-degree flip that Thomas describes.

Earth's magnetic poles do shift, and have done so hundreds of times throughout the planet's history. But this never causes the kind of widespread devastation that Thomas described

Thomas states that the last catastrophe of this nature  Noah's Biblical flood  happened 6,500 years ago, and that this means we're due for the next one. But this date is contested

'That is totally bogus. If that's what happened every 6,500 years, we would certainly see it; it would be in all the records... The amount of energy to bring that about is tremendous. And you know, there's nothing to initiate it,' Mlynczak said.

That said, Earth's magnetic poles do shift and have done so hundreds of times throughout the planet's history, according to NASA.

This phenomenon is called a 'pole reversal.' Paleomagnetic records suggest it occurs about every 300,000 years on average, though the actual time intervals vary widely.

'During a pole reversal, the magnetic field weakens, but it doesnt completely disappear,' NASA states.

'The magnetosphere, together with Earths atmosphere, continue protecting Earth from cosmic rays and charged solar particles, though there may be a small amount of particulate radiation that makes it down to Earths surface.

'The magnetic field becomes jumbled, and multiple magnetic poles can emerge in unexpected places.'

But this never causes the kind of widespread devastation that Thomas described in his book.

Even if his theory about why and how the world will end had scientific merit, there would still be reason to question his claim that the apocalypse is imminent.

He states that the last catastrophe of this nature  Noah's Biblical flood  happened 6,500 years ago, and that this means we're due for the next one.

There is some geological and archaeological evidence to suggest that date may be correct. For example, a 2006 study claimed that 6,500-year-old wood recovered from the 'landing site of Noah's ark' was actually part of the ark itself.

But the wood's age has been challenged by other experts.

The more widely accepted date-range for the flood is between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. If this event truly occurred during that time, then Thomas' estimated timing for the end of the world would be more than 1,000 years off.

Therefore, all the evidence suggests that the violent disaster detailed in 'The Adam and Eve Story' will not actually come to pass.
This will cut down wait times for Aussies in the US in customs lines

Phase 1 of the Global Entry Program to begin at the end of January

Aussie travellers are going to have an easier trip to the US by the end of January after new rules kick in.

As part of the 'Phase 1' trial of the Global Entry program, which Australia has recently joined, 1,000 low-risk travellers are going to be fast-tracked through US immigration and customs.

The program will grant the ability for pre-approved people to bypass lengthy processing lines and paperwork when they want to go to the US and this process will instead be replaced by a self-service passport kiosk.

Before the new rules kick in Australians are expected to apply for US travel authorisation which comes with a fee of $34 but soon this will be replaced.

After Phase 1 begins anyone wanting to go to the US will have to fork out around $195 for a five-year exemption to the lengthy customs lines.

Australia is processing applications in a two phased approach, with a limited number of applications for phase one, while phase two will allow all Australian citizens to apply for Global Entry.

The new plan is expected to boost tourism from Australia to the US, according to Intrepid Travel managing director for Australia and NZ Brett Mitchell.

Big changes are coming for Aussies looking to travel to the US at the end of January

Phase 1 of the Global Entry program will allow Aussies to skip lengthy processing lines upon their arrival into the US

Mr Mitchell said he has already seen an increased interest in travel to the US.

'At Intrepid Travel, we've previously seen an increase in bookings to destinations where entry is made easier for travellers,' Mr Mitchell told news.com.au.

'It's something we saw following changes to entry across Mongolia and China, so we anticipate the introduction of the US Global Entry program will result in a similar uplift in bookings.

'Not only do these changes encourage ease of entry, but they can ultimately make travellers feel more welcomed to a destination.'

Anyone partaking in the new system can expect streamlined travel as a result of the expedited customs and immigration clearance.

The Global Entry Program is designed for people who travel between the two countries regularly.

The processing time for applications into the program will exceed 90 days however.

A full background check will need to be completed to assure each applicant qualifies for the program, the Department of Homeland Security states.

Once the program begins low-risk frequent flyers will be able to pay a fee to cut their wait times in US airports

Details of the new arrangement were hashed out over a meeting between outgoing US president Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023.

The idea was first floated years before in 2018 but experienced delays as a result of COVID.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said last year the new rules will be good for bilateral relations between the two countries and Australian business.

'The US-Australia relationship is unprecedented in scale, scope and significance but underpinned above all else by the links and bonds between our people,' Ms Wong said.

'And this program and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and our trust.'

Flight Centre Travel Group is also looking forward to the new rules.

Corporate chief operating officer Melissa Elf said they will help both tourists and exporters alike.

'The air bridge between Australia and the United States is critical for business travel, imports, and exports  with the countries conducting in $120b worth of two-way trade, with the investment relationship valued at $A2.6t, making the United States Australia's largest economic partner,' Ms Elf previously said.

The US Global Entry program will also include an expedited pre-Check program for screening on domestic flights that had previously costed tourists $130.

Flyers from Australia will need to have travelled to the US at least five times in the previous 12 months to qualify for the program.

When Phase 2 arrives at a future date that requirement will no longer exist however, and the program will be extended to an unlimited amount of Australians.

The second stage will not begin until further legislation is passed through the Australian parliament which is expected to begin later in 2025.
With its rolling hills, sun-kissed vineyards and medieval hilltop towns, it is little wonder Tuscany is the destination of choice for the A-list.

But now it seems a chance to taste la dolce vita alongside the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie no longer requires their bank balance.

The Italian region is a surprise inclusion in a list of this summer's cheapest package destinations, coming seventh in Which? Travel's study of bargain August holidays.

The consumer champion, which analysed nearly 6,000 package holidays from three different providers  easyjet Holidays, TUI and Jet2Holidays  in 13 European countries, found some 'real surprises' in among the traditional budget destinations.

For example, a holiday in self-catered accommodation in Tuscany for the first week of August could cost only 1,034 per person on average this year.

Plenty of packages remain available, which has forced the prices down, with cheap flights for room-only, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation available in coastal towns or inland around Florence, the Tuscan capital.

Which? suggested the heatwaves of recent summers could be the reason for the drop in prices as visitors look to avoid the sweltering August weather.

Tuscany was not the only Italian destination on the list. The Venetian Riviera  a purpose-built beach resort on Venice's lagoon  was fourth cheapest.

Price comparison site Which? have surveyed the cheapest August holiday getaways

A week in beautiful Tuscany could set you back as little as 1,034 during August

Morocco was another affordable option, with a week in the Agadir region costing roughly 889

Turkey came out as the most affordable option for this year, with the Dalaman area costing roughly 859pp for a week-long trip

The overall most affordable this year was the Dalaman area of Turkey, at only 859pp a week on average. This was followed by he Bourgas area of Bulgaria, and Agadir, the resort in Morocco.

For those looking to keep control of costs with an all-inclusive break, Which? found that Spain boasts five of the ten cheapest spots currently available to book.

Costa Blanca in the south came in top place, with the average price of a week costing just 1,113 on average per person.

Fuerteventura and Tenerife took second and third places in the list.

Madeira, recently chosen by Sir Keir Starmer for his family holiday, came in tenth with an average cost of 1,346 per person.
Tina Stinnes makes her bombshell arrival in Friday's upcoming episode of Love Island All Stars.

The reality TV veteran, 29, first appeared in the second series of the show in 2016 alongside Scott Thomas, 36.

Nearly a decade on, Tina is back and takes Scott, Luca Bish and Nas Majeed on a date.

In a video teaser, Scott told Tina she is 'going to be a problem' before confessing she was 'always my original type' when they starred together on the 2016 series.

He told her: 'Oh my god I did not expect that!'

Scott is coupled up with India Reynolds, 34, but when asked about what their status is, he told her: 'There's no like mad sparks there just yet and I know she's a bit nervous about me coming here and she's going to be very nervous now.

Tina Stinnes makes her bombshell arrival in Friday's upcoming episode of Love Island All Stars

The reality TV veteran, 29, first appeared in the second series of the show in 2016 alongside Scott Thomas, 36, who is delighted to see her again

'You know what, this feels very comfortable already. I could sit and talk to you for hours and yeah, you're going to be a problem. But a good problem.'

She replied: 'That's good. That's what we like to hear.'

During her first stint Tina came into the villa on Day 20 and took Scott out on a first date - but his eyes were firmly on Kady McDermott.

She left on Day 40 after coupling up with Adam Maxted.

Since Love Island, Tina has become an influencer and has also starred on the most recent series of Made in Chelsea after a brief stints back in 2014 and 2017.

On the most recent series of MIC she enjoyed a holiday fling with current Islander Casey O'Gorman when they had a group holiday to Antigua.

It didn't become anything serious but it remains to be seen if love with flourish this time under the South African sun.

Casey has so far been getting to know Gabby - who is pals with Tina.

A source told The Sun of Tina's arrival: 'Casey's already come under fire for his casual approach to dating, so yet another of his flings coming into the villa is only going to make matters worse.

Nearly a decade on, Tina is back and takes Scott, Luca Bish and Nas Majeed on a date

In a video teaser, Scott told Tina she is 'going to be a problem' before confessing she was 'always my original type' when they starred together on the 2016 series

Scott is coupled up with India Reynolds, 34, (pictured) but when asked about what their status is, he told her: 'There's no like mad sparks there just yet'

Tina also flirted up a storm with Luca and Nas, who bonded with her over being the same star sign

Tina entered as a bombshell on series 2 and had eyes for Scott back then

Speaking ahead of her entrance Tina said of why she wanted to return for the show: 'It was the best experience that I've ever had'

On the most recent series of MIC she enjoyed a holiday fling with current Islander Casey O'Gorman when they had a group holiday to Antigua - but he is now pursuing Gabby Allen

'It's terrible timing for his growing connection with Gabby too, cos Tina is one of her pals.

'Tina is a perfectly timed bombshell and will be bringing the drama.'

Speaking ahead of her entrance Tina said of why she wanted to return for the show: 'It was the best experience that I've ever had, it made me learn about myself and grow.

'I was quite a shy person, so to put myself in that environment was very outside of my comfort zone, but I made friends for life.

'I was a bridesmaid at Olivia Bowen's wedding, she's still one of my best friends, going through that with someone is the best. I'd also love to meet a man of course too! I've been single for a long time, it's about time.'

Speaking about what her red flags are when dating she said: 'Dishonesty is a huge one for me - I like people to be straight forward. Trust and communication is key.'

Tune in from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Love Island: All Stars' Catherine Agbaje and Nas Majeed have taken their connection to a new level.

In Friday night's episode, the couple shared a tender moment on the terrace following the latest recoupling, where Nas had picked Catherine.

Curious about how she felt, Nas asked: 'What did you think of the speech?'

Catherine responded warmly, 'I loved it. You don't really talk about how you feel, so I was nervous about what you'd say, but it was perfect.'

Nas admitted: 'I feel like I've been reserved, I'm fearful,' to which Catherine jokingly replied: 'If you hold my hand, I'm not going to be like, 'Oh my god, I'm in love with you!'

The two shared a playful laugh before Nas added: 'I feel like we're two giddy kids up here!'

Love Island: All Stars ' Catherine Agbaje and Nas Majeed have taken their connection to a new level

In Friday night's episode, the couple shared a tender moment on the terrace following the latest recoupling, where Nas had picked Catherine

They then kissed, but things took a funny turn when Nas pulled away, shocked

They then kissed, but things took a funny turn when Nas pulled away, shocked.

'Sorry, what lip gloss are you wearing? Why is it burning my mouth?!' he exclaimed.

Catherine burst into laughter, revealing: 'It's a plumping lip gloss!'

Elsewhere in the episode, Tina Stinnes made her bombshell arrival.

The reality TV veteran, 29, first appeared in the second series of the show in 2016 alongside Scott Thomas, 36.

Nearly a decade on, Tina is back and took Scott, Luca Bish and Nas Majeed on a date.

Scott told Tina she is 'going to be a problem' before confessing she was 'always my original type' when they starred together on the 2016 series.

He told her: 'Oh my god I did not expect that!'

Elsewhere in the episode, Tina Stinnes made her bombshell arrival

The reality TV veteran, 29, first appeared in the second series of the show in 2016 alongside Scott Thomas, 36, who is delighted to see her again

Scott is coupled up with India Reynolds, 34, but when asked about what their status is, he told her: 'There's no like mad sparks there just yet and I know she's a bit nervous about me coming here and she's going to be very nervous now.

'You know what, this feels very comfortable already. I could sit and talk to you for hours and yeah, you're going to be a problem. But a good problem.'

She replied: 'That's good. That's what we like to hear.'

During her first stint Tina came into the villa on Day 20 and took Scott out on a first date - but his eyes were firmly on Kady McDermott.

She left on Day 40 after coupling up with Adam Maxted.

Since Love Island, Tina has become an influencer and has also starred on the most recent series of Made in Chelsea after a brief stints back in 2014 and 2017.

On the most recent series of MIC she enjoyed a holiday fling with current Islander Casey O'Gorman when they had a group holiday to Antigua.

Nearly a decade on, Tina is back and took Scott, Luca Bish and Nas Majeed on a date

Scott told Tina she is 'going to be a problem' before confessing she was 'always my original type' when they starred together on the 2016 series

Scott is coupled up with India Reynolds, 34, (pictured) but when asked about what their status is, he told her: 'There's no like mad sparks there just yet'

Tina also flirted up a storm with Luca and Nas, who bonded with her over being the same star sign

It didn't become anything serious but it remains to be seen if love with flourish this time under the South African sun.

Casey has so far been getting to know Gabby - who is pals with Tina.

A source told The Sun of Tina's arrival: 'Casey's already come under fire for his casual approach to dating, so yet another of his flings coming into the villa is only going to make matters worse.

'It's terrible timing for his growing connection with Gabby too, cos Tina is one of her pals.

'Tina is a perfectly timed bombshell and will be bringing the drama.'

Speaking ahead of her entrance Tina said of why she wanted to return for the show: 'It was the best experience that I've ever had, it made me learn about myself and grow.

Tina entered as a bombshell on series 2 and had eyes for Scott back then

Speaking ahead of her entrance Tina said of why she wanted to return for the show: 'It was the best experience that I've ever had'

On the most recent series of MIC she enjoyed a holiday fling with current Islander Casey O'Gorman when they had a group holiday to Antigua - but he is now pursuing Gabby Allen

'I was quite a shy person, so to put myself in that environment was very outside of my comfort zone, but I made friends for life.

'I was a bridesmaid at Olivia Bowen's wedding, she's still one of my best friends, going through that with someone is the best. I'd also love to meet a man of course too! I've been single for a long time, it's about time.'

Speaking about what her red flags are when dating she said: 'Dishonesty is a huge one for me - I like people to be straight forward. Trust and communication is key.'

Tune in from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Former Supervisor Dean Preston hasnt been out of City Hall for long, but hes already planning his next move  and he has got San Francisco media in his crosshairs. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

Former Supervisor Dean Preston hasnt been out of City Hall for long, but hes already planning his next move  and he has got San Francisco media in his crosshairs.

On Thursday, Preston a Democratic Socialist who often sparred with moderate and conservative politicos and critics on Twitter  told a crowd of more than 300 supporters packed inside a Hayes Valley club that he will soon launch a progressive media outlet to counter the corporate media narrative.

He said corporate media outlets often overlook stories about working-class people and argued that the problem contributed to his and other progressives November defeat.

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Though he was tightlipped about details, Preston said he has had conversations over the past few months with local and national journalists and independent media to come up with a model for his San Francisco outlet. He said its goal will be to address the dearth of progressive media in the city, which he called a fundamental problem for the left if it ever wants to get back in power.

We will end the days of conservative billionaires having a monopoly on the narrative, Preston told the crowd. We want to amplify your voices, which have been silenced for so long.

Griffin Gaffney, CEO of The San Francisco Standard, which is funded by billionaire Michael Moritz, told the Chronicle in an email we look forward to the competition.



The Chronicles editor-in-chief, Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, said he welcomes another competitor.



We believe that the more news coverage exists, the better we all are because competition is always good for our work, Garcia-Ruiz said. Hearst has been an integral part of this community since 1887 and empowers its business leaders and editors to make decisions locally and has zero interest in changing that storied tradition.

After five years on the Board of Supervisors, Preston lost his seat to Supervisor Bilal Mahmood in a closely watched and heated race for District 5, which includes the Tenderloin. It was a political upset that contributed to a new, more moderate board.



During his re-election campaign, Preston often criticized billionaire-backed political organizations for spending big to unseat him in one of the most expensive supervisor races in San Francisco history.

He also often criticized the media for buying into disinformation and misinformation peddled by those same groups, arguing certain outlets were reinforcing conservative narratives that blamed progressives for San Franciscos ills.

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The announcement came during an ignite the left event commemorating Prestons time in office. Among anti-capitalist buttons, pins and airbrushed T-shirts, the Preston team stacked a pile of red 50-page magazines titled Dean Preston: Democratic Socialism in Action.

The magazine highlights the work Preston did in office, when he focused on tenants rights, affordable housing, homelessness and several ballot measures. Its a first glimpse into the kind of narrative the former supervisor wants to push with his new outlet.



Theres a considerable number of people generating excellent content right now that doesnt necessarily get amplified and pulled together in ways that help working-class issues, Preston told the Chronicle in an interview. When the rich and powerful of San Francisco want to get a story run  they can and do. Thats not true for organizers in tenants unions, rent strikers and fellow workers.



For years, Preston has been widely criticized for his socialist views, especially his goal of increasing taxes on the rich. That has earned him the ire of tech elites such as Elon Musk and Garry Tan. Preston also has been slammed for what critics say is his animosity to building more market-rate housing and a skepticism toward increasing police funding as the city struggles with residents concerns about crime.



Prominent progressive leaders cheered on Preston on Thursday, including former Supervisors Hillary Ronen, Aaron Peskin and Sandra Lee Fewer, current Democratic Socialist Supervisor Jackie Fielder, and state Assembly Member Phil Ting.

Preston told the Chronicle that he got the idea for the retrospective magazine after talking to former Mayor Art Agnos, who warned Preston not to allow local media outlets to have the last word about his legacy.

48 Hills  the spiritual successor of the now closed San Francisco Bay Guardian  is a left-leaning website that focuses on the issues Preston talks about, and its editor Tim Redmond often calls out corporate media outlets in his columns.



Redmond said Preston will be facing a media environment he has struggled against for more than 40 years.



Were doing the best we can here at 48 Hills, but it remains a challenge, Redmond said.

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One of the highlights of the December lull in society news was seeing PR guru Montarna Pitt celebrate her newfound singledom with a divorce party.

The eastern suburbs 'It' girl invited several girlfriends to Mimi's, where they wined and dined on lobster, pasta, salad and fries all while sipping expensive white wine...

...before cutting into a cake bearing her new name: Montarna McDonald.

It was quite the way to announce she was reverting to her maiden name following the collapse of her marriage to lawyer Nicholas Pitt.

Her glamorous gathering soon became the talk of east, with guests including Pilates queen Bernadette Sukkar, stylist Caroline Tran and heiress Louise O'Neil.

But that wasn't the only news on the McDonald-Pitt divorce front.

The former marital home of Montarna Pitt and her lawyer ex Nicholas Pitt (pictured on their wedding day) has sold for an estimated $4million

Daily Mail Australia can reveal the former couple's marital home in leafy Paddington was also sold late last year for an undisclosed sum.

There was no sale price given for the glorious 1900s terrace on Renny Street, but value estimates suggest it went for about $4million.

Montarna is understood to have left the Paddo address and is in the process of moving into a new pad. Nick did not respond for comment.

In the meantime, she's been having fun with her two girls at her parents' lavish five-bedroom home in Clovelly.

The circumstances of Montarna and Nick's divorce remain unclear.

However, we understand one newspaper report of the break-up was quietly spiked by its editors because it contained an inaccuracy.

Montarna, who worked for Roxy Jacenko at Sweaty Betty PR before founding her own business, The Audience Agency, began dating the Sydney lawyer, a personal injury specialist at the firm Wotton Kearney, in 2014.

The pair tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Redleaf Wollombi, just a short drive from the wineries of the Hunter Valley, in 2018.

Montarna is understood to have left the Paddo address (pictured) and is in the process of moving into a new pad

Montarna would often post photos from the property before the couple's split. Pictured with her two daughters celebrating Halloween at the Paddington home

Montarna and Nick were married for six years and together for 10 when they parted ways last year. They share two daughters.

News of their separation came to light back in July, but while society splits tend to become tabloid fodder, details about this particular break-up have remained scant.

On the eve of what would have been their six-year wedding anniversary, Montarna threw a celebratory party and formally reverted to her maiden name.

Montarna, who donned a pink sequined knee-length frock with a plunging neckline, documented the lavish 'do on Instagram, alongside the caption: 'To new beginnings.'

Several friends and fans congratulated her on her fresh start.

'To new beginnings, cheers Montana McDonald,' commented Lisa Wipfli, the wife of Sydney radio presenter Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli.
Roseanne Bar is one of America's biggest and most beloved sitcom stars.

But longtime fans may have trouble recognizing the controversial comedian following her latest venture.

The 71-year-old has undergone a hip-hop makeover to star in Canadian rapper Tom MacDonald's new music video, Daddy's Home.

In the cover art for the single, Roseanne rocks long blonde braids and a pair of dark sunglasses.

She accessorized her rap star look with gold chains and matching earrings.

Fans in the comments section were stunned by Roseanne's transformation, with many expressing how excited they are to see her in the video.

Roseanne Barr has undergone a hip-hop makeover to star in rapper Tom MacDonald's new music video, Daddy's Home

Roseanne is pictured in the first season of her self-titled sitcom in 1989 with her castmates

'Rosie in braids is the best thing ever! Rosie in gold braids and gold chains. I wonder if she's got a gold grill, too?' commented one.

Another wrote, 'I just spit out my drink this is gonna be friggin' legit.'

Roseanne has showed off a much wilder look in recent years, and is often seen posing with a cigarette or her favorite bottle of wine.

In the past, the sitcom legend has been open about her cosmetic procedures which include gastric bypass, nose job, tummy tuck, breast reduction and face-lift.

After she lost nearly a hundred pounds following her 1998 gastric bypass, Roseanne told People Magazine that she was left with a 'huge overhang' and 'had it taken off.'

At an NBC press event in 2014, she talked about how she had recently lost more weight.

'I'm just doing the things you're supposed to do you know, moving more, and eating less,' she said.

The entertainer told DailyMailTV in 2019 that she was ready for more and would be going back to the doctor get consultations on future procedures.

The comedian looks completely different these days (right) compared to her more relatable look in her hit sitcom (left)

Roseanne has showed off a much wilder look in recent years, and is often seen posing with a cigarette or her favorite bottle of wine

'Now I want a waist,' she stated. 'I don't have a waist!'

The conservative cartoon Mr. Birchum recently marked Roseanne's return to TV after her eponymous show was cancelled following an offensive tweet.

She recently wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'As one of the most influential wrong persons I am very proud to be a part of this fantastic series. Also, I am absolutely brilliant in it!'

Her Roseanne co-star John Goodman recently said he has no regrets about defending his longtime friend.

Barr saw her popular sitcom cancelled in 2018 and faced a storm of criticism after she compared White House advisor Valerie Jarrett to an 'ape' in a Twitter post.

The actress later claimed the tweet was written while she was on Ambien and that she had no idea Jarrett was Black.

Producer Wanda Skyes tweeted that she would not be returning to the show, while actor Gilbert condemned Barr's 'abhorrent' comments. ABC cancelled the series that same day.

Goodman, 71, who famously played Roseanne's husband Dan in the long-running sitcom, rushed to her defense and insisted his friend was 'not a racist.'
Abbie Chatfield has called out former AFL player Jed Lamb after he commented on a viral video featuring her.

In a video posted to Instagram, Abbie was standing outside the Canadian Club tent when a man asked her who she was.

'I'm the high kick champion of the Australian Open,' she responded to which he said: 'You wish you are the high kick champion.'

'Love this. She sucks,' Jed commented on the post.

Abbie took a screenshot of his comment and shared it with her fans alongside a private message he sent her in 2021 asking if she would attend his girlfriend's birthday celebrations.

'When did you go down the alright pipeline because your message from 2021 shows your girlfriend loves me?' she wrote.

Abbie Chatfield has called out former AFL player Jed Lamb after he commented on a viral video featuring her

'Men are being radicalised. Look at how he spoke to me only 3 years ago.'

Abbie then contacted Jed privately asking 'why don't like me?' before sharing the conversation with her followers.

'Was a bit of tongue in cheek. Lesson learnt. Apologies,' Jed responded.

Abbie then shared his response and captioned the conversation: ''Weak little boys!!!!'

The feud comes after The Bachelor star explained how a male made a bizarre comment to her while she filmed scenes at the Australian Open.

After the video went viral, Abbie broke down and accused him of 'harassment' before messaging his fiancee and calling him a 'pig'.

'I was just being silly and I was doing high kicks in front of the camera with the crew because it was raining and it was a hard day at work,' she began.

'We were all laughing and this man comes up to us and says something to me... It turns out he was trying to film me to get internet clout because he hates me so much.'

Abbie took a screenshot of his comment and shared it with her fans alongside a private message she sent him

'Was a bit of tongue in cheek. Lesson learnt. Apologies,' Jed (pictured) responded

'I'm sorry you're jealous that I got paid to go to the Australian Open and you had to pay to get in but I was just a woman existing and men are so emboldened now,' she continued while in tears.

'All I do is speak about politics, women's rights and advocate for domestic violence victims to then be abused further by men,' Abbie continued before crying hysterically.

'I'm so exhausted and to be at work and have that happen from some ugly loser.

'The comments are horrific but at least I live in my brain and have a beautiful life.'
The founders of Aussie skin care brand Bali Body have sold their multimillion Victorian home for just under the original asking price.

Laura Foley and David Oosterloo listed their stunning home, located in Mount Martha on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, in November with a price guide of $4.8m-$5.2m.

The four bedroom home, named Scala House, changed hands earlier this month for $4.7million.

The Mediterranean-inspired home is located just a stone's throw from the beach and a boundary wall and subtropical landscaping add an extra layer of privacy.

Created by Wolveridge Architects, the home features a minimalist design and textured materials from around the world.

The well-appointed abode also boasts an open plan kitchen and living space with Patagonian Quartzite stonework.

The founders of Aussie skin care brand Bali Body, Laura Foley and David Oosterloo, have sold their multi-million Victorian home for just under the original asking price

The airy space leads to a pool and paddle area, complete with an inbuilt spa and outdoor shower.

Set on a single level the home also features a separate primary bedroom 'wing' with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, while the remaining three bedrooms all feature custom built-in wardrobes.

Theres also an enclosed pool house part of the main residence with bar fridges, adjacent to the pool and spa.

Listing agent Trent Cameron, director of Warlimont & Nutt Real Estate Mt Martha told the Herald Sun the skin care entrepreneurs were happy with the result of the sale, which generated a lot of interest.

'We had interest in the property from the day it was put online,' he said.

'For quality homes in great locations, I find there are still buyers out there were still finding that theyre still purchasing.'

Laura and David founded Bali Body in 2014 after seeing a gap in the market for cruelty-free tanning products for sensitive skin.

Raking in a reported $2million per month in sales, the couple recently inked a $30million deal with Coles that will see their popular products stocked in supermarkets nationwide.

The stunning home, located in Mount Martha on Victoria's Mornington Penninsula, was listed in November with a price guide of $4.8m-$5.2m and changed hands earlier this month for $4.7million

The Mediterranean-inspired home is located just a stone's throw from the beach and a boundary wall and subtropical landscaping add an extra layer of privacy.

The well-appointed abode also boasts an open plan kitchen and living space with Patagonian Quartzite stonework

The airy space leads to a pool and paddle area, complete with an inbuilt spa and outdoor shower.

In the early days, the couple invested $30,000 to develop the perfect tanning product before launching into the market.

By leveraging social media and influencers to their advantage, the brand quickly took off.

The products encapsulate the idea of enjoying yourself while on a holiday and coming back all bronzed and tanned.

On the Startup Diaries Podcast, the couple shared how they went from zero to 1.4million Instagram followers, and how they started out.

'Since launching we've posted five times per day for the last eight years on Instagram, and never missed a post. So we're super consistent in our messaging,' Laura said.

'For three years, seven days a week, I'll be out at 11pm having an espresso and be like.. oh alarm, post. So the dedication is legit.

'We wanted to be a global brand from the start and we took key influencers from different parts of the world.

'Those big influencers would post something and you would make a direct ROI (return on investment) because it was still new, whereas now it's gone through more like micro-influencers.'

Set on a single level the home also features a separate primary bedroom 'wing' with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite

Laura and David founded Bali Body in 2014 after seeing a gap in the market for cruelty-free tanning products for sensitive skin and recently inked a $30 million deal with supermarket giant Coles

For those wanting to follow in their footsteps and take a risk on a business venture, Laura said to prepare yourself.

'It will likely consume the majority of your life at least for the first five years, ensure you are prepared for that commitment,' she said.

'To be successful, you must be willing to sacrifice almost all of your time and energy into driving the business forwards, and ensure you are prepared for failure.

'Because you will fail in almost everything you do initially but that is how you learn how and where to go next.'
Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman has shared a sweet tribute to David Lynch after the famed filmmaker's recent passing.

The Blue Velvet director's death, at age 78, was announced on Thursday following a battle with emphysema.

Hugh, 56, took to his Instagram story on Friday to share some heartfelt words, revealing the director had been a constant source of inspiration.

'The loss of David Lynch is massive,' Hugh began his post.

'An incredible artist, filmmaker, philanthropist and spirit. His work at the David Lynch Foundation has been an inspiration to my life.

Hugh continued: 'I will continue to carry on the torch as best I can. My deepest condolences and love to his family and friends.'

Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman has shared a sweet tribute to David Lynch after the director's death

A long believer in the benefits of transcendental meditation, the director established the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace in 2005.

Hugh has also been a long supporter of the foundation, revealing to People, in September last year, how the practice of transcendental meditation had changed his life.

He revealed that he began meditating while he was 'a young acting student'.

'I thought it would really help me with my acting. That's why I sort of went and it did, ' Hugh said.

'It helps you be more present, more creative, more energised, more able to connect to people.'

Hugh added: 'What I realised very quickly is it changed everything in my life into better: My relationships, my sense of who I am, my accountability with who I am  and literally, every aspect of my life changed.'

Hugh joins a raft of celebrities paying tribute to the late auteur.

Happy Days icon and director Ron Howard wrote: '#RIPDavidLynch, a gracious man and fearless artist who followed his heart & soul and proved that radical experimentation could yield unforgettable cinema.'

The Blue Velvet director's death was announced on Thursday following a battle with emphysema

'An incredible artist, filmmaker, philanthropist and spirit. His work at the david Lynch Foundation has been an inspiration to my life, Hugh wrote. 'I will continue to carry on the torch as best I can'

DC Studios boss James Gunn penned: 'RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us.'

Patton Oswalt, who has previously cited Lynch's 1977 film Eraserhead as one of his defining movies, wrote: 'David Lynch, RIP. At least thats what the horse wearing a fez just told me* in a dream. (*Backwards and in Swedish).'

The four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker's family announced the devastating news via social media on Thursday.

Famous for directing his iconic TV series Twin Peaks and the film Blue Velvet, Lynch had recently been battling ill health and was homebound due to emphysema.

In a post, shared on Facebook, his loved ones wrote: 'It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.'

'We would appreciate some privacy at this time. Theres a big hole in the world now that hes no longer with us.'

'But, as he would say, Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole. 'Its a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,' they concluded.

In an interview with Sight & Sound in August, Lynch said that he got the disease 'for smoking so long.'

A long believer in the benefits of transcendental meditation, the director established the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace in 2005.

Hugh has also been a long supporter of the foundation, revealing to People in September last year how the practice of transcendental meditation had changed his life.

'What I realised very quickly is it changed everything in my life into better: My relationships, my sense of who I am, my accountability with who I am  and literally, every aspect of my life changed.' Hugh and David are pictured with Hugh's ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness in 2013

Lynch said: 'Im homebound whether I like it or not. I cant go out. And I can only walk a short distance before Im out of oxygen.'

The director of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks got real as he said his love of cigarettes put him in this position.

Lynch said: 'Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me.

'It was part of the art life for me: the tobacco and the smell of it, and lighting things and smoking and going back and sitting back and having a smoke and looking at your work, or thinking about things.

'Nothing like it in this world is so beautiful. Meanwhile, its killing me. So I had to quit.'

His most recent major project before his health issues was the revival of his series Twin Peaks in 2017.

The original series had ran from 1990 to 1991 as it followed the investigation into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer (played by Sheryl Lee) as it took place in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington.

When it first aired in the early 1990s the series had developed a cult following after its run which later resulted in the 1992 prequel feature film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
A budget kitchen utensil from Kmart has gone viral after Channel Seven star Natalie Barr shared her glowing review of it on social media.

The Sunrise co-host, 56, posted a clip to Instagram on Thursday in which she was seen using the department store's $20 Multi Grater & Dicer.

She put both an onion and a carrot into the dicer and was delighted at how quickly the utensil chopped them into tiny pieces.

'I just tried it today, chop, chop! Why didn't I buy one of these before? How much time it's saving!' Natalie began.

'There's a bigger grater for carrots. Look at that, this is amazing. I love this thing, genius.'

Natalie later revealed she was receiving many messages from fans asking for details about the dicer, which she happily provided.

A budget kitchen utensil from Kmart has gone viral after Channel Seven star Natalie Barr (pictured) shared her glowing review of it to social media

'Being swamped with questions on the chopper. I ordered online from Kmart, pretty sure this is it - $20 Multi Dicer and Grater,' Nat told her followers.

'Will let you know how long my late night $20 buy from Kmart lasts.'

She added one of the things she loved most about the dicer was that it featured interchangeable blades to effectively slice vegetables into different sizes.

Kmart Australia is renowned for its low-priced and effective homeware range, with their cheap utensils often performing as well as more expensive alternatives.

The Western Australian-born presenter has developed a reputation for sharing her food hacks with fans.

In June, Natalie was left gobsmacked as she suffered a puree explosion in her kitchen while cooking.

She took to Instagram to document her foray back into cooking after taking a break from it when she suffered an unsightly gaffe.

Whipping up a delicious carrot and ginger soup, the television presenter mashed up her cooked vegetables and put them into a mixer before everything went downhill.

The Sunrise co-host, 56, posted a clip to Instagram on Thursday night in which she was seen demonstrating Kmart's $20 Multi Grater & Dicer

Nat later posted an update revealing she was receiving many messages from fans asking for details about the dicer, which she happily provided

Her eager grin was quickly wiped away when the media personality flicked the mixer on high and copped a face full of steaming hot puree.

Despite having her hand on the lid, the force of the mixer managed to shoot the soup straight up and out, leaving her kitchen walls slathered in mash.

Natalie shared yet another video of the aftermath which saw the thick soup covering her eggs, pasta and other groceries in a small nook of her kitchen.

'I've recovered. I think the heat may have blown the lid off the Vitamix,' she said in follow up footage as she taste tested the bright orange liquid.

'I almost burned myself. Anyway I'm okay. Thanks for your concern,' she added, before revealing the soup had too much celery and needed more carrot.

Natalie has gained a huge following since she began anchoring Sunrise in 2021, and in addition to food hacks she often shares her wardrobe and makeup secrets with fans.

She previously revealed her skincare regimen, including how she protects her face from the daily ravages of television makeup.

'I'm always asked about my skincare, especially how I take off all my TV makeup after work,' Natalie captioned an Instagram video.

'Well for the past five years I've used a brand called @dermaviduals. (I've just become an official ambassador for them). With a combination of their DMS Cleansing Milk & Gel, the @dermaviduals cleansing range supports your skin.'
Australian actress Naomi Watts has penned a heartfelt tribute to director David Lynch.

The auteur's family announced the devastating news that he had died, aged 78, after a battle with emphysema, via social media on Thursday.

Watts, who was a long-time collaborator with Lynch, first starring in his lauded 2001 esoteric thriller Mulholland Drive took to Instagram on Friday to share her grief over the director's passing.

'My heart is broken,' Watts began the expansive post that was augmented with photos and clips of the pair together.

'My Buddy Dave...The world will not be the same without him. His creative mentorship was truly powerful.'

Watts added that she is forever grateful to the director who gave her a shot after trying to make it in Hollywood for more than a decade.

Australian actress Naomi Watts has penned a heartfelt tribute to director David Lynch after his death, aged 78

'He put me on the map. The world Id been trying to break into for ten plus years, flunking auditions left and right,' she wrote.

'Finally, I sat in front of a curious man, beaming with light, speaking words from another era, making me laugh and feel at ease. How did he even "see me" when I was so well hidden, and I'd even lost sight of myself?!

Continuing the expansive tribute, Watts added that it was the man, as well as his art that impacted her life so greatly.

'It wasnt just his art that impacted me  his wisdom, humor, and love gave me a special sense of belief in myself Id never accessed before,' she offered.

'Every moment together felt charged with a presence I've rarely seen or known. Probably because, yes, he seemed to live in an altered world, one that I feel beyond lucky to have been a small part of.

'And David invited all to glimpse into that world through his exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.'

Concluding her tribute, Watts revealed that she was 'in pieces' over the director's death.

'I just cannot believe that he's gone. Im in pieces but forever grateful for our friendship. Im yelling from the bullhorn: Godspeed, Buddy Dave! Thank you for your everything. Buttercup xox'

Watts, who was a long-time collaborator with Lynch, first starring in his lauded 2001 esoteric thriller Mulholland Drive took to Instagram on Friday to share her grief over the director's passing

'My heart is broken,' Watts began the expansive post that was augmented wiith photos and clips of the pair together

'He put me on the map. The world Id been trying to break into for ten plus years, flunking auditions left and right,' she wrote. Watts and Lynch are pictured with Mulholland Drive co-star Laura Elena Harring

Watts also shared a glimpse into the pair's working relationship via a sweet clip.

The video showed Watts and Lynch on set with the director urging the actress to slap him.

Watts offered a light tap on the director's cheek causing him to reply: No, you're p****d off, slap me.'

'I don't want to, ' Watts replied before Lynch placed a consoling arm around her shoulder and offered: 'aw, sweetheart.'

Watts' post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers including fellow Australian actress Rebecca Gibney.

'What a stunningly beautiful tribute, she wrote. 'We have indeed lost an artistic giant. Truly heartbreaking.'

Another follower chimed in, praising Watts' work in Mulholland Drive and Lynch's 'genius' vision.

'My condolences Naomi, your performance in Mulholland Drive is still one of my favorite performances ever,' they shared.

Watts also shared a glimpse into the pair's working relationship via a sweet clip. The video showed Watts and Lynch on set with the director urging the actress to slap him.

Watts and Lynch's artistic collaboration saw them work on four projects - the first being her breakout role in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive

They reunited in 2006 for Lynch's experimental mystery Inland Empire, which used footage of Watts from the director's 2002 short film Rabbits and again in 2017 for the reboot of Lynch's iconic series Twin Peaks. Watts is pictured with Twin Peaks co-star Kyle MacLaughlan

'He was such a genius, one of the greatest artists ever. I can only imagine what it feels to lose him as a friend, we will always remember him and his huge legacy.'

In a post shared to Facebook on Thursday, Lynch's family announced his death, writing: 'It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.'

'We would appreciate some privacy at this time. Theres a big hole in the world now that hes no longer with us.'

'But, as he would say, Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole. 'Its a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,' they concluded.

David is survived by his wife Emily Stofle as well as daughter Jennifer, 56, - who he had with his first wife Peggy Reavey - and sons Riley, 42, and Austin, 33, both of whom were a result of his marriage to Mary Fisk.

Watts and Lynch's artistic collaboration saw them work on four projects - the first being her breakout role in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive.

They reunited in 2006 for Lynch's experimental mystery Inland Empire, which used footage of Watts from the director's 2002 short film Rabbits.

Watts also appeared in the reboot of Lynch's iconic series Twin Peaks, playing Janey-E Jones.
The cast and crew working on Noel Fielding's comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin are reportedly planning to sue the show's makers after it was axed.

The Great British Bake Off star, 51, played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production.

When filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew received the devastating news that it would not be happening.

It was reported by The Sun that Noel didn't return after the festive break and now more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy.

They report that because Noel - who plays the character of Turpin - is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too.

The cast and crew working on Noel Fielding's comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin are reportedly planning to sue show makers after it was axed

The Great British Bake Off star, 51, played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production

The publication claims he left for France before the team learned of the shock axing news and has not been seen in public since.

A source said: 'Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of  plus there's a mystery over just what has happened.

'It's left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous.

'Plus he'll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.'

MailOnline has contacted Noel's representatives for comment.

The comedy series sees Noel play the infamous highwayman who lived from 1705 to 1739, in a fictional take on his life.

Along with his gang of loveable rogues, Dick experiences the highs and lows of celebrity, and does what he can to escape the clutches of the Thief Taker General.

It's written and created by Claire Downes, Stuart Lane, Ian Jarvis of The Outlaws and The Job Lot, with Noel and Jeremy Dyson of League Of Gentleman as script consultants.

When filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew received the devastating news that it would not be happening

The cast also includes Tamsin Greig, Hugh Bonneville and Greg Davies, and will begin streaming on the service March 1.

Noel is due to start filming series 16 of the Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 this spring, which he co-hosts with Alison Hammond.

It comes after Noel admitted what makes him 'absolutely livid' on The Great British Bake Off set - and it includes Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith .

Ahead of series 15 Noel revealed that he was just as passionate about the programme as ever, and he felt particularly 'protective' over that year's bakers.

Noel is due to start filming series 16 of the Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 this spring, which he co-hosts with Alison Hammond

Recalling how he was reduced to tears when he was tasked with sending one of them home, the TV personality made an admission.

In an interview with The Guardian he said: 'There are some very special bakers in the tent this year. Somehow the standard keeps getting higher.'

Noel continued: 'These unbelievable young bakers are way better than they should be for their age. It's a vintage year. One of the best yet.

'I'm fascinated by the people. I feel protective of them. If Paul and Prue are hard on them, I'm absolutely livid. It's devastating when they leave. This year I was particularly fond of one baker. When I had to send them home, I cried.'
Love Island star Hannah Smith has been formally charged with making terroristic threats after her arrest last fall in connection with an incident at the Roxy in Atlanta.

Prosecutors in Cobb County, Georgia have charged Smith, 27, in connection with terroristic threats and willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer in the incident, TMZ reported Thursday after reviewing court documents.

Authorities said in court docs that the Concord, North Carolina-born reality star violated the law in lunging toward police officer Kayla Winkfield and attempting to assault her.

Prosecutors said that Smith, who appeared on the sixth season of the reality show last summer, also verbally threatened to kill the law enforcement official in the September 30 outburst.

Smith in the incident last autumn was booted out into the parking lot about 11:30 p.m., according to an arrest warrant obtained by DailyMail.com

Smith was ejected for being disorderly and escorted outside, where a policewoman tried to get her to an Uber, the warrant stated.

Love Island star Hannah Smith, 27, has been formally charged with making terroristic threats after her arrest last fall in connection with an incident at the Roxy in Atlanta. Pictured in her mug shot following the incident

Smith appeared on season 6 of Love Island USA, which aired on Peacock

Smith instead allegedly tried to punch her, leading to the reality TV star being handcuffed as she repeatedly attempted to kick at the officer, according to the arrest warrant.

'As she was being escorted away from the Orange Deck parking structure and to her Uber,' the arresting officer wrote in the warrant, 'she attempted to punch me, with a closed fist, however, she did not make contact with me.

'While in handcuffs she also attempted to kick me multiple times.'

Once under arrest and in the back of the police car, Smith allegedly threatened to kill the officer and her sister multiple times.

'While said accused was being transported to Cobb County Adult Detention Center she stated she was going to kill me and my sister multiple times with the purpose of terrorizing said victim,' the warrant read.

An insider in the probe told TMZ Smith also uttered racial slurs in the incident, as she was heard saying to the officer: 'B****, I can't wait to kill you, you dumbass, ugly b**** 'cause you're f****** fat, and they love us skinny b****** 'cause you're f****** Black, and I hate Black b****** so I can't wait to kill you and your sister, you dumbass b****.'

Cobb County Police charged Smith with terroristic threats and willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer, both felonies.

Smith was released on $8,000 bail the next day and banned from drinking alcohol or taking any drugs other than those prescribed to her. These conditions would be enforced by 'random alcohol/drug tests at her own expense', court records showed.

Authorities said in court docs that the Concord, North Carolina-born reality star violated the law in lunging toward police officer Kayla Winkfield and attempting to assault her

Smith appeared on the sixth season of the reality show this past summer

Smith resumed posting on social media without missing a beat last fall, uploading two photos on Instagram since her arrest

A lawyer for the reality star, Mike Hawkins, told TMZ, 'Shortly thereafter she has no memory of the events that occurred during, or after the concert.

'Hannah is deeply troubled by these events. She regrets any actions she took that offended anyone, including law enforcement.'

Smith resumed posting on social media without missing a beat last fall, uploading two photos on Instagram after her arrest, though her Instagram and TikTok accounts did not appear to be live on Thursday.

She appeared on season six of Love Island USA, which finished screening on Peacock on August 19.

The show listed her occupations as a bottle server and Instagram influencer.

She lasted 10 days on the island before she was booted out, the first woman to be eliminated in season six.
An Australian model has shocked her fans while posing in a very uniquely-tied bikini top.

Gabrielle Epstein, who originally hails from Queensland but is now mostly LA-based, shared a daring selfie that left little to the imagination.

In the photo, the blonde 30-year-old wore a blue and yellow floral print triangle bikini top that was tied around her bust in a strapless style.

The model showed off her tan lines and ample cleavage, almost suffering a wardrobe malfunction to get the shot.

Gabby was met with dozens of comments from fans who gushed over her sultry snap.

'You are so incredibly gorgeous,' one user wrote.

Gabrielle Epstein, 30, shared a daring selfie that left little to the imagination

'Nice tan lines!!' added another.

Gabby came under fire earlier this month when she shared an Instagram post about Australia being 'in shambles' due to a park bench.

She posted an image to her Stories of a 'happy to chat bench' she found on the Gold Coast which encourages people to sit and talk with strangers.

Followers quickly turned on Gabby when she slammed the bench sign, with many flooding her inbox with messages telling her to 'grow the f*** up'.

The benches have been installed across Australia as part of a UK-born initiative to fight loneliness in the community.

Each one is called a 'happy to chat bench' and have signs which say: 'Sit here if you don't mind someone stopping to say hello.'

Gabby snapped a photo of one she discovered in Queensland, saying: 'I would literally throw up on someone if they sat next to me on a bench and started talking.'

'This country is in shambles.'

Gabby came under fire earlier this month when she shared an Instagram post about Australia being 'in shambles' due to a park bench

The blonde is originally from Queensland but is now mostly LA-based

Hours after sharing the photo, which Gabby later claimed was 'just a joke', the model shared another picture of her inbox filled with people slamming her bench post.

'How is this country in shambles? Don't sit on the chair then,' one message from an enraged fan said.

'Kids are starving to death and getting their legs blown off and this is your biggest complaint? Grow the f*** up.'

Someone else messaged her: 'QLD's take on abortion, celebrating genocide on the 26th, the current economy and the possibility of Peter Dutton being our next PM.

'But nah this bench got the country in shambles.'

Others added, 'What's wrong with you?' and, 'Then don't sit there.'

Gabby shared screenshots of these messages and hit back at her 3.9 million followers.

'Out of all the things I have posted, THIS is what ya'll are most upset about? Might I suggest touching some grass?' she said.

The Australian model posted an image to her stories of a 'happy to chat bench' she found on the Gold Coast which encourages people to sit and talk with strangers

Followers quickly turned on Gabby when she slammed the bench sign, with many flooding her inbox with messages telling her to 'grow the f*** up'

Hours after sharing the photo, which Gabby later claimed was 'just a joke', the model shared pictures of her inbox filled with people slamming her bench post

On another screenshot she wrote: 'Oh, sweet mother of Mary. Am I actually insane or do people not get that this is a joke?'

Gabby later told The Daily Telegraph that the post she made about the bench was 'just a joke' and she had 'no idea it would spark such a strong reaction'.

'If a simple photo like that can trigger people so much, maybe it's a sign we all need to take a step back and not take things so seriously,' she said.

'Calling the country "in shambles" was just me being tongue-in-cheek, not launching a political crusade.'

She added: 'Let's save our energy for more significant issues.'
The Starbucks at 99 Jackson St. in downtown San Francisco has announced it will be closing. Google Street View

From Madeleine Trembleys perspective, the Starbucks thats operated at 99 Jackson St. for the past three decades in downtown San Francisco has all the right ingredients to succeed.

Its a very active location, Trembley said about the store, located in a ground floor space inside of the 1,254-unit Gateway apartment community, which spans the block between Battery, Drumm, Jackson and Washington streets and houses about 3,000 people. Counting surrounding condos along the waterfront, she estimates that the larger community consists of some 5,000 people, many of whom are seniors that have patronized the Starbucks store with an unwavering dedication throughout the years.

Thats basically the expedition of the day, where they meet their friends, they talk, they have coffee, said Trembley, who is the president of the Gateway Tenants Association, or GTA. Its also where we (the GTA) meet and discuss business.

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But last week, news of the stores impending closure sent shock waves through Trembleys community. She said that the GTA works closely with the Gateway complexs management, which, according to Trembley, had been waiting on confirmation from Starbucks that the company would renew its lease for its Jackson Street store since late last year. Last Tuesday, the GTA received an unexpected update: The store is set to close on Feb. 9.

Its the latest in a string of Starbucks store closures in San Francisco in recent years. In December, a Starbucks at 1799 Fulton St. near the Panhandle shuttered suddenly. Another store in Pacific Heights that had operated at 2222 Fillmore St. for three decades also closed when its lease expired in November, the same month that a downtown Starbucks that had been a fixture in the SoMa neighborhood for decades went dark. A total of seven stores downtown had already closed in the prior year, though the company said, at the time, that it had also opened or reopened three other downtown stores.

After hearing about the Jackson Street stores closure, Trembley wanted answers. She contacted a regional manager at Starbucks to ask if there is anything we can do. But the response she received brought more questions than answers: Its very complex and very complicated, the regional manager allegedly told Trembley.

In response to an inquiry from the Chronicle on Friday, a company spokesperson gave the same written statement that Starbucks has released in light of its other recent store closures.

As part of Starbucks standard course of business, we continually evaluate our business to ensure a healthy store portfolio, the spokesperson said. After careful consideration, we made the decision to close our store at 99 Jackson Street at lease end.

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The spokesperson added that the Jackson Street stores employees have received offers to transfer to nearby locations.

The spokesperson said that Starbucks remains committed to investing in the San Francisco community through efforts such as the Neighborhood Grants programs, which invites Starbucks employees and alumni to nominate local nonprofits in their communities to receive small grants from the Starbucks Foundation. The program awarded $56,000 to 25 organizations through the program this year, the spokesperson said.

Last year, Starbucks announced a $3 billion cost-savings plan that involves opening 17,000 new stores outside of North America by 2030  the announcement came after 350 locations across the country were unionized. The Seattle-based coffee giant was more recently accused of shutting down nearly two dozen stores nationwide to discourage union activities by the National Labor Relations Board, which has demanded that those store closures be reversed.

Newly elected city supervisor Danny Sauter, whose District 3 includes the Jackson Street Starbucks store, said that hes had multiple calls with Starbucks leadership this week to push for answers.

This is a giant corporation, and it has a new CEO, and there are obviously a lot of pressures around stock price, around efficiency, that are hard to unravel. But they have told us that this is a strictly financial decision. It has nothing to do with San Francisco. It has nothing to do with safety. It is a financial decision, Sauter said. We have tried to do our best to indicate and to remind Starbucks that this store (99 Jackson) has really has become, over decades, a community cafe for that neighborhood. And although it is close to downtown, this is a distinct neighborhood itself: There are thousands of people living in the Gateway apartments.

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Sauter is planning to meet with community members next week to discuss the stores closure. Hes hoping that Starbucks might be open to a temporary lease extension at 99 Jackson  an option that he said that the Gateway apartments property owners have been open to.

Theres been very little engagement from the Starbucks side on trying to extend the lease. So it seems like they have not had the depth of conversations that are deserved here, Sauter said.

For residents of the Gateway, the impact of Starbucks departure will be huge, Trembley said. Its like losing a friend here.

The complex also houses a Safeway, a dryer and cleaner, a florist and the Gateway Theatre. But a string of businesses that once operated there did not survive the pandemic, she said, including two restaurants  their spaces remain vacant. She is worried that Starbucks space could languish as well.

In collaboration with another tenant group in the area, the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association, the GTA has pleaded its case for keeping the Jackson Street store open in a letter addressed to Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. The groups cited an open letter published by Niccol in September, in which he committed to reestablishing Starbucks identity as the community coffeehouse by creating inviting places to linger rather than hectic and transactional hand-offs. Trembley said that the Jackson Street store already models Niccols renewed vision.

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Katie Price sparked concern again with her gaunt appearance as she appeared in a new social media clip with her daughter Princess on Thursday night.

The former glamour model, 46, recently left fans worried about her health among fans when she showcased her noticeably slimmer figure in an Instagram video this week.

She wore a tight purple co-ord that showed off her figure and drastic weight loss which caused concern in the comments.

An on Thursday she was trying a fun social media trend with Princess, 17, where they had to replicate sounds.

Katie wore a tight black top in the video as one fan penned in the caption: 'Katie is clearly not well.

'Hope she gets help soon as she's looking skinnier everytime a video gets posted.. so sad.'

Katie Price sparked concern again with her gaunt appearance as she appeared in a new social media clip with her daughter Princess on Thursday night

On Thursday she was trying a fun social media trend with Princess, 17, where they had to replicate sounds

Katie first left fans concerned about her health after showcasing a noticeably slimmer figure in a new Instagram video this week.

She shared a clip on Wednesday promoting her friend's clothing brand, JYY London, while wearing a burgundy co-ord.

In the video, Katie strutted confidently in the skin-tight two-piece, but her visibly thinner legs sparked concern among her followers.

Fans flooded the comment section with messages urging her to prioritise her health, with many pleading: 'No more weight loss.'

They commented: 'Omg Katie what's happening to you,'

'Ozempic working its wonders again.'

'From a place of love - I've loved you my entire life  please eat,'

'Who is looking after her? This needs flagging up before it goes too far,'

'Looking frail and elderly,'

Katie wore a tight black top in the video as one fan penned in the caption: 'Katie is clearly not well'

She joked around with Princess in the clip

Katie first left fans concerned about her health after showcasing a noticeably slimmer figure in a new Instagram video this week

She shared a clip on Wednesday promoting her friend's clothing brand, JYY London, while wearing a burgundy co-ord

'Yeah this isn't healthy Katie, please get some help,'

'The sad reality of body dysmorphia. Easier for people on the outside to spot.'

In October last year, Katie responded the concerns over her drastic weight-loss, by exclusively telling MailOnline it was the result of a new gym regime.

She had worried her followers after modelling a skimpy cardigan dress on Instagram form her friend's clothing brand, showing her legs looking much thinner.

But a representative for Katie insisted to MailOnline at the time: 'Katie has always been tiny and she's recently been enjoying going to the gym more and getting herself into a routine with exercise etc which has been beneficial for her overall well being.'

It comes after it was rumoured that Katie had split from her boyfriend JJ Slater, after it was reported that the couple had spent Christmas apart.

The mother-of-five confirmed her relationship with the Married At First Sight UK star, 32, in February last year.

In October last year, Katie responded the concerns over her drastic weight-loss, by exclusively telling MailOnline it was the result of a new gym regime

However, speculation that the pair's relationship had broken down emerged after they appeared to spend the festive period apart.

JJ shared a photo from his Christmas celebrations with his family, but Katie was noticeably not seen with him.

While she spend the holidays with Kerry Katona, while the best friends starred as wicked step-sisters together in a pantomime of Cinderella.

Katie has been supported the Atomic Kitten star, 44, after her split from fiance Ryan Mahoney in November after six years together.
Julia Fox is known for her daring style  whether it's going braless in a Victorian era corset frock or strutting her stuff in head-to-toe latex.

And on Thursday, the Hollywood it-girl, 34, embraced her masculine side as she arrived to the New York City premiere of her new film Presence.

Fox posed up inside AMC Lincoln Square in a black long-tail tuxedo jacket over a colorful floral button-up blouse and white T-shirt.

She threw on baggy black slacks and brown leather platform loafers to complete the quirky outfit.

Instead of long locks, Fox wore her gray hair in a chic pixie cut.

Fox is still rocking her edgy bleached brows, which looked extra dramatic next to her smokey brown eyeshadow.

Julia Fox, 34, embraced her masculine side as she arrived to the New York City premiere of her new film Presence on Thursday

Fox posed up inside AMC Lincoln Square in a black long-tail tuxedo jacket over a colorful floral button-up blouse and white T-shirt.

The Uncut Gems star completed her makeup look with glossy nude lips and peach blush on her cheekbones.

After getting in her solo shots on the red carpet, Fox reunited with Presence co-stars Lucy Liu and Callina Liang.

Liu looked radiant in a sleeveless black lace frock with a sheer skirt that showed off her toned legs.

The Charlie's Angels star, 56, wore her raven tresses in a sleek ponytail for the premiere event.

Liang, 26, towered over Fox and Liu while posing in a striking skintight white dress.

Directed by film legend Steven Soderbergh, Presence follows a family who 'becomes convinced they are not alone after moving into their new home in the suburbs,' as per IMDb.

Fox plays the family's realtor CeCe, who helps them score the unknowingly haunted abode.

The upcoming horror flick also stars This Is Us alum Chris Sullivan and is based on a script by David Koepp, who is known for Secret Window (2004) and You Should Have Left (2020).

She threw on baggy black slacks and brown leather platform loafers to complete the quirky outfit

Instead of long locks, Fox wore her gray hair in a chic pixie cut

Fox is still rocking her edgy bleached brows, which looked extra dramatic next to her smokey brown eyeshadow

After getting in her solo shots on the red carpet, Fox reunited with Presence co-stars Lucy Liu and Callina Liang

Presence, which had its world premiere at last year's Sundance Film Festival, will hit theaters on Friday, January 24

Presence, which had its world premiere at last year's Sundance Film Festival, will hit theaters on Friday, January 24.

Presence is the latest film project for Fox, who became a household name after starring alongside Adam Sandler in 2019's Uncut Gems.

She has also appeared in PVT Chat (2020), No Sudden Move (2021) and The Trainer (2024).

Fox will soon star in the LGBTQ romantic comedy titled Perfect, which also features performances by The Office's Creed Bratton and The L Word's Kate Moennig.

In the movie, Fox plays a 'wealthy pregnant woman who is living out an escapist fantasy as she falls in love with a younger woman,' according to Variety.

Along with being a working actress, Fox is a style icon and a New York Times bestselling author.

In 2023, she released her candid memoir Down the Drain, in which she speaks about her battle with addiction, her complicated relationship with her father and her path to becoming an NYC socialite.

Julia is also a mother-of-one and gave birth to her son Valentino, now three, in January 2021.

Lucy Liu looked radiant in a sleeveless black lace frock with a sheer skirt that showed off her toned legs

The Charlie's Angels star, 56, wore her raven tresses in a sleek ponytail for the premiere event

Callina Liang wowed onlookers in a skintight white floor-length dress

The actress, 36, wore her long hair down and opted for natural glam makeup

The upcoming horror flick also stars This Is Us alum Chris Sullivan, who turned up to Thursday night's premiere

Eddy Maday plays Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan's son in Presence

Directed by film legend Steven Soderbergh, Presence follows a family who 'becomes convinced they are not alone after moving into their new home in the suburbs'; (L-R) Lucy Liu, Eddy Maday, Callina Liang and Chris Sullivan

She shares her toddler with her ex-husband Peter Artemiev  with whom she was married from 2018 to 2020.

Fox's appearance at Thursday night's Presence premiere marks her first red carpet event of 2025.

She last attended the NGV Gala 2024 at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne on December 14.

Fox wowed in a mermaid inspired look consisting of a chainmail style gown with intricate silver beading, designed by Catholic Guilt's Ella Jackson.

The jaw-dropping frock featured a plunging neckline and torn style cutouts with a short train that trailed on the pink carpet.

Fox matched the frock to her grey locks that she wore in a half up do with a metallic hairband in her waved hair.

For makeup, the influencer chose a glamorous palette with a pale lipstick and heavily lined eyes.

She kept the high fashion energy with her incredible stacked heels in an animal print cherry red leather and carried a hand mirror.

Fox's appearance at Thursday night's Presence premiere marks her first red carpet event of 2025

She last attended the NGV Gala 2024 at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne on December 14

Fox wowed in a mermaid inspired look consisting of a chainmail style gown with intricate silver beading, designed by Catholic Guilt's Ella Jackson

Fox finished the look with a chain purse that matched her dress and extra long silver nails.

The bombshell confidently and enthusiastically rocked her bold look at the exclusive event, in which she looked like a villainous character from a Disney movie.

Fox carried over her bold look into her fashion accessories and at one point she turned heads as she was spotted carrying a chandelier.

It looked to be a fun outing for the glamorous Italian-born star, who continued to turn heads with her cutting-edge fashion choices.
Wendy Williams' attorney defended the decision to have her in a guardianship after the former talk show host plead for her freedom.

After Williams, 60, called into The Breakfast Club radio show and insisted she is not 'cognitively impaired,' her attorney Roberta Kaplan stated otherwise, per TMZ.

She explained that Williams is dealing with frontal lobe dementia and emphasized that it is a neurological disease with no cure.

Her attorney  who said she is only representing Williams in her lawsuit against A&E for producing the documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?  also explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own.

This comes after Williams was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023.

Her attorney said she will require care for the rest of her life due to the degenerative nature of the disease.

Wendy Williams' attorney defended the decision to have her in a guardianship after the former talk show host plead for her freedom; pictured December 2019 in New York City

Kaplan also said that Williams has bad days and she also has good days when she has a lot of clarify, like when she called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday morning.

On the morning radio show, Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God about how she felt like she was imprisoned due to her controversial guardianship and said her life is 'f***ed up.'

She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family.

Due to the guardianship court order, Morrissey is prohibited from commenting on the story.

Williams also alleged that the consistent interactions she has anymore are when her 'nursemaids' give her her medication.

Previously, Williams' niece Alex also claimed that she is not impaired and asked fans to help amplify the #FreeWendy movement.

During the show, the former shock jock sobbed as she described her current situation as 'emotional abuse.'

'I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison,' she told the radio show hosts. 'I am definitely isolated.'

After Williams, 60, called into The Breakfast Club radio show and insisted she is not 'cognitively impaired,' her attorney Roberta Kaplan stated otherwise, per TMZ

Her attorney  who said she is only representing Williams in her lawsuit against A&E for producing the documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?  explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own; pictured November 2019 in Atherton, California

Kaplan also said that Williams has bad days and she also has good days when she has a lot of clarify, like when she called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday morning; pictured August 2018 in Atlanta

On the morning radio show, Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God about how she felt like she was imprisoned due to her controversial guardianship and said her life is 'f***ed up.' She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family; pictured June 2021 on Late Night with Seth Meyers

During the show, the former shock jock sobbed as she described her current situation as 'emotional abuse.' 'I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison,' she told the radio show hosts. 'I am definitely isolated'; pictured October 2019 in New York City

She added: 'To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea. I keep the door closed.'

The television personality described the stark nature of her daily life after being put under the guardianship.

'I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by.'

She said that she no longer has the company of her pet cats, claiming that they are 'gone' and had been taken away even though she 'wanted them with her.'

The TV star revealed that she ultimately hopes to move to Florida so she can live there with her family.

For now the star is just focused on being able to travel out to Miami next month in order to celebrate her beloved dad's birthday.

In an Instagram post before the interview took place, Charlamagne penned a caption about conservatorships and guardianships, which he insisted are 'designed to preserve dignity' and 'not control.'

'Conservatorships and guardianships should exist to empower, protect and support individuals  not to confine them in invisible prisons,' the talk show host wrote.

'Tomorrow morning on @breakfastclubam #WendyWilliams will remind us that these systems must be transparent, compassionate, and designed to preserve dignity, not control. Let's discuss.'
Phoebe Dynevor made a fashion-forward appearance at a screening for her new film Inheritance on Thursday night in New York City.

The 29-year-old Bridgerton actress  who recently covered Porter magazine  modeled a strapless ivory and black dress with pointy-toe black heels.

The classic look boasted an added edge with a dramatic, fanned-out bodice before transitioning into a clinging skirt.

Dynevor, who hails from the United Kingdom, pulled her shiny hair back into a sleek bun set at the midpoint of her head.

She complemented the look with soft makeup that included a matte, mauve-colored lip stain.

Phoebe Dynevor made a fashion-forward appearance at a screening for her new film Inheritance on Thursday night in New York City

In Inheritance, due in theaters on January 24, Dynevor plays a woman who is at the center of an international conspiracy following the discovery that her father was once a spy.

Before Thursday evening's screening, she made an appearance on the Today show, where she discussed her experience shooting the forthcoming film.

'It was bizarre. I mean, absolutely bizarre,' she described about shooting the movie on an iPhone.

'We'd film on planes, we'd film in, you know, passport control. I mean, it was edgy. I think you're really kind of able to get that feeling when you watch it,' the silver screen siren noted.

Phoebe's mother is Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor.

Last year the rising star revealed the supportive words her famous mother shared with her after her hit Netflix drama Bridgerton became a huge success in 2020.

In an interview with Elle UK in February 2024, she shared, 'My mum's best advice has been to just enjoy it all.'

She added, 'There was a certain point with Bridgerton where I was overanalyzing everything and my mum told me to just embrace it all, and not to be terrified of it.

'Fame doesn't do great things to people in the public eye  particularly men! She's really helped me navigate it all.'

The 29-year-old Bridgerton actress modeled a strapless ivory and black dress with pointy-toe black heels

The classic look boasted an added edge with a dramatic, fanned-out bodice before transitioning into a clinging skirt. Dynevor, who hails from the United Kingdom, pulled her shiny, red-dyed hair back into a sleek bun set at the midpoint of her head

Phoebe posed with Inheritance co-star Kersti Bryan and director Neil Burger

Despite her celebrity status, Phoebe revealed she is more comfortable being at home rather than on the red carpet, describing herself as a 'real hermit.'

The star explained: 'Day to day I'm very low key though. I'm happiest at home in my tracksuit and I never leave my neighborhood in North London.

'I have my little coffee place that I go to every day and I read and I'm a real hermit!'

She's currently engaged to marry Cameron Fuller, who popped the question last year and later shared the news with an Instagram post.

When asked on the Today show if the couple has set a wedding date, she replied, 'Not yet.'
Wendy Williams' family has launched a GoFundMe to raise $50,000 so they can free the star from the loneliness and deep isolation' of her conservatorship.

The fundraiser was created on January 15 by the family of the beloved American television host, 60, as per The U.S. Sun.

It was launched just before Williams  who was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023  called into The Breakfast Club to plead for her freedom from the controversial guardianship, which she compared to a 'prison.'

Wendy was placed under a court-ordered legal guardianship that oversees both her finances and health in May 2022.

The GoFundMe campaign has so far raised $12,171 of its $50,000 goal. A heartwarming photo on the fundraiser page shows Wendy with her niece Alex Finnie.

The description of the GoFundMe reads: 'For far too long, Wendy has faced the challenges of being unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated, despite her strong will and determination to live her life independently.'

Wendy Williams', 60, family has launched a GoFundMe to raise $50k so they can free the star from the loneliness and deep isolation' of her guardianship; Wendy seen in 2019

It goes on: 'Her current situation is not only unfair but also deeply isolating. The guardian assigned to her has severed her connections with friends and family, leaving her without the support network she so desperately needs.'

'This isolation in New York has made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain her strength and resilience.'

'Wendy's family is passionately advocating for her return to Florida, where she can once again be surrounded by the love and support of those who care about her. They are suffering emotionally as they witness the toll her isolation is taking on her well-being.'

The description continued: 'Unfortunately, they have exhausted their financial resources in their fight against this unjust guardianship and are in dire need of assistance to secure legal representation. Legal services can be prohibitively expensive, and without our support, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of the situation.'

'Your generous contribution can make a profound difference! By uniting in solidarity, we can help speed up Wendy's homecoming and ensure she no longer has to endure the pain of loneliness and disconnection.'

'It is essential that she is not left to suffer in silence in New York while her family is waiting for her return to the warm embrace of Florida, where she truly belongs. Lets come together to support Wendy and her family during this critical time!'

The GoFundMe page is titled 'Support Wendy Williams' Fight for Independence.'

Previously, Williams' niece Alex also claimed that she is not impaired and asked fans to help amplify the #FreeWendy movement.

It was created on January 15 by the family of the beloved American television host  who was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023  as per The U.S. Sun

A description on the GoFundMe page urges for Wendy's return to Florida from New York, calling her guardianship 'unjust' and 'deeply isolating'

A photo on the page shows Wendy with her niece Alex Finnie. Wendy was placed under a court-ordered legal guardianship that oversees both her finances and health in May 2022

Just last month, the star was pictured looking happy and smiling in an Instagram image shared by Alex

Just last month, the star was pictured looking happy and smiling in an Instagram image shared by Alex.

Wendy seemed relaxed and in good spirits as she posed for a selfie with Alex at what appeared to be a family dinner.

Alex also uploaded a short clip of the pair, in which she placed a loving kiss on the former radio personality's cheek.

'Its the most wonderful time of the year [heart emoji] #FamilyOverEverything #MyHeart,' Alex wrote in the caption.

Last year Wendy's brother, Tommy Williams, claimed the former talk show host was 'stuck' in a treatment facility as he urged for her release.

It's unclear which family members are behind the new fundraiser, but Wendy also shares son Kevin Jr., 24, with ex-husband Kevin Hunter, 52.

It comes after Williams' attorney defended the decision to have her in a guardianship after the former talk show host's plea for her freedom.

After Williams called into The Breakfast Club radio show and insisted she is not 'cognitively impaired,' her attorney Roberta Kaplan stated otherwise, per TMZ.

She explained that Williams is dealing with frontal lobe dementia and emphasized that it is a neurological disease with no cure.

Her attorney  who said she is only representing Williams in her lawsuit against A&E for producing the documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?  also explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own.

Her attorney said she will require care for the rest of her life due to the degenerative nature of the disease.

Last year Wendy's brother, Tommy Williams, claimed the former talk show host was 'stuck' in a treatment facility as he urged for her release; they are seen together in an Instagram snap

It's unclear which family members are behind the new fundraiser, but Wendy also shares son Kevin Jr., 24, with ex-husband Kevin Hunter, 52; the trio seen in 2017

The fundraiser was launched just before Williams called into The Breakfast Club to plead for her freedom from the controversial guardianship, which she compared to a 'prison'

Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God that her life is 'f***ed up.' She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, and claimed she has been isolated from her family; pictured in 2021

Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own; pictured November 2019 in Atherton, California

Kaplan also said that Williams has bad days and she also has good days when she has a lot of clarify, like when she called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday morning.

On the morning radio show, Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God about how she felt like she was imprisoned due to her controversial guardianship and said her life is 'f***ed up.'

She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family.

Due to the guardianship court order, Morrissey is prohibited from commenting on the story.

Williams also alleged that the consistent interactions she has anymore are when her 'nursemaids' give her her medication.

During the show, the former shock jock sobbed as she described her current situation as 'emotional abuse.'

'I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison,' she told the radio show hosts. 'I am definitely isolated.'

She added: 'To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea. I keep the door closed.'

The television personality described the stark nature of her daily life after being put under the guardianship.

It comes after a family insider has exclusively told DailyMail.com that Wendy is 'more clear now than she's ever been,' following her guardian's claim that she is 'permanently incapacitated'; seen in 2019

The Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?, which aired in 2024, featured shocking scenes showing the former host drinking vodka in bed and having panic attacks; seen in a still from the documentary

'I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by.'

She said that she no longer has the company of her pet cats, claiming that they are 'gone' and had been taken away even though she 'wanted them with her.'

The TV star revealed that she ultimately hopes to move to Florida so she can live there with her family.

For now the star is just focused on being able to travel out to Miami next month in order to celebrate her beloved dad's birthday.

Wendy was last in Florida in December 2024 to see her son Kevin Hunter Jr. graduate from Florida International University.

She arrived to the event in Miami on a mobility scooter in a stylish sequin black dress and was joined by her father, Thomas.

It came shortly after a family insider exclusively told DailyMail.com that Wendy is 'more clear now than she's ever been.'

Earlier this year, a source close to her family claimed they have 'largely been denied contact' with her by her guardian, per People.

The insider said her family is 'rooting' for her amid the court-ordered guardianship.

'Wendy Williams' family is unable to speak on her current condition and location due to ongoing litigation and the fact that they have largely been denied contact,' the source told the outlet.

The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode in June 2022 after 13 years  without the star herself making an appearance; Wendy seen in a still from her show

'But they are all rooting and praying for Wendy and want to express their well wishes as she celebrates her 60th birthday.'

The insider added: 'She was, is and always will be an icon.'

The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode in June 2022 after 13 years  without the star herself making an appearance.

She previously withdrew from the show in 2021 and embarked on what was initially supposed to be a temporary leave of absence to cope with health issues.
Ben Stiller reveals he and his daughter Ella are big fans of the Real Housewives.

While making an appearance at SiriusXM's Town Hall, he told host Andy Cohen about the bond he and his 22-year-old daughter shares over multiple Bravo franchise series.

Stiller, 59, and Cohen got onto the topic of the Real Housewives shows when discussing being executive producers during the Writers Guild of America strike and editing Severance and Bravo reality shows, respectively.

The Severance director  who issued a major update about the future of the Apple TV+ show  explained: 'I was allowed to edit because I am technically a non-writing executive producer on the show, so I was editing episodes throughout the strike.'

He continued: 'It would've taken longer if I couldn't have edited during the break.'

When Cohen pointed out that it took nearly three years for a second season to premiere, Stiller jokingly hit back and asked Cohen if he edited every episode of the Real Housewives personally.

Ben Stiller reveals he and his daughter Ella are big fans of the Real Housewives

'I give notes on every episode,' Cohen replied. 'It's really well edited,' Stiller commented.

Then, Cohen asked if Stiller watched any of the other franchise series beyond the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The Zoolander star explained how he and his daughter started watching together and bond over the shows.

'I only have bandwidth for so many Real Housewives shows,' Stiller told him.

'I've been told Salt Lake City is the next one I have to get into and my daughter Ella really wants me to get into New York, but then you have to go back 10 seasons and start.'

Stiller also explained that his daughter began watching the reality series in drama school.

After he got into the shows too, he said that for them, it became a 'great release where you can just get into these other people's lives and their worlds.'

Stiller also shared a story about how he and his daughter met Erika Girardi, a star on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, when she was filming Watch What Happens Live.

While making an appearance at SiriusXM's Town Hall, he told host Andy Cohen about the bond he and his 22-year-old daughter shares over multiple Bravo franchise series; pictured October 2024 in New York City

He explained how he and his daughter started watching together and bond over the shows. Stiller also explained that his daughter began watching the reality series in drama school; pictured September 2022 in Los Angeles

Stiller shares Ella as well as son Quinlin, 19, with wife Christine Taylor; pictured June 2023 in New York City

After he got into the shows too, he said that for them, it became a 'great release where you can just get into these other people's lives and their worlds.' Stiller also shared a story about how he and his daughter met Erika Girardi , a star on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, when she was filming Watch What Happens Live; pictured October 2019 in New York City

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty alum shares Ella as well as son Quinlin, 19, with wife Christine Taylor.

He said that he was proud that he got to talk about the Bravo reality shows during his appearance on The View that same morning amid his promo tour for Severance's new season.

'Yeah, because they were saying like ... and this is a spoiler, but why would the Salt Lake City wives, why would they talk about the worst text?'

To the laughing co-hosts of the morning show, he said: 'And I was like, "Of course they're gonna talk about their worst text. That's what the show is. You want to see that.'

Severance will return with its second season available on the streamer Apple TV+ on January 17.
He's a Gold Logie winner and a long time fan favourite.

And now Grant Denyer is set to celebrate 25 years in television.

But the Deal or No Deal host has made a shocking confession about his early days on the job as a young reporter.

'I realised pretty quickly that I was a terrible journalist,' he said in a new interview with the Courier Mail on Friday.

He continued: 'I didn't know much about the world, and I remember going to a fatal car accident as one of my first stories.

'It was all pretty graphic and pretty serious, you know, seeing your first ever deceased body, and I thought, "Hmm, I'm not sure I'm cut out for this."'

He's a Gold Logie winner and a long time fan favourite. And now Grant Denyer (pictured) is set to celebrate 25 years in television

Elsewhere in the chat, Grant, who began his career at Prime TV in the NSW town of Wagga Wagga, said he felt like was 'fake' and a 'pretender' from his very day on the job.

Adding he was 'terrified' Grant explained: 'You're among a room full of proper journalists who've gone through university and I barely made it through high school.'

Grant, who hails from Gosford on the the Central Coast of NSW, eventually scored a high-profile gig as a weatherman on Seven's Sunrise in 2006.

He scored one of TVs highest honours in 2018 when he won a Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Currently the host of Channel 10's reboot of game show Deal or No Deal, Grant won new fans after walking away the winner of Dancing with the Stars in 2007.

It comes after Grant recently broke down in tears as he bravely discussed his struggles with his mental health in a candid interview from last year.

He opened up about how he contemplated suicide after breaking his back and becoming addicted to painkillers in one of the darkest periods of his life.

Speaking to the Hit Network's Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little, the former Sunrise weatherman was overcome with emotion as he recalled his struggles.

But the Deal or No Deal host has made a shocking confession about his early days on the job as a young reporter

Telling the Courier Mail on Friday that he realised he was a 'terrible' journalist, Grant later landed a prized gig as the weatherman on Seven's Sunrise in 2004 (pictured)

Grant - who shares daughters Sailor, 10, Scout, six, and Sunday, two, with his wife Chezzi - revealed his family were his only 'purpose' during the very difficult time.

His voice shaking with emotion, the Deal Or No Deal host bravely shared: 'If I didn't have a uh a child at that time, I didn't really see much purpose in going on really.

'I didn't have much fight left or will to go on so it was for her. I didn't want [my daughter] to suffer the pain of not having a father around.'

Grant confessed he struggled with 'low self-worth' and didn't like himself at the time, but loved his daughter enough to work through the very dark period.

'Yeah I could inflict pain on myself. I didn't view myself very favourably. I wasn't very kind. I had very low self-worth. I had no self-love. But I loved her enough to not want to hurt her,' he shared.

'If you just sort of put one foot in front of the other and just go bit by bit, just one rung at a time, you can kind of, you can get there.'

'Having trouble with pain meds after a broken back was the darkest period in my life,' he said during the Carrie and Tommy Show.

'I was winning races in Supercars, I was hosting things like Australia's Got Talent, Sunrise, and then bang - the handbrake gets pulled on your life and you have got to lie still for four months.

'You go into your darkest worst nightmares everywhere every time you close your eyes. So just say your worst fear is either your wife leaving you or a home invasion, the moment you close your eyes, you go straight into those worst-case scenarios, every single night.

'And when you wake up, you can't tell the difference between reality and your dreams. You believe they've all happened.'

Grant often discusses his mental health publicly, telling how he became addicted to pain medication after breaking his back in a freak monster truck accident in 2008.

The crash left Grant with a vertebrae that was shattered in 11 pieces, and doctors feared he might never walk again.

In 2014, Grant attended a wellness centre in Thailand which specialises in the treatment of PTSD and exhaustion.

'Going to Thailand was challenging, but it was the smartest thing [me and Chezzi] ever did,' he previously shared.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Just hours after beloved director David Lynch passed away, the filmmaking world is in mourning once again.

French filmmaker Jeannot Szwarc - best known for films such as Jaws 2 and Supergirl - passed away at 85.

Actress Jane Seymour, who starred in his 1980 film Somewhere In Time with Christopher Reeve and Christopher Plummer - revealed the news on Instagram.

'Today, we say goodbye to a true visionary. Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul,' Seymour began in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

'He gifted us many timeless stories, including Somewhere in Time, a film that changed my life forever,' she added.

'May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts,' the actress concluded.

Just hours after beloved director David Lynch passed away, the filmmaking world is in mourning once again

French filmmaker Jeannot Szwarc - best known for films such as Jaws 2 and Supergirl - passed away at 85.

Actress Jane Seymour, who starred in his 1980 film Somewhere In Time with Christopher Reeve and Christopher Plummer - revealed the news on Instagram

'May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts,' the actress concluded

Film producer Jeffrey Kramer also shared a throwback snap of the director alongside a heartfelt tribute.

'RIP my dear JEANNOT SZWARC One of the finest most talented souls I was privileged to know!' he said.

The filmmaker was born November 21, 1939 in Paris, spending his early years in Argentina before earning a Masters degree in political science from Harvard.

He returned to Paris, working for a production company on documentaries and commercials before returning back to the United States.

He began working as a freelance screenwriter in the late 1960s, with his first writing credits on a pair of Ironside episodes in 1967 and 1969.

He also made his directorial debut on Ironside, which he followed with It Takes a Theif, Paris 2000, The Virginian, Marcus Welby M.D. and many more.

The filmmaker then started directing TV movies before his feature film debut with 1973's Extreme Close-Up, which marked the screenwriting debut of Michael Crichton.

He continued directing TV episodes of shows like Columbo, The Six Million Dollar Man and The New Perry Mason and The Rockford Files.

Film producer Jeffrey Kramer also shared a throwback snap of the director alongside a heartfelt tribute

The filmmaker was born November 21, 1939 in Paris, spending his early years in Argentina before earning a Masters degree in political science from Harvard

He directed episodes of Ally McBeal, Heroes, Smallville, Fringe, Supernatural and his last credits were a 2017 episode of Designated Survivor and a 2019 episode of Grey's Anatomy

Szwarc then took over the helm from Steven Spielberg on the 1978 sequel Jaws 2, which he followed up with 1980's Somewhere in Time.

He went on to make the 1982 film Enigma starring Martin Sheen and Sam Neill, 1984's Supergirl starring Helen Slater, Faye Dunnaway and Peter O'Toole and 1985's Santa Claus: The Movie.

While he would occassionally return to film with Honor Bound and Hercule & Sherlock, he largely spent the rest of his career in TV.

He directed episodes of Ally McBeal, Heroes, Smallville, Fringe, Supernatural and his last credits were a 2017 episode of Designated Survivor and a 2019 episode of Grey's Anatomy.
TikTok star Chris O'Donnell, known online as Creeohdee, has died at the age of 31.

The fitness influencer  born Christopher Ryan O'Donnell  passed away on January 11, according to an online obituary.

The social media star's death has been ruled as a suicide, as per People. The Maricopa Medical Examiner confirmed to the publication that O'Donnell died from a gunshot wound to the head.

O'Donnell  who got sober in 2018 and was outspoken about mental health  was popular on TikTok, with over 842,000 followers and 28.2 million likes. He also had over 241,000 followers on Instagram.

Though he had not been as active on Instagram recently, in November 2024 he shared a reel of footage from a number of his hiking adventures with a caption pondering how he'd be remembered after his death.

'I wonder when I leave this earth, when I leave the rat race, when I'm lying in the dirt, if you'd remember my face,' he captioned the clip.

TikTok star Chris O'Donnell, known online as Creeohdee, has died at the age of 31; pictured September 2024

ODonnell's last Instagram post from a week ago shows him in a straw cowboy hat, aviator sunglasses and a white button-up shirt standing in the desert.

One of O'Donnell's friends, Morgan Ballou, shared a touching tribute on his obituary page, writing, 'Chris, I'll love you forever. You've been a light in my life since we met in 2016. I wish we wouldve moved to CA together in 2021 like we talked about.'

'I wish we kept in touch more than just online every few weeks. I have so many wishes. In the end, I wish you peace. My heart is broken. All the love and thoughts in the world to your family and Blue.'

One of his followers also sent condolences to the family, writing, 'I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart aches with your family. I never had the pleasure of knowing Chris, he was an incredible inspirational figure for myself and motivated me to go to the gym.'

'I loved watching him share his life online, showing his adventures and his passions and living life to the absolute fullest with a burning smile.'

'Im heartbroken for you for the loss of such an amazing and influential individual. My thoughts and condolences are with you as you grieve.'

Fellow TikToker Iron Sanctuary (Kevin Clevenger) shared a video tribute in honor of ODonnell, with some memories of them over the years.

'One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that youre gone. I love you,' he captioned the post, uploaded on Thursday.

Fans and loved ones alike flooded the comments section of his last Instagram post with tributes to O'Donnell.

'I love you Chris, i wish you would've stayed,' one wrote.

The fitness influencer passed away on January 11, according to an online obituary

His death has been ruled as a suicide, as per People. The Maricopa Medical Examiner confirmed to the publication that he died from a gunshot wound to the head; seen in June 2024

O'Donnell was popular on TikTok, with over 842,000 followers and 28.2 million likes. He also had over 241,000 followers on Instagram; pictured January 2024

Though he had not been as active on Instagram recently, in November 2024 he shared a reel of footage from a number of his hiking adventures with a caption pondering how he'd be remembered after his death

'I wonder when I leave this earth, when I leave the rat race, when Im lying in the dirt, if youd remember my face,' he captioned the clip

@ironsanctuary One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that you're gone. I love you. @Chris ODonnell  If I Would Have Known - Kyle Hume

'Rest in peace brother.'

'Chris until we get to hug again bro.'

'Rest in peace bro, you stuck up for me after just meeting me, you were always so kind to me and treated me like a little brother. You always believed in me and made sure I knew it. For that Im forever grateful. Love you bro.'

'I wish we had the chance to hike the mountains together bro maybe one day we will. Rest in peace.'

One of O'Donnell's last posts on TikTok was a video of himself giving a speech at his brother's wedding.

He wrote that it was 'one of my proudest moments as a brother, being able to send these two off into the next chapter of their lives.'

Beyond fitness updates and workout routines, O'Donnell frequently shared photos and videos of his dog and his outdoor adventures on both platforms.

In another post from 2022, pinned atop his Instagram profile, he opened up about his background, revealing he was born in Norfolk, Virginia and has a 'background in mental health and substance abuse.'

'As you have likely noticed, I am a content creator with most of my media revolving around fitness. However, fitness is far from my passion,' he wrote.

ODonnell's last Instagram post from a week ago shows him in a straw cowboy hat, aviator sunglasses and a white button-up shirt standing in the desert

Fellow TikToker Iron Sanctuary (Kevin Clevenger) shared a video tribute in honor of ODonnell, with the caption, 'One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that youre gone. I love you'

Fans and loved ones alike flooded the comments section of his last Instagram post with tributes to O'Donnell

'I am a two time college drop out. I have worked more jobs than I can count, all the way from being a pool boy in Florida to being covered in fish guts for 20 hours per day in a salmon processing plant in Alaska. I have experienced many different walks of life in my short span of time here on earth, and I love learning about other cultures and beliefs that make me challenge my own.'

'I love beauty, and I find nothing more beautiful than the world we live in,' he added.

ODonnell further shared: 'I love the outdoors in general and nearly every animal under the sun (sorry mosquitoes) and I have two beautiful pups, Blue and Riley, who accompany me on my adventures.'

Later in the post he wrote: 'I have been outspoken about mental health since I was speaking about it as a YL leader in high school, and have been transparent about my own struggles in the hopes it will help others along their own path.'

'I also got sober in 2018 and have been an advocate for substance abuse awareness ever since, helping men and women who are struggling find the treatment they need.'

He wrapped up the post admitting he was a 'very solitary person' and that 'it takes a lot for me to fully let people in.'

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Stephanie Rice is kicking back in the playground of the rich and famous on her honeymoon.

The former Olympic swimmer, 38, and her new husband, Mark Lassey, are on holiday in the Maldives as they celebrate their first few days as newlyweds.

On Friday, Stephanie gave fan a glimpse at her luxurious accommodation as she had a dip in an oceanside pool.

The athlete worked her angles in a series of selfies that showed her in a skimpy black and white striped bikini.

'A week in heaven' she wrote in her caption alongside the images, which showed the brunette absolutely beaming.

She continued: 'The last 3 months were so busy and intense, planning our wedding, finishing my masters degree, selling all of Mark's furniture and booking our honeymoon

Stephanie Rice (pictured) is kicking back in the playground of the rich and famous on her honeymoon

'So to finally stop, relax and have no decisions to make is absolute bliss'.

It comes after Rice stunned fans with a second wedding.

Just over a week ago she tied the knot with her pastor husband following a whirlwind 10-month romance.

She then held a second wedding - again in Perth - last Friday, sharing a look at the event on social media.

'Because one night wasn't enough. We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God,' she wrote in her Instagram caption.

'Thank you to all our family and friends who flew from across the world to make these the most memorable days of our lives,' the athlete continued.

'And to all of our family who prayed, encouraged and honoured our love story. You all mean so much to us and made these two days so special.'

In the images, the pair said 'I do' for a second time at a rooftop venue surrounded by family and friends.

The former Olympic swimmer, 38, and her new husband, Mark Lassey, are on holiday in the Maldives as they celebrate their first few days as newlyweds

On Friday, Stephanie gave fan a glimpse at her luxurious accommodation as she had a dip in an oceanside pool

The athlete worked her angles in a series of selfies that showed her in a skimpy black and white striped bikini

'A week in heaven' she wrote in her caption alongside the images, which showed the brunette absolutely beaming

Steph opted for a stunning sleeveless silk gown for her second ceremony, and added a pair of pearl drop earrings.

She carried a large bouquet of white blooms while her heels were hidden by her long train.

Mark meanwhile looked dapper in a cream suit with a white shirt worn partially unbuttoned.

The pair partied into the night with their guests with fireworks going off at the venue as they shared a kiss.

Stephanie had earlier reveled she exchanged vows with the Aussie pastor, 46, during a vineyard ceremony in his native Perth.

The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating.

For the ceremony, which was held at Sandalford Wines, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown which featured a long train that billowed out behind her.

She let her dress do all the talking as she simply accessorised with a dainty necklace and droplet earrings, while she wore her brunette tresses loose over her shoulders.

Just over a week ago she tied the knot with her pastor husband following a whirlwind 10-month romance. She then held a second wedding - again in Perth (pictured) - last Friday, sharing a look at the event on social media

'Because one night wasn't enough. We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God,' she wrote in her Instagram caption

Steph gazed lovingly at her new husband Mark, who cut a dapper figure in a tuxedo, made up of a white shirt, black trousers and a suave cream suit jacket.

The couple shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple.

In the footage, they beamed with joy as they stood holding hands at the outdoor altar which sat underneath a natural green vine pergola.

They were then showered with confetti as they walked down the aisle together as newlyweds before they shared a romantic kiss.

The couple then celebrated their union with their closest family and friends during an outdoor reception at sunset on the grounds of the vineyard.

Later in the evening, the pair kissed while sparklers lit up the sky behind them.

In an accompanying caption, Steph shared her excitement over starting off her married life with Mark in Dubai, where they plan to live together.

She gushed: 'Surrounded by our closest family and friends, those who have loved, supported, and guided us on our journey, all came together to celebrate our love and the beginning of forever together.

Stephanie had earlier reveled she exchanged vows with the Aussie pastor, 46, during a vineyard ceremony in his native Perth

For the ceremony, which was held at Sandalford Wines, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown

'As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full.

'The day was everything we dreamed it would beoverflowing with love, joy, and the tangible presence of God. It felt like heaven touched earth.

'Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.'

She finished off her post with a Bible quote, adding: 'I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail.

'My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope - Jeremiah 29:11 TPT.'

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Stephanie joined the church when she relocated to Dubai late last year and is now heavily involved with Kingdom City.

Mark is a pastor with the same organisation in Perth and has been with the church for more than 10 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Kingdom City started in Perth in 2003 and has since gone global with branches in Africa, Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East.

Their wedding comes after a whirlwind ten months of dating after they were first introduced by a mutual friend at the start of 2024.

They quietly dated for five months before going public with their romance on Instagram in July, just weeks before they got engaged.

The couple have been in a long-distance relationship with Mark being based in Perth while Steph moved to Dubai in November 2023.

The couple announced their engagement in September after Mark popped the question at Dubai's luxury Atlantis The Royal hotel while visiting Steph.

Mark is a father to three sons - Tyler, Joel and Luke - from a previous relationship.

Steph was previously romantically involved with former soldier Dane Christison, who she met at an Australian church.

They holidayed in the United States together over Christmas 2023, but she publicly announced their split just months later in May 2024.

Stephanie had deleted images of her boyfriend from her Instagram page even earlier in March and had not mentioned him in some weeks.

The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating

The sportswoman later opened up about how she was happy their relationship had ended.

'When I moved, I really wanted to share a lot more of the journey with you guys in real time,' she said.

'I just was going through the deepest healing. I was in a really challenging relationship at the time, when we broke up, I felt the peace of God was upon me. I felt like I felt free. I felt happy.'

At the time, Stephanie said that her new life in Dubai had lifted a weight off her shoulders.

'For the first time, I realised the heaviness that I was carrying. I just felt like it all lifted off me, and I feel like I'm in this amazing place now where I feel so happy, so content,' she said.

'God is so good. I'm seeing so many fruits of the amazing things God has given me, and I want to be able to share a lot more of what's kind of happened over the past six months' she said.

'Now that I have a lot more clarity, a lot more peace, and a lot more happiness.'
A view from Mount Tam shows fog covering the sky in Marin County. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

January has been unusually sunny across the Bay Area, but a shift in the weather is expected Saturday and Sunday. The return of the marine layer will bring increased cloud cover and lower temperatures, with highs struggling to reach 60 degrees in most areas.

However, the weekend forecast remains unclear due to uncertainty of the position and strength of an upper-level low-pressure system off the California coast. This uncertainty has implications for both the Bay Areas weather and the Santa Ana wind forecast in Southern California.

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 Fog tracker: San Francisco and Bay Area weather and visibility map

Low clouds, fog and cool temperatures

The haze and low clouds spreading across the region Friday morning signal a shift to more easterly, onshore winds. This wind pattern creates a shallow surface inversion, trapping moisture and generating low clouds and fog.

High pressure building in from the Pacific Ocean will maintain the onshore flow through the weekend, keeping low clouds and occasional fog or mist in the forecast each morning. Some drizzle is also possible Saturday and Sunday along the Peninsula coast.

Beyond the increased cloud cover, temperatures will be noticeably lower. After a stretch of warm days, most locations will struggle to reach 60 degrees, with warmer spots like Mill Valley and San Jose potentially hitting the low 60s. Overnight lows will drop into the 30s and 40s, with frost advisories likely for interior areas.

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Uncertain wind forecast next week

By late Sunday, an upper-level low-pressure system is expected to form off the California coast, but its trajectory remains uncertain. The interaction between this system and a ridge of high pressure nearby could produce strong offshore winds early next week, starting in the Bay Area and spreading to Southern California.

In the Bay Area, some models predict northeast wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph on Monday, with stronger gusts at higher elevations. While recent rainfall has saturated the ground and vegetation, reducing fire risk, its unclear whether these winds will affect most areas or remain confined to ridge lines and hilltops.

In Southern California, forecast models suggest moderate Santa Ana winds, with gusts of 30 to 50 mph from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. These winds could elevate fire weather conditions to near-critical levels.

Weekend Breakdown

San Francisco: Clouds will build Friday, with highs in the mid-50s and overnight lows in the mid-40s. The weekend will feature mostly sunny skies, but low clouds and fog may linger into the afternoon each day. Highs will remain in the 50s, with lows in the low to mid-40s.

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North Bay: Low clouds and fog are likely in the valleys each morning, with frost forming in colder spots like Santa Rosa, where lows may dip below freezing. Sunshine will return more quickly inland, with highs in the mid- to upper 50s and overnight lows in the 30s.

East Bay: Morning low clouds and fog are expected, especially west of the Berkeley Hills. Areas like Oakland, Berkeley and Fremont will experience variable cloud cover, while the Tri-Valley region will see mostly sunny skies. Highs will range from the mid- to upper 50s, with overnight lows in the mid-30s inland and upper 30s to low 40s closer to the coast.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Low clouds may persist through much of Friday along the coast, with a mix of sun and clouds developing across the Peninsula. This pattern will likely continue through the weekend, with morning fog and drizzle difficult to clear along the immediate coastline. Highs will reach the low to mid-50s along the coast and upper 50s in South San Francisco and Redwood City. Overnight lows will be in the low to mid-40s.

Santa Cruz and South Bay: Morning lows will dip into the low to mid-30s, making for chilly starts to the day. However, these areas will be among the warmest this weekend, with daytime highs reaching the low 60s under mostly sunny skies. Once the sun sets, temperatures will drop quickly, so a jacket will be necessary.
Helena Bonham Carter tucked into an ice cream on Thursday afternoon despite the cold London weather.

The actress, 58, showed off her unique sense of style as she walked around the affluent neighbourhood of Hampstead with a friend.

The King's Speech star wrapped up warm in a fern green woolly jumper and a long thick black skirt with electric pink trim over some navy blue leggings.

She added a blue zipped cardigan and a navy scarf with sky blue check for her afternoon stroll.

Helena completed the look with a light grey beanie and sported some black running trainers.

It comes after the Wings Of The Dove actress put on a loved-up display with her younger boyfriend Rye Dag Holmboe, 36, during a dog walk around the area earlier this month.

Helena Bonham Carter tucked into an ice cream on Thursday afternoon despite the cold London weather

The actress, 58, showed off her unique sense of style as she walked around the affluent neighbourhood of Hampstead with a friend

The King's Speech star wrapped up warm in a fern green woolly jumper and a long thick black skirt with electric pink trim over some navy blue leggings

Helena sparked engagement rumours as she showed off a sparkling diamond ring during a walk in August.

The actress has been in a relationship with the art historian for six years following her split from film director Tim Burton in 2014.

However, speaking to the Daily Mail in March 2022, Helena said she was in no hurry to exchange vows, pointing out: 'I wasn't married the first time.'

The couple met at a wedding in 2018, four years after Helena split from Tim.

Explaining how they met, she told The Guardian: 'A totally random thing, which both of us nearly didn't go to, so it was one of those moments that was so chance and ended up determining so much.

'A really happy accident, and it's an amazing thing.'

Addressing the couple's 21-year age gap, the actress previously said in an interview with The Times: 'Everybody ages at a different rate. My boyfriend is unbelievably mature. He's an old soul in a young body, what more could I want?

'People are slightly frightened of older women, but he isn't. Women can be very powerful when they're older.'

She added a blue zipped cardigan and a navy scarf with sky blue check for her afternoon stroll

Helena completed the look with a light grey beanie and sported some black running trainers

The actress has been in a relationship with the art historian for six years following her split from film director Tim Burton in 2014 (pictured: the couple in 2019)

Helena gave a rare insight into her split from ex Tim, 66, six years after they announced they went their separate ways.

The Crown actress hinted while she was 'reluctant' to end their relationship, she added: 'Some are parts of divorce are recommended.'

In November 2021, she admitted it has taken a while for her family to 'adjust' and said that things were 'really very good now'.

Detailing her experience, Helena revealed: 'The cruelty of divorce is extraordinary. But then you get to a point where you're like, "Oh, I get this week off!" Some parts are very much to be recommended.

Helena also revealed that she believes The Crown's creator, Peter Morgan, asked her to play Princess Margaret because she was able to relate to her very public break-up.

While Helena insisted she wasn't able to reveal why she and Tim went their separate ways, she did say: 'I didn't leave, put it that way'.
Concern is rising for Noel Fielding after he abruptly pulled out of filming for his comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin due to ill health.

The Great British Bake Off star, 51, played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million-pound show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production.

A spokesperson for the comedian confirmed to MailOnline: 'This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client's health.

'We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.'

Meanwhile, a source close to the show told The Times: 'Noel has said that he cant film any more and so there was no choice but to stop.

'Its not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldnt have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadnt been exhausted.

There is concern for Noel Fielding as it's revealed he abruptly pulled out of the comedy series due to ill health - as it's claimed cast and crew 'plan to sue show makers'

A source close to the show said: 'Its not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldnt have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadnt been exhausted'

'People have been very concerned about Noels wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.'

It comes after reports the cast and crew working on the show are planning to sue the show's makers after it was axed.

While filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew have received the devastating news that it would not be happening.

It has been reported that Noel didn't return after the festive break and now more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy.

They report that because Noel - who plays the character of Turpin - is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too.

The publication claims he left for France before the team learned of the shock axing news and has not been seen in public since.

A source said: 'Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of - plus there's a mystery over just what has happened.

'It's left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous.

'Plus he'll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.'

The Great British Bake Off star, 51, played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million-pound show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production

While filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew have received the devastating news that it would not be happening

Noel took to Instagram in New Year's day as he wrote: 'HappY NeW YEar I HopE ITs A gOod OnE ! SpEnT WiTh The PEEps YOu LOve x'

MailOnline has contacted Noel's representatives for comment.

Despite concern, Noel has continued to be active on social media and paid tribute to the late director David Lynch on Thursday with a series of black hearts.

Originally known for his dark comedic style, Noel became a household name after he joined the hosting line-up of the Great British Bake Off back in 2017.

Seen as an unusual choice at the time, he has gone on to win the hearts of viewers, co-hosting the show with Sandi Toksvig, Matt Lucas and most recently Alison Hammond.

Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness.

Co-host Matt told viewers: 'Okay Bakers, Noel is feeling a little under the weather, but we're going to carry on...' as he took on the duties solo for the last 10 minutes of the show.

Born in South London, Noel met fellow comedian Julian Barratt at Croydon art college and they formed the eccentric comedy troupe the Mighty Boosh.

The group earned their big break after they won best newcomer at Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 1998 and three BBC series of Might Boosh followed as well as sell out stage shows.

Putting Noel firmly on the map he went on to play Richmond in Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd and star team captain opposite Phil Jupitus on Never Mind The Buzzcocks from 2009 to 2015.

Embracing the rock and roll lifestyle, Noel became no stranger to the party scene and was regularly seen on night's out with stars including Russell Brand, Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse and even Courtney Love.

Despite concern, Noel has continued to be active on social media and paid tribute to the late director David Lynch on Thursday with a series of black hearts

He also shared a snap on December 21 after making headbands with his children

Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness

Born in South London, Noel met fellow comedian Julian Barratt at Croydon art college and they formed the eccentric comedy troupe the Mighty Boosh (pictured with Julian in 2005)

The group earned their big break after they won best newcomer at Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 1998 and three BBC series of Might Boosh followed as well as sell out stage shows (pictured 2008)

He also hit headlines when he was spotted kissing Pixie Geldof in a club when she was 16 and still at school and he was 33.

A source told the DailyMail: 'Pixie was knocking back pints like a pro and boasting about her drunken antics the night before.

'She was desperate for Noel to turn up and, when he finally did, she couldn't take her eyes off him.

'He has a bit of a reputation but that's all part of the appeal. She was totally smitten. They were cuddled up in a corner kissing for most of the night.'

According to The Sun, Noel said at the time: 'When I first met her I had no idea who she was and that she was so young.

'It caused a lot of problems because her dad wanted to kill me obviously.'

The star also had hepatitis during his time at college and couldn't drink for six months.

Noel told the Times in 2009: 'I just carried on not drinking for years. I used to be able to enjoy myself with just nothing. Id stay up till four in the morning, with everyone else being drunk. Just make a bit of effort and get used to it. Its good actually.'

Noel has also been open about his colourful exploits earlier in his career. He later admitted: 'I took too many drugs and was hanging out with the wrong people.'

The star explained he was constantly being offered drugs and girls as he said he would often be out until 7am in the morning.

Embracing the rock and roll lifestyle, Noel became no stranger to the party scene and was regularly seen on night's out with stars including Russell Brand, Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse and even Courtney Love (pictured in 2007)

Noel has also been open about his colourful exploits earlier in his career. He later admitted: 'I took too many drugs and was hanging out with the wrong people' (pictured with Will Borrell in 2007)

Noel quit drugs in 2006, saying: 'I thought, "This is too much for my head, I wont come back from this".'

Since leaving that lifestyle behind he has been in a long term relationship with radio DJ Lliana Bird and the pair share two daughters Dali and Iggy.

Lliana, who is the founder of charity Choose Love, and Noel live in a leafy north London suburb.

His successful comedy series sees Noel play the infamous highwayman who lived from 1705 to 1739, in a fictional take on his life.

Along with his gang of loveable rogues, Dick experiences the highs and lows of celebrity, and does what he can to escape the clutches of the Thief Taker General.

It's written and created by Claire Downes, Stuart Lane, Ian Jarvis of The Outlaws and The Job Lot, with Noel and Jeremy Dyson of League Of Gentleman as script consultants.

His successful comedy series sees Noel play the infamous highwayman who lived from 1705 to 1739, in a fictional take on his life

Noel is due to start filming series 16 of the Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 this spring, which he co-hosts with Alison Hammond

The cast also includes Tamsin Greig, Hugh Bonneville and Greg Davies, and will begin streaming on the service March 1.

Noel is due to start filming series 16 of the Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 this spring, which he co-hosts with Alison Hammond.

It comes after Noel admitted what makes him 'absolutely livid' on The Great British Bake Off set - and it includes Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith .

Ahead of series 15 Noel revealed that he was just as passionate about the programme as ever, and he felt particularly 'protective' over that year's bakers.

Recalling how he was reduced to tears when he was tasked with sending one of them home, the TV personality made an admission.

In an interview with The Guardian he said: 'There are some very special bakers in the tent this year. Somehow the standard keeps getting higher.'

Noel continued: 'These unbelievable young bakers are way better than they should be for their age. It's a vintage year. One of the best yet.

'I'm fascinated by the people. I feel protective of them. If Paul and Prue are hard on them, I'm absolutely livid. It's devastating when they leave. This year I was particularly fond of one baker. When I had to send them home, I cried.'
Dom Joly was forced to sign a legal waiver to take home a doggy bag from a restaurant.

The complicated form was issued to the comic at a restaurant part-owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc before he could take any of his leftover food away with him.

The Trigger Happy TV star, 57, posted about the bizarre practice on his Instagram after visiting the Brasserie Blanc in Cheltenham: 'Just had to sign a disclaimer form in order to take a doggy bag away from @cheltenhamblanc - seems a little excessive? Anybody ever come across this before? My dogs are not that litigious.

Brasserie Blanc in Cheltenham refused to allow the diner to take home his unfinished chicken, mash and veg before he agreed to indemnify himself and his guests from and against all claims, losses, liabilities, damage, costs, charges, fines, penalties and expenses that could arise from him eating it at home.

The restaurant said the document was designed to stop diners from suing it if they took the 22.50 grain-fed chicken Sunday Roast dinner home, failed to store or refrigerate it properly and became ill. But management have admitted they had never been sued.

Written in convoluted legalistic jargon, the indemnity form asks diners to confirm that I will be taking away [the food or drink] into the house/home (the premises) for the consumption (function).

Dom Joly, 57, was forced to sign a legal waiver to take home a doggy bag from a restaurant

The complicated form was issued to the comic at a restaurant part-owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc before he could take any of his leftover food away with him

The form was issued at a restaurant part-owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc (pictured in 2022)

It continues: I and my guests will then be able to consume this food or drink. But the diner must fulfil two requirements.

Firstly, they must ensure that all applicable licensing laws are complied with and ensure that no sales of liquor are made on the premises.

Secondly, they must: Observe and comply with all legal requirements relating to food and its preparation, food safety and health and safety, together with any other requirements affecting catering premises and/or premises for the preparation of food (as defined by the Food Safety Act 1990, whether statutory or otherwise) and all new relating Regulation.

There are 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the country, with four in London, and ten in Beaconsfield, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Chichester, Hale Barns, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Portsmouth and Winchester.

Sarah Hesketh, 31, from North London, previously told the Mail that she had experienced the same treatment at their Oxford branch.

Outlining how she was asked to sign a legal waiver, she said: I was having Sunday lunch with my boyfriend and didnt manage to finish my main course, so thought Id take it away to eat on my way home.

But when I asked the waitress to wrap it up she said I had to sign a waiver. I did it without thinking, but the more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed.

'It is a completely pointless bit of paperwork. I only wanted to take away the tart that I was already eating.

The Trigger Happy TV star poked fun at the bizarre practice on his social media

The Brasserie Blanc restaurant serves Sunday Roast for 22.50, but Mr Joly claimed he had to sign a legal waiver before he took home his leftovers

The Brasserie Blanc in Cheltenham (pictured) refused to allow Mr Joly to take home his unfinished chicken, mash and veg before he agreed to indemnify himself

Brasserie Blanc said the form is a standard one provided by environmental health officers and used by many restaurants. A spokesman said: Although we dont have to use it, staff are strongly recommended to as we dont have a licence to serve takeaway food.

Restaurant critic Richard Harden, co-founder of Hardens London Restaurants guides, said: I would never ask for a doggy bag in the first place. But even if I were to, I dont see the use of this form.

Ive never heard of such a thing. This is just more nonsense designed to interfere with the operation of common sense.
Lottie Tomlinson has revealed the name of her newborn baby daughter.

The influencer, 26, announced the birth of her second child with fiance Lewis Burton, a baby girl on Thursday.

The couple, who confirmed their relationship in 2020, are also parents to two-year-old son Lucky.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Lottie shared heartwarming new photos of her baby and told fans her name.

She wrote: 'Flossie Grace Burton  the most beautiful addition to our family. Mummy, daddy & big brother adore you.'

Lottie shared a black-and-white shot of the toddler peering into his newborn sister's cot when announcing the birth and wrote: 'Our little angel has arrived and she's perfect in every way.'

Lottie Tomlinson has revealed the name of her newborn baby daughter

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Lottie shared heartwarming new photos of her baby and told fans her name

She was immediately congratulated by younger sister Daisy, who wrote: 'The girls are taking over, welcome little darling.'

Lottie announced her second pregnancy in July by sharing a video of her growing baby bump with social media followers.

She wrote: 'Our little family is growing we feel so excited and blessed that another beautiful baby is joining us in Jan 2025.'

The sister of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is said to have bonded over the grief of losing their respective loved ones.

Lottie sadly lost her mother and sister in recent years and Lewis lost Caroline Flack in February 2020.

Her sister Felicite, 18, died after an accidental drug overdose, three years after the death of her mother Johannah, who died of cancer.

Lottie became acquainted with Lewis at a house party in May 2020 hosted by Caroline's close friend Lou Teasdale, held to mark three months since her tragic passing.

The influencer, 26, announced the birth of her second child with fiance Lewis Burton , a baby girl on Thursday

Lottie's younger sister Daisy and friend Charlotte Dawson were among the first to congratulate the influencer

The couple, who confirmed their relationship in 2020, are also parents to son Lucky, two

The couple announced the birth of her son Lucky in an Instagram post on August 9, 2022.

Alongside a picture of her newborn son, she wrote 'dreams do come true', while a post from her sister Phoebe confirmed the couple had welcomed a baby boy.

Then in November 2023, the pair got engaged in Paris - after three years of dating.

At the time of their proposal, the couple shared video footage of the moment Lewis got down on one knee.

Lewis took Lottie and Lucky off for a weekend getaway and pulled out all the stops with decorating the hotel room for the romantic proposal.

He created a path of red rose petals and candles to lead a glamorous Lottie to him where he got down on one knee.

With their son present to witness the magical moment, Lewis pulled out a huge diamond ring.

In February 2024 Lottie admitted she gave herself three months to 'get her body back' after gaining weight during pregnancy  but it took a year to feel happy again in her own skin.

Lottie announced her second pregnancy in July by sharing a video of her growing baby bump with social media followers

She told MailOnline she had always been 'conscious' of her figure and 'wanted to do something' about the changes she had experienced after having a baby as soon as possible.

She explained gaining the weight had a 'big effect' on her self-esteem and she felt 'sad' looking back at photos when she was postpartum because she felt 'sluggish' and 'void of energy.'

But after trying to find a quick fix, Lottie said her body transformation took an entire year, a timeframe that would have left her 'devastated' had she known.

Lottie said she's 'proud' of her achievements after gaining back her confidence and accepting herself as a mother  and the challenges it brings.

She said: 'It is crazy because I never expected to gain that much weight in my pregnancy I have always been someone who is quite conscious about the way I look and I have always tried to keep fit.

The couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Paris in November 2023. They began dating in July 2020 (pictured on the night of their engagement)

It's understood that Lottie became better acquainted with Lewis at a house party in May 2020 hosted by the late Caroline Flack's close friend, Lou Teasdale

'To gain that kind of weight had a big effect on me and that's why I wanted to do something about it as soon as I had the baby.

'To see the before picture, it makes me sad because I look down in my face because I was feeling sluggish and with low energy.

'I was in such a rush to lose the weight that transformation took me a year and if someone told me that at the start of being postpartum, it's going to be a year until you get your body back, I would have been devastated.

'I wanted to do it within three months, I wanted to blitz it but I soon realised that it's not realistic and my body had grown a human and I have also got to look after that human so it was never going to be possible.

'Looking back now, that year has flown by, and I was able to do it healthily. I am proud of my journey and it's still ongoing, which is exciting.'
Timothee Chalamet showed off his impeccable sense of style as he was joined by Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro at the photocall for their latest movie A Complete Unknown in Rome, Italy on Friday.

The actor, 29, cut a stylish figure in a brown suede jacket and matching trousers as he posed alongside his co-stars at the five-star Hotel De La Ville.

He teamed a crisp white shirt, which he left half unbuttoned, with his ensemble and wore a paisley print bandana around his neck.

To complete his look, Timothee sported a pair of retro tortoiseshell shades and donned a pair of black ankle boots.

The Dune star appeared in high spirits as he and his co-stars posed up a storm for the cameras.

Meanwhile, Fight Club star Edward, 55, cut a more laidback figure as he nonchalantly posed for several snaps.

Timothee Chalamet, (left), showed off his impeccable sense of style as he was joined by Edward Norton at the photocall for their latest movie A Complete Unknown in Rome, Italy on Friday

The duo were also joined by their co-star Monica Barbaro, 34, who looked effortlessly chic in a white shirt which featured a plunging neckline and a silver diamond brooch pin at the centre

He sported a stylish army green jacket and crisp white shirt teaming them both with a pair of black skinny jeans.

To complete his look, he donned a pair of khaki trainers and sported a pair of cool black shades which featured a silver frame.

Meanwhile, Monica, 34, looked effortlessly chic in a white shirt which featured a structured collar, plunging neckline, and a silver diamond brooch pin at the centre to snatch in her tiny waist.

The actress teamed a pair of black flared trousers with her chic shirt and added inches to her frame with silver pointed heels.

Monica further accessorised her look with silver hoop earrings and a matching bangle bracelet.

To complete her look, the beauty styled her brunette tresses in loose voluminous waves and showed off her natural beauty with minimal makeup.

The movie focuses on Bob Dylan's early career, his transition from folk to rock, and his performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with Timothee being praised for his portrayal.

Timothee's appearance at the photocall comes after he arrived at the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown UK premiere on a Lime bike on Tuesday.

The actor, 29, who recently got slapped with a 65 fine for his e-bike stunt at the movie's London premiere, cut a stylish figure in a brown suede jacket and matching trousers

He teamed a crisp white shirt, which he left half unbuttoned, with his ensemble and wore a paisley print bandana around his neck

The Dune star appeared in high spirits as he and his co-star Edward chatted away as they got several snaps together

Meanwhile, Fight Club star Edward, 55, cut a more laidback figure for the event wearing a stylish army green jacket and crisp white shirt

To complete his look, he donned a pair of khaki trainers and sported a pair of cool black shades which featured a silver frame

The actor, who stars as the Knockin' On Heaven's Door hitmaker, 83, cruised down the red carpet on the green bike before successfully ending his ride via Lime's mobile app.

But the Academy Award nominee's two-wheeled red carpet transportation  that went viral on social media  ended up costing him.

Timothee revealed on the French chat show Quotidien on Wednesday that he received a 65 fine (which converts to roughly $79) for incorrectly parking the e-bike at BFI Southbank.

'There was a traffic jam,' said Timothee, who spoke in French, of his reason for choosing to take an 'ecological' bike to the premiere instead of a chauffeured car.

Unbeknownst to the actor, he parked the e-bike in an area where he wasnt allowed to park.

Meanwhile, Monica teamed a pair of black flared trousers with her chic shirt and added inches to her frame with silver pointed heels

To complete her look, the beauty styled her brunette tresses in loose voluminous waves and showed off her natural beauty with minimal makeup

The movie focuses on Bob Dylan's early career, his transition from folk to rock, and his performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with Timothee being praised for his portrayal

Timothee's appearance at the photocall comes after he arrived at the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown UK premiere on a Lime bike on Tuesday and got slapped with a fine

'I got a 65 fine and actually it was horrible because it was actually kind of an advert for them,' Timothee told host Yann Romain Barthes.

Timothee's bike path to his movie's big London premiere also garnered a parking fine for professional photographer Aidan Zamiri, who rode along with the actor on a Lime e-bike on his own.

On Tuesday, Aidan shared a video of himself and Timothee riding across Westminster Bridge en route to the premiere on his Instagram Story, with the accompanying caption: 'Favourite mode of transport.'

He later admitted the ride had been terminated by Lime - who monitor each journey - because he was idle 'for an unusually long time,' before eventually picking up a 2:00 fine (which coverts to roughly $2.40)  for 'incorrect parking.'
She shared her heartbreak about sending her daughters off to college multiple times in recent years.

But Brooke Shields has had a total change of heart about being an empty nester just months after her youngest daughter Grier, 18, left for university.

During an appearance Thursday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 59-year-old actress  who recently joined Kim Kardashian and Ryan Murphy's upcoming Hulu series All's Fair  admitted that now she's excited for her daughters to head back to school after spending their breaks at home.

'Im an empty nester. Then they came home for Christmas,' she said of Grier and her old daughter Rowan, 21. 'It was great  and then I couldnt wait for them to leave.'

Of course, she admitted that she was 'so sad for them to leave the first time,' but some time to herself had helped her get used to not seeing the girls every day.

It got to the point that she was practically pushing her daughters out the door halfway through their winter break.

Brooke Shields, 59, admitted that she has a newfound appreciation for being an empty nester during an appearance Thursday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (pictured)

She has had a total change of heart just months after her youngest daughter, 18-year-old Grier (L) left for university. Her older daughter, 21-year-old Rowan (R), left for college in 2021; seen December 30 in Nassau, Bahamas

'At the end of Christmas, Im like, "Dont you have to get back to school? Please. Its time to leave,"' she joked.

Conveniently, she added that Rowan and Grier are happy with their college experience so far at North Carolina's Wake Forest University, where they are both enrolled.

Back in 2021, Brooke posted about dropping off her eldest daughter at college for the first time.

'My unique and extraordinary baby girl spreading her wings. I love you so. We are so proud of you,' she wrote on Instagram, before adding that the experience concluded with 'the saddest drive away from anywhere Ive ever had to make.'

But she remained optimist that Rowan was starting 'one of the most important adventures of her life to date...'

She later said on Live With Kelly And Ryan that dropping her daughter off on campus was 'the worst thing [shes] ever experienced in [her] life.'

Brooke, who spends most of her time in New York, said she and her husband Chris Henchy  whom she married in 2001  decided to drive down to the school instead of just taking a flight so that she could be spared having to 'cry with that many people on an airplane.'

It was heartbreak all over again when Rowan's summer break ended and she had to return to campus for her sophomore year.

'They came home for Christmas,' Brooke said of her daughters. 'It was great  and then I couldnt wait for them to leave. At the end of Christmas, Im like, "Dont you have to get back to school? Please. Its time to leave"'

Back in 2021, Brooke was overcome with emotion when she posted on Instagram about dropping off her eldest daughter at college for the first time, calling the drive home the 'saddest' of her life

It was heartbreak all over again when Rowan returned to campus for sophomore year. 'I thought it would be easier the second time,' Brooke said on Instagram at the time, before admitting that it was instead 'so hard' so say goodbye again

She showed off her newly optimistic outlook on having her daughters out of the house while joining Fallon to promote her new book Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old: Thoughts On Aging As A Woman, which was released on Tuesday

'I thought it would be easier the second time,' the Suddenly Susan actress said on Instagram at the time, before admitting that it was instead 'so hard' so say goodbye again.

'I miss her already,' she said through tears in the self-shot video.

Saying goodbye to Rowan multiple times didn't make it any easier to send her youngest daughter Grier to school in August of 2024.

'Its not easy,' she said of officially becoming an empty nester. 'Its not easy for the moms. I mean, its just so weird.'

Brooke showed off her newly optimistic outlook on having her daughters out of the house while joining Fallon to promote her new book Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old: Thoughts On Aging As A Woman, which was released on Tuesday.

The book, which focuses on how women can take control of their lives in middle age, includes research and firsthand reporting to back up her conclusions.

'I hope this book can help start a conversation that benefits us collectively,' Brooke said in a statement to People.

'Midlife can be the prime of life  it's filled with so many more possibilities than we've been led to believe. I have loved the process of writing this book, and I can't wait to share it with readers.'
Noel Fielding has continued to be active on social media, sharing an eccentric array of Instagram posts, amid growing worry for his health.

Concern has been rising for the Great British Bake Off star, 51, after he abruptly pulled out of filming for his comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin due to ill health.

Despite the concern, Noel hasn't pulled out of the spotlight completely and has been continuing to post on Instagram over the past few weeks.

Shortly before Christmas, Noel shared a snap to the photo sharing app after making headbands with his children.

The image saw him outing into the camera while modelling the homemade hair accessory.

Alongside the image, he penned: 'Cant be a***d to go Xmas Shopping ? Too sickly to go online ? Try making head bands with bleeding eye balls drawn onto them ! Perfect for Auntie Elsie or Uncle Frank ! x'

Noel Fielding has continued to be active on social media, sharing an eccentric array of Instagram posts, amid growing worry for his health

Concern has been rising for the Great British Bake Off star , 51, after he abruptly pulled out of filming for his comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin due to ill health

The comedy later took to Instagram on New Year's day as he wrote: 'HappY NeW YEar I HopE ITs A gOod OnE ! SpEnT WiTh The PEEps YOu LOve x'

While he also paid tribute to the late director David Lynch on Thursday, sharing a black and white snap of him with a monkey alongside a series of black hearts.

Noel played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million-pound show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production.

A spokesperson for the comedian confirmed to MailOnline: 'This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client's health.

'We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.'

Meanwhile, a source close to the show told The Times: 'Noel has said that he cant film any more and so there was no choice but to stop.

'Its not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldnt have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadnt been exhausted.

'People have been very concerned about Noels wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.'

Shortly before Christmas, Noel shared a snap to the photo sharing app after making headbands with his children

The comedy later took to Instagram on New Year's day as he wrote: 'HappY NeW YEar I HopE ITs A gOod OnE ! SpEnT WiTh The PEEps YOu LOve x'

While he also paid tribute to the late director David Lynch on Thursday, sharing a black and white snap of him with a monkey alongside a series of black hearts

It comes after reports the cast and crew working on the show are planning to sue the show's makers after it was axed.

While filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew have received the devastating news that it would not be happening.

It has been reported that Noel didn't return after the festive break and now more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy.

They report that because Noel - who plays the character of Turpin - is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too.

The publication claims he left for France before the team learned of the shock axing news and has not been seen in public since.

A source said: 'Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of - plus there's a mystery over just what has happened.

'It's left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous.

Noel played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million-pound show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production

When filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew received the devastating news that it would not be happening

'Plus he'll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.'

MailOnline have contacted Noel's representatives for comment.

Elsewhere, amid his ill health, there are fears for Noel's return to the Great British Bake Off, which is is due to start filming for series 16 this spring.

Noel co-hosts the Channel 4 show with Alison Hammond. MailOnline have contacted Channel 4 representatives for comment.

Originally known for his dark comedic style, Noel became a household name after he joined the hosting line-up of the Great British Bake Off back in 2017.

Seen as an unusual choice at the time, he has gone on to win the hearts of viewers, co-hosting the show with Sandi Toksvig, Matt Lucas and most recently Alison Hammond.

Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness.

Elsewhere, amid his ill health, there are fears for Noel's return to the Great British Bake Off, which is is due to start filming for series 16 this spring

Noel co-hosts the Channel 4 show with Alison Hammond

Co-host Matt told viewers: 'Okay Bakers, Noel is feeling a little under the weather, but we're going to carry on...' as he took on the duties solo for the last 10 minutes of the show.

Born in South London, Noel met fellow comedian Julian Barratt at Croydon art college and they formed the eccentric comedy troupe the Mighty Boosh.

The group earned their big break after they won best newcomer at Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 1998 and three BBC series of Might Boosh followed as well as sell out stage shows.

Putting Noel firmly on the map he went on to play Richmond in Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd and star team captain opposite Phil Jupitus on Never Mind The Buzzcocks from 2009 to 2015.

Embracing the rock and roll lifestyle, Noel became no stranger to the party scene and was regularly seen on night's out with stars including Russell Brand, Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse and even Courtney Love.
Allison Holker was arrested in the past for 'public intoxication' and 'disorderly conduct,' years before she accused her late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss of drug addiction.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Allison, 36, revealed she had learned about Stephen's drug addiction right before his funeral.

The dancer said she had uncovered a 'cornucopia' of drugs hidden inside his shoeboxes, including mushrooms, pills and 'other substances' she had to look up on her phone.

Years before this, she, herself, was arrested after causing a disturbance at Salt Lake City International Airport on September 14, 2018 around 11:30pm.

In a police report, exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, a narrative from a police officer stated that Delta Airline staff members made a call to cops after they found her 'unconscious' on the plane and attempted to wake her up.

After she exited the plane, staff explained to her that she should be medically examined by paramedics, but she got 'angry with Delta for them thinking she was unconscious' and saw it as a 'personal attack against her.'

Allison Holker was arrested in 2018 for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal

The police report detailed how Holker exhibited 'belligerent behavior' and was 'very intoxicated' after flying to Salt Lake City International Airport

Allison received backlash after accusing her late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss of drug addiction, which has not been revealed to the public until now

When police arrived, they found the former Dancing with the Stars pro - who left the show in 2016 - 'very intoxicated' and seen 'yelling at Delta Employees.'

The cops 'quickly smelled a strong odor of alcohol' and observed she had 'blood-shot and glossy eyes.'

The situation escalated, according to police, and she began 'raising her voice, shouting vulgarities and drawing attention from all passengers and personnel in the concourse.'

At one point, she 'called her husband,' her now-late husband Stephen Boss - who died by suicide on December 13, 2022 - and complained to him about 'being unfairly treated' as she was surrounded by six firemen and policemen.

According to the report, she would not let cops touch 'her f**king phone,' and so she put Boss on speaker - but she interfered when cops and medics tried talking to him.

Allison refused to answer questions from the medics to dispel any concern that she was suffering from a medical emergency and 'not a danger to herself.'

She refused to answer simple questions, such as, 'What day is it?' and 'Do you know where you are,' so the fire captain had to step in and 'forcibly grab her phone from her hands against her will.'

The police report continued, 'Allison Boss' tumultuous behavior escalated to the level where police had to take action and remove her from this public place.'

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss died by a self-inflicted gunshot at age 40 on December 13, 2022

Allison claimed she uncovered a 'cornucopia' of drugs hidden inside his shoeboxes, including mushrooms, pills and 'other substances' she had to look up on her phone

The Salt Lake City police officer 'placed handcuffs on her wrists' as she 'resisted arrest.'

A search was performed on her and she 'appeared to have a difficult time standing up straight,' and she 'almost lost her balance and fell backwards' at one point.

The investigation continued at the police station after she was transported there from the airport.

Once at the station, police 'made several more attempts to help Allison understand what was going on,' but she was 'not responding in a rational manner and was not able to answer questions appropriately.'

She eventually gave police her mother's phone number and after making contact with her mom, the Utah native was eventually released and charged with 'public intoxication' and 'disorderly conduct' around 4am on September 15, 2018.

However, she was almost taken to jail because of her 'continued belligerent behavior and unwillingness to cooperate.'

'As I was preparing to transport her to jail, I made one last attempt to explain to her what needed to be accomplished in order to release her. She decided to listen and cooperate with her release procedures,' the police stated.

They concluded, 'Allison turned a routine and simple evaluation by medical staff into a volatile and tumultuous incident that caused much public alarm.'

Allison's disorderly conduct and public intoxication case was dismissed in October 2021

Allison's late husband Stephen was aware of her arrest since he was on the phone with her as she refused to answer questions from the medics and police officers

Allison told police to call her mom, rather than Stephen, to pick her up from the police station

Allison's arraignment was scheduled for September 28, but she failed to appear so a warrant for her arrest was issued on October 2.

After there was no activity with the case for three years, a 'Notice of Order to Show Cause on Cases with Aging Pre-Adjudication Warrants' was filed in Salt Lake County.

Allison's warrant was recalled and the case was ultimately dismissed on October 20, 2021.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Allison Holker's rep for comment.

The choreographer married 'tWitch' in December 2013 at a winery in Paso Robles, California.

They welcomed two children together: Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5.

Allison's daughter Weslie, 16 - who recently defended her mom against the book's backlash - was adopted by Stephen after they got married.

The author of the upcoming memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light, has received a lot of backlash after releasing private journal entries from Boss' past, including a part in which he suggests he was sexually abused by a male figure during his childhood.

Stephen's mom Connie released a statement last week about Allison's upcoming book, calling the dancer's claims 'misleading and hurtful'

This Far, which will be released on February 4, includes tWitch's private journal entries

A source told DailyMail.com that Boss' family is 'fired up' and 'won't be sitting back much longer.' They also are 'furious' that they were not given an advanced copy of the book, which is set to be released on February 4.

In response to the backlash, Allison released a statement in which she 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 last week.

'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.'

Allison, who is now dating Adam Edmunds, 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.

Shortly after her statement, 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.'

Details of an NDA that family members were 'forced' to sign at Boss' funeral have been revealed. The NDA reportedly prevents the family from profiting off of his life story.
Timothee Chalamet fans have become convinced that the star has started to help himself to items from his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner's designer wardrobe.

Eagle-eyed supporters of the A Complete Unknown actor noticed that the 29-year-old was sporting a tiny indigo-blue Chanel bag as he greeted well-wishers in Paris on Thursday.

He paired the accessory with a puffy Las Vegas Raiders bomber jacket, a New York City Ballet dad cap, baggy low-rise jeans, and Nike Air More Uptempo sneakers.

However, it was his choice of 'man-bag' that tickled fans, as one wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Borrowing from Kylies collection. So real [black heart emoji].'

'Wait, why do I love this?' another user commented, while a third wrote: 'Borrowing from Kylies closet I see.'

Other fans began to muse that it might have been a gift from the couple's romantic date the night before, as one person replied: 'My first thought. Or maybe it was the gift from their date.'

Timothee Chalamet fans have become convinced that the star has started to help himself to items from his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner's designer wardrobe

It was his choice of 'man-bag' that tickled fans as one fan wrote on X: 'Borrowing from Kylies collection. So real [black heart emoji].' He and Kylie are seen earlier this month

Meanwhile, some fans pointed out that the fashion-savvy star could be the owner of the bag as one responded: 'Or he bought it himself.'

Elsewhere, many joked that the small size of the bag could indicate that he stole it from someone else's closet - Kylie's six-year-old daughter, Stormi Webster.

'Now why is he playing in Stormis closet?' one X user wrote, while another added: 'Stormi wants her purse back.'

A different fan claimed: 'He shopping in Storm's closet LMAO.'

'Give Stormi her bag back,' a fourth tweet read, while a fifth said, 'He borrowed it from Stormi.'

Another X user claimed: 'I know he stole that from Stormi.'

The Call Me By Your Name actor reunited with his girlfriend, 27, on Wednesday evening amid his current promotional campaign for his new film.

The actor, who plays folk pioneer Bob Dylan in the new biopic, wined and dined the beauty mogul at upscale Bar Des Pres.

Elsewhere, many joked that the small size of the bag could indicate that he stole it from someone else's closet - Kylie's six-year-old daughter, Stormi Webster

Other fans began to muse that it might have been a gift from the couple's romantic date the night before as one fan tweeted: 'My first thought or maybe it was the gift from their date'

My first thought or maybe it was the gift from their date  pic.twitter.com/r5o6XalPMY  T (@GuadagninoFilms) January 16, 2025

Located in the heart of Paris, the Saint-Germain-Des-Pres specialises in Franco-East Asian fusion dishes and extravagant cocktails in a 'cosmopolitan and friendly environment.'

The couple appeared to be alone during their dinner date, with Kylie, 27, looking appropriately glamorous in an tasteful black evening dress as they occupied a table at the rear of the venue.

Taking a seat alongside his girlfriend, Timothee wore the same embellished cap and collarless leather jacket he modelled just hours earlier at the Paris premiere of his new film.

Their last joint appearance in public was just two weeks ago, when both attended the Golden Globes in Los Angeles.

It was the second year in a row that Timothee invited the Keeping Up With The Kardashian's star as his plus one, as the influencer and TV personality joined him at the same event in 2024.

The pair are said to have met at the Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show on January 25, 2023.

After news of their romance broke, Kylie's Range Rover was seen in the driveway of Timothee's Beverly Hills home.

The following day, Timothee jumped into Kylie's SUV after he attended an art show in Santa Monica, with her security guard getting into his car and driving it, according to TMZ.

The Call Me By Your Name actor reunited with his girlfriend o n Wednesday evening amid his current promotional campaign for his new film. They're seen returning to their hotel

The pair are said to have met at the Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show on January 25, 2023, and have developed a lasting romance in the months that followed

They arrived at Tito's Tacos in LA and her security team went and picked up food for them and brought it to the car.

Their first public sighting came on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Beyonce's last LA concert - which took place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The couple were seen in the VIP section of the venue - where they made no secret of their romance.

One week later, they shared several passionate kisses while attending the US Open together.

They were also spotted together at the annual Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve party later that year.

Kylie shares daughter Stormi and two-year-old son, Aire, with her ex-boyfriend Travis Scott.

It was previously reported that Timothee spent time with Kylie and her children over the festive period.
The actor DeRon Horton revealed that he had been shot just a few days before Christmas in a shocking Instagram post from Thursday.

The 32-year-old actor, who is best known for stints on Netflix's Dear White People and American Horror Story: 1984, shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed as he recovered from a gunshot wound to his right arm.

In his caption, he mentioned that he was lucky to have only been hit in the arm, as he easily could have been killed or 'paralyzed' if the bullet had traveled a few inches to the side.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Horton's representative for comment.

DeRon received plenty of well wishes in the comments, including from fellow stars Samuel L. Jackson and Issa Rae.

'Gettin shot a few days before Xmas def wasnt on my wish list,' he joked in his caption.

Dear White People actor DeRon Horton, 32, revealed Thursday that he had been shot in the arm just days before Christmas. He shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram

The television star said that some had 'shot thru the car' at him, though he didn't clarify if he was being targeted or if he was merely the victim of a random shooting.

He added that the 'bullet broke [his] arm' and 'shattered' the bones at the wound site.

But Horton tried to keep things in perspective and focused on how much worse it could have been under slightly different circumstances.

'Im Blessed dawg to not be in a casket or paralyzed Lord Thank You,' he wrote.

He added that he had been discharged from the hospital and was 'now healing.'

DeRon wasn't as happy about having to live with a plate and screws in his arm to help the bones regrow properly, as it prevented him from being able to 'workout for a minute.'

'BUT it coulda been worse!' he admitted.

Horton seemed to be on the upswing, as he said he wasn't looking for sympathy because he expected to 'bounce right back,' declaring: 'I feel amazing.'

The television star said that some had 'shot thru the car' at him, and that the 'bullet broke [his] arm' and 'shattered' the bones at the wound site. The long wound had been stitched up and held tight with strips of tape

DeRon also shared a photo of a computer monitor showing an X-ray of his arm that detailed where his bone had been shattered into multiple pieces

Horton is best known for stints on Netflix's Dear White People and American Horror Story: 1984; pictured in 2019 in LA

The actor concluded by reminding his fans  and himself  to 'Keep God first!'

'Stay Alert n Grateful for Everything. the devil cant stop s*** when you walk w God,' he warned.

Included in his post was a photo of the inside of his right arm, which had been thoroughly cleaned at the point.

It had a long incision mark running two-thirds of the way from his wrist to the crook of his arm. It was held together with black stitches, as well as thin strips of tape.

The slit wasn't from the initial gunshot wound, but from the subsequent surgery to repair the damage and pin the shattered bone back together.

DeRon also shared a photo of a computer monitor showing an X-ray of his arm that detailed where his bone had been shattered into multiple pieces.

Samuel L. Jackson, who worked with Horton on The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, shared well wishes with the junior actor.

'Glad youre still with us, Tuff Stuff!!!' he wrote. 'Good thing youre covered by the All mighty. Hoping you heal quickly & painlessly as possible. Stay Blessed.'

Insecure co-creator and star Issa Rae added: 'So glad youre okay.'
Kiwi Property today advised that Mary Jane Daly will not stand for re-election and will step down from the company's board of directors, with effect from its 2025 annual shareholder meeting.

Mary Jane has been a director of Kiwi Property since 2014 (then known as Kiwi Income Property Trust), and has been chair of Kiwi Propertys Audit and Risk Committee since 2017.

The recruitment process for a new Kiwi Property director will commence immediately, with an announcement regarding the successful candidate to be made in due course.

Chair of Kiwi Property, Simon Shakesheff, said: "MJ has made an exceptional contribution to Kiwi Property over more than a decade. Her commitment to upholding the highest standards of risk management and corporate governance, combined with her expertise in banking and finance, has been pivotal in navigating challenging business conditions and positioning the company for sustained growth."

Mary Jane Daly said: "Im proud of Kiwi Propertys evolution into a leading creator of connected mixed-use communities in New Zealand, and have every confidence that the company is well-positioned to deliver on its strategic priorities going forward.

ENDS

For further information

Simon Shakesheff

Chair

simon.shakesheff@gmail.com

Fraser Gunn

Head of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations

fraser.gunn@kp.co.nz

+64 21 973 534

About us

Kiwi Property (NZX: KPG ) is one of the largest listed property companies on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and is a member of the S&P/NZX 20 Index. We have been around for over 30 years and proudly own and manage a significant real estate portfolio comprising some of New Zealands best mixed-use, retail and office buildings. Our objective is to provide investors with a reliable investment in New Zealand property through the ownership and active management of a diversified, high-quality portfolio. Kiwi Property is licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. To find out more, visit our website, kp.co.nz

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This Italian model and aspiring actress has very famous parents.

Her mother is an icon of European cinema, and at 20-years-old it looks as if this stunning actress is headed in the same direction.

Her latest role will be in the forthcoming Netflix adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusas novel The Leopard.

She is also a brand ambassador for Cartier and Dior and has appeared in numerous Dolce & Gabbana fragrance ads.

The model made her film debut in the 2023 Italian drama The Beautiful Summer and graced catwalks in 2021 and 2022.

But can you guess who her famous parents are?

This Italian model and aspiring actress has very famous parents - but can you guess who they are? (pictured last year)

Her mother is an icon of European cinema, and at 20-years-old it looks as if this stunning actress is headed in the same direction as her latest role will be in the forthcoming Netflix adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusas novel The Leopard

That's right, Deva Cassel's mother is Italian actress Monica Bellucci, 60, and her father is French actor Vincent Cassel, 58 (pictured in 2000)

Deva Cassel's mother is Italian actress Monica Bellucci, 60, and her father is French actor Vincent Cassel, 58.

The former model met Vincent in 1996 on the set of Gilles Mimounis film The Apartment.

They were together for three years before marrying in a quiet ceremony in Monaco, on the French Riviera.

Monica and Vincent were married from 1999 to 2013 before mutually agreeing to separate. They share two daughters Deva, 20, and Leonie, 14.

The Italian actress is now in a relationship with Tim Burton and the couple have been together since 2023.

Vincent is hugely popular in his home country of France, where he first leapt into the public imagination in 'La Haine' (Hate), a film about delinquents on a troubled Paris housing estate.

Meanwhile, Monica became famous for her roles in a variety of films including Malena, Under Suspicion, The Passion of the Christ, and Spectre.

Deva previously admitted that her parents 'leave me to make up my own mind' when it comes to her career.

The former model met Vincent in 1996 on the set of Gilles Mimounis film The Apartment. They were together for three years before marrying in a quiet ceremony in Monaco (pictured 2002)

Monica and Vincent were married from 1999 to 2013 before mutually agreeing to separate. They share two daughters Deva, 20, and Leonie, 14 (pictured 2009)

The Italian actress is now in a relationship with Tim Burton and the couple have been together since 2023 (pictured last year)

While discussing whether she would give up modelling for acting, Deva said: 'Im too attached to fashion to completely leave the business or to have it take second place. I plan on doing both for the foreseeable future.'

'My parents leave me to make up my own mind. The most frequent advice is, Sure, go for it, but always keep your head on your shoulders and Enjoy what you do.'

She added: 'I think it could be a lot of fun to find myself on the same set as my parents, shooting a movie or a series together.'

'We sometimes discuss the idea. Im open to it, but not just yet, since I feel that I still have a lot of road to travel first.'

In November 2023, Deva opened up to Gen V by V Magazine about her relationship with her parents and how they have encouraged her career in the industry.

She told the magazine: 'They taught me to always look forward, to always protect myself, to always be kind, and always keep wonder in mind.'

'There's much more, but the point is that they've taught me how to handle unexpected situations and live by my own rules, while always respecting people and the environment I'm in.'

'I remember browsing through my mom's huge fashion books that she kept in the house for as long as I can remember.'

'Everything was so looked after and beautiful. I knew I wanted to work in that industry at some point in my life, but I definitely didn't expect to love it this much and make a living out of it.'

Deva continued: 'I really did not want to be an actor for most of my childhood. It was something that everyone kept asking me as a kid and it really pushed me away from that career path.'

In November 2023, Deva opened up to Gen V by V Magazine about her relationship with her parents and how they have encouraged her career in the industry (Monica Bellucci pictured in April 2024)

She told the magazine: 'They taught me to always look forward, to always protect myself, to always be kind, and always keep wonder in mind'

'However, with time, I started getting more and more interested in the cinematic industry, the people, and the experiences it could offer.'

The youngster has been making leaps and bounds into the world of beauty and fashion, sharing a cover of Italian Vogue with her mother for the July 2021 issue.

And she is now set to star in the upcoming Netflix series The Leopard, based on the classic novel of the same name by Giuseppe.

Filming began last year and Deva will star as Angelica Sedara, the young stunning middle-class woman who becomes a catalyst of social disruption in the six-episode epic set against the backdrop of a social revolution in 1860s Sicily.

The historical series with elements similar to Downton Abbey and The Crown is a modern take on the Sicilian saga famously adapted into a film by Luchino Visconti starring Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon and Burt Lancaster.

The film, now an Italian cinema classic, won the 1963 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Timothee Chalamet rode a Lime bike to the London movie premiere of A Complete Unknown this week in a stunt he claimed earned him a 65 fine.

And it seems the Hollywood actor, 29, is not afraid of taking public transport as he joined Edward Norton, 55, on a double-decker bus as the pair travelled across Rome to promote the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, on Friday.

Timothee took a seat, wearing a turquoise, brown and white mottled knitted sweater over a white Supreme t-shirt as he took in all the sights the Italian capital has to offer.

The Dune star added mid-blue jeans, a khaki scarf with a floral pattern and a beige satchel in a look seemingly modelled on the music icon he portrays in the movie.

Edward, meanwhile, sported a pine green overshirt worn on top of a light pink shirt, complete with Caravan-style sunglasses with a silver rim.

They were then mobbed by fans desperate to get a shot with the Willy Wonka actor or have him sign some memorabilia.

Timothee Chalamet has learned his lesson from this week's Lime bike mishap as he joined Edward Norton, 55, on a double-decker bus in Rome on Friday

The actor, 29, took a seat, wearing a turquoise, brown and white mottled knitted sweater over a white Supreme t-shirt as he took in all the sights the Italian capital has to offer

They were then mobbed by fans desperate to get a shot with the Willy Wonka actor or have him sign some memorabilia

The day trip comes after Timothee arrived to the London premiere of A Complete Unknown on a Lime electric bike.

The Academy Award nominee's two-wheeled red carpet transportation  that went viral on social media  ended up costing him.

He revealed on the French chat show Quotidien on Wednesday that he received a 65 fine for incorrectly parking the e-bike at BFI Southbank.

'There was a traffic jam,' said Timothee, who spoke in French, of his reason for choosing to take an 'ecological' bike to the premiere instead of a chauffeured car.

Unbeknownst to the actor, he parked the e-bike in an area where he 'actually wasnt allowed to park.

'I got a 65 fine and actually it was horrible because it was actually kind of an advert for them,' Timothee told host Yann Romain Barthes.

Timothee's bike path to his film's big London premiere also garnered a parking fine for professional photographer Aidan Zamiri, who rode along with the actor on a Lime e-bike on his own.

On Tuesday, Aidan shared a video of himself and Timothee riding across Westminster Bridge en route to the premiere on his Instagram Story, with the accompanying caption: 'Favourite mode of transport.'

The Dune star added mid-blue jeans, a khaki scarf with a floral pattern and a beige satchel in a look seemingly modelled on the music icon he portrays in the movie

Timothee's appearance at the photocall comes after he arrived at the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown UK premiere on a Lime bike on Tuesday and got slapped with a fine

The actor showed off his impeccable sense of style later on as he was joined by Edward at another photocall in Rome on Friday

The movie focusses on Bob's early career, his transition from folk to rock, and his performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with Timothee being praised for his portrayal

He later admitted the ride had been terminated by Lime - who monitor each journey - because he was idle 'for an unusually long time', before eventually picking up a 2 fine  for 'incorrect parking.'

Timothee rode the red carpet on the green bike before ending his ride via Lime's mobile app  though he later discovered that he, too, received a parking violation.

After the bus ride, the actor changed quickly to show off his impeccable sense of style as he was joined by Edward and Monica Barbaro at the photocall for the movie in Rome.

Timothee cut a stylish figure in a brown suede jacket and matching trousers as he posed alongside his co-stars at the five-star Hotel De La Ville.

He teamed a crisp white shirt, which he left half unbuttoned, with his ensemble and wore a paisley print bandana around his neck.

The movie focusses on Bob's early career, his transition from folk to rock, and his performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with Timothee being praised for his portrayal.
Barry Keoghan touched down in Bulgaria alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday, to launch Children's Care campaign across the globe.

The Saltburn actor, 32, and the Labour politician, 52, attended the public event at a childrens care complex in the capital Sofia.

The duo made childcare reform 'a priority' during their visit - as they are set to lead a campaign together that advocates for a family-based care, with Barry stressing 'no child should be left behind'.

The Irish star and the Labourist gave a moving speech, vowing to make the best use of their 'own upbringing' to help 'improving the system'.

The American Animals sensation said proudly: 'These are the moments I am incredibly grateful and appreciative of to be able to use my platform to shine a light on the care system that means so much to me and I can only hope to help improve it.

'The Foreign Secretary is such a wonderful man and together we both can share our stories and upbringing by coming together to do everything we can to make sure all care systems function in the interest of children around the globe and that no child is left behind,' he added.

Barry Keoghan, 32, touched down in Bulgaria alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy, 52, on Friday, to launch Children's Care campaign across the globe

The Saltburn actor and the Labour politician attended the public event at a childrens care complex in the capital Sofia

The duo made childcare reform 'a priority' during their visit - as they are set to lead a campaign together that advocates for a family-based care, with Barry stressing 'no child should be left behind'

The Peaky Blinders favourite was seen busy meeting with young care leavers and care leavers with learning disabilities - who were preparing to serve lunch at the British Ambassadors Residence.

On the campaign launch day, Barry and the Foreign Secretary both sat down for a working lunch with to understand Bulgarias experience of care reform with Bulgarian Social and Labour Policy, Health and Education Ministers alongside UNICEF and civil society experts.

The Dunkirk alum looked in jovial spirits, wrapping up in a North Face puffed jacket.

Barry and the Foreign Secretary juggled a busy schedule, also visiting two children centres - where they learnt about efforts to prevent family separation and spoke directly to children and foster parents.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary said amid his visit: 'The best thing my wife and I ever did, along with having our 2 boys, was adopt our beautiful daughter.

'Nothing compares to the happiness and meaning she has given to our lives.

'Every child deserves a loving and safe family environment where they can thrive and get the best start in life.

'Too many children are facing a life of neglect and abuse in harmful institutions such as orphanages, which do not have childrens best interest at heart.

The Irish star and the Labourist gave a moving speech, vowing to make the best use of their 'own upbringing' to help 'improving the system'

On the campaign launch day, Barry and the Foreign Secretary both sat down for a working lunch with to understand Bulgarias experience of care reform with Bulgarian Social and Labour Policy, Health and Education Ministers alongside UNICEF and civil society experts

The Peaky Blinders favourite was seen busy meeting with young care leavers and care leavers with learning disabilities - who were preparing to serve lunch at the British Ambassadors Residence

The Dunkirk alum wrapped up against the chilly weather in a North Face puffed jacket and thick black gloves

Barry and the Foreign Secretary juggled a busy schedule, also visiting two children centres - where they learnt about efforts to prevent family separation and spoke directly to children and foster parents

The American Animals sensation said proudly: 'These are the moments I am incredibly grateful and appreciative of to be able to use my platform to shine a light on the care system that means so much to me and I can only hope to help improve it'

Barry added: 'The Foreign Secretary is such a wonderful man and together we both can share our stories and upbringing by coming together to do everything we can to make sure all care systems function in the interest of children around the globe and that no child is left behind'

'I am proud to drive this global campaign alongside Barry, who has first-hand experience of growing up in the care system.

'Global care reform is not only the right thing to do but will have transformative impacts on economic and social development  delivering our Plan for Change.'

Bulgaria, who have based much of their family policy on the ideas of 1997 to 2010 Labour governments Sure Start Programme, is committed to closing all residential institutions for children and has introduced a ban on children under three being admitted into care institutions.

As part of the campaign, the UK vows to lead a new global alliance to advocate for sustainable, lasting reform of childrens social care around the world.

Six countries across four continents have already signed up to this alliance and are committed to driving forward progress on this issue.

Partners include UNICEF, the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Paraguay, Philippines and Rwanda.
Million Dollar Listing star Josh Altman says celebrities will not be moving back to Pacific Palisades after the devastating LA fires destroyed thousands of homes.

The Palisades fire, which broke out on Tuesday, January 7, has seen countless celebrities including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Billy Crystal and Milo Ventimiglia lose their houses.

Celebrity real estate agent Altman, 45, says he believes stars will now flee to surrounding areas Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Bel Air instead of returning to the glitzy town.

He told TMZ: 'I strongly believe that 50 per cent of the people who lived in the Palisades are not going to be moving back

'Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Bel Air markets will go up, people want to be as close to normalcy as possible.

'Palisades is the all-American town, these kids that are five years old, there's a chance, it could be four to five years before they're back.'

Million Dollar Listing star Josh Altman says celebrities will not be moving back to Pacific Palisades after the devastating LA fires destroyed thousands of homes

The Palisades fire, which broke out on Tuesday, January 7, has seen countless celebrities including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Billy Crystal and Milo Ventimiglia lose their homes - pictured homes destroyed by the fire

He said people are 'already trying to sell their land' in Palisades 'knowing they won't go back there and revealed some would even leave LA altogether, for Newport Beach or Orange County.

He added: 'The majority of the people are heavily uninsured and that's why they wont go back.'

The high winds that have fueled the flames have weakened and the outlet reported that the Palisades fire is 31-percent contained. The Eaton fire stands at 65-percent contained.

The death toll is currently listed at 27 according to CBS.

Hollywood's biggest celebrities are picking up the pieces after discovering their affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods were reduced to ash and rubble when the California wildfires tore through the city.

The homes of Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, and Miles Teller are among those destroyed.

Apocalyptic fires tore through the ritzy enclave of Pacific Palisades rapidly spreading to surrounding suburbs as a windstorm carried embers and debris in all directions.

Celebrity real estate agent Altman, 45, says he believes stars will now flee to surrounding areas Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Bel Air instead of returning to the glitzy town - the Palisades Fire is pictured January 7

He told TMZ : 'I strongly believe that 50 per cent of the people who lived in the Palisades are not going to be moving back 'Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Bel Air markets will go up, people want to be as close to normalcy as possible'

Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester 's $7 million mansion is among the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires

Mel Gibson, 69, recalled returning home to 'nothing' after his $14.5million Malibu mansion burned down while he was filming Joe Rogan's podcast in Austin, Texas

Milo Ventimiglia walked around the rubble that replaced his family home and tried to collect what he could. The crib he and his wife set up for their child was ruined in the fire

Residents fled and then waited with bated breath to learn more about their homes, as news began trickling out that entire streets had been wiped off the map, firefighters were running out of water, and resources were being diverted to fight the fire on multiple fronts.

Neither of the two major fires has been contained and thousands remain evacuated.

The ongoing wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures and fouled the sprawling regions air quality, which affects public health.
Beloved former 70s child star Christian Juttner has died aged 60.

The actor, who starred in 1978 films Return From Witch Mountain, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and The Swarm, passed away from natural causes at his home in Yucca Valley, California on November 29 2024, his daughter Aidan Juttner told THR.

Juttner is survived by his mother Marlene, Aidan, ex-wife Ann, daughter Ryan, son Lucas and sister Shelley.

He starred as Teddy in the first season of The Bionic Woman from 1976-1977 alongside Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers.

His other TV credits include Wonder Woman, The Rookies, Ironside, two ABC Afterschool Specials and seven installments of The Magical World of Disney,

In 1978 as a young teenager he starred as Earthquake gang member Dazzler in Return From Witch Mountain alongside Bette Davis and Christopher Lee.

Beloved former 70s child star Christian Juttner has died aged 60 - pictured 1974 in an ABC Afterschool Specials episode

The actor, who starred in 1978 films Return From Witch Mountain, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and The Swarm, passed away from natural causes at his home in Yucca Valley, California on November 29 2024, his daughter Aidan Juttner told THR - pictured 2003

Juttner is pictured second right in 1978's Return From Witch Mountain

That same year he played Beatles fan Peter Plimpton in Robert Zemeckis' directorial debut, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Paul Durant in The Swarm which starred Michael Caine.

His final onscreen appearance was in a 1981 episode of General Hospital.

His mom sparked his interest in acting with his first screen appearance on a 1972 episode of ABCs Bewitched aged eight.

After retiring from acting, Juttner and his father John founded a glassworks business in Saint Croix in the Caribbean,

He later started his own glassworks business in Santa Clarita, California.

Following his death, his former Return From Witch Mountain co-star Ike Eisemann paid emotional tribute.

He wrote: 'I have sadly learned that Christian Juttner, one of my co-stars in Return From Witch Mountain, has passed.

'He was an incredible actor, and one of the nicest people I have ever met. RIP Dazzler.

His mom sparked his interest in acting with his first screen appearance on a 1972 episode of ABCs Bewitched aged eight - pictured 1974

He played Paul Durant in The Swarm which starred Michael Caine in 1978
Timothee Chalamet wore a bright green scarf to the premiere of A Complete Unknown in Italy on Friday.

The actor, 29, looked suave in his purple velvet suit at the launch of his latest film, and gave a smouldering look as he arrived on the red carpet.

Timothee's signature curls were quaffed up and his wrists were adorned with a series of bracelets.

But perhaps the most eye-catching element of his outfit was his bright neckpiece, and he completed the whole look with a pair of smart black boots.

At one point, the Wonka star turned round to give the back view of his outfit at the latest premiere of the Bob Dylan biopic.

The appearance comes just days after the Call Me By Your Name star went viral for his Lime e-bike stunt

Timothee Chalamet wore a bright green scarf to the premiere of A Complete Unknown in Italy on Friday

The actor, 29, looked suave in his purple velvet suit at the launch of his latest film, and gave a smouldering look as he arrived on the red carpet

But the Academy Award nominee's two-wheeled red carpet transportation  that went viral on social media  ended up costing him.

The Wonka star revealed on the French chat show Quotidien on Wednesday that he received a 65 fine (which converts to roughly $79) for incorrectly parking the e-bike at BFI Southbank.

'There was a traffic jam,' said Chalamet, who spoke in French, of his reason for choosing to take an 'ecological' bike to the premiere instead of a chauffeured car.

Unbeknownst to the actor, he parked the e-bike in an area where he 'actually wasnt allowed to park.

'I got a 65 fine and actually it was horrible because it was actually kind of an advert for them,' Chalamet told host Yann Romain Barthes.

Timothee's bike path to his film's big London premiere also garnered a parking fine for professional photographer Aidan Zamiri, who rode along with the actor on a Lime e-bike on his own.

On Tuesday, Zamiri shared a video of himself and Chalamet riding across Westminster Bridge en route to the premiere on his Instagram Story, with the accompanying caption: 'Favourite mode of transport.'

He later admitted the ride had been terminated by Lime - who monitor each journey - because he was idle 'for an unusually long time,' before eventually picking up a 2:00 fine (which coverts to roughly $2.40)  for 'incorrect parking.'

Timothee's signature curls were quaffed up and his wrists were adorned with a series of bracelets.

As he strode onto the red carpet, Timothee turnd around and have a view of his behind in the velvet suit

At one point, the Hollywood star posed with co-stars Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro, Timothee Chalamet, and director James Mangold

Edward, Monica and Timothee were all in good spirits as they reunited on the red carpet after shooting the biopic

Timothee made an entrance this week when he arrived to the London premiere of the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown on a Lime electric bike

The photographer later admitted the ride had been terminated by Lime - who monitor each journey - because he was idle 'for an unusually long time,' before eventually picking up a 2:00 fine (which coverts to roughly $2.40) for 'incorrect parking'

Chalamet rode the red carpet on the green bike before ending his ride via Lime's mobile app  though he later discovered that he, too, received a parking violation.

The star looked dapper in a black blazer and matching trousers, with a blue patterned satin shirt underneath as he posed for photos ahead of the film's screening.

Missing from the action was his glamorous girlfriend Kylie Jenner, 27.

However, the couple reunited on Wednesday for a romantic night out in Paris, France after Chalamet attended the Paris premiere of A Complete Unknown.
Kaia Gerber was spotted leaving her daily workout in Los Angeles after her breakup from Austin Butler.

The model, 23, wore a dark grey workout tank top with black leggings and a white hoodie.

She carried a trendy Paloma Wool bag and carried an iced coffee.

The daughter of Cindy Crawford, 58, and Rande Gerber, 62, did not look happy at all.

In fact, she had a rather glum expression on her face as she walked away from the fitness center.

Kaia and Austin broke up late last month with the Elvis actor, 33, choosing to focus on his career rather than being tied down in a relationship.

Kaia Gerber was spotted leaving her daily workout in Los Angeles after her breakup from Austin Butler

Kaia is reportedly blaming her parents for the split, which came in the wake of their decision to question Austins intentions after being left troubled by the lack of progress in their relationship.

That interference proved too much for the Oscar-nominated star who didnt appreciate the fact that they had 'butted into the relationship, and now wants to focus on his burgeoning Hollywood career.

What really sealed the deal about the break up is the talk Kaias parents had with Austin about his relationship with their daughter, an insider told DailyMail.com.

He didnt appreciate the fact they butted into their relationship. It rubbed Austin up the wrong way.

In October, DailyMail.com reported that Rande and Cindy sat Austin down for a serious talk to address their fears that their 23-year-old daughter could be wasting the 'best years of her life' if he wasnt ready to commit long term, with the pair reportedly questioning when he might propose.

A second insider said the couple now feel terrible that their well-intentioned meddling could have spearheaded the end of their daughters romance with Austin.

Kaias putting on a brave face in public over the break up but the truth is shes upset, they said.

Shes partly blaming her parents for the talk they had with Austin telling him he could be wasting the best years of Kaias life because he wasnt making a solid commitment.Kaias told her parents they had no right to come between them.

The model, 23, wore a dark grey workout tank top with black leggings and a white hoodie. She carried a trendy Paloma Wool bag and carried an iced coffee

The daughter of Cindy Crawford , 58, and Rande Gerber , 62, did not look happy at all. Seen here March 12, 2023

Kaia and Austin reportedly broke up last month. Seen here March 12, 2023

Kaia and Austin were first pictured together in December 2021, just one month after she split from Saltburn heartthrob Jacob Elordi, 27.

The attractive couple went public with their romance in March 2022 when they walked the red carpet at W Magazines pre-Oscars party.

A string of public displays of affection soon followed, first at the Met Gala in May, then at the Cannes Film Festival where they shared a passionate kiss in front of photographers.

Austin is close to Kaia's family having been pictured enjoying a double date with Cindy and Rande at an Italian restaurant in California last May.

He also joined her family on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to celebrate the New Year in January 2024.

But in recent months they had been plagued by speculation they were on the rocks, with Kaia spending her 23rd birthday without the actor in September, while he was absent from their recent family holiday in Mexico.

He is now keen to focus on his career having landed a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Elvis, and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023 by Time magazine.

'Austin's main focus is his career,' said an insider. 'He has enjoyed dating Kaia, but it is hard making everything work. He wants to focus on his career and dating can hamper that.'

Kaia, 23, is blaming her parents Rande, 62, and Cindy, 58, for the split, which came in the wake of their decision to question Austins intentions after being left troubled by the lack of progress

Kaia's parents sat Austin down for a talk in the fall worried that their daughter was 'wasting the best years of her life' and wondering when he was going to propose. Kaia and Austin seen here April 26, 2023

Austin was previously in a nine-year relationship with Vanessa Hudgens, 36, a fact which may have played a part in Cindy and Rande's conversation with him.

Austin was also was linked to his Elvis costar Olivia DeJonge and actress Lily-Rose Depp before he met Kaia.

Prior to their fling, Kaia was briefly linked to comedian Pete Davidson, from late 2019 until around February 2020, when she was 18 and he was 26.

Speaking not long after they broke up, Pete said: 'She's very young, and I'm f****** going through a lot and it was before I went to rehab.'
Mel Gibson has revealed he found out about his appointment as President-elect Donald Trump's 'special envoy' to Hollywood via social media.

Trump announced divisive stars Gibson, 69, Jon Voight, 84 and Sylvester Stallone, 78, as 'Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California' in a shock Truth Social post on Thursday.

'These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!'

A stunned Gibson - who recently lost his Malibu home in the Palisades fire - reacted to the announcement in a new statement, saying: 'I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised.

'Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can. Any chance the position comes with an Ambassadors residence?'

Gibson, who was unofficially blacklisted by Hollywood after a 2006 anti-Semitic incident, made a headline-grabbing appearance at Trump's Mar-a-Lago in December.

Mel Gibson has revealed he found out about his appointment as President-elect Donald Trump's 'special envoy' to Hollywood via social media

Trump announced divisive stars Gibson, 69, Jon Voight, 84 and Sylvester Stallone , 78, as 'Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California ' in a shock Truth Social post on Thursday

Taking to the podium at the Champions For America Celebration Gala, put on by the group America's Future which is currently led by Gen. Michael Flynn, he spoke talking about Flynn and his sister Mary O'Neill's efforts to combat human trafficking.

Gibson praised the siblings for 'exposing all these wolves in sheep's clothing that pray upon our young.'

'I've got nine kids. I don't know, if one of them got stolen or trafficked or something, I'd have to kill someone,' Gibson said.

The actor also said that President Joe Biden's administration represented 'thinly-veiled Marxism' and called the upcoming takeover by President-elect Donald Trump a 'four-year grace period.'

'The presidents got a big job on his hands to turn this place around. A lot of damage has been done and they continue to start fires, just like around my house,' Gibson said.

The comments proved eerily prophetic as his home was destroyed in the LA fires.

'I hope in the next four years we can get back some of that precious commodity that this country has. That commodity called freedom,' Gibson said. 'We'll see how much this administration can claw back from the philistines.'

More than 700 people joined the affair, which included an appearance by Trump, who stood alongside Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson - who like Gibson, were honored by the group.

New envoys Voight and Gibson are pictured 2016

Stallone and Trump are pictured in 2018 at the White House

A stunned Gibson - who recently lost his Malibu home in the Palisades fire - reacted to the announcement in a new statement, saying: 'I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. 'Nevertheless, I heed the call'

Kid Rock and Carlson both received 'Champion for America' distinctions.

Last week Gibson recalled returning home to 'nothing' after his $14.5million Malibu mansion burned down while he was filming Joe Rogan's podcast in Austin, Texas.

The shared his devastation after his home was razed by the horrific wildfires, in an emotional interview on NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas Reports.

While he was filming the podcast, Mel said he knew his neighborhood was on fire and wondered if his home was still standing.

Mel began: 'Obviously, it's kind of devastating. It's emotional.'

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

'But when I got home, sure enough, it wasn't there. I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I haven't got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.

'I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can't get back

'All kinds of stuff, everything from photographs to files to, you know, you know, just personal things that I had from over the years, and clothing, you know, pretty cool stuff, you know, but you know that can all be replaced.

'These are only things. And the good, the good news is that, you know, those in my family and those I love are all well, and we're all happy and healthy and out of harm's way, that's all I can care about, really.'

Mel has been trying to sell his sprawling mansion for years, and even knocked $3million off the listing price.

The sprawling property, built in 1996, was purchased by the Oscar winner in 2008 for a cool $11.5 million and boasted five-bedroom, as well as a majestic old world feel including a castle style turret.
Wendy Williams has hit back at a guardianship attorney's claims and insisted that she had never even met the lawyer amid fierce fan backlash over her conservatorship.

The 60-year-old legendary chat show host took umbrage with guardianship attorney Roberta Kaplan's recent claims that she has 'good days and bad days.'

Wendy revealed to TMZ on Friday that the lawyer has no business commentating on her mental state as she has never even met the lawyer.

She told the publication: 'How would she know that? Ive never met Roberta Kaplan and I have never talked with her. Im isolated and locked away in a luxury prison. So much for the Me Too movement.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Wendy's representatives for comment and has yet to hear back.

Meanwhile, TMZ Executive Producer Harvey Levin revealed on the site that he had a 90-minute conversation with Williams on Friday and made the shocking claim that she did not show a hint of disability despite being diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023.

Wendy Williams has hit back at a guardianship attorney's claims and insisted that she had never even met the lawyer after guardianship attorney Roberta Kaplan's recent claims that she has 'good days and bad days'; Wendy is pictured June 2021 on Late Night with Seth Meyers

Wendy told TMZ on Friday: 'How would she know that? Ive never met Roberta Kaplan and I have never talked with her. Im isolated and locked away in a luxury prison. So much for the Me Too movement'

The 74-year-old television personality said in a TMZ video: 'I can tell you that the Wendy Williams that I spoke to today is the same Wendy Williams that I knew 10 years ago. There is no difference.

'She was lucid, she was articulate, she was with it, and she was opinionated.'

He went on to explain that he is not going to get into the specifics of their lengthy conversation as it was off the record but she wanted him to give his personal evaluation of what he heard.

This comes just a day after Kaplan defended the decision to have her in a guardianship after the former talk show host plead for her freedom.

After Williams called into The Breakfast Club radio show and insisted she is not 'cognitively impaired,' her attorney the guardianship attorney stated otherwise, per TMZ.

She explained that Williams is dealing with frontal lobe dementia and emphasized that it is a neurological disease with no cure.

Her attorney  who said she is only representing Williams in her lawsuit against A&E for producing the documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?  also explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own.

Her attorney said she will require care for the rest of her life due to the degenerative nature of the disease.

Kaplan had defended the decision to have her in a guardianship after the former talk show host plead for her freedom; pictured December 2019 in New York City

After Williams, 60, called into The Breakfast Club radio show and insisted she is not 'cognitively impaired,' her attorney Roberta Kaplan stated otherwise, per TMZ on Thursday

Her attorney  who said she is only representing Williams in her lawsuit against A&E for producing the documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams?  explained that a state court declared Williams is unable to make legal and financial decisions on her own; pictured November 2019 in Atherton, California

Kaplan also said that Williams has bad days and she also has good days when she has a lot of clarify, like when she called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday morning.

On the morning radio show, Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God about how she felt like she was imprisoned due to her controversial guardianship and said her life is 'f***ed up.'

She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family.

Due to the guardianship court order, Morrissey is prohibited from commenting on the story.

Williams also alleged that the consistent interactions she has anymore are when her 'nursemaids' give her her medication.

Previously, Williams' niece Alex also claimed that she is not impaired and asked fans to help amplify the #FreeWendy movement.

During the show, the former shock jock sobbed as she described her current situation as 'emotional abuse.'

'I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison,' she told the radio show hosts. 'I am definitely isolated.'

Kaplan also said that Williams has bad days and she also has good days when she has a lot of clarify, like when she called into The Breakfast Club on Thursday morning; pictured August 2018 in Atlanta

On the morning radio show, Williams told co-host Charlamagne tha God about how she felt like she was imprisoned due to her controversial guardianship and said her life is 'f***ed up.' She also slammed her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, during the call and claimed she has been isolated from her family; pictured in 2018

During the show, the former shock jock sobbed as she described her current situation as 'emotional abuse.' 'I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison,' she told the radio show hosts. 'I am definitely isolated'; pictured October 2019 in New York City

She added: 'To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea. I keep the door closed.'

The television personality described the stark nature of her daily life after being put under the guardianship.

'I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by.'

She said that she no longer has the company of her pet cats, claiming that they are 'gone' and had been taken away even though she 'wanted them with her.'

The TV star revealed that she ultimately hopes to move to Florida so she can live there with her family.

For now the star is just focused on being able to travel out to Miami next month in order to celebrate her beloved dad's birthday.

In an Instagram post before the interview took place, Charlamagne penned a caption about conservatorships and guardianships, which he insisted are 'designed to preserve dignity' and 'not control.'

'Conservatorships and guardianships should exist to empower, protect and support individuals  not to confine them in invisible prisons,' the talk show host wrote.

'Tomorrow morning on @breakfastclubam #WendyWilliams will remind us that these systems must be transparent, compassionate, and designed to preserve dignity, not control. Let's discuss.'
Martha Stewart revealed she has adopted an adorable rescue cat on Instagram this week.

The media star, 83, shared a sweet snap of Persian cat Magnolia as she urged fans to consider adopting a pet.

She wrote: 'Meet Magnolia, a beautiful four year old silver shaded Persian cat and the newest member of my family.

'I recently adopted her through @rocknrescue_ a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Bedford Hills, New York.

'Please consider adoption when looking for a pet and learn more about Magnolia on todays @marthastewartblog.'

She added on her blog: 'Right now, Magnolia is still going through a transitional phase  getting to know me and all the activity around my home, but shes doing extremely well and will be a wonderful addition to my menagerie and my family. Welcome home, Magnolia.'

Martha Stewart revealed she has adopted an adorable rescue cat on Instagram this week

Magnolia's new home is Martha's idyllic and sprawling Cantitoe Corners farm in Bedford, New York.

Fans quickly took to social media to praise the star, with one writing: 'Imagine being this cat and getting rescued/adopted by MARTHA STEWART!!!

Others wrote: 'That cat hit the jackpot', 'The luckiest cat', ;Yep! What a lucky kitty!'

'Thank you for advocating for adoption / rescue!! It makes a huge difference. Shed absolutely gorgeous! And she is about to have the most wonderful life.'

The star also has five dogs, two Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han and three French Bulldogs, Creme Brulee, Bete Noire, and Luna Moona.

Martha recently starred in an explosive Netflix documentary - and since its release media star has received backlash for what she has said about and in the film - including admitting to an affair during her marriage to now ex-husband Andrew Stewart

Martha participated in the project, granting extensive on-camera interviews for it, but has been publicly scathing about the finished product .

She complained that the film was 'lazy' and 'left a lot out,' to the point she hopes to approach the streaming service about cutting together a 'Version Two.'

The media star, 83 , shared a sweet snap of Persian cat Magnolia as she urged fans to consider adopting a pet

Filmmaker RJ Cutler, who has previously directed documentaries about Anna Wintour, Billie Eilish, John Belushi and Elton John, was frank about his creative differences with the subject of his latest feature on the podcast The Town With Matthew Belloni.

'Martha saw the film and she told me what she thought about it, and it wasnt surprising to me that she wouldve made a different film that I made, of course,' he said.

'And she gave me her feedback, and she was upset that I didnt make the changes that she wanted to me, but this is process,' Cutler argued.

'It takes a tremendous amount of courage on her part to trust me. I respect that,' he said.

'In return I share the film with her and have conversations with her about the film.'

'If she has ideas that I think are good ideas and will help the film that Im making, Ill take a good idea from everybody, believe me.'

'Young women, listen to my advice, if you're married and your husband starts to cheat on you, he's a piece of s**t. Get out of that marriage,' the television personality said.

Martha recently starred in an explosive Netflix documentary - and since its release media star has received backlash for what she has said about and in the film - including admitting to an affair during her marriage to now ex-husband Andrew Stewart

'Didn't you have an affair early on?' the producer quipped, to which Martha replied, 'Yeah, but I don't think Andy ever knew about that.'

Martha started dating Andy  who has been her only husband to date  when she was just 19 and he was 23, after they were set up on a blind date.

At the time he was a Yale law student. He then went into publishing and is currently Publisher Emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing, a nature publishing company.

The pair were married for nearly three decades after saying 'I do' in 1961.

They welcomed one child together daughter Alexis Stewart, now 59, in 1965.

The couple ultimately divorced in 1990.

After her divorce Martha briefly dated Silence of the Lambs star Anthony Hopkins. She also dated software architect Charles Simonyi on and off for 15 years, from 1993 to 2008.

In 2023, Martha told E! News that she was single.
Industry association opposes U.S. ban on sale, import of China-related connected vehicles

Xinhua) 09:53, January 17, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) announced on Thursday that it firmly opposes the measures taken by the Biden administration to prohibit the sale or import of connected vehicles linked to China.

On Jan. 14, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security announced a final rule prohibiting certain transactions involving the sale or import of connected vehicles integrating specific pieces of hardware and software, or those components sold separately, with a sufficient nexus to China.

Both China and the United States are leading nations in the advancement of intelligent connected vehicles, and cooperation and exchange are essential for mutual benefit, the CAAM said in a statement.

The Biden administration's move severely interferes with global automotive collaboration, undermines the development interests of various countries, violates international trade rules, threatens the stability of the global supply chain, and is detrimental to the establishment of a secure, shared and transparent global automotive industry system, it said.

The CAAM strongly opposes the Biden administration's misconduct, which disrupts the global intelligent connected vehicle ecosystem.

The Biden administration's unilateral imposition of administrative restrictions, which forcibly sever economic and industrial ties with specific countries, not only undermines fair competition in the global automotive market, but also has profound and adverse impacts on the global supply chain, and will ultimately harm the interests of the American industry and consumers, the CAAM said.

The CAAM urged the Biden administration to objectively evaluate economic and trade issues, and to abolish the regulations targeting China.

The global automotive industry should deepen cooperation and jointly promote healthy and sustainable development of the intelligent connected vehicle sector, the CAAM added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson seem to be back together again.

The Coldplay musician and the Fifty Shades Of Grey actress were seen together at the Babulnath Temple in Mumbai where the artist has been touring.

In a video shared by photographer Pallav Paliwal, the stars were seen descending the stairs of the temple as they were greeted by locals.

Dakota had on a blue headscarf as she walked first with Chris in a white jacket as he followed closely behind while several security personnel surrounded them.

In August it was claimed that the lovebirds - who started a romance in 2017 - had flown from their nest as they sought different pastures.

But it appears they have sorted out their issues in time for what has been called Coldplay's biggest concert ever.

Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson seem to be back together again. The Coldplay musician and the Fifty Shades Of Grey actress were seen together at the Babulnath Temple in Mumbai where the artist has been touring. (Pictured in 2019)

The stars reportedly called off their engagement five months ago when she stopped wearing her emerald engagement ring.

The pair had a brief rumoured split in 2019 which was alleged to be over him pushing for them to have children, but they quickly got back together.

The couple appeared to be together in June when a source told PEOPLE magazine that they were still 'going strong', saying: 'They've had ups and downs, but now they're definitely back on.'

But then they were reportedly on the outs again.

Martin famously split from actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, the mother of his two children Apple, 20, and Moses, 18, in March 2014 after ten years of marriage.

The high-profile couple described their separation at the time as a 'conscious uncoupling' and had their divorce finalized in July, 2016.

Martin was reported to be in an on and off relationship with actress Annabelle Wallis before they split in August, 2017.

He was first seen with Dakota at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles in October 2017 when they were reported to be 'cozy, laughing and affectionate'.

In August it was claimed that the lovebirds - who started a romance in 2017 - had flown from their nest as they sought different pastures. But it appears they have sorted out their issues in time for what has been called Coldplay's biggest concert ever

Dakota, the daughter Don Johnson, 74, and Melanie Griffith, 67, was spotted a month later at a Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leading to fans posing social media pictures of her enjoying the show.

The couple were seen out on more dates around Los Angeles in early 2018, including a meal out with friends at Soho House in Malibu.

They were also spotted arm in arm together walking on Malibu beach while spending 'most of the weekend together'.

But it was nearly a year later that they made their first openly public appearance together at Stella McCartney's Autumn 2018 Collection show in LA.

Dakota appeared to confirm her relationship with Martin in an interview with Tatler in September 2018 when she said: 'I'm not going to talk about it, but I am very happy.'

Paltrow opened up about her ex-husband's relationship with Dakota in a 2020 interview with Harper's Bazaar, describing how the actress had become part of her family.

She said: 'I love her. I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her.'

Dakota collaborated with Martin, by directing a video for Coldplay's track 'Cry Cry Cry' in February 2020.

Martin famously split from actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, the mother of his two children Apple, 20, and Moses, 18, in March 2014 after 10 years of marriage (pictured in 2014)

She told Marie Claire that she didn't get any special treatment because of her relationship, saying: 'I wrote the story and pitched it to the band like every other director did, and they chose mine - not because they're partial to me at all.'

There were rumours in December 2020 that the couple had become engaged after pictures showed the actress wearing a large emerald ring on her left hand.

They reportedly moved into a shared home together in Malibu in January 2021.

Coldplay's biggest ever show in India will be live streamed on Disney+ on Hotstar on January 26.

As part of their 'Music Of The Spheres' jaunt, the 'Yellow' group will play Ahmadabad's 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25 and 26, with the latter concert set to be broadcast to the world with behind-the-scenes footage.

Chris is seen with ex Paltrow and their children, Apple and Moses

Martin said: 'Namaste to all our friends in India. We're thrilled to share that on the 26th of January, our show from Ahmedabad will be streaming live on Disney+ Hotstar, so you can watch it from anywhere in India. We hope you'll join us  we're so excited to visit your beautiful country. Sending lots of love!'

Days earlier, the band will screen A Film For The Future, a 44-minute visual companion to their chart-topping album Moon Music.

Set to premiere worldwide on January 22, the film is executive produced by Ben Mor, who directed Chris Martin and co and Beyonce in their music promo for their hit 2016 collaboration 'Hymn For The Weekend' and described it as 'a kaleidoscopic patchwork quilt  a 44-minute multimedia tapestry.'

The film will be shown at 360-degree screenings at Lightroom in London, Manchester, and Seoul.

'A Film For The Future' was created by more than 150 different visual artists from 45 countries.

Without being restricted by rules, the individuals were asked to create a visual from 'snippets' of the record - which features the hit singles 'feelslikeimfallinginlove' and We Pray/
Costco is defying Donald Trump and conservative activists by sticking to its DEI policies

The president-elect and his incoming administration have railed against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they are unfair and distracting.

'I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that can't be allowed,' Last summer, Trump said last summer in an interview with Time.

Meanwhile, vocal figures on social media, like Robby Starbuck, have also pushed for boycotts of so-called 'woke' companies. It has forced the likes of John Deere, Walmart and Ford to scale back or ditch their commitments.

Costco, however, is standing its ground. The company's board has urged investors to reject an anti-DEI proposal from a conservative activist group at its upcoming annual meeting.

Retail expert Neil saunders told DailyMail.com that Costco takes the view that its various programs have helped it to build a strong business.

'Given the positive results over recent years it is impossible to argue that Costco management doesn't know what it's doing,' Saunders, of Global Data, said.

'There is an element of them saying leave us to get on with the job. While some customers might dislike the policy, I doubt many will defect as it is not something that is visible or that directly impacts shoppers.'

Costco CEO Ron Vachris defended the company's policies to a complaining customer

The proposal to be voted on at Costco's shareholder meeting is from the National Center for Public Policy Research.

The conservative activist group is pressuring Costo to produce a report outlining the potential risks of its DEI initiatives - as it says they backfire and hit the stock price.

In its shareholder proposal, the group stated, 'DEI clearly poses litigation, reputational, and financial risks to the company.'

All businesses have a duty to avoid practices that harm their share price - since it harms investors.

But - in a letter to the board, seen by the Wall Street Journal - Costco's directors argue that DEI policies are an asset, not a liability.

Executives emphasized that a diverse workforce and supplier base help attract top talent, foster innovation, and enhance the 'treasure hunt' shopping experience that customers value.

'Our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary,' they said.

Costco also argued that the conservative group bringing the motion have ulterior motives other than DEI risks to share price.

Costco is banking on its status as a much-loved store with loyal customers

The company argued in its note to investors that Costco customers enjoy seeing diversity reflected in its workforce.

'The proponent's broader agenda is not reducing risk for the Company but abolition of diversity initiatives,' the company wrote.

Earlier this month, Costco CEO Ron Vachris wrote a rigorous defence of the company's policies to a customer who had raised concerns that employees were hired based on 'skin color' or 'gender identification.'

Vachris, in the letter seen by the Journal, told the customer that Costco did not use hiring quotas but focused on giving all workers the same opportunities.

'If these are the policies you see as offensive, I must tell you I am not prepared to change,' he reportedly wrote.

Costco is banking on its status as a much-loved store with loyal customers that have helped it stay out of political frays in the past.

'They are not the worst of the worst, so they weren't my focus,' Starbuck, who successfully pressured Walmart to reverse some of its DEI policies, has said of Costco.

'You better have your ducks in a row before you go after a beloved company,' he said of any future boycott initiatives against Costco.

Robby Starbuck successfully pressured Walmart to reverse some of its DEI policies

Retail expert Neil saunders told DailyMail.com that Costco takes the view that its various programs have helped it to build a strong business.

'Given the positive results over recent years it is impossible to argue that Costco management doesn't know what it's doing,' Saunders, of Global Data, said.

'There is an element of them saying leave us to get on with the job. While some customers might dislike the policy, I doubt many will defect as it is not something that is visible or that directly impacts shoppers.'

It comes after major companies such as Walmart, Ford, John Deere, and Tractor Supply bowed to pressure and rowed back on their DEI commitments.

In July, John Deere made a huge U-turn on its DEI practices in the face of opposition and a damaging boycott from farmers and conservatives.

The company said in a statement it would drop 'socially motivated messaging' and 'diversity quotas and pronoun identification' and distance itself from 'cultural awareness parades.'

The $61 billion-a-year firm had come under fire over sponsoring a Pride event for children as young as three and other DEI efforts, even as it shuttered plants and sacked American workers.
Rising for the third consecutive day, gold prices on Friday surged Rs 700 to trade near a record high at Rs 82,000 per 10 grams in the national capital due to persistent buying in the local markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

The precious metal had settled at Rs 81,300 per 10 grams on Thursday.

The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity continued to shine for the third straight day by jumping Rs 700 to Rs 81,600 per 10 grams against Rs 80,900 per 10 grams in the previous close.

However, silver prices declined Rs 500 to Rs 93,500 per kg on Friday. The metal had ended at Rs 94,000 per kg in the previous trading session.

On October 31 last year, gold of 99.9 per cent purity and 99.5 per cent purity hit a record high of Rs 82,400 and Rs 82,000 per 10 grams, respectively, in the local markets.

Despite a weak trend in the international markets, the precious metal gained in the domestic market, mainly due to higher demand from jewellers, traders said.

Meanwhile, in futures trade on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for February delivery declined Rs 424 or 0.54 per cent to Rs 78,802 per 10 grams.

Gold witnessed minor profit booking from higher zones on MCX, retreating towards Rs 78,800, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst of Commodity and Currency at LKP Securities, said.

The decline comes as white flags emerge in the Middle East, signalling easing tensions, and the recent positive data from the US, including CPI, retail sales, and the Federal Reserves dovish outlook, appear to have been largely priced in, Trivedi added.

Silver contracts for March delivery plummeted Rs 1,093 or 1.18 per cent to Rs 91,710 per kg on the MCX on Friday.

Globally, Comex gold futures fell USD 21.10 per ounce or 0.77 per cent to USD 2,729.80 per ounce.

Gold dipped slightly below USD 2,750 per ounce ahead of upcoming US housing and industrial production data, Kaynat Chainwala, AVP of Commodity Research at Kotak Securities, said.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller on Thursday said if economic data continues to weaken, the central bank might implement three or four rate cuts this year further stoking the optimism for rate cut expectations which lent support to the metal.

Additionally, Comex silver futures quoted 1.47 per cent lower in the Asian market hours at USD 31.26 per ounce.

Further, uncertainties surrounding US President-elect Donald Trumps trade policies and tariff plans should contribute to limiting losses for the safe-haven asset, according to commodities experts.

The US dollar remains on track to register gains for the third straight day as traders now look to the US macro data for a fresh impetus, they added.
The Kumbh Mela highlights the blend of tradition and modernity. It links cosmic phenomena with earthly rituals while fostering community feeling

The grand Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the most magnificent spiritual gatherings in the world, is here. The Uttar Pradesh government has meticulously prepared to host this sacred festival  happening once every 12 years  with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitoring the developments. Began on January 13, 2025, the Maha Kumbh is anticipated to draw an awe-inspiring congregation of over 45 crores  a footfall of around 450 million pilgrims, saints, ascetics and tourists  devotees.

At the heart of this divine celebration, is the (coming together) Sangam  the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. Millions of devotees will come together to take a holy dip, seeking spiritual cleansing and blessings. The Maha Kumbh is a timeless testament to faith, unity, and the eternal connection between humanity and the divine, that owes its origins to mythology and history. Devotees believe that a dip during the auspicious planetary alignments cleanses sins and paves the way for Moksha (liberation). Swami Sivananda, the Yoga Guru, and a proponent of Vedanta, rightly pointed out that The holy dip at the Kumbh Mela is not just a ritual; it is a profound surrender to the divine. Mythologically connected, the legend of Samudra Manthan, or the Churning of the Ocean, is the cornerstone of its mythological significance. According to ancient scriptures, gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrit).

As the Gods carried away the nectar, a few drops fell at four locations  Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain  and these places became sacred. Thus began the tradition of the Kumbh Mela. Scholar Diana Eck, professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University notes that The Kumbh Mela reflects the Indian ethos of integrating mythology with geography, turning the mundane into the sacred.

References to Kumbha appear in Vedic texts like the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. It is also linked to the zodiac sign Aquarius, an astrological interpretation influenced by Greek ideas in the late 1st millennium CE. Mela means assembly or gathering and signifies fairs or communal celebrations, as found in ancient Hindu texts.

Together, Kumbha Mela refers to a gathering centered around water or the nectar of immortality. Historically, the first recorded mention of the Kumbh Mela can be traced back to the writings of the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century CE. Hiuen Tsang documented several key events during Harshas (Harshavardhana ruled over much of northern India from 606 to 647 AD and his reign is regarded as one of relative peace and prosperity) reign. Tsang also documented the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayag which Harsha attended.

Over centuries, the festival evolved from a modest gathering of ascetics to a colossal event that attracts millions. The historical transformation of the Kumbh Mela underscores its resilience and adaptability, blending spiritual fervour with societal changes. A defining feature of the Kumbh Mela is the presence of saints, seers, and spiritual leaders who guide the masses. Various Akharas (monastic orders) play a pivotal role in preserving and propagating Sanatan Dharma. The ascetics, often clad in saffron robes or ash, symbolise the renunciation of worldly desires. The ritual bath in the rivers further holds deep symbolic meaning. It signifies the washing away of ones ego and sins, allowing a fresh spiritual beginning. Historian William Dalrymple observes, The saints at the Kumbh Mela are the custodians of Indias timeless spiritual heritage. The Kumbh Mela beautifully embodies the fusion of religion and science. Its timing, rooted in precise astronomical calculations, reflects the profound significance of Hindu cosmology. When Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun moves into Aries, planetary alignments create an auspicious period for spiritual connection.

This sacred festival links cosmic phenomena with earthly rituals, highlighting the deep interconnection between the universe and human spirituality. Aryabhatas pioneering work in celestial phenomena, including planetary motion and eclipses, continues to influence the Kumbhs timing.

The Kumbh Mela is also a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and humanity. Participants range from reclusive ascetics to common people and even international visitors. This diversity underscores the universality of the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Sociologist Sudhir Kakar once wrote that the Kumbh Mela is not merely a religious event but a grand celebration of human interconnectedness. The exchange of ideas, rituals, and philosophies at the Mela fosters a unique sense of global unity.

Hosting millions of pilgrims at the Kumbh Mela demands meticulous planning, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered crowd management systems, drone surveillance for security, and mobile health clinics to handle medical emergencies. Mobile apps and live-streaming services ensured smooth communication and global accessibility for devotees. The 2025 Kumbh will span an expanded area of 800 hectares, featuring 1.8 lakh tents and 101 smart parking facilities for five lakh vehicles daily. Despite the challenges, the event seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)
The Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal scheme is a testament to the States commitment to inclusivity and reforming the education system

Since Independence, food security has been a significant concern in India. Despite notable progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, India still grapples with the challenge of undernutrition.

According to a United Nations report, the country accounts for nearly 195 million undernourished individuals, with children constituting 43 per cent of this population. Various initiatives, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the PM Poshan Mid-Day Meal scheme, have been implemented to address this pressing issue.

Historical Roots of Mid-Day Meal Schemes

The origins of the Mid-Day Meal scheme in India can be traced back to the colonial era. In 1925, the Madras Presidency proposed the first-ever Mid-Day Meal initiative for underprivileged children. Tamil Nadu became the first state to implement this idea, with Sourashtra Boys Higher Secondary School in Madurai serving meals to children in 1955.

By the 1980s, this programme gained widespread acceptance, particularly with the introduction of the Nutritious Noon-Meal Scheme by Tamil Nadus then Chief Minister, M G Ramachandran. This initiative aimed to provide food to 6.8 million malnourished children in the state. Over the years, the programme has demonstrated the strong correlation between nutritious meals and improved education. For children in tribal and socio-economically disadvantaged communities, the scheme has proven to be a lifeline. Many of these children, previously engaged in household activities or income generation due to food insecurity, could now attend school and pursue their right to education. The programme also had a transformative impact on children from Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, and girl children.

Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme

In a significant step forward, the Andhra Pradesh government recently launched the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme. This initiative, named after Dokka Seethammarevered as Apara Annapurnaprovides free meals to students in junior colleges across the state. Seethamma, born in 1841 in Mandapet village, was renowned for her compassion and dedication to serving the needy. Despite limited formal education, she imbibed strong moral values through stories and songs from her childhood. Along with her husband, Dokka Joganna, she provided food and shelter to travelers and disaster-stricken communities near the Godavari River. Her legacy of humanitarian service remains a beacon of inclusivity and maternal love.

The Dokka Seethamma scheme is the first of its kind in India, targeting intermediate students. Benefiting 148,419 students across 475 government junior colleges in Andhra Pradesh, the programme aims to reduce dropout rates, enhance academic focus, and improve overall student health. By lessening the financial burden on low-income families, the initiative also promotes greater equity in education. It sets a model for other states to emulate, addressing hunger while fostering a nurturing environment for academic and personal growth.

Complementary Initiatives for Inclusivity

In addition to the Dokka Seethamma scheme, Andhra Pradesh has revived the Anna Canteens initiative. This program offers wholesome meals at just Rs 5 to economically disadvantaged individuals, significantly alleviating hunger and improving living standards. By ensuring affordable access to food, the state aims to bridge socioeconomic disparities and support marginalised communities.

For tribal students, particularly girls, the Dokka Seethamma scheme has been a game-changer. Tribal communities often face acute food insecurity due to geographical remoteness and limited resources. Free nutritious meals enable tribal children to focus on their education instead of household chores or income generation. The scheme also addresses educational inequity by encouraging families to prioritise their childrens schooling. For tribal girls, the program has a transformative impact. Social and financial pressures often force girls to leave school prematurely, but free meals reduce family burdens and promote their continued education.

A Vision for a Better Future

The Mid-Day Meal scheme and similar initiatives signify more than just food distributionthey represent a commitment to empowering the marginalised and uplifting the underprivileged. These programs not only ensure access to nutritious meals but also encourage higher education, better living standards, and healthier lifestyles. By fostering cooperation among teachers, students, and staff, the scheme revives the ancient Gurukula system of holistic education, emphasising both mental and physical wellbeing.

(The writer is Vice Chancellor of Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh; views are personal)
We hope Saif Ali Khan's health is better and we all are concerned for him, Shahid Kapoor on Friday said about his "Rangoon" co-star who was repeatedly stabbed by an intruder in his highrise apartment.

Khan, 54, received six stab injuries, including in his neck, in the attack around 2.30 am on Thursday. He was out of danger following an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was rushed, according to doctors treating him.

"We hope Saif's health is better. We hope he is feeling better. We all are shocked with what happened with him in a personal space. It's difficult to absorb (something like this) in a city like Mumbai. I'm sure the police are trying their best..." Kapoor told reporters at the trailer launch of his new movie "Deva".

Such incidents normally don't happen in Mumbai, added Kapoor.

"Mumbai is a very safe city. When a family member or ladies go out at 2 am, it's still safe. It's a shocking incident. We are hoping and praying he recovers soon. We are hoping and praying for him all the time," Kapoor said.

Khan and Kapoor had shared the screen space in Vishal Bhardwaj's 2017 period movie "Rangoon", which also starred Kangana Ranaut.

At the event, a reporter had asked Kapoor how he would tackle the cases of attacks on celebrities if he were a real life police officer. The actor plays the role of a cop in "Deva".

"What you are saying is a sad incident. We all are very concerned in the fraternity. You asked me indirectly. Had you asked me directly, I would respect it more," replied the actor.

Khan underwent an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the brutal attack in his Bandra apartment.

Khan is being shifted from the Intensive Care Units (ICU) to a special room at the private hospital, said the doctors. Mumbai police on Friday morning detained a suspect in connection with the attack.
Outgoing US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday addressed board members of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum on various aspects of bilateral relationship between the two largest democracies of the world and the landmark initiatives launched during the four years of the Biden administration.

Sullivan, who was in India early this month, briefed the USISPF Board on the productive dialogue he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his counterpart Ajit Doval, the Indian National Security Advisor, and External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar.

He touched on the comprehensive US-India partnership and the landmark initiatives launched during the Biden Administration, and how he prioritised his India visit in his limited time in the new year, USISPF said.

During the briefing, Sullivan underscored a broad array of initiatives spanning defense, technology, cyber and maritime security, and economic collaboration to enhance mutual interests and contribute to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Sullivan's leadership has been particularly pivotal in strengthening the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) launched in 2022 at the direction of Biden and Modi.

Under iCET, the defense partnership continues to strengthen, with the launch of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), which further expands defense synergy with the private sector, VCs, and defense innovation ecosystems, the media release said.

Jake Sullivan has been a champion in charting the course for robust U.S.-India relations. His leadership and collaborative spirit have propelled significant advancementsfrom iCET initiatives to joint endeavours in technology and defense cooperation. He's been a fine ambassador to the relationship and has fructified the partnership to the apex it is presently at. We extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to deepening our strategic ties and wish him every success in his future endeavors, said Mukesh Aghi, president of USISPF.

During the discussion, Sullivan underscored the administration is leaving the US-India relationship in a very strong position and emphasized that the incoming team has an opportunity to continue work on this important agenda.
In another move to target youth voters, former Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, seeking re-election in the assembly polls, announced a major guarantee providing free bus travel to all school and college students in Delhi. Additionally, Kejriwal proposed a 50 percent concession on metro fares for students, urging the Central government to collaborate with the Delhi government in sharing the cost of this initiative.

Terming it an irresponsible move, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit slammed Kejriwals proposal, saying that the AAP promises what it cannot deliver financially and would eventually accuse the national authorities of obstruction.

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AAP convenor said, Delhis students rely on the Delhi Metro for commuting to schools and colleges to a large extent. To reduce the financial burden on them, I propose a 50 percent concession to students in Delhi Metro. Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the Central and Delhi governments. The expenditure on this scheme will have to be borne by both.

Kejriwals request to Prime Minister Modi came on the day ahead of the release of the BJPs Sankalp Patra manifesto for the Delhi elections 2025. Notably, Delhi Metro is operated in collaboration between the Delhi and Central governments. The announcement, however, cannot be implemented immediately due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in place in Delhi. Kejriwal assured that the scheme would be a priority for his government if re-elected.

The metro fares are expensive for students. I have requested PM Modi to introduce this scheme, and we are ready to bear half the cost, Kejriwal said at the press conference, adding that the initiative could be rolled out after the elections.

Delhi Metro is a 50:50 joint project between the Delhi Government and the Central Government. Therefore, the expenditure on this should be borne equally by both governments, the letter read. To reduce the financial burden on students, I propose to give a 50 percent concession to students in Delhi Metro, the letter continued.

Kejriwal said that students in Delhi are dependent on the Metro for commuting to schools and colleges, and thus, the financial burden on them must be reduced.

I am writing this letter to draw your attention to an important matter concerning the school and college students of Delhi. The students of Delhi depend largely on the Metro to commute to their school or college, the letter stated.

He also took to X to share the announcement: The expense of bus and metro fares will no longer be a hindrance to education. Once our government is formed, we will start free bus travel for school and college students and will also provide concessions in metro fares. Every penny spent on students is an investment in the future of the country.

Speaking at the press conference, Kejriwal announced free bus rides for male students if his party is re-elected in the February 5 polls. The AAP government already provides free bus travel to women in the city. Explaining the rationale, Kejriwal reasoned that these measures are designed to remove a significant financial burden on students, ensuring that access to education remains uninterrupted by economic barriers.

Women in Delhi are already enjoying free bus rides. Now, we will extend the same benefit to male students to ease their financial burden and promote education accessibility, Kejriwal said.

Responding to a media query, Arvind Kejriwal said, We are saying that students metro fares should be reduced by half. Does the BJP agree to this, and will they include it in their manifesto? If the BJP does not include this in their manifesto, why should students vote for them?

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit publicly criticized Kejriwals 50% metro fare concession proposal, labeling it as irresponsible. He questioned why the AAP had not previously implemented similar pledges, suggesting duplicity in their promises. Dikshit further accused the AAP of attempting to mislead the public by shifting blame to the central government. He claimed that AAP promises what it cannot deliver financially and would eventually accuse the national authorities of obstruction.

The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are set to witness a triangular contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP will aim for its third consecutive term, riding on its previous electoral successes. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress are preparing to challenge AAPs dominance in the capital.
The BJP on Friday launched the first part of its Sankalp Patra for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, surpassing all freebies expectations with the announcement of six poll promises, including Rs 21,000 for pregnant women, Rs 2,500 under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, LPG cylinders at Rs 500, and Rs 3,000 pension for senior citizens aged over 70 years.

However, shortly after the announcement, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal sharply reacted to the BJPs manifesto, calling it a Kejriwal Patra instead of Sankalp Patra. He accused the BJP of copying his party for announcing several revris (freebies) in its Sankalp Patra, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wont approve of the freebies promised by the BJP. The BJP has repeatedly said that Kejriwal gives away free handouts, but today the BJPs national president announced that they too will provide free handouts to the people of Delhi, Kejriwal said.

I want to tell them that they should acknowledge that Prime Minister Modi was wrong when he said the things he did about us. They should also accept that free handouts are not wrong-they are a gift from God and good for the country. He should come forward and assure that he consents to these (BJP) promises. He should tell us that I was right in providing free handouts, Kejriwal added.

Releasing the first part of the manifesto, BJP President Nadda said that womens empowerment has been a priority area for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that BJP-ruled states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, are already providing financial aid to women.

The second promise of the BJP is to provide LPG cylinders for Rs 500 to women from poor families and one free cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Diwali. Nadda added that the subsidy of Rs 300 on cylinders has already been implemented in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana since 2016.

The manifesto also included a promise to provide six nutritional kits and an assistance of Rs 2,000 to every pregnant woman under the Chief Minister Matritiva Suraksha Yojana. Calling the ruling party AAP-da, the BJP President said that AAP has brought disaster to Delhi and slammed the party for not being able to provide women with Rs 1,000 despite promising it in Delhi and Punjab. He also called AAP a Jan Virodhi (against people) and Delhi Virodhi (against Delhi) government.

Hitting out at the BJP soon after the release of the partys manifesto, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said that the BJPs promises were mere copies of what AAP has already implemented.

Moreover, Nadda also announced that in its first cabinet meeting, soon after being voted to power, the BJP will implement the central governments Ayushman Bharat Yojana to provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The state government will provide an additional Rs 5 lakh cover for all poor families, while calling the Mohalla Clinics a den of corruption.

As a Health Minister, I am telling you that the Mohalla clinics of the AAP government are a den of corruption and inefficiency. Fraudulent lab tests have been conducted in their clinics, and there has been a scam of about Rs 300 crore. When our government comes, all of this will be thoroughly investigated. Dudh ka dudh, pani ka pani ho jayega (the truth will come out), he claimed.

Nadda also added that the BJP will increase the senior citizen pension for people aged between 60 and 70 from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 and for senior citizens, widows, divyang (differently-abled) individuals, and the destitute aged over 70 from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. In a bid to woo slum dwellers, the party will launch Atal Canteens in JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals at Rs 5. Nadda also assured that all the schemes currently running in Delhi will continue.

Meanwhile, AAP chief Kejriwal asked, Why should people vote for them? adding that the BJP manifesto only promises what the ruling party is already offering. He criticized the BJP for failing to include any promise in their manifesto regarding improvements in law and order, calling their poll document a bundle of lies.

On Naddas claim that they will investigate the scam in Mohalla clinics, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP has only promised the same old schemes, which they have failed to deliver on. Kejriwal also claimed that the BJP manifesto mentions that Mohalla Clinics will be closed. The AAP will go across Delhi to ask people if they want these clinics or not, the former Chief Minister said.
A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 14 and seven years in prison respectively after finding them guilty of corruption in the 190 million pounds al-Qadir Trust case.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the anti-corruption court announced the verdict in a makeshift court set up in Adila jail where Khan is currently lodged. Khan is facing dozens of cases after he lost a trust vote in Parliament in 2022.

Khan has been convicted for corrupt practices and misuse of authority, while his wife has been convicted for involvement in illegal activities.

Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023, was also fined Rs 1 million and Bibi half a million rupees. Failure to pay the fine will entail an additional six months of imprisonment for Khan and three months for Bibi. The court also ordered the confiscation of the land of Al-Qadir University set up by them.

Bibi was arrested from the court after the sentencing.

Supporters and leaders of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party staged a protest outside Parliament House, held placards, and chanted slogans, demanding his release.

Todays verdict has tarnished the reputation of the judiciary In this case, neither I benefited nor the government lost. I dont want any relief and will face all cases, Khan was quoted as saying by his party.

A dictator is doing all this, he said.

PTI leaders strongly denounced the verdict, terming it unjust, shameful, and a case of political victimisation.

PTI chairman Gohar Khan said, The behaviour of the court has been unjust. Khan sahib has not benefitted from a single rupee from this matter.

PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry termed the decision political use of the National Accountability Bureau.

Another party leader, Shibli Faraz, argued that Khan and Bibi were not beneficiaries of the alleged transactions. He contended that they were being punished for founding the Al-Qadir University, which aimed to promote the teachings of the Prophet.

Those who looted the country walk free, while sincere leaders face jail, said Faraz, while reaffirming to challenge the verdict.

Khan can appeal against the judgment in the High Court and if needed in the Supreme Court.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in December 2023 filed the case against Khan (72), Bibi (50) and six others, accusing them of causing a loss to the tune of 190 million pounds (PRs 50 billion) to the national kitty.

Only Khan and Bibi have been prosecuted in the case as all others, including a property tycoon, were out of the country.

The case revolves around allegations that an amount of PRs 50 billion, returned to Pakistan by the UKs National Crime Agency as part of a settlement with the property tycoon, was misused.

The funds were reportedly intended for the national treasury but were allegedly redirected for the personal benefit of the businessman who helped Bibi and Khan to set up a university.

Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of benefiting from this settlement, including acquiring 458 kanals of land for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.

Judge Rana concluded the hearing in the case on December 18 but reserved the judgment until December 23. Later, he fixed January 6 as the date for announcing the verdict, Geo News reported.

He was on leave on January 6 so the verdict was postponed until January 13.

But the verdict was once again deferred as the accused and their lawyers were not present in the court on January 13.

The judgment comes amidst the ongoing negotiation between the government and Khans PTI to address the political instability in the country due to the imprisonment of Khan and several other leaders of his party.

Pakistan has been in the grip of political turmoil since the elections were held on February 8 last year when the PTI refused to accept the result and held several protests over alleged rigging of polls, and Khans detention.

So far three rounds of talks have been held between the government and the PTI and the opposition party has presented its charter of demands in writing to the government.

Khan claims all cases against him were politically motivated. Last year, he was acquitted in the cipher case for disclosing official secrets and the Iddat case for violating marriage laws but was charged in the Toshakhana 2 corru.
More than 40 hours after a gruesome attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the Mumbai police had not achieved any breakthrough in the sensational case as of late Friday evening. Meanwhile, the actor was making a rapid recovery from the grievous wounds he sustained in the knife attack by an intruder early Thursday.

On Friday, Saif, 54, was moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a special room at Lilavati Hospital. The police detained one suspect in connection with the attack, but released him after questioning, finding that he had no connection to the case.

The person who was brought to the Bandra police station is not related to the Saif Ali Khan case. We released him after questioning. No one has yet been arrested in connection with yesterdays incident, a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, doctors attending to Saif at Lilavati Hospital expressed satisfaction with his progress. Saif Ali Khan is doing excellently. We made him walk, and he can walk well. There is no problem and not much pain, said Dr. Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital.

The actor had sustained six stab wounds, including one to his spine, while grappling with an intruder who had broken into his 12th-floor apartment in the posh Satguru Sharan building located at the junction of 29th and 24th Roads in Bandra (W), northwest Mumbai. The knife attack occurred between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Thursday, following a failed burglary attempt by the yet-to-be-identified intruder.

After his admission to Lilavati Hospital, Saif underwent surgery to remove a knife lodged in his spine and to seal a spinal fluid leakage.

The actor was brought to our hospital with six injuries, two of which were deep. We carried out a surgery near his spine and removed a 2.5-inch piece of knife from the spine, said Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, on Thursday.

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Saifs elder son, Ibrahim (23), had rushed his bleeding father to the hospital, it has now emerged that Saif himself took an autorickshaw to Lilavati Hospital. His eight-year-old son, Taimur, accompanied him in the rickshaw.

Confirming how Saif reached the hospital, autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana (47) told a television channel: I was passing by the building when I suddenly heard a cry for help from a lady (apparently Saifs housemaid) standing near the main gate asking me to stop the vehicle.

When I stopped the vehicle, the actor, whom I did not recognize at first, walked up to my autorickshaw and sat down. There was a small child (Taimur) and one more person with him at that time. He (Saif) appeared calm and collected throughout our journey to the hospital. The only thing he asked me during the ride was, Kitna time lagega? (How long will it take to reach the hospital?), Rana said.

Doctors at Lilavati Hospital have hailed Saif as a real-life hero, noting that despite being in deep pain and covered in blood, he managed to reach the hospital on his own in an autorickshaw, barely an hour after the attack.

The incident took place sometime after 2 a.m. on Thursday in the 12th-floor flat of Saifs Satguru Sharan building. A housemaid at Saifs residence, identified as Eliyama Phillipes alias Lima, was the first to see the intruder and raised an alarm, prompting Saif to rush out of his bedroom to investigate.

Seeing Saif, the knife-wielding intruder, suspected to have broken into the actors home for a burglary, attacked him. During the ensuing struggle, the actor was stabbed multiple times before the assailant fled the flat.

Following the attack, the Bandra Police and Crime Branch set up 10 investigative teams to track down the assailant.

Speaking to the media, Maharashtras Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, said: There is no involvement of any criminal gang in the attack on Saif Ali Khan. The preliminary probe suggests that robbery was the motive behind the incident.

The police have identified one person from the CCTV footage. A suspect was detained for questioning today. We suspect the involvement of others, and the police are searching for them, Kadam said.

The suspect detained by the Bandra police was later released, as he had no connection to the incident.
India has emerged as a major automobile hub in the world and number of cars sold in the country annually surpasses the population of many countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Friday.

Underlining this, he also said future of mobility belongs to India that saw an unprecedented sale of 2.5 crore vehicles a year, and attracted USD 36 billion foreign direct investment in just four years.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, the prime minister also emphasised that India stands as an outstanding destination for every investor looking to shape ones future in the mobility sector.

The five-day expo which is being held across three venues  Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in the national capital and India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida  is expected to witness over 100 new launches across automobiles, component products and technologies.

Indias largest auto expo, scheduled from January 17-22, will bring the entire value chain of the mobility ecosystem  from automobile manufacturers to components, electronics parts, tyre and energy storage makers, and automotive software firms and material recyclers  under a single umbrella.

Modi said the automotive industry was driven by innovation and technology and stressed that the future belongs to the East, Asia, and India.

India is an excellent destination for every investor looking to see their future in mobility, he said while reassuring everyone that the government is fully supportive and encouraged everyone to continue advancing with the mantra of Make in India, Make for the World.

Modi said the Make in India initiative has played an important role in unleashing the growth potential of Indias auto industry.

The performance linked incentive (PLI) schemes, he said, have given new momentum to the Make in India campaign, aiding sales of over Rs 2.25 lakh crore and creation of more than 1.5 lakh direct jobs in the sector.

Driven by the aspirations of the people and energy of the youth, Indias automobile sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, he said, and added that in the past year, the Indian auto industry has grown by nearly 12 per cent and exports rose.

Modi remarked that the number of cars sold annually in India surpasses the population of many countries. The sale of approximately 2.5 crore cars in a year demonstrates the continuously growing demand in India, he added. India is currently the worlds fifth-largest economy and the third-largest passenger vehicle market.

The prime minister further said as India ascends to become one of the top three economies globally, the countrys auto market will witness unprecedented transformation and expansion.

Several factors drive the future of mobility in India, including the countrys large youth population, the expanding middle class, rapid urbanisation, modern infrastructure development, and affordable vehicles through the Make in India initiative, he said.

He pointed out a major customer base is Indias middle class and over the past decade, 25 crore Indians have risen out of poverty, forming a neo-middle class that is purchasing their first vehicles.

Modi said India is building a mobility system that supports both the economy and ecology, reducing the import bill for fossil fuels. The country, he said, is focusing on the development of green technology, EVs, hydrogen fuel and biofuels.

Underlining the comprehensive support provided by the government to the auto sector at every level, Modi remarked that over the past decade, new avenues for FDI, technology transfer, and global partnerships were established in the industry.

He informed that in the last four years alone, the sector has attracted over USD 36 billion in Foreign Direct Investment. He noted that this figure was expected to multiply in the coming years. The Prime Minister reiterated the governments commitment to developing a complete ecosystem for auto manufacturing within India.

Modi also talked about the rapid growth of electric mobility in India over the past few years and remarked that the sale of electric vehicles has increased 640 times in the past decade.

He said while only around 2,600 electric vehicles were sold annually ten years ago, over 16.8 lakh electric vehicles were sold in 2024.

The prime minister projected that the number of electric vehicles in India could increase eight-fold by the end of this decade, showcasing the immense potential in this segment.

He also asked the manufacturers to take advantage of the vehicle scrapping policy and suggested that companies could introduce their own incentive schemes to encourage more people to scrap their old vehicles.

The prime minister reminisced Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki. He said that the contributions of both the stalwarts were immense into the growth of the Indian auto sector as well as towards fulfilling the dreams of middle-class families of India.

Modi expressed confidence that their legacy will continue to inspire the entire mobility sector of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Bharat Mobility 2025 presents the India story to the world and that it will augment investments and boost trade for the country.

Auto industry has emerged as a symbol for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India and startups are also participating in the event, he said.

The minister informed that India has become the largest manufacturer of three-wheelers and tractors in the world and also holds the top spot as a two-wheeler market in the world.

Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Lal, H D Kumaraswamy, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Hardeep Singh Puri too were present among other dignitaries at the event.
On the final day for filing nominations for the Delhi Assembly elections, many candidates from AAP, BJP, and Congress officially entered the electoral battle on Friday, including AAP's Patparganj candidate Awadh Ojha, BJP's Sangam Vihar candidate Chandan Kumar Choudhary, and Congress' Kasturba Nagar candidate Abhishek Dutt.

Ojha, a civil services tutor turned politician, offered prayers at a temple before filing his nomination papers. Excited about his first electoral contest, he expressed confidence in his ability to take on the BJP's powerful campaign machinery with AAP's developmental pitch. According to his election affidavit, Ojha has movable assets worth Rs 48.58 lakh, including Rs 1.5 lakh in cash and about Rs 10 lakh in jewelry. His wife has movable assets worth approximately Rs 60 lakh, including Rs 20 lakh in jewelry.

Additionally, AAP candidate Durgesh Pathak from Rajinder Nagar Assembly constituency held a 'Jan Aashirvad Yatra' before filing his nomination. "Today, I am filing my nomination. I am thankful to Arvind Kejriwal for trusting me, and to the whole party. The people are saying they want to make Arvind Kejriwal their CM again. As for the BJP's manifesto, they release one every year, but it's just a collection of lies," he said.

A total of 11 candidates from the BJP also filed their nominations, including BJP's Greater Kailash candidate Shikha Rai and Mehrauli candidate Gajendra Yadav. Before filing her nomination, Shikha Rai said, "BJP is coming to power in Delhi, and we will secure victory from Greater Kailash." She had appeared in BJP's fourth list of candidates released the day before.

BJP's Mehrauli candidate, Gajendra Yadav, held a 'Vijay Sankalp Yatra' in the presence of Lok Sabha MP Anurag Thakur and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj before filing his nomination. "Today, I have come to support Bhuvan Singh Tanwar for his nomination. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him. Together, Bhuvan ji and I will bring a complete transformation to the Cantt Assembly constituency," said Swaraj.

Before filing his nomination, BJP candidate Chandan Kumar Choudhary from the Sangam Vihar constituency said, "I want to thank the party and inform everyone that in the Sangam Vihar region, 60% of the population is from Purvanchal. The party has placed its trust in me by making me a candidate."

In the assembly polls, the BJP is contesting from 68 seats, with one seat each allotted to its allies, Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). After filing his nomination from the reserved seat of Deoli Assembly, LJP (RV) candidate Deepak Tanwar said, "First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to our National President, Chirag Paswan, for entrusting a small worker like me with the responsibility of overseeing the Deoli Assembly. This has brought immense pride to our community. We want to assure our National President that the entire public is with us, and we stand firmly in support of his leadership."

Congress candidate from Kasturba Nagar Assembly constituency, Abhishek Dutt, also offered prayers before filing his nomination. "I thank the people of Kasturba Nagar. All the residents of Kasturba Nagar Assembly know that by voting for Abhishek Dutt, schemes for sewerage, water, and road repairs will be initiated, ensuring the welfare of everyone."

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered 244 cases of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) between January 7 and January 16. A total of 9,558 people were arrested during this period under various provisions, including the Excise Act, according to a statement.
The AYUSH department of AIIMS Bhopal organized a health camp at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Barkheda Pathani. The initiative aimed to extend healthcare services to underserved rural populations.

Dr. Mudda Sofia, Medical Officer from AYUSH was present and actively engaged in the event. The camp provided free AYUSH consultations, yoga counseling sessions, and complimentary medicines to the patients visiting the PHC under the Chief Minister's Sanjeevani Clinic initiative. The camp also included a special yoga session for the patients.

Awareness programs were also conducted to educate the attendees about various holistic healthcare solutions. The beneficiaries included individuals from diverse age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, ranging from young adults to senior citizens. Many people who attended the camp were suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, anxiety, diabetes, and arthritis. The feedback from the patients was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction regarding the inclusion of traditional practices like yoga, which provided additional pathways for addressing their health concerns.

AIIMS Bhopal ED Prof Ajai Singh praised the efforts of the AYUSH department in organizing the health camp. He emphasized the importance of outreach activities like these, which help extend healthcare access and improve outcomes, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. AIIMS Bhopal remains committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services in remote areas as part of its mission. The initiative has had a positive impact on the people of Bhojpur village, encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle through improved healthcare and yoga practices.
Chandigarh shivers at 6.5 C, temps drop in Punjab, Haryana



Chandigarh: Cold weather persisted in Punjab and Haryana on Friday, the meteorological department said. In Punjab, Pathankot was the coldest place as it shivered at 2.8 C. Among other places, Amritsars minimum temperature was 6.9 C, three degrees above normal. The weather office said Ludhiana recorded a low of 7.6 C, one degree above normal. Patiala recorded 8.4 C, followed by. 7 C in Bathinda, 6.9 C in Faridkot and 6.5 C in Gurdaspur districts. Union Territory Chandigarh and the common capital of both states, recorded a low of 6.5 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, Ambalas minimum was 8.5 C while Rohtak recorded 10.1 C. Karnal recorded a low of 7 C, 6 C in Narnaul while Hisar, Bhiwani and Sirsa logged 7.4 C each.



4000 Anganwadi Centers developed into sports-based education & nutrition centers: Hry Minister



Chandigarh, January 17- Haryana's Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry on Friday said that so far, 4,000 Anganwadi Centers in the state have been developed into sports-based education and nutrition centers. In the next five years, 10,000 Anganwadi Centers will be developed as Saksham Anganwadi Centers. Presiding over a meeting with department officials, the minister lauded the decision taken in the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. She said making women sarpanches brand ambassadors of their respective villages will strengthen the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this regard, the minister directed the officials to contact the concerned department and prepare a further roadmap.



Minister inaugurates memorial of first MLA of Ahirwal region Babu Mohar Singh



Chandigarh: Haryana Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Friday said Babu Mohar Singh played an important role in promoting education in various districts of Haryana and was the father and pioneer of a revolution in education in the state. The Forest and Environment Minister said this during the inauguration of the newly constructed memorial of the first MLA of Ahirwal region, Babu Mohar Singh, at Government Senior Secondary School in Kanwali village of Rewari district. He said, Our youth should contribute to the development of the country by following the path shown by such a pioneer of educational revolution, sharp politician, unbiased social worker and visionary thinker.



Farmers must adopt natural farming techniques: Hry Agri Minister



Chandigarh: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Friday said excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is adversely affecting the land and the environment is also getting polluted. He said by adopting natural farming, we can improve the quality of the land. Naturally grown crops are more healthy and also fetch higher prices in the market. Rana was addressing a district-level workshop organized by the Agriculture Department in Radaur town of Yamunanagar district to make farmers aware about natural farming.



Hooda opposes increase in electricity rates in Hry



Chandigarh: Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Friday opposed the BJP Governments decision to increase electricity prices. He said that BJP did not generate even a single unit of electricity, let alone setting up a new power plant during its entire tenure. Despite this, it is constantly increasing electricity rates. Whereas during the Congress rule in the state, 4 power plants and 1 nuclear power plant were established, yet Congress provided the cheapest electricity in the country to the people of Haryana, he added. Hooda further said that during its tenure, Congress had waived off bills worth Rs 1600 crore of electricity consumers, but BJP did not waive a single Rupee of theirs and on top of that, it is continuously collecting different types of money from consumers including fines, FSA, new meter charges. Now the government has issued an order to loot 84 lakh electricity consumers in the name of Fuel Surcharge Adjustment (FSA) by 47 paise per unit. Due to this, every consumer will have to pay Rs 94.47 more for 201 units of electricity consumption.



Himachal CM inaugurates Dharmshala citys first solar power project



Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated the first 750-kilowatt solar power project at Dharamshala in Kangra district, built at a cost of Rs. 4.74 crore. Spanning 8,500 square meters of land, this project will generate approximately 2,000 units of electricity daily, yielding a monthly income of Rs. 2.80 lakh. The construction work of the project was started in October, 2023 and was completed in November 2024. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has entered into an agreement to purchase electricity generated from this project. The project features 1,364 solar panels equipped with comprehensive safety measures, including lightning and fire protection, as well as an earthing and bonding system to ensure electrical safety. Sukhu said that the State Government was promoting green energy and working on a comprehensive strategy to harness solar energy. He said that seven solar power projects with a combined capacity of 72 megawatts would soon be allocated. Additionally, surveys and studies are underway for eight projects with a total capacity of 325 megawatts. He said that for the first time, the government was moving towards developing 200 panchayats as Green Panchayats by installing 200-kilowatt ground-mounted solar plants.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the forests and wildlife of Madhya Pradesh, rich in natural resources, are a vital part of the state's identity. The government is dedicated to their conservation and promotion. The state could have maintained stable forest cover while implementing innovative approaches to wildlife management Due to effective and sincere efforts.

Yadav highlighted the Forest Department's crucial role in rural development and also noted significant changes in forest management over the past two decades. The demand for forest produce has surpassed its availability, increasing biological pressure on resourcesWith population growth. Strict measures are being taken to prevent illegal felling, and private afforestation is being encouraged alongside departmental plantations to bridge the demand-supply gap. To raise awareness about forests and wildlife, approximately 2 lakh people are engaged annually through programmes like Van Mahotsav, Anubhooti, and Wildlife and Conservation Week.

Yadav stated that the 'Buffer-Safar' scheme has introduced new activities for tourists, enabling them to enjoy eco-tourism in the buffer zones of the state's Tiger Reserves. Tourists can explore natural sites, forests, and wildlife, which helps reduce tourism pressure on core areas. Additionally, over 15,000 forest committees have been established in the state, and efforts are underway to make their operations more dynamic. Eco-tourism is expected to boost tourism in the state while promoting conservation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that efforts have been made to enhance the participation of villagers in forest management by making it more practical and transparent while strengthening the joint forest management system with a legal framework. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to transfer net income from forest produce directly to primary forest produce committees. This initiative safeguards the interests of forest dwellers and prevents exploitation by middlemen, ensuring fair benefits for the community.

Chief Minister stated that part of the net income from forest produce is being utilized to develop infrastructure. Madhya Pradesh is among leading states to fix a support price for forest produce, ensuring that forest dwellers receive fair compensation. Additionally, forest dwellers are now involved in processing forest produce, enabling them to earn based on the quality of their collection. This initiative not only ensures better income but also generates additional employment opportunities through processing activities.

The Chief Minister informed that Madhya Pradesh's forest cover has increased by 1,063 square kilometers, and the state leads in implementing the Nagar-Van Yojana, with 39 Nagar-Vans approved this year. Cultural forests are being developed in Ujjain, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho, and Bhopal. The auction of forest produce has transitioned to an e-system in all timber depots. Under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the Forest Department has planted approximately 6.16 crore saplings. Additionally, against the target of collecting 16.09 lakh standard bags of tendu leaves, 16.68 lakh bags were collected, with Rs 667.20 crore distributed as remuneration to tendu leaf collectors.
For the first time since its inception in 2009, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU) on Friday administered an oath to the graduating class of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H.) degree programme.

The oath ceremony, held at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Jabalpur, was attended by a total of 212 students, including 74 from Jabalpur and Mhow campuses, and 64 from the Rewa campus.

The taking of the oath marks the formal induction of the students into the veterinary profession. The milestone symbolizes their dedication to animal welfare, public health, and ethical veterinary practices.

The event was chaired by Lakhan Patel, State Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairy of Madhya Pradesh, as the chief guest. Honourable guests included Shri Jabalpur parliamentarian Ashish Dubey and MLA Ashok Rohani, who were prominent among those attending the event.

Dr Umesh Chandra Sharma, President of the Indian Veterinary Council (VCI), attended as a special guest. The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr Mandeep Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of NDVSU, who played a key role in the success of the event.

The ceremony began with a Saraswati Vandana, followed by speeches from the distinguished guests. Minister Patel encouraged students to become self-reliant, while the Deans of the three affiliated colleges presented their annual reports.

The top students in the B.V.Sc & A.H. degree, Deepti Kushwaha, Nivedita Dwivedi, and Tina Agarwal, were awarded provisional degrees by the guests. The university also launched the Livestock Almanac and distributed books and manuals to students.

The event also featured a campus recruitment drive, organised by the universitys placement cell in collaboration with Dr Asit Jain.

Five organisations provided employment opportunities for students. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr SS Tomar, Registrar, and recognition of the core committees contributions.
Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health took a grave turn on Friday as he continued his hunger strike, now entering its 53rd day. A veteran farmer leader, who began the protest with a weight of 86.95 kilograms on November 26, 2024, has lost a shocking 20 kgs, leaving him frail at just 66.4 kgs. Dallewals deteriorating health has raised alarm among his supporters, with recent medical reports revealing troubling figures in his kidney and liver functions. While typical values for these tests are below one, Dallewals results have surged to 1.75  signaling significant strain on his vital organs.

Despite the alarming decline in his physical condition, Dallewal remained steadfast in his demand for the implementation of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other vital reforms for the farming community. His unwavering resolve has not only underscored the gravity of the farmers movement but also intensified the call for urgent government intervention.

The stark contrast between Dallewals deteriorating health and his unrelenting stance against Governments inaction has become a powerful symbol of the farmers struggle, drawing national and international attention to the escalating crisis.

As Dallewal's hunger strike continued, solidarity protests erupted across Punjab and Haryana, with farmers rallying at the Khanauri border in support. In addition to Dallewals hunger strike, 111 farmers have joined him in an indefinite fast, marking the third consecutive day of their protest.

The Delhi Chalo movement, started in February 2024, showed no signs of slowing down, as the farmers are united by the belief that their demands for MSP and agricultural reforms are just and necessary. On January 16, state administration and police officials visited Dallewal in an attempt to engage with him, but their efforts have, so far, failed to reach a resolution.

The medical crisis surrounding Dallewal has also drawn criticism from the farming community, particularly regarding the Punjab Government's statements in the Supreme Court. Farmer leaders, including Dallewals close aide Abhimanyu Kohar, expressed disbelief at the government's claims that the farmer leaders health was improving. Kohar challenged these assertions, stating, Does fasting improve health or deteriorate it? If hunger strikes were effective for health, hospitals should shut down.

On Saturday (January 18), the protesting farmers are set to meet with leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a pan-India farmers body, in Patialas Patran to strategize their next steps. The meeting will focus on strengthening the movement and planning future demonstrations, including a tractor march scheduled for January 26.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator and a key leader of the agitation along with Dallewal, Sarwan Singh Pandher, announced that 101 farmers would march to Delhi on January 21. The Central Government has yet to engage in dialogue, so we are escalating our movement, Pandher stated, further warning the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the demand for MSP legislation would be fulfilled under his tenure only.

The farmers determination to push forward with their demands is unwavering, despite facing violent opposition. In December 2024, farmers made three attempts to march to Delhi, but each time they were intercepted by Haryana police, who used tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges to disperse the crowds. These confrontations left about 50 farmers injured, further galvanizing the movement.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has intervened in the matter, seeking a comprehensive medical report on Dallewals condition from the Punjab Government. The apex court had directed AIIMS to provide an independent opinion on his health.
Punjab on Friday woke up to a day of anticipation and chaos as the curtains refused to rise on Bollywood actor-cum-parliamentarian Kangana Ranauts much-publicized political drama Emergency. Eager moviegoers, some of whom had queued outside cinemas for the first day, first show, were met with disappointment as theaters across the State abruptly canceled screenings. The movie, a bold retelling of the turbulent 21-month Emergency  from 1975-1977  imposed under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, faced fierce backlash from Sikh organizations, led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which alleged that the film distorted history and vilified the Sikh community.

Instead of rolling credits, the streets outside theaters turned into protest grounds. Demonstrators waving black flags, carrying placards, and shouting slogans such as Boycott Emergency and Ban Emergency crowded major city centers in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala, Barnala, Mansa, Moga and Jalandhar. By mid-morning, theater owners across the State had voluntarily decided to pull the film from their schedules, with many citing security concerns.

The movie was scheduled to be showcased in 70 to 80 theaters of the PVR Group, but following the protests, it never made it to these screens. Security was beefed up and heavy police force was deployed outside the multiplexes, malls, and theatres to prevent escalations, but the protests remained largely peaceful. In Ludhiana and Amritsar, theater managers publicly announced the cancellation of Emergency screenings.

The film, which promised to be a box-office hit, was unable to make its Punjab debut, casting a shadow over its nationwide release  leaving Ranaut decrying the incident as harassment of art and the artist.

Emergency, directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, sought to dramatize the events of 1975-77  a period when civil liberties were suspended, opposition leaders imprisoned, and press freedom curtailed. The films portrayal of Sikh resistance during the Emergency, however, sparked outrage among Sikh groups. The SGPC accused the movie of perpetuating stereotypes, portraying Sikhs as extremists and distorting historical events.

The controversy primarily centers around the depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a prominent Sikh leader of the late 20th century. According to SGPC leaders, the film wrongfully insinuated that Bhindranwale was complicit in Congress-led political strategies during the Emergency. This narrative is both misleading and insulting, said SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, adding, Our history is one of resilience and peaceful protest, not manipulation.

The SGPCs objections extend to the omission of key Sikh contributions during the Emergency. The teaser released on August 14, 2024, sparked controversy by depicting Bhindranwale as being in cahoots with Indira Gandhi, allegedly promising to secure votes for the Congress in exchange for the creation of a separate Sikh state  the portrayal was deemed offensive and deeply damaging to the Sikh community's image.

Contesting the narrative, SGPC emphasized that Bhindranwale had no connection to such events and was not even part of the political scene at the time. They clarified that Bhindranwale only became the chief of Damdami Taksal in 1977, following the passing of Kartar Singh. The film conveniently excluded the peaceful protests led by Sikhs and instead portrayed Bhindranwale  who had no role during that period  as a representative of the Sikh community in a negative and misleading light, said SGPC. They further accused the filmmakers of launching a politically-motivated attempt to tarnish the Sikh community by presenting them as disruptors of peace and anti-national elements.

In reality, Punjab's leaders, particularly Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) figures like Parkash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra, had peacefully opposed Indira Gandhi's decision to impose Emergency. They organized non-violent protests and voluntarily courted arrests to register their dissent, said SGPC.

We approached both the state and central governments to halt this film, but no action was taken, said SGPC spokesperson Partap Singh. The SGPC, considered as Sikhs mini parliament, had also submitted memorandums to district authorities and wrote to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to ban the film across the State.

Meanwhile, the SGPC has vowed to escalate its protests if the film is not withdrawn. Our resolution is clear: this movie must not be allowed to spread lies and misinformation, said Dhami.

Protests Erupts Across Punjab

On the morning of the release, cinema owners across Punjab were caught in a dilemma. While advance bookings had hinted at a strong opening, calls from local authorities and community leaders urged them to reconsider screening the film. By 9 am, major multiplexes in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Chandigarh began issuing refunds.

We received verbal warnings from local groups that demonstrations might disrupt business, said a theater manager in Ludhiana. We couldnt risk the safety of our staff and patrons. Outside, the situation grew tense as protestors gathered, holding placards and chanting slogans. Despite a heavy police presence, the atmosphere was charged, with demonstrators vowing to escalate their agitation if the screenings were not canceled. In Amritsar, a crowd of over 500 protestors marched from the Golden Temple to the citys main cinema hub. Their placards bore messages such as Stop Distorting Sikh History and Respect Our Martyrs. Similar scenes played out in Mohali, where protestors blocked entry to a multiplex, forcing the management to declare an indefinite suspension of the film.

Kangana Ranauts Response

Ranaut, who not only directed and produced Emergency but also starred as Indira Gandhi, reacted sharply to the protests. Taking to social media, the BJP MP from Mandi described the cancellation of screenings as a deliberate attack on creative freedom. She called the cancellation of screenings a "propaganda" effort designed to harm her reputation and the films prospects. This is complete harassment of art and the artist, she added.

Theaters shutting down screenings under pressure is a blow to democracy, Ranaut wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Art should provoke thought, not violence. I have the utmost respect for all religions, especially Sikhism, which Ive admired since my childhood in Chandigarh." Her post, however, failed to assuage critics. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira accused Ranaut of hypocrisy, pointing out her earlier criticisms of Sikh farmers during the 2020 protests against farm laws. Punjabs Chief Minister should immediately ban this film that depicts Sikhs in a derogatory manner, Khaira tweeted.

Political Fallout

The controversy surrounding Emergency has ignited a political debate in Punjab. While the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has remained largely silent, local leaders hinted at their concern over potential communal unrest. We are monitoring the situation closely, said Aman Arora, AAPs Punjab unit president, adding, Our primary responsibility is to maintain peace.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP have also weighed in, with SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia urging the State Government to ban the film. This movie is not just an insult to Sikhs; its an attempt to disturb Punjabs fragile peace, he said. Meanwhile, BJP leaders criticized the protests, accusing the SGPC of politicizing a cultural issue. The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), led by Simranjit Singh Mann, also opposed the film.

Senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa also demanded a ban on the movie not only in Punjab but across the entire country. It distorts historical facts and promotes a biased narrative aimed at creating division and hatred among communities. Such propaganda-driven content serves the vested interests of a few at the cost of national harmony. We cannot allow history to be misrepresented or used as a tool to incite unrest. For the sake of unity and peace in the nation, this movie should not be screened anywhere, he demanded.

Censorship and Legal Battles

Even before its release, Emergency faced challenges from Sikh organizations. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded over 20 edits following objections raised by religious and community groups. While some scenes, including those depicting foreign leaders involvement during the Emergency, were modified, key contentious elements remained unchanged. The SGPC expressed disappointment over the CBFCs handling of the issue. We were assured that our concerns would be addressed, but the final cut shows no regard for Sikh sentiments, said SGPC spokesperson Partap Singh. The organization is now considering legal action to secure a statewide ban on the film.

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No Official Ban by Punjab Govt; Theatre Owners Opt Out of Screening

In a surprising development, cinema owners across Punjab have decided not to screen Kangana Ranauts political drama Emergency, even though the film was released nationwide on Friday. Contrary to speculation, the official sources have confirmed The Pioneer that the Punjab Government has not imposed any ban on the film.

The decision by theatre owners is seen as a precautionary move amidst growing protests and calls for a ban from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC had, a day before, written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the state authorities to block the films release, alleging that it distorts history and disrespects Sikh sentiments. However, a government official maintained that no official orders have been issued to restrict the film release and no ban has been announced.

Despite the lack of government intervention, cinema owners across the State have chosen not to screen Emergency, reportedly to avoid any potential law and order issues. Theatre operators made this decision voluntarily, likely to prevent controversy. The administration has not directed or pressured them in any way, the government official said. While the movie is being screened across the rest of India, Punjabs cinema halls remain an exception, reflecting the theatre owners cautious stance amid the ongoing controversy.
To create a more conducive environment for industrial investment, Punjab Government has decided to expedite the overhaul of focal points across the State. The decision came during a crucial meeting held on Friday evening, where the states Industry, Commerce, and Investment Promotion Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasized the need to ensure that no industrialist faces any difficulty while seeking approvals or setting up new ventures.

The meeting, which took place at Udyog Bhawan and lasted nearly three hours, brought together senior officials from various departments linked to Invest Punjab. During the session, Minister Sond stressed that industrial areas and focal points must be equipped with all necessary amenities and facilities at the earliest. He highlighted that numerous investors have expressed interest in establishing industries in Punjab, but are encountering delays in the approval process, especially related to land acquisition and departmental clearances.

Sond instructed that all relevant departments  Industries, Invest Punjab, Rural Development, Tourism, and others  must work in tandem to streamline the approval process. From land acquisition to online permissions, he urged for smooth and hassle-free procedures. Any issues arising at any level should be promptly reported to me, and I will ensure swift resolution with the support of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, he asserted.

Minister Sond also touched upon the untapped potential for tourism in regions near Chandigarh, suggesting that these scenic areas could be developed to further boost the state's economic prospects. He directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for the development of these regions, ensuring that tourism could also contribute to Punjabs growth.

The key objective of the meeting was to ensure that industrialists face no hindrances when setting up industries in Punjab. Sond noted that new investments are essential for creating jobs and driving economic growth. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against any official or employee deliberately obstructing investment processes, underlining the state government's commitment to maintaining a transparent and efficient investment ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Invest Punjab chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, CEO of Invest Punjab DPS Kharbanda, and others. Their collective efforts will play a pivotal role in realizing Punjab's industrial ambitions and fostering an environment conducive to growth.
Two elderly individuals in Madhya Pradesh lost their lives due to the extreme cold weather gripping the state. Both, suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, succumbed to brain hemorrhages on Thursday night in Datia. They were admitted to the district hospital for treatment, but their conditions worsened due to the cold, confirmed Dr. DS Tomar, the RMO.

The cold wave has tightened its grip on the state, with dense fog covering several districts, including Bhopal and Indore, on Friday. Cold winds intensified the chill, leading to a significant drop in temperatures. Eighteen districts experienced a cold day, with Raisen being the coldest, recording a maximum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius. Other major cities recorded day temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius in Bhopal, 21.2 in Indore, 20.3 in Gwalior, 20.5 in Ujjain, and 20.8 in Jabalpur.

The Meteorological Department predicts that fog will persist in the Gwalior-Chambal region over the next two days, while cloudy conditions are expected in Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain. The cold wave is likely to intensify further from January 19 to 20. A cold day is classified by the department as one where the minimum temperature drops to 10 degrees Celsius or below, and the maximum temperature falls by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below normal.

In a tragic incident related to the severe cold, a couple in Singrauli district attempted to stay warm by burning coal in their room, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning. Laxman Prasad Kushwaha was found dead, while his wife Maya remains in critical condition. Their son discovered them unconscious on Friday morning after breaking open the door.

The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with an Air India Express flight from Kolkata to Indore delayed by 18 hours. The flight, initially scheduled to arrive on Thursday night, was diverted to Ahmedabad due to fog and eventually canceled, leading to protests from passengers at Ahmedabad Airport.

In Gwalior, dense fog contributed to a road accident that claimed the life of 25-year-old farmer Satyabhan Singh Gurjar.

He suffered fatal head injuries after being hit by a Bolero vehicle while riding his bike. In another accident in Ghuraiya market near Baretha toll, a Swift car lost control in heavy fog, collided with a divider, and caught fire. Four youths in the car were rescued by police officers on the scene.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of shallow to moderate fog and cold days in several districts, including Bhopal, Rajgarh, and dense fog in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, and other regions. Residents are advised to exercise caution as the cold wave continues to impact daily life and travel across the state.
Vedanta ESL, a prominent steel manufacturer, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development by distributing over 4000 fruit-bearing tree saplings to villages near its plant.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Environment Department, focused on afforestation, enhancing biodiversity, and providing sustainable nutrition and economic opportunities. Saplings of Mango, Banana, Guava, Amla, and Jackfruit, selected for their adaptability and nutritional value, were distributed among residents.

Speaking at the event, Kunal Daripa, Head of CSR at Vedanta ESL, said, This sapling drive reflects our commitment to fostering sustainability and community well-being. We aim to create a greener future while supporting local livelihoods.

Local leaders praised the initiative. Jitun Ansari, Mukhiya of Chandaha, remarked, These saplings symbolize a sustainable source of nutrition and income for our community. We are grateful for this meaningful program.

This project is part of Vedanta ESLs broader CSR strategy, addressing global sustainability goals by improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and promoting economic self-reliance through the sale of surplus produce.
BJP president JP Nadda on Friday released the first part of the party's manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, announcing Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens.

He also assured all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the BJP is voted to power.

Addressing a press conference while releasing the first part of the 'Sankalp Patra', Nadda said the party's manifesto is the foundation for a developed Delhi.

Hitting out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, he said all corruption charges in the existing public welfare schemes will be investigated.

He promised that a BJP-led Delhi government will approve implementation of the 'Ayushman Bharat ' in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.

"The BJP will give LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder will be given each on Holi and Diwali," he said.

The BJP president also promised Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens between the age of 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those older than 70.

Delhi will vote on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
India stands as an outstanding destination for every investor looking to shape their future in the mobility sector, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, and assured all government support to investors.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam here, the Prime Minister said India is focusing on the development of green technology, EVs, hydrogen fuel and biofuels.

Emphasising that the strength of the 'Make in India' initiative fuels the growth prospects of the country's auto industry, he said sale of EVs is set to increase eight times by the end of the decade.

Modi said the government is working on a mobility system which can support economy and ecology, and create a system which can reduce the country's bill on the import of fossil fuels.

He said 'Make in India' initiative has played a huge role in the development of auto industry.

The initiative has got a push from the PLI (production linked incentive) scheme which has helped in the sales of more than Rs 2.25 lakh crore in the sector. This scheme has created more than 1.5 lakh direct jobs in the automobile sector.

"Ease of travel is a big priority of India. In the last budget, more than Rs 11 lakh crore were provisioned for the development of infrastructure," the prime minister said, and added the network of multi-lanes and highways were expanded.

Noting that India's automotive industry is both fantastic and future-ready, he said India's auto industry witnessed a 12 per cent annual growth last year and exports too rose significantly.

Encouraging corporates to invest in the sector, Modi said the rising middle class, rapid urbanisation, high quality infrastructure development, and affordable vehicles are going to push automobile sector.

The endeavour, he said, is to develop a complete ecosystem for mobility, the PM said.

He also said it is the right time to invest in battery storage system in India.

The five-day expo which is being held across three venues -- Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in the national capital and India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida -- is expected to witness over 100 new launches across automobiles, component products and technologies.

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, scheduled from January 17-22, will bring the entire value chain of the mobility ecosystem -- from automobile manufacturers to components, electronics parts, tyre and energy storage makers, and automotive software firms and material recyclers -- under a single umbrella.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has demanded a 50 per cent rebate for students in Delhi Metro fares, the party said on Friday, hours ahead of the BJP releasing its manifesto for the Assembly polls in the city.

Later, addressing a press conference, Kejriwal announced free bus rides for male students if his party is re-elected in the February 5 polls. The AAP government already provides free bus travel to women in the city.

"Women in Delhi are already enjoying free bus rides. Now, we will extend the same benefit to male students to ease their financial burden and promote education accessibility," Kejriwal said.

The announcement, however, cannot be implemented immediately due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in place in Delhi. Kejriwal assured that the scheme would be a priority for his government if re-elected.

In his letter to Modi, Kejriwal said the discount for students in the DMRC trains should be borne equally by the Centre and the Delhi government as they are partners in the Delhi Metro.

"The metro fares are expensive for students. I have requested PM Modi to introduce this scheme, and we are ready to bear half the cost," Kejriwal said at the press conference, adding that the initiative could be rolled out after the elections.

He also attacked the BJP over the alleged "abuse" of AAP MLA Rituraj Jha by BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla in a TV debate on Tuesday.

BJP national president J P Nadda is scheduled to announce the party's manifesto for the Delhi Assembly polls at 2 pm, at a press conference in the state unit office.

Delhi voters will cast their votes on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.
Naxalism is the biggest enemy of democracy and the Narendra Modi government is determined to end it, Union Home Ministry said on Friday.

The comments came after 12 Maoists were neutralised in a fierce encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Thursday.

"Naxalism is the biggest enemy of democracy and the Modi government is determined to end it. Yesterday, a joint team of central security forces and state police launched an operation in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) and achieved great success against Naxalites. The Modi government is moving forward towards making 'Naxal Mukt Bharat' and the country will be Naxal-free by 31 March 2026," Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office wrote on X in Hindi.

The 12 were killed in the encounter with security forces in the dense forest of the Pamed-Basaguda-Usoor axis of Bijapur district.

Besides the bodies, weapons were also recovered from the site, police said.
Mumbai police on Friday morning detained a suspect in connection with the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, an official said.

The man, whose identity is yet to be established, has been taken to the Bandra police station. He was detained after police questioned several people who resembled the attacker, the official said.

The man brought into the Bandra police station was carrying a backpack similar to the one seen in the CCTV footage from the actor's building, the official said.

Khan was repeatedly stabbed by an intruder in his highrise apartment in upscale Bandra early Thursday and rushed to hospital with the blade still lodged in his spine.

The 54-year-old, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, was out of danger following an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the attack outside his younger son Jeh's room around 2.30 am.

CCTV footage showed the alleged assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the Satguru Sharan building where Khan lives.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday apologised for his controversial reference to AAP MLA Rituraj Jha's surname, as his party sought to put a lid on the row.

"I tender an apology with folded hands to all my Purvanchali brothers and sisters. My words have hurt them. I do not want to offer any justification," Poonawalla said in a video message posted on X, adding that he has a lot of respect for the hardworking people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

In a heated discussion during a television news channel debate on Wednesday, Poonawalla had played on Jha's surname to take a jibe at him, a remark slammed as abusive by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

His swipe had come after Jha played with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson's surname to take a dig at him.

Besides its rivals, BJP ally Janata Dal (United) has also spoken against Poonawalla and sought action against him.

In Delhi, Purvanchal loosely refers to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Voters from the region reside in large numbers in the national capital and have increasingly become influential electorally.

Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8. The contest is being seen as a straight fight between the AAP, in power in the capital since 2015, and the BJP, with the Congress trying hard to regain its lost ground in the city, which it ruled for 15 uninterrupted years till 2013.
An exploration of life and emotion through G. Reghus evocative terracotta sculptures at Art Magnum Gallery, says SAKSHI PRIYA

Art has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering a language beyond words. Rainer Maria Rilkes observation, The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden for a long time, resonates deeply when considering the process of sculpting with clay. This medium, both humble and evocative, captures human emotions in their rawest form, narrating stories that connect with the core of our shared experiences.

The Touchable Emotions exhibition at Art Magnum Gallery features the terracotta sculptures of renowned sculptor G. Reghu. Curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, the exhibition rummages into themes of life, heritage and emotion. Reghus relationship with clay is deeply personal, as he shapes it to express stories that reflect universal human experiences.

Each sculpture explores facets of existence, joy, introspection and connection. The earthy textures and intricate details of the terracotta forms draw viewers into an intimate engagement with the art. Reghus ability to blend Dravidian and African features results in works that feel rooted in tradition while addressing contemporary sensibilities. The energy within the sculptures invites viewers to pause and reflect, creating a quiet dialogue between art and audience.

Reghu draws inspiration from ancient traditions, including the art of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilisations. His sculptures are not replicas of the past; they reinterpret these influences to explore identity and human emotion in a modern context. His figures, with their expressive stances and thoughtful gestures, evoke narratives that are both universal and deeply personal.

The exhibition showcases Reghus mastery of terracotta as a medium, bringing his forms to life with an emotional resonance that remains long after one leaves the gallery. The contours and expressions of his sculptures suggest movement and thought, compelling the audience to engage with the works on a deeper level. Whether through the tension in a figures posture or the serenity of a tilted head, each piece carries an emotional weight that connects with the viewer.

Touchable Emotions celebrates clay as a material with both historical significance and contemporary relevance. Reghus work honours ancient traditions while pushing their boundaries, demonstrating the enduring power of this medium to express complex themes. Through his art, he creates a bridge between the past and the present, showing how heritage and innovation can coexist.

This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on universal themes of life and emotion. Reghus terracotta sculptures serve as a poignant reminder of arts ability to connect us to shared experiences.The world of G. Reghus evocative terracotta sculptures, on display until February 15, 2025, at Art Magnum Gallery, New Delhi. Dont miss the chance to connect with his transformative journey from traditional pottery to emotionally powerful human forms.
January 16, 2025: Bomb Damage Assessment or BDA has, for over a century, tried to determine how effective air strikes were. As the decades rolled by, those who depended on BDA were increasingly frustrated at the inability to get timely and accurate BDA reports. This has caused problems within air forces and with the ground forces being supported.

The U.S. Air Force has a well-deserved, and understandable, reputation for advocating military victory achieved mainly with air power. They still do, in spite of a historical record that will not cooperate. That said, the air force has some solid accomplishments to its credit. In some areas it has been extremely successful. This includes gaining since 1945 and maintaining ever since air supremacy wherever it operates.

But when it comes to influencing the war on the ground the air force is much less dominant. Blame it all on BDA. This is the business of figuring out what to bomb, and what the impact on the enemy is after you bomb. Air force leaders were frequently deceived by the people on the ground being bombed. This began during World War II, when air forces used large scale aerial bombing for the first time, especially against economic targets in Germany between 1943 and 45.

Right after World War II, the U.S. did a thorough survey of the impact of strategic bombing on Germany and Japan. It was discovered that the impact was far different from what BDA during the war had indicated. The air force vowed to do better next time. But as experience in 1950-3 Korea ,1965-72 Vietnam, 1991 Kuwait, 1999 Kosovo, 2003 Iraq and 2006 Lebanon demonstrated, the enemy on the ground continued to have an edge when it came to deceiving the most energetic BDA efforts. The only proven technique for beating the BDA problem was to have people on the ground, up close, checking up on targets, while the fighting was going on. Those with powerful air forces do not want to do this because of the risk of some of their commandos getting killed or captured and because the intel and air force people were sure that they knew what enemy was up to down there by scrutinizing aerial photos. By the 21st Century the wide availability of commercial satellite photos enabled media and individuals to do their own BDA assessments. This led to more accurate BDA because the large number of amateur BDA enthusiasts collectively created more accurate BDA. This was called Crowdsourcing.

The people on ground have consistently demonstrated an ability to deceive aerial surveillance. Even during the early 21st century, when the U.S. developed persistent drone surveillance, the irregular forces they were facing proved capable of reducing the effectiveness of the drone effort. This spotlights another useful fact; air power can be useful on the ground but that happens over time and not quickly. The problem here is with voters and the media. Both demand quick victory and in the U.S. that has developed into the Three Year Rule in that American public support for a war no matter how enthusiastic it was at first, is largely gone after three years. If an air campaign cant get it done in three years, that effort comes under media and political attack no matter how effective it has been.

But there's another problem. The army and air force have a different outlook on planning and risk. The air force sees warfare as a much tidier, and predictable, affair than does the army. In this respect, the air force and navy are closely aligned. Both are technical services, who are used to exercising more control over their forces than do army generals. The army sees warfare as more unpredictable and has adapted to that unpredictability. The army generals are usually skeptical of the air force's ability to take down foes from the air and the army personnel are usually right.

Despite being successful high-tech outfits, American air forces, especially the Navy and USAF frequently have trouble adjusting to changes it does not agree with. When the Cold War ended in 1991 the air force was still largely thinking about continuing to operate as they had done in the Cold War. But the technology and tactics of warfare were changing. The post-Cold War enemy was no longer large, organized forces spread over huge areas. The foe were increasingly irregulars who were harder to spot from the air. The air force reluctantly adapted, in part because the army and CIA adopted new reconnaissance and surveillance techniques, like drones and constant surveillance.

As successful as these new air reconnaissance tools were, they did not seem like a suitable long-term job for the air force. The other services disagreed and it took the better part of a decade after 2001 to get the air force to come around. In 2005 the air force deployed its first Predator drone unit and in 2009 it put its first Reapers to work. They were following the CIA in this area, which caused some misgivings among senior air force leadership. But the army and Congress were calling for more of what the CIA was doing with armed drones for surveillance and attack and the air force joined in.

What the CIA had pioneered was Persistent Surveillance with armed drones. The 24/7 observation by the drones enabled CIA or air force intel analysts to compile information about the target and order one or more missiles fired as soon as the key target was identified and located. This led to an ever growing list of terrorist leaders and their key subordinates killed in this way. At the same time this use of surveillance and precision weapons led to lower collateral, usually nearby civilian, casualties to plummet to historical, and remarkable, lows.

Air force traditionalists warned that in a conventional war this sort of thing would not work. Where the enemy had modern air defense systems and jet fighters, the Predator and Reaper drones would be impractical because they would be quickly shot down. But that is not the type of war being waged now and it is pointed out to the air force that the military has to deal with what they are faced with, not just with what they prefer. Moreover, even in a conventional war there is still work for these new tactics and the tech that makes it possible. The air force still disagreed, but did not have a persuasive alternative. The air force still wanted more money for the stealthy F-35 and a new stealth bomber. This despite the fact that other nations were developing more and more sensors that could nullify stealth.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the war against the Russian invaders led to an unexpected drone revolution. Ukrainians manage to replace most artillery and manned aircraft support, as well as many anti-tank weapons, with dozens of different drone designs. By the end of 2024, thousands of drones were expended a day, while surveillance drones were not obliterated by air defenses and manned aircraft because there were so many small, cheap surveillance drones in action. They were hard to find, hard to hit and were watching everyone. When a target was spotted, the distant drone operators called in attack drones and the target was turned into debris and numerous casualties.

Air forces have been in this position before. This was seen during the 1960s when the U.S. air force and navy aviation suffered unexpectedly high aircraft losses because their aircraft and pilots were not prepared for the lower tech Russian aircraft used against them over Vietnam. This led aircraft to be again equipped with cannon because the new air-to-air missiles were not yet reliable enough to replace the previously despised autocannon.

Then came the concept of using your own aircraft for aggressor or dissimilar training." This began in 1969, when the U.S. Navy established the original Top Gun fighter pilot school. This was done in response to the poor performance of its pilots against North Vietnamese pilots flying Russian fighters. What made the Top Gun operation different was that the training emphasized how the enemy aircraft and pilots operated. This was called dissimilar training. In the past, American pilots practiced against American pilots, with everyone flying American aircraft and using American tactics. It worked in World War II, because the enemy pilots were not getting a lot of practice and were using similar aircraft and tactics anyway. Most importantly, there was a lot of aerial combat going on, providing ample opportunity for on-the-job training.

Not so in Vietnam, where the quite different Russian trained North Vietnamese were giving U.S. aviators an awful time. The four week Top Gun program solved the problem. The air force followed shortly with its Red Flag school. In the early 1980s, the Russians established a dissimilar air combat school, and the Chinese followed in 1987. Currently most major air forces use such a program. Smaller air forces send their pilots to commercial Top Gun/Red Flag programs, often staffed with retired veterans who were instructors at Top Gun or Red Flag.

The U.S. Air Force has another persistent problem that has not yet found a solution. This goes back to 1914 when World War I aircraft first became a factor in military affairs as they demonstrated their superior ability to see what the enemy was up to. Most of the use of air power at the beginning was about reconnaissance and preventing the enemy from seeing what you were doing.

Between the world wars, the idea of using air power as an offensive weapon developed. This proved to be more of a factor at sea, than on land where reconnaissance was still the most useful service air forces provided. Strategic bombing was greatly misunderstood by air forces during and after World War II. Tactical bombing and strafing was more useful, because the fighter-bombers were providing reconnaissance at the same time they were attacking the enemy who were in the way of friendly ground troops. Moreover, the advancing ground forces could and often did report on the effectiveness of recent air strikes.

The U.S. Air Force, however, was not a big fan of tac air as tactical air power was called, because they believed they could be more decisive with strategic bombing. The problem with World War II strategic bombing was that strategic bombing was a blunt instrument. A lot of damage was inflicted, but it was, for all practical purposes, random. So while millions of German and Japanese workers were diverted because they were dead or had to deal with damage to homes and businesses from the war effort by the bombing, there was no decisive effect, as the air force generals intended.

So after a century of trying the ground forces and non-aviation naval forces still cannot get the people up there to come down and get a much needed reality check.
January 16, 2025: Islamic terrorism is more of a threat to Moslems than anyone else, including the United States and Israel. The zealots leading these Islamic terrorist groups expect to die and kill a lot of opponents first. Not surprisingly, most of these victims are fellow Moslems who are considered insufficiently religious, heretical or opposed to terrorism. As a result some 90 percent of Islamic terrorists victims are Moslems.

For over a thousand years, Islamic zealots have generally avoided fighting anyone powerful enough to defeat them. There is no glory in failure at the hand of an infidel. The glory can be had if you slaughter infidels, the more the better.

This was the case last year in Africa, when al Qaeda JNIM Islamic terrorists based in Mali, attacked on the outskirts of the Burkina Faso town of Barsalogho and shot dead over 500 civilians. Using Mali as a sanctuary made it possible for JNIM to plan and organize such a bold and devastating operation. The JNIM gunmen quickly returned unharmed to their Mali sanctuary.

Since the separatist rebellion in northern Mali was defeated in 2012, Mali has faced ongoing problems with corruption, tribal rivalries, and Islamic terrorism. This has prevented peace and prosperity. The situation got worse in 2021 with another military coup, the third since 2012, which this time stemmed from internal disputes within the military. It led to threats from foreign donors to reduce or halt economic aid, especially if the Mali government did not protect the aid and ensure that it reached the people who needed it most.

The problems Mali had with aid donors created frustration over corrupt politicians stealing or misappropriation of foreign aid cash meant to support anti-terrorism and anti-separatist operations. The colonels in charge are reluctant to relinquish power and are attempting to achieve self-sufficiency despite the presence of UN peacekeepers and French troops dealing with the Islamic terrorism in the north.

The May 2021 coup ousted a civilian National Council of Transition or CNT leader, replacing him with a military colonel who then appointed pro-military officials. Despite criticism from foreign donors like France, the military threatened to seek alternative financial aid and managed to obtain the services of Russian mercenaries. Russia was interested in post-war economic deals with Mali and the Mali military government felt more comfortable dealing with the Russians than the French. Russia has supplied Mali with food and fertilizer and mercenaries to help deal with Tuareg separatists and Islamic terrorists in the north.

Over the last decade the Islamic terrorists have been operating closer and closer to the capital Bamako. In September 2024 there was an attack on a military base and the airport outside Bamako. Some aircraft were set on fire. The army captured fifteen of the attackers. In July about forty Russian mercenaries were ambushed and killed in the north near the Algerian border. A Tuareg militia carried out the attack during a sandstorm.

The coup leaders have utilized Mali's gold mines as a resource, though this has also led to protests and security crackdowns. Russia is helping Mali expand gold production The Russian presence is not welcome except to the army officers running the military government. The Tuaregs and local Islamic terror groups are particularly hostile to the Russian presence. The military government and their Russian allies have taken heavy losses recently but still control most of the country. This wont last because popular unrest caused by growing poverty and violence is threatening the military government.

Going into 2025, the military government appears capable of surviving, while the activities of Russian mercenaries are not. They are also being hunted by Ukrainian special operations forces.

Another obscure Islamic terrorism campaign has taken place in Central Asia. Much has changed in this region since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Central Asia is the nations of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These five nations have a total population of 77 million and nearly all adults are literate, compared to 27 percent literacy in neighboring Afghanistan. Decades of peace have enabled the local economies to prosper, with total GDP growing from $347 billion in 2021 to nearly $500 billion by the end of the decade. Kazakhstan has oil deposits and the highest per capita GDP of $33,000. Worst off is Kyrgyzstan, which has no known natural resource to export and a population of only 7.2 million, which explains its low per capita GDP of $6,300.

Central Asians are largely Moslem and their young men were aware of the fighting involving Islamic terrorists in the Middle East and neighboring Afghanistan. Since 2002, thousands of young men who sought to join Islamic terror groups could not do it in Central Asia. Instead these men had to travel somewhere else to act on their impulse to be active Islamic terrorists. Many Central Asian men joined ISIL, but not in Central Asia. With the elimination of the ISIL caliphate in Syria and Iraq in 2018, there were lots of documents and survivors, like families of ISIL men, some ISIL members, and local civilians, who were questioned and lots of data analyzed. The results were some accurate numbers about Central Asian participation in ISIL through the end of 2018. As many as 5,000 Central Asians made it to Syria. Over half survived and got out. More worrisome was the fact that for every Central Asian who tried to get into Syria, some were stopped at the Syrian border in Turkey and turned back or, in a few cases, arrested. The Turks collected data on those turned away and some of those were later captured or killed in Syria. Some of those turned back eventually made it in, but few returned home to become active Islamic terrorists. That is the pattern; many get radicalized, leave, and never return.

Because the potential Islamic terrorists left Central Asia and few returned, there have been few Islamic terror attacks in Central Asia. After each of these the response was swift and usually led to the capture of those responsible and others who were among the usual suspects but not known to be active. This effective counterterror response motivated many radicalized young men to seek safer nations in which to defend Islam with extreme violence.

Most of the nations involved here used to be part of the Soviet Union and still have effective secret police and local dictators to ruthlessly suppress dissent. People are putting up with this so far but popular anger about corruption and inefficient government is growing. The region has become an economic and diplomatic battleground for Russia and China, and China is winning. This is something Russia doesnt like to discuss, but among Russians the real threat is from the east, not the west. China brings trade and prosperity, which Central Asians take advantage of.

The one enduring problem in Central Asia is poor government. This is the result of decades of misrule by the Soviet Union until 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the five Central Asian states were among the fourteen states to emerge from the Soviet Union, which had long been called by westerners, the Prison House of Nations. Local rule soon devolved into a form of local dictatorship with the dictator forced to behave in order to prevent a violent revolution. This allowed the new free-market economy to prosper, provide a better life for most Central Asians, and enough money for corrupt local rulers to live well and protect the new economies.

Going into 2025 the Central Asian nations all seek to modernize and improve their economies and job opportunities for the growing population of job seekers. Prosperity and plenty of jobs is a proven antidote for Islamic terrorism.
January 17, 2025: As of early 2025 Ukraine has seven Patriot batteries and NATO nations have assured Ukraine that additional supplies of missiles will arrive as quickly as they can be taken from existing stockpiles or manufactured in the United States. Japan is the only other nation to manufacture Patriot missiles and they are increasing production to replace the missiles NATO nations have sent to Ukraine.

Patriot systems began operating in Ukraine two years ago with the usual spectacular results. This was especially the case because the Ukrainians tended to find additional uses for many of the weapons they received from NATO countries.

Since 1970 over 10,000 Patriot missiles and 1,500 launchers have been produced. After decades of service, some were updated while others were scrapped. Patriot missiles can, with regular upgrades and refurbishment, remain in storage and usable for over 40 years. A growing number of Patriot missiles are doing just that, but many are still fired each year for training and testing. Most Patriot batteries are equipped with both longer-range GEM-T missiles for aircraft and shorter-range PAC-3 MSE ones for ballistic missiles or, if necessary, aircraft. The PAC 2 is older, cheaper, and designed to intercept manned aircraft at ranges up to 160 kilometers, while the PAC 3 is the newest and most expensive version costing $4 million to $5 million each. The Patriot system, with continued upgrades, will likely remain in production until the 2040s, though it badly needs a mobile replacement for various reasons such as attack by swarms of cheap UAVs, plus that the precise location of Patriot radars can be easily determined from orbit. Demand for Patriot missiles in Ukraine means that nearly all the older Patriot missiles are being used and the manufacturers are working overtime to produce more missiles.

Each Patriot battery is manned by about a hundred troops and contains a radar plus four or more launchers. The launcher is designed to use both the smaller PAC 3 missile as well as the original and larger PAC 2 anti-aircraft version. A Patriot launcher can hold sixteen PAC 3 missiles versus four PAC 2s. A PAC 2 missile weighs about a ton while a PAC 3 weighs about a third of that. The PAC 3 has a shorter range that was originally 20 kilometers, but the latest version can do 35 kilometers. The larger PAC-2 can reach 160 kilometers.

Currently Patriot air defense systems are found worldwide. For example, there are 60 Patriot batteries in service in the United States. A Patriot battery includes only one fire unit with up to 8 launchers, one radar, one command post, communication, and support vehicles.

NATO members are heavy users of Patriot systems. Germany has about 10 Patriot PAC-3 batteries; The Netherlands has less than 3 Patriot PAC-3 batteries; Sweden is in the process of receiving up to 4, and currently has up to 2 Patriot PAC-3 batteries; Romania has up to 7 with currently up to 4 more Patriot PAC-3 batteries in the process of being received. Poland has 2 Patriot batteries and plans for up to 12 PAC-3 batteries. Greece has 6 Patriot PAC-2 batteries; Spain has 3 Patriot PAC-2 batteries. Japan has 24 Patriot anti-missile PAC-3 batteries; South Korea has eight Patriot PAC-3 batteries; Kuwait has 7-8 batteries (possibly 6 more in PAC-2); Qatar has 4-6 Patriot PAC-3 batteries; Saudi Arabia has 25 batteries; UAE has nine Patriot PAC-3 batteries and Israel has 4 Patriot anti-aircraft PAC-2 batteries.

Ukraine has asked for Patriot batteries European countries sought to locate and send as many Patriot batteries as they could to Ukraine. Germany organized this effort. By 2025 most of the NATO Patriot batteries were in Ukraine or on their way.

In early 2024 eight Patriot batteries arrived in Ukraine. The Ukrainians wanted 25 Patriot batteries and over a thousand Patriot missiles to defend military and civilian targets from Russian missile attacks. The Patriot batteries already in Ukraine made it impossible for Russia to use their jet fighter-bombers inside Ukraine. Russia does use these aircraft from inside Russia, near the Ukrainian border, to launch glide bombs at targets inside Ukraine. These GPS guided bombs can be intercepted by a Patriot system that is within about 150 kilometers of the target.

Russia had problems producing missiles because of Western economic sanctions. Undeterred, the Russians improvised. They developed ways to produce cruise missiles anyway, but not as many or as capable. Russia has found new sources for components, some of them obtained by smuggling or purchases of components that can be adapted for use in missile production. Most of the smuggling is done via Armenia and Turkey, two countries that are hospitable to smuggling if it has some benefits for locals. Although Turkey is a NATO member, smuggling is tolerated if the smugglers will pay the right people for access. Such corrupt behavior has long prevented Turkey from joining the European Union.

Russia has expended most of its missile stockpiles and the sanctions had, for a while, prevented Russia from replacing those missiles. Restoring Russian missile production hurts Ukraine because the missiles are difficult to intercept and cause a lot of damage to Ukrainian infrastructure and armed forces. NATO is seeking to disrupt the smuggling while it provides Ukraine with more air defense systems that can deal with incoming missiles. The problem is that NATO cannot supply Ukraine with enough defensive systems to protect all the economic targets Russia wants to attack. NATO considers sanctions the best way to prevent increased Russian missile production, but it appears that current efforts will not be sufficient. The solution is more effective sanctions and that effort is underway.

For sanctions to work they must constantly evolve as the sanctioned nations seek ways to evade the sanctions. This is an economic conflict as harsher sanctions are easier to impose than they are to evade. Russia is already spending more of its national budget on weapons production than it is on social services for the Russian population. The Russian government is taking a risk here because, if too much more privation is imposed on its civilian population, there will be more internal opposition to the war effort. This cannot be ignored but Russia feels they can endure this until they cant. It is difficult to determine how much privation Russians will tolerate before they actively protest the situation. Russia has been able to limit popular protests to the war effort but the protests can increase to the point where the Russian government cannot ignore the welfare of its own people.
The Democrat mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, slashed the Los Angeles Fire Departments (LAFD) budget by $17.6 million for fiscal year 2024 to 2025 and prior to the devastating Los Angeles fires she was planning a further $49 million cut. She then squandered and misappropriated crucial fire department funds to erroneous, wasteful woke projects within the city.

There was planning for woke, trans, gay, black diversity projects and issues, but little or no planning for halting or slowing down inevitable wildfires.

Less than a month before the CA fires broke out, Los Angeles Fire personnel showed up en masse to an LA Fire Commission meeting warning that budget cuts could lead to major consequences and people would die.pic.twitter.com/v8jUGxy0aD  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 16, 2025

Fighting fires and safeguarding the people of Los Angeles and their properties was therefore not a priority for Mayor Bass, who has consistently demonstrated to be more interested in spending money on spurious, ineffectual woke socialist diversity equity inclusivity schemes instead.

WHO IS MAYOR KAREN BASS? Now does it all make sense? If this is true  it's time for Karen to be investigated  Was this all a plan to let LA burn? pic.twitter.com/65EOq7jP40  BelannF (@BelannF) January 9, 2025

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FUNDS DIVERTED

Los Angeles diverted $100,000 of fire funds to the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department for a Midnight Stroll Transgender Cafe, according to its 2024 to 2025 budget.

The Cultural Affairs Department Special Appropriations budget burned through $100,000 of fire department funds for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Awards.

The budget squandered $8,670 of LAFD money for the One Institute the International Gay and Lesbian Archives.

The budget diverted $13,000 of wildfire funds for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Heritage Month Programs.

The mayor misappropriated $14,010 of fire Dept. funds to the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles African American History Month, American Indian Heritage Month, Latino Heritage Month and Asian American History Month Programs were each allocated $13,000 of crucial firefighting funds.

The budget also improperly misused funds earmarked for wildfires of $170,000 in total for Social Justice Art-Worker Investments.

The list goes on and on
January 17, 2025: This year Germany is increasing the number of divisions in its 180,000 strong army from three to four divisions without increasing the size of the army. Germany also has 30,000 army reservists. In 1991, after the Cold War ended and Germany was reunited the combined German army had nearly half a million troops. Over the next twenty years that declined to 180,000. Then Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 triggered a period of rearmament and reorganization among NATO nations closest to Ukraine and Russia.

One major change was the creation of a territorial defense division composed of reservists who will staff six regiments of a thousand men each to protect critical transportation and infrastructure assets during a crisis.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a wakeup call for nearby NATO countries that they might eventually have problems with Russia. This led to increases in defense spending and reorganization of armed forces.

Germany was particularly keen on upgrading their defenses. Only Poland stands between Germany and Russia and the Poles began creating what is becoming the powerful military in Europe. That includes a force of 1,600 tanks as well as 2,000 armored infantry vehicles plus self-propelled artillery, and multiple rocket launchers. There are also several thousand armored and unarmored, mostly wheeled but some tracked support vehicles.

Germany is much less prepared than Poland with only 295 tanks. As the war in Ukraine continues, Germany plans to expand its tanks force and obtain armaments similar to those now used by Poland. In addition to offensive armaments, Germany is reviving its Cold War era territorial forces. Before East and West German were reunited in 1990. West Germany maintained extensive territorial forces to guard the rear area, which included most of West German, from Russian or East German commando attack and sabotage.

In 2024 Russia prepared to resume its long dormant sabotage campaign in Western Europe, Germany wants to be prepared if the Russian army attacks NATO and increases its sabotage activity. German intelligence has been searching for Russian sleeper agents since the 1990s while the Russians have been sending more of these operatives to Germany.
A fire which broke out at a waste management business in Ringsend in the early hours of this morning will be subject of 'an immediate and thorough investigation', the company's CEO has said.

More than 60 firefighters are currently dealing with the blaze at RiverRidge's Craigmore Road facility.

Speaking this morning, RiverRidge's CEO Brett Ross said: At around 3am this morning (Friday 17th January) a fire was detected at our Craigmore Facility.

"The Northern Ireland Fire Service is currently dealing with the situation, and it is too early to assess the cause and extent of the damage.

"The fire will be the subject of an immediate and thorough investigation and both the Health and Safety Executive and Northern Ireland Environment Agency have been notified.

"Contingency plans for the company have been enacted and we have alerted key customers to assure them of our ongoing services. The collection of waste is ongoing, although there will be some disruption/delays to the likes of our skip services.

"I would like to thank the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their immediate response and support and apologise for any inconvenience caused to our neighbours.

"No one has been injured during the incident.

Meanwhile, the PSNI have advised that road closures are in place as a result of the fire.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Motorists are advised that roads will remain closed in the Garvagh area for a number of hours while colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service tend to a fire on Craigmore Road. Closures are in place at Ringsend, Cashel Road, Drumcoon Road and Mayboy Road. Please avoid the area at this time."
Disneyland Paris is hosting auditions in Dublin and giving people the chance to join their team on February 10 2025.

The auditions will be held in Liffey Trust Studios in North Dock, Dublin at 9:30am.

Disneyland Paris is looking for Disney character look-alike's, Disney character performers and parade performers that are "able to demonstrate high energy level, a full range of motions with their bodies, and good coordination."

"An added Parade Performer level to Character roles, requires solid dance and/or acting skills through significant training and/or stage experiences," Disneyland Paris added.

Audition process:

Create a profile and check in at In@DisneyAuditions.com

The location:



Liffey Trust studios

117-126 Upper Sheriff Street

North Dock, DUBLIN DO1 HW96

Recommended attire:

For the audition, Disneyland Paris advise to wear comfortable clothing.

READ NEXT: Brewing up a storm! Arctic beast set to return to Ireland as shown on new maps

Successful candidates:

Contracts can start within a six-month period following the audition.

Housing possibilities are available if coming from outside of Paris suburbs or overseas.

Visa applications to work in France can be available for non-EU citizens. Each successful candidates concerned will be informed of the necessary process.

These positions may include some night work and are subject to French law, in accordance with the protection of young workers, candidates must be 18 years of age to legally work in France.

About Disneyland Paris

As the leading European company in entertainment, Disneyland Paris creates and produces the "most Magical shows, parades and festivals throughout the year on 16 different stages."

Click here for more information: Disneyland Paris Auditions
The 2 Johnnies have recently released part three of their podcast series "The GAA Catfish" that had shocked the nation in 2022.

The 2 Johnnies share an unbelievable series of events uncovering how at least 30 men in Ireland have been deceived by multiple different fake account profiles seemingly made by one woman.

The latest episode has been streamed over 2 million times since it was recently released.

These accounts were made on social media platforms, dating apps and WhatsApp and were all run by the same woman, aimed to speak to and form relationships with men, including high profile GAA players from around the country.

In part one of the series, one of the hosts Johnny B shares his experience of getting catfished by the woman whose name has not been shared.

This revealed a whole operation led by the woman which truly shocked the 2 Johnnies and led to the viral creation that is the GAA Catfish podcast series.

The first episode of the podcast series dives deep into how Johnny B's relationship started with the fake account and how exactly he realised he was being catfished.

His story grows darker and darker as he soon realised that the woman behind it all was right in front of him the whole time- and she had even driven him right to his home one morning!

Johnny said his "mind was blown" when he realised "Cora O' Donovan," the beautiful girl he was eager to meet from Instagram, was actually a girl under the name "Nicki" who claimed to be Cora's friend.

Episode one tells the whole series of events and explains how the infamous tale began, while also revealing other peoples' had also been used by the "Cora O' Donovan" account.

In episode 2 the Johnnies revealed that "a flood of revelations emerged" after they shared their story in the 3Arena in 2022 as thousands of people came forward to reveal they have also been catfished by the same account and multiple other accounts used by "Nicki".

More stories are uncovered and the extent to which "Nicki" went to catfish her victims shocked the whole country once the story got out.

"Nicki" stalked some of these men and posted pictures of them online when she did so.

She even impersonated family members to guilt trip men into texting her back, there was nothing "Nicki" hadn't tried.

In the latest episode, the story had even caught the attention of producers of The Tinder Swindler on Netflix and at the BBC who both wanted to make documentaries on these stories.

READ NEXT: 'We need to keep an eye on next week' - Potential storm bearing down on Ireland

The 2 Johnnies said they would make a documentary with the BBC, but only if "Nicki" agreed to be involved, which she declined to do so.

The 2 Johnnies warn in the third episode that it features dark issues like rape and gender based violence and warned listeners before engaging with that episode.

The episode dives further into the catfish operation run by "Nicki" and revealed shocking information about the events that occurred in 2024.

The 2 Johnnies even reached out to the PSNI to make sure a background check was carried out for "Nicki" as they were worried for her mental health, which led to the PSNI being satisfied by her mental health.

Towards the end of the episode, they speak to a doctor who educates listeners on the psychology behind catfishing and why some people may turn towards creating fake profile accounts.

The 2 Johnnies "thank all who have tuned into the third instalment" and "are overwhelmed by the response and the stories that have poured in from listeners."

The episodes can be listened to on Spotify.
The mother of a teenager murdered 50 years ago has welcomed a court decision to uphold the convictions of three men found guilty of the crime.

The Court of Appeal on Friday upheld the historical convictions of the three men found guilty of the murder of Francis Rice in Castlewellan, Co Down, in 1975.

The court examined the safety of the convictions of George Kirkpatrick and brothers Eric and Cyril Cullen  known as the Castlewellan Three  after a referral from the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Eric Cullen is the only one of the three still alive but the families of the other two men secured permission to pursue appeals on their behalf.

Catholic teenager Francis, who was 17, was abducted and stabbed to death in Castlewellan in May 1975.

An application on behalf of the Castlewellan Three, who were each handed life sentences, was made to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2022.

The commission then referred the case to the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

The sole evidence against the men in their 1981 trial was signed confession statements made to the police.

However, Kirkpatrick and Eric Cullen claimed the admissions had been concocted by the police and they had signed them not knowing what they contained while Cyril Cullen claimed he was coerced into signing a confession through police intimidation and threats.

The appeal highlighted that several police officers involved in investigating the case, and conducting some of the admission interviews, were later criticised in a different court case for fabricating and concocting statements.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on Friday. The three judges emphasised that an historical conviction is not unsafe just because the case involved some police officers who were later discredited in another case.

Outside court, Francis Rices mother Theresa welcomed the ruling.

Im glad justice has been done, she told reporters.

It has been 50 years we have waited for this  to get this cleared up.

We knew they were guilty. We knew what they had done but they kept bringing it up all the time.

Michael Madden, a solicitor representing Eric Cullen, said he and the families of the other convicted men were disappointed.

Eric and the rest of the Cullen family and the Kirkpatrick family are very disappointed obviously with todays judgment, he told the BBC.

The families and Eric have maintained their innocence for over 30 years. They still maintain their innocence and were going to consider the full judgment.

He said they would now look at what other options might be available.
Asian countries urgently need to strategize against aggressive Trump 2.0 policies

As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as President of the US on January 20, his controversial campaign statements and post-election remarks have raised alarm among allies in Europe and Asia. Proposals such as imposing higher import tariffs, demanding increased military spending from allies, withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), and even attempting to purchase or annex Greenland have left countries scrambling to assess potential impacts and countermeasures.

In Asia, nations like South Korea and Japan, where US troops are stationed, are bracing for intensified demands under Trump's leadership. Although Taiwan does not host US forces, it must also prepare for shifts in areas such as national defense, trade, technology, and industrial policies.

Japan offers a cautionary example from Trump's first term in 2017 when he demanded a fivefold increase in Tokyo's annual contribution to the costs of US forces stationed in Japan--from JPY200 billion (approx. US$1.27 billion) to JPY1 trillion. The Japanese government resisted, resulting in a stalemate until Joe Biden assumed office and negotiated a modest JPY10 billion increase. With Trump's return, this unresolved issue is likely to resurface.

Should Trump demand a significant increase in military cost-sharing again, it could strain US-Japan relations, potentially pushing Japan to explore deeper cooperation with China or improve ties with Russia. Similar pressures may confront South Korea and Germany, where US forces are also stationed, forcing these nations to reevaluate their strategic positions.

Experts believe Trump's primary geopolitical rival in his second term will be China, whose economic, technological, and military capabilities surpass those of Russia. For Trump to counter China effectively, Asian allies such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines are critical. However, if these nations refuse to yield to excessive US demands, they could be driven closer to Beijing, undermining Trump's Indo-Pacific security strategy.

Vietnam, Mexico, and Taiwan, which all benefited from supply chain restructuring during Trump's first term and the US-China trade war, might also face new challenges. While Trump's initial policies slightly reduced China's manufacturing dominance, they failed to boost domestic production in the US, instead benefiting countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and Taiwan.

To strengthen its bargaining position, Japan is proactively rebuilding economic ties with China, and reintroducing agricultural and seafood exports to the Chinese market. Both Japan and South Korea have resumed free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with China and are engaging in high-level economic dialogues. For South Korea, managing the North Korean threat requires China's influence. These developments suggest that "Trump 2.0" could inadvertently push US allies closer to its strategic rival.

A similar dynamic is unfolding in Europe, where leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have expressed strong opposition to Trump's policies.

If Trump's return deepens economic and trade ties between China and key US allies such as Japan and South Korea, Taiwan will face unprecedented challenges. Strategic reliance on Japan in regional conflicts may prove unrealistic. How should Taiwan balance competing pressures from the US and China? What bargaining chips does Taiwan hold in managing its relationship with Washington?

Domestically, Taiwan's ruling party holds a minority in the Legislative Yuan, complicating the implementation of the Executive Yuan's policies. As President Ching-te Lai grapples with navigating relations with both the US and China, the road ahead promises significant challenges for Taiwan's government.
Apple sets Shanghai subsidiary to drive AI integration in China

As 2025 unfolds, China's smartphone market faces a wave of price cuts, with Apple launching promotions and Huawei following suit by adjusting its pricing. While manufacturers compete for market share through innovation in a contracting market, the increasing similarity of smartphone models and features has made differentiation challenging.

Weakened consumer spending in China has suppressed demand for smartphone upgrades, resulting in higher inventory levels and fueling a price war. At the same time, the reliance on "incremental" innovations has left manufacturers struggling to highlight distinctive features.

To drive sales, Apple and Huawei are ramping up efforts, while the Chinese government has introduced a national subsidy program offering consumers financial incentives to purchase new smartphones.

Strategic move signals AI push in Chinese market

Soaring component costs over the past year have driven up smartphone prices, with devices exceeding CNY4,000 (US$546) becoming commonplace. To counter cautious consumer spending and rising costs, manufacturers are increasingly pivoting to AIa pivotal shift no company can afford to ignore.

On January 10, Apple announced the creation of a new subsidiary in China, with Tejas Kirit Gala serving as its legal representative. The move is likely tied to Apple's plans to introduce Apple Intelligence to the Chinese market.

Yicai Global, citing Chinese business registration data, reports that Apple Technology Development (Shanghai) was established in early 2025 with a registered capital of US$35 million. The subsidiary's business scope includes software development, big data services, data processing, and storage solutions.

Data localization key to Chinese market entry

Apple's China division has not disclosed details about the operational plans for its new Shanghai subsidiary, nor clarified whether a large data center is in the works. Notably, while Apple has previously established data centers elsewhere in China, this marks its first such venture in Shanghai.

Apple's establishment of a Shanghai subsidiary comes at a pivotal moment as the company aims to introduce AI services to the Chinese iPhone market. However, the rollout hinges on regulatory approvals, leaving the feasibility of Apple Intelligence in China uncertain.

Industry experts suggest that data localization is a critical requirement for Apple to launch Apple Intelligence in China. The establishment of the Shanghai subsidiary underscores Apple's effort to align with local data processing regulations.

Chinese tech partnerships crucial for market success

Canalys forecasts suggest Apple is preparing to introduce its own Large Language Model (LLM) beyond ChatGPT, making it one of the leading Western AI LLM contenders likely to secure regulatory approval in China.

Public records reveal that in September 2017, Apple established Apple Technology Service (Guizhou) Co., Ltd., investing US$1 billion to build a data center in Guizhou. Notably, Tejas Kirit Gala stepped down from the company in December 2024.

Apple is reportedly in talks with Chinese tech giants Tencent and ByteDance to integrate its LLM into iPhone systems tailored for Chinese users. Rumors also suggest Baidu might emerge as another potential collaborator.

Market dynamics favor early movers

Industry experts warn that Apple's delay in launching Apple Intelligence in China weakens its competitive position, as local smartphone makers accelerate the integration of AI features and develop terminal and cloud-based LLMs. Governmental restrictions further complicate Apple's efforts.

Canalys data reveals a 591% year-over-year surge in AI smartphone shipments in China during the third quarter of 2024, underscoring vast market potential. The report highlights Chinese smartphone makers' advancements in AI model optimization, leveraging quantization and pruning techniques to enhance quality while reducing parameter complexity.

Source: Canalys, compiled by DIGITIMES, January 2025

Xiaomi CEO Jun Lei is ramping up AI investments as Xiaomi Automobile gains traction in the market. By late 2024, Lei reportedly recruited Fuli Luo, a renowned developer of DeepSeek-V2, to strengthen Xiaomi's AI large model team.

In the AI era, the high training costs of LLMs and advanced AI inference chips have raised entry barriers for smartphone makers. OEM/ODM-based manufacturers struggle to sustain profitability, while Apple faces intensifying competition in its bid to penetrate the Chinese AI market.
Apple's supply chain evolves: iPhone makers pivot as India and China gain ground

Recent shifts in the global smartphone manufacturing landscape highlight diversification efforts among iPhone manufacturers. Tata Electronics is exploring partnerships with major Android brands, while Luxshare expands through acquisitions, reducing reliance on Apple. As Taiwanese firms pivot towards AI and other sectors, this trend underscores the need for new revenue streams amid a maturing market.

Indian media indicated that Tata Electronics is exploring partnerships with major Android smartphone brands like Xiaomi and Oppo, signaling a move beyond Apple's ecosystem. Concurrently, Luxshare, a prominent Chinese electronics manufacturer, has expanded its reach by acquiring nine ODM businesses from Wingtech, further solidifying its position in the broader smartphone market. These developments highlight a growing trend among iPhone manufacturers to diversify their operations and mitigate reliance on Apple.

Traditionally, Taiwanese companies like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron have dominated iPhone assembly. However, this landscape is evolving rapidly. Wistron has divested its Chinese and Indian manufacturing facilities to Luxshare and Tata Electronics, respectively. Pegatron has followed suit, selling its Chinese operations to Luxshare and receiving approval to sell its Indian facility to Tata Electronics. This leaves Foxconn as the sole major Taiwanese player primarily focused on iPhone assembly.

This shift reflects a broader industry trend. Recognizing the limitations of the maturing smartphone market, Taiwanese manufacturers are actively pursuing growth opportunities in sectors like AI servers, electric vehicles, healthcare, and telecommunications. Even Foxconn, despite its strong ties to Apple, has seen its iPhone assembly volumes decline and is now prioritizing the burgeoning AI server market. This strategic pivot is evident in Foxconn's recent financial performance, with record-breaking annual and quarterly revenue driven by AI server sales, while consumer electronics revenue experienced a downturn.

The emergence of Tata Electronics and Luxshare as key players in the Android smartphone market holds significant implications. Both companies have received strong support from Apple, aligning with the tech giant's global production diversification strategy. As global supply chains continue to evolve, expanding their manufacturing portfolios is crucial for both companies.

While Luxshare primarily assembles iPhones and Tata Electronics focuses on iPhone casings, the saturated smartphone market necessitates a broader customer base. For Tata Electronics, this expansion presents a crucial opportunity to deepen its business integration, enhance its manufacturing capabilities, and contribute significantly to India's "Make in India" initiative.

Apple itself is navigating the challenges of a maturing market. The company is exploring new growth avenues through initiatives like Vision Pro and AI, but the high price of Vision Pro and the slower-than-expected development of AI pose significant hurdles. This raises concerns about Apple's long-term sustainability, given its heavy reliance on iPhone revenue.

The criticisms levied by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg  that Apple has become complacent, relying on iPhone profits for two decades with limited innovation  underscore the urgency for Apple to adapt. While Tata Electronics and Luxshare are poised to benefit from continued Apple orders, they are also proactively mitigating the risks associated with over-reliance on a single customer. This strategic diversification reflects a broader industry shift, where companies are actively seeking new avenues for growth and navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape

Source: IDC, January 2025

Source: Apple, October 2024
Vietnam 'sometimes insufficient' power risks semiconductor push

Despite ambitious plans to develop its semiconductor ecosystem, Vietnam faces persistent power supply issues that could impede industry growth and foreign investment.

According to The Investor, Vietnam's government has acknowledged that power supply to semiconductor companies is "sometimes insufficient," with these shortages emerging as a major obstacle to the industry's development. The power constraints have not only disrupted personnel training, research, and manufacturing. Most notably, in mid-2023, a power crisis in northern Vietnam impacted mobile phone production and reportedly contributed to Intel halting its expansion plans in the country.

While peak electricity demand approaches in May 2025, the Vietnamese government has urged companies like Foxconn to conserve energy. Although Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has reassured the public that such shortages will not recur, industry experts warn that power supply issues, alongside talent shortages and high capital costs, could deter semiconductor investments.

In response to these challenges, Vietnam plans to restart nuclear energy development, aiming for a net-zero target by 2050, having secured cooperation agreements with Russia to revive two nuclear plants in Ninh Thuan.

DIGITIMES Research analyst Chou Yen has emphasized that power supply and labor remain the two primary concerns for Taiwan-based companies when setting up facilities in Vietnam. In comparing the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) between Vietnam and Indiaanother favored location for Taiwan-based enterprises in recent timesthe data shows Vietnam demonstrating superior power grid reliability.

Based on data from 2020, Vietnam experienced an average of 356 minutes without power over the year, whereas India faced a significantly higher average of 6,369 minutes. Furthermore, power outages in Vietnam occurred an average of 3.12 times during 2020, compared to an average of 157 times in India. Notably, within Vietnam, the power grid in the southern region shows greater reliability than in the north, nearing the level of reliability found in Taiwan.

Vietnam's semiconductor strategy aligns with Malaysia's, focusing on backend packaging and testing. With 174 semiconductor-related projects totaling US$11.6 billion in investment, the country aims to attract foreign direct investment and train 50,000 professionals by 2030. However, bureaucratic inefficiencies remain a concern, leading to recent efforts to streamline administrative processes for improved efficiency.
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CoWoS-L production capacity gradually increasing, confirms Nvidia CEO

During the inauguration ceremony of SPIL on January 16, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang stated that the Blackwell system has now fully entered production, which will gradually enhance CoWoS-L capacity. He further stated that "physical AI," the combination of AI and robotics, presents a significant opportunity for Taiwan.

Huang noted that Taiwan has demonstrated strong capabilities in technological breakthroughs and supply chain flexibility. The production capacity of CoWoS technology has quadrupled within just two years, particularly with rapid advancements in the more complex CoWoS-L technology. As Blackwell enters full production, these breakthroughs will continue to drive Nvidia's technological evolution.

He also highlighted that Nvidia has collaborated with SPIL for over 27 years. When discussing partnerships with TSMC, SPIL was specifically designated as the packaging partner. Their business contributions have increased tenfold over the past decade, showcasing meaningful growth in high-tech fields through their collaboration. Huang expressed gratitude towards the SPIL team for their continuous progress together.

SPIL chairman C.W. Tsai remarked that despite the changing environment and increasingly complex technologies since Huang entrusted them with a mission, they must deliver.

Huang pointed out that AI has become a cornerstone in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. He urged Taiwan to increase investments in its AI ecosystem, including establishing AI supercomputers to support students, researchers, and businesses in applying AI technologies.

He believes that the next phase of AI is "physical AI," presenting a major opportunity for Taiwan's globally leading electronics manufacturing industry.

Huang stated that Nvidia is accelerating its transition from the Hopper architecture (based on CoWoS-S technology) to Blackwell (based on CoWoS-L technology), gradually enhancing the capacity of CoWoS-L.

He stressed that the technology behind Blackwell is extremely complex, making it currently the most sophisticated computing system in the world. Each Blackwell system weighs 3,000 pounds and contains 600,000 components, equivalent to the total number of parts in 30 cars, with a weight comparable to that of an automobile but with far greater technical complexity.

Huang stated that Blackwell is now fully in production and has begun shipping to global customers. Although engineering challenges are expected during the development of such a complex system, they have successfully entered full production.

He affirmed that Nvidia will continue to promote technological innovation and collaborate with global partners to shape the future of AI. He also extended special thanks to Taiwan's supply chain and partners for their long-standing support and expressed anticipation for continued cooperation toward new milestones.

As for the ongoing public interest regarding the location of Nvidia's overseas headquarters, Huang mentioned that he is still evaluating options. With the company's continued growth, there is a need for larger operational bases, but he remains uncertain whether the final choice will be Taipei or Taichung.

Deepening partnership between Nvidia and SPIL

Huang's visit to Taiwan at the start of the year has garnered much attention. In addition to attending the year-end party for Nvidia's Taipei branch on January 17, he is expected to meet with relevant Taiwanese supply chain partners.

However, his first stop at SPIL's new facility in Tanzi symbolizes the deepening partnership between Nvidia and SPIL, injecting more momentum and anticipation into Taiwan's AI industry.

Huang also noted that the official opening of the SPIL Tanzi plant represents a significant step for both Nvidia and SPIL, symbolizing their advancement toward new milestones in computer computing technology.
22 year old Hannah Leonard is now home in Ireland as of Wednesday, January 17. Hannah's father Kevin Leonard issued an emotional update on Hannah's GoFundMe page, he said: "Hannah is home, or at least at her new home for the time being, sneaking in under the cover of darkness yesterday.

"Being slightly superstitious we kept the details of her return a secret from most people until now, not wanting to jinx anything. Yesterday was a day filled with emotion, one we had waited for 101 days, thats how long it is since her accident. So, as I wished in my last update, Im now writing this one from Dublin."



Hannahs father explained that her condition remains stable but she seems to be improving, he said that when her family visited her in Catania they would notice more "little changes" in her.

READ MORE: ALERT: Gardai in urgent appeal for information on missing man

He said: "Whether that was a move of the head to the side more pronounced than before, an increased reaction when we squeezed her leg, her right eye still slowly opening a little more and her arms moving in a way we hadnt seen before."

Mr. Leonard described the goodbyes with the staff in the hospital as "emotional" with hugs and positive words from the doctors and nurses who treated the Bray woman during her time in the Sicilian hospital. Her neurosurgeon was said to be "visibly emotional" and said that he wanted to be kept informed of Hannahs progress and he hoped to visit her in Dublin.

Hannah's father extended a heartfelt thank you to all who had donated to Hannah's fundraiser, he said: "I find myself once again having to express our gratitude to all of you that have started following Hannahs story since my last update.

"Messages of support still continue to flow in, and it is often hard to keep up with them and thank everyone individually but we really do appreciate all of the support."
The first time a cross-border gang member heard there had been a change to the charge against him of conspiring to steal the getaway car used in the credit union robbery during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead was after he had been convicted, his barrister has told the Court of Appeal.

James Flynn, with an address in Ravensglen, Newry, Co Down, was acquitted of taking part in the robbery of Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on 25 January 2013.

However, the Special Criminal court found the 32-year-old guilty of conspiring with Aaron Brady to steal a car that was used in the robbery. It was during that robbery that Brady murdered Det Gda Adrian Donohoe by shooting him once in the head. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years for the offence.

When delivering its verdict, the court amended the indictment against Flynn and found him guilty of conspiring to steal the Volkswagen Passat, which was taken in a burglary from a property in Clogherhead, Co Louth in January 2013 and later used in the robbery.

At the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Bernard Condon SC, for Flynn, argued that the trial judge erred by making that amendment after the trial had finished and while the court was acting in its capacity as a jury. He said the defence was not offered an opportunity to argue about the wording of the amendment or as to whether it was appropriate.

Counsel said the indictment originally spanned a period between September 2012 and February 2013 when his client was accused of being in cahoots with Aaron Brady to commit creeper burglaries. This was then narrowed to January 22nd to 23rd, 2013, he said. They also change the location, and they also change the person, he added.

Mr Condon said there had always been an issue with the conspiracy indictment extending back to September 2012, when his client had been residing in the United States until October or November that year. He said that when the Special Criminal Court amended the indictment, his client was convicted of a charge which was never put to him and on which he was never given the opportunity to plead.

At the level of fundamental fairness, its baffling to us why the court didnt come out and say: Weve reached an impasse, he said. The first we heard that this offence was out there was after we had been convicted of it, he added. Mr Condon also questioned the evidence given by prosecution witness Andy Wooller, who claimed to identify Flynn's car driving up and down the street in Clogherhead when the Volkswagen Passat was stolen.

Mr Condon said Mr Wooller had described himself as having invented or helped to develop the "science of forensic vehicle identification". Mr Condon said forensic vehicle identification is "not a science and he is not a scientist". Counsel described the methodology used by Mr Wooller as "ludicrous", adding that it is not subject to any regulation or peer review and has never been tested in the academic world.

Mr Wooller, counsel said, took 22 years to achieve a degree in science and did not have that degree at the time when he was engaged in identifying vehicles for gardai. Mr Condon described Mr Wooller's evidence as partial and a "ball of smoke" and suggested Mr Wooller should not have been permitted to give evidence in a serious trial.

Mr Condon called on the Court of Appeal to set aside the conviction on the basis that the Special Criminal Court was influenced by a witness who is not an expert. Counsel further submitted that the court had made findings of fact that were unsupported by the evidence or did not meet the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC countered that the court could go much further than Mr Wooller in identifying the car because they have more information than Mr Wooller. He said the appellant had constructed a classical strawman argument and that Mr Wooller had not been admitted by the Special Criminal Court as an expert witness, but instead admitted his evidence on the basis that its weight would be determined later.

Theres no discretion in that regard. One is either an expert or one is not, Mr Justice Edwards said.

Amendment to indictment

During exchanges with Mr Staines, Mr Justice John Edwards said he is "concerned" about the decision to amend the indictment without a hearing. He said the defence did not get a chance to make their arguments. "It's constitutional law 101," he said, that "you have to be able to answer the case against you. If it is proposed to move the goalposts, you are entitled to have your say and that didn't happen."

Mr Justice Edwards said the amendments to the indictment were in favour of Flynn as they narrowed the scope of his conviction. Counsel asked the court to consider what possible arguments could have been made by the defence that would have resulted in a better outcome for Flynn.

Mr Staines also argued that the amendment had been unnecessary.

After thanking the parties for their submissions, Mr Justice Edwards told the parties the court would be reserving its judgment and adjourned the matter.

In the Special Criminal Court's judgement, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that Flynn was an active member of the gang that carried out the robbery and that he was intimately involved with Brady and another man involved in the theft of the getaway car.

However, the court found the evidence in relation to the robbery at Lordship did not prove the prosecution case that Flynn was one of the men directly involved.

Sentencing Flynn to eight years imprisonment in December 2023, Mr Justice Hunt said that at the time when Flynn conspired to steal the Volkswagen Passat he "knew the full purpose of the conspiracy to burgle" and that the conspiracy "encompassed an integral aspect of the robbery" which took place three nights later.

He said that the burglary was carried out by an "organised criminal group" and was "part and parcel of the larger picture" involving the credit union robbery which was "in the minds of those who participated in the conspiracy to burgle".
A long-serving member of the Defence Forces has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the rape of one of his partner's close friends.

Alan OConnor, aged 38, of Acorn Downes, Newbridge, County Kildare, was found guilty of one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November.

The offence occurred at a property in Portarlington in County Laois on June 17, 2020. He has no previous convictions.

The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, waived her anonymity in order to allow OConnor to be identified publicly.

Passing sentence this Friday, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a headline sentence of seven and a half years before considering the mitigating factors in this case.

READ ALSO: JAILED: Man who raped his former partner at their home receives lengthy prison sentence

Judge Naidoo said OConnor has no relevant convictions, has recently required serious medical attention and has made positive contributions to his family and society. The judge noted that OConnor is fortunate to have the support of his partner.

After imposing a five-and-a-half year prison sentence, he commented: This was an isolated incident, and I will suspend the final six months of his sentence for two years."

The judge ordered that OConnor follow all directions as outlined by the Probation Service upon his release.

At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Robert McGrady told Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, that Ms Murphy had arranged to go to her friend's house on the night in question. Ms Murphys friend lives with O'Connor and is in a long-term relationship with him.

The court heard that OConnors partner collected Ms Murphy and brought her to their house, where OConnor was also present. They had some drinks, and at some point, Ms Murphys friend went to bed as she was feeling unwell.

It had been agreed that Ms Murphy would share a bed with her friend and OConnor would sleep on the couch. Ms Murphy went to bed later and lay beside her friend. She was fully clothed.

The court heard Ms Murphy woke at one stage when OConnor got into the bed beside her. She then went back to sleep, but woke a time later to a feeling of pain in her genital area, and OConnor penetrating her.

Her trousers and underwear had been pulled down. Ms Murphy went downstairs and slept on the couch. The following morning, she did not say anything.

The court heard that later in the day, Ms Murphy messaged OConnor and said she remembered what happened. She later made a complaint to the gardai.

Gardai interviewed OConnor but he denied any wrongdoing. The court heard that OConnor has been a member of the Defence Forces for nearly nineteen years.

Ms Murphy, who read her victim impact statement to the court, said that OConnor was not a stranger"

She stated: "He was someone I had known and trusted for fifteen year. He completely disregarded my boundaries; he betrayed my trust in the worst way. I should have felt safe in their home. It was not just a violation of my body; it was a violation of my person.

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offending in the sentencing parameters of seven to 10 years, the court heard.

Detective Garda McGrady agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that when gardai attended OConnors home, he was co-operative.

She agreed that he had abided by all bail conditions and made himself available to gardai when needed.

The court heard O'Connor maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury. Testimonials were handed into court, including a letter from a priest who said that this was totally out of character from the Alan he knew.

Another character reference described OConnor as having outstanding character.

Counsel said O'Connor is the sole earner in his home and that his incarceration will greatly affect his family. She said that OConnor has lived a productive life and contributed to society.

The court heard that OConnor recently underwent surgery at St Vincents Hospital to have a tumour removed from his pancreas and that has to attend the hospital every two weeks and take medication.

Ms Murphy asked the court to be as lenient as possible and highlighted her client's lack of previous convictions, his engagement with society, his family support, and the serious difficulties his family has following his conviction.
Choppers engage in flight training exercise

China Military Online) 09:57, January 17, 2025

A Z-8 helicopter attached to a naval aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command flies towards the designated air space during a flight training exercise on December 25, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Feng Lin)

A Z-9 helicopter attached to a naval aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command flies towards the designated air space during a flight training exercise on December 25, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Feng Lin)

Two Z-8 helicopters attached to a naval aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command fly towards the designated air space during a flight training exercise on December 25, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Feng Lin)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
In the opening poem in my chapbook, Cacti & Other Poems, the boy-poet explores his grandmothers house while she is tending to her potted plants.

He becomes so absorbed in his discoveries in dusty corners that he loses all sense of time passing.

In later life, he remembers this as an early lesson in the power of poetry to make us feel more at home in our lived experience and engrossed in it.

Cacti & Other Poems is the seventh in the New Irish Voices series published by Southword Editions, run by Munster Literature Centre in Cork.

I grew up near Boherbue in north-west Cork. If you only know that area passing through on your way to Tralee, all you would have noticed were the acres of grassland and the feeding cattle.

We move so quickly through places, in fast cars or glued to our phones, in a state of such distraction, that we often make do with superficial impressions.

Driving through, you would not guess that my native place lies on the eastern borders of the ancient badlands of Sliabh Luachra, home to outlaws and renegades, wandering fiddlers and poets.

Here, in the village of Knocknagree, one of our greatest poets, Eoghan Rua, came to his tragic end. If you know such things, your perspective on a place deepens and your encounter with it is richer.

It is such knowledge that we gain from reading poetry. In a good poem, you receive more than information. You get to feel, see, and hear what the poet experiences. A moment comes alive in full colour, its background, its history, vividly before you.

In my poem, In Memory Of A Neighbour, I follow the echoes of the recent covid pandemic back towards the tragedy of the famine. I like to think that poetry helps us to memorialise our losses.

I was not in Ireland during lockdown, and that poem grew from the descriptions of that time in my fathers words over the phone.

He was a carpenter by trade, and from him I learned that the best objects are those fashioned with skill, care and attention to detail. When he speaks about his trade, he sounds like a poet referring to their technique.

My mother was a national school teacher who lovingly recited 19th century ballads and old poems in Irish as she worked around the house. I must have come to associate the rhythms of spoken poetry with a sense of wellbeing and contentment because, as a teenager, I began writing it myself.

In another poem, First Light, I celebrate the role of women like my mother in bringing joy to the lives of those around them.

Soon, as they say, poetry became a habit. As a young man, I read the writers in vogue at that time, those from New York and Northern Ireland, Seamus Heaney and Derek Mahon, John Ashbery and Frank OHara.

When I moved to Cork city, I discovered that something of the spirit of both places had been brought here by John Montague and an exciting generation of local poets was coming into its own, Thomas McCarthy and Sean Dunne, Theo Dorgan, Greg Delanty, and Patrick Cotter.

However, I didnt settle in Cork. In another poem, By Harsh Grass, I tried to capture the impulse to move on, to bring about change in oneself, in others, often regardless of the consequences. I left Ireland in the mid-1980s on such an impulse and by chance ended up in Spain, where I have lived since.

I live in Badajoz, a city on the Portuguese border in the southern region of Extremadura, though my Spanish ties are closest to the area of Galicia in the North-West, where my partner is from.

Obviously, having been here for so long, some of my poems deal with Spanish themes, though the stereotypes of sangria and crowded beaches, Flamenco and bullfights, make no appearance. In The Sun Visits The Old Quarter, I tried to evoke a humble semi-urban neighbourhood in a provincial Spanish city where life is lived at an agreeably human pace.

The tragedies of Spanish history find their way into the poem Lola Wakes. In August, 1936, after the fall of the city of Badajoz, 4,000 people, mostly civilians, were rounded up and executed under the orders of Fascist generals.

The tragedy of the Civil War still divides Spanish society. There are those who believe such crimes should be remembered. However, the voices of right-wing apologists who defend the perpetrators have become louder in the worldwide climate of regressive politics led by Donald Trump in the US.

Although I live in Spain, I hope my poems retain their Irishness. I am glad they are coming into the world in Cork. My formation owes everything to our native cannon.

From the classics collected in An Duanaire to Yeats and Kavanagh, from Old Irish poems translated so beautifully by Frank OConnor, to modern poets like Eilean Ni Chuilleanain and Martina Evans, it is a rich and vibrant tradition.

My poem, A Station In A Market Town, is set in one of those bus stations built with EU subsidies to service rural towns.

These places are essential points of transit for people with limited means, but I have tried to articulate the sense of loss that comes when you are no longer in touch with the place you come from.

I write a lot about people who find themselves living under the effects of history, though they couldnt be described as victims.

In the final poem in my latest book, a character narrates how an older relative survived a Nazi concentration camp. I tried to capture both her fascination with his experience and to show how, despite ourselves, the past weighs on us and determines how we view the future.

I cannot agree with those who argue that we should turn away from our past. Remembering is how to best avoid repeating the errors of those who came before us.

Cacti & Other Poems, by Jerm Curtin, is published by Southword Editions, 8. More information at munsterlit.ie/bookshop
The annual Cork Whiskey Festival is returning this spring to take over bars and venues in the city centre.

The festival, now in its third year, will take place from March 21 to 23 across venues along MacCurtain St, where over the three days attendees can enjoy expert-led tastings featuring rare and premium whiskeys and limited-edition releases, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events.

Highlights include the Brand Expo & Socials at The Metropole, which will host 50 whiskey distilleries and brands over the two evenings of March 21 and 22 from 7pm to 11pm.

At this special event they will offer complimentary samples of their finest creations alongside mixers and food bites.

This year, distilleries will also showcase their gins, rums, vodkas and poitins, with many served by the distillers, blenders, and brand owners themselves, giving tasters a rare chance to engage with the makers behind the magic.

With more than 20 events on the lineup, other highlights include a Bushmills aged cocktail masterclass on March 22 from 4pm at Gallaghers Gastro Pub; a vintage Irish bottle tasting on March 23 from 2pm at The Shelbourne Bar; and a Redbreast cask masterclass on March 23, from 6.30pm, at The Dean Hotel, serving as the festivals grand finale event.

Organised by Laurie ODwyer, host of Whiskey Chats Podcast, and his wife Sonya ODwyer, the festival is sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com.

We are thrilled to bring Cork Whiskey Fest back for 2025  each year, the festival grows in popularity, drawing whiskey lovers from all over Ireland and beyond, said Mr ODwyer.

Whether youre a seasoned connoisseur or taking your first sip, theres something for everyone  it will be a weekend of whiskies, craic and discovery.

Tickets for each event vary in price, ranging from 25 to 164, and are available for purchase now online at corkwhiskeyfest.com.
Cork city councillors have raised the need to meet with their county counterparts over a planning refusal in the county that means more than 1,300 homes in the city cannot go ahead.

Planning for a Goulding Soil Nutrition facility on the site of the former Irish Fertiliser Industries plant in Cork Harbour was refused in November 2024.

This refusal means more than 1,300 apartments planned for the current Goulding site in the docklands are delayed indefinitely.

An Bord Pleanala (ABP) said the R624 road would not be sufficient to cater to the increased traffic, noting that there are no current plans to upgrade the road.

Green Party Councillor Honore Kamegni got unanimous support for his motion this week that Cork City Council notes with disappointment the consequences of the ABP decision, and resolve to work constructively on the issue.

He was told by the local authoritys executive that they will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders to progress the delivery of housing, enabling infrastructure and the regeneration of the Cork Docklands.

Labour councillor Peter Horgan suggested at this weeks meeting that the Cork City and County Council Committee would be the appropriate place to raise the issue, saying: An issue with a road in the county is now affecting housing in the city.

COMMITTEE

Mr Horgan told The Echo that he is a member of this city/county committee.

But its never met, he said.

We were put onto it when we were elected but due to a bit of disquiet over the boundary review and compensation, its never met.

He added that as his ward borders Carrigaline, he thinks its important to have that open channel of communication between city and county councils.

He highlighted that there there major traffic issues there, saying that despite this, planning permission for hundreds of homes was granted in Maryborough Hill.

Mr Horgan also suggested that the ABP decision should be further queried for this reason, and also that upgrading the Fota road that caused the problems with the permission should be looked at as a matter of urgency, adding that his party colleague Cobh councillor Cathal Rasmussen had already been advocating for this for some time.

The lack of action by successive governments on this road has affected the planning and housing delivery in the docklands, and there still seems to be a lack of action, Mr Horgan added.

Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy agreed, saying: Theres an onus on us to keep pushing this, to find the ingredients to fix the problem and not just accept it  the docklands development is in full swing, we cant wait 15 or 20 years to find a solution for Gouldings.

I didnt see anyone from higher up in the political pecking order calling for a solution, its like theres just a line drawn under it, but we have a docklands plan than needs to be progressed  theres never been as much happening there as there is at the moment but it needs to continue.

In terms of city and county collaboration, I know the two executives communicate but we dont talk to the councillors enough, we need to be regional focused as well as just the city.
Cork City Council are inviting people to play their role in reducing air pollution on Friday January 24 next on Clean Air Night.

By reducing solid fuel burning in their stoves or fireplaces, or by lighting their fires a little later in the evening, the local authority are looking for the people of Cork to make a difference.

According to Cork City Council, every winter for the residents of the city, air quality issues come to the fore.

During this time of the year, the annual increase in the burning of fossil fuels, along with winter atmospheric conditions, combine to negatively impact the air quality levels in Cork city, they added.

On the issue of reducing air pollution, Cork City Council works in close partnership with the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) and the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork, as well as Cork Healthy Cities.

In a statement Cork City Council said: Burning solid fuels; coal, peat, briquettes, and wood, releases pollutants into the air both inside and outside our homes. Data from the European Environment Agency shows that air pollution can have negative impacts on our health, especially our lungs and hearts, with air pollution contributing to 1,600 premature deaths in Ireland annually.

Cork City Council has outlined seven themes in its City Air Quality Strategy, under which improvements are being progressed to contribute to overall healthier air in the Cork city area.

Cork City Council is cognisant of the issues surrounding energy poverty and is aware that some households may need to light their fires or stoves for heating purposes, especially during cold periods.

Many residents rely on solid fuel to maintain adequate levels of heat in their homes.

Participation in Clean Air Night is completely voluntary and is part of ongoing initiatives to raise awareness about the wider health issues of air pollution.

For further information on Clean Air Night and simple steps people can make for cleaner air, visit www.cleanairnight.ie.
A 25-year-old man facing charges of having thousands of euro worth of cannabis and thousands in cash in Cork city at the start of the year was remanded in custody until January 27.

Judge John King remanded Igor Auila Silva in custody for a fortnight on the application of Sergeant Dave Delea at Cork District Court.

Garda Elaine Gallery arrested Igor Auila Silva with an address at North Quay Place, Popes Quay, and charged him with two counts of money-laundering, specifically that on January 3 at an apartment at Patricks Hill, he had 6,201 cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct, and that on January 4 at a room at North Quay Place, Popes Quay, he had 3,391 cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct.

He was further charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act on counts including having cannabis resin for sale or supply on January 3 at an apartment on Patricks Hill.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused would not consent to a remand in custody for anything longer than two weeks  the period for which no consent is required.

The nature of the evidence is strong. Following a search of the accused on January 3, 11,220 in suspected cannabis herb and 280 cannabis resin were located along with weighing scales, bagging equipment and 6,201 in cash. Another address associated with Mr Silva was searched on January 4 and 3,931 cash and suspected drugs were found, Garda Gallery said.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said the accused was in Ireland on a Brazilian passport from December 3, 2021, and he was working here in a number of jobs and he has no previous convictions.
A Cork hotelier has warned of the dangers of drinks being spiked, saying his own son was the victim of spiking on a recent night out in the city.

John Gately, who is the managing director of the Commodore Hotel in Cobh, said his son Tom had been out socialising with his friends on Monday night last, and, at the end of the night, he became extremely disoriented.

Speaking to the Neil Prendeville Show on Corks RedFM, Mr Gately said his son had felt fine when he left the company of his friends, before becoming very confused.

It was last Monday, Tom our son, is 21, a big burly 61 lad, lots of friends, very popular guy.

He was away, he was out of the country for a week or two, and was just back there last weekend and decided to meet up with the pals in town, Gately explained.

He had texted us, it was late enough, now, it was around 1.30am. Sent us a normal text saying Gonna grab a cab, home soon, then the next minute my wife, Darina, gets a call at about 2.50am, that he didnt know where he was, he was totally disorientated and confused.

Mr Gately said his wife had driven into town, and found her son in the Lapps Quay area, a distance from where he had been, and brought him to the emergency department (ED) in the Mercy University Hospital.

He added that three other students in the ED claimed they had also had their drinks spiked, and one of them had been in the same premises as Mr Gatelys son.

Mr Gately said his son remembered later a sensation of someone bumping into his glass as he walked through the pub he was drinking in, and he surmised that it may have been then that his drink had been spiked.

Mary Crilly of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork told The Echo she would believe every report of people having their drinks spiked.

Only 50% of those who are spiked are spiked to be raped or sexually assaulted. The others are spiked for a 'laugh', for the sake of it.

So it is something that is happening, and were working with UCC and a lab in the UK, to try to put pilot scheme in place in Cork to test people reporting that they have been spiked, she said.

Ms Crilly added that the Sexual Violence Centre website, sexualviolence.ie, has a section addressing the spiking of drinks.
Cork City Council has been accused of a dereliction of care and duty to northside social housing tenants living with an expensive and completely useless heating system.

Workers Party councillor Ted Tynan has repeated calls on the council to replace an air-to-air heat pump system it installed in the Ard Bhaile and Glenamoy Lawn flat complexes in Mayfield almost a decade ago.

The cold snap we have just experienced has brought to the fore the absolute dereliction of care and duty by Corks biggest landlord, Cork City Council, in its responsibility to its tenants, the North-East ward councillor said.

Since 2016, residents in Ard Bhaile and Glenamoy Lawn have been living with an air-to-air heating system that is not fit for purpose.

There are 157 homes in Ard Bhaile, and 109 in Glenamoy Lawn.

The air-to-air system, which was installed in 2016 and 2017, replaced a previous hot water system that had supplied hot water to radiator heaters and for domestic use.

The Mayfield air-to-air system, which Mr Tynan claimed is the only one of its kind installed by Cork City Council, does not heat residences domestic water supply, leaving tenants reliant instead on electric immersion systems to heat water for domestic use.

Mr Tynan said the air-to-air system had proven to be ineffective and had forced residents to rely instead on electrical, gas and kersosene heaters in their homes, with high energy bills causing hardship for tenants.

I am again calling on the council to replace this completely useless system with energy-efficient air-to-water heat pumps, like they have installed all over the city, he said.

The air-to-air system is completely unsuitable and is causing hardship and misery to people dealing with exorbitant electricity bills, and it is hurting elderly and health-compromised tenants on low incomes, vulnerable people who are suffering from increased respiratory illnesses, including repeated chest infections and pneumonia.

The council said it had engaged consultants to specify energy efficiency retrofit measures for the Glenamoy and Ard Bhaile housing schemes to bring all properties in the estates to an energy efficient rating of B2 as standard.

The council spokesperson added that work was expected to begin in in the second quarter of 2025.
Following a run of sold out shows in 2024, Niall Bressie Breslin is bringing his multi-award-winning Where is My Mind? podcast to Macroom this spring.

On May 17, Bressie will be performing his live podcast show to the Briery Gap in the Mid Cork town.

Where Is My Mind? is described as a marvelous show [that] has captivated audiences with its humour, heart, relatability and creativity".

Bressie is a lifelong learner with a MSc in mindfulness-based intervention, a bachelors degree in economic and sociology, and is also an honorary fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Trinity College Dublin.

Also a bestselling author, musician, philanthropist, and former professional athlete, Bressies live show is a mixture of music, spoken word, monologues, and features some well-known guests.

Past guests on Bressies Where Is My Mind? include; Deepak Chopra, Moby, Edith Eger, Adam Clayton (U2), Dan Harris, Jameela Jamil, Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro), Andrew Hubermann, Chris Ryan, Ruby Wax, Luke ONeill, and Sharon Salzberg.

Macrooms Briery Gap Theatre and Library was badly damaged in a devastating fire in 2016, but was renovated at a cost of 10.3m and reopened last September after being closed for eight years.

It has been re-established as a hub for theatre, music, and film in the area  with a wide range of events on offer.

Tickets for Bressies Where Is My Mind? at the Briery Gap in Macroom are now on sale through the official Briery Gap website.

Tickets cost 30 and the show on May 17 commences at 8pm. See https://tinyurl.com/5n6xzatj.
As much as your writer (and certainly so many others) is now fully desirous of moving past discussing our local music scene in the post-pandemic context, theres still no understating how music was able to act as a tether for the lives of so many, especially during a period of time that rational explanation still doesnt fully encapsulate.

As it turns out, rational explanation doesnt quite cover the experience of Corkonian stoner-rock outfit Dankenstoneds Bongster; an eight-legged, biblically accurate creature of unfettered mischief and riff-peddling fuckery. Though the name dates back to the early 2010s among the bands circle of friends, including similarly anarchic projects like Land Crabs and Vegans in Furs, the bands post-pandemic emergence betrays the bones of long-standing friendships and a point of focus in uncertain times.

Upcoming single Human Megazord points back to that period, says bassist Dan OLeary. I think it was the second or third full song we wrote, and it was, like, really, really early on. It was just the three of us [the bands initial line-up], just hanging out during lockdown. It was our only form of socialising, which is why I think the musics so... bizarre, as well [laughs], it was just formed out of a period of intense anxiety.

I think it was just, like, we had that one riff, I think it started with just the little bass riff, continues OLeary on the songs writing.

And Id say we jammed on it for probably three hours, and then we ended up recording it and making up the theme and the lyrics on the spot. I think the original recording was around 15 minutes, and then we trimmed out all the just, genuine nonsense, the ums and ahs.

When asked about the process of putting the single down for release, the band is as relaxed about recording as they are about writing, says guitarist Artie Pawsey. The same thing, just point microphones at it. We did it all live, we didnt do any standing around, waiting for overdubs and stuff too much, because thats just boring as well, yeah. You just lay it down. Like we lay down, all the time [chuckles].

Its important, as well, to capture that energy of a band, rather than doing things to a click, says guitarist Michael Prendeville. Yeah, you dont want to do it stinky, says Pawsey by way of answer, you want to do it stanky.

A screenshot from the Dankenstoned Bongsters Gram-Smokers Stankula videogame, developed by friend of the band, Finn Johansson.

Getting that same spirit of playful and creativity in a formal studio setting, then, would be no easy task, but thankfully, Cathal MacGabhann of The Altered Hours is no difficult taskmaster, taking on the challenge of distilling the Bongsters pong for the record in a secret location outside the city centre.

Cathals amazing to record with, it was exactly the right kind of buzz, I guess, muses Pawsey. Hes very, just, like, I will do this, and just have, yknow a break there, and its just kind of pretty similar to the way we would do it.

Adds OLeary, I think he just cottoned onto what the vibes of the sessions were going to be, straight away. Like, okay, and it [became a matter of] hanging out and having fun with us, as well.

The release of Human Megazord at the end of this month also brings with it a unique multimedia accompaniment  alongside the inevitable music video, of course.

While local musicians have ventured into the realms of gaming to provide an immersive experience in the past  Saint Yorda and Arthur Valentine come to mind  it would take Dankenstoneds Bongster to bless audiences with what is surely the very first shooting game set in an alternate-universe Cork, where members of the band are the only ones capable of relieving the city of a vampire infestation, via conveniently-available stake-guns.

Dankenstoneds Bongsters Gram-Smokers Stankula resonates with early-nineties computer-gaming vibes, taking influence from the likes of Doom, Quake and other shoot-em-ups now known as boomer shooters  a decision taken by developer Finn Johannson, a New Zealand-based friend of the band, who got involved after taking a shine to Cork city during an Irish tour.

He loves it here, remarks Pawsey. I think originally it was because we were drinking at the Corner House [on Coburg Street], and he was like, oh yeah, itd be cool to have a computer game, or even a level or something of a computer game set in the Corner House.

I think it was originally going to be sort-of a zombie thing, and then he realised that zombies have been overdone and vampires are in, says OLeary. He wanted to tie in the whole thing of having, like, a special, unique weapon for the game.

It was really Finn that sort-of pushed the whole idea of setting a game in the city, too. He also wanted to make a little love letter to Cork. Even then, I dont know if its a love letter because its like everyone here is vampires, and you need to kill them all.

Dankenstoneds Bongsters new single, Human Megazord releases across Bandcamp and digital streaming platforms on Friday, January 31.

Its accompanying videogame, Dankenstoneds Bongsters Gram-Smokers Stankula releases on the same day, for PC and compatible devices, via the Steam online store.

The band launches the single and game with a gig at Dali, upstairs in Nudes Bar on Lavitts Quay, playing alongside Dublin punks Onion Boys, and sharing a DJ set with members of Dublin alt-rockers Girlfriend.

For more info, follow @dankenstonedsbongster on Instagram.
Eva Osborne

Cork hotelier John Gately is warning the public of the dangers of spiking of drinks in the city's late bars after his son Tom fell victim to a spiking incident.

Speaking to the Neil Prendeville on Cork's Redfm show, John said his son Tom was out last Monday, January 13th and was spiked.

He said he and his wife were very concerned about his condition and brought him to Mercy University Hospital in Cork.

When they arrived at the hospital, there were five other people waiting for treatment and three of those five had also been spiked - one was spiked in the same location as Gately's son.

"It was last Monday, Tom our son, who is 21, a big burly 6ft 1 lad, lots of friends, very popular guy. He was out of the country for a week or two and was just back there last weekend and then decided to meet up with the pals in town," Gately explained.

"So he had texted us, it was late enough it was around 1:30am. It was a normal text saying he was going to grab a cab home soon and then the next minute my wife gets a call at 2:50 in the morning that he didn't know where he was, he was totally disorientated and confused and whatever.

"She didn't even wake me she just went straight in herself and said I'll ring you if I need you. She picked him up a distance away from where he had been. He was completely disorientated."

"He doesn't even remember going down there. The one thing he does remember is he was crossing the room in the place and felt a jolt of his glass, so he reckons he had the glass in his hand when somebody did what they did, poured something into it or whatever."

Gately said people should watch their drinks and stick with their friends on nights out to safeguard themselves from spiking incidences.
Tomas Doherty

The cost of filling your car with petrol or diesel is creeping up again amid a global rise in the price of oil.

The latest survey from the AA found the price of petrol has risen by around 2 cent a litre this month, up to an average of 1.76 cent a litre.

Diesel was up 3 cent to 1.73 per litre.

The latest data from the Central Statistics Office reveals that the national average price of unleaded petrol was 1.75 last month, while a litre of diesel cost an average of 1.71.

It comes amid a fourth consecutive week of price increases for oil on the global markets, as the latest US sanctions on Russian energy trade heightened expectations for oil supply disruptions.

Last Friday, the Biden administration unveiled broader sanctions targeting Russian oil producers and tankers.

The markets are also assessing the potential implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House next Monday.

Trump's pick for Treasury secretary said he was ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russian oil.
Name: Fiona Corcoran

Age: 45

Lives: Bishopstown

Job title: Client Manager with Healy Communications

Salary bracket: 40,000 - 60,000

Education background: I went to school in St Bricins College in Belturbet, Co. Cavan. I studied English and Archaeology in NUI, Galway and graduated with a BA Degree in 1999, but by that stage my ambition to be a female Indiana Jones had dissipated and I opted for a career in journalism instead.

When I hit my 40s, I knew I wanted a change and PR and Communications seemed like the obvious option. But while I had a lot of transferable skills, I thought a course would help my chances of career progression so I enrolled in the Diploma in PR run by the PRII. After nine months of intense study and weekly online tutorials, I graduated with a First Class Honours in January, 2024.

Hobbies: I need to get out for a walk every day to clear my head and Im really lucky to have the beautiful Murphys Farm walkway nearby. I took up sauna and sea swimming last year and I love to get down to Garrettstown Beach whenever I can. I try to get to a reformer pilates class at least once a week and I love to read and catch up with friends whenever I can.

Describe your job in five words: Busy, creative, social, varied, and flexible.

Describe yourself in five words: Friendly, organised, efficient, caring and fun.

Personality needed for this kind of work? You need to be extremely organised, dynamic and driven. At Healy Communications, each client manager has their own group of clients, some ongoing and some for a one-off campaign. The clients are from a wide range of industries including finance, hospitality, health, sport, events and the charity sector. They come to us because they have a story to tell and they want us to help them get that message out to the public through various means, whether that be through mainstream media or social media.

Someone might want to raise awareness of their business or they could be opening a new premises or launching a new product. We need to be clear about their objective and put forward the message that we believe will be most appealing to their target audience.

How long are you doing this job? A little over two years.

How did you get this job? I did my Leaving Cert when I was 17 and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. When I graduated from college, I was still none-the-wiser and I ended up getting a maternity cover post in a primary school where I was teaching children in First and Second class.

At the time, I didnt feel it was the right job for me and I thought about going back to college to do journalism. However, a junior reporter job came up with the Athlone Topic newspaper and it was here that I started an extremely fulfilling and satisfying 20-year career in journalism. We had no social media to make connections so it was very much a case of attending everything and talking to everyone. It was a great training ground as I learned so much during my time there.

Through my work with the Athlone Topic newspaper, I got to know the team in Midlands 103 radio and a vacancy came up in the newsroom there. I had always wanted to work in broadcasting but didnt have the confidence to pursue it, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance. Again, I learned a huge amount from my year at Midlands 103, which consisted of a mix of reporting and news reading.

After that, I was headhunted by Corks RedFM and I moved to Cork to start a job as an on-street news reporter. I had no previous knowledge of Cork and didnt know anyone here at all, but the team at Red were fantastic and I made some really good friends there.

After 10-years and the birth of my first baby, an opportunity for a senior news reporter role with Corks 96FM and C103 arose and I was delighted to take on this new challenge. It was a really busy, fast-paced job and the daily schedule could change in a matter of seconds. I went the length and breadth of Cork reporting on so many different stories. It presented amazing opportunities and I met some really incredible people who shared their stories with me. I worked with a great team and we went on to win a number of accolades for our coverage of events, including the flooding of Cork city in 2019.

I worked with the news team for six years but I wanted a job with a bit more routine as it was getting more difficult to juggle work and home life. I joined the Opinion Line with PJ Coogan as Editor and Senior Producer and was given the chance to present the show when PJ was off, which I absolutely loved!

A new opportunity arose two and a half years ago when Healy Communications were looking for a Client Manager and I was looking for a new challenge. When I started, it was a shock to the system as I was so used to working in news, but with the support of my phenomenal colleagues, I quickly settled in and there was no looking back.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? Experience is crucial! A good, strong knowledge of the media is an essential part of what we do. Everyone at Healy Communications comes from a background in media so we have a good understanding of what journalists want and how to put forward the best story for our clients.

Describe a day at work: No two days are the same. Some days I might have to go out to a photoshoot or an event or I might be meeting with a client in-person. Some days I could have lots of online meetings and other days I might have no meetings at all, but those days I am usually very busy going through emails, writing press releases, putting plans together, and pitching to journalists for interviews for clients.

How many hours do you work a week? 40 hours a week

What do you wear to work? I work from home most of the time so Im usually in leggings, but I love when I have to go out and I get an opportunity to change into something a bit smarter. And put make-up on!

Is your industry male or female dominated? Female

Does this affect you in any particular way? Not at all.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 1-10: Most of the time its not very stressful but it can get a bit overwhelming on really busy days.

Do you work with others or on your own? My colleagues and I all work remotely so Im on my own a lot, but we have an extremely active WhatsApp group and we try to get together as much as we can, which is always very enjoyable.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I love the idea of retiring early but I actually think Id get bored very quickly, so who knows!

Best bits: Seeing a client get coverage in the media is always a positive.

Worst bits: Working from home full-time offers fantastic flexibility but it can feel a bit isolating at times.

Advice to those who want your job? Lists are your friend! Theres a lot happening on any given day and its important to keep track of everything youre doing. And check and double check that everything is correct before you press send. Jonathan Healy gave me great advice when I started - measure twice, cut once - and its advice I live by now.

Any other comments? Dont be afraid to take chances if its a job you really want.

If you would like to feature in My Career in our Women on Wednesday supplement please email mary.corcoran@theecho.ie
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.

For decades, 3M  a multibillion-dollar chemical company based in Minnesota  sold its firefighting foams as safe and biodegradable, while having knowledge that they contained toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to newly uncovered documents, reported The Guardian.

Starting in the 1960s and continuing until 2003, 3Ms firefighting foams contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), two types of PFAS forever chemicals.

The synthetic chemical compounds have been linked to a variety of health problems like thyroid disease, hormonal and fertility problems, high cholesterol and cancer. They are called forever chemicals because it can take thousands of years for them to break down in the environment.

The Guardian and Watershed Investigations discovered that evidence of the inability of PFOS to naturally biodegrade began to surface as early as 1949. However, 3M continued to publish brochures and information for customers that said the firefighting foams would break down in the environment until the 1990s.

3M firefighting foam brochures from 1979 described the foams as environmental neutral and biodegradable, low in toxicity, and can be treated in biological treatment systems, The Guardian reported.

In 1993, 3M data sheets were still claiming that the foams were treatable in a biological wastewater treatment system, though they admitted some elements might persist in treated wastewater.

PFAS expert professor Ian Cousins with Stockholm University described the disposal of foams in sewer systems as disastrous, since the chemicals would have gone straight through the wastewater treatment process, either ending up in the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant or in the sludge, as reported by The Guardian.

From there the effluent was released into rivers, while the sludge was frequently applied to crops.

In 1949, a piece in Scientific American stated that fluorocarbons  which include PFAS  do not burn, corrode, mold or decay. Neither rodents nor insects nor fungi can find any nourishment in them.

By 1964, it had been determined by HG Bryce, an employee of 3M, that fluorocarbons were physiologically inert, meaning they did not biodegrade.

Lab tests conducted in 1983 showed that PFAS did not degrade, specifying that biodegradation could not be expected in an aquatic environment.

In 2018, 3M paid $890 million in settlements following a lawsuit by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson against the company for PFAS pollution.

Five years later, 3M paid over $10 billion in settlements for suits concerning contamination of numerous public drinking water systems without admitting liability.

In addition to the evidence of 3M having early knowledge that toxic PFAS did not degrade, company meeting minutes from 1978 reviewing studies inflicted upon rats and monkeys said PFOA and PFOS should be regarded as toxic although the degree of toxicity was left undefined.

The misleading information 3M provided to customers for decades has resulted in an unknown quantity of firefighting foams having been misused globally, contaminating water, soils and human bloodstreams with PFAS.

When you have a contaminated site, you can clean it up, Elsie Sunderland, a Harvard University environmental chemist, told ProPublica. When you ubiquitously introduce a toxicant at a global scale, so that its detectable in everyone were reducing public health on an incredibly large scale.

3M announced in 2000 that certain PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, would be phased out in products like Light Water Brand aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). The company said it has long since phased both materials out of its operations and also permanently discontinued production of AFFF, The Guardian reported.

Two years later, 3M said it would stop the manufacture of all PFAS worldwide by the end of 2025 and are on schedule to do so We have engaged in site remediation at our facilities and have invested in state-of-the-art water treatment technologies at sites where we have historically manufactured PFAS.

The PFOS-laden foams were finally banned in the UK in 2011, but foams that contain PFOA will not be totally phased out until July of this year. Foams made with other PFAS compounds are still being used by the company.

PFAS pollution is now found in water, soils, animals and humans all over the world.

PFAS chemicals have been used extensively for over 70 years and their persistence once in the environment unfortunately means there are no quick fixes. We have already begun investigating whether to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams and will set out more detail in due course, said a UK government spokesperson, as reported by The Guardian.
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.

The United Kingdoms crackdown on climate protesters is setting a dangerous global precedent, according to the UK Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) Yasmine Ahmed, reported The Guardian.

British authorities are undermining democratic rights, particularly the right to protest peacefully, according to HRWs World Report 2025.

Many of us had hoped that an incoming Labour government would have repealed the undemocratic anti-protest legislation introduced under the previous administration, especially given Prime Minister Keir Starmers background as a human rights lawyer, Ahmed said in a press release from HRW. That they have chosen not to, and are instead defending these measures in court, beggars belief. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of a healthy and functioning democracy.

The 546-page report examined human rights practices in more than 100 countries. In many places, governments took action to stop, wrongfully arrest and imprison activists, political opponents and journalists. Civilians were unlawfully killed by government forces and armed groups and driven from their homes while access to humanitarian aid was blocked.

In many of the more than 70 national elections in 2024, authoritarian leaders gained ground with their discriminatory rhetoric and policies, HRW said.

In a huge victory for democracy in May of 2024, the UKs High Court deemed some anti-protest measures unlawful. However, the incoming Labour government appealed the ruling in December.

Were at a stage where were talking about the dangerous hypocrisy of what the UK government is saying and doing, and also the fact that the international community and the UN have [raised] and continue to raise the alarm about how this UK government responds to protest, and in particular climate protest, Ahmed said, as The Guardian reported.

The new Labour government has not amended or repealed the Public Order Act 2023, which has been called deeply troubling legislation by Volker Turk, United Nations high commissioner for human rights, the press release said. Nor has it amended or repealed the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Both laws give the police much greater authority, while at the same time undermining democratic rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.

The overall effect of the laws has been to make participating in climate activism progressively more risky, so that fewer people want to take the chance of potential legal consequences, reported The Guardian.

They have introduced laws which mean that the circumstances where the police can interfere and stop protesters are now much more expansive than they were, Ahmed said, as The Guardian reported. So for example, lowering thresholds around what is considered serious disruption; introducing noise level thresholds and disruption levels around noise; introducing orders that, before any crime has actually been committed, essentially prevent protesters from being able to engage with others that may be involved in protests, [from] engaging online; and then also changing penalties [for some offences] from what would have been fines to now possible imprisonment.

A total of 34 climate protesters were jailed in the UK in 2024, said Tim Crosland, co-founder of Defend Our Juries. Five Just Stop Oil activists were given the longest jail sentences ever for non-violent protest actions  four and five years  for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, following a video call concerning a protest on the M25 expressway, reported The Guardian.

Just Stop Oil activists are arrested for slow walking in the road under section 7 of the Public Order Act in London, UK on Nov. 20, 2023. Kristian Buus / In Pictures via Getty Images

The sentences came just after the Labour government was elected, and on the heels of what HRW said was more than a decade of backsliding on human rights by the Labour governments Conservative predecessors.

According to HRW, additional human rights concerns include hate speech and xenophobia; failure to sufficiently address racial discrimination along with continuing colonial legacies, the cost of living crisis and challenges to the establishment of a humane and rights respecting migration system.

We live in incredibly uncertain times and now, more than ever, we need leaders who are going to stand up for the rule of law and our rights and freedoms, Ahmed said in the press release. How can the UK expect to be taken seriously when criticizing crackdowns in Moscow, Beijing, or Tehran, while spending thousands of pounds of taxpayers money to clamp down on peaceful protests at home, including on climate protesters.
As part of an ongoing investigation into X, the European Commission has requested documents from the company related to how its recommendation systems work. The European Union's regulatory arm is particularly interested in any recent changes to the algorithm. The EC said it asked X to provide the information by February 15 as it steps up the Digital Services Act (DSA) probe.

On top of that, regulators asked for access to certain APIs that X provides so it can conduct direct fact-finding on content moderation and virality of accounts. The Commission has also slapped X with a retention order. This requires the company to retain internal documents related to future changes to the algorithm through the rest of 2025 (or earlier if the investigation wraps up before then).

Today, we are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of X's recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA, Henna Virkkunen  the Commissions executive vice-president for sovereignty, security and democracy  said in a statement on Friday. We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our legislation, which aims to make the online environment fair, safe, and democratic for all European citizens.

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The EC opened the investigation in December 2023 to look into potential violations of the DSA. Companies that are deemed to have breached the law face fines of up to six percent of their global annual revenue.

Thierry Breton, the former European commissioner for internal market, said the bloc was looking into whether X failed to live up to its obligations regarding transparency and tackling illegal content. Possible deceptive design practices are also under the Commission's microscope.

Regulators stepped up their investigation after X owner Elon Musk publicly backed the Reform party in the UK, as well as the far-right Alternative for Germany party ahead of an election in February. As Reuters notes, some European politicians have claimed that Musk is meddling in elections. He decried the criticism as an attack on free speech and democracy.

To that end, the Commission is looking into whether X's algorithms shadowban certain perspectives while amplifying a single narrative. However, it said that Musk is free to speak as he wishes.
Greta Gerwig's follow-up to Barbie, an adaptation of one of C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books, will be exclusively viewable in theaters for four weeks before it hits Netflix on Christmas, according to a new report from Puck. Netflix is historically anti-theater, but it seems like it can set that aside for the right filmmaker.

Theaters will have a four-week exclusive window on the film globally  longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery got  but it will only be available to watch on IMAX screens to start. IMAX is guaranteeing the film will be shown in the format for two weeks, according to Puck, and is willing to add another week if there's demand. After that, the film could come to non-IMAX theaters, too.

Netflix, while owning a few theaters itself, is philosophically-opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It'll put Netflix movies in theaters for the amount of time required to qualify for awards season, but otherwise avoids them like the plague. That might be nice for subscribers who've become accustomed to watching everything at home, but most filmmakers want their films to be seen on the big screen. For example, Netflix reportedly lost the chance to distribute Saltburn director Emerald Fennel's next film, an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, because it refused to give the film time in theaters, according to The New York Times.

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Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it seems the director got her way. It's strange to have to fight tooth and nail for what could be a blockbuster movie to be seen by a paying audience. There's plenty of evidence that putting films in theaters makes money, but it's a lesson that even company's like Disney have had to relearn after the streaming boom. Moana 2 started as a Disney+ filler before it was tweaked and turned into a theatrical release that made over $200 million in December 2024.

It's impossible to say if this decision signals a longterm change at Netflix, but future filmmakers working with the company now have interesting precedent to point to for their own theatrical deals.
All you need is a Nintendo Account to enter, but it's not guaranteed you'll get in.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally official, and while we still don't know when anyone will be able to own the new console, we do know when some lucky people will get to try one for themselves. Nintendo is holding hands-on events starting on April 4 and running through June where you'll be able to try the Switch 2 for yourself in select cities in North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia.

You can register for a "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" event starting today, January 17 from 3PM ET / 12PM PT through January 26 at 11:59PM local time for each event location. If you're planning on registering, you'll need to be 18 years or older and have either a free Nintendo Account, or a Nintendo Account Family Group if you're planning on going with a group. There's no need for any kind of paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and you don't have to worry about family members under six having an account as long as they're accompanied by an adult that does.

Nintendo says the hands-on event should last two hours and 20 minutes, but didn't share what ticket holders will actually get to try during the experience. Maybe some Mario Kart?

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It's important to also stress, heading to Nintendo's website and registering for tickets doesn't mean you'll actually get to attend. Nintendo refers to the process as a drawing because attendees or groups of attendees will be chosen randomly. Signing up early doesn't guarantee you'll have a better chance of getting in.

Where Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events are being held

Nintendo is hosting its Switch 2 events for around three days in each city, though it's only announced hands-on locations in the first three cities.

In North America, you'll be able to register for a hands-on in:

New York, April 4-6, 2025 at Center415

Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025 at Television City

Dallas, April 25-27, 2025 at Embarcadero Building at Fair Park

Toronto, April 25-27

For the events in Europe, you'll be able to pick from:

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Paris, April 4-6, 2025

London, April 11-13, 2025

Milan, April 25-27, 2025

Berlin, April 25-27, 2025

Madrid, May 9-11, 2025

Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025

In Oceania, there's only one event location:

Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025

Finally, in Asia, you'll be able to choose from:

Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025

Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025

Hong Kong, To be announced

Taipei, To be announced

How to sign up for a Nintendo Account

Nintendo

If you want to register to try the Switch 2, you'll need to have an a Nintendo Account, and if you don't already have one, they're pretty easy to set up.

Head to the Nintendo Account website to get started. Then click on "Create a new Nintendo Account." From there, enter in your date of birth and decide if you want to create your account using an existing Google or Apple account, or by entering in your information from scratch.

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If you choose the latter, enter in a nickname, an email address, your date of birth, country of residence and timezone. Then agree to Nintendo's User Agreement and Privacy Policy by checking their respective boxes and hit "Submit." You'll receive a verification code via email that you should then enter into the empty verification code field and click "Verify." Once you do, you'll be all set up.

The process is similar if you use an Apple or Google account. Nintendo will ask you to enter a nickname, date of birth, country of residence and timezone. You'll also have to agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy, and submit a verification code. The key difference is once you do, you'll be able to use your Apple or Google account to log in instead of an email.

How to add a child to your Nintendo Family Account Group

If you plan on checking out the Switch 2 with younger friends or family who aren't old enough to have a Nintendo Account of their own, you can create one for them under a Nintendo Family Account Group.

To start, you'll need to log in to your own Nintendo Account. Then click on "Family group" and then "Add a member." From there you can select "Create an account for a child." Enter the child's date of birth, and then enter your Nintendo Account password and click on "OK."

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You'll then have to enter a nickname, a child account sign-in ID (a username, essentially) and a sign-in password. Agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy, then click "Submit, and then "OK" to create the account.

Update, January 17, 2:20PM ET: Added details on the duration of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience.
The Qi2 wireless charging spec was originally announced back in early 2023. However, Android phone makers havent exactly been rushing to add Qi2 support to their latest devices since then. Thats made finding a compatible handset rather difficult, which is a bummer for anyone who has seen the wealth of accessories and power banks that iPhone owners have had access to for several generations.

On top of faster charging speeds (up to 15 watts or higher in later revisions), Qi2 dictates the inclusion of embedded magnets designed to make aligning and attaching peripherals a cinch.

But what makes the slow rollout a bit more frustrating is that Apple is a member of the Wireless Power Consortium (the governing body in charge of Qi2) and its MagSafe tech was used to help define the spec and ensure that compliant add-ons work seamlessly with Qi2, so its not like theres a lack of compatible peripherals.

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Regardless, to help you figure out which Android phones officially come with Qi2, weve compiled a list of supported devices. (Note: Due to the complexities of the Chinese market, this list is primarily focused on gadgets available in North America and the EU.)

Android phones with Qi2:

The HMD Skyline.

Thats it, seriously. At least for now.

But what about the Galaxy S25? Unfortunately, despite Samsung saying that it will release multiple Android devices supporting Qi2 this year, its latest batch of flagship phones are merely "Qi2 ready." But what does that mean? Like previous models, the Galaxy S25 family can charge wirelessly at up to 15 watts. However, because the phones don't have magnets inside, Qi2 accessories slide off when you try to attach them. This can be addressed by purchasing a compatible case with a built-in magnetic mounting system, but at least out of the box, the Galaxy S25 line requires additional assistance in order to work with the growing market of Qi2 peripherals.

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OnePlus also claims the OnePlus 13 supports Qi2. However, in our testing, the magnets inside the phone are so weak that it didn't latch on securely to any of the Qi2 accessories we tested. However, similar to the Galaxy S25, if you pair the OnePlus 13 with one of the company's magnetic cases, you can attach Qi2 peripherals as normal.

Google has also seemingly pledged to throwing its hat to the ring. That said, things are a bit less concrete with the company saying that it will play a leading role in the development of the upcoming Qi v2.2 standard, which includes Google's contribution of its own high-power wireless charging technology to WPC."

Finally, when asked if it had plans to release Qi2-compatible phones, Motorola would only say that it is "committed to bringing the latest technology across our devices."

That said, with Mobile World Congress 2025 starting on March 3, were expecting to see updates from even more major manufacturers.

As new phones with Qi2 hit the market, we will try to keep this list as up-to-date as possible. Or at least until the spec becomes a much more mainstream standard.

Update, January 23 2025, 3:04 PM ET: This story has been updated with new info on the Samsung Galaxy S25 family, the OnePlus 13 and a statement from Motorola regarding future Qi2-certified phones.
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products .

The S25 series  and perhaps some other goodies  are on the way.

Get ready for new Samsung Galaxy phones. That's the safe bet for the headliner today at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event which kicks off today at 1PM ET in San Jose, CA. Engadget will offer you two ways to follow the launch in real-time: our Galaxy S25 livestream (live video of the event) and our Galaxy Unpacked liveblog (commentary from our resident phone experts). While the event is imminent, this story collects the full list of leaks, rumors and assumptions as to what we can reasonably expect from the presumed Galaxy S25 phones.

Before we detail everything we know, take note: If you're enough of a Samsung fan to preorder sight unseen, it's your last chance to do so. Reserving "the next evolution of Galaxy AI" at Samsung.com will get you a $50 credit and up to $1,250 in additional savings (both of which must be applied to other Samsung products, alas). The reservation window ends exactly as the event begins.

Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra

Galaxy S24 Ultra (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Much like Apple reveals its latest iPhones at its first fall event, Samsung typically launches its mainline Galaxy S flagships at its first Unpacked shindig of the year. You can bet the farm that there will be Galaxy S25 phones at this event. And given Samsungs recent trend of launching three tiers of flagships  standard, Plus and Ultra  you can bet well see that again. (Samsung could technically change the brand names, but the three-layered lineup is practically guaranteed.) Theres even an FCC certification (first spotted by 91Mobiles) to dispel any doubts.

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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.
Also, we chat with the creator of Apple TV's Severance, Dan Erickson.

So it looks like the TikTok ban may actually be happening, barring a last-minute Supreme Court decision. In this episode, Senior Writer Karissa Bell joins Devindra and Ben to discuss the potential finale of TikTok in America, as well as why some users are finding refuge in RedNote, a Chinese Instagram clone. They also dive into why Meta is giving up on third-party fact checkers, and how this relates to Mark Zuckerberg's descent into the right-wing world. Finally, we explore the tidbits of information from Nintendo's Switch 2 unveiling.

Stay tuned to the end of this episode for Devindras chat with Dan Erickson, the creator of Severance, about season two of his hit show.

Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News!

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Topics

RIP TikTok, Part ???  2:24

Meta abandons fact checking, loosens hate speech rules on its platforms  22:21

We finally have confirmation of the Switch 2, full unveil scheduled for April 2  40:57

Pop culture picks  49:29.187

Credits

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Karissa Bell

Producer: Ben Ellman

Music: Dale North

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Maybe you didn't have to say good-bye to your Chinese spy after all.

With a TikTok ban seemingly imminent, TikTok users have spent the last few days fleeing to Chinese social media app RedNote, trying to learn Mandarin, and bidding heartfelt farewells to their Chinese spy. But its looking increasingly unlikely that TikTok will actually disappear on January 19.

Most Supreme Court watchers expect the court to uphold the law that requires ByteDance to sell TikToks US business or face a ban on January 19. But it seems theres little appetite to actually enforce the law that was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. Incoming President Donald Trump, who formally asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban, has said he wants to save the app.

Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that Trump was considering signing an executive order shortly after taking office on January 20, that would suspend enforcement of the TikTok ban-or-sale law for 60 to 90 days. Now, NBC News reports that unnamed White House officials are saying they dont want TikTok to be banned on their watch, either.

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The administration has decided to defer implementation of the law banning TikTok in the U.S. to the incoming Trump administration, the officials said, effectively not enforcing it during the final 36 hours of President Joe Bidens term in office.

Given the timing of when it goes into effect over a holiday weekend a day before inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement, a White House official said.

Where does that leave TikTok? I have no idea.

Under the law, Apple and Google are required to remove the app from their stores or face billions of dollars in penalties. That unnamed Biden Administration officials are now saying they wont enforce it on their way out the door, doesnt mean that the two, generally risk-adverse, companies would opt to ignore federal law. Particularly when the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party sent letters to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook just one month ago pointedly reminding them of their obligation to comply with that same law.

Even if Apple and Google do remove the app from their stores, TikTok could still theoretically function for the millions of people who have already downloaded it. But, a report earlier this week in The Information indicated that TikTok planned to make the app inaccessible on Sunday if the Supreme Court upholds the law. Neither Apple, Google nor TikTok  all of whom are presumably waiting for the actual Supreme Court ruling  have responded to questions or publicly commented on any of these scenarios.

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But the desire to disappear TikTok off Americans phones seems to be rapidly evaporating. Senator Ed Markey, who voted in favor of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act last year, introduced a bill this week that would extend the deadline for banning the app. In a statement, he said that the ban was rushed through without sufficient consideration of the profound consequences it would have on the 170 million Americans who use the platform. Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, who also voted for the bill last April, joined him in calling for an extension, as did Representative Ro Khanna (who did not back the original bill).

Should TikTok get some kind of reprieve, there have been a number of options floated for keeping the app online in the US. These include finding an American buyer, reviving Project Texas or simply getting Trump to instruct DoJ officials to just ignore the law altogether.

If all that seems confusing, its because it is. Officials in both parties have spent months issuing dire warnings about the mostly theoretical national security threat posed by TikTok. But, now that a ban is seemingly just days away, no one wants to be blamed for being the ones to actually take it away.
The Supreme Court has sided with the Biden Administration on a law that could ban TikTok in the coming days. In a unanimous ruling, the court upheld the law, writing in an unsigned opinion that "TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the Governments national security concerns."

The ruling marks the end of TikToks many legal challenges to a law, passed last spring, that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States. It comes amid mounting tensions between the US and China, and just days after the Biden Administration moved to restrict the export of GPUs used for AI applications.

In a statement, TikTok said that "unless the Biden Administration...provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement" immediately, it will unfortunately be forced to go dark on January 19. "The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok's availability to over 170 million Americans," it said.

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White House officials said Thursday that the Biden Administration would not enforce the ban on President Joe Biden's last day in office. Incoming President Donald Trump, who will be sworn in one day after the ban is supposed to take effect, has suggested he wants to save the app. Thats caused some speculation that he could instruct the Justice Department not to enforce the law or find some other arrangement that would allow the app to remain accessible.

"The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation." He also said that he had discussed TikTok with China's Xi Jinping on Friday, but did not provide details. Earlier in the week, The Washington Post reported that Trump was considering an executive order that would give TikTok an additional "60 or 90 days" to comply with the law. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration where he will sit alongside Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

In a brief statement shared on TikTok, Chew thanked Trump, but didn't say whether the app would go dark this weekend when the ban goes into effect. " I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States," he said. "This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship." Representatives for TikTok, Google, Apple and Oracle (which hosts TikTok's US data) have not responded to questions about their plans to comply with the law.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future. "Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear, " he wrote. "All I can say is that, at this time and under these constraints, the problem appears real and the response to it not unconstitutional."

Free speech groups have denounced the law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it. The Supreme Courts ruling is incredibly disappointing, allowing the government to shut down an entire platform and the free speech rights of so many based on fear-mongering and speculation, Patrick Toomey, deputy director of ACLUs National Security Project, said in a statement. By refusing to block this ban, the Supreme Court is giving the executive branch unprecedented power to silence speech it doesnt like, increasing the danger that sweeping invocations of national security will trump our constitutional rights.

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The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights group, said in a statement that "the ban or forced sale of one social media app will do virtually nothing to protect Americans' data privacy  only comprehensive consumer privacy legislation can achieve that goal."

TikTok users have also vocally opposed the ban. Before the law was passed, legions of fans called their Congressional representatives offices, urging them to not support the bill. The move may have had unintended consequences as some members of Congress accused TikTok, which had encouraged users to make the calls, of interfering with the legislative process. More recently, TikTok fans have pushed a number of previously unknown apps, including a Chinese social media app known as RedNote or Xiaohongshu, to the top of the app stores as they search for alternatives.

Update, January 17, 2025, 9:45 AM PT: This post has been updated to add details from a statement made by Shou Chew.

Update, January 17, 2025, 10PM ET: Added TikTok's statement.
MrBeast, the YouTube sensation whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is making waves again. This time with his claim that he's ready to buy TikTok.

With the U.S. ban on the popular social media platform set to take effect on January 19, Donaldson took to X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week to share his bold idea.

"Okay fine, I'll buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned," he tweeted. While the post initially seemed like a joke, Donaldson followed up with a more serious statement.

"Unironically, I've had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this," he added. "Let's see if we can pull this off."

Okay fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned  MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 14, 2025

The possible TikTok ban stems from national security concerns over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and allegations of U.S. user data being shared with Beijing.

A law signed by President Joe Biden last spring gave ByteDance until January 19 to sell the platform. If not sold, TikTok will become inaccessible in the U.S., with hosting and app stores prohibited from supporting it.

Donaldson's offer, though unlikely to come to fruition, isn't the first time someone has expressed interest in saving the app.

Elon Musk, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, and even Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary have reportedly explored similar ideas, as USA Today reported.

However, TikTok has dismissed the rumors of a sale as speculative, leaving its future in doubt.

Despite the ban's legal momentum, TikTok has been fighting back.

The company recently argued before the Supreme Court that banning the app would violate First Amendment rights. As of now, the court has not released a decision, leaving TikTok's fate uncertain.

Meanwhile, Donaldson hasn't provided details about his supposed plan or the "billionaires" he claims are backing him. Known for his ambitious stunts, including his recent show Beast Games, some fans wonder if this is another elaborate act or a serious business move.

For TikTok users, the looming ban means time is running out to save cherished content. ByteDance plans to offer tools for downloading personal data, but many creators are scrambling to preserve years' worth of videos.

As January 19 approaches, Donaldson's playful bid offers a glimmer of hope, albeit a faint one, for TikTok fans who aren't ready to say goodbye.
Chris Brown seems to be a fan of Donald Trump's shocking claims to implement an External Revenue Service.

Brown, 35, took to instagram Wednesday singing praises for the incumbent president, who recently made the explosive claim that he seeks to shift focus from the Internal Revenue Service and implement an "External" Revenue Service.

On Tuesday, Trump  who was recently sentenced to a penalty-free "unconditional discharge" in connection to his 32 felony charges  announced that he seeks to create the External Service to collect tariffs, duties, and revenue.

That said, it seems Brown is on board with the bold claim in a repost captured by The Shade Room.

"Anyone else hoping that Trump shuts down the IRS," Brown, 35, asked alongside eye emojis. "If he pull that off...PUT THAT MAN ON THE hundred dollar bill," he laughed. That said, fans in the comment section were not laughing, seemingly disappointed in the musician's support of the pending president.

"CHRIS SHUT UP PLEASE," one fan shot back in the comment thread. "I hate when a cute ninja sound dumb and slow. Like boy just sthu and smile," a second wrote. "It don't take much to flip us and I don't like that," a third poked. "Christopher...I had a long day at work. Don't piss me off tonight," a fourth penned.

Although Trump wasn't specific about whether he'd can the IRS for good, he announced that "for far too long," taxes have fallen on the shoulders of "our Great People."

"For far too long, we have relied on taxing our Great People using the Internal Revenue Service," the 78-year-old wrote in a post on Truth Social Tuesday.

"I am today announcing that I will create the EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE to collect our tariffs, duties, and all revenue that come from the 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!" Trump exclaimed.

Trump on Truth Social:



"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." pic.twitter.com/NIadBEkHtL  Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) January 14, 2025

Brown's support of Trump comes as a shift to previous comments he's made. Back in 2016, the superstar expressed his concern while performing at a concert, per Hot 97.

"Man, this s**t is getting crazy. Black people getting assaulted at f*****g rallies where you're supposed to talk at. Trump and all that bulls**t," he stated per the outlet.
Fitness influencer and TikTok star Chris O'Donnell, widely recognized by his username Creeohdee, has passed away at the age of 31.

His death was confirmed on January 15, 2025, leaving the TikTok community in mourning after an online obituary emerged remembering the TikTok personality.

O'Donnell, who gained popularity for his fitness and motivational content, was subsequently celebrated by fans and friends alike.

TikTok user Kevin Clevenger, known as @ironsanctuary, shared the news in a heartfelt video tribute on January 16.

@ironsanctuary One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that you're gone. I love you. @Chris ODonnell  If I Would Have Known - Kyle Hume

In the caption, he wrote, "One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that you're gone. I love you." See the video below.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's office later confirmed to E! News that O'Donnell's death was ruled a suicide.

O'Donnell was not just a fitness content creator. In a December 2022 Instagram post, he opened up about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.

"I got sober in 2018 and have been an advocate for substance abuse awareness ever since," he wrote, emphasizing his dedication to helping others.

Originally from Virginia, O'Donnell moved to Arizona to pursue his passions. He often shared his love for exploring cultures and challenging his beliefs.

Despite his success, he made it clear that fitness, while central to his content, was not his primary passion.

Fans and friends continue to share their condolences, remembering O'Donnell's impact on the fitness community and beyond.

His transparency and advocacy for mental health will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7 by dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Despite appearing enthusiastic during her recent interview on "The Breakfast Club," Wendy Williams' lawyer has revealed that the media personality is still facing challenges and struggles.

In a recent statement given to TMZ, lawyer Roberta Kaplan stressed that the TV personality continues to face the challenges of frontal lobe dementia, a progressive brain disorder that has no known cure.

The lawyer said that Williams experiences fluctuations between "good and bad days."

Despite moments of clarity that may give the impression of wellness, Kaplan said the court has officially declared her unfit to oversee her legal and financial matters due to her current condition.

Williams addressed concerns about her cognitive health during the rare radio interview on Thursday morning, refuting any suggestions of being "permanently incapacitated" due to her ongoing battle with dementia.

The former radio talk show host wept while discussing her ongoing battle with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions diagnosed in May 2023.

"I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison," she said. "I am definitely isolated."

Williams added, "To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea. I keep the door closed."

"I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by."

Williams shared having only $15 to her name and her sadness over the absence of her beloved cats, stating that they are "gone" even though she wishes they were still with her.

Regarding her future plans, the television personality shared her desire to relocate to Florida in order to be closer to her family. The celebrity is eagerly looking forward to her upcoming trip to Miami next month to commemorate her father's birthday.

Williams revealed that, for the past three years, she has celebrated her birthdays in solitude within the confines of a highly secure facility.

"This is what is called emotional abuse," she said.

During the interview, her niece Alex Finnie stood up for Williams and vouched for her present mental well-being.

"Anybody that knows my aunt knows she's always been a unique personality," Finnie said.

"How she's talking, that's her. That's who she is. Don't try to twist how she is."

Meanwhile, The US Sun reported that Williams' family has created a GoFundMe page, and they are aiming to raise $50,000 to free her from the "loneliness and deep isolation" of being under a guardianship.

The GoFundMe page, titled "Support Wendy Williams' Fight for Independence," came before her Thursday interview.

According to its description, "A GoFundMe fundraiser is being urgently organized to assist Wendy Williams' family in expediting her return to her rightful home in Florida."

"For far too long, Wendy has faced the challenges of being unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated, despite her strong will and determination to live her life independently," the page added.

"Her current situation is not only unfair but also deeply isolating. The guardian assigned to her has severed her connections with friends and family, leaving her without the support network she so desperately needs."

The page description noted, "This isolation in New York has made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain her strength and resilience."

"Unfortunately, they have exhausted their financial resources in their fight against this unjust guardianship and are in dire need of assistance to secure legal representation. Legal services can be prohibitively expensive, and without our support, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of the situation."
"Basic Instinct" star Sharon Stone opened up about her celebrity neighbors Prince Harry. and Meghan Markle.

In a recent interview, the actress, who lives in Montecito, California, praised the couple for their dedication to their community.

"They didn't come here to live off of our community; they came here to be a part of our community," Stone said, as quoted by Hello!

She shared a story of a time when a friend witnessed Harry and Meghan crossing the street on their bicycles, stopping to wave at her while she sat at a red light.

"They're a part of our community," Stone added. "They've become a giving, caring, participating part of our community. They're not here to be like, 'Would you like to kiss my butt?'"

These days, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been busy providing assistance to those who have lost their homes due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.

They have been seen taking part in relief efforts and have reportedly opened up their home for friends who are in need.

Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple has generously donated and, in partnership with chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen, distributed hot meals to the victims of the fires.

A source confirmed to Hello! that one of the organizations Prince Harry and Meghan have been supporting is the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund.

Meghan donated clothing and beauty products during a day spent with the group, along with lunch for volunteers. She also met with families affected by the fires to lend her support.

Even though they have been living 90 miles north of Los Angeles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are doing their part to aid their community in a time of crisis.

In a statement on Sussex's site, the couple said they remain dedicated to giving any help they can to those people whose lives have been affected by the fires.

"We are working with our Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to assist our community during this challenging time," they said.
Kid Rock took a jab at Michelle Obama after news broke that she would not be attending President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration just days away.

Rock had a "kind reminder" for the former first lady during his appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime Thursday, January 16. The "Cowboy" rockstar revealed it wasn't his first rodeo when it comes to inaugurations  and one in particular comes to mind.

The five-time Grammy Award winner told viewers that he had a "good time" performing at her husband Barack Obama's inauguration despite not voting for him at all. The musician speculates that she might be "a little angry."

"I heard Michelle Obama is not attending. I would kindly remind her that years back, when Obama was first elected I did not vote for him," Rock, 54, said. "But they asked me to play the inauguration and I played it."

"I went. Had a good time. I went for out of respect of the presidency so, I would kindly remind Mrs. Michelle about that," Rock concluded, prompting Fox host Watters to laugh.

"Why isn't Michelle attending? All the other first ladies are," Watters asked Rock.

"I dunno, she seems a little angry," the rockstar replied. "She might be. I dunno," he laughed. "If you can't say nothing nice..." Rock concluded, coining the famous phrase, that one should keep their mouth closed if they have nothing kind to say.

Despite a bit of banter, it seems Rock may be onto her silent protest, as a source close to the first lady told PEOPLE January 15 that Michelle is not a fan of faking smiles when it comes to someone she feels is a threat to American democracy.

"There's no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She's not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol's sake," the source stated. "Michelle doesn't do anything because it's expected or it's protocol or it's tradition."

That said, the 60th inaugural ceremony at the Capitol won't be the only tradition she skips out on, as the former first lady was also MIA during the late president Jimmy Carter's funeral which was held last week in Washington, D.C.

"She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady," the source added regarding her official responsibilities back in 2017.

"You'll see her when she has a project or cause to promote but she doesn't feel the need to be a public figure anymore," the source said.
DeRon Horton, known for his role on Netflix's Dear White People, is focusing on recovery after being injured in a recent shooting incident.

"First off. I wanna give an honor to God for covering me and protecting me to make it out this situation and countless other ones," Horton, 32, shared on Instagram on Thursday, January 16. "Everybody that checked on me n holla'd at me specially my family n friends I love yall, Thank you."

Horton posted multiple images of his injuries in an Instagram photo carousel, including an X-ray showing a bullet lodged in his arm, him laying in a hospital bed wearing a cast, his stitches, and photos of a shattered car window where he was wounded.

Reflecting on the incident, Horton wrote, "Gettin shot a few days before Xmas def wasn't on my wish list . But it happened mf shot thru the car at me bullet broke my arm shattered it all type o s**t. But I'm Blessed dawg to not be in a casket or paralyzed."

He added: "I got a plate n screws in my mf arm, so I can't workout for a minute which I'm mad about BUT it coulda been worse! And I don't need no sympathy I'm finna bounce right back I feel amazing ."

He encouraged others to remain vigilant and thankful, concluding, "I just wanted to remind yall and myself to Keep God first! Stay Alert n Grateful for Everything. the devil can't stop sh*t when you walk w God."

Horton's former Dear White People costars expressed their support.

Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins commented, "Thank GOD for your life. I'm so so SO happy you're ok."

Logan Browning added, "Dear God, thank you for protecting my special Deron ." Samuel L. Jackson, who collaborated with Horton on The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, also shared encouragement: "Glad you're still with us, Tuff Stuff!!! Good thing you're covered by the All mighty."

Horton rose to prominence playing Lionel on Dear White People (20172021). His career includes roles in Roman J. Israel, Esq., American Vandal, and American Horror Story. Reflecting on working with Denzel Washington in Roman J. Israel, Esq., Horton told The Hollywood Reporter, "I feel like he's somewhat changed my life, saved my life. I just hope to be like him one day."

On set with Washington, Horton found the experience humbling. "We talked about Shakespeare, we talked about God, we talked about love, making mistakes and stuff like that, but it was a really, really humbling experience for me."
A Christian minister has been called out by the social media saints after she went viral preaching a sermon oddly similar to Bishop T.D. Jakes' Woman Thou Art Loosed sermon.

Female preacher Kristina Java is now being called "Kristina Columbus" since going viral for adapting T.D. Jakes' storytelling and delivery while preaching at a church in New York, deeming the sly move a diabolical act of plagiarism.

Jakes' daughter, Rev. Cora Jakes had choice words for the copycat minister, who has now elected to limit commenting on all her Instagram posts.

Java first unveiled the sermon on social media in December prompting her to receive some encouraging feedback. However, over time fans online began to realize that her sermon was oddly familiar to one of the most popular sermons ever given by Bishop T.D. Jakes.

The preacher is seen in a repost captured by The Shade Room taking on a hooting and hollering style of preaching with a southern Baptist twang, which came off as inauthentic to many, in addition to her added exaggerated mannerisms and gestures.

While many were disappointed that Java would plagiarize one of the most popular Christian sermons, Jakes' daughter proved to be the most disappointed as she called the preacher out for "mimicking" her father in the comment section.

"I'm saddened by this, I do hope you [gave] my papa credit, he labored for what you mimicked. SMH," Rev. Cora Jakes responded in Java's comment section, per Vibe.

"Was this a Church talent show recital stage play?" one fan asked in the comment section of the repost. "She colonized his sermon," a second poked. "I never saw a yt woman cosplay as TD Jake's before. This definitely wasn't on my 2025 bingo card," a third added. "not Kristina Columbus we see you @kk.tinaa," a fourth replied alongside face palm emojis.

That said, many others weighed in, in addition to spamming all her Instagram posts with various clap backs from calling her a "culture vulture" and a thief of "Black spiritual culture."

Woman Thou Art Loosed, preached by T.D. Jakes back in 2000, stands today as one of the most popular sermons to date. In addition to the iconic spiritual message, Jakes originally published the book in 1993.

Bringing hope to countless readers, Woman Thou Art Loosed has been an Amazon bestseller for over 20 years.
MBHULENI - A spiritual consultation turned into a traumatic ordeal for a woman, when she sought help from a prophet (umthantazi) to solve a spiritual issue only to be sexually violated. *Menzi, the alleged rapist, who is supposedly masked as a holy man, reportedly took advantage of *Sindis vulnerability, by administering muti on her before having sexual intercourse with her without using protection. This publication gathered that the supposed prophet was known to help people with prayer whenever they faced difficulties in their lives. It was also gathered that the father of Sindis child was allegedly well aware of her plight, leading to him suggesting that she should consult the man thought to be a prophet, who would assist in getting rid of the spirits affecting her life in a negative way. According to sources, Menzi, who resides at Mbhuleni in Matsapha, had been previously accused by several women in the area for similar acts, where he is believed to have tricked women into having sexual intercourse with him to rid them of evil spirits.



Consulted



The sources revealed that Sindi had consulted the prophet through the knowledge of the father of her child. The woman is said to have gone to the alleged prophets rented flat in the area, where he purportedly administered muti. He then reportedly raped her and after a while, Sindi realised that she had been taken advantage of, and she reported the matter to the police. She declined to comment when asked about the matter. She said the father of her child, who was privy to the information, was at the police station and he would be in a better position to comment and she shut the door. Meanwhile, residents in the area mentioned that certain people are reportedly taking advantage of women who are desperate for assistance, by posing as traditional healers or prophets. We have seen a number of women in the area being sexually violated by so-called healers, and we have extensively warned them against it, the residents said. He said one man was called by authorities in the area and warned against doing such. Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, the Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, confirmed that a woman was raped once inside a house at Mbhuleni by a prophet. Mnguni said the man was arrested and will appear in court today.



Denounced



President of the Witchdoctors Association, Makhanya Makhanya, denounced the rapists actions, stating that such behaviour is abhorrent and completely unethical to the principles of traditional healing. A true traditional healer regards their client with the utmost respect and compassion, he declared. These imposters masquerading as healers are nothing but fraudsters, preying on the desperation and trust of the innocent. He added that even proposing a client was a crime. He said there was no healing that came from sleeping with a client and this offence was highly abominable.




A grand jury in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, indicted social media influencer Mr. Prada on several charges, including first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, aggravated criminal damage to property, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The content creator, real name Terryon Thomas, is accused of killing 69-year-old Dr. Nick Abraham, a therapist from Baton Rouge, in September 2024.

The indictment, announced on Thursday, January 16, signifies that the grand jury found sufficient evidence to move forward with the case. If convicted of first-degree murder, the 20-year-old could face the death penalty.

Investigators allege that the crime took place inside Thomas' apartment on Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. Dr. Abraham was last seen alive entering the residence, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department. Days later, his body was discovered in Tangipahoa Parish, wrapped in a tarp and left on the side of Highway 51.

During a search of Thomas' apartment, law enforcement reportedly found multiple sharp objects, weapons, and significant amounts of Dr. Abraham's blood.

After nearly being apprehended in Baton Rouge, Thomas fled the area but was eventually captured in Dallas, Texas. He remains in custody without bond.

Speculation about Thomas, known for his TikTok account featuring comedic content, began circulating on social media when police released surveillance images of a person of interest. Online communities were quick to connect the images to Thomas, who has over 133K followers on TikTok, sparking widespread discussion.

The big TikTok influencer "Mr. Prada" is currently wanted for investigation for a homicide and Baton Rouge. They saying he offed his therapist



pic.twitter.com/5AmUrdhwJv https://t.co/QkLrDOy8N0  NATE (@NATERERUN) October 1, 2024

Authorities have not revealed a motive or confirmed whether Thomas and Abraham were acquainted before the murder.

However, online users have suggested a potential connection to allegations against Dr. Abraham from 2015, when he was accused of molesting a child. Despite the viral conversations, Thomas has not made any public statements about the case.

One of Mr. Prada's posts stood out, accusing him of "standing on business" in real life after he uploaded a video "practicing for my mug shot."

"Cus this might be the year someone gonna meet God if they piss me off too much," he wrote in May 2023.

The investigation continues as Thomas awaits trial.
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Pfaffikon/Switzerland, 17/01/2025 (News Aktuell).- Right at the start of 2025, the European Marketing Distribution (EMD) network is once again demonstrating the additional benefits that cooperation between renowned distributors can generate for customers in the retail sector: The latest example is a new cooperation on the joint procurement of private labels in France with the renowned buying group Francap, who serves 10 local retailers, representing over 2,200 points of sale, including the French operations of EMD's Belgian partner Colruyt.

As a result, French consumers can now enjoy even more attractive private label product ranges in the affiliated Francap shops - and suppliers in France gain new and valuable access to the global sales markets of the EMD retail alliance.

In order to clarify the dynamics for all the stakeholders involved, it is worth taking a closer look at the networked structures. Francap, which has been operating successfully in France for over 60 years, has 10 members-retailers that currently represent 2,215 outlets in France and are particularly successful with customers when it comes to local shopping, offering a full range of products.

Francap is recognised in France as a reliable purchasing organisation for supermarket chains such as Coccinelle Supermarche, Diagonal, G20 and Colruyt. Colruyt France, one of the major Francap members, is already operating 102 supermarkets in France.

Francap also supplies well-established local supply specialists such as Rapid Market, Sitis, Epi Service, Votre marche, Panier Sympa, Viveco and Marche Minut.

Including the revenues of Colruyt France, the Francap Group represents a cumulated consumer turnover of 3.5 billion euros.

High-performance own brands form the focus of the collaboration

The primary objective of the collaboration recently initiated by Francap under the aegis of the EMD alliance is the joint procurement and marketing of high-performance private labels. These products are experiencing increased popularity in the discerning French food market. The Francap Group already has a range of well-established own brands (such as Belle France, Les Delices de Belle France and Ecoprix), while EMD can enrich the product range of its new purchasing partner Francap with its large portfolio of highly sought-after private labels under the EMD Eurolabel.

The cooperation between Francap and EMD concerns only private label products: no collaboration on the international marketing nor procurement of A-brand products is in the scope of the collaboration.

Numerous new initiatives have emerged in the goods sector, offering mutual benefits.

The networking of all the aforementioned partners has triggered a number of significant developments, particularly for French retail customers, who now have an even more appealing selection of very good and always affordable private labels at their disposal. The combined professional expertise of Francap is incorporated into EMD's international product group tenders by the joint purchasing teams. EMD itself is opening up a new route into the French food market for international own-brand manufacturers, while French manufacturers can look forward to new opportunities in EMD's intercontinental distribution area.

EMD, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in the past 2024 together with all its members and partners from industry and trade, will remain a particularly reliable and cooperative partner in the international procurement and marketing market also in the new year 2025.

About EMD:

European Marketing Distribution AG, headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland, has been recognised in the consumer goods industry as an efficient and powerful partner for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) since 1989. In particular, it develops and procures highly efficient and sustainably produced private label concepts for the benefit of consumers. The EMD head office also supports and realises global partnerships in the area of on-top agreements with the largest brand manufacturers.

In 2024, EMD announced new memberships in Germany (RTG International) and in South Korea (Lotte). Woolworths Australia left the cooperation end 2024.

Including the associate member Lotte from South Korea, the EMD member companies in Europe and Asia currently represent an external retail consumer turnover of approx. 200 billion euros in 16 countries.

The member companies of European Marketing Distribution (EMD) are active in the following markets:

Austria: MARKANT Netherlands: Superunie Belgium: Colruyt Norway: Unil/NorgesGruppen Czech Republic: MARKANT Portugal: EuromadiPort Denmark: Dagrofa Slovakia: MARKANT France: Francap South Korea: Lotte Germany: RTG International Spain: Euromadi Italy: ESD Italia Sweden: Dagab/Axfood Luxemburg: Colruyt Switzerland: MARKANT

In addition to South Korea and Japan, associate member Lotte is also active in the Chinese, Vietnamese and Indonesian markets.

For further information:

Donati & Rosmanith

Uwe Rosmanith

Triq ir-Rumani, 3

Xlendi, XLN1431

Malta

Phone: +49 171 9706644

uwe@rosmanith.de

rosmanith@bettercommunications.mt
A Mexico City mental health facility, the Doctors Without Borders Comprehensive Care Center, is one of the few of its kind to support migrants who have endured unthinkable acts of violence, including rape, kidnapping and torture.
WASHINGTON, DC, JANUARY 17, 2025 - The International Salute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will celebrate its 33rd year on Sunday, January 19, 2025 and will present awards to a distinguished group of global recipients. The event which will be held at The Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., is hosted annually by the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural & Minority Medicine (lAMMM) in tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The awards are part of the commemorative celebrations in honour of the late Dr. King's birthday. The MLK, Jr. International Salute Committee headed by the Founder and CEO Madeline Y. Lawson, recognizes the distinguished leadership and contributions of exceptional individuals who have positively impacted the global community. Award winners will be presented with either the Dr. Dorothy I. Height Leadership award, in honor of the late civil rights and women's rights activist - a founding member of the Salute - who was also a special advisor to several U.S. Presidents, or the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award in honor of the leader of the African American civil rights movement. In her capacity as the honorary chair of the committee for the 2025 International Salute, H.E. Dame Karen Pierce. British Ambassador to the United States, will join fellow committee members to present the 2025 Awards, which will be presented to: H.E. Dame Karen Pierce, British Amnassador, for the King Legacy Award for Global Diplomacy and Service

Mrs. Shahin D. Mafi, Founder and Trustee of The Azar Foundation for Children of the World for The Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for Global Philanthropy and Service to her longstanding commitment and contribution to supporting the welfare of women and children around the world.

The Honorable Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the PA House of Representatives for Government and Public Service

The Honorable Marie Royce for Leadership in Global Education

Dr. Maurice Edington, President of the University of the District of Columbia for Leadership in Education

Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO of United Way NCA for the Dorothy I. Height Leadership Award The 2025 award winners join a distinguished group of previous recipients including: Hon. John Conyers, Jr. US representative Michigan; General Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State; Kofi Annan, former Secretary General, United Nations; John Lewis, US Congressman; Bob Dole, US Senator and a host of ambassadors from the US, France, Africa, United Kingdom and Germany. Jan Du Plain, President/CEO, Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc. will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.



- End -







About the MLK International Salute Committee:



The MLK, Jr. International Salute Committee was organized 33 years ago to plan an annual International Day of Recognition for a man who sacrifice his life for justice and equality, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That day of celebration was to be the Sunday before the King Holiday each year. The Founding Members of the Committee were: Dr.Dorothy I. Height, Chairman and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, Henry H. Brown, Senior Vice President of Anheuser-Busch Company, Freddie L. Brown, Regional Marketing Executive for Anheuser-Busch Company, and Madeline Y. Lawson, President/CEO of Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural & Minority Medicine (IAMMM).



The Committee's original purpose and mandate remain today to:



 Advance the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man for all nations and one loved and honoured around the world.



 Celebrate a man who received the Nobel Peace Prize because of his stance on nonviolence.



 Honor his legacy because he endured much, knocked down walls of injustice, bigotry and oppression and went to jail because he stood up for what he believed



 Recognize individuals whose service emulates the King Legacy.



**2025 Honorary committee includes Honorary Chair, Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, British Ambassador to the US, Founder & Chair Emeritus Henry H Brown, Anheuser-Busch Co. (ret), Founder & Chair Emerita, Dr Dorothy I Height * National Council of Negro Women, and Chair Emeritus W Frank Fountain, Chrysler, LLC (*ret) (Daimler Chrysler.) Other members of the 2025 host committee include, Ben Vinson III PhD, President, Howard University, Maurice Edington, PhD, President of University of District of Columbia, Ellen M. Granberg, PhD, President, The George Washington University, Peter Kilpatrick, PhD, President, Catholic University of America, Gregory Fowler, PhD, President, University of MD Global Campus, Andrew Flagel, PhD, President & CEO of Consortium of Universities of DMC, Jean Bailey, PhD, Howard University, Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman, Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation, Shahin D Mafi, Founder & Trustee, Azar Foundation for Children of the World, Rafat & Shaista Mahmood, Former Pakistani Ambassador & Philanthropist, Shavon Arline-Bradley, PhD, President & CEO, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Jan Du Plain, President & CEO, DuPlain Global Enterprises, Inc, Vivian W. Pinn, MD, Senior Scientist Emerita, NIH, and Harry E. Johnson, Esq, The Memorial Project Foundation (* deceased)



Contact Information:



Madeline Y. Lawson



Chief Executive Officer



202) 256-0070



mlawson@iammm.org




WASHINGTON, DC, JANUARY 17, 2025 - The International Salute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will celebrate its 33rd year on Sunday, January 19, 2025 and will present awards to a distinguished group of global recipients. The event which will be held at The Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., is hosted annually by the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural & Minority Medicine (lAMMM) in tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The awards are part of the commemorative celebrations in honor of the late Dr. King's birthday. Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, British Ambassador to the U.S., will serve as the Honorary Chair. The MLK, Jr. International Salute Committee headed by the Founder and CEO Madeline Y. Lawson, recognizes the distinguished leadership and contributions of exceptional individuals who have positively impacted the global community. Award winners will be presented with either the Dr. Dorothy I. Height Leadership Award, in honor of the late civil rights and women's rights activist, or the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award in honor of the leader of the African American civil rights movement. The 2025 International Salute Awards will be presented to: H.E. Dame Karen Pierce, British Ambassador, for the King Legacy Award for Global Diplomacy and Service

Mrs. Shahin D. Mafi, Founder and Trustee of The Azar Foundation for Children of the World for The Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for Global Philanthropy and Service to her longstanding commitment and contribution to supporting the welfare of women and children around the world

The Honorable Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the PA House of Representatives for Government and Public Service

The Honorable Marie Royce for Leadership in Global Education

Dr. Maurice Edington, President of the University of the District of Columbia for Leadership in Education

Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO of United Way NCA for the Dorothy I. Height Leadership Award The 2025 award winners join a distinguished group of previous recipients including: Hon. John Conyers, Jr. U.S. Representative Michigan; General Colin Powell, the former U.S. Secretary of State; Kofi Annan, former Secretary General, United Nations; John Lewis, U.S. Congressman; Bob Dole, U.S. Senator and a host of ambassadors from the U.S., France, Africa, United Kingdom and Germany. Jan Du Plain, President/CEO, Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc. will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. About The MLK, Jr. International Salute Committee



The MLK, Jr. International Salute Committee was organized 33 years ago to plan an annual International Day of Recognition for a man who sacrificed his life for justice and equality, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That day of celebration was to be the Sunday before the King Holiday each year. The Founding Members of the Committee were:



 Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Chairman and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women



 Henry H. Brown, Senior Vice President of Anheuser-Busch Company



 Freddie L. Brown, Regional Marketing Executive for Anheuser-Busch Company



 Madeline Y. Lawson, President/CEO of Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural &Minority Medicine (IAMMM).



The Committee's original purpose and mandate remain today to:



 Advance the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man for all nations and one loved and honored around the world.



 Celebrate a man who received the Nobel Peace Prize because of his stance on nonviolence.



 Honor his legacy because he endured much, knocked down walls of injustice, bigotry and oppression and went to jail because he stood up for what he believed.



 Recognize individuals whose service emulates the King Legacy.



2025 Honorary committee includes Honorary Chair, Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, British Ambassador to the U.S., Founder & Chair Emeritus Henry H Brown, Anheuser-Busch Co. (ret), Founder & Chair Emerita, Dr. Dorothy I Height*, National Council of Negro Women, and Chair Emeritus W. Frank Fountain, Chrysler, LLC (*ret) (Daimler Chrysler.) Other members of the 2025 host committee include, Ben Vinson III PhD, President, Howard University, Maurice Edington, PhD, President of University of District of Columbia, Ellen M. Granberg, PhD, President, The George Washington University, Peter Kilpatrick, PhD, President, Catholic University of America, Gregory Fowler, PhD, President, University of MD Global Campus, Andrew Flagel, PhD, President & CEO of Consortium of Universities of DMC, Jean Bailey, PhD, Howard University, Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman, Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation, Shahin D Mafi, Founder & Trustee, Azar Foundation for Children of the World, Rafat & Shaista Mahmood, Former Pakistani Ambassador & Philanthropist, Shavon Arline-Bradley, PhD, President & CEO, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Jan Du Plain, President & CEO, DuPlain Global Enterprises, Inc, Vivian W. Pinn, MD, Senior Scientist Emerita, NIH, and Harry E. Johnson, Esq, The Memorial Project Foundation



*deceased)



Media Contact:



Madeline Y. Lawson



Chief Executive Officer



202) 256-0070



mlawson@iammm.org




NHLANGANO  A devastating incident unfolded in Mbilaneni on Wednesday morning when a mud house collapsed, tragically claiming the lives of a 35-year-old woman and her one-year-old child. Hloniphile Simelane and her toddler were among six people sleeping in the two-room dwelling, when the structure collapsed. Three others escaped unharmed. The heavy rains preceding the incident are suspected to have saturated the mud walls, weakening the structure. The weight of the rainwater-soaked corrugated iron roof likely contributed to the collapse.



Significantly



It is believed that the relentless downpour saturated the mud walls of the house, significantly increasing their weight. Weakened and overburdened, the structure could no longer withstand the pressure, crumbling inwards. To add to this horrifying scene, the corrugated iron roof, heavy with rainwater, caved in, raining down on the unsuspecting occupants. On Tuesday afternoon, heavy rains lashed the region, continuing unabated throughout the night. This persistent rainfall is suspected to have significantly contributed to the collapse of the mud house.

According to reports, the house was a two-room structure, and only one room collapsed, leaving the other room intact. Hloniphile, the deceased woman, was reportedly employed at F.T.M. Garments, a factory in Nhlangano.



The Bucopho of the area, Mfundvo Sikhosana, told this publication that the situation is dire, with family members heartbroken and struggling to speak. However, we were informed that there were no prior indications of the houses instability. It appeared sturdy, and no one suspected it would collapse. When they retired for the night, they never imagined such a tragedy would occur, he said. According to Sikhosana the collapse also buried clothing, bedding, and other personal belongings beneath the rubble, adding another layer of devastation to the already tragic scene. He further said the family consists of 15 members. The house that collapsed was occupied by five individuals, including the deceased mother and toddler.

He further said another mother, who was sleeping in the house, was fortunate to escape unharmed. She heard the house shaking and quickly grabbed her one-year six-month-old toddler, fleeing the structure before it collapsed. Remarkably, a Grade V female pupil was also extracted from the rubble and survived the ordeal. Sikhosana further alleged that emergency services were contacted by dialing 977 and the injured individuals were subsequently transported to Nhlangano Health Centre.



Painful



According to Sikhosana, it was a painful experience for the Dlamini family and the community as a whole. The Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla, has since introduced a strategy for those living in stick and mud houses to build new homes. However, this family was not part of the program because they believed their house was in good condition and did not pose an immediate risk of collapse. Considering that there is only one brick house (built with the help of SOS), they fear that even the other stuck-and-mud houses will follow. He further requested for financial help to assist the affected family. The incident was confirmed by the Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni.
A 'renowned' mixed arable farm in the heart of East Lothian extending to nearly 620-acres (250ha) has come onto the market for over 8 million.

Penston Farm, near Macmerry, includes a large block of productive Grade 2 and 3.1 arable land, a C-listed traditional farmhouse and a range of modern and traditional farm buildings.

The current owners have farmed Penston for over 70 years and have significantly improved and invested in the farmland and infrastructure during their tenure.

The farming system has historically been centred on a mixed arable operation, with cereals, potatoes and temporary grass grown as part of the rotation.

The land has benefitted from regular applications of farmyard manure generated from the livestock enterprise, which has focused on the finishing of 500 store cattle, and 1,000 store lambs per year which regularly top the livestock marts.

The farmland is well-suited to growing a variety of crops, including winter and spring barley, wheat, and vegetables such as potatoes along with regular grassland rotation and fodder rape.

Two traditional semi-detached cottages in need of modernisation are also included in the sale, as well as a further detached cottage now in ruins.

The farmland includes an area of zoned employment land of about 34 acres to the east of Macmerry Industrial Estate, offering potential for development.

(Photo: Galbraith)

It also includes a further area of land extending to 43 acres which may present further development opportunities in terms of wider expansion of Macmerry to the East.

Duncan Barrie, partner at Galbraith who is handling the sale, called it a rare opportunity to acquire a 'first class' mixed farming unit.

He said: "[It] offers superb potential to continue as an existing agricultural holding or pursue further development opportunities, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

"There is also the potential to reinstate and modernise the cottages to generate additional revenue streams if desired and also land within the local development plan may offer an excellent opportunity for longer term development.

The farmhouse and steading are located centrally within the holding and surrounded by open countryside known as Scotlands Breadbasket due to its temperate climate and rich soils.

(Photo: Galbraith)

The range of modern and traditional farm buildings at Penston are separated into two steadings, and comprise a large grain store, two large cattle and machinery sheds, and several traditional stores.

In addition, there is a further range of outbuildings which were constructed during the Second World War to house personnel associated with the nearby Macmerry Aerodrome.

The buildings comprise former billets, a squash court and the original cinema/church building.

They are currently used for general ancillary storage and as a workshop but may present further alternative uses, subject to planning consents.

Penston Farm, near Macmerry, is for sale with Galbraith as a whole for 8.2m or in three lots.
British Sugar has confirmed that over five million tonnes of sugar beet has now been sliced at its factories, making it the most productive period since 2018-2019.

The processor's current estimate for this years campaign should see its East Anglian sites completed by the end of February.

Elsewhere, the Newark factory is expected to finish in mid-March, British Sugar confirmed.

Dan Green, its agriculture director said: All our factories have performed well over the last two months, delivering a consistent throughput, despite a few engineering challenges at each site."

And despite a recent turn in the weather, with heavy rain, snow and frost in various areas, there shouldn't be a significant impact, he said.

"Were continuing to monitor the situation, and we would encourage you to inspect crops too, particularly those still to be harvested.

Weather data has identified some local cold spots, and we have included them on a map, along with some guidance on prioritising crops for the remainder of campaign here.

Mr Green added that at this point in time, there was still no decision from Defra on the emergency authorisation application for Cruiser SB.

The good news is that the continued outlook for this week is cold and dry, which will help reduce aphid populations ahead of the spring," he explained.

Concluding, Mr Green said that for the 2024-2025 sugar beet campaign, the 'usual ups and downs' had been seen, but 'so far, so good'.

Id like to thank everyone in our supply chain for all their efforts in getting us to this point," he finished.

It comes as the processor recently submitted an application to construct a new 'green' sugar beet drier at its factory in Wissington, Norfolk.

The sugar beet processor said the drier would be an extension to its current plant, which is located near Downham Market.
The release of four lynx in the Highlands has been slammed as 'highly irresponsible' by NFU Scotland, and those behind it must be 'brought to justice'.

In a new letter to Scottish cabinet ministers, the union called for a 'zero-tolerance' approach to those involved in the incident, who are yet to be identified.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said the illegal release of the wild cats was 'reckless', but something that farmers had been 'predicting for some time'.

We are extremely grateful for the swift action taken in recapturing the animals, but we believe more must be done to identify the individuals responsible and to bring them to justice," he wrote to ministers.

"We welcomed the issue being raised at First Ministers Questions, during which the First Minister stated that it should not have happened, it was an illegal act, and I join you in condemning it.

"I therefore write to urge you to make resources available to fully investigate this crime," Mr Kennedy said.

Scottish farmers have become increasingly concerned about wildlife crime, particularly following the illegal release of beavers in Tayside in 2006.

The incident caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and the individuals who were behind it were never identified.

The lack of consequence in this case led to a spate of 'beaver bombings' in England, where similar illegal releases have taken place.

Mr Kennedy said the Tayside incident was a 'bitter pill for farmers to swallow': "[It] provided a model for environmental groups wanting to bypass due process and clear legal requirements to force re-wilding of species," he explained.

"Those who perpetrated the crime had clear intentions, NatureScot and Scottish government chose to allow the animals to stay, under the auspice of a trail, allowing the numbers to expand and receive protected status.

"Environmentalists and the public vilified landowners for wanting to protect their land against damage whilst applauding those who committed the unlawful release.

We recognise that in the Tayside case no suspects were ever identified, preventing them from receiving penalties and rural crimes are often difficult to solve due to their remoteness."

Because of this, he called for the persons responsible for the illegal lynx release to be identified and to receive sanctions as this would send "a clear message that illegal releases will not be tolerated in Scotland".

"The illegal release of species onto our rural land is a wildlife crime, therefore those who carry out this act must be justly prosecuted," Mr Kennedy concluded.

The Scottish government recently provided reassurance to the farming industry that there was no intention to allow the reintroduction of lynx.
The governments commitment to deliver the secondary legislation required for farmers to grow precision-bred crops has been welcomed by a major project.

During the recent Oxford Farming Conference, the government pledged to give the green light for farmers in England to grow precision-bred crops by the end of March.

Speaking to delegates, Defra Secretary Steve Reed said precision breeding offered "huge potential to transform the plant breeding sector".

The legislation would 'unlock' this technology to allow farmers to grow crops that "are more nutritious, resistant to pests and disease, resilient to climate change, and that benefit the environment".

The Genetic Technologies (Precision Breeding) Act passed in 2023, and the secondary legislation will mean that crops developed using these techniques, such as gene editing, will be able to enter the food chain.

Farming groups who spearhead the PROBITY project  which is bringing gene-edited cereal varieties into trials on farms  welcomed the announcement.

Professor Nigel Halford of Rothamsted Research, who leads the three year project, said it was 'great news' that the government was moving forward with this.

Many parts of the world are way ahead of us on precision breeding, and we need to catch up," he explained.

While countries in Asia and the Americas are ahead of the UK of this technology, the new act will create some competitive advantage  for farmers in England at least  within Europe.

However, without the necessary secondary legislation it would be meaningless as farmers wouldnt know if they would be able to sell crops created through precision breeding.

Tom Allen-Stevens, an Oxfordshire farmer and founder of the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), which leads the project, welcomed the news.

However, he said: Our concern now is that the legislation comes into effect in time, to enable us to progress our trials, planned to start this autumn.

"These trials are essential if farmers are to assess whether this technology will deliver the benefits expected.

BOFIN leads the consortium which includes Rothamsted Research, John Innes Centre, Dyson Farming, UK Agri-Tech Centre and First Milk, among others.
Tesco has relaunched an expanded Tesco Sustainable Pig Group (TSPG), with a pledge to issue long-term support for the producers who supply it.

Under the new contract arrangements, pig farmers will receive a combination of cost of production and market price+ incentives from the retailer.

The move aims to give producers greater stability in pricing and help to support longer-term, on-farm investment.

Tesco estimates that the group, which has been developed in partnership with supplier Cranswick, could be worth at least 670m over its first three years.

The TSPG, which will become one of the largest farming producer groups in the UK, will cover all UK pig production methods and include farms of varying sizes.

It will initially produce all of Tescos Finest fresh pork, with the ambition of tripling in size over the next three years to produce all of the supermarket's core fresh pork and sausages.

Tesco said the group will play a significant role in developing its approach to sustainable production, providing a forum for farmers and Tesco representatives to improve welfare and innovation.

Among the incentivised improvements in animal welfare will be a drive to increase the number of farms with enhanced farrowing, and decreasing stocking densities on farms.

Tesco currently operates Sustainable Farming Groups across a number of supply chains, including milk, cheese, beef, lamb and potatoes.

The groups offer members fair and transparent pricing structures, as well as support to reduce emissions through carbon foot-printing, the retailer said.

Tesco said the reintroduction of the group follows 18 months of continued support for the industry, with the retailer upping the tonnage of British pork used in its sausages, bacon, pork and gammon by 20% during that period.

Ashwin Prasad, chief commercial officer of Tesco said: "Our new cost of production mechanism and bonus incentives will provide real benefits to farmers who will be able to invest in key welfare, sustainability and efficiency improvements.

Our dedicated British farmers have faced some challenging times recently, and weve been doing everything we can to support them."

The National Pig Association (NPA) said it was supportive of the retailer's announcement.

It said: It demonstrates not only the desire to secure a considerable British supply of pork, but a long-term retail commitment to ensure pig businesses are sustainable and able to reinvest for the future.

We particularly note the commitment to supporting indoor producers who want to invest in improving welfare and the sustainability of their farms and hope other retailers follow suit.
Hundreds of farmers across the UK have parked their tractors by supermarket doors to talk directly with the public about the 'family farm tax' impact.

The peaceful day of action took place on Friday (17 January) as part of a campaign to highlight to the public the financial challenges that many are facing.

The protests also saw some farmers deliver letters to store managers urging for more support from retailers.

One letter sent to an Asda manager said: As local farmers, we are writing to express our gratitude for the support the public has shown us during these challenging times.

We will be visiting your supermarket with our tractors to engage with the community and highlight the importance of supporting British farming.

We are particularly encouraged by Morrisons recent declaration of support for British agriculture, we believe it sets a positive example for the industry.

Tractors to supermarkets ??????

None disruptive 5-10 tractors in 500 supermarket car parks all over the UK today ??@Tesco @sainsburys @asda @waitrose @marksandspencer @AldiUK @LidlGB lets see your support please ??

This land grab & destruction of rural businesses and pic.twitter.com/VXiILvwgMo  Clive Bailye (@TWBFarms) January 17, 2025

"We kindly ask if your supermarket would consider backing this initiative as well."

Farmers purposely avoided Morrisons after the firm showed solidarity with the industry in a 'we're with you' video message, which went viral on social media.

The day of action was spearheaded by the same group of farmers who organised the hugely successful London rally in November.

Olly Harrison, a Merseyside farmer who helped organise today's national protest, uploaded a video on social media explaining why it went ahead.

Under the changes announced in in the autumn budget, farmers will pay a 20% rate of inheritance tax on assets they inherit worth more than 1m.

Industry bodies claim the move could wipe out family farms across the nation, many of whom are already seeing high costs and low margins.

It comes as thirty councils across the UK have openly rebelled against the government's farm inheritance tax changes, with Labour MPs under mounting pressure to distance themselves from the policy.

Local authorities have passed motions calling on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to 'axe the tax', which they say is an 'attack' on the countryside.

On Saturday 25 January, towns across the UK will see farmer protests as part of the industry's next steps in raising attention to the issue.

All four UK farming unions  NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers Union - have organised the action and will participate directly in it.
MBABANE  The Eswatini Competition Commission has urged parents to report schools that compel them to purchase school uniforms from suppliers chosen by the school, instead of allowing parents to choose their own. This call comes after numerous complaints from parents about schools continuing to enforce the purchase of uniforms from their preferred suppliers. Also, it is worth stating that the complaints were raised by parents preparing of the school reopenings which is set on January 28, 2025. Notably, this resistance by some schools persists despite the Ministry of Education and Training issuing Circular 10 of 2017.



Education



The circular expressed concern about the escalating cost of education in the country, making it increasingly difficult for parents and sponsors to afford educational expenses. The circular identified the cost of school uniforms and other related expenses as significant contributors to this issue. The circular specifically addressed the issue of schools entering into agreements with exclusive uniform suppliers, stating that schools should not make deals with specific boutiques for uniform purchases. Instead, the ministry instructed schools to publicly announce the design and colour of the uniforms, allowing parents to purchase them from open markets and fostering competition among suppliers to minimise costs. In the same year, the Eswatini Competition Commission Board of Commissioners issued a press statement. The statement highlighted that exclusive supply agreements between schools and suppliers were detrimental to consumers, often leading to higher uniform prices compared to those in a competitive market. It further noted that some suppliers colluded to set prices, including price increases, thereby distorting competition.



Agreements



Based on the Eswatini Competition Commission Act 8 of 2007 and the Competition Commission Regulations of 2010, section 30(1), the Board of Commissioners declared such school behaviour as anti-competitive. The Board directed schools to cease and desist from entering into anti-competitive agreements with suppliers. It also mandated that schools adhere to the guidelines outlined in Circular 10 of 2017, ensuring that school uniforms are as generic as possible. The Board ordered schools to terminate all existing exclusive supply agreements within 24 months from the date of the press statement. Cedric Chirwa, President of the Eswatini Schools Committee of the Association of Parents (ESCAPA), confirmed that some parents are complaining about schools directing them to specific uniform suppliers. He expressed disappointment that some schools are defying the Ministry of Education Circular 10 of 2017.

Chirwa criticised governments lack of enforcement of its directives and policies. We are urging government to implement consequences for these non-compliant schools. If government fails to hold schools accountable, the circulars directives will become meaningless, he said.



Mduduzi Masilela, Secretary General of the Eswatini Principals Association (EPA), stated that the association was unaware of this issue. He also confirmed the ministry directive, however, he said there are some concerns pertaining to it, which include, the quality of uniforms from different suppliers that the parents tend to support and that the is a need to minimise travel costs for parents that why they provided it to the parents. However, Masilela emphasised that the association is unaware of any schools currently enforcing exclusive supplier arrangements and if there are any schools, they do not know their reasons behind continuing to practise it.

Linda Dlamini, Consumer Protection Manager at the Eswatini Competition Commission, confirmed that the commission had previously received complaints from parents regarding this issue, leading to the prohibition of such anti-competitive agreements. She explained that these agreements hinder other businesses from entering the market and supplying uniforms to schools. These agreements create a monopoly for the chosen supplier, limiting opportunities for other potential suppliers to develop and expand, Dlamini stated. Dlamini reminded schools of the Board of Commissioners directive prohibiting these practices. He also advised parents to enquire about the school uniform colours and fabric requirements when enrolling their children and to check school prospectuses for this information.



Burden



I urge parents who are compelled by a school to purchase uniforms from a specific supplier to report the school to the commission, Dlamini said. He provided the commissions contact number which is +268 76062962 for parents to file complaints. Dlamini emphasised that the cost of education is a significant and increasing burden and mitigating these costs includes the procurement of school uniforms, which is very crucial to avoid, as it ends up violating the childrens right, which includes the right to education. He further encouraged school committees to collaborate closely with school head teachers to avoid unilateral decisions that may impact parents.
Christine Quinn feels "really, really grateful" to be living in Texas.

Christine Quinn has relocated to Texas

The 36-year-old TV star has insisted she doesn't have any regrets about quitting her life in Los Angeles and returning to her home state of Texas.

Christine - who has a three-year-old son called Christian - told PEOPLE: "I am really, really grateful to be living here."

The former 'Selling Sunset' star loves being surrounded by her friends and family, and she's found life in Texas to be much less chaotic.

She said: "I have a sister who lives really close to me, and my son has a cousin. So it's really something that I needed as opposed to the chaos when I was in Los Angeles."

Christine quit Los Angeles amid her acrimonious split from Christian Dumontet, and she "absolutely loves" the home she's currently renting.

The reality TV star said: "I found a wonderful house.

"I would say it's like 60 percent done, but there's still some things that I want to do and really take it to the next level because I love interior design."

Christine also revealed that the move has had a hugely positive impact on her son, who has gone from being "non-verbal" to a "complete chatterbox" in recent months.

She shared: "It's just so crazy since I moved to Texas. I mean, he was literally a nonverbal child at three years old, which is pretty rare.

"He went from that to being immediately enrolled in school, having other kids around him, being so talkative, being so extroverted."

Christine believes the changes are a reflection of Christian's new environment.

She said: "Children are a product of the effect of their environment. And hopefully, that's kind of coming through now."
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is developing a foreign direct investment (FDI) heatmap to identify priority sectors and attract investors, a recent seminar was told.

Though 3-4 per cent of a countrys gross domestic product (GDP) is considered as the ideal FDI standard globally, in Bangladesh, the FDI inflow reduced to 0.3 per cent of the GDP in the last fiscal and 0.5 per cent in fiscal 2020-21, BIDA head of business development Nahian Rahman Rochi said.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority is developing an FDI heatmap to identify priority sectors and attract investors, a recent seminar was told. Though 3-4 per cent of a country's GDP is considered as the ideal FDI standard globally, in Bangladesh, the FDI inflow reduced to 0.3 per cent of the GDP in the last fiscal and 0.5 per cent in fiscal 2020-21.

The inflow remained stagnant within a range of $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion in the last four years, he said. Only 45 per cent of the total amount is direct FDI and the rest are intercompany loans or reinvestments.

The heatmap is being developed for strategic sectors and sub-segments where the country demonstrates a competitive edge and substantial growth potential, according to domestic media reports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
A day after Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by a robber at his Mumbai residence, the actor's health has been improving. According to the doctor, Saif's condition is getting better, and he will soon be shifted from the ICU to a special room.Reportedly, once Saif is discharged from the ICU, Mumbai Police will record his statement. Officials from the Mumbai Police will visit the hospital to interrogate him regarding the tragic incident.Earlier today, it was reported that two laborers, who were carrying out maintenance work on Saif's building terrace, have been interrogated. This is the only interrogation conducted so far.Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by robbers at his Bandra residence early morning on January 16. He is currently admitted to Lilavati Hospital.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2025) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") is submitting 77 assay samples totaling 115 meters (381 feet) from the Company's ongoing drilling program at its silver-copper-antimony rich Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon , USA . The samples come from the bottom of the first 206 meters of the current drillhole, BH24-01 that has a targeted depth of 260 meters (850 feet)

The assays will be for 35 elements plus gold, as historic gold values up to 10 g/t have been reported, (Silver King Mines, 1984), and the company has sampled up to 1.71 g/t gold (BHS2022-04) (BHS2018-23) (BHS2018-06) in the historic workings, including an unreported 0.9 g/t gold during development of the Mine's secondary escapeway, between the current drill site location and the Bayhorse VTEM anomaly it is targeting (see Figure 1 ).

The Company is also planning a downhole geophysics program to supplement the VTEM survey. This should reveal additional drill targets into the Bayhorse mineralization. The downhole survey will cover a vertical depth of 250-300 meters (825 -1000 feet), to an EW strike of up to 270 meters (890 feet).

The downhole geophysical survey should discriminate between rocks that conduct electrical current and those that don't. There are areas of strong silicification, epithermal-style vuggy quartz veining and hydrothermal brecciation in Hole BH24-01. This alteration could mark the hole's proximity to porphyry or related epithermal mineralization.

Downhole IP surveying tools can also measure the chargeability of a rock which is its ability to hold a charge. Rocks with common but disconnected zones of sulfides have the largest chargeability responses and massive sulphides and copper porphyry are ideal chargeability targets.

The downhole surveys may also add to the low-resistivity zone identified in the VTEM survey that lies west of the Bayhorse Mine workings.

Figure 1. Bayhorse underground plan shown historic drill holes, current drill hole BH24-01 and planned drill hole BH25-01

*Please note holes MW-1, MW-2 and MW-3 (shown above) are groundwater test holes drilled previously.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/237365_24f5280b84bda8fa_001full.jpg

The Company's senior consulting geologists have suggested the zone is a highly silicified hydrothermal polymictic breccia. It contains some rounded, possibly "milled" clasts that probably resulted from high pressure fluids derived from a buried pluton streaming up through the breccia.

Rock types that make up the bulk of the breccia include rhyolite, andesite, quartzite, meta sedimentary rocks and granite.

The Bayhorse exploration model holds that the silver-copper-antimony rich mineralization at the Bayhorse Silver Mine could have its source in an underlying shallow pluton that may host porphyry copper mineralization. For comparison, on January 15, 2025, Hercules Metals Corp reported drilling into a similar hydrothermal breccia in hole HER-24-20. which intersected copper mineralization.

Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill will be attending the Minerals Investor Forum, January 17-18, Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, January 19-20, and the Cordilleran Roundup, January 20 -23, in Vancouver, BC.

This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG, a Qualified Person has prepared, supervised the preparation of, or approved the technical content of this news release.

On Behalf of the Board.

About Bayhorse Silver Inc.

Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA and the Pegasus Project, in Washington County, Idaho. The Bayhorse Silver Mine and the Pegasus Project are 44 km southwest of Hercules Metals' porphyry copper discovery. The Bayhorse Mine includes a state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%. The Company has created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237365

SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2025) - MustGrow Biologics Corp. (TSXV: MGRO) (OTCQB: MGROF) (FSE: 0C0) (the "Company" or "MustGrow") is pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced non-brokered private placement of units (each, a "Unit") at a price per Unit of $1,000 for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $2,585,000 (the "Private Placement") on January 16, 2025 (the "Closing Date").

Each Unit is comprised of: (i) $1,000 principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the "Debentures"); and (ii) 666 common share purchase warrants (the "Unit Warrants"). Each Debenture may, at the option of the holder: (i) be converted into common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at price of $1.50 per Common Share (the "Principal Conversion Price") at any time; or (ii) paid in cash 60 months following the Closing Date (subject to certain acceleration rights). Each Unit Warrant is exercisable by the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $1.90 per Common Share for a period of 60 months following the Closing Date. The Debentures accrue interest at a rate of 8% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash.

If, at any time following the date that is 12 months from the Closing Date, the daily volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is greater than $3.00 for the preceding 30 consecutive trading days, the Company shall have the option to immediately accelerate the conversion of the Debentures at the Principal Conversion Price.

In connection with the Private Placement, certain finders received an aggregate cash fee of $67,200. In addition, the Company issued to certain finders an aggregate of 44,800 non-transferable finder's warrants (the "Finder Warrants"). Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $1.90 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement for inventory production for TerraSanteTM, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Debentures, the Unit Warrants, the Finder Warrants, and any underlying Common Shares issued pursuant to those securities are subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the Closing Date. The Private Placement remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Certain insiders of the Company have subscribed for 300 Units under the Private Placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $300,000. Each subscription by an "insider" is considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the Closing Date as the details of the Private Placement and the participation therein by each "related party" of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Private Placement, and the Company wished to close the Private Placement on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements available under MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, is not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Additionally, the Company is exempt from minority shareholder approval requirement in section 5.6 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.7(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, is not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

This press release does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Units within the United States.

About MustGrow

MustGrow Biologics Corp. is a fully-integrated provider of innovative biological and regenerative agriculture solutions designed to support sustainable farming. The Company's proprietary and third-party product lines offer eco-friendly alternatives to restricted or banned synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In North America, MustGrow offers a portfolio of third-party crop nutrition solutions, including micronutrients, nitrogen stabilizers, biostimulants, and foliar products. These products are synergistically distributed alongside MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies that are derived from mustard and developed into organic biocontrol and biofertility products to help replace banned or restricted synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Outside of North America, MustGrow is focused on collaborating with agriculture companies, such as Bayer AG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to commercialize MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies. The Company is dedicated to driving shareholder value through on the commercialization and expansion of its intellectual property portfolio of approximately 112 patents that are currently issued and pending, and the sales and distribution of its proprietary and third-party product lines through NexusBioAg. MustGrow is a public traded company (TSXV: MGRO) and has approximately 51.6 million common shares issued and outstanding and 59.2 million shares fully diluted. For further details, please visit www.mustgrow.ca.

MustGrow Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect the results, performance or achievements of MustGrow.

Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements MustGrow makes regarding: the receipt of final approval of the TSXV; and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of MustGrow to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, MustGrow. Important factors that could cause MustGrow's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: the receipt of final approval by the TSXV and those risks described in more detail in MustGrow's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by MustGrow with the applicable securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are referred to such documents for more detailed information about MustGrow, which is subject to the qualifications, assumptions and notes set forth therein.

Neither the TSXV, nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV), nor the OTC Markets has approved the contents of this release or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 2025 MustGrow Biologics Corp. All rights reserved.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237509

SOURCE: MustGrow Biologics Corp.
Kia Syros SUV records 10,258 pre-orders, continuing impressive momentum following world premiere in December 2024

New family-focused SUV specifically designed for customers in India

Groundbreaking design, cutting-edge technology, advanced safety, sophisticated materials and exceptional space transform SUV sector

Kia Syros sales will begin on February 1; customer deliveries to follow shortly after

ANANTAPUR, India, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia India has commenced mass production of the Kia Syros, a versatile SUV specifically designed to meet the needs of customers in India. Officially unveiled in December 2024, the Syros SUV sets new standards in design, technology, and space.

Kia held a milestone ceremony at its plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, to mark the beginning of Syros production, continuing the significant momentum built by the vehicle's world premiere in December 2024. The event was attended by senior Kia executives and employees, including Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, and Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director of Kia India.

The Kia Syros recorded 10,258 pre-sales, signaling the significant market potential for the Syros in India.

The five-seat Syros SUV has been designed and engineered following in-depth analysis of local market trends to ensure that it precisely meets the needs of Indian consumers.

"We're delighted with the interest our customers in India have already shown in the new Kia Syros SUV," said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. "This is a positive sign ahead of the Syros's market introduction in India and a testament to Kia's customer-centric focus, delivering vehicles that provide value to our customers through the innovative features and services on offer."

The advanced design, practicality and connectivity features offered on the Syros have been key drivers in the initial market interest Kia has already received.

Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy effortlessly blends bold lines with functional versatility to create a unique, family-focused SUV with a striking, futuristic and sophisticated aesthetic.

Inside, the Syros's functionality and elegant design maximize interior space. The Syros also introduces innovative technology to set new standards in its class, meeting the demands of Indian consumers who are increasingly seeking the latest trends, features and sophisticated materials.

The model introduces first-in-segment rear sliding, reclining and ventilated seats, as well as cutting-edge connectivity with more than 80 connected features. The Syros also offers a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon Premium 8 Speaker Sound System, and first-in-segment Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capability.

Safety is further enhanced through Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 16 autonomous safety features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, a 360 Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. This is complemented by a comprehensive suite of 20 standard hi-safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist control, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, and Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, ensuring maximum protection for both driver and passengers.

Kia Syros sales will officially begin in India from February 1, with first customer deliveries to follow shortly after. Kia plans to expand the Syros's availability to markets in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East regions.

This new SUV is the latest locally tailored step in Kia's global commitment to provide its customers with sustainable mobility solutions that offer industry-leading technology and services.

For more information on the new Kia Syros, including powertrain, design and further product features, click here for the full World Premiere press release.

About Kia India

In April 2017, Kia India signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility at Anantapur District. Kia commenced mass production in August 2019 and has an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units. In April 2021, Kia India reimagined itself in line with its new brand identity, "Movement that Inspires" aimed at offering customers meaningful experiences backed by innovative products and services. Under the new brand identity, Kia has set out to find ways to achieve new benchmarks and inspire consumers to be more and do more. Till date, Kia India has launched five vehicles for the Indian market - the Seltos, the Carnival, the Sonet, the Carens, and the EV6. Kia India has completed almost 1.6 million vehicle dispatches from its Anantapur plant, including over 1.2 million domestic sales and over 3.67 lakh exports. With more than 4.5 lakh connected cars on Indian roads, it is among the connected Car leaders in the country. The brand has a widespread network of 700 touchpoints across 300 cities and is focused on strengthening its footprints across the country.

Visit - Kia Showroom

Kia Corporation - about us

Kia ( www.kia.com ) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Since 1944 Kia has been providing mobility solutions. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company's brand slogan - 'Movement that inspires' - reflects Kia's commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599969/Image_1__Kia_India_Begins_Production_of_Syros_SUV.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kia-india-begins-production-of-syros-suv-302353187.html


EQS Newswire / 17/01/2025 / 10:07 UTC+8



The concept of value investing always withstands the test of time, and CK Life Sciences has demonstrated exceptional insight and wisdom in this area. As a flagship entity of the CKH Holdings in Hong Kong, CK Life Sciences (HKSE: 0775) made a pivotal investment in an IPO project, Infinity Development (HKSE:604), in 2010. This strategic decision has enabled the company to nearly recover its initial IPO costs through dividends amassed over the past 15 years, with the current share price significantly exceeding the original offering price, thereby achieving a dual benefit of capital growth and income generation.

Infinity Development (HKEX: 0640) focuses on the manufacture and sale of adhesives, processing agents, hardeners, and vulcanized adhesives essential for footwear production, positioning itself as a key supplier to leading global shoe manufacturers. Recently, the company invested $4.25 million to acquire assets aimed at establishing new manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, thereby expanding its operational capabilities. Notably, numerous sneaker OEM firms listed in Hong Kong also have factories in Indonesia. This strategic move by Infinity Development appears to be aimed at securing additional orders, which will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for its business growth.

Historically, Infinity Development has demonstrated steady growth in both earnings per share and dividend payouts. Over the years, dividends have reached as high as HKD 0.55, which is nearing the initial IPO price of HKD 0.60. As a cornerstone investor, CK Life Sciences acquired 25 million shares of Infinity Development, maintaining its holdings to this day. From dividends alone, CK Life Sciences has realised nearly HKD 14 million. Another cornerstone investor, Raffles Partners Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited, invested in 37.5 million shares.

The company's sponsor, Sinopac Securities Asia, led by Bruce Tsang, successfully achieved an oversubscription of over 700 times, with approximately HKD 6.5 billion in funds frozen, thanks to the backing of prominent investors. Following its listing, Infinity Development's stock performance has met market expectations, with a steady appreciation in share price.

As global footwear demand continues to rise, manufacturers are increasingly stringent regarding the quality of adhesives. In this competitive landscape, operators lacking competitiveness are likely to be phased out. Concurrently, the demand for environmentally friendly water-based adhesive products from footwear brands and manufacturers is expected to grow. Despite the recent downturn in the Hong Kong stock market, Infinity Development has chosen to expand its production capacity at this critical juncture, thereby positioning itself for future success. CK Life Sciences' foresight in making such a strategic investment 15 years ago exemplifies an acumen not commonly found among typical enterprises.

17/01/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


JPMorgan Chase has achieved an unprecedented milestone with its annual profit soaring to $58.5 billion, marking an impressive 18% increase from the previous year. This exceptional performance has significantly exceeded market analysts' expectations, propelling the financial institution's market capitalization beyond $720 billion. The bank's shares demonstrated remarkable momentum in early New York trading, climbing by 1.5% to reach new record highs. This continues a robust trajectory that has seen the stock value surge by more than 50% over the past twelve months, reinforcing JPMorgan's position as America's most valuable banking institution, now maintaining a substantial lead over its closest competitor, which stands at approximately $360 billion in market value.

Analyst Outlook Remains Bullish

The bank's outstanding performance has prompted numerous analysts to revise their price targets upward. This positive sentiment is underpinned by the institution's strong fundamentals, particularly in its core business areas where interest income has reached record levels. The combination of the bank's historic legacy with its continued innovation and strategic adaptability has proven to be a crucial factor in maintaining its dominant position in the global banking sector, suggesting further growth potential in the current favorable market environment.

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Fresh JPMorgan information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

Read our updated JPMorgan analysis...
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The GEO Group Inc. (GEO) has responded to a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the Nwauzor v. The GEO Group case.GEO said it is currently assessing the implications of the court's decision. The company maintains that individuals participating in the federally mandated Voluntary Work Program at the Tacoma ICE Facility are not GEO employees. The United States Department of Justice supported GEO's request to overturn the lower court's ruling, arguing that the application of state minimum wage laws is invalidated by federal preemption principles and violates intergovernmental immunity. GEO believes that the State of Washington has breached the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.The company strongly disagrees with the court's decision and intends to pursue all available avenues of appeal.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.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday.The NZ dollar fell to nearly a 1-month low of 86.87 against the yen and a 2-day low of 1.8424 against the euro, from yesterday's closing quotes of 87.12 and 1.8382, respectively.Against the U.S. and the Australian dollars, the kiwi edged down to 0.5584 and 1.1102 from Thursday's closing quotes of 0.5608 and 1.1075, respectively.If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 85.00 against the yen, 1.86 against the euro, 0.53 against the greenback and 1.12 against the aussie.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.
Regulatory News:

The Orano Group has signed an investment agreement for the development and operation of the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium mine in Mongolia's southeastern Dornogovi province. The signing ceremony took place on January 17th in Ulaanbaatar, in the presence of representatives of the Mongolian government, Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Nicolas Maes, Orano CEO, and Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, Senior Executive Vice President of the Group's Mining Business Unit.

This agreement, ratified by the government after being put before the Mongolian parliament, marks 27 years of presence and partnership in Mongolia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Badrakh Energy, a joint venture between Orano and Mongolia's state-owned MonAtom Group, will be responsible for the industrial operation of the major Zuuvch-Ovoo and Dulaan Uul Umnut deposits, which have estimated uranium resources of close to 90,000 tonnes.

With a 30-year estimated lifespan, the project represents an initial investment of around $500 million before the deposit comes on stream, and a total of $1.6 billion over the mine's lifetime, creating 1,600 direct and indirect jobs.

Development of the project is planned to take 4 years, after which the Zuuvch-Ovoo mine will go into production, with an estimated nominal capacity of around 2,500 tonnes of uranium per year.

The Franco-Mongolian project will apply international standards and state-of-the-art techniques in terms of safety, security and the environment, setting a benchmark for the development of the uranium industry in Mongolia.

Through this agreement, Orano is making a long-term commitment alongside the stakeholder communities focusing on responsible mining, with a program of development and cooperation that will be to the benefit of local people. The project also includes significant investment in the training of a qualified local workforce.

With uranium demand set to be strong in the coming decades, Mongolia is positioning itself as a strategic player and a significant contributor in the global climate effort.

Nicolas Maes, Chief Executive Officer of Orano, commented: "We are very proud to sign this investment agreement, which lays the foundations for a mutually beneficial relationship for Orano and its Mongolian partners over the long term. Uranium production in Mongolia will contribute both to low-carbon electricity generation and security of supply for our customers"

Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, commented: "This agreement is a significant step forward in boosting inward investment and employment opportunities for the Mongolian people. It demonstrates our achievements in supporting economic growth and delivering on our aims set out it in the 'New Recovery Policy' and 'Vision 2050'. Equally, it highlights our commitment to collaboration with our third neighbours. We look forward to further strengthening our strong relations with France."

About Orano

As a recognized international leading operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.

Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250117521575/en/

Contacts:

Press Office

+33 (0)1 34 96 12 15

press@orano.group

Investor relations

Marc Quesnoy

investors@orano.group
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK retail sales declined unexpectedly in December on falling food store sales, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Friday.Retail sales volume decreased 0.3 percent on a monthly basis in December, in contrast to the revised 0.1 percent increase in November and confounding expectations for an increase of 0.4 percent.Falls in supermarkets were partly offset by a rise in non-food stores, such as clothing retailers, which rebounded from falls in recent months, data showed.Excluding auto fuel, retail sales declined 0.6 percent after a 0.1 percent gain in November. Sales were forecast to climb 0.1 percent.On a yearly basis, retail sales grew 3.6 percent after remaining flat in November. However, growth was weaker than forecast of 4.2 percent.Excluding auto fuel, retail sales volume posted 2.9 percent growth in contrast to the 0.5 percent decrease a month ago. Economists had forecast an annual growth of 3.6 percent.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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I would like to address the global community, to those who care about what is happening in our region, those opposed to religious persecution worldwide and those who wish for a lasting and genuine peace.

I, Ruben Vardanyan, have been detained at the Detention Center of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan since September 27, 2023 - more than 470 days in total, including 340 days in solitary confinement and 23 days in a punishment cell. I would like to make an official statement before the start of the trial. If you are reading these words, it means that I have exhausted all other means to convey the truth about what is happening here.

A court hearing of my case is scheduled for January 17 at 3:00 PM. I have been informed that I am facing 42 charges, some of which carry sentences up to life imprisonment. However, I have not been granted the opportunity to fully review the official indictment. My lawyer and I were merely allowed to skim through 422 volumes of the case files, all written solely in the Azerbaijani language, which I do not understand, within a very short timeframe - from December 9, 2024, to January 8, 2025. I only received the list of charges in Russian on January 8, 2025.

Moreover, pressure has been exerted on me, my lawyer, and my interpreter to force us to backdate and sign documents, including falsified protocols and records of interrogations that never took place.

I officially declare: I have given no testimony since the day of my arrest, except during the first interrogation, where I only stated my name and surname. Let me reiterate: all protocols bearing my signature are falsifications. These documents do not exist in reality. My lawyer and interpreter were coerced into signing these documents.

I once again reiterate and state my complete innocence and the innocence of my Armenian compatriots also being held as political prisoners and demand an immediate end to this politically motivated case against us.

Despite our innocence and the political motivation of this trial, it is most likely that the prosecutor will ignore my plea and pursue a trial against us, in which case I demand and ask for your support in ensuring that I am afforded the following:

Allow me and my lawyer adequate time and opportunity to prepare for my defense. In particular, provide us with the opportunity to thoroughly review the case materials in a language I understand. Eliminate all procedural violations and falsifications. Specifically, deem inadmissible all falsified documents and records of interrogations that never took place, as I have not provided any testimony since the day of my arrest. Make my trial, and those of the Armenian political prisoners, public. I insist on the most open trial possible, with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Consolidate my case with the cases of the others accused. More than 400 of the 422 volumes in my case concern episodes from the general case of which only 6 are specifically related to false accusations against me. Separating my case into a separate proceeding is an artificial and unfounded decision.

I bear no anger or hatred. On the contrary, I genuinely empathize with all those who violate laws, moral principles, and the teachings of the Quran and other holy texts.

I am convinced that true peace will only be possible when the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict, with the support of their societies, can come together to lay flowers on the graves of all those who perished in this war.

I promise to do everything possible to ensure this happens during my lifetime. As the great Mahatma Gandhi said, the only way to save the world from self-destruction is to live by the principles of nonviolence, truth, and love. Through compassion for all people, regardless of their skin color, nationality, or religion, we can achieve true peace.

Thank you all for your support! I love and thank you all for your kindness toward me. Know that I am standing strong and believe that the truth will prevail.

Ruben Vardanyan

For additional information go to www.freearmenianprisoners.com

For further information, please contact:

rv@havas.com or freearmenianprisoners@edelman.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/statement-by-ruben-vardanyan-armenian-political-prisoner-illegally-incarcerated-in-azerbaijan-conveyed-to-his-family-during-his-weekly-phone-call-302354112.html
Company announcement no. 1/2025

Columbus A/S announces preliminary unaudited financial results for 2024, financial guidance for 2025 and decision to initiate a strategic review, which could lead to a change in ownership, merger or other consolidation.

Preliminary unaudited financial results for 2024

In 2024, Columbus' revenue increased by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to DKK 1,659m.

Given the current market conditions, particularly in our key Swedish market, this growth is considered satisfactory and demonstrates the strong and ongoing trust our customers have in Columbus.

Organic growth accounted for 7% of the increase, with the remaining revenue growth attributed to acquisitions and currency.

Most geographical business units and Business Lines performed well. However, particularly our Swedish Business Unit was impacted by unfavourable market conditions, leading to project postponements or delays.

We closed Q4 2024 with a strengthened pipeline and significant contract wins within our Swedish M3 Business Line, although the closings came later in the quarter than expected.

Our EBITDA margin reached 9.2% or approximately DKK 152m, constituting a growth of 29%.

Preliminary unaudited results for 2024:

2024 Guidance Revenue - organic growth 7% 8-10% EBITDA margin 9.2% 9-10%

Financial guidance for 2025

Based on the financial performance in 2024 and the current order book and pipeline forecast, our full year guidance for 2025 is as follows:

Guidance Revenue - organic growth 7-9% EBITDA margin 10-12%

Columbus will, in accordance with the financial calendar, release its Annual Report 2024 on 13 March 2025 and will host a teleconference/webcast for investors and analysts on the same day at 13:00 pm CET.

Decision to initiate a strategic review

Columbus has successfully completed a transformation process from an implementation company to a consultancy firm, resulting in increased growth and profitability. The current strategy, "New Heights", focuses on positioning Columbus as a market-leading player and the preferred partner for customers by investing in high-growth areas and delivering critical core functionality.

To accelerate this growth strategy, the Board of Directors of Columbus has decided to engage ATRIUM Partners as financial advisor to advise the Board of Directors in connection with a strategic review, which could lead to a change in ownership, merger or other consolidation.

Ib Kune Sren Krogh Knudsen

Chairman of the Board CEO & President
This comes as Centurion's first recognition from etf.com.

Centurion Wealth Management has been named to the etf.com Leaders: Top Advisors & Firms list, earning a spot among the Top 50 Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms for 2024. This marks the firm's first recognition from etf.com and represents a meaningful milestone as they continue their commitment to delivering the high-quality service that helped them earn this honor.

etf.com Centurion Wealth Decal



"We're grateful to be recognized with this award for the first time. It reflects the hard work of our team and the continued trust and support of our clients and partners," said Sterling D. Neblett, CEPA, CFP, Co-Founder & Wealth Advisor, 11/18/2024

The etf.com Leaders list highlights financial advisors and RIA firms that excel in delivering strong portfolio returns, meeting client goals, and maintaining consistent performance. Selection criteria includes fiduciary interests, significant ETF allocations, and diverse strategies. Firms of all sizes, from boutique specialists to larger comprehensive providers, are considered. For more details, visit etf.com's Top 50 Firms.

The team at Centurion is honored by this recognition. This award is a meaningful way to conclude 2024, celebrating the collective effort that has helped clients achieve their financial goals.

Centurion Wealth Management remains dedicated to providing independent financial guidance and empowering clients to navigate their financial journeys with confidence. The firm specializes in serving independent women, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs, helping them pursue their financial goals.

Important Disclosures:

By clicking on the link above you will enter another website created, operated, and maintained by a different entity. By providing the third-party publications(s) and/or links to a third-party website(s), we are not implying that Centurion Wealth Management has an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, etc. with the third-party or its affiliates. The opinions expressed by the author(s) are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Centurion Wealth Management.

Centurion Wealth Management, LLC Award Disclosures

Providing the testimonial presents a conflict of interest in that the investment adviser has a relationship with the applicable individual. More specifically, this relationship involves etf.com conferring an award to Centurion Wealth Management, which our Co-Founder & Wealth Advisor, Sterling Neblett, acknowledged and expressed gratitude for publicly.

The above-mentioned recognition/award was given on November 18th, 2024, based on the time period of January 2023 through June 2023. It was provided by etf.com. Centurion Wealth Management has reasonable belief that the survey used to determine the award was fair and balanced. Clients and prospects should be aware that Centurion Wealth Management did not provide compensation to the provider for the rating/award. The Leaders: Top 50 RIA Firms is no guarantee of future investment outcomes and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CENTURION, PLEASE CONTACT CENTURION AT TEAM@CENTURIONWEALTH.COM OR DIRECTLY AT (571) 765-1890. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH CENTURION WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC, A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER.

SOURCE: Centurion Wealth Management

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Perpetual Atomics Ltd has partnered with QSA Global, Inc. (USA) to process americium into sealed sources for radioisotope power systems, enabling transformative nuclear technology for future space missions.

Perpetual Atomics is excited to announce this collaboration, which will enable the processing of americium into sealed sources for use in radioisotope power systems, including radioisotope heater units (RHUs) and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). This partnership is another step toward supporting sustainable and reliable power solutions for some of the most challenging environments in space.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250107229344/en/

Perpetual Atomics Team gathered at the University of Leicester (Photo: Business Wire)

A University of Leicester spinout, Perpetual Atomics brings over 20 years of expertise in space nuclear power systems and exploration, delivering innovative, reliable solutions for powering space missions in extreme environments, including "surviving the night."

QSA Global, with its extensive expertise in designing and producing commercial radioisotope sealed sources for industrial use in the harshest terrestrial environments, is an ideal partner. The company's infrastructure and experience make it a perfect collaborator as Perpetual Atomics expands its US presence.

Professor Richard Ambrosi, CSO, founder, and Director of Perpetual Atomics, said, "The team and facilities at QSA Global are unique, and there is strong alignment in both the practical philosophy and approach of the two organizations. We look forward to growing our collaboration to support future space science, exploration, and commercial missions."

Dr. Joe Lapinskas, Director of Innovation and Marketing at QSA Global said: "We're thrilled to bring our decades of expertise in radioisotope sealed sources to this groundbreaking collaboration with Perpetual Atomics. Combining our strength in robust source design with their pioneering advances in space nuclear technology, we're opening doors to unprecedented possibilities for powering space exploration and science missions."

Building on its recent launch at the IAC meeting in Milan, Perpetual Atomics highlights its commitment to technology, partnerships, and innovation. Its mission is rooted in two decades of radioisotope power system development by the University of Leicester's Space Nuclear Power group.

Piers Slater, Reef Global Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer of Perpetual Atomics, commented, "We are very excited about the collaboration with QSA which we believe will be transformational for both nuclear power solutions in space and Perpetual Atomics as we move at pace from a spin out to a commercial trading entity delivering our products at scale."

For further information and interview requests, please contact info@perpetualatomics.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250107229344/en/

Contacts:

Gwen Alexander

07508752018

galexander@reeforigin.com



Joe Lapinskas, PhD

Innovation Director

QSA Global
'Nanofiltration is a technology that removes small particles and molecules from liquids, widely used in water treatment, food, and pharmaceuticals. As the need for cleaner water and efficient filtration grows, the market for nanofiltration is expanding, driven by innovations and sustainable solutions.'

BOSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the demand for Global Markets and Technologies for Nanofiltration is expected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to $3.4 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.

This report analyzes the global nanofiltration market from 2023 to 2029, with revenue projections in millions of U.S. dollars. It segments the market by material type (organic, inorganic, hybrid), system configuration (spiral wound, tubular, hollow fiber, plate-and-frame), filtration technique (crossflow, dead-end), and application (water treatment, food and beverages, life sciences and chemicals).

Interesting fact:

Nanofiltration systems are highly efficient, recovering 85% to 95% of water, making them ideal for desalination and wastewater treatment. New materials like graphene oxide and metal-organic frameworks are improving filtration, water flow and chemical resistance. Additionally, advances in anti-fouling coatings and self-cleaning membranes are tackling the common problem of membrane clogging.

Factors contributing to the growth of the nanofiltration market include:

It is more advanced than reverse osmosis (RO) technology: Nanofiltration is more advanced than RO because it selectively filters, allowing certain small molecules to pass while blocking others, making it more efficient for specific uses like water treatment and industrial processes. Government involvement in wastewater treatment: Government involvement in wastewater treatment includes creating laws, providing funding, and setting regulations to ensure wastewater is properly treated, protecting the environment, public health, and clean water resources. Growing use in the desalination process: Nanofiltration is increasingly used in desalination to remove salt and impurities from seawater, making it a popular and efficient method for producing clean, drinkable water in industries and water treatment plants. Rise in demand for non-chemical water treatment: The growing demand for non-chemical water treatment means that more people and industries are turning to nanofiltration, which cleans water without using harmful chemicals, making it safer for both health and the environment.

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Report Synopsis

Report Metric Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $1.3 billion Market size forecast $3.4 billion Growth rate CAGR of 17.6% for the forecast period of 2024-2029 Segments covered Material type, configuration, filtering technique, application, and region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, South America, Middle East Market drivers More advanced than RO technology.

Government involvement in wastewater treatment.

Growing use in desalination.

Rise in demand for non-chemical water treatment.

The report addresses the following questions:

What is the projected size and growth rate of the market?

The global nanofiltration market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.4 billion by 2029, at a growth rate is 17.6% for the forecast period of 2024-2029. What factors are driving the growth of the market?

Three factors: It is more advanced than RO technology; more government involvement in wastewater treatment; and its application in the desalination process. Which market segments are covered in the report?

The report segments the nanofiltration market by material type, configuration, filtering technique and application. Which material type will dominate the market in 2029?

The organic material type will be dominant in 2029. Which region has the largest market share?

North America has the largest market share.

Leading companies in the market include:

3M

Alfa Laval

Donaldson Co. Inc.

Dupont

Hydranautics (a Nitto Group Co.)

Kovalus Separation Solutions

Mann+Hummel

NX Filtration BV

Parker Hannifin Corp.

Prominent

Simpore

Synder Filtration Inc.

Terapore Technologies

Toray Industries Inc.

Veolia

Xylem

Related reports include:

Ultrafiltration Membranes: Technologies and Global Markets: The report on ultrafiltration membranes examines the technology used to filter tiny particles from liquids. It also explores global market trends, opportunities, and challenges for this technology in industries like water treatment and food processing.

Water Filtration: Global Markets: This report examines the global market for water filtration systems, and explores filtration technologies, their applications in different industries, and the trends driving the demand for clean water solutions worldwide.

Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research.

For further information on these reports or to make a purchase, please contact info@bccresearch.com .

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PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has identified 3 Sedimentary Exhalative (Sedex) horizons with each horizon having the potential to host a Sedex type deposit at depth and on strike. The horizons are defined by increased sulphide mineralization in the form of stacked narrow massive to semi massive sulphide beds, bands, and/or disseminated sulphides. Iron rich minerals (pyrrhotite and pyrite) are dominant with lesser concentrations of copper (chalcopyrite), zinc (sphalerite) and/or lead (galena). Drilling explored for the source of Sullivan style and grade mineralized boulders (Photo A) found in talus material at the base of a mountain slope on PJX's 100% owned Dewdney Trail Property in the Sullivan Mining District near Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada.

Although the source of the boulders was not encountered during this initial phase of drilling, the geological environment discovered by drilling supports an environment similar to the Sullivan basin hosting the Sullivan deposit. Features include stacked bedding conformable sulphides, syn-sedimentary faults defined by large blocks of zinc mineralized sediments in a chaotic breccia (Photo B), and a cross cutting vent (Photo C) that can function as a conduit to transport metals for the formation of deposits.

Figure 1 is a standard model for the formation of Sedex deposits. Features intersected while drilling and identified by mapping are shown on the model. The approximate area of the model tested by drilling is outlined. Further drilling is required stratigraphically higher in the system and laterally away from the venting environment.

Next Drilling Phase

The sulphide flooded vent intersected while drilling is predominantly iron sulphide with locally significant copper sulphide and less zinc or lead sulphide (see photo C and grades below). This combination of sulphides suggests a hotter part of the mineralizing system. The source of the more zinc and lead rich Sullivan style and grade boulders would likely be in a cooler part of the system. This could be higher in the mineralizing system, which is higher on the mountain slope above where we have drilled. The Kootenay King quartzite horizon, which hosts the Kootenay King sedex zinc-lead-silver deposit 6.5 km on strike to the south, occurs higher on the mountain and has not yet been drilled. The location of this target is shown on Figure 2.

Cooler parts of the mineralizing system that may be favourable for forming a zinc-lead-silver deposit, may also occur laterally away from the vent as shown by the location of sphalerite and galena in replacement ore on Figure 1. The 3 Sedex horizons encountered in drilling may be favourable mineralizing periods to form a deposit on strike and laterally away from the vent area. Two Sedex horizons occur in the footwall beneath the Estella workings at the base of the mountain. The third Sedex horizon occurs about one third of the way up the mountain slope. Figure 2 shows the approximate target locations to test 2 of the horizons laterally on strike and south of the vent.

Drilling commenced in early August last year after the exploration permit amendment was received from the government in mid-July, 2024. The exploration permit is good until July 2029. Further assessment of the results along with geophysics will be undertaken this winter to help define drill pad locations to test the various targets. Additional information will be provided when available.

Photo A - Sample STM-23-7 (9.33% zinc, 2.48% lead, 14.62 g/t silver, 495 ppm or 0.05% copper)

Sullivan style and grade boulder in talus at the base of a mountain slope. Alternating dark and light coloured bands with sulphides (zinc, lead, iron) appear to be sulphide-rich beds that have broken apart possibly by slumping during deposition, or during later folding.

Photo B - Sample G23-669B (5.57% zinc, 0.94% lead, 4.41 g/t silver)

Reddish-brown coloured bands and beds of sphalerite (zinc sulphide) in sediments. Rock sample is from an outcrop at surface that is part of a large (approximately 10 metre) block of sediment in the fault chaotic breccia.

Photo C - Vent Breccia/Fragmental with pyrrhotite (iron sulphide) and chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) flooding, hole ND24-02.

Hole ND24-02 - Vent intersection is 29.87 m in core length with true width estimated at about 10 m. Table displays weighted averages.

From To Interval Copper Gold Silver Zinc Lead Cobalt Indium (m) (m) (m) (%) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 402.1 404.5 2.4 4.82 0.29 29.01 1508.13 1758.83 66.22 1.94 400.93 430.8 29.87 0.53 5.36 350 130.33 112.3 1.7

Figure 1 - Sedimentary Exhalative (Sedex) Deposit Model displays approximate location of surface sample (Photo B) and drill hole sample (Photo C). Typical mineralizing system has pyrrhotite (iron sulphide) and chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) within and above the hotter vent environment, with sphalerite (zinc sulphide) and galena (lead sulphide) in a cooler environment exhaled on the ocean floor or laterally beneath the ocean floor and peripheral to the vent area.

Figure 2 - Photo looking northeast. Holes were drilled toward the west to test east dipping sediments for the source of Sullivan style and grade mineralization discovered in talus at the base of the mountain slope (Photo A location). Three preliminary target areas have been identified to test horizons on strike laterally from the vent, or above the vent (Photo C location).

John Keating, President of PJX, commented, "Drilling has intersected a significant mineralizing system within a geological environment amenable to host a Sedex type deposit. The presence of sulphide mineralization occurring periodically over hundreds of metres of vertical stratigraphy suggests a mineralizing system that was active over an extended period of time. Soil sampling has identified coincident zinc, lead, copper, gold, and silver anomalies for over 3 kilometres on strike. Large mineralizing systems such as this are often required to produce significant deposits. The Sullivan style and grade boulders discovered in talus are expected to be close to their source as they are angular and located in a relatively confined area at the top of the mountain. Our exploration permit is good for another 4.5 years. We look forward to this next phase of drilling when the snow melts. We will have a booth to display and discuss results at the Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver January 17 and 18, and also at AME Roundup in Vancouver January 20 and 21, 2025."

PJX's New Discovery Potential Background

PJX owns 100% of the mineral rights to multiple properties totaling over 680 km of mineral claims in the Sullivan Mining District of Southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Exploration in late 2023 discovered boulders and outcrop of Sullivan deposit style and grade mineralization on PJX's Dewdney Trail Property that is over 150 km in size. The zinc, lead, silver, and other critical metal mineralization discovered at surface on the Dewdney Trail Property is magnetic and appears to be associated with a strong to moderate magnetic airborne geophysical anomaly that can be traced for approximately 1.6 km. This recent first phase of drilling on part of the anomalous trend confirms a geological environment with sulphide mineralization that supports the potential to discover a Sedex type deposit.

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Pighin, P.Geo., and John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Pighin is one of a number of consulting geologists for PJX on the Dewdney Trail Property. Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver, zinc, lead, copper, cobalt, and other critical metals. PJX's properties are located in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia.

Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer (416) 799-9205

info@pjxresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward- ooking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: PJX Resources Inc.

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LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The UK has pledged 4.5 billion pounds ($5.5. billion) worth of military aid for Ukraine in 2025.The security assistance, announced by visiting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be used to procure hundreds more air defense systems, drones and essential equipment to sustain Ukrainian forces on the front line to defend against the ongoing Russian attacks.In addition to 3 billion pounds ($3.66 billion) already committed for lethal aid, the first 1.5 billion pounds ($1.83 billion) from a 2.26 billion pounds ($2.75 billion) loan as part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme will be released for major procurement projects. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilized Russian sovereign assets.A Yorkshire-based defense company will begin the production of artillery barrels for artillery guns for the use of Ukrainian military. The UK placed a 61 million pounds ($74.45 million) contract with defense giant BAE Systems to produce the barrel forgings, working with Sheffield Forgemasters.Starmer said the UK is expanding its offer to train more members of Ukraine's armed forces.He told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the UK was working closely with allies and partners to design and develop a new training offer to put the country at the strongest possible position through 2025.'The British people have never wavered in their support for Ukraine, and today, UK firms are stepping up to support Ukraine's military capabilities. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.'The Prime Minister also announced that UK will deliver a new mobile air defense capability to Ukraine this year.Gravehawk, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, is a rapidly developed air defense system to meet Ukrainian needs on the battlefield.The innovative system, which is the size of a shipping container, is able to retrofit air-air missiles for ground-based air defense, meaning it can use Ukrainian missiles already in their Armed Forces' possession.With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraine's air defenses, allowing them to defend their cities, troops and critical infrastructure.Two prototypes of the air defense capability system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will follow this year, according to the Prime Minister's Office.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Cooling Fabrics Market by Type (Natural, Synthetic), Textile Type (Woven, Nonwoven, Knitted), Application (Sports Apparel, Lifestyle, Protective Wearing), and Region - Global Forecast to 2030", is projected to grow from USD 2.70 billion in 2024 to USD 4.08 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.1%.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Cooling Fabrics Market".

313 - Tables

53 - Figures

252 - Pages

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The market for cooling fabrics is on the rise as the need for high-performance textiles in many applications, such as sportswear, healthcare, and industrial workwear, becomes necessary. Innovative technologies such as phase-change materials (PCMs) and microencapsulation are advancing. They are paving the way for developing new advanced fabric-efficient technologies, often featuring superior moisture and temperature management, to satisfy rising environmental concerns for more sustainable and eco-friendly cooling fabrics. They also capture the rising interest in health and comfort in hot climates, especially in Asia-Pacific and tropical countries.

By type, the synthetic segment is estimated to be the largest segment of the cooling fabrics market from 2024 to 2030 by value.

The synthetic segment, which would be most accepted across several sectors from 2024 to 2030, is expected to take the largest market for cooling fabrics. Those cooling fabrics are primarily made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which are lightweight, durable, and have moisture-wicking properties. It provides excellent comfort and breathability and is exceptionally applicable in sportswear, performance, and activewear, where cooling and moisture management are the issues. Furthermore, it can be easily modified for advanced engineered cooling technologies, such as microencapsulation or phase-change materials (PCMs), to enhance the cooling capacity further.

The growth of the synthetic segment would primarily benefit from its affordability and mass production economics, making it available and financially viable for manufacturers and consumers. Along with the increasing demand for cooling solutions in healthcare textiles, industrial workwear, and outdoor apparel, synthetic fabrics would thus continue to be a relevant segment in the domain. The flexibility of these broad market segments, coupled with progressive trends in textile technologies, practically ensures the supremacy of this segment across the cooling fabrics market during the entire forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

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By textile type, the woven segment is estimated to account for the second-largest share of the cooling fabrics market by value during the forecast period.

Among textile types, the woven type will likely be the second-most in the cooling fabrics market in the coming years. The excellent durability, strength, and versatility of woven fabrics have made them popular in sportswear, outdoor apparel, and industrial workwear applications. Due to excellent breathability and moisture management properties, they are significant in cooling textiles. Generally, the woven structure allows good air entry into the fabric to keep the body within an environment, enhancing comfort, generally in hot, humid conditions. There is a massive increase in demand for performance-oriented, functional apparel due to the latest advancements in textile technologies that fuel the usage of cooling woven fabrics. The utilization of woven fabrics in different applications, such as temperature management in healthcare and military applications, also encourages the growth of woven fabrics. The primary shift in consumer preference toward high-performance and sustainability textiles will drive the market. Furthermore, the merits cooling fabrics offer as far as comfort and protection against harsh conditions would likely continue to steer the growth of the woven segment.

Woven fabrics have acquired a reputation for strength and durability, making them well-suited for repetitive use and washing. They can be utilized for long-lasting cooling applications in sportswear or outdoor apparel. Woven cooling fabrics also provide a much wider avenue for design weaves through patterns, densities, and textures. These vary in turn, affecting the fabrics' breathability, cooling efficiency, and aesthetic influence; thus, woven cooling fabric provides optimized hydration with the durability and design flexibility that would get to overall market increase.

By application, protective wear is projected to be the fastest-growing segment of the cooling fabrics market by value during the forecast period.

It is anticipated that protective wear will emerge through application, the highest growth segment by value in the cooling fabrics market during the projected period. This is chiefly due to the increasing necessity for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the manufacturing, construction, and healthcare industries. As temperatures soar and work in these hot-and-humid conditions, workers in dangerous environments are much willing to discover better cooling solutions to enhance comfort, relieve heat stress, and boost productivity. The introduction of a cooling fabric in protective wear offers significant advantages of moisture-wicking, breathability, and body temperature regulation, which would help ensure workers' comfort and well-being under harsh work conditions.

The growing awareness of heat-related illnesses and calls for safety in the workplace propels the demand for cooling textiles in protective wear. Also, advances in textile technologies, such as phase-change materials (PCMs) and microencapsulation, have increased nursery capabilities with cooling fabrics, making this option viable as protective clothing. With the workers' well-being and comfort continuing to be the focus of industries, protective wearing is likely to witness rapid development in the cooling fabrics market.

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By region, Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the fastest-growing segment of the cooling fabrics market from 2024 to 2030.

The Asia-Pacific region will be the fastest-growing segment in the cooling fabrics market in the coming years, from 2024 to 2028. Factors that drive the hot climate typical in this region, such as urbanization and increased demand for cooling solutions, either in consumer or industrial modalities, are among the causes of this growth. Increased heat and humidity dominate several parts of Asia, increasingly making the need for cooling textiles more urgent due to rising temperatures and climate change. The resulting change has spurred greater demand, especially in the sportswear, healthcare, and protective wear sectors. There are also increasing health-related concerns about heat stress and enhanced focus on the comfort level in various sectors, pushing demand further.

The burgeoning middle class in emerging Asian economies, such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, has aided in boosting markets as comfort and performance considerations become key factors in selecting an apparel program. Also, the region's development in terms of exceptional manufacturing capacity, coupled with technological advancement in textiles, promotes the innovation and application of cutting-edge cooling fabrics. It is a guarantee that the region will dominate this growth trajectory for the cooling fabrics market throughout the forecast period.

The major players operating in the cooling fabrics market include Coolcore (US), Nan Ya Plastics Corporation (Taiwan), Ahlstrom (Finland), Nilit (Israel), Polartec (US), Texray Industrial Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Formosa Taffeta Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan), Everest Textile Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Nanotex (US), Burlington (US), Libolon (Taiwan), Columbia Sportswear Company (US) and others.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 17, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to announce discovery of the new, high grade, gold-rich porphyry copper-gold-silver ("Cu-Au-Ag") AuRORA deposit at its 100% owned JOY Copper-Gold District ("JOY"), in the prolific Toodoggone-Kemess porphyry Cu-Au region of north-central British Columbia ("BC"). The AuRORA Deposit Discovery is located within an area of the 495 km 2 JOY District that had not previously been drill tested (see Figures 1, 2 and 3). Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport") is fully funding work programs at JOY to earn an interest in the project, and Amarc is the operator of all programs.

Highlights from Initial AuRORA DEPOSIT Discovery Drill Holes Include:

Drill Hole Int.1,2,3 (m) From (m) Incl. Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) JP24057 82 18 1.24 0.38 2.47 1.08 42 58 Incl. 1.97 0.49 3.58 1.61 JP24059 271 24 0.98 0.25 1.93 0.81 171 24 Incl. 1.32 0.34 2.62 1.09 89 106 and 2.29 0.46 3.65 1.76 JP24071 212 21 1.36 0.40 3.35 1.18 108 104 Incl. 2.38 0.60 5.17 1.96 JP24074 162 69 2.19 0.63 6.95 1.90 147 84 Incl. 2.40 0.69 7.60 2.08 108 111 and 3.09 0.82 8.99 2.59 81 135 and 3.69 0.92 9.72 3.04

Notes: See Table 1.

Hole JP24057, the first hole ever drilled at AuRORA, intersected a new porphyry Cu-Au-Ag system hosting high and continuous Au grades (see Tables 1, 2 and 3). Following completion of this discovery hole, Amarc, with Freeport, systematically stepped out, aggressively drilling with three core rigs, with a view to begin outlining an outstanding Cu-Au-Ag deposit and to confirm its high grade potential. This release details the results of discovery hole JP24057 and six other holes drilled at approximately 100 m intervals on east-west section 7800N (see Figures 2 and 3). Drilling on this section established a 600 m wide zone of porphyry mineralization encountered from near surface that is open to lateral expansion, and which is characterized by excellent lateral and vertical continuity. Final compilations and confirmatory analyses from six additional holes drilled at AuRORA along east-west section 7900N, a 100 m step out to the north of section 7800N, are near completion and will be released in the very near future. These additional results show similar very encouraging grades and characteristics to those reported in this release.

"This impressive new, high grade porphyry copper-gold-silver discovery is a pivotal moment for Amarc and its shareholders," said Dr. Diane Nicolson, Amarc President and CEO. "It represents a significant inflection point in the exploration of the JOY District with Freeport. Our discovery is the culmination of years of relentless groundwork by the Amarc team, coupled with the firm, unwavering belief, shared by Freeport, that the JOY District holds significant potential for high grade porphyry gold-copper deposits. This discovery comes during a period of positive market sentiment for gold, copper and silver, which we believe further increases the attractiveness of Amarc as an exciting investment opportunity."

The AuRORA Deposit Discovery is located within the expansive Northwest Gossan ("NWG") Target area located at the northwest end of a possible 15 km mineralized trend that extends southeast toward the GAP and SWT Targets (see Figure 1). The NWG Target is outlined by a 3.7 km 2 Induced Polarization ("IP") anomaly (>14mV/V) (see Figure 3) with coincident Cu, Au, Mo and Ag anomalies outlined in soils and rocks (see Amarc releases May 2 and July 11, 2024). The 2024 initial drill testing of the NWG Target area focused primarily on an internal zone of higher (>20 mV/V) IP chargeability some 1,500 m long and 500 m wide. Much of the NWG Target area remains unexplored.

"The AuRORA Deposit Discovery has been made through the Amarc team's depth of knowledge and porphyry copper-gold discovery track record in BC and the Toodoggone region, combined with the support and insight from Freeport, based on its global capabilities as a top-tier copper and gold producer and discoverer. Together, our goal in 2024 was to focus on discovery and we are clearly on the right track with AuRORA. Notably, the AuRORA Deposit Discovery area is only one of eight large scale sulphide mineralized systems clustered along several mineralized trends drilled in 2024 at JOY. These important-scale sulphide systems have been established by district-wide geological, geochemical and geophysical ground IP surveys. Additional results from the 2024 drill program will be forthcoming. We are extremely optimistic about further important progress at JOY," concluded Nicolson.

In addition to today's announced drill holes, an additional 33 scout holes were also completed on eight porphyry Cu-Au targets, including at the AuRORA Deposit Discovery, PINE Deposit, Canyon Discovery and at the Twins Deposit Target within the JOY District (see Figure 1). These targets were established through 290 line-km of property wide IP surveying, the collection and analyses of 8,400 soil and 1,500 rock samples, and geological mapping and prospecting.

Figure 1: Large Scale Mineral System Trends Occur at JOY that Host the AuRORA Deposit Discovery, PINE Deposit, Canyon Discovery, Twins and Other Sulphide Systems

Figure 2: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Located in the New Underexplored NWG Target

Figure 3: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Hosted Within the Exciting New NWG Target Area IP-Chargeability Anomaly Never Previously Drilled

Figure 4: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Never Previously Drilled and Open to Expansion

Figure 5: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Drilling Outlines Open-Ended, Near Surface, Continuous, High Grade Cu-Au-Ag Mineralization (Section 7800N)

Figure 6: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Multi-Phase High Grade Mineralization Hosted by Potassic Alteration from Drill Hole JP24074

Table 1: JOY AuRORA Porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit Discovery Section 7800N Mineralized Intervals of Significance

Drill Hole Incl. From (m) To

(m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) JP24057 18.00 100.00 82.00 1.24 0.38 2.5 1.08 Incl. 58.00 100.00 42.00 1.97 0.49 3.6 1.61 120.29 190.00 69.71 5 2.56 0.42 5.0 1.88 Incl. 120.29 166.00 45.71 3.30 0.56 6.2 2.44 And 120.29 136.00 15.71 4.54 0.84 8.6 3.42 JP24059 24.00 295.25 271.25 0.98 0.25 1.9 0.81 Incl. 24.00 194.50 170.50 1.32 0.34 2.6 1.09 And 106.00 194.50 88.50 2.29 0.46 3.7 1.76 Incl. 211.00 239.10 28.10 0.99 0.18 1.1 0.73 JP24071 21.10 233.00 211.906 1.36 0.40 3.4 1.18 Incl. 104.00 212.00 108.00 2.38 0.60 5.2 1.96 JP24074 69.00 231.00 162.00 2.19 0.63 7.0 1.90 Incl. 84.00 231.00 147.00 2.40 0.69 7.6 2.08 And 111.00 219.00 108.00 3.09 0.82 9.0 2.59 And 135.00 216.00 81.00 3.69 0.92 9.7 3.04 JP24076 57.00 198.00 141.007 0.73 0.18 1.3 0.60 Incl. 102.00 198.00 96.00 1.00 0.24 1.8 0.81 And 129.00 180.00 51.00 1.44 0.31 2.2 1.13 JP24079 179.00 189.50 10.50 0.06 0.24 2.7 0.29 341.00 400.70 59.70 0.29 0.08 1.7 0.26 JP24082 131.00 277.95 146.95 0.34 0.22 3.2 0.43 Incl. 161.00 277.95 116.95 0.39 0.25 3.8 0.50 And 212.00 242.00 30.00 0.84 0.54 7.2 1.06

Notes to Table 1:

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$1800/oz., and Ag US$24/oz. and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Au 72% and 67% Ag. 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)). Drill hole JP24057 interval 166-169 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and it was therefore averaged at zero grade. Drill hole JP24071 interval 179-182 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and it was therefore averaged at zero grade. Drill hole JP24076 intervals 72-75 m, 78-81 m and 96-102 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and each was therefore averaged at zero grade.

AuRORA Deposit Geological Information - Section 7800N

The geological and hydrothermal characteristics of AuRORA discovery hole JP24057, and other holes along the section, are broadly consistent with generalized models for porphyry Cu-Au deposits in the Kemess Mining District and in the wider Toodoggone Region. East-west cross section 7800N across the AuRORA Deposit Discovery highlights the excellent continuity of the near surface, high grade, Cu-Au-Ag mineralization discovered in hole JP24057, as well as consistent vertical and lateral patterns in the grade, hydrothermal and geological characteristics in the holes along the section (see Figures 4 and 5 and Table 2).

In the upper part of AuRORA, mineralization is hosted by andesitic tuff and in its lower part by quartz-monzonite intrusive rocks. The contact between the volcanic and intrusive rocks is typically masked by intense alteration that coincides with the highest-grade mineralization. High grade mineralization is associated with pervasive quartz-sericite/chlorite-pyrite alteration, which overprints potassic K-feldspar and magnetite alteration. Copper mineralization is mainly chalcopyrite and trace to minor bornite (see Figure 6).

About Amarc Resources Ltd

Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets.

Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail.

Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit.

Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of $110 million and $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc has completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District. Drill results from nine core holes drilled late in 2024 at Empress are being compiled and are expected to be released next month. Amarc is the operator of all programs.

Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, AuRORA, PINE, IKE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects.

Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

Qualified Person

Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved all technical and scientific information related to the JOY Project contained in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program

Amarc drilled NQv (48.1mm) and HQ (63.5mm) size core in 2024 at the JOY project. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the JOY drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., Kamloops or Langley, Canada, for preparation and to North Vancouver, Canada for analysis. All facilities are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and either a 250 g split or 1,000 g split was 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 60 elements including Cu, Mo and Ag by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. Samples with Cu results > 10,000 ppm were reanalyzed by a single element four-acid digestion ICP-AES method for Cu. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Amarc control samples were inserted in each analytical batch of the core samples at the following rates: standards one in 20 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 20 regular samples and one coarse blank per hole. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC.

The QP visited the site to verify location of drill holes, and review the core and logging, sampling and sample shipment processes. He also reviewed and assessed the assay results.

For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD.

Dr. Diane Nicolson

President and CEO

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 and Other Cautionary Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships 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: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, 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, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, 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 Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 2: AuRORA Discovery Assay Data by Sample Interval for Drill Holes JP24059 and JP 24074

Hole JP24059

Sample From (m) To (m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) 732288 106.00 109.00 3.00 1.38 0.49 2.9 1.28 732289 109.00 112.00 3.00 1.22 0.36 2.2 1.06 732291 112.00 115.00 3.00 1.44 0.52 2.9 1.34 732292 115.00 118.00 3.00 1.37 0.44 2.6 1.22 732293 118.00 121.00 3.00 1.43 0.45 3.5 1.27 732294 121.00 124.00 3.00 2.12 0.59 4.3 1.80 732295 124.00 127.00 3.00 3.04 0.83 6.1 2.56 732296 127.00 129.00 2.00 2.02 0.52 5.4 1.68 732297 129.00 130.90 1.90 1.74 0.73 5.0 1.73 732298 130.90 133.00 2.10 2.37 0.58 4.4 1.92 732299 133.00 136.00 3.00 2.56 0.79 4.8 2.24 732300 136.00 139.00 3.00 1.92 0.51 4.1 1.60 732301 139.00 142.00 3.00 2.77 0.61 4.6 2.18 732302 142.00 145.00 3.00 3.63 0.61 4.6 2.66 732303 145.00 148.00 3.00 3.87 0.62 4.6 2.80 732304 148.00 149.50 1.50 4.65 0.72 6.0 3.35 732305 149.50 151.00 1.50 4.82 0.86 6.6 3.59 732306 151.00 154.00 3.00 2.85 0.72 4.7 2.34 732307 154.00 157.00 3.00 1.01 0.21 1.7 0.78 732308 157.00 160.00 3.00 2.70 0.32 2.7 1.84 732309 160.00 163.00 3.00 2.78 0.31 2.6 1.87 732311 163.00 166.00 3.00 2.15 0.38 3.5 1.60 732312 166.00 169.00 3.00 2.71 0.42 3.6 1.96 732313 169.00 172.00 3.00 2.06 0.37 4.0 1.54 732314 172.00 175.00 3.00 1.93 0.33 4.4 1.43 732315 175.00 178.00 3.00 1.36 0.16 2.8 0.94 732316 178.00 180.30 2.30 2.54 0.27 4.6 1.72 732317 180.30 182.25 1.95 1.54 0.21 2.9 1.09 732318 182.25 184.75 2.50 4.03 0.38 4.2 2.65 732319 184.75 187.00 2.25 0.90 0.19 1.8 0.70 732320 187.00 190.00 3.00 0.90 0.19 1.4 0.70 732321 190.00 192.25 2.25 3.05 0.32 1.9 2.02 732322 192.25 194.50 2.25 2.99 0.31 2.5 1.99

See Table 1 for Notes.

Hole JP24074

Sample From (m) To

(m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) 731140 111.00 114.00 3.00 1.00 0.65 8.1 1.26 731141 114.00 117.00 3.00 1.26 0.55 8.0 1.30 731142 117.00 120.00 3.00 0.64 0.27 4.1 0.65 731143 120.00 123.00 3.00 1.48 0.49 8.1 1.36 731144 123.00 126.00 3.00 1.47 0.48 6.6 1.34 731145 126.00 129.00 3.00 1.01 0.40 4.9 1.00 731146 129.00 132.00 3.00 1.59 0.59 6.3 1.51 731147 132.00 135.00 3.00 2.02 0.62 6.6 1.79 731148 135.00 138.00 3.00 1.48 0.53 5.2 1.39 731149 138.00 141.00 3.00 4.01 0.84 10.5 3.14 731151 141.00 144.00 3.00 4.94 1.16 14.2 4.00 731152 144.00 147.00 3.00 4.32 0.99 8.8 3.45 731153 147.00 150.00 3.00 3.02 0.78 6.8 2.50 731154 150.00 153.00 3.00 3.63 1.31 11.3 3.40 731155 153.00 156.00 3.00 5.35 1.18 9.6 4.22 731156 156.00 159.00 3.00 3.33 0.98 8.0 2.89 731157 159.00 162.00 3.00 5.25 1.05 9.8 4.03 731158 162.00 165.00 3.00 3.49 0.90 10.3 2.91 731159 165.00 168.00 3.00 2.47 1.14 13.8 2.60 731160 168.00 171.00 3.00 5.86 1.36 10.3 4.68 731161 171.00 174.00 3.00 4.78 0.88 9.6 3.61 731162 174.00 177.00 3.00 7.73 1.28 11.1 5.65 731163 177.00 180.00 3.00 8.00 1.34 11.2 5.86 731164 180.00 183.00 3.00 6.33 0.93 8.6 4.51 731165 183.00 186.00 3.00 3.52 0.75 7.2 2.75 731166 186.00 189.00 3.00 3.25 0.66 7.5 2.52 731167 189.00 192.00 3.00 2.39 0.69 7.9 2.08 731168 192.00 195.00 3.00 3.84 0.57 4.6 2.74 731169 195.00 198.00 3.00 2.07 0.64 6.4 1.83 731171 198.00 201.00 3.00 1.09 0.97 11.4 1.65 731172 201.00 201.70 0.70 2.05 0.65 8.0 1.84 731173 201.70 202.90 1.20 0.06 0.03 0.6 0.06 731174 202.90 204.00 1.10 2.74 0.75 8.9 2.33 731175 204.00 207.00 3.00 1.62 1.14 12.9 2.12 731176 207.00 210.00 3.00 1.84 0.89 15.1 2.01 731177 210.00 213.00 3.00 2.41 0.90 15.4 2.34 731178 213.00 216.00 3.00 2.06 0.61 10.0 1.82 731179 216.00 219.00 3.00 1.10 0.51 8.3 1.17 731180 219.00 222.00 3.00 0.58 0.32 6.6 0.69 731181 222.00 225.00 3.00 0.78 0.36 6.0 0.84

See Table 1 for Notes.

Table 3: AuRORA Drill Hole Information Section N7800

Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azim () Dip () EOH (m) JP24057 622779 6347801 1368 90 -70 586 JP24059 622776 6347801 1369 270 -60 427.4 JP24071 622770 6347796 1370 180 -60 374 JP24074 622920 6347799 1385 90 -70 315 JP24076 622655 6347819 1369 270 -60 258 JP24079 623060 6347815 1422 88 -60 503 JP24082 623059 6347815 1422 0 -90 311

Note: Collar locations are in UTM NAD83, Zone 9N coordinates.

Figure 1: Large Scale Mineral System Trends Occur at JOY that Host the AuRORA Deposit Discovery, PINE Deposit, Canyon Discovery, Twins and Other Sulphide Systems

Figure 2: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Located in the New Underexplored NWG Target

Figure 3: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Hosted Within the Exciting New NWG Target Area

IP-Chargeability Anomaly Never Previously Drilled

Figure 4: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Never Previously Drilled and Open to Expansion

Figure 5: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Drilling Outlines Open-Ended, Near Surface, Continuous,

High Grade Cu-Au-Ag Mineralization (Section 7800N)

Figure 6: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Multi-Phase High Grade Mineralization Hosted by Potassic Alteration from Drill Hole JP24074

SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSXV:YGT)(Frankfurt:TX0)(OTCQX:YGTFF) ("Gold Terra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC), hosted by Cambridge House International. The conference is scheduled for January 19-20, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Gold Terra invites shareholders and the investment community to visit us at Booth #316. Complimentary General Admission is available at Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.

The Company will provide updates on its current exploration and drilling activities:

The 2025 wedge hole drilling program started on January 10 th targeting the prolific Campbell Shear (CS) from master hole GTCM24-056 on the Con Mine Option (CMO) Property. The first wedge is to intersect the CS at a vertical depth of 2600 metres below surface. From there lateral wedges will add more pierce points in the CS.

The objective is to outline high-grade gold mineralization in the CS (past production of 5.1 Moz @ 16 g/t) and aims to expand the September 2022 initial Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") of 109,000 Indicated ounces of contained gold and 432,000 Inferred ounces of contained gold between surface and 400 metres below surface along a 2-kilometre corridor of the Campbell Shear (Refer to October 21, 2022 MRE titled "Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the CMO Property, Yellowknife City Gold Project, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada" by Qualified Person, Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., SGS Geological Services, which can be found on the Company's website at https://www.goldterracorp.comand on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Grant of Stock Options

The Company announces that the Board of Directors has approved a grant of stock options under the Company's Stock Option Plan to its directors, officers, employees, and consultants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 treasury shares at $0.10.

The options are exercisable at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 5 years effective on January 17th, 2025, expiring on January 17th, 2030, and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and the Company's Stock Option Plan which includes a vesting period beginning six months after issue for 25% of the options, and 25% every six months following.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Joseph Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Gold Terra

The Yellowknife Project (YP) encompasses 918 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YP is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the prolific Campbell Shear, where approximately 14 Moz of gold has been produced, (refer to Gold Terra Oct 21, 2022, Technical Report) and most recently on the Con Mine Option (CMO) property claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz between the Con, Rycon, and Campbell shear structures (1938-2003).

The YP and CMO properties lie on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that hosts the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company's exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com.

For more information, please contact:

Gerald Panneton, Chairman & CEO

gpanneton@goldterracorp.com

Mara Strazdins, Investor Relations

Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 416-710-0646

strazdins@goldterracorp.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.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource could ever be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of "Measured Mineral Resources," "Indicated Mineral Resources," or "Inferred Mineral Resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource estimates contained herein may be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of such mineral resources. Refer to the Technical Report, once filed, for more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, methods and risks of determination associated with the foregoing.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended ("CIM Standards"). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources", which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards.

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are "substantially similar" to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Mineral Resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of "Inferred Mineral Resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear, potentially adding ounces to the Company's current YCG mineral resource, and the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would 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. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Gold Terra Resource Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the first assay results from its 15,000 meter drill program at the Moss Gold Project in Northwest Ontario, Canada (the "Moss Gold Project"). The primary goal of the winter drill program is to add ounces to the current resource model by extending mineralization in the top 100 - 200 meters from surface within the conceptual open pit, effectively converting waste rock to prospective mineable material and potentially reducing the strip ratio of the deposit.

Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Goldshore commented, "We believe that the results from the first three holes prove our thesis that mineralization can be expanded within the top 100 - 200 meters from surface. We believe that these results have the potential to add to the ounce production profile in the first several years of mine life enhancing the economic performance of the project moving forward. Importantly, the PEA currently being completed by G Mining Services represents a conservative case scenario as it will not include the results from the winter drill program."

Highlights

Results from the first hole (MMD-24-133), drilled to infill a gap in the resource model at the eastern end of the Southwest Zone under Snodgrass Lake, has expanded the width and increased the grade in a number of mineralized shears in the Southwest Zone with a combined intercept of 79.0m of 1.28 g/t Au from 27.0m, including several discrete higher-grade shear zones : 2.0m of 8.61 g/t Au from 27.0m and



32.3m of 1.73 g/t Au from 42.7m, including 16.25m of 2.95 g/t Au from 47.3m



22.0m of 1.19 g/t Au from 84.0m, including 10.0m of 2.13 g/t from 87.0m





Hole MMD-24-134 was also drilled to infill a gap in the resource model at the eastern end of the Southwest Zone under Snodgrass Lake. Mineralization was extended above the known resource with intercepts of: 21.85m of 0.66 g/t Au from 4.5m, including 7.75m of 1.36 g/t Au from 5.0m



12.0m of 0.90 g/t Au from 137.0m





These results will allow for the modelling of mineralized shear zones to surface and into volumes that are currently modelled as waste. The deeper intercepts also add approximately 75 meters to the overall width of the Southwest Zone mineralized shear corridor.

Technical Overview

Figure 1 shows the location of the drill holes being reported with respect to the planned winter drill program, while Figure 2 illustrates a cross section through drill hole MMD-24-133 that demonstrates significant mineralization outside of the current mineral resource. Tables 1 & 2 summarize significant intercepts and drill hole locations, respectively.





Figure 1: Illustrates the 2025 ongoing winter drill program targeting resource expansion within the conceptual open pit outlined in grey. Drill holes being reported are highlighted in red.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/237534_7de9013e04dd7a90_002full.jpg





Figure 2: Illustrates a cross -section through MMD-24-133 that demonstrates the presence of a wider series of shears within the top 100 meters from surface. Collectively the shear zones intersected demonstrate greater width to mineralized shear zones than represented in the current resource model as well as the extension of mineralized shears from depth toward the surface. The cross-section also highlights the growth potential beneath the open pit that may enable the open-pit resource to be as deep as the Main-QES pit.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/237534_7de9013e04dd7a90_003full.jpg

Drilling at the Southwest Zone aims to add to the mineral resource by infilling gaps within the current model created by sparse drilling. Drilling at shallow depths of 100 - 200 meters will allow for mineralized shear zones to be extended to the surface. Drilling at depths of 200 to 400 meters will allow the expansion of the open pit resource to a similar depth as the Main-QES pit that are approximately 500 meters deep.

Two holes (MMD-24-133 and MMD-24-134) were drilled along the western edge of Snodgrass Lake to further delineate the trend of the high-grade core shears and to test the up-dip potential of lower grade marginal shear zones.

Hole MMD-24-133 intersected several closely spaced, high-grade shears hosting quartz-carbonate veinlets with up to 2-3% pyrite-chalcopyrite within a strongly hematite-albite and silica-sericite-pyrite altered granodiorite intrusion along the contact of a more competent porphyritic diorite (Figure 3). Results were wider and higher grade than suggested in the resource model with 79.0m of 1.28 g/t Au from 27.0m, including 32.3m of 1.73 g/t Au and 22.0m of 1.19 g/t Au. These results are top cut with a cap at 30 g/t Au, which only impacted a 1.2m veined shear assaying 34.8 g/t Au. The hole then transitions into weaker shearing and mineralization within silica-sericite and epidote-chlorite altered diorite intrusions with lower grade intercepts, such as 12.0m of 0.57 g/t Au from 158.0m depth.





Figure 3: Illustrates drill core from hole MMD-24-133 that is characterized by a stacked sequence of high-grade shears within an altered granodiorite returning 16.25m of 2.95 g/t Au from 47.3-66.55m.

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Hole MMD-24-134 collared into the same mineralized and sheared altered granodiorite intrusion yielding grade intercepts such as 21.85m of 0.66 g/t Au from 4.5m depth, including 7.75m of 1.36 g/t Au. The hole quickly transitions into the wide multi-stage silica-sericite and epidote-chlorite altered diorite intrusion package, as seen in MMD-24-133, yielding broad lower grade intercepts such as 32.15m of 0.36 g/t Au from 84.85m and 12.0m of 0.90 g/t Au from 137.0m.

Both deeper intercepts in MMD-24-133 and -134 represent new mineralized shears not previously included in the current resource model that will potentially add to the overall width of the shear corridor by approximately 75 meters.

Hole MMD-24-136 was drilled underneath Snodgrass Lake from a peninsula along the southeastern shore to properly identify the southeastern limit of the Southwest Zone. The hole encountered varying andesitic and dacitic volcanics before intersecting the diorite package at the end of the hole. The diorite is weakly sheared with pervasive sericite-silica alteration similar to that encountered towards the end of the previous two holes and is weakly mineralized yielding an intercept of 8.8m of 0.39 g/t Au from 218.0m depth. The hole was terminated as the remaining zone had been previously drilled from the southwestern side of the lake.

The ongoing drill program continues to infill wide-spaced drilling gaps within the Southwest Zone, improving the understanding of the controls on mineralization with the aim of growing it into a larger, more continuous mineralized domain, like that of the Main and QES zones. This includes drilling at 200 to 400 meters depth to test mineralization that may extend the mineral resource and enable the pit to extend to a similar depth as the Main-QES pit (~500 meters).

Winter temperatures have been sufficient to allow access to the muskeg-covered, northern portion of the QES zone and the Company is also commencing ice making activities on Snodgrass Lake. Both are high priorities for the current drill campaign, as they have not been drill-tested by Goldshore and have limited historical exploration drilling completed. As a result, there are significant volumes within the current conceptual open pit that are modelled as waste but have the potential to contain shear-hosted gold mineralization, which in turn, has the potential to add ounces to the current mineral resource estimate.

Table 1: Significant intercepts

HOLE ID FROM TO LENGTH

(m) TRUE

WIDTH

(m) CUT

GRADE

(g/t Au) UNCUT

GRADE

(g/t Au) MMD-24-133 27.00 29.00 2.00 1.2 8.61 8.61

42.70 75.00 32.30 18.6 1.73 1.91 incl 47.30 63.55 16.25 9.3 2.95 3.30 incl 47.30 48.50 1.20 0.7 30.0 34.8

84.00 106.00 22.00 12.7 1.19 1.19 incl 87.00 97.00 10.00 5.8 2.13 2.13

123.00 128.00 5.00 2.9 0.33 0.33

158.00 170.00 12.00 6.9 0.57 0.57 incl 159.00 161.75 2.75 1.6 1.06 1.06













MMD-24-134 4.50 26.35 21.85 15.5 0.66 0.66 incl 5.00 12.75 7.75 5.5 1.36 1.36

35.00 46.00 11.00 7.9 0.79 0.79 incl 39.00 42.00 3.00 2.2 2.03 2.03

63.00 66.95 3.95 2.9 0.75 0.75

84.85 127.00 42.15 31.3 0.36 0.36

137.00 149.00 12.00 9.1 0.90 0.90

159.00 165.80 6.80 5.2 0.30 0.30













MMD-24-136 218.00 226.80 8.80 7.0 0.39 0.39 Intersections calculated above a 0.3 g/t Au cut off with a top cut of 30 g/t Au and a maximum internal waste interval of 5 metres and minimum mineralized width of 2m. Bordered intervals are intersections calculated above a 1.0 g/t Au cut off. Intervals in bold are those with a grade thickness factor exceeding 20 gram x metres / tonne gold. True widths are approximate and assume a subvertical body.

Table 2: Drill Collars

HOLE EAST NORTH RL AZIMUTH DIP EOH MMD-24-133 668,515 5,378,324 428 90 -45 225 MMD-24-134 668,522 5,378,305 428 105 -45 225 MMD-24-136 668,645 5,378,012 430 350 -45 228

Analytical and QA/QC Procedures

All samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Thunder Bay for preparation and analysis was performed in the ALS Vancouver analytical facility. ALS is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for the Accreditation of Mineral Analysis Testing Laboratories and CAN-P-4E ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were analysed for gold via fire assay with an AA finish ("Au-AA23") and 48 pathfinder elements via ICP-MS after four-acid digestion ("ME-MS61"). Samples that assayed over 10 ppm Au were re-run via fire assay with a gravimetric finish ("Au-GRA21").

In addition to ALS quality assurance / quality control ("QA/QC") protocols, Goldshore has implemented a quality control program for all samples collected through the drilling program. The quality control program was designed by a qualified and independent third party, with a focus on the quality of analytical results for gold. Analytical results are received, imported to our secure on-line database and evaluated to meet our established guidelines to ensure that all sample batches pass industry best practice for analytical quality control. Certified reference materials are considered acceptable if values returned are within three standard deviations of the certified value reported by the manufacture of the material. In addition to the certified reference material, certified blank material is included in the sample stream to monitor contamination during sample preparation. Blank material results are assessed based on the returned gold result being less than ten times the quoted lower detection limit of the analytical method. The results of the on-going analytical quality control program are evaluated and reported to Goldshore by Orix Geoscience Inc.

Qualified Person

Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Mr. Flindell has verified the data disclosed. To verify the information related to the winter drill program at the Moss Gold Project, Mr. Flindell has visited the property several times; discussed and reviewed logging, sampling, bulk density, core cutting and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. He has also overseen the Company's health and safety policies in the field to ensure full compliance, and consulted with the Project's host indigenous communities on the planning and implementation of the drill program, particularly with respect to its impact on the environment and the Company's remediation protocols.

Marketing Communications Engagements

The Company also announces that it has engaged the following service providers (the "Contractors") to advise and coordinate market communications and investor relations on behalf of the Company. The Company is at arms-length from each of the Contractors and does not propose to issue any securities to any of the Contractors in consideration of services to be provided to the Company. Each Contractor has agreed to comply with all applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company has engaged Cambridge House International. ("Cambridge House") to provide a 3 interview studio series for a term ending March 31, 2025. Cambridge House will receive a total fee of US$34,500 in consideration, of which US$19,500 was paid on entry of the engagement and US$5,000 will be paid with the completion of each video interview. Cambridge House is based in Squamish, British Columbia and is wholly owned by Jay Martin. To the Company's knowledge, neither Cambridge House nor Jay Martin have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company.

The Company has entered into an agreement (the "SRC Agreement") with SRC Swiss Resource Capital AG ("SRC") for investor relations and communications services in Europe. The SRC Agreement is effective as of January 15, 2025, for a period of one year, after which time the SRC Agreement is renewable on a quarterly basis. The services to be provided by SRC to the Company include communications services, generally viewed as investor relations, including dissemination of information to existing and potential shareholders, creating media through interview and videos as well as supporting or representing the Company at trade and investment shows. Pursuant to the terms of the SRC Agreement, SRC is to be paid 5,000 CHF per month with additional fees for special services such as trade and investment shows.

SRC is a private company with a business address at Poststr. 1, CH-9100, Herisau, Switzerland. SRC is led by Jochen Staiger, Chief Executive Officer. To the best of the Company's knowledge, neither SRC nor Jochen Staiger have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com).

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 release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's 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. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project; the potential mineralization at the Moss Gold Project based on the winter drill program, including the potential for additional mineral resources; the enhancement of the Moss Gold Project and potential mining methods; the timing of technical reports and economic studies; statements regarding the Company's future drill programs, including the expected benefits and results thereof; and other statements that are not historical facts.

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. Such factors and risks include, among others: uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; the Company's limited operating history; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

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. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. 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 management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237534

SOURCE: Goldshore Resources Inc.
China, Philippines hold 10th BCM meeting on South China Sea

Xinhua) 10:23, January 17, 2025

XIAMEN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China and the Philippines held the 10th meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province on Thursday, with the two sides agreeing to properly handle maritime disputes and differences.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro co-chaired the meeting. The two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea.

At the meeting, China lodged solemn representations with the Philippines over its recent maritime infringement and provocation activities, and its hyping up of China-Philippines maritime disputes. China has urged the Philippines to strictly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), properly handle differences with China through dialogue and consultation, jointly manage the maritime situation, and bring bilateral relations back to the right track at an early date.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, believing that it serves the common interests of countries in the region, including China and the Philippines.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen maritime dialogue and communication, properly handle maritime disputes and differences, and continue to advance maritime practical cooperation in various fields, including the coast guard, marine science and technology, and marine environmental protection.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Trade Representative has indicated that it will take retaliatory measures over China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.The U.S. Trade Representative has issued findings in the Section 301 investigation of China's practices, and concluded that China's targeted dominance in these sectors is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, and is therefore 'actionable'.'Today, the U.S. ranks 19th in the world in commercial shipbuilding, and we build less than 5 ships each year, while the PRC is building more than 1,700 ships. In 1975, the United States ranked number one, and we were building more than 70 ships a year,' U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said. 'Beijing's targeted dominance of these sectors undermines fair, market-oriented competition, increases economic security risks, and is the greatest barrier to revitalization of U.S. industries, as well as the communities that rely on them. These findings under Section 301 set the stage for urgent action to invest in America and strengthen our supply chains.'USTR's investigation found that China's targeting for dominance is unreasonable because it displaces foreign firms, deprives market-oriented businesses and their workers of commercial opportunities, and lessens competition and creates dependencies on China, increasing risk and reducing supply chain resilience.The USTR says that China's targeting for dominance is also unreasonable because of the government's extraordinary control over its economic actors and these sectors.U.S. international trade is 'carried out on vessels made in China, financed by state-owned Chinese institutions, owned by Chinese shipping companies, and reliant on a global maritime and logistics infrastructure increasingly dominated by China.'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.
NAMSA, a world-leading MedTech testing, clinical and regulatory consulting firm, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S. medical device testing operations of WuXi AppTec, a global company that provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services to enable the pharmaceutical and life science industries to advance discoveries and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients.

Under the agreement, NAMSA will acquire WuXi AppTec facilities in Minnesota and Georgia.

"We are extremely pleased to announce our agreement with WuXi AppTec, as it enables us to expand our portfolio of clinical research and testing solutions for clients," remarked Andre-Michel Ballester, NAMSA CEO. "NAMSA and WuXi AppTec's Medical Device Testing Operations have different areas of expertise but serve the same client base and will enhance the client experience by combining capabilities. Together, we look forward to accelerating MedTech innovation and helping Sponsors deliver life-saving medical technology throughout the world," concluded Ballester.

The MedTech industry faces more stringent regulatory and clinical evidence requirements, which can delay development, increase costs, and slow market entry. NAMSA's strategic outsourcing and comprehensive in-house services help MedTech innovators mitigate risk, shorten time to market and enhance stakeholder value.

Both companies will work closely to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers.

NAMSA is an ARCHIMED company; acquired by the healthcare-focused global private equity firm in 2020. The acquisition of WuXi AppTec's U.S. Medical Device Testing Operations is the 9th acquisition by NAMSA since becoming an ARCHIMED company.

About NAMSA

Helping medical device Sponsors improve healthcare since 1967, NAMSA is a leading global MedTech testing, clinical and regulatory consulting firm. With a deep pool of testing, clinical and regulatory experts, and in-depth therapeutic knowledge, NAMSA is dedicated to accelerating medical device product development. From preclinical and clinical research to medical device testing and regulatory compliance, NAMSA is the industry's trusted partner for successful development and commercialization outcomes. Web: namsa.com

About WuXi AppTec

As a global company with operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, WuXi AppTec provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services that enable the global pharmaceutical and life sciences industry to advance discoveries and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients. Through its unique business models, WuXi AppTec's integrated, end-to-end services include chemistry drug CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization), biology discovery, preclinical testing and clinical research services, advanced therapies CTDMO (Contract Testing, Development and Manufacturing Organization), helping customers improve the productivity of advancing healthcare products through cost-effective and efficient solutions. WuXi AppTec received an AA ESG rating from MSCI for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, and its open-access platform is enabling more than 6,000 customers from over 30 countries to improve the health of those in need and to realize the vision that "every drug can be made and every disease can be treated."

About ARCHIMED

With offices in Europe, North America and Asia, ARCHIMED is a leading investment firm focused exclusively on healthcare industries. Its mix of operational, medical, scientific and financial expertise allows them to serve as both a strategic and financial partner to healthcare businesses. Prioritized areas of focus include Biopharma Products, Consumer Health, Healthcare IT, In Vitro Diagnostics, Life Science Tools Biologic Services, MedTech, and Pharma Services. ARCHIMED helps partners internationalize, acquire, innovate and expand their products and services. The company manages an 8 billion portfolio across various funds, including the largest healthcare-only private equity fund raised by a European-based General Partner. Since inception, ARCHIMED has been a committed Impact investor, both directly and through its EUREKA Foundation. Web: archimed.group

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250117736171/en/

Contacts:

NAMSA Media Contact

Chris Rupp

Vice President Global Marketing Commercial Operations

Email: crupp@namsa.com

WuXi AppTec Media Contact

Davy Wu

Corporate Communications

Email: mediainquiries@wuxiapptec.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or "the Company"), a technology-driven private investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to institutional-quality private investments, is proud to announce its partnership with World Housing, a charitable organization dedicated to providing homes for families in need around the globe.



Real estate has long been a driver of financial growth, but at Parvis, it is believed it can also be a force for meaningful social change. This partnership is the first of its kind for the business and represents an opportunity to unite investment with purpose, enabling investors to contribute to creating safe, sustainable housing for families in underserved communities worldwide.

World Housing is a global leader in creating innovative housing solutions for those in need. From 3D-printed villages to sustainable communities, the organization goes beyond shelter to provide families with access to critical resources such as education, clean water, and healthcare. With over 1,500 homes built in nine countries, World Housing has positively impacted thousands of lives, offering not just housing but hope and opportunity for a better future.

"At Parvis, we see real estate as more than an investment vehicle-it's a way to build a better world," said David Michaud, CEO of Parvis. "Through our partnership with World Housing, we're excited to offer our investors an opportunity to contribute to a cause that aligns with their values while achieving their financial goals."

This collaboration merges Parvis's expertise in real estate investments with World Housing's impactful mission to address homelessness and housing insecurity. By creating a dedicated offering page on the Parvis platform, investors now have a seamless way to support World Housing's initiatives while aligning their portfolios with their values.

Through this partnership:

Investors can make a difference by contributing to charitable real estate initiatives directly through Parvis's secure platform.

by contributing to charitable real estate initiatives directly through Parvis's secure platform. World Housing gains enhanced visibility via Parvis's network and will feature Parvis as a World Housing Ambassador on its website.

"Our collaboration with Parvis marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to end global homelessness," said Sam White, Director of Partnerships and Operations at World Housing. "Parvis's platform and network offer a powerful avenue to expand our impact, enabling more families to find the stability and security of a home."

By aligning their missions, Parvis and World Housing are leveraging the power of real estate to create opportunities for social good. Together, they aim to inspire individuals and investors alike to make a difference while achieving their financial goals, reinforcing the role of real estate as a catalyst for positive change.

About Parvis

Parvis is a technology-driven investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to institutional-quality opportunities. Utilizing AI and blockchain technology, Parvis streamlines the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient. Headquartered in Vancouver, Parvis operates with experts in Toronto, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Montreal. For more information, visit www.parvisinvest.com and SEDAR+.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: execution and integration of the investment offerings; and the Company's business plans and role in the investment industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate, investment, and technology industries in general. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

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LinkedIn: Parvis

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237553

SOURCE: Parvis Invest Inc.


Lhyfe and Masdar join forces to explore the co-development of major green hydrogen production projects





Nantes (France), 17 January 2025 - 1:30 pm - Lhyfe (EURONEXT: LHYFE), a pioneering producer and supplier of green and renewable hydrogen for mobility and industry, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar, the UAE's clean energy leader, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential co-development opportunities in large-scale green hydrogen production projects in Europe.









The MoU was signed at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 and is part of the strategy announced in 2024 by Lhyfe to co-develop projects with financial, industrial investors and experienced partners seeking to invest in green hydrogen production projects.



Through this strategic partnership, the two companies aim to explore collaboration and investment opportunities across the green hydrogen value chain, with a focus on co-developing large projects. This collaboration between two of the leading pioneers in the green hydrogen space will leverage their complementary abilities and support their ambitions to drive and develop the sector.



Lhyfe is one of the pioneers in the green hydrogen sector and is one of the fastest-growing players. Established in 2019, Lhyfe already has four installed green hydrogen production sites in Europe, and several other sites under construction. Lhyfe has demonstrated its industrial capacity to build and operate production sites of increased capacity. Lhyfe's pipeline of projects represents a total installed capacity of 9.5GW and includes several large-scale projects at advanced stages and ready to accelerate. Its proven record as one of the largest developers and operators of commercially active green hydrogen projects in Europe was key for Masdar's decision to enter into the MoU.



Masdar is aiming for a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030, supporting the target set in the UAE Consensus to triple global renewables capacity by the end of this decade, and aims to be a leading producer of green hydrogen in the same timeframe. It is targeting 1 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen or equivalent derivatives in the UAE and globally within a decade.

Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, Masdar, said: "Masdar is committed to advancing the development of green hydrogen around the world and we believe Europe will be a significant player in the future green hydrogen sector. This collaboration with Lhyfe will enable us to leverage our shared expertise and resources to explore pathways to accelerating development and potentially supporting our ambitious growth plans."

Matthieu Guesne, Founder and CEO of Lhyfe, said: "Masdar is one of the most important developers of renewable energies, with real expertise on green hydrogen and a strong lead in terms of deployment. This is evidenced by the large number of industry awards received since 2007 for its renewable energy projects and commitment to innovation. We have a common ambition: to decarbonize industry on a massive scale and as quickly as possible thanks to green hydrogen. By combining our complementary expertise, we want to accelerate the deployment of large sites, which have the capacity to make a difference on greenhouse gas emissions."
ARway.ai ("ARway" or the "Company") (CSE:ARWY)(OTCQB:ARWYF)(FSE:E65), a leading innovator in augmented reality navigation (AR) and AI-powered event solutions, has issued the CEO of the Company an aggregate of 3,786,363 common shares ("Shares") at a deemed price of $0.055 per Share in satisfaction of outstanding indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $208,250. The CEO has elected to take common shares instead of cash for his salary compensation for the past few years.

The Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring on the date which is four months and one day following the date of issuance. The issuance of the Shares remains subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About ARway

ARway is a pioneering platform specializing in augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven solutions for event management, venue navigation, and attendee engagement. As a spinoff of Nextech3D.ai, ARway leverages cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the way events are managed and experienced, delivering seamless, interactive, and personalized solutions for attendees and organizers alike.

About Nextech3D.ai

Nextech3D.ai is a leading AI technology company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions across various industries. With a focus on augmented reality, 3D modeling, and AI-powered tools, Nextech3D.ai is committed to transforming how businesses operate and engage with their audiences.

About MapD

MapD is an intuitive, self-serve event management platform offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline event planning and execution. With its easy-to-use interface, MapD enables clients to manage floor space sales, exhibitor services, speaker schedules, and attendee communications all in real time. By automating event logistics, simplifying the sales process, and providing opportunities for new revenue streams, MapD empowers event organizers to focus on delivering exceptional experiences. Additionally, MapD's future updates include a native mobile app that will incorporate AR wayfinding features for in-person events or serve as a virtual venue for remote events.

About ARway.ai

ARway.ai is a cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) platform that empowers businesses to create immersive, interactive AR experiences for their customers. With a focus on enhancing real-world interactions through AI-powered AR, ARway provides solutions that bridge the gap between physical and digital environments, helping businesses enhance engagement, optimize space utilization, and drive innovation.

For more information, please visit www.ARway.ai .

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To learn more about ARway, please follow on Social Media: Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and visit our website: www.arway.ai

Nextech 3D.ai

On October 26, 2022, ARway.ai. was spun-out from its parent Company, Nextech3D.ai (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:1SS). Nextech retained a control ownership in ARway.ai. with 13 million shares, or a 50% stake. Nextech3D.ai is a Generative AI powered 3D modeling Company and leading provider of augmented reality ("AR") experience technologies and 3D model services. Nextech's AI-powered 3D modeling platform, "ARitize3D" has contracts with; AMZN, KSS, CB2, Genuine Parts & many others. To learn more about Nextech3D.ai, visit www.nextechar.com

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

investor.relations@arway.ai

ARway.ai

Evan Gappelberg

CEO and Director

866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Forward-looking Statements

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. ARway.ai will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: ARway Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), is pleased to present its 2025 outlook while highlighting key milestones accomplished during 2024. With a 100% owned portfolio of high-potential exploration projects, a robust financial position, and well-established strategic partnerships, Riverside remains focused on delivering value through a disciplined and exploration-driven approach. The Company is committed to advancing its assets, fostering new opportunities, and positioning itself for sustained growth and success in the evolving resource sector.

The Company is in a strong cash position, with over C$4 million in cash reserves, no outstanding debt, and a tightly managed share structure with fewer than 75 million shares outstanding and no warrants. This robust financial foundation provides Riverside with the flexibility to advance its exploration initiatives and capitalize on emerging opportunities in North America as it continues to build its royalty portfolio of precious and base metals.

With a focus on maintaining fiscal discipline and strategically allocating resources, Riverside is well-positioned to pursue high-potential projects across its diverse portfolio. The Company's financial stability and its ability to source high-potential projects enhance its ability to attract partnerships and drive shareholder value through exploration success and asset development. These factors, along with Riverside's proven track record of delivering results, create a strong foundation for growth, the potential spinout of new businesses to shareholders, and continued exploration success in 2025 and beyond.

"Building on the strong foundation progressed in 2024, Riverside is poised to unlock key opportunities in 2025," said Riverside's President and CEO, John-Mark Staude. "With a solid financial position, a diverse portfolio of high-quality projects, and strategic partnerships, we are advancing our exploration efforts in Canada and Mexico while capitalizing on royalty opportunities and ongoing transactions to drive value creation.

The first half of 2025 is shaping up to be an active and pivotal period for Riverside. We are moving forward with plans to spin out our Ontario gold assets into a separate exploration company, a strategic initiative designed to unlock additional value for shareholders and provide secondary liquidity potential. Additionally, we are working closely with our partner, Fortuna Mining, on follow-on exploration the drilling success of 2024 with a program at the Cecilia Project in Mexico, on discovering now high-grade mineralization at the system the Company delineated during the 2024 program. Updates on both initiatives will be shared early in the year.

In British Columbia, we are prioritizing exploration for gold and rare earth elements across key properties, including the Deer Park, Revel and Taft projects, to take advantage of growing demand for critical minerals. These projects represent exciting opportunities to expand our resource base and further diversify our portfolio in a stable Canadian jurisdiction with drive up access and easy delivery to markets.

Looking ahead, we are actively evaluating potential acquisitions to grow our property portfolio in another North American jurisdiction. This expansion aligns with our strategy to capitalize on favorable markets and enhance Riverside's position as a leader in exploration-driven value creation. With these initiatives and a strengthening commodities market, we are confident in our ability to deliver meaningful results and shareholder value in 2025."

2025 Strategic Goals and Potential Milestones

Advancing Canadian Assets:

In the first half of 2025, Riverside Resources plans to present a proposal to its shareholders for the potential spinout of its Ontario gold properties-Pichette, Oakes, and Duc-into a dedicated exploration company named Blue Jay Gold (Resources). This strategic initiative aims to create a standalone entity that will focus exclusively on advancing these high-potential gold assets, strategically located within the prolific Geraldton-Beardmore Greenstone Belt in Northwestern Ontario. Shareholders previously benefited from the successful spinout of Capitan Mining (TSXV: CAPT) in 2021, as highlighted in Riverside's press release at the time. Now, shareholders have another opportunity to unlock value through the proposed spinout of Riverside's Ontario gold assets into a new company. This initiative aims to create a focused exploration entity, providing shareholders with direct exposure to its potential success and unlocking the embedded value within Riverside's portfolio.

Riverside intends to execute follow-up exploration on its gold and rare earth element properties in British Columbia with a focus on advancing these projects to drill-ready status. Planned work includes detailed mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys to refine targets and evaluate resource potential. Riverside aims to capitalize on the growing demand for gold and critical minerals, leveraging its technical expertise to advance these high-potential assets while seeking partnerships to accelerate exploration efforts.

Mexico Exploration and Partnerships:

The Company is collaborating closely with our partner, Fortuna Mining, to design and launch a follow-on exploration program at the Cecilia Project in Mexico. This next phase of exploration will continue to delineate and define the full extent of the mineralized system, building on the results from the successful 2024 drill program. By focusing on key structural zones and high-priority areas identified through geophysical surveys and earlier drilling, we aim to target higher-grade gold zones and large-scale deposits.



This planned program will include additional detailed mapping and geochemical analysis to refine targets and identify areas of significant gold and silver potential. Geophysics is also planned to refine targets ahead of the next 2025 drill program at Cecilia based upon this spring 2025 exploration results. The project exhibits many technical similarities to nearby operations, such as the Santa Elena District, where Coeur Mining recently acquired Silvercrest Metals for over $1 billion USD, and First Majestic's most productive operation in Mexico. Updates on this initiative, along with the drill results from the 2024 program, are expected to be shared in Q1 2025 as laboratory results are finalized.

Pursue additional joint ventures or sale agreements for key projects such as Union and Ariel to further de-risk and monetize Riverside's asset base. This strategic approach aligns with the Company's goal of diversifying beyond Mexico while capturing value from the high-quality assets developed over the past five years.

Royalty and Strategic Opportunities:

Actively advance and expand Riverside's royalty portfolio to enhance its value as key royalties are developed and progressed through the pipeline by major partners, such as Fresnillo PLC. The portfolio includes significant assets, such as the Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on the Tajitos Gold Project in Mexico with Fresnillo, which holds promising potential for future production. Fresnillo is actively advancing development and permitting at Tajitos with the project well-positioned for continued progress toward production, enhancing the royalty's value. Further, the recent election of Mexico's new President, who has maintained a pro-business stance bolsters the attractiveness of the Tajitos NSR.

Continue advancing discussions with U.S.-based exploration groups and other partners across the Americas to explore potential generative exploration alliances. These partnerships and portfolios have the potential to strategically enhance value for Riverside shareholders over the coming year.

Corporate Development:

Maintain a strong focus on financial discipline while strategically expanding and upgrading the Company's portfolio of quality mineral assets. Riverside remains committed to managing its capital prudently, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to projects with the highest potential for discovery and value creation. This disciplined approach enables the Company to advance its exploration initiatives while safeguarding its robust balance sheet.



As part of this strategy, Riverside will prioritize opportunities to acquire high-quality assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions, leveraging its proprietary databases and technical expertise to identify projects with significant upside potential. In addition to its current focus in Canada and Mexico, the Company is exploring the potential for acquisitions in another mining-friendly North American jurisdiction, further diversifying its asset base and creating new growth opportunities.

Actively engage with the investment community through attending conferences and events, including Vancouver Round Up, PDAC 2025, Swiss Mining Institute, the Rule Symposium 2025

2024 Recap and Highlights

Canada

Ontario Projects:

Riverside transferred its three key projects into a new subsidiary company, strategically positioning them for a potential unlocking of value in 2025.

Pichette Gold Project: through integrating structural geology LiDAR and geochemical data Blue Jay Gold has identified several new zones with mineralization. Recent fieldwork led to the discovery of mineralized banded iron formations, with samples returning assays up to 21 g/t gold. (Press Release, February 29, 2024)

Duc Project: The company completed a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey, enhancing the understanding of surface projections and structural features. This data coupled with last year's magnetics survey has improved the targeting for future exploration, particularly in identifying major shears indicative of Abitibi greenstone-style gold deposits.

Blue Jay Gold (Resources) Spinout: Riverside announced plans to transfer its Ontario gold assets, including Pichette, Oakes, and Duc, into a wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Jay Gold. (Press Release, November 14, 2024) This strategic move aims to unlock shareholder value by creating a focused exploration company dedicated to advancing these high-potential gold projects in the Geraldton-Beardmore Greenstone Belt.

British Columbia Projects:

Deer Park and Sunrise Gold Projects: Riverside has an option to acquire these projects north of Castlegar and the Rossland Gold Camp. Initial exploration identified two main targets: Viking Horde and Cougar Ridge with rock samples returning assays up to 7.07 g/t gold. These acquisitions align with Riverside's strategy to expand its presence in British Columbia's prolific mining regions.

Taft Project: The company secured an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Taft Project, covering 3,000 hectares in the Perry River Carbonatite Belt west of Revelstoke. This project is prospective for rare earth elements and gold, aligning with Riverside's focus on critical minerals essential for renewable energy and advanced technologies.

Mexico

Cecilia Project: Riverside, in collaboration with Fortuna Mining, launched a fully funded 2,250-meter drill program targeting geologic exploration zones: the Agua Prieta Breccia, East Target, and Mayra vein system. This program expanded on previous exploration efforts to delineate and define the strength and continuity of hydrothermal alteration which was supported by geophysical and field data. This partnership highlights Cecilia's potential as a cornerstone asset in Sonora and demonstrates Riverside's expertise in leveraging its extensive Mexican database to identify high-quality opportunities that secure partnerships.

Union Project: Riverside has continued to consolidate the Union Project district by securing property agreements and integrating the data from multiple properties. This effort is aimed at developing a comprehensive, district-wide understanding of the geological framework and identifying high-priority exploration targets. The Company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Questcorp Mining Inc. for an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Union Project for which the Company was paid a fee of $12,500. (Press Release, September 6, 2024). The agreement includes $5.5 million in exploration expenditures, cash payments, and share issuances over four years, with Riverside retaining a 2.5% NSR royalty. Exploration efforts in 2024 focused on mapping, sampling, and geochemical surveys, identifying high-grade gold and zinc zones. These findings have positioned the project for further development in partnership with Questcorp.

Ariel Copper-Gold Project: The company has continued to advance the Ariel Project by consolidating landholdings and conducting early-stage exploration. Riverside has identified porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum potential across a 16 km area. Recent efforts have focused on securing joint venture opportunities to unlock the project's value.

Qualified Person & QA/QC:

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources who is responsible for ensuring that the information provided in this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Riverside Resources Inc.:

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $4M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside's own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.

"John-Mark Staude"



Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237536

SOURCE: Riverside Resources Inc.
- Company listed in Research and Markets' announcement and description of new research report on the U.S. Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Market-

- "U.S. breast cancer screening and diagnostic [device] market was valued at $1.55 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach $2.34 billion by the end of 2030, at a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period 2024-20301"-

-Report supports Company's regulatory strategy for IzoView Breast CT, reinforces high demand for new breast imaging modalities, strengthens the potential for rapid market adoption and significant market share -

Vancouver, British Columbia and Sacramento, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Izotropic Corporation (CSE: IZO) (OTCQB: IZOZF) (FSE: 1R3) ("Izotropic" or the "Company"), a medical device company commercializing imaging-based products utilizing innovative and emerging technologies for the more accurate screening, diagnoses, and treatment of breast cancers, is pleased to announce that it has been featured in a press release from Research and Markets ("R&M"), "the world's largest market research store with clients all over the world, including 450+ of the Fortune 500 [companies]2".

The press release and report description featuring Izotropic highlight R&M's new report analyzing the U.S. breast cancer screening and diagnostic market, with forecasts extending through 2030. Their analysis suggests a robust and steady growth rate in the market sector from $1.55 billion to $2.34 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.05%, underscoring the Company's appropriate timing to pursue regulatory authorization and the strategic positioning of its first medical imaging device, IzoView- a disruptive device offering ultra-high-resolution, true 3D, dedicated breast CT imaging, indicated for breast cancer screening adjunctive to digital breast tomosynthesis ("DBT", also known as 3D mammography) for patients with dense breast tissue.

R&M reports that "the U.S. breast cancer screening and diagnostic, image-based market was led by the digital breast tomosynthesis segment, which held a 49.93% share in 2023 [and that the] rising adoption of digital breast tomosynthesis reflects a strong demand for advanced breast cancer screening technologies. DBT is particularly effective in improving detection rates for women with dense breast tissue, making it a vital tool for early diagnosis3."

DBT, like traditional mammography, is a breast compression-based imaging device that uses software and 15-50-degree image acquisition (depending on the make and model of the machine) to generate slightly 3D images from a series of x-ray images acquired in 2D. It is due to the greater range and angles of image acquisition that studies have confirmed that DBT has a "higher sensitivity than digital mammography and at least as high specificity4". Unfortunately, compression-based breast imaging devices are less effective in patients with dense breast tissue, a patient characteristic present in 50% of the women in the U.S. Both dense breast tissue and suspicious lesions and tumors appear white on compression-based breast images, and the density of the tissue itself can overlap under compression creating imaging artifacts that can mimic the appearance of cancer and mask cancers within the dense tissue itself. Due to the limitations of compression-based imaging devices, studies have shown that DBT still produces false negative results and that women with extremely dense breast tissue are predisposed to missed cancers on DBT screening5.

Despite the increased detection capabilities and wide adoption of DBT noted in the report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has mandated reporting of a patient's breast density information on their breast cancer screening results6, and some states additionally require a statement recommending women discuss the option of supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI due to dense breasts with their primary care clinicians. The unmet need for the dense-breasted patient population is so high that even the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is "urgently calling for more research on whether and how additional screening might help women with dense breasts find cancers earlier7."

IzoView Breast CT provides a clear solution to fill the gaps in the breast imaging device market, and is seeking regulatory authorization at a time when the clinical and market forecast data dictates a high degree of market readiness, acceptance, and a high likelihood of rapid adoption, given how quickly DBT was adopted and its large market share captured by providing increased detection capabilities with slightly 3D compression-based breast imaging.

The IzoView Breast CT Imaging System produces true 3D breast images with 360-degree image acquisition in a 10-second scan without breast compression, and a radiation dose comparable to 2-view mammography. Approximately 500 images are acquired (depending on the length of the breast) and are reconstructed into a 3D model within 30 seconds that a radiologist can then view from any angle like a 3D model or slide through the 500 cross-sectional images individually to more accurately determine the size, shape and location of an abnormality, as well as its relation to other internal breast structures.

When used with contrast enhancement in research trials, breast CT may find lesions and tumors in the 2mm size range8. Compared to the average-sized 11mm tumor found on screening mammography9 and considering that the average growth rate of breast cancers results in their doubling in size every 6 months10, breast CT may offer approximately 1  (one and one quarter) years earlier detection of breast cancers.

The Company looks forward to being the subject of a research report in the future when IzoView Breast CT has been progressively adopted and Izotropic has become a leader in breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging device sales.

About Izotropic:

More information about Izotropic Corporation can be found on its website at izocorp.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This document may contain statements that are "Forward-Looking Statements," which are based upon the current estimates, assumptions, projections, and expectations of the Company's management, business, and its knowledge of the relevant market and economic environment in which it operates. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as "anticipate," "believe," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "contemplate" and other similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

These statements are not guarantees of performance and involve risks, including those related to capital requirements and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict, and as such, they may cause future results of the Company's activity to differ significantly from the content and implications of such statements. Forward-Looking Statements are pertinent only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. Neither the Company nor its shareholders, officers, and consultants shall be liable for any action and the results of any action taken by any person based on the information contained herein, including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of Company securities. Nothing in this document should be deemed to be medical or other advice of any kind. All images are for illustrative purposes only. IzoView has not yet been approved or cleared for sale.

Sources:

1 (2025, January 16). U.S. Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Market Analysis and Forecast 2024-2030 - Multi-Modality Imaging Revolutionizes Breast Cancer Diagnostics, Boosting Detection Accuracy. Research and Markets. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/16/3010562/0/en/U-S-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Diagnostic-Market-Analysis-and-Forecast-2024-2030-Multi-Modality-Imaging-Revolutionizes-Breast-Cancer-Diagnostics-Boosting-Detection-Accuracy.html

2 (2025, January 16). Why We're Different We Make Intelligent Decisions Happen. Research and Markets. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/about-us

3 (2025, January 16). U.S. Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Market Analysis and Forecast 2024-2030 - Multi-Modality Imaging Revolutionizes Breast Cancer Diagnostics, Boosting Detection Accuracy. Research and Markets. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/16/3010562/0/en/U-S-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Diagnostic-Market-Analysis-and-Forecast-2024-2030-Multi-Modality-Imaging-Revolutionizes-Breast-Cancer-Diagnostics-Boosting-Detection-Accuracy.html

4 Rosenqvist, S., Brannmark, J. & Dustler, M. Digital breast tomosynthesis in breast cancer screening: an ethical perspective. Insights Imaging 15, 213 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-024-01790-w

5 (2023). 2023 ARRS Annual Meeting- Abstracts. ARRS. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://apps.arrs.org/AbstractsAM23Open/Main/Abstract/2618

6 (2023, March 9). FDA Updates Mammography Regulations to Require Reporting of Breast Density Information and Enhance Facility Oversight. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved January 7, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-mammography-regulations-require-reporting-breast-density-information-and-enhance

7 (n.d.). Breast Cancer: Screening, Frequently Asked Questions. U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/faqs/final-faq-document/breast-cancer-screening

8 [Izotropic Corporation]. (2023, March 6). Micro-calcifications, Smaller Cancers, Biopsies & more with Breast CT! [Video]. Https://www.Youtube.com. https://youtu.be/_Ip7xErSWgA?si=b9GBAekib6wPokVn

9 Eldridge, L. E. M., MD, & Paul, D., MD (2024, September 19). How Fast Does Breast Cancer Start, Grow, and Spread?VeryWellHealth. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/breast-cancer-growth-rate-4175666

10 Morgan, K. K., & Ratini, M., MS, DO (2024, March 7). How Fast Does Breast Cancer Grow? WebMD. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-how-fast-grows

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237547

SOURCE: Izotropic Corporation
Jefferies announced today that it will donate $10 million to charities providing aid for first responders and the people and communities impacted by the wildfires across Los Angeles.

The donation includes funds from Jefferies, voluntary contributions from its nearly 6,000 worldwide employees, and proceeds from the firm's January 16 Doing Good Global Trading Day, which set aside 100% of net global trading commissions for charities.

Rich Handler, CEO, and Brian Friedman, President of Jefferies, said:

"We are so grateful for how the Jefferies network stepped up to support those in need in Los Angeles. These wildfires have inflicted heartbreaking devastation on communities and so many families, and we hope this donation will help deserving charities provide urgently needed relief."

Organization Charity Description Allocation Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation The LAFD is actively seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with tools and supplies. $2,000,000 All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) All Hands and Hearts is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by disasters. $1,000,000 Global Empowerment Mission Delivers emergency aid supplies such as non-perishable food items, water, hygiene products, and other life-saving goods such as temporary shelters, generators and medical supplies. $1,000,000 Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) builds and repairs homes in partnership with hardworking, low income families and individuals. $1,000,000 PEF Eaton Fire Response Fund Emergency fund to address the immediate needs and ensure resources reach local schools and families as they navigate this crisis. $1,000,000 The California Community Foundation A community foundation that addresses health, housing and economic development in Los Angeles County. $1,000,000 Pasadena Humane Provides lifesaving programs and services for animals. $500,000 The Farmlink Project The Farmlink Project connects farmers to communities facing food insecurities. The organization is partnering with LA communities to deliver truckloads of fresh produce within 24hrs to communities in need. $500,000 Chrysalis Chrysalis serves people navigating barriers to the workforce by offering a job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. $500,000 Saint John's Fire Relief Fund Supports hospital caregivers in Santa Monica who have lost their home or places of living due to the devasting fires. $500,000 Wags and Walks Works to reduce euthanasia in local shelters and increase awareness of rescue dogs. $250,000 Baby2Baby Distributes emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything in the Los Angeles fires including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets and hygiene products. $250,000 A Sense of Home Works with foster youth to provide a home and a community. $250,000 Your Palisades Park Provides the community recreational opportunities, places to meet and support one another, gather together, share meals and community in a safe environment for those displaced. $250,000

Total: $10 Million

Jefferies is committed to making a difference to better our global community. Jefferies has previously held Global Trading Days at times of need, which raised more than $70 million just in the past five years for charities responding to humanitarian crises and natural disasters.

About Jefferies

Jefferies is a leading global, full-service investment banking and capital markets firm that provides advisory, sales and trading, research, and wealth and asset management services. With more than 40 offices around the world, we offer insights and expertise to investors, companies, and governments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250116216847/en/

Contacts:

For More Information

Jonathan Freedman

mediacontact@jefferies.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The World Health Organization is calling for $ 1.5 billion for its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal, to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.WHO's Health Emergency Appeal comes at a time conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unparalleled global health crisis, with 305 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025.The appeal, launched by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies. They include 17 Grade 3 crises - the most severe emergencies requiring the highest level of response. With health systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, WHO estimates that $ 1.5 billion is needed to help people facing the most difficult situations.'Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional - they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying,' said the WHO chief.WHO said it is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Sudan. WHO's response in emergencies is aligned with wider humanitarian efforts and prioritizes providing essential care and medical supplies; treating malnutrition and supporting maternal and child health; conducting vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks; and offering mental health support to populations impacted by trauma.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.
EQS-News: African School of Governance / Key word(s): Market Launch

The African School of Governance Launches in Kigali: Transforming Governance, Inspiring Change; a Movement to Redefine Leadership in Africa



17.01.2025 / 14:15 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





KIGALI, Rwanda, January 17, 2025/APO Group/ -- The African School of Governance (ASG) ( https://ASG.ac/ ) officially launched on January 14, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda and opened recruitment for its Inaugural Cohort for 2025/2026. The Grand Launch convened with distinguished leaders, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to celebrate the establishment of ASG as a pioneering school of governance, and Co-founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

ASG is a unique and transformative institution dedicated to build a generation of purpose driven ethical leaders with the skills and mindsets to address the challenges and to drive socio-economic transformation on the African continent. The school's mission is to nurture leaders to drive Africa's sustainable development by providing innovative public policy education, cutting-edge research, and a platform for policy engagement that fosters transformative governance tailored to the continent's unique values and opportunities.

During the landmark event which marked a significant step in ASG's mission to empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators in all sectors across the continent, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn said, "The launch of the African School of Governance and the opening of recruitment for its inaugural cohort mark a defining moment in Africa's commitment to leadership excellence. By cultivating a new generation of leaders and policy research innovators across all sectors, ASG is creating a foundation for transformative governance that is ethical, innovative, and rooted in Africa's realities. This pioneering institution will play a pivotal role in shaping the continent's future by empowering individuals to drive systemic development and lasting change."

The event featured a high-level panel discussion on the role of public policy education in Africa's growth and transformation, drawing from the panel's extensive experience in academia, international organizations, government, and the private sector. Discussants in the high-level panel included H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG. Others were Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union and Dr. Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Africa.

Dr. Peter Materu who delivered remarks on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation stated that ASG is embedded in the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Strategy which aims to enable 30 million young Africans, 70 percent of whom are women, to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030.

A key aspect of the launch is the commencement of ASG's first student recruitment drive that aims to attract a diverse group of talented individuals from across the African continent, including underrepresented communities, with a target of enrolling over 100 fresh undergraduate and professionals from different sectors students in the first year for Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Programs. Prospective students will be drawn to ASG's unique curriculum that blends global academic standards with African insights and case studies. ASG is committed to empowering its students with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to confront Africa's complex governance challenges and create lasting change. Through its emphasis on practical, real-world applications, ASG seeks to produce purpose-driven leaders with right mindset, who can innovate, drive policy reforms, and layout foundation for transformative governance and shape sustainable development in Africa.

ASG's vision is not only to deliver world-class education but also actively contribute to the transformation of public policy and governance practices across Africa. The institution aims to become a hub for research and policy development, fostering partnerships with governments, the private sector, and academic institutions across the continent and beyond.

ASG anticipates producing 2,000 graduates within the first five years who will be well-equipped to assume leadership roles in various sectors, contributing to the realization of Africa's sustainable development goals (SDGs).

"The Grand Launch and the opening of student recruitment for our inaugural cohort are not just milestones but a call to action for all who share in the belief of Africa's boundless potential., said Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG.

ASG's commitment to innovation and inclusion extends to its excellent learning environment, where students will engage with diverse perspectives and gain proficiency in an additional African Union language. The institution also aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that bridges academia, public policy, and private sector engagement to drive evidence-based policy solutions and initiatives for Africa's future.

Applications for ASG's inaugural cohort will open on 1st February 2025. Prospective students and stakeholders are invited to learn more by visiting ASG's official website: https://ASG.ac/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African School of Governance.

Download Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/3Wk0wfe

Image caption: ASG Grand Launch (left to right) Hon. Mugenzi Patrice (Minister of Local Government - Republic of Rwanda), Mr. Francis Gatare (Senior Advisor, Office of the President - Republic of Rwanda), Dr. Agnes Kalibata (President, Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa - AGRA),Hon. Joseph Nsengimana (Minister of Education - Republic of Rwanda), Professor Kingsley Moghalu (President of African School of Governance), H.E Hailemariam Desalegn (Co-Founder of ASG & Guardian, ASG Foundation), Hon. Paula Ingabire (Minister of ICT & Innovation - Republic of Rwanda), Mr. Jean Guy Afrika (Chief Executive Officer - Rwanda Development Board)

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Nairobi:

Beverly Amira

Email Address: BAmira@webershandwick.com

Kigali:

JohnPaul Sesonga

African School of Governance Foundation (ASGF)

Email: jsesonga@asg-foundation.org

Tel: +250 788 380 012, or +250 788 614 698

African School Governance (ASG)

P.O. Box 6239, Kigali-Rwanda

KG 220 St, Gishushu, Gasabo District

Tel: +250 794 411 992

Email: info@asg.ac

About the African School of Governance (ASG):

ASG is a ground-breaking graduate-level institution committed to transforming leadership and governance in Africa. Through its pillars of education, research, and public policy, ASG empowers leaders to address Africa's challenges with culturally relevant, evidence-based, and innovative solutions. The institution is poised to become a catalyst for positive change, producing ethical leaders who will lead Africa's charge toward sustainable development and governance excellence.

17.01.2025 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


Dhaka terms New Delhi's comments on holding of elections, minorities as 'unwarranted' 13 Mar 2025 | 8:29 PM Dhaka, Mar 13 (UNI) Bangladesh has termed the recent remarks by New Delhi regarding the holding of elections, the overall law and order situation, and the situation of the minority Hindu community, as "unwarranted" and tantamount to "interference" in another country's domestic affairs. see more..

Pak ISPR's claim of ending operation is a lie, battle continues: BLA 13 Mar 2025 | 5:55 PM Islamabad, Mar 13 (UNI) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Thursday rejected the Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claim that it has successfully ended the hostage standoff aboard the hijacked Jaffar Express. see more..

10 tons of expired food, medicine set on fire in S Afghanistan 13 Mar 2025 | 5:15 PM Kandahar, Afghanistan, Mar 13 (UNI) Authorities in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar and neighboring Zabul province have set on fire and destroyed 10 tons of expired and low-quality food and medicine over the past two days, officials said Thursday. see more..

118 Afghan refugee families return home in single day 13 Mar 2025 | 4:51 PM Kabul, Mar 13 (UNI) As the return of Afghan refugees continues from Pakistan and Iran, a total of 118 families returned to their homeland Afghanistan from the neighboring countries in a single day on Wednesday, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Thursday. see more..
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Zai Lab Limited (ZLAB) Friday said that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.The NDA submission is supported by positive results from a Phase 1 Pharmacokinetics study and a Phase 3 study of KarXT in China and global EMERGENT studies. The Phase 3 study and EMERGENT studies met their primary goals of statistically significant reductions in schizophrenia symptoms compared to placebo.The drug is approved in the U.S. in September last year and is marketed under the brand name Cobenfy.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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Bold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: BOL) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #520 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 Stephan 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
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Cailey Barker to its Advisory Board.

Mr. Barker's experience in the mining and finance industry spans over 30 years, having most recently served as Portfolio Manager at BlackRock Investment Management, where he also held concurrent roles as Head of Mining and Head of Research. Before joining BlackRock, he was a top ranked Senior Mining Analyst at several sell-side institutions including Numis Securities and Royal Bank of Canada, as well as industry consultancy Brook Hunt (now Wood Mackenzie). Mr. Barker is also an entrepreneur and small business executive and has a deep understanding of the mining industry, having started his career as an exploration geologist in Africa. He holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Southampton and an MSc in Mineral Deposit Evaluation from the Royal School of Mines, and is a Fellow of The Geological Society, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists and is a Member of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Cailey as an Advisor to Japan Gold, bringing his extensive technical knowledge and depth of experience in mining finance, resource operations and corporate leadership to help guide the Company into its new phase of development," said Mr. John Proust, Chairman and CEO.

Mr. Barker joins Mr. Paul Harbidge, an existing Advisory Board member. Mr. Harbidge is a geologist with more than 30 years of experience in mining exploration and development with a proven track record of discovering world class gold deposits. He is President, CEO and Director of Faraday Copper Corp. and Chairman and Director of Fireweed Metals Corp. He was previously the President and CEO of GT Gold and led the company to a CDN$456 million acquisition by Newmont Mining Corp. in May 2021. Prior to this, Mr. Harbidge was the Senior Vice President of Exploration at the multinational gold mining company Goldcorp Inc. from 2016 until its acquisition by Newmont Mining Corp. in April 2019. Prior to that, he successfully led the exploration team at Randgold Resources Ltd., resulting in five major gold discoveries including the +5Moz Gounkoto deposit in the Loulo area of Mali and the +4Moz Massawa deposit in Senegal. Mr. Harbidge is also a technical advisor to Kalo Gold in Fiji, Maple Goldmines in Canada and Gemdale Gold in Finland. He holds a First-class Honours Degree in Geology from Kingston University, London (UK) and a Master of Science in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology from Leicester University (UK).

In connection with Mr. Barker's appointment, the Company has granted 300,000 restricted share units, each, ("RSUs"). The RSUs will vest over two years from the grant date.

The Company also announces that Messrs. Mitsuhiko Yamada, John Carlile, Robert Gallagher and Dr. Steve Garwin have stepped down as advisors and thanks them for their valuable contributions over many years of service.

In particular, the Company wishes to thank Mr. Yamada for the years he served as a Board Member, as Representing Director of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Japan Gold KK, and as a strategic Advisor. Mr. Yamada was a founding Director of the Company until his retirement from the Board in 2022. Before joining Japan Gold, Mr. Yamada held the roles of Executive Officer and General Manager of Mineral Resources for Sumitomo Corporation. His vast knowledge of international resource development and the Japanese mining landscape helped shape the Company's exploration strategy and provided valuable insight into its operations.

Further, the Company announces that it has entered into a loan agreement (the "Agreement") with a director of the Company (the "Lender") for $140,000 (the "Loan").

The Loan is repayable in full by March 18, 2025, or such earlier date as the Company may elect, and bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum. The Company intends to use proceeds of the Loan for short-term working capital purposes.

Pursuant to the Agreement, and subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company has agreed to issue the Lender 2,000,000 non-transferrable share purchase warrants ("Bonus Warrants") as consideration for providing the Loan. Each Bonus Warrant will entitle the Lender to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.07 for a period of 12 months following the date of issuance.

The Lender is considered an "insider" of the Company, and therefore the Loan and issuance of Bonus Warrants are each considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the formal valuation exemption in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and upon the minority approval exemption in section 5.7(1)(a)of MI 61-101 on the basis that, at the time the Loan was made, and the time the Bonus Warrants will be issued, neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

About Japan Gold Corp.

Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral company focused on the exploration and discovery of high-grade epithermal gold deposits across the main islands of Japan. The Company holds a significant portfolio of tenements covering areas with known gold occurrences, history of mining and prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization in one of the most stable and under explored countries in the world. The Japan Gold leadership and operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors have extensive experience exploring and operating in Japan and have a track record of discoveries world-wide. Japan Gold has an alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects with the potential to host Tier 1 or Tier 2 gold ore bodies in Japan. Significant shareholders include Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC and Newmont Corporation.

On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp.

John Proust

Chairman & CEO

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events, terms of the Loan, the Company's proposed use of proceeds, the terms of the Bonus Warrants, the Company's receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval in order to issue the Bonus Warrants, and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2025 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to convert prospecting rights into digging rights within the timeframe prescribed by the Mining Act; general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237528

SOURCE: Japan Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) ("Forum" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases of December 16th, December 24th , 2024 and January 15th, 2025, it has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement and raised an additional $518,000 through the issuance of 6,475,000 common shares at a price of $0.08 per share (the "Offering"). All shares issued are subject to a four month hold period expiring May 16, 2025. Proceeds raised from the issuance of the shares will be used for general working capital.

Insiders of the Company participated in the Offering for $18,000, and such shares issued to insiders are subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The issuance of FT Units to insiders is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The securities referred to in this news release 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, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Forum's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the historical data, the work expenditure commitments; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund future exploration or development programs; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes commodity prices, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or an inability to obtain permits required in connection with maintaining or advancing its exploration projects.

For further information contact:

Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237533

SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) (FSE: VN8) ("Scope" or the "Company") announced today that, in response to accelerated advancements in quantum computing, it is temporarily pausing development of its GEM platform to focus exclusively on increasing its customer base for its quantum resilient entropy and security solutions ("QSE Group"). This strategic decision underscores the Company's commitment to staying ahead in addressing quantum-enabled data threats.

"Quantum computing doesn't need to be mainstream to become a threat," said Sean Prescott, Founder of Scope Technologies. "It only takes one advanced quantum computer in the wrong hands to render traditional encryption obsolete. That's why businesses must act now to secure their data, rather than wait for quantum technology to achieve mass adoption. Furthermore, some specialized quantum computing systems currently in the market can already be adapted to decrypt non-quantum-resilient encryption."

The Quantum Threat Is Already Real

In 2024, breakthroughs in quantum chip technology demonstrated significant progress in quantum capabilities, reinforcing that the quantum threat is no longer theoretical. The potential of "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" (where encrypted data is stolen today and decrypted in the future using quantum power) have made quantum-resilient security a present-day imperative.

Recognizing the immediate need to prioritize quantum security, Scope Technologies has elected to temporarily pause development of GEM, its AI-powered visual recognition platform, and direct all resources and efforts toward advancing the QSE Group's solutions for quantum-resilient encryption and immutable decentralized cloud storage and increasing its customer base.

QSE Group's Quantum-Resilient Solutions Include:

Quantum-Proof Encryption: Secure data against even the most advanced quantum computing power.

Immutable Decentralized Cloud Storage: Protect against ransomware and other data integrity threats.

Trusted Standards: A fully NIST-standardized technology stack that meets the most rigorous quantum-resilience tests.

Seamless Integration: Easily integrates into existing cybersecurity infrastructures without costly overhauls.

Revenue Today, Protection for Tomorrow

Unlike companies developing quantum computers, whose revenue models often depend on future adoption, QSE Group's solutions provide immediate value. By safeguarding businesses against quantum-enabled threats that exist now or could emerge with a single technological breakthrough, QSE Group is positioned to deliver immediate and future-proof protection to its customers.

"The debate over whether or when quantum computing will become widespread is a distraction from the real issue: quantum threats are already here," added Prescott. "QSE Group isn't building quantum computers--we're providing the antidote to quantum threats today, delivering our solutions to businesses that need to protect themselves now and into the future."

This strategic realignment reflects Scope Technologies' unwavering commitment to leading the way in quantum security and ensuring its clients are protected against both current and future data threats.

About QSE Group

QSE Group, a division of Scope Technologies Corp., specializes in quantum-resilient encryption and secure cloud storage solutions. By leveraging true randomness (entropy) and advanced encryption techniques, QSE Group protects data from both current and future threats. Learn more at qse.group.

About Scope Technologies Corp

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Scope Technologies Corp is a pioneering technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning. Through its flagship brands, QSE Group and GEM AI, Scope provides next-generation solutions in data security, quantum encryption, and neural networks, empowering businesses with secure, scalable technologies that drive growth and operational efficiency.

LinkedIn: scope-technologies-corp

Facebook: Scope Technologies Corp

Twitter: @ScopeTechCorp

Contact Information:

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical statements of fact are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, future, strategy, objectives, goals and targets, and more specifically, the use of proceeds of the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "aim", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, those risks and assumptions described in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While Scope considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions, continued satisfaction of Canadian Securities Exchange requirements, product safety and recalls, regulatory compliance and risks associated with the Company's business. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the business of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237531

SOURCE: Scope Technologies Corp.
OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Toronto-Dominion Bank Group (TD), a financial services company, Friday announced that Chief Operating Officer Raymond Chun will be appointed as chief executive officer and president with effect on February 1, accelerating the previously announced transition date of April 10.The Board has amended its Corporate Governance Guidelines to shorten the discretionary director term extension from five years to two years after the initial 10-year term.Chun will take over from Bharat Masrani who has been serving as President, CEO, and Board member. Masrani will serve in an advisory role until July 31,supporting the Bank's AML remediation efforts during the transition.The company said four new directors Elio Luongo, Nathalie Palladitcheff, Frank Pearn, and Paul Wirth to stand for election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Five new chairs Cherie Brant, John MacIntyre, Keith Martell, Jane Rowe, and Nancy Tower are appointed for four of five Board committees.In the pre-market trading, TD is 0.70% higher at $55.71 on the New York Stock Exchange.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.
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. & BANGALORE, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced financial results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Highlights of the Results

Results for the Quarter ended December 31, 2024:

Gross revenue was at Rs 223.2 billion ($2,608.9 million1), an increase of 0.1% QoQ and 0.5% YoY. IT services segment revenue was at $2,629.1 million, decrease of 1.2% QoQ and 1.0% YoY. Non-GAAP2 constant currency IT Services segment revenue increased 0.1% QoQ and decreased 0.7% YoY. Total bookings3 was at $3,514 million. Large deal bookings4 was at $961 million, an increase of 6.0% YoY in constant currency2. IT services operating margin5 for the quarter was at 17.5%, an increase of 0.7% QoQ and 1.5% YoY. Net income for the quarter was at Rs 33.5 billion ($392.0 million1), an increase of 4.5% QoQ and 24.5% YoY. Earnings per share for the quarter was at Rs 3.21 ($0.041), an increase of 4.6% QoQ and 24.4% YoY. Operating cash flows of Rs 49.3 billion ($576.4 million1), an increase of 3.0% YoY and at 146.5% of Net Income for the quarter. Voluntary attrition was at 15.3% on a trailing 12-month basis. Interim dividend declared of Rs 6 ($0.0701) per equity share/ADS. Capital allocation policy revised to increase the payout percentage from 45% - 50% to 70% or above of the net income cumulatively on a block of 3-year period.

Outlook for the Quarter ending March 31, 2025

We expect revenue from our IT Services business segment to be in the range of $2,602 million to $2,655 million*. This translates to sequential guidance of (-)1.0 % to 1.0 % in constant currency terms.

*Outlook for the Quarter ending March 31, 2025, is based on the following exchange rates: GBP/USD at 1.27, Euro/USD at 1.06, AUD/USD at 0.65, USD/INR at 84.29 and CAD/USD at 0.71

Performance for the Quarter ended December 31, 2024

Srini Pallia, CEO and Managing Director, said, "In a seasonally weak quarter, our strong in quarter execution helped us deliver above the top end of our revenue guidance. We also achieved our highest margins in the past three years while continuing to invest in our people. We closed 17 large deals with a total value of $1B. We are advancing steadily and investing decisively to lead our clients in an AI-driven future."

Aparna Iyer, Chief Financial Officer, said, "We expanded margins for a fourth consecutive quarter, enabling us to achieve our previously stated target margin of 17.5%. Our EPS grew 24.4% YoY and operating cash flow was at 146.5% of net income. We are pleased to share that the board has approved our revised capital allocation policy that increases the committed payout percentage to 70% or above in a block of 3 years. In addition, board has also declared an interim dividend of INR 6 per share."

For the convenience of the readers, the amounts in Indian Rupees in this release have been translated into United States Dollars at the certified foreign exchange rate of US$1 = Rs 85.55, as published by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on December 31, 2024. However, the realized exchange rate in our IT Services business segment for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was US$1= Rs 84.76 Constant currency for a period is the product of volumes in that period times the average actual exchange rate of the corresponding comparative period. Total Bookings refers to the total contract value of all orders that were booked during the period including new orders, renewals, and increases to existing contracts. Bookings do not reflect subsequent terminations or reductions related to bookings originally recorded in prior fiscal periods. Bookings are recorded using then-existing foreign currency exchange rates and are not subsequently adjusted for foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The revenues from these contracts accrue over the tenure of the contract. For constant currency growth rates, refer to note 2. Large deal bookings consist of deals greater than or equal to $30 million in total contract value. IT Services Operating Margin refers to Segment Results Total as reflected in IFRS financials.

Highlights of Strategic Deal Wins

In the third quarter, Wipro continued to win large and strategic deals across industries. Key highlights include:

A US-based health insurance company has selected Wipro for a multi-phase enterprise transformation program. Wipro will implement its industry leading Individual Consumer Affordable Care Act (ACA) and commercial Employer Group Enrolment & Billing platform. Wipro's AI enabled "Payer-in-a-box" solution will deliver integrated enrolment processing; billing; faster payment processing; improve accuracy, speed & efficiency of financial reconciliation; and enhanced customer services. The program will drive enhanced member experience, better financial management controls, as well as operational efficiency for the client. A US-based leading media corporation has selected Wipro to transform its advertising operations and drive growth in a competitive market. Leveraging its global delivery model, deep expertise in advertising operations, and AI-powered automation, Wipro will deliver operational stability, foster innovation and unlock efficiencies across the value chain for the client. Wipro's specialized knowledge in media operations enables the delivery of tailored, high-quality, and scalable solutions designed to address the client's unique challenges. A leading Indian private banking and financial services institution has selected Wipro to transform and modernize its Core Banking System. Leveraging its deep domain expertise and consultative approach, Wipro will help the client build the "Bank of the Future" - powered by a modern, scalable, and flexible digital platform. The project will improve the client's customer centricity and platform scalability, while enhancing operational efficiency. A global Telecom network solutions organization has selected Wipro as a Strategic partner to provide network integration and business application services for its 5G software products in Japan. The Wipro team will leverage its deep engineering, AI, and automation expertise to provide product implementation, customization, and integration services. Wipro will also transform the client's current operating model through a vendor consolidation program. This transformation will empower the client to become more agile and drive sustainable growth to continue offering market-leading propositions to its customers. One of the largest health insurers in USA has renewed its engagement with Wipro to operate an end-to-end platform to support its growing (Affordable Care Act) ACA business. Wipro will deliver a PaaS (Platform as a Service) solution and ensure data security, platform stability, and seamless business continuity. Through this solution, the client will have increased flexibility to handle membership growth, improved customer service and assured compliance with regulations. A global leader in legal technology, payments and banking infrastructure has selected Wipro to improve its overall business efficiency and overhaul its IT infrastructure. The Wipro team will rationalize and stabilize the client's IT operations as well as create a dashboard for better visibility of business performance. As a result, the client will see a reduction in IT incidents and operational costs, as well as increased efficiency and automation. Wipro has been selected by a leading Indian multinational conglomerate to provide technology support services across the client's group companies. Wipro will leverage its proprietary AI-powered solutions to deliver services around multi-cloud, data centre, business applications and end-user environments. These solutions will be continuously enhanced to ensure safe, scalable, and reliable performance for the client. A US-based health insurance company has renewed its engagement with Wipro to continue to deliver a comprehensive Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) solution for Affordable Care Act (ACA) members. The innovative solution comprises an AI-powered contact center, sales & support as well as billing & enrolment services. The project will deliver high performance and enhanced member experience while streamlining operations and complying with industry regulations. A US-based global investment manager has selected Wipro to deliver IT Helpdesk and Digital workplace support services. The Wipro team will deliver personalized services, including desktop engineering and deskside solutions, to support the client's global employee base. As a result, the client will experience more reliable, stable, and scalable services as well as an enhanced employee experience. A leading European utilities provider has selected Wipro to deliver innovative AI solutions for preventative maintenance of their water pipelines. Wipro leveraged its InspectAI solution to analyze and detect anomalies from videos taken inside underground water pipelines using robotics. Once rolled out at scale, the client will see a reduction of inspection efforts of up to 35% and a reduction of maintenance costs of up to 20%. Wipro will support a large technology migration for a US-based health insurance company and set a foundation to help them succeed in the AI era. The Wipro team also showcased an AI-powered software development solution to modernize the client's billing platform. This initiative would lead to increased productivity, reduction in defects, leading to fewer bugs and errors and more than 20% in cost savings. Wipro deployed an Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) solution and built customized AI models for a Canadian automotive manufacturer. The solution streamlines the extraction of information from unstructured documents with over 90% accuracy. This project will help the client to precisely generate quotations for the end-customers with a 30% improvement in the efficiency of their sales team. A global payments company has selected Wipro to modernize its financial forecasting applications. Wipro will deliver a flexible cloud native application, integrating its AI-powered accelerators. This will enable multi-currency forecasting, faster deployment of new model types, and automate error notifications and resolutions. Through this project the client will achieve close to 90% accuracy in forecasting and reduce the model development cycle time by 30%. A US-based pharmaceutical company has selected Wipro to improve efficiency and productivity of their HR operations. The Wipro team will develop a set of Gen AI-based solutions that will enhance the client's operations, increase the accuracy of information dissemination, and improve employees' engagement with their HR systems. The Wipro team will continue to scale and enhance this sophisticated, responsive, and intelligent system to be leveraged across the organization to simplify operations, reduce workload, and improve overall efficiency.

Analyst Recognition

Wipro was recognized as a Leader in Avasant's Generative AI Services 2024 RadarView Wipro was named as a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Security Services in the AI Era 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment (Doc # US52048124 Nov 2024) Wipro was classified as a Leader in Everest Group's Data and Analytics (D&A) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2024 Wipro was positioned as a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Industry Cloud Professional Services 2024 Vendor Assessment (Doc # US51036624 Dec 2024) Wipro was positioned as a Horizon 3 - Market Leader in the HFS Horizons: Sustainability Services, 2024 report Wipro was ranked as a Leader in Avasant's Digital Talent Capability 2024 RadarView Wipro was positioned as a Leader in Everest Group's Semiconductor Engineering Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2024 Wipro was positioned as a Leader in Avasant's SAP S/4HANA Services 2024-2025 RadarView Wipro was featured as a Leader in ISG Provider Lens - Next-Gen ADM Services 2024 (multiple quadrants) Wipro was ranked as a Leader in Avasant's Intelligent ITOps Services 2024-2025 RadarView Wipro was rated as a Leader in ISG Provider Lens - Contact Center-Customer Experience Services 2024 (multiple quadrants) Wipro was recognized as a Leader in ISG Provider Lens - Future of Work Services 2024 (multiple quadrants) Wipro was positioned as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Managed Network Services

Source & Disclaimer: *Gartner, "Magic Quadrant for Managed Network Services", Ted Corbett, et al, 14 October 2024.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner's research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Gartner content described herein (the "Gartner Content") represents research opinion or viewpoints published, as part of a syndicated subscription service, by Gartner, Inc. ("Gartner"), and is not a representation of fact. Gartner Content speaks as of its original publication date (and not as of the date of this press release, and the opinions expressed in the Gartner Content are subject to change without notice.

IT Products

IT Products segment revenue for the quarter was Rs 0.7 billion ($8.7 million1) IT Products segment results for the quarter were Rs 0.03 billion ($0.3 million1)

Please refer to the table at the end for reconciliation between IFRS IT Services Revenue and IT Services Revenue on a non-GAAP constant currency basis.

About Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains key metrics and non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K. Such non-GAAP financial measures are measures of our historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows that are adjusted to exclude or include amounts that are excluded or included, as the case may be, from the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

The table at the end provides IT Services Revenue on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by translating IT Services Revenue from the current reporting period into U.S. dollars based on the currency conversion rate in effect for the prior reporting period. We refer to growth rates in constant currency so that business results may be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. Further, in the normal course of business, we may divest a portion of our business which may not be strategic. We refer to the growth rates in both reported and constant currency adjusting for such divestments in order to represent the comparable growth rates.

Our key metrics and non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with IFRS and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. Our key metrics and non-GAAP financial measures are not comparable to, nor should be substituted for, an analysis of our revenue over time and involve estimates and judgments. In addition to our non-GAAP measures, the financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure should be carefully evaluated.

Results for the Quarter ended December 31, 2024, prepared under IFRS, along with individual business segment reports, are available in the Investors section of our website www.wipro.com/investors/

Quarterly Conference Call

We will hold an earnings conference call today at 07:00 p.m. Indian Standard Time (8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time) to discuss our performance for the quarter. The audio from the conference call will be available online through a webcast and can be accessed at the following link- https://links.ccwebcast.com/?EventId=WIP170125

An audio recording of the management discussions and the question-and-answer session will be available online and will be accessible in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.wipro.com

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, the benefits its customers experience and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry.

Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

WIPRO LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Rs in millions, except share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) As at March 31, 2024 As at December 31, 2024 Convenience translation into US

dollar in millions (unaudited)

Refer to Note 2(iii) ASSETS Goodwill 316,002 324,686 3,795 Intangible assets 32,748 29,101 340 Property, plant and equipment 81,608 77,760 909 Right-of-Use assets 17,955 21,886 256 Financial assets Derivative assets 25 - - Investments 21,629 30,100 352 Trade receivables 4,045 599 7 Other financial assets 5,550 5,039 59 Investments accounted for using the equity method 1,044 1,034 12 Deferred tax assets 1,817 1,811 21 Non-current tax assets 9,043 7,861 92 Other non-current assets 10,331 7,424 87 Total non-current assets 501,797 507,301 5,930 Inventories 907 724 8 Financial assets Derivative assets 1,333 859 10 Investments 311,171 436,108 5,098 Cash and cash equivalents 96,953 125,744 1,470 Trade receivables 115,477 114,616 1,340 Unbilled receivables 58,345 58,775 686 Other financial assets 10,536 9,107 106 Contract assets 19,854 14,205 166 Current tax assets 6,484 5,868 69 Other current assets 29,602 28,712 336 Total current assets 650,662 794,718 9,289 TOTAL ASSETS 1,152,459 1,302,019 15,219 EQUITY Share capital 10,450 20,938 245 Share premium 3,291 1,921 22 Retained earnings 630,936 733,625 8,576 Share-based payment reserve 6,384 6,496 76 Special Economic Zone re-investment reserve 42,129 31,905 373 Other components of equity 56,693 58,964 689 Equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company 749,883 853,849 9,981 Non-controlling interests 1,340 1,963 23 TOTAL EQUITY 751,223 855,812 10,004 LIABILITIES Financial liabilities Loans and borrowings 62,300 64,034 748 Lease liabilities 13,962 18,783 220 Derivative liabilities 4 5 ^ Other financial liabilities 4,985 7,825 91 Deferred tax liabilities 17,467 16,813 197 Non-current tax liabilities 37,090 41,330 483 Other non-current liabilities 12,970 16,161 189 Provisions - 381 4 Total non-current liabilities 148,778 165,332 1,932 Financial liabilities Loans, borrowings and bank overdrafts 79,166 102,638 1,200 Lease liabilities 9,221 8,104 95 Derivative liabilities 558 2,947 34 Trade payables and accrued expenses 88,566 81,200 949 Other financial liabilities 2,272 3,110 36 Contract liabilities 17,653 21,413 250 Current tax liabilities 21,756 30,301 354 Other current liabilities 31,295 29,664 347 Provisions 1,971 1,498 18 Total current liabilities 252,458 280,875 3,283 TOTAL LIABILITIES 401,236 446,207 5,215 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,152,459 1,302,019 15,219

WIPRO LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Rs in millions, except share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) Three months ended December 31, Nine months ended December 31, 2023 2024 2024 2023 2024 2024 Convenience translation into US dollar in millions (unaudited) Refer to Note 2(iii) Convenience translation into US dollar in millions (unaudited) Refer to Note 2(iii) Revenues 222,051 223,188 2,609 675,520 665,842 7,783 Cost of revenues (153,826 ) (153,922 ) (1,799 ) (474,278 ) (462,277 ) (5,404 ) Gross profit 68,225 69,266 810 201,242 203,565 2,379 Selling and marketing expenses (19,178 ) (16,081 ) (188 ) (54,529 ) (49,313 ) (576 ) General and administrative expenses (16,444 ) (14,629 ) (171 ) (46,455 ) (41,876 ) (490 ) Foreign exchange gains/(losses), net 262 410 5 468 (192 ) (2 ) Results from operating activities 32,865 38,966 456 100,726 112,184 1,311 Finance expenses (3,125 ) (4,146 ) (48 ) (9,244 ) (11,003 ) (129 ) Finance and other income 5,785 9,708 113 17,137 26,383 309 Share of net profit/ (loss) of associate and joint venture accounted for using the equity method (4 ) 5 ^ (31 ) (37 ) ^ Profit before tax 35,521 44,533 521 108,588 127,527 1,491 Income tax expense (8,515 ) (10,866 ) (127 ) (26,049 ) (31,228 ) (365 ) Profit for the period 27,006 33,667 394 82,539 96,299 1,126 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 26,942 33,538 392 82,106 95,658 1,118 Non-controlling interests 64 129 2 433 641 8 Profit for the period 27,006 33,667 394 82,539 96,299 1,126 Earnings per equity share: Attributable to equity holders of the Company Basic 2.58 3.21 0.04 7.73 9.15 0.11 Diluted 2.58 3.20 0.04 7.71 9.13 0.11 Weighted average number of equity shares used in computing earnings per equity share Basic 10,436,941,772 10,457,414,881 10,457,414,881 10,621,971,206 10,454,728,795 10,454,728,795 Diluted 10,461,832,626 10,482,964,010 10,482,964,010 10,653,650,208 10,481,436,710 10,481,436,710 ^ Value is less than 0.5

Information on reportable segments for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, nine months ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and year ended March 31, 2024 are as follows:

Particulars Three months ended Nine months ended Year ended December

31, 2024 September

30, 2024 December

31, 2023 December

31, 2024 December

31, 2023 March

31, 2024 Audited Audited Audited Audited Audited Audited Segment revenue IT Services Americas 1 72,010 68,393 68,581 208,103 201,001 268,230 Americas 2 68,120 67,932 66,541 203,390 201,758 269,482 Europe 59,282 61,821 61,473 181,525 192,583 253,927 APMEA 23,439 23,811 24,913 70,753 77,678 102,177 Total of IT Services 222,851 221,957 221,508 663,771 673,020 893,816 IT Products 747 663 805 1,879 2,968 4,127 Total segment revenue 223,598 222,620 222,313 665,650 675,988 897,943 Segment result IT Services Americas 1 14,966 13,338 16,459 41,991 45,283 59,364 Americas 2 15,275 15,005 15,180 45,813 43,372 59,163 Europe 7,600 7,821 7,906 21,294 25,421 33,354 APMEA 3,667 3,070 3,433 9,178 9,218 12,619 Unallocated (2,518 ) (1,912 ) (7,552 ) (5,907 ) (15,293 ) (20,304 ) Total of IT Services 38,990 37,322 35,426 112,369 108,001 144,196 IT Products 29 (183 ) 114 (201 ) (514 ) (371 ) Reconciling Items (53 ) 10 (2,675 ) 16 (6,761 ) (7,726 ) Total segment result 38,966 37,149 32,865 112,184 100,726 136,099 Finance expenses (4,146 ) (3,569 ) (3,125 ) (11,003 ) (9,244 ) (12,552 ) Finance and other income 9,708 9,195 5,785 26,383 17,137 23,896 Share of net profit/ (loss) of associate and joint venture accounted for using the equity method 5 3 (4 ) (37 ) (31 ) (233 ) Profit before tax 44,533 42,778 35,521 127,527 108,588 147,210

Additional Information:

The Company is organized into the following operating segments: IT Services and IT Products.

IT Services: The IT Services segment primarily consists of IT services offerings to customers organized by four Strategic Market Units ("SMUs") - Americas 1, Americas 2, Europe and Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa ("APMEA"). Americas 1 and Americas 2 are primarily organized by industry sector, while Europe and APMEA are organized by countries.

Americas 1 includes the entire business of Latin America ("LATAM") and the following industry sectors in the United States of America: Communications, media and information services, Software and gaming, New age technology, Consumer goods, medical devices and life sciences, Healthcare, and Technology products and services. Americas 2 includes the entire business in Canada and the following industry sectors in the United States of America: Banking and financial services, Energy, Manufacturing and resources, Capital markets and insurance, and Hi-tech.

Europe consists of the United Kingdom and Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Northern Europe and Southern Europe.

APMEA consists of Australia and New Zealand, India, Middle East, South-East Asia, Japan and Africa.

Revenue from each customer is attributed to the respective SMUs based on the location of the customer's primary buying center of such services. With respect to certain strategic global customers, revenue may be generated from multiple countries based on such customer's buying centers, but the total revenue related to these strategic global customers are attributed to a single SMU based on the geographical location of key decision makers.

IT Products: The Company is a value-added reseller of security, packaged and SaaS software for leading international brands. In certain total outsourcing contracts of the IT Services segment, the Company delivers hardware, software products and other related deliverables. Revenue relating to these items is reported as revenue from the sale of IT Products.

Reconciliation of selected GAAP measures to Non-GAAP measures

1. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Constant Currency IT Services Revenue to IT Services Revenue as per IFRS ($Mn)

Three Months ended December 31, 2024 IT Services Revenue as per IFRS $2,629.1 Effect of Foreign currency exchange movement $32.3 Non-GAAP Constant Currency IT Services Revenue based on previous quarter exchange rates $2,661.4 Three Months ended December 31, 2024 IT Services Revenue as per IFRS $2,629.1 Effect of Foreign currency exchange movement $9.1 Non-GAAP Constant Currency IT Services Revenue based on exchange rates of comparable period in previous year $2,638.1

2. Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow for three months and nine months ended December 31, 2024

Amount in INR Mn Three months ended

December 31, 2024 Nine months ended

December 31, 2024 Net Income for the period [A] 33,667 96,299 Computation of Free Cash Flow Net cash generated from operating activities [B] 49,312 131,961 Add/ (deduct) cash inflow/ (outflow)on: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (2,845) (7,862) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 57 1,516 Free Cash Flow [C] 46,524 125,615 Operating Cash Flow as percentage of Net Income [B/A] 146.5% 137.0% Free Cash Flow as percentage of Net Income [C/A] 138.2% 130.4%

Contacts

Contact for Investor Relations

Dipak Kumar Bohra

Phone: +91-80-6142 7201

dipak.bohra@wipro.com

Abhishek Jain

Phone: +91-80-6142 6143

abhishek.jain2@wipro.com

Contact for Media & Press

Dinesh Joshi

Phone: +91 92052-64001

media-relations@wipro.com
The "Europe Powder-actuated Tools Market Research Report 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Europe's Powder-actuated Tools Market was valued at USD 480.57 million in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 615.42 million by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 4.21%.

Germany is leading the European powder-actuated tools market due to its significant growth in the residential construction sector. The German government's commitment to affordable housing, with plans to build 400,000 new dwellings per year between 2022 and 2026, further drives the demand for tools like powder-actuated fasteners, which are essential for tasks such as securely fastening structural components in residential buildings. Additionally, Germany's Industry 4.0 initiative is boosting automation and modernization in manufacturing, increasing the need for high-performance tools in both residential and industrial construction.

As urbanization grows and housing needs rise, this combination of strong government investment and the increasing demand for efficient, reliable tools ensures that Germany will continue to hold a dominant position in the European powder-actuated tools market.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Europe Powder-actuated tools market was valued at $480.57 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $615.42 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.21%.

Europe's ongoing infrastructure development and urbanization trends, particularly in residential and commercial construction, are accelerating the adoption of powder-actuated tools for efficient, high-strength fastening solutions.

The significant number of aging buildings across Europe has created a steady demand for retrofitting and renovation, where powder-actuated tools are valued for their precision and effectiveness in securing materials, especially in concrete and steel applications.

Manufacturers are focusing on innovation, developing lighter, ergonomic, and powder-actuated tools that improve user safety and ease of use. This evolution is making these tools more attractive to various end-users, particularly in professional and high-volume settings.

While traditionally used in construction, powder-actuated tools are finding expanded applications in automotive manufacturing, infrastructure maintenance, and industrial assembly, reflecting growing versatility and broadening market reach in Europe.

MARKET TRENDS

European manufacturers increasingly add smart technologies to powder-actuated tools. These tools provide real-time data monitoring with sensors and connectivity features, helping to improve job site safety and operational efficiency. The adoption of high-strength, lightweight materials in tool construction boosts durability while reducing fatigue, allowing users to work more efficiently over extended periods.

A rise in opportunities in insulated fastening shapes the Europe powder-actuated tools market, driven by increasing safety standards and stringent regulations across sectors. The demand for tools capable of securely handling insulated fastenings is on the rise, as industries prioritize both efficiency and worker safety. The adoption of insulated fastening tools is on the rise in the construction, manufacturing, and utilities industries, where they enable the safe and effective fastening of insulated materials and components.

The prefabricated construction sector in Europe is on a growth trajectory, driven by the pressing need for affordable housing in the face of an ongoing housing shortage. This growing demand pushes companies to enhance their manufacturing capacities and form strategic partnerships, setting the stage for substantial industry expansion in the coming years. Countries such as the UK face significant housing shortages, prompting companies to make sizable investments in large-scale prefabrication facilities to meet the demand.

MARKET DRIVERS

Advances in ergonomic design and safety mechanisms make powder-actuated tools more comfortable and safer to use. Better grip, lightweight materials, and adjustable power regulators reduce the risk of workplace accidents and user strain. Enhanced safety mechanisms, such as trigger locks, safety guards, and automatic shut-off functions, are integrated into powder-actuated tools to reduce the likelihood of accidents and promote safe usage.

The increasing volume of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects drives the demand for efficient and dependable fastening solutions provided by powder-actuated tools. These tools offer considerable time savings and efficiency gains, making them invaluable for meeting tight construction timelines and enhancing project productivity. Commercial construction, especially in logistics and public infrastructure, is also expected to see stable or increasing demand.

The increasing demand for fasteners across the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries fuels the need for efficient and dependable fastening solutions, a need effectively met by powder-actuated tools. Powder-actuated tools are highly preferred as attachment tools and experience high use in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Thus, the growth in the use of fastening tools eventually drives the market for powder-actuated tools.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Popularity of Gas-actuated Other Tools

The growing preference for gas-actuated and other tools poses a challenge to the Europe powder-actuated tools market. Gas-actuated tools offer versatility and can be used in a wider range of applications compared with powder-actuated tools. The manufacturing industry in the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, and other European countries is also expected to modernize machinery to sustain itself in the competitive manufacturing landscape.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Europe's powder-actuated tools market is highly competitive, with major global brands like Hilti, Illinois Tool Works, Stanley Black Decker, and Simpson Strong-Tie leading the way. These companies maintain strong market positions through ongoing innovations in safety, efficiency, and product features, while regional manufacturers adapt quickly to specific local demands, offering competitive pricing and tailored solutions. Local vendors often disrupt the market by providing more affordable, customized options, especially during peak construction periods.

At the same time, global brands expand through local partnerships, distribution networks, and production facilities, ensuring their products meet European regulatory standards. This competitive landscape gives consumers a wide array of options, ranging from high-performance tools with advanced features, such as Hilti's DX 6 MX and DX 9 HSN, to more budget-friendly models. Brands also focus on eco-friendly options to comply with European environmental standards, as seen with tools like ITW's PULSA 800E, which emphasizes low noise, emissions control, and dust reduction. This combination of innovation, regional customization, and environmental responsibility drives the growth and diversity of the powder-actuated tools market in Europe.

Key Vendors

Hilti

ITW

Stanley Black Decker

Walter AG (Walter Machine Company)

Simpson Strong-Tie

Other Prominent Vendors

Fischer Group

Wurth Industry

EJOT

Ronix

Bossong S.P.A

Rawlplug ltd

Index(Lontana Group)

Blue Point Fasteners

Winchester Industrial

HSINHO MFG. CO., Ltd

Pregun Industrial Co., Ltd

Superfix

United Fasteners

Alma Bolt Company (ABC) Fastener

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Who are the major powder-actuated tools companies in Europe?

What are the types of powder-actuated tools?

What is the value of powder-actuated tools market in Europe?

What is the growth rate of European powder-actuated tools market?

Why is the European powder-actuated tools market growing?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 210 Forecast Period 2023 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $480.57 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $615.42 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.2% Regions Covered Europe

Key Topics Covered:

1. Scope Coverage

2. Opportunity Pockets

3. Introduction

4. Market Opportunities Trends

4.1. Advances in Powder-Actuated Tools

4.2. Opportunities in Insulated Fastening

4.3. Demand for Prefabricated Buildings

5. Market Growth Enablers

5.1. Focus on Ergonomics Safety

5.2. Growth of Construction Industry

5.3. Growth in Use of Fasteners

6. Market Restraints

6.1. Volatility in Raw Material Prices

6.2. Popularity of Gas-Actuated Other Tools

6.3. Stringent Regulatory Standards Safety Concerns

7. Market Landscape

8. Five Forces Analysis

9. Type of Operation Type (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

9.1. Manual

9.2. Semi-Automatic

9.3. Automatic

10. Power Level (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

10.1. Low Velocity

10.2. Medium Velocity

10.3. High Velocity

11. End-user (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

11.1. Construction

11.2. Manufacturing

11.3. Others

12. Construction (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

12.1. Commercial Construction

12.2. Residential Construction

12.3. Infrastructure

13. Manufacturing (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

13.1. Automotive Manufacturing

13.2. General Manufacturing

14. Accessories (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

14.1. Fasteners

14.2. Cartridges

14.3. Others

15. Geography (Market Size Forecast: 2020-2029)

16. Competitive Landscape

17. Key Developments

18. Key Company Profiles

19. Other Prominent Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jas70m

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Engines and Gensets Outlook is anticipated to grow from estimated USD 401.95 billion in 2024 to USD 417.31 billion by 2025, at a YoY increase of 3.8%. The engines and gensets outlook highlights that both industries are experiencing significant growth driven by the rising demand for fuel-efficient, low-emission engines and reliable power solutions. Engine, which convert fuel into mechanical energy, play a crucial role in industries such as automotive, marine, aerospace, and power generation, thanks to their durability, scalability, and ability to handle high loads in both small-and large-scale applications. Similarly, gensets are becoming indispensable for ensuring a steady power supply in critical sectors like healthcare, telecommunications, and IT, especially in the face of frequent power outages and frail grid infrastructure. The rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization, including infrastructure projects like buildings, roads, and airports, has further accelerated demand. Moreover, the shift towards renewable energy and hybrid gensets highlights the market's inclination toward cleaner, more efficient solutions, making engines and gensets pivotal in addressing global energy challenges.

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According to the Engines and Gensets Outlook, gasoline-powered engines, by fuel type, are projected to become the second-largest segment in the engine market during the forecast period.

Gasoline is expected to account for the second largest market share by fuel type during the forecast period. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline consumption in the transportation sector accounted for more than 90 % which fueled more than 270 million vehicles. Continuous advancements in gasoline engine technology, such as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing, have significantly improved the fuel efficiency of gasoline engines. Gasoline engines are also widely used in light commercial vehicles (LCVs), motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Gasoline engines account for a substantial portion of the overall engine market and help sustain gasoline's dominant position.

Stand By segment by Application, is expected to be the fastest Generator Market during the forecast period.

Stand By application is anticipated to account for the largest market share during the given forecast period. The demand is viewed especially regarding the availability of backup power in sectors that are most vulnerable, including healthcare and data center, and also in the commercial segment. Power supply fluctuations especially ever registered power supply downturns as well as a increasing demand for uninterrupted power both in the developed as well as the emergent markets have been resulting to this growth due to the ability of businesses to minimize power outage time and aim at having uninterrupted power.

Commercial segment by end-user, is expected to be the fastest Generator Market during forecast period

The commercial part of end users is growing fast for several reasons: assimilation of various industries, increased pressure on efficient and cost-effective business processes, and the subscription-based emerging models. Companies remain committed to acquiring applications and solutions that optimize operational efficiency and interact with consumers. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of the approach based on data analysis is closely connected with the notion of marketing that helps firms adapt their offerings to the customers and enhance their loyalty.

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Power Generation segment by end-user, is expected to be the fastest Engines Market during forecast period

The market for engines by end user is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment in the market during the forecast period owing to the rising demand for reliable and efficient energy sources worldwide. The provision of such backup power solutions is what drives this growth, and it is primarily in areas that experience frequent outages. Furthermore, during the increasing integration of renewable energy, flexible engine systems are needed to accommodate variable power supply. Investments in power generation engines are supported by government initiatives to create energy independence and sustainability. The performance and efficiency of engines used in this segment become better every day, and adoption follows. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the Engines Market during the forecast period

The demand for the Engines Market is expected to increase in the Asia pacific region which is primarily due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization, thus resulting in high demand for the energy as well as transportation solutions. Several emerging economies live in this region, such as China and India, where the infrastructure development and the auto production are booming fast. Government initiatives to clean up the environment are also creating deeper pockets for innovative and investment in advanced engine technologies. Having a rising population and urban Centers,5 increases the demand for efficient power generation systems and transportation systems. Additionally, the strong manufacturing sector of the Asia Pacific region is likely to help its production and adoption of various engine types to provide the market with gains.

The report profiles key players such as Caterpillar (US), Cummins Inc. (US), General Electric Company (US), RTX (US), General Motors (US), Rolls-Royce Plc (UK), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Honeywell International Inc. (US), AB Volvo (Sweden), Scania (Sweden).

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Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the Generator Market during the forecast period

The major end users sectors such as residential, commercial and industrial sectors including utilities/power generation, oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, mining & metal, manufacturing, marine construction and others to boost the Generator Market in Asia Pacific region. The microenvironment of the region is expanding thanks to the development of large-scale giants comprising China, India, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia as well as Australia. The Asia-Pacific region has rapidly become one of the world's hotspots in manufacturing activities and growth, touching nearly every industry.

The report profiles key players such Caterpillar (US), Cummins Inc. (US), Rolls-Royce Holdings (UK), Generac (US), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), MAN Energy Solutions (Germany) and Briggs & Stratton (US).

Related Reports:

Engines Market

Generator Market

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London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - MSG91, a prominent global communication platform, proudly announces its ambitious expansion into over 100 countries. With a comprehensive suite of messaging services-including Rich Communication Services (RCS), WhatsApp Business API, Email API, SMS, and advanced Marketing Automation tools-MSG91 is set to revolutionise customer engagement and streamline business operations internationally. This landmark growth underscores MSG91's commitment to equipping enterprises with state-of-the-art tools tailored to modern communication demands.





MSG91 - a global communication platform

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Transforming Communication Across Channels

MSG91 is redefining the business communication landscape, empowering organisations to connect with their customers seamlessly through versatile, multi-channel solutions whether leveraging SMS, WhatsApp, Email, or RCS, MSG91's integrated approach facilitates impactful and personalised interactions at scale.

RCS: Pioneering the Next Generation of Messaging

Rich Communication Services (RCS) represent the forefront of interactive messaging. By enabling businesses to deliver media-rich messages incorporating images, videos, and interactive buttons, RCS transforms traditional messaging into a dynamic and memorable experience. With its unified platform, MSG91 makes it simpler than ever for companies to manage campaigns effectively, enhancing customer engagement and ensuring measurable results.

WhatsApp Business API: Transparent, Scalable, and Effective

WhatsApp has become indispensable for business communications, and MSG91's WhatsApp Business API capitalises on its immense potential. Whether for customer support, marketing, or transactional notifications, this API offers a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing brand loyalty.

Email API: Elevating Business Communication

MSG91's Email API is designed to maximise communication efficacy. Key features include:

Drag-and-Drop Email Template Builder: This intuitive tool enables businesses to craft professional, responsive emails effortlessly. With preview options, organisations can ensure optimal display across all devices.

This intuitive tool enables businesses to craft professional, responsive emails effortlessly. With preview options, organisations can ensure optimal display across all devices. Interactive AMP Emails: These innovative emails allow users to interact directly within the message, eliminating the need for redirects and boosting engagement.

These innovative emails allow users to interact directly within the message, eliminating the need for redirects and boosting engagement. Advanced Analytics: Detailed performance metrics-including delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates-provide actionable insights to optimise campaigns.

Detailed performance metrics-including delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates-provide actionable insights to optimise campaigns. Real-Time Email Validation: By identifying invalid email addresses, this feature helps maintain clean contact lists and bolsters deliverability.

By identifying invalid email addresses, this feature helps maintain clean contact lists and bolsters deliverability. Seamless Integration: Support for RESTful APIs and SMTP ensures effortless integration with both bespoke and third-party applications.

SMS Solutions: Trusted and Scalable

MSG91 supports the delivery of up to one billion messages monthly, underpinned by robust Two-Way SMS capabilities in key markets such as the United States. This service facilitates direct customer interaction, making it ideal for transactional updates, promotional campaigns, and real-time alerts.

Redefining Marketing Automation

MSG91's Marketing Automation tools empower businesses to design and execute sophisticated campaigns across RCS, WhatsApp, Email, and SMS channels. By automating routine tasks and simplifying workflows, these tools enable companies to focus on delivering high-impact messages that resonate with their target audience.

Core Advantages of MSG91's Marketing Automation Suite

Unified Multi-Channel Strategy: Streamlines campaigns across all platforms, ensuring cohesive and consistent messaging.

Streamlines campaigns across all platforms, ensuring cohesive and consistent messaging. Insight-Driven Decisions: Comprehensive analytics provide in-depth understanding of campaign performance, enabling refined strategies.

Comprehensive analytics provide in-depth understanding of campaign performance, enabling refined strategies. Personalised Communication: Customises messaging to align with individual customer preferences and behaviours, driving higher engagement and conversions.

Customises messaging to align with individual customer preferences and behaviours, driving higher engagement and conversions. Adaptable Solutions: From startups to global enterprises, MSG91's tools scale effortlessly to meet diverse business requirements.

A Commitment to Accessibility and Clarity

MSG91 stands apart with its unwavering focus on affordability and transparency. By offering cost-effective solutions devoid of hidden fees, the company ensures its advanced communication tools remain accessible to businesses of all sizes. With transparent pricing models-particularly for the WhatsApp Business API-and inclusive analytics in its Email API offerings, MSG91 guarantees exceptional value without compromising quality.

Expanding Global Horizons

"At MSG91, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver innovative and dependable communication solutions to businesses worldwide," remarked Shubhendra Agrawal, CEO of MSG91. "Our expansion to over 100 countries reaffirms our commitment to meeting the evolving demands of modern enterprises, empowering them to achieve seamless communication and operational excellence."

This expansion exemplifies MSG91's ability to adapt to the unique challenges of diverse global markets while maintaining a customer-first approach. By delivering tailored solutions and comprehensive support, the company ensures its tools integrate effortlessly into existing business workflows, regardless of location.

About MSG91

MSG91 is a trusted and secure global communication platform, serving over 30,000 businesses worldwide. Its comprehensive portfolio-encompassing APIs for SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, email, and more-enhances customer interactions through innovative features such as real-time analytics, two-way communication, and virtual numbers.

With a resolute focus on scalability, transparency, and innovation, MSG91 continues to redefine the communication landscape, ensuring businesses can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236432

SOURCE: PRNews OU
A college in Lufkin, Texas settled a recent race discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Black employee.

The college, called Angelina College, has particularly agreed to pay $315,000 to Dr. Monica Peters-Clark, who was hired in 2005.

Dr. Peters-Clark alleged that the college did not consider her qualifications for a leadership position she previously had an experience before. Instead, it was given to an "unqualified" white candidate instead.

In 2017, before her layoff as part of the administrative restructuring, Dr. Peters-Clark had been the Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness.

Allegations of Discrimination

Fast forward to 2022, Yahoo News reported that Angelina College advertised a new executive director position. This was similar to Peters-Clark's previous position before her layoff, which means she was qualified and had made many contributions to the college. However, she was not considered for the position.

Read more: Student Admits to Faking Racist Messages at Rhodes College to Smear Trump Supporters

Instead, Angelina College gave the position to a white candidate, and it was only after local concerns were raised that Peters-Clark was interviewed. Still, the position was given to the white candidate, and Peters-Clark filed a grievance and then a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission, which was dismissed.

June 2023 saw Peters-Clark file a lawsuit against Angelina College alleging discriminatory hiring procedures. She appealed for a review of the employment discrimination on racial grounds. Papers filed in the court showed fears over the unbalanced selection procedure that Angelina used in its recruitments, an action that they termed as racist.

The case was to be heard in November 2024, per The Lufkin Daily News. However, both parties settled on the case and avoided the trial. The settlement amount was $315,000.

According to Peters-Clark's lawyers, the settlement is a win that vindicates her claims. The representatives of Peters-Clark blamed the college president, Dr. Michael Simon, for creating the environment that prompted the lawsuit.

Despite the challenges, Peters-Clark continued to support Angelina College and its positive impact on the community. Her legal team urged the college's board to examine President Simon's actions and hiring practices to ensure accountability and inclusivity in the future.
LONDON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- History beckons at Apollo Art Auctions, where centuries-old craftsmanship and culture will converge at the "Fine Ancient Art & Antiquities - The Prince Collection" sale. The event, set to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, takes place on January 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. GMT in Apollo's Central London showroom, located at 63-64 Margaret Street, W1W 8SW, and online via the Apollo Art Auctions platform.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

"Every artifact holds a story, but these treasures represent the history of entire civilisations," said a spokesperson for Apollo Art Auctions.

The collection features over 260 exquisite lots spanning Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Viking, Medieval, and Western Asiatic cultures-offering a glimpse into a timeline that stretches from 6000 BC to 1600 AD. Highlights include some of the most sought-after pieces from renowned provenances, including the Prince Collection, which anchors this sale, and artifacts linked to the Jacques Carre and Louis-Gabriel Bellon collections, among others.

Rare Treasures at the Forefront,

Lot 1: Egyptian Amarna Period Quartzite Statue of Pharaoh

Starting at 20,000, this exceptional quartzite fragment from the Amarna Period (18th-19th Dynasty) depicts a pharaoh kneeling in ritual devotion. Inscribed with "Beloved of Atum, ruler of Heliopolis," this piece offers rare insight into an era when artistic conventions were radically transformed under Akhenaten's reign. Atum, the self-created god who emerged from the primordial waters, inspired this statue, making it a treasure both spiritual and historical.

Lot 2: Rare Egyptian Basalt Statue of the Priest Pa-khar-Khonsu - Large Size

Starting at 30,000, this exceptional basalt statue from the early Ptolemaic Period (ca. 305-200 BC) depicts Pa-khar-Khonsu, a priest holding titles such as Prophet of Amun and Prophet of Thebes. The statue's remarkable preservation showcases a kneeling figure with detailed inscriptions on the dorsal pillar, presenting the "Saite formula" and honoring the priest's sacred role. With a weight of 13.15 kg and exceptional provenance, this piece is a standout artifact, complete with a full authentication report.

Lot 4: Granodiorite Head of Amun with Tutankhamun's Features

A breathtaking Late 18th Dynasty (1336-1295 BC) masterpiece, this granodiorite head links King Tutankhamun with the god Amun, celebrating the young king's restoration of polytheistic traditions after Akhenaten's monotheistic experiment. With a starting price of 50,000, this piece embodies political and religious revival in ancient Egypt.

Lot 5: Royal Shabti of Amenhotep III

Discovered by Napoleon in 1799, this alabaster royal shabti, with the starting price of 8,000, represents Amenhotep III as Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Inscribed with passages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, this artifact hails from one of Egypt's most prosperous reigns and highlights the period's unparalleled artistry in funerary goods.

Lot 12: Egyptian Bright Blue Faience Shabti of Psamtik, God's Father

With the starting price of 8,000, this stunning faience shabti from the 26th Dynasty (ca. 570-526 BC) stands out with its vibrant glaze and detailed inscriptions. Designed to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife, it symbolizes the enduring craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian funerary art. Its rarity and superb condition make it a collector's dream, accompanied by a custom-made stand and full provenance.

Lot 261: Central Asian/Indian Solid Gold Beaker

Weighing an astonishing 690 grams of 23-carat gold, this cylindrical beaker from 200 BC-300 AD is a testament to the craftsmanship and wealth of ancient societies. Adorned with an ancient script and starting at 20,000, this artifact's intrinsic and historical value makes it a must-see highlight.

All items will be available for in-person preview from January 20 to January 24, 2025, by appointment at Apollo's Central London showroom. Apollo's white-glove team ensures professional handling of all items, including in-house shipping. For inquiries, please contact the team via email at enquiries@apolloauctions.com, or by phone at.
Originally published on 3M News Center

To help protect the respiratory health and safety of first responders and communities affected by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, 3M is working with Direct Relief, one of the largest global humanitarian aid organizations in the world. 3M recently provided the organization with 5 million N95 respirators to support their global humanitarian response efforts and enable real time equipment access when wildfires strike.

Through our official respiratory protection sponsorship of Direct Relief, they were able to pre-stock and strategically position 3M N95s in Los Angeles, minimizing transit time and ensuring efficient access to essential protective equipment in disaster-stricken areas. 3M N95 respirators, along with other essential supplies, are being distributed through community health clinics and nonprofit partners in the area, including the YMCA. 3M remains committed to offering support if additional needs become apparent through the relief and recovery process.

Respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to wildfire smoke particulates and help enable wildfire cleanup. 3M has resources online to help community members understand the respiratory hazards of wildfires.

Direct Relief is providing critical, highly requested aid as Southern California grapples with one of the most devastating wildfire events in Los Angeles County's history. Through local community health clinics including @venicefamilyclinic, and local evacuation shelters, Direct Relief has distributed thousands of @3m N95 respirators to those impacted by wildfire smoke, and has provided medications, basic hygiene products from @vaselinebrand, and more to those displaced by the fires. Direct Relief also continues to provide requested aid to first responders including emergency medical backpacks, PPE, and re-hydration supplements.

This disaster will reshape Los Angeles for years to come, and Direct relief will continue to support those impacted.

Follow for updates and visit the link in bio to learn more about Direct Relief's wildfire response.

(Footage by @seanrcollier for Direct Relief and Gilles Clarenne/AFPTV/DC POOL/AFP)



Photo credit: Direct Relief

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com.

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SOURCE: 3M

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Longi has issued a profit warning for 2024, forecasting a net loss of up to $1. 11 billion - a sharp decline from last year's profit of $1. 42 billion. Longi has issued a profit warning for 2024, forecasting a net loss of between CNY 8. 2 billion ($1. 11 billion) and CNY 8. 8 billion, compared to a profit of CNY 10. 75 billion in the previous year. The company attributed the loss to intensified competition in the PV sector, which has led to a continuous decline in the prices and profit margins of passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) products. Low utilization ...

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.
Davao, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc., a trusted leader in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its journey. The company began its operations with just 20 call center agents and now boasts a workforce of more than 5,000. This extraordinary growth highlights the company's dedication to quality service and lasting client relationships.

Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc.

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Founded in the heart of Davao City, Six Eleven Global Services has emerged as a key player in the outsourcing sector, providing tailored solutions to businesses worldwide. The company's expansion reflects its steadfast commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of its clients.

From 20 to 5,000: A Story of Determination and Growth

The journey of Six Eleven Global Services began modestly with a small team of 20 agents focused on delivering customer support services. Over the years, the Philippine call center has diversified its offerings, expanded its expertise, and established itself as a go-to outsourcing partner for a variety of industries. Today, with over 5,000 employees, the company continues to thrive by staying true to its core principles of quality, trust, and innovation.

"Our growth isn't just about numbers; it's about the relationships we've nurtured and the trust we've earned from our clients. This milestone is a testament to our team's dedication and the confidence our partners have in our services," said Michael Bian, CEO of Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc.

Comprehensive Outsourcing Solutions

Six Eleven Global Services offers a wide array of outsourcing services designed to help businesses streamline their operations and focus on their core objectives. Key service areas include:

Customer Support: Providing 24/7 support through voice, email, chat, and social media channels.

Telemarketing and Sales: Conducting outbound calls for lead generation, appointment setting, booking, and sales.

Back-Office Services: Delivering specialized support such as community moderation, image annotation, data research, and listing reviews.

The company's ability to tailor its solutions to the unique requirements of each client has been a driving force behind its success. By blending industry best practices with cutting-edge technology, Six Eleven ensures a seamless outsourcing experience that meets the highest standards of quality.

A Pillar of the Philippine BPO Sector

The company's growth has also had a meaningful impact on the local economy, creating thousands of jobs and fostering opportunities for career development. Through its focus on employee training and professional growth, Six Eleven equips its team with the skills needed to excel in the fast-paced outsourcing industry.

Commitment to Client Success

One of the defining characteristics of Six Eleven Global Services is its dedication to its clients' success. The company views its relationships with clients as partnerships, prioritizing collaboration, and open communication to deliver results that align with each client's goals.

"Our approach is rooted in understanding our clients' challenges and finding practical solutions that deliver measurable value," said Bian. "We don't just provide services; we become an extension of their team."

This client-centric philosophy has enabled the customer support provider to build a diverse portfolio of partners, ranging from startups to established enterprises in industries such as retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and technology.

Driving Innovation in Outsourcing

As the outsourcing landscape evolves, Six Eleven Global Services remains at the forefront by embracing innovation. The company integrates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics into its operations to enhance efficiency and deliver insights-driven results.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that Six Eleven stays ahead of industry trends while maintaining its commitment to quality and reliability.

Looking to the Future

While the company celebrates its current achievements, Six Eleven Global Services remains focused on the future. With plans to further expand its workforce, enhance its service offerings, and strengthen its presence in global markets, the company is poised for continued growth.

"Our success so far is just the beginning," Bian stated. "As we move forward, we're committed to raising the bar for outsourcing excellence and helping our clients navigate an ever-changing business environment."

For more information about Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc. and its range of outsourcing services, visit http://sixelevenbpo.com.

About Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc.

Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc. is a leading business process outsourcing company based in Davao City, Philippines. Founded with a team of 20 agents, the company has grown to employ over 5,000 professionals. It offers services in customer support, telemarketing, and back-office operations. Known for its client-focused approach and commitment to quality, Six Eleven continues to be a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

Six Eleven Global Services and Solutions Inc.



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SOURCE: Brand Featured
Amsterdam, January 17, 2025

SBM Offshore announces that Lucia de Andrade and Denise Dettingmeijer have been appointed as members of the Supervisory Board at an Extraordinary General Meeting held today. The appointments are effective immediately until the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2029, which is the fourth year after appointment.

Further details on the adopted resolutions can be found on the Company's website.

Corporate Profile

SBM Offshore is the world's deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy.

More than 7,400 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.

For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

Financial Calendar Date Year Full Year 2024 Earnings February 20 2025 Annual General Meeting April 9 2025 First Quarter 2025 Trading Update May 15 2025 Half Year 2025 Earnings August 7 2025 Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update November 13 2025

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Wouter Holties

Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

Phone: +31 (0)20 236 32 36 E-mail: wouter.holties@sbmoffshore.com (mailto:wouter.holties@sbmoffshore.com) Website: www.sbmoffshore.com (http://www.sbmoffshore.com)

Media Relations

Giampaolo Arghittu

Head of External Relations

Phone: +31 (0)6 212 62 333 / +39 33 494 79 584 E-mail: giampaolo.arghittu@sbmoffshore.com (mailto:giampaolo.arghittu@sbmoffshore.com) Website: www.sbmoffshore.com (http://www.sbmoffshore.com)

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as 'expect', 'should', 'could', 'shall' and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the 'Impact, Risk and Opportunity Management' section of the 2023 Annual Report.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company's business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

This release contains certain alternative performance measures.

Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release "SBM Offshore" and "SBM" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

"SBM Offshore", the SBM logomark, "Fast4Ward", "emissionZERO" and "F4W" are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

Attachment
Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") wishes to announce that it intends to conduct a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.025 for gross proceeds of up to $250,000. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (the Warrants). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share (a "Common Share") of the Company at a price of C$0.05 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for upcoming exploration expenses at Colibri's highly prospective precious metals projects in Mexico, including the Pilar Gold Project & the EP Gold Project and for working capital.

The Offering is anticipated to close towards the middle of February 2025 (the "Closing"). Closing may occur in one or more tranches.

Closing of the Offering is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Common Shares issuable will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring on the date that is four months and one day after Closing. The Company anticipates that it may pay certain finder's fees as per the guidelines of the Exchange.

The Offering will be conducted by the Company primarily under the "accredited investor" exemption of National Instrument 45-106 -- Prospectus and Registration Exemptions but may use other exemptions if appropriate.

For further details of the Offering, please contact Ian McGavney, President & CEO of the Company at (506) 383-4274 or ianmcgavney@colibriresource.com.

Certain insiders of the Company may acquire Units in the Offering. Any participation by insiders in the Private Placement will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects such participation will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Units subscribed for by the insiders, nor the consideration for the Units paid by such insiders, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

TSXV Final Acceptance and Disclosure Correction

Colibri also wishes to announce that, further to its news release of December 20, 2024, it has received final acceptance from the Exchange in regards to a private placement originally announced on August 23, 2024. See also the Company's follow-up news releases dated September 6 and October 4, 2024. A total of 6,110,000 units were sold for gross proceeds of $305,500. Each unit sold consisted of one common share and one common share warrant exercisable at a price of $0.075 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The foregoing corrects the disclosure in the Company's December 20, 2024 news release which incorrectly stated that a total of 550,000 units had been sold.

The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION:

Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company holds four high potential precious metal projects: 1) 100% of EP Gold Project in the significant Caborca Gold Belt which has delivered highly encouraging exploration results and is surround by Mexico's second largest major producer of gold on four sides, 2) 49% Ownership of the Pilar Gold & Silver Project which is believed to hold the potential to be a near term producing mine, and 3) two highly prospective interests in the Sierra Madre (Diamante Gold & Silver Project and Jackie Gold & Silver Project.

For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237581

SOURCE: Colibri Resource Corporation
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services have confirmed the death of a child from the flu, making it the state's first pediatric flu death of the ongoing flu season.While expressing sympathies for the family of the deceased child, State Health Officer Paula Tran urged people to get vaccinated against the flu.'Respiratory viruses remain a significant health concern, especially in children,' Tran said in a news release.'If you or your loved ones have not received your flu or COVID-19 vaccine yet this season, it's not too late. Vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives'.Due to privacy concerns, the state officials have not disclosed the age or country of residence of the child. However, they did mention that the child was suffering from some health issues which might have complicated his condition.According to emergency department data published by the health department, flu and RSV cases have been rising over the last month with about 6 percent of children being diagnosed with RSV and nearly 5 percent diagnosed with flu. The rate of respiratory illness cases is high in the southern, central and north-central regions of the state.Meanwhile, sixteen pediatric deaths related to flu have been recorded across the nation, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.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.
Boardsi to be honored at Real Leaders UNITE on February 4, 2025.

Real Leaders , a global media and membership platform dedicated to inspiring the future of business, proudly announces its 2025 Top Impact Companies ranking. Now in its seventh year, this prestigious list highlights privately owned businesses making exceptional contributions to society and the planet.

Boardsi Highlighted in Real Leaders Top Impact Company List

Boardsi Listed as #23 Top Impact Companies for 2025

This year's competition attracted over 300 applications from more than 15 countries, with companies assessed on their growth, revenue, and six pillars of I.M.P.A.C.T.: Intention, Model, People, Accountability, Collaboration, and Transformation. Through a rigorous evaluation process, the companies that truly embody purpose-driven leadership were ranked and celebrated.

Stricter Standards to Highlight True Impact Leaders

The 2025 ranking raised the bar, making it harder than ever to earn a spot. The updated criteria excluded nonprofits and publicly traded companies and increased the minimum revenue requirement to $2 million.

"It seems like every company is calling themselves an impact company these days," said Kevin Edwards, President of Real Leaders. "We wanted to spotlight businesses that are genuinely dedicated to making a difference. By incorporating CEO interviews and community-driven impact evaluations, we ensured that only the most deserving organizations made the list. The top-scoring finalists in each category will share their best practices at Real Leaders UNITE 2025, inspiring better leaders for a better world."

The 2025 list features a mix of respected impact brands of all sizes and from a variety of industries with companies such as Cotopaxi, PATH, Alter Eco Foods, Phlow, Climate First Bank, Salas O'Brien, Bevi, and Pantys. SEE TOP IMPACT COMPANIES RANKING.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as a 2025 Top Impact Company by Real Leaders among many other values-aligned companies," said Martin Rowinski, CEO of Boardsi. "Our long-term focus on connecting exceptional executives with impactful board opportunities has been a huge part of achieving this award."

A special " Real Leaders UNITE " awards celebration will be held in San Diego on February 3-4, 2025 to honor the winners, connect their CEOs, and inspire better leadership.

ABOUT REAL LEADERS

Real Leaders is the fastest-growing community for impact-driven leaders, supported by a global media platform that advocates for purpose-driven business. Founded in 2010, Real Leaders promotes responsible leadership that prioritizes employees, society, and the planet alongside profit. An independently owned Certified B Corporation and member of the UN Global Compact, Real Leaders is on a mission to unite farsighted leaders to transform our shortsighted world.

ABOUT BOARDSI

Boardsi is a leading platform dedicated to revolutionizing the way executives and companies connect with board and advisory opportunities. With a mission to build high-impact leadership teams, Boardsi leverages cutting-edge technology, an extensive private network, and personalized support to match top talent with organizations seeking strategic growth and innovation.

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For more news and information about Boardsi, please visit www.boardsi.com .

To learn more about Real Leaders, you can visit their website at https://real-leaders.com .

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SOURCE: Boardsi

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against its major counterparts in the New York session on Friday.The yen fell to 156.34 against the greenback, 190.61 against the pound and 161.01 against the euro, from an early 4-week high of 154.96, 1-1/2-month high of 189.33 and a 5-week high of 159.72, respectively.The yen dropped to 87.55 against the kiwi, 97.16 against the aussie and 108.52 against the loonie, from an early fresh 4-month high of 86.69 and fresh 4-week highs of 96.06 and 107.65, respectively.The yen retreated to 171.05 against the franc, from an early more than 5-week high of 170.25.The currency is seen finding support around 158.00 against the greenback, 195.00 against the pound, 163.00 against the euro, 89.00 against the kiwi, 98.00 against the aussie, 110.00 against the loonie and 174.00 against the franc.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Boba Mint Holdings Ltd. (CSE: TNJ) ("Boba" or the "Company"), a leader in blockchain gaming, is pleased to announce that it has signed an arm's length letter of intent dated January 17, 2025 in connection with a proposed strategic investment in Werd Studios Inc. ("Werd"), a fast-growing blockchain/crypto gaming company based in Toronto, Ontario.

Werd Studios, led by Mr. Andrew Shore a successful technology entrepreneur specializing in gaming and blockchain and an industry thought leader, is developing, on its own and in collaboration with others, several exciting new blockchain/crypto games. Werd's most advanced game is its interest in Cafe Disco Party, a fast-paced and thrilling adventure where players manage lively cafe parties in a vibrant, imaginary world. Start with a quirky, low-level cafe and work your way up by owning and running fantastical venues. Throw epic parties, keep your guests happy, and grow your empire to become the ultimate cafe kingpin.

Andrew Shore's successful ventures and depth of experience include co-founding Drafters.com, which was sold to Super Draft and helping Bet99 to establish itself as one of Canada's leading online sportsbooks. Andrew then created Moon Poker, which recently became the #1 casino app in Canada's iOS App Store. Andrew has contributed to several successful crypto projects, including Houdini Swap and Amino Rewards, while building one of the most extensive networks of projects, influencers and developers in the crypto industry.

"We're excited to partner with Boba Mint Holdings as Werd Studios continues to lead the way in creating exceptional gaming experiences. Through this collaboration, we'll leverage our deep crypto knowledge and extensive network to accelerate the growth of Boba's crypto asset, Tanjea, while expanding our reach, enhancing our games, and fueling the success of our future incubees and partners," stated Andrew Shore.

"We look forward to partnering with Werd Studios and leveraging Andrew's expertise to further enhance Tanjea dynamics and bringing in other leading blockchain gaming assets," said Rody Lazar, CEO of Boba.

The Company is proposing to acquire a 50% equity stake in Werd through a combination of a share purchase from Mr. Andrew Shore, the CEO and founder of Werd, and a share subscription. The purchase price for the shares would be $2,550,000, payable by the issuance of an aggregate of 10,000,000 common shares of Boba (the "Consideration Shares"), at an issue price of $0.20 per share, and the payment to Werd of $550,000. It is expected that Mr. Shore will receive 5,000,000 Consideration Shares as consideration for the share purchase, and that Werd will receive 5,000,000 Consideration Shares and $550,000 in consideration for the share subscription. All of the Consideration Shares will be subject to resale restrictions. In addition, it is expected that Mr. Shore will become an advisor to Boba following the closing of the strategic investment in order to also assist with Boba's game development strategy.

The closing of the strategic investment is subject to the completion of due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, and the receipt of applicable corporate and regulatory approvals.

PowerOne Capital Markets Limited is acting as an advisor for the proposed strategic investment.

The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 3,400,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, consultants and advisors of the Company, pursuant to the Company's long-term incentive plan. Each Option is exercisable to acquire one Boba common share, at a price of $0.20 per share, for a period of five years, and vesting in equal tranches on a quarterly basis for 24 months. In addition, the Company announces that it has negotiated the settlement of $200,000 of arm's length accounts payable through the issuance of 1,000,000 Boba common shares, at an issue price of $0.20 per share. The foregoing option grant and shares for debt issuance is subject to the final approval of the CSE.

About Boba Mint Holdings Ltd.

Boba Mint Holdings Ltd. is focused on the development of blockchain mobile games that integrate ERC20 tokens and ERC721 NFTs. Its primary product is a mobile blockchain gaming ecosystem called Tanjea, where gamers collect NFT characters (primarily birds and wolves) in multiple mobile games and use them to earn $TNJ tokens.

Boba Mint is a pioneering blockchain gaming company dedicated to creating immersive, decentralized gaming experiences. Boba Mint has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the blockchain gaming industry.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Boba Mint Holdings Ltd.

"Rody Lazar" CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for this release's adequacy or accuracy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Boba'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 statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Such statements include those relating to game development and the Company's expectations and plans. Although Boba believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, 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.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the blockchain sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mobile video game industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Boba to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties. 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. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward- looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Boba' Form 2A Listing Statement dated April 19, 2024 which is available on Boba's profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca and on the CSE website at https://thecse.com/listings/boba-mint-holdings- ltd/.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction. None of the securities issued in the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.

We seek Safe Harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237659

SOURCE: Boba Mint Holdings Ltd.
A tragic death of a Nashville student has led the victim's family to sue the city, and the college involved over negligence.

In May 2023, 18-year-old Belmont University student, Jillian Ludwig was shot by a stray bullet as as she jogged in a Nashville park, Tennessee. The family claimed the tragedy could have been avoided had the city and Belmont University, among others, exercised their respective functions better. The accused person, Shaquille Taylor, is identified together with government and medical persons who have evaluated him in the past as a repeat offender and violent.

Negligence Allegations

According to Fox News, Jillian's parents argue that the defendants failed to protect public safety and properly address Taylor's violent behavior.

Taylor, who had previously been ruled incompetent to stand trial on previous charges, was not incarcerated or in a mental health facility and was able to obtain weapons. The lawsuit also claims Belmont University failed to warn students of hazards in the park where Jillian was jogging. Additionally, the case presents the alleged failure of the Nashville Metro Development and Housing Agency to prevent illegal firearm use on its property, which caused the shooting.

Jillian's Law, enacted in 2023, requires persons found incompetent to stand trial to be placed in mental health facilities and included in a background check system to bar firearm purchases. Jillian's family is also calling for accountability, saying that the current system protects criminals rather than innocent victims. Nashville Mayor and Belmont University have issued condolences and support but have declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Jillian's parents hope their actions will prevent similar tragedies in the future, advocating for stronger protections for victims.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of up to $720,000 through the issuance of up to 36,000,000 common shares (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.02 per Common Share (the "Offering"). The offering is nearly fully subscribed by existing major shareholders.

Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for general working capital purposes as follows: (i) approximately 29% will be used for general and administrative purposes; (ii) approximately 29% will be used for exploration at the Company's Santa Fe Mine Project; (iii) approximately 17% will be used for metallurgical testing and supporting consultants for the Company's Santa Fe Mine Project; and (iv) approximately 25% will be used at the Company's Santa Fe Mine Project for exploration permitting. Less than 10% of the proceeds from the Offering will be used for payments to non-arm's length parties of the Company other than normal course compensation of its officers, directors, employees and consultants as part of general working capital purposes or to persons conducting investor relations activities.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

About Lahontan Gold Corp.

Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mine development and mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, four top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 26.4 km2 Santa Fe Mine project, had past production of 356,000 ounces of gold and 784,000 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing (Nevada Division of Minerals, www.ndomdata.com). The Santa Fe Mine has a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 oz Au Eq (grading 0.99 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 oz Au Eq (grading 0.76 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report*). For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com

* Please see the Santa Fe Project Technical Report, Authors: Trevor Rabb, P. Geo, Darcy Baker, PhD, P. Geo., and Kenji Umeno, P. Eng., Effective Date: October 9, 2024, Report Date: November 27, 2024. The Technical Report is available on the Company's website and SEDAR+.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kimberly Ann

Founder, CEO, President, and Director

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

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. Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237668

SOURCE: Lahontan Gold Corp.
Discovery Senior Living (Discovery or the Company), a leading operator in the seniors housing industry, today announced the planned retirement of President and CEO, Collette Gray, Integral Senior Living (ISL), after more than 30 years of leadership in senior living, effective June 30, 2025.

Discovery Senior Living

Discovery Senior Living Logo

Collette joined Discovery following its acquisition and combination with ISL, one of the nation's largest senior living providers, with a significant presence in California and operations spanning over 25 states. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring the strategic integration of ISL and Discovery creating a leading organization and best-in-class provider in the senior living industry, now ranked the largest privately held operator in the U.S.

"Collette has been a transformational leader, not only for Discovery, but for the entire seniors housing industry," said Richard Hutchinson, CEO of Discovery Senior Living. "Her vision and approach ensured the seamless integration of ISL while also helping to establish Discovery as a national leader, delivering exceptional experiences and care to our residents, their families and all our communities."

Throughout her career, Collette achieved remarkable milestones including being recognized and inducted in the prestigious McKnight's Women of Distinction Hall of Honor in 2023, a reflection of her exceptional contributions to the field. She served on the Argentum Board of Directors and as Chairwoman of the Women in Leadership Committee, which she helped co-found in 2017.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many incredibly talented people and to have contributed to the lives of our associates, residents and capital partners along the way. Being able to develop a Culture where people want to come to work every day and being able to changelives for our residents are my greatest workplace achievements," said Collette Gray.

"The decision to retire was not an easy one and came at a time in my life where my MS disease that I was diagnosed with in 1995, is progressing. I look forward to being able to truly BE THERE and spending quality time with my husband, our five children and family and friends. I will remain on the board as an advisor and will always be a sounding board and advocate for this wonderful industry."

Richard Hutchinson added, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and leadership team, I want to express our gratitude for Collette's contributions over the years. Her vision, dedication, and leadership have helped to set a gold standard in senior living and have left an indelible mark on all of us."

About Discovery Senior Living

Discovery Senior Living is the largest privately held operator in U.S. with a growing portfolio of nearly 35,000 units across 350 communities and nearly 40 states. The company and its 17,000-plus employees is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and customized lifestyle experiences. Discovery's family of companies includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. Led by its award-winning management team, Discovery has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States for three decades. Discovery Senior Living was once again named and certified a Great Place To Work May 2024 - May 2025.

Contact Information

SOURCE: Discovery Senior Living

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View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Hypertec announces 480MW critical IT allocation from select Potentia data center campuses throughout the US

Hypertec Cloud, a leader in large-scale AI and high-performance computing IaaS solutions, today announced its strategic partnership with Potentia, a sustainable data center provider at scale. This alliance is a significant move to support Hypertec Cloud's ambitious AI Cloud expansion, designed to offer industry-leading performance and sustainability for next-generation AI workloads and applications.?

Potentia Campus

This partnership marks a significant step forward in Hypertec Cloud's AI Cloud growth, with infrastructure designed for intensive AI pre-training, training, and inference workloads. Through this partnership, Hypertec Cloud will access more than 480MW of power throughout select Potentia data center locations across North America. These data center campuses are engineered to support the most demanding AI applications while maximizing uptime and minimizing electrical grid and environmental impact. With Potentia's facilities, Hypertec Cloud has secured the required capacity and scale to meet the computing infrastructure requirements of some of the largest AI installations in the area.?

"We are thrilled to partner with Potentia to support the next phase of our AI Cloud expansion," said Jonathan Ahdoot, President of Hypertec Cloud. "This partnership enables us to provide our clients with a staggering combined data center capacity of more than 600 MW in 2025 at unparalleled deployment times while delivering superior cluster performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Together with Potentia, we're setting new standards for AI Cloud efficiency and scalability."?

Potentia data center campuses are purpose-built to complement Independent System Operators (ISOs) and host utilities' long-term power usage expectations. They exhibit?attractive load profiles through autonomous capabilities for load smoothing, thereby creating a more manageable and dynamic?environment?for the AI power profile and its impact on electric grids. Potentia's campuses utilize advanced?energy-efficient cooling technologies, including direct-to-chip liquid and immersion. These innovations lead to industry-leading Power Utilization Effectiveness (PUE) and Power Capacity Effectiveness (PCE) metrics.??Additionally, the heat waste from its data centers is repurposed to energize greenhouses and nearby industrial processes, further enhancing efficiencies of scale. A pioneer in Reserve Power Requests ("RPRs"), Potentia provides tenants the day-ahead option of accessing additional capacity for infrequent needs such as overclocking or portfolio-level carbon mitigation, further optimizing the current day expectations of operational conduct within the interconnect.

This commitment to sustainability aligns with Hypertec Cloud's mission to offer responsible, eco-conscious AI cloud solutions.? "We're excited to partner with Hypertec Cloud in delivering AI Cloud infrastructure that's both high-performance and sustainable," said Rich McCrea, CEO of Potentia. "Our data centers are built to meet the rigorous demands of AI technology, and this collaboration will enable Hypertec Cloud to support the next generation of AI applications with resilience and efficiency."?

This strategic partnership is poised to elevate AI cloud capabilities across North America, offering a powerful, sustainable foundation for the future of AI-driven innovation.

About Hypertec Cloud??

With four decades of expertise in high-performance computing and data centers, Hypertec Cloud is a leading provider of AI and high-performance Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions. We deliver secure, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective AI and HPC IaaS solutions at scale globally, with capacity secured to power hundreds of thousands of GPUs for the largest and most demanding compute, storage, and AI workloads. For more information, please visit cloud.hypertec.com .???????

About Potentia

Potentia specializes in long-term, large-scale power provision, data center construction, and sustainable designs.?Its state-of-the-art campuses are engineered to balance the power load characteristics of high-performance computing, machine learning, and AI workloads at scale.?Employing cutting-edge autonomous power distribution networks,?advanced cooling technologies,?and customizable turnkey and hybrid solutions, Potentia is supported by top-tier independent technical risk advisors and strategic partnerships. The company is dedicated to delivering grid-responsible power load solutions, promoting sustainability, and aligning with community values where it operates. For more information, please visit www.potentia.inc .

SOURCE: Hypertec

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Athena Bitcoin Global (OTC PINK:ABIT) ("Athena" or the "Company"), a leading international operator of Bitcoin ATMs and digital asset fintech solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Jimenez as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Matias Goldenhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Athena, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Omar to the Athena team. His extensive financial management experience across multiple industries, including blockchain technology and financial services, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver value to our customers and shareholders."

The Company also acknowledges and thanks Eyal Segal for his contributions as Interim CFO during this transition period. Mr. Segal will remain with Athena in a supporting role to ensure a smooth transition for Mr. Jimenez.

Mr. Jimenez brings a wealth of expertise with over 20 years of leadership in financial operations. Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Audit Committee, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of 180 Life Sciences Corp., where he successfully led the company's financial strategy during its transition into blockchain-based online casino and gaming operations. Prior to that, he held key executive roles at Golden Matrix Group, Inc., a global leader in gaming technology, and Alfadan, Inc., a pre-startup focused on innovative marine engine solutions.

Mr. Jimenez's career includes senior positions at Monaker Group, Inc., MARMEL International, Inc., and American Leisure Holdings, Inc., demonstrating his ability to drive growth and operational efficiency across diverse sectors. His leadership in finance, compliance, and strategic operations has consistently delivered significant results, including increased profitability and operational improvements.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Jimenez holds multiple certifications, including CPA, CGMA, and CPCU. He earned a B.B.A. in Accounting and a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Miami, as well as an M.B.A. from Florida International University.

About Athena Bitcoin Global

Athena Bitcoin Global operates an international network of Athena Bitcoin kiosks, which are freestanding kiosks that permit customers to buy or sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. The Company places its machines in convenience stores, shopping centers, and other easily accessible locations in thirty-three U.S. states and territories, and in four countries in Central and South America. Athena Bitcoin Global's comprehensive fintech platform enables POS merchant payments powered by Athena Pay, and the Company provides safe, reliable, and personalized trading services through its Athena Plus services. To learn more, visit www.athenabitcoin.com or follow Athena Bitcoin Global on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Athena Bitcoin Global specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact:

Rachele Andrejczak

Director of Marketing, Athena Bitcoin, Inc.

rachele@athenabitcoin.com

(786) 347-6242

SOURCE: Athena Bitcoin Global

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2025) - Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) ("Optimi" or the "Company"), a GMP-approved, Health Canada licensed psychedelics pharmaceutical manufacturer specializing in botanical psilocybin and MDMA, announces it intends to close a second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement by issuing 131,666 units (each a "Unit") at CAD$0.30 per Unit for gross proceeds of CAD$395,000 (the "Offering"), the first tranche of the Offering closed August 15, 2024. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) Common Share at CAD$0.40 for two (2) years from the date of issuance, subject to an accelerated expiry provision, whereby in the event the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange") exceeds CAD$0.50 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, at the Company's election, the period within which the Warrants are exercisable, will be reduced and the holders of the Warrants will be entitled to exercise their Warrants for a period of 30 days commencing on the day the Company provides notice, any outstanding Warrants not exercised during the 30 day period will expire. The Offering is being subscribed to by insiders, the issuance of Units to which will be considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital. All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, will be subject to a hold period expiring 4 months and 1 day after issuance, in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or around January 24, 2025.

Debt Settlement

The Company is completing a debt settlement with 2 creditors which will result in an aggregate of CAD$98,126.25 of indebtedness being retired in consideration for the issuance of Common Shares at a deemed price per Common Share equal to the closing price of the Common Shares on the Exchange on the last trading day prior to issuance (the "Debt Settlement"). The debt relates to marketing and investor relations services. The Common Shares issued in connection with the Debt Settlement are subject to a hold period expiring 4 months and 1 day from the date of issuance. The completion of the Debt Settlement is expected to occur on or around January 24, 2025.

About Optimi Health Corp.

Optimi Health Corp. is a Health Canada-licensed, GMP-compliant manufacturer and supplier of natural psilocybin and MDMA. Dedicated to producing high-quality psychedelic products, the Company aims to support the global advancement of mental health therapies through rigorous compliance, innovation, and collaboration.

On Behalf of the Board

JJ Wilson, Chair of the Board

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements pertaining to the completion of the Offering and the Debt Settlement. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "expects," "will continue," "is anticipated," "anticipates," "believes," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "projection," "strategy," "objective," and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. These statements may involve estimates, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed in the Company's long form prospectus dated February 12, 2021, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Except as expressly required by applicable law, Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi to predict all of them or assess the impact of each factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization 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/237609

SOURCE: Optimi Health Corp.
Union Budget 2025 has the chance to change Indian agriculture by focussing on better seeds, climate-friendly farming and supporting farmers to create long-term growth and stability read more

The Union Budget 2025 presents yet another pivotal opportunity to revitalise agriculture and rural India addressing the longstanding challenges faced by farmers while setting the foundation for sustainable growth. As the backbone of the Indian economy, agriculture warrants targeted interventions to enhance productivity, build resilience and create alternative income sources for small and marginal farmers.

A key priority for Budget 2025 should be the promotion of hybrid seeds to boost crop productivity and production. Targeted investments in research to improve yield, stress resistance and shortening crop duration for pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals are crucial. This effort must be complemented by developing climate-resilient agricultural practices that address the growing threats posed by climate change. Establishing localised seed production units and maintaining robust seed and gene banks for improved crop varieties will ensure that farmers have timely access to high-quality seeds, strengthening the foundation of agricultural productivity.

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Small and marginal farmers, who constitute over 82 per cent of the farming population, rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. Expanding funding for allied activities such as agroforestry, animal husbandry and fisheries can provide much-needed additional income streams. Investments in cattle farming, poultry, sheep rearing and small-scale fisheries including shrimp farming, can contribute significantly to rural incomes. Encouraging natural and organic farming through certification, branding and the provision of bio-inputs via dedicated resource centres can further align agricultural practices with sustainability goals. Increased budgetary support for organic fertilizer production, utilising resources like cow dung, will promote self-reliance in farming inputs while reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers. Diversifying the fertiliser subsidy framework is equally critical. By reducing reliance on urea and allocating more funds toward multi-nutrient fertilisers like Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K), Sulphur (S) and Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), lower production costs can be facilitated while ensuring balanced soil nutrition.

Parallelly, further push to enhancing farmers education and digital literacy will empower them with tools for precision farming and sustainable practices. Leveraging the Agri Stack digital public infrastructure, the budget can focus on improving access to e-marketplaces like e-NAM, crop insurance and weather forecasts. Establishing digital kiosks at the village level can serve as one-stop hubs for farmers, providing critical information, inputs and marketing support.

Unifying existing and new agricultural infrastructure schemes under a comprehensive infrastructure development programme can improve efficiency and maximise impact. In other words, a consolidated approach would ensure better resource allocation and project execution, addressing the infrastructure bottlenecks plaguing rural India.

Moreover, collectivising farmers by extending support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and cooperative societies should be a priority. Providing training in governance, strategic planning and financial management can strengthen these groups. Digital platforms like National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) should be integrated into these organisations operations, enabling them to access better markets, conduct seamless transactions, and disseminate information efficiently.

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The promotion of agritech startups and financial assistance for precision farming tools can further optimise resource use and drive technology penetration. This focus on innovation can help Indian agriculture become more competitive globally ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

Budget 2025 has the potential to redefine Indias agricultural landscape by empowering farmers, modernising infrastructure, and fostering sustainable practices. With the right priorities, it can set rural India on a path to prosperity and resilience, fulfilling the governments vision for inclusive growth.

The author is Partner and Head of the Government & Public Services (G&PS) practice at KPMG in India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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What would be ideal is if upcoming budget is a predominantly green one that aligns old and new programmes with climate action, finances the deployment of the latest eco-friendly technologies and strengthens the waste conservation ecosystem across the country read more

India has more than a sixth of the worlds population but only 4 per cent of its water resources. This makes it one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. At the same time, India is also becoming increasingly vulnerable to droughts, floods, unpredictable weather patterns and natural and man-made disasters  all of which exacerbate water-related issues.

Union Budget 2024-25 allocated Rs77,390.68 crore to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), highlighting the Central Governments commitment to promoting water security and waste management and addressing Indias water-related challenges. What would be ideal is if upcoming budget is a predominantly green one that aligns old and new programmes with climate action, finances the deployment of the latest eco-friendly technologies and strengthens the waste conservation ecosystem across the country. There are some aspects that merit especially close attention.

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Sustainable, circular water management: Agriculture contributes majorly to groundwater depletion. Furthermore, agriculture, followed by the domestic sector and industry, consumes the largest volume of available fresh water. It is therefore important that we reuse treated wastewater for irrigation and domestic needs. This will improve sustainability and resource circularity effectively. As per the estimates from the NITI Aayog, India generates almost 29 cubic km of wastewater annually, which can irrigate an area of approximately 3.6 million hectares. We can follow the footsteps of some of the countries, which employ low-cost solutions such as natural lagoons and constructed wetlands in rural areas, and more expensive technologies such as activated sludge and membrane reactors in cities

The Union Budget should make provisions for this.

Institutional strengthening: There is a pressing need to empower local governance structures and improve the Panchayat Development Planning at the gram panchayat, block and district panchayat levels strengthening the decentralised planning and participatory governance process to ensure sustainable and effective long-term resource management. Until now, preparation of panchayat development plans has largely focussed on education, health water and sanitation and social welfare. Their scope should be expanded to include water conservation, animal husbandry and other domains that will enhance rural productivity, creation of community structures generating income and employment opportunities. Efficient operations and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure will call for clear delineation of responsibilities and robust financial planning. The upcoming Budget can lay the groundwork for that with emphasis on building capacities of panchayats ward members as Agent of Change and as sector enablers along with strengthening existing standing committees on water, sanitation and natural resource management by providing them with adequate resources and technical support. By empowering panchayats and strengthening decentralised governance, India can create resilient, self-reliant communities capable of managing resources sustainably. The Union Budget 2025 has the potential to pave ways for laying a strong foundation for these transformative changes, fostering inclusive growth and long-term resource security.

A unified approach but decentralised governance: A unified approach to governance is required to manage water resources across urban and rural settings. Working in silos hinders long-term outcomes. Achieving universal access to drinking water requires collaborative governance between rural and urban frameworks. At the same time, climate-resilient water management must have elements of local governance to be able to adapt effectively to changing conditions. The 3 Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse) are foundational to integrated water supply and wastewater management. This includes sewage treatment and eco-restoration of urban river stretches. Non-potable uses can be safely met with treated wastewater. Strengthening water governance assumes great importance as climate change exacerbates water stress. Upcoming budgets and policies should, in fact, directly and tangibly link water management with climate adaptation. A holistic approach to managing water resources across sectors should be prioritized by establishing clear roles and responsibilities among local authorities for water governance.

Community involvement: Recent budgets made significant outlays for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which aimed to provide functional household tap connections in every rural household by 2024. As of July 28, 2024, around 78% of the total households had been covered. The Jal Shakti Ministry aims to complete the remainder in 2025. At its core, the Jal Jeevan Mission operates on a decentralised and community-driven model. Community participation in planning, implementation and maintenance of projects ensures the sustainability of water supply systems and instills a sense of ownership and empowerment among the beneficiaries. A healthy financial outlay and community involvement  including that of gram panchayats; village water and sanitation committees (VWSCs); community-based organisations such as womens self-help groups, youth organisations and community leaders  will help the Mission deliver better, quicker, sustainable results. Engaging local communities in water management through awareness campaigns and capacity building will ensure participatory decision-making.

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**Inclusion of those who have been left out:**Union Budget 2024 emphasized initiatives for water supply, sewage treatment, and solid waste management in 100 Indian cities through collaboration with state governments and multilateral development banks. It also promoted the reuse of treated water for irrigation and tank refilling. In continuation of these steps, there should be a dedicated pool of funds to ensure that hitherto left-out beneficiaries or newly added households have equitable access to water and sanitation services. The core principle of Leave No One Behind as enshrined in the Global SDG targets makes it imperative to address down to the last detail as necessary if the SDGs are to be achieved for everyone, everywhere.

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Closing gaps in sanitation services: Poor water and sanitation facilities have an adverse impact on both life and livelihood. The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimates that approximately 73 million working days are lost and every year, with 37.7 million people contracting waterborne illnesses arising from inadequate sanitation. Plugging gaps in water and sanitation services is thus of vital importance to significantly reduce the burden of waterborne diseases, improve public health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for millions of people. This approach will also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG

3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

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Public Finance and Sustainability: Both public and private sectors have important roles to play in combating the water crisis. The public sector can attract funding, ensure efficient use of public resources, ensure strong governance and offer guidance on water allocation, pricing and capital planning. Public finance must also encourage the adoption of nature-based solutions and green architecture in water management. The private sector, meanwhile, can provide capital and operational expertise, and find ways to enhance efficiency, lower costs, maximize revenues, and bolster climate resilience.

Future-focussed budget allocations: Over the years, the Government of India has undertaken several important steps for promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting, and for reducing water stress. These include the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which has been operational since 2019; the AMRUT 2.0 programme, which has provisions for harvesting rainwater through storm water drains; the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which is being implemented in water-stressed Gram Panchayats in seven states; Mission Amrit Sarovar, and others. Union Budget 2025 should give impetus to programs that have varied scope and deep-reaching impact in the domain of water conservation and water management. It should provide funds for implementing result-oriented water and waste management strategies that align with local needs with national sustainability goals. With reliable financial support and community-driven approaches, India can realize its vision of sustainable water management.

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By adopting a holistic, systems strengthening, community-driven and climate-focused approach, India can address its water challenges effectively. The Union Budget 2025 should be able to offer an opportunity to solidify these efforts through targeted financial support, fostering collaboration and emphasising sustainability. With concerted action, the vision of sustainable water management and equitable access can become a reality.

The author is Country Director for Water For People India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
With Union Budget 2025 scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2025, there is much expectation from various quarters on the need for the government to extend its initiatives in tax reforms and to be able to push innovation in industry.

The governments month-long in-person connect with various stakeholder groups including representations from various associations, industry sectors, economists and investors, ended on 6 January and all eyes will now be on what the Budget will offer.

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In recent years, the government has undertaken several commendable initiatives to reform the direct tax landscape in India. Key measures include reduction of corporate tax rates, rationalising withholding tax rates and simplifying compliances, clarity on capital gains taxation, measures to reduce litigation and quicker dispute resolution, etc. While these reforms have strengthened the foundation of the tax system, there remains more scope to promote ease of doing business and to achieve greater administrative efficiency.

While individual taxpayers expect the Budget to introduce modifications to the existing tax slabs as also for tax relief measures to enhance savings, the industry is expecting the Government to announce incentives that will attract more investments across sectors.

One such sector which missed any tax incentives in the previous couple of Budgets is R&D. Indias spend on R&D is around 0.7 per cent of its GDP which in comparison to developed economies (whose spend is around 3% of their GDP) is much lower. The statistics on the spend towards innovation from the government vis-a-vis private sector, is glaring - the government spend for innovation accounts for around two-thirds of the spend, which is way too high in comparison to the about quarter of the spend, in other economies.

With the removal of the weighted deduction on R&D spends and tax holidays for companies engaged in scientific research, currently, companies investing in or in R&D business do not enjoy any tax incentives. Further, companies involved in R&D as a service, do not enjoy any tax incentive as was enjoyed before grandfathering of the tax holiday benefits for units in Special Economic Zones or as Export Oriented Units.

While the government has focused on providing incentives in the form of production-linked incentives, reduced tax rates, etc., to push the manufacturing sector, attracting investments in R&D is equally important for advancing manufacturing processes and technologies. This can then spur innovation and strengthen the sectors capabilities. The government should consider introducing incentives for innovation to attract investments in India to drive innovation and technological advancement and participation from the private sector.

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One of the incentives that may be considered is extend the production-linked incentive to innovation sector. With the success of the PLI scheme in sectors such as electronics, automotive, pharmaceuticals, etc., similar scheme may be rolled out for investments in R&D, based on certain parameters such as capital investment, job creations etc.

Another area to consider could be the patent box regime. Under the current patent box norms, royalty income arising from patents registered by Indian residents under the Patent Act, shall be subject to a lower tax rate of 10 per cent, subject to 75 per cent of expenditure/the development being undertaken in India.

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The current patent regime has a limited scope - it does not cover other Intellectual Properties (IP), such as know-how, copyrights, designs and trademarks. Additionally, the regime is applicable only to Indian residents and does not extend concessions to subsequent owners (transferees) of the patent; it is restricted to the first inventor of the invention. As a result, this regime has not found favour with the industry. Considering its potential of attracting foreign funding, the government may consider extending the regime to non-residents as well, with some checks like restricting the development of IP within India and allowing the benefits to the subsequent owner (transferee) of the patent, subject to conditions to prevent misuse.

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Further, the benefits under the current regime can be extended to income from designs, copyrights, models and process innovations which can enable incentivising cutting edge solutions and fostering growth. In addition, under the extant law, companies are not allowed to claim any expenditure as a tax-deductible expense. The Government may consider allowing certain R&D expenses and amortisation as a tax-deductible expense and tax the resultant income at the concessional rate. Likewise, losses incurred during the initial period of R&D efforts may be allowed to be carried forward and set off in future years against royalty income, which currently is not permitted.

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Granting of incentives such as tax holidays to global delivery centres set up in India and supporting global R&D operations of multinationals, is also a major ask of the industry. Over the last decade, India has emerged as a global powerhouse for Engineering R&D (ER&D) and innovation. Many GCCs in India are increasingly performing complex R&D functions and developing digitally innovative products.

To encourage diversification of GCCs into tier 2 and tier 3 cities and to create job opportunities, certain specified areas can be identified as Innovation hubs which can enjoy the status of a free trade jurisdiction with preferential tax rates, duty benefits and ease of doing business and foreign investments.

While the government has taken certain policy decisions like setting up the National Research Foundation, to act as an umbrella body to fund research across a range of disciplines and setting aside Rs1 lakh crore corpus to extend interest-free finance for R&D activities, introduction of the incentives for the R&D sector will enable strengthening Indias global competitiveness by creating a more robust innovation ecosystem.

The author is Partner, Deloitte India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and conveyed that Kangana Ranauts Emergency should not be released in the state because it defaming the Sikh community. read more

Kangana Ranauts much-delayed biographical political drama Emergency based on the life of former PM Indira Gandhi has finally hit the screens today. While the movie has been garnering headlines for various reasons, yesterday (Thursday) Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) demanded a ban on Emergency.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and conveyed that Kangana Ranauts Emergency should not be released in the state because it defaming the Sikh community.

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While lodging its protest, the SGPC has already sent its executive committee resolution to the state chief secretary in which it was clearly stated that the screening of this movie would not be allowed in Punjab because it has been made under a scheme to defame Sikhs. The resolution demanded the Punjab government ban the screening of the movie in the state. However, sadly, the Punjab government led by you (Bhagwant Mann) did not take any step in this direction. If the movie is released on January 17, it would enrage the Sikh world, which is natural," the letter read.

By hiding facts related to attacks on the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, Sri Harmandar Sahib, the top temporal seat, Akal Takht Sahib, and other gurdwaras and the Sikh genocide (of 1984), this movie works to spread venom under an anti-Sikh agenda. So, we again demand a ban on screening this movie in Punjab. If released, we will be forced to strongly protest it," Dhami added.

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Directed by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency also features Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi.
Azaad is a cinematic experience, which will make you emotional, smile and cheer as an audience read more

Star cast: Ajay Devgn, Diana Penty, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Mohit Malik, Piyush Mishra

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor known for movies like Rock On!!, Kai Po Che!, Kedarnath, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui & others, is set to take us on an adventurous ride with Azaad, which has set the screens today. Marking the debuts of Aaman Devgan (Ajay Devgns nephew) and Rasha Thadani (Raveena Tandons daughter), the trailer of Azaad garnered a positive response from fans but is it a worth-watch entertainer? Lets find out

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Set in 1920 in the central province of India, Govind (Aaman Devgan) a young boy belongs to a poor family from Bhosar. From childhood, he is fond of horses. The village is ruled by the British and Zamindars (landholders), who torture the locals with their cruelty and injustice nature. Zamindar (Piyush Mishra) has a big stable comprised of beautiful horses.

Govind accompanies his father in looking after the horses at the stable of the zamindar. Zamindar forcefully sends the villagers to foreign lands for slavery to please the Britishers. While sending one of the groups of villagers, rebel Vikram Singh ( Ajay Devgn) and his people attack British officers and their men and save villagers.

During the Holi festival, Govind rubs colour on Janki (Rasha Thadani) Zamindars daughter and is now scared that he will be beaten up by Zamindar and his people. He runs from the village to the exterior. While taking a rest he hears the voice and footsteps of a horse. Its Azaad, a free-spirited, beautiful and magnificent horse, who is loyal to Vikram Singh. Govind gets in awe of Azaad and follows him and Vikram only to get caught by the latters people.

After revealing the truth and expressing admiration towards Azaad, Govind becomes a part of the rebellious group. One day, Vikram gets informed that a large group of villagers are getting exported to South Africa for slavery. He along with his troop goes to save them only to realize that it is a trap from the Britishers and some people from his troop have betrayed him.

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In this battle, Vikram dies and takes a promise from Govind to look after Azaad and be his sardar. Azaad is shattered by the death of his sardar. Now, the story unfolds of how Govind and Azaad form a beautiful bond and bring a revolutionary change in Bhosar.

Abhishek Kapoor holds the narrative with its compelling storytelling and creates several emotional moments, which make you teary-eyed. The editing is sharp enough to keep the movie flowing at a good pace.

Talking about the performances, Aaman Devgan makes an impressive debut on the big screen as he plays the role of Govind with innocence and finesse. Rasha Thadani is equally good and shines with her innate charm and charismatic presence. Ajay Devgn is as usual superb and intense in his extended cameo with Diana Penty, Piyush Mishra and Mohit Malik playing their roles to the T.

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The main protagonist, Azaad (the beautiful horse) wins your heart with his expressive eyes, playful gestures and mind-blowing speed.

On the whole, Azaad is a cinematic experience, which will make you emotional, smile and cheer as an audience.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Azaad is playing in cinemas
A nonprofit institution based in Michigan, was fined $2.5 million by the US Department of Education for misleading students regarding their career outcomes.

The institution, Baker College, was found to have offered wrong and exaggerated information to the students when deciding on enrollment. This penalty is a result of a joint investigation conducted by ProPublica and the Detroit Free Press in 2022 on the low graduation rates and high student debt burden at the college.

Detroit Free Press shared that the investigation revealed numerous cases of false advertising. For decades, Baker boasted of a near-100% career outcomes rate, but the figures were based on selective and self-reported data. In some cases, the college listed employers who had hired its graduates without indicating that many of these jobs were secured before the students ever enrolled. Misleading salary and employment figures further misrepresented the actual value of Baker's programs to prospective students.

Baker College's Settlement Over Misinformation

In its settlement, Baker College agreed never to make misrepresentations of this kind again. The school will also provide the government with its marketing materials for review in the next three years. In any case, the settlement doesn't include the college's admission of wrongdoing.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, President Jacqui Spice explained that the problem was that its materials lacked the proper background or explanation, not false statements.

While some former students view the fine as a step toward accountability, many feel it is insufficient. They argue that the fine does little to address the financial burdens faced by students who relied on the college's claims. Some students have called for stricter penalties, including potential loss of accreditation. Others remain skeptical that the changes will prevent future misrepresentations.

Baker College's problems go beyond this settlement. Over the last ten years, enrollment went from 45,000 to approximately 4,000 students, taking down its annual revenue as well. Although the college has an endowment of $362 million, it is now experiencing financial stress as it transitions to a more upscale target market.
The recently released trailer as well as the films first track have grabbed significant attention from the masses, setting the stage for the films big release read more

Pooja Hegde is gearing up for the release of the much-anticipated film Deva. Throughout the years, the actress has worked across genres and languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, leaving the audiences hailing her as the Queen Of Crossovers. Recently, the actress graced the trailer launch event of Deva, and opened up about her successful transitions between different film industries.

Pooja shared, I just want to take versatile roles, like the other film of mine, where Im playing a very different character as compared to this. I am working in many languages. It is a reflection of the films that Ive done. Ive always believed that to go wherever the content is good, Ive gone by my gut feeling. I have worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, and I have been loved, appreciated, and accepted, which is a privilege. Its an honour. Its truly humbling and it makes me work harder. I have been a Mumbai girl who started my career in Tamilnadu, got love and appreciation in Telugu but Im from Karnataka, so maybe that helps too!

Pooja Hegde, the leading lady in Deva, will be seen essaying the role of a journalist. Alongside Shahid Kapoor, the actress gears up to amplify the films appeal with her magnetic on-screen presence and leave the netizens captivated with her dynamic role.

The recently released trailer as well as the films first track have grabbed significant attention from the masses, setting the stage for the films big release. On this note, Deva is scheduled to land in theatres on January 31.
Netflixs The Roshans: A four-part docu-series of three generations of success that cannot be ignored. read more

The Roshans is indeed a nostalgic story of not only success, but immense struggle that went behind it. This four part docuseries starts with Roshan Lal Nagrath and his journey coming to Mumbai from Gujranwala, Pakistan, in 1948 via Delhi for the love of music as he wanted to make a career in this field. For him and Rajesh Roshan later, music was bigger than the talent. Both Roshan Lal and Rajeshs palette of knowledge on music was varied. The docu-series talks about how failure shaped each one of the Roshans journey.

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The Roshans are indeed timeless and the Netflix docu-series shows the thick bond that exists within the family. The music made by the Roshan family is delicate and fragile as Sanjay Leela Bhansali rightly puts it. Its indeed a delightful watch to get to know the Roshan family. Apart from watching the Roshans speak about their family and craft, we have Shatrughan Sinha, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar, Anupam Kher Javed, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, Abhishek Bachchan, Asha Bhosle, Suman Kalyanpuri, Sudha Malhotra, Usha Mangeshkar, Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam and so many other artists talk highly about their career, but also as human beings.

Rajesh Roshans collaborations with Dev Anand was the most successful point of his career. In one of the episodes, Asha Bhosle reveals that even R.D. Burman admired Rajesh Roshans work. There hasnt been a single kid those days who has not danced to Sara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana. But towards the end of his career with new people coming in, the industry started ignoring him. Rajesh Roshan loved his work, but he wasnt a man who would go to producers houses in search of work.

Rakesh Roshan though was an unsuccessful actor who couldnt make it big, but as a director he was hugely successful. In fact, he realised later that direction was his true calling. As Zoya Akhtar rightly says, He used to take up unlikely subjects and communicate to the mass Hindi audience. He lived his dream through his son, Hrithik Roshan making him one of the most successful actors in Bollywood. Karan Johar mentions in Netflixs The Roshans, how each generation contributed to the success of Indian cinema.

Vicky Kaushal rightly says, Hrithik Roshan was like a storm that came into our lives. He was indeed a complete package that was required to be a hero. He was sensational and the biggest superstar the industry has ever seen and extremely hardworking. Describing Hrithik, Sanjay Leela Bhansali says, Eccentric, difficult, but he is magical.

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The best thing about Netflixs docuseries is that its very realistic and they are talking about every aspect of their life including their smallest achievements, struggles, financial insecurities. The series doesnt glorify the Roshans, rather it takes a very simple and realistic approach to their life. And the best thing is the packaging of the whole docu-series. Hrithik Roshans rise to fame with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai will make your heart thump with pride.

Rating: 3 and half out of 5

WATCH the trailer of Netflixs The Roshans here:
A Pakistan court has convicted Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The former PM has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, while his wife has received a seven-year jail term. The punishment comes in connection to the 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. But what do we know about it? read more

Imran Khan has been given a 14-year prison term. File Photo

Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

An accountability court convicted the former Pakistan prime minister in the Al-Qadir trust case.

Imrans wife Bushra Bibi was also given a seven-year jail term.

The development came after the verdict had already been deferred three times  previously on January 13.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana, announcing the verdict from a makeshift court set up in Adila jail, also announced a Rs 1 million fine for Imran and a half a million rupee fine for Bushra Bibi.

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The court further ordered the confiscation of the land of Al-Qadir University.

Khan is already in jail while Bushra was arrested from the court.

Todays verdict has tarnished the reputation of the judiciary In this case, neither I benefited nor the government lost. I dont want any relief and will face all cases, Khan said. A dictator is doing all this.

But what do we know about the case?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the case?

As per Al Jazeera, Imran and his wife were accused of obtaining land worth billions of rupees from property tycoon Malik Riaz.

It was claimed that Imran and Bushra Bibi, in exchange for the property, made a deal with Riaz that caused the national exchequer to lose Rs 50 billion.

Riaz is one of Pakistans richest and most powerful businessmen.

The deal came to light after Riaz in December 2019 made a deal with the UKs National Crime Agency to give over assets including properties in an investigation related to dirty money.

The funds were reportedly intended for the national treasury but were allegedly redirected for the personal benefit of Riaz  who helped Bibi and Khan to set up a university.

Instead of putting it in Pakistans treasury, Imrans government used the money to pay fines levied by a court against Hussain for illegal acquisition of government lands at below-market value for development in Karachi.

Riaz was alleged to have given the land in Jhelum and Islamabad to Al-Qadir Trust  a non-governmental welfare organisation set up Bushra and Imran when he was still in office  in exchange for that favour.

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While prime minister, Khan promoted the trust at official events.

The couple are the sole trustees, according to Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Former PM of Pakistan Imran Khan with wife Bushra Bibi. X/@PTIofficial

Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of benefiting from this settlement, including acquiring 458 kanals of land for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.

The trust runs a university outside Islamabad devoted to spirituality and Islamic teachings, a project inspired by the former first lady, who is also commonly known as Bushra Bibi and has a reputation as a spiritual healer.

The trust has nearly 60 acres of land worth seven billion Pakistani rupees and another large piece of land in Islamabad close to Khans hilltop home.

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The 60-acre parcel in Punjab states Jhelum district is the official site of the university but very little has been built there.

The trust received 180 million rupee ($635,144.67) for operational expenses, but records showed only 8.52 million rupees on the books.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in December 2023 filed the case against Khan (72), Bibi (50) and six others.

As per Dawn, the NAB claimed Imran pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi.

Politically motivated

As per Business Standard, Imran and Bibi were indicted in February 2024  after Pakistans general election.

However, only Khan and Bibi have been prosecuted.

Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz were among the suspects in the case. However, they were declared proclaimed offenders after absconding.

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Farhat Shahzadi, a close friend of Bushra Bibi, and Ziaul Mustafa Nasim, a legal expert for the PTI governments Assets Recovery Unit, were also declared proclaimed offenders.

Khans aides have previously said that the land was donated to the trust for charitable purposes.

Several ex-PTI leaders, including Pervez Khattak and Azam Khan, testified about the deal.

Defence production minister Zubaida Jalal said key ministers were kept in the dark about the recovered crime proceeds.

The verdict in the case was repeatedly delayed over winter vacations and procedural issues. Imran and Bushra Bibis absence from court hearings also caused postponements.

As per Dawn, Imran had called the case politically motivated.

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My political rivals have weaponised institutions to crush dissent and curb democracy, he had said.

Imran is facing dozens of cases after his ouster as prime minister in 2022.

He has been jailed since August 2023.
Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, originally from Gujarat, is on the FBIs list of 10 Most Wanted Fugitives. The agency has offered a reward of up to $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.16 crore) for information that could lead to his arrest. Who is he, and why is he on this list? read more

The FBI has previously warned that Patel is armed and extremely dangerous. Image courtesy: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is searching for 34-year-old Indian national Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel.

Originally from Gujarat, Patel has been on the FBIs list of 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and has avoided arrest for nearly a decade.

ALSO READ | What are Kash Patels plans to reshape the FBI?

In a social media post, the FBI said, WANTEDconsidered armed and extremely dangerous! Help the #FBI find one of our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. If you have any information on Patel, a 34-year-old wanted for the violent murder of his wife, contact the FBI.

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The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for any information leading to Patels capture.

WANTEDconsidered armed and extremely dangerous! Help the #FBI find one of our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel.



If you have any information on Patel, a 34-year-old wanted for the violent murder of his wife, contact the FBI. https://t.co/f4NEKw2Rvi pic.twitter.com/9TvpMPlIEp  FBI (@FBI) January 15, 2025

Who is Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, and why is he on the FBIs Most Wanted Fugitives List?

1. Born in Gujarat, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel worked alongside his wife, Palak Patel, at a doughnut shop in Maryland, US.

2. Patel, whose last known location was Newark, New Jersey, is accused of killing Palak by striking her multiple times with an object while they were at work.

3. The incident occurred during a night shift, with customers present, and was captured on CCTV. The footage shows the couple heading towards the kitchen area before disappearing from view.

4. Patel has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure.

5. On April 20, 2015, a federal arrest warrant was issued in Maryland after Patel was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

ALSO READ | Why was Vikash Yadav, wanted by FBI in Pannun murder plot, arrested in Delhi last year?

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6. According to a 2017 FBI press release, Patel and his wife worked the night shift at a doughnut shop owned by one of his relatives.

7. Investigators allege that Patel killed his wife, then 21 years old, in the back room of the shop shortly before midnight on April 12, 2015. He reportedly stabbed her multiple times and fled through the rear door.

8. The FBI has previously warned that Patel is armed and extremely dangerous.

Patel and his wife worked the night shift at a doughnut shop. Image courtesy: FBI

9. After the murder, a customer entering the shop became suspicious when no one responded to take his order. He alerted a police officer, who found Palaks body.

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10. Recognising Patel as an international flight risk, local authorities sought FBI assistance. Days after the murder, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Patel, charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

ALSO READ | Who is Mayushi Bhagat, the Indian who appears on FBIs worst kidnapping list?

Where is Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel?

According to the FBI, investigators believe that Palak wanted to return to India as their visas had expired a month before the incident, but her husband opposed the idea.

The best guess is that he didnt want her to leave, Special Agent Jonathan Shaffer from the FBIs Baltimore Division said.

Its possible he thought he would be disgraced by her leaving and returning to India.

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The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for any information leading to Patels capture. Image courtesy: FBI

Investigators suspect that Patel may be staying with distant relatives in the US or that he fled to Canada.

Or he could have travelled through Canada back to India, Shaffer added in a 2017 press release.

Initially, the FBI announced a reward of USD 100,000 for information leading to Patels arrest. However, after he was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, the reward was increased to USD 250,000.

Special Agent Gordon B Johnson explained that Patel was given a spot on the FBIs Top Ten List since he committed extremely violent crimes.

The ongoing efforts of our investigators, coupled with the publics assistance, will lead to the capture of Bhadreshkumar Patel. We will never forget and will not rest until he is located, captured, and brought to justice, he added.

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With inputs from agencies
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two nations. Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will appear before the Senate for her confirmation hearing. Heres what else is happening today read more

Friday promises to be eventful, with several activities planned for the day.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow.

Kristi Noem, US President-elect Donald Trumps pick for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is due to appear before the Senate for her confirmation hearing.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the Delhi assembly elections is today, and several leaders are expected to file their papers.

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Moreover, a delegation from the Kuki-Zo Council is scheduled to meet officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi.

Here are some of the important events that are set to take place today:

Iran, Russia to sign key agreement

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to finalise a wide-ranging partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan, Russia. Reuters/File Photo

The Kremlin announced that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement will be signed during Pezeshkians visit to Moscow on Friday.

In its statement, the Kremlin mentioned that discussions will also focus on expanding trade and strengthening cooperation in transport, logistics, and humanitarian efforts, along with addressing  acute issues on the regional and international agenda.

Pezeshkians visit comes just three days before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to mediate a peace deal concerning Ukraine.

Kristi Noems Senate confirmation hearing

Kristi Noem, nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is set to attend her Senate confirmation hearing today.

Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem in Washington, US. Reuters/File Photo

The South Dakota governor, a former congresswoman and rancher, will appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. If confirmed, she would lead one of the largest federal agencies, central to Trumps agenda of strengthening border security and implementing a large-scale deportation programme.

ALSO READ | The many controversies of Kristi Noem, Donald Trumps pick for homeland security secretary

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The Homeland Security secretary position requires Senate approval.

With Trumps administration focusing heavily on immigration policies, his national security appointments have reflected this priority.

Today marks the final day for filing nominations for the Delhi assembly elections. So far, several leaders, including AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, and BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri, have completed the process.

ALSO READ | Delhi Assembly polls: Can Arvind Kejriwals AAP pull off a hat-trick?

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi have already filed their nominations. Image courtesy: PTI

The elections for the Delhi assembly will take place in a single phase on February 5, with the vote counting scheduled for February 8. Scrutiny of nominations is set for January 18, while candidates have until January 20 to withdraw their nominations.

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The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced massive setbacks in the last two assembly elections, failing to secure even a single seat. In comparison, the AAP dominated the 2020 elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed only eight.

Kuki-Zo council to meet MHA officials in a first

In a potentially historic move to address the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur, a delegation from the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) is scheduled to meet Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials in New Delhi today.

Ginza Vualzong, a spokesperson for the council, which represents several major organisations within the Kuki-Zo community, told Deccan Herald, This is going to be the first meeting between the MHA officials and the Kuki-Zo organisations. Although the time and venue has not yet been finalised, all I can confirm is that our team will be endorsing the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Fronts (UPF) demand, which is separation from the Manipur government run by the Meiteis."

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The KZC, a coalition of 13 organisations from the Kuki-Zo tribal community, along with 10 tribal MLAs, has been calling for a separate administrative setup equivalent to Union Territory status.

With inputs from agencies
Today, January 17, is remembered in history as the day Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny set foot in Moscow after five months in Germany followed by his arrest at the Sheremetyevo Airport in 2021. In 1991, Ireland granted its first divorce. Heres what took place on this day read more

Alexei Navalny was detained shortly after landing at Moscows Sheremetyevo airport. The arrest provoked condemnation from several European and world powers. Illustration: Santanu Kumar Santan

For those looking to take a history trip, January 17 holds significance as several important events took place on this day.

In 2021, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny returned to his home country from Germany following which he was arrested.

On this day, Ireland granted its first divorce in 1997. Meanwhile, the character of Popeye made its debut in the comic strip Thimble Theatre.

As part of Firstpost Explainers History Today series, we look into defining moments of this day and their impact on the world.

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Alexei Navalny arrested on his return from Germany

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was returning to his homeland on January 17, 2021, when he was arrested by Russian officials. He was arrested at Moscows Sheremetyevo Airport after spending five months recovering from being poisoned with a nerve agent Novichok.

Navalny knew he was to be arrested as Russian authorities had broadcast this on state media in a bid to keep him out of the country. His flight, originally scheduled to land at Vnukovo Airport, was diverted to Sheremetyevo Airport, where he was detained by Russian authorities shortly after landing.

Navalny was accused of violating the terms of a suspended sentence from a prior fraud case, which he and his supporters deemed politically motivated.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen via a video link to a courtroom in Moscow. File image/AP

He was then sentenced to serve a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges in an Arctic penal colony. Later, his death on February 16, 2024 at age 47 drew widespread condemnation, with many blaming Putin.

Protests erupted across Russia in the days following, with thousands taking to the streets to demand his freedom.

Ireland granted first divorce in 1997

In 1997, Ireland granted its first divorce. This came after a 1995 referendum where Irish citizens voted to amend the constitution to allow for divorce.

The referendum narrowly passed with 50.3 per cent of voters in favour, leading to the Fifteenth Amendment of the Irish Constitution. This change allowed for divorce under specific conditions, including that spouses had been living apart for at least four of the previous five years, there was no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, and proper provision was made for dependents.

The divorce was granted to a man in his late 60s and terminally ill. He wanted to divorce his wife and marry his lover, who he had been living with for several months. According to reports, the divorce was without any bitterness.

The granting of the first divorce in 1997 symbolised a new era, reflecting evolving attitudes toward marriage and family law in Ireland.

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Popeye makes his debut

In 1929, Popeye the Sailor Man made his debut in the comic strip Thimble Theatre, created by Elzie Crisler Segar. Initially, Thimble Theatre revolved around the Oyl family, particularly Olive Oyl and her brother Castor Oyl. However, the introduction of Popeye, a rough-around-the-edges sailor with a heart of gold, quickly shifted the spotlight to him.

Popeyes character has a trademark spinach-fueled strength and gravelly voice that made him an instant hit with readers. The comics popularity soared, leading to Popeye becoming the central character of the strip.

In the 1930s, Popeye transitioned to the screen, appearing in animated shorts produced by Fleischer Studios. These cartoons further cemented his place in popular culture along with characters like Bluto, his rival for Olive Oyls affection, and Wimpy, the hamburger-loving friend.

The animated series popularised Popeyes love for spinach, portraying it as the source of his superhuman strength which significantly boosted spinach consumption among children in the United States.

This Day, That Year

In 1991, Herald V became the king of Norway following the death of his father, Olav V.

American-born chess player Bobby Fischer, the youngest grandmaster in history when he received the title in 1958, died at the age of 64 in Iceland.

American professional boxer Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942.
Atma Prem Giri Maharaj, known as Muscular Baba, is turning heads at Prayagrajs Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The 7-feet-tall Russian embraced Sanatan Dharma 30 years ago and has since dedicated his life to promoting Hinduism read more

Devotees from around the globe are attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Amid the chants and calm dips at the Triveni Sangam, several sadhus have gained attention for their remarkable stories and unique features.

ALSO READ | The seer who rides a Harley, an IITian baba: Meet the ascetics turning heads at Maha Kumbh Mela

From the former engineer IIT Baba to the intriguing Chai Wale Baba, the Maha Kumbh Mela has drawn pilgrims and saints from across India and beyond to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

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One sadhu who stands out this year is Atma Prem Giri Maharaj, whose impressive physique has earned him the title muscular baba.

Heres a closer look at his story:

Who is Muscular Baba?

Atma Prem Giri Maharaj, fondly called Muscular Baba, is known for his towering height and remarkable physique.

The 7-foot muscular baba wears simple saffron robes, a rudraksha mala and carries a large bag over his shoulder.

The name of the person in the photo is Elesky Garcin, now Atma Prem Giri. The height of this Russian citizen is 7 feet.



After accepting Sanatan Dharma, this saint spent 30 years in penance in a cave in Nepal. His body reflected the radiance of Parashuram.



 pic.twitter.com/f0Kp7PZ1XK  shawon kumar (@shawonkumar664) January 15, 2025

The Muscular Baba gained widespread attention when Instagram user Kevin Bubriski posted his picture, leading to comparisons to a modern-day incarnation of Lord Parshuram.

Known for his strength and warrior-like traits, Lord Parshuram is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Videos and photos of the sadhu at the Maha Kumbh Mela, dressed in his saffron attire with his jhola, quickly went viral on social media. Many users shared the images, with the comments section filled with chants of Har Har Mahadev.

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ALSO READ | All roads lead to Maha Kumbh: Rs 40,000 for stay, 162% jump in flight bookings to Prayagraj

Atma Prem Giri Maharajs life journey

Atma Prem Giri, originally from Russia, embraced Sanatan Dharma 30 years ago and has since devoted his life to promoting Hinduism. According to an NDTV report, he left his teaching profession to fully pursue spiritual practices.

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This 7-foot-tall #Russian, formerly known as Elesky Garcin, now goes by #Atma Prem Giri. He meditated for 30 years in Nepal's #caves, radiating #Parashuram's energy.



Drawn to #Sanatan Dharma's glory, he embraced it wholeheartedly. May its message spread worldwide.  pic.twitter.com/zAWFUK5l7B  Hindu Voice BD  (@HinduVoice24) January 15, 2025

Now based in Nepal, Giri dedicates his time to spreading Hinduism and is a member of the Juna Akhara, one of the leading Hindu monastic orders.

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Presently in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, Giri has drawn massive attention due to his impressive physique and radiant presence.

In addition to his spiritual pursuits, Atma Prem Giri is passionate about fitness and spends hours working out.

More babas create their mark: Meet IIT Baba

Baba Abhay Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, has a background in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. However, his journey towards spirituality, as he describes it, was not a matter of choice but an irresistible pull, an inclination that led him to the deep rhythms of devotion and service.

Ahead of Maha Kumbh 2025, he reflected on the mysterious forces that guided his spiritual journey, stating that devotion was not always a conscious decision, but rather an unspoken connection that surpassed logic and reason.

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#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP: #MahaKumbh2025 | Baba Abhay Singh who is from Juna Akhada and was also an IIT student once, says, " I come from Haryana, I went to IIT, then changed to Arts from Engineering, that also didn't work so I kept changing and later I arrived at the final truth. pic.twitter.com/Li6EwgCXbU  ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025

In an interview with ANI, Baba Abhay Singh shared his transition to the path of Bhakti. He said, I was born in Haryanas Jhajjar. I did my schooling there, then I started preparing for JE, after which I went to IIT Mumbai for Aerospace Engineering. Life took different turns, changed my path from engineering to arts, and kept changing my paths until I came to the final truth, thats how I would like to describe it.

He added, It was after I found my searching in bhakti that I realised that all the sanskratik gyan of Bharat  all the Natyashastra, has all been made by keeping this Adhyatma in the focal point. It is all dependent on this. The whole system is designed depending on this. What is Adhyatma for you, if I just sit and meditate all by myself then it is Adhyatma, many sages sit all by themselves in dhyan and chintan and you will receive the gyan prapti.

ALSO READ | In Graphics: What does it take to host the Maha Kumbh Mela?

Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the worlds largest and most significant religious events, is taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

A Sadhvi takes a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Reuters

Held in Prayagraj, the event marks the completion of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles, occurring once every 144 years. The main focus of the event is the Shahi Snan, or holy dip, a key ritual for the attendees.

The grand gathering is expected to attract 450 million devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from across the globe.

Important snaan dates to note include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

With inputs from agencies
As TikTok nears a US ban, millions of users are turning to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app. But concerns about censorship, data security, and ties to Beijing mirror TikToks scrutiny. Could RedNote face the same fate? read more

In US, TikTok users flock to Xiaohongshu or RedNote Chinas Instagram ahead of ban. Source: Reuters.

As TikTok faces an impending ban in the United States due to national security concerns, millions of its users are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese-owned social media platform also known as Xiaohongshu in China.

However, RedNotes rapid rise to popularity has sparked concerns that it might face the same scrutiny as TikTok, given its similarities in ownership and potential vulnerabilities to Chinese government influence.

With TikToks US ban initially set to take effect on January 19, driven by fears that its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance poses a risk to national security, millions of Americans have begun migrating to alternatives.

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RedNote has emerged as a clear frontrunner, with nearly three million US users joining in a single day earlier this week, according to analytics firm Similarweb.

Before this surge, RedNote had fewer than 700,000 daily active users in the US, a number that skyrocketed as TikToks ban approached. The apps sudden popularity also pushed it to the top of app store download charts, outpacing other alternatives like Lemon8, another ByteDance-owned app.

The migration highlights a critical issue: while users may be abandoning TikTok over its ties to China, they are flocking to another app owned by a Chinese company, Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, potentially perpetuating the same risks.

Does RedNote have any national security implications?

The rise of RedNote has raised alarms among US lawmakers and cybersecurity experts. A US official told CBS News that RedNote could face the same fate as TikTok if it is deemed a national security threat.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law last April, allows the government to compel foreign-owned platforms with over 1 million active US users to divest their operations or face a ban if deemed a security risk.

Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at Nord VPN, expressed concerns about RedNotes lack of data protections compared to TikTok. Unlike TikTok, which stores user data on US-based servers, RedNotes data is reportedly stored on servers in China, placing it squarely under Beijings jurisdiction.

RedNote was never meant for outside of the China market. All of the data sharing and all the servers to which the data is being shared is in China, Warmenhoven told CBS News. This, he added, makes RedNote exempt from data protection laws that could offer oversight to the US government.

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Is RedNote also censored?

Another significant concern is RedNotes content moderation practices, which appear to reflect strict Chinese censorship standards. Unlike TikTok, where users can express diverse political opinions, searches for terms like Xi Jinping, Free Hong Kong, or Taiwan on RedNote yield little to no results.

A CBS News analysis revealed that RedNote actively suppresses politically sensitive topics, aligning with Beijings censorship policies.

A social media influencer films a video for his new Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, after leaving TikTok, in Times Square in New York City, US, January 16, 2025. File Image/Reuters

The apps censorship practices extend to its algorithm, which reportedly limits the spread of politically or socially sensitive issues. Warmenhoven stated that users are not going to a place with more freedom by switching to RedNote. The app, he noted, moderates content differently and prioritises narratives aligned with Chinese government interests.

In response to its growing US user base, RedNote has begun scaling up its censorship infrastructure. Job postings in mainland China advertise positions for English content moderators, offering monthly salaries between $950 and $1,200. This move suggests that the platform is preparing to tighten its grip on content as its global audience expands.

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Is Beijing involved with RedNote?

Experts warn that RedNotes ties to a Chinese company make it susceptible to potential exploitation by the Chinese government. Chinas laws grant the government significant control over domestic tech companies, including access to user data and oversight of algorithms.

If the Chinese government can take personal data from your phone for TikTok, it can take your data for RedNote, one expert noted. While not every Chinese company operates under full government control at all times, the risk of coercion remains a central concern.

Warmenhoven also highlighted the challenges posed by RedNotes Mandarin-language terms and conditions, which many non-Chinese-speaking users may not fully understand. This lack of transparency further complicates the platforms growing presence in the US.

Will RedNote face a ban?

The question of whether RedNote will face the same fate as TikTok hinges on several factors, including the apps growing user base and its potential to serve as a vehicle for Chinese influence. National security experts argue that the larger an apps audience, the greater the risk it poses.

Some analysts believe that the US governments approach to regulating Chinese tech platforms must go beyond binary decisions to ban or allow specific apps. A more nuanced framework could address broader concerns about data security and covert foreign influence.

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However, the legal and political challenges surrounding such actions remain complex. TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has challenged the US ban on constitutional grounds, arguing that it violates free speech protections.

A Supreme Court ruling on the matter is pending, and its outcome could influence how future cases, including RedNote, are handled.

With inputs from agencies
Indian-origin Sai Varshith Kandula has been sentenced to eight years in prison for ramming his car into the gates of the White House in May 2023. Here is all you should know about the 21-year-old who wanted to establish dictatorship in the US read more

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for ramming a truck in the White House gates in 2023. His goal - to eliminate the US president and seize control.

On May 22, 2023, Sai Varshith Kandula rammed his car, a U-haul truck, into the security barricades on the north side of the Lafayette Park entrance of the White House. During the investigation, he told authorities that he wanted to overthrow democracy in the US and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi Germany.

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Nearly two years after the incident, he has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Here is what you should know about the 21-year-old man.

Who is Sai Varshith Kandula?

A resident of Chesterfield, Missouri, Kandula flew from St. Louis to Dulles International Airport on a one-way ticket. He rented a truck just hours before crashing it into the White House entrance, reported NBC News.

He drove the vehicle onto a sidewalk outside the White House and into a metal barrier just north of the White House, according to court documents. Kandula put the truck into reverse and crashed into the barrier a second time before United States Park Police officers took him into custody, according to a statement filed by a Secret Service agent, NBC News reported.

Kandula is seen with a Nazi flag once he was ordered down by the United States Park Police. File image/AP

When the vehicle started smoking up from the crash, he took out a Nazi Swastika flag from his backpack and began waving it around till the US Park Police and Secret Service arrested him.

He wanted to eliminate the democratic process in America and replace the government with a Nazi-style dictatorship, prosecutors said.

Why was he carrying a Nazi flag?

Following his arrest, he confessed that he saw the Nazis as great leaders and that Nazis have a great history, hence he bought the Nazi Swastika flag. He specifically praised Adolf Hitler. And it wasnt just words  when his truck was disabled in the attack, the first thing he did was unfurl the flag of Nazi Germany, prosecutors wrote.

After Kandulas arrest, two psychologists diagnosed him with schizophrenia, according to defence attorney Scott Rosenblum. Both also believe his illness led directly to his offence, the lawyer wrote. Rosenblum said Kandulas conviction will likely result in his deportation to India.

How long is Kandulas prison sentence?

Kandula has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his violent act. US District Judge Dabney Friedrich also sentenced Kandula to three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered him to pay nearly $57,000 (Rs 49.35 lakhs) in restitution, according to court records.

Rosenblum said Kandula was suffering from schizophrenia and was overwhelmed by delusional thoughts, including his belief that a reptilian race had installed a puppet regime to operate the US

Hes amenable to treatment, understands its necessity, and recognises an illness produced by the acts that led to his current circumstances, Rosenblum wrote.

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Authorities didnt find any weapons, ammunition or explosives in his possession. But prosecutors said the attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump at a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania shows that individuals who carry such destructive intent are capable of inflicting serious damage to the American political system.

With inputs from agencies
Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an intruder who entered his house and allegedly confronted one of the actors maids. New details reveal that the attacker approached the room of Khan and Kareena Kapoors son, Jeh, and demanded 1 crore when spotted by the nanny. Mumbai Police has now detained a suspect in connection with the case read more

Thursday morning started with the shocking news of an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home in Mumbai.

The incident took place during what is believed to be a burglary attempt, leaving the actor with multiple deep injuries.

ALSO READ | Knife piece removed from spine, attacker knew maid: What initial findings in Saif Ali Khan attack case reveal

Preliminary investigations indicate the intruder entered the room of Khan and his wife, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khans youngest son.

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Carrying a knife and a stick, the attacker injured the actor, members of his staff, and the childs nanny before escaping.

A man detained in Mumbai earlier on Friday, initially reported as a suspect as per several reports, was later found to have no connection with the case, according to the police. A senior Mumbai Police officer told NDTV that the person, who was taken to Bandra Police Station for questioning, had no links to the Saif Ali Khan case. The officer added that no one has been detained or arrested in connection with the case.

What happened at Saif Ali Khans house?

Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 12th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident took place when the intruder allegedly confronted one of the actors maids.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Visuals from outside 'Satguru Sharan' building which houses the actor's apartment in Mumbai's Bandra



Actor Saif Ali Khan was injured during a scuffle with an intruder at home, and police investigating the incident. pic.twitter.com/ELPENw98Ww  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

As Saif tried to intervene and control the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, leaving the actor with multiple stab wounds.

Police investigations suggest the attacker entered Khans residence with a plan to carry out a burglary. Police sources told NDTV that the intruder initially entered the compound of the adjacent building before scaling a wall to reach the actors building. From there, he used the rear staircase to access the floor where Saifs flat is located. The intruder reportedly entered the apartment via a fire escape.

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Several media reports revealed that the first person to notice the intruder was one of Khans house helps, who spotted him around 2 am. Her scream alerted Saif, who rushed to respond. A scuffle followed, during which the intruder stabbed the actor six times before fleeing the scene.

CCTV footage helped police identify the intruders escape route. It showed the attacker fleeing via the staircase. A screen grab of the suspect - wearing a brown collared shirt and a red scarf - has since gone viral.

Sub-Inspector Suraj Irakte told The Times of India, The suspect appears to have entered earlier in the night and hid within the premises before launching the attack. Weve formed ten teams to track him down.

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Police and forensic officials outside Saif Ali Khans residential building in Mumbai. AP

A police officer mentioned that the family had locked the attacker inside one of the rooms. However, the intruder managed to escape through a window.

Police teams are actively searching for the accused and are questioning the three house helps present during the incident to decide whether they had any connection with the attacker.

Attacker demanded Rs 1 crore

The entire family, including Saif Ali Khan, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their sons Jeh (four years old) and Taimur (eight years old), were at home in their 12th-floor Bandra apartment when the attack occurred. The five house helps were also present at the time of the incident.

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Jehs nanny, Eliyama Philip, who first saw the intruder, revealed that the attacker demanded Rs 1 crore.

In her statement, Philip recalled waking up around 2 am after hearing a noise and spotting a man moving towards the sleeping child.

I sat up to see who was in the bathroom I saw a thin and short man come out and go towards Jehs bed, Philip told police in a statement that forms the basis of the FIR, according to PTI.

The man warned her, saying, Koi awaz nahin (dont make any noise).

During the scuffle, he attacked Philip with the blade, injuring her wrist, according to the statement. When she asked him what he wanted, the man said he needed Rs 1 crore.

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Hearing her screams, Khan and Kareena rushed out of their room. Philip described the intruder as a man between 35-40 years old. He then attacked Saif with the knife. Another house help raised an alarm during the commotion, causing the intruder to flee.

Police and media personnel outside Lilavati hospital where Saif Ali Khan underwent surgery in Mumbai. AP

A case has been registered under sections related to robbery, trespassing, and grievous hurt caused while committing lurking house-trespass. Twenty police teams have been formed to catch the accused.

Investigators are questioning two individuals who were carrying out flooring work on the terrace of the building. Police also recovered a 2.5-inch fragment of the knife removed from Khans spine.

ALSO READ | Saif Ali Khan had a spinal fluid leak after knife attack: Is it dangerous?

Who is the attacker?

The staff described the intruder as a man of dark complexion, slim build, around 35-40 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and dressed in dark pants and a shirt with a cap, India Today said in a report.

A screen grab of the suspect - wearing a brown collared shirt and a red scarf - has since gone viral. PTI

Police said that the suspect was last seen running on the sixth floor of the building. He was not captured on the lobbys CCTV cameras either entering or exiting. After the sixth floor, his whereabouts remain unknown, and he was not seen leaving through the main entrance.

Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. A team of doctors performed surgery due to a serious injury to his thoracic spinal cord, caused by the knife.

According to doctors, the surgery involved removing a 2.5-inch knife fragment and repairing his leaking spinal fluid. While doctors confirmed that Saif is out of danger, he remains under close observation. Post-surgery, he was moved to the ICU for recovery.

There were two other deep wounds in his left hand and on the right side of his neck, which were repaired by the plastic surgery team, Dr Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon who led the operation, told PTI.

Kareena Kapoors public statement

On Thursday night, Kareena Kapoor Khan released a public statement requesting privacy for their family following the incident.

It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage, she wrote.

Kapoor added, The constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request your cooperation during this sensitive time.

The incident, which shook Mumbai and beyond, has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced even by well-guarded public figures.

With inputs from agencies
X is abuzz with unfounded rumours about a possible divorce between former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. These speculations arose after the former first lady decided to ditch the President-elect Donald Trumps upcoming inauguration read more

Rumours have spread about former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's possible divorce. File Photo/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports

Social media is abuzz with speculations about the personal life of the Obamas. The absence of Michelle Obama, the former United States first lady, from two high-profile public events has sparked unfounded rumours about a possible divorce from her husband and ex-President, Barack Obama.

Michelle has previously opened up about her marital ups and downs. However, she has talked about perseverance that helped navigate those discords with Barack. Then why are tongues wagging about the power couples possible divorce now?

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Lets take a look.

What fuelled Obamas divorce rumours

Tweets speculating if the Obamas are headed for a divorce cropped up after reports of Michelle skipping the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday (January 20) came to light.

Her office said on Tuesday, Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.

It did not offer an explanation as to why she would be absent from the inauguration, which is traditionally attended by former presidents and their spouses.

This is the second high-profile event involving Trump in recent weeks that Michelle Obama has refused to attend.

Last week, the former first lady did not accompany her husband, Barack, to the funeral of former US president Jimmy Carter.

Her absence was chalked up to a scheduling conflict, with CNN reporting she had decided to stay in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation instead. Notably, as per protocol, Michelle

would have been seated next to Trump, noted New York Times (NYT).

The President-elects conversation with Barack at Carters funeral attracted eyeballs.

The former first lady is not the only one to buck tradition. Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, had skipped President Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021 after the Republican made baseless claims that the presidential election was stolen from him.

Divorce rumours abuzz

Michelle Obamas absence from two key public events has fuelled divorce rumours on social media.

Many X users are speculating about her personal life.

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One commented, Sounds like an Obama divorce is on the horizon, weve all seen it, they stop attending functions together [sic].

I think Barack and Michelle Obama are heading for divorce, said another.

A third wrote, I think more attention should be paid to Baracks apparent disappointment in his wife. Separation? Divorce? Wheres the united front?

Others said Michelle Obama skipping Trumps inauguration aligns with her political stance. Michelle Obama is making a political statement, not a personal one, a user asserted.

While divorce rumours swirl, a source familiar with the Obamas circle told Page Six that Michelle not attending Trumps inauguration was deliberate.

Shes never been fake and shes never been phony. Shes always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up, the source said.

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She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesnt have to unify around [Trump]. She doesnt have to say anything. Her absence speaks volumes, they added.

Michelle Obamas disdain for Trump is widely known. She wrote in her 2018 memoir Becoming that she had never forgiven the Republican leader for propagating the lie that her husband was not a US citizen.

A source cited by People said, Theres no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. Shes not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake.

Obamas relationship

Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson in 1989 at the Sidley Austin law firm in Chicago. She was his senior advisor for the first three months after he joined. Soon, the two started dating and eventually tied the knot in 1992.

Barack and Michelle have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

The couple has been open about their marital struggles over the years. In his memoir A Promised Land, Barack wrote: Despite Michelles success and popularity, I continued to sense an undercurrent of tension in her, subtle but constant, like the faint thrum of a hidden machine.

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Former US President Barack Obama reacts as he stands next to former first lady Michelle Obamas official White House portrait, painted by Sharon Sprung, in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, US, September, 7, 2022. File Photo/Reuters

During an appearance on the podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Michelle gave an insight into how the duo deals with disagreements in their marriage.

Its the choice to figure it out, not to quit when it gets hard. So yeah, I said something that I didnt mean to say, right? Year five, we mightve had hurt feelings and it would have taken days to rectify it. Year 30, its like, Ah, there she goes again, or there he goes again. I know how to talk to him about it and when, because weve practiced it.

While conspiracy theories targeting the Obamas are not new, the power couple continue to inspire many with their steadfast relationship.

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With inputs from agencies
The Moon has been added to the list of heritage places under threat by the World Monuments Fund (WMF)  a non-profit that puts out a list every two years of cultural heritage sites it deems under threat due to war and climate change. But why is it under threat? read more

The nomination of the Moon was made by the International Scientific Committee on Aerospace Heritage of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)  a non-governmental group dedicated to the conservation of the world's monuments and sites. Image courtesy: Pixabay/Representational

The Moon is now under threat.

It may sound like the plot of a Hollywood movie, but its not.

The Moon has been added to the list of heritage sites under threat in 2025.

But what do we know? Why is this happening?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know?

According to Space.com, the Moon was added to the list of heritage places under threat by the World Monuments Fund (WMF).

The WMF calls itself the leading independent organisation devoted to safeguarding the worlds most treasured places.

The World Monuments Fund added 25 new sites in 29 countries across five continents to their 2025 World Monuments Watch.

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Among the other sites that are listed are Antakya in Turkiye, the Swahili Coast of Africa, the Chapel of the Sorbonne in France, the Buddhist grottoes of Maijishan and Yungang in China and the lighthouses of Maine in the US.

As per the Smithsonian, the non-profit every two years puts out a list of cultural heritage sites it deems endangered due to war and climate change.

The 2025 list saw more than 200 nominations undergo extreme vetting.

The nomination of the Moon was made by the International Scientific Committee on Aerospace Heritage of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)  a non-governmental group dedicated to the conservation of the worlds monuments and sites.

The final decision to add the Moon to the list of endangered heritage places was made by an independent panel of international heritage experts.

The moon seems so far outside of our scope, World Monuments Fund president and CEO Benedicte de Montlaur told The New York Times. But with humans venturing more and more into space, we think it is the right time to get ourselves organised.

As per Newsweek, the WMF has given over $120 million to 350 sites on its watch list.

It has also raised another $300 million for sites due to the awareness generated by the watch list.

But why the Moon?

As per Space.com, the idea behind this is to manufacture international consensus to safeguard humanitys legacy on the Moon.

Both humans and robots have explored the surface of the Moon and left several objects there  such as the astronauts footprints during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, the flag of the United States, the TV camera that broadcast mans first steps on the Moon and a memorial disk left by astronauts.

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The Tranquility Base alone, where astronauts first walked during Apollo 11, has over 100 artifacts.

Places like Tranquility Base represent remarkable science and engineering milestones rooted in millennia of astronomical study and remain a source of growing scientific knowledge, the World Monuments Fund was quoted as saying by the Smithsonian.

These landing sites also mark moments that stirred the collective imagination and inspired a sense of global wonder and shared accomplishment.

The idea is to put in place safeguards to protect these precious objects and the sites where humanity has left its mark.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot for Apollo 11, poses for a photograph beside the deployed United States flag during an extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Moon, 20 July 1969. Travelling to the Moon is difficult and arduous with several hurdles on the way. File image/Reuters

For the first time, the moon is included on the Watch to reflect the urgent need to recognise and preserve the artifacts that testify to humanitys first steps beyond Earth  a defining moment in our shared history, Montlaur told Space.com.

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Montlaur said there are hundreds of other articles which reflected humanitys legacy.

As per Smithsonian, the move came on the same day that a SpaceX rocket launched from Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida to put two private robotic landers on the Moon.

It also noted that Nasa through its Artemis programme wants to send people back to the Moon by 2025  and even construct a permanent base there.

The outlet also pointed to the increasing amount of space junk near the Moon as well as the nascent space tourism market.

It quoted experts as saying all this could conceivably destroy historic sites on the Moon.

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The World Monument Fund says over 90 sites on the Moons surface that showcase some of humankinds most extraordinary feats of courage and ingenuity could be in danger.

Exploitative visitation, souveniring, and looting by future missions and private lunar exploration could eventually compromise this truly unique cultural heritage, removing artifacts and forever erasing iconic prints and tracks from the Moons surface, the WMF has warned.

Yet, they face mounting risks amidst accelerating lunar activities, undertaken without adequate preservation protocols, de Montlaur said. The inclusion of the moon underscores the universal need for proactive and cooperative strategies to protect heritage  whether on Earth or beyond  that reflect and safeguard our collective narrative.

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With inputs from agencies
After ironing out all the details, Israel and Hamas have signed off on the ceasefire deal. However, implementing the truce, which will see a hostage-prisoner swap on Sunday, could be pushed to Monday. Heres why read more

People walk past an installation consisting of a clock counting the time hostages held in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas operatives have spent in captivity, set up on a square outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, now informally called the "Hostages Square", in Tel Aviv. AFP

Will the muchly anticipated Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal not be implemented on Sunday (January 19), as previously announced? That has been the biggest question everyones been asking since Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the Cabinet vote on the agreement.

Earlier, on Wednesday (January 15), the United States and Qatar, who mediated the negotiations, announced that an agreement had been reached to put a pause on the 15-month-long war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas October 2023 attack and that it would come into effect on Sunday (January 19).

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The truce that will be implemented in three phases  the first seeing an exchange of 33 hostages held by Hamas in return for Palestinian prisoners  comes after months-long negotiations, discussions and over 46,000 deaths.

However, it seems that the implementation of this truce is now in limbo as Netanyahus Cabinet is yet to vote on it  it was initially planned for Thursday morning  and some report that the vote may not take place until Saturday night, in a blow to hopes that the ceasefire would take effect Sunday.

But whats behind the delay? And will peace evade the region? Heres what we found out.

Deal signed off, but no vote until Saturday

While the US and Qatar announced the ceasefire deal, Israels Benjamin Netanyahu chose to remain mum, saying that he wouldnt comment until all details were ironed out.

As people began celebrating and cheering the announcement of a truce, Netanyahu said on Thursday (January 16) that a last-minute crisis with Hamas was preventing the approval of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages.

Netanyahus office said his Cabinet wont meet to approve the agreement until Hamas backs down. Without elaborating, Netanyahus office accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the deal in an attempt to gain further concessions.

Shortly after the US and Qatar announced a truce on Wednesday, people began celebrating. Reuters

Speaking on the same, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that there had been a loose end between the sides in the complex negotiations. Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told an interview with Al-Araby TV that there was no basis to Netanyahus claims and that they remained committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators.

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However, progress was made the following day with Netanyahus office confirming that the Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams had signed a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Doha. As per a Times of Israel report, the Israeli negotiating team called Netanyahu to inform him the deal was reached, with the premier thanking them for their efforts.

Netanyahus office further announced that he would convene a security Cabinet meet for today (January 17) in order to hold a vote on the deal. But, the full Cabinet meeting is not slated to take place until Saturday night. No explanation was provided as to why the security Cabinet and full Cabinet could not be called before sundown on Friday.

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People walk past posters of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas. Theres now a slight possibility that the hostage swap wont take place until Monday as opposed to Sunday. Reuters

Possible delay in implementation

If Netanyahu does hold the full Cabinet meet on Saturday, it is likely that the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire wont come into effect on Sunday, as earlier announced, but on Monday (January 20).

The reason is that once the list of Palestinian prisoners is published, opponents, as per Israeli law, have 48 hours to petition against these releases to the Supreme Court. If the list is released on Friday after Netanyahu meets his security Cabinet, those opposed to the release of prisoners would have no time to appeal as many of them are religious and observe the Sabbath  which is followed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

What this means is that the 24-hour grace period for petition filing wont conclude until late on Sunday evening, and so it would appear that the ceasefire will not come into force until Monday.

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A Channel 12 report quoting judicial sources, however, noted that the formal 48-hour period for petitions could be reduced. But as of now, the Prime Ministers Office was not persuaded to do so.

Divisions within Netanyahus government

This news comes as Netanyahu sees a wide division within his government. Earlier, Israels minister of national security Itamar Ben Gvir said his party would withdraw from Israels governing coalition if the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal goes through. This deal teaches them (Hamas) that they can take hostages and attack, and at the end of the day, they can get what they want, he said in a news conference Thursday.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has opposed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, threatening to resign if it is agreed upon. Reuters

He had also called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him. Smotrich is a member of another far-right party, the Religious Zionism Party. This party has also said it would withdraw support for Netanyahus government.

And even some members of Netanyahus Likud party are against the ceasefire deal. Amichai Chikli, minister of diaspora and combating antisemitism, has said he will quit if the country withdraws from the Philadelphi corridor, as outlined in phase one of the ceasefire agreement.

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But Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Netanyahu not to be afraid or intimidated, saying the priority is to implement a ceasefire and hostage release deal. I say to Benjamin Netanyahu, dont be afraid or intimidated, you will get every safety net you need to make the hostage deal. This is more important than any disagreement weve ever had, Lapid said in a post on X on Thursday.

An electronic billboard beams an image of US President-elect Donald Trump and references his threat to unleash hell if hostages held in Gaza are not freed until his inauguration in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP

Trump fumes

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump, who has taken credit for the ceasefire deal, warned that the truce better be finalised before his inauguration, which is scheduled to take place on Monday  January 20.

It is unknown what happens next  when will the deal come into effect, which hostages shall be released. As they say, its now a wait-and-watch game.

With inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly backed Vivek Ramaswamy to fill the seat in Ohio that has fallen vacant after JD Vances resignation. Ramaswamy, who is set to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside billionaire Elon Musk, had previously publicly withdrawn his name as a possible contender. But now Trump is urging Ramaswamy to reconsider read more

Vivek Ramaswamy is co-chair of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency. AP File

Vivek Ramaswamy has fallen off the radar ever since the H-1B visa controversy.

However, there are now reports that the co-chief of proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be running for the US Senate.

US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly backed Ramaswamy to fill in JD Vances shoes in Ohio.

But what do we know?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know?

The Ohio Senate seat in Pennsylvania has fallen vacant after JD Vances resignation on Friday.

Vance, on January 20, will be sworn in as the Vice-President of America.

As Vice-President, Vance will also serve as the President of the Senate.

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As per The Times of India, because Vance only served two years of a six-year term, he needs to be replaced.

However, the special election to replace Vance does not need to be held until November 3, 2026.

Until then, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine needs to find a replacement.

According to Washington Post, Ramaswamy, who was in contention for the Ohio Senate seat, had publicly withdrawn his name as a possible contender.

This development occurred after Ramaswamy was chosen by Trump as co-chair of Doge  alongside billionaire Elon Musk.

Donald Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy. Source Reuters.

But two people in the know told the newspaper that Trump has urged Ramaswamy to accept the position  if offered  in the last week.

Ramaswamy has long had his eye on the governorship of Ohio.

He was planning to run in 2026 after his time on Doge ended.

The department is intended to cease operations by July 4, 2026.

What will DeWine do?

DeWine last week met Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

DeWines lieutenant governor Jon Husted and Jane Timken, who previously ran for Senate in 2022, are also potentially in the mix.

Ill have an announcement probably next week, DeWine was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

As per NBC, DeWine is mulling naming his close ally Husted to the Senate.

The decision could solidify DeWines legacy.

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DeWine isnt incentivized to pick Ramaswamy for Senate, but Vivek is also the one roadblock to Husted, a person familiar with the situation told Politico.

Neither Governor DeWine nor our office has commented on any possible candidates for the pending appointment, DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney told Washington Post.

A source told NBC that Trump is tired of Ramaswamy and wants him in a new role.

A person in the know told Politico that such a move would also let Ramaswamy work for Doge inside Congress, while Musk works from the outside.

It would also give Ramaswamy an opportunity to refute attacks from Senate Democrats.

But a Trump ally told Politico that Ramaswamys comments might have hurt his chances of getting that seat.

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The problem now is that he is damaged goods, the person added.

The debate over H-1B visas had broken out in Maga world after Musk and Ramaswamy came out in favour of them.

The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born and first-generation engineers over native Americans isnt because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy and wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the C-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers and if were really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH, Ramaswamy wrote on social media.

Ramaswamy faced a backlash initially came from Trump supporters who claimed this was taking away jobs from Americans.

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Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 in front of the US Capitol, ended the debate by coming out in favour of the H-1B visas.

Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. Thats why we have them, Trump told the New York Post.

Ive always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country. We need competent people, we need smart people coming into our country, we need a lot of people coming in. Were going to have jobs like weve never had before," Trump added.

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According to The Times of India, if Ramaswamy accepts the position, he would make history  as the first male Indian-American Senator.

There are currently six Indian Americans serving in the House of Representatives.

With inputs from agencies
The inauguration, likely to happen around 9:30 am today, is a step in the direction of fulfilling a long-standing demand among techies, business visitors, and students in the region read more

US' ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, is set to inaugurate the consulate in Bengaluru. Image courtesy: usembassy.gov

The United States is set to inaugurate its consulate in Bengaluru on Friday (January 17).

The inauguration, likely to happen around 9:30 am today, is a step in the direction of fulfilling a long-standing demand among techies, business visitors, and students in the region.

Here are five key points about this new establishment:

1. Temporary location at JW Marriott Hotel

The consulate will temporarily operate from the JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road, where the United States Commercial Service (USCS) office currently resides.

The consulate will operate with a limited number of officers initially but plans to expand its operations once a permanent location is established.

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2. Permanent location to be disclosed

A site-dedication ceremony is scheduled for January 17, during which the exact location of the permanent consulate will be disclosed.

Moneycontrol cited sources as saying that Whitefield is a leading contender for hosting the consulate. MB Patil, Karnatakas Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure, had earlier offered land in the area for this.

3. Enhanced access to consular services

With the opening of the Bengaluru consulate, residents will no longer need to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for US visas and related services.

This local availability is expected to benefit numerous students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the region, streamlining processes and reducing travel burdens.

4. 500,000 people to benefit, BJP claims

According to Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya a member of Bharatiya Janata Party the consulate will play a critical role in boosting commerce and facilitating smoother travel for entrepreneurs and professionals.

He added that a fully operational US consulate in Bengaluru could directly assist at least half a million people, News Minute reported.

However, Priyank Kharge, the IT minister of Karnataka, slammed BJP MPs for misleading people. BJP MPs should stop misleading people. While the Consulate will be opened soon, it will be only to service Americans and businesses. It will take a while before they start processing Visa from here, he posted on X.

5. Consulate vs Embassy

While both are diplomatic missions, a consulate is smaller than an embassy and has a narrower scope. It primarily focuses on providing consular services such as visa issuance and assistance to citizens.

An embassy serves as the main diplomatic mission of a country and is typically located in the host nations capital, handling major diplomatic affairs between the two countries.

The US Embassy in India, located in New Delhi, is the main diplomatic representation and manages political, economic, and cultural relations between the two nations.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2024, it has recruited several thousands of fighters from foreign nations for the war on Ukraine. While there is no accurate assessment, several people from India have also been recruited  often through fraudulent ways. read more

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that 16 Indian nationals deployed by the Russian Army in Ukraine are missing, while 12 have been killed so far.

The statement came after Indias renewed call for the early discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian Army after the death of a man from Kerala in Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2024, thousands of foreign nationals have been recruited to fight including several from India.

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Addressing the media, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the death of Binil Babu as extremely unfortunate. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities so that his mortal remains could come back to India as soon as possible, he said.

Jaiswal said that as of today, there have been 126 cases (of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army). Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces, he added.

18 Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain and out of them the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known. The Russian side has categorised them as missingWe are seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain12 Indian nationals have died who were serving in the Russian Army, he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The death of Binil Babu is extremely unfortunate. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities so that his mortal remains could come back to India as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/xgAEHI0UyY  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Russia has deployed as many as 55-60,000 foreign fighters in the war on Ukraine, according to various estimates. According to media reports, these fighters belong to multiple nationalities such as Indian, Nepali, Ghanian and Yemeni etc.

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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.

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.

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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.
JP Nadda promised that a BJP-led Delhi government would approve the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat  in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh read more

The BJP on Friday released the first part of its manifesto for the February 5 Delhi polls, keeping women at the centre of its poll pitch by promising Rs 2,500 monthly aid for them, Rs 21,000 for every pregnant woman, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and also Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens.

BJP president J P Nadda unveiled the Sankalp Patra at a press conference here, and asserted the manifesto  which reflects a direct BJP attempt to rival AAPs welfare-focused governance model  would serve as the foundation for a developed Delhi.

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He also assured that if the BJP is voted to power, all existing public welfare schemes will not only be continued, but made more effective by weeding out corruption.

The BJPs resolution for a developed Delhi prioritises the empowerment of women and the welfare of senior citizens, he said, releasing the first of three parts of the manifesto.

Hitting out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, he said all corruption charges in the public welfare schemes being run by his partys government will be investigated.

He promised that a BJP-led Delhi government would approve the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat  in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.

Nadda announced several pro-women measures including Rs 2,500 monthly aid for them under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, surpassing the AAPs poll promise of Rs 2,100, and a financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutrition kits for every pregnant woman under the Chief Minister Matritva Suraksha Yojana.

The party also promised LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for the poor section, with one free cylinder on Holi and Diwali.

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We will increase the senior citizen pension for people aged between 60 and 70 from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500; and for senior citizens, widows, divyangs and destitute aged 70-plus from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000, the BJP president said.

The national capital will vote on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.

The BJP, which has been out of power since 1998, has been making all-out efforts to dethrone the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in the national capital.

The AAP-led Delhi government has been running several welfare schemes including free electricity of up to 200 units, free bus travel for women, free water and free pilgrimage for senior citizens among others.

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Hitting out at the BJP soon after its Sankalp Patra was released, Kejriwal said the saffron party has copied the AAP and announced several revris but Prime Minister Narendra Modi wont approve of the freebies promised by his party.

In a bid to counter the AAPs healthcare model, Nadda said, We have decided that after forming the government in Delhi, in the first Cabinet, we will fully implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. And along with this, we will provide additional assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the Delhi government. That means, the residents of Delhi will get a total health cover of Rs 10 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also promised free treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh and free OPD and diagnostic services for citizens above 70.

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He said the party will set up Atal Canteens in Jhuggi-Jhopri (JJ) clusters to provide nutritious meals at Rs 5.

Nadda alleged corruption in the AAPs mohalla clinics project and said charges of wrongdoing would be investigated if the BJP forms the government.

AAP-DAs mohalla clinics are a den of corruption and a programme to deceive people. There has been a scam of Rs 300 crore in these mohalla clinics. This will be investigated when our government is formed, Nadda said.

Highlighting the participatory approach in drafting the BJP manifesto, Nadda said more than 1.08 lakh suggestions were collected from Delhi residents.
Cinema has lost one of its most enigmatic visionaries. David Lynch, who redefined filmmaking over five decades, passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through the annals of cinematic history. He was known for his surreal storytelling, bold experimentation with form, and ability to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking,

David Lynch picked up where Luis Bunuel left off. Lynchs work not only entertained but also transformed how we experience the art of cinema. His death comes as an irreparable loss, a void that cannot be filled. To his ardent admirers, Lynch was more than a filmmaker; he was a conjurer of dreams and nightmares, a poet of the uncanny, and a trailblazer who made cinematic experimentalism mainstream.

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1947, David Lynch began his artistic journey as a painter. His early years were marked by a restless need to create, to find beauty in the bizarre and the grotesque. Lynchs foray into filmmaking began with a series of short animated and live-action films that showcased his unique perspective. However, it was his feature debut, Eraserhead (1977), which truly announced his arrival as a filmmaker of extraordinary vision.

Eraserhead was a black-humored nightmarea deeply personal, horrifying meditation on fear and parenthood. With its stark black-and-white cinematography, unsettling sound design, and surreal imagery, the film became a midnight movie sensation. It captivated audiences, leaving them awestruck and unsettled. The films influence extended beyond the midnight circuit, with Stanley Kubrick reportedly using it to prepare his cast and crew for the atmosphere of The Shining.

The success of Eraserhead led to Lynchs first foray into mainstream cinema with The Elephant Man (1980). Based on the life of Joseph Merrick, the film was a departure from Lynchs surreal roots but retained his trademark humanity and visual flair. The film received eight Academy Award nominations, catapulting Lynch into Hollywoods spotlight. Yet, Lynchs journey within the studio system was fraught with challenges.

His adaptation of Frank Herberts Dune (1984), an ambitious attempt to translate the sprawling sci-fi epic to the screen, was a critical and commercial failure. The film was heavily recut against Lynchs wishes, leaving him disillusioned with the studio system. However, from the ashes of Dune emerged one of Lynchs most iconic works: Blue Velvet (1986).

A dark, psychosexual noir thriller, Blue Velvet was a masterclass in mood and tone. Starring Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper, the film explored the underbelly of suburban America with a disturbing and seductive intensity. Hoppers portrayal of Frank Booth, a sadistic, oxygen-huffing villain, remains one of cinemas most terrifying performancesa testament to Lynchs ability to elicit extraordinarily remarkable performances from his actors. Blue Velvet earned Lynch his second Academy Award nomination for Best Director and cemented his reputation as a filmmaker of unparalleled vision.

In 1990, Lynch turned his attention to television, co-creating Twin Peaks with Mark Frost. The show, which began as a murder mystery about the death of Laura Palmer, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Lynchs ability to blend the surreal with the mundane, the horrific with the humorous, made Twin Peaks unlike anything seen on television before. The series haunting score, eccentric characters, and Lynchs direction elevated it into the realm of high art.

Decades later, Lynch returned to the world of Twin Peaks with Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). The 18-episode series, directed entirely by Lynch, was hailed as a masterpiecea superlative example of breathtaking storytelling that many critics considered to be a work of cinema instead of television, just like Krzysztof Kieslowskis Polish drama television series Dekalog is widely looked upon as a work of cinema. Twin Peaks was a bold, uncompromising vision that reaffirmed Lynchs status as a true auteur.

Lynchs films showcased his mastery of the surreal which he would often blend with the elements of film noir, horror, or the whodunit. Not only did Lynch make cinematic experimentalism mainstream but he also was a star-maker. Naomi Watts was a friend and contemporary of Nicole Kidman but she mostly struggled for recognition throughout the 90s until Lynch cast her in Mulholland Drive. The film, a labyrinthine journey through dreams and desires, not only features a career-defining performance by Watts but is also widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

Jonathan Demme said on record that he cast Anthony Hopkins for his Oscar-winning part of Hannibal Lector in The Silence of the Lambs based on Hopkins performance as Dr. Frederick Treves in The Elephant Man. With Wild at Heart, Lynch gave Nicolas Cage the perfect star vehicle. All this proves beyond doubt Lynchs stature as one of Hollywoods biggest star-makers of all time.

Throughout his career, Lynch received four Academy Award nominations and an honorary Oscar in 2019 for his lifetime achievements. His 1990 film Wild at Heart won the Palme dOr at Cannes, while his body of work influenced countless filmmakers, from Christopher Nolan to Denis Villeneuve.

Lynchs films were not merely stories; they were experiences. From the unsettling darkness of Lost Highway (1997) to the heartbreaking beauty of The Straight Story (1999), Lynchs ability to explore the human condition through unconventional narratives set him apart as a master of his craft.

Beyond cinema, Lynch was a prolific painter, musician, and advocate for Transcendental Meditation. His passion for art in all its forms was evident in every aspect of his life and work. He revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema after a lifetime of smoking, and would likely not be able to leave his house to direct any longer.

Lynchs passing is a devastating loss to the world of cinema. As we grapple with the void left by his departure, we must also celebrate the unparalleled body of work he leaves behind. Lynch was not merely a filmmaker; he was a dreamer who dared to bring his dreams to life.

His influence will endure, not only through the films he made but through the countless artists and filmmakers he inspired. From the twisted corridors of Eraserhead to the haunting beauty of Mulholland Drive, Lynchs work reminds us that cinema is not just about telling storiesit is about creating worlds, evoking emotions, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

David Lynchs death marks the end of an era, but his legacy is eternal. In a career spanning five decades, Lynch redefined what it means to be an artist. His films dared to ask the uncomfortable questions, to explore the darker corners of the human psyche, and to find beauty in the strange and the surreal.

As we bid farewell to this master of the uncanny, let us remember his words: I dont know why people expect art to make sense. They accept the fact that life doesnt make sense.

In celebrating David Lynchs extraordinary life and career, we honor a filmmaker who taught us to embrace the mystery, to find wonder in the unknown, and to dream without limits. Rest in peace, David Lynch! You will be missed, but your sui generis works of cinematic art will live forever.

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The author is an Indian critic and journalist who has been covering cinema, art and culture for the last decade and a half. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
India heaves a sigh of relief and looks ahead to carry on the initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor that will promote global cooperation after months of walking on a diplomatic tightrope read more

The truce deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US will take six weeks to complete and focuses on the release of hostages and the boosting of humanitarian aid to the devastated and beleaguered Gaza Strip. Image: REUETRS

The world rejoices at the historic Israel-Hamas ceasefire after 15 months of catastrophic warfare that has left Gaza in ruins. A conflict that has taken the lives of 50,000-plus people and which many believe would have led to a full-fledged war in the Middle East and marked the beginning of World War III.

The ceasefire is backed by a deal that is supposed to be implemented in three phases, starting Sunday. Hamas finally approved the terms of the ceasefire agreement on Wednesday, January 15th.

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An Israeli Cabinet meeting that was supposed to approve it was delayed on Thursday due to some rumblings from some of Netanyahus far-right allies, but the future looks more promising than it has in a while when it comes to the Middle East.

The armistice and hostage deal was reached after Qatar Prime Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani acted as the mediator between the Israelis and Hamas.

The truce deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US will take six weeks to complete and focuses on the release of hostages and the boosting of humanitarian aid to the devastated and beleaguered Gaza Strip.

In the first 42-day phase, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages, including minors, female soldiers, and those above the age of 50. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli female soldier released by Hamas and 30 for other hostages.

If one thing has been made clear, it is how much more Israelis value Israelis than Hamas values Palestinian lives.

This deal was reached as public and diplomatic pressure mounted on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and US President-elect Donald Trump was adamant on getting American hostages out and back home. At the heart of all of this, of course, is Iran, now the target of the Trump administration as well as Israel.Though the ceasefire has been agreed upon, theres still a long way to go before peace can be achieved.

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The peace in Gaza will only be realised if there is the successful comeback of a re-energized and reconstructed Palestinian Authority. However, there are some roadblocks to such a return.

The Palestinian Authoritys growing domestic unpopularity, deepening financial crises, and the rise of authoritarianism are all obstructive factors. Also, Hamas needs to be supportive of any new governance or security measures implemented in post-conflict Gaza, as they continue to hold the veto power over Gazas future.

Since there is a complete and utter lack of faith between all parties, Gaza will require intentional international monitoring to oversee the implementation of the truce deal over the next few months. Arab states have already indicated their willingness to support the terms of the deal as long as Israel discontinues their quest for occupation.

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Europeans are also now required to find ways to support a sovereign Palestinian state, which will include recognising the State of Palestine as per the 1967 orders and banning Israeli settlement trade.Europeans must also intensify their support for Palestinian reconciliation and make efforts to ensure the return of Palestines democratic fabric.

Of course, Saudi Arabia will be another crucial player. Europe must form a clear strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia to deploy towards American and Israeli governments.

The Arab Vision, a document authored by the Arab League and presented to the US Secretary of State and several other international bodies in early 2024, needs to be consulted, which offers Israel full regional integration if Israel allows a rebuilt Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza and begin with the implementation of a two-state solution.

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Donald Trump, once he resumes office, should revitalise the plan and use the POTUS offices leverage to ensure Israel follows through on their promises.

Europe finds itself in a unique position to be able to work with the Arab states to convince the Trump administration that enabling Palestinians to rehabilitate themselves and achieve a certain degree of independence remains the only way to guarantee a complete and much-needed truce between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

India welcomes this ceasefire with great warmth and cheer, as we hope that this will finally lead to a cessation of hostilities in the region and humanitarian aid will reach those who need it the most. It means that now several strategic opportunities will now arise for us and others in the region. One such project that was halted by the October 7 attack, the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) will resume again.

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This project was signed by eight countries: India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the EU, France, Germany, and Italy, in September 2023, in New Delhi. The IMEC project is significant for India with many geopolitical and economic advantages for us, as it is focused on increasing global cooperation and becoming a part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

The IMEC will now move ahead as an economic corridor from India across the Middle East into Europe. It is touted as an alternative to Chinas One Belt One Road project, as it will strengthen communication and transport channels through shipping and railway networks.

According to a report by the Hudson Institute Think Tank, Indias involvement in the negotiations between Israel and the UAE that ultimately resulted in the Abraham Accords marks another significant diplomatic shift towards greater flexibility and engagement.

With the political instability in the Middle East about to receive a respite, India heaves a sigh of relief as we look forward to peace in the region and go ahead with initiatives such as the IMEC that will promote global cooperation and peace after months of walking on a tightrope diplomatically. A remarkable feat that the whole world is congratulating us for pulling off so well.

Heres to hoping for every hostage to be reunited with their homes and families and a happy ending, post the horrific nightmare that they have all experienced over the many months that have lapsed since the conflict began.

The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Indias entire neighbourhood is a den of pan-Islamic forces, be it Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives or Sri Lanka, which would provide Turkey to nurture its long-cherished dream of furthering pan-Islamism read more

The dangerous nexus between Turkey and Pakistan, and now Bangladesh, and their hatred and animosity towards India will reverberate in the South Asia region in a dangerous tone in the coming times. Image: AFP

Recent developments suggest Turkey is spreading its strategic and pan-Islamic tentacles in South Asia, as it did in Central Asia and South Caucasus. Turkeys decades-long ideological and defence bonhomie with Pakistan is well known. However, in the last few months, its overtures in Bangladesh poised to foment trouble in the Indian subcontinent.

In the second week of January this year, a Turkish delegation led by the countrys Trade Minister, Omer Bolat, met Bangladeshs Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, and discussed various issues of importance for both countries, such as defence, trade and technology sharing.

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What sounded important and sensitive was a statement made by Omer Bolat, who stated, Turkey can replace India and other markets in Bangladeshs imports It is important to highlight here Ankaras sinister designs to increase its bilateral trade with Dhaka from $1.3 billion to over $4 billion in the next few years, aiming to replace India as Bangladeshs top trade partner.

Earlier, Muhammad Yunus had a telephonic conversation with his long-time friend and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a few days after taking over as the Adviser of Bangladeshs interim government. Yunus participation in the 11th Summit of the Developing-8, an economic grouping of eight countries established in 1997 in Istanbul, as Turkeys brainchild, seemed important because of Dhakas bid to veer away from India. This exposed Yunuss real intent as he met the leaders of Turkey, and Pakistan on the sidelines, who had always harboured anti-India feelings.

However, the real worry for India is Bangladeshs favourable tilt towards Turkey for robust defence ties, which stems from the deployment of Turkish-made Bayraktar drones last week along the India-Bangladesh border. Further, Bangladeshs plan to buy 26 Turkish-made TULPAR lightweight tanks adds more injuries to Indias agony. During a meeting with the visiting Turkish Minister Bolat last week, Muhammad Yunus welcomed Turkey with open arms. His statement, You are the leader of the technology; you can build the defence industry here shows his new found love for Turkey.

Turkey, too, uses Pakistan to get strategic leverage in troubled Bangladesh at a juncture when anti-India sentiments are growing strong in our neighbourhood in the post-Hasina period. For example, the participation of Pakistan Navys PNS Yamama in the Mavi Vatan-2025, a Turkey-sponsored naval exercise, symbolises Turkey-Pakistans robust defence partnership. Furthermore, Ankara has pepped up Islamabads plan to have a bigger and more powerful navy by the next decade, with advanced MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkey and others in its maritime war kit. Turkey has shown immense interest in exporting its fifth-generation KAAN jets and helicopters to Pakistan to reinforce defence ties, which would prove to be disastrous for India.

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It is essential to note here that Turkey has long been a known India baiter and sponsor of anti-India activities. Since Turkey and Pakistan signed the Treaty of Eternal Friendship in the 1950s, they have become closest friends, but remained Indias inveterate enemies. Turkey is the second country after Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue several times on all platforms (national, regional and international). Since the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir in August 2019 and the subsequent reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory, Turkey has become a more vociferous critic of the Indian establishment.

Erdogans constant advocacy of the Kashmir issue, particularly at the UN General Assembly since 2000, has earned him accolades from Kashmiri separatist leadership. Mirwaiz Umer Farooq once dubbed him an ardent supporter of Kashmiri right to self-determination. Turkey, too, has maintained a close relationship with Pakistans Jamaat-e-Islami, the fountainhead of Jihad in the Indian subcontinent. Its stooge, Hizbul Mujahideen, has created a vicious situation in Kashmir since the late 1980s and is still involved in several terrorist activities against India. The same Jamaat glorifies Turkey as the hope of the Ummah and Erdogan as a great leader of the Muslim world.

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Turkey has redoubled its activities against India in recent times by 1) creating employment opportunities for Kashmiri journalists to spread anti-India propaganda, 2) offering scholarships for Indian Muslims, especially youth, to inject hatred against India, and 3) funding NGOs in India to influence Indian Muslims.

A Turkish jihadist group masquerading as a charity organisation, Insan Hak ve Hurriyetleri ve Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH) or Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Reliefs, has ties with the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned Islamic terrorist organization has been accused of promoting radical Islam and maintaining ties with terrorist groups inside and outside India.

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According to a report published in 2020, the IHH, known as the long arm of Justice and Development Party, had hosted a couple of PFI leaders in Istanbul six years ago. Even Turkeys state-run Anadolu News Agency promoted PFIs activities. It is essential to note that the IHH has overt and covert links with the Turkish intelligence agency (MIT), al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists and terrorists in Syria and Libya, and the Hamas terrorists.

In addition, Turkey invites, promotes and mobilises radical Kashmiri youth in Istanbul and Ankara for ideological and monetary support to work against India. Even Kashmiri separatist leader, late Ali Shah Geelani, who spewed venom against India throughout his life, shifted his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren to Turkey. Turkeys unholy ties with Pakistan came to light when 15 made-in-Turkey lightweight and high-precision Turkey-made Canik TP9 pistols (along with other ammunition) were recovered from Pakistani terrorists captured in Kashmir in early 2022. It is a matter of grave concern as Pakistan has been aiding and abetting terrorists from across the border against India for decades.

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The dangerous nexus between Turkey and Pakistan, and now Bangladesh, and their hatred and animosity towards India will reverberate in the South Asia region in a dangerous tone in the coming times. This sorry state of affairs will result in an intractable security challenge for India, which has considerable stakes in South Asia. Turkeys success in cementing further military ties with Bangladesh will have adverse effects for India leading to significant economic and strategic loss.

Indias entire neighbourhood is a den of pan-Islamic forces, be it Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives or Sri Lanka, which would provide Turkey to nurture its long-cherished dream of furthering pan-Islamism. Keeping in view the present antagonism of Bangladesh, Pakistans support of jihadist and terrorist activities and Turkeys anti-India endeavours will turn this region into a shattered security zone, and India will have to bear the brunt.

Mahesh Ranjan Debata teaches at the Center for Inner Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
by Steve Szilagyi

Andreas Gruntzigs plane blew a 38-foot-wide crater in the Georgia dirt where it crashed. Investigators needed several days to collect and identify the remains of the famous physician, his second wife, Margaret, and their two Irish setters, Gin and Tonic. People who write about Gruntzig after his death compare him to a shooting star, a comet, or the incautiously winged Icarus. This is to be expected when the subject is a high-flying medical hero who dies hitting the earth at an estimated 300 miles per hour.

The journal Cardiology called Gruntzig the father of modern cardiology. His story is told in engrossing detail in David Monagans book Journey into the Heart, whose introduction declares, Gruntzig, once derided as another charlatan, changed the course of medicine  His work inspired an arc of discovery that has never stopped rising.

Gruntzig invented balloon angioplasty, today one of the most commonly performed complex medical procedures. The technique has been adapted for use throughout the body, but its marquee application is the treatment of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

Balloon angioplasty is not an obvious idea. A catheter (thin, flexible wire) with a small, deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into the target artery and guided to the site of the blockage. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery walls and restoring blood flow.

If not for Gruntzig, there is no guarantee balloon angioplasty would ever have happened. He alone, it seems, had the vision to imagine the device, the diligence to build it, and most crucially, the power of personality to win over a hostile and skeptical medical world.

Kitchen table crew. Andreas Gruntzig was born in Dresden in 1939. His mother was a piano teacher. His father disappeared in the Battle of Berlin. Andreas escaped East Germany in 1959 and made his way to Heidelberg. There he studied medicine. He was a brilliant student and went on to qualify in internal medicine, cardiology, and public health.

His career took him to Switzerland, where he eventually joined the cardiology department of Zurich University Hospital. Why, a patient once asked him, cant doctors scrub out a blocked artery the way a plumber scrubs out a blocked pipe? That remark, he once said, was the inspiration for his breakthrough.

Andreas and his wife Michaela lived in a tiny apartment in Zurich. Many nights, after a full day of work, Andreas, Michaela, and Andreas assistant, Maria Schlumph, gathered around their kitchen table, where they designed and crafted iterative prototypes for what was to become the angioplasty balloon. (Andreas generously shared credit with the women in after years.)

In the beginning, every version of the balloon catheter was built by hand at this table. Andreas tested it on dogs and human cadavers. In 1974, he performed the first balloon angioplasty on a live patient, opening a narrowed femoral artery in the leg. He went on to successfully treat 800 patients with leg occlusions over the next three years. Only then did he feel confident enough to ask the hospital for permission to perform his procedure on a patients heart.

The prototype (bottom) and how it works.

They came to scoff. Andreas was young. He did not rank high in the hospital pecking order. His procedure threatened some established interests, especially the hospitals cardiac surgeons. Balloon angioplasty was explicitly offered as an alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery. The surgeons warnednot unreasonablythat the catheter might puncture the blood vessel, that it might trigger a heart attack or stroke. One hospital administrator later admitted that they were afraid that if Andreas procedure killed a patient, theyd all go to jail.

Andreas eventually managed to get the in-hospital support he needed to go ahead against the objections of his higher-ups. The first balloon angioplasty was a total success. Next, Andreas needed to convince the world that it worked. Supported by strong clinical evidence, he embarked on a now-legendary series of lectures, seminars, and training sessions.

The cardiological establishment came to scoff, as they say, but stayed to prayand to party. Andreas loved a good bash. His hard-nosed training sessions were always followed by memorably hard-drinking celebrations in exotic locales. This pattern might have reflected Andreas inner dynamics, where the intense care and focus required by his clinical work needed be followed by some kind of exuberant, even transgressive, release.

Partying and teaching, Andreas won over a coterie of supporters, the Brotherhood of the Balloon. One of the brothers recalled working with Andreas as the most electrifying experience of my life. The procedure caught on across Europe and America, driven by Andreas charismatic presentations and the zeal of his acolytes.

Gold rush. Millions of dollars came into play as hospitals worldwide rushed to upgrade their facilities and equipment to offer the new procedure. Device manufacturers scrambled to get in on the gold rush. Copycats entered the field. Executives selling a rival balloon device went to jail for hiding the fact that their inferior product was killing patients. Insurance companies revised their policies and payouts. Andreas and his device stirred up clinical controversies across the full range of cardiovascular specialties, some of which persist to this day.

Meanwhile, back at Zurich University Hospital, the hidebound administration tightened their restrictions around Andreas and his procedure. Despite worldwide fame, he was moved to a windowless office in a sub-basement. As one newspaper put it, Instead of treating him like a hero, his bosses bullied him. (One of these obstructive administrators later tried to claim co-credit for Andreas triumph.)

It wasnt hard for Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, to lure him away in 1980. Flush with a $100 million grant from a Coca-Cola heir, Emory was establishing a new heart center on their posh, green campus. They not only offered Andreas an office with a window but five times more than he was making in Zurichplus status, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and the freedom to work as hard as he wanted.

Andreas came to the United States with his wife Michaela and their young daughter. He bought a mansion in a high-falutin neighborhood and was quickly taken up by Atlantas usually hard-to-penetrate high society. Andreas adapted well to America. But in some ways, he was inveterately European, including in the matter of bathing costume. At posh pool parties or the beach, he loved strutting out in a tiny Speedo. Stuffy socialites raised their eyebrows, his friends joshed him, but no one seems to have complained. The man was really good looking.

Swooning. One female associate famously described him as a combination of Clark Gable, Omar Sharif, and Errol Flynn rolled into one. Another said of his many conquests, It was easy for him. Every woman just swooned. You couldnt help it. Swooning is no mere figure of speech here: One young lady at Emory sought medical help for chronic fainting in his presence. Some women just threw their clothes off at the sight of him, observed the wife of a close friend.

By all accounts, Andreas made the most of his opportunities, having left behind a string of broken hearts in Europe. Even male colleagues were dazzled by Andreas good looks, charisma, and John F. Kennedy-like aura. They did not laugh when he told them he expected someday to get the Nobel Prize (he was nominated), and their long-after recollections rarely fail to mention his appearance and incredible charm.

Everyone who knew him realized he was unique, recalled close friend and colleague Willis Hurst. Andreas had dash. He kissed womens hands. Procedure rooms lit up when he came through the door. It doesnt sound like much, but no one forgot how he wore his hairnet rakishly off to one side, like a beret.

An empty house. Andreas wife Michaela put up with a lot. She was bored and underemployed in Atlanta. She quietly despised American materialism. In a kind of symbolic protest, she left the Atlanta house unfurnished. Friends remember parties where everyone had to sit on the floor. Meanwhile, Andreas was flaunting his affairs virtually under her noseespecially that with a much younger graduate student named Margaret Ann Thornton.

Andreas, of course, chided those who disapproved. Didnt they know that Europeans were more open-minded about infidelity? Marriage is just a convenience, he told a friend. Michaela was supposed to be okay with it alluntil she wasnt and moved back to Zurich. The couple divorced and Andreas quickly married Margaret, who looked as good in a tiny bathing suit as he did.

A downward arc. Author David Monagan fully and sympathetically describes Andreas decline in Journey Into the Heart. There are stories of drunk driving, uncharacteristic bad temper, and crude butt-grabbing. Yet Andreas remained a conscientious physician to the end. His often-noted empathy for patients and concern for their safety never wavered. When he lost his first patient in 1984, he was emotionally crushed.

All across the world, his procedure was curtailing the suffering of angina, the crippling chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart. Thousands of patients were being spared the chest-cracking ordeal of open heart surgery, with its general sense of having been hit by a truck. His disciples were taking his technique into new parts of the body, and pioneering the use of stents to hold the blood vessel open after being cleared.

At the same time, Andreas seemed lost and restless. He wanted to return to Europe and run his own department, but European hospitals werent eager to welcome disruptive superstars.

A lifelong flying enthusiast, Andreas purchased a one-engine Beechcraft Bonanza airplane in 1984. By all accounts, he was a competent pilot. The aircraft came in handy after he bought a getaway cottage on an island off the coast of Georgia. He could fly to the island on weekends and be back in the hospital by Monday.

But like Mr. Toad in Kenneth Grahames The Wind in the Willows, Andreas was never satisfied with his transportation. He wanted the next fastest or most expensive model. Very soon, he traded in his single-engine plane for a twin-engine Piper Aerostar 601P. A flying friend recalled, My blood ran cold, when hed heard what Andreas had bought. The friend knew that a plane that powerful needed an experienced pilot.

Uncertain skies. Visitors to the new Gruntzig household sensed that things werent well between Andreas and his younger wife. Both were drinking heavily. In April 1985, a tornado swept through their Atlanta neighborhood and heavily damaged their house. It was an inconvenience more than anything elsethey had all the money in the world to repair the damage. But Mother Nature wasnt through with them. Seven months later, Hurricane Juan blew up in the Gulf of Mexico.

With the hurricane raging well to the south of them, Andreas flew his wife and their two dogs to their island cottage on Friday, October 25. The next day, Andreas learned that one of his patients had taken a turn for the worse. He was eager to get back. The ocean was being lashed by the edges of the hurricane, and while conditions were rugged, planes were still flying. On Sunday, October 26, Andreas decided to risk it. Shortly before they left for the airfield, Margaret got a phone call. It was her mother, begging her not to let Andreas fly home that night. Its not known whether Margaret relayed the message.

The couple and their dogs took off into the uncertain skies. They were never seen in one piece again. Investigators believe Andreas became disoriented in the clouds and lost track of which way was up or down.

The aftermath. Andreas brother, also a physician, believed it was murder. Naming no names and offering no proof, he hinted at dark conspiracies surrounding the money and power that came with Andreas rapid rise. Others dismissed these claims as grief-stricken speculation.

Whatever the cause, Andreas Gruntzig left behind a legacy that has enhanced existence for millions. His invention of balloon angioplasty expanded the ability of physicians to relieve pain and extend life. He proved how a single determined individual could shake up entrenched systems and  one way or another  make an impact on the world.

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Outgoing US President Joe Biden will not formalise the ban on TikTok and will leave the implementation of the controversial law in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump once he returns to the Oval Office, a White House official said read more

A US official said that outgoing President Joe Biden will not enforce a law banning video sharing app TikTok, leaving the matter in the hands of US President-elect Donald Trump. A Biden administration official told ABC News that the 82-year-old president has decided to pass the matter to Trump. TikTok will breathe a sigh of relief with the news since Trump is not that inclined to ban the app.

It is important to note that the law which deals with the looming ban was cleared by both the US Senate and the House of Representatives. It was approved by Biden last year. The legislation compels TikToks parent company ByteDance to divest itself from the social media app by January 19. If the company fails to do so by the deadline, the popular app will be banned in the United States. TikTok is already banned in India.

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An American ban would hit the app significantly since more than 170 million US nationals use TikTok monthly. In past, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to save TikTok. Earlier this week it was reported that the Republican president is planning to take an executive action which would delay the implementation of the sell-or-ban law of the ban for up to 90 days.

Its up to the next administration: White House

The White House official argued that since the deadline is on the weekend, it will be up to the next administration to implement the law. Our position on this has been clear: TikTok should continue to operate under American ownership. Given the timing of when it goes into effect over a holiday weekend a day before the inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement, a White House official told ABC News in a statement.

As per the law, if TikTok does comply with the orders, the US Justice Department is obligated to charge fines of up to $5,000 per user, which will be an enormous potential liability given the apps popularity.

Hence, if both Biden and Trump say that they wont enforce the ban, TikTok will still be liable to pay the fines as long as it is owned by ByteDance. Interestingly, both presidents have limited options in hand to stop the ban. As per the law, the president can grant a one-time extension and delay the ban for up to 90 days. However, the provision comes with three conditions:

TikTok must show its on a path to executing a divesture from its Chinese owner. There should be evidence of significant progress toward a sale. Progress must be sealed with relevant binding legal agreements.

At this point, the app showed no sign whatsoever that any of those conditions were being met.

The clock is ticking

Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in the House and Senate introduced a bill on Tuesday that would give ByteDance an additional 270 days to sell or divest from the social networking app. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who is the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, cited national security concerns in objecting to the move.

On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Cottons decision to reject a request by sponsor Senator Ed Markey for the Senate to unanimously approve the extension on Wednesday. Its clear that more time is needed, Schumer said. We will continue to work to find a responsible solution to keeping TikTok going, protect American livelihoods, and protect against Communist Chinese Communist Party surveillance. We must and can do all three, he added.

Schummers office maintained that he has spoken to Biden and appealed for an extension. However, the POTUS and several congressional leaders argued that the ultimatum against TikTok was necessary because of security concerns about ByteDance and its connections to the Chinese government.

Last month, Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. The TikTok executive is also expected to attend Trumps inauguration ceremony on Monday, as the fate of the app now lies in the hands of Trump.

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With inputs from agencies.
Instead of trying to dodge the ban, millions of TikTok users are jumping over to RedNote. Since RedNote is primarily designed for a Chinese audience, it defaults to Mandarin. This has led to a surprising number of Americans flocking to Duolingo to learn Mandarin read more

Duolingo has reported a huge surge in Mandarin learners, with new sign-ups skyrocketing by 216% compared to the same time last year. This surge has been particularly noticeable since mid-January, as RedNote adoption reached new heights. Image Credit: Reuters

With the TikTok ban in the US looming, many American users are brushing up on their Chinese  not to stay on TikTok, but to join a new platform called RedNote (or Xiaohongshu). The US law, set to kick in on January 19, would remove TikTok from US app stores and prevent it from working unless users install a VPN.

Instead of trying to dodge the ban, millions of TikTok users are jumping over to RedNote, a Chinese-owned app thats quickly becoming the next big thing. This shift has sparked an unexpected cultural exchange, with American users even helping Chinese users with their English homework.

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Learning Mandarin out of spite? You're not alone.



Weve seen a ~216% growth in new Chinese (Mandarin) learners in the US compared to this time last year. https://t.co/9hzwBxfTgD pic.twitter.com/qWM9f5oFYA  Duolingo (@duolingo) January 15, 2025

Learning Mandarin to navigate RedNote

As RedNote has gained momentum among US users, its becoming clear that many are unconcerned about the data privacy concerns that led to TikToks ban in the first place. For many, the appeal of Chinese social platforms is just too strong to resist. However, since RedNote is primarily designed for a Chinese audience, it defaults to Mandarin. This has led to a surprising side effect  Americans are flocking to Duolingo to learn Chinese.

Duolingo has reported a huge surge in Mandarin learners, with new sign-ups skyrocketing by 216 per cent compared to the same time last year. This surge has been particularly noticeable since mid-January, as RedNote adoption reached new heights. Interestingly, many users have cited TikTok as the reason they decided to learn Mandarin, showing just how closely the two apps are linked in the minds of users.

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Duolingo sees a boost in popularity

The Mandarin boom has been great news for Duolingo, with the language-learning app seeing a 36 per cent increase in downloads in the US as of January 3. This boost in installs suggests that users are keen to dive into RedNote and other Chinese social apps, and are preparing by learning the language.

Duolingo has even had some fun with the trend, posting a TikTok video with its green owl mascot heading to China to learn Mandarin. The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of likes, reflecting just how big the Mandarin learning trend has become.

With Duolingo now ranking higher in the App Store and Google Play, its clear that the TikTok ban has had a significant impact on both social media habits and language learning trends. Users seem more than willing to embrace a new platform and learn a new language in the process.

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A new era of social media and cultural exchange

This shift isnt just about switching apps  its also about a growing cultural exchange between the US and China. While concerns about data privacy and security continue to simmer, it seems many users are prioritising the opportunity to explore new social experiences. With RedNote on the rise and Mandarin becoming a must-learn language for many, it looks like were seeing a shift in how people connect, share, and interact online. The world of social media is changing, and for some, its a chance to break out of the old ways and try something completely different.

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The wave of violence erupted after the murder of a military police officer on Sunday in the northwestern city of Porto Velho, a major state capital with one of the countrys highest homicide rates. read more

At least 11 people have died during a week of clashes between Brazilian police and one of the nations most influential criminal organizations in the Amazon region, according to a government report.

The violence began after a military police officer was killed on Sunday in Porto Velho, a northwestern state capital known for its high homicide rate.

In retaliation, authorities initiated an operation targeting the Comando Vermelho (Red Command). This criminal group has expanded its reach from Rio de Janeiro to other parts of Brazil and beyond its borders.

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The Rondonia state security secretariat said in a report published Thursday that four people were killed in shootouts with police, and 14 people were arrested.

At least seven civilians were killed in retaliatory attacks on the population by Comando Vermelho, the report added.

Brazilian media reported that more than 20 buses and other vehicles had been set ablaze in the state.

Involved in extortion, drug trafficking and other criminal activities, Commando Vermelho has major influence in the Amazonas region.

Earlier in January, a Comando Vermelho boss was killed in a police operation in Porto Velho, local media reported.

Rondonia state forms part of the Brazilian Amazon, where murder rates are 41 percent higher than the national average, according to a study by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security (FBSP) released in December.

The NGO said that criminal gangs now operate in a third of Amazon municipalities  half of them under the control of Comando Vermelho.

Brazils other major criminal network, First Capital Command (PCC), is also present in the region, along with other smaller groups fighting for control in more than 80 municipalities.

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Organized crime in the Amazon is linked to drug trafficking, but also deforestation and other environmental crimes, said the FBSP.

With inputs from agencies
From security and defence cooperation to focus on energy to financial integration, there are several significant provisons in the treaty signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin read more

Russia and Iran signed a significant treaty on Friday (January 17) to expand their economic and military cooperation, opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership.

The agreement comes as both nations face increasing international isolation and seek to strengthen ties in response to shared security threats and economic challenges.

But what does this treaty entail?

Here are seven key features of the agreement:

1. Security and defence cooperation

The treaty commits Russia and Iran to bolster their collaboration in security and defence.

Both nations will participate in joint military exercises, develop military-technical cooperation, and coordinate closely on global and regional security matters.

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2. Mutual assistance against security threats

Russia and Iran agreed to counter shared military threats and pledged not to assist any aggressor targeting the other. Disputes will be resolved based on the UN Charter and international law.

3. Commitment to territorial integrity

The two sides vowed not to allow their territories to be used to support separatist movements or activities threatening the others stability. Their intelligence and security services will share information to address common threats.

4. Economic collaboration on energy

The treaty promotes deeper cooperation between Russian and Iranian energy companies. It encourages investments in joint projects to develop oil and gas fields, seeking to enhance the energy capabilities of both nations.

5. Joint efforts in nuclear energy

Long-term projects in peaceful nuclear energy are a cornerstone of the agreement. These include collaborations on nuclear power station construction, which both nations see as a step toward energy independence.

6. New payment systems and financial integration

The treaty seeks to reduce reliance on third-country systems by developing a modern payment mechanism for transactions in national currencies. It also calls for direct interbank cooperation and the promotion of domestic financial products.

7. No mutual defence pact or weapon exchange clause

Although the agreement strengthens military ties, it stops short of creating a mutual defence pact, unlike the recent deal between Russia and North Korea.

Additionally, it does not explicitly reference weapon exchanges, which have been a contentious issue for Western nations imposing sanctions on both countries.

With inputs from agencies
Cuba has freed 127 prisoners including opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer after departing US President Joe Biden agreed to remove the country from Washingtons list of terrorism sponsors read more

Marlon Brando Diaz (C), imprisoned for his participation in the July 2021 anti-government protests, greets his relatives after being released from prison at the Guinera neighborhood in Havana on January 16, 2025. Source: AFP.

Cuba has freed 127 prisoners including opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer in a landmark deal with departing US President Joe Biden that has led to emotional reunions across the communist island.

Ferrer, 54, is the most high-profile of the prisoners that Cuba began freeing Wednesday after Biden agreed to remove the country from Washingtons list of terrorism sponsors  part of an eleventh-hour bid to cement his legacy before handing power Monday to Donald Trump.

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Thank God we have him home, Nelva Ortega told AFP of her husband Ferrer, who has been in and out of prison for the past two decades. His latest stint lasted three-and-a-half years.

Shortly after his release Thursday, Ferrer urged Cubans on a Miami-based radio program to not be afraid to stand up to a government he said was increasingly scared and increasingly weak.

In return for being removed from the US terror list that includes North Korea, Iran and Syria, cash-strapped Cuba promised to release 553 people  many of whom the Biden administration said were political prisoners.

Most were arrested for taking part in mass July 2021 anti-government demonstrations over recurring power outages, food shortages and price hikes.

Maricela Sosa, vice president of the Supreme Court, said between Wednesday and Thursday 127 (detainees) have been granted early release.

AFP saw four prisoners emerge from the San Miguel del Padron prison on the outskirts of the capital Havana on Thursday.

Marlon Brando Diaz, who was serving an 18-year sentence for his participation in the 2021 protests, said tearfully that he was thankful for a new chance in life.

Its a new start, he said, as he hugged emotional family members.

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Risky move

The deal with Washington paves the way for increased US investment in the Caribbean island, which has been under a trade embargo for over six decades.

In a sign that the thaw may be short-lived, however, Trumps pick for secretary of state, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, suggested Bidens decision could be reversed.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio is vociferously critical of that countrys government and said Trumps incoming administration was not bound by Bidens policies.

There is zero doubt in my mind that they (the Cuban government) meet all the qualifications for being a state sponsor of terrorism, he said at his US Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.

The trickle of prisoner releases caused anguish for families still waiting for news of their loved ones.

Authorities have not released a list or a timetable of those to be freed.

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Analysts said Cuba could be stalling to ensure Trump upholds the deal when he returns to the White House next week, with the remaining prisoners serving as a bargaining chip.

If so, its a pretty risky move, said Michael Bustamante, chair of Cuban studies at the University of Miami.

The Trump administration might not take kindly to this game at all, he told AFP.

Stayed the course

Ferrer, from the eastern province of Santiago, has been in and out of prison for the past 20 years.

A fisherman and father of six, he was one of 75 political prisoners sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in 2003 as part of the so-called Black Spring wave of repression unleashed by authorities.

He was released in 2011, along with 130 other political prisoners following mediation by the Catholic Church, but resisted pressure to go into exile.

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Later that year, he founded the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), one of the most active opposition organisations in a one-party state that bans rival political formations.

He was re-arrested on July 11, 2021, trying to join one of the biggest protests since the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959.

Authorities say about 500 people were given sentences of up to 25 years over the unrest, but rights groups and the US embassy in Havana say the figure is closer to 1,000.

Declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, Ferrers imprisonment has been a point of global contention.

Bustamante described his release as pretty big news.

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He is someone who has stayed the course, Bustamante said, noting his long history of political activism.
Trump, who returns to the White House Monday, has made sweeping threats of tariffs against US trading partners  including the EU, Canada, Mexico and China read more

The EU announced an agreement Friday with Mexico to strengthen their trade relations, three days before the inauguration of Donald Trump who has threatened both US partners with tariffs.

The upgrade, more than eight years in the making, reinforces a 2000 agreement between the European Union and Mexico. It also comes after the EU struck a deal with South Americas Mercosur bloc in December.

This landmark deal proves that open, rules-based trade can deliver for our prosperity and economic security, as well as climate action and sustainable development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Trump, who returns to the White House Monday, has made sweeping threats of tariffs against US trading partners  including the EU, Canada, Mexico and China.

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EU exporters will gain new commercial opportunities, including our farmers and agri-food companies, von der Leyen said.

Fridays deal removes tariffs as high as 100 percent on major EU export products such as cheese, poultry, pork, pasta, apples, jams and marmalades, as well as chocolate and wine.

And it bans the sale of imitations of distinctive food and wines from EU regions such as Champagne, Parma and Rioja.

EU exporters will gain new commercial opportunities, including our farmers and agri-food companies, von der Leyen said.

The agreement also sets legally binding commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and responsible business conduct, while strengthening supply chains for critical raw materials, the EU said.

And it will give EU businesses access to Mexican government contracts on an equal footing with Mexican companies.

The blocs top agriculture official Christophe Hansen said Europes farmers and food and drink producers already export more than two billion euros worth of products to Mexico.

Total trade in goods between the EU and Mexico was worth 82 billion euros ($84 billion) in 2023.

EU strengthens global role

EU lawmakers welcomed the deal as a positive response to rising protectionism, led by Trump who has long pushed an America-First economic and trade policy.

Despite tariff threats, EU, Mexico reinforce commitment to open, fair, and rules-based trade, said Bernd Lange, who leads the EU parliaments trade committee.

Thanks to this new agreement, the EU strengthens its role in the world as a guarantor of free trade at a time of rising protectionism, said Spanish EU lawmaker and standing parliament rapporteur for Mexico, Borja Gimenez Larraz.

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They said the deal could see EU exports to Mexico grow by 75 percent.

The deal  which also boosts cooperation in other areas including organised crime, drugs and migration  will become official once it is ratified by the EU and Mexico.
Walking Borders CEO Helena Maleno said that of the 86 people, 36 migrants were rescued while 44 Pakistanis drowned in the sea. The migrant boat was stranded in the ocean for 13 days read more

As many as 50 Pakistanis have died after a migrant boat capsized as it tried to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe illegally. Migrants rights group Walking Borders said that the boat, carrying 86 migrants including 66 Pakistanis, had left Mauritania for Spains Canary Islands earlier this month.

Walking Borders CEO Helena Maleno said that of the 86 people, 36 migrants were rescued while 44 Pakistanis drowned in the sea. The migrant boat was stranded in the ocean for 13 days.

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In a post on X, Pakistans foreign ministry said that the boat capsized near the Moroccan port of Dakhla. Several survivors, including Pakistanis, are lodged in a camp near Dakhla. Our embassy in Rabat is in touch with local authorities. Additionally, a team from the embassy has been dispatched to Dakhla to facilitate the Pakistani nationals and provide necessary assistance, it added.

Press Release



Incident of boat capsizing off the coast of Morocco pic.twitter.com/0ZNvrjWf4m  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 16, 2025

Families of victims claim torture

According to a report by Dawn, families of the victims have alleged that their loved ones died due to torture. Recordings of telephone conversations between survivors and their relatives reveal that the migrants were physically tortured and hit by hammer by local officials.

One survivor said that the wounded migrants were being treated at a hospital in Morocco and that the bodies of the eight Pakistani victims were also kept there.

Sources told the Pakistani newspaper that several young people from the Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin districts of Punjab left the country four months ago to enter Europe illegally. Only 19 of those people survived the 13-day ordeal.

PM Sharif reacts

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that strict action would be taken against people involved in human trafficking.

No negligence of any kind will be tolerated in this regard. Strong steps are being taken against human trafficking, he said in a statement.

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Ukrainian police said Friday its officers were conducting 200 searches nationwide as part of an ongoing probe into the illegal exit of military-aged men from the country. read more

The Ukrainian police have launched large-scale operations to mobilise young men to serve in the military in the ongoing war with Russia. Hundreds of raids are being conducted nationwide to block escape routes for men of conscription age attempting to flee to foreign countries, a senior police official said.

Ukraine has been pushing a sweeping and divisive mobilisation campaign to boost its military, which is struggling to hold back Russias significantly larger army that is advancing across several sectors across the front.

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The national police force is conducting more than 200 searches regarding cases of illegal border crossings of Ukrainian men who are eligible for army service, the national police said in a statement.

The raids announced on Friday are part of a broader nationwide investigation launched last week, during which Kyiv reported searches at approximately 600 homes, offices and other locations.

Ukraines contentious mobilisation campaign to bolster its military has triggered panic among men of conscription age with thousands fleeing to Europe, often relying on dangerous smuggling routes through mountains or rivers.

Police said that last weeks operation primarily targeted organisers of schemes aiding draft evaders in illegally crossing Ukraines borders. On Friday, law enforcement said searches were underway in 19 regions and shared images of officers armed with weapons and cameras entering what appeared to be private residences and offices.

Kyiv has been battling problems with systemic corruption within its military mobilisation infrastructure since the beginning of Russias invasion in February 2022.

Late last year, Ukrainian former prosecutor general Andriy Kostin resigned after a probe uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme that apparently provided military draft exemptions for government officials.

With inputs from agencies.

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The city of Paris has announced that it will be suspending its account on X next week and be more active on Bluesky read more

The city of Paris has quit X citing concerns over the spread of disinformation and hate speech. Paris PR accounts exit from the microblogging site comes at a time when French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to get Elon Musk and US President-elect Donald Trump into the guest list of the countrys flagship artificial intelligence summit.

In its last post on X, the account said that it was departing from the social media app because it had become complex and impossible to use.

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Complex because the network reduces the reach of factual and objective messages. Impossible because the network fuels hate speech and disinformation, whose lack of moderation has become problematic, the post said.

#HelloQuitteX Informer toutes celles et ceux qui sinteressent a Paris ici etait la mission de service public de @Paris. Au fil du temps, celle-ci est devenue complexe puis impossible. pic.twitter.com/ffNlDHLRMm  Paris (@Paris) January 16, 2025

It added the account will be suspended next Monday, January 20. To keep the public debate alive, visit our other networks, particularly Bluesky, it further said.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo had already left X in 2023, describing it a weapon of mass destruction of our democracies.

She said, This platform and its owner deliberately act to exacerbate tensions and conflicts  Lets not be mistaken. This is a very clear political project that wants to abandon democracy and its values for powerful private interests.

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Although Macron and Musk have shared friendly relations in the past, the French president last week accused the Tesla CEO of directly intervening in European politics.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Germanys defence ministry announced that it would stop posting on X as it accused the microblogging app of spreading disinformation under Elon Musks ownership.

The ministry said it will no longer post proactively on the channel for the foreseeable future, justifying the move by saying that the fact-based exchange of arguments is becoming increasingly difficult on the platform.

With inputs from agencies
With Chinas growing influence and Pakistans modernised fleet, the emerging naval alliance poses a direct challenge to Indias strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean read more

(File) Naval ships of the participating countries sail during the sea phase of the Pakistan Navy's Multinational Exercise AMAN-23, in the North Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan, February 13, 2023. Reuters

The partnership between China and Pakistan has grown stronger in recent years, especially in the naval sector. This includes joint military exercises and upgrading Pakistans naval fleet. These efforts aim to change the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). For India, this is a serious concern as it affects its maritime security, energy routes and regional influence.

China-Pakistan naval exercises

Joint naval exercises are a key part of China-Pakistan cooperation. The Sea Guardian series, held regularly since 2020, shows how deep their partnership has grown, focusing on advanced maritime and aerial operations. The latest exercise, Sea Guardian-3, took place in November 2023 in the Arabian Sea and showcased their ability to work together in combat scenarios.

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Similarly, the AMAN series of multinational exercises, hosted by the Pakistan Navy, further strengthens their ability to operate together. The upcoming AMAN-25 exercise, scheduled for February 2025 in Karachi and led by Pakistans Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, aims to promote regional cooperation against threats like maritime terrorism and organised crime.

For India, these exercises are a serious concern. The improved coordination between China and Pakistan directly challenges Indias maritime dominance, especially in the Arabian Sea. These exercises not only enhance Pakistans combat readiness but also boost its strategic position, making it a stronger adversary.

Modernisation of Pakistans fleet

One of the most important aspects of China-Pakistan naval collaboration is the modernisation of Pakistans fleet. In May 2023, the delivery of four Type 054A/P frigates was a significant milestone.

These multi-role frigates, equipped with advanced CM-302 surface-to-surface missiles and LY-80 surface-to-air missiles, greatly improve the Pakistan Navys combat capabilities. Admiral Ashraf highlighted their role in an interview to the Global Times as the backbone of Pakistans naval fleet emphasising their importance in strengthening the countrys maritime defence.

The Hangor-class submarine project, started in 2015, is another key part of this modernisation effort. With eight submarines under constructionfour in China and four in Pakistanthis partnership not only boosts Pakistans underwater capabilities but also helps develop its domestic shipbuilding expertise.

These submarines, equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion systems, offer greater submerged endurance and stealth, presenting a serious challenge to Indias naval operations. The launch of the first Hangor-class submarine in April 2024, with full delivery expected by 2028, highlights Pakistans commitment to expanding its options in underwater warfare.

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Although Pakistan faces economic challenges, these advancements significantly enhance its naval power. For India, the strengthened capabilities of Pakistans fleet, with Chinas support, suggest a shift toward a more offensive approach, which could challenge Indias dominance in the IOR.

Gwadar port: A strategic choke point

The development of Gwadar port under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) adds more complexity to Indias maritime security concerns. Located near the Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar is a strategic asset for both China and Pakistan. For China, the port secures important energy supply routes and boosts its influence in the IOR. For Pakistan, Gwadar provides a logistical and strategic advantage, allowing a forward presence close to crucial sea lanes.

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This collaboration has major implications for India. Gwadars closeness to Indias western coastline and its location near key shipping routes increase the threat to Indias energy security and trade interests. The port could also serve as a base for Chinese naval operations, further surrounding India in the IOR. India needs to respond by strengthening its presence in nearby areas and enhancing partnerships with regional powers like Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkeys role in diversifying Pakistans naval arsenal

While China is the main driver of Pakistans naval modernisation, Turkey has also become an important partner. Through a 2018 agreement, Pakistan is acquiring Milgem-class corvettes designed by Turkey. These advanced ships, expected to be delivered by 2025 will improve Pakistans surface fleet capabilities adding a new element to its maritime strategy.

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For India, this expansion of Pakistans naval partnerships makes the situation more complex. Turkeys involvement shows that Pakistan is using multiple alliances to modernise its forces. This development highlights the need for India to stay alert and flexible in its efforts to maintain regional naval superiority.

Challenges and limitations of Pakistans naval ambitions

Despite its progress, Pakistans naval modernisation faces several challenges. Problems with the Tughril-class frigates, such as radar malfunctions and faulty imaging systems, highlight the difficulty of matching the technological and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. Moreover, Pakistans economic instability and dependence on foreign technology limit its ability to sustain long-term naval growth.

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According to The Diplomat, although the Tughril-class frigates strengthen Pakistans surface fleet, they are not a serious threat to the Indian Navys superior strength and numbers. However, India should keep a close eye on Pakistans growing focus on projecting power in the IOR. These frigates improve Pakistan Navys ability to operate in far-off waters, as shown by its joint naval exercises with China in the East China Sea earlier.

However, these challenges do not lessen the strategic goals behind Pakistans efforts. By focussing on offensive sea denial strategies, Pakistan aims to counter Indias dominance in the IOR.

Indias strategic response

There is little doubt that the growing China-Pakistan naval partnership requires a strong response from India. To maintain its maritime superiority, India is fast increasing surveillance and intelligence capabilities to monitor Chinese activities in the IOR which is crucial to address emerging threats.

On January 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval combatantsINS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheerat the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of this day for Indias maritime heritage and its pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat as the ceremony also marked the first-ever tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate and submarine, a key milestone in Indias naval growth. Notably, these three platforms were entirely built in India, highlighting the countrys increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, represents a significant leap in Indias naval power. With 75 per cent indigenous content, it features state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network capabilities.

INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, introduces the next generation of indigenous frigates with enhanced survivability, stealth and seakeeping features. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, highlights Indias growing expertise in submarine construction.

This commissioning, along with the inclusion of 33 ships and seven submarines in the Indian Navy over the past decade, reflects Indias ongoing naval modernisation. In light of Pakistans fleet advancements and Chinas increasing influence, Indias focus on self-reliance and technological excellence in defence is vital for maintaining regional leadership and security.

Meanwhile, India is also strengthening naval alliances, particularly through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with the United States, Japan and Australia to secure the technological and strategic support needed to balance the growing China-Pakistan presence in the IOR. It is also expanding maritime diplomacy in Southeast Asia and the IOR by building stronger relations with countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka to solidify its position as a regional leader.

Long-term strategic outlook

The China-Pakistan naval partnership presents a larger geopolitical challenge for India. Although Pakistans naval progress is limited by financial and technical issues, Chinas direct involvement marks a major change in the regional power dynamics. The mix of advanced naval platforms, strategic port partnerships, and improved cooperation highlights a shift in the maritime balance of power that India cannot overlook.
It seems dubious that China precisely hit its growth target for 2024 at a time when the economy continues to face tepid domestic demand, persistent deflationary pressures, and flailing property and equity markets, said Eswar Prasad, a former China director at the IMF read more

Chinese government data claims the coutry has hit its 5% GDP growth target, but the struggle that households face paint a different picture. AFP

Chinas economy grew 5 per cent last year, matching the governments target, but in a lopsided fashion, with many people complaining of worsening living standards as Beijing struggles to transfer its industrial and export gains to consumers.

The imbalance raises concerns that structural problems may deepen in 2025, when China plans a similar growth performance by going deeper into debt to counter the impact of expected US tariff hikes, potentially as soon as Monday when Donald Trump is inaugurated as president.

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December data showed industrial output far outpacing retail sales, and the unemployment rate ticking higher, highlighting the supply-side strength of an economy running a trillion-dollar trade surplus, but also its domestic weakness.

Export-led growth has been partly underpinned by factory gate deflation which makes Chinese goods more competitive on global markets, but also exposes Beijing to greater conflicts as trade gaps with other countries widen. Within borders, falling prices have ripped into corporate profits and workers incomes.

Andrew Wang, an executive at a company providing industrial automation services for the booming electrical vehicle sector, said revenues fell 16 per cent last year, prompting him to cut jobs, which he expects to do again soon.

The data China released was different from what most people felt, Wang said, comparing this years outlook with notching up the difficulty level on a treadmill.

We need to run faster just to stay where we are.

Chinas National Bureau of Statistics and the State Council Information Office, which handles media queries, did not immediately respond to questions about doubts over official data.

It seems dubious that China precisely hit its growth target for 2024 at a time when the economy continues to face tepid domestic demand, persistent deflationary pressures, and flailing property and equity markets, said Eswar Prasad, trade policy professor at Cornell University and a former China director at the International Monetary Fund.

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Looking ahead, China not only faces significant domestic challenges but also a hostile external environment.

If the bulk of the extra stimulus Beijing has lined up for this year keeps flowing towards industrial upgrades and infrastructure, rather than households, it could exacerbate overcapacity in factories, weaken consumption, and increase deflationary pressures, analysts say.

Nomura analysts said that to deliver a truly sustainable growth recovery, Beijing needs to ease fiscal and monetary policy, resolve the protracted property crisis, reform its tax and social welfare systems and alleviate geopolitical tensions.

Simply put, despite todays sanguine data, now is not the time for Beijing to rest on its laurels, the analysts said.

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UNEASE

Chinese exporters expect higher tariffs to have a much greater impact than in Trumps first term, accelerating movement of production abroad and further shrinking profits, hurting jobs and private sector investment.

Another trade war would find China much more vulnerable than when Trump first raised tariffs in 2018, as it grapples with a deep property crisis, huge local government debt, and 16 per cent youth unemployment, among other imbalances.

Beijing has pledged to prioritise domestic consumption, but has revealed little apart from a recently-expanded trade-in programme that subsidises purchases of cars, appliances and other goods.

China gave civil servants their first big pay bump in a decade, but financial regulators got steep wage cuts, as have many in the private sector.

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For Jiaqi Zhang, a 25-year-old investment banker in Beijing, 2024 felt like a downturn. Her salary was trimmed for a second straight year, bringing the total pay cut to 30 per cent, and eight or nine of her colleagues lost their jobs, she said.

There is a general feeling of unease in the company, said Zhang, who has cut back on buying clothes and dining out. Im ready to leave at any time, its just that theres nowhere to go right now.

SCEPTICISM

Data on Friday showed the worlds second-largest economy beat economists 2024 forecast of 4.9 per cent growth. Its reported fourth-quarter 5.4 per cent pace was the quickest since early 2023.

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Chinas economy is showing signs of revival, led by industrial output and exports, said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC.

But the bounce may have been flattered by front-loading of shipments to the US ahead of any new tariffs, which will inevitably lead to a pay-back, he said.

There will be an even bigger need to apply domestic stimulus this year, Neumann said.

China and Hong Kong shares rose slightly, but the yuan lingered near 16-month lows. Subdued markets reflect wavering confidence in Chinas outlook, analysts said.

Are investors around the world going to invest in China because they hit 5 per cent? No, said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. So its becoming an irrelevant target.

Beijing has rarely missed its growth targets. The last time was in 2022 due to the pandemic. It is expected to maintain a roughly 5 per cent target in 2025, but analysts forecast growth to slow to 4.5 per cent this year and 4.2 per cent in 2026.

Long-standing scepticism about the accuracy of official data has shifted into higher gear over the past month.

A bearish commentary by Gao Shanwen, a prominent Chinese economist who spoke of dispirited youth, vanished from social media after going viral. Gao estimated GDP growth may have been overstated by 10 percentage points between 2021 and 2023.

In a December 31 note, Rhodium Group estimated Chinas economy only grew 2.4 per cent-2.8 per cent in 2024, pointing to the disconnect between relatively stable official figures and the flood of stimulus unleashed from about the mid-way mark.

This included Mays blockbuster property package, the most aggressive monetary policy easing steps since the pandemic in September and a 10 trillion yuan ($1.36 trillion) debt package for local governments.

If Chinas actual growth is below headline rates, it suggests there is a broader problem of Chinas domestic demand that is contributing to global trade tensions, Rhodium partner Local Wright told Reuters.

Overcapacity would be a far less pressing issue if Chinas economy was actually growing at 5 per cent rates.

($1 = 7.3273 Chinese yuan)
In the latest instance of a high-profile cybersecurity breach, Chinese state-sponsored hackers accessed hundreds of US Department of Treasurys systems, including the devices of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith read more

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a trilateral meeting with Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki and Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok on the sidelines of the IMF/G20 meetings, at the U.S. Treasury in Washington, U.S., April 17, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

In one of the most high-profile cybersecurity breaches, Chinese state-sponsored hackers accessed hundreds of US Department of Treasurys systems, including computer of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her deputies, according to a report.

The news of Treasurys hacking comes at a time when the United States is facing a tough challenge from Chinese state-sponsored hackers. The Salt Typhoon cyberattack is still unfolding in which Chinese hackers compromised several US telecommunication services and reportedly accessed confidential information of countless Americans, including Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump.

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In the latest case of the Treasurys hack, Bloomberg News has reported that around 400 computers at the department were hacked, including the computers of Yellen, Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith.

The report said that hackers compromised these system by exploiting vulnerability in a third-party software by BeyondTrust, which was employed by the department. The firm provides services related to remote access of systems.

Up to 50 files are believed to have been accessed by hackers on Yellens computer, according to the report.

Hackers appear to be focussed on Treasurys role in sanctions, intelligence, and international affairs, but did not break into the departments email or classified systems, according to the report, which cited an internal departmental report into the incident as its source.

Investigators have attributed the hack to Chinese state-sponsored Silk Typhoon and UNC5221 groups, according to the report.

Overall, on 400 systems that hackers accessed, they accessed employee usernames, passwords, and more than 3,000 files on unclassified personal devices, as per the report.

The hackers also accessed law enforcement sensitive data and material on investigations run by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which reviews the national security implications of some foreign financing, said the report.

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BeyondTrust had notified the Treasury of the breach on December 8, following which the department notified the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and roped in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Chinese hackers have previously exploited vulnerability in third-party systems to break into devices of top US officials. In 2023, Chinese hackers accessed the email accounts or devices of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Daniel Kritenbrink, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia; and Nicholas Burns, the US envoy China. At the time, Microsoft that hackers had exploited digital keys and used a flaw in its code to steal emails of US government agencies and other clients.

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United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Friday named former Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag as the new U.N. Middle East envoy, a U.N. spokesperson said. read more

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday named former Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag as the new UN Middle East envoy, a UN spokesperson said.

Kaag will also continue in her current role as the UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, said deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Former Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland, who was one of Trudeaus closest political allies for a decade, quit last month after resisting his demands for more spending and wrote a letter denouncing his governing style. read more

Chrystia Freeland, Canadas former deputy prime minister, whose unexpected resignation in December played a role in Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to resign, announced on Friday that she is seeking to replace him.

She announced the decision on X, simply saying, Im running to fight for Canada.

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The 56-year-old, who had been a close ally of Trudeau and often called his minister of everything, had served as deputy prime minister since 2019. She had long been considered a potential successor.

Freelands unexpected departure prompted an uproar from Liberal legislators already unhappy about the partys miserable showing in the polls after nine years in power and widespread voter unhappiness about high prices and a housing crisis.

The mutiny forced Trudeau to announce that he would step down once the party had chosen a replacement. He will stay in office until March 9, when the new leader is due to be unveiled.

Trudeaus replacement is unlikely to be in office long, given polls show that the Liberals are set to be crushed by the official opposition Conservatives. The next election must be held by Oct 20 and could happen as early as May.

The challenge for Freeland, 56, will be to portray herself as different from Trudeau, given how closely they worked together after the Liberals took power in November 2015 and how often she backed him in public.

Her likely main opponent is former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who has never been part of the government and portrays himself as an outsider. He announced on Thursday he would be running.

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Freeland had been finance minister since August 2020 and helped craft the governments multibillion-dollar social spending program to help fight the pandemic.

She had previously been foreign minister and led the Canadian team that successfully renegotiated a trilateral trade deal with the United States and Mexico after then-President Donald Trump threatened to tear up the agreement.

She joined the government in November 2015, first serving as trade minister.

With inputs from agencies
Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet later Friday and then the government will approve the long-awaited hostage deal read more

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last minute snags in finalizing a ceasefire that would pause 15 months of war.

Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet later Friday and then the government will approve the long-awaited hostage deal.

Netanyahus pre-dawn statement appeared to clear the way for Israeli approval of the deal, which would pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and see dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The deal would also allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the remains of their homes in Gaza.

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Israeli airstrikes, meanwhile, killed at least 72 people in the war-ravaged territory on Thursday.

Netanyahu said he had instructed a special task force to prepare to receive the hostages returning from Gaza, and that their families had been informed the deal had been reached.

Israel had delayed a vote Thursday on the ceasefire, blaming a last-minute dispute with Hamas for holding up approval as rising tensions in Netanyahus government coalition raised concerns about the implementation of the deal just a day after U.S. President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced it was complete.

Netanyahus office had accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions. In a briefing Thursday, David Mencer, an Israeli government spokesman, said Hamas new demands dealt with the deployment of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi corridor, the narrow strip bordering Egypt that Israeli troops seized in May.

Hamas denied the claims, with Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, saying the militant group is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators.

The ceasefire agreement has drawn fierce resistance from Netanyahus far-right coalition partners, which the Israeli prime minister depends on to remain in power. On Thursday, Israels hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if Israel approved the ceasefire. There was no immediate comment from Ben-Gvir following Netanyahus statement the hostage deal had been reached.

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on Israel and Hamas to implement a Gaza ceasefire plan without any delay in an exclusive interview Thursday with The Associated Press. Egypt has been a key mediator between the enemies for years and a leading player in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

The deal announced Wednesday would pause the fighting with a view to eventually wind down a 15-month war that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.

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The military campaign has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, and pushed about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are struggling with hunger and disease in squalid tent camps on the coast.

Netanyahu continues to face major internal pressure

The Israeli prime minister has faced great domestic pressure to bring home the hostages, whose families have pleaded with Netanyahu to prioritize the release of their loved ones over politics.

But Israeli divisions over the deal were on stark display Thursday, as Ben-Gvir, a keycoalition partner, threatened to resign, saying the ceasefire was reckless and would destroy all of Israels achievements.

The departure of Ben-Gvirs Jewish Power party would reduce the number of the ruling coalitions seats in the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, from 68 to 62  leaving Netanyahus government with just the slimmest of majorities. Ben-Gvir said his party would return to the coalition if Israel resumes its war.

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Ben-Gvirs resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal. But the move would destabilize the government at a delicate moment and could lead to its collapse if Ben-Gvir is joined by other key Netanyahu allies.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for instance, is vehemently opposed to the agreement and has demanded that Netanyahu promise to resume the war against Hamas after the first phase of the ceasefire as a condition of his party staying in the coalition.

A night of heavy Israeli strikes

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy Israeli bombardment Thursday as people were celebrating the ceasefire deal. In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

We were expecting that the (Israeli) occupation would intensify the bombing, like they did every time there were reports of progress in truce talks, said Mohammed Mahdi, who is sheltering in Gaza City.

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Gazas Health Ministry said Israeli strikeskilled at least 72 people since the ceasefire deal was announced. It said the toll from Thursdays strikes only includes bodies brought to two hospitals in Gaza City and the actual toll is likely higher.

Yesterday was a bloody day, and today is bloodier, said Zaher al-Wahedi, a Health Ministry official.

The Israeli military said it had struck approximately 50 militant targets across the Gaza Strip over the past day, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launch sites.

Anxiety spread across Gaza on Thursday with the news of last-minute quarreling between Hamas and Israeli officials.

We ask our brothers in Hamas to communicate with mediators to end the war, said Omar Jendiya, in Deir al-Balah. Enough with the destruction and killing.

A phased withdrawal and hostage release with potential pitfalls

Under the deal reached Wednesday, 33 of some 100 hostages who remain in Gaza are set to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli forces will pull back from many areas, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians would be able to return to whats left of their homes, and there would be a surge of humanitarian assistance.

The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second  and much more difficult  phase that will be negotiated during the first. Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it dismantles the group and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory.

Ceasefire leaves questions about Gazas future unanswered

U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps Mideast envoy joined the talks in the final weeks, and both the outgoing administration and Trumps team took credit for the breakthrough.

Longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

Israel has come under heavy international criticism, including from its closest ally, the United States, over the civilian toll in Gaza. It also blames Hamas for the civilian casualties, accusing it of using schools, hospitals and residential areas for military purposes.

Hamas has come under overwhelming pressure from Israels invasion of Gazas largest cities and towns and seizure of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Its top leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, who was believed to have helped mastermind the 2023 attack, have been killed.

But its fighters have regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas after the withdrawal of Israeli forces, raising the prospect of a prolonged insurgency if the war continues.
In the largest foreign investment ever, Sri Lanka has signed a deal worth $3.7 billion with China for the construction of an oil refinery in Hambantota. The deal comes after Sri Lanka scrapped the deal with an Indian company for the same refinery. read more

In this photo, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is seen with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the former's state visit to China in January 2025. (Photo: X/Anura Kumara Dissanayake)

In the largest foreign investment ever, Sri Lanka has signed a deal worth $3.7 billion with China for the construction of an oil refinery.

The Chinese refinery will be constructed in the southern port city of Hambantota, the same city where China previously built a port that it eventually acquired on a 99-year lease through its debt trap diplomacy. As China has turned the port into a strategic foothold at Indias doorstep, there are fears that the refinery could be part of the same Chinese project to gain strategic upper hand in the Indian Ocean Region.

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The Sri Lankan government signed the deal with the Chinese regime during President Anura Kumara Dissanayakes state visit to China.

The Sri Lankan presidency said in a statement that Chinese regime-owned Sinopec would construct the state of the art refinery at Hambantota with the investment of $3.7 billion. It said that the refinery would be export-oriented with the capacity of 200,000 barrels.

This major investment from China is expected to bolster Sri Lankas economic growth while uplifting the livelihoods of low-income communities in the Hambantota area, said the statement.

Dissanayake chooses China over India in Hambantota u-turn

Sri Lanka has picked China to construct the refinery in Hambantota after scrapping a contract with an Indian-Omani group in 2023 that it had awarded in 2019. If the deal worth $3.85 billion at the time would not have been scrapped, it would have been a bigger investment than the one China has pledged now.

Announcing the deal on X, Dissanayake said that it would boost exports, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.

The embrace of China in Hambantota marks a sharp u-turn for Dissanayake as he had opposed the deal with China over the Hambantota port when he was in the Opposition.

In 2017, Sri Lanka was essentially forced to lease the port to China on a 99-year lease after Sri Lanka could not pay the loan on which China had built the port for Sri Lanka. The economically unfeasible port is seen as a classic case of Chinese debt trap diplomacy.

Under the deb trap diplomacy, China woos foreign leaders and signs deal with them to develop large projects such as sea ports, airports, or highways, which are dual-use in nature. These projects, like the Hambantota port, are of little economic value to host countries, but are of great strategic value to China. The terms of these projects are such that China gives loans to host government and contracts are then handed to Chinese companies for construction. As the terms of loans are harsh, host countries often fail to repay and China then offers a deal in which it takes over the project on long-term lease in lieu of writing off the loan.

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When Sri Lanka defaulted on its payments in 2022 at the height of financial crisis, more than half of Sri Lankan debt was to China.

Even though China and Sri Lanka have both asserted that the leased-out Hambantota port would not be used for military purposes, China has used it for military purposes. In 2022, a Chinese military survey ship, Yuan Wang 5, docked at the port. While China at the same time said that the ship merely conducting harmless maritime research and Sri Lanka said the ship docked the same way Indian and US ships dock to restock fuel, food, and other essentials, the fact that it was a military ship carrying out activities critical to naval warfare at Indias doorstep was not lost anyone.

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Analysts have noted that how sensitive is India to the usage of Sri Lankan waters and ports by adversarial nations like China. In an article for Takshashila Institution, Akshaya Venkatakrishnan noted that just the mere possibility of Sri Lanka ports becoming pit stops for Chinese vessels to restock supplies and refuel is viewed as a major cause of anxiety and a potential security threat that can jeopardise Indias bilateral relations with the island.

The so-called research chips which China claims to be engaged in civilian maritime research are dual-use vessels essentially operated by Chinese military. Venkatakrishnan in her article noted that such ships activities include collecting information on ocean currents, seabed topography, and maritime conditions, which could be used to plan mine warfare scenarios among other things.

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With the new refinery deal, there are concerns that Sri Lanka is walking into another debt trap and is turning another project on its soil into a Chinese strategic outpost at Indias doorstep.
The Israeli justice ministry published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners who are to be freed starting Sunday as part of the first exchange for Israeli captives under a Gaza ceasefire deal read more

A woman walks past the rubble of a collapsed building at a camp for people displaced by conflict in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip on Friday following the announcement of a truce amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. AFP

The Israeli justice ministry published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners who are to be freed starting Sunday as part of the first exchange for Israeli captives under a Gaza ceasefire deal.

The release of prisoners is subject to government approval of the (ceasefire) plan and will not take place before Sunday 16:00 (1400 GMT), AFP quoted the ministry as saying in a statement on Friday.

Earlier, the Israeli security cabinet approved a ceasefire deal, paving the way for the return of the first hostages from Gaza, bringing a halt to 15 months of conflict that have devastated the coastal strip.

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The accord remains contingent on the full cabinets approval. The ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas has devastated much of densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 deaths and displacing the majority of the enclaves 2.3 million pre-war residents, according to local authorities.

If successful, a ceasefire could also help de-escalate tensions in the broader Middle East, where the Gaza conflict has drawn in Iran and its allies, including Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis, and armed groups in Iraq, as well as the occupied West Bank.

The list includes 69 women, 16 men and 10 minors.

According to the ministry, the youngest inmate on the list is 16.

The list includes only seven prisoners who were arrested before the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.

Among those on the list is also Khalida Jarar, a leftist Palestinian lawmaker whom Israel arrested and imprisoned on several occasions.

Jarar is a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group designated a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union.

Detained in late December in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, the 60-year-old has been held since then without charge.

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In September 2021, she was released after serving a two-year sentence in an Israeli prison for participating in PFLP activities.

Two sources close to Hamas told AFP that the first group of hostages to be released consists of three Israeli women soldiers.

However, since the Palestinian Islamist movement considers any Israeli of military age who has completed mandatory service a soldier, the reference could also apply to civilians abducted during the attack that triggered the war.

The first three names on a list obtained by AFP of the 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase are women under 30 who were not in military service on the day of the Hamas attack.

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Justice ministry spokeswoman Noga Katz said the final number of prisoners to be released in the first swap would depend on the number of live hostages released by Hamas.

Israels far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called on political allies to vote against the Gaza deal, stating it would see the release of several Palestinian militants serving life sentences for killing Israelis.

In Gaza on Friday, Israeli airstrikes continued, with medics and rescue teams reporting at least 104 Palestinian fatalities, including 58 women and children, since the deal was announced on Wednesday.

With inputs from agencies
Israels Security Ben Gvir threaten to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ruling coalition as the countrys parliament gears up to vote on the Gaza ceasefire deal read more

Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced on Thursday evening that his far-right party Otzma Yehudit party will quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ruling coalition if the cabinet approves the hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas. The deal is expected to be voted in the Israeli parliament on Friday and the first phase of the deal was scheduled to be implemented on Sunday.

While speaking to reporters in Jerusalem, Ben Gvir made it clear that if the far-right party quits the coalition it will only join back the cabinet after the Gaza war resumes eventually, The Times of Israel reported. The remarks from the far-right minister shocked Netanyahus Likud Party. Anyone who dissolves the right-wing government will be remembered as an eternal disgrace," the party said in response to Gvirs assertion.

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Notably, the Israeli prime ministers coalition will maintain a majority in the Knesset even without Ben Gvirs party support. However, if another fellow far-right minister Bezalel Smotrichs Religious Zionism also decides to quit the coalition, Netanyahus minority government would topple. Meanwhile, the Israeli opposition party has promised to support the ruling coalition as long as they advance the ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Cracks within Likud

Shortly after the threats from Ben Gvir and Smotrich, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli from the Likud Party also vowed to resign from the government if the ceasefire becomes permanent. He raised concerns over Israeli forces withdrawing from the border between Gaza and Egypt before war goals are achieved, The Times of Israel reported.

While addressing the presser on Thursday evening, Ben Gvir said that the agreement, which includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners serving life terms, will enable the rehabilitation of terror groups in Gaza. He warned that the release of prisoners would bring back the threat to the Israeli residents living in the border areas.

The far-right minister called the deal reckless and insisted that the agreement would lead to the release of hundreds of murderous terrorists, effectively erase the achievements of the war and seal the fate of the hostages who remain [beyond those freed in the first phase], leaving Hamas with a significant ability to rebuild itself."

When we see the jubilant cheers of Hamas supporter [Hadash-Taal party leader] Ayman Odeh, the dancing in Gaza, the celebrations in the [Palestinian] villages of Judea and Samaria, we understand which side surrendered in this deal, Ben Gvir averred. Therefore, if this reckless deal is approved and implemented, the Otzma Yehudit party will not be part of the government and will withdraw from it," he added.

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The Israeli security minister went on to call Smotrichs party and members of Netanyahus Likud to take similar steps to prevent the deals implementation. The existing deal increases Hamass appetite and motivation to carry out another October 7 massacre, he argued, urging the prime minister to come to his senses.

If he does not do so, when the government and [security] cabinet decision is made, as stated, Otzma Yehudit under my leadership will not overthrow Netanyahu, and will not act with the left against the government, but it will not be able to be part of a government that approves a deal that constitutes a huge prize for Hamas, Ben Gvir said.

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Opposition extends support

In response to Ben Gvirs remarks, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu not to be intimidated by the threats from the far-right minister. He pledged to provide the Israeli premier with any safety net you need to make the hostage deal.

This is more important than any disagreement weve ever had, Lapid wrote on Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. A day before Lapids remarks, both he and National Unity chairman Benny Gantz made it clear that they would offer the political support Netanyahu needs to overcome the hurdles in implementing the ceasefire deal.

Meanwhile, the Religious Zionism Party, which is crucial for Netanyahus survival conducted an inconclusive faction meeting convened to discuss whether or not to quit the coalition, The Times of Israel reported.

While speaking to national broadcaster Kan ahead of the meeting on Thursday morning, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot said that in all likelihood, we will resign from the government," He insisted that his party was here to change the DNA of the State of Israel, not just to fill seats in the coalition.

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Amid the chaos, Netanyahu held his sixth meeting in two days with Smotrich Thursday evening as he struggled to persuade him to not quit the coalition. Channel 12 is now reporting that the full cabinet was set to delay its vote on the hostage-ceasefire deal until Saturday night. This would mean that the implementation of the deal might not happen before Monday. This would not sit well with the United States as US President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn in on January 20.

With inputs from agencies.
Earlier this week, Mexicos new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, met with Canadian businessmen to discuss ways of strengthening business, trade, and investments between the two countries and oppose the US tariff measures read more

US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration is just days away. With each passing minute, Canada and Mexico are going back and forth on ways to tackle the Republican leaders tariff measures that he vowed to implement after taking power. Canada has already laid down plans to counter these measures and now Mexico is joining hands with Ottawa in its pursuit to mitigate the effects of Trumps economic actions.

Earlier this week, Mexicos new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, met with Canadian businessmen to discuss ways of strengthening business, trade, and investments between the two countries and oppose the US tariff measures, according to a report by El Pais.

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Last year in November, President-elect Donald Trump pledged big tariffs on the United States three largest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and China - detailing how he will implement campaign promises that could trigger trade wars.

Altagracia Gomez Sierra, a Mexican government spokesperson said, The purpose of todays meeting was not to announce new investment amounts but to assess the progress of existing investments by Canadian companies in Mexico, understand where they see opportunities, and, most importantly, agree on a working methodology.

The meeting is the first show of sign that Mexico and Canada are taking steps to defend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that is due for review in June 2026. Trump has cast doubts over the viability of the agreement.

What has Mexico done so far?

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 Trumps first day in power is wholly realistic, but experts and former diplomats say Sheinbaum has made a solid start.

Its a very pragmatic and proactive approach by Sheinbaum and her team, said Gema Kloppe-Santamaria, a global fellow of the Wilson Centers Mexico Institute.

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.

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What has Canada done?

Meanwhile, Canada has unveiled a range of measures to strengthen border security, including increasing personnel and enhancing technology. On Wednesday, the government announced the deployment of Blackhawk helicopters and additional drones to enhance surveillance along the shared border.

Trudeau has said that Canada will pursue an eye-for-eye approach to mitigate the effects of Washingtons aggressive economic moves against Ottawa. These measures would see Canada impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods exported to the United States.

In an effort to negotiate or at least divert the negative effects Trumps 25 per cent tariff plan might have on Canadas economy, Trudeau is planning to resurrect his Team Canada approach that he employed on Trump during his previous presidency.

Ottawa to cut energy supply to US?

In a step that could further simmer tensions with Washington, Canada is considering cutting off its energy supply to the US if Trump goes ahead with his plan to impose the 25 per cent tariff.

Canada is the leading energy supplier to the United States, providing approximately 60 per cent of the crude oil imported by Americans. As of 2020, government data indicates that Canada accounted for 98 per cent of US natural gas imports, 93 per cent of electricity imports, and 28 per cent of uranium purchases.

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The agreement, which was approved by the security cabinet, would halt fighting and bombardment in Gazas deadliest-ever war. It would also launch on Sunday the release of hostages held in the territory since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. read more

In the photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen holding the meeting of Security Cabinet. (Photo: Israel's Prime Minister's Office)

Israels Security Cabinet has approved the ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas, according to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO).

In a statement on X, the PMO said the Security Cabinet has recommended to the full Cabinet to approve deal as proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war.

Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework.  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 17, 2025

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Following the approval, Israels cabinet convened on Friday to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that should take effect this weekend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said.

The agreement, which was earlier approved by the security cabinet, would halt fighting and bombardment in Gazas deadliest-ever war.

Under the deal struck by Qatar, the United States and Egypt, the following weeks should also see the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

The justice ministry published a list of 95 Palestinians to be freed starting Sunday, subject to government approval.

They include 69 women, 16 men and 10 minors.

Even as Netanyahus far-right ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, have opposed the deal, the deal is set to be approved as they have negligible standing in the decision-making bodies  just two votes in the 11-member Security Cabinet and six votes in the full 36-member Cabinet.

However, the threat of Smotrich to quit the ruling coalition and topple Netanyahus government has reportedly led him to accept extremists demands.

The Jerusalem Post has reported that Netanyahu has accepted Smotrichs demand to break the deal after the first phase and resume the war in Gaza after the six-week ceasefire of the first phase would end. The newspaper further reported that he has also agreed to Smotrichs demand of controlling and restricting the flow of aid into Gaza.

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If Netanyahu breaks the deal after the first phase, he would likely condemn the rest of the hostages to near-certain deaths as they would either be killed in retribution by Hamas or killed in Israeli bombardment that would follow.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced that Israel and Hamas had reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages. He had held back announcing the deal until a last-minute crisis that he said Hamas propped was resolved.

The Israel-Hamas deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar and facilitated by the United States, is nearly identical to the one outlined by US President Joe Biden in May 2024.

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In the three-phase deal, the first phase deal would last for six weeks in which 33 hostages would be released in lieu of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. In the second phase, all the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli military would withdraw from Gaza. In the third phase, the question of post-war Gazas governance and reconstruction is expected to be addressed. The six weeks of the first phase of the deal would be used to negotiate the specifics of the second and third phases.
The new H-1B visa rule comes into effect today. Know how will it benefit Indian nationals and students in the US read more

US H-1B visa program new rules for foreign workers take effective from January 17. Source: Reuters.

The United States new H-1B visa regulations, aimed at improving fairness and reducing fraud, comes into effect today, three days ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration as the US President.

The updated rules announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed the mounting concerns of fraud from employers, employees and advocacy groups.

The modernised version of the H-1B visa programme aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in hiring global talent and enable US companies to fill critical job posts more effectively, address labour needs in crucial fields as well as strengthen the US economy.

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Proposed changes to improve the H-1B programme would create jobs and benefit not only US employers but also professionals who want to contribute to the United States success, the DHS said.

The revised H-1B programme comes alongside other modernised rules for non-immigrant visas, including the L1 and Student visas. The final rule was released on December 18, 2024. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be publishing a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, on January 17, reflecting the changes in the final rule.

H-1B visa new rule

The H-1B final rule modernises the H-1B program by streamlining the approval process, increasing flexibility to better allow employers to retain talented workers, and improving the integrity and oversight of the program.

The need of this rulemaking is to - clarify the requirements of the H-1B programme and improve its efficiency, provide greater benefits and flexibilities for petitioners as well as beneficiaries, and strengthen programme integrity measures.

The H-1B non-immigrant visa programme enables US employers to temporarily recruit foreign workers in speciality occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of highly specialised knowledge and a bachelors or higher degree in the specific speciality, or its equivalent.

Meanwhile, the H-2 final rule will help strengthen worker protections by, among other things, imposing new consequences on companies that charge prohibited fees or violate our labor laws and provides greater flexibility for H-2A and H-2B workers.

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The new rule also enables quicker processing for individuals previously approved for an H-1B visa and extends eligibility to beneficiaries with a controlling interest in the petitioning organisation under certain conditions.

Also, it strengthens programme integrity by codifying USCIS authority to conduct inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Benefit F-1 Visa students

For the students holding F-1 visas and willing for transitioning to H-1B status, the rule extends certain flexibilities. This aims to prevent interruptions in their lawful status and employment authorisation during the transition process.

The added flexibility to the F-1 visa programme would allow students to gain valuable work experience in the United States, thus creating a more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive workforce, the US Federal Register said.

How new H-1B visa programme benefit Indian professionals

The reforms are expected to benefit Indian professionals, who make up a big portion of H-1B visa holders.

In 2023 alone, Indians received a significant share of H-1B visas with 72.3 per cent of the 386,000 issued to them.

With inputs from agencies

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The French Catholic Church has formally requested prosecutors to investigate sexual violence allegations against disgraced priest Abbe Pierre read more

Abbe Pierre, a well-known activist for the poor and the homeless who died in 2007 at the age of 94, is pictured in this Oct. 3, 2002, file photo. French Catholics were shocked to learn July 17, 2024 of the sexual assault or sexual harassment allegations against the famed priest. (Photo: Reuters)

The French Catholic Church has formally requested that prosecutors initiate an investigation into Abbe Pierre, a once-revered priest and humanitarian icon who died in 2007, following new revelations of sexual violence.

Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops Conference (CEF), announced the move during an interview on RMC radio on Friday. We must get to the bottom of the truth  uncover any additional victims, accomplices, and failures to report these crimes, he said.

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Who was Abbe Pierre?

Born Henri Groues in 1912, Abbe Pierre was a French Catholic priest renowned for his dedication to aiding the poor and homeless.

In 1949, he founded the Emmaus movement, an international organization focused on combating poverty and homelessness.

His humanitarian efforts, especially during the harsh winter of 1954, garnered him widespread admiration, and he was often regarded as the conscience of France.

Emergence of allegations

The allegations against Abbe Pierre surfaced posthumously, significantly tarnishing his legacy years after his death.

In July 2024, Emmaus International and the Fondation Abbe Pierre released a report detailing accusations from seven women, including one who was a minor at the time, alleging sexual assault and harassment by Abbe Pierre between the late 1970s and 2005.

Following these initial revelations, a dedicated channel for victims led to 17 additional accusations, with incidents reportedly occurring from the 1950s to the 2000s across various countries, including France, the United States, Morocco and Switzerland.

Churchs response

In light of the allegations, Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops Conference, announced during an interview on RMC radio that the church has formally requested prosecutors to open an investigation into Abbe Pierre.

He emphasized the necessity of uncovering the full truth, identifying any additional victims, accomplices and instances where these crimes were not reported. The bishops conference also issued a statement Friday highlighting the gravity of the allegations and acknowledging past failures in heeding warnings.

It underscored the need for judicial action to uncover the full extent of the abuse and any systemic silences that may have allowed it to persist.

A significant chapter in Frances ongoing abuse scandals

The allegations against Abbe Pierre represent a key development in Frances broader reckoning with clerical abuse.

In 2021, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church reported that an estimated 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by clergy or church-affiliated individuals.

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The report highlighted a systemic coverup by church officials and called for significant reforms.

Churchs reparations for abuse victims

To address decades of abuse, the French Church launched a reparations program in 2022, overseen by the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation (INIRR).

The program offers financial compensation and psychological support to victims.

By March 2023, over 1,180 victims had come forward, with 404 receiving support from the INIRR.

Approximately 201 victims had already been granted financial or other reparations, which can also include non-financial support like organizing family mediation or installing memorials for victims.

Compensation amounts range up to 60,000 euros ($63,000), with most recipients reporting very serious crimes, including rape or repeated abuse over years.

Critics argue that systemic reform of the church is still needed.
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is on a five-day India visit, said, business links between Singapore and India are thriving and the natural partnership between the two countries is on a new trajectory read more

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome to his Singaporean counterpart Tharman Shanmugaratnam at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Source: X | @rashtrapatibhvn

India and Singapore are exploring new initiatives going beyond the existing, very active relationship that the two countries share, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said.

Tharman is on a five-day visit to India to mark 60 years of Singapore-India relations. He was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday.

Addressing the media after a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Tharman said the business links between Singapore and India are thriving and the natural partnership between both countries is on a new trajectory.

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Advanced manufacturing and work in the digital as well as sustainability spaces are among the newer areas of collaboration.

In September 2024, when PM Modi visited Singapore, leaders of both the countries had agreed to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

India-Singapore are natural partners'

Im optimistic about our relations with India because our leaders see eye to eye We are natural partners, Tharman said.

He went on to say that Singapore is invested in Indias Viksit Bharat@2047, a road map that seeks to ensure the country emerges as a developed nation by 2047  100 years after its independence.

Tharman also said that Singapore and India are exploring the possibility of a data corridor between the Republic and Gujarats financial hub Gift City, so that our financial institutions can exchange data on a safe and trusted basis."

Sustainability is a major priority for both India and Singapore and there too, were working actively to look at a corridor for renewable energy, he said

Singapore has been the leading foreign investor in India for several years, and we are now committed to investing in and participating in Indias ambitious plans for the future, Tharman said during a speech at a state banquet hosted by President Murmu on Thursday.

Singapore President praises PM Modis leadership

Tharman also highlighted the sheer speed and scale of rapid transformation in India in the last 10 years, including advances in social and economic development, that has seen the countrys rural poverty being cut by more than half in the last decade.

The Singapore President lauded Indias digital revolution that was rolled out on a massive scale, giving everyone access to bank accounts, health accounts and cashless digital payment systems.

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Tharman further said that through platforms such as the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, both the countries will continue to review and refresh the bilateral agenda in their mutual interests.

With each of these new initiatives, we also show how it is possible to achieve mutual prosperity and trust between nations, in an increasingly uncertain and fractious world, the Singapore President said.

Upon his arrival on January 16, Tharman visited the Raj Ghat memorial to lay a wreath in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

He also held a meeting with PM Modi, and also held talks with a number of other ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

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On January 17 and 18, Tharman and his delegation  including Singaporean business leaders  will be in Odisha to explore business and economic opportunities in the state.

With inputs from agencies
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 14 years and seven years respectively in a corruption case read more

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in a corruption case.

In the same case, Imrans wife, Bushra Bibi, has been sentenced to seven years.

The conviction and sentencing have come in 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case in which Imran and Bushra have been found guilty of obtaining billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising Rs 50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom during Khans premiership, according to Dawn newspaper.

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Imran and Bushra have also been handed fines of Rs 10,00,000 Rs 500,000 respectively and the failure to pay the fine would carry a six-month jail sentence, according to the newspaper.

Imrans party Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) has dubbed the verdict as politically motivated.

You can guess the injustice that have occurred over the last two years. If a fair decision is made, Imran and Bushra will be acquitted, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told the media outside the jail in Pakistans Rawalpindi where the verdict was announced in a makeshift court.

Imran has been in jail since 2023 and has since been slapped with more than 100 cases. He had a falling out with the countrys all-powerful military-intelligence establishment which he blamed for ousting him from power the previous year in a conspiracy involving the Joe Biden administration of the United States and the Opposition parties at the time which are currently in power in Pakistan. In April 2022, Khan lost premiership after he lost a trust vote in the parliament.

In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan filed a corruption case against Imran and others, including Bushra, in relation to the Al-Qadir University Trust. The Dawn reported that the NAB alleged that Imran played a pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi.

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The NAB alleged that real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussains son, Ahmed Ali Riaz, transferred 240 kanals of land to Farhat Shahzadi, a close friend of Bushra, and Zulfi Bukhari, a former aide of Imran, received land under a trust, which NAB argued did not exist at the time of the transfer, according to the newspaper.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin he believed their two countries could finalise agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Iran as the two leaders held talks in Moscow on Friday read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shake hands as they meet in Moscow, Russia on Friday. Reuters

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin he believed their two countries could finalise agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Iran as the two leaders held talks in Moscow on Friday ahead of the signing of a strategic partnership treaty involving closer defence cooperation that is likely to worry the West.

Putin greeted Pezeshkian, who is on his first Kremlin visit since winning the presidency last July, in a grand Kremlin room as they sat down at an ornate table flanked by the two countries flags.

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We will discuss all areas of our co-operation and sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, Reuters quoted Putin as saying.

We have been working on it for a long time and I am very pleased that this work has been completed, he said, adding it should further boost trade and economic ties.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Moscow has strengthened ties with Iran and other US adversaries, including North Korea, and has established strategic pacts with Pyongyang and Belarus, along with a partnership agreement with China.

While the 20-year Russia-Iran agreement is not expected to include a mutual defence clause like those with Minsk and Pyongyang, it is still likely to raise concerns in the West, which views both nations as destabilising forces, reported Reuters.

Both Moscow and Tehran insist their deepening relationship is not aimed at other countries.

Russia has extensively utilised Iranian drones in Ukraine, and the US accused Tehran in September of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, a claim Tehran denies. The Kremlin has not confirmed receiving Iranian missiles but acknowledges cooperation in sensitive areas.

Historically, Russia has provided Iran with S-300 air defense systems, and Iranian media reports suggest interest in acquiring more advanced systems like the S-400 and Russian fighter jets.

Pezeshkians visit to Moscow comes amid waning Iranian influence in the Middle East, particularly after setbacks in Syria and Gaza. Russia also faces challenges in Syria, where its military presence is uncertain under new local rulers.

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Pezeshkian met Putin during the BRICS summit in Kazan and had discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin about deepening cooperation in transport, energy, education, tourism, and cultural sectors. They are also expected to address Western sanctions on Irans oil industry.

Notably, Russia built Irans first nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which began operations in 2013, and has contracts for two additional reactors.

With inputs from agencies
On immigration, Farage said Reform UK is pro-control, adding that we are not putting up the barriers entirely. Farages comments mark a departure from his past. During the 2016 Brexit referendum, he controversially linked EU membership to an influx of migrants read more

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, sought to soften his stance on immigration and present a more pragmatic economic agenda as his party climbs in polls, coming within striking distance of Labour and the Conservatives.

Farage, 60, who won a Parliamentary seat in July after seven failed attempts, denied that his partys economic plans would spark market chaos like Liz Truss ill-fated 2022 mini-budget.

Acknowledging the big initial cost of his proposals, he promised an approach focusing on spending cuts alongside tax reforms, Bloomberg reported.

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On immigration, Farage said Reform UK is pro-control, distancing himself from earlier campaigns that drew criticism for inflammatory rhetoric. We are not putting up the barriers entirely, he said during an interview in Londons financial district.

He said UK will need highly-skilled people from other parts of the world to lead in sectors like tech and crypto trading.

Why Farage has eased his stance

Farages comments mark a departure from his past. During the 2016 Brexit referendum, he controversially linked EU membership to an influx of migrants and released a poster widely condemned as stoking anti-immigrant sentiment.

He has since insisted his party is non-sectarian, non-racist.

While UK net migration hit a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023, Farage maintained that Reform supports immigration within limits. Theres still plenty of room for people to come on work visas or, in some cases, settle, he said, although he did not address how reduced migration might impact sectors reliant on foreign workers, such as health and social care.

Reform UKs rise in polls reflects its success in eroding Conservative support, with Farage vowing to target Labour next.

The party won five Parliamentary seats in July on 14.3 per cent of the vote but was outpaced by the Liberal Democrats, who secured 72 seats with 12.2 per cent, thanks to a more robust ground campaign.

Farage said he aims to professionalise Reform UK ahead of the next election, due by 2029.
As per the report, the small group of Russian diplomats were part of the public tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the tour, they eventually separated from the general public and entered a part of the House of Lords which was out of bounds for the general public read more

Amid brewing tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom, reports are emerging that Russian diplomats accessed a private area of the British parliament, alarming security officials in the building. According to a report by The Guardian, the breach took place just before Christmas and the incident prompted private warnings from speakers of both the houses.

As per the report, the small group of Russian diplomats were part of the public tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the tour, they eventually separated from the general public and entered a part of the House of Lords which was out of bounds for the general public. They were later found by security and thrown out of the premises.

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We suspect they were just wanting to crow to the Kremlin that they had infiltrated the British parliament. Its not ideal but they were caught before any damage was done, a parliamentary source told The Guardian. The source said that the UK government ministers were alarmed when they learned about the attempted security breach.

MPs warned not to invite Russians'

Following the incident, written warnings were sent to MPs and peers urging them to not invite Russian diplomats to the parliament. However, it is unclear whether the group was part of the guided tour sponsored by a lawmaker or if they requested one from the parliament visitors service.

It is pertinent to note that Russian ambassadors, diplomats and officials based in the embassy in London have been banned from visiting the parliament since 2022. The ban was put in place after Moscow imposed sanctions on several British MPs shortly after it launched its military operation in Ukraine.

According to The Guardian, the Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Lords speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, on Thursday reminded the peers privately that they should be cautious about Russian efforts to penetrate parliamentary security.

With several new members joining the house recently, I would like to take this opportunity to remind colleagues of the ongoing arrangements which have been in place since the Russian invasion of Ukraine," the speakers wrote in a letter obtained by The Guardian.

As the formally accredited representative of the Russian government, the Russian ambassador should not be welcomed onto the parliamentary estate until further notice. This applies to all other Russian diplomats and officials at the Russian embassy accredited to the UK," the letter further reads.

A parliamentary spokesperson said: The safety and security of all those who work and visit in parliament is our top priority. However, we cannot comment on our security measures. The recent breach would raise concerns about the parliaments security amid growing fears that Russia might launch cyber attacks against the UK.

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It is truly a breakthrough document, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at the signing ceremony, adding that the two heavily sanctioned countries were united.. in taking our relationship to a new level read more

The Russian and Iranian presidents signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in the Kremlin on Friday.

It is truly a breakthrough document, AFP quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying at the signing ceremony, adding that the two heavily sanctioned countries were united.. in taking our relationship to a new level.

Ahead of the signing of a strategic partnership treaty, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart Putin that he believed their two countries could finalise agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Iran as the two leaders held talks in Moscow on Friday.

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Putin greeted Pezeshkian, who is on his first Kremlin visit since winning the presidency last July, in a grand Kremlin room as they sat down at an ornate table flanked by the two countries flags.

We will discuss all areas of our co-operation and sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, Reuters quoted Putin as saying earlier.

We have been working on it for a long time and I am very pleased that this work has been completed, he said, adding it should further boost trade and economic ties.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Moscow has strengthened ties with Iran and other US adversaries, including North Korea, and has established strategic pacts with Pyongyang and Belarus, along with a partnership agreement with China.

While the 20-year Russia-Iran agreement is not expected to include a mutual defence clause like those with Minsk and Pyongyang, it is still likely to raise concerns in the West, which views both nations as destabilising forces, reported Reuters.

Both Moscow and Tehran insist their deepening relationship is not aimed at other countries.

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Russia has extensively utilised Iranian drones in Ukraine, and the US accused Tehran in September of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, a claim Tehran denies. The Kremlin has not confirmed receiving Iranian missiles but acknowledges cooperation in sensitive areas.

Historically, Russia has provided Iran with S-300 air defense systems, and Iranian media reports suggest interest in acquiring more advanced systems like the S-400 and Russian fighter jets.

Pezeshkians visit to Moscow comes amid waning Iranian influence in the Middle East, particularly after setbacks in Syria and Gaza. Russia also faces challenges in Syria, where its military presence is uncertain under new local rulers.

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Pezeshkian met Putin during the BRICS summit in Kazan and had discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin about deepening cooperation in transport, energy, education, tourism, and cultural sectors. They are also expected to address Western sanctions on Irans oil industry.

Notably, Russia built Irans first nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which began operations in 2013, and has contracts for two additional reactors.

With inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump said that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas better be finalised before his inauguration on Monday. He claimed that current President Joe Biden and his team didnt do anything for the deal read more

US President-elect Donald Trump warned that the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas better be finalised before his inauguration which is scheduled to take place on Monday. While taking the credit for the deal, Trump emphasised that his involvement was crucial for the negotiation to end on a positive note.

Both US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have acknowledged Trump and his teams contribution during the negotiation talks. We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office, the President-elect said in a podcast interview with Dan Bongino.

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We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done," he added. While the Gaza truce is expected to begin on Sunday, Netanyahu said that a last-minute crisis with Hamas is holding up his governments approval of the deal.

PRESIDENT TRUMP LIVE ON THE DAN BONGINO SHOW

 THERE WOULD BE NO HOSTAGE DEAL WITHOUT US.. And it BETTER BE DONE BY THE TIME I TAKE THE OATH pic.twitter.com/NUvf0Jw3bU  Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) January 16, 2025

Trump says Biden didnt do anything

Trump went on to claim that Biden had not done anything significant for the deal to materialise. Im not looking for credit. I want to get these people out, he says. Weve got to get them out. He went on to compare the current deal to the Iran hostage crisis, which was resolved just moments after then-President Ronald Raegan entered office, succeeding former President Jimmy Carter.

For three years theyve lived like in hell, Trump said of the hostages, who have been in captivity for 470 days. We gotta get them out, and itll be great when we do," he furthered. According to CNN, during a fireside conversation, both Biden and Trump agreed that the hostage matter could and should be resolved before the hand-off of power on January 20. A source told the American news outlet that the timing suited both the men.

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Trumps team believed that the agreement struck after his win and before taking the Oval Office would enable the President-elect to take the credit for the deal. Not only this, it would also ensure that the matter is off the table before Trump comes back to the White House.

Meanwhile, Bidens team was also happy with the arrangement since this way, the American leader would be able to take credit for the deal hes spent more than a quarter of his presidency trying to cement. The Biden administration believed that the timing would validate time and energy  and political capital  lost to the cause.

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The midnight regulations could be Bidens way of cementing his legacy and getting past administrative hurdles. But for Trump, who might want to roll them back, these rules are likely to open up a time-taking, resource-intensive process read more

President Joe Biden has continued the trend of midnight regulations. It might become a headache for the President-elect Donald Trump when he assumes office. File image

In the United States, the final months of a presidential administration often see a surge in rulemaking activity. This phenomenon commonly referred to as midnight rulemaking.

This practice documented as far back as the Carter administrations transition to Reagan has accompanied nearly every presidential transition, regardless of political party.

Outgoing presidents, especially those succeeded by a leader from the opposing party, often seek to cement their legacy by finalising significant regulations before their term ends.

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The trend of midnight regulations

During the final months of President Trumps term, in 2020-21, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science rule, which limited the scientific studies the agency could use for public health regulations.

Prior to him, in 2016-17, Barack Obamas administration finalised regulations on overtime pay and methane emissions.

And before him, George W. Bushs team issued a controversial rule expanding healthcare workers right to refuse participation in certain medical procedures like abortions or sterilisations based on moral or religious objections.

But its not about isolated examples.

Take a look at this graph that shows the total number of economically significant final regulations published under different administrations, during equivalent months in office, from President Reagan to President Trump.

Image courtesy: Regulatory Studies Center, The George Washington University

Its clear that each administration follows the same general trend upward as their time in office elapses. Moreover, every administration except Reagans has a sharp rise in their final months.

The Biden administration is no exception

Since Election Day, November 5, 2024, federal agencies under President Biden have issued dozens of significant final rules.

These regulations cover a wide range of issues, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements and the regulation of trichloroethylene under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Additionally, several proposed rules have been published but remain unfinished, leaving their fate to the incoming administration.

Why are midnight regulations controversial?

While midnight regulations allow an outgoing administration to solidify its policy priorities, the practice is not without controversy.

Critics argue that it enables presidents to extend their agenda beyond their constitutionally prescribed term. By rushing rules through the administrative process, some fear that the quality of these regulations may suffer, leading to unintended consequences.

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However, condemnation of the practice is not universal.

A 2012 report by the Administrative Conference of the United States found that most regulations finalised during this midnight period result from agencies hurrying to complete tasks that might otherwise be delayed or derailed by the presidential transition.

In this view, the practice is seen as a way to cut short the administrative complexity of government rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine the incoming administration.

Despite that, since President Reagan took office in 1981, incoming presidential administrations have regularly taken measures to respond to the preceding administrations midnight rulemaking activities.

How do new governments handle midnight regulations?

Incoming administrations almost always end up reviewing and potentially overturning these last-minute rules. The process is resource-intensive, requiring time and effort that could be spent on new policy initiatives.

This dynamic was evident when the Trump administration, upon taking office, directed federal agencies to withdraw or postpone pending rules from the Obama era.

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Similarly, President Bidens administration issued directives to review and delay Trump-era midnight regulations.

New presidents typically take swift action to address their predecessors midnight regulations, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report. Common strategies include instructing agencies to:

Refrain from submitting proposed or final rules to the Office of the Federal Register (OFR). Withdraw any rules not yet published in the Federal Register. Postpone the effective dates of published rules that have not yet taken effect.

How will Trump react?

Consistent with the practice of previous administrations, the incoming Trump Administration may issue similar directives upon President-elect Trumps inauguration.

A similar course of action was taken when Trump assumed office after Obamas presidency.

It wont be completely easy for him to overhaul all the regulations, though.

Suppose Congress disagrees with how his administration addresses Bidens midnight regulations. In that case, it may use its authority to maintain all or portions of the prior administrations rule.
The traditions imbibed in the very first US presidential inauguration, of George Washington in 1789 are still observed nearly to this date. However, Democrats are planning to change things a little bit read more

Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at a campaign rally for democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Wings Event Center, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. File Image: AP

After Republican firebrand Donald Trump broke 150-year-old tradition by skipping the inaugural ceremony of the outgoing US President Joe Biden, Democrats are finding ways to repay the snub four years later. The traditions imbibed in the very first US presidential inauguration, of George Washington in 1789 are still observed nearly to this date. However, Democrats are planning to change things a little bit.

In 2021, Trump was the first former president for more than 150 years to skip the swearing-in of his successor. The reason Trump skipped the ceremony was because he didnt believe the fact that he lost the 2020 Presidential race to Biden. Fast forward to 2025, Trump will make a ceremonious comeback to the Oval Office on January 20.

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Ahead of the ceremony, here are three ways Democrats are giving it back to Trump by breaking with tradition.

1. Michelle Obama skips inauguration

Earlier this week, it was announced that former First Lady Michelle Obama would not join her husband at the inauguration ceremony of the 47th President of the United States. On Thursday, former US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi confirmed that she would skip the event as well. While other Democrats are expected to avoid the ceremony as well, the party have not so far organised an all-out boycott which they did during Trumps first inauguration in 2017.

No reason was given by the Obama office in their brief statement over the matter. Notably, the announcement came just days after the former First Lady skipped attending the funeral of another former US President, Jimmy Carter, where her husband was seen chatting with Trump. The funeral was attended by other former first ladies, including Melania Trump.

2. Harris not hosting Vance at VP residence

As of now, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris has not extended the traditional invitation to her successor, JD Vance, to meet at the VPs residence in Washington DC. A source close to the matter told CBS News that Harris has been consumed with other matters, including the response to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. However, there has not been any official comment on the matter from either of the sides.

Harris lost the 2024 presidential race against Trump. This is not the first time the tradition has been broken. Following the intense 2020 election, there were no sit-downs between former VP Mike Pence and Harris. While Harriss team claimed that no invitation was ever sent, the Pence camp said that a discreet offer was made for a meeting.

3. Biden skips farewell press conference

After delivering his farewell address from the White House, it looks unlikely that Biden will conduct an exit press conference. The exit press conferences were conducted by former presidents George W Bush and Obama, but not by Trump in the acrimony after the 2020 election.

It is important to note that during his time in the Oval Office, the outgoing president has done fewer news conferences than any other for decades.

Meanwhile, former Presidents Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will be skipping the presidential inaugural lunch as well. Hence, it will be interesting to see if more traditions will be broken at the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump.
Before handing over the administrative charge to incoming US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden-led government revealed that the Sudanese military used chemical weapons in the civil war and soon sanctioned army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan read more

Sudan civil war broke out in April 2023 and plunged half of the country's population into hunger. Source: Reuters.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Sudans leader and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict in which tens of thousands of people were killed and millions others were rendered homeless.

Burhan has been sanctioned by the US for war crimes, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilians and using starvation as a weapon.

The sanctions on Sudan army chief on Thursday came after the US accused the Sudanese military of using chemical weapons in its civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

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The measures against Burhan were announced just a week after Washington imposed sanctions on his rival in the two-year-old civil war  commander of the paramilitary RSF Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Why has US imposed sanctions on Sudanese army chief?

In a statement, the US treasury department said that under the leadership of Burhan, the war tactics of the Sudanese army included indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets and hospitals, and extrajudicial executions.

A report by Reuters quoted sources as saying that one aim of sanctions on the Sudanese army chief, week after Dagalos, was to show that Washington was not picking sides.

Dagalo, known as Hemedti, was sanctioned after Washington determined his forces had committed genocide, as well as for attacks on civilians. The RSF has engaged in bloody looting campaigns in the territory it controls.

Sudanese army chief welcomes US sanctions on him

Defiant about the prospect that he might be targeted, Burhan on Thursday said, I hear theres going to be sanctions on the army leadership. We welcome any sanctions for serving this country."

Sudans foreign ministry also reacted to the sanctions, saying that the latest US move expresses nothing but confusion and a weak sense of justice and accused Washington of defending genocide by the RSF.

Sudanese military used chemical weapons in civil war

A report by New York Times quoted US officials as saying that the Sudanese military used chemical weapons which they deployed in remote parts of Sudan, but many fear that the weapons could eventually be used in the countrys densely populated capital Khartoum.

The revelation was made shortly before the US imposed sanctions on Burhan.

The Sudanese army and the RSF together led a coup in 2021 removing Sudans civilian leadership, but fell out less than two years later over plans to integrate their forces.

In April 203, Sudans civil war began that led to the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 150,000 people killed and 11 million displaced. It had plunged half of the population into hunger and throwing the country into one of the worst famines in decades.

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With inputs from agencies
Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the ELN, the countrys largest guerilla group, of committing war crimes and declared on social media, The ELN shows no willingness to make peace read more

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Friday (January 17) the suspension of peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN).

This declaration followed a violent confrontation between armed groups in the northeastern Catatumbo region that left at least 30 people dead and over 20 injured.

The clashes, which erupted Thursday (January 16), pitted the ELN, Colombias largest active guerrilla group, against dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The latter had rejected a 2016 peace accord signed between FARC and the Colombian government to end more than five decades of conflict with the state.

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Petro accused the ELN of committing war crimes and declared on social media, The ELN shows no willingness to make peace.

The president, elected in 2022 on a promise of pursuing total peace, had sought negotiations with the ELN and other armed groups. However, the ceasefires and peace agreements have repeatedly faltered, with violations by armed factions undermining progress.

Cocaine trade at the heart of conflict

The Catatumbo region, located near the border with Venezuela, has long been a hotspot for territorial disputes linked to Colombias lucrative cocaine trade. Tibu, the epicentre of this weeks violence, is a key coca production zone.

Colombia remains the worlds largest producer of cocaine, and armed groups, including the ELN, FARC dissidents, and the Gulf Clan, continue to battle for control of these areas.

William Villamizar, governor of the North Santander department, said the clashes were driven by territorial disputes over drug routes. Data from the field indicates at least 30 people killed and more than 20 injured, he told Blu Radio.

The violence has also displaced dozens of families, according to ombudsman Iris Marin. She reported that ELN fighters were conducting house-to-house searches in the Tibu area, targeting civilians allegedly linked to the FARC dissidents. Preliminary accounts suggest that over 20 people are missing, while the United Nations confirmed that five former FARC combatants were killed during the clashes.

Peace efforts falter amid continued violence

Despite the governments total peace initiative, which includes negotiations with the ELN, FARC splinter groups, and the Gulf Clan, progress has been slow.

Multiple ceasefire agreements in 2024 were undermined by inadequate preparation and monitoring, as well as non-compliance by armed groups.

As of June 2024, the Gulf Clan maintained a presence in 392 municipalities, the ELN in 232, and FARC dissidents in 299. Armed groups have continued to expand their influence, committing abuses against civilians, while security forces have struggled to protect vulnerable populations or dismantle criminal networks effectively, according to a UN report.

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The 2016 peace deal with FARC was hailed as a historic achievement, but it failed to address the broader ecosystem of violence fueled by the cocaine trade.

Unless a sustainable strategy is implemented, Colombias cyclical violence is unlikely to subside.

With inputs from agencies
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met incoming US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago where Elon Musk and Vice President-elect JD Vance were also present. Read more to know what all they discussed ahead of the inauguration of the new US President on January 20 read more

File photo of Donald Trump shaking hands with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during an American Technology Council roundtable at the White House in Washington on June 19, 2017. Source: AFP.

Days ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration as the US President on January 20, he had a visitor at Mar-a-Lago, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Nadella along with Microsoft President Brad Smith met with Trump at his Florida Palm Beach resort for lunch where Vice President-elect JD Vance and Elon Musk were also present.

A report by The Hill quoted a Microsoft spokesperson as confirming the news of the meeting that was held on Wednesday (January 15) and saying that Nadella and Smith discussed cybersecurity and technology policy with Trump, Vance and Musk.

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The meeting is the latest example of the tech industrys increasingly close relationship with Trump after his triumph in the 2024 US Presidential election.

Productive meeting

As per a report by Semafor, Microsoft, in a written statement, said that two of its executives had a productive meeting and discussed cybersecurity, technology policy, as well as the $80 billion Microsoft plans to invest AI infrastructure worldwide this year, creating new American jobs for American workers and advancing American competitiveness both in the US and abroad.

Musk, whose xAI is also a player in that space, has been critical of Microsofts investment in OpenAI, which he is suing for transitioning from a nonprofit to a far-profit entity.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has recently become one of the latest tech companies to donate $1 million to Trumps inauguration, joining the likes of Google, Meta and Amazon.

Several tech leaders have made a trip to Mar-a-Lago over the recent months since Trumps win, to apparently improve relations with the incoming president, who has a history of having a tumultuous relationship with the industry.

Trumps inauguration on Monday will also see several tech executives, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in attendance.

With inputs from agencies
Egyptian and Israeli officials said an Israeli delegation from the military and its Shin Bet internal security agency were going to Cairo Friday to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations read more

The truce deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US will take six weeks to complete and focuses on the release of hostages and the boosting of humanitarian aid to the devastated and beleaguered Gaza Strip. Image: REUETRS

As the Israeli cabinet meets to vote on the Gaza ceasefire, Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, and other Arab nations are pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal without any delay.

Talking to The Associated Press, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said a deal had been reached thanks to deep involvement by American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, including officials from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

We have a deal. Whats very important is to start implementation. What we are doing now is to push for final approval and implementation, without any delay," he said.

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Egypt has added responsibility as a mediator to ensure that the deal is implemented properly. Its capital Cairo is the location where any future talks on the truce deal with the US and Qatar will be held. Abdelatty said the talks were set to begin soon, and that the mediators would have an operation room overseeing the deal in the Egyptian capital.

We are fully committed to fulfill our own commitments and we are expecting that others to fulfill their own commitments, he said.

Meanwhile, Egyptian and Israeli officials said an Israeli delegation from the military and its Shin Bet internal security agency were going to Cairo Friday to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations.

Technical talks on Gaza in Cairo

Cairo is currently hosting Qatari, American and Israeli delegations to discuss mechanisms for implementing the Gaza truce deal that is supposed to take effect on Sunday.

Citing an informed Egyptian source, Al-Qahera News said that technical meetings started in Cairo Friday to put mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza with the participation of Egyptian, Qatari, US and Israeli teams.

During Fridays talks, negotiators agreed on facilitating the entry of 600 aid trucks per day into the Gaza Strip as per the deal, the source said.

Israels security cabinet meets

The Israeli security cabinet is holding a vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

If approved, the agreement would halt fighting and bombardment in Gazas deadliest-ever war and initiate on Sunday the release of hostages held in the territory since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

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Under the deal struck by Qatar, the United States and Egypt, the ensuing weeks should also see the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

With inputs from agencies
Ill spend the extra money, and Ill send everything around the tip of AfricaThere is no way Im putting any of my merchandise on a boat thats going to go through the Red Sea, one toy supplier said read more

File photo of a ship under suspected attack from the Houthis in the Red Sea. (Photo: AFP)

The Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade, remains eerily quiet. Shipping companies continue to bypass the route despite the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

In recent times, the Iran-aligned Houthi militia has carried out over 100 attacks on ships since November 2023, claiming its in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

But why are vessels transporting goods across the world still avoiding the Red Sea trade route now that the fighting in Gaza is poised to be paused?

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The decision has to do with lingering fears of Houthi attacks.

Although the group has signalled that it may halt attacks if the ceasefire holds, scepticism runs deep among industry leaders.

The European Unions naval force in the region has maintained its high threat assessment, further reinforcing the reluctance to resume Red Sea operations.

Lingering risks and related costs

Shipping and insurance executives say the risks of navigating the Bab al-Mandab strait which connects the Red Sea to the Guld of Aden remain prohibitively high.

The uncertainty has pushed companies to reroute shipments around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and cost.

Higher war risk insurance premiums for vessels still brave enough to transit the Red Sea further deter shipping.

Premiums range from 0.6 per cent to 2 per cent of a vessels value, especially for ships linked to Israel or the United States.

Matt Castle of logistics group C.H. Robinson noted that cargo insurance challenges and time constraints make a rapid return to the Red Sea unlikely.

For larger vessels like liquefied natural gas carriers, resumption of operations will take even longer due to heightened safety concerns.

What industry says

Jay Foreman, CEO of US-based Basic Fun, which supplies toys to major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, is among those steering clear.

There is no way Im putting any of my merchandise on a boat thats going to go through the Red Sea for some time, he said. Ill spend the extra money, and Ill send everything around the tip of Africa Its just not worth taking a chance.

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The caution is echoed across industries.

Norwegian shipper Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which transports vehicles, said it would not resume Red Sea operations until it is safe. Similarly, Swedish fashion giant H&M and Tailwind Shipping Lines continue to monitor the situation without committing to the route.

Maritime security sources have warned that any pledge by the Houthis to cease attacks will be met with scepticism. Itll definitely be a case of trialing the route, making sure that the ceasefire is genuine, said Craig Poole, managing director at Cardinal Global Logistics.

With inputs from Reuters
Under pressure from far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to break the deal with Hamas and resume the war after the first phase of the deal, most likely condemning the rest of the hostages to near-certain deaths read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 7, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

In a decision that would condemn the remaining hostages to near-certain deaths, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears set to break the deal with Hamas after the completion of first phase under pressure from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Earlier this week, Israel and Hamas reached a three-phase deal for ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages after more than a year of negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt and facilitated by the United States.

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Under the deal, which is nearly identical with the one outlined by US President Joe Biden last year, phase one would comprise a six-week ceasefire in which 33 hostages would be released in exchange for unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The second phase would mark the end of the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In the third phase, the reconstruction of Gaza would start.

Netanyahu accepts Smotrichs demands: Report

Even as Israeli Prime Ministers Office on Friday said that the deal with Hamas has been signed, it has now been reported that Netanyahu would break the deal under pressure from Smotrich to save his government.

Netanyahu has accepted Smotrichs demand to continue the war in Gaza and control the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The understanding was reached between Netanyahu and Smotrich as significant progress was made in several meetings between the two leaders in recent days, according to The Post.

Smotrich had threatened to quit the government if the deal is approved by the government. Another far-right minister, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has said he would quit the government if the deal is approved. This means that Netanyahus government could collapse if both far-right allies quit.

After reaching the understanding with Netanyahu, The Post reported that even though Smotrichs party, Religious Zionism, would vote against the deal in the Security Cabinet and full Cabinet, it would not quit the government. This would save Netanyahus government would collapsing as, with Smotrich staying, Netanyahu would still have 61 members in the 120-member Israeli parliament even if seven members of Ben Gvirs party quit.

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Netanyahu to condemn hostages to near-certain deaths

If Netanyahu actually goes through with the understanding with Smotrich, as reported by The Post, then he would be breaking the deal with Hamas after the first phase. This would mean that the rest of the hostages would not be released and are most likely to be killed either by Hamas in retribution or in Israeli bombardment that would be unleashed on Gaza.

While the Post has reported that Netanyahu has agreed to the continuation of war after the first phase, it has previously been reported that Smotrich was seeking the continuation of the war in a much fiercer way with firepower heavier that what has so far been used in Gaza.

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Israels Hebrew-language outlet Mako has reported that Smotrich has put the following conditions:

Continuation of the war against Hamas in Gaza after 42nd day

Intensifying the war in Gaza with heavier weapons

Controlling and reducing humanitarian assistance entering Gaza

Seizure of Gaza permanently

Encouraging settlements in Gaza

Security Cabinet vote to be held today

After the Israelis PMO announced earlier in the day that the deal with Hamas has been reached after resolving the last-minute crisis propped by Hamas, Netanyahu has convened the Security Cabinet today to hold votes on the deal.

Firstly, the deal would be voted upon in the Security Cabinet and then in the full Cabinet. Despite opposition from Smotrich and Ben Gvirs parties, the deal would be approved in both the Security Cabinet and full Cabinet.

Then, if appeals against the deal are filed in the Supreme Court, those appeals would need to be disposed off.

Once the deal has been cleared by the Security Cabinet, full Cabinet, and the Supreme Court, the deal is expected to come into effect on Sunday and first hostages are expected to be released the same day.

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The Times of Israel has reported that the Security Cabinet has convened and is holding the vote and the full Cabinet is expected to be convened on Saturday evening.
In-depth information regarding the contents of the phone conversation, which took place on Friday (January 17), has not yet been revealed. Trump did post about it on social media, though read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday evening, as reported by Chinese state-owned broadcaster, CCTV.

The call, which took place on Friday (January 17), can be seen as a sign of Beijings intent to establish communication channels with the incoming US administration.

Trump, posting about the conversation on his social media platform Truth Social, said The call was a very good one[]We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects.

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Previously, during a meeting in Lima, Peru, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Xi had told outgoing President Joe Biden of Chinas willingness to collaborate with Trumps administration.

The news of the phone conversation follows Chinas announcement that Xi would not be attending Trumps inauguration as the President of the US on January 20. China is instead sending Vice-president, Han Zheng as Xis special representative.

US-China tensions persist

Earlier, in a conversation with Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Xi had said China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences, so as to strive for a smooth transition of the China-US relationship.

However, this recent call between Xi and Trump comes amid escalating tensions between the US and China.

Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Beijing, vowing to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese goods. He has labelled China a currency manipulator, as well.

Trump has also repeatedly criticised Chinas trade practices, accusing the country of stealing American jobs and intellectual property. He has signalled a tougher stance on issues like Taiwan, a red line that Xi had told Biden the US must not cross when the two world leaders met in Peru in November 2024.

For its part, China has announced a ban on exporting essential high-tech materials, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States.

That move is seen as retaliation against recent US export controls on semiconductor technology.

With inputs from agencies
Chinese biotechnology supports Brunei's cervical cancer screening

Xinhua) 10:31, January 17, 2025

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Brunei launched the latest version of the BruHealth app on Thursday, featuring an integrated national cervical cancer screening program.

The National Cervical Cancer Screening Program was initiated by Brunei's Ministry of Health in partnership with Borneo Genomics Innovations, a joint venture with Chinese biotech giant BGI Genomics in Brunei.

"Screening can be done easily by booking an appointment in the BruHealth app," Brunei's Minister of Health Haji Mohammad Isham was quoted by the local daily Borneo Bulletin as saying. The minister urged eligible women to undergo screenings to detect and treat HPV before it progresses to cancer.

The program aimed to enhance early detection and eliminate cervical cancer in Brunei, and BGI Genomics' HPV DNA testing can help Brunei efficiently carry out large-scale HPV screening, according to Du Yutao, chief operating officer of BGI Genomics.

Brunei is an oil-rich Southeast Asian country located in the northern part of Borneo Island, with a population of 340,000 and a high level of social welfare.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
At the invitation of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum, and the governments of Switzerland and the Netherlands, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland and visit Switzerland and the Netherlands from January 19 to 24.



At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Touhid Hossain will visit China from January 20 to 24.

CCTV: You just announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025. Can you share with us more details on his program and Chinas expectation for the meeting?



Guo Jiakun: World Economic Forum, known as a world economic bellwether, is one of the most influential non-official economic forums in the world. President Xi Jinping attended the forum for three times and delivered important remarks. He sent a strong message of supporting economic globalization, safeguarding and practicing multilateralism, and jointly creating a better world. Under the theme of Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, the meeting invites relevant parties to discuss how to enhance cooperation and jointly seize the opportunities for development in the intelligent age. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will deliver a special address at the opening plenary of the annual meeting.

By attending the annual meeting, China looks forward to strengthening exchanges and communication with other parties, enhancing understanding and trust, pooling consensus for cooperation, upholding true multilateralism, jointly advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world and a mutually beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and contributing to improving global economic governance and boosting world economic growth.

Xinhua News Agency: Its reported that many outcomes have been reached during Sri Lankas President Anura Kumara Dissanayakes visit to China and the two sides issued a joint statement. Can you further brief us on that and how does China view the significance of the visit to China-Sri Lanka relations?



Guo Jiakun: At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a state visit to China from January 14 to 17. It was President Dissanayakes first visit to China after taking office, and is of great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. On January 15, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Dissanayake. The two sides reached important common understandings on deepening China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, making new strategic guidance for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. The two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan and multiple documents on bilateral cooperation, including the export of agricultural products to China, peoples livelihood, and news and broadcasting, among others. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress met with President Dissanayake respectively. The two sides issued a joint statement that gives a full overview of what has been achieved through President Dissanayakes visit.

China attaches high importance to its ties with Sri Lanka in the neighborhood diplomacy. China and Sri Lanka today have a historic opportunity to build on what has been achieved and take the relationship into the next chapter. China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to follow up on the important common understandings reached between the two leaders, deepen our strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, work for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, and bring more benefit to our two countries and two peoples.

China News Service: To follow up on Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Touhid Hossains official visit to China, whats Chinas comment on its current relations with Bangladesh and expectation of this visit?



Guo Jiakun: China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have treated each other with respect and as equals, and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests. We have set a good example of friendly interaction and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries.

China, as always, attaches great importance to growing its relations with Bangladesh. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year. China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to strengthen interactions at various levels, enhance political mutual trust, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges and cooperation in other fields, and advance the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

AFP: Media reports in China yesterday said that the CEO of the Hong Kong-listed company Vanke had been taken away by public security authorities. Can the Ministry confirm this and if true provide any details on this?



Guo Jiakun: Im not familiar with the specifics you mentioned and would refer you to competent authorities.

CRI: Could you share with us the arrangement for Vice Premier Ding Xuexiangs visits to Switzerland and the Netherlands? Whats Chinas comment on its current relations with Switzerland and the Netherlands and expectation of the visits?



Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Switzerland diplomatic ties. President Xi Jinpings state visit to Switzerland in 2017, a full success, has brought bilateral relations to a new, historic height. During the visit to Switzerland, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will respectively have a meeting and talks with President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Finance Karin Keller-Sutter and Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin. They will have an exchange of views on bilateral relations, mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues. Through this visit, China looks forward to further implementing the important common understandings between the two leaders, working with Switzerland to start the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, better enhancing political mutual trust, strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and working for higher quality and efficiency in the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership.

China and the Netherlands are major economies and trading powerhouses in the world. The Netherlands has long been a gateway to China-EU cooperation. In recent years, our open and practical comprehensive cooperative partnership has made steady progress, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have produced fruitful results, which have benefited the two peoples. China looks forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with the Netherlands on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, enhancing mutual understanding and trust, unlocking the potential of cooperation, expanding people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and achieving new progress in China-Netherlands relations.

AFP: A US report yesterday said that Chinas practices in the shipbuilding sector undermined fair competition and they wanted urgent action. Does the Ministry have a response to this report on shipbuilding?



Guo Jiakun: The spokesperson of Chinas Ministry of Commerce has responded to that. Let me stress that the Biden administrations Section 301 investigation against China targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors seriously violates WTO rules and is purely protectionism. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes it, and has made clear our position more than once.

Various US studies show that the US shipbuilding industry lost its competitive advantage many years ago due to over-protection. The growth of relevant industries in China is a result of companies tech innovation and participation in market competition. It also benefits from Chinas fully-fledged industrial manufacturing system and vast domestic market. The Biden administration blaming its own problems on China lacks factual basis and economic common sense. We urge the US to respect facts and multilateral rules, immediately stop its wrongdoings and return to the rules-based multilateral trading system. China will closely follow the investigation and take all measures necessary to firmly defend our rights and interests.

Beijing Daily: According to reports, on January 15, Kosovo police raided Serb-populated areas in the north of Kosovo, closed Serbian-run institutions and dispelled the employees. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned what the Kosovo authorities did. The US, the EU and France also expressed concerns over that, urging Kosovo to fulfill its obligation of establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities. Do you have any comment?



Guo Jiakun: On the Kosovo issue, China respects Serbias sovereignty and territorial integrity and believes that the security and lawful rights and interests of the Serbs in Kosovo should be safeguarded. Unilateral actions are not conducive to resolving the issue and will impact security and stability in the Kosovo region. We hope relevant parties will continue to engage in practical and constructive dialogue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and actively seek a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue.

Reuters: I have a question about Chinese citizens trapped in Myanmar. Recently, their families have posted messages seeking for help on domestic social media platforms, including a shared document containing the information of thousands of people trapped. How does the Foreign Ministry view the posting for help from these families as well as cross-border telecom fraud and related human trafficking, kidnapping and abuse?



Guo Jiakun: In a meeting with diplomatic envoys from 10 ASEAN countries in Beijing on January 16, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said that a series of vicious cases of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border recently have threatened and harmed the vital interests of citizens of China and other countries, a situation that needs to be taken seriously. It is hoped that relevant countries will step up to their responsibility and take strong measures to resolutely crack down on these crimes, safeguard the safety of peoples life and property, and never allow criminals to go unpunished.

Id like to stress that the Chinese government stands firm in combating crimes of telecom and online fraud, fighting cross-border illegal and criminal activities and protecting the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens. We also ask Chinese citizens overseas to strictly abide by local laws and regulations and refrain from engaging in any illegal and criminal activities.

In a recent period of time, China has worked closely with relevant countries to bust a large group of cross-border criminal gangs. China will continue to deepen international law-enforcement cooperation and take tougher steps to combat cross-border illegal and criminal activities including online gambling and telecom fraud and human trafficking.

We will continue to work in collaboration with competent authorities to guide our diplomatic missions to properly handle cases involving Chinese citizens overseas and provide necessary assistance to the individuals concerned and their families within our duty.

We also hope that our fellow Chinese will take extra safety precautions to protect themselves and join in our effort to end the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud.

AFP: A privacy campaign group in Europe yesterday filed complaints against six Chinese companies, including WeChat and Temu. They said that these companies have violated EU data privacy laws. Does the Ministry have a response to this?



Guo Jiakun: The Chinese government attaches great importance to and protects in accordance with the law data privacy and security. We have never asked and will never ask any company or individual to collect or provide data, information or intelligence located abroad against local laws for the Chinese government. Relevant parties need to respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, and provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.

Shenzhen TV: We noted that the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT) released a report today, which included detailed information of the cyberattacks by US intelligence agency on a Chinese advanced materials design and research institution and a major Chinese high-tech company in the smart energy and digital information sector, and claimed this report served as a reference for countries and agencies around the world to effectively identify and guard against cyberattacks by the US. Whats your comment?



Guo Jiakun: We noted the report. This report by CNCERT brought to light again the attempts by the US government to conduct cyberattacks and theft of trade secrets and intellectual property targeting China. We express serious concerns about such attempts, and urge the US to immediately stop the malicious activities. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its own cyber security and interests.

Cyberspace bears on national security and economic prosperity of all countries. The US should reflect on what its doing, and stop its political smears. The US should live up to its standards first before asking other countries to do the same, responsibly observe the same international rules respected by other countries, and work with the international community to maintain peace and security in cyberspace.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced three major initiatives to enhance Indias telecom infrastructure and improve citizen-centric services.

These initiatives were unveiled by the Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and include the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and the introduction of Intra Circle Roaming at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile App

The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is designed to boost telecom security and assist citizens in managing their telecom resources.

At the launch, the Minister stressed the apps role in creating a secure environment for users. The app, available on Android and iOS, offers several key features:

Chakshu  Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspicious calls and messages directly from their phone logs.

Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: Helps users identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name.

Blocking Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset: Allows swift blocking, tracing, and recovery of lost or stolen devices.

Know Mobile Handset Genuineness: Verifies the authenticity of mobile devices to ensure users buy genuine products.

With over 90 crore smartphone users in India, the app aims to provide essential services easily accessible on their phones.

National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0

The National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 was launched by Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, building on the success of NBM 1.0. Under NBM 1.0, nearly 8 lakh towers were established, and broadband subscriptions grew from 66 crore to 94 crore.

NBM 2.0 aims to connect 1.7 lakh villages, providing broadband access to at least 60% of rural households with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps by 2030.

Key objectives and benefits of NBM 2.0 include:

Extending optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030, ensuring 95% uptime.

Providing broadband to 90% of anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Anganwadi centers, Panchayat offices) by 2030.

Improving national fixed broadband speeds from 63.55 Mbps to 100 Mbps by 2030.

Mapping 100% of government-owned fiber networks by 2026 on the PM GatiShakti platform.

Reducing Right of Way (RoW) application disposal time from 60 to 30 days by 2030 (from 449 days in 2019).

Increasing rural internet subscribers per 100 people from 45 to 60 by 2030.

Powering 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030.

Enhancing the usage of the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) app for telecom infrastructure protection.

Collaborating on the implementation of new RoW rules for telecom infrastructure.

Supporting 5G rollout and preparing infrastructure for future 6G networks.

Promoting shared telecom ducts and utility corridors to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Leveraging optical ground wire (OPGW) for reliable broadband in remote, disaster-prone areas.

NBM 2.0 aligns with the Prime Ministers vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, aiming to position India as a global knowledge society with high-speed broadband and meaningful connectivity for all.

The mission focuses on transforming sectors like e-governance, disaster management, and rural connectivity, laying the foundation for a digitally inclusive future.

Intra-Circle Roaming at DBN-Funded 4G Mobile Sites

The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), previously known as USOF, supports bridging the telecom gap in rural and remote areas through mobile tower projects. DBN-funded towers cater exclusively to subscribers of the telecom service provider (TSP) that installed the tower, limiting service for other TSP subscribers.

Recently, Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) was introduced at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. This initiative enables subscribers from multiple TSPs (BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to access 4G services through a single tower, reducing the need for multiple towers and improving cost efficiency for operators and the government.

Key Highlights:

27,836 DBN-funded 4G sites nationwide.

35,400 rural and remote villages to benefit from seamless 4G connectivity.

Lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) for operators and government.

Increased connectivity options for users across the country.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), emphasized:

The Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) initiative, alongside the Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application, will not only provide better connectivity but also empower users to combat telecom-related scams, especially in remote regions.

The launch event was attended by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom); Shri Rohit Sharma, Member (Services), DCC; Shri Sanjeev K Bidwai, Member (Technology), DCC; Shri Gulzar Natarajan, Additional Secretary (T), and other dignitaries from various government departments.
Iti doresti o presa libera si independenta, care nu da inapoi cand vine vorba de respectarea standardelor profesionale, refuza sa se lase cenzurata, sustine independenta justitiei, transparenta decizionala si valorile democratice. Alege sa o sustii.
A man with three prior alcohol-related convictions was arrested Wednesday and charged with vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in June 2024.

The list of charges 29-year-old Pablo Madrid is facing include vehicular homicide-DUI, vehicular homicide-reckless driving, DUI with three or more prior convictions, vehicular assault-DUI, vehicular assault-reckless driving, tampering with physical evidence and driving with a revoked license.

The crash occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on June 25, 2024 near the intersection of North Avenue and the Interstate 70 Business Loop. A vehicle struck a light pole and caught fire in the crash, according to police.

One person was found deceased in the vehicle and two people, including Madrid, were transported to the hospital, police said.

The deceased was identified by the Mesa County Coroners Office as 20-year-old Mahaya Garner.

According to the arrest affidavit, a witness told police they had been on a FaceTime call with someone in the car and had seen a bottle of Patron tequila in the center console.

Madrids blood alcohol content was measured at .123% approximately four hours after the crash, according to court records.

The arrest affidavit stated Madrids injuries were consistent with being in the drivers seat. Police accused Madrid of trying to get the other passenger in the car to say she was the driver, as she would get less jail time.

Madrid was convicted in DUI cases three previous times from incidents in 2018, 2020 and 2023, according to police. He was also arrested in a reckless driving/DUI crash in August 2023. His license was revoked at the time of the crash.

Police also accused Madrid of concealing his cellphone when police came to the hospital with a search warrant for the phone.

Madrid made his initial appearance in court Thursday. His mother, Angela Lobato, spoke on his behalf.

I just ask that you have some mercy on him and let him come home, Lobato said.

Lobato said Madrid is not a flight risk.

This whole situation is a tragedy, I apologize to the family that lost their daughter, Lobato said.

Aimee Prince, the mother of the victim, also spoke in court Thursday, asking for a high bond to be set.

Hes never showed remorse, never reached out to my family. He doesnt belong with the rest of us, Prince said.

In her obituary, Mahaya, a Central High School graduate, was described as a force of nature, characterized by her quick wit and fiery personality that could effortlessly transition from caregiver to prankster.

The prosecution asked for a $500,000 cash bond, but Judge Bruce Raaum chose instead to set a $1 million cash bond, citing Madrids history of probation violation complaints and testing positive for alcohol.

Mr. Madrid poses a substantial and serious public safety risk, Raaum said.
The Associated Press

Children play in the yard in Somerton, Arizona, in this 2021 file photo. One reason CMU economics professor Nathan Perry gave for the decline in birth rates is the lack of affordable and accessible housing because many are against the idea of raising children while living in an apartment and not a single-family home with a yard.
EU announces new 120 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza

European Commission

Press release

Jan 15, 2025

Brussels

As part of the EU's long standing commitment to support Palestinians in need and in light of the latest developments in the region, the European Commission today announced a new aid package for Gaza worth 120 million. This brings total EU humanitarian assistance to Gaza to over 450 million since 2023 and comes in addition to the EU Air Bridge Flights which have delivered over 3,800 tonnes of aid. The EU continues working with partners on the ground to ensure that aid reaches those in need fast.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The ceasefire and hostage release agreement offers hope the region desperately needed. But the humanitarian situation remains grim in Gaza. Europe will channel 120 million of aid in 2025, alongside tons of in-kind aid, to keep supporting Palestinians."

The aid package will include:

Food assistance to address acute food insecurity and malnutrition

Healthcare assistance to support the functioning of healthcare facilities and provide medical supplies

Water, sanitation, and hygiene support to allow access to water and sanitation services

Shelter assistance to provide safe and secure accommodation for those who have been displaced

Protection assistance to support the safety and dignity of vulnerable populations

The EU will work closely with UN agencies and other humanitarian partner organisations to ensure swift delivery of the assistance.

Background

The EU supports humanitarian organisations working in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Access challenges and security concerns in Gaza have forced humanitarian partners operating on the ground to reduce their operations to a bare minimum. Their capacity to deliver is indisputable, but they require access.

The EU also launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge (HAB) operation in aid to the people affected by the crisis. Over 60 flights have transported over 3,800 tonnes of cargo supplied by humanitarian partners, EU-owned stockpile items, and donations from Member States.

Quote(s)

"The ceasefire and hostage release agreement offers hope the region desperately needed. But the humanitarian situation remains grim in Gaza. Europe will channel 120 million of aid in 2025, alongside tons of in-kind aid, to keep supporting Palestinians. " Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

"The ceasefire allows the seed of hope to grow in Gaza. But our work for the Palestinian people is far from over. Safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access is urgently needed. The EU is committed to supporting the people of Gaza. This new aid package will help to address the most pressing needs, including food security, shelter, and healthcare. We will work closely with our partners to ensure that our assistance reaches those who need it most. " Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

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Germany Federal Foreign Office

15.01.2025 - Press release

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement today (15 January 2025) on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas:

Today is a day of relief. Relief that the suffering on all sides can now end. The agreement on the release of the hostages and the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will not only save lives but give people in Gaza, the hostages and their families, as well as everyone in the region, tangible hope after 15 months. And it shows how important it is to never lose faith in diplomacy - even in the darkest hours.

In particular, my thoughts are with the German nationals who have endured the unimaginable at the hands of Hamas for the last 467 days, and I fervently hope that they will now be able to return home to their families very soon.

I would like to thank our partners and the negotiators who worked tirelessly to bring about a ceasefire and negotiated the agreement to the end.

I call on all sides to respect the provisions of the agreement. The hostages must be released quickly and in accordance with its terms. Humanitarian assistance must be provided on a massive scale to those suffering in Gaza. Likewise, the military withdrawal and the return of Palestinians to their homes must be implemented.

The atrocious terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel plunged the region into chaos. Too many people have lost their lives, too many mothers have had to bear the deaths of their children. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed during Israel's military operation. Gaza lies in ruins.

The people of Gaza lack everything - food, medical care and emergency accommodation. The Israeli Government must now finally honour its pledges and allow safe access for humanitarian goods and aid workers - without any restrictions. Germany stands ready to continue providing extensive support to UN organisations on the ground.

The ceasefire can be the first step towards a genuine political process - and the opportunity to ensure that the many elements for lasting peace which we have developed together with partners in the region during the last few months can be put into practice. We cannot let this opportunity slip through our fingers. A negotiated two-state solution remains the only solution which will enable both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and dignity.

Germany continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with all those working for peace and security in the region.
Vietnam shuts TV channels in govt cost-cutting plan

Critics say nothing is being done to help hundreds of staff who lost their jobs.

By RFA Vietnamese 2025.01.15 -- More than 1,000 reporters, editors and administrative staff from state-controlled Vietnamese broadcasters, including Voice of Vietnam's VTC Digital Television, lost their jobs on Wednesday as the channels were taken off the air, state media reported.

VTC's 13 channels, along with others unconnected to Voice of Vietnam such as Nhan Dan Television and Vietnam News Agency Television, stopped broadcasting on the morning of Jan. 15. National Assembly Television had already shut down on Jan. 1. While regional broadcasters are still on air, the goal is to make Vietnam Television the country's only channel.

The closures are part of a plan by the Communist Party's top decision making body the Politburo to streamline the political system and cut costs as outlined in Resolution 18, which aims to eliminate overlap in government enterprises and reduce the number of civil servants by a fifth.

VTC Digital Television was established in 2004 and became a non-business unit under the Ministry of Information and Communications in 2014. The following year, it was merged into the state Voice of Vietnam news agency.

VTC, Vietnam's second most-watched station behind Vietnam Television, broadcast nationwide, disseminating party propaganda.

One staff member, who worked for VTC for 20 years, told Radio Free Asia she and her colleagues were shocked and confused by its abrupt closure.

"They don't know where to go and what to do," said the woman, who didn't want to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. "Employees haven't been informed about any [compensation] policies. Any decision should consider workers' interests."

" We have dedicated many years to the job, are financially independent, and are not paid by the state budget. Why do they shut down our channels so abruptly without a proper roadmap?"

Administrative staff described the closure of VTC as "destructive," wasting millions of dollars of machinery and equipment - state assets now idle.

Ho Chi Minh City-based independent journalist Nam Viet said he wouldn't miss the propaganda channels, often considered the "lifeblood of the government."

"Quite a few reporters have taken to social media to lament and regret that they have dedicated many years [to the state]. Now they're being forced out but their sharing is more ironic than pity-inducing, because they have been the henchmen of a propaganda system that is nothing to be proud of ... not journalists who dared to speak up for people's suffering and fight for justice."

Academic Nguyen Hoang Anh, who has worked on programs for VTC and other broadcasters, said relying on a single channel would likely lead to many important issues being overlooked.

"Shutting down VTC will scale down the dissemination of information and leave viewers with fewer choices," she said, adding that Vietnam Television mainly focuses on politics, whereas VTC covered social issues such as women's rights and education.

Translated by Anna Vu. 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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Security Council Adopts Resolution 2768 (2025), Sustaining Monthly Reporting on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9836th Meeting (PM)

SC/15965

15 January 2025

Members Urge Group to Halt Attacks, Debate Need to Address Root Causes of Conflict

One year after adopting a text demanding that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Security Council today reiterated that demand in a new resolution and called for ongoing monitoring of the situation as these attacks continue with increasing sophistication.

Adopting resolution 2768 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2768(2025)) by a vote of 12 in favour to none against,with 3 abstentions (Algeria, China, Russian Federation), the Council extended, until 15 July 2025, its request that the Secretary-General provide it with written monthly reports on Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. It also reiterated its demand that the Houthis immediately cease such attacks and release the Galaxy Leader and its crew.

Further, the 15-nation organ took note of the use of advanced weaponry in these attacks and demanded that Member States stop providing arms to the Houthis. And, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of these attacks  including the conflicts contributing to regional tensions and the disruption of maritime security  the Council urged caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and the broader region.

Speaking after the vote, the representative of the United States stressed that, while the Houthis "have not heeded" the Council's previous resolution on this matter, extending the reporting requirement  including "information on the weapons we all know Iran is supplying the Houthis"  will give the Council accurate, timely insights to guide its deliberations. She added: "Attacks on any vessels in the Red Sea, regardless of origin or ownership, are entirely unacceptable; arguing otherwise risks legitimizing clear violations of international law."

"Maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is under extreme pressure," observed Greece's representative, who added that "these attacks have a direct impact on us all". Maritime security is expected to further deteriorate, while the re-routing of shipping continues to favour safer but costlier alternative routes. He therefore underlined the need to end the Houthis' attacks "by looking into the origins of the use of advanced weapons and by preserving the applicability of the arms embargo".

However, the representative of the Russian Federation, whose delegation abstained, pointed to the "one-sided picture" painted by the text's main authors  Greece and the United States. "If you were to judge the situation only using the text of this resolution, you would be led to believe that the only destabilizing factor in the region is what is being done by Ansar Allah," he said, noting that the text leaves out the most important aspect of the situation on the ground, namely the aggressive military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom against a sovereign country. While not justifying the Houthis' actions, he said that his delegation does not understand the United States' logic of urging the Council to work together while continuing to "plunge [Yemen] into chaos".

Similarly, the representative of China  spotlighting the year-long military operations of the United States and the United Kingdom against Yemen, as well as the recent escalation between the Houthis and Israel  said that focusing only on vessel attacks is not sufficient to resolve the "dilemma" facing Yemen in the Red Sea. "The tensions in the Red Sea are a significant manifestation of the Gaza conflict," he observed, expressing regret that today's resolution fails to clearly indicate this correlation.

The representative of Algeria, Council President for January, spoke in his national capacity to state that his delegation's abstention should neither be interpreted as a reservation regarding the Secretary-General's monthly report on the situation in the Red Sea, nor as consent for the Houthis' attacks. Rather, it reflects concerns over the implementation of the resolution 2722 (2024) and what Algeria believes is a "misuse and misinterpretation of the right to defend" by conducting attacks on the territory of sovereign countries, he said.

"As is often the case in this chamber, today's adoption is a product of compromise for everyone," said the representative of Denmark. While her delegation would have preferred stronger language on how the Houthis' attacks threaten the provision of humanitarian aid and the maritime environment, she said that today's resolution nevertheless sends a strong signal demanding that Member States stop arming the Houthis. Further, she underlined the need to uphold the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most-critical waterways: "Neither State nor non-State actors can be allowed to take that freedom away."

Guyana's representative, too, noted that her delegation would have welcomed the inclusion of language referring to Red Sea attacks' impact on the environment and the provision of humanitarian aid to people in Yemen. "These elements were supported by many delegations, and it is regrettable that they were not taken into account," she said. Nevertheless, today's resolution allows for the continuing flow of critical information on the ongoing security situation in the Red Sea. "Establishing the facts on the ground is important for accountability, whether that accountability comes now or in the future," she said.

The representative of Panama, for his part, highlighted his country's maritime nature while rejecting "the way in which these attacks have compromised the free transit of vessels". This has a direct impact on global supply chains, and he urged all parties to uphold the right to navigation as a "fundamental principle of international law". Underscoring that systematic, continuous attacks on commercial vessels cannot be justified, he concluded: "These attacks must immediately cease."

Meanwhile, the representative of the Republic of Korea welcomed the resolution's emphasis on implementing the relevant arms embargo, as well as its concern regarding the Houthis' use of advanced weaponry. He also pointed out that such use is "increasingly linked to regional instability", urging the Council to ensure full implementation of its relevant resolutions.

"The Security Council should pronounce itself in a unified voice to protect maritime security in the Red Sea," stressed Sierra Leone's representative, while also underscoring the need to address the root causes of the Houthi attacks. On this, he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Joining others in noting the "positive news coming from the region" and welcoming the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Slovenia's representative noted that this is the first step for peace in the region.

"The security of the Red Sea is fundamentally linked to the stability of coastal States and the broader peace process in the region," said Somalia's representative. "As a nation that has experienced the devastating impact of maritime insecurity, we recognize that lasting solutions must address the root causes of these conflicts," he added. He emphasized that his country, for its part, is "ready to work to ensure that the Red Sea remains what it has been for millennia  not just a vital maritime corridor, but a bridge of peace and prosperity connecting nations and people".





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Houthis Undermining Regional, International Peace Efforts in Yemen, Says Delegate, Calling on Security Council to Pave Way towards Political Solution

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9835th Meeting (AM)

SC/15964

15 January 2025



The conflict in Yemen has become increasingly internationalized, with the escalating cycle of strikes and counter-strikes hindering the prospects of peace, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, warning that the improved security conditions for civilians that have existed since the 2022 truce could be lost.

Detailing the conflict, Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, said Ansar Allah is intensifying its strikes in Israel and continuing attacks in the Red Sea, prompting retaliatory strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as Israel on Yemen. Recent Israeli air strikes have damaged critical civilian infrastructure, including Sana'a International Airport and the port of Hudaydah, which impacts the ability to unload humanitarian aid.

"We need immediate de-escalation and genuine engagement for peace," he stated, adding that almost 40 million Yemenis "have waited far too long". While regional tensions dominate the headlines, there has been escalation along several front lines. In one tragic incident in Taiz Governorate, two children were killed, and two others were injured, in an attack west of Taiz city, he said, stressing that such attacks must cease, and the parties must urgently take concrete steps towards achieving a nationwide ceasefire agreement.

Spotlighting his efforts towards creating the conditions for a ceasefire, including through meetings with senior political and military officials in Sana'a, he emphasized that any further escalation risks undermining existing commitments and would have devastating humanitarian consequences for Yemen's people. A return to widespread violence would trigger further displacement, collapse essential services and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisispushing Yemen further away from the peace it so desperately needs. "The cost of inaction will be profound, with the heaviest burden falling on Yemen's most vulnerable populations," he stated.

Also briefing the Council was Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, who noted that "the last month has seen a concerning increase in attacks against civilian infrastructure". Also reporting damage to Yemen's ports following air strikes, she observed that the country relies on imports for over two thirds of the food and 90 per cent of medicine depend on these seaports. Moreover, Sana'a International Airport  damaged on 26 December  is a "lifeline for life-saving supplies", she said, adding that disruptions to airport operations impact the ability to deliver aid.

"People in Yemen continue to face a severe humanitarian and protection crisis," she said, noting that, according to the 2025 consolidated humanitarian appeal, 19.5 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection  1.3 million more than in 2024, while over 17 million people are unable to meet their basic food needs. Furthermore, in 2024, the country bore the highest global burden of cholera, while 4.8 million of its people remain internally displaced. Highlighting "modest but sustained progress" on the humanitarian front, she noted that in December, a UN mission crossed the front line in Ta'iz City for the first time since 2016.

In the ensuing discussion, many delegates urged the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained, enabling a safe operating environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need. Numerous speakers urged funding for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan in light of the worsening food insecurity.

"This is more important than ever, with nearly 20 million Yemenis now in need of assistance," stressed the United Kingdom's delegate. While condemning the ongoing and reckless Houthi attacks against Israeli population centres, she emphasized that Israel must respect international humanitarian law, including the need to avoid damage to critical civilian infrastructure such as Hudaydah Port.

Echoing that sentiment, her counterpart from Denmark called on the Houthis to stop their attacks on Israel immediately and underscored Israel's right to self-defence, which must be in line with international law. She also underlined the need to reinforce the weapons embargo and curb the flow of arms to the Houthis, noting that the protection of civilians in Yemen remains pivotal. "They must not become victims of a forgotten conflict," she stated.

Also stressing the importance of the arms embargo, the representative of the Republic of Korea observed that the Houthis are deploying advanced weapon systems, including ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and hypersonic missiles. However, they do not possess the capacity to develop and produce such armaments without key external assistance, he asserted, adding that "any active military assistance or cooperation with the Houthis pours more fuel on the fire and deepens regional destabilization".

Condemning the Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Panama's representative reiterated his country's commitment to the right to navigation. He highlighted 136 attacks against commercial ships since the detention of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in 2023, with over a dozen ships navigating under Panama's flag. "These attacks represent a grave environmental danger," he added.

Sharing his concern over the potential environmental impact of maritime attacks, the speaker for Slovenia added: "It is clear that a policy of diplomacy rather than firepower must be pursued." She underscored that the people of Yemen should not be used as "a pawn in a geopolitical game".

The representative of Greece said his country  which places particular emphasis on maritime security and the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb  has co-penned the renewal of the Red Sea resolution.

Underscoring the need to avoid new escalation in the region, France's delegate urged Iran to cease support for destabilizing action in the Middle East.

Picking up that thread, the representative of the United States stated: "The time has come to respond to the growing global threats by holding Iran to account for enabling the Houthis long-range missile attacks on international shipping and Israel." To this end, she stressed the need to deprive the Houthis of illicit avenues that sustain their attacks and recognize their growing relationship with other terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab. Washington, D.C., continues to take actions in response to Houthi threats, including through multiple precision strikes on 8 January against two Houthi underground advanced conventional weapons storage facilities used to conduct attacks against merchant vessels. She added that these strikes were consistent with international law and were taken with the country's inherent right to self-defence.

Meanwhile, the Russian Federation's representative urged the parties to the conflict to resolve antagonisms and suppress their "hawkish" rhetoric. "Global Powers and regional players need to help them instead of linking additional pre-conditions to the peace process," he added. While the instability in the Middle East is impacting the political resolution, "fuel is added to the fire" by the turbulence in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, he observed, expressing concern over the ongoing strikes on Yemen's ports by the so-called coalition. "We are not justifying Houthi's strikes on the Israeli territory," he emphasized, noting that the actions of military personnel must be commensurate.

Warning against a vicious circle of spiralling escalation in Yemen, China's delegate observed that "while the Houthis and Israel continue to attack each other, the United States and Israel frequently struck Yemen from the air". Nevertheless, he emphasized that "military means are not the way out". The Houthis should stop harassing commercial vessels and safeguard the safety of shipping lanes in the Red Sea, he insisted. Concurrently, concerned countries should stop air strikes in Yemen and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Noting the recent positive developments regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, he said "the next few days will be critical to the trajectory of developments in the Strip."

Through the ongoing military escalation, the Houthi militias are undermining regional and international efforts towards peace in Yemen, said that country's representative. At a time when Yemen's Government condemns Israel's attacks, "we hold Houthi militias responsible for dragging Yemen into the conflict in the region", he noted, observing that those attacks are not in defence of the Palestinian people. "This is part of their strategy to destroy the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the Yemeni people to impose the agendas of their sponsor  the Iranian regime", he added. The militias must renounce the "choice of war", he stressed, calling on the Council to pave the way towards a political solution.

"The Houthi continue to escalate due to the absence of international will to deal with the behaviour of these militias," he said, adding that they turned Hudaydah into a base to threaten international navigation routes. Urging donors to support Yemen's economic recovery plan, he acknowledged Saudi Arabia's donation of $500 million, including $300 million as a deposit to Yemen's central bank. "This support will help meet urgent needs", he said, also spotlighting the forthcoming London-organized high-level ministerial meeting to mobilize economic and political support.

"Conflict in Yemen must be resolved through diplomatic and political means," said the representative of Pakistan, underscoring that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable paths for peace.

Somalia's representative, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, concurred: "Only diplomatic effort and political dialogue can solve the Yemeni crisis, not military intervention."

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Remarks by President Biden in a Farewell Address to the Nation

January 15, 2025

Oval Office

8:00 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, I am speaking to you tonight from the Oval Office.

Before I begin, let me speak to important news from earlier today. After eight months of nonstop negotiation, my administration  by my administration, a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year.

This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That's why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed, because that's how it should be: working together as Americans.

This will be my final address to you from  the American people from the Oval Office, from this desk as president. And I've been thinking a lot about who we are and, maybe more importantly, who we should be.

Long ago, in New York Harbor, an ironworker installed beam after beam, day after day. He was joined by steelworkers, stone masons, engineers. They built not just a single structure but a beacon of freedom.

The very idea of America was so big, we felt the entire world needed to see  the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France after our Civil War. Like the very idea of America, it was built not by one person but by many people, from every background and from around the world.

Like America, the Statue of Liberty is not standing still.

Her foot literally steps forward atop a broken chain of human bondage. She's on the march, and she literally moves. She was built to sway back and forth to withstand the fury of stormy weather, to stand the test of time, because storms are always coming. She sways a few inches, but she never falls into the current below  an engineering marvel.

The Statue of Liberty is also an enduring symbol of the soul of our nation, a soul shaped by forces that bring us together and by forces that pull us apart. And yet, through good times and tough times, we've withstood it all.

A nation of pioneers and explorers, of dreamers and doers, of ancestors native to this land, of ancestors who came by force, a nation of immigrants who came to build a better life,

a nation holding the torch of the most powerful idea ever in the history of the world that all of us  all of us are created equal. That all of us deserve to be treated with dignity, justice, and fairness. That democracy must defend and be defined and be imposed, moved in every way possible. Our rights, our freedoms, our dreams.

But we know the idea of America  our institution, our people, our values that uphold it  are constantly being tested. Ongoing debates about power and the exercise of power, about whether we lead by the example of our power or the power of our example, whether we show the courage to stand up to the abuse of power or we yield to it.

After 50 years at the center of all of this, I know that believing in the idea of America means respecting the institutions that govern a free society: the presidency, the Congress, the courts, a free and independent press. Institutions that are rooted not  they just  not to reflect the timeless words, but they re-  they  they echo the words of the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident." Rooted in the timeless words of the Constitution, "We the People."

Our system of separation of powers, checks and balances, it may not be perfect, but it's maintained our democracy for nearly 250 years  longer than any other nation in history that's ever tried such a bold experiment.

In the past four years, our democracy has held strong. And every day, I've kept my commitment to be president for all Americans through one of the toughest periods in our nation's history.

I've had a great partner in Vice President Kamala Harris.

It's been the honor of my life to see the resilience of essential workers getting us through a once-in-a-century pandemic, the heroism of service members and first responders keeping us safe, the determination of advocates standing up for our rights and our freedoms.

Instead of losing their jobs to an economic crisis that we inherited, millions of Americans now have the dignity of work; millions of entrepreneurs and companies creating new businesses and industries, hiring American workers, using American products.

And together, we've launched a new era of American possibilities  one of the greatest modernizations of infrastructure in our entire history, from new roads, bridges, clean water, affordable high-speed Internet for every American.

We invented the semiconductor  smaller than the tip of my little finger. And now it's bringing those chip factories and those jobs back to America where they belong, creating thousands of jobs.

Finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for millions of seniors.

And finally doing something to protect our children and our families by passing the most significant gun safety law in 30 years and bringing violent crime to a 50-year low.

Meeting our sacred obligation to over 1 million veterans so far who were exposed to toxic materials, and to their families  providing medical care and education benefits and more for their families.

You know, it will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together. But the seeds are planted, and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.

At home, we've created nearly 17 million new jobs  more than any other single administration in a s-  single term.

More people have health care than ever before.

And overseas, we've strengthened NATO. Ukraine is still free. And we've pulled ahead of our competition with China. And so much more.

I'm so proud of how much we've accomplished together for the American people. And I wish the incoming administration success, because I want America to succeed.

That's why I've upheld my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power to ensure we lead by the power of our example. I have no doubt that America is in a position to continue to succeed.

That's why, in my farewell address tonight, I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern. And this is the dangerous concer-  and that's the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of very few ultra-wealthy people, and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked.

Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.

We see the consequences all across America. And we've seen it before, more than a century ago. But the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts.

They didn't punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy pay the by  play by the rules everybody else had to. Workers won rights to earn their fair share. You know, they were dealt into the deal, and it helped put us on the path to building the largest middle class and the most prosperous century any nation the world has ever seen, and we've got to do that again.

In the last four years, that is exactly what we've done.

People should be able to make as much as they can, but pay  play by the same rules, pay their fair share in taxes.

So much is at stake. Right now, the existential threat of climate change has never been clearer. Just look across the country, from California to North Carolina.

That's why I signed the most significant climate and clean energy law ever  ever  in the history of the world, and the rest of the world is trying to model it now. It's working, creating jobs and industries of the future.

You know, we've proven we don't have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy. We're doing both.

But powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we've taken to tackle the climate crisis to serve their own interest for power and profit.

We must not be bullied into sacrificing the future, the future of our children and our grandchildren. We must keep pushing forward and push faster. There is no time to waste.

It's also clear that American leadership in technology is unparalleled  an unparalleled source of innovation that can transform lives. We see the same dangers of the concentration of technology, power, and wealth.

You know, his farewell address, President Eisenhower spoke of the dangers of the military-industrial complex. He warned us then about, and I quote, "the potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power," end of quote.

Six day lec-  six decades later, I'm equally concerned about the p-  potential rise of a tech-industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country as well.

Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit.

We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families, and our very democracy from the abuse of power.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is the most consequential technology of our time  perhaps of all time. Nothing offers more profound possibilities and risks for our economy and our security, our society, our very  for humanity.

Artificial intelligence even has the potential to help us answer my call to end cancer as we know it. But unless safeguards are in place, AI could spawn new threats to our rights, our way of life, to our privacy, how we work, and how we protect our nation.

We must make sure AI is safe and trustworthy and good for all humankind.

In the age of AI, it's more important than ever that the people must govern. And as the land of liberty, America  not China  must lead the world on the development of AI.

You know, in the years ahead, it will help to be  it's going to be up to the president, the presidency, the Congress, the courts, the free press, and the American people to confront these powerful forces.

We must reform the tax code  not by giving the biggest tax cuts to billionaires, but by making them begin to pay their fair share.

We need to get dark money  that's that hidden funding behind too many campaigns' contributions  we need to get it out of our politics.

We need to enact an 18-year time limit  term limit  time and term  for the strongest ethics ref-  and the strongest ethics reforms for our Supreme Court.

We need to ban members of Congress from pra-  from trading stock while they're in the Congress.

We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president  no president  is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office. The president's power is limit-  it's not absolute, and it shouldn't be.

And in a democracy, there's another danger to the concentration of power and wealth. It erodes a sense of unity and common purpose. It causes distrust and division. Participating in our democracy becomes exhausting and even disillusioning, and people don't feel like they have a fair shot.

But we have to stay engaged in the process. I know it's frustrating.

A fair shot is what makes America, America. Everyone is entitled to a fair shot  not a guarantee, but just a fair shot, an even playing field  going as far as your hard work and talent can take you.

We can never lose that essential truth  remain who we are.

I've always believed and I've told other world leaders America can be defined by one word: possibilities.

Only in America do we believe anything possible, like a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, sitting behind the  this desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States.

That's the magic of America. It's all around us.

Upstairs in the residence of the White House, I've walked by a painting of the Statue of Liberty I don't know how many times. In the painting, there are several workers climbing on the outstretched arm of the statue that holds the torch. It reminds me every day I pass it of the story and soul of our nation and the power of the American per-  people.

There's a story of a veteran  this is  a veteran, a son of an immigrant, whose job it was to climb that torch and polish the amber panes so rays of light could reach out as far as possible. He was known as the "keeper of the flame."

He once said of the Statue of Liberty, quote, "speaks a silent universal language, one of hope, that anyone who seeks and speaks freedom can understand."

Yes, we sway back and forth to withstand the fury of the storm, to stand the test of time  a constant struggle  constant struggle, a short distance between peril and possibility.

But what I believe is the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. And it's up to us to make our dreams come true.

Let me close by stating my gratitude to so many people. To the members of my administration, as well as public service and first responders across the country and around the world, thank you for stepping up to serve.

To our service members and your families, it's been the highest honor of my life to lead you as commander in chief.

And, of course, to Kamala and her incredible partner  a historic vice president. She and Doug have become like family. And to me, family is everything.

My deepest appreciation to our amazing first lady, who is with me in the Oval today, for our entire family. You are the love of my life and lifes of my love.

And my eternal thanks to you, the American people. After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure.

Now it's your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith.

I love America. You love it too.

God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you for this great honor.

8:17 P.M. EST

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Kentucky National Guard Military Police to Deploy Overseas

By Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dickson, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office January 16, 2025

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Nearly 40 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers said goodbye to loved ones at a deployment ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Richmond Jan. 4.

Soldiers of the 617th Military Police Company, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, will deploy to the Middle East to support Operation Inherent Resolve.

During the ceremony, Col. Brandye Williams, the commander of the 149th MEB, thanked the Soldiers and their families for their commitment and service to our national defense.

"We have an organization, a state, a community and a nation who are extremely proud of our Citizen-Soldiers because their sacrifice  as well as that of their families  will not be forgotten," said Williams. "As we eagerly await your safe return, I thank you for your service. I thank your families for supporting your decision to serve, and I pray fervently for your safety and success in your mission."

Once the ceremony was complete, Soldiers and families gathered to take pictures, talk with leaders, and prepare for their trip.

Capt. Angel Pagan, the commander of the 617th, will lead the Soldiers. This is his third deployment with the 198th Military Police Battalion and second mobilization with the 617th.

"The 617th is one of the best units I have ever served in," said Pagan. "Time and time again, they have outperformed any of my expectations."

Pagan also noted the unit's strong performance in training the year before deployment, as evaluated by First Army.

"The training has been extremely tough and realistic," Pagan said. "The 617th knows their job well, and it caused the evaluators to recreate their training plan for future military police units."

This is the fifth federalized mobilization for the 617th since the global war on terror began in 2001. They mobilized for localized federal support in 2002 and deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2011 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their most recent deployment, in 2020, supported U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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January 16, 2025

Speech

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in Honor of President Biden

Secretary of Defense LLoyd J. Austin III

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va.

Good afternoon, everybody.

Mr. President, Dr. Biden, Madam Vice President, Department of Defense leadership, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemenwelcome to the Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of our 46th President.

For more than five decades, President Joe Biden has thrown himself into public service. And over the past four years, he's secured his place in U.S. history as one of our great foreign-policy presidents.

As Secretary of Defense, I've seen his leadership up close.

He took the oath of office as America faced a moment of great challenge. The COVID pandemic was raging. And our allies and partners feared that America had lost its way. President Biden helped Americaand the worldrecover from the pandemic.

And he renewed American leadership around the planet. President Biden dramatically strengthened our unmatched global network of allies and partners.

He rallied the free world to help Ukraine fight for its freedom after Putin's indefensible invasion.

He positioned America to succeed in strategic competition with the People's Republic of China.

He orchestrated a new convergence in the Indo-Pacific around a shared vision of security, openness, and prosperity.

He reinforced NATOwhich is now larger, stronger, and more united than ever.

He shored up Israel's security after the vile October 7th terrorist assault by Hamas. He helped defend Israel from outrageous direct attacks by Iran. He's prevented the Middle East from erupting into an all-out regional war. And he has just secured a ceasefire that will stop the fighting in Gaza, surge more humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families.

In Afghanistan, he ended America's longest warone that spanned four presidentsand he refused to hand it over to one more.

And he always understood that the power of our example counts for more than the example of our power. President Biden showed the world the strength and the resolve that only a democracy can muster.

Now, as I said, his leadership is rooted in his decades of expertise. President Biden processes policy at graduate levels. And I learned quickly that whenever I went over to the White House, I needed to be pretty seriously prepared. Because, inevitably, the President will send a question your way. And he'll ask something that takes it to the next level. He insists on hearing a range of views. And he's not afraid to make the big decisions.

And he also has a secret weapon. Because he's not just the President. He is also Dr. Jill Biden's husband.

America knows Dr. Biden as a great educator and role model. But at the Department of Defense, we also know that she's the proud daughter of a World War II veteran. And she's a longtime champion of our military families and veterans.

Dr. Biden, we're deeply grateful for your continued leadership of Joining Forces. Your work increased employment opportunities for military spouses. It improved education for military children. It enhanced military-family health and much more. And it was great to get to visit Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama with you recently, where we got to see a universal pre-K class at a Department of Defense school up close.

Now, our First Family is also a military family. President Biden and Dr. Biden know firsthand what our military families carryboth the worry and the pride.

And you can see it in their fierce love of our troops. I've seen it over and over again. I've been there when you've reached out to grieving families. I've seen you focus your entire being on a Service member, a military spouse, or a military child. And by the way, nobody is going to stop Joe Biden from wading into a crowd of troops. He loves to grab a Service member's cell phoneand call a stunned loved one. And, of course, everyone gets a selfie.

Mr. President, that's just who you are. You've pushed hard to make life easier for our troops and their families. Base pay for our troops is up almost 10 percent since you were sworn in. We're expanding access to affordable childcare. And we're doing far more to help military spouses excel in their own careers.

And President Biden has also worked hard with Congress to invest in America's future security. The Department's budget last year was 100 billion dollars more than in his first year. And that will help keep our United States military the strongest fighting force on Earth.

Now, President Biden always ends his speeches the same way. With the same five words. He always says,

"May God protect our troops." And he means every wordevery time.

Mr. President, it has been an honor to serve with you. And I hope that future Presidents and Secretaries of Defense will enjoy similar relationships of trust, candor, and friendship.

Our entire Department stands together today. We salute your service to the republic that we defend. And we are deeply grateful for your love of our troops.

Thank you, Mr. President and Dr. Biden. May God bless you and your family. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduceone last timethe President of the United States, Joe Biden.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4032520/

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: The decision of the Biden administration is an error that should be rectified quickly

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.01.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision by the outgoing US administration to restrict access to advanced AI chip exports for selected EU Member States and NATO Allies was completely ungrounded, thoughtless, and harmful, not just for the countries moved to the so-called second category but also for the United States.

"It is completely unacceptable that the administration of President Joe Biden has decided to restrict the access of a considerable number of EU member states and NATO Allies, including Estonia, to AI technologies," Tsahkna said. "This decision has a direct impact on the ongoing or planned development activities of Estonia and other EU member states for creating a secure and reliable AI and its applications."

Tsahkna said that Estonia has been a global leader of implementing innovative solutions throughout its society, and it has shared its expertise and experience globally. "When it comes to developing AI, it is clear that countries must expand their cooperation instead of imposing restrictions on supplying technology to Allies," the foreign minister said.

"The EU functions as a common market, and in research and development, too, it is easier for us to be united and join the United States in countering untrustworthy technologies and global forces," Tsahkna said.

"Estonia is in touch with US authorities and the European Commission to ensure that this error is rectified as soon as possible," Tsahkna said.

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Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the decision by the United States to deepen cooperation with Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries to defend critical infrastructure

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.01.2025

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the decision by the United States to deepen cooperation with Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries to defend critical infrastructure.

"The decision by the United States on deepening cooperation with Nordic and Baltic States in defending critical infrastructure is very welcome, especially in light of recent attacks on our vital structures. The closer our cooperation with our Allies and partners, the better defended we are.

This decision also contributes to practical cooperation in defending submarine infrastructure in NATO and steps up consultations between the USA and Nordic and Baltic countries. Estonia considers cooperation in boosting cable repair capabilities particularly important, as well as closer cooperation with the private sector.

Our NATO Allies and we take the defence of critical infrastructure seriously. We will continue boosting our cooperation and we have the readiness and capability to give a very concrete response in defence of our infrastructure."

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Finland's comprehensive security reinforced through new security strategy for society

Finnish Ministry of Defence

16.01.2025 15:00

The Finnish Government adopted a government resolution on the Security Strategy for Society at its plenary session on 16 January 2025. The Security Strategy for Society is the most important document guiding comprehensive security in Finland. It describes the concept for comprehensive security and assigns each branch of government strategic tasks to strengthen comprehensive security. Vital functions of society will be safeguarded in collaboration with the authorities, business community, organisations and citizens.

"The concept for comprehensive security means that the entire Finnish society is committed to ensuring security in all situations. The new strategy the Government now adopted will strengthen comprehensive security in Finland. Its preparation was a collaboration of all branches of government, business community and organisations. I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the strategy and for their commitment to safeguarding security," says Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen.

The Security Strategy for Society needed an update because of the changed security environment, lessons learned from Russia's war in Ukraine, recurrent shocks in recent years and changes in the public administration. As a result, new priorities have been added to the concept for comprehensive security.

"The new strategy emphasises the importance of stronger resilience, society's ability to respond to disruptions and crises and the key role of individuals in enhancing security. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its broad-spectrum influencing activities highlight the responsibility of all branches of government to prepare for hostile activities by state actors," Minister Hakkanen says.

The strategy outlines that Finland must strengthen its own security comprehensively while also considering efforts within the framework of the European Union and NATO.

"Our concept for comprehensive security is internationally renowned, and we will continue to improve it as part of the Alliance and the EU. Many of our allies have already shown great interest in the outcome of our work. We are also prepared to share our knowledge with our EU and NATO partners," Hakkanen says.

The Security Strategy for Society states that, besides preparedness, Finland must also improve its ability to respond to disruptions and crises in society.

"In many ways, Finland's preparedness and official activities are first-rate, as demonstrated by the recent events in the Baltic Sea. However, we will not content ourselves with what we have achieved so far. Instead, we will continue to develop and exercise even more effective practices. We must ensure our response in all crisis situations as well as our quick recovery. The business community and civil society organisations are part of this through their own preparedness," Hakkanen says.

Finland has a long history of comprehensive security, according to Esa Pulkkinen, Chair of the Security Committee.

"We have been preparing for various disruptions and crises for decades in Finland. We have the ability of determined response, as we have recently demonstrated when faced with instrumentalised migration, damage to undersea infrastructure and interference with communications. However, our preparedness will never be complete, and we must continue to improve it. We are all needed in this work," says Pulkkinen.

The new Security Strategy for Society is available here.

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China welcomes Israel, Hamas ceasefire accord, hopes it can be effectively implemented

Global Times

Biden, Trump both claim credit; expert says uncertainty remains surrounding the accord

By Zhao Yusha Published: Jan 16, 2025 11:09 PM

China welcomes the Gaza ceasefire agreement and hopes that this agreement will be implemented effectively and that there will be a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in response to a question about China's view on Israel-Hamas ceasefire accord.

The complex ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US and 15 months of bloodshed that devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East, according to Reuters.

The current ceasefire deal is set up to progress in three distinct phases.

Phase one is expected to start at some point Sunday and last for six weeks. This phase will feature a ceasefire, a withdrawal of Israeli troops, "a swap of hostages and prisoners," and an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza. US hostages held in Gaza will be released in that first phase, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, according to CNN.

The second and third phases are less developed, and the details will be decided during the first phase, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in a briefing Wednesday.

Guo stated that since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the fighting, to help cool down the situation, protect civilians, and carry out humanitarian assistance, working toward these goals.

China supports the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and will continue to make positive efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and assist in post-war reconstruction.

He said China hopes that all parties will take the ceasefire in Gaza as an opportunity to promote the easing of regional tensions. China will work together with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

The deal, once emerged, was welcomed by international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, stating, "Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have hailed the ceasefire deal as a "victory" for Palestinians and a "defeat" for Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement brings hope to an entire region and urged both parties to fully implement it, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his cabinet will not meet as scheduled to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, blaming Hamas for causing a "last-minute crisis," according to Aljazeera. The Israeli cabinet was supposed to meet on Thursday morning to ratify the deal, with the ceasefire scheduled to take effect from Sunday.

Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt "to extort last minute concessions." It did not elaborate.

The sudden twist underscores the intense struggle within Israel's government over reaching a ceasefire with Hamas, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the accord, Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwest University in Xi'an, told the Global Times.

Both Israel and Hamas are currently seeking a cessation of current hostilities. Various parties have been working to mediate the situation, said Wang.

Most importantly, the deal addressed both sides' core concerns and they made significant concessions. For instance, Hamas has agreed to release hostages, a matter of utmost concern to Israel, while Israel has indicated willingness to withdraw its forces from most areas of the Gaza Strip, which is a key concern for Hamas. Wang emphasized that these concessions are crucial for moving toward a potential ceasefire.

The ceasefire accord, first outlined in May 2024, followed by on-and-off indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, culminating in four days of intensive negotiations in Doha, Xinhua reported.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a large-scale war against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths to date. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and the taking of about 250 hostages, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The changes in the political situation in Syria, along with Hezbollah's ceasefire deal with Israel, have significantly weakened external support for Hamas. The situation in the Middle East is increasingly developing in a direction favorable to Israel, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times.

An external factor is the US, which puts considerable pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire deal, Liu said.

Who's credit?

During his remarks on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal on Wednesday, Biden said that the ceasefire was "developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration." But a reporter asked, "who do you think deserves credit for this Mr. President: you or [Donald] Trump?" The Guardian reported.

"Is that a joke?" the president asked and then walked away flanked by vice-president Kamala Harris and secretary of state Antony Blinken.

Trump also said in a post on Truth Social, a social media network, that "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies."

The Guardian cited a senior Biden administration official as saying that Trump and Biden's teams forged an unlikely partnership to secure the complex ceasefire during a transition marked by animosity and distrust.

The Times of Israel also reported that Netanyahu spoke separately with both Trump and Biden to thank them for their help in securing a ceasefire-hostage release deal, his office said.

Netanyahu's administration intends to use the ceasefire deal to appease both sides: for Biden, it represents a diplomatic success as he prepares to leave office; for Trump, it signals a new chapter in US-Israel relations, Liu noted.

In the short term, the ceasefire agreement is a notable achievement of US diplomacy in the Middle East. However, from a long-term perspective, there are no winners, as both the Israeli and Palestinian sides have paid a heavy price. Over the past year, the US has also suffered significant damage to its moral standing due to its perceived bias toward Israel, he opined.

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China, Philippines hold 10th BCM meeting on SCS amid lingering tensions

Global Times

By Zhang Wanshi Published: Jan 16, 2025 09:04 PM

Chinese side made solemn representations over the recent infringement and provocative activities of the Philippine side in the South China Sea and hyping China-Philippine disputes relating to the South China Sea during the Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on Thursday, which was co-chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

The two sides had a frank and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea, and China also called on the Philippine side to strictly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, adhere to the principle of settling differences with the Chinese side through dialogue and consultation, and jointly manage the situation at sea, so as to promote the early return of bilateral relations to the right track, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The two sides also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, which is in the common interest of regional countries, including China and the Philippines. Both of them agreed to strengthen dialogues and communication related to South China Sea, appropriately deal with maritime contradictions and differences, and continue to push forward pragmatic cooperation in the fields of coast guard, marine science and technology, and environmental protection.

Representatives of the foreign affairs, defense, natural resources and coast guard departments of China and the Philippines attended the meeting, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

This mechanism [Bilateral Consultation Mechanism] has played a relatively significant role since its establishment, with its main achievements in several aspects including enhancing communication, mutual trust and promoting cooperation in maritime-related fields, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Chen Xiangmiao said that the unique importance of this meeting is that the Philippines is nearing its midterm elections in May this year, with the South China Sea issue being a significant focal point that is primarily being utilized to stir sentiment domestically and showcase the personal charisma and governance achievements of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Also, in light of the upcoming US administration, there are uncertainties regarding the future direction of US-Philippine relations, which could potentially impact interactions on certain South China Sea issues, the expert added.

According to a report by Reuters on Monday, Japan, the Philippines and the US vowed to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters, the three countries said following a call among their leaders. The White House said in a statement that the three leaders discussed China's behavior in the South China Sea and agreed on the importance of continued coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to another report by Reuters on Tuesday, the Philippines protested this month against the entry of Chinese vessels in its so-called exclusive economic zone.

Chen Xiangmiao said that the current strategy of the Philippine side is to provoke China at sea while also seeking dialogue, all the while maintaining and even strengthening cooperation with the US and Japan, Chen added.

The expert said that while the fundamental contradictions and differences still remain unresolved, the dialogue and consultation are the only way out.

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France and Norway step up defence cooperation

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 16/01/2025

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu visited Norway on 16 January. During the visit, Norway and France signed a letter of intent on closer defence cooperation. 'France is an important ally. We want to expand and strengthen the defence and security policy cooperation with France,' says Minister of Defence Bjrn Arild Gram (Sp).

The visit began with a ceremony with His Majesty the King's Guard at Akershus Fortress, followed by talks between the two defence ministers and subsequent meetings with the Norwegian and French defence industries. This is Lecornu's first visit to Norway as Minister of Defence.

'France is one of our allied partners that sails, exercises and trains the most in our neighbouring areas. The country also plays an important role in the defence of Ukraine's and in the strengthening of NATO's defence capabilities. Our common interests are many and broad, and we have a strong mutual interest in further developing our co-operation,' says Gram.

Common understanding and interests in the High North

The letter of intent signed by the ministers represents a milestone in strengthening defence cooperation between Norway and France. The countries emphasise their common strategic understanding of global security threats and the importance of maintaining situational awareness and presence in the High North. The understanding also paves the way for enhanced co-operation on exercises and training in Norway.

France and Norway will also strengthen their co-operation on hybrid threats, especially when it comes to the protection of critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables and energy supply lines.

'I believe this visit and the letter of intent is the start of even closer co-operation with France in several areas, such as maritime surveillance in the north and joint exercise activities,' says Gram.

Dialogue on closer industrial cooperation

Talks on enhanced defence materiel cooperation held a central position during the visit. Lecornu received an introduction to the HUGIN underwater drone from Kongsberg. Both Norway and France will be investing heavily in defence materiel. France is one of the countries competing to supply frigates to the Norwegian Navy.

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Chair's statement: Meeting in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State solution

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 16/01/2025

On Wednesday 15 January, 85 states and international organisations met in Oslo, Norway, for the third follow-up meeting in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two State-Solution, initiated by Saudi Arabia as Chair of the Arab-OIC Ministerial Committee on Gaza, the EU and Norway.

As chair, Norway thanks HE Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of Palestine for his participation and important keynote address on the Palestinian government's National Program for Development and Reform. The chair expresses its thanks to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, for his strong appeal to states to protect UNRWA politically and financially and defend the rights of Palestine refugees. The Chair thanks the participating states and organisations for their valuable contributions to the meeting and strong support to the implementation of the two-State solution, including identifying concrete steps towards this end.

Discussions took place against the backdrop of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and enormous civilian suffering. The meeting discussed the importance of finalizing without delay the agreement on an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and prisoners, a surge in humanitarian assistance, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In anticipation of an agreement, the meeting further discussed the need to provide immediate and concrete humanitarian relief to the population in Gaza. Participants urged Israel to provide all necessary means to allow that to happen, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. In the context of an impending ceasefire, the Chair stressed the importance of the Palestinian government assuming responsibility in Gaza and recalled that United Nations Security Council resolution 2735 stressed the importance of reunifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The meeting also addressed the concern towards the escalating situation and increase of settlement activity and settler violence in the West Bank.

At this critical moment, and in the face of unprecedented threats against the two-State solution, the Chair underlined the responsibility to respond to these threats through joint and individual actions. The Chair highlighted the responsibility and leadership displayed by the Palestinian government, including through its ongoing reform efforts and institution building, and the need for states and organisations to give their full support to these efforts as identified by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in this meeting.

The meeting discussed the many challenges facing the Palestinian Authority, and furthermore the need to prevent and call out any steps towards illegal annexation or permanent occupation and any other attempts at undermining the territorial integrity of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

During the discussions, strong support was provided to the role of UNRWA and to UNRWA's staff in the face of Israeli legal actions, systematic obstructions and other threats. The meeting discussed the importance of maintaining UNRWA's UN mandated operations and service delivery throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in Gaza and East Jerusalem.

The meeting also addressed the urgent need to continue to coordinate initiatives within the Global Alliance leading to the adoption of a time bound action plan to implement the two-State solution, including the realization of the independent Palestinian state , while underlining that the two-State solution in accordance with UN resolutions, is the only solution that will provide lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

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Iran says Gaza ceasefire deal 'historical victory' for Palestinians

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has hailed the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a "historical victory" for the Palestinian people who have endured one of the biggest acts of genocide in history.

The ministry issued a statement on Thursday, a day after the agreement was reached between the Israeli regime and the Palestinian Hamas Resistance Movement that halted more than 15 months of war in Gaza.

"The ceasefire deal is the result of resistance, bravery and resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of one of the biggest acts of genocide in history," said the statement.

It referred to Israeli crimes against the people of Gaza during the regime's genocidal war, saying that what emboldened the regime to press ahead with its genocide was the direct and all-out political, military and financial support from the US, Britain, Germany and a number of other Western states.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) also issued a statement on Thursday, congratulating Hamas on its victory against the Israeli regime.

The IRGC said that the ceasefire is an irreparable defeat for the Zionist regime, as it failed to achieve its stated goals of eliminating Hamas and releasing Israeli prisoners through military action, despite the all-out support it received from the US as well as its European and regional allies.

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World reacts to Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Reactions keep pouring in following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Israeli regime after talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose country hosted the ceasefire negotiations said he was pleased to announce the agreement on Gaza.

"I thank our partners, Egypt and the United States, for their efforts that helped advance the negotiations", Al Thani.

The Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia, in statement hailed the deal aimed at ending more than 15 months of genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

"We welcome the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and appreciate the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States. We hope that this agreement will put an end to this brutal Israeli war forever," the Saudi statement said.

Following the announcement of the deal, Hamas's chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the Al- Aqsa Storm Operation marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Palestinian cause. He praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people who "thwarted the occupiers' overt and covert goals".

Al-Hayya also thanked Iran, saying the Islamic Republic supported our resistance and people, entered the war and crushed the depths of the Zionist regime in two "True Promise" operations.

The Palestinian resistance movement, Islamic Jihad, said that the resilience of the Palestinian people "forced the occupiers to agree to what they had previously opposed".

"The resistance and steadfastness of the Palestinian people prevented the occupiers from achieving their goals" Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement added.

He further emphasized that the Israel regime did not want Palestinians to be happy with its endless injustice and killings, saying "we expect nothing but evil from the enemy, especially before the implementation of the agreement, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday."

Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, secretary general of Nojaba Islamic Resistance (NRI) Party in Iraq congratulated Palestinians and the people and the free world, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ansarullah of Yemen, the Resistance Movements of Lebanon and Iraq on what he called "a great victory".

"With this important development, we also announce that we will stop our military operations against the Zionist regime in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance and to strengthen and sustain the ceasefire in Gaza", he said.

Al-Kaabi, however, warned that the usurper regime should know that "any foolishness it may have in Palestine or the region will be met with a harsh response. Our fingers are still on the trigger and missiles and drones are at full readiness."

Mohammed Abdul Salam, the spokesman for Ansarullah Movement in Yemen, praised sacrifices of the Palestinian resistance fighters made in Gaza and the martyrdom of a number of resistance commanders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, whose legacy forced the Zionist regime to accept a ceasefire.

While saluting the resistance front, Abdul Salam saluted the Islamic Resistance in Iraq for its prominent and effective role in support of Gaza.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the ceasefire and stressed that "the priority now must be to reduce the immense suffering caused by war."

Guterres said at a press conference on Wednesday local time that "The UN stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement and increase sustainable humanitarian assistance to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer."

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kallas welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and called it a positive step toward ending the violence, stressing that now is the time to fully implement the agreement and help the people of Gaza.

The British Prime Minister, while welcoming the ceasefire agreement, described it as good news to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"After months of bloodshed and the loss of countless innocent lives, this is the news that the people of Israel and Palestine have long been waiting for," Keir Starmer said in a statement published on the British government's website on Wednesday evening.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he hopes the deal would open a door to permanent peace and stability for the region and humanity, especially the Palestinian brothers.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also congratulated Hamas officials on the agreement and emphasized Turkey's continued support for Palestine in a telephone conversation.

The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, the Prime Minister of the Lebanese Caretaker Government and the UAE Foreign Ministry also issued statements and welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Leader of the opposition in the Israeli regime Yair Lapid, thanked all parties involved in the ceasefire talks, except for the prime minister of the Zionist regime and the regime's army.

"I want to sincerely thank President Trump and his team, President Biden, the Qataris and the Egyptians on behalf of all of Israel. It must be said that this (ceasefire) is happening thanks to them and it would not have happened without them," Lapid said in a video posted on X social on Wednesday night.

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Mediators release terms of Gaza ceasefire deal

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Media sources have given the details of a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli regime and the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas that will lead to an end of more than 15 months of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.

The agreement, which was brokered by Qatar, the United States, Egypt and will come into effect on Sunday (January 19) and is mostly related to the first phase, which will last 42 days and will see the exchange of prisoners.

The exchange will begin on the first day of the ceasefire and will continue until all Israeli prisoners, both alive and dead are released, and in return, the Israeli regime releases the number of Palestinian prisoners that will be agreed upon.

A permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and its reconstruction and the opening of crossings and facilitating the movement of people and goods are key goals of the deal, said a Palestinian source who was close to the negotiating team.

Following is terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal in three phases:

PHASE 1: (42 days)

- Hamas releases 33 hostages, including female civilians and soldiers, children and civilians over 50.

- Israel releases 30 Palestinian prisoners for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female soldier.

- Halt to fighting, Israeli forces move out of populated areas to the edges of the Gaza Strip.

- Displaced Palestinians begin returning home, more aid enters the strip.

PHASE 2: (42 days)

- Declaration of 'sustainable calm'.

- Hamas frees remaining male hostages (soldiers and civilians) in exchange for a yet-to-be-negotiated number of Palestinian prisoners and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

PHASE 3:

- Bodies of deceased Israeli hostages exchanged for bodies of deceased Palestinian fighters.

- Implementation of a reconstruction plan in Gaza.

- Border crossings for movement in and out of Gaza are reopened.

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Budrys: "We need to strengthen NATO's defence capabilities and strengthen resilience"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-01-16

On 16 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Emil Hurezeanu. The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Romania discussed bilateral cooperation, security and defence, and joint actions in support of Ukraine and Moldova.

At the meeting, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy underlined that Lithuania is interested in deepening cooperation with Romania on political and security issues. Budrys and Hurezeanu discussed the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, hybrid operations and acts of sabotage by hostile countries on NATO territory.

"Lately, we have witnessed an increase in Russia's attempts to organise provocations, destabilise societies and interfere in democratic processes in Western countries. We need to boost NATO's defence capabilities and strengthen resilience," the Minister said.

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Romania discussed the situation in Moldova. According to Budrys, it is essential to consistently support Moldova's European integration aspirations, help implement reforms and withstand Russia's pressure through disinformation and energy blackmail. The Foreign Minister underlined that Lithuania is ready to continue supporting Moldova and sharing its experience and expertise in the field of European integration.

The Foreign Ministers also discussed preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague and further steps by Allies to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. Budrys also stressed the need to continue to stand united in our support for Ukraine, seeking a sustainable, lasting peace.

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New Zealand takes command of international task force disrupting drug smuggling in the Middle East

New Zealand Defence Force

A senior Royal New Zealand Navy officer will lead international naval efforts against drug smuggling in the Middle East, where New Zealand will also contribute a frigate later in the year.

16 January, 2025

Commodore Rodger Ward took command of Combined Task Force 150, accepting responsibilities from Commodore Asim Sohail Malik of the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony in Bahrain on Wednesday.

CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain and is focussed on maritime security in the Middle East region, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations.

This will be the second time that New Zealand has commanded CTF 150 as a part of its contribution to collective maritime security in the Middle East, which includes some of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Later this year, frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will join the task force to conduct patrols and carry out boarding operations to support the international rules based system and contribute to collective security efforts in the region.

CMF's other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

New Zealand has also commanded CTF 151 (counter piracy) on two occasions.

CMF, headquartered in Bahrain with US Naval Forces Central Command and US 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea.

It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 8.2 million square kilometres of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

Commodore Ward will wear a pounamu hei matou (fish hook) around his neck during his six-month spell in command, a gift he accepted from his wife Karen prior to departing New Zealand.

"It is the symbol we have chosen for our command of Task Force 150 because it symbolizes our mission and culture in one taonga or treasure.

"Maui used a fish hook to haul the North Island of New Zealand from the sea - Ti Ika-a-Maui, the fish of Maui. It signifies our connection with the ocean, our reliance on it for prosperity, our need to protect it, and our partnership and friendship with others from distant shores."



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Pakistan Welcomes the Ceasefire Deal in Gaza

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan welcomes the Gaza ceasefire reached on 15 January 2025 and calls for its immediate and full implementation. It is hoped that the truce would lead to permanent ceasefire and help in scaling up humanitarian assistance.

Indiscriminate use of force by Israeli occupation forces has caused unprecedented loss of lives and property and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilian Palestinians. Israel's expansionist designs have destabilised the entire region.

Pakistan reiterates its support for a just, comprehensive, and durable solution to the Palestinian issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Islamabad

16th January 2024

10/2025

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Ceasefire deal reached between Israel, Hamas, welcomed by int'l community

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:09, January 16, 2025

DOHA/JERUSALEM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatar's prime minister announced on Wednesday.

The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt. The Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their residence in the Gaza Strip.

Humanitarian aid will flow in, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily, including 50 carrying much-needed fuel to restore electricity in the territory, according to Israel's state-owned Kan TV news.

At a press conference, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced that Israel and Hamas had reached a deal on exchanging hostages and prisoners and establishing sustainable calm, aiming for a permanent ceasefire. Implementation of the agreement is set to begin on Sunday, Jan. 19, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the first phase. Details of subsequent phases will be revealed later.

In a joint statement issued by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the three mediators affirmed their role as guarantors of the ceasefire deal, saying they would help ensure that all three stages of the ceasefire will be fully implemented by both parties.

"Accordingly, the mediators will work together to ensure that the parties implement their obligations in the agreement and that the three stages continue in full," the statement said.

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking from the White House, called the agreement "one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced" and emphasized the goal of ending the war. During the next six weeks, "Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get phase two, which is a permanent end of the war," Biden said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, stating, "Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict." He added that the UN stands ready to support its implementation and deliver sustained humanitarian relief to Palestinians. Guterres also urged all parties to work toward a "negotiated two-state solution" as an urgent priority.

Hamas hailed the agreement as a victory, with senior official Khalil al-Hayya praising the resilience and sacrifices of Palestinians.

The Israeli Security Cabinet and government are set to convene on Thursday for two consecutive meetings to vote on the deal. While Netanyahu is believed to have a majority, key coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have threatened to quit the government unless there is a clear commitment to resume fighting in Gaza after the hostages' return. Such a move could dissolve Netanyahu's majority, potentially triggering early elections.

Israel's ceremonial President Isaac Herzog urged the government to approve the agreement, describing it as "the right, important, and necessary move."

The deal, first outlined in May 2024, follows about a year of on-and-off indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, culminating in four days of intensive negotiations in Doha.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas led an assault on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed more than 46,700 people and reduced much of the territory to rubble, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi welcomed on Wednesday the ceasefire agreement that was reached "after more than a year of arduous efforts under the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States."

Meanwhile, Egyptian state TV reported that coordination is currently underway to open the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza for sending humanitarian aid to the enclave.

"Egypt is getting ready to send the largest possible amount of aid to Gaza," the state TV quoted an unnamed high-ranking source as saying.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday expressed its strong support for the newly announced ceasefire agreement, along with the release of detainees, hostages, and captives.

UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for both parties to honor their commitments to the agreement, underscoring the need to alleviate the plight of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages.

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Philippines and China Convene 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

16 January 2025

XIAMEN 16 January 2025 -- The Philippines and China convened the 10th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) today in Xiamen, Fujian - the hometown of the majority of Chinese Filipinos.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had frank and constructive discussions on the situation in the South China Sea and other bilateral issues.

"Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea," Undersecretary Lazaro said in her opening remarks.

The two sides exchanged views on the Provisional Understanding on the Philippines' rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, acknowledged its positive outcomes, and agreed to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions.

The Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of CCG 5901 and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones that are inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

The meeting agreed to reinvigorate the platform for coast guard cooperation. The two sides also identified ocean meteorology as an area of focus for a workshop on marine scientific cooperation.

Undersecretary Lazaro underscored that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has emphasized the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Philippines will host the next BCM at a later date. END

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China 'monster ship' still in Zambales - PCG

Philippine News Agency

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

January 16, 2025, 4:03 pm Updated on January 16, 2025, 6:42 pm

MANILA -- China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed as the "monster ship" for its size, has remained off the coast of Zambales province, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a post on X on Wednesday night, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Gabriela has been monitoring the movements of the Chinese ship.

He said the CCG vessel's movements have not been "continuous or expeditious," showing that it is not in the area for "innocent passage."

"In response, BRP Gabriela Silang has effectively maintained a protective position through skillful seamanship, successfully keeping the CCG at an average distance of 60-70 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline," Tarriela said.

The CCG vessel, he said, has issued radio challenges to BRP Gabriela Silang for supposedly violating the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) in its attempts to remain in the area.

But Tarriela said the allegation "disregards the more critical issue of the CCG's illegal presence within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."

"The PCG's close maneuvering against the CCG vessel is vital to prevent it from approaching forward the Zambales coast," he added.

The PCG will continue its monitoring of the CCG vessel and safeguard the country's maritime borders, Tarriela said.

"[We] will continue to monitor and address any threats to its maritime jurisdiction, sovereign rights, and sovereignty in the WPS," he said.

On Monday, the National Maritime Council (NMC) opposed the continued illegal presence and activities of Chinese maritime and militia forces in the Philippines' EEZ.

In the statement, the NMC said the repeated Chinese incursions 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, and the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights in its maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito strongly condemned China's aggressive actions in Philippine waters.

In a statement, Ejercito called the presence of the massive CCG 5901 as "a deliberate show of force aimed at intimidating Filipino fishermen and violating the country's sovereignty."

He emphasized that the vessel's presence within the EEZ constitutes a clear breach of international maritime laws, including the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

"We must not back down," Ejercito said, calling for immediate steps to enhance the country's minimum credible defense posture.

He also underscored the importance of modernizing the PCG and Armed Forces of the Philippines to safeguard the country's territorial waters, and the necessity of reinforcing multilateral agreements to expand joint patrols in the WPS to ensure national security. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/ PNA)

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PH soldiers showcase military free fall expertise in Japan

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 16, 2025, 11:24 am

MANILA -- Elite soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) demonstrated their military free fall and airborne capabilities during the New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2025 in Japan.

This is the PA's first time to participate in the annual activity.

In a statement Thursday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Army Airborne delegation, headed by their vice commander Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid took part in the annual jump from Jan. 11 to 12 at the 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Camp Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

"Maj. Gen. Guinid, along with Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Commander Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr. led the airborne troopers in demonstrating PA's military free fall and airborne capabilities, manifesting the PA's readiness to conduct airborne operations in special operations to support territorial defense operations," he added.

Shortly after the event, a simulated air assault exercise followed, joined by units from the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, Singaporean Army, Australian Army, Royal Netherlands Army, French Army, Canadian Army, British Army, Polish Land Forces, Italian Army, German Army, and 1st Airborne Brigade, JGSDF.

The simulation showcased the capabilities and synchronized collaborations of the Indo-Pacific nations in addressing common threats in the region.

The annual activity, which started in 1974, is aimed at praying for the safety of airborne jumps throughout the year.

"The activity also aims to build relationships of trust, as well as to strengthen cooperation among the Airborne Forces, and disseminate strategic messages to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region," Dema-ala said. (PNA)

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Houthi: Israel 'failed miserably' in onslaught on Gaza Strip

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 7:53 PM

The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says Israel "failed miserably" in the Gaza Strip, and that the US and the Tel Aviv regime were forced to accept the ceasefire agreement with Hamas after committing horrific crimes for months.

"The announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is an important development. The Israeli enemy and the US were forced to agree to the deal after months of horrendous atrocities," Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said in a televised speech on Thursday evening.

"The Israeli enemy, with full American complicity, continued its efforts to exterminate the Palestinians in Gaza, committing more than 4,050 massacres," the Ansarullah chief said.

Houthi said the Israeli military indiscriminately targeted all Palestinians in Gaza, attacking all sections of the society in a barbaric manner.

"The Israeli enemy subjected prisoners and captives to the most heinous forms of torture, violating human dignity. The plight of Gaza marks a gross injustice that can neither be denied nor ignored.

"The steadfastness of resistance fighters in Gaza, under the most challenging circumstances and with the most basic means, is truly praiseworthy," Houthi stated.

The Ansarullah leader emphasized that the Israeli army failed in Gaza despite possessing sophisticated weapons and extensive intelligence operations aimed at ending the resistance front and eliminating all its fighters.

"The Israeli enemy failed in Gaza even though it employed all tactics to decisively win the battle, with full US support. The Palestinians in Gaza stood firm despite being subjected to daily extermination and all forms of terror that many other nations cannot endure."

The Ansarullah leader said the Americans had no option but to accept an agreement after a major failure.

Many Israeli leaders, media figures, and research centers were in a state of despair and frustration as well, he said.

"The Israeli enemy failed to achieve any of its declared objectives, and dismally could not release its captives without a prisoner exchange deal. It also failed to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

"What the Israeli enemy achieved in Gaza is an enormous record of unprecedented crimes within a limited expanse of land," Houthi pointed out.

He also noted that the Palestinian nation was not protected by international organizations, which represent themselves as so-called advocates of justice and human rights.

"The United Nations was mocked and ridiculed by Israelis, with criminal [Benjamin] Netanyahu at its very platform. The world body, however, took no concrete action against the Israeli enemy.

"At the very least, the UN should have rinsed out the deep shame of recognizing Israel and granting it membership. The international community did not intervene to impose a no-fly zone over occupied Palestinian terrorists and establish safe zones, as is the case with other regions," he said.

Houthi criticized Arab governments for their inaction, as well as their abject failure to politically and economically boycott the Zionist regime and support the Palestinian nation.

Elsewhere in his speech, Houthi stated that Yemeni forces have conducted operations to support Gaza under very difficult conditions, emphasizing that such strikes have significantly affected Israel.

"We carried out 1,255 operations involving ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, drones as well as unmanned underwater vehicles. We worked diligently to do everything possible in support of Gaza, continuously developing our capabilities and escalating our operations," he said.

Houthi stressed that the US, from the onset of the Gaza genocidal war, sought to provide full protection to Israel, threatening regional countries against taking any action in support of Palestinians.

"The US deployed its naval fleets and provided military and technological protection, intercepting any attacks targeting the Israeli-occupied lands. Certain regimes even collaborated with the US in intercepting missiles and drones launched towards the occupied lands.

"American aircraft carriers and warships initially intercepted some missiles; but now they can barely shoot them down and often resort to retreat," the Ansarullah leader said.

Houti emphasized that Yemen will continue its pro-Palestinian military operations in case the Israeli enemy insists on its genocidal campaign and reneges on implementing the ceasefire agreement.

He said a total of 106 Yemenis have been killed and another 328 wounded in the course of aggression carried out by the US, Britain and Israel against Yemen.

The Ansarullah leader finally called upon all Yemeni people to participate in mass pro-Palestinian rallies across the country on Friday, reaffirming their unflinching support for Palestinians to the entire world.

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Hamas: Continuing Israeli strikes endanger captives held in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 5:01 PM

Hamas's armed wing has warned that Israel's continuing airstrikes and shelling in Gaza after the announcement of a ceasefire deal are risking captives meant to be released.

"Any aggression and shelling at this stage by the enemy could turn the freedom of a prisoner into a tragedy," the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said on Telegram Thursday.

Dozens of Israeli captives are held in Gaza which has been the target of the most ferocious Israeli onslaught since October 2023.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, said an Israeli strike had hit a place where one of the women to be freed "in the first stage of the ceasefire deal was located".

Earlier in the day, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, hours after Israeli officials accused the Gaza-based Palestinian group of attempting to alter the deal's terms at the last moment.

"We are committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators," senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said in a statement.

He was responding to allegations from the Israeli prime minister's office that Hamas had reneged on key aspects of the arrangement.

Israeli officials stated that the cabinet would not convene until mediators confirm Hamas's full acceptance of the deal.

The Israeli cabinet session to ratify the agreement has been delayed, according to Israeli media outlets.

Negotiators remain in the Qatari capital Doha, working to finalize the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release, even after Qatari officials announced a breakthrough agreement on Wednesday.

At least 21 Palestinian children and 25 women are among 80 people killed in Gaza as relentless Israeli air attacks intensify after the truce announcement.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri denounced the strikes as a "desperate attempt" by Israel to undermine the deal, demanding Israel's adherence to the agreement.

Backed by the United States and its Western allies, Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood inside southern Israeli occupied territories.

Ever since, at least 46,788 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, mostly women and children. Thousands more are 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.

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Dozens of Palestinians killed in new Israeli strikes since ceasefire deal

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 4:38 PM

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in fresh Israeli strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire agreement reached between the occupying regime and the Hamas resistance movement.

Gaza's highest death toll in over a week came on Thursday as Israel intensified its assault on northern Gaza following the announcement of a ceasefire deal late on Wednesday.

Media reports quoting sources confirmed that Israel had pounded several areas of the besieged territory since the announcement of the deal, killing at least 80 people.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 81 people had been killed over the past 24 hours and about 188 injured.

The regime's warplanes carried out several strikes on Gaza City, whereas, artillery shelled a residential housing block in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Dozens of people were killed in the two attacks. Several Palestinians were also killed in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

Six Palestinians were killed and many others injured following an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Jenin refugee camp. This is as the regime presses ahead of its daily invasions, abductions and violent policies in the occupied West Bank.

There has been no report of any retaliation operation by the Hamas resistance movement after the announcement of the truce deal. Hamas has said it is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday

Hamas says the resilience of Palestinians and their resistance as well as steadfastness against the Israeli campaign of death and destruction in Gaza has come to fruition. The ceasefire deal is being termed as a great victory for the Palestinian nation.

But the office of Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that it had canceled the planned Israeli security cabinet meeting to approve the deal.

Netanyahu's office said that the Israeli cabinet "will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that "Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement."

Israel has accused Hamas of backtracking on parts of a fragile ceasefire.

Hamas political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri said there was "no basis" to Israel's accusations.

Various states, organizations, and resistance groups in the region and the world have reacted to the newly announced ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Yemen's Ansarullah movement says the legacy of assassinated resistance commanders forced Israel to accept the ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also stressed that the priority must now be to reduce the immense suffering caused by war.

The European Union has called the ceasefire a positive step toward ending the violence.

Iran has congratulated Palestinians on the Gaza ceasefire, describing the deal as a historic victory resulting from the support of the people in Gaza for the resistance against the Israeli aggression.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps hailed the Gaza deal as a great victory for the steadfast Palestinian nation and a massive defeat for the Israeli regime.

Under the terms of the agreement, a first batch of 33 hostages is expected to be released on Sunday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails, and wounded people in Gaza will be allowed to leave for medical treatment.

The Israeli aggression against Gaza has killed more than 46,788 civilians so far and left more than 110,450 others injured.

The majority of the victims are women and children. Thousands of people also remain unaccounted for.

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Iran welcomes Gaza ceasefire, urges prosecution of Israeli authorities for genocide

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 11:17 AM

Iran has welcomed a newly-reached ceasefire in the Israeli regime's 15-month-long genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip, while calling for the prosecution of Israeli authorities over their appalling crimes in the besieged territory.

In a statement on Thursday, Iran's foreign ministry said the people of the war-ravaged Palestinian territory have suffered "one of the greatest acts of genocide and population displacement in history" since October 2023, when Israel's war machine began unleashing fire and destruction on the territory.

The ceasefire is also the result of "solidarity and unity of the people of Gaza in their honorable resistance and steadfastness against the forced displacement of Palestinians," the statement read, hailing the truce "as a historic victory for the Palestinian nation."

The Israeli regime has killed more than 46,700 people, including thousands of children, in Gaza since the onset of the brutal war, according to the figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry on Wednesday.

"Over the past 15 months, the occupying and genocidal Israeli regime has systematically and extensively violated the fundamental principles and norms of international law, human rights, and humanitarian law, committing the most severe war crimes and crimes against humanity. It pursued its 'colonial eradication' plan against the Palestinian nationan agenda that began eight decades ago through the support and silence of colonial powerswith unprecedented brutality," Iran's foreign ministry further said, stressing that the Tel Aviv regime crossed all legal and moral red lines and set a new level of barbarism in history.

It added that over the past 15 months, there has been a perpetrating recurring pattern of atrocities, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians, especially women and children, the demolition of homes and critical infrastructure, the destruction of hospitals and schools, assaults on refugee camps and shelters, and the deliberate targeting of journalists, medical personnel, and nurses. These acts were carried out with the dual objective of obliterating Palestine and crushing the spirit of resistance.

"During this 15-month period, what emboldened the Zionist regime in advancing its genocidal plans against Palestinians was the full and direct military, financial, and political support provided by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and several other Western countries. These nations not only ensured the impunity of the leaders of this regime but also blocked any effective action by the United Nations to stop the crimes of the occupying regime.

"They further disrupted international efforts, including those of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to hold the perpetrators accountable and punish them. Undoubtedly, these countries, as accomplices in the crimes committed by the Zionist regime, must be held accountable," the statement stressed.

Iran's foreign ministry also expressed hope that this new development, with the support of the global community and responsible international actors, would lead to a complete end to the genocide in Gaza, the withdrawal of occupiers, swift humanitarian aid, the rebuilding of the region, and relief for the resilient people of Gaza.

"Alongside stopping the genocide in Gaza, the international community must also pay careful and heightened attention to the blatant violations of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights in the occupied West Bank and the continuous attacks by the occupying regime against al-Aqsa Mosque. Serious and effective action must be taken to counter the aggression of the Zionist regime across all of occupied Palestine and to pave the way for the arrest, prosecution, and punishment of the criminal leaders of the Israeli regime for committing the most severe international crimes as defined by the International Criminal Court," it emphasized.

The phased ceasefire agreement mandates the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip to pre-war borders, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, and the facilitation of medical travel abroad. It also requires the daily entry of 600 aid trucks, the delivery of 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans, and a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including all women and children under 19.

Furthermore, Israeli forces must also withdraw from the Netzarim corridor and the Philadelphi Route, ensure displaced residents can return home with freedom of movement, and vacate Gaza's airspace for 8-10 hours daily. Additionally, hospitals in Gaza must be rehabilitated, with medical supplies, field hospitals, and surgical teams allowed entry.

The first six-week phase of the truce includes the release of 33 Israeli captives, both living and dead, and the return of displaced Palestinians from southern to northern Gaza, facilitated by Israeli troop withdrawal from al-Rashid Street to the Netzarim corridor. Subsequent phases will address the release of the remaining 66 Israeli captives, potentially concluding over a year of negotiations and marking the largest release of Israeli captives since the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement exchanged half its captives for 240 Palestinian detainees early in the war.

'None of Netanyahu's promises fulfilled in Gaza war'

Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani said in a post on X that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime failed to achieve any of its declared goals in the war on Gaza.

"After 15 months of crimes in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, the Zionist regime was forced to sign an agreement that it rejected from the beginning," Amani said.

"None of Netanyahu's promises was fulfilled. The organizational structure and combat power of Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad still exist. The Zionists know that their killings and crimes during this period constitute a great incentive to continue the resistance against this regime."

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IRGC hails Gaza truce as 'irreparable defeat' for Israel, great victory for Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 10:18 AM

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says a ceasefire in the Israeli regime's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip is a "great" victory for the steadfast people of Palestine and an "irreparable and multifaceted" defeat for the Zionists.

"Today, the end of the war and the imposition of a ceasefire on the Zionist regime is a clear ... great victory for Palestine and a bigger defeat for the monstrous Zionist regime," the IRGC said in a statement on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Doha on Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced that Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, potentially bringing an end to the regime's genocidal war in the besieged territory.

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, will go into effect on Sunday and will last 42 days.

The ceasefire involves the withdrawal of the Israeli military from some areas of Gaza, and an exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, after which the terms of a broader peace deal would be finalized.

The IRGC offered congratulations on the victory of Hamas for imposing the ceasefire on the Israeli regime.

It said that just like Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, the Gaza ceasefire proved that the "evil" Israeli regime has failed to achieve its goals despite months of medieval crimes and genocide against the defenseless and oppressed Palestinian people.

The deal also showed that the resistance front will move towards the liberation of al-Aqsa Mosque and the occupied al-Quds with more strength, the statement added.

The Palestinian people's resistance was a symbol and manifestation of "victory of right over wrong and blood over sword," it emphasized.

It said the Tel Aviv regime, fully supported by the US and its European and regional allies, was seeking to liberate the Israeli captives without negotiations and only through military operation, and to eliminate Hamas and return settlers to Gaza. However, the IRGC emphasized, Israel "gave in to exceptional patience of the hero people of Gaza and the ironwill of resistance."

It said the end of Israel's war and imposition of the ceasefire on the regime brought fear to the regime and joy to the steadfast people of Gaza.

The IRGC said the "butcher and bloodthirsty" head of the Israeli cabinet should now await a "torrent of criticism, protests, and internal divisions" following the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly held up the cabinet vote on the ceasefire deal, other aspects of which include the return of Palestinians, who have been forcibly displaced by Israeli forces, to their homes across the Gaza Strip.

The ceasefire, among other things, will also see the facilitation of travel of people wounded by Israeli attacks and sick ones in order to receive treatment, as well as the positioning of Israeli forces across the Gaza border.

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Jan. 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 4:36 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 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 Wednesday, January 15, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Jan. 15:

In a joint operation with the Martyr Jihad Jibril Brigades, targeted the headquarters of the Israeli military's engineering unit along the so-called "Netzarim" axis.

In collaboration with the Mujahideen Brigades, attacked gatherings of Israeli soldiers near Al-Bukhari Mosque, east of Jabalia Camp in the northern Gaza Strip, using mortar shells.

Conducted raids in the areas of "Mazaya and Izbet Malin" in Jabalia Camp, northern Gaza Strip, and planted two anti-tank "Thaqib" explosives. Hours later, detonated the explosives on two Merkava vehicles.

Detonated several pre-planted high-explosive devices along the path of Israeli military jeeps in the mountain axis (Umm Al-Qasab) in Jenin, occupied West Bank.

Targeted and destroyed an Israeli military jeep carrying a sniper team and infantry forces in Jenin, occupied West Bank.

Yemeni military's operations on Jan. 15:

Targeted the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and several of its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea with cruise missiles and drones. This marks the sixth attack on the carrier since its arrival in the Red Sea.

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Hamas: Ceasefire agreement result of steadfastness, resistance in Gaza over 15 months

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 3:36 AM

Hamas has hailed announcement of a ceasefire in the Israeli regime's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, calling the deal the result of steadfastness and resistance in the coastal sliver for over 15 months.

The movement made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday following the announcement of the deal that the regime agreed to after coming under hundreds of retaliatory operations by Palestinian resistance groups.

"The ceasefire agreement is a result of the legendary steadfastness of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip over the past 15 months," it said.

"The agreement to end the aggression on Gaza is an achievement for our people, our resistance, our nation, and the free people of the world. It marks a pivotal moment in the struggle against the enemy, paving the way toward achieving our people's goals of liberation and return," the movement added.

According to Hamas, the agreement stemmed from the group's responsibility toward the patient and steadfast people in Gaza, putting an end to the Zionist aggression against them and halting the bloodshed, massacres, and genocide they have endured.

The group also expressed its appreciation and gratitude for all the honorable official and popular stances that stood in solidarity with Gaza, supported our people, and helped expose the occupation and halt the aggression, whether Arab, Islamic, or international.

It finally voiced special gratitude to the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who had exerted significant efforts to achieve this agreement.

Al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad, Mujahideen Movement, PFLP join chorus of praise

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas' fellow Gaza-based resistance movement, chimed in by announcing, "Today, our people and their resistance are imposing an honorable agreement to stop the aggression, [Israeli forces'] withdrawal, and conduct an honorable [captive/]prisoner exchange, due to their legendary steadfastness and their brave and valiant fighters."

The group mourned Gaza's righteous martyrs, affirming that it would spare no effort in serving the people in the territory and keeping pace with the challenges of the coming stage.

It also extended greetings to all the resistance forces that had supported the Palestinian people throughout the time, asserting that the resistance would remain vigilant to ensure full implementation of the agreement.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Palestinian group based in Gaza and the West Bank, also hailed that "Gaza triumphs over genocide."

Al-Qassam Brigades' spokesman Abu Obeida also hailed the patience and steadfastness and firmness of Palestinian fighters in the face of United States-backed Israeli tyranny.

"Peace upon the souls of our martyrs, our innocent children, and our oppressed people," he said, adding, "Peace be upon your souls that will one day soar in the skies of our liberated al-Quds and al-Aqsa, purified from the defilement of your killers."

The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, another resistance faction, released a similar statement, lauding Palestinians' triumph over the "Zionist Nazi" Israeli regime, "supported by the criminal American administration and all the forces of global evil."

"Our people and their resistance in Gaza have secured an agreement for a ceasefire and a [captive/]prisoner exchange, thwarting the enemy's plans for displacement and the eradication of the resistance."

The Palestinians, it said, had, therefore, thwarted the enemy's plans for displacement and the liquidation of the Palestinian cause of liberation from Israeli occupation and aggression, bringing the just cause back to global prominence.

They "humiliated the enemy, shattered its arrogance, and inflicted upon it successive losses that cannot be concealed, despite the [simultaneous Israeli] siege, brutal aggression, conspiracies, and betrayals," the group stated.

It also likewise admired the regional Axis of Resistance for their supportive sacrifices "in a time of betrayal and international complicity."

The movement finally averred that the resistance would stay fast down its course to reclaim all of Palestinians' rights and liberate all their lands, and thanked Qatari and Egyptian mediators for their persistent efforts towards realizing the ceasefire.

World reacts in joy, admiration

Also on Wednesday, various other resistance groups and political groupings took to social media platforms to express joy and admiration for the fruition of Gaza's steadfastness.

Head of Yemen's National Negotiating Delegation, Mohammed Abdul Salam said, "We salute with respect and reverence the legendary and historical steadfastness of Gaza."

"We and all the free people of the world appreciate the great sacrifices of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the martyrdom of a number of its great leaders, including the two martyr leaders Haniyeh and Sinwar," he said, referring respectively to Hamas' former Political Bureau chief and leader.

According to the Yemeni official, the great sacrifices of the Palestinian resistance did not weaken its resolve, rather prompting it to continue with all its strength and bravery to confront the enemy until it was forced to accept the ceasefire.

He also commended Hezbollah for doing "a good job in fighting and sacrificing." "The Lebanese Resistance Front offered its most precious possessions in redemption for Gaza, Palestine, and al-Quds" during the Israeli aggression that led to the martyrdom of its leader.

Abdul Salam also pointed to Yemen's reprisal against the occupied Palestinian territories and its millions-strong support marches in favor of Gaza and Lebanon.

"The responsibility of supporting Gaza is a religious and humanitarian responsibility for which the entire nation is asked."

The official finally underlined that "the continued occupation of Palestine by the Zionist enemy represents a threat to the security and stability of the region."

Akram al-Ka'abi, secretary-general of the Iraqi Resistance's al-Nujaba Movement, congratulated the "great triumph" on the Palestinian nation and all of the world's free-thinking people, especially the Islamic Republic's people, Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement, Hezbollah, Iraq, and all other nations supporting Gaza.

"With this great development, we too announce that we stop our military operations against the Zionist regime alongside the Palestinian resistance towards reinforcement and continuation of ceasefire in Gaza," he said.

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Experts weigh chance of success in new South China Sea case against Beijing

President Marcos is under increasing pressure to reinforce a 2016 ruling that favored the Philippines.

By RFA Staff 2025.01.16 -- Philippine officials have suggested that, in the face of grave aggression from China in the South China Sea, new legal action is not a matter of if, but when.

Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the National Security Council, told a press briefing this week that, being pushed "to the wall," Manila is considering all options including new international lawsuits.In 2013, the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, the first time any nation had challenged China over its maritime claims.

Known as PCA Case No. 2013-19, it ended in 2016 in victory for the Philippines, with the arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines on most of its submissions and rejecting China's claim of historic rights to vast areas in the South China Sea using the so-called nine-dash line on its maps.

Nearly 10 years on, China still refuses to accept the ruling despite it being final and binding for all parties concerned.

Renewed efforts

Under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines and China appeared to have shelved the tribunal's decision, a loss of opportunity to those who wanted to promote a new legal framework for the South China Sea.

Yet there have been constant calls on the Philippine government since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took power to renew efforts to reinforce the ruling, including by filing new cases.

"I have recommended the filing of the following cases before an UNCLOS tribunal," said former Justice Antonio Carpio, part of the legal team that defended the Philippines' case in 2016. "The first is compulsory arbitration over the overlapping claims in the continental shelf beyond the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the Spratlys."

UNCLOS determines that a littoral country's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, measures 200 nautical miles from the shore and the continental shelf may extend beyond the EEZ.

"The second case is compulsory arbitration for damages arising from the ramming by Chinese coast guard vessels of Philippine coast guard vessels," Carpio told Radio Free Asia, referring to a number of serious incidents over the last few years near disputed reefs including Sabina Shoal and Scarborough Shoal.

"And the third case is compulsory arbitration to establish the rules to govern fishing in Scarborough Shoal which the 2016 tribunal declared is a historic fishing ground of Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen," Carpio added.

China, which took de-facto control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, has been accused of blocking Philippine ships from accessing the area and harassing them. The world's largest coast guard vessel 5901, China's 'Monster', has been operating inside the Philippines' EEZ almost constantly since the beginning of the year to exert control over the Scarborough Shoal area.

Support for UNCLOS

Building upon the 2016 ruling under UNCLOS may be a smart move that could garner international support but a maritime expert suggested that "making greater use of the United Nations would expand Philippine options for arbitration."

Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, wrote in a recent article that even though the U.N. cannot compel China to comply with the 2016 arbitral award "the General Assembly would be able to pass nonbinding resolutions and, most importantly, forward the matter to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion."

Poling suggested that the Philippines could file with the General Assembly a resolution demanding compliance with the 2016 arbitration, which it would win. It could also file another resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on issues such as whether China's behavior violates international treaties, and it could win that, too.

He argued that "repeated losses in different international bodies would raise the costs of noncompliance and make a face-saving compromise progressively more attractive" for China.

"International law is not self-enforcing," Poling said, adding that an arbitral victory is only useful if it could be used to rally international support, impose costs, and eventually compel at least partial compliance by the wrongdoing party.

"We have thought about submitting a resolution before the U.N. General Assembly," said former Justice Antonio Carpio. "This needs prior lobbying for votes."

"It would be reckless to ask for a U.N. General Assembly vote unless you have a headcount of how many votes you will get," the legal expert said.

But that's when the Philippines' ally the United States and like-minded nations could come to its support, said Greg Poling.

"The U.S. should lobby other states to vote with the Philippines," he told RFA.

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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International rights group calls out democracies for ignoring allies' abuses

Human Rights Watch pointed to lack of progress returning Myanmar to democracy and China's oppression of minorities.

By Mike Firn for RFA

2025.01.16

BANGKOK -- Democratic governments around the world need to do more to take authoritarian regimes to task after 2024 saw an unwillingness to cooperate to resolve crises such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Myanmar military's arrest and killing of democracy campaigners, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday.

Repressive regimes imprisoned their opponents; conflicts led to spiraling civilian deaths, homelessness and hunger; and authoritarian regimes gained ground in the more than 70 elections last year, the group said in its World Report 2025.

"Governments that are outspoken about protecting human rights, but ignore the abuses of their allies, open the door to those who question the legitimacy of the human rights system," Executive Director Tirana Hassan said.

"That view irresponsibly and dangerously lets abusive governments off the hook. This isn't a moment to retreat."

Hassan also said that liberal democracies were not always reliable champions of human rights at home or abroad.

"U.S. President Joe Biden's foreign policy has demonstrated a double standard when it comes to human rights, as it continues to provide weapons to Israel despite widespread violations of international law in Gaza while condemning Russia for similar violations in Ukraine," she said.

"In Europe, economic stagnation and security have been used as a pretext by a growing number of countries to justify their selective jettisoning of rights, especially of marginalized groups and migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees."

Hassan called for greater support for the work of the United Nations in identifying the erosion of basic rights and the International Criminal Court in seeking to prosecute perpetrators.

New York-based Human Rights Watch, or HRW, examined the record of more than 100 countries in its report.

Silencing dissent

China's authoritarian leadership relentlessly restricted freedoms and stifled dissent, the group said.

"Under President Xi Jinping, China continued its relentless campaign of repression to enforce loyalty to the one-party state, silence any form of dissent - including within the Chinese Communist Party itself - and stifle any attempts to foster an independent civil society, support an independent judiciary, or protect the rights of ethnic minorities and other minority groups," Hassan said.

HRW pointed to Hong Kong's imprisonment of democracy activists under a China-imposed national security law, and China's surveillance, imprisonment and abuse of hundreds of thousands of mostly Muslim ethnic Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region.

Gagging opposition

In Cambodia, HRW said Prime Minister Hun Manet's government "has tightened restrictions on fundamental freedoms, intensified persecution of dissidents, and increased criminal penalties for peaceful dissent," while his father, former prime minister Hun Sen, pulled the political strings and threatened government critics.

Since May, at least 11 opposition party members have been charged, convicted or had their convictions upheld on politically motivated grounds, HRW said.

Eroded rights

Vietnam's government abused the legal system to restrict basic freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, movement and religion, the group said.

"Party-controlled courts sentenced online free speech advocates and civil society activists to long prison sentences on bogus charges such as 'propaganda' or 'infringing on the interests' of the state," HRW said, adding that at least 39 campaigners were convicted and jailed for longer terms last year. They included human rights defenders Nguyen Chi Tuyen, Nguyen Vu Binh and Phan Van Bach, and environmental activist Ngo Thi To Nhien.

War crimes

In Myanmar, where the junta has been fighting ethnic minority and pro-democracy insurgents since a coup four years ago, the military had ramped up its scorched earth tactics to counter the growing resistance and it forcibly conscripted citizens as troop casualties rose, HRW said.

"The military's atrocities committed since the February 2021 coup amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, fueled by decades of impunity," the group said, adding that members of the persecuted, mainly Muslim Rohingya community were "facing the gravest threats since the military's 2017 atrocities."

Rohingya have been caught up in the war between insurgents and the military in Rakhine state seven years after more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from a military crackdown.

North Korea

HRW said North Korea remained one of the most repressive countries in the world.

"Under totalitarian leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea maintains fearful obedience through arbitrary punishments, torture, executions, unjust imprisonment, and forced labor," it said.

"Sexual and domestic violence against women and girls is widespread and normalized. Basic freedoms, including expression, assembly, and access to information, are severely restricted."

North Koreans were prevented from tapping most sources of income for three years during the COVID-19 epidemic, HRW reported in March. It said women, normally main breadwinners, were hit particularly hard by the restrictions which undermined their right to food and health.

Pushing back

While many authoritarian leaders had tightened their grip, often by leveraging fear and misinformation, there were glimmers of democratic resilience, Hassan said. She pointed to Bangladesh where student-led protests led to the resignation of a repressive leader and South Korea, where the public refused to accept martial law.

Hassan said governments had to support those who stood up to oppression.

"The year has shown the resilience of those who dare to resist oppression and the power of courage to deliver progress, even in the darkest times," said Hassan.

"The task before us is clear: governments have a responsibility to push back against efforts to roll back international human rights law and norms.

"They need to defend space for free expression and peaceful assembly; to reinforce the architecture and effectiveness of accountability and to bring rights abusers to justice, no matter how powerful; and to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced."

Edited by RFA Staff.

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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With A New Government, Many Bulgarians Fear A Return To The Past

By Katerina Vasileva and Ivan Bedrov January 16, 2025

With the approval of a new coalition government, Bulgaria's parliament has ended a prolonged stretch of political instability, during which the country was largely governed by caretaker cabinets and underwent seven elections in four years.

Despite finishing first in the October 2024 elections, the country's dominant political force, the center-right GERB party, did not have a majority to govern alone.

But after long and involved negotiations, it has finally managed to scrape together a coalition with the former communist and pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party; the populist There is Such a People party; and a faction of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, which has traditionally represented Bulgaria's ethnic Turks.

Guiding the new coalition will be Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, a senior GERB official with extensive government experience, having previously served as both a minister and parliamentary speaker.

The coalition has already drawn criticism from opposition leaders and political analysts who have questioned its commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining the country's pro-Western stance.

Borisov's Return

For many Bulgarians, the GERB party, led by Boyko Borisov, is synonymous with corruption. A linchpin of Bulgarian politics, Borisov served as prime minister three times between 2009 and 2021 and was widely criticized for presiding over a system defined by widespread graft, a captured media, and alleged misuse of EU funds. Borisov eventually stepped down in 2021, shaken by months of massive anti-corruption protests. Despite winning elections since, his GERB party struggled to find willing coalition partners.

Of particular concern is GERB's relationship with Delyan Peevski, a powerful and influential tycoon who has been accused of corruption and influence peddling and sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Instead of distancing itself from Peevski, as many Bulgarian politicians had urged, the coalition eliminated wording from earlier drafts of the political agreement that would have curbed his influence. This decision prompted the reformist We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria alliance to withdraw from negotiations and stay out of the coalition.

Despite Prime Minister Zhelyazkov's ambitious agenda, which includes enacting EU-mandated reforms, pursuing eurozone membership, and bolstering the rule of law, many Bulgarians are not convinced.

That's partly due to the coalition's inherent contradictions -- particularly its attempt to bridge pro-Western and pro-Russian interests. The pockmarks of compromise and political expediency are already showing.

The phrase "pro-European" has been stripped from the coalition's opening statement, and commitments regarding Ukraine and Russia have been watered down to accommodate the historically pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party's reluctance to support aid to Kyiv. It's worth remembering that the There is Such a People party started life as an anti-GERB and anti-corruption movement.

With the last four years defined by political paralysis and reforms never getting off the ground, money from the European Union has almost dried up. Restoring this crucial financial pipeline might not be easy given that it requires implementing EU-mandated reforms and anti-corruption measures -- overhauls that the increasingly euroskeptic coalition member There Is Such A People has previously blocked.

Will Bulgarian Continue Its Pro-European Path?

Nevertheless, under the new government, Bulgaria is unlikely to shift its orientation away from the EU and the West. The country is a newly minted member of the Schengen visa-free zone and has pledged to avoid cooperation with "anti-European parties." Speaking on January 16, Zhelyazkov said he would ensure continuity in the country's geopolitics, mentioning the eurozone as a priority.

There are also some checks and balances. Addressing parliament on January 16, Nadejda Iordanova from We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria, said that the opposition parliamentary group would be watching to see if the government stuck to a pro-European path.

"We will support the path to the euro, energy independence, and the modernization of the army," Iordanova said. "[We] will be the opposition, we will be consistent, we will work for the modernization and strengthening of institutions."

The last four years have been characterized by political inertia and stagnant reform -- something that won't necessarily change now that Bulgaria has agreed on a government.

What many Bulgarians fear now is not just that things will stay the same but that things will get worse, a return to what they see as a particularly unscrupulous and corrupt decade under the rule of Borisov and GERB.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/new-bulgarian-government- borisov-zhelyazkov/33278235.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 Warns Of Dangers Of 'Oligarchy' In America As Tech Billionaires Flock To Trump

By RFE/RL January 16, 2025

U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a farewell address to nation on January 15, warning that a "dangerous oligarchy" of extremely wealthy people is taking shape in America and wielding power and influence that threatens democracy.

"I am concerned about the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few wealthy people," Biden said, speaking from the White House.

He said the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few threatens not only democracy but basic rights and freedoms and the expectation that each person deserves "a fair shot" to get ahead.

After serving one term, Biden will leave the presidency on January 20 with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a billionaire, who has been backed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the world's richest person, and other ultrawealthy people.

Musk, who shares Trump's hard-right politics, spent tens of millions of dollars helping his presidential campaign last year and will attend the incoming president's inauguration.

Two other prominent U.S. billionaires -- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg -- are also expected to attend Trump's inauguration.

Biden named a number of his accomplishments, including guiding the country out of the coronavirus pandemic during his first two years in office, supporting domestic manufacturing, and limiting the cost of prescription drugs.

But he said U.S. values are "constantly being tested," warning about the potential rise of what he called the "tech industrial complex" and the future of artificial intelligence.

"Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power," he said. "The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies both for power and for profit."

To counter those trends, he said social media platforms must be held accountable to protect America's children, families, and democracy from the abuse of power.

AI, he said, is an exciting development that has the potential to help solve problems, even help find a cure for cancer, but it could also "spawn new threats to our rights, our way of life, to our privacy, how we work, and how we protect our nation."

"AI is the most consequential technology of our time, perhaps of all time. Nothing offers more profound possibilities and risks for our economy, our security, our society, for humanity," he said.

But it must be "safe and trustworthy and good for all humankind," he said, adding that it's more important than ever that "as the land of liberty, America, not China, must lead the world in the development of AI."

Biden, who ousted Trump in the 2020 presidential election, will leave office next week. He had stepped aside amid concerns over his mental fitness in the 2024 race to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to run against Trump as the Democratic party's candidate. Harris lost to Trump in the November 5 election.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/biden-farewell-address-trump- oligarchs-ai/33277470.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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Muslim World League Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Saudi Press Agency

Wednesday 15/07/1446

Makkah, January 16, 2025, SPA -- The Muslim World League (MWL) welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, appreciating the efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America in achieving this agreement.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa expressed hope that the agreement would bring an end to the horrific humanitarian tragedy endured by the Gaza Strip, with all the catastrophic dimensions of the brutal aggression it has faced.

He stressed the importance of full adherence to the agreement, the cessation of aggression, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and all Palestinian territories.

Dr. Al-Issa also emphasized the need for the Palestinian people to attain their full rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent, sovereign state along the 1967 borders, with east Jerusalem as its capital.

--SPA

05:24 Local Time 02:24 GMT

0009

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Israel Blames Hamas for Reneging on Gaza Agreement, Creating Last-Minute Crisis

Sputnik News

20250116

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Thursday accused Palestinian movement Hamas of reneging on points of agreement on the Gaza Strip reached with mediators and trying to make last-minute concessions.

"Hamas is reneging on agreement and creating a last-minute crisis that prevents an agreement from being reached. Hamas is abandoning the clear agreements reached with the mediators and with Israel in an attempt to exert pressure at the last minute," the statement said.

Israel will not set a date for a meeting of the cabinet and government to approve the agreement until the mediators inform that Hamas has confirmed all its details, the statement added.

On Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas had agreed, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, to a 42-day ceasefire as part of the first stage of the agreement, which also includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages. The agreement will come into effect on January 19.

 Sputnik

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Israeli Airstrike on Gaza's Residential Area Kills 12

Sputnik News

20250116

CAIRO (Sputnik) - At least 12 people have been killed and over 20 have been injured in an Israeli airstrike on residential buildings in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the Gaza city, the Gaza Strip civil defense said on Thursday.

"Twelve dead and 20 injured have been extracted from the houses that came under attack," the civil defense said in a statement, adding that the strike took place late on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Palestinian broadcaster Al Aqsa reported that 18 people were killed and several others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in western Gaza City.

On Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that the parties to the Gaza conflictIsrael and the Hamas movementhad agreed, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to a 42-day ceasefire as part of the first stage of the agreement, which also includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages. The agreement will come into effect on January 19.

 Sputnik

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Israel's Ceasefire Agreement With Hamas 'Painful, Hard' Decision - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20250116

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday called the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas a very hard and painful decision that is yet to be approved by the Israeli government.

"We are likely to stand before a hostage agreement... This is a very difficult decision. When you make the decision to release so many terrorists, including murderers of Jews, it is not an easy decision ... that the Israeli cabinet has yet to make," Saar said during his visit to Italy.

He added that true leadership is about the ability to choose between "a bad and a very bad decision."

"We have an obligation to our brothers and sisters. We have done everything we can and brought home most of the hostages, but 98 of them are still there. If we postpone the decision, we don't know how many of them will survive. So, we will have to make a very tough and painful decision," Saar said.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani earlier said that Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas had agreed to a 42-day ceasefire with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, and the agreement will come into effect on January 19.

 Sputnik

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Global Leaders and Top Officials Hail Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Sputnik News

20250116

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Top officials of various world powers, including Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland, have welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which has been agreed upon by Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas.

Earlier, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Israel and Hamas had agreed, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, to a 42-day ceasefire as part of the first stage of the agreement, which also includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages. The agreement will come into effect on January 19.

"It's good that an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, including the Germans, seems to have been reached! Now the agreement must be consistently implemented. All hostages must be released," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the deal between Israel and Hamas a relief for the residents of the Gaza Strip after "15 months of unjustified suffering."

Spanish Prime Minister welcomed the ceasefire agreement, saying that it is crucial for achieving regional stability.

"Switzerland welcomes the gradual ceasefire and thanks the United States, Egypt and Qatar for their efforts," head of communications at the Swiss Foreign Ministry, Nicolas Bideau, said on X.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called the ceasefire deal a prerequisite for a two-state solution.

"The deal will bring relief to the entire region and humanitarian aid to the people in need. We hope for full implementation and take this as a first step towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen noted.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry also welcomed the signing of the deal and expressed gratitude to the US, Egypt and Qatar for their efforts.

"South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of Israel's genocidal onslaught on Gaza after Hamas and other armed groups launched an attack on Israel ... The ceasefire must lay the basis for a just peace which should include the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian state," the South African Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Italian government added that it sees the deal as an opportunity to increase humanitarian aid to the population of the Palestinian enclave.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the ceasefire "must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people" and Australia will continue to work towards resolving the conflict through a two-state solution.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Torgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir noted the necessity to ensure humanitarian access for the people of Gaza, expressing hope for the safe return of all hostages.

Reactions From the Arab World

Arab countries have welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, expressing hope for a speedy end to the conflict, continued flow of humanitarian aid to the enclave and international support for efforts to achieve peace in the region.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and appreciates the efforts made by the State of Qatar, the Egyptian Arab Republic and the United States to achieve this ... The Kingdom hopes that this agreement will put a permanent end to the terrible war waged by Israel, during which more than 45,000 people have been killed and more than 100,000 have been injured," the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed the importance of the international community's support for all efforts aimed at advancing the peace process in the Middle East, as well as ending illegal actions that undermine the two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed hope that destruction and killing will stop in all Palestinian territories thanks to the ceasefire deal.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry said that it highly appreciates the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US, and noted that it is important to organize the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave as quickly as possible.

The ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is the end of a "bloody page" in the history of Palestine, interim Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati noted.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Press Briefing Room

Washington, D.C.

January 16, 2025



SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone.

QUESTION: Good morning.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So we said we would run through the tape, and I think we've been going at a full sprint. This has been quite an eventful final week for this administration, making good on the President's commitment to use every minute, every day, of every week that we had to get results.

When I came down here on my first full day in office, back when I had a little bit less gray hair - as my daughter likes to point out - I spoke about how the work that we do to keep the American people in the world informed through you, with you, could not be more important. Most of us have traveled well more than a million miles now together. We've done it with a remarkable press corps, people that I've gotten to know as colleagues. If I said "friends," that might actually create problems for you, but let me simply say how much I appreciate the partnership, the professionalism, the work that we've done.

I have even greater respect, even greater appreciation for you asking the tough questions, for you holding us to account. Being on the receiving end, sometimes that's not always the most comfortable thing; not always the most enjoyable thing. But it is the most necessary thing in our democracy.

QUESTION: Three hundred reporters in Gaza were on the receiving end of your bombs. Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal (inaudible)?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'm happy to address questions -

QUESTION: You all knew we had a deal. Everyone in this room knows we had a deal, Tony, and you kept the bombs flowing. Why did you sacrifice -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'm happy to address questions when we get a chance, thank you.

QUESTION: - the rules-based order on the mantle of your commitment to Zionism?

QUESTION: Did you want to finish, or -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah.

QUESTION: Why did you allow my friends to be massacred? Why did you allow my friends (inaudible) we had a deal (inaudible)?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'm happy to address your questions when we get to questions. Thank you.

QUESTION: Did you want -

QUESTION: Hey. You just - you helped destroy our religion of Judaism by associating it with fascism.

QUESTION: Did you want to finish?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah, I have a statement - yeah, I have a statement to make. Thank you.

QUESTION: You waved the white flag before Netanyahu.

STAFF: The Secretary will be happy to take questions at the end.

QUESTION: You waved the white flag before Israeli fascists.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I look forward to taking questions when I get a chance to finish my statement. Thank you.

QUESTION: Your father-in-law is an Israel lobbyist, your grandfather was an Israel lobbyist. Are you compromised by Israel? Why did you allow the Holocaust of our time to happen?

STAFF: It's time to go. Thank you very much.

QUESTION: How does it feel to have your legacy be genocide? How does it feel to have your legacy be genocide? You too, Matt. You smirked through the whole thing. Every day.

STAFF: Thank you. Thank you.

QUESTION: You smirked through the genocide.

STAFF: Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. And thank you, Matt. Now I've got a few more things to say, and then I'm happy to take any question about anything, as we've done these past four years. And indeed, I'll talk a little bit about the developments of the last few days as well. But I first really wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you, and also thank you to -

QUESTION: Well, maybe not everyone. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, okay, I was - (laughter). There is an asterisk, and yes, thank you Matt Lee. But also to a remarkable press team here, led by Matt Miller, who do the work every day of trying to make sure that you're informed, the American people are informed.

Let me also just take a step back before diving into the developments of this week, these last days, just to consider how far we've come over these past four years - and also to think a little bit about where we might be going from here. When President Biden took office, the United States faced the worst public health crisis in more than a century. It faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. And unprecedented breaches with allies and partners around the world. Our adversaries saw a historic opportunity to work together to challenge our interests, to challenge our global standing, to challenge the international system of rules and principles on which our security and prosperity depend.

The first time I had an opportunity to speak at length in this role, I laid out how we would work to leverage American diplomacy to safeguard and accelerate America's renewal; how we would reimagine and revitalize our greatest strategic asset - our unmatched network of allies and partners - to deliver on issues that actually matter in the lives of our fellow citizens, matter in their livelihoods, matter in their futures; and to defend against increasingly assertive and aggressive revisionist authoritarian powers; and also how we'd modernize our own diplomacy to try to deliver on these priorities, to ensure that this department is ready to meet the tests of a more contested, a more complicated, a more combustible world.

As President Biden emphasized when he was here on Monday, thanks to historic investments at home and around the world, the United States can now operate from a position of greater strength to tackle all of these challenges. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. Our strategy of renewal has set the stage for America to win the fierce competition to shape a new era of international affairs to the benefit of our people, to the benefit of people around the world.

And I think this week was another reminder both of the power and the purpose of American leadership and American diplomacy. Over 15 months of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, we've worked to broker a deal that would bring hostages home, that would stop the fighting, that would surge humanitarian aid to people who so desperately need it, that would create the space to conclude a permanent ceasefire. We now have that, and we expect implementation of the agreement to begin on Sunday.

As President Biden said yesterday, after more than 400 days of struggle, a day of success has arrived.

I want to thank our fellow mediators, Qatar and Egypt, for their extraordinary partnership, and I want to thank my colleagues - in particular Jake Sullivan, Bill Burns, Brett McGurk - for their remarkable skill and tireless dedication over these many months of negotiation. So -

QUESTION: Will you recognize the Geneva Conventions apply to the Palestinians?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And again, I'm happy to address questions when I have a chance. I'm happy to address questions in a moment. Thank you.

This is a moment of tremendous relief for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The daughter of one hostage spoke for many when she said, "I can't wait to see them come back to their families. I'm so desperate to see them." A mother of five, displaced from Gaza City, said simply, "We are being reborn."

It's also a moment of historic possibility for the region and well beyond. It's going to take tremendous effort, political courage, compromise, to realize that possibility, to try to ensure that the gains that have been achieved over the past 15 months at enormous, excruciating cost are actually enduring - to manage the still-profound risks, to deliver on the promise of a more integrated Middle East. And simply put, to forge this reality, there are two immediate imperatives: first, to fully implement the ceasefire deal; and then, second, to finalize a plan, an effective plan as I spelled out earlier this week, that provides for Gaza's transitional governance, its security, its reconstruction, and that can make the halt in fighting endure.

Delivering on these two priorities will in turn create the conditions for Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations between them, which will require a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. On each of these imperatives, we've delivered concrete progress and we've laid a foundation for success, which we will hand over to the incoming administration. Together, they represent a historic opportunity to advance the long-term interests of the United States, our partners in the region, and around the Middle East.

In Ukraine as well we've seen the results of steadfast American leadership. We rallied and kept together some 50 countries to help Ukraine defend itself from Putin's war of aggression. Through Ukrainian courage and also Western resolve and firepower, Ukraine repelled Russia's invasion and took back half the territory it originally seized. We've marshaled commitments from countries around the world that will help Ukraine deter and defend against future attacks, and stand on its own feet militarily, economically, democratically.

We've also imposed the most ambitious sanctions and export controls ever on Russia, cutting off its biggest banks, reducing dramatically Europe's reliance on Russian energy, oil and gas, almost to zero at this point. As a result of some of our latest sanctions, Russian oil tankers are piling up along the Chinese coast, unable to offload.

Ukraine will continue to stand as an independent, democratic nation anchored in the West with the freedom to choose its own future. If we sustain our support for Ukraine, if we continue exacerbate Putin's growing manpower and economic dilemmas, we could continue to help Ukrainians gain leverage to negotiate a just and secure peace.

Now, I got back from what was my 21st trip to the Indo-Pacific in this job just a short while ago, a region where the United States is now competing from a position of strength. We brought our regional allies together, our partners together, around a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, where goods and ideas and people flow freely, where rules are applied fairly and transparently, where countries are free to choose both their own path and their own partners.

We enhanced bilateral relationships with our core treaty allies - with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines. We forged a new era of trilateral cooperation with Japan and Korea, with Japan and the Philippines as well. We've re-energized the Quad with Japan, India, Australia; strengthened our relationships with ASEAN and the Pacific Island countries; elevated partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia.

As the DPRK and the PRC continue to fuel Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine, underscoring how European and Asian security are indivisible, we've also built enduring bridges between our Pacific and Atlantic allies and partners. Australia, Japan, and South Korea provided important support to Ukraine. In 2021, European allies were on the verge of signing a massive trade agreement with China; now they're coordinating with us on everything from investment screening mechanisms to supply chain resilience to pushing back on China's overcapacity and unfair trade practices.

At the same time, we've managed our competition with China responsibly so it doesn't veer into conflict, while also cooperating on challenges where the world expects great powers to lead and where it's clearly in the interests of the American people - from climate change to fentanyl.

We've also demonstrated that other countries can rely on the United States to tackle some of our biggest shared challenges and deliver on some of our own - on their own national aspirations: preventing disease outbreaks, enhancing food security, accelerating the clean energy transition, bringing together a global coalition of more than 160 countries to address the synthetic opioid crisis.

As we celebrate the return of hostages in Gaza, including Americans, as we look to relief for the people of Gaza, I'm also thinking of all those U.S. citizens who are held wrongfully, who are hostage, in countries around the world. I carry with me -

QUESTION: Do you know about the Hannibal Directive?

STAFF: Sir, respect. Let's have some respect.

QUESTION: Miller says he doesn't know about the Hannibal Directive. Do you know about the Hannibal Directive?

STAFF: You can leave, sir. You want to come with us -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Again, I'm happy to address questions in a - just a - in a few more minutes.

QUESTION: I want him to answer -

STAFF: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I look forward to answering questions in a few more minutes. Thank you.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

STAFF: Okay, well, let him speak. (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thank you.

QUESTION: He's made lots of speeches. Let him answer some questions.

STAFF: Sir, what would you like? Would you like to be escorted out?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I look forward to answering questions. Thank you.

QUESTION: Answer some questions instead of making another speech every day.

STAFF: Sir, would you like to be escorted out?

QUESTION: Go away.

STAFF: You don't have the responsibility to tell me where to go. Do you want to be escorted out or not?

QUESTION: I want him to answer questions.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Okay. Thank you. I look forward to answering questions in a minute. Thank you.

QUESTION: I'm a journalist; I'm not a potted plant.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions in just a minute. Thank you.

QUESTION: Matt Miller has explicitly told me he will not answer my questions.

STAFF: Sir -

QUESTION: I am justified in what I'm doing.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So I have no greater pleasure in this job than crossing off a list I carry in my pocket - the names of those who had been arbitrarily detained and unfairly held hostage, unjustly held hostage, and bringing them home, returning them to their families, returning them to their loved ones.

Finally, I just wanted to share this morning -

QUESTION: Get your hands off me. Get your hands off me. Get your hands off me. Get your hands off me. Answer a damn question.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I look forward to answering questions in a few minutes.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) about Israel's nuclear weapons - everybody from the ICJ - I was sitting here quietly and now I am being manhandled by two or three people. You pontificate about a free press? You pontificate about a free press? You are hurting me. You are hurting me. You are hurting me. I am asking questions after being told by Matt Miller that he will not answer my questions, and so I ask them.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Please, sir, respect the - respect the process. We'll have an opportunity to take questions in a few minutes.

QUESTION: Wasn't - wasn't the point of the May 31st statement to block the ICJ orders? You blocked the ICJ orders. You -

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Please, sir, respect the process. Thank you.

QUESTION: Oh, respect the process. Respect the process while everybody - everybody from the International - from Amnesty International to the ICJ's saying that Israel's doing genocide and extermination, and you're telling me to respect the process. Criminal. Why aren't you in The Hague? Why aren't you in The Hague? Why aren't you in The Hague?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Finally, we've worked to modernize our diplomacy so that we're more agile, we're more effective, we're more prepared for the challenges of a new era. We've reorganized this department to lead on issues that increasingly animate our diplomacy, whether it's emerging technology, public health, strategic competition, economic statecraft. We've embraced new tools and approaches, from integrating data and AI into the work that we do, strengthening our capacity to anticipate, to plan for risks as well as opportunities in this more volatile world.

Maybe most important, we've invested in our people - improving our hiring and retention practices, diversifying our workforce, strengthening our training, providing more support to employees throughout their careers. We've hired the largest Foreign Service officer class in more than a decade, and we've grown our Civil Service corps at the fastest rate in more than 20 years.

It was gratifying to me, and I think to everyone in this department, that among the first and last stops President Biden made in his tenure was right here at the State Department. I think that is powerful evidence of the trust that he placed in us to carry out this country's foreign policy. Our diplomats represent this country with exceptional skill, with professionalism, with heart. They often do so at great personal sacrifice, little fanfare, in some of the world's most challenging environments. It has been, simply put, the greatest of honors to be able to work shoulder to shoulder with them.

These past four years, there have also been moments of disappointment, of hardship, of heartbreak, but I leave this job knowing that we spent every day thinking about and working toward what we believe is best for our people, the citizens we have the immense privilege of representing. And I'm confident we leave office with our country and with this department in a much stronger position than we found it.

And now, with that, one last time, I look forward to taking some questions. Mr. Miller.

MR MILLER: Matt, want to start us off?

QUESTION: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, and thank you for your very opening comments about the work, the cooperation with us, the press corps. Even when we haven't always been satisfied or - with the answers, we certainly appreciate the - your willingness to engage with us. And so thank you for that.

I want to start - I actually only have one question. Exactly 16 years ago today, January 16th, 2009, former - outgoing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had her final press briefing here, and all of the questions she got were about Israel and Gaza - every single one of them. And she said we were working on an enduring ceasefire. She was about to sign an agreement with then-Foreign Minister Livni that would move toward that way. She was working with international partners. Names have changed, but countries pretty much the same - Egypt, the Europeans, the Gulf Arab states.

And so, 16 years ago, we were in the same situation that we're in now, particularly because the ceasefire, the current one, still seems to be in limbo. And I'm wondering if you can point to any progress that has been made over the course of those - the Bush administration, the Obama administration - has there been anything that has changed or given you hope? Because we're basically back in the same position we were 16 years ago.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, Matt. This is a long story. It's an enduring story. It's a story that is not likely to end any time soon. And if you go back over the course of many administrations - not only Secretary Rice, but so many of our predecessors and so many of her successors, and now me - this is a story that we've been engaged in, one way or another. And I think each of us has probably brought the conviction to it that we could and should do everything possible to try to get to and write a better conclusion, a good conclusion, for the story. And so many of us, for many years, have labored to do just that.

I think one of the lessons that we have to take away is that as resourceful and as powerful as we are, at the end of the day we can't make decisions for others. They have to make them. They have to make hard choices. They have to take chances. We can do everything possible to push, to prod, to encourage, to support, but ultimately the decision lies with those most directly concerned. That's one thing.

But the second thing is - and I believe this strongly - there's also no substitute for our engagement, for the efforts that we make in trying to move this forward and get to a better place. And yes, we have absolutely seen both progress and promise, and the question is whether leaders on all sides - with the people behind them - will find a way to seize on those opportunities.

So as I laid out in some detail just the other day, when we took office we were very focused on pursuing greater integration in the region as the real answer to creating more security, more peace, more opportunity for people, not change - not trying to change individual countries, governments, societies, but bringing them closer together.

And before October 7th, we'd done a lot of work on this integration, building on the Abraham Accords of the first Trump administration, pointing toward the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. And as you all know, we were all planning to go to Saudi Arabia and Israel because we'd made so much progress on the normalization accords, on October 10th, a trip that of course didn't happen, to do two things: to try to help finalize agreements that were necessary to get to normalization, and as part of that, to find a clearer way forward, a pathway to a Palestinian state - vital to Saudi Arabia, very important to us as well.

Even with everything that's happened since October 7th, I believe strongly, including from my many conversations with leaders in the region, whether it's in Israel, in Saudi Arabia, or beyond, that the desire to pursue integration, the desire to bring countries together remains strong, remains powerful, and can be a driving force for finally resolving some of these other questions, including the Palestinian question. Israel's deepest desire from day one of its founding was to be treated like any other country in the region, to have normal relations. And it's been demonstrated that that's possible and desired, but it requires, among other things, ending the conflict in Gaza, which we are now on the verge of doing as a result of everything that we have put into this, an agreement that President Biden put forward - put forward before the world in May, got the entire world to endorse, and in the months since we've been working to negotiate the final details and get it implemented. And that's where we are now.

So end Gaza's one, and then yes, a credible pathway to a Palestinian state is two, and leaders will have to summon the vision and the courage to do that. I laid out some ideas for how you can get there just the other day, but I believe that is possible. And I believe the driving desire for integration is something that can carry this forward.

Finally, I'll say this. We've also seen, as a result of so much of the work that we've done, what the possibilities are. For Israel, when it was attacked in an unprecedented way by Iraq and - by Iran, excuse me - a direct attack with hundreds of missiles, hundreds of drones, not only did we come to Israel's active defense for the first time ever; we brought other countries along to do that, including countries in the region. And Israel now sees, powerfully, what it stands to gain from greater integration in the region, including in a common security architecture. All can see that this is a way to effectively isolate the troublemaker in the region, Iran.

So all of that is there; all of that is possible. And I think for the incoming administration, it'll be important to continue to show: Here's one path and what can be achieved by following that path, and then there's another, which is perpetual violence, destruction, terrorism, and despair for people. That's the choice. I think we've now put in place and done the work that, handing it off, can be used to build a strong foundation and move down that much more positive path.

MR MILLER: Leon.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Leon.

QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for your service. Thank you for doing this. I trust you're not going to miss the million of miles that you've done in the last four years, and that you're happy to finally see your children. I wanted to ask you on Gaza, of course, you mentioned tremendous relief in the region, both with Palestinians and Israel. There seems to be uncertainty for the ceasefire, and it - basically it was announced yesterday, and it's supposed to be implemented on Sunday. That's four days, quite a long time. Israel has been - has led new strikes upon Gaza today or overnight. How confident are you that this ceasefire is actually going to happen? And if I may, just a broader question. After the four years, your four years and now that your tenure is coming up, what is your proudest accomplishment in these four years and what is your biggest disappointment?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So on the ceasefire, yes, I am confident and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday. Look, it's not exactly surprising that in a process - in a negotiation that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end. We're tying up that loose end as we speak. I've been on the phone in one way or another all morning with Brett McGurk, with our Qatari friends, and I'm very confident that we - this is moving forward, and we'll see the start of implementation of the agreement on Sunday.

In terms of my own tenure and what I take from it - and I think they'll be plenty of opportunity to reflect on that in the weeks and months ahead - look, in terms of satisfaction, as I said at the outset, we came in knowing that we had to reset the foundation for American diplomacy and American foreign policy. And resetting that foundation meant, as I've said, re-engaging, rejuvenating, reimagining these alliances and partnerships. It's the greatest strength that we bring to virtually every issue we have to tackle around the world - these voluntary partnerships and alliances that have stood us in such good stead over so many years and I think are vital to effectively operating in this more complicated, this more contested, this more combustible world. And that's exactly what we did. But the point is not doing that for the sake of doing it; the point is doing it for the sake of more effectively dealing with the world we're operating in. And I think we've demonstrated that.

When Ukraine was attacked by Russia, because of the investments that we'd made in our partnerships and our alliances, we were able to bring together 50 countries, keep them together, and marshal their focus and their resources on helping to defend Ukraine. And we've done that very successfully, and we've done that in a way where many other countries picked up the burden.

When it comes to maybe the biggest systemic challenge that we face in the international system, and that is China and the capacity that it has uniquely - whether it's militarily, whether it's economically, whether it's diplomatically - to reshape the international order, what we've been able to do through these stronger alliances and partnerships is to focus other countries in ways that we haven't seen before on how to deal effectively with the challenges posed by China. We have much greater convergence between us and partners in Europe, between us and partners in Asia, among all of us, in confronting these challenges. And I listed a few areas in which we're working much more closely together. And as I've said before, when you bring just the United States to the table, well, we have a lot of weight; but when it comes to economic issues, for example, where China is engaged in unfair practices, where it's engaged in overcapacity to try to drown our industries, our communities, our workers with their products, well, when we're taking that on and we're doing it alone, we're 20 percent of world GDP. When we're doing that in concert with allies and partners across Europe and Asia who are similarly aggrieved by these practices, well, we're 50-60 percent of world GDP and it's a lot more effective in getting China to change its conduct. So those are just two ways in which we've used this investment in our allies and partners to get real results, to tackle real problems, to meet real challenges.

And again, through so many of the issues that are affecting the lives of our people, we've brought countries together in a way that's going to have a material impact on making things better. I mentioned earlier the coalition we built on synthetic opioids, on fentanyl. You've heard me say this before: The number one killer of Americans aged 18 to 45 is fentanyl. And it's by definition a problem that has to be tackled cooperatively with other countries because the ingredients that go into making it may be made halfway around the world. They come close to our borders. They get synthesized into fentanyl. They come into the United States. They kill people. So the fact that we've brought all of these countries together now working in close concert to deal with this problem, that's going to have a material benefit on the lives of the American people. In these ways and so many more, what I'm - what I take satisfaction is, is that we now can approach each of these problems from a position of much greater strength, much greater effectiveness.

Disappointments - yeah, of course, there are always many. There's always the things that you didn't get done. There's always the could've, would've, should've that you ask yourself. But I think it's also important to take a minute and take stock of what we actually have done, what the men and women of this department have achieved.

Would I have wished, do I wish, we could have gotten this ceasefire agreement months ago? Of course. The suffering since, the lives lost since, sure, could have been - could have been avoided if we had gotten this over the line sooner. But in something as complex, as complicated, where different events have intervened and the work that we had done, the progress we were making towards bringing it to conclusion was delayed or derailed, as the President again said yesterday, almost every time you're trying to deal with something this hard, and as George Mitchell put it so well in the context of Northern Ireland peace, you're going to have many, many days of setback and struggle before you get to that final day of success. But every one of those days of setback and struggle is necessary to get you to the day of success.

MR MILLER: Daphne.

QUESTION: Thank you for your service and thank you for taking our questions over the last four years. Since the Gaza war erupted, there has been a flood of reports with supporting videos and evidence of potential IHL violations by Israel, and yet your department has refrained from making a definitive assessment. There is a sense out there that you gave Israel a pass on this issue and that that's a part of the administration's legacy. Is there any chance you will deliver a definitive assessment on this in your final days?

And if I may, on another region, we're reporting that the U.S. will impose sanctions on Sudan's Burhan today. Could you confirm whether the administration will take that step? And why do this now and why wait till now?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. We and I take very seriously the work that we do - and we have a responsibility to do - to assess in any place whether violations of international humanitarian law are occurring, war crimes, other abuses of international law, international norms, international practice. And that's what we continue to do every day, whether it's in the Middle East, Gaza, or in many other places around the world. And I'll come to that because your question about Sudan goes there as well.

In Gaza, we faced a uniquely challenging situation in trying to make final determinations. Because uniquely in Gaza, besides having a population that's been trapped there that has nowhere else to go, you have an enemy that embeds itself in and among civilians - houses, hospitals, mosques, schools. And getting a clear picture and a clear understanding of whether any one incident in that context constitutes a violation of international law in one way or another is an incredibly complicated thing to do, especially to do in real time.

So we continue to gather the information. We continue to assess it. If we have any conclusions that we can draw in the time that remains, we will. I'd also point out that in Israel itself there are hundreds of cases that are being investigated. They have a process; they have procedures; they have rule of law. And we also look to them to carry out that process, to carry out the rule of law themselves. That's the hallmark of any democracy.

We have reported in a number of ways on what we've seen, including in the NSM report. We've taken actions in a variety of ways in a variety of places, particularly, for example, in the West Bank, where we've seen abuses committed by extremist settlers against Palestinians and for the first time taken action against them. And I believe and trust that this process will continue, and as we are able to reach results we will.

When it comes to Sudan, you know the actions we took in the direction of the RSF just a few days ago. The SAF has also committed war crimes and it continues to target civilians. It's obstructed the advancement of the peace process. It's refused to participate on numerous occasions in ceasefire talks that we've sought to convene. And together with the RSF, it's caused what is the world's worst humanitarian crisis that people are suffering through every day.

And we believe strongly, as we've said, there's no military solution to this conflict. So we have to see two things. We have to see the effective provision of humanitarian assistance to people who need it. We've been working very hard on that. We've seen some progress but not nearly enough. And we have to see the end of the firing, the end of this conflict. And there we've seen virtually no progress.

So in this situation, we're able much more clearly to account for actions that are taken. There's no ambiguity about the environment in which both sides are operating and what the results of the actions that they've taken actually are, both in terms of the horrific consequences for human life and what that means under our law and under international law.

MR MILLER: Michele.

QUESTION: Can I follow up on that? Thank you. Is the RSF and Burhan - are they equally responsible for mass atrocities? And is the - are these sanctions a sign of failure of diplomacy?

And then real quickly on the Middle East, how would you describe your dealings in these past 15 months with Netanyahu?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So on the RSF and the SAF, the actions we took with - on the RSF, as you know, founded - had a determination of genocide. The actions that we're looking at for the SAF go to war crimes, so there are gradations in these things. And we follow the law. We look at the criteria. We look at this intensely with our lawyers, with our experts, in order to make these determinations, guided, as I said, by the criteria.

The end result is, one way or another, people are suffering grievously in Sudan. It is, again, the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. And we have been deeply engaged with our diplomacy to try to bring it to an end. We haven't, to date. But as I've said, part of our challenge in any of these situations is to keep working through it, to keep pushing, to keep pressing to get to that one day of success. It is for me, yes, another real regret that, when it comes to Sudan, we haven't been able on our watch to get to that day of success. As I said, some improvements in getting humanitarian assistance in through our diplomacy, but not an end to the conflict, not an end to the abuses, not an end to the suffering of people. We'll keep working it for the next three days, and I hope the next administration will take that on as well.

On the last 15 months, look, one of the things I think is really important is, as a general matter, to focus less on personalities and on people and more on policies, and what is it that we can do, what is it we should do, to effect those policies. And so what we've been working on over the last 15 months, since October 7th, was to help shape the response in a way that accomplished three basic things: one, of course, to try to ensure that October 7th could never happen again and to make good on our commitment to Israel's security; two, to prevent a wider war, a broader conflict that drew in more countries, more groups, both because that would bring even more death and destruction and because it was exactly what Hamas was looking for, get that wider war, be able to have others attacking Israel, and to allow Hamas to continue to do what it was doing; and third, of course, was to try to do right by the people who are caught in the middle of this crossfire that Hamas initiated - the children, the women, the men of Gaza - with better protection for them, with more assistance for them. And that's what we've been focused on these 15 months.

None of that changes what's happened, but it has put us now in a position where there is the real possibility for moving this to a better place - the immediate possibility, more than possibility, now the immediate reality of finally moving Gaza to a better place, finally getting hostages home, finally getting relief that people need, finally having an opportunity to have an enduring ceasefire. But also, as I was talking about with Matt before, in the region, as a result of the extraordinary setbacks that all of these actors who are responsible for the death, the carnage, the inability to make progress, the setbacks that they have encountered, whether it's Iran, whether it's Hizballah, whether it's Hamas.

So that creates a real moment of opportunity. And as I said, we've done everything we can to put in place, to make the investments and the plans necessary to take advantage of that opportunity. We're handing them off, and my hope, as I said, is the administration that's coming in will continue them.

MR MILLER: Jenny.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on shaping those policies, looking back is there anything you would have changed in how you negotiate to shape those policies? And do you regret not being firmer on the red lines you gave to Israel on humanitarian aid and civilian harm, given the state of Gaza right now?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So again, a few things that I think are important, or at least that I take away from this. One is it's, I think, a mistake to ascribe to any one individual or any small number of individuals policies that in the case of Gaza were basically supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis after the trauma of October 7th. This is a deeply traumatized society, just as Palestinian society is deeply traumatized by everything that's followed October 7th. And if you don't understand that or don't factor that in, it's really challenging to make progress.

So I think we've looked at that. We've understood that. And as I said, we had certain priorities that the President set that we've tried to carry forward in approaching everything we've done since October 7th. And we are now in a place where we're finally, I think, making good on those priorities. We - as I mentioned, one of them was to avoid a broader war with more countries coming in, and at various moments throughout these last 15 months we've been right on the edge of having that wider war.

And because of American diplomacy, because of American deterrence, because of America's ability to mobilize others, we've avoided it. When we had those unprecedented attacks by Iran on Israel, we marshaled other countries to come to Israel's defense. And then when it came to Israel's response, we shaped it, shaped it in a way that it was strong but also calibrated so that Iran's air defenses were taken out, but we didn't have actions that were escalatory and that produced a wider war. And that didn't just happen. It was the product, again, of American diplomacy and American deterrence.

Throughout the 15 months on the humanitarian situation, when - and again, in an environment that is unique, which doesn't obviate Israel's responsibilities, doesn't excuse things that haven't been done that should have been done, but is important because operating in that unique environment with a population trapped in Gaza - in other places where there are conflicts, people can usually go somewhere else. You're a refugee - not a good thing, but better than being trapped in a crossfire. Gaza, almost uniquely, people are trapped. And as I've said many times before, trapped with an enemy that deliberately uses them, hides among them, looks for civilian casualties as not only a necessary cost but one that actually advances their agenda. And we know this from the leader of Hamas himself, Yahya Sinwar. So that's made things very challenging. But whenever on humanitarian assistance we've seen things moving from bad to worse, we've engaged strongly and we've gotten results, whether it was back in April or May, whether it was more recently in September, October.

But fundamentally, the only way given the complicated - incredibly complicated environment to really get at the needs of the people was through a ceasefire and a hostage deal, and that's why we've been laboring so hard on it. And that's why now, as it's implemented, we're finally going to see the relief that people so desperately need.

Let me just add this, and I'm sorry for going on: At various points along the way in terms of getting that deal, the biggest impediments really have been Hamas and its refusal to get to yes. Now, have there been moments when Israel has done things or taken actions that have made life more complicated, more difficult? Yes. But broadly speaking, and especially in the last months until we got to success, Hamas has been the major impediment.

And there were two things that were factoring into Hamas's thinking, and we know this. One, as I said, was the hope that they could get a wider war, that others would jump in, that the cavalry would come to the rescue. And it wasn't until recently that it became clear that that was not the case. And whether it was Iran, whether it was Hizballah, whether it was Iranian proxies, whether it was the supply routes for those proxies through Syria, as a result of actions that Israel took, as a result of actions that we took, as a result of conflicts and problems that these various actors had gotten themselves into that we exacerbated, it finally got to the point where Hamas concluded that, as I said, the cavalry wasn't coming to the rescue. That wasn't going to happen.

Second, Hamas held back at various points because it saw or hoped that public international pressure was mounting on Israel, and it could just wait it out and that pressure would get to a point where Israel would have to accede to all of Hamas's demands. And that includes the hope that there would be a lot of public daylight between the United States and Israel. And so while clearly we've had differences - real differences - with Israel on the way it's gone about the necessary defense of its people and its country, we've expressed those clearly at various points. But we've mostly done it privately precisely because we didn't want to feed into Hamas's clearly held views that if that pressure was mounting and if there was daylight, they could do nothing, they could refuse to engage on the - in the negotiations, hold back on a ceasefire and releasing the hostages, and thus perpetuate the suffering, the loss for the people that they purport to represent.

All of those dynamics were in play. All of those dynamics were ones that we had to make judgments about, navigate with eyes on the prize of getting to the day we got to yesterday, which is the ceasefire and hostage release. So it's absolutely appropriate to ask questions about that, to ask ourselves questions, for everyone to ask questions. Some people say we did too much to restrain Israel when it comes to Iran, when it comes to Hizballah, when it comes to others. Others say we did much too much to enable, and all of those questions are the right ones to ask and they'll be asked for a long time. We had to keep our focus relentlessly on getting to this place where we could actually get a change, where we could actually get an end to a conflict, an end to suffering, and the prospect of something better.

MR MILLER: We'll take one more. Nick Schifrin.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thanks very much. On why you got to the ceasefire deal, as you just highlighted, you've talked a lot about Hamas and pressure; Hamas being diminished helped get them across the line. But on the Israeli side, do you believe that Trump and Steve Witkoff, either through direct pressure or through Netanyahu's perception of Trump - that helped get this deal across the line?

And I want to bring up Ukraine and give you a chance to do legacy on Ukraine. You've argued that you've taken a lot of recent steps to try and give Ukraine leverage and give the Trump administration leverage. Let me just point out, though, that there's no money left in the replenishment fund, Ukraine struggles on the front line, Ukraine has a - sorry, Russia has a reconstituted defense industrial base because of China. So do you fear that your legacy on Ukraine could actually be defined by your successor?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: On the ceasefire deal first, look, the important thing is not who gets the credit, the important thing is getting the result. And that's exactly what we've gotten, and as I've said, the deal that was agreed is based on the proposal that President Biden put out months ago in May, the framework that he made public in detail that we then went around the world and got country after country to endorse, culminating with the UN Security Council. That's what moved Hamas in the first instance, because up until that point Hamas had been rejecting the idea of having an initial phase of six weeks, ceasefire, hostages begin to come out, prisoners are released, humanitarian assistance surges, and we use the time to reach an agreement on the conditions for an enduring ceasefire. They'd rejected that scheme, and it wasn't until May when the President went public, detailed it, and we got the whole world behind it that Hamas was isolated and it moved.

And then every - practically every day since then has been work on trying to actually negotiate the details that had to follow from that to fill in the framework - and understandings on its implementation. And we got very close to completing that on a number of occasions, and as I said, events of one kind or another inevitably intervene - that delay, that derail the work that you're doing. But we kept at it, and meanwhile, as I just described - I won't belabor - all of these other factors that went into the calculus of Hamas changed dramatically, and in no small part because of actions we took in a way to exacerbate the challenges of Hamas and its many potential supporters, as well as actions that that Israel took.

So I think that's what got us to this day. Our diplomacy, our deterrence, really isolated Hamas to the point where they finally came to the - came back to the table, got to yes. In recent weeks, just to cite some other examples, when Hamas was refusing to engage in the fall, I went to our friends in Qatar and said: It's time to tell them that their political operation housed in Qatar is no longer welcome. And that's exactly what the Qataris did. In recent weeks, we went also to other actors, including Turkiye and President Erdogan, to use his weight and influence to get Hamas back to the table to try to conclude an agreement. And he did and they did.

So it's a long way of saying that all of these things coming together over many months, I believe, is what's gotten us here. Now, having said that, it was, I think, very important and very responsible to not only fully inform the incoming administration of what we were doing but also, yes, to involve them in the - this last part of the process that got us to the agreement. And the reason for that is virtually everything that now needs to be implemented under the agreement will be implemented under the Trump administration. And it was very important for the parties to know that the Trump administration stood behind the agreement that we'd negotiated and that President Biden put forward.

And I both appreciate and applaud the very good work that Steve Witkoff did, working closely with us, with Brett McGurk, in helping to get this over the line. But I think sending - being very clear with all concerned that the incoming administration supported, endorsed, and would carry forward its responsibilities under the agreement, that was an important thing to do.

QUESTION: Ukraine?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'm sorry. On Ukraine. So as I look at it, first, where we started was Putin's intent, desire, and plan to erase Ukraine from the map, to subsume it into Russia, to realize his imperial designs. And as a result of the actions that we took in support of the Ukrainian people with many other countries, that's failed and it won't succeed. Ukraine is standing, and that's the most important thing of all.

Now, the question of where Ukraine goes from here and where we go from here is obviously a very important one, because there's an opportunity, again, an opportunity that we're handing off to make sure that Ukraine can go forward as an independent country, increasingly integrated with Western institutions, because that's the desire of its people, and a country that stands on its own feet - whether that's militarily, whether that's economically, whether that's democratically - and if its people and elected officials so desire, to pursue some kind of resolution or ceasefire with Russia.

Now, that requires Ukraine to decide that that's what it wants to do. It also requires Russia to agree. And there, what we've been working to do all these past months right up to the end, is to make sure, as I've said many times, that Ukraine is in a position of strength to be able to make those decisions, whether that's to continue fighting if it's necessary or to negotiate but to negotiate from a strong position. Part of that, though, has also been imposing extraordinary costs on Russia, and I think you should not discount those, including the impact that they have on Russia's decision-making.

The losses that Russia has incurred are almost unimaginable - I think, by some assessments, 7-to 800,000 casualties. That includes those killed and those wounded. The flight of so many of its most talented people from Russia, the weight of sanctions, export controls, the weight that's such that everything Russia tries to do, even the workarounds that it's done with its war economy, everything is harder, takes more time, and costs a lot more. We see the impact on its economy. We see the impact on its future - its inability to invest in the critical industries of the future that would be a source of strength for Russia. So there's a heavier and heavier weight bearing down.

So I believe that the incoming administration is in a position where, if the Ukrainians so desire and so choose, it can help to negotiate a good deal. And President Trump talks about having good, strong deals. I think there's an opportunity to get one. One of the most critical things will be, if there is to be a ceasefire, is to make sure that it's enduring, that it holds. Because what we know is this: In Putin's mind if there's a ceasefire, he's simply going to rest, refit, and then when he deems the moment right, re-attack. So you have to have built into any ceasefire the effective deterrence necessary so that he doesn't re-attack. That is, I think, a necessary part of any good, strong deal for Ukraine.

So there are lots of ways of doing that, and we've been talking to European partners about some of that. Again, all of that I'm sharing with the incoming administration, and I would hope and expect that they can help land this in a place where everything we've done to make sure that Ukraine not only survives - which it is and which it will - but actually thrives can be realized.

QUESTION: Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I'll take a couple more.

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

QUESTION: How about here, sir.

MR MILLER: (Inaudible.)

QUESTION: On Austin Tice. On Austin Tice, please.

QUESTION: Sir, how about (inaudible) the only -

MR MILLER: (Inaudible.) Go ahead.

QUESTION: On Austin Tice, it's been a few weeks since Roger Carstens had said they were narrowing down locations where he may have been held. I just wanted to see if you had any more fidelity on that. And then separately, yesterday your successor, before the Senator Foreign Relations Committee commented on the Panama Canal. You've been dismissive of the incoming administration's overtures on Greenland but not as vocal on the Panama Canal. He said the issue is not a joke and it's a legitimate issue that needs to be confronted over questions of neutrality and China's ability to choke off commerce on both sides of the canal. So I wanted to see your comments on that.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Sure. Look, on Austin Tice, all I can tell you is this: Not a day goes by where we're not out there trying to, obviously, find him or get information about what has become of him. And I don't have anything to report beyond what we've already said, but we have people throughout Syria who know the importance that we attach to this and are leaving no stone unturned to find Austin. So he and his family remain in my thoughts, all of our prayers, but mostly we're working to - in any way that we can - to find him. And of course, if we have any further information and hopefully have Austin, we'll share that or the next administration will share that.

Look, on Panama, on the Panama Canal, we have a treaty, we have a settled policy of many years. And that's not going to change. And as I've said before, I think it doesn't warrant spending a lot of time talking about it. Now, when it comes to the resilience of our supply chains, when it comes to making sure that we can get what we need and we don't have risk attendant with it, including from countries with which we have challenged relations, that's - that is important. And that's something that we've worked on pretty much around the world for the last four years, building a greater diversity of the supply chains, building a greater resilience; also, trying to make sure that countries that were trying to build up and build out their own infrastructure to improve the lives and livelihoods of their people had a better offer from us so that they didn't have to turn to others on much more onerous terms. And we've made extraordinary progress on that these last four years. So I think that's where the focus should be and that's where the - where I expect the focus actually will be.

MODERATOR: Tom.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you for taking the extra questions. Since the ceasefire was announced, authorities in Gaza have reported another 73 people killed. Aren't we seeing an erosion of norms given the extraordinary numbers? And you've been saying for months that Hamas is degraded militarily. At one point you said, I think, Israel was only making marginal gains when there had been another very big airstrike with civilians killed. So I just want to put that point to you that hasn't - haven't we seen here the degradation of norms given the kind of extraordinary numbers? And here we are still seeing them after a ceasefire agreement is announced in the run-up to that. So I wanted to get your thoughts on that.

And just secondly, on the point about international journalists being banned from Gaza, can you tell us that you are and have been still pressing the Israelis, that it is your expectation that international journalists will be allowed in?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Second part first - yes, that remains the expectation, and I think it's, as in any place, very important that all of you and your colleagues are able to report, are able to share with the world what the reality is. So we - and certainly I fully expect that to happen, and especially in the context of a ceasefire where the idea that it just may be too dangerous for anyone to operate is no longer the case. So I fully expect to see that.

QUESTION: During the ceasefire, during phase one?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I would hope so. I can't speak to what the policies will be, but from my perspective, at least, yes.

Second, with regard to the ongoing actions, I spoke to this the other day at the Atlantic Council. And yes, I think some months ago, Israel achieved its core strategic objectives in Gaza, the fundamental objective being to ensure that Hamas could not repeat the horrors of October 7th, and to do that, to dismantle its military organization and capacity and to deal with the leaders who were responsible for October 7th. And that happened some months ago. But in order for there to be a ceasefire, it was necessary that there be some agreement on getting the hostages out, including seven Americans who remain.

And in order to get the ceasefire to be enduring, now that we have an agreement on its first phase, there have to be understandings on what comes after, on a post-conflict plan, one that allows Israel to fully pull out its forces and stay out, one that makes sure that Hamas can't go back in, and one that'll - that provides for the necessary governance, security, reconstruction of Gaza. And we'd been working every day in parallel on those plans. So now there's an opportunity finally to move forward.

But as I've said, as I said to you the other day, I think Israel's perspective on this has been if they took pressure off of Hamas, it would make it less likely that Hamas would actually finally conclude this agreement. That's their - that's the way they see it and that's the way they proceeded. We've tried to reinforce every day the urgency of actually getting to an agreement so that all of this would stop, the firing by both sides would stop, the hostages would come out, the relief would get in. Well, we're finally at that point.

I thank you all very, very much. Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: And enjoy driving yourself on Route 66 and the GW Parkway. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Matt, stay out of my way. (Laughter.)

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Sanctioning Sudanese Armed Forces Leader and Weapons Supplier

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

January 16, 2025

The United States today sanctioned Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), along with one company and one individual involved in weapons procurement.

In December 2023, I determined that members of the SAF had committed war crimes. Since then, members of the SAF, under Al-Burhan's leadership, have continued to commit atrocities, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and executing civilians. The SAF has violated international humanitarian law and ignored commitments undertaken in the 2023 "Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan." The SAF's use of food deprivation as a tactic of war and its deliberate obstruction of the free flow of emergency humanitarian aid to millions of Sudanese in desperate need have contributed to the world's largest humanitarian crisis, leaving over 25 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity and over 600,000 experiencing famine.

In addition, Al-Burhan has obstructed the advancement of peace, including by refusing to participate in international ceasefire talks in Switzerland in August 2024. Al-Burhan has repeatedly obstructed the political transition to a civilian government.

This action follows the designation of the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti, on January 7, 2025. Taken together, these sanctions underscore the U.S. view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan. The United States remains committed to holding accountable those responsible for atrocities committed in Sudan and to supporting a democratic, civilian transition.

The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14098 , "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition," as amended. For more information on today's action, see Treasury's press release.

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Middle East: Foreign Secretary's statement, 16 January 2025

Oral statement to Parliament

Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave an oral statement to the House of Commons on the ceasefire deal announced between Israel and Hamas.

16 January 2025

With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will update the House on the deal announced between Israel and Hamas.

Last night, US President Biden and Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani confirmed that negotiators had reached an agreement. While we await political approval for the text, the agreement is expected to come into force shortly after midday, Israel time, on Sunday 19 January.

After months of despair, there is now hope. A glimmer of light in the darkness - a darkness that had seemed all-consuming since Hamas' barbaric terrorist attack on 7 October 2023.

I am sure the whole House remembers the agony as we learned the full horror of what had unfolded. The grief as we mourned those who were lost.

For the hostage families, the agony has gone on and on. Members across the House will have met many of them, including the relatives of British citizen Emily Damari, and Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifschitz and Avinatan Or, and I know we have families with us here in the chamber today.

I want to pay tribute once again to them, for their bravery, humanity and commitment to bring the hostages home.

And I invite the House to join me to remember those murdered in captivity, including Nadav Popplewell and Yossi Sharabi. May their memories be a blessing.

And I say to all those now waiting anxiously to see what this deal means for them - we are with you, in the days and weeks ahead.

In Gaza today, civilians will be waiting anxiously to see what this deal means for them. And I say to them too: we are with you, as you begin to rebuild your lives.

After 15 months of conflict, the level of suffering defies belief. Gazans have truly been trapped in hell on earth. Over 46,000 killed. So many children's lives extinguished. Schools, hospitals and homes destroyed. Hunger and disease. Almost 2 million forced to flee their homes, with northern Gaza cut off from the rest of the Strip. A generation scarred by the savagery of war.

Among the victims was Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed alongside members of her family and the paramedics who came to rescue her.

Among the victims were many journalists, dedicated to documenting the horrors around them.

Among the victims were aid workers dedicated to serving others, including British citizens John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby.

I invite the House to join me in remembering them all. We mourn every innocent victim of this appalling war.

Beyond Israel and Gaza, this conflict has brought yet more tensions and conflict into the wider region. Unprecedented Iranian attacks. A renewed conflict in Lebanon. Houthi strikes in the Red Sea and into Israel. At times too, our own communities and indeed this House have been divided by this war.

This then is a moment of hope for all of us. A moment to unite in support of this ceasefire.

The agreement as negotiated Madam Deputy Speaker has 3 stages.

In the first 6-week phase we expect:

both parties will stop fighting

33 of the hostages will be freed - children, women, those over 50 and the wounded

Israel will start to redeploy to the edge of the Strip

Palestinians will return to what is left of their homes

the Rafah crossing will reopen

Israel will allow 600 truckloads of aid into Gaza each day

on the 16th day, negotiations will begin on the detail of the second phase

In this second 6-week phase:

the male hostages under 50 would be released

Israel would complete its withdrawal from Gaza

there would be a permanent ceasefire

Finally, a third phase would see the return of the bodies of any remaining hostages and the lifting of economic restrictions on Gaza.

As President Biden said, the elements of this deal were endorsed by the United Nations Security Council last May. But it has taken tireless efforts to reach agreement between both sides, with reports of final talks this week lasting an intense 96 hours.

I congratulate all those who have contributed to getting to this stage. In particular, His Highness, the Emir of Qatar, and Prime Minister al-Thani. Egyptian President Sisi and Foreign Minister Abdelatty. President Biden and Secretary Blinken, as well of course as President Elect Trump.

The UK has been supporting them throughout. From day one in office, the government has pressed, at every opportunity, to free the hostages, get more aid into Gaza and open up a path to lasting peace.

I visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the third time as Foreign Secretary just this week, meeting Foreign Minister Saar, President Abbas and hostage families, to press for an end to this war and a plan for the future.

We have also played a leading role in the humanitarian effort, restarting funding to UNRWA, funding field hospitals that have treated over 300,000 Gazans and providing over 100 million in support to the Palestinians this financial year.

I pay tribute too to the Foreign Office Ministers in the last government for their work to deliver aid to Gaza. I know how hard they work now I am in this role.

And this intense effort must continue in the days and weeks ahead. Much remains to be done.

It is critical that there is final approval of this agreement. As the Israeli Cabinet meets, I urge them to back this deal. Now is not the time for any backtracking. Both sides must implement each phase of the deal in full and on time.

The history of this conflict is littered with missed opportunities. It would be a tragedy to let slip the chance before us. We must grab it with both hands. The chance not just for a ceasefire but for a lasting peace. The chance to break the cycle of violence which has inflicted so much suffering on innocent people on both sides.

The government is committed to sustaining momentum, however fragile the process at first may be.

Every hostage must be released as set out in the agreement.

Every ounce of aid promised to Gaza must reach those in need. I am sending my Representative for Humanitarian Affairs to the region, to work closely with aid agencies, the Israeli government and our partners, to deliver on these promises.

Palestinians must also be free to return to their homes. And, crucially, they will need to rebuild. Rebuild their homes. Rebuild their lives. Rebuild their communities.

They cannot do this on their own. They need to feel safe. They need the international community to deliver the funds they will require.

The UK had already begun to convene partners on the financing and the coordination of recovery and reconstruction. It is essential that the coming surge of assistance is properly coordinated, and with the access and security to get to people all that they need.

The Palestinian Authority has a crucial role to play. We want donors to support their plans for recovery and I discussed this with President Abbas on Monday. We are providing technical and financial assistance to the PA, including to support the urgent recovery of basic services.

Working with the Palestinian Authority and civil society will help lay the groundwork for inclusive Palestinian governance in Gaza. This is the best way to re-establish local order and security.

It is therefore a crucial first step in achieving not only better lives for Palestinians, but a future for Gaza no longer under the control of Hamas.

Ultimately, it will take time to rebuild Gaza. Madam Deputy Speaker, we are not yet there yet. There is much negotiating still to do and as we debate in this House, fighting continues, this agreement awaits full political approval. The hostage families wait for those hostages to come home, Gazans wait for the horrors to be lifted.

But we must still recognise the significance of this moment. It has been long-awaited - frankly, it has taken far too long and I sincerely hope it is now the basis for progress.

Progress on bringing the hostages home. Progress on bringing relief, reconstruction and hope to long-suffering civilians. Progress towards a two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelis living in peace and security. A better future for all.

I commend this statement to the House.

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World News in Brief: Security Council Libya resolution, cyclone recovery in Mozambique, Marburg virus in Tanzania, counter-terrorism laws in Turkiye

16 January 2025 - The UN Security Council on Thursday passed a resolution to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts (PoE) of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee which also extends measures related to the illicit export of petroleum from oil-rich Libya, initially authorised in 2014.

The resolution authored by the United Kingdom was passed by 14 votes with none against - permanent Council member Russia abstained.

It introduces new provisions concerning the arms embargo and assets freeze measures imposed in 2011 following the overthrow of long-term ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

It also establishes a new listing criterion targetting individuals and entities involved in the illicit exploitation of crude oil or refined petrol in Libya.

Background

The Council's 2014 resolution allowed Member States to inspect vessels at sea suspected of smuggling petrol products from Libya. The most recent renewal of this authorisation was in October 2023, extending it until February 1, 2025 - and the PoE's mandate until February 15, 2025.

On December 5, the PoE briefed the sanctions committee on its final report, highlighting an increase in diesel fuel smuggling. The report recommended a new designation criterion to address this.

The PoE also suggested measures to accommodate a request from the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) to reinvest its frozen assets, which have depreciated under the current freeze.

Tropical cyclone recovery underway in Mozambique, says OCHA

UN aid teams in northern Mozambique are doing their utmost to provide help to communities hit by two deadly cyclones in a month.

Tropical cyclone Chido - which devastated the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean leaving thousands feared dead - hit Cabo Delgado province on 15 December, killing 120 people and injuring more than 800, after smashing into Mecufi district and Nampula province.

Wind gusts exceeded 200 kilometres per hour and left a high number of houses either partially or completely destroyed. In all, some 400,000 people were affected.

A second storm, Dikeledi, hit Nampula on Monday, killing three.

Concern over food supplies

Paola Emerson of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, told UN News that 12 more named storms are predicted until April alone. She said that "food is the main concern" for people as three million are already food insecure across Mozambique:

"All month long, UN humanitarians have been providing assistance complementing government efforts. As of Saturday, the World Food Programme and its partners had reached more than 190,000 people in five districts with one week food rations," she said.

"A vaccination campaign to deal with cholera was launched on 6 January and it has reached 86 per cent of the nearly 200,000 people that were targeted."

To date, Ms. Emerson said that 109,000 people have received shelter and non-food items, including tarpaulins, blankets, ground mats and cookware, while 60,000 have received urgent medical care and disease prevention.

The UN aid official said that about 50,000 people were affected by the Dikeledi storm and more than 7,000 homes were destroyed, along with 82 classrooms and 142 acres of agricultural land.

WHO prepares to support Tanzanian Government in Marburg virus response

Following reports of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases in Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO) has ramped up its readiness to assist the Government in investigating and responding to the situation.

In a press release on Thursday the UN health agency said national health authorities have dispatched a team of experts to the Kagera region, where the cases of Marburg virus have been reported.

WHO is mobilising technical expertise and logistical supplies to support these efforts. Early notification of the investigation's outcome is crucial for a swift response.

"We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

"With the existing national capacities built from response to previous health emergencies, we are able to swiftly scale up efforts to protect communities as well as play our advocacy role for international support and solidarity."

At this time, WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania.

Previous outbreak

Tanzania previously faced an outbreak of Marburg virus in March 2023, also in the Kagera region. The outbreak was controlled and declared over in less than two months due to strong measures.

Marburg virus disease, a highly virulent illness causing haemorrhagic fever, belongs to the same family as Ebola.

Symptoms begin abruptly with high fever, severe headache, and malaise, potentially progressing to severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, surfaces and materials.

There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus disease. Supportive care, including rehydration and symptom treatment, improves survival rates.

Previous outbreaks have occurred in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.

Turkiye: Expert dismayed over misuse of counter terrorism laws targetting human rights defenders

Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Mary Lawlor expressed grave concern on Thursday over the continued detention of nine prominent Turkish human rights defenders and lawyers, all of whom were arbitrarily arrested and sentenced under counter-terrorism charges.

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert said she found "alarming" the process of silencing "human rights defenders and peaceful voices who are critical of government policies, sentencing them to lengthy prison terms."

"This is contrary to Turkiye's international human rights obligations," she emphasised.

The detainees include eight members of the Progressive Lawyers' Association (CHD), known for defending victims of police violence and torture.

Arrested between 2018 and 2019, they all faced charges such as "membership of a terrorist organisation," with two of them also charged with "propaganda for a terrorist organisation."

Prison sentences

Some of the sentences reached 13 years in prison and were later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2020.

Another member, Oya Aslan, was separately convicted in 2022, with her 11-year sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2024.

Meanwhile, lawyer Turan Canpolat, held since 2016, was sentenced to 10 years based on a coerced testimony later taken back.

All are held in high-security, closed prisons. Mr. Canpolat, in particular, endured three years of solitary confinement without disciplinary orders, which Ms. Lawlor described as "extremely disturbing."

The Special Rapporteur - who is not UN staff and receives no salary for her work - has called on Turkiye to uphold fair trial standards and ensure that detainees' appeals receive impartial hearings.

She has raised the issue twice with the Government since 2020 but remains dismayed by Turkiye's failure to stop criminalising human rights defenders.

She will remain in contact with the Turkish authorities, she said.

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China advances efforts to build birth-friendly hospitals

Xinhua) 10:43, January 17, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China is intensifying efforts to build birth-friendly hospitals nationwide, aiming to deliver higher-quality maternity services, streamline diagnosis and treatment procedures, and create a more welcoming environment for mothers and their newborns.

A guideline document issued by the National Health Commission (NHC) and three other authorities outlines measures to integrate perinatal depression screening into routine prenatal and postnatal care. The move seeks to detect mental health issues in pregnant women at an early stage and facilitate timely intervention or referral.

To address concerns about labor pains, the document calls for the development of warm, comfortable delivery room environments, patient-centered childbirth services, and strengthened professional support and emotional care for women during labor. The provision of non-pharmacological pain relief methods such as professional labor companionship is encouraged, alongside comprehensive access to pharmacological pain relief services.

When capacity allows, hospitals are also encouraged to permit family members to accompany women during childbirth, per the guidelines.

According to the document, birth-friendly hospitals are expected to account for 90 percent of all medical institutions providing maternity services in China by 2030.

An NHC official has said that in the process of building birth-friendly hospitals, local authorities should establish reasonable pricing mechanisms for obstetric services to ensure the financial burden of basic medical expenses does not increase for pregnant women.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A decade of conflict: 'Almost 40 million Yemenis have waited far too long'

16 January 2025 - The UN's Special Envoy for Yemen and a top aid official briefed the Security Council on Wednesday warning of the grave consequences that could follow if hostilities stemming from its long running civil conflict - which have now spilled across the entire region - continue into a second decade.

Special Envoy Hans Grundberg highlighted the alarming trend of escalation provoked by Yemen's Houthi forces who began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea last year in support of Hamas operations in Gaza, provoking retaliatory strikes by multiple states, including the United States, United Kingdom and Israel.

These strikes, combined with attacks on Yemen's Red Sea ports and Sana'a International Airport, have severely damaged civilian infrastructure and disrupted humanitarian operations in recent months.

Such actions have far-reaching repercussions, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya underscored, noting that essential infrastructure that is crucial to humanitarian relief efforts "must be spared" as impairing their operations "causes direct and immense civilian hardship and suffering."

Dire humanitarian consequences

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has left almost half of Yemen's population - over 17 million people - unable to meet their basic food needs.

This is due in part to a severe decline in port operations. Yemenis rely on imports for over two-thirds of their food - mainly through Hudaydah on the Red Sea - and 90 per cent of their medical supplies.

Due to the uptick in fighting since the Houthis (formally known as Ansar Allah) became embroiled in the Gaza conflict, shipments via ports have dropped to 30 per cent of full capacity.

Meanwhile, Cholera outbreaks and malnutrition disproportionately affect women, children and marginalised groups.

Pathway to peace

Both senior officials emphasised the need for urgent and unified action. "Regional stability requires, in part, achieving peace in Yemen," said Mr. Grundberg.

He stressed the importance of a nationwide ceasefire and tangible commitments from all parties to address Yemen's economic challenges, including unifying the central bank and resuming oil exports.

His office has launched a series of political dialogues, prioritising the meaningful participation of women and youth, to build an inclusive vision for Yemen's future.

"These efforts are critical in laying the foundation for a broader political process," he stated.

He also called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, underscoring the profound suffering of individuals and families involved.

Calls for immediate action

Ms. Msuya urged the Security Council to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, protect critical infrastructure and fully fund humanitarian operations.

She expressed cautious optimism, reporting "modest but sustained progress" in facilitating humanitarian access, including the first crossing of frontlines in the contested southern city of Ta'iz since 2016.

"The unity of this Council and its consistent messaging to the parties on the importance of a negotiated settlement will be pivotal in the months ahead," Mr. Grundberg said.

A lasting political resolution remains the most viable way to end the suffering in Yemen, the senior UN officials stressed.

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UNRWA Situation Report #155 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 9 - 14 January 2025

UNRWA

16 Jan 2025

Highlights

According to an analysis published by Save the Children, an average of 475 children every month - or 15 children a day - have sustained potentially lifelong disabilities due to the use of explosive weapons in the Gaza Strip in 2024.

On 9 January, The Lancet published a study estimating that 64,260 people were killed in the Gaza Strip between 7 October 2023 and 30 June 2024. However, the study's "findings underestimate the full impact of the military operation in Gaza, as they do not account for non-trauma-related deaths resulting from health service disruption, food insecurity, and inadequate water and sanitation." Based on the study's findings, the Gaza Ministry of Health would have under-reported mortality by 41 per cent during the same reporting period.

The fuel crisis continues to constitute a serious threat to the continuation of essential humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip.

Key points

The Gaza Strip

Strikes by the Israeli Forces continued, with aerial, land and maritime bombardments across the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings and public infrastructure. Rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups towards Israel has taken place.

In northern Gaza, for more than 100 days now, the Israeli Forces have been carrying out a ground offensive with a tight siege. Intense military operations are ongoing amid a near total lack of humanitarian aid entering the area, in addition to severe communications and internet disruptions. Some parts of the North Gaza governorate have been under a tightened siege for more than three months. Access remains extremely challenging and humanitarian actors' ongoing attempts to deliver aid to the area continues to be largely prevented by the Israeli Forces. This is leaving thousands of people without access to food, water, electricity or health care, as mass casualty incidents continue.

The fuel crisis continues to constitute a serious threat to the delivery of essential humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip. According to OCHA, the Health Cluster reports that all partially operational hospitals have exhausted their reserve fuel stocks and are relying on fuel delivered daily by partners to safeguard the most critical services. Meanwhile, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services risk coming to a halt due to the lack of fuel.

According to an analysis published by Save the Children on 14 January, an average of 475 children every month - or 15 children a day - sustained potentially lifelong disabilities, including severely injured limbs and hearing impairments, due to the use of explosive weapons in the Gaza Strip in 2024.

On 9 January, The Lancet published a study estimating that 64,260 people were killed in the Gaza Strip between 7 October 2023 and 30 June 2024. However, the study's "findings underestimate the full impact of the military operation in Gaza, as they do not account for non-trauma-related deaths resulting from health service disruption, food insecurity, and inadequate water and sanitation." According to the study, out of the 28,257 deaths for which age and sex data are available, 16,699 (or around 59 per cent) were women, children, and older people. Based on the study's findings, the Gaza Ministry of Health would have under-reported mortality by 41 per cent during the same reporting period.

On 13 January, the Site Management Working Group published an analysis covering the period between 4 November and 16 December 2024 and assessing a total of 565 displaced persons sites in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. According to the assessment, Key Informants (KIs) reported that in 75 per cent of the sites, no humanitarian assistance had been received, in 87 per cent of the sites nobody or only a few people had access to sufficient food and in 51 per cent of the sites nobody or only few people had access to enough drinking water. In 82 per cent of the sites, KIs reported having access to health facilities.

As of January 2025, tens of thousands of families continue to live in at least 80 UNRWA shelters. Many are displaced around them.*

On 12 January, the Israeli Forces issued an evacuation order impacting the Nuseirat area. Three UNRWA installations are located in the affected area, while an additional 14 UNRWA installations are located in its close proximity.

According to OCHA, as of 14 January, around 80.5 per cent of the Gaza Strip is under active evacuation orders from the Israeli authorities.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people - or about 90 per cent of the population - across the Gaza Strip are displaced. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more.

- or about of the population - across the Gaza Strip are displaced. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Between 7 October 2023 and 14 January 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 46,645 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 110,012 have been injured.

Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and have been injured. OCHA reports that, the MoH in Gaza published the breakdown of 40,717 out of 42,010 fatalities as of 7 October 2024. These reportedly include 13,319 children, 7,216 women, 3,447 elderly, and 16,735 men. Among the child fatalities, 786 children are under one year of age, representing about 6 per cent of killed children whose full identification details have been documented, the MoH further reported. Additionally, as of 7 October 2024, the MoH noted that 35,055 children had lost one or both parents over the past year.

As of 9 January, the total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October 2023 is 266 .

. Several challenges continue to stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing point in southern Gaza. These include deteriorating public order, war and insecurity, damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and access restrictions.

Between 1 and 5 January, UN agencies monitored the collection of 255 humanitarian trucks from Gaza Strip crossings, excluding fuel. This represents a daily average of only 51 humanitarian trucks, well below the pre-war average of 500 trucks (all types of supplies), per working day.

OCHA reported that, of the 204 humanitarian movements coordinated with Israeli authorities across Gaza from 1 to 13 January 2025, 70 were denied access, 31 faced impediments, 20 cancelled due to logistical and security challenges and 83 facilitated.

Out of the 32 aid movements which needed to pass through the Israeli military-controlled Al Rashid or Salah Ad Din checkpoints to reach areas north of Wadi Gaza, between 1 and 13 January, 12 were denied, seven faced impediments, four were cancelled and nine were facilitated. These include ten attempts to reach the besieged area in North Gaza, of which eight were denied and two withdrawn.

OCHA reported that coordinated aid missions to areas in Rafah governorate, which has been under an ongoing Israeli military operation since May 2024, have faced similar challenges, with 15 out of the 22 coordinated requests submitted to Israeli authorities denied between 1 and 13 January. This excludes 16 coordinated movements to Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing, of which two were impeded, five cancelled and nine facilitated.

The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be accessed through the link below:

Gaza Supplies and Dispatch Tracking | UNRWA

*These figures are subject to constant change due to the extremely volatile situation in the Gaza Strip and ongoing verifications. Repeated forced displacement, continued evacuation orders, and relentless attacks on people's homes and on shelters impact the number of people residing in and around UNRWA shelters.

A displaced woman and child live in a makeshift tent amid cold weather in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, January 2025.

 2025 UNRWA Photo by Ashraf Amra

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 8 January 2025, 816 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of those, 498 Palestinians were killed in 2024.

UNICEF reports that 182 Palestinian children and another three Israeli children have been killed and 1,235 Palestinian children injured in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 7 October 2023.

Between 9 and 12 January there was one Palestinian killed in the West Bank: a Palestinian was killed in Jenin Camp on 9 January in the context of clashes between Palestinian Security Forces (PSF) and Palestinian armed actors which continued throughout the reporting period. At least two other Palestinians were injured in the operation, with eight Palestinians detained by the PSF between 9 and 12 January. UNRWA operations in Jenin Camp remain suspended since early December.

After an Israeli settler was reported injured on 12 January as the result of an alleged stone throwing by Palestinians, the Israeli Forces conducted a search operation in Haris village near Salfit, detaining an estimated 100 Palestinians. One Palestinian was injured and transferred to a hospital, and the Israeli Forces closed the iron gate at the entrance of the village, restricting access.

Overall situation

The Gaza Strip

Between 7 October 2023 and 14 January 2025, according to the MoH in Gaza as stated by OCHA, at least 46,645 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the Gaza Strip while 110,012 have been reported injured.

Humanitarian access, protection of civilians

UNRWA is working to verify the details of incidents that reportedly impact UNRWA premises. Further information will be provided once it becomes available*.

Six new armed conflict-related incidents have been reported impacting UNRWA installations and displaced people sheltering there, including UNRWA personnel:

On 12 January, the Israeli Forces reportedly hit an UNRWA contracted truck transporting humanitarian aid in the Shouka/Kerem Shalom area damaging the vehicle. No casualties were reported.

On 10 January, an Israeli Forces drone reportedly struck a location near an UNRWA school in Khan Younis. One displaced person sheltering in the school was reportedly killed while he was filling water next to the school. Another person was reportedly slightly injured inside the school. No damage to the school was reported.

[Late report] On 8 January, an Israeli Forces drone reportedly directly struck a tent inside an UNRWA school in Nuseirat Camp, causing minor damage. No casualties were reported inside the school.

[Late report] On 8 January, the Israeli Forces reportedly conducted a strike in the vicinity of an UNRWA health centre in Deir al-Balah Camp. It was reported that four Palestinians were killed, and others were injured outside the installation. Minor damage to the windows of the health centre was also reported.

[Late report] On 7 January, the Israeli Forces reportedly struck a location near a gate of an UNRWA school in Khan Younis. Three people were reported killed outside the school, including a displaced person sheltering at the school. Several others were reportedly injured outside the school.

[Late report] On 7 January, the Israeli Forces reportedly conducted a strike in the vicinity of an UNRWA office in Al-Maghazi Camp, causing minor damage to the building and to an UNRWA vehicle. No casualties were reported.

As of 13 January 2025, 665* incidents impacting UNRWA premises and the people inside them have been reported since the beginning of the war (some with multiple incidents impacting the same location). 205* UNRWA installations have been impacted by armed conflict-related incidents since the beginning of the war, some on multiple occasions. UNRWA estimates that, in total, at least 744* persons sheltering in UNRWA installations have been killed and at least 2,346* injured since the start of the war. UNRWA continues to verify and update the number of casualties caused by these incidents.

* Since the start of the war in October 2023, the latest casualty figures are continuously under review as UNRWA gains access to locations that were previously inaccessible and as further verifications occur. The summary figures will be published/updated as information becomes available, noting that these numbers are subject to change once verifications are concluded.

UNRWA Response

The Gaza Strip

Health

According to the Health Cluster, UNRWA remains one of the largest health actors operating in the Gaza Strip, contributing to over half of the people reached with health services since 7 October 2023. Between 7 October 2023 and 5 January 2024, UNRWA provided over 7.1 million medical consultations across the Gaza Strip.

In addition to medical consultations, UNRWA (in partnership with and support from other UN agencies, including UNICEF and WHO) continues to immunize children. Over 237,000 routine vaccines have been administered to children from January 2024. In addition, around 560,000 children under the age of 10 across the Gaza Strip have been vaccinated against polio.

As of 11 January, only three out of 22 UNRWA health centres and four additional UNRWA-rented facilities used as temporary health centres were operational in Gaza. Health services are also provided through 91 mobile medical teams working in 52 medical points inside and outside shelters in the middle area, Khan Younis, Al Mawasi and Gaza City. UNRWA health facilities provide primary health care, including outpatient services, non-communicable disease care, giving out medications, vaccination, antenatal and postnatal health care, laboratory and dental services, physiotherapy and dressings for the injured. The number of operational health facilities changes constantly based on demand, access and security.

To date, 1,074 UNRWA health staff continued to work in health centres, temporary clinics and medical points across the Gaza Strip, providing 16,091 health consultations on that day.

UNRWA continued to provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in the middle and Khan Younis areas, with teams of psychiatrists, psychosocial counsellors and supervisors to assist special cases referred from UNRWA health centres and shelters. On 11 January, UNRWA teams responded to 506 cases in health centres and at medical points through individual consultations, awareness sessions and to address cases of gender-based violence (GBV).

On 11 January, UNRWA medical teams provided care for 1,095 post-natal and pregnant women at high risk.

On 11 January, UNRWA teams provided dental and oral health services in fixed and mobile clinics, reaching 591 patients.

On 11 January, 330 patients received physiotherapy rehabilitation services in health centres and medical points.

UNRWA laboratory services continue to be limited due to little availability of stocks of most laboratory supplies. Laboratory equipment requires maintenance or replacement.

Psychosocial Support and Learning

UNRWA remains the largest provider of emergency learning and psychosocial support (PSS) across the Gaza Strip. Around 660,000 children are out of school due to the war. On 1 August 2024, UNRWA began its first phase response of "Back to Learning" with a focus on mental health activities. This is taking place in 86 Temporary Learning Spaces in 40 UNRWA schools-turned-shelters[2], with the support of over 950 teachers and up to 750[3] school counsellors. More than 18,000 children, over half of them girls, have benefited from UNRWA's "Back to Learning" programme so far. Between 6 and 12 January 2025, 9,586 children (3,806 boys, 5,680 girls, including 300 children with disabilities) participated in basic literacy and numeracy activities, PSS sessions and recreational activities including arts, music and sports.

UNRWA continues to provide lifesaving PSS services in Gaza, including psychological first aid, individual and group counselling, fatigue management sessions, recreational activities, Explosive Ordinance Risk Education and protection cash assistance, reaching children, youth and adults.

Since the onset of the conflict and up to 12 January, around 730,000 displaced people, including over 520,000 children, have benefited from 280,767 PSS sessions and activities. Between 6 and 12 January, a total of 5,584 displaced people accessed these services.

Between 7 October 2023 and 13 January 2025, UNRWA's social work team has provided services to 202,825 displaced people, including psychological first aid, PSS services, family and individual activities, as well as case management. During the same reporting period, protection services were provided to 1,898 survivors of GBV and 3,052 children, including 1,494 unaccompanied children, covering reunification, cash assistance, safe sheltering, medication, dignity kits and non-food items through referrals. The team also supported 22,160 persons with disabilities with PSS; 7,753 of these individuals received assistive devices and rehabilitation services. Awareness sessions on GBV, child protection, disability and special needs, as well as managing social and psychological stressors, were conducted for 152,512 displaced people.

Food Security

As of 10 January 2024, over 388,000 families (nearly 1.9 million people) have been reached with two rounds of flour; over 374,000 of those families have received three rounds.

UNRWA continues to distribute food parcels wherever possible. These include[4] rice, chickpeas, lentils, beans, oil, salt, sugar, milk powder, hummus, canned meat and canned fish, and are designed to cover approximately 90 per cent of daily calorific needs per quarter. To date, around 1.69 million people have been reached, of whom at least 215,000 people have received two rounds of food parcels since the war started.

In addition to the distribution of UNRWA food parcels, the Agency distributes food parcels on behalf of other UN organisations, reaching over 1.4 million people.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Since October 2023, UNRWA has carried out emergency WASH activities across the Gaza Strip. The main activities include operating and maintaining water wells and desalination systems and supplying water with water trucks and bottled water. In addition, UNRWA continues to distribute hygiene kits and maintain hygiene in UNRWA shelters and sites by providing cleaning supplies, community-based solid waste management and pest control.

UNRWA continues to be one of the largest WASH actors in the Gaza Strip. Between August and mid-November, UNRWA accounted for around 44 per cent of water, sanitation and hygiene activities reported in the Gaza Strip, Including access to water (56 per cent), access to sanitation and solid waste management (42 per cent), and flood mitigation and prevention (66 per cent).

[1] Some of the information is reported during the reporting period but does not necessarily correspond to the reporting period.

[2] Initially reaching 45 UNRWA schools/shelters, "Back to Learning" will gradually expand to 94 schools in future phases.

[3] 176 school counsellors and 566 assistant counsellors.

[4] The composition of the food parcel may change based on food item availability.

Quote from Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications:

"Everyone in Gaza is scarred, physically or emotionally. Children have been out of school for a second year in a row. That on its own is a trauma and a shock."

ENDS-

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Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Welcoming Election of New President in Lebanon, Cessation of Hostilities

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9837th Meeting (PM)

SC/15966

16 January 2025

The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement on Lebanon, welcoming the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister.

By the text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/1), the 15-nation organ cited Lebanon's recent domestic developments as "a long-awaited and critical step" to overcome its political and institutional crisis. It encouraged all parties in that country to demonstrate renewed unity and the new Lebanese authorities to swiftly form a Government.

The Council further welcomed the cessation of hostilities arrangement between Israel and Lebanon on 26 November, 2024 (document S/2024/870). However, it expressed concern about the reported violations after 27 November and called for all violations of the arrangement to stop. To that end, it called on the parties to implement the provisions of the arrangement and for the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities with the support of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Reiterating that UN peacekeepers and premises must never be the target of an attack, the Council called on all parties to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel and premises. It reaffirmed its support for Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Council resolution 1701 (2006).

Further by the text, the Council called on the international community to extend humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people, including through facilitating the safe return of displaced persons. It also called for further international assistance to help facilitate the country's reconstruction and development; strengthen State institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces; and help secure a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict.



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SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Medium Landing Ship LSM 1

US Navy

16 January 2025

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Jan. 16, USS McClung (LSM 1) as the name for the first ship in the new McClung-class of medium landing ships.

"The Landing Ship Medium (LSM) will be an asset to the Marine Corps' amphibious capabilities, designed to greatly enhance operational flexibility and combat readiness," said Del Toro. "I am honored to name the first ship in this class after Major McClung, a selfless leader and hero who embodied the highest ideals of service, honor, and loyalty to our nation."

Honors U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Public Affairs Officer Major Megan M.L. McClung, USMC, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq. This will be the first Navy vessel to bear her name.

"When the McClung family spoke with Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, and learned of his intent to name a ship for Megan, our emotions ran high. In our discussion, Secretary Del Toro shared the support of General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, in the naming selection, he spoke of Megan's commitment to the Navy and Marine Corps. Our family is incredibly honored that Megan's service to her country is being honored in this way," said Mike McClung. "Megan lived a life of bringing the stories of mission and brave commitment to the world but never needed to be that story. As a family we sometimes discuss how Megan would have felt being the center of that story, but we know that she would have found the greater story she has become a part of. With this great honor of naming this ship after her, Megan would remind us all that the greatest duty of this ship is to get others to their story, and to Be Bold, Be Brief, and Be Gone. The United States Navy again remembers Megan today and this ship and all who serve on it, will continue to tell her story as they bravely create their own legacy."

Commissioned in 1995 after graduation from the United States Naval Academy (USNA), McClung served on active duty until 2004 when she joined the Marine Corps Reserve. Recalled to active duty in 2005, McClung deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as the media relations officer for I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

On 6 December 2006, she was killed alongside two U.S. Army Soldiers, Captain Travis Patriquin and Specialist Vincent Pomante III, by a roadside improvised explosive device in Ramadi. McClung was the first female Marine officer to be killed in the Iraq war and the first female graduate of the USNA to be killed in the line of duty.

In 2007, the broadcast studio at Camp Victory, Iraq, was named in her honor. The Defense Information School (DINFOS) presents a leadership award in her name to one graduating member of the Public Affairs & Communication Strategy Qualification Course. She was inducted into the DINFOS Hall of Fame in 2024. The Marine Corps presents the Major Megan McClung Leadership Award, in recognition of the recipients' leadership skills and their contributions towards the tenets of equal opportunity, human relations, and public service, annually at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium. Major McClung is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Along with announcing the ship's name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsors for the future USS McClung (LSM 1) will be her mother, Dr. Re McClung and her niece, Gabrielle McClung. They, in their role as the ship's sponsor will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

The Navy's Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program, previously called the Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, envisions procuring a class of 18 to 35 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO).

Mechanized and utility landing craft are rugged, steel displacement vessels used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops from ship to the shore, along the shore, and from shore back to the amphibious warships. Landing craft are also used to support civilian humanitarian/maritime operations.

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SECNAV Del Toro Names Future John Lewis-class Oilers T-AO 215 and T-AO 216

US Navy

16 January 2025

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of two future John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, T-AO 205-class, to be the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg (T-AO 215), the future USNS Thomas D. Parham Jr. (T-AO 216).

Secretary Del Toro detailed the announcement Jan. 16 during video remarks directed to the Department of Navy's (DoN) chaplain corps.

"Our Navy Chaplains are more than just religious figuresthey are beacons of hope, resilience, and unwavering support in the demanding world of naval service," said Secretary Del Toro. "These ships will carry forward their spirit of selfless service and will forever be a recognition of the invaluable contributions of Navy Chaplains."

The naming selection of the future T-AO 215 and T-AO 216 follows the tradition of naming John Lewis-class oilers after civil rights leaders and will be the first to bear her name. Secretary Del Toro previously named USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), USNS Ruth Bader Ginsberg (T-AO 212), USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213), and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214).

There have been no Navy vessels previously named for Captain Joshua L. Goldberg or for Thomas D. Parham, Jr.

"The heart of the Navy Chaplain Corps mission is to care for Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families, always focused on serving them. Naming these ships after a couple of heroic chaplains is both humbling and reassuring that we have the support of our military leaders in building the Spiritual Readiness of our flock," said Navy's Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Gregory N. Todd. "Chaplains Goldberg and Parham were model servant leaders and shone with the inner strength that comes from higher purpose, facing numerous challenges of their time strengthened by their connection to the Divine. Their example inspires all of us."

The naming of the future T-AO 215 honors Captain Joshua L. Goldberg, USN (1896-1994), the first Jewish rabbi to volunteer for naval service in World War II and the first to be promoted to O-6.

Born in the Russian Empire in present-day Belarus, Goldberg was drafted into the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. Deserting in 1916 and emigrating to the U.S., he subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Europe.

After leaving the service in 1920, he became a rabbi in 1926. Commissioning in the U.S. Naval Reserve in December 1941 and called to active duty in 1942, Goldberg actively ministered to Sailors with an inter-faith team, designed and wore the first prescribed Jewish prayer tallith, helped develop the radio program, "The Navy Goes to Church," and wrote Ministering to Jews in the Navy, which was intended to guide non-Jewish chaplains in ministering to the needs of Jewish Sailors ashore and afloat. He also served, in an unofficial capacity, as the Chief of Chaplain's consultant on Jewish affairs. He remained in the Navy following the end of the war, serving as District Chaplain to the Third District, and then as special consultant on Jewish matters to Armed Forces Chaplains Board in 1950.

He retired in 1960, receiving the Legion of Merit in recognition of his myriad contributions. The Goldberg Award, which is given to the O-3 or O-4 chaplain who has shown excellency in facilitating the religious needs of their Sailors, is named in his honor.

Secretary Del Toro named Teresa Todd, spouse of the Rear Adm. Todd and Debbie Anderson, spouse of the Navy's Program Executive Officer (PEO) Ships, Rear Adm. Thomas J. Anderson to serve as sponsors of the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg.

They, in their role as the ship's sponsor, will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. The following individuals were identified as sponsors.

T-AO 216 is named to honor Navy Chaplain, Captain Thomas David Parham Jr., USN (1920-2007), the Navy's first African American Sailor promoted to O-6.

A daughter of the late Capt. Parham, Capt Mae Pouget, USN (Ret), expressed the family's gratitude to the Navy on the naming selection.

"Daddy served sailors and Marines with humility, empathy, and respect, showing love for all from his Heavenly Father. Chaplain Parham's legacy of military service lasted from 1944 to 2021, through himself, his children and his son-in-law," said, Capt. Pouget. "The family would like to thank Secretary Del Toro, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Chaplain of the Marine Corps Rear Adm. Carey Cash, and Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff."

Ordained into the Presbytery of Mahoning (Youngstown, Ohio) in 1944, Parham commissioned as a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps in September that same year. After a string of shore assignments in which he was mainly assigned to minister to Black units, he sought release from active duty in 1946.

With the onset of the Korean War, he returned to active naval service in 1951. Though he still faced discrimination, Rear Admiral Stanton Salisbury, then Chief of Chaplains, made it clear that the Chaplains Division had no plans to assign Parham to "segregated duty." After serving overseas in Japan from 1953-1955 and transferring to the U.S. Navy in 1955, he was assigned to the First Marine Division as Chaplain in 1956. Following other assignments with the Marine Corps, he had duty afloat on-board Valley Forge (LPH 8) and subsequently served at Naval Air Station Newport, where he advanced to O-6 in 1966. Assigned to the Bureau of Personnel as Assistant Chief of Chaplain for Plans in 1967, Parham was actively involved in efforts to boost minority recruitment and address the Navy's recurring drug problems. He continued to undertake shore assignments in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia until his retirement in 1982.

Secretary Del Toro named Capt. Mae Pouget to serve as the sponsor of T-AO 216. Capt. Pouget served in the Navy as a medical officer.

"Having served on a submarine tender with sailors and civilian mariners, I have the utmost respect for the Military Sealift Command," said Capt. Pouget. "I will advocate for and attend to the USNS Thomas J. Parham Jr. (T-AO 216) and pray for her divine protection."

Fleet replenishment oilers are designed to supply fuel to the Navy's operating carrier strike groups. The oilers have the ability to carry a load of 162,000 barrels of oil and maintain significant dry cargo capacity

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Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches Construction of Nuclear Regional Maintenance Facility at Kings Bay

US Navy

16 January 2025

From Jeffrey Hamlin

NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE KINGS BAY, Ga. -- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the construction of a new facility for the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Georgia. The facility will serve as a centralized, state-of-the-art hub for NRMD, enabling critical maintenance and repair operations for Trident-equipped submarines.

The event brought together senior Navy leaders, local officials, and project stakeholders to celebrate the milestone.

"This groundbreaking represents NAVFAC Southeast's commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that directly enhance the fleet's operational readiness," said Capt. Miguel Dieguez, NAVFAC Southeast commanding officer. "This new Nuclear Regional Maintenance facility will consolidate resources, improve collaboration, and ensure that our submarine force has the maintenance infrastructure it needs to remain at the forefront of our national defense."

The NRMD plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's ballistic missile submarine force. It provides intermediate-level repair and maintenance of propulsion plant systems and components, ensuring submarines remain mission-ready for both rapid 28-day overhauls and extended 270-day major maintenance periods.

Currently, NRMD operations are dispersed across NSB Kings Bay in temporary trailers, CONEX boxes, and facilities shared with the TRIDENT Refit Facility at Kings Bay (TRF-KB). This project will consolidate these functions into a single, purpose-built structure, enhancing communication and collaboration between engineers and mechanics on the waterfront.

"There has been a tremendous amount of effort to get us to this point, and from our perspective, it has been a collaborative and satisfying experience," said Brian Logan, deputy director, Naval Regional Maintenance Department, Kings Bay. "The final design turned out to be spectacular...and today it is satisfying to take pause...and reflect on what all has been accomplished and what is coming."

The new low-rise facility will feature a reinforced concrete slab-on-grade with a steel and precast concrete superstructure supported by a pile foundation. The building will include nuclear repair shops, ship services support areas, applied instruction spaces, and a parking facility accommodating up to 300 employees.

The contract for this $136 million project was awarded to BL Harbert International on Dec. 13, 2023.

"BL Harbert is profoundly grateful and humbled by the opportunity to contribute our construction expertise to execute this project with the Navy," said Jeremy Pipkin, senior vice president at BL Harbert International. "Over the next few years, we look forward to integrating into the Kings Bay community as we work diligently to deliver a facility that embodies the highest standards of craftsmanship and reflects the immense importance of the work that will occur within its walls."

The company will oversee the design and construction of the facility, which is scheduled for completion by Dec. 15, 2028.

The Nuclear Regional Maintenance facility at Kings Bay underscores the Navy's commitment to maintaining its strategic deterrence capabilities by providing cutting-edge infrastructure to support its submarine fleet.

NAVFAC Southeast, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, provides planning, design, construction, contracting, environmental services, public works, real estate, and facility maintenance for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and other federal agencies across the Southeast. Its area of responsibility covers installations from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas, and extends south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

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Ex-John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Embarks on Final Voyage

US Navy - Press Release

16 January 2025

PHILADELPHIA - The ex-John F. Kennedy (CV 67) began its final journey this morning as it departed from the U.S. Navy's Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, PA for transit to Brownsville, Texas where it will be dismantled.

Commissioned on Sept. 7, 1968, CV 67 was the first Navy ship to be named John F. Kennedy. The ship conducted multiple tours in the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Ligurian, Aegean and Adriatic seas, during a period of escalating tension in the Middle East and North Africa, often while under the surveillance of Soviet ships.

In the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, the John F. Kennedy and her battle group established air security along the mid-Atlantic seaboard, "to help calm a fearful and shocked nation," in support of Operation Noble Eagle. In February 2002, the ship deployed in support of Operations Anaconda and Enduring Freedom, followed by support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July of 2004. The ship was decommissioned in 2007 after 39 years of service.

"Ex-John F. Kennedy will always be remembered as a symbol of enduring freedom and a beacon of hope and peace during difficult times in our nation," said Rear Adm. Bill Greene, Director, Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization and Sustainment. "The countless members of the ship's crew and all who sustained it during its lifecycle should be proud of the exceptional work that kept the ship sailing and supporting our fleet for many years. Fair Winds and Following Seas."

The nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings project power, sustain sea control, bolster deterrence, provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintain the nation's enduring commitments all over the world.

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US confident Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release deal will start Sunday

By VOA News January 16, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he is confident that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal agreed to by Israel and Hamas will start as scheduled on Sunday to end 15 months of fighting despite a last-minute dispute between the warring parties.

"I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday," Blinken told reporters in Washington at his farewell news conference as America's top diplomat.

Two developments Thursday appeared to threaten the start of the ceasefire and the initial release of hostages.

First, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the militants of backtracking on parts of the agreement.

A statement from Netanyahu's office said Hamas was trying to "extort last-minute concessions." Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of backtracking on an understanding that he said would give Israel a veto over which Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder would be released in exchange for hostages held by the U.S.-designated terror group.

A short time later, Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, said the militant group "is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators."

Second, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would resign from Netanyahu's government if it ratified the ceasefire deal. In a televised statement, he said the deal was "reckless" and would "erase the achievements of the war."

Netanyahu said his Cabinet would not meet to give necessary approval to the agreement until the militant group accepts all the elements. One Israeli official said the vote was likely to occur on Friday.

"It's not exactly surprising that in a process and negotiation that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end," Blinken said. "We're tying up that loose end as we speak."

Even with the prospective ceasefire days away, Palestinian medics said Israeli forces carried out multiple airstrikes Thursday in Gaza, killing at least 77 people.

If the ceasefire takes hold, U.N. agencies said they were ready to surge humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where the United Nations says at least 1.9 million of the 2.3 million people living there have been displaced and 92% of housing units have been destroyed.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog offered his strong support for the ceasefire after the deal was announced Wednesday.

"As the president of the State of Israel, I say in the clearest terms: This is the right move," he said. "This is an important move. This is a necessary move. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, or Israeli obligation than to bring our sons and daughters back to us  whether to recover at home, or to be laid to rest."

The first phase of the agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire, the release of 33 hostages from Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israel, a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and an increased flow of aid for Palestinian civilians.

During the first phase, there will be negotiations on the details of a second phase focused on bringing a permanent end to the conflict with the release of the remaining hostages and a full Israeli troop withdrawal.

A final phase concerns rebuilding Gaza, with a new governing and security structure.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas sent its fighters into Israel in an October 7, 2023, terror attack that killed more than 1,200 people and led to the abduction of about 250 hostages. Of those hostages, just under 100 are thought to remain in Hamas custody but about one-third are believed to be dead.

Gaza authorities say nearly 47,000 Palestinians - most of them children and women - have been killed in Israeli military operations. Israel, without providing evidence, says the death toll includes 17,000 militants it has killed.

In a statement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which includes the families of 98 hostages, said Wednesday it welcomes "with overwhelming joy and relief the agreement to bring our loved ones home.

"However, deep anxiety and concerns accompany us regarding the possibility that the agreement might not be fully implemented, leaving hostages behind," the statement continued. "We urgently call for swift arrangements to ensure all phases of the deal are carried out."

A senior official with the outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters that two of the living American hostages - Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen - will be among the first hostages released. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, as is customary in such briefings.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Pakistan deports Afghans with UNHCR papers

By Sarah Zaman January 16, 2025

As part of its drive to expel Afghan citizens from the nation's capital, Pakistan has deported dozens bearing UNHCR-issued documents, the agency told VOA Thursday.

Authorities in Islamabad deported 285 Afghans between Jan. 1 and 15, according to the refugee agency. Its Pakistan representative, Philippa Candler, told VOA that 80 of those deported were in possession of preliminary documents the agency had given them.

Although initial documentation issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees does not give legal cover to Afghans, it can show the agency may be determining their refugee status, or that a person may be in the early stages of the resettlement process, Candler explained.

Candler said that in the past, Pakistani authorities generally refrained from deporting those possessing any agency-issued papers.

"We could by and large get Afghans with our documents released," Candler said, referring to actions against Afghans since Pakistan launched a nationwide drive in October 2023 to expel undocumented residents amid rising terrorism.

Candler attributed past leniency to goodwill.

Expulsion order



The tougher action comes after Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced in November that all Afghan citizens would require a no-objection certificate, or NOC, from the city administration to stay in the capital past the end of the year.

The minister alleged Afghan citizens took part in a protest that saw thousands of supporters of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan descend on Islamabad between Nov. 24 to 26. At least four security personnel were killed before authorities launched a crackdown that Khan's party says killed at least 12 supporters.

Raids

"It's not a nice experience," said Enayatuallah Omid, who said he was detained for hours along with others at a police station in Islamabad after law enforcement authorities raided his neighborhood Jan. 5.

An Afghan journalist, Omid arrived in Pakistan in July 2022 on a medical visa to flee Taliban repression.

He said the constant fear of deportation is deeply hurting his family.

"My wife has attempted suicide three times. Every time the pressure builds up, she tries to kill herself." Quoting her, Omid said, 'What kind of a life is this?'"

Amnesty International has decried the requirement of NOC for Afghan refugees as an "onerous obligation."

Omid said, though, that the process of applying for a no-objection certificate was easy.

"They behaved nicely," he said, referring to the officials at Islamabad district commissioner's office.

But Omid has only a receipt showing he has applied for the NOC. He said he did not know if he would receive any more documentation allowing him to stay in the capital.

International pressure



Candler told VOA that her office is working with Pakistani authorities to help Afghans who are registered with UNHCR. However, she said the Afghan Taliban's claim that Pakistan detained more than 800 Afghans in the first week of the year could not be confirmed.

The Afghan Taliban's envoy in Islamabad, Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakib, met Wednesday with Candler to convey concerns about Pakistan's detention and deportation of registered Afghan refugees from Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi.

Islamabad authorities deny targeting documented refugees and registered Afghan citizens, or those awaiting third country repatriation. Responding to reports of mistreatment, officials have said teams abide by the law during raids.

Recent press releases from Pakistan's interior ministry show that envoys from Washington and London discussed the expulsion of Afghans from the capital with Naqvi. Thousands of Afghans in Islamabad are awaiting repatriation to the United States and Britain.

"Mohsin Naqvi stated that no illegal foreigner will be allowed to stay in Pakistan," according to a handout issued Thursday after the minister's meeting with the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome.

"Minister highlighted that no action is being taken against any foreign national holding valid documents," said an interior ministry statement after Naqvi met Saturday with the British high commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott.

Pakistan is home to 3.1 million Afghans. More than 800,000 are undocumented. This includes Afghans born in Pakistan, as well as those who fled their country after the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

More than 813,000 Afghans have returned to their home country since September 2023, including about 300,000 last year. More than 38,000 have been deported in almost 15 months, according to the U.N.

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HRW report: Governments, armed groups intensify abuses in Africa

By Mohammed Yusuf January 16, 2025

Human Rights Watch has found that African governments continue to crack down and wrongly arrest political opponents, critics, activists and journalists. The rights group also says armed forces and armed groups in some African countries have targeted civilians, killing them and driving them from their homes.

The conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia feature prominently in a Human Rights Watch report released Thursday.

The report says that in Sudan, the war between the armed forces and the rebel Rapid Support Forces has displaced 12 million people, destroyed infrastructure and blocked humanitarian assistance.

In Ethiopia, rights group investigators found that government forces in the Amhara region committed widespread attacks against medical professionals, patients and health facilities.

Mausi Segun, head of the Human Rights Watch Africa Division, said armed conflict is not the only form of rights violation on the continent.

"On top of all of that, you have civic space restriction abuses, including intolerance for freedom of expression, intolerance for freedom of association and assembly," Segun said. "Protests are being clamped down on, and people who are pushing for their rights or even commenting on government policies and measures are being hunted down. Here in East Africa, we are seeing very disturbing trends towards abductions."

Kenya has captured the attention of human rights groups for recent alleged abductions of anti-government protesters and activists from foreign countries, some of whom have been deported to Turkey and Uganda.

The HRW report also focuses on the seemingly endless conflict in the Congo, where civilians are killed, women raped, and attacks on camps for the internally displaced push more people into neighboring countries.

Congo has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, an allegation Rwanda denies.

Clementine de Montoye, Human Rights Watch senior researcher, said the expansion of conflict worsens civilians' harm, adding, "we are not seeing significant signs of pressure on the different parties to the conflict to reduce violations and harms to civilians."

The report says that countries in West Africa ruled by the military  like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger  have cracked down on opposition and dissent, freedom of expression, and backsliding in the fight against corruption.

It notes that in Southern Africa, Mozambique is grappling with post-election violence in which hundreds of people have been killed.

Elizabeth Kamundia, deputy director of disability rights at Human Rights Watch, said conflict and violence are causing a rise in physical and psychological issues.

"We have seen a rise in the number of people acquiring injuries that lead to disabilities," Kamundia said. "We've seen increased psychological distress and mental health impacts on people, families and communities as a result of war and conflict. We've seen difficulties with access to medication for people who have mental health conditions, and therefore, they are forced to stop their treatment."

Human Rights Watch's newly-released World Report reviewed human rights records of more than 100 countries, including 25 in Africa.

Despite the widespread abuses and violence against people in Africa, HRW notes that, like the rest of the world, African people are resisting and pushing back against autocratic rule and abuse of their rights. It notes they are mobilizing on social media and streets to demand an end to the abuses and bad governance that has contributed to divisions and conflict among communities.

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Analysts weigh in on what 2nd Trump term means for Africa

By Mariama Diallo January 16, 2025

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to be sworn into office, African analysts weigh in on what governing for the second term-president may feel like for the continent compared to his first term.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's first term included the launch of some initiatives for Africa. However, many people remember him for referring to the continent using degrading language. Edgar Githua is a professor of international relations at Strathmore University in Kenya.

"He called Africa a shithole, excuse my French," said Githua.

Estimated at over 1 billion people, Africa's population is growing fast and expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, according to various estimates.

It's a big market that plays a key role in the global economy, Githua said, and in terms of business and trade, Trump may be interested in Africa but only because of the inroads China has made here.

"Since China is hellbent on capturing Africa as a business destination, Trump will come to Africa not so much because he cares about Africa but because he's coming to counter Chinese influence on the African soil. So that fight, that proxy war, that geopolitical repositioning, in my view, is what could probably benefit Africa," he said.

But Trump's first term saw the birth of initiatives such as Prosper Africa, aimed at facilitating economic engagement between the U.S. and African nations.

Since its launch in 2019, the U.S. has helped close nearly 3,000 deals across 49 countries for a value of more than $120 billion, according to figures shared on the initiative's website.

While every American president establishes his own policies, many programs - including Prosper Africa; AGOA or the African Growth and Opportunity Act; and PEPFAR or the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief - continue beyond the end of presidents' terms because they have solid bipartisan support in Congress.

No matter who's in power in Washington, countries need to redefine what they want and how they want to work with the new administration, Rwandan economic analyst Teddy Kaberuka told VOA.

And while Trump's America First policy may suggest more focus on America, some emerging economies in Africa still can benefit, he said.

"Because, if he's focused on boosting domestic production, obviously, the U.S. will import a lot of raw material from all over the world and most likely in Africa, being in minerals, being in agriculture," he said.

Kaberuka said the Ukraine war has hurt African economies, especially the grain supply disruption it caused, triggering a shortage of about 30 million metric tons of grain in Africa in the first year of the war alone, according to the Atlantic Council, a policy research organization based in Washington.

He said Trump didn't engage in wars during his first term and complimented the president-elect for publicly stating he aimed to help end to the Ukraine war shortly after he takes office.

"As an African and someone who has that overview of the global economy, of the African economy, the war we are facing, the consequences, I would say that people like me are excited because from the experience, [during] the Trump administration, there were less wars," said Kaberuka.

In the Sahel, a region recently plagued by coups, the U.S. closed two military bases and withdrew from Niger last year at the request of a junta that staged a coup the prior year. Their presence, U.S. officials said, was to help the region's counterterrorism efforts.

Analyst Rida Lyammouri, who's done field work in the Sahel/Lake Chad Basin, is a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based policy research firm in Washington.

"We are increasingly seeing this narrative, this perception that is changing, toward the West, accusing the West of being one of the problems why Africa has not seen significant ... economic development. The priority for the Trump administration is to find ways to ... keep a positive image toward the U.S. and avoid what is currently happening, for example, to France in Francophone Africa," he said.

Lyammouri said he doesn't think the Sahel will be a priority for this new administration but if that was to be, what happened in Niger should be a lesson.

"It's ... a message to the U.S. going forward not to take things for granted. I think Niger has been a reliable partner in the region, but this decision shows that it doesn't mean it's guaranteed that the partnership is going to be forever," he said.

Trump will take the oath of office January 20.

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Congo court sentences Chinese nationals to 7 years in prison in illegal mining crackdown

By Vedaste Ngabo January 16, 2025

A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced three Chinese nationals to seven years in prison for engaging in activities related to illegal mining.

The court, in Congo's eastern city of Bukavu, the capital of Congo's gold-rich South Kivu province, sentenced the men late Tuesday for the illegal purchase and possession of minerals, money laundering and other offenses.

The suspects were found in possession of $400,000 in cash and a substantial amount of gold on Sunday, raising concerns about the scale of their operations and the potential involvement of organized networks.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, the governor of South Kivu province, Jean Jacque Purusi, said people there are tired of those who plunder the country's resources.

"This is only one-tenth of what they have already taken from us. We will not let it go. This is the wealth of the people of South Kivu. We are determined to go all the way because enough is enough," Purusi said.

Jean Paul Kasinga a local official, told VOA that it was unusual for someone to be moving around with that much money.

"They didn't have any official document allowing them to work and without government knowledge."

Etienne Mutware, a lecturer at the Evangelical University in Africa in Panzi, Bukavu, said that illegal mining activities rob the local community of potential revenue.

"Partnerships are meant to bring mutual benefits like infrastructure, schools, and development. However, fraud, corruption, and illegal mining in the Congo have thwarted these expectations, resulting in a significant loss for both the population and the nation," Mutware told VOA.

Purusi halted mineral mining in July to curb illegal mining and ensure that mining operations are conducted in a regulated and sustainable manner.

In December religious groups and civil society members in South Kivu's Mwenga territory took to the streets, voicing their concerns over the activities of Chinese mining companies. Protesters demanded infrastructure development and accountability from foreign companies.

"These Chinese companies in (the towns of) Lugusha, Kitutu, Kaboke, Suguru, and Mitobo have failed to fulfill their promises. They promised to build schools, bridges, roads, hospitals, and a stadium, and to provide scholarships for our students. But they have done nothing," one protester told VOA's Central Africa Service.

This story originated in VOA's Central Africa Service. Some information also came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with King Abdullah II of Jordan

January 16, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The Vice President and King Abdullah discussed their work together to strengthen U.S.-Jordan ties across numerous meetings and phone calls. The Vice President and King Abdullah discussed the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, and expressed their expectation that it will be implemented fully and on schedule. The Vice President welcomed that the deal would return hostages to their families, bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza through a surge in humanitarian aid, and form the basis for a lasting end to the war. The Vice President noted that, in her conversations with King Abdullah and leaders across the region, her unwavering focus has been to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. The Vice President expressed appreciation for Jordan's role in helping to facilitate aid to Palestinian civilians and the King's leadership in advancing regional peace and stability. The Vice President also expressed her belief that the ceasefire and hostage deal can be the foundation on which we build to create a more peaceful future for Israeli and Palestinian people, and her intent to continue working to achieve a future of greater peace, dignity, and security for all people in the region.



# # #

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Israel, Hamas agree to ceasefire, ushering in hope for Gaza peace

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:31, January 17, 2025

DOHA/GAZA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been reached, offering a glimmer of hope for ending the 15-month-old bloodshed in the enclave.

In a press conference on Wednesday in Doha, where the truce talks were held, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the agreement, which will take effect on Sunday, includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners and return to sustainable calm that would lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

While the widely-anticipated deal represents a step toward restoring peace in the region, analysts argue that, since it does not address the deep-seated issues fueling the Israel-Palestine conflict, the path to long-lasting peace in the Middle East remains fraught with uncertainty.

THREE-PHASED CEASEFIRE

According to the mediators, which include Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the agreement consists of three phases towards a "permanent ceasefire between the parties."

The first stage, which lasts for 42 days, includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces outside densely populated areas, the release of hostages and exchange of prisoners and detainees, the exchange of the remains of the deceased, the return of internally displaced persons to their places of residence in Gaza, and facilitating the departure of patients and the wounded to receive treatment.

The first stage also includes intensifying the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale throughout the Gaza Strip, rehabilitating hospitals, health centers and bakeries, bringing in civil defense supplies and fuel, and bringing in shelter supplies for displaced persons who lost their homes due to the war.

The details of the second and third phases will be announced after the completion of the first phase of the agreement.

RARE MOMENT OF HOPE FOR PEACE

The ceasefire agreement has brought a rare moment of hope for peace to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and the wider Middle East.

"I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza," United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"This deal is a critical first step, but we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory," Guterres added.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit also welcomed the ceasefire deal, calling for strict adherence to the terms of the agreement.

"The agreement must lead to a complete and final cessation of the Israeli war on Gaza," Aboul-Gheit said in a statement.

"Many have been hoping for this moment for the past 15 months," Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on X.

As the agreement finally came through after multiple rounds of negotiations, Gazans took to the streets to express their excitement and relief over the truce.

"Now, we can sleep without fearing more loss," said Fatima Abu Riash, a displaced mother of three from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

As the ceasefire draws near, many Palestinians are remembering their loved ones who lost their lives in the conflict.

Ever since Israel launched its large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in response to the latter's sudden attack on the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

"I am grateful for the ceasefire, but I cannot forget those killed or the destruction of my home," Mohammed Abu Ramadan, a father of six from Gaza, said as he joined the street celebrations.

CHALLENGES REMAIN

The timing of the ceasefire deal coincided with changes in the broader regional landscape, said Nimrod Goren, president of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies.

"Israel, having achieved significant military successes against Hezbollah and in Syria, felt more secure in its position. Hamas, facing sustained pressure, likely recognized the need for a temporary reprieve to recalibrate its strategy. These factors, combined with external mediation efforts, created a moment where both sides were more willing to accept terms they had previously rejected," he said.

Ismat Mansour, a Palestinian expert based in Nablus, the West Bank, said that the ceasefire agreement could establish initial calm and serve as a first step toward alleviating the grave humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Israeli political analyst Amos Harel wrote in Israeli newspaper Haaretz that the agreement could pave the way for a new political reality in Gaza, potentially involving the moderate Arab states.

However, Goren warned that the deal "will not bring an end to the broader conflict," highlighting that "(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's reluctance to fully withdraw from Gaza, as demanded by Hamas, suggests that the ceasefire may be fragile and temporary."

A ceasefire in Gaza "does not address the root causes of the conflict," and "a comprehensive peace in the Middle East requires significant progress toward a two-state solution, which the current Israeli government strongly opposes," he said.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said, "While the deal might temporarily ease tensions, it does not preclude future Israeli actions against Iran."

"The parties (Hamas and Israel) still lack trust, and both sides are doing their best to defeat the other, and this would put the deal in danger at any time," noted Mansour.

Ghassan Khatib, a professor of international relations at Birzeit University in the West Bank, cautioned, "The real challenges will arise during the implementation of the agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, given the absence of clear arrangements for the political and administrative management of the Gaza Strip, which will further complicate the situation."

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Trump's top diplomat pick: China must 'stop messing around' with PH

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

January 17, 2025, 1:21 am

MANILA -- Senator Marco Rubio, US President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the State Department, said China should "stop messing around" with the Philippines and Taiwan, noting that its "deeply destabilizing" actions in the region are compelling the US to "counteract."

During his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Thursday (Manila time), Rubio discouraged Beijing from carrying out "anything rash or irrational" when it comes to the Philippines or Taiwan if it is serious about stabilizing US-China relations.

"The actions they are taking now are deeply destabilizing, they are forcing us to take counteractions because we have commitments to the Philippines and we have commitments to Taiwan that we intend to keep," he said.

"If they want to destabilize the relationship or they want to at least create some pathway for stabilization of our relationship with them, they really need to stop messing around with Taiwan and with the Philippines because it's forcing us to focus our attention in ways we prefer not to have to."

The US senator from Florida warned that if any "miscommunication" or "some inadvertent conflict" emerges out of China's harassment in the South China Sea, which would then force the US to defend the Philippines as its treaty ally, the impact it would have on the entire globe would be "enormous."

Most recently, Beijing drew Manila's ire after it deployed a 165-meter-long coast guard vessel, dubbed "monster ship," near Zambales, an example of the "harassment" Rubio mentioned in the hearing.

"The Philippines feels threatened by it, rightfully so. We've seen this on a daily basis with the harassment and so forth," he said.

"If, God forbid, there is some miscommunication or some inadvertent conflict emerges there and we have obligations to them (the Philippines), the impact that it will have on the entire globe is enormous and that includes Europe."

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, Manila-based geopolitical analyst and De La Salle University Department of International Studies professor Don McLain Gill said Rubio's remarks indicate that the stability of US-China relations "rests greatly on whether China would respect Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights."

His statements, Gill said, also made it "clear that China is indeed the aggressor in the West Philippine Sea and that the US-Philippines alliance will remain vital in Washington's security calculations."

"By upholding US security commitments to the Philippines and highlighting the significance of Philippine security as a determinant for future US-China ties, Senator Rubio illustrated how the bilateral alliance and US security commitments to the Philippines are not up for bargain and will not be subjected to any tradeoff between the US and China," Gill said.

In the same hearing, Rubio emphasized Manila's "strategic importance" to Washington DC not only on the military perspective but also over the "real economic opportunities" it could explore with the country.

He also acknowledged the Philippine government's "welcoming attitude" in recent years to further boost engagement with the US.

Meanwhile, he told the US Senate committee that Washington DC must "show results" so that this alliance becomes enduring.

"When your engagement with a country leads to economic development - whether it's outbound US investment in the Philippines or what have you - then that becomes enduring," he said. (PNA)

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Russo-Ukraine War - 16 January 2025 - Day 1058

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 131 combat encounters.

Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. The largest number of fights took place in the Pokrovsky and Kursky directions.

Russian terrorists launched one rocket and 30 aviation strikes, engaging one rocket and dropping 47 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, the Russian enemy attracted 882 kamikaze drones and carried out more than 4,300 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Today in the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy did not perform active actions.

In the Kupans komu direction, the Russian aggressor attacked near Petropavlivka, Golubivka, Dvoricnoi, Zagrizovoye and Sand. Five combat clashes completed, one enemy attack is ongoing so far.

In the Lyman direction, Russian immigrants stormed the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Kopanka, Novoserhiyivka, Grekivka, Green Grove, Makiyivka, Torske, Novoplatonivka, Terni and Zarichne. Ukrainian defenders stopped 11 enemy attacks, two combat clashes are still ongoing.

Sever direction: Russian forces five times stormed Ukrainian positions near Verkhnyokamiansky and Bilogorivka, currently one combat confrontation near Ivano-Daryivka is underway.

In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces attacked seven times in the areas of Privilla, White Mountain, Grigorivka and Chasovoye Yaru, all attempts by the zombies to advance have been stopped by Ukrainian soldiers.

In the Torec komu direction, Russian forces carried out 12 assault actions. Zagarbniki stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Crimea, Leonidivka, Toretsk and Scherbinivka.

Intercession direction: since the beginning of this day, Russian forces attacked 47 times in the areas of the settlements Zelene Pole, Elizavetivka, Mirolyubivka, Beam, Lisivka, New Labor, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Zvirove, Kotline, Uspenivka, Udaachne, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Andriyivka, Ulakly, Kurakhove, Dachne and Amber. The nine fighting clashes are still ongoing.

According to the current data, Russian casualties in this direction, for today have totaled 300 soldiers killed and wounded, four vehicles have been destroyed, in addition, an enemy tank, a mortar and one enemy car were significantly damaged.

In the novopavlivs komu direction Russian zagarbniki attacked ten times near konstantinopol, great novosilka and vremivka. Five invaders attacks have already been repelled. The fights are still on. The enemy launched aerial strikes with controlled bombs on the areas of settlements Novopil and Konstantinopil.

In the Gulyaipils komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks near Novosilka and Temirivka, the enemy was unsuccessful.

In the Orihivsk direction, Russian forces unsuccessfully attacked the settlement of Novodanilivka.

Four assaults of the Russian enemy were stopped in the Pridniprovsk direction by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 13 Russian attacks, six more combat clashes continue so far.

In other directions of the front, there have been no significant changes.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces's units hit formations of one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU close to Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops, two motor vehicles, and one artillery gun.

The Zapad Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line, delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades and one infantry brigade of the AFU near Dvurechnaya, Zapadnoye, Zagoruykovka, Boguslavka (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 470 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 18 motor vehicles, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, and four field artillery guns. One electronic warfare station and three ammunition depots have been neutralised.

The Yug Group of Forces' units captured more advantageous lines and positions, defeated formations of six mechanised brigades and two assault brigades of the AFU near Kramatorsk, Minkovka, Chasov Yar, Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka, Sribnoye, and Dachnoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 260 troops, one tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, five pickup trucks, and seven artillery guns, to include two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers.

The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depths of the enemy's defence, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of seven mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, three national guard brigades, and the Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine close to Dzerzhinsk, Shcherbinovka, Petrovka, Vozdvizhenka, Lysovka, Novovasilevka, Tarasovka, Novoyelizavetovka, Petropavlovka, and Slavyanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 580 troops, three tanks, to include one German-made Leopard tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, to include one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, five motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns.

The Vostok Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation and defeated formations of four mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade of the AFU, and three territorial defence brigades near Bogatyr, Konstantiopol, Alekseyevka, Vremevka, Novoselka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 240 troops, one tank, one U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carrier, nine motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns, to include one German-made 155-mm Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery system. One electronic warfare station was eliminated.

The Dnepr Group of Forces' units have engaged manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade close to Malaya Tokmachka, Novodanilovka, Lobkovoye, Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), and Daryevka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 85 troops, eight motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. Two electronic warfare stations and one ammunition depot were eliminated.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at infrastructure of military airfields, UAV workshops and depots, as well as engaged manpower clusters and military hardware in 152 areas.

Air defence units shot down three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 12 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 95 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 40,575 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,554 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,706 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,352 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.

The Sever Group of Forces' units have engaged formations of one tank brigade, one heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Viktorovka, Guyevo, Gornal, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One counter-attack launched by AFU units was repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Bondarevka, Zamostye, Zaoleshenka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Loknya, Martynovka, Mirny, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, over 210 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured fighting vehicle, six motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, and eight mortars have been neutralised.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,330 troops, 305 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 170 armoured personnel carriers, 1,567 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,486 motor vehicles, 367 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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Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats - Report

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 16, 2025

In July 2023, the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats was launched as a new effort to disrupt drug traffickers, dismantle the supply chain for fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, and save lives - in America and abroad. Since then, the Coalition has grown to include over 160 governments and 15 international organizations working together to prevent the manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of illicit drugs, detect emerging drug threats, and promote effective public health interventions. Since its inception, the Coalition has helped transform the international policy landscape, elevating countries' awareness and attention to the challenge of illicit synthetic drugs and has generated important new measures at the country and international levels. Its call to action has had a practical impact, resulting in over a dozen countries taking on leadership roles in the fight against synthetic drugs over the next year.

Today the Department is releasing a report summarizing results from an unprecedented international effort over the past 18 months to address the global public health and security threats posed by synthetic drugs. This report outlines the Coalition's steps to develop a comprehensive set of actions for tackling synthetic drugs and highlights the contributions of over 1,600 experts and the efforts of the Coalition's Working Groups, international coordinators, and U.S. officials. Continued global attention and cooperation are essential for ensuring the fullest implementation of the recommendations and initiatives reflected in this report.

The full report may be viewed at www.globalcoalition.us. For further information, please e-mail INL-PAPD@state.gov or follow INL on X and Instagram @StateINL.

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Norway signs space agreement with the US

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 16/01/2025

Today, Norway and the U.S. signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), which will facilitate the launch of U.S. launchers and satellites from Andya Spaceport.

- The agreement is a major step toward making Andya one of the world's most attractive locations for satellite launches. The U.S. is the world's largest satellite market. Norway and Andya Spaceport greatly appreciate the opportunity to launch satellites for U.S. clients, says Cecilie Myrseth, the Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry.

The TSA is a bilateral agreement, which will prevent unauthorized dissemination of U.S. technology. This agreement is necessary for the US authorities to authorize the transfer of U.S. commercial launchers to launch facilities in Norway. The U.S. has concluded similar agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, among others.

- The negotiations with the U.S. on the TSA have been a high priority for the Norwegian Government. I am satisfied to see that we are now ready to enter into this agreement, says Espen Barth-Eide, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The agreement represents a further development of the bilateral relationship between Norway and the U.S. This field of technology is of immense importance to both countries. It could also benefit both countries' security and underscore the importance of Norway as an allied nation in the Arctic. Space infrastructure in the High North is of great strategic value to both Norway and NATO. There is an increasing U.S. interest in using Andya Spaceport and in cooperating with Norway on space activity. The TSA will allow us to cooperate even further. Increased cooperation with our NATO allies strengthens Norway's security and is welcomed by the Government.

- This is a significant agreement for Norwegian security. Space activity is becoming more important for defense cooperation, and Andya is of great value for Norway as well as for our allies. Norway has a leading role in space technology in the Arctic, and through this agreement, we enhance our important cooperation with the U.S. and NATO at Andya, says Bjrn Arild Gram, the Norwegian Minister of Defence.

Facts about Andya Spaceport and Norwegian Space Activity In June 2020, the Norwegian Parliament made an appropriation of 365 million NOK (about 32 million USD) to establish Andya Spaceport in Northern Norway. The Spaceport was officially opened in November 2023. German launch-service provider Isar Aerospace has entered into a long-term agreement with Andya Spaceport and expects to make its first launch within the next few months. The TSA facilitates the further development of Andya Spaceport with U.S. and European partners. In addition to the 365 million NOK apropriated in 2020, another 200 million NOK have been appropriated in the Norwegian defence budget for 2024 and 2025, to facilitate military use of Andya Spaceport. Satellites are vitally important for civil security, sustainable development, and military defense activities. This is especially true in the High North. Long distances and a harsh climate make satellites for navigation, communication, and surveillance especially crucial. These are necessary tools for maintaining Norwegian sovereignty, economic activity, and public service provisions. Space infrastructure in the High North is a high priority for the Norwegian Government. On December 16, 2024, Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) became operational. The ASBM consists of two satellites in orbit over the North Pole and is a public-private partnership between the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Space Norway, the U.S. Space Force, and Viasat. On January 14, the Norwegian Coastal Administration's new satellite, NorSat-4, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite carries an advanced payload, which will contribute to better maritime surveillance for the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Defence Forces.

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U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 16, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the United States and Norway signed the Agreement on Technology Safeguards Associated with U.S. Participation in Space Launches from Norway, or the U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement. The Agreement, upon entry into force, provides the legal and technical framework for U.S. commercial space launches from Norwegian spaceports while ensuring proper handling of sensitive technology, consistent with our long-standing partnership as members of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation C.S. Eliot Kang and Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt signed the Agreement between the two countries.

This Agreement protects sensitive U.S. technology and sets the standard for how others should use such sensitive technology in the conduct of satellite and rocket launches from foreign locations.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

January 16, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada's key priorities heading into its 2025 G7 Presidency, which include addressing global challenges and opportunities related to international peace and security, global economic stability and growth, and the digital transition. The two leaders underscored the importance of G7 members making progress on shared priorities, including supporting a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine as well as supporting an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure.

The Prime Minister and the President exchanged views on geopolitical issues. They emphasized the importance of protecting the rules-based international order and respecting sovereignty. They also highlighted the importance of co-operation between Canada and the European Union to promote economic security for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

The two leaders welcomed the ceasefire and hostage deal reached by Israel and Hamas and encouraged all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to ensure its full implementation.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen highlighted the close relationship between Canada and the European Union and reflected on the results of their close collaboration over the past several years. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

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Renewal of Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

January 15, 2025

The United States reaffirms its solidarity with people in Hong Kong in the face of Beijing's steady assault on the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong under the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The United States is providing Hong Kongers who remain concerned about returning to Hong Kong with temporary safe haven in this country. Under this extension, the United States will continue to defer the enforced departure of eligible Hong Kong residents through February 5, 2027. This decision to extend Deferred Enforced Departure complements steps taken by our allies and partners - including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia - to provide options to those who fear returning to Hong Kong.

This decision was made in light of Beijing and Hong Kong authorities' continued and repeated attacks on the protected rights and freedoms cherished by people in Hong Kong, including the unjust sentencing of two former Stand News editors for publishing so-called "seditious" articles, the unjust sentencing of 45 pro-democracy advocates for their peaceful participation in political activities protected under the Basic Law, and the ongoing national security trial of democracy advocate and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai.

We see this too in Beijing and Hong Kong authorities' targeting of overseas democracy advocates. Most recently, on December 24, Hong Kong authorities issued new arrest warrants and bounties targeting six overseas democracy activists and cancelled passports for seven other activists, including some based in the United States. These acts of transnational repression are a threat to U.S. sovereignty and national security and show blatant disregard for democracy and human rights.

We continue to urge Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to cease the use of vague national security laws to silence those peacefully expressing their political views, to immediately and unconditionally release those detained or imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to restore the openness that was so crucial to Hong Kong's international reputation.

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FM urges US to establish a correct perception of China over Rubio's China-related rhetoric

Global Times

By Wang Qi Published: Jan 16, 2025 04:41 PM

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday called on the US to establish a right perception toward China, and stop its illegitimate attacks and smears on China, emphasizing China's firm commitment to resolutely safeguarding our own sovereignty, security, and development interests, in response to questions about hawkish remarks made by US Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state.

During a confirmation hearing on Wednesday local time in Washington, Rubio described China as "the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted," according to the CBS report. He also pledged to strengthen Taiwan island's defenses.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing on Thursday that China's development is characterized by a distinct historical logic and strong endogenous driving force. There is nothing to hide about our goal, which is to deliver a better life for the people and make greater contribution to the world, he noted.

Guo stressed that we view and handle China-US relations in line with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping, and resolutely safeguard our own sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The US needs to establish a right perception toward China, and stop its illegitimate attacks and smears on China, the spokesperson said.

In response to Rubio's remarks on Taiwan, Guo said that Taiwan is part of China and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no foreign interference.

The greatest challenge to cross-Strait peace is "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and foreign interference and disruption, Guo said. He added that the US needs to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop abetting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan question.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Thursday that Rubio's remarks show that some political elites in Washington are currently obsessed with the so-called political correctness of being anti-China, but in fact it is quite wrong.

Rubio is expected to win the confirmation as the next secretary of state, and becoming the US new top diplomat, AP said.

However, experts said that although Marcos was considered a China hawk, the US could not solve specific problems without engaging and cooperating with China.

"That means that there would be some compromise between the extremes in Rubio's words and deeds, and the reality of having to interact with the Chinese side," Li said.

In terms of the response from Chinese Foreign Ministry, Li said it demonstrate the pragmatic, forward-looking and strategic nature of China's diplomacy.

The related remarks are not only responsible for the relationship between the two countries, but also responsible for the international community, indicating that China wants to promote cooperation and the benign evolution of international relations, the expert said.

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China to probe US exports of legacy chips as Biden administration rushes to offload tech containment curbs

Global Times

Domestic firms concerned about substantial subsidies giving US companies unfair competitive advantage

By Chu Daye and Feng Fan Published: Jan 16, 2025 11:48 PM

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that it has received reports from domestic companies of concerns over unfair subsidies the Biden administration is giving to US chipmakers, and said that Chinese investigating authorities will review them in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, and could follow World Trade Organization rules, initiating investigations as required by law.

In response to a media inquiry about whether the ministry has received application requests for anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probes from domestic legacy chips industries, as they are reportedly suffering from unfair competition from imported products from the US, a MOFCOM spokesperson said domestic chip industries have reported concerns about the Biden administration offering substantial subsidies to the US chip sector, giving American companies an unfair competitive advantage.

They claimed that these companies are exporting legacy chip products to China at "low prices," undermining the legitimate rights and interests of China's domestic industries, the MOFCOM spokesperson said. "The concerns raised by Chinese domestic industries are reasonable, and they have the right to file applications for trade remedy investigations."

I would like to emphasize that for applications and appeals from domestic industries, the investigating authorities will review them in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, and could follow WTO rules to initiate investigations as required by law, the spokesperson noted.

The move is "one of Beijing's strongest retaliatory moves so far against American technology sanctions," according to Bloomberg on Thursday.

Chinese experts said on Thursday that in the face of mounting technology sanctions from the US, recently rolled out by the Biden administration in an irresponsible manner, the country will not hesitate to take measures to defend its lawful rights and interests.

A number of Chinese industry associations related to semiconductor manufacturing also voiced their support for MOFCOM's stance.

The China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) said on Thursday that it firmly supports both domestic and foreign semiconductor companies operating in China in actively protecting their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with WTO rules.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products said on Thursday that it firmly supports the Chinese chip industry and chip firms using WTO rules to defend their legitimate rights and interests.

In August 2022, the Biden administration officially signed the CHIPS and Science Act, pledging up to $280 billion in subsidies, loan guarantees, and tax incentives to vigorously support the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capacity in the US.

Ma Jihua, a senior industry analyst, told the Global Times on Thursday that a probe into US mature node chips would be a normal action based on the market dynamics and will adeptly address the situation of some US chip companies halting sales of advanced chips while simultaneously dumping legacy chips onto the Chinese market.

"As years of US containment of China's chip industry largely failed and China's homegrown mature node chips seeing rapid growth in recent years, China now knows how things stand and feels confident if it does start such a probe, as it can use its own chips," Ma said.

Strong opposition

In recent days, China has voiced strong objection against mounting and intensive sanctions by the outgoing Biden administration aimed at cracking down on China's tech industry, including artificial intelligence (AI) chips, connected vehicle supply chains and drones, under the guise of protecting national security.

What the US does is typical economic coercion and bullying. China deplores it and firmly opposes it, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in response to a question about the US announced further export controls yesterday on advanced computing semiconductors, increasing due diligence requirements for businesses.

"I want to stress that no sanction or suppression will stop China's development and progress, and no bullying or coercion will weaken China's resolve in boosting its own strengths. We will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals and our country's sovereignty, security, and development interests," Guo said.

In December, a number of Chinese industrial associations including the CSIA have urged domestic firms to exercise caution when purchasing US chips as US curbs on China have caused disruptions in the supply chain of US companies, affecting their reliability.

A forced rush

"The actions of the Biden administration can be seen as a final rush, cramming all the initiatives it deemed necessary into the closing months. The decisions were made with little communication with US businesses," Song Guoyou, a deputy director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Considering the fact that Biden is about to leave the White House, these newly ushered policies were effectively imposed on the incoming Trump administration during the transitional period, Song said.

"In a sense, Biden's team seems to be worried that the next administration won't follow their policies, and has thus resorted to a forced approach. This has not only pressured US businesses but also put pressure on the future Trump administration," Song added.

The latest actions revealed that the US is continuing to abuse its overall dominant position to place curbs on China and contain its development, Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Gao said China's reactions to the US crackdown will be based on the two countries' overall competition and will maintain strategic focus and zoom in on improving its competitiveness in the tech arena.

The irresponsible actions by the Biden administration have drawn vocal criticism from within the US.

US-based chip manufacturer Nvidia said in a statement posted on its website on Monday that the Biden administration's new AI chip rule is unprecedented and misguided, and threatens to derail innovation and economic growth worldwide.

Rather than mitigate any threat, the new Biden rules will only weaken America's global competitiveness, undermining the innovation that has kept the US ahead, the company noted.

On January 5, Ken Glueck, executive vice president of Oracle, wrote a blog post saying that the Biden administration's AI chip rule will go down as one of the most destructive to ever hit the US technology industry.

"Worse, without fully contemplating the rule's effects, we are likely handing most of the global AI and GPU market to our Chinese competitors," Glueck noted.

On Wednesday, in a document shared with the Global Times, the US Consumer Technology Association expressed concerns to the US Department of Commerce about the potential increased costs and other impacts of the Biden administration's restrictions on Chinese software and hardware used in US vehicles.

The policies of the US government have created major uncertainties for US companies, leading to growing opposition from many businesses, Song said.

A MOFCOM spokesperson also said on Thursday that the country will, in due course and in accordance with the law, include dual-use items in strategic resources and enhance export controls based on its own needs to safeguard national security, while fully considering international practices and better fulfilling its non-proliferation obligations.

The comment was made in response to a question about whether MOFCOM will add dual-use items in the area of strategic resources and strengthen export controls.

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Chinese FM urges US to stop interfering in HK affairs in response to Biden's extension of DED for certain HK residents

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 16, 2025 04:39 PM

In response to Biden's two-year extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for certain Hong Kong residents living in the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has achieved universally recognized success, noting that any attempts to smear Hong Kong will not succeed nor undermine the international community's confidence in Hong Kong.

Outgoing US president Joe Biden extended a program allowing Hong Kong residents in the country to stay beyond the expiry of their visas by another two years. Biden, who is set to leave office on January 20, said early on Thursday Hong Kong time.

At a regular press conference Thursday, Guo said currently, Hong Kong's security, democracy, and the rights and freedoms of its residents are being more effectively guaranteed, and its development prospects are brighter.

The US should respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, cease discrediting the Chinese central government's governance policies on Hong Kong and successful practice of "one country, two systems," and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, said Guo.

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China refutes Biden's DED extension for certain HK residents

Global Times

US' manipulation of visa policies 'reveals sinister intent' to incite chaos in the city

By Zhang Changyue Published: Jan 16, 2025 10:01 PM

In response to Biden's two-year extension of the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Hong Kong residents living in the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the since the return of Hong Kong, the implementation of One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong has been a well-recognized success, noting that no design to vilify Hong Kong will ever succeed or weaken international confidence in Hong Kong.

Biden, who is set to leave office on January 20, extended the program early on Thursday, allowing certain Hong Kong residents in the country to stay beyond the expiry of their visas by another two years, according to South China Morning Post.

In a memorandum on the extending and expanding eligibility for DED for certain Hong Kong residents, Biden administration also accused China of undermining the enjoyment of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong by implementing the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong.

At a regular press conference Thursday, Guo said that the security, democracy, and people's freedoms and rights in Hong Kong are now under better protection, and Hong Kong enjoys more promising development prospects.

The US should respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, abide by the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, stop denigrating the Hong Kong policy of the Central Government and the implementation of One Country, Two Systems, and stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs, said Guo.

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Thursday to President Biden's memorandum, which the office described as a malicious attack on NSL in Hong Kong and an attempt to smear the rule of law, democracy, and human rights there.

The office spokesperson criticized the US for once again manipulating its visa policies to provide a "safe haven" for anti-China disruptors who fled abroad, calling this a blatant display of hypocritical and despicable "double standards". It added that the so-called "firm support of the people in Hong Kong" claimed by the US reveals its sinister intention of inciting chaos in the region, further exposing the true face of "American hypocrisy" to the world.

The office spokesperson said that since the implementation of the NSL in Hong Kong, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, as guaranteed by law, have been fully protected. However, the spokesperson emphasized that no rights or freedoms can exceed the boundaries set by the law, and no one is above the law.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has handled actions that endanger national security in accordance with the law and done nothing deserving of reprehension, said the spokesperson. He emphasized that external interference will not shake the determination and will of the Central Government and the HKSAR government to fully and comprehensively implement the NSL in Hong Kong, nor will it hinder Hong Kong's development and China's progress.

It's not the first time that the US has attacked and tarnished Hong Kong by announcing the extension of the DED for certain Hong Kong residents, said Fan Peng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Political Sciences.

"What is ironic is that the US said Hong Kong's rule of law was undermined while many of the people protected by the US are actually individuals who have clearly violated relevant laws in Hong Kong. Some of those being protected were actually rioters. What legitimacy do you have in doing this?" Fan said.

In August 2021, Biden signed the first memorandum offering DED status to some Hong Kong residents stranded in the US. The program was set to expire on February 5, 2023. In January that year, Biden signed a memorandum to extend the DED. The memorandum on Wednesday marks the second time he has extended it.

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong urged the US government to recognize the facts, genuinely respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, stop its clumsy actions that continue to undermine China-US relations, and cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs.

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Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 16, 2025 18:24

Beijing, January 16, 2025

1.At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from January 14 to 17, 2025.

2.During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held talks with President Xi Jinping, and met with H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views and reached extensive common understandings on deepening traditional friendship and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and multi-sectoral practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

3. The two sides share the view that China and Sri Lanka have consistently respected each other, treated each other as equals and stood by each other over the 68 years of diplomatic ties, and set a fine example of friendly interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. The two sides agreed to carry forward the spirit of independence, self-reliance, solidarity and mutual assistance enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact, follow the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support, win-win cooperation and common development, stay committed to deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic

cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples.

4. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of close high-level exchanges to keep the strong strategic guidance by the leaders of the two countries over bilateral relations, to further strengthen bilateral exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies and political parties to consolidate political mutual trust and share and learn from each other's governance and development experience, and make dedicated efforts to enhance China-Sri Lanka relations.

5. Both sides reaffirmed mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. Both sides reaffirm the authority of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and Sri Lanka reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Sri Lanka firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and opposes "Taiwan independence" in any form. Sri Lanka reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang and Xinjiang. China reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.

6. China congratulated Sri Lanka on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, expressed its good wishes for the new Sri Lankan government to take the Sri Lankan people forward in economic and social development, unity, stability and prosperity, and conveyed its readiness to provide active support as the Sri Lankan government works to promote the sustainable development of the country. Sri Lanka commended the remarkable achievements China made in the new era, and expressed support for China to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization. Sri Lanka believes that China's drive to further deepen reform comprehensively and promote high-standard opening up will bring new opportunities for Sri Lanka's economic advancement.

7. Under the guidance and encouragement of leaders of both countries, China and Sri Lanka have produced fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation. Sri Lanka appreciates the important role of Belt and Road cooperation in its economic and social development and the livelihood of its people. The two sides agreed to advance all major signature projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development, fully utilize such platforms as the Silk Road Workshop and carry out more livelihood programs in Sri Lanka in accordance with the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, open, green and clean cooperation, and high-standard, people-centered and sustainable development and following the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two sides were pleased to sign a Belt and Road cooperation plan to upgrade China-Sri Lanka high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly open up new space for win-win development of higher standard, stronger resilience and greater sustainability.

8. Sri Lanka expressed its high appreciation for the valuable support it has received from China in times of financial difficulties, including the vital assistance in restructuring China-related debts, which was a robust support for Sri Lanka in effectively dealing with the debt issue. Sri Lanka expressed its desire for the early implementation of the agreed debt restructuring plan together with Chinese financial institutions. China will continue to play a positive role in the International Monetary Fund and maintain friendly communication with other creditors to help Sri Lanka ease its financial difficulties and achieve debt sustainability. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the People's Bank of China have renewed their currency swap agreement and will continue to carry out financial cooperation.

9. The two sides are satisfied with the progress of bilateral cooperation in economy and trade. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its effort to promote import from Sri Lanka through various means. China expressed its readiness to continue supporting Sri Lankan enterprises in the tea, gem and other industries in establishing ties with relevant Chinese associations of importers and exporters, facilitate Sri Lanka's participation in expos such as the China International Import Expo, China Import and Export Fair, China-South Asia Exposition and e-commerce platforms, and further enhance cooperation between enterprises of the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The two sides agreed to work toward the early conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Sri Lanka welcomes more business investment from China and will provide a conducive investment and business environment for this purpose. China will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises in investing in Sri Lanka to facilitate economic transformation and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in such fields as logistics, green development, and digital economy to propel their high-quality and mutually beneficial practical cooperation.

10. The two sides shared positive evaluations of their wide-ranging cooperation and in-depth exchanges on agriculture. China conveyed its readiness to carry out training and demonstration programs with Sri Lanka in areas including bio-technologies for tropical crops, plant breeding and cultivation, and aquaculture to help Sri Lanka enhance its capacity for sustainable agricultural development; and welcome Sri Lanka to further expand its export of distinctive products to China, including tea, fruits, cinnamon, and aquatic products. The two sides shared the readiness to expand exchanges and cooperation with a sharper focus on poverty reduction and rural revitalization. China expressed its readiness to help Sri Lanka strengthen the capacity of personnel in related fields.

11. Both sides recognize climate change as one of the greatest challenges of human society and a threat to the sustainable development of developing countries including China and Sri Lanka. They agreed to work actively together on climate change. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its humanitarian relief in the wake of severe flooding. China expressed its readiness to enhance cooperation with Sri Lanka in such fields as disaster prevention and mitigation and emergency rescue, share its technologies and provide training in improving Sri Lanka's emergency management capabilities. China welcomes Sri Lanka's participation in the relevant activities of the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition and other platforms as part of the joint effort to realize the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

12. The two sides share the desire to continue maritime cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual trust, openness and mutual benefit, and hold regular bilateral consultations on maritime affairs. The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation in such fields as conservation and restoration of the marine environment and ecosystems, maritime domain awareness, maritime rescue and disaster relief, and maritime personnel training and capacity building, and pool their strength to build a maritime community with a shared future. The two sides agreed to sign Memorandum of Understanding on Ocean Cooperation toward Blue Partnership.

13. The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation on education. The two sides fully recognized the importance of education exchanges for increasing understanding and friendship, and expressed readiness to further enhance exchanges of teachers, students, and researchers. China welcomes and encourages more committed students from Sri Lanka to pursue further studies in China, and is ready to continue to support them with government scholarships. China will work with Sri Lanka to implement the Luban Workshop to good effect and nurture more professionals through vocational and technical training for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka appreciates China's assistance in education, and will work for the success of the digital classroom project together with China. The two sides are ready to promote Chinese language education in Sri Lanka and continue to work through the China Culture Center in Sri Lanka to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides will continue to work in and develop the China-Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation and education in the universities and research institutes of the two countries.

14. The two sides are ready to carry forward their long-standing friendship and bring their peoples closer together. The two sides will take multiple measures to encourage mutual tourist travel and aviation connectivity. China welcomes more Sri Lankan cities in the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities. The two sides will continue to support each other in holding tourism promotion activities in China and Sri Lanka.

15. The two sides are ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as youth, think tanks, sports, and the media, build on the bond of Buddhist exchanges, and deepen people-to-people and sister-city exchanges.

16. China will continue to extend support for the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka. China's Yunnan Province will continue to send medical teams to Sri Lanka to carry out the Brightness Action program.

17. The Chinese side commends Sri Lanka's positive response to President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sri Lanka's participation in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia. China will further promote bilateral cultural heritage cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Alliance.

18. The two sides recognize judicial, law enforcement and security cooperation as an important component of bilateral cooperation, and stand ready to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling. China is ready to do its best to support capacity building in Sri Lanka's judicial, law enforcement and security areas and provide assistance of police supplies.

19. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and actively participating in the development of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which was just after the end of the Second World War. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly upholding the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. The two sides will adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for all countries in the world.

20. During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents, in the areas of agriculture, tourism, livelihood assistance, the media and other areas.

21. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Sri Lankan delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Sri Lanka. The Chinese leadership expressed appreciation for the kind invitation, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication via diplomatic channels.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 16, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 16, 2025 20:35

CCTV: On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on ceasefire in Gaza and release of people being held. Do you have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: China welcomes the agreement and hopes that this agreement will be implemented effectively and that there will be a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Since the outbreak of the current round of conflict in Gaza, China has been calling for an early ceasefire and working actively for deescalation, protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance. China supports the implementation of the ceasefire deal and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and make strong effort for the resumption of post-war reconstruction. We also sincerely hope that relevant parties will take the ceasefire in Gaza as an opportunity to further deescalate the tensions in the region. China will work with the international community to make unremitting effort for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Xinhua News Agency: China has recently submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the first biennial transparency report and the fourth biennial update report. The two reports give an overview of China's achievements in climate response, including progress in realizing nationally determined contribution targets, rolling out climate mitigation policies, and cutting emissions. What's your comment on China's role in global climate governance in recent years?

Guo Jiakun: Climate change is a major global challenge. China attaches great importance to climate response and is one of the first countries to become a party to the UNFCCC and to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement. The two reports that China submitted recently reflect its transparency and professionalism on information sharing, and showcase various dimensions of China's policies, measures, results and experience in climate governance.

The reports offer a glimpse of China's resolve in and actions on actively responding to climate change and deeply engaging in global climate governance. China has never stopped promoting green development. The reports mentioned that in 2021, CO2 emissions per unit of GDP dropped by 50.9 percent compared with 2005 (the base year of nationally determined contributions). As public data shows, at the end of 2023, China's installed renewable energy capacity surpassed the thermal power capacity for the first time in history. China has never let up in its effort to promote global low-carbon transition. In 2023 alone, the wind and photovoltaic products exported by China helped relevant countries cut 810 million tonnes of CO2.

Climate change requires a global response. China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, practice true multilateralism, and promote green development to protect the blue planet that we all call home.

AFP: US President Joe Biden yesterday ordered a two-year extension of the program allowing Hong Kong residents living in the US to stay beyond the expiry of their visas. Does China have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Since the return of Hong Kong, the implementation of One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong has been a well-recognized success. The security, democracy, and people's freedoms and rights in Hong Kong are now under better protection, and Hong Kong enjoys more promising development prospects. No design to vilify Hong Kong will ever succeed or weaken international confidence in Hong Kong.

The US should respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, abide by the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, stop denigrating the Hong Kong policy of the Central Government and the implementation of One Country, Two Systems, and stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs.

Yonhap News Agency: The incoming US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at his confirmation hearing referred to the DPRK as a nuclear power. The governments of the ROK, US and Japan reiterated that they do not recognize the status of the DPRK as a nuclear-armed state, and their denuclearization policy on the DPRK remains unchanged. How does China view Hegseth's remarks?

Guo Jiakun: China's basic position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged. We believe that keeping the Peninsula peaceful and stable, and advancing the political settlement of the Peninsula issue serve the common interests of all parties, and hope that all parties will make an effort to this end.

AFP: Marco Rubio, Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, said yesterday at a confirmation hearing that China was the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary that the US has ever faced. Rubio also said that the US must show China that it will pay too high a price if it invades Taiwan. Does China have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China's development is characterized by a distinct historical logic and strong endogenous driving force. There is nothing to hide about our goal, which is to deliver a better life for the people and make greater contribution to the world. We view and handle China-US relations in line with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping, and resolutely safeguard our own sovereignty, security, and development interests. The US needs to establish a right perception towards China, and stop its illegitimate attacks and smears on China.

Taiwan is part of China and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no foreign interference. The greatest challenge to cross-Strait peace is "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and foreign interference and disruption. The US needs to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop abetting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan question.

The Paper: It's reported that Taiwan "foreign minister" Lin Chia-lung will attend the inauguration of Palau's President as the "special envoy of Taiwan president" from January 15 to 18. What's your comment?

Guo Jiakun: Taiwan is a province of China. There is no such thing as "president" or "foreign ministry" of Taiwan. There's only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community. The DPP authorities' attempt of seeking "Taiwan independence" through foreign support and their secession attempt are doomed to fail.

We also noted that while the DPP authorities are trying to consolidate its so-called "diplomatic relations," friendly personages in countries such as Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands expressed to us on multiple occasions their willingness of establishing or restoring normal diplomatic relations with China. China establishing or restoring diplomatic ties with these countries is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and is only a matter of time. Let me reiterate that it's never too late to make new friends and China stands ready to open up new chapters for relations with these countries on the basis of the one-China principle.

AFP: Three Chinese nationals have been sentenced to seven years in prison in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's eastern region after being arrested in possession of gold bars and large sums of cash. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: The Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals overseas to abide by local laws and regulations. The Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has had communication with the DRC, and is properly handling the situation. We also hope that the DRC will handle the case lawfully and justly, and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese nationals concerned.

Bloomberg: China's Sinopec is reported to have signed a deal for a oil refinery in Sri Lanka. Could the Foreign Ministry comment on and characterize this deal? What does it say regarding the economic ties between China and Sri Lanka?

Guo Jiakun: China and Sri Lanka are strategic cooperative partners with sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship. On the afternoon of January 15, President Xi Jinping held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Xi noted that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditional friendship, and robust and steady growth of bilateral ties over the past 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The relationship has set a shining example of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. With the concerted efforts of both sides, the strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between China and Sri Lanka has grown from strength to strength. High-quality Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges and collaboration in various fields have delivered fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Sri Lanka today have a historic opportunity to build on what has been achieved and take the relationship into the next chapter. It is important to view bilateral relations from a strategic perspective and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.

You may continue following the specific cooperation you mentioned.

AFP: The US announced further export controls yesterday on advanced computing semiconductors, increasing due diligence requirements for businesses. Does China have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: On the recent flurry of trade and tech regulations aimed at China from the Biden administration, the Ministry of Commerce has made clear China's position. And China has lodged strong protests with the US. The US keeps overstretching the concept of national security, politicizing and weaponizing trade and tech issues, and using sanctions as a go-to tool. This seriously violates the legitimate rights and interests of companies from countries around the world, including China. This also jeopardizes market rules and the international trade order, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and undermines the common interests of US and other companies globally. What the US does is typical economic coercion and bullying. China deplores it and firmly opposes it.

I want to stress that no sanction or suppression will stop China's development and progress, and no bullying or coercion will weaken China's resolve in boosting its own strengths. We will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals and our country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.

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'TikTok' refugees could soon run into Chinese censorship on RedNote

Regulators have yet to catch up to a massive increase in English-speaking Xiaohongshu users.

By Lucie Lo and RFA Cantonese 2025.01.16 -- Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, is scrambling to recruit English-language "content reviewers" after being flooded with anglophone users styling themselves "refugees" from a looming U.S. ban on TikTok.

According to multiple media reports in Chinese citing a recent recruitment ad from the company, Xiaohongshu is now looking for people to vet posts for compliance with China's plethora of censorship requirements in English, due to a massive influx of people posting in that language.

The exodus from TikTok has seen an estimated 700,000 new users, many of them young Americans, seek a new home on Xiaohongshu, using automated translation tools to bridge the language barrier and swapping memes and stories about each other's countries.

TikTok could be forced to shut down its U.S. operations as early as Jan. 19 if its Chinese parent ByteDance doesn't sell it.

With its focus on restaurant recommendations, grocery hauls and baby-related tips, Xiaohongshu may have seemed an unlikely new home for disgruntled Generation Z "TikTok refugees." But the social media app has shot to the top of app store download charts in the past few days.

While much of China's online censorship works through automatic blocks and filters for politically sensitive keywords, "content reviewers" in China typically vet content by hand, choosing to delete anything that could get the company that publishes it into trouble with the ruling Chinese Communist Party's powerful Cyberspace Administration.

Content reviewers will be based in the central city of Wuhan and receive a salary of between 9,000-13,000 yuan (US$1,227-1,773) a month, including night shifts but no weekends, and work an eight-hour day, according to a screenshot of the ad cited by multiple media reports.

The company offers "holiday benefits and birthday gifts to bring you family-like warmth," as well as "team-building, travel, development, coffee and cake," according to the ad, which wasn't obviously dated but was widely cited by media including Ningbo Evening News and Phoenix.com.

Running afoul of censorship

There are some signs that some new RedNote users have already run afoul of Chinese censorship.

The citizen journalist X account "Mr Li is not your teacher" posted screenshots showing that some American users had posts deleted or their accounts shut down.

"On Jan. 15, an American "TikTok refugee" posted on Xiaohongshu: 'Hello everyone, I am a lesbian from the United States.' Subsequently, the post was deleted by the platform and the user account was banned," the account said, with a screenshot of the original message.

Another user wanted to know whether Marxism was taught in China, but the post was later deleted, according to a screenshot.

Users also had brushes with hate speech.

Another post by "Mr Li is not your teacher" showed a screenshot of a Jewish user who wanted to hear from Jews in China, and received a photo of a peeled boiled egg shaped like the head of Adolf Hitler in reply, as well as a comment referencing "concentration camps."

"It is disappointing for this to be the first comment I receive on this app," the user replied under the egg photo. "I am hopeful that this is not representative of general Chinese views towards Judaism."

Meanwhile, a Xiaohongshu blogger currently in the United States who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals said that English content on Xiaohongshu would still need to be censored "according to the framework of mainland China's policies, and social and cultural background."

She said the company could crack down even harder on overseas users for fear of appearing soft.

There is also a possibility that the company could tweak its algorithm to ensure that overseas-based content is seen only by users living overseas, effectively fencing off users in China from the incoming wave of "TikTok refugees," she said.

'In a really difficult position'

Olivia Plotnick, founder of the Shanghai-based social media marketing agency Wai Social, said Xiaohongshu never intended an overseas expansion, unlike TikTok, the international arm of Chinese video-sharing site Douyin.

"They are incredibly surprised by this influx of new users, and they're trying to deal with all of the content that is now flooding the platform," she said, adding that Chinese users are starting to feel "a little bit annoyed" at the influx of TikTok-style videos in their feed.

"This puts [Xiaohongshu] in a really difficult position, because they need to comply with Chinese internet regulations and I think this kind of brings us to [the question,] is this going to last?" Plotnick said.

"They're going need to start censoring posts, and when that happens, I don't think American users are going to be very happy about that."

She said the authorities could decide not to allow overseas downloads of RedNote at all, in order to protect the experience of their existing user base in China.

"There's not really a clean way that this ends," she said. "Either way, it's going to be quite messy."

For the time being, state media are welcoming the "refugees" with open arms, at a time when the state propaganda machine is churning out positive stories about Sino-U.S. friendship ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

"Friendship between countries lies in the friendship between their peoples," official Chinese Communist Party newspaper the People's Daily said in a commentary published Jan. 16, citing President Xi Jinping.

"We have reason to believe that economic globalization and the interconnectedness of the online world ... will only bring us closer, so that we move forward hand in hand," it said.

"We shouldn't call them TikTok refugees so much as global villagers ... they're not wandering: they've found a new home."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun didn't comment on the TikTok refugees directly, but told a Jan. 15 news conference that social media platforms are a matter of personal choice.

"China has always supported and encouraged people-to-people and cultural exchanges with other countries," Guo said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

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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Uyghurs welcome largest Chinese import blacklisting yet

The number of firms blacklisted by the US over Uyghur slave labor has nearly doubled in Biden's lame-duck period.

By Adile Mergen and Alex Willemyns

2025.01.16

WASHINGTON -- Uyghur activists have welcomed the Biden administration's blacklisting of a further 37 Chinese companies for ties to slave labor in China's Xinjiang region, the largest addition yet to an import ban list introduced under legislation passed in late 2021.

The blacklisting of 37 companies eclipses only the Nov. 22 listing of 29 companies and means the total number of Chinese companies banned from exporting to the United States for ties to Uyghur forced labor has grown from 78 to 144 since November's presidential election.

The U.S. government says a "genocide" is occuring against the mostly Muslim Uyghurs in China and Congress in December 2021 passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which mandates bans on imports from companies accused of profiting from indentured Uyghur labor.

The blacklist eked its way out to 78 in the almost three years between the law's passage and the Nov. 5 presidential election - with two or three companies typically added at a time - before ballooning out to 144 thanks to the two largest listings across the past two months.

"In adding 37 companies to the UFLPA Entities List and bringing the total to nearly 150, we again demonstrate our relentless fight against the cruelty of forced labor, our unwavering commitment to basic human rights, and our tireless defense of a free, fair, and competitive market," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

The companies blacklisted in the latest round include solar panel makers Hongyuan Green Energy and Donghai JA Solar Technology, 26 companies in the cotton sector and a number of polysilicon makers.

Blacklisting welcomed

Elfidar Iltebir, the president of the Uyghur American Association, told Radio Free Asia that her group was "very pleased" with the latest listing but that many more Chinese companies were still profiting from the forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and then exporting to America.

"Of course, the total number of companies that have been sanctioned to date has reached 144, but this is a very small fraction of the companies that are using Uyghur forced labor," Iltebir said.

"We will continue to work to ensure that this work continues, and we hope that the new administration will continue to enforce UFLPA."

Geoffrey Cain, the author of the 2021 book The Perfect Police States, which in part details Beijing's repression of the Uyghurs, told RFA that the last-minute whirlwind of blacklistings from the Biden administration reflected unease about the future of U.S. policy on China.

While Trump's first term in office was marked by antagonism toward China, he noted, the president-elect has at times over the past year suggested that he might take a more conciliatory stance on China.

"It's not clear if that's going to continue into the next administration," Cain said. "Donald Trump originally said that he was going to support the TikTok ban, and then reversed his position later, in the past year."

Cain noted that there would be figures both "hawkish" on China in Trump's inner-circle, such as Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, and more friendly towards Beijing, such as Elon Musk, who he said "might want to increase engagement and trade relations."

"It depends on who Donald Trump is listening to, who has his ear, and that's going to decide what the policy is going to be," he said. "What the Biden administration is doing is just trying to ratchet up and increase sanctions that it can now before the next administration comes in."

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 reaches out to US allies ahead of Trump's inauguration

By William Yang January 16, 2025

China initiated a new round of diplomatic outreach to Japan and the European Union this week as Washington prepares for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

A delegation of Japanese lawmakers traveled to Beijing and a Chinese military delegation went to Japan for the first time in five years. Meanwhile, the European Council's new president held his first phone call with China's leader, Xi Jinping.

Analysts say China is trying to test the alliance between Washington and its allies through the diplomatic efforts.

"Senior Chinese officials believe the incoming Trump administration will be more hawkish toward China, so Beijing needs to try to take U.S. allies out of Washington's orbit," Chen Yuhua, a China studies professor at Akita International University, told VOA in a video interview.

Other experts, however, say the effectiveness of Beijing's strategy remains unclear.

While China is "improving relations with everyone, they are not willing to fundamentally change their external behavior. We don't know how long [this trend] will last," said Stephen Nagy, a professor of politics and international studies at Tokyo's International Christian University.

Seafood and soldiers

On Monday, lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP, and its coalition partner Komeito began a three-day visit to China. During the trip, Japanese lawmakers met with top Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The Japanese side urged China to lift import bans on Japanese seafood "at an early date" and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living in China.

Hiroshi Moriyama, the secretary general of the LDP, said during his keynote speech on Tuesday that China and Japan "need to boost mutual understanding between their peoples and strengthen dialogue at various levels to improve their ties."

Moriyama also reiterated Tokyo's concern about rising tensions in the East China Sea and Beijing's detention of several Japanese nationals under espionage charges.

During his meeting with the Japanese delegation Tuesday, Wang said Japan and China "face important opportunities" to improve and develop bilateral relations.

On Wednesday, Li said Beijing and Tokyo should focus on exploring economic cooperation in areas such as the digital economy and green development, while increasing people-to-people exchanges at the sub-national level.

At the same time lawmakers were visiting Beijing, a Chinese military delegation started a five-day visit to Japan. During the trip, the Chinese delegation was expected to meet their Japanese counterparts and visit some military units, according to a statement from China's Defense Ministry.

Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said during a press conference on Tuesday that the Chinese delegation's visit helped to resume "exchanges among troops" and "contributes to the peace and stability of the region."

China's Defense Ministry said the visit "is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and trust while advancing defense exchanges between the two countries."

The latest bilateral exchanges between Japan and China follow Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's trip to Beijing on Dec. 25, during which Tokyo and Beijing agreed to facilitate Wang's trip to Japan and hold high-level economic and security dialogues.

Despite Japan and China's attempts to improve bilateral relations, Nagy said the efforts can't be sustained. "China thinks Japan and other countries' growing alignment on issues such as the South China Sea dispute, economic security and resilience policy are against its core interests," he told VOA by phone.

So "while they can have exchanges with Japan, it doesn't take away their concerns about these issues," Nagy said.

Driving a wedge

Apart from mending ties with Japan, China has also been trying to improve relations with the European Union amid rising trade tensions in recent months.

During his first phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday, Xi said there are "no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts" between China and the EU, "making them partners that can contribute to each other's success."

"China remains confident in the EU and hopes the EU will also prove to be a trustworthy cooperation partner for China," he said, adding that both sides should "expand mutual openness, consolidate existing cooperation mechanisms and foster new growth points in their cooperation."

Costa said he had a "constructive" phone call with Xi, during which he highlighted how Russia's war against Ukraine threatens global peace and agreed with Xi that China and the EU should work together to "tackle global challenges."

"The EU and China are important trading partners. Our relations need to be balanced and based on a level-playing field," Costa wrote in a post on the social media platform X.

The call between Xi and Costa comes amid rising trade tensions between China and the EU. Last October, the EU decided to impose tariffs of up to 45.3% on imported Chinese electric vehicles. The move prompted Beijing to impose "temporary anti-dumping measures" on brandy imported from the EU.

Experts say China's outreach to the EU is part of Beijing's attempt to weaken the alliance between Washington and Brussels ahead of Trump's return to office.

"China always has this anxiety that the U.S. and EU would work together to deal with China, so the upcoming regime change in Washington presents an opportunity [for Beijing] to exploit the anxiety that European countries have about the second Trump administration," Matej Simalcik, executive director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, told VOA in an interview in Taipei.

In his view, while China's approach is unlikely to soften the EU's tough trade approach against Beijing, it could present challenges to the bloc's foreign policy agenda by leveraging its influence over certain EU member states.

"There are a lot of policy areas where EU member states have to agree on them unanimously and China could use its friendly relationship with certain member states to veto certain parts of the EU's foreign policy agenda," Simalcik said.

While the effectiveness of Beijing's diplomatic outreach to U.S. allies remains unclear, Chen in Japan said these efforts show China's foreign policy approach has become "more sophisticated."

"Compared to their 'wolf warrior diplomacy' during the first Trump administration, China's current diplomatic approach has become more delicate," he told VOA.

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Treasury Targets IT Worker Network Generating Revenue for DPRK Weapons Programs

U.S. Department of the Treasury

January 16, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two individuals and four entities for generating illicit revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government.



The DPRK dispatches thousands of highly skilled information technology (IT) workers around the world with orders to generate revenue for the DPRK government to circumvent U.S. and United Nations (UN) sanctions. These IT workers obfuscate their identities and locations to fraudulently obtain freelance employment contracts from clients around the world for IT projects, such as software and mobile application development. The DPRK government withholds up to 90 percent of the wages earned by these overseas workers, thereby generating annual revenues of hundreds of millions of dollars for the Kim regime's weapons programs to include weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. More information about the use of IT workers to generate revenue for the DPRK can be found in the May 16, 2022 IT Worker Advisory, issued by the Departments of State, Treasury and Justice.



"The DPRK continues to rely on its thousands of overseas IT workers to generate revenue for the regime, to finance its illegal weapons programs, and to enable its support of Russia's war in Ukraine," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States remains resolved to disrupt these networks, wherever they operate, that facilitate the regime's destabilizing activities."

ILLICIT IT WORKER REVENUE GENERATION

OFAC's action today designates a network that consists of a DPRK government weapons-trading department, two of its front companies that employ DPRK IT workers in Laos, two DPRK leaders of those front companies, and a Chinese company supplying the DPRK government with electronics equipment:

Department 53 of The Ministry of The People's Armed Forces (Department 53) is a DPRK weapons-trading entity subordinate to the DPRK Ministry of National Defense. In addition to selling advanced conventional weapons and military grade communications equipment, Department 53 generates revenue using front companies in a variety of industrial sectors, including IT and software development.Department 53 is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13687 for being an agency, instrumentality, or controlled entity of the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea.

Department 53 front company Korea Osong Shipping Co (Osong) has maintained delegations of DPRK IT workers in Laos since at least 2022. As directed by their on-site supervisors, these workers have used aliases to communicate with clients and generate revenue for the DPRK regime, on IT projects such as cryptocurrency exchanges, website and mobile applications. OFAC is designating Osong pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea, including exportation to generate revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea.

Since at least 2021, Department 53 front company Chonsurim Trading Corporation (Chonsurim) has also directed an additional group of DPRK IT workers in Laos to use falsified identification credentials to undertake software development and other IT work for companies around the world. Chonsurim is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea, including exportation to generate revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea.

Jong In Chol is the president of Chonsurim's DPRK IT worker delegation in Laos, the revenue of which is used exclusively to support the DPRK's munitions sector. Jong in Chol is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Chonsurim, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13722.

Son Kyong Sik is the Shenyang, China-based chief representative of 53 Department's Osong. OFAC is designating Son Kyong Sik pursuant to E.O. 13722 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Osong, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13722.

Liaoning China Trade Industry Co., Ltd (Liaoning China Trade) is a China-based company that has shipped to Department 53 equipment that enables it to conduct its IT worker activities abroad. These shipments include notebook and desktop computers, graphics cards, HDMI cables, and network equipment. OFAC is designating Liaoning China Trade for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Department 53, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13687.

These actions were also undertaken in the spirit of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 (NKSPEA), including as amended by the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 within the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 116-92).

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

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Press Statement of Chief of External Policy Office of DPRK Foreign Ministry

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, January 17 (KCNA) -- The chief of the External Policy Office of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Friday issued the following press statement "We will contain the planned hostile military provocations and control the unstable regional situation with more thorough exercise of the right to self-defence":

From the outset of the year the U.S. and its satellites are getting evermore undisguised in their military provocations to pose a grave challenge to the security environment of the DPRK.

On January 6 and 9, the U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance planes flew over the Korean peninsula several times to perpetrate aerial espionage against the DPRK's strategic depth. On January 10, the 4th U.S.-ROK "nuclear consultative group" meeting was held in Washington to simulate a nuclear war drill on the Korean peninsula and an increase in the visibility of deploying U.S. strategic assets.

On Jan. 15, B-1B strategic bombers of the U.S. Air Force were deployed in the sky over the open sea near the Korean peninsula to conduct a U.S.-Japan-ROK joint air drill. On the same day, the U.S. and ROK air forces staged the first air live-shell firing drill for this year.

The U.S. political and military provocations, witnessed day after day in the Korean peninsula where huge armed forces of warring countries are on high alert and the possibility of permanent military conflict is wandering, are the direct root cause of inciting the danger of armed conflict and disturbing the regional stability.

The U.S., which spent the end of last year through the largest-ever war drills, entered the new year with military provocations involving its satellite countries. This goes to prove that it is the U.S. which has brought instability to the region, and heralds this year's development of the military and political situation in the Korean peninsula with a dangerous tendency.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry expresses serious concern over the provocations of the U.S. and its allies that add another factor of instability to the very serious tension in the Korean peninsula, and clarifies once again that the DPRK's exercise of the right to self-defence to defend the sovereign rights and security interests of the state will be conducted more intensively.

The DPRK's access to a more overwhelming war deterrent aimed at countering the U.S.-led hostile states' military threat is an essential requirement for maintaining the balance of forces on the Korean peninsula and ensuring the security of the regional situation.

As already clarified, the DPRK will strongly deter any military provocation planned by the hostile forces and firmly defend the security interests of the state and the regional peace and stability by exercising more thoroughly and perfectly the right to self-defence, pursuant to its toughest counteraction strategy. -0-

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Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 2,960 crore contract with BDL for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles for Indian Navy

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 16 JAN 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy at a cost of approximately Rs 2,960 crore. The contract was inked by the officials of MoD and BDL in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on January 16, 2025.

The MRSAM system is a standard fit, onboard multiple Indian Naval Ships and is planned to be fitted on the majority of the future platforms planned for acquisition. The contract marks a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster India's defence capabilities and indigenise advanced military technology.

With the emphasis on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the missiles would be supplied by BDL under 'Buy (Indian)' category with largely indigenous content. The contract would generate employment of approx. 3.5 lakh mandays in the defence industry, including various MSMEs.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2093286)

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Terrorists nabbed in IRGC operation in southeastern Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 16, 2025

Zahedan, IRNA -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has reported the arrest of 15 terrorists who were planning sabotage activities in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.

The Quds Headquarters of the IRGC Ground Forces announced, in a statement, on Thursday that the terrorists were nabbed before they could carry out any destructive actions.

A precise operation to clear the area of the presence of evildoers and terrorist groups was conducted following a report about their presence in the areas bordering Pakistan.

Combat helicopters and the IRGC Ground Force's drone unit were also the part of the anti-terror operation, the statement said, adding that a large amount of weapons and ammunition were discovered and seized from the terrorists.

The security and intelligence agencies have carried out a number of such operations in recent months, arresting dozens of terrorists and dismantling several terrorist hideouts in Sistan and Baluchestan, especially in its border areas.

4399**2050

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Top general hails Iran's growing naval might

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 16, 2025

Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri hails growing capabilities of the country's navy, saying it is fully prepared to execute and implement various complex plans and programs.

General Bagheri made the remarks while attending an inauguration ceremony of the Second Maritime Zone located in the strategic Jask region, near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on Thursday.

He said that the Iranian navy, today, is excelling in various domains of training, skills, and design capabilities.

While honoring the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, as well as those who sacrificed their lived for the sake of the Islamic Revolution, the top commander said that the long coast and the strategic position Iran enjoys are "God's blessings".

"If we take advantage of our long coast properly, it will lead us to unparalleled power in the region and even as one of the world powers", he said.

He called the Second Maritime Zone a very sensitive and strategic point that could help the country's navy reach the entire planet.

Major General Bagheri continued by saying that the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has expanded two of its three main areas on the coast of the Sea of Oman and provided maritime security for the country's commercial and oil fleets.

Over the past 10 years, despite the fact that pirates were making international waterways unsafe, these naval fleets have been the ones that have helped "our commercial and oil vessels safely pass through dangerous areas" more than hundreds of times, he added.

4399**2050

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Top general: Enemy dares not cast hostile glance at Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 3:44 PM

Iran's top military general has praised the country's naval capabilities, saying the enemy does not dare cast a hostile glance at the Islamic Republic.

"Today, our navy is fully prepared in various aspects, including training, skills, design capabilities, and the implementation of a variety of complex plans and programs, and we take pride in this readiness," Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri said Thursday.

He made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the Second Maritime Zone located in the strategic Jask region, near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.

Bagheri said the second zone of Jask is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area in the Sea of Oman, at the northern edge of the Indian Ocean, with no obstacles to reaching the entire globe.

"This is a blessing that we must value more than ever, ensuring the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and weapons for our country. Using this zone as a foundation, missions are being carried out rapidly, and progress is well underway," he added.

Gen. Bagheri said despite facing the height of sanctions, pressures, conspiracies, and threats, Iran managed to establish the new Second Naval Zone of Velayat in Jask with such beauty and strength, integrating new equipment and utilizing it effectively so that "no one dares to cast a hostile glance" at the interests of this nation and its territory.

"This power, supremacy over the sea and land is a blessing that ensures any investment and activity by the government, the people, and other investors can be carried out with complete security," he said.

"We proudly declare in all governmental and non-governmental forums that the powerful armed forces of this nation have ensured complete security for all infrastructural, economic, cultural, and social activities. No one can claim that security or defense issues prevent work in the coasts, borders, islands, waters of the Islamic Republic, or our region."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Gen. Bagheri said that over the past decade, despite pirates threatening the safety of international waterways, these naval fleets have ensured the safe passage of "our commercial and oil vessels through dangerous areas" on hundreds of occasions.

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IRGC captures another 15 terrorists during drills in southeast Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 2:17 PM

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has captured 15 more terrorists in the course of the ongoing counterterrorism military exercise in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.

In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC Ground Force's Quds Base said it had conducted a precise and large-scale ground operation over the past few days in the regions straddling the border with Pakistan.

The statement said the terrorists were arrested as they planned to carry out acts of sabotage in Sistan and Baluchestan province.

The operation was carried out as part of the "Martyrs of Security" drill, with aerial support from IRGC attack helicopters and drone units during which a large amount of weapons and ammunition was confiscated from the terrorists.

The Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan, has witnessed several terror attacks targeting both civilians and security forces over the past years.

Terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country are believed to be linked to foreign intelligence services.

The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault on Iranian security forces on October 26 last year, which was one of the deadliest in the province in recent years.

The group has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Iran, primarily in Sistan and Baluchestan. Its tactics include the abduction of border guards as well as targeting civilians and police stations within the province to incite chaos and disorder.

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President Pezeshkian: Iran open to talks but fully prepared to crush enemy in event of aggression

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 8:29 AM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is fully prepared to give a "teeth-breaking response" to any aggression by the enemy but remains open to dialogue as a favorable means of resolving the differences.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during an interview with NBC News's Lester Holt in the capital, Tehran, stressing that Iran is neither afraid of war nor seeking one, when he was asked about the possibility of a military attack against the Islamic Republic.

"Such military attacks will undoubtedly be detrimental to the region and the world. Iran is neither Gaza nor Syria. Iran has the power to give a teeth-breaking response to these attacks, but we have never sought to create conflict in the region," the Iranian president stressed.

When asked how Iran would react if the United States and Israel attacked the country to halt its nuclear program, Pezeshkian said, "Naturally, we will give an appropriate reaction to any action taken against us."

"We are not afraid of war, but we are not seeking it either. What they are talking about is an attack on land and equipment, but what we have gained is our thoughts, skills, and capabilities, which cannot be destroyed," he emphasized.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian said that Iran is ready for talks with the United States and Europe based on dignity, wisdom, and equal terms.

"We are ready for dialogue; we accept an equal conversation that considers our dignity and wisdom, and we will not submit to force in any way," he stressed.

Back in 2015, Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany finally reached an agreement over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program after 21 months of negotiations.

The landmark deal - formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - required Iran to scale back some of its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of cruel sanctions imposed on the country, especially those by the US.

However, in May 2018, then-US president Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the UNSC-endorsed agreement, imposing severe economic sanctions against Tehran while Iran was adhering to its commitments under the deal and even continued to do so for a year after the US withdrawal.

Despite Washington's deceitful behavior, Iran continued to abide by the agreement in full for over a year between 2018 and 2019, as a demonstration of goodwill and to provide the US with a ramp for a possible return to the deal.

Reacting to the counter-party's non-commitment to its obligations, Tehran initiated a set of retaliatory nuclear steps, including activating more advanced centrifuges. Over the past few years, Iran has been stepping up the measures in response to the other parties' continued refusal to uphold their obligations under the nuclear deal.

Iran has repeatedly stressed that its nuclear program is peaceful in nature.

"Currently, dialogue between Iran and European countries continues. We are certainly not seeking to undermine the global perspective on tranquility and security. It is they who are trying to force us into a situation that does not exist in the mind and beliefs of our Leader [of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] and the Iranian authorities. They are doing everything to say that Iran wants to develop a nuclear bomb, justifying their actions accordingly. This narrative is entirely unacceptable," Pezeshkian stressed.

When asked whether Iran is ready to hold direct talks with the US on its nuclear energy program, the Iranian president said that the Islamic Republic has always been ready for negotiations. However, he added that Iran's concern is while Tehran engages in negotiations and adheres to agreements, the other side resorts to pressure, stressing that this is what has rendered talks unfruitful.

"We cannot have sanctions imposed on us every day and then come to the negotiating table. What should we believe in? If you genuinely want peace and tranquility in the region, why do you threaten and sanction us every day? Why do you send people to assassinate innocent individuals in society? If you truly seek peace, what is the purpose of these actions?" Pezeshkian emphasized.

"Our problem is not with dialogue; our problem is with adhering to commitments that must be upheld after the dialogue. Unfortunately, when we engage in discussions and make commitments to each other, there is a lack of adherence to those commitments," he stressed.

The Islamic Republic, though, has vowed to respond in kind to any positive measures on the part of the other parties to the nuclear agreement.

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FM Araghchi: Iran-Russia strategic deal step toward 'more just world'

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 16 January 2025 7:38 AM

A comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, scheduled to be signed between Iran and Russia during President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow, will be a step toward creating a more "balanced and just" world, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The Kremlin said on Monday the Iranian president and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would sign the agreement after negotiations in Moscow on January 17.

"Iran and Russia, having realized their historical responsibility, are building a new order in which cooperation will replace hegemony, and respect will replace imposition," Araghchi said in an article published on Sputnik on Wednesday.

He added that the two countries are moving towards creating a bright future for their people and other independent nations.

Stressing that Iran-Russia relations have undergone "difficult tests" throughout history, Araghchi said that mutual ties currently exemplify "sustainable and future-oriented" cooperation.

He said the strategic partnership deal is a "turning point" that will promote mutual relations and prepare a ground for the two countries to play a joint role in regional and global developments.

Iran, Russia: Two important players in new world order

As two large and powerful countries, Iran and Russia play a leading role in shaping the new world order, the top Iranian diplomat said.

He added that Iran, which enjoys a strategic position in the global energy and trade sphere, and Russia, as a country endowed with highly rich resources, advanced industries, and widespread influence, have enormous potential to boost cooperation.

In addition to their geographical and economic features, the two countries are also aligned in their fundamental principles, he noted.

"Both oppose unilateralism and illegal interference in the internal affairs of countries. Cooperation between Iran and Russia is not only a bilateral interaction but also a message to all countries that believe in national sovereignty, justice and multilateralism," Araghchi emphasized.

"The signing of the 20-year agreement between Iran and Russia is not just a political document, but also a roadmap for the future. This agreement covers all aspects of cooperation between the two countries," Araghchi said.

He added that the document will specifically focus on improving economic cooperation between the two countries.

The new strategic agreement between Russia and Iran contributes to the completion of the North-South transport corridor and the promotion of the volume of trade in line with strengthening the economic ties between the two countries, the Iranian foreign minister said in the article.

"This huge transport project connects Iran to Russia and from there to Europe and Asia. With the completion of this corridor, trade routes between the two countries will become shorter and costs will be reduced," the article read.

The new agreement also aims at accelerating the growth of trade volume between Iran and Russia, which increased by 15% last year, the minister said.

He added that the document encompasses all economic aspects, including the development of common markets and investment in infrastructure projects.

"Iran and Russia, as two major powers in the oil and gas industry, can cooperate with each other in energy production, transmission and export," Araghchi pointed out.

He pointed to the extensive scientific and research capacities of Iran and Russia, saying the treaty will prepare the ground for sharing knowledge and increasing cooperation in areas such as nanotechnology, aerospace, artificial intelligence and medical sciences.

He noted that the agreement also seeks to facilitate travel conditions for tourists in order to strengthen cultural cooperation.

"One of the underestimated aspects of international relations is the importance of cultural exchanges. The strategic agreement will facilitate travel conditions for tourists and create joint cultural programs, allowing the two countries to better understand each other," Araghchi said.

The Iranian minister said Iran and Russia have an active presence in organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS group of emerging economies, and the Eurasian Economic Union, adding that they are defining a new model of regional and global cooperation.

Araghchi said a key component of the strategic deal between Iran and Russia is the enhancement of security and defense cooperation.

"Iran and Russia have valuable experience in combating terrorism and extremism. Such a partnership aimed at strengthening regional and global stability meets not only the interests of the two countries, but also those of global peace," he added.

He dismissed claims by certain media outlets about Tehran-Moscow interaction, saying their bilateral cooperation does not aim to pose any threat but seeks to improve common security and protect human values.

At the same time, Araghchi noted that the agreement does not imply a military union.

"It is an entirely comprehensive agreement. For instance, it is not an agreement on a military union, with a particular target, but entirely comprehensive and covers all aspects," he emphasized.

The top Iranian diplomat said Tehran and Moscow have consistently emphasized the need to end humanitarian crises, explaining that cooperation in sending humanitarian aid to Gaza and support for international resolutions to stop the conflict are examples of the common vision.

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Today's resolution ensures the UN sanctions regime on Libya remains fit for purpose: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on the Libya Sanctions Regime

16 January 2025

The United Kingdom is grateful to all members of the Security Council for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation of this resolution.

Today's resolution is an important step, ensuring that the UN sanctions regime on Libya remains fit for purpose and in the service of the Libyan people.

This resolution comes at a critical juncture for advancing Libya's security and stability. The new exemption to the arms embargo will enable Member States to provide training and technical expertise to Libyan security forces to support the vital goal of military and security reunification.

In addition, for the first time, the Libyan Investment Authority will be allowed to reinvest frozen cash reserves to safeguard the assets for the future benefit of the Libyan people.

We also welcome the new designation criteria which will enable us to hold accountable those who exploit crude oil and refined petroleum, a natural resource which should benefit all Libyans.

We look forward to working with Council members on proper implementation of these new measures.

We are also pleased to extend the mandate of the Libyan Panel of Experts, whose expertise has been essential to making the changes agreed today.

The UK continues to strongly support the UN facilitated, Libyan-led political process, and urges all parties to engage fully in order to make much needed progress and lead the country to elections.

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Junta blockades keep Myanmar children malnourished and without vaccines

Pregnant women and the elderly are also at risk, aid workers said.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.16 -- Myanmar children nationwide are facing extreme shortages of food and medicine in areas under rebel control, leading to malnutrition and illness, aid workers and residents told Radio Free Asia.

Fighting between rebel groups and the Myanmar military has forced millions to flee airstrikes, village razings and gunfire, and has often left them without stable homes and sources of food since the military took power in 2021.

Junta forces have also imposed blockades on many parts of the country, preventing vulnerable populations from getting much-needed supplies.

"We have to eat hard and broken rice with vegetable curries, fishpaste and fried fishpaste, as well as gooseberries. These are common foods for the children," said one woman declining to be named for security reasons who has been displaced for the last three years in Sagaing region's Yinmabin township. Her two children are malnourished because they have to eat whatever food is available in the shortage.

"They frequently get sick because they're malnourished, and have become pale and thin, in poor health. They also suffer from muscle stiffness."

'No food'

Internally displaced people number more than 3.5 million in Myanmar, of which children count for nearly one-third, according to the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF. According to a 2024 report, six million children in Myanmar are facing a worsening humanitarian situation.

For children sheltering at camps in Rakhine state in Myanmar's west, where battles between the Arakan Army and junta have intensified, the food available doesn't offer enough nutrition, said a member of the Mrauk-U Youths Association, declining to be named for fear of reprisals.

"There is no food at some internally displaced persons camps, not even enough rice for the children. In some families of five, only children are fed, and the mothers cannot eat," they said. "However, the foods [available] lack sufficient nutrition."

To Myanmar's east, similar problems persist for the young, elderly and pregnant, said a midwife working in camps across Kayah and southern Shan state's Demoso, Hpruso, Mobye and Pekon townships.

"Children under five, pregnant women and the elderly are the most vulnerable to malnutrition. Pregnant women are at risk of developing anemia," she said. "It can negatively impact the health of the fetus."

'A huge problem'

But children are also at risk for long-term effects, like intellectual disability, stunted growth and even death, said a doctor declining to be named in order to speak with the media.

"Malnutrition will lead to bone disease first, such as bone deformity and rickets," he said. "Malnutrition is a huge problem. It should be dealt with seriously. Otherwise, the mortality rate of newborns and children will increase."

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment went unanswered.

Some areas have received aid in the form of food supplies for women and children as well as cash assistance for new mothers, said Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Minister for Women, Youth and Children Affairs under the parallel exiled National Unity Government.

But as much as 70% of children are also missing out on vital vaccinations to prevent other types of disease in Sagaing region, said Phu Pwint Wai, head of the Aungnya Pyit Tine Htaung relief aid organization, adding that vaccinations for children have been suspended in Sagaing region.

According to a UNICEF report published in December, more than one million children nationwide have no access to essential vaccinations.

"Many newborns in rural areas lack access to vaccines at the appropriate ages," Phu Pwint Wai said. "Children can only receive vaccinations in areas near towns where the junta has permitted access."

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Joshua Lipes.

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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Exclusive: Submarines from China-Pakistan cooperation project to join Pakistan Navy fleet soon, says Pakistani naval chief

Global Times

Brotherly cooperation

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Jan 15, 2025 10:25 PM

In recent years, China and Pakistan have been enjoying high level, pragmatic naval cooperation. In addition to joint exercises and training operations such as the Sea Guardian series bilateral exercises and AMAN series multinational exercises, the two countries have also carried out cooperation in military equipment such projects involving Type 054A/P guided missile frigates and Hangor-class submarines.

The Pakistan Navy is planning to host the AMAN-25 multinational exercise in early February in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi. Ahead of the exercise, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, said in an exclusive interview with the Global Times that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has participated in all previous editions of AMAN exercises, and he expects that PLA Navy will participate in AMAN-25 and is looking forward to hosting PLA Navy leadership during the AMAN dialogue.

AMAN exercises deepen collaboration

Ashraf told the Global Times that the main objective of AMAN is to foster regional cooperation for the maintenance of good order at sea, improving interoperability, share experiences, understand each other, and exhibit united resolve against terrorism and organized crimes in the maritime domain.

He said that the Pakistan Navy is fully prepared and geared up to conduct AMAN-25 with enhanced participation of friendly countries in a professional and befitting manner.

It is worth noting that the previous edition of the exercise held in February 2023, which witnessed the participation from 50 countries across the globe. "Keeping the same spirit, we are hopeful that this edition will also mark a distinctive chapter in history of AMAN exercises with enhanced participation of friendly countries," Ashraf said.

Ashraf revealed that the maiden AMAN Dialogue will be held in tandem with AMAN-25. "The AMAN Dialogue aims to promote understanding in maritime security issues, finding ways to enhance cooperation at sea, and discussing security linked to the blue economy."

"We have been honored by the regular participation of PLA Navy in all previous editions of AMAN exercises," Ashraf said, noting that this has added highlights to the exercise and is a reflection of the two countries' common resolve to come together for peace and security in the region. "Similarly, we expect that the PLA Navy will actively participate in AMAN-25 also with suitable representation. As I have mentioned earlier as well, the maiden AMAN Dialogue will also be conducted concurrently with Exercise AMAN. So, we are also looking forward to hosting PLA Navy leadership during the dialogue," he said.

Official Chinese media releases previously reported that the PLA Navy flotilla's participation in the AMAN exercises further promoted the PLA Navy's maritime exchanges and cooperation with other participating navies, showing the determination to jointly safeguard maritime security, and boosted the capability in jointly dealing with maritime security threats.

Fruitful naval cooperation

Pakistan Naval personal carry national flags of participating countries during the opening ceremony of Pakistan Navy's Multinational Exercise AMAN-23 (PEACE), in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 10, 2023. Photo: VCG

Pakistan Naval personnel carry national flags of participating countries during the opening ceremony of Pakistan Navy's Multinational Exercise AMAN-23 (PEACE), in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 10, 2023. Photo: VCG

Aside from the AMAN series exercises hosted by the Pakistan Navy, China and Pakistan also regularly hold the Sea Guardian bilateral naval drills. The China-Pakistan Sea Guardian-3 maritime joint exercise was held in the waters and airspace of the northern Arabian Sea from November 11 to 17, 2023. In 2020 and 2022, the two countries held the Sea Guardian 2020 and Sea Guardian-2 joint exercises in northern Arabian Sea waters and waters and airspace near Shanghai respectively. The Sea Guardian joint exercises aim to enhance security cooperation between the two sides, consolidate all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and boost the level of combat-oriented training of the two militaries.

Speaking about the achievements the two sides have made from the Sea Guardian series drills, Ashraf said that Pakistan Navy-PLA Navy relations are a reflection of Pakistan-China strategic ties, which includes participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises. In this regard, the Sea Guardian series of exercises amply fulfil the objectives of fostering interoperability and sharing professional experiences to deal with contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean region.

Ashraf introduced the Sea Guardian-3 exercise in detail. He said that the Pakistan Navy units along with PLA Navy frigates, submarine, and aviation units participated in the exercise. The evolution at sea included joint maneuvers, anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine drills. They "provided a useful opportunity to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation and enhance interoperability between two navies. Moreover, we expect that scope of the exercise will gradually increase in coming editions."

In addition, as an important part of the China-Pakistan naval cooperation, all four Type 054A/P frigates built by China have been delivered to the Pakistan Navy. In May 2023, two Type 054A/P frigates built by China for the Pakistan Navy were delivered, marking that all four Type 054A/Ps ordered by the Pakistan Navy have been commissioned. The Type 054A/P is one of the latest multi-role frigates of Chinese origin, equipped with the state-of-the-art weapons and sensors that include CM-302 surface-to-surface missiles and LY-80 surface-to-air missiles, as well as an Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare suite and Combat Management System, enabling ships of this class to operate under multi-threat scenarios.

Ashraf spoke highly of these four ships. He said that the acquisition of Type 054 A/P is a symbol of enduring friendship and historical affinity between Pakistan and China. Type 054 A/P ships are equipped to operate under multi-threat scenarios and have been fully integrated into Pakistan Navy operations. "The induction of Type 054 A/P frigates in the Pakistan Navy Fleet has bolstered our war fighting capabilities, enhanced operational flexibility, and these ships will remain the mainstay of Pakistan Navy Fleet in coming years."

Moreover, according to a photo provided by the Pakistan Navy, the PNS Zulfiquar, an F-22P guided missile frigate China built for the Pakistan Navy, conducted Operation Himalayan Spirit in the North Arabian Sea in October 2024. The Pakistan Navy seized 1.3 tons of narcotics during the operation.

Other than cooperation in terms of surface vessels, another key project in the China-Pakistan naval cooperation is the joint construction of eight Hangor-class submarines. This type of submarine is equipped with the latest weapons and sensors. With air independent propulsion (AIP) system onboard, the submarine has significantly enhanced submerged endurance capabilities.

According to open reports, Pakistan signed a contract with China to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines in 2015, with the first four to be constructed by China and the other four to be assembled by Pakistan, so as to improve Pakistan's technical capabilities. The plan is that Pakistan will obtain the eight advanced submarines between 2022 and 2028. In December 2021, the fifth Hangor-class conventional submarine, also the first one built in Pakistan, officially received a steel cutting ceremony. It marked Pakistan's gaining of the building technology of the world's top-class modern submarine.

Open reports also showed that the first Hangor-class conventional submarine was launched in China in April 2024. In response to the questions "When is the first boat scheduled to enter service, and how is the progress for the four boats being built in Pakistan," Ashraf said that the Hangor-class submarines will significantly enhance Pakistan's naval capabilities. These submarines will provide improved stealth, maneuverability and firepower, allowing our Navy to execute a wide range of operations effectively. "The project is proceeding as per the timeline. We expect that these submarines will join the Pakistan Navy fleet very soon," Ashraf said.

New fields to be explored

A China-built Z-9 shipborne helicopter of the Pakistan Navy flies over the sea. Photo: Courtesy of the Pakistan Navy

A China-built Z-9 shipborne helicopter of the Pakistan Navy flies over the sea. Photo: Courtesy of the Pakistan Navy

Talking about the future of Pakistan-China naval cooperation, Ashraf said that the Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy enjoys a historically strong deep-rooted bilateral relationship. Close collaboration between the two navies exists across multiple domains including acquisition of platforms, equipment, bilateral exercises, technical cooperation, Navy-to-Navy (N2N) Expert Level Staff Talks, training collaboration, exchange visits, and port calls.

According to the admiral, the prospects for future cooperation between the Pakistani and Chinese navies are very broad. "I believe that there is no shortage of avenues for the broadening of our mutual engagements and we are looking forward to establishing long term collaboration in the domains of artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber, and space."

According to a photo provided by the Pakistan Navy, Ashraf visited a shipyard in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province in April 2024 and met with the shipyard's representatives during the launching ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine of the Pakistan Navy.

When asked about his visit to China in April 2024, Ashraf said that he interacted with the PLA Navy leadership, and has found PLA Navy leadership to be highly professional and cordial. "I have no doubt that the PLA Navy is on the way to becoming one of the finest and leading navies in days to come. Moreover, I also believe that with the focused approach of the leadership on both sides, our relations will continue to expand further in times to come."

India is continuously expanding and modernizing its naval fleet and also commissioned its first domestically built aircraft carrier in 2022. In response to the questions, "How has the naval build up might affect regional maritime balance of power, and does the Pakistan Navy plan to eventually operate an aircraft carrier as well," Ashraf said that the Pakistan Navy is a balanced force, which is capable of responding to a full spectrum of conflicts and is optimized to the evolving character of warfare, rehearsed to perform in time-sensitive situations and remains combat ready. Manned by competent human resources, integrated through network-centric warfare, and with a right balance between manned and unmanned assets, our fleet is capable of dealing with diverse maritime challenges.

"While India continues to build its navy, we are not in an arms race. However, we maintain an adequate capacity to accomplish assigned tasks effectively," Ashraf stressed.

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Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 16 January 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing.

The Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training hosted the International Conference on "Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities," from 11th -12th January 2025 in Islamabad.

The global summit was attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif; Secretary General OIC Hissein Brahim Taha; Muslim World League Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, besides high-level officials, ministers and dignitaries from a number of other Islamic countries.

While addressing the meeting of the visiting ministers and authorities of education from various Muslim countries, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of female education as emphasized upon by the Islamic teachings and the instructions of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). He highlighted a number of reforms undertaken by the government in the education sector.

Islamabad Declaration, adopted by the Conference, comprises of several commitments agreed upon by the participating countries. It emphasizes the empowerment of women in education across all levels.

The Declaration underscored girls' education as a fundamental right protected by divine laws, Islamic teachings, and international charters and further emphasized aligning education with Islamic principles, national priorities, and global advancements, aiming to empower women and foster stable and peaceful communities.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Mr Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha.

The Fourth Round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and the Fifth meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) was held on 10th January 2025 in Beijing. Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch led the Pakistan delegation, while Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Sun Weidong led the Chinese side.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirmed the commitment to further deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen the mutual partnerships in developing CPEC. The two sides underscored the need to reinforce their mutual coordination at the multilateral forums, including at the United Nations Security Council and exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues.

Pakistan welcomes the Gaza ceasefire reached on 15 January 2025 and calls for its immediate and full implementation. It is hoped that the truce would lead to permanent ceasefire and help in scaling up humanitarian assistance.

Indiscriminate use of force by Israeli occupation forces has caused unprecedented loss of lives and property and displacements of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilian Palestinians. Israel's expansionist designs have destabilized the entire region.

Pakistan reiterates its support for a just, comprehensive, and durable solution to the Palestinian issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan-UK friendship is characterized by warmth, cordiality, robust cooperation and trust.

As such, we note with deep concern the increasingly racist and Islamophobic political and media commentary in the UK that is aimed to conflating the reprehensible actions of a few individuals with the entire 1.7 million British Pakistani diaspora.

Pakistan strongly rejects the baseless accusations and unfounded assertions made by India's Defence Minister and Chief of Army Staff on 13 and 14 January 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final status is to be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. In this context, India has no legal or moral grounds to assert fictitious claims over the territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

I thank you!

*

1. (Mateen Haider, G News): Sir, the latest development is Gaza ceasefire. Although a short statement was issued this morning and you also repeated that statement. In the statement, it is said that Pakistan hopes that it will lead to permanent ceasefire and that it should be implemented. So, what do you think is the mechanism for implementation of the deal? And do you think that in the days to come, this ceasefire will be implemented in letter and spirit and will ensure that there is no further bombardment on the Gaza Valley?

Spokesperson: At this point in time, we can hope for the best. We have seen the news of the two sides reaching a ceasefire, a truce, through the mediation and efforts of a number of countries involved. We take this development positively and as I noted and we hope that this would lead to a permanent ceasefire, which could alleviate the unprecedented sufferings which have befallen the people of Palestine and Gaza. At this point this is what I can say. So let it play out and we will be able to see how it evolves in the coming days.

2. (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir there is an ongoing backdoor diplomacy between Pakistan and Tajikistan, from the military side, especially with regards to destabilising Afghan government. Secondly, what is the position of Wakhan? There is trolling on the media that Pakistan has occupied Wakhan. Is there any truth to this?

Spokesperson: Tajikistan is a very close friend and partner of Pakistan. We have long standing relations with Tajikistan and exchange of visits and consultations across the governments is a normal feature of this relation. And any speculation regarding Pakistan and Tajikistan working to destabilize or something I would reject. And our relationship, like with all friendly countries is based on the principles of UN Charter.

Regarding the second part i.e. Wakhan corridor, what I can say is that I have seen this endless speculation. Wakhan is a part of Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no question of Pakistan having designs on one of its neighbors, the question doesn't arise. So I would deem this assertion too speculative and totally erroneous.

3. (Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir as Pakistan is hosting the Champion's trophy, the UAE visas are banned for Pakistani people. If the visas are not resumed, how will thousands of spectators go to the UAE? Are there any updates regarding resumption of visas?

Spokesperson: This, I'll have to check and I'll get back to you.

4. (Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, a Congressman has moved a bill in the US Congress to revoke Pakistan's major non-NATO ally status. Donald Trump is taking oath on 20th and John Kirby yesterday clarified that Pakistan is a partner, not an ally. And on the other side, Pakistan's Ambassador in the US, Rizwan Sheikh, has started searching for or hiring lobbyist, but for what purpose? I want to know from you.

Spokesperson: I'll answer the last part first. I don't have the specifics right now, but I can just make a broad point about it. About hiring of lobbyists: it's a normal practice in the US. There is nothing unusual about it. It's a common practice. Most countries hire lobbyists. This is a routine activity.

Your second question was about Donald Trump inauguration. What I can say at this point is that it is a fact that Pakistan is not part of any treaty alliance with the United States. It is also a fact that Pakistan has been designated a major non-NATO ally since 2004. But it is also a fact that Pakistan's contribution to maintaining peace and security in the region and the fight against terrorism is far too great to be encapsulated in technical and legal labels. That's what all I can say.

5.(Azaz Syed, Geo News):First of all, congratulations for first ever press briefing to the media guys. My question is related to Afghanistan, we have seen that after the recent strikes there was no engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We also hosted Education Conference as you have mentioned in the start of your briefing, and we saw that there was no presence from the Afghan side. I want to know what is the level of engagement with Afghanistan, particularly after the strikes or after the bitter exchange of statements from both the sides.

Spokesperson: Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We have long standing relations. It's an important neighbor. And both countries understand the importance of this equation and importance of good relations between two neighbors. And we wish Afghanistan the best, and we want to nurture and develop strong, vibrant relations, the way it should be between two neighbors. One of the key problems right now is the sanctuaries which the terrorist group TTP enjoys on the Afghan soil. The two sides are in contact on this situation. About the specifics of the diplomatic contacts, Embassies in the two countries are working. We have a Charge d' Affaires in Kabul and an Afghan senior diplomat is also heading their Embassy here. Diplomatic contacts are ongoing and like between neighboring countries, there are multi layered engagements which are ongoing, often not reported in the media. But this remains an important relationship, and we are continuing to work to improve and solidify and stabilize this vital relationship.

6. (Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): My question is, is there any follow up of Mr. Muhammad Sadiq's visit to Afghanistan? Because I have heard there was some understanding on certain issues, like the visit of political leaders and officials; some movement regarding trade and transit trade. So, is there any follow up after that meeting? Because when Ambassador Sadiq was there, there were some strikes, and maybe some people would be surprised that when there was strike in March last year, the Foreign Office was very quick to admit and issue a very long statement about the strikes. But this type of things are very quiet, so if you can please clarify what is the logic?

Spokesperson: Ambassador Sadiq is our Special Representative, a very distinguished senior diplomat and also Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.

At the cost of sounding repetitive, these are multi layered contacts. I do not need to go into detail, but what I can tell you is that the diplomatic contacts between the two sides are ongoing.

About the second part of your question, I'll repeat what my predecessor earlier mentioned, that Pakistan, its armed forces and security agencies continue to work on bordering Pakistan-Afghan territory to thwart any security threats to the territory of Pakistan. That's what all I can say at this point in time.

7. (Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Yes, political and diplomatic engagements on western side is very important for Pakistan, but we have seen that few days ago, Foreign Secretary of India met with Afghan Foreign Minister. How do you see this development, would be best in developing Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Afghanistan is a sovereign country. We have never aspired nor we have tried nor do we intend to aspire to have a veto on what kind of relations it wants to have with other countries. It is their sovereign right, the kind of relationship it wants to develop with other countries. And as I have mentioned earlier, Afghanistan is an important neighbor of Pakistan. We have long historical relations, we would continue to work to bring the relationship to its full potential the way it should be between the two neighbours. Terrorism sanctuaries enjoyed by the terrorists remains one key problem between the two countries. We will continue to engage with Afghan authorities that they have to address this genuine concern from Pakistan.

8. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much for a couple of questions. I'm just sticking to three right now.

Firstly, since you mentioned about the Gaza ceasefire, in the agreement there is a clause with regards to the reapplication of humanitarian aid. As of 30th October 2024, Pakistan has sent 11 aid consignments. Will Pakistan be partnering up with Qatar to send more aid to Gaza now that the ceasefire comes into place from the 19th January 2025?

Secondly, with regards to Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister two weeks ago, when he was gracefully making the announcement of you being the new spokesperson, had said that he is due to visit Bangladesh after his Malaysia visit. A recent Bangladeshi military delegation is also in town. It's the second in history that a bilateral visit is taking place. Can you shed more light on that?

Thirdly, regarding yesterday's comments by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the relationship between Pakistan and Russia is currently at the best of the trajectories, and it is improving by the hour, since you've been the ambassador there very recently as well, can you shed more light on this relation?

Spokesperson: As you have mentioned, 11 consignments of aid were sent by Pakistan. I do not have the specifics about the future plan, but the Middle East division is working on it. As the humanitarian convoys will hopefully be able to enter Gaza, the Government of Pakistan will work to send more assistance to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

Bangladesh's military delegations' visit is an important visit and Bangladesh, as you are aware, is a very important country for us, and we aspire to have very strong, vibrant, good relations. And the exchange of military delegations and defence cooperation is part of the overall regular exchanges between two states. For specifics in this regard, I would request you to refer to ISPR. About the Foreign Minister's visit, the two sides are engaged on working out mutually convenient dates. The two sides are in touch.

We have seen the statement by the Foreign Minister of Russia delivered in a press conference, and we welcome it. As you are aware, Russia remains a very important country for Pakistan for a range of reasons. And the two countries have really worked hard to put the relationship on a solid and stable foundation, the relations are improving and last year you saw important visits. First was by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia who visited Islamabad, then the Prime Minister of Russia attended the SCO Heads of Government meeting and had very extensive bilateral engagement with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We also had Pakistan-Russia, Intergovernmental Commission in Russia. The two sides are working closely on a broad agenda to further cement and promote this vital relationship, which we believe, not only serves the national interest of the two countries but also contribute to regional stability.

9. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, we condemned Israel upon occupying territories in Syria in previous two briefings as well. Do we also condemn Turkiye, as it has also occupied some territories of Syria with oppression and without consent?

Spokesperson: You know, Pakistan has consistently supported efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, one that upholds Syria's unity. Pakistan supports all efforts which meets the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability and development.

10. (Raziq Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Sir, India has claimed and made an allegation that the Hurriyat leaders who are working in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK) for the movement of independence of IIOJK are Pakistanis and we do not tolerate Pakistan's interference. 10 lacs of military personnel have taken the control already. Your comments on this.

Spokesperson: You can see, the fictions Indians try to create. We completely reject that. Essentially when your position lacks legitimacy, these kinds of contortions become necessary. And Kashmir remains a disputed territory, and it remains on the agenda of the UN Security Council. It has to be settled in line with the resolutions of United Nations and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, that's what I can say.

11. (Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nuqta News): New American President Donald Trump is going to take oath on 20th January 2025. Any Pakistani official has been invited on his oath taking ceremony? And there are media reports that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is going to join? Is he going to join in his official or private capacity?

12.(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV):Sir, please confirm that if any Pakistani official has been invited or not? Secondly, they have sent the invitation to India, what is your response on this, if they have not sent invitation to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Our Ambassador is going to represent, as in the past, the Government of Pakistan at the inauguration of the new President. Secondly, we have seen media reports of former Foreign Minister and Member National Assembly, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto, receiving an invitation. This invitation has not been routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so his spokesman will be in a better position to comment on that. About who has been invited or who has not been invited, we are not in a position to comment on that. As in the past, our Ambassador will be there representing the Government of Pakistan.

13. (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Excellency, enlightening to listen to your first press briefing sir. I have a couple of questions.

Number one, you must have seen the statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding alleged strikes by Pakistan inside Afghanistan and if I quote the statement, it says that "it's an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its own internal failures". How do you respond to this Indian contention?

Secondly, obviously our Ambassador will be representing Pakistan but since when you speak next week, by then, the US President Donald Trump would have been inaugurated. So, what is the precise policy perspective of Pakistan vis-a-vis the United States of America?

Thirdly, with regards to Afghanistan, Lisa Curtis was seen meeting with the Special Representative and SAPM Mohammed Sadiq Khan, are Americans carrying some proposals as Lisa Curtis was one of the co-authors of South Asia strategy of President Donald Trump during his first tenure?

Spokesperson: Regarding the first question, we have seen the statement by the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on 6th January 2025. For a country that has been called out globally for running a criminal syndicate targeting nationals of other countries, where arrest warrants have been issued against government officials for their involvement in killing civilians, and has orchestrated acts of terrorism in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of precious lives, including women and children. It is beyond belief, beyond duplicitous for India to make such claims. No low, however, is too low for India. Instead of pointing fingers at others, India must put an end to state sponsored terrorism aimed at destabilizing its neighbors and international community at large, and refrain from its destructive policies threatening regional peace and security.

Secondly, on Pakistan-US relations and the new President, what I can tell you is that American people have spoken. A new President has been elected who is soon going to take oath. Pakistan-US relations have a very long history, and the relations remain rich and dense. We would continue to work with the new administration to further solidify and strengthen this vital relationship.

Finally, regarding Lisa Curtis visit, I will have to check on specifics, but what I can say is, again, that these are a part of a routine visits by scholars, think tanks, and experts and this is a constant exchange which is ongoing, but I'll just check if we have any specifics to share with you and I'll get back to you.

14. (Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, she is called the daughter of Pakistan, this is the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, it's being heard in the Islamabad High Court. A letter was sent to the Biden Administration from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and its reply is still awaited. Is there any progress from the Foreign Office or the Ambassador of Pakistan or has it been asked that why we still have not got any response?

15. (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, Ms. Fouzia Siddiqui couldn't meet our Ambassador as she told the Islamabad High Court. Why this meeting could not be held and is there any chance of such meeting in the future?

16. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, during the hearing of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's case, it was conveyed by the Foreign Office that the Foreign Secretary was in China when she was in Islamabad, and she held meetings on which the statement was issued as well. Your comments.

Spokesperson: There has been no decision on the mercy petition of Doctor Aafia Siddiqui till yet. As you would know, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has written to the US President for favorable consideration of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's mercy petition on humanitarian grounds. The Government of Pakistan also sent a delegation to the US to garner support in this regard and the Government of Pakistan continues to provide all support and assistance to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, as well as to her sister and pro bono lawyer, including during their recent visits to the United States.

Secondly, regarding High Court, the Foreign Secretary's calendar is public. On 10th she was in Beijing. But in any case, you rest assured, this is something you know that we will handle legal matters professionally and as per the law.

17. (Saima Shabbir, Arab News): My question is regarding the Saudi Arabia's mining Minister, he said that during this ongoing future Minerals Forum at Riyadh, the mining company Manara minerals is looking for investing in Pakistan's Reko Diq mine, saying that Saudi development fund could contribute over 100 million dollars to Pakistan's mining infrastructure. How Foreign Office of Pakistan sees this development? Moreover, if you can kindly tell me that is there any kind of information with Foreign Office that how this investment is going to be materialized?

Spokesperson: Frankly, I don't have specifics response to this question. I'll check and get back to you on the Reko Diq, because there's a very technical, specific question I want to be absolutely accurate on that before I get back.

18. (Mateen Haider, G News): Sir, if you have available data, how many illegal Afghans have been deported from Pakistan, number one, and it has been a major issue. There have been 1000s of Afghans who were waiting for repatriation to other countries. So would you like to give some data that what is the number of those Afghans who have been repatriated to different countries, including Europe, United Kingdom, US and other countries.

And second, there have been reports that Saudi Crown Prince is expected to visit Pakistan next month. Any official information on diplomatic channels? Any such preparations are in progress?

Spokesperson: About the first question, I will have to check the exact numbers and get back to you. Our policy about the repatriation process is very clear, and it is for anyone without any proof of residence, any documents, and this is not just about Afghans, but it's about any illegal foreigner who is living in Pakistan. That is what any state would be doing. But the numbers I can check and get back to you.

About the visits, I do not have any information. And in any case, the dates are formally announced once the two sides have agreed for a VVIP visit. So, for that, we will have to wait whenever there is a decision. This is a very important and very healthy relationship, the exchange of visits between the two sides keeps taking place, but I don't have any comments to offer on this particular question at this point in time.

19. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, Indian Prime Minister has inaugurated a tunnel in a disputed area of Laddakh. What is Pakistan's stance on it? Secondly, regarding the recent statements of Indian Army Chief and their Defence Minister, what is the importance of their statements in the light of the resolutions regarding occupied Kashmir which are already in the United Nations Security Council.

Spokesperson: On the second part of your question, I want to bring your attention to the press statement already released by the Foreign Office which explains our position. On your first question, I'll repeat our same historic and legal position, that this is a disputed territory and the dispute should be resolved as per the resolutions of the United Nations and the will of Kashmiri people.

20. (Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, last week Afghan Charge d' Affaires in Pakistan expressed concern for the rest of 800 Afghan nationals who have PORs or Afghan citizen card. They were residing in Pakistan legally but they were arrested.

Spokesperson: What I can tell you is about the broad policy, we haven't seen any Afghans, who are legal and have POR cards, being arrested. Our policy, again, to restate, it is not just about Afghans, any foreigner living in Pakistan illegally, our law would apply to that.

21. (Almas Haider Naqvi, Daily Dunya): Shafqat Sahab, first of all, welcome to the first briefing. My question is about the reports that Iran and Russia are going to sign a strategic agreement tomorrow. So, since such agreement contains some elements of defense and security clauses as well, how Pakistan sees this development?

Spokesperson: You know, as a policy, we do not comment on relations between two sovereign countries. This is what I can say on this. Thank you.

22. (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, Prime Minister held a meeting on human smuggling yesterday in which he instructed Foreign Office to take necessary measures for the release of Pakistani nationals in foreign jails. Thousands of Pakistanis are in jail in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Europe. What actions have been taken by our Pakistani Missions for their release?

Spokesperson: Our Missions abroad are active on this matter and every mission has complete data. One complexity does arise when dealing with this situation and it is that if a Pakistani citizen is jailed for an alleged crime then we are reliant on that state for provision of data under international conventions. We track the reports and we are in contact with our national and we try to facilitate them as much as we can. It is a continuous process in which our territorial divisions, our Missions abroad and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis are involved. Prime Minister and Government of Pakistan are trying to tackle this issue on priority basis. I can say with confidence that it is an important priority for our Ministry and I will reiterate that complete data is compiled and everyone is contacted and our Missions abroad strive to the utmost to facilitate overseas Pakistanis in this regard.

23. (Mudasser Iqbal, The Destination): Shafqat Sahab, first of all, welcome. We have very good relations with the UAE but for few months, we are facing visa issues. Business visas are not getting approved. They have decreased the demand of Pakistani labor. Pakistanis in UAE are upset. Similarly, there are long ques outside our Embassies in Islamabad and mafias are actively stealing people in the name of dates. What and how Foreign Office is addressing the issue of appointment dates and visas? If you will, comment.

Spokesperson: The question regarding UAE, what I can tell you is UAE is a very close friend of Pakistan. We have decades old relationship. Discussions are ongoing and there is no restriction on Pakistanis. Pakistanis are arriving and departing from UAE. I will inform you further when I have complete details. Secondly, what you mentioned about the agents. It is a problem and the Government is seized of the matter. The role of the Foreign Office in this regard is limited within the country. The information that we receive is shared with Ministry of Interior and FIA who are active on this matter as well but it is a problem linked to human smuggling. Prime Minister has taken serious notice of the issue. I reiterate that Ministry of Interior and FIA are active on this issue and for further information, the Ministry of Interior and FIA are the focal points.

24. (Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Thank you. Terrorist activities have increased in KPK and Balochistan and the way weapons bearing people are moving in the streets, does Pakistan think Afghanistan is responsible for it and my second question is does Pakistan has reservations for TTP safe havens in Afghanistan only or does Pakistan has reservations for other terrorist groups that are in Afghanistan? Thirdly, how the border fence has benefitted Pakistan and lastly, it is reported that people belonging to North Waziristan, who moved to Afghanistan during Operation Zarb-e-Azab, were targeted in the airstrikes conducted in Afghanistan. Can you confirm the veracity of these reports and does Pakistan has any plan to rehabilitate these people who were displaced due to Operation Zarb e Azab?

25. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Shafqat Ali Khan Sahab, did America put forward any demand or contacted Pakistan that it is interested to take military action against certain terror groups in Afghanistan? Thank You.

Spokesperson: These are very speculative questions and I don't have anything to say on this. On the first part of the question, terrorism is a complex problem. Pakistan has suffered for decades, but at the same time, the nation and the people and the state remains resolute in defeating this problem, and we will continue to work for the elimination of the scourge of terrorism. And the second part about the TTP: TTP is indeed a serious problem. We have seen an uptick in the attacks within the Pakistani territory. And about the fencing of the border, what I can say is no fence is 100% secure. Once you fence the border, it does not mean the whole problem will go away. But fence is one component of a broader strategy.

26. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. Sticking to the issue of human smuggling because there are a lot of questions that have been asked. A Pakistani diplomat posted in Berlin has written a letter on the 29th of November 2024 to the Prime Minister, notifying of the Ambassador's misconduct, of holding back a staff member and alleging and notifying, with regards to the German Foreign Office taking up the matter in the alleged case of what is presumed to be a case of human smuggling, given that the officer, the staff in Question has held back and is not returning, and so on so forth. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing in that particular matter? Thank you.

27.(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, would you mind to confirm that following the letter by the said Officer, Foreign Office, instead of announcing or ordering any investigation into that has called that officer back to Pakistan immediately. Would you mind sharing whether the investigation would take place on the basis of the allegations made by the officer in that letter?

Spokesperson: Yes. Thank you. Frankly, such one-sided allegations are unfortunate. In terms of policy, I can state that we have established channels and procedures to deal with such complaints, and the Ministry's own channels and these procedures are in play. They work efficiently and our Ambassador there is a distinguished diplomat with decades of service, and she continues to work very well there. I won't speculate any further than that.

28. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you so much. Earlier, there were some allegations that Pakistani weapons were used in Ukraine. At around two weeks ago, the Russian Ambassador in Islamabad in a briefing while responding to a question, mentioned it on this we are in contact with Pakistan's political and military leadership. So there are any context, any development. And the second question is that the Army Chief, General Asim Munir sat with political leadership and there were discussions regarding security and specifically Afghanistan, future relations with Afghanistan. Were Foreign Office representatives also invited and attended the meeting or not?

Spokesperson: The second part of the question is, there are so many meetings the Foreign Office may not be present in all of them, I don't have any specific information on that. Pakistan is not providing any weapons to Ukraine. This is I can categorically state to you. I haven't seen the Russian Ambassador statement you are referring to, but what I can tell you is that Pakistan and Russia, we have multi-layered cooperation and multi-layered dialogue on the diplomatic track, on the military track. There are a range of issues we keep discussing.

What I mean is we have multi-layered dialogue with Russia. It's on the diplomatic track and the defense track. And there are range of issues. It's a very broad agenda which is expanding because of the growth of relations on both tracks. The dialogue agenda is expanding and it is an ongoing process. But the first question, just to repeat, we are not providing weapons or arms to Ukraine.

29. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): People are raising concerns regarding climate change. Today, the most powerful country itself is a victim of it. Especially Pakistan has been victim of climate change on tremendous scale. What is Pakistan's reaction to these developments?

Spokesperson: Climate change is a global issue. It is not concerning only one country, and it is something which concerns the entire future of human civilization. Pakistan as one of the most affected countries by the climate change and remains actively involved in efforts to tackle this enormous challenge. And this burden of climate change, is going to accentuate and worsen in the days to come. Pakistan remains active on the global forums, and the Prime Minister led our delegation to the COP conference in Baku, and we continue to cooperate with the international community. We remain active on the multilateral processes. In the domestic context also it is an important priority of the Government.

30. (Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir, you just stated that you are trying utmost to facilitate Pakistani citizens jailed in foreign countries. Do you have the data of how many Kashmiri citizens are in Indian jails due to abduction on this side of the border or those who mistakenly crossed LoC and how many of them were given consular access?

Spokesperson: I will provide these specifics after consulting our South Asia Division.

31. (Naveed Ahmed Khan, Daily the Spokesman): Sir, my question is Pakistani Embassy in North Korea is closed for quite a time. What is the reason behind it?

Spokesperson: I will check and get back to you on this question.

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US experts question reason for probe of loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea

By Young Gyo Kim January 16, 2025

A move by South Korean opposition leaders to launch an independent probe of embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol over Seoul's use of loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea is raising questions among some U.S. experts about the future direction of Seoul's approach toward Pyongyang.

Yoon, who was impeached and suspended from his duties last month for imposing emergency martial law on his unsuspecting country, was arrested Wednesday after a weeks-long standoff with investigators at the presidential compound.

Yoon, the first sitting president of South Korea to be under criminal investigation, faces a trial at the country's Constitutional Court, which has the final say on whether he should be completely removed from his presidential responsibilities.

The country's opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, and other smaller opposition parties introduced a revised bill last week to launch a special counsel investigation into Yoon's alleged insurrection attempt during his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.

The revised bill accuses Yoon of blasting loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea and sending propaganda leaflets to Pyongyang. They were cited as cases of provoking aggression from outside the country.

The South Korean Defense Ministry rejected the opposition's allegations that the country's military activities, including the use of loudspeakers, are intended to provoke North Korea.

"Our military has deterred North Korea's provocations through a consistent policy toward North Korea while maintaining firm military readiness," the ministry said Monday in a statement, adding that some people are "distorting the normal activities of our military."

VOA Korean sought comment from the U.S. State Department on the latest controversy over South Korea's information campaigns toward North Korea but did not receive a response.

However, a State Department spokesman said in an email on June 10, 2024, to VOA Korean that the United States supports the North Korean people's right to access information from outside.

"We continue to promote the free flow of information into, out of, and within the DPRK [North Korea]," the spokesperson said, a day after the South Korean military resumed loudspeaker broadcasts on the inter-Korean border for the first time in six years in response to North Korea's trash balloon offensive.

"It is critical for the people of North Korea to have access to independent information not controlled by the DPRK regime," the spokesperson said.

Gittipong Paruchabutr, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told VOA Korean by phone Wednesday that loudspeaker broadcasts are "a low-risk, effective tool" for communicating with North Koreans.

"Absolutely, it's a critical capability. It's a low-risk capability that when we want to communicate to North Koreans, not just soldiers, but anybody within audio range. And I say low risk because it doesn't really put Korean soldiers' lives at risk," Paruchabutr, who also served as chief of psychological operations for U.S. Forces Korea, said.

Paruchabutr added that in the past, South Korean loudspeaker broadcasts usually played K-pop songs and rebroadcasts of South Korean domestic news that included social topics promoting human rights, rather than information that "directly criticize North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his family."

Controversy over accusation

Sydney Seiler, former national intelligence officer for North Korea at the National Intelligence Council, pointed out that the allegations that Yoon provoked North Korea's aggression is a political claim that ignores the threats North Korea is posing to South Korea.

"The accusation that these are treason is ludicrous, nothing short of ludicrous," Seiler said Tuesday by phone.

"This is a democratically elected government taking seriously its responsibilities for the national security of the Republic of Korea. This is not treason. This is just political maneuvering on the opposition parties' part," Seiler said, using the official name to refer to South Korea.

David Maxwell, vice president of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy, said the opposition parties' assertion stokes concerns of "an extreme naivete about the strategy of the Kim family regime."

"This is really troubling. They are sending the message that they do not think South Korea should be sending information into North Korea. That's fundamentally what they're talking about," Maxwell, a former U.S. Special Forces colonel, told VOA Korean by phone on Tuesday.

Others shared more cautious views, saying more details are needed before determining whether Yoon's policy decisions were legitimate or not.

Evans Revere, a former acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, highlighted the need for an investigation.

"The idea of propaganda balloons going into North Korea. The idea of loudspeakers blasting music and news and propaganda into North Korea  that's been going on for many years, and it hasn't been regarded by most people as an attempt to instigate a conflict or a confrontation," Revere told VOA Korean by phone on Tuesday.

"But now, the opposition is using that as one of the charges against [Yoon], and it needs to be looked into. It needs to be investigated," Revere said.

"The question that's probably weighing on the minds of a lot of policymakers in the United States right now is the question of whether there was some effort on the part of the Yoon administration to provoke a confrontation with North Korea. That's a very serious charge," he added.

Meanwhile, Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said South Korea's Democratic Party's criticism of the information warfare reflects its thinking on policy toward North Korea.

"The main impact will be that if a Democratic Party government came in as a result of a special election, the Democratic Party would indeed have very different foreign security policies, would be much more conciliatory, if not concessionary, towards China and North Korea," Klingner said Tuesday by phone.

VOA's Sangjin Cho contributed to this report.

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Miami-Based Real Estate Broker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Russia-Ukraine Sanctions and to Commit Money Laundering

Thursday, January 16, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Miami real estate broker Roman Sinyavsky pleaded guilty today to engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions and commit money laundering by conducting transactions involving blocked properties owned by sanctioned Russian oligarchs Viktor Perevalov and Valeri Abramov.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Perevalov and Abramov

for conduct including owning and operating VAD, AO, a Russia-based construction company responsible for constructing the Tavrida Highway in the Russian-occupied Crimea Region of Ukraine. Perevalov was designated again

by OFAC in December 2024 for operating in the construction sector of the Russian economy.

As described in court documents, from in or around January 2018 through in or around March 2023, Sinyavsky conspired with others to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and commit money laundering by maintaining, transferring, selling, and leasing several luxury condominiums in the Miami area that Perevalov and Abramov owned and by collecting, sharing, and using the proceeds to maintain the properties.

Sinyavsky faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As part of the plea agreement, Sinyavsky agreed to forfeit the proceeds he received from the scheme totaling $182,442.45.

On Feb. 22, 2024, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleging that two luxury condominiums owned by Perevalov are subject to forfeiture based on the unlawful transactions. On Jan. 6, the court ordered forfeiture of $1.8 million representing the proceeds from the sales of those properties. Abramov's property was sold in June 2018.

Concurrent with today's guilty plea, OFAC announced a separate settlement with Sinyavsky and his real estate company Family International Realty LLC in connection with a related, parallel proceeding. Under the terms of that resolution, Sinyavsky and his company have agreed to pay a civil penalty of approximately $1,076,923. In recognition of the amount Sinyavsky has agreed to forfeit in connection with today's guilty plea, OFAC will credit the forfeiture against its civil penalty.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Miami Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs also provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorneys Sinan Kalayoglu and Lindsay Gorman of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Trial Attorney Joshua E. Kurland of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that, beginning in 2014, the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia's unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department's tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

Topic: Financial Fraud

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Florida, Southern

Press Release Number: 25-75

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Talks with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera

Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is in Russia on an official visit.

January 16, 2025

15:30

The Kremlin, Moscow

The two leaders discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements and the future of Russian-Central African cooperation in politics, trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as current international and regional issues.

On the Russian side, the talks were attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Central African Republic Alexander Bikantov, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, and Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Andrei Averyanov.

* * *

Beginning of the Russian-Central African talks in the expanded format

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow.

This year, we will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. At the beginning of our meeting, I would like to thank you for your personal attention to the development of our interstate ties. You attended both Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023.

I believe that all the events we have planned together with our African colleagues in the sphere of Russia's interaction with the African continent as a whole will continue to develop with our support.

I am also grateful to you for attending the first Forum of Supporters of the Struggle Against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism in Moscow. I know that you have a busy agenda during this visit as well, and that you have already started implementing it.

We are strengthening the legal framework of our interaction. Several documents have already been signed between our ministries and agencies, and several other documents, which are to be signed during this visit, will create a solid legal basis for our cooperation.

As for trade and economic ties, the figures are not large so far, but I would like to mention a positive trend: our trade has increased nearly eight-fold over the past year. It is a good result.

If necessary, we are ready to continue providing humanitarian aid, just as we are doing now, as you know. This mostly concerns food supplies, primarily wheat. We are ready to continue our cooperation in this sphere.

I would like to mention our cooperation in security. We are committed to continuing our activities in this sphere. We will talk about our future cooperation in the expanded format, and later also during our one-on-one meeting.

Of course, we also attach great importance to our cooperation on the international stage, in particular, at the UN.

Mr President, we are delighted to see you. Welcome to Moscow.

President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera (retranslated): Mr President, friends.

Thank you for your kind invitation, which offers an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our productive cooperation with the Russian Federation, your remarkable and great nation, and the people of the Central African Republic.

I extend my gratitude to you, the Government, and the people of the Russian Federation for the warm welcome shown to my delegation and me, as well as for providing us with the opportunity to make this visit.

I would also like to express my gratitude to your Ambassador, his team, and the Russian instructors who assist us daily in strengthening bilateral cooperation between our countries. The benefits of this cooperation are highly significant for our people.

Thank you as well for taking the time to meet with us today despite your very busy schedule. It is a great honour for us to make this visit. This official visit serves as further evidence of the genuine cooperation, sincere friendship, and resilience of our pragmatic partnership. It has become a model for all of Africa and a source of inspiration for many countries across the continent and the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to convey, on behalf of our Government and our people, our heartfelt wishes for prosperity, peace, and success in all your endeavours to your Government and your people.

Mr President, friends, members of the Russian Government.

I would like to use this official visit to once again express my heartfelt gratitude, as well as that of the people of the Central African Republic, for your assistance, which helped prevent a new civil war in our country during 2020-2021. I sincerely thank you for the grain and fuel supplies that were delivered to Bangui.

The Russian Federation supported the lifting of the arms embargo and restrictions on diamond exports, which had hindered the Central African Republic from fully exercising its sovereignty.

On behalf of our people, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr President, and to the Russian Federation for your steadfast support, which not only helped restore stability to our country but also enabled us to secure a strong position among sovereign states.

During this visit, I would like to discuss issues which we regard as a priority and pay much attention to, namely, cooperation in security, economy, agriculture, mining, geological exploration, energy and livestock breeding.

We have reached considerable progress in the sphere of security, with a focus on restoring peace and stability throughout our country. Our army, which has been trained by Russian instructors, is capable of repelling terrorists and anyone else who might infringe on the territory of the Central African Republic.

We will continue to work together to strengthen security throughout the country, on the border and everywhere else the threat might come from. Russian instructors are really good professionals.

I would like to mention progress in several spheres where we would like to boost our cooperation. We have intensified the training of our military personnel. There have also been deliveries of military equipment.

As for the economy, we are ready to promote our cooperation in agriculture, mining and geological exploration. Speaking about agriculture, the Central African Republic has great potential. We have a large territory of over 15 million hectares.

We would like to improve this sector, but we do not have the necessary specialists and equipment for this. We encourage investors from the Russian Federation to invest more in the agriculture and livestock production projects, which would help diversify Russia's imports of cotton and peanuts.

It would be great if the Russian Federation could supply us with machines and equipment, as well as technologies to help us improve our agriculture, in particular, cotton and sugar production. We would also be delighted if you provided special equipment which we need to improve our agriculture.

As for mining and geological exploration, the Central African Republic is rich in natural resources, which are still waiting to be produced. Our agriculture ministers have signed a special protocol to add dynamics to our relations.

<...>

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from Moscow. Kremlin. Putin television programme, Moscow, January 16, 2025

16 January 2025 17:17

28-16-01-2025

Question: Did you closely follow the remarks made by future US Secretary of State yesterday? Does anything in what he had to say about the Ukraine crisis and ways to resolve it stand out to you? Do you think we can work with what he had to say?

Sergey Lavrov: I still believe that whatever we hear them say now is not an official position. In their system, most nominees for administrative positions must be approved by the Senate. During hearings, nominees are questioned, and efforts are made to elicit interesting or controversial responses from them.

The Democrats don't want the Republicans come across as particularly convincing, because President Joe Biden said his four years in office were historically significant for restoring America's greatness.

At this point, I'd rather not base my analysis on ideas and thoughts that we keep hearing. When Donald Trump was asked about this during an interview, he stated he intended to work hard, but first this "bloody mess" must stop. However, he also mentioned that he first needed to take office.

He will move into office in five days, and we will then see what kind of proposals will be put forward.

Question: Meanwhile, every one of them is saying that preparations for a meeting between President Putin and Donald Trump are underway.

Sergey Lavrov: Both Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov and I have addressed this earlier. There are no bilateral contacts that would be indicative of preparations for such a meeting.

If they are considering this and wish to prepare such a meeting, we will wait for them to come up with their proposals. The ball is in their court. We were not the ones to sever our ties or suspend regular consultations.

During one of his news conferences, President Vladimir Putin was asked if he was open to talks. As always, he said he was ready to engage at any time, provided serious proposals are presented. Donald Trump heard this and said at a news conference that Vladimir Putin wanted talks, and that he was ready to sit down and talk as well.

At this point, things remain fairly uncertain.

Question: Could such a meeting be organised quickly, considering the current circumstances, where almost everyone on our side is under sanctions, and those "gentlemen" have made a mess of things over the past years?

Sergey Lavrov: Those "gentlemen" have indeed made quite a mess, often hurting themselves in the process, primarily the Europeans. Making Europe "not great" is an undeclared objective of any US administration as it seeks to eliminate competitors, including Russia, China, and everyone else.

However, if there is a will, there is a way. If the political will to establish contact is there, I have no doubt that the relevant services can make it happen.

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Syria to Deploy UN Peacekeeping Forces in Buffer Zone on Golan Heights

Sputnik News

20250116

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The new Syrian authorities agreed to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in the buffer zone on the Golan Heights near the border with Israel, the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Sharaa, said on Thursday.

"We are ready to receive UN forces in the buffer zone so that the situation returns to the state that existed before the Israeli offensive," al-Sharaa said during talks with the Qatari delegation in Damascus, as quoted by Al-Jazeera.

Israel no longer has any arguments in favor of moving deeper into the buffer zone, al-Sharaa said.

Israel moved deep into the buffer zone under the pretext that there were Iranian formations there. With the liberation of Damascus, this argument no longer exists," al-Sharaa added.

Qatar played a major role in "forming a position of opposition to the Israeli advance" and will continue to play an active role in the future, the official said.

 Sputnik

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China's special-purpose barges could overrun Taiwan shores: experts

At least five barges are being built in Guangzhou with the aim of offloading trucks and tanks onto coastal roads.

By Alan Lu for RFA

2025.01.15

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- China's construction of "special-purpose barges" has raised concerns about its plans to invade Taiwan, with analysts warning that the vessels could enable Beijing's rapid troop deployment onto Taiwanese soil, addressing challenges posed by the self-ruled island's often rough, difficult-to-navigate waters.

At least five of the huge barges have been spotted under construction at Guangzhou Shipyard International, or GSI, on China's Longxue Island, a facility known for producing unconventional vessels, according to the Naval News defense and technology publication.

A barge is a long flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals and rivers, either under its own power or towed by another.

"I would interpret these barges as another signal that Xi Jinping and the CCP are indeed serious about annexing Taiwan and that the use of force to do so very much remains on the table," Michael Hunzeker, associate director of the Center for Security Policy Studies at George Mason University, told Radio Free Asia, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

The barges feature unusually long road bridges - spanning more than 120 meters (393 feet) - that extend from their bows, Naval News reported.

This design allows them to reach coastal roads or hard surfaces beyond beaches, enabling efficient offloading of trucks and tanks from ships.

Some barges are equipped with "jack-up" pillars, which can be lowered to provide a stable platform in adverse weather.

Chieh Chung, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight in Taiwan, told RFA that China had spent more than 20 years enhancing its capability of "pier-free unloading."

"China intends to develop a comprehensive set of technologies that allow forces to quickly unload onto Taiwanese soil, whether at heavily damaged ports or standard beachheads," he said.

Chieh said that previously, China's pier-free unloading, primarily featuring floating bridges and artificial piers, had faced problems in exercises since its operations are heavily restricted in rough seas.

"The waters around Taiwan are often rough and difficult to navigate," he said.

"However, the ships being constructed in Guangzhou are flat-bottomed, which allows them to operate closer to shore. Additionally, the road bridges are supported by pillars, which help mitigate issues caused by rough sea conditions," he said.

Beijing regards Taiwan as its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to take it.

Moving heavy equipment quickly

Naval News said that it was possible though unlikely that the barges were being built for civilian or commercial purposes.

"The construction of so many, much larger than similar civilian vessels seen before, makes this implausible," it said.

"These vessels are only suited to moving large amounts of heavy equipment ashore in a short period of time. They appear greatly over-spec for civilian uses," the publication reported.

The Association of Strategic Foresight's Chieh said China has been practicing a concept of "military-civil fusion" meaning they would be used by the military if needed.

"You can see in their recent exercises that they've mobilized roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, which are commercial vessels only during peacetime. So regardless of whether these ships were ordered by the military, they will inevitably be requisitioned for military use in times of war," he said.

"Through civil-military fusion, China primarily aims to address the military's limited capacity for transporting large amounts of cargo in a single operation, so it mobilizes a significant number of civilian maritime vessels to increase tonnage," Chieh explained.

Hunzeker said Taiwan should not underestimate China's ability to employ its military and civilian assets as part of a broader coercive strategy that includes so-called gray-zone tactics to achieve its objectives without triggering open conflict.

But such tactics were not the most critical threat facing Taiwan.

"The CCP cannot realize its overarching objective like achieving political control over Taiwan via gray zone provocations alone," he said. "Thus, Taipei and Washington need to prioritize the real threat: a large-scale military attack on Taiwan."

Chieh also noted the barges did not signal an imminent invasion.

In the event of an invasion, the barges would only be deployed after the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, was able to successfully land and secure a beachhead, he said.

"Deploying civilian ships depends largely on the success of the PLA's successful landing," he said, meaning Taiwan's key focus would be on repelling an initial assault.

Hunzeker shares a similar view.

"I would not interpret these barges as a signal that an invasion is imminent, if for no other reason than the fact that five barges will neither fundamentally change the military balance nor give the PLA a decisive military advantage," Hunzeker said.

The U.S. Department of Defense maintains that China lacks sufficient amphibious shipping to invade the island of 23 million people, he added.

Edited by Taejun Kang.

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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Taiwan launches detention rule in light of 'gray zone' activities at sea

ROC Central News Agency

01/16/2025 04:32 PM

Taipei, Jan. 16 (CNA) Taiwan's authorities said Thursday that a mechanism has been established to facilitate interdepartmental efforts to allow vessels suspected of engaging in acts of sabotage in coastal waters to be detained.

The introduction of the new procedure followed an incident at sea earlier this month, when Chunghwa Telecom reported that one of its major undersea fiber-optic cables had been damaged, apparently by a vessel that was seen in the same location off the northern port city of Keelung.

At a legislative hearing Thursday, Legislator Lin Chu-yin () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party noted that the Cameroon-flagged Shunxin39 cargo ship, which is Chinese-owned, had not been detained and had sailed off to Busan.

Consequently, Taiwan now has to resort to diplomatic channels and ask for South Korea's assistance to investigate the Jan. 3 incident, Lin said.

During the hearing, Lin asked Hsieh Ching-chin (), deputy head of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), why the CGA had not been able to detain the vessel in Keelung Harbor.

In response, Hsieh said that the ship's destination was Busan, and it did not have the necessary documents for docking in Keelung Harbor.

Furthermore, under the previous procedure, the CGA could only detain a foreign vessel if it was caught in the act of violating the law, Hsieh said. In the case of the damaged Chunghwa Telecom cable, CGA vessels arrived on the scene four hours after the company filed the report, he added.

Following the incident, an interdepartmental meeting was called, during which the relevant agencies agreed on a mechanism to deal with suspected acts of sabotage at sea, according to Hsieh.

Under the new mechanism, prosecutors will launch a probe upon receiving any information about suspected sabotage of undersea cables, and they will notify the CGA and Maritime and Port Bureau, Hsieh said.

The CGA and the bureau will then follow a designated procedure to bring the suspected vessel back to a port and detain it, Hsieh said.

Meanwhile, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen () said at the hearing that the bureau will work with the CGA to improve the reporting of ships engaged in "suspicious" activities in waters around Taiwan, especially flag-of-convenience vessels.

Furthermore, the NSB will provide information to CGA personnel, in the form of lectures, to help deal with the different types of "gray zone" activities by Chinese ships, he said in response to a question on the issue by Lin.

Before attending the hearing, the NSB head told reporters that his agency had made a request to Taiwan's international allies for the exchange of information on China's gray zone activities around Taiwan.

Gray zone activities refer to actions that fall between traditional notions of war and peace. These activities typically involve ambiguous or nontraditional methods that aim to achieve strategic objectives without overtly crossing the threshold into open conflict.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/pc

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Taiwan will remain 'important' in Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy: Envoy

ROC Central News Agency

01/16/2025 11:44 AM

Taipei, Jan. 16 (CNA) Canada will maintain its Indo-Pacific strategy, even if the country elects a new government later this year, and Taiwan will remain a strong partner, Canada's representative to Taipei said Wednesday.

"My expectation is, Canada will, of course, continue with its Indo-Pacific strategy, and Taiwan's place in that Indo-pacific strategy will remain important," Jim Nickel, executive director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, told reporters.

"As described in the strategy itself now, we will continue with our strong partnership with Taiwan," he said at a media event in Taipei, when asked about a potential change of government later this year and how that might affect his country's relations with Taiwan.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced earlier this month that he was stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and would remain as prime minister in a caretaker capacity only until the party selected a new leader.

The party's nationwide process of choosing a new leader is expected to conclude on March 9, while Canada's general elections are mandated to be held on or before Oct. 20.

According to the latest public opinion polls, the Conservative Party of Canada currently holds a significant lead over the Liberal Party.

According to the Canadian government's Indo-Pacific strategy, Canada will invest resources in deepening engagement with free and democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and will oppose unilateral actions that threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

"China is an increasingly disruptive global power," the Canadian government says in the policy document that was released in November 2022.

Canada will balance its approach to China with diversified investments in regional relationships, including working with Indo-Pacific partners to push back against any unilateral actions that threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, the document states.

It mentions Taiwan multiple times, saying that Canada will maintain its multifaceted engagement with Taiwan and will continue to foster economic and people-to-people ties with Taiwan while supporting Taiwan's resilience.

Meanwhile, Nickel said Wednesday that Taiwan would be a good addition to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which it has been trying to join.

When Canada was chair of the 2024 CPTPP Commission, there were "very good conversations about all the applicants to the CPTPP, including Taiwan," he said, when asked by reporters to comment on the issue.

Nickel said Canada is very pleased that Taiwan remains interested and committed to joining the regional trade bloc.

"Canada believes that Taiwan would be make a very good addition to the CTPPP, given Taiwan's commitment to rules-based trade, and of course, the high value that Taiwanese industry contributes to the global economy," he said.

During an annual CPTPP summit in Vancouver last November, the members of the trade bloc failed to reach an agreement to initiate an accession process for Taiwan or China.

The CPTPP members, however, decided to launch the process for Costa Rica, which had applied in August 2022 to join the bloc, a year after Taiwan and China did.

China applied for CPTPP membership about a week earlier than Taiwan.

The CPTPP is one of the biggest trade blocs in the world, representing around 15 percent of the global economy.

It currently has 12 members -- Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/pc

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DPP authorities' attempts to seek 'independence' ultimately futile: FM on so-called 'foreign minister' of Taiwan attending inauguration ceremony of President of Palau

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 16, 2025 04:14 PM

Taiwan is a province of China, and there is no such thing as a "president" or a "foreign ministry" of the Taiwan region, a Chinese FM spokesperson said on Thursday, in response to a question about the so-called "foreign minister" of Taiwan, Lin Chia-lung, attending the inauguration ceremony of the President of Palau as a so-called "presidential envoy" from January 15 to 18.

There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of it. The one-China principle is a fundamental norm of international relations and a common consensus of the international community. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' attempts to seek "independence" and split the country by relying on foreign support are ultimately futile, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that while the DPP authorities are busy "solidifying alliances," friendly individuals from countries such as Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands have repeatedly expressed their willingness to establish or restore normal diplomatic relations with China.

The establishment or restoration of diplomatic relations between China and these countries is an inevitable trend that reflects the will of the people, the spokesperson said, noting that I would like to reiterate that regardless of the order, China is willing to open a new chapter in the development of relations with these countries based on the one-China principle.

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DPP's fake democracy only serves for "Taiwan independence": mainland spokesperson

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:00, January 16, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The so-called "democracy" repeatedly claimed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities is a fake democracy that only serves their purpose of seeking "Taiwan independence," a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in response to a speech by Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, on New Year's Day. The term "democracy" was mentioned multiple times throughout the speech.

Chen stressed that while rehashing the fake narrative of "democracy versus authoritarianism," Lai repeatedly cloaks actions that undermine democracy under the guise of so-called "freedom" and "democracy."

He pointed out that contrary to the "democracy" they claim, the DPP authorities have openly persecuted parties, organizations and individuals advocating cross-Strait exchange and reunification. They have unjustly deprived Taiwan residents of their legitimate rights to participate in cross-Strait cooperation, disregarding public opinion and their interests.

The DPP authorities have also been squandering taxpayers' money and recklessly selling Taiwan away for their own interests. At the same time, they are manipulating the media, nurturing internet trolls, stifling dissent and suppressing opposing voices, the spokesperson said.

Chen reiterated that the collusion between "Taiwan independence" separatists and external forces is the root cause of heightened tensions in cross-Strait relations and the disruption of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

"We will not retreat an inch," he said, stressing that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end and reunification is the only way forward.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/01/17

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Thursday to Friday, Jan. 16-17

2.PLA activities

13 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

1140117_Diagram of PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.jpg

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UK-Japan military exercise starts today as Defence Ministers discuss closer cooperation

Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

Published 15 January 2025

Last updated 16 January 2025

Exercise Vigilant Isles begins today with more than 100 UK troops deployed to Japan.

Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

Ministers confirm that next-generation fighter jet programme headquarters will be in Reading, supporting jobs and growth mission.

British and Japanese troops have kicked off military drills in Japan, as the Defence Secretary met his Japanese counterpart today (15 January) in London for talks on strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

In the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the headquarters for the joint UK, Japan and Italian future fighter jet programme will be established in Reading, supporting UK jobs and the government's growth mission.

Exercise Vigilant Isles will see more than 100 UK soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army's global response force, train with Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces on the island of Kyushu. The annual exercise, now in its third year, will increase interoperability between both countries' forces. The UK is the only European nation to conduct bilateral military training on Japanese soil.

The Defence Secretary welcomed the exercise and stressed the indivisibility between Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security in talks with Defence Minister Gen Nakatani. The two ministers also discussed progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - a joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop a next-generation combat aircraft - as well as the UK Carrier Strike Group's visit to Japan later this year.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

With increasing instability across the world, it is more important than ever that we strengthen cooperation with our international partners like Japan. Today, Minister Nakatani and I have highlighted the positive progress being made on our important next-generation fighter jet programme, to strengthen our security cooperation. There are many miles between our two nations, but the UK and Japan stand closer together than ever in support of peace and security across the globe.

With the recently ratified GCAP Treaty entering into force, Reading will host the new GCAP headquarters, supporting the delivery of the cutting-edge stealth fighter jet. The headquarters, known as the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) and led by its first Chief Executive Mr Oka Masami from Japan, will strengthen each country's combat air industrial capability while achieving value for money.

There are currently more than 3,500 people, including engineers and programmers, working on GCAP across the UK. In December, BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) signed a Joint Venture Agreement to create a new company to lead GCAP delivery. The Joint Venture will also be headquartered in the UK, alongside the GIGO, and together they will support hundreds of UK jobs. This supports delivery of the UK Government's Plan for Change, safeguarding national security while raising living standards across the UK with skilled jobs which foster economic growth.

Later this year, the UK's Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment. The group, comprised of Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, her escorts and her aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They will conduct a series of operations and exercises, including a port visit in Japan.

This follows the successful deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region in 2021, and the Royal Navy boasts persistently-deployed Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS Tamar and HMS Spey operating closely with Japan and regional partners to promote maritime security.

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We Have an Ambitious Goal to Open 5-6 Negotiating Clusters with the EU This Year - the President at the Meeting with the Ukrainian Community in Poland

President of Ukraine

15 January 2025 - 23:49

In Warsaw, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Ukrainian community and discussed important issues of unity, our state's European integration course, joint steps with partners towards a just peace, as well as support for Ukrainians living abroad.

"I would like to thank you, not for today, but for all the days of the war when you supported Ukraine, and even before the war. But our greatest challenge today is the war for our independence. Therefore, I want to thank you for your daily work," the Head of State said.

One of the topics discussed during the meeting was the activity of the Ministry of National Unity and, in particular, the establishment of unity centers in Poland, and later in Germany and the Czech Republic.

"We are different, but when we all fight against Russia, we are one people, one nation. The main thing is not to engage in internal struggles, not to fight against each other," the President stressed.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke about the strengthening of Ukrainian-Polish relations and the development of bilateral cooperation. In particular, the launch of new connections between Kyiv and Warsaw is planned.

The Head of State also outlined his expectations for Poland's Presidency of the Council of the EU. In the next six months, Ukraine expects to open three negotiating clusters on EU accession.

"We understand that our Polish colleagues are ready for two of them, but we will do everything to open three. Then we have Denmark: we want to open three more clusters. But we'll see how it goes. We have an ambitious goal to open 5-6 clusters. In principle, we can open them all this year, if we succeed. We will try to do it all," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

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Ramstein hosted another round of discussions about the support of Ukraine with last attendance by Secretary Austin

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

16.1.2025

Author: by editorial staff

On December 11, 2024, the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic Jana Cernochova and her Slovak counterpart Robert Kalinak signed a bilateral Declaration on the Joint Commitment to Protect the Airspace of the Slovak Republic.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) met in the Ramstein Air Base, for the last time chaired by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin. The Czech Republic was represented by Defence Minister Jana Cernochova, who informed the Allies about current deliveries of ammunition to the Ukrainian battlefield and other forms of support.

Formed in 2022 in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Ramstein Group associates over 50 states, including NATO nations and EU member states. The UDCG regular sessions are meant to ensure a continuous and effective flow of assistance. In personal attendance of Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, the UDCG again discussed Kyiv's urgent needs and further steps of so-called capability coalitions in support of the building of Armed Forces of Ukraine and its transition to western standards.

"Ukraine needs our help more than ever before. The Czech Republic continues to focus primarily on the supplies of large calibre ammunition," Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said in conclusion of the meeting. In 2024, the Czech Republic delivered to Kyiv some 1.5 million rounds of large calibre ammunition, of which one third were calibre 155 mm. According to the Minister, the Czech Republic seeks to continue the supplies throughout 2025.

"While the supplies represent a huge logistic challenge, they work well. We all realise the critically of military assistance, especially at this time, which is key for the future development in Ukraine," she said.

The Czech Republic also pursues different strands to the assistance - for instance the training of Ukrainian military personnel. Since the beginning of the conflict, the Czech Republic has trained almost 8 thousand Ukrainian personnel with specific focus on training of mechanised forces and military specialists. The training takes place in the Libava Military Training Area and in Poland. Czech military training teams will be newly involved in training in Germany.

As Secretary Austin will end his tenure as part of the Biden Administration on January 20, Defence Minister Cernochova thanked him for his outstanding leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and for the excellent Czech-American defence cooperation.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Kyiv: Ukraine's victory comes through strength

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.01.2025

On a his visit to Kyiv yesterday 15 January, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Ukrainians were resolved to fight and win, they only need the military means to fight off the aggressor.

In Kyiv, Tsahkna met with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. The latter briefed the Estonian foreign minister thoroughly on the situation on the front and on the most critical needs of Ukrainians.

"In the preceding night, I witnessed one of the most massive air strikes in recent times by Russia, targeting Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure," Tsahkna said. "To repel Russia's systematic aerial terror, ensure critical services for Ukrainians and save lives, it is crucial to reinforce Ukraine's air defence capabilities."

The foreign minister said that Ukrainians were committed to victory and it was possible to achieve it if allies stay at their side and continued to provide military aid.

"Russia is not all-powerful and it can be forced into retreat if Ukraine is helped to a stronger position militarily. Russia only understands force," Tsahkna said.

The meetings included in-depth talks on pressuring Russia through sanctions and using frozen Russian assets, and discussions covered Ukraine's path to European Union and NATO membership.

The foreign minister visited the rehabilitation centre for wounded soldiers and placed an Estonian flag on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

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U.S. Representative Who Backed Aid To Ukraine Removed From Committee Chairmanship

By RFE/RL January 16, 2025

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has removed the chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee who has been an outspoken supporter of assistance for Ukraine.

Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) told reporters on January 15 that Representative Mike Turner (Republican-Ohio) would no longer lead the committee, which oversees the nation's intelligence agencies.

Johnson said he made the decision because the "intelligence community and everything related to [the committee] needs a fresh start."

He said it was not connected to President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on January 20.

"This is a House decision, and this is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman. He did a great job," Johnson said.

Turner, who served as chairman of the committee since 2023, contradicted Johnson's explanation, telling U.S. broadcaster CBS that Johnson cited "concerns from Mar-a-Lago" -- Trump's Florida estate.

He said on X he was honored to have served on the committee, saying that under his leadership the integrity of the committee had been restored and its mission returned to its core focus of national security.

Beyond his vocal support for aid to Ukraine, Turner held other views that were at odds with Trump and pushed back when Trump made false claims last year during the presidential election campaign about Haitian migrants in his district eating pets.

Johnson, who has aligned himself closely with Trump, said Turner would play an important role in working with NATO. He said Turner's successor would be announced on January 16.

The chairman of the committee is among eight congressional leaders who are briefed on classified intelligence matters.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turner-johnson-house- intelligence-committee-trump/33277466.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 (16 January 2025)

16.01.2025

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

The Sever Group of Forces' units have engaged formations of one tank brigade, one heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Viktorovka, Guyevo, Gornal, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One counter-attack launched by AFU units was repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Bondarevka, Zamostye, Zaoleshenka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Loknya, Martynovka, Mirny, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, over 210 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured fighting vehicle, six motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, and eight mortars have been neutralised.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,330 troops, 305 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 170 armoured personnel carriers, 1,567 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,486 motor vehicles, 367 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

16.01.2025

On the morning of 15 January 2025, in response to strikes from Ukraine into Russian territory by U.S.-made ATACMS long-range missiles and British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, as well as an attempt to launch an attack by high-precision weapons against the Russkaya Compressor Station in Gai Kodzor (Krasnodar region) to disrupt the gas supply through the TurkStream gas pipeline, Ukraine's critical gas and power infrastructure was hit by the Russian Armed Forces.

One of the successfully hit targets was the ground infrastructure of the largest underground gas storage facility in Stry (Lvov region).

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to constantly monitor the situation. Any provocations by the Kiev regime will not go unanswered.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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France Tests Special Forces and Drones in Ukraine Intervention Drill

Sputnik News

20250116

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The French armed forces conducted exercises in the fall of 2024 to prepare for their possible deployment to Ukraine, the Intelligence Online news portal reported.

Special forces, drone operators and cyber fighters from the Army Special Forces Command (CAST) were mobilized for a week to test personnel and equipment, the report said on Wednesday.

The exercises, which involved 3,200 soldiers, took place in an area with a topography similar to the bend of the Dnepr River north of Kiev, the report noted, adding that France implemented a scenario of intervention in Ukraine aimed at containing alleged Russia's offensive from Belarus.

Along with French Parrot Anafi MK3 drones, Mavic 3T drones from Chinese company DJI were also used in the drills due to the shortage of tactical quadcopters in the French armed forces. This has reportedly caused criticism due to the ability of Chinese systems to track the information collected.

Earlier, a British newspaper reported citing sources that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are discussing sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine after any deal to end the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this week that he had discussed with Macron an initiative to station international forces in Ukraine. This initiative includes the potential expansion of the contingent and the involvement of other countries.

Details of the talks are being kept secret, the report said on Wednesday, adding, however, that Starmer is not yet fully supportive of the initiative, while Macron continues to promote the idea.

"There are challenges over what we could support, what would we want to support, and the broader question about the threat that those troops may be under and whether that is escalatory," one of the sources was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

In December, Polish Prime Minister Donakd Tusk reportedly told Macron that Polish troops would not enter Ukraine even after a ceasefire.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously said that the West would deploy a so-called peacekeeping contingent of about 100,000 people in order to restore Ukraine's combat capability. The SVR believes that this would be a de facto occupation of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the deployment of peacekeepers was possible only with the consent of the parties to a particular conflict.

 Sputnik

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We must not let Ukraine's courage and bravery be in vain: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

16 January 2025

At the arrival of a new year, a time when many of us are looking forward and embracing possibility, it is sobering to consider how, for Ukrainian people, so little has changed.

Russia continues to attack civilians, target energy security, and threaten nuclear security.

Just last week, Russia launched one of its deadliest aerial attacks in months, resulting in at least 19 civilians dead and 132 injured.

Ukraine continues to prove its determination to restore its freedom and territorial integrity, to exercise its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and to secure the return of its abducted children.

The Prime Minister made clear on his visit to Kyiv today the UK's longstanding commitment to Ukraine's security.

On the cusp of the fourth year of Russia's war, Ukraine continues to fight for its survival as a nation. We must not let their courage and bravery be in vain.

This is why, when we talk about peace in Ukraine, we must be absolutely clear about what real peace means.

Peace means a sovereign and secure Ukraine, able to flourish without the constant threat of territorial invasion.

As members of this Council, I trust we can all agree that this is the only definition of peace we can accept.

It is this peace that Ukraine continues to fight for.

Ukraine has made clear its desire for peace and has set out its proposals in Zelensky's 10 point plan.

President Putin however calls for Ukraine to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Ukraine's own territory, to give up protecting its citizens, and to sacrifice its right to choose its alliances.

This shows his complete contempt for Ukraine's sovereignty and territory, for international law and the UN Charter.

To Putin, peace in Ukraine means complete surrender in the face of wanton aggression, something that no country would accept.

And it is no longer Russia alone who threatens Ukraine's security, the direct participation of DPRK troops in combat operations is another dangerous expansion of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine, and further proof that he has no interest in peace.

In return for their support, Russia is emboldening the regimes in both Tehran and Pyongyang which has direct implications for global security.

This reckless behaviour is not just a significant concern for Ukraine's security, it is a concern for us all.

For as long as Russia's aggression continues, the path to peace will not be an easy one.

This is why we must stand with Ukraine and help ensure that any peace is enduring.

Together, we must send a clear message to Putin: redrawing borders by force does not pay.

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UK and Ukraine sign landmark 100 Year Partnership to deepen security ties and strengthen partnership for future generations

The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.

16 January 2025

Treaty will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression

Will bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects

New UK-built Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories

The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.

The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.

From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.

The partnership underpins the Prime Minister's steadfast leadership on Ukraine as his government continues to provide support. Spanning nine key pillars, it will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia's illegal and barbaric invasion; and foster it to support long-term security and growth for both our countries. The Treaty and political declaration, which form the 100 Year Partnership, will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.

It is expected to bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression, bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects.

It also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraine's energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.

The 100 Year Partnership is a major step in supporting Ukraine's long-term security - ensuring they are never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia - and committing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.

Ukraine has a highly trained military, and a thriving technology sector that is rapidly designing and deploying state of the art battle-ready equipment: a security partnership with Ukraine will make Britain stronger.

To mark the signing of the partnership today, the Prime Minister is expected to announce new UK support for Ukraine from lethal aid to economic resilience.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level. This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come. The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government's foundation of security and our Plan for Change. Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.

The Prime Minister will join a Ukrainian class dialling into a primary school in Liverpool today, who will be joined by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. He will hear from the next generation about how the partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters.

100 schools in the UK and Ukraine will be partnered over the coming months as part of a two-way programme built around reading for pleasure. Through sharing stories from their own cultures, they will explore the power of reading to overcome adversity - building links between the countries for generations to come.

The Prime Minister is also expected to see firsthand how UK aid is supporting Ukrainians living under bombardment through a visit to a Ukrainian hospital. He will meet patients and doctors and hear how 100m of UK humanitarian funding is supporting needs across Ukraine and specialist medical care for burn victims, including those maimed by Russian missiles raining down on neighbourhoods.

The hospital is being supported by specialist NHS doctors, who are upskilling Ukrainian medical teams and providing lifesaving opinions on treatment for severely injured patients, both virtually and through short deployments to the country. Many admitted to the hospital have burns to between 30% and 40% of their body surface.

The Prime Minister will also announce 40m for a new economic recovery programme to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private lending to bolster the growth and economic resilience of small and medium businesses in Ukraine, which form the backbone of the country's economy.

The programme will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine, opening up enhanced trade and investment opportunities with one of our closest allies. The funding will be targeted at businesses supporting the green economy, women, veterans and marginalised groups.

It is hoped over the long term, the programme, called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), will reduce reliance in Ukrainian communities on humanitarian support and help build economic resilience.

And as part of the partnership, a new Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. The UK developed the new scheme following an ask from Ukraine to the G7 to help trace snatched grain from Ukraine fields under Russian control, which is then relabelled and sold on.

Using cutting edge science to help determine where grain has been grown and harvested, the UK has developed a database to support Ukraine's efforts to trace and stop theft of grain from occupied regions.

Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks.

Today's announcement builds on the 12.8 billion package of support the UK has given Ukraine, including 7.8bn of military assistance, a commitment for 3bn in military aid until as long as it takes, and ongoing energy infrastructure support to help hospitals and community facilities provide light and warmth to innocent civilians impacted by Putin's invasion.

The UK and Ukraine will use an annual high-level Strategic Dialogue to ensure progress on the partnership for decades to come.

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4.5 billion military boost to Ukraine front line to support UK growth and jobs

UK's steadfast support for Ukraine delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, supporting UK security and growth.

16 January 2025

A Yorkshire company is to begin production of artillery barrels for the first time in almost two decades to support Ukraine, after a 61 million contract was awarded to BAE Systems

Comes as new air defence system, designed and developed between the UK and Denmark, is deployed to the country

UK's steadfast support for Ukraine delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, supporting UK security and growth

A Yorkshire-based defence company will begin the production of barrels for the first time in almost two decades, as the UK ramps up its military supplies to Ukraine in 2025.

The UK placed a 61 million contract with defence giant BAE Systems to produce the barrel forgings, working with Sheffield Forgemasters. The barrels will be produced in Yorkshire, before being sent to Ukraine for finishing and integration.

This year the UK will give more military support to Ukraine than ever before, with 3 billion already committed for lethal aid, and the first 1.5 billion from a 2.26 billion loan as part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme set to be released for major procurement projects. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

The 4.5 billion boost for Ukraine in 2025 will see the UK will procure hundreds more air defence systems, drones and essential equipment support to sustain Ukrainian forces on the front line.

With firms across the UK ramping up production to meet Ukraine's requirements, the funding for Ukraine will directly support the UK deference industry, creating UK jobs, and delivering on this government's growth agenda and Plan for Change. That includes BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters, who, for the first time in almost two decades, will produce artillery barrels for artillery guns.

It comes after the Prime Minister said that the UK would develop a new training offer with Ukraine, alongside its allies. This will see the UK expand its offer to train members of Ukraine's armed forces, building on the success of Operation Interflex that trained more than 51,000 Ukrainian recruits in the last two years. Ukrainian officer cadets will be trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, helping to develop Ukraine's future military leaders. British officer cadets will also be able to attend training colleges in Ukraine, learning first-hand from Ukrainian Armed Forces about their fight on the battlefield.

He told President Zelenskyy today that nothing is off the table when it comes to the UK's training offer for Ukraine in 2025, and that the UK was working closely with allies and partners to design and develop a new training offer to put the country is the strongest possible position through 2025.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Ukraine's security is our security. We must continue to do everything possible to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest position - that is why the UK is going further than ever before, ramping up military and humanitarian support. The British people have never wavered in their support for Ukraine, and today, UK firms are stepping up to support Ukraine's military capabilities. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine. The Prime Minister has also announced that they UK will deliver a new mobile air defence capability to Ukraine this year.

Gravehawk, a UK designed air defence system, has been rapidly developed to meet Ukrainian needs on the battlefield. The project has been jointly funded by the UK and Denmark.

The innovative system, which is the size of a shipping container, is able to retrofit air-air missiles for ground-based air defence, meaning it can use Ukrainian missiles already in their Armed Forces' possession.

With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraine's air defences, allowing them to defend their cities, troops and critical infrastructure.

Two prototypes of the air defence capability system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will follow this year.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

We are stepping up UK support for Ukraine throughout 2025. Our plan will increase Ukraine's military capability, expand our training offer, strengthen defence industrial ties and dial up the pressure on Putin. This new package of support will help strengthen Ukraine's position on the battlefield or at any negotiating table.

The UK's 2.26 billion loan, which forms part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) scheme, will be enabled by new legislation which will shortly complete its passage through Parliament. The UK's loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine's military spending, enabling them to invest in key equipment, including British equipment, to support their efforts against Russia.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Strengthening Ukraine with Italy's Minister of Defense

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 23:28

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italy's Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto who is visiting Ukraine.

The President expressed gratitude to the Italian government and people for the military support of Ukraine, as well as Italy's efforts under its G7 presidency, particularly in strengthening sanctions against the aggressor state.

President Zelenskyy specifically highlighted the approval of the 10th military aid package and Italy's participation in coalitions within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

"I would like to thank you, Minister, and all Italians for the decision on the 10th support package. Without the support of your society, it would have been very difficult for you to assist Ukraine. We deeply appreciate this sentiment. I witnessed it during my meetings with the Prime Minister and President. And on the streets in Rome, we always see Italian flags and Ukrainian flags next to them. We understand that there is such a sentiment. People help us a lot and believe in a peaceful Ukraine, and we are all working on it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The meeting addressed defense support for Ukraine, including bolstering air defense, training Ukrainian soldiers and technical personnel in Italy, and enhancing collaboration between defense companies. Discussions also covered joint production and localizing it in Ukraine. The President emphasized the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry, particularly in the production of drones.

Another key topic was security guarantees for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy stressed that the most effective guarantee would be Ukraine's NATO membership, as this step would pave the way toward a just and lasting peace for all of Europe.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Guido Crosetto also discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled to take place in Rome on July 10-11. The President invited representatives of the Italian defense industry to participate in the event.

The Italian Minister of Defense reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Ukrainians in their fight for Ukraine, freedom and international law.

"I came here to discuss the 11th support package, as the 10th has already been approved. As we have already discussed, now is the moment - perhaps the most critical moment in the past three years - to increase support. I have said this in your presence during meetings within NATO and the EU, and I repeat it today. I will return home with tasks to carry out to ensure we move forward," he said.

Guido Crosetto also shared that during his visit, he honored the memory of Ukraine's fallen defenders.

"For me, this was not merely a diplomatic duty. Looking at the photographs of the deceased, I felt even more determined to fulfill what must be done: to support Ukraine in this war. Thank you very much for everything you have done. Please know that you can count on Italy, on the Italian government, and on the Italian people," the Minister emphasized.

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President Discussed Strengthening Humanitarian Support for Ukraine with UN Delegation

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 23:04

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a United Nations delegation led by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

The President expressed gratitude to the UN for its significant support of the Ukrainian people, particularly those who were forced to leave their homes due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"You visited not only the capital but also the southern part of Ukraine, as well as Dnipro, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions, particularly Kupyansk. This is very important, and I thank you. You saw the people there and understand what war means and what its consequences are," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President emphasized that Russia's war against Ukraine has caused one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our time, and international organizations must compel the aggressor state into a just and lasting peace.

The Head of State highlighted the importance of the UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 and the Regional Refugee Response Plan by the UNHCR, which collectively aim to consolidate nearly $3.3 billion to support Ukrainians this year.

The meeting also addressed the potential for leveraging Ukraine's experience in providing humanitarian assistance to affected populations in other countries. Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's recently launched humanitarian initiative, Food from Ukraine, which supplies essential goods to Syria, and invited the UN and its member states to join this program.

Tom Fletcher and Filippo Grandi reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for Ukrainians affected by Russia's aggression.

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Defense Cooperation and Investments in Ukrainian Arms Production: President Met with Dutch Foreign Minister

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 21:42

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, who is visiting Ukraine.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the support of Ukraine and continuous assistance to Ukrainian warriors from the Netherlands.

"We are grateful for your air defense systems, first and foremost. I believe you can see how much they truly help Ukrainians, especially the Patriot systems and others. This is extremely important. Thank you for the latest package," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During the meeting, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and Dutch defense companies, outlining promising areas for future collaboration. Achieving a just peace for Ukraine and all of Europe requires, above all, a strong position of our state on the battlefield. This is the only way to exert pressure on Russia and force it into peace.

The Dutch Foreign Minister emphasized that Ukraine and the Netherlands share a common goal: peace, security, and stability in Europe. He assured that the Netherlands' commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast.

"We believe in the principle of 'peace through strength,' and Ukraine must be at the negotiating table in the strongest possible position. The Netherlands will remain a reliable partner for Ukraine," Caspar Veldkamp stressed.

He added that the Netherlands not only provides political and military support but also assists in rebuilding Ukraine's energy sector. Furthermore, within the EU, the Netherlands continues to work on a new sanctions package aimed at halting Russia's shadow fleet activities.

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There Will Be More Investments from Partners in Ukrainian Drone Production - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 21:05

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today has been a long day.

The visit of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the signing of the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement. This is a fundamentally new format of relations. Relations between Ukraine and the UK are now closer than ever, and some of the things we included in the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement with the UK can definitely be replicated with other countries, further developing our partnerships. More defense cooperation, more security cooperation. This year alone, we are receiving $6.6 billion in military aid from the United Kingdom, with more than $3 billion allocated as an annual commitment - an obligatory level of support that will continue for as long as necessary on a long-term basis. In addition, the agreement includes economic, technological, and educational cooperation - the development of our schools and universities in partnership with British ones. There is also a classified, secret part of the agreement. Everything that truly adds resilience and opportunities for our development.

Today, together with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, we met with Ukrainian drone manufacturers - this is the type of weapon that is currently being made in Ukraine and is most profitable to produce here, compared to anywhere else in Europe. And we are constantly making our drones more effective. There will be more investments from partners in Ukrainian drone production. This year must be a record-breaking year in terms of drone production volumes.

There was also a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Italy. I am grateful to Italy for all the support it has provided to our state and our people. We talked about what we can do together in the future - primarily air defense, as well as joint production. We need to create more jobs for our nations in Europe and achieve technological results. Italy is preparing its 11th support package.

Also, there was a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of our most principled partners, supporting us in matters concerning the EU for Ukraine, NATO, and holding Russia - particularly its leadership - accountable for this war. This will definitely happen - we will find the format.

And one more thing.

I met with UN representatives. The main topic was supporting Ukrainians, especially internally displaced persons. Restoring destroyed homes, social support, financial support. This year, within the framework of UN programs, $3.3 billion is allocated to support Ukrainians. Today we discussed how to make UN aid more effective and how to bring us closer to what we desire most - a just peace.

Thank you to everyone who helps!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Relations Between Ukraine and the United Kingdom Are Gradually Transitioning to an Alliance - Andriy Yermak

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 20:39

The agreement signed between Ukraine and the United Kingdom is historic, as it is the first time our country has signed a document on cooperation for 100 years. This was stated by the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, during the "United News" telethon.

He emphasized that the agreement focuses on collaboration to strengthen defense capabilities, including the production of Ukrainian weapons, the creation of a joint flotilla, the protection and restoration of Ukrainian heritage damaged or destroyed by Russia, and the training of Ukrainian military personnel in the UK.

Andriy Yermak noted that the UK has confirmed Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO membership and committed to increasing sanctions against the Russian economy.

"There are some very interesting new agreements, such as the coordination of joint actions, including military actions, when necessary. Of course, this requires further work to fully implement this mechanism, but the fact that it has already been formalized and these provisions are being integrated into our bilateral relations is absolutely unprecedented. This once again demonstrates that we are moving from cooperation to alliance. This agreement is the first of its kind and historic, but I am confident it won't be the last," he said.

The Head of the Office of the President also expressed gratitude to the United States, the UK, and other partner countries for the recent sanctions package. He stressed that it is important not only to tighten sanctions but also to identify loopholes that Russia uses to bypass them. In particular, Ukraine hopes that the policies of President Trump's new administration will focus on regulating oil prices. Andriy Yermak added that constructive cooperation is already being established between the two teams.

He also shared that in Poland, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held successful talks with the Prime Minister and the President. During Poland and Denmark's EU Council Presidencies this year, Ukraine aims to open the maximum number of negotiation clusters with the European Union.

Additionally, the Head of the Office of the President mentioned ongoing discussions with partners about French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative for a peacekeeping contingent.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Reviewed Ukrainian-Made Bomber Drones and Reconnaissance UAVs with British Components

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 20:29

During a meeting with Ukrainian drone manufacturers, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reviewed the actual results of their work: bomber drones and reconnaissance UAVs.

The leaders were shown examples of domestically produced drones used by Ukrainian defenders in their fight against Russian aggression. Notably, bomber drones capable of carrying and dropping up to 40 kilograms of ammunition over a range of more than 15 kilometers. These drones are highly effective in destroying enemy targets, particularly logistics on the front lines and in nearby rear areas, especially at night.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer were also briefed on an FPV drone carrier - a joint Ukrainian-British development, as well as Ukrainian reconnaissance UAVs equipped with communication modules manufactured in the UK.

Representatives from the manufacturing companies provided detailed information on the drones' specifications, their applications, and shared relevant examples of their use.

"We are very glad that we can rely on the United Kingdom. I am also very grateful to our guys for their productive cooperation with British partners. I believe this year we will achieve significant and very important results," the President noted.

According to him, Ukraine plans to continue increasing drone production and aims to reach record-breaking figures.

Keir Starmer emphasized that the UK will support Ukraine in creating tools that enhance its ability to resist Russian aggression and save the lives of Ukrainian men and women. He highlighted the critical importance of technological cooperation in today's world.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Discussed Further Cooperation to Strengthen Ukraine

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 19:15

Relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom are now closer than ever. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement following negotiations with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited Ukraine for the first time in his role as Prime Minister.

According to the President, Ukraine and the UK have reached a new level of relations by signing a One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement.

"We are confident in the independence of our state, and that is something Ukrainians will never relinquish. We are confident in our European partners, and this is what strengthens Ukraine, the UK, and our entire Euro-Atlantic space. This is the foundation for cooperation between our nations for generations to come," the President said.

Air defense forces were operating in Kyiv during the leaders' talks. This, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights the most important task: to strengthen Ukraine's air shield, army, navy, and cybersecurity.

"We have agreed on at least $3.6 billion in annual military aid for Ukraine - for as long as it is needed. Additionally, decisions have been prepared for $3 billion from Russian assets. In total, just for this year, we will secure $6.6 billion from the United Kingdom," the President added.

The President also emphasized that the United Kingdom supports Ukraine's accession to NATO, which is the best security guarantee not only for our country but also for the entire Euro-Atlantic area.

"We state it crystal clear: a just and lasting peace comes through strength. We are working with allies to repel aggression, uphold international law, and strengthen you now. In 2025, the United Kingdom will provide more military aid to Ukraine than ever before," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated.

Keir Starmer announced that the UK would provide Ukraine with 150 artillery barrels and a new mobile air defense system developed by the UK and co-funded by Denmark. The UK will also continue training Ukrainian soldiers.

"The history of the 21st century is being defined now. Our strength today means setting it on the right path," he concluded.

Following the negotiations and the signed agreement, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer instructed relevant government bodies to work on key thematic areas within the framework of the High-Level Strategic Dialogue.

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Ukraine and the United Kingdom Signed a Comprehensive One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement that Strengthens Cooperation in Defense, Economic and Other Spheres

President of Ukraine

16 January 2025 - 15:48

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer signed the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which includes both open and confidential sections.

The Agreement stipulates that the United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with at least $3.6 billion in annual military assistance for as long as it is needed.

The United Kingdom will enhance its contribution to the training of specialists for Ukraine's combat aviation and assist with the supply of aircraft used by NATO member states. Additionally, plans include increased cooperation in long-range weaponry and investments in Ukraine's defense production, particularly drones and artillery.

The agreement also provides for strengthened collaboration in the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Furthermore, the partnership includes maritime security efforts and the creation of special joint flotillas to bolster security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas.

The agreement outlines deepened economic cooperation, with a focus on attracting investments, developing nuclear energy, and replacing Russian technologies.

The two countries will also cooperate in culture, education, science, and technology, including exchanging expertise in artificial intelligence and drones. The partnership extends to at least 100 schools in Ukraine and launches special programs between British and Ukrainian universities.

After the war, both countries will work to eliminate travel barriers for Ukrainians and Britons.

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UN stands with Ukrainians for the long-term, insists UN aid chief

16 January 2025 - The embattled people of Ukraine and those forced abroad need $3.32 billion in lifesaving and sustained humanitarian assistance to help them cope as a fourth year of war looms after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, UN aid chiefs said on Thursday.

In a joint appeal from Kyiv, the UN's emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher and Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said that millions of civilians inside Ukraine and abroad depend on the international community's support, amid ongoing Russian attacks.

"The Ukrainian people have shown incredible courage over these years and we have to respond by showing a real, genuine, sustained international engagement, we have to respond with heart," said Mr. Fletcher. "We will be here with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to meet these needs and to support them...We must not forget those Ukrainians who are in the occupied territories whose needs are extreme. And we must continue to be creative and brave about getting our support to those who most need it."

Millions in need

The appeals are designed to support critical assistance to some six million people inside Ukraine - where overall needs are more than twice that number - and abroad, where more than 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees live.

Some $2.62 billion is designated for response teams inside the country, while UNHCR has requested $690 million in 2025 and $1.2 billion for 2025-2026 to assist governments hosting refugees in 11 countries.

"The objective, of course, is not to make sure that these people are refugees forever," said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "The objective is for this to create the conditions for these people to return to Ukraine. This is what Ukraine needs and this is what the majority of the refugees want."

Daily bombing

Speaking to journalists on his sixth visit to Ukraine, the refugee agency chief highlighted the unrelenting impact of bomb blasts on the frontline, day in, day out. Communities there continue to suffer destruction and deprivation in the cold of winter, he said.

"Here, Kyiv is a big city, but when you go out there in a small town, you see how people's lives are completely devastated; almost everybody had to leave their houses.

"Very few people have access to heating in the bitter cold...This targeting by the Russian Federation of energy infrastructure, which is, of course, affecting civilian lives directly, is something that has to stop."

Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, emphasized that national NGO partners and the UN continue to deliver aid and evacuate the most vulnerable individuals, wherever access allows: "Inevitably, a big part of the needs are along the frontline," he said.

"We are supporting in particular people who have chosen to stay near the frontline and amongst those, particularly people with disabilities and older people who find it difficult to move."

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"The world must stay the course with the people of Ukraine"

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

UN and partners appeal for US$3.32 billion in 2025 to support humanitarian and refugee response plans for Ukraine

#InvestInHumanity | #WithRefugees | #Ukraine

(Kyiv, 16 January 2025) - As the full-scale war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, the United Nations and partners today launch twin humanitarian and refugee response plans for 2025, appealing for US$3.32 billion to support 8.2 million people affected by the crisis within Ukraine and across borders.

The plans - launched in Kyiv with the Government of Ukraine - outline strategies to address the needs of people whose lives have been upended by the war. They also emphasize the importance of international solidarity to sustain critical humanitarian efforts in 2025.

"I am in awe of the Ukrainian people's determination to carry on in the face of immense hardship," said UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher, who just concluded visits to several affected communities across Ukraine. "Those communities are the frontline of the humanitarian response, and they need our support and solidarity as much as ever. Now, we need the international community to get seriously behind these plans so we can show the same sticking power as the people of Ukraine."

"This is not the time to forget the millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes and, for too many of them, their country," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, returning from a visit to several frontline regions of Ukraine, meeting displaced and war-affected people. "Countries hosting Ukrainian refugees abroad have done incredible work over the last 3 years to provide safety and a sense of normalcy to support these refugees in restarting their lives in their new communities, all the while hoping for conditions to change in Ukraine to allow them to go home. We must continue to sustain this hope."

Strategies for 2025

Humanitarian organizations inside Ukraine aim to assist 6 million people in 2025 with food, healthcare, shelter, cash assistance, education in emergencies, protection and other vital services. With sufficient funding and access, aid workers can continue delivering help across the country, including in communities close to the front line. The humanitarian community stands ready to reach people in need wherever they are.

Special focus will be given to the most vulnerable groups, including children, older people and people with disabilities, many of whom face isolation and barriers to accessing aid. The Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires $2.62 billion to address these needs.

Humanitarian actors will support 11 host countries in the region as they extend protection and include more than 2 million refugees in their national systems in 2025 and 2026. This allows refugees to access housing, decent work, health and specialized legal and protection services. Partners will continue helping refugees access social protection and, for the most vulnerable, provide cash for their basic needs, while targeting help for children at risk and survivors of gender-based violence. The appeal is for $690.3 million in 2025, and $1.2 billion for 2025-2026.

Achievements in 2024

Despite challenges in 2024, including underfunding and access constraints, humanitarian partners inside Ukraine provided essential assistance to millions of people:

Nearly 3 million people received food aid.

Some 5.8 million people, primarily in front-line regions, received water, sanitation and hygiene support.

Two million people accessed health and medical services.

Millions more were supported with shelter, education, protection services and cash assistance to meet urgent needs.

1 million people received legal counseling, mental health support, services to counter gender-based violence and other protection activities.

330,000 people accessed housing, cash and other in-kind assistance to cover basic needs.

300,000 children at risk received specialized assistance to find safety.

In the refugee-hosting countries, partners continued to deliver with only one-third of financial requirements covered in 2024. They worked for refugees to find safety, access rights and ensure they were included in national systems.

As the world enters 2025, the UN and its partners urge Governments, donors and individuals to contribute to the response plans. The people of Ukraine, both at home and abroad, need the world to stay the course with them to rebuild their lives and preserve hope for a better future.



16 January 2025



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Ukraine's Zelenskyy seeking continued US support under Trump

By Myroslava Gongadze January 16, 2025

As Russia's war with Ukraine approaches the three-year mark in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is emphasizing his country's hope for continued U.S. support under the incoming Trump administration.

"We are waiting for the inauguration of the U.S. president. I think the whole world is waiting because the United States is a strategic partner in global stability," Zelenskyy said this week during a joint press conference in Warsaw with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Zelenskyy described the U.S. as "the largest donor supporting Ukraine in its war for survival against Russian aggression" and expressed optimism for deepened cooperation under the principle of "peace through strength."

He also said his administration is already coordinating with Washington regarding possible meetings with President-elect Donald Trump, who assumes office on Monday.

"Our teams are working on the details of this crucial discussion. We want to end this war, but on the terms of a just peace," he said.

The key focus for Ukraine in future peace negotiations will be securing robust and comprehensive security guarantees to prevent any future Russian aggression.

Trump has voiced skepticism of continued U.S. military support for Kyiv, repeatedly vowing that he would end the war before assuming the presidency on Jan. 20. In recent days, however, his aides have said the new timeline for ending the war is in the first 100 days of his administration, which would be by the end of April.

Trump's nominee for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday: "Even if the conflict ends, Ukraine must have the ability to defend itself." He added that this is a matter of long-term security and stability for Ukraine.

Tusk, standing alongside Zelenskyy in Warsaw, said Ukraine's best security guarantee would be membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions. But, he pointed out, the thought of Ukraine joining NATO remains "controversial among some states," making it vital for the Western alliance to provide Ukraine with a tangible solution to secure peace in Europe.

Ukrainian military troop strength

Ukraine cannot engage in "games" by reducing the size of its military, Zelenskyy also said, rejecting any proposals to do so.

He said a strong defense force is "the only security guarantee" ahead of potential peace negotiations with Russia. His remarks referred to Bloomberg News reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to push for Ukraine to sever ties with NATO and adopt a "neutral state" status with a limited military during any discussions with Trump.

Highlighting the current strength of Ukraine's military, Zelenskyy said that it now comprises 880,000 soldiers tasked with countering an estimated 600,000 Russian troops concentrated in specific regions. According to the president, Ukraine produces more than 30% of its military equipment, mainly drones. He has called for allies and partners to invest in military production in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine target each other daily with aerial strikes. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the Russian attacks, alongside vast casualties among both Ukrainian and Russian troops since Russia's February 2022 invasion.

European security initiatives

Part of the proposed option for security guarantees involves French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of deploying European forces to Ukraine.

During his visit to Warsaw, Zelenskyy confirmed that he had discussed the proposal. Answering questions from VOA, the Ukrainian president said that even though the idea remains in early stages, the initiative, in his view, could be part of Ukraine's broader security guarantees.

"We support the idea of a contingent involving our allies and strategic partners as part of the security guarantees. However, this alone will not suffice," Zelenskyy said. As a first step, the Ukrainian president said it would be effective to send Western instructors to Ukraine with a comprehensive training plan to strengthen forces on the ground.

Zelenskyy also said he plans to discuss the idea with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Kyiv on Thursday with a pledge to help guarantee Ukraine's security. Britain and Ukraine agreed on a "100-Year Partnership" treaty covering defense, science, energy and trade.

The other security guarantees Zelenskyy noted involve additional sanctions, continued weapons shipments, and investments in its military production. He called for urgent international action, including utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense. "The strongest support for the Ukrainian army would be to allocate $250 billion from frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons Ukraine urgently needs," he said.

EU aspirations

Polish and Ukrainian leaders embraced Ukraine's European Union aspirations as part of the peace process. Poland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Ukraine's European integration. Tusk described the EU presidency as an opportunity to break the impasse and expedite Ukraine's accession.

"We will work unconditionally with Ukraine and our European partners to speed up this big and essential task," he said.

Tusk noted that Ukraine's EU membership will add to European security, and he promised to make the issue a priority. "We will break the standstill we have in this issue," he said during the joint press conference. "We will accelerate the accession process."

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UN appeals for $3.2 billion to support 8.2 million Ukrainian war victims

By Lisa Schlein January 16, 2025

The United Nations is appealing for $3.2 billion to provide humanitarian assistance for 8.2 million Ukrainians whose lives have been upended by Russia's invasion of their country nearly three years ago.

"This has been a period of huge tragedy and despair, destruction and disruption," Tom Fletcher, U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, told journalists in Kyiv at the launch of the U.N. appeal with the government of Ukraine.

"We must be here at the side of the Ukrainian people as they respond to the consequences of a devastating war," he said, noting that "the needs are great."

"We have to respond by showing a real, genuine, sustained international engagement. We have to respond with heart. And when I say sustained, I mean that we will be here with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to meet these needs," Fletcher said.

The lion's share of the twin humanitarian and refugee response plans for 2025  $2.62 billion  will be used to support 6 million people out of more than 12 million people inside Ukraine who need humanitarian aid.

"We are prioritizing the most vulnerable. This is vulnerability driven and needs driven, and our aim is to support people wherever they are," Matthias Schmale, U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, said.

"It is not geography-based. It is vulnerability and needs-based. Inevitably, a big part of the needs are along the front line. We are supporting those who have chosen to stay near the front line ... particularly people with disabilities and older people who find it difficult to move," he said.

A smaller amount of money  $ 1.2 billion  will provide relief and protection over the next two years for more than 2 million Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes and have taken refuge in 11 eastern European host countries bordering Ukraine.

"There are almost 7 million Ukrainian refugees outside the country," said Filippo Grandi, U.N. high commissioner for refugees.

He explained that the current appeal does not cover all host countries because national governments, mainly in western Europe, are able to support the Ukrainian refugees. But the 11 border states of asylum such as Poland and Moldova, "really need extra support from the international community."

"So, we are very grateful for what all governments hosting refugees  these 11 countries and others  have done to give refugees access to health services, to education, to the labor market," he said. "But of course, we are about to enter the fourth year of this hospitality, and it is important that this generosity continues."

At the same time, Grandi stressed that "the objective is not to make sure that these people are refugees forever. The objective is for this to create the conditions for these people to return to Ukraine. This is what the majority of the refugees want."

Last July and August, the UNHCR surveyed more than 11,150 refugee households across Europe and inside Ukraine among internally displaced people and returnees. It found that 61% of Ukrainian refugees and 73% of internally displaced people surveyed "still plan and hope to return home one day."

Fletcher urged the international community to "stay the course with the people of Ukraine."

"The needs we have described are great. We are conscious, obviously, that the president, the government, are seeking negotiations, seeking ways to try to end this war. But just because you end a war does not mean the needs go away," Fletcher said.

"We recognize the needs will change. But even if we get progress, even if we get good news in the period ahead, we will still need to be here alongside our Ukrainian partners supporting the Ukrainian people," he said.

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Britain announces Ukraine pact with military collaboration

By VOA News January 16, 2025

Britain announced Thursday a treaty with Ukraine that includes military collaboration, science and technology partnerships, and an effort to track stolen Ukrainian grain.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Kyiv to sign the pact with Ukrainian leaders.

Starmer is also announcing a new round of lethal military aid for Ukrainian forces, his office said.

"This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come," Starmer said in a statement.

Starmer said Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to "wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners," and instead has left Ukraine and its allies "closer than ever."

The agreement includes cooperation on maritime security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to deter Russian aggression, Starmer's office said.

Outside of military collaboration, the two countries will work together on agricultural technology, healthcare and space issues.

Aerial attacks

Ukraine's military said Thursday that Russian drone attacks caused damage at a farm in the Chernihiv region, while debris from drones destroyed by Ukrainian air defenses damaged houses in Kharkiv and Poltava.

Chernihiv Governor Vyacheslav Chaus said on Telegram the farm damage included a hangar used to store corn, and that there were no casualties from the attack.

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram his region was targeted by Russian drones, missiles and heavy artillery, killing one person, injuring another and damaging about three dozen homes.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 34 of the 55 total drones Russia launched overnight, Ukraine's air force said.

Intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr regions.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Thursday its air defenses destroyed 27 Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod, Voronezh, Tambov and Kursk regions.

Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev said on Telegram that a Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at an oil depot, but no casualties.

Some information for this story came from Reuters.

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NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the cryptocurrency $JENNER on the Solana and/or Ethereum blockchains between May 26, 2024 and the present, inclusive (the Class Period), of the important January 17, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased $JENNER during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the $JENNER class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31137 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 17, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, Defendant Caitlyn Jenner offered and sold $JENNER by means of written and oral communications which contained materially false and misleading statements, and omitted material facts necessary to make the statements not misleading, including but not limited to the following: (1) misrepresentations regarding the potential profitability, functionality, and value of $JENNER; (2) failing to disclose the risks associated with investing in $JENNER, including regulatory risks and potential lack of liquidity; (3) misleading statements about the projects financial health, business prospects, and future growth opportunities; (4) Jenners and other insiders own holdings and financial interests in the enterprise; and (5) false and misleading statements about getting $JENNER listed on centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs). When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the $JENNER class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31137 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

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New York, NY 10016

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case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As devastating wildfires and smoke sweep across California, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) urges individuals to prioritize their immediate and long-term health and safety during this critical time. FSR is issuing a public health alert to residents of CA regarding the potential long-term health risks, including pulmonary, cardiac, and ocular sarcoidosis posed by exposure to wildfire smoke, fine particulate matter in the air, and toxic chemical exposures. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any organ of the body that has been linked to environmental exposures including dust, burning wood, and smoke. Drawing from the documented rise in sarcoidosis cases amongst 9/11 first responders and others directly exposed to Ground Zero, experts are concerned that similar exposure to harmful smoke and particulates from wildfires could have comparable health consequences for people in CA.

Studies following 9/11 have shown that prolonged exposure to smoke and small particulate matter has significantly increased the risk of sarcoidosis and other chronic conditions, said Mary McGowan, CEO of FSR. Given the devastating, wide-spread, and intensity of wildfires in LA, it is crucial to raise public awareness, and for those exposed, to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of future chronic diseases like sarcoidosis with long-term implications.

Chronic diseases can develop years after such environmental exposure, which is why the public should be alerted to the fact that immediate proactive preventative action is the foundation for better health outcomes in the future.

In partnership with FSRs Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance Founding Members, Cedars-Sinai and UCLA, FSR would like to emphasize the importance of proactive health measures during and after wildfire events to reduce adverse health risks and protect lung health.

Wildfires pose both short-term and long-term impacts on lung health, said Bobak Akhavan, MD, director of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and assistant professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. This is especially true for patients with chronic lung diseases but can also lead to irritation of airways in healthy patients. For patients with sarcoidosis, we worry about exposure to particulate matter from fires, which include combustion particles, organic compounds, and metals which can be inhaled into the small airways of the lung.

The fires in Los Angeles County continue to pose immense threats to homes and residents health. Everyone is at risk to particulate matter being breathed inside their lungs. Particulate matter can cause inflammation, says John Belperio, MD, Interim Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. If there is any sign of respiratory compromise such as new cough, shortness of breath with or without exertion, the patient should call their physician to determine if this change in respiratory symptoms is from the smoke or something else.

Safety and Protective Measures:

Stay Indoors: When possible, minimize exposure to outdoor air by staying indoors, particularly during peak smoke periods. Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Monitor Air Quality: Stay updated on local air quality conditions through resources like the Air Quality Index (AQI). Avoid outdoor activities when air quality is poor. Wear Protective Masks: Use N95 or P100 respirators when venturing outdoors to filter fine particles effectively. If N95 or P100 masks are not available, surgical masks may offer some protection and are better than not wearing a mask at all. Use Medications as Prescribed: Continue prescribed treatments, such as inhalers or oxygen therapy, and consult healthcare providers for additional support or adjustments. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body manage inflammation and irritants. Seal Indoor Spaces: When possible, close windows and doors, and consider using weatherstripping to prevent smoke from entering your home. Prepare an Emergency Plan: Have an evacuation plan and a go-bag ready, including essential medications, medical devices, and important documents. Monitor your health: Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, or eye irritation, to your healthcare provider. Seek Medical Attention: if you experience new or worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent cough or sneezing, eye irritation, or dizziness or confusion, consult a healthcare provider immediately.



FSR and affiliated clinicians are available for interview upon request.

To learn more about sarcoidosis, visit stopsarcoidosis.org.

About Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by granulomastiny clumps of inflammatory cellsthat can form in one or more organs. Despite advances in research, sarcoidosis remains challenging to diagnose, with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States.

About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for those living with the disease through research, education, and support. For more information about FSR and its community programs, visit: www.stopsarcoidosis.org.

Media Contact:

Cathi Davis

Director of Communications and Marketing

Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research

312-341-0500

cathi@stopsarcoidosis.org
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TELUS or the Company) (NYSE: TIXT; ISIN: CA87975H1001) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud and may file a class action on behalf of investors. TELUS investors that lost money on their investment are encouraged to contact Lesley Portnoy, Esq.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : info@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

TELUS, based in Vancouver, BC, is a global leader in providing digital solutions aimed at enhancing customer experience (CX), including services like AI-driven tools, chatbots, and customer support solutions such as work-from-home and contact center outsourcing. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE and TSX, and its securities are also available on the over-the-counter market in Europe.

Berger Montague is investigating whether TELUS and its top executives misled investors about the company's financial performance, particularly regarding its AI solutions, between February 16, 2023, and August 1, 2024. This investigation is part of an ongoing shareholder lawsuit.

Following TELUS's disclosures on August 1, 2024, the company's stock price saw a dramatic drop, falling from a closing price of $6.48 per share on August 1 to $4.15 per share by August 2. The price continued to decline, closing at $3.32 per share on August 5, marking a total decrease of $3.16 per share, or more than 48%.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

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BENGALURU, India, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Innoviti Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Indias largest payments-centric retail SaaS platform for enterprise brands and their SME channel partners, announced today that in preparation for its IPO it has carried out an additional allocation of Rs. 25 Cr. of ESOPs to 110 employees. With this the total allocation to employees now stands at Rs. 106 Cr.

50% of the allocation is towards bringing all employees who have spent more than 1 year with the company under the ESOP plan. The remaining 50% is a grant given to select few employees based on their outstanding contributions to the company. The grants vary from Rs. 3Cr. to Rs. 1 lakh.

Innoviti delivers retail SaaS through digital payment channels to help businesses unlock value at the point of consumption left undiscovered by traditional payment solutions. The companys modern software connects retail and payment systems to deliver new and unique payments, operational, and marketing software through payment channels at the point of consumption.

The companys sales negotiation software  innoviti genie  for mid-market electronics merchants has grown at an annualized rate of 192% in the last year. The enterprise payments software  innoviti unipay  for large enterprises has posted a 15% annualized growth over last year with 28% EBITDA. Innoviti in December 2024 launched its payment collection app  innoviti link  for mid-market merchants doing delivery. This was developed under its online PA license received from RBI. The app has shown a rapid adoption and is targeted to cover 30,000 merchants by March 2025.

 for mid-market electronics merchants has grown at an annualized rate of 192% in the last year. The enterprise payments software   for large enterprises has posted a 15% annualized growth over last year with 28% EBITDA. Innoviti in December 2024 launched its payment collection app   for mid-market merchants doing delivery. This was developed under its online PA license received from RBI. The app has shown a rapid adoption and is targeted to cover 30,000 merchants by March 2025. The company is operating at an annualized run-rate of Rs. 160 Cr., with less than Rs. 8 Cr. of annualized EBITDA loss. Operating profitability is targeted in the next couple of quarters, setting the stage for a proposed IPO in the next 12 months.

The company received the final authorization from RBI to operate as an online payment aggregator earlier this year.

Quotes:

Innoviti's spectacular performance of 67% revenue growth and 58% EBITDA loss reduction, in the last few quarters, would not have been possible without the hard work put in by the exceptionally talented team at Innoviti. The company is planning for operating profitability within the next 2 quarters, and has initiated IPO planning with an aim to list in the next 12 months.

I hope this reward will translate into wealth and happiness for Innovitis employees. I hope it will help them reinforce their belief that merit, sincerity, and hard work always pays. I hope that it will help them fulfill their dreams, as they help the company fulfills its. said Mr. Rajeev Agrawal, CEO, Innoviti.

About Innoviti Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India.

https://www.innoviti.com

Innoviti provides payments-centric retail SaaS software to enterprise brands and their SME channel partners, helping them grow faster and with lesser efforts, by unlocking competitive advantages left hidden away by traditional payment solutions. Innovitis tools run across online and offline payment channels, processing over Rs. 80,000 Cr. annually from across 2000 cities and over 20,000 merchants. The company processes more than 50% of all purchases happening in enterprise retailers in the food & grocery, lifestyle, and healthcare categories. Backed by marquee investors such as Bessemer Venture Partners, USA, FMO, Netherlands, Catamaran Ventures (Mr. Narayana Murthys family office), India, and the Patni Family Office, India, Innoviti is the recipient of RBIs final authorization to operate as an online payment aggregator. The company has won the 50 fastest growing companies in Asia award from Deloitte four times, Reliance Innovation Award, and the Mastercard Innovation Award, and has 11 patents to its name, with 16 more in pipeline.
Dublin, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



"India Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report," provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics, and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile, and pay-TV segments, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.



Total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in India will grow at a CAGR of 2.1%, during 2024-2029, driven by growth in mobile data and fixed broadband segments. Mobile data service revenue will grow at a CAGR of 5.5%, driven by growth in mobile internet subscriptions, increasing consumption of mobile data services, increase in mobile data ARPU with the projected rise in adoption of 5G services over the forecast period. Fixed broadband service revenue will also increase at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, driven by projected rise in higher ARPU-yielding FTTH subscriptions, on the back of initiatives by the government and operators to expand fixed broadband network coverage in the country.



The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:

Demographic and macroeconomic context in India.

The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda - The competitive landscape: an examination of the positioning of leading players in the telecom and pay-TV services market as well as subscription market shares across segments.

Company snapshots: analysis of the financial position of leading service providers in the telecommunications and pay-TV markets.

Underlying assumptions behind our published base-case forecasts, as well as potential market developments that would alter, either positively or negatively, our base-case outlook.

Scope

The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in India will grow at a CAGR of 2.1%, during 2024-2029, driven by growth in mobile data and fixed broadband segments.

Mobile data service revenue will grow at a CAGR of 5.5%, driven by growth in mobile internet subscriptions, increasing consumption of mobile data services, increase in mobile data ARPU with the projected rise in adoption of 5G services over the forecast period.

Fixed broadband service revenue will also increase at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, driven by projected rise in higher ARPU-yielding FTTH subscriptions, on the back of initiatives by the government and operators to expand fixed broadband network coverage in the country.

Reasons to Buy

This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of the India's telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.

Accompanying the analyst's Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in the India's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.

With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.

The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in the India's telecommunications markets.

The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in the India.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Market highlights



2. Operating Environment



3. Telecom services market outlook



4. Mobile services market



5. Fixed services market



6. Pay-TV services market



7. Competitive landscape and company snapshots



8. Appendix



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Bharti Airtel

Vodafone Idea

Reliance Jio

Tata Teleservices

MTNL

BSNL

Dish TV

Tata Sky

Sun Direct

Hathway

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/79k7ou

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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coppernico Metals Inc. (TSX: COPR, OTCQB: CPPMF) (Coppernico or the Company), is pleased to share a corporate update, highlighting significant achievements in 2024, while providing the latest exploration findings and an overview of the Companys strategic objectives for 2025. Coppernico remains confident in its strategy and ability to deliver shareholder value through disciplined exploration and is actively evaluating additional projects to strengthen and diversify its portfolio.

2024 Key Accomplishments

Exploration Progress at the Sombrero Project

Permitting Achievements: Through its Peruvian subsidiary, Sombrero Minerales S.A.C., Coppernico received all the permits required for drilling which included up to 48 holes to be drilled from 38 drill pads within the Ccascabamba (formerly Sombrero Main) target area. This milestone enabled the commencement of the Companys inaugural core diamond drilling program. Applied to expand drilling permits from 48 to approximately 200 holes to significantly broaden the scope of exploration activities and increase the number of drills on-site to maximize the efficiency of its exploration efforts.

Drilling Program: The 2024 diamond drilling program (Phase 1) completed a total of approximately 5,203 metres of drilling across 12 holes, focused on testing high-priority targets within the Ccascabamba target area (Figure 1). Notable Findings: Initial assay results from holes 1 through 5 at the Corrales and Hojota targets indicate significant potential for copper and gold mineralization, showing grades comparable to those at the analogous Las Bambas mine, confirming the Companys exploration thesis. Highlights included 19 metres (m) of 0.50% Copper (Cu) and 27 m of 0.21% Cu drilled in hole 4, follow up drilling to expand on these intercepts is planned for 2025. Preliminary Findings: Preliminary data from holes 6 through 8 at the Hojota target, indicate the presence of copper mineralization associated with sulphides along the highly prospective contact zone between the Ccascabamba intrusive complex and the Ferrobamba limestone. Holes 9 through 11 at the North Corrales and Chumpi targets have documented a high temperature portion of the hydrothermal system and have provided a refinement of our understanding of these undercover targets.

The 2024 diamond drilling program (Phase 1) completed a total of approximately 5,203 metres of drilling across 12 holes, focused on testing high-priority targets within the Ccascabamba target area (Figure 1).





Figure 1: Phase 1 (2024) and Ongoing Drill Program at the Ccascabamba Target Area.

Community Engagement, Safety and Environmental

Strengthened Relationships: Worked with the local communities to implement initiatives such as truck driver educational workshops, geological technical training and support of AGROIDEAS programs, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.

Worked with the local communities to implement initiatives such as truck driver educational workshops, geological technical training and support of AGROIDEAS programs, fostering mutual trust and collaboration. Safety Excellence: Maintained a Total Recorded Incident Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of zero for all employees and contractors on-site, underscoring the Companys commitment to workplace safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and related stakeholders.



Maintained a Total Recorded Incident Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of zero for all employees and contractors on-site, underscoring the Companys commitment to workplace safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and related stakeholders. Reclamation Initiatives: Implemented progressive reclamation of disturbed areas ensuring that land impacted by operations is restored, minimizing environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices in partnership with local communities.

Capital Markets Activities

Commencement of Trading: The common shares of the Company commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol COPR and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CPPMF.

The common shares of the Company commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol COPR and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CPPMF. Successful Financing: Secured $19.37 million (mm) in financing, including a 9.9% equity investment from Teck Resources, to advance the Sombrero Project.

Financial Overview

Strong Cash Position: As of December 31, 2024, Coppernico maintains a robust financial position with over $11mm in cash, allowing for the continued execution of its planned 30-hole drill program over the year ahead.

As of December 31, 2024, Coppernico maintains a robust financial position with over $11mm in cash, allowing for the continued execution of its planned 30-hole drill program over the year ahead. Strategic Budget Allocation: Allocated resources to advance exploration, community and capital markets initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency and progress: Drilling and Exploration: Having recommenced field work on the project for the first time in four years, the Company initiated its inaugural drill program and completed 5,203 metres across 12 holes. Mapping Programs: Mapping and sampling programs identified new exploration targets, growing the target pipeline which the Company plans to advance to a drill ready stage in 2025. Community Development: Investments in community-focused projects strengthened relationships and fostered trust. Marketing: Marketing activities focused on enhancing shareholder engagement and liquidity in the stock price, despite broader market pressures.

Allocated resources to advance exploration, community and capital markets initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency and progress:

Ivan Bebek, Chair and CEO of Coppernico, stated, 2024 was pivotal for Coppernico as we achieved critical milestones, namely securing drill permits which allowed for the commencement of our inaugural drill program at the Sombrero Project, the completion of a $19.37mm financing during strong copper prices, and the commencement of trading on the TSX and OTCQB. These achievements have not only strengthened Coppernicos position as a mineral explorer of a highly prospective project, but also expanded our global shareholder base.

We drilled approximately 5,200 metres since drilling commenced in mid-July, uncovering key promising areas within the Sombrero Project. While the results to date are consistent with our exploration thesis, we have encountered limited grades and width of the magnitude that we are targeting. However, we feel that we are at a pivotal point in our vectoring and understanding of the large skarn system that is present. With a steady drilling pace of approximately 1,000 metres per month, and disciplined financial management, Coppernico is in an excellent position to capitalize on exploration success.

As we look to 2025, our key focus includes the expansion of our drill permitted polygon and securing access to some of the most robust outcropping areas of the system. We look forward to the pending results from completed drilling and from the next set of holes currently in progress.

2025 Outlook

Continued Exploration Strategy  Phase 2 Diamond Drilling Program

Coppernicos 2025 objectives include continuing its drilling program by initiating Phase 2, which remains fully funded and permitted for the remainder of the program which was planned to include 30 holes and 11,500 metres of drilling in aggregate over Phase 1 and 2. The 2025 program is planned to focus on testing additional high-priority zones and expanding on existing promising targets from Phase 1.

Disciplined, widely spaced drilling in 2024 provided an initial high-level picture of this extensive and polyphase skarn system. The team is using this information to dramatically improve our understanding of the 3-D architecture of the hydrothermal system and is beginning to define a variety of zonation patterns based on geochemistry and alteration minerals. The results of this drilling have defined numerous high priority targets for follow up drilling. The next round of drill holes planned for 2025 will seek to test some of these specific ideas as the drilling vectors towards the more prospective parts of the system.

At the Hojota target, Coppernico plans to expand on the initial results intersected in drill hole 4, in particular the two shallow intercepts, which are wide open and require additional drilling to establish size and geometry of mineralization. The deeper intercept in drill hole 4 is ~300 m below surface and the team believes there is a chance to follow it closer to surface.

The initial Hojota target drill holes helped define the nature and location of the contact zone between the Ccascabamba intrusive complex and the Ferrobamba limestone. This contact zone is consistently associated with copper bearing iron-sulphide mineralization. To date, only approximately 1 km of the contact zone has been tested; further drilling will focus on identifying zones where metal rich retrograde fluids were concentrated.

Drilling at the North Corrales and Chumpi targets identified a significant polyphase intrusive complex with moderate potassic alteration and at least two overprinting skarn events. The drill holes intersected numerous yet narrow magnetite and sulphide bearing veins with strong copper mineralization, reinforcing the prospectivity of the northern contact zone between the Ferrobamba limestone and the Ccascabamba intrusive complex. Additional drilling is planned to look for exoskarn mineralization in this area.

In tandem with the continued exploration and permit expansion efforts, the Company is exploring opportunities for portfolio diversification by assessing potential acquisitions to mitigate geological and geopolitical risks.

Upcoming Conferences

Coppernico will be participating in key industry conferences throughout the first quarter of 2025, where CEO, Ivan Bebek, will be available for one-on-one meetings with investors, analysts, and industry stakeholders.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) - January 19-20, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. Coppernico will be present at booth #124 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. CEO Presentation is scheduled for Sunday, January 19 at 2:10 p.m. PT in Workshop 3. Mr. Bebek will participate in the main copper panel titled The 2025 Copper Forecast on Sunday, January 19 at 4:30 p.m. PT at the Main Speaker Hall.

Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Conference (PDAC) - March 2-5, 2025, in Toronto, ON. Drill core samples from the Sombrero Project will be available at the Core Shack at booth #3109A on Sunday and Monday, March 2-3, offering the public a first-hand look at the mineralization.

Swiss Mining Institute Conference (SMI) - March 18-19, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland. CEO, Ivan Bebek, will be available for meetings at the Dolder Grand Hotel.



Conference materials will be posted on the Company's website at www.coppernicometals.com

Coppernico believes it continues to offer a strong value proposition for current and new investors, as outlined below:

Exposure to significant copper-gold discovery potential.

Favorable market dynamics with projected increased copper demand.

Proven management team with discovery and monetization experience and strong support from strategic investors, including Teck Resources with a 9.9% stake.

Fully funded for key catalysts including the completion of its ongoing 30 hole / 11,500 m drill program over the year ahead.

Coppernico thanks its shareholders and stakeholders for their support and collaboration throughout 2024. The Company looks forward to 2025 with optimism and wishes everyone a prosperous new year.

Technical Disclosure and Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Tim Kingsley, M.Sc., CPG, Coppernicos VP of Exploration, who is a Qualified Person (as defined in NI 43-101).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ivan Bebek

Chair & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Coppernico Metals Inc.

Phone: +1 778 729 0600

Email: info@coppernicometals.com

Website: www.coppernicometals.com

Twitter: @CoppernicoMetal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/coppernico-metals/

About Coppernico

Coppernico is a mineral exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through diligent project evaluation and exploration excellence in pursuit of the discovery of world-class copper-gold deposits in the Americas. The Companys management and technical teams have a successful track record of raising capital, discovery and the monetization of exploration successes. The Company, through its wholly-owned private Peruvian subsidiary Sombrero Minerales S.A.C., is currently focused on the Ccascabamba (previously referred to as Sombrero Main) and Nioc target areas within the Sombrero Project in Peru, its flagship project, and is regularly reviewing additional premium projects to consider for acquisition.

The Sombrero Project is a land package of approximately 102,000 hectares (1,020 square kilometres) located in the north-western margins of the world-class Andahuaylas-Yauri trend in Peru. It consists of a number of prospective exploration targets characterized by copper-gold skarn and porphyry systems, and precious metal epithermal systems. The Companys NI 43-101 technical report, with an effective date of April 17, 2024, and as filed on SEDAR+ on May 23, 2024, focuses on the Ccascabamba and Nioc target areas of the Sombrero Project.

Coppernico Metals Inc. is currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol COPR and trades on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CPPMF. More information about the Company can be found on the Companys profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Cautionary Note

No regulatory organization has approved the contents hereof.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as may, should, anticipate, expect, intend and similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Companys drill plans, identifying targets for future exploration, the potential of the mineralization, and its financial position in the future. No certainty can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Companys AIF and other continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, available at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place heavy reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this new release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Companys expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4656b63a-9be6-44a4-ab6c-8fadf3ba2718
Dublin, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bamboo Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.









The Bamboo Market has witnessed a steady growth trajectory, expected to embark on a climb from a valuation of USD 59.80 Billion in 2024 to a projected USD 77.48 Billion by 2030. A strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.61% is anticipated, as industries across the globe pivot towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

Application Across Diverse Industries Drives Growth



Bamboo's widespread applications are recognized as a key growth driver. Its use in the construction, textile, and paper industries is particularly significant, where its strength and rapid renewal contribute to innovative and sustainable products. Notably, engineered bamboo composites are emerging as a leading material in construction applications, while its versatility in the textile sector is catalyzing industry-wide attention.

Technological Advancements Reinforce Market Position



Innovation in bamboo processing technology is securing its position in the market. Pest-resistant treatments and developments in yarn and fabric production are enhancing the appeal and lifespan of bamboo products. Technological advances not only bolster the market's sustainability credentials but also unlock new potential in various applications, ranging from building materials to pharmaceuticals.

Consumer Demand Drives Natural Product Uptake



An amplified global awareness of environmental impact and sustainable living is propelling consumer demand for natural products. Bamboo is finely positioned to meet this demand, evident in its accelerated uptake in the US market. The natural and biodegradable characteristics of bamboo are resonating with consumers, augmenting its adoption in varied markets.

Overcoming Industry Hurdles



Despite the optimistic outlook, the bamboo market confronts challenges that include the lack of standardization and high initial investments. Standardizing production methods is essential for ensuring consistent product quality and sustainability, while addressing the high upfront costs could facilitate wider industry participation and bolster growth.

Construction Sector Sees Bamboo as Future-Proof Material



The pursuit of sustainable building practices has positioned bamboo as a material of choice in the construction industry. Its sustainability and mechanical prowess are driving its incorporation into the manufacturing and building sectors, highlighting a significant trend in market demand.

Regional and Species Segmentation Provides Market Insights



On the regional front, Asia Pacific continues to command the dominant share of the Bamboo Market, with China leading as the largest producer. Species such as Bambusa Balcooa play a pivotal role due to their strength and rapid growth, which cater to the escalating global demand. The Global Bamboo Market demonstrates a dynamic and robust growth path, deeply intertwined with the global trend towards sustainable and environmentally conscious materials. With the increasing demand for natural products, advancements in technology, and the inherent versatility of bamboo, the market is set to redefine industrial standards and consumer preferences in the forthcoming years.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 185 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $59.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $77.48 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.6% Regions Covered Global





Companies Featured





MOSO International B.V.

Bamboo Australia

Bamboo Village Company Limited

Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Co., Ltd.

Simply Bamboo PTY LTD

Xiamen HBD Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.

Dasso Group

Smith & Fong

Anji Tianzhen Bamboo Flooring Co. Ltd.

Fujian HeQiChang Bamboo Product Co., Ltd.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gwtf18

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. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Gabapentin Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Dosage Form, By Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global gabapentin market size is expected to reach USD 3.07 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2030.

The growth can be attributed to the rising usage of gabapentin for neuropathic pain and the increasing incidence of associated diseases such as epilepsy globally. The other key growth driver is the rising geriatric population which is more to epilepsy and conditions such as neuropathic pain.







The growing demand for generics in the market is creating an opportunity for major generic players, however, the opportunity is more lucrative in the lower and middle-income nations due to the high preference for these drugs. Moreover, developed regions such as North America and Europe are further making policy changes to reduce the burden on the healthcare system by promoting the use of generics such as gabapentin.



Gabapentin is majorly available in three dosage forms, namely, tablet, capsule, and oral solution. The capsules segment held the largest market share in 2022, owing to the presence of major branded products and the ease of availability. Due to the discovery that gabapentin carries a risk of addiction and overdose, some nations have scrutinized its usage and placed limitations on it. Long-term growth for gabapentin may be impacted by such discoveries, which may push drugmakers to concentrate on creating safer and more potent painkillers.



North America is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period, due to a developed healthcare system that facilitates the adoption of drugs such as gabapentin. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific are growing at a faster rate attributable to the presence of key generic players and the rising awareness about the adoption of pharmaceutical treatments for diseases over traditional therapies, majorly used in Asian countries.



Some of the key competitors in the gabapentin industry include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Ascend Laboratories, LLC; Apotex Inc.; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and Pfizer Inc. The downfall of branded products is leading to the shift of competition toward generic products. This is increasing the competitive rivalry due to increased marketplace saturation of players and products.



Gabapentin Market Report Highlights

Capsules dominated the market and accounted for a share of 56.1% in 2024. This is attributed to their ease of administration, which makes them ideal for patients, including children and the elderly.

Generic gabapentin led the market with a revenue share of 90.1% in 2024. Generics provide a cost-effective alternative to branded medications, expanding accessibility for a wider patient demographic.

Applications in epilepsy held the largest market share of 49.9% in 2024, owing to its proven efficacy as an anticonvulsant essential for seizure management in individuals with epilepsy.

Hospital pharmacies dominated the market and accounted for a share of 47.6% in 2024, serving as key healthcare facilities for treating chronic conditions such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

North America gabapentin market dominated the global market with a revenue share of 33.7% in 2024.

This report addresses:

Market intelligence to enable effective decision-making

Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030

Growth opportunities and trend analyses

Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment

Competition strategy and market share analysis

Product innovation listing for you to stay ahead of the curve

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.25 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $3.07 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Global





Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Snapshot

2.2. Segment Snapshot

2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot



Chapter 3. Gabapentin Market Variables, Trends, & Scope

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1. Market Driver Analysis

3.2.2. Market Restraint Analysis

3.3. Business Environment Analysis

3.3.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3.3.2. PESTLE Analysis



Chapter 4. Gabapentin Market: Dosage Form Business Analysis

4.1. Dosage Form Market Share, 2024 & 2030

4.2. Dosage Form Segment Dashboard

4.3. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, by Dosage Form, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

4.4. Tablet

4.5. Capsule

4.6. Oral Solution



Chapter 5. Gabapentin Market: Type Business Analysis

5.1. Type Market Share, 2024 & 2030

5.2. Type Segment Dashboard

5.3. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, by Type, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

5.4. Generic

5.5. Branded



Chapter 6. Gabapentin Market: Application Business Analysis

6.1. Application Market Share, 2024 & 2030

6.2. Application Segment Dashboard

6.3. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, by Application, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

6.4. Epilepsy

6.5. Neuropathic Pain

6.6. Restless Legs Syndrome

6.7. Others



Chapter 7. Gabapentin Market: Distribution Channel Business Analysis

7.1. Distribution Channel Market Share, 2024 & 2030

7.2. Distribution Channel Segment Dashboard

7.3. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, by Distribution Channel, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

7.4. Hospital Pharmacies

7.5. Retail Pharmacies

7.6. Online Pharmacies



Chapter 8. Gabapentin Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

8.1. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2024 & 2030

8.2. Regional Market Dashboard

8.3. Market Size, & Forecasts Trend Analysis, 2018 to 2030:

8.4. North America

8.5. Europe

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.7. Latin America

8.8. MEA



Chapter 9. Competitive Landscape

9.1. Participant Overview

9.2. Company Market Position Analysis

9.3. Company Categorization

9.4. Strategy Mapping

9.5. Company Profiles/Listing

Zydus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Ascend Laboratories

Apotex Inc.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Aurobindo Pharma

Amneal Pharmaceuticals

Cipla

B.P. Pharma

Assertio Holdings

Arbor Pharmaceuticals

Pfizer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7wxiyj

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. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market was valued at USD 22.76 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 33.23 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.58%.

The Global MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market is at the forefront of genomics and molecular biology, representing a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression across various biological processes. This market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, fueled by the increasing recognition of miRNAs' significance in understanding disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets. With their involvement in crucial cellular pathways related to development, immunity, and disease, miRNAs have become key targets for research and diagnostic applications.







A primary driver of the global miRNA sequencing and assay market is the growing demand for personalized medicine and precision diagnostics. Researchers and clinicians are leveraging miRNA profiling to develop targeted therapies and identify biomarkers for early disease detection. By understanding the unique miRNA expression patterns associated with different diseases, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment strategies to individual patients, maximizing efficacy and minimizing side effects. This emphasis on personalized approaches to healthcare has propelled the adoption of miRNA sequencing and assay technologies across diverse clinical specialties.



The Global MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market represents a vital component of the genomics and molecular biology landscape, driven by the growing recognition of miRNAs' role in health and disease. With increasing demand for personalized medicine, technological advancements, and a deeper understanding of miRNA biology, this market is poised for continued growth and innovation. As researchers and clinicians harness the power of miRNA sequencing and assay technologies to unlock new insights into disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapies, the potential for transformative advancements in healthcare is immense.



Key Market Trends

Integration of Bioinformatics Tools



The integration of bioinformatics tools has emerged as a significant driver in boosting the Global MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market. MiRNA sequencing and assays generate copious amounts of data, making it essential to harness sophisticated computational techniques for data analysis and interpretation. Bioinformatics tools have filled this crucial role, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of miRNA research and applications. The process begins with Evercode's split-pool combinatorial barcoding, a proprietary technology that assigns cell-specific barcode combinations to molecules.



Initially, cells are fixed and permeabilized, effectively transforming them into their own reaction vessels and eliminating the need for capturing individual cells in droplets or microwells. The split-pool barcoding system then assigns an exponentially vast array of barcode combinations to the cells, enabling scalability far beyond other technologies.



This approach allows for the parallel processing of up to 1 million cells, even if collected on different days. One of the key advantages of integrating bioinformatics tools into miRNA sequencing and assay workflows is their ability to manage and analyze complex miRNA data. MiRNA sequences are relatively short, and they can have multiple isoforms, making their analysis intricate. Bioinformatics software and algorithms have been specifically designed to handle these intricacies, allowing researchers to accurately identify and quantify miRNAs, distinguish them from other small RNAs, and perform quality control on sequencing data.



Bioinformatics tools play a pivotal role in identifying differentially expressed miRNAs. These tools apply statistical methods to discern significant changes in miRNA expression levels between experimental conditions, such as healthy and disease states. This capability is critical for biomarker discovery and understanding the regulatory roles of miRNAs in various biological processes.



The integration of bioinformatics tools is also pivotal in uncovering miRNA-target interactions and regulatory networks. These tools predict potential mRNA targets of miRNAs, shedding light on the downstream effects of miRNA dysregulation. This information is invaluable for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Bioinformatics resources assist in the integration of miRNA data with other omics data, such as mRNA and proteomic profiles. The combined analysis of multiple data types is essential for elucidating complex regulatory networks and molecular interactions, particularly in personalized medicine and disease research.



Regional Insights



Based on Region, North America have emerged as the dominant region in the Global MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market in 2024, holding the largest market share. The United States and Canada, in particular, have highly advanced healthcare systems with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The integration of miRNA profiling into clinical practice, precision medicine initiatives, and the development of targeted therapies has significantly contributed to the adoption of miRNA sequencing and assays.

North America hosts a significant portion of the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. These companies play a pivotal role in drug discovery and development, where miRNA profiling is extensively used for target identification, companion diagnostics, and biomarker discovery. The close collaboration between academia and the industry further fuels the demand for miRNA technologies.



Key Market Players in the MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market include:

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Illumina

QIAGEN

PerkinElmer

Abcam

New England Biolabs

Takara Bio USA

Lexogen

Norgen Biotek Corp.

Maravai LifeSciences Holdings

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 185 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $22.76 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $33.23 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.5% Regions Covered Global

Report Scope:



In this report, the Global MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:



MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market, By Technology:

Sequencing By Synthesis

Sequencing By Oligonucleotide Ligation and Detection (SOLiD)

Nanopore Sequencing

Sanger Sequencing

Single Molecule Real-time (SMRT) Sequencing

MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market, By Application:

Cancer

Polyglutamine Diseases

Autoimmune Disease

Schizophrenia

Others

MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market, By Workflow:

Library Preparation

Sequencing

Data Analysis & Storage

MiRNA Sequencing and Assay Market, By End-use:

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry

Research and Academic Institutes

Others

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eab2jb

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the international division of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the largest international provider of dispute resolution services, today announced the launch of its Malaysia Committee. The Committee is designed to enhance ICDRs regional presence and promote its international arbitration and mediation services.

Louise Azmi, partner at Skrine, will chair the ICDR Malaysia Committee. With more than 20 years of experience, Azmi specializes in commercial litigation, fraud and asset recovery, and maritime and shipping. Recognized for her advocacy skills, she was praised in the Legal 500 United Kingdom edition as having achieved some frankly astonishing results. Azmi also serves as an arbitrator, mediator and adjudicator, bringing extensive expertise and leadership to her role as chair.

The formation of the ICDR Malaysia Committee is an important next step in our ongoing mission to provide exceptional dispute resolution services in the region, said Thara Gopalan, vice president of ICDR. We are excited for this Committee to spearhead initiatives that deepen understanding and advance arbitration and mediation practices in Malaysia. With Louise Azmi and other distinguished members at the helm, the Committee will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of alternative dispute resolution in the country.

The Committee will host a series of events each year, targeting members of the legal and business communities, including in-house counsel, transactional lawyers and dispute resolution professionals. These events will provide a platform for dialogue and education while promoting ICDRs leading practices in international arbitration and mediation.

The launch of the ICDR Malaysia Committee follows ICDRs successful introduction of its Greater China and Singapore Committees in 2024, underscoring the ICDRs commitment to advancing international dispute resolution throughout Asia. The ICDR Malaysia Committee will work closely with regional legal and business communities to expand ICDRs services in Malaysia.

To mark the launch, the ICDR will host a cocktail reception at Colony @ Vipod KLCC in Kuala Lumpur on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The event will bring together key stakeholders from across the legal and business sectors. To register for the event, please click here.

For more information about the ICDR and its Asian initiatives, please visit: www.icdr.org/asia-cmc.

About the American Arbitration Association

The not-for-profit AAA is the leading ADR service provider. It has administered more than eight million ADR cases since its founding in 1926. With offices throughout the United States and Singapore, the AAA provides organizations of all sizes in virtually every industry with ADR services and products. For more information, visit www.adr.org.

About the International Centre for Dispute Resolution

The ICDR is the international division of the AAA and the largest international provider of dispute resolution services. Established in 1996, the ICDR serves parties from over 100 countries with multilingual staff experienced in international dispute resolution proceedings and a roster of over 725 arbitrators and mediators. For more information, visit www.icdr.org.
LIBERTY, Mo., Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTC: FGPR) (Ferrellgas or the Company) announced today it has executed a settlement agreement with Eddystone Rail Company, LLC (Eddystone) to resolve numerous litigations dating back to February 2017. The terms of the agreement require Ferrellgas to pay Eddystone $125.0 million in three structured payments ending on or before January 15, 2026. The first payment of $50.0 million was made on January 15, 2025, and the remaining two payments of $37.5 million will be made on or before June 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026, respectively.

The Company is pleased to report that the settlement resolves the $171.6 million judgment that was entered on June 7, 2024, by the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the related appeals. The settlement will be funded with existing cash and liquidity. The $190 million appeal bond Ferrellgas posted to secure the judgment pending its appeal and the associated letters of credit have been released.

The settlement clears the way for the Company to execute on its capital restructuring plans. As previously reported, the Company has retained Moelis & Company LLC to advise the Company on strategies for effectively addressing its capital structure, including upcoming debt maturities, in a manner that maximizes long-term unitholder value.

Bringing swift closure to this lawsuit and all other related lawsuits is in the best interests of all of our key stakeholders, Ferrellgas President and Chief Executive Officer Tamria Zertuche said. We are focused on our future and will continue investing in our infrastructure, growing our market share, and creating opportunities for growth across our strong nationwide network.

For the past four years Ferrellgas has been focused on transformation and positioning itself as the industry leader. With this chapter closed, the Company will continue its goal of strengthening and simplifying the great Ferrellgas story for its investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on managements current expectations and beliefs and assumptions about future events. The assumptions and estimates underlying forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of business and economic uncertainties and competitive risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in this press release. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will achieve the future results we expect or that our actual results will not differ materially from our current expectations. Statements concerning estimates, expectations, and projections about future results, performance, prospects, opportunities, financing, projects, plans, actions, and events, and other statements that are not regarding historical facts, are forward-looking statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as outlook, anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, explore, evaluate, intend, may, might, plan, potential, predict, seek, should, or will, or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Additional discussion of risk factors that may affect our results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. These and other risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any potential future results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors and others are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

About Ferrellgas

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., through its operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P., and subsidiaries, serves propane customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Its Blue Rhino exchange brand is sold at more than 65,000 locations nationwide. Ferrellgas employees indirectly own 1.1 million common units of the partnership through an employee stock ownership plan. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. filed a Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27, 2024. Investors can request a hard copy of this filing free of charge and obtain more information about the partnership online at www.ferrellgas.com. For more information, follow Ferrellgas on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Additional Information

Investors and others should note that we may announce material information using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, and the Investor Relations page of our website. We may use these channels to distribute material information about the Company and to communicate important information about corporate initiatives and other matters. Information that we may post on our website could be deemed material. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, our customers, business partners, and others interested in the Company to review the information posted on our website.

Contact: Communications@Ferrellgas.com
Calgary, Alberta, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has laid nine charges in relation to an industrial wastewater release at Imperial Oil Resources Limiteds Kearl Oil Sands Processing Plant.

The charges are related to a berm overflow of industrial wastewater that occurred at the Kearl plant that was reported to the AER on February 4, 2023.

Six charges, laid under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, are as follows:

One count for a releasing a substance into the environment that caused or may have caused a significant adverse effect.

One count for failing to report a release as soon as they knew or ought to have known of the release.

One count for failing, as soon as they became aware or ought to become aware of the release, to take all reasonable measures to repair, remedy and confine the effects of the substance.

One count for failing, as soon as they became aware or ought to become aware of the release, to take all reasonable measures to remediate, manage, remove or otherwise dispose of the substance in such a manner as to prevent an adverse effect or further adverse effect.

One count in contravention of approval number 46586-01-00, condition 4.2.1, for releasing substances from the plant to the surrounding watershed.

One count in contravention of approval number 46586-01-00, condition 2.1.1, for not immediately reporting to the AER Director by telephone at 1-780-422-4505.

Three charges, laid under the Public Lands Act, are as follows:

One count for the accumulation of waste material, debris, refuse, or garbage on public land.

One count for causing the loss or damage of public land.

One count for causing activities on, or the use of, public land that is likely to result in loss or damage to public land.

The company's first appearance in court will be on February 26, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.

For more information, visit the AER Compliance Dashboard.

As this matter is now before the court, the AER will not be providing any additional information.

About the Alberta Energy Regulator

The AER ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of energy and mineral resources in Alberta through our regulatory activities. For more information, visit aer.ca.

Contact

Email: media@aer.ca | Media line: 1-855-474-6356

Connect with AER

X | LinkedIn | YouTube| Facebook
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Transocean To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Transocean between October 31, 2023 and September 2, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Transocean Ltd. (Transocean or the Company) (NYSE: RIG) and reminds investors of the February 24, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Discoverer Inspiration and the Development Driller III were considered non-strategic assets; (2) the Companys recorded asset valuations were overstated; (3) as a result, the Company would take nearly twice the vessels sale price in impairment if sold; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On September 3, 2024, before the market opened, Transocean announced as part of the Companys effort to dispose of non-strategic assets it had agreed to sell the Development Driller III and the Discoverer Inspiration and associated assets for an aggregate $342 million. The Company further announced that the sales would result in an estimated third-quarter non-cash charge of up to $645 million associated with the impairment of said assets. Otherwise stated, the Companys expected proceeds from the sale of the Development Driller III and the Discoverer Inspiration, was only approximately half the impairment the Company was required to take for the sale.

On this news, the Companys share price fell $0.42, or 8.86%, to close at $4.32 per share on September 3, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Transoceans conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Transocean Ltd. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/RIG or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fde2fe7b-165f-4f25-b274-82a516dcf056
Denver, CO, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



In the same way that you protect your home or business with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you should check for another insidious substance that puts your health at risk: radon gas. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into residential and commercial properties through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and crawl spaces.

This article explains why radon gas is dangerous and what you can do to protect yourself and others.

Radon Gas and Lung Cancer

The accumulation of radon gas in your home or business can potentially reach dangerous levels, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer for anyone who spends time there.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is present in nearly all air but is typically harmless in low concentrations. However, the health risk significantly increases in enclosed spaces like homes and commercial buildings.

Prolonged exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., surpassed only by smoking, and is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. People who smoke or vape are at an even greater risk when exposed to radon, as the combined effect further increases the chances of developing lung cancer.

Does My Home or Business Need To Be Tested for Radon?

The first consideration for radon testing is simple: Testing is essential if the building has never been inspected for radon. This is especially true in Colorado, where geological conditions make radon exposure more likely.

Colorados geological makeup consists primarily of granite. Granite is rich in uranium, making the overwhelming majority of the state particularly prone to high radon levels. The fact that the City and County of Denver requires landlords to install radon mitigation systems upon the results of a valid, tenant-administered test showing high levels highlights the serious nature of this threat.

Another driver for radon gas testing is planned renovation work. Renovations can alter a structures foundation or ventilation system, which can adversely affect radon levels. Testing before and after renovations ensures the work hasnt created new pathways for radon infiltration. It also adds to the holistic picture of your homes safety. If the test results indicate unsafe levels of radon gas, there is no better time to install a radon mitigation system than simultaneously with a renovation project.

One other indicator that you should arrange for radon testing is nearby homes or businesses installing radon mitigation systems. You may have seen them and perhaps not known what they were. They appear as a piping system, usually constructed out of PVC pipe or gutter material, exiting the side of a structure and terminating a few feet above the roofline. If homes or businesses in your area have these systems, your property may also be at risk.

Radon Testing: Simple and Effective

Radon gas testing is a straightforward process. However, you should be sure to work with a radon remediation professional.

If you hire a remediation company that does not perform any testing or subcontracts out the radon testing, thats a red flag. You probably arent dealing with a firm with the necessary skills and expertise to manage your radon gas situation effectively. Due to its invisible and odorless nature, radon gas can only be detected through testing. Any company claiming otherwise and pushing a radon mitigation system should be avoided, and you should look for another firm to assist you.

Remediation firms test for radon by placing an activated charcoal canister in the lower level of your home or business. The activated charcoal naturally absorbs radon gas. After a few days, the charcoal is analyzed in a lab to measure the absorbed radon levels.

If the radon levels are 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher, it is strongly advised that you have a trained, licensed, and insured radon remediation expert like Colorado Hazard Control install a mitigation system to reduce the levels. Lower levels (24 pCi/L) still may pose a risk, so you should consider mitigation.

How Radon Gas Mitigation Works

Radon mitigation experts typically install a mitigation system in an unobtrusive area of the lower level of the home or building, often in a mechanical room or boiler room. The system consists of a sealed piping system with a fan placed slightly below grade level. The piping vents outside the structure, generally terminating just above the roofline.

The sealed nature of the system creates depressurization that effectively pulls radon gas toward the piping and moves it up and out of the area, significantly reducing the gas concentration. Mitigation systems are, in essence, vacuum mechanisms that vent radon gas outside.

Radon Testing: Available Year Round (But Most Effective in Winter)

If you are considering testing for radon gas in your home or business, be aware that winter is the optimal time for the procedure. That is true for a couple of reasons. First, we tend to keep our windows and doors closed during the winter months, limiting ventilation and elevating radon levels. Second, a natural phenomenon called the stack effect is more likely to occur when the weather is colder. Warm air rises and escapes from a building, creating a vacuum that pulls radon from the ground into the structure.

Having an experienced, trained, licensed, and insured radon mitigation firm like Colorado Hazard Control test your property in winter produces a worst-case scenario measurement, which is helpful since radon levels are at their highest and people typically spend more time inside in the colder months.

Protect Yourself and Others From Dangerous Radon Gas

Radon gas is a silent health hazard that poses significant risks to people living in a home or working in a commercial building. Understanding its dangers, the need for testing, and the importance of mitigation can reduce the risk of lung cancer in your loved ones, coworkers, or tenants. Radon testing is especially important in Colorado due to the prevalence of radon gas in our state.

Dont wait to have testing performed! Schedule a radon gas test today with Colorado Hazard Control. Call 303-410-4941 in the Denver and Northern Colorado areas or 719-547-2785 in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Southern Colorado.

About Colorado Hazard Control

Colorado Hazard Control is the natural industrial, commercial and residential environmental solutions provider achieving the highest quality workmanship by focusing intensely on what we do best  health, safety, and environmental compliance. With locations in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, we offer our services statewide. Whatever your needs - lead abatement, mold remediation, radon mitigation, demolition, or training - we're there with 24-hour emergency response available. https://www.coloradohazard.com

Media Contact:

Lynnelle Beaver, 303-410-4941
Hitachi Rail agrees to acquire cutting-edge digital rail monitoring business Omnicom from international infrastructure group, Balfour Beatty

Strategic acquisition of Omnicom complements the recent launch of Hitachi Rails HMAX digital asset management suite, which optimizes railway operations and maintenance

Omnicoms digital monitoring and data analytics supports customers processing trillions of bytes of images per day, optimizing their trackside maintenance.



LONDON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Rail has agreed to acquire the cutting-edge digital rail monitoring business Omnicom from Balfour Beatty. The acquisition marks a key strategic pillar for Hitachi Rails new digital asset management business, known as HMAX.

Omnicom provides software and hardware for surveying, inspecting and monitoring rail infrastructure assets including its Infrastructure Monitoring System, gauge clearance measurement, line visual inspection and scanning infrastructure. Its monitoring systems can be installed on trains and uses edge computing and machine learning to provide near real-time anomaly detection on rail tracks. The technology can enhance the decision making for maintenance planning and the asset lifecycle.

With a more than 25-year track record in railway technology, Omnicoms monitoring and geometry measurement solutions are currently deployed by a number of its largest customers. The technology collects trillions of bytes of images per day, allowing its customers to optimize their trackside maintenance.

Omnicoms remote monitoring and measurement solutions will feed into Hitachi Rails new HMAX suite, enabling the pioneering technology to be brought to the global market. HMAX, launched at InnoTrans in September 2024, is a comprehensive digital asset management solution which seamlessly integrates a vast array of live data from the train and the surrounding rail infrastructure into a single platform. The platform uses AI and machine learning to process the data and extract knowledge and apply it to achieve operational and service enhancements including traffic optimization, energy consumption reduction, and an on-condition/ predictive maintenance process.

HMAX also enables huge volumes of data to be processed at the edge (on the trains or infrastructure) in real time, with only relevant information sent back to the operational control centers. This enables an unprecedented improvement in the speed that actionable insights reach transport operators, as previously it could take days for data to be processed in maintenance locations.

Commenting on the announcement, Hitachi Rail CEO, Giuseppe Marino, said:

This is a strategic acquisition for Hitachi Rail. Plugging Omnicoms pioneering track monitoring tools into our digital asset management platform, will further strengthen our global offer to optimize customers rail services and the surrounding infrastructure. New technological solutions such as our HMAX platform demonstrate the power of AI to enhance the performance of our railway infrastructure and systems.

Sanjay Razdan, Managing Director of Omnicom, said: This acquisition strengthens Omnicoms ability to collaborate, innovate and deliver AI-enabled systems and services whilst further enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail infrastructure, building on our proven data driven solutions which help predict and prevent railway asset failures. I look forward to Omnicoms continuing success as part of the Hitachi brand.

For more information, please contact:

Ed Brown on ed.brown@hitachirail.com or +44 7850 071287

About Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.

With revenues of over 7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the worlds best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.

Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems  from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signaling, smart operations and payment systems.

Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of 54.55bn / 8,564 bn.

About Balfour Beatty

Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group with over 26,000 employees driving the delivery of powerful new solutions, shaping thinking, creating skylines and inspiring a new generation of talent to be the change-makers of tomorrow.

We finance, develop, build, maintain and operate the increasingly complex and critical infrastructure that supports national economies and deliver projects at the heart of local communities.

Over the last 114 years we have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world. Currently, we are working to deliver Hinkley Point C, the first UK nuclear power station in a generation; constructing the world-class arts and cultural facility, the Lyric Theatre, in Hong Kong; and designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the Automated People Mover superstructure at one of the busiest airports in the world, Los Angeles International Airport.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/227bfdcb-7d37-4ca5-92df-cdac58317451
ANGOLA, N,Y., Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just one year after compiling a team of DAS Engineering experts to spearhead TX RX Systems re-entry into in-building RF solutions, their dedicated DAS department is redefining the landscape of inbuilding DAS Solutions. TX RX Systems, founded by the visionary Daniel P. Kaegebeinthe original patent holder of the Bi-Directional Amplifierproudly announces the release of its most ambitious and advanced Bi-Directional Amplifier to date. Engineered with precision and built to tackle the most complex communication challenges, this product celebrates decades of expertise, innovation, and dedication to the RF industry.

This industrial Bi-Directional Amplifier is an extraordinary achievement in intelligent RF system design. Weighing an impressive 670 pounds and capable of simultaneously supporting VHF, UHF, and 800MHz frequencies, it sets a new benchmark for performance, reliability, and adaptability.

A Technological Masterpiece with Real-World Impact

This state-of-the-art Bi-Directional Amplifier is more than a technical marvelits a practical solution designed for mission-critical applications. With 12 windows6 uplink and 6 downlinkthe amplifier ensures robust communication in even the most demanding environments. This inline BDA delivers +37dBm downlink output power with 50dB of gain and +0dBm uplink output power with 45dB of gain. It is built to ensure seamless, interference-free connectivity.

The amplifier also incorporates advanced features for reliability, including alarms for power supply failure, DC loss per deck, low-level alerts, and PA failure. Its redundant power supply system ensures uninterrupted performance by automatically switching to a backup power source in case of primary supply loss.

Designed for the Most Challenging Applications

Whether ensuring dependable communication for first responders in emergency situations, supporting expansive distribution centers, or maintaining uninterrupted signals in urban infrastructure, this amplifier is built for environments where ordinary solutions fall short. Its capabilities are tailored to meet the needs of industries that demand excellence and reliability without compromise.

A Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship

TX RX Systems operates from a single location in Angola, NY, where every product is designed, built, and shipped with meticulous care. This amplifier exemplifies the companys commitment to solving challenges that standard, off-the-shelf solutions cannot address. It is the latest achievement in a storied history that began with the original invention of the Bi-Directional Amplifier, a technology that revolutionized the RF industry.

This isnt just a product launch; its a celebration of what our company stands foringenuity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, said Tim Mattulke, CEO at TX RX Systems, This amplifier reflects the dedication and brilliance of our team, and its a testament to the difference we make in the RF world.

Setting the Standard for RF Excellence

Since 1976, TX RX Systems has specialized in creating intelligent RF solutions tailored to the most demanding applications. With this latest Bi-Directional Amplifier, the company once again proves its position as the trusted leader in the RF industry, delivering solutions that combine innovation, reliability, and performance.

Availability and Contact Information

For more information or to schedule a demonstration, please contact:

Jay Slomba

Director of Business Development & Strategic Marketing

jslomba@txrx.com - 716-217-3117
Ruth Hernandez Appointed as Chief Sales Officer at Soitec

Bernin (France), January 17, 2025  Soitec (Euronext  Tech Leaders), a world leader in the design and production of innovative semiconductor materials, announces the appointment of Ruth Hernandez as Chief Sales Officer. She will join the Executive Committee with responsibility for driving Soitecs commercial success.

With a proven track record in the semiconductor industry, Ruth Hernandez brings 25 years of experience working with major semiconductor companies such as Texas Instruments, Maxim Integrated and GlobalFoundries across five countries. She will play a key role in driving the next chapter of Soitecs long-term growth strategy and strengthening Soitecs customer networks.

Ruth succeeds Yvon Pastol who will leave the company on January 31, after having led the global Sales organization since August 2020.

Ruth Hernandez said: I am honored and excited to join the Executive Committee of Soitec, a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials. After 25 years in this dynamic industry, I am thrilled to contribute to driving global impact through Soitecs cutting-edge technologies that combine performance and energy efficiency.

Pierre Barnabe, Chief Executive Officer of Soitec, stated: On behalf of Soitec, I am delighted to welcome Ruth Hernandez as our new Chief Sales Officer. She brings a wealth of experience from her strategic leadership roles at several world-class semiconductor companies. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my warm thanks to Yvon Pastol, thanking him for his commitment and significant contribution to Soitec over the years. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

*****

About Soitec

Soitec (Euronext - Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 1 billion Euros in fiscal year 2023-2024. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of its 2,300 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Soitec has registered over 4,000 patents.

Soitec, SmartSiC and Smart Cut are registered trademarks of Soitec.

For more information visit our Website and follow us on LinkedIn and X

Media Relations: media@soitec.com

Investor Relations:

investors@soitec.com

Attachment
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James Altucher, technology strategist and AI expert at Paradigm Press Group, has published a new analysis examining the implications of recent AI developments in Memphis, Tennessee, including their potential impact on technological innovation and societal advancement.

"What Elon Musk is developing isn't just AI as we know it---it's what I call AI 2.0. This is about creating artificial superintelligence that will solve problems we can't even imagine yet," explains Altucher in his analysis.

The publication examines the technological infrastructure being developed in Memphis through Project Colossus, Elon Musk's latest AI initiative. Musk himself has stated about the project: "This isn't just about technology. This is about solving humanity's toughest challenges ---from curing diseases to creating sustainable energy systems---and it's all starting right here in Memphis."

"With Project Colossus, we are about to enter an era of exponential innovation. This isn't merely the next step in AI---it's a leap forward that will define the next generation of scientific and societal breakthroughs," Altucher says.

In his analysis, Altucher provides technical insights into the system's architecture and integration. "Think of Nvidia's chips as the neurons of a brain, and this company's technology as the connective tissue that allows them to work together seamlessly," he explains.

About James Altucher James Altucher of Paradigm Press Group is a leading expert in artificial intelligence and a celebrated technology strategist. With decades of experience in technology and investment analysis, Altucher has been instrumental in shaping how the world understands and utilizes emerging technologies.

Media Contact:

Derek Warren

Public Relations Manager

Paradigm Press Group

Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, an Arax Investment Partners firm, today announced that Mark Cavalier, Jonathan Smith and Gregory Weiss have joined the firm as Managing Directors and Partners. They will join former Wells Fargo Senior Vice President and Group Finance Officer, Michael Hansen, as well as four administrative staff, to establish a new Ashton Thomas office in San Franciscos Financial District, which will serve as a hub for the firms growth in the Western region.

Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, Mr. Cavalier, Mr. Smith and Mr. Weiss served as Principals of the No. 16 Wall Street Private Wealth Management Group at Wells Fargo Advisors, where they managed over $2.5 billion in client assets. Together, they bring decades of experience helping individuals and institutions to coordinate tailored wealth management strategies, and a dedicated commitment to top-tier client service. In their new roles, they will form the Pacific Private Wealth Group, with a focus on servicing the needs of foundations, business entities and affluent individuals and families in the Bay Area and beyond.

This move is the capstone of our careers and culmination of our decades of experience in wealth management," said Mr. Cavalier. "After extensive research and rigorous due diligence on qualifying firms, we chose to advance our advisory practice at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth due to its financial experience and insights, cutting-edge technology and shared commitment to excellence. We're excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients, and were committed to supporting Ashton Thomas' future growth in the Western region.

Aaron Brodt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Thomas added, We are thrilled to welcome Mark, Jonathan and Greg to Ashton Thomas. We view this milestone as a meaningful statement about our growth trajectory and future vision. Through patience and perseverance, we have planted a flag in the financial epicenter of the West Coast, with a team of accomplished financial professionals who share our commitment to building an intentional culture and delivering focused solutions for wealth advisors and their clients.

Ashton Thomas and Arax continue to command the attention of top advisor teams around the country, added Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer at Arax Investment Partners and Chairman of Ashton Thomas. The powerful combination and depth of resources for private wealth clients and ownership options for advisors means we are not only competitive, we are setting the standard for what leading wealth advisory teams will demand from partner firms going forward.

About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth

Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (ATPW), founded in 2010, and Ashton Thomas Advisors, LLC ("ATA"), founded in 2024, are SEC-registered investment advisers which provide fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (ATS) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (ATIA) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

About Arax Investment Partners

Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing, multi-boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in best-in-class operating companies in partnership with their founders and management teams. Arax is focused on making strategic investments and supporting RIAs, hybrid wealth managers, and advisor teams seeking a new growth platform to scale their businesses.

Arax enables its partners and affiliates to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering industry-leading financial services to their clients. Firms within the Arax network benefit from a seasoned management team with a successful track record of scaling wealth platforms, M&A experience, capital sourcing capabilities and company-building expertise backed by a proven investor with an extensive network, RedBird Capital Partners. Our experienced leaders, multi-platform structure and growth equity partnership create a unique advantage for our partners. For more information, please go to www.araxpartners.com.

Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier

Gagnier Communications

RedBird@gagnierfc.com
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its 2024 financial results on Friday, February 14, 2025. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's 2024 annual financial results.

Shareholders, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties are invited to listen to the teleconference via the live webcast on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com/investors/events-and-presentations .

Those members of the financial community in Canada and the United States wishing to ask questions during the call are invited to participate toll free by calling 1.844.763.8274. Individuals in other international locations can participate by calling 1.647.484.8814. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No access code is required. Alternatively, individuals may pre-register for the call here . Upon registering, individuals will receive a calendar invite by email with dial in details and a unique access code enabling them to bypass the teleconference operator queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the teleconference.

A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com . A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until March 14, 2025. Please call 1.855.669.9658 or 1.412.317.0088 and enter access code 9850557#.

About Fortis

Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2023 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $70 billion as at September 30, 2024. The Corporation's 9,600 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.

Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com , www.sedarplus.ca , or www.sec.gov .

A .pdf version of this press release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9ba258bd-be45-455d-9142-919a07afceba

For further information contact
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VANCOUVER, Jan. 17, 2025 - Viridian Metals Inc. (TSXV: VRDN) is thrilled to announce the addition of Coulter Wright to its senior management team in the position of corporate secretary effective immediately.

Wright has more than 25 years of corporate finance, investment and start-up experience. This includes 12 years at AGF Investments as VP and Portfolio Manager of the Canadian Growth Equity Fund; a one billion dollar fund comprising of hundreds of investments including many early stage exploration mining companies.

"We are very pleased to have Coulter joining the team at Viridian. He is a recognized industry innovator with a track record of driving transformative growth," said Lee Bowles, Chief Business Development Officer, Viridian Metals Corp. "Coulter brings a tremendous amount of experience in Capital Markets and business development that will be invaluable in strengthening the reputation of Viridian Metals and helping us achieve new milestones going forward."

In 2014, Wright's investment in Real Matters led to an executive team role where he helped the company through three acquisitions spanning 18 months. Since 2016, Wright serves as Co-Founder and CFO of Charly Inc, redPADEL and The Pad. Wright also serves as CFO of GetintheLoop Marketing an AI Social Marketing Platform.

"I'm excited to join Viridian Metals, a company dedicated to sustainable growth," said Wright. "This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a talented team and drive meaningful impact in an industry poised for significant evolution. I look forward to helping Viridian achieve its ambitious goals."

About Viridian Metals

Viridian Metals is a leader in generative metal exploration with a focus on environmental responsibility and ethical practices. Founded to discover new critical metals deposits capable of transforming supply chains, we leverage innovative technologies and methods to enhance efficiency and sustainability in jurisdictions leading the energy transition. Viridian maintains expertise in a range of critical metals with a primary focus on copper, nickel and cobalt in the near term. Viridian's commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical practices ensures that its projects contribute meaningfully to the green transition, creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

The technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Tyrell Sutherland M.Sc., P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance.

Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words 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 statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding: (i) the potential for mineralization at the Company's mining properties including the Kraken Project (ii) the plans and expectations of the Company; and (iii) expectations in respect of other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to the factors set forth in the Company's Filing Statement dated October 28, 2024 under the caption "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

SOURCE Viridian Metals
Banning cellphones in schools gains popularity in U.S. red, blue states

Xinhua) 11:02, January 17, 2025

NEW YORK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The idea that students' cellphones need to be banned during the school day has been rapidly gaining bipartisan ground in the U.S. states, as at least eight states, namely California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, have enacted such bans over the past two years and proposals are being considered in several more states this year.

"The push for cellphone bans has been driven by concerns about the impact screen time has on children's mental health and complaints from teachers that cellphones have become a constant distraction in the classroom," said The Associated Press on Thursday about the development.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms about their effects on young people's lives, has said schools need to provide phone-free times.

Nationally, 77 percent of U.S. schools say they prohibit cellphones at school for non-academic use, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But that number is misleading. It does not mean students are following those bans or all those schools are enforcing them, noted the report.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Audi now in full control of Sauber

Audi is now officially in full control of the Swiss Formula 1 team Sauber.

Gabriel Bortoleto, Abu Dhabi 2024 test

 Sauber

The German carmaker's intention to fully own the Hinwil based outfit ahead of a full works rebranding in 2026 is well known, but only in the last few days was it fully completed.

The complete takeover of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was completed as planned in January 2025, a spokesman confirmed to Auto Motor und Sport.

Audi has thus taken the next important step on the way to Formula 1 shortly after the turn of the year. Audi previously held a minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the official added.

However, also well known is that, late last year, Audi announced that it intends to sell a chunk of the team to Qatar's sovereign wealth fund. It is believed that deal will involve the transfer of about 30 percent of the shares.

Sauber's 'team representative' Alessandro Alunni Bravi is departing that role and will be replaced as team boss by former Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley.

Wheatley's suspension period actually runs until July, Auto Motor und Sport's Tobias Gruner explained. But in the background, talks are currently taking place with Red Bull to enable him to start work earlier.

(GMM)
Zandvoort couldn't face more Dutch GP risk

Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers admits 2026 will be the last Formula 1 race at Zandvoort purely for financial reasons.

Start, Dutch GP 2024

 Red Bull

Recently, the sport revealed that the famous Spa-Francorchamps venue, located in neighbouring Belgium, will be the first European track in the new annual rotation scheme after 2027.

A spokesman for the Nurburgring in Germany says even the new rotation scheme is not feasible for us as a private company financially.

Since the last discussion, more than a year ago, no further talks have taken place with the organiser of the series, spokesman Alexander Gerhard told Sky Deutschland.

As for Zandvoort, the Dutch GP has been a highly successful and popular Formula 1 event since its return to the calendar in 2021. But Lammers told Ziggo Sport the organisers simply can't afford to race beyond a sixth edition in 2026.

Ultimately we have to do it without subsidy in the Netherlands, he said. "Completely at our own expense and risk.

It's nice that everyone is satisfied with us, but it's us who would have to deal with the losses. Then everyone can say what fun we had with uncle Jan's money, Lammers, a former Formula 1 driver, smiled.

The Dutch GP is currently among a vanishing few F1 events that has existed basically without state support.

If you are already talking about a cost item of over 50 million, and you know it will cost that, it could be in the region of 70 million, Lammers explained. "That is a risk that someone has to take.

"So if you know in advance that you are going to be successful with these six editions, then I think you should just leave it at that. And I am super proud of that. It means we were successful from start to finish.

We took the risk and because of Max (Verstappen) the opportunity was there.

(GMM)
Featured

Awards don't define artistes success Eno Barony

Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News Jan - 17 - 2025 , 13:13 3 minutes read

IN 2021, she was adjudged Best Rap Performance of the Year award from the prestigious Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), but rapper Eno Barony insists winning awards should not be the benchmark of an artiste's success.

To her, while awards are a welcome recognition, they do not solely define an artiste's impact, influence or accomplishments.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Thursday, January 9, Eno Barony, fondly called Rap Goddess, pointed out that there were many talented and hardworking artistes who hadnt won any awards yet that didn't diminish their contributions to the music industry.

I've seen artistes who haven't won awards, but their music have transformed lives, sparked meaningful conversations and brought people together. That, to me, is the true essence of success, she said. (More articles: Teddy Oseis talent was rare- Tributes from industry players, Who are you trying to impress? Veteran actress, Ngozi Ezeonu slams ladies for showing up braless at audition)

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Eno Barony, admired for her healthy competition in a male-dominated rap space plus captivating stage presence, has received several award nominations and won few including the 2021 TGMA Best Rap Performance. She repeated the feat at 3Music Awards the same year.

However, she maintains her focus remains on creating meaningful music that resonate with her audience.

I believe artistes, in general, sometimes face the issue of not being recognised enough for their contributions. Its as if without being an award winner, you have no talent and that is why I believe there should be an all-inclusive approach to recognising their efforts, she stated.

Eno Barony, real name Ruth Nyame Adom, who is currently promoting her latest album, No Manual, expressed excitement over its success.

Checks by Graphic Showbiz indicate the album has recorded over 6 million streams on Audiomack since its release on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

My fans love tracks such as Soja Go Soja Come featuring King Paluta, Calabash ft Fuse ODG and Street Love ft Jay Bahd. The love and support have been incredible, and Im so grateful to the producers and collaborators who made this project possible.

I wanted to try something different this time. Collaborating with amazing artistes such as King Paluta, Fuse ODG, Jay Bahd and Amerado allowed me to create diverse musical stories. Their unique styles added a fresh flavour to the album, she explained.

Eno Barony hit the limelight in 2014 when she released Tonga which received commercial airplay.

She later recorded Megye Wo Boy in 2015, collaborating with Abrewa Nana which enhanced her name on the music scene at the time.

Eno Barony recounts her proud music journey, highlighting her achievements particularly in 2024, including the release of No Manual, and hosting the second edition of her annual Eid Concert in Koforidua.
Featured

Kantamanto fire - Politicians must be blamed - Billy Anaglate writes

Prince Billy Mawuedoafiame Anaglate Opinion Jan - 17 - 2025 , 11:18 11 minutes read

On the 16th of March, 2023, I published a feature captioned, MARKET FIRES ARE PREVENTABLE - ASSEMBLIES MUST SIT UP.

In that article, stated explicitly that fire prevention is a shared responsibility and if indeed market fires are to be prevented, then a big responsibility lies on the shoulders of the custodians of our markets, the Assemblies. It is a must that the Assemblies complement the efforts of the Fire Service to end or reduce the market fires in the country.

MARKET FIRE PREVENTION TEAMS WERE FORMED BY THE FIRE SERVICE

After the first market fire at Makola in 1992, which caused extensive damage to the Makola market, where wares running into millions of Ghana cedis were destroyed that year, the Fire Service constituted Market Fire Prevention teams.

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They were responsible for fire safety awareness and education in the markets, conducting risk assessments and market patrols in all the markets. These annual risks assessment reports were submitted to the local Assemblies to implement the recommendations but the reports only gather dust on their shelves.

THE GOVERNMENT INVITED FIRE EXPERTS FROM THE USA TO ASSIST

Until 2013, after a series of preventable fire outbreaks on our markets across the country, the Government engaged the services of experts from the United States of America to investigate the causes of these perennial fire outbreaks. Expectations were very high that the work of forensic investigators was going to perform the magic to serve as the blue print to deal with fire-related issues on the markets. But it is one thing prescribing the medicine, and another, administering it.

The Assemblies once again failed to implement the recommendations from the forensic experts (which were replicates of those submitted yearly] to the Assemblies by the local Fire Teams. It is clear that until the custodians of the markets, whose interests are not in the maintenance but revenue collection, do need reorganization of the markets into well-defined structures, the infernos would continue to ravage our markets, like what recently happened at the Katamanto market where the Fire Service did all that they could, yet, could not salvage a single cloth or material let alone a structure.

STATE OF KATAMANTO MARKET BEFORE THE FIRE

Unfortunately, Katamanto Market like any other market in developing economies, do not have a well-planned and proper layout, so it is congested. Anytime fire breaks out in this market, it spreads very rapidly and becomes very difficult for fire tenders to get access to maneuvers for firefighting. Katamanto Market has no Fire Post manned by fire personnel which is a requirement and a must. The Assemblies failed to ensure segregation of occupancy, that is, similar items should be sold at designated locations and, highly flammable substances should be separated from other combustibles.

Routine checks and critical assessments at Kantamanto market indicate that it has no fire protection mechanisms and facilities and, hence, has safety lapses, including, obstruction of access routes to the market, and non-availability of adequate source of water for firefighting. It also has a very high reckless use of sources of ignition, electricity and naked fire. Again, there is no fire detection and warning systems and relevant firefighting equipment in Katamanto, not forgetting indiscriminate cooking and setting of fires

Equally offensive and criminal are mobile fufu vendors seen carrying embers, operating within the markets, these flaming embers may be blown onto combustible materials and ignite them. Add the foregoing to indiscriminate cooking and setting of fires at undesignated areas of our market

Hanging over-aged electrical wires and circuits all over every structure with amateur electricians tempering with electrical circuits and indulging in illegal connections. Heaters and LPG and other similar gadgets that have the potential to cause fires were all in use in the market.

THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR FAILURE

Let us get things clear here, when these accusations are put to the Assemblies, they itinerant argue that government funding is not forthcoming ... that the District Assemblies Common Fund is either unduly delayed or they come in trickles. One may ask, where do those market tools, taxes, rate, and fines go to? Who manages them? And itinerant fufu sellers with embers, are there no legislations or bylaws to stop them?

THE DOOM'S DAY

So pathetic was the recent Kantamanto fire that many traders were at home weeping, wailing and counting their losses. This is because many of these traders and business persons were in the yuletide celebration mood, only to be buffeted by this bad news. Indeed, several persons who had gone for loans to boost their businesses did not know what to do with themselves.

It was therefore, not surprising when a trader out of pains accused the fire Service of fighting the fire with petrol instead of water. This trader might be very right in expressing her painful opinion based on her observation that the more firefighters are fighting the fire, the more it was spreading.

FIREFIGHTERS DO NOT DESERVE ANY CONDEMNATION

HE WHO MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH IS EXPECTED. Nobody, absolutely nobody has the moral justification to blame the firefighters; they have done their best with the circumstances fronting them, although their best might not be best enough. They have exhibited the type of training they received. How do you expect a firefighter trained for 3 months to stand the test of firefighting especially the mixed cargo nature of fire they were faced with? Yes, such a fire is fought with Bombers and Helicopters not hand-held branches. Definitely, these fires are not meant for local ill-equipped FIREFIGHTERS.

POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

Until 2017, firefighters were trained in not less than 6 months. They were taken through the Chemistry of combustion, Physics, Building construction, and Electricity among others the least of which is foot drills. The purpose of the above scientific topics were to enable recruits have understanding of how material laced with chemicals and chemical solutions behave on fire and the importance of density of various flammable liquids when subjected to heat and, the determination of suitable extinguishing medium.

Physics would give you the rate of expansion and behavior of metals and rods when subjected to certain degrees of heat, be it in a column or pillar.

Building construction, among others, would establish behavior of woods and boards whether as a pillar or flat surface when in a fire situation and their rate of consumption.

With all these you would appreciate and identify a behavior and a colour of a flame to know the building is just about to collapse, similarly, a thick volume of smoke emerging with a coil wind rolling with a particular type of a colour should inform you of imminent explosion in a fire. All these qualities are totally expunged from our training hub, due to the limited time spent at the training ground what then is expected of these new firefighters, they do not deserve our condemnation.

Rather, an opportunity should be made available for them to be retrained according to our standards. It is boldly inscribed on our training school wall, HARD ON A TRAINING GROUND

EASY ON A FIRE GROUND, unfortunately, the training ground is turned to a pleasure ground, ARE WE SURE WE ARE STANDING TO THIS TEST.

Today, recruits are trained under 3months, Politicians have hijacked the recruitment process, they have thrown to the wind body selection, aptitude test and many other important selective procedures, Selection of qualified candidates are based on one's political affiliation and it is done in the Jubilee House. How do you expect to recruit able bodied people of Fire service standard? It is a common and awful scene of having babies in uniform. The training ground is filled with nursing mothers, pregnant women, fat plump and other persons who from the word go, are not trainable and they are code named "my here my there" group. These so called protocol people have their mobile phones with them, which is forbidden and any slightest physical exercise they call their over lords and instructions are given to Fire Administration to that effect. Indeed, the hands of the Fire Service were squarely tight behind them by the powers that be.

WAYFORWARD RETRAINING OF INSTRUCTORS

I recommend here that instructors at the various training schools be flown outside to be trained as real instructors. The practice where a person receives 3 months of training and he or she by his political affiliation is retained at the training school as an instructor must be stopped with. What can you impart to others when you do not have anything?



INTERNAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING It will be prudent and necessary to retrain the under trained personnel to build their capacity. Firefighting is technical and you do not expect any person with basic and substandard, inadequate training to be efficient and effective in the discharge of his or her duty. The protection of our lives and property is in the hands of these life savers. Their performance at the scene of an emergency will make the difference between permanent paralysis, death, minor incident or a disaster. It could be me, you or anybody irrespective of position class or status in life.



INSURANCE SCHEME



These noble firefighters are without insurance or a readily available Hospital to access quickly in the discharge of his duty to save the

life of another when he turns to be a victim of circumstances. Many firefighters today are dying slowly out of chemical and hot gases inhalation, exposure to heats during firefighting. There are also firefighters who lost their lives during emergency in a bid to saving lives and property. The dependants of these galant firefighters were left to resign to their fate. I therefore recommend that as has been the case of our sister services which I am very much aware that there is a provision at the ministry of the Interior that any personnel who lost his or her life on active duty is compensated and their dependents are duly taken care off, so should it be with the Fire Service to serve as a motivation to compatriots who work at the peril of their lives to save lives.



RETOOLING

PREVENTABLE DEATHS ON OUR ROADS



The Fire SetNice is the only qualified service to protect and promote recovery of casualties during road traffic accident by ensuring dedicated and scientific extrication of casualties with additional basic hea Ith delivery. Indeed it is on record that many people who died after road traffic collision died not because of the impact of the incident but unprofessional handling of the casualties by bystanders.



RESCUE VANS



The Fire Set-vice must be equipped with rescue vans to be positioned at vantage points on our high ways to ensure rapid response to emergency. This will prevent non-professionals or bystanders who always happened to be the first attendants at scenes. Their bid to assist victims has mainly resulted in fatality after the initial incident. They approach casualties without any consideration or suspicion that there might be a spine injury so therefore the victim should be handled with care to avoid further injury and damage to the spine which, as a result, would make the difference between permanent paralysis and even death.



FIRE TENDERS



It is on record and in a public domain that on the 13th September, 2010 when firemen were performing their normal simulation exercise at the Cedi house with the view to testing the readiness of the personnel, as well as tra ining workers on the high-rise building to deal with such a situation when it occurred, a firewoman was unfortunately crushed to the floor and she died shortly after that. This raises further issues about the nation's preparedness to deal with fire and other emergencies on high-rise buildings. It was in that vein that the then President of Ghana (May his soul continue to rest in peace), made a promise to Ghanaian to retool the Fire

Service and has delivered on that promise by purchasing over 200 fire Tenders to the Fire Service. Since then the fire service has not been equipped with standard fire Tenders. In effect, the fire service has those vehicles outmoded, not roadworthy and not fit for the purpose.



Ghana currently has no standard Fire Station; a Fire Station should be equipped with two fire Tenders, a rescue van, mobile van, towing vehicle, water carrier and an Ambulance.



FIRE HYDRANT



A Fire hydrant is a pipe fitting shipped on a main water lines to enable the Fire Service access water for firefighting. The hydrant has a specification of 100metres interval installed along the roads and in communities.



A well maintained set off Fire hydrants are vital and necessary to firefighting operations because they provide the readily available water for firefighting.



According to statistics by the Fire Service, nearly 50% of hydrants in the Country are not operational. In Greater Accra, 126 of the 295 hydrants are not serviceable.



Ghana Water Company which receives 1% from the public for the purposes of installing, maintaining and ensuring uninterrupted water flow through the hydrants should be coerced to deliver on their mandate.

It is therefore worthy of note that President Mahama himself has sympathized with the traders, not only that, he also promised to retool the Fire Service and, hence, urged Fire Officers to work hard to reduce the incidence of preventable market fires, we trust that, with this word coming from the President. All other stakeholders will arduously join hands to ensure that market fires are reduced to the barest minimum. Of particular mention are the Metropolitan, Municipal and District (MMDA) Assemblies, traders, and others.

The writer, Dr Assistant Chief Fire Officer I (ACFO l) Prince Billy Mawuedoafiame Anaglate is the Oti Regional Fire Commander

Email: princebillyanaglate@gmail.com
Featured

Disruption of Ablekuma North collation: EC accuses NDC; blames police for failing to provide security

Beatrice Laryea Jan - 17 - 2025 , 18:54 3 minutes read

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has called on the government to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to ensure the Commission receives adequate security, enabling it to carry out its duties in a safe and secure environment.

In a statement released on Friday, January 17, 2025, and signed by the EC Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, the Commission expressed concern that the police failed to provide security during a planned continuation of collation process of the Ablekuma North Constituency results at the Greater Accra Regional Office on Friday morning.

As a result, the statement noted that some party supporters breached the premises of the Commissions office at Ridge in Accra, vandalizing property, including furniture and office equipment.

The statement specifically accused supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of being responsible for the incident.

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The commission stated that some of the individuals who attacked the office and vandalized property issues threats to the Commissions staff.

The Electoral Commission has called on the police to investigate the matter and take swift action to apprehend those responsible.

Police rejects ECs accusation

Meanwhile a highly placed Police source has told Graphic Online that the EC cannot blame the police for not providing security for the exercise.



It said the commission ignored an intel shared with the commission and failed to cooperate with the police.

Per the courts order, the source said the police has always been ready to provide protection for the collation process but the EC has not been forthcoming with information or sometimes ignores the polices advice based on intelligence.

The source said the police had advised the EC to put Mondays exercise on hold because it had gathered intelligence that some party supporters were planning to attack and disrupt the process, but the EC disregarded the polices advice.

ECs allegation against police

"The Commission wrote to the Ghana Police Service for the continuation of the collation on the 17th of January, 2025, at 8:00 am. On the day the collation was expected to take place, the Commission was alerted by the Police that per the intelligence available to them the exercise should be put on hold," the EC statement read.

"Some of the supporters also invaded the premises of the new Corporate Head Office of the Commission on motor bicycles. They issued threats to the Commission and the staff. This instilled fear in the staff and caused all staff members to flee because the environment had become unsafe as a result of the invasion. As a result of this, work has come to a standstill.

"It is instructive to note that the party supporters were led by the Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the NDC. Our staff also identified two men in military uniform without names in the company of the supporters. We call on the police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to book by identifying, arresting and persecuting them. Video footages are available showing the faces of the perpetrators of these heinous acts," it added.

Read full statement below.
Dont see labour as afterthought in decision-making - TEWU to govt

Daily Graphic Jan - 17 - 2025 , 13:50 4 minutes read

The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) has urged the government not to see labour as an afterthought when making major socio-economic policy decisions.

This includes a review of the free senior high school programme, the 1992 Constitution, Ghana-IMF agreements among others.

Labours input must be sought and seriously factored into any such future reviews because the cumulative negative effect is borne by Ghanaian workers both in the formal and informal sectors.

Let us remember that every voice in our country matters and every effort we make together must strengthen and accelerate the national progress, a New Years Message signed by the General Secretary, King James Azorbitah, said.

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Embrace

It said the union expected both labour and the government to embrace the promise of a New Year filled with potential for growth and hope for a future, where fairness prevailed and continued to fight for the rights and dignity of every Ghanaian worker.

The union, it said without doubt, appreciated the resilience and determination of Ghanaian workers in challenging times over the past years and was convinced that they would continue exhibiting such patriotic qualities and give their best to inspire hope for a brighter future for the country.

There is no doubt that Ghanaian workers have always given their best under trying conditions, but these sacrifices do not get the commensurate rewards from successive governments. We hope this time around, under the new NDC government, the story will be different where such sacrifices will go with the appropriate rewards for the mutual benefit of all citizens, it said.

Spirit

In the spirit of the New Year, TEWU reminded all social partners of the sacrifices of those who paved the way for the rights and the dignity members enjoy today in their workplaces and must guard the positive outcomes of their sweat, sacrifices and devotion to duty, which were legacies worth protecting.

We are firmly opposing discrimination and unfair labour practices of any sort which we will fiercely resist. The fight for equity and dignity of work is a charge that we must uphold to ensure a better future for generations to come, it said.

The message congratulated the new government, particularly the President, John Dramani Mahama and the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on their assumption of power after the December election and that it is the hope of TEWU of TUC (Ghana) that the new government will not betray the trust of citizens who voted overwhelmingly for change in the political leadership on December 7, 2024.

In the view of TEWU, it said the overwhelming vote for the NDC meant citizens, including labour unions, wanted things to be done differently.

We expect constructive dialogue and engagement to be the catchphrase for labour and government relations, it said.

Emergency

TEWU, it said, had some emergency pending issues with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in relation to the delayed conclusion and implementation of reviewed conditions of service for the members of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Museums And Monuments Board (GMMB), the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), as well as public and technical universities.

It must be noted that TEWU of TUC (Ghana), was compelled to activate a nationwide strike in November 2024 and have to suspend it with the assurance that the FWSC will expedite action on the affected institutions.

It is instructive for the government to note that on the issues of negotiations on the reviewed conditions of service, most of them just need signing off for implementation.

We hope the delay tactics exhibited by some state agencies in the recent past will not be entertained by the new government, it said.

In this New Year and with a new government in place, TEWU believed a speedy conclusion to the negotiations on conditions of service of the affected institutions would make it possible for the necessary financial commitments to be captured in the maiden budget of the government for immediate implementation.

The gift we want from the new government for our members, in respect of the above-mentioned institutions is to ensure the timeous and speedy conclusion of negotiations on the long overdue reviewed conditions of service for them, It emphasised.
Featured

President Mahama calls for cooperation on security in Sahel

Kester Aburam Korankye Jan - 17 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

President John Dramini Mahama has called for a deeper collaboration among West African states to ensure regional security, particularly in the Sahel.

The President pledged Ghanas support for countries directly affected by the ongoing tensions and stated that the threat of insurgency and terrorism in the Sahel region required a collective effort to prevent its spread.

In Ghana, we have a proverb that if your neighbours house is on fire, you must assist him to quench it, otherwise when it burns down his house it can spread to yours. So, security is a common object and we must work with one another to make sure that our region is safe, he said.

Visit

President Mahama made the remarks during a joint press briefing with Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maiga, in Accra yesterday.

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Prime Minister Maiga arrived in Accra last Wednesday evening and was welcomed at the airport by a high-level government delegation, led by the Legal Counsel to the President, Marietta Brew.

The two leaders, who held a closed-door meeting before briefing the press, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between Ghana and Mali, including enhancing trade and security cooperation.

President Mahama also highlighted the historical ties between Ghana and Mali, stating that a significant Malian population had lived in Ghana for centuries.

He pledged to ensure the free flow of trade among West African countries.

God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose, so we continue to inter-marry. We will work to ensure the free flow of trade among our countries, President Mahama said.

He also assured the Prime Minister that the government would renew cooperation with Mali and iron out any differences between the two countries once the government settled in.

We note the stalled progress in terms of our technical cooperation, the last meeting was in 2011 and we were supposed to meet in 2012 in Mali. Unfortunately, the situation at the time did not permit us to continue it and so we have to revive the committees so that we can iron out any bottlenecks that exist between our two countries, he said.

Sovereignty

For his part, Prime Minister Maiga echoed President Mahama's sentiments and congratulated him on his electoral victory, which he described as a victory for Pan-Africanism.

We are here to extend greetings from the President of Mali on behalf of the people, the win for President Mahama is a win for Pan-Africanism because he has a heritage from the first President Kwame Nkrumah and President John Jerry Rawlings, he said.

Prime Minister Maiga emphasised the importance of collaboration between Ghana, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to combat terrorism and promote African sovereignty.

We are fighting for African sovereignty and it is the same vision for President Mahama, he said.
PUWU eager to support government to make ECG more efficient  General Secretary

Daily Graphic Jan - 17 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take pragmatic steps in involving private sector participation in the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) so that workers will not be left worse off.

It gave the assurance that it would lend its full support to help resolve those challenges within the power distribution company and the power sector in general.

A press release signed by the General Secretary of PUWU, Timothy Nyame, said while it welcomed any move to make the ECG more efficient, it was concerned about the approach to privatise the company.

Initially, PUWU expressed strong opposition to any plans to privatise ECG. However, Mr Nyame explained that while the union is not completely against privatisation, it has concerns about the proposed approach.

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We are not totally against the privatisation of ECG, but the mode they want to go is what we have a problem with.

We can vividly recall the engagement we had with the previous NDC administration regarding the issues of the power distributor ECG, PUWU of TUC Ghana wishes to reaffirm that its position on ECG privatisation and management remains unchanged and believes the best alternative presented still stands as the best for Ghanaians and other stakeholders, Mr Nyame said in release.

Intention

Days after his election, President Mahama in a meeting with representatives of the World Bank, hinted at plans to privatize ECG as part of efforts to tackle inefficiencies in the countrys power distribution sector.

The proposal, which previously faced resistance from labour unions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, is part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghanas energy infrastructure and improve service delivery to meet the growing demands of the economy.

During the meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Mr Ousmane Diagana, Vice-President for West and Central Africa, the President emphasised the need for private sector involvement to address financial mismanagement, operational inefficiencies and inadequate service delivery at ECG.

This plan was also reemphasised by the Minister-designate for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, during his vetting before Parliaments Appointments Committee last Monday.

Answering questions, the Minister-designate outlined a six-month timeline to establish a comprehensive framework for private sector participation in the operations of the ECG.

This initiative, he said, aimed to enhance efficiency and improve power distribution in the country.



Mr Jinapor reiterated the importance of transparency and expert input in the process.

We believe there should be private sector participation. What we intend to do is to form a seven-member committee, comprising technical experts, legal minds, financial analysts, industry players, and even a consumer representative, he stated.

He said the committee would evaluate global best practices to determine whether a concession model or full privatisation would be more suitable for ECGs operations. Mr Jinapor assured the committee that the government would avoid political interference and rely on an open and transparent process.

My target is to push for six months, but I do not want to stampede the committee. However, give or take, within this year, we should complete the framework, he told the Appointments Committee.

Pragmatic steps

However, reacting, Mr Nyame said there was a need for more collaboration to find a lasting solution to the mirage of problems confronting the power distributor, and offered to lend the PUWUs support.

As a Union with membership mainly in the utilities and housing sectors of the country, we are ready to collaborate with the government in finding permanent solutions to the energy, housing and water situation and at an affordable cost to Ghanaians, Mr Nyame said in a release.

He further stated that PUWU was very much aware of the investment done in the energy sector by both local and international partners and thus appealed to President John Mahama to sustain discussions with these partners to resolve the energy challenges.

He stressed that while PUWU does not oppose private sector participation, it is crucial to take pragmatic steps to ensure the privatisation process was carried out properly.

So PUWU, as much as we are not against private sector participation, we should take pragmatic steps to make sure we go through proper means of doing the privatisation, Nyame concluded.
Stakeholders welcome Education, Gender ministers designate

Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 17 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has welcomed the nomination of former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, as the Minister for the Ministry of Education, saying that he has the experience to lead the sector.

Similarly, the Ark Foundation and Network for Womens Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) have called on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection designate, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to collaborate and work closely with womens rights groups and civil society organisations to achieve the desired impact at the portfolio.

GNAT said Mr Iddrisu knew the terrain very well, having previously served as the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.

It consequently expressed the hope that under his tenure, the challenges confronting the education sector would be addressed.

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The General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, said this shortly after Mr Iddrisu was nominated as the Minister of Education by President John Mahama yesterday.

Mr Iddrisu, currently the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, and 11 others were yesterday nominated to ministerial positions, including three regional ministers designate, by the President.

Nomination

Mr Musah stressed that the nomination of Mr Iddrisu was in the right direction and that he was comforted under the man whose activities as a student leader culminated in the establishment of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

He said it was during his era as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) that there were some demonstrations when the management of the University of Ghana wanted to introduce the academic facility user fees and at the end of the day, we advocated an education fund which culminated in the GETFund.

Mr Musah said Mr Iddrisu had gained experience by being both in and out of government while he had been an MP for 20 years, adding that I dont think it should be a difficult thing at all for him (to handle).

Challenges

Today, he said, the education sector was confronted with various challenges, including the capitation grant being in arrears, the governments indebtedness to the West African Examinations Council and caterers of the school feeding programme at the basic level.

Haruna Iddrisu has been the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations before; he has worked in that space for a very long time, he said, adding that he had worked with union leaders in the country, and so there was no public sector he had not engaged before.

He said succeeding at the ministry would be one of the great legacies Mr Iddrisu would leave for himself.

Mr Musah said the President had offered Mr Iddrisu one of the greatest opportunities in life, and that it was a glorious opportunity to bring his experience to bear on the country now and in the future.

He said should Mr Iddrisu  whom he had known since 1990  succeed, he would have carved a nice career for himself.

Gender Minister nominee

NETRIGHT and the Ark Foundation urged the minister nominee to prioritise the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Law.

Describing the nominee as an ally, who had previously worked with them and other civil society organisations, the two bodies expressed their commitment to support her to promote womens rights and gender equality in the country.

In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, the organisations expressed high hopes and expectations of the incoming minister.

NETRIGHT

The Head of NETRIGHT, Patricia Blankson-Akakpo, said implementing the Affirmative Action Law was a crucial step to increasing womens representation and opportunities in all sectors.

This time, we would like to see an open-door policy where womens rights groups can engage regularly with the minister to push for common goals, she added.

Mrs Blankson-Akakpo also urged the new minister to ensure that the government delivered on its promises to women in the country.

She called on the minister designate to uphold efforts to meet the governments promise of ensuring 30 per cent representation for women across all areas.

Ark Foundation

The Executive Director of Ark Foundation, Dr Angela Dwamena Aboagye, also stressed the need for effective leadership across all departments, secretariats and units under the ministry.

She said the ministry must focus on key social protection initiatives such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and support for persons with disabilities.

She called for consultations with agencies and organisations already working in these areas to maximise impact and avoid duplicating efforts.

Dr Dwamena Aboagye emphasised that the ministry must prioritise stakeholder reliance to conduct the groundwork while maintaining a central coordinating role.

We want a ministry that focuses on coordinating and mainstreaming efforts across sectors, ensuring policies and programmes benefit women, children and vulnerable groups. This includes ensuring mainstreaming in education, health, fisheries and local governance, she noted.

She advocated the elevation of the ministry to Cabinet level, saying, this would make it easier to understand and integrate with other sectors.
Featured

Government deploys troops to restore calm in Nkwanta amid chieftaincy dispute

Gertrude Ankah Jan - 17 - 2025 , 12:50 1 minute read

The government has deployed police and military forces to Nkwanta in the Oti Region, following renewed violence stemming from a longstanding chieftaincy dispute.

The unrest has led to heavy gunfire and widespread panic, with many residents fleeing their homes in search of safety.

The acting spokesperson for President John Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu in a post on X on Friday, January 17, said the swift deployment of security personnel aims to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

The government is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and urges the feuding factions to lay down their arms and engage in dialogue, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

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History of conflict

The Nkwanta area has been plagued by chieftaincy disputes, with deep-seated disagreements over traditional leadership fueling recurrent violence.

In January 2024, tensions peaked during a traditional festival, resulting in clashes that left at least 17 people dead. Despite efforts to broker peace through agreements signed by traditional leaders, the conflict remains unresolved.

The latest outbreak has reignited fears of prolonged instability, as reports of gunfire have forced families to abandon their homes.

The government has reiterated its commitment to fostering peace in the region. Authorities are calling on all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to resolve the underlying issues.
Next article: PUWU eager to support government to make ECG more efficient  General Secretary

Featured

K.T. Hammond sues broadcaster Captain Smart for defamation

Richard Osei Boateng Jan - 17 - 2025 , 12:04 2 minutes read

Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, has filed a defamation lawsuit against broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, widely known as Captain Smart, over alleged derogatory comments made during a broadcast on Onua TV.

The legal action stems from claims made by Captain Smart and his co-host, suggesting that Mr Hammond made tribal remark questioning how an individual from a tribal descent could win the Adansi Asokwa parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region.

The controversy erupted following the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections, where Mr Hammond, who contested on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lost his seat to Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

During a television programme December 9, 2024 on Onua TVs, Captain Smart and his co-host allegedly attributed the statement to Mr Hammond

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Mr Hammond has refuted the claims, arguing that the comments, both directly and by implication, paint him as a tribalist who refuses to accept the election outcome when a Ghanaian of a different heritage wins in the Ashanti Region.

He asserts that the broadcast and its subsequent wide circulation have tarnished his reputation, subjected him to public mockery, and caused him emotional distress.

As part of his lawsuit, the former legislator is seeking multiple legal remedies, including:

Damages: Special, aggravated, and exemplary compensation for defamation due to the broad dissemination of the alleged remarks locally and internationally.

Injunction: A court order preventing Captain Smart and his team from making any further defamatory statements about him.

Public Retraction and Apology: A directive compelling the defendants to retract the statements and issue a public apology with equal prominence across their media platforms, including television, radio, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).

Content Removal: A mandate to take down the defamatory content from all online platforms, including third-party publications.

Legal Costs: Full coverage of all expenses incurred in pursuing the lawsuit.

Other Reliefs: Any additional measures the court finds necessary.
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Mahama cannot simply walk away from anti-LGBTQ bill; Well reintroduce and push it in Parliament  Assin South MP

Mohammed Ali Jan - 17 - 2025 , 00:16 2 minutes read

The Member of Parliament for Assin South and former Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of changing his position on the Family Values Bill.

In a radio interview on Accra based Okay FM on Thursday, (January 16, 2025), Rev Fordjour, one of the promoters of the bill in Parliament vowed to reintroduce the bill in the 9th Parliament, saying Mr Mahamas actions betray the trust of Ghanaians who voted for him.

The Family Values Bill, aimed at preserving Ghanas cultural and moral values, became a hot topic during the last election.

Mr Mahama had promised to pass the bill under certain conditions during the 2024 electioneering campaign.

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However, at a meeting with Catholic Bishops this week, President Mahama a few days after being sworn into office has argued that family values could be promoted through education and curriculum reforms instead of passing a new legislation.

It is shocking that just six days after taking office, Mahama is telling the Catholic Bishops that the bill is no longer necessary. This is a clear betrayal of the promises he made to Ghanaians, Rev Fordjour said.

The Assin South MP revealed plans to reintroduce the bill, emphasising that it had already undergone thorough consultations, stakeholder engagement, and even Supreme Court scrutiny.

This bill has been ruled lawful by the Supreme Court, which confirmed it does not infringe on individual rights. It was developed through extensive consultation with various stakeholders. We will notify Parliament and reintroduce it. Mahama cannot simply walk away from this issue, he stated.

The Assin South MP stressed that the bill is crucial for addressing concerns over shifting societal norms while safeguarding traditional family values.

Rev Fordjour also highlighted the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) consistent support for the Family Values Bill. He contrasted the NPPs commitment with Mahamas perceived lack of clarity.

Our party has always maintained its position on this matter. Even Dr. Bawumia, as vice president, said he would sign the bill if he became president. Now Mahama, with his overwhelming majority in Parliament, wants to backtrack and shift the focus to the curriculum. Ghanaians will not accept this, he asserted.

If he refuses to sign the bill and sticks to a curriculum-based approach, Ghanaians will judge him accordingly. The NPP will continue to push for this bill to become law, he said.
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President Mahama visits The Gambia and Senegal to strengthen regional ties

GraphicOnline Jan - 17 - 2025 , 15:57 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Banjul, The Gambia, as part of a two-country visit to express gratitude to the leaders of The Gambia and Senegal for their participation in his presidential inauguration on January 7, 2025.

The visit underscores President Mahamas commitment to fostering strong relations with Ghana's West African neighbours.

The Gambian State House confirmed that President Mahama's visit to Banjul is a one-day working engagement.

Upon his arrival at Banjul International Airport, he was welcomed by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who later hosted him at a state luncheon.

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The two leaders engaged in a private meeting to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between their countries.

This diplomatic visit follows President Barrows attendance at President Mahamas swearing-in ceremony in Accra earlier this month, highlighting the strong camaraderie between the two nations.

After concluding his engagements in Banjul, President Mahama will travel to Senegal, where he will meet with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. The Ghanaian leader is expected to return home from Dakar later today.
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VIDEO: Thugs disrupt Ablekuma North parliamentary election results collation

GraphicOnline Politics Jan - 17 - 2025 , 08:13 3 minutes read

The collation of parliamentary election results for the Ablekuma North Constituency was set to continue today at 8am at the old head office of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ridge, Greater Accra.

The collation process, which has been marred by disagreements and delays, faced its most recent setback on January 8 when the Returning Officer, Vincent Obeng, resigned amid disputes over the authentication of pink sheets.

Update

However, suspected thugs have ransacked the collation centre at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the Electoral Commission. While members of the media awaited the commencement of the process, a group of individuals - some of whom were wearing colours of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) - stormed the venue, ordered everyone to leave, and vandalised property, including louvre blades and doors.

 Suspected thugs, believed to be affiliated with the NDC, have ransacked the collation center at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the Electoral Commission.



The center was set to resume the collation of parliamentary election results for the Ablekuma North constituency pic.twitter.com/pkB7doFBPh Advertisement January 17, 2025

Controversy and resignation

The Ablekuma North Constituency, which has a total of 281 polling stations, has verified results from 278 of them. The remaining three polling stations remain a point of contention between the contesting partiesthe National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Obeng expressed frustration over the drawn-out process, stating, "It's so unfortunate for me to make this statement that I'm done with Ablekuma North," as he announced his resignation. His decision has added another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.

Dr Serebour Quaicoe, the EC's Director of Training, confirmed the suspension of the collation exercise and described Mr Obengs resignation as "unfortunate." He added that the EC would engage with the Returning Officer to determine whether he would reconsider his decision.

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The NDCs Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser, Musah Kalamu objected to the use of scanned pink sheets for verification, calling for a rerun of results in the 62 polling stations where discrepancies had been alleged. Of these, 59 have since been verified, leaving three outstanding.

On the other hand, the NPP, represented by its Director of Research and Elections, Evans Nimako, and its parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriye, remains confident that the truth will prevail.

The Ablekuma North Constituency is the only constituency still embroiled in dispute over parliamentary election results from the 2024 elections.

What to expect today

Todays resumption of the collation process is expected to bring clarity to the contested results. Both parties will be present at the collation centre, with the EC striving to ensure a transparent and conclusive process.

The contest for the parliamentary seat remains between the NPPs Nana Akua Owusu Afriye and the NDCs Ewurabena Aubynn, with tensions running high as the constituency awaits the final verdict.
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Ahiagbah challenges Mahama to uphold pledge on LGBTQ+ Bill

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jan - 17 - 2025 , 12:56 3 minutes read

The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has called on President John Dramani Mahama to sign the LGBTQ+ Bill, officially known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, into law.

He criticised the President for what he described as a shift in position on the controversial legislation.

This follows President Mahama's recent comments suggesting the bill, which originated as a Private Members Bill, would have had greater national impact if it had been sponsored by the government.

Speaking during a meeting with Catholic Bishops on Tuesday, January 14, President Mahama stressed the importance of integrating moral and cultural education into school curricula to instill Ghanaian and African values in young people.

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"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 Mahama has said.

He further argued that a government-sponsored bill would allow for broader consultations and foster national consensus.

However, in a social media post on Thursday, January 16, Mr. Ahiagbah accused the President of backtracking on his campaign commitment to approve the bill in its current form.

He urged Mr Mahama to honour his promise, warning of political repercussions. H.E. John Mahama is running away from signing the LGBTQ+ Bill after promising to do so in its current form. Elections have consequences, and H.E. Mahama must not shift the goalpost. Sign the bill as you have pledged to Ghanaians, Mr. Ahiagbah wrote.

Key provisions of the Bill

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill prescribes stringent penalties for LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy. If enacted, individuals found guilty of promoting, funding, or advocating for LGBTQ+ practices could face jail terms ranging from three to five years.

The bill also criminalizes public identification as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or related identities, with offenders facing imprisonment of two months to three years.

The proposed legislation has ignited widespread debate across Ghana and beyond. Advocates argue it is essential for preserving Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents view it as a severe infringement on human rights and freedoms.

Related article :

Ghana does not need an LGBT bill to enforce family values - President Mahama tells Catholic Bishops

Below is the post of Richard Ahiagbah :
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Bank warns President Mahama over 'high' ministerial nominee's involvement in adverse investigations - Bright Simons alleges

Graphic.com.gh Politics Jan - 16 - 2025 , 23:50 2 minutes read

An international bank has reached out confidentially to the office of President John Dramani Mahama with a warning that an individual he intends to name to high ministerial office is the subject of adverse investigations, the Vice President of IMANI Ghana, Bright Simons, has alleged.

"And that the outcomes of these investigations may become public. The President was thus being alerted about the potential distractions this individual's appointment may cause given that ORAL's credibility requires the government to maintain the moral high ground," Mr Simons added in a post on X on Thursday (Jan 16, 2025).

Mr Simons argued that the new government cannot afford a chain of scandals that sap goodwill and urged the President to carefully consider the potential fallout.

"Those who care about the reputation of the new Ghanaian government would be interested in knowing that an international bank has reached out confidentially to the office of the current President with a warning that an individual he intends to name to high ministerial office is the subject of adverse investigations. And that the outcomes of these investigations may become public. The President was thus being alerted about the potential distractions this individual's appointment may cause given that ORAL's credibility requires the government to maintain the moral high ground. It is generally important that a Ghanaian government avoids a "chain of scandals". Scandals accumulate to sap goodwill. We can't say more than this," he stated.

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Superintendent announces retirement, district celebrates successes utilizing Governor Gordon's RIDE Initiative

The school district is continuing to move forward, even though it will soon so do without Superintendent Craig Barringer at the helm.

During Tuesday's Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board meeting, Superintendent Barringer formally announced his retirement, effective June 30. In a letter addressed to the board of trustees, Barringer expressed his gratitude, saying that it has "been a wonderful privilege" to work in the district and how fortunate he was to conclude his career in such an outstanding district.

With his retirement, Barringer completes 39 years in education, which began in a a third-grade classroom in 1986. Barringer was hired as superintendent in SCSD No. 2 in early 2020, directly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Many board members thanked Barringer for his leadership in the district during a challenging time, with new board member Michelle Foley expressing her eagerness to work and learn as much as possible from Barringer before his departure.

Barringer concluded his retirement announcement by stating, "I am confident that Sweetwater County School District No. 2 will continue to thrive as long as decision-making remains focused on student success at the local level. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for your unwavering support and for your commitment to providing our students with the best possible education." After Barringer's retirement was unanimously accepted by the board of trustees, they quickly approved an agreement to work with the Wyoming School Board Association to aid with the hiring process for a new superintendent.

Also during the meeting, Barringer shared updates on the district's progress as a whole, and how many changes have been positive. He presented information on the district's work with Governor Gordon's RIDE (Reimagine and Innovate the Delivery of Education) initiative and how it has been successful.

In 2021 the governor announced the debut of an endeavor to guide Wyoming's education system into the future, stating that "the RIDE Advisory group's overarching goal is to help elevate Wyoming's primary and secondary education system into a position of national leadership."

To highlight the district's progress with the RIDE initiative, Superintendent Barringer introduced Lincoln Middle School teacher Justin Lamb. Lamb gave a presentation on how he is implementing elements of the RIDE initiative into his science education program.

Lamb explained that in previous years he traditionally taught thermal energy transfer using a series of slides, vocabulary lessons, quizzes, and the occasional Bill Nye video. He went on to say that as part of initiating the RIDE program he decided to engage and involve students more, encouraging cooperation and teamwork.

Lamb wanted to use hands-on exploration to teach the same concepts while trying to invoke, as Albert Einstein describes, a "holy curiosity." To achieve this, he explained that he used "new" methods including physical demonstrations, labs, the use of different technologies including digital thermometers, increased teamwork, and a design challenge that included students designing and creating a thermal cup prototype. The results of the design challenge were based on which cup held heat the longest. Students also presented their results to Lamb and their peers in a "shark tank" type proposal.

When discussing the success of the program, Lamb said students were continually more engaged than they had been previously, stating that "students would come to class excited to learn. You could feel the energy." Lamb expressed that "reluctant learners" were producing more work than before. Lamb also spoke about how the program changed his approach to teaching.

"I was engaged," he said. "I was more excited to teach, and I felt like what I was teaching mattered and that I was preparing kids for the 'real world.'"

Lamb concluded that he was looking forward to continuing to use the principles of RIDE in future units.
Before leaving for the start of the 68th Wyoming Legislature this week, local legislators stopped by to talk to the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners and see what main areas of concern, like property taxes, may need to be addressed.

During the public comment portion of the January 7 meeting, Senator John Kolb and Senator Stacy Jones spoke with the commissioners about topics that may come up during this year's legislative session, with an emphasis on bills that may be put forward regarding property taxes.

"Last year was heavy on property tax, and I assume we're going to hear more of that this year," Commission Chairman Keaton West noted.

Senator Kolb agreed that the subject of property taxes will be "high up on the list," and said his question is what can be done to consolidate existing programs.

"My preference would be to balance these property tax cuts with budget cuts in order to make them certainly cost neutral for the counties and for the districts," Kolb added.

Senator Jones noted that the "People's Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner's Property Exemption" is coming to the legislature again. The initiative proposes a 50% cut to property taxes, and was first proposed last year but wasn't approved. Senator Jones and Kolb both commented on a potential proposal to cut 25% that is also being discussed.

"Twenty-five percent is horrific, but fifty percent is much worse," Senator Jones said. "I do think the public does not understand what the implications are of that."

She said she believes that those who collected ballot signatures in favor of the initiative were not truthful with the public, and that most people don't understand that the bill has no backfill from the state.

The issue of whether or not bills are backfilled with funding from the state to make up for cuts is a major question to be considered, according to Kolb. There are also concerns for services to be funded, both now and in the future. Kolb pointed out that there is a projection that the state of Wyoming will run out of money for funding education by 2030.

"I wouldn't be in favor of a perpetual tax cut on properties unless we knew we could afford to do it, and we don't know that yet," Kolb said.

Chairman West pointed out that one of the factors people may not consider is that the majority of property taxes collected go toward funding education. He also asked Senator Jones whether the state is obligated to fund education, which she explained is true and in the constitution.

"We would have to do some sort of backfill for the schools, although I'm guessing if that were to happen, that also would be tightening their belt as well," Senator Jones said.

Jones added that meetings were hosted with school districts and Western Wyoming Community College to make them aware of some of the changes that could be coming so they could start to prepare.

"I'm conservative but I also know we have to be answerable for the actions that we take, and to come back here and to tell the residents of Sweetwater County that we've cut a lot of their services is not what I'm planning on doing," Senator Jones said.

Commissioner Island Richards pointed out that special districts and funding from property taxes help provide services to residents, and when local special districts, such as fire districts, are already struggling with funding, property tax cuts could make things even worse.

"If the legislature and if a ballot initiative wants to eliminate that funding source, then they can't do it in a vacuum, they have to provide a new solution to provide those services," Richards said. "If we don't have fire protection, we're all in trouble. If we don't have districts that can provide us quality water and sewer services, we're in trouble. If we can't take care of our roads, we're in trouble. We're not a community anymore."

Commissioner Taylor Jones also expressed his concerns, commenting that cutting funding by passing property tax cuts without backfill and telling government to tighten their belts is difficult when governments are already making drastic budget cuts.

"To just say we're going to cut property taxes and that's going to make everything hunky dory is absolutely not true," Commissioner Jones said.

Another concern expressed by Commissioner Mary Thoman was that cutting property taxes now could lead to Wyoming instating an income tax to make up for the lost funds, which she said is "the reality which I hope we do not have to revert to."

Another question that was brought up was regarding the impact of the long-term property tax exemption, which was one of the property tax changes that did pass the legislature last year. Commissioner Robb Slaughter pointed out that there was a misconception last year that this program was backfilled, and he added that the effect of that program is significant in Sweetwater County. Assessor Dave Divis explained that there have been roughly 1,600 applications to the program in Sweetwater County, which could be about $1.1 million or $1.2 million that won't be paid in property taxes. Most of that money usually goes to the general county fund, so it will have an effect. Divis also pointed out that most special districts don't have industrial properties or minerals within their district, so the majority of their funding comes from taxes on residential properties.

Slaughter also noted that he is concerned about the future of the mineral industry, particularly with recent reports of the price of trona decreasing. Because much of Sweetwater County's tax revenue comes from mineral valuation, the county could also see a loss of funding from that front. Divis added that other counties have even less, or no, mineral valuations to receive funding from, so while Sweetwater County may ultimately survive tax cuts, other counties may not.
A search for a missing pilot and aircraft that began on Tuesday evening culminated on Wednesday afternoon with the discovery of the crash site in a remote area near Little Mountain, southwest of Rock Springs.

The pilot, identified as Kelly Melvin, 50, of Green River, was found deceased at the crash site, the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office reported.

At approximately 1:22 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, sheriff's office deputies received a missing person report for a pilot whose private aircraft departed Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport near Rock Springs but failed to reach its scheduled destination in California.

"The report prompted an intensive search and rescue effort," a press release from the sheriff's office explained.

Investigators identified the pilot as a man in his 50s from Green River, and the aircraft as a Piper Comanche, according to the press release. Upon investigation and based on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, authorities focused their search and rescue efforts on an area near Pine and Little Mountain, southwest of Rock Springs, the sheriff's office reported.

Due to the remote terrain and conditions, ground operations were suspended on Tuesday evening. At approximately 9:15 p.m. that night, the Utah Air National Guard joined the search effort at the sheriff's office request, deploying an Apache helicopter with nighttime search capabilities. Around 10:30 p.m., the Apache flight crew detected a possible area of interest, noting what appeared to be a ground disturbance in the search area near Little Mountain, southwest of Rock Springs.

At approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, search and rescue ground crews staged in the area to support ongoing aerial search efforts, the sheriff's office explained. At 8 a.m., the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol deployed a fixed-wing aircraft to visually confirm the findings reported by the Apache crew the previous night. Around 8:30 a.m., the Wyoming Army National Guard had begun deploying a Huey helicopter equipped with emergency medical and hoist capabilities to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

The crash site was discovered Wednesday during a coordinated ground and aerial search around 2 p.m., according to an updated press release. The sheriff's office confirmed securing the scene and notified state and federal aviation officials.

"We remind everyone to please refrain from entering the area, as the crash site is now part of an active investigation," the press release explained. "Interfering with the site could compromise the investigation and result in legal consequences."

Sheriff John Grossnickle said, "We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Melvin's family and friends during this tragedy, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and dedication of everyone involved in this effort."
For decades, researchers in and around Yellowstone National Park have used seismic waves - imagine giving the region an MRI - to map the hot mush below the Earth's surface.

Now a group of scientists from across the country have added solar storms and lightning to the diagnostic toolkit, tapping into the Earth's natural electricity to further refine the image of what lies up to 30 miles below its crust.

"The challenge we face in geology, is there are very few direct observations of what's actually happening deep beneath the surface. Drilled holes only give you a pinprick or tiny view of what's happening, and the deepest drill hole only goes down that far. So we have to find other ways to look at what's happening beneath the surface, and now we have a few," said Michael Poland scientist-in-charge at the U.S. Geological Survey Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. "And that's pretty darned cool."

The study, recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, adds information to the constant speculation about when the Yellowstone caldera could once again erupt. The newly clarified picture suggests that a mass-scale eruption is likely tens or even hundreds of thousands of years away.

Answering questions with electricity

While the Yellowstone region offers plenty of action to study above ground, including thousands of small earthquakes, explosive geysers, gurgling hot pots, and wild pools of psychedelic colors, it's actually a remarkably difficult system to study underground.

Very little penetrates the ground, and even less penetrates 20 to 30 miles below ground. Researchers have made breakthroughs using seismology, but when Oregon State University Geophysics Professor Adam Schultz and a team of scientists finished mapping the geo-electric structure of the U.S., they turned their sights specifically to the Yellowstone region.

The method they used is called magneto-telluric, and as is the case with most geophysics, it's complicated.

To explain, Schultz harkens back to high school physics classes where teachers loop a coil of wire around a battery and another around a voltmeter. When the two move close to each other, the voltmeter registers electricity. That's electromagnetic induction, and it's akin to what he and a team of researchers did in Yellowstone.

Ninfa Bennington, a research geophysicist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and lead author on the paper, said the process is also similar to how an electronic toothbrush charges. If you touch the charger with your hand you will not be electrocuted, but a coil in your toothbrush creates an electromagnetic field which enables electricity to flow from a coil in the charger.

Now think of magma as your toothbrush and the sky as the charger. Electricity caused by solar storms in the ionosphere, a layer of rarified gasses best known for occasionally producing stunning light shows such as the Aurora Borealis, can penetrate deep into the earth. The team also harnessed electricity from lightning, which strikes somewhere on Earth roughly every two seconds and creates an electromagnetic signal that's trapped between the ground and the atmosphere.

"Magma is a great conductor of electricity," Bennington said. "As the electromagnetic field goes around the Earth, the really conductive material in the Earth produces a secondary current."

The researchers then monitored the electrical signals that conductive material like magma sends back to the Earth's surface.

What they could map from the experiment was that nestled underneath geysers, bison, elk and wolves is not a big bubble of magma waiting to burst but a lot of individual pockets of mush relatively isolated from one another.

Poland likens it to hardening concrete.

"Even if the concrete is not completely solidified, you can walk on it. It's not going to flow, because it's really bound up. This particular study supports the seismic work saying 'yeah, there's a lot of hot rock down there, but it's mostly solid," Poland said.

So it's not something that's ready to blow.

The study also more clearly identified a pocket of melt in the northeast part of the caldera that is connected to a deeper source of magma, which Bennington called a "heat engine." While that pocket could, sometime far in the future, erupt, right now "there's too low a percentage of magma to produce an eruption," she said.

And because the more western portion of the caldera is no longer connected to a heat source, it will, over geologic time, begin to cool.

A stable system

For the researchers studying Yellowstone, and anyone reading this, the takeaway is clear: The Yellowstone caldera isn't likely to massively explode in our lifetime, our children's, or possibly humanity's.

We know the caldera has made three impressive eruptions in its history, 2.1 million years ago, 1.3 million years ago, and about 631,000 years ago, reshaping the area's landscape. What everyone wants to know is when it will happen again. And while the last one seems like a very long time ago, Poland said the system is not actually "ready to blow again" as many like to tell each other around campfires and at bars.

Forestalled global destruction aside, what's most exciting for Poland, who has studied the system for decades, is it gives researchers another way to understand what's happening underground. Combine this work with other studies and scientists have an increasingly rich, more vivid view beneath the Earth's surface

And Schultz reassures people that all those exciting geysers, gurgling hot pots, and steaming pools will not fade, certainly not anytime soon.

"This is still not the most stable, boring piece of ground in the world," he said. "And that's what makes it interesting."

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
The gunman who opened fire in Yellowstone National Park on July 4 had plans for Pro White Nationalist Violence and a history of expressing white supremacist and antisemitic views.

Thats according to court documents filed in federal court Friday by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Wyoming, which revealed new details about the incident and the shooter, Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, a 28-year-old Floridian and employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts.

Fussner was shot and killed by park rangers after opening fire at the Canyon Lodge dining facility, where about 200 people were eating breakfast on Independence Day.

The documents allege that Fussner was an active member of the Vanguard News Network, which officials call a website and forum dedicated to white supremacist and antisemitic viewpoints. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit that tracks hate speech and extremism in the United States, deems Vanguard News Network a Neo-Nazi hate group.

In March, Fussner posted on the website that he was on the precipice of a breakdown and reiterated his belief in and desire for a white nation, while lamenting his inability to connect with others, court documents state.

Fussner said that he despises Christians who fraternize with race-traitors that support non-whites or Jews and that he wanted to get a job in a nice white mountainous area or state park to expose himself to different white people. If he wasnt able to make something of that experience, he told readers, they would likely see him in the news.

I do not believe in suicide, but I do believe in a last stand, he wrote on Vanguard News Network, court documents say.

The court documents provide the first, public view into the federal governments investigation into Fussners motive and actions, which until now has been conducted behind closed doors.

Yellowstone has released statements and a report about the incident, as well as body camera footage from park law enforcement but declined to comment in further detail. While Yellowstone officials previously said Fussner intended to shoot up Fourth of July events outside the park, the U.S. Attorneys Office filing alleges Fussner had a specific motive: to carry out a terrorist attack against the United States, its citizens and their property.

The Attorneys Office filed the documents Friday to keep Fussners vehicle, weapons and ammunition in government custody because his property was a part of a plot to commit mass violence.

Fussners Nissan Rogue remains in federal custody in Yellowstone, four of his firearms are in custody in Quantico, Virginia, and his magazines and ammunition are in custody in Denver and Lander. The FBI defines judicial forfeiture as a legal tool that allows law enforcement to seize property that is involved in a crime. The legal action is filed against the property itself, rather than a person.

In the gunfight after Fussner opened fire, a ranger was shot in a lower extremity and lost multiple toes as a result, court documents say. Other rangers treated the injured officer and Fussner, who died at the scene.

But the incident began long before the engagement with law enforcement.

At approximately 9:40 p.m. on July 3, Fussner went to a female employees room. When she told Fussner she was not interested in him romantically, he left. Twenty minutes later he returned, forcefully entered the door and held her hostage for about two hours, documents say. He pulled out a knife for a short time and then a handgun, keeping it in his hands the entire time. He discussed his mental health issues and made inflammatory comments about immigrants, African Americans and Jews, including how they were negatively affecting the country, court documents say.

Fussner told Victim 1 he wanted to kill himself ten years ago, but he could not pull the trigger, according to the forfeiture filing. Fussner indicated that he wanted people to go down with him, so he had to do something major; he wanted to make a statement because politics in America are messed up, and law enforcement was going to have to kill him.

Fussner told Victim 1 he did not like how America was bringing in non-Americans and how that was changing the culture, the filing says. He indicated that he thought all Blacks were evil and reported hating Jews.

He also expressed racist thoughts against J-1s, people with a nonimmigrant visa approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. People in the U.S. on a J-1 visa are often camp counselors, resort employees and students.

Fussner told his hostage his plan to carry out a mass shooting at the dining room, and at around midnight he left her unharmed after her roommate entered the dorm room. She immediately called for help, and National Park Service rangers were notified.

They attempted to locate the suspect but were unsuccessful. However, rangers were posted around the Canyon Lodge and Grizzly Dorm to protect visitors because of the threat of a mass shooting.

Federal authorities describe texts between Fussner and his brother, which include racist and antisemitic language, and other details of the incident such as where the getaway car was found, the kind of weapons and ammunition in the vehicle and the shootout at 8:05 a.m. with law enforcement.

No further action has been taken by the federal district court.
5/2/1964 - 1/6/25

Jose Amancio Alvarez, 60, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025 at his home in Green River, Wyoming. He was a beloved 45 year resident of Green River, Wyoming and former resident of Andora, Spain.

He was born May 2, 1964 in Zumaya, Spain: the son of Pedro Alvarez and Josefina Trejo Suja

Jose moved to the United States, where he attended schools in Ondarroa, Spain, and Green River, Wyoming. He proudly graduated from Green River High School in 1983, setting the foundation for a lifetime of diligence and dedication.

For 30 accomplished years, Jose worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator at FMC, where he retired in 2013. His work ethic and commitment were evident in his role as a Cat Operator, where he formed many lasting friendships.

Jose was a vibrant part of his community, actively participating in organizations such as the Wyoming Elk Foundation; Sweetwater County Search and Rescue FMC Fire Brigade. Known for his love of the outdoors, he found joy riding in the mountains, hunting, and fishing. He was also an avid Denver Broncos fan and appreciated the simple pleasures of life, such as watching entertaining shows with his cherished wife and sharing adventures through travel and camping.

His presence on Facebook was well-known, as he enjoyed texting friends and sharing updates with his wide network of friends. He famously enjoyed doing everything together with his wife, creating a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Survivors include his wife Deborah Sue Alvarez of Green River, Wyoming; his parents, Pedro and Josefina Alvarez of Gilbert, Arizona; his father and mother-in-law, Hugh and Mildred Johnson of Buffalo, Wyoming; two step-daughters, Sara Linsacum and husband Travis of Craig, Colorado; Samantha Wilson and husband Luke of Craig, Colorado; one brother, Pedro Mari Alvarez of Green River, Wyoming; two sisters, Maria Pilar Tefft of Gilbert, Arizona; Manoli Alvarez of Gilbert, Arizona; five step-grandchildren, Jayden Linsacum; Tinsley Linsacum ; Briggs Linsacum; several cousins; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joel Amancio Alvarez and grandparents.

Cremation will take place; a Celebration of Life to honor Jose will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Saint Johns Episcopal Church,350 Mansface Street, Green River, Wyoming. Friends may call one hour prior to the services.

Jose leaves behind an indelible legacy of kindness, dedication, and a zest for life that touched everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
George Zhao is resigning from his position as Honor CEO, effective immediately. This news was first reported by Chinese media, which suggested health concerns prompted his decision to leave. According to Daily Economic News, the board of directors acknowledged his decision.

Later, an official statement was published, confirming the move. The new Chief Executive Officer will be Li Jian, a former Huawei executive with over 20 years of experience in the mobile communications sector.

The brief statement from CLS China did not provide any details regarding Zhao's decision or status. The new CEO began his career at Huawei in 2001, steadily advancing through positions to become a Member of the Supervisory Board before departing in 2020 to join Honor in 2021.

Li Jian previously served as Vice Chairman, Director, and President of the Human Resources Department prior to his promotion to CEO. He will need to navigate the challenging landscape of joint-stock management as the company is poised to launch its IPO in the near future.

This article was updated to reflect the official company statement.

Source
Google and Samsung seem to be working very closely together on the AI experiences that will be available on the upcoming Galaxy S25 devices. Earlier today promo materials for the Galaxy S25 leaked, and among many Samsung features, Gemini was featured very prominently.

Now a new leak reveals the fact that Gemini will get extensions for Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Reminder. Extensions allow Gemini to plug into these Samsung apps and do things like create, edit, or delete calendar events, capture info from images to create events, list events for a date range and create repeating events, create and summarize notes, retrieve notes based on descriptions and titles, as well as create, edit, search for, and delete reminders.

The pics description are pretty understandable so I just leave those here  pic.twitter.com/nlsvnkkWLC  yawn (@chunvn8888) January 16, 2025

While this won't let Gemini do everything you can in these apps, it does make it a lot more useful. And it's interesting to see Google going this route, since it already has competitors for Samsung Calendar and Samsung Notes, which it could have pointed people who asked about such integration to. But instead, it chose to work with Samsung in order to give Gemini more prominence on the Korean company's devices.

Note that the source of this leak revealed that these aren't the only such Gemini extensions coming for Samsung's apps, there will be more. It's also likely that this will roll out to older flagship Samsung devices with the One UI 7 update.
The government rested its case against Peter Vonschimpf on Thursday, and the trial will resume at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Superior Court of Guam Judge John Terlajes courtroom.

Vonschimpf, 70, faces a felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, with a special allegation of a vulnerable victim.

He is accused of attempting to inflict felony criminal sexual conduct on the woman who was under his care.

Prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General Christine Tenorio called her final two witnesses to the stand on Thursday.

First was the victims brother, who testified that he had never seen the defendant act in any sexual way toward his sister.

But he also testified that he once fell under his mothers scrutiny when his sister soiled her diaper severely late one night, so he brought her to the shower as he had many times before.

His mother acted aggressively toward him while questioning him, he said, and he only replied with the truth. They never resolved the issue, he said.

Also called to the stand was Zenobia Lynn, a criminalist with the Guam Police Department with 35 years experience.

She testified that she found no blood or semen on the alleged victims clothing or bedding. She also testified that GPD was not equipped to detect any lubrication product.

Defense attorney William Bischoff made a motion for acquittal when the government rested its case, saying that the government had no physical proof that anything had happened or was about to happen.

The judge disagreed and denied the motion.

Closing arguments are scheduled to start at 9:30 Friday morning in Terlajes courtroom.

According to charging documents, the alleged victims mother told police that when entering her house on Sept. 21, 2024, she saw the defendant run out of her childs room without any pants on.

The alleged victim is a 25-year-old with autism.

The mother went straight to the room to check on her daughter, whom she noticed lay stomach down on her bed, with her legs together and her adult diaper pulled down to her thighs.

She also noticed a lotion smeared all over her childs intimate parts. She said that Vonschimpf had strict orders not to change the alleged victims diaper, and when she confronted Vonschimpf about it, he allegedly replied, This is the first time it happened.




Haiti - FLASH : Belize hesitates to send more soldiers to Haiti





The Government of Belize, which has deployed only a vanguard of 2 soldiers to Haiti, out of an initially planned contingent of 51 men, who have joined the Mission to Support the Haitian National Police (PNH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43195-haiti-security-the-advance-guard-of-jamaica-and-belize-has-arrived-video.html , is hesitant about whether it will deploy more soldiers to Haiti.



This week, the Cabinet was briefed on the readiness of Belizes troops to determine whether more soldiers will be deployed. Last year, 31 Belize Defence Force soldiers and 20 Coast Guard sailors were trained in Jamaica by members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42149-haiti-canada-training-of-the-multinational-force-in-haiti-continues-in-jamaica.html



Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca said the training will continue but deployment remains uncertain "We got a briefing in cabinet from the team, the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security team on this issue. So I think there are a few outstanding issues that have to be resolved in terms of ensuring that our soldiers are ready. They have been training. So I think around the end of the month they will do another assessment around the end of January theyll do another assessment of where they are and then they will report back to cabinet and then well be able to make a more definitive decision about when, if and when they will be deployed."



After Barbados which suspended its decision to send troops to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44023-haiti-flash-barbados-suspends-its-decision-to-send-troops-to-haiti.html Belize is the 2nd country to hesitate on sending troops to Haiti.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44023-haiti-flash-barbados-suspends-its-decision-to-send-troops-to-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43195-haiti-security-the-advance-guard-of-jamaica-and-belize-has-arrived-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42149-haiti-canada-training-of-the-multinational-force-in-haiti-continues-in-jamaica.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Port of Saint-Louis : A strategic infrastructure for the development of the Great South





This Friday, January 17, 2025, on the instructions of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aime, Ministers Alfred Metellus (Economy), Raphael Hosty (Public Works, Transport), accompanied by Jocelin Villier, Director General of the National Port Authority (APN) and representatives of the General Administration of Customs (AGD), will officially inaugurate the Port of Saint-Louis du Sud, in Baie Dumesle.



An agreement will be signed for the management of activities. The Port of Saint-Louis du Sud will then be able to receive goods not only from any point in Haitian territory (cabotage), but also from abroad. The Port will also be able to sign contracts with partners for solid bulk (fertilizers, cement, sand, etc..., or food products such as cereals, raw sugar, livestock feed, etc...), liquid bulk (oil and petroleum products, gas, chemicals and food products, etc...) and other activities.



This strategic initiative is part of the Government's efforts to address the socio-economic and security challenges affecting the country, while creating the conditions for sustainable development for the Grand Sud region.



Hailed by Civil Society organizations, the Chamber of Commerce of the South and the Local Symposium Committee, the Port of Saint-Louis du Sud is not limited to a simple logistics infrastructure. It embodies a collective ambition, that of strengthening the economic autonomy of the Southern Peninsula while integrating the region into national priorities.



The Port of Saint-Louis du Sud aims to :

- Stimulate the local economy by facilitating access to markets for producers and traders in the region;

- Attract private investment in an area with high economic potential;

- Create employment opportunities and improve the living conditions of local communities;

- Contribute to the stabilization and resilience of the region, in response to the urgent challenges faced by the populations.



The Port of Saint-Louis du Sud represents a major step forward in the materialization of an inclusive vision of economic and social progress.



With this in mind, the Government invites public institutions, the private sector and Civil Society to unite to maximize the benefits of this Port and make it a lever for sustainable growth.



Let's recall that the "Cygnus Madeira" coming from Colombia, was the first merchant ship to dock at the Port of Saint-Louis du Sud, on November 1st, 2023 with approximately 82,000 bags of cement which were prohibited from landing https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40893-haiti-port-of-saint-louis-du-sud-strange-customs-ban-on-the-unloading-of-82-000-bags-of-cement.html before finally being authorized a week later https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40922-haiti-port-of-saint-louis-du-sud-the-ship-cygnus-finally-authorized-to-unload-its-goods.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40922-haiti-port-of-saint-louis-du-sud-the-ship-cygnus-finally-authorized-to-unload-its-goods.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40893-haiti-port-of-saint-louis-du-sud-strange-customs-ban-on-the-unloading-of-82-000-bags-of-cement.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12372-haiti-economy-project-of-port-of-saint-louis.html



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : Meeting of the Prime Minister with the members of the CSPJ





On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, accompanied by Me Patrick Pelissier, Minister of Justice and Public Security, held a summit meeting with members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ).



This meeting was an opportunity for the Head of Government to emphasize the need for good and frank collaboration between the Executive and the judiciary.



In this perspective, Fils-Aime said he was aware of the serious difficulties encountered by the justice system in fulfilling its mission for the benefit of the population due to the persistence of the climate of insecurity in certain parts of the territory.



Recalling the synergy that must exist between the two powers in order to better tackle the problems caused by armed gangs, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to report on the measures already adopted by his administration since his installation two months ago, among others:



- The strengthening of the police force in terms of personnel; https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44029-icihaiti-pnh-graduation-ceremony-for-700-new-police-officers.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43021-haiti-flash-fad-h-recruitment-new-lists-of-candidates-selected-for-the-next-stage.html



- The reinforcement of law enforcement in logistics;



- The increase in the amount of the police debit card;

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43896-haiti-news-zapping.html



- The appointment of the Secretary of State for Public Security

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44067-haiti-politic-installation-of-mario-andresol-as-secretary-of-state-for-public-security.html



The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken on the judicial level by the Minister of Justice to allow the resumption of the activities of the Port-au-Prince Court, including the rental of a very suitable space in Delmas 75. He also emphasized the resumption of judicial activities and the opening of the newly created jurisdictions which will have to be planned jointly between the Minister of Justice and the members of the CSPJ.



Prime Minister Fils-Aime said he was determined to work in common accord with the other bodies of the Evctat in order to enable the country to overcome the ills that are eating away at it, particularly insecurity, and to return as quickly as possible to the path of institutional normality.



Se also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44067-haiti-politic-installation-of-mario-andresol-as-secretary-of-state-for-public-security.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44029-icihaiti-pnh-graduation-ceremony-for-700-new-police-officers.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43896-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43021-haiti-flash-fad-h-recruitment-new-lists-of-candidates-selected-for-the-next-stage.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The decision follows a preliminary inquiry into whether the vessel's cargounleaded petrol and dieselviolated EU sanctions on Russian-origin products.

Finnish Customs has announced that no criminal investigation will be launched into the crew of the tanker Eagle S , which was seized last month on suspicion of damaging subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Customs confirmed the fuel is subject to sanctions but stated that the tanker entered Finnish territorial waters at the request of Finnish authorities, absolving the crew of intent.

"The ships crew did not deliberately bring sanctioned goods into Finnish waters, and therefore no sanctions-related offense was committed," Customs stated. The finding was reviewed in consultation with the Deputy Prosecutor General.

Although no charges will be filed, the cargo of unleaded petrol and diesel will remain detained by Finnish Customs for the time being. The tanker, owned by the UAE-based company Caravella LLC FZ, is suspected to be part of a shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil.

The Eagle S was seized after it allegedly severed the Estlink 2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia and damaged four undersea telecom cables on Christmas Day. Nine crew members remain suspects in the ongoing police investigation into possible sabotage.

The incident is part of a growing series of disruptions to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region, which has heightened concerns among NATO members since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

NATO has pledged to strengthen its presence in the area, with Baltic nations increasingly wary of threats to energy, communications, and other key infrastructure.

A lawyer for the tankers owner has contested Finlands jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged damage occurred outside Finnish territorial waters. Finnish authorities have not commented on the jurisdictional challenge.

For now, the Eagle S remains in Finnish custody as investigations into the undersea damage continue.

HT
Ynet wrote on 7 January that Israel has asked UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to propose new nominations for the influential post, after consulting Palestinians and the UN Security Council.

THE NOMINATION of ex-Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto (Greens) as a UN Special Coordinator (UNSCO) for the Middle East Peace Process could be blocked by Israel, according to a report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet .

In Finland, Iltalehti and Helsingin Sanomat have both reported about the development.

Israel is reportedly opposed to Haavisto because he is considered a close ally of Guterres, who was declared as persona non grata in October by Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz. Katz cited Guterress failure to condemn a missile attack by Iran and antisemitic and anti-Israel conduct.

Also Haavistos support for a two-state solution for resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine  which aligns with the official position of Finland  has annoyed Israel. The concern is that his nomination could result in more clashes between Israel and the UN.

Despite the concerns, his nomination is not completely dead in the water, according to Ynet.

Haavisto withdrew his name from the mayoral election in Helsinki in November, only a day after he had expressed his readiness to lead the municipal election ticket of the Green League in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat. His unexpected change of heart was due to him being offered the influential role at the UN.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said Israel and Palestine have reached a ceasefire agreement, which is expected to come into effect on Sunday, 19 January. According to The Guardian, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed in the early hours of today that the agreement has been reached, despite what is expected to be a significant political backlash from the far-right members of his ruling coalition. The New York Times on Thursday reported that the premier effectively had to choose between the agreement and his historically right-wing coalition.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
LOCAL BRIEFS: 10 Eagles, dementia workshop, hospital visitation restrictions

Hendersonville Troop 601 recognized 10 Eagle Scouts at a recent Court of Honor. The new Eagles are Camden Collie, son of Page and Netta Collie; Daven Lundgren and Elek Lundgren, sons of Tracy and Poppy Dyer; Hampton Hicks, son of Dr. John Hicks and Dr. Anna Hicks; David Lilly, son of Dr. Edward Lilly and Lillian Lilly; Ben Bryant, son of Daniel and Susan Bryant; Pierce Harper and Ivey Harper, sons of William and Andrea Harper; J.T. Smith, son of Jerry Smith and Dr. Anne Smith; and Aaron Swift, son of Seth and Christina Swift. Scoutmaster of Troop 601 is Bill Harper. Chartered in the 1930s as Troop 1, todays Troop 601 is thought to be the oldest continuously operating troop in Henderson County.

Learning to Dance with Dementia set for March 13

FLAT ROCK  Originally scheduled in October three weeks after Hurricane Helene, a free dementia workshop is back on the calendar at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.

Learning to Dance with Dementia: When to Lead, When to Follow and When to Get Out of the Way will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the Parish Hall across the street from the church, 1905 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock.

Led by dynamic dementia consultant Mary Donnelly, the interactive session offers insight and strategies to help caregivers navigate the delicate balance of communicating with a person whose brain is changing.

Dementia has and is touching so many of our loved ones, including event organizer Ronnie Doty. I began this journey of dementia with my husband, Doty said. I used every resource available so I could know what lies ahead. If you are informed about the disease you can become a much better caregiver.

A past board president for MemoryCare, a nationally-recognized nonprofit clinic in Asheville, Donnelly founded and coordinates the MemoryCaregivers Network, writes a bi-monthly e-newsletter, Caregiver Network News, and is part of the teaching staff for their annual caregiver education series. She facilitates five support groups, provides family consulting across the country, offers on-site staff dementia training for long-term care facilities and is a lively speaker on dementia-related issues.

Those who wish to attend the program must RSVP by visiting http://bit.ly/dancewithdementia. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.

Spike in respiratory triggers visitor restrictions

An increasing number of influenza cases and other respiratory illnesses has triggered visitor restrictions in all inpatient areas at Pardee Hospital, UNC Health Pardee announced on Monday. During this time, the following restrictions will be in place:

Limit of two visitors per patient

Visitors must be 18 years or older

Individuals should avoid visiting the hospital if they have respiratory symptoms or any of the following: headache, muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, or a runny or stuffy nose

Our top priority is always the health and safety of our community, said Dr. Greg McCarty, Pardee's chief medical officer. These temporary restrictions are necessary to prevent further spread of respiratory illnesses and ensure our healthcare providers can continue to deliver the highest level of care.

While wearing a mask remains optional at UNC Health Pardee, it is strongly encouraged during periods of increased flu-like illnesses. All visitors should use hand hygiene before and after visiting patients and entering or leaving the hospital. Alcohol-based hand rub dispensers are available throughout the building. For more information on visiting policies or the latest updates on the hospitals response to respiratory illnesses, please visit pardeehospital.org.

City gets interest free loan to repair utilities

Among the lessons learned the hard way from Hurricane Helene is that the need for aid is easy to demonstrate. A first-hand tour will do the trick.

I have never seen such severe and extensive damage in the western part of our state, state Department of Environmental Quality Director Mary Penney Kelley wrote to city utilities Director Adam Steurer in a letter awarding the city a $3 million interest-free loan. The force of water it took to sweep away infrastructure, carve out river channels and deposit silt across our riverside streets and buildings was astounding. I am similarly amazed by the hard work that you and your community demonstrated in the aftermath to take care of each other and begin to put things right again.

As soon as reports came in on the devastation, Kelley directed her department to activate emergency loan funding and waive program fees. The $3 million loan is intended to bridge the gap between the citys expenditure of money to repair the water and sewer system and federal reimbursement for the work. Payback is not required until the earlier of June 2030 or receipt of federal disaster relief, Kelley said.
An overnight fire on Friday destroyed Mills Fire Station 2 and everything inside, including a brush truck that Mills River firefighters planned to deploy in a mutual aid mission to help fight the California wildfires, Henderson County Fire Marshal Kevin Waldrup said.

Related Stories

The building, at 100 Fanning Fields Road, was an unmanned substation serving the northern part of the fire district. No one was hurt in the building nor in figthing the fire, Waldrup. The fire had fully engulfed the structure before any firefighters arrived in response to an alarm at 1:30 a.m. Friday. Besides Mills River's force, firefighters assisted from Etowah-Horse Shoe, Fletcher, Mountain Home, Skyland and Transylvania County.

Waldrup and investigateors from the state fire marshal's office were still on the scene at noon Friday working to determine the cause.

"It may be extended," he said of the investigation. "There's a lot of things we have to look at. We're actively digging as we speak to try to rule out some things." The effort was slowed by the fact that the fire caused the metal roof of the masonry structure to cave in. "We have several things we're having to look at  electrical, malfunction of heaters, different building assets."

Responding to an appeal issued by the North Carolina fire marshal's office, Mills River firefighters had committed to take the brush truck and fight the southern California wildfires. The fire also destroyed a pumper truck and an RV-like vehicle used for fire prevention education.

Deputy Fire Chief Gary Livingston said both the structure and equipment were insured and that adjusters had already arrived to begin investigating the claims. "We've working with them all day," he said. Mills Fire & Rescue fully expects to rebuild on the same site, he said. In addition to Fire Station 1 on N.C. 280 and the Fanning Fields Road site, the department has substations on Boylston Road nearer the Transylvania County line and on North Mills River Road.
(JTA) The antique silver menorah. The shabbos candlesticks. The tiny tefillin set. The last remnants from Europe that my grandparents, all Holocaust survivors, managed to shlep to America. And I need to get them out of my house. Right now.

I had this thought during a moment, last week, when the Palisades Fire raced unchecked in all directions, including south toward my Santa Monica home. I threw a few documents, clothes and photo albums in a pile on the living room floor, and on top of those I placed these Jewish family heirlooms in a Trader Joes paper bag.

I havent needed to evacuate my ho...
(JNS) - Meet some of the women at the Jack Satter House in Revere, Mass. They are bold, they are real, they are honest and, as part of a campaign for their Tenants Association, they are not fully clothed.

This is why: Throughout the year, the Tenants Association provides in-house programs and outings, some of which require bus transportation to venues. For an annual fee of $15, residents have the option to be a member. But like everything these days, prices are up, and the association, as it often does, needed to hold a fundraiser.

In this case, it turned into a fun-raiser.

"We strive to do a...
(JTA)  Two blocks away: a school reduced to ruins. Across the street: rubble. Under the door: ashes. And yet at Kehillat Israel, things look much the same as they did at the beginning of the week, before the fires.

Thats what the clergy found when they reentered their synagogues building on Thursday in the wake of the blaze that devastated Pacific Palisades.

A reporter with NBC News who himself grew up at Kehillat Israel accompanied Rabbi Amy Bernstein, Rabbi Daniel Sher and Cantor Chayim Frenkel as they took stock of their synagogues remarkable survival amid a swath of destruction that ha...
(JNS)  U.S. President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients on Saturday including George Soros and Hillary Clinton.

The White House citation for the nations highest civilian honor noted Soross rise from surviving the Holocaust as a young Hungarian Jew to becoming one of the richest men in the world.

Soros escaped Nazi occupation to build a life of freedom for himself and countless others around the world, the citation read. Educated in England, he settled in America as he became an investor and philanthropist, supporting key pillars of open societies: right...
(JNS)  Absent the violence, controversy and false claims of election fraud of four years ago but amid tighter security, Congress certified the electoral vote count on Jan. 6 that made Donald Trump the 47th president of the United States.

This time around, no one in Congress rose to object to the votes, no one claimed the election was stolen, no one filed lawsuits to throw out the ballots, no one planned rallies to demand that the results be overturned and no one claimed the vice president could unilaterally reject state-certified electoral votes.

But the reminders of 2021 were there, as fenci...
One million paper clips are piled high on black construction paper on the stage, lit by a spotlight. Above it, the flickering black and white film of Jews walking to their deaths in a Nazi concentration camp is being shown on a theater-sized screen. And standing in front of the stage is the 17-year-old Edgewater High School senior who orchestrated this scene, along with several other exhibits that make a powerful stand against antisemitism and all sorts of hate.

The first thing you notice about Adam Mendelsohn is his hair. Standing at six feet tall, Mendelsohn adds another two inches with his...
(JTA) - A synagogue with more than 100 years of history in Pasadena, California, burned down overnight as fires swept across parts of Southern California.

The fate of a Chabad center about 40 miles away near the coast was unclear as a major fire flared in the Pacific Palisades, one of three different blazes destroying structures and threatening lives in multiple pockets of the greater Los Angeles area. Additional Jewish institutions lay in evacuation zones, while others took preparations in case of further spread.

The Pasadena Jewish Center and Temple burned for hours as fire spilled out of th...
(JNS)  Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 that he will resign as Canadian prime minister after his replacement assumes control.

I am a fighter, and I am not someone who backs away from a fight, particularly when a fight is as important as this, he said outside his Ottawa home.

But I have always been driven by my love for Canada, by my desire to serve Canadians and by what is in the best interests of Canadiansand Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election, he added, per the New York Post. It has become obvious to me, with the internal battles, that I cannot be the one to carry...
(JNS)  The State of Tennessee adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of Jew-hatred in May 2022. On Jan. 2, Mark Pody, a Republican member of the states Senate, introduced a resolution that called for that definition of antisemitism to be used when the state makes legal determinations about bias.

We want to go forward to have a safe place for Jews in Tennessee, Pody told JNS.

There have been things this year that have targeted the Jewish community that are not acceptable in Tennessee, the non-Jewish state senator added. We wanted to codify this into...
(Israel Hayom via JNS)  The Hind Rajab Foundation filed two legal complaints in Argentina in the past week against Israelis who the organization claims committed war crimes while serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

One of the complaints, filed on Jan. 7, targeted a former soldier who fled to Argentina from Brazil following a Brazilian courts investigation order regarding suspected crimes against humanity. The complaint that triggered the Brazilian legal proceeding was also filed by HRF.

Another war crimes complaint, including charges of crimes against humanity and genocide, was filed in Ar...
Jews were targeted by the majority of hate crimes in NYC last year

By Ben Sales

(New York Jewish Week)  Jews were the target of the majority of hate crimes in New York City last year, according to statistics reported Monday by the NYPD.

Data compiled by the department showed that there were 345 anti-Jewish hate crimes across the city in 2024, nearly 54% of the 641 total hate crimes tallied. The next-largest category of hate crimes were those related to sexual orientation, at 78.

The number of antisemitic hate crimes in 2024 was slightly larger than in 2023, when police recorded 323 total anti...
(JNS)  For more than a year, Jews inside and outside the State of Israel have been besieged by false claims of the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The rhetoric of the pro-Hamas mob  We dont want no Zionists here, Go back to Poland and so on  has been ugly enough to make Nazi Germany proud. The real-world impact  arson and gun attacks on synagogues and other Jewish institutions from Canada to Australia, a pogrom in Amsterdam, physical and sexual assaults on those wearing identifiably Jewish symbols, creeping discrimination against Zionists in the worlds of art and medic...
(JNS)  America has long been known as the land of opportunity, welcoming people of all nationalities, backgrounds and religions to its shores and giving them a chance to build prosperous lives. This has been especially true for Jews, who, despite bouts of antisemitism, have thrived in the United States.

Recent studies, however, suggest that this period of acceptance and tolerance is eclipsing as Americans face religious discrimination in the workplace. Last month, the Anti-Defamation League released a study titled, Jewish and Israeli Americans Face Discrimination in the Job Market, detailin...
(JNS)  Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel, has penned a letter to Pope Francis following the pontiffs ongoing criticism of the Jewish state during the Swords of Iron war. The text of his letter follows.

For Zions sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalems sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch.  Isaiah 62:1

Dear Pope Francis,

Your words and actions regarding the State of Israel are not merely disappointing, they represent a historic danger. Through modern communicati...
(JNS)  The last 15 months have been a tragedy for the individual and a triumph for the collective. History is rife with examples of this dichotomy. The tragedy of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing aftermath across the world has created an earthquake that has realigned world Jewry in the most profound of ways. Israeli Jews and those in the Diaspora have gone through a type of catharsis and have regained a sense of purpose that was dangerously close to being lost.

Many American Jews had convinced themselves that they could blend into society and that their Jewishness was merely incidental. The last...
(JNS)  For months, President Joe Bidens detractors predicted that he would deliver a last-minute betrayal of Israel, akin to President Barack Obamas infamous abstention on a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in 2016. When the surprise came, it was not the one critics anticipated. Rather than silence them, however, their outrage was fueled by the unexpected admissions of his secretary of state.

First, we were told Biden would pull an Obama immediately after the election in November. Instead, he defied expectations with a reverse Obama, vetoing a U.N. Security...
(JNS)  Inauguration day is around the corner, and unlike in January 2017, when Donald Trump took the oath of office for the first time, now seems calmer and, in some corners, more celebratory. When Trump won the presidential election in 2016, the knives were out and being sharpened, so to speak. Not so this time around as Trumps landslide victory has his enemies and detractors retreating somewhat. New York Times columnist Bret Stephens gave up his Never Trump status. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is hanging out with Jared Kushner in Aspen, Colo., and New York Rep. Tom Suozzi called upo...


by Faith Chandianya

Friday January 17, 2025



Abdullahi Issa Ibrahim's family believed he was dead following an Al-Shabaab attack nine years ago. Photo: Citizen TV/Cornelius Ronoh. Source: Twitter



Uasin Gishu- A family in Maili Nne, Eldoret, can now breathe a sigh of relief after learning that their relative, a Kenya Defence Forces officer Abdullahi Issa Ibrahim, who was presumed dead nine years ago, is alive.

Did Al-Shabaab capture Abdullahi Issa Ibrahim?

Ibrahim went viral after a widely shared video showed him asking the Kenyan government for help to return home.



"I am a Kenyan soldier. I joined the army in 1986. The Al-Shabaab captured me on January 15, 2016, during the Al-Shabaab raid at the KDF camp in El Adde," Ibrahim said.

His family narrated the pain they have endured for years, thinking that their long-lost kin is already dead.



Ibrahim's daughter, Kadra Abdullahi, told Citizen TV she received a call from an unfamiliar number in Somalia about a month before the video of her father went viral. Kadra said the caller identified himself as her long-lost father, leaving her shocked and confused as she struggled to believe the revelation.

"We didn't have proof of him. I asked him to ask the guys holding him to send us a photo or a video of him so we could start a journey of how to help him. He then said that they would reach me through their media link," Kadra said.



News of Ibrahim's situation has reopened painful wounds for the family. His daughter said they had already come to terms with his death after the KDF issued a death certificate confirming it.

"We did the burial procedures for my dad because we knew he was no more," Kadra said.



Ibrahim's family now insists that those holding him hostage only wish to communicate with the Kenyan government in order to release him.



Man thought dead shows up 38 days later

In a separate incident, a 24-year-old man presumed dead and buried following a fatal road accident returned home.

Ashraf Bamusungwire from Uganda was "buried" on September 25, 2024, after his family arranged for an ambulance to bring his body from the accident scene in Migyera, Nakasongola District, where he had reportedly gone for casual labour.



Bamusungwire reportedly resurfaced two days before his final funeral rites, known as 'duwa' in the Muslim tradition.

Upon his return, the family performed a traditional cleansing ritual for the 24-year-old before fully welcoming him back.

Source: TUKO.co.ke


China to work with Kenya for deepened cooperation: new ambassador

Xinhua) 11:06, January 17, 2025

NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- New Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said Thursday that China is willing to work with Kenya to deepen friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

Guo made the remarks when she paid a visit to Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles as the cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, according to a document posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.

Guo first conveyed cordial greetings from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, to Mudavadi, saying that China and Kenya enjoy a long history of friendship and China always views China-Kenya relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Mudavadi welcomed Ambassador Guo's assumption of office, saying that bilateral relations between Kenya and China have developed strongly and Belt and Road cooperation projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway have greatly enhanced Kenya's economic development capacity and improved people's well-being. He said that the Kenyan side will actively provide convenience and support for Guo to perform her duties and jointly push bilateral relations to a new level.

Guo, who presented her credentials to Kenyan President William Ruto on Monday, replaced Zhou Pingjian, whose four-year tenure concluded in December 2024, to become the 18th Chinese ambassador to Kenya since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kenya 61 years ago.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Chinese ambassador calls for closer China-UK cooperation

Xinhua) 11:06, January 17, 2025

LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Zheng Zeguang highlighted China's steady economic growth and its contribution to global economic development at a meeting held here on Thursday.

Speaking at the London-based think tank Asia House meeting, he outlined China's achievements in high-quality development, advances in green and low-carbon transformation, foreign trade, and expanded market access over the past year.

On China-UK relations, Zheng said new progress has been made, highlighting the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, which resulted in fruitful outcomes.

He called on both sides to maintain the momentum and focus on cooperation.

Zheng also emphasized China's commitment to building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future amid rising geopolitical tensions, unilateralism, and protectionism, noting that the Asia-Pacific region is a key driver of global growth.

"The world has just bid farewell to the chaotic geopolitics and sluggish economy of 2024, and ushered in an even more challenging and uncertain 2025," Zheng said, urging more efforts to promote global peace, stability, cooperation and unity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Struck, Ruby continues its expansion across Europe by introducing its first Hungarian property. This mixed-use conversion will feature a Ruby Hotel with 181 stylish rooms, alongside retail and gastronomic outlets, as well as a food and cultural market. The new hotel will be spread across four floors of the building. Public areas, including a bar and lounge, will be located on the 5th floor in the building's impressive attic, which features over six-meter-high ceilings and offers stunning views of Budapest's skyline and the iconic 'Lady on the Hill' statue.

Corvin Palace, Budapest's oldest department store and a listed building from 1926, is undergoing a transformation into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors. Strategically situated at Blaha Lujza Square, one of the city's main squares, the hotel benefits from excellent public transport connections, including metro, bus, and tram lines, ensuring seamless travel within the city. Adjacent to the lively and scenic Jewish Quarter, home to some of the city's hottest restaurants and bars, it offers guests easy access to the city's rich cultural and leisure attractions. Additionally, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is just 25 minutes away, providing convenient access for international travelers.

The Balogh family, a respected force in the local real estate market, is recognized for their forward-thinking redevelopment projects and unwavering commitment to protecting architectural heritage. Ruby's in-house design team, led by Matthew Balon, will be responsible for outfitting the hotel with its signature blend of aesthetics and practicality creating spaces that reflect Ruby's Lean Luxury philosophy while honoring the historic character of Corvin Palace.

Construction is set to begin in late 2025, with the hotel's opening anticipated by the end of 2026.

Hotel website
HVS, the leader in global hospitality consulting, is pleased to announce that Kannan Sankaran has joined the HVS Consulting & Valuation division in Washington, D.C., as Managing Director.

Kannan will work with clients to assist them in making strategic investment decisions throughout the entirety of a hospitality asset's life cycle, ranging from development and acquisition through repositioning and disposition.

Kannan's knowledge and client-focused approach allow him to offer guidance and provide solutions rooted in information and data that are supported by market-based evidence and intelligence. He is driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their investment goals and by the hospitality industry's global importance to both the economy and society.

Previously, Kannan held a position as Senior Vice President of CBRE Hotels in Washington, D.C., where he conducted hospitality advisory engagements across the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Germany, Japan, England, and South Korea.
Carmel Mission Inn, a boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque coastal community of Carmel, California, is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Jae Moon as its new executive chef. A culinary leader in the Monterey region for nearly 30 years, Chef Moon will oversee all food and beverage operations for the hotel, including its signature restaurant, Shearwater Tavern.

Chef Moon brings an impressive background in kitchen leadership, honed through decades of experience at some of the area's most esteemed luxury hotels and resorts. Most recently, he served as executive sous chef at the five-star Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, where he played a key role in elevating the award-winning Lucia Restaurant and Bar. During his tenure, Lucia earned numerous accolades, including a Forbes Four-Star rating, "Best Restaurant" honors, and recognition in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide.

Prior to Bernardus Lodge, Chef Moon held leadership roles at several other renowned properties, including the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa on Cannery Row, where he managed a multi-million-dollar food and beverage operation across five dining outlets. His resume also includes leadership positions at InterContinental Hotel The Clemente Monterey, and Portola Hotel & Spa, where he contributed to the highly anticipated reopening of Jack's Monterey.

Chef Moon was born in South Korea and immigrated to the Marina region with his family as a child. After pursuing formal training in the culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, he returned to his beloved home on the west coast to pursue his career.

At Carmel Mission Inn, Chef Moon plans to infuse his signature style into Shearwater Tavern, positioning the eatery as a refined country bistro. His vision includes evolving the restaurant's menu, continuing its established commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients while fostering partnerships with prominent local farmers, fishermen, foragers, and purveyors. Guests can expect fresh, honest cuisine, with a particular focus on seafood, a hallmark of Chef Moon's culinary philosophy.
As we step into 2025, it's the perfect time to round up and celebrate the remarkable brand campaigns launched this past year, testament to the dynamism of Accors unrivalled brand portfolio. From celebrating milestones such as ibiss 50th anniversary to new campaigns for Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel, MGallery, we have launched campaigns that honor our heritage while boldly reimagining the future of hospitality, consistently bringing to life our brands unique visions and identities.

A Closer Look at some of our Recent Campaigns

Raffles Hotels & Resorts with The Butler Did It: Elegance and Enchanted Glamour

Raffles is a heritage brand continuing its legacy of luxury while delivering a modern guest experience. In 2024, Raffles unveiled The Butler Did It, a bold campaign celebrating the brands legendary Butler Service and its pivotal role in crafting memorable and inspiring guest experiences. Under the creative direction of Trey Laird, and shot by photographer Dylan Don, the images feature designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, fashion icon Robert Rabensteiner, and model May Siu as quintessential Raffles guests while renowned model Tim Easton stars as the Butler. Rabensteiner also styled the campaign, which conveys a distinctive fashion-forward touch, and is set against the backdrop of Raffles Singapore, the brands flagship property known for its Butler Service since its opening in 1887.

Source: Accor

With a vibrant aesthetic and sense of wit that is inherent to the Raffles brand, this bold campaign celebrates the hallmarks of the Raffles experience, including the ways our Butlers create magic at every turn. Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Accor

From a brand that began almost 130 years ago in Singapore, Raffles continues to grow thoughtfully in notable destinations, expanding globally with recent debuts in London, Boston, Jaipur and Bahrain and upcoming highly anticipated openings in 2025 such as Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Raffles Jeddah.

Discover the campaign

ibis with Go Get It: 50 Years of Democratizing Travel

ibis, one of the best-known hotel brands in the world, celebrated five decades with its "Go get it" campaign, once again demonstrating the importance of travel for all, and celebrating the diverse reasons that inspire people to travel. The campaign explains how, since revolutionizing affordable travel in the 1970s, ibis has continually adapted to meet modern travelers needs, making each guests stay a launchpad for the things that matter and enabling guests to Go get it, a call to get out in the world, to see, meet and do.

Source: Accor

ibis has remained a leader in the economy segment for 50 years because we know that guests get the most out of their travels when we put the most into their stays. Whatever the reason for their travel, wherever they are in the world, theres an ibis to help guests Go get it. Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President, Midscale & Economy, Accor

Today, ibis, with its three distinctive brands  ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget - is a leading global economy hotel brand, continuing to break new ground with a pipeline of over 320 hotels including openings in 2025 such as ibis Styles Tallinn in Estonia and ibis Arcoverde in Brazil, expanding its presence to new markets.

Discover the campaign

MGallery with Thats my M Moment: Memorable and Meaningful Moments

MGallery is more determined than ever to bring to life its iconic M, synonymous with Memorable and Meaningful Moments, which are unique, exclusive experiences that each hotel creates to reflect its history and location, and the brands latest campaign launched in 2024 marks the renewal of the experience pillars of the boutique hotel collection. The campaign, that appeared in France, the UK, Australia and China as well as in more than 120 hotels around the globe, features five memorable moments - moments of poetry, shared moments, adventure moments, and indescribable moments - related to each hotels history and environment, appearing in the campaign - DongFengYun Hotel MiLe in China, Manly Hotel Pacific in Australia, Legacy Hotel Yen Tu in Vietnam, Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Domaine de la Reine Margot in France. In December 2024, MGallery Collection was awarded the Grand Prize for its M Moment campaign in the Luxury Tourism Advertising Campaign category by Grand Prix Strategies Luxe where it was recognized for its innovative approach to storytelling and leadership in redefining luxury experiences within the hospitality industry.

Source: Accor

Being amazed by the beauty and magic of the Moment: thats the spirit of MGallery. Catherine Cherabieh, Vice President Global Marketing, MGallery, Accor

Today, MGallery boasts more than 120 boutique hotels, after being established in 2008 and is set to expand its network by 30% by 2030, with over 40 projects currently in development around the world. Key 2025 openings include Green Coast Hotel - MGallery Collection in Albania, Hotel MontAzure Lakeside Phuket - MGallery Collection in Thailand, and Marival Armony Punta Mita - MGallery Collection in Mexico.

Discover the campaign

Sofitel with The Encounter: A Celebration of Gathering Ideas, People and Cultures

The first international luxury hotel brand originating from France, Sofitel which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, honored its French roots and global impact with the launch of The Encounter. The cinematic campaign about the beauty of gathering ideas, people and cultures, is starring Gillian Anderson and Dali Benssalah, the brands two ambassadors, immortalized in the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, an iconic hotel that unites past and present at the heart of a vibrant city with a rich culture. Two celebrities, two free minds, living the Sofitel experience differently, each at their own pace, guided by the same desire for freedom. This initiative beautifully conveys the brands values, highlighting Sofitels mission to bridge cultures and ideas, and celebrate committed luxury.

Source: Accor

This video symbolizes Sofitels new positioning: a desire to create encounters between cultures, people and ideas - the very definition of Sofitel's DNA. An invitation to discover the local culture, to open up to others, and to live the Sofitel experience to the fullest, while remaining true to ones self at all times. Nicolas Gronier, Vice President Global Marketing, Sofitel, Accor

Today, Sofitels network includes more than 110 hotels in more than 45 countries and plans to open 30 hotels by 2027 such as Sofitel Guiyang Liebian in China.

Discover the campaign

ALL with Thats ALL.com: Booking the Perfect Holiday at the Best Price

ALL, as an all-in-one booking platform and loyalty program, is a pivotal component of Accors commitment to delivering choice, seamless, personalized experiences and exclusive privileges across its hospitality ecosystem. The program launched a global campaign, Thats ALL.com, to position itself as the obvious choice for travelers for booking their stays. By aligning with guests lifestyles and aspirations, ALL embodies a compelling value proposition: Best brands, Best destinations, Best price.

Source: Accor

This campaign aimed to drive appeal, awareness and understanding of the ALL platform with a sharp message. From curating your friends trip to seamlessly blending work and leisure, ALL.com is the travel platform providing leading hotel brands at the best price. We saw a direct impact on our web direct results as an outcome. Thats ALL.com! Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty & Ecommerce Officer, Accor

Today, ALL is the loyalty program most favored by travelers, and through the ALL.com website and app, clients can access a wide range of hotel brands, rewards, services and experiences.

Discover the campaign

Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Crafting Treasured Memories

Accor, a Premium Partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, unveiled this past summer for the start of the event its campaign, directed by Vincent Lobelle (Iconoclast), illustrating the spirit of Accor brands and Heartists, who will make their guests' stay even more memorable, demonstrating not only Accor's expertise, but also its sense of welcome. With the tagline Crafting treasured memories, in the campaign we follow Jean, a concierge who has an extraordinary adventure as he brings an ice cream to cheer a little girl up, or a waitress who demonstrates surprising dexterity to prevent a disaster, or again a receptionist who stops at nothing to return a camera to a guest

The campaign aims to celebrate the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and highlight the values of excellence, surpassing oneself and respect that Accor holds dear. It illustrates Accor's sense of hospitality and its ability to offer exceptional experiences to its guests, while supporting events that inspire and unite people around the world. Stephanie Dartevelle, VP Sponsoring Europe & North Africa, Accor

Discover the campaign

Always Going Above and Beyond

As our brands maintain their forward momentum, illustrated by these bold, innovative campaigns that celebrate the essence of each brand, we continuously strive to create memorable stays and meaningful connections while. while always meeting the evolving needs of travelers worldwide.

Discover our Brands

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 5,600 properties across more than 110 countries, is pleased to announce the Group has taken over the management of The Grand Tarabya, a historic property nestled in Istanbuls upscale Tarabya neighborhood along the Bosphorus Strait. Effective Dec. 31, 2024, The Grand Tarabya marks Accors 38th property in Istanbul, reinforcing the Groups continued expansion in key cities across Europe and the Middle East, as well as the destinations growing reputation as a global hub for luxury hospitality.

The Grand Tarabya has long been a symbol of beauty and elegance, since its original opening as one of Turkeys first five-star hotels in 1966, and its subsequent restoration and reopening in 2013. The property features 248 rooms and suites, 29 residences, seven distinct food and beverage venues, and an extensive wellness center.

The property will be managed by Accor under a white label for the duration of an extensive renovation to elevate the hotels offerings. Upon completion of the renovation, The Grand Tarabya will be fully rebranded as a Fairmont property, ensuring a seamless transition and integration of Fairmonts signature brand markers, complemented by touches that celebrate the propertys rich heritage and vibrant local culture.

The Grand Tarabya has an esteemed legacy, which we are honored to carry forward. With the proposed transformation of this landmark property, The Grand Tarabya will be a perfect addition to our portfolio, joining iconic Fairmont hotels such as The Plaza in New York and The Savoy in London. Together with our partners at Bayraktarlar Group, our vision is to preserve the propertys rich history and heritage while enhancing its appeal for todays luxury travelers. With such exciting plans for the hotel, I have no doubt that The Grand Tarabya will quickly become one of our most sought-after destinations. Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resort

This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in distinguished destinations that offer a unique blend of historical charm with modern luxury. The Grand Tarabya offers a prestigious setting that aligns with both Accor and Fairmonts ethos, and we are confident under the new stewardship, the hotel will continue to thrive. Ahmet Bayraktar, Chairman Bayraktarlar Holding

The Grand Tarabya occupies a unique and coveted position along the Bosphorus, a storied waterway that has become one of the most desirable international locations for world-class hotels. The property offers stunning views and a tranquil waterfront location, from which travelers can enjoy the city, within a short drive to the capitals cultural and historic attractions.

Accor currently operates more than 70 hotels in Turkey across a diverse array of brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, Rixos, Swissotel, Pullman, Movenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and ibis.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

Emily Venugopal

Accor
Steinhausen, Switzerland  January 16, 2025  RoomPriceGenie, developer of an award-winning revenue management system (RMS) for hotels, is proud to announce three big wins in the 2025 HotelTechAwards, which recognise the best operational solutions based on reviews and ratings from hoteliers around the world.

In this years awards, RoomPriceGenie won second place for The Best Revenue Management System (RMS) for the second year in a row, as the solution is a simple, automated way for hoteliers to optimise their pricing  with many clients increasing their revenue by up to 22% after implementation!

The RoomPriceGenie RMS was also recognized as the 7th Most Recommended Solution overall, a category that compares the solutions performance with that of all operational solutions in the industry.

Finally, RoomPriceGenie won third place in The Best Place to Work Award for the second year in a row, recognizing the companys commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and fun-filled work environment, and building a team that is passionate about helping clients achieve their business and financial goals.

We are very proud to be recognized across these three categories of the HotelTechAwards, as these wins demonstrate the efficacy and ease of use of our RMS, as well as the knowledge and dedication shown by our hard-working team of Genies, said Ari Andricopoulos, CEO of RoomPriceGenie. We are very excited to see the positive impact that we have had on hoteliers bottom lines continue through 2025, as our growth and development plans for this year will further empower hoteliers to maximise their long-term profitability, no matter how the market changes.

To find out more about RoomPriceGenies 2025 HotelTechAwards wins, please read the official press release on HotelTechReport. To find out more about the RoomPriceGenie RMS or to arrange an interview with Ari Andricopoulos, CEO of RoomPriceGenie, please contact [email protected].

About RoomPriceGenie

RoomPriceGenie, the award-winning revenue management system (RMS) for hoteliers, is the easiest way to ensure your rooms are priced right, every night. The solution is fast to implement, intuitive to use, simple to understand and completely transparent. Choose to be hands-off, letting the RMS act as an always-on pricing manager or jump in and control your price manually. Either way, RoomPriceGenie saves you time on adjusting your rates based on market trends and your property's performance. You can be confident your prices are always optimized to maximize revenue. In an uncertain world, it's revenue you can count on. Find out more at roompricegenie.com.
When engaging with guests throughout your hotel, you want to put your best foot forward (and not in your mouth). Like with all communication, its not so much what you say, but how you say it.

To help keep guests feeling recognised and respected, weve got 7 customer service phrases that should be regularly used throughout your hotel  from front-of-house to management - and 5 to remove from your team's vocabulary.

Customer Service Phrases for Hotel Staff to Use

1. Great question  Let me check and Ill find that out for you

Using this phrase shows you value a guest's enquiry and are committed to providing them with accurate information. It reassures the guest that their question is important and worth investigating rather than receiving an immediate, possibly incorrect, answer full of uncertainties in the form of I think or From memory... . This approach builds trust and ensures guests feel their needs are taken seriously.

2. If you can [action], then I can [action]

In times where a resolution requires mutual effort, this phrase can clearly communicate that a guest's participation can directly influence their outcome, fostering a sense of partnership. By framing the situation as a shared responsibility, it encourages a more positive interaction and helps manage expectations effectively.

3. Expect an update from us by [date/time]

Providing a specific timeframe for an update helps to manage a guests expectations and reduces anxiety about the outcome. It assures guests that their concern is being actively addressed and they will receive timely communication. This transparency and commitment to follow-up enhances trust and confidence in your hotels service.

4. Thank you for being our guest

Simple but effective. Expressing gratitude to a guest reinforces a positive and welcoming atmosphere, making them feel appreciated and valued. This acknowledgment can enhance the guests overall experience, making them more likely to view their stay positively.

5. Here's what we can do...

Starting with what can be done rather than focusing on limitations shows a positive and solution-oriented attitude. This helps to shift the conversation towards actionable solutions, making guests feel their issue is being actively addressed. By presenting available options, hotel staff can maintain a constructive dialogue with guests.

6. Do you have any feedback on your experience so far?

Remember  you dont need to wait for an issue to engage in customer service practices. Being proactive and inviting feedback from hotel guests actively involves them in the quality improvement process, showing their opinions are valued. This phrase can reveal insights into the guests experience that might not be otherwise shared, allowing your hotel to address issues promptly, rather than waiting for post-stay feedback.

7. From my understanding, the issue youre experiencing is [paraphrase] - have I got that right?

Paraphrasing a guest's concern shows youre actively listening and ensures you both have a clear understanding of the issue. It provides an opportunity for guests to clarify or elaborate on their problem, which can lead to a more accurate and effective resolution.

Customer Service Phrases for Hotel Staff to Avoid

1. To be honest with you...

Using this phrase can imply that previous communications may not have been entirely truthful, which can undermine trust. It suggests a lack of transparency up until this point, potentially making guests question the integrity of the information provided by your hotel. This creates unnecessary doubt and discomfort.

2. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause

Its genetic, insincere, and fails to acknowledge the specific nature of the guests inconvenience. This phrase may come across as dismissive and insufficient, especially if guests are facing a significant issue. Instead, go for a personalised apology that directly address a guests concerns.

3. Sorry, we cant do that

Flatly stating something cannot be done shuts down the conversation and leaves a guest without alternatives. It conveys a sense of inflexibility and unwillingness to assist, which can lead to negative perceptions of your hotel's service. Instead, offer possible alternatives or solutions to show your willingness to help.

4. Youll have to...

Telling a guest that they "have to" do something sounds commanding and unaccommodating, potentially causing further frustration. This phrase can create a negative experience by making a guest feel as though they are being forced into an action, rather than discussing their concerns for a desired outcome.

5. Is there anything else?

Although you may be eager to end a particularly challenging customer service request, this phrase can sound dismissive, which may make your guest feel rushed or unimportant. It can give the impression that your hotel is only interested in resolving the current issue quickly rather than providing ongoing support. Instead, use more open-ended questions that invite additional concerns and feedback.

Effective Communication: Enhancing Customer Experiences in Hotels

When deciding on the best customer service phrases to use throughout your hotel, keep in mind that delivering exceptional customer service requires the right words and a friendly approach. By using (and avoiding) the phrases listed, you can make your customer interactions better, providing a greater experience for all guests.

About iVvy



iVvy is a leading global SaaS cloud-based technology solution designed to streamline booking and event management operations for venues worldwide. Our comprehensive platform offers a range of powerful features, including instant booking functionality and centralised function diary, to enhance the efficiency and productivity of venue operators.

With an integrated revenue management and distribution platform, iVvy equips hotels, restaurants, stadiums, and universities with the necessary tools to seamlessly manage inquiries, bookings, and event logistics. Including advanced reporting and analytics features, iVvy offers venues greater visibility into their business performance. This invaluable data empowers decision-makers to make informed choices, optimise revenue, and maximise the utilisation of group rooms, meeting spaces, and event facilities.

iVvy's scalable solutions cater to the unique needs of the travel, MICE, and events industries. Our global team, available 24/7, provides dedicated support to clients in five countries, ensuring seamless operations and prompt assistance whenever required.

We are proud to serve some of the world's most renowned hospitality groups, major corporations, travel companies, governments, associations, stadiums, universities, and nonprofit organisations.

To learn more about iVvy and our comprehensive product suite, visit ivvy.com

Damon Hall

iVvy
Image Credit HSMAI Europe

In a recent discussion at the 'AI in Hospitality' Think Tank, hosted by HSMAI Europe and moderated by Josje van Dongen, hospitality leaders evaluated the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. The discussion, guided by AI expert Terry Jones, revolved around threats, risks, challenges, and opportunities presented by AI to the hospitality sector.

Hospitality leaders identified several opportunities and benefits of AI. For instance, AI can significantly enhance website personalization, increasing guest satisfaction. It can also improve the user experience by continually refining website content and imagery based on visitor behavior. AI-driven language translation tools can cater to a global audience, breaking language barriers and offering personalized itinerary suggestions.

AI also has significant implications for marketing and advertising. It can achieve self-optimizing campaigns, faster content distribution, and more engaging marketing strategies. It can also provide valuable insights by integrating public, industry, and corporate data, aiding in better decision-making.

Automating routine tasks can significantly improve operational efficiency. This can free up staff to focus on more strategic activities, thereby improving productivity. Additionally, AI can help control costs and optimize resource allocation, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Despite the noted benefits, the integration of AI also presents challenges and risks. Data privacy and security, ensuring compliance with regulations, and ethical use of AI were key areas of concern. Smaller hotel chains and independent properties may also struggle with the investment required to implement advanced AI solutions. Upskilling staff, fostering a culture of innovation, and streamlining recruitment processes were discussed as ways to overcome these obstacles.

The Think Tank concluded by highlighting AI's role in developing disruptive business models and enhancing customer service. To alleviate concerns about AI, it was suggested that staff and stakeholders be educated about its benefits and potential. It was also emphasized that while advocating for AI benefits, hoteliers must support regulatory efforts to ensure data's ethical use and protection.

In summary, the HSMAI Europe 'AI in Hospitality' Think Tank underscored AI's transformative potential in the hospitality industry. While AI can enhance guest experiences and optimise operations, addressing challenges such as security, integration, and training is critical for successful implementation. It was agreed that the future of hospitality lies in leveraging AI to build smarter, more personalized, and more efficient services.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Celebrates 50 Years in Greater China with Over 800 Hotel - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 50th anniversary of operations in Greater China. Since opening its first property in the region in 1975, IHG has expanded its portfolio to include 800 hotels, contributing significantly to the growth of the hospitality industry and supporting economic development in the region.

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed pride in the company's accomplishments over the past five decades. IHG has expanded its presence in Greater China by building a diverse range of hotels, from luxury and lifestyle hotels to premium and essential stays. The company is committed to future growth in the region, in line with policies supporting foreign enterprises.

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, IHG has initiated various creative initiatives to engage with consumers across Greater China. These include branding a high-speed train, showcasing light displays on major city skyscrapers, and strategic print placements with leading media outlets.

IHG's growth has consistently aligned with Greater China's economic evolution, with innovations like expanding social media and e-commerce channels, and creating iconic hotels such as the Regent Shanghai on the Bund.

Significant milestones in IHG's history in Greater China include opening its first hotel in Hong Kong in 1975, launching the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand in 1991, introducing the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand in 2000, and opening the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in 2004.

In 2025, IHG reached a significant milestone with 800 open hotels in Greater China, highlighting its brand strength, localized strategy, and sustainable growth. To mark this achievement, IHG unveiled "The IHG Greater China 800 Club", showcasing recently opened flagship hotels in key destinations, chosen for their strategic locations, unique designs, and exceptional facilities.

Daniel Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China, said that the launch of 'The IHG Greater China 800 Club ' reflects the company's commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality. Looking ahead, IHG plans to continue expanding into emerging cities, elevating digital guest experiences, and championing sustainable growth.

Today, IHG holds 13 brands and more than 1,300 openings and pipelines in Greater China, reflecting its five decades of dedication and innovation in the region.
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Resident Sarah Hurlbut speaks at a joint meeting of the School Committee and Select Board last week about repairs to the school. Town Administrator Ron Boucher looks over a room with multiple buckets to catch leaks from the roof. PreviousNext

Clarksburg Officials Debate Need for School Repairs, Renovations



Select Board member Colton Andrews stands next to a bucket catching leaks as he talks to the joint gathering. CLARKSBURG, Mass.  School officials acknowledged that Clarksburg School is need of renovation or rebuild but declined to commit at this point to plan of action.

"We can't say that because it hasn't even been put out to the town," said School Committee member Cynthia Brule. "So I mean, we could say, 'yeah, I want a new school,' but it means nothing."

The comments had come during a joint meeting of the Select Board and School Committee last week over what to do with the leaking roof.

"We're dealing with a pretty leaky roof that's affecting several classrooms," said Superintendent John Franzoni. "The leaks are continuing and impacting the classroom learning."

Select Board Chair Robert Norcross had pushed for the committee to make a declaration after talks with the governor's Western Mass office over the lingering $500,000 in a bond bill for the roof.

He and Assistant Superintendent Tara Barnes had spoken with Kristen Elechko, Western Mass regional director, he said, and Barnes had mentioned the school could use more than a roof.

"Kristen sent me an email the next day saying that I can't go for a roof if we're going to go for a new school or if we're going to go for something bigger," Norcross said. "You have to decide quickly what we want to do, because all these deadlines are coming up. So that's why I wanted to push the meeting forward and that's why I asked the Finance Committee and the Select Board to be here, because we got to make a decision tonight."

Standing next to a bucket catching drips from the ceiling, Select Board member Colton Andrews advocated for a new school, believing the demographics have changed and there are more parents will support it.

"The town has one true, true asset, and we're standing in it," he said. "And the problem is the can has been kicked down the road for years and years and years and like everything else, if we want to have nice things ... you have to pay for them."

People don't like taxes, he acknowledged, but "I think the problem is it's like we're hoping for the best outcome of this situation, but not being realistic with the path forward of what it's really going to be."

Others in the crowded classroom were doubtful the town would back another try for a new school. A $19 million renovation and addition went down to defeat in 2017 and construction costs have risen dramatically since.

"It was a tough thing, and it really split this town for quite a while. I don't think those feelings have gone away for a lot of people, and it's unfortunate," said School Committee member Mary Giron. "I wish we could get the people at the town to back us. I don't think it's going to happen, and I understand we have more people in town that have a vested interest in the school ...

"Not all of not all of the parents will vote, just because sometimes money is a factor for them, more so than the thought of the school."

Giron said she strongly believed a project would be defeated again "and I don't want to miss a chance to maybe go the accelerated route for repairs, where that might be something that they would swallow."

Resident Sarah Hurlbut pointed to all the other problems the town has to deal with  water, sewer, roads, bridges. Another concern, she said, was maintaining a new building with modern conveniences  who's paying the specialists to keep the systems working?

"I think if the town were smart, they'd start thinking about capital planning [Norcross noted the town had received a planning grant]. And the point is, you got to go slowly. You heard Tom [Bona] say we've had engineering reports and the bones are good, great. Let's start fixing stuff," she said.

"What really makes the school are the teachers and how the kids are treated ... It's nice to have a new building ... but we are all taxed out."

The Massachusetts School Building Authority's accelerated repair program provides reimbursement for windows, heating systems and roofs. But it's been wary of spending taxpayer dollars on buildings it's deemed not up to standard, like Clarksburg School.

Select Board member Daniel Haskins thought it worth applying to the accelerated program and look at numbers for a renovation. But School Committee members said the roof had to be a priority now  waiting to be invited into the program could take years.

Incoming Town Administrator Ronald Boucher said the leaks were a health hazard and should be dealt with as soon as possible. He recommended a short-term borrowing as had been done while he was on the Select Board in 2019. The town had approved borrowing $1 million with half going to roads and the other half to address immediate needs at the school. It was paid off in five years.

"As for the rest of the project, I think you have to do it in stages. You've got to take care of the roof, and the foundation, those are the most important things, the other stuff, we can put a plan together and renovate," he said.

Franzoni recommended language to the state saying the town stood behind the school and that there would be discussions over long term plans.

The main thing officials and residents wanted to avoid was sending the town's children to be educated in North Adams, describing it as the "worst outcome."

"I want to see a school here in Clarksburg," said Bona, who has volunteered hours to the repairs and improvements at the school. "Or I wouldn't have spent the last five years doing the work that I've been doing. ....

"I don't think the town is going to go for a new school ... I think we should go for a renovation project, but I think we should put a vote soon later to the town to see what the town will actually approve. Do we say we vote for new school? We vote for a renovation of the old school? Or do we vote for sending the kids to North Adams."
Williamstown Signs on to Opioid Abatement Collaborative



BRPC senior planner Andrew Ottoson explains the organization of the North Berkshire Opioid Abatement Collaborative at Monday's Select Board meeting. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The town Monday signed on to a North County initiative to address and combat opioid addiction in the region.

On a 5-0 vote, the Select Board OK'd Williamstown's entry into an intermunicipal agreement with North Adams, six other North County towns and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to form the North Berkshire Opioid Abatement Collaborative.

The collaborative is an outgrowth of the North Berkshire County Heal Coalition established in 2022.

The new collaborative will pool the municipalities' share of a multibillion opioid settlement paid by drugmakers and distributors to foster programs to address addiction and recovery and fund a full-time "community coordinator."

"[The coordinator] would be tasked to kind of corral all of the various agencies and individuals that are involved with doing everything and anything we can to not only reduce overdoses but other substance use-related harms," BRPC senior planner Andy Ottoson told the Select Board on Monday night. "Really focusing on the whole life cycle that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Also looking at the other social dimensions of health that influence people's care, especially focusing on stigma, especially focusing on housing, especially focusing on employment pathways  everything and anything it takes."

The collaborative has a five-year partnership with BRPC and Berkshire Health Systems.

The intermunicipal agreement the Select Board agreed to on Monday runs until the settlement funds run out or a majority of municipal representatives on the coalition's advisory board votes to terminate the agreement.

Each municipality will have two representatives on an advisory board, which will meet twice a year to review and approve its budget and discuss goals. The representatives will be appointed by either the Select Board or, in the case of North Adams, the mayor and City Council, according to the agreement.

That budget is expected to range from $180,500 to $218,700 over the coalition's projected five-year lifespan, according to a draft budget presented on Monday. It adds up to just more than $1 million, equalling the eight municipalities' share of the settlement money; Williamstown's share is just more than $160,000, and North Adams has the largest share, $702,000.

The other towns in the planned collaborative are Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, New Ashford and Savoy.

About a third of the projected budget is dedicated to the coordinator position, which is budgeted between $68,419 and $77,006 over the five years. About an equal amount of the draft budget is dedicated to community events, conferences, communications, resource guide development and outreach as directed by the Advisory Board.

Just less than $91,000 in the five-year draft budget is dedicated to "grant writing support."

"The purpose of that is to make sure we sustain [the coordinator] position beyond five years," Ottoson said. "Especially in years three and four, we're looking to bring grant writing support for this person."

About half of the Select Board's time on Monday was devoted to a joint meeting with the town's Finance Committee.

But there was other business conducted after the Fin Comm members departed.

 An attorney representing the Sweet Farm Road Homeowners Association gave the town formal notification that the residents will ask annual town meeting in May to accept the development's road as a public road with the associated infrastructure (water and sewer line) underneath. Steve Pagnotta told the board that Monday's notification starts the clock on a 45-day period for the town to hold a public hearing on the request, which goes to town meeting.

 The Select Board agreed unanimously on a different intermunicipal agreement, extending the existing arrangement under which Town Planner Andrew Groff provides planning and land use services part-time for the Town of Lanesborough.

 Town Manager Robert Menicocci reported that all but one of the town's home-rule petitions passed the state Legislature before the session ended on Dec. 24, including the town charter amendments approved by last May's annual town meeting. The one petition that did not pass concerned targeted property tax relief for senior residents. Menicocci said he did not think there were any substantive objections from legislators remaining but that the bill basically, "ran out of time." He said the petition already has been refiled for the current session on Beacon Hill.

 The Select Board voted, 5-0, to sign a letter supporting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Project.

 And the board reviewed a calendar for town elections and town meeting. Nomination papers for the Tuesday, May 13, election will be available on Monday, Feb. 3, in the town clerk's office. The deadline for submitting nomination papers with the required number of signatures is Tuesday, March 25.

There are 11 local elected positions on the annual town election ballot: three seats on the Select Board (two full three-year terms and the remaining year on the seat won by Andrew Hogeland two years ago); a three-year term as town moderator; four three-year terms on the Milne Library Board of Trustees; one five-year term on the Housing Authority; one three-year term on the Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District (McCann Tech) School Committee; and one five-year term on the Planning Board.

Monday, March 24, is the deadline for submitting citizens petition warrant articles for the town meeting. The Select Board will finalize the warrant at its Monday, April 7, meeting, and the meeting will be held at Mount Greylock Regional School on Thursday, May 22.
Wednesday 15 January 2025, 17:53 - Last updated: 17 January, 13:10

Brad Pitt has publicly condemned a scammer who, using artificial intelligence, impersonated him and deceived a French woman, robbing her of 830,000 euros. The Hollywood actor's spokesperson stated that "it's terrible that scammers exploit the strong bond between fans and celebrities" and added that "this is an important warning: do not respond to unsolicited messages online, especially those from actors who are not on social networks." Investigations are underway regarding the use of AI. The victim, a 53-year-old French interior designer who was divorcing a millionaire entrepreneur 19 years her senior at the time, believed she was in a relationship with Pitt and thought the actor needed money to undergo cancer treatment, after about a year and a half of exchanged messages. In an interview with French television TF1, she recounted how the artificial intelligence courted her with declarations of love and proposed marriage. The French police are now investigating the scam, as the woman's supposed 'lover' was actually a fictional person created through the use of digital technologies, crafted by the scammers to deceive her and convince her to transfer large sums of money to their account. The scammers allegedly used fake social media accounts and AI image creation technology to carry out the fraud. The fake illness and the discovery of the truth. Initially, the victim sent money to cover customs fees for some luxury bags that the fake Brad Pitt had promised her. Subsequently, the scammers made her believe that the actor was hospitalized for kidney cancer and needed more money for treatment. Falsified images showing Pitt in a hospital bed were sent to her. Despite her daughter warning her about the possible deception, the woman continued to believe that the 'relationship' was real. Anne realized she had been scammed only when last summer the Hollywood star was portrayed by the media with his new partner Ines de Ramon, declaring to the French broadcaster TF1 that: "There are few men who write to you in that way. I had fallen in love with the man I was talking to. He knew how to win over women and was very convincing." "We're talking about Brad Pitt and I was amazed," the woman then stated, adding: "At first, I thought it was fake, but I really couldn't understand what was happening to me."
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Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has expressed her longing for her home country of Iran after returning to the UK having spent six years in the countrys notorious Evin prison.

The 47-year-old writer and journalist was detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in 2016, as she tried to return to the UK with her 22-month-old child after visiting family for Nowruz (Iranian New Year).

The circumstances surrounding her arrest were unclear at the time, but she was later sentenced for attempts to overthrow the Iranian government.

After lengthy diplomatic negotiations and a sustained campaign for her freedom, Zaghari-Ratcliffe returned to the UK in 2022.

In a rare interview, she revealed what helped her through long nights in Iranian jail cells.

Ive got a ten-year-old girl called Gabriella, her middle name is Gisou, she told Harpers Bazaar during a series on art that has inspired her.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe highlighted the startling work of Iranian photographer Hoda Afshar. In particular, one of three women plaiting each others hair with their faces turned away from the camera, labelled Untitled #14 from her In Turn series.

Gisou in Farsi means plaited hair, in a poetic way. She [her daughter] always had long hair and one of the things I really, really missed when I was in prison was that image in my head that I would one day be free and I would plait her hair.

open image in gallery Zaghari-Ratcliffe reflected on six years in prison ( PA )

She added: Seeing all these women in these series of pictures with their hair plaited, it kind of threw me back to those nights that I was dying and longing to be back and free to plait my childs hair.

Despite her difficult relationship with her homeland, Zaghari-Ratcliffe expressed a deep connection to Iran.

I was forced to live in exile after I left prison and came back to the UK, but the thing I really, really miss is my country, she said. Even though I live far from Iran now, my heart beats every single day for what happens in my country.

open image in gallery Protests erupted in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Iran attracted international criticism and protests following the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Amini, 22, had been arrested by the countrys morality police for failing to wear the hijab. Her death sparked the Women, Life, Freedom movement, which calls for an end to mandatory hijab laws.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe said the initiation [for the movement] was womens hair and discussed the ongoing practice of plaiting as a form of resistance in Kurdistan.

Its something Kurdish women have been doing for decades as a form of resistance. This notion gradually came into the Iranian women-led movement.
Words feel inadequate when it comes to David Lynch. They feel particularly so now, in the wake of his death at the age of 78, months after the visionary American filmmaker announced he had been diagnosed with emphysema.

How do you articulate such a loss  to cinema, to art, to the world? It feels like we cannot. But the truth is, Lynch has always seemed to operate in a realm beyond articulation  from his very first feature-length film, Eraserhead (1977), through to later masterpieces Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001), or Twin Peaks (1991-92; 2016), the show that revolutionised television two times over. Nouns, verbs and adjectives can only skirt the edge of Lynchs strange, disorienting shadowplay, as if around the perimeter of a black hole. Veer too close, and everything gets lost in the great dark maw of it.

Of course, that has never stopped people from trying to find the right phraseology. It was only partway through his career that the term Lynchian was coined  a word many deploy, and far fewer are able to aptly define. It may be that Lynchs work is just too hard to pin down: it brought together melodrama and noir, soul-shaking horror and head-scratching surrealism, increasingly casting aside conventional notions of narrative in favour of something foreign and elliptical.

In his seminal article on Lynch, written around the production of Lost Highway (1997), the late David Foster Wallace wrote that the term Lynchian might be academically defined as a particular kind of irony where the very macabre and the very mundane combine in such a way as to reveal the formers perpetual containment within the latter, but that it was ultimately definable only ostensively  ie, we know it when we see it.

This symbiotic contrast  prosaic, picket-fenced normality colliding with visceral distress  was realised most overtly in Blue Velvet, which layered pleasant American suburbia atop an underworld of violence, mania, and sexual depravity. But it was a contrast embodied also by Lynch himself, whose mind gave birth to some of the most upsetting sequences in cinema, but who conducted himself like a character from a 1950s milkshake commercial. Lynch refrained from swearing, and spoke using words such as golly and peachy; for years, official press releases would describe him simply as: Eagle Scout, Missoula, Montana (the town he lived in as an infant).

Lynch was a singular eccentric; to many of those who followed his life and work with fervid adulation, the snippets of his bizarre offscreen behaviour only added to the mystique.

There was the time he attempted to lobby for Laura Derns performance in Inland Empire (2006) to get an Oscar nomination, by sitting with a live cow by the side of Hollywood Boulevard. And his habit of eating the exact same meal for months on end, to better focus on his art. And the time he rescued five large Woody Woodpecker dolls from a petrol station. (I named them Chucko, Buster, Pete, Bob and Dan and they were my boys and they were in my office, he said. They were my dear friends for a while but certain traits started coming out and they became not so nice... They are not in my life any more.)

Isabella Rossellini, who starred in Blue Velvet and dated Lynch for several years in the late 1980s, once wrote of him: I suspect he lingers in other dimensions.

To some extent, the films are their own explanation. Lynch has sometimes been miscategorised as a cold or ironically removed filmmaker; in truth, hes been laying his own psyche bare since the very start of his career, and the surreal, self-produced Eraserhead. Filmed over half a decade, with Lynch returning to the production only when his personal coffers allowed, Eraserhead is, as Wallace wrote, one of those sell-your-own-plasma-to-buy-the-film-stock masterpieces. Its also as personal as Lynch has ever been  despite its esoteric, symbolic story, which involves a monstrous baby and a singing, sperm-stomping woman who appears in Jack Nances radiator.

The film almost certainly sprang from his anxieties over fatherhood that came with the birth of his first child, Jennifer (shared with Peggy Reavey, the first of Lynchs four wives). Eraserheads setting, meanwhile, was a sort of hellish, dreamlike reimagining of Philadelphia, the city Lynch had moved to at the age of 19.

From there, Lynch went on to make his most lauded mainstream film, the multi-Oscar-nominated period drama The Elephant Man (1980). (Lynchs work would consistently prove too idiosyncratic  or simply too good  for the Academy voters, though he was nominated thrice for Best Director and was presented with an honourary award in 2019.)

Mel Brooks, one of the producers of The Elephant Man, pushed for Lynch to direct, having been ensorcelled by the alien audacity of Eraserhead. Recalling his first meeting with Lynch, Brooks said he had expected to meet a grotesque  a fat little German with fat stains running down his chin and eating pork, only to be wrongfooted by the sharply dressed midwestern naif who introduced himself. During the production, Lynch attempted to craft the elaborate facial prosthesis for the disfigured John Merrick (John Hurt) himself, just as he had previously contrived the hideous Eraserhead baby (from materials never disclosed). It was only at the last minute that Lynch agreed to delegate.

open image in gallery Jack Nance in Eraserhead ( Afi/Libra/Kobal/Shutterstock )

The Elephant Man is sometimes  dubiously  grouped alongside the G-rated bio-drama The Straight Story (1999) as an outlier in Lynchs body of work. But really, it explored many of his usual fixations  earnest sentiment; outsiderdom; human malevolence.

Where The Elephant Man did divert  along with the directors next film, a terribly received, high-budget adaptation of Frank Herberts Dune  was in its setting. The Elephant Man was set principally in London, and Dune on the fictional planet Arrakis; after this, Lynch would switch his focus back to his native America, in all its complex, symbolic glory. I want to do movies that take place in America and that take people into worlds where they could never go, he once said. Give them a set of images and sounds they couldnt have any other way. Give them journeys into the very depths of their beings.

There is something idiosyncratically American about Blue Velvet, as with much of Lynchs later work  Twin Peaks looks at the rot and spiritual decay of the American small town, while Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire tear open the illusory glamour of Los Angeles. Speaking about his decision to cast Dennis Hopper as Blue Velvets psychotic rapist villain Frank Booth, Lynch remarked: Dennis is so American  in a bent, sick way.

open image in gallery Voyeur of the damned: Kyle MacLachlan in Blue Velvet ( De Laurentiis/Kobal/Shutterstock )

What often gets lost in the conversation surrounding Lynchs work  thanks, largely, to his incredible consistency of vision  is just how much range he had. Sometimes this is evident: The Straight Story, for instance, showed his aptitude for straight-down-the-line drama. The film draws incredible potency from Richard Farnsworth in his role as a regret-laden WWII vet who rides across the American Midwest on a lawnmower to reconnect with his estranged brother.

That project was brought to Lynch by Mary Sweeney, his longtime editor and producer, who was briefly his wife and is the mother of one of his children. She also co-wrote the script. The accessible, sentimental film, released by Disney, was bereft of the dread and violence that Lynch typically trafficked in  and somehow was no less brilliant for it. But even within his works, Lynch proved capable of switching mercurially through different styles and tones. Twin Peaks fused soap opera with surrealism, earnestness with arch irony.

As all great directors do, Lynch surrounded himself with a network of first-rate collaborators, among them the late composer Angelo Badalamenti, who did the music for Twin Peaks and several of Lynchs films. I have an understanding of David and he has an understanding of me, Badalamenti once said. I listen to him and I start hearing things almost immediately.

Lynch was as radical in his command of sound as he was in his use of images. This extended to his choice of music, with both his expert ear for original scores and his uncanny knack for recontextualising older works  the scene in which Blue Velvets Dean Stockwell lip-syncs to Roy Orbisons In Dreams is among the finest and most memorable musical sequences ever put to film. Likewise the moment when Mulholland Drives Naomi Watts and Laura Harring watch a reality-shattering performance of Llorando in the spectral cabaret of Club Silencio. (Lynch was a musician, too, releasing albums with various collaborators, including Badalamenti.)

open image in gallery Naomi Watts and Laura Harring in Mulholland Drive ( Studiocanal/Shutterstock )

His stable of repeat actors was superlative, including stars such as Harry Dean Stanton, Laura Dern, and Kyle MacLachlan. The tributes to Lynch following his death have been shattering. Watts, who got her breakthrough with Mulholland Drive and later returned for Twin Peaks, recalled the moment Lynch chose her for his world: I sat in front of a curious man, beaming with light, speaking words from another era, making me laugh and feel at ease. How did he even see me when I was so well hidden, and ld even lost sight of myself?!

MacLachlan wrote his own beautiful and lengthy tribute. I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision, the Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet star said. What I saw in him was an enigmatic and intuitive man with a creative ocean bursting forth inside of him. He was in touch with something the rest of us wish we could get to.

Lynch himself seemed doggedly uninterested in intellectualising his work outwardly. (An exception, perhaps, was when the supposedly opaque Mulholland Drive was released on DVD and the filmmaker provided 10 clues to help viewers understand the film  but these cryptic hints didnt elucidate so much as mislead and frustrate.) For most of his life, Lynch was a devoted and enthusiastic practitioner of transcendental meditation, a non-religious meditation method developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Many have suggested that the pervasive dreamlike quality of Lynchs films has its roots in this.

Towards the end of his career, Lynch struggled to get financing for the films he wanted to make. (Not that his output ever slowed: when he wasnt making features, he was working on no-budget short films, or painting, or recording music.) Inland Empire, shot on grimy video, might be his most opaque work, a doom-laden and inscrutable film that many regard as a masterpiece.

Twin Peaks ended in 1991, after just two seasons. (The network had grown impatient and forced the show to solve its central mystery  who murdered local schoolgirl Laura Palmer?  partway into season two, after which Lynch and co-creator Mark Frost largely ceded creative influence.) When it was announced that Lynch was reviving the series, for Showtime, in 2016, with a budget of over $41m and every episode to be directed by Lynch himself, it felt like a miracle. The resulting series (Twin Peaks: The Return) may well be Lynchs magnum opus  by turns challenging, unexpected, frustrating, funny, bewildering, and viscerally unpleasant. It was everything art should be, and unlike anything else that had ever been on television.

open image in gallery Lynch acting in Twin Peaks: The Return ( Inc/Everett/Shutterstock )

The Return would be the last major work of Lynchs career, not counting his magnificent one-scene role as John Ford in Steven Spielbergs The Fabelmans (2022). Shortly before Christmas, it was rumoured that Lynch remained in good spirits despite his declining health and was spending much of his time  in a typical groove of Lynchian eccentricity  watching bodycam videos online.

His death is devastating, and leaves a fissure in the heart of cinema. Its hard to think of anyone else with such a fidelity to truth  not realism, by any stretch of the imagination, but the kind of dark, incomprehensible truths of life, the truths that hide in the American everyday. I dont think people accept the fact that life doesnt make sense, Lynch once said. I think it makes people terribly uncomfortable.

Words are inadequate when it comes to David Lynch. But people will keep talking about him nonetheless, for as long as cinema survives.
The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk warned Friday that the war in Sudan is becoming "more dangerous" for civilians. The statement follows reports from rights groups of army-allied militias carrying out ethnic-based attacks on minorities in the state of Al-Jazira.
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Justin Baldoni is suing his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for allegedly attempting to destroy his reputation and career.

The $400 million lawsuit, which has been seen by The Independent, was filed in the Southern District of New York on Thursday (January 16) on behalf of Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, publicist Jennifer Abel and crisis publicist Melissa Nathan.

The suit accuses Lively and Reynolds of civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and negligent interference with prospective economic advantage.

In a statement to The Independent, Baldonis lawyer Bryan Freedman said: This lawsuit is a legal action based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence detailing Blake Lively and her teams duplicitous attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media.

It is clear based on our own all out willingness to provide all complete text messages, emails, video footage and other documentary evidence that was shared between the parties in real time, that this is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret. Blake Lively was either severely misled by her team or intentionally and knowingly misrepresented the truth.

Ms Lively will never again be allowed to continue to exploit actual victims of real harassment solely for her personal reputation gain at the expense of those without power. Lets not forget, Ms Lively and her team attempted to bulldoze reputations and livelihoods for heinously selfish reasons through their own dangerous manipulation of the media before even taking any actual legal action. We know the truth, and now the public does too. Justin and his team have nothing to hide, documents do not lie.

Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds ( Getty )

Reached for comment by The Independent, Livelys legal team responded: This latest lawsuit from Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its associates is another chapter in the abuser playbook. This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender.

The lawsuit is just the latest development in legal proceedings between the two parties. Last month, Lively brought a lawsuit against Baldoni accussing her It Ends with Us co-star and director of sexual harassment during filming as well as organizing a smear campaign against her in the months that followed.

That suit stated that there was a meeting attended by individuals, including Lively, Reynolds, Baldoni and their lawyers, to address her claims.

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Lively had a number of requirements in order for her to work on the film that included no more inquiries about Blakes weight, as well as no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction, no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crews genitalia.

Baldoni sued The New York Times for libel over their reporting of Livelys claims, and his lawyers have also accused Reynolds of mocking Baldoni through the Nicepool character in his recent movie, Deadpool & Wolverine.
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Blake Livelys legal team has addressed Justin Baldonis countersuit, calling it an age-old story.

Hours after Baldoni filed a lawsuit against his It Ends with Us co-star, accusing her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of attempting to destroy his career and reputation, Livelys lawyers spoke out.

This latest lawsuit from Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its associates is another chapter in the abuser playbook. This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim Offender, Livelys legal team told The Independent in a statement.

The Independent has contacted Baldonis lawyer for comment.

Baldoni, who also directed the 2024 Colleen Hoover adaptation, sued Lively and Reynolds for $400 million, accusing the couple of civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and negligent interference with prospective economic advantage.

The Jane the Virgin alums lawyer, Bryan Freedman, added in a statement to The Independent: This lawsuit is a legal action based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence detailing Blake Lively and her teams duplicitous attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media.

Justin Baldoni has countersued Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for allegedly attempting to destroy his career and reputation ( Getty Images )

Freedman continued: It is clear based on our own all out willingness to provide all complete text messages, emails, video footage and other documentary evidence that was shared between the parties in real time, that this is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret. Blake Lively was either severely misled by her team or intentionally and knowingly misrepresented the truth.

Ms Lively will never again be allowed to continue to exploit actual victims of real harassment solely for her personal reputation gain at the expense of those without power. Lets not forget, Ms Lively and her team attempted to bulldoze reputations and livelihoods for heinously selfish reasons through their own dangerous manipulation of the media before even taking any actual legal action. We know the truth, and now the public does too. Justin and his team have nothing to hide, documents do not lie.

Baldonis countersuit comes weeks after Lively sued him, accusing him of sexual harassment and for organizing a smear campaign against her in the months that followed.

In the Gossip Girl actors legal filing, it was stated that there was a meeting attended by Lively, Reynolds, Baldoni and their lawyers, to address her claims.

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Lively had a number of requirements in order for her to work on the film that included no more inquiries about Blakes weight, as well as no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction, no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crews genitalia.

Baldoni has denied all of Livelys allegations and has since sued the New York Times for libel over their reporting of Livelys claims.

Meanwhile, his lawyer has additionally accused Reynolds of mocking Baldoni through the Nicepool character in his recent movie, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Baldoni has reportedly demanded that Disney keep hold of all documents that show the Deadpool and Wolverine character was created to bully him.
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Bruce Willis appears to have made his first public appearance in over one year to show his appreciation for first responders as the Los Angeles wildfires continue.

On Thursday (January 16) the Die Hard actors wife Emma Heming Willis shared a video on Instagram showing her husband shaking a police officers hand and then posing for a photo with another officer.

Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a thank you for your service. Yesterday was no different, her caption read.

Williss family first revealed he would be stepping away from acting after he had been diagnosed with aphasia which was impacting his cognitive abilities in March 2022.

One year later, in a joint statement shared with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, his family revealed that his condition had progressed.

We now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD), they wrote.

Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

Williss condition was first revealed in 2022 as his family said he was taking a step back from acting ( Instagram/@emmahemingwillis )

Calling it a cruel disease, they went on to say that FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.

Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruces condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research, they added.

Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.

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We know in our hearts that  if he could today  he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.

Williss ex-wife Demi Moore most recently provided an update regarding his health last month during an interview with CNN. Given the givens, hes in a very stable place at the moment, she said.

She continued: Ive shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, its so important for anybody whos dealing with this to really meet them where theyre at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy.

Moore added: I mean, obviously its very difficult, and its not what I would wish upon anyone and there is great loss, but there is also great beauty and gifts that can come out of it.

More than 40,000 acres have burned in Southern California since the start of the wildfires on January 7. The biggest, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed nearly 24,000 acres and is 21 percent contained. The Eaton fire has taken out 14,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. At least 25 people have died in the fires.
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Award-winning actor Dame Joan Plowright, the widow of Lord Laurence Olivier, has died aged 95, her family has announced.

A statement said: It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.

She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.

She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.

The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years.

Joan is survived by her loving family: Tamsin and Wilf, Julie-Kate and Dan, Richard, Shelley, Troy, Ali, Jeremy, step-granddaughter and great-granddaughter Kaya and Sophia, and great granddaughter soon to arrive.

open image in gallery Joan Plowright, her husband Sir Lawrence Olivier, Lady Redgrave and Sir John Mills in 1985 ( /PA Wire )

The family ask you to please respect their request for privacy at this time.

We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.

She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did.

Rest in peace, Joan

open image in gallery Joan Plowright with Peter OToole in 2000 ( Sean Dempsey/PA Wire )

Plowright, who officially retired in 2014 after becoming legally blind, is best known for her roles in Dennis the Menace, 101 Dalmatians and The Entertainer, as well as Enchanted April, which earned her an Oscar nomination in 1993.

The role also earned her a Golden Globe win and at the same ceremony she also won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for Stalin. This makes her the second of only four actresses ever to win two Golden Globes in the same year.

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open image in gallery Sir Laurence Olivier in the role of Archie Rice, and Joan Plowright, 26, in the role of Jean, the Palace theatre, London, rehearsing for 'The Entertainer'. ( PA/PA Wire )

In 1961 she won a Tony Award for the role of Jo in Shelagh Delaneys A Taste of Honey on Broadway, which saw her star opposite the late Dame Angela Lansbury playing her mother.

Born in Scunthorpe, Dame Joan was educated at the local grammar school before winning a scholarship to the Old Vic Theatre School at the age of 17.

Her first stage appearance was in If Four Walls Told at the Croydon Repertory Theatre in 1948 and she later joined the English Theatre Company at the Royal Court.

She met Lord Olivier in 1957 when he was still married to Gone With The Wind star Vivien Leigh, and they fell in love while co-starring in the stage version of John Osbornes The Entertainer.

open image in gallery Joan Plowright, playing Rebecca West, and Jeremy Brett, playing John Rosmer, in a scene from Ibsen's play 'Rosmersholm' ( Getty Images )

Dame Joans wedding to Lord Olivier in 1961 was the sensation of the year, and their marriage was an enduring one until the theatre greats death in 2007 at the age of 86.

She became his carer through a series of chronic illnesses, including cancer.

She received a damehood in the 2004 New Year honours.

Dame Joan announced she was retiring from acting in 2014, after her losing her eyesight due to macular degeneration and becoming registered as blind.

In 2021, her friend and contemporary Dame Judi Dench spoke about having the same condition.

open image in gallery From left actress Joan Plowright, director Peter Greenaway, actresses Joely Richardson and Juliet Stevenson from the film Drowning by Numbers ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Prior to that, in 2014, Dame Joan took part in the documentary film Nothing Like A Dame, alongside Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Judi and Dame Maggie Smith, which saw them discuss their careers and lives.

In a statement, the Olivier Awards confirmed that Theatres across Londons West End will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday 21 January in remembrance of renowned British stage and screen actress Dame Joan Plowright

Additional reporting by PA.
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An animator has sued Disney for allegedly copying the idea for hit franchise Moana from his decades-old screenplay without his consent.

Buck Woodall filed a suit in a California federal court on Friday claiming that Disney lifted many elements of a screenplay he had written for an animated film titled Bucky.

The original film, released in 2016, tells the story of an adventurous teenager named Moana, voiced by Aulii Cravalho, who sets sail on a dangerous mission to save her people. Along her journey, she meets Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, who becomes her guide. The film was a word-of-mouth success, grossing more than $680m (535m) globally and streaming for over 1 billion hours on Disney+.

Moana 2, expected to receive an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature, sees the Polynesian teenager reunite with Maui for another ocean adventure after she receives an unexpected call from her wave finding ancestors. The film earned $57.5m on its opening day and has already grossed $989.8m worldwide.

open image in gallery Moana and Chief Tui, voiced by Temuera Morrison, in a scene from Moana 2 ( Disney Enterprises )

Woodall initially sued Disney last year but a California court ruled in November that his filing had come too late and dismissed it. The release of Moana 2 allowed the animator to sue the production giant anew, on the same basis.

The suit alleges a fraudulent enterprise that encompassed the theft, misappropriation and extensive exploitation of Woodalls copyrighted materials on part of former Mandeville Films development director Jenny Marchick, now head of development at DreamWorks Animation.

The suit states that Woodall gave Marchick a screenplay and trailer for Bucky in 2003 and was then asked for more materials over the next few years, including character designs, production plans, budgets, and storyboards. Woodall claims he delivered extremely large quantities of intellectual property and trade secrets for projects titled Bucky and Bucky the Wave Warrior and was told by Marchick she would get the film greenlit.

Disneys Moana was produced in the wake of Woodalls delivery to the defendants of virtually all constituent parts necessary for its development and production after more than 17 years of inspiration and work on his animated film project, the suit states.

It also points out alleged overlaps between Bucky and Moana 2.

Both are set in an ancient Polynesian village and follow teenagers who set out on a dangerous voyage to save their land, and meet ancient spirits who manifest as animals on their journey.

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The suit specifically points out details like the rooster and pig companions, a meeting with the Kakamora warrior tribe, a whirlpool that leads to a portal as all being lifted from the screenplay of Bucky.

Moana and her crew are sucked into a perilous whirlpool-like oceanic portal, another dramatic and unique device-imagery found in Plaintiffs materials that could not possibly have been developed by chance or without malicious intentions, the suit states.

open image in gallery Moana and her pig Pua in Moana 2 ( Disney Enterprises )

Woodall claimed he received copyright protection for his Bucky materials in 2004 and the copyright was updated in 2014.

He said that while Bucky never ended up in development, and accused Marchick of using legal loopholes to pass on his materials to Disney.

Woodall is seeking damages worth 2.5 per cent of the gross revenue of Moana, equivalent to $10bn (8.2bn), and an order banning further infringement of his copyrights.

The Independent has reached out to Disney and Universal Pictures, which owns DreamWorks Animation, for comment.

In response to the first lawsuit brought by Woodall, Disney claimed that no one involved in Moanas development had seen the animators materials.

Moana was not inspired by or based in any way on [Woodall] or his Bucky project which I learned of for the first time after this lawsuit was filed, director Ron Clements said in a court declaration.

Disney submitted documents to the court related to Moana, including story ideas, research, early screenplay drafts and scripts, travel journals, to support the claim that Moana was developed independent of Bucky.
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Jamie Foxx has revealed that he thought that he was being pranked after doctors told him that he had just woken up from a 20-day coma.

The Oscar-winning actor was hospitalised in April 2023 after suffering a medical complication. It has since been revealed that the 57-year-old suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke, rendering him unconscious in a hospital for weeks.

In Fridays episode of The Graham Norton Show (17 January), Foxx explained that he didnt remember anything about what had happened to him before he went to hospital.

I didnt remember anything happening so when I came to 20 days later I thought I was being pranked, the Miami Vice star told Norton and the rest of the guests, who were Cameron Diaz, Michelle Yeoh, and Wickeds Jonathan Bailey.

It was beyond crazy, he added. When I woke up, I found myself in a wheelchair. I couldnt walk.

Foxx also reflected: God blessed me with money and fame, but when I forgot about God, He blessed me with a stroke.

Speaking about his return to the public eye, Foxx told Norton: I knew I had to get back and realised the way to do it was by being funny. I told so many jokes people thought I was mad, and then I would act as someone else  for three whole days I was Denzel Washington.

open image in gallery Graham Norton, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz ( Ian West/PA )

Foxx has previously opened up about his health issues in his first stand-up special on Netflix in December.

Joking about his near-death experience, Foxx said in the set: Your life doesnt flash before you. It was kind of oddly peaceful. I saw the tunnel, I didnt see the light. It was hot in that tunnel.

He then joked about going to hell, saying: S*** am I going to the wrong place? Is that Puffy?, referring to the disgraced P Diddy.

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open image in gallery Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx on the red carpet for the special screening of "Back in Action" ( Getty Images for Netflix )

Foxx is currently starring in Back in Action, which marks Cameron Diazs first feature film in eight years. During the promotional campaign for the film, Diaz, 52, poked fun at Elon Musks position within Donald Trumps administration.

In a video released by Complex, Foxx asked Diaz to share her favourite conspiracy theory, during which she gave her views on aliens and how one day she thinks well be living on Mars. She then used this opportunity to mock Trump over Musks new job.

If you think about where were at currently in technology, we sit in front of a screen  we dont speak to each other, we dont have to talk, she said, before adding: And we all know that were moving off the planet because now Elon Musk is our president.
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Mel Gibson has admitted that he was just as surprised as everyone else when he heard that Donald Trump had named him as one of his Special Ambassadors to Hollywood.

The Mad Max star, Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight were named the three Trump-supporting actors chosen by the president-elect to bring back Hollywood, which he called a great but very troubled place.

They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE! Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday (16 January).

These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest, he added. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!

The positions are not official government positions and, as Hollywood is part of the US, its unclear exactly what the three will do as special ambassadors. It should be noted that special ambassadors and envoys are typically chosen to respond to troubled hot spots like the Middle East, not California.

Speaking to Variety, the 69-year-old, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, said that he learnt the news at the same time as everyone else.

I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can. Any chance the position comes with an Ambassadors residence? Gibson told the publication.

Mel Gibson ( Getty )

Stallone emerged as a Trump supporter after the election, calling the next president a mythical character and his election win a feat that nobody else in the world could have pulled off.

Voight  an outspoken Republican and Trump supporter - has previously pushed conspiracy theories and compared Joe Biden to Satan.

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US film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and, in the past week, the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

There have recently been discussions as to whether this years Oscar ceremony should be cancelled due to the wildfires.

Several celebrities have lost their homes, including socialite Paris Hilton,When Harry Met Sally actor Billy Crystal and The Hills stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. At least 27 people have died, including former child star Rory Sykes, with the official death toll expected to rise.

An announcement for the Oscars nominations was delayed for a second time and rearranged to take place virtually on 23 January instead. The Academy also cancelled its annual nominees luncheon, and said it would honour frontline workers and support relief efforts.
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Renee Zellweger has revealed why she took an acting break for six years.

The 55-year-old actor was asked why she went on hiatus from 2010 to 2016 during a recent interview.

I was sick of the sound of my own voice, she told British Vogue. When I was working, I was like, Oh, my gosh, listen to you. Are you sad again, Renee? Oh, is this your mad voice? It was a regurgitation of the same emotional experiences.

However, the Bridget Jones star said she was actually quite busy during her break from acting.

I wrote music and studied international law. I built a house, rescued a pair of older doggies, created a partnership that led to a production company, advocated for and fundraised with a sick friend, and spent a lot of time with family and godchildren and driving across the country with the dogs, she explained. I got healthy.

Zellweger confessed that if she had the opportunity to go back in time and change her decision to become an actor, shes not sure what shed do.

Renee Zellweger says she got healthy during her six-year acting break ( Getty Images )

I wondered if I would too, because Im not sure that the way that it works now, celebrity and all of that stuff, I dont know that that suits me, she added.

According to the actor, there used to be a line between celebrity and art. But now, to her, that line has become increasingly ambiguous.

And notorious and famous and known are now all the same thing. It used to be that you were known because you had done something that was worth knowing about, Zwelleger added.

On February 13, 2025, the fourth installment of the beloved Bridget Jones franchise, starring Zellweger, will officially be released on Peacock. The movies are based on the four best-selling Bridget Jones books by Helen Fielding.

The first film, Bridget Joness Diary, follows a 32-year-old publicity assistant (played by Zellweger) as she tries to find love and self-confidence while attempting to smoke less, drink less, and lose weight. She chaotically battles with affection for two men (portrayed by Colin Firth and Hugh Grant), before eventually ending up with Firths character, Mark Darcy.

The latest sequel will be based on the 2013 book Bridget Joness Diary: Mad About the Boy, which follows the now-51-year-old single mother of two children as she navigates dating in an era of social media and dating apps.

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The world has changed since her last hapless quests for a man and the original story follows the comic heroine as she continues to obsess over her weight, alcohol intake, and calorie count  in a world filled with new technology and new norms in her 50s.

In the book, we find that Mark has died tragically in an accident and Bridget finds herself alone. While Firth appears briefly in the trailer of the movie, it is soon explained that the character now exists only in Bridgets memories, as she is now a widow, with two wonderful children.

Bridget Joness Diary: Mad About the Boy, will also involve a surprise return for Grant as his iconic character, Daniel Cleaver
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An all-star lineup including Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks and Billie Eilish & Finneas is coming together to play a benefit concert for those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California.

The concert, billed as FireAid, is set to take place on Thursday, January 30 at the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, both in Inglewood.

An announcement posted to Instagram reads: Two venues. One night. Your favorite artists coming together for music & solidarity. Shows start at 6pm. Tickets go on sale January 22nd at noon PST. Donations can be made via the link in our bio. Stay tuned for more artist announcements in the coming days.

The dual shows will also feature performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry, Green Day, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gracie Abrams, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Lil Baby, P!nk, Rod Stewart, Stephen Stills, Sting and Tate McRae.

Dave Matthews and John Mayer will perform together for the first time.

An official statement says that funds raised by the concerts will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout California.

Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish ( Getty )

The catastrophic wildfires sweeping across southern California have left many musicians and Hollywood stars among those devastated as their homes were reduced to ashes.

Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren revealed that her Malibu home of 30 years was destroyed. She wrote on social media: It looks like it was lost in the fire last night. Theres a rainbow shining on it, which Im taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy. Warren, who runs an animal rescue ranch in the area, confirmed that the animals were safe.

Actor and musician Mandy Moores home in Altadena, which she shared with her husband Taylor Goldsmith of the band Dawes, was badly damaged by the fires. On Instagram, Moore wrote: We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss. Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. Its not livable but mostly intact.

We lost Taylor and griffins studio with every instrument and piece of equipment theyve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. 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. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.

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The wildfires are among the most destructive in Los Angeless history, leaving communities shattered and countless lives changed forever.
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Andy Cohen has been criticised for breaking the news of David Lynchs death during an interview with the cast of Dan Eriksons sci-fi drama, Severance.

The Bravo host, 56, was recording for SiriusXMs Radio Andy alongside stars including Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, and Patricia Arquette - who starred in Lynchs 1997 film Lost Highway- when news of the directors death emerged.

Speaking to the cast, Cohen said: My producer just gave me the very sad news that the great David Lynch passed away today. Im wondering if any of you worked with him or have any memories with him?

Fans on social media were disturbed by Cohens blase tone and his ignorance of Arquettes working relationship with the acclaimed director.

David was really incredible, Arquette responded to Cohens question after admitting she recently had a feeling she needed to visit the director. Theres nobody like him, she added.

Thats so brutal having to find out like that, responded one social media user to the interview recording.

What a d**** move, another person added.

He didnt even give the news a moment to breathe before launching into interview mode. If he didnt know Patricia was friends with him, his producer should have told him.

Thats f***** to drop that on her like that and then immediately ask questions, they continued.

Meanwhile, a third viewer called Cohens announcement a terrible thing to do, with another viewer claiming the presenter had a seat in hell.

The Indpendent has contacted Cohens representatives for comment.

open image in gallery David Lynch, director of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, died this week at the age of 78 ( Getty Images )

Lynchs death was announced by his family in a Facebook post on Thursday (16 January). The celebrated director of avant-garde films such as Eraserhead and Mulholland Drive had previously been diagnosed with emphysema.

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Theres a big hole in the world now that hes no longer with us, Lynchs family wrote. But, as he would say, Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.

Lynch developed a singular style known for unsettling visuals, stream-of-consciousness storytelling, and kitsch soundtracks.

As a director he walked a tightrope between his artistic sensibilities and his inexplicable popular appeal among the more conventional moviegoing public.

Elsewhere in the Severance casts interview with Cohen, the shows executive producer and director Ben Stiller said his interactions with Lynch had always been positive.

open image in gallery Adam Scott in Severance ( Apple Tv+ )

I actually used to live across the street from him in Los Angeles, he said. Very kind guy, from the times that I used to see him and, like, going trick-or-treating by his house.

The Zoolander star added Lynch was just a visionary diretor.

Meanwhile, Adam Scott - who stars in Severance as the microdata refinement team leader Mark Scout - agreed with Cohen that Lynchs influence could be seen in the show.

We owe a huge debt to...Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive.... Lost Highway is incredible. Elephant Man, he said. It goes on and on.
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Kelly Osbourne has accused some celebrities of interacting with victims of the Los Angeles wildfires for photo ops.

The 40-year-old reality star recently shared an Instagram video, which has since been deleted, asking her followers: Is it just me being my normal overthinking cynical self, or is it really disturbing to see all of these celebrities using other peoples pain and suffering as a photo op.

To say, Look Im helping, Im doing this, Im doing that?

I dont believe you help so that you can get attention for helping. I believe you just help because you want to, Osbourne continued.

No one asked you to come out and give hugs. Go home, she concluded.

While Osbourne didnt mention any celebrities by name, some in the comments thought she was pointing towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were pictured last week at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is temporarily being used as an evacuation center for people who have lost their homes.

Kelly Osbourne claims its disturbing to see celebrities photographed with wildfire victims in deleted Instagram video ( TikTok )

Well said Meghan and Harry brought a full film crew with them for their own benefit PR stunt, one viewer wrote.

However, many people disagreed with Osbournes take. One person wrote: Its just you. There are good ppl out there. Sometimes it takes events such as this to bring communities together.

Anybody who is out helping is helping, another added. Lets all keep the hate at bay while the city is trying to heal.

Osbournes video comes days after Justine Bateman called Meghan and Harry disaster tourists over their visit to Pasadena.

Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive photo op they achieved. They are touring the damage? Are they politicians now? They dont live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists, Bateman, best known for roles in sitcoms Family Ties and Arrested Development, wrote on X.

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Along with consoling victims of the wildfires, Meghan was pictured speaking with Mayor Gordo and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena. Both Meghan and Harry were also seen hugging Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which has been distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arent the only celebrities whove publicly supported victims of the wildfires. On January 10, Jennifer Garner was seen volunteering alongside Andres in an effort to feed those who had been evacuated from the Pacific Palisades area due to the fires. While she was volunteering, she revealed that a friend from her local church had died 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, the visibly emotional actor told MSNBC. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time.

My heart bleeds for my friends, the 13 Going on 30 star continued. 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.

More than $100 million has been donated to the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires as winds slow, giving fire crews a break in their efforts to control the blazes that have burned for over a week.

The nine-figure donation total is just through GoFundMe campaigns to help families, communities, and businesses, according to NBC Los Angeles. The figure is nearly half of the $235 million raised for all disasters across GoFundMe in 2024.

More than 40,000 acres have burned in Southern California since the start of the wildfires on January 7. The biggest, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed nearly 24,000 acres and is 21 percent contained. The Eaton fire has taken out 14,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. At least 25 people have died in the fires.
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Molly-Mae Hague has revealed that she begged her former partner Tommy Fury to stop drinking ahead of their split in August 2024.

The couple, who initially met on Love Island in 2018 and now share a child together, shocked social media when they announced they had broken up after five years. The news came months after the couples elaborate engagement.

Although unconfirmed reports alleged that Furys infidelity had caused the split, the boxer later admitted that alcohol had been the cause of the challenges between them.

In a new documentary, which was originally commissioned to follow the pair as they prepare for their wedding, Hague, 25, lays bare the strain of alcohol on their relationship.

He never had an alcohol problem, its just that alcohol caused problems for us, she said in Prime Videos Molly Mae: Behind it All.

It got to the point where I really wasnt looking forward to anything, because alcohol affected it so much.

As her mother reflected on the couple of instances when alcohol didnt lead to something going disastrously wrong for Fury, Hague responded: I just dont know any, I really dont.

open image in gallery Couple split after five years together ( Instagram/MollyMae )

On my sisters wedding, I pleaded with Tommy, like I begged him to not drink, the entrepreneur said as she choked up, crying.

Its just really sad I dont know why Im crying now. Its just so sad. It affected me. Thats why my relationship with alcohol is so damaged.

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I know that isnt who he wants to be, I know it genuinely isnt. He doesnt want to be that person.

She added: There were exterior issues going on for him that was causing our relationship to have problems.

He wanted the family life and also the life of a 25-year-old boy with no responsibilities.

open image in gallery Influencer says she never wanted to be with someone that drank ( Amazon Prime Video )

Explaining the reason behind her strong stance on drinking, Hague explained: I never ever wanted to be with someone that drank, because my mum had a period of time when she struggled because her marriage of 25 years had just ended and she turned to drink more than she probably should have.

The documentary shows a clip of the pair meeting for the first time in the Love Island villa in Mallorca. Hague is seen asking Fury within minutes, Do you drink?, to which he replies, Not really.

If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, you can confidentially call the national alcohol helpline Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or visit the NHS website here for information about the programmes available to you.
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Wendy Williams called into The Breakfast Club radio show on Thursday morning to speak out against her guardianship, saying I feel like Im in prison.

The former daytime TV host, 60, has been under guardianship since 2022. Last year, her care team announced she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

Do I seem that way, god damn it? she asked hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God and Jess Hilarious on Thursday.

I am not cognitively impaired, you know what Im saying? But I feel like Im in prison, she said of the care facility where she has been living.

I am definitely isolated. To talk to these people who live here, that is not my cup of tea... Im in this place where the people are in their Nineties and their Eighties and their Seventies Theres something wrong with these people here on this floor.

I keep the door closed, Williams added of her daily life at the facility. I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by.

Williams was the subject of a Lifetime docuseries that aired last year, which featured numerous scenes of the ex-host unsteady, belligerent, confused, and also drunk.

She was the one who wanted to do that, you understand what Im saying? Williams said of her guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, adding: What do I think about being abused? Look, this system is broken, this system that Im in. This system has falsified a lot.

The Independent has contacted Morrisseys office for comment.

Wendy Williams denied being cognitively impaired in a new interview ( Getty Images for New York Women )

Williams is best known for her eponymously titled chat show, The Wendy Williams Show, which she hosted from 2008 to 2021. She stepped away as host due to medical issues, with numerous guest hosts filling in. It was later cancelled in 2022.

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Williamss niece Alex also called into The Breakfast Club to support her aunt, encouraging fans to use the hashtag #FreeWendy and sign a Change.org petition.

My aunt sounds great, Alex said. Ive seen her, in a very limited capacity, but Ive seen her and were talking to her. This does not match an incapacitated person. And thats why we say shes in a luxury prison, because she is being held and she is being punished for whatever reason that other people are coming up with as to why she has to be kept in this position.

In a press release last year, Williamss care team wrote: Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendys ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendys condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.

The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances, the release added.

Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.

Williams made a rare public appearance to attend her son Kevin Hunter Jr.s graduation in Florida last month.

The 24-year-old graduate subsequently wrote on Instagram that his mother is sober and wants to come home since isolation is killing her faster than anything else.
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When a new show promises to give viewers unprecedented access into the life of beloved influencer Molly-Mae Hague, you have to wonder what else there is to see. This is a woman who over Christmas uploaded a 36-minute video (a sixth instalment of extended coverage over the month of December) that featured Hague herself using an electric toothpick, her sister opening a present in sedate real time and one of multiple bedtime confessionals in which the star discusses the family sleeping arrangements. Pray do tell, Prime Videos Molly-Mae: Behind It All, what is behind it all?

Perhaps there is more to discover. Hague  so relatable for her ordinary-ish life and hilarious bluntness  is surprisingly conservative once you get to know her as many of us have, a judiciousness evidenced by her new buttoned-up fashion brand, Maebe, the one shes in part using the docuseries to promote. Rarely does Hague go into the darker aspects of her private life or offer deeper reflections on why she is how she is. What you see is what you get. Famously the most personal revelation shes shared, in her 2022 memoir, Becoming Molly-Mae, was that her mother struggled with alcohol use. Which sort of explains why I am the way I am with alcohol  I pretty much avoid it, she wrote. I associate these difficult times after my parents divorce with alcohol being involved and my mum drinking too much  understandably, because her marriage had broken down.

But lets not beat around the bush: audiences will watch this docuseries expecting revelations about Hagues breakup with Tommy Fury, the father of her almost two-year-old girl Bambi. The Love Island couple were so recently the king and queen of British reality TV; from that first meeting in a hot tub, they stepped into their shared role as Gen Z Posh and Becks. Until this point, shes said almost nothing about it, leaving people to speculate that he cheated on her.

Interestingly, with Behind It All, Hague has clearly made the decision to give the people a little of what they want; she does discuss the split, which happened shortly prior to filming. For anyone wondering how much authority over this series the influencer had, I would suggest: total control. (At a press Q&A to promote the show this week she implied as much.) Whether its in the sit-down interviews or documentary-style footage, Hague presents in the series as extremely headstrong and professional, completely together. Shes calmly co-parenting from the off, directing photoshoots for Maebe, and keeping as busy as possible to distract herself. Even watching romantic footage of her and Fury on Love Island doesnt make her flinch.

But any careful blankness she exhibits early on around the subject of her ex dissipates; increasingly, it seems likely that she is going through the classic shock and denial stages post-breakup. I dont think Ive been honest with anyone because actually Ive been holding onto the hope that as soulmates we will always come back together, she says in one talking head interview. Later, she admits, How its looking now is that maybe were just done.

Molly-Mae Hague ( Amazon Prime )

By the time everyone watches this, one-half of the drama has been shared. A timely 48 hours before this series dropped, Mens Health published an emotional YouTube interview with Fury. In it, he details his alcoholism, which began after he underwent reconstructive surgery on his hand in January 2024 and he was unable to train. The reason they broke up, he says, is because his drinking stopped him from being a good partner.

The series confirms as much. Alcohol, as any fan will know, is a traumatic touchstone for Hague. We get more of that context here, as she cries talking about the time she begged Fury not to drink at her sisters wedding. Her tears are powerful but the crux of their breakup is later incisively contained in a quiet moment of reflection: That was a hard thing about being in a relationship in the public eye: really you only have control over yourself but actually theres two of you. I couldnt control what Tommy was doing or decisions he decided to make. The half of the couple that has always elevated Molly-Mae the brand is Molly-Mae herself.

Just like Hague, the series is polished and clean. Its more comparable to American documentaries on Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift, say, than the playful, rough-and-ready British reality shows on the likes of Katie Price or Gemma Collins. Behind It All goes some way to deliver its promise of revealing the intimate life behind the persona  but it couldve gone further. There are another three episodes to follow in the spring, but you get the sense that theyve got all the breakup stuff out of the way first.

For the British public who dont have the stamina or wherewithal to watch Hagues soothing and mundane vlogs, Behind It All gives an insightful snapshot of her life right now. Theyll also be reminded of why shes famous: shes silly and funny, a strong boss for her employees, a caring family member, and an even better mother to Bambi. Mostly what has been achieved here is another cultural moment in which we can all unanimously say: we love Molly-Mae.
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Chinas population fell for the third consecutive year in 2024, authorities reported on Friday.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Chinas population declined by 1.39 million in 2024, reaching 1.408 billion, as deaths continued to surpass births.

Data released earlier in January 2024 had shown a 2.08 million decline in 2023, bringing the population to 1.409 billion. This decline was double the previous years, which marked the first population drop in 60 years in China.

Recent efforts by China to curb the declining birthrate have not succeeded in reversing the long-term trend, with the NBS acknowledging that the country is facing several challenges.

In its report released on Friday, the bureau said: We must be aware that the adverse effects brought by the external environment are increasing, the domestic demands are insufficient, some enterprises have difficulties in production and operation, and the economy is still facing difficulties and challenges.

The statistics bureau reported that China recorded 9.54 million births in 2024, up from 9.02 million in 2023. The birth rate increased to 6.77 births per 1,000 people in 2024, compared to 6.39 per 1,000 people in 2023. In 2023, marriages increased by 12.4 per cent compared to the previous year, following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. This led to a short-lived rise in births in certain areas during the first half of 2024.

Last year was also the Year of the Dragon in China, which is considered auspicious in the country and is traditionally linked to a slight baby boom across Asia. However, experts indicate that the overall trend is declining.

The number of deaths decreased to 10.93 million in 2024, down from 11.1 million in 2023.

In the medium and long term, the annual number of births in my country will continue to decline, Ren Yuan, a professor at Fudan Universitys Institute of Population Studies told The New York Times.

Chinas birth rates have been declining for decades, driven by the one-child policy implemented from 1980 to 2015, along with rapid urbanisation.

The country officially ended its one-child policy in 2016, a measure that had been in place for decades to control the countrys population growth. However, the policy resulted in a skewed population due to a cultural preference for male children.

The high cost of childcare, education, job uncertainty, and a slowing economy have discouraged many young Chinese from marrying and starting families, demographers believe. They also point to gender discrimination and traditional expectations for women to manage the household as contributing factors to the declining birthrate.

Much of Chinas population decline is rooted in entrenched structural reasons: Without fundamental structural transformations  from enhancing the social safety net to eliminating gender discrimination  the trend of population decline cannot be reversed, Yun Zhou, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Michigan told Reuters.

In 2024, Chinese authorities introduced a series of measures to boost the birth rate. In December, they urged universities to incorporate marriage and love education into curricula to promote positive views on marriage, love, fertility, and family. In November, the state council called on local governments to allocate resources to address the population crisis and promote respect for childbearing and marriage at the right age.

The number of women of reproductive age in China is projected to fall by over two-thirds to under 100 million by the end of the century.

Meanwhile, Chinas economy grew by 5 per cent in 2024, in line with government forecasts, but GDP growth is expected to slow further in the coming years.

In response to a demographic crisis, Beijing has introduced measures to gradually increase the mandatory retirement age, raising it from 60 to 63 for men, from 55 to 58 for women in managerial and technical roles, and maintaining the retirement age at 55 for all other women workers.

China is not alone in facing a demographic crisis; Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are also experiencing population declines due to similar factors, including restrictions on immigration.

Additional reporting with agencies.
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The execution of an inmate on Thursday by Taiwan, marking the first death penalty carried out by the islands authorities in five years, has sparked condemnation from rights groups.

Death row inmate Huang Linkai, who was convicted of raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend and killing her mother in 2013, was executed at the Taipei detention centre, according to the Ministry of Justice.

This marks the first execution order signed by minister of justice Cheng Ming-chien since assuming office in May last year.

In 2017, the Supreme Court upheld Linkais death sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and affirmed a life imprisonment sentence without parole for the killing of her mother.

Prosecutors, at the time, attributed the double homicide to anger over the breakup and a financial dispute.

On 16 January, the Taiwanese minister of justice authorised the execution of Linkai, despite unresolved concerns about constitutional standards for the death penalty in the country. The constitutional court had earlier acknowledged flaws in its application, mandating reforms by 2026, including unanimous judgments and stringent review processes.

Linkais lawyer filed an appeal citing these issues, but the execution proceeded.

His execution has upset the European Union and several rights groups across the world who called it unlawful.

E-Ling Chiu, Amnesty International Taiwans director, said the execution was a huge setback for human rights in Taiwan.

This execution is a shocking and cruel development. Taiwans Minister of Justice, with a strike of his pen, has undone several years of hard-fought progress towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The execution of Huang Linkai was carried out in violation of constitutional and international safeguards on the use of the death penalty, and while an appeal filed by his lawyer to stop the execution was still pending before the courts. This renders his execution unlawful and arbitrary, in violation of the right to life, Ms Chiu said.

It is horrifying that the execution was carried out at a few hours notice, without the possibility of any last family visits. The death penalty is a cruel and irreversible punishment and the Taiwanese authorities have implemented it in a way that shows an utter disregard for the rights of those affected.

We urge Taiwans government to immediately halt any plans to carry out further executions. Instead, the authorities must immediately change course and establish an official moratorium on executions as the first critical step towards abolition of the death penalty, she said.

Taiwans most recent execution took place on 1 April 2020.

By 31 December 2023, 37 of the 45 individuals on death row will have their sentences finalised and face the possibility of execution.

Globally, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, while 144 are abolitionist in law or practice.

The EU also condemned the execution and expressed condolences to Linkais family. The European Union condemns this crime in the strongest terms and expresses its sincere sympathy to the family of the victims. At the same time, the EU recalls its opposition to capital punishment in all cases and all circumstances, it said in a statement.

The EU believes that the death penalty is an inhumane and degrading punishment, which represents the ultimate denial of human dignity. Evidence shows clearly that the death penalty has little or no effect in deterring or reducing crime.

The EU therefore calls on Taiwan to apply and maintain a de facto moratorium, and to pursue a consistent policy towards the full abolition of the death penalty in Taiwan.
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The investigators probing South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol over charges of insurrection saught to extend his detention on Friday as the leader refused to cooperate with questioning.

Mr Yoon became South Koreas first incumbent president to be arrested after he was charged with insurrection for declaring martial law last month in a move that thrust the country into political turmoil. He was impeached by the National Assembly over his short-lived martial law declaration on the night of 3 December and suspended from office.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High Ranking Officials (CIO) will need a court to approve its ongoing detention of Mr Yoon, and has requested another 20 days.

A CIO official said the agency has made the request due to the gravity of crime. The request is set to be reviewed on Saturday afternoon by Seoul Western District Court, reported Yonhap news agency.

President Yoon said the jail cell where he is being held was a little uncomfortable but he was doing well, according to a statement by his lawyer.

The president thanked hundreds of his supporters who gathered outside the prison in chilly conditions, saying: "I am grateful for the peoples burning patriotism."

Mr Yoon has exercised his right to remain silent throughout the CIOs efforts to question him this week, while his party appears to have profited from the countrys growing political polarisation by improving its polling ratings since his arrest.

The approval rating for Mr Yoons ruling People Power Party (PPP) was 39 per cent in a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, up from 34 per cent a week ago and overtaking the main opposition Democratic Party for the first time since August which stood at 36 per cent.

Mr Yoons lawyers have said that there is no reason for him to sit through further questioning.

"He has fully stated his basic position on the first day (of the arrest), and we believe there is no reason or need to answer the Q&A style back-and-forth," Mr Yoons lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, said in a statement.

On Wednesday, 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.

South Korea is facing its worst political crisis in decades after Mr Yoons failed attempt to impose martial law on 3 December. The order was lifted in a matter of hours after soldiers failed to keep National Assembly members from voting it down.

As well as the criminal case against him, Mr Yoon faces a Constitutional Court trial that started this week to decide whether to permanently suspend his powers or return him to office.
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Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans wife Kareena Kapoor Khan posted a statement requesting space after Khan had to be rushed to hospital for surgery following a scuffle with a home intruder that left him with six stab wounds on Thursday.

The incident reportedly took place around 2.30am while the actor, 54, was sleeping. Kareena Kapoor Khan, 44, and sons Taimur, 7, and Jeh, 3, were also present in the house at the time of the incident but were unhurt, according to media reports.

Khan was rushed to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgery for injuries close to his spine and neck and is now stable and recovering.

Kareena Kapoor Khans statement, posted on her social media, read: It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage.

While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family.

I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time.

Several Bollywood celebrities have responded to her post offering support.

Priyanka Chopra said: Sending so much love. Actors Ranveer Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari too commented, offering their support and prayers.

While Khan is now in recovery, celebrities and politicians have shared dismayed and concerned reactions to the incident, wondering about the recent spate of similar cases in Mumbai, both the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and Indias financial hub.

The residential building that houses the home of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan where he was stabbed ( AP )

Actor Pooja Bhatt posted on X, formerly Twitter, to question lawlessness.

Can this lawlessness please be curbed Mumbai Police? We need more Police presence in Bandra. The city & especially the queen of the subburbs, have never felt so unsafe before.

Jr NTR, who is an Indian actor and producer who primarily works in Telugu cinema and Saifs costar in the film Devara, posted on X: Shocked and saddened to hear about the attack on Saif sir. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery and good health.

Deeply shocked and saddened by the horrible incident involving Saif Ali Khan. I just read that he is out of danger after his surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, wrote actor Adil Hussain.

Veteran actor and politician Chiranjeevi wrote: Deeply disturbed by news of the attack by an intruder on #SaifAliKhan. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who directed Khan in Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail, said to News18: It is shocking to hear about the incident with Saif. At this point, the first things that are coming to my mind are that his injuries are not severe and that hes going to recover soon.

The question is how law and order situation in Mumbai had deteriorated to this extent. Bandra has become itself a lawless suburb. Brazen attacks are taking place not just on Bollywood celebrities. Every high-profile business person or any high-profile business person or otherwise person are living in fear, columnist Shobhaa De told NDTV.

Clyde Crasto, national spokesperson of NCP (SP), said: Attack on Saif Ali Khan is a cause for concern because if such high profile people with levels of security can be attacked in their homes, then what could happen to common citizens? Fear of law seems to be at a low in Maharashtra due to lenience in the past couple of years.

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal posted on X: Shocked to hear about the attack on Saif Ali Khan. Wishing him a speedy recovery and strength to his family during this difficult time.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee posted: Its very concerning to hear about the attack on noted actor Saif Ali Khan. I pray for his speedy recovery, trusting that the law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sharmila Di, Kareena Kapoor, and the entire family during this difficult time, she added, referring to Khans mother Sharmila Tagore.

The intrusion and knife attack on Saif Ali Khan is shocking. We are relieved to hear that he is stable and recovering, and we pray that tough times are over, and he bounces back to normalcy at the earliest. The fact that it happened, however, only highlights the absolute shambles law & order is in Maharashtra, wrote politician Aaditya Thackeray.

With several questioning Mumbais law and order situation, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the city, saying it was unfair to say it was unsafe.

Mumbai is the safest mega city in the country; the incident is serious but wrong to brand the city as unsafe, Fadnavis told the media.

The police have given you all the information about this. What kind of attack it is and what kind of intention was behind it, all these things have come to you.

Lilavati hospital confirmed that Khan had sustained six wounds: two cuts which were primarily on his back, with one near the spine, were deep, in addition to another minor wound on his neck and other superficial injuries, reported The Indian Express.

In April last year, two men accused of opening fire outside the home of Bollywood film star Salman Khan were arrested by Mumbai police. At least one of the men captured on CCTV was suspected to work for jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, sources in the Mumbai police told Indian media at the time.
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A major environmental group has some strong words for the incoming administration regarding a potential auto emissions regulation rollback.

The Center for Biological Diversity pledged to take legal action against the government should President-elect Donald Trump make good on reported recommendations to cut off support for the electric vehicle industry.

With the fires in Los Angeles still smoldering, trying to take away Californias clean car protections is cynical, cruel, and illegal. Our kids and everyone with lungs will pay the price for these politically motivated rollbacks of protections for our air and the climate, Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys Safe Climate Transport Campaign, said in a statement shared with The Independent.

Thats why were fighting back to block his illegal actions. See you in court, Mr. Trump.

Becker also stressed that such rollbacks, including canceling a waiver allowing states to set strong auto pollution standards, would result in higher prices, more pollution and weaker competitiveness.

California recently decided to abandon its regulations to phase out diesel trucks and require cleaner engines, according to CalMatters.

Trumps attacking the biggest single step ever taken to fight climate pollution. Thats a victory for his cronies in the oil and auto industries but may well leave his voters with buyers remorse, Becker said. Consumers will pay more at the pump, automakers will lose EV buyers and health care costs will go up from people breathing dirtier air.

open image in gallery Traffic moves along Interstate 80 in Berkeley, California, in February 2022. Emissions from vehicles help contribute to climate change and come with health risks for millions of Americans. An environmental group says regulation rollbacks under the incoming Trump administration could lead to swift legal action ( Getty Images )

These remarks come after Reuters reported last month that the Trump transition team was recommending sweeping changes to cut support for the electric vehicle industry and to strengthen steps to block battery materials, cars and other components coming from China. Although, the Trump transition team said that the recommendations came from outsiders who have no role in charting administration policy.

Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reportedly told the news agency that U.S. voters had given Trump a mandate to deliver on campaign promises, including stopping federal attacks on gas-powered cars.

When he takes office, President Trump will support the auto industry, allowing space for both gas-powered cars and electric vehicles, Leavitt said in a statement.

On his first day, Trump could sign somewhere between 50 and 100 executive orders, Stephen Moore, who served as Trumps senior economic adviser on the campaign, told E&E News on Friday. Moore anticipates that many will be energy-focused. Trump previously proposed to weaken fuel efficiency standards in 2018.

President Trump won decisively with 77 million votes because the American people are tired of onerous regulations that make life more expensive for the American people, Liz Huston, the Trump-Vance Transition spokesperson, told The Independent in an email on Friday. Lee Zeldin will help deliver on President Trumps vision to strengthen our economy while keeping our air and water clean.

open image in gallery Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaks during his Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Zeldin declined to commit to rolling back an EV mandate ( Getty Images )

Lee Zeldin, the former New York congressman and Trumps nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, declined to commit to rolling back an EV mandate earlier this week, saying he would not prejudge outcomes on reversing related regulations put in place by the Biden administration.

Both Zeldin and Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, acknowledged the existence of climate change at their confirmation hearings this week.

But, when it comes to the future on Earth, climate scientists have said that cutting emissions from the production of fossil fuels that power vehicles  and the greenhouse gases emitted from the vehicles  is crucial to delaying stronger impacts from climate change.

Fossil fuel production creates greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, that have continued to warm the atmosphere, resulting in record temperatures and its consequences: including drought, heat waves, stronger storms and more. Last year was the hottest year on record.

In addition, vehicle emissions have a more direct impact on human health. Air pollution from cars and trucks can result in increased respiratory ailments and heighten the risk of cancer and other life-threatening conditions, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

People who live, work or attend school near major roads appear to have an increased incidence and severity of health problems associated with air pollution exposures related to roadway traffic, the EPA notes.
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Baby-naming experts are alarmed by a recent uptick in names related to weapons, such as Shooter and Caliber.

There is a small but noticeable trend of parents using weapons-inspired  and, more broadly, aggressive  names for their sons, Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief at the website Nameberry, told HuffPost in an interview. Many of these names first appeared on the baby name charts in the 2000s, including Wesson, Caliber, Shooter, and Trigger.

Most of these names peaked in use relatively recently  Wesson in 2021 when it was used 306 times, Caliber in 2018 with 24 uses, Mace in 2022 with 64 uses, Dagger in 2022 with 13 uses, she added.

Its hard to say if these names have truly peaked in use or if some will go on to greater use, but I dont think were past this trend yet!

The names inspired by weapons also include a few brand names such as Remington and Winchester. Some of the names, according to the Social Security Administration, are other general violent terms such as Arson, Cutter, and Dagger.

There are various reasons why parents seem to be drawn to these more violent names including their relation to cowboy names, which Kihm said parents are leaning toward, and that many of these names also sound like surnames.

Popular violence-related baby names include Shooter and Trigger ( Getty Images )

According to baby naming consultant Taylor A. Humphrey, parents are inspired by meaningful names within their family. As such, one popular trend shes witnessed is parents giving their surnames as first names to their babies

In many cases, these are familial names that are being used to honor a passed loved one, she told The Independent in October 2024. Its a fun way to modernize the honor-name tradition. For example, if your beloved grandmother was named Ethel Taylor, but you fear Ethel being a little too outdated, you could choose the more modern, androgynous Taylor for your son or daughter.

Humphrey also said that another 2025 baby-naming trend could be any name that a celebrity has used or names that were used in popular television shows in 2024.

For example, she said that while the name Jack was already on the Social Security Associations recent ranking of popular boy names, she predicted its popularity to go up in 2025 after Hailey and Justin Bieber named their son Jack Blues Bieber.

Despite the trend in violence-related names, Kihm told HuffPost that this might be the one time she doesnt support a specific trend.

Its rare for me to outright reject a name or name trend, but I cannot get behind weapon-inspired names, Kihm said. They glamorize violence and, particularly in the wake of so much violence in the U.S., feel out of touch. In name consulting, Ive never encountered a parent who wants to use these names, but I would advise any client against it.
Rough sleeping has increased by 22 per cent nationwide, and authorities face a difficult task combatting the problem.

Fraser Coast Regional Council and Queensland Police have removed rough sleepers from a public area near Tooan Tooan Creek after council staff were assaulted. Source: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Councils across the country are clamping down on illegal camping as the rising cost of living and shrinking housing supply pushes Aussies out of their homes and into tents, vans and caravans. And another Queensland council has highlighted the difficult position they face managing the needs of those on the streets with public safety.

Fraser Coast Regional Council announced they have "cracked down" on rough sleepers following a joint operation with Queensland Police on Wednesday. A group of "up to 50" rough sleepers were moved on after reports of an "alarming increase" in violent incidents, criminal activity and property damage in the area.

CEO Ken Diehm said council generally takes a "compassionate approach" to homelessness  but action had to be taken after staff were allegedly assaulted twice while carrying out duties in the area. This is not about homelessness  its about community safety, he said.

Queensland Police Inspector Paul Algie told Yahoo News that "homelessness is a complex social issue that needs to be addressed holistically from all angles". He explained that while "being homeless or living with a mental illness is not an offence", police are required to take action when anti-social and criminal behaviour are involved.

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"Police will support Fraser Coast Regional Council in ensuring they are able to operate and enact their own local laws on council-owned land and will take action if people obstruct their ability to do that," he said.

Illegal camping has been an issue in Eagleby, Logan where both tourists in vans and homeless people have congregated. Source: Courier Mail/Liam Kidston

Council staff assaulted as anti-social behaviour spirals out of control

Diehm said in a statement council takes alleged attacks "seriously" and will use "the full force of the law to prosecute those responsible" after incidents in the coastal town of Pialba.

Our staff have the full backing of council, and we will ensure they can work safely to serve the community. Enough is enough," he said.

Despite the incident, Diehm vowed to continue supporting those experiencing homelessness in the area.

"Council generally takes a compassionate approach to homelessness, provided sites are kept clean and those involved dont cause concern for other members of the public," he said.

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But when public spaces are "misused", he said that the broader community must be "protected".

"Homelessness is a challenging and complex issue, but what we were dealing with today was an anti-social and criminal element that posed a threat to public safety," Mr Diehm said.

Council workers have since begun cleaning up the affected sites, removing shelters, and installing barriers to prevent vehicles from accessing the vacant area near Tooan Tooan Creek.

There have been increased reports of anti-social behaviour, including fires and violence, at Musgrave Park in Brisbane's South. Source: Courier Mail and Northwest Community Group

Combatting homelessness a difficult task for councils

It comes as a recent study by researchers at UNSW and the University of Queensland found a 22% increase in the number of people sleeping rough in the last three years.

Homelessness is no longer confined to the most vulnerable, said Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin. With the housing crisis forcing working families into homelessness, this should be a wake-up call for action.

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In other parts of the country, it has gotten so bad that one charity worker previously told Yahoo News we are facing an "emergency situation".

Paul Slater, who runs the Northwest Community Group and manages the makeshift "tent city" in Musgrave Park in Brisbane, said he's noticed a dramatic increase in people needing help and previously told Yahoo he's struggling to keep up with the enormous demand for his services in the area.

"I've got people calling me multiple times per day, sleeping on concrete with nowhere to go, no emergency accommodation."

But as the problem grows, councils face a tough balancing act managing the ongoing issues posed by illegal camping and homelessness  and haven't always got it right. Elsewhere around the country, council decisions have faced intense backlash. A decision by City of Moreton Bay to prohibit rough sleepers from having pets was deemed "horrific" late last year.

In WA, the Town of Cambridge council backflipped on a controversial move to turn off hot water at a popular beach in a bid to curb illegal camping after intense local backlash.

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Languishing in a dungeon cell of Syrias then-ruler Bashar Assad, surrounded by death and torture, an unknown prisoner scrawled a verse of Arabic poetry on his cell wall - an expression of pain and love.

My country, even if it oppresses me, is dear. My people, even if uncharitable to me, are generous, he wrote. Its a well-known verse, composed 800 years ago by a poet defying a tyrannical caliph.

As you walk through the cold, dark cells of Assads prisons, the graffiti on the walls whisper and cry around you. They plead to God and yearn for loved ones. Often mysterious, they are haunting fragments of thoughts and fears from the minds of anonymous men enduring unimaginable torment.

Trust no one, not even your brother, someone darkly warns on a cell wall in Damascus notorious Palestine Branch detention facility.

Oh Lord, bring relief, groans another.

Since 2011, tens of thousands of Syrians vanished inside the network of prisons and detention facilities run by Assads security forces as they tried to crush his opposition. Inmates went for years without contact with the outside world, living in overcrowded, windowless cells where their cellmates died around them. Torture and beatings were inflicted daily. Mass executions were frequent.

Most inmates would have fully expected to die. They scratched their writings and drawings into the walls with no reason to believe anyone would ever see them except future prisoners.

One wrote a single word in Arabic, ashtaqtilak -- I miss you - a love letter that could never be sent to a beloved whose name only the writer need know.

More than a month after the prisons were opened by insurgents who ousted Assad in December, The Associated Press toured several facilities to view the graffiti left behind. Nothing can be known about the men who drew and wrote them. Only a few bear names, and few are dated. Its impossible to know who of them lived or died.

Some walls have layers of graffiti on top of each other, marking generations of suffering men.

Dont be sad, mother. This is my fate, reads one, dated Jan. 1, 2024. Underneath it are traces of an older text, so faded that only a few words are legible, hinting at a longing for a loved one:  except for you.

Many of the writings and drawings are cries to parents or loved ones. Someone drew a heart broken in two, with mother written in one side, father in the other.

Some quote poetry. When you wage your wars, think of those who ask for peace, reads one, slightly misremembering a verse by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

Many kept calendars, filling walls with grids of numbers. A year passed, was one prisoner's terse summary above a field of 365 dots arranged in rows.

Some drawings are even playful, like googly-eye cartoon faces or a joint of hashish. Others are flights of fancy whose meaning, if any, was known only to the prisoner. One scene shows a landscape of rolling hills and forests of bare trees, where a pack of wolves howls at the sky and a bird of prey grips a hissing snake in its talons.

Darkness and fear hang over most, along with attempts to endure.

Patience is beautiful, and God the one from whom we seek help, one wrote. God, fill me with me patience and dont let me despair.
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More than a dozen Democratic state attorneys general said Thursday they plan to defend two gun regulations now being challenged in court, including one banning devices that enable semiautomatic guns to fire more quickly.

New Jersey Democratic Attorney General Matt Platkin said his state and others with Democratic attorneys general, plan to intervene in cases already in the court system ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration Monday.

One case involves devices known as forced reset triggers, or FRTs, which can be installed on weapons, functionally turning them into machine guns, according to Platkin. The other centers on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives regulation that came out of a 2022 law. The rule aims to close what is sometimes called the gun show loophole, by requiring up to an estimated 95,500 firearm sellers to conduct background checks.

Second Amendment advocacy groups and Republican-led states have challenged the rules in court.

The incoming Administration has threatened these common-sense protections, so States are stepping in, Platkin said in a statement.

It's uncertain exactly how Trump would proceed, but he told an NRA audience during last year's campaign that no one will lay a finger on your firearms."

The action comes just a day after New Jersey and other Democratic state attorneys general sought to intervene in cases involving so-called Dreamers, young adults who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, and coincides with Democratic efforts to push back against Trump's second administration.

A federal judge in Texas held in 2024 that the trigger devices don't count as machine guns, blocking the ATF from enforcing a ban of the devices. The case is awaiting a decision before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 2024, a federal judge in Texas held that FRTs do not qualify as machine guns and issued a court order prohibiting ATF from taking criminal or civil enforcement actions regarding FRTs against a broad swath of entities, and ordering ATF to return FRTs to distributors by Feb. 22, 2025. The United States appealed that decision, and the parties are awaiting a decision from a federal appeals court.

Joining New Jersey in intervening in that case are Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

The second case centers on a rule implementing the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law. The ATF rule expanded the category of people defined as engaged in the business of dealing firearms. It meant that an estimated 26,000 to 95,500 dealers would be required to get federally licensed and therefore be required to conduct background checks before sales. In May, 26 GOP attorneys general filed suits aiming to block the rule, arguing it violates the Second Amendment.

Along with New Jersey, other states intervening in that case are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
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A mysterious airstrip has appeared on a remote island in Yemen with questions over what country is expanding their military presence in the volatile region.

The airstrip, on Abd al-Kuri Island, which rises out of the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, could provide a key landing zone for military operations patrolling the waterway.

The waterway is a key route for cargo and energy shipments heading to Europe and shipments have halved under attacks by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

The runway is likely built by the United Arab Emirates, which has long been suspected of expanding its military presence in the region and has backed a Saudi-led war against the Houthis.

While the Houthis have linked their campaign to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, experts worry a ceasefire in that conflict may not be enough to see the rebels halt a campaign that's drawn them global attention.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have lobbed repeated attacks at Israel, as well as US warships operating in the Red Sea, raising fears that one may make it through and endanger the lives of American service members.

The Houthis feed off war  war is good for them, said Wolf-Christian Paes, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies who studies Yemen.

Finally they can live up to their slogan, which famously, of course, declares, Death to America, death to the Jews. They see themselves as being in this epic battle against their archenemies and from their view, they're winning.

Satellite photos taken on January 7 by Planet Labs PBC show trucks and other heavy equipment on the north-south runway.

open image in gallery Satellite photos show the airstrip

The runway has been paved, with the designation markings 18 and "36" to the airstrip's north and south respectively. As of January 7, there was still a segment missing from the 1.5-mile long, 150 foot wide runway.

Once completed, the runway's length would allow private jets and other aircraft to land there, though likely not the largest commercial aircraft or heavy bombers given its length.

While within Houthi drone and missile range, the distance of Abd al-Kuri from mainland Yemen means theres no threat of the Houthis getting on a pickup truck or a technical and going to seize it," said Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report risk advisory firm.

The United Nations' Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization, which assigns its own set of airport codes for airfields around the world, had no information about the airstrip on Abd al-Kuri, spokesman William Raillant-Clark said. Yemen, as a member state to ICAO, should provide information about the airfield to the organisation. Nearby Socotra Island already has an airport declared to the ICAO.

open image in gallery Mideast Wars Yemen Airstrip

It's not the only airfield to see an expansion in recent years. In Mocha on the Red Sea, a project to extend that city's airport now allows it to land far larger aircraft. Local officials attributed that project to the UAE.

Other satellite photos from Planet Labs show yet another unclaimed runway currently under construction just south of Mocha near Dhubab, a coastal town in Yemen's Taiz governorate. An image taken by Planet for the AP on Thursday showed the runway fully built, though no markings were painted on it.

A key location for a country riven by war

Abd al-Kuri is part of the Socotra Archipelago, separated from Africa by only 95 kilometers (60 miles) and from Yemen by some 400 kilometers (250 miles). In the last decade of the Cold War, the archipelago occasionally hosted Soviet warships due to its strategic location.

In recent years, the island has been overseen by Yemen's Southern Transitional Council, which advocates for Yemen to again split into a separate north and south as it was during the Cold War. The UAE has backed and armed the council as part of the Saudi-led war against the Houthis, who seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The UAE, home to the massive Jebel Ali port in Dubai and the logistic firm DP World, previously built a base in Eritrea that was later dismantled and attempted to build an airstrip on Mayun, or Perim, Island, in the center of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

But unlike those efforts, the Emiratis appear likely to open the Abd al-Kuri airstrip  and have even signed their work. Just east of the runway, piles of dirt there have spelled out I LOVE UAE for months.

An Emirati-flagged landing craft also was spotted off the coast of Abd al-Kuri in January 2024 and off Socotra multiple other times in the year, according to data analyzed by AP from MarineTraffic.com. That vessel previously has been associated with the UAE's military operations in Yemen.

The UAE, which runs a once-a-week flight to Socotra via Abu Dhabi, have long described their efforts as aimed at getting aid to the archipelago. Asked for comment about the Abd al-Kuri airfield, the UAE similarly pointed to its aid operations.

Any presence of the UAE ... is based on humanitarian grounds that is carried out in cooperation with the Yemen government and local authorities," the Emirati government said in a statement.

"The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to all international endeavors aimed at facilitating the resumption of the Yemeni political process, thereby advancing the security, stability and prosperity sought by the Yemeni populace.

The Southern Transitional Council and officials with Yemen's exiled government did not respond to repeated requests for comments over the airfield. The UAE's presence on Socotra has sparked tensions in the past, something the Houthis have used to portray the Emiratis as trying to colonise the island.

This plan represents a serious violation of Yemeni sovereignty and threatens the sovereignty of several neighboring countries through the espionage and sabotage operations it is expected to carry out, the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency said in November.
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U.S. hospitals are feeling the strain of this flu season, with many announcing visitor restrictions as cases remain elevated nationwide.

Minnesota hospitals are leaning on triage systems to deal with the influx of patients and hospitals in North Carolina and South Carolina have prohibited visits from children and teenagers.

Hospital visitors in Indiana have been strongly encouraged to wear face masks, and Washington state health officials reported that local emergency departments are seeing five times the threshold of flu visits that would alert officials to increased transmission.

As we see more and more children in the hospital and more and more in the community, it becomes necessary to limit the number of visitors at the bedside both to help prevent the spread of these infections but also for logistics of taking care of patients when were this crowded, Corewell Healths Dr. Matthew Denenberg told FOX 2 Detroit last week.

open image in gallery There have been more than 9 million illnesses recorded across the U.S. this flu season. Cases are spiking in several states, forcing hospitals to issue restrictions ( Getty Images/iStock )

Weve been raging for several weeks now, at very high levels, Dr. Fred Lopez, an LSU Health New Orleans infectious diseases specialist, told WVUE on Tuesday.

In fact, more than 80% of the country has high-to-very high levels of flu-like illness being reported in their areas of the country. So, we know its very high here. Its been high for weeks, he said.

The latest data from federal health officials estimates that there have been at least 9.1 million illnesses and 110,000 hospitalizations thus far this flu season. Emergency room visits are now very high.

There have also been 4,700 deaths, including 16 children who have died.

open image in gallery A map of the U.S. shows states where flu is surging this month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data highlights, Oregon, New Mexico, Tennessee and Louisiana as states with very high activity level ( CDC )

A national map shows the highest level of infections in Oregon, New Mexico, Louisiana and Tennessee. Although, several other states are listed as places with very high levels of infection.

While it remains unclear how this year will compare to previous flu seasons, elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu tends to peak between December and February. The agency recommends that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot.

To help avoid catching the flu, people can protect themselves from infection by washing their hands with soap. If theres no soap or water, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is also effective. Cleaning surfaces is also crucial to stop viral spread.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffed up nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

We have a really long way to go with this flu season, Dr. David Janz, director of medical critical care service at University Medical Center in New Orleans, told TODAY.com on Wednesday. We arent even halfway up (last years) curve of influenza hospitalizations. ... Were maybe 25 percent.
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Jessica Alba and her husband Cash Warren are separating after 16 years of marriage.

Alba opened up about their split in an Instagram post on Thursday. The actor said the couple  who married in 2008  are moving into a new chapter individually and shared that their highest priority is their three children.

Ive been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years  both as an individual and in partnership with Cash, Alba said the post. I'm proud of how we've grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it's now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals."

Alba and Cash's representatives have not responded to an email requesting comment.

In 2004, the couple met on the set of Fantastic Four." Alba starred in the film as Sue Storm, while Warren worked as an assistant to director Tim Story.

The ages of their three children are 7, 13 and 16.

"We are moving forward with love, kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family, she said.
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Scientists have identified a new giant horned dinosaur species that roamed across modern-day North Africa about 95 million years ago, despite its fossilised remains being destroyed during the Second World War.

The 10-metre-long predatory dinosaur species, named Tameryraptor markgrafi, was discovered based on archive photographs of the dinosaurs skeleton from before 1944.

Its original skeleton was described in 1914 after it was excavated in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt and then stored together with other Egyptian dinosaur fossils in the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology in Munich.

At the time, paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach (1871-1952) assigned the fossil to the genus Carcharodontosaurus, meaning shark-toothed lizard.

open image in gallery Skeletal remains of Tameryraptor markgrafi in the exhibition at the Alte Akademie ( University Archives Tubingen )

Measuring about 10 metres long, it is one of the largest known land-based carnivores ever to have roamed the Earth  comparable in size to the slightly younger Tyrannosaurus rex from North America.

However, a large part of the dinosaur fossil collection in Munich, including those from Egypt, fell victim to bombing during the Second World War.

The only remnants of this 10-metre giant were Dr Stromers notes, illustrations of its bones, and some photos of the original skeletons.

Have You Ever Wondered Why Dinosaurs Sounded Like? Well We Might Have the Answer

Archived pictures show the original skeleton from Egypt, including parts of the dinosaurs skull, spine and hind limbs before its destruction.

What we saw in the historical images surprised us all. The Egyptian dinosaur fossil depicted there differs significantly from more recent Carcharodontosaurus found in Morocco, said Maximilian Kellermann, the studys first author.

Stromers original classification was thus incorrect. We identified a completely different, previously unknown predatory dinosaur species here and named it Tameryraptor markgrafi, Dr Kellermann said.

Researchers found from the images that the dinosaur had distinct symmetrical teeth and a prominent nasal horn.

Its genus name Tamery refers to the ancient name for Egypt and the species name honors Dr Stromers fossil collector Richard Markgraf, who excavated the dinosaurs remains.

open image in gallery Reconstruction of Tameryraptor markgrafi ( Joshua Knuppe )

This species is related to the North African and South American Carcharodontosaurus and to a group of predatory dinosaurs from Asia, the Metriacanthosaurs, scientists say.

The findings suggest dinosaurs of North Africa were much more diverse than previously thought.

This work shows that it can be worthwhile for paleontologists to dig not only in the ground, but also in old archives, said Oliver Rauhut, another author of the study.

However, a more comprehensive assessment of the Cretaceous predatory dinosaur fauna from the Bahariya Oasis would require the recovery of more fossils from the site, Dr Rauhut said.
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The Army has loaded hundreds of military vehicles on to giant vessels ready to be transported to Romania for the first deployment of Natos Allied Reaction Force.

A total of 730 vehicles have been fitted on to three ferries at the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood, Hampshire, ahead of Exercise Steadfast Dart 25  which is aimed at showcasing Natos ability to mobilise at speed across Europe.

Foxhound patrol and Jackal high mobility weapons platform vehicles, Mastiff armoured patrol vehicles as well as fuel tankers and forklift trucks were being loaded on Thursday on to MV Hurst Point headed for the Greek port Alexandroupoli.

A total of 2,434 UK personnel will also be travelling by truck and plane to Romania as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland deploy for the exercise.

The two regiments, part of 7 Light Mechanised Brigade  known as The Desert Rats, will form the main battlegroup supported by other UK forces and representatives from five other Nato nations.

The exercise marks the first deployment under the blocs new Allied Reaction Force (ARF), which replaced the Nato Response Force last year to deal swiftly and effectively with any threat in an evolving security environment during peacetime, crisis and conflict.

The aim is to practice a major deployment of land, sea and air forces across Europe and will be followed by the troops joining with the Romanian armed forces for the countrys annual defence exercise.

Speaking at Marchwood, Colonel Jim Beere, deputy chief of staff of 1st (UK) Div) which is commanding the land component, said: This is significant for the UK, as this is the first ever time the Allied Reaction Force has deployed and the UK is providing the land component command which means we are providing the army  or land  component to that.

He explained that Nato vehicles and troops will be travelling by different methods for the 2,300km journey to and from Romania, such as by sea, land and rail, to test Natos ability to deploy under pressure.

Col Beere said: We have created some of our own challenges through the mechanism of our deployment on purpose because this really is a test of the UKs, and Natos, ability to deploy at very high readiness in response to crisis.

So we are employing sea, land, air and rail mechanisms which creates friction when you are travelling across multiple countries in Europe.

Corporal James Hartley, 38, from Cardiff, who is involved in vehicle support services, said: For us it is a day-to-day job but with this larger scale, its a lot more vehicles, a lot more movements, its quite challenging but we get the job done.

We do this day-in day-out, but not on this larger scale.

Confirming the UKs involvement in the exercise earlier this month, armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: This Government wants the UK to be Natos leading European nation.

Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to Nato and highlights the UKs key leadership role in the alliance.

As we approach the three-year anniversary of Russias illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defences together to deter (Russian president Vladimir) Putin effectively.
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Screams were heard by neighbours after a woman was killed and a two-year-old girl was left seriously injured in Ashford.

Police were called to Imtech house - a former office block being used as temporary housing for families - after receiving a report of concerns over safety at the address.

Both the woman, aged in her 20s, and toddler were found at the block on Woodthorpe Road at 1.15pm on Thursday with serious injuries.

Despite treatment from paramedics, the woman died at the scene, while the child was rushed to hospital.

Surrey Police launched a murder investigation and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

open image in gallery Forensic officers visit the scene where a woman was killed ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )

The force said the victims and suspect are known to each other and there is not believed to be a wider risk to the community.

A neighbour to the former office block told The Independent: There were so many police around last night - its so shocking. Weve heard about it.

The young girl has died and her baby was injured. It was inside Imtech house, a former office block that has been converted into little one-bedroom units.

Neighbours said they heard screaming and shouting before police arrived and the scene turned into chaos.

One said: It was chaos. We heard screaming and shouting. It was definitely a woman. Ashford is a peaceful area but that block is problematic. Its a great shame.

Another said: I saw a child being taken out and a man being arrested. There was a very large police presence and an air ambulance.

One resident claimed his friend lived in the housing block and he was shut out of his flat for three hours while police attended.

open image in gallery Forensics enter the flats on Friday morning ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )

He added: There was an air ambulance that landed at a field in the nearby primary school. There are a lot of really lovely people living in there, but theyre vulnerable.

Before the incident, Ashford Conservatives launched a petition complaining about anti-social behaviour surrounding Imtech house, which is being used as temporary housing for families from the neighbouring borough of Spelthorne.

Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council Joanne Sexton said: I am truly shocked at this devastating news.

I recognise this is a very worrying time for residents but please be assured that there is no wider risk to the community, however I do urge anyone who can assist with the investigation to get in touch with the police.

As a matter of course, the council will be holding a meeting to review this incident and offer our ongoing support to the wider community.

My thoughts are with everyone affected during this sad time.

open image in gallery Police guard the scene in Ahford ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )

Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Kimball Edey said: This investigation is in its early stages and a team of specialist officers are working around the clock to gather as much information as possible.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims at this unbelievably difficult time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting PR/45250005886. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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The father and stepmother of Sara Sharif are seeking to appeal against the sentences they received for her murder.

The 10-year-old suffered unimaginable pain, misery and anxiety as she was repeatedly beaten, burned, bitten and restrained at the family home in Woking, Surrey, a trial at the Old Bailey heard.

Urfan Sharif, 42, and Beinash Batool, 30, were subsequently jailed for life for her murder last month, with minimum terms of 40 years and 33 years respectively.

Saras uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, was jailed for 16 years.

open image in gallery Sara Sharif died after suffering years of horrific abuse ( PA Media )

It is understood that all three have now made an application to the Court of Appeal with a view to appealing against their sentences.

It comes after calls were made to name three judges who oversaw historical family court cases related to Sara, as well as others including social workers and guardians.

Sara was found dead in a bunkbed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10 2023, after her father rang police from Pakistan to confess he had beaten her too much.

She had suffered 71 fresh injuries, including 25 broken bones, iron burns on her bottom, scalding marks to her feet, and human bites.

Within hours of Saras death, Sharif and Batool had booked flights to Pakistan for the whole family, including her five siblings and half siblings.

The defendants returned to the UK on September 13 2023, leaving the children behind, and were detained within minutes of a flight touching down at Gatwick airport.

In a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey last month, Mr Justice Cavanagh said Saras death was the culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults and what can only be described as torture, mainly at the hands of Sharif.

He told Sharif: You treated her in such a way because you considered it your right to impose harsh discipline on her.

Sara was a brave, feisty and spirited child. She was not submissive as you wanted her to be. She stood up to you.

I have no doubt that your ego and sense of self importance was boosted by the power you wielded over her and the rest of the family.

Batool was prepared to sacrifice her stepdaughter, the judge said, adding: Put bluntly, you did not care about Sara enough to save her.

He dismissed as preposterous any suggestion that Malik was too busy on his phone and wearing earbuds to notice what was going on.

Sharif was allegedly attacked by two inmates in a cell at HMP Belmarsh, armed with the jagged lid of a tuna tin, on New Years Day, and suffered cuts to his neck and face, the Sun reported.
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A drill rapper who killed the schoolboy Jimmy Mizen has been recalled to prison after shamelessly boasting about his violent crime, the Probation Office said.

Jake Fahri, then 19, was given a life sentence in 2009 with a minimum term of 14 years for killing schoolboy Jimmy Mizen by throwing an oven dish at him that shattered and severed blood vessels in the 16-year-olds neck.

The Sun has reported that Jake Fahri, now 35, is masked drill artist TEN  who was showcased on BBC 1Xtra  and published rap music about murdering Jimmy.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has pledged to have a discussion with the public service broadcaster, and Jimmys father criticised the corporation, adding that his sons case also raises a number of questions about the prison system.

open image in gallery Schoolboy Jimmy Mizen was killed at a south London bakery on 10 May, 2008 ( Handout )

Recall was initiated for Fahri on Thursday after he was found to have breached his licence conditions, the Probation Service confirmed on Friday.

The move comes after The Sun reported Fahri is really TEN and that one of the balaclava-clad rappers tracks, available on Spotify and YouTube, appears to reference Jimmys death.

TENs lyrics included the lines: Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerrys. Sharpen up my blade Ive got to keep those necessary.

Stay alert and kept it ready, any corner could be deadly. Judge took a look at me, before the trial even started he already knows hes gonna throw the book at me.

Another track published by TEN says: See a mans soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone.

It adds: I wanted more, it made it less wrong. Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on.

open image in gallery Barry and Margaret Mizen made headlines for their positivity in the wake of the murder of their son ( PA Archive )

Fahri was released on licence in June 2023 and his music was played on BBC 1Xtra less than 18 months later, the Sun reported, adding that DJ Theo Johnson named him an up-and-coming star.

Sir Keir Starmers spokesperson said HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is right to be investigating the content as a priority, and added: When it comes to the BBC, obviously they are independent of Government, they make their own editorial decisions.

But the BBC, I think the public would rightly expect given their unique responsibilities to the public, that they would take complaints and any allegations like these seriously.

Sir Keir was said to be deeply concerned at the situation and the significant additional stress that this will have caused to the family, his official spokesman added.

Lisa Nandy offered her heartfelt condolences to Jimmys family.

Agreeing that TENs music should no longer be played, she told LBC: I think its deeply difficult and insensitive for the family.

This is a discussion that I will have with the BBC, but I think its right that we, that we take action on that and make sure that we all get this right.

She added: I think this is a horrendous case, and obviously I think the BBC in particular will want to reflect on the featuring of the person who killed him.

Jimmys father Barry Mizen said parole statements stated Fahri had done all the programmes but that doesnt seem to have made a blind bit of difference.

While he said prison courses should absolutely carry on, he feared prisoners may be taking rehabilitative courses just to be released earlier, without properly learning the lessons.

I think it does strike quite a few questions about the whole [prison] system  whats the point, you know? he said, adding: I think theres some questions there certainly for the parole board. We hope theyve made the right decision, only time will tell, and perhaps they havent made the right decision.

He and Jimmys mother Margaret Mizen made headlines for their positivity in the wake of the murder.

open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer Sir Keir was said to be deeply concerned at the situation ( PA Wire )

Mrs Mizen was due to speak at a school on Friday with a message of forgiveness, peace and hope, her husband said.

Forgiving Fahri helps the family to manage the pain in our lives, he added.

Mr Mizen went on to criticise the BBC for failing to properly check TENs music.

At the very least you think youd listen to the content? he said, adding: This shouldnt have happened. Images and reputations are built up. The bottom line is, this is someone promoting violence, and that cant be right.

Shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns said on X, formerly Twitter, that it is extraordinary the BBC doesnt vet people wearing balaclavas.

She asked: How much has he profited thanks to the BBC promoting his music which glorifies murder?

open image in gallery Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would be having a discussion with the BBC ( PA Wire )

The BBC said in a statement on Thursday: This individual does not feature on any BBC playlists, we have never played  as we pointed out to the Sun  the lyrics they have printed.

Hes had two other tracks played twice. 1Xtra has no further plans to play his music, we were not aware of his background and we in no way condone his actions.

HMPPS said of TENs lyrics: We are aware of this content and are investigating it as a priority.

We take any material that could glorify violence or distress victims extremely seriously.

A Probation Service spokesperson said: Our thoughts are with Jimmy Mizens family who deserve better than to see their sons murderer shamelessly boasting about his violent crime.

All offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions.

As this case shows, we will recall them to prison if they break the rules.
China-Egypt ties hailed as Chinese New Year reception held in Cairo

Xinhua) 11:09, January 17, 2025

CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The growing China-Egypt ties were highlighted in a reception held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival.

The reception gathered hundreds of diplomats, scholars, businessmen, and experts from both China and Egypt.

In his remarks to the guests, Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, said China-Egypt and China-Arab relations have been constantly growing and making significant progress.

Amid the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization, China-Egypt and China-Arab relations will usher in broader prospects, Zhang told the attendees.

"Egypt and China share deep and diverse historical relations. Bilateral ties have witnessed remarkable development in recent years across various fields including politics, economy, trade, investment, and cultural exchange," Ahmed Shaheen, Egypt's assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, said in his speech.

During the reception, Chinese traditional dance and folk music performances were staged.

China's Spring Festival falls on Jan. 29 this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The dog's devastated owners found out about the attack after seeing video on Facebook of the large crocodile swimming away with their puppy.

The large crocodile was filmed swimming down the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton with the rottweiler in its jaws. Source: Facebook/Minco de Bruin

Shocking drone footage has captured the moment a huge four-metre crocodile swims down a Queensland river with a beloved pet dog in its mouth.

The rottweilers owners only realised their pup was taken by the crocodile after seeing the footage on Facebook on Monday. They believe the 16-month-old puppy named Nigel was attacked from the front of their Port Curtis property just hours earlier.

The heartbreaking video was taken by Belgian tourist Minco de Bruin who said the crazy footage of the giant croc was filmed over the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Its only a matter of time before something worse happens, Nigels family told 7News.

'Be vigilant', crocodile expert warns

But John Lever, crocodile expert and owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm near Rockhampton, told Yahoo News the attack on the dog didn't mean the risk to humans was heightened.

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"Crocs are opportunistic feeders and they're water-reach feeders, so whether it's a dog or a pig or a human down at the water's edge, of course there is a risk if there are crocodiles there," he said. "They're increasing in numbers so everyone has to be forever vigilant.

"Basically if you think about them as just being opportunistic feeders and feeding at the water's edge and being carnivores  obviously any meat that's going around the water's edge is potential tucker for them."

Lever said crocodiles also eat more food in the warmer months.

"This time of the year is when they are metabolising best and digesting food fastest so this is when they eat more food than any other time of the year," he said.

The 16-month-old pup was believed to have been taken from the yard of his home in Curtis Point. Source: Facebook/Minco de Bruin

Visitors, locals urged to be 'crocwise'

Queenslands Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said they were aware of the video and are reminding residents and visitor of the region to be crocwise".

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We are aware of and have reviewed a video circulating online of a crocodile which has killed a dog in the lower reaches of the Fitzroy River, and appreciate how distressing this will have been for the pets owners, a statement from the department read.

Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the waters edge, to capture their prey.

We urge everyone in Croc Country to keep themselves, their family members and pet dogs well back from the waters edge. No water body in Croc Country can be considered to be free from crocodiles.

Experts say despite the attack on the dog, the risk to humans has not been heightened. Source: Facebook/Minco de Bruin

The department encourages everyone in Croc Country to:

ADVERTISEMENT

Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign

Obey all warning signs  they are there to keep you safe

Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night

Stay well away from croc traps  that includes fishing and boating

The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks

Stand back from the waters edge when fishing and dont wade in to retrieve a lure

Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water

Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp

Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs

Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

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There is currently no prospect of the suspect in Madeleine McCanns disappearance facing charges, the German prosecutor investigating him has admitted.

It emerged in 2020 that prosecutors in Germany were investigating a man named locally as Christian B in connection with the murder of the British child, who vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugals Algarve while on holiday with her family in May 2007.

Christian B had been known to authorities, but did not become a suspect until information was received as a consequence of a 2017 appeal, according to Scotland Yard, which still considers the case a missing person inquiry because there is no definitive evidence whether Madeleine is alive or dead.

open image in gallery Christian B was acquitted on unrelated charges in October ( Reuters )

German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, who has been leading the investigation, told the BBC in 2020 that he believed the public would reach the same conclusion over Christian Bs alleged involvement if they knew the evidence we had, but has never made this alleged evidence public.

However, Mr Wolters has now warned that there is no current prospect of Christian B facing an indictment, as he admitted that he is still trying to find forensic evidence linking him to Madeleines disappearance.

There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case, Mr Wolters told Sky News. As things stand, the accused Christian Bs imprisonment will end in early September.

The suspect  who has always denied any involvement in Madeleines disappearance, and insists he was miles from the Praia da Luz resort on the night she went missing  is already in prison in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005.

Christian B has previously been convicted for sexually abusing children and is thought to have lived on and off in the Algarve region between 1995 and 2007. He is alleged to have confessed to a friend that he had knowledge of Madeleines disappearance.

open image in gallery ( Getty )

Following Mr Wolters latest comments, Philipp Marquort  one of Christian Bs defence lawyers  said: This confirms the suspicions that we have repeatedly expressed, namely that there is no reliable evidence against our client.

We regret that we have not yet been granted access to the investigation files. We have not yet been able to effectively counter the public prejudice arising from statements made by the Braunschweig prosecutors office.

In a separate trial in October, Brueckner was acquitted after facing three charges of aggravated rape and two of sexual abuse of children that took place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

Prosecutors had argued for the German national to be handed a 15-year sentence and placed under preventive detention, whereby particularly dangerous prisoners are not released even if they have served their sentence.

But the judge ruled the evidence against him was insufficient, and his lawyer Friedrich Fulscher argued that he should be acquitted, questioning the veracity of witness statements and telling the court: The trial should never have taken place.

open image in gallery Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal in 2007 ( Joe Giddens/PA )

Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007 while her parents were dining with friends nearby.

Last May, Madeleines family said they were still living in limbo as they marked 17 years since her disappearance.

Speaking to Sky News following Mr Wolters remarks, Jim Gamble, a former head of the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre, said the German prosecutor has implied the whole way through that he has something more than the public are aware of.

Hes made fairly definitive statements about whether Madeleine is alive or dead so you would expect their strategy to have been to charge him sooner rather than later, said Mr Gamble.

From what hes said today I wonder if were witnessing the re-positioning of something to manage the disappointment thatll come.
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Rogue officers who were sacked over allegations of domestic and sexual abuse could be reinstated and owed thousands in backpay if the Metropolitan Police loses a High Court challenge over vetting rules, a senior officer has warned.

The force is defending a judicial review brought by a sergeant whose vetting was revoked following a series of unproven complaints about his conduct, including rape and sexual assault. He denies the allegations and has not been charged with, nor convicted of, any offence.

Sgt Lino Di Maria argues the decision to revoke his vetting  which will likely lead to his dismissal  is unlawful and has challenged updated vetting procedures designed to root out rogue officers.

However assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor has warned the consequences will be disastrous if his legal bid is successful and could render the force powerless to strip unsuitable officers of their warrant card.

It would put us in a hopeless position having to keep police officers who we dont feel deserve or should hold the rank of constable, he said.

In the worst-case scenario, it could also see the Met forced to reinstate those it has already sacked under the re-vetting scheme, called Operation Assure, and forced to pay them backpay.

The majority of those referred to Operation Assure were men identified in a ten-year review of historic allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse made against officers, launched in the wake of a series of scandals, including the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by serving Met officer Wayne Couzens.

open image in gallery Former Met officer Wayne Couzens is saving a whole-life order for the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard ( PA Media )

Of 107 officers and staff who have had their vetting withdrawn under Op Assure, so far 19 people have been dismissed and 19 have resigned.

Those dismissed include an officer who received multiple rape and sexual assault allegations from different women from 2011-23, which could not be proved to a criminal or professional misconduct standard. After his vetting was revoked and he was dismissed, the force continued to investigate and he was later charged, although the officer has since died.

Another officer was stripped of his vetting and booted out after he received numerous domestic abuse allegations and workplace complaints of sexual harassment.

A third was convicted of outraging public decency for committing an indecent act on a train. A professional misconduct panel had let him off with a final written warning but after he was referred to Assure his vetting was revoked and he was dismissed.

Commander James Harman, who leads Op Assure, said: I think thats a good example of how that is an officer who, with that conviction, could never apply to be in the Met.

Commander Harman insists the process is legal, fair and in line with Collage of Policing guidelines.

We think its a genuine process which is fair to the officers involved, whilst also being robust, he said, noting 82 people have gone through the Op Assure process and had their vetting reinstated, while seven have successfully appealed a decision to revoke their vetting.

AC Taylor described system as appropriate and proportionate and said it was about identifying patterns of behaviour, not one-off examples.

open image in gallery Sir Mark Rowley vowed to root out rogue officers and promised more trust, less crime, high standards when he took over as Met commissioner ( PA Wire )

Losing the right to use Op Assure would leave the Met forced to retain staff with these really worrying allegations in their history, he said, adding: Our view is that is entirely unacceptable. The public would be horrified.

It could also leave the force unable to remove officers deemed unsuitable due to financial pressures or criminal associations, he said.

Sgt Di Maria had his vetting removed in September 2023 and an appeal against this decision was refused. He now faces a gross incompetence hearing which will likely result in his dismissal, but he has launched a judicial review, claiming the process is not lawful.

In a two-day hearing at the High Court this week, lawyers for Sgt Di Maria challenged the Mets decision on a number of grounds, including his right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Sgt Di Marias counsel Kevin Baumber said professional misconduct hearings had found he had no case to answer in respect of the allegations made against him.

He said it was a concern that an officer could go through a detailed conduct procedure, which concludes that they need not be dismissed, only to be fired following an internal management decision anyway.

A judgment is due to be made at a later date.
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A woman has recounted her horror at having her ponytail cut off by a man in a balaclava in a surprise attack at her south London block of flats.

Police are investigating after the 55-year-old woman, who spoke to The Independent under condition of anonymity, said she was set upon by a mystery man as she emptied her bins down the communal rubbish chute on Tuesday evening.

She said she believed the attacker used a switchblade to slash at her beloved braid she had been growing for years before leaping down over a railing and escaping.

The woman, who uses a walking stick, said she was just yards from her front door when she was attacked from behind.

open image in gallery The woman bagged a clip of her hair her cut off during the attack ( The Independent )

He came up behind me, held on to my neck and with one swipe of a blade slashed my braid off. It was over in seconds, she said. He didnt say a word to me.

He was like a magician - he was gone in a flash. I dont know what he wanted with me. My hair was long in a plait it was the length of my granddaughter.

The woman said all she could see of the man was his long coat. I started screaming and he took off. Police said he must have jumped over a railing to get away. He was very tall and all in black, she said.

It was scary. I dont get scared easy but that scared me. Im not going up to the bin chute again.

open image in gallery Mallards Walk where the attacker struck ( The Independent )

The woman said other neighbours had recalled similar disturbing attacks where a man approached lone women from behind to cut their hair.

He could be getting braver and braver, she said.

But a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said just one attack had been reported to the force.

We are aware of social media posts regarding assaults on women in the Sidcup area. We can confirm we responded to a single incident that occurred on Tuesday, 7 January at 8.40pm in Mallard Walk in which a woman reported having her hair cut by a man, the spokesperson said.

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.

The woman issued a warning to other south Londoners. Stay with women and your young girls, she said.

open image in gallery The bin chute where the victim was attacked ( The Independent )

The woman said she was terrified walking to the hospital for an unrelated injury the following day.

I stood up in the waiting room leaning against the wall so no one could come up behind me, she said.

If you have any further information, or have been a victim of a similar crime, please contact them by either calling 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via www.met.police.uk/report - quoting 6616/07Jan.
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A body has been recovered from a river near where missing sisters Henrietta and Eliza Huszti were last seen in Aberdeen.

The siblings, both 32 and part of a set of triplets, were reported missing by their landlady after telling her they planned to end their tenancy.

The pair  who are originally from Hungary  are described as white women of slim build with long brown hair and were last seen on a bridge over the River Dee on 7 January.

Extensive searches were carried out and officers said on Friday that a body has been recovered from the water.

Police Scotland said it had been made aware that a body had been seen in the River Dee, near Queen Elizabeth Bridge, shortly before 8am on Friday.

A spokesperson for the force said: We were made aware of the body of a person seen in the River Dee near Queen Elizabeth Bridge in Aberdeen around 7.55am on Friday, 31 January, 2025.

The body has been recovered from the water and enquiries are ongoing.

open image in gallery Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street in Aberdeen ( PA Wire )

A police helicopter, dog branch and marine unit were among the specialist resources involved in rescue efforts focusing on the river and its surrounding area, but this search was ended on Monday.

Their brother Joszef Huszti told the BBC that relatives do not understand their disappearance, adding the sisters mother had a phone call with them just days beforehand when everything appeared normal.

When did sisters go missing and what are final sightings?

Eliza and Henrietta were last spotted on CCTV in Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 2.12am on Tuesday 7 January. They were then seen crossing the bridge and turning right onto a footpath next to the River Dee, heading in the direction of the Aberdeen Boat Club.

The area was covered in snow and ice when the sisters disappeared, following a bitter cold snap across the country.

open image in gallery Sisters Eliza and Henrietta Huszti visited the area where they were last seen the previous day ( PA Wire )

Police said there is nothing to suggest either of the women left the immediate area after 2.12am on 7 January.

Investigations into the sisters disappearance have now confirmed both women, who were wearing rucksacks, were seen at the same bridge at around 2.50pm on Monday 6 January.

CCTV shows the sisters spent five minutes at the footpath and Victoria Bridge but did not engage with anyone else.

The siblings are then seen making their way through the city centre, via the Union Square shopping centre, back to their flat in the Charlotte Street area of Aberdeen.

Police said there is nothing to indicate they left it again until shortly before they were last seen at the River Dee.

open image in gallery Superintendent David Howieson said police remain open-minded about what happened to Eliza and Henrietta Huszti ( PA Wire )

What have the police said?

Extensive searches were carried out on Friday and Police Scotland said a body was recovered from the water.

Police Scotland said it had been made aware that a body had been seen in the River Dee, near Queen Elizabeth Bridge, shortly before 8am on Friday.

Last week, Police Scotland said there is still nothing to suggest criminality or suspicious circumstances when it comes to the sisters disappearance.

As several hours of CCTV footage are being examined by officers, superintendent David Howieson said: I would again urge anyone with any information which could help find Eliza and Henrietta to get in touch.

We remain in regular contact with Eliza and Henriettas family in Hungary and we will continue to provide them with support at this very difficult time.

Searches will continue in the coming days and our officers will continue to do everything they can to find Eliza and Henrietta.

It emerged that a text message was sent from Henriettas mobile phone to the sisters landlady at 2.12am on 7 January, from the area of Victoria Bridge, indicating they would not be returning to the flat.

open image in gallery Police divers have been searching the River Dee as investigations continue ( PA Wire )

The phone was then disconnected from the network and has not been active since, police said.

The following day, the sisters personal belongings were found inside the flat and the landlady reported her concerns to police.

Mr Howieson previously said: We remain extremely concerned for Eliza and Henrietta as our searches enter a second week.

He said police were trying to remain open-minded in terms of what the wider circumstances may have been, as the behaviour of the duo was considered to be very out of character, with no known mental health concerns that might offer an explanation.

He did acknowledge the sisters may have come to harm, adding: That has to be a theory in terms of access to the river ... but what we dont have is any indication that a third party has been involved.

open image in gallery Police Scotland said there is still nothing to suggest criminality or suspicious circumstances when it comes to the sisters disappearance ( PA Media )

What have the family said?

The reportedly close-knit family released a statement through Police Scotland, where they said: This has been a very worrying and upsetting time for our family.

In the desperate plea, the family said: 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 The sisters with their brother Joszef Huszti who says the family does not understand their disappearance ( Family handout )

Speaking from his home in Budapest, their brother Mr Huszti told the BBC: We don't understand this whole thing. That they wrote a message to their landlady, that they wanted to immediately end their tenancy agreement. We didnt have any information about that. So thats the strange thing, that the girls didnt tell us anything about that. They never mentioned any such plan.

He previously told the broadcaster that their mother had spoken to the sisters on Saturday 4 January when everything seemed fine.

He also warned on social media: I ask everyone to respect each other. No one should spread any fake news.

He added on behalf of the family: Thank you all for being with us at this difficult time.

The third sister in the set of triplets, Edit Huszti, confirmed she had spoken to the pair on New Years Eve, describing them as happy and cheerful on a video call.
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Plans for a grand Oxfordshire mansion by Soho House billionaire Ronald Burkle are stirring up controversy in the picturesque village of Little Tew  not only among its residents but potentially with history itself.

The billionaires proposal for a six-bedroom estate could be thwarted by claims that the site may encroach on the remnants of an Iron Age fort.

The project, which would include an opulent entrance hall inspired by Romes Pantheon, a natural swimming pool, a stable block, and even a helipad, has been met with fierce objections from villagers.

Little Tew, a hamlet of just 150 homes nestled in rolling countryside, is known for its tranquil charm, unspoiled by commercial developments. For many, Burkles vision of a domed mansion with lavish features represents a stark departure from the character of the area.

Oxfordshire County Council has also raised concerns about possible archaeological significance at the site. A report from the countys archaeological service notes that the area could contain remains linked to a multi-vallate hillfort, a type of fortified settlement dating back to the Iron Age. Although preliminary desk-based assessments have been conducted, the report recommends further fieldwork to confirm whether the site holds any historic treasures.

open image in gallery Ronald Burkle (middle) has submitted plans to build a mansion finished with an entrance hall inspired by the Pantheon in Rome ( Getty Images for CORE )

There have been few formal archaeological investigations undertaken in Little Tew, and few cropmarks suggestive of archaeological remains have been recorded in the area, the report stated. There is potential for features related to a possible Iron Age multi-vallate hillfort to exist on the site with the possible hillfort located at The Manor House, Little Tew, 720 metres southeast of the development site.

Though the applicant has submitted a DBA [archaeological desk-based assessment], this is limited without any fieldwork being undertaken.

The report advised Mr Burkle to commission a practical field investigation to search for archaeological remains, using a professionally qualified archaeological organisation.

An earlier application for a different design was rejected in 2022 as it was not deemed a truly outstanding development. The new plans have received dozens of objections, including a submission from the parish council which stated that no one in attendance of a meeting was in favour of the applications approval.

open image in gallery The American businessman has submitted plans to build a mansion finished with an entrance hall inspired by the Pantheon in Rome ( West Oxfordshire District Council )

One resident compared the plans to something more suited to Disneyland than the village, which had a population of just 253 people in the 2011 census. Little Tew has only 150 homes, a church, and is so quiet that it lacks even a pub or any shops.

Another resident wrote: Rather than being a development of truly outstanding quality, I believe it to be a proposal of truly outstanding grotesquery.

open image in gallery One resident compared the plans for the house as more suited to Disneyland than the village ( West Oxfordshire District Council )

More recently, however, some comments in support of the plans have emerged. One local said that whilst they acknowledged the mixed feelings within the community regarding the applicant, it was essential to recognize the substantial contributions he has made to the area. They added: This investment not only supports local businesses but also enhances the overall vitality of the community.

Burkle, known for his portfolio of luxury properties, has expressed a desire to integrate into the community, emphasising his track record of supporting local businesses and charities. In an interview, he noted that he had not finalised the land purchase and that the mansions designs were created by the current owners architect before his involvement.

open image in gallery The report advised Mr Burkle to commission a practical field investigation to search for the archaeological remains ( West Oxfordshire District Council )

However, the billionaires ties to Soho House  a chain synonymous with exclusivity and celebrity clientele  have done little to reassure critics.

The proposed site is just a few miles from Soho Farmhouse, a private members retreat frequented by A-listers like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Leonardo DiCaprio.

For some, the prospect of yet another grandiose development nearby only adds to fears that Little Tews character is under threat.
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A search is underway for more than 30 fragments of the ancient Stone of Destiny after they separated from the ancient artefact following its famous theft from Westminster Abbey and secret repair.

The exact location of most of these small chips remains a mystery as they have been passed down through families or are in private collections.

Professor Sally Foster has been painstakingly collating the history of as many of the pieces as possible, some of which were hidden in plain sight, saying they form a fascinating new strand in the centuries-old history of the Stone of Scone.

Many of the fragments in question came about when a mason secretly repaired the stone after it split in two during the raid by four students in 1950.

This work happened under the supervision of stonemason and nationalist politician Bertie Gray, who carefully numbered and recorded the pieces.

He passed them on to the four students who carried out the heist  as well as those he admired in and around the movement.

While the existence of fragments from the sandstone block returned in 1951 have been known  an inch-sized piece was gifted to Alex Salmond by Sir Neil MacCormick and was kept at SNP headquarters  it has not been widely appreciated that there are potentially more than 30 in existence.

open image in gallery A letter of authentication for the fragment of the Stone of Destiny that was gifted to Alex Salmond ( Ross Colquhoun/SNP/PA Wire )

open image in gallery A fragment of the Stone of Destiny that was gifted to Alex Salmond and was kept at the SNP's headquarters ( Ross Colquhoun/SNP/PA Wire )

Prof Foster believes Mr Grays repair work resulted in as many as 34 numbered fragments of the original stone.

The Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia  the body of senior officials charged with overseeing the Scottish crown jewels  are currently considering what should happen with the fragment gifted to Mr Salmond.

Prof Fosters research, funded by the The British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, has involved combing through old newspaper archives dating back decades.

It has revealed pieces of the stone in some surprising locations.

Other prominent nationalists to receive small chips include Margo MacDonald and Winnie Ewing  who had her piece fashioned into the centre of a brooch she once wore to an interview with the BBCs David Frost.

Canadian journalist Dick Sanburn received chip number 25 in 1951 and proudly kept it behind his desk at the Calgary Herald. He said the fragments were carefully numbered and recorded to prevent a flood of fakes.

Former lord provost of Glasgow Sir Patrick Dollan displayed his chip to attendees at a concert in 1959.

As she continued her research project, titled Authenticitys Child, Prof Foster discovered reports of more and more chips. Some were hidden in plain sight.

Up until his death in 1975, Mr Gray styled himself as the man who repaired the Stone of Destiny, but he never publicly revealed how many fragments he made.

Prof Foster is particularly interested in speaking to members of his family as they will likely be able to shed light on where some of the pieces are.

She is only completely sure about the locations of four fragments distributed by Mr Gray, who was influential in the Scottish Covenant Association which pushed for home rule.

While the stone itself is a particularly unprepossessing item, she argues that understanding the stories of these fragments adds a personal element to its narrative.

Prof Foster said: It would be lovely to see more of these in the public domain and the stories being shared and celebrated.

She has also tracked the fate of other, more official, fragments of the Stone of Scone which were taken as geological samples in the 19th century.

The Stone of Destiny was moved to its new home at Perth Museum last year, where it sits as the centrepiece of an exhibition on Scotlands history.

When Charles was coronated in 2023 it was taken to London where it was mounted in the Coronation Chair, continuing its ancient role in the monarchy.

The 152kg sandstone block split in two during the famous Christmas Day raid of 1950, when four students spirited it back to Scotland to try and advance the cause of Scottish independence.

The repair work overseen by Mr Gray involved inserting three metal pins to help join the pieces back together, with a number of chips being created as a result.

The stone was recovered after a few months when it was left at Arbroath Abbey and the students who took it were never prosecuted  they maintained they were simply returning the artefact to Scotland.

Prof Foster can be contacted on her projects website  thestone.stir.ac.uk  or via Stirling University.
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Lisa Nandy has rejected claims that Elon Musks slew of social media posts about grooming gangs pushed the government into a climbdown on the scandal.

On Thursday, the home secretary announced an audit looking into the current scale and nature of gang-based exploitation across the country, as well as local reviews into grooming in some areas.

The change of position came after three Labour MPs from the North West and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham broke ranks to demand a rethink. It also came alongside weeks of pressure including from the billionaire X-owner for a national inquiry into grooming, after the government rejected one.

But, speaking in the Commons, Yvette Cooper said local reviews would provide more answers and change than a nationwide probe.

Asked if the raft of new policies came as a result of the billionaires intervention, Ms Nandy said: I utterly refute that, insisting that the government has been working on this issue for a very long time.

open image in gallery Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the governments decision to change tack on=n grooming gangs ( PA Wire )

Weve been very focused on this issue, and it was part of our manifesto. We were very outspoken about it in opposition, and weve continued to be outspoken about it in government, and wasted no time in acting, she told Sky News.

The culture secretary said the government has been working alongside victims to make sure that theyre empowered, and we will not change that, regardless of the noise that we see on social media.

Speaking to the BBC, she added: Were not a government that governs by social media. We govern for the real world.

Ms Coopers announcements came a day after she was threatened with legal action over the child grooming issue.

Former police detective Maggie Oliver, who resigned from Greater Manchester Police in 2012, said she would take the home secretary to court unless she took urgent steps to allay widespread public concern over gangs sexually exploiting children.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has been relentless in posting on X about the scandal ( Getty Images )

Giving a statement to parliament on Thursday, Ms Cooper laid out the details of two key parts of a 10m plan to tackle grooming gangs and child sexual abuse, namely a three-month rapid audit of the current situation across the country, and victim-centred, locally-led inquiries in five areas.

Ms Nandy said the audit will effectively be a review of the existing evidence.

We know that there are evidence gaps, we need to make sure that were collecting the proper data on things like ethnicity, she said.

While Ms Coopers plans for local reviews drew criticism for not going far enough, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp describing them as wholly inadequate, Ms Nandy said she doesnt want to put brave young girls through the ordeal of having to give evidence again.

They have already spent seven years going through a National Inquiry which made 20 recommendations, not single one of which was implemented under the last government, she said.

The home secretary also announced that the government would lay out a clear timetable by Easter for implementing the recommendations laid out in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) - something campaigners have said will bring fundamental and cultural change.

open image in gallery Home secretary Yvette Cooper set out Labours plan to tackle child sex abuse ( PA Wire )

Lucy Duckworth, national policy lead for The Survivors Trust, said: Its really good news that IICSAs recommendations are finally to be acted upon.

As a whole programme of change, IICSAs recommendations will bring about fundamental and cultural change in how we protect children from sexual abuse of any form and how we support victims and survivors to recover from the trauma they experienced.

Campaign group Act On IICSA, which is chaired by Prof Jay, said it was a pivotal step in addressing the systemic issues surrounding child sexual abuse.

In a slew of social media posts criticising the Labour government, Mr Musk had attacked safeguarding minister Jess Phillips on social media after she declined a request from Oldham Council for a Whitehall-led inquiry into child sexual abuse in the town.

The last Tory government had also rejected a similar request from Oldham council for a public inquiry, saying it is for local authorities to commission local inquiries.
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A bar in the House of Commons is being closed indefinitely from Monday while security and safety arrangements are reviewed after a reported spiking incident.

The alleged spiking took place at the start of January, just after MPs returned from their long Christmas break.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: Strangers Bar will close from Monday 20 January while security and safety arrangements are reviewed. The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority of both Houses.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer warned MPs not to leave drinks unattended in parliament, describing the reports as incredibly concerning.

His official spokesperson said it was not sensible for MPs to leave drinks at the bar while they go to vote, but added: The prime minister would let people follow their own common sense on this one.

Women have a right to feel safe everywhere - at work, at home, in our schools, his spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also pointed to the governments commitment to crack down on spiking by making it a specific offence  and launching specialist training for up to 10,000 bar staff nationwide.

Londons Metropolitan Police are investigating after a woman reported her drink was spiked. The parliamentary researcher alerted bar staff and parliamentary security to the incident at around 6.30pm on 7 January.

A UK Parliament spokesperson said: We are aware of an incident which took place on the parliamentary estate in early January, which was reported to parliamentary security and is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Parliamentary officials are understood to be taking the allegation extremely seriously.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed it had received reports of an alleged spiking at an establishment in the House of Commons.

They added in a statement on Wednesday: The investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers. There have been no arrests at this stage.

We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact us on 101, or 999 in emergency. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Rachel Reeves has vowed to see off demands for her to resign over claims that she has lost control of the economy.

In a defiant response to her critics, the Chancellor said she was happy for her steely methods to be compared to those of former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who was known as the Iron Lady. Asked in an interview if she wanted to be known as the Iron Chancellor, she said: I am happy to be known as the Iron Chancellor if that is what you want to call me.

Questioned about comparisons between her and Lady Thatcher, Ms Reeves said she strongly disagreed with Thatchers policies but added: She made decisions she thought were right and she took on her critics. BBC journalist Nick Robinson pressed her as to whether she was comfortable with the comparison to Thatcher, a strong woman making decisions. She said: I am strong.

She defended her refusal to reverse unpopular decisions on tax and winter fuel payments, saying: I stuck to my guns and showed that steely determination a Chancellor needs. In a famous act of defiance in refusing to dump her own contentious economic policies, Lady Thatcher once said: The Lady is not for turning.

Ms Reeves said she did not take attacks on her personally and strongly believes she has what it takes and the ideas to turn things around.

In her most extensive remarks since the financial turbulence, which has led some to question her political future, she made it clear she has no intention of changing her policies.

Click here for live updates

open image in gallery Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has been facing growing questions over her handling of the economy (PA) ( PA Wire )

However, by embracing parallels with Margaret Thatcher, still a hate figure among many Labour supporters, Ms Reeves could face more criticism from the Left.

Lady Thatchers constant repetition of her mantra there is no alternative to her own tough stance on economics earned another soubriquet, Tina. Ms Reeves also revealed a similar, frugal style to Lady Thatcher in more domestic matters.

She said still brings her lunch to the office in a Tupperware box whenever I can and saves leftover pastries so she could eat them later. It may not be healthy but it was good value for money, she added.

She explained her prudent approach was rooted in her modest family background. Her parents split up when she was at primary school resulting in them not having loads of money.

open image in gallery Reeves says she would be happy with Margaret Thatchers infamous nickname

She recalled how her mother would sit at the kitchen table with the receipts she ticked them all off to make sure she wasnt overspending compared to the money that was coming in.

Grocers daughter Lady Thatcher was proud of saying how her economic beliefs were based on the virtues of prudent housekeeping learned from her parents at the kitchen table.

Lady Thatchers comments on the subject sometimes sparked controversy such as when, before becoming Prime Minister, she revealed she hoarded tins of food in her kitchen for emergencies.

The Chancellor, under fire over rising borrowing costs and sluggish growth, said she was in her job for the long haul.

She said: I havent taken it personally this week. Its political. Some people dont want me to succeed. Some people dont want this Government to succeed... But Im not going to let them get me down. Im not going to let them stop me from doing what this Government has got a mandate to do  and that is to grow the economy, to make working people better off.

This article was amended on the day of publication. It originally said that Ms Reeves had compared herself to the Iron Lady. However, the term used was Iron Chancellor and it was not a comparison made by Ms Reeves herself, but by her interviewer.
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A bill proposing the end to marriage between first-cousins has been criticised by experts ahead of its second reading on Friday.

The Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill was proposed by Tory MP for Basildon and Billericay Richard Holden, who said that the practice poses risks to health, freedom... the cohesion of our society.

Speaking in December last year, the MP said: First-cousin marriage raises serious concerns both in the UK and globally.

Studies show that it is associated with approximately double the rate of birth defects compared to the general population and can reinforce negative structures and control women.

Professor Neil Small, who co-authored the Born in Bradford study that tracks peoples health in the city and includes the largest body of evidence on children born to cousin marriage in the UK, told the Guardian that the ban could risk a potential health disadvantage.

He said a ban could discourage people from getting civil marriages due to the requirement to undergo testing, which could take away the protection of the law if anything goes wrong.

Professor Small added: I think thats often to the disadvantage of women, and, in that sense, a potential health disadvantage.

He continued that the issue would be better dealt with through more readily available genetic testing and education of the risks.

The professor said that the upsetting rhetoric from Conservative politicians could deter people from science-based approaches which would help them make informed choices when the single biggest thing that damages childrens health is deprivation.

He pointed out that while there was definitely an enhanced risk for childrens health from cousin marriage, it tended to be in a relatively small number of people.

When it does happen the effects can be severe, producing higher rates of infant mortality and greater levels of illness in some children, he said.

A spokesperson for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, representing 30,000 Muslins, called the bill damaging and said it would curb fundamental freedoms and stigmatise.

The charity Karma Nirvana, which works with survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse, denounced the bill, instead calling for a thoughtful, survivor-led approach informed by those on the frontlines who understand the profound consequences of these union.

[We] cannot support Richard Holdens bill  not because we condone cousin marriage, but because we believe the true agenda is not to address the harms that can arise from it, but to use it as a tool for political point-scoring, inciting hate and driving a wedge between communities.

CEO of the charity Natasha Rattu called out Islamophobic backlash as a result of the bill and said it was counterintuitive to anybody affected by the negative impacts of first-cousin marriage, who would surely, on the back of seeing that, be more reluctant to get help if they needed.

She continued that banning first-cousin marriage and rushing through legislation was not the best course of action and people affected by it needed to be consulted before action was taken.
David Phillips, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, searched for several minutes before he found the cheeky culprit.

David Phillips had just started his night shift in Launceston when he heard 'bumps' coming from the dark aircraft hangar. Source: Supplied/Royal Flying Doctor Service

An Aussie pilot was enjoying a quiet start to his night shift last week when a sudden spurt of strange noises led him to the startling  and momentarily nerve-racking  realisation that he was not alone.

David Phillips, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Launceston, Tasmania, was filling out some paperwork in the pilots room next door when he heard what sounded like bumps and scratches coming from the dark plane hangar.

I thought It may be someone fumbling in the dark  my colleague had just left to go home at the end of their shift, he told Yahoo News Australia. I wondered if he had left something behind and had gone to the hangar to fetch it. [It was] not very loud, but definitely unexpected.

Just as he entered the building, he briefly caught sight of the culprit: a curious brushtail possum, dashing across the floor. However, the battle had only just begun.

The possum was eventually found hiding under the foot pedals in the cockpit and lured to the stairs by an apple. Source: Supplied/Royal Flying Doctor Service

Pilot searches for adventurous brushtail possum

Phillips grabbed a torch and started to search for the cheeky nocturnal marsupial, but didnt see anything  other than unmentionable traces left by the stowaway on the plane  for several minutes.

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With nowhere else to look and a nervous gulp, the pilot said his heart was racing when he pulled back the cockpit curtain. It seemed like the only place left to find it hiding, and I had no idea how it was going to react. I was a little relieved when I saw nothing but then I had no idea if the possum was on the plane or not.

I then turned on all the hangar lights and found a more powerful torch.

Possum busted in 'really good hiding place'

During his second look around, Phillips spotted the possums brush tail tucked behind the aircrafts foot pedals. It had climbed right up into the footwell and up under the dash. It was a really good hiding place, he said, explaining the creature had no reaction at all".

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I shined my torch and it just stayed still and quiet. I can only guess that it was hiding from me  playing possum if you like. Now, Phillips just had to figure out how to entice the little guy out.

Luckily, I had an apple that I was able to slice up and place close to the stairs. It seemed to do the job, at least coaxing our furry friend out of hiding in the front of the plane to the stairs at the back.

But it appeared the possum was enjoying his new home and refused to budge from there.

I guess he saw me with his night vision because he just sat and stared. This went on for 10 minutes or more, said Phillips, who eventually called in the on-duty engineer to assist with the removal of our unexpected guest.

Creature leaves traces all over plane

The RFDSs new friend was eventually lured out the door at the rear of the plane gently with a broom". The pair spent the next few hours cleaning and conducting safety checks.

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Let's just say that anything you could imagine a possum leaving behind  was left behind, on the floor and even on the pilot's seat! the pilot said.

However it did take one treat. Im happy to say that the apple was left outside the hangar and was all gone by morning.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

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The air was wet and stuffy, and wracking coughs echoed in the confined space. Dozens of men sat and lay together in small caves, some so shallow they couldnt stand up.

The miners were emaciated from lack of food, which was hard to come by since police cracked down on their illegal mining and for a time halted the supply deliveries.

Bodies wrapped in fabric and twine were set aside in rows nearby. Bad odours permeated everything, so it was hard to distinguish what smells were coming from the dead versus the unwashed bodies or the damp rock.

Usually the men would eat meat, bread, and porridge cooked over camp stoves run by propane, but all of these had run out. With no mining work to distract them, they smoked cigarettes and marijuana for a while, when they still had it.

The description, from a miner and from cellphone videos sent to the surface earlier this month, sheds some light on the horror hundreds of men suffered deep underground in an abandoned mine in South Africa, after a police operation cut off food and supplies to smoke them out because they were digging illegally for gold. The videos were released publicly by a group representing the miners.

open image in gallery South Africa Dead Miners ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Police finally launched a rescue effort earlier this week, under court order, and said no one was left underground. Dozens of bodies were pulled out and at least 87 confirmed dead.

The miner, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals, said he surfaced on Christmas Day after entering the shaft in July, spending months underground where he experienced extreme hunger and saw many of his fellow diggers dying from starvation and illnesses.

He is one of nearly 2,000 illegal miners who have surfaced from the mine near the town of Stilfontein since August last year when police targeted it as part of an operation that aims to tackle the widespread illicit mining trade. The trade bled the South African economy of more than $3 billion last year, according to the mines minister.

At the worst of times, said the miner, they ate rough salt, the only thing leftover to stanch the hunger.

I felt like I have some bad luck because I had only been underground for two weeks when the operation started. That is when things started going bad, we stopped receiving food and we lost contact with the outside world, that could only mean that the police have arrived and probably arrested or scared off the people lowering the food, he said.

The miner said the months that followed were horrendous.

open image in gallery The miner said his escape was extremely difficult ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

By September, things were really bad. People started getting hungry, they started getting sick, some started dying. We started having dead bodies. There is nothing worse than seeing somebody die and there is nothing you can do about it, he said.

The miner, a 40-year-old father of six children, exited the mine in December through a separate shaft that had steel stairs. It is extremely difficult to navigate, and he bruised his hands badly on his way out.

As we were climbing out, we saw dead bodies of other guys who had attempted to exit the same way. Others had fallen down, others were full corpses but there were also lots of bones, almost like skeletons. Its not easy to exit there, many people died trying to do that, he said.

So why do the miners go into this subterranean purgatory in the first place?

It mostly comes down to money. Illegal mining is one of the biggest sources of income for poor households in townships located near an estimated 6,100 disused mines around the country where illegal mining is rife.

The miner said he was told he could earn about $5,300 for working for a few weeks to a month in one of the country's deepest gold mines, where there are no longer any official operations. It's a huge sum in South Africa, which has deep inequality and one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.

Many other miners come looking for work from neighboring countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi and Congo, and children are sometimes roped in. There were 13 children among those who came out of the Stilfontein mine last year.

Mmastona Mbizana, a community member of Khumo township, said two of her sons were involved in illegal mining because of unemployment and poverty.

open image in gallery Mmastona Mbizana ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Her 22-year-old son was arrested after coming out of the mine during the police operation in December and is currently out on bail.

"I heard from somebody in the neighborhood that he had gone underground. His father died last year and he was not even here for the funeral because he was underground for months. They say they are doing it because of the situation here at home, things are tough, said Mbizana.

Mbizana's other son, Lucky, was arrested at the same mine while working as a runner on the surface sending food and other supplies down to the miners. Walking on crutches, he said he had been convicted for involvement in illegal mining.

Out of the blue the police came, firing rubber bullets and teargas. The teargas blinded me and I fell, broke my leg and collapsed," he said.

Lucky said he used to make $424 a month for lowering food and other parcels into the shaft daily, including tinned vegetables and fish, loaves of brown bread, porridge, meat, cigarettes and liquor.

Activists blame the South African government for the loss of lives that occurred at Stilfontein, saying authorities should have acted earlier.

However, the government has maintained that while the deaths were a tragedy, illegal mining is a criminal activity that is detrimental to the countrys economy.

Illegal mining in South Africa is known to cause far-reaching problems for nearby communities, including violent crime and destruction of community infrastructure.

Community members also speak of hearing gun battles between rival mining groups.

The people who must take responsibility for the deaths that have happened here are those who are benefitting from illegal mining," Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe said in Stilfontein this week.

According to South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, authorities are investigating the entire value chain of illegal mining, including who the main beneficiaries are.

Where these products go is a subject of our investigation," said Mchunu, adding illegal mining is "robbing South Africa of a lot of money.
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Popular Texas barbecue restaurant chain Bill Miller is facing a $1 million lawsuit from a Texas teenager who says she suffered second-degree burns from the hot sauce in her breakfast taco order.

Genesis Monita, 19, and her sister were on their way to school in May 2023, when they stopped to order breakfast, slathered in the restaurants famed hot barbecue sauce, at a Bill Miller restaurant in San Antonio ahead of their school day, according to court filings seen by Fox San Antonio.

After being handed their food in the drive-thru, the pair drove to the parking lot to chow down.

However, when Monita took the tacos out of the bag, she came into contact with a scalding hot container of barbeque sauce. Caught in a panic, the teen suddenly dropped it.

As the sauce fell it spilled over her thigh and left second-degree burns, Monitas lawsuit, as seen by the outlet, alleges.

Monita, who happens to work in hospitality herself, is suing the chain for negligence and is seeking $1,000,000 in damages.

The trial began in the Lone State State this week with closing arguments set to being on Friday.

In the suit, Monita calls the restaurant negligent as she says she was handed the scalding hot sauce without any prior warning of its temperature, Bill Miller is also accused of not training staff to accurately check the sauces temperature and for giving it to her in an unsuitable container, as per the Fox affiliate.

open image in gallery Genesis Monita,19, and her sister were on their way to school in May 2023, when they stopped to order four breakfast tacos, slathered in BBQ sauce, at Bill Miller in San Antonio ( Google Maps )

Testifying in court Thursday, Monita and her mother, described how the burns had led to work and school absences plus an onset of loneliness and depression.

But in the cross-examination, Bill Millers attorneys reminded Monita that upon learning of the incident, the restaurant sent her a check for her medical bills, offered to clean her car, and cover any lost wages from work absence  discretions that she reportedly declined, said Fox SA.

When they asked her whether she wanted more compensation, she reportedly said No, just what the jury thinks is fair, said the outlet.

The restaurant attorneys stressed that the teen never returned to her medical clinic after the first consultation and has retained her job.

Her defense stated that she would take the stand Friday while Bill Miller attorneys would retire their case.

open image in gallery Harjasleen Walia, a California neurologist, is taking a Thai restaurant to jury trial in August after she claims a spicy dish left her with chemical burns' ( Google Maps )

The case falls in tandem with a similar incident that occurred in July 2021 in San Jose California involving a woman who sued local restaurant Coup de Thai in Los Gatos after she claimed a Dragon Balls dish resulted in a severe reaction.

It states that prior to receiving the dish, she requested the chef make her dish with less spice as it had been advertised as spicy.

But according to the March 7 2023 complaint seen by The Independent, as Harjasleen Walia, a neurologist, started to eat the dish, she immediately felt her entire mouth, the roof of her mouth, her tongue, her throat, and her nose burn like fire.

Desperately, she begged the servers to fetch her yogurt to compensate for the excruciating heat, but she began to lose her voice and the incident resulted in her later being diagnosed with a chemical burn to both vocal cords, a chemical burn to the middle concha of the right nostril and a chemical burn to the esophagus, stated the complaint.

Walia is taking the case to jury trial on 25 August later this year, according to the Santa Clara court records.
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A US Army doctor was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct charges stemming from allegations that he had abused dozens of men he was treating for pain management at Washingtons Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Major Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management doctor at Madigan Army Medical Center was given the maximum allowable sentence after he took a plea deal. A judge gave him four months of jail time for each of the 41 victims named in the case.

Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the US Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, told the Seattle Times that Stockin will be incarcerated at the Army's prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Stockin pleaded guilty to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. All of the victims were active or former military members. All but one of the patients he treated were seeking pain management at the Army medical center. During the exams, he looked at and groped the genitals of the patients, which was not necessary for the treatments he was supposed to administer.

Military investigators began looking into Stockin in February 2022, and charged him after a year-long investigation in 2023. His victim count grew to 41 by January 2023, according to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.

His guilty plea will conclude the criminal side of the trial, but a civil process is still ongoing. At least 22 people claiming to have been sexually abused by Stockin have filed a lawsuit against the Army and the Department of Defense, alleging that the US military is liable for the doctor's misconduct.

During his criminal trial, some of his victims testified and described how their interactions with Stockton have colored their ongoing view of the US military.

We are taught as young cadets, as young officers, that trust is the foundation of everything we do, an Army captain said during the trial, according to the Seattle Times.

He said he now approaches those in the military "thinking that those above me, I can't trust, that they don't have my best interests at heart."

The captain said he plans to submit his discharge papers soon to leave the armed services.

Major Ryan Keeter, who spearheaded the prosecution in Stockin's case, praised the "resilience" of the victims.

"The resilience of the victims in this case should be celebrated," he said. "They have been living with the trauma ... for years, and the last 16 months of litigation on the way to trial have not been easy."

Christine Dunn, an attorney who represented 21 of the victims, celebrated Stockin's sentencing, but said she felt that "real justice requires holding the Army accountable for its role in allowing this to happen."

These brave soldiers are now riddled with anxiety and shame  many of them terrified to even seek medical attention, Dunn said in a statement.

Dunn will also be representing clients suing in the civil case, which she said was "just getting started."
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Three California inmates allegedly tied to the white supremacist Aryan Brotherhood prison gang ordered seven Los Angeles-area murders in recent years, according to federal prosecutors.

Kenneth Johnson, Francis Clement, and Johnson Stinson are charged with ordering the killings and racketeering, and a secretive federal trial against the men, all of them state inmates serving life sentences, began on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reports.

They all pleaded not guilty and have denied being gang members. The murders took place around the Los Angeles area and occurred both on the streets and behind bars.

The victims include Allan Roshanski and Ruslan Magomedgadzhiev, who were fatally shot in Lomita in October 2020, allegedly on orders from Clement and Johnson.

The killings reportedly came as the Aryan Brotherhood sought to intervene in a dispute between an Israeli organized crime figure and a Las Vegas businessman.

The shooter reportedly said near an informant that he had been promised membership in the Brotherhood if he got those two Russian guys.

open image in gallery California inmate Johnson Stinson, along with alleged associates Kenneth Johnson and Francis Clement, are accused of ordering scores of murders connected to the Aryan Brotherhood white supremacist prison gang ( California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation )

Another incident under scrutiny is a 2022 shooting, in which James Yagle, Jr., and Ronnie Ennis, Jr., alleged members of the Public Enemy Number 1 white supremacist gang, were killed by fellow gang members, allegedly on orders from Clement.

A separate killing in February 2022, an execution-style shooting of Michael Brizendine in Lancaster, is also named in the case.

Prosecutors allege the men facilitated killings inside prison, too, including the 2016 stabbing death of Brandon Lowrey at Kern Valley State Prison, allegedly over drug debts, and the 2020 stabbing of Robert Hargrave as payback for allegedly attacking one of Stinsons co-conspirators in an alleged scheme to defraud a state employment agency during Covid.

The accused men all have a lengthy criminal history.

Johnson has been serving a life sentence since 1996 for attempting to kill a sheriffs deputy. Clement was convicted of second-degree murder and allegedly tied up a suspected prison inmate and cut out part of his tongue.

Stinson has convictions from a 1979 murder of a drug dealer and a 2007 murder and racketeering case. He also allegedly served on the ruling commission of the Aryan Brotherhood.

The Aryan Brotherhood gang formed in 1964 in Californias San Quentin prison, as the state carceral system desegregated and racial conflict broke out between the newly integrated inmates.

Today, the gang operates both inside and outside prisons, and although it clearly has a white supremacist ideology, it is above all a criminal enterprise, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Given the choice between making money and showing their racism, members virtually always go for the cash, meaning the gang has often worked with Latino and other gangs for profit.

Members live by a motto of blood in, blood out, committing acts of violence and gang war to earn their place in the group, and are required to read Nazi literature and Sun Tzus The Art of War.

One estimate suggests the group, less than one-tenth of one percent of the U.S. inmate population, is behind nearly 20 percent of prison murders.

The gangs primary presence is in California and federal prisons, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
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A West Virginia jury heard how the adopted children of Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz were forced to sleep on the cold concrete floor, sometimes on cardboard, locked inside a barn outside their home, while they were monitored by surveillance cameras.

Detective Ana Pile with the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office, who spent hours reviewing thousands of clips from the footage from the couples Sissonville home, testified about the shocking conditions on day three of the child abuse trial.

Whitefeather, 62, and Lantz, 61, who are white, are on trial for charges of forced labor, civil rights violations, human trafficking and gross child neglect of their five adopted children, who are Black.

The couple was arrested in October 2023 after two of their children were found locked in a shed outside their home when a concerned neighbor called 911.

open image in gallery Donald Ray Lantz and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather were arrested in October 2023 after two of their children were found locked in a shed outside their home when a concerned neighbor called 911 ( West Virginia Regional Jail/Correctional Facility Authority )

Detective Pile told the jury on Thursday that she received six days worth of footage from inside the barn and also from inside the main house, WCHS-TV reported.

What I saw on the videos and I think what everyone else will see when they are played, she said. You see (the two oldest children) in the barn area and they dont ever leave the barn area.

Out of the six days of footage, Detective Pile said the only time she observed one of the children step out of that room was (the teenage girl) when she stepped out for like a minute, she said.

Other than that, they never left that room as far as the videos showed.

She also said that in those days of footage she reviewed, the children never changed clothes.

The detective said there was another camera from an upstairs bedroom in the main house that monitored two younger children, who were 9 and 11 at the time. She testified that she observed the children standing for hours at a time in their confined rooms.

"Also what the videos showed is that the children, in both rooms, slept on the floor, she added. The two in the barn area slept on the concrete floor. (The teenage girl) slept on a sleeping bag on the concrete floor and the (teenage boy) slept with nothing underneath him other than a piece of cardboard under his head. He had a fitted sheet that he would cover up with.

open image in gallery Detective Ana Pile with the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office said she saw footage of inside the house and shed where the kids often slept on the concrete floor or cardboard ( WCHS )

On one of the videos shown to the court, Lantz could be heard scolding one of the children for not folding blankets correctly.

Sounds like you were having trouble with instructions, he said on the video.

The couple adopted the five siblings while living in Minnesota and moved to a farm in Washington state in 2018 before moving again to West Virginia in 2023, when the children ranged in age from 5 to 16.

According to the criminal complaint, the children had been deprived of adequate food and hygienic care, and the outbuilding had no running water or bathroom facility.

In opening statements on Tuesday, assistant prosecutor Madison Tuck said evidence presented during the trial will show the couple forced the children to work and used them physically, emotionally and mentally so that they would comply.

However, Whitefeathers attorney, Mark Plants, said the case is about adoptive parents struggling to deal with their childrens past trauma and severe mental illness.

open image in gallery Lantz and Whitefeather are shown during a break in the Kanawha County Circuit Court on Tuesday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

On Tuesday, the neighbor, Joyce Bailey, testified that when the family first arrived at the home in Sissonville, West Virginia, in 2023 in a vehicle pulling a trailer for animals, it was raining and the children were told to line up outside.

You never see them talk to each other, she said. They didnt talk at all among themselves. You didnt see them out unless they were working. They never played.

She also told how she witnessed the children working outside by carrying fencing for the animals, propane tanks, full buckets of water and other supplies between the home, a trailer and a barn as Lantz watched.

He made them carry it all, that heavy fencing, Bailey said as they showed video she took of the forced labor. They would just stand there and wait for him to tell them what to do.

The trial at Kanawha County Circuit Court is expected to last two weeks.
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New information has come to light in the case of the elementary school teacher who abused her 13-year-old student and, later gave birth to his child, according to a criminal complaint seen by The Independent.

Laura Caron, 34, a fifth-grade teacher at the Middle Township Elementary School in South Jersey, is facing at least 10 years in prison if found guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangerment to the welfare of a child, Cape May County Prosecutors Office said in a press release on Wednesday.

The teacher is up against a spate of grotesque sexual assault charges after she is alleged to have groomed and assaulted a young boy from the age of 11 through to 16, according to a criminal complaint.

The most disturbing revelation in the alleged abuse is that she gave birth to his child in 2019.

Caron faced a judge Thursday through a virtual court hearing in New Jersey and her detention hearing has been set for next Tuesday, said 6ABC.

She is alleged to have groomed and molested the boy between 2016 and 2020 by forming a sexual relationship with the child after she and his mother sparked a close friendship.

As the victims mother and the teachers friendship grew, the mom began to let the children stay at Carons residence and she would take them to school. Caron would also buy gifts for the victim, according to the complaint.

open image in gallery Laura Caron was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child Wednesday ( Cape May County Correctional Center )

The victims father told police that it began with one or two nights a week and eventually the children stayed with Caron permanently, from 2016 to 2020.

It remains unclear as to why the parents allowed Caron to become a guardian for the children.

On December 16, 2024, the victims sister, explained to police she [also] spent time at Carons residence and believed her brother was 11 when he started sleeping at Carons residence.

Harrowingly, the sister described to police how she would notice Caron following her brother into the bathroom (on the 1st floor) and would proceed to lock the door.

The younger brother told investigators that he would see the teacher and his brother exiting the 1st-floor bathroom together, both wearing towels and wet.

The sister told detectives that the children would sleep in a shared room on the second floor but frequently noticed her brother would not be in his bed the next morning and would instead be sleeping in Carons bed with her  the victims younger brother, who was eight years old when he started living with the teacher, also said the same in a statement to law enforcement two days later.

One night while the younger brother was supposed to be sleeping, he told police he witnessed Caron, then 26, molest his brother, 11, while they were on a reclining chair watching a movie with a blanket over them.

In 2019, following the birth of the child, the victim began permanently sleeping in Carons room and started to keep clothes in her dresser, according to the younger brother to police.

According to the criminal complaint, the crimes were first raised to police following a damning Facebook post by the victims father who called out the uncanny resemblance of Carons son to his son on December 12, 2024.

Following the post, the Middle Township Schools Superintendant Dr David Salvo reported to Middle Township police officer Thomas Runyon that he received an anonymous tip regarding a teacher who may have had a sexual relationship with a student, as per the criminal complaint  the teacher was identified as Caron through the Facebook post.

After the Facebook post was published in December 2024, the victims younger brother said his brother disclosed to him over the phone that he was the father of Carons baby.

The boys mother also told law enforcement that her son texted her to admit he was the father of her baby and demanded that she kept it a secret for fear of getting Caron in trouble.

If convicted of aggravated sexual assault, Caron could face imprisonment of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with an additional term of five to 10 years for the other two charges.

Dr Salvo has issued the following statement to The Independent: When the district was first advised of the allegations, the staff member was immediately placed on and continues to be on paid administrative leave. Additional questions should be directed to the Cape May County Prosecutors Office.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is urged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135.
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A man wielding a stick attacked multiple homeless people in Miami on Thursday, leaving two dead and two injured, according to police.

This is a horrible incident, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales told reporters. The officers on the scene and the Miami Police Department is appalled at this display of unprovoked violence.

Police apprehended a suspect in the attacks, who attempted to flee on foot but was hit with a stun gun and captured.

Officials described the individual, who hasnt been named publicly, as a 30-year-old with no known criminal history in the city.

"It appears the individual has no local criminal past, he does have some minor criminal run-ins with the police up in New York," Morales said.

Police were called just after 6 a.m., and responded within seconds, according to Morales.

open image in gallery Attack occurred near downtown Miami train station ( NBC 6 screen grab )

The individual beat one man near a downtown train station, then headed down the street and attacked multiple others, including a different man and a couple.

Police blocked off North Miami Avenue and Northwest 6th Street, where officers could reportedly be seen inspecting what appeared to be a bloodied plank of wood.

Officers set up a command center near the site of the attack, Brightline Central Station.

Advocates condemned the violence.

The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust called the attacks a senseless loss of life.

Our deep appreciation to Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales and his team at the Miami Police Department for their swift apprehension of a suspect in this senseless set of murders and attacks on our communitys most vulnerable and for what we know will be an aggressive prosecution by State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundles office, Ron Book, chair of the trust, said.

I was just scared, Matthew Romero, who works nearby, told NBC Miami. That was the first reaction.

I make the walk every day from the parking garage to work, so it is concerning.

Homeless people, many of whom already come from disadvantaged social groups, face far higher rates of physical and sexual assault than the general population, according to the University of San Francisco Benoiff Homelessness and Housing Initiative.

In 2019, four homeless men were beaten to death in New York City by a man wielding a pipe.

In 2023, meanwhile, Los Angeles officials warned about an alleged serial killer targeting unhoused people.
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After a mother took her son down to a South Carolina Sheriffs Department office so he could turn himself in, she found herself arrested on a murder-related charge.

According to a news release from the Richland County Sheriffs Department, Khadeidra Thomas, 40, and her son, Darius Walker, 17, were both arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Quinton Lane, 15, Wednesday.

Thomas has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and obstruction of justice, while Walker was charged with accessory after the fact of a felony. The felony in the case is murder. He is the third juvenile to be charged in connection with the crime.

Specifically, prosecutors say Walker hid the weapon used to kill the 15-year-old in December. A warrant for his arrest was announced on January 9. According to the police, Thomas tried to help her son escape arrest and gave officials false information about his whereabouts.

Both mother and son have been booked into the Alvin S Glenn Detention Center.

Earlier this month, Sheriff Leon Lott vowed to prosecute parents he believes contributed to their childrens crimes.

We will continue to hold parents accountable when they choose to condone or participate in their childs criminal activity, Lott said in the release.

The department did not release additional information about the crime. The Independent emailed the department for comment.
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Two Proud Boys members who allegedly threw smoke grenades at officers and inscribed Murder the Media on a door during the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol have been indicted on new conspiracy charges.

Proud Boys members Nicholas Ochs and Nicholas DeCarlo, also known as Dick Lambaste, are have been hit with the charges while serving a four-year prison sentence after they pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding in 2022.

Prosecutors filed the superseding indictment introducing new conspiracy charges on Wednesday.

Ochs is a founding member of the Proud Boys Hawaii branch, The Associated Press reports, and a one-time Republican state House candidate.

open image in gallery Insurrections spar with Capitol police on January 6, 2021 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Proud Boys are a right-wing extremist group that describe themselves as a pro-Western fraternal organization for men who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world, A.K.A. Western Chauvinists. President-elect Donald Trump famously told the Proud Boys to stand back and stand by during a televised presidential debate against Joe Biden just months before the 2020 election. The Proud Boys among those who later stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 ahead of Bidens inauguration.

Several members of the group, including former national chairman Henry Tarrio, were charged and ultimately sentenced to jail time for their involvement.

Ochs and DeCarlo raised money to travel from their hometowns to Washington, D.C. for the riot, the indictment claims. As they approached the Capitol, prosecutors claim Ochs said: The steal is in fact right here and we are going to stop it, referring to baseless claims that the vote was somehow stolen.

This is where they are going to steal it, DeCarlo responded, according to the indictment. And they called on us. They called on us to stop it.

Ochs then told DeCarlo: Were not supposed to be here, according to the indictment.

DeCarlo allegedly responded: Were all felons, yeah!

Ochs later threw a smoke grenade at officers defending the Capitol, prosecutors say.

Do you think they are scared in there? DeCarlo asked Ochs after throwing the grenade, according to the indictment.

Yeah, and I f****** love it! Ochs replied as the two entered the Capitol.

The duo then pointed out Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosis office to other rioters trespassing inside the Capitol building, the indictment said.

Afterward, DeCarlo wrote Murder the Media with a permanent marker on the Chestnut-Gibson Memorial Door in the Capitol, an act which Ochs recorded on his phone, the indictment noted. The two then allegedly posed for pictures in front of it and posted it on social media.

As they left, DeCarlo allegedly said: It may resume, but the steal is for now stopped. Youre welcome, America.

As the pair are hit with new charges, President-elect Donald Trump is promising to pardon his supporters who took part in the insurrection, claiming it will be one of the top priorities as he starts his new administration Monday.

Trump has suggested he could start issuing pardons his first day in office and may even erase the federal charges of every person involved.

Almost 1,600 people have been charged with or convicted of crimes linked to the insurrection, according to the Department of Justice.

Ochs and DeCarlo, who are in prison, could not immediately be reached for comment.
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Rapper Busta Rhymes was arrested after he repeatedly punched a man in the face on January 14.

The 52-year-old Round Round artist, born Trevor George Smith Jr., has since been charged with third-degree assault.

According to police, officers from the 84 Precinct arrived on the scene shortly after 7 p.m. after a fight broke out inside a building on the corner of Jay Street and Front Street in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Police reports indicate that the popular music star hit a 50-year-old male victim numerous times during a verbal dispute.

The victim sustained a swelling injury on the left side of his face and was thus transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhull in stable condition.

Busta Rhymes hit a 50-year-old male victim numerous times in the face and is now facing third-degree assault charges ( Getty Images for Paramount )

Rhymes has been given a desk appearance ticket, meaning hes not being held in police custody but must appear in court to answer the criminal charges against him. An investigation is still ongoing.

The alleged incident involved Rhymes assistant, Dashiel Gables, according to TMZ.com.

Gables refused to comment on the incident saying his lawyers told him not to speak with the press, according to The New York Post.

It is not the first run-in with the law for Rhymes. In 2015 the Break Ya Neck vocalist was arrested after he was accused of hitting a Chelsea gym employee in the back of the head with a protein drink.

In 2007, he was arrested and charged with DWI after police claimed that the rappers GMC Denali SUV was seen driving uncontrollably in Manhattan.

The news of Rhymes most recent arrest comes just as the rapper released his new EP, Dragon Season... The Awakening, on January 17.

The Independent has contacted Rhymes representatives for comments.

Rhymes was born in East Flatbush, New York, and rose to stardom in the late 1990s, releasing his first hit single, Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check, a month before his solo debut album, The Coming, was released in 1996.

Rhymes single was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance the following year, solidifying his reputation as a breakout rap star. The artist has received 12 Grammy nominations throughout his career.
Mark Fricker will head to court after being fined $320 for 'parking in a bus zone' after the penalty was generated by licence plate recognition technology.

An Aussie tradie is heading to court to challenge a $320 fine for parking across his own driveway while opening the gate to drive in.

Builder Mark Fricker of Newcastle was photographed last September by a council camera when his ute was briefly stopped across his driveway with two wheels in the gutter of the bus zone that fronts his property.

He only became aware of the alleged offence when he received a fine via email about 10 days later. The penalty notice said he was parked in a bus zone.

The fine was generated by the councils mobile licence plate recognition technology with cameras attached to council cars patrolling the citys streets to monitor parking offences.

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Fricker told Yahoo News the fine was unfair and would not have been issued if a ranger was on the scene to see what was going on. His attempts to take up the matter with council were referred to Revenue NSW and he felt he had no option but to contest the fine in court.

If it had been a person and not a car, they wouldnt have issued the fine, Fricker said.

I dont feel an automated camera system is right. If a ranger had seen me park there, get out and open the gate, and move the car in, he wouldnt have worried about it. He could see that Im not a threat or danger to a bus, or passengers getting on or off, so it wouldnt have happened."

With just his two tyres in the gutter, Fricker argues he was not in the bus zone  he was on the footpath, but had to leave two wheels in the gutter while he opened the gate so he didnt block the footpath.

The driveway where Mark Fricker parked is in a bus zone but he says he only had two wheels in the gutter while he opened the gate. Source: Google Maps.

A City of Newcastle spokesperson told Yahoo News that NSW Police will represent it in Newcastle Local Court next month but declined to comment further on the matter due to the case listed to appear in court.

Pressure on councils to halt ticketless parking fines

The dispute is one of several to arise from controversial ticketless parking fine systems used by councils across NSW. There was a 49 per cent surge in ticketless parking fines issued in NSW during the 2023-24 financial year. Revenue from ticketless fines surged to $158 million for that period, up 54 per cent on the previous year.

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With more than 40 councils switching to ticketless parking fines, there has been an outcry over motorists being unable to contest infringement notices until days or weeks later when they become aware of the fine.

NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos has been pushing for a halt to the ticketless system, and says if councils aren't willing to provide a "common-sense fix" the government will step in.

The current implementation of the ticketless parking system has eroded trust in [the] parking fine system, she wrote to councils last year. "Providing immediate notification to drivers is the right thing to do."

Council should educate not fine, ratepayer says

The City of Newcastle introduced licence plate recognition technology across the region in November, 2023, The Newcastle Herald reported, with the aim of supplementing foot patrols to improve the efficiency of parking compliance.

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Fricker said he understands the councils perspective but doesnt agree with the automated approach.

It is easy for them, probably raking in revenue and their council rangers arent put at risk of violence or abuse, he told Yahoo News.

I can see their perspective, but as a ratepayer my view is the councils job is to educate, not fine ratepayers.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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The publisher of a notable Supreme Court news site has been indicted on tax charges.

Tom Goldstein, the publisher of SCOTUSBlog and a prominent attorney with extensive experience arguing before the Supreme Court, was indicted Thursday in Maryland. Prosecutors claim the attorney evaded taxes for years while using money from his law firm to pay for gambling debts.

Goldstein was also an ultra-high-stakes poker player, frequently playing in matches or series of matches in the United States and abroad involving stakes totaling millions, and even tens of millions, of dollars, the 22-count indictment reads.

The indictment states Goldstein lost more than $16 million to gambling between March and August 2017.

open image in gallery Tom Goldstein published SCOTUSBlog, a prominent site for news on the nations highest court ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Prosecutors also argued that Goldstein schemed to "evade the assessment of taxes, file false tax returns and fail to pay his tax obligations when they were due." The indictment claims he owes more than $5.3 million in unpaid income taxes.

"Goldstein willfully failed to pay his 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 taxes when due, despite spending millions of dollars on personal expenses, including luxury purchases and payments to and on behalf of women," the indictment reads.

Goldsteins attorneys, John Lauro and Christopher Kise, told Law360 their client is a prominent attorney with an impeccable reputation.

They added: "We are deeply disappointed that the government brought these charges in a rush to judgment without understanding all of the important facts. Our client intends to vigorously contest these charges and we expect he will be exonerated at trial."

Goldstein is a prominent attorney who specialized in Supreme Court litigation before retiring from private practice last year. He argued more than 40 cases before the nations highest court, including Google v. Oracle, a historic copyright case, according to Law360.

The attorney graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law. He also teaches Supreme Court litigation at Harvard University.

The Independent has contacted Goldsteins attorney for comment.
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More than 1,000 people are being evacuated after a blaze broke out in one of the largest battery storage facilities in the world on Thursday night prompting a full scale mobilization of firefighters across several counties in Northern California, according to local authorities.

Towering flames were visible from afar as a large black column of smoke rose from the Moss Landing power plant, with the fire showing no signs of easing in the early hours of Friday. It was first reported around 3pm local time.

The fire is located in the northern part of the sate some 300 miles (500 km) north of the wildfires in Los Angeles. The plant contains tens of thousands of lithium batteries, which can be extremely difficult to put out if they go up in flames.

Theres no way to sugar coat it. This is a disaster, is what it is, Monterey County supervisor Glenn Church told KSBW-TV. But the fire is not expected to spread beyond the concrete building it is enclosed in, he added. Highway 1, located nearby, has been shut down by authorities.

The plant is around 100 miles (160 km) south of San Francisco, and the blaze is unrelated to the ongoing wildfires in the southern Californian city of Los Angeles, which started around 10 days ago and have killed at least 27 people.

The cause of the fire is currently unclear, said a statement from the factorys owners, Texas-based company Vistra Energy. Around 1,500 people were successfully evacuated from the building, according to The Mercury News.

open image in gallery The fire is unrelated to the wildfires around 300 miles south, which have devastated areas of Los Angeles ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

All schools and offices in the North Monterey County Unified School District would be closed on Friday due to the fire.

Its imperative that residents heed the evacuation order and take the direction of law enforcement and fire personnel. This is a situation where we take the idea of protecting life and property very seriously. We implore people to heed the evacuation order and to go to a safe location, Monterey County spokesman Nicholas Pasculli said.

Its a major incident. All the resources in the county and our neighboring jurisdictions have been deployed to assist with this incident, he added.

Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders, Jenny Lyon, a spokesperson for Vistra, said in a statement.

The company will open an investigation into the causes of the fire once the blaze is brought under control.

Vistra plants also suffered fires in 2021 and 2022 which were caused by a fire sprinkler system malfunction, causing some units to overheat, The Mercury News reported.

Vistra Energy is the largest power generator in the U.S. The company is listed on the Fortune 500. In 2020, a study found that Vistra was the highest CO2 emitter in the country.

In the wake of Donald Trumps election victory in November, Vistra CEO James Burke was quoted as saying that the new administration may impact greenhouse gas regulations, giving the companys fossil fuel divisions extended life. This past December, The Economist named Burke as one of the best CEOs in the U.S. in 2024.
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A former Tesla executive says he agreed to take a job working remotely for the electric carmaker, which then almost immediately went back on its word and threatened to fire him if he didnt relocate from his home in Southern California  allegedly prompting the recurrence of an agonizing medical condition and threatening his marriage.

In a lawsuit filed last month in state court and moved to federal court on Wednesday, compliance and operational risk specialist Mike Tully accuses Tesla of a heartless bait-and-switch after being promised and assured he wouldnt be required to move. The Irvine resident only accepted the position because of this guarantee, which came via his new boss, Associate General Counsel Charles Lee, according to the previously unreported complaint.

Tesla lured the 55-year-old Tully away from Bank of America, where he had worked for 16 years, to join its corporate offices in Fremont, about 400 miles north of Irvine, the complaint states. It says Tully informed Tesla senior leadership that part of the deal for him to leave BofA was the promise that his role would remain remote.

He made it patently clear to everyone at Tesla that [leaving] Irvine was not negotiable, and the relevant higher-ups vowed this would not be an issue, according to the complaint.

When they subsequently reneged on the pledge, Tully, whose wife threatened to divorce him if he insisted on uprooting her and their two children, felt completely blindsided and misled by Tesla and its leadership team, the complaint says.

open image in gallery Mike Tully was ordered to work out of Teslas massive Fremont, California location (above), roughly 400 miles from home, or move to Texas ( Getty Images )

Although Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk is not mentioned by name in the complaint, the billionaire MAGA disciple tasked by President-elect Donald Trump to slash massive portions of the federal budget has advocated loudly for government workers to return to the office five days a week.

If federal employees dont want to show up, American taxpayers shouldnt pay them for the Covid-era privilege of staying home, Musk wrote in a recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal.

Only about 10 percent of federal workers are fully remote, according to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

Tesla officials, along with the in-house employment litigation attorney handling the companys defense, did not respond on Thursday to requests for comment. In a January 10 court filing responding to Tullys complaint, the company moved to dismiss the case and have it ordered to binding arbitration, citing the terms of Tullys employment agreement. Tesla also argued that all purportedly wrongful conduct alleged by [Tully] was necessitated due to business necessity.

Tully started at Tesla on April 11, 2022, providing legal support services to Lee and the companys board, assisting with international audits, and ensuring compliance with state regulations for the EV makers insurance offerings, according to the complaint. Things were going well, and Tully received excellent performance reviews, the complaint contends.

open image in gallery Teslas return-to-office policy is similar to the one co-founder and CEO Elon Musk wishes to impose on federal workers, as an adviser  and major financial backer  of incoming President Donald Trump ( Getty Images )

However, two months into the job, Tully was informed that his position was no longer permitted to be remote, and he was required under a return-to-office mandate to relocate to a Tesla-approved Finance site, which was either the Fremont office or a Texas location, the complaint states. He was informed that if he failed to relocate, he would be terminated.

Alarmed, Tully, who had been given a December 2022 deadline to move, went directly to Lee and reminded him of their arrangement. He explained that his family owned a business in Irvine, which his wife managed, and that his children attended college locally, the complaint continues. It says he told Lee he would evaluate his options and try to work out a plan with his family, but that, in all candor, relocating was unlikely. Convincing his wife to start over in Texas was a virtual nonstarter, and renting a second home in the extremely costly San Francisco Bay Area while commuting home on weekends was financially untenable, the complaint goes on.

Around this time, Tully learned that other staffers in the department had been granted exceptions to the return-to-office mandate, and would be permitted to work from offices closer to home, according to the complaint. As a compromise, Tully suggested he work out of an office Tesla kept in the Irvine area, but, [w]ithout explanation, he was told this was not an option and he would have to move hundreds of miles away, the complaint states.

It says Tullys family did not support the relocation, and his wife threatened him with divorce if he did so.

open image in gallery Mike Tully claims he was forced to choose between his marriage and his job ( Getty Images )

The stress of the situation exacerbated Tullys Crohns and Irritable Bowel Disease, which had rarely acted up during his tenure at BofA, according to the complaint. Flareups were now becoming increasingly common, causing inflammation and intestinal blockage that led to septic attacks and toxic buildup in his system, and leaving Tully bedridden, in agonizing pain, for days on end, the complaint says.

When December rolled around, Tully and his Tesla overlords were still at loggerheads, the complaint alleges, describing Lee as inflexible about the relocation issue. Painted into a corner, Tully went to HR and filled them in on his medical condition, according to the complaint. In a last-ditch effort to save his job, Tully asked for an accommodation that would allow him to remain at Tesla while minimizing stress to keep his Crohns and IBD under control, the complaint states.

They discussed various options, such as a nearby office or moving [Tully] to another division within the company that was within an easier commute distance, it says. [The HR exec] stated he understood the concern, and he would get back to him.

The next day, Tully was summarily fired, according to the complaint.

At noon, he was invited to a video conference call with [HR] and Mr. Lee, who stated they could not work out the logistics to allow him to remain in Irvine and therefore, since he had failed to relocate, he was terminated, it says.

Tully is asking a jury to award him punitive, economic, and special damages, along with injunctive relief enjoining Tesla from engaging in the unlawful, fraudulent and/or unfair practices, policies and patterns alleged in his complaint, plus attorneys fees.
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Following last Junes disastrous debate performance by President Joe Biden, Barack Obama urged then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to be the bearer of bad news and convince Biden to drop out of the race, saying his own fragile relationship with the president prevented him from being the best messenger.

According to a deep-dive investigation by The New York Times, which was adapted from an upcoming book by reporters Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater, Schumer sat down with Biden in the presidents Delaware house last summer and told him hed go down in American history as one of the darkest figures if he stayed in and lost to Donald Trump.

The roughly 45-minute conversation, which took place on a screened-in porch overlooking a pond, was more pointed and emotional than previously known, and helps to explain how Mr. Biden came to the decision just over a week later to end his campaign, the Times reported.

The confrontation came three weeks after the face-off with Trump that sparked a seismic shift among Democrats, who had previously attempted to brush off concerns about the presidents age and cognitive decline as MAGA-fueled media attacks. Still, even before Bidens faceplant at the debate, Schumer had privately concluded that the questions surrounding the presidents fitness for office were too much for Democrats to overcome.

open image in gallery Former President Barack Obama urged Schuck Schumer to get Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election following the diastrous debate with Donald Trump. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Schumer, though, had chosen for months not to do anything, feeling like convening colleagues to discuss the presidents future would only weaken the party as a whole, especially if those conversations leaked to the press. The debate, meanwhile, was regarded as a gift by Schumer as it finally presented the opportunity to start an overdue discussion about the presidents political viability.

After the debate, donors and Democratic lawmakers began ringing Schumer nonstop, pleading with him to tell the president he needed to drop out. While the Senate leader urged them not to go public with their complaints, some felt waiting was the wrong strategy, especially since Biden had not returned their calls or letters. Meanwhile, Schumer began having frank conversations with Obama and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about replacing Biden on the ticket.

During a July 3 call with Biden, Schumer held back in explicitly urging Biden to drop out but did tell the president that the only way he could see his way through this would be to hold spontaneous events and unscripted town halls to put voters at ease about his age. While Bidens advisers dismissed these concerns, Schumer told Democrats to refrain from publicly calling for the president to step aside, fearing that this would only make it worse and prompt Biden to dig in his heels.

Eventually, Obama revealed that he was worried that the party wasnt doing anything as the days passed. On the flip side, he also didnt think Biden would listen to him personally because the president still was sore about the 2016 election.

He told Mr. Schumer that he himself had a fragile relationship with his former vice president, who still carried a chip on his shoulder over Mr. Obamas decision to support Hillary Clintons candidacy in 2016. Having urged him not to run back then, Mr. Obama told Mr. Schumer, he wasnt sure if he was the best messenger to tell Mr. Biden to step aside now, the Times noted.

You may be a better one, the former president added.

open image in gallery President Barack Obama waves as he exits The White House before boarding Marine One on November 6, 2016 in Washington, D.C. ( Getty Images )

It would be another week before Schumer made his way to Bidens Rehobeth beach house for that emotional one-on-one that resulted in the president stepping aside. Prior to that, Biden further dug in and sent Democrats a letter saying he was sticking around, and he expected Democrats to fall in line.

Days after Bidens letter, the Democratic caucus held a grim meeting with Bidens advisers in which almost the entire caucus agreed that Biden had to go  even those who were close friends with the president. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), usually quiet and stoic, said he could not support Bidens re-election bid unless he provided reports from two neurologists saying he was fit to serve.

One of the only vocal supporters among the senators was John Fetterman, who grumbled that his colleagues had no spine and needed to be for Joe Biden. Schumer eventually scolded the first-term Pennsylvania senator aside, telling him that while he could always express what you think in our caucus, he shouldnt ever tell our members they have no spine.

Inevitably, the majority leader sat down with the president to give him the harsh truth, letting him know that if there were a secret ballot held in his caucus, only five senators would express support for him to stay in the race.

If you run and you lose to Trump, and we lose the Senate, and we dont get back the House, that 50 years of amazing, beautiful work goes out the window. But worse  you go down in American history as one of the darkest figures, Schumer told Biden on July 13. If I were you. I wouldnt run, and Im urging you not to run.

While Biden ultimately heeded that advice, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place, the president has still expressed the belief that he would have won if he had stayed in.

According to The Washington Post, Biden and his aides have told people following Trumps victory that he could have defeated the incoming president. Biden would double-down on that sentiment during a press conference last week.

I think I would have beaten Trump, I could have beaten Trump, the president declared. And I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have beaten Trump. It wasnt about that. I thought it was important to unify the party.
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Joe Biden is claiming to recognize a new constitutional amendment to enshrine protections against sex discrimination, but its unclear whether the president intends to take any action to publish it before Donald Trump enters office.

The Equal Rights Amendment  which would become the nations 28th constitutional amendment  would explicitly protect Americans from discrimination on the basis of sex, which advocates argue could provide firm constitutional basis to overturn state-level anti-abortion laws in the wake of the Supreme Courts landmark decision to overturn Roe v Wade.

In a statement released by the White House on Friday, Biden said he agrees with the American Bar Association and a host of legal scholars who say the Virginia legislatures act to ratify the ERA in 2020  the 38th state legislature to do so  means that the proposed amendment has met the threshold needed for it to be officially recognized as part of the constitution.

Biden, who noted that he has long been clear that no one should be discriminated against based on their sex and stressed that hes supported the effort to amend the constitution to prohibit such discrimination for over a half-century, said the United States must affirm and protect womens full equality once and for all.

open image in gallery Biden endorses the creation of a 28th constitutional amendment to enshrine discrimination protections on the basis of sex ( EPA )

It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people, he said. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.

While the presidents statement is sure to be welcomed by advocates. senior administration officials could not say what, if anything, Biden will do beyond making the statement itself.

Because Bidens statement is just a statement and not an order, proclamation or other presidential action, it carries absolutely zero legal force.

In order for the ERA to be actually considered part of the constitution, the Archivist of the United States would have to publish it officially as the 28th Amendment. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity said the president was not directing the archivist to publish the amendment.

The official refused to say whether there had been any communications with the archivists office when pressed on the matter by reporters during a briefing early Monday, and repeatedly demurred when asked about the meaning or effect of the presidents statement.

Instead, the official repeatedly told reporters that its Bidens view that the amendment has been ratified since 2020, when Virginias state legislature became the 38th to approve it.

Hes using his power of the presidency to make it clear that he believes and he agrees with leading constitutional scholars and the American Bar Association, not that it should be but that it is the 28th amendment of the constitution, said the official.

Yet Bidens newfound view on the ERA contradicts his administrations legal work over the last four years. During numerous legal cases in which the federal government participated, not a single Department of Justice attorney ever argued that the amendments prohibition against sex discrimination should be recognized as part of the constitution.

The official could not explain the discrepancy between Bidens claim that Virginias 2020 ratification put the amendment in force and the administrations inaction during his term. They also said the presidents statement was influenced by the ABAs recent opinion on the ERA as well as opinions of leading constitutional scholars who have said the amendment has cleared all necessary hurdles to be formally added to the Constitution.

open image in gallery Dozens of supporters and opponents of the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment legislation hold signs at a rally ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Yet at the same time, the official also admitted to reporters that it would ultimately  be up to the courts to interpret this and their view of the Equal Rights Amendment.

The presidents 11th hour announcement is sure to be met with a firestorm of criticism from conservatives whove long opposed the amendment, which was first approved by Congress in 1972.

At the time, right-wing groups claimed that enshrining a prohibition against sex discrimination into the nations founding document would erode traditional protections for women and bring about mandates for single-sex bathrooms and the wholesale drafting of women into Americas armed forces.

When the House and Senate approved the joint resolution laying out the amendment, the document included a seven-year deadline for 38 states to ratify it. That deadline was later extended by legislation, but legal experts have disagreed as to whether that extension was legally valid. Other legal experts have opined that the deadline had no legal force in the first place.

Advocates have argued that such an amendment would ensure protections for abortion access and provide a strong constitutional basis against anti-abortion laws that have swarmed the nation in the wake of the Supreme Courts stunning 2022 decision to revoke the right to abortion care by overturning Roe v Wade.

Democratic members of Congress and civil rights group have urged the president to publish the amendment and enshrine sex discrimination protections before Trump returns to the White House, among many of the last-minute pleas for bold actions from the president to brace the nation for the president-elect.

Senator Kristen Gillibrand of New York also launched a one-woman lobbying effort to press Biden on the issue, including meeting with Bidens chief of staff and top advisers and using brief interactions with the president to mention the ERA.

open image in gallery Virginia state Sen. Jennifer McClellan speaks in support for the Equal Rights Amendment to be added to the U.S. Constitution ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A letter from more than 120 House Democrats, led by now-former Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, called on Biden to demand that the archivist publish the amendment.

Both houses of Congress approved the amendment in 1972, but it was not ratified by the states in time to be added to the Constitution. Democrats have advanced a legal theory that a deadline for adding an already-approved amendment is unconstitutional, and that all Biden has to do is make a phone call.

In the letter, Democrats argue that the ERA has already met the requirements to become an amendment after its passage in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of states.

The House passed the ERA in 1971 by an overwhelming margin of 354-24. It passed in the Senate the following year with only eight no votes.

But it took nearly five decades for at least 38 states to ratify it.

Last month, following speculation that Biden would amend the constitution before leaving office, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan and Deputy Archivist William Bosanko said in a joint statement that the ERA cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions.

The courts, Department of Justice and White House counsel have affirmed that the ratification deadlines established by Congress for the ERA are valid, they wrote.

Therefore, the Archivist of the United States cannot legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment, they added. As the leaders of the National Archives, we will abide by these legal precedents and support the constitutional framework in which we operate.
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A Florida jury found CNN liable on Friday in a high-stakes defamation trial against U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, who alleged that the network maligned him as an illegal profiteer with a report on Afghan evacuees being charged thousands of dollars to flee the country following the U.S. military withdrawal.

Following two days of deliberations, the jury ruled that CNN must pay Young $4 million in financial damages and $1 million for emotional damage, adding that Young is also owed punitive damages. After the trial entered a second phase to determine punitive damages, the network eventually settled with Young for an undisclosed amount.

We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case, a CNN spokesperson said in a statement after the settlement was announced.

Once both sides had moved to argue their case for how much additional money Young should be awarded, Judge William Henry told the jurors on Friday that during this second phase, the punitive damages against CNN could only apply to its actions in this specific case and not on any other stories or issues. Following an extended break in the testimony, during which the two legal teams engaged in discussion, Henry informed the jury that the two sides had settled.

One juror asked Henry if they could have the privilege to know the settlement amount, only for the judge to look towards both legal teams before responding: Apparently not.

Though the amount was not disclosed, the settlement came after a business expert for the plaintiff testified that, based on his review of CNNs earnings, he estimated that CNN brought in roughly $150 million of revenue a month. He further suggested that it could be a fair amount to pay in punitive damages.

The numbers represent the Plaintiffs interpretation of a subset of data as presented in litigation, and they do not represent financial data for the whole of CNNs business, a CNN spokesperson told The Independent.

The verdict comes weeks after ABC News paid $15 million to Donald Trumps presidential library fund and another million dollars to his legal team to settle the president-elects defamation lawsuit against the network  a move that First Amendment experts warned could have a chilling effect on the free press.

The jury in the trial, which was held in deeply conservative Bay County, Florida, was tasked with determining whether CNN acted with actual malice during its reporting on Young. The court defines actual malice as a reckless disregard of the truth while publishing false information. Additionally, the burden of proof in this case was lower because the judge ruled before the trial that Young was not a public figure.

Young, a security contractor who once worked for the CIA, sued CNN in 2022 over a story it ran the year before on private contractors charging desperate Afghans large amounts of money to help evacuate them from the war-torn country after the Taliban retook control. The investigatory piece, reported by national security correspondent Alex Marquardt, was first aired on Jake Tappers show and warned of exorbitant fees from black market rescue operations that had no guarantee of safety or success. Young was the only contractor named throughout the story.

open image in gallery CNN was sued by US Navy veteran Zachary Young for defamation over a report on black market Afghanistan evacuations. ( AP )

In his complaint, Young said his inclusion in the story suggested that his activities were criminal, specifically because of an on-air graphic that used the term black market. That banner was also used when the story ran on CNN programming and the networks website. Young said that he only charged corporate sponsors to extract Afghans and never took money directly from residents, pushing back on the storys implication that he was exploiting people fearful of the Taliban.

CNNs legal team and witnesses, meanwhile, argued during the trial that their intention behind the use of the term black market was to show that evacuations in the region were taking place in an unregulated market and didnt explicitly mean the actions were criminal. Youngs attorneys, however, noted that the dictionary defined the term as illegal.

Do not let CNN rewrite the English language to avoid liability in this case, attorney Devin Freedman told the jurors during his closing arguments on Thursday.

Young has argued that the CNN story destroyed his reputation and left him unable to make a living, claiming his yearly salary went from six figures to zero. He also said that the network caused psychological damage to him, prompting Freedman to urge the jury to send a message that news organizations must be held accountable.

Months after the story first ran on CNN, the network issued an on-air apology after Youngs attorneys threatened legal action. Delivered by anchor Pamela Brown, who was substituting for Tapper, the correction stated that the term black market shouldnt have been used in the report and the network did not intend to suggest that Mr. Young participated in a black market.

During the trial, however, Marquardt and other CNN employees testified that they didnt feel the correction was necessary and that it was merely issued at the behest of the networks legal counsel to avoid a lawsuit.

Additionally, CNNs legal team argued in court filings that at the time of its reporting, CNN knew little about Youngs financials, his model, or whether hed successfully evacuated anyone because whenever anyone [including CNN] asked Young to explain his business, he obfuscated, behaved unprofessionally, lied, and hid. They also stated last summer that Youngs operation was very different from how he publicly portrayed it and he never planned any evacuations.

open image in gallery U.S. Soldiers and Marines assist with security during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 19, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. ( U.S. Central Command Public Affa )

I reported the facts. I reported what I found. Everything in there was factual, accurate and, I believe, fair, Marquardt said on the stand on Monday, defending his reporting. He also took issue with his story being described as a hit piece by Youngs lawyers, claiming he wasnt personally going after the security contractor.

You needed a bad guy for your scandal story, Freedman told Marquardt at one point. You hated him, did you not?

Throughout the trial, Freedman presented a series of Slack messages and emails from Marquardt and other CNN staffers in which they referred to Young as a s***bag with a punchable face. In one message to an editor, Marquardt said they were gonna nail this Zachary Young mf***er, while an editor responded: Gonna hold you to that one cowboy! In another message, Marquardt said of Young: Its your funeral, bucko.

In depositions and court filings, CNN and its lawyers defended the harsh remarks as banter thats part of a candid newsroom and that it didnt impact the editorial process. I hear a lot of profanity at work, one producer said. Few things are more common in newsrooms than journalists using tough and indignant language to refer to persons whose misdeeds they believe they are in the process of exposing, the network acknowledged in a filing last month.

In a December court order, though, Judge William Henry stated that while the network downplays the coarse and harsh language as journalistic bravado, a reasonable jury could find with convincing clarity that the reporters acted with ill will, hostility or an evil intention to defame and injure Young or intended to personally harm him.

The jury may have tipped its hand on Wednesday when they repeatedly peppered CNN reporter Katie Bo Lillis  who first attempted to contact Young for the story  with pointed questions about the vague messages she initially sent the contractor. Do you feel Americans are obligated to speak to you? one juror asked, while another wondered: At what point do you accept someone not wishing to speak or comment?

open image in gallery The investigatory piece, reported by national security correspondent Alex Marquardt, was first aired on Jake Tappers show ( Getty Images for Turner )

Additionally, network lawyer David Axelrod (no relation to the CNN pundit of the same name) was severely reprimanded by Henry on Wednesday for blatant misrepresentations he made about a document related to Young. Saying Axelrods credibility with him was none, Henry urged the lawyer to apologize to Young for repeatedly calling him a liar.

The networks editorial process and fact-checking also came under intense scrutiny during the trial, especially since some editors seemed to express reservations about publishing the story. The story is full of holes like Swiss cheese, breaking news editor Megan Trimble wrote, while senior national security editor Thomas Lumley replied: Agree. The story is 80% emotion, 20% obscured fact lol.

Im never going to publish a story that is factually incorrect or unfair, Lumley said on Tuesday, insisting that he didnt doubt the facts of the story. Thats the red line.

The trial took part in the Florida Panhandle, a deeply red part of the country that voted overwhelmingly for Trump. It also comes at a time when CNN, which the president-elect has repeatedly called fake news, and the rest of the mainstream media face ideologically polarized perceptions from the public. Conservative discontent has only grown more engrained as Trump has made legal and political threats against the press a regular occurrence.

Perhaps because of this, some legal observers called on CNN to settle before the case went to trial, especially in light of the damning text exchanges that had become public during discovery.

The internal communications certainly make it sound as if the main journalist on the story wanted to ruin the plaintiff, and that there were reasons to believe that ... he was overplaying their hand factually, University of Florida law professor Lyrissa Lidsky told NPR earlier this month.

My advice to CNN would be to cough it up. Settle, former Bloomberg News media legal counsel Charles Glasser added. Admit youre wrong. Admit your hyperbole was out of line, and move on.
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President-elect Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order making crypto a policy priority.

It will also give people with influence in the industry a voice in the incoming administration, people familiar with the plan told Bloomberg.

The order is set to make crypto a national imperative or priority, pushing government agencies to work with the industry. Its also intended to establish a crypto advisory council to champion the industrys priorities.

The crypto industry has been a target for investigations during the Biden administration after a number of fraud cases, including the collapse of the FTX exchange, which went bankrupt in 2022 and led to the arrest of former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of defrauding investors.

Federal agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed more than 100 enforcement actions against the crypto industry in the last few years. Banking regulators also made it hard for crypto companies to work alongside financial institutions, Bloomberg noted.

Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Republican governors at the Mar-a-Lago Club on January 9, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump has promised to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world ( Getty Images )

What remains under discussion is a potential directive in the executive order for all agencies to have a look at their policies on digital assets and possibly put on hold any legal action that involves crypto, people familiar with the order told the outlet.

The creation of a national Bitcoin stockpile is also under consideration, which would include the governments current holdings of the worlds top cryptocurrency.

The U.S. government currently has almost $20 billion in Bitcoin that was seized during a number of investigations, according to Arkham, an analytics company.

The executive order could become public as soon as Monday and it could change before its finalized, Bloomberg noted.

What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry, the vice president for U.S. policy at Coinbase Global, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., Kara Calvert, told the outlet. What its signaling to other countries is be careful, or you wont keep up.

Trump campaigned on aiding the crypto industry during the election. Attending a Bitcoin conference in July, he claimed that he would make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.

Also last year, he announced a crypto business alongside his sons called World Liberty Financial. Its supposed to allow people to earn and borrow cryptocurrency, but it doesnt yet do so, Bloomberg noted.

Trump has received strong backing from the crypto industry, which has a major presence in the nations capital, supported by political action committees. A number of companies, such as Coinbase and Ripple, have donated to Trumps inaugural committee. The industry is hosting an Inaugural Crypto Ball on Friday ahead of Mondays inauguration.
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Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping Donald Trumps inauguration because she doesnt want to plaster on a smile for someone she fundamentally believes is a threat to American democracy, according to a report.

It was confirmed last week that she would not be attending the president-elects swearing-in but her office did not give any further explanation in its brief statement. The 44th president was introduced by himself and took his seat inside the Capitol rotunda next to his fellow former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, as well as their wives Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi also snubbed the event.

Michelle Obama also missed Jimmy Carters state funeral last week due to a scheduling conflict, although it subsequently emerged she had been on vacation in Hawaii.

Interestingly, she has actually not been seen publicly in the company of her husband since both spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, where her speech championing the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris and attacking the Republican nominees ugly, misogynistic, racist lies went down a storm.

open image in gallery Barack Obama showed up to the second high-profile event this year without Michelle by his side. ( Getty )

That said, she did thank Barack for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile on Instagram on the occasion of their 32nd wedding anniversary.

Speculation about her absence from Trumps inauguration has been rife since her announcement and now a source close to Obama has shared the real reason, according to People.

Theres no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. Shes not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake, the source told the outlet.

Michelle doesnt do anything because its expected or its protocol or its tradition.

open image in gallery Michelle Obama attended Trumps first inauguration in 2017 ( Getty )

She would be expected to swallow her feelings in the spotlight if she attended his second inauguration.

But both Donald and Melania Trump refused to attend Joe Bidens swearing-in in January 2021, making them the first American leaders not to attend the succession since 1869.

Michelle Obama, who served as first lady from 2009 to 2017, did attend Trumps first inauguration in January 2017 and later revealed her discomfort at being expected to sit in the audience and watch him be sworn in as commander-in-chief.

open image in gallery Obama took his seat next to his fellow former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush , as well as their wives Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush . ( Getty )

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 on her show The Light Podcast in 2023.

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.

Obama went on to say that she cried for half an hour after the ceremony because thats how much we were holding it together for eight years without really being able to show it all.

open image in gallery Barack Obama and Donald Trump appeared to get along at Jimmy Carters funeral earlier this month, which Michelle Obama also skipped ( AFP/Getty )

Despite a great deal of pressure on her to run for the presidency on the Democratic ticket in future, Obama has largely shunned politics since leaving Washington and doesnt feel the need to be a public figure anymore, according to Peoples source.

Her animosity towards Trump is no secret, given that the 45th and 47th president has regularly insulted and attacked her family, referring to her husband disparagingly as Barack Hussein Obama and making comments about people of color that have contributed to Michelles opinion of him, as Peoples source put it.

For his part, Barack Obama appears not to mind Trumps taunts and was seen sharing a laugh and engaging in polite conversation with him during Carters funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

Trump reflected on the moment afterwards by telling a reporter of the moment: 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.

And I said, Boy, they look like two people who like each other. We probably do.
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More than 170 million Americans could lose access to the widely popular social media platform TikTok beginning on Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld the law that forces TikTok to divest from its parent company or be banned.

Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners first amendment rights, the justices said in an unsigned opinion on Friday.

The fate of TikTok now lies with president-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Monday. Trump, who once tried to ban TikTok and advocated for its removal, has turned into an unexpected savior  promising to save it.

The Biden administration has said it will not enforce the ban, according to reports. That will leave its fate to Trump or app stores.

open image in gallery Though the Supreme Court upheld the law that bans TikTok, Joe Biden said he would not enforce it ( AP )

Trump has not not revealed what he will do with TikTok but said he will make a decision.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told CNN anchor Pamela Brown. Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision.

Trump could try to work out a deal with TikTok and ByteDance or could lobby Congress to repeal or amend the legislation to make sure the platform can exist in the U.S. Though, its unclear how feasible that is.

It took the court just one week to decide the case  one of the fastest decision timelines in recent terms.

Justices wanted to intervene before the ban took place on 19 January. They scheduled oral arguments just three weeks after agreeing to take up the case.

Congress passed a law that required TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or be removed from the U.S. The popular social media app argues that the ban is illegal and violates the first amendment.

The bill signed by Joe Biden had bipartisan support and lawmakers cited national security concerns when calling for the ban. As a China-based company, ByteDance is required to have a committee of Chinese Communist Party members.

open image in gallery The Supreme Court decision comes after lawmakers passed a bill to ban the app citing national security concerns ( Getty Images )

A lawyer for TikTok argued earlier this month before the court that the legislation violated the first amendment because Congress passed it based on the content posted to the platform  or the potential content that could be pushed on U.S. users. They argued that Congress had not considered alternatives to protect Americans data before banning the app.

But several justices, including chief justice John Roberts, pushed back on that claim.

Congress doesnt care about whats on TikTok, 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.

A separate lawyer representing a group of creators agreed, saying the ban would unfairly hurt his clients who rely on the platform to market themselves or their businesses. The platform, the lawyers argued, could not be replicated without ByteDances unique algorithm that tailors videos to each user.

From arguments, justices appeared skeptical of the first amendment claim.

open image in gallery Justices of the Supreme Court released a decision on TikTok as per curium - or unsigned by a particular justice ( AFP via Getty Images )

Jackson questioned whether their argument was really about content or about the algorithm.

Im trying to understand what the burden is that you are articulating and really whether its about association and not speech, Jackson said. What youre really complaining about is the inability to associate with ByteDance and its algorithm.

Justice Elena Kagan pointed out that while there will be first amendment implications they would be incidental in comparison.

The statute only says to this foreign company divest or else and leaves TikTok with the ability to do with every other actor in the United States can do which is go find the best available algorithm, Kagan said.

Solicitor general Elizabeth Prelogar, arguing on behalf of the government, disputed the lawyers claims, saying so long as ByteDance controlled TikTok there would always be a potential threat of China accessing U.S. data to blackmail or spy on someone at any given time.

open image in gallery A TikTok influencer holds a sign that reads Keep TikTok outside the U.S. Supreme Court as oral arguments were heard just days ago ( Getty Images )

While it became clear the Supreme Court would not save TikTok, hundreds of thousands of users flocked to other Chinese-owned platforms out of spite.

At the same time, TikTok users made videos airing their grievances about lawmakers decisions while saying goodbye to their favorite platform.

Their outrage led some Democrat lawmakers to introduce legislation that would extend TikToks deadline, thus giving it more time to work out a deal or allow Trump to assist. But Republicans blocked their attempts, believing the platform had enough time to try.

Because the ban will go into effect just one day before inauguration, President Biden said he would not enforce it  meaning the app can live on U.S. servers without facing fines or other repercussions.

However, the Apple App Store, Google and other servers could still choose to remove it to avoid liability.

TikTok has said it plans to fully shut down the app on Sunday.
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President-elect Donald Trump has appointed actors Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight to be his special ambassadors to Hollywood, calling it a great but very troubled place.

They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE! Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest, he added. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!

The positions ar not officials government positions, and Hollywood is part of the U.S. so its unclear exactly what the three will do as special amabassadors.

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump greets actor Sylvester Stallone onstage at the America First Policy Institute Gala. He is one of three movie stars appointed to serve as Trumps envoys to Hollywood ( Getty Images )

During an event at Mar-a-Lago last month, Gibson called the Biden administration, four years of thinly veiled Marxism. He added that the new Trump administration would lead to a four-year grace period.

Well see how much this administration can claw back from the Philistines, Gibson said, according to The Daily Beast.

While introducing Trump at the America First Policy Gala in November last year, also hosted at Mar-a-Lago, Stallone called Trump the second George Washington.

Comparing his character Rocky to Trump, Stallone said, This man was going to go through a metamorphosis and change lives, just like President Trump, according to USA Today.

open image in gallery Jon Voight and Mel Gibson will be the other two special ambassadors to Hollywood ( Getty )

open image in gallery During an event at Mar-a-Lago last month, Gibson called the Biden administration, four years of thinly veiled Marxism ( Getty )

Were in the presence of a really mythical character  Nobody in the world couldve pulled off what he pulled off, so Im in awe, he said just over a week after Trumps election victory.

When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world, Stallone said during the November 14 event. Because without him, you can imagine what the world would look like. Guess what, we got the second George Washington.

Voight has backed a number of Republican politicians in the last several years, including Trump. After Trumps Access Hollywood comments about grabbing women by their genitals surfaced in 2016, Voight defended Trump, saying that he wasnt aware of too many men who havent expressed some sort of similar sexual terms towards women.

In 2017, the Oscar-winning actor added that he didnt know if God could reverse all the negative lies against Mr. Trump, whose only desire was to make America great again.

Two years later, in 2019, Voight called Trump the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.

Voight also supported Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, saying that it was a battle of righteousness versus Satan.
An unsuspecting swimmer was visited by four sharks during his swim, and experts believe there's a reason why.

Drone operator Curtis Ramsay captured the close call between the swimmer and several tiger sharks. Source: Curtis Ramsay/Supplied

A mans swim through Perths crystal clear waters has turned into a lesson of what NOT to do, after one particular action attracted the attention of multiple tiger sharks.

The swimmer was filmed in waters off Hillarys dog beach in Western Australia, with his heavy-handed freestyle stroke causing the water to splash around him.

Drone footage caught the moment at least four sharks approached the unsuspecting swimmer, with the drone operator telling Yahoo News Australia it was the closest call hes seen between a human and a shark at the popular beach.

Curtis Ramsay said splashing is one of the behaviours that can potentially attract sharks, and urged swimmers to be more aware of the types of movements that could result in unwanted attention from the predators.

Over the years, Curtis has filmed the picturesque beaches north of Perth with his drone and has seen dozens of sharks in the shallows between Mullaloo and Hillarys.

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He said while most of the sharks hes witnessed are usually unbothered by swimmers, the mans splashing triggered a different response in the sharks.

He witnessed four sharks swimming toward the man at different times, with the largest one showing a repeated interest.

I saw the bigger shark turning around and diverting towards him, which is typically not what they do, Curtis told Yahoo. Theyll come in close but theyre not going to beeline it for somebody in the water, so that instantly was like, oh s**t this is a little different.

Curtis said initially the shark approached and checked out the swimmer before turning away.

He made his decision and went away. But another splash would come and hed go, oh what was that. And then every time there was another big splash, he seemed to change his behaviour each time.

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Curtis said the experience made him nervous, just because of the way they [the shark] acted, which was very different to every other interaction.

The man's splashing is believed to be the reason behind the attention from the ocean predators. Source: Curtis Ramsay/Supplied

Splashing can mimic a prey item for sharks

Shark scientist Leo Guida told Yahoo News some of the smaller sharks appeared to be juveniles, and splashing on the surface may have simply piqued its curiosity as an interesting object that on closer inspection, was neither a threat to it or of any further interest.

Splashing does, however, alert sharks to an animal that may be injured.

Sharks are great at sensing vibrations in the water, and at quite close range, electrical impulses like a heartbeat, he said. So generally speaking, erratic movements like splashing can alert sharks as it can mimic an injured animal.

Simple behaviour changes beachgoers should adopt

Curtis stressed it was important for swimmers and beachgoers to be vigilant and in control while in a predators environment.

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The larger sharks are hunters, they are looking for any weak prey so if you act like that at all then theyll obviously want to investigate, he said.

If I was at a beach that had higher shark activity, I wouldnt be throwing my dogs ball out into the waves. If Ive got my kid with me, Im not throwing her into the waves, Id keep her close to me, I wouldnt be splashing about. Id just be more controlled and a bit more aware of my surroundings."

Despite witnessing the frequent shark activity in the area, Curtis said he still loves to swim in the water and has great respect for the sharks that live there.

I still go to the beach, I still swim where Ive seen sharks. But Im making sure to be more controlled with my movements and choosing to swim in water with good visibility, ensuring I can see them early and eliminating the chance of any mistaken identity by the sharks as well."

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be attending Donald Trumps second inauguration  but those close to the president-elect dont seem to mind, according to a report.

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 earlier this week.

The Obamas office gave no explanation for her absence, but MAGA world doesnt seem bothered by the snub.

They are having a good laugh, a source involved in planning the inauguration told Page Six. They didnt expect her to come anyway.

open image in gallery Michelle Obama attended Trumps first inauguration in 2017, but plans not to attend his second ( Getty Images )

One Republican source believed her decision to miss Trumps second inauguration was a snub: Its obvious that this was her way of protesting Trump. She hates him.

A Democratic source told the outlet theres no reason to read into her absence: Donald Trump and Melania didnt go to Joe Bidens inauguration and nobody cared. No one said anything.

Another source told the outlet that she decided to sit the ceremony out because she doesnt want to be phony while watching the man she once described as felon, slumlord and a predator be sworn in.

Shes never been fake and shes never been phony. Shes always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up, the source said. She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesnt have to unify around [Trump]. She doesnt have to say anything. Her absence speaks volumes.

A source related a similar sentiment to People. Theres no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. Shes not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake, the source told the outlet. Michelle doesnt do anything because its expected or its protocol or its tradition.

open image in gallery The former first lady hasnt given a reason for skipping, but Trumps team said they feel it was her way of protesting his win ( Getty Images )

The source added: She would be expected to swallow her feelings in the spotlight if she attended his second inauguration.

Reflecting on going to Trumps first inauguration after being in the White House for eight years, she said on her show The Light Podcast in 2023: 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.

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 is the second major event that the former first lady plans to skip this month. She didnt attend Jimmy Carters funeral at the Washington National Cathedral with Barack Obama, with the Obamas office saying that she had scheduling conflicts and was still in Hawaii.

The former first lady wont be the only Democratic heavyweight not in attendance. Nancy Pelosi will reportedly also sit out Trumps second inauguration.
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Donald Trump wasted little time in taking credit for the ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, bringing a halt to the violence in Gaza after 15 months of brutal conflict.

This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies, the president-elect wrote on his Truth Social platform.

I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.

With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.

We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!

Not everyone agreed with Trumps version of events, however.

President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was asked about his successors response and answered: Is that a joke?

Biden stressed that the ceasefire had been based on a framework he introduced last May and declared: This deal was developed and negotiated under my administration but its terms will be implemented for the most part by the next administration.

I told my team to coordinate closely with the incoming team to make sure were all speaking with the same voice, he added.

Because thats what American presidents do.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu pictured together in Jerusalem in May 2017 during the Americans first term in the White House ( AFP/Getty )

Bidens National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also told reporters on Wednesday the administration had coordinated very closely with the incoming Trump team.

Doing so had enabled the US to present a united message to all the parties, which says 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 said.

As part of that effort, Witkoff, the envoy alluded to by Trump, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend while reports from diplomats involved in the negotiations have revealed that the incoming president played a key role in brokering the agreement by piling pressure on the Israeli government to accept it, something Biden had appeared reluctant to do.

Its not as if suddenly the terms have shifted significantly, its just that now you had an incoming US president that was willing to actually use some pressure, ex-State Department aide Annelle Sheline told The Independent.

This is a deal that, in its basic form, has been on the table for many months, and it is an absolute travesty that the Biden administration never used any of the massive leverage it had to push it over the finish line, her former colleague Josh Paul added.

He said it wasclear Trumps team played a role in brokering the agreement but added: How much of that was commission as opposed to Netanyahus desire to give Trump a win  a desire that has probably been a consideration for him since very early in this conflict  remains to be known.

The president-elects GOP allies on Capitol Hill have also been rushing to pat him on the back, with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma telling The Independent Trump deserved all of the credit for the agreement while Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska observed: People respect strength.

Their Democratic counterparts, however, were, unsurprisingly, more inclined to acknowledge Bidens contribution to the effort.

The Republican former and future president has a history of supporting Israel, relocating the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his first term as well as recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and pushing for the signing of the Abraham Accords to promote more harmonious relations with the countrys Arab neighbor states.

On the campaign trail last year, he also sought to shore up the American Jewish vote by warning the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas in September that Israel would be gone if Harris were elected president and repeatedly warned that Jews moved to vote Democrat need their heads examined.

He was also critical of the war in Gaza, however, emphasizing his belief that it needs to come to an end as soon as possible.

Youve got to get it over with, and you have to get back to normalcy, he told radios The Hugh Hewitt Show in April.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, the billionaire biotech entrepreneur joining Elon Musk to recommend drastic cuts to federal spending in Donald Trumps administration, reportedly plans to run for governor of Ohio.

Ramaswamy  who was reportedly considering a run for J.D. Vances open U.S. Senate seat, with Trumps encouragement  is expected to announce a campaign to replace the states term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, according toThe Washington Post.

On Friday, DeWine tapped the states Lt. Gov Jon Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat instead, after Vances resignation to serve as vice president under Trump.

Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native who now lives in the Columbus area, is working with Musk and members of Congress with Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, a newly created outside advisory group, which is expected to recommend mass firings and slashed federal budgets to the new administration.

Vivek Ramaswamy is expected to announce a run for governor of Ohio after he was passed over for filling the states open Senate seat previously held by J.D. Vance. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump has said the groups work must be completed by no later than July 4, 2026, ahead of a November 2026 election for the next governor of Ohio.

Ramaswamy, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination as a Trump booster, has never held public office.

The Independent has requested comment from Ramaswamy.

Husted, a Republican, will join Ohios congressional delegation alongside recently elected GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, who entered office earlier this month after defeating Ohios incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in November. Husteds interim term ends in 2026, after which there will be an election to determine who holds the seat.

I believe and know that Jon is prepared to be United States senator from the state of Ohio, DeWine said Friday. The U.S. Senate rewards hard workers. It rewards those who master the facts. It rewards those who focus on getting things done.

Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is expected to compete for the GOP nomination for governor against state attorney general Dave Yost, who has notably fought to defend the states six-week anti-abortion law. Former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton recently announced her campaign to run as the Democratic nominee.

Ramaswamys expected announcement also follows his ignition of inter-party outrage over immigrant visas, after he bizarrely argued that ubiquitous 1990s sitcom tropes about high school nerdiness only venerated mediocrity and produced fewer American engineers.

His comments amplified a schism between Trumps anti-immigrant allies and Silicon Valley Republicans, with Trump eventually saying he always liked the H-1B visa program, despite restricting them during his first term and calling the program very bad when he first ran for office in 2016.
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Massive social media app TikTok could be banned in the US unless its Chinese parent company sells it by Sunday. At the time of writing, the app remains active in the United States.

The proposed ban was enacted by Congress with bipartisan supportin April. Now, that law is being disputed in front of the Supreme Court. The ban gave Chinese-owned ByteDance until 19 January to sell TikTok. If it fails to do so, a nationwide ban is set to come into force  despite having 170 million US users.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the 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. Meanwhile, the proposed ban has led to an increase in interest for another ByteDance app, Lemon8.

The ban means that the app will not magically disappear from a persons phone but rather eventually cease to function thanks to a lack of updates. New users will not be able to download the app from the Apple or Google stores.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to find a political solution to the TikTok debate ( AFP/Getty )

Professor V.S. Subrahmanian of Northwestern Universitys Security & AI Lab told NBC Chicago that TikTok operates in a manner similar to a pipe, watching something on the app is requesting information from the app.

And flowing down from the other side either a response to a request from me or of their own volition, theres data coming from the TikTok side to me and my phone. If that pipe is removed or blocked in the middle, then this flow cannot happen, Subrahmanian said.

The proposed ban will put pressure on TikTok creators who will have to shift their focus to other platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.

Jess Maddox, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama told CNN that the ban would be catastrophic for creators.

A TikTok ban would be absolutely catastrophic for the creators and the small businesses who rely on it. 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.

In April 2024, Congress passed a bill giving ByteDance nine months to find a US-approved buyer. The bill was signed into law by president Joe Biden.

Lawmakers and officials says 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.

TikTok and ByteDance have strongly denied the allegations. Both have fielded several legal challenges against the bill, saying that it is unconstitutional for the implications it would have on the First Amendement.

The Supreme Court heard a final plea by TikToks lawyers on Friday, asking for the ban to be overturned, with owners saying even a temporary ban would have devastating effects on their business.

Trump may seek to reverse the ban once he assumes office, meaning it could potentially be quite short-lived. Although the he tried to ban the app himself in 2020 during his first presidency, he has now called on the Supreme Court to delay the upcoming ban.

His lawyer has filed a legal brief saying that Mr Trump opposes banning TikTok and is looking to find a solutions through political means once he takes office. The president-elect also met with TikTok boss Shou Zi Chew in December.

But he will not assume office until 20 January, while the app is set to be banned on the 19th. A lawyer representing TikTok have said if the law is not suddenly changed before then, the app will simply go dark for its millions of US users.
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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.
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After three decades of legal clashes, an appeals court in Nantes, western France, became the final battleground for a long-standing feud between traditional Camembert makers and dairy giants this week.

Factories mass producing the staple French cheese have been barred from labelling their products as made in Normandy, much to the delight of local producers.

Big supermarket brands will have to remove the word Normandie and any symbols of the region from their packaging, to protect manufacturers who adhere to the traditional Norman method of making the cheese by hand.

The landmark ruling has ended over 30 years of legal battles to stop mass producers from associating their cheese with the region.

This is a great victory for us and for consumers, David Aubree, the president of the association of AOP (protected origin) cheeses from Normandy told The Times.

People will no longer be fooled into thinking theyre buying real Camembert by misleading labels on cheaper mass-produced cheeses.

open image in gallery The landmark ruling has ended over 30 years of legal battles to stop mass producers from associating their cheese with the region. ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Industrial producers supply more than 90 per cent of the markets Camembert but do not adhere to the same strict processes local Camembert makers do.

The cheese, hailed from the village of Camembert, is hand-ladled by local manufacturers for at least 13 days before it is packaged and sold.

To be considered traditional Normandy Camembert, it must be made from raw milk, of which at least 50 per cent must come from Norman cows.

However, mass-produced factory-made versions are instead made by machines from pasteurised milk that may not come from Norman cows.

This makes production cheaper but yields an inferior texture and taste, according to Mr Aubree.

The traditional approach produces a cheese of vastly superior taste and quality, Aubree told the newspaper. But when you stick to these requirements, it means that you pay more for your milk than industrial producers. This is why its crucial for consumers to be able to differentiate between two completely different types of cheese.

open image in gallery Big supermarket brands will have to remove the word Normandie and any symbols of the region from their packaging ( AFP/Getty )

Allowing factory-made cheeses to be labelled Made in Normandy blurred the distinction and was unfair to us.

The local cheesemakers almost lost their legal battle, which started in 1992, in 2022 when a lower court ruled against them. Their successful appeal in Nantes has been welcomed by the hugely relieved traditionalists.

Their bid was backed by a host of French Michelin-starred chefs led by Michel Bras, Anne-Sophie Pic and Cesar Troisgros.

The much-loved cheese has become a staple on cheeseboards around the world since the technique to make it was invented by a young Norman woman in 1791.

According to legend, Marie Harel, a then 30-year-old dairymaid from Vimoutiers, Normandy, was taught how to make the cheese by a priest, Mr Bonvoust, who was fleeing the anti-clerical French Revolution.

open image in gallery The much-loved cheese has become a staple on cheeseboards around the world ( HARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty Images )

She apparently made some slight adaptations to the recipe, removing cream, making them in smaller wheels and also packaging the cheese in thin round wooden containers.

It was given to French soldiers in their iron rations during World War I, helping cement it in French culture.

However, in 2021, Camembert producers were horrified to find Italian mozzarella had overtaken it as the countrys favourite soft cheese.

Traditional cheesemakers have attributed this decline to large manufacturers, saying sales declined because customers became disappointed with the blander industrial versions.
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The heirs of Otto von Bismarck, Germanys legendary Iron Chancellor, are embroiled in a bitter courtroom battle over a fortune as grand as their family name.

Carl-Eduard von Bismarck, the so-called black sheep of the family, is suing his younger siblings, Gregor and Vanessa, for an 83m (70m) share of their inheritance.

This decades-long battle over wealth and legacy has brought the familys scandals and dysfunctions into stark public view, tarnishing the name of a man once synonymous with German unification and diplomacy.

The courtroom clash in Lubeck, northern Germany, is the latest chapter in a saga of personal grudges, police interventions and public disgrace that threatens to overshadow the Bismarcks historic contributions.

open image in gallery Carl-Eduards younger brother Gregor (pictured) inherited the family seat and adjoining forestry estate. ( Alamy Stock Photo )

The siblings are the great-great-grandchildren of Otto von Bismarck, who masterminded the unification of Germany in the 19th century.

Carl-Eduard, 63, has earned a reputation as the black sheep of the family and a playboy princeling, disinherited by his father, Prince Ferdinand von Bismarck, in 2002 due to his flamboyant lifestyle.

Once dubbed Germanys laziest MP for his absenteeism during his brief political career, Carl-Eduards reputation stands in stark contrast to his ancestors legacy of diplomacy and statecraft.

The inheritance dispute has brought the siblings to a court in the northern town of Lubeck. Reports from German media describe tense proceedings, with the siblings avoiding eye contact as their lawyers spoke on their behalf.

open image in gallery Vanessa Weiner von Bismarck lives in New York with her husband Maximilian Weiner and their son Laszlo ( Getty )

The judge has requested further documentation to determine the true value of the Bismarck estate, estimated to be worth as much as 1bn. Gregor argues that Carl-Eduard received a significant loan from their father, which, if proven, could reduce his claim.

The feud dates back decades, with tensions escalating even before the death of Prince Ferdinand in 2019. In 2010, police were called to Friedrichsruh Castle, the familys ancestral seat near Hamburg, during an alleged altercation between Carl-Eduard and his 71-year-old mother, Princess Elisabeth.

Carl-Eduard reportedly tried to evict her from the estate, leading to a confrontation so heated that officers arrived fearing weapons might be involved.

The police arrived, and suddenly I was lying handcuffed on the ground with my face in the sand, Carl-Eduard told the Bild newspaper at the time. His mother later withdrew a legal complaint against him.

open image in gallery Carl-Eduard with his aunt Gunilla von Bismarck (left) and former wife Natalie ( Getty )

He told Bild in an interview in 2010. And my brother was shouting at the officers to test me for drugs and alcohol. They did, and when the results were negative, he told them: Get better equipment.

His mother, he said, had withdrawn a legal complaint against him for bodily harm and had given a sworn statement that he had never threatened her with a hunting weapon.

Gregor, who inherited Friedrichsruh and its adjoining forestry estate, has since banned Carl-Eduard from the property altogether. Observers of the current court case see little hope for reconciliation.

The feuds backdrop is the waning public image of Otto von Bismarck, the familys towering historical figure. Once celebrated as a unifier of Germany, his legacy has faced increasing scrutiny over his role in German colonialism and his autocratic tendencies.

open image in gallery The siblings are descendants of Otto von Bismarck, who cemented the familys legacy as a Prussian statesman and diplomat who oversaw the unification of Germany ( Getty )

In 2022, German officials removed his name and portrait from a hall in the foreign ministry, renaming it the Hall of German Unity. Critics argued that Bismarcks legacy does not align with democratic values, citing his disregard for womens rights and his promotion of colonial expansion.

Ernst von Bismarck, a family member, protested the move, stating that history cannot be eradicated. The Bismarck Family Association, with hundreds of members, continues to advocate for a more balanced view of the chancellors legacy, lamenting what they see as an oversimplified vilification of their ancestor.

The Bismarck dynastys internal strife and diminishing public prestige reflect a broader story of aristocratic decline. Gregor, a former Hollywood producer, has described his brothers behaviour as bringing unnecessary drama to their parents in their later years. Meanwhile, Carl-Eduard has admitted to struggles with addiction, acknowledging that his actions have tarnished the familys reputation.

The judge in Lubeck has urged the siblings to consider settling the matter privately but given the history of animosity, this seems unlikely. As the courtroom battle continues, the once-proud Bismarck name remains embroiled in personal scandals and public controversies, a far cry from the days when it symbolised the height of European diplomacy.

The Independent has contacted Carl-Eduard for comment.
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Three lawyers who represented the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny have been sentenced to years in a Russian penal colony, as part of Vladimir Putins crackdown on dissent that has reached levels unseen since Soviet times.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser  already in custody  have been jailed from three-and-a-half to five years after being arrested in October 2023, charged with involvement with extremist groups, which is what the Russian state designates opposition groups as.

Before his sudden death in a penal colony last year  which Western leaders have blamed Putin for  Mr Navalny slammed the arrests of his lawyers as outrageous, describing it as a plan to further isolate him in jail. Despite his imprisonment, Mr Navalny was able via his lawyers to post on social media and file frequent lawsuits over his treatment in prison, using the resulting legal hearings as a chance to keep speaking out against the government and the war.

The trial, which was held behind closed doors, was widely seen as a means to discourage defence lawyers from supporting political dissidents in Russia. The lawyers were accused of enabling him to continue to function as the leader of an extremist group, even from behind bars, by passing his messages to the outside world.

Human rights activists say the prosecution of lawyers who defend people speaking out against the authorities and the war in Ukraine crosses a new threshold in the repression of dissent.

"Lawyers cannot be persecuted for their work. Pressure on defence lawyers risks destroying the little that remains of the rule of law, whose appearance the Russian authorities are still trying to maintain," rights group OVD-Info said in a statement.

It said Mr Navalny's lawyers were being prosecuted "only because the letter of the law still matters to them and they did not leave the man alone with the repressive machine".

open image in gallery Russias crackown on political opponents has reached unprecedented levels in the post-Soviet era ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In court, a woman shouted "Boys, you are heroes" and supporters applauded the three men, standing together in a barred cage for the defendants, after their sentencing.

At the time of their arrest, Mr Navalny was serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on a number of charges, widely rejected by the international community as trumped up. His wife, Yulia Navalnaya has said she believes Putin ordered him killed, and has offered a reward to witnesses with evidence he was murdered. The Kremlin has denied this.

In his final court statement on January 10, Mr Kobsev reportedly said the trio were being tried for transmitting Navalnys thoughts to other people.

Mr Navalny was accused of leading extremist networks after a 2021 court ruling outlawed his Foundation for Fighting Corruption. He was arrested that year upon his return from Germany, where he was recovering from a poisoning which he blamed on the Kremlin.

The ruling was widely condemned as politically motivated. A request to remove late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny from a list of terrorists and extremists was rejected  Ms Navalnaya revealed last week - saying that it shows Putin is still afraid of her husband.

open image in gallery Mr Navalny, left, died in an Arctic penal colony last February. His wife Yulia, right, believes the Kremlin is behind his death ( REUTERS )

After initially being ordered to serve a 2.5 year prison sentence following his 2021 arrest, Mr Navalnys prison sentence was extended to 19 years after two more trials. Navalnys team accused the Kremlin of looking to jail the activist, who died aged 47, for life.

He was moved to a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle, where he died in February in unexplained circumstances. Russian officials have rejected accusations from Mr Navalnys wife and supporters that he was murdered on direct orders from the Kremlin.

Two other lawyers who assisted Navalny, Olga Mikhailova and Alexander Fedulov, are wanted by Russia but have left the country. Ms Mikhailova says she has been charged in absentia with extremism.

Russias most prominent human rights group, Memorial, has described Mr Kobzev, Mr Liptser and Mr Sergunin as political prisoners. The group has demanded they be released immediately.
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All of the roughly 12,000 North Korean troops fighting with Russian forces may be dead or wounded by mid-April, a leading war monitor has said.

North Korean troops have suffered an estimated 92 casualties every day since significant fighting in Russias border Kursk region began in early December, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in early January that 3,800 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in Kursk, where Russia is trying to reclaim territory following Kyivs lightning offensive last August and a second push late last year.

"The entire North Korean contingent of roughly 12,000 personnel currently in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in action by mid-April 2025 should North Korean forces continue to suffer from their current high loss rate in the future, the ISW said.

open image in gallery Images of two North Korean troops captured by Ukrainian forces were recently released ( X/ @ZelenskyyUa )

South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) said at the start of this week that 300 North Koreans have been killed and 2,700 wounded in Kursk.

North Korean forces will likely continue to suffer a larger ratio of wounded to killed in action  as is typical for armed conflict  and it is unclear if or when injured North Korean soldiers return to combat, the ISW said.

Although Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov said in November North Korean troops were engaged only in small-scale clashes in Kursk, Russian military bloggers have since claimed they are participating in significant combat operations.

Moscows defence ministry claimed on Friday that its forces have retaken 63.2 per cent of the territory captured by Ukraine in Kursk. Russian forces captured four settlements in the first two weeks of January, it claimed, but the reports have not been independently verified.

open image in gallery Thousands of North Korean troops are fighting in Russias Kursk region ( AP )

Meanwhile, the French defense minister accused Russia of intimidation after its S400 ground-to-air defense system locked onto a French sea patrol plane.

The plane was patrolling in international airspace on Wednesday when it was locked onto by the radar of the defence system, Sebastien Lecornu said.

This aggressive Russian action is not acceptable. Our armies will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces, Mr Lecornu said on X.

Russian air attacks continued on Friday, with Ukrainian air defences downing 33 out of the 50 drones launched overnight, Kyivs air force said.

At least four people have been killed in a Russian strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih, Mr Zelenskys hometown in southern-central Ukraine, the regional governor said.

Another three people are in a serious condition in hospital and at least two others were injured in the attack, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram.

Two five-storey buildings were damaged, including a residential building and an educational facility, and one caught fire, Mr Lysak added. Russia has not commented on reports.

It came after a Thursday drone attack on Kyiv, as British prime minister Keir Starmer visited to sign a 100-year security deal with Mr Zelensky, and discuss the prospect of sending British peacekeeper troops to Ukraine.

open image in gallery Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky attend a presentation of Ukrainian military drones on Thursday ( Getty Images )

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Moscow would study the details of the agreement, adding that the idea of British military bases in Ukraine was worrying.

Given that Britain is a Nato country, the advancement of its military infrastructure towards our borders is certainly a rather worrying element," Peskov said.

Elsewhere, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian travelled to Moscow and, alongside Putin, signed a strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow, state media reported. Iran has long been accused by the West of supplying drones to support Russias war effort in Ukraine - which Tehran has denied.
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Victoria Starmer made an emotional return visit to Auschwitz alongside her husband, the prime minister, during their visit to Poland.

Lady Starmer, whose Jewish family left Poland for Britain before the Second World War, was seen walking to the grounds of the former concentration camp hand-in-hand with Sir Keir.

The PM said that while it was his first time at Auschwitz, it was his wifes second. But [it was] no less harrowing than the first time she stepped through that gate and witnessed the depravity of what happened here, he added.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer and wife Victoria walk through Auschwitz ( AP )

In a statement after the visit, Sir Keir vowed to fight the poison of antisemitism and pointed to the rise in such hate crimes after the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel in 2023.

Time and again we condemn this hatred, and we boldly say never again, he said. But where is never again, when we see the poison of antisemitism rising around the world in the aftermath of 7 October?

Where is never again, when the pulse of fear is beating in our own Jewish community, as people are despicably targeted once again for the very same reason, because they are Jewish.

Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing. The mounds of hair, the shoes, the suitcases, the names and details, everything that was so meticulously kept, except for human life.

open image in gallery The prime minister said the experience would stay with him for the rest of his life ( AP )

Sir Keir said the experience would stay with me for the rest of my life.

So too, will my determination to defend that truth, to fight the poison of antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, and to do everything I can to make never again mean what it says, and what it must truly mean: never again, he added.

Lady Starmer still has members of her extended family living in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and Sir Keir has spoken about the effect the attacks there have had on his family.

open image in gallery It is the first time Sir Keir has been to Auschwitz ( AP )

Her father Bernards family left the central Polish village of Kolo, where many of the residents were Jewish, for Britain in the 1920s. He was born in Hackney, east London, in 1929.

His wife, Barbara, later converted to Judaism. Sir Keir and Ms Starmer have brought up their children with the faith of their grandfather.

Sir Keir has called the Shabbat dinners they have each Friday night a rock in the week for the family, though he admitted it has been difficult while at No 10 to maintain the tradition.

open image in gallery Lady Starmers family left Poland for Britain in the 1920s ( AP )

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said the charity was grateful to the prime minister for leading the way in ensuring that the horrors of the past are always remembered.

Nothing can prepare you for seeing the magnitude of this place that was built for the sole purpose of extermination, where approximately a million Jewish men, women and children were systematically murdered, she said.

The haunting artefacts, such as the piles of hair, shoes and belongings, bear witness to the unimaginable suffering inflicted here and we have no doubt this visit will have had a profound impact.

As we mark this milestone anniversary 80 years after the liberation of the camp, at a time when eyewitnesses are dwindling in number and as antisemitism continues to surge, it is more crucial than ever that this history is remembered.

The visit came as the PM travelled to Poland to meet with the countrys political leaders, following a trip to Ukraine where he met with Volodymyr Zelensky.

He is expected to discuss the new UK-Poland treaty with his counterpart Donald Tusk, which will support both countries working together to protect Europe from Russian aggression and work together to tackle people smuggling gangs.

After his visit to Kyiv, the prime minister confirmed that the UK will discuss deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine with its allies, vowing Britain will play our part in guaranteeing the countrys security following any ceasefire with Russia.
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Anxious civilians in Gaza are counting the seconds until a ceasefire is enforced, as Israeli airstrikes continued to pound the besieged strip, killing dozens of people, according to local health officials.

International diplomats and mediators scrambled to salvage the truce between the Hamas militant group and Israel, which was announced by US president Joe Biden and the Qatari leadership on Wednesday.

Despite a wobble when Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had attempted to extort last-minute concessions, the deal appeared back on track on Thursday night and is due to be ratified on Friday with fighting set to cease on Sunday.

In war-ravaged Gaza, the health ministry said waves of Israeli airstrikes continued in the meantime, killing 77 people  half of them women and children.

We see and expect that the coming hours before the ceasefire will be bloody and harsh, said Dr Raed Musleh, 52, an internal medicine doctor, himself homeless and displaced in the southern city of Khan Younis, where he said medics lacked drugs to treat the wounded.

We are used to the last hours being difficult and dangerous, he added.

open image in gallery Palestinians watch TV as they await the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis ( AP )

Mahmoud Basal, from the Palestinian civil defence in north Gaza, urged the international community to intervene and stop the bombings so that more lives would not be lost so close to the potential end of the conflict.

The coming hours will be very difficult if Israel continues this pace of bombing  which has already killed 77 people since the agreement was announced, he said.

Families in Gaza said what they fear most is that the far-right elements of the Israeli government will ultimately kill the deal.

We are counting the minutes and even the seconds for the implementation of the ceasefire on the ground, said Rami Morjan, a university chemistry professor displaced from northern Gaza City to central Deir al-Balah.

Fifteen months of bloody conflict has claimed the lives of around 46,700 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian officials, and 1,200 in Israel. More than 90 per cent of Gazas 2 million population has been displaced and swathes of the strip destroyed.

Those anxiously waiting to see if the ceasefire deal will be approved, said that even if it was, the next nightmare is just beginning.

open image in gallery Palestinians struggle for food at a distribution centre in Khan Younis ( AP )

Hanaa Ahmed, 64, said the bombing of Gaza City, where she is sheltering, has not stopped since the moment the ceasefire was announced.

But she said even if the strikes do stop she is scared about the future. Famine still stalks parts of the strip, their homes are destroyed, and her family relies on farming in an area that may be engulfed in an Israeli buffer zone.

We are very worried about permanently losing our lands that we bought and paid everything for, she added.

Ibrahim Al-Muslimi, 75, a local community leader who has been displaced seven times from north Gaza, said Palestinians in the strip need every type of assistance after a long, harsh wave of hunger.

He said even if they could go back to the north, there is nothing left, and his family would only be able to stake out the land where their home once stood if I can get a tent there.

Dr Musleh, meanwhile, said they would not give up.

Despite 15 months of living in hell, the people of Gaza are full of hope and optimism. We will start our life from scratch, from below zero. We have the will to bring back our life, and we have the potential to start again.

open image in gallery Palestinians react as they wait for news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip ( Reuters )

The three-phased agreement will see the release of 33 hostages over the coming six weeks in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and an Israeli withdrawal from many parts of the territory. It is supposed to pave the way for a long-term, permanent end to the fighting, and the return of Palestinians to their homes.

Human rights groups say after such fierce bombardment, Gaza is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

A coalition of 18 NGOs, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Oxfam, and Amnesty International, petitioned the UK government on Thursday to ensure that the truce turns into a permanent end to Palestinian suffering and serves as a starting point for justice and accountability, not an endpoint that allows the Israeli authorities to continue their blockade, occupation, and oppression of Palestinians.

Action For Humanity said the ceasefire should also not give Israel a blank cheque to commit as many war crimes as possible in the lead-up. Israel has repeatedly denied committing any crimes in Gaza.
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A digital clock that towers over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv has been ticking for the last 466 days. It marks the seconds, minutes and days since families in Israel and beyond have been campaigning for the release of hundreds of their loved ones taken by the Hamas militant group into Gaza.

It is a clock that these families hope will finally come to a stop.

On Wednesday, mediators from the US and Qatar announced that they had reached a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which will come into effect on Sunday. Negotiators hope it is the first step in ending the unprecedented bloodshed in Gaza, where Palestinians say Israels bombing has killed more than 46,000 people and laid waste to swathes of the Strip.

open image in gallery Israelis in Tel Aviv celebrate news that a ceasefire has been agreed ( EPA )

open image in gallery The digital clock that towers over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv has been ticking for the last 466 days ( Bel Trew/Independent )

The hope is that it will also lead to the release of all the remaining 100 or so hostages held in Gaza and will lay the groundwork for the end of this nightmare that began on 7 October, when Hamas launched its bloody attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,000 people according to Israeli estimates.

The wording of the deal, which The Independent has seen, is complicated. It was described by one person, who is briefed by the negotiators, as an onion.

That worries civilians in Gaza, living in tents, their homes completely destroyed and dozens of family members killed.

They told The Independent they were cautiously celebrating, worried at the same time that the deal wouldnt hold.

Its a strange feeling, says Nedal, from the north of Gaza, an area largely razed to the ground. We are sad for those who were killed and injured, and at the same time happy that the bloodshed has stopped. We hope our return is a matter of days.

People are celebrating in the streets, shouting happily and gathering together. But they are also worried, as it will start on Sunday. There are still 72 hours to wait.

open image in gallery Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip ( AP )

open image in gallery Hostages Square in Tel Aviv is mostly empty late at night after the ceasefire deal announcement ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

Care International said the agreement is just the first step in stemming the overwhelming tide of suffering, adding: Palestinians have been killed on an incomprehensible scale.

In Israel, families of the hostages also described a whirlwind of joy, hope, and deep anxiety that the agreement might collapse and not everyone would be brought home.

Its mixed feelings  happiness, sadness, grief, and worry, said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat, 41, a hostage, was supposed to be part of this ceasefire deal.

Carmel, an occupational therapist seized from her home in Kibbutz Beeri, was on the list of those set to be freed in an earlier draft of this deal that floundered in the 11th hour in the autumn. Carmel was shot dead by her captors in a tunnel shortly after negotiations collapsed in September.

open image in gallery A man plays his guitar in Hostages Square as people watch on ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

open image in gallery Protesters calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react following the news ( Getty Images )

She was even supposed to be part of the first days of the first phase, but the deal didnt come in time. So this was such a miss for us, for me, Gil added, his voice cracking.

On the other hand, Im really so happy for my fellow hostage family members who are going to see, hug, and kiss their loved ones after waiting for such a long time. It feels like some of my family members are coming home too.

In the first phase, 33 hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, are expected to be released in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

According to US president Joe Biden, it will see the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the Strip, which has teetered on the brink of complete famine.

open image in gallery Palestinians take to the streets of Gaza's Khan Younis to celebrate the upcoming ceasefire ( AP )

During that time, negotiations will start for the second and third phases, when the remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, will be released and Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza.

But many worry there are numerous steps that have to be taken before that can happen.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Wednesday that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still not complete and final details were being worked out.

We are really, really worried. From what I understand, this was the same deal we had on the table since May. It wasnt signed before  and the reason why it is signed now is because [Donald] Trump is now in the White House, Gil continues, echoing what people close to the negotiations have told The Independent: the pressure for a truce before Trumps inauguration on Monday was a watershed moment.

Thanking Trumps team, Gil added he hoped the incoming US president understood that he had to finish what he had started.

He should leave no one behind, he said.

In Gaza, Nedal said despite the devastation and the loss, families were celebrating because there was a chance they could go home.

People might be able to go back to the north. But of course, most homes were destroyed. But they are celebrating.
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After 15 gruelling months, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been struck, finally bringing to an end the war in Gaza.

Despite a day of wrangling with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of reneging on the deal, all obstacles appear to have been removed. As the fighting looks set to pause on Sunday, The Independent looks at the true cost of the brutal conflict.

The war was triggered on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a terror attack into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages into the Gaza Strip.

open image in gallery The front page of The Independents daily digital edition ( The Independent )

Sign up to The Independents daily digital edition now.

In retaliation, Mr Netanyahu launched a devastating bombing and ground campaign in Gaza, razing much of it to the ground.

As a result, more than 46,788 Palestinians have been killed, with one in four of them children, according to latest figures from the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run strip. A further 110,453 people have been injured, the ministry has said.

Around 1.9 million people, accounting for 90 per cent of the population, have been forcibly displaced several times and are now living in refugee camps while facing a food crisis.

open image in gallery A woman and her child sit amid the rubble following the Israeli bombardment of Gaza City on 14 January ( AFP via Getty Images )

At least 50 per cent of hospitals across Gaza are only partially functional, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Up to 12,000 patients are currently in need of medical evacuation, as many of those suffering extensive burns and amputated limbs face limited access to lifesaving medical care, OCHA figures show.

During a brief pause in the war last November, Hamas released around 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, but the war restarted after a week-long truce.

open image in gallery Hamas took around 250 Israeli hostages into Gaza on 7 October. Israel says 94 remain, with over half believed to be dead ( AP )

The Israeli military has claimed to have hit over 40,000 targets in Gaza, saying that Hamas is using the population of Gaza as human shields.

More than 8,200 rockets have been launched at Israel from inside the strip since that date, with another 12,000 fired from Lebanon, Israel said.

Collecting data from a variety of sources, The Independent lays out the figures behind a conflict that has brought the entire Middle East to the brink of all-out war:

1,205

The number of people killed in the 7 October attack according to Israeli tallies, including hostages killed in captivity.

251

The number of hostages seized during the attack, of which 94 are still believed to still be in Gaza. Israel believes about half of those are still alive.

29

The number of locations the Israel-Gaza border fence was breached by hundreds of Hamas fighters during the Hamas attack.

open image in gallery A woman looks at pictures and memorials for Israeli festival goers killed by Hamas at the site of the Supernova Music Festival ( EPA )

150,000

The number of people evacuated from their homes in southern Israel, on or immediately after 7 October. There have also been 5,400 reported injuries across Israel since the Hamas attack, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

46,788

The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since 7 October, according to Gazas health ministry. At least 110,453 others have been injured.

open image in gallery The daughters and wife of Palestinian Ahmed Alrawi, killed the previous day in an Israeli strike, mourn during his funeral in Jenin's refugee camp ( AFP via Getty Images )

1.9 million

The number of people in Gaza forced to leave their homes, many multiple times. That amounts to more than 85 per cent of those living in Gaza.

345,000

The number of people facing catastrophic hunger across Gaza, according to latest UN-backed reports. More than 96 per cent of Gazas population are facing a food crisis.

371

The number of aid workers killed inside Gaza since 7 October, according to the OCHA. At least 160 journalists have also been killed inside the besieged enclave, according to NGO Committee to Protect Journalists.

open image in gallery Destroyed buildings by Israeli bombardments as seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel ( AP )

69%

The percentage of buildings damaged or destroyed across the Gaza Strip, according to latest figures published by the OCHA.

8,200+

The number of rockets Israels military says has been fired at Israel from inside Gaza since 8 October. With another 12,000+ from Lebanon.

12,000

The number of patients that need medical evacuation from Gaza, according to the World Health Organisation.

open image in gallery A Palestinian child sits amid the rubble of buildings destroyed in Gaza City ( Reuters )

72

The average number of trucks that entered Gaza per day in December 2024 according to the OCHA. It was around 500 a day before the war.

1,303,452

The tons of aid delivered into Gaza since the war began, according to Israeli figures. That involved 65,000 trucks and 10,000 pallets. [Source: Israel].

813

The number of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank killed by Israeli forces or settlers since 7 October, according to the UN.

open image in gallery Mourners attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Sergeant Yahav Maayan who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip ( AP )

10,000+

The number of 2,000-pound bombs the US sent to Israel between 7 October 2023 and June 2024, alongside thousands of Hellfire missiles.

In August last year, the US approved the sale of $20bn in fighter jets and other military equipment across years-long contracts.

40,000+

The number of targets Israels military says it has struck in Gaza since launching an offensive into the region on 8 October.

100m

The amount of aid committed by the UK to Gaza and the occupied West Bank between 2023 and 2024, according to the UK Foreign Office.

open image in gallery An injured woman reacts after identifying a member of her family among the dead at the al-Maamadani hospital, following an Israeli strike that killed more than 90 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians ( AFP )

50%

The number of hospitals (18 out of 36) only partially functional across Gaza, according to latest OCHA figures  with the others having been made inoperable

658,000

The number of students with no access to formal education, according to the OCHA. At least 88 per cent of school buildings need rebuilding.

80.5%

The percentage of Gaza under active Israeli-issued evacuation orders as the ceasfire deal was signed, according to the OCHA.
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More than a year after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023  killing around 1,200 people and taking another 250 captive  around 80 hostages remain, although Israel believes around a third are dead.

A ceasefire deal currently in place promises the release of the hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian militants in Gaza.

The first stage of the ceasefire to due to last six weeks and see a full and complete ceasefire while 33 hostages in Gaza and up to 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in Israel are to be freed. The hostages released will include women, the elderly and the sick.

open image in gallery Female Israeli soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were released as part of the first stage ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, is reunited with her parents following her release ( via REUTERS )

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said all but eight of the 33 were thought to be alive.

In the second stage, the remaining living hostages, including men, would be released in return for more Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.

After 21 hostages were released in the first weeks, Hamas announced an indefinite halt to hostage releases due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Israel had delayed allowing displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, targeted Gazans with military shelling and gunfire and had stopped relief materials entering the territory, Hamas said. Three Israeli officials and two mediators told the New York Times anonymously that some of Hamas claims were accurate.

In response, Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce, and threatened to pull out of the ceasefire agreement by open the gates of hell on Gaza if all Israeli hostages were not released by noon on Saturday. Additional troops were deployed to the border and leave for combat soldiers was cancelled.

But on Thursday, Hamas announced it would release hostages as originally planned in the ceasefire deal, indicating that three more Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday. They have been named as Russian-Israeli Sasha Troufanov, 29, Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, 46, and US citizen Sagui Dekel Chen, 36.

open image in gallery Israeli captives Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy were handed over to the Red Cross (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) ( AP )

The first three hostages, Romi Gonen, 24, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Emily Damari, 28, were released on 19 January, alongside 90 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails. Four more hostages were released on 25 January  female Israeli soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag  in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners who were being kept in Israeli jails.

On 30 January, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man were released.

Ms Yehoud was believed to be the last remaining female civilian held hostage in Gaza. Another civilian woman, mother Shiri Bibas, remains in Gaza but the Israeli military has expressed grave concern for her life.

Israel refused to open the Netzarim corridor to northern Gaza on 25 January, as scheduled, after Hamas declined to include Ms Yehoud in that days swap. After US, Egyptian and Qatari mediation, it was agreed Ms Yehoud would be swapped a few days later, breaking the tradition of the exchanges taking place on the weekends. The corridor was then opened, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return home to northern Gaza, though much of it has been destroyed.

On Friday 31 January, Hamas named Yarden Bibas, 35, Keith Siegel, 65, and Ofer Kalderon, 54 as the next Israelis to be released. They were released on Saturday, with Mr Bibas and Mr Kalderon handed to the Red Cross in southern Gaza and Mr Siegel released separately in Gaza City, to the north of the Strip.

Mr Bibas is the father of baby Kfir, only nine months old when he was kidnapped on 7 October, and Ariel, who was four at the time of the cross-border attack. He is the husband of Shiri Bibas.

Shiri, Ariel and Kfir remain unaccounted for amid grave concerns over their wellbeing from the Israeli military, with the release of Mr Bibas marking a painful moment for the large numbers of Israelis and other supporters around the world who have long campaigned for the whole Bibas familys release.

On 8 February, three more Israelis were freed. Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, who were taken hostage from Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and Or Levy, who was abducted that day from the Nova music festival, were led onto a Hamas podium by gunmen before being handed over to the Red Cross.

The three men appeared thin, weak and pale, in worse condition than the 18 other hostages already freed under the truce agreed in January after 15 months of war.

On Tuesday 11 February it was announced that Shlomo Mansour, an Iraq-born 86-year-old from Kibbutz Kissufim and believed to be the oldest hostage in Gaza, had been killed during the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. His body had been held in the enclave, Israel said.

On Saturday 15 February, Russian-Israeli Sasha Troufanov, 29, Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, 46, and US citizen Sagui Dekel Chen were released from captivity. Scenes at the time of the release were more muted than previous exchanges, and the men appeared in a more healthy condition than those freed the week before.

Hamas said 369 prisoners and detainees were due to be released from Israeli prisons the same day.

open image in gallery Protesters calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on Wednesday ( Getty Images )

The Independent details who some of these remaining hostages are below.

David Cunio (34)

The 34-year-old is another of Ariels brothers and was also abducted from Nir Oz. His wife Sharon Aloni Cunio was released in November 2023, along with their twin daughters Ema and Yuly, three. Meanwhile, Sharons sister Daniele Aloni and her six-year-old daughter Emilia were also both freed then.

Gali and Ziv Berman (27)

The 27-year-old twins were abducted from Kfar Aza, with Ziv messaging a friend during Hamas attack. The brothers family said they had been told by the Israeli military that the pair are being held in Gaza.

open image in gallery Kobi Ben Ami, 54, holds a picture of his brother of Ohad, 55, who is still being held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Hamas ( Bel Trew / The Independent )

Daniela Gilboa (20)

The 20-year-old soldier was based at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. She was featured in a video published by Hamas in which she pleaded with the Israeli government to bring all the hostages home.

Matan Angrest (21)

The 21-year-old Israeli soldier was on duty on 7 October. It is assumed that he is still in Gaza.

Other hostages include:

Edan Alexander (20)

Matan Zanguaker (24)

Eitan Horn (38)

Oded Lifshitz (84)

Bipin Joshi (23)

open image in gallery Chanan Choen, along with his wife, Edna Choen, hold up portraits of his sister, 77-year-old Margalit Moses, and her husband, 79-year-old Gadi Moses ( AP )

Omer Neutra (22)

Itzik Elgarat (69)

Nimrod Cohen (20)

Tsachi Idan (50)

Omri Miran (47)

Ohad Yahalomi (50)

Tal Shoham (39)

A number of people were abducted from the Supernova music festival in southern Israel. Among them:

Omer Shem Tov (21)

Omer made a getaway in his car but was captured when he tried to rescue his friends, Maya and Itai Regev. All three were taken captive - the Regev siblings were released in November 2023.

Avinatan Or (31)

Avinatan was kidnapped along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. She was rescued from central Gaza in June, and revealed that they had been separated.

Rom Braslavski (20)

Rom was working on security for the festival. According to an account published by Hostages and Missing Families Forum, he was trying to rescue an injured person in the attack when he was caught in a volley of fire. He has not been heard from since.

open image in gallery A woman visits an installation honouring those who were killed and kidnapped in the Supernova music festival ( AFP/Getty )

Bar Kuperstein (23)

Bars family say they identified him in a video of Israeli prisoners, posted by Hamas. Since then, they have had no further information.

Other Supernova abductees:

Yosef Ohana (24)

Guy Gilboa-Dalal (23)

Eitan Mor (24)

Alon Ohel (23)

Maxim Kharkin (36)

Segev Kalfon (26)

Eliya Cohen (27)

Elkana Bohbot (35)

Omer Wenkert (23)

Evyatar David (23)

Hostages believed dead

In November 2023, the bodies of 19-year-old soldier Noa Marciano and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss were found by Israeli troops in buildings close to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, according to the military.

The next month, the Israeli military said soldiers had mistakenly killed three hostages in northern Gaza who had escaped from captivity. They were named as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26. The military expressed deep remorse.

open image in gallery Soldiers carry the coffin of Noa Marciano ( Getty Images )

In August last year, the Israeli military announced that the bodies of Abraham Munder, Alex Dancyg, Yagev Buchshtab, Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger and Nadav Popplewell had been found and returned to Israel. They said the six had died while held by Hamas.

Less than a month later, the Israeli military said troops had recovered the bodies of six hostages: Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino. The military said it believed Hamas had killed them shortly before soldiers reached them.

Earlier this year, the body of Yousef Zyadna, a 53-year-old Bedouin dairy farmer, was found by the Israeli military in an underground tunnel in the southern Rafah area. The military later said his son Hamza, 22, had been killed in Hamas captivity, after a forensic examination of remains. Yousef's other children, Bilal, 19, and Aisha, 17 had also been abducted but were released in November 2023.
 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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Watch again as Israelis gathered in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, on Friday, 17 January, as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus war-time security cabinet approved a long-awaited ceasefire deal with Hamas.

The cabinet convened at 10:15am (8:15am GMT) to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, to bring a pause to the brutal 15-month conflict.

The first Israeli hostages were released on Sunday.

President Joe Biden said the first stage would last six weeks from Sunday and see a full and complete ceasefire, as he confirmed a deal had been reached on Wednesday.

Living hostages will be released first, followed by remains of dead hostages. At the same time, Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 Palestinian detainees for every Israeli female soldier Hamas releases.

The total number of Palestinians released will depend on the hostages released and could be between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian detainees including men, women and children.

Israeli troops will also pull out of all populated areas of Gaza during this stage, Biden said, while the Palestinians [could] also return to their neighbourhoods in all the areas of Gaza.
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Families across Israel and Gaza are anxiously counting down the hours to the start of a historic ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of brutal war that has devastated the territory. The truce will allow the return of hostages held since the start of the conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects the hostages to begin being released on Sunday, with Israel approving the deal in the early hours of Saturday morning. It will bring relief to families who have had to deal with the loss of loved ones amid the devastation wrought on Gaza  though they acknowledge the truce is a fragile thing that needs work to last beyond its initial six weeks.

One family member of a hostage told The Independent that "we must go all the way with the ceasefire deal, no one should be left behind while another said that enough is enough, bring everyone home.

The Israeli security cabinet recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal on Friday, with the rest of the government cabinet following suit several hours later paving the way for the truce to begin on Sunday.

Hamas triggered the war with a cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed some 1,200 people and left around 250 others captive. Israel believes 94 of those are still held in Gaza, with about 60 still alive.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half of those killed. Around 90 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been forced from their homes at least once thanks to the bombardment, with much of the enclave left a wasteland.

Speaking from Hostage Square, where families hold regular protests demanding the government bring their relatives home, Shay Dickmann, a 29-year-old medical student whose cousins Carmel Gat and Yarden Roman-Gat were captured on 7 October, tells The Independent: We must go all the way with the ceasefire deal, no one should be left behind.

open image in gallery Benjamin Netanyahu, sixth from left, heads the security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Friday ( GPO/AFP/Getty )

Her family knows the painful reality of deals falling through. Yarden was released in November 2023, but Carmel, 39 and an occupational therapist, was due to be released in the current deal when it was first tabled last year. She was shot dead by her captives in a tunnel in Gaza when the talks fell through. In tears, Shay urges: This uncertainty is ripping families apart  there is a chance they could all be released. If this opportunity is missed you have no idea how long will be until the next time.

The Israeli cabinet meetings had been delayed on Thursday, with Mr Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on the deal, amid severe pressure from hardline partners in his government coalition. Underscoring the potential obstacles facing a final ceasefire, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved. However, he said he would not bring down Mr Netanyahu's government. His fellow hardliner, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, has also threatened to quit the government if it does not go back to war to defeat Hamas when the initial phase of the ceasefire is complete.

Under the first phase of the deal, which is to last 42 days, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages including children, women, among them female soldiers, and men aged over 50. In exchange, Israel would release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier released by Hamas, and 30 for other female hostages. The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second  and much more difficult  phase that will be negotiated during the first. The third phase would address the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and Hamas members, and a reconstruction plan for Gaza would be launched.

open image in gallery Mourners react to Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes ( Reuters )

Seeing people return is going to bring tears of joy, says Alana Zeitchik, who has six family members seized by Hamas from the Nir Oz kibbutz in the Hamas attack. Four of her captured relatives, including a cousin and her three-year-old twin daughters were released in the last weeklong truce in November 2023. In this deal she expects close friends  the Bibas family  to be returned home, among them is the youngest hostage Kfir Bibas who was just eight months old when he was abducted.

But Alanas cousin David Cunio, 34  an electrician and father of the twins  and his brother Ariel Cunio, 27 both civilians and young men, are not on the list of the first 33 to be released. Alana describes the euphoria when her cousin Sharon Alony-Cunio, three-year-old twin daughters Emma and Yuli as well as Danielle Alony, 44, and her five-year-old daughter Amelia, were released last year, but she is concerned that the ceasefire may not last long enough to bring her other relatives home.

"We are worried that this will cloud the urgency that we will have to make sure the deal progresses to phase two, she says. We dont have commitment from this government that phase two will happen, or that it will happen in any timely manner.

As for the comments from Israeli ministers Mr Smotrich and Mr Ben-Gvir, she says: The ministers who have been saying that they want to reject the deal, theyre a stain on the state of Israel, and they dont represent the state of Israel... They must put all of our people above the politics.

Families of some hostages, the majority relatives of young men held by Hamas who are not included in the first phase, sent a letter to Mr Netanyahu on Friday calling on him to publicly approve all stages of the deal  until the return of the last hostage. In the letter printed by Haaretz, they said he must do so to prevent division in the country.

open image in gallery A young Palestinian girl walks along a street on a misty morning in Khan Younis, Gaza ( AFP/Getty )

Israel has stated that the names of the hostages will be made public only after they have been handed to the Israeli military. A list containing the names of those who will be released over the next six weeks has been circulating on the main Israeli news sites since the early hours of Friday morning.

Israels justice ministry also released a list of 95 Palestinians held in Israeli prisoners to be freed in the first exchange of the hostage release deal with Hamas. Most of the people on the list are women, and the vast majority were arrested after the Hamas attacks on 7 October.

The releases will be staggered. On Sunday, three Israeli hostages are expected to be released, followed by four more on the seventh day, and again at the end of each week of the ceasefire.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said that the French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages to be freed.

The first phase of the deal will also allow Palestinians displaced from their homes to be allowed to move freely around the Gaza Strip, while aid to the territory should increase to 600 trucks a day, above the 500 minimum that aid agencies say is needed to contain Gazas devastating humanitarian and hunger crisis. Until now, the number of daily aid trucks has been far below this number, according to the UN and aid agencies, leaving hundreds of thousands facing extreme hunger, while much of the population struggles to get what supplies they need.

open image in gallery Emmanuel Macron has said that the French-Israeli citizens are in the first group of hostages to be freed ( AP )

Ibrahim al-Muslimi, 75, a community leader from the most heavily destroyed areas of Gaza in the north, tells The Independent that families are torn between celebrating the imminent ceasefire and dread about the future.

Gaza has been disaster struck. We need food after a long harsh wave of hunger, and exorbitant prices. We need water, electricity, sanitation. We need medical assistance. We are living in tents, we need homes. we need psychological assistance.

As the airstrikes on Gaza continue, in the aftermath of one hit on tents housing displaced people, a boy picked through damaged items on a floor littered with canned food and coffee pots.

That attack killed two people and wounded seven at an encampment close to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, according to medics.

Also in Khan Younis, mourners gathered around the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike as women hugged each other and cried.

Life has become an unbearable hell, resident Jomaa Abed al-Aal told Reuters.

Longer-term questions about post-war Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of its reconstruction. Hanaa Ahmed, 64, who has been displaced five times, has lost numerous family members to airstrikes and her son is missing as he was arrested by the Israeli military and held incommunicado. The most important aspect of the deal for me is the release of prisoners from Israeli prisons. I am also worried about the process of rebuilding and living long years in tents. The feelings of anxiety continue.

Ibrahim reflects the thoughts of many in Gaza when he says that he hopes countries around the world stand with us and do not abandon us.
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The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has come into effect after a delay in the list of 33 Israeli hostages due to be freed threatened to derail the truce.

Fighting finally stopped after an almost three-hour delay on Sunday, which saw continued airstrikes kill eight Palestinians and injure 25 others, according to medics in Gaza.

However peace began at 9.15am UK time, with the first three hostages set to be freed after 2pm.

They include British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as well as Romi Gonen, 24, who was ambushed as she tried to escape from the Supernova Festival.

Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was in her apartment in southern Israel when Hamas attacked is also set for release.

Four more female hostages will be released in seven days under plans to gradually release hostages over 42 days in the first phase of the truce. In exchange, some 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be freed.

On its official X account, the Israeli government posted a list of the 33 hostages it said were to be released. The Independent takes a look:

open image in gallery A woman walks past photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Many Israelis have celebrated the ceasefire, with others describing it as capitulation to Hamas ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Women and children

Romi Gonen, 23

Emily Damari, 27

Arbel Yehud, 29

Doron Steinbrecher, 31

Ariel Bibas, 5

Kfir Bibas, 2

Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33

Liri Albag, 19

Karina Ariev, 20

Agam Berger, 21

Danielle Gilboa, 20

Naama Levy, 20

Older men

Ohad Ben-Ami, 58

Gadi Moshe Moses, 80

Keith Siegel, 65

Ofer Calderon, 54

Eli Sharabi, 52

Itzik Elgarat, 70

Shlomo Mansour, 86

Ohad Yahalomi, 50

Oded Lifshitz, 84

Tsahi Idan, 50

open image in gallery The home of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, which was destroyed by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press All rights reserved )

Younger men

Hisham al-Sayed, 36

Yarden Bibas, 35

Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36

Yair Horn, 46

Omer Wenkert, 23

Sasha Trufanov, 28

open image in gallery Ofri Bibas Levy shows a picture of her brother Yarden, 35, who was captured by Hamas ( REUTERS )

Eliya Cohen, 27

Or Levy, 34

Avera Mengistu, 38

Tal Shoham, 39

Omer Shem-Tov, 22

Those on the list, to be returned over a period of 42 days, are so-called humanitarian cases: women, children, elderly individuals and the infirm.

Israel has not been told how many of the 33 are alive, though it expects the majority are. The identities of those set to return are expected to be provided 24 hours before each release.
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With house prices and mortgage rates remaining high, buying a home can be a struggle, so for some house hunters it could make sense to join forces with a friend or co-habiting partner.

But while it may solve cost issues, there are vital considerations to make when buying a home with someone else.

When it comes to mortgages there are downsides as well as positives to think about, Ben Thompson, deputy CEO, Mortgage Advice Bureau says.

On the upside, he says: The benefits of having a buying partner doesnt just come from having deeper pockets for your deposit. It also gives you the chance of securing a joint mortgage, allowing you to borrow more together, so you can secure a larger and perhaps more suitable place to live.

But he cautions: There are potential downsides to a joint mortgage. For instance, a friends poor credit could impact your ability to borrow.

Its also important to remember if their financial situation worsens after moving in, youll both be equally responsible for payments. This could be challenging if they struggle to pay their share.

Its crucial to trust your partner and feel confident in their reliability.

He suggests consulting with a mortgage expert to fully understand the implications and risks.

Thompson also highlights the different types of property ownership that people may consider when buying a home together, adding: Joint mortgages and joint ownership arent always the same.

Buyers could, for example, have a joint tenancy, where both people have equal rights to the property, he says.

Or they could have an agreement which allows each person to hold a different share of the property.

In other cases, people may choose to buy with the help of a family member, but the ownership of the home is solely theirs.

Thompson adds: Its important to consider what type of ownership is best for you, and speaking with a mortgage adviser should help you decide what the most suitable option is.

An adviser will help you to get mortgage ready, taking into full consideration your future plans and priorities, as well as your current affordability.

There also may be a time when one person wants to buy the other out, which could be a natural next step if friends have bought together and one of them wants to move on.

Thompson says: When buying with friends, its not like moving in as a married couple who have certain rights when it comes to sharing a home. Instead, those buying together need to be proactive and honest about the arrangement.

One way you can protect your rights is by getting a cohabitation agreement. The agreement outlines how you and your friend organise your finances and property while living together, and what the protocol will be in the case of plans changing, falling out, or unforeseen circumstances.

Thompson adds that while the agreement may seem pessimistic  you must not overlook the importance of protecting your respective interests and futures.
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The former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker has revealed his one best-kept flying hack.

There are no silver bullets. I can tell you what I tell my family, Parker, 63, said on the December 18 episode of Airlines Confidential podcast. Do not check a bag.

Wherever were going, you can buy stuff when you get there, he continued. Its not that the airlines dont know how to get there, but its incredibly complex, and it makes your experience much more difficult.

Thats my major tip to anybody. Just figure out a way, no matter where youre going, to get it into your carry-ons, and dont check a bag.

open image in gallery Former American Airlines CEO urges travelers to refrain from checking luggage ( Getty Images )

Parker, who served as the airlines chief executive from 2001 to 2023 and continues to act as the chairman of American Airlines Group, then said: A better tip is just be nice to the people that are out there working.

Its not just pablum. While its hard for the traveler, that makes it harder on the people that are out there, he noted.

open image in gallery Doug Parker served as the American Airlines CEO for more than 20 years ( Getty Images )

Parkers checked bag tip comes after the 2024 SITA Baggage IT Insights report recorded a 10 percent increase in mishandled bags in 2023. Out of all the mishandled luggage that same year, 77 percent were delayed and 18 percent were either damaged or tampered with.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airlines lose an estimated 2 million bags a year. All the luggage that isnt successfully returned to its owners is then sent to a warehouse in Scottsboro, Alabama, known as Unclaimed Baggage.

Founded in 1970, Unclaimed Baggage takes in the 0.03 percent of checked bags that have been deemed as orphans after a three-month owner search has been conducted by the airline and the travelers been paid the appropriate amount for their loss.

Inside Unclaimed Baggage, items are organized in categories similar to how any discount or retail store would display its merchandise. Clothing, shoes, and electronics are all laid out in separate sections.

That said, the warehouse will only sell about a third of its lost item intake. Most inventory is either donated or recycled.

We stock approximately 7,000 unique, heavily discounted items each day in our retail store, and thousands more online, where they are discovered and reclaimed by new owners, the Unclaimed Baggage website states. On average, for every item sold, we donate an additional item to someone in need.

Unclaimed Baggage has purchasing agreements for unclaimed items with all domestic airlines and other travel and transportation companies.
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London Heathrow airport has welcomed a Home Office U-turn on transit passengers needing online ETA permits simply to change planes.

Since earlier this month, all non-Europeans intending to travel to Britain without a visa have needed to apply in advance online and pay 10 for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Unlike almost all hub airports worldwide, the permit was deemed necessary even for passengers who were changing planes at Heathrow with no intention of going through passport control.

Airport and airline bosses predicted the demand would send thousands of passengers each day to rivals in continental Europe, where no such rules exist for connecting travellers. Heathrow warned it could lose 4 million passengers each year.

Labour had continued with the policy of Rishi Sunaks government, with ministers claiming airside transit without an ETA would increase the risk of illegal migration.

But the Home Office has now caved to pressure from Heathrow and airlines.

In a statement, it said: Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.

While the Home Office insists the exemption will be kept under review, few in the aviation industry believe that the demand for an online permit for connecting travellers will ever be brought back.

Heathrows chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it.

This is a critical move to ensure Heathrow and the aviation industry as a whole can continue to deliver for everyone who depends on our world-leading connectivity.

It shows that the government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UKs competitiveness and drive economic growth.

Heathrow handles the vast majority of passengers changing planes in the UK. Manchester airport also has a transit facility, but with far fewer users.

The Home Office also announced a potential increase in the price of an ETA from 10 to 16. It is not known when a rise might take effect.

Starting on 2 April 2025, all arrivals in the UK apart from British and Irish citizens, holders of UK visas and those remaining in airside transit will need an ETA.
Debris from SpaceXs Starship rocket fell through the sky after the spacecraft was destroyed following a booster catch back at the pad during its latest test flight on Thursday, 16 January.

Elon Musks company said the craft broke apart in what it described as a rapid unscheduled disassembly.

Its six engines appeared to shut down one by one during ascent, with contact lost 8.5 minutes into the journey.

People visiting the Turks and Caicos islands filmed the rocket ship's debris flying overhead, as the wreckage left behind a stream of smoke.
Protesters blocked one of Tel Aviv's main roads on Thursday night (16 January) as they called for all remaining hostages in Gaza to be released.

Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was killed in captivity, says he believes a deal is on the way largely because US President-Elect Donald Trump said so.

"What I worry about is the second and third phase of the deal, he continued.

On Friday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last-minute snags in finalising the ceasefire.
Hostages' families are hopeful for the return of their loved ones but remain "tense" waiting for a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last-minute snags in finalising the ceasefire.

Speaking in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, Shay Dickmann told The Independent of her hopes for the return of the remaining hostages following the release of her relative Yarden Roman-Gat.

Israel confirmed the death of Dickmann's cousin, Carmel Gat, who was taken hostage in the 7 October attack by Hamas.
Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria left a wreath and a poignant written message as they visited Auschwitz, a place the prime minister described as utterly harrowing, on Friday (17 January).

The PM described how he felt "sickness" and an "air of desolation" as he stood by the train tracks at the former Nazi concentration camp in Poland, vowing to fight the poison of antisemitism.

His wife Victoria, who is Jewish, joined him as she made her second visit to the site which Sir Keir said was "no less harrowing than the first time she stepped through that gate and witnessed the depravity of what happened here.
Provocative and unsettling imagery in works such as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive saw films gain cult status

David Lynch, the film director who has died aged 78, infiltrated our dreams and nightmares to a degree rarely matched by his fellow artists and filmmakers.

From Eraserhead, his neurotically personal feature debut of 1977, through to the beguiling fantasia Mulholland Drive (2001), via the various iterations of his cosmic television soap opera Twin Peaks, Lynch operated in the darker recesses of the Hollywood hills, flooding screens with voluptuous, provocative and often outright terrifying imagery. The majority of his projects rapidly secured cult status; several will endure among cinema and televisions major works.

Lynchs body of work extended into painting, photography, design and beyond; he shot promotional material for Michael Jacksons Dangerous tour, and gave to morning newspaper readers both a widely syndicated comic strip (The Angriest Dog in the World) and his own Signature Cup brand of coffee.

The critic Pauline Kael, who witnessed Lynchs mid-1980s transition from fringe figure to American art cinemas new hope, described him as the first popular surrealist, reflecting on a directorial persona that was equal parts folksy and eccentric. Lynch merrily confessed to frequenting the Los Angeles diner Bobs Big Boy every day for seven years, and spent the early 2000s posting weather reports on his website.

David Keith Lynch was born in Missoula, Montana, on January 20, 1946, the son of Donald Walton Lynch, a research scientist for the US Department of Agriculture, and Edwina Sunny Lynch, nee Sundholm, an English tutor of Finnish descent.

In the 2016 documentary David Lynch: The Art Life, Lynch reflected upon what was a generally blithe but naggingly unsettled upbringing in atomic-age America: he became an Eagle Scout, serving among the ushers at John F Kennedys inauguration, but the nature of his fathers work required the family to move towns on a regular basis.

He dropped out of the Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts within a year of enrolling, saying: I was not inspired at all in that place. He then abandoned a planned three-year trip around Europe with his friend (and soon-to-be-noted production designer) Jack Fisk after only 15 days.

It was only when he entered the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1966 that his ambitions seemed to coalesce. There Lynch found a mentor in the painter Bushnell Keeler, and a wife in his fellow student Peggy Lentz, whom he married in 1967.

A series of short films brought Lynch to the attention of the newly formed American Film Institute, and he was invited to join its Conservatory for emergent talents in Los Angeles in 1971.

After relocating to the West Coast, he spent the next five years tinkering on the strange, obsessive Eraserhead, an entirely distinctive, eternally harrowing vision seemingly informed by its directors disquiet at becoming a young father (Peggy had given birth to their daughter Jennifer in 1968, before the couple divorced in 1974).

Eraserhead won the director admirers in high places: Stanley Kubrick claimed it as one of his favourite films, while Mel Brooks reportedly embraced Lynch after an early screening, declaring: Youre a madman. I love you!

It was Brooks who helped to finance Lynchs follow-up The Elephant Man (1980), a retelling of the John Merrick story elevated by John Hurts committed lead performance and the directors empathy for its tragic outsider-hero. It was nominated for eight Oscars.

By this point, Lynch had remarried  to Mary Fisk, Jacks sister, in 1977.

Blue Velvet (1986) now seems like the first full definition of the soon-to-be-ubiquitous adjective Lynchian. A subversive coming-of-age tale in which the boyish naif played by Kyle MacLachlan falls under the spell of a sexually masochistic chanteuse (Isabella Rossellini) and her brutal gangster lover (Dennis Hopper), it was wide-eyed and wondrous one moment, deeply disturbing the next.

Lynch sealed his unlikely place within the mainstream with his next project Twin Peaks, a primetime TV series for the ABC network co-created with Mark Frost, the Hill Street Blues writer.

With its young, sexy cast and its abiding murder-mystery hook (Who Killed Laura Palmer?), the show became a global sensation, revolutionising televisions approach to serial drama.

For a while it was also an albatross around Lynchs neck: he could not top it.

His solution was to retreat once more to the fringes, walking away from Twin Peaks during its second run to direct Wild at Heart, winner of the Palme dOr at Cannes in 1990. The filmmaking became stranger and stranger still.

He had more success with Mulholland Drive (2001), a project born of an abandoned TV pilot and the directors fascination with the twisting roads around his LA retreat. Intertwining the fates of two actresses, it was immediately embraced as an early 21st-century classic.

Subsequent projects ventured further off the beaten path: Rabbits (2002) was a web series that re-envisioned the sitcom with human-rabbit hybrids, while Inland Empire (2006) was an experimental three-hour splurge.

For a while it seemed as if Lynch might never direct again. Sequestered in his Hollywood Hills studio he returned to painting, weathering his parents deaths and a one-year marriage to his long-time collaborator Mary Sweeney. 

Then, in October 2014, the cable network Showtime announced that Lynch would be returning to television with a revival of Twin Peaks, picking up where the first two seasons had left off. The result  Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)  was unlike anything aired on television at its moment, and not terribly like the original show, despite the return of several key performers.

Lynch, who in 2019 received an honorary Academy Award, remained cheerily enigmatic in interviews, speaking only to present new variations on the idea that all his works should ultimately speak for themselves.

Life is very, very confusing, and so films should be allowed to be, too, he said.

( Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd)
A series of poems set to compositions by the late Talos tackling this urgent issue are quirky, inventive and melodious

This is a stirring piece of work. Writer/performer Emmet Kirwan turns a pivotal event in his life into art. The show is a series of poems centring around the birth of his first son. We meet the expectant dad having the jitters, the boy is late, as he is orbiting Holles Street while his beloved wife Ali is inside. Medical matters are getting complicated.

The next section flashes back to Kirwans parents and grandparents, and their lives in Dublin city centre; their move out to Tallaght as the new suburb was being built. All the time Kirwan interrogates the role of class, his perfect working-class grandad, his gran who taught herself how to play the piano. There is an intriguing section about Kirwans childhood friends. This is complex territory, like the amenity-devoid territory of Tallaght itself. About Ireland, he says: Theres no famine here, but a famine in the minds.
The housemate of a woman who was allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by three men she met at a nightclub has told their trial that she had no concerns for her friend's safety at the time she left the club.

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 31, 2019.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
Woman who claimed her dead father-in-laws pension must return his Centenarian Coins to office of President Michael D Higgins

Ms Bergin had been drawing down his pension for 28-and-a-half years after his death, to the value of 271,046.28, between December 1993 and February 2022.

Margaret Bergin outside court previously

Patrick O'Connell Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 15:49







TEN commemorative coins issued to the deceased father-in-law of pension fraudster Margaret Bergin were this morning ordered to be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.
Give up yer aul sins in the tiny Confession Box pub where rebels loved to congregate

The tiny Dublin hostelry is steeped in revolutionary and sporting history, and included Michael Collins as one of its regulars

Intimate atmosphere: Sisters Monica and Pauline Keenan, who run the Confession Box pub on Marlborough Street, Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

Kim Bielenberg Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 03:30

If you cant find a willing priest, there is no better place to give up yer aul sins than the Confession Box, a tiny pub just a few doors down from the Pro Cathedral on Marlborough Street in Dublins north inner city.
A leading hotelier issued a stark warning over the threat posed by drink spiking after three people had to be treated in one Cork hospital in just a matter of hours over a single evening.

Cork hotelier John Gately urged people to be careful with their drinks after an incident with his son last Monday in a city centre pub which left the young man in hospital.

Tom Gately (21) is 6'1" in height, of heavy build and was left totally incoherent after his drink was spiked a short time after he had gone out last Monday in Cork city centre to meet friends.

The young man was just one of three people treated in the early hours of last Tuesday morning at the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) after falling victim to suspected drink spiking.

"It is every parents' worst nightmare," Mr Gately told the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork's RedFM.

"Our son Tom is 21, a big burly lad and he went out last Monday. He has lots of friends and is a very popular guy.

Stock image

Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 17th

"He was out of the country for a week or two and came back last weekend so he decided to meet up with his pals in a particular pub in town.

"He sent us a text around 1.30am. It was a normal text and said he was going to grab a cab home soon.

"The next minute my wife Darina got a call at about 2.50am, he didn't know where he was, he was disoriented and confused.

"Darina went straight into town, she was so concerned. She picked him up some distance away from where he had been and was so concerned she took him straight to the Mercy University Hospital (MUH).

"He was near Lapp's Quay and was completely disoriented. She was very worried about him.

"He does not even remember going down there. He does remember crossing the room of the place he was in and he felt a jolt of his glass. He reckons he had the glass in his hand when somebody did what they did and poured something into the glass.

"When they got to MUH, there were five other people in the waiting area of the emergency department. There were five students and three of the five had been spiked. One had been in the same place that Tom was in and another had happened in a different place.

"Darina was chatting to them - there were parents coming in all directions to rescue their kids. That all emerged from conversations at the hospital.

"It was confirmed by the people in the accident and emergency department - they told us that this is what is happened. And don't forget that this is a Monday night in Cork?

"These people who are out doing this are a scourge."

Tests were taken at MUH and Mr Gately said his family will follow up on the results to determine precisely what was done to his son.

"Tom is still recovering but he said to me on Wednesday night, would I contact [the radio and medi] because he doesn't want his friends or anyone he knows [being targeted]. Whatever they put into peoples drinks, it just zonks them out, said Mr Gately, who runs the Commodore Hotel in Cobh.

"I think it is that liquid [drug] they just lash into peoples' drinks. But I have heard of people getting jabbed with a needle while out as well. I got the impression from Tom that this must have been in a vial and was poured into his drink. Tom is a pint drinker."

The day after the incident Tom was still very groggy and had a splitting headache.

He was drinking lots of water in a bid to flush out his system.

"It is very unlike my son - this would not be something that had ever happened to him before," Mr Gately said.

"He definitely remembered looking somewhere [in the bar] and then felt a jolt with his drink. Within 20 minutes he was overcome.

"I think we all - adults, students, men and women - please pay attention to your drink when you are out. Don't leave it unattended and stick with your pals when you are out.

"Anyone who has a daughter lives in absolute fear that this could happen to our daughters. But when it happens to your big, burly son you kind of say: My God, what is going on here? Are they just doing this for the craic and then sitting back and looking on for the reaction?"
A series of meetings to ratify the new Programme for Government (PfG) get under way from tonight.

Fine Gael will hold the first of five regional meetings at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

Members also gather tomorrow to vote on the agreed document tomorrow at the Clayton Hotel in Sligo and the Dolmen Hotel in Carlow.

On Sunday, the final two meetings take place, while Fianna Fail holds a single special ard fheis in Dublin on the same day. The concluding Fine Gael meetings will be at the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan and Charleville Park Hotel, Co Cork. Both are at 3pm.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail proceedings will begin at noon on Sunday in the Radisson Blu hotel in Golden Lane, Dublin.

Party leader Micheal Martin will present the draft PfG to voting members and formally propose its adoption. Members will then debate its merits, leading to a vote, which will conclude at 5pm.

The result, married to the Fine Gael outcome, could establish that a government will be in place when the Dail meets again next Wednesday.

Each Fine Gael event will see members vote in a secret ballot after an address by either Taoiseach and party leader Simon Harris or deputy leader Helen McEntee.

An electoral college voting system will apply in Fine Gaels case, which means the members count for only 30pc of the vote.

The largest chunk is accounted for by the parliamentary party (55pc), with councillors having a 15pc weighting. This gives 70pc to elected representatives.

The Fine Gael parliamentary party will meet and vote separately on Monday at Leinster House, but this outcome is a formality.

Meanwhile, another celebration of the clans of Ireland  calling back sons and daughters from foreign lands  is to be sponsored by the Government.

It is understood to be looking at next year as the Year of the Invitation for people of Irish heritage to return to these shores for huge assemblies of classic native surnames.

There will be a launch later this year to extend a global invitation for visitors to reconnect with Ireland, according to the PfG.

The idea follows on from the success of The Gathering in 2013. That was an idea to help resurrect the Irish economy from the doldrums by bringing in visitors from overseas. It was seen as a huge success as people of the same surname gathered in the traditional homelands where the tribes were believed to spring from.
Firefighters treated one injured person and evacuated nearby residents while attending a flat on fire in Dublin city centre last night.

Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) was called at 12.24am on Friday night to reports of a flat on fire off Gardiner Street in the north city centre.

Four fire engines from Phibsborough and Tara Street fire stations responded to the scene along with an emergency ambulance from DFB headquarters.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and all persons were accounted for, a spokesperson for DFB said.

One person at the scene was treated by firefighters and paramedics at the scene, with gardai also in attendance.

Local residents, many of whom are elderly, as well as household pets, were temporarily evacuated as adjacent flats were checked for fire spread.

The atmosphere in the properties was monitored using a gas detection device.

Firefighters left the scene at 2.30am, as crew members returned to base, a spokesperson for DFB added.
Firefighters treated one injured person and evacuated nearby residents while attending a flat on fire in Dublin city centre last night. Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) was called at 12.24am on Friday night to reports of a flat on fire off Gardiner Street in the north city centre. Four fire engines from Phibsborough and Tara Street fire stations responded to the scene along with an emergency ambulance from DFB headquarters.
The incoming government has been accused of adopting a Marc MacSharry view of public servants in relation to remote working.

An Irish Congress of Trade Unions official was reacting to the new administrations plan to review state employees blended working arrangements in the Programme for Government.

In the document, it pledges to promote remote working, but also commits to re-examine the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework.

It said it would consider how the implementation of this approach best delivers public services and supports the productivity of the public sector. Irish Congress of Trade Unions social policy officer Laura Bambrick said the move was concerning, and referred to remarks by former TD Mr MacSharry during lockdown.

Mr MacSharry angered government employees when he said some were doing the maximum of the minimum and lying on the couch watching box sets.

The Civil Service Blended Working Policy is up for review, said Dr Bambrick, who has campaigned on remote-working rights and negotiated a code of practice with the Workplace Relations Commission and Ibec.

No one is suggesting that workplace policies should never be reviewed, that would be plain foolish.

She said it is good and standard practice to review company policies.

However, it is concerning a review of civil servants working arrangements has found its way into a programme for government, she added.

It would appear that the Marc MacSharry view of civil servants during lockdown using remote working as an excuse to lie on the couch and watch boxsets has resurfaced in the new government.

Remote working has become the kicking boy for poor customer service or calls going unanswered, which is understandable given it is a big, visible change in work practices. But you would be wrong to blame remote. One of the biggest problems is staff shortages, which the civil and public services are not immune to.

The Programme for Government indicates that the civil service remote working review would be examined with a view to streamlining practices across the public service.

In one section of the document, the government said it would carry out the review to consider how the public sector can adopt a coherent approach to blended working and remote work.

The programme commits to

promote flexible working arrangements, complete the rollout of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people by 2026 and increase remote-working hubs.

Dr Bambrick said hybrid working is still hugely popular and five-office-day mandates do not exist in any great number. She said the programme commits to bring remote working benefits to rural communities, but this is in sharp contrast to what it commits to when it comes to its own employees.

A spokesperson for public sector union Forsa said it has no immediate concerns in relation to the proposed review.

Ciaran Rohan, of the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants, said civil service remote-working arrangements were due to be reviewed.

A Fianna Fail spokesperson said: We are examining how the working at home scheme is being implemented to ensure that there is a blended approach that maximises productivity at the same time.
The new government has sparked fury over an obscene series of salary top-ups and allowances that will push super-junior earnings to 200,000.

At least three tranches of cash are to be given to Independent TDs in return for their support. Juniors who didnt get to cabinet will get a travel and accommodation consolation payment.

New insiders have been accused of seeking to have their cake and eat it as the list of benefits grows longer.

It has emerged that Independents supporting the government who become junior and super-junior ministers will have their salaries boosted by up to 32,535 a year. They will now be allowed to retain a travel allowance, which was previously denied to ministers of state because they got an allowance of 45,846 instead.

Sinn Fein TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn

It means a junior who lives a long distance from Leinster House  such as Michael Healy-Rae in Kerry  will get those two amounts on top of their TDs salary of 113,679.

A TDs salary already places a recipient in the top 6pc of income earners, said Sinn Fein TD Mairead Farrell. When you add on the ministerial salary of circa 46,000 and super-junior allowance of 16,000, you go higher up.

We dont need more waste of public funds. This is just them looking after themselves.

Many of the so-called Independents entering government were elected on the back of anger at Fine Gael and Fianna Fail self-interest.

With the addition of the travel and accommodation allowance (TAA) to junior and super-junior ministers  and the expansion of their numbers overall  Ms Farrell said this seems like an obscene waste of money.

A Regional Independent Group (RIG) source said: The reason (for negotiating the extra money) is that people were reluctant to take jobs as ministers of state because they were penalised financially when driving from Kerry or Donegal.

They also had to pay for their own hotel stays, with Dublin prices rocketing in recent years. In addition to the above, RIG super-juniors like Sean Canney and Noel Grealish will get further recognition of 16,000, pushing them towards the 200,000 mark.

The available maximum for a junior or super-junior  not even a full member of cabinet  will then be over 190,000 a year, paid by the taxpayer.

Meanwhile, new TD Barry Heneghan will get an extra 6,875 as a RIG whip, while another new entrant, Gillian Toole, has a Dail committee chair there if she wants it which would be worth 10,888. However, it is thought she wants to establish herself as a backbench TD.

Mr Healy-Rae said he had not sought the 32,535 boost, which is understood to have been negotiated by RIG led by Michael Lowry. One of the juniors in the past Dail who missed out said: Im not fighting their battles for them.

From left, TDs Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran at Leinster House this week. Photo: Collins

We finally have a government - but can they now fulfill their election promises

The bloc also has Kevin Boxer Moran and Marian Harkin becoming junior ministers. To accommodate them, the government will legislate to expand the juniors list from 20 to a new record of 23.

When cabinet members are included, their number limited by the Constitution to 15, the overall total of ministers reaches an all-time high of 38. There is a separate row over RIG members who are staying in a technical group and who will use up opposition time, despite being supporters of the government.

Ministers cannot be members of a technical bloc, which will soon rule out Michael Healy-Rae, Mr Moran, Ms Harkin (all junior ministers) and super-juniors Mr Grealish and Mr Canney.

However, Danny Healy-Rae remains in the technical group, along with Mr Lowry, Mr Heneghan and Ms Toole, and all will support the government.

Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn, who attended a rowdy meeting of the business committee, which orders Dail affairs, said: They (RIG members) want to have their cake and eat it.

Michael Lowry negotiated on behalf of the Regional Independents Group. Photo: Collins

It is outrageous. Standing Order 170 is absolutely clear, that a technical group is part of the opposition. This is an opposition group where they will be looking for a press officer, a liaison officer, and they will also be looking for committee chair positions  it is ridiculous.

Mr MacLochlainn said the proposed dual position of RIG could not be allowed to stand as it would have them halfway-in and halfway-out of government.

Paul Murphy of People Before Profit said: It is outrageous that backbench Government TDs would seek to take time and resources from the opposition. This is patently a political trick designed to diminish the space for Opposition in the Dail.

Mr Lowry brushed off the fuss, however, saying he was never at a meeting of the business committee where there wasnt a row. He said the matter would be resolved after a further hoo-hah.

A RIG source said standing orders could not be addressed until a new administration is formed. They would then be sent to a Dail reform committee.

The new coalition will have an inbuilt majority, which could back the Lowry bloc. The new orders would then have to be ratified by the full Dail, where RIG will help to give a hefty majority.
CCTV security camera footage is set to play a key role in solving a cruel theft from a vulnerable young man in Waterford.

Gardai have described as "cruel and heartless" the theft in which a 21-year-old man with an intellectual disability was approached by a couple and forced to withdraw cash from a nearby ATM.

The young man was walking on John Street in Waterford city centre at lunchtime on Tuesday, January 14.

He was confronted by a couple that he did not know close to a local supermarket.

The couple stopped the young man and aggressively demanded that he give them cash.

When he indicated he had no money, they insisted he go to a nearby ATM to withdraw cash.

The man and woman accompanied him to the ATM and supervised as he withdrew a sum of money.

They then grabbed the money and left the scene on foot.

Immediately they left, the young man raised the alarm.

He was left extremely distressed by the incident.

Detectives warned it was a particularly nasty crime in that it appears the young man was deliberately targeted because of his learning disability.

"This is a particularly nasty crime that happened in broad daylight and we would urge anyone who may have information to contact us," a Garda source said.

Gardai have now appealed for public assistance in tracing the two thieves.

Officers are harvesting CCTV security camera footage from businesses and residential properties in the area and are confident the man and woman were caught on cameras as they walked around the area.

The male is described as being between 25 and 30 years old and of white complexion.

He has brown hair, is chubby in build and stands around 5' 9" in height.

The man had distinctive hair on his lower face.

When last seen, he was wearing a black tracksuit and top.

The woman is also white and between 25 and 30 years old.

She was around 5'8" in height and had very distinctive eyebrows.

When last seen she was wearing a sleeveless white top.

Waterford Gardai have urged anyone who may have seen a couple matching that description to contact them on (051) 303500 or at their nearest garda station.

Motorists who may have been in the John Street area last Tuesday and who have vehicles equipped with dash cameras are asked to assist Gardai with their inquiries.
Fiction

In February 2020, I was in Brisbane when a former rugby player, Rowan Baxter, set fire to his estranged wife, Hannah, blew up the car holding their three children, and stabbed himself. After these tragic events took place, it emerged that Baxter had subjected his wife to a campaign of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse over many years. The case shocked Australia and, being only a few miles away at the time, I recall the distress felt by everyone in the city.
Comfort food doesnt have mean spending hours in the kitchen

January is the month when the allure of comfort food becomes undeniable. The resolutions I made with enthusiasm just a few weeks ago are starting to feel less appealing, and what we really need is food that feels like a warm hug. Its the depths of winter for goodness sake!

This weeks recipes are all about classic comfort dishes, familiar, satisfying, and with a few tips to make them easier to pull off on busy days.

Lets start with cottage pie, a dish thats as reliable as your favourite jumper at this time of year. The trick to a really great cottage pie is all in the base. A splash of Worcestershire sauce and a dollop of tomato puree add depth to the mince, while a sprinkle of grated cheese on the mash gives you that irresistible golden crust.

If youre short on time, you can prep the base and mash ahead of time, then just assemble and bake when youre ready to eat.

Next up is chicken and leek pie, which is surprisingly versatile. You can use leftover roast chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie bird to save time. My top tip here is to cook the leeks low and slow in butter until theyre meltingly soft  it makes all the difference.

A ready-made puff pastry lid keeps things simple while still delivering that flaky, buttery top we all love. If youre feeling ambitious, add a handful of chopped tarragon to the filling for a herby kick.

Finally, a bit of retro charm: meatloaf baked in tomato soup. Yes, you read that right. Baking the meatloaf in a shallow pool of tomato soup keeps it juicy and adds a rich, tangy glaze as it cooks. To keep it from drying out, dont overwork the meat mixture  just gently combine the ingredients until theyre evenly mixed.

Serve thick slices with mashed potatoes or even crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Its an old-school dish that never fails to hit the spot.

Comfort food doesnt have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With a bit of prep and some smart shortcuts, these dishes can fit into even the busiest week. 

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Serves: 4-6 Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

2 tbsp of olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 slices smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped

1kg minced beef

2 tbsp thyme, leaves picked

Sea salt and ground black pepper

2 tsp plain flour

200ml dark ale

800ml beef stock

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 bay leaf

2 sprigs rosemary

For the mash topping:

800g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

75g butter

100ml milk

1 egg yolk

100g white cheddar, grated

Method

1. Place a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the olive oil along with the onion, carrots and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened, then turn up the heat slightly and add the chopped bacon.

2. Cook for a couple of minutes, then add the minced beef and thyme along with some salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the mince with a fork or the back of a wooden spoon, for 4-5 minutes, until browned.

3. Stir through the flour and then pour in the ale and allow it to bubble for a few minutes. Add in the beef stock, tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce and stir everything until combined, then throw in the bay leaf and rosemary and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer, then partially cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the liquid has reduced and has thickened to coat the meat in a glossy sauce. Place the mixture into an ovenproof dish, discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs and set aside.

4. For the mash, add the potato to a pot of cold water. Season well with salt then place over a high heat and bring to the boil. Cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and start to fall apart when poked with a fork.

5. Drain the potatoes into a colander, then allow to steam for 5 minutes.

6. Add the butter and milk to a separate saucepan and slowly warm. Then, using a potato ricer, rice the potatoes into the pan and stir everything together.

7. Add in the egg yolk and cheddar and season well with sea salt and black pepper, stirring until smooth.

8. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/375F/Gas Mark 5.

9. If youre feeling fancy, add the mash into a piping bag. Cut off the end, then pipe the mash all over the top of the beef mixture. Alternatively, just spoon the mash on top and use the back of the spoon to spread the mash out to the edges. Give the mash an extra sprinkle of black pepper and bake for 25 minutes until the top is starting to brown and the filling is bubbling.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Then serve into warmed bowls.

Chicken & Leek Pie

Chicken & Leek Pie. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Serves: 4-6 Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, diced

50g butter

1 onion, finely sliced

2 medium leeks, sliced into thin rounds

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 heaped tbsp plain flour

150ml white wine

1 tbsp dijon mustard

150g Savoy cabbage, shredded

200ml chicken stock

200ml double cream

100g parmesan, finely grated, divided

1 tbsp thyme, leaves picked

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the topping:

600g waxy baby potatoes

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat half of the oil in a 25cm-30cm ovenproof frying pan over a medium-high heat. Season the chicken and brown all over. Set aside.

2. Add the rest of the oil and the butter to the pan and fry the onions and leeks for 10 minutes until they are translucent and completely softened, then add the garlic and fry for a further 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the flour, then gradually add the white wine. Allow to bubble for a minute, then stir in the mustard and return the chicken to the pan along with the Savoy cabbage. Pour over the stock, cream and 50g parmesan and bubble for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese, then remove from the heat. Season and stir through the thyme leaves, then leave to cool slightly.

4. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/375F/Gas Mark 5.

5. Slice the potatoes into thick coins and blanch in boiling, salted water for 1-2 minutes, then rinse, dry and arrange over the top of the pie. Scatter the remaining parmesan over the top along with a good grind of black pepper and cook for 35-45 minutes until the potatoes are tender, golden and bubbling.

6. Remove from the oven and leave to sit for 5 minutes before serving into warmed bowls.

Meatloaf Baked in Tomato Soup

Meatloaf Baked in Tomato Soup. Photo: Donal Skehan; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Serves: 4 Time: 1 hour 15 minutesIngredients

500g beef mince (10pc-12pc fat)

100g streaky bacon, finely chopped

50g button mushrooms, finely chopped

1 x 300g tin cream of tomato soup

75g fresh breadcrumbs

1 tsp dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

Steamed rice or new potatoes and seasonal veggies

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/350F/Gas Mark 4.

2. Mix the mince with the streaky bacon, mushrooms, half the tin of soup, the breadcrumbs and oregano. Season well and tip into a 1lb enamel dish or loaf tin.

3. Transfer to the oven and cook for 40 minutes. Once cooked, drain off the juices from the dish into a pan placed over a medium-high heat. To this, add the remaining tomato soup and allow to bubble until a thick glaze is formed, and pour over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes until sticky.

4. Serve in slices with steamed rice or new potatoes and seasonal veggies.
UK prime minister visits Kyiv to give support ahead of Trump presidency

UK prime minister Keir Starmer inspects a damaged vehicle alongside Ukrainian officials during his visit to Kyiv to sign a new long-term partnership deal with president Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Carl Court/PA Wire

UK prime minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday, part of a European show of support and promises to keep helping Ukraine endure in its nearly three-year war with Russia.

The announcement came days before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president with what he says is a plan to end Europes biggest conflict since World War II.
The Programme for Government doesnt mention decriminalising cannabis for personal use, despite recommendations to do so. Photo: Getty

As a blueprint for the direction of travel in Ireland for the next five years, the Programme for Government is decidedly guarded on many proposals. Prolific use of the words explore and consider instead of will provide a safety net.
A woman walks by mock coffins in Jerusalem covered with Israeli flags that are meant to symbolise the price Israel will pay for agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Peace agreements can be brittle things. They become sturdy only when there is buy-in to the belief that every stumbling block has the potential to be a stepping stone, if approached with the right frame of mind.

Word of a broad agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza felt like a crushing weight had been removed from the shoulders of the world.

The 15-month bombardment of the enclave has left deep wounds, and no doubt scars will be indelible.

For Palestinians, the deal could not come soon enough. We lose homes every hour. We demand for this joy not to go away, the joy that was drawn on our faces  dont waste it by delaying the implementation of the truce until Sunday, Mahmoud Abu Wardeh, a man living in Gaza, was quoted as saying.

A hitch stalled a meeting of the Israeli cabinet to officially accept the deal. However, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US was confident that issues holding up the confirmation could be resolved in time for it to start as planned.

It would be unforgivable to have come so far and then fall down, on a matter of detail, rather than substance. As of yesterday, Israeli airstrikes had claimed a further 77 lives in the enclave since the ceasefire was first touted on Wednesday.

The relentless war that Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 46,600 people must stop. Hamas senior officials have declared that the group is committed to the agreement. Hard-liners in Benjamin Netanyahus government still hope to thwart a deal.

We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrichs Religious Zionist Party said that it would stay in government only if there was a return to fighting at the end of the first phase of the deal. Israelis may find it hard to see Palestinian militants who were serving life sentences for their involvement in deadly attacks go free.

Yet there is broad support for a deal that would see the hostages released.

The war has changed geo-strategic realities. Tel Aviv has made significant gains over Iran and its proxies, mainly Hezbollah. Hamas has been badly hit, but not been defeated. The offensive has displaced a population of 2.3 million people.

So the world owes a debt of gratitude for the persistence of all involved in bringing an end the carnage. Stop-start talks led by Joe Biden  criticised for his softly, softly approach  appeared to be going nowhere. But a renewed push, plus valuable input from Donald Trumps team  most notably his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff  seem to have made the breakthrough.

The invaluable work of Qatari and Egyptian mediators must also be saluted. But rising above the loss amid the broken hearts and shattered lives that the conflict has caused will not be easy. As Jonathan Swift lamented: We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.

Yet war is only possible when we define ourselves by difference. The search for the space where the seeds of what unites can grow will take time. But then there is no better healer.
Tanya Sweeney: Author Neil Gaiman has always claimed to be a feminist, but it looks as if hes a wolf in sheeps clothing

Multiple women have accused the fantasy writer of sexual misconduct in a New York Magazine investigation

Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual misconduct and abuse, claims that he denies. Photo: WireImage

Tanya Sweeney Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 03:30

In 2018, the author Neil Gaiman tweeted the following on Twitter (as it was then) in response to the moment when Christine Blasey Ford testified during a Senate Judiciary Committee that US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her as a teenager: On a day like today, its worth saying, I believe survivors.
A man in his 30s accused of murdering his mother and attempting to murder his father in county Cavan last weekend has asked for a prison transfer barely 48 hours after first appearing in court.

Thirty-one-year-old Danny Heyneman, with an address at Kilnavart, Ballyconnell, Cavan appeared via video link at a sitting of Cavan District Court today.

It was Mr Heynemans second appearance in court following a hearing at Monaghan District Court on Wednesday where details surrounding his arrest, charge and caution were relayed before Judge Raymond Finnegan.

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Mr Heyneman was charged with murdering his mother, contrary to common law at her home address at at Kilnavart on the outskirts of Ballyconnell last Saturday evening.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of his father, Henk, at the same location.

The late Annie Heyneman.

Annie Heyneman, a 55-year-old mother of five, was found in an unresponsive state at her home on the outskirts of Ballyconnell on Saturday evening.

Her Dutch-born husband, Henk, was rushed to Cavan General Hospital having sustained serious injuries during the same incident.

Danny Heyneman, who two days earlier had been remanded in custody on the grounds of there being no bail application owing to the District Courts lack of jurisdiction in such cases, appeared wearing a green t-shirt and grey jumper.

Danny Heyneman arriving at Monaghan District Court earlier this week. Photo by Steve Humphreys

Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 17th

Sgt Damien Galligan, for the State, requested for Mr Heyneman to be remanded in custody for a further week due to the fact directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were still outstanding.

Defence solicitor Damien Rudden indicated how his client wished to be remanded from Cloverhill Prison where he is held at present, to its sister facility in Castlerea and asked for that request to be noted on the court file.

When asked by Judge Finnegan if he understood the further one week adjournment, Mr Heyneman replied simply: Yep.

Mr Heyneman was consequently remanded in custody to appear back via video link at a sitting of Cavan District Court next Thursday, January 23.

This article was edited on January 17 to update the accuseds first name to Danny as opposed to Daniel.
Niamh, Vicky and Eoghan O'Sullivan out in force at the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Sarah Tanner and Grace Fitzgerald at the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Marian Tanner, Elaine Buckley and Paddy Buckley take a stroll in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Bernie O'Connor and Eileen O'Keeffe participated in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Emer and Dylan Crowley thrilled to get involved in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Supporting the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' were Mary O'Keeffe, Nancy Fitzgerald, Grace Fitzgerald, Sean O'Keeffe and Denise O'Keeffe. All photos by John Tarrant.

Cornelia Vicaire, Jurate White and Anne O'Connell enjoying the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Young and old dusted off their walking shoes to support the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA promotion of supporting the Ireland Light Ups initiative and Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge.

A mild January night greeted young and old participants at the Banteer Sportsfield for the floodlit walk.

Supporting the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' were Mary O'Keeffe, Nancy Fitzgerald, Grace Fitzgerald, Sean O'Keeffe and Denise O'Keeffe. All photos by John Tarrant.

Ireland Lights Up encourages GAA clubs across the 32 counties to come together to walk and talk in a safe environment during the dark winter evenings.

Sarah Tanner and Grace Fitzgerald at the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

The concept allows clubs to engage with their local communities and provide a platform to advocate for the positive impacts of regular exercise.

Bernie O'Connor and Eileen O'Keeffe participated in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Emer and Dylan Crowley thrilled to get involved in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA spokesperson Esther OKeeffe expressed delight at the response to organize a community walk.

Marian Tanner, Elaine Buckley and Paddy Buckley take a stroll in the Banteer/Lyre Juvenile GAA 'Ireland Lights Up' walk.

Snow and ice deferred our original starting date but we had a terrific turnout for the opening walk, it will continue every Monday for a few weeks commencing at 7pm. This is a great opportunity for us as a community to come together socially and get fit, said Esther.
The Aontu member was put forward as a nominee for the Agriculture Panel by a fish producers organisation

Aontu member Becky Kealy was rejected as an electoral candidate for the Agricultural Panel of Seanad Eireann after it was ruled that she was not qualified.

The Kanturk native, who ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for Kanturk in last years Local Elections and Cork North-West in the General Election, was put forward as a Seanad nominee of The Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation (IS & WFPO).

Registered nominating bodies like IS & WFPO can nominate candidates to run for one of five vocational panels in the Seanad. There are 11 seats on the Agricultural Panel.

However, Ms Kealy was judged to be unqualified to become a senator on the Agricultural Panel as part of the statutory electoral process used to finalise the list of Seanad Election candidates.

The constitution requires any person nominated to contest the election for the Agricultural Panel to have knowledge and practical experience in agriculture and allied interests and fisheries.

An Oireachtas spokesperson told The Corkman that at a sitting known as the completion of panels, the returning officer determines whether a person is qualified for the panel they have been nominated for.

Either the president of the High Court or a judge nominated by him attends the sitting as a judicial referee, while a nominee and his or her agent may also attend.

In the sitting, the returning officer may refer to the judicial referee, for decision by the judicial referee, any question arising in relation to the qualifications of any person for a panel.

The Oireachtas spokesperson said that At the sitting for the completion of the panels held on Wednesday, 8th January, the Returning Officer referred to the judicial referee the question whether Ms. Becky Kealy was qualified for the Agricultural Panel. The judicial referee, Mr. Justice Richard Humphreys of the High Court, ruled that Ms. Kealy was not qualified.

The proceedings of the sitting are not published, the spokesperson said.

Aontu leader Peader Toibin told The Corkman that his party believed Ms Kealy was a fantastic candidate.

Unfortunately, the process stated Becky was not qualified for the Agricultural Panel, Deputy Toibin said.

The Meath-West TD said Ms Kealy very graciously accepted the outcome of the process, which has a very high bar for nominees to be accepted as candidates.

He said candidates for the Agricultural Panel must be active farmers or involved in senior management in farming services.

Aontu Cavan County Councillor Sarah OReilly has been certified as a candidate for the panel.
Just over 20 Cork owners of XL Bully type dogs have applied to keep their pets, which will be illegal to own without a certificate of exemption from February 1.

Owners who successfully apply for the certificate, which is issued free-of-charge, will be allowed to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.

The Department of Rural and Community Development told The Corkman that 11 applications for a certificate of exemption were submitted in Cork County by the end of last December. Ten applications were submitted in Cork City.

A total of 235 applications for certificates of exemption had been received by local authorities across the country.

A spokesperson for the department said more applications are anticipated as the February 1 deadline approaches.

There is an ongoing public awareness campaign to make owners aware of their responsibilities under the new ownership laws, the spokesperson said.

The Department is working with stakeholders to ensure that there is widespread awareness of the need to apply for a certificate.

Owners that are unsure if their dog is covered under the rules should use the Physical Conformation Standard to determine if their dog is an XL Bully type."

The Physical Conformation Standard is available along with more information at gov.ie/XLBully.

The spokesperson said these regulations have been introduced in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks involving XL Bully type dogs.
The operator of a Dublin-based soup run has criticised the red tape around proposed permits to regulate on-street services for homeless people.

In recent weeks, a report commissioned by Dublin City Council into regulating soup runs has resurfaced, causing a huge backlash from operators based in Dublin.

The report links such services to anti-social behaviour and suggests that soup runs should be moved indoors.

The DRHE has confirmed that by-laws, which would include requirements for permits, will not outrightly ban the operation of on-street services but will ensure the services are provided in a safe environment.

With this permit, soup run operators will have to follow specific operating hours, locations, and other restrictions, which are due to be finalised before the summer.

However, Glenda Harrington, of Friends Helping Friends, believes it could end up getting rid of on-street services for homeless people altogether.

Once we are approved for a permit and we step out of line or do something wrong, well be gone, she said.

Were being backed into a corner, and there will be nothing anyone can do because we must follow the procedures they put in place.

The amount of red tape that comes with these things just cancels out what were trying to do  its ridiculous.

Its also a huge cost for the permits, money which I dont have and money Id rather be spending on buying sleeping bags or food for homeless people.

Queues outside Dublin's GPO for a regular Friday evening soup kitchen. Pic: Mark Condren

I just believe that its not going to stop until were banned altogether, she added.

However, the council believes that regulating soup runs may lead to a more dignified approach for people accessing the services.

There are around 16 to 20 on-street groups in Dublin providing food, toiletries, and clothing to people experiencing homelessness.

The councils report into these services notes that many of these groups are not well-equipped to address the complex needs of homeless individuals, and in some cases, their interventions may hinder the efforts of mainstream services.

On-street services operate from locations such as Grafton Street, South King Street, College Green, the GPO, North Earl Street, and Thomas Street.

However, Focus Ireland and other NGOs, including Tiglin, have expressed concerns around the decision to restrict soup kitchens.

People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy said councillors are in the dark about whats happening.

The way it will proceed is, it will come back to the housing strategic policy committee in the council, which hasnt met since December as far as I am aware, he said.

You can see its been included in the programme for government, and it mentions the regulation of on-street services along with the full implementation of the Dublin task force, which is where this report stemmed from.

Alongside his party colleague Hazel De Nortuin, councillor Reddy has organised a meeting with the soup runs at City Hall and plans to support their campaign around the by-laws.

The purpose of the conversation today is to provide the information we have to the soup kitchens and then also support them in the plans they have for protesting this and campaigning against it, he said.

While he supports regulation of soup runs in some areas, he says that restricting services from their current locations will have a definite impact on the most vulnerable.

Some of the target audience for these services are the most vulnerable people of all. I believe, for various reasons, they wont engage in an indoor service the way they will with a service on the streets, he added.
Pictured at the launch is Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU; Fearghal Reidy, CEO Kerry County Council and Grett OConnor, conference host.

This years Cantillon 2025 will take place on February 13 at the Ballygarry Estate Hotel, Tralee.

Now in its eleventh year, the ground-breaking conference is named in honour of Ballyheigue native Richard Cantillon, a pioneering economist credited with the origin of the term entrepreneur.

Described as an event that will demonstrate how people can learn to rewire their brains supporting a health brain as they lead through change as individuals, employers, employees and future thinking citizens

The annual event brings together a host of national and international industry leaders, economists, journalists, academics and entrepreneurs to examine and explore key technology-related topics.

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and global imperatives, industries and businesses worldwide are at the crossroads of transformation. Cantillon 2025: Leadership Rewired was launched at the MTU in Tralee this week to much excitment.

The event promises to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to explore innovative solutions and strategies for building a resilient future for business, as people rethink and rewire their brain.

The conference, led again this year by journalist and presenter Grett OConnor, will feature a series of engaging presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

National and international thought leaders will include John Fahey, Senior Economist at AIB, Professor Felicity Kelliher at SETU, Major General Maureen OBrien and Professor Mary Horgan, Irelands Chief Medical Officer, Dr Saranna Fanning, Assistant Professor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School.

Together with the contribution of these exciting panellists, will be the need to embrace change and challenge our logic and creativity as we actively require our brain and challenge it regularly to allows us as humans to stay ahead of technology, said a spokesperson.

Our speakers on the day will share insights, debate, and discuss how the private and public sector can learn from transformational leadership, he added.

This one-day conference is aimed at companies and businesses of all sizes and structures across multiple sectors; from start-ups, to scaling and international competing businesses across the region.

Cantillon 2025 is the ideal opportunity for a business away day to listen, learn and network.

Book your ticket today at: https://events.mtu.ie and search Cantillon.
The Department of Integration is currently in talks with the accommodation provider at New Hall to determine the future of the site

Discussions have started around the future of an accommodation centre housing Ukrainian refugees in Co Kildare.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have confirmed that talks have commenced with the accommodation provider at Floods Cross in New Hall, just outside Naas in Co Kildare.

The accommodation centre has been housing Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine. However, the current contract with the accommodation provider is due to end in March leaving question marks around the future of the centre.

The news comes as an accommodation centre at the former Toughers Restaurant on the outskirts of Carlow town, is being closed at the end of January leaving over 150 Ukrainian families to find alternative accommodation themselves or take up the offer of state-provided accommodation in other counties, forcing them to leave Carlow.

Floods Cross, in New Hall, Co Kildare has the capacity to house around 985 people. The accommodation is very similar to the accommodation that was provided in Stradbally in Co Laois.

387 ensuite own door sleeping cabins were constructed at the facility to accommodate families of two to six people.

These winter-ready sleeping cabins are connected via covered tracked walkways. There is also a designated heated dining marquee.

During the construction phase of this accommodation centre in Kildare, protesters obstructed entrances to the site as misinformation circulated about the intended use of the centre.

Inflammatory claims were posted on social media at the time of the protest in late February and early March of last year, claiming that unvetted males were to be housed at the site, despite confirmation at the time by the Department of Integration that the centre would be used only to house Ukrainian families.

The company tasked with constructing the site last year, Total Experience Ltd, trading as Pastures New Accommodation, had to secure a temporary High Court injunction in late February of 2024 to restrain protesters from blocking entrances into the New Hall site.

In a statement to The Irish Independent, a spokesperson from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said: The department is currently in discussions with the provider at New Hall in relation to the status of the contract for the provision of temporary emergency accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. The current contract ends in March.

New Hall is a Designated Accommodation Centre (DAC), where arriving BOTPs are provided temporary emergency accommodation for 90 days while establishing themselves in Ireland.

"All the people accommodated at DACs are fully aware of the terms on which temporary emergency accommodation is supplied and are provided with information and supports to enable them to secure independent living arrangements.

The department added that they are currently not examining the property for accommodation for people seeking international protection.
Sligo Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the proposed Programme for Government while urging decisive action from the incoming ruling parties, with the support of regional independent TDs.

The Chamber has challenged the new Government to develop key infrastructure in the North West region and stressed that success will hinge on execution.

Its time to get things moving, Sligo Chamber CEO Aidan Doyle said.

The next five years of policy must prioritise infrastructure delivery as a cornerstone for driving and sustaining competitiveness.

The new Government must expedite progress on infrastructure in the North West, including road and rail connectivity, housing, energy, water and wastewater treatment.

The Chamber emphasised the importance of improving Irelands delivery capability, calling for greater devolution to local authorities.

In addition to infrastructure, Doyle underscored the need for bold action in renewable energy and port investment  including the port in Sligo.

Leveraging our renewable energy potential and investing in our ports will be fundamental to driving economic growth and achieving climate targets. Planning reform will be a critical enabler of this progress, he said.

While acknowledging that the measures outlined in the Programme require further assessment, the Chamber expressed support for its emphasis on skills development, expanding data centre infrastructure, improving childcare, and enhancing community safety. We look forward to a successful outcome of the various approval processes that are now underway, Doyle added.
The contract with Clarion Village in Sligo for state funded accommodation for people from Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in your local area has been terminated.

The move is being done to return the property to its original use as student accommodation.

Public representatives have been informed of the move by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

A letter states that those currently resident at the property will move on/or before St Patricks Day.

"Over the last 12 months, demand for accommodation for people affected by the war in Ukraine has reduced and this is expected to continue. Many people are choosing to move-on from State-supported accommodation or are leaving Ireland, and the Department is reducing the number of contracts in place with properties. Contracts may also be ending where compliance issues arise, or where the accommodation owner wishes to end or change their contract.

This means many properties can return to private use, tourism or student use, and a small

proportion may be used for International Protection accommodation. Because the Department

must ensure value for money and an effective system overall, this means some people will be

moved to other locations if they still require State-contracted accommodation.

"In this case, state funded contracts for BOTPs residing in student accommodation are being

terminated. The reason for this is to return these facilities to their original purpose i.e. providing

much needed accommodation to the student accommodation sector. This is also in line with

commitments given to the Minister for Further and Higher Education to address the pressing

need of restoring purpose build student accommodation to that sector.

"In cases where the Department is ending the contract, we have written to the provider to

inform them of this. We also ask them to provide the people in their property with letters that

set out the fact that the contract is ending, the timeline involved, and the options open to them

to make their own private arrangements to stay in the area should they wish to do so.

It is important to note that all accommodation provided by the Department is short-term - in line

with the temporary nature of the Temporary Protection Directive - and that people who request

access to accommodation are made aware of this and are free to make their own private

arrangements, stated the letter.
Brothers Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh with a grain store and dryer at the proposed location of a new flour mill in Ballycarney, Co Wexford. Picture: Patrick Browne

A unique application has been submitted by Andrew Kavanagh who is seeking permission to build an innovation centre as an ancillary to a flour mill in Ballycarney.

The application, which was submitted on Friday, December 19, outlines plans to build a cutting edge research innovation centre with a flour mill that has not yet been built, but was granted planning permission last year.

In the cover letter, Paul Martin of Ennis Martin Architecture explains that the mill will be the first of its kind built in Ireland and an innovation centre would only unleash huge benefits in terms of development.

"Planning permission was granted this year under planning register number 20240140 for a new flour mill in the rolling landscape of Ballycamey, near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford which will be the first of its kind to be built in Ireland since the 1980s.The mill is designed to be the most efficient mill of its type to be built in Europe, he wrote.

"Integrating an innovation centre into the new flour mill project offers a multitude of benefits, transforming the mill from a traditional production facility into a hub of cutting-edge research and development. This strategic inclusion can significantly enhance the mill's competitive edge, operational efficiency, and product quality, he added.

Drawn up plans for the innovation centre and mill.

He identified the primary advantage of the proposed development as its capacity for test baking and wheat testing, allowing for real-time experimentation and refinement of milling processes and end products. By having an on-site facility dedicated to testing and innovation, the mill can rapidly prototype and evaluate new wheat varieties, flour blends, and baking techniques, ensuring that only the best products reach the market.

He also believes that the development could foster a a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

"It provides a space where experts can collaborate on innovative solutions to industry challenges, such as improving flour quality, extending shelf life, and developing healthier or more sustainable products. This proactive approach to innovation not only meets the evolving demands of consumers but also positions the mill as a leader in the industry. It opens up opportunities for partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and other industry players, facilitating knowledge exchange and technological advancements, he wrote.

By constructing the centre, he states that it will lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty as by engaging in test-baking and other product innovations, the mill can offer tailored solutions to meet specific customer needs, whether they are commercial bakeries or individual consumers.

They hope that this level of customisation and responsiveness builds strong relationships and trust with clients, as they see the mill as a partner invested in their success. Additionally, they note that the ability to showcase new products and processes in a dedicated space can serve as a powerful marketing tool, attracting new business and strengthening the regions and the brand's reputation for quality and innovation.
University College Dublin (UCD) has highlighted the success story of Sean Murphy, a former Enniscorthy student in the agricultural department, who utilised a PLC course to work in his chosen sector.

UCD is one of Europes leading research-intensive universities, with their School of Agriculture and Food Science ranking number one in Ireland and 24 on the global stage.

The staff wanted to highlight his story to show upcoming CAO applicants that there are various routes to attending college including through a PLC course.

Sean completed a QQ1 Level Five PLC course in General Science in Enniscorthy Community College of Further Education after completing his Leaving Cert. The school said that this course helped him secure a place in their Agricultural Science course in UCD.

Following his undergraduate he went on to do a Masters Degree in Agricultural Extension and Innovation in the same university. Sean now works as a technical sales agronomist at Gardiner Grain Limited, an agri-business that provides customers with a wide range of farm inputs including grain, agrochemicals, fertiliser, animal feeds as well as essential farm supplies.

Sean credits the PLC course with putting him on the right path of fulfilling his dream.

"The PLC gave me a great basis in all aspects of science  biology, chemistry, and physics - which was very beneficial to me me for my first year of college. My aim was to study Agricultural Science in UCD. As I didnt achieve the required points that year, the QQ1 Level Five was the best option for me, he said.

He also said that it is important for aspiring students to weigh all options in front of them when making decisions on their CAO applications.

"My advice to students would be look at every option available to you, dont limit yourself. See what course and college best suits you. Dont be afraid to ask current of past students about their experiences or get in contact with the universities to see what they have to offer, he added.
The late Brendan (Benny) Meaney (right) pictured with his fellow classmate, Joe in Good Counsel College.

A Kilkenny man in his 30s has died in Vancouver, Canada sending shockwaves around the village of Inistioge where he hailed from.

Brendan (Benny) Meaney, who died on January 14, was a former student at the Good Counsel College in nearby New Ross, Co Wexford where he is remembered with great affection.

The Rower Inistioge GAA published a notice to their website on Wednesday, January 15. The clubs statement reads: The Rower Inistioge GAA Club is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Brendan (Benny) Meaney in Vancouver, Canada yesterday.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Danny and Catherine, brothers James and Daniel and all the Meaney family and relations, and a wide circle of friends.

As the devastation is felt by all who knew Benny, the tributes that have since been pouring in paint him as a loving, funny and kind person, whos presence was missed around the community by many when he emigrated some years ago.

The Good Counsel College - Past Pupils also paid tribute to the former student: Were saddened to hear of the sudden death in Canada of past pupil Brendan Meaney. Pictured here on the right with fellow Rower Inistioge classmate Joe, Brendan was never without a smile on his face.

He was a great character, who is fondly remembered here in GCC. He also lined out with our Aussie Rules team in 2010 when we took on a visiting Australian school. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Tributes from other friends online paint a picture of a man who made a lasting impact on people.

One tribute read: Benny, you were a kind-hearted young man who made us all laugh. Everyone over here who met you loved you, and even though you went to work in Canada we still talked about you and the craic they had when they went out with you. God only takes the good and you were one of them. God bless you Benny. Thinking of the family.

In another tribute, a mourner wrote that the news of Bennys death is so sad, he was a true gentleman.

Thinking of your family at this devastating time. You were truly a gem, Ben! Rest easy friend, they added, with a similar tribute also describing Benny as a person who always had a smile.
Internationally renowned Wicklow artist Conor Walton has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him bring his lifes work to the world through his debut book, Paintings and Essays.

One of Europes top figurative artists, Conors art combines realism and fantasy and delves into profound questions about humanity, drawing on mythology, history, philosophy, and the legacies of classical and Renaissance painting while engaging with contemporary social and political issues.

Conors beautifully crafted 300-page, 12 x 12-inch book features 269 colour images and insightful essays by leading critics, art historians, and the artist himself.

Designed to be much more than a visual collection, the book provides a unique, immersive experience with life-size reproductions, behind-the-scenes studio shots, and QR codes linking to additional content.

By supporting the project, crowdfunders can help Conor fund the first print run of this exceptional book, ensuring its success while celebrating Irish art on a global stage, with early supporters enjoying exclusive benefits, including signed editions, dedications, and even personalised portrait sketches.

Dublin-born Conor trained at NCAD in Dublin and under Charles Cecil in Florence, Italy, where he mastered the traditional skill of fine art drawing and colour before returning to Ireland in 1996, settling in Wicklow and recently opening a studio space on Arklow Main Street.

A celebrated figurative artist, Conor has won a long list of awards, exhibited in galleries across the globe and has lectured at some of the most prestigious art colleges in the world.

As Conor explained, with his art now scattered to the four corners of the world, the book is his way of bringing a small fraction of a body of work spanning 30 years together in one place, while raising his international profile as an artist.

Ive been meaning to do this for years, and its just something that I needed to do, Conor said

The book is like a slow, maturing fine wine of a project. Ive been slow in developing my work and some of my paintings take a long time to paint. It could take 10 or 20 years to get some of them to the final version.

An artist devotes a lifetime to art and, in certain respects, you might not see the reward until the very end, and it might not be financial, but you do have a body of work.

Im an artist of my age, and my work is scattered to the four winds at this point, on almost every continent, and will never come back together. So, its very unlikely that I could ever do a big retrospective.

Is suppose, a bit like my website, the book is like my museum.

Im partly doing the book in the hopes of making a bit of money from it, but also to raise my profile, he continued.

I think artists are generally quite bad at self-promotion, and I dont know a lot of artists that have published a book of their works. If you have a big gallery exhibition, you might get a catalogue produced to go along with it, so its often left to galleries.

However, some artists have done it very well, and its perhaps something that artists need to do a bit more, as it fits a gap in the general art marketing strategy.

It really helps you show who you are and make it look official if you have a big coffee table-style book with your major works and achievements in it.

The hope would be that people enjoy the book, and some might consider buying a painting, or someone who buys a painting might also get the book so they can say: This is the artist.

Asked about the production process and his decision to crowdfund, Conor said that he had all the written and photographic material to hand, and it was just a case of pouring them into the book, with a little help from a good friend.

Ive worked on the book over the last six months, and while Ive done catalogues of my work for exhibitions before, but this was a whole other learning experience, he said.

I put it together using the InDesign program. I had never used it, but I have a good friend who is one of the top graphic designers in Ireland and he gave me some templates and any time I ran into a problem, Id email him and hed send me a how to video.

I have all the paintings and the essays. It was just a case of pouring them into the format and then getting it proofed.

I tried to make it a nice reading experience, with every double-page spread being different. The essays are just a page long, and you could read one or two on the couch before you nod off!

Fine art publishing is a bit tricky in that, theres very little money in it after the publisher, distributor or retailers has taken their cut, so I decided to crowdfund and do it by subscription, at least to start with, he added.

Its high-quality printing, and if I get orders in the hundreds, I could switch over to more mainstream printing and get the orders done through a fulfilment company.

I basically set up Irish Art Press as the publisher to do this, so I can use it to publish other artists as well if theres interest.

Ive been flagging this as a project on social media and Ive had a lot of people who said theyd be interested in a copy. If everyone who has said they want a copy signs up, Ill be doing okay.

The book has been a lot of work, between putting it together and then setting up the crowdfunding, but Im happy with how it has turned out. Its nice to put together a book that anyone would enjoy sitting down with.

Its just a fraction of my work and I left aspects of it out entirely. If all goes well, I could certainly do a second edition in five years time. For now, Im eager to get back to painting.

To support the first print run of Paintings and Essays visit kickstarter.com/projects/conorwalton/conor-walton-paintings-and-essays

Visit conorwalton.com for more about Conors work
From left: Lifeguard Ian Bailey, former town clerk David Forde, executive engineer Stephen Fox, former town foremanTom Bailey, district engineer Liam Bourke, and former Bray Municipal District cathaoirleach Stephen Matthews, in June 2017, when Bray was awarded its Blue Flag.

The Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Councillor Dermot OBrien, led tributes to district engineer Liam Bourke, who attended his final meeting before he steps down after an illustrious career as a public servant.

In his praise at the January meeting of elected members, Cllr OBrien asked why, when there exists a culture of councillors getting their names on plaques when pieces of work were done, that the engineers responsible werent honoured for their work.
Renee Zellweger said being a celebrity is not something that sits easily with her. Photo: Nikolai von Bismarck

Renee Zellweger, who stars in the new 'Bridget Jones' film set to be released next month. Photo: Nikolai von Bismarck

Renee Zellweger has revealed why she took an acting break for six years, saying she was sick of the sound of her own voice.

In a new interview for Vogue magazine, the 55-year-old Bridget Jones actor was asked by co-star Hugh Grant why she quit Hollywood from 2010 to 2016.

She said: When I was working, I was like, Oh, my gosh, listen to you. Are you sad again, Renee? Oh, is this your mad voice? It was a regurgitation of the same emotional experiences.

However, Zellweger said she was actually quite busy during her break from acting.

I wrote music and studied international law, she said. I built a house, rescued a pair of older doggies, created a partnership that led to a production company, advocated for and fundraised with a sick friend, and spent a lot of time with family and godchildren and driving across the country with the dogs. I got healthy.

Renee Zellweger said being a celebrity is not something that sits easily with her. Photo: Nikolai von Bismarck

Zellweger said if she had the opportunity to go back in time and change her decision to become an actor, shes not sure what shed do.

I wondered if I would too, because Im not sure that the way that it works now, celebrity and all of that stuff, I dont know if that suits me, she said.

According to the actor, there used to be a line between celebrity and art. But now, to her, that line has become increasingly ambiguous.

And notorious and famous and known are now all the same thing. It used to be that you were known because you had done something that was worth knowing about, Zellweger added.

The actors also discussed whether the relationship between Bridget and Daniel in the first Bridget Joness Diary, released in 2001, where he is her boss at a publishing house, would still be appropriate more than two decades later.

Grant said for instance, our romance, do you think people would think thats very inappropriate. Hes her boss and hes exploiting his powerful position. Where do you stand on that?

Zellweger said: Well, Im sure HR would have some stern rules down at the publishing house these days, dont you think?

The February issue of 'British Vogue' features Renee Zellweger. Photo: Nikolai von Bismarck

When asked if she would report Daniel over his behaviour, she added that she is really glad I dont have to have an opinion about this in real life. This sounds complicated. Zellweger also said the pressures and prejudices of getting married, which Bridget worries about, was something mothers generations before couldnt escape.

Grant did not reprise his role in the last film, 2016s Bridget Joness Baby, where his character appeared to be killed off, and Bridget became pregnant.

However, he makes a surprise return in the new film  entitled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy  which hits cinemas on February 14. It is the fourth instalment of the franchise based on the best-selling books by Helen Fielding.

The first film, Bridget Joness Diary, follows a 32-year-old publicity assistant (played by Zellweger) as she tries to find love and self-confidence while attempting to smoke less, drink less and lose weight.

She chaotically battles with affection for two men (portrayed by Colin Firth and Grant), before eventually ending up with Firths character, Mark Darcy.

The latest sequel follows the now-51-year-old single mother of two children as she navigates dating in an era of social media and dating apps. The world has changed since her last hapless quests for a man and the original story follows the comic heroine as she continues to obsess over her weight, alcohol intake, and calorie count  in a world filled with new technology and new norms in her 50s. 

See the full feature in the February issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from next Tuesday
Latest | Israel set to approve Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, says Netanyahu's office

Israeli security cabinet to meet Friday to approve dealU.S. says "loose ends" being ironed outIsraeli warplanes keep up strikes on Gaza

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters

Andrew Mills, Nidal al-Mughrabi , Maayan Lubell and James Mackenzie Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 07:25







The Israeli cabinet will meet to give final approval to a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.
President Joe Biden announced Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.

The recent round of clemency gives Biden the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. The Democrat said he is seeking to undo disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.
LATEST | USA TikTok ban: Biden will not enforce ban before leaving office, says official

The decision leaves the apps fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump

TikTok app

Irish Independent Newsdesk Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 09:59







President Joe Biden will not enforce a ban on the social media app TikTok that is set to take effect a day before he leaves office, a US official said.
Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Saif Ali Khan was on Thursday, January 16, attacked by an intruder who broke into his house in Mumbai. The actor suffered injuries and was rushed to a hospital where he underwent surgery. This incident sent shockwaves in the industry and several celebrities took to social media to express their concern. The nanny of Jeh, Saifs son, has now revealed some shocking details of the incident.

Jehs nanny reveals shocking details about attack on Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan suffered multiple injuries after being attacked in his house. Eliyama Philip, who looks after Jeh, has now shared some chilling details about the events that took place last night.

In a statement given to the police, she said that he sneaked into the house at some point in the night and then moved towards Jeh. The nanny added that he attacked her with a blade in the resulting scuffle and injured her wrist. She further said that he demanded Rs 1 crore.

In the scuffle, he attacked me with the blade. I injured my wrist. I asked him what he wanted. He said he wants money and that he needs 1 crore, . Eliyama Philip said in a statement.

She also revealed that the intruder was around 40 years old.

Saif Ali Khan is out of danger after being injured by the intruder

Saif Ali Khan picked up multiple injuries in the ensuing fight with the intruder. He was taken to the Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgery. He is now out of danger and recovering.

"He sustained six injuries, two are minor, two intermediate and two deep injuries. One of the injuries is on the back which is close to the spine," the hospital's chief operating officer Dr Niraj Uttamani said.

Meanwhile, the police have formed at least 10 teams to investigate the case. The guards and Saif's house help have already been questioned.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
On social media, Nikhil Kamanth, a co-founder of Zerodha, described how makhana, an item that is popular in India, is now one of those foods that appeals to a large number of people worldwide. The businessman stated on Linkedin, Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I'm hooked on Makhana. He continued by explaining how makhana is Bihar's "black diamond" and how people experiment with it so much.

Nikhil Kamath on the worldwide appeal of makhana

It's no longer 'simply' a healthy snack, Nikhi said in one of his slides on that post; individuals are becoming more inventive in adding a delicious twist. It can be found in appetisers, main courses, and sweets, such as Makhana Penne Pasta, Makhana Kheer, and parathas and curries. This need was only increased by the Pandemic. So much so that, even though it costs fifteen times as much, makhana is gradually taking the place of popcorn on Indian platters.

Bihar's Black Diamond

Nikhil added that 90% of the world's makhana is produced in Bihar. Bihar produces around 10,000 tonnes of popped Makhana annually, grown on more than 15,000 hectares. In the state's flood-prone climate, where crops like rice and corn suffer, makhanas, which are made from water lilies, flourish, he added.

Reacting to the post, many people agreed and said that makhana is a very versatile food item and can be used in any way possible.

One wrote, India is truly becoming the Makhana Mogulturning a humble super snack into a global success!.

Another added, This is a very exciting development. Truly a win for health, culture, and Indian agriculture.

For those who dont know, Nikhil was recently in the news because of his podcast with PM Modi.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Samsung Galaxy F06, Samsung Galaxy M06 to launch Soon in India: Samsung plans to introduce two new low-cost smartphones in India, giving customers more alternatives that fit their budgets. An impending distribution of these gadgets is suggested by their recent appearance on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website. With these new models, Samsung, well-known for its extensive product line, hopes to increase its market share in the cutthroat low-cost smartphone industry. Although the business hasn't disclosed any specifics yet, the BIS listing implies they might offer contemporary features and satisfy budget-conscious consumers. Given Samsung's reputation for excellence and innovation, these smartphones are anticipated to garner much interest as Samsung is ready to release these devices in India. So, here are the expected details of the smartphones.

When did the Samsung Galaxy F06 and M06 get BIS certified?

The Samsung Galaxy F06 and Galaxy M06, improved versions of the Galaxy F05 and M05 from the previous year, were listed on BIS. These cell phones, which allow dual SIM cards and have the model codes SM-E066B/DS and SM-M066B/DS, were observed on BIS, according to MySmartPrice. On January 13, they obtained certification from BIS. Apart from the fact that the devices would soon be released in India, the listing provides no further information.

Expected specifications of Samsung Galaxy F06 and M06

Credit: Smartprix

With comparable model numbers, the Galaxy F06 5G and Galaxy M06 5G were purportedly seen on the Wi-Fi Alliance certification. The Galaxy F06's design was recently leaked online, suggesting that the rear camera module would be changed to resemble the alleged Galaxy A36's design. It was observed to have a vertically positioned, pill-shaped island at the back. According to reports, it comes in orange, purple, dark green, blue, and black hues. A MediaTek Helio G85 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of onboard storage power these phones, which are anticipated to have a 6.7-inch HD screen. A 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel secondary camera comprise their dual rear camera combo. The front has an 8-megapixel camera for video chats and selfies. On the Galaxy F05 and Galaxy M05, Samsung has included a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W rapid charging.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Farmer paintings of E China's Zhejiang capture hearts of international audience

People's Daily Online) 13:24, January 17, 2025

Over the past 40 plus years, farmer-artists in Jiaxing city, east China's Zhejiang Province, have drawn inspiration from rural life and created paintings that captured the hearts of people around the world.

"I never imagined that my works could reach a global audience before," said Miao Huixin from Youchegang town, Xiuzhou district, who was one of the first farmer-artists there.

Photo shows a work of Miao Huixin created in 1983. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Miao was once a teacher in a primary school. When China held its first national exhibition of farmer paintings in 1983, Miao, who enjoyed painting, and eight fellow villagers received multiple national and provincial awards, which greatly inspired them.

Since Xiuzhou was designated as China's first "rural painting village" in the late 1980s, Miao's works have been exhibited in Beijing constantly, and well-received by international artists. In 1995, a foreign friend brought his works to Paris, France for an exhibition, which marked the beginning of the journey of Xiuzhou farmer paintings towards international recognition.

"My works depict memories of working in the countryside during my childhood. I believe it was my authentic life experiences as a farmer that caught international attention," Miao said.

To this day, over 4,000 works created by more than 100 farmer-artists in Xiuzhou have made their way to multiple countries, including France, the United States, and Japan.

Photo shows cultural and creative products featuring farmer paintings of Xiuzhou district, Jiaxing city, east China's Zhejiang Province on display in Italy, May, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Another farmer-artist Chen Hanying had her Dragon Boat Festival-themed work exhibited in countries including Romania and Portugal. "This painting depicts the folk customs of the Dragon Boat Festival here in the coastal area south of the Yangtze River. The grandmother and mother are making clothes for the children together, as a way to pray for safety and health for the children," she said. Chen added that over the years, her hometown's living environment, transportation facilities, and living conditions have improved, and she has recorded the changes in her paintings.

Farmer paintings have helped drive local economic growth these years. Xiuzhou has launched various cultural and creative products featuring farmer paintings, such as phone cases and silk scarves, with the revenue of its cultural and creative industry reaching 8.77 million yuan (about $1.19 million) in 2024.

In addition, Zhenzhong village in the district has developed itself into an international art village, building a platform for global artists. Shengfeng village has integrated farmer paintings with cultural tourism, drawing tourists, artists, and media professionals from various places while bringing wealth to villagers.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SuperPanther, a Chinese new energy heavy-duty truck developer, recently completed a Series B funding, which raised for the company hundreds of millions of yuan.

This fresh round was co-invested by Yulin Coal Conversion Fund and the Yuyang District government.

The funds will primarily be used to accelerate technology R&D, enhance delivery capabilities in the Chinese market, and expedite the companys global market expansion.

Photo credit: SuperPanther

Founded in 2022, SuperPanther is a new energy commercial vehicle manufacturer established by a team from Tsinghua University's Department of Automotive Engineering and former executives from Continental AG. The company is committed to providing full-stack in-house developed technologies to unlock new energy transportation scenarios.

In April 2024, the company put the SuperPanther Black Diamond Intelligent eTruck onto the market with large-scale deliveries starting in August of the same year. With four full-stack in-house developed technologies as its core, the eTruck enhances capabilities in bulk cargo transportation scenarios, showcasing marked improvements in energy consumption, efficiency, recharging, and performance in winter.

Since the start of mass production and deliveries, SuperPanther has worked with clients, unlocking bulk cargo transport for mountainous areas, long-distance routes, and extreme temperature conditions.

In September 2024, SuperPanther launched its "Enabler" strategy in Europe. According to the company's introduction, the strategy comprehensively describes SuperPanther's open business model aimed at the global market. It promotes collaboration with global OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and ecosystem partners to offer electric heavy-duty truck solutions, thus facilitating a genuine transformation towards electrification within the industry.

Currently, a new series of electric heavy-duty trucks, which is co-developed by SuperPanther and European automotive company Steyr Automotive, is in the final stages of R&D, with customer trials expected to commence in mid-2025 and deliveries scheduled for the end of the year.
iPhone 17 Air specifications in India: With its much-awaited iPhone 17 Air, Apple is poised to reinvent the smartphone experience. This stylish and portable gadget, renowned for pushing the limits of technology, is anticipated to have a gorgeous 6.6-inch OLED display that offers vibrant colours and crisp images. With 8GB of RAM and the cutting-edge A19 CPU, it promises to provide fluid performance for productivity, gaming, and multitasking. Photography fans will value the rumoured 48MP back camera and a 24MP front-facing camera for clear selfies and video calls. Additionally, eSIM technology is anticipated to be included in the iPhone 17 Air, expanding its connectivity capabilities. Explore this page's complete list of features and advancements this gadget offers.

Full specifications of iPhone 17 Air in India

Credit: Macrumors

Apple fans! According to rumors, the iPhone 17 Air is Apple's most sophisticated and streamlined smartphone yet. The gadget is poised to push the limits of what a smartphone can accomplish by fusing state-of-the-art technology with a refined design. Here is a deeper look at the anticipated features of this future wonder.

In a new research note (via MacRumors), analyst Jeff Pu reiterates previous claims by stating that the iPhone 17 Air/Slim would be equipped with the A19 processor, which is produced using the same TSMC 3nm process as the A18 Pro.

8GB of RAM is thought to be paired with the processor. It may also include support for Apple Intelligence.

According to reports, the iPhone 17 Slim/Air has a 6.6-inch screen, marginally smaller than the 6.7-inch screen of the "Plus" model.

The phone is thought to have a Face ID sensor and an aluminium frame for security.

Regarding cameras, the iPhone 17 Air/Slim might include a 24MP selfie camera on the front and a single 48MP camera sensor on the rear.

Last, Jeff Pu thinks that the iPhone 17 Air/Slim might have a different design from the present iPhone models and might replace the iPhone Plus variation due to potential consumer disinterest.

iPhone 17 Air price in India

Credit: Macrumors

Apple iPhone 17 Air expected price in India starts from 79,990.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
After Mumbai Police released a CCTV photo of the suspect fleeing the scene following an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the man was last seen near Bandra station, and a search was launched. However, on January 17 (Friday), the police brought one individual in for questioning at the Bandra Police Station and the investigation is under process.

#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | Mumbai Police bring one person to Bandra Police station for questioning.



Latest Visuals pic.twitter.com/fuJX9WY7W0  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

CCTV footage released

The footage, captured at 2:33 AM on Thursday (January 16), showed the suspect near the stairs of Khan's building. In the released image, the man was seen wearing a t-shirt, jeans, a backpack, and an orange scarf over his shoulder as he walks down the stairs, briefly looking at the camera. The photos of him have since gone viral across social media platforms.

According to IANS, the Mumbai Police had formed 35 teams, comprising 15 from the Crime Branch and 20 from the local police, to apprehend the suspect involved in the attack.

About the attack

Khan, along with his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and their children, resides in a spacious apartment spanning four floors in a 12-storey building in Bandra West. According to reports, one of the house helpers, Eliyama Phillipes, known as Lima, was the first to spot the intruder.

She screamed, alerting the actor and Khan confronted the man and tried to fight him off. However, during the struggle, the attacker stabbed Khan six times, injuring his left hand and neck, and leaving a knife lodged in his spine. The actor was quickly rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his son, Ibrahim.

The actor underwent a surgery to remove a 2.5-inch knife that was lodged in his back. Following the procedure, he was transferred to the ICU for further care.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Bollywoods power couple is reeling from a night of horror after an intruder brutally attacked actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. In an Instagram post, Kareena Kapoor Khan described the day as incredibly challenging for the family while urging the media to stop relentless speculation.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed 6 times

Saif was left with six knife wounds, including a 2.5-inch piece of blade lodged in his spine, which doctors at Lilavati Hospital have now removed. The actor also sustained two deep cuts while confronting the attacker, who demanded 1 crore and threatened the couple's youngest child, Jeh.

VIDEO | Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was injured after an intruder attacked him with a knife at his residence in Mumbai, police said on Thursday. Visuals from outside Lilavati Hospital, where the actor has been admitted.



(Full video available on PTI Videos - pic.twitter.com/oB74F92McH  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2025

Kareena Kapoors Instagram post amid Saif Ali Khans attack

Kareenas post struck a chord with fans, as she shared that the family is still trying to process the events and asked for privacy during this difficult time. The constant scrutiny not only overwhelms us but also jeopardizes our safety, Kareena said, requesting boundaries from the media.

Actors Bhumi Pednekar, Ranveer Singh, and other celebs showed support to the Pataudi family in the comment section.

The burglary incident at the Pataudis

The nightmare began around 2 a.m. on Thursday, when the intruder broke into Jehs room. Nurse Eliyama Philip, who was the first to encounter him, described waking up to see a thin man with a wooden stick and a hacksaw-like blade. When she tried to alert Saif and Kareena, the attacker demanded silence.

Saif Ali Khan confronted the intruder

Upon hearing the commotion, Saif confronted the intruder but was overpowered. The man attacked the actor before fleeing the scene. CCTV footage captured the suspect leaving the building at 2:33 a.m., wearing a brown collared t-shirt and a red scarf (gamcha).

This mighty powerful highly intelligent spy evaded security at the Main Gate of Saif Ali Khan's building & entered Saif's house at 10th floor.



He stabbed Saif Ali Khan 6 times, again evaded security and escaped.



Believe it if you want. pic.twitter.com/ySMN74DZ8f  Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) January 16, 2025

Police update on the incident

The attacker remains at large, with police combing through leads to track him down. Kareenas post emphasized that media speculation could hinder the investigation, urging for understanding and cooperation.

As the family grapples with this shocking ordeal, fans and Bollywood insiders are rallying behind them. Kareenas heartfelt words reflect the toll the incident has taken on their family, but also their determination to heal and move forward.

Saif Ali Khans health update

The big question remains: Will the police nab the suspect before he strikes again? As Saif continues to recover, all eyes are on the Bandra Police to crack the case and deliver justice to Bollywood royalty.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis is expected to submit his resignation to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today after five and a half years in office. The decision, attributed to personal reasons, was communicated to the Prime Minister several weeks ago and has been met with full understanding and respect.

The official

announcement was delayed due to Mr. Fragogiannis critical role in recent diplomatic engagements. His participation in the trilateral Greece-Egypt-Cyprus meeting in Cairo on January 8 and the Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Cooperation Council earlier this week was deemed essential for the successful completion of key investment and business initiatives.

According to sources, his position will be assumed by Tasos Chatzivasileiou, a Member of Parliament for the ruling New Democracy party and the partys Secretary of International Relations. Mr. Fragogiannis leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to Greeces economic diplomacy and international outreach.

   iefimerida.gr
In a landmark decision, a Greek court has awarded nearly one million euros in damages to the family of Eleni Topaloudi, the 21-year-old student brutally murdered in 2018.

The ruling comes after a case that shocked the nation, where two men, Manolis Koukouras and Alexandros Lujai, were found guilty of the horrific crime.

Topaloudi

was raped, beaten, and thrown into the sea to drown off the coast of Rhodes

The court recognized the "unprecedented violent acts" committed by the perpetrators and their attempts to cover up the crime.

Topaloudi's parents, the primary plaintiffs in the lawsuit, sought damages for the immense emotional distress caused by the loss of their daughter.

The court also addressed the alleged liability of the perpetrators' fathers for failing to supervise their sons, but only one father was properly served in the lawsuit, necessitating further legal action against the other.

Both Koukouras and Lujai are serving life sentences plus 15 years for their crimes.

While this court victory is significant, it is likely to be appealed.

Nevertheless, the decision represents a crucial step towards justice for Eleni Topaloudi's family and highlights the ongoing struggle for victims' rights in Greece.

   iefimerida.gr
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Berlin today to participate in the European Peoples Party (EPP) leaders summit. The event gathers key political figures from across Europe

to discuss pressing issues on the continents political and economic agenda.

During his visit, Mr. Mitsotakis will meet with Friedrich Merz, leader of Germanys Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for chancellor. The two leaders are expected to exchange views on bilateral relations, European economic challenges, and regional stability.

The Prime Minister will also hold discussions with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Their meeting will likely focus on cooperation within the EU, democratic values, and legislative priorities for the bloc.

Mr. Mitsotakiss presence at the EPP summit underlines Greeces active role in shaping European policy and fostering collaboration among member states.

Greece emphasized the ongoing aggression by Russia against Ukraine during a United Nations Security Council meeting, highlighting the significant humanitarian, political, and global repercussions of the conflict. The Greek Permanent Representative to the UN, Evangelos Sekeris, stressed the importance of upholding international law, ending hostilities, and pursuing a comprehensive strategy for peace. Recognizing Ukraines struggle to defend its sovereignty amid relentless Russian airstrikes, Sekeris condemned recent attacks, including the bombing in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in the highest civilian casualties in two years. Greece called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, strongly condemning strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure.

Concerns over the broader implications of the conflict were raised, particularly the reported involvement of North Korean troops, which Greece described as a threat to international peace and nuclear security. Sekeris reaffirmed Greeces commitment to international law and dialogue, calling for Russias immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Ukraines internationally recognized borders. Greek foreign policy has always been rooted in our dedication to international law. We reaffirm our commitment to a just and lasting peace, which requires the full withdrawal of Russian forces in accordance with the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions, he stated.

The UN also provided a sobering update on the humanitarian crisis, with UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo reporting over 12,456 civilian deaths, including 669 children, since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. The destruction of schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure has worsened conditions for millions, particularly during winter. DiCarlo noted that humanitarian needs in 2025 remain staggering, with 12.7 million people requiring assistance and $2.6 billion needed for urgent relief efforts.

Amid reports of human rights violations, including executions and torture of prisoners of war by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, DiCarlo underscored the critical need for accountability. Despite these challenges, recent prisoner exchanges between the two countries offered a rare glimmer of hope for increased cooperation. The UN reiterated its readiness to support efforts aimed at ending the conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.

Greece, alongside other nations, urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and reinforced the call for a path toward a fair and enduring peace.

   iefimerida.gr
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended three individuals suspected of car theft and recovered a stolen vehicle from the carjackers.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the commands spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were intercepted by Special Anti-Cultism Squad operatives in Enugwu Ukwu while on patrol on Wednesday.

Ikenga stated that the operatives apprehended the three occupants of the stolen black Lexus 330 SUV, which had no plate number, at Kwata Junction in Awka.

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READ MORE: Ogun: Security Guard Detained For Stealing Employers Electric Motor Parts

He said, During interrogation by the operatives, the suspects Ifesinachi Okonwko M, aged 22 years, Chisom Okafor M, aged 20 years and Oderah Ebenezer M, aged 20 years, respectively, confessed to having stolen the car at Isuaniocha Village, Awka North LGA and are members of the same criminal gang terrorising innocent citizens in Awka.

Given the above, the Command invites anyone looking for the vehicle as highlighted above, especially residents of Isuanioch, to come to the office of the Police Public Relations Officer Awka with valid Proof/Evidence of Ownership for verification and possible collection.
The Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has mocked Nigerians over the current economic hardship facing the country.

The controversial cleric said that insecurity problem and other challenges are the result of the bad choices made during the 2023 elections.

Speaking on Wednesday after his visitation to Governor Bala Muhammed in Bauchi State, ahead of a two days program title, Recovery Conference 2025, Apostle Suleman blamed Nigerians for their electoral choices, saying that they deserve what the leaders are showing them.

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READ MORE: Economic Hardship: Tinubus Govt Lacks Pedigree, I Wont Help Them  Emir Sanusi Insists

He said: What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled.

The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifestojust a sense of entitlement with his its my turn mantra.

The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I dont think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray.

If theyve suffered enough by 2027, perhaps theyll make better decisions.

Also speaking, on Wednesday, Governor Bala, criticized Tinubus government, saying that its policies are made to weaponized poverty against the people.

He said: Tinubus policies dont have a clear vision and are taking us to the road to perdition and destruction.

That is why when I talk about tax reforms, it is not because I dont want reform, but because I want reform that will have a national impact. I dont have anything against the president but respect.

Nigerians deserve better, and I will not shy away from pointing out these shortcomings.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared that Julius Abure remains the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

It was gathered that a three-member panel of the appellate court in a judgement delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, held that its judgement of November 13, 2024, which recognized Abure as national chairman subsists and has not been set aside by any court.

Justice Barka made the declaration on Friday while delivering judgement in two separate appeals filed by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and the caretaker committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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According to the appellate court, anything that is done outside jurisdiction amounts to a nullity.

READ MORE: No More Crisis In LP, Aggrieved Members Should Return  Abure

He said: We cannot say this appeal fails or succeed because the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place.

Abure Remains National Chairman of the Labour Party.

Recall that Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court had, in his judgement in October 2024, affirmed the Abure-led leadership and the March 2024 Nnewi convention that produced the national leadership.

Justice Nwite further ordered INEC to recognise Abure as the legitimate chairman, overriding the Commissions earlier stance that Abures leadership was invalid.


The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the recent surge in terrorist activities in Nigerias north-east and north-west regions is attributed to the influx of foreign fighters.

According to Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, these foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region and are collaborating with local accomplices.

The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists.

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These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region. The other contributing factor is the support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops movements, Buba said.

Buba reassured Nigerians of the militarys dedication to eliminating terrorism by breaking the terrorists will to fight.

READ ALSO: Drone Operations Banned In North-East Over Security Concerns  Military

In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, he said.

The militarys strategic objective, he said, is to break the terrorist will to fight by killing their operatives, commanders, and senior leadership, as well as taking away their logistics, administrative, and fighting capabilities.

Buba emphasized that the military is committed to achieving this objective through regional and international pressure, media engagement, and other means.

Wars are fought and won all over the world by destroying the enemys will to fight. And we are bent on achieving just that.

We understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation at the end of which these terrorists will be destroyed, and we will have a better world, he added.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC Group announced that its 78th Board of Directors meeting approved the establishment of the GH Project Company (provisional name), with a registered capital of 1.5 billion yuan. Under the project, the duo is set to launch a new automobile brand, marking a significant step forward between them.

GAC Group's General Manager Mr. Feng Xingya shared the project's latest progress, revealing that Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution (IAS) Business Unit (BU) and GAC Group have already begun joint office operations, aiming to introduce a series of intelligent new vehicles. The first model is set to debut as a premium intelligent new energy vehicle (NEV) in the 300,000-yuan price range.

Photo credit: GAC Group

Previously, Mr. Feng emphasized that the cooperation between the two companies is a full-stack partnership, spanning product definition and development, vehicle manufacturing, sales services, and user ecosystem.

The GH project company signifies a deep integration of GAC Group's and Huawei's respective strengths, focusing on joint product definition and design. The duo will collaborate on product development, marketing strategies, and ecosystem services to create a new automotive brand built on cutting-edge technologies and an entirely new architecture.

In addition to working with Huawei, GAC Group continues to advance internal corporate transformations. The group has launched the IPD (integrated product development) and digital transformation project. With the IPD process, the group aims to focus its resources on key user priorities, establishing a new benchmark for demand management.

GAC Group also released the three-year "Panyu Action", aiming to achieve 60% of sales contributed by its wholly-owned brands and strive to sell two million vehicles under those brands by 2027.

Over the next three years, GAC Group plans to launch 22 new models under its self-owned brands, covering all mainstream new energy powertrains such as BEV (battery electric vehicle), REEV (rang extended electric vehicle), and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).


The Nigerian Presidency has disclosed that Local Government Areas (LGAs) will start receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) by the end of January.

Information Nigeria reports that this move is a significant step towards achieving Local Government autonomy, as mandated by the Supreme Courts landmark judgment in July 2024.

According to a statement by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the necessary arrangements for direct fund disbursement are now in place.

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Dare, on Thursday, emphasized President Bola Tinubus commitment to implementing the Supreme Courts judgment, which declared State control over Local Government funds unconstitutional.

READ ALSO: Governors Endorse Tax Reform Bills, Propose New VAT Sharing Formula

The Supreme Courts ruling followed a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), advocating for the financial autonomy of Nigerias 774 LGAs.

Despite initial delays, the Presidency has confirmed that local governments will begin receiving funds directly.

As Dare explained, We have a President who ensures local government autonomy. I spoke to a local government chairman, who said, Oh, I will be getting N2.9bn, instead of the N200m I was getting before.

From the end of this month, LG will receive the money directly.

He also stressed the need for greater scrutiny of State and Local Government financial management, citing instances of inadequate resource utilization.


The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has emphasized that the Federal Government is no longer involved in setting fuel prices, as the downstream sector is now fully deregulated.

According to Lokpobiri, the price of crude oil in the international market is the primary driver of fluctuations in petrol prices.

Lokpobiri, at the inaugural meeting of the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum, held on Thursday in Abuja, explained that the governments focus has shifted to quality control, ensuring availability, and guaranteeing the correct quantity of fuel is dispensed to consumers.

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He stated, The government is more interested in quality control. The government is more interested in availability, and what the government is particularly interested in is the dispensation of the right quantity.

The whole essence of deregulation is for price to find its level.

As oil price goes up, petrol price will go up, and as oil price comes down, the price will come up.

READ ALSO: Nyesom Wike Facilitated My Appointment As Petroleum Minister  Lokpobiri Reveals

The ministers comments come amidst concerns over a potential increase in petrol prices following the rise in crude oil costs.

However, marketers at the inaugural meeting of the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum assured that any price increase would not be immediate.

Abubakar Maigandi, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, attributed the current reduction in petrol prices to the partnership with the Dangote refinery.

He noted that members of the association have begun loading petrol from the refinery, resulting in a uniform price of N935 per litre across the country.

Huub Stockman, Chairman of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, cautioned that while crude oil costs affect petrol prices, the impact may not be immediate.

He emphasized that other market parameters also influence the cost of petrol.


The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly.

The Governors proposed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula, which ensures equitable distribution of resources.

According to the communique issued by the NGF on Thursday, the revised VAT sharing formula will be based on three key principles: 50% based on equality, 30% based on derivation, and 20% based on population.

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We, members of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Presidential Tax Reform Committee, convened on the 16th of January 2025 to deliberate on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigerias fiscal policies and tax system, and arrived at the following resolutions, the communique read partly.

READ ALSO: I Respect Tinubu, But Criticise His Policies  Ndume Says Amid Opposition To Tax Reform Bill

The Governors reiterated their strong support for the comprehensive reform of Nigerias archaic tax laws, acknowledging the importance of modernizing the tax system to enhance fiscal stability and align with global best practices.

Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time to maintain economic stability, it added.

The NGF also advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.

Additionally, the governors stated that there should be no terminal clause for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, and National Information Technology Development Agency in the sharing of development levies in the bills.
A yet to be identified student of Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu, has been killed amidst ongoing communal crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the unfortunate incident happened around 11 am, before the State government announced curfew in the affected areas.

It was gathered that some armed individuals, said to be residents of Ifon-Osun, invaded Ganga and Oke-Ima areas of Ilobu and started shooting indiscriminately.

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This was disclosed in a statement by the National President of Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Olufemi Salako, on Friday.

Mr. Salako said: The people of Ilobu hereby use this medium to report to the Osun State Government, security agencies and the world at large that hoodlums and invaders from Ifon-Osun have on today Thursday, January 16 afternoon, killed a student of the Department of Computer Science, Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu.

The attackers shot an innocent and harmless student of the polytechnic located at the Oke-Ima area of Ilobu.

The armed-to-teeth hoodlums stormed Ganga and Oke-Ima on Thursday around 11 am and started shooting at every living and non-living object sighted by them and the student, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, is one of their victims.

For emphasis, Oke-Ima is less than two kilometres from the palace of Olobu of Ilobu and the community houses eminent personalities including the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff.

This is to show that the invaders knowingly entered into the inner streets of Ilobu.


US President-elect Donald Trump claims that the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas would not have been possible without his teams involvement.

In an interview with the Dan Bongino Show on Thursday, Trump stated, If we werent involved in this deal, the deal wouldve never happened. We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office.

The agreement, which awaits approval from Israels security cabinet, proposes exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

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If approved, the terms of a permanent end to the war would be negotiated thereafter.

READ ALSO: Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement After Over A Year Of Fighting

Trumps assertion also sparked a response from outgoing President Joe Biden, whom Trump accused of being ungracious for taking credit for the ceasefire agreement.

He emphasized, He didnt do anything! If I didnt do this, if we didnt get involved, the hostages would never be out.

Biden had proposed a similar ceasefire agreement last May, with terms mirroring the current deal.

The proposed agreement includes an initial 42-day ceasefire, the release of 33 hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gazas population centers.
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced one Odeyemi Oluwaseun to a year imprisonment for internet fraud.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Oluwaseun, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on a two-count charge that bordered on internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.

In a statement by the agencys Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday noted that the accused, who hails from Oyo State, allegedly defrauded his victims on the internet by posing as an American-based female spiritualist with powers to cause jilted women and estranged wives to regain the affection of their men.

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READ MORE: EFCC Nabs Seven In Benin City For Cybercrime Offences

Count one of the charges reads: That you, Odeyemi Hammed Oluwaseun, sometime in December 2023 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly induced one Bose to send $3,200 (Three thousand, two hundred dollars) worth of gift cards to you, with the impression that the same would be used to diabolically influence her ex-husband to return and marry her, while you pretended and represented yourself to be one Lord Hill, a female spiritualist with email account [email protected], and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same Penal Code.

Count two reads: That you, Odeyemi Hammed Oluwaseun, between August 2023 to September 2023 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly induced one Schneider Alina to send $4,500 (Four thousand, five hundred dollar) worth of gift cards to you, with the impression that the same would be used to diabolically control her ex-boyfriend to return and marry her, while you represented yourself to be a female spiritualist with Instagram account _Visions_by_Tendo_12 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same Penal Code.

Oluwaseun pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Sesan Ola reviewed the facts of the case, tendered the convicts extra-judicial statements and evidence, including the sum of $1,000 recovered from him and prayed the court to convict and sentence him as charged.

The trial judge, Justice Abdulgafar, convinced that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, sentenced Oluwaseun to six months suspended jail term on each of the two counts, and ordered that the sum of $1,000, iPhone 15 and 2008 Toyota Camry car recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government.
No fewer than five soldiers have been killed during an attack by some gunmen, suspected to be Lakurawa terrorist group in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

In a statement on Thursday by Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed that the operation, on Wednesday, led to an intense firefight where various firearms were recovered from the criminal elements.

Abdullahi called on public to remain vigilant and alert in their communities.

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READ MORE: Suspected Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Borno Village, Kills 40 Farmers

He also urged residents to report any suspicious activities related to terrorism or security threats in Gudu LGA and surrounding areas to security agencies.

Abdullahi: The troops recovered the following items from the operation, four AK-47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one box of 12.7mm ammunition.

Despite this success, the operation came at a heavy cost, as five gallant soldiers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Nigeria Army has claimed that local collaborators with terrorists are responsible for attacks leading to death of villagers in Borno State.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, in Abuja, Spokesman of Defense Headquarters, Major General Edward Buba attributed the resurgence of attacks in the state to the influx of foreign agents who are reinforcing terrorists in the North-East.

Buba reiterated the commitment of the military to combat terrorists and their collaborators to ensure a safe Nigeria.

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READ MORE: We Killed 34 Terrorists, Lost Four Soldiers In Borno Clash  DHQ

He said: I will say that the resurgence of these attacks by these terrorists is attributable to an influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists.

These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region and this situation is made worse by local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists.

They serve as informants reporting on troops movement to the terrorists. In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly cautious of their role and responsibilities in fighting insurgency across the nation.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has insisted that N800 billion is not enough to fix roads in the country.

The former governor of Ebonyi State led this out on Friday during 2025 budget defence session organised by House Committee on Works.

Mr. Umahi highlighted the limitations of the current funding framework and called for alternative financing methods, including loans, to meet the nations infrastructure needs.

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The Minister expressed dissatisfaction with public perceptions that funds allocated to the ministry are not effectively utilized.

READ MORE: Umahi Blasts Tinubus Critics, Labels Them Enemies Of Nigeria

He said: We plead with you to help us. N800bn cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, so we appeal for your assistance.

When the nation is in recession, borrowing to invest in infrastructure is essential. Thats how you come out of a recession.

Infrastructure acts as a catalyst for economic activities, and it will alleviate the hunger we are talking about. Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel suppliers, and others will all benefit.

Support Mr President, and lets borrow money to develop infrastructure so that Nigeria can become great again.

I feel frustrated when people suggest that funds given for infrastructure projects are not used effectively.

Some believe that providing money to the Ministry of Works benefits me or the Permanent Secretary personally. We have no direct engagement with contractors.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew amid ongoing riot between Ifon and Ilobu communities.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the curfew will takes effect from Thursday, January 16, 2025, till further notice.

He added that a contingent of all security personnel, comprising the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, has been accordingly deployed to the warring communities.

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Mr. Kolapo noted that all stakeholders in the areas are advised to cooperate with the state government to resolve the issues amicably and ensure lasting peace.

READ MORE: Ondo Gov Imposes Dawn-To-Dusk Curfew In Owo Community Over Deadly Cult Clashes

The statement partly reads: Following the outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, the Osun State Government has taken the following decisions aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the affected communities

A 7pm to 7am curfew is imposed with immediate effect starting today, Thursday, January 16, 2025, until further notice.

Finally, anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any further violence, knowingly or unknowingly, in breach of lasting peace would be made to face the full wrath of the law, via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictates of the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Ifon Progressive Union, the umbrella body of Ifon-Orolu indigenes, alleged that gunmen from Ilobu stormed the Apiponroro area, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

The Secretary of the unions Board of Trustees, Jide Akinyooye, said that the latest attacks began in the early hours of Tuesday.

He noted that gunshots were reported in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, leading to displacement as residents fled their homes in fear.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 15, GAC Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("GAC Energy"), GAC Group's subsidiary, and Malaysia's EV Plus Mobility Solutions Sdn. Bhd. ("EV PLUS Mobility") signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement, according to a post on GAC Energy's WeChat account.

Photo credit: GAC Energy

Under the agreement, the two companies will leverage their respective strengths to collaborate on charging station development as a starting point and work closely to promote their brands.

The new partnership will focus on advancing Malaysia's new energy vehicle (NEV) infrastructure, selling and implementing charging solutions, and enhancing operational services. Together, they aim to explore innovative commercial models for the NEV charging sector, offering users more convenient and efficient green mobility experiences.

EV PLUS Mobility, a leading NEV service provider in Malaysia, specializes in building charging station networks and promoting NEVs, striving to deliver efficient and convenient charging solutions for its users.

GAC Energy highlighted that this partnership reflects its active efforts to implement GAC Group's "1551" internationalization strategy and accelerate its expansion into the global energy market. The company is placing significant emphasis on developing overseas markets, utilizing its product and technological advantages to support global green energy transitions and low-carbon development.

As part of its global business strategy, on September 19, 2024, GAC Energy Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. signed a cooperation framework agreement with Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading tourism and luxury hotel group in Thailand.

According to that agreement, the two parties would establish and operate supercharging stations at Centara hotels in Bangkok and key cities nationwide. The collaboration seeks to integrate Thailand's tourism sector with energy networks, creating multi-functional energy hubs that combine business travel, leisure, and NEV exhibition and sales.
A coalition of northern youth groups, students, and community-based organizations has cautioned against the politicization of tax reform bills recently submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

The group, which comprised representatives from seven states of Northwest Nigeria, led this out at a one-day engagement held at Arewa House, Kaduna State on Thursday.

The group also threw its weight behind President Tinubu and cautioned that the legislation shouldnt be politicized by stakeholders, mostly from northern region.

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This was contained in a communique signed by Hamza Saulawa, coordinator of the Nigeria First Project Initiative; Bishir Unguwa, secretary of the Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative; and Sadi Sadiq, coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum.

The youths said that some benefits of the tax reform bills are crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development in the country.

The groups said: The tax reform bills have the potential to enhance the countrys revenue base, reduce dependence on oil revenue, and ensure a more equitable tax system.

READ MORE: I Respect Tinubu, But Criticise His Policies  Ndume Says Amid Opposition To Tax Reform Bill

We urge, caution and restraint in the debate, advising the public to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit this issue for political gain.

However, we are concerned that the discourse has been heavily politicised, regionalised, and ethnically charged.

We must ensure that our voices are heard and that our concerns are addressed.

Northern states have the potential to be economically self-sufficient, but this requires visionary leadership and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

We appreciate the Presidents efforts to address the economic and social challenges facing Northern Nigeria, said Saulawa. However, we must ensure that these initiatives are implemented effectively and that the benefits are felt by the people.
Officers of the Ogun State Police Command, attached to the Sakura Division in Sagamu, have apprehended Abdullahi Sodiq, a street urchin, for allegedly using deceptive tactics to steal valuables, particularly from women.

Sodiqs arrest on Thursday followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, who ordered an intensive crackdown on criminal elements in the state.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the state police commands spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement to journalists on Friday.

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The suspect was reportedly apprehended by police operatives while patrolling the area.

Found in his possession was a black nylon bag containing an iPhone 12 Pro Max, travel documents, a house key, and other items.

READ MORE: Ogun Police Arrest Security Guard For Attempted Defilement Of Minor

Upon interrogation, Sodiq could not provide a convincing explanation for the belongings, which were later identified as those of Iyabo Ogunubi, one of his victims.

The statement partly reads, Officers of the Sakura Police Division have apprehended a street urchin who engages in sharp tricks to rob unsuspecting people, particularly women, of their possessions.

In response to the orders from CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for intensive raids to eliminate criminals and prevent potential crimes.

On January 16, 2025, at about 7:30 pm, while on patrol, the Sakura Divisional Police Officer encountered one Abdullahi Sodiq, a male with no identifiable address, in possession of a black handbag belonging to a woman. Inside the bag were an iPhone 12 Pro Max, travel documents, a house key, and several other items.

During questioning, Abdullahi Sodiq could not explain how the bag came into his possession satisfactorily.

A follow-up investigation revealed that the rightful owner of the bag was identified as Iyabo Ogunubi, who had previously had it stolen by Abdullahi.

The case will be taken to court, and the police are urging the public to prioritise the security of their valuables.


Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubus economic reforms will eradicate bad governance and liberate Nigerians from political brigandage.

Akande made this statement at his birthday lecture in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, where he noted that the Federal Governments policies are designed to rebirth and reset the country for greatness, sustainable growth, and development.

I am happy that our great party is working tirelessly to liberate Nigeria and permanently end bad governance, Akande said on Thursday.

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The All Progressives Congress under former President Muhammadu Buhari did eight years and now under President Tinubu is doing it for the second year, the goal is to correct the bad governance that has been established over the years, so Nigeria can get back on track.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Battled Spiritual Forces Before He Emerged President  Bisi Akande

Nigerians should appreciate, though we are not there yet and every individuals pride should be rooted in honesty. We must strive to be honest with our country, avoid fraud, and do things the right way, so Nigeria can move forward.

President Tinubus policy aims to liberate Nigeria from its current challenges and set the nation on a path to prosperity. In a few years, well see the positive impact of his policies, he added.

President Tinubu also paid tribute to Akande on his birthday, describing him as a truly progressive and committed Awoist who has made significant contributions to Nigerias democracy and development.
A suspected gunrunner has been detained in Taraba State by troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

The culprit, Alhaji Adamu Usman, was apprehended on January 13, 2025, in the states Gassol Local Government Area.

According to a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo on Thursday by the brigades acting spokesperson, Captain Oni Olubodunde, items including a fabricated submachine gun were retrieved from him.

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The operation, conducted on 13 January 2025, was based on credible intelligence. Troops launched a precise raid on the suspects residence in Maraban Gassol, located in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

During the search, they uncovered the illegally fabricated submachine gun, which is believed to be linked to arms trafficking activities, the statement read.

READ MORE: Ogun: Security Guard Detained For Stealing Employers Electric Motor Parts

Expressing his delight over the development, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

He reiterated the brigades dedication to upholding peace and tackling the spread of illegal arms within the state.


A call has been made for reconciliation between two prominent politicians in Kano, former Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso and Umar Ganduje, in order to foster a more peaceful and progressive environment in the State.

Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, member representing Kiru/Bebeji constituency and chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, emphasized the need for urgent reconciliation between the duo amidst their lingering feud.

According to Jibrin, the situation is unfortunate and a setback for Kano State. He described both Kwankwaso and Ganduje as highly accomplished politicians who have excelled in their careers.

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Speaking with Freedom Radio on Thursday he said, While Kwankwaso started in the Kano State Civil Service and later became the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ganduje was, on the other hand, a civil servant, Director in FCT, Commissioner, Deputy Governor, Executive Secretary, two-term governor, and now the Chairman of the ruling party.

Jibrin stressed that it is the duty of Muslims to reconcile the two leaders, regardless of their political differences.

They were friends for a long time, and they started good things together, but what is happening between them is sad and painful. This is not a time to open old wounds but a time to embrace a future of peace, unity, tranquillity, progress, and development, he said.

READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Has No Peoples Support, Will See Reality In 2027  Ganduje

He called on all well-meaning citizens of Kano to join hands in reconciling the two leaders, suggesting that they should put aside their differences and stand together in times of happiness and sadness.

Now, whoever is aware of what is happening in Kano knows that the genesis will not be unconnected to the lingering feud between Kwankwaso and Ganduje.

Everybody knows we are all NNPP and disciples of Senator Kwankwaso and his movement Kwankwasiyya. But It is an obligation upon some of us to force a reconciliation between the duo.

Whether they like it or not, the issue of politics is something different, it is their choice but as Muslims we have a duty to do the right thing by reconciling them.

We are already working hard towards that but I am calling on all of us that believe in this reconciliation efforts to come together and make it a reality.

Let us see Kwankwaso attending the wedding of Gandujes daughter and Ganduje attending the wedding of Kwankwasos son.
Philadelphia-area consumers share the small, everyday steps they've taken to save money, in hopes others can benefit and accomplish their 2025 money goals. Read more

When it came to her personal finances, Brittany Bronson knew the big-picture advice  the tips a financial adviser might dole out for saving more, paying off debt, or hitting other money goals.

She was well aware of the power of budgeting, the value of investing, and the habits that can lead to lower energy bills.

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But the 34-year-old Roxborough resident wanted more: the less obvious day-to-day tips for financial discipline that would help her boost her savings.

So earlier this month Bronson, a DEI executive and mother of three, took to the popular Facebook group Philaqueens to share her own tips for financial success in the new year  and solicit the advice of other Philadelphians.

 READ MORE: Personal finance will soon be a high school graduation requirement in Pa. Can you pass a quiz on the subject?

Bronson said she has found her fellow millennials to be refreshingly open about money on social media and in real-life conversations, and more than willing to share their knowledge to help others.

Were all in the same boat, Bronson said. We need to put our collective ideas together.

Still, Bronson said, she was surprised at the response to her post: More than 100 other people wanted to share what has worked for them.

Their tips covered everything from cutting back on subscriptions, to taking advantage of lesser-known supermarket deals, to using Buy Nothing groups, which allow users to pick up outgrown clothes, excess kitchenware, and extra food from neighbors who would otherwise throw the products away.

A few women commented on Bronsons post and suggested taking out $5 to $20 in cash every time theres a cashback option at a store. They stash those bills away as a type of manual savings account, one that cant instantly be transferred back to a checking account for the instant-gratification of an online purchase.

Here are some other pieces of financial advice tried and tested by these real-life Philly-area consumers. They might help you chip away at your own money goals in 2025, or just put you in a headspace that makes saving feel like a game, not a chore.

Incorporate no-spend days

As Yimika Osinulu brainstormed her 2025 money goals, she came to a realization.

There is not a day that goes by where I dont swipe my card, whether its $3 or $300, said Osinulu, a 28-year-old who lives in Southwest Center City.

This fall, she started implementing no-spend days, where  you guessed it  she doesnt spend a cent. Osinulu, who works in marketing, said it began with one day per week. Now, she is up to three no-spend days a week.

Now Im doing no-spend days where Im not spending any money, and Im taking money out of my checking and putting it into my savings, she said.

This year, Osinulu has vowed to put aside $200 each week, about what she might have spent on lunches, Target runs, and online shopping on the three no-spend days.

Comparison-shop for the cheapest groceries

After Jill Mullin was laid off in 2023, she had to cut her grocery budget, not an easy task for a single mom of a 13-year-old.

So Mullin started comparison shopping, keeping a running list on her phone of the prices of items at different stores.

I started thinking about what are the things that we eat all the time, said Mullin, 51, of Fishtown. Because I had more time, it allowed me to focus on the stores that I prefer to go to and really kind of capitalize on that.

At the time, she found that Wegmans had some of the least-expensive pasta and pasta sauces. Trader Joes, meanwhile, often had the best prices on frozen seafood, eggs, veggies, chips, and chocolate treats. She would go to ShopRite for chicken breasts when they were on sale, and scoop up some of Whole Foods 365 brand products, which could be reasonably priced. She said she also found good deals on healthier foods at Sprouts.

Even though Mullin is back working in a sales position, she still tries to be cognizant of shopping at the stores with the best prices on items she needs. She uses the comparison shopping information she compiled when she was out of work and looks out for sales and promotions on the apps for all her local grocery stores.

I just dont want to waste money, Mullin said.

Delete Amazon, UberEats, and other shopping apps off your phone

You know which apps will send you down a money-spending rabbit hole.

Bronson, a busy mom who just finished a doctorate program, used to spend the most on Amazon and UberEats.

So in November, as the expensive holiday season approached, she deleted those tempting apps from her phone, she said, in an effort to stop impulsive scrolling and impulsive spending.

It was just too easy from my phone, Bronson said.

She still has an UberEats account and an Amazon Prime account, which her family of five uses to order essentials like toilet paper and paper towels. But now she must log onto her computer to make a purchase.

The extra step has dramatically reduced how often she spends on these services.

Im not getting up and getting on my computer at 2 oclock in the morning to order lotion, she said.

Press pause on impulse shopping

If youre not ready to delete your apps, Kalista Morris Battaglia has another strategy: Let an item sit in your digital cart for 24 or 48 hours before purchasing.

During her self-imposed waiting periods, Battaglia, 32, of Media, said she recently reconsidered whether she really needed a new dress for a wedding and the Snackle Box charcuterie container, which social media had convinced her was a necessity for a friends bachelorette party.

I hit pause and was like, I have an entire cabinet of Tupperware and Chinese takeout containers, said Battaglia, a commercial insurance underwriter. How often am I going to be using a Snackle Box? It would make one cute picture, but is it worth it?

The answer was no, Battaglia said. More times than not, she said, her impulse buys arent things she needs a day later.
David Zandstra, seen here after his arrest in 2023, was on trial this week for the 1975 murder and kidnapping of Gretchen Harrington. Read more

After about an hour of deliberation Friday, a Delaware County jury acquitted a former Marple Township pastor of murder and kidnapping in the 1975 killing of Gretchen Harrington.

David Zandstra, 84, hugged his attorney, Mark Much, as the verdict was read, an emotional moment that capped a four-day trial into one of the countys most shocking and confounding cold cases.

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Muchs cocounsel, Christopher Boggs, said afterward that Zandstras family was relieved to be able to bring him home after 18 months in custody.

I think the Commonwealth was absolutely in a difficult spot, trying to prove something that was 50 years old, Boggs said, adding that Much worked hard to prove to jurors that Zandstra was innocent, as he had professed for years.

In his closing arguments earlier Friday, Deputy District Attorney Geoff Paine maintained what he has said since 2023, when Zandstra was charged with the 8-year-olds murder after confessing to the crime: That Zandstra was burdened by perverse sexual urges when he took Gretchen, drove her to a secluded section of Ridley Creek State Park and beat her to death.

After the verdict was read Friday afternoon, Paine said he knew it would be a difficult case going in, given the unavailability of some witnesses. And though his office believed that Zandstra was the correct suspect, they respect the jurys decision.

We have made a commitment to the families of all of our cold-case victims, and were not going to change that commitment based on one verdict in one case, Paine said.

During his own closing arguments Friday, Much said that Pennsylvania State Police detectives had coerced and manipulated his client into confessing to a crime he did not commit, planting ideas in his head with false claims about forensic and eyewitness evidence they did not have.

The case, he told the jury, was riddled with reasonable doubt, and he urged them to acquit Zandstra of any wrongdoing.

He believes law enforcement is there to help. He doesnt believe theyre there to trick him, Much said. If you killed a child in 1975 and got away with it for 48 years, why would you go in and speak with the police?

Zandstra was the pastor at Trinity Chapel in Marple Township, a Christian reform church just up the hill from the Harrington family home. On Aug. 15, 1975, Gretchen was last seen walking to the church for the final session of vacation Bible school before disappearing into Delaware County history, the victim of a vicious crime that has long shocked the community.

Her body was found two months later near a walking trail in Ridley Creek State Park, her clothes nearby. An autopsy later revealed that she died from blunt-force trauma to the head  she was beaten to death.

During an interview with two state police detectives in 2023, Zandstra admitted to abducting and killing Gretchen, saying the episode was something he had often replayed in his mind in the intervening years.

The interview was scheduled, Paine said, after a woman who was a lifelong friend of Zandstras daughter told police in 2022 that Zandstra had groped her at a sleepover at his home in 1975, days before Gretchens disappearance. At the time, Paine said, the woman was the same age as Gretchen and looked like Gretchen.

If that happened today and there was a report, thered be one suspect in this murder: The guy who tried to molest little girls from the church, Paine said.

Testimony during Zandstras four-day trial revealed that, before his confession, state police had developed multiple suspects in the decades since Gretchens body was found. Suspects that Much, Zandstras attorney, stressed in his own closing arguments were more likely than his client.

There was no physical evidence linking him to the crime: DNA found on Gretchens clothing belonged to two unidentified men and one unidentified woman.

Zandstra, Much said, was excluded from being even a potential contributor.

If David Zandstra doesnt talk to the police, were not here, Much said. They didnt have any evidence to arrest him in 2023.

Among the alternate suspects Much presented to the jury was Richard Bailey, a convicted child rapist and kidnapper, who was seen a mile from where Gretchen disappeared on the day she was abducted. Bailey died in state prison in the 1990s.

Another prime suspect, according to Much, was Gretchens sister, Zoe Harrington, who in 2021 admitted to killing her sister with a rock during a bizarre, occult-like ritual involving her father, who was also a pastor, and members of the congregation he led.

Because of that statement, Much said, state police at one point considered Harold Harrington, Gretchens father, a potential suspect. Harold Harrington died in 2021.

Paine, the prosecutor, dismissed Zoe Harringtons confession, saying she had a history of mental-health illness. He told jurors that Muchs theories were a distraction meant to obscure the truth.

During his confession, Zandstra was able to recall details of Gretchens abduction freely, including the detail that she was terrified on the drive to the state park and asked him to take her home, Paine said.

Other witnesses, in reports filed to police in 1975, said that Zandstra was not at Trinity Chapel on the morning Gretchen disappeared, with one woman saying the day had a spooky feel to it as the days normal activities were delayed.
File photo of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin during a press conference at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, N.J. Read more

Criminal charges have been filed against alleged members of a sophisticated ring that collected $3.4 million in profits from reselling diesel fuel fraudulently purchased in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other neighboring states using credit and debit card information stolen from thousands of victims, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday.

The sprawling investigation, led by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, originated in Gloucester Township, when police began looking into the skimming of credit and debit cards to illegally access funds to pay for large amounts of diesel fuel, Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay said.

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Investigators eventually learned that thousands of people in New Jersey and surrounding states had their credit card information stolen as part of the scheme, prosecutors said.

The alleged fraud ring also operated in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Twenty-five people and four companies were charged with first-degree racketeering, and some of the defendants were charged with additional crimes.

Two defendants accused of being the top members of the conspiracy are Carlos Alvarez-Moreno, 30, and Javier Reyes Linares, 28, both of Elizabeth, N.J. Most of the other defendants are from New Jersey, and the remaining are from Florida and Texas.

An arrest warrant application for the defendants was filed Jan. 8 in Superior Court in Camden.

The participants in the scheme installed skimming devices at gas pumps to record credit and debit card information from unknowing victims trying to buy gas, prosecutors said.

Investigators learned that ring members allegedly possessed master keys that unlocked gas pumps, allowing them to install the skimmers on the inside of the machines and out of view of the victims. Prosecutors did not elaborate on how the defendants allegedly obtained the keys.

The stolen data was then used to create cloned cards to purchase the diesel fuel, prosecutors said. Approximately 500 cloned cards were allegedly recovered from the defendants during their arrests.

The arrest warrant application states that Alvarez-Moreno, described as the leader of the ring, and two others were previously arrested on Feb. 9 in Roxbury Township, N.J., and allegedly were in possession of a master key, a skimming device, a USB drive containing stolen credit card information from hundreds of victims, and two computers, including one with software to create cloned cards.

Ring members used various vehicles outfitted with large tanks to transport fuel, including an ice cream truck, prosecutors said. None of the defendants is registered in New Jersey to sell diesel fuel, prosecutors said.

The fuel was then taken to trucking companies and, on numerous occasions, the owners or operators of the companies were present to oversee the transactions from vehicles clearly not designated to lawfully transport fuel, prosecutors said.

Glotrac Builders LLC, a defendant company located in Newark, was the primary purchaser of the diesel fuel, prosecutors said. The company allegedly paid in cash or checks to shell companies approximately $2.88 million for tens of thousands of gallons and then resold the fuel to third-party trucks and trucking companies.

This successful investigation is the result of intelligent police work, timely sharing of information, and the strong relationships that we have with our local, county, and state law enforcement partners, Gloucester Township Police Chief David J. Harkins said in a statement.

Numerous law enforcement agencies helped with the investigation, including the Pennsylvania State Police and police departments in Bucks County, and Lancaster, Pa.
Phil Sheau, of Overbrook, looks around the sanctuary during a building prayer walk at Overbrook Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Read more

A year ago, when Pastor Adam Hearlson looked at the charred ruins of the sanctuary of Overbrook Presbyterian Church (OPC), he felt a combination of anger and grief.

It wasnt just a building, it was our building, he told congregants at the churchs first postfire Sunday service, which was held at neighboring Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church.

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A blaze on Jan. 15, 2024, gutted the 136-year-old churchs sanctuary, destroying items like a 1939 M.P. Moller pipe organ valued at $1.7 million. Built in 1889, the church, at 6376 City Ave., is on the U.S. Department of the Interiors National Register of Historic Places.

A few days after the fire, Hearlson held an outdoor vigil. Despite the frigid temperature, parishioners walked the perimeter to get a closer look at the damage.

 READ MORE: After a devastating blaze, Overbrook Presbyterian Church has found a community of generosity to help it recover

Hearlson led the church in a second vigil on Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the fire. The hour-long program was a combination of remembrances and a tour of the church to check on the restoration progress. This is an opportunity to share those memories, not in a spirit just of grief but a spirit of delight, Hearlson told a group of about 25 OPC members.

Heartbreak and hope

But delight wasnt exactly how Becky Lazo described her feelings. I was here the night of the fire. I saw the building on fire, said Lazo, who has been a member of OPC for 14 years.

She said the church has been an ongoing support to her and her two children, helping her with raising her children and through a divorce. This is a second home. Im still sad, Lazo acknowledged.

This is a second home. Im still sad. Becky Lazo

Lois Davis walked around the sanctuary and recalled how her grandson, as a toddler, delighted in pretending to direct the music as the organist played the postlude each Sunday. Then they would walk together, looking at the churchs historic stained glass windows, which were originally installed in the sanctuary in 1905. It was that recollection, she said, that was the saddest part for me.

I do want to recognize that this is a day, not just to commemorate the fire, but also a day for us to be grateful and to live in the posture of gratitude, Hearlson told the gathering, before asking members to recall the organizations that have supported OPC since the fire.

The list included Penn Wynne, which provides space for OPCs weekly service; St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Ardmore, which makes room for choir rehearsal; and Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood, which hosts OPCs weekly Bible study. One casualty of the fire has been the Overbrook Preschool and Kindergarten, which moved to the Presbyterian Church of Llanerch in Havertown but closed in May. The school had been open since 1966.

The pastor also called the names of financial supporters, including the Overbrook Hospital in Thailand, a contribution with a long history. A century ago, OPC gave $16,000 to a missionary from Thailand, who preached at the church and was raising funds for a hospital, which was named the Overbrook Hospital. When the staff at Overbrook Hospital heard about the fire at the church, they contributed $16,000.

Hearlson said that one thing he would not have predicted a year ago is that the church has picked up members. He attributes that to people wanting to be a part of a community that supports one another when times are hard.

Lessons learned

The fire started not long after parishioners commemorated MLK Day by placing T-shirts around the building as part of the Memorial to the Lost, symbolizing lives lost to gunfire, which they did annually.

The fire was accidental. Linseed oil-soaked cleaning cloths, used to clean the pews in the sanctuary, were stored in a bucket near the organ. Linseed oil can spontaneously combust. No one was injured. Hearlson said they are being transparent about the cause not to make parishioners feel bad but with the hope of helping others avoid this type of accident.

According to the construction site manager, Joseph Ventresca, who helped lead the parishioners around the construction, things could have been much worse. But because of the century-old churchs solid stone construction, there was no structural damage.

Its a big project, and the toughest part is restoring the stained glass windows, Ventresca said, adding that they have found artisans in Pittsburgh and that work will commence next month.

...There will be a time again when we gather in these spaces. Pastor Adam Hearlson

Hearlson, an adjunct professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, said he is considering writing a book and teaching a course for ministers on dealing with disruption. For Hearlson, who started six years ago, his tenure has been marked by disruption: first COVID-19 and then the fire.

These moments of disaster pull us closer together, Hearlson said, adding ministers are usually unprepared for such circumstances and dont know whom to call or which theologies to lean on.

Early estimates were that it would be two to three years before the sanctuary was ready for worship. Ventresca said he believes the church will celebrate Christmas in its sanctuary this year, although not all the work is expected to be completed by then. Hearlson estimates the full restoration will cost $4 million to $5 million.

But, on the anniversary of the worst thing to happen to the church, Hearlson ended with a prayer of gratitude.

And so we give thanks for these memories as we turn our eyes to hope. We recognize that though we dont have a ceiling and its a little dusty in here right now and the sanctuary doesnt look like it looked  there will be a time again when we gather in these spaces.
First lady Melania Trump stands with President Donald Trump as former President Barack Obama kisses the hand of his wife, Michelle Obama, during a departure ceremony on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington. Read more

I can only fake a smile for so long. After a while, my face gets stiff, and I might as well stop because Im not fooling anyone.

Apparently, the same may be true for Michelle Obama, who has opted out of attending Mondays presidential inauguration.

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The nations first Black first lady hasnt spoken publicly about her decision not to attend the festivities, which happen to fall on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. But given the long history President-elect Donald Trump has of making racist and sexist statements, as well as his predilection for negative remarks about former President Barack Obama, we can all guess as to why she wont be there.

Michelle Obama has done more than enough for this country. It surely would have been difficult for her, no doubt, to endure the forced cordiality, and watch as Trump placed his hand on a Bible  on the steps of the U.S. Capitol his followers defiled on Jan. 6, 2021, in a violent attempt to stop the electoral vote certification.

She will forever be my favorite first lady, in part for her penchant for keeping it real, as the saying goes. We arent living in normal times. We do a disservice to the country and our nations democracy when we behave as if this is just another president moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. when Trump is a twice-impeached, convicted criminal.

During a speech before the Democratic National Convention, she said of Trumps first term in office: Why would we normalize that type of backward leadership? Doing so only demeans and cheapens our politics.

We arent living in normal times.

Meanwhile, the uproar about her decision not to attend the presidential inauguration is ironic, considering how Trump, along with former first lady Melania Trump, skipped President Joe Bidens inauguration, rather than attend and admit he had lost the 2020 presidential election. His absence marked the first time in 150 years an outgoing president boycotted his successors inauguration.

As for Michelle Obama, she remains a trendsetter. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also has decided not to go to Mondays festivities. And although former Presidents Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have agreed to attend the swearing-in ceremony, they will not be at the traditional post-inauguration lunch.

Last time around, after listening to Trumps inauguration speech, Bush reportedly was overheard saying, That was some weird shit.

I cant imagine what its going to be like this time around after his being open about wanting to be a dictator, if only for a day, and wanting to get back at his political enemies, among other things.

There is no word as to what Michelle Obama actually will do Monday, besides enjoy the federal holiday and do whatever else she needs to protect her peace. Thats something we all should focus on as we brace ourselves for whats to come.
Photo Credit: Paramount+

When Jerry Jones made a recent appearance playing himself on the popular Paramount+ series Landman, he seemed to be struggling to keep his emotions in check.

Jones performance in the scene with series stars Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm surprised many people. They werent the only ones who were surprised. Turns out, production crew members couldnt believe the Dallas Cowboys team owner played the role, and that he had so many lines.

The Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast contacted the shows cinematographer, Robert McLachlan, for a behind-the-scenes look at Jones appearance. McLachlan admitted he was skeptical before the scene.

When we were handed the script, theyre Oh, thats cool, you know, Jerry Jones character comes in and delivers this huge, long monologue. (They said) Who have they got to play Jerry Jones?' McLachlan said.

McLachlan has been in the business for 40 years and has worked on projects including Game of Thrones, Westworld, and the Final Destination franchise. He said bringing in amateurs for big roles is asking for trouble.

Ive done this a long time, and usually bringing in a non-actor to do something long like that  youre really treading on thin ice, McLachlan said.

But Jones nailed the part.

Jerry Jones going toe to toe with BILLY BOB THORNTON and Jon Hamm is insane lol. The near tears! The suppressed emotion! https://t.co/3M3OincHKJ  Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 6, 2025



McLachlan said Jones arrived the day of the shoot via helicopter with a small entourage.

The script supervisor, whos been doing this a long time too, McLachlan said, she looked at me and kind of rolled her eyes, like, Boy, thats a lot of words for a non-actor to do.'

Please enable JavaScript to view the poll powered by Disqus.

We asked the cinematographer of Landman what it was like working with Jerry Jones as an actor.  The script supervisor, whos been doing this a long time too, looked at me and kind of rolled her eyes, saying, Boy, thats a lot of words for a non-actor.' Safe to say, he pic.twitter.com/y9FUL2z9FJ  Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) January 16, 2025

Jones got the role because he knows series co-creator Taylor Sheridan. Hamm told The Hollywood Reporter that Jones was told to be himself and the crew would make it work.

It was a lot of takes, Hamm said. It was a lot of work, and it was fun. Jerry is a man who has led quite a life, as he told in the story there. I think that was the directive for him: Basically, tell your story and well make it resonate, and thats what happened. It was a very cool way to go about getting that story out there.
There is also remarkable breadth and diversity in the clientele between brokers that work in metropolitan cities vs those working in the regions, said Klipin. The role of a broker  generalist or otherwise  is to be seen as a trusted partner who helps Australian families, businesses, and the community to thrive.
Banks wont lend money to a business that cant insure the asset that underpins the loan thats been made, he said, as reported by ABC. And in that circumstance, those people lose their business. If they cant get financed, they sack the staff, they move on. And that has a spiralling effect in a community like this.
New ICA guide aims to boost disaster readiness among insurers

The community forum follows the release of a new Extreme Weather and Disaster Response Planning Guide, designed to improve the insurance industrys ability to manage large-scale natural disasters. The guide incorporated insights from events like the 2022 floods in New South Wales and Queensland, which resulted in more than 240,000 claims and $6.16 billion in payouts by mid-2024.
This has all contributed to building the confidence amongst stakeholders on what we are doing and what we are trying to achieve for the best interests of the scheme, Large said.
This syndicate, launched in April 2024, is the first at Lloyds to focus exclusively on African markets and is projected to write 125 million in gross premiums in 2025. Currently, African business accounts for only 2% of Lloyds overall portfolio.
Expanding into London is a major milestone for us and reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our clients. With Nicks leadership and insight, I am confident we will establish a thriving operation that embodies Juniper Res values of collaboration, innovation, and creativity, Irvan said.
The company also announced the formation of a new customer and distribution management (CDM) function, which will be led by John Diaz, previously head of US middle market underwriting. Zurich has worked to strengthen its US distribution footprint in recent years, and unifying CDM under Diaz's leadership is part of the effort to optimize the organizational structure.
Its not going to be from a high tide with wind behind it, Stedman said in a report from AM Best. There have been high tides with wind behind them for eons. When people build on the waterfront, they compensate for that.
"As BOXX aims to advance our mission of creating a digitally safer world, refining our product lines and investing in our platform and operations is the natural next step, she added. Erik's underwriting and product experience along with Jim and Gil's deep connections across the industry will be invaluable in achieving this."
Additionally, through the HMIG Community Fund managed by the Community Foundation of Harford County, more than $117,000 was allocated to nonprofits. This funding supported organizations such as First Fruits Farm, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford and Cecil Counties, the Harford Community College Foundation, and Steppingstone Farm Museum.
The three chosen organizations align with the MJ Foundations pillars and our purpose to be an intentional, active force for good in our communities, said Britini Shrout, executive director of the MJ Foundation. We look forward to watching how this funding will empower each organization to further its mission, and the impact it will make within our communities.
A Massachusetts man who sued his ex-girlfriend over her sharing an unflattering nude photo of him and accessing his personal online accounts without permission has had his $10,280 court award upheld.

In December 2023, a Bristol County trial judge entered the award in Andrew Thibaudeaus favor after finding that he was the victim of intentional infliction of emotional distress by the ex-girlfriend, Denise Reis, who appealed that ruling.

A Massachusetts Appeals Court three-justice panel this week affirmed the trial court award.

However, the appeals court denied Thibaudeaus cross-appeal in which he asked the court to reinstate additional claims of negligence and defamation/libel against Reis that were dismissed by the trial judge.

Thibaudeaus attorney, Tim Frawley, of MGC Law in Providence, told Insurance Journal that his client is happy with the decision from a damages standpoint but is considering further appeal over the dismissed claims.

What Happened

At trial, Reis testified that she took the nude photograph of Thibaudeau on her cell phone when she and he were living together as a couple. She claimed that they both laughed at the photo because it was unflattering. Reis further stated that she only showed the photograph to a friend after she and Thibaudeau had broken up. She also said she sent her friend an electronic copy of the photo on multiple occasions and set the nude photo as the Thibaudeau contact picture on her cell phone and then shared the contact profile with her friend. Furthermore, Reis readily admitted that she accessed Thibaudeaus email, Facebook, and Google accounts without his permission. In so doing, she read his emails and private messages and deleted some of his photos.

Contrary to Reiss testimony, her friend testified that Reis first showed her the photo at her home and then showed the photo again to herself and a group of four or five mutual friends when they were at a local bar. The friend also testified that the photo was shared with multiple people during social gatherings and that everybody knew about it, referring to her mutual friend group with Thibaudeau.

A friend of Thibaudeaus testified that he learned about the photo from his girlfriend, who is in the same social circle as Reis, and immediately notified Thibaudeau. This friend stated that after learning about the photo, Thibaudeau began to socialize less frequently.

Thibaudeau testified that due to the photo being shared and Reiss interference with his online accounts, he tended to stay away as much as possible from local social gatherings and has experienced considerable mental anguish and difficulty sleeping.

Thibaudeau also expressed concern about Reiss actions affecting his employment due to the possibility that she might still possess and share his personal information or other photos. Thibaudeau further stated that he has no recollection of the photo being taken and did not give Reis permission to take the photo.

Intentional Infliction

The appeals court noted that to prevail on a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a plaintiff must show that the defendant intended to cause, or should have known that their conduct would cause, emotional distress; that the defendants conduct was extreme and outrageous; that the defendants conduct caused the plaintiffs distress; and that the plaintiff suffered severe distress.

To be considered extreme and outrageous, the conduct must be beyond all bounds of decency and utterly intolerable in a civilized community. Liability cannot be founded upon mere insults, threats, or annoyances.

On appeal, Reis argued that Thibaudeau had not satisfied the requirements for a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The appeals court found that the trial judge did not err and could reasonably conclude from the evidence that Reis should have at least known that her decision to share an unflattering nude photograph with multiple people in their small community and to access Thibaudeau s online accounts and personal photos without his permission would cause him emotional distress.

Additionally, the appeals court continued, sharing an explicit photograph of another person without their consent is the type of conduct that has been recognized as extreme and outrageous. Finally, given the uncontroverted testimony regarding Thibaudeaus mental anguish leading him to avoid socializing in his hometown, the judges determination that Reiss conduct caused hum severe emotional distress was reasonable and supported by the record.

Additional Claims

The trial judge had dismissed Thibaudeaus negligence based claims on the ground that in Massachusetts there is no legally cognizable duty between the parties in a dating relationship. However, Thibaudeau maintained that at trial it was determined that all of the conduct alleged in the complaint occurred after the termination of the relationship between the two.

The trial judge also dismissed Thibaudeaus claim of defamation/libel because the intimate image did not contain information identifying Thibaudeau as the person depicted in the photograph. But Thibaudeau on appeal argued that this was disproved at trial by Reiss own testimony that there was identifying information.

However, the appeals court also found no error by the trial judge in the dismissal of the additional counts. Regarding the negligence claims, the appeals court said that Thibaudeau failed to argue that a duty of care existed between himself and the defendant sufficient to sustain his negligence claims, and that Thibaudeau cites no case law supporting this proposition. As for the defamation/libel count, the appeals court said Thibaudeau failed to argue why the photo was defamatory or libelous or cite any case law to that effect.

Frawley, Thibaudeaus attorney, told Insurance Journal that he believes there are grounds to appeal the negligence based claims and the defamation claim because it was clearly established at trial that there was no dating relationship and there was evidence of disclosure of his clients identity.

Topics Massachusetts
A Virginia student assistant who suffered injuries in both knees after being kicked 25 times over a period of 11 days is not entitled to workers compensation benefits.

The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission (WCC) upheld a deputy commissioners denial of benefits because, in keeping with the states workers compensation law, an injury that is due to cumulative trauma, and which did not stem from an identifiable incident, is not compensable as a workplace injury by accident.

The claimant, a behavior assistant for the Loudoun County Public Schools, filed a claim on July 18, 2022 alleging that he sustained a compensable injury by accident to both knees on September 30, 2021. At his benefits hearing, the assistant testified that each day over an 11-day period prior to September 30, 2021, a student kicked him in his knees, and attacked him and his co-workers. He estimated being kicked 20 to 25 times. He sought medical treatment on February 27, 2023. His doctor diagnosed prepatellar bursitis both knees due to kicked in both knees repeatedly by student.

The school system objected to his workers compensation claim on the ground that he did not suffer a sudden, structural bodily change due to an identifiable incident as required under Virginia law. Last September, a deputy commissioner denied the claim.

The assistant admitted that his bilateral knee injury was not sudden but happened over time and was not the result of one identifiable event.

The record was consistent with his admission. The first report of injury on April 29, 2022 shows that over the course of the week in September the claimant was kicked approximately 25 times. During a recorded interview with the claim administrator on July 13, 2022, the claimant explained, Its 11 days straight so it wasnt just that instance you know that particular day. Also, the claimants claim form filed July 18, 2022 contains the following description of how the injury occurred: Working in an intense B.A. Program. A violent teen kicked me repeatedly in both knees. Lastly, and significantly, his physicians report on March 14, 2024 connected the claimants prepatellar bursitis of both knees to this history: kicked in both knees repeatedly by student.

Thus the WCC agreed with the deputy commissioner that his bilateral knee injury is the result of cumulative trauma and therefore not compensable under the workers compensation act.

The commission cited a case from 2007 that set forth the rule that to prove an injury by accident, the evidence must demonstrate an identifiable incident; that occurs at some reasonably definite time; an obvious sudden mechanical or structural change in the body; and a causal connection between the incident and bodily change.

In another case, from 1985, an injury due to cumulative trauma was found not compensable because it did not stem from a sudden identifiable incident or sudden event. In a third, this from 1996, job-related impairments resulting from cumulative trauma caused by repetitive motion, however labeled or however defined, are, as a matter of law, not compensable under the present provisions of the Act.

The school worker has the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Virginia K-12
Perdue Farms will pay $4 million in restitution after it employed children in hazardous occupations at a Virginia plant and let them work past 7 p.m. during the regular school week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday.

The hazardous work at the Accomac facility included deboning chicken using equipment such as electric knives, the department said in a news release. The conditions violated the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Perdue Farms has substantial influence in the poultry processing industry, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said in a statement. By entering into this agreement, Perdue Farms is taking meaningful action to root out child labor not only at its facilities but to recognize its corporate responsibility to combat child labor more broadly.

Perdue Farms will pay restitution to the children, organizations advocating for child labor victims and to support prevention efforts, the department said. The company also will pay a $150,000 fine.

Perdue contracted with temporary staffing agency Staff Management Solutions LLC and SMX LLC. The department said the company and agency jointly employed children in hazardous occupations at the Accomac facility, located on the Eastern Shore.

The agency agreed to pay a $125,000 civil penalty, the department said.

In a statement, Perdue said it fully cooperated with the investigation, which did not identify any current underage workers.

Perdue said it strongly disagreed with the Labor Departments findings and that there are no admissions in the agreement to the contrary.

Perdue recognized that a prolonged dispute with the Department of Labor did nothing to address the child labor crisis, the company said.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Talent Agribusiness
A tanker subject to the new U.S. sanctions is discharging Russian oil at a port operated by Shandong Port Group in east China, shipping data on LSEG Eikon showed on Thursday.

The tanker is the first since last weeks sanctions announcement to discharge in Shandong province where many of Chinas independent refineries that have been big importers of Russian crude are based.

It will be monitored closely by those in the industry anxious to know how strictly the measures will be implemented.

The vessel is managed by Hong Kong-based Ocean Anemone Shipmanagement and is working under insurance from Balance Insurance based in Russia.

The sanctions include a grace period exempting cargoes loaded before Jan. 10 and unloaded before March 12, traders said, but the industry still halted some shipments as they assessed their risks.

Shandong Port Group was not available for comment after normal office hours.

The Panama-flagged crude oil tanker Mermar docked on Wednesday at Longkou port in the city of Yantai. It had floated since Saturday, the LSEG data showed.

The data also showed the Aframax-sized tanker carried 80,000 metric tons of (600,000 barrels) Russian ESPO Blend crude that was loaded on Jan. 6 from Kozmino port on Russias east coast.

The Mermar was among 183 ships designated by the Biden administration on Friday in an announcement that disrupted supply from the worlds No. 2 producer to China and India and reduced ship availability.

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control said the Mermar had made a port call in a Russian port where oil has consistently traded well above a $60 price cap imposed by the West to try to curb Russias oil revenues.

The tanker is considered part of Russias shadow fleet that it has used until now to skirt sanctions. Its registered owner Merluza Group has also been placed under restrictions by the new measures.

The vessel is managed by Hong Kong-based Ocean Anemone Shipmanagement and is working under insurance from Balance Insurance based in Russia, according to shipping data seen by Reuters. Reuters was not able to contact Ocean Anemone Shipmanagement. Balance Insurance didnt immediately answer a Reuters request for a comment.

The vessel had insurance cover from New Zealands Maritime Mutual until May 2025, but changed the insurer in November 2024, according to the data seen by Reuters.

Prior to the U.S. sanctions announcement, Shandong Port Group had banned U.S.-sanctioned tankers from calling into its ports in the eastern Chinese province.
South Korean investigators found feathers in both engines of the Boeing Co. 737-800 jet involved in a crash late last month, pointing to possible evidence that the aircraft may have lost electrical power before an ill-fated emergency landing that killed almost everyone on board.

The authorities, who are investigating the fatal accident of the Jeju Air plane that killed 179 of 181 on board at Muan International Airport, made the discovery after inspecting the wreckage, according to a person familiar with the probe, who asked not to be identified as the information hasnt yet been made public.

The finding was first reported by South Korean broadcaster MBN on Friday. The Korean transport ministry, which is leading the joint investigation with officials from US National Transportation Safety Board, declined to comment.

The ministry suspects that both engines shut down shortly before the pilot attempted an emergency landing, depriving the aircraft of almost all electrical power as it touched down. The planes two black boxes, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, both missed the final minutes before the jet exploded following its failed landing, reinforcing the suspicion of a loss of electrical power.

The plane, a predecessor to the Boeing 737 Max, made an emergency landing without its landing gear or flaps deployed, skidding on its belly off the runway and exploding after hitting a concrete structure sitting just beyond the perimeter of landing strip. The accident came a few minutes after the airport control tower had warned the pilot of the risk of bird strikes.

The planes engine maker, a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Safran SA, previously found a feather in one of the two engines. Authorities have yet to disclose the transcripts of the two recorders and the conversation between the airport control tower and the pilot as well as the surveillance cameras data at the airport, as they are still matching the timelines of all pieces of evidence.

Photograph: The tail of Jeju Air plane at the site of a plane fire at Muan International Airport, South Korea, on Dec. 29, 2024; Photo credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Aviation
France has reinforced checks for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and issued alerts to veterinarians after an outbreak of the highly contagious virus was detected in cattle in Germany last week, prompting trade bans from several countries.

France is trying to protect itself from the virus as it grapples with other animal diseases, including bird flu and bluetongue, that caused severe damage to its livestock sector.

Germany announced its first outbreak of FMD in nearly 40 years last week in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin in the Brandenburg region.

The detection prompted countries including Britain, South Korea and Mexico to ban meat and animals from Germany.

The ministry is on alert on this subject. Our departments are closely monitoring developments in Germany. To date, we have drastically stepped up controls and investigations in the animal sectors concerned, the French agriculture ministry said.

A tracking of recent imports of live cloven-hoofed animals and from Germany showed that none originated from the area near the outbreak, French veterinary authorities said.

Alerts and information bulletins have been distributed to livestock professionals and veterinarians to emphasize the clinical signs and lesions associated with FMD and the procedures to follow in case of a suspected case, it said on its website.

The last outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in France occurred in 2001 as part of a major outbreak which also affected Britain, Ireland and the Netherlands, resulting in the culling of thousands of animals under sanitary measures.

Germanys farming and food industry is likely to have lost about 1 billion euros ($1 billion) of business following the outbreak, the farming cooperatives association said on Thursday.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; editing by David Evans)
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Arch Insurance International and Markel.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Arch Insurance Intl Promotes Senior Leaders in Casualty Team

Arch Insurance International announced three senior promotions within its casualty division, effective immediately.

Robin Hamilton has been promoted to head of Energy and Marine Liability. In this new role, he is responsible for combining the capabilities of the energy liability and marine liability teams to deliver more comprehensive solutions in the space. Hamilton reports to James Mecham, head of Casualty.

Most recently Hamilton was head of Energy Liability and prior to joining Arch in 2018 was a partner at JLT Specialty.

Tony Flatman, head of Marine Liability, will continue to oversee the day-to-day underwriting and portfolio management for marine liability.

Rory Thompson also has been named head of London Market Wholesale and General Liability while Marie-Claire Bessada has been appointed head of Retail and General Liability. In these roles, they are responsible for all underwriting and portfolio management activities across these sectors as Arch looks to further strengthen its market position. They both report to Mecham.

Both Thompson and Bessada were previously general liability portfolio managers. Thompson began his underwriting career at Arch in 2014, while Bessada joined the company in 2019, having previously been deputy class underwriter for general liability at Chaucer.

These promotions form part of our continued growth strategy for the Casualty division and are very well deserved. Robin, Rory and Marie-Claire have all demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, deep sector expertise and a clear commitment to broker service, commented Mecham. This new team structure supports a more focused approach as we aim to continue increasing both our scale and relevance to our brokers and mutual clients.

***

Markel Taps Chubbs Jordan as Casualty Claims Manager in Australia

Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc., announced the appointment of Scott Jordan as claims manager, Casualty  Australia.

Jordan joins Markel after more than 12 years at Chubb, where he was most recently team leader of casualty claims. He has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance claims industry in the UK and Australia, where he has managed claims across all lines of business at companies including RBS Insurance, Marsh McLennan, and NFU Mutual.

Jordan is an industry leader in the casualty space, with deep experience managing complex and high value claims and proven strength managing a team of specialist claims handlers, the company said. At Markel, he will continue to focus on providing exceptional customer service while achieving the best claims outcomes for Markels clients and stakeholders.

He is be based in Sydney and reports to Lisa Mitchell, Markels head of claims in Australia.

Topics Claims Liability Leadership Australia Casualty Chubb
Heres stark warning in a new report from a group of actuaries: the global economy could face a 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090.

That is if immediate policy actions on risks posed by climate change are not taken.

The report, Planetary Solvency  finding our balance with nature, is the fourth report from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, which was produced in collaboration with climate scientists.

Increasingly severe climate and nature driven impacts are highly likely, including fires, floods, heat and droughts, the IFoA report states. This is a national security issue as food, water and heat stresses will impact populations. If unchecked then mass mortality, involuntary mass migration events and severe GDP contraction are likely.

The reports policy recommendations include:

Implementing annual Planetary Solvency risk assessments, leveraging the RESILIENCE principles, reporting to the UN Security Council.

Creating a function with responsibility for producing Planetary Solvency assessments, housed in a body such as the IMF or OECD.

Considering systemic risk officers at supra-national, national and sub-national levels to improve systemic risk management capability.

Rapidly implementing policy recommendations to reduce risk.

Developing tracking of delivery of solutions to mitigate risk.

World Economic Forum

Environmental risks dominate the 10-year horizon of concerns, led by extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, according to a report out this week from the World Economic Forum.

The Global Risks Report 2025 keys in on conflict, the environment and disinformation as the top threats. The report lists the top 10 risks selected by respondents, which include more than 900 global risks experts, policymakers and industry leaders. State-based armed conflict, extreme weather events and geoeconomic confrontation are the top three risks listed.

The report highlights a sense of declining optimism from those polled.

As we enter 2025, the global outlook is increasingly fractured across geopolitical, environmental, societal, economic and technological domains, the report states. Over the last year we have witnessed the expansion and escalation of conflicts, a multitude of extreme weather events amplified by climate change, widespread societal and political polarization, and continued technological advancements accelerating the spread of false or misleading information.

The risks associated with extreme weather events are a concern for the year ahead, with 14% of respondents selecting that risk.

The burden of climate change is becoming more evident every year, as pollution from continued use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas leads to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, the report states. Heatwaves across parts of Asia; flooding in Brazil, Indonesia and parts of Europe; wildfires in Canada; and hurricanes Helene and Milton in the United States are just some recent examples of such events.

NYC Suit

A New York City lawsuit that sought to hold Exxon Mobil, BP and Shell liable for misleading the public about their products was shot down by a state high court judge.

New York Supreme Court Justice Anar Patel said the city could not claim its climate-conscious residents were sensitive to how fossil fuels cause climate change, only to then be duped by the oil companies failure to disclose how their fossil fuel products contributed to it, according to a Reuters article on Insurance Journal.

The suit also challenged the companies commitment to renewable energy and fighting climate change. The city had argued that the companies falsely portrayed themselves as climate change leaders despite making minimal investments in clean energy.

Patel said she found no proof the oil companies conducted whats known as greenwashing, a practice in which organizations are said to publicly embellish their environmental achievements, to boost sales of fossil fuel products in the city.

Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesperson for the citys law department, told Reuters the city is reviewing its options.

Our complaint alleged that these defendants spent millions to mislead consumers to think that they, and their products, contribute to a clean energy future, he stated. They do not. Companies that violate the citys consumer protection laws should be held fully accountable. New Yorkers deserve no less.

Wildfires

Climate change is reshaping homeowners insurance in California, as well as the rest of the nation, an NPR report asserts.

Experts and policymakers agree: Climate change is upending the way that homes are insured in the United States. Across the country, what were once once-in-a-generation weather catastrophes occur much more frequently, the NPR article states. And as insurance companies contend with the sum total of these disasters, those higher costs are passed on to policyholders.

The report points to pending fallout from the ongoing L.A. wildfires. New estimates of the total insured losses from the fires forecast numbers as high as $40 billion. There has also been questions whether the FAIR Plan, Californias insurer of last resort, has enough cash on hand to pay for its share of wildfire claims.

The fires are unlikely to have a significant long-term impact on the overall U.S. economy, but the losses could put modest pressure on the economy in the near term.

However the NPR report asserts that the effect of the fires and more extreme weather taken together will impact insurance in a way that all Americans will eventually feel.

In many respects, California has a uniquely complicated insurance situation, the article states. But its a problem thats happening throughout the rest of the country: The effects of climate change are coming for peoples home insurance bills.

Past columns:

Topics USA Trends California Wildfire Energy Oil Gas Pollution Climate Change
FBI leaders have warned that they believe hackers who broke into AT&T Inc.s system last year stole months of their agents call and text logs, setting off a race within the bureau to protect the identities of confidential informants, a document reviewed by Bloomberg News shows.

FBI officials told agents across the country that details about their use on the telecom carriers network were believed to be among the billions of records stolen, according to the document and interviews with a current and a former law enforcement official. They asked not to be named to discuss sensitive information. Data from all FBI devices under the bureaus AT&T service for public safety agencies were presumed taken, the document shows.

The cache of hacked AT&T records didnt reveal the substance of communications but, according to the document, could link investigators to their secret sources. The data was believed to include agents mobile phone numbers and the numbers with which they called and texted, the document shows. Records for calls and texts that werent on the AT&T network, such as through encrypted messaging apps, werent part of the stolen data.

AT&T publicly disclosed the breach in July and said it included six months worth of mobile phone customer data from 2022. The hackers threatened to sell the data unless the telecommunications company paid an extortion fee.

A person with knowledge of the breach, who reviewed a sample of the stolen information, confirmed that it contained records of sensitive FBI communications: the call logs of at least one agent. The person asked not to be named because the information is private.

The FBIs concern about the hack compromising its secret sources, which hasnt been previously reported, highlights how data stolen from phone companies has the potential to disrupt criminal investigations and national security. Former agents said it also raises questions about the bureaus own security practices and how it safeguards its sources. US authorities are still investigating a separate breach of nine telecommunications companies, including AT&T. They blamed Chinese state-backed hackers for those intrusions, which compromised the communications of a number of people in government and politics.

The FBI declined to answer specific questions, including whether the April breach of AT&T compromised sources or investigations, or if the stolen data hassince been secured. The FBI continually adapts our operational and security practices as physical and digital threats evolve, the agency said in a statement. The FBI has a solemn responsibility to protect the identity and safety of confidential human sources, who provide information every day that keeps the American people safe, often at risk to themselves.

AT&T spokesperson Alex Byers said, After criminals stole customer data last year, we worked closely with law enforcement to mitigate impact to government operations. He said the company appreciates law enforcements recent arrests for the breach and continues to increase investments in security as well as monitor and remediate our networks.

Former FBI and intelligence officials said stolen phone records could in theorybe used by a foreign espionage service to unravel painstakingly assembled source networks, potentially imperiling criminal probes, national security operations and peoples lives.

Any disclosure of such communications is both significantly detrimental to investigations but also potentially dangerous to confidential informants if their identity is disclosed, said William Evanina, a retired FBI agent and the former director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. Not good.

In June, as part of its warning, FBI leaders said an in-house security team found numerous confidential sources whose communication with specific agents AT&T phones could be exposed, the document shows. The agency urged immediate action to limit the fallout given the possibility of hackers making the material public, and it reminded some agents to only communicate with informants using approved clandestine methods, it shows.

The AT&T breach was part of a broader series of hacks against users of the software provider Snowflake Inc. In June, Snowflake said hackers had waged a targeted campaign against its customers, using stolen credentials to access accounts that hadnt been protected with multifactor authentication. The hackers broke into the accounts of as many as 165 customers. At AT&T, they stole call and text records from May 1, 2022, to Oct. 31 of that year, according to the phone company.

The Justice Department twice allowed AT&T to delay disclosing the compromise due to the potential risk to national security and public safety. During the delay, the FBI tried to limit the damage done if the data fell into the wrong hands, including analyzing which sources talked or texted with agents over AT&T phones during the relevant time frame, the document shows.

The FBI struck a $92 million deal for AT&Ts FirstNet service in 2020 for its day-to-day and emergency operations. The contract was set to last for as many as five years, and the bureau anticipated requiring 70,000 phone lines within the first year, according to records from the US Government Accountability Office.

The FBI also investigated who was behind the AT&T hack. In October, federal prosecutors charged two men, Alexander Connor Moucka, a Canadian citizen, and John Erin Binns, a US citizen living in Turkey. The pair are accused of allegedly extorting $2.5 million in cryptocurrency from Snowflake customers and trying to sell the stolen data. Their lawyers didnt respond to calls and emails seeking comment, and federal court records dont reflect whether the men have entered pleas.

Last month, a US Army soldier, Cameron John Wagenius, was arrested on charges for allegedly trying to sell confidential phone data belonging to a company, which isnt identified in court records. The 20-year-old is believed to be behind an online persona who threatened to leak the AT&T data in November, according to Austin Larsen, an analyst with the cybersecurity firm Mandiant.

Wageniuss court-appointed defense attorney didnt respond to emails and phone messages seeking comment. Court records dont indicate whether Wagenius has entered a plea.

A hacker in July claimed that AT&T paid $400,000 to have the stolen data erased, and a person familiar with the negotiations confirmed the extortion fee. AT&T previously declined to comment on the alleged payment.

The company said in its July corporate filing disclosing the breach that it does not believe that the data is publicly available. However, its unclear whether the records have been secured.

Darren Mott, who oversaw counterintelligence investigations in the FBIs Huntsville, Alabama, office, said the bureau and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies have likely moved to protect sources based on the assumption that this data will eventually get out.

From an operational security perspective, its a huge problem, said Mott, who retired from the FBI in 2019, which, ideally, I think will ultimately result in the bureau changing the structure and the way that they communicate with sources.

The breach of Snowflake customers shows the danger inherent in storing sensitive data with outside companies, according to some former agents. Miguel Clarke, a former agent in Dallas who retired in 2021, said the FBIs warning about agents communications with confidential informants suggests deeper problems.

This is an op-sec failure more than a technology failure, Clarke said, adding that its as troubling as an airline having to remind its pilots to put your landing gear down before landing.

Photo: Photographer: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Cyber Agencies
The US Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with General Motors Co. over claims the automaker deceived drivers by collecting their personal data and sharing it with third parties.

As part of the settlement, GM will be banned for five years from collecting and sharing driver data. The FTC said that GM did not disclose to consumers that it would sell their geolocation and driving behavior information.

According to the complaint, GM installed its OnStar communications and navigation technology in most new cars made after 2015. That system tracked highly detailed driver data including speed, sharp turns, hard braking and seat belt use, and transmitted this information to consumer reporting agencies.

GM monitored and sold peoples precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds, said FTC Chair Lina Khan in a statement. With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance.

In a statement, GM said the Smart Driver program at issue in the case was discontinued last year and that its commitments to the FTC go above and beyond existing law.

GM will obtain affirmative customer consent to collect, use, or disclose certain types of connected vehicle data, the company said. Were more committed than ever to making our policies and controls clear and accessible.

The agency reached the settlement in the final days of Khans tenure. Under her leadership the FTC took an aggressive stance against consumer privacy violations including cases against Amazon.com Inc. for violations of childrens privacy and data brokers trafficking in highly sensitive geolocation data such as visits to abortion clinics.

The GM case is similar to a lawsuit filed last summer against the automaker by the Texas Attorney General. According to that case, GM allegedly pressured drivers into enrolling in products such as OnStar Smart Driver by saying certain safety features would be disabled if they didnt sign up. But drivers werent informed that such products collected data and sold it to insurers, according to the Texas complaint.

Photo: Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Personal Auto
King Risk Partners, a major U.S. brokerage and insurance agency based in Gainesville, Florida, has acquired Bruce Hendry Insurance in Immokalee, Florida, southeast of Fort Myers.

It is the latest expansion move for King Risk into southwest Florida, the firm said in a statement.

Bruce Hendry Insurance, also known as BHI, with an office on Main Street in Immokalee, has been in business for 45 years, serving much of the state. The firm has offered auto, home, business, farm and other lines, through Nationwide, Travelers, Progressive, Mercury and other carriers.

Bruce Hendry is president of the agency.

Topics Florida
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The mother of a North Carolina university student killed while on a ride-along in a Highway Patrol cruiser can continue suing for gross negligence the trooper who drove off the road during a high-speed chase, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday.

By a 2-1 decision, judges on the intermediate-level state Court of Appeals reversed a trial courts ruling that dismissed the lawsuit filed on behalf of the late Michael Higgins seeking damages from Trooper Omar Romero Mendoza.

One night in August 2020, Mendoza  known as Romero in patrol documents  drove off a Pitt County road at a curve after having been traveling over 110 mph (177 kph), striking a utility pole and two trees. Higgins, 22, an East Carolina University criminal justice major enrolled in a patrol internship program and inside the cruiser with Romero, died from his injuries.

Lisa Higgins, the administrator of her sons estate, sued in 2022 both Romero and Trooper Brandon Cesar Cruz, who had suggested to her son that he ride with Romero when Cruz lacked the time to do so. Superior Court Judge William Wolfe dismissed in 2023 the lawsuit against both troopers. Cruz was removed from Lisa Higgins appeal last year.

Higgins had previously participated in two successful ride-alongs with other patrol officers. But neither Romero nor Cruz held the rank or the title required to complete one, and Higgins apparently was unaware that Romero wasnt authorized to take him along, the majority opinion said.

Romero and Higgins responded to the scene of where a car had driven off the road into a ditch. Cruz also responded to the scene and encouraged Romero to pursue in a high-speed chase an unidentified driver in the area observed with an alcohol odor on her breath, according to trooper statements.

Romero activated his emergency lights and siren and with Higgins as a passenger accelerated the vehicle quickly to attempt to catch the driver. Romero stated at a deposition that he believed the two-lane road that he was traveling on was straight. Then he saw the suspect vehicle breaking to the left, but he couldnt recall making any related driving adjustments, Wednesdays ruling said.

A patrol report determined Romero had violated patrol policy in how he initiated the traffic enforcement response.

Romeros lawyer argued that as a government official Romero was exempt in this situation from personal civil liability while pursuing a criminal suspect, and that the state Industrial Commission was where claims against a state employees actions could be brought. Commission awards are capped.

In the majority opinion, Court of Appeals Judge John Arrowood wrote that the speed limit exemption in a police pursuit in state law did not protect an officer from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others. And the evidence and testimony suggest there is a genuine issue of material fact that the troopers action rose to the level of gross negligence, he added.

It should be for the jury to determine whether defendant Romeros actions were needless or manifested a reckless indifference to the rights of Michael, Arrowood wrote.

Court of Appeals Judge Allegra Collins agreed with Arrowood. In a dissenting opinion, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Chris Dillon wrote that in the most favorable light for the plaintiff, the evidence doesnt show Romero acted with gross negligence.

Though how Romero exercised his discretion in his pursuit of the suspected drunk driver may have been negligent, it did not rise to the level of wanton conduct, done with corruption or malice,  Dillon added.

The state Supreme Court could agree to hear the case if requested.

A lawyer representing Romero didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Jim White, an attorney representing Lisa Higgins, was pleased with Wednesdays ruling, saying too many legal cases had given extreme deference to officers for their actions while wearing a uniform and traveling with blue lights on.

A jury trial would provide vindication to the Higgins family, White said, leading to an acknowledgement that he never should have been in that car.

Reporting by Gary Robertson, Associated Press

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits North Carolina
A graphic designer by trade, Sarah Butlers business designing wedding stationery imploded when the pandemic of 2020 struck the wedding industry hard.

Like many, Butler turned to her kitchen and a lifelong affinity with good food and family meals and began sharing her cooking creations on her Instagram page. Today, she boasts 232k Instagram followers, makes regular appearances on RTEs Today programme, and has four self-designed and published cookbooks under her belt.

Her newest cookbook, Batch Cooking, showcases Butlers successful motto for living deliciously: save time, save money, and enjoy a stress-free kitchen.

Butler joins the Irish Examiner lifestyle team with a new weekly column focused on tasty, savoury family favourite recipes called The Family Cook.

From her home in County Mayo, she talks to me about her meteoric rise in food writing and content creation, and how this normal girl from Mayo is relishing the opportunity to reach an even wider audience.

I have always cooked. I cooked as much before the pandemic as I do now, says Butler.

This wasnt a magical discovery of a new talent. I started to do food as content because [people] didnt have any need for my wedding stationery [during covid]. Suddenly, there was mad interest in what I was posting. People asking to be shown how I made a dish or share a recipe. It just snowballed from there.

Her love of cooking has been a part of her way of life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a foodie family, the ease and joy Butler cooks with runs deep in her DNA.

I grew up in a B&B, so there was always food on the go. Id get up in the morning and help to serve breakfast, and mum and dad were always about getting the best ingredients. I remember they would go to Newport to get Kellys sausages. They would travel to get good ingredients because they wanted to give a really good fry.

My father was a fourth-generation butcher, so quality in meat was always strong in our house. It wasnt particularly expensive cuts, but it would be good mince or good steak and knowing what to look for.

On my mothers side, my grandmother lived next door to us. She was a fantastic cook and baker. There were six of us in the house, we were always in and out to Nana. She was always cooking and baking and quite experimental. I remember her making homemade pizzas in the 80s; she grew gooseberries and made her own jam. My grandfather was a baker, and his mother was a cook in a house. My own mother was always in the kitchen, making breakfasts and sometimes dinner for guests. She also used to bake for a local bakery. It was a very foodie household, so thats where my love of food and cooking came from.

Sarah Butler: 'I have always cooked'

Butlers recipes are homely, simple, and prided on using the kind of everyday ingredients anyone might have in their kitchen press.

I keep things very simple and practical in my cooking. Its OK to leave out an ingredient if you dont have it or replace it with something else. People tell me all the time they like that my recipes use ingredients they already have in the house.

Its very simple ingredients and methods, but its the flavours I add in with fresh herbs and seasonings, little techniques like thickening up sauces with a bit of flour to get gorgeous flavour in a dish that is easy to make. Its a formula that works well, and theres no stress to it.

As well as recipes, Butler enjoys sharing everyday tips and tricks on the many food-related questions she gets in her DMs, such as how to deal with picky eaters, how to use an ingredient, or how to cook a three-course meal for ten people. She describes it as a community, and her content responds to what her followers tell her they are interested in learning or need to know.

100% of my inspiration for recipes comes from my audience. I ask where do they struggle, what would they like me to teach them to make?

Theres no point making something that wont get a reaction, and I watch closely to see which recipes work and why. Ive learned that it comes down to three words: Keep It Simple.

It was her online community where the idea for creating cookbooks originated.

It wasnt my idea; my followers urged me, she says. They asked me to put my recipes together in a cookbook. I said, well, Im a graphic designer, I can design a cookbook myself and had all the contacts to get it printed and got myself an editor to help with proof reading. Thats where it started, and Ive just finished my fourth cookbook. It has gone amazingly well.

Her four published cookery books are titled Home Cooking, Food for Life, Comfort Food and Batch Cooking, all with a focus on fuss free, tasty, nutritious recipes.

People dont want any fuss or faff, she says.

Were so busy; busier than we have ever been, especially women. Its difficult to keep all those balls juggling with kids, home, career and food. Most of my followers are women, working women with kids. Im a working mum with two kids, so I know what its like to juggle and make do with what you have in the house.

Inspiration comes from my followers. Its definitely a community, and I have a great relationship with them. I answer all my DMs and go out of my way to help people. Its so rewarding when you see someone who has started with brown bread and within a short time is cooking a three-course meal and beaming with confidence, and knowing the more they do it the easier it gets. Thats the best part of my job, seeing people growing in confidence to cook.

Her latest book, Batch Cooking, combines all Sarahs experience and knowledge gleaned over the years into a collection of recipes that marries good old fashioned home economics with savvy shopping and winning dinners for busy families.

Have a weekly plan of what you want to make, write it down and the ingredients you need before going to the supermarket. Buying whole foods is not expensive in comparison to buying processed junk food. Go to your butcher and buy two pounds of good mince for 12 and I will show you three dinners for four people, says Butler.

Theres nothing worse than coming in the door with only half an hour before youre out the door again with the kids. Theyre hungry, grabbing biscuits, so you must have a plan. Thats what my book, Batch Cooking, is all about: meal planning, reducing your kitchen stress, and getting your time back in the evening.

Im just like you, she says, I dont have any airs and graces about me. Im very normal, I dont have my head in the clouds. Im happy at home, I love to chat to people and see how they get on, she says. I keep things very simple, and I consider the people I chat to on my page like friends.

People ask me how I know the answers to the questions Im asked? Its because Ive made every mistake in the book.

Its not a cocky confidence thing, I know because Ive made that mistake; Ive been there and know what it feels like, so if I can help someone with what Ive learned, Im only delighted to share that information.

Thats why Im so excited about my new column. Im excited to push myself, and to share my recipes with even more people. Im a big advocate for Irish producers, growers and butchers, so Im looking forward to lending my voice of support to Irish food.

What can readers expect from Sarahs new column?

Its a weekly column featuring two recipes that are ideal as family food favourites. Ill mostly focus on savoury dishes and continue to share my tips and tricks.

My goal is to help people save money and time on food and reduce their kitchen stress. I hear people saying all the time that they cant cook or dont have time to cook. If that sounds familiar, I am definitely the person for you! Ill show you how to cook with confidence.
Will the real Bob Dylan please stand up?

A Complete Unknown (12A) opens with the 19-year-old mysterious minstrel, played by Timothee Chalamet, arriving in New York in 1961 to pay his respects to the ailing folk music pioneer Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), whose flickering light is being tended by Guthries devotee Pete Seeger (Ed Norton).

Soon, guided by his new squeeze Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), Dylan is devouring everything Greenwich Villages bohemian scene has to offer, wolfing down huge chunks of music, politics and art, all the while chafing at being obliged to regurgitate the folk music canon while other artists  most notably Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro)  record his original compositions (the soundtrack, needless to say, is superb).

Music biopics tend to be hagiographic these days, but James Mangolds film about Dylans formative years is notable in that the central figure is the most dislikeable and least relatable character in play.

The young Dylan, the ultimate self-invented man, is ruthlessly focused on creating the Bob Dylan persona: he burns through people, leaving them for dead once he has sucked them dry.

The exception is the luminous Joan Baez, who has Dylans number from the start, and simply refuses to play along  their duets in the films latter stages, as they harmonize in their off-kilter way (with Chalamet and Barbaro on vocal duties), are a teeth-gritted affair of mutual loathing and grudging respect.

Barbaros flinty take on the angelically-voiced Baez is terrific, and theres strong performances from Elle Fanning as a sweet-natured proto-hippy and Ed Norton as the idealistic keeper of the folk music flame.

Meanwhile, Chalamet offers a recognisable Dylan despite being as defiantly undefinable as the chameleonic artist demands, his voice growing more nasal, his demeanour more affectedly gruff and withdrawn, as the artist constantly reconfigures his image.

Never mind the dusty old acoustic-vs-electric hoo-hah that drives the films second half: A Complete Unknown is a very good biopic of Bob Dylan because it understands what it cost Robert Zimmerman to transform himself from unknown to unknowable.

Julia Garner as Charlotte and Christopher Abbott as Blake in Wolf Man

Wolf Man



In cinemas

Wolf Man (16s) stars Christopher Abbott as Blake, a San Francisco-based writer whose marriage to Charlotte (Julia Garner) is on the skids.

When the death of his missing father is finally confirmed, Blake inherits the family home in the depths of the Oregon forests.

And so Blake bundles Charlotte and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) into a moving truck and motors off into the wilderness, having somehow neglected to tell Charlotte that his father disappeared all those years ago whilst hunting a creature that the locals believe to be a missing hiker turned feral.

What follows is a conventional jump-scare horror (its out of the Blumhouse stable) that starts to get interesting when Blake starts to exhibit wolf-like behaviour (enhanced hearing and night-vision, chewing his leg off to escape from a trap, etc.), but is ultimately a bland remake of 1941s The Wolf Man that adds very little to the genre.

Back in Action stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx

Back in Action



Netflix

Back in Action (12A) stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx as Emily and Matt, formerly CIA special agents and now a happily married couple raising teenagers Alice (McKenna Roberts) and Leo (Rylan Jackson) in suburban bliss.

Until, that is, their old handler Chuck (Kyle Chandler) turns up at their door only to be assassinated by mercenaries, forcing Emily and Matt to go on the run all the way to England, where they find themselves pursued by MI6s Baron (Andrew Scott), who just so happens to be Emilys ex.

All of which is grist to Emilys mill, who fantasises about popping down to South America and stopping a coup, or starting a coup.

The McGuffin here is a cyberterrorist super-key, but the point of the exercise is ridiculously over-the-top chase sequences soundtracked by cheesy pop classics as Emily and Matt try to keep their kids safe. Good fun.
A Ukrainian mother and daughter whose adopted dog made headlines after he was rescued from a house fire are now in a desperate search for a new home.

Victoriia Unhurianus adopted dog, Milo, was saved from their burning house and revived by Cork city firefighters in Ballincollig last weekend.

A photo of two firefighters reviving the dog using a special animal oxygen mask went viral online.

But behind that feelgood story, Victoriia, and Alisa, 13, must now find somewhere new to live.

We are delighted that Milo was saved. He is part of our family. The fire fighters were so professional, they did a great job and everybody has been talking about the dog, Victoriia said.

But for us, this has been a disaster. We had this house, we considered it our home.

"Now we are living with a neighbour, but she cant keep us for a long time.

So we are now looking for accommodation, somewhere to rent.

"My daughter goes to a local secondary school, she loves it here, and I am working.

I know its not easy to find somewhere these days but we would like to stay in this area if we can.

They fled the Donbas region in Eastern Ukraine after the Russian invasion, and arrived in Ireland in June 2022, where they secured accommodation with a host in his house in Ballincollig.

The picture that went viral showing Cork City Fire Fighters reviving Milo. Picture: Cork City Fire Brigade

They have built a new life here, with Alisa attending a local secondary school and Victoriia working in a call centre, and volunteering with several local groups, including Cork Penny Dinners.

A few months after their arrival, their host got Milo as a puppy and Victoriia and Alisa spent most of their time raising the animal, who responds to Ukrainian commands.

They were all asleep early last Sunday morning when the alarm sounded just after 2am.

Victoriia grabbed her phone and documents, and they all got out of the house safely.

Three units of the fire brigade responded and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the heavily smoke-logged house and contained the fire, which had started in a dining room to the rear of the property.

But when the firefighters were told that Milo was still inside, experienced firefighter Shane OBrien and new recruit Cillian Horan went back in, found him lying unconscious, and brought him outside where their colleague Kieran Galvin used one of the special animal oxygen mask they have been carrying in their tenders since 2021 to revive him.

Milo came round quickly, but was clearly in shock. He was given the all clear by a vet on Monday but is on meds to clear his chest.

Milos truly a lucky dog," Victoriia said.

Hes already fallen into a fast-flowing river, hes been hit by a car, and now there has been a fire. Hes a wonderful, friendly dog. He must be the luckiest dog in Ireland.

Victoria Tymoshchuk, a facilitator with the Ukrainian community in Cork, said Victoriia and her daughter lost their home in Ukraine and have now lost their home in Ireland.

"Victoriia is the hero," she said.

The animal recovery oxygen masks were donated to the brigade in 2021 by the Cork Animal Care Society.

Firefighters Cillian Horan and Shane O'Brien, with Alisa, help Milo recover after his rescue.

The masks, which come in three sizes, are designed to fit snugly and comfortably over the snout of a large dog or over the face of a small kitten.

As well as rescuing dogs, Corks city firefighters have saved cats, fish, birds, and rabbits from house fires, and have used the special masks to revive many family pets.

Second officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, Victor Shine, said their crews know how important family pets are to people, and he said firefighters will do everything possible to help a pet in the initial response to a fire.
A judge has approved damages settlements for two young children who suffered distress and trauma when gardai turned up at their home in a wrong house search.

Barrister Conor Kearney told Judge Jennifer OBrien in the Circuit Civil Court that the children's mother, in her night attire, had fallen down stairs in her attempt to get to the front door and open it for the gardai.

Mr Kearney, who appeared with Harringtons Solicitors for Sophia Dowdall Boylan and Mollymae Dowdall Saunders, said the guards had turned up at their home at Castleview Park, Lucan, Co Dublin, in the early hours of June 29, 2023 when the children and their mother were asleep in bed.

He told the court the two children, Sophia, who was 10 at the time, and Mollymae, who was aged three, had witnessed their mother fall and suffer severe injuries, including a broken leg, and then the gardai come into their home.

Mr Kearney said the gardai had got identities mixed up and had turned up at the wrong house and the children had suffered shock and distress at the intrusion and having seen the fall and serious injury of their mother, Ciara Saunders.

Settlements

The children sued the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice through their mother and Mr Kearney told the court that settlement offers of 7,500 in the case of Mollymae who had suffered more seriously because of the incident and had remained upset and crying a lot for some time.

A settlement offer of 3,500 had been made to Sophia. Mr Kearney told Judge OBrien that liability remained very much in issue and it was being suggested that the children may have been more upset at seeing their mother fall rather than the intrusion of the gardai, albeit at the wrong house.

He said that under the Judicial Guidelines a minor psychiatric injury attracted damages of between 500 and 15,000. The settlement offers were very much at the lower end of the range of damages but he felt the children could end up getting nothing if the offers were not accepted and the cases went to trial.

Judge OBrien agreed and said in the circumstances she would approve them and have the monies paid into court on behalf of the children.
Sinn Fein is to receive independent legal advice over plans by the Regional Independent Group to sit on the opposition benches, despite their support for the new government.

There were rows in Leinster House on Thursday after a proposal from the Regional Independents was tabled, where they sought to retain a technical group for opposition speaking time.

The plan means that members of the Regional Independents, who are supporting the government, would be able to ask questions of the new coalition in key slots like Leaders Questions.

Five of the current Regional Group  Sean Canney, Noel Grealish, Kevin Boxer Moran, Marian Harkin, and Michael Healy-Rae  are due to serve in government and are due to resign from the technical group.

There has been widespread criticism of the plan, with Sinn Fein in particular strongly hitting out at the proposal.

Sinn Fein TD for Galway West Mairead Farrell described it as the Regional Independents trying to have it both ways by being in Government with ministerial roles while still keeping opposition speaking times.

Sinn Fein has further set out their opposition to the plan, with a party spokesperson confirming they have sought independent legal advice on whether the proposal by the Regional Independents is legal.

The party is deeply concerned that this proposal, where TDs who support the government and who helped draft the Programme for Government, would sit on the opposition benches to avail of extra speaking time intended for the opposition, a Sinn Fein spokesperson has said.

Not only do these so-called independents want the trappings of power, they also want to take away the limited resources afforded to the opposition.

There have been calls for new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy  who was a member of the Regional Independents  to intervene.

This would see Dail standing orders changed to allow technical groups sit as part of the government, which is currently not permitted.

However, Dail sources indicated Ms Murphy would not make a decision until a new government is formed next week.
The messages echoed loud and clear through Cork City Hall back in November. First, that Stem education and careers are key to solving global challenges  particularly those that impact climate change, medtech, healthcare and robotics AI.

Second, to maintain Irelands position as a leading global hub for the tech, pharma, engineering and bioscience industries, we need at least 20% of our primary and secondary students to go on to study Stem.

This matters, because in a world that seems to move faster than a black hole spinning at 90% of the speed of light, the Stem group of academic and career fields stimulate curiosity and nurture critical thinking. Also, because innovation, problem-solving and economic growth all have their roots in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Given its importance, one might imagine that the pathway to Stem would be obstacle-free. But it is not. Addressing the teenage aspect, I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating, says a key challenge lies in the educational pipeline.

The recent I Wish 2024 survey reported high confidence in Stem subjects during primary school, she says. This confidence wanes at that crucial point in shaping career aspirations: when girls transition to secondary school.

Highlighting that a lack of subject choices in all-girls schools is a significant barrier, she says:

96% of boys schools offer Stem subjects beyond maths and science, compared with only 68% of girls.

Even in mixed schools, where girls have more options, many still opt out of subjects like engineering and technology.

As for why so many girls lose confidence and interest in Stem during adolescence, Keating says societal stereotypes, lack of role models, and a perception that Stem is a male domain may all play a role.

Addressing these issues will require systemic change including curriculum reforms, targeted mentorship programmes and early interventions to sustain girls interest in Stem throughout their education, she says. To close the gender gap and build a workforce ready for the future, tackling this teen barrier must be a priority.

Stem Passport for Inclusion

Another hurdle to be removed is that of inequality. The All-Ireland Stem Passport for Inclusion programme  a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education  goes some way towards that. Launched as a pilot in 2021, then expanded nationwide in December 2023, it addresses inequalities around access to Stem careers among post-primary school students in socially disadvantaged communities.

Since its launch, over 5,370 female students from DEIS schools in all four provinces have been engaged in the programme, with 79% considering applying to study Stem at third level and 76% now considering a career in Stem. It is noteworthy that just 45% of students reported knowing what Stem was before participating in the programme.

Previously, only three in 10 girls from DEIS schools were confident they could study Stem in the future. In contrast, close to six in 10 girls from non-DEIS schools were confident. Once girls took part in the Stem Passport for Inclusion, the Stem confidence gap between girls in DEIS and non-DEIS schools was all but eliminated.

James OConnor, Microsoft Ireland site leader and corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, says the future success of our workforce and economy will depend on our capacity to fully embrace new and evolving technologies.

Stem Passport for Inclusion graduate, Ava Kenny, says that before taking part, she was unsure if she wanted to pursue a college education, let alone pursue a career in Stem. I didnt know anyone working in Stem and the realm of science seemed distant and unfamiliar to me, she says.

From my first day on the programme, I was captivated by the many doors a career in Stem could open for me. One of the great elements of the Stem Passport was visiting Microsoft Dream Space.

"We were introduced to AI, microbits and design thinking. We were assigned a mentor and the more I heard about their work and journey through Stem, the more I thought that this is something that I could do.

This guided my path into third-level education and I am now studying science at Maynooth University. As I move on to the next stage of my life, I am excited about the prospect of a career in Stem.

Dream Space programmes

James OConnor, Microsoft Ireland site leader and corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, says that from harnessing the powerful potential of AI to understanding the changing nature of cybersecurity, the future success of our workforce and economy will depend on our capacity to fully embrace new and evolving technologies.

As digital technology transforms our lives, work, and education, its crucial that we open the eyes and minds of young people across Ireland to the endless possibilities offered by Stem and prepare for an AI future, he says. Industry has an important role to play in helping the next generation develop the right skills and knowledge to fully unlock the possibilities of a digital and AI-enabled era.

To help accelerate change and support a more diverse Stem sector, in 2022 we committed an additional 3 million investment to Microsoft Dream Space over the next four years. This investment has enabled us to expand the roll-out of new Dream Space programmes in Ireland and helped to encourage more students to consider a career in Stem and foster interest in AI.

Advising that, to date, over 300,000 young people here have engaged in these Microsoft programmes, OConnor says: This is a critical milestone on our Dream Space journey as we look to provide one million students across Ireland with the opportunity to develop their digital and AI skills.

However, as no one entity can equip our young people with the digital and AI skills that will shape our future, it is essential that industry, government and the education sector collaborate to provide the solutions to this upskilling challenge and help Ireland meets its targets to be a European leader in Stem education by 2026 and ensure 80% of adults have basic digital skills by 2030.

James OConnor: 'It is essential that industry, government and the education sector collaborate to provide the solutions to this upskilling challenge and help Ireland meets its targets to be a European leader in Stem education by 2026'.

There are plenty of opportunities available for young people considering a career in Stem. Describing one of them, Shay Walsh, managing director at BT Ireland  which is the custodian of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE)  says: As the Stem sector is critical to Irelands economy and society, it is important that young people are encouraged to get as much exposure to it as possible, while at school.

"Stem subjects at secondary level, and platforms like the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, provide students with a chance to do so before they make important career decisions.

Acknowledging that among the young people of Ireland, theres a wealth of smartness, brilliance, enterprise and drive to make the world a better place, Walsh adds: For them, the Stem sector provides copious opportunities.

"There are very many young people in Ireland with ideas on how to change the Stem sector  and the world  for the better. That many have these ideas while still at school is evident in the incredible quality of project entries we receive from BTYSTE entrants each year.

The winner of the 2024 BTYSTE, Sean OSullivan, is just one example of a young adult who, when given the opportunity to develop an idea  by getting more exposure to the sector while still at school  impacted the sector and society in a positive way, says Walsh.

Seans project, VerifyMe chronicled the emergence of ChatGPT and developed AI technology even further, with a brand new, groundbreaking verification platform. Seans story is just one example that proves that when it comes to the Stem sector in Ireland, the future is bright.
China collection

For as long as I can remember, Ive loved collecting porcelain  how quaint. At 19, I saved up tokens from a British newspaper (he, who shall not be named) and posted them away with a crisp tenner for a full dinner service of fine bone china.

My passion for porcelain never waned and has recently turned towards the Florentine Maison, Ginori 1735.

The newest brand ambassador is Jake Gyllenhaal, an incredibly versatile actor whose love of slow fashion and double-dipped black tea sees him preparing a tea party for one with the Tesori collection, available in giftable sets in four colourways. A set of two teacups with tray starts at 750, a true investment piece. See Ginori1735 for more prices.

Linen loveliness

When I was a little girl, my dad always carried a linen handkerchief which wiped my tears dry. That never-ending supply of hankies wiped my tears dry on many an occasion. Linen napkins always remind me of my dad and now Im making my own traditions at this time of year, it seems only fitting to eschew paper towels in favour of the material option.

I spotted this charming set of four, 110, by Carmel Creaner at Ardmore Pottery and Gallery in Waterford and immediately fell in love. They tick all my boxes  durable and sustainable and unique with a smidgeon of wholesome nostalgia.

If you havent been to the gallery, I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to snap up some beautifully made unique pieces. Its less than an hours drive from Cork and the views are just spectacular. Available online too at Ardmorepottery.com.

Prawn cocktail party

Those of us born in the 80s often love to hark back to simpler times, when we carbonated our own soft drinks and crimped our mullets for fun. One retro dish making a major resurgence is the prawn cocktail  but make it bougie. Maison Balzacs shrimp cocktail coupe, 89, with its cheeky chappy hanging off the side is the perfect conversation starter for a dinner party. For the soundtrack, think Pet Shop Boys, Spandau Ballet and The Human League. Available at Farfetch, SSense or MaisonBalzac.

Bowled over

Cork Craft & Design in St Patricks Woollen Mills in Douglas is a treasure trove for buyers who favour the handmade and the unique. Deep into the Blackwater Valley, artist Suzanne OSullivan fuses together a multitude of glass pieces in a kiln to make tabletop sculptures like this one.

The Celebration bowl, 350, available to buy in-store in Douglas or for pick-up through the click-and-collect service at corkcraftanddesign.ie, this thought-provoking collectors item is a one-of-a-kind statement objet dart that will undoubtedly get people talking.

Display on a sideboard or console, to hold jewellery or as part of your tablescape and marvel as the light catches in its rainbow hues. To order in different colourways or enquire about a commission, visit Suzanneosullivan.

Throwing caution

The recent cold spells meant we truly appreciated the simple pleasure of being wrapped up in a blanket.

The weavers behind John Hanly have been spinning wool in Tipperary since before electrification; suffice to say theyve perfected the art. Drape over a chair, around your shoulders or immerse yourself into a woolly cocoon for movie-watching.

Put away the phone and totally lean into the comfort. Naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and of course, eco-friendly, a lambswool throw is my top choice for sustainable comfort and I love this fringed check version, 109 available at The Green Dot shop and cafe in Clonakilty, west Cork, also available online at Greendotdesignshop.com.

Twin flames

Lighting a candle this time of year can feel especially poignant, whether it's in memory of our loved ones or creating new traditions with friends or family.

Find and seek whimsy, buoyancy, or a little touch of magic in the soft flicker of the flame. When styling your candles, play with height and colour  use candle holders of different heights on a mantelpiece or dining room table to create a really inexpensive yet eye-catching display.

We love these beeswax and soy blend unscented bell candle holders and taper candles, both 16 for a pair, available in-store at The Old Mill Stores in Leap or online at the TheOldMillStores.

The hot seat

The real hero of the living room decor, in my opinion, is the humble footstool. A versatile piece of furniture, it can be used for lounging in style, as an extra seat if needed or as a place to rest books and phones.

The Archie accent stool at Caseys Furniture in Cork, 559 comes in an array of colours and leg materials but my eye was drawn towards this olive vintage-inspired design.

Just dont tell your niece or she will set up a nail bar. I just told your niece didnt I? Shop in-store at Caseys or online at Caseys.

Tapas time

There is no more relaxing way to end the week than to forage through the fridge and nibble on little bits of everything. And remember, no one wants to make a second trip to the kitchen in the middle of a Netflix binge, so do yourself a favour and perch your smorgasbord of crisps, sweets and Tayto onto these brightly coloured plates, which are just perfect for sharing. Theyre 32 each and available at Objekt in Limerick, see Objekt.
The sale, less than two years ago, of a prefab-style chalet for 1.15m in West Corks Inchydoney demonstrates the incredible financial lengths buyers are prepared to go to to secure a waterfront slot.

The house itself, Laguna, was nothing much to write home about, but its position, high above the glorious golden sands of a Blue Flag beach, triggered a bidding frenzy.

Inchydoney Beach

Within a month of going to market in February 2023, more than 70 bids came in. It had sold by June for 1.15m. The sale price, for what was most likely a knock-and-rebuild job, was the talk of every town in West Cork.

The conversation could now shift to Dunmanus if a sublime site on the Mizen Head peninsula gets the kind of attention that Incydoney sparked.

Waterfront site, Dunmanus

While it doesnt overlook a beach, the views are tremendous: sparkling Dunmanus Bay lies at its feet, and, across the water, is naturally beautiful Sheeps Head Peninsula. Its as ruggedly lovely a landscape as you will find anywhere in West Cork.

Waterfront site, Dunmanus

Unlike Inchydoney, this Dunmanus West property does not have a home that you could live in while deciding what to do with it (so far, the Irish buyer of Laguna has not made any changes).

What it does have is a traditional farmhouse and half a dozen outbuildings.

Outbuildings at the Dunmanus site

None are habitable, but the potential is enormously tempting. It also has access to the sea, via a pebbly inlet and, most importantly, it comes with 19 acres, ensuring absolute privacy for a buyer.

Access to the water

The collection of derelict outbuildings resemble a small village and may once have housed different generations of the same family.

Derelict outbuildings

Built of stone and shale, selling agent, Ron Krueger of Engel and Voelkers, reckons they date back at least to the 19th century.

In a less parlous state is the large old farmhouse, which is a younger building.

The traditional farmhouse

The possibilities for the site are intoxicating. With enough finance, the farmhouse and outbuildings could be transformed into the ultimate holiday home with ancillary accommodation/studio/gym/home office, in a dramatically spectacular setting.

Mr Krueger reckons the farmhouse could be the centrepiece: restored, contemporised and extended, with planning consent. Whatever a buyer decides to do will need to be sensitive to the existing buildings heritage. An objective of the Cork County Development Plan states that in the case of ruinous dwellings, planners should encourage sensitive renovation, redevelopment or replacement.

Likewise, any new-look farmhouse should be of an appropriate scale and design (including materials used) relative to the structure being replaced and the location and character of the site.

It will be a challenge to adapt this site, but imagine the pay off of a home, or an appropriate business venture, in such a unique coastal location?

The Dunmanus site.

Mr Krueger says the 795,000 property is ideal for watersports enthusiasts, be it for swimming, kayaking or sailing. Such a unique site with waterfront access is a rare find, he says. And overseas buyers are loving it. The main interest is coming from the UK and mainland Europe, Mr Krueger says, adding that he is talking to a number of parties who are organising trips to come and take a look.

The buyer will need vision for the site which consists of rough grazing and rock outcrops into Dunmanus Bay. Theres endless potential for sitting-out areas, raised decks, and patios. A buyer could also put in steps down to the coastline.

If they wanted to visit a beach, secluded Ballyrisode is a seven-minute drive away. The nearest village, Goleen, is 11 minutes by car, lively Schull is 15 minutes away and Durrus is 18 minutes.

Schull, West Cork Picture: Provision

Cork Airport is about two hours by car and has direct flights to the UK and mainland Europe.

VERDICT: An earthly treasure that wont come cheap. Gods own country.
South Koran authorities have requested a court warrant to formally arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Mr Yoon was spending his third day at a detention centre after his lawyers failed in a last-minute effort to secure his release after he was arrested in a massive law enforcement operation at his residence.

The President faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the countrys most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s.

The warrant for Mr Yoons detention, which was issued to compel him to face investigations after he repeatedly ignored summons by law enforcement, was valid until 9.05pm on Friday (12.05pm GMT). But he will remain in custody as a Seoul court deliberates whether to put him under formal arrest.

If Mr Yoon is arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Attempting to break through legislative gridlock, Mr Yoon imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices, but the stand-off lasted only hours after legislators who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure.

The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14.

A court-ordered arrest could lead to an extended period in custody for the conservative president, who faces both criminal charges and a Constitutional Court ruling in the coming weeks that will determine whether he is dismissed or reinstated to office.
The presidents of Russia and Iran have held talks in the Kremlin before they sign a broad co-operation pact.

The Kremlin said that the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty to be signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian covers all areas  from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture.
Shelton, CT  January 17, 2025  As the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, one of the largest and longest-running business technology events, approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition Verizon Business to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors.

ITEXPO once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals.

Verizon Business will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology.

Details:

Event Name: ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW

Dates: February 11-13, 2025

Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Event Website: https://www.itexpo.com

Exhibitor Company: Verizon Business

Exhibitor Booth Number: 2170

Exhibitor Website: https://www.verizon.com/

Media Opportunities at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW:

Explore innovations and new releases from more than 400 exhibitors.

Conduct interviews with company representatives.

Gain insights into the latest business technology trends, including AI, automation and new contact center technologies.

For Media Inquiries or Press Passes:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

[email protected]

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Edited by Greg Tavarez
Today

Windy. A steady rain this morning, with showers continuing this afternoon. High 64F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Low around 50F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Considerable cloudiness. High 64F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
4 killed, 15 injured in south India road accident

Xinhua) 13:36, January 17, 2025

NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and 15 others injured in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh when a private bus collided with a heavy vehicle early Friday, local police confirmed.

According to Police Inspector Srinivas Rao, the accident occurred near the Gangasagaram area on the Chittoor-Thatchur highway in Andhra Pradesh.

All the victims belonged to the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The passenger bus overturned after the collision, resulting in casualties, said Rao.

The private bus was en route from Tirupati city in Andhra Pradesh to Madurai in Tamil Nadu when the accident took place.

Those who received normal injuries were admitted to the Chittoor district hospital, while those critically injured were shifted to the Christian Medical College Vellore in Tamil Nadu for further treatment.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Analysis: After a 15-month-long brutal conflict, a ceasefire agreement has been reached, yet numerous twists and uncertainties remain.

A ceasefire deal has been established following 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza, signaling an end to hostilities and facilitating the delivery of essential food and humanitarian aid to the civilian population.

Since the commencement of the Israel Defense Forces ground operation in Gaza in October 2023, triggered by the Hamas terror attack on October 7, over 46,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, including 17,492 children. Moreover, over 1.9 million of Gazas 2.2 million residents have been displaced, with significant destruction inflicted on infrastructure and housing.

What do we know about this ceasefire deal?

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, potentially bringing a resolution to a 15-month war that has significantly disrupted the Middle East. The ceasefire is set to take effect on January 19,

At around 5 PM GMT, officials from Israel, Hamas, and Qatar announced that both sides had accepted a three-stage agreement. However, just an hour later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office indicated that the deal was not yet confirmed. The uncertainty is likely to persist until Israels cabinet votes on the accord.

As per the agreement, the initial six-week phase will see approximately 1,650 Palestinians released from Israeli prisons, while 33 out of around 95 hostagessome alive, others deceasedwill be released by Hamas and other groups, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israeli forces will start withdrawing from populated areas, allowing Palestinians to begin returning to their homes in northern Gaza. This phase will also witness a significant influx of humanitarian aid, with around 600 trucks entering daily.

In the subsequent phase, Hamas has committed to releasing all remaining living captives, primarily male soldiers, in exchange for the liberation of additional Palestinians and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase involves the return of the bodies of remaining hostages in exchange for a three to five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza under international oversight.

At 5:02 PM GMT/UTC, former President Donald Trump confirmed, via his Truth Social site, that a deal had been finalized:

The Guardian

However, should Netanyahuwho has historically obstructed a conclusive agreementrelinquish his objections, he may encounter internal dissent from hard-right cabinet members. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to collaborate with him in opposing the deal.

Thus, a significant caveat to any celebrations is that the agreement still awaits approval from Israels ministers.

Weve been here before  what has changed?

The three-stage proposal was initially introduced last May, with discussions ongoing throughout the summer. In September, one of Israels lead negotiators, Mossad chief David Barnea, returned to Qatar, bolstered by hopes of a resolution. However, Netanyahu explicitly imposed the condition for Israeli troops to maintain their presence in two areas of Gaza: the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza.

The reasons behind Netanyahus potential acceptance of a ceasefire remain unclear. Some reports attribute this to discussions with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Nonetheless, in October, Trump effectively provided Netanyahu with a blank cheque, stating: Bibi, do what you have to do.

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From RTE News, Gazans exulting as news of the ceasefire spreads

The Israeli political climate is significantly influential. Netanyahu has faced consistent pressure from former members of his war cabinet, Benny Gantz and now-dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, along with opposition parties and various factions within Israeli society, particularly families of hostages.

Netanyahu has long resisted such pressure, preferring an open-ended conflict with the aim to completely destroy Hamas. However, he might now reason that agreeing to halt, with Hamas far from obliterated, does not symbolize a capitulation to Hamas, the Biden administration, or his domestic adversaries. He may frame the agreement as a pragmatic move, especially with a shift in U.S. leadership that could favor his stance.

Nevertheless, he risks that a ceasefire could trigger early elections as his government fragments, shifting attention back to his trial concerning bribery charges. Consequently, he will likely waver and hesitate until the last moment.

Israeli and Arab officials may be flattering Trumps ego by portraying Witkoffs intervention as pivotal in persuading the Prime Minister. There are no clear indications of the nature of the pressure or incentives that the envoy may have extended to Netanyahu.

One possibility is that the upcoming Trump administration has indicated readiness to endorse an expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian West Bank. This would reaffirm Trumps initial stance during his first term, potentially allowing hard-right ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich to retract their objections to a ceasefire in exchange for assurance of Washingtons support.

People watch a live television broadcast of a press conference being conducted by Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani along a street in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, on January 15, 2025. Photo: Getty Images

Can Netanyahu make this deal stick at home?

If Netanyahu ultimately approves the agreement, he may navigate immediate opposition from Ben Gvir and possibly others like Smotrich. Opposition leaders already support the deal, and much of the Israeli populace is fatigued by the military campaign, yearning for an end to the violence.

Although Netanyahu cannot declare absolute victory over Hamas, which has been his long-stated objective, he can highlight the dismantling of the organizations leadership ranks. Since the latest round of conflict commenced in October 2023, Hamas has lost its military head, Yahya Sinwar; its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh; and Mohammad Deif, the architect of Hamas mass attacks inside Israel on October 7, 2023.

Crucially, Netanyahu can showcase the return of all hostages. He will likely anticipate a boost from not only the jubilation of families with living hostages but also from the families of the deceased, who may achieve a sense of closure.

How about the future of Hamas and Gaza?

Hamas will be required to rebuild, likely with Yahya Sinwars brother Mohammed assuming leadership. Its political and military foundations will need to re-establish themselves. However, the group has persisted within Gaza. Not only has it not been expelled, but at this juncture, no apparent alternative exists for its governance. Thus, it will need to be involved at some level in both maintaining the ceasefire and facilitating reconstruction efforts.

For Gazas civilians, they have long been the expendable pawns in this conflict. They constitute a significant majority of the over 46,000 fatalitiesa conservative estimate. At least 1.9 million individuals, from a population of approximately 2.2 million, have been displaced and find themselves in severe humanitarian straits.

While the ceasefire would halt Israeli assaults and permit some individuals to return home, the situation is anticipated to remain precarious. The Netanyahu administration could still threaten to resume airstrikes, if not ground operations, or obstruct the flow of humanitarian aid.

Hamas, which had not garnered widespread support prior to October 7 due to economic and social issues, appears to have sacrificed the majority of Gazas civilians for its notable moment on October 7, 2023. Its long-term prospects for those who have survived remain uncertain.

Donald Trumps about to take power  did that change things?

Whether Trumps envoy Witkoff played a direct role in advancing the ceasefire, the onset of the Trump 2.0 era may have galvanized all parties involved in the discussions to push for a final settlement.

Given Trumps unpredictable and often disjointed approach, coupled with his tendency to sideline and disregard senior advisors, future U.S. policy after January 20 remains uncertain. While Netanyahu might gain from Trumps blank cheque, Hamas and other factions in Gaza, along with Arab states, may find themselves navigating a landscape of unpredictability.

Meanwhile, as the spotlight focused on political maneuverings and personalities, the harsh reality of the past 15 months continued unabated. In the two days leading up to the signing of the agreement, at least 123 individuals lost their lives, with several hundred more injured due to Israeli assaults across Gaza.

Will the killing finally cease? And for how long?

Follow RTE Brainstorm on WhatsApp and Instagram for more stories and updates.

Scott Lucas is a Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
01/17/2025

By Brett Buckner

The Jax State A Cappella Choir has been invited to compete at the CantaRode International Choral Festival in The Netherlands from May 29 to June 1. It will mark the group's first time touring Europe since it was founded in 1960. "The competitive element in the CantaRode Festival will, more than anything else, help our students become a stronger musical ensemble., said Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., Director of Choral Activities for Jax State. "Through travel, JSU students will gain a new perspective about the world and their place in it."

The 40-member choir is working to raise $132,000 to make this dream a reality. "Given that many of our students rely on scholarships to attend Jax State, we are reaching out to alumni, friends of the university, and generous supporters to help us meet this goal," Yanson said. "If we can raise at least $40,000, it would significantly reduce the cost for our students, bringing their individual expenses down from $3,300 to $2,300." Yanson said the group has $76,628 to raise before reaching its goal.

CantaRode features choirs from around the world. "International exposure expands your horizons as a human, said Ethan Nessler, a Jax State graduate student majoring in music education. "It is an opportunity to learn and grow as you see new life and culture outside of America. As a musician, you also get the chance to share and make music with others across the world. Music is universal." Yanson added, this cultural exchange is in line with the JSU mission of preparing students to be competent, ethical professionals and engaged, responsible, global citizens.

The festival provides an opportunity for choir members to share their passion for music with a global audience, foster cultural understanding and exchange, and develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

"As a student, I think this international travel will benefit me by broadening my perspective and exposure to different cultures, languages, and customs, which will enhance my academic and personal growth," said Alayna Endicott, a junior vocal music education major. "Additionally, performing in front of diverse audiences will help me build confidence and stage presence while also allowing me to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of music-making."

For Tierra-Mishael Harmon, a junior majoring in vocal performance, the trip gives each student insight into what it takes to be an outstanding performer. "International travel will allow students to understand how musicians all over the world perfect their craft and showcase their talents," she said.

CantaRode is held every two years in Kerkrade, a Dutch town near the German and Belgian borders. Prior to the competition, the A Cappella Choir will also tour Belgium and perform concerts in Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent from May 23  28. The competition has two rounds. The first round requires that all the songs be sung unaccompanied or a cappella. Total singing time must be between 17 and 20 minutes, and selections must include music from the Renaissance or Baroque, Romantic period, and 20th or 21st Century. Additionally, a song from the choir's country of origin is required in this round. Round two is open. Singing time must be between 17 and 20 minutes and may include music with accompaniment.

Among the songs the A Cappella Choir will be performing are Revenge moy pren la querelle by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Jagdlied by Felix Mendelssohn, We Beheld Once Again the Stars (Riveder le stelle) by Z. Randall Stroope, Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine by Eric Whitacre, and Moses Hogans arrangement of My Souls Been Anchored in the Lord. World music will also be part of the choirs repertoire such as Cum Sancto Spiritu by Korean composer, Hyo-won Woo and Kaisa-isa Nyan by Filipino composer, Nilo Alcala.

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Jacksonville, AL 36265
( Human Rights Watch)  (Jerusalem)  The Israeli military killed, wounded, starved, and forcibly displaced Palestinian civilians in Gaza in 2024, and destroyed their homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure at a scale unprecedented in recent history, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2025. Tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza were killed and wounded. The military forcibly displaced Palestinians from their homes, a crime against humanity, and Israeli authorities deliberately deprived civilians of food, water, and other objects necessary for survival in Gaza, comprising atrocity crimes, acts of genocide, and mounting evidence of genocidal intent.

For the 546-page world report, in its 35th edition, Human Rights Watch reviewed human rights practices in more than 100 countries. In much of the world, Executive Director Tirana Hassan writes in her introductory essay, governments cracked down and wrongfully arrested and imprisoned political opponents, activists, and journalists. Armed groups and government forces unlawfully killed civilians, drove many from their homes, and blocked access to humanitarian aid. In many of the more than 70 national elections in 2024, authoritarian leaders gained ground with their discriminatory rhetoric and policies.

Israels decades-long systematic repression of Palestinians worsened dramatically and plunged civilians in Gaza into a horrifying abyss, but possibilities for international justice are emerging, said Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Continued weapons sales to Israel by its partners despite vast evidence of its unchecked atrocity crimes are putting those countries and officials at risk of direct complicity.



Abyss, Digital, Midjourney, Clip2Comic, 2024.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and the leader of Hamass military wing, Mohammed Deif, for the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, that included war crimes and crimes against humanity.

and in Gaza, and the leader of Hamass military wing, Mohammed Deif, for the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, that included war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Israeli authorities continued to commit the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution through their repression of Palestinians. In July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion finding that Israels presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and that all illegal settlements should be evacuated and dismantled.

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the UN reported that Palestinians killed 6 Israeli settlers and 16 soldiers, while Israelis killed 719 Palestinians, from October 7, 2023, to October 7, 2024, far more than in any other year on record based on UN data available since 2005.

Evidence emerged throughout 2024 of ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian detainees deported from Gaza to detention facilities in Israel.

Armed groups in the Gaza Strip are holding an estimated 100 hostages, including the bodies of over 30 people believed to have died during the hostilities. In August, captors intentionally killed six Israeli hostages, apparently to prevent their rescue by approaching Israeli forces. Human Rights Watch found that Hamas military wingthe Qassam Brigadesand at least four Palestinian armed groups committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity against civilians during the October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel.

In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed legislation aimed at preventing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in areas under Israeli sovereignty and banning communication with UNRWA staff , endangering access to humanitarian aid and basic services to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory. The ban will take effect in early 2025.

All countries which provide weapons to Israel, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, should suspend weapons transfers due to the Israeli militarys repeated, unlawful attacks on civilians. Countries should defend the ICC; execute its arrest warrants; and increase public and private pressure on the Israeli government to stop violating the laws of armed conflict, comply with its obligations as well as the ICJs binding orders and advisory opinion, and ensure that aid can be taken into Gaza and safely distributed and that Palestinians in Gaza can access basic services.

Via Human Rights Watch
Results include 6.30 metres grading 5.53 g/t Au, 5.05 metres grading 5.28 g/t Au, 1.58 metre grading 12.26 g/t Au and 1.18 metre grading 69.7 g/t Au

TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Loncor Gold Inc. ("Loncor" or the "Company") (TSX: LN) (OTCQX: LONCF) (FSE: LO5) is pleased to announce encouraging drilling results from a scout drilling program along trend from the Company's 3.66 million ounce Adumbi deposit where an indicated mineral resource of 1.88 million ounces of gold (28.185 million tonnes grading 2.08 g/t Au), and an inferred mineral resource of 1.78 million ounces of gold (20.83 million tonnes grading 2.65 g/t Au) have already been delineated within a USD1,600/oz open pit shell.

Scout drilling using a man-portable core rig has been completed on three exploration targets (Museveni, Esio Wapi, Mungo Iko), eight to twelve kilometres to the southeast of the Adumbi deposit and close to a major, primary transcrustal structure between older Archean metavolcanic/banded ironstone terrain and younger Archean, predominantly metasediments (see Figure 1 below). Assay results have been received from nine core holes totalling 2,112.94 metres with hole depths varying from 160.36 to 319.66 metres (see Table 1 and Figure 2 below), with significant assays summarised below.

Table 1

Borehole

Number From (m) To (m) Intersected

Width (m) Grade

(g/t) Au Prospect LIDD003 118.62 119.80 1.18 69.7 Museveni LIDD003 205.85 206.70 0.85 22.9 Museveni LIDD004 210.00 211.58 1.58 12.26 Museveni LIDD006 72.25 75.00 2.75 1.90 Mungo Iko LIDD007 145.60 152.20 6.60 0.70 Esio Wapi LIDD008 121.95 127.00 5.05 5.28 Mungo Iko LIDD008 131.65 135.75 4.10 2.18 Mungo Iko LIDD008 173.70 180.00 6.30 5.53 Mungo Iko LIDD009 75.25 76.45 1.20 3.96 Esio Wapi

Notes to Table 1: 1. It is estimated that the true widths of the mineralised sections for the intersected widths varies from 41.52% to 75.31% in the above table. Regular measurements of inclination and azimuth were taken at 30 metre intervals down the hole and all the core was orientated. All intercepted grades are uncut. 2. Core hole LIDD003 was announced previously.

The gold intercepts in holes LIDD003 and LIDD004 were found in quartz veins associated with disseminated pyrite, arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite in silicified quartz carbonate schist lithologies. The multiple intersections in boreholes LIDD008 and LIDD009 were found in basalts and quartz carbonated schists with pyrite and arsenopyrite close to the major, interpreted transcrustal structure.

Infill soil sampling and detailed geological mapping was also undertaken to better define the prospects in Imbo East.

At the Adumbi project, deep drilling operations below the open pit have been hampered by a number of logistical problems including breakdowns. Steps are being taken to increase metreage rates. Drilling has now restarted after the Christmas break.

Loncor's Chief Executive Officer, John Barker, commented: "We remain encouraged by the presence of significant drilling results from Imbo East, an area over 8km from Adumbi. The wide spaced, scout drilling occurred on a small section of a 16km structure that lies within our permit, ground that has historically hosted numerous gold-bearing occurrences, including Adumbi. While our focus remains firmly on increasing resources at Adumbi, the recent drilling at Imbo East presents another interesting area for further potential exploration."

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Drill cores for assaying were taken at a maximum of one-metre intervals and were cut with a diamond saw, with one-half of the core placed in sealed bags by Company geologists and sent to the Company's on-site sample preparation facility. The core samples were then crushed down to 80% passing minus 2 mm and split with one half of the sample up to 1.5 kg pulverized down to 90% passing 75 microns. Approximately 150 grams of the pulverized sample was then sent to the SGS Laboratory in Mwanza, Tanzania (independent of the Company). Gold analyses were carried out on 50g aliquots by fire assay. In addition, check assays were also carried out by the screen fire assay method to verify high-grade sample assays obtained initially by fire assay. As part of the Company's QA/QC procedures, internationally recognized standards, blanks and duplicates were inserted into the sample batches prior to submitting to SGS Laboratory.

Qualified Person

Peter N. Cowley, who is President of Loncor and a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

Figure 1- Imbo Concession Geology with Deposits and Prospects

Figure 2 - Scout Drilling Locations and Mineralised Intercepts

Technical Report

Additional information with respect to the Company's Adumbi deposit (and other properties of the Company within its Imbo Project) is contained in the technical report of New SENET (Pty) Ltd and Minecon Resources and Services Limited dated December 15, 2021 and entitled "NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Adumbi Deposit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo". A copy of the said report can be obtained from SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

About Loncor Gold Inc.

Loncor is a Canadian gold exploration company focussed on the Ngayu Greenstone Gold Belt in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC"). The Loncor team has over two decades of experience of operating in the DRC. Loncor's growing resource base in the Ngayu Belt is focused on the Imbo Project where the Adumbi deposit holds an indicated mineral resource of 1.88 million ounces of gold (28.185 million tonnes grading 2.08 g/t gold), and the Adumbi deposit and two neighbouring deposits hold an inferred mineral resource of 2.090 million ounces of gold (22.508 million tonnes grading 2.89 g/t Au), with 84.68% of these resources being attributable to Loncor. Following a drilling program carried out by the Company at the Adumbi deposit in 2020 and 2021, the Company completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Adumbi deposit and announced the results of the PEA in December 2021.

Additional information with respect to Loncor and its projects can be found on Loncor's website at www.loncor.com.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information. 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 (including, without limitation, statements regarding scout drilling results from Imbo East, increasing mineral resources at the Company's Adumbi deposit, mineral resource estimates, potential mineralization, future exploration and development) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, the possibility that future exploration (including drilling) or development results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, risks related to the exploration stage of the Company's properties, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, the possibility that drilling programs will be delayed, failure to establish estimated mineral resources (the Company's mineral resource figures are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of gold will be produced), changes in world gold markets or equity markets, political developments in the DRC, gold recoveries being less than those indicated by the metallurgical testwork carried out to date (there can be no assurance that gold recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large tests under on-site conditions or during production), fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data and the other risks disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's annual information form dated April 1, 2024 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 17, 2025 /PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has identified 3 Sedimentary Exhalative (Sedex) horizons with each horizon having the potential to host a Sedex type deposit at depth and on strike. The horizons are defined by increased sulphide mineralization in the form of stacked narrow massive to semi massive sulphide beds, bands, and/or disseminated sulphides. Iron rich minerals (pyrrhotite and pyrite) are dominant with lesser concentrations of copper (chalcopyrite), zinc (sphalerite) and/or lead (galena). Drilling explored for the source of Sullivan style and grade mineralized boulders (Photo A) found in talus material at the base of a mountain slope on PJX's 100% owned Dewdney Trail Property in the Sullivan Mining District near Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada.

Although the source of the boulders was not encountered during this initial phase of drilling, the geological environment discovered by drilling supports an environment similar to the Sullivan basin hosting the Sullivan deposit. Features include stacked bedding conformable sulphides, syn-sedimentary faults defined by large blocks of zinc mineralized sediments in a chaotic breccia (Photo B), and a cross cutting vent (Photo C) that can function as a conduit to transport metals for the formation of deposits.

Figure 1 is a standard model for the formation of Sedex deposits. Features intersected while drilling and identified by mapping are shown on the model. The approximate area of the model tested by drilling is outlined. Further drilling is required stratigraphically higher in the system and laterally away from the venting environment.

Next Drilling Phase

The sulphide flooded vent intersected while drilling is predominantly iron sulphide with locally significant copper sulphide and less zinc or lead sulphide (see photo C and grades below). This combination of sulphides suggests a hotter part of the mineralizing system. The source of the more zinc and lead rich Sullivan style and grade boulders would likely be in a cooler part of the system. This could be higher in the mineralizing system, which is higher on the mountain slope above where we have drilled. The Kootenay King quartzite horizon, which hosts the Kootenay King sedex zinc-lead-silver deposit 6.5 km on strike to the south, occurs higher on the mountain and has not yet been drilled. The location of this target is shown on Figure 2.

Cooler parts of the mineralizing system that may be favourable for forming a zinc-lead-silver deposit, may also occur laterally away from the vent as shown by the location of sphalerite and galena in replacement ore on Figure 1. The 3 Sedex horizons encountered in drilling may be favourable mineralizing periods to form a deposit on strike and laterally away from the vent area. Two Sedex horizons occur in the footwall beneath the Estella workings at the base of the mountain. The third Sedex horizon occurs about one third of the way up the mountain slope. Figure 2 shows the approximate target locations to test 2 of the horizons laterally on strike and south of the vent.

Drilling commenced in early August last year after the exploration permit amendment was received from the government in mid-July, 2024. The exploration permit is good until July 2029. Further assessment of the results along with geophysics will be undertaken this winter to help define drill pad locations to test the various targets. Additional information will be provided when available.

Photo A - Sample STM-23-7 (9.33% zinc, 2.48% lead, 14.62 g/t silver, 495 ppm or 0.05% copper)

Sullivan style and grade boulder in talus at the base of a mountain slope. Alternating dark and light coloured bands with sulphides (zinc, lead, iron) appear to be sulphide-rich beds that have broken apart possibly by slumping during deposition, or during later folding.

Photo B - Sample G23-669B (5.57% zinc, 0.94% lead, 4.41 g/t silver)

Reddish-brown coloured bands and beds of sphalerite (zinc sulphide) in sediments. Rock sample is from an outcrop at surface that is part of a large (approximately 10 metre) block of sediment in the fault chaotic breccia.

Photo C - Vent Breccia/Fragmental with pyrrhotite (iron sulphide) and chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) flooding, hole ND24-02.

Hole ND24-02 - Vent intersection is 29.87 m in core length with true width estimated at about 10 m. Table displays weighted averages.

From To Interval Copper Gold Silver Zinc Lead Cobalt Indium (m) (m) (m) (%) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 402.1 404.5 2.4 4.82 0.29 29.01 1508.13 1758.83 66.22 1.94 400.93 430.8 29.87 0.53 5.36 350 130.33 112.3 1.7

Figure 1 - Sedimentary Exhalative (Sedex) Deposit Model displays approximate location of surface sample (Photo B) and drill hole sample (Photo C). Typical mineralizing system has pyrrhotite (iron sulphide) and chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) within and above the hotter vent environment, with sphalerite (zinc sulphide) and galena (lead sulphide) in a cooler environment exhaled on the ocean floor or laterally beneath the ocean floor and peripheral to the vent area.

Figure 2 - Photo looking northeast. Holes were drilled toward the west to test east dipping sediments for the source of Sullivan style and grade mineralization discovered in talus at the base of the mountain slope (Photo A location). Three preliminary target areas have been identified to test horizons on strike laterally from the vent, or above the vent (Photo C location).

John Keating, President of PJX, commented, "Drilling has intersected a significant mineralizing system within a geological environment amenable to host a Sedex type deposit. The presence of sulphide mineralization occurring periodically over hundreds of metres of vertical stratigraphy suggests a mineralizing system that was active over an extended period of time. Soil sampling has identified coincident zinc, lead, copper, gold, and silver anomalies for over 3 kilometres on strike. Large mineralizing systems such as this are often required to produce significant deposits. The Sullivan style and grade boulders discovered in talus are expected to be close to their source as they are angular and located in a relatively confined area at the top of the mountain. Our exploration permit is good for another 4.5 years. We look forward to this next phase of drilling when the snow melts. We will have a booth to display and discuss results at the Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver January 17 and 18, and also at AME Roundup in Vancouver January 20 and 21, 2025."

PJX's New Discovery Potential Background

PJX owns 100% of the mineral rights to multiple properties totaling over 680 km of mineral claims in the Sullivan Mining District of Southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Exploration in late 2023 discovered boulders and outcrop of Sullivan deposit style and grade mineralization on PJX's Dewdney Trail Property that is over 150 km in size. The zinc, lead, silver, and other critical metal mineralization discovered at surface on the Dewdney Trail Property is magnetic and appears to be associated with a strong to moderate magnetic airborne geophysical anomaly that can be traced for approximately 1.6 km. This recent first phase of drilling on part of the anomalous trend confirms a geological environment with sulphide mineralization that supports the potential to discover a Sedex type deposit.

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Pighin, P.Geo., and John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Pighin is one of a number of consulting geologists for PJX on the Dewdney Trail Property. Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver, zinc, lead, copper, cobalt, and other critical metals. PJX's properties are located in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia.

Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer (416) 799-9205

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward- ooking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

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.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 17, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR) (OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to announce discovery of the new, high grade, gold-rich porphyry copper-gold-silver ("Cu-Au-Ag") AuRORA deposit at its 100% owned JOY Copper-Gold District ("JOY"), in the prolific Toodoggone-Kemess porphyry Cu-Au region of north-central British Columbia ("BC"). The AuRORA Deposit Discovery is located within an area of the 495 km 2 JOY District that had not previously been drill tested (see Figures 1, 2 and 3). Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport") is fully funding work programs at JOY to earn an interest in the project, and Amarc is the operator of all programs. Highlights from Initial AuRORA DEPOSIT Discovery Drill Holes Include: Drill Hole Int.1,2,3 (m) From (m) Incl. Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) JP24057 82 18 1.24 0.38 2.47 1.08 42 58 Incl. 1.97 0.49 3.58 1.61 JP24059 271 24 0.98 0.25 1.93 0.81 171 24 Incl. 1.32 0.34 2.62 1.09 89 106 and 2.29 0.46 3.65 1.76 JP24071 212 21 1.36 0.40 3.35 1.18 108 104 Incl. 2.38 0.60 5.17 1.96 JP24074 162 69 2.19 0.63 6.95 1.90 147 84 Incl. 2.40 0.69 7.60 2.08 108 111 and 3.09 0.82 8.99 2.59 81 135 and 3.69 0.92 9.72 3.04 Notes: See Table 1. Hole JP24057, the first hole ever drilled at AuRORA, intersected a new porphyry Cu-Au-Ag system hosting high and continuous Au grades (see Tables 1, 2 and 3). Following completion of this discovery hole, Amarc, with Freeport, systematically stepped out, aggressively drilling with three core rigs, with a view to begin outlining an outstanding Cu-Au-Ag deposit and to confirm its high grade potential. This release details the results of discovery hole JP24057 and six other holes drilled at approximately 100 m intervals on east-west section 7800N (see Figures 2 and 3). Drilling on this section established a 600 m wide zone of porphyry mineralization encountered from near surface that is open to lateral expansion, and which is characterized by excellent lateral and vertical continuity. Final compilations and confirmatory analyses from six additional holes drilled at AuRORA along east-west section 7900N, a 100 m step out to the north of section 7800N, are near completion and will be released in the very near future. These additional results show similar very encouraging grades and characteristics to those reported in this release. "This impressive new, high grade porphyry copper-gold-silver discovery is a pivotal moment for Amarc and its shareholders," said Dr. Diane Nicolson, Amarc President and CEO. "It represents a significant inflection point in the exploration of the JOY District with Freeport. Our discovery is the culmination of years of relentless groundwork by the Amarc team, coupled with the firm, unwavering belief, shared by Freeport, that the JOY District holds significant potential for high grade porphyry gold-copper deposits. This discovery comes during a period of positive market sentiment for gold, copper and silver, which we believe further increases the attractiveness of Amarc as an exciting investment opportunity." The AuRORA Deposit Discovery is located within the expansive Northwest Gossan ("NWG") Target area located at the northwest end of a possible 15 km mineralized trend that extends southeast toward the GAP and SWT Targets (see Figure 1). The NWG Target is outlined by a 3.7 km 2 Induced Polarization ("IP") anomaly (>14mV/V) (see Figure 3) with coincident Cu, Au, Mo and Ag anomalies outlined in soils and rocks (see Amarc releases May 2 and July 11, 2024). The 2024 initial drill testing of the NWG Target area focused primarily on an internal zone of higher (>20 mV/V) IP chargeability some 1,500 m long and 500 m wide. Much of the NWG Target area remains unexplored. "The AuRORA Deposit Discovery has been made through the Amarc team's depth of knowledge and porphyry copper-gold discovery track record in BC and the Toodoggone region, combined with the support and insight from Freeport, based on its global capabilities as a top-tier copper and gold producer and discoverer. Together, our goal in 2024 was to focus on discovery and we are clearly on the right track with AuRORA. Notably, the AuRORA Deposit Discovery area is only one of eight large scale sulphide mineralized systems clustered along several mineralized trends drilled in 2024 at JOY. These important-scale sulphide systems have been established by district-wide geological, geochemical and geophysical ground IP surveys. Additional results from the 2024 drill program will be forthcoming. We are extremely optimistic about further important progress at JOY," concluded Nicolson. In addition to today's announced drill holes, an additional 33 scout holes were also completed on eight porphyry Cu-Au targets, including at the AuRORA Deposit Discovery, PINE Deposit, Canyon Discovery and at the Twins Deposit Target within the JOY District (see Figure 1). These targets were established through 290 line-km of property wide IP surveying, the collection and analyses of 8,400 soil and 1,500 rock samples, and geological mapping and prospecting. Figure 1: Large Scale Mineral System Trends Occur at JOY that Host the AuRORA Deposit Discovery, PINE Deposit, Canyon Discovery, Twins and Other Sulphide Systems

Figure 2: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Located in the New Underexplored NWG Target

Figure 3: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Hosted Within the Exciting New NWG Target Area

IP-Chargeability Anomaly Never Previously Drilled

Figure 4: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Never Previously Drilled and Open to Expansion

Figure 5: AuRORA Deposit Discovery: Drilling Outlines Open-Ended, Near Surface, Continuous,

High Grade Cu-Au-Ag Mineralization (Section 7800N)

Figure 6: AuRORA Deposit Discovery Multi-Phase High Grade Mineralization Hosted by Potassic Alteration from Drill Hole JP24074

Table 1: JOY AuRORA Porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit Discovery Section 7800N Mineralized Intervals of Significance

Drill Hole Incl. From (m) To

(m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) JP24057 18.00 100.00 82.00 1.24 0.38 2.5 1.08 Incl. 58.00 100.00 42.00 1.97 0.49 3.6 1.61 120.29 190.00 69.71 5 2.56 0.42 5.0 1.88 Incl. 120.29 166.00 45.71 3.30 0.56 6.2 2.44 And 120.29 136.00 15.71 4.54 0.84 8.6 3.42 JP24059 24.00 295.25 271.25 0.98 0.25 1.9 0.81 Incl. 24.00 194.50 170.50 1.32 0.34 2.6 1.09 And 106.00 194.50 88.50 2.29 0.46 3.7 1.76 Incl. 211.00 239.10 28.10 0.99 0.18 1.1 0.73 JP24071 21.10 233.00 211.906 1.36 0.40 3.4 1.18 Incl. 104.00 212.00 108.00 2.38 0.60 5.2 1.96 JP24074 69.00 231.00 162.00 2.19 0.63 7.0 1.90 Incl. 84.00 231.00 147.00 2.40 0.69 7.6 2.08 And 111.00 219.00 108.00 3.09 0.82 9.0 2.59 And 135.00 216.00 81.00 3.69 0.92 9.7 3.04 JP24076 57.00 198.00 141.007 0.73 0.18 1.3 0.60 Incl. 102.00 198.00 96.00 1.00 0.24 1.8 0.81 And 129.00 180.00 51.00 1.44 0.31 2.2 1.13 JP24079 179.00 189.50 10.50 0.06 0.24 2.7 0.29 341.00 400.70 59.70 0.29 0.08 1.7 0.26 JP24082 131.00 277.95 146.95 0.34 0.22 3.2 0.43 Incl. 161.00 277.95 116.95 0.39 0.25 3.8 0.50 And 212.00 242.00 30.00 0.84 0.54 7.2 1.06

Notes to Table 1:

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$1800/oz., and Ag US$24/oz. and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Au 72% and 67% Ag. 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)). Drill hole JP24057 interval 166-169 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and it was therefore averaged at zero grade. Drill hole JP24071 interval 179-182 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and it was therefore averaged at zero grade. Drill hole JP24076 intervals 72-75 m, 78-81 m and 96-102 m comprised broken ground, no core was recovered, and each was therefore averaged at zero grade.

AuRORA Deposit Geological Information - Section 7800N

The geological and hydrothermal characteristics of AuRORA discovery hole JP24057, and other holes along the section, are broadly consistent with generalized models for porphyry Cu-Au deposits in the Kemess Mining District and in the wider Toodoggone Region. East-west cross section 7800N across the AuRORA Deposit Discovery highlights the excellent continuity of the near surface, high grade, Cu-Au-Ag mineralization discovered in hole JP24057, as well as consistent vertical and lateral patterns in the grade, hydrothermal and geological characteristics in the holes along the section (see Figures 4 and 5 and Table 2).

In the upper part of AuRORA, mineralization is hosted by andesitic tuff and in its lower part by quartz-monzonite intrusive rocks. The contact between the volcanic and intrusive rocks is typically masked by intense alteration that coincides with the highest-grade mineralization. High grade mineralization is associated with pervasive quartz-sericite/chlorite-pyrite alteration, which overprints potassic K-feldspar and magnetite alteration. Copper mineralization is mainly chalcopyrite and trace to minor bornite (see Figure 6).

About Amarc Resources Ltd

Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets.

Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail.

Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit.

Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of $110 million and $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc has completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District. Drill results from nine core holes drilled late in 2024 at Empress are being compiled and are expected to be released next month. Amarc is the operator of all programs.

Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, AuRORA, PINE, IKE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects.

Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

Qualified Person

Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved all technical and scientific information related to the JOY Project contained in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program

Amarc drilled NQv (48.1mm) and HQ (63.5mm) size core in 2024 at the JOY project. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the JOY drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., Kamloops or Langley, Canada, for preparation and to North Vancouver, Canada for analysis. All facilities are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and either a 250 g split or 1,000 g split was 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 60 elements including Cu, Mo and Ag by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. Samples with Cu results > 10,000 ppm were reanalyzed by a single element four-acid digestion ICP-AES method for Cu. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Amarc control samples were inserted in each analytical batch of the core samples at the following rates: standards one in 20 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 20 regular samples and one coarse blank per hole. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC.

The QP visited the site to verify location of drill holes, and review the core and logging, sampling and sample shipment processes. He also reviewed and assessed the assay results.

For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD.

Dr. Diane Nicolson

President and CEO

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 and Other Cautionary Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships 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: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, 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, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, 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 Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 2: AuRORA Discovery Assay Data by Sample Interval for Drill Holes JP24059 and JP 24074

Hole JP24059

Sample From (m) To (m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) 732288 106.00 109.00 3.00 1.38 0.49 2.9 1.28 732289 109.00 112.00 3.00 1.22 0.36 2.2 1.06 732291 112.00 115.00 3.00 1.44 0.52 2.9 1.34 732292 115.00 118.00 3.00 1.37 0.44 2.6 1.22 732293 118.00 121.00 3.00 1.43 0.45 3.5 1.27 732294 121.00 124.00 3.00 2.12 0.59 4.3 1.80 732295 124.00 127.00 3.00 3.04 0.83 6.1 2.56 732296 127.00 129.00 2.00 2.02 0.52 5.4 1.68 732297 129.00 130.90 1.90 1.74 0.73 5.0 1.73 732298 130.90 133.00 2.10 2.37 0.58 4.4 1.92 732299 133.00 136.00 3.00 2.56 0.79 4.8 2.24 732300 136.00 139.00 3.00 1.92 0.51 4.1 1.60 732301 139.00 142.00 3.00 2.77 0.61 4.6 2.18 732302 142.00 145.00 3.00 3.63 0.61 4.6 2.66 732303 145.00 148.00 3.00 3.87 0.62 4.6 2.80 732304 148.00 149.50 1.50 4.65 0.72 6.0 3.35 732305 149.50 151.00 1.50 4.82 0.86 6.6 3.59 732306 151.00 154.00 3.00 2.85 0.72 4.7 2.34 732307 154.00 157.00 3.00 1.01 0.21 1.7 0.78 732308 157.00 160.00 3.00 2.70 0.32 2.7 1.84 732309 160.00 163.00 3.00 2.78 0.31 2.6 1.87 732311 163.00 166.00 3.00 2.15 0.38 3.5 1.60 732312 166.00 169.00 3.00 2.71 0.42 3.6 1.96 732313 169.00 172.00 3.00 2.06 0.37 4.0 1.54 732314 172.00 175.00 3.00 1.93 0.33 4.4 1.43 732315 175.00 178.00 3.00 1.36 0.16 2.8 0.94 732316 178.00 180.30 2.30 2.54 0.27 4.6 1.72 732317 180.30 182.25 1.95 1.54 0.21 2.9 1.09 732318 182.25 184.75 2.50 4.03 0.38 4.2 2.65 732319 184.75 187.00 2.25 0.90 0.19 1.8 0.70 732320 187.00 190.00 3.00 0.90 0.19 1.4 0.70 732321 190.00 192.25 2.25 3.05 0.32 1.9 2.02 732322 192.25 194.50 2.25 2.99 0.31 2.5 1.99

See Table 1 for Notes.

Hole JP24074

Sample From (m) To

(m) Int.1,2,3 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ4 (%) 731140 111.00 114.00 3.00 1.00 0.65 8.1 1.26 731141 114.00 117.00 3.00 1.26 0.55 8.0 1.30 731142 117.00 120.00 3.00 0.64 0.27 4.1 0.65 731143 120.00 123.00 3.00 1.48 0.49 8.1 1.36 731144 123.00 126.00 3.00 1.47 0.48 6.6 1.34 731145 126.00 129.00 3.00 1.01 0.40 4.9 1.00 731146 129.00 132.00 3.00 1.59 0.59 6.3 1.51 731147 132.00 135.00 3.00 2.02 0.62 6.6 1.79 731148 135.00 138.00 3.00 1.48 0.53 5.2 1.39 731149 138.00 141.00 3.00 4.01 0.84 10.5 3.14 731151 141.00 144.00 3.00 4.94 1.16 14.2 4.00 731152 144.00 147.00 3.00 4.32 0.99 8.8 3.45 731153 147.00 150.00 3.00 3.02 0.78 6.8 2.50 731154 150.00 153.00 3.00 3.63 1.31 11.3 3.40 731155 153.00 156.00 3.00 5.35 1.18 9.6 4.22 731156 156.00 159.00 3.00 3.33 0.98 8.0 2.89 731157 159.00 162.00 3.00 5.25 1.05 9.8 4.03 731158 162.00 165.00 3.00 3.49 0.90 10.3 2.91 731159 165.00 168.00 3.00 2.47 1.14 13.8 2.60 731160 168.00 171.00 3.00 5.86 1.36 10.3 4.68 731161 171.00 174.00 3.00 4.78 0.88 9.6 3.61 731162 174.00 177.00 3.00 7.73 1.28 11.1 5.65 731163 177.00 180.00 3.00 8.00 1.34 11.2 5.86 731164 180.00 183.00 3.00 6.33 0.93 8.6 4.51 731165 183.00 186.00 3.00 3.52 0.75 7.2 2.75 731166 186.00 189.00 3.00 3.25 0.66 7.5 2.52 731167 189.00 192.00 3.00 2.39 0.69 7.9 2.08 731168 192.00 195.00 3.00 3.84 0.57 4.6 2.74 731169 195.00 198.00 3.00 2.07 0.64 6.4 1.83 731171 198.00 201.00 3.00 1.09 0.97 11.4 1.65 731172 201.00 201.70 0.70 2.05 0.65 8.0 1.84 731173 201.70 202.90 1.20 0.06 0.03 0.6 0.06 731174 202.90 204.00 1.10 2.74 0.75 8.9 2.33 731175 204.00 207.00 3.00 1.62 1.14 12.9 2.12 731176 207.00 210.00 3.00 1.84 0.89 15.1 2.01 731177 210.00 213.00 3.00 2.41 0.90 15.4 2.34 731178 213.00 216.00 3.00 2.06 0.61 10.0 1.82 731179 216.00 219.00 3.00 1.10 0.51 8.3 1.17 731180 219.00 222.00 3.00 0.58 0.32 6.6 0.69 731181 222.00 225.00 3.00 0.78 0.36 6.0 0.84

See Table 1 for Notes.

Table 3: AuRORA Drill Hole Information Section N7800

Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azim () Dip () EOH (m) JP24057 622779 6347801 1368 90 -70 586 JP24059 622776 6347801 1369 270 -60 427.4 JP24071 622770 6347796 1370 180 -60 374 JP24074 622920 6347799 1385 90 -70 315 JP24076 622655 6347819 1369 270 -60 258 JP24079 623060 6347815 1422 88 -60 503 JP24082 623059 6347815 1422 0 -90 311

Note: Collar locations are in UTM NAD83, Zone 9N coordinates.
Vancouver, British Columbia, January 17, 2025  TheNewswire - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE: WG, OTCQB: WGLIF, FSE: IM50) (Westward or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. J. Kelly Cluer to the Companys Board of Directors, effective January 16, 2025. Mr. Cluer has over 30 years of mineral exploration experience, from grassroots project generation through to discovery, resource delineation and mine development. He has also held numerous high-level management positions throughout his career, leading teams from a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines. Since January of 2024, Mr. Cluer has served as an advisor to Westward and has been a guiding voice within the Company as it relates to both exploration and corporate strategy.

Kelly Cluer, Incoming Director, noted: I joined Westward Gold one year ago, based on the observation that the management team was laser-focused on consolidating a Company-making land position on the Cortez Trend. Their strategic will to buck the pressures of premature drilling  opting instead to design, finance, and execute a long-view systematic exploration program at Toiyabe Hills  has resulted in the identification of the exceptional Campfire target complex within a massive gold-bearing alteration and fluid upwelling zone. Campfire has yet to see a drillhole, despite lying in the shadow of world-class gold deposits. Im looking forward to continuing with the Company as a director, working to assure shareholders that this unique opportunity is capitalized on, and unlocking all the value that has been patiently waiting in these rocks for 35 million years.

Colin Moore, President & CEO, added: On behalf of Westward, Id like to extend our deep gratitude to Kelly for his ongoing involvement with the Company, and welcome him to the elevated position of Independent Director. Over the last year, Kelly has become an invaluable member of our small and ambitious team, taking a hands-on approach to collaborating on all aspects of the business. It gives us a great deal of confidence knowing he shares our excitement for the potential of our properties and our Company.

Mr. Cluer spent the last decade of his career in senior leadership positions at Kinross Gold Corp. (Kinross), one of the top global gold producers. In his latest role as Senior Director of Geosciences (Global), Mr. Cluer oversaw the exploration strategy for projects around the world, developing innovative campaigns including leading-edge geophysical surveys, talent management and acquisition, and claim-staking large greenfield targets based on new concepts. He was also instrumental in identifying new global regions for investment, through both generative exploration and M&A.

Mr. Cluer also acted as Exploration Director (North America) for Kinross from 2013 to 2019, after being brought on to lead aggressive greenfield and brownfield initiatives, developing and guiding teams throughout Nevada. Major achievements included cementing Kinross as a major player in the Carlin-type gold space, with a robust pipeline of projects from early-stage prospects through to advanced development and production. He also established the Reno, NV office for greenfield exploration and grew it into one of the most active teams in the Western USA.

Among several major discoveries to his credit, Mr. Cluer was notably a co-discoverer of the high-grade Ren gold deposit under 800 meters of cover on the Carlin Trend in the 1990s; that deposit is now being mined by Nevada Gold Mines (NGM). Westward currently holds the Coyote / Rossi Property situated at the northern end of the Carlin Trend, as a complimentary asset to its flagship Toiyabe Hills Property on the Cortez Trend.

Mr. Cluer also found tremendous success in Mongolia, notably as the Founder, Co-Owner and Director of Exploration for Altan Rio Minerals from 2006 to 2013. He was a recipient of the Polar Star Award from the President of Mongolia for his achievements generating long-term investments and national professional development initiatives. He also shared the Honored Geologist of Mongolia award with the Gatsuurt deposit discovery team in 2004; in his role as Exploration Manager for Centerra Gold Mongolia, he was responsible for all aspects of exploration, land management, personnel administration, and contract negotiations. He managed final reserve drilling of the Boroo deposit which resulted in additional gold reserves and new discoveries in the district, in addition to exploration and resource drilling at the Gatsuurt deposit leading to a reportable gold resource in excess of 2.0 Moz within a much larger mineralized footprint.

Mr. Cluer is a lifetime member and past President of the Geological Society of Nevada (GSN). In addition to his many personal achievements, he has worked tirelessly to establish, train and mentor top-level exploration teams from diverse cultural backgrounds who have gone on to realize great success in their own right. Mr. Cluer is passionate about investing in  and developing  the next generation of explorers and industry leaders.

About Westward Gold

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe Hills Project located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities.

For further information contact:

Andrew Nelson

Chief Financial Officer

Westward Gold Inc.

+1 (604) 828-7027

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.westwardgold.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate, potential, on track, forecast", "budget", target, outlook, continue, plan or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms.

Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Companys expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express managements expectations or estimates of future plans and performance.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Companys properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Companys material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Companys ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Companys latest management discussion and analysis under Risks and Uncertainties, which is available under the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Companys forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or managements assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.
TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Minsud Resources Corp. (TSXV: MSR) ("Minsud" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the completion of a maiden, pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the Chinchillones Complex deposit, part of the Company's Chita Valley Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. This milestone marks significant progress in the Chita Valley Project's ongoing development.

Minera Sud Argentina S.A. ("MSA"), a joint venture between a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Limited ("South32") (50.1%) and Minsud Resources Corp. (49.9%), has led exploration at the Chinchillones Complex from 2019 to 2024, executing a comprehensive drilling program that provided critical data for this maiden estimate. The joint venture is focused on continued exploration and expansion of the resource base to support future development.

Highlights:

Indicated Resources: 188Mt at 0.41% CuEq, 0.25% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag , 36 ppm Mo and 0.16% Zn, containing 776Kt of copper equivalent, 466Kt of copper, 674koz of gold, 63.5Moz of silver , 6.8Kt of molybdenum, and 291Kt of zinc.





188Mt at , 36 ppm Mo and 0.16% Zn, containing , 6.8Kt of molybdenum, and 291Kt of zinc. Inferred Resources: 573Mt at 0.36% CuEq, 0.22% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au, 9.0 g/t Ag, 93 ppm Mo and 0.11% Zn, containing 2,049Kt of copper equivalent, 1,244Kt of copper, 1,650koz of gold, 165.6Moz of silver , 53.2Kt of molybdenum, and 616Kt of zinc.





573Mt at 93 ppm Mo and 0.11% Zn, containing , 53.2Kt of molybdenum, and 616Kt of zinc. The resources are considered suitable for open-pit mining and flotation process, based on Net Smelter Return cutoffs , with copper equivalent calculated post-estimation using the same parameters.





and process, , with calculated using the same parameters. Copper, silver, and gold are the primary contributors to the Mineral Resource Estimate, with molybdenum and zinc as secondary contributors.





and are the primary contributors to the Mineral Resource Estimate, with as secondary contributors. Mineralization remains open at depth, with further molybdenum potential identified in unexplored areas.

The Chinchillones Complex deposit demonstrates reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction ("RPEEE"), as defined by the Committee for Mineral Reserve International Reporting Standard, positioning it as a significant resource within the Chita Valley Project. This evaluation is based on drilling conducted by MSA between 2020 and 2024, supplemented by earlier drill holes. The estimate is supported by preliminary metallurgical studies and economic parameters, mining costs, processing costs, and metal recoveries from Cu, Mo, and Zn concentrates to derive Net Smelter Return ("NSR").

The maiden Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by Mr. Mike Job, Principal Geology and Geostatistics, a full-time employee of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd, in collaboration with GeoEstima SpA. As a Qualified Person (QP) under NI 43-101 standards, Mr. Job oversaw all aspects of the Mineral Resource Estimation.

Mr. Ramiro Massa, Director of Minsud said: "This initial resource estimate represents a significant milestone in the development of the Chinchillones Complex and the broader Chita Valley Project. The results highlight the deposit's substantial development potential and provide a robust basis for advancing our exploration and growth strategy. The Chita Valley Project stands apart from traditional high-Andean mining ventures. Its lower altitude (3,000 meters) and favorable climate offer significant advantages. Year-round accessibility, coupled with excellent infrastructure and proximity to essential services, translate into potential for lower capital expenditure and competitive operational costs. These competitive advantages position the Chita Valley Project as a compelling investment proposition".

The Chinchillones Complex furthermore has a significant opportunity for future development, offering potential exploration upside and unrealized economic potential.

The deposit is considered potentially economic via open-pit mining and flotation process, demonstrating RPEEE. This conclusion is supported by the spatial continuity of mineralization, the application of NSR cutoffs, and metallurgical performance based on testwork results. Highlighting copper, silver, and gold as primary contributors to economic potential, alongside secondary contributions of molybdenum and zinc.

Three phases of metallurgical testing were conducted on samples from the Chinchillones Complex to evaluate hardness, flotation performance, and concentration quality. Testing was conducted on composite samples from four mineralization domains:

Domain 1, high-grade silver and gold-rich polymetallic intermediate sulfidation (IS).

Domain 2, high-grade copper and zinc-rich polymetallic IS.

Domain 3, porphyry-style high-grade copper with or without molybdenum.

Domain 4, a mix of porphyry and IS.

Metallurgical studies performed by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops in 2022 and 2024, revealed chalcopyrite and tennantite/enargite as the dominant copper minerals. Results showed significant challenges with arsenic (As) content in concentrates (averaging 7%) as well as elevated zinc levels in certain domains. Distinct metallurgical responses were observed in high zinc geological domains (Domain 2) compared to low zinc geological domains (Domain 1, 3 and 4). The high zinc geological domain exhibited lower copper recoveries and higher zinc concentrate content. The low zinc geological domain had better flotation performance and higher copper recoveries.

Flotation testing demonstrated high copper recoveries (>80%) and pilot plant test work confirmed concentrate grades of ~28% Cu, but with arsenic and zinc above smelter penalty thresholds. Hydrometallurgical studies showed promise for managing deleterious elements while achieving high metal recoveries.

Mineral Resources Estimates are reported on a NSR basis, with three concentrates produced, Cu, Mo and Zn. Due to the complex mineralogy at Chinchillones, standard NSR calculations based on fixed elemental recovery grades were not sufficient to accurately determine concentrate grades for Cu and Zn. Instead, mineralogy-based calculations were employed, assuming hybrid mineral compositions of the dominant minerals to determine concentrate grades for both low and high zinc domains. This approach enabled more precise estimation, with a constant Mo grade applied for the Mo concentrate. Metallurgical recoveries for the low zinc domain are 87% Cu, 40% Au, 65% Ag, and 50% Mo. Metallurgical recoveries for the high zinc domain are 60% Cu, 40% Au, 70% Ag, and 55% Zn. These recovery rates are simplified estimates of recoveries applied to the model and reflect the recovery of potentially economic elements. Detailed recoveries, including those for deleterious elements, have also been factored into the NSR calculation and will be provided in the technical report.

The metal prices applied are as follows: copper at US$4.30/lb, gold at US$1,985/oz, silver at US$24/oz, molybdenum at US$15/lb and, zinc at US$1.30/lb.

The Mineral Resource in the low zinc geological domain is reported above a NSR value of US$10/t (US$9/t milling + US$1/t G&A), while the high zinc geological domain is reported above a NSR value of US$11.65/t (US$10.65/t milling + US$1/t G&A). An optimized pit shell was utilized to constrain the Mineral Resource, based on a US$1.90/t mining cost, the above milling/G&A costs, and a 45-degree pit wall slope. The NSR calculation incorporates commodity prices, metallurgical recoveries of economic and deleterious elements, and treatment and refining charges.

Consistent with CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014), the Mineral Resource Estimate has been classified and includes both Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources as summarized in Table 1 and Table 2. This classification reflects the quality of data, spacing of drill holes, and the geological understanding of the deposit. It is reported in compliance with the requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101).

Table 1: Chinchillones Mineral Resource Estimate as at 15 January 2025 (Economic Grades)

Domain Classification M Tonnes CuEq (%) Cu (%) Au g/t Ag g/t Mo (ppm) Zn (%) Low Zinc Indicated 147 0.36 0.27 0.11 8.7 46 - Inferred 494 0.31 0.22 0.09 7.8 108 - High Zinc Indicated 41 0.61 0.18 0.13 17.6 - 0.72 Inferred 79 0.63 0.21 0.1 16.5 - 0.78 Total Indicated 188 0.41 0.25 0.11 10.6 36 0.16 Inferred 573 0.36 0.22 0.09 9.0 93 0.11

Table 2: Chinchillones Mineral Resource Estimate as at 15 January 2025 (Economic Metal)

Domain Classification M Tonnes CuEq Metal kt Cu Metal kt Au k Oz Ag M Oz Mo Metal kt Zn Metal kt Low Zinc Indicated 147 532 392 512 40.8 6.8 Inferred 494 1,548 1,074 1,395 123.5 53.2 High Zinc Indicated 41 244 74 162 22.7 291 Inferred 79 501 170 255 42.1 616 Total Indicated 188 776 466 674 63.5 6.8 291 Inferred 573 2,049 1,244 1,650 165.6 53.2 616

Notes: (1) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. It is noted that no specific issues have been identified as yet. (2) The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. (3) The Mineral Resources in this report were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines. (4) The resource is reported above Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut offs  for the low zinc geological domain US$10/t (US$9/t milling + US$1/t G&A) and for the high zinc geological domain US$11.65/t (US$10.65/t milling + US$1/t G&A). An optimized pit shell was utilized to constrain Mineral Resource reporting that used a US$1.90/t mining cost, the above milling/G&A costs and with overall 45 degree pit slopes. (5) The metal prices used for the NSR calculation in US$ are $4.30/lb Cu, $1,985/oz Au, $24/oz Ag, $15/lb Mo, $1.30/lb Zn. Metallurgical recoveries for the low zinc domain are 87% Cu, 40% Au, 65% Ag, 50% Mo. Metallurgical recoveries for the high zinc domain are 60% Cu, 40% Au, 70% Ag, 55% Zn. (6) The copper equivalent (CuEq) grades use the metal prices and recoveries as used for the NSR calculation; for the low zinc domain CuEq_% = Cu_% +(Au_ppm x 0.3095) + (Ag_ppm x 0.0061) + (Mo_ppm x 0.0002). For the high zinc domain, CuEq_% = Cu_% +(Au_ppm x 0.4488) + (Ag_ppm x 0.0095) + (Zn_% x 0.277). Note that Zn is not recovered in the low zinc domain, and Mo is not recovered in the high zinc domain. (7) The value contribution of each metal to the project can be derived from the NSR calculation. These are; Cu 67%, Ag 16%, Au 7%, Mo 5% and Zn 5%. (8) The figures in the above tables may not add up due to rounding.

Geological Data

The database for the Chinchillones Mineral Resource Estimate, closed off on October 14, 2024, including 134 diamond drill holes totaling 82,104 meters. Of these, only eight holes (1,762 meters) were drilled prior to 2020, with the remaining 126 holes (80,342 meters) drilled by MSA since 2020.

Drill holes to the northwest of the central post-mineralization Dacite are generally oriented southeast, dipping at 70 to 80, while those to the southeast of the diatreme are drilled northwest, also at 70 to 80. Well-drilled areas are spaced approximately 80 meters x 80 meters, extending to over 150 meters centers at the deposit's edge.

Lithological and alteration 3D models do not strongly control copper mineralization, as grades vary significantly within and across these domains, making them unsuitable for estimation. To address this, a Cu-As-Ag high-sulfidation envelope was created using a proxy based on Cu, As, Sb, S, and Fe,enabling the identification of high-sulfidation signatures in both drilling and block models. Additional Mo and Zn-Pb grade shell envelopes were also developed. The final estimation domains are combinations of the high-sulfidation and Mo/Zn-Pb grade shells, as defined through statistical similarities and domain boundary analysis.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

All core samples were submitted by MSA for preparation and analysis to the ALS Global Laboratories in Mendoza, Argentina. All samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay / AA finish 50g, plus a 48-element ultra-trace four acid digest with ICP-MS and ICP-AES finish. MSA followed industry standard procedures for the work with a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program. Field duplicates, standards and blanks were included with all sample shipments to the principal laboratory. Minsud detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data.

Qualified Persons and Technical Information

The site visit, including the review of geological aspects such as sampling, drill core, logging, assay laboratory procedures, and independent check samples, was conducted by Mr. Esteban Manrique, MAusIMM (Geo), Senior Geologist at Mining Plus Peru SAC. He is an independent Qualified Person as per National Instrument 43-101.

Mr. Adam Johnston, FAusIMM, CP (Met), a full-time employee of Transmin Metallurgical Consultants and a collaborator with Mining Plus, reviewed the metallurgical studies for the project. He is a Qualified Person and independent of the issuer as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

The Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by Mr. Mike Job, FAusIMM (Geo), Principal Geology and Geostatistics at Cube Consulting. He isa Qualified Person and independent of the issuer as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Ms. Maria Munoz MAusIMM (Geo), VP Exploration of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Munoz has visited the property and has read and approved the contents of this release.

The Qualified Persons responsible for the technical report and its various chapters have reviewed and approved the contents of this release.

The full technical report, prepared by Mining Plus in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101"), will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile within 45 days of this news release. The Mineral Resource Estimate is effective as of January 15, 2025.

About the Chita Valley Project, San Juan Province

The Chita Valley Project is a large exploration stage porphyry system with classic alteration features, widespread porphyry style Cu-Mo-Au and polymetallic Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization. Hosted by hydrothermal phreatic breccias and associated gold/silver-bearing polymetallic veins of intermediate sulphide composition, that conformed a lithocap of a porphyry system at Chinchillones. San Juan Province of Argentina has a robust mining sector and recognizes the important economic benefits of responsible development of its substantial mineral resource endowment. The Chita Valley Project is owned and managed by MSA, of which Minsud indirectly holds a 49.9% interest. The other 50.1% interest in MSA is indirectly owned by South32. Minsud and South32 entered into a shareholders' agreement to govern the management and operation of MSA which will include further exploration.

About Minsud Resources Corp.

Minsud is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring its flagship Chita Valley Cu-Mo- Au-Ag-Pb-Zn Project, in the Province of San Juan, Argentina. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX-V under the trading symbol "MSR", and on the OTCQX under the symbol "MDSQF".

About South32 Limited

South32 Limited is a globally diversified mining and minerals company. The company's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. South32 Limited is trusted by its owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. South32 Limited produces minerals and metals critical to the world's energy transition from operations across the Americas, Australia and Southern Africa, and the company is discovering and responsibly developing its next generation of mines. South32 Limited aspires to leave a positive legacy and build meaningful relationships with its partners and communities to create brighter futures together.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, spending commitments, future operations, results of exploration, anticipated financial results, future work programs, capital expenditures and objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information including, but not limited to: fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar, Argentina peso, and the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and Argentina or other countries in which the Corporation may carry on business in the future; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration and development activities; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration and development (including environmental hazards or industrial accidents); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers and other parties with whom the Company does business; presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, including those currently enacted in Argentina; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; availability and increasing costs associated with operational inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties; risks relating to the Company's ability to raise funds; and the factors identified under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Filing Statement dated April 27, 2011. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking-information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Thursday that he and his party colleagues would quit the cabinet if it approved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, though they would not leave the country's ruling coalition.

"If this irresponsible agreement is approved and implemented, the Jewish Power party will not be part of the government and will leave it," he said at a press conference late Thursday evening, while keeping open the possibility of reversing course if the ceasefire collapsed.

"If the war against Hamas resumes, with intensity, in order to achieve the objectives of the war that have not been achieved, we will return to the government."

Ben Gvir sits on the Israeli cabinet alongside two fellow Jewish Power MPs, and contributes six members, including himself, to Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition of 68 lawmakers in the Knesset.

But even as he threatened to quit the cabinet, he said his party "will not overthrow Netanyahu".

Ben Gvir also called on far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads the Religious Zionism party, to quit.

Smotrich had said earlier in the day that the ceasefire deal was "dangerous" for Israel's security.

Following Ben Gvir's remarks, Netanyahu's Likud party said in a statement: "Whoever dismantles a right-wing government will forever be in disgrace."

The ceasefire agreement, it added, would allow Israel "to maximize the number of live hostages that will be released... (and) to achieve security successes that will guarantee Israel's security for generations to come".

Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich have repeatedly called for continuing the Gaza war, and the former has even said that he repeatedly blocked previous attempts to reach a ceasefire.

The deal agreed on Wednesday and mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States initially provides for the release of 33 hostages abducted during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

But Ben Gvir set out an alternative approach on Thursday.

"For the release of the hostages, humanitarian aid sent to Gaza must be completely stopped," he said, adding "stop the transfer of fuel, electricity and water".

"Only then will Hamas release our hostages without jeopardising Israel's security."

Israel is currently facing a case at the International Court of Justice, brought by South Africa, accusing it of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip. Israel vehemently denies the accusation.

Rights groups have pointed to similar statements by figures such as former defence minister Yoav Gallant, himself wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, as potential evidence of genocidal intent.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced confidence that the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza would begin Sunday, as Israel awaited a cabinet vote and accused Hamas of backtracking.

"I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday," Blinken said at a farewell news conference Thursday.

Blinken said that he and other officials of President Joe Biden's administration, which ends Monday, were on the telephone to try to resolve issues in the ceasefire announced Wednesday through mediator Qatar.

"It's not exactly surprising that in a process, in a negotiation, that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end. We're tying up that loose end as we speak," Blinken said.

Blinken's opening remarks were disrupted by two activists who regularly show up at press briefings. Both were asked to leave, with one of them shouting slogans as he waited for State Department security to remove him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cabinet was set to vote on the deal on Friday. At least two cabinet members have voiced opposition to the ceasefire.

Netanyahu's office has accused Hamas of reneging on key parts of the agreement, suggestions denied by the Palestinian militant group -- as new Israeli strikes before the ceasefire kill dozens in Gaza.

In a highly unusual arrangement, an envoy from President-elect Donald Trump took part in the final negotiations on the ceasefire side-by-side with an incumbent official in Biden's White House.

Asked about Trump claiming he sealed the deal, Blinken said: "The important thing is not who gets the credit; the important thing is getting the results."

"Virtually everything that now needs to be implemented under the agreement will be implemented under the Trump administration," Blinken said.

"It was very important for the parties to know that the Trump administration stood behind the agreement that we negotiated."

Asked whether the Biden administration will leave without any determination on whether Israel has carried out human rights violations, Blinken said: "In Gaza, we faced a uniquely challenging situation in trying to make final determinations."

"Uniquely in Gaza, besides having a population that's been trapped there that has nowhere else to go, you have an enemy that embeds itself in and among civilians, houses, hospitals, mosques, schools," Blinken said.

He spoke after Israel has been accused repeatedly by rights groups and the United Nations of violations in Gaza. On Thursday Human Rights Watch called out Israel for committing "crimes against humanity" and possibly "genocide" during the war.

Blinken also defended his own record on human rights, pointing to statements and sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers over violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Z for "Zigeuner" -- "Gypsy", then a number. Some survivors still have the horror of the Roma Holocaust tattooed on their skin, a reminder of a lesser-known genocide that researchers are now trying to document.

Rosa Schneeberger is one of the few remaining Sinti, an itinerant community that has been around since medieval times in western Europe, to have returned from the darkness of the past.

She was only five when she was deported with her mother and siblings to the biggest internment camp for Roma in the Third Reich, Lackenbach, which was built in 1940 in Nazi-annexed Austria, and where entire families were subjected to forced labour.

Eighty-three years on, the memories she has pushed to the far recesses of her mind are still painful to recall.

"It must not start again," she said in the living room of her home in the southern Austrian city of Villach, which is filled with photographs of her four children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She agreed to tell AFP what she remembers from long ago as a little girl.

"I only wasn't hungry when I stole the horses' food," she said of her time at Lackenbach. "They were better fed than us."

Children were made to carry rocks while adults toiled in the forest, on road construction or other public works.

The oldest and the poorest fell exhausted into latrines, she recalled. "The Nazis recovered their bodies in the early morning, frozen stiff," she added.

Her beloved grandfather died of sickness in front of her, she said.

Just 10 percent of Austria's 11,000 Roma and Sinti survived the Nazi atrocities. Around 4,000 were sent to Lackenbach, where 237 succumbed to outbreaks of sickness, the cold and beatings.

Many others were sent to extermination camps at Chelmno in occupied Poland, then to Auschwitz, which was liberated by the Soviet Red Army 80 years ago on January 27, 1945.

Schneeberger survived and was able to return home after the liberation of Lackenbach in March 1945 because her father, like many Sinti, played a musical instrument and entertained the guards.

- 'No exact figures' -

Historians do not know how many were not so lucky. German historian Karola Fings, from Heidelberg University, is putting together the first encyclopedia on the subject.

"For many countries, we haven't yet grasped the full extent" of the persecution, she said.

In Estonia, for example, the community was virtually wiped out and the dialect they spoke no longer exists.

Some countries, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Croatia, were particularly affected. In places such as France, Bulgaria or Romania, many survived, depending on the regime in place.

No records exist from pre-war Europe about the size of the global Roma population. Today, it consists of about 12 million people from a wide cultural background and includes several hundred Holocaust survivors.

"If we put together the figures for which we know for sure that they were Sinti and Roma, we can perhaps say there were between 110,000 and 120,000 deaths," said Fings.

"But there are a great number of unrecorded cases," she added. "The hypothesis that has more or less prevailed in the research is that we can talk about around 200,000 deaths."

Apart from the Third Reich itself, where the first round-up took place in June 1938, nothing was documented while the crimes were being committed.

At the end of the war evidence was destroyed, and in the years that followed those responsible reintegrated into German society and "continued to stigmatise the Roma victims as antisocial and criminal", said Fings.

Internationally, research has only progressed in the last 20 years -- much too late to gather the testimonies of former deportees, whom the Nazis distinguished with a black or brown triangle, depending on the camp.

French historian Henriette Asseo said it was "atrocious" that after the war, survivors were not considered "racial victims" both in Germany, where their ancestral nationality was not reinstated, and in other central European countries.

By contesting nationality and demanding proof of residency, "most often, everything has been done to exclude them from reparations", Asseo added.

Yet as early as 1935, the Nuremberg Laws -- racial legislation on citizenship of the Third Reich and the "protection of German blood" -- stated that "Gypsies belong to impure races".

- Discrimination -

Recognition of the Roma genocide came very slowly from the 1980s, thanks to the mobilisation of activists born after the war, who set out to "reconquer the past" as communism fell and gave way to democracy, said Asseo, who has written extensively about the history of the Roma people in Europe.

It was only in 2015 that August 2 was recognised as "European Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day".

In December 2024, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), a leading intergovernmental organisation, published recommendations for learning about this "neglected history".

But the memories of its victims have also been trampled underfoot, as in communist Czechoslovakia, where an industrial pig farm was constructed on the site of the Lety camp, which housed Roma southwest of Prague.

Between 1942 and 1943, 1,300 Roma were interned at Lety in appalling conditions. More than 300 died, most of them children aged under 14 but the figure, according to survivors, is an underestimate.

It took 20 years of pressure until 2018 to get the Czech government to buy and then demolish the piggery.

"According to surveys, at least 75 percent of public opinion is still influenced by antagonism toward Romani people, which entails a lack of interest in the topic or its distortion through the prism of the current negative vision," said Jana Horvathova, a Czech descendant of survivors.

She runs the memorial museum at the site opened by Czech President Petr Pavel in April last year.

But it came too late, as the last deportee died before work was finished.

Anna Miskova, a Czech historian behind the permanent exhibition at the site, blamed anti-Roma discrimination for the uphill battle to break the silence.

"Some of the people did not want to talk about being the victims of the Roma genocide because then you have to say that you are Roma," she said.

A comb still holding tangled hair and a cup with childish designs are some of the few traces of humanity found during excavations.

"It (Lety) is in fact the first concentration camp of this kind to become a (large-scale) memorial and have its own museum," said Fings.

- 'If they knew I was one' -

Memories have not always been passed down in families. Many camp survivors married non-Roma and stopped speaking the language of their childhood -- Romani.

Christine Gaal is one. She was born in 1949 to parents who even abandoned their typically Roma family name -- Sarkozy -- to try to blend in with the crowd.

No one at her retirement home in Vienna knows her past. "If they knew I was one (Roma) the pensioners wouldn't be as nice to me," she said.

Her children do not feel Roma and cannot share customs, recipes or the cimbalom, the popular folk instrument with metal strings played by many Roma musicians.

Gaal's mother, who had 13 children, was the only one to return from the Ravensbrueck concentration camp. Her father lost seven brothers and sisters.

"The roaming, the musicians in inns, the jobs we had like horse-traders, all of that is gone," said Schneeberger's 64-year-old daughter, Gina Bohoni.

"The Sinti are disappearing," she said sadly, recalling the childhood insults she endured at school.

Her 27-year-old niece listened in silence, mindful of the heavy legacy. She refused to give her name. If her employer found out she was Roma, she said, it would be a disaster.
In 2017, following a request from Iraq, the UN Security Council (UNSC) passed the Resolution 2379 establishing the Investigative team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Daesh/ISIL (UNITAD) to support domestic efforts to hold the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) accountable. Headquartered in Baghdad, with guaranteed freedom of movement and unhindered access to places, materials and people considered necessary for the fulfillment of its mandate, UNITAD was a very special team among the UN investigative bodies and had an excellent starting point.

UNITAD operated for seven years with an annual budget of 22 million US dollars. However, its mandate ended prematurely as, in September 2023, Iraq, without consulting the survivors nor the civil society, requested from UNSC to renew UNITADs mandate for one year without the possibility of extension. Moreover, UNITAD was asked to hand over all the evidence obtained in Iraq, including witness testimonies, to stop sharing evidence with third states and to disclose to Iraq the nature of any evidence already shared.

Consequently, UNITADs mandate officially ended on 17 September 2024 without a single case of international crimes being adjudicated in Iraq nor even underway. With boots on the ground in the state where the crimes took place, non-state affiliated alleged perpetrators, a cooperative host government, significant international backing, a supportive civil society and survivors eager to see justice done and more than willing to cooperate, UNITADs untimely end begs for one question: what went wrong and why the mandate did not realize its full potential?

The arrangement on sharing evidence

The core part of UNITADs mandate was to collect, preserve and store evidence of ISIS atrocity crimes committed in Iraq, and to ensure their use before national courts and support investigations in third states. In addition, it was supposed to help build capacity of the judiciary and assist in developing and implementing the required legislative framework. UNITAD was asked to share evidence it collected solely for a use in fair and independent criminal proceedings and in accordance with UN policies and best practices, including a ban on sharing evidence with states that apply the death penalty.

The applicability of UN policies to UNITADs mandate and, consequently, the modalities for sharing evidence with Iraq, were directly addressed during negotiations between the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) and Iraq, and stipulated in UNITADs final terms of reference (ToR) endorsed by Iraq. Therefore, Iraq was very well aware of it and accepted to make the necessary accommodations in order to receive and make use of the evidence UNITAD were to collect. On its part, UNITAD agreed to inform Iraq whenever it shared the evidence it collected with third states. Last but not least, if it was to share evidence obtained from survivors and other witnesses with Iraqi or any other authorities, UNITAD was obligated to seek and obtain their informed consent beforehand.

No international crimes for ISIS perpetrators

More than 10 years since the ISIS conflict in Iraq, six years since the deployment of UNITADs operations and four months after their conclusion, no progress has been made in closing the impunity gap for ISIS international crimes in Iraq. Put differently, no ISIS perpetrator has been held accountable in Iraq for the atrocity crimes committed. During the same period, however, up to 70,000 people have been sentenced for being a member of a terrorist organization under Iraqs anti-terrorism laws, not only without a meaningful involvement of the survivors, but also without fair trial guarantees.

Despite the occasional pledges, Iraq thus far neither enacted legislation incorporating war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide into its legal system, nor designated a criminal accountability mechanism with jurisdiction over international crimes. The Initiative led by the Coalition for just reparations  an alliance of Iraqi NGOs supporting survivors right to justice and reparations, and incorporating survivor friendly features into the upcoming accountability mechanism  was largely ignored.

Moreover, an initiative of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to enact such legislation on the regional level was blocked by the Iraqi federal Supreme Court. Recently, Iraqi courts in their rulings against ISIS militants under the anti-terrorism legislation have started to refer to the Yazidi survivors law and its qualification of crimes against Yazidis and other minorities as genocide and crimes against humanity. It goes without saying that the mere reference to a statutory genocide recognition is a poor substitute for proper qualification of such acts in national criminal proceedings.

No admissible evidence transferred?

Part of Iraqs grievances was that instead of handing over admissible evidence such as witness statements and physical evidence, UNITAD only passed on reports and summaries without any probative value.

It appears that UNITAD transferred a part of its evidentiary holdings to Iraq, but mostly digitized versions of records it had received from Iraqi authorities in the first place, as well as information received from witnesses, third states and civil society organizations, when consent was provided. As part of its post-UNITAD strategy, the Iraqi government has established the National Center, a distinct body consisting of holders of judicial functions, with an aim to hold and put to use all evidence of ISIS crimes, including those obtained from UNITAD. It remains unclear, however, what kind of national legal framework will be applied  anti-terrorism law, Iraqi penal code or yet to be enacted law on international crimes  in future proceedings to hold ISIS perpetrators criminally accountable.

Leading up to the end of UNITADs mandate, the UNSG issued a report where it called for the upgrading of the UN archiving system to allow the active management of all ISIS-related body of evidence, consisting of some 52 terabytes of digitized documentation. Such an upgrade, done in accordance with international criminal law standards, would allow responses to inquiries from competent state authorities worldwide, including Iraq. Regrettably and in spite of the advocacy of the Iraqi civil society, UNSGs call was not heeded. Consequently, UNITADs evidentiary holdings cannot currently be used to support accountability processes globally. Reasons for failing to establish an enhanced archiving system remain unclear, but may have to do with the current priorities of the UNSC members.

Iraqs obligation to incorporate international crimes into its legal system was not directly stipulated in UNITADs core documents, but it was clearly implied as a logical precondition for pursuing criminal accountability based on the international crimes framework. UNITAD was only mandated to assist Iraq in doing so. More specifically, ToR stipulates in its paragraph 41 that UNITAD, in cooperation with other UN bodies and programs, shall assist the Government of Iraq in developing and implementing relevant legislation, including on war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Iraqs continuous stalling to hold up to its end of the bargain, to pass necessary legislation aligned with UN policies and best practices, and to ensure observance of fair trial standards, cannot be attributed to UNITAD. Being invited to support national efforts to hold ISIS accountable with full respect of Iraqs sovereignty, UNITAD had neither the mandate nor the means to pressure Iraq into legislating: its only responsibility was to offer technical assistance and expertise. Though the probative value and quality of the evidence collected cannot be assessed, since they are kept confidential, 16 out of the 20 analytical reports and case assessments handed over to Iraq by UNITAD included underlaying evidence.

Valid objections to UNITADs work may include failure to regularly inform Iraq on sharing evidence with third states as stipulated in the ToR, and, perhaps, not involving its Iraqi counterparts more strongly in its operations. One could also speculate about performance, possible underachievement or lack of focus of UNITADs leadership.

This being said, UNITAD did break new ground in Iraq by introducing trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches to documentation and investigations, dialoguing with the civil society, excavating mass graves, pursuing multiple lines of investigations towards all affected communities, responding to numerous requests for assistance from third states which at least in 15 cases led to convictions, etc. A major flaw, which cannot be attributed directly to UNITAD, is failure to activate the assembled body of evidence as part of the official UN archives after the end of its mandate.

An end to international presence in Iraq

Finally, to answer the question of why UNITADs mandate came to such an abrupt and premature end, it seems necessary to go beyond its actual performance and consider the broader picture. Namely, in addition to UNITAD, Iraq also managed to terminate the presence of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by the end of 2025, a body active in Iraq since 2003. Moreover, it reached an agreement with the US to end the military mission of the global coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq by September 2025. Therefore, it appears that the closure of UNITAD is only a piece of the puzzle, a larger diplomatic initiative aimed at ending or decreasing international presence and thus, from Bagdads perspective at least, re-claiming the Iraqi sovereignty, in which case, UNITADs performance did not really matter at all.

The most important task for the UN is to establish an enhanced archiving system as part of UN archives in order to make the evidence active and support ongoing and upcoming investigations in third states and in Iraq.

Iraqi authorities should use the newly established National Center to consult survivors and the civil society with a view of making good on their promise to deliver justice. This would require not only enacting national legislation on international crimes, but also creating a criminal accountability mechanism. Part of this work should be setting up an adequate witness protection and support program with relevant safeguards in place to enable survivor-centered, efficient and secure proceedings.

Recommended reading UNITADs unfulfilled goals for ISIS accountability in Iraq
The United Nations human rights chief warned Friday that the war in Sudan is becoming "more dangerous" for civilians, following reports from rights groups of army-allied militias carrying out ethnic-based attacks on minorities in Al-Jazira state.

The "Sudan conflict (is) taking more dangerous turn for civilians," UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk said on social media platform X, adding that "there is evidence of... war crimes and other atrocity crimes".

The Sudanese army, at war with rival paramilitaries since April 2023, led an offensive this week on Al-Jazira state, recapturing its capital Wad Madani from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Rights groups said on Monday that at least 13 people including two children were killed in ethnically-targeted attacks against minority communities in the agricultural state.

Though the RSF has become notorious for alleged ethnic-based violence, reports have also emerged of civilians being targeted on the basis of ethnicity in army-controlled areas.

On Thursday, the US treasury department announced sanctions against army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the army of attacking schools, markets and hospitals, as well as using food deprivation as a weapon of war.

It came a week after the US also slapped sanctions on RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, accusing his group of committing genocide.

Responding to recent reports from US officials of the Sudanese army using chemical weapons in Sudan, spokesperson of the UN human rights chief Ravina Shamdasani said Friday that due to limited access, the UN "has not specifically documented" such practices during the war.

At a briefing on Friday, Shamdasani described the reports as "very worrying", adding that "they do require further investigation".

She said what the UN has documented is "the use of extremely heavy weaponry in populated areas", including air strikes on marketplaces.

Both sides have been accused of targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas, with the RSF specifically accused of ethnic cleansing, systematic sexual violence and laying siege to entire towns.

The war has killed tens of thousands, uprooted over 12 million and pushed the country to the brink of famine, creating what the United Nations describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

In its latest reports, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that over 120,000 people have fled the ongoing violence in the southern Sudanese states of Blue Nile, White Nile and Sennar to South Sudan since early December 2024.

maf/ysm

X
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Friday that he was suspending peace negotiations with National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas after a day of violence that killed around 30 people on the border with Venezuela.

"What the ELN did in the Catatumbo region are war crimes. That is why we are suspending dialogue with this group, because the ELN shows no willingness to make peace," Petro wrote on the social network X.

William Villamizar, governor of North Santander department in northeastern Colombia, told Blu Radio the violence between ELN rebels and dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) erupted on Thursday in the Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela.

"Data from the field indicates at least 30 people killed and more than 20 injured," the governor said.

The clashes are due to "a territorial dispute" between the ELN and dissident FARC factions for control of cocaine production in the area, Villamizar added.

The ELN is the biggest of the armed groups still active in Colombia since the government signed a deal with the much bigger FARC Marxist rebel group, which disarmed in 2017 after more than 50 years of war with the state.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Friday that he was suspending peace negotiations with National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas after a day of violence between armed groups in the northeast that left at least 30 people dead.

The violence took place in the Catatumbo region, on the border with Venezuela, where rival groups have for years been fighting for control of the cocaine trade.

The latest fighting pitted rebels from the left-wing ELN -- the biggest of the armed groups still active in Colombia -- against dissidents from the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which signed a peace deal with the state in 2016 after more than 50 years of war.

Petro accused the ELN of committing "war crimes," adding on the social network, "That is why we are suspending dialogue with this group, because the ELN shows no willingness to make peace."

Colombia's first left-wing president, Petro launched negotiations with the various armed groups that still control parts of Colombia after being elected in 2022 on a promise to pursue "total peace."

The talks with the ELN broke down for several months last year after the group launched a deadly attack on a military base.

William Villamizar, governor of North Santander department, told Blu Radio the latest clashes between the ELN and FARC dissidents erupted on Thursday.

"Data from the field indicates at least 30 people killed and more than 20 injured," he said, blaming the clashes on a "territorial dispute" linked to the cocaine trade.

- Going house-to-house -

Colombia's ombudsman Iris Marin told Blu Radio that ELN members were attacking civilians, going "house to house" in the area around the town of Tibu in search of people it believed to be related to the FARC dissidents.

She said preliminary reports indicated that "dozens" of families had been displaced and more than 20 people were missing.

On Thursday, the United Nations reported that five former FARC combatants had been killed.

The deal with FARC aimed at ending the longest-running war in the Americas, involving leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, drug gangs and the military.

But holdout FARC splinter groups and the ELN refused to make peace.

In November the government and ELN agreed at talks in Venezuela to resume the peace process, but the military and the rebels have continued to trade fire.

Experts said the cocaine trade is at the heart of the unrest.

Tibu, scene of this week's fighting, lies in one of the country's biggest areas for the production of coca -- the main ingredient in cocaine, of which Colombia is the world's leading producer.
Azerbaijan on Friday opened war crimes trials against Armenian separatists who led the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region before it was recaptured by Baku in a lightning offensive in 2023.

Azerbaijan's seizure of the mountainous region ended nearly three decades of control by Armenian separatists, prompting the region's entire ethnic Armenian population -- more than 100,000 people -- to flee.

Baku arrested several of the separatist leaders on charges of "planning, preparing and initiating" alleged war crimes, including torture, "waging an aggressive war" and the "deportation or forced displacement of the population".

Armenia has denounced the separatist leaders' arrests and demanded their liberation.

Two trials -- one for 15 former officials, another for the region's billionaire former leader Ruben Vardanyan -- opened in the Azeri capital of Baku on Friday.

Among the 15 ex-officials are Karabakh's former self-styled presidents, Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan and Araik Harutyunyan.

Hearings in both trials were held behind closed doors, with only Azeri state media allowed to view the proceedings.

Vardanyan is a former banker who made his fortune in Russia and then ruled the breakaway region between November 2022 and February 2023.

He has denied the charges -- which could seem him jailed for life -- and declared himself a "political prisoner".

In a statement issued by his family on Thursday, he said: "I once again reiterate and state my complete innocence and the innocence of my Armenian compatriots also being held as political prisoners and demand an immediate end to this politically motivated case against us."

The court rejected a request by his lawyers to merge the two trials, state media reported.

Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but was controlled by pro-Armenian separatists for more than three decades.

The two Caucasus foes fought wars for control of the region at the end of the Soviet Union and again in 2020, before Azerbaijan seized the entire area in a 24-hour offensive in September 2023.

Armenia's foreign ministry said last year that it would take "all possible steps to protect the rights" of those being put on trial, "including in international courts".
The United Nations human rights chief on Friday warned that the war in Sudan is becoming "more dangerous" for civilians, following reports of army-allied militias carrying out ethnic-based attacks on minorities.

"The situation for civilians in Sudan is already desparate and there is evidence of the commission of war crimes and other atrocity crimes," UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk said in a statement on Friday.

"I fear the situation is now taking a further, even more dangerous turn," he added.

The Sudanese army, at war with rival paramilitaries since April 2023, led an offensive this week on Al-Jazira state, recapturing its capital Wad Madani from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In the last week alone, the UN human rights office documented at least 21 deaths in just two attacks in Al-Jazira, saying that the actual number of attacks and of civilians killed "are very likely higher".

The two attacks took place in two camps, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Wad Madani.

Though the RSF has become notorious for alleged ethnic-based violence, reports have also emerged of civilians being targeted on the basis of ethnicity in army-controlled areas.

On Thursday, the US treasury department announced sanctions against army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the army of attacking schools, markets and hospitals, as well as using food deprivation as a weapon of war.

It came a week after the US also slapped sanctions on RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, accusing his group of committing genocide.

Responding to recent reports from US officials of the Sudanese army using chemical weapons, spokesperson of the UN human rights chief Ravina Shamdasani on Friday said that due to limited access, the UN "has not specifically documented" such practices during the war.

At a briefing on Friday, Shamdasani described the reports as "very worrying", adding that "they do require further investigation".

She said that the UN had documented "the use of extremely heavy weaponry in populated areas", including air strikes on marketplaces.

Both sides have been accused of targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas, with the RSF specifically accused of ethnic cleansing, systematic sexual violence and laying siege to entire towns.

The war has killed tens of thousands, uprooted more than 12 million and pushed the country to the brink of famine, creating what the United Nations describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

In its latest reports, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that more than 120,000 people have fled the ongoing violence in the southern Sudanese states of Blue Nile, White Nile and Sennar to South Sudan since early December 2024.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Ababu Namwambas slay queen wife Luciana Mimoh was over the moon after the Parliament approved his appointment as Permanent Secretary Representative of Kenya to UNEP.

Luciana shared a cute photo with Ababu and captioned it, Congratulations on your well-deserved success. You are an inspirational. Once a diplomat always a diplomat,.

Ababu married Luciana after he broke up with his late wife Priscah Mwaro.

He fell in love with the pretty lady while she was still a University student.

Check out her post.

More of her photos.

























The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino has warned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga against supporting Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakajas re-election in 2027.

According to sources, Raila Odinga is considering endorsing Sakaja's re-election due to his support for Odinga's African Union chairperson bid.

Last month, Sakaja visited Raila at his rural home and even accompanied him to Addis Ababa to attend the debate for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship candidates.

Reacting to the duo's new-found friendship, Babu said it was not genuine.

Using the analogy of an ordinary household, the MP pointed out that Sakaja had previously been opposed to Raila's presidential bids, and therefore, the latter ought to know who his genuine supporters are.

This is what Babu Owino stated.

"In a house, a father can love one child more than the other, but it is quite unfortunate that this child is not from our house, this is a neighbour's child.

"This is a neighbour's child who, in 2007, was in Vijana Na Kibaki, and opposed Baba (Raila) because he was in Kibaki's team and did not vote for Baba, therefore did not want Baba.

"In 2013 he was the chairman of TNA, did not vote for Baba, opposed Baba, and therefore did not want Baba to be the president.

"In 2017 he was in Jubilee, opposed Baba, did not vote for Baba, and wanted Uhuru to be the president.

"In 2022, same thing, he was in UDA, Kenya Kwanza, he opposed Baba, did not vote for Baba, and wanted Ruto to be the president, so therefore he's never wanted Baba.

"He wanted Kibaki, he wanted Uhuru in 2013, he wanted Uhuru again in 2017, and wanted Ruto in 2022, so this is not a person who is coming with clean hands, this is a person who does not love Baba, he's not sacrificed anything for Baba,"

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino doesnt respect his elders anymore.

This is after he threatened former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for endorsing Johnson Sakaja for the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat in 2027.

Addressing the press yesterday, Babu Owino claimed that his efforts were not appreciated despite his loyalty to Raila.

While questioning Odingas decision, Babu revealed that Governor Sakaja had never supported Railas political career since 2007 when Odinga vied for the presidency up to 2022.

According to him, Sakajas current support for Odingas ambition for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson seat was just a political gimmick.

He has never wanted Raila Odinga, he wanted Kibaki, he wanted Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 and 2017, and wanted William Ruto in 2022, this is a person who is not coming with clean hands, Babu Owino said.

This is a person who does not love Raila, he has never sacrificed anything for him, even going to Ethiopia is just a gimmick, so Raila should know better, he added.

Expressing his frustrations over Raila's current close ties with Sakaja, Babu advised Odinga to reconsider his decision and support him instead.

The lawmaker went ahead to take a swipe at Sakaja over his current style of leadership, claiming that the latter had failed to deliver on his mandate as the Nairobi Governor.

It is not the first time the lawmaker has expressed his frustrations over the lack of support from the former Prime Minister and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

In December last year, Babu said he was ready to quit the opposition party over what he termed as constant criticism and threats from senior party members.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - The Dutch Royals are reportedly considering canceling their visit to Kenya in March after Kenyans on social media sent thousands of emails urging them not to visit the country due to human rights violations.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are scheduled to visit Kenya in March, where they will meet President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.

However, Kenyans have urged the Dutch King and Queen not to visit Kenya and meet President Ruto, whom they accuse of committing crimes against humanity, including the killing of 61 young Kenyans and the abduction of hundreds in the past six months.

Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Wednesday that Kenyans on social media are asking the royal couple to cancel the state visit (and that) they are also calling on people to send protest emails to the Government Information Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These calls have already been shared and liked thousands of times.

The NOS also reported that when asked, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed () that they received at least three hundred emails about the royal visit to Kenya, but do not yet have the full picture and are still investigating this.

According to activists, who use an online form, among other things, this would involve thousands of emails.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025  As the debate on abductions rages, Human Rights Watch Africa has exposed a special government security agency behind the spate of abductions recently witnessed in the country.

During the launch of its 35th Edition of the World Report, the lobby group attributed the surging cases of abductions in Kenya to a special security unit dubbed the Operations Support Unit (OSU) which was formed by President William Ruto to kidnap and even kill critics.

According to the activists, the special unit was synonymous with the formerly disbanded Special Squad Unit (SSU) which was functional during former President Uhuru Kenyattas regime.

Addressing the delegation, the Human Rights Watch Africa Director Otsieno Namwaya alleged that the OSU operated from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Nairobi.

Ruto disbanded the Special Squad Unit (SSU), he re-established a similar unit within the DCI called the Operations Support Unit (OSU) and it is the one that replaced the SSU, claimed Namwaya.

The human rights group further revealed that recently, 83 Kenyans have been abducted, with 26 still missing.

At the same time, the group expressed concerns over the erosion of the rule of law in Kenya.

While taking a swipe at Rutos administration, the human rights defenders accused Rutos government of abducting foreign nationals who sought refuge in the country like Kizza Besigye of Uganda and Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi, terming the recent trend troubling.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has warned Mt. Kenya not to follow former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a ditch because that is where he is headed.

This is after Gachagua vowed to give the region the direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the opening of Kiandai Dispensary in Kiini Ward, Waiguru urged the people of Mt. Kenya to open their eyes and reject efforts by people like Gachagua to sway them away from President William Rutos government.

According to her, the residents of Kirinyaga would remain loyal to the Kenya Kwanza government.

She accused some politicians of using deceptive tactics for selfish reasons to misguide the regions residents.

"Kirinyaga will not go to the opposition because some people are bitter.

We have nothing to do with what happened, and because it happened, we will not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

It is not possible that all leaders are against one person unless he is the problem.

Let us be wise; we want our community to be respected everywhere," she said.

Waiguru reminded leaders that holding public office is a matter of trust, and no one should hold the country hostage due to personal political losses.

"We will not bring down our house because its roof is leaking.

We are wise, and we will remain in there and repair it.

We are not leaving the government for the opposition.

Mt. Kenya voted for this government to the last man, and we must support it to benefit from development projects," she added.

In the recent past, the Mt Kenya region has been hostile to Ruto and his government since the impeachment of Gachagua.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has broken her silence after members of the public got concerned about her whereabouts.

She confirmed that she is currently on maternity leave.

Well-placed sources revealed that Kihika gave birth to a baby boy with Down syndrome and other health complications, forcing her to extend her maternity leave.

She had flown to America to give birth in a prestigious hospital.

She will resume office in the next few weeks.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Juma Hannis Simani, a young man from Kibwareng village in Nandi County, had showed off his wife before allegedly killing her weeks later.

Before the tragic incident, Juma took to his Facebook page and said that people had been asking him about his wife.

He then unleashed a photo of them looking lovingly into each other's eyes.

Acheni kushinda mukiniuliza ati mama ako wapi. Ndiyo huyo sasa nimemuanika wazi na siogopi.

"Mimi labda nigongewe tu mayai pekee na si kitu ingine bro.Respect the OGs, he posted o December 26, 2024.

Fast-forward to January 16, 2025, he stabbed his wife to death and took his own life.

Rumour has it that he found out that she was having an affair with another man.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - One of the country's 47 governors revealed that he has not traveled abroad since 2005 when he was a District Officer (DO)

Speaking on Sulwe FM, Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya revealed that the last time he traveled outside Kenya was in 2005 when he visited the United Kingdom (UK).

Natembeya jokingly said that Nairobi has recently become his 'foreign country' whenever he visits the capital.

"The last time I traveled outside the country was in 2005 when I visited the United Kingdom (UK). So when I come to Nairobi, it is like a foreign country to me," Natembeya stated.

Recently, the first-term governor revealed how he used the KSh 8 million set aside for his foreign trips to buy milk for nursery school children.

"Travelling abroad is overrated; what are you going to do? In this past financial year 2023/2024, the money we would have spent on travel would have been Sh 8 million, which we saved and used for other things like providing milk for our nursery school children," the Trans Nzoia governor said.

Natembeya is one of the few governors who does not use public funds for foreign travel.

In contrast, most governors, led by Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, have been spending billions on foreign trips that do not add value to Kenyan taxpayers.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
To say Hollywood has a history of problematic figures is a bit of an understatement. But then that's true of just about any industry. Hollywood just happens to put itself out front on camera for billions of people to see. Of the most controversial figures this side of Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein would have to be the Polish-born holocaust survivor husband of Manson Family murder victim Roman Polanski. He also happens to have a history of well-documented accusations as a sex offender beyond his infamous 1973 incident with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite what he may be as a human being, hes one hell of a filmmaker with a long catalog of incredible films. For Directed By... Roman Polanski, Imprint gathers three titles from his less glamorous (but still productive) 1990s period.

Bitter Moon (1992)

Married man Nigel (Hugh Grant) and his wife Fiona (Kristen Scott Thomas) are trying to reignite their passions while on a cruise. There they meet a mysterious man in a wheelchair Oscar (Peter Coyote) and his beautiful alluring wife Mimi (Emmanuelle Seigner). With a story to tell, the man in the wheelchair discloses in detail their passionate relationship, their increasingly twisted sex life, and how he ended up in the chair. Tonally, this one is all over the map, part femme fatale neo-noir thriller, part dark comedy, Coyote anchors the madness with a deliriously entertaining performance. 3.5/5

Death and the Maiden (1994)

On a dark stormy night in the rural range of a nondescript South American country (its obviously Chile if you know your history), Paulina (Sigourney Weaver) waits for her lawyer husband Gerardo (Stuart Wilson) to return home. As the country grapples with its history of death squads and torture, hes been tasked by the president to handle the proceedings. On that night, Dr. Miranda (Ben Kingsley) lends a helping hand bringing Gerardo home after his car broke down. Just from the mans voice and piggish laugh, Paulina knows the good Doctors dark truth as the man who abused and tortured her years earlier, and shell do anything to get a confession. Say what you will about Polanskis later period films, the man knew how to direct a thrilling pot-boiler. I was blown away by it the first time I saw it and it still holds for as one of his best with an Oscar-worthy performance from Weaver. 5/5

The Ninth Gate (1999)

If there is an impossibly rare book to be found, Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is the man to turn to. Hired by the mysterious Boris Balkin (Frank Langella), Corso is tasked with finding rare editions of a satanic tome called The Ninth Gate of the Kingdom of Shadows, and verifying their authenticity. As he digs deeper into the book's history, he discovers a trail of tragic deaths and murders following those who possess the book. From the man who brought the world Rosemarys Baby, this one feels light by comparison. But then this wasn't supposed to be another Rosemary's Baby. It's closer to a neo-noir with Depp playing Book Detective than a film filled with scares or shocking imagery. The extended version works quite a bit better, but for a horror film, it runs on mood and atmosphere rather than genuine scares. I didnt love it at first but its grown on me over the last 20 years. 4/5

And to the credit of Imprint, this set also includes the 2008 documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired by Marina Zenovich. Co-produced by HBO and the BBC among others, ironically it was also a Weinstein Company release. Now its no secret the Weinsteins dug up a lot of the Polanski dirt as part of their failed campaign to keep The Pianist out of the Oscars race in 2003, this documentary is also impressively balanced. Without Polanski as a willing participant, his side of the story is largely told through archival interviews and police statements. The film also gives ample time to his friends and lawyers to defend him with time for his victim, the district attorney, and the arresting officer to condemn him. By the end of the film, we have an interesting profile of an incredible filmmaker who was a childhood victim of the Holocaust, a man who endured the horrible death of his pregnant wife, a man who was the target of a horribly managed trial by an overzealous judge - who undeniably also committed the horrible act of sexually abusing a child. Polanski is all of those things, master filmmaker, victim, and monster. How one weighs the value of the art against the artist is a personal test for all of us, one I grapple with whenever I decide to watch a film with the credit "Directed By Roman Polanski."

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Directed By Roman Polanski arrives on Blu-ray from Australias Imprint Films. A three-film (technically four films if you count the documentary not as a bonus feature), all five discs in this set are Region Free. Keeping with Imprints boxset style, each film gets its own clear case, the set includes a 60-page booklet and housed in a hard-stock box. Each disc loads to a static-image main menu with standard navigation options.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - A distressed man took to social media to ask for financial help after his sister sent him a prescription that she was given by a doctor.

She had gone to the hospital for checkups after complaining of stomach pain.

Dr. Mbiti Mwondi, a medical professional who is popular on X, informed him that his sister was trying to get rid of a baby after reading the prescription.

The poor guy was not aware that his sister, who is in college, was trying to get rid of the baby but the attempt was not successful, leading to complications.

Check this out.





















The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek has continued his arrogance as he jealously defended his sustained stances on President William Rutos re-election.

Speaking during an interview, Kiborek, who was put to task over his sentiments on the re-election of presidents in the country, stood firm saying his opinion has not changed.

He explained that Kenyans had not given the Kenya Kwanza administration enough time for them to fulfill their promises and mandated roles.

The vocal MP, who predicted a landslide re-election for Ruto, added that with enough time, the ruling regime would achieve great things for the country, bringing joy to everyone.

Kenyans have not given this government time. If given time in the next one or two years people will be singing hallelujah for this government and in 2027 Ruto will be re-elected, he said.

Initially, MP Kiborek confidently expressed that Ruto must be re-elected in 2027. He argued that it has always been the norm for Kenyan presidents to serve more than one term regardless of opinions on their re-election.

Hakuna leadership imewai chaguliwa three years after leadership ikakosa kufikisha one term, waliita ya Moi one term ikageuka 24, wakaita ya Kibaki one term ikageuka ten years, ya Uhuru waliita one term ikakua 10 years, Kenyatta one term ikakua 15 years, itakuja ya Ruto nadir manna itakua one term? he posed.

The MPs remarks come amid varying opinions from the political divide over Rutos re-election in 2027.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah has stated that Parliament would not waste time impeaching Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.

Muturi has been in the crosshairs with President William Rutos allies led by Ichungwah after he linked the Head of State to the ongoing abductions and killings of young Kenyans in the country.

While addressing the August House during the tabling of the CS nominees vetting report on Thursday, Ichung'wah maintained that while it is the MPs' role to oversee the CSs, no time will be wasted on their impeachment.

Mr. Speaker cabinet secretaries are not people to waste our time on. The honourable thing a CS who feels they have failed at their job, or they are too big for the job, can do is to resign. They should not waste our time, or waste the president's time," Ichung'wah said.

Ichungwah spoke even as some MPs continued to threaten Muturi with impeachment, accusing him of disrespecting the President.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025  Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his calls for an alliance with former President Uhuru Kenyatta months ago.

Speaking during a media briefing when he was questioned whether the Jubilee Party was considering an alliance with Gachagua, Kioni revealed that the former ruling party's focus had been intact since 2017 and that Gachagua's change of stance would not deter the party's plan.

"We are happy that he is the one shooting best at his former boss but about where we want to go, we already knew where we were going even before 2017 and 2022.

He has to be careful not to come and misdirect people and create false hopes. Getting Ruto out of power takes a lot more than making statements in the churches," Kioni stated.

However, Kioni hailed Gachagua for his change in stance and for being on the frontline in criticising and checking the Kenya Kwanza Government which he was part of and Jubilee was against.

"Our fight with Gachagua was against the difficulties Kenyans were going through. We were telling Rigathi Gachagua that he was bringing us a terrible product to the mountain. He never heard us, he insulted us," Kioni said.

"But now, we are happy that he is the one shooting best at his former boss," Kioni continued.

In May 2024, Gachagua, who was still the DP, expressed willingness to work with Uhuru for the sake of Mt Kenya unity.

The former DP reiterated that the election period was over and that they should work together to benefit Kenyans.

Since his impeachment, Gachagua has been on the frontline putting the Kenya Kwanza Government under the microscope and demanding accountability, responsibility, and delivery by the leaders.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025

- Former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has flown out of the country to attend her younger sisters graduation at one of the leading Universities in the UK.

Omanga took to social media and congratulated her sister Angie for graduating from the prestigious university with a Masters Degree in Operations Management.

She noted that Angies hard work, determination, and brilliance have paid off and made her family proud.

Congratulations to my baby sister, Angie Omanga, on graduating with a Masters degree in MSc Operations Management from the University of Bath!

"Your hard work, determination, and brilliance have paid off, and I couldnt be prouder of you.

"Heres to a bright future filled with success and endless opportunities. You inspire us all, she wrote.

See photos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has been missing from the public limelight, leaving Kenyans wondering about her whereabouts.

Members of Ms Kihikas family and her communication team remained mum about her whereabouts when she fell out of the limelight, leading to endless speculations.

Over the Christmas period, Nakuru residents expected her to continue her usual tradition of sharing the festive season with them, especially at their home in Rongai, alongside her husband Sam Mburu.

In both the years 2022 and 2023, she graciously shared pictures of these celebrations to show the festive spirit, but sadly, the residents did not see the same gesture last year.

Since November, the governor has been running Nakuru through Google Meet

It is now emerging that Susan is on a long maternity leave.

She reportedly flew to the United States of America to give birth.

Sadly, she gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome and other health complications, forcing her to take a long leave and disappear from the public limelight.

Down's syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, and developmental delays.

Early intervention programmes with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child's specific situation help manage Down's syndrome.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichungwah, has praised Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Cabinet Secretaries in the government, saying they are doing a commendable job to President William Rutos administration.

Speaking on Thursday, Ichungwah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kikuyu Constituency, praised Cabinet Secretaries Ali Hassan Joho (Mining), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (Treasury), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSEs) for their commitment to serving Kenyans.

"I must commend cabinet secretaries who came from ODM. These are cabinet secretaries who serve this country with diligence, integrity, and commitment to the people of Kenya," Ichung'wah stated.

The outspoken lawmaker further emphasized that a Cabinet Secretary's role is not to serve the Head of State but to serve Kenyan taxpayers, which he acknowledged the ODM Cabinet Secretaries are fulfilling.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - The National Police Service (NPS) has made sweeping changes to the leadership of the senior police command both at the national and regional levels.

In the changes that have brought reprieve among Kenyans, Nairobi Regional Police boss Adamson Bungei was recalled back to the police headquarters and named the Director of Operations.

Bungei had been accused of harassing demonstrators, especially Raila Odinga and the Gen Zs, among others during different protests.

He will now be replaced by Coast Regional Police Commander George Sedah as Nairobi boss.

Resila Onyango, who was serving as NPS' spokesperson, was moved to the Diplomatic Police Unit and named the Commandant.

Michael Nyaga Muchiri, formerly the Kiambu Police Commander, was appointed as the new police spokesperson, succeeding Onyango.

Bungei was appointed as the Nairobi Police Commander on November 14, 2022. Before this appointment, he served as the Baringo County Police Commander and had previously held positions as the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) for Buruburu and Central in Nairobi.

Kwale County Police Commander Ali Nuno was promoted and named the Coast Regional Police Commander to replace Sedah (now Nairobi Police regional commander).

Amos Omuga, the head of legal services at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was moved to the NPS headquarters in the same capacity.

Head of the National Forensics Laboratory at the DCI headquarters Dr Mwangi Wanderi was transferred to Vigilance House and named the Director of Human Capital. He will replace Rosemary Kuraru who was sent to DCI as head of the National Forensics Laboratory.

The head of the Serious Crime Unit (SCU) at DCI Michael Sang was transferred to the Eastern region as the regional head of the DCI.

Judy Jebet has been appointed as the new head of community policing, replacing John Gachomo, who has been redeployed to police headquarters.

Commandant of the Diplomatic Police Unit, Rhoda Kinanu, has been redeployed to police headquarters.

Eastern Regional Head of DCI, Daniel Korir, has been transferred to the Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU) as its new commandant.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Nyandarua Senator John Methu has called for the immediate resignation of President William Ruto, accusing him of failing the leadership and integrity test.

In a statement, Methu expressed concern over recent revelations made by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi regarding the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi.

The senator alleged that Muturis disclosure that the Ministry of Interior was unaware of his son's whereabouts pointed to the existence of an abduction squad operating outside the framework of the constitution with full knowledge of the president.

He wondered what would become of abductees whose kin are unknown after Muturi claimed that his son was released after the intervention of the president.

"From confirmed information, Leslie Muturi was only released because the father and the then sitting Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya spoke directly to the president.

"The sad question that then begs answer is what becomes of the abductees whose kith and kin are unknown to even their assistant chiefs?" Methu posed.

"What becomes of the innocent Kenyans and in particular the GenZs who are out to condemn the plain impunity, public demonstration of opulence and excesses of this rogue administration?" he added.

The lawmaker alleged that the head of state has lost moral authority and character and thus should step down immediately.

"President Ruto has lost the moral authority and character, has shaken our very Christian foundations, has lost the presidential stature and allure and has also failed the leadership and integrity test for his continuous breach of our constitution and must therefore immediately resign from office," Methu stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - A vocal diaspora supporter of President William Ruto has expressed disappointment in him for not offering condolences after the death of his father.

In a social media post, Cosmo Choi said he lost his father a few weeks ago but Ruto never sent condolences.

"My father died, and the president himself, as my friend, should have sent me condolences.

"I am not a tiny person. I have learned about children. Wonderful daughters. They have big jobs. One of them works at the White House," Cosmo said.

He criticised the president for not offering comfort, noting that Ruto sent official condolences and even attended the funeral of Wetangula's mother.

"I have stood with the president. He showed me contempt.

"Mr. President, you should have sent me condolences. So you sent Wetang'ula because he is the Speaker of the National Assembly. I am not happy. I am your friend," Cosmo added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - President William Ruto's government has begun taking steps to regulate social media, similar to measures implemented in Uganda.

This is after the Ministry of Interior directed all social media companies operating in Kenya to open physical offices.

In a statement on Thursday, January 16, the Ministry said the move will ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse.

The decision was arrived at following a meeting between Interior PS Raymond Omollo and stakeholders in the social media and telecommunication sectors.

The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo held a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the telecommunication and social media sectors with a view to enhancing cyber security as well as responsible use of various social platforms and leveraging on technology to improve service delivery without curtailing free speech.

Arrived at a consensus on the need to curb misuse of technology and social media, including harassment, hate speech and incitement to violence, including enhancing physical presence of key operators, the statement read.

The companies expected to open offices in Nairobi include X, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok among others.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, is among public officers who have spent taxpayers' money to finance former Prime Minister Raila Odingas African Union Chairperson (AUC) campaigns.

This is according to a source at City Hall, who revealed that the governor had given Raila Odinga Sh200 million to support his bid.

Sakaja offered Raila the money after he complained that he lacked funds to crisscross Africa in pursuit of AUC votes.

As part of the deal, Sakaja asked Raila Odinga to accept the money in exchange for supporting his re-election bid in 2027.

Raila is the front-runner in the race to succeed Mousa Faki who retires in February.

If elected, Raila Odinga will become the first East African to head the powerful continental seat.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 17, 2025 - In a surprising twist, former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Kenya's Gen Z to intensify their fight against bad governance.

Speaking during a funeral, Uhuru didnt hold back, even challenging his daughter, Ngina Kenyatta, to join the push for accountability.

This statement comes against the backdrop of rising tension, as youth critical of President William Rutos administration face alleged state crackdowns.

Reports of abductions, detentions and being held incommunicado have sparked outrage, fueling the Gen Z-led revolution that has left the Government visibly uneasy.

The question on everyones mind: Is this the spark for an unstoppable youth movement?

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 17, 2025 - Simani Juma, the young man believed to have killed his wife and later took his own life, was madly in love with her.

He occasionally paraded her on social media and pampered her with sweet messages.

See posts.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.












Thursday, January 17, 2025 - City model Wavinya Maria has addressed claims that she has joined a dating site amid rumours of her breakup with controversial car dealer Khalif Kairo.

She strongly denied being on any dating platform and claimed her photos were being used by scammers.

Enough! You all need to give me a break. There are so many profiles using my photos, and I know this because people have come complaining after being swindled, said Maria.

Clearly angered by the allegations, she criticized those spreading the misinformation and urged them to verify facts before making baseless claims

I will not stand for this misinformation anymore. Kindly fact-check before selling your narratives, she added.

Speculation about her relationship with Kairo has grown after she deleted all photos of him from her social media accounts and refrained from posting since Kairos recent legal troubles.

Her silence and the absence of public interactions with Kairo have fueled online debates about their relationship status.

Kairo is currently out on a Ksh2 million cash bail after he was accused of defrauding a client.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 17, 2025 - A close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has challenged Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, to explain why his son was abducted by security forces in June last year.

This follows Muturi's recent statement alleging that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji orchestrated the abduction and that his son's release was secured through President William Ruto's intervention.

During parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, Suna East Member of Parliament, Junet Mohamed expressed doubts about Muturis motives.

He questioned why the CS had not disclosed the reasons for the arrest or immediately addressed the issue with relevant authorities.

If my son is arrested by police, I should also tell the country why he was arrested. I can't just say my son was arrested by somebody, give reasons.

"Why do you wait for seven months to speak? Why didn't you speak immediately when he was released? Junet asked.

The Minority Leader further criticized Muturi for allegedly creating unnecessary discord within the government.

He urged the CS to resign if his views no longer align with the administrations agenda.

Public service is a calling, and you should serve with integrity. If your belief is not compatible with the government, the best thing is to resign, Junet stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
EARLY on the morning of 11 January 1879 British and colonial forces crossed the Buffalo river into Zululand (part of modern day South Africa) at Rorkes Drift.

This marked the commencement of what became known as the Anglo Zulu War between the British empire and the Zulu nation.

From the British perspective the purpose of the invasion of Zululand was to protect the settlers in Natal and Cape Colony but in reality the grounds for the invasion were concocted by the British colonial authorities in order to advance their territorial ambitions in the kingdom of the Zulus.

The British Forces were a combination of regular British troops, colonial volunteers and native levies.

One of the British army regiments comprising these forces was the 2nd Battalion of the 24 Regiment of foot which recruited in Brecon, South Wales where a regimental depot had been established in 1873.

While now regarded as a Welsh regiment, in reality, like much of the British army, almost twenty per cent of its number would have been Irish men.

Amongst their number was Private James Barber who was born in Athy in 1849.

He was the son of Michael Barber and Catherine Byrne and it is likely that his father was a recent resident in Athy and possibly even stationed in the Barracks in Woodstock Street as a soldier.

It was an inauspicious time to be born in Athy.

1849 marked the last year of the Great Famine and while Athy had suffered none of the losses of the population as suffered on the western seaboard in the south of Ireland, deaths in the Athy Workhouse were approximately 1,205 men, women and children.

The losses caused by the Famine were compounded by an outbreak of cholera in the town in June 1849.

By 29 September that year, 27 cholera cases were recorded and 11 local cholera victims had died. A temporary cholera hospital was opened in the town and funds intended for the relief of the Famine had to be diverted to deal with the cholera epidemic which would remain a threat to the public health until the following year.

Barber must have been a fairly sturdy youth as he survived childhood, bearing in mind that in the year of his birth life expectancy in Ireland fell to just 14 years, having been 38 years in the early 1840s prior to the Famine.

Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus

His army service record showed that prior to his enlistment in the British Army he served in the Kildare Rifles which were established in 1855 as successor to the Kildare Militia.

His first period of service abroad with the 24th Foot found him in India from 1868-1873. After a number of years back in England the regiment was despatched to Southern Africa in 1877 where it took part in campaigns against the Gaikas and other South African tribes.

Fate was to be kind to James Barber. On the 22 January while the 1st Battalion of the 24th Foot and one company of the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Foot stayed in the main camp in Isandlwana, the balance of the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Foot left the camp with the overall commander of the campaign, Lord Chelmsford to search for the Zulu army.

Later that day a Zulu army of more than 20,000 warriors overwhelmed the British camp killing over 2,000 British troops, volunteers and native troops.

Having left the camp that morning at 4am Barber returned at 7.45pm to find the camp overrun and every man dead. The battle of Isandlwana was followed by the more famous action at Rorkes Drift where about 150 men, many of them Irish, held off a Zulu force of 3,000 men for two nights. That action was immortalised in the 1964 movie Zulu.

Ultimately by a force of arms and employment of artillery and machine guns the Zulu nation was overwhelmed by the invading forces by July of 1879.

The Zulu King, Cetshwayo, went into exile but became such a celebrity internationally that he visited with Queen Victoria in London.

Barber continued his service with the 24th Foot with further periods of foreign service in India from 1880-1886 and in Bermuda from 1886-1888. He spent much of his life after the army in Staffordshire where he died on 14 June 1925.

He had four children with his wife Emma, being Bernard, Margaret, James and Arthur.

His son Bernard followed him into the army, serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1912-1915 with service on the Western Front in France but it appears that the Barber family never returned to Ireland.
Sinn Fein MEP for Ireland South Kathleen Funchion has said the next government must deliver on an upgrade to the Port of Waterford, located in Belview, South Kilkenny.

It is now inevitable that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, propped up by Independents, will form the next government. Whilst I do not believe this is good news for workers or families, I would still urge the incoming government to deliver the policy changes needed to help those who are struggling and to help our regions develop," says MEP Funchion.

One such project I believe the next government must prioritise is the upgrade for Waterford Port. I have met with the team from the Port of Waterford, and it is clear to see their ambition for the region. The Port can play a role in helping us meet our climate objectives, and boost economic activity in the region.

I would therefore urge the next government to finally deliver on the Port of Waterford upgrade so that the entire region can benefit."
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Saint Nicholas Church, Killamery, County Kilkenny

The opportunity to acquire a de-consecrated former Church of Ireland building which is now in ruins, just off the Clonmel/Kilkenny Road (N76) at Killamery, has been taken by an unknown buyer.

The church, that went to market with a price tag of 25k, has now been listed as sold by the agents.

Killamery is a tiny scenic village in Kilkenny which contains many historic treasures.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE

Saint Nicholas Church was built in 1815 in the grounds and graveyard where Saint Gobhan established a Monastery in AD 632.

The shared graveyard contains a fine 9th Century sandstone Celtic High Cross.

Saint Nicholas Church ceased to be used for public worship in 1903 and is a protected building.

To the north of the Saint Nicholas Church property being offered for sale and contained within the shared boundary wall, is a small stream and beyond is the slightly elevated Roman Catholic cemetery where the High Cross is also located.

This cemetery is an active one and the whole area has been very well maintained by local relatives.

It is also visited by tourists interested in Irish history and the areas beautiful scenery.

Any future purchaser of Saint Nicholas Church will be contractually obliged to grant right of way to all visitors to the graveyard and High Cross.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Kilkenny's Animation Festival, Kilkenny Animated, has been awarded funding this week as part of Coimisiun na Mean's latest round of sponsorship for 2025.

Under the Scheme, sponsorship can be sought for media sector events and activities that align with Coimisiun na Means aim to ensure a thriving, diverse, creative and safe media landscape.

The festival is hosted by five time Academy Award nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon and award winning Lighthouse Studios and is set against and inspired by the backdrop of Kilkennys medieval streets and slipways at the heart of Irelands Ancient East. Kilkenny Animated is the first festival of its kind in the world to bring together so many different aspects of visual storytelling for the enjoyment and appreciation of wider public audience.

Commenting on the launch of the new Sponsorship Scheme round, Coimisiun na Mean Media Development Commissioner Ronan O Domhnaill said:

"Coimisiun na Mean is committed to developing a media landscape which reflects and shapes who we are as a society. We believe that a vibrant, well-funded media sector is crucial to ensure that Irish audiences get to enjoy the best of Irish media.

"Our Sponsorship Scheme allows us to play an important role in supporting a wide range of media events and activities across the island of Ireland, that reflect the diversity of Irish society and recognise the creativity and innovation in media today.

"I am delighted to announce the successful applicants for our Sponsorship Scheme for 2025, and we look forward to another year of exciting events and activities which strengthen Irelands media landscape."

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Plans for new commercial development including 'apparta-hostel' in Kilkenny

A full list of successful sponsorship funding recipients for 2025 along with more information on An Coimisiuns Sponsorship Scheme, can be found on their website.

Coimisiun na Mean supports the development of a thriving media sector in Ireland through funding schemes including the Sponsorship Scheme, Sound & Vision Scheme and Sectoral Development and Sponsorship programme, and through its upcoming Journalism Schemes, covering Local Democracy and Courts Reporting.

In 2024, Coimisiun na Mean published the first Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy for Irelands audio and audiovisual media sector, to enhance the diversity of the media sector in Ireland.
Councillors in South Kilkenny are calling for urgent measures in a bid to address the ongoing tragedy of fatal accidents on two major roads in the area.

For many years now, the stretches of the N25 and N24 that run through the south of the county have drawn significant criticism from local elected officials and members of the public.

Deaths on both roads have left lingering pain and tragedy in local communities in recent years, with the most recent death occurring on the N25 in South Kilkenny earlier this month.

READ NEXT: Plans advance towards next stage of greenway opening in Kilkenny

Continued delays and funding issues that have hampered the proposed upgrading of both road schemes have further exacerbated the seriousness of the issue.

This has prompted councillors in the area to call for immediate safety measures to be introduced, and for the overall schemes to be prioritised by the next government.

Chairman of Piltown Municipal District, Cllr Ger Frisby, has emphasised the need to ensure that the N25 is put on a funding stream for coming year.

This is going to keep happening unless something is done about it, he said.

It has unfortunately claimed another life in another terrible tragedy.

Cllr Pat Dunphy referred to the N25 as the worst road in the country for deaths and concurred that immediate measures, including an average speed camera, are needed.

Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, Ian Gardner, told councillors that traffic surveys could be carried out on the N25.

We can do counts at each junction as well as an origin-destination survey, he informed elected officials.

Area Engineer John Tennyson also noted the councillors concerns, adding that the local authority can look into traffic counters and discuss the deputation from the councillors with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

He also confirmed that a speed limit review of all national roads is due to take place this year, adding that the N25 will be one of the areas looked at under that review.

Chairman Frisby welcomed the contribution, adding that we cant continue with the road the way it is for the next four or five years.

Were not going to get that new road for six to seven years if approved, he said.

The existing stretch of the N25 from Waterford to Glenmore has a high incidence of junctions and accesses.

Oftentimes, these junctions must be navigated by drivers in the presence of other traffic travelling at high speed.

The nearby N24 road that runs through the south of the county also has a high incidence of junctions and accesses, as well as a variable cross-section.

These factors contribute to limited overtaking opportunities and unstable traffic flow along the existing route. A static speed camera has been planned for the N25 between Glenmore and Luffany, but councillors are skeptical of the impact it will have.

Cllr Tomas Breathnach stated that it would be beneficial for gardai to engage and consult with elected officials in the area in the future when drafting new proposals and measures in the locality.

Councillors in the Piltown Municipal District have also made plans to bring their concerns to the fore at an upcoming plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

They are also calling on support from members of the Oireachtas to prioritise the advancement of the N24/N25 schemes, in a bid to prevent further tragedies.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
From January 20, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow will introduce a new bus service between Fiddown and Kilkenny City.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.

Route 891 will operate five daily return services Monday to Saturday, with four daily return services on Sundays and public holidays.

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Major development in plans for new tourist attraction in Kilkenny

The new route will provide peak-time and late evening services while enhancing connectivity to regional bus and rail services, Kilmoganny and Stoneyford Health Centres, and Tullahought Community Centre.

The route will provide connectivity to the villages and areas of Ormonde Road, College Road, Springhill, Danesfort, Ennisnag, Stoneyford, Kells, Dunnamaggin, Kilmoganny, Tullahought, Carrick-on-Suir, Dunbane Road and Piltown.

Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow General Manager, Jackie Meally said that this 'is the first ever service connecting South-West Kilkenny and Carrick-on-Suir to Kilkenny City'.

This service will connect to numerous villages and townlands, giving the opportunity for local and direct connections to Dublin, Waterford, Clonmel and Limerick.

Green Party councillorr Maria Dollard has welcomed the announcement, stating that the service 'will be a great benefit to Kilkenny people who want and need to go between Kilkenny and South Kilkenny'.

"The people of Stoneyford, Kells, Pilltown and Fiddown have been calling for this service for a long time now," she said.

"Im delighted that we have it at last and encourage people to use it, even if they are used to their cars up to now.

"Replacing some or all of our predictable or regular travel journeys goes a long way to reduce cost of travel.

"Young people under 26 can avail of much cheaper travel and everyone has seen fares reduced during the term of the last government thanks to Green Party policy to reduce fare and increase public transport in rural Ireland.

"Older people and people with disabilities especially benefit from the introduction of these services because they rightly point out that a free travel pass is only useful if you have access to public transport."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan is appealing to the public for information following the death of a white-tailed eagle at Lough Owel in County Westmeath.

"Like all who cherish our wildlife, I was devastated to hear of the recent shooting dead of a white-tailed eagle beside Lough Owel," the Kilkenny man said.

"White-tailed eagles are magnificent creatures; their presence are such good indicators of the health of our ecosystems and countryside and now part of our wider efforts to restore nature. It is an absolute deplorable act to kill such a rare and endangered species.

"This young female eagle was part of the very successful NPWS White Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme in partnership with Norway. I was honoured to be present at the release of these stunning creatures to the wild in my role as Minister of State for Nature and Heritage.

"After being released into the Shannon Estuary in 2022 she had peacefully settled into the Irish landscape travelling from north Kerry, spending time in Western Seaboard before travelling to Armagh, Fermanagh, Cavan and other counties, including visiting Lough Ree in the north midlands. Lately she had returned to Westmeath where she moved between local lakes- Lough Owel, Lough Derravaragh and Lough Ennell. Satellite tags fitted by NPWS indicate that she died on December 6, the day before Storm Darragh, in the Ballynafid/Portnashangan area at Lough Owel.

"White-tailed eagles are treasured by local communities and visitors to Ireland alike and any loss resonates throughout. I appeal to the public to come forward with any information that they may have in relation to this incident. I am assured that NPWS are undertaking a thorough investigation led by the Wildlife Crime Directorate with the support of An Garda Siochana and will, where possible, bring the perpetrators of this unacceptable crime to justice.

"Members of the public can contact the NPWS by emailing wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov. ie. All reports will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Friday: Friday will be dry in most areas with bright or sunny spells. Patchy rain and drizzle will affect parts of the west and northwest, clearing in the afternoon.

Cloudier conditions will be building from the south through the day with mist and drizzle patches developing near southern coasts. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with moderate, occasionally fresh southerly winds.

OVERVIEW: Mild for the time of year with some rain or drizzle at times but overall, plenty of dry weather.

Friday night: Mostly dry and cloudy with just some patches of mist and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees in moderate, occasionally fresh, southerly winds.

READ MORE: Burglar sentenced to nine months behind bars

Saturday: Mostly cloudy in the morning with a few patches of drizzle and mist. Some sunny spells will break through during the afternoon. There is the chance of outbreaks of rain arriving into parts of the southwest and west later in the evening. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in moderate, occasionally fresh, southerly winds.

Saturday night: A mix of cloud and clear spell with outbreaks of rain slowly moving in from the west over much of Munster, Connacht and west Ulster. Drier and clearer further east though with a few spots of drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees generally with mostly moderate southerly winds.

Sunday: There is some uncertainty in the timing but outbreaks of rain will continue to slowly move eastwards, clearing from the western half of the country by the evening with sunny spells and some showers following. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees in mostly light to moderate southerly winds.

Sunday night: The last of the rain will clear the east early in the night with clear spells and some showers following. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees in light to moderate southwest winds.

Monday: Sunny spells with a few stray showers to start with. Cloud will gradually build from the southwest with a few spots of light rain or drizzle developing. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in light to moderate southwesterly breezes.
Female pilots achieve milestone in fighter jet training

(People's Daily App) 13:55, January 17, 2025

Student pilots from PLA Air Force Xi'an Flying College complete solo training on China's third-generation fighter jet, marking a significant step in their aviation careers. Watch the video to see their skills in action.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
By K-culture Desk

Seoul is a haven for tteokbokki lovers, offering a mix of iconic family-run spots and trendy new eateries. This list features eight must-visit tteokbokki places in Seoul, offering various ways to enjoy Korea's iconic street food. Whether you prefer classic spicy rice cakes or unique variations with creative sauces, these spots promise to deliver a taste of this popular snack.









Granny Ma Bok-lim Tteokbokki

 Address: 5 Dasan-ro 35-gil, Jung District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-2232-8930

 Hours: 9 a.m.10:50 p.m., Closed on the second and fourth Monday of every month

Granny Ma Bok-lim is celebrated as the pioneer of modern-style tteokbokki, a popular dish featuring stir-fried rice cakes with "gochujang" (red pepper paste). She began her innovative dish from a small stall in Sindang-dong in 1953, shortly after the 1950-53 Korean War. Her unique recipe included a secret sauce made from a blend of gochujang and "chunjang" (black bean paste), which quickly attracted children and adults alike to her stall.

Ma became a household name in the 1990s, thanks to her memorable appearance in a gochujang commercial with the catchphrase, The daughter-in-law doesnt know (the recipe of the sauce)! Reflecting her legacy, Sindang-dong now hosts a Tteokbokki Food Street near Sindang Station on Seoul Metro lines 2 and 6, headlined by the original Granny Ma Bok-lim Tteokbokki. Since her passing in 2011, the eatery has been run by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, humorously updating the signboard to read The daughter-in-law now knows! Other family members operate additional tteokbokki eateries along the street.

The menu offers classic tteokbokki sets for two to four people, served in a hot pot for guests to cook by themselves, with basic toppings such as "eomuk" (fish cake), instant noodles, "jjolmyeon" (chewy noodles) and "mandu" (dumplings). They can customize their dish with extra toppings such as smoked eggs, cheese-infused rice cakes, additional cheese and more vegetables. This tteokbokki maintains a traditional flavor, distinguished by a balanced spiciness and a hint of chunjang, reminiscent of "jjajangmyeon" (black bean noodles).

Diners can conclude their meal with fried rice, prepared by mixing steamed rice with sesame oil and seaweed flakes, then frying it with the leftover tteokbokki sauce. (Kwon Mee-yoo)

Cheolgil Tteokbokki

 Address: 35-6 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-364-3440

 Hours: 11 a.m8 p.m., Sunday to Friday

Located near Chungjeongno Station on Seoul Metro lines 2 and 5, Cheolgil Tteokbokki, which means Railroad Tteokbokki in Korean, is a place where tteokbokki aficionados can enjoy the Korean street food snack right next to the railroad tracks.

Founded in 1972, this family-run establishment has been serving tteokbokki for over five decades with its nostalgic wooden interior and distinctive seating that offers views of trains passing by. As trains rumble along, guests can experience the delightful tremor under their feet, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Featured in countless dramas and movies, including the 2023 film "Kill Boksoon," and frequented by celebrities such as Han Ji-min, this retro spot offers a taste of history with every bite. Regular customers, many of whom have been visiting since their childhoods, cherish the memories this place evokes as much as the food itself.

Its signature tteokbokki, priced at 3,500 won ($2.62), features chewy rice cakes in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce. The thick, satisfying texture truly sets it apart. For the ultimate tteokbokki experience, adding a mix of fried dumplings, "gimbap" (seaweed rice roll) and "gimmari" (fried seaweed rolls) is recommended.

This place is now at risk of being demolished, as the local district office plans to build a park on the site. Visit soon to enjoy this authentic Korean street food and its unique railroad view before it disappears. (Park Jin-hai)

Apple House

 Address: 29 Dongjak-daero, 27da-gil, second floor, Dongjak District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-595-1629

 Hours: 10:30 a.m.9 p.m.

Apple House, which opened in 1987 in Seocho District and relocated to Dongjak District in 2022, is celebrated as one of Seoul's most iconic tteokbokki restaurants.

The restaurant's standout feature is that customers cook their own tteokbokki on tabletop burners. It is also renowned for its fried dumplings, which are tossed in gochujang and are a staple on nearly every table.

Visitors are often surprised by the venues size and the long lines, despite the ample space. Although the wait can extend to at least 20 minutes during peak times, the seating area offers a more spacious and comfortable environment compared to typical tteokbokki street stalls.

The tteokbokki at Apple House features a sweet yet intensely spicy flavor, created with a unique sauce combining their special blend of chunjang (black bean paste) and gochujang. After simmering for about five minutes, the tteokbokki becomes deliciously browned and is served with two types of noodles and steamed eggs, which help to mellow the spiciness.

The crispy fried dumplings offer a delightful contrast with their crunchy texture and sweet but spicy flavor.

The consistent taste is the trademark of Apple House. "Our restaurant's specialty is maintaining the same flavor for nearly 40 years. I think customers frequently return because they miss this taste that they've loved for so long," an employee said.

For those who are still hungry after enjoying tteokbokki with dumplings or "sundae" (pig intestines stuffed with glass noodles), there's one more menu item  fried rice prepared with the leftover tteokbokki sauce. (Baek Byung-yeul)

Nanumi Tteokbokki

 Address: 9-1 Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-747-0881

 Hours: around the clock

Nanumi Tteokbokki offers a straightforward menu featuring tteokbokki, sundae, gimbap and eomuk skewers.

This eatery distinguishes itself with its rice flour tteokbokki, featuring thick, chewy slices that stand out from the softer, lighter texture of wheat flour tteok commonly found at many tteokbokki franchises. The tteokbokki's vibrant red sauce, though initially intimidating for those unaccustomed to spicy foods, achieves a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, enhancing the chewy rice cakes.

Patrons can choose to dine in at the cozy, hole-in-the-wall venue, which features a single large round table and additional seating along a wall adorned with celebrity autographs, reflecting its popularity. Since opening in 1989, Nanumi Tteokbokki has been a hotspot for stars, initially gaining fame as the favorite of the first-generation K-pop group H.O.T. in the late 1990s. More recently, it received acclaim from the CEO of Dookki Tteokbokki, a tteokbokki buffet franchise, on the show "You Quiz on the Block."

Open 24/7, Nanumi Tteokbokki attracts a diverse crowd, ranging from long-time patrons who have enjoyed the flavors since their school days to younger crowds seeking a spicy, sweet treat after a night out. (Kwon Mee-yoo)

Ppalgan Oden Busan Eomuk

 Address: 13-11 Gaepo-ro 82-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-459-6928

 Hours: 10 a.m.11:50 p.m.

Ppalgan Oden Busan Eomuk, a well-known fixture in Gangnam Gaepo Market in southern Seoul, has been serving up fiery tteokbokki and eomuk skewers for over 20 years.

True to its name, "Ppalgan," which means "red" in Korean, this eatery delights diners with its vibrant array of crimson dishes, from generously thick rice cakes smothered in rich gochujang sauce to its signature spicy eomuk skewers.

Commonly known as Ppalgan Oden, this eatery may lack seating, but it has been drawing crowds for over 20 years.

Even in the sweltering September heat, customers seemed to forget the temperature as they savored red tteokbokki, spicy fish cake skewers and an array of crispy fried dishes.

The menu features two types of tteokbokki  one made with rice, which has a thick and chewy texture, and another made with flour, which offers a thinner, stickier bite. The eomuk skewers are also offered in both spicy and non-spicy variants, allowing customers to select according to their preference.

Gangnam Gaepo Market may be small, but it offers a wide range of goods and services that meet the needs of local residents. From food and drinks to private cram schools for children, the market has it all. For many locals, stopping by the standing eatery for a quick snack before browsing the market has become a beloved routine.

While the spiciness can be intense, the joy of savoring these iconic street snacks is what makes Ppalgan Oden a cherished destination in the heart of Gangnam. (Baek Byung-yeul)

Geudongne Tteokbokki

 Address: 14 Wausan-ro 27-gil, Mapo District, Seoul

 Phone: 02-6083-5414

 Hours: 11:30 a.m9:40 p.m.

Located in Hongdae, Geudongne Tteokbokki, which translates to Neighborhood Tteokbokki in Korean, has quickly become a social media sensation. Despite its small, cramped space, the restaurant has gained immense popularity, drawing long queues of eager customers.

The reason for this is none other than its cheese pokpo (waterfall) tteokbokki and cheese pokpo rabokki (tteokbokki with ramyeon instant noodles). Served in a sizzling hot stone pot, these dishes feature a mouthwatering layer of melted yellow cheese. These two are the signature menu items at Geudongne Tteokbokki, which also runs a branch in nearby Yeonnam-dong.

Depending on your preference, you can choose from several options: simple tteokbokki for 4,500 won, cheese tteokbokki (6,000 won), cheese rabokki (8,000 won) or cheese pokpo tteokbokki (8,000 won), which features three times the cheese of the cheese tteokbokki. For the ultimate cheesy experience, try the cheese pokpo rabokki for 10,900 won, which includes four times more cheese.

For those who prefer milder flavors, garlic oil tteokbokki is the perfect choice. The rice cakes are sauteed in fragrant garlic oil and finished with a sprinkle of cheese, resulting in a delightful contrast of crispy and chewy textures.

This place also offers a wide variety of fried foods, and theres a good reason for that. You might hesitate at first, wondering if its too rich, but once you dip the fried treats into the sweet and spicy broth, youll find that your concerns were unwarranted. (Park Jin-hai)

Hanyang Tteok Bangatgan

Address: 3 Wangsimni-ro 4ga-gil, Seongdong District, Seoul

Phone: 0507-1345-5787

Hours: 11:30 a.m.9 p.m.

Website: @hanyang_dduck on Instagram

As the name suggests, "tteok" (rice cake) is the pillar of tteokbokki. And what better way to ensure a good quality tteok than to have it freshly made at the restaurant every day?

Hanyang Tteok Bangatgan serves tteokbokki made with fresh "garaetteok" (cylindrical rice cakes made from non-glutinous rice flour), prepared in the corner of the restaurant each morning. The simple dish, made with nothing but thick-cut garaetteok and a few slices of eomuk, or fish cake, allows customers to indulge in a mouthful of savory flavors courtesy of the delicious gochujang sauce-covered tteok pieces.

As a proud third-generation owner of a "bangatgan" (mill), Lee Min-wook carries on the legacy of his grandmothers rice cake shop, which she initially established in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in 1986, which his uncle later took over. Lee then opened his eatery in Seoul in February 2024, where he employs the familys traditional techniques to produce fresh rice cakes daily.

To accompany tteokbokki, the menu also includes a variety of dishes, like large-sized fries, squid and gimmari, flat dumplings, gimbap and udon, as well as churros-style fried garaetteok for dessert. (Lee Gyu-lee)

Hongdae Seabooung

Address: 28-6 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo District, Seoul

Phone: 0507-1378-5253

Hours: 11 a.m.11 p.m.

Website: @seabooung on Instagram

For those seeking a twist on traditional tteokbokki and craving something new, Hongdae Seabooung is just the right choice. Nestled in an alley just off the lively main street of Hongdae, the wooden owl-themed restaurant named "booung" (meaning owl in Korean) serves freshly made tteokbokki topped with a variety of seafood.

The dish includes two types of rice cakes: long noodle-style ones and short ones, jjolmyeon and julienned scallions, covered with scallops, mussels and a half-portion of octopus, along with a few fried toppings like gimmari. In addition to its sweetness, the dish packs a strong kick of spiciness, offering three levels, with the mildest being slightly spicier than Shin Ramyun instant noodles.

"I personally like both tteokbokki and seafood, so I (came up with the dish) after exploring a restaurant-style tteokbokki rather than the typical street food version, said owner Kim Young-jin, who opened the restaurant in March 2019.

The menu also offers fried sides such as pea crabs, chicken and chicken gizzards. And for those who arent fans of seafood, the restaurant also offers various styles of tteokbokki, including a meat patty option, one with jjajang (black bean) sauce and a rose mala sauce one too. (Lee Gyu-lee)
By Park Han-sol

For multidisciplinary artist Kim Sung-hwan, Hawaii is not just an idyllic dot on the map. It is a place deeply intertwined with history and identity.

Annexed by the United States in 1898, the island became both a waypoint and a new home for many early 20th-century immigrants journeying across the Pacific to the American mainland. Among them were Koreans, drawn by the promise of work on sugarcane plantations as cheap overseas labor. Meanwhile, for Hawaiis indigenous people, it remains a land taken and sovereignty lost.

In Kims eyes, Hawaii thus embodies the untold stories of lives caught in the crevices of mainstream history  those who have drifted, and continue to drift, beyond the established confines of national borders, regional boundaries and ethnic categorizations.

The island has been the focal point for the artists ongoing multipart research series, A Record of Drifting Across the Sea, since 2017. Now, at the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), it takes center stage as a site for unraveling buried histories and weaving them into new systems of knowledge.

In Kims first solo public museum exhibition in Korea, viewers are invited to become (both) witnesses and activators of the very sites where such events of knowledge occur, circulate and are manifested as praxis, SeMAs Park Ga-hee described in her curatorial statement.

Its title, Ua ao ia o ia e ia, comes from Hawaiian, translating to They learned from them. Learned, by them, their teaching.

Spanning the museums three galleries, the show opens by juxtaposing the modern colonial histories of Hawaii and the Joseon Dynasty (1932-1910).

At its heart is the five-part installation Figure Complex, a reimagined map of Hawaii populated by largely forgotten figures who once called the island home  Helen Ahn, a Joseon independence activist and wife of Ahn Chang-ho; Paul Hyun, a Korean American sculptor and son of independence fighter Soon Hyun; and Joan Lander and Abraham Puhipau Ahmad, filmmakers who traveled the archipelago in the 1970s to document the vanishing indigenous culture and language.

In the adjoining room rests the artists collage drawing, Poor Kolea Counts Na Po Mahina, featuring a figure that blends human and bird forms. The work draws inspiration from the migratory Pacific golden plover, known locally as kolea. Revered on the island as a creature that departs and returns  a messenger for high chiefs  the koleas moniker carries an added resonance among Koreans, with its phonetics echoing the name of their motherland.

We can transport meanings from one place to another by highlighting shared elements between the two through metaphor, Kim explained. Its insightful to juxtapose two cultures through cross-analogy rather than excavation or direct translation. One can be both the metaphor and the origin of the other, and vice versa.

The exhibition then delves into a critical examination of how such history and knowledge have been framed and disseminated through limited perspectives. The artist promotes the creation of new systems of knowledge that will transform, adapt, and evolve through workshops and audience participation throughout the duration of the show.

For Kim, an artwork is not a fixed outcome of a single idea about a given object, but rather a fluid process of thinking  a way to engage with an object that is itself in flux.

This philosophy comes to life in the intentionally unfinished video installation, Untitled, a composite of fragmented films, images, narrations and sounds.

Ua ao ia o ia e ia runs through March 30 at SeMA.
By Lee Yeon-woo

Hanwha Life donated two traveling family centers  designed to provide a psychological and emotional safety net for women and children  to the Jakarta Provincial Government, the company said Friday.

The initiative follows Hanwha's launch of the digital family center at the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection in Jakarta last year.

Two centers were set up in Jakarta in 2023 as part of an initiative developed in partnership with the Jakarta government and Save the Children.

The firm introduced the traveling service to reach underserved areas more quickly and effectively.

Established in collaboration with local child centers, the traveling family centers provide mental health care programs and counseling services to improve the welfare of women and children.

The traveling family center is a specially equipped vehicle featuring counseling rooms, nursing spaces and relaxation areas. The vehicle travels to various regions on scheduled days, where experts provide psychological counseling and self-reliance support programs directly to the community.

A handover ceremony took place on Thursday at the provincial government's office and was attended by Jakarta Gov. Heru Budi Hartono, Hanwha Life Vice President Hong Jeong-pyo, Save the Children Indonesia Chief Strategy Officer Rosianto Hamid and Jakarta's Director of Women's and Family Protection Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary. Government officials, representatives from child protection agencies and about 200 residents also participated.

"We are thrilled to bring essential support closer to residents through the traveling family centers' counseling service vehicle," Hong Jeong-pyo, Hanwha Life's vice president of the communications office, said. "We remain committed to fulfilling our social responsibilities in Indonesia and contributing to the betterment of local communities and residents' quality of life."
By Yi Whan-woo

CEOs of the countrys major banks are expected to face pressure to bolster support for financially distressed borrowers in their upcoming meeting with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Monday.

According to financial and political sources on Friday, the meeting will be attended by CEOs of the six lenders  KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, NH NongHyup and Industrial Bank of Korea.

Sources said the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) proposed the meeting with Lee to share possible measures to expand co-prosperity between banks and customers.

The gathering is Lee's routine efforts to meet relevant parties concerning the peoples livelihoods, a DPK lawmaker said, noting that Lee has been meeting CEOs and executives of financial institutions.

However, some sources pointed out it was rare for a main opposition leader to meet banking CEOs, speculating that the gathering is believed to be aimed at pressing them to comply with the partys economic objectives.

The sources noted that the meeting will be held with the possibility of an early presidential election this year as President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached in December over his botched martial law.

The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing Yoons impeachment to decide whether to remove him from office or to reinstate him as president. The court has up to six months to complete the review.

Under the circumstances, Lee remains the top presidential contender. He has continued to focus on economic issues in the middle of stagnant economic growth, which has aggravated peoples livelihoods.

The banking CEOs certainly will be burdened by what Lee demands, a source said, noting the major banks especially have been criticized for reaping massive interest income over the Bank of Koreas rate hike in the postpandemic era.

The rate remained at 3.5 percent  the highest since December 2023, until October 2024, when it was lowered to 3.25 percent and then to 3 percent in November of the same year.

Many borrowers complained over the diverging fortunes between them and commercial banks, arguing that lenders massive fortunes were not earned by their hard work but rather were given as "windfall profits" in the wake of a high rate.

Accordingly, the DPK sought to propose a bill that asks the banks to return "windfall profits" to society.

At the upcoming meeting, Lee is anticipated to address the need to help small business owners and self-employed individuals who are struggling with payment after taking out loans during the pandemic.

He is also expected to discuss whether the rates for housing loans and other borrowing from banks should be adjusted.

Meanwhile, some market observers argued that pressing banks to share their profit is against the rule of a free market economy. Such moves, they claim, may prompt investors to refrain from buying banking shares.
South Korea's top envoy to the United Nations said Thursday that North Korean troops are being dissipated as "expendables" in Russia's war against Ukraine and treated as a "cynical" means of sustaining the North Korean regime.

During a U.N. Security Council meeting, Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook made the remarks, citing Seoul's casualty assessment that of some 12,000 North Korean troops dispatched to Russia, more than 300 were killed with around 2,700 injured.

"The testimonies of two North Korean soldiers, recently captured by Ukraine's military in the Kursk region, clearly demonstrate that the North Korean troops are engaged in combat and being dissipated as expendables," the ambassador said, noting Pyongyang still refuses to acknowledge its troop deployment.

Hwang also said that as a native speaker of Korean himself, he can "definitely" tell that the two captured soldiers spoke in Korean with North Korean accents.

He ascribed the large number of North Korean casualties to what he called "inhumane" tactics on the front lines.

"The North Korean soldiers used old-fashioned human wave tactics and were then chased and attacked by Ukrainian drones," he said.

"According to the reports, they even were crossing land mine fields in a single column, 3 to 4 meters apart, like human mine detectors without cover or mine-clearing vehicles," he said.

Hwang went on to cite South Korea's intelligence reports that news of the North's troop deployment is now spreading across North Korea, with families of the dispatched troops having expressed "utmost fear and anxiety of their sons and brothers being used as slave soldiers and mere cannon fodder."

"Given all this information, we plainly see that the DPRK only treats its troops as a cynical means of sustaining its regime, as well as advancing its illegal WMD program financially and technologically," he said.

DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, while WMD stands for weapons of mass destruction.

Hwang renewed Seoul's condemnation of the troop dispatch and the ongoing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

"This must stop immediately," he said. (Yonhap)
North Korea warned Friday it will "more intensively" exercise the right to self-defense, denouncing South Korea, the United States and Japan for staging combined air drills, involving U.S. B-1B bombers.

The North's foreign ministry issued the statement as the three countries held joint trilateral air drills, involving two U.S. B-1B bombers, Wednesday over the Korean Peninsula following North Korea's recent launches of hypersonic and short-range ballistic missiles.

The chief of the ministry's external policy office expressed "serious" concern that "provocations" by the U.S. and its allies were adding security instability to the peninsula, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The ministry "clarifies once again that the DPRK's exercise of the right to self-defense to defend the sovereign rights and security interests of the state will be conducted more intensively," the official said, using the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The official warned his country will exercise "more thoroughly and perfectly" the right to self-defense in line with its "toughest counteraction strategy" in a bid to strongly deter any military provocations by its enemies.

The latest trilateral exercise was aimed at enhancing joint capabilities among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo over Pyongyang's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

North Korea launched what it claimed to be a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile Jan. 6, followed by the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles Tuesday. (Yonhap)
By Kim Hyun-bin

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik hosted a luncheon, Wednesday, for diplomatic envoys from the 10 ASEAN nations, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and outlining a vision for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

Held at the National Assemblys Sarangjae Hall, the gathering celebrated 35 years of Korea-ASEAN cooperation, which has seen remarkable growth in trade and cultural exchanges since the establishment of dialogue relations in 1989. Woo highlighted the transformation of the partnership into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 as a milestone in their shared history.

The year 2025, the Year of the Green Snake, symbolizes new beginnings, wise transformation and growth, Woo said. I hope this year marks the start of an era where Korea-ASEAN relations grow and evolve toward an even brighter future.

Woo reaffirmed Koreas commitment to ASEAN-focused diplomacy and its active role in ASEAN-led mechanisms. He outlined plans to strengthen cooperation in emerging industries, such as digital technology, and to enhance parliamentary diplomacy through more frequent exchanges of delegations.

Based on our upgraded partnership, we aim for practical and mutually beneficial cooperation, Woo said, adding that the National Assembly would continue its involvement in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly to foster regional collaboration.

The diplomatic envoys expressed confidence in Koreas leadership and initiatives. Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat shared his impressions on social media, writing, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik hosts lunch and assures ASEAN ambassadors continued support for Korea's resilient democracy and parliamentary diplomacy. Ambassadors expressed confidence in Korea and suggested info-sharing mechanisms.

The luncheon was attended by all 10 ASEAN member nations representatives, including Singaporean Ambassador Eric Teo, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Ho.

Meanwhile, diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) nations and the European Union gathered in Seoul on the same day to express their support for Korea's democratic resilience during a meeting with acting President Choi Sang-mok.

The luncheon meeting, attended by envoys from the EU, the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, underscored the international communitys recognition of Koreas political stability despite ongoing domestic challenges.

We commend Koreas robust democratic institutions and applaud their strength during these trying times, the envoys said collectively, according to a release from Chois office.

The acting president thanked the diplomats for their confidence in the nations governance and stressed the interim administrations ability to oversee political, economic and national security matters. He noted that maintaining transparency and public trust is a priority for the government. Choi vowed to continue fostering cooperation with global partners, emphasizing that Koreas commitment to democracy and diplomacy remains steadfast.
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two North Koreans and four entities to target a network that uses North Korean information technology (IT) workers to generate revenue for the recalcitrant regime's weapons programs.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Department 53 of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces, a North Korean state arms trading entity; two of its front companies  Korea Osong Shipping Co and Chonsurim Trading Corporation  and Liaoning China Trade Industry, a China-based firm.

The two individuals added to the sanctions list are Jong In-chol, the president of Chonsurim's North Korean IT worker delegation in Laos, and Son Kyong-sik, the China-based chief representative of Osong.

"The DPRK continues to rely on its thousands of overseas IT workers to generate revenue for the regime, to finance its illegal weapons programs, and to enable its support of Russia's war in Ukraine," Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith said. DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The United States remains resolved to disrupt these networks, wherever they operate, that facilitate the regime's destabilizing activities."

The department said that Department 53 generates revenue using front companies in a variety of industrial sectors, including IT and software development.

Osong has maintained delegations of North Korean IT workers in Laos since at least 2022, while Chonsurim has directed an additional group of North Korean IT workers in Laos to use falsified identification credentials to undertake software development and other IT work for companies around the world, according to the department.

Liaoning China Trade has shipped to Department 53 equipment that enables it to conduct its IT worker activities abroad, the department said.

The department pointed out that Pyongyang dispatches thousands of highly skilled IT workers around the world with orders to generate revenue for the North Korean government to circumvent U.S. and U.N. sanctions.

The North Korean regime withholds up to 90 percent of the wages earned by these overseas workers, thereby generating annual revenue of hundreds of millions of dollars for the Kim regime's weapons programs, it said. (Yonhap)
Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday stressed the need for continued monitoring of South Korea's financial and foreign exchange markets, citing heightened uncertainty just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump.

The U.S. president-elect is set to take office for his second presidential term Monday (U.S. time), raising concerns about the anticipated escalation of global protectionism and its effects on the country's export-dependent economy.

"All relevant institutions must closely monitor U.S. policy changes under the new administration and global financial market trends, and make every effort to manage the financial and foreign exchange markets as stably as possible," Choi said during an economic meeting attended by the Bank of Korea governor, as well as the heads of the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service.

Choi also underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement to uphold South Korea's credibility in global markets.

"Each institution should actively communicate the robust fundamentals of our economy to the international community," he said.

Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, has said he will convene the meeting with top economic officials every week to assess the situation amid the political unrest stemming from President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law and his subsequent impeachment last month. (Yonhap)
By Kim Hyun-bin

Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon met with Philippe Bertoux, the French ambassador to Korea, Thursday, to discuss enhanced cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and startups.

The talks came as Korea and France prepare to celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

"Next year will mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France relations, and I believe it will be a year to strengthen our cooperation, especially in industries such as semiconductors, startups and cultural and youth exchanges," Kim said.

Bertoux highlighted Gyeonggi as a key partner for France's local government cooperation efforts, noting that many French companies operating in Korea are based in the province.

The ambassador also discussed France's growing involvement in Korea's semiconductor sector, mentioning companies like industrial gas supplier Air Liquide and environmental solutions provider Veolia, which contribute to the semiconductor supply chain.

Bertoux also said that Air Liquide's chairman, Francois Jacot, had spoken highly of his previous meeting with Kim during his May 2024 visit.

Kim responded by sharing that he had discussed investment plans with Jacot, which included a $25 million investment in the province, marking significant progress.

The governor also said Gyeonggi is at the forefront of AI development in Korea. "Gyeonggi was the first to establish a dedicated AI road, and we are committed to furthering our AI policies. I hope that this visit will contribute to advancing AI cooperation with France," Kim added.

Since 2016, Gyeonggi Province has maintained a close partnership with Ile-de-France, the region surrounding Paris and the most populous of the European country's 18 administrative areas, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation. The province has also regularly participated in France's VIVA Tech innovation and startup conferences.

France is home to approximately 590 AI startups and the world's largest startup campus, Station F, making it a global leader in startup incubation.

Gyeonggi Province, home to the renowned Pangyo Techno Valley, has become a hot spot for innovation with around 130 startups, earning it the nickname "Startup Heaven."

Additionally, Gyeonggi is pursuing youth exchange programs with France, including a "Youth Ladder" initiative aimed at fostering exchanges between young people from both countries and nurturing global talent.
The Navy has decided to postpone an international fleet review scheduled to take place in May to the second half, an official said Friday, amid political turmoil over detained President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid last month.

The Navy had previously planned to hold the event in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in May to mark the 80th anniversaries of South Korea's liberation from Japanese 1910-45 colonial rule and the military branch's establishment.

"The fleet review was postponed to sometime in the second half of the year, considering various domestic circumstances," the Navy official told reporters. "The exact timing will continue to be reviewed."

The decision appears to reflect the recent political turmoil in South Korea stemming from impeached President Yoon's martial law declaration last month. The military has faced backlash over the brief episode, in which troops were deployed to the National Assembly.

The event, if held, will mark the first international fleet review hosted by the Navy since 2018.

The 2018 event drew attention as Japan decided not to participate amid a row over its plan to fly its Rising Sun ensign, which is castigated in Korea as a symbol of its imperialist past. (Yonhap)
Court to hold hearing at 2 p.m. Saturday

By Jung Min-ho

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) requestd a Seoul court to issue an arrest warrant with detention for President Yoon Suk Yeol, Friday, over his decision to impose martial law on Dec. 3.

This comes several hours after the impeached leader refused further questioning by the CIO. Yoon has declined to cooperate with the investigation after undergoing more than 10 hours of questioning on Wednesday, the day he became the first sitting president of Korea to be detained.

The CIO asked the Seoul Western District Court to approve the warrant for Yoon on charges of leading an insurrection, a crime punishable by death or life in prison. The court is the same one that previously issued a warrant to arrest with temporary detetion at the corruption investigation agency's request.

"The severity of the crime and the risk of recidivism were factored in [the decision to seek a warrant]," a CIO official told reporters. "It was sent [to the court] at 5:50 p.m. The charges included were leading an insurrection and abuse of power."

If approved, investigators will be given 20 more days to keep him in detention, during which they will finalize an indictment against him.

Judge Cha Eun-kyung will hold a hearing on the warrant at 2 p.m., Saturday.

Yoon's defense team did not immediately comment on the CIO's decision. Instead, it released a statement in which the president expressed his gratitude to his supporters.

"It's a bit uncomfortable here, but I have been doing well in this detention center," the statement said. "I was told that many people came out to the streets to support me and the nation despite the cold weather ... I want to thank everyone for showing patriotism."

The CIO, leading a joint investigation with the police and the defense ministry, has alleged that Yoon committed at least two serious criminal offenses  insurrection and abuse of power  by authorizing and implementing the martial law order.

Yoons lawyers contend that the CIO lacks the legal authority to investigate accusations of insurrection. They cite a law explicitly designating the police as the sole authority to handle such matters. For this reason, they claimed the detention warrant requested by the CIO was flawed in the first place.

But the CIO maintains its investigative jurisdiction, stating that insurrection can constitute "a crime related" to abuse of power, a charge clearly within its authority.

Judge So Joon-sub at the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of the CIO, saying there was no violation of the law during the agencys legal process to obtain the warrant to detain the president.

During the CIOs questioning, Yoon largely remained silent, according to investigators. But the prosecution has reportedly secured more than 1,400 pages of investigation documents, in which Yoons alleged rebellion accomplices, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su and Defense Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung, said what the commander-in-chief allegedly instructed them to do to implement martial law.

What is written in the documents as well as Yoons refusal to cooperate with the efforts to investigate the case would likely be factored in a court decision over whether the president should be formally arrested.

Article 70 of the Criminal Procedure Act states that an arrest warrant with detention can be issued for a suspect if the person "has no fixed dwelling" or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the person "may destroy evidence" or "flee."

But other factors, such as his status as a sitting president, could also affect the decision.

Yoo Chang-hoon, a judge at the Seoul Central District Court, dismissed an arrest warrant in 2023 for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was accused of persuading someone to commit perjury. Yoo stated that there was little risk of evidence destruction, considering Lee's "status as a sitting chairman of a political party."

The CIO plans to spend 10 more days to back up its case against Yoon before handing it over to prosecutors, as the two agencies agreed previously.

The same day, the police detained Kim Seong-hoon, acting head of the Presidential Security Service, over allegations that he played a key role in hindering the execution of a warrant to detain the president on Jan. 3. Before he was taken into custody, Kim told reporters outside the police building that he had carried out legitimate security duties.








Acting President Choi Sang-mok said Friday the government will introduce comprehensive safety reforms across the aviation sector, following the tragic Jeju Air crash last month.

The government, in cooperation with the private sector, has been conducting detailed safety inspections of all airports, including runways and other aviation systems, since earlier this week.

"Based on the inspection results, we will develop innovative safety measures, including improvements to facilities and regulations across the aviation sector," Choi said during a disaster response meeting.

Choi also urged the transportation ministry to ensure the inspections are conducted with the utmost rigor, emphasizing the need to establish realistic measures to reassure the public about aviation safety.

A 2-meter-high concrete structure at Muan International Airport has been cited as a major factor contributing to the deadly Jeju Air crash on Dec. 29, which claimed the lives of all but two of the 181 passengers aboard the Boeing 737-800 flight. (Yonhap)
Supporters of detained President Yoon Suk Yeol staged overnight rallies in front of the Seoul Western District Court on Friday, where investigators were expected to file for a warrant to formally arrest Yoon.

People in support of Yoon gathered outside the court late Thursday and locked arms in an attempt to block investigators from delivering documents requesting the warrant to the court.

A man in his 20s was detained at the scene after pushing a court employee.

When police blocked the protesters from gathering in front of the court, they moved to a nearby park and continued their rally.

Meanwhile, police launched an investigation to track down the writer of an online post threatening to kill a justice of the Seoul Central District Court who rejected Yoon's petition to review the legality of his detention the previous day.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is expected to file for the arrest warrant before a 48-hour deadline expires Friday night. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

Police are planning another raid of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) to access encrypted phone servers after detaining President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday. The investigation may expand to include key presidential aides as they seek evidence on Yoon in line with his Dec. 3 martial law, sources said Thursday.

The National Office of Investigations special investigative team, led by Woo Jong-soo, is reviewing a warrant to search the Samcheong-dong safe house, the PSS and the presidential office.

Investigators believe the encrypted phone server contains records of Yoons communications with the military, police and top presidential officials during the martial law period. Police argue that these records are essential to prove Yoons role in the martial law imposition and investigate others in the presidential office.

Earlier attempts to raid the PSS and the presidential office have failed three times. In December, police were blocked while trying to obtain Cabinet meeting records and encrypted phone server data.

Legal provisions under the Criminal Procedure Act, which require consent from the responsible authority for searches in locations involving military secrets, were cited as grounds for denial.

However, police believe the situation may change after Yoons detention. They obtained warrants to detain PSS Deputy Chief Kim Sung-hoon and Director Lee Kwang-woo before executing Yoons second warrant on Wednesday but chose not to enforce them.

The decision was made after both officials pledged to complete their duties as they escorted Yoon to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. They are also expected to appear for questioning on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

With former PSS Chief Park Chong-jun already questioned, Kim and Lees anticipated cooperation could mark a shift in the PSSs previously uncooperative stance toward the investigation.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
By Lee Hae-rin

First Lady Kim Keon Hee is reportedly in poor health and has been left alone at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. This comes after her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, was detained by investigators, Wednesday, in connection with his imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, according to ruling party officials, Friday.

I saw the first lady. Her face looked terrible. I felt sorry for her, ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Kwon Young-jin, who visited Yoons residence before his detention, told reporters later.

Kwon is one of about 30 ruling party lawmakers who gathered in front of the presidential residence to block the execution of a warrant to detain him for questioning on charges of insurrection. He met with Yoon before he was taken into custody after an hours-long standoff.

An official at the presidential office told JoongAng Ilbo that Kim Keon Hee grew so thin that it worries us. She was completely skinny."

According to the newspaper, some of the aides have even suggested, "I think the first lady should go to the hospital."

The detention warrant for the president was executed on Wednesday, leaving Kim alone at the official residence. She will remain there until the completion of Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court.

Many ruling party figures who reportedly encountered Kim at the official residence after the martial law debacle expressed concern for her health. They explained that she could barely eat and had been managing her condition by taking various medications.

Kim has rarely been seen in public since she was investigated by prosecutors in July of last year on allegations of accepting a luxury bag and being involved in a stock manipulation scheme.

Ahead of the execution of Yoon's detention, some YouTubers uploaded a video showing a person believed to be Kim walking a dog inside the official residence compound.

Most of the dogs that the president and his wife keep had been abandoned before and are not toilet-trained indoors, presidential office personnel said, adding that it was not Kim but one of the office staffers who went outside with the dog for a walk.

Meanwhile, the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party urged the Ministry of Justice to ban Kim from leaving the country.

"Kim could turn out to be the real mastermind or a co-conspirator in the rebellion, depending on the investigation's results," said Rep. Cha Gyu-geun. "The Ministry of Justice should immediately bar Kim Keon Hee from leaving the country and authorities must initiate a thorough investigation."
Angry Korean plaintiffs strongly protested and expressed frustration Friday after Japan's top court finalized its rejection of their request to remove their families' names from a controversial war shrine.

Japan's Supreme Court delivered the final decision earlier in the day on a request filed in 2013 by 27 family members seeking to eliminate their relatives' names from Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine.

Yasukuni Shrine honors millions of Japanese war dead, including 14 convicted Class A war criminals, and is seen by neighboring countries as a symbol of Japan's imperial past.

It also enshrines around 20,000 Koreans who were forcibly conscripted into the Japanese army and died during World War II when the Korean Peninsula was under Japan's colonial rule, including servicemen and civilian employees of the military.

The enshrinement of Koreans, carried out without any consent from their families, only came to light in the 1990s, prompting lawsuits from families seeking the removal of the victims' names from the shrine.

On Friday, the court finalized its rejection of the request, citing the expiration of the 20-year period to dispute such cases, saying the request should have been filed by 1979 to be effective. The enshrinement took place in 1959.

Korean plaintiffs, often children or siblings of the Korean victims, immediately protested the court decision, calling it unacceptable.

Park Nam-soon, one of the plaintiffs, tearfully told reporters outside the Supreme Court: "I am completely at a loss and dumbfounded. I don't know what to say."

Park, whose father is enshrined, refuted the court's decision, stating that her family had never been informed by Japan about his death or his enshrinement at Yasukuni Shrine and had been kept completely in the dark.

"We aren't asking for money. We are only asking for their names to be removed for their honor," Park said, adding that the plaintiffs will fight "to the end."

Kim Young-hwan from the Center for Historical Truth and Justice, a civic group supporting victims from the Japanese colonial rule, said the application of the 20-year legal period is "unacceptable."

He argued that families of the victims have never given their consent to the enshrinement, and that the Japanese government only provided information about the enshrinement to the South Korean government in the late 1990s and 2000s, making it effectively impossible to raise the issue before that time. (Yonhap)
The anti-corruption agency investigating impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case is "nearly ready" to file for a warrant to formally arrest him, an official said Friday.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is "highly likely" to file the warrant with the Seoul Western District Court, the CIO official told reporters during a press briefing, before a 48-hour deadline expires Friday night.

The CIO's decision comes after Yoon again refused to appear for questioning over his failed martial law bid Friday, the third day of his detention.

The CIO had ordered him to appear for further questioning at 10 a.m. after he failed to appear the previous day, citing health reasons.

"The president will not appear at the CIO today," Seok Dong-hyeon, Yoon's lawyer and longtime friend, told Yonhap News Agency. "He thoroughly stated his basic position during the CIO's questioning the first day and doesn't see any reason or need to respond to a question-and-answer type of interrogation."

Yoon has been held at a detention center since Wednesday night after investigators apprehended him at his residence and brought him to the CIO office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, to undergo over 10 hours of questioning.

Yoon filed a request with the Seoul Central District Court to review the legality of his detention, but the court dismissed the challenge Thursday night, keeping him in custody. (Yonhap)
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are set to discuss their respective bills on launching a special counsel probe Friday into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid.

All eyes are on whether the two rival parties can narrow their differences and come up with a single bill before a parliamentary plenary session slated for later in the day.

PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong and his DPK counterpart, Park Chan-dae, will attend the meeting, which will be presided by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

Opposition parties have been seeking to pass a revised special counsel bill that includes allegations Yoon committed "treason" by attempting to deliberately provoke war with North Korea.

The PPP has argued that the scope of the bill is excessive and decided to introduce its own bill that excludes such allegations.

If the two parties reach an agreement during the meeting, their new bill is expected to pass the plenary session. If they fail to narrow their differences, the opposition-proposed bill will likely pass the National Assembly as the opposition bloc currently dominates the 300-member parliament with 192 seats. (Yonhap)
By Lee Hae-rin

Despite hours of tense negotiations, the ruling and opposition parties failed to reach a compromise on a special counsel probe bill to investigate President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, according to party officials, Friday.

Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), spoke with reporters at the National Assembly after their meeting and said, "The talks have faltered."

Rep. Park Chan-dae, his counterpart from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) also said, We dont plan to meet each other again today.

Kweon and Park had agreed to hold negotiations on the special probe act at 11 a.m., with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik presiding over the discussions.

The Assembly's plenary session to vote on the special probe bill was also scheduled for 2 p.m., but the PPP requested a postponement due to delays in preparing the draft.

The PPP, which has argued that the scope of the opposition's bill is excessive, has removed allegations that the president committed treason by allegedly attempting to provoke war with North Korea.

In the PPP's bill, the duration of the investigation was reduced from 150 days to 110 days, compared to the opposition parties' proposal, while the number of investigators was also cut from 155 to 58.

The ruling party initially aimed to propose an independent counsel law that all 108 lawmakers had agreed to, but only 104 were listed as four of its lawmakers refused to sign the bill.

The breakdown came despite the National Assembly speaker's pledge to narrow differences and reach an agreement between the two parties by midnight Friday.

"We will definitely conclude this consultation today and make sure that the agreement is passed," Woo said, declaring the adjournment of the plenary session scheduled for 2 p.m.

As the agreement failed, the opposition-controlled Assembly was expected to push through the DPKs bill, which the PPP had urged acting President Choi Sang-mok to veto.

But the opposition party decided to downscale the scope of the investigation and remove the clause on treason allegations in its bill, in a bid to draw support from some PPP lawmakers when it is put to vote at a plenary session.
A court of appeals on Friday upheld a lower court's ruling in favor of a Vietnamese national seeking compensation from Korea after losing family members and suffering wounds when Korean Marines killed dozens of civilians during the Vietnam War.

The appellate division of the Seoul Central District Court made the ruling, ordering the Korean government to pay 30 million won ($20,580) and the corresponding delay damages to Nguyen Thi Thanh, a 64-year-old woman who claimed she lost family members and was wounded during a massacre of about 70 Vietnamese civilians by Korean troops in a village in Vietnam's Quang Nam Province in 1968.

The ruling marked the first time a Korean court has acknowledged the state's liability to compensate victims in Korean troops' killings of Vietnamese civilians during the war.

Following the appellate court ruling, Nguyen expressed her gratitude and asked for attention to other victims in similar cases.

Nguyen filed the damages suit against the Korean government in 2020 and a Seoul district court ruled in favor of her in February 2023. (Yonhap)
By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Impostor syndrome is a pervasive challenge, especially in high-pressure environments like Harvard. Many individuals, regardless of their accomplishments, experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite its prevalence, impostor syndrome has never been a part of my personal journey. From my earliest experiences at Harvard, I developed a mindset rooted in confidence, authenticity and a deep understanding of my value. In this post, I reflect on my journey, share insights from transformative moments and offer perspectives on how I make impostor syndrome irrelevant in my life.

One, from the beginning of my Harvard journey, I was fortunate to meet a group of Black graduate students at the Harvard Divinity School who took me under their wing. They taught me a guiding principle: Harvard is what you make it. This wisdom encouraged me to take control of my experience, shaping it without waiting for permission or validation. I embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, becoming an executive editor of The Harvard Crimson, I joined student clubs ranging from the Black Students Association, Democrats at Harvard, Republicans at Harvard, the Objectivist Club at Harvard, etc., and was a founder of an unofficial Sowell Brothers group (named after economist Thomas Sowell) that went around campus debating any and everyone.

My approach has always been grounded in authenticity. I dont believe in faking it until you make it. Instead, I focus on bringing my genuine self into every space I enter. This mindset has allowed me to confidently embrace opportunities as they come, free from the constraints of perfectionism or self-doubt. As socialist activist Emma Goldman once said, If I cant dance, I dont want to join your revolution.

A second pivotal moment in shaping my confidence was learning about W.E.B. Du Bois, the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. When asked about the honor of this achievement, Du Bois reportedly replied, The honor, I assure you, was all Harvards. Initially, I thought this response was arrogant, but I later understood its profound meaning. Du Bois reframed the narrative, emphasizing that his presence elevated Harvard, not the other way around. But later, I saw that his comment turned the narrative around: rather than seeing Harvard as doing him a favor by admitting him, he emphasized that Harvard was fortunate to have him. There were many qualified candidates to choose from, so there must be something special about him that made Harvard want to admit him. From my sophomore or junior year, his words became a mantra for me: The honor, I assure you, was all Harvards.

Years later, a Korean friend asked if I felt intimidated giving a speech to a room of Harvard students and alumni. I found the question strange. Why would I feel nervous? I was invited to speak on something I know well. The invitation alone was evidence that those who asked me to speak saw value in what I had to share. I told her, I am one of those Harvard people. Why should I be intimidated by them, or anyone? This mindset underscores the importance of recognizing your value in every space you occupy.

Over the years, Ive aimed to help others see their worth and overcome impostor syndrome. Whether mentoring Harvard students, South Koreans, North Korean refugees, or others, my goal has always been the same: to encourage individuals to embrace their potential and value. I remind my mentees that admission decisions and opportunities are deliberate. I often remind my mentees that Harvards selection process is deliberate and thorough. Each application undergoes multiple rounds of review, and every admitted student is chosen for a reason. The problem is that Harvard doesnt let people know the reason it has accepted them, but apparently there was a reason.

What I tell my mentees: If Harvard made a mistake in accepting me, thats Harvards problem, not mine. What matters is how you use the opportunities youve earned or been given.

Ive been accepted into Harvard twice, and I hold two diplomas from the university. Ive never questioned whether I belong  I focus instead on what I can learn and contribute.

It isnt only related to Harvard. When people tell me that an award that I have earned was well-deserved, I usually respond, even if I didnt deserve it, I am not giving it back!

When I joined the Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Council last July, I didnt question my worthiness. Instead, I focused on contributing, learning and connecting. By approaching new roles with a mindset of growth and impact, I avoided the trap of self-doubt and embraced each opportunity fully.

Impostor syndrome is a challenge many face, but it doesnt have to define your experience. By embracing authenticity, reframing doubts and recognizing your value, you can move beyond self-doubt and make the most of every opportunity. As I reminded students at the Chatter and Cheers reception, The honor is not just yours  its Harvards. Carry this confidence into every space you enter, knowing that your presence and contributions matter deeply.

I will conclude by mentioning the ways I dont allow impostor syndrome to seep into my life.

First, embrace authenticity, not perfectionism. Reject the need to fake it until you make it. Instead, focus on authenticity and leveraging your unique skills, experiences and personality. This allows you to engage genuinely and stand firmly in your own identity. Whenever anyone asks me about a speech I have given, I respond, It was great! Thats because I would have done my best.

Second, focus on contribution over validation. Approach every role, opportunity, or environment with a mindset of contributing value. Shift the narrative from seeking validation to asking, How can I make a difference here? This proactive approach keeps you focused on impact rather than self-doubt. Rather than letting impostor syndrome hold you back, reframe challenges as opportunities to deepen your expertise, improve your skills and prove that you belong.

Third, shift the perspective: The Honor is Theirs. Adopt the mindset that institutions and opportunities are privileged to have you. Inspired by Du Bois statement, The honor, I assure you, was all Harvards, this method repositions you as a valuable contributor rather than an outsider seeking approval.

Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Educations (HGSE) Alumni Council, an HGSE Alumni admissions ambassador, a member of the Harvard Clubs of Korea, Seattle, Broward County, Fairfield County and Washington, and a member of Harvard Alumni for Education and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.
The national space agency plans to unveil its road map aimed at bolstering South Korea's aerospace capabilities next month, its chief said Friday.

Yoon Young-bin, head of the Korean AeroSpace Administration (KASA), announced the plan at an event for the new year attended by aerospace industry officials.

"We will devise a road map on laying the foundation for a private-led aerospace economy, which will include projects to develop space vehicles, such as Nuri space rockets, future-oriented aircraft and advanced satellites, as part of efforts to bolster the local space industry's competitiveness in the global market," he said.

"Competition in the global aerospace industry is heating up with the advent of emerging powers and the acceleration of private-led growth."

In detail, KASA plans to come up with measures to develop indigenous technologies for reusable rockets and aircraft gas turbine engines.

It will also create a detailed business plan for setting up the world's first space observatory in L4, one of the stable Lagrange points, according to Yoon.

Lagrange points, which are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the sun and Earth create areas of stability, allowing spacecraft to conduct exploration missions with minimal fuel consumption. (Yonhap)
Final hurdle cleared for nuclear plant export to Czech Republic

By Ko Dong-hwan

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) reached an agreement with the U.S. nuclear technology firm Westinghouse to resolve all ongoing intellectual property (IP) disputes related to nuclear power plant technologies that KHNP has been attempting to export to the Czech Republic, the Korean state-run nuclear power technology and plant operator KNHP said Friday.

Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), a state-run utility that exclusively distributes electricity nationwide, was also a stakeholder in the deal, making it a tripartite agreement.

The agreement has effectively cleared the final obstacle to KHNP's bid to build two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in the Czech Republic.

KHNP said the tripartite agreement, signed on Thursday, has "officially resolved the legal conflict over Westinghouses intellectual property rights."

Westinghouse had previously claimed ownership of the technological intellectual property for the APR1000, a nuclear reactor model planned for the Dukovany plant, asserting that KHNP did not have the right to export it.

The agreement will serve as an opportunity to set up a closer relationship between KHNP and Westinghouse," KHNP President & CEO Whang Joo-ho said Friday.

KHNP added that the agreement will further strengthen Seoul-Washington ties and enhance its competitiveness in the global nuclear power plant market.

Westinghouse, based in Pennsylvania, said on Thursday (local time) that the agreement will allow the three companies to "move forward with certainty in the pursuit and deployment of new nuclear reactors." It also noted that the agreement "sets the stage for future cooperation between the parties to advance new nuclear projects globally."

Westinghouse President & CEO Patrick Fragman said the company is pleased to reach an agreement with KEPCO and KHNP on this important issue. As the world demands more firm baseload power, we look forward to opportunities for cooperation to deploy nuclear power at an even greater scale."

Fragman has been leading Westinghouses legal actions against KHNP. Westinghouse announced earlier this month that he will step down in March from the role he has held for more than five years.

KEPCO CEO Kim Dong-cheol said the agreement has restored the traditional partnership between the two countries that has lasted for the past 50 years. He added that the agreement has finally opened doors for KEPCO to start pursuing future global project bids for nuclear power plant more aggressively.

Koreas Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun joined the celebration on Friday, saying the government welcomes the settlement and hopes it will lead to active exchanges between the countries' businesses in the global nuclear reactor market.

"The agreement has laid the groundwork for the governments and private sectors of both countries to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in the global nuclear reactor market while adhering to nonproliferation standards," Ahn said.

Cameco, a Canadian uranium mining company in Saskatchewan that owns 49 percent of Westinghouse, also said on Thursday (local time) that the agreement was "positive for both parties, facilitating the introduction of world-leading reactor technology and related expertise in engineering, construction services, maintenance, fuel supply, and training to the global market."

Tim Gitzel, Camecos president and CEO, stated that while "more than 30 countries and over 100 companies are pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, this agreement strengthens the industrys ability to provide carbon-free, reliable, dispatchable baseload electricity to help achieve climate, energy, and national security objectives."

Details of the agreement will remain confidential and off public disclosure, according to Westinghouse.

The agreement came after the Korean and U.S. governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Washington on Jan. 8 (local time) to further cooperate on nuclear energy policies and exports of nuclear technologies.

The industry ministry said the MOU was based on confidence in each other as comprehensive strategic partners, so it is expected to contribute to promoting reciprocal cooperation between the two countries in the global market.

The Czech government, following the MOU, welcomed the stronger ties between Korea and the U.S. in the nuclear energy industry.

Czech Industry Minister Lukas Vlcek said on X, We view this step positively, especially with regard to the Czech project for new nuclear sources in Dukovany.

The legal dispute, which has lasted for more than two years, began even before the Czech Republic selected KHNP as the preferred bidder for the Dukovany nuclear reactor project in July 2024. Elektrarna Dukovany II, a subsidiary of the Czech Republic's major state-run utility company CEZ Group, issued the project bid in 2022 and shortlisted KHNP and France's EDF as the final bidders.

KHNP and Czech authorities are expected to sign the official contract in March.
The Israeli cabinet will meet to give final approval to a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

In Gaza itself, Israeli warplanes kept up intense strikes, and Palestinian authorities said late on Thursday that at least 86 people were killed in the day after the truce was unveiled.

With longstanding divisions apparent among ministers, Israel delayed meetings expected on Thursday when the cabinet was expected to vote on the pact, blaming Hamas for the hold-up.

But in the early hours of Friday, Netanyahu's office said approval was imminent.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages," his office said in a statement.

The security cabinet would meet on Friday before a full meeting of the cabinet later to approve the deal, it said.

It was not immediately clear whether the full cabinet would meet on Friday or Saturday or whether there would be any delay to the start of the ceasefire on Sunday.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said Washington believed the agreement was on track and a ceasefire in the 15-month-old conflict was expected to proceed "as soon as late this weekend."

"We are seeing nothing that would tell us that this is going to get derailed at this point," he said on CNN on Thursday.

A group representing families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, 33 of whom are due to be freed in the first six-week phase of the accord, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward quickly.

"For the 98 hostages, each night is another night of terrible nightmare. Do not delay their return even for one more night," the group said in a statement late on Thursday carried by Israeli media.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier on Thursday a "loose end" in the negotiations needed to be resolved.

A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this was a dispute over the identities of some prisoners Hamas wanted to be released. Envoys of President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump were in Doha with Egyptian and Qatari mediators working to resolve it, the official said.

Hamas senior official Izzat el-Reshiq said the group remained committed to the ceasefire deal

Biden said on Thursday that Netanyahu had to "find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns" of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel.

"And the idea that Israel is going to be able to sustain itself for the long term without accommodating the Palestinian question ... It's not going to happen," Biden, a Democrat who hands over to Republican President-elect Trump on Monday, said in an interview on MSNBC.

Inside Gaza, joy over the truce gave way to sorrow and anger at the intensified bombardment that followed the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday.

Tamer Abu Shaaban's voice cracked as he stood over the tiny body of his young niece wrapped in a white shroud at a Gaza City morgue. She had been hit in the back with missile shrapnel as she played in the yard of a school where the family was sheltering, he said.

"Is this the truce they are talking about? What did this young girl, this child, do to deserve this?" he asked.

Vote expected

Israel's acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the security cabinet and government. The prime minister's office has not commented on the timing.

Some political analysts speculated that the start of the ceasefire, scheduled for Sunday, could be delayed if Israel does not finalize approval until Saturday.

Hardliners in Netanyahu's government, who say the war has not achieved its objective of wiping out Hamas and should not end until it does so, had hoped to stop the deal.

Nevertheless, a majority of ministers were expected to back the agreement.

In Jerusalem, some Israelis marched through the streets carrying mock coffins in protest at the ceasefire, blocking roads and scuffling with police. Other protesters blocked traffic until security forces dispersed them.

The ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. The deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Dozens of hostages taken by Hamas including women, children, elderly and sick people would be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

It paves the way for a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, where the majority of the population has been displaced, facing hunger, sickness and cold.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen burst into Israeli border-area communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

If successful, the ceasefire would halt fighting that has razed much of heavily urbanized Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the tiny enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million, according to Gaza authorities. (Reuters)
China's Vice President Han Zheng will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Chinese state news agencies said on Friday, with Beijing ready to enhance dialogue with the new U.S. administration.

Han's participation in the Washington, D.C. event comes at the invitation of the U.S. side, China's national television broadcaster reported.

"We are ready to strengthen dialogue and communication with the new U.S. government, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations," China Central Television (CCTV) said.

"China has always viewed and developed China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

China is prepared "to find a correct way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," CCTV said.

Trump said on Jan. 6 that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been communicating through representatives, expressing optimism about their relationship.

Trump has named numerous China hawks to key posts in his incoming administration including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state.

He has also said he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl. He threatened tariffs in excess of 60% on Chinese goods while on the campaign trail. (Reuters)
Newly appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou survived a no-confidence vote on Thursday after the opposition Socialist Party chose not to back the motion.

In the surprise turn of events, most Socialist lawmakers decided not to withdraw their confidence in Bayrou's government unlike their left-wing allies, including the Greens and the Communists.

The vote was requested by the leftist France Unbowed (LFI) party on Tuesday evening, shortly after Bayrou's first government address.

Bayrou's minority government may now be able to rely on the support of the Socialists for future plans - and thus avoid becoming dependent on the far-right bloc led by Marine Le Pen.

His predecessor Michel Barnier was rejected by the entire left-wing camp in France. Only the right-wing nationalists tolerated his minority Cabinet.

However, when Le Pen's parliamentary group withdrew support over a dispute on the planned austerity budget, Barnier was toppled after just three months in office.

As a result, France does not have a budget yet for 2025.

Socialist party leader Olivier Faure emphasized that their support for the government would not be unconditional. However, he stressed the importance of a strong European response to the tense global situation, warning that France must not fall into the hands of the far right.

To win over the Socialists, Bayrou earlier this week granted labour groups three months to propose a fairer pension plan.

This would replace the controversial reform pushed through by President Emmanuel Macron, which sparked mass protests across France in 2023.

The political turmoil in France further weakens Macron's precarious political standing as his bloc does not command a majority in the National Assembly.

There are three large blocs in the National Assembly - Macron's centrist one, the left-wing one and Le Pen's one dominated by her National Rally party - none of which has an absolute majority. (DPA)
President Joe Biden won't enforce a ban on the social media app TikTok that is set to take effect a day before he leaves office on Monday, a U.S. official said Thursday, leaving its fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump.

Congress last year, in a law signed by Biden, required that TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance divest the company by Jan. 19, a day before the presidential inauguration. The official said the outgoing administration was leaving the implementation of the law  and the potential enforcement of the ban  to Trump.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal Biden administration thinking.

Trump, who once called to ban the app, has since pledged to keep it available in the U.S., though his transition team has not said how they intend to accomplish that.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trumps inauguration and be granted a prime seating location on the dais as the president-elect's national security adviser signals that the incoming administration may take steps to "keep TikTok from going dark.

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz on Thursday told Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends that the federal law that could ban TikTok by Sunday also allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table.

The push to save TikTok, much like the move to ban it in the U.S., has crossed partisan lines. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he spoke with Biden on Thursday to advocate for extending the deadline to ban TikTok.

Its clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers, Schumer said Thursday on the Senate floor.

Democrats had tried on Wednesday to pass legislation that would have extended the deadline, but Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked it. Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that TikTok has had ample time to find a buyer.

TikTok is a Chinese Communist spy app that addicts our kids, harvests their data, targets them with harmful and manipulative content, and spreads communist propaganda, Cotton said.

TikTok CEO's is expected to be seated on the dais for the inauguration along with tech billionaires Elon Musk, who is CEO of SpaceX, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to two people with the matter. The people spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.

Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to the statute brought by TikTok, its China-based parent company ByteDance, and users of the app. The Justices seemed likely to uphold the law, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok on national security grounds or face a ban in one of its biggest markets.

If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out. But number two, hes going to protect their data, Waltz said on Wednesday.

Hes a deal maker. I dont want to get ahead of our executive orders, but were going to create this space to put that deal in place," he added.

Separately on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trumps pick for attorney general, dodged a question during a Senate hearing on whether shed uphold a TikTok ban.

Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He pledged to save TikTok during the campaign and has credited the platform with helping him win more youth votes. (AP)
Former T-ARA member Areum has received a prison sentence over child abuse charges.

In 2024, Dispatch revealed that a temporary restraining order had been implemented against Areum and her mother from approaching the former's children. Areum initially accused her ex-husband, referred to as Mr. A, of child abuse.

Heinous claims were made, including one where her husband took out his anger on the children by urinating and defecating on their faces.

However, the police couldn't find concrete evidence to back her claims.

Combined with the lack of evidence and credibility in the children's testimonies, the case against Mr. A was ultimately dismissed in May 2024.

Following the case's closure, Areum was charged with child abuse, neglectful behavior, and abduction by the Gwangmyeong Police Station.

Former T-ARA member Areum has been sentenced to 8 months in prision and 2 years of probation on charges of child abuse and defamation.https://t.co/zBn8qGmbq7 pic.twitter.com/JzhkZdBfZL  Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) January 17, 2025

In a new development, Korean news outlet fnnews reported that Areum had been given a suspended prison sentence of eight months, two years of probation, and 40 hours of child abuse prevention classes.

Areum was also previously indicted without detention on charges of drugging minors and defamation.

The decision was made at the Suwon District Court and was presided over by Judge Yoon Sang Do. In the filing, Areum was accused of using profane language against her ex-husband in front of her children.

In a livestream, the former idol also reportedly slandered an individual referred to as "A," who exposed court documents regarding her current husband.

"She has admitted all the charges," the court shared.

"The emotional damage caused to the legal guardian of the child victim is highly reprehensible."

The court also shared insights regarding her defamation charges, saying there was no intention to defame individual "A," and that there was a claim stating that the case's verdict was fabricated without verifying the facts.

However, the court eventually ruled that Areum's actions had slanderous intentions.

Areum's mother was also sentenced to four months in prison and one year of probation. The idol's mother was tried in court for "neglecting her grandchildren" in a toxic environment, where her daughter, Areum, verbally abused her former son-in-law from 2021 to 2022.
News / Local

by Wilbert Mukori

Zimbabwe has many economic, social and political problems to be dealing with. The country is a failed state for Pete's sake. So why is parliament wasting time, energy and God only knows the amount of human and material resource debating a constitutional amendment to postpone 2028 elections.One of key demands in the fight to end white colonial oppression was the right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country encapsulate in the demand "One man, one vote!" Blacks did not have a vote!Zimbabweans have yet to participate in a truly free, fair and credible election, Zanu PF has devised many ways to short changed the people and deny them a free vote. In 1980, in the country's first elections, the people were warned that if the party does not win the the election.Of course, the people voted to end the war and out went their hopes and dreams of a free vote. As soon as Zanu PF got into power the regime corrupted the state institutions to create a de facto one-party and consolidate it satanic grip on power.Mnangagwa blatantly rigged the 2023 elections but getting away with it proved near impossible particular after both SADC and AU election observers condemned the process as flawed and illegal. He is worried that Zanu PF may not get away with rigged elections in future and hence the frantic activity to amend the constitution and do away with elections altogether.We started with fighting for the right to vote, "One man, one vote!" After independence in 1980 the people found their vote had been holed out, they could only vote for Zanu PF. And now the regime is proposing taking away even the holed-out vote. We have come full circle to where we start before independence. We have no vote!However until the regime was passed the amendment to postpone the 2028 elections and acted on it by actually postponing the elections we would be better advised focusing on making sure 2028 elections are free, fair and credible or Zanu PF does not get political legitimacy. Professor Jonathan Moyo explains why it is folly to be excited about the proposal to postpone the election."It is an oxymoron, that is a contradiction in terms, to claim or to assert that the so-called 2030 proposal to amend the Constitution of Zimbabwe allegedly being mooted by some sections of the governing ZanuPF is unconstitutional," Professor Moyo explained."A proposal to amend the constitution is just that; a proposal, nothing less and nothing more. It is not a crime or a civic wrong for anyone to want or to seek to amend the Constitution of Zimbabwe. A constitutional proposal cannot be unconstitutional."Accordingly, it is important to understand and appreciate that, as a matter of fact, there is no democratic constitution anywhere in the world, which cannot be amended. All such constitutions have very clear and precise provisions for their amendment."In this connection, all that matters is that proposals to amend the Constitution of Zimbabwe must be done and must proceed in terms of section 328 of the Constitution, as read with section 131. That is all. The rest is mumbo jumbo."So if push came to shove, there will be nothing "unconstitutional" about postponing 2028 elections if the right procedures laid out in the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution were followed. The very fact that such an amendment with far reaching implications on the democratic rights of the citizens can be easily passed is a measure of just how weak and feeble the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution is.A weak and feeble constitution produces equally weak and feeble institution such as ZEC, Police, judiciary, media, parliament, etc. Mnangagwa is able to do as he damn well please precisely because we have weak and feeble State and public institutions.The real oxymorons are the one arguing the people be denied their right to hold those in public office to account, the very essence of democracy and good governance, "to give Mnangagwa more time to finish the development projects he is working on".What development projects are they wittering about? Zimbabwe is a failed state precisely because the nation has been stuck with this corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship for 45 years and counting because Zanu PF rigged the elections.And look how is wittering the same buffoons who have landed the nation into the economic and political mess. Of course, they are not interested in the nation's development but rather the chance to continue looting!Even if the economy was thriving, it would be very foolish for the people to give up their only control over those in power because having given up that power they may never ever get it back. Never ever!Still, the most important point Professor Moyo has made is that there is very little the nation can ever accomplish engaging the regime until there is an approved amendment to the constitution to postpone elections and the regime has acted on the amendment. Until then the nation must assume the 2028 elections will go ahead.The nation must Bateleur Eagle (Chapungu) focus on the following four points:1) all democratic reforms must be implemented to ensure free, fair and credible elections and end a repeat of rigged election of the past.2) if no meaningful reforms are implement all hands on deck to stop Nelson Chamisa and company conning Zimbabweans into participating in their millions on the basis of another idiotic lie only to give Zanu PF legitimacy and perpetuate the people's suffering.3) Zanu PF would want to push postponing of the 2028 elections making is appear as it is a certainty for the purpose of making the nation panic and draw their attention away the two above tasks. We must not allow ourselves to be caught off guard chasing the postpone 2028 mist, "mambo jumbo", as Professor Moyo called it.4) We demand the rule of law and the guaranteed right of all citizens to a meaning "One man, one vote!" We demand the full implementation of all the democratic reforms to guarantee free and fair elections and democratic rule. Zanu PF thugs have been a law unto themselves; no one should ever be above the law ever again.
Astonishingly, writers Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have fashioned a taut and gripping thriller from 10 years of international climate change negotiations that resulted in the symbolically huge but eventually neutered 1997 Kyoto protocol. Their play gets a bravura, showmanlike production from directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin for the Royal Shakespeare Company  a troupe thats alive to big themes, betrayals and manipulations, and the slipperiness of language, which is important here.

A strong ensemble showcases a seductively charismatic central performance from Stephen Kunken, recognisable from Billions, The Handmaids Tale, and many more. Here, hes lawyer Don Pearlman, a strutting stork of a man funded by Big Oil and driven by American exceptionalism to thwart, undermine or derail any consensus on limiting carbon emissions.

Hes charming, amoral, devilishly persuasive, but were all villains here. Miriam Beuthers set is a circular conference table-turned-stage, that turns the audience ringing it on all sides into complicit delegates. As Pearlman says, anyone who has driven a car or turned on a light has paid his wages.

Though the tendrils of activism, denialism and disinformation stretch back and forward in time, we begin in 1989, with the end of Ronald Reagans presidency and the birth pangs of the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The meetings of the latter, where nations wrangled for days over single sentences and words in a declaration of shared intent, develop into the COP (Council of Parties) summits.

I know. Its boggling. Dont worry. At least half of it went over my head. But the two Joes (who set up the Good Chance Theatre in a Calais refugee camp in 2015 then created a stunning play about it, The Jungle, in London in 2017) adroitly distill characters, finesse ideas and crunch data. This, along with the polish of Daldry and Martins production, can give the play a facile sheen.

Most of the actors play generic representations of their nation or bloc. Tanzania (Aicha Kossoko) represents Africa; Raad Rawis Saudi Arabia embodies all the Arab petro-states; Togo Igawas Japan is a collage of national stereotypes embracing kimonos, cherry blossoms, and honour.

Jorge Bosch gets a bit more character to play with as Argentinian delegate Raul, whose charm hides a devastating effectiveness, and Nancy Crane is amusingly sweary as the American envoy. The double-act of Angela Merkel and John Prescott at the Kyoto summit gets easy laughs.

Pearlmans corruption is underlined by the fact hes an indifferent husband, a bad dad and a compulsive smoker. The tobacco industry wrote the playbook (deny, discredit, sabotage, then pivot) the oil industry followed. Guess what kills Pearlman? Hint, its not a car.

I dont mean to sound snippy. One can see the two Joes workings but that doesnt make this play any less impressive. It has an urgent propulsive thrust and is genuinely daring: a polyglot argument about punctuation is far, far funnier than it should be.

Climate change is so existentially threatening and politically charged its tempting to just look away. A sleek, smart play that lays out issues that were obvious in 1997  and 1988 and 1959  is welcome.

@sohoplace, to May 3; book tickets here.
Assyrian Churches in Mosul Yet to Be Rebuilt 10 Years After ISIS

In Mosul's Old City, the Housh al-Bai'ah complex, once a site of Christian heritage containing four churches, remains largely in ruins with only one church within the complex has been fully restored.

This slow pace of reconstruction has left many Christian families hesitant to return.

A Community Devastated

Priest Raed Adel, who oversees Mosul's churches, detailed the extent of the destruction. "The number of churches completely or partially destroyed in central Mosul, excluding the plains and outskirts, is 35. Only a few have been partially rebuilt," he told Shafaq News.

"Since the transformations Iraq has gone through, particularly during ISIS's control, Christians have been heavily targeted. Churches and places of worship were burned, properties destroyed, and families forcibly displaced," Adel said.

"The Christian population in Mosul dropped from 50,000 to just 3,000 by 2014, and after that, no Christians remained in the city," he added.

While some families have returned since ISIS's defeat in 2017, their numbers remain minimal.

"Today, only 60 to 70 Christian families are left in Mosul. Many more want to return but need sincere support from the government and international organizations," Adel emphasized.

Iraq's Christian population, which exceeded 1.5 million two decades ago, has now dwindled to fewer than 250,000. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom attributes this decline to targeted violence, political instability, and a lack of governmental support.

UNESCO's Role in Restoring the Houshal-Bai'ah Complex

The Housh al-Bai'ah, a complex that includes churches of the Syriac Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Chaldean Catholic traditions, has seen minimal reconstruction. The one church, however, that has seen reconstruction, is the Church of al-Tahera for Syriac Catholics, which was restored as part of UNESCO's Revive the Spirit of Mosul Initiative. The Church of al-Tahera has been fully rebuilt with support from UNESCO and funding from the UAE. The Pope even prayed there during his visit to Iraq.

UNESCO's Revive the Spirit of Mosul Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to rebuild key cultural landmarks destroyed during the war with ISIS. While the UAE has provided critical funding, the organization remains dependent on international donations to expand its scope.

However, Ayoob Thanoon, head of the Mosul Heritage Foundation and ambassador for UNESCO's initiative, clarified that the project still has some limitations.

"The restoration of al-Tahera was completed three months ago, but there is no funding to rebuild the other churches in the Houshal-Bai'ah complex," Thanoon said.

UNESCO's efforts have also extended to other prominent landmarks, including the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Hour, which was restored in April 2024. However, financial constraints remain a significant barrier to further progress.

"UNESCO operates based on the funding it receives," explained Rakan al-Allaf, UNESCO's director in Mosul. "The UAE's financial contributions were allocated to rebuilding the al-Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret, and the al-Tahera Church, which is over 250 years old. But we have no funding for the Syriac Orthodox Church of al-Tahera, the Armenian Orthodox Church, or the Old al-Tahera Church."

Challenges and Hope for the Future

While UNESCO has drawn up plans to restore these churches, no country has offered the necessary financial support yet.

"We've prepared a program to reconstruct and restore these churches, but no grants have been provided to start the work," al-Allaf said.

Mosul's Houshal-Bai'ah Churches struggle to recover from ISIS destruction

Shafaq News/ The historic churches of Houshal-Bai'ah in Mosul are grappling with significant neglect, with only one of them having been fully restored. Despite their cultural and religious importance to the region, many of these churches remain in disrepair.

Father Raed Adel, the head of Christian churches in Mosul, told Shafaq News that 35 churches, monasteries, and Christian worship centers were either partially or completely destroyed in central Mosul, not including the surrounding areas. Only a few have been partially rebuilt.

Father Adel explained that the targeting of Christians escalated after ISIS took control of Mosul, with churches burned, Christian properties destroyed, and families forced to flee. As a result, the Christian population in the city dropped from 50,000 in 2014 to just 3,000, with no Christians remaining in Mosul after the militant group's occupation.

"Some displaced Christians have returned to Mosul after 2017, but everything was in ruins," Father Adel added. "It wouldn't be difficult for Christian families to return if the government and international organizations provide real support."

Currently, only 60-70 Christian families remain in Mosul, with more families expressing interest in returning, contingent on government provisions.

UNESCO initiatives in Mosul's restoration efforts

UNESCO has played a significant role in the restoration of Mosul's cultural heritage, focusing on the city's historic churches and landmarks. One of the major achievements was the full restoration of the Church of Al-Tahera, a Syrian Catholic church in the Houshal-Bai'a hcomplex, which was completed with the support of the UAE. This church, a symbol of Mosul's Christian heritage, was also the site of a historic prayer led by Pope Francis during his visit to Iraq.

In 2021, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Christian Endowment Bureau, UNESCO drafted plans for rebuilding the Church of Al-Tahera to its original state, following its destruction by ISIS. This restoration was part of UNESCO's broader initiative, "Reviving the Spirit of Mosul," which aims to preserve and restore the city's cultural landmarks.

However, other churches in the complex have not received similar attention. Ayoub Dhonon, head of the Mosul Heritage Foundation and UNESCO's Mosul Spirit Ambassador, stated that while there was financial support for Al-Tahera's restoration, no funding has been allocated for the other churches in Houshal-Bai'ah.

Al-Tahera Church is the second major landmark rebuilt by UNESCO, following the completion of the restoration of the Dominican Fathers' Monastery of Our Lady of the Hour in April 2024.

Rakan al-Alaf, UNESCO's representative in Mosul and supervisor of the restoration of the Great Al-Nuri Mosque, the Al-Hadba Minaret, and the churches of the Hour and Al-Tahera, explained that UNESCO operates according to available international funding.

"The financial support from the UAE has been designated for rebuilding Al-Nuri Mosque, the Al-Hadba Minaret, and the 250-year-old Al-Tahera Church, all of which have been fully restored," said al-Alaf.

However, he confirmed that UNESCO has yet to receive funding to restore the Syrian Orthodox Church of Al-Tahera, the Armenian Church, and the ancient Al-Tahira Church located at the intersection of Nabi Korkis Street and the Nineveh Road in the heart of Old Mosul.

UNESCO has outlined a program for the restoration and repair of these churches but has not yet received any financial contributions from other nations to proceed with the work.
73-year-old crab farmer rescues two people from river

(People's Daily App) 13:56, January 17, 2025

A young driver, distracted while behind the wheel, loses control of his car and plunges into a river with his passenger. Hearing their cries, a 73-year-old crab farmer rows over, rescues both, and brings them safely to shore in Shajiabang town of Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province on December 22, 2024.

(Source: Suzhou Broadcasting System)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
TEN silver centenarian coins along with letters and centenarian bounty cheques from the President of Ireland are to be returned to the office of the President of Ireland.

That was the ruling of Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court on Friday when a Police Property Application came before him for consideration.

Those with an interest in the property - Aras An Uachtarain along with Seamus and Margaret Bergin had been notified that the issue was coming before the court for consideration.

Solicitor Philip Meagher who had represented Margaret Bergin, who had been jailed for Social Welfare fraud, said that she had no interest in laying claim to the items The application before Judge Cody concerned the property and cheques that were issued by The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on behalf of the State to the late John Bergin, who died over 30 years ago in November 1993.

Judge Cody noted that : No effort was made to register his death by his son Seamus or daughter-in-law Margret. He said Margaret Bergin had pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and larceny relating to the claiming of her late father-in-laws pension over a period in excess of 28 years.

Judge Cody said the issue surrounding the medals and centenarian bounty cheques, only came to light when an amateur genealogist by the name of Mr McCoy was undertaking research and discovered that there was a person purportedly living in Laois by the name of John Bergin who was reputedly 110-years of age and contacted the office of the President to inquire about their records relating to the late John Bergin and the centenarian bounty. Gardai were subsequently alerted and they conducted a search of the Bergin home and found, in a handbag belonging to Margret Bergin, the 10 silver centenarian coins, the letters from the President and the 10 centenarian bounty cheques.

Mrs Bergin was arrested and acknowledged she had claimed the pension falsely or that she had signed documents in the name of the late Mr John Bergin.

Judge Cody said: While Margret Bergin received a sentence of five years and six months for Social Welfare fraud and Judge Johnson suspended the final three years and six months of that sentence for a period of six years, she was not prosecuted for any offence involving the centenarians letters, cheques or coins and accordingly these were not the subject matter of any criminal prosecution. In his sentencing Judge Johnson said the following:-I cannot believe that correspondence which had been received at least annually in the name of John Bergin could not have been seen by other members of the household particularly the correspondence and centenarian coins from Aras An Uachtarain which would have been unique and noticeable..... I cannot help but feel, despite her assertions to the contrary, that Mrs Bergin has allowed herself to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the offending and that full responsibility does not rest exclusively with her. Judge Cody went on to say: In my view the responsibility for dealing with any correspondence arriving to any household decades after a person has passed away rests with their next of kin, living at that address, and in this case that is his son Seamus. In relation to this application John Bergins son Seamus continued for 10 years to accept these coins, cheques and letters without ever alerting the President's office or returning them to their rightful owner.

I am satisfied that these medals were in the possession of Seamus Bergin and/or Margret Bergin as a result of deliberate and repeated fraud and have no rightful claim whatsoever on the medals, letters and coins I am satisfied that they should be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland. The Police Property Act provides that a can make an order for the delivery of the property to the person appearing to the court to be the rightful owner or, if the owner cannot be ascertained, make such order as the court considers proper. This may be done even if no person has been charged with an offence in connection with the property in question.

The tradition by which centenarians receive what is described as a bounty goes back to the first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde in the 1940s and people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of 2,540, a letter from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity and a special commemorative coin. Similar gifts and letters are sent on their 101st and every subsequent birthday.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Northern Ireland has restricted animal imports from an area of Germany following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the region's Agriculture Minister has said.

Following an Executive meeting on Thursday, Andrew Muir said the emergence of FMD in a herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg, north of Berlin, was of significant concern for farmers in Northern Ireland.

FMD is a severe and highly contagious viral disease which can affect cattle, sheep and pigs.

Mr Muir said: The emergence of FMD in Germany is a significant concern, not only for our livestock owners but also for the entire agricultural sector across the UK, Ireland and the EU.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said there was significant concern over the FMD outbreak in Germany (Liam McBurney/PA)

My department has robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and our food security and I want to set out what is happening to mitigate any risk.

I understand that German officials have taken, and are continuing to take, steps to mitigate against onward spread of the disease, including the culling and safe disposal of all animals of susceptible species and the establishment of disease control zones.

These steps are designed to ensure that the disease does not leave the area currently affected.

The minister said to date German authorities have not detected any further cases.

He added: To protect Northern Ireland, we have strict import controls in place prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products from FMD-affected areas.

That means that all susceptible species and their products from disease control zones in Germany are restricted from moving to Northern Ireland.

I am in regular contact with my DAFM (the Republic's Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine) counterpart, Charlie McConalogue, to discuss the approach across the island of Ireland and, recognising the importance of a co-ordinated approach, will be seeking a meeting with the incoming agriculture minister in the days ahead.

I am also meeting next week with the Secretary of State for NI and the relevant UK Government Minister, Baroness Hayman, and will be working closely with my ministerial counterparts to ensure a collaborative response to this issue across the UK.

Our chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, is also maintaining close contact with his counterparts across these islands.

Mr Dooher said FMD can have devastating consequences for our farming community.

He added: It is only through responsible sourcing and excellent biosecurity that we will keep foot-and-mouth disease out of Northern Ireland.

Continued vigilance is vital  livestock keepers are reminded to adhere to high levels of biosecurity and to remain alert and report any unusual symptoms promptly to a veterinarian or directly to DAERA.

The DAERA website contains important information on clinical signs and the steps livestock keepers should take to protect their animals.

On Wednesday, DUP MP Carla Lockhart raised concerns that the British governments ban on pig, sheep and cattle imports from Germany announced earlier this week did not apply to Northern Ireland, which through the Windsor Framework remains aligned to the EU in a number of areas, including animal and plant health rules.
The Inefficiencies and Inequities of Traditional Schooling with New Age Schooling

PRNewswire

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 17: In today's fast-paced world, traditional schools often fall short of meeting modern learners' evolving needs. Rigid schedules, a one-size-fits-all approach, and limited access to diverse resources hinder students' growth. GoSchool, a new-age international school, redefines education with its innovative, flexible, and personalized learning model.

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A New Era in Education

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1. Flexible Learning:

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2. Personalized Education:

Through learner profiling and customized learning plans, GoSchool ensures each student receives an education aligned with their goals and strengths.

3. Global Exposure:

Affiliated with Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, GoSchool provides a globally recognized curriculum, preparing students for worldwide opportunities.

Addressing Traditional Schooling Challenges

Rigid Schedules:

Fixed timetables in conventional schools often add unnecessary stress. GoSchool's flexibility empowers students to design study schedules that suit their needs.

Lack of Personalization:

Recognizing that every child is unique, GoSchool creates tailored curricula to match individual learning styles and aspirations.

Limited Access to Quality Education:

By leveraging online platforms, GoSchool delivers world-class teaching and resources to students regardless of location or economic barriers.

Beyond Academics

GoSchool prioritizes holistic development through:

* Comprehensive Support: One-to-one mentoring, progress monitoring, and technical assistance.

* Mental Well-being: Qualified counselors guide students through challenges, ensuring mental health support.

* Skill Development: Clubs, workshops, and real-world projects foster critical thinking and practical skills.

Competency-Based Progression

Unlike traditional age-based advancement, GoSchool adopts competency-based progression, ensuring mastery of concepts before moving forward.

Preparing for a Global Future

GoSchool combines academics with life skills, emphasizing adaptability, critical thinking, and global readiness. It's more than a school--it's a launchpad for future leaders and innovators.

For parents seeking flexible, personalized, and world-class education, GoSchool is the answer.

Visit: www.go-school.in

Call: 91794 69179

Email: admission@go-school.in

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599931/GoSchool.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551306/5120223/GoSchool_Logo.jpg

CONTACT: Dr Thomas V Aghamkar, +91 8055870956, thomas.aghamkar@go-education.in

(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)

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Beijing, January 17: Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, official media here reported. The phone conversation between the two leaders comes just three days before Trump's inauguration ceremony on Jan 20. Nita Ambani, Mukesh Ambani To Attend US President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Ceremony.

Xi has deputed Vice-President Han Zheng to attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony, marking the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a US presidential inauguration, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

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Mangaluru, Jan 17 (PTI) A gang of armed robbers looted valuables worth an estimated Rs 10 crore to Rs 12 crore from the Sahakari Sangh Bank in Kotekar, Mangaluru on Friday, police said.

The heist occurred between 11.30 am and 12.30 pm, with the assailants fleeing in a blue Fiat car, police added.

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According to police, a group of five to six masked men, aged between 25 and 35, entered the bank armed with a pistol, a sword, and a knife.

Speaking in Hindi, they allegedly threatened the staff and forced them to open the vault containing gold jewellery and other valuables. At the time of the incident, four to five employees were present in the bank, police said.

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Preliminary estimates suggest the stolen items are valued between Rs 10 crore and Rs 12 crore, though a detailed assessment is yet to be completed, the police said.

The police have launched a probe, forming multiple teams to track down the suspects using technical surveillance and other available leads.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was in the city at the time, was informed about the robbery and held a meeting with top police officials, including Inspector General of the Western Range Amit Singh, Commissioner of Police Mangaluru City Anupam Agarwal, and Superintendent of Police N Yathish. Speaker U T Khader was also present at the meeting.

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Mangaluru (Karnataka), Jan 17 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Friday said a report on caste census in the state would be tabled in the next meeting of the Cabinet.

The Karnataka Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, commonly known as the 'Karnataka caste census', was originally scheduled to be presented in the state cabinet meeting on January 16.

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"We didn't table the caste census in this cabinet meeting but we will table it in the next meeting," he told reporters here. Asked what was there in the report, he said, "I don't know what is there because it has not been tabled yet."

On the Mangaluru bank heist, the chief minister said he has instructed police to find out the culprits.

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Caste census has emerged as a contentious issue, particularly among the state's dominant communities -- the Lingayats and Vokkaligas -- who have expressed reservations about the survey done, calling it "unscientific" and have demanded that it be rejected and a fresh survey be conducted.

The survey was commissioned by the previous Congress government in 2015, with then Backward Classes Commission chairman H Kantharaju heading the committee.

The survey, conducted at a cost of approximately Rs 169 crore, was completed by 2016 but subsequent governments kept it in cold storage. In 2020, the BJP government appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the commission chief. Hegde submitted the final report to the Siddaramaiah government on February 29, 2024.

Hegde had said the report was prepared based on data collected by 1.6 lakh officials, including 1.33 lakh teachers, under the leadership of respective deputy commissioners across the state.

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New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the plea of Lakshay Vij, who is a charge-sheeted accused in the Trans Cyber cheating case.

Vij has challenged an order passed by the trial court rejecting his plea seeking the opportunity to be heard on the point of cognizance in terms of proviso to Section 223, BNSS, 2023.

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Justice Vikas Mahajan issued a notice to ED and sought a response. The matter has been listed on January 22 for further hearing.

Lakshay Vij has moved an application through advocate Prabhav Ralli against the order of January 4, 2025, passed by the special judge at Rouse Avenue Courts. ED has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Vij.

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Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa and advocate Prabhav Ralli appeared for Lakshay Vij.

It was submitted by the counsel that after the filing of the prosecution complaint on September 19, 2024, Vij had filed an application seeking the opportunity to be heard on the point of cognizance in terms of the proviso to Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023. The same was rejected by the court.

It is also submitted that as per provisions of Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023 to PMLA, 2002, it is the sacrosanct right of the accused, in cases instituted upon a complaint, to be heard at the time of cognizance.

The Enforcement Directorate had registered a case in the matter on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI.

The plea has mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation, International Operations Division, registered on July 4, 2023 for the commission of alleged offences under 120-B read with 419 and 420 of IPC. It is pertinent to mention that the applicant was not named in the aforesaid FIR.

It is also mentioned that the ED had recorded an ECIR on December 4, 2023, under sections 3 and 4 of PMLA. The petitioner was arrested by the ED on July 7, 2024, and the prosecution complaint was filed on September 9, 2024.

It is submitted that on January 5, the trial court rejected the plea of the petitioner while holding that the proviso to Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023 would not apply to a complaint under the PMLA, 2002, and proceeded to list the matter for arguments on cognizance from the side of the prosecution on January 18. (ANI)

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Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 17 (ANI): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Raipur Zonal Office arrested Kawasi Lakhma (MLA) on Wednesday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the Liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh. He was produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur and the Court granted ED custody of Kawasi Lakhma for six days i.e. till 21.01.2025. Kawasi Lakhma was the Excise Minister in the state of Chhattisgarh during the material period of the liquor scam, said a press release on Friday.

ED initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by ACB/EOW Chhattisgarh under various sections of IPC, 1860 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in the said Liquor scam in the State of Chhattisgarh, added the statement.

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ED investigation revealed that Kawasi Lakhma was allegedly aware of the complete affairs of the Excise Department including liquor scan, yet he did nothing to stop the illegal and unauthorized operations. He played an important role in policy change which led to the introduction of the FL-10A license in the state of Chhattisgarh. He was an integral part of the syndicate and actively assisted the syndicate by manoeuvring processes and procedures as per their direction. Investigation conducted has revealed that Kawasi Lakhma was receiving not less than Rs 2 Crore per month out of Proceeds of Crime (POC) being generated out of the liquor scam. An investigation conducted by ED has been able to collect evidence linking the use of POC obtained by Kawasi Lakhma in the construction of immovable properties, the release said.

ED investigation has revealed that the corruption in the liquor scam (which took place between 2019 to 2022) was resorted to in multiple ways: PART-A Commission: Bribe was collected from the "various distillers" on the basis of "each Case of liquor procured from them by the CSMCL (State body for purchase and sale of liquor)". PART-B Kacha liquor sale: Sale of unaccounted kacha off-the-books Country Liquor. In this case, not even a single rupee reached the State Exchequer, and all the sale proceeds were pocketed by the Syndicate. The illegal liquor was sold from State-run shops only. PART-C commission: Bribes taken from distillers to allow them to make a cartel and have a fixed market share. Commission from FL-10A License Holders who were introduced to earn in the foreign liquor segment also, added the release.

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ED investigation has revealed that the Chhattisgarh Liquor scam resulted in massive loss to the State Exchequer and filled the pockets of the beneficiaries of the Liquor Syndicate with more than Rs 2100 Crore of illegal POC, said the release.

Earlier, Anil Tuteja, Ex-IAS officer, Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar and Arun Pati Tripathi were also arrested by ED in the matter. Further investigation is under progress. More details into the matter are awaited. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage-IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following a notable improvement in air quality.

The decision was made after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed data on January 16.

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"The Sub-Committee decides to revoke with immediate effect, its orders dated 15.01.2025, for invoking actions under Stage-lV ('Severe+'Air Quality) of extant Schedule of GRAP," CAQM said in an official order.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped to 302, categorised as "Very Poor," from the "Severe+" levels of over 400 recorded earlier this week. This improvement is attributed to favourable meteorological conditions, including rain and improved wind speed. However, actions under GRAP Stages I, II, and III will remain in force to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

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The order further reads, "As per the Air Quality & Weather forecast provided by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of AQI to remain in the lower end of Very Poor category in the coming days owing to the favourable meteorological conditions and wind speed. However, only as a matter of precaution, considering the uncertainties in the model predictions and abrupt fluctuations in the meteorological factors, it was opined that Stage III of GRAP may be continued with and the situation be reviewed subsequently."

On Wednesday, CAQM invoked Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) and Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective immediately across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated.

The Directorate of Education, Delhi government issued orders to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI.

The order applies to all government, government-aided, unaided recognized private schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

The official order reads, "All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX & XI in a 'Hybrid Mode' i.e., both in physical and online mode." (ANI)

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New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Asserting that an 'open economy and closed mind model' won't work, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Friday accused the Modi government of attacking the idea of scientific temper and said this was "very dangerous" for the country's future.

He also claimed that a systematic attack was being carried out on rationality, science and democracy under the current regime.

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Speaking at a seminar titled 'Nehru's Legacy Revisited -- Defending Rationality, Science, and Democracy in Contemporary India' at the Jawahar Bhawan here, Ramesh said that in the last 100 years, if there has been one person who has talked and written about scientific temper it is India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

He said that in the Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) of 1958, Nehru purposely used the word scientific as he believed it was not just about science but about nurturing scientific temper.

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"Whenever he used to speak, he used to say that scientific temper is our legacy not a foreign idea. In the modern sense, scientific temper is a swadeshi idea," Ramesh pointed out.

The Congress leader said that it is well-known that Nehru built numerous scientific institutions but more important was his stress on developing a scientific temper.

"Anyone can built laboratories, they are being built now as well, but what happens inside them is what is more important," Ramesh said.

"Today everyone talks of science, the PM also does. But is there scientific thinking, is there a scientific view, these are important questions," he said.

"I believe that democracy is being attacked but there is also an attack on this scientific temper, there is an attempt to tell the current generation through textbooks that roots of modern science are in our ancient history. Whatever we had to know we had learnt earlier. This is very dangerous for our future," the Congress leaders said.

Hitting out at the Modi government, Ramesh said all scientific institutions were being attacked in a "systematic manner".

"Democracy, rationality, scientific temper, science, these are all contributions of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru," he said, adding, "An open economy and a closed mind is a dangerous combination."

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh said when any missile is successfully tested, the PM praises DRDO which was established during Nehru's time.

He also recalled how Nehru came to agree with rights activist Vinoba Bhave that future belongs to science and spirituality.

He urged people that in accordance with the idea of having a scientific temper, they must ask questions as only through this truth can come out.

Historian Aditya Mukherjee, poet and writer Ashok Vajpayee, Jawaharlal Nehru University Professor R Mahalakshmi, CSIR scientist (retd) and poet Gauhar Raza and Associate Professor Delhi University Abha Dev Habib also spoke at the seminar.

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New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) India on Friday welcomed the US lifting restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities and said the move will open up new avenues for collaboration in the civil-nuclear field.

The US on Wednesday removed restrictions on Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths (IRE).

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The decision came over a week after NSA Jake Sullivan announced that Washington was finalising steps to "remove" hurdles for civil nuclear partnership between Indian and American firms.

"It is a welcome step," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular media briefing.

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"These (BARC, IGCAR and IRE) were in the entity list of the US for several years now. With this action by the US government, it will lead to greater collaboration between India and the US in the field of nuclear energy and also in the field of critical minerals," he said.

Jaiswal indicated that efforts will be put in to address issues relating to nuclear liability.

Certain clauses in India's nuclear liability norms have emerged as hurdles in moving forward in implementation of the historic India-US civil nuclear deal that was firmed up around 16 years back.

"These are steps which will now be discussed. It will open up new avenues of collaboration in the civil-nuclear field and hopefully questions about liability etc will also be discussed and taken forward," Jaiswal said.

The removal of restrictions on the three key Indian entities is being seen as an attempt by the outgoing Biden administration to facilitate the implementation of the landmark India-US civil nuclear pact.

India and the US unveiled an ambitious plan to co-operate in civil nuclear energy in July 2005 following then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's meeting with American President George W Bush.

The historic civil nuclear agreement was finally sealed around three years later following a series of negotiations.

It was expected to pave the way for allowing the US to share civilian nuclear technology with India.

"The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the US and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Matthew Borman on Wednesday.

"This action aligns with and supports the overall ambition and strategic direction of the US-India partnership," he had said.

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Malda (WB), Jan 17 (PTI) The main accused in the murder of a TMC worker earlier this week in West Bengal's Malda district was arrested by the police on Friday evening, an officer said.

Zakir Sheikh was arrested by police from National Highway 34 near Yadupur, the officer said.

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The arrest follows an investigation into the brutal killing of TMC worker Hasu Sheikh in the Mominpara Nayabasti area of Yadupur gram panchayat.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Hasu Sheikh was murdered, and TMC leaders Bakul Sheikh and Esaruddin Sheikh were attacked and severely injured.

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The injured leaders are currently undergoing treatment at Malda Medical College.

In the aftermath of the crime, Amir Hamza, another suspect, was arrested within 24 hours by the police.

Following this, extensive searches were launched to capture Zakir Sheikh, who was allegedly the mastermind behind the murder and the attacks on the two TMC leaders.

Police used drones and sniffer dogs in the operation, which ultimately led to Zakir's arrest.

Zakir Sheikh, a former TMC worker who joined the ruling party in October 2024, is suspected to be the main mastermind behind the killing.

Sources suggest that Zakir had been involved in a territorial dispute, which may have led to the incident.

The arrest of Zakir Sheikh was confirmed by the Malda SP Pradeep Kumar Yadav in a statement.

He further added that police are continuing their search for other suspects involved in the attack.

Earlier, Amir Hamza, identified as Zakir's associate, was apprehended in connection with the murder of TMC worker Hasu Sheikh.

Local reports have indicated that Hamza and Zakir had connections with the TMC, though party officials have denied any affiliation between them and the opposition's claims.

The arrest has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the state of law and order in the region.

This incident follows the murder of another TMC leader, Dulal Sarkar, in the district earlier this month, adding to the political tensions in the area.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure 100 per cent implementation of new criminal laws in the state at the earliest.

Shah's direction came while chairing a review meeting in the national capital to assess the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the state-- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023.

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The Home Minister suggested that the MP Chief Minister should review the progress of implementing the three new laws monthly, the Chief Secretary every 15 days, and the Director General of Police (DGP) weekly, along with officials from all relevant departments.

He also directed the DGP to sensitize all police personnel, emphasizing that delivering timely justice should be their top priority.

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The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Madhya Pradesh. The Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police from Madhya Pradesh, the Director General of BPR&D, the Director General of NCRB, and several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the state government attended the meeting.

During the discussion in the meeting, the Union Home Minister noted that the essence of the three new criminal laws lies in the provision of delivering justice within three years, from the filing of an FIR till the verdict comes from the Supreme Court.

Appreciating the efforts made so far by the Madhya Pradesh government in implementing the new criminal laws, the Home Minister emphasized the need for their 100 per cent implementation in the state at the earliest.

Shah mentioned that before registering cases under sections related to terrorism and organized crime, senior police officials should examine whether the case qualifies for the application of those sections. He emphasized that any misuse of these legal provisions would undermine the sanctity of the new criminal laws.

The Minister emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of the conversion of ZERO FIRs into regular FIRs. He also suggested establishing a system to enable the transfer of FIRs between two states through CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems).

Shah also stressed upon ensuring the availability of more than one forensic science mobile van in every district. Additionally, he underlined the importance of constructing an adequate number of cubicles in hospitals and jails to facilitate evidence recording through video conferencing.

He stated that in cases related to national security, trial in absentia should be initiated against fugitives who have been absconding from the country for a long time.

The Minister mentioned that the Indian Civil Security Code includes provisions for Trial in Absentia, enabling action against such fugitive offenders. He also urged the state government to ensure that funds allocated under ICJS (Inter-operable Criminal Justice System) are utilized strictly in accordance with the standards set by the Central government.

The Home Minister stated that the police should provide information about individuals detained for interrogation on an electronic dashboard. "Additionally, details of seizure lists and cases sent to courts should also be made available on the dashboard," directed Shah. He directed the state's DGP to ensure continuous monitoring of these matters.

Shah emphasized the recruitment of officers with expertise in forensic science and suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government should sign an MoU with the National Forensic Science University for this purpose.

He also recommended providing opportunities to students with backgrounds in physics and chemistry by offering diploma courses in forensic science and subsequently recruiting them.

On the provisions for electronic evidence in the new laws, the Home Minister stated that the state's Home and Health Departments should hold meetings to ensure hospitals provide post-mortem and other medical reports electronically. He noted that Madhya Pradesh is a leader in the implementation of e-summons and urged the state government to establish a system where officials from other states can visit Madhya Pradesh to understand the successful implementation of e-summons.

He emphasized the need for a robust legal aid system to ensure justice for the underprivileged and stressed the importance of providing the necessary training for this purpose.

The Minister stated stated that it is the government's responsibility to ensure legal aid to poor. (ANI)

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Nagpur, Jan 17 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said noted lawyer Ujjwal Nikam has expressed fear that there could be a political row if he were to be appointed as a special prosecutor in the Beed sarpanch murder case.

The government has requested Nikam, who has represented the state in high-profile cases such as the 1993 Mumbai blasts, to appear as a prosecutor in the murder case of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, Fadnavis told reporters here. "During a conversation with advocate Nikam, he expressed apprehension that politics will be done over his appointment, and he feels it would not be right," he said.

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"I think doing politics over his appointment is like protecting the guilty, as Nikam has a track record of getting the culprits convicted in any case he takes up," the chief minister added.

"I think Nikam will take the case," he said.

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Nikam, notably, had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central constituency on the BJP ticket but lost to Varsha Gaikwad of the Congress.

Meanwhile, asked about the Delhi assembly polls, Fadnavis said people had lost faith in Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party, and want a BJP government. "The BJP will form government in Delhi," he said.

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New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran on his 108th birth anniversary on Friday.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1880104763968397587

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In a post on X, PM Modi wrote 'I pay homage to Thiru MGR on his birth anniversary. We are greatly inspired by his efforts to empower the poor and build a better society.'

Along, with the post he posted a short video in honour of AIADMK's founder, depicting his political journey.

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Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai also paid tribute to the former Chief Minister, "Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Bharat Ratna recipient and revolutionary leader MGR is on his birthday today. He focused on the advancement of the marginalized people. He implemented visionary projects that improved the entire Tamil community, such as healthcare, vocational training programs, self-employment programs, educational infrastructure, women's development, and nutritious meals for school students. He held the World Tamil Conference and made Tamil proud. We pay tribute to Dr. MGR, a great nationalist who worked for the advancement of the socially and economically backward people."

In its official message the AIADMK said, " The wisdom that laid out public welfare plans, A great heart that beat for the poor. Happy 108th birthday to MGR who will live in our hearts then, today, and forever."

MGR was born Marudur Gopala Menon Ramachandran on January 17, 1917, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama, who were Nairs from Kerala.

The actor-turned-politician MGR founded his party AIADMK after a feud with DMK chief M Karunanidhi in 1972.

MG Ramachandran, founder of AIADMK served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for ten years between 1977 and 1987. MGR was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1988.

MG Ramachandran made his acting debut in the 1936 film 'Sathi Leelavathi,' directed by Ellis R. Dungan. He gained popularity with the 1954 picture 'Malaikkallan.' He also won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film 'Rickshawkaran' in 1972.

He received Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Actor for the film 'Adimaippenn.' (ANI)

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Kolkata, Jan 17 (PTI) A day before a court in Kolkata is set to deliver its verdict in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, the parents of the victim doctor alleged that the investigation is half-done as others involved in the crime are roaming free.

Her parents said they will continue to fight until justice is delivered to their daughter whose body was found in the seminar room of the state-run hospital on August 9 last year, sparking nationwide outrage and prolonged protests.

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Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was charged with committing the crime and was arrested on August 10. Additional district and sessions judge of Sealdah court, where the trial of the case concluded on January 9, is scheduled to pass its judgement on Saturday.

"Sanjay (Roy) is guilty, and tomorrow's verdict will be against him. But what about other criminals who are still not caught? I can see them roaming freely. I have seen them loitering in the hospital. So, the investigation is half-done," she told PTI.

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The mother also stated that biological evidence proved Roy guilty, but she believed that the administration has been shielding several others involved in the crime.

All the evidence were either lost or erased. A large number of people were present when (the then) Police Commissioner Vineet Goel visited the crime scene. It was looking like a fish market. Those seen at the crime scene must be punished," she said.

Purported photographs showing presence of a large number of people in the seminar room after the body was found had gone viral.

"I am yet to know why my daughter was killed in that fashion. What did she come to know that she was not allowed to live?" the mother said.

Speculations were rife that the junior doctor was killed because she came to know of some secrets that the authorities wanted to remain hidden.

The deceased doctor's father also claimed that the investigation was incomplete.

"I do not think Sanjay was alone. There are others who were very much involved in the crime, but they are still free. Hopefully, they will be arrested and their guilt will be proven. Until then, justice is not delivered," the father told PTI.

Her parents said they have faith in the judiciary and will be in the court when the verdict is passed on Saturday.

If Roy is convicted, the court may sentence him either to death or life imprisonment.

Asked whether they want death penalty for Roy, the mother said, "I want punishment for the guilty. The judiciary will decide (on the extent of punishment).

The CBI, which is investigating the case after it was handed over to the agency by the Calcutta High Court, has sought capital punishment for Sanjay. The CBI also said in the court Roy was the sole perpetrator of the crime.

"We are from a very humble background. We did our best to educate our daughter. She was a talented and intelligent girl. I think we have a long road ahead to get justice, the mother said, adding that her days are being spent crying in front of her daughter's photograph.

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Mohali (Punjab) [India], January 17 (ANI): Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian along with MLA Kulwant Singh laid the foundation stone of Saneta's new grain market in Mohali on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, Punjab Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said, "The grain market in Mohali's Saneta has been inaugurated today. It's important to ensure that farmers' crops are stored properly after being harvested, so they don't get spoilt."

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The Punjab Agriculture Minister also spoke about the farmer's protest and said, "The farmers have been trying to go to Delhi for a while, but the central government has been preventing them. They have been seeking to have their demands addressed for a long time, and the central government should agree to their requests."

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court sought from the Punjab government complete comparative medical reports of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, to obtain an opinion from the medical board of AIIMS.

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Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Punjab government, told the bench that there is now a medical facility just 10 meters near the protest site and that Dallewal's parameters are "improving".

The top court was hearing a contempt petition filed against the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab for not complying with the December 20 order of providing medical aid and hospitalisation to Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death since November 26.

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 fast unto death.

The apex court also heard a fresh petition filed by advocate Guninder Kaur Gill which stated that on December 9, 2021, farmers had suspended their year-long agitation with the assurance of the Central government that their demands would be met.

The petition sought direction from the Centre to comply with its proposal of December 9, 2021.

The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Union government, to take instruction from the Centre on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on January 29. (ANI)

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Udhampur/Jammu, Jan 17 (PTI) The newly established Air Squadron of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic milestone with its inaugural flight on Friday.

The event held in Udhampur by its directorate in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh marked a significant step in enhancing training opportunities for the NCC cadets in the region, said a defence spokesperson.

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The 1 J&K Air Squadron NCC, led by its first Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Nitin Yadav, is the only Air NCC unit in the region.

Equipped with microlight aircraft, the squadron aims to provide cadets with hands-on aviation training, fostering leadership skills and preparing them for careers in both the armed forces and civilian life, he said.

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The maiden flight offered an unforgettable experience for the participating cadets.

Cadet Siya Kotwal, who became the first cadet to fly, expressing her excitement said, "Flying was an experience I will never forget. It's a dream come true and an opportunity I never imagined I would get."

Similarly, Cadet Aviral from Army Public School Udhampur shared, "This flying experience has motivated me to pursue my dream of joining the armed forces."

The other cadets, including Akshat Gupta and Bhumika Sharma, echoed similar sentiments, describing the experience as inspiring and unforgettable.

Wing Commander Nitin Yadav highlighted the significance of the occasion.

"This first flight marks the beginning of a new chapter in the NCC's mission to inspire and challenge the youth of our nation. We are proud to provide cadets with opportunities to explore new horizons and enhance their skills," he said.

The event underscores the NCC's commitment to promoting aviation and adventure training among youth.

The 1 J&K Air Squadron NCC is poised to play a key role in expanding aviation training in the region, instilling discipline, confidence and leadership qualities in the next generation.

The initiative is expected to open new avenues for cadets, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development, the spokesperson said.

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New Delhi [India}, January 17 (ANI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that "Lakshadweep is no longer India's hidden paradise. The visit of the honourable Prime Minister has put it on the global tourist map," as per a press release.

"In our country, development is touching the lives of people like the sun touches every part of the earth", he added.

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Speaking at a public function at Panchayat Stage at Agatti Island in Lakshadweep today, the Vice-President said, "My visit is no less than a journey for discovery and personal growth."

Appreciating the pristine beauty and recent development works in Lakshadweep, Dhankhar said, "Lakshadweep, the size may be small, but the heart is very, very large. The Bangaram Island Tent City Resort is a tourist revolution. 17,500 square meter world-class hospitality. It is heaven for tourists....Lakshadweep is more than a group of islands. It defines our culture, unity in diversity and what we mean by good environment".

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Earlier, the Vice-President was received at the airport by Praful Patel, Administrator Union Territory of Lakshadweep and other dignitaries.

The Vice-President and Sudesh Dhankhar were also welcomed by the Girl student band at the Agatti airport.

Praful Patel, Administrator, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed, Member of Lok Sabha and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)

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Jabalpur, January 17: A 42-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur district, a police officer said on Friday. The accused is a neighbour of the minor girl and the incident took place on Wednesday evening at around 8:30 when the victim went to play at the accused's house, the police added. Jabalpur Shocker: 10 Masked Men Armed With Sharp Weapons Kill 65-Year-Old Woman Over Land Dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Ghunsaur Village, Probe Launched.

When the victim's mother came to know about the incident, she approached the Hanumantal police station with her daughter and lodged an FIR against the accused. Hanumantal police station Sub Inspector (SI) Sangeeta Chaudhary told ANI, "On January 16, a complainant along with her five-year-old daughter came to the police station with a written application and lodged a complaint. She told the police that a 42-year-old man, Mohammad Islam, living in her locality exploited her daughter at his house." Jabalpur Shocker: Drunk School Principal Takes Female Teacher to Dumna Road on Pretext of Discussing Work, Forces Her To Drink Alcohol and Smoke Cigarettes Before Harassing Her.

"At around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, the minor girl went to the accused house to play as she had a friendship with the granddaughter of the accused. The granddaughter of the accused was not at home on the incident day following which, the accused assaulted the minor girl," SI Chaudhary said. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections and the police arrested the accused and sent him to jail. The accused lived in the neighbourhood of the victim and both the families knew each other. Further investigation into the matter is underway, she added.

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New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Jio Financial Services Ltd on Friday said its consolidated profit remained flat at Rs 295 crore for the third quarter ended in December 2024.

The company had earned a consolidated net profit of Rs 294 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, Jio Financial Services said in a regulatory filing.

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However, the consolidated net profit of the company stood at Rs 689 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal.

Total income increased to Rs 449 crore, from Rs 414 crore in the third quarter of the previous fiscal. Total expenses also witnessed a year-on-year increase at Rs 131 crore as compared to Rs 99 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

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For the nine months ended December, the company's net profit also improved marginally to Rs 1,296 crore as against Rs 1,294 crore in the same period a year ago.

Jio Financial Services, carved out from Reliance Industries Ltd, is engaged in the business of investing and financing, insurance broking, payment bank and payment aggregator and payment gateway services.

The company and BlackRock have agreed to form a joint venture to enter into the asset management industry and filed for final approval.

The JV company made an application to the Securities and Exchange Board of India on October 19, 2023, for starting a mutual fund business.

Jio Payment Solutions received Online Payment Aggregator license, the company said.

The company also said it has incorporated Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Private Ltd to offer wealth management services in September 2024 and recruitment of senior leadership team of the wealth management company is in progress.

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New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi has barred Pacheli Industrial Finance, a non-banking financial company, and six other entities from the securities market till further orders for alleged financial irregularities and stock manipulation.

Apart from Pacheli Industrial Finance Ltd (PIFL), Abhijit Trading Company Ltd, Calyx Securities Pvt Ltd, Hibiscus Holdings, Avail Financial Services, Edoptica Retail India and Sulphur Securities, are the six entities which were also restrained from the markets.

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In an interim order passed on Thursday, Sebi revealed that PIFL secured loans amounting to Rs 1,000 crore from six entities classified as non-promoters.

These loans were converted into equity through a preferential allotment, resulting in the issuance of over 51 crore shares to the lenders.

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The regulator noted that an investigation into bank account records, however, uncovered that the loan transactions were a sham. Funds were round-tripped between PIFL and the lenders, with the company issuing shares without receiving any legitimate consideration.

"We have witnessed a company (Pacheli Industrial Finance) which was consistently reporting negligible revenues suddenly taking on a Rs 1,000 crore loan without making any disclosures on how the funds will be utilised or the loan serviced, Sebi's Whole-Time Member Ashwani Bhatia said in the order.

The loan, which appears to have been availed from connected entities, was converted into equity. The examination of the bank statements of the company and connected entities prima facie revealed that the funds that were advanced as loan was round tripped and the company ended up issuing shares without receiving any consideration, Bhatia added.

Following the preferential allotment, the six entities collectively hold 99.28 per cent of PIFL's holding, leaving only a minuscule free float of 0.72 per cent.

Through this modus operandi, the company's market capitalisation skyrocketed from Rs 40 crore to over Rs 4,000 crore within eight months, bypassing natural market dynamics, the order said.

With such a small float, natural market dynamics were effectively bypassed becoming a case of the tail wagging the dog, Bhatia observed.

Sebi pointed out the preferential allotment was part of a well-orchestrated scheme to expand Pacheli Industrial Finance's share capital and allocate shares to connected entities without genuine consideration, disadvantaging existing public investors.

Further, the regulator flagged the situation as a potential "pump-and-dump" operation, wherein inflated stock prices attract retail investors before the major shareholders offload their holdings after the lock-in period expires.

Accordingly, Pacheli Industrial Finance and the six other entities were debarred from accessing as well as dealing in the securities markets till further orders and they have been given 21 days to respond to Sebi's findings.

Further, the regulator said that a detailed investigation will be undertaken by Sebi into the issues identified in this order including trades executed in the scrip during the price rise period.

Meanwhile, the regulator has also frozen the shareholding of the six preferential allottees and barred PIFL from accessing the capital markets.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) observed that the urgency of the measures, comes from the lock-in period for the preferential shares expiring in March 2025, raising concerns over potential harm to retail investors.

The order came after Sebi initiated a detailed investigation into trades executed during the price surge period. The scrutiny began after internal alerts were triggered by the inconsistent share price movement of PIFL relative to its financials.

Between December 2, 2024, and January 16, 2025, the company's share price soared by 372 per cent, jumping from Rs 21.02 to Rs 78.2. The stock was also under surveillance, consistently hitting the 5 per cent upper circuit daily since December 9, 2024. The regulator emphasised that the actions were necessary to safeguard retail investors and maintain market integrity.

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Lucknow, Jan 17 (PTI) Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev made a courtesy call on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence here on Friday, according to an official statement.

The founder of the Isha Foundation also met saints at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Thursday.

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In 2022, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the spiritual leader in Lucknow when he reached here with his 'Save Soil' (Mitti Bachao Abhiyan) drive after journeying more than 30,000 kilometres.

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New Delhi, January 17: There is no contradiction of position on the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted on Friday, days after Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said a "degree" of standoff exists between Indian and Chinese militaries in the region. "We do not see any contradiction between what the Army Chief has said and the position we have taken," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Following an understanding reached on October 21, the Indian and Chinese militaries sides completed the disengagement of troops at the two remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Russia on October 23 and agreed to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signalling an intention to normalise the relations. India-China Military Standoff: Situation Sensitive but Stable, Theres Still Degree of Standoff, Says Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Eastern Ladakh.

Last month, NSA Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing and held Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the boundary dispute. At a press conference this week, Gen Dwivedi said there is still a "degree" of standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries and both sides need to sit down and firm up a broader understanding on how to calm down the situation and restore trust. Asked about the Army chief's remarks, Jaiswal said his weekly media briefing that both the Army and the MEA are on thesame page on the issue.

"I would refer to the position taken by the external affairs minister in the parliament. The external affairs minister had made the position very clear with regard to disengagement," Jaiswal said. "Where the October 21st understanding is concerned, our objective has been to ensure patrolling as in the past to the relevant patrolling points as well as resumption of grazing by our civilians as per longstanding practice," he said.

"This is indeed what we have agreed upon with regard to Depsang and Demchok. The terms of the disengagement agreement reached prior to October 21, 2024 continue to hold in relevant areas in eastern Ladakh," he added. Jaiswal also noted that Jaishankar had also underlined that the "task of de-escalation remains to be addressed". "If you take these issues into account, you would realise that there is absolutely no contradiction between the positions taken," he said. India-China Border Row: Indian, Chinese Negotiators Reach Agreement on Patrolling Along LAC in Eastern Ladakh (Watch Video).

In his remarks, Gen Dwivedi, describing the situation in the region as "sensitive but stable", said the corps commanders of the Army have been delegated powers to resolve "trivial" matters or "minor frictions" relating to patrolling and grazing so that they do not become "big" issues later. The Army Chief also said that there was no such thing called buffer zones as a temporary moratorium was put on patrolling in certain areas to avoid chances of violence.

Gen Dwivedi said the Army is looking forward to the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary question of the two countries as well as talks under the framework of WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) on India-China border affairs. We will be moving forward based on the guidance emerging from the meetings, he had said.

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Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Bhakt Narasimha Swami, a spiritual devotee from Johannesburg, South Africa, arrived in Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

While speaking with ANI, Bhakt Narasimha Swami said that although he had heard about the Kumbh Mela for years, he never had the chance to attend.

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"I have come here to attend Kumbh Mela. I heard about it many years ago, but I was unable to come here. Kumbh Mela is a festival where a lot of saints and sadhus come together to get the nectar that's dropped here. I was a young man, but I had a lot of questions. One of the questions was, why do bad things happen to good people like myself," he told ANI.

Narasimha Swami further said that through his exploration of Sanatana Dharma, he discovered the concepts of karma, reincarnation, and samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth).

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He said, "When I came to Sanatana Dharma, I got to know about karma and reincarnation, and how life is a continuous journey and then as we come to this life, we bring our past karma to finish off in this life. So we are in a cycle, samsara. So then, as I was studying, I wanted to know how to come out of this samsara."

Notably, Narasimha Swami was born in 1959. He is the first South African Sannyasi of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He Joined ISKCON in 1986.

According to ISKCON, he served as a book distributor in the early 90's in Birmingham, UK. He also served in South African Temples including Durban and Cape Town in the mid 90's and was in East Africa, Kenya and Uganda from the late 1990's till 2003. He became a sannyasa candidate in 2005 and was initiated into the sannyasa ashrama in 2008.

According to the data released, by 6 pm on Thursday, over three million people visited the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip at the Sangam, with more than one million Kalpvasis and two million additional pilgrims.

Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)

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Washington, Jan 17 (AP) South Dakota Gov Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to lead the agency central to his vision of cracking down on illegal immigration, will face senators Friday at confirmation hearing that will be her first chance to lay out her vision for the sprawling Department of Homeland Security.

Noem, a two-term governor and former US congresswoman, was chosen by the president-elect to lead the department responsible for key immigration and border-related actions that will be central to his plans for mass deportations and tightened access at the border.

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The immigration and border-related agencies Noem would oversee include US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Beyond those agencies, the department is also responsible for securing airline transportation, protecting high-profile dignitaries, responding to natural disasters and more.

She would replace outgoing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was so vilified by Republicans angry at the number of migrants crossing the country's southern border that they impeached him in early 2024.

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Noem would be entering a job that was a pressure cooker under the first Trump administration. Six people cycled through the homeland security secretary position during his four years in office.

So far, she appears to have strong backing from GOP senators who will be crucial to her confirmation.

Sen. Rand Paul, the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee where Noem will testify, said he expected a straightforward hearing.

I'm not aware of any real specific complaints from the Democrats on Kristi Noem, Paul said. I think there's a reasonable chance that she gets some Democrat support.

Still, Democrats are ready to question whether she is qualified to lead a department that is crucial to the country's safety.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat on the committee, said he had serious doubts about her ability to manage this huge organization of such serious consequence to national security.

Noem in recent years became a regular presence in Trump's orbit and at one point was even considered to be his running mate.

After becoming governor, Noem started working closely with Corey Lewandowski, Trump's 2016 campaign manager. Then, during the pandemic, she rose to prominence in conservative circles for resisting most government regulations to slow the spread of infections.

The South Dakota governor has echoed Trump's tough immigration talk.

Now, the situation at our southern border is nothing short of an invasion. And over the last four years, America's border security has been purposely weakened and ignored. Our laws have not been enforced, Noem said during her State of the State address Tuesday. (AP)

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Beijing, Jan 17 (PTI) China on Friday said the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake here has deepened the strategic ties between the two countries as he wrapped up his four-day visit with a tour of Sichuan province.

China and Sri Lanka reached important common understandings on deepening the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here.

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He said the two sides signed an agreement on the Belt and Road cooperation plan besides multiple documents on bilateral cooperation after Dissanayake's talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

The MOUs included the export of agricultural products to China, people's livelihood, and news and broadcasting, among others, he said.

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However, he made no reference to an agreement to build USD 3.7 billion oil refinery project by Chinese firm Sinopec at Hambantota which was announced on Thursday by Sri Lanka coinciding with Dissanayake's visit.

Gua said China attaches high importance to its ties with Sri Lanka in the neighbourhood diplomacy and the two countries have a historic opportunity to build on what has been achieved and take the relationship to the next chapter.

Meanwhile, Dissanayake wrapped up his visit, his second trip abroad after his maiden visit to India last month where he assured the Indian leadership of not allowing Sri Lankan territory to be used against India's security interests.

On the last day of his visit, Dissanayake visited Sichuan province where he held talks with the provincial ruling Communist Party leader Wang Xiaohui and invited more Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka, an official press release issued in Colombo said.

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Washington, Jan 17 (PTI) President-elect Donald Trump will use his Bible, which was given to him by his mother, and the Lincoln Bible for his swearing in on January 20, the inaugural committee announced on Friday.

In 1955, Trump received this Bible to mark his Sunday Church Primary School graduation at First Presbyterian Church, in Jamaica, New York.

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The Bible is a 1953 revised standard version published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in New York and is embossed with his name on the lower portion of the front cover.

The inside cover is signed by church officials and inscribed with the president's name and details of when it was presented, a media release said.

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In addition to Trump's Bible, the Lincoln Bible will be used for this historic ceremony, the announcement said.

The Lincoln Bible was first used on March 4, 1861, for the swearing-in of the 16th president. It has only been used three times since, by President Barack Obama at each of his inaugurations and by President Trump at his first inauguration in 2017.

The burgundy velvet-bound book is part of the collections of the Library of Congress.

Vice President-elect J D Vance will use a family Bible that belonged to his maternal great-grandmother, the inaugural committee said.

His Mamaw' Bonnie presented it to him on September 22, 2003, the day he left home for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Paris Island, South Carolina. The Bible is a King James Version published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, January 17: A 21-year-old electrical engineering student from Pune lost INR 10 lakh to fraudsters who promised her a chance to represent India at the Ms Inter-Continental beauty pageant in Egypt. Between October 1 and November 20 last year, the victim was lured by the offer to participate in the event and was told she would be the countrys representative.

The crooks, who were from Haryana and Gujarat, manipulated the students previous involvement in beauty pageants to gain her trust. Online Trading Scam in Bengaluru: Techie Loses Over INR 1 Crore in Share Market Fraud After Joining Telegram Group.

The fraudsters convinced the student to pay 10 lakh for expenses related to passport, airfare, and visa, with the promise of sending her to Egypt. She even traveled to Jaipur for an event, where she was told she had been directly selected for the international contest. The crooks later sent her a fake airline ticket through social media to further deceive her. QR Code Scam in Madhya Pradesh: 12 Shops, 1 Petrol Pump Targeted As Scammers Replace QR Codes in Khajuraho at Night To Redirect Payments; 1 Arrested As CCTV Footage Surfaces.

The victim realised she had been scammed when her name didnt appear as Indias representative at the contest and the ticket turned out to be fake. The fraudsters ceased communication and refused to refund the money.

The victim filed a complaint with the Sahakarnagar police, who, after verifying the claims, registered an FIR for cheating under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Investigations are ongoing to track down the culprits.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2025 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, January 17: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will "comfortably" form the next government in Delhi, senior party leader Manish Sisodia said on Friday, while asserting that the atmosphere is in favour of bringing Arvind Kejriwal back as chief minister. Sisodia, who is contesting the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls from Jangpura, told PTI in an interview that the people of his constituency are saying that he is going to become the deputy chief minister again.

"The AAP will comfortably form the government in Delhi. It is difficult to estimate the number of seats but based on the good vibes, it can be safely said that the AAP is coming back to power comfortably. There is an atmosphere in Delhi to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister again," he said. Sisodia said people have faith in Kejriwal as he made their lives easier by providing free facilities like water, electricity, bus rides for women, education and healthcare. Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: BJPs Fields Shikha Rai To Challenge Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in Greater Kailash Constituency.

Sisodia, who was the deputy chief minister in the AAP government before his arrest in connection with an excise policy case in March 2023, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is spreading a "lie" that Kejriwal, another accused in the case, cannot become the chief minister of Delhi. "The interesting thing is that the BJP is admitting that Kejriwal is going to be the next chief minister of Delhi. In this propaganda of the BJP lies their disappointment that they are losing (the polls).

"The Supreme Court has nowhere in its order said that Kejriwal cannot become the chief minister. There are minor, temporary conditions that will be lifted just like in my case, but the BJP is lying that Kejriwal cannot become the chief minister," he said. Saying that his poll campaign is going on smoothly, the senior AAP leader claimed that the people of Jangpura identify him as a leader who has performed on the ground and transformed schools in Delhi.

"The people of Jangpura are saying that if Sisodia becomes an MLA, he is going to be the deputy chief minister. Whether I will have some post or not is a thing of the future, but I have promised to the people that I will improve the conditions of every street in Jangpura in five years, just like I changed the picture of the schools, if they elect me as their MLA," he said. Sisodia also asserted that if the AAP retains power in Delhi, it will not let the BJP-led Centre and the lieutenant governor have their say in every matter. Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: AAP Councillors Ravinder Solanki and Narender Girsa Join BJP Ahead of Polls.

"They are there since 2015. They are the same and we are also the same. If they have their say, CCTV cameras will not be installed, new buses will not be procured, schools and hospitals will not be built, electricity will not be free. We will not let them exercise their will, we will do the work for people," he said. The polls to the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled to be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. The contest is being seen as a straight fight between the AAP, in power in the capital since 2015, and the BJP, with the Congress trying hard to regain its lost ground in the city, which it ruled for 15 uninterrupted years till 2013.
New Delhi, January 17: BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday apologised for his controversial reference to AAP MLA Rituraj Jha's surname, as his party sought to put a lid on the row. "I tender an apology with folded hands to all my Purvanchali brothers and sisters. My words have hurt them. I do not want to offer any justification," Poonawalla said in a video message posted on X, adding that he h`as a lot of respect for the hardworking people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Jha 2 Ho Aap: AAP Accuses Shehzad Poonawalla of Abusing, Disrespecting Maithili Brahman Community During TV Debate, BJP Spokesperson Starts Hunger Strike Over Allegations (Watch Videos).

In a heated discussion during a television news channel debate on Wednesday, Poonawalla had played on Jha's surname to take a jibe at him, a remark slammed as abusive by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). His swipe had come after Jha played with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson's surname to take a dig at him. Besides its rivals, BJP ally Janata Dal (United) has also spoken against Poonawalla and sought action against him. 'Congress is Not What it Used to be, For Sure, Says Sanjay Jha After Removal as Party Spokesperson.

Poonawalla Apologises for Controversial Reference to AAP MLA's Surname

Main sabhi poorvanchali bhai behenon se pure dil se maafi maangta hoon ki mere shabdon se unhe dukh hua peeda hui. Isme koi justification nahi dena chahta hoon. UP Bihar ke sabhi log mere bahut sammanit hai aur main phir se maafi mangta hoon  pic.twitter.com/etyrUMijdN  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) January 17, 2025

In Delhi, Purvanchal loosely refers to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Voters from the region reside in large numbers in the national capital and have increasingly become influential electorally. Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8. The contest is being seen as a straight fight between the AAP, in power in the capital since 2015, and the BJP, with the Congress trying hard to regain its lost ground in the city, which it ruled for 15 uninterrupted years till 2013.
A 70-year-old man was mauled to death by a tiger in a forest in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district, and angered by the attack, villagers assaulted two forest officials, an official said on Friday.
The French church has formally requested that prosecutors open an investigation into Abbe Pierre, a once-revered priest and humanitarian icon who died in 2007, following new revelations of sexual violence.
The shocking robbery attempt and attack on Saif Ali Khan on January 16 have stirred concerns about celebrity safety in Mumbai. While Saif is recovering, many have shown support, including Shahid Kapoor. At the trailer launch of his film Deva, Shahid addressed the stabbing case of his Rangoon co-star, who sustained six stab wounds during an attack. "We hope Saif's health is better. We hope he is feeling better. We all are shocked with what happened with him in a personal space. It's difficult to absorb (something like this) in a city like Mumbai. I'm sure the police are trying their best." Shahid said. Kapoor also expressed disbelief over the incident, stating, "Mumbai is a very safe city. When a family member or ladies go out at 2 am, it's still safe. It's a shocking incident." Check it out. Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Doctors Confirm Surgery Success and Actors Recovery (Watch Video).

Shahid Kapoor on Saif Ali Khan's Stabbing Incident

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Jerusalem, January 17: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently chairing the political-security cabinet discussion that began in Jerusalem Friday afternoon, hours after his office confirmed that a deal has been reached to release hostages held in Gaza and to implement a ceasefire following intense negotiations between Israeli and Hamas teams in Qatar.

"The political-security cabinet discussion began at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. Earlier, an operational security situation assessment was held regarding the implementation of the agreement, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with the negotiating team that returned from Doha," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) posted on X. India on Gaza Ceasefire Deal: 'We Welcome Ceasefire, Hostage Release Agreement' Between Israel and Hamas, Says New Delhi.,

Netanyahu had ordered a meeting of the political-security cabinet immediately after he was informed by the negotiating team that agreements had been reached on a deal to release the hostages. The government will then meet to approve the deal. Netanyahu had expressed his appreciation to the negotiation team and everyone who assisted him.

"The families of the abductees were recently informed that the agreements had been reached by the Directorate of Abductees, Missing Persons and Returnees in the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister also instructed the Coordinator of Captives and Missing Persons to coordinate preparations for the absorption of the abductees upon their return to Israel," read a statement issued by the Israeli PMO, earlier in the day. Netanyahu Says Deal to Release Hostages Held in Gaza Reached.

It mentioned that Israel is committed to achieving all the goals of the war, including the return of all our hostages - both living and dead. "Subject to approval by the cabinet and the government, and the agreement coming into effect, the release of the hostages could be realized according to the planned outline, in which the hostages are expected to be released as early as Sunday," the statement added. On Thursday, several reports indicated that Netanyahus office had signalled concerns over last-minute snags in the negotiations, accusing Hamas of reneging on parts of the deal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2025 04:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
In a nation frequently roiled by concerns about criminal violence and police overreach, the University of Virginia has recently launched a new initiative, a place to research, teach and share the best practices in policing. The new entity is the Center for Public Safety and Justice, and its executive director says the timing is right.

"Policing is complex; it's not going to get simpler anytime soon," Ben Haiman told The Daily Progress. "And so giving leaders that kind of space to think critically about how they run policing organizations, how they interact with their communities, is a great opportunity."

Launched in October as part of UVa's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the center will build, Haiman said, on the school's existing law enforcement programs and courses. These include a 53-year relationship with the FBI, a two-decade relationship with the Virginia State Police and 4-year-old masters degree program for current and prospective police chiefs.

"I'm really excited," said Haiman. "The momentum that we've gained in just three short months is incredible."

He points to some high-profile names on the center's advisory board. These include Robert Neller, a retired commandant of the of the United States Marine Corps; Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, the former chief justice of the state of California; and Tracie L. Keesee, a former Supreme Court justice for the state of California, and a co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity. There are also two local police chiefs, UVa's Tim Longo of UVa and Charlottesville's Michael Kochis.

Kochis, who earned his Master of Public Safety degree from UVa, said he's thrilled.

"It is a resource in our backyard, and it's a great opportunity," Kochis told The Daily Progress. "It's a resource for the city of Charlottesville and any other organization that wants to use UVa and their research capability to work on training."

Kochis said that because he serves on the state body that accredits and reaccredits police agencies, the Professional Standards Commission, he's particularly interested in obtaining the latest research, for example, on the use of informants.

"What is a model policy in the area of how we handle informants?" he asked. "What does that look like?"

"And I think as a profession," Kochis continued, "there are just some things that we do that are antiquated."

Another area that interests Kochis is something called ICAT, integrating communication, assessments and tactics.

"It's really a different way looking at the use of force," said Kochis. "Deescalation first, right? You know what's the difference between the difference between a threat and what's actually threatening?"

That's the kind that question that gives local lawyer Jeff Fogel some pause. Fogel has been criticizing UVa since May 4, the day the university called in state troopers to forcefully remove peaceful protesters from Grounds shortly before graduation.

"The real irony here is the fact that the university screwed up completely using the police on May 4, and so who believes that they have any credibility about best practices in policing?" Fogel asked The Daily Progress. "The ultimate irony here is them putting together a Center for Justice when they just committed an act of serious injustice."

Haiman downplayed that concern.

"We are not the university police, and we are not policing any community," said Haiman. "We are thought leaders that are researching and providing best practice recommendations and education to police leaders."

The center's inaugural leader, Haiman spent much of his career with the Metropolitan Police in Washington, D.C., where he most recently served as the chief of staff. He has also served as the director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Dividing his time between Charlottesville and Washington, Haiman said that the center is now in its "forming period" with many new activities and programs expected in the near future. Haiman said he envisions, for instance, an array of small conferences for information sharing and a research agenda that will include technology, leadership practices as well as officer health and wellness.

As for Kochis, he said he hopes to use the center to develop training programs to help his officers navigate the current complexities of policing.

"Shame on us," Kochis said, "if we don't tap into one of the best public universities in this country."
On 16 January Mexico hosted foreign ministers and other representatives from across the region to discuss challenges around migration.

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On 16 January Colombias Interior Ministercondemned an alleged plot by the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group to assassinate one of the governments peace advisers,

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On 16 January Cuban authorities freed from jail, one of Cubas most prominent dissidents, and, another well-known activist.

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On 16 January Brazils supreme court (STF) denied a request from former president(2019-2023) to travel to the US to attend the inauguration on 20 January of US President-elect

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A 22-year-old man was killed and two other were injured Sunday after the deceased advertised his own birthday party at a short-term rental home in Monroe County and a Venezuelan street gang showed up, authorities said.

Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso on Friday morning shed more light on the case in a Facebook posting. The gunfire, he said, was the result of members of a Venezuelan street gang showing up at the party held deep in the heart of the Emerald Lakes Subdivision, in the 1300 block of Clover Road in Long Pond.

The gang, known as Tren de Aragua, is a transnational criminal organization that began as a prison gang in the Tocoron Prison in the state of Aragua in Venezuela, Mancuso said. Mancuso said throughout the past six years, its leader, Nino Guerrero, has expanded the groups criminal network throughout South America and recently extended north into Central America and the United States.

A recent notable incident by the same gang was an apparent takeover of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, multiple published reports state. Monroe County law enforcement officials are experiencing several contacts with the same gang, Mancuso said Friday.

Pocono Mountain Regional police were called at 4:40 p.m. Sunday to the Clover Road home after 22-year-old Lionardo Hernandez Zarata, originally from Venezuela, advertised the party in a flyer with his photo and held up a peace sign, Mancuso said.

Investigators found Hernandez Zarata, also of Venezuela, alone at the home deceased with multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Monroe County Coroners Office. Monroe County Coroner Tom Yanac confirmed Friday the manner of death was a homicide with the cause pending.

Two others  23-year-old Johangel Farfan and another 25-year-old, both also of Venezuela  were later found with gunshot wounds, according to police. The pair injured are now listed in stable condition at an area hospital, police said.

The scene was full of spent shell casings and bullet holes, Mancuso described. Indeed, it was readily apparent that several different calibers of ammunition were used.

Mancuso said there was evidence throughout the home of the flight of numerous party-goers. Suitcases were left in the driveway; cell phones, cash and Venezuelan identification cards were all left behind. Significant amounts of various drugs and paraphernalia also were seized by investigators, he said.

Investigators simultaneously learned of an attempted home burglary in progress in the area of Mohegan Court in Long Pond just a short distance from Clover Road, according to police.

Investigators then followed footprints in the snow and found a second attempted break-in. Officers continued the pursuit and found a third home that had been broken into, police said.

Two men  26-year-old Victor Cesar Caldera Malpica and 34-year-old Angel Paez-Seguera  were found in that residence and taken into custody, Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner said. The pair also were connected to the Clover Road incident, Wagner had said.

Currently, five more people also have been taken into custody as a result of the incident. They include Farfan, Jesus Antonio Olivero Sosa, 25, Heymar Padilla-Moyetones, 24, Yanny Suarez-Rodriguez, 21, and Friamar Vita-Grimar, 21, all believed to originally be from Venezuela.

Caldera Malpica, with ties to the Bronx, New York, and Paez-Seguera, with ties to Brooklyn, New York, each are charged with felony burglary, felony conspiracy to commit burglary, felony flight to avoid apprehension, felony criminal trespass, criminal criminal attempt to commit burglary and related charges.

Farfan, also with ties to Chicago, and Padilla-Moyetones, Suarez-Rodriguez and Vita-Grimar, all with ties to the Bronx, each are charged with 10 counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, five counts misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and other drug offenses.

Sosa, with ties to New York City, is charged with four counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, five counts felony conspiracy possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and related drug offenses.

All except for Sosa have been arraigned on the charges by a district judge, who denied bail. Each were taken to the Monroe County jail, where they remain Friday. Court records indicate Sosa is awaiting to be arraigned on the charges.

Additionally, Vita-Grimar is reportedly part of a May 22 investigation involving a similar shooting incident in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County.

A short-term rental at Pocono Farms East in that incident was being rented by Venezuelan nationals hosting a several days-long party. During that event, there was a shooting among the attendees causing panic and flight, Mancuso said.

During interviews (many conducted by Pocono Mountain Regional Police Detective Erica Burke who is fluent in Spanish), many of the party-goers expressed a deep seated fear of retaliation by the gang, the DA said.

The shooting and burglary incidents remain under investigation by the Monroe County District Attorneys Office, Pocono Mountain Regional Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Monroe County Coroners Office. Also assisting are Stroud Area Regional police, Bethlehem Township police and Fountain Hill police.

Through hard work and luck the identity of those involved in the shooting is moving forward nicely, Mancuso said Friday morning. The investigation includes a great deal of cooperation and coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies. The investigation is ongoing.

All of those charged have preliminary hearings scheduled for later this month before district court judges. A judge will then determine is theres sufficient evidence to send charges to trial at the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Some of Laois best up and coming craft and design businesses will be part of over 100 companies from across Ireland who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2025 Showcase event in the RDS, running from January 19 to 21.

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Irelands newest design talent.

Yvonne Bolger Jewellery is a one woman creative business. From her Studio in Emo, Yvonne designs and creates stylish contemporary jewellery taking inspiration from the surrounding Laois Countryside and rich history.

The Showcase event, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show.

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Recent participants from Laois include the likes of EdytaArt where Edyta creates figurative pieces and large scale art in her studio in Laois and Cotone Collection, run by Hollianne Phelan which produces an Irish luxury sleepwear brand with collections inspired by quality and comfort.

In 2024 there were thousands of national and international buyers in attendance at the event in the RDS and it is expected this will increase again in 2025.

Local Enterprise Office Laois has been working with Angelina George Cosmetics Ltd. and My Comfort Ltd. on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event. Angelina George Cosmetics Ltd. provides high-quality skincare products designed for sensitive skin. With dermatological approval and preservative efficacy testing, the company meets the growing demand for safe, effective, and ethical skincare. My Comfort Ltd is an innovative brand that has created a number of sustainable products designed to give unmedicated relief for neurological conditions. Founded on principles of compassion, values and sustainability, their products are designed with the environment in mind, using innovative materials like Econyl fabric made from regenerated and recycled ocean waste.



Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Laois - believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through.

To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that wont happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.

This year all Local Enterprise Showcase clients were entered into the Business of Craft Awards. This is the second year of the awards that celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country. The awards will take place Monday, January 20 at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

The tealight pack contains all five fragrances of the Flower child range.

Laois native Alex Kelly will also be showcasing her Irish aromatherapy brand, Flower Child at the event. Having attended Showcase Ireland for the first time in 2024, Flower Child returns for its second year with a product feature in The Edit. The Edit is a curated selection of some of the most beautiful and exciting products showcased at the event. This prestigious collection highlights innovative and sustainable creations, with a focus on the natural, the handmade and the local. Handmade from start to finish in the Laois countryside, Flower Child products combine scent with nature by bringing the garden to you, using carefully blended fragrances.
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A woman admitted having cocaine, cannabis and cash at her address in Laois.

Samantha Fitzpatrick (32) of 48 Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington admitted having cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at her address on November 7, 2023.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the drugs were discovered by gardai during a search of the property. He said cannabis valued at 168 and 39 was found along with cocaine valued at 534 and 1,420 in cash. He said the woman had no previous convictions whatsoever and the cash was seized.

The State believes it is the proceeds of drug dealing, said Sgt Kirby.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said there was no objection to the money being handed over and she said it was not an inconsiderable sum of cash.

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had been keeping bad company at the time of the offending but has since removed herself.

Judge Susan Fay said they were serious offences. She ordered that the 1,420 be donated to Merchants Quay Ireland and requested a probation report for the defendant.

The case was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court to a date in June.
Two men charged with the murder in Monasterevin have claimed that they were acting in self-defence when one of the men "took a running kick" at Mr McCarthy while he was on the ground, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard.

It is the States case that Dylan McCarthy (29) died following an incident in Monasterevin in which he received punches from Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), before he received a vicious kick to the head from Mr Dunne. It is claimed that the deceased was kicked while he was attempting to get up off the ground.

The jury in the trial at the Central Criminal Court was told that both men have claimed they were acting in self-defence and that Mr McCarthy was himself involved in violence on the night.

Mr Kavanagh, (26), with an address at St Marys Lane, Church Avenue, and Mr Dunne, (24), of Abbey View, both in Monasterevin have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022.

They have also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the father of the deceased, on the same date and at the same location.

In his opening speech on Thursday, January 16, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Seoirse ODunlaing SC, told the jury that both accused were interviewed by gardai.

The court heard that they asserted that Mr McCarthy received a number of punches from Mr Kavanagh and one from Mr Dunne that knocked him to the ground. Mr ODunlaing said that Mr Dunne then kicked Mr McCarthys exposed head, and when ambulance personnel arrived at the scene, Mr McCarthy was unresponsive, so he was brought to hospital. He was pronounced dead the next day, with the prosecution saying that the two accused inflicted the injuries that caused his death.

Mr ODunlaing said that on the night, Dylan McCarthy was in the company of his father, his partner, his sister, and his sister's partner, as they were celebrating the birth of his sister's child. On the night, parties were ejected from the Bellyard pub and, as Mr McCarthy was being removed along with his father, a fight broke out in the foyer.

Mr ODunlaing said that Mr Kavanagh and Mr Dunne were walking by the premises, with CCTV footage showing Mr Kavanagh landing a number of punches on Mr McCarthy, who was himself involved in violence.

Mr ODunlaing said that Mr Dunne hit Dylan McCarthy a punch with enough force to knock him to the ground, going on to tell the jury that it is the prosecution case that when Mr McCarthy was on the ground pushing himself to get back up, Mr Dunne took a kick at his head area.

He told the jury they would hear evidence from State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers that Mr McCarthy suffered a subdural haemorrhage that caused his death. He went on to tell them that it was not enough for a conviction of murder that the actions of the accused were a contributing factor to Mr McCarthys death, as the prosecution must also establish that they intended to kill or cause serious injury.

Counsel said that it is not the case that the two accused set out to kill Mr McCarthy, but premeditation is not needed, as intention can be formed in an instant. He told the jury that they must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Dunne had the intention to cause a serious head injury when he took a running kick at Mr McCarthy.

Concerning the charge of assault causing harm faced by Mr Kavanagh, Mr ODunlaing told the jury that after Dylan McCarthy was rendered unconscious from a vicious kick, his father, Eamon McCarthy walked away, before Mr Kavanagh went up to him and landed a punch that knocked him to the ground.

The jury also viewed CCTV footage from inside and outside the pub on the night, which shows the movements of the two accused, as well as Dylan and Eamon McCarthy and members of his family.

Garda Declan Murphy, of Newbridge Garda Station, gave evidence that at one point, the footage shows Dylan McCarthy in the doorway of the pub. The garda said that the footage also showed an altercation at the doorway.

The trial continues on Friday before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and the jury of 10 men and two women.
Silver coins sent by the office of Uahctaran na hEireann to a Laois man who would have been 110 had he not died in the 1990s were central to an application before Portlaoise District Court this morning.

Mountrath man John Bergin died in November 1993 but his daughter-in-law, Margaret Bergin(73), continued to draw his pension for 28 years after his death.

The office of Uahctaran na hEireann, believing he had reached 100 years of age, began issuing coins and cheques to the deceased man. In total ten silver coins were recovered along with cheques when gardai searched Margaret Bergins home at Fairfield Mountrath.

She and her husband Seamus Bergin and the office of Uachtaran na hEireann were respondents in the Police Property Application brought before Portlaoise District Court in relation to the medals.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said he had represented Mrs Bergin in the original prosecution and the Bergins were denying any interest in the items.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had consulted Garda Inspector Joe Culliton.

We are of the view that they should go back to where they belong. To Aras an Uachtarain, he said.

Judge Andrew Cody explained that under the Police Property Act, if the owner cannot be ascertained, make such order as the Court considers proper. This may be done even if no person has been charged with an offence in connection with the property in question.

He said that the tradition by which Centenarians receive what is described as a bounty goes back to the first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde in the 1940s.

People who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of 2,540, a letter from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity and a special commemorative coin. Similar gifts and letters are sent on their 101st and every subsequent birthday.

This application concerns 10 such coins, letters and cheques issued by The President on behalf of the State to the late John Bergin, who died over 30 years ago in November 1993 and no effort was made to register his death by his son Seamus or daughter-in-law Margaret, said Judge Cody.

His daughter in law, Margaret Bergin pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and larceny relating to the claiming of her late father-in-law's pension over a period in excess of 28 years. The issue only came to light when an amateur genealogist by the name of Mr McCoy was undertaking research and discovered that there was a person purportedly living in Laois by the name of John Bergin who was reputedly 110 years-of-age and contacted the office of the President to inquire about their records relating to the late John Bergin and the Centenarian Bounty, he said.

Gardai were subsequently alerted and they conducted a search of the Bergin home and found in a handbag belonging to Margret Bergin these 10 silver centenarian coins, the letters from the President and the 10 centenarian bounty cheques. Mrs Bergin was arrested and acknowledged she had claimed the pension falsely or that she had signed documents in the name of the late Mr John Bergin, Judge Cody explained.

He said she was then sentenced to five and a half years for Social Welfare fraud and Judge Keenan Johnson suspended the final three years. The coins and cheques did not form any part of that prosecution.

In his sentencing Judge Johnson said the following:- "I cannot believe that correspondence which had been received at least annually in the name of John Bergin could not have been seen by other members of the household particularly the correspondence and centenarian coins from Aras An Uachtarain which would have been unique and noticeable..... I cannot help but feel, despite her assertions to the contrary, that Mrs Bergin has allowed herself to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the offending and that full responsibility does not rest exclusively with her," Judge Cody noted.

In my view the responsibility for dealing with any correspondence arriving to any household decades after a person has passed away rests with their next of kin, living at that address, and in this case that is his son Seamus. In relation to this application John Bergin's son Seamus continued for 10 years to accept these coins, cheques and letters without ever alerting the President's office or returning them to their rightful owner. I am satisfied that these medals were in the possession of Seamus Bergin and/or Margret Bergin as a result of deliberate and repeated fraud and have no rightful claim whatsoever on the medals, letters and coins. I am satisfied that they should be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland, Judge Cody said.

He ordered that the coins, cheques and letters issued on behalf of President Michael D Higgins be returned to the Office of the President of Ireland.

Thank you judge, I will make sure that is done, said Sgt Kirby.
A member of the Defence Forces has been sentenced to five years in prison for the rape of his partner's long-term friend in a Laois town.



Alan OConnor (38) of Acorn Downes, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was found guilty of one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November. The offence occurred at a property in Portarlington on June 17, 2020. He has no previous convictions.



The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, waived her anonymity in order to identify OConnor.

Passing sentence on Friday, January 17, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a headline sentence of seven and a half years before considering the mitigating factors in this case.



Judge Naidoo said OConnor has no relevant convictions, has recently required serious medical attention, and has made positive contributions to his family and society. The judge noted that OConnor is fortunate to have the support of his partner.

Judge Naidoo sentenced OConnor to five and a half years in prison.

This was an isolated incident, and I will suspend the final six months of his sentence for two years, he said.



The judge ordered that OConnor follow all directions as outlined by the Probation Service upon his release.



At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Robert McGrady told Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, that Ms Murphy had arranged to go to her friend's house on the night in question. Ms Murphys friend lives with O'Connor and is in a long-term relationship with him.



The court heard that OConnors partner collected Ms Murphy and brought her to their house, where OConnor was also present. They had some drinks, and at some point, Ms Murphys friend went to bed as she was feeling unwell.



It had been agreed that Ms Murphy would share a bed with her friend and OConnor would sleep on the couch. Ms Murphy went to bed later beside her friend. She was fully clothed.



The court heard Ms Murphy woke at one stage when OConnor got into the bed beside her. She then went back to sleep, but woke a time later to a feeling of pain in her genital area, and OConnor penetrating her.



Her trousers and underwear had been pulled down. Ms Murphy went downstairs and slept on the couch. The following morning, she did not say anything.



The court heard that later that day, Ms Murphy messaged OConnor and said she remembered what happened. She later made a complaint to the gardai.



The gardai interviewed OConnor but he denied any wrongdoing. The court heard that OConnor has been a member of the Defence Forces for nearly nineteen years.



Ms Murphy read her victim impact statement to the court, which said that OConnor was not a stranger; he was someone I had known and trusted for fifteen years.



He completely disregarded my boundaries; he betrayed my trust in the worst way.



I should have felt safe in their home, she said. It was not just a violation of my body; it was a violation of my person.



The Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offending in the sentencing parameters of seven to 10 years, the court heard.

Det Gda McGrady agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that when gardai attended OConnors home, he was co-operative. She agreed that he had abided by all bail conditions and made himself available to gardai when needed.



The court heard O'Connor maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury. Testimonials were handed into court, including a letter from a priest who said that this was totally out of character from the Alan he knew. Another character reference described OConnor as having outstanding character.



Counsel said O'Connor is the sole earner in his home, and his incarceration will greatly affect his family. She said that OConnor has lived a productive life and contributed to society.



The court heard that OConnor recently had surgery in St Vincent's Hospital to remove a tumour from his pancreas and has to attend the hospital every two weeks and take medication.



Ms Murphy asked the court to be as lenient as possible and highlighted her client's lack of previous convictions, his engagement with society, his family support, and the serious difficulties his family has following his conviction.
A Portlaoise Prison inmate who has been linked to the Kinahan Hutch criminal feud applied to have his trial moved due to his serious concerns for his safety at Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Frederick Thompson(44) with an address, care of the Midlands Prison, believes he could be shot dead if he is tried at Portlaoise Circuit Court.

He is alleged to have threatened to kill or cause serious harm to a prison officer at Portlaoise Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on May 18, 2022.

He is further charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same officer and assaulting the officer causing harm at Portlaoise Prison on November 17, 2022.

Thompson appeared at Portlaoise Circuit Court this week via video link where he requested to have his trial transferred to Dublin due to his fears over security at the courthouse on Main Street in Portlaoise.

Patrick McCarthy BL said his client had sworn an affidavit outlining his fear for his own personal safety at the courthouse in Portlaoise.

Mr McCarthy read the affidavit where the defendant had said my life is in danger and when the prison van to the courthouse arrives there is no direct access to the court.

Portlaoise Courthouse is not as modern as some of the more recently built courthouses, said Mr McCarthy, who noted it doesnt have modern facilities for security either.

He said there were no checks or metal detectors for members of the public entering the courthouse building.

He highlights that he believes the only way this issue can be dealt with is by transfer, said Mr McCarthy.

It could be transferred to Tullamore and there is very good facilities there, said Judge Keenan Johnson.

Mr McCarthy said the trial should be sent to Dublin if it is to be transferred anywhere. Mr Thompson said the threat on his life is consistently cited as the reason why a transfer to Wheatfield Prison was being refused.

William Fennelly BL said the defendant had an application seeking a transfer back in June of 2024. On that occasion it had been argued that there would be an element of local prejudice if he were tried in Portlaoise for a crime allegedly committed in Portlaoise.

Mr Fennelly said under the provision of Section 32(1) of the 1995 Act cited for the application, the decision of the circuit court was final and unappealable. He argued that this application was therefore already made and had been refused and could not be brought again. His rights under Section 32 are spent, Mr Fennelly claimed.

Mr McCarthy said there is a different issue being put forward in this case. He said the application was being made in light of concerns for personal safety. He said the court should act if there was a risk to his client.

He is in custody. The State have an obligation to make sure that he is safe, said Mr McCarthy.

Thompson gave sworn evidence that his life was under threat.

My life could be in danger if it is held in that court, he said.

He said the last time he appeared four members of the media ran up to him and took pictures.

There is a possibility that I could be shot dead getting out of the prison van, Thompson said.

Detective Garda Padraic Ryan said Portlaoise was a unique area in that gardai there provide regular transport for hospital and court appearances for prisoners from Portlaoise Prison.

There has never been an issue with the court, he said.

There is a security plan put in place for Mr Thompson and for the security of the court, he said.

Det Ryan said the security involves armed gardai as well as uniformed members at the courthouse. He said the defendant had appeared in Portlaoise on three occasions already.

There has never been an issue with Mr Thompson, he said.

Det Ryan said the defendant was in a jovial mood with photographers on the last occasion and there was never any security risk. He said while the media were present, members of the public had not been allowed into the rear of the court.

There is a risk security assessment carried out by management of Portlaoise gardai, said Det Ryan. He described it as a significant security operation.

Mr McCarthy asked Det Ryan if he was aware of the Hutch Kinahan feud and the large number of murders associated with the feud. He noted there had been instances of people dressing as members of An Garda Siochana.

Judge Johnson noted that Mr McCarthy was referring to the attack in the Regency Hotel in Dublin where gunmen posed as gardai.

The gangs that are being referred to operate on a very high level, said Mr McCarthy.

Det Ryan said resources are deployed including armed gardai in order to provide security.

He said the defendant is a member of the Kinahan gang and there is also a flight risk.

There is a security assessment done. Whatever is necessary is done, said Det Ryan.

He explained that he couldnt go into the exact details of security for maximum security prisoners.

You are saying there will be armed guards in court? asked Mr McCarthy.

He then asked about the photographers on the previous occasion and whether they were known to Det Ryan. He said they werent known to him personally but it had been clear they were members of the media.

Judge Johnson asked if the defendant was subject to any specific threats.

I am not privy to specifics of threats, said Det Ryan.

He is a flight risk as well when he is moved, he told Judge Johnson.

Mr McCarthy said the Courts of Criminal Justice in Dublin were more secure, were equipped with metal detectors and had underground access for prison vans.

I would say the Portlaoise Courthouse is more than capable, said Det Ryan.

Thompson said it is putting my life in danger to bring him to Portlaoise Courthouse.

There is a threat on my life. If you ring the headquarters in Phoenix Park they know about the threat, he said.

Mr McCarthy said he would have an issue with jurors or potential jurors seeing armed gardai in the court. He pointed out that such security is separated in the Central Criminal Courts.

Mr Thompsons life is at risk due to a serious ongoing feud, said Mr McCarthy.

Mr Fennelly said there is obviously security information that I am not in a position to ventilate in open court.

This case concerns an incident in the prison, that is why it is here, he said. He said the case has already been before the courthouse on a number of occasions.

I dont believe there has ever been a security issue at Portlaoise court, said Mr Fennelly.

Mr McCarthy described his client as a high profile prisoner and he said high ranking gardai are aware of the threat to his life.

There is a significant risk to his life. The question is can that adequately be dealt with by security experts in this court, he said.

He said there was a facility specifically designed to deal with such threats in Dublin and the case should be held there.

I think it would be pragmatic if the court accepts that. He is someone who could be at significant risk, said Mr McCarthy.

He said the trial would take four to five days to complete and it would be reported on by the media and this would amplify the risk. This would mean his clients whereabouts would be broadcast daily during that time, he said.

The defendant spoke about the death of David Byrne who was shot dead in a hotel in Dublin. He said the State cant "make that mistake" and let something like that happen to him.

Judge Johnson said he required time to consider matters. He said he would give his decision at Portlaoise Circuit Court on Thursday, January 23 and the defendant could appear again via video link.
A huge development proposed for Laois may be delayed due to a lack of information surrounding the upcoming changes to regional road speed limits.

The proposed development of zoned land banks between the Dublin and Ballyroan roads in Abbeyleix is to be used for potential housing and business developments.

The Road Traffic Bill 2024 will see the reduction of speed limits on national secondary roads and local roads, and is due to come into place this Spring. A lack of clarity on the planning and implementation of this bill has left many motorists and public bodies in confusion.

The proposed Abbeyleix development can not receive planning permission until a site exit can be established. This exit site cannot be established until Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) sign off on the speed limit of the site's exit point.

"The Council has been in discussions with the neighbouring landowners- Brook Advantage, in relation to traffic management of the first phase of their site," said Mr. David O' Hara, Senior Planner in Laois County Council.

Pictured: The proposed zone lies between the Ballyroan rd and Dublin Road in Abbeyleix, near the Heritage House.

"Discussions with stakeholders such as Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and Community and TII will be carried out as part of this masterplan process," Mr O'Hara said.

"The request for tender is due to go on ETenders by the end of January, with a view to Consultants being commissioned as soon as possible thereafter.

It is envisaged that a Draft Masterplan will be prepared by the end of June 2025," Mr O'Hara finished.

Ballyroan Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh expressed his optimism at this update, and called for the original speed limit to be returned on this road.

"This site is a very strategic site, and is important to the development of Abbeyleix," Cllr Walsh said.

"Myself and Cllr Fennelly requested this over a year ago, so it is disappointing to think that at this stage we don't have anything else, that the Council are under pressure with staff to try to get this done.

"In conjunction with all of this, the speed limit needs to be brought back as well, in my view it is in the wrong place for that road. We need to move this on, it needs to happen quickly in my opinion," Cllr Walsh said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly expressed his delight in this update, yet questioned the standing that TII had in relation to the decisions of local speed limits.

Pictured: Fianna Fail Cllr John Joe Fennelly and Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh

Mr Simon Walton, Director of Services with Laois County Council, explained that the speed limit review on the 7th of February will see the speed limit on all non-national roads reduced from 80kmph to 60kmph.

"Even though it is a matter for the elected Council to determine the speed limits on national roads, the Council cannot make those changes unless it is with the agreement with TII, and that is enshrined in legislation," Mr Walton explained.

"That is essentially the issue at hand here. I think that we all agree that the most appropriate location for that access is the Portlaoise road in Abbeyleix, as opposed to any other locations, he said.

The issue now will be seeking the agreement of TII once the master plan is developed, to accommodate this entrance, which may or may not require adjustments of the existing speed limits," Mr Walton finished.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley gave her support to the tabled motion, thankful that an update on the draft had finally been given.

"It is good to see that by the end of June we will hopefully have the draft," said Cllr Dwane Stanley.

"You look at the residential, the enterprise and employment, and that's very important. We need not forget as well that there is a demand for housing in that area," she said.

This matter occurred at the January sitting of the Portlaoise Municipal District of Laois County Council.
Laois has been recognised for outstanding adult education initiatives with three nominations at this year's AONTAS STAR Awards.



The STAR Awardsshort for "Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition"celebrate outstanding initiatives that empower local communities through adult learning.



The successful Laois projects include 'Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women', a programme by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) that empowers individuals who have experienced cumulative trauma, has been shortlisted in the Social Inclusion category. Dignity Partnership, a civic education initiative that promotes inclusion and integration for international protection applicants, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Irish society, is nominated in the Global Citizenship Education category. Meanwhile, Beyond Barriers, an LOETB project that amplifies the voices of adult learners in their literacy service, is in the running for a Learner Voice award.



The nominees for the 19th annual STAR Awards showcase 24 outstanding adult education initiatives across Ireland recognizing initiatives that make a significant impact in categories such as Health & Wellbeing, Learner Voice, and Social Inclusion.

Speaking about this years STAR Awards shortlist, CEO of AONTAS Dearbhail Lawless said: Our STAR Awards shortlist is a wonderful example of the vibrant programmes on offer in adult and community education across the island of Ireland. Showcasing best practices, and the passion, love, courage, and dedication that is reflective of adult learning.



The STAR Awards 2025 winners will be unveiled at Croke Park on Friday, March 7, hosted by a special celebrity guest. This highly anticipated event marks the grand finale of the Adult Learners Festival, a week-long celebration of adult learning organized by AONTAS. This years festival theme, Connecting Communities, highlights the power of learning to bring people together.
Special Olympics Ireland has paid one of many tributes to a Laois woman who has been described as a pioneer for the movement of Ireland.

Bernadette (Bern) McRedmond, Knockanina, Mountrath and late of Grove House, Abbeyleix died on January 14 peacefully surrounded by family in the loving care of staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

She was predeceased by her parents Bernie and Sheila, recently deceased sister Sheila, brothers Liam and Christy.

Bernadette was deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her sisters Mary (Moore), Margaret (Boyhan), Kathleen (Mulhall) and Chris, her brothers Michael, Frank and Donal, aunt Maidie (McGill), carer Evelyn, sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Among those to also mourn her passing was Special Olympics movement in Ireland. The Laois woman was a member of the first Irish Special Olympics Team in 1979. She competed in the Special Olympics in New York where she won a Bronze medal for Ireland.

Its CEO paid tribute on www.rip.ie

"On behalf of all at Special Olympics Ireland, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the immediate and extended family of Bern McRedmond," said Matt English.

"May she RIP and be fondly remembered. Bern represented Team Ireland at the 1979 Special Olympics World Games in the USA and was one of the early pioneer athletes. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time. May Bernadette Rest in Peace, said the tribute.

Many other tributes were paid including a special message from the Laois Arch Club who said she was was a beloved member of the Club for over 30 years making many friends along the way.

"Bernie will be remembered for so many lovely things. Her excitement at meeting her friends in the Arch Club every month. Bernie would talk nineteen to the dozen in a rush to tell you all her news the minute she saw you!

"Her great sense of humour; Bernie was always up for the craic and any bit of devilment. She loved having a laugh or a joke and had the heartiest of laughs that was so infectious.

"Her love of music and dance; Bernie adored music of all kinds and always carried a set of earphones and a mini CD player, ipod, or, in recent years, her iPhone in her handbag which was always hanging around her neck, despite the weight! Bernie would listen to her music at top volume, singing and dancing along to it with a huge smile on her face.

"Her love of jewellery, especially long dangly earrings! Her love of shoes, especially runners. We called her Imelda Marcos because she had so many! Her beautiful smile which lit up her face. Her great big, warm hugs.

"All of our members and volunteers would like to send sincere condolences to Bernies family. May Bernies gentle soul rest in peace. We are really going to miss her beautiful smile and those warm hugs," concluded the Club tribute.

Her remains were reposed at Guilfoyle's Funeral Home in Castletown on Wednesday, January 15 before removal to St Edmund's Church, Castletown on Thursday for Funeral Mass followed by burial in St Fintan's Cemetery, Mountrath.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all carers and staff who looked after Bernadette throughout her life.
A member of the Defence Forces has been sentenced to five years in prison for the rape of his partner's long-term friend.

Alan OConnor (38) of Acorn Downes, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was found guilty of one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November. The offence occurred at a property in Portarlington in Co Laois on June 17, 2020. He has no previous convictions.

The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, waived her anonymity in order to identify OConnor.

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a headline sentence of seven and a half years before considering the mitigating factors in this case.

Judge Naidoo said OConnor has no relevant convictions, has recently required serious medical attention, and has made positive contributions to his family and society. The judge noted that OConnor is fortunate to have the support of his partner.

Judge Naidoo sentenced OConnor to five and a half years in prison. This was an isolated incident, and I will suspend the final six months of his sentence for two years, he said.

The judge ordered that OConnor follow all directions as outlined by the Probation Service upon his release.

At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Robert McGrady told Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, that Ms Murphy had arranged to go to her friend's house on the night in question. Ms Murphys friend lives with O'Connor and is in a long-term relationship with him.

The court heard that OConnors partner collected Ms Murphy and brought her to their house, where OConnor was also present. They had some drinks, and at some point, Ms Murphys friend went to bed as she was feeling unwell.

It had been agreed that Ms Murphy would share a bed with her friend and OConnor would sleep on the couch. Ms Murphy went to bed later beside her friend. She was fully clothed.

The court heard Ms Murphy woke at one stage when OConnor got into the bed beside her. She then went back to sleep, but woke a time later to a feeling of pain in her genital area, and OConnor penetrating her.

Her trousers and underwear had been pulled down. Ms Murphy went downstairs and slept on the couch. The following morning, she did not say anything.

The court heard that later that day, Ms Murphy messaged OConnor and said she remembered what happened. She later made a complaint to the gardai.

The gardai interviewed OConnor but he denied any wrongdoing. The court heard that OConnor has been a member of the Defence Forces for nearly nineteen years.

Ms Murphy read her victim impact statement to the court, which said that OConnor was not a stranger; he was someone I had known and trusted for fifteen years.

He completely disregarded my boundaries; he betrayed my trust in the worst way.

I should have felt safe in their home, she said. It was not just a violation of my body; it was a violation of my person.

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offending in the sentencing parameters of seven to 10 years, the court heard.

Det Gda McGrady agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that when gardai attended OConnors home, he was co-operative. She agreed that he had abided by all bail conditions and made himself available to gardai when needed.

The court heard O'Connor maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury. Testimonials were handed into court, including a letter from a priest who said that this was totally out of character from the Alan he knew. Another character reference described OConnor as having outstanding character.

Counsel said O'Connor is the sole earner in his home, and his incarceration will greatly affect his family. She said that OConnor has lived a productive life and contributed to society.

The court heard that OConnor recently had surgery in St Vincents Hospital to remove a tumour from his pancreas and has to attend the hospital every two weeks and take medication.

Ms Murphy asked the court to be as lenient as possible and highlighted her client's lack of previous convictions, his engagement with society, his family support, and the serious difficulties his family has following his conviction.
By Jessica Magee and Isabel Hayes

A judge has issued a bench warrant after a man who defrauded about 1,200 people while posing as a barrister and personal insolvency practitioner failed to turn up for his sentence.

David Williams (67), with an address in Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow - and who also lived in Kildare - pleaded guilty to multiple sample counts of deception on dates between January 2019 and June 2020.

He also admitted to charges of providing legal services while an unqualified person and acting as a personal insolvency practitioner while an unauthorised person during the same period.

In a separate matter, Williams pleaded guilty to defrauding a Galway woman in her 80s by dishonestly inducing her to buy a mini-digger for over 7,000.

Williams was due to be sentenced on Friday, but he failed to show up and medical letters were handed in to the court instead by his defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL. His sentence was also adjourned last November for medical reasons and he has previously failed to attend court.

Judge Orla Crowe said she did not believe the documentation provided to the court warranted adjourning the matter. She acceded to a prosecution request for a bench warrant to be issued for Williams' arrest.

William's former partner, Crystal Talia (46), of the same address, was in court to be sentenced for her role in the offence. She previously pleaded guilty to impeding an investigation by allowing Williams to use her bank accounts on dates between September 2018 and May 2020.

The court heard that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigated a firm called THL Legal, which offered a range of legal services including advice about work permits, leave-to-remain applications and family reunifications.

Most of the people seeking advice were not of Irish origin and had paid sums averaging 1,500 to the company, the court heard.

THL had Facebook and Twitter accounts and a website advertising themselves as a dynamic firm of experienced lawyers, although the company was never a solicitors firm and was not registered with the Law Society, the court heard.

The court heard Williams is not and never was a practicing barrister, nor was he ever on the Roll of Practising Barristers.

THLs offices in Greenogue Business Park, Westmanstown, Rathcoole, Co Dublin were raided by gardai who seized a large number of files including a client list with 1,200 names on it.

Williams then set up another legal firm called Moore, Barrington and Walters (MBW) which operated from November 2019 to May 2020, until its offices were also raided by gardai.

Williams was arrested in May 2020, but in June of that year, counsel said he was touting himself out as a personal insolvency practitioner in a third business called Global Business Recovery, or GBR.

The court heard that Talia and Williams were in a relationship and living together in Kildare with a number of children at the time of the offences. They met when she was working as a carer for his elderly aunt.

Talia opened a bank account used for trading as THL and then MBW, into which unwitting victims transferred fees for what they believed would be legitimate legal services.

The court heard that as some of these clients realised that the relevant legal work they had requested was not being carried out, they began to report the firm to the gardai or the Law Society.

When arrested, Talia said Williams had set up THL Legal and asked her to set up a bank account that he could use for the business, as he said he was going through marital difficulties in the UK.

She was not involved in the day-to-day business of THL or Williams' other firms and she has no previous convictions.

Handing down sentence, Judge Crowe noted Talia trusted someone who did not deserve to be trusted.

The judge noted Talia allowed two of her bank accounts to be used for Williams' offending, including after the first account came under garda investigation.

She said Talia ought to have been sufficiently concerned by the search warrant on the first bank account so as to have known something was going on.

The judge took into account a number of mitigating factors, including Talia's prior good character, her family situation and her good work record. She handed down a 12 month sentence and suspended it entirely on a number of conditions.
Gardai are investigating an incident which saw the front window of Carrick Gadgets on main street Carrick on Shannon smashed earlier this week.

The incident occurred around 4am on Tuesday the 14th when a perpetrator broke the front window of the phone shop with a rock before fleeing the scene, according to owner Nadeem Raja.

Mr Raja, originally from Pakistan, has been in business in Carrick-on-Shannon since 2018, and runs a separate store in the town.

Mr Raja feels that the store was deliberately targeted as he says, the perpetrator wore gloves and nothing was taken from the store after the front window was shattered. I think he is just targeting us but we do not have any issues with anyone, he says.

The cost of replacing the glass on the storefront is around 1000, according to Mr Raga.

They are considering installing extra security measures, like shutters, but are reluctant to do so. We are considering it but its not good for the reputation of this beautiful town, he says

The Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit has since conducted a technical examination and Investigations are ongoing, according to Gardai.

READ MORE: ALERT: Beloved Husky still missing from Leitrim Village
A new public art installation in Mohill has ignited anger and disbelief among locals, who have slammed the steel totem as a monstrosity that mars one of the towns most picturesque spots. The structure, part of a Public Realm improvement scheme, replaces a beloved cherry blossom tree outside the Church of Ireland, leaving many residents questioning the priorities of the council.

Former Sinn Fein councillor Seadhna Logan captured the mood, saying:

"The whole point of opening out the front wall of the Church of Ireland and putting in rails was to create a visibly attractive view. Putting this monstrosity right in the middle of that is some joke Girders are not public art."

The totems, featuring the towns name in both Irish and English, has drawn fire for its appearance and location, with locals questioning its relevance and purpose. The outcry spilled onto social media, where many vented frustration not just at the design but at the lack of community consultation.

One resident wrote:

"The money could have been spent fixing our roads and footpaths. Cars are being damaged, and its unsafe for bicycles. Meanwhile, they erect this horrible structure that serves no purpose. At least the cherry tree gave something to wildlife, provided shade, and was beautiful to look at."

Another added:

"When I saw it today, I thought, is this what the town has come to? How do we get rid of it? Mohill needs stronger voices to stop things like this."

The sentiment was echoed by another local:

"Shockingits an eyesore. Who signed off on this? Not many liked the Spire in Dublin, so where do the bright sparks who designed and approved this eyesore live? They thought this would be OK in place of a beautiful tree. Logic would say they should have asked the locals opinion."

The community backlash underscores deeper frustrations with the Public Realm scheme, with residents questioning its priorities. The removal of the cherry blossom tree earlier in the project triggered an outpouring of grief. Logan emphasized the cultural and aesthetic loss, stating:

"Beyond its beauty, the tree was deeply woven into the towns identity."

The council defended the installation, stating it is part of a series of totems planned for key locations to highlight Mohills heritage. They promised appropriate lighting to enhance the structure. But for many, this explanation isnt enough. The totem has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with how decisions are being made for the town.

"As it stands, the totem may have been designed to represent Mohill, but for many residents, it symbolizes a lack of connection between the decision-makers and the community they serve," said Logan.

READ MORE Mohill community outraged over beloved cherry blossom tree chopped down
Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC Awarded DoD Mentor-Protege Agreement to Deliver Innovative Data Labeling Solutions





HANOVER, Md., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC (T&H), a mentor in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protege Program (MPP) that delivers Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), IT, and management consulting solutions for government, is pleased to announce the award of a three-year DoD mentor-protege agreement (MPA) via the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

Under the MPA, T&H will serve as a mentor to SpatialGIS, a small, disadvantaged business (SDB). In collaboration with Fayetteville State University (FSU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), T&H will help SpatialGIS develop a robust imagery data labeling capability, via artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to meet the evolving needs of NGA and other DoD/IC agencies.

"T&H is thrilled to continue serving as a mentor in the DoD MPP, and to deliver world-class data labeling, AI, and ML capabilities for the DoD/IC," said T&H Chairman and CEO Rodney Thomas.

Kendrick Faison, CEO of SpatialGIS, added, "Our collaboration with T&H and FSU marks a significant milestone in advancing our geospatial intelligence, AI, and ML capabilities for DoD/IC customers."

These partnerships are designed to provide small businesses with the opportunity to gain valuable insights, resources, and experience from established defense contractors. The MPP aims to strengthen the capabilities of small businesses to compete for prime contracts and subcontracts within the defense industry.

The mentor and protege companies will be assisted in their efforts by MoveAmerica, a non-profit organization focused on solving critical challenges facing America's industrial base and supply chain. As the DoD MPP intermediary, MoveAmerica will provide the guidance and outreach needed to make the mentor-protege relationship more effective and efficient, thereby helping the protege company achieve a smoother entry into the DoD supply chain.

"Untapped talent often resides in underrepresented communities. Our job is to ensure that these innovators have access to the opportunities they need to make transformative contributions to national security," said Earl Wyatt, Executive Director of MoveAmerica.

For more information about Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC and its support of the Mentor-Protege Program, please contact Marina Sullivan, MPP PM, at [email protected].

About the DoD Mentor-Protege Program:

The DoD Mentor-Protege Program was established in 1991 to provide incentives for major defense contractors to assist small businesses in enhancing their capabilities. The program has successfully supported thousands of small businesses, helping them to grow and contribute to the defense industrial base.

About MoveAmerica and the MPP Intermediary Effort:

MoveAmerica is a non-profit organization that brings together key participants within government, industry, and academia to develop and advance critical and emerging technology that will maintain U.S. technical dominance. The MPP Intermediary effort, powered by MoveAmerica, supports projects and agreements at the direction of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs to assist small businesses seeking to enter and thrive within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base. For more information, visit www.moveamerica.org.

Contact:

Rick Ostopowicz

Strategic Communications Lead, MoveAmerica

301-875-3775

[email protected]

SOURCE Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC

17 january 2025 at 08:00

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TWO FASHION designers based in Limerick will exhibit at a major showcase in Dublin this weekend.

Kate Harris, who provides luxury hair products from her base in Askeaton will join city centre knitwear designer Linda Wilson at Showcase in Dublins RDS.

They are a part of Irelands international creative expo which will run in the capital from Sunday, January 19 to Tuesday, January 21.

The pair will join almost 400 more exhibitors and more than 3,500 visitors from Ireland and overseas expected to attend .

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Showcase, will celebrate 50 years of bringing together the best in Irish craftsmanship and design for a memorable celebration of creativity and innovation.

It was established in 1975 by Design and Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair.

Over the past 50 years, Showcase has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show not only for buyers in Ireland, but for buyers from over 20 countries.

It has taken place in the RDS Dublin each year, originally in the Industries Hall and now taking up the four major halls of the RDS.

Last year, the event attracted more than 3,000 buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including Britain, North America, the Middle East, Asia and mainland Europe.

As well as the small firms exhibiting, there will be industry talks and panel discussions.

Among the contributors are Ken Hughes, leading consumer behaviouralist and Sara Davis, Dragons Den panellist and entrepreneur.

Mary Palmer, chair of Showcase Ireland said: This year, as we celebrate Showcase's 50th anniversary, we are incredibly proud of the events legacy in championing Irish design and craftsmanship. This milestone highlights the continued importance of the event.
THE managing director of Raheen firm Dell Technologies has predicted 2025 will be the year when artificial intelligence will redefine and transform the way business in Limerick operates.

Jason Ward, who heads Dell, which remains one of Limericks largest employers, has predicted a massive leap forward for the technology.

Commonly abbreviated to AI, it refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems.

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Mr Ward believes AI and other emerging technologies are to move from experimentation to execution.

It will, the business leader predicts, become an essential driver of business transformation.

The era of trial and error in AI has come to an end, with businesses of all sizes moving to adopt AI to enhance productivity, efficiency and growth, he said.

Mr Ward said local firms must have a clear strategy, modern infrastructure and a commitment to upskilling their workforce in order to remain competitive.

He said Dells team of technologists and experts based in Raheen can help this happen.

We are helping organisations in every sector to accelerate their AI journey and make it a success, he said.

This year, the executive predicts, will see the rise of AI agents, with abilities which go beyond chatbots or virtual assistance which are often used to help customers without the need for human intervention.

AI agents are software systems designed to plan, make decisions, and execute actions to achieve specific goals.

Unlike traditional chatbots we know today, these systems will execute tasks autonomously, offering dynamic and creative solutions. By resolving detailed customer inquiries and tailoring real-time marketing campaigns, AI agents will become integral tools of employees across the country, Mr Ward has predicted.

The shape of work into the future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, he added.

In 2025, AI-powered PCs will enhance productivity for Irish businesses and shape the future of work. These devices, equipped with embedded AI, will handle tasks like drafting follow-ups, organising to-do lists, and summarising emails before the workday even begins, he believes.

With 2025 likely to bring a big PC refresh, an AI accelerator, or Neural Processing Unit will be found in nearly every device, meaning PCs will be capable of running AI workloads and apps, the Dell boss said.

Neural Processing Units, or NPUs are specialised computer microprocessors designed to mimic the processing function of the human brain.

AI will also join up with other emerging technologies in 2025, Mr Ward predicted.

This, he said: will unlock groundbreaking advancements across a growing number of sectors in Ireland. The integration of AI with 6Gs high-speed connectivity will empower smart factories to make real-time decisions, boosting production efficiency and enabling predictive maintenance.

As a result of all this, upskilling staff to ensure they are fluent in artificial intelligence systems is vital, Mr Ward added.

Despite fears AI will wipe out some jobs, the Dell managing director says new positions will become available.

From advanced programmers and prompt engineers to AI content editors, new AI tasks and jobs will also emerge. In 2025, organisations in Limerick will need to prioritise the upskilling of their employees and putting in place dedicated workforce transformation plans to stay competitive, he reiterated.
TEN organisations in Limerick will receive a total of 3.5 million in funding from the Arts Council as part of its first round of funding decisions for 2025.

Eight organisations will benefit from Strategic Funding grants. The organisations awarded funding are: Limerick Printmakers (84,500), Fresh Film (125,000), Limerick City Gallery of Art (181,260), Dance Limerick (302,375), eva International (396,750), Irish Aerial Creation Centre (202,250), Sing Ireland (402,000) and Irish Chamber Orchestra (1,305,000).

The Lime Tree Theatre will be awarded 507,190 in Arts Centre funding and Spacecraft will receive 15,000, through the Visual Artists Workspace Scheme, supporting nine artists.

A total of 104 arts organisations received grants through the Strategically Funded programme, totaling 57.7 million. This funding programme is for organisations who make a significant impact to arts infrastructure in Ireland and have a national or regional reach. The grants will help arts organisations to support and develop the arts nationwide. These organisations support a variety of art forms including music, literature, theatre, dance and film.

Chair of the Arts Council, Maura McGrath said: The Art Councils budget for 2025 will be used to support, strengthen and help develop arts organisations across the country. This first round of funding decisions for 2025 will help allow artists, audiences and communities to come together through the unifying power of art.

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However, we recognise the difficulties and challenges that the current level of available funding brings. We commit to advocating for increased funding for our sector.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, commented: Grant supports are vital to the continued growth and development of the arts in Ireland. These funding decisions will help ensure that organisations throughout the country are empowered to realise compelling visions across all artforms.

This financial support will allow people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with and experience the very best of the arts in our country.

These organisations, centres and studios provide an organisational infrastructure for the arts sector and have been awarded grants following an application process and in line with Arts Council strategic goals.

In its 2025 awards, the Arts Council will prioritise support to the arts organisational infrastructure, while continuing its investment in individual artists, focusing on those not previously supported by the organisation in line with its inclusion objectives.
FIONA Hickey with an address at Carrigoreilly, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick failed to appear before Judge Brian OShea to face charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 in relation to a chestnut gelding horse, now named 'Mac,' at Clonmel District Court last Wednesday.

Judge OShea elected to hear the evidence in absentia and ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey told the court how the horse was dropped to a yard in Co. Waterford by Ms Hickey in January 2024, in order to be broken. Due to concerns regarding the animals condition, the Department of Agriculture and the ISPCA were alerted.

Inspector Lacey described viewing the horse which she said was in extremely poor body condition. She could see that his spine, ribs, and pin bones were easily visible, he had extensive rain scald on his back, and his hooves were overgrown. She seized the horse pending further enquiries.

A veterinary examination confirmed Inspector Laceys concerns with a vet giving the opinion that Macs physical condition was extremely poor with obvious bony prominence of the ribs and pelvis. The vet further said that he had endured a level of starvation," had suffered unnecessarily and had been subjected to cruelty.

READ MORE: A night of feast and revelry in Limerick for Robbie Burns night

Senior Inspector Lacey told the court that she made contact with the defendant by telephone and described subsequent interactions with Ms Hickey as very difficult. She said that the accused made admissions regarding ownership of the horse in question, described the animal as dangerous and said that, by seizing Mac, Inspector Lacey was doing an injustice to the horse.

An email from the defendant was read in court in which she denied owning the horse. But Judge OShea convicted Ms Hickey on all four counts in her absence, fined her a total of 4,000, and ordered that she pay ISPCA costs of 4,385.60. He also ordered forfeiture of the seized horse to the ISPCA.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey commented: "Mac was subjected to a level of neglect which no animal should ever have to face." This case demonstrates the consequences of failing to provide adequate care and treatment for the animals in our care and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

The ISPCA urges the public to report any suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, reporting online here or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie. Together, we can continue to protect Irelands most vulnerable animals and bringing those who harm them to justice.

Animal Welfare Inspectors work tirelessly in challenging situations rescuing vulnerable animals that are suffering, just like Mac. Please consider making a life-saving donation today to support their vital rescue and rehabilitation work here.
A NIGHT of feast and revelry and tipsy dance and jollity are in store later this month as Robert Burns night is celebrated in Dolans.

From the earlier time of 6pm on Saturday, January 25, the Dock Road pub will put on a typical Scottish meal to mark the night celebrating Scotlands national poet.

Mayor of Limerick John Moran will be on hand to officially get the party going, and Mungret man Michael Potter will once again compere the event which he has organised for almost 20 years.

People will be invited to recite a few of Robbie Burnss classic poems, including his famous Tam OShanter!

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And the night will also see haggis and sandwiches served, along with neeps and tatties (parsnips and potatoes), alongside violin music.

There will be other poems and songs - and those who wish to throw in a piece of literature are more than welcome to do so.

There will be the singing of Scottish songs, and recitals of poetry as part of the event, set to be attended by many.

Entry is free to the gathering, but donations are being encouraged by the organisers.

Mr Potter is able to keep the event free due to the generous sponsorship of a number of regular donors.

All are welcome at the event, which will also be livestreamed on the internet. Call 061-314483 for more information.
New Delhi: Agriculture, small businesses, household consumption and job-creation are expected to be the key priorities of the Union budget for 2025-26 as Indias economy slows amid global uncertainties.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to announce incentives for farmers, easy credit and other sops for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), measures to step up household consumption and skilling initiatives in the budget, according to two people familiar with the discussions in the government. The emphasis on these areas is expected to advance the government's inclusive growth agenda, they said.

Extensive discussions are on to nail the specific measures and budget allocations, with some of the tailored steps to be crystalized over the next few days, said one of the people quoted above.

Sitharamans eighth and the second full budget of the NDA governments third term in office has identified these priorities when growth is expected to moderate to 6.4% in FY25 after an average of 8.3% in the three preceding financial years, having recovered from the first wave of the pandemic in FY21. The finance minister's proposals will be closely watched amid global uncertainties, including looming tariffs under the second term of US president-elect Donald Trump.

Measures to boost household consumption, which accounts for more than half of Indias gross domestic product (GDP) and is the economys biggest growth engine, is expected to be a highlight of the budget. There is no clarity on the specific measures on boosting consumption as of now.

Industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had proposed cutting excise duty on auto fuels to improve disposable incomes, lowering tax rate on personal income up to 20 lakh, stepping up guaranteed rural job wages, social transfers to farmers and subsidy for building houses.

The budget is also expected to announce measures on skilling, research and job creation, especially in areas related to AI, the first person quoted above said.

AI and other technologies are making businesses more efficient, reducing their manpower requirement. And experts across industries have suggested stepping up AI training.

Farm incentives

The budget will also focus on value-added crops including fruits, vegetables and unique horticultural products to boost farmers' incomes, according to the second person quoted earlier. Measures are likely to enhance investment in technology, improve production methods, develop marketing infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses, the person said.

The agriculture sector supports 42.3% of the population and contributes 18.2% of the GDP.

Initiatives to ensure that farmers receive quality agricultural inputs including high-grade seeds to improve yields and overall productivity are also likely. These measures are expected to strengthen the agriculture sector by addressing critical aspects such as input quality, marketing efficiency, and value addition," said the person.

Budget is also likely to announce steps to help farmers move up the crop value chain.

Given that India has a significant number of farmers with small landholdings, it is essential for them to transition from focusing solely on staple crops like rice, wheat, millets, pulses, and oilseeds to high-value agriculture," the second person quoted earlier said. This includes cultivating fruits and vegetables and actively engaging in fisheries, poultry, and dairy farming."

In ongoing FY25, the ministry of agriculture is expected to spend 1.36 trillion, including an additional 13,407 crore for which Parliament nod was secured in January, showing a more than 16% jump in the annual spending from the previous year.

Those involved in the farm sector have been pitching for incentives.

The focus of the upcoming budget should be on increasing agricultural production and ensuring fair prices by targeting specific export markets," said Anurag Shrivastava, founder of farm-focused startup Kisaan Mitra. With a strong emphasis on rural and agriculture-based initiatives, the objective is to position agriculture as a significant contributor to Indias growth story, reflecting its historical roots as an agrarian economy."

This approach aims to enhance the sector's productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and integrate Indian agriculture into the global supply chain more effectively," said Shrivastava.

MSME boost

Budget is also expected to announce steps to support small businesses, given their importance in value addition in the manufacturing sector and exports, in addition to job creation in both urban and rural areas, said the first person quoted above.

MSMEs are looking forward to collateral-free loans up to 15 crore, according to Chandrakant Salunkhe, president, SME Chamber of India and Federation of Indian SME Associations.

Many MSMEs are struggling because of not getting their receivables from large corporations on time. Secondly, small business owners often rely on their enterprises for emergency needs, like healthcare, as they do not draw regular salaries like corporate employees," said Salunkhe. However, banks frequently allege fund diversion when small businesses default, he said.

Salunkhe suggested that threshold for assessing a non-performing asset for wilful default should be raised from 25 lakh to 5 crore and promoters of small businesses be given a hearing before any decision on their classification as wilful default. The government should enable greater access to trade finance and market development, he said.

Ayush Gupta, India business head at Khushi Ram Behari Lal Ltd (KRBL), a basmati exporter, suggested targeted incentives for upgrading rice mills with energy-efficient technologies to boost productivity, reduce waste, and enhance output quality.

The focus should be on developing infrastructure to utilize by-products like rice husk for ethanol production, which aligns with energy goals, fostering synergies between agriculture and renewable energy while creating new revenue opportunities," said Gupta.
Small and medium alcohol companies have objected strongly to a plan being considered by the Delhi government to order liquor using a new sales-based points system that they said would favour their bigger rivals.

According to the proposal, liquor orders will be based on a company's sales figures that will first be normalised as a percentage of the total in each region and then weighted accordingly. Only brands registered with the Delhi excise department will be included in the calculation.

The objective is to give consumers in the national capital a better choice when it comes to buying liquor, according to the proposal, which Mint reviewed. The Delhi excise department said it had received complaints that a comprehensive selection" of liquor brands is not being offered in the lower-price segment and that certain brands were being pushed.

Small and medium liquor companies said it would be a body blow for them if the policy is implemented by the proposed date of 22 January. The new point system could also lead to brands being suppressed and add to the market inequality.

"Alcohol is a state subject and this circular appears to be based on some vested interests moving it, rather than based on on-ground sales," said Jagatjit Industries promoter and chief restructuring officer Roshini Sanah Jaiswal. The consumer in Delhi is free to choose. If a system like this prioritises larger brands, how will new brands and domestic brands that sometimes can have a hyper-local strategy ever exist?"

"This will only make certain brands available in large numbers and negate consumer choice by restricting the sales of the brands which are doing well in Delhi simply because the consumers prefer them," said Poonam Chandel, managing director of TRDP group-owned NeuWorld Spirits Pvt. Ltd said. This is clearly an unfair trade practice where preferential treatment is being given to certain companies and brands for reasons only known to the departments."

Undermining choice

Liquor companies with sales in the country outside the National Capital Region (NCR) will get the highest weightage (0.50) in the so-called order index, which will determine the quantity of brand to be purchased by each of the four Delhi government corporations that distribute alcohol in the city.

The next highest weightage (0.45) is for companies that sell in the NCR, which includes Delhi and specified districts of neighbouring states. The smallest weightage (0.05) is for sales in defence canteens and stores.

The Delhi Distillers and Brewers Association has written a letter, which Mint has seen, opposing the proposed fixed ordering system, saying the policy will undermine consumer choice and harm the local industry.

It claimed the new system uses arbitrary national sales patterns, lacks scientific analysis and favours large multinational corporations, which will lead to a market duopoly and threaten competition.

The companies said implementing the new quota system in the middle of the excise year could reduce revenue, harm local brands, and hurt government initiatives to promote startups. The association advocated maintaining the current system, which had driven a 13% increase in excise revenue, and suggested tackling issues like brand pushing through improved oversight and more consumer-friendly retail options.

"The new SOP favours national or large multinational companies, restricting growth opportunities for regional players. The rationale behind the 45%, 50% and 5% defies all logic," said Alcobrew's founder Romesh Pandita.

Mint reached out to the four corporations, the excise department, and the Delhi chief minister's office via email seeking comment on the new plan but did not receive any response till the time of publishing.

Representatives of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies were not available for comment.

The excise department is posting stronger revenues in the last year, so introducing another system like this doesn't make much sense in the middle of the excise year," said Siddharth Banerji, managing director of Kyndal Spirits, the seller of Cutty Sark. "If the bodies are seeing that brand pushing is happening, then there should be some proven prosecutions of the same."

Sanjit Padhi, CEO of the International Spirits & Wines Association of India, which represents Pernod Ricard India and Diageo, said the system in place has resulted in many popular national brands not being available, thereby forcing consumers to pick them up from neighbouring cities. This is a loss in revenue to the state of Delhi and can be addressed through a fair and transparent ordering policy.

On January 10, the four government corporations that distribute alcohol in Delhi revealed the plan to introduce the new fixed ordering system even as the model code of conduct was in force ahead of the 5 February Delhi assembly election. Among other things, the code prohibits policy, project or scheme announcements that could influence voters.

The circular, issued to bulk alcohol suppliers and associations, highlighted that Delhi does not offer a "comprehensive selection of liquor" in the lower-end price segment. The circular also stated that the new policy aims to curb instances of certain lesser or unknown brands being pushed in Delhi contrary to customer choice."

It claimed to have studied the ordering patterns of liquor corporations for the three years from 2017 to 2019 and the top-selling brands of neighbouring states to establish that specific brands produced in Punjab were disproportionately promoted. This, the government argued, is a result of alleged malpractices," which have led to what it calls a perverse incentive" for certain corporations to push certain products over others.

The Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal is in power in Delhi and Punjab. The party is seeking a fourth consecutive term in Delhi.

Big brands to benefit

For big brands, especially those with strong national sales, the weighting system means they will likely have a significant advantage. The situation is more challenging for smaller players, which would need to perform exceptionally well in specific regions to offset their limited reach and boost their order index.

This is a step in the right direction, if and when implemented, as it will correct the distortion in the Delhi liquor market," said Vinod Giri, director-general of the Brewers Association of India. Giri said that this will help increase the availability of larger brands, which have been quite absent from the city's market for the past two-odd years.

However, the new proposal, coming as it does in the middle of an election, could turn out to be as controversial as the New Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, which was introduced in November 2021 with the intention of revamping retail liquor sales in the capital. The policy was scrapped in August 2022, after allegations of procedural lapses, corruption and financial losses and all private liquor vends in the capital were shut down.

Delhi is a state-controlled alcohol market and liquor sales in the city are handled exclusively by four government-run entities  Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) and Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS).

According to media reports, the Delhi excise department collected revenue of about 7,484 crore in FY24 including VAT, from liquor. It made 6,830 crore in the year prior.

Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd representatives said Delhi should revert to a hybrid system of private and government retailing, with a transparent, forward-looking policy.

"Delhi is our capital, and we should have the best brands available to consumers - in the finest retail environment since the city deserves to be a showcase market," they said.

In the eight-page circular, the corporations said they are also contemplating allowing app-based ordering for buyers who can order liquor from corporation websites to be collected from stores. Liquor orders will be placed in a "fair" manner so that all brands are given fair consideration.

With this new docket, the excise department said it wanted to ensure that market offerings at its corporation stores would be based on genuine consumer demand, not artificial manipulation.
New Delhi: The Aditya Birla Group plans to partner with franchisees to scale its newly launched jewellery brand, Indriya, aiming to open 100 stores over the next 18 months, according to a top executive. The move marks an aggressive push into Indias 6.7-trillion ($81 billion) branded jewellery market.

The conglomerate announced its venture into the jewellery sector in July last year with an investment of up to 5,000 crore ($610 million) to build its business under the Novel Jewels umbrella. Indriya currently operates 12 stores in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad.

Like any other venture from the Birla group, the ambition for this business is to be among the top two to three players within the sector," Sandeep Kohli, chief executive officer, Indriya, said in a virtual interview with Mint. We are growing our business in blocks and stages; our next target is to get 100 stores within 18 months."

Indriya enters a market dominated by established players such as Tata Groups Titan Co., Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Reliance Jewels. Many of these competitors use franchise partnerships to expand in regional markets, leveraging local expertise.

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Partnering franchisees is going to be part of our expansion plan. We've already created a very innovative franchising model; we are in talks with franchisees to take that model forward, and we will be launching franchisee stores also very soon," Kohli said.

The entry comes amid a surge in gold prices, which topped 80,000 per 10 grams in October. Despite higher gold prices, Indias organized jewellery sector has shown resilience. The industrys revenue is projected to grow 20% year-on-year in FY25 and 17% in FY26, driven by wedding demand, according to India Ratings and Research.

While higher prices may temper same-store volume growth, revenues from new stores are expected to offset the impact, it said in a note earlier this week.

Kohli said rising gold prices are a longstanding industry challenge. "Gold is becoming more expensive while budgets are not growing to that extent. We ensure that our designs are such where either, by way of spread or by the innovative use of material and design, consumers can buy within their budgets," he added.

Indias organized jewellery sector has grown from 22% of the market in FY19 to 36-38% in FY24, with a compound annual growth rate of 8%, according to a report by brokerage Motilal Oswal. The market is now valued at 6,400 billion ($77 billion).

Indriya is targeting both metro and non-metro cities, including key jewellery hubs, Kohli said. Its current locations include Delhis Karol Bagh and South Extension markets, known for their mix of national and local jewellery retailers.

Also read | The fall and rise of fine jewellery startup BlueStone

One year into its launch, Indriyas average in-store bill sizes have surpassed expectations. We assumed customers would buy smaller pieces but they are already purchasing for important occasions," he said.
Temasek-backed hospitals chain Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd has sought banker pitches for a likely $1-billion initial public offering (IPO), valuing the Ranjan Pai-founded firm at over $7.5-8 billion, according to two people aware of the development.

The idea is to take the company public over the next 12 months and bankers have been asked to make formal pitches early next month," said one of the persons on the condition of anonymity.

The IPO will likely include a secondary offer for sale (OFS) and a large" primary capital-raise, the person said. The company does not need capital immediately, but it will boost its war chest for a large acquisition through a primary capital raise during the IPO.

Also read | Manipals Ranjan Pai to invest in Atul Guptas $250 mln fund

The second person quoted above said that the existing shareholders will be diluting their stake as part of the OFS. The company will also be looking to raise primary capital," the person added.

Some of the capital is also likely to be used to pare debt.

In an emailed response to queries, a Temasek spokesperson declined comment. Emailed queries to Manipal Group spokesperson did not elicit any response.

If the Bengaluru-based Manipal Health moves ahead with its listing plans, it would be one of the largest IPOs from the healthcare industry in India at this scale. In November last year, Aster and Blackstone-backed Quality Care said they have signed an agreement to merge. The reverse merger created the largest listed healthcare provider in India with more than 10,150 beds.

Temasek acquired 41% stake in Manipal Health in April 2023 for more than $2 billion, valuing it at nearly $4.8 billion or 40,000 crore. The Singapore-based investor acquired stake from Pai and others including NIIF and TPG, taking its shareholding to around 59%. Manipal Education and Medical Group Pvt. Ltd retains around 31% of the company, with TPG owning 10-11%.

Also read | Aster to Apollo, Manipal to Max, hospital chains ready for a big-bang expansion

Last year, Temasek sold up to 8% in the company to Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), Novo Holdings and California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), in a bid to de-risk its holdings in the company.

Founded in 2010 by Pai, the company, also known as Manipal Hospitals, currently has a pan-India footprint of more than 30 hospitals with 9,500-plus beds and over 5,000 doctors. It has presence across cities such as Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysore, Vijayawada, Salem, Dwarka, Palamvihar, Goa, Jaipur, Ghaziabad, Patiala, Pune and Kolkata, among others.

Company financials

In the first half of FY24, the company recorded a revenue of 26.2 billion, with an Ebitda of 7.41 billion at the consolidated level, according to India Ratings & Research.

Also read | Star Health vs Manipal Cigna vs SBI General: Which health insurer stands out?

Manipal Hospitals consolidated revenue increased to 48 billion in FY23 from 40 billion in FY22, according to an India Ratings report from November 2023. The companys consolidated Ebitda margin rose to 26.6% in FY23 from 23.2% in the previous year, supported by its improved case mix and increased in-patient admissions at both existing and acquired hospitals, the report said.

The overall occupancy levels of the hospital company moderated to 58% in FY23 (FY22: 64%) with net addition of 283 beds, mainly at Whitefield, Goa, Jaipur, the report said. The company reported a 14% year-on-year improvement in the average revenue per occupied bed at the consolidated level, it said.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is sending his deputy head of state to attend President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, signaling Beijings willingness to engage the new administration and stabilize rocky ties with the U.S.

Han Zheng, Chinas vice president, will be traveling to Washington as Xis special representative at the inauguration, state media reported Friday, citing a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

A former member of the Communist Partys top decision-making body, Han stands to be the most senior delegate that China has sent to witness the swearing-in of an American president. Washington has typically invited ambassadors and other lower-level dignitaries to such ceremonies but Trump broke with precedent by extending an invitation to Xi this time.

We are willing to work with the new U.S. government to strengthen dialogue and communication," to properly manage differences and expand cooperation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, according to state media.

Beijing hopes to find the right way for China and the U.S. to get along in the new period," the spokesperson said.

The announcement confirmed that Xi is demurring on Trumps invitation to attend the Jan. 20 ceremony, a decision reported by The Wall Street Journal last month.

It would have been unusual for the leader of any nation to personally attend a U.S. presidential inauguration. Xi would have faced political risks by attending himself, particularly after Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China from the first day of his second term as president.

In light of such concerns, some experts on Chinese diplomacy said that sending Han was the most positive response that Xi could realistically have made to Trumps invitation.

Although the vice presidents role may not hold significant political power, his presence still matters as a trusted envoy of Xi," said Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Singapores Nanyang Technological University who studies Chinas foreign policy. Han certainly will be able to play the role of an interlocutor and a channel of communication."

It is unusual for national leaders to attend presidential inaugurations, a role typically filled by ambassadors.

Beijing is likely to follow up on Hans trip by looking to arrange high-level meetings with the Trump administration, such as discussions between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his American counterparts, Loh said.

One person close to Trumps decision to invite Xi said that while Trump wants competition with China he also values the relationship with the Chinese leader, the Journal previously reported. Xi was considering sending a senior lieutenant to the ceremony as a way to help gain access to the next White House, the Journal reported.

Beijing has been trying to reach out to the Trump team, in part to ascertain whether the new administration plans to use tariffs as a way to negotiate a trade deal with Beijing or to move the U.S. economy further away from Chinas.

Such attempts to build back channels have been rebuffed so far. Former and current Chinese officials including Chinas former ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai, who built connections with Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, during the first Trump presidency, have had limited success in getting through to Trumps inner circle.

As president-elect, Trump said that he would place tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China on the first day of his second term if the countries dont halt the flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S.

Xi, for his part, has signaled that Beijing would retaliate should Trump follow through on his threats. In his congratulatory message to Trump after his election victory in November, Xi said, History tells us that both countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation."

China has since brandished some of the tools that it could use to hit back at the U.S. in the event of a new trade war. These measures include potentially choking off the metals needed to produce everyday products and punishing American companies that do business in China.

In December, Beijing tightened controls on exports of raw materials used in the manufacture of advanced electronics and batteries and in other high-tech fields, and announced an antitrust probe of Nvidia, the U.S. chip maker.

Write to Chun Han Wong at chunhan.wong@wsj.com
You might think a ceasefire in Gaza would herald a period of calm in the Middle East. But as we report this week, one militant group has created a violent and lucrative new business franchise that is built to last. The Houthis are holding Red Sea shipping to ransom, notionally in solidarity with the Palestinians, but in reality to extract income from the industry and exert influence over the region. They have had a banner year.

The Economist estimates that Red Sea cargo shipments are 70% lower by volume and that, by shaking down ship owners, they are earning hundreds of millions of dollars a yearor even billionswhile imposing hundreds of billions of dollars of cost on the world. Far from going quiet when the shooting stops in Gaza, the Houthis may be heralding an anarchic world without rules or a policeman.

The Houthis, a political and religious group that originated in north-west Yemen, are part of Irans axis of resistance", a network of proxies across the Middle East. Whereas Hamas and Hizbullah have been smashed by Israel and Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria has collapsed, the Houthis have staying power. That is owing to the fact that are in a remote, rugged country that is violent, divided and poor. Repeated American, allied and Israeli air and naval strikes have had only limited effect at vast expense. An earlier attempt to quell the Houthis by force, led by Saudi Arabia in 2015-22, failed amid terrible civilian casualties.

For all their countrys failings, the Houthis have a clever business model. Because of the proliferation of cheap missiles and drones to non-state groups that can strike frequently and at long range, they pose a credible and sustained threat to commercial shipping passing through the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, which normally handles 12% of global trade. But they offer a choice. If you cut a deal using their helpful customer-relations email address and black-market payment systems, they will grant you safe passage. By one estimate, illegal payments to the Houthis could amount to $2bn a year.

Because their target is Western firms, which often want to avoid paying protection money, the pattern of activity in the Red Sea has shifted. Chinas share of traffic in the strait has increased by a quarter since October 2023. The big Western shipping lines are taking the longer route, around Africa. The extra time and fuel this requires increases costs and eats up shipping capacity. The Economist estimates that the bill, some of which is passed on to consumers, amounts to $175bn a year.

What to do? Although the Houthis may pause following the Gaza ceasefire, their ability to threaten ships will remain. Any maximum pressure" campaign against Iran by Donald Trump could affect the Houthis, who rely on Iranian missiles and Iranian and Russian targeting information. Still, America is not a big user of the Suez Canal, so Mr Trumps appetite for pursuing the Houthis directly may be limited. Besides, no one has yet identified an effective aerial and naval strategy against them and a ground invasion of Yemen is out of the question.

Yet even if Iran were to disown them, the Houthis would have good cause to continue the extortion and the money to buy the weapons they need. They could also threaten other targets, including the oil-rich Gulf states. Hence, if Mr Trump turns a blind eye to the Houthis, other countries in Asia, the Middle East and Europe may eventually follow China and pay the Houthis protection money despite also paying lip service to the principle of freedom of navigation.

That would hardly break the world economy, but it would reshape it. A permanent tail-risk would become embedded in financial and shipping markets as investors factored in the possibility of a total closure of the Suez Canal or Houthi strikes on other targets in the region. There would be an enduring loss of efficiency. And market shares in shipping would shift as Western firms lost business to vessels carrying the flag of China or other rule-breakers.

Businessmen or believers?

Similar trends are discernible as other industries, including air travel, are reshaped by swirling geopolitical risks. The Houthis have discovered that the world is unwilling to work together, although the costs of inaction are high. Indeed, they have been so successful at exploiting collective inertia that other militias may pay them the compliment of imitating them.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
The key to securing Europe at less cost to U.S. taxpayers may be sitting in European bank accounts. The West has frozen around $300 billion of Russian foreign-exchange assets, but European obstinacy has prevented these funds from being used to compensate Ukraine for war damages. President-elect Trump should insist that the Kremlins reserves be mobilized to fund Ukraines reconstruction and future arms purchases.

Russia has caused more than $150 billion in direct damage to Ukraine and nearly $500 billion in economic losses, according to the World Bank. Ukraine will need external funds of this magnitude to rebuild, and more in the meantime to rearm itself with continued purchases of Western weapons.

Mr. Trump doesnt want the U.S. to foot this bill, especially with Americas military already spread thin in the Middle East and Asia. European budgeters are planning to increase their own defense spending, as Mr. Trump demands, so theyll be stretched thin as well. The obvious solution is to use the frozen Russian assets.

The Group of Seven has already agreed to tap the profits from interest produced by the frozen assets. But because of European opposition, aided and abetted by the inept diplomacy of the Biden administration, tapping these profits unlocked only a $50 billion loan for Ukraine and left the underlying assets untouched. This isnt enough.

Five factors make now the ideal time to use these funds to compensate Russias victims.

The first is Mr. Trumps return to the White House. President Biden always accepted the lowest common denominator among allies, letting foot-dragging leaders such as Germanys Olaf Scholz offer speeches rather than substance. Mr. Trump knows how to exert leverageand Europeans know that if they dont act, hell turn the screws.

Second, the assets have changed. When the war started, most Russian reserves were in the form of foreign-government securities held by European custodians. Now, according to the Hoover Institutions Philip Zelikow, the securities have largely matured into cash. Up to a third may be held in dollars or British poundspotentially giving Washington and London the ability to act unilaterally.

Third, its clear that the reserves can be mobilized in ways consistent with international law. Ukraine is owed reparations from Russia. Lee Buchheit, an expert in sovereign-assets law, proposed in 2023 that Western countries could lend to Ukraine cash secured by Kyivs right to receive these reparations. Assuming Russia refuses to pay, the West could set off the foreign reserves against this obligation.

Alternatively, Mr. Zelikow proposes moving the assets to a trust fund to compensate Ukraine for war damages, the same way that Saddam Husseins foreign reserves were used to rebuild Kuwait after the Gulf War. Allied powers did something similar after the world wars, using German assets to pay for reparations. The European excuse that international law prohibits moving on the reserves no longer holds water.

Fourth, Russia has less ability to retaliate economically. Any assets that Western firms still own in Russia are increasingly beyond their control. Income is difficult or impossible to repatriate. The Kremlin is already using strong-arm measures against these firms, and in most cases, they have already written down their value. Moscow cant do much more damage than it already has.

Fifth, many European governments are finally warming to the idea. Europeans realize that Ukraine needs a long-term source of funds, and change is coming in the most important country, Germany. Mr. Scholz will likely be replaced in February by Friedrich Merz, who has rightly criticized Mr. Scholzs bare-minimum support for Ukraine. Mr. Merz has yet to take a stand on the foreign-assets question, but mobilizing Russias reserves would fit with his visionand his need to address Mr. Trumps insistence that Europe contribute more to its own security.

The Trump administration has a unique opportunity to strike a better deal. Both sides of the Atlantic would benefit from transferring Mr. Putins cash to the victims of his aggressionthe sooner, the better.

Mr. Ferguson is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe." Mr. Miller is a professor of international history at Tufts University and nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
We Are China

Stunning lanterns greet Spring Festival in Nanjing

Ecns.cn) 15:34, January 17, 2025

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

The Qinhuai Lantern Fair is a national intangible cultural heritage item. Every year, during the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, the fair is held in the Confucius Temple-The Qinhuai River Scenic Area.

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

Stunning night view of the lanterns-decorated Qinhuai River Scenic Area ahead of the Spring Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (China News Service/Yang Bo)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Blue collar workers like electricians, welders, masons, and plumbers, are becoming influencers by sharing their daily work on social media and attracting millions of views. However, they are struggling to monetise their reach as the brands they want to collaborate with dont see them as an attractive marketing avenue.

Pawan Bisnoi, a 32-year-old electrician-cum-mason based out of Fatehabad, Haryana, has been in the trade since 2007. Last year, a 20-year-old boy who had joined as an apprentice ended up teaching him content creation on social media. Bisnoi started shooting his everyday electric and masonry work on his iPhone 11 and uploading it on his Instagram handle @bijliwala_mistry from October.

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"Initially, when I uploaded videos, it didn't get a lot of views, so I had given up uploading after posting a few reels. Then suddenly some of them picked up, and started getting responses in the form of views, likes and positive comments which motivated me to start uploading again," Bisnoi said (translated from Hindi).

Bisnois account in four months has gained over 10,800 followers. His 15-60 second reels get over 100,000 views each. Most of his viewers, he believes, are electricians and masons like him, who comment that they like his work and get to learn from him. Some suggest improvements, too.

New genre

Bisnoi represents one of the fast-growing community of influencers. Since January 2024, there have been over 100,000 Instagram posts on topics like electrical work, masonry, plumbing, welding, etc., as per data from influencer marketing platform Qoruz. The average reach of these posts was 85,000 views, and many of them caught millions of eyeballs. For comparison, the average view counts of influencers in India are between 125,000 and 200,000 and blue-collar influencers are not far behind.

He is currently working on 32 projects in his town, each of which he estimates will last two years and generate a minimum income of 60,000. This leads to him earning around 9.6 lakh annually.

He hopes to increase this income by monetizing his influence over his community and promote products of commonly used brands in the profession like cables, switchboards, appliances and pipes on social media. He has reached out to a few cable companies on Instagram, including V-guard, exploring collaborations, but hasnt heard from them yet.

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However, companies that sell products like pipes, electrical equipment, steel and other supplies used by these influencers are yet to catch on to this growing trend and tap it as a marketing avenue.

Company support

Some are keen to become early adopters, like Jindal Stainless. The stainless-steel company rolled out an advertisement campaign in June featuring fabricators that make steel articles. The campaign, named Zung Warriors (Rust warriors), addressed several social issues while using the blue-collar workforce as the protagonists.

As a forward-looking organisation, we are always open to exploring innovative avenues to enhance the reach and impact of our messaging," said Abhyuday Jindal, the companys managing director.

While the firm is yet to tap into the new breed of blue-collar social media influencers, it has kept an open eye.

As the blue-collar influencer ecosystem grows, we intend to explore deeper collaborations and expand our outreach to diverse communities," Jindal said. We recognise the potential of this emerging trend."

Jindal Steel and Power, another steel company, disclosed in its investor presentation that it has enrolled 46,000 influencers across nine states for strengthening its retail sales network. When contacted, the company did not elaborate on the nature of this engagement.

Marketing analysts suggest that these companies are very calculating about their returns on investments and see better prospects in campaigns with emotional value, than experimenting with this new breed of influencers.

Viable alternative?

As a company, investing in the betterment of the larger blue collared community by training programmes, certifications and recognitions seems a more viable investment to attract the workforce rather than singling out a few influencers from the community and investing in them," said Prateek Sinha, partner at consulting firm PWC.

For other brands, investing heavily in influencer marketing, only popular ones make the cut. Companies like appliance brands V Guard and Goldmedal, pipe brand Astral Pipes and cement brand UltraTech collaborate regularly with creators on Instagram but have not worked with any blue-collared influencers yet. Queries from Mint to these companies did not get a response till press time.

A Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh based 19-year-old electrician, Kuldeep Chouhan, who has almost 20,000 followers on his Instagram handle electrician__05 said, Brands usually prefer popular faces on social media to promote their products. However, as workers, they (blue-collar workers) have more say in selecting which brands are used in projects than the customers themselves."

Read this | Influencer marketing presents brands with its challenges, ROI biggest concern

He suggested that people like him who have a strong social media presence and influence on actual decision makers, i.e., the technicians, should get better opportunities to promote brands and earn from it. It will be a win-win for brands and us," he said.

Agencies take note

Influencer marketing agencies are sitting up and taking note. Anirudh Sridharan, co-founder of Hashfame, a networking platform for marketers and influencers, highlighted, You can't fake the kind of trust that comes from someone who's got grease under their fingernails and years of field experienceThanks to blue collar influencers, for the first time, we're seeing mechanics and plumbers become the new trusted voices, not because some marketing team picked them, but because they actually know their stuff."

He underscored that they might not be polished spokespersons, but they are real people showing how products hold up in real lifelike when they are under a car or up on scaffolding all day.

Growing smartphone penetration is also a leading reason for their growth. An report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), published earlier this week, predicts that India's smartphone user base will surpass 1 billion by 2025. The report also forecasts that rural areas will account for about 56% of the country's new internet users by 2025.

Conscientious influencers

Some blue-collared influencers have started getting monetisation opportunities as they become more popular, but not from brands they prefer.

Shaikh Shafik Shaikh Khwaja, 30, a mason based out of district Parbhani, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, has been making comedy videos related to his masonry since the past two years on his Vivo phone. His massive local social media popularity has helped him reach 125,000 followers on his Instagram handle @shaikhi_shafik_srk69.

He has been working as a mason for over a decade and makes a daily wage of about 900, but when he got approached by a Rummy platform, offering him his first collaboration opportunity and 8,000 to promote their app two months back, he firmly rejected it.

Also read | 2025 will be a crucial year for Indian creator economy

To me, 8,000 matter a lot but my followers are priceless. I dont wish to promote an app that can potentially ruin someones life. I am rather hoping for a pipeline, cement, putty or any such brand to offer me a collaboration based on my social media popularity, and I can authentically and ethically promote it," he said.

Nehal Chaliawala contributed to this story.
After a year of record fundraising through initial public offerings (IPO), merchant bankers are expecting domestic IPOs to gather more steam in 2025, with increasing funding demand from tier-II companies.

At this point of time, our estimates suggest around $35 billion (worth of) IPOs (planned) in the current calendar year," Kaushal Shah, managing director and head of equity capital markets at Kotak Mahindra Capital Co. said at the 17th Mint BFSI Summit & Awards in Mumbai.

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Last year, over 300 companies across the main board and small and micro enterprise (SME) categories raised around $18.5 billion through IPOs, double the amount raised in 2023. Other than the growing quantum of fundraising, experts are also excited about the diversity of the current pipeline of IPOs.

Traditionally, Indian IPOs have been dominated by financial services companies, followed by new-age players like Swiggy and Zomato, real estate and specialty chemicals companies. But last year, not only new-age companies, but also infrastructure, industrial and manufacturing companies were there (for fundraising), and we are expecting this to continue," Shah added.

'Beyond tier-1'

Government schemes like Make in India have also given a fillip to these real economy" companies to hop on the IPO bandwagon. As a result, experts are anticipating more small- and mid-cap IPOs in 2025.

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Last year, 40% of the IPOs were from beyond tier-I companies, and there is a significant demand for these small players from HNIs (high net worth individuals)," Nirav Shah, managing director of investment banking at Equirus Capital said at the summit. Since most of these small companies are starting off a low base, expectations of stronger growth and hence higher returns are fuelling investor risk appetite for SME IPOs, he added.

Naturally, the current IPO frenzy has raised questions on the readiness of these companies looking to go public. Moreover, increasing liquidity in the system through channels like systematic investment plans (SIPs) has made fundraising easier in recent years. As a result, because of the markets being good, I think a lot of companies which would have probably planned an IPO two to three years down the line, have advanced their plans," Amit Ramchandani, managing director and chief executive officer of investment banking at Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors said.

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According to Ramchandani, companies worth 1,000 crore and above are in the sweet spot for IPO fundraising. But going forward, he expects more players in the 500- 1,000 crore range to launch IPOs. While Ramchandani agreed that many of these small companies tapping the public market might not be fully ready, he pointed out that they are willing to adopt the processes of becoming ready with help from lawyers and other financial intermediaries.

The governance standards from what we had expected in some of these mid-cap companies have drastically improved in the past 10 years. That is also because some of these cities have seen a lot of evolution in professions like chartered accountants whom these companies are hiring," Shah of Equirus Capital said.

Governance standards

Moreover, increased private equity backing over the years have also ensured healthy corporate governance in many of the start-ups, even though at a cost of higher IPO pricings, merchant bankers noted. In fact, they pointed out that market regulator Security and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is also playing a major role in helping these companies go public.

Yes; the regulations have tightened (for companies), but rightfully so, as Sebis job is to protect the investor. But they are also doing an impressive job in expediting the clearance process," Madhurima Mukherjee, partner and head of capital markets practice at JSA Advocates & Solicitors said. AI (artificial intelligence) has become one of the tools that Sebi is using to smoothen operations."

With regulators erecting guardrails around IPOs in recent years, retail investors have found more comfort in investing in new offerings. Moreover, the alure of listing day gains also contributed to significant retail participation in IPOs last year. Naturally, domestic institutional investors have had no dearth of capital to deploy in primary markets, giving them more sway over pricing lately.

Earlier, we used to always look at FII participation, but now they look for large mutual funds' participation while investing in IPOs," Shah from Equirus Capital said. Going forward, experts expect deal pipelines to remain robust as they see the appetite for primary issuances getting stronger in 2025.
Ceat Ltd faced a challenging December quarter as surging raw material costs weighed on earnings. While revenue climbed 11.6% year-on-year, operating profit (Ebitda) dropped 18%, highlighting the strain on margins.

Revenue growth was fuelled by an 8% increase in volumes and improved realizations, particularly in the replacement market, which accounted for 54% of total sales for the nine-month ended December (9MFY25). Although demand has been subdued from original equipment manufacturers, Ceat expects a boost from new model approvals.

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Rising raw material costs have been a key headwind for Ceat. Prices of natural rubber have surged from around 150 to 250 per kg in 2024, stabilizing at approximately 190 per kg. Synthetic rubber costs followed a similar trajectory. Combined, these increases shaved 450 basis points off gross margins in the December quarter and 413 basis points over 9MFY25.

However, the Ceat management suggested during the earnings call that raw material prices have now stabilized. They also noted that recent product price hikes should improve margins in Q4. However, due to the market's competitive nature, price adjustments are gradual, typically requiring two to three quarters to restore profitability.

In the medium term, Ceat is counting on the integration of Michelin's off-highway tire (OHT) business, acquired under the Camso brand in December, to drive growth. The $225 million (approximately 1,900 crore) acquisition is also expected to boost Ceat's export capabilities through Camsos established distribution network and contribute meaningfully to revenue by the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

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Camsos premium pricingrealizing $5.5-$7 per kg versus Ceats $3-$4 per kgshould enhance profitability, according to a report from Motilal Oswal Financial Securities. The report projects the acquisition to be Ebitda positive immediately and accretive to earnings per share (EPS) within one to two years, delayed due to an increase in financing cost and a three-year licence fee agreement.

Despite competitive pressure, Ceats outlook remains strong, with most of its plants running at over 90% capacity. The company completed a truck and bus radial tyre capacity expansion in Q2FY25, whereas the expansion for passenger car radial tyres is ongoing. It has also announced a capex plan for its two-wheeler tyre plant to increase the capacity by about 30%, to be completed by the end of FY28. Total capex planned for FY25 stands at 1,050 crore, adding 17% to its FY24 net fixed assets.

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Ceat shares have outperformed the broader market, rising 24% over the past year compared with an 11% gain for the Nifty500 index, suggesting that investors are shrugging off the near-term margin pressure. The stock is trading at 16x FY26 estimated earnings, according to Bloomberg data. Integration gains from the Camso acquisition could serve as a key catalyst in the coming quarters.
New Delhi: The government is looking at a second window for the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDs) to allow transactions of as low as 1 lakh to 10 lakh, two officials said.

It is also looking at including a credit guarantee scheme into it, the officials added.

The second window will also allow banks to access digital data of MSME suppliers, including their names, GST details and goods supplied to a particular buyer in the last 2-5 years.

This is aimed at addressing the problem of banks being uninterested in discounting bills of small value as it involves higher costs, and encouraging small enterprises to take risks and grow their businesses. Some leading companies do not pay MSMEs against their supplies and use MSMEs credit as their working capital instead of taking working capital from the banks.

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The government in last year's budget added a new clause under Section 43B of the Income Tax Act to address the challenge of delayed payments faced by MSMEs in the country.

The new TReDS will be on top of the existing one.

The MSME sector, with over 63 million enterprises, has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy, fostering entrepreneurship and generating employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital cost, next only to agriculture.

Faster payments

TReDs, an online system, helps MSMEs receive faster payments while allowing them to sell unpaid invoices to financiers at a discounted rate, thereby providing quick access to working capital.

Financiers buy unpaid invoices from MSMEs to provide short-term loans and improve cash flow. This is called invoice financing, and it's a way for businesses to get immediate cash for their daily needs.

MSMEs in the manufacturing or services sector are entitled to these discounts if they have an investment in plants and machinery of up to 50 crore and revenue not exceeding 250 crore.

It is a buyer's market. Any large company will say you must supply 100% on my terms. Otherwise, you are one among 100 MSMEs in the queue. That is why we are looking at a second window for TReDS, which is basically for smaller transactions, between 10-50 lakh. The transaction value could also be 1 lakh to 2 lakh," one of the officials said.

What we are saying is that you don't go for the company's acceptance. You say that I have supplied the material and the MSME uploads the documentary proof of invoice and supply," the official added.

MSMEs are facing difficulties in discounting their bills on TReDs, including the onboarding charge, unlisted buyers and multiplicity of platform, according to industry stakeholders.

The hitch comes at several levels. Number one, both the buyers and the sellers must be registered but all the buyers are not registered on the TReDs platform. If sellers register with the platform, they have to pay an upfront registration fee, which becomes a barrier.

Secondly, there is a charge by banks for each bill discount, depending on each transaction. Then the problem is if you raise the bill, the buyer has to approve it. If the buyer does not approve, the bank cannot initiate the discounting process. Lastly, there is the cost of onboarding," Anil Bhardwaj, secretary general of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) said.

Registrations high

The total registration on all four platforms is around 140,000, Bhardwaj informed.

The second window means smaller MSMEs and banks can take a risk of 5 million transaction, unsecured facility where their antecedents will be checked. So, youll have digital data on whom one is supplying, GST and GST return and goods supplied to a particular buyer for the last 2-5 years. One can always check it if they are supplying to the same buyer and getting the money. Of course, there is a risk. The supply can get rejected but you take a calculated risk," the first official informed.

The RBI has already been informed about it, and it is with them now. This is unlikely to be mentioned in the budget as TReDs was announced in the last budget. This is something which we are trying to do in the coming 3-4 months," the official added.

The second official informed that the government is also looking at introducing a credit guarantee scheme on TReDs for MSMEs.

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We are also looking at whether we can bring in a credit guarantee scheme on that which says that up to say first 5%, we will not guarantee. The first default will be to bear by the borrower. The borrower will have to pay more than that if there is a default. We will guarantee the financier, saying that you have a default from XYZ, and they will make up for the loss," the other official said.

Queries sent to spokespeople and secretaries of MSME ministry, financial services department and the RBI governor were unanswered at press time.

Itd be good if the government comes up with a policy that says there is no registration charge because ultimately you are in some way getting some commission based on transactions. The priority should be on making more transactions so the platforms become more useful. Another set of problems is not all large companies or buyers are registered and if they are registered, they don't approve the bill, hampering the transaction," Bhardwaj of FISME said.

If the GST data and these platform data becomes seamless, it becomes obvious to know how many large companies are buying goods, what time they are paying. It would be on the public platform of public knowledge that who is delaying, who is paying, who is not paying, and some it could be automated also with the use of AI (artificial intelligence)," he added.
Chinas population continued to decline last yearthough births edged up for the first time in eight yearsfalling for a third straight year as deaths outpaced births.

China had seen birth numbers plummet since 2017, the year after it ended the one-child policy, despite Beijings encouragement of couples to have three children. At the same time, the number of deaths in China had been creeping up as the population ages.

The data for last year produced a brief reversal of the trend. Births rose to 9.54 million from 9.02 million in 2023, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday. That is still a far cry compared with the more than 16 million in 2015, the final year of the one-child policy.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths dropped to 10.93 million last year from 11.10 million in 2023, Fridays data showed. That brought Chinas total population to 1.408 billion last year from 2023s 1.410 billion.

Some demographers had expected birth numbers to see a small rebound in 2024, most of which fell in the Year of the Dragon, which is seen as an auspicious one for marriage and births in Chinese culture.

The uptick in births isnt expected to last. Chinas fertility ratethe number of children a woman has in her lifetimeis less than half of the replacement rate of 2.1, meaning that each generation will be less than half the size of the one before it.

Chinese couples who delayed marriages and births during the pandemic rushed to give births in the Year of Dragon, said He Yafu, an independent demographer based in Guangdong. But he said underlying factors, such as a shrinking number of women of childbearing age and young peoples reluctance to start families, remain unchanged. This year, births will be lower again," he said.

According to He, the long-term trend is also that deaths will gradually rise each year as the aging of the population speeds up. In 2010, only 13% of the population fell into the 60-and-older age bracket. Now, that age group makes up over one-fifth of the population, or 22% last year, up from 21% in 2023.

In 2022, deaths overtook births for the first time. Before then, the only other year since the founding of the Peoples Republic when more people died than were born was 1960, when the country suffered mass starvation as a result of Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forward.

As populations age, their crude death rates tend to increase," said Joseph Chamie, a former director of the United Nations Population Fund.

Chinas aging is happening fast. In the 2020 census, Chinese aged 80 or older were only 2.5% of the population, but based on U.N. estimates, they will be over 5% by the end of this year and 10% in 2050.

In other countries with aging populations, immigration often helps offset low birthrates and keep the population younger. Lower immigration is one reason U.S. deaths are expected to exceed births in 2033, seven years earlier than projected just a year ago.

China, with virtually no immigration, is stuck on a path of population decline, as deaths outpacing births becomes the new reality. The U.N. expects Chinas population to drop to 639 million, less than half of what it is now, by the end of the century.

To encourage more births, Beijing has tried measures from cash incentives to longer parental leaves in recent years, part of promoting what it calls a birth-friendly culture." But young women are becoming more prone to resist the pressure to marry and have more children. The countrys economic downturn is also making young people hesitant to marry and start a family.

China long prided itself on a rising life expectancy and an active elderly population. Death was something few spoke of, a cultural taboo. But as the population ages, death has become a bigger part of life.

Diseases related to old age, such as Alzheimers, heart disease and cancer, have become a major concern in China. About 1.5 million Chinese of 60 or older were diagnosed with dementia in 2022, including 1 million with Alzheimers, the latest official data showed.

Elderly care is taking a toll on both families and the economy, eroding household savings and cutting into spending on other items. For many Chinese cities, sluggish economic growth and pension coffers heavily in the red are sapping vitality and making providing for the elderly increasingly daunting.

Chinas death rate had hovered just above 7 per 1,000 people since 2008, but has inched toward 8 in recent years. It came in at 7.76 in 2024. The birthrate, meanwhile, edged up to 6.77 in 2024 from 6.39 in 2023.

Chinas birth and death data, as published annually by the statistics bureau, arent absolute numbers but estimates based on survey results of a small number of households. Chinas once-a-decade census is a closer representation of the true state of the population.

A wild card in counting Chinese deaths is the pandemic. In late 2022, Beijing lifted all Covid restrictions practically overnight, thrusting China into a public-health emergency as infections rapidly spread.

Two years later, the exact number of Covid deaths remains a mystery. Epidemiologists have estimated that between 1 million and 1.5 million people died from Covid-19 in China. Chinese health authorities have put the death toll far lower, at roughly 84,000.

A team led by Hong Xiao and Joseph Unger, scientists at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, in a 2023 study estimated excess deathsa measure of deaths above expected levelsamong Chinese 30 or older at 1.87 million between December 2022 and January 2023.

The team, which analyzed data based on three universities published obituaries on staff and faculty, as well as search-engine data on searches for keywords such as funeral parlor" and crematorium," found that most of the excess deaths were among older individuals.

Xiao said that death surveillance data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which had been regarded among public-health professionals as comprehensive and representative, hasnt been published for 2022 and 2023.

Write to Liyan Qi at Liyan.qi@wsj.com
This weeks Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal offers relief not just to residents of the devastated Gaza strip, but also the rest of the world.

After over 15 months of war, guns should fall silent on Sunday, when the agreement is expected to go into force, although Israels cabinet approval is awaited.

Aimed at ending hostilities, its first phase will involve an exchange of captives. Hamas promises to release Israeli hostages in lieu of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with the latter letting daily aid into Gaza even as it withdraws troops.

Meanwhile, talks will be held on the second phase, meant to complete that process.

In the third phase, Gaza is to be rebuilt under the watch of the US, Qatar and UN.

That a deal was struck just days ahead of Donald Trump taking office as US president is not a coincidence, given his dire warnings to both sides on his fury if the war didnt end by then.

True, this deal could fall apart if hardliners on either side use violence to scuttle it, but we must all hope for permanent peace.

Decades ago, Trumps claim to fame was his book, The Art of the Deal.

If he helps resolve West Asias long-standing statehood dispute, hell secure his place in history as a deal-maker.
Microsoft and Google can translate, say, Spanish to English, but who can translate finance speak?

Up-and-coming compliance software firms are leaning into artificial intelligence to help crack esoteric trader argot, as Wall Street and London watchdogs increasingly dive into traders jargon-loaded and even coded messages to help fight financial crime.

Financial conspiracies are often built on the clandestine communications between financial professionals in which they agree to, for example, rig an interest-rate benchmark or increase the price at which a currency is trading.

Even an educated lay person would need an insider to explain the lingo used between traders. But compliance software companies are rushing to provide firms with AI tools that enable their systems to outsmart crooked traders.

Compliance staff can use a tool from Behavox to input a chat between two traders and receive an explanation of what their slang means and whether they are potentially trying to do something illicit.

Behavox, a London-based compliance software company that sells to large banks, hedge funds and other firms, offers tools that can ingest the huge amount of messages that financial firm employees generate and look for the financial crime needle-in-the-haystack of jargon-laden, everyday work.

Compliance staff can use the Behavox tool to input a chat between two traders and receive an explanation of what their slang means and whether they are potentially trying to do something illicit. The language models the tool uses were trained almost the way a student would be trained, by exposing them to regulatory websites, securities filings and other sources to take them beyond the subject-matter depth of a generalist AI tool, said Chris Bauer, the head of technical services at Behavox.

Behavox can also translate from other languages so that an English-speaking compliance staffer in New York, for instance, could monitor a Japanese speaker in Tokyo.

Weve tested this on hundreds of different languages. A co-worker of mine swears hes got it working on Klingon. Im not 100% sure," said Bauer, nodding to the alien language from the Star Trek" movie and television series. The bottom line is that we have the ability to take in different not just literal translations, but also jargon as well."

Minding the naughty list

The particulars of financial industry record-keeping requirements have evolved as the ability to capture and store certain communications has improved with technological innovation. Wall Street regulators first required recording of at least some telephone calls in 1998 under what is known as the Taping Rule."

U.S. regulators now treat essentially any written communication regarding business as a record. They have levied billions in fines against firms for failing to rein in traders who talked shop on messaging services like WhatsApp.

Until recently, a common way for companies to handle sifting through the enormous quantity of emails that a Wall Street firm produces even in a day was to apply what is known as a lexicon, an ever-growing list of words and phrases that trigger human review.

One problem: Any phrase can be innocuous or illicit, depending largely on context, so the lexicon approach can result in a large number of false positives.

Lexicons can also produce false negatives, as traders adapt their communications to try to avoid trigger words. A trader might write Ca11 m3 n0w," or turn to emojis to try to duck detection.

Global Relay, another compliance firm that serves banks and other financial industry clients, is testing a new AI system with customers that can quickly adapt to approaches that would defeat a traditional tool, said Donald McElligott, the vice president of compliance supervision at the company. The company says its pilot system has been able to decipher phrases coded with emojis, and even pig Latin.

Traders believed that if somebody wanted to say something sketchy, they would just make up a funny word or, you know, spell it backward or something," McElligott said. Now, none of thats going to work anymore."

The system is also able to decode colorful metaphors in communications, such as a trader suggesting that his colleagues throw some chum in the water," a fishing reference that in a financial context can allude to illegal spoofing, McElligott said.

Some systems, like those offered by U.K.-based compliance provider SteelEye, can also automatically handle low-risk communications, freeing up compliance personnel to delve into trickier cases. That can be a selling point. Compliance isnt a profit center, and often requires large numbers of staff focused on sometimes rote tasks, so labor-saving tools scaled over a large organization can save large amounts of money.

Listening up

A survey of staff at 250 financial firms released last month shows that only about a third of the firms use generative AI tools for any purpose. But 81% of firms with more than 500 employees said they have felt pressure to implement new tools, according to the survey, which was conducted by Smarsh, a communications data service provider.

Risk and compliance applications were the second-most commonly cited priority use case, after productivity uses such as summarizing meetings.

Regulators have urged a cautious approach toward AI. U.S. and European regulators have expressed concerns that an AI system might inadvertently be trained in ways that give it an improper bias, such as racial or gender.

Finra, Wall Streets self-regulatory arm, said last year that it is considering issuing new guidance on the evolving uses of AI at firms. It said generative AI presents promising opportunities" for compliance efficiencies.

Regulators also demand that institutions be able to explain the workings of systems that they rely upon, said Amy Jane Longo, a partner at the law firm Ropes & Gray. Companies using them also have to make sure they arent introducing a new source of cybersecurity threats.

Im both optimistic and cautious," Longo said.

Service providers rolling out the technology say they are looking to the next frontier.

Telephone calls are routinely recorded and retained on Wall Street. Firms havent been required to comprehensively monitor the thousands of hours of daily recordings an office might generate, but dramatic improvements in transcription technology now make such scrutiny a possibility.

Historically, its been very expensive and complicated to transcribe voice, and the quality was not that good," said Matt Smith, chief executive of SteelEye.

SteelEye, which also provides AI to monitor financial transactions, offers a voice transcription service that it says can accurately render much industry jargon, and then feed the results into a system that can look for market abuses.

Smith said he thinks regulators could make automated snooping of employee phone calls a requirement.

As regulators understand whats possible now in the market with technology and the cost efficiencies that are now prevalent, I do expect in time regulators will become a lot more prescriptive," he said. AI is an absolute game-changer for the financial markets."

Write to Richard Vanderford at Richard.Vanderford@wsj.com
Chinese officials  who are expected to have some say over whether and how TikToks US assets could be sold to an American buyer  are discussing a possible option that involves selling at least a portion of the US version of the app to Musks X, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. CNN has not independently confirmed the discussions.
A launch event for Longford Lights 2025 took place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday, 11 January. The launch offered audiences a sneak peek at some of whats to come as the festival returns to Longford Town from Thursday to Sunday, February 20 - 23.

Plans for the upcoming festival were revealed to an audience of Longford artists, schools and community groups and festival funders, Longford County Council, the Arts Council, Creative Ireland, and Mide Arts Group.

Speakers at the event included the festivals Artistic Director Caroline Conway, who looked forward to whats in store. This is an evolving event that strengthens the arts in Longford and continually surprises and enthrals audiences. The theme for 2025 is Spectacular Lightness, which refers to luminance, but also playfulness and a sense of the ethereal.

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To achieve this, we have brought together a group of local, national and international artists to create an experience that will far exceed the sum of its parts. For 2025, we have two large projects built by local schools, as well as other targeted projects to build an inclusive festival.

There are also more performance elements including Metamorphosis which is going to be amazing. And for the first time we are partnering with Backstage Theatre that are putting on Luminaria a fantastic piece of family theatre in St Johns Hall, on the doorstep of the festival.

Now in its fourth year, Longford Lights is one of the largest arts festivals in the Midlands, with almost 12,000 people attending in 2024. This year the festival has expanded across four days and increased in size to involve 33 artists making 41 art installations, with the help of 36 schools and community organisations and thousands of lights.

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For the first time, the festival is moving into Longford town with art installations and video projections taking place on Bridge Street and Lower Main Street. This new development has been supported by local businesses, residents and the Longford Night Time Economy Programme.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey looked forward to the festival. It is easy to see why Longford Lights is going from strength to strength and attracting audiences to our county town. It is outward looking and ambitious, while also being local and authentic. I congratulate everyone on their work so far and I encourage everyone to get their tickets for Longford Lights 2025.

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, The Council is a proud supporter and funder of Longford Lights. It is a festival which brings many people into our county town, exploring what we have to offer and witnessing our exceptional artistic talent. It is great to see the organic expansion of the festival as it becomes larger and attracts more and more people.

Guest speaker at the launch event, award-winning director of theatre, spectacle and film Noeline Kavanagh praised the efforts of local artists and the Councils involvement, Longford Lights is no longer a local affair, it has become an important festival on the national circuit and has become a catalyst for greater arts development in the county.

Longford Lights 2025 takes place from 6pm to 10pm on Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23. Large attendances are anticipated so to avoid disappointment book tickets now on Longfordlights.ie.



For updates, follow Longford County Council on social media and visit Longfordcoco.ie.
A planning application for a 10 home development in Kenagh approved by Longford County Council planners has been overturned by An Bord Pleanala.

John and Sandra Conlon were granted permission for the development at Mosstown, Kenagh, Longford last August.

The application related to the proposed construction of a residential development of 10 dwelling houses.

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The properties would consist of eight two-bedroom two-storey terraced dwellings and two three-bedroom two-storey semi-detached dwellings.

Also included in the plans were provisions was an access point from the adjoining Deerpark estate, a green open space, boundary fences and walls.

The planning application covered the proposed connections to the existing foul sewer, surface water and watermain networks and all ancillary site works.

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There were eight submissions on the file when the application was initially approved by Longford County Council, two from Irish Water, and the remaining from private individuals .

The initial approval decision came with 13 conditions attached.

An appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala last August shortly after the proposed development received the green light.

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Senior planners made the ruling on January 2 last.

They stated that the development ran the risk of detracting from the amenity of the existing residents.

Senior planners outlined in their report the main reasons for their refusal.

They said the applicant had not demonstrated that the 'alignment of the proposed access road does not contravene condition number 6' of the planning authority register 04/733.

This condition required all areas shown as public open spaces to be reserved for such use, the report added.

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The senior planners stated the councils ownership of the land is no justification for its development as a road to serve a private residential development.

"The development plan states that the council will not normally permit development that would result in a loss of open space, the decision document outlines. The proposal to construct the access road in an area zoned recreation/ green space, where it is stated that the council will not normally permit development that would result in a loss of open space would contravene the zoning objective and seriously injure the amenities of the area.

The appeal report summary also stated the proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and it refused planning permission on that basis.
While the number of farm safety inspections conducted nationally has risen dramatically over the past four years, 2021 to 2024 inclusive, the number conducted in county Longford has reduced significantly.

Just 312 inspections were conducted nationally in 2021 with the number carried nationally out over the following three years being 1,022 ; 1,337 and 1,171.

In Longford 21 inspections took place in 2021, 31 in 2022 and 18 in 2023, however, in 2024 the number fell to just 2.

Deputy Reada Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the time the number of farm safety inspections that have taken place in each county over the past four years.

The then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said, "farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work".

"The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) continues rolling out its Farm Safety Action Plan 2021- 2024 which aims to reduce the level of fatalities, serious injuries and ill health in the agriculture sector.



The Plan focuses on high-risk activities particularly around the use of tractors and other farm vehicles, livestock handling and working at height. It also aims to improve farmer skill levels around risk identification and management," the then Minister added.

A total of 1171 inspections were carried out in farms across the country last year.

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Cork had the highest number of inspections in total, it went from having 5 inspections in 2021 to having 632 inspections in 2024.

Waterford had the lowest number of inspections, with 25 inspections in the last 3 years.

It had only one inspection last year.

The grand total of inspections from 2021 to 2024 on all farms in the country was 3,842 inspections.

The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee was established to involve industry stakeholders in improving occupational safety and health in agriculture.

See the full table here.
A woman who was raped by her former partner has said she did not receive any counselling because she thought the notes from the sessions would be used against her.

Reading a victim impact to the Central Criminal Court, Susan Lynch said she regretted not receiving any counselling following rapes perpetrated on her by Paul Arthur, causing her to leave her home with her two children.

Arthur, aged 59, of Cornwall, Letterkenny, County Donegal was previously found guilty, by a jury, of two counts of anal rape and one count of vaginal rape of Ms Lynch on dates between September 2017 and July 2018.

Ms Lynch waived her legal right to anonymity to allow her former partner of 14 years to be named following this Friday's sentencing hearing.

At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath paid tribute to Ms Lynch's powerful victim impact statement, which he said described the very serious effect this has had on her.

He noted it was a serious breach of trust - and a repeated breach of trust - by a man against his long-term partner. He noted it was pre-meditated.

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In mitigation, the judge said Arthur has no previous convictions and suffers from a number of health issues. However, he said he did not believe prison would be unduly oppressive for him.

Arthur has been in custody since the guilty verdicts were handed down last November. The sentence was backdated to when he went into custody.

In her victim impact statement, Ms Lynch said she declined any counselling because the notes could be used against her during the trial.

Any counselling notes I did would be used against me so I received no counselling while the court was awaiting trialI now regret that, she said.

Ms Lynch said she gave a statement to gardai in October 2019 and had been waiting for a trial ever since.

The trial was just a series of humiliations for me I felt so stupid, she said. It brought me back to the one moment I was supposed to forget.

I had to go into intimate detail in a room full of strangers of what happened to meit was humiliating, she added.

Ms Lynch told the court she had three surgeries and was taken to A & E for panic attacks. She said she now suffers from alopecia. She said she could not sleep because the rapes happened in her bed.

Ms Lynch described how it was like a bereavement because she lost her identity and her home and had to start over again.

I lock my bedroom door every night and I check it and I doublecheck it. I lock my car door. I am in fight or flight mode.

I dont listen to the same music anymore. I dont dance anymore, I used to love dancing, I dont do anything that reminds me of him.

Ms Lynch said she had lent Arthurs business 65,000 and only 20,000 of that was returned.

Financially, I had no home, no comforts...I slept on a sofa bed and Id to start all over again. Ms Lynch said she no longer works and has not been able to since 2018.

You were a monster and you are a monster in my dreams, she said. The pain that you have caused cannot be measured in any way."

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Detective Garda Rosarie Monagle said the first rape occurred when Ms Lynch was in bed sleeping in September 2017 and she moved out of this bedroom after that.

She told Tim OLeary SC, prosecuting, that on July 21, 2018, Ms Lynch was awoken by Arthur anally raping her. He then turned her over and proceeded to vaginally rape her. She left the family home in County Donegal two days later.

The court heard Ms Lynch and Arthur had two children together and Arthur had three others from a previous relationship.

John Berry SC, defending, told the court that there would be no appeal against the conviction in this case. Hopefully that will give her some comfort, he said.

Mr Berry said his client had no previous convictions. Arthur had a number of supporters in court for the sentence hearing. When he is released, he will be returned to a community who will welcome him, said Mr Berry.

A new law mooted by Justice Minister Helen McEntee last year has yet to be passed in relation to rape survivors counselling notes no longer being admissible as evidence.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 17 2025

Victoria Basharina is the second William Floyd student to earn the honor of becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholars nominee in the past three years.

Victoria Basharina, a senior at William Floyd High School, has been selected as one of just 25 New York State nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nations highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in the leaders of tomorrow.

New York State Commissioner of Education, Betty A. Rosa, selected Victoria among a strong pool of statewide candidates to advance to the nationwide competition. There are 25 total nominees  20 in the general component and five from the Career and Technical Education component categories. Victoria was selected in the general component category and is one of only four students from Long Island and just two from Suffolk County selected for this honor this year.

Victoria is the second William Floyd student to earn the honor of becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholars nominee in the past three years with Alexandra Clougher being named a CTE component nominee in 2022.

Victoria, 18, of Mastic, is an exceptional student with a weighted grade point average exceeding 100. She is on track to graduate No. 11 in a class of 767 students as a member of the William Floyd High School Class of 2025. She has completed 13 advanced placement courses including algebra in seventh grade at William Floyd Middle School. She challenged herself with this course at such a young age despite knowing she would not be able to receive high school credit per NYS regulations.

In my 23 years as a school counselor, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of students, all unique and special in their own way, but Victoria Basharina is a standout to me and probably one of the brightest and most interesting young women I have met in my entire career, said Ashley Siebert, Victorias guidance counselor. She represents the very best of what we hope to foster in our students: intellectual curiosity, resilience, compassion, and the drive to make a positive impact.

Victoria emigrated from Russia in the first grade, and soon after arriving to America, she began attending Moriches Elementary School. Despite the challenges she faced of adapting to a new country, language and culture without all members of her family present, she used it as an opportunity to build strength and empathy toward others, which is evident through her various community service activities. She spends any free time that she has volunteering at food drives, toy drives, fundraising events, community clean-ups, waterfront conservation events and ecological studies, and tutoring students who are new to the country and learning English.

Academically, Victorias passion has been her science research classes, where she has been able to delve deep into science topics and work with others who share the same passion. After graduation, she plans on attending a university where she can continue to grow and thrive in an environment that supports a high level of academic excellence and helps to further develop her research skills. She has participated in dual-enrollment courses at Suffolk County Community College in accounting, as well as at Stony Brook University in research, biological anthropology and psychology.

I have had the pleasure of working with Victoria throughout much of her high school career as a research student, and I could not be prouder of all she has accomplished, said Dr. Martin Palermo, honors chemistry, research and lead science teacher at William Floyd High School. This nomination, one of the nations highest honors for high school students, highlights Victorias hard work, intellectual curiosity, and passion for learning. She is a shining example of what it means to be a William Floyd student, earning the respect of both the faculty and her peers and modeling what it means to be a responsible and impactful community member. I look forward to seeing all the extraordinary achievements Victoria will undoubtedly accomplish in the future as she continues to make a positive difference in the world.

In addition to her excellence in academics, Victory has immersed herself into a variety of activities including as a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, Youth and Government (serving as Deputy Pro-Tempore of the Senate and earning two Best Bill awards and the Best Debater award), Robotics, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and the Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) offered through Stony Brook University. She is also just one of 10 members of the William Floyd High School Class of 2025 to earn the AP Capstone designation on her diploma, which is a significant honor for students and awarded to those who have scored a 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and a 3 or higher on four additional AP exams of their choosing.

Victoria has also participated in the inaugural animatronics club turned Animatronic & Design course, in which students constructed lifelike animatronic birds of the same high quality seen in films and at amusement parks.

Third District Assemblyman Joseph P. DeStefano, who represents the William Floyd School District, said, Id like to humbly give my congratulations to Victoria Basharina for being nominated for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar's Program. This program was established as one of the nations highest honors a student can receive for their own academic excellence and achievements. Victoria has not only demonstrated academic excellence but has also gone above-and-beyond to demonstrate worthy leadership qualities within her school and local community. My best wishes as she continues to inspire others and excel on her academic journey!

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., stated in the announcement, On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Regents, I wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of New Yorks exceptional Presidential Scholar candidates. The Empire State can take great pride in these candidates who represent the very best in academic achievement, artistic excellence, career and technical education distinction and civic engagement.

Commissioner Rosa added, I am thrilled to recommend each of these truly outstanding students to represent New York as Presidential Scholar candidates. Each nominee is uniquely qualified for this honor, and I have no doubt that they will all continue to achieve great things throughout their educational and life journeys. I must also thank our colleagues in the New York State Legislature for recommending students of such high distinction for this honor.

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Application is by invitation only. Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion in June.

Victoria has attended William Floyd schools since first grade at Moriches Elementary School, William Floyd Middle School and now William Floyd High School.
Governor Hochul Unveils Transformative Investments In Seven Hospitals And Health Care Partnerships Across New York

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 17 2025

Preliminary Approval Will Provide up to $188 Million Investment in Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering To Establish a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center of Queens.

Queens, NY: Governor Hochul Unveils Transformative Investments in Seven Hospitals and Health Care Partnerships Across New York. Credit: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled transformative investments in seven hospitals and health care partnerships across New York. The preliminary approval is part of the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program, and includes an up to $188 million investment in Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering to establish a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center of Queens. It also commits support for a partnership between St. Barnabas Hospital, Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center, and to upgrade St. Barnabas Emergency Department. Todays announcement follows the significant steps of Governor Hochul to improve the health of New Yorkers. Established in the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program incentivizes partnership between safety net hospitals and health care organizations. Through this program, New York is encouraging partnerships that improve the resilience of safety-net institutions by providing strategic capital and operating support, in addition to required regulatory flexibility.

The strength of our hospitals is a reflection of the strength of our communities, and safety net hospitals play a critical role in providing quality health care to vulnerable populations, Governor Hochul said. Every person should have access to affordable, reliable health care regardless of the zip code they live in, and these investments will bring vital resources to underserved New Yorkers.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, I visited nearly all these facilities, including St. Barnabas Hospital, the first hospital I visited as Health Commissioner, and I have seen firsthand the need for these partnerships. Safety net hospitals promote health equity and provide essential services to vulnerable communities. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to improving the health of all New Yorkers.

The Department of Health will work with these applicants to refine the operating and capital needs to effectuate their proposed transformation plans.

The preliminarily approved projects include:

Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This partnership between the Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) will establish a Comprehensive Cancer Program of Queens, including a new Radiation and Infusion Therapy Campus at The Jamaica Hospital.

This clinical partnership will help Jamaica Hospital provide comprehensive cancer care in Queens and refer identified patients to Memorial Sloan Kettering for advanced therapy or clinical trials.

The State will provide up to $188 million in capital funding to support this project.

Glens Falls Hospital and Albany Med Health System

Glens Falls Hospital, in continued partnership with Albany Med Health System, will modernize the Glens Falls emergency department to improve care delivery and prepare for anticipated growth in emergency department utilization in the next 10-15 years.

Glens Falls will work with community-based organizations to ensure patients discharged from the emergency department are connected to appropriate resources, including the integration of social workers into the discharge process.

The project will include integration of Glens Falls Hospital into the Albany Med electronic medical record system and advanced stroke care for Glens Falls patients.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, Brooks Hospital, Olean General Hospital and Kaleida Health

In June 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement with Kaleida Health and Brooks-TLC Health Systems to build a new hospital in the Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County, replacing the Brooks-TLC in the City of Dunkirk.

In an expansion to this initial announcement, Kaleida Health will formalize partnerships with two additional rural hospitals in Western New York (Olean General Hospital and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital), and make critical infrastructure upgrades in these rural hospitals.

Kaleida Health will modernize its electronic medical record system for its entire system to enable greater efficiency and improved continuity of care throughout Western New York.

St. Barnabas Hospital, Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center

Through a partnership with Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center, St. Barnabas Hospital will improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary admissions and readmissions, while also helping provide the Bronx Community with greater access to local behavioral health services.

Plans include launching a value-based partnership to manage the complex health needs of approximately 35,000 Healthfirst members  50 percent of whom have behavioral health needs.

This project will include an upgrade to St. Barnabas emergency department, which currently sees 75,000 ED visits each year in a space designed to accommodate only 55,000 visits annually.

Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital and Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center d/b/a Westchester Community Health Center

Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital will partner with Westchester Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), to strengthen the hospitals Maternal Child Health program and improve the quality of maternal health care in Westchester.

Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital will modernize its maternity and postpartum unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to better serve its maternity patients. Its current unit is an outdated and inefficient space that has not been renovated in over 25 years.

University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network, UVM Alice Hyde Medical Center and UVM Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

To improve the quality of and access to behavioral health care and reduce emergency department use in the North Country, UVM Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital will partner with Champlain Valley Family Center for Drug Treatment and Youth Services.

The project also seeks to streamline and strengthen the financial sustainability of the UVM Alice Hyde Medical Center.

Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Otsego County Ambulance Services and Noble Health Services

Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital will establish two distinct partnerships  one with an ambulance service and one with a specialty pharmacy.

Through a partnership with Otsego County Ambulance Service, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital will increase the availability of emergency transportation and upgrade communication infrastructure to improve efficiency across the whole Bassett Health Network.

Through a partnership with the national specialty pharmacy Noble Health Services, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital will expand and modernize Bassett's pharmacy operations to improve and expedite pharmacological interventions for patients.

The Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program application process is rolling. Applications will continue to be reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis. In its first year, the program experienced demand that far exceeded the available funding. As announced in her 2025 State of the State, to meet this demand, Governor Hochul will allocate additional resources to the program in FY26. This commitment will further support worthy applications and foster more partnerships to stabilize and strengthen New Yorks safety-net hospitals for the future.

Representative Gregory Meeks said, The funding for a Cancer Center at Jamaica Hospital is a transformative investment in the Queens community. This generous support enables healthcare providers to use the latest technologies and advanced treatments in caring for cancer patients. Jamaica Hospital is essential to our community, which is why I advocated and secured more than $4.3 million in federal funding to help the facility acquire additional necessary medical equipment. Ongoing investment in our healthcare system not only saves lives but also strengthens preventive care contributing to the overall wellbeing of our residents.

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, Governor Hochul's investment in New Yorks healthcare system demonstrates a steadfast commitment to equity and innovation. The creation of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Center of Queens, in partnership with Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, ensures that Queens residents will have access to cutting-edge cancer care close to home. By strengthening safety-net hospitals across the state, this initiative not only enhances healthcare delivery but also reinforces our shared mission to build a healthier, more resilient New York for all.

New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman said, Healthcare is a human right and todays significant investment, by Governor Hochul, in safety net hospitals and healthcare organizations makes this more of a reality. This funding will enhance world class medical and Cancer Care for the borough of Queens.
Israeli soldiers from the Nahal Brigade operate in northern Gaza. Under the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, the IDF will withdraw from most of Gaza. (IDF)

A year of talks designed to achieve a hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas appears to have culminated in an agreement on January 16. The negotiations, backed by the United States, mostly occurred in Qatar. Throughout the week that began on January 13, the talks rapidly gathered pace toward an agreement, and Israels cabinet will vote on the matter tomorrow.

The hostage deal, whose parameters have not changed significantly since May 2024, was ironed out with backing from the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden and the incoming administration of President Donald Trump. The agreement is expected to unfold in three phases, over which Hamas will release almost 100 hostages, including the bodies of deceased captives. In exchange, Israel will release a large number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees for each hostage. A ceasefire will take place in Gaza during this time and may be extended depending on how the terms of the agreement progress.

The deal has fallen apart numerous times in the past. For example, only hours ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas had reneged on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions. However, it appeared by nightfall on January 16 that this last-minute crisis was averted, and the deal would go forward.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Major General (Res) Eyal Zamir, the director general of Israels Ministry of Defense, conducted a situational assessment on Thursday with officials from the ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which is responsible for humanitarian issues in Gaza. They directed that all Ministry capabilities be made available for implementing the hostage release deal, receiving the returning hostages, and supporting their families, the defense ministers office said in a statement.

The ministrys Rehabilitation Department and Department of Families and Commemoration have been placed on full alert alongside the IDF. They will provide all necessary assistance and support to the returning hostages and their families in all aspects, emphasizing close medical and mental health care and support, and will enhance emotional support and guidance for all families, the statement added.

The ministry is also accelerating other plans related to infrastructure work necessary for the deal. It did not specify precisely what this meant, but the term apparently relates to border crossings between Gaza and Israel and how aid delivery or other activities will be executed.

The hostage agreement is significantly more complex than the first deal in November, which lasted an initial five days and was extended for several more. That ceasefire saw 81 Israelis and 24 non-Israelis, mostly kidnapped foreign workers, released. In Gaza, Hamas also holds the bodies of two Israeli soldiers since 2014 and two Israeli civilian hostages, Hisham Sayed and Avera Mengistu, who crossed into Gaza that same year. The IDF has recovered the bodies of 34 hostages since its ground offensive began on October 27, 2023. Israeli troops also rescued six hostages in two raids in Gaza over the past year.

The current deal has three phases. The first phase is supposed to last 42 days and is set to begin on January 19 if there are no more setbacks. During the first phase, the IDF will withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor south of Gaza City and other populated areas in Gaza. This process will only be complex in northern Gaza, where the IDF has been operating for three months in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya.

Thirty-three hostages are supposed to be released in the first phase; women and children first, followed by female soldiers, and then men over the age of 50. Younger men will be released in the subsequent phases of the agreement. Eighty-one of the hostages are men, and 13 are women.

Reports indicate that Israel may release more than 1,000 prisoners and detainees. The number of Palestinians released differs based on the types of hostages Hamas frees; for instance, 50 prisoners for each female Israeli soldier, and 30 prisoners for each civilian hostage. Reports say a total of 47 Palestinians will be released in exchange for Avera Mengistu and Hisham Sayed.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Currently, no expert considers it feasible that the airplane will be replaced in the near future. The same would be true of those who were told the idea of the mechanical bird that could fly for more than eight hours uninterrupted. Elon Musk is looking to revolutionize the world of travel. In his vision of the future, rockets will be the most widely used means of transportation

To this end, he founded SpaceX, or Space Exploration Technologies Corp, an aerospace and space transportation company created by the entrepreneur in 2002. The ultimate goal of his intentions is to make space travel more accessible and affordable, with a long-term ambition to enable the colonization of Mars. And he has expressed this on several occasions on social networks, especially on X.

Elon Musk insulted by Brazil First Lady

El entrepreneur believes that this goal is possible thanks to the reduction of space costs. SpaceX is developing reusable rockets, which significantly reduces the cost of launches. Even so, his vision is still a long way off. On his social network, the businessman has been leaving small clues about what the arrival of rockets in society could mean.

Elon Musk has expressed his intention to establish a self-sustaining colony on the red planet to ensure the long-term survival of humanity. Before getting to that, it is supposed to be possible to travel from Madrid to New York in just 30 minutes.

The reduced journeys that Elon Musk believes are possible with SpaceX
Dear Eric: A group of my friends has been meeting monthly for about 35 years. Initially, the gathering was intended to discuss our common profession, but over the years the monthly sessions have become equal parts personal and career talk.

Nowadays it is a core group of seven participants (originally 20), with some erratic attendance due to family and life constraints.

Seven months ago, we accepted a newcomer on the basis of a former participants recommendation. Unfortunately, its become apparent that that participant has changed the vibe of the group, and even though he has done nothing egregious, wed like to uninvite him.

One of the legacy members feels so strongly about this, he wont attend any meeting that the newcomer attends. He just doesnt care for him. What is the best (least cruel, easiest) way of handling this expulsion? We have no personal relationship with the newcomer outside of these monthly sessions.

Group Dynamics

Dear Dynamics: Directness may not feel great in the moment, but itll likely be the most effective way to reset your group. One of you (perhaps you, or you could deputize someone else) should have a one-on-one chat with the new member, explaining that the group dynamic changed in a way that the original members arent comfortable with. Remind the new member that youve been meeting for 35 years, and old rhythms are hard to break. If its possibleand youre so inclinedoffer an alternative. Im not clear what you talk about in this group now, but if theres a particular subject, maybe theres another outlet for this new member.

Another alternative is just to start meeting separately. You asked for easiest and, honestly, thats the easiest. Butand this is a big butit has the potential to be much more hurtful than a direct conversation should he find out youve been having clandestine gatherings without him. Best to just acknowledge the truth: some changes dont work out.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
BOSTON  Cole Koepke wont be in the Bruins lineup when they travel to Ottawa for a key division game. Mark Kastelic looks likely to be in the lineup against his former team.

Hampus Lindholm practiced again in a non-contact jersey.

Kastelic had missed the last two games, both Bruins victories, but he was at practice on Wednesday and Saturday. It sounds like barring a setback, hell be in the lineup. Hed have to be reinstated from injured reserve to play.

He made it through practice today, Sacco said. Well talk to the medical staff. If he has no symptoms or anything, hell be good to go.

Kastelic has been out since Jan. 9 when he struggled leaving the ice against Tampa. Emil Lilleberg cross-checked him and then the two fought prior to the injury. Kastelic was retroactively placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

Koepke left Tuesdays win over Tampa near the midpoint of the third period. He didnt see the hit coming from Darren Raddysh as he skated up the boards out of the Bruins zone. He tumbled to the ice and stayed down for several moments before being helped off the ice and into the dressing room.

While the referees originally called a major penalty, they reversed it to no call after reviewing the video.

Sacco ruled Koepke out for Saturday.

He wont be available tomorrow, Sacco said.

Lindholm hasnt played since suffering a lower-body injury in the first period against St. Louis on Nov. 12. Hed been skating before practice over the past 10 days. He was moved to Long Term Injured Reserve on Tuesday, but that move was about salary cap management. Lindholm has missed enough time already that he has no restrictions for when hed be allowed to return.
A new, upscale Indian restaurant is looking to invigorate the Boston areas culinary landscape.

Ssaanjh is now open at 1012 Beacon St. in Brookline. The restaurants name means friendship in Punjabi, which is the energy owner Manju Kaushal is hoping to encapsulate.

Were absolutely thrilled to bring the vibrant flavors of India to Brookline with Ssaanjh, Kaushal said in a press release. Our goal is to create an unforgettable dining experience that feels like eating with royalty. From the aromas wafting from the kitchen to the warm, inviting atmosphere, we want every guest to feel the essence of India and the joy of shared moments.

Ssaanjhs menu features an array of upscale Indian dishes, including Beetroot and Peanut Croquette, Yam Shami Kabab, Jack Fruit Dumplings and Chicken Gustaba.

Diners can also opt for more traditional plates such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Biryani and several curry options. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available.

Meanwhile Ssaanjhs drink menu boasts a selection of craft cocktails, mocktails, wine and other spirits.

Guests can share a meal in the restaurants 60-seat dining room or on the heated patio. The fully covered pergola will also let diners eat outside during the warmer months.

The restaurant will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A judge set the cash bail for a former Framingham doctor indicted on two rape counts at $10,000 following the doctors arraignment on Friday.

Dr. Derrick Todd, who practiced at several locations, including the Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham, was indicted on two counts of rape, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said on Thursday.

Todd pleaded not guilty.

The indictments are in connection to the sexual assaults of two women who were his patients at the time of the assaults, the district attorney said. The assaults happened between December 2022 and June 2023 during medical examinations.

Conditions for Todd also included surrendering his passport, having no contact with the victims, relinquishing his medical license and not practicing medicine, according to court records.

Anthony Abeln, Todds lawyer, previously told NBC 10 Boston that Todd does not want to litigate this matter in the media, but he will defend his care as the case progresses through the Massachusetts Superior Court system.

Previously a rheumatologist at Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital, Todd was fired on July 31, 2023, following an internal investigation. Over 200 women came forward with sexual assault claims, filing lawsuits against Todd.

Mimi DiTrani started seeing Todd at Charles River Associates in Framingham in November 2022. She filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court stating Todd performed unnecessary vaginal and breast examinations even though she was only seeing him for rare joint and skin conditions.

Over 200 women and men have joined a consolidated lawsuit against Todd in Massachusetts Suffolk Superior Court, accusing the former physician of sexually assaulting them and performing necessary exams, according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit, combining several filed last year, accuses Todd of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations and rectal examinations on patients.

It alleges that Todd began abusing patients in 2010. It also accused several dozen other defendants, including Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of knowing about the abuse and failing to stop it.

MassLive reporter Charlie McKenna contributed to this story. Material from the Associated Press was used in this article.
Dwight Watson, a Boston man who pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a Dorchester man in 2022, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said Friday.

Watson, 58, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Urvin Gerald, 48, of Dorchester. Watson pleaded guilty on Thursday, Haydens office said.

Judge Mary Ames sentenced Watson with the possibility of parole after 18 years.

The senseless act of violence that took Urvins life has caused an unimaginable emotional hardship, Geralds wife said in an impact statement. Since that day, the world no longer feels whole. The repercussions extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. Our grief is constant, and we are left to navigate a life without the man who was our anchor.

At around 1:03 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, Boston police found Urvin Gerald, 48, of Dorchester with a stab wound at the Mount Horeb Lodge, Haydens office said. He was taken to Boston Medical Center, where Gerald was pronounced dead.

Investigators later learned of an earlier altercation between Gerald and Watson, also known as Dog Bite, the statement read. Gerald was a regular guest at the lodge.

Lodge security broke up Watson and Gerald after their altercation with Watson was escorted out of the building, Haydens office said. A half-hour later, Gerald left the lodge and Watson appeared, stabbing him in the neck before he ran off. Watson left the state and was found by U.S. Marshals in Ohio on Jan. 27, 2023.

The statements made by Mr. Geralds family today make heartbreakingly clear how difficult life becomes for family survivors of homicide, Hayden said in the statement. Their words and sentiments motivate all of us in law enforcementand hopefully all of us in societyto work ever harder at reducing violence in every form.
A Middlesex County grand jury indicted a former Massachusetts doctor on rape charges stemming from the sexual assault of his patients, authorities announced.

Dr. Derrick Todd, who practiced at several locations, including the Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham, was indicted on two counts of rape, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said on Thursday.

The indictments are in connection to the sexual assaults of two women who were his patients at the time of the assaults, the district attorney said. The assaults happened between December 2022 and June 2023 during medical examinations.

Although Todds arraignment hasnt been scheduled, it could be held as early as Friday, the district attorney said.

Todd was a rheumatologist at Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital until he was fired on July 31, 2023, after an internal investigation forced the hospital to act.

In recent years, more than 200 women have come forward with sexual assault claims and filed lawsuits against Todd.

Mimi DiTrani started seeing Todd at Charles River Associates in Framingham in November 2022. She filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court stating Todd performed unnecessary vaginal and breast examinations even though she was only seeing him for rare joint and skin conditions.

More than 200 women and men have joined a consolidated lawsuit against Todd in Massachusetts Suffolk Superior Court, accusing the former physician of sexually assaulting them and performing necessary exams, according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit, combining several filed last year, accuses Todd of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations and rectal examinations on patients.

It alleges that Todd began abusing patients in 2010. It also accused several dozen other defendants, including Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of knowing about the abuse and failing to stop it.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this article.
A federal lawsuit challenging the first Trump administrations married couple and family separation practice on behalf of New England-based immigrants and their spouses has been settled, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts said.

At a hearing in U.S. District Court in Boston on Thursday, Judge Mark Wolf gave final approval on the settlement, which was preliminarily approved in October 2024, the ACLU said in a statement released the same day.

As we face a second Trump administration and his threats to detain and deport people en masse, this case is a reminder of the human toll of such cruel and unlawful policies: By targeting immigrant community members who live in our neighborhoods, attend our schools, and run local small businesses, the government tears apart families, communities, and the fabric of our nation, Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, said in the statement.

Together with our courageous clients and cooperating attorneys, the ACLU is prepared to push back against inhumane policies once again, Rose concluded.

The Massachusetts case was filed in 2018, one of 434 legal actions that the ACLU filed against Trumps first administration, including to end family separation at the southern border, the ACLU said.

The Massachusetts case argued the government arrested, detained and deported people seeking citizenship in the United States through the legal process that allows certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens to seek lawful immigration status while staying in the U.S. with their families.

While certain federal regulations were made to protect families from unnecessary separation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) worked to schedule and facilitate arrests of immigrants at USCIS offices where families appeared as part of the process of seeking lawful status, the ACLU said.

When the 2018 lawsuit was filed, the ACLU of Massachusetts represented five immigrants and their spouses, the civil rights group said.

The organization highlighted the case of Lilian Calderon, a mother of two who came to the United States when she was 3 years old.

Calderons husband was an American citizen who began the process for her to seek lawful status in 2016, the ACLU said. Two years later, they appeared at a Rhode Island USCIS office for an interview to confirm their marriage in order to help her seek permanent residency.

Immediately after their interview, ICE agents detained Calderon and took her to a detention facility in Boston, the statement read. She was held for almost a month, with ICE planning to deport her.

I was taken to a detention center, and some of the women there shared with me how they too were separated from their families, Calderon said in the statement. That night, I worried about my 1-year-old sons ear infection, and whether my family was going to be OK.

After the ACLU took legal action, she was released. Calderon became an American citizen in 2024.

Now my husband and I can tell our kids with certainty that our family wont be separated, she said. I hope that this country does not shut the door on families like mine, and I am thankful to have been part of a case that helps keep families together.

Another plaintiff, Lucimar de Souza, said she was detained for three months in 2018 after she and her husband also were called for an interview.

I will never forget the desperate pleas of my son when he begged to stay with me in detention, or how he broke down with emotion on the day I was finally released. I am proud to be part of a case that has stopped this from happening to other families, she said.
A New Bedford man was sentenced to prison for stealing over $450,000 in disability benefits from the United States Veterans Benefits for a United States Marine Corps veteran, United States Attorney Joshua Levys office said.

U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick sentenced Joseph Smith, 71, to 23 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Smith must also pay $459,550,86 in restitution, Levys office said in a statement.

Smith previously pleaded guilty to the counts of theft of government benefits and conspiracy to steal government benefits in September 2024, two months after he was initially charged.

"Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform," Levy said in the statement. "Stealing from them is simply immoral and Mr. Smith will now pay a heavy price for his egregious betrayal of a veteran who sacrificed for all of us to keep our country free and safe. Stealing from a Marine Corps veteran who bravely served for 20 years as he battled a devastating illness is about as low as it gets.

Between 2015 and 2020, Smith and others received monthly Veterans Benefits Administration disability checks intended for the veteran while they were hospitalized with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Smith and others deposited those checks into bank accounts they controlled, including one in Smiths own name. Others fraudulently opened accounts in the name of the veteran.

After these deposits, Smith withdrew the funds in cash and used them for his own expenses, Levys office said. They stole over $450,000 in benefits.
A homicide suspect from Milwaukee was caught by Lowell police on Friday, the department said.

Lowell police, working in collaboration with Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, U.S. Marshals and the Middlesex Sheriffs Office Warrant Apprehension Unit, arrested Bryan Marrero-Carrasco, 24, on Thursday, police said in a statement on Friday.

Marrero-Carrasco was charged with first-degree reckless homicide and appeared in court after his arrest, police said. The charge was in connection with a death in Milwaukee on July 27, when a person was shot and killed in the citys south side, Fox 6 reported.

He was ordered held in the Middlesex House of Correction and Jail pending extradition proceedings, Lowell police said.
Nearly 20 years after being introduced, the REAL ID will finally be required this year to board domestic air travel and to center certain federal facilities.

Effective May 7, 2025, the use of the federal ID card will be fully enforced, according to the U.S Department of Homeland Security.

Beginning on that date, Federal agencies are prohibited from accepting a state-issued drivers license or identification card for official purposes unless such license or card is a REAL ID compliant drivers license or identification card issued by a state that DHS has determined is in full compliance as defined under this part, U.S. Department of Homeland Security states.

The REAL ID differs from a Standard ID as it is a valid federal identification while a Standard ID is not.

A Standard ID can also be renewed online without going to the RMV whereas a REAL ID requires you to verify your identity at the RMV in person.

Before being approved for a REAL ID, applicants must prove they are a U.S. citizen, provide their Social Security number and proof of residency.

If you are a Massachusetts resident applying for your REAL ID, a full-list of acceptable documents can be found here.

The goal of the REAL ID, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is to set a minimum standard for license insurance and tightens security on the publics ability to access certain federal facilities, boarding federally regulated aircrafts and access to nuclear power plants.

How to apply

While you will need to go in-person to officially obtain your REAL ID, you can start the process online to save you some time at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

The RMV site will ask you for your date of birth, drivers license, permit or state ID number, as well as your Social Security number and last name to begin the process.

From there, you can follow the prompts to initiate the process.

You can also schedule an appointment to visit the RMV online here.

How to tell if you already have a REAL ID

Not sure if you already got a REAL ID? If you have a star in the upper right corner of the drivers license, its REAL and federally compliant.
A former New York police officer threatened to use explosives to vaporize anyone, including law officials, who came near his car at a ferry terminal on Marthas Vineyard Wednesday after he called police to the scene about a revolver.

David Anthony Capato, 56, of Edgartown, called Tisbury Police to report an unloaded revolver with a lock on it at the Steamship Authority terminal around 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Tisbury Police Department. When officers came to speak to him, Capato threw the gun into a blue mailbox near the Steamship Authority terminal before going back to his car.

Capato retired from the New York Police Department in 2011, the NYPD confirmed Thursday.

Tisbury police officers tried to get more information from Capato, but he became uncooperative, police said. He said he had several guns and an explosive in his car, which was parked in the drop-off area in front of the terminal.

Capato said he had a trigger and that hed vaporize anyone who came near the car, police said. He said he had experience and knows what he is talking about.

Since officers were worried he might have a car bomb, they called for backup, police said. Other officers soon arrived at the scene and cleared the terminal, the terminal parking lot, the incoming ferry and the surrounding area of people.

After several hours of negotiations, Capato peacefully left his car and was arrested, police said. He had a body camera on him and had been walking around the terminal for a while before the incident.

There werent any explosive devices in the car, at the Steamship Authority Terminal or on a freight boat, police said. But a M4 assault rifle was in Capatos car. The revolver he called the police about was found in a United States Post Office mailbox outside the terminal.

Capato was charged with disorderly conduct, threats to commit a crime, improper storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, witness intimidation, and terroristic threats, the Tisbury Police Department said.

Capato pleaded not guilty in Edgartown District Court Thursday. During his arraignment, Capato was ordered to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, court records show.

Hell return to court on Jan. 21 for a detention hearing.
More than 60,000 people across six Massachusetts communities live within a nuclear emergency planning zone, meaning they should be prepared with plans in the rare case of an emergency event.

On the North Shore, Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury are located within 10 miles of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station in Seabrook, New Hampshire.

Seabrook Station has operated since 1990 and is the largest electrical generating unit on New Englands power grid. Its owned by NextEra Energy Resources, which operates three other nuclear plants in Florida and Wisconsin.

Nuclear plants have many levels of security and are closely monitored by local, state and federal authorities. But in the name of preparedness, each year, residents, businesses and schools within the emergency planning zone in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts are mailed updated information by state officials. The 2025 brochures went out this week.

Across both states, 23 communities are located in the 10-mile radius emergency zone.

There used to be another emergency planning zone in Massachusetts before Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth shut down in 2019. The plant is in the process of being decommissioned. Following guidance from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee, the emergency zone around the plant was eliminated, according to the state.

There is only one other active nuclear plant in New England: Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Waterford, Connecticut.

Four levels of nuclear emergency

If an event occurs at Seabrook Station, it will be classified under one of four levels. If people within the emergency zone are required to take action, theyll be alerted through emergency alert system radio and TV stations, CodeRED, wireless emergency alerts, outdoor warning sirens and marine radio channels 16 and 22.

An unusual event means a minor problem has occurred at the plant, such as hazardous weather or a minor equipment problem. People in the area would not need to take any special actions.

An alert could affect plant safety but isnt expected to require any special attention by residents. Officials would monitor the situation and be ready to act if it got worse. As a precaution, they may mobilize resources.

A site area emergency means a more serious problem is affecting the plant and any release of radioactive materials would be below federal limits. As a precaution, officials may move school children to host facilities outside of the area.

A general emergency is the most serious type of emergency, involving serious damage to the plant and a release of radioactive materials. Officials may direct people to shelter-in-place or to evacuate to a safer location.

In the case of an evacuation

The reception center for Massachusetts, in the case of a serious event at Seabrook Station, is Masconomet Regional School at 20 Endicott Road in Boxford, which is outside of the 10-mile zone.

The 2025 brochure includes suggested evacuation routes for all six communities, including bus evacuation directions for people with no access to transportation.

People arriving at the reception center would be registered and monitored for contamination, connected to other family members, and possibly directed to a mass care shelter if they needed a place to stay.

2025 Seabrook Station brochure

MassLive has embedded the emergency planning brochure for communities within the 10-mile zone below. It includes:

Plans for schools and child care centers

What to take during an evacuation

How to shelter in place

Evacuation routes and checklists

Information on radiation and potassium iodide treatment
The Milwaukee Brewers added depth at the catcher position by signing a former Boston Red Sox player.

Jorge Alfaro agreed to a minor league deal with the Brewers that includes an invite to spring training, FanSideds Robert Murray reported on Thursday night.

Alfaro signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, but was released during spring training and never latched on with another team.

The 31-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the Red Sox in January 2023 ahead of spring training. He made a legitimate case to make the Opening Day roster, but Connor Wong beat out Alfaro and he began the year in Triple-A Worcester. After hitting .320 with six home runs in 43 games, Alfaro opted out of his contract June 1.

A brief stint with the Colorado Rockies ended with him getting cut and back on the free agent market before re-signing with Boston on July 6 after Reese McGuire went down with an oblique strain. Alfaro struggled both at the plate and behind it, going just 2-for-17 before he was cut by the Red Sox.

After not playing in 2024, Alfaro will try to make a case to make the Brewers' Opening Day roster.
Gov. Maura Healey declares herself ready to get the state moving.

In her State of the Commonwealth address Thursday, the governor discussed her plans to improve transportation across the state, from the I-391 bridge that connects Chicopee and Holyoke to smaller projects like Commercial Street in East Weymouth, over the next decade.
An investigation has been launched after a Worcester city councilor accused their colleagues of misgendering them and creating a toxic environment that has led to transphobia.

City Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, the first non-binary elected official in Worcester, said on Jan. 15 that Mayor Joseph Petty and Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Toomey misgendered them publicly on the council floor and said District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson had referred to them as it multiple times. Nguyen also announced on Jan. 15 that they would be taking a month-long hiatus from the council and formally requested the citys chief equity officer to open an immediate investigation and create an action plan to address the matter.

Tom Matthews, a spokesperson for City Manager Eric D. Batista confirmed to MassLive an investigative process has been launched and that a third party will conduct the investigation. Matthews did not say who the third party would be. The investigation is a civil rights investigation, according to reporting from The Boston Globe.

Following Nguyens accusations and announcement, Petty, Mero-Carlson and Toomey have all released statements. In his statement, Petty wrote that once the mistake of misgendering Nguyen was brought to his attention, he quickly corrected himself and apologized. He also suggested the decision to mandate in-person attendance at Worcester City Council and sub-committee hearings was another reason for Nguyens concerns. Nguyen participated remotely at the last City Council meeting on Jan. 14.

Petty, however, shared Nguyens concern about the need for a safe environment.

I will continue to work with the City Administration and [Worcester Police Department] to ensure the safety of all councilors during public meetings. Petty said. We are in a time of uncertainty, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community face real fears and challenges in simply being their authentic selves.

In a statement shared by the Talk of the Commonwealth radio show on X, Mero-Carlson said Nguyen has chosen to distort the narrative and weaponize these accusations for political purposes, rather than engaging in constructive dialogue that serves the best interests of Worcesters residents.

Toomey also posted a statement on X that reads she made an honest error in addressing Nguyen.

Nguyen, however, pushed back on the statements made by Petty and Mero-Carlson. They released a follow-up statement that reads the two individuals deflect and gaslight through real accountability around the transphobia and discrimination I have experienced.

And so reducing my experience with transphobia and the discriminatory and toxic culture to just a discussion about remote access for public officials is an act to delegitimize my efforts for accountability and care for the humanity of the LGBTQ+ community, Nguyen said in their statement.

Nguyen did not mention Toomey in their statement.

Nguyens accusations and hiatus announcement have resulted in several responses from other city councilors, local elected officials and organizations in Worcester.

As Vice Chairman, I envision a better future for the Trans and gender non-conforming folks, both within the City Council Chambers and in the wider community, wrote City Council Vice Chair and Councilor-at-Large Khrystian King. As public officials, we are called to equally commit to fostering a civic environment that protects our members and participants from any semblance of political hostility while denouncing any behavior that contributes to dehumanization or othering.

State Sen. Robyn Kennedy, D-1st Worcester, posted a statement on Facebook on Jan. 16 in response to Nguyens accusations, saying that leaders must stand up against harmful anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric.

Worcester can be the welcoming city we all want it to be, Kennedy wrote. Lets collectively do that work.

Pride Worcester, a collaborative effort between organizations and members of the Greater Worcester LGBTQ+ community, released a statement on Instagram in solidarity with Nguyen on Jan. 16.

In the post, the collaborative called for a sincere and public apology from any elected official who has misgendered, belittled, or perpetuated transphobia toward Councilor Nguyen. The collaborative also called for an investigation by the chief equity officer.

Attacks rooted in ignorance and prejudice have no place in our city, the post reads. We condemn any rhetoric or actions that harm our LGBTQ+ community members.
Huawei has released the top ten trends of Data Center Facility 2025 centering on reliability, flexibility, and sustainable development.

Recently, Huawei held the conference on the Top Ten Trends of Data Center Facility 2025. At the conference, Yao Quan, President of Data Center Facility Domain, explained the top ten trends with an aim to inject new impetus into the development of the data center (DC) industry in the AI era, gain insights into the transformation, and lead the leapfrog development of the industry.

As stated by Yao Quan, DCs have shifted from general-purpose computing power to intelligent computing power thanks to the continuous innovations in AI foundation model technologies. Server performance and power have been improved greatly, and the construction of clusters with 1,000 GPUs, 10,000 GPUs, and 100,000 GPUs has become the norm. The DC industry is embraced with unprecedented development opportunities and also facing challenges in the areas of reliability, high power, high electricity demand, and uncertainty.

Based on in-depth insights and long-term practices, Huawei has released the top ten trends of Data Center Facility 2025 centering on reliability, flexibility, and sustainable development. This is in an effort to share its insights and thoughts on AI DC facilities, build a highly reliable computing base, and power the digital era forward.

Trend 1: Reliability Becomes the Primary Core Requirement of Intelligent Computing DCs

Safety is the top priority to DC construction compared with the cost. In particular, the value of AI devices surges and the fault domain scope continues to expand in the intelligent computing era, making reliability the primary core requirement of intelligent computing DCs. DC reliability is essentially the reliability throughout the lifecycle, covering components, products, architecture, services, and O&M. A DC with low reliability will bring about a higher operation cost. To achieve low costs in a real sense, reliability must be ensured.

Trend 2: The Isolated Architecture Is the Best Choice for Ensuring the Reliability of Intelligent Computing Facilities

The power density of intelligent computing centers keeps going up. Electrical equipment is usually characterized with high voltage and large current, and it is critical to ensure its secure and reliable operation. Remote deployment of electrical equipment of DCs is preferred to ensure stable service running. In addition, electrical equipment, if deployed in the main equipment room, must be isolated from the main services and deployed in a standard manner. The fire resistance duration, water fire extinguishing, emergency ventilation, and one-click power-off requirements must be taken into account to minimize service impacts.

Trend 3: Uninterrupted Cooling Is the Mandatory Capability for High-density Intelligent Computing

In the AI era, air-liquid coexistence is a long-term process. Liquid cooling is an inevitable trend and uninterrupted cooling will become a mandatory capability for high-density intelligent computing. Uninterrupted cooling means zero cooling interruption when the DC is running properly and quick cooling recovery in case of exceptions. By doing so, DCs can run stably.

Trend 4: AI Will Significantly Improve Proactive Security in DC Operation and Maintenance

With AI technologies, faults such as power failures, fires, and high temperatures in DCs can be accurately prevented. This facilitates a shift from passive response to active maintenance and enables us to identify potential risks in advance, significantly improving DC reliability.

Trend 5: Professional Services Are Solid Guarantee for the Reliability of DC Operation

A DC usually has a service life of 10 to 15 years and maintenance is a more determining factor than equipment in the entire lifecycle of the DC. Professional services hold the key to the long-term and reliable running of the DC. No potential risks are left during deployment through professional deployment and full-process management of the DC delivery. On top of that, AI technologies are introduced to implement predictive maintenance instead of fault response, ensuring DC reliability throughout the lifecycle.

Trend 6: Modular Architecture Is the Key to Cope With the Uncertainty of AI DC Requirements

A modular architecture is required for AI DCs to flexibly address the uncertainty of AI DC requirements. A modular architecture features standardized equipment rooms, modular functions, and decoupled electromechanical devices, which can ensure on-demand deployment and elastic scaling of core subsystems and flexible adaptability to future service evolution. Take the Wuhu DC in China as an example. Adopting the modular architecture, the DC is delivered within three months and supports elastic scaling in the future.

Trend 7: Subsystem Prefabrication Is an Effective Method for Fast AI DC Delivery

Prefabrication provides greater production efficiency. DCs that house prefabricated subsystems can better meet the requirements of AI services in terms of elasticity and quick rollout. Subsystem prefabrication is not simple assembly but solution productization. It has to go through professional design, simulation, testing, and automatic tooling to ensure the product delivery quality. Besides, the onsite construction workload is cut by 90% through factory prefabrication and pre-commissioning, greatly shortening the delivery period and providing guarantee for fast and high-quality delivery of AI DCs.

Trend 8: The High Efficiency of Power Supply is More and More Valuable in AI DCs

High-density and high-computing scenarios pose tough challenges for heat dissipation. From air cooling to liquid cooling, power supply efficiency becomes a major factor in energy efficiency. To look at power supply efficiency of DCs, focus should be given to the power supply efficiency of the parallel system instead of that of a single device and to architecture innovation. For example, the UPS can have a high efficiency of 99.1% and implement 0 ms switchover between modes when working in super economy control operation (S-ECO) mode.

Trend 9: AI Enables the Improvement of Comprehensive Energy Efficiency in DCs

In addition to improving power supply and cooling efficiency, AI technologies can contribute more to enabling the linkage between layers 1 and 2. There are millions of optimization parameters in the air-liquid cooling scenario, exponentially complicating the optimization. To achieve the optimal cooling effect, the AI energy efficiency optimization technology can be used to replace traditional manual optimization. The application of AI technologies makes DCs more energy-saving and energy-efficient.

Trend 10: Computing-electricity Collaboration Will Become a New Mode of DC Construction

Computing power holds the key to AI, and electricity is essential for computing power. As the energy consumption of DCs keeps increasing, direct green power supply will be a solution to reducing energy consumption for DCs. In addition, as the load link of power generation-grid-load-storage integration, DCs can be linked with the power grid to improve the grid usage efficiency (GUE) through frequency regulation and peak shaving. DCs can flexibly schedule loads based on AI training and inference requirements to achieve overall optimal efficiency. Looking to the future, synergy between computing and energy will serve as a new mode for constructing DCs, boosting sustainable development of DCs.

In the AI era, Huawei Data Center Facility will focus on quality and technological innovation to build a highly reliable, flexible, and sustainable power supply solution for intelligent computing centers, help customers and partners seize intelligent computing opportunities, and maximize the output of every watt in an effort to power the digital era forward.
State-owned Ethio Telecom revealed on Thursday that it has initiated strategic discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance its digital transformation initiatives, amid reports that the telco also pushed back the deadline of its planned 10% share sale to mid-February.

During the first meeting with AfDB reps, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru made the case for the telcos digital transformation vision. Frehiwot highlighted Ethio Telecoms strategic roadmap unveiled at the start of the current fiscal year, in which the telco has committed to invest over US$1.1 billion in both telecom and digital infrastructure expansion to grow its user base and introduce new digital solutions.

She also said that Ethio Telecoms digital transformation will not only drive Ethiopias digital evolution, but also serve as a broader catalyst for Africas digital empowerment.

Africa must harness technology and digital solutions to overcome existing challenges, unlock new opportunities, and drive sustainable development, she said. Financing the telecom industry is not merely about expanding connectivity  it is about empowering entire economies.

Frehiwot said that by helping telecom operators continue expanding telecom and digital infrastructure, AfDB will play a pivotal role in enhancing national productivity, strengthening competitiveness, and accelerating Africas digital and economic growth.

During the meeting Solomon Quaynor, VP of AfDBs Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization Complex, said the bank was committed to deepening its collaboration with Ethio telecom beyond financing, while the AfDB delegation highlighted several areas of potential partnership.

The news comes after reports that Ethio Telecoms first sale of shares to kick off its partial privatisation process  and raise funds to roll out its 5G network  has been delayed.

Ethio Telecom plans to sell a 10% stake to private investors in the initial phase of a plan by the government to sell 45% of the telco. After several years of delays, Ethio Telecom began offering shares in October 2024, with the intention of selling the 10% block by January 3, 2025.

According to news outlet The Reporter, Ethio Telecom has pushed that deadline back to February 14. No official reason has been given as yet.
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The Chief Executive of Mayo County Council has not ruled out applying for any future Unesco Heritage Site status for the Ceide Fields if there is public support.

During the week it emerged that the decision by Mayo County Council to drop its nomination of the Ceide Fields in North Mayo for consideration on a prestigious Unesco list of outstanding cultural and national sites was due to there not being 'unanimous local public support'.

World Heritage Sites are recognised for their importance to humanity, and they are protected and conserved under an international treaty. Ireland currently has three sites on the list: Sceilg Mhichil, Bru na Boinne and the Giants Causeway.

The Ceide Fields are a 6,000-year-old Neolithic farmed landscape considered to be one of the most important and extensive Stone Age monuments in the world.

The matter was raised at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council by Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne who questioned why the council had removed the Ceide Field application.

In response, Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council explained that the process took place a number of years ago and at the time there was not large support for the application in the local community.

However, he added that the council is open to a fresh application when the time comes if the support is forthcoming.

This process was a number of years ago and has been no recent conversation on the ground. It has been indicated by Mayo County Council that if there is community support for putting forward the Ceide Fields as a possibility for a Unesco heritage site we will support it. But we can only do that with community support and at the appropriate time when the applicants are open, he said.

Director of Services, Tom Gilligan added that the level of support was measured with consultation in the community and meetings with individuals. Erris-based councillor Gerry Coyle agreed with the council executive saying he attended a meeting a number of years ago and felt the position among local people at the time was that the Unesco status would bring too many restrictions to the community.
The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) are celebrating their ten-year anniversary with a celebratory event in Sligo next week.

The INHFA was founded on January 25, 2015 in the Sligo Park Hotel when hill farmers throughout Ireland voiced their frustration that their voice was not being represented by the larger farming organisations.

To mark this occasion, they are holding a celebratory event in the Sligo Park Hotel on this Saturday night, January 25 to coincide with the exact date and venue that saw the establishment of the farming organisation.

The night which includes a wine reception, dinner and panel discussions will see members travelling from around the country to mark the occasion.

Speaking on this National President Vincent Roddy detailed how the association has played a critical role in shaping Irish agriculture over the last ten years citing an 'ambitious redistribution of CAP funding and the development of a light lamb market for hill lambs' as just two examples of their contributions.

In looking ahead Roddy pointed to the possible impact of the Nature Restoration Law and the new CAP Programme post 2027 as key elements the association will be focusing on.

These will define farming and land use for the coming decades so the stakes are very high and the role of the INHFA will be critical through this in representing hill farmers and lowland farmers operating on high nature value farmland, he said.

In concluding Mr Roddy stated how it has been an honour to lead the association for the last three years.

While my time as President will conclude at next June's National AGM I am very confident that the next ten years will bring even more success.
Ciara Faherty from the Castlecourt Hotels Sales and Marketing team has been announced as the 2024/2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Mayo Branch Employee of the Year.

The announcement was made at an awards lunch in the Breaffy House Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise eleven nominees from hotels and guesthouses across Mayo who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

Congratulating Ciara on the award, IHF Mayo Chair, Declan Heneghan said that when selecting her as the winner, the judges highlighted Ciaras passion for people with an ability and intuition to see what guests want before they know it themselves. He also spoke about the very special customer interactions that hard-working front facing staff develop with customers and guests delivering genuine hospitality and customer care every day. All the nominees and most especially the overall winner Ciara Faherty highlight this experience.

From left: Declan Heneghan, IHF Mayo Branch Chair; Ciara Faherty (Castlecourt Hotel), IHF Mayo Employee of the Year and Michael Magner, IHF National President. Photo: Conor McKeown

At the event, IHF President, Michael Magner congratulated all nominees and spoke about the exceptional people within the sector, whose contribution to tourism and hospitality is key to its success as Irelands largest indigenous employer, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods  including over 6,000 jobs throughout the Mayo region.

He said: Its the people working in our industry that create the wonderful experiences for customers. You are the reason our industry is renowned the world over for our very high-quality hospitality.

Ciara began her career in the Westport Hotel Group as part of the team at Portos Restaurant in the Castlecourt Hotel, where she worked while completing her degree in Tourism and Event Management at Institute of Technology, Sligo now ATU Sligo. During her ten years service, Ciara has moved into the role of Over 55s Group Co-Ordinator with Castlecourt Hotels Sales and Marketing team, where she organises the needs and requirements of customers in this bracket, while building market share and creating new exciting, themed breaks for the market across the Groups hotels. Ciaras colleagues say she has such a strong relationship with all colleagues she works with which contributes to Ciaras effectiveness in her role.

Other presentations on the day included a Highly Commended Award for Aidan Giblin, Accommodation Assistant at Westport Woods Hotel.

The IHF Mayo Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel of Padraig Nolan (IHF Galway Branch Chair and General Manager of the Oranmore Lodge Hotel) and Nuala McLoughlin (HR Advisor, Irish Hotels Federation) who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees.

The members of the IHF Mayo Branch now wish Ciara the very best of luck as she goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards which will be held during the IHFs Annual Conference and will take place at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney in late February this year.

Pictured above at the Mayo awards ceremony were, from left: Deirdre Fitzsimons, IHF Director of People Services; Michael Magner, IHF National President, alongside Nominees: Jade Nolan (Breaffy House Hotel); Ciara Faherty (Castlecourt Hotel), IHF Mayo Employee of the Year; Aidan Giblin (Westport Woods Hotel), IHF Mayo Highly Commended Award Winner; Milric Alngohuro (Ashford Castle); Declan Heneghan, IHF Mayo Branch Chair; Justyna Samborska (Clew Bay Hotel), Hillary Sweeney (Wyatt Hotel); Raquel Dias Azeveda (Westport Coast Hotel); Dimitar Pandelski (Westport Plaza Hotel); Bridie Morley (Knock House Hotel); Shannon Forry (Hotel Westport - The Grace at Westport Estate). Absent was Cristina Virlanuta (Lodge at Ashford Castle) Pic: Conor McKeown
Google Workspace has integrated advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its Business and Enterprise plans.

This update allows organizations to access generative AI tools directly within their existing subscriptions, eliminating the need for additional add-ons. The changes aim to make AI-powered solutions accessible to a broader range of businesses while streamlining productivity and collaboration.

AI for SMEs

The inclusion of AI tools in standard plans provides particular advantages for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often face resource constraints when adopting new technologies. By incorporating AI without extra costs, SMEs can benefit from advanced tools to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and remain competitive in fast-changing markets.

Features and capabilities

Key AI tools now available in Workspace include:

AI Assistance in Core Applications : Features such as automated email summarization, document drafting, and meeting notes generation are integrated into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and other Workspace applications.

: Features such as automated email summarization, document drafting, and meeting notes generation are integrated into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and other Workspace applications. Gemini Advanced : A generative AI application that supports tasks like coding, data analysis, and research. It also allows users to create AI-based workflows for specialized or repetitive tasks.

: A generative AI application that supports tasks like coding, data analysis, and research. It also allows users to create AI-based workflows for specialized or repetitive tasks. NotebookLM Plus: An AI-driven research assistant that simplifies complex topics, generates insights, and facilitates team collaboration through customizable notebooks.

These tools are designed to help users reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, improve creativity, and manage complex projects more effectively.

Pricing adjustments

The integration of AI into standard plans has led to revised pricing structures. For example, the Workspace Business Standard plan now costs $14 per user per month, compared to the previous $32 per user per month when AI add-ons were included. Pricing changes will take effect tomorrow for new customers and on March 17, 2025, for existing customers at the time of their renewal. Small businesses using the basic Workspace plan are not subject to these pricing changes.

Security and compliance

The integration also includes measures to address concerns about data security and compliance. Key features include:

Data Control : AI tools adhere to existing Workspace data access permissions, ensuring only authorized data is processed.

: AI tools adhere to existing Workspace data access permissions, ensuring only authorized data is processed. Privacy Protections : Customer data is not used to train external AI models or for advertising purposes.

: Customer data is not used to train external AI models or for advertising purposes. Certifications: AI tools meet industry standards, including SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001/17/18, and HIPAA compliance.

These measures are designed to help businesses deploy AI with confidence while safeguarding sensitive information.

Trial and future developments

Businesses can explore these AI features through a no-cost trial. Additional developments and features are expected throughout 2025, further expanding the range of tools available in Workspace plans.

By incorporating AI directly into its platform, Google Workspace aims to simplify adoption and enable businesses of all sizes to leverage advanced technologies in their daily operations.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, January 17, 2025

To all of my acquaintances in Southern California, a message of appreciation at this time:

A journalist on the same beat for a long time gets to know a great many people in the industry he covers.

So many of them, particularly those far away -- which in this case, means southern California -- are familiar to me mostly through email exchanges and, in the now-distant past, telephone calls.

In my long career, I have crossed paths with many executives, show-runners, actors, actresses, talk-show hosts, game-show hosts, comedians and others.

I wish them, their families and their properties all well at this terrible time. But I never would have gotten to any of them if not for the TV industrys vast publicity apparatus, both in-house and out of it.

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How many publicity professionals have I known and worked with over the years? It is impossible to know, but it must be thousands. I have been doing this a very long time.

You publicists are the ones who help me every day. You answer questions, send me photos and provide timely access to the new-show screeners that are the lifeblood of the work I do.

We do not have personal relationships. We have long-distance, professional ones, for which I am very grateful. Without you, this job would not be possible to perform.

And so, a very belated thank you to all of you. Although I know none of the locations where you live and more to the point, what you and your communities may be going through now, I am thinking of all of you.

And for those who might be reading this who are not in the path of the fires in Southern California and are in a giving mood, a list of charitable organizations is shown in the photo above, courtesy of NBC News.
by Tanya Gazdik , January 16, 2025

Despite growing conversations about so-called "clean," "green" or eco-friendly vehicle brands, large manufacturers like Buick and Lexus remain the strongest brands, according to Kantar.

In an analysis of branded search interest and consumer sentiment, Tesla (+23%), Buick (+18%) and Lexus (+16%) were the top growing brands in 2024.

Comparatively, Kia (-9%), Polestar (-8%), Genesis (-8%) and Land Rover (-8%) had the highest declines in 2024.

Our search data shows consumer interest for top models declined in Q4 after experiencing growth in Q3, Olivia Trozze, director of digital analytics at Kantar, tells Marketing Daily. Marketers could tailor ad content in Q4 to look ahead to next years models, specific features and innovations, or focus on larger brand messaging so that they are top of mind when consumer demand bounces in Q1 and Q2. They can also use these insights to optimize budgets for which models they promote across digital channels.

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SUVs remain the most-searched car types among consumers, accounting for 48% of all searches. Sedans and pickup trucks account for 41% and 11%, respectively.

Interest in hybrid vehicles has been steadily growing despite the fervor around electric vehicles, according to Kantar.

Searches for hybrid vehicles now account for 15% of all searches, up from 11% in 2020.

The Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown and Toyota Sienna were the most-searched hybrid models in 2024.

California (27%), Washington D.C. (23%), and Nevada (22%) had the highest share of searches for EVs. Wyoming (8%), South Dakota (7%), and Alabama (7%) had the lowest share of search for EVs, per the research.

Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3 were the most-searched EV models in 2024. The only non-Tesla car in the top 7 was the Chevy Trax, which is ranked fourth.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 16, 2025

President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he will tap Senate staffer Olivia Trusty to serve on the Federal Communications Commission.

Olivia will work with our incredible new Chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, to cut regulations at a record pace, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast Internet, Trump posted to Truth Social.

Trusty currently serves as policy director on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. She has worked in various capacities on Capitol Hill since 2013. Among other jobs, she served as an aide to Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), according to her LinkedIn profile.

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Before her work in Congress, she worked for Verizon as a senior consultant for public policy, law and security, according to her profile.

If confirmed, Trusty will be a third Republican on the five-member commission, leaving the agency poised to enact Trump's agenda.

Carr, Trump's pick to head the agency, has famously blasted tech companies for supposedly suppressing right-wing views.

We must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans, he tweeted last November, soon after he was tapped to helm the agency.
by Danielle Oster , January 16, 2025

Rocket Companies will return to the Super Bowl this year under a refreshed brand identity positioning the company as inclusive, as its Rocket Mortgage brand faces a racial discrimination lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice.

The Detroit-based fintech company  which operates across mortgage, real estate and personal finance brands  is getting a new visual identity designed to position Rocket as one of the most inclusive brands in America, according to a press release.

The company will also unify its identity under the Rocket master brand and create an end-to-end homeownership experience. Its national title producer, settlement provider and appraisal management company, formerly known as Amrock, has rebranded as Rocket Close; Amrock Title Insurance Company rebranded as Rocket Title Insurance Company; and Rocket Pro TPO  which works with mortgage brokers, lenders, banks, and credit unions  has rebranded as Rocket Pro. As part of the refresh, the company has acquired the Rocket.com domain.

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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," Rocket Companies CMO Jonathan Mildenhall said in a statement.

The rebranding follows the DOJ filing a lawsuit against Rocket Mortgage, and appraisers it worked with, for allegedly discriminating against a Black homeowner by undervaluing her home due to her race in a required appraisal for a 2021 mortgage refinance application, and for Rocket Mortgages allegedly retaliatory action canceling the application after she reported the discrimination. According to the DOJ, the home was valued at $200,000 lower than an appraisal on the same property that had been completed less than a year before.

Rocket subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and sued the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to correct conflicts between the governments regulations requiring appraiser independence and its enforcement actions seeking to hold lenders liable for the conduct of independent licensed appraisers.

According to Rocket, its new visual identity was designed to position the company as engaging with key growth demographics, including Hispanic, female, Veteran and first-time homebuyers, while continuing to resonate with its established audience. Some key elements include a "halo logo intended to represent the journey to homeownership and the building of prosperity and generational wealth, a color refresh to a softer, warmer shade of Rockets signature red, and photography featuring real clients.

Rocket's new design elements embody our spirit and commitment to making homeownership accessible to all, Mildenhall added, This is just the first of many steps Rocket will take in 2025 as we embark upon this significant companywide transformation

Rocket will reveal the next stage of its brand transformation during its 2025 Super Bowl campaign, which will focus on demonstrating how homeownership has the power to unite the nation  instilling a deep sense of pride and belonging as the first creative element in supporting Rockets purported mission to Help Everyone Home.
by Tanya Gazdik , January 17, 2025

State Farm has decided not to run a Super Bowl spot this year, citing the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.

"State Farm, State Farm agents, and our employees are all focused on helping customers impacted by the Southern California wildfires in the midst of this tragedy," a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement to USA Today and other news outlets. "Our claims force is the largest in the industry and we are bringing the full scale and force of our catastrophe response teams to help customers recover  whether they are on the ground in LA or across the country.

The company has been criticized for its decision last year to not renew insurance policies for 72,000 property owners in California, notes the New York Post and the San Francisco Chronicle.

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State Farm, which serves more than 8 million customers in Southern California, will now offer renewals to residential policyholders impacted by the fires that were previously going to be dropped, according to the Los Angeles Times.

State Farm said it has received more than 7,850 home and auto claims linked to the California fires and to date has paid out a total of roughly $50 million to customers, according to CBS News.

Creative plans for the previously purchased spot had not been revealed.

State Farm had been a frequent Super Bowl advertiser in recent years, and last years Big Game saw Arnold Schwarzenegger (playing Agent State Farm) joined by his 'Twins' co-star Danny DeVito, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It was not immediately clear what State Farms 2025 Super Bowl ad would have entailed, or whether it would include other celebrity cameos.

The company was preparing to air a second consecutive Big Game ad featuring Schwarzenegger as Agent State Farm, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Fox, which is broadcasting this years Super Bowl, is sold out of inventory, though it has a waitlist in the event of cancellations.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 17, 2025

Citing concerns over data collection by China, the Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law that will result in a ban on TikTok unless the company separates from China-based parent ByteDance.

The move means TikTok could shut down as soon as Sunday, unless President Joe Biden or Congress intervenes.

The court said in a 20-page unsigned opinion that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521) -- which prohibits app stores from hosting TikTok unless it's sold by Sunday -- is justified by national security concerns stemming from TikTok's ability to collect data about American users.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the justices wrote. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

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Lawmakers who voted in favor of the measure expressed two reasons for doing so -- one was that the Chinese government may be able to access data about TikTok's users, and the second was that China could use the app to spread propaganda.

TikTok and content creators sued last year to invalidate the law, arguing that shutting down a communications platform violates TikTok's free-speech rights as well as the rights of its users.

TikTok attorney Noel Francisco as well as counsel for the users, Jeffrey Fisher, argued last week to the Supreme Court that attempting to outlaw an app due to concerns about content is unconstitutional. The First Amendment typically prohibits the government from attempting to suppress speech based on the ideas expressed.

Congress's impermissible motive of preventing propaganda taints the whole act, Fisher argued.

The Supreme Court rejected that argument.

The record before us adequately supports the conclusion that Congress would have passed the challenged provisions based on the data collection justification alone, they wrote.

The platform collects extensive personal information from and about its users, the justices wrote, citing evidence that TikTok collects data including phone numbers, precise locations, social network connections, the content of private messages sent through the app, and videos watched.

It does not appear that any legislator disputed the national security risks associated with TikTok's data collection practices, and nothing in the legislative record suggests that data collection was anything but an overriding congressional concern, the justices added.

Digital rights advocates blasted the ruling.

Protecting the First Amendment rights of the 170 million Americans who use TikTok every day to access news, information and entertainment must take priority over the unproven national-security concerns raised in this case, Yanni Chen, policy counsel at the group Free Press stated.

Chen added that the court ignored the extensive record that Congress intended to regulate the app due to concerns about its content.

Banning TikTok sets a dangerous precedent that could pave the way to even more government interventions against online speech, Chen stated.

Morgan Wilsmann, policy analyst at Public Knowledge, added that the ruling gives future administrations a roadmap to shut down any foreign-affiliated platform or media company they disfavor.

"There are real national security concerns relating to data collection. But if lawmakers truly cared about the safety of American data, they would pass a comprehensive privacy law and rein in data brokers who profit tremendously from harvesting and selling data to foreign actors without our knowledge, Wilsmann stated.

TikTok previously indicated that it would shut down Sunday unless the law was struck down.

It's not currently clear whether the company will actually do so.

President Biden has said he won't enforce the law on Sunday -- his last day in office -- but that decision isn't binding on President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok during his first term in office, but recently expressed support for the company.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on Friday thanked Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States.

This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, Chew said in a video posted to the app.

We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform -- one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process, he added.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 17, 2025

Google must face an antitrust lawsuit by web users who claim the company's search deals with Apple and others hindered competitors in search -- such as DuckDuckGo, which touts itself as privacy friendly, and the defunct subscription-based Neeva.

U.S. District Court Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco ruled Thursday that the users' allegations, if proven true, could support the plausible inference that in a more competitive market, viable search alternatives would have emerged that offer greater privacy protections or are less clogged with ads, U.S. District Court Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco wrote in an eight-page decision.

The ruling comes in a complaint brought in April 2022 by Mary Katherine Arcell and other search engine users.

They alleged that Google monopolized search by arranging to serve as the default search engine for Apple's Safari and on Android devices.

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The U.S. Department of Justice brought similar antitrust claims against Google in 2020.

Last year, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta's sided against Google in the Justice Department's case, stating in a written ruling that Google's distribution deals allowed it to illegally monopolize search.

Mehta's ruling flagged the privacy implications of Google's monopoly, characterizing DuckDuckGo as a privacy-protective search engine that is hindered by Google's search distribution deals, and a lack of access to data. (DuckDuckGo says it doesn't save users' IP address or any unique identifiers alongside searches.)

Mehta also noted that the short-lived subscription-based rival Neeva was unable to gain traction in the search market.

After Mehta issued his decision, Arcell and the others brought an amended complaint that incorporated portions of Mehta's opinion -- including his finding that Google's monopoly in search hindered competitors with more privacy safeguards.

Because plaintiffs are users of the services provided by internet search engines, and because they have used Google search on an almost daily basis, they have been harmed and continue to be threatened with harm and damage in that they have been deprived of the quality, service and privacy that they otherwise would have enjoyed but for Googles anticompetitive conduct, the amended complaint alleged.

In November, Google urged Lin to throw out the new complaint, arguing that it failed to offer specifics regarding the privacy-protective search engines users have been supposedly missing out on.

The company added that DuckDuckGo currently operates, and is available to the plaintiffs.

Lin dismissed some of the plaintiffs' claims, but said they could attempt to prove Google's distribution deals precluded competitors from providing consumers high-quality search products that are more privacy protective and ad-free.

The judge added that the allegations, if proven true, could support the plausible inference that in a more competitive market, viable search alternatives would have emerged that offer greater privacy protections or are less clogged with ads.

Google declined to comment on the ruling.
Startups are driving innovation across Australia and New Zealand, and the latest funding announcements showcase the diverse and ambitious tech ecosystem powering the region.

Here are the top funding highlights of the week:

Brisbane Robotics startup raises $5 million to enter U.S. market

Brisbane-based Convergence Medical, a medtech startup developing the worlds first arthroscopic surgical robot, has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round. The investment, led by U.S. firm Avicella Capital, values the company at over $30 million. Funds will support the commercialization of its surgical robot and expansion into the $6.1 billion global arthroscopy market.

Monash University spinout secures $27.5 million for Lithium extraction technology

ElectraLith, a mining tech startup spun out of Monash University, has raised $27.5 million in a Series A round.

CSIRO-backed Main Sequence led the round, joined by key investors such as Rio Tinto, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Breakthrough Victoria, among others. The funds will be used to advance lithium extraction technologies critical for clean energy solutions.

San Franciscos Truewind raises $13 million for digital accounting

Truewind, a digital accounting services provider based in San Francisco, has closed a $13 million Series A funding round led by Rho Capital and Thomson Reuters Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to expand its personnel-focused accounting solutions, bringing its total funding to $17 million.

ControlMonkey secures $7 Million for cloud automation platform

Israeli cloud automation platform ControlMonkey raised $7 million in a Seed funding round led by lool ventures and Joule Ventures. Notable investors include Deepak Krishnamurthy and executives from companies like Granulate and Coralogix. The funding will further develop ControlMonkeys end-to-end automation capabilities.

Amogy raises $56 million for Ammonia-to-Power technology

New York City-based Amogy, which specializes in ammonia-to-power solutions, raised $56 million in a round led by Aramco Ventures and SV Investment. Other backers included Samsung Heavy Industries, BHP Ventures, and Temasek. The company aims to advance its technology for sustainable energy applications.
Programmable milk exosomes revolutionize targeted therapeutic delivery.

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Nebraska-based startup aims to improve human health through targeted drug delivery



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Milk exosomes may save lives by precisely delivering therapies to cells. #healthtechnology #medindia

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A Boon for Rare Disease Treatment

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Precision Approach to Therapeutics

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Advancing Drug Delivery with Stability and Safety

Nebraska-based startup aims to improve human health through targeted drug delivery - (https://news.unl.edu/article/nebraska-based-startup-aims-to-improve-human-health-through-targeted-drug-delivery)

Two researchers from Nebraska have launched a groundbreaking startup, Minovacca, aiming to revolutionize how therapeutics, gene-editing tools, and plasmids are delivered to specific locations within the human body. Their novel approach leverages universal milk exosomesnatural nanoparticles found in milkas a transport system, offering a highly targeted method for drug delivery. By combining bioorthogonal chemistry and genetic engineering, these exosomes can be chemically tailored to deliver cargo precisely where it is needed. The University of Nebraska's NUtech Ventures has filed a patent for this promising technology ().Minovaccas flexible technology holds the potential to treat a variety of diseases, including rare conditions often overlooked due to limited funding and small patient populations. This technology isnt confined to a single disease. It can be adapted to address numerous rare conditions, said Dr. Janos Zempleni, Willa Cather Professor of Nutrition and Health Sciences. Rare disease communities now have hope where there was once despair.The companys launch is the culmination of years of research at the University of NebraskaLincoln, first proving the viability and safety of milk exosomes as a transport mechanism, then incorporating the genetic engineering and bioorthogonal chemistry techniques enabling targeted delivery. Zempleni credits funding from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture (A1511 Nanotechnology for Agricultural and Food Systems program), the National Institutes of Healths Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge and the Syngap Research Fund for propelling the research to this point.Minovacca is working to license the technology through NUtech Ventures, and Zempleni hired a CEO with expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. Minovacca has acquired office space at Nebraska Innovation Campus and expects to expand its facilities after pinpointing investors.The company will open the door to job opportunities for Husker students in the pharmaceutical space. Minovacca plans to hire Nebraska students whose work will drive the company toward a major milestone: submitting an Investigational New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is a formal request to administer an investigational drug or bioproduct to humans.Minovaccas programmable milk exosomes represent a major advance over existing approaches because they enable targeted delivery of therapeutics with an unprecedented level of potency and specificity. Zempleni first demonstrated the safety and scalability of the milk exosomes and developed genetics protocols for making programmable milk exosomes. He then brought Guo, professor of chemistry, on board to devise a strategy for directing the exosomes to particular cellsdepending on the disease at hand.Their approach is to attach three peptides  short amino acid chains  to the membrane of each exosome. One is a homing peptide, which directs the exosome to bind to a specific site in the body. Another is a do not eat me peptide, which sends biochemical signals that allow the exosome to thwart macrophage destruction. The last is a retrofusion peptide, which fortifies the exosomes survivability once it enters the target cells.Zempleni and Guo developed a novel approach for anchoring the peptides to the exosome membrane. The traditional approach is to use lipid anchors, but these detach when attracted to other lipophilic compounds in the body. To prevent this, the team created docking sites in a membrane protein called CD81, which is firmly anchored to the exosome.Guo used bioorthogonal chemistry approaches to create stable, covalent links between the docking sites and the peptides. The attachment scheme provides stability and uniformity to the exosome structure, boosting the commercial viability of milk exosome-based therapeutics.Ensuring this homogeneous structure will allow the FDA to see that the exosomes can be produced consistently from batch to batch, Guo said.The strategy overcomes one of the major flaws of current drug delivery approaches. Oftentimes, the therapeutic reaches cells beyond the targeted locations, causing adverse effects. For example, patients receiving chemotherapy often deal with hair loss, gastrointestinal upset and compromised immune function.Chemotherapy treatments kill not only cancer cells; they kill any cell that is proliferating fast, Zempleni said. And thats something that we want to minimize with our technology.Zempleni said forming Minovacca has been a steep learning curve and an opportunity to expand his thinking beyond day-to-day research. To name the company, he drew on his knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology, which features the Minotaur, a human-bull hybrid. The name aims to reflect the companys use of milk to help humans  but since bulls dont produce milk, Zempleni changed taur to vacca, the Latin word for cow.No matter which role he is in on a given day  creative, scholar or now entrepreneur  Zemplenis goal is always the same.It might sound cheesy, but if I had a choice between making $10 million in the company or saving 10 million lives, I would go for saving the lives, he said. Im not into this for the money. Its about helping people.Source-Eurekalert
Neurodivergent employees face job fears and hiring bias. Support through advocacy, clear communication, and inclusive practices fosters a productive, welcoming workplace.

Highlights: Neurodivergent employees often face bias and stress due to sensory overload and fear of job loss

Skills like creativity and visual thinking are often overlooked, causing stress

Employers can help by providing clear instructions, and advocates, and creating an inclusive, supportive work environment

  Trusted Source

Managing Neurodiversity in Workplaces: A Review and Future Research Agenda for Sustainable Human Resource Management



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An inclusive workplace with clear instructions and support helps #neurodivergent employees succeed. #brainhealth #medindia

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Neurodivergent Workers: Job Fears and Hiring Bias

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Challenges of Workspaces for Neurodivergent Employees

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How to Support Neurodivergent Workers Effectively

Neurodivergent people spend more energy communicating and advocating for themselves. This can be exhausting. So an employer can assign an advocate for them to handle situations on their behalf. Neurodivergent people can have difficulty in explaining their skills. So using a portfolio-based recruitment and evaluation can let the employer know their capabilities. Giving clear, specific instructions, and work dues can help them to do their best at work. For example, instead of saying "ASAP," its better to say, "I need this by three o'clock. Dividing a task into small manageable steps and providing a quiet space can make it easier for them to focus and be productive. Having an inclusive environment is very important for neurodivergent people to feel welcomed in the workplace. Neurodiversity training for staff and managers can foster an environment where neurodivergent workers to succeed and be themselves.

Managing Neurodiversity in Workplaces: A Review and Future Research Agenda for Sustainable Human Resource Management - (https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/15/6594)

Neurodivergent is a medical condition where a persons brain develops or works differently than a normal brain (neurotypical). People with neurodivergent are diagnosed with disorders like autism , dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ().One in three neurodivergent employees fear losing their jobs if they disclose their condition to their employer and about 75% feel that the hiring process is biased thinking that they are rejected because of their condition or hired due to inclusivity quotas.To overcome these situations, around 91% of neurodivergent workers hide their symptoms to portray themselves as a normal person. This eventually leads to burnout.According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with neurodivergent conditions and other disabilities must be provided with flexible work schedules, assistive technology, or adjustments to their work environment. However, biases are present.Neurodivergent people can face some challenges while they are doing work. For example, workplaces with connected desks rather than a private workspace can negatively affect individuals, especially those who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli.Constant activity, lack of personal space, and noise in such environments can lead to sensory overload. Social dynamics and lack of support can worsen these conditions leading to burnout.However, 82% of neurodivergent workers believe that they have abilities like giving attention to detail, visual thinking, memory, and creativity.But, when these strengths get unrecognized or misunderstood, it can lead to a lack of motivation and security, leading to stress and anxiety To support a neurodivergent worker, here are the four ways:Supporting neurodivergent workers through understanding, inclusive practices, and a welcoming environment can improve their job satisfaction and productivity benefiting both employees and employers.Source-Medindia
Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) testing offers a quicker, less invasive method to identify ENT infections in children, potentially optimizing antibiotic use and reducing healthcare costs.

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Efficacy of microbial cell-free DNA testing for detecting pathogens in pediatric patients with head and neck infections-An initial study



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Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) testing offers a less invasive diagnosis for #ENT #infections in children. #cfDNA #medindia

mcfDNA Testing for Kids' Head and Neck Infections

Accuracy of mcfDNA Testing in Children

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Efficacy of microbial cell-free DNA testing for detecting pathogens in pediatric patients with head and neck infectionsAn initial study - (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ped4.12462)

Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) testing shows the potential to offer a less invasive and faster alternative to identify microbial infections in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) (). ENT infections can be identified and diagnosed easily in children and are mostly prescribed with antibiotics . However, severe infections require clinicians to collect and analyze samples using surgical procedures and traditional culturing methods.These methods are time-consuming to find the results and doctors prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat the condition in the meantime. This increases healthcare costs and complications such as hospital-derived infections in children. Therefore, a fast diagnostic assay would help clinicians identify pathogens quickly and allow for better and more timely clinical interventions in pediatric patients.Recent studies in this field have indicated mcfDNA testing as a viable assay capable of identifying pathogens from the bloodstream. However, this technique has not been studied for use in severe infections of the head and neck regions in children.To fill this gap, a group of researchers led by Assistant Professor Kara Meister from the Stanford University School of Medicine, USA, studied the utility of mcfDNA testing in predicting causative organisms behind head and neck infections in children. Their findings were published online on January 6, 2025, in. Dr. Meister explains the rationale behind their study, The head and neck area has several highly vascularized regions such as the sinonasal cavity and the oropharynx. Therefore, we anticipate that significant infections in these regions will produce enough mcfDNA signal to be detectable on commercial testing.The researchers conducted a prospective, diagnostic study on 26 pediatric patients admitted at the Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital, suspected with acute and complex infections of the head and neck. 2.5 milliliters of blood from each patient was submitted for mcfDNA testing. A control population of 99 patients was also selected who were admitted for surgical procedures, not for infections such as cochlear implants. The primary objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic performance of mcfDNA testing as compared with microbiological and clinical data including conventional microbiological diagnostic tests, radiological studies, and clinical adjudication, Dr. Meister offers to explain the main goal of their study.The results from mcfDNA testing were classified as Consistent with infection, Unclear, Not consistent with clinical presentation, or Contaminant. The researchers found that in seven out of 26 patients (26.9%), the mcfDNA testing predicted infectious organisms consistent with that of traditional culturing tests. These patients had acute, invasive infections, with most of them not being exposed to antibiotics at the time of testing. However, in two out of 26 patients (7.7%), a possible causal organism was identified via mcfDNA testing but the findings differed from that of traditional culturing tests. In these cases, the identity of the causative organism was unclear.For 10 patients no results were found from mcfDNA testing, and were classified under Not consistent with clinical presentation. Five of these patients had prior antibiotic exposure and had less severe infections. However, in seven out of 26 patients (26.9%), mcfDNA testing showed significant contamination by other pathogens and was classified as a contaminant result. Interestingly, the researchers reported that some patients in the control population also showed results for mcfDNA tests. They were able to detect 25 distinct pathogens from the control population.Dr. Meister comments on the results of their study, Overall, while mcfDNA testing showed promise in predicting causative organisms in some cases of acute, invasive infections, its utility was variable in this cohort and was potentially influenced by factors such as antibiotic exposure and the possible influence of contamination.While further research is required to evaluate the optimal use and interpretation of mcfDNA tests, this study sheds light on the potential application of mcfDNA testing for detecting specific pathogens leading to targeted antibiotic therapies in pediatric patients.Source-Eurekalert
The US President-elect Donald Trump has named veteran Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as Special Ambassadors in a bid to save the troubled American film and TV industry and bring back the Golden Age of Hollywood. Days ahead of his oath taking ceremony as the US President, Donald Trump took to TRUTH Social social media platform owned by him and wrote, It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California. They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE! These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!

 Instagram/Donald Trump Check out Donald Trumps post below:

 truthsocial Reacting to the same, Mel Gibson released an official statement where he acknowledged the news of Trump naming him as one of the special ambassadors and added, at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can. Gibson, who recently lost his home to the Palisades fire, added, Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador's residence?

 Unified Pictures Reacting to Trumps announcement, one user wrote, Government interfering with cinema  doesn't look good on paper. Another user commented, Tom Cruise was doing all the hard work during covid to get people back to the cinemas. A third user reacted, Unfortunately Sly coming out as a MAGA head was an unpleasant surprise. The other two are not surprising. A fourth user wrote, Three legends that care more about the craft than most of Hollywood. Check out some of the responses below:
JERUSALEM  Israel's Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages held there and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.

The government announced the approval after 1 a.m. Jerusalem time and confirmed the ceasefire will go into effect on Sunday. The hourslong Cabinet meeting went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, a sign of the moment's importance. In line with Jewish law, the Israeli government usually halts all business for the Sabbath except in emergency cases of life or death.

Mediators Qatar and the United States announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but the deal was in limbo for more than a day as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute complications that he blamed on the Hamas militant group. On Friday, the smaller security Cabinet recommended approving the deal.

Key questions remain about the ceasefire  which is the second achieved during the 15-month war  including the names of the 33 hostages who are to be released during the first, six-week phase of the ceasefire and who among them is still alive.

Netanyahu instructed a special task force to prepare to receive the hostages returning from Gaza. The 33 are women, children, men over 50 and sick or wounded people. Hamas has agreed to free three female hostages on Day 1 of the deal, four on Day 7 and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.

Palestinian detainees are to be released as well. Israel's justice ministry published a list of 95 to be freed in the deal's first phase and said the release will not begin before 4 p.m. local time Sunday. All people on the list are younger or female.

Israel's Prison Services said it will transport the prisoners instead of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which handled transportation during the first ceasefire, to avoid "public expressions of joy." The prisoners have been accused of crimes like incitement, vandalism, supporting terror, terror activities, attempted murder or throwing stones or Molotov cocktails.

The largely devastated Gaza should see a surge in humanitarian aid. Trucks carrying aid lined up Friday on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing into Gaza.

An Egyptian official said an Israeli delegation from the military and Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency arrived Friday in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the crossing. An Israeli official confirmed a delegation was going to Cairo. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

Israeli forces will also pull back from many areas in Gaza during the first phase of the ceasefire and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be able to return to what's left of their homes.

"Once Sunday comes around, we would be happier, God willing," one of Gaza's many displaced people, Ekhlas al-Kafarna, said during the wait for word on the Israeli Cabinet decision.

Israel's military said that as its forces gradually withdraw from specific locations and routes in Gaza, residents will not be allowed to return to areas where troops are present or near the Israel-Gaza border and any threat to Israeli forces "will be met with a forceful response."

Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and left some 250 others captive. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half the dead.

Fighting continued into Friday, and Gaza's Health Ministry said 88 bodies had arrived at hospitals in the past 24 hours. In previous conflicts, both sides stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

Ceasefire talks had stalled repeatedly in previous months. But Israel and Hamas had been under growing pressure from both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before Trump takes office on Monday.

The second  and much more difficult  phase of the ceasefire is meant to be negotiated during the first. The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released during this phase.

But Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it dismantles the group and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory.

Longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

The conflict has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests. It also highlighted political tensions inside Israel, drawing fierce resistance from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.

On Thursday, Israel's hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if Israel approved the ceasefire. He reiterated that Friday, writing on social media platform X: "If the 'deal' passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart."

There was no immediate sign early Saturday that he had done so.

Ben-Gvir's resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal, but the move would destabilize the government at a delicate moment and could eventually lead to its collapse if Ben-Gvir were joined by other key Netanyahu allies.

Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Chicago, Sam Mednick in Jerusalem and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Federal authorities have charged a North Carolina man with attempting to help ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Alexander Justin White, 29, of Durham, was arrested Dec. 4 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport while boarding a plane to Paris, the first leg of a planned trip to Morocco, according to a federal criminal complaint. This came after several months of communications in which he professed his support for ISIS and his plans to join the militant group.

As alleged in the complaint, between May and October of 2024, White used an online account under the name Sulaiman Al-Amriki to make numerous posts supporting ISIS and the concept of violent jihad, said a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District.

This allegedly included videos commonly used to recruit new members and to generate a passion for fighting as well as fundraising videos and several posts and re-posts in reference to well-known ISIS supporters and scholars, it stated.

The arrest wasnt made public until this week while federal authorities explored if he had conspirators but they said that White acted alone, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley Jr. said at a news conference Thursday in Raleigh. White faces up to 20 years in prison and is slated to appear in federal court on Feb. 11.

Whites online conversations showed an active effort to join ISIS overseas, federal authorities said, and that he was engaged in financial transactions to refugee camps which are well known for acting as a front to funnel money to ISIS members and their supporters. Some of his communications include texts with undercover FBI agents, the criminal complaint said.

When White was asked if he was OK killing members of the military or U.S. citizens the complaint alleges that he stated if it was a family member I would still fight back with them, Easley said at the news conference.

White also talked about his experience with firearms and had bought and sold several, the complaint said.

He trained at a gun range, he bought specific gear for the mission to include a tactical medical kit and even military style boots which he wore here in North Carolina to break in before his trip to fight with ISIS, said FBI Special Agent Robert DeWitt, who leads the FBI in North Carolina.

White, who is a U.S. citizen, sought to disguise his travel as a vacation, federal authorities said in their complaint, but ultimately planned to join ISIS members in Africa.

The FBIs Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated after receiving information about White from an overseas source, Easley said.

The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force put this threat to a stop. They did it through a tremendous amount of work, a massive commitment of resources and coordination like you wouldnt believe, Easley said.

Critical help came from the Morocco General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance, federal authorities said.

If the threat is international, so too will be our investigative efforts, Easley said.

He also urged the public to look out for individuals who are showing signs of gravitating toward terrorism or other violent behavior.

You may see it before we do, and we ask you, please, if you see someone sliding into a dangerous ideology, if you see someone mobilizing towards violence, speak up now, Easley said.

2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MOSCOW  Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a broad cooperation pact Friday as their countries deepened their partnership in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

Russian and Iranian officials say the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture. The 20-year treaty could be extended further.

Putin praised the deal as a real breakthrough, creating conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia, Iran and the entire region.

He said the amount of trade and economic cooperation was still insufficient, voicing hope the new treaty will help clear bureaucratic hurdles and expand ties. The Russian leader added that the countries are trying to resolve technical obstacles to advance planned projects to ship Russian natural gas to Iran via Azerbaijan and build transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Pezeshkian said the projects are feasible, adding that experts were working to resolve remaining obstacles.

We witness a new chapter of strategic relations, the Iranian president said, adding that the countries were set to expand trade ties and also boost the "level of security cooperation.

His visit came ahead of Monday's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran, which is grappling with growing economic problems and other challenges, including military setbacks in its sphere of influence across the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Trumps inauguration, saying that Pezeshkian's visit had been planned long ago.

The signing of the treaty with Iran follows last year's pact with North Korea -- countries once identified by former President George W. Bush, along with Iraq, as the Axis of Evil.

Unlike the treaty with Pyongyang, the pact with Tehran doesn't envisage mutual assistance in case of aggression. But it does oblige each country not to offer any military or any other aid to an aggressor attacking another party.

Moscow and Tehran, which both have faced massive Western sanctions, agreed in the document to coordinate their response to such restrictions and facilitate payments in national currencies. The pact also envisions the exchange of intelligence information and cooperation on security issues.

Welcoming Pezeshkian as they sat down for talks, Putin said the new treaty will give an additional impetus to practically all areas of our cooperation.

Pezeshkian, who met Putin for the third time since coming to power in July, said the documents form a solid foundation for our forward movement.

We do consider our relations with you as vital, sensitive and strategic, and we are on this path strongly, he said.

The Iranian president emphasized that countries in the region should resolve their own problems themselves, adding in an apparent reference to the U.S. that the presence of outside forces will only exacerbate tensions and destabilize the situation.

They come from another side of the world to make chaos in the region," he said. "These ties will defuse their plot, definitely.

Russias ties with Iran have grown closer after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine and the West have accused Tehran of providing Moscow with hundreds of drones for use to attack Ukraine, which Moscow and Tehran have denied.

Pezeshkian spoke in support of prospective Russia-Ukraine peace talks, saying that war is not a solution and urging the West to avoid imposing excessive demands and acknowledge others security concerns.

Last year, Iran joined the BRICS bloc of developing economies and Pezeshkian attended its summit, which was hosted by Russia in Kazan.

Russia and Iran, which had troubled relations in the past, developed cordial ties after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with Moscow emerging as a key trade partner and supplier of weapons and technologies for Tehran, which has faced bruising international sanctions.

Russia built Irans first nuclear plant that was launched in 2013 and is building two more nuclear reactors there.

Russia was part of the 2015 deal between Iran and six nuclear powers offering sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbing its atomic program, and the Kremlin offered political support to Iran when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during Trumps first term.

Russia and Iran also pooled their efforts to shore up Bashar Assads government during Syrias civil war, but failed to prevent his downfall last month after a lightning offensive by the opposition. Assad and his family fled to Russia.

His ouster dealt another blow to Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance across the region, which had already been pummeled by Israels offensives against two militant groups backed by Iran - Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel also attacked Iran directly on two occasions.

Tehran increasingly needs Moscows assistance as it faces economic woes and stinging setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East. The troubles could deepen after Trump returns to the White House with his policy of maximum pressure on Iran.

In particular, Iran wants sophisticated Russian weapons like long-range air defense systems and fighter jets to help fend off possible attacks by Israel.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed.
The military for now is leaving open the possibility of active-duty troops serving or continuing to serve if they are pardoned by incoming President Donald Trump for participating in the violent Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol four years ago.

A handful of active-duty service members, as well as about 15 who were in the National Guard and reserves, were among more than 1,500 people criminally charged for the violent clash with Capitol Police that was the first large-scale breach of the U.S. seat of government since the War of 1812.

As Trump prepares to take office Monday, he has vowed to move quickly on a key campaign promise to pardon many, if not all, of the participants of the riot who sought to stop the certification of the 2020 election win by President Joe Biden.

Read Next: Trump Names Former KC-135 Navigator, Spy Agency Official to Be Next Air Force Secretary

The military has already been slow to deal with troops charged with and convicted of crimes during the attack: The Navy and Marine Corps still have Jan. 6 participants serving in their ranks. But Trump's promise to issue pardons has put the services in a further bind.

Now, troops who participated in a violent insurrection aimed at blocking the commander in chief's election win could be pardoned by the incoming commander in chief.

The services being unwilling to take decisive action on Jan. 6 participants and leaving the door open for them to serve after a pardon is "basically a tacit endorsement saying that this type of behavior is acceptable ... that political violence is acceptable," said Luke Baumgartner, a researcher at George Washington University's Program on Extremism, which has closely tracked the cases.

Five Jan. 6 defendants were on active duty at the time, according to Baumgartner. Five more were soldiers in the National Guard, and 10 were in one of the four reserve branches.

With the number of military participants relatively low, any action the services could take against them would have barely any operational or manning impact. Experts said there are enough legal and policy barriers to keep anyone involved in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol from serving in the U.S. military should the services wish to exclude them.

Military.com reached out to all five Defense Department military branches with questions on the effect pardons would have on any ongoing punishments, as well as the impact they would have on potential recruits. The Marine Corps and Air Force were the only services to provide some answers.

The Army's spokesman, Christopher Surridge, said that officials could not "speculate without seeing the language and scope of a potential pardon."

The Navy, similarly, said it didn't want to address any proposed pardons prior to them being issued by the White House. It has allowed a service member to remain on duty despite a conviction for crimes stemming from Jan. 6.

The promised pardons are a kind of political and legal curveball for the military, pitting good order and discipline against Trump's persistent lies about a rigged 2020 election, which inspired the Capitol riot in January 2021.

After a Trump speech that day, hundreds of his supporters marched on the Capitol as Congress was certifying the election results; broke through windows and doors; assaulted and injured 140 police officers; and destroyed property, causing $2.8 million in damage, according to the Justice Department.

More than 1,500 participants were criminally charged, the department said, and the violent riot resulted in Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt being fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer as she tried to climb through a broken window into the House chamber, where lawmakers were cowering in fear behind barricaded doors.

Police with guns drawn watch as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Trump has repeatedly said, including as recently as last month to NBC, that he would issue pardons to the rioters on Jan. 20 -- "Day 1" of his presidency. He, along with his supporters, have also worked tirelessly to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 attack, portraying the violence as a peaceful demonstration. Trump referred to the riot as a "day of love" and last year released a recording of Jan. 6 inmates singing the national anthem.

Researchers at George Washington University's Program on Extremism said that promise could affect as many as 1,577 people charged with or convicted of playing a role in the insurrection.

Of that group, a disproportionately high 254, or 16% of the mob, had a military affiliation -- they were either veterans, reservists, National Guardsmen or on active duty. Only about 6% of the overall U.S. population are veterans, according to the latest data.

Waiver Process

The Marine Corps and the Air Force, the two branches that chose to answer questions from Military.com, said pardons would not wipe away the convictions of those involved in Jan. 6, but if anyone pardoned for those crimes wished to join the military, the door would not be completely closed.

"Individuals convicted of crimes are disqualified, or ineligible, from service," Rose Riley, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson, told Military.com.

But Riley also said that "individuals can request to pursue a waiver process where a determination will be made dependent on the individual's conviction and conduct, and whether enlistment or accession is in the best interest of the U.S. Air Force."

Aiden Bilyard was among the rioters at the Capitol. The 19-year-old subsequently enlisted in the Air Force only to be questioned by the FBI while in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in August 2021.

In what seems to be the fastest action any branch took to remove a Jan. 6 participant from its ranks, Bilyard was no longer in the Air Force by the time of his arrest the following November. Assaulting police with a dangerous weapon was among the charges against him.

Legal representatives for Bilyard did not return a request for comment.

Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Kevin Uebelhardt told Military.com that "a pardon does not reverse an administrative action," such as separation for a crime, but he didn't say that someone with a Jan. 6 conviction would be barred from service.

"It is after that review that a determination will be made if the individual is still qualified to enlist," Uebelhardt said. "Attaining a pardon or other form of clemency does not omit that review to determine if the applicant is morally qualified to enlist."

Pardon Does Not Mean 'Not Guilty'

The Department of Defense has said explicitly on its own website that a pardon is not an expungement and stated that "both the conviction and the pardon would appear on the person's record."

There is also historical precedent and recent litigation that shows accepting a pardon could equate to admitting guilt.

The 1915 Supreme Court case Burdick v. United States found that a pardon "carries an imputation of guilt and acceptance of a confession of it." That same logic was cited by Justice Department prosecutors just last month in one Jan. 6 case where a defendant was seeking to delay their incarceration date because of the likely pending pardons from Trump, Politico reported.

Many legal experts, such as Dan Kobil, a constitutional law professor at Capital University Law School in Ohio and an expert on presidential pardons, agree with that logic.

Kobil told Military.com that lower-court decisions provide examples of people having professional punishment related to their crimes, despite being pardoned for them. One example was a ruling against former Ronald Reagan administration official and lawyer Elliott Abrams that censured him from the D.C. Bar despite the presidential action.

"It doesn't eliminate the historical facts of what happened. It doesn't erase everything, as if it vanishes, but takes away the conviction and it takes away many of the consequences of the conviction," Kobil told Military.com.

Supporters of President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier, Jan. 6, 2021, during a riot at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Broad pardons of those involved with rebellions and protests is not without historical precedence.

Presidents George Washington and John Adams pardoned those found guilty in the 18th-century Whiskey Rebellion. During and after the Civil War, presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson also pardoned some past Confederates. Making good on a campaign promise, President Jimmy Carter pardoned those who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, Kobil said.

But what makes Trump's likely pardons of those service members involved with the Jan. 6 insurrection different, he added, is that they would occur in modern times and that the president-elect has frequently bucked the related guidance of the Justice Department.

"It can be a source of forgiveness and also mend divisions in society, or it could promote them," Kobil said. "So, I think it's going to depend on the way the pardons are administered and who they're administered to."

Legal experts such as Eric Carpenter, a former military lawyer and professor at Florida International University, said that service members would likely face an uphill battle if they wished to rejoin the ranks after a conviction, even with a pardon.

"The pardon would make it so that earlier conviction shouldn't be disqualifying anymore, but my guess is that the folks that were wrapped up in this have got other issues too," Carpenter said. "There might be other things that are now service disqualifying. ... There's a whole bunch of other things that practically might keep them from coming back in, even if they were interested in coming back in."

Tolerated or Not Tolerated?

The military has already seemed reluctant to enforce accountability on troops involved in Jan. 6 as the pardons now loom.

By the fall of 2021, just 10 months after the insurrection, four of the five military members who had been charged were still serving, even though Pentagon officials like then-National Guard chief Gen. Daniel Hokanson stressed that "extremism is not tolerated in any branch of the U.S. military."

In one case, the National Guard took a year to begin separating a private who had been charged, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and a fine for his actions on Jan. 6.

Petty Officer 1st Class David Elizalde was sentenced to 30 days of home detention and a $2,500 fine in April after being convicted on a charge of violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds. Navy records show that Elizalde, an aviation mechanic, is still stationed at Headquarters Naval District Washington in Washington, D.C., after reporting there on April 14, 2023 -- less than two weeks after his arrest by the FBI.

Military.com reached out to the Navy for more details on why Elizalde is still serving. A spokeswoman said that the service does not "have any additional information about legal measures taken for his actions."

Four active-duty Marines were charged over Jan. 6 -- an officer and three enlisted service members. Two of them are still serving.

A trio of junior enlisted Marines, all with jobs connected to the intelligence community, were convicted of "violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds" in September 2023 and sentenced to 279 hours of community service.

More than a year later, NPR reported in October that retention boards decided to keep all three Marines in the Corps. Two of the three Marines, Sgt. Dodge Hellonen and Sgt. Joshua Abate, are still in the service, Marine officials confirmed to Military.com, though neither is working with classified programs.

In a pre-recorded video message, President Donald Trump delivers a statement after rioters stormed the Capitol building during the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

The trial of a fourth Marine, now-former Maj. Christopher Warnagiris, on nine charges stemming from his trespassing on Capitol grounds, is still ongoing.

Throughout this time, Marine Corps officials kept reiterating that "extremism runs counter to our core values."

Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, said this week that "any Marines who were in violation of federal law, we put them up for prosecution, and the courts will do what they do."

However, Smith also said that, "once an individual is cleared, as was the case for some of those Marines at Jan. 6, then they're cleared." He added that he didn't think "we have an extremism problem within the Marine Corps any more than any other service does."

The three Marines whose trials concluded were not cleared, though. They were convicted and sentenced.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he was "comfortable that the civilian and military leadership of each of the services [were] working through appropriately each of these cases."

Baumgartner, the extremism researcher who is also a former Army officer, said that Smith's remarks were "inherently contradictory to what the justice system is telling us."

"So, if extremism isn't in keeping with the core values, then those people shouldn't be in the Corps," he said.

The responses also stand in contrast to how quickly and decisively the military often handles infractions of its own policies or laws. For example, service members who test positive for marijuana are typically processed out of the force immediately.

In some high-profile cases, military officials have said they wait on the results of civilian court proceedings before taking action. But that is not a formal requirement, and many commands don't follow that policy for more common infractions like driving under the influence.

Meanwhile, the military's will to root out troops or recruits who committed crimes on Jan. 6 is likely to soften dramatically under the Trump administration, even after any pardons.

Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, an Army National Guardsman and former Fox News host, has spoken out against the Pentagon's past efforts to combat extremism within the ranks.

The incoming president has made a point of celebrating Jan. 6 participants and that may extend to the military. Carpenter said service members who may be pardoned for participating in the insurrection may be free to bring their views along with them while in uniform.

"These people probably have extremist views. Right now, the military has got a problem with extremism, has a history of extremism in the ranks," Carpenter said. "Are they going to manifest those views in ways that would get them discharged?"

Related: What Happened to Members of the Military Accused of Storming the Capitol on January 6?
In pics: Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures in China's Chongqing

Xinhua) 16:36, January 17, 2025

A decoration bearing Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures is seen at a shopping mall in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 15, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Xu Jiahui (R), an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures, instructs a student with woodblock carving in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 14, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Students watch Xu Jiahui (C), an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures, coloring a New Year Picture in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 14, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Mo Shaoping (3rd R), an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures, instructs students with woodblock printing in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 15, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Xu Jiahui, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures, colours a New Year Picture in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 14, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Artists make Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures in Liangping District of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 14, 2025.

Hanging New Year pictures is one of the folk activities for Chinese people to celebrate the Spring Festival. Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures boasting a history of about 400 years was inscribed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.

In recent years, Liangping District has promoted the revitalization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, making Liangping Woodblock New Year Pictures more accessible in people's daily life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Hong Kongs swift descent into repression, after the Peoples Republic of China reneged on its promises to protect Hong Kongs political and economic freedoms, is on painful display in the ongoing trial of pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.

Lai, the 77-year-old media mogul and founder of the now shuttered, outspoken newspaper Apple Daily, was charged in December 2020 under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law with collusion with foreign countries or external elements. He has since also been charged with sedition.

Denied bail and jailed since December 31, 2020, Jimmy Lai faces a sentence of life imprisonment after a trial before a panel of judges approved by Hong Kongs pro-Beijing leader.

With such an example in the public eye of the PRCs assault on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, President Joe Biden announced the United States is providing Hong Kongers who remain concerned about returning to Hong Kong with temporary safe haven in the United States. Under the extension, the U.S. will defer the enforced departure of eligible Hong Kong residents through February 5, 2027.

In a statement published January 15, President Biden noted, Since June 2020, at least 200 opposition politicians, activists, and protesters have been taken into custody on politically motivated NSL [National Security Law]-related charges, including secession, subversion, terrorist activities and collusion with a foreign country or external elements. On November 19, 2024, Hong Kong authorities also sentenced 45 pro-democracy advocates to prison for their peaceful participation in political activities protected under the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

In a separate statement about the deferral, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller added the ongoing national security trial of democracy advocate and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai to the list of Beijing and Hong Kong authorities continued and repeated attacks on the protected rights and freedoms cherished by people in Hong Kong.

As President Biden said, The United States is committed to a foreign policy that unites our democratic values with our foreign policy goals, which is centered on the defense of democracy and the promotion of human rights around the world. Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region. The United States, he declared, will continue to stand firm in our support of the people in Hong Kong.
Editors note: A previous version of this story indicated that the casino offers bingo. It does not.

BENZIE COUNTY, MI  The popularity of a small casino about to open in Northern Michigan will determine whether or not a bigger one could be built, WPBN/WGTU reports.

Crystal Shores Casino, the third gaming facility of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will open on Wednesday, the report said. Its located in a former community center at 7282 Hoadley Road in Benzonia.

After years of planning, the tribe had just 60 days to convert the building, the report said. For now, it will offer slots.

In a year, the tribe will look at the data and determine the future of the site, Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos CEO Johnny Barrientoz told the TV station. That could mean a larger facility, if the numbers show it would be successful.

The Grand Traverse Band also owns and operates Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI  A Michigan Little Caesars has been fined for violating child labor laws.

According to the U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division, the restaurant in Farmington Hills owned by JMP Pizza Inc. allowed minors to operate dangerous equipment such as dough mixers and ovens and allowed three 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m. on school nights, which is a violation.

The oven was heated between 500 and 900 degrees, investigators said. Federal law forbids 14- and 15-year-old workers from performing any baking activities and they may only be involved in limited cooking tasks.

Minors ages 14 and 15 also cant work later than 7 p.m. between the day after Labor Day and May 31, or after 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

They also cant work more than eight hours on a non-school day, or 40 in a week when school isnt in session. During the school year, they can only work up to three hours on a school day, which includes Fridays, and no more than 18 in a week.

To resolve its violations of the Fair Labor Standards Acts child labor provisions, JMP Pizza paid $26,341 in penalties assessed by the division.

Learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up  but we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe jobs and do not interfere with their education or well-being, said Wage and Hour Division District Director Timolin Mitchell in Detroit.

The Fair Labor Standards Act allows for safe work experiences but restricts the employment of young workers in certain jobs and during certain hours and provides for penalties when employers do not follow the law.
Fewer than one in four Michigan residents has gotten a flu shot this year, and closer to one in 10 has the latest COVID-19 booster.

Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated, even in mid-January, and be aware of rising rates of respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19, and r espiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Michigan is expected to see continued increasing trends in easily-spread viruses in the coming weeks, following national trends, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Friday, Jan. 17.

It is crucial for Michigan residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigans chief medical executive. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death. It is not too late to protect yourself and your family this season.

By late December, about 4.5% of outpatient health care visits were for influenza-like illness. Nationally, it was about 6.8%. For context, the state baseline -- or average during non-flu season -- is 2.3%.

As of this month, most of the U.S. has flu-like illness rates that are high or very high, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

At least two Michigan health systems have put temporary visitor restrictions in place to reduce spread of illness between guests, patients, and workers. It isnt a new move for Corewell Health or Detroit Medical Center, both of which have limited visitors during recent flu seasons.

Related: Respiratory illnesses lead 7 Southeast Michigan hospitals to limit visitors

Since Oct. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there have been 110,000 to 240,000 flu hospitalizations and 4,700 to 23,000 flu deaths in the U.S.

Seventeen children have died after getting the flu this season, according to the CDC. No pediatric deaths have been reported in Michigan.

The state health department set a goal of 4 million doses of flu shot administered this flu season. As of Jan. 4, less than 2.44 million residents had gotten this years shot.

For more information about vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, talk to your primary care physician or check out the vaccine finder at Michigan.gov.
Residents across Michigan are preparing to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20.

Several events celebrating the holiday and the civil rights leaders legacy are scheduled throughout Michigan this month.

Here is a list of events planned throughout the state:

Friday, Jan. 17

Flint Institute of Arts Late Nights Location: Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint Time: 6 p.m. Details: Artist Ed Watkins discusses the impact of the civil rights movement on his artwork; Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art exhibition.



Saturday, Jan. 18

Gloria Coles Flint Public Library 40th Annual Celebration Location: Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI Time: Noon Details: Music, keynote by Matt Franklin, and healing moment led by Terance Green.

New McCree Theatre Selma Screening Location: New McCree Theatre, 4601 Clio Road, Flint Time: 2 p.m. Details: Screening of the film Selma.

Jackson College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Location: Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson Time: 5:30 p.m. Details: Theme: The Power in Unity. Keynote by Antonio Bass. Tickets: $50.



Sunday, Jan. 19

Grand Rapids Community Worship Celebration Location: New Hope Baptist Church, 130 Delaware St. SW, Grand Rapids Time: 6 p.m. Details: Theme: Still in Pursuit...Unity, Equality, Peace & Justice, with keynote by Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge.

Kalamazoo 39th Annual Community Celebration Location: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 120 Roberson St., Kalamazoo Time: 4 p.m. Details: Theme: Love Thy Neighbor, with keynote by Kevin Cosby.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Location: Jackson King Center, 1107 Adrian St., Jackson Time: 3 p.m. Details: Theme: Unity in the Comm-Unity. Speakers, performances, and dinner provided. Free to attend.



Monday, Jan. 20

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Inspiration Breakfast Location: St. Michaels Conference Center, 609 E. 5th Ave., Flint Time: 9 a.m. Details: Keynote by hip-hop artist Mama Sol.

MLK Unity Celebration Location: The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson St., Saginaw Time: Unity March at 10 a.m.; Celebration at 11 a.m. Details: Keynote by State Rep. Amos ONeal; community awards presented.

United Way Day of Service Location: Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint Time: All-day event Details: Packing 200,000 meals for local families.

Hand2Hand MLK Day of Service Location: 306 Chicago Drive, Jenison Time: All-day event Details: Packing food for 3,600 children.

Kalamazoo Day of Service Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 507 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo Time: 3:45 p.m. Details: Volunteer activities and wreath-laying ceremony.

Beautiful Together Presentation Location: Rockford Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford Time: 6:30 p.m. Details: Julian Newman presents on belonging and leadership.

Jackson County Branch NAACP MLK National Day of Service Location: Jackson King Center, 1107 Adrian St., Jackson Time: 10 a.m. Details: Art and essay contest winners honored. Donations accepted for the Harold White Scholarship Fund.



Tuesday, Jan. 21

Ferris State University MLK March and Fireside Chat Location: Rankin Atrium, Ferris State University, Big Rapids Time: 4 p.m. Details: March, discussions on leadership, and fireside chat.

Kentwood Evening of Reflection Location: Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, Kentwood Time: 5 p.m. Details: Musical performances and a keynote by Julian Newman.



Wednesday, Jan. 22

SVSU MLK Regional Celebration Location: Malcolm Field Theatre, Curtiss Hall, Saginaw Valley State University Time: 7 p.m. Details: Keynote by Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, scholarship awards, and drum major awards.



Monday, Jan. 27

Albion College MLK Convocation Location: Bohm Theatre, 201 S. Superior St., Albion Time: 7 p.m. Details: Theme: We are only as strong as our roots. Keynote by Dr. Ketwana Schoos.



Throughout January
HOLLAND, MI - A Holland police cruiser is damaged after a driver failed to slow down and crashed into the rear end of the vehicle.

No one was injured in the crash.

An officer from the Holland Department of Public Safety was assisting a motorist on Thursday night, a post on the departments Facebook page stated.

The police cruiser was blocking the left lane of US-31 south to protect a vehicle that had slid partially into the median. The cruisers emergency lights were activated.

A driver coming southbound failed to move over and slammed into the back of the cruiser.

Just a reminder to slow down in winter conditions, particularly in the area of emergency vehicles or other vehicles on the side of the road, the post stated.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A federal jury found a man guilty of his coordinated theft from a tribal casino, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced Friday.

Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 43, of Chicago, was convicted of interstate transportation of stolen money, a 10-year felony, and theft from an Indian tribal organization, a 5-year felony.

Gaytan-Garcia will be sentenced on a later date set by the court, a Jan. 17 press release stated.

Federal prosecutors said Gaytan-Garcia and others took part in a plot targeting Hartfords Four Winds Casino, owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Unfortunately, instances of telephone scams at casinos are on the rise across the country, impacting both tribal and commercial gaming operations, Totten said in a statement.

The incident began with a phone call to the casino switchboard at 1:23 p.m. on July 30, 2023. The caller claimed to be the tribal chairperson and said he need to talk to the cage manager.

The cage manager answered then began getting texts purportedly from the cage director, who was out of town. While the manager was still on the phone, she was told by text that she needed to make an urgent cash payment and discretely follow the callers instructions.

Casino surveillance video showed the manager open a drawer, remove seven bundles of cash and place it in a Michael Kors handbag. She left at 2:13 p.m. with $700,000. A co-worker reported to security that the manager had left with the cash, court records showed.

Pokagon Tribal Police Department soon began looking for the manager. She had already driven away. Just before just 4 p.m., her vehicle was detected by automated license-plate readers near Gary, Indiana.

She later told police she had been ordered to stay on the phone after leaving the casino and read off exits as she drove by. She was told to stop at a Walmart in Benton Harbor and buy a pre-paid phone.

The caller told her to find a gas station and tell him its location. She stopped at a Citgo in Gary.

She waited 15 minutes before a Chrysler Pacifica, occupied by at least two men, pulled in. She was still on the phone with the man who claimed to be the tribal chairperson. She was asked to describe those in the Pacifica.

The evidence at trial proved that Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was one of those individuals.

She handed off the money at the gas pumps before the Pacifica left.

Police soon found her at the Citgo station because she told the actual cage director her location, the FBI said in court records.

As part of a months-long investigation, the FBI searched automated license-plate readers for Chrysler Pacificas in the area during the time frame of the money transfer.

The FBI eventually determined that the vehicle used in the theft was registered to Gaytan-Garcias wife in Chicago, the FBI said in court records.

Investigators searched Gaytan-Garcias home, located a bundle of cash with the label Hartford indicating the casinos location, officials said. The date of the theft was also located on the label.

READ MORE: Man indicted in $700K casino heist tracked down by cellphone, vehicle and email

Gaytan-Garcia was arrested in March 2024 in Illinois. He is a citizen of Mexico and in the U.S. illegally, the FBI said.

The cooperative efforts of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement has resulted in justice for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians, said Pokagon Band Chief of Police Mario RedLegs. I am extremely proud of the professional teamwork that was put forth by those involved in the investigation.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A bicyclist killed when he was struck by a suspected drunken driver is being recalled as a hard-working stagehand.

Stephen Dowhan, 53, of Walker, worked to set up and break down shows at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena.

He was committed to his craft and doing it the best he could, said Josh Roskamp, business agent at the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 26.

Dowhan had just finished working to break down the Grand Rapids Bridal Show at DeVos Place on Jan. 11 and was riding west on his bicycle. His destination wasnt immediately clear.

Dowhan was trying to cross Scribner Ave. NW, at Pearl Street, when he was struck by a northbound vehicle that had just exited U.S. 131. He was struck about 6:30 p.m.

Grand Rapids police said the driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, although the person had not been officially charged as of Thursday.

Roskamp said Dowhan had been a stagehand since about 2010.

Roskamp described him as a hard worker who followed professional standards and made sure co-workers did too.

He was generally a bright spot when he got to work, Roskamp said.

Dowhan had done rigging and spotlight work and strived to be a master of the stagehand trade.

He wanted to be qualified on all things, Roskamp said.

Dowhan recently was learning more about sound for shows and also advanced lighting.

I would dare send Steve to any job, he said.

People say, You cant teach an old dog new tricks.' But Steve wasnt one of them. He was always learning the new tricks, Dowhan said.

Grand Rapids police said they could not provide any details on the status of charges against the driver.

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Several West Michigan organizations are telling people to seek shelter as dangerously cold weather is forecasted to hit the region Saturday and continue into next week.

Arctic air bringing potentially deadly wind chills is forecasted for all of Michigan Sunday through Monday, with the coldest temperatures expected for Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.

Actual temperatures are expected to plunge from five below zero to 15 below zero.

RELATED: Dangerously cold wind chills for Michigan; Heres timeline - mlive.com

The most common risks this weather will bring include hypothermia and frostbite, and children and seniors are particularly at risk, Dr. Tristan Worthington, a primary care physician at University of Michigan Health  West, said.

The other big aspect is the ice that comes with this too, he said. The last time this happened in 2019 we had a lot of visits to the emergency departments  a lot of broken bones, broken hips, all sorts of bad pain associated with falls from the ice and certainly an increase in traffic accidents.

Many people with chronic conditions like COPD or asthma can experience flare-ups triggered by extreme cold as well, Worthington said.

To avoid these cases, Worthington advised people to stay inside over the weekend and to layer up if they must venture out, as frostbite can set into exposed skin within a few minutes of being outside.

Many homeless services and nonprofits are gearing up to take in more people during the cold snap. Mel Trotter Ministries of Grand Rapids announced Friday it is shifting to Code Blue operating conditions from Saturday, Jan. 18, through Thursday Jan. 23.

Under Code Blue conditions, Mel Trotter will open its overflow capacity space allowing for additional guests per night.

The organizations outreach team will increase patrols from Sunday to Wednesday night next week in search of people who are homeless and may need assistance. Mel Trotter also will open its overflow day center at 225 Commerce Ave. SW.

Nine other Kent County organizations, including all Kent District Library and Grand Rapids Public Library branches, will welcome people who need a warm place to go during normal operating hours:

Alano Club of Kent County, 1020 College Ave. NE  open 7:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m.-8:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday

Exodus Place, 322 Front Ave.  open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Matthews House, 766 7th St. NW  open 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

The Vault, 121 Sheldon Ave. SE  open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lotus Brew Coffee, 211 Diamond Ave. SE  open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

West Grand Rapids Neighborhood Organization, 754 Leonard St. NW #2  open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Westminster Presbyterian Church Open Door Ministry, 47 Jefferson Ave. SE  9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday

Gateway Mission of Holland in a statement directed people in need to its mens center at 166 S. River Ave. and its women and childrens center at 356 Fairbanks Ave.

The shelters are open 24/7 and offer warm meals, beds, showers and essential care, the organization said.

We know how dangerous these temperatures can be, and our priority is to protect every vulnerable member of our community, Jay Riemersma, executive director of Gateway Mission, said in a statement. Our doors are open to anyone seeking refuge from the upcoming harsh weather.

Muskegon County Emergency Management also released a statement Friday directing people in need to Muskegon Area District Library branches and Muskegon Rescue Mission locations that will serve as warming centers during regular hours.

The following locations are only temporary warning centers. People should contact the location before visiting to confirm availability. People who need to charge their phone should bring their own cord:

Hackley Public Library, 316 W Webster Ave.  open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

 Muskegon Community College Hendrick Meijer Library, 221 S Quarterline Road  open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday

 Muskegon Township MADL Branch , 1910 E Apple Ave., Suite D  open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

 North Muskegon MADL Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Drive NE  open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, and 9 a.m.-5p.m. Thursday through Saturday

 Norton Shores MADL Branch, 705 Seminole Road  open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday

 Muskegon Rescue Mission Community Resource Center, 1747 Seventh St./Park St.  open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday

 Muskegon Rescue Mission Mens Shelter, 400 W Laketon Ave.  overnight shelter and day shelter Saturday and Sunday

 Muskegon Rescue Mission Womens Shelter, 1691 Peck St.  overnight shelter and day shelter Saturday and Sunday

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JACKSON, MI  Progress is underway to construct a new fast-food eatery for hungry Jacksonians.

Popular chain Chick-fil-A announced it was opening a new location in Jackson in September of 2024. Since, construction has been moving along quickly, and the new restaurant is expected to open in the spring, a Chick-fil-A, Inc. spokesperson wrote in an email.

Related: Chick-fil-A is on its way to Jackson in 2025

The restaurant is being built on a property along North West Avenue, which was previously home to Jacksons Optimist Park. The city sold the property in 2023 to developer Lormax Stern Development for $1.5 million.

Related: Property sale sparks relocation, reconstruction of Jacksons Optimist Park

While the developer did not respond for request to comment, its website shows a car wash is also proposed on the over 2-acre parcel.

Its expected for the new Chick-fil-A to create 80 to 120 jobs in Jackson, and applications can later be found online at the Chick-fil-A website. The Jackson store will serve guests with a drive-in, drive-thru and carry-out, officials said.

Chick-fil-A is constantly evaluating potential new locations, and Jackson County represented an opportunity. The chain looks forward to serving new customers at the Jackson location, officials said.

The closest Chick-fil-A locations to Jackson now are in Okemos at 2075 W. Grand River Ave., in Lansing at 5617 W. Saginaw Highway, and on Eastern Michigan Universitys campus at 878 W. Cross St.

Chick-fil-A Inc. is an Atlanta-based, family-owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967, according to its website. The restaurant offers chicken sandwiches, salads, waffle fries and its Chick-fil-A sauce.

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JACKSON COUNTY, MI - Thousands of homes and businesses in Jackson County will be eligible for improved internet speeds through a federally-funded grant initiative.

More than 12,790 addresses in Jackson County are eligible for a program to expand high-speed internet access statewide as of the start of 2025, Ben Muscott, Jackson County Director of Information Technology, said in a presentation to county commissioners Monday, Jan. 13.

Michigan received more than $1.5 billion in federal dollars through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to expand high-speed internet access. This program is funded through the $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The 12,000 amount is an increase of about 70% from previous estimates, Muscott said. The increase is the result of a successful challenge submitted by the county for jurisdiction over eligible locations in the area.

The BEAD State Challenge Process is a means to determine the unserved and underserved locations that are eligible to be connected through grant funding.

Since July 2024, Jackson County has been challenging the company Mercury Broadband in its claims that it provided high-speed service to much of Jackson County, threatening to limit the amount of grant funding available to county, Muscott said.

(Mercury) hasnt done anything, all they were trying to do was gobble up the county, said board Chairman Steve Shotwell.

The Federal Communications Commission ruled in December that Mercury was not adequately servicing Jackson County, opening the door for the county to lay claim to thousands of addresses that would be eligible to receive funding, Shotwell said.

The county will be working with broadband vendors in early 2025 to develop proposals and apply for grant funding, Muscott said. The vendors will be the ones to apply and receive state grant funding.

What we can do is make sure the communication is being consistent with our townships, and with the other stakeholders involved to make sure were getting the most we can for Jackson County through the process, Muscott said.

Pre-registration for grant funding was opened Jan. 9 and will be available until Mar. 10, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. More information is available on the departments website.

The state hopes to give every Michigander an affordable and reliable high-speed internet connection that meets their household needs by 2030, according the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Programs five-year action plan.

Jackson County will make an interactive map available in the coming months to allow residents to see if they qualify for enhanced broadband service, Shotwell said.

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BERRIEN COUNTY, MI  Two paramedics seriously injured in a crash while responding to an emergency call are now in stable condition, according to the ambulance company.

Medic 1 provided an update on the crash victims at 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 16.
BAY CITY, MI  City officials are seeking financial assistance from the state for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at Bay Citys oldest platted park.

Bay City commissioners will consider applying for half a million dollars in grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP). The grant would help pay for half of the new equipment and its installation as well as site improvements to make the playground at Carroll Park more handicap accessible.

A resolution to OK applying for the grant is slated for a vote Tuesday, Jan. 21. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The agenda can be viewed here.

Related: New Bay City mayor, commissioners sworn in at first meeting of 2025

Carroll Park stretches more than 13 acres on the northeast corner of Groveland Road and Park Avenue.

The playground equipment at Carroll Park was recently removed. Officials said it had exceeded its usable life expectancy. Replacement of this playground was first proposed in 2006.

The MEDC RAP Grant requires the city match 50% of the project funding with a minimum grant award of $500,000.

The proposed new playground equipment will be similar in scale to the Play City playground at Veterans Memorial Park, according to city officials.

The project completion deadline is June 30, 2027. The timeline would allow for construction in 2026, with the possibility of splitting the $500,000 city match between fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 budgets with 250,000 from each year to make the funding commitment more manageable, city officials wrote in the resolution.

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BAY CITY, MI  Former Bay City State Theatre Director Mike Bacigalupo and two others have been named in a federal lawsuit alleging they misled venue officials when they took out a series of loans that did not benefit the theater and ultimately led to its downfall.

Bacigalupo, former board chairman Mark Delestowicz and former board treasurer Stephanie Martinez are being sued under the umbrella of the theaters original bankruptcy filing for allegedly breaching their fiduciary duties, bylaws and being negligent. The adversary proceeding was filed Thursday, Jan. 16, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bay City.

The filing was on behalf of the State Theatre, which was purchased by Midland Mall and St. Laurent Brothers owner Jordan Dice following its bankruptcy. The current lawsuit does not involve Dice.

As a consequence of Plaintiffs inability to repay the Loans wrongfully authorized by Mr. Bacigalupo, the Plaintiffs mission and reason for existence was destroyed, the lawsuit reads. The inability to repay the Loans caused a collapse of the State Theaters financial condition which in turn forced Plaintiff to seek bankruptcy protection.

Bacigalupo, Delestowicz and Martinez could not be reached for comment. Attorneys for the theater also could not be reached.

Related: 2024 was a year of flux for Bay Citys historic State Theatre

The lawsuit seeks relief in an amount sufficient to pay the balance of the loans and all related costs and fees, to compensate the theater for the loss of personal property and real property, as well as for damages sufficient to compensate plaintiff for the loss of its mission in the community.

Bacigalupo borrowed $150,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration program in June 2020. In doing so, he pledged all theater personal property as collateral, according to the lawsuit.

Those funds were never used to benefit the theater, the lawsuit alleges, instead going toward a publicly-owned park in Bay City.

Around that same time, Bacigalupo borrowed $800,000 from the Bay County Growth Alliance, pledging real property as collateral.

Again, that money was used toward the Bay City band shell and surrounding areas in a publicly-owned park and did not benefit the State Theatre, the lawsuit notes.

State Theater Board of Directors meetings occurred during these times, but Mr. Bacigalupo concealed the existence of the Loans leading up to and following obtaining same, the lawsuit reads. At subsequent meetings, Mr. Bacigalupo continued to mislead the Board of Directors as to the existence of the Loans and the burden they placed on the State Theaters financial well-being.

While Bacigalupo evaded informing others of the status of the loans, the lawsuit alleges he informed Delestowicz and Martinez. The lawsuit argues they never took action to protect the State Theatre.

The State Theatre was unable to repay the loans, leading to a bankruptcy filing.

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Michigan adults who get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits will remain exempt from time limit work requirements for another year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted Michigan a waiver that will allow certain adults to keep their SNAP benefits without meeting work requirements until Feb. 28, 2026. The previous waiver was set to expire next month.

It only exempts the additional work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, and not the general work rules for all SNAP recipients.

SNAP, formerly called food stamps, requires adults ages 18 to 54 without children to prove they are working or enrolled in job training for at least 80 hours a month to get more than three months of benefits over three years. There are exceptions for people who are pregnant or have a work-limiting physical or mental condition.

The $113 billion federal SNAP program provides food benefits to nearly 1.5 million people in Michigan who are low-income.

Related: Thousands in Michigan could lose SNAP benefits under new rules, research shows

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requested the waiver for 80 counties, three cities and 10 reservations that had an unemployment rate 20% higher than the national average from February 2022 to January 2024. National unemployment averaged 3.6% during this time compared to 4.3% in Michigan.

The waiver doesnt cover Kent, Livingston and Oakland counties, but it does include Grand Rapids, Oak Park and Pontiac.

Remaining areas not covered by the waiver will continue to be exempt through Sept. 30, 2025, according to the state health department.

MDHHS is thrilled to have been approved for a continuation of a partial ABAWD waiver. This waiver will continue to allow us to combat food insecurity across Michigan for individuals in need, the state agency said in a statement.

The waiver also excuses Michigan from new SNAP work rules that were expanded to older adults in the past year.

Under a 2023 debt ceiling bill signed by President Joe Biden, SNAP work-reporting rules were gradually introduced to adults ages 50 to 54. Its estimated about 750,000 older adults, including 28,000 in Michigan, faced the risk of losing their benefits because of this new work reporting requirement, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a research and policy institute.

But those rules have been staved off by 31 states that were approved for waivers this year, including Michigan.

The Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, has criticized states for misusing waivers to exempt as many people from the work requirement as possible or leaving the rules in place despite high unemployment. As a result, its likely thousands of eligible SNAP recipients have either lost their benefits while others have faced steep disincentives to work, according to the think tanks research.

However, research in the American Economic Journal says the evidence is thin on whether work requirements help people get jobs or if they stop low-income people from getting benefits. When faced with work reporting rules, people receiving food assistance dropped by 53%, researchers found.

The SNAP work reporting rules for older adults will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2030.
LANSING, MI - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the final bills Thursday, Jan. 16 of a new housing discrimination law that offers more protections to renters.

The two House Bills, 4062 and 4063, are part of tie-barred package that prevent landlords from denying a renter housing based on their source of income, like housing vouchers. Whitmer previously signed the complementary Senate Bills 205, 206 and 207 at the end of December.

We have seen people across our state denied safe, affordable housing based on their source of income for far too long, said state Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, who co-sponsored the legislation. Gov. Whitmer signing this critical legislation sends a clear message  every Michigander will have the dignity of putting a roof over their head, no matter where they get their income.

Under the law, landlords cannot deny a renter housing based on their source of income including Section 8 housing choice vouchers, public assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security, supplemental security income or other retirement programs. It also defines source of income within Michigans Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, meaning renters are allowed to sue if they believe landlords are discriminating against them.

The law only applies to landlords with five or more units.

More than two dozen organizations supported the bills, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Michigan Association of United Ways and housing groups throughout the state. They are opposed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business and the Property Management Association of Michigan.

This legislation will help families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities across the state secure safe and stable housing, regardless of how they pay their rent. Housing is a basic necessity, and I am proud to see this vital protection signed into law, said State Rep. Jennifer Conlin, D-Ann Arbor Charter Township.

Whitmer signed 14 other bills this week that were passed by lawmakers before the end of a chaotic lame-duck legislative session. This included bills that aim to expand affordable housing, help veterans obtain services and support Michiganders who are pursuing apprenticeships.

Other bills passed during lame-duck update the process for gathering evidence in human trafficking cases, expand the age to have a courtroom support dog from 16 to 18 years old and providing tax breaks for data centers.
Arctic air is going to move into Michigan early next week. The cold air will come with some wind, making dangerously cold wind chills.

The Arctic air will be steadily infiltrating Michigans air Sunday and Monday with the coldest temperatures Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.

Actual temperatures will plunge to five below zero to 15 below zero for most of us in Michigan. The wind wont be extremely strong but strong enough to send wind chills much lower than the actual temperature.

Here is the wind chill forecast from Sunday evening to Wednesday afternoon.

Wind chill forecast from 7 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Wednesday.NOAA

Now here is the wind chill forecast for some key time periods.

Wind chill forecast at 7 p.m. Monday, January 20NOAA

Just below is the look at Tuesday morning. The wind chills will range between -15 and -25 degrees across Lower Michigan. The Upper Peninsula could have wind chills as low as -40 degrees.

Wind chill forecast for 7 a.m. Tuesday, January 21NOAA

Wednesday morning could actually have the lowest wind chills over southeast Lower Michigan. The cold air will still be in place and the winds will be picking up.

Wind chill forecast for 7 a.m. Wednesday, January 22NOAA

If you live in southeast Michigan heres a breakdown of the wind chills.

Detailed wind chill forecast from the National Weather Service at Detroit.NOAA

It doesnt really matter where you live Monday through Wednesday. We will all have dangerously cold wind chills. You will only want to be outside for just a few minutes to get from one building to the next.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Chen Xinlong observing the expression of potato proteins through a microscope at Southwest University in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 16, 2025. (Chen Xinlong/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor's note: Young people are often seen as the driving force for renewal and growth. As 2025 begins, Xinhua presents a series of five stories exploring the passions and pursuits of young Chinese, from the perspectives of consumption, careers, culture, innovation and lifestyle, discovering how they are reshaping the country's future trajectory. This is the fourth piece on their inspiring journey.

by Xinhua writers Zhang Dan, Liu Yiwei and Li Yilin

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- In a rapidly advancing world, a new wave of Chinese innovators are pushing the boundaries of science and technology. These pioneers are not just imagining the future -- they're making it happen.

Chen Xinlong, 33, has spent his life chasing a bold vision: revolutionizing farming through science and technology. Now, in the bustling municipality of Chongqing in southwest China, his lifelong aspirations have taken root.

Inspired by Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice," Chen has achieved remarkable results in rice breeding and potato disease resistance by skillfully integrating advanced technologies into his research.

While studying genetics at Southwest University, Chen found the plant DNA extraction process slow and cumbersome, with some reagents being toxic and corrosive. This inspired him to develop a safer, more efficient method.

Later he developed a "magical toolbox," a biological breeding toolbox which contains a variety of biological breeding tools and kits for gene editing and transgenic technology, allowing for precise gene manipulation and significantly shortening the breeding cycle.

"It's like a car repair toolkit for 'fixing plants'." Chen explains, "Tasks that once took four or five students a whole day can now be completed in minutes."

Chen is among a new-generation of scientists driving China's scientific exploration and innovation.

Yin Hejun, minister of science and technology, once noted that many leading teams in major sci-tech missions, such as the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and lunar exploration programs, have an average age in their thirties.

"Young people are the most creative and have the greatest potential for innovation," Yin emphasized, recognizing their crucial role in propelling China toward its goals of high-quality development and modernization.

MAGICAL TOOLBOX

Chen later joined the Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, and is currently focused on combating late blight, a devastating disease that threatens potato crops globally.

Late blight has posed a relentless challenge to scientists due to the rapid mutation of its pathogen. A discovery by Chen's team, which uncovered key regulatory mechanisms, would lay the foundation for developing long-lasting resistance strategies.

During this process, Chen upgraded his "magical toolbox," which helped increase the success rate of genetic transformation from approximately 30 percent using traditional methods to over 90 percent. It enabled researchers to create transgenic potato materials more efficiently and reliably.

Moreover, the upgraded toolbox could support precise control over gene expression intensity within a range of 0.001 to 1000 times, a capability that opens new frontiers in potato genetic research and breeding, he noted.

"Young researchers have become one of the main forces in China's scientific community," he said, adding that over 80 percent of the 100-plus team where he works are under 35.

"More and more young people are dedicating themselves to agricultural sci-tech research, which is both our good fortune and the nation's hope," Chen said.

ROBOTIC LIMB

Hu Xuhui, a 30-year-old robot scientist from Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was very happy to see a para-athlete, and user of his robotic prosthesis, win the third edition of the CYBATHLON, known as the "Olympics of assistive technologies," in Zurich, Switzerland.

Xu Min, the 49-year-old female participant, lost her right forearm in a work accident, but completed a series of challenging tasks such as lifting heavy water bottles, zipping up clothing and installing light bulbs in the race, after two years of hard training with the robotic limb developed by Hu's team.

Hu's breakthrough was adopting a new technological approach that enhanced the prosthetic's range of motion. Xu can control the rotation of the prosthetic hand through myoelectric signals and flip the wrist using her other able-bodied hand.

The young researcher, who majored in automation during his undergraduate studies, often found himself delving into the intricacies of muscle composition and the origins of electromyographic signals as he worked on prosthetics. To gain a deeper understanding, he frequently visited the library to borrow anatomy books and read numerous academic papers on the subject.

Hu believes that making a tangible difference to the lives of people living with disabilities is more meaningful than merely publishing papers.

"The collaboration between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities to finish the CYBATHLON was such a heartwarming endeavor," he said.

UNMANNED SHIPS

What drives 32-year-old Zhu Jiannan, founder of an unmanned ship startup, is turning science and technology into tangible results.

His company Orcauboat, established in 2017, was issued with China's first certificate of Type Approval for Awareness and Autonomous Navigation Systems for Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in November 2024.

Unmanned ships have huge potential, from maritime patrolling in harsh environments, to emergency search and rescue. Orcauboat now produces mainly surface cleaning robots and autonomous leisure boats, and also provides core technical support to nearly 1,000 USVs worldwide, with a cumulative unmanned operation mileage exceeding 700,000 kilometers.

"Great innovators like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have created outstanding products and changed the world, and this is the very reason I started my own business," Zhu said.

The aspiration has driven him to surmount technological barriers. His team has successfully overcome myriad challenges such as autonomous driving on water, interference from reflections on the water surface and the impact of varying water velocities.

His ambition has also helped him endure the challenges of the early business days. "When we were faced with a lack of supplies, I visited one factory after another to solve the problem, and ate and lived with blue-collar workers for three months until the prototype was completed," he recalled.

The country's support of technological innovation is unleashing unprecedented development opportunities. Zhu believes that just like autonomous cars, unmanned ships have a promising market.

"I am looking forward to promoting our intelligent ship solutions globally, bringing transformation to water areas in more regions," he said. 

This file photo taken on July 14, 2023 shows an ship produced by Orcauboat on Hancheng Lake in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Orcauboat/Handout via Xinhua)

Hu Xuhui (L) and Xu Min pose for photos after their team won the champion of arm prosthesis race global finals of the third edition of the CYBATHLON, known as the "Olympics of assistive technologies," in Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 26, 2024. (Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: JYZ
This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

NANNING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mayors, representatives and experts from China and ASEAN countries have gathered in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to discuss urban openness and cooperation during a dialogue that opened Thursday.

Themed "Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation," the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event has attracted attendees from ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the event, the participants conducted discussions and exchanges on topics including urban openness and economic cooperation, cultural interactions and integration, and experiences in urban governance.

"The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close, with bilateral trade volume rising from over 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024," said Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning.

"The two sides have achieved deep integration of their industrial, supply and value chains," Nong added.

"We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability, prosperity and sustainable development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities," said Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, at the event. 

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows the official release of the Nanning Initiative during the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Editor: JYZ
Customs officers of Meilan International Airport examine an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

HAIKOU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Boeing B787-9 aircraft of Mongolian Airlines arrived at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port to receive examination and maintenance services on Thursday. This marked the first order for maintenance of inbound aircraft at Hainan Free Trade Port for the year 2025 and also the first of such services for aircraft from Mongolia. The services kicked off on Thursday, eligible to preferential treatments of the free trade port including exemption of cash deposite as well as duty-free fuel and maintenance supplies.

A staff member of Grand China Aviation Maintenance Co., Ltd. (GCAM) examines an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member of Grand China Aviation Maintenance Co., Ltd. (GCAM) examines inside an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Customs officers conduct an on-site inspection of an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a Boeing B787-9 aircraft of Mongolian Airlines parked at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Staff members of Grand China Aviation Maintenance Co., Ltd. (GCAM) examine an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Editor: WRX
This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

NANNING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mayors, representatives and experts from China and ASEAN countries have gathered in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to discuss urban openness and cooperation during a dialogue that opened Thursday.

Themed "Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation," the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event has attracted attendees from ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the event, the participants conducted discussions and exchanges on topics including urban openness and economic cooperation, cultural interactions and integration, and experiences in urban governance.

"The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close, with bilateral trade volume rising from over 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024," said Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning.

"The two sides have achieved deep integration of their industrial, supply and value chains," Nong added.

"We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability, prosperity and sustainable development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities," said Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, at the event.

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows the official release of the Nanning Initiative during the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Editor: WRX
KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- With a wooden pole resting on her shoulder to help carry two wicker baskets of vegetables, rural vendor Zhao Shuying boards the No.5652 train with its old-fashioned green livery, heading for a nearby city to sell her fresh produce.

Unlike the sleek, silver-white bullet trains commonly seen on China's railways, the retro-looking No.5652 train operates at a lower speed, and departs from Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, on a journey of 261 km, which terminates in neighboring Guizhou Province.

However, this relatively slow train offers a much lower price compared with the speedy bullet trains. The most expensive ticket on the No.5652 train costs only 36.5 yuan (about 5 U.S. dollars), while the cheapest fare is just 6 yuan.

For Zhao and rural vendors like her, who get off in the city of Qujing with baskets on their shoulders or backs, the green train offers a very cost-effective ride to a bustling market where they can sell fresh produce at a better price, especially with the Spring Festival drawing near.

"We all take the slow train to get here," said Zhao in an interview with Xinhua, while pointing to vendors beside her. "Thanks to a favorable policy in the market, we set up our stalls free of charge, while our products sell pretty fast here at a higher price."

As one of the green trains operated by the China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the No.5652 is a public-interest oriented train serving people from all walks of life, ranging from small vendors like Zhao to migrant workers and students -- especially those from rural and mountainous areas.

In addition to the low fares these trains offer, the Kunming bureau group has also launched a variety of both volunteer and convenient services for passengers in recent years.

While China boasts the world's largest network of high-speed railways, which handled nearly 3.3 billion passenger trips throughout 2024, it has also maintained the operation of green-painted trains to provide a more affordable and budget-friendly travel option.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, another such train travels through cities including Urumqi, Turpan, Korla, Aksu, Kashgar and Hotan via its 30-hour trip to the southern part of Xinjiang.

With an average speed of less than 80 kilometers per hour and a minimum fare of only 4 yuan, this train is affectionately dubbed the "little slow guy" by its passengers.

Thanks to its affordable fares, the train has become somewhat of a school bus for students living along the route, while serving as a shuttle bus for farmers and herders needing to work outside.

To help local people in southern Xinjiang sell their agricultural products, this train also features regular "mobile bazaars" in designated carriages. During the harvest seasons in summer and autumn, local villagers board such carriages to peddle their fruits, vegetables and other local specialties, or to travel to markets in nearby counties and townships to sell their produce.

With the Spring Festival approaching, this train is now also carrying more people home to reunite with their families. According to Xinjiang's local railway department, in the first nine days of 2025, the southern Xinjiang railway had transported a total of 326,200 passengers, an increase of more than 14,000 people compared with the same period in 2024.

Editor: WXY
There have already been 131 military clashes at the front since the beginning of the day on Thursday and until the evening, the largest number of battles took place in Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy lost about 300 of his soldiers over a day, and in Kursk region, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.

"According to current data, enemy losses in this area today amount to 300 soldiers killed and wounded, four vehicles destroyed, in addition, an enemy tank, a mortar and one enemy vehicle were significantly damaged," the report says.

It is reported that since the beginning of these days, the enemy has attacked Pokrovsk direction 47 times in the areas of the settlements of Zelene Pole, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Luch, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Zvereve, Kotlyne, Uspenivka, Udachne, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Andriyivka, Ulakly, Kurakhove, Dachne and Yantarne. Nine military clashes are still ongoing.
Photo: https://t.me/dnipropetrovskaODA/18815

As a result of an enemy strike on Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, four people were killed and six more were injured on Friday, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine informs.

"Kryvyi Rih. Four people were killed and six others were injured as a result of Russian missile strikes on the city," the Interior Ministry said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

According to the ministry, a four-storey building of one of the educational institutions was partially destroyed.

"The missiles also hit an open area. Two apartment buildings and an outbuilding were damaged. A fire broke out on the fourth floor of one of the houses," the message says.

All relevant services are working on site.
Lubinets on Kryvyi Rih shelling: Civilian objects cannot be target, Russia once again violates Geneva Conventions

The Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih, using ballistic missiles, is a crime against Ukraine and international law, said the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.

"Russia is once again cynically violating the Geneva Conventions, which explicitly prohibit attacks on civilian targets and guarantee the protection of civilians in times of war. Civilian objects - schools, hospitals, residential buildings - cannot be targeted. The war waged by Russia is aimed at destroying not only infrastructure, but also the lives, rights and freedoms of Ukrainians," Lubinets wrote on the Telegram channel.

He pointed out that as a result of the hit, an educational institution, residential buildings, and cars were damaged.

"Ukraine demands that Russia be held accountable for every crime! After all, the aggressor's impunity only encourages further crimes," the Ombudsman stressed.

As a result of the Russian strike in Kryvyi Rog, it is known about four dead and six injured already.
101Reporters

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More than 140 clashes occur at front on Thurs, most in Pokrovsk axis

Over the past day on Thursday, 141 battles took place at the front, the Russians attacked Pokrovsk direction most, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

"Over the past day, the missile forces of the Defense Forces have hit one area of concentration of personnel, two control points, as well as two air defense systems of the Russian invaders," the report says.

The Russians did not carry out any active actions in Kharkiv direction.

The number of battles in Kupyansk area has reached eight. The defense forces repelled the attacks of the invaders in the areas of Petropavlivka, Holubivka, Zahryzove and Pischane.

In Lymany direction, the defense forces repelled 13 enemy attacks. The Russians have concentrated their efforts in the areas of Kopanky, Novo-Serhiyivka, Hrekivka, Zelenyi Hai, Makiyivka and more.

In Siversk direction, the enemy attacked five times in the areas of Belohorivka, Verkhniokamyanske and Ivano-Daryivka.

In Kramatorsk direction, the enemy tried to advance seven times near Pryvillia, Bila Hora, Hryhoryivka and Chasiv Yar.

Fourteen attacks were repelled in Toretsk direction.

In Pokrovsk direction, the Defense Forces repelled 53 attacks. The enemy troops are most active in the vicinity of the settlements of Zelene Pole, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Vodiane Druhe,etc.

In Novo-Pavlivsk direction, the Russians tried 11 times to break through the Ukrainian defensive lines.

In Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked the settlement of Novo-Danylivka without success.

In Prydniprovsk direction, the Russians made four attempts to capture the positions of our defenders.

The enemy conducted 20 assaults in Kursk direction.
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Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

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BTS' J-Hopes HOPE ON THE STAGE concert sell out instantly; fans upset over ticketing process favouring US ARMYs

Sarika Sharma

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Coldplay arrives in India! Chris Martin and band members greet the paparazzi with Namaste as they land in Mumbai for Music of the Spheres tour

Sarika Sharma

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Palak Vij

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Kangana Ranaut slams demand for ban on Emergency in Punjab, says "This is complete harassment of art and the artist..."

Palak Vij

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Kartik Aaryan says 'shocked' by the attack on Saif Ali Khan, says 'it is scary'

Sarika Sharma

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Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukraine is ready to provide Slovakia with energy assistance, yet it is important to see signals of the Slovak side's commitment to supporting Ukraine on its EU and NATO accession path, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Friday, ahead of his meeting with the leader of the oppositional party Progressive Slovakia, Michal Simecka.

"Also, we are ready to discuss energy security. I understand that this is a sensitive topic. Of course, we are very open. We are ready to help Slovakia with energy stability and security. However, it is very important to us to hear signals from Slovakia, that you support Ukrainians on our path to the EU and NATO. It is very important to us," he said, addressing the Slovak opposition leader, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.

"We are ready to welcome the leader of our friends  the Slovak people  however, another leader has come. We are grateful to the Slovak people for supporting our people. [] Your visit is a signal that you support our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Zelenskyy said.

The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine, for its part, is ready to start a dialogue between the Ukrainian and Slovak sides and their representatives.

Simecka thanked Zelenskyy for the meeting, Ukrainians and Ukrainian servicemen for their courage and heroism, noting that they are defending not only Ukraine but also the entire Europe.

"I just wanted to send a signal that many people in Slovakia appreciate Ukraine very much. And we wish Ukraine to be safe, sovereign and living in the European Union. These are the absolutely key things for our peoples," he said.

The politician added that Ukraine should become part of the EU because that would help its economy.

"So, Ukraine is Europe, and I am saying this on behalf of my political party, members of parliament, as well as voters and people in Slovakia. We will do everything to support Ukraine," he said.
'Koi Awaz nahi, koi bahar nahi jayega..., Saif Ali Khan's maid Eliyamma Phillip recounts horrific moments from the night of the attack

Sarika Sharma

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Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Police shocked as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's Bandra home has no surveillance cameras

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Police to record Kareena Kapoor's statement in connection with attack on husband Saif Ali Khan

Sarika Sharma

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Saif Ali Khan attack: Auto driver recalls driving actor to hospital, said, "Saif was bleeding, his white kurta turned red"

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Saif Ali Khan attack: Man detained in Mumbai not connected to case, say police

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Saif Ali Khan attacked: Neurosurgeon says If the knife tip was lodged deeper, the wound would have been a major problem

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Photo: https://www.facebook.com/minenergoUkraine

This winter, Russian aggressors reached a new level of attacks on Ukraines energy system, utilizing all available weaponry, causing significantly more damage and complicating recovery efforts, Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko stated.

"This heating season has brought an entirely new level of attacks and new weaponry. Ukraine's energy infrastructure is now targeted by all types of weapons, including advanced systems," Haluschenko said during a parliamentary Q&A session on Friday, as cited in the session's transcript.

He stressed that Russia is now deploying ballistic missiles and cluster munitions for strikes on the energy system, causing severe damage and greatly hindering restoration work.

"Of the 1,750 various missiles and drones that attacked the energy system last year, 900 were used in this short period since November 17," Haluschenko added.

He refrained from disclosing the specifics of the January 15 attack on energy and gas infrastructure but assured that gas supplies to consumers remain stable.

"While we cannot provide detailed information about the aftermath of these attacks, the key point is that gas supply to consumers is stable and functioning as planned," Haluschenko said.

On January 15, Russian forces launched drone and missile attacks on critical infrastructure in Lviv region, targeting facilities in Drohobych and Stryi districts.
Sobhita Dhulipala thrilled as Monkey Man receives BAFTA nomination; says, 'Am I dreaming or what...'

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Bank of Baroda SO Recruitment 2025: Registration Deadline Extended till Jan 27, Link to Apply Here

Archisha Yadav

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Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to visit Brussels from January 18-20 for key talks on India-EU FTA

Adrija Chatterjee

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Indian economy to grow at 6.5% in FY26 and FY27: IMF

Ishaan Gera

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Hindalco to replace diesel vehicles with EVs across all plants in India

101Reporters

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Photo: acebook.com/RedCrossUkraine/

A rehabilitation and recovery project for the population affected by the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine will be implemented in Kherson, Odesa and Sumy regions.

According to the agreement signed by the Ukrainian and Swedish Red Cross "Ukraine: Resilience, Recovery and Rehabilitation" with the support of SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), the amount of assistance exceeds UAH 68 million, the Ukrainian Red Cross said on Facebook Friday.

Under the terms of the agreement, the main areas of work include initiating the construction of a temporary social housing center and the implementation of a mental health and psychosocial support program in Sumy, implementing measures to expand regular access to technical water and increase the resilience of conflict-affected communities in Kherson and Odesa regions.

The Ukrainian Red Cross also said that a SIDA delegation visited Ukraine and held meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross, attended by First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy in Kyiv Erik Petersson. The parties discussed the implementation of the treaty "Ukraine: Resilience, Recovery and Rehabilitation" and support for the project to rebuild the children's building of the State Institution "Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Health Ministry of Ukraine" in Kyiv, which was damaged by a Russian missile attack last summer.

The contract "Ukraine: Resilience, Recovery and Rehabilitation" was signed by the Ukrainian and Swedish Red Cross with support from SIDA in December 2024.
India must cut tariffs to stay competitive: US Ambassador to India

Ankit Saproo

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Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

Adrija Chatterjee

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Road To Redemption: How are the faithful flocking to the Kumbh to wash away their sins

Yaruqhullah Khan

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Singtel, KKR agreed to put in checks to address CCI concerns on $ 1.3-billion data centre deal

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024...

Orios Venture Partners delays closure of third fund for a third time

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Aihik Sur

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Rescue operations in Kryvy Rih completed: four dead, nine injured in Russian attack

The number of people injured as a result of a Russian ballistic attack on Kryvy Rih on Friday increased to nine, the emergency rescue operations are over, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak has said.

"The emergency rescue operations after a Russian attack on Kryvy Rih are over. Four people were killed. Nine were injured. Five of them were hospitalized, the others received medical care on the spot," he said on the Telegram channel.

Four high-rise buildings, 17 private houses, and a dozen cars were damaged.

Earlier, four dead and seven injured were reported.

A mourning day was announced in the city on Monday, January 20.
Swish, a 10-min food delivery startup, settles for smaller fundraise even as market heats up

Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C.

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

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Centre slashes FCI rice price by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 for states, ethanol makers under OMSS

101Reporters

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8th Pay Commission Latest News: How much salary hike can 1+ crore central government employees, pensioners expect? Check calculation and more

Surabhi Pandey

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Bengaluru techie sets herself ablaze after uncle threatens to leak private photos to her parents

Priyanjali Ghose

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Coal hopper collapses at Dalmia Bharat's Odisha cement plant, company says whereabouts of three workers uncertain

Swarali Bodas

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'Freeing temples', Hindu claims on mosques to top agenda at key VHP meet: 'Ram Temple goal completed, now ...'

Armaan Bhatnagar

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A total of 97 combat clashes were recorded along the front line since midnight and as of 4 p.m. on Friday, most of them occurred on the Pokrovsk axis, where the Russian occupation army attacked 41 times, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said Friday.

"Currently, the number of combat clashes has increased to 97. Today, the communities of Tymonovychi, Leonivka, Mkhy, Dibrova and Kliusy in Chernihiv region; Riasne and Tovstodubove in Sumy region came under enemy fire," it said on the Telegram channel.

On the Kharkiv axis, there is an ongoing battle with the enemy in the vicinity of Vovchansk. On the Kupyansk axis, the Russian occupiers launched four attacks in the area of Holubivka, Stepova Novoselivka and Kruhliakivka. There are two ongoing battles in the area.

"On the Lyman axis, during the day, the occupation army conducted eleven assaults against the Ukrainian positions in the vicinity of Kopanky, Tverdokhlibove, Makiyivka and Terny. Five combat clashes still continue. On the Siversk axis, the enemy launched an attack towards Bilohorivka. The enemy was repulsed," the General Staff said.

On the Kramatorsk axis, the Russian forces are trying to advance in the Chasiv Yar area and towards Stupochky and Bila Hora. Eight of 16 enemy attacks were repelled, the hostilities continue in the area.

On the Toretsk axis, the Russian army is trying to penetrate the Ukrainian defense in the area of Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Krymske and Scherbynivka. There are five ongoing battles in the area, seven assaults were repelled.

"On the Pokrovsk axis, the Russian invaders made 41 attempts to push our defenders from the positions in the vicinity of Zelene Pole, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Lysivka, Shevchenko, Zvirove, Udachne, Uspenivka, Sribne, Dachne, Ulakly and Yantarne. The defense forces are holding back the pressure. They have repelled 27 enemy attacks, and 14 combat clashes continue," the General Staff said.

The enemy also conducted one unsuccessful attack on the Prydniprovsk axis.

"The operation in Kursk region  Ukrainian fighters today repelled six enemy attacks, another four combat clashes still continue," it said.

No significant changes were recorded in other directions.
Chhabi Kala

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New Delhi Assembly: Were Arvind Kejriwal, Sandeep Dikshit close friends? Here's what Delhi Cong leader said

Smriti Mishra

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US consulate opens in Bengaluru, visa services to begin later

Christin Mathew Philip

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Vivek Moorthy is Distinguished Professor, St. Josephs Institute of Management, Bengaluru. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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The administration of U.S. President Joseph Biden has declassified information about helping Ukraine create a drone industry after the 2023 counteroffensive, revolutionizing the way wars are waged, according to an article in The New York Times.

"U.S. officials said on Thursday that they had made big investments that helped Ukraine start and expand its production of drones as it battled Russia's larger and better-equipped army. Much of the U.S. assistance to the Ukrainian military, including billions of dollars in missiles, air defense systems, tanks, artillery and training, has been announced to the public. But other support has largely gone on in the shadows. That included helping Ukraine develop a new generation of drones and revolutionize how wars are fought, according to U.S. officials," the article reads.

Last autumn, the Pentagon allocated $800 million to build drones in Ukraine, which was used to buy components and fund manufacturers. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House in September 2024, Biden said another $1.5 billion would be funneled into Ukraine's drone industry. The United States has also sent intelligence officers to Ukraine to help develop its drone program.

"We saw how UAVs were becoming increasingly central to the fight in Ukraine and will be central to all future fights," U.S. National Security Adviser Jacob Sullivan said in a statement on Thursday.

He said the drone work began after Ukraine's first counteroffensive in the autumn of 2022, when the limits of Ukraine's conventional capabilities became apparent. The effort intensified in preparation for Ukraine's second counteroffensive in 2023, which was less successful, in part because of Russia's use of drones. Sullivan said the push to build Ukraine's drone industry has provided "invaluable lessons" that the Biden administration has begun to integrate into the U.S. defense industry.

The U.S. officials said Thursday they believe the investment has made Ukraine's drones more effective and lethal.

"I think our intelligence support has helped the Ukrainians to defend themselves Not just in the sharing of intelligence, but support for some of the systems that have been so effective," C.I.A. Director William Burns said in an interview this week.
Cabinet approves refarming of spectrum from ISRO and Defence for 5G and 6G: Scindia

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

Swarali Bodas

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Infosys CEO addresses questions on toxic work culture, stagnant salaries. What he said

Shubhi Mishra

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Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison in land corruption case

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Hamas set to release first hostages under Gaza ceasefire deal, says Israel

Arindam Roy

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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'It starts now': South Korea's President Yoon defiant as police closed in

Manisha Lal Khandpur

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More than 40 Pakistanis feared drowned in the capsizing of a migrant boat off African coast

Manisha Lal Khandpur

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Netanyahu says deal to release Hamas-held hostages has been reached

101Reporters

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Former heads of diplomacy of 13 Latin American countries issued a joint manifesto in which they declared threats to the international order, called on the region to regain its voice and role in protecting previously established principles, and also spoke out in support of Ukraine, calling for continued assistance to it, and condemning Russia's actions.

"In the first place, we denounce the attack on the principle of the inviolability of territory, as we have witnessed in Vladimir Putin's devastating invasion of Ukraine. It is not acceptable for a permanent member of the UN Security Council to launch a colonial war of conquest against a neighboring country. Ukraine is fighting for its independence and Latin America must support it vigorously. The United States should also maintain its assistance to Ukraine, regardless of its efforts to end this war," the document reads.

The Manifesto was signed by 38 Latin American politicians and diplomats, including 33 former foreign ministers of Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Chile, who also held the positions of vice presidents of these countries, ambassadors to the UN and senior positions in international organizations at various times. One of the signatories was the former High Representative of the Government of Colombia for Peace (2012-17), previously the National Security Advisor of Colombia Sergio Jaramillo, who published the text of the manifesto on the channel of his organization "Aguanta Ucrainia" on the X social network.

"Secondly, we denounce the attack on human rights and International Humanitarian Law, the indispensable legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as we have seen in the Russia's campaign of deliberate attacks on civilians across Ukraine," the signatories of the document said.

At the same time, they expressed their solidarity with President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino and rejected the recent statements of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about the Panama Canal.

The signatories of the manifesto cite examples of the decline of the international order and declare its disintegration at the present time.

"The principles and consensuses that have regulated relations between nations since the horrors of World War II, including the sacred principle of non-aggression, are being dismantled and replaced by power blocs built around the law of the strongest. This is not the world we Latin Americans want to live in. And that is why we call on our continent to recover its voice and its role in defence of the principles which it has always professed... Latin America insisted on the importance of such principles as 'the proscription of territorial conquest', 'the adoption of conciliation, comprehensive arbitration or international justice to settle any difference or dispute' and 'the recognition that respect for the personality, sovereignty and independence of each American State constitutes the essence of the international order," the document reads.

It also condemns attacks on free trade and attempts to impose higher barriers on Latin American exports and the use of tariffs as an instrument of political pressure in violation of the rules agreed upon in the WTO. It also condemns the attacks on commitments made in the existential fight against climate change, with only a few countries meeting emission reduction targets

"We call on our countries to reinvigorate regional fora, to identify shared interests beyond our differences and, in the midst of assaults we are experiencing on international law, to build with the same audacity and determination of eighty years ago a vision of a renewed multilateralism in which everyone has a place and Latin America once again has a voice," the manifesto concludes.
Trump Inauguration: Italy's Meloni, Argentina's Milei and other far-right leaders on the guest list

Swarali Bodas

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Trump will take his oath using two symbolic Bibles, here's why

101Reporters

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Who is Ken Howery: Tech investor tied to Trumps Greenland plan and Musks ventures

Aishwarya Dabhade

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NASA astronaut Sunita Williams steps outside spacecraft after 7 months for her first spacewalk in 12 years

Sheetal Kumari

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The Supervisory Board of JSC National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom at its regular meeting after the July inaugural meeting elected Jarek Niewierowicz as its Chair and Michael Elliott Kirst as the Vice Chair, the company has reported.

"At its meeting the Board Members elected Jarek Niewierowicz as its Chair, and Michael Elliott Kirst as the Vice Chair. The Supervisory Board also established the Committee on Audit, which will be headed by Michael Elliott Kirst," Energoatom said in a press release on Friday.

Reflecting the current absence of a third independent Supervisory Board Member (Timothy John Stone), the decisions on establishment of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees are expected to be made at the earliest opportunity once the Board receives legal determinations related to the qualified construction of these committees.

"The strategic importance of Energoatom extends also beyond the borders of Ukraine, establishing it as a key partner in regional energy security and cooperation. Our responsibility is not only to help ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential supply of energy for the country but also to position Energoatom as a model for corporate governance and innovation," said Board Chair Niewierowicz.

According to the press release, transparency and open communication were emphasized as the guiding principles for the Board's activities. Energoatom aims to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration with local and central governments, as well as international stakeholders.

"Energoatom's future depends on our ability to maintain trust, remain adaptable, and uphold the highest standards of governance. We will proceed with our tasks without disruption, ensuring stability and continuity for all those who rely on us," added Niewierowicz.

On January 17, Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko announced that the Supervisory Board of Energoatom would elect its chair and commence full operations.

By government order No. 566 dated June 21, 2024, independent members Stone, Kirst, and Niewierowicz were approved for Energoatom's Supervisory Board, alongside state representatives Tymofiy Milovanov and Vitaliy Petruk. However, the board has not been fully operational since its formation. According to Interfax-Ukraine sources, independent members were dissatisfied with the remuneration offered.

On November 26, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers, by order No. 1224, approved the terms of contracts for members of Energoatom's Supervisory Board without disclosing specific details.

In December 2024, Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev stated that the government awaited the independent members' stance on the contracts and their willingness to continue their roles. He added that the proposed terms were in line with salaries at other large Ukrainian energy companies.

In early January 2025, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak of the Holos faction suggested involving international partners to address the lack of functionality in Energoatom's Supervisory Board.

On January 14, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova, in response to a query from Interfax-Ukraine, stated that G7 ambassadors had urged Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to expedite the board's activation. Mathernova emphasized that a fully functioning board was critical for discussions on significant new investments.
1/11 Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate fresh beginnings, renewal, and new adventures. As we enter the Year of the Snake, 2025 brings exciting travel opportunitieswhether you're reuniting with loved ones, seeking new horizons, or diving into unique cultures. Agoda, the leading digital travel platform, has unveiled the top 10 most sought-after destinations in Asia to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From spectacular parades to delicious feasts, these cities promise the perfect blend of festive spirit, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Here are top 10 destinations in Asia to ring in the Lunar New Year in 2025, each offering vibrant celebrations, cultural treasures, and unforgettable moments: (Image: Canva)

2/11 1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyos fusion of ancient traditions and modern celebrations makes it a must-visit during Lunar New Year. Experience dragon dances, temple visits, and the citys spectacular fireworks display, all while savoring seasonal delights. (Image: Canva)

3/11 2. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok pulses with excitement during Lunar New Year. Wander through Chinatowns vibrant streets, enjoy traditional performances, and dive into Bangkoks festive food sceneperfect for those looking to add flavor to their trip. (Image: Canva)

4/11 3. Osaka, Japan

In Osaka, celebrate the Lunar New Year with temple visits, lively parades, and a blend of Japanese and Chinese culinary delights. The citys upbeat atmosphere and rich cultural scene will keep you entertained all season long. (Image: Canva)

5/11 4. Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka offers a tranquil yet festive vibe. With traditional dances, vibrant fireworks, and temple ceremonies, this city provides the perfect mix of serene celebration and cultural exploration. (Image: Canva)

6/11 5. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a dynamic destination for Lunar New Year celebrations. Take part in traditional games, experience palace ceremonies, and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with cultural performances and delicious food. (Image: Canva)

7/11 6. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong pulls out all the stops during Lunar New Year. With stunning parades, dazzling lights, and a bustling atmosphere, this international city offers a spectacular way to ring in the new year. (Image: Canva)

8/11 7. Sapporo, Japan

For a magical winter wonderland experience, head to Sapporo. With snow-capped landscapes, cozy hot springs, and captivating cultural events, Sapporo is perfect for a serene yet festive escape. (Image: Canva)

9/11 8. Singapore

Singapores Chinatown comes alive during Lunar New Year, offering endless cultural experiences, lion dances, and a food scene thats second to none. Dont miss out on the citys stunning light displays and festive markets. (Image: Canva)

10/11 9. Phuket, Thailand

If you're craving sunshine and culture, Phuket is the place to be. Celebrate Lunar New Year by visiting temples, enjoying seafood feasts, and immersing yourself in vibrant street paradesall with the backdrop of beautiful beaches. (Image: Canva)
1/11 India, a land of vibrant festivals and historic wonders, also harbors a spine-tingling underbelly of haunted sites that beckon thrill-seekers and ghost hunters. From abandoned villages to cursed forts, each location has tales to make your hair stand on end. Ready for a journey into the paranormal? Lets uncover the secrets of Indias most haunted places! (Image: Canva)

2/11 1. Kuldhara, Rajasthan

Step into the ghostly ruins of Kuldhara, a once-thriving village near Jaisalmer. Abandoned overnight by the Paliwal Brahmins, the curse they left behind ensures no one can call this place home. Whispered voices and unexplained happenings add to the allure. (Image: Canva)

3/11 2. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Known as the "Most Haunted Place in India," Bhangarh Fort is a tale of doomed love and black magic. By government mandate, no one is allowed to enter after sunset, but the stories of eerie noises and sightings are enough to chill your spine. (Image: Canva)

4/11 3. Shaniwarwada, Pune

This majestic fort hides a tragic tale of treachery. On full moon nights, locals claim to hear the chilling cries of a murdered young prince echoing through the forts walls. (Image: Canva)

5/11 4. Jatinga, Assam

Famous for its unexplained "bird suicides," Jatinga leaves even scientists baffled. Every year, birds mysteriously dive to their deaths during specific months, fueling tales of supernatural forces at work. (Representative Image: Canva)

6/11 5. Dow Hill, Kurseong

Nestled in the hills of Darjeeling, Dow Hill offers breathtaking views with a side of terror. Its school corridors and surrounding forests are rumored to be haunted by restless spirits, including a headless ghost. (Image: Canva)

7/11 6. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

This black sand beach is more than just visually strikingits notorious for eerie whispers carried by the wind. Locals believe the spirits of the departed linger here, as the beach was once a burial ground. (Image: Canva)

8/11 7. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Indias largest film studio is built on what was once a battlefield, and tales of ghostly encounters abound. From unexplained accidents on film sets to eerie occurrences, the paranormal makes its presence felt. (Image: Ramoji Film City)

9/11 8. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi

This ancient stepwell in the heart of Delhi is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Tales of its black water luring people to their doom have long haunted its reputation. (Image: Canva)

10/11 9. Lambi Dehar Mines, Uttarakhand

Once a bustling limestone mine, Lambi Dehar turned into a ghost town after countless workers succumbed to unsafe conditions. Strange sounds and eerie apparitions have earned it a sinister reputation. (Representative Image: Canva)
Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Special Commissioner of the President of France for assistance and reconstruction of Ukraine Pierre Heilbronn discussed issues of cooperation in the field of aviation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, maritime security, as well as land and underwater demining, the press service of the ministry said.

"Today, January 17, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine between Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Special Commissioner of the President of France for assistance and reconstruction of Ukraine Pierre Heilbronn. Also, the event was attended by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Vasyl Teteria and the head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhiy Deineko," the ministry said on the website.

It is reported that "the key focus was on issues of cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the French side in the field of aviation, maritime security, as well as land and underwater demining."

During the negotiations, the parties discussed contracts related to the aviation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, in particular, issues of exchanging experience with French specialists in the field of security and rescue operations, as well as providing medical equipment to helicopters carrying out evacuations. Separately, those present raised the issue of maritime security and the supply of French boats to the units of the Marine Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

"This concerns the protection of Ukraine's national interests at sea. And it is the French boats that are the main component of maritime security today," Klymenko said.

The parties also discussed a grant agreement between the governments of Ukraine and France for EUR 200 million, which is aimed at facilitating the restoration and support of critical infrastructure and the development of sectors of the Ukrainian economy.

Klymenko informed about the projects of the State Emergency Service and the National Police within the framework of this agreement: "Robotic complexes for land, underwater demining, fire extinguishing are primarily aimed at saving the lives of our pyrotechnicians, which is our absolute priority. We expect a positive decision on these projects of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system."

Klymenko also discussed with partners the issue of training Ukrainian pyrotechnicians in underwater demining, in particular in France. The minister said underwater demining is now critically important in war conditions, since it ensures the safety of waterways, ports and coastal areas. "For almost three years, specialists of the State Emergency Service have demined more than 16,000 hectares of water bodies, removing and neutralizing more than 2,000 explosive objects. In addition, today the modernization of the Underwater Demining Center continues, where 336 sapper divers have already been trained, of which 24 specialists are capable of performing deep-sea demining at a depth of up to 50 meters," he said.

In turn, Heilbronn said: "We are ready to move forward to overcome all problems and challenges together. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is doing colossal work in all areas, and I see your determined readiness. And those projects that meet the requests of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be signed, because these are urgent needs. Our doors are always open, and you can contact us with any questions and get the help you need."
The statements of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban are "quite strange," but there is a consensus in Europe regarding assistance to Ukraine, Adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office Mykhailo Podoliak said.

"In Europe as a whole, there is a consensus regarding Ukraine, except for Hungary and Slovakia. This looks quite cynical. Of course, today, by the way, there were new statements by the subject Orban. They are quite strange, in my opinion. That is, he says that Ukraine does not exist," Podoliak said on the air of the national telethon.

As reported, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban on Friday expressed his opinion on Hungary's role during the past period of the EU presidency, called on Brussels to abandon sanctions and improve relations with Russia.

Orban said that peace was needed to achieve Hungary's economic policy goals, and then "we would have to deal with Ukraine, which we now only see through the 'glasses of war." He said Ukraine posed a serious economic threat to Europe, and therefore he would introduce serious protective measures to avoid, for example, damaging the Hungarian and Polish agricultural economies.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with the heads and representatives of the foreign ministries of the countries of South-Eastern Europe and discussed with them the strengthening of anti-Russian sanctions, the seizure of frozen assets, the integration of Ukraine into the EU and NATO.

"Strengthening sanctions against Russia, the seizure of frozen assets, the integration of Ukraine into the EU and NATO and other topics were discussed during a meeting with the heads and representatives of the foreign ministries of the countries of South-Eastern Europe," he said in Telegram on Friday evening.

As reported, on Friday, January 17, the first ministerial meeting in the Ukraine-South-Eastern Europe format was held in Kyiv. Representatives of the Foreign Ministries of nine countries visited Ukraine: Moldova, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Romania, Turkey, Montenegro.

Shmyhal said during the meeting with diplomats he noted the importance of adopting a Joint Communique, in which the participating countries condemn Russia's full-scale aggression, support the EU sanctions regime against Russia, participate in the implementation of the provisions of the Peace Formula and actively support Ukraine in international organizations.

"During our dialogue, I voiced the priority areas of the government's work. Defense, restoration (in particular, demining and energy protection), integration into the EU and NATO," Shmyhal said. "We paid considerable attention to Ukraine's promotion of European integration. The experience gained by countries that have already gone through the path to full membership in the EU is very valuable to us. Strengthening cooperation between countries with access to the Black Sea is also important. I thanked the states for supporting Ukraine's movement towards NATO," the Ukrainian Prime Minister said, adding that he proposed strengthening cooperation, in particular in the format of joint intergovernmental consultations, as well as through involvement in reconstruction projects.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the official opening of the Albanian Embassy in Ukraine.
 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the economic inclusion of internally displaced people, returnees, refugees, and stateless people in Ukraine.

The cooperation will combine the efforts and capacities of both parties to integrate internally displaced people into the national labour market and focus on facilitating enhanced access to information on economic programmes and opportunities, particularly related to employment and livelihoods.

An important element is the joint development of a special Employment page dedicated to economic inclusion and opportunities for people displaced by the war, on UNHCRs "Ukraine is Home" information platform. It is an innovative digital platform aiming to provide timely and impartial information to help Ukrainians who have become internally displaced or refugees abroad due to the war make informed decisions regarding return to their homes or continuing their stay in host communities or countries.

The Ministry of Economy will further contribute to the Employment page with information on government grant programmes for Ukrainians wishing to return home and opportunities for those who want to learn new specializations or enhance their professional skills.

The cooperation will also support data collection and analysis that will help inform and shape the policies and programmes to strengthen the economic resilience of communities  with a particular emphasis on improving access to employment and economic inclusion for displaced and otherwise war-affected people.

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

"This Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the economic inclusion of those who have been displaced by the war and consequently lost their livelihoods. We know from UNHCRs periodic intention surveys that access to jobs is one of the key enablers for sustainable return. By joining forces with the Ministry of Economy, we are helping create pathways to job opportunities that will not only help individuals rebuild their lives and become self-reliant again, but also contribute to the economic regeneration and sustainable recovery of Ukraine, said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCRs Representative in Ukraine.

One of the main tasks of the state is to create conditions for Ukrainians to return home. The government is working on employment, business support and access to education and retraining programs. The return of citizens after the war will speed up the country's and economy's recovery. We are grateful to the UNHCR for providing a platform where Ukrainians abroad can find information on grants, training, and retraining opportunities, stated Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

The signing of the Memorandum took place during a visit to Kyiv by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, where he met with representatives of the Government of Ukraine. Filippo Grandi travelled to Ukraine this week for the sixth time since February 2022 to reaffirm UNHCRs strong solidarity with the people of Ukraine and call for sustained international support for the humanitarian and recovery response in Ukraine and the continued protection and assistance of millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad.

In addition to Kyiv, Filippo Grandi also travelled to Odesa, Kharkiv and Sumy to meet displaced and war-affected people and witness projects and programmes to support people in need.

Following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, UNHCR has supported 4.3 million people in Ukraine in 2022 with different humanitarian and recovery programmes; 2.63 million people in 2023; and has delivered more than 1.5 million multisectoral services to war-affected people across the country in 2024.
Sonora High School View Photo

Sonora, CA  A fight between two male teens, ages 15 and 17, at Sonora High School resulted in one of the students being flown to a Valley hospital for treatment.

The brawl happened this morning, January 16, 2025, around 9:30 a.m. on the campus, but what the two students were fighting about was not disclosed by Sonora Police. When officers arrived on the scene, school staff had already broken up the fight. Sonora Police Department spokesperson Detective Thomas Brickley reports, As a result of the fight, one student had to be transported to a Valley Trauma Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Brickley continued, During the course of the investigation, it was determined that no weapons had been used in the fight. The fight was isolated between two students and it was determined that there was no further threat to students on campus.

While other students witnessed the incident, no others joined in the fight. One student was arrested and booked at the juvenile hall. Brickley added, Due to the nature of the fight and the subjects being juveniles, no other information will be released.
Tioga Pass Gate into Yosemite National Park View Photo

Sonora, CA  In recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, federal attractions will offer free admission on Monday.

It is one of five National Park Service Fee Free Days for 2025, meaning there will be free admission to Yosemite National Park. Special fees, like reserving a camping space, are still in place. Typically, it costs $35 per car to enter the park.

In addition, day-use fees are being waived on Monday on other federal lands, such as New Melones Reservoir. Usually, the day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Other fees, related to camping and boat launching, are still in place.
Sacramento, CA  Mother Lode Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is joining other Republicans in requesting a special session of the legislature focused on wildfires and the ongoing insurance crisis.

She argues, As fires were raging, California Democrats priority was to throw more money toward Trump proofing the state. With homes destroyed, thousands displaced, and an insurance system on the brink of collapse, this crisis is the only thing that matters.

She continues, The ability to get homeowners insurance is perhaps the biggest challenge my constituents face. As someone on the FAIR Plan, Im focused on making sure rural Californians are supported and our firefighters have the resources they need to protect life and property.

Alvarado-Gil notes that California spends between $6 billion to $9 billion annually on wildfire response, but the current budget only allocates $200 million for prevention.

A list of proposals that Alvarado-Gil says that she and other Republicans would like to see addressed is below:

Expedite Permitting for Wildfire Prevention Projects  Fast-track critical projects such as controlled burns and post-fire reconstruction to mitigate fire risks efficiently.

 Fast-track critical projects such as controlled burns and post-fire reconstruction to mitigate fire risks efficiently. Streamline Environmental Reviews for Fire Safety Efforts  Introduce targeted reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for wildfire prevention initiatives, including underground powerlines and constructing emergency egress routes for community safety.

 Introduce targeted reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for wildfire prevention initiatives, including underground powerlines and constructing emergency egress routes for community safety. Enhanced Criminal Penalties  Create enhanced criminal penalties for both arson and negligent fires.

 Create enhanced criminal penalties for both arson and negligent fires. Home-Hardening Incentives and Assistance  Use a combination of tax credits, deductions, grants, and loans to help Californians afford the home-hardening upgrades necessary to protect their property.

 Use a combination of tax credits, deductions, grants, and loans to help Californians afford the home-hardening upgrades necessary to protect their property. Increased Funding for Wildfire Prevention  Allocate resources to local governments and conservation districts with firsthand knowledge and strategies for effective wildfire prevention and safety projects.

 Allocate resources to local governments and conservation districts with firsthand knowledge and strategies for effective wildfire prevention and safety projects. Insurance Market Transparency  Provide a clear evaluation of the California FAIR Plan and the broader insurance industry, outlining necessary steps to stabilize the market and attract private insurers back into the state. This includes evaluating how current and proposed policies can restore confidence in the California insurance landscape.
On January 20-23, the delegation of Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZA) led by the Chairman of the Board, Valeh Alasgarov, will hold high-level meetings and participate in key economic events in Germany to foster bilateral cooperation, strengthen economic ties, and explore new investment opportunities across various sectors.

On January 20-21, the delegation will meet senior officials from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and participate in the German-Azerbaijani Economic Forum in Munich, where attendees will be thoroughly informed about the investment opportunities in Azerbaijan.

On January 22-23, in Mainz, the delegation of AFEZA will attend the Annual Reception of Economy 2025 and the event "Azerbaijan: Hub of the Future - Strategic Opportunities for German Companies," highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic projects, its role as a regional logistics hub, and significant economic developments aimed at attracting foreign investment.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The current territory of Armenia has historically been the homeland of Azerbaijanis. This fact is confirmed not only by numerous historical documents but also by geographical maps of the Russian Empire from the 19th and 20th centuries. The toponyms on these maps have purely Azerbaijani origins.

Irrefutable evidence of the history of Western Azerbaijan dates back to official maps of the 19th century. The toponyms related to geographical regions on the maps have Azerbaijani origin. For instance, many Azerbaijani villages used to be in present-day Armenia. The names of these villages were systematically changed, and Armenians made attempts to create their own "spiritual trace".

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev mentioned this issue in an interview with local television channels. He emphasized that 300,000 Western Azerbaijanis should return to those regions: "However, the total number of those who have been displaced from that region and who are now living in various parts of Azerbaijan, along with their descendants, is several times greater than 300,000. Take a look at the maps from the 19th century, from the Russian Empire. All the toponyms there are of Azerbaijani origin, as well as the maps compiled by the Russian Empire in the early 20th century. The names of all the cities are of Azerbaijani origin. You will not see a lake named "Lake Sevan" there; it is written as Lake Goycha. When we say that this is our historical land, we are stating the truth. Even in the recent speech of the first fascist president of Armenia, recently published in the media, he admits that Azerbaijanis were the majority in three regions. Azerbaijanis constituted the majority in Zangezur. Yes. Not just a majority, but there were villages composed entirely of Azerbaijanis. In the 20th century, we faced deportation three times, and each time, these deportations led to serious consequences."

The deportation of Azerbaijanis from these territories occurred in several stages. The first such case occurred in 1918-1920. According to Armenian historian A. Lalayan, "Dashnaks, during their 30 months of rule (from May 1918 through November 1920), killed 60 percent of the Azerbaijanis living in Armenia." According to another Armenian source, of the 575,000 Azerbaijanis living in Armenia during 1918-1920, 565,000 were brutally killed or forcibly expelled from their homeland.

The second wave of deportations occurred between 1948 and 1953. A decree of the Soviet Council of Ministers on December 23, 1947, envisaged the "voluntary" resettlement of 100,000 Azerbaijanis from the Armenian SSR between 1948 and 1950. The phrase "voluntary basis" in the decree was used with a specific intent. In reality, these were true repressions. According to the decree, in 1948, it was planned to resettle 10,000 people; in 1949 - 40,000, and in 1950 - 50,000. As a result of this stage of deportation, between 1948 and 1953, approximately 150,000 Azerbaijanis were forced to leave the Armenian SSR.

The last mass deportation of Azerbaijanis occurred in 1988. From November 22-24, 1988, a new phase of ethnic cleansing began in Armenia. According to official data, 200,000, but in fact, 250,000 Azerbaijanis were forcibly deported from their homeland. During the deportation, according to official data, 216 people died, but in reality, 460 Azerbaijanis lost their lives. These are all historical facts, which are confirmed even by Armenian sources.

As for the return of deported Azerbaijanis to their homeland, it is one of the rights recognized by international law. Progressive conventions protecting civil and political rights can lay the foundation for this process.

As President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview, the majority of the villages where Azerbaijanis lived are now completely empty - no one lives there, and returning to those areas would not pose a significant problem, as there would be no need to relocate anyone: "All that is required is a guarantee of safety, recognition of their right to live there, and the creation of conditions for their activity. This is our demand, and I am hopeful that the day will come when Western Azerbaijanis will return to their native lands."

The head of state also said that it would be appropriate for Armenia's Prime Minister to meet with representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community: "To my knowledge, they are even ready to travel to Yerevan. He should meet them, hear their concerns, and listen to them. These people were unjustly expelled from those lands. They have every right to return. If this does not happen, then what kind of European democracy can we speak of? Armenia portrays itself as a country pursuing the path of European democracy. Let them demonstrate this visibly."

This statement emphasizes the need for dialogue between the prime minister of Armenia and representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community. The primary focus is on the rights of Western Azerbaijanis and the humanitarian aspects of this issue.

Representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community were unjustly expelled from their homeland, and their right to return is recognized under international law. Given this, a meeting between the Prime Minister and the representatives would be a positive step toward resolving the issue. This could also lead to the establishment of healthier historical and humanitarian ties with the neighboring country by Armenians.

At the same time, Armenia's statement about following the path of European democracy requires it to take a more open, democratic approach that respects human rights both in its domestic policy and in foreign relations. If Armenia denies the right of Azerbaijanis to return to their homeland and does not engage in open dialogue on this matter, it could seriously undermine the very concept of "European democracy".

European states generally encourage dialogue and compromise on human rights issues and conflict resolution. Therefore, Armenia taking concrete steps on this issue could not only improve relations with Azerbaijan but also strengthen peace in the region. The willingness of representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community to go to Yerevan could be a positive beginning, and if Armenia takes this step, it could lead to not only internal development but also to its recognition as a more reliable partner on the international stage.

Azer Garayev,

political analyst
Zimbabwe is mourning the loss of Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutengwende, a prominent figure in the countrys political landscape who passed away on 16 January 2025 at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by several sources, including Zanu PF officials and family members. His death marks the end of a long and impactful career in Zimbabwean politics.

The passing of Chimutengwende was announced by Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairman, Kazembe Kazembe, who described it as a significant loss for the people of Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, and the nation as a whole.

I heard the news of the passing on of Cde Chimutengwende from a family member. It is a big loss for the people of Mazowe, the province and the entire nation, Kazembe stated.

He lauded Chimutengwendes unifying influence in Mazowe, calling him a pillar, a uniting force, who did great in Mazowe, the province and the nation.

Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Christopher Magomo also confirmed the death, with the news circulating widely through Zanu PF WhatsApp groups.

Tributes poured in from various quarters, including exiled former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who tweeted: Chenhamo Chedu Chazorora Chimutengwende  He came, he saw and he conquered. You played your part in the struggle and development of your country. RIP Mhofu. Chiweshe was Chen. RIP Muzukuru.

Chimutengwendes career spanned several decades, encompassing a range of influential positions. He served as Information minister and Environment and Tourism minister, and his final cabinet post was as Minister of State for Public and Interactive Affairs.

His political career also included serving as a Mashonaland Central senator and a Member of Parliament for both Mazowe East and Mazowe Central. He also held the position of Mashonaland Central Zanu PF provincial chairman and politburo member. His 23-year career as a Member of Parliament ended in the 2008 general election.

Kazembe Kazembe highlighted Chimutengwendes extensive legislative experience and his contributions to development projects in Mazowe. He was probably the longest serving legislator in the province after serving for more than 20 years. He also served as a senator for one or two terms. He did a lot of work in Mazowe, from building schools and spearheading tarring of roads, particularly the road from Glendale to Bare, Kazembe said.

Chimutengwendes son, Tawanda, revealed that his father succumbed to chronic kidney disease. His life was marked not only by his political career but also by his academic achievements and his contributions to intellectual discourse.

Born on 28 August 1943, Chimutengwendes early life involved a period of exile in London during the 1960s and 1970s. There, he directed the Europe-Africa Research Project and was a member of the editorial board of Red Mole, a publication associated with the International Marxist Group. His commitment to Mao Zedongs China led him to resign from the editorial board following criticism of Maos policies concerning the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

He later pursued higher education, earning a Masters degree in Social Science and a PhD from the University of Bradford. His doctoral thesis, Mass Media and the State in the Socio-Economic Development Process, reflects his keen interest in the interplay between media, politics, and societal development.

He is also the author of the book South Africa: The Press and the Politics of Liberation. After graduating, he returned to Zimbabwe and became a Zanu PF MP for Mazowe in 1985, beginning a 25-year tenure as a lawmaker, including 14 years as a cabinet minister. He also served as a senator, deputy president of the Senate, and head of the Zimbabwean delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

From 2005 onwards, Chimutengwende was included on the United States sanctions list. His death, at the age of 81, concludes a life deeply entwined with Zimbabwean politics, academia, and international affairs. His legacy will be remembered through his political contributions, his academic work, and the impact he had on the lives of many Zimbabweans.

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Labour unions have long shaped the economic and political landscape of advanced economies. Throughout the 20th century, they reduced inequality (Farber et al. 2021, Osorio-Buitron and Jaumotte 2015), improved working conditions (Rosenfeld 2019, Bryson et al. 2020), and influenced policies (Ahlquist 2017) and political systems (Acemoglu and Robinson 2013, Ogeda et al. 2024).

Despite fluctuations in membership, unions remain pivotal in todays economy (OECD 2019). In the US, union approval rates recently reached 70% (Gallup n.d.)  one of the highest levels in 90 years  and the number of workers involved in work stoppages surged by 141% in 2023 (from 224,000 to 539,000) (Ritchie et al. 2023). In other parts of the world, such as Europe, where collective bargaining has a strong tradition, organised labour continues to expand into previously unorganised sectors and influence labour market conditions.

Yet, despite their enduring importance, the empirical evidence on the forces behind unions emergence and growth remains limited. In a recent paper (Medici 2024), I examine how mass immigration from Europe to the US during the early 20th century shaped the rise of American labour unions.

How immigration impacts unions is ambiguous. On one hand, increased job competition can motivate workers to unionise to defend wages and employment. On the other hand, a larger labour supply may make it easier for employers to replace uncooperative or striking workers, weakening unions bargaining power. Whether immigration fosters or hinders unionisation is ultimately an empirical question.

The early 20th-century US offers a compelling setting to examine this question. The US was already the worlds largest economy (Bolt and Van Zanden 2020), and the labour movement began expanding nationally (Foner 1947). Many unions founded during this period remain influential today. This growth occurred despite significant challenges to organising, as employers could legally dismiss or replace unionising and striking workers without facing penalties (Taft 1964). Immigration played a central role in shaping these dynamics. Between 1850 and 1920, around 30 million European immigrants entered the US, transforming local labour markets and creating both opportunities and challenges for organised labour (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Number of union members and inflow of immigrants to the US, 1880s to 1920

Notes: Panel A shows the total number of union members in the US between 1880 and 1920 (Freeman 1998). Panel B shows the inflow of immigrants to the US between 1850 and 1920 (Immigration Policy Institute).

Studying the relationship between immigration and unions presents two key challenges: measuring local unionisation and establishing causal effects. To measure unionisation, I digitised archival documents on unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labour between 1900 and 1920  a period when American Federation of Labour unions represented over 80% of union members nationwide. These records, drawn from the convention proceedings of state federations of labour, provide detailed information on the number and location of union branches across the country, and allow me to construct novel estimates of union membership. These data provide the first comprehensive, local-level measurements of historical union presence and density in the US (Figure 2).

To estimate the causal impact of immigration, I employed a shift-share instrumental variable approach (Card 2001). This method leverages chain migration patterns, whereby immigrants tend to settle in areas with established communities from their countries of origin.

Figure 2 County-level union density



Notes: These maps display county-level union density (i.e. the number of union members as a fraction of the labour force) in 1900, 1910, and 1920. The legend represents the deciles of the distribution in 1920.

Source: Authors calculations from convention proceedings of the state federations of labour (American Federation of Labour unions).

Main Results

The results show that immigration fostered the emergence of organised labour. Counties that received more immigrants as a share of the population experienced increases in union presence, the number of union branches, the share of unionised workers, and the number of union members per branch.

Immigration spurred unionisation both at the intensive and extensive margins  expanding unions in counties with an existing labour movement and establishing new unions elsewhere. For every 100 immigrants entering the average county, union membership increased by nearly 20 workers. A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that without immigration, average union density (i.e. the share of unionised workers) would have been approximately 22% lower between 1900 and 1920.

Mechanisms

Why did immigration promote unionisation? The evidence is consistent with existing workers unionising in response to immigration for economic as well as social motivations.

Immigration affected unions in skilled and unskilled occupations differently: it spurred unionisation among skilled workers but had smaller and statistically insignificant effects for unskilled ones (Figure 3). Skilled workers, such as those in craft occupations, organised to protect their jobs and wages. Their specialised skills acted as barriers to entry, making them not immediately replaceable and enabling them to form or join unions. This allowed them to exclude new workers from their occupations and prevent outsiders from acquiring the skills required for these jobs. In contrast, low-skilled workers, such as labourers, struggled to sustain unions. Their jobs could be easily and immediately filled by newcomers, which reduced their bargaining power and made unionisation efforts in response to immigration largely unsuccessful.

Figure 3 Immigration and unionisation among skilled vs unskilled workers

Notes: This figure shows the coefficients and confidence intervals from two-stage least squares regressions examining the effects of immigration on unionisation. The blue bar on the left displays the effect on all workers, while the grey bars on the right show the effects on skilled and unskilled workers separately.

Alongside economic motivations, the results also support the role of social factors in the expansion of labour unions. American Federation of Labour unions often adopted nativist rhetoric, portraying immigrants  particularly those from Southern and Eastern Europe  as culturally distant and less likely to assimilate or unionise effectively. These attitudes were reflected in unionisation patterns. Unionisation grew more prominently in counties that received immigrants from culturally distant regions (Figure 4). It also expanded more in areas that likely displayed stronger anti-immigrant sentiment, such as those with strong historical support for nativist movements like the Know Nothing party or higher levels of residential segregation between immigrants and US-born residents (Figure 5).

Figure 4 Source regions of European immigrants and unionisation

Notes: This figure shows the coefficients and confidence intervals from two-stage least squares regressions examining the effects of immigration on unionisation. The blue bar on the left displays the effect of immigrants from any European country, while the grey bars on the right show the effects of immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe or Northern and Western Europe separately.

Figure 5 Local anti-immigrant sentiment and unionisation

Notes: This figure shows the coefficients and confidence intervals from two-stage least squares regressions examining the effects of immigration on unionisation. The blue bars on the left display the effects for counties with low and high historical vote shares of the Know Nothing party. The grey bars on the right show the effects for counties with low and high baseline levels of residential segregation between US-born individuals and European immigrants.

It is important to note that these results are also consistent with economic explanations. Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe likely had lower wage expectations than those from Northern and Western Europe, making them more likely to be perceived as a threat to existing workers conditions. Moreover, fears of economic competition from immigrants may have amplified negative stereotypes and reinforced pre-existing resentment. Overall, the results support the role of both economic and social factors in driving the observed growth of organised labour.

Alternative explanations, such as immigrants disproportionately joining unions or bringing radical ideologies from their home countries, are not supported by the data. The results are also not driven by other major events during this period, such as the political and economic transformations caused by World War I and the First Red Scare, or by differential economic growth experienced by counties receiving larger shares of immigrants.

Long-Term Implications

The effects of early 20th-century immigration on unionisation extend well beyond the historical period studied. Places that received more immigrants between 1890 and 1920 continue to exhibit higher union density today, suggesting that early unionisation created durable institutional advantages for organised labour.

Immigration also reshaped occupational choices. US-born workers increasingly took unionised jobs, likely using organised labour as protection against immigrant competition.

Conclusion

This research identifies immigration as a key driver of unionisation during the formative years of the American labour movement. By examining how immigration shaped organised labour, the study highlights the economic and social forces that influence labour market institutions.

These findings also broaden our understanding of the consequences of immigration, showing that responses to large immigrant inflows are not limited to increased support for conservative parties or anti-immigration policies. Instead, immigration can foster the growth of organisations, such as unions, with broad economic and political impacts.

While the historical context is unique, the results point to broader mechanisms that remain relevant today. Renewed interest in unions may reflect workers responses to modern labour market pressures  such as immigration, globalisation, and technological change. These dynamics are not confined to the US. They also resonate with advanced economies facing similar challenges and with industrialising nations undergoing economic transformations comparable to early 20th-century America.

Further research is needed to examine how organised labour responds to economic shocks in different contexts. The dataset assembled for this study provides new opportunities to investigate many additional questions, such as the long-term impact of early unionisation on immigrant integration and its broader impact on the US economy and political landscape.

See original post for references
Armed Californians defy evacuation orders to protect homes from looters amid wildfire chaos

Wildfires in Los Angeles County have caused $250 billion in damages, and residents are defying evacuation orders to protect homes from looters.

Over 50 arrests have been made for looting, with suspects using tools like window breakers and masks to steal from evacuated properties.

Residents are organizing through WhatsApp groups and arming themselves due to a lack of police protection.

In Altadena, armed "stayers" are guarding homes, offering aid to neighbors, and refusing to leave despite police checkpoints.

The crisis echoes the 1992 L.A. riots, where armed self-defense became necessary when government resources were overwhelmed.

As wildfires ravage Los Angeles County, leaving devastation in their wake, some residents are refusing to leave their homesnot just to guard against flames, but to protect their property from looters. With police resources stretched thin and reports of brazen thefts rising, homeowners in evacuation zones are arming themselves and patrolling their neighborhoods, defying mandatory evacuation orders. The situation underscores a growing crisis: when government authorities are overwhelmed, citizens are taking security into their own hands.

The wildfires, which have caused an estimated $250 billion in damages, have also created an opportunity for criminals. Over 50 arrests have been made in connection with looting in evacuation zones, with suspects caught carrying tools like window breakers, masks, and stolen goods. In one chilling account, a resident described seeing "a hundred people on scooters trying to get into any and all houses" on their street.

Despite a curfew imposed by LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, who vowed to crack down on looters, many residents feel unprotected. Wealth-management firm president Ross Gerber, who has been sneaking into the evacuation zone to check on his home, told the Wall Street Journal, I have no patience for any of [the police]. After you survive this, you dont care what they say. Gerber and his neighbors have organized through a WhatsApp group, which he says is "better than any government."

The Stayers: Armed and ready

In Altadena, a community hit hard by the fires, residents like EveAnna Manley are staying put, armed and vigilant. I do have firearms, and Ive been calling my friends to make sure I know how to legally exist with them, Manley told KTLA 5. Her Starlink satellite internet receiver bears a blunt warning: If You Are Lootin We Are Shootin.

Manley and others, who call themselves the stayers, are not only guarding against looters but also helping neighbors by offering showers, laundry, and hot meals. For many, leaving is not an option. Police checkpoints are turning away anyone trying to re-enter evacuation zones, leaving residents who leave with no way to return.

Aaron Lubeley, another Altadena resident, has been sleeping in his SUV near his fire-ravaged property, a 9mm handgun by his side. It gives me a sense of value and purpose, he told The Journal. His humor shines through even in the face of tragedy, as he jokes about his homes new open floor plan after the fire.

A legacy of self-defense

This isnt the first time Angelenos have taken up arms to protect their property. During the 1992 L.A. riots, Korean store owners famously defended their businesses from looters, earning the moniker Rooftop Koreans. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of armed self-defense when government resources fall short.

As the fires continue to burn, the debate over evacuation orders and self-reliance intensifies. While authorities urge residents to leave for their safety, many argue that staying behind is the only way to safeguard their homes and communities. For now, the stayers remain on the frontlines, determined to protect whats theirs.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

FoxNews.com

NYPost.com

KTLA.com
Biden signs executive order expanding use of digital IDs in application process for public benefits

Outgoing President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Jan. 13 to expand the use of digital IDs in the application process for public benefits.

Federal agencies are required to use digital documents such as mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) and electronic passwords for online identity verification, to reduce fraud and improve efficiency.

The system could utilize biometric scans, but the executive order does not require automated facial recognition scans and prohibits the sale or misuse of biometric data.

The goal is to address forged state driver's licenses, which have led to billions of dollars in fraudulent claims to benefit programs.

While proponents see this as a step towards more effective governance, concerns remain about privacy and data safety and there are calls for strong privacy protections and robust technical support.

Outgoing President Joe Biden has signed an executive order (EO) that will expand the use of digital IDs in the application process for public benefits.

This comes after Biden signed on Dec. 30 the GSA Technology Accountability Act, which seeks to expand the use of digital IDs in federal agencies. The law, which amends Title 40 of the U.S. Code, mandates the General Services Administration (GSA) to set digital ID standards and facilitate efficient and secure management of digital identities. It also requires the GSA to report annually to Congress on projects funded by the Federal Citizen Services Fund and the Acquisition Services Fund.

However, its primary focus lies in standardizing and integrating digital identity standards across various federal agencies, paving the way for a single, unified digital identity system. Additionally, the law emphasizes "strict privacy safeguards" and aims to alleviate public concerns about digital ID implementation, promising transparency and accountability in line with existing privacy laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974.

In line with this, Biden signed an EO on Monday, Jan. 13, requiring federal agencies to use digital documents like mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) and electronic passwords as a method of online identity verification "to reduce fraud and improve the efficiency of public benefit programs."

According to NOTUS, a non-government publication from the Allbritton Journalism Institute, the digital ID system could utilize biometric scans such as facial recognition to better verify identity online. However, the draft EO, obtained by NOTUS in 2024, does not require people to submit to automated facial recognition scans. It also prohibits the government and contractors from selling biometric data and using it for anything other than identity verification.

Instead, the executive order stated that the proposed system could help address the issue of forged state driver's licenses, which have contributed to the loss of billions of dollars in fraudulent claims to benefit programs. Most state driver's license systems do not connect to identity verification services that match faces to IDs, making them easy to forge.

Privacy advocates criticize the new digital identity system

Experts and privacy advocates have raised concerns about the potential risks to data safety associated with the proposed system.

Michael Rectenwald, Ph.D., author of "The Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty: Unraveling the Global Agenda," defines digital identity as more than just a new form of identification. Rectenwald claimed that digital identity is "the sum total of the growing and evolving mass of information about us, our profiles and the history of our activities online." This comprehensive data collection, he argues, goes beyond simple identification and can be used to define an individual's entire identity, both online and offline.

Meanwhile, Alexis Hancock, the director of engineering for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, is particularly concerned about the potential impact on vulnerable populations. "Deploying various technologies on this population to access their benefits, such as facial recognition, is not something I'd encourage or advise. Especially with facial recognition being fraught with issues of discrimination." (Related: Americans who refuse to sign up for "voluntary" government-issued digital ID may be DENIED health care services.)

"While there are some statements in the White House's plans that seem protective of privacy and consent in using digital identity mechanisms to combat fraud, I am wary that digital identity will lessen or mitigate fraud at scale  This would take more robust technical support with more human aid-like useful technical support call lines and translators," she added.

Visit PrivacyWatch.news for more stories like this.

Watch the video below to learn how digital IDs signify the end of freedom in Australia and other countries across the globe.

This video is from the Sovereign Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Digital ID system incoming: Nebraska now collecting citizens' digital health data.

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Canadian Conservative Party urges REJECTION of proposed mandatory implementation of digital IDs.

U.S. states are passing internet age verification laws as a cover to compel people into using digital IDs.

UN 'pact for the future': Digital IDs, vaccine passports, massive censorship.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org 1

ReclaimtheNet.org 2

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Brighteon.com
China unveils worlds first MILITARY-PROOF 5G system to power 10,000 battlefield robots

China unveils the world's first military-grade mobile 5G base station, developed by China Mobile Communications Group and the PLA, designed for battlefield use to enable seamless communication for up to 10,000 military robots and drones within a 3-kilometer radius.

The system offers high-speed, low-latency, and ultra-secure data exchange, maintaining 10 Gbps throughput and <15ms latency even in challenging terrains or under electromagnetic interference, supporting PLA units moving at speeds up to 80 km/h.

Drones act as aerial base stations, mounted on military vehicles, ensuring continuous 5G coverage by autonomously switching and recharging, solving issues like disconnections and slow speeds.

Advanced countermeasures combat electromagnetic interference, with user-side terminals transmitting data at ultra-high power (400 MW) while maintaining low energy consumption for sustained operations.

China's military 5G system leverages civilian 5G infrastructure, enabling rapid switching between drones and ground base stations, positioning the PLA as a leader in unmanned combat capabilities and outpacing U.S. efforts in military 5G development.

In a groundbreaking leap for military technology, China has unveiled the world's first mobile 5G base station designed specifically for battlefield use.

Developed jointly by China Mobile Communications Group and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), this cutting-edge system promises to revolutionize modern warfare by enabling seamless communication for up to 10,000 military robots and drones within a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) radius.

The system, detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published on Dec. 17 in the Chinese journal Telecommunications Science, offers unprecedented high-speed, low-latency and ultra-secure data exchange capabilities. Even in the most challenging conditions  such as mountainous or urban terrains  the system maintains an uninterrupted throughput of 10 gigabits per second and a latency of less than 15 milliseconds. This ensures reliable connectivity for PLA units advancing at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).

The development of military-grade 5G is a critical step in China's ambitious plan to build the world's largest unmanned military force. The PLA envisions a future where drones, robotic dogs and other unmanned combat platforms outnumber human soldiers on the battlefield. However, existing military communication systems have struggled to handle the massive data demands of such large-scale robotic operations. (Related: China is two years away from deploying KILLER ROBOTS on the battlefield.)

The new 5G system addresses this challenge head-on. Unlike civilian 5G networks, which rely on fixed infrastructure, the military version is designed to operate in environments where ground base stations are absent, or satellite signals are compromised. To overcome the limitations of traditional antennas to avoid obstacles, the system employs a fleet of drones.

Drones as aerial base stations

The innovative solution involves mounting a platform on military vehicles that houses three to four drones. These drones act as aerial base stations, taking turns to maintain continuous 5G coverage. When one drone's battery runs low, it hands over its duties to another and returns to the vehicle for recharging. This autonomous system has been rigorously tested by the PLA and has proven effective in solving issues like frequent disconnections and slow speeds, ensuring "safe, reliable and rapid deployment."

One of the most significant threats to military 5G is electromagnetic interference, which can originate from both enemy forces and friendly units operating in the same area. To combat this, the PLA has equipped the system with advanced countermeasures. Small communication terminals on the user side can transmit data at ultra-high-power levels  up to 400 megawatts  even under electromagnetic suppression, while maintaining low energy consumption for sustained operation.

The military 5G system also leverages China's vast civilian 5G infrastructure, which boasts nearly 4.2 million base stations as of November 2024. By integrating civilian automation tools, the PLA has achieved rapid and seamless switching between drones and ground base stations, a process that can be completed "in the blink of an eye."

"The operation of such a vast network necessarily requires powerful automation tools and means, among which automatic station opening technology is one. It can autonomously complete core network base station data production, data loading, baseline parameter configuration, and other tasks," the research team wrote.

While China's military 5G system is ready for deployment, the United States is still grappling with technical challenges in its own 5G militarization efforts. In 2020, the U.S. launched what it called the largest militarization campaign for 5G technology, but progress has been slow. Lockheed Martin and Verizon have developed a demonstration system, the 5G.MIL, which records a latency of up to 30 milliseconds when transmitting data between two Humvee vehicles 100 meters apart. While this meets U.S. military standards, it falls short of the PLA's more stringent requirements.

China's military 5G breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the evolution of modern warfare. By enabling large-scale deployment of intelligent war machines, the system positions the PLA at the forefront of unmanned combat capabilities. As the world watches, this technology could redefine the balance of power on future battlefields, where robots and drones may soon outnumber human soldiers.

With its robust performance, adaptability to harsh conditions, and integration of cutting-edge civilian technologies, China's military 5G system is not just a technological achievement  it's a strategic advantage that could shape the future of global military operations.

Follow CommunistChina.news for more news about the military advancements of China.

Watch the video below about China beginning its mass production of AI robots for warehouses and stores.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

SCMP.com

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Deep Earth anomalies beneath the Pacific Ocean challenge long-held geological theories

Researchers have identified massive, unexplained structures deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, challenging existing theories about Earth's formation and evolution. These anomalies, detected at depths of 900 to 1,200 kilometers, defy conventional plate tectonics explanations.

The discovery was made using full-waveform inversion (FWI), a cutting-edge seismic imaging technique that analyzes the complete spectrum of earthquake waves. This method, combined with the computational power of the Piz Daint supercomputer, provided unprecedented insights into Earth's mantle.

The structures could be remnants of ancient silica-rich materials from Earth's early mantle or zones of accumulated iron-rich rocks. Their presence in regions without recent tectonic activity has left scientists puzzled about their origins and composition.

The findings suggest that Earth's mantle is far more complex and dynamic than previously thought, challenging the idea that seismic anomalies are primarily linked to subduction zones.

While the discovery is groundbreaking, it highlights gaps in current understanding. Further research using advanced computational models and imaging techniques is needed to uncover the material properties and origins of these structures, offering new insights into Earth's geological history and ongoing processes.

Researchers have identified massive, mysterious structures deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, challenging fundamental theories about Earth's formation and evolution.

Using cutting-edge seismic imaging technology, a team of geophysicists from ETH Zurich and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) uncovered anomalies in Earth's mantle that defy conventional plate tectonics explanations. Their findings were published in November in Scientific Reports.

The study authors' findings suggest these structures could be remnants of ancient materials or zones of accumulated iron-rich rocks, raising new questions about the planet's geological history. The discovery, made possible by advanced computational techniques, underscores the complexity of Earth's interior and opens a new chapter in the study of the planet's deep past.

The discovery hinges on a sophisticated technique called full-waveform inversion (FWI), which analyzes the complete spectrum of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. Unlike traditional methods that focus on specific wave types, FWI captures a more comprehensive picture of Earth's interior. This approach, combined with the computational power of the Piz Daint supercomputer in Switzerland, allowed researchers to detect anomalies in regions where they were least expected.

"It's like a doctor who has been examining blood circulation with ultrasound for decades and finds arteries exactly where he expects them," explained ETH professor Andreas Fichtner, a key figure in the study. "Then, if you give him a new, better examination tool, he suddenly sees an artery in the buttock that doesn't really belong there. Thats exactly how we feel about the new findings."

The most striking anomaly was found beneath the western Pacific Ocean, at depths of 900 to 1,200 kilometers. This region, far from any known tectonic plate boundaries, shows seismic wave patterns similar to those found near subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another. However, the Pacific region has no recent history of such activity, leaving scientists puzzled about the origins of these structures.

A "lost world" beneath the ocean floor

The discovery has led researchers to speculate about the existence of a "lost world" deep within Earth's mantle. These structures could be remnants of ancient silica-rich materials that have survived since the mantle's formation approximately four billion years ago. Alternatively, they might be zones where iron-rich rocks have accumulated over billions of years due to the mantle's constant churning. (Related: Mantle mystery: Geologists dont know what to make of two continent-sized mountains found beneath the Earths crust.)

"Apparently, such zones in the Earth's mantle are much more widespread than previously thought," said Thomas Schouten, the study's lead author. "With the new high-resolution model, we can see such anomalies everywhere in the Earths mantle. But we don't know exactly what they are or what material is creating the patterns we have uncovered."

The findings challenge the long-held assumption that seismic anomalies are primarily linked to subduction zones. Instead, they suggest that Earth's mantle is far more complex and dynamic than current models indicate.

While the discovery is groundbreaking, it also highlights the limitations of current scientific understanding. The researchers emphasize that their models only reveal wave speed patterns, which alone cannot fully explain the nature of these deep Earth structures. To unravel the mystery, scientists will need to delve deeper into the material properties behind these anomalies.

"We have to calculate the different material parameters that could generate the observed speeds of the different wave types," Schouten explained. "Essentially, we have to dive deeper into the material properties behind the wave speed."

Future research will require even more advanced computational models and imaging techniques. The team hopes to expand their knowledge of these zones by using FWI to analyze earthquake waves in even greater detail. This could provide insights into the composition and origins of these mysterious structures, shedding light on the processes that have shaped Earth's interior over billions of years.

Follow Discoveries.news for more news about recent discoveries.

Watch this video about seismic activity spreading worldwide.

This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.

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"Superionic" minerals flow through Earths deep mantle, according to study.

Massive "ocean" hidden in Earth's mantle linked to deep-focus earthquakes, research suggests.

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Sources include:

StudyFinds.org

Nature.com

TheDebrief.org

ScienceTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Democrat officials redirect California wildfire relief funds to personal PACs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Elizabeth Warren are redirecting wildfire relief funds to their political entities via ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, rather than to intended relief organizations.

Newsom denies misinformation about his handling of the wildfires and launched a website, CalFireFacts, which redirects donations to his super PAC, the Campaign for Democracy.

ActBlue is under scrutiny for potentially illegal contributions, including "straw donations" and foreign entity donations, leading to a federal criminal investigation and an ongoing probe by the House Administration Committee.

The controversy is further complicated by Newsom's veto of a bill that would have allowed CalFire to retain seasonal firefighters, exacerbating staffing shortages.

The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of disaster relief funds and the urgent need to address underlying issues contributing to California's wildfire crisis.

In a move that has raised eyebrows and accusations of impropriety, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are redirecting funds intended for wildfire relief to their respective political entities. Both politicians have launched fundraising appeals on the social media platform X, but the money raised is not going where it was advertised.

Newsom and Warren have been using X to solicit donations for wildfire relief in Los Angeles. However, instead of directing funds to the California Fire Foundation or other relevant organizations, their appeals are linked to ActBlue, a well-known Democratic fundraising platform. Newsom's donation page, for example, leads to his super PAC, the Campaign for Democracy, while Warren's donations go to her own Senate campaign fund.

Newsom denies accusations

In response to criticism, Newsom took to X to deny the accusations.

"A lot of misinformation out there," he posted. "Just launched a new site to ensure the public has access to fact-based data around the Southern CA wildfires."

The governor's website, CalFireFacts, includes a hyperlink for donations to the Cal Fire Foundation. However, these donations are redirected to Newsom's super PAC, the Campaign for Democracy, through ActBlue.

ActBlue, the platform through which these donations are processed, has come under scrutiny for its practices. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton referred ActBlue to the federal Justice Department for a criminal investigation after a 10-month probe into potentially illegal contributions. Paxton noted that ActBlue required credit card CCV security codes as a result of the investigation, but claimed the company did not do enough to stop illegal contributions, including "straw donations apparently being made on a large scale using false identities, through untraceable payment methods."

Further complicating the issue, the House Administration Committee has opened a probe into ActBlue, finding evidence of donations from foreign entities, including China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Wisconsin GOP strategist Mark Block also alleged in a lawsuit that his identity was stolen to make donations to left-wing causes and the Harris Victory Fund, totaling almost $1,000 without his knowledge.

Criticism of Newsom's veto decision

Adding to the controversy, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez has criticized Newsom for vetoing a bill that would have allowed CalFire to retain seasonal firefighters, leading to the layoff of thousands of seasonal firefighters and exacerbating staffing shortages. (Related: Newsom's wildfire response focuses on online "misinformation" while Californians suffer.)

The controversy surrounding the redirection of wildfire relief funds highlights the complex interplay between politics, disaster relief and transparency. As the investigation into ActBlue's practices continues, questions remain about the true beneficiaries of these fundraising appeals and the broader implications for campaign finance and disaster response in California.

The situation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in how political figures and parties use disaster relief funds, as well as the urgent need to address the underlying issues that contribute to California's ongoing wildfire crisis. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the public, officials and parties involved must address these issues to ensure the future.

The investigation into ActBlue's practices and the controversy surrounding the redirection of wildfire relief funds, continues to raise eyebrows and questions about the future.

Visit NewsomWatch.com for more stories about the California governor.

Watch the video below that talks about Newsom's constituents being "furious" over how he handled the wildfires.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The South Caucasus is gaining prominence on the global stage, with Azerbaijan and Georgia standing out as key regional players. Amid shifting geopolitics, Azerbaijan's efforts to enhance relations with neighbors have highlighted the strategic importance of this region. Building on a long history of friendship, Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to deepen their partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared interests.

High-level visits between the two countries have become a defining feature of their relationship, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in navigating todays complex global challenges. Both nations recognize that close cooperation is essential for ensuring stability and fostering prosperity in the region.

Economic cooperation: a growing partnership

Economic ties between Azerbaijan and Georgia remain strong. Over the first 11 months of 2024, bilateral trade reached $730.22 million, reflecting the depth of their economic relationship.

Investment flows have also surged. Between January and September 2024, Georgian investments in Azerbaijan grew by 178.78%, reaching $31.047 million, an increase of $19.91 million. Similarly, Azerbaijani investments in Georgia rose by 88.82% to $95.75 million, an additional $45.04 million. These numbers underscore the growing mutual commitment to economic collaboration and development.

Energy: a pillar of cooperation

Energy has long been a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-Georgia relations. Key projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, operational since 2006, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) gas pipeline, launched in 2007, have transformed the regional energy landscape.

The BTC pipeline enables Azerbaijani oil to reach global markets via Turkey, generating transit revenues and infrastructure benefits for Georgia. Similarly, the BTE pipeline bolsters energy security for both Turkey and Georgia while strengthening regional integration. Together, these projects have solidified Azerbaijans position as a leading energy supplier and Georgias role as a critical transit hub, contributing to the stability of European energy markets.

Transport and logistics: expanding the Middle Corridor

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, completed in 2017, has been a game-changer for regional connectivity. As a vital component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - the Middle Corridor, it reduces transit times between China and Europe, offering a faster, more efficient trade route.

Azerbaijan and Georgia are key players in the Middle Corridor, linking China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. The success of this route hinges on the close collaboration between the two countries, as it relies on their transportation networks and strategic locations.

Georgia provides Azerbaijan with access to Black Sea ports, including Poti and Batumi, which are essential for moving goods to Europe. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan serves as a gateway to the Caspian Sea through the Port of Baku, facilitating the transit of cargo from Central Asia and China. This partnership strengthens the transit potential of both nations, establishing them as vital hubs in the global logistics network.

Green energy cooperation

In December 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement on Green Energy. The deal focuses on promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions, showcasing the region's commitment to sustainability.

For Azerbaijan and Georgia, the agreement creates opportunities to diversify energy sources and improve energy security. With their strategic locations, both nations are well-positioned to serve as conduits for green energy exports to Europe, further cementing their significance in global energy markets.

The growing partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia presents significant opportunities for regional integration and economic resilience. By pursuing new investments and joint initiatives, the two nations can unlock even greater potential for cooperation.

As Azerbaijan continues to play a stabilizing role in the South Caucasus, its collaboration with Georgia lays the groundwork for sustainable development and long-term regional stability. United by shared goals and mutual trust, Azerbaijan and Georgia are poised to shape the future of the South Caucasus.
THIEVES OIL: A timeless blend for health and protection

Thieves oil is a legendary essential oil blend known for protecting against airborne pathogens and bacteria, with a history dating back to the 14th century during the Black Death.

The blend is believed to be a recreation of a recipe used by thieves who robbed plague victims without getting sick, using a mixture of aromatic herbs and oils.

Modern thieves oil contains a combination of essential oils such as clove bud, lemon peel, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary, each offering unique properties like antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant effects.

The oil's protective properties can be attributed to its ability to disrupt pathogen cell walls, neutralize free radicals, support respiratory health and boost the immune system.

While thieves oil is a valuable tool for natural health enthusiasts, it should be used responsibly and diluted with a carrier oil before application. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with specific medical conditions.

Thieves oil is a legendary essential oil blend that has captivated natural health enthusiasts for centuries. Known for its ability to protect against airborne pathogens and bacteria, this potent mixture has a fascinating history and a powerful combination of ingredients.

The story of thieves oil dates back to the 14th century during the Black Death, a devastating plague that swept through Europe. Legend has it that a group of thieves managed to rob the homes and bodies of plague victims without falling ill themselves. When they were eventually caught, they revealed their secret: A blend of aromatic herbs and oils they applied to their bodies to protect themselves from the disease.

While the exact recipe of their original concoction remains a mystery, modern thieves oil is believed to be a recreation of this ancient remedy. Today, its celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its practical applications in supporting health and wellness.

A powerful tool for protecting against pathogens

Thieves oil is a carefully crafted blend of several essential oils, each chosen for its unique properties. A breakdown of the most common oils found in the blend and their benefits include:

Clove bud oil: Clove oil is the star of the blend, known for its high concentration of eugenol, a compound with powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Historically, clove oil has been used to treat infections, relieve toothaches and support respiratory health. (Related: Top 7 science-backed NATURAL ways to combat diseases and disorders that BIG PHARMA does NOT want you to know about or stock up on.)

Lemon peel oil: Lemon oil is packed with limonene, a natural antioxidant with strong antiviral and antibacterial effects. Its bright, citrusy aroma is refreshing and uplifting, making it a favorite for both its therapeutic and aromatic qualities.

Cinnamon bark oil: Cinnamon bark oil contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a warm, spicy note to the blend and has been used for centuries to support immune health and fight infections.

Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is rich in eucalyptol, a compound that helps clear congestion and supports respiratory health. Its antiseptic and antifungal properties make it a valuable addition to the blend.

Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil contains rosmarinic acid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It's often used to support respiratory health, boost the immune system and promote mental clarity.

How thieves oil protects against pathogens

The protective properties of thieves oil can be attributed to the individual and combined actions of its constituent oils. Here are some of the key ways in which thieves oil helps to defend against pathogens:

Antimicrobial activity: The oils in thieves oil contain compounds that can disrupt the cell walls of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from replicating and causing infections. For example, eugenol from clove oil has been shown to have strong antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacteria and fungi.

Antioxidant effects: Thieves oil contains several antioxidants that can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can help to support the immune system and prevent cellular damage caused by pathogens.

Respiratory support: The oils in thieves oil can help to soothe and support the respiratory system. For example, eucalyptus oil can help to relieve congestion and clear the airways, while rosemary oil can help to support respiratory health and boost the immune system.

Immune system support: Regular use of thieves oil can help to support the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off pathogens. The oils in thieves oil can stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance the body's natural defenses.

Thieves oil is a powerful blend of essential oils that has a rich history of protecting against airborne pathogens and bacteria. Its individual components work synergistically to create a potent mixture that can support respiratory health, boost the immune system and promote overall well-being. Whether you are looking to protect against respiratory infections or simply improve your overall health, thieves oil is a valuable addition to any natural health routine.

While thieves oil is a powerful and versatile blend, it's important to use it responsibly. Essential oils are highly-concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional before using thieves oil, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Thieves oil is more than just a blend of essential oils  it's a testament to the power of nature and the wisdom of ancient remedies. With its rich history, potent ingredients and wide range of applications, thieves oil continues to be a valuable tool for protecting against pathogens and supporting overall health. Whether youre looking to boost your immune system, clear your airways, or simply enjoy its aromatic benefits, thieves oil is a timeless addition to any natural health routine.

Visit NaturalMedicine.news for more stories like this.

Support optimal health with organic clove bud essential oil. Watch this video.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

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TikTok challenges U.S. law: A battle over national security and free speech

TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, is challenging a U.S. law that could ban the app unless ByteDance divests, arguing it violates First Amendment rights, while the government cites national security risks tied to ByteDance's CCP connections.

The U.S. government asserts that TikTok's ties to the CCP pose a significant threat, as the platform could be weaponized for espionage or influence operations, given its vast data collection and algorithmic power.

The Supreme Court justices are weighing TikTok's free speech claims against national security risks, with skepticism about ByteDance's independence from Chinese intelligence laws and its potential to exploit American user data.

TikTok has become a major source of news and information, especially for young Americans, with 39 percent of adults aged 18-29 regularly using it for news, raising concerns about its role in shaping public opinion and political discourse.

The case highlights the tension between protecting free speech and safeguarding national security, with the Court likely to uphold the law, given the governments compelling argument about the risks posed by foreign-controlled platforms.

TikTok, the wildly popular video-sharing app owned by China-based ByteDance, faced a critical test as it argued before the U.S. Supreme Court against a law that could ban the platform in the United States.

At the heart of the dispute is a law passed by Congress earlier this year requiring ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. by Jan. 19. The law does not outright prohibit Americans from using the app but would force tech giants like Apple and Google to remove it from their app stores, effectively crippling its operations over time. TikToks lawyers argued that the law violates the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users, while the government countered that the measure is necessary to protect national security from the risks posed by ByteDance's ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). (Related: Lawmakers tell Apple and Google: Prepare to delist TikTok from app stores as ByteDances January deadline to divest nears.)

The stakes are high, especially as TikTok has become a dominant force in how Americans  particularly young adults  consume news and information. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 17 percent of U.S. adults now regularly get their news from TikTok, up from just three percent in 2020. Among adults aged 18 to 29, that number skyrockets to 39 percent, a staggering increase from nine percent four years ago. This rapid growth has made TikTok a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, raising concerns about how the CCP could exploit the platform.

TikTok's legal team, led by former U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco, insisted that the app is not controlled by ByteDance and that the law unfairly targets speech. Francisco argued that the government cannot restrict speech to protect Americans from speech itself, a principle he said is at the core of the First Amendment. However, the justices appeared skeptical, repeatedly questioning whether TikTok's ties to ByteDance  and by extension, the CCP  pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative stalwart, pressed Francisco on whether the Court should ignore the fact that ByteDance is ultimately subject to Chinese intelligence laws. Justice Brett Kavanaugh echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential dangers of allowing a foreign adversary to collect vast amounts of data on American users. The government's lawyer, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, argued that the law is not about regulating speech but about severing ties with a foreign entity that could weaponize TikTok against the U.S. at any moment.

Broader issue of national security cannot be ignored

The justices' questions suggest they are grappling with a delicate balance: protecting free speech while safeguarding national security. Historically, the Supreme Court has deferred to Congress on matters of national security, and this case appears to be no exception. Legal experts predict the Court will likely uphold the law, given the government's compelling argument that ByteDance's CCP ties pose a clear and present danger.

The case also highlights the growing influence of TikTok in American politics. President-elect Donald Trump, who once sought to ban the app during his administration, has since embraced it as a campaign tool, outperforming outgoing President Biden and outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris in reach and engagement. This shift underscores the platform's ability to shape political discourse, even as its ownership structure raises red flags about foreign interference.

For TikTok's millions of users and content creators, the outcome of this case could be life-changing. While their concerns are valid, the broader issue of national security cannot be ignored. The CCP has a well-documented history of using private companies to advance its agenda, and TikTok's data collection practices  combined with its algorithmic power  make it a potent tool for espionage and influence operations.

As the Supreme Court deliberates, one thing is clear: the decision will have profound implications for the future of free speech, data privacy, and America's ability to defend itself against foreign threats. While TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, its ties to the CCP make it a liability that cannot be overlooked. The justices now face the difficult task of balancing these competing interests, but the stakes are too high to ignore the risks posed by a foreign-controlled platform with unprecedented influence over American minds.

Visit BigTech.news for more stories like about TikTok.

President-elect Donald Trump pledges to take a look at the looming TikTok ban. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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TheNationalPulse.com 1

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Vatican now approves openly gay men to seek ordination as priests in Italy

The Vatican approved a new directive in Italy allowing openly gay men to seek ordination as priests, provided they adhere to the requirement of chastity in celibacy.

The new directive emphasizes helping candidates find harmony between their human and priestly vocations, rather than automatically disqualifying them based on sexual orientation.

This decision contrasts with the 2005 Vatican instruction, which barred individuals with "deeply rooted homosexual tendencies" from seminaries or Holy Orders.

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Robert McElroy, a critic of Trump and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as Archbishop of Washington, DC.

McElroy's appointment, along with the new ordination directive, fuels speculation about Pope Francis' progressive agenda within the Catholic Church.

The Vatican has approved a new directive cautiously allows openly gay men to seek ordination as priests in Italy.

According to "The Formation of Presbyters in Italian Churches. Guidelines and Rules for Seminaries," published by the Italian Bishops' Conference on Jan. 10, candidates seeking to become priests will no longer be automatically disqualified due to their sexual orientation.

Instead, it states that the goal is to help candidates "know themselves and find harmony between their human and priestly vocation." The document reiterates the requirement of chastity in celibacy for all priests, regardless of sexual orientation.

"In the formative process, when referring to homosexual tendencies, it's also appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate, to grasp its meaning in the global framework of the young person's personality," the document, signed by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian bishops and a close collaborator of Pope Francis, stated.

This development ignores the 2005 Vatican instruction by the Congregation for Catholic Education, which stated that candidates with deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or who practice homosexuality or support the "gay culture" cannot be admitted to seminaries or Holy Orders.

Pope Francis defies Trump with controversial appointment of LGBTQ+ advocate as Archbishop of Washington

The decision comes on the heels of Pope Francis' controversial appointment of Bishop Robert McElroy, a known critic of President-elect Donald Trump and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC.

Cardinal McElroy, 70, has been a vocal supporter of Pope Francis' focus on issues such as refugees, the environment and welcoming LGBTQ Catholics. He has also been a staunch critic of Trump and his administration. During Trump's first term, McElroy, then Bishop of San Diego, gave a speech in Modesto, California, specifically referencing Trump and urging Catholics to become "disruptors" of the anti-immigrant agenda.

"We must disrupt those who would seek to send troops into our streets to deport the undocumented, to rip mothers and fathers from their families. We must disrupt those who portray refugees as enemies rather than our brothers and sisters in terrible need," he said at that time.

McElroy also expressed deep concern about a "profound sickness in the soul of American political life" and argued that it would be "unthinkable" for Catholics to remain silent while more than ten percent of their community faced the threat of deportation following Trump's victory in the 2016 election.

Despite all this, Pope Francis still believes that McElroy's academic background, including a doctorate in political science from Stanford University and a doctorate in theology from a Roman university, makes him "well-suited" to articulate Catholic teaching on social issues. He is expected to continue Pope Francis' focus on protecting the most vulnerable in society.

This, in turn, has further fueled speculation about the Pope's progressive agenda within the Church.

Head over to Transhumanism.news for more stories about transgender individuals.

Watch LifeSiteNews founder John-Henry Westen discussing Pope Francis' new guidance on blessing same-sex couples below.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

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Apples $95 million Siri privacy settlement: A wake-up call for smartphone users

Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that Siri, its voice assistant, violated user privacy. The lawsuit claimed Siri recorded private conversations without user consent, even when accidentally activated, and shared this data with third parties, including advertisers.

Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are always listening for activation commands and processing audio data in the background. The lawsuit revealed that Siri allegedly recorded sensitive conversations without user intent, and shared these recordings with third parties, highlighting the hidden dangers of these devices.

Smartphones are equipped with sensors like microphones, cameras and GPS, which can be exploited to track users. Apps often request unnecessary access to these features, creating opportunities for misuse.

Users can take proactive measures to safeguard their privacy, such as limiting app tracking by disabling "Allow Apps to Request to Track."

The Siri settlement underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. While Apple has pledged to improve Siris privacy features, users must remain vigilant about how their data is collected and used.

In a world where smartphones have become the extensions of many phone users, the line between convenience and privacy has never been blurrier. Apple, the tech giant known for its sleek devices and promises of user privacy, recently agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, violated users' privacy.

The settlement, filed in a California federal court, highlights a troubling reality: That even the most trusted companies may not always have their users' best interests at heart.

The lawsuit accused Apple of routinely recording private conversations when Siri was accidentally activated and sharing that data with third parties, including advertisers. Plaintiffs claimed that seemingly private discussions  about everything from Air Jordan sneakers to medical treatments  triggered eerily specific ads.

While Apple denied wrongdoing and stated that it has never sold Siri data or used it for advertising, the settlement raises serious questions about how users' personal information is handled behind the scenes.

Hidden dangers of voice assistants

Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are designed to make everyday life easier. But their convenience comes at a cost.

These devices are always listening for their "hot words," like "Hey, Siri," which means they're constantly processing audio data. While companies claim this data is anonymized and secure, the Apple lawsuit suggests otherwise.

The case also revealed that Siri allegedly recorded conversations even when users didn't intend to activate it. These recordings, which could include sensitive discussions about health, finances, or personal relationships, were reportedly shared with third parties.

For many, this is a chilling reminder that your devices may be listening more than you realize  and that your private lives are not as private as you think.

Smartphones as surveillance tools

The Siri lawsuit is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to smartphone privacy concerns. Your devices are packed with sensorsmicrophones, cameras, GPSthat can be exploited to track your every move.

Apps often request access to these features, even when they dont need them, creating opportunities for misuse. (Related: Apple collecting private mental health data from iPhone users.)

For example, location data can reveal where you live, work and spend your free time. Microphone access can capture conversations, while cameras can potentially record video without your knowledge.

And while companies like Apple tout their commitment to privacy, the reality is that your data is a valuable commodity, and it's often used in ways you dont fully understand.

How to protect your privacy

While the Siri settlement is a step toward accountability, it's up to us as users to take control of their privacy.

Here are five practical steps to enhance your smartphone privacy in 2025 and beyond:

Limit app tracking

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track."

Doing this prevents apps from collecting your data across other apps and websites, reducing the risk of targeted ads and data profiling.

Manage location services

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and review which apps have access to your location. You can disable access for apps that don't need it, and switch to "While Using the App" for others.

Turn off "Precise Location" for apps that only require general area data.

Opt out of personalized ads

Under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising, turn off "Personalized Ads." This stops Apple from using your data to serve targeted ads.

Additionally, disable "Share iPhone Analytics" and "Share with App Developers" under Analytics & Improvements to limit data sharing.

Secure your mobile browsing

In Safari, enable "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" and "Hide IP Address" under Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security.

These features block advertisers from tracking your online activity and prevent websites from identifying your location.

Control microphone access

Review which apps have access to your microphone under Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

Disable access for apps that dont need it, such as photo editors or games, to reduce the risk of unauthorized audio recording.

Call for greater transparency

The Siri settlement is a stark reminder that even companies with strong privacy reputations can falter. While Apple has pledged to improve Siris privacy features, the case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry.

As a user, you must remain vigilant about how your data is collected and used. By taking proactive steps to protect your privacy, you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology without sacrificing your personal security.

The $95 million settlement may be a drop in the bucket for Apple, but for the rest of iPhone users, it's a wake-up call. Privacy isn't just a feature  it's a right. And in the age of smart devices, it's a right you must fight to protect.

Go to Surveillance.news for more stories about other companies and government agencies taking advantage of user data.

Watch the video below to learn how your iPhone is intruding into your personal life.

This video is from the Hamilton-Moore Effect channel on Brighteon.com.

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Bidens last-minute AI executive order: A green energy power grab?

President Joe Biden signed an executive order to accelerate the transition to "clean" energy and bolster AI infrastructure, with federal agencies tasked with leasing lands for AI data centers powered by clean energy.

Critics argue the order is more about imposing a green energy agenda than advancing AI, potentially stifling energy freedom and expanding government overreach.

The executive order is framed as a national security imperative but is viewed by skeptics as a political maneuver to solidify green energy policies before a new administration takes office.

Concerns have been raised about the hidden costs of green energy and AI expansion, particularly the potential strain on the energy grid and increased electricity prices for consumers.

The rushed nature of the order and its reliance on federal mandates have raised questions about government overreach and the potential erosion of energy freedom, as well as the balance between government action and individual liberty.

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, President Joe Biden signed an executive order just six days before leaving office, aiming to accelerate the United States transition to "clean" energy while bolstering artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Critics argue that this eleventh-hour action is less about innovation and more about cementing a green energy agenda that could stifle energy freedom and expand government overreach.

Green energy mandate disguised as AI advancement

The executive order, titled Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure, directs federal agencies to lease federal lands for the construction of gigawatt-scale AI data centers powered by clean energy. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are tasked with identifying suitable federal properties, while the Department of the Interior is instructed to pinpoint lands for clean energy projects.

The order defines clean energy as geothermal, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other low-emission sources. While the administration frames this as a necessary step to maintain U.S. leadership in AI and national security, skeptics see it as a thinly veiled attempt to force green energy onto the grid, regardless of economic or practical consequences.

The White House claims the initiative will not impose new costs on American families, but critics question how such massive infrastructure projectsrequiring billions in private and public investment  wont ultimately burden taxpayers. Moreover, the orders emphasis on clean energy raises concerns about the reliability and affordability of the energy grid, particularly as AI data centers are notoriously energy-intensive.

National security imperative or political power play?

The Biden administration has framed the executive order as a national security imperative, arguing that domestic AI infrastructure is essential to prevent adversaries like China from gaining a technological edge. However, the timing of the order  just days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration  has led many to view it as a political maneuver to lock in green energy policies before a new administration can reverse them.

This suspicion is further fueled by the administrations simultaneous crackdown on offshore oil and gas drilling. On Monday, Biden announced a ban on future drilling across 625 million acres of the outer continental shelf, a move that could complicate efforts by the incoming administration to expand domestic energy production. Republican lawmakers have already criticized the decision, with House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders demanding answers from outgoing Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

The executive orders focus on AI infrastructure also raises questions about its true priorities. While the administration claims it will foster economic competitiveness and innovation, the heavy reliance on clean energy mandates suggests a broader agenda to reshape the energy landscape, regardless of market demand or technological feasibility.

Hidden costs of green energy and AI expansion

One of the most contentious aspects of the executive order is its potential impact on energy costs and grid reliability. AI data centers are energy hogs, consuming vast amounts of electricity to power and cool their operations. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), AI and cryptocurrency data centers accounted for nearly 2% of global energy consumption in 2022  a figure that could double by 2026.

The administration insists that new clean energy projects will offset this demand, but critics argue that renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently intermittent and unreliable. Without a robust baseload power source  such as natural gas or nuclear  the grid could face significant strain, leading to higher costs and potential blackouts.

Furthermore, the orders requirement that AI data centers be powered exclusively by clean energy could drive up operational costs for businesses, which may then pass those costs onto consumers. The administrations promise of low consumer electricity prices seems at odds with the reality of transitioning to a grid dominated by renewables, which often require significant subsidies and infrastructure investments.

A legacy of overreach?

As President Biden prepares to leave office, this executive order represents a final push to advance his green energy agenda. While the administration touts it as a forward-thinking initiative to secure Americas technological and environmental future, critics see it as an overreach that prioritizes ideology over practicality.

The orders reliance on federal mandates and land leases raises concerns about government overreach and the erosion of energy freedom. By dictating how and where energy infrastructure is built, the administration risks stifling innovation and competition in the energy sector. Moreover, the rushed nature of the order  coming just days before a new administration takes office  suggests a lack of confidence in its ability to withstand scrutiny or reversal.

As the nation grapples with the challenges of energy security, technological advancement, and economic competitiveness, this executive order serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between government action and individual liberty. While the goals of clean energy and AI leadership are laudable, the means by which they are achieved must respect the principles of free markets and limited government. Otherwise, the legacy of this administration may be one of overreach, not progress.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

DailyCaller.com

WhiteHouse.gov
California Wildfires: Sabotage or systemic failure? Michael Yon and Mike Adams warns of deliberate conditions for disaster

Michael Yon suggested California wildfires may result from intentional actions, citing systemic mismanagement, water resource depletion, and deforestation as factors enabling disaster.

Drawing from Special Forces training, Yon emphasized burning as a cost-effective sabotage method, linking it to Californias failure to clear deadfall and manage forests effectively.

Yon criticized Californias reliance on DEI policies in firefighting and poor resource management, claiming conditions were "set purposefully" for disaster, including drained reservoirs and untrained firefighters.

Yon warned of potential foreign involvement, particularly by China, in destabilizing California, comparing the fires to global disasters and historical acts of deliberate destabilization.

Yon predicted a real estate collapse due to uninsurable properties and hinted at Californias potential secession, urging accountability and better resource management to avert further crises.

In a gripping interview on Brighteon.com, Michael Yon raised alarming questions about the devastating wildfires ravaging California. Speaking with host Mike Adams, Yon suggested that the fires may not be accidental but the result of deliberately set conditions, pointing to systemic mismanagement and potential sabotage as key factors fueling the crisis.

Drawing from his military training, Yon emphasized that sabotage often involves creating environments where disasters can spiral out of control. "In Special Forces sabotage training, one of the first lessons was never blow anything up that you can burn down," Yon explained. "Burning things down is the most efficient, effective, and cheapest way to do the most damage." He highlighted how California's mismanagement of water resources, deforestation policies, and the influx of unvetted migrants have created a perfect storm for disaster.

Yon didnt mince words when discussing the states leadership. "Conditions were set purposefully," he said, pointing to the draining of reservoirs, the failure to clear deadfall in forests, and the reliance on poorly trained firefighters as evidence of systemic failure. He also criticized the states reliance on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies in critical services like firefighting, which he argued have compromised effectiveness. "This was bound for disaster," Yon stated. "The conditions were set with intent."

The conversation took a darker turn as Yon speculated about the possibility of foreign actors exploiting the chaos. He warned that the fires could be part of a larger strategy to destabilize the region, with potential involvement from adversarial nations like China. "The Chinese Communist Party wants to make San Francisco a North American capital or headquarters," Yon claimed, referencing his previous investigations into CCP activities in the U.S. He suggested that the fires could be a precursor to broader geopolitical maneuvers aimed at weakening California and, by extension, the United States.

Yon also drew parallels between the California wildfires and other global disasters, such as the flooding in Valencia, Spain, and the destruction in Maui. He noted that in each case, critical infrastructure had been neglected or removed, setting the stage for catastrophe. "This is like Stalin going for Ukraine," Yon said, referencing historical examples of deliberate destabilization. "Its a perfect opportunity for those who want to exploit chaos."

The interview also touched on the broader implications of the fires, including the collapse of the insurance industry in California. Yon predicted that many homeowners would be unable to rebuild or sell their properties due to skyrocketing insurance costs and the inability to secure coverage. "Whats the value of a home that cant be insured?" Yon asked. "Its a perfect storm for real estate collapse."

Adams and Yon also discussed the potential for California to secede from the United States, with Governor Gavin Newsom calling on foreign powers like China for support. While Yon stopped short of predicting such a scenario, he acknowledged that it was within the realm of possibility. "I could easily see Newsom doing something crazy like that," Yon said. "Its not a crazy theory anymore."

The conversation concluded with a call to action for Americans to recognize the gravity of the situation. Yon urged citizens to hold their leaders accountable and to demand better management of resources and infrastructure. "Weve been warning about this for years," Yon said. "The Beast will eat you. Its not your buddy. Its just taking what you feed it, and eventually, it will eat you."

As California continues to grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires, Yons insights serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of systemic failure and the potential for deliberate sabotage. Whether through incompetence or intent, the conditions for disaster have been set, and the consequences are being felt by millions. The question now is whether Californiaand the nationcan recover before its too late.

Watch this full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Michael Yon as they talk about the possible sabotage on California wildfire.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Insurance exodus and wildfire fallout: Californias crisis deepens

Steve Quayle and Mike Adams: Operation Meltdown in California could be a prelude to a communist revolution

L.A. wildfires cause $250 billion in damages, becoming one of costliest disasters in U.S. history

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

MichaelYon.substack.com
Washington Democrats introduce legislation prohibiting child care workers from reporting illegal immigrants to federal authorities

Washington state Democrats have introduced House Bill 1128, which establishes the Washington State Child Care Workforce Standards Board to improve conditions in the childcare industry.

The legislation sets new minimum wages, benefits and working conditions for childcare workers, addressing longstanding issues such as low pay and high turnover.

A controversial provision in the bill prohibits childcare employers from reporting the actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status of workers to federal authorities, raising concerns about potential criminal activity.

Critics argue that the provision is likely unconstitutional, as it interferes with federal law enforcement responsibilities and the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986.

The IRCA includes employer sanctions for hiring unauthorized workers, a visa waiver program and provisions for temporary worker programs, making the bill's provision a potential target for constitutional challenges.

Washington state Democrats have introduced a bill that will support the childcare industry while simultaneously shielding illegal immigrant workers from federal authorities.

House Bill 1128, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Fosse (D-Everett), establishes the Washington State Child Care Workforce Standards Board. The legislation seeks to address longstanding issues in the childcare industry, such as low pay and high turnover, by setting new minimum wages, benefits and working conditions for childcare workers.

The bill's most contentious provision prohibits childcare employers, including families, from reporting the actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status of childcare workers to federal authorities. This provision is concerning, as it could prevent employers from reporting illegal immigrants suspected of committing crimes, including those involving children in their care.

According to the bill, it would be "unlawful for an employer to report or threaten to report the actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status of a child care worker, former child care worker or family member of a child care worker to a federal, state or local agency for exercising or attempting to exercise any right protected under this act." (Related: Illegal immigrants self-deporting ahead of Trump's return to the White House.)

"Under this bill, if an employer discovers their employee is a criminal illegal immigrant while that employee happens to be exercising a contrived and nebulous right created by the legislation, they'd be barred from reporting it to the federal government. Because it is so sloppily written if a childcare worker exercises some right protected under the bill, and it got contentious, it could be deemed retaliation months or even years later if the employer discovers and reports the employee for being in this country illegally," Jason Rantz wrote in his article for the KTTH.

Provision unconstitutionally interferes with federal immigration law, employer responsibilities

Critics argue that this provision is likely unconstitutional, as it interferes with federal law enforcement responsibilities and the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, which mandates employers to verify the work authorization of employees and report unauthorized workers.

The IRCA, which was designed to control illegal immigration and address the issue of unauthorized workers in the United States, includes several key provisions aimed at achieving these goals.

One of its most significant provisions is the legalization program, which granted legal status to certain unauthorized aliens who entered the country before January 1, 1982, and had continuously resided in the U.S. since that date. The Act also established employer sanctions that penalize employers who knowingly hire unauthorized aliens, including fines and potential criminal penalties.

The IRCA also includes a temporary worker program for agricultural workers and a special adjustment program for certain agricultural workers to address labor shortages in the agricultural sector. Another provision of the Act is the visa waiver program, which allows up to eight countries to waive visa requirements for short-term visitors to the U.S., making travel easier for individuals from participating countries.

Furthermore, it also includes provisions for additional non-preference visas and requires reports to Congress on the impact of the Act. It addresses state assistance for incarceration costs and establishes a commission to examine factors contributing to unauthorized migration and recommend programs to alleviate these conditions.

In short, the provision in question is likely to face significant constitutional challenges due to its interference with the federal government's authority to regulate immigration and enforce federal law, as established by the IRCA.

Visit InvasionUSA.news for more stories about the border crisis.

Watch this report about 5,000 illegal immigrants traveling to the U.S border.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

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POLL: 48% of Canadians favor mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

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Illegal immigrants are throwing away their military IDs before entering America, says Border Hawk's Dan Lyman.

Illegal immigrants leaving U.S. hospitals with BILLIONS in unpaid medical bills.

Illegal immigrants in New York City are leaving their shelters to go door-to-door begging for money and food.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

MyNorthWest.com

Congress.gov

Brighteon.com
FBI shuts down DEI office days before Trump takes office and vows to end woke virus

The FBI closed its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) days before Trumps inauguration, aligning with his campaign promise to eliminate "woke" policies.

Critics claim DEI initiatives compromised national security by prioritizing diversity over merit in hiring and operations.

The DEI office, established in 2012 under Obama, faced backlash from Republicans and conservatives for allegedly detracting from the FBIs core mission.

Trumps FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, plans to refocus the agency on national security and has criticized its current leadership.

The FBI abruptly closed its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) just days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. The decision, announced on Thursday, aligns with Trumps campaign promise to eliminate what he calls the woke virus infiltrating federal agencies. Critics argue that the FBIs focus on DEI initiatives has compromised national security by prioritizing diversity over merit in hiring and operations. The closure comes as Trump prepares to overhaul the agency, with plans to nominate Kash Patel, a staunch conservative, as the new FBI director.

The FBIs DEI office was established in 2012 under the Obama administration and claimed its goal was to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce. However, Republican lawmakers and conservative critics have long argued that such initiatives detract from the agencys core mission: protecting national security. In a scathing letter to outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray earlier this month, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) accused the bureau of prioritizing radical DEI policies over competence.

Your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans, Blackburn wrote. She pointed to the January 1 terrorist attack in New Orleans as evidence of the FBIs declining effectiveness, claiming that the agencys hiring practices no longer prioritize the best and the brightest.

Trump echoed these concerns on Truth Social, demanding that the FBI preserve all records related to the DEI office. Never should have been opened, and, if it was, should have closed long ago, he wrote. Why is it that theyre closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!

DEI under fire

The closure of the DEI office reflects a broader national debate over the role of diversity initiatives in government and the private sector. Critics argue that DEI programs often prioritize identity over merit, leading to inefficiencies and reduced operational effectiveness.

Former FBI special agent Nicole Parker, now a Fox News contributor, emphasized this point, stating, The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy.

Parker also noted that the FBIs DEI office was just one of many internal groups, including committees for various ethnicities, genders, and even a Toastmasters Club. The FBI should be focused on being one in fighting crime, not various groups and divisions that divide, she said.

The FBIs decision to shutter its DEI office signals a shift in priorities under the incoming Trump administration. Trump has vowed to end all of the Marxist diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately. His nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, has promised to realign its focus on national security.

Patel, a former White House national security official, has been a vocal critic of the FBIs current leadership. He once suggested shutting down the agencys Washington, D.C., headquarters and reopening it as a museum of the deep state. While Patels confirmation hearings have yet to be scheduled, his appointment is expected to bring significant changes to the bureau.

The FBIs closure of its DEI office marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the role of diversity initiatives in government. While supporters argue that such programs foster inclusivity, critics contend that they undermine meritocracy and jeopardize national security. As Trump prepares to take office, his administrations focus on efficiency and accountability could reshape the FBI and other federal agencies.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

DailyMail.co.uk

FoxNews.com
The global depopulation catastrophe where billions of vaccinated individuals die off is coming

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, warns that COVID-19 vaccines are tools of depopulation, citing VAERS data, whistleblower testimonies and research.

Adams warns that billions of vaccinated individuals could die within a decade due to vaccine-induced immune damage and organ failure.

Higher vaccine uptakes in urban and liberal-leaning areas could lead to higher mortality rates.

Highly vaccinated professions such as healthcare workers and government employees could also see most of them get killed off, potentially exacerbating societal and economic collapse.

Adams' report warns of ghost towns replacing cities, supply chain disruptions, food shortages and economic instability due to the loss of skilled workers in critical sectors like healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.

In his book "Ghost World: 2022-2032," Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, warns of a looming global catastrophe driven by the widespread administration of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

Drawing on data from the federally-managed Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), whistleblower testimonies and scientific research, Adams argues that the vaccines are not merely medical interventions but tools of depopulation, potentially leading to the deaths of billions over the next decade. Adams' report paints a grim picture of societal collapse, economic upheaval and a world reshaped by mass mortality.

Adams notes how the mRNA-based Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines compromise immune systems and trigger autoimmune responses that damage vital organs. He warns that one to two billion people globally could die within 10 years, with the toll rising to a quarter or even a third of the world's population dying far earlier than they would have had they not gotten vaccinated. (Related: Pfizer failed to disclose the deaths of two women from their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.)

The report also explores the demographic and geographic disparities in vaccine uptake, with Adams forecasting disproportionate mortalities in urban, more liberal-leaning parts of the United States and among professions with high vaccination rates, such as healthcare workers and government employees.

The implications of such a scenario are staggering. Adams warns of ghost towns replacing bustling cities, collapsing healthcare systems and supply chain disruptions that could cripple economies. The report raises urgent questions about the future of governance, survival strategies and the ethical responsibilities of those in power.

The idea of vaccines as tools of depopulation is not new. Reports linking vaccines to population control have circulated for decades, often fueled by mistrust of governments and pharmaceutical companies. However, Adams' report amplifies these claims with specific predictions and data points, positioning itself as a dire warning for the coming decade. The (COVID-19) pandemic has already reshaped global society, from economic systems to public health policies, and Adams report taps into widespread anxieties about the future.

Societal divides in the United States raises risk of massive depopulation

The report's focus on demographic and geographic disparities in vaccine uptake also reflects broader societal divides. In the U.S., vaccination rates have been higher among Democrats and urban residents, while Republicans and rural populations have shown greater resistance. Adams suggests that these divides could lead to uneven mortality rates, further polarizing an already fractured society.

The potential loss of healthcare workers, government employees and other essential workers could exacerbate existing challenges, from labor shortages to the erosion of public services.

Adams' report goes beyond health outcomes to explore the economic, political and social ramifications of mass mortality. He predicts a collapse of urban centers, with cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago becoming hollowed-out shells of their former selves.

The loss of skilled workers in industries such as healthcare, logistics and manufacturing could lead to widespread supply chain disruptions, food shortages and economic instability. Adams also warns of a potential shift toward authoritarianism, as governments struggle to maintain order in the face of societal collapse brought about by mass depopulation.

The report's focus on professions with high vaccination rates highlights the vulnerability of critical sectors. Healthcare workers, for example, were among the first to receive vaccines, often as a condition of employment. Adams suggests that the loss of these workers could lead to a breakdown of healthcare systems, leaving populations vulnerable to both vaccine-related illnesses and other health crises. Similarly, the potential loss of government employees and first responders could undermine public safety and governance, creating a vacuum that could be filled by chaos or authoritarian rule.

Adams' report also delves into the ideological and cultural divides that could shape the future. He argues that vaccine uptake has been higher among Democrats, liberals and urban residents, while conservatives, Christians and rural populations have shown greater resistance.

This divide, he suggests, could lead to a future in which conservative, vaccine-resistant regions fare better than their liberal counterparts. The reports predictions of disproportionate mortality in urban areas could further entrench these divides, reshaping the political and cultural landscape of the United States and beyond.

Adams' warnings reflect broader anxieties about the future of society in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report raises important questions about the long-term consequences of mass vaccination, the vulnerabilities of critical sectors and the potential for societal collapse.

Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, warns about how the depopulation agenda could be accelerated with the use of self-replicating mRNA vaccines.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

A warning to the world? BioNTech CEO avoids (COVID-19) vaccine he helped create.

CARDIAC DEATH of a preschool-aged child was COVERED UP in clinical trials for Moderna's omicron booster.

BOMBSHELL: COVID-19 mRNA nanoparticles EMIT LIGHT SIGNALS that communicate MAC addresses used for self-assembly inside the blood vessels.

More scientists call for MORATORIUM on mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: WILL IT EVER HAPPEN?

(COVID-19) was the 34th TERRORIST ATTACK involving BIOLOGICAL AGENTS from 1970 to 2020, meant to create panic, mass casualties and economic disruption.

Sources include:

Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com

Brighteon.com
U.S. sanctions on Russia send global oil prices soaring to their highest levels in 5 months

Global oil prices have reached their highest levels since August, driven by U.S. sanctions on Russia.

New U.S. sanctions on Russia have forced major oil buyers, such as China and India, to seek alternative suppliers, potentially turning to the Arabian Gulf.

The global oil market has been realigned since the Ukraine war, with Russia selling discounted oil to Asia and competing with traditional suppliers like Saudi Arabia.

The incoming Trump administration is expected to impose additional sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, potentially reshaping the global oil market.

The price surge could have mixed effects on key players in the oil industry, such as Saudi Arabia, as the global market continues to evolve under Trump's leadership.

Global oil prices have surged to their highest levels since August, driven by U.S. sanctions on Russia.

As of Jan. 13, Brent crude prices reached an impressive $81.29 per barrel, marking a 1.93 percent increase and the highest level since August. This really is primarily attributed to the decision of the Biden administration on Jan. 10 to unveil new sanctions targeting major Russian oil producers, over 180 Russian tankers and associated traders, as the U.S. prepares to exit the office.

The sanctions' impact is already being felt, with at least 65 oil tankers dropping anchor off the coasts of Russia and China. This development has forced top buyers of Russian oil, such as China and India, to reconsider their supply sources, potentially turning to the Arabian Gulf for alternative supplies.

The global oil trade landscape has been significantly altered since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, with Russia selling discounted oil to Asia and encroaching on the market share of traditional suppliers like Saudi Arabia. This realignment of the global oil market, however, could be disrupted by the Trump administration's expected actions.

President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, suggesting potential sanctions relief. However, Trump's transition team has also signaled that he may maintain the existing sanctions and add more to boost American energy exports.

TankerTrackers, a company monitoring oil shipping, anticipates that the incoming Trump administration will impose additional sanctions on tankers associated with Iran and Venezuela, as well as the Russian LNG ecosystem, to capitalize on Europe's rising demand for natural gas.

Trump's Iran sanctions could reshape global oil market, impacting China, Saudi Arabia and beyond

Despite Trump's professed aversion to sanctions, his team has expressed a willingness to intensify pressure on Iran to reduce its oil revenue. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has begun drawing down millions of barrels of oil from a storage site in China ahead of Trump's inauguration.

The potential impact of these sanctions on China, now the top buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, remains uncertain. However, the current price rally underscores the significant influence of U.S. sanctions on global oil prices. (Related: Oil prices SURGE after Biden heard "discussing" military attacks on Iranian oil facilities.)

For the U.S.'s Gulf allies, such as Saudi Arabia, the price surge could be a double-edged sword. While a rally in oil prices could help finance the kingdom's costly mega-projects like Neom, designed to diversify its economy, the sanctions on Iran and Russia have undercut Saudi Arabia's position in the Asian market.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that Saudi Arabia needs oil prices to reach around $100 per barrel to balance its budget. As the global oil market continues to evolve, the next four years under Trump's leadership could see significant fluctuations and challenges for all players in the oil industry.

The unfolding scenario highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical factors and economic policies that continue to shape the global oil market and, by extension, the world economy.

Visit FuelSupply.news for similar stories.

Watch an economist admonishing President Joe Biden to end the war on U.S. oil or lose his presidency.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Oil prices could double as Red Sea attacks continue, experts warn.

Oil prices surge by more than $1 per barrel amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Oil prices could surge to $150 per barrel unless the U.S. increases exploration.

Oil prices surge following large-scale clashes between Israel and Palestine.

Oil prices to rise above $100 a barrel this year due to lack of investment in energy production capacity.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net 1

MiddleEastEye.net 2

WSJ.com

Brighteon.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Perspectives of further deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concern have been discussed between Georgia and Azerbaijan, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"Productive talks were held with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov within the framework of the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

We emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in trade and economic sectors as well as the energy field. Our strategic partnership plays a crucial role in regional stability and ensuring secure connectivity for our partners," Kobakhidze said.

The Georgian prime minister has arrived on a working visit to Azerbaijan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth vows to REINSTATE soldiers fired for refusing COVID-19 injection

Pete Hegseth, nominated for the Department of Defense by President-elect Trump, vowed to reinstate and compensate military members discharged for refusing the experimental COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

The Biden administration's 2021 mandate resulted in approximately 8,000 troops being dismissed from the military for vaccine refusal, a policy now rescinded under Republican pressure.

The vaccine has been controversial due to reported side effects, particularly cardiac inflammation, and its failure to prevent transmission, raising questions about its efficacy and justification.

Reinstating and compensating discharged troops could be costly, but addressing the injustice is crucial for maintaining military readiness and integrity.

Hegseth's pledge represents a potential shift in the U.S. military's stance on health freedom and individual rights, offering a path toward healing and accountability for those who refused the vaccine.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for the Department of Defense, has vowed to reinstate and compensate military members who were discharged for refusing the experimental Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine.

Hegseth told senators during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 14: "Tens of thousands of service members were kicked out because of an experimental vaccine. In President Trump's Defense Department, they will be apologized to and reinstated with pay and rank."

This promise comes as a direct rebuke to the outgoing Biden administration's 2021 mandate, which forced approximately 8,000 troops out of the military for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. While the mandate was rescinded in early 2023 under pressure from Republican lawmakers, the damage to those discharged remains unaddressed  until now. Hegseth's pledge signals a potential turning point in the fight for health freedom and individual rights within the U.S. military.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been a source of controversy since its rapid development and rollout. Mounting evidence suggests the vaccine has caused significant harm, particularly among young, healthy individuals. One of the most alarming side effects is cardiac inflammation, including myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and pericarditis (heart lining inflammation), which have been disproportionately reported in military-aged populations.

Even worse, the injection has failed to deliver on its primary promise of preventing transmission. Studies have shown that vaccinated individuals can still contract and spread the virus, undermining the justification for mandates. For military members, who are often required to maintain peak physical condition, the potential for vaccine-induced heart complications poses a serious threat to both their health and their ability to serve.

Justice for troops discharged for disobeying UNLAWFUL vaccine mandate

Military members are trained to follow orders, but they are also taught to recognize and refuse unlawful commands. The COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which forced troops to take an experimental medical intervention under threat of dismissal, have been widely criticized as an overreach of authority. The former Fox News host's comments highlight the moral and legal implications of these mandates, framing them as a form of religious and medical discrimination.

If Hegseth's pledge is fulfilled, the U.S. military could face significant financial repercussions. While back pay and reinstatement for thousands of discharged troops could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, the cost of failing to address this injustice would be far greater. The military's readiness and integrity depend on the trust and loyalty of its members, and the dismissal of those who stood by their principles has left a lasting scar.

The February 2023 memorandum from the U.S. Army rescinding all policies associated with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is a step in the right direction. However, it falls short of addressing the harm done to those who were discharged. Hegseth's promise to apologize and reinstate these individuals offers a path toward healing and accountability. (Related: Military servicemen call for an end to the Pentagons vaccine mandate.)

As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of COVID-19 mandates, Hegseth's nomination represents a potential turning point. His commitment to reinstating discharged troops underscores the importance of individual rights and the dangers of coercive medical policies. For military members who refused the vaccine, this is not just about reinstatement  it's about justice.

The COVID-19 vaccine mandates were a mistake, and the harm they caused cannot be undone. But with leaders like Hegseth willing to confront these issues head-on, there is hope for a future where health freedom is respected and the sacrifices of those who stood by their principles are honored.

Watch this clip from "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Fox News about Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) predicting a rise in military enlistment if Pete Hegseth is confirmed as defense secretary.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Getting COVID-19 vaccines is a risk potential recruits are not willing to take, says ex-serviceman.

Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick, covered in pro-war tattoos, including Matthew 10:34 that promises the SWORD, not peace.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

MilitaryTimes.com

Army.mil

Brighteon.com
Israel approves ceasefire-hostage deal but violence continues

Israels security cabinet approved a 42-day ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, including the release of 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire allows Israel to resume military operations if negotiations with Hamas fail, drawing criticism for undermining the agreements potential for lasting peace.

Israeli airstrikes intensified ahead of the ceasefire, killing over 111 Palestinians, exacerbating Gazas humanitarian crisis and drawing international condemnation.

The agreement has sparked political divisions in Israel and offers only temporary relief for Gaza, leaving the root causes of the conflict unresolved.

After weeks of stalled negotiations and escalating violence, Israels security cabinet approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on Friday, marking a critical step toward ending the bloodshed in Gaza. The agreement, brokered with U.S. and Qatari mediation, includes a 42-day pause in fighting, the phased release of 33 Israeli hostages, and the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, the deal has been marred by Israels insistence on a controversial guarantee: the right to resume military operations if future negotiations with Hamas break down.

The ceasefire, expected to take effect Sunday, comes after months of devastating conflict that has claimed over 15,000 Palestinian lives, including thousands of women and children. Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in recent days, killing at least 111 Palestinians since the deal was announced, according to Gazas Civil Defense. This relentless bombardment has drawn sharp criticism from international observers, who accuse Israel of undermining the spirit of the ceasefire even as it claims to seek peace.

A fragile agreement with no guarantees

The deal, hailed as a breakthrough by U.S. President Joe Biden, is structured in three phases. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of 33 hostagesprimarily women, children, the elderly, and the sickin exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. By day 16, negotiators are expected to begin talks on phase two, which would involve the release of all remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

However, U.S. officials have cautioned that the next phases are not guaranteed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured assurances from the U.S. that Israel can resume military operations if Hamas fails to comply with the agreement. This provision has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that it undermines the ceasefires potential to bring lasting peace.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right coalition member who has threatened to quit the government if the agreement is approved, said the deal "teaches them (Hamas) that they can take hostages and attack. His opposition highlights the deep divisions within Netanyahus coalition, which could collapse if the deal moves forward.

Ongoing strikes and humanitarian crisis

Even as the ceasefire deal was finalized, Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate Gaza. On Friday, at least 20 people were killed in attacks on buildings sheltering civilians, including nine members of a single family in northern Gaza. The strikes have compounded the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where over 2 million people have been displaced and essential infrastructure lies in ruins.

International aid agencies have welcomed the ceasefire but warn that the scale of the crisis demands immediate and unhindered access to Gaza. The United Nations has called for 600 aid trucks to enter the enclave dailya significant increase from the current trickle of supplies. However, aid workers remain uncertain about the logistics of delivering assistance, given the widespread destruction and the presence of unexploded ordnance.

Were hearing that we might see 600 trucks of aid a day entering Gaza, said Gavin Kelleher, a humanitarian access manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council. But were not exactly clear on how free we will be to move right the way across Gaza from day one.

For the families of Israeli hostages, the deal offers a glimmer of hope after months of anguish. Michael Illouz, whose son Guy was kidnapped and killed by Hamas, expressed mixed emotions. He said the deal "comes too late for my son, but added that he welcomed it "with joy in my heart for every hostage saved, for every life saved.

Yet, for Palestinians in Gaza, the ceasefire is a bittersweet reprieve. While it offers a temporary halt to the violence, it does little to address the root causes of the conflict or the decades-long occupation. As the international community watches, the question remains: Will this deal pave the way for a lasting peace, or will it merely be a pause in an endless cycle of violence?

The approval of the ceasefire-hostage deal is a significant step, but it is far from a resolution. Israels insistence on retaining the right to resume fighting, coupled with its continued strikes even as the deal was finalized, underscores the fragility of the agreement. For the people of Gaza, the ceasefire offers a brief respite from the horrors of war, but the scars of this conflict will take generations to heal.

Sources for this article include:

News.Yahoo.com

CNN.com

NBCNews.com

FoxNews.com
Lessons from the Los Angeles fires

Lessons From The Los Angeles Fires

(Article republished from ZeroHedge.com)

There are a number of specific lessons we can draw from the Los Angeles fires, but the over-arching one is that Democrats are no longer capable of governing. Let's look at some of the specific lessons first, and then let Bernie Sanders demonstrate why he and his party should never be put in charge of anything again. And then we'll close with a couple of brief market notes.

Lesson #1

In matters of life and death, hire based solely on merit, not DEI.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department has an entire "equity" bureau which hopes to "advance DEI within the fire service." Last year, LAFD cut $7 million from the overtime budget, which impacted air operations and disaster response, but kept the DEI department. Insane. pic.twitter.com/uhX3fwzvYE  Christopher F. Rufo ?? (@realchrisrufo) January 9, 2025

In a clip widely shared on X, the assistant fire chief pictured above, Kristine Larson, admits she isn't physically capable enough for the job.

The scariest part of this woke nonsense is when she admits shes not strong enough to carry a man out of a fire, but its really the mans fault for being in that situation to begin with. pic.twitter.com/IPPbNpE0ll  Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) January 9, 2025

Lesson #2

If you are the mayor of Los Angeles, don't go to Africa when you have been warned that your city is at risk of disaster.

Details and timeline here https://t.co/KKsk03g24Y  Lee Fang (@lhfang) January 9, 2025

Lesson #3

This is related to Lesson #2: elect people based on competency, not DEI. It's worth noting that conservatives fall prey to this thinking sometimes too.

Maybe someone with administrative experience would be better than a black conservative commentator.  David Pinsen (@dpinsen) January 9, 2025

Lesson #4

Especially if you are in an arid climate, fill your reservoirs when you have the opportunity.

Some reasons California fire hydrants have no water: 1. Gavin Newsom diverts 100 billion gallons of water per year away from Southern California and instead dumps it into the Pacific ocean to save the delta smelt. 2. Newsom has failed to build reservoirs as required by law. https://t.co/pAIDqinkaI  Steve Milloy (@JunkScience) January 9, 2025

Lesson #5

Again, especially if you are in an arid climate, clear underbrush in your forests (often, the most practical way to do this is with controlled burns, burning off the kindling before it piles up).

"You've got to take care of the floors": Trump told Newsom years ago to clear out underbrush to prevent fires. pic.twitter.com/V3fLPs3Exx  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 8, 2025

Lesson #6

Enforce laws against vagrancy. There are many reasons to do this, starting with making cities more pleasant, but there's also a safety factor, as bums often set fires.

California fires, often started by mentally ill vagrants, rage because of Democrat policies that restricted forest management and water storage and specifically cut funding for fire departments. But, sure, more top down control by the idiots who created this is the solution.  Brother Seamus (@WaynePelota) January 8, 2025

The Over-Arching Lesson

Democrats are no longer capable of governing, because they refuse to learn any of the lessons above, or to enact effective solutions. Instead they hand-waive about insoluble things like "climate change", as Bernie Sanders does here.

80,000 people told to evacuate. Blazes 0% contained. Eight months since the area has seen rain. The scale of damage and loss is unimaginable. Climate change is real, not a hoax. Donald Trump must treat this like the existential crisis it is. pic.twitter.com/TDyZZEPmoI  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 8, 2025

They do this on every issue: ignore the time-tested solutions, and talk about addressing impossible tasks first.

For every problem, leftists propose the least effective solutions. Instead of locking up criminals to reduce crime, they propose more welfare spending. Instead of time-tested forestry management practices like controlled burns they propose altering the global climate. https://t.co/P2geqjRiRt  David Pinsen (@dpinsen) January 8, 2025

It's time to stop electing them or appointing them to positions where they can continue to cause such damage.

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Muslim cleric with Hezbollah ties to deliver benediction at Trumps inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump has invited Husham Al-Husainy, the imam of the Karbala Islamic Educational Center, to deliver a benediction at his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Al-Husainy has been criticized for his alleged extremist views, including his refusal to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and his alleged wish for Saudi Arabia's destruction.

Despite his controversial history, Al-Husainy has expressed support for Trump, stating that he leans towards the president-elect because he found him closer to the Bible, the Torah and the Quran.

The decision to invite Al-Husainy has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it undermines efforts to foster unity and bridge cultural divides.

Proponents of the decision argue that it reflects Trump's commitment to inclusivity, despite his controversial history.

In a controversial decision, President-elect Donald Trump has invited Husham Al-Husainy, the imam of the Karbala Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn, Michigan, to deliver a benediction at his upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Al-Husainy, who has been described as "a radical anti-Semitic, pro-Hezbollah Shia imam" by the conservative nonprofit Middle East Forum, is among four religious leaders scheduled to speak immediately after Trump's address.

Al-Husainy, who arrived in the United States in the 1970s to study aeronautical engineering, has been an active member of the Dearborn Muslim community for over two decades. He gained significant attention in 2007 when, during a Fox News interview, he refused to refer to Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, instead stating, "Hezbollah is a Lebanese organization. And I've got nothing to do with that."

The Middle East Forum claims that Al-Husainy has a "significant history of extremism." They cite an incident in 2015 when Al-Husainy allegedly wished for Saudi Arabia's destruction during a rally at the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center. Additionally, the group reports that Al-Husainy attended a 2006 "pro-Hezbollah rally" in Dearborn, where he held a photo of then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on stage.

Al-Husainy supports Trump

Al-Husainy has expressed support for Trump, stating in October 2024, "I lean toward Mr. Trump because I found him closer to the Bible, the Torah and the Quran." Al-Husainy added that the country "deserves to have a strong leader where he can bring peace in this world," during an interview with Fox News.

Al-Husainy's support for Trump has been echoed by other Muslim leaders in Michigan, a state with a significant Arab-American and Muslim-American community. During Trump's campaign rallies in the state, local leaders endorsed the then-candidate, emphasizing his promises to bring "peace and prosperity to the Middle East."

The decision to invite Al-Husainy to the inauguration ceremony has sparked debate among observers and politicians. The inclusion of a religious leader with known extremist ties has raised concerns about the message it sends regarding inclusivity and tolerance.

Critics argue that the decision undermines the president-elect's attempts to foster unity and bridge cultural divides. Others, however, see it as a reflection of Trump's commitment to inclusivity, despite his controversial history. (Related: Muslim voters abandoned Democratic Party following Biden's support for Israeli genocide in Gaza.)

Head over to Trump.news for updates on the preparations for the 47th president's inauguration.

Watch the video below that talks about Democrats being "pathetic" for hating Trump as per a GOP senator.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Democratic and Arab-American mayor of America's only Muslim-majority city in Michigan endorses Donald Trump.

Muslim Women for Harris-Walz disbands and pulls its support for Kamala over Palestine.

Who is Sebastian Gorka, the Trump-appointee former US officials call an 'Islamophobic huckster?'

Islamic religious leader in Michigan ENDORSES TRUMP for president.

Mayor of Muslim-majority city in Michigan endorses DONALD TRUMP for president.

Sources include:

NewArab.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Mike Adams reveals shocking connection: Mysterious Bio Fog tied to meningitis-causing bacteria ignites urgent health alarms

A mysterious fog linked to severe illnesses, including meningitis, is spreading in cities, with aerosolized bacteria colonizing respiratory systems and causing life-threatening infections.

Experts compare the phenomenon to historical bioweapon tests like Operation Sea Spray, raising concerns about intentional or accidental release of harmful pathogens.

Essential oils, such as thyme, tea tree, and eucalyptus, are recommended as natural defenses due to their antimicrobial properties, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit infections.

The fogs ability to carry live, replicating bacteria has prompted calls for vigilance, with diffusers and nebulizers suggested as tools to create protective barriers against airborne pathogens.

The crisis highlights the risks of aerosolized pathogens, emphasizing the need for transparency, preparedness, and natural remedies to combat this growing public health threat.

A mysterious fog phenomenon sweeping through certain cities has been linked to severe illnesses, with preliminary investigations pointing to aerosolized bacterial strains capable of causing meningitis. Reports suggest that this fog may contain harmful bacteria that can colonize the respiratory system, leading to serious health complications. Experts are now recommending the use of essential oils, such as thyme, tea tree, and eucalyptus, as potential defenses against these airborne pathogens. The situation has drawn alarming comparisons to historical bioweapon tests, such as Operation Sea Spray, raising urgent questions about public health and safety.

The Fog Phenomenon: A Growing Health Crisis

Numerous individuals have reported severe illnesses after exposure to this enigmatic fog. While laboratory testing for such phenomena is notoriously challenging and expensive, early findings suggest the presence of aerosolized bacterial strains associated with meningitis. Meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by bacterial infections, can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

The fogs ability to carry these bacteria into the respiratory system has experts deeply concerned. People are getting sick from this fogtheres no question about it, said one source familiar with the ongoing investigations. The bacteria, which are alive and capable of replicating, can colonize the nasal passages, trachea, and lungs, potentially causing infections like tuberculosis or other respiratory diseases.

Historical Parallels: Operation Sea Spray and Bioweapon Testing

The situation has drawn unsettling parallels to Operation Sea Spray, a 1950 U.S. government bioweapon test that involved aerosolizing bacteria over San Francisco. During this experiment, strains like Bacillus globigii were released, leading to at least one reported death. Similar tests were conducted at the Pentagon and other locations, raising questions about the ethics and long-term consequences of such experiments.

The government has already proven that it will release deadly aerosolized bioweapons on the population, the source noted. They did it in San Francisco. Just look it upOperation Sea Spray. Thats history. They are probably doing it again right now.

Essential Oils: A Natural Defense?

Amid the growing concerns, essential oils have emerged as a potential line of defense. Thyme oil, in particular, has been highlighted for its potent antimicrobial properties. Thymol, a key component of thyme oil, has been shown to combat a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and even tuberculosis-causing strains.

Other essential oils, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, oregano, cinnamon, and clove, have also demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy. These oils work by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, interfering with cellular processes, and inhibiting biofilm formation. When diffused into the air, they can provide a protective barrier against aerosolized pathogens.

Aerosolizing essential oils may be one of the key defenses to help you make it through all of this, the source advised. You can buy a nebulizer, add some thyme oil to distilled water, and emit it into the air around you. Its not just pleasantits medicinal.

A Call for Vigilance and Preparedness

The emergence of this bio fog has sparked calls for increased vigilance and preparedness. With the potential for widespread health impacts, individuals are urged to take proactive measures to protect themselves. Essential oil diffusers, both for home and vehicle use, are being recommended as practical tools for combating airborne bacteria.

Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining strong immune systems through proper nutrition and supplementation. Vitamin D, for instance, has been cited as a critical nutrient for preventing bacterial infections.

A Disturbing Reminder of Past and Present Risks

The bio fog phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by aerosolized pathogens, whether naturally occurring or man-made. The historical context of bioweapon testing underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing such threats.

As investigations continue, the public is left grappling with a chilling reality: the air they breathe may no longer be as safe as it once seemed. In the face of this uncertainty, essential oils and other natural defenses offer a glimmer of hopebut the broader implications of this mysterious fog remain deeply troubling.

For now, the advice is clear: stay informed, stay prepared, and consider the power of natures remedies in the fight against unseen dangers.

Watch this Jan. 16 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about the bio-fog warfare being unleashed across America.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mysterious chemical fog sweeps across U.S., sparking bioweapon fears and health concerns

Mysterious chemical fog sparks health concerns and conspiracy theories across the U.S.

Unusual FOG spawns widespread concerns in the U.S., echoing Cold War experiment fears

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

EconomicTimes
New South Wales initiates trial of smart technology on regional highways

The New South Wales government has initiated a trial to enhance road safety on regional highways using advanced smart technologies, including solar-powered, wireless systems and machine-learning-enabled tools.

The trial focuses on four technologies: SHAVES (hazard detection signs), permanent traffic counters, RIAWS (intersection warning systems), and radar-traffic signal integration for managing steep inclines.

The program targets regional areas, where road fatalities are disproportionately high, by providing real-time hazard warnings, adaptive traffic management, and safer driving conditions.

Beyond reducing accidents, the initiative aims to improve safety for road crews and emergency workers by minimizing their exposure to live traffic during maintenance and emergencies.

While smart highways offer significant benefits, challenges such as driver confusion, system failures, and cybersecurity risks remain. The trial aligns with global trends, offering insights for adapting these technologies to Australia's unique conditions.

In a bid to reduce road fatalities and improve driver safety, the government of the Australian state of New South Wales has committed to a trial using cutting-edge smart technology on regional highways.

The AU$5 million ($3.1 million) trial, announced on Jan. 14, aims to harness solar-powered, wireless systems to detect hazards, manage traffic and encourage safer driving behaviors. The program, dubbed "Smarter Highways," will deploy machine-learning-enabled electronic signs, permanent traffic counters and variable speed limit systems to address risks such as bushfires, black ice and wildlife crossings.

The announcement comes as NSW grapples with rising concerns over road safety, particularly in regional areas where driving is often the only viable mode of transportation. According to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, the technologys primary goal is to "effect behavioral change and reduce risky driving actions" that contribute to accidents.

"Outside of the cities, driving is often the only available form of transport, and sometimes there are no alternative routes, so we need to make those journeys safer," Aitchison said.

The Smarter Highways program is part of a broader push by Australian states to integrate smart technology into road networks. Similar initiatives have been rolled out in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, reflecting a nationwide trend toward leveraging smart technology to enhance road safety and efficiency. (Related: Automotive journalist reveals how smart technologies in modern vehicles cost you privacy and control.)

How New South Wales' smart highways work

The trials will focus on four key technologies. The first is SHAVES, or Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems.

These self-adaptive electronic signs use machine learning to predict hazards like black ice, smoke, or wildlife. They replace traditional portable signs, reducing the need for maintenance crews to manually deploy warnings. The solar-powered system includes prism signs, variable message screens and flashing lights, all connected via IoT for real-time updates.

The second technology is permanent traffic counters. NSW has installed low-cost, solar-powered devices that provide real-time data on vehicle volumes, speeds, road temperatures and system health. They are particularly useful during peak travel periods, natural disasters, or seasonal events like harvests.

The third tech is RIAWS, or Rural Intersection Activated Warning System. This system uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching high-speed main roads from side roads. It triggers variable speed limit signs to slow down main road traffic, creating safer gaps for merging vehicles.

The last technology is the combined use of radar and traffic signals to manage traffic flow on steep inclines like Victoria Pass in the Blue Mountains, where breakdowns often cause congestion during peak periods.

Road safety remains a pressing issue in Australia, with regional areas disproportionately affected by fatalities and injuries. According to Australia's federal Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, regional roads account for nearly two-thirds of road deaths despite hosting only one-third of the population.

The Smarter Highways initiative seeks to address this disparity by providing real-time hazard warnings and adaptive traffic management, reducing the need for emergency interventions and improving overall road resilience.

The program also aims to enhance safety for road crews and emergency workers by minimizing their exposure to live traffic.

"Key to these innovations is improving safety for road crews by reducing the risks of carrying out works near traffic," Aitchison said.

While smart highways offer significant benefits, they are not without challenges. Rapidly changing speed limits and lane configurations can confuse drivers, and over-reliance on technology raises concerns about system failures or cyberattacks. Similar systems in the United States, Europe and Asia have faced criticism for these issues, highlighting the need for robust safeguards and public education.

Globally, smart highways are gaining traction as governments seek to modernize infrastructure. Countries like the Netherlands, Sweden and the U.S. have implemented similar technologies, with mixed results. NSW's trial will provide valuable insights into how these systems can be adapted to Australia's unique geography and climate.

Watch this clip discussing how artificial intelligence-powered smart technology is harming humanity.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Australia introduces controversial mind control Ministry aimed at controlling and changing men's behavior.

Australian politicians demanding forced online ID, AI-assisted content surveillance to stop spread of "misinformation."

Australian government to use facial, fingerprint recognition for key online government services in 2024.

Not a smart move: Australia's Queensland state is now rationing electricity using smart meters.

Resolving traffic problems with smart tech: Could driverless cars speed up traffic?

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

InfrastructureMagazine.com.au

Brighteon.com
Physician group acknowledges the TRUTH: There is NO PROOF the MMR vaccine is safer than contracting the actual diseases

Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC) released documents questioning the safety of the MMR vaccine compared to the diseases it prevents, highlighting significant gaps in safety data.

In developed countries, the risks of permanent disability or death from measles, mumps and rubella are exceedingly rare. For children under 10, the annual risk ranges from 1 in 1 million to 1 in 2.1 million.

PICs analysis reveals that MMR vaccine trials were too small to conclusively prove its safety, and they raise concerns about potential risks, such as seizures, genetic mutations and cancer.

PIC's documents challenge the narrative around measles, highlighting improvements in public health before the vaccine's introduction and suggesting potential health benefits from natural measles infections.

PIC emphasizes the need for transparency and comprehensive data to enable individuals and healthcare providers to make informed choices about vaccination, advocating for critical thinking and health freedom.

In a world where vaccination is often presented as the ultimate solution to infectious diseases, a growing number of voices are calling for a closer examination of the risks and benefits. Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing data-driven insights on vaccines and infectious diseases, has released a collection of documents challenging the assumption that the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is safer than the diseases it aims to prevent.

The groups findings highlight significant gaps in the safety data surrounding the MMR vaccine. According to PIC, the clinical trials conducted for the MMR vaccine were too small to conclusively prove that the vaccine is safer than the diseases themselves.

The risks of measles, mumps and rubella

Measles, mumps and rubella are viral infections that, while often portrayed as severe, typically resolve on their own with proper rest and hydration. According to the Mayo Clinic, measles symptoms include a skin rash, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes and tiny white spots on the inner cheek. Mumps and rubella also present with mild to moderate symptoms in most cases.

PIC emphasizes that the risk of permanent disability or death from these infections is exceedingly rare, particularly in developed countries with access to clean water and adequate nutrition. For children under 10, the pre-vaccine annual risk of death or permanent disability from measles was 1 in 1 million, from mumps 1 in 1.6 million, and from rubella 1 in 2.1 million. Over a 10-year span, the cumulative risk of a fatal or permanently disabling case of any of these diseases was approximately 1 in 50,000.

These statistics raise an important question: Are the risks of the MMR vaccine being adequately weighed against the risks of the diseases themselves?

The MMR vaccine: Unanswered safety questions

PICs analysis reveals that the MMR vaccines clinical trials were not designed to detect rare but serious adverse events. To prove that the vaccine is safer than the diseases, trials would need to include at least 50,000 participants  a benchmark far beyond the scope of prelicensure studies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine trials are relatively small, typically involving only a few thousand subjects.

Moreover, the MMR vaccines safety profile remains incomplete. The vaccines package insert acknowledges that no studies have been conducted to assess its potential to cause genetic mutations, impair fertility, or increase cancer risk. Additionally, seizures following MMR vaccination occur five times more often than seizures caused by measles infection, with about 1 in 640 vaccinated children experiencing this adverse event.

Dr. Shira Miller, PICs founder and president, stated, The main takeaway is that the MMR vaccine has not been proven safer than measles, mumps and rubella. This assertion is supported by a review of over 60 MMR vaccine studies conducted for the Cochrane Library, which found that the design and reporting of safety outcomes were largely inadequate.

Whats missing from the measles narrative?

PICs documents also shed light on facts often overlooked in media coverage of measles outbreaks. For instance, the U.S. measles mortality rate dropped dramatically before the vaccines introduction in 1963, thanks to improvements in public health and nutrition. Malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, remains a primary driver of measles-related deaths in underdeveloped countries.

Furthermore, studies suggest that naturally acquired measles infections may offer unexpected health benefits, such as a reduced risk of Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphomas, as well as lower rates of asthma, eczema and hay fever. These findings challenge the notion that measles is universally harmful and highlight the importance of context when evaluating disease risks.

Dr. Liz Mumper, a pediatrician, praised PIC for providing a balanced perspective. Most parents have not had access to the information contained in the thoughtful analysis done by Physicians for Informed Consent, she said. Parents should recognize that the risk of bad outcomes from a measles infection  if their child lives in a developed country with clean water and is not immune-deficient  is extraordinarily rare.

A call for informed decision-making

PICs release of these educational documents underscores the need for transparency and informed decision-making in public health. While vaccines have undoubtedly played a role in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, the assumption that they are universally safe and effective deserves scrutiny.

As Dr. Miller and her colleagues emphasize, the goal is not to discourage vaccination but to ensure that individuals and healthcare providers have access to comprehensive data. Only then can they make truly informed choices about their health and the health of their children.

In a world where health freedom is increasingly under threat, organizations like PIC are vital in fostering critical thinking and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. The conversation about vaccines must continue, grounded in science, transparency and respect for individual choice.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

PhysiciansForInformedConsent.org

JamaNetwork.com
RFK Jr.s bold vision for health reform faces opposition  Tell your Senators to confirm him today

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is nominated to lead HHS, aiming to overhaul Americas healthcare system with a focus on prevention and addressing chronic disease root causes.

His approach emphasizes transparency, personal autonomy, and reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals, targeting poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors.

Kennedys nomination faces strong opposition from mainstream medical groups and lawmakers, who criticize his views on vaccines and alternative medicine.

The Senate confirmation hearing is a pivotal moment, with grassroots action urged to support Kennedys vision for a healthier, more resilient future.

In a pivotal moment for Americas healthcare system, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if confirmed by the Senate.

Kennedy, a staunch advocate for addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, has drawn fierce opposition from mainstream medical groups and lawmakers who fear his nomination could disrupt the status quo. With chronic disease rates at an all-time high and millions of Americans suffering from preventable illnesses, Kennedys confirmation hearing represents a rare opportunity to overhaul a broken system. But will the Senate seize this chance, or will entrenched interests prevail?

A new vision for healthcare

Kennedys approach to healthcare is rooted in prevention, transparency, and personal autonomy. He has long criticized the pharmaceutical industrys dominance, arguing that the current system prioritizes profit over health. Instead of relying on an ever-growing arsenal of drugs to treat symptoms, Kennedy advocates for addressing the underlying causes of chronic diseases: poor nutrition, environmental toxins, sedentary lifestyles, and stress.

We are getting sicker and less resilient, not healthier and more resilient, Kennedy has said, pointing to the alarming rise in chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. His vision includes eliminating harmful chemicals from food and the environment, promoting scientific transparency, and expanding access to natural therapies. These reforms, he argues, would empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce the burden on an overstretched healthcare system.

Despite the urgency of the chronic disease crisis, Kennedys nomination has sparked backlash from the medical establishment. A coalition of 15,000 doctors has urged the Senate to reject his confirmation, claiming his views on vaccines and alternative medicine are dangerous.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a practicing physician, has gone further, lobbying lawmakers in Washington to block Kennedys appointment. Our childrens lives depend on it, Green wrote in a New York Times op-ed, accusing Kennedy of spreading misinformation during a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

The opposition to Kennedys nomination reflects a broader resistance to change within the healthcare industry. As the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) notes, Fear is a natural reaction to change, and mainstream medicine is scared. The ANH, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing natural health, has thrown its support behind Kennedy, calling his nomination a unique opportunity to reform a system that has failed millions of Americans.

Why Kennedy deserves our support

Kennedys critics often overlook the fact that his proposals are grounded in science and common sense. For example, his push to ban harmful food additives like Red No. 3 aligns with growing public concern over the safety of processed foods. Similarly, his emphasis on environmental toxins reflects a growing body of research linking chemicals like pesticides and plastics to chronic illnesses.

Moreover, Kennedys commitment to transparency and accountability could help restore public trust in institutions like the FDA, which has been criticized for its close ties to the pharmaceutical industry. By prioritizing prevention and empowering individuals to make informed choices, Kennedys approach could reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for millions of Americans.

Take action now

The Senate confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. is a critical moment for the future of American healthcare. If confirmed, Kennedy could usher in a new era of health reform that prioritizes prevention, transparency, and personal autonomy. But to make this happen, grassroots support is essential.

You can make a difference by contacting your Senators and urging them to support Kennedys nomination. Visit the Alliance for Natural Healths website for a template letter and instructions on how to reach your representatives. Let your voice be heard: the health of our nation depends on it.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination to lead HHS represents a bold step toward addressing Americas chronic disease epidemic. While his vision for healthcare reform has drawn opposition from those who benefit from the status quo, the stakes are too high to maintain a broken system. By supporting Kennedys confirmation, we can take a stand for a healthier, more resilient future. The time to act is now.

Sources for this article include:

ANH-USA.org

FoxNews.com

Politico.com
Scientists unearth enormous hidden aquifer beneath Oregons Cascade Mountains

Scientists have discovered a massive underground aquifer beneath Oregons Cascade Mountains, containing at least 81 cubic kilometers of water  more than twice the volume of Lake Mead.

The aquifer, described as a continental-size lake stored in the rocks, is likely the largest of its kind in the world, with potential similar reservoirs in other volcanic regions.

Researchers used temperature data from deep drill holes to map the aquifer, revealing it is far larger than previous estimates based on surface water measurements.

The discovery has significant implications for water management in the drought-stricken Western United States, offering a potential source of water security but also highlighting the need for careful stewardship.

The aquifers existence also sheds light on the link between water and volcanic hazards, emphasizing the importance of further research to assess potential risks.

In a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape how people think about water resources and volcanic activity, scientists have uncovered an enormous aquifer hidden beneath the volcanic rocks of Oregons Cascade Mountains. This colossal underground reservoir holds at least 81 cubic kilometers of water  more than twice the volume of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal a hidden treasure that could have far-reaching implications for water management in the drought-stricken West and our understanding of volcanic processes.

A continental-scale water tower

The newly discovered aquifer is described as a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower, according to Leif Karlstrom, an Earth scientist at the University of Oregon and co-author of the study. The aquifers immense size makes it likely the largest of its kind in the world, with similar volcanic aquifers potentially existing north of the Columbia Gorge and near Mount Shasta.

The Cascade Range, stretching 700 miles from Northern California to British Columbia, has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. The regions volcanic rocks, some as old as 45 million years, have created a unique landscape where water flows through cracks and fissures, forming vast underground reservoirs. The discovery of this aquifer was unexpected, as researchers initially set out to study how the Cascade landscape evolved over time and how water moves through it.

We discovered important things that people care about: the incredible volume of water in active storage in the Cascades and also how the movement of water and the hazards posed by volcanoes are linked together, said Gordon Grant, a hydrologist with the U.S. Forest Service and co-author of the study.

A natural laboratory for water and volcanoes

The Cascade Range is divided into two distinct zones: the older Western Cascades, characterized by deep valleys and steep slopes carved by rivers, and the younger High Cascades, marked by flatter terrain, lakes, and volcanic features like lava flows. The transition zone between these two regions, particularly around Santiam Pass, served as a natural laboratory for the study.

To map the aquifer, researchers analyzed temperature data from deep drill holes originally created in the 1980s and 1990s during geothermal energy exploration. Normally, rocks get hotter as depth increases, but the team found areas where temperatures remained constant, indicating the presence of water cooling the rocks. By pinpointing where temperatures began to rise again, the scientists could estimate the depth and volume of the aquifer.

This method revealed that the aquifer is far larger than previous estimates, which were based solely on surface water measurements like river and stream discharge. While the current estimate of 81 cubic kilometers is already staggering, researchers believe the actual volume could be even greater, as the drill holes did not cover the entire region.

Implications for water management and volcanic hazards

The discovery of this massive aquifer comes at a critical time for the Western United States, where there has been reduced snowpack and intensifying droughts, straining water resources. Most Oregonians rely on water originating from the Cascades, such as the McKenzie River, which supplies drinking water to Eugene. The aquifers size offers a glimmer of hope for water security, but scientists caution that it is not an infinite resource.

It is a big, active groundwater reservoir up there right now, but its longevity and resilience to change is set by the availability of recharging waters, Karlstrom explained. The aquifer is primarily replenished by snow, but with snowpack expected to continue to decline for the coming decade, its future is uncertain.

The discovery also has significant implications for understanding volcanic hazards in the region. When magma interacts with large volumes of water, it can lead to explosive eruptions that blast ash and gas into the air, rather than slower-moving lava flows. This connection between water and volcanic activity underscores the importance of further research to assess potential risks.

A geological gift that demands careful stewardship

While the discovery of the aquifer is a cause for celebration, it also raises critical questions about how to manage this precious resource. This region has been handed a geological gift, but we really are only beginning to understand it, Grant said. If we dont have any snow, or if we have a run of bad winters where we dont get any rain, whats that going to mean? Those are the key questions were now having to focus on.

As scientists continue to study the aquifer, policymakers and water managers will need to balance the need for water security with the imperative to protect this fragile resource.

The study, titled State shifts in the deep Critical Zone drive landscape evolution in volcanic terrains, marks a significant step forward in people's understanding of the Cascade Range and its hidden treasures. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of this vast aquifer, one thing is clear: the Cascades hold more than just towering peaks and lush forests  they are home to one of the planets most remarkable water reservoirs.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

EurekaAlert.org

Ecowatch.com
Trump administration poised to overhaul crypto regulations with new SEC leadership

President-elect Donald Trump's SEC nominees, led by Paul Atkins, are expected to initiate sweeping changes to cryptocurrency regulation, starting as early as Trump's first day in office.

The new SEC leadership, including commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, aims to clarify the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, potentially reclassifying digital assets and reviewing pending enforcement cases against major crypto firms.

The crypto market has reacted positively to the anticipated changes, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000. However, experts warn that reaching consensus on crypto regulations could take years and present challenges for the SEC's credibility.

Trump is expected to issue executive orders on his first day in office, focusing on advancing crypto policy, potentially including directives for federal agencies to review their crypto regulations and establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Trump's appointment of tech entrepreneur David Sacks as the White House AI and crypto czar underscores the administration's commitment to fostering innovation in the digital asset space and enhancing American competitiveness in emerging technologies.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, top Republican officials at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are reportedly set to initiate sweeping changes to the agencys approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Sources familiar with the matter say the overhaul could begin as early as Trumps first day in office, marking a significant shift from the Biden administrations aggressive enforcement stance.

The incoming SEC leadership, led by Trumps nominee for chair, Paul Atkins, and commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, is expected to prioritize clarifying the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. This includes determining when digital assets should be classified as securities and reviewing pending enforcement cases against major crypto firms.

A new direction for crypto regulation

Under outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the agency pursued a stringent regulatory agenda, bringing at least 83 enforcement actions against crypto companies, including high-profile cases against Coinbase and Kraken. Genslers SEC argued that many crypto tokens functioned as securities and should comply with federal securities laws. However, critics, including Peirce and Uyeda, have long contended that the agencys approach stifled innovation and created regulatory uncertainty.

The Trump team has made it very clear that this is a priority, a source told the Washington Post, referring to the administrations focus on crypto policy.

Peirce and Uyeda, both known for their crypto-friendly views, are expected to spearhead the early stages of the rule-making process. This could include soliciting feedback from industry stakeholders and the public to develop clearer guidelines for the crypto sector. The pair previously served as aides to Atkins during his tenure at the SEC from 2002 to 2008, and sources say the three have already discussed potential policy changes.

Reviewing enforcement actions

One of the first tasks for the new SEC leadership will be reviewing ongoing enforcement cases, particularly those that do not involve allegations of fraud. Two sources told Reuters that the agency may freeze or withdraw some of these cases, a move that could signal a more lenient approach to crypto regulation.

Many defendants in these cases have argued that cryptocurrencies should be classified as commodities rather than securities, a distinction that would place them under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rather than the SEC. The lack of clear regulatory guidelines has been a persistent challenge for the industry, with companies calling for updated rules to provide greater clarity.

I think the industry wants to see fraudsters or wrongdoers held accountable, said Robert Cohen, a partner at Davis Polk and former SEC enforcement official. But they also want a regulatory framework that makes sense.

Executive orders and strategic reserves

In addition to the SECs internal changes, Trump is expected to issue executive orders on his first day in office aimed at advancing crypto policy. These orders could include directives for federal agencies to review their crypto regulations and potentially establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, a move that would underscore the administrations commitment to fostering innovation in the digital asset space.

Trumps appointment of tech entrepreneur David Sacks as the White House AI and crypto czar further highlights the administrations focus on emerging technologies. In a statement, Trump described Sacks as someone who will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness.

The crypto market has already responded positively to the anticipated changes, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 for the first time in December 2024 amid optimism about the new administrations policies.

Challenges ahead

While the incoming SEC leadership is expected to take a more industry-friendly approach, experts caution that reaching consensus on crypto regulations could take months or even years. Dismissing enforcement actions en masse could also set a risky precedent, potentially politicizing the agencys enforcement process.

Dismissing dozens of enforcement actions would be unprecedented, said Philip Moustakis, a partner at Seward & Kissel and former SEC attorney. It could create challenges for the agencys credibility.

Some legal experts suggest that the SEC may opt to re-open settlement negotiations with crypto firms, a common practice aimed at avoiding lengthy litigation. However, under Genslers leadership, many companies complained that the agency was unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions.

As the Trump administration prepares to take the reins, the crypto industry is watching closely. With a new SEC leadership team in place and a president who has pledged to be a crypto president, the coming months could bring significant changes to the regulatory landscape for digital assets.

This is a pivotal moment for the industry, said one industry insider. The hope is that well finally get the clarity and support we need to innovate and grow.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

ThePostMillenial.com

Reuters.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov and his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze have signed a protocol of the 10th Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Besides, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Georgia on consular cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia on cooperation in the field of maritime transport, and a Protocol of Intent between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

The mentioned meeting has been held under the chairmanship of the countries' prime ministers.

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Incoming national security adviser credits Trumps tough stance for Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal

A landmark hostages-for-ceasefire deal was struck between Hamas and Israel, with 33 hostages to be freed over 42 days in exchange for Israel releasing 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing troops from parts of northern Gaza.

Rep. Mike Waltz, incoming White House national security adviser, credited President-elect Donald Trump's tough stance for pushing Hamas to agree to the deal.

The agreement is structured in three phases: a 42-day halt in fighting, release of hostages and prisoners, and Israeli withdrawal, followed by a rebuilding plan for Gaza under international supervision.

Waltz compared the deal to a "Reagan moment" and emphasized the U.S.'s support for Israel, stating that further military operations would be backed if Hamas violated the agreement.

Waltz expressed optimism about the region's future under Trump's leadership, envisioning long-term stability and economic development.

A landmark hostages-for-ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was struck Wednesday, Jan. 15, with the incoming White House national security adviser crediting President-elect Donald Trump's tough stance for pushing the terror group to agree.

The deal, which will see 33 hostages freed over 42 days in exchange for Israel releasing 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing troops from parts of northern Gaza, marks a significant step toward deescalating the conflict that has ravaged the region since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), who will serve as Trump's principal adviser on national security, argued that Hamas accepted the deal because it feared the terms would only worsen under the incoming administration.

"Clearly, the entire world recognizes that this was the Trump effect," Waltz told Fox News' Bret Baier.

Waltz asserted that Hamas "had no choice" but to agree to the deal.

"They believed President Trump when he said there would be all hell to pay and any deal that was on the table would only get worse once he was in office," he said.

Drawing parallels to Trump's previous actions against terrorist leaders, Waltz highlighted the president-elect's reputation for decisive military strikes.

"This is President Trump  who took out [Iranian Gen. Qasem] Soleimani, who took out [Islamic State boss Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi  I think all these terrorist organizations understand now, the type of man and the type of leader that they're dealing with," he said.

Waltz also compared the current hostage situation to the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, during which 53 Americans were held captive for 444 days.

"They had been there longer than the 1979 hostages, and in much more horrific conditions," he said of the Hamas-held captives, who have endured 15 months in captivity. "I'm convinced they all would have died if President Trump hadn't come in and said, 'Get them out.'" (Related: Israel threatens Hamas: Release hostages or face unprecedented escalation in Gaza.)

The three-phase agreement

The deal, outlined in a draft obtained by news outlets, is structured in three phases aimed at achieving a lasting cease-fire and addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

The first phase includes a 42-day halt in fighting, during which 33 Israeli hostages will be incrementally released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. On the first day of the cease-fire, set for Sunday, Hamas will release three hostages, followed by four more on the seventh day. Weekly releases will continue throughout the initial six-week period.

Israel will release 30 Palestinian women, children, and elderly prisoners for every civilian hostage freed. For each female Israeli soldier released, 50 Palestinian prisoners  including 30 serving life sentences  will be freed. Additionally, Israeli forces will withdraw to a buffer zone, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza City and northern Gaza. Approximately 600 trucks of humanitarian aid, including fuel, will enter Gaza daily during this period.

If a further agreement is reached, all remaining hostages will be freed during the second phase, and Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza. However, this phase faces significant hurdles, as Israel has vowed not to withdraw fully until Hamas' military and political power is dismantled. Hamas, meanwhile, has stated it will not release the remaining hostages until Israeli troops leave Gaza entirely.

The final phase involves Hamas returning the bodies of deceased hostages in exchange for a three- to five-year rebuilding plan for Gaza under international supervision. This phase aims to address the extensive destruction caused by the conflict and lay the groundwork for long-term stability.

A "Reagan moment" for Trump

Waltz likened the agreement to a "Reagan moment" for Trump, referencing the 1981 release of American hostages in Iran on the day former President Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. "Hamas understood the consequences if they didn't get this done," he said.

Waltz also emphasized Trump's support for Israel, stating that the U.S. would back further military operations if Hamas violated the agreement. "If they need to go back in, we're with them," he said. "If Hamas doesn't live up to the terms of this agreement, we are with them."

Looking ahead, Waltz expressed optimism about the region's future under Trump's leadership. "By the end of President Trump's term, we're going to be talking about rail and fiber and data centers and moving the region forward," he said. "In a way that only President Trump could transform."

Trump.news contains more stories like this.

Watch the video below that talks about the ceasefire deal being in jeopardy as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Hamas is backtracking.

This video is from the Paul Davis UnCancelled channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel and Hamas resume ceasefire talks amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

After Lebanon ceasefire, Netanyahu is running out of cards to play.

Trump's incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff pushing for Gaza ceasefire deal ahead of January inauguration.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com

Brighteon.com
UN-led NGOs continue to fuel mass migration to U.S. border, despite Trumps planned crackdown

The UN's Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RMRP) outlines a $1.4 billion budget to support 2.3 million migrants moving towards the U.S. border, funded in part by U.S. taxpayers.

The plan includes funding for cash assistance, food, shelter, transportation, and legal services for migrants, using American taxpayer dollars.

Republican lawmakers are pushing to defund UN migration programs, arguing it's a misuse of U.S. taxpayer dollars to undermine national sovereignty.

The UN and NGOs are criticized for facilitating illegal immigration and facing scrutiny over their role in supporting migrants moving without authorization.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, a sprawling network of United Nations-affiliated and independent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) is doubling down on efforts to support mass migration to the U.S. southern border  using billions in American taxpayer dollars.

The UNs 2025-2026 Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RMRP), released shortly after Trumps reelection, outlines a $1.4 billion budget to assist 2.3 million foreign nationals moving through 17 Latin American countries toward the U.S. border. The plan, spearheaded by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), includes funding for cash assistance, food, shelter, transportation and legal services for migrants.

The U.S. is the largest contributor to these UN agencies, providing $1.9 billion to the UNHCR in 2023 alone  a staggering increase from $377 million in 2019. Critics argue that this funding has inadvertently fueled the largest illegal immigration surge in U.S. history, which The New York Times recently attributed to President Joe Bidens welcoming immigration policy.

Billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars fund migration support

The RMRP document details how U.S. taxpayer dollars will be used to support migrants en route to the U.S. border. In 2025, $259 million is earmarked for cash, voucher assistance and multi-purpose cash assistance to 390,000 individuals, distributed via rechargeable debit cards, bank transfers and mobile payments. Another $134 million will provide food for 851,600 people, while $297 million will fund shelter for 735,000 migrants, including hotels and long-term rentals.

The plan also allocates $13.5 million for humanitarian transportation and $150 million for health services, among other expenditures. These funds are intended to sustain migrants as they traverse dangerous routes, such as the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama, where migration flows have already dropped by 40% in anticipation of Trumps stricter policies.

The RMRP initiative began in 2019 to address the exodus of Venezuelans fleeing their collapsing economy. However, the program has since expanded to support migrants of other nationalitiesengaging in transit and onward movements to the U.S. southern border.

Legal and propaganda efforts aim to counter U.S. border policies

The RMRP document also reveals plans to allocate $204 million for protection services, including legal assistance and counseling to counter restrictive and security-focused approaches to migration. This funding will support efforts to challenge deportations, detentions and returns to countries deemed unsafe by migrant advocates.

Eduardo Stein, the UNs Joint Special Representative for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, emphasized the need to change the narrative around migration in the documents introduction. It is essential tokeep striving for bringing to the fore the positive narrative of the contributions [migrants] can provide to receiving communities, Stein wrote.

Critics argue that these efforts are designed to undermine Trumps planned border crackdown, which includes a detain-and-expel policy to replace Bidens catch-and-release approach. By sustaining migrants in third countries, the UN and NGOs may be positioning themselves to facilitate future migration surges if Trumps policies falter or a more immigration-friendly administration takes office.

Republican lawmakers push to defund UN migration programs

The UN-led migration support network has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who view it as a misuse of U.S. taxpayer dollars to undermine national sovereignty. Texas Rep. Lance Gooden, who previously introduced legislation to defund the UN, told The Daily Wire that he plans to renew his efforts under the Trump administration.

Under the Biden administration, U.S. dollars are being funneled through the United Nations IOM into programs that facilitate and encourage illegal migration into our own country, Gooden said. I will work with President Trump to ensure that not one cent of American money supports the erosion of our sovereignty. We will end this taxpayer-funded invasion.

The UN and NGOs have also faced scrutiny for their role in facilitating illegal immigration. In 2022, UNHCR spokeswoman Silvia Garduno stated that her agency does not consider evidence of illegal immigration but instead views migrants as vulnerable asylum seekers. However, the RMRP document repeatedly acknowledges that many of those assisted are moving across international borders without authorization.

A growing controversy over U.S. funding

The controversy over U.S. funding for migration support extends beyond the UN In April 2024, two Texas lawmakers accused Catholic Charities of San Antonio of misusing federal funds to purchase airline tickets for migrants. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a Republican, argued that the FEMA Shelter and Services Program was never intended to cover long-distance transportation.

These tax dollars were not intended to be used to fly illegal immigrants all over their country to the destination of their choice, De La Cruz said. They misused funds and sent these illegal immigrants where their preferred destination was with taxpayers hard-earned money. This is just simply unacceptable.

Catholic Charities of San Antonio, which received $10.8 million in FEMA funding, has not provided details on how the money is spent. However, the organization has defended its work, stating that it provides safety, meals, hygiene kits and blankets to those in need.

To stop the invasion, they must stop the money

As the U.S. prepares for a dramatic shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration, the role of UN-affiliated NGOs and their use of American taxpayer dollars remains a contentious issue. Critics argue that these organizations are perpetuating a crisis at the southern border, while advocates maintain that they are providing essential humanitarian aid.

With Republicans now controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, the stage is set for a potential showdown over U.S. funding for migration support programs. As Rep. Gooden put it, We will end this taxpayer-funded invasion. Whether the UN and NGOs can adapt to the new political reality  or whether they will continue to fuel mass migration  remains to be seen.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

DailyWire.com

Congress.gov

BorderReport.com
United Nations renews push for globalized digital marking system to deal with emergencies

The United Nations is calling on governments around the world to fight climate change and other emergencies by mandating biometric digital ID systems, giving governments worldwide the ability to tag and track the masses in their every move.

(Article republished from LeoHohmann.Substack.com)

Digital ID systems that have already been implemented in other countries are typically tied to the financial system, allowing the government to track ones spending habits as well as their movement.

A biometric digital ID requires the recipient to upload a face scan, eye scan, palm scan or other unique identifier, which is then integrated into a central system and tracked by an app on the persons phone. Eventually, the plan is to place this surveillance device under the skin, as the Israeli historian and World Economic Forum adviser Yuval Harari has repeatedly stated.

As reported by Slay News, the digital ID demands were made anew by unelected foreign bureaucrats who serve on the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP.

UNDP officials made the case for why digital identity is allegedly a key weapon in their anti-human climate agenda in an article titled: Why legal identity is crucial to tackling the climate crisis.

If governments assign digital identities to citizens, they explained in the article, authorities can track populations more easily in an environmental disaster.

The UNDP further argued that countries that roll out digital identity programs will have more data about their taxpayers that can then be used in an emergency.

We all know how governments use so-called emergencies to enact tyrannical and authoritarian policies they would otherwise never get away with. They do this by using the news media to whip up fear in the population, dividing the people against each other. During Covid, more than a few states implemented 24-hour snitch-lines where residents could call and turn in their neighbors for not following the lockdown rules.

Governments should know the income and health status of every taxpayer, as well as their education level, the UN agency states in the document.

This would help authorities have a more targeted response to citizens during, for example, a weather disaster, according to the world body.

However, as noted by Slay News, a digital identity is not only for tracking taxpayer movements and backgrounds.

It can also be used to track how much energy taxpayers are consuming.

Once a government has this data, it can force citizens to change their energy-consumption habits.

The UNDP euphemistically refers to this state coercion in Orwellian fashion, calling it inspiring behavior change.

Whens the last time you were inspired to perform a certain action by the government, may I ask?

Leveraging digital legal ID data to track energy consumption, inspire behavior change, and enhance sustainability measures can mitigate climate-related disasters, the UNDP officials wrote.

Thats a nice way of saying, we will force you out of your gasoline-powered vehicle, out of your house on an acre or more of land, and into a tiny apartment in the city eating bugs and riding public transit.

The United Nations has long pushed for a global ID system that would digitally tag every human being on the planet. This is embedded within the global bodys 17 sustainable developement goals associated with its Agenda 2030 document, adopted by some 190 nations, including the U.S., in September 2015.

On its website, the U.N. writes:

Sustainable Development Goal Target 16.9 ("legal identity for all, including birth registration, by 2030") is key to advance the 2030 Agenda commitment to leave no one behind, and equally relevant is SDG 17.19  support to statistical capacity-building in developing countries, monitored by the indicator "proportion of countries that have achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80 per cent death registration".

This is just another way of describing what is, in essence, a social-credit scoring system, similar to whats already in place in communist China.

If you drive too much, spend too much on the wrong products, such as meat or dairy, or if youre guilty of wrongthink, you will see your social-credit score dip, meaning you will be banned from getting loans, or the best housing, jobs or educational opportunities.

This agenda will no doubt be brought up at the 2025 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, later this month. President Trump has reportedly agreed to address the WEF remotely.

None of this agenda has any place in any country that claims to be free.

Read more at: LeoHohmann.Substack.com
L.A. wildfires: Winds ease, but authorities warn of renewed danger next week

Wildfires in Los Angeles County have killed 25 people, destroyed 12,000+ structures, and displaced tens of thousands, with the Palisades Fire 22% contained and the Eaton Fire 55% contained.

A brief wind reprieve allowed firefighters to make progress, but the return of Santa Ana winds next week threatens to reignite the flames and undo containment efforts.

Californias wildfire response has been criticized for systemic failures, including dry fire hydrants and mismanagement of resources, sparking public outrage.

Over 50 arrests were made for looting, curfew violations, and arson, with some individuals admitting to intentionally starting fires.

The economic toll could reach $275 billion, making this the costliest U.S. natural disaster, with long-term environmental and health challenges ahead.

After days of relentless winds fueling devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County, a brief reprieve arrived Wednesday as gusts subsided, allowing firefighters to make significant progress in containing the blazes. However, authorities warned that the Santa Ana winds are expected to return next week, threatening to reignite the flames and undo hard-won gains. The fires have already claimed 25 lives, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and displaced tens of thousands of residents, exposing systemic failures in Californias wildfire preparedness and response.

The Palisades Fire, which has burned through nearly 40,000 acres, was 22% contained as of Thursday, while the Eaton Fire reached 55% containment. Aerial imagery suggests approximately 5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire alone. Firefighters seized the opportunity presented by calmer winds to strengthen containment lines and prevent further spread.

Despite the progress, the region remains vulnerable. A combination of dry fuel, low humidity, and the anticipated return of strong winds next week could create conditions ripe for another disaster. Residents were urged to clear brush within 200 feet of their homes to reduce fire risks.

Californias mismanagement exposed

The wildfires have laid bare Californias chronic mismanagement of its water and firefighting resources. In the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, fire hydrants ran dry as flames engulfed homes, leaving firefighters without the water pressure needed to combat the blaze. This failure has sparked outrage and raised questions about the states ability to protect its residents.

Adding to the chaos, authorities have arrested over 50 individuals for looting, curfew violations, and even arson. One man admitted to setting a fire in Azusa because he liked the smell of burning leaves, while another said she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.

The fires have left a trail of devastation, reducing entire neighborhoods to ash and rubble. Over 200,000 people were forced to flee at the height of the crisis, and nearly 173,000 remain under evacuation orders or warnings. The economic toll is staggering, with AccuWeather estimating damages could reach $275 billion, making this wildfire season the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Environmental experts warn that the aftermath will linger for years. Toxic ash, contaminated water supplies, and increased health risks from particulate exposure are just some of the challenges residents will face. The whole ecosystem is going to change, said Marjan Khonsari, a Santa Monica resident and environmental advocate.

Looking ahead

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken steps to address the crisis, including deploying 2,500 National Guard members and issuing executive orders to streamline temporary housing for evacuees. However, critics argue that these measures are too little, too late.

As residents begin to contemplate rebuilding, many are questioning whether its wise to reconstruct in areas prone to wildfires. If we go back now and try to rebuild these places, do we want to do it exactly as they were? asked Becky Nicolaides, whose home was destroyed. This could be, on some level ... a kind of unanticipated opportunity to build back in a better way.

For now, the focus remains on containment and recovery. But with the Santa Ana winds expected to return next week, the battle is far from over. As Los Angeles braces for another potential onslaught, the question looms: Can California learn from its mistakes, or will history repeat itself?

The wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County have exposed the fragility of Californias infrastructure and the urgent need for better preparedness. While firefighters have made progress during the brief respite from the winds, the threat of renewed devastation looms large. For residents, the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to rebuild smarter and stronger. The question is whether Californias leaders will rise to the occasion or continue to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

USAToday.com

APNews.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Azerbaijan's Baku hosted the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, chaired by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on January 17, Trend reports.

The two heads of government first held a one-on-one meeting, followed by a session of the joint intergovernmental commission with the participation of delegations from both countries.

Prime Minister Asadov emphasized that the development of relations with Georgia is a priority in Azerbaijans foreign policy. He noted that over time, the Azerbaijani-Georgian strategic partnership has reached a qualitatively new level, highlighting the active political dialogue between the two countries and expressing satisfaction with mutual support within international organizations. Particular attention was given to mutual support regarding territorial integrity.

The meeting highlighted the significance of trade and economic collaboration between Azerbaijan and Georgia, with Georgia recognized as one of Azerbaijan's key trade partners. Investment cooperation has demonstrated encouraging trends, with Azerbaijan recognized as the foremost investor in Georgia.

The discussions included topics related to increasing mutual investments, with an emphasis on cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Discussions were held on projects implemented by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) in Georgia, as well as new promising projects. Joint megaprojects between Azerbaijan and Georgia were recognized as a model of successful regional cooperation, having transformed the South Caucasus and changed the region's energy and transport map. The important role of the two countries in the Southern Gas Corridor project was emphasized. Satisfaction was also expressed regarding the beginning of construction of the green energy bridge to Europe, involving both countries.

The transport and transit sector was identified as a key area of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on the full operationalization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Thanks to increased investments from Azerbaijan and the efforts of Georgia, the railways capacity has expanded from 1 million to 5 million tons. Work is also underway to enhance the cargo handling capacity at Baku International Sea Trade Port, a vital part of the Middle Corridor, with plans to increase throughput from 15 million to 25 million tons annually.

Additionally, both sides expressed satisfaction with the successful collaboration and knowledge exchange in various agricultural sectors, including trade in agricultural products, plant protection, and veterinary services.

The meeting also evaluated the successful outcomes of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. It was noted that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new building of the Tbilisi Azerbaijan State Drama Theater named after Heydar Aliyev in Georgia in 2023, with the participation of both prime ministers, was a significant achievement. Both sides expressed a mutual interest in expanding cultural exchange and cooperation in education.

The meeting extensively discussed the prospects for developing strategic partnerships across all areas of Azerbaijani-Georgian relations, with delegation members presenting their views on the agenda topics.

Following the meeting, Prime Ministers Ali Asadov and Irakli Kobakhidze signed the protocol of the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the ministries of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan and Georgia regarding consular cooperation. A memorandum of understanding on maritime transport cooperation was established between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Georgia's Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. Additionally, a protocol of intent was executed between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill has sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau, flying from Baku to Grozny on December 25, Trend reports.

Will be updated
Despite ethical concerns, motherhood influencers use children's images to monetize Instagram content, exposing gaps in privacy safeguards and sparking debates on online safety.

Sharing images of children on social media: British motherhood influencers and the privacy paradox. Image Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock

In a recent article in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers investigated the extent to which popular British motherhood influencers infringe on their childrens privacy through the images they post online.

Their findings indicate that influencers trust the safety measures taken by social media platforms, though this trust may stem from a lack of direct negative experiences. The study also highlights the complexity of the privacy paradox, suggesting it is context-dependent.

Background

Post Popularity and Children's Images: Posts featuring more children did not correlate with higher engagement (likes), indicating that influencers can maintain popularity and sponsorships without heavily relying on child-related content.

Over the past two decades, the increasing popularity of social media influencers has raised privacy concerns, especially when they share images of children.

Motherhood influencers, who share posts about parenting and often promote products, have been criticized for sharing private content about their children. This practice, called "sharenting," raises ethical issues since children cannot meaningfully consent to sharing their images online.

Concerns include the misuse of children's images, potential privacy violations, and long-term psychological impacts as these children gain unwanted online attention. Some worry that commercial interests often overshadow privacy concerns. In France, a law now allows children to request the removal of such content to protect their privacy.

Despite these concerns, limited research has systematically examined actual sharenting practices, how often motherhood influencers post content featuring their children, or how this behavior relates to potential privacy worries.

Earlier studies mostly rely on self-reported data, which often fails to capture actual behaviors. This has fueled debates around the "privacy paradox," where intentions to protect privacy do not match behaviors. The current study addresses these gaps by analyzing both observed behaviors and self-reported perceptions.

About the study

Detailed Privacy Risks: While personal data (e.g., name, age, and location) appeared in 37.6% of posts, only 1.3% of images included semi-nude or exposed content, highlighting nuanced privacy risks beyond explicit exposure.

This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining content analysis with an online survey, to explore the privacy paradox among motherhood influencers in the United Kingdom.

First, content analysis was conducted on 5,253 Instagram posts from 10 popular British motherhood influencers, spanning from August 2020 to July 2021. The influencers were selected based on their high follower count (over 10,000) and active engagement on Instagram.

A coding book was developed to categorize the content, focusing on variables such as the presence of children's images, perceived age, and the type of personal data shared. High inter-coder reliability (Cohens kappa = 0.99) was achieved.

Following the content analysis, an online survey was distributed to the same influencers to capture their perceptions of sharenting behavior and privacy concerns. The survey measured perceived sharenting behavior, willingness to share information, and situational privacy concerns.

Ethical approval was obtained for both phases of the study, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines.

Findings

The content analysis revealed that 74.6% of the posts featured children, and 46% were sponsored content. Most images (81.8%) were perceived as natural, while only a small percentage appeared choreographed or unclear. All influencers shared images of their children, ranging from 43% to 99% of their posts. A total of 68.9% of images showed the childs full face, raising potential privacy concerns.

37.6% of the posts shared personal data, including children's names, ages, and locations. Although the majority of posts did not feature children in embarrassing or exposed situations, 9.85% showed children in potentially embarrassing situations, and 11.2% included intimate content, such as emotions, illness, or tantrums.

The survey findings indicated a disconnect between influencers' reported privacy concerns and their actual sharenting behavior. However, the study suggests that this gap may not stem from unawareness but from strategic decisions to share content. Influencers expressed confidence in social media platforms safety features and did not perceive sharing their childrens images as a threat.

Conclusions

Strategic Sharenting: Influencers' willingness to share child-related content was often tied to strategic goals, such as building authenticity and trust with followers, suggesting that sharenting is a calculated decision rather than an oversight.

This study explored how motherhood influencers in the United Kingdom share private information about their children on Instagram and how this aligns with their perceptions of privacy. Researchers analyzed over 5,000 posts and surveyed influencers to understand their sharenting behaviors and views on online privacy.

Despite the privacy risks involved in sharing the names and faces of children online, the study revealed that influencers often see sharenting as a deliberate, strategic activity to enhance their brand. Notably, influencers did not find their actions in conflict with their stated privacy concerns, suggesting that the privacy paradox might not be as universally applicable as previously thought.

Influencers often use childrens images for financial gain, which raises ethical concerns as children cannot consent. The study emphasizes that even without explicit "embarrassing" content, the frequent use of children in sponsored posts poses ethical dilemmas. It advocates for stricter regulations to protect children's privacy, such as limiting or banning the use of children's images in influencer content.

Future research should explore sharenting practices among smaller influencers, different cultural contexts, and across other platforms like TikTok. The study also notes limitations, including its focus on Instagram posts, the small sample size, and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on content sharing behavior.
Scientists from Delft, Vienna, and Lausanne discovered that the protein machines that shape our DNA can switch direction. Until now, researchers believed that these so-called SMC motors that make loops into DNA could move in one direction only. The discovery, which is published in Cell, is key to understanding how these motors shape our genome and regulate our genes.

Connecting DNA

"Sometimes, a cell needs to be quick in changing which genes should be expressed and which ones should be turned off, for example in response to food, alcohol or heat. To turn genes off and on, cells use Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) motors that act like switches to connect different parts of DNA", first author Roman Barth explains.

However, SMC machines don't naturally know which parts to connect. They simply load somewhere on the DNA and start shaping it into a loop until they reach a point where they are forced to stop. That's why they rely heavily on the ability to explore both sides of the DNA to find the right stop signs." Roman Barth, Delft University of Technology

Gearbox

Biophysicists at Delft University of Technology now found that SMC motors can switch direction, contrary to what was thought to be possible. "Our experiments show that SMCs momentarily pull DNA from one side, and then switch direction to pull DNA from the opposite side. By doing so, they can pull DNA into a loop from both sides over time. We found this to be true for all types of SMC motors, of which there are many", Delft professor Cees Dekker, who supervised the research, says. "You can compare it to a gearbox in a car: With a manual gear stick you can let the car move forward or backward. We even identified the 'gear lever', protein subunit NIPBL, in the cohesin SMC motor protein."

Impressive nanotechnology

To discover the reverse gear of SMC motors, the researchers used an advanced home-built microscope to look at single proteins on individual DNA molecules. That in itself is an impressive achievement, as Barth explains: "A single cell contains millions of proteins and the human body is made of trillions of cells. Pulling out a few proteins and being able to 'watch' them one by one is a remarkable feat of nanotechnology that involves imaging at a scale of nanometres  100,000 smaller than the width of a human hair."

Neurodegenerative diseases

"Once we understand how SMC molecular motors shape DNA, we may start asking what goes wrong in diseases like cancer and neurogenerative diseases, and importantly, how to correct it", says Barth. "Neurogenerative diseases for example can be the result of misregulated genes during early stages of pregnancy. In fact, there are a couple of severe diseases, such as Cornelia de Lange syndrome, linked to SMCs, where the motors likely fail to switch correctly inside the cells of the embryo."

Science in action

The study finally resolves the confusion in the scientific community about various contradictory theories on how SMCs work. Early research suggested that SMCs can strictly move in one direction only, while other research suggested that they pulled in DNA from both sides simultaneously. The discovery resolves these controversies. Barth: "Having found commonalities among SMC motors helps to focus and streamline the SMC research field. We don't have to look for a new mechanism for every individual type of SMC protein anymore. It will also accelerate the field towards applied science. I would be glad to see this knowledge move into pharma companies, hospitals, and eventually doctors' offices."
Over two years ago, Kim Hilton and his partner walked out of their home for the final time. The house had sold, and the new landlord raised the rent.

They couldn't afford it. Their Social Security payments couldn't cover the cost of any apartments in northwestern Montana's Flathead Valley.

Hilton's partner was able to move into her daughter's studio apartment. There wasn't enough space for Hilton, so they reluctantly split up.

At 68 years old, he moved into his truck  a forest-green Chevy Avalanche.

Hilton quickly found out how hard it would be to survive. Hilton has diabetes. That first night, his insulin froze, rendering it useless.

Things didn't get any easier that winter. On the coldest nights, temperatures dropped to about minus 20 degrees. Hilton kept the truck running, but eventually his fuel pump failed. He was on his own in the cold.

Hilton is incredibly optimistic, but in that moment, he said, his spirit broke.

"I just said I want to go to sleep and not wake up and I won't have to worry about anything. I'll just sit here and be a little popsicle in the truck," Hilton recalled.

Hilton was one of tens of thousands of seniors in the U.S. who became homeless for the first time in 2022. A dramatic increase in the number of homeless seniors nationwide is overwhelming services for unhoused people.

Older Montanans especially are struggling because housing costs have skyrocketed since 2021, in part because of the rise of remote work. The state has one of the nation's fastest-growing homeless populations, according to federal data.

University of Pennsylvania researcher Dennis Culhane estimated that the number of homeless people age 65 and up in the U.S. would triple between 2019 and 2030. He recently updated that estimate using federal data for a recently published paper.

"We are on track to meet that prediction. In fact, the growth has been slightly higher than we predicted," he said.

According to Culhane's research, the number of people 65 and older jumped by a little over a third between 2019 and 2022 alone. By 2022, there were about 250,000 people over 55 who were unhoused. About half of this population are homeless for the first time.

What researchers and advocates call the "gray wave" of homeless seniors is overwhelming service providers trying to help.

Wendy Wilson is seeing the gray wave coming firsthand. She's a case manager at Assist, a nonprofit that helps Flathead residents struggling to meet their medical needs. In the past, that meant helping them get free meals or finding a ride to the doctor's office.

Increasingly, Wilson helps older people like Hilton find housing.

"They have medical issues. It's not easy for them to be living in a truck or at the homeless shelter when you have medical issues going on," she said.

Wilson found Hilton a spot in early 2023 at the Samaritan House in Kalispell, which has private rooms. But after five months of living in his truck, Hilton's health had gone downhill fast. He had several fainting episodes at the shelter, then-manager Sona Blue said.

"It scared us because we have no medical care in this facility," she said.

That's not usual for shelters. Finally, Hilton took a bad fall, and shelter staff sent him to an emergency room.

The doctor who treated Hilton discovered he had developed pressure wounds from sitting for months in the same position in his truck. Because of the neuropathy in his limbs from his diabetes, Hilton couldn't feel the pain. Those wounds never healed and became infected, another common complication of diabetes.

Hilton had one leg amputated. Later, his other leg was amputated as well. Returning to the shelter in a wheelchair wasn't an option: There were no shelter staffers or medical personnel available to help with his basic needs.

A handful of homeless service providers, including shelter staffers and other medical case workers, tried to help Hilton find another place to go. They put him on waiting lists for the limited supply of subsidized housing in the area.

Wilson secured one of the few slots in a Medicaid program that helps pay for assisted living for Hilton. But it can take a year or more for units to open. So Wilson crossed her fingers that Hilton would get lucky before he was released from the hospital after his second amputation.

Many seniors across the country are stuck playing the same dangerous waiting game, said Caitlyn Synovec with the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

"Sometimes they can't be safely served in a shelter because they have issues with incontinence or cognition. Then they're more likely to be on the streets, and their conditions will worsen quite a bit," she said.

Communities are looking for solutions.

To serve aging people with complex medical needs, homeless shelters for seniors are cropping up in such cities as Salt Lake City and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Montana recently got approval from federal health officials to use Medicaid funding to temporarily help people with medical conditions make rent.

But that's not enough, according to Synovec. She said the real solution is building more affordable housing so older Americans don't become homeless in the first place.

That housing will need to be accessible, too. Older homeless people like Hilton need homes they can safely navigate. Because of his new wheelchair, he needed a ground-floor apartment.

In the fall, Hilton finally got a spot in a facility that would take his Medicaid waiver. He also got an electric wheelchair to make it easier to get to doctor appointments in town.

Hilton said he hasn't pushed his new wheelchair to its top speed yet. "It goes fast for a wheelchair. I'm going to find out when I go down to dinner. I'll stretch it out, break it in," he said with a laugh.

Hilton is grateful to finally have stable housing. Wilson is grateful too. She said it was one of the few times she's been able to help a senior regain housing.

"It was a woo-hoo moment," she said.

As long as the facility stays open and the Medicaid waiver program isn't cut, she's confident Hilton will have made it through homelessness.
Researchers from NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine are part of a major undertaking that will bring together more than 40 scientists, doctors, and industry experts from around the country to make vision-restoring whole-eye transplants a reality.

We have unique experience in that we are the only institution to have successfully transplanted the eye. This award marks an exciting milestone toward restoring vision through eye transplantation." Daniel J. Ceradini, MD, director of research and associate professor in the Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery

NYU Langone successfully performed the world's first whole-eye and partial-face transplant in 2023, resulting in a viable transplanted eye. Although the eye has not regained vision, a portion of its light-sensitive nerve cells have survived, offering important findings to further eye transplant research.

As part of this project, teams from NYU Langone and NYU Grossman School of Medicine will refine best practices for surgical protocols in eye transplantation, molecularly profile the transplanted eye to investigate how it is surviving, and identify biomarkers of rejection. The teams will also contribute scientific findings gathered from their experience in preserving a donated eye and in regenerating the donor optic nerve and integrating it into the recipient's brain.

"This funding is instrumental in advancing patient care while deepening our scientific understanding of complex biological challengesa hallmark of the Institute for Translational Neuroscience and other centers across the NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine ecosystem," said Shane Liddelow, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and the Department of Ophthalmology. "Such groundbreaking research cannot be achieved in isolation, and it is the collaborative effort of our brightest minds and our partnerships with leading institutions across the United States that makes this work possible."

The award of up to $56 million is from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts (THEA) program. The awarded project title is Viability, Imaging, Surgical, Immunomodulation, Ocular preservation and Neuroregeneration (VISION) Strategies for Whole Eye Transplanta reflection of the breadth of the collaboration assembled to solve such a complex challenge. Jeffrey Goldberg, MD, PhD, Blumenkranz Smead professor and chair of ophthalmology at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, will serve as principal investigator for the project. Jose-Alain Sahel, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, will co-direct the initiative with Dr. Goldberg.

"Our discoveries since our landmark transplant case mark promising initial results, laying a foundation for further advancements and ongoing research," said Eduardo D. Rodriguez, MD, DDS, director of the Face Transplant Program and the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, the Helen L. Kimmel Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, and chair of the Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery. "We look forward to continuing this research in collaboration across this amazing partnership of institutions to help accelerate these discoveries."

Kevin Chuen Wing C. Chan, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Radiology and the Department of Ophthalmology, added: "Our researchers are well positioned to leverage our expertise in ophthalmology, radiology, neuroscience, and plastic surgery to advance the scientific underpinnings and clinical outcomes of whole-eye transplantation. We are excited to take part in this important collaborative research across U.S. institutions via this funding."

The biggest challenge the team will face is moving whole-eye transplants from aesthetic to functional by figuring out how to regenerate the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

"A successful sighted whole-eye transplant is an audacious goal, but one that could transform countless lives," said Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD, the Elisabeth J. Cohen, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and chair of that department at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "The ARPA-H funding is an important step in this project."

The 'whole' plan

The VISION for Whole Eye Transplant project is holistic in every sense of the word.



The team is made up of a potent mix of expertise and skill, which will be needed as they simultaneously advance and create cutting-edge medical devices, artificial intelligence integrations, new surgical techniques, regenerative medicine breakthroughs and rejection mitigation. The group will work dynamically, sharing information in real-time and pursuing the most promising leads.

Meticulous donor eye selection, advanced ocular imaging and specialized logistics in organ procurement and preservation will also be critical for success, and collaborators on this team are already the established leaders in these key areas of transplant science. In the end, tailored post-care rehabilitation for eye recipients will also be needed to set patients on the right track.

Amid the technical details, accessibility plays a major role in the plan.

While whole eye transplants are the north star of the three-phase, six-year project, the effort will undoubtedly bring with it more breakthroughs along the way, and that is just as exciting, Dr. Goldberg said.

This research was partly, funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the United States Government.
The proportion of babies dying before and during labor after 41 weeks of gestation has fallen by 47% in Sweden in a relatively short time. This is the result of a major national study. The reduction has occurred since the procedures around induction have changed.

A pregnancy normally lasts around 40 weeks. However, a fairly high proportion of women, 22%, pass their due date and are pregnant for 41 weeks or longer. Although Sweden generally has a very low risk of stillbirth and death within the first month of life, the risk increases the longer the pregnancy continues past 41 weeks of gestation. The question that then arises is whether the woman should be induced.

The current study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, is based on registry data on more than 150,000 births in Sweden where the women were one week or more after the expected date of delivery.

The aim was to investigate how infant mortality and morbidity in late-term births have changed since 2020, when most maternity hospitals in the country changed their practices for induction.

The new procedures were a response to research findings from 2019 that showed that fewer infants died if women were induced as early as after 41 gestational weeks, compared to 42, which was the standard practice at the time. The shift in 2020 meant a more active management where women began to be offered induction at 41 weeks or individual assessment of whether induction was needed.

Risk almost halved

When the researchers now compare the periods 2017-2019 and 2020-2023 (until September 2023 (incl.)), the results show a 47% decrease in the proportion of stillbirths or infants dying within four weeks. In the first period, 124 infants (1.7 per 1 000) and in the second period 74 infants (0.9 per 1 000) died during labor after 41 gestational weeks or more. The periods covered approximately the same number of these births.

The study also shows that a composite measure of mortality and severe morbidity in the neonatal period was lower in the latter group, after 2020. At the same time, there was a slight increase in the rate of emergency caesarean sections, but the rate of caesarean sections increased even more in gestational week 39-40.

Researchers are unable to determine exactly which interventions led to the improved survival of the children. It is therefore unclear whether this is mainly due to routine induction after 41 gestational weeks or whether intensive monitoring is sufficient to select women who should be recommended for induction.

One of the driving forces behind the study is Karin Kallen, Statistician and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lund University:

The results show a clear decrease in both neonatal death and severe morbidity and an increase in the number of inductions and emergency cesarean sections. With around 22 000 women annually in Sweden still pregnant at 41 weeks, 18 infant deaths have been prevented annually." Karin Kallen, Statistician and Professor, Clinical Epidemiology in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University

Good scientific basis

Ulla-Britt Wennerholm is Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. She also had a major research role in SWEPIS (Swedish Postterm Induction Study), published in 2019, which led to the change in care routines.

"The present study gives support for a more active management with induction or individual assessment at 41 weeks. The difference between the pre- and post-2020 periods was large, but at the same time it is important to emphasize that the absolute risk to an individual woman and her baby is very small, regardless of whether the delivery takes place after 41 or 42 weeks," she says.
The results of a clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that chemotherapy combining three different types of drugs did not improve overall survival for patients with advanced stage, inoperable biliary tract cancers.



"Biliary tract cancer is comparatively rare, but it's aggressive and spreads fast. Our accrual of more than 450 patients in a little more than two years really shows there is a need for new ways to help people with biliary tract cancer," said Rachna Shroff, MD, the associate director of clinical investigations at the U of A Cancer Center and leader of the clinical trial that included researchers from 17 other cancer centers.





The two-drug regimen was the standard for over 10 years, and it's not particularly effective. While there are some newer precision treatments that are helpful to a small segment of the overall population, we need more and better options for all patients." Rachna Shroff, MD, Professor and Chief, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona



The study was the first Phase III clinical trial conducted entirely in the United States for newly diagnosed, advanced biliary tract cancer patients. Aaron Scott, MD, co-leader of the U of A Cancer Center Clinical and Translational Oncology Program and an associate professor at the U of A College of Medicine  Tucson, co-chaired the study and was a contributing author.



"Triplet chemotherapy has been shown to be somewhat effective in treating advanced and inoperable pancreatic and colorectal cancers," said Shroff, a member of the BIO5 Institute. "We wondered if a similar approach to treating advanced and inoperable gall bladder and bile duct cancers could also lead to better outcomes. But we now have evidence that it may not work the same way in biliary tract cancers."



The clinical trial included an analysis of data from 441 participants who were newly diagnosed with inoperable or metastatic biliary tract cancers. They were randomly assigned to either a two-drug regimen of gemcitabine and cisplatin or a triplet chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine, cisplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel.



"Comparing results from the two regimens showed no significant difference in the average length of time the patient survived after diagnosis with advanced, inoperable biliary tract cancer," Shroff said. "Our research also indicates that the three-drug regimen may increase the toxicity of the treatment."



Shroff noted that the three-drug regimen might still prove to be a viable option for patients with specific biliary tract cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, and for those whose cancer has not metastasized, as the response rates and survival outcomes were higher in these groups.



Ongoing analyses will involve identifying subsets of biliary cancer patients who may benefit from the three-drug regimen. Tissue and blood specimens collected from participants during the trial resulted in the largest repository of biliary cancer specimens in the United States.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Georgia and Azerbaijan successfully play role of bridge between Europe and Asia, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Trend reports.

Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan once again. Welcome to Azerbaijan.

I am pleased that our meetings have become regular in nature. We met in Baku two months ago. I would like to thank you again for participating in the COP29 conference. Before that, you visited Azerbaijan 10 months ago. So, this is your third visit to Azerbaijan in the past 10 months, and this in itself shows how deep and meaningful Georgian-Azerbaijani relations are.

This visit is of particular importance because it is your first foreign visit after the parliamentary elections in Georgia. Taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely congratulate you again on the victory of the Georgian Dream party you represent in the elections and wish you and your entire team continued success. Your first visit to Azerbaijan after the parliamentary elections, of course, testifies to the high level of Georgian-Azerbaijani relations. I would like to express my special gratitude to you for this decision.

Our peoples have lived in an atmosphere of friendship, good-neighborliness, and brotherhood for centuries. These traditions continue to thrive today. Today, Georgia-Azerbaijan relations are progressing successfully in all areas. I believe that our political relations can serve as an example for all our neighbors. There are positive outcomes in the economic sector. Azerbaijan has invested $3.6 billion in the Georgian economy. Of course, this demonstrates that the successful economic policy of your government, the attraction of investments, and the positive investment climate in Georgia encourage all investors. Azerbaijani investors, in particular, are investing in Georgia with great enthusiasm.

Of course, cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector is of particular importance both for our countries and for a larger, wider geography. The oil and gas projects we are implementing together today form the basis of the energy security of many countries. Suffice it to say, Azerbaijan currently exports its natural gas to 11 countries through Georgia, and exports are increasing year after year. Last year, the figure reached 25 billion cubic meters, and 10 percent of this - 10 percent of our total exports - falls on Georgia. According to the information I have, more than 80 percent of the natural gas consumed by Georgia is of Azerbaijani origin. In other words, this is truly a large and particularly important project, and the geography of our gas exports will gradually expand. Our new gas fields will come into operation this year. There are also newly discovered fields for next year and the years after that. Therefore, natural gas exports should and will gradually increase.

In parallel, we are also implementing green energy projects together with you. This once again demonstrates the responsibility of our governments. Because this energy also arouses great interest in the market, there is a great demand for it. According to the information I received today, the green energy project is also being successfully implemented. I believe that, like all other projects, this project has a great chance of getting successfully completed.

At the same time, today, during a private conversation, we discussed the connectivity and the Middle Corridor project. Our countries also act as close partners here. I am sure that coordinated activities of our relevant institutions will successfully complete this project. Of course, we need to be in contact with many neighbors here, and we have these contacts. This is a project that covers a large geography, and again, Georgia and Azerbaijan are successfully playing the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia here.

I know that a project to expand transport infrastructure is being implemented in Georgia. These projects are also underway in Azerbaijan, including the project to digitize transport infrastructure. So by carrying out this work in parallel, we are, of course, providing invaluable services to both our countries and peoples, as well as our neighbors.

In all other areas, we can only rejoice at our successes. Given the time constraints, we will discuss other issues in a broader format today. I can also say one thing: the victory of your party is of particular importance for the future stability of the South Caucasus, and we are happy about this victory as your friends and brothers. We wish your government continued successes in its activities. Welcome again.
8th Pay Commission: From Peons To Teachers To IAS Officers, Know Salary Increase At Each Level

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 11:42 IST

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring about significant salary hikes. Level-1 employees like peons and sweepers may see an increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,300, while IAS officers who fall between Levels 15 to 18 may see their basic salary rise from... Read More

Many anticipate a significant increase in basic salary across all ranks, from entry-level peons to high-ranking officials such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The Narendra Modi government has given the green light to the 8th Pay Commission, signalling an end to the long wait for employees. This announcement confirms a significant salary increase for government employees in 2026.

Although the Pay Commission has not yet been constituted, and the government has not yet provided a clear picture of its plans, the commissions members will certainly be appointed soon. Once appointed, the commission will research and submit suggestions and reports to the government regarding salary and pension increases.

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The potential impact of the anticipated 8th Pay Commission on government salaries is a topic of considerable interest among employees. While definitive answers remain elusive, several reports based on previous pay commission outcomes are circulating. Many anticipate a significant increase in basic salary across all ranks, from entry-level peons to high-ranking officials such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries. However, until concrete details emerge from official sources, the exact scale of these potential salary increases remains a subject of conjecture.

Understanding the Salary Matrix

Analysing the potential impact of the 8th Pay Commission on salary structures, projections suggest notable increases across various levels. For instance, Level-1 employees, encompassing roles like peons and sweepers, currently earning a basic salary of Rs 18,000 after the 7th Pay Commission, could see their salaries rise to Rs 21,300.

Similarly, estimations indicate that Level-2 employees may experience an increase from Rs 19,900 to Rs 23,880, while Level-3 employees could see a jump from Rs 21,700 to Rs 26,040. The salary matrix also suggests that Level-4 employees might witness their basic salaries increase from Rs 25,500 to Rs 30,600, and Level-5 employees from Rs 29,200 to Rs 35,040. These anticipated increments are based on the current grade pay structure, which ranges from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,800 for employees in levels 1 to 5.

Salary Increase from Level 6 to Level 9

According to the salary matrix, the grade pay for employees from level 6 to 9 ranges from Rs 4,200 to Rs 5,400. This includes employees such as primary and secondary school teachers and Gram Vikas Adhikaris. The basic salary for level-6 employees is estimated to range from Rs 35,400 to Rs 42,480, while the basic salary for level-7 employees is estimated to increase to between Rs 44,900 and Rs 53,880. Similarly, the basic salary for level-8 employees will increase to between Rs 47,600 and Rs 57,120, while level-9 employees will receive an increase to between Rs 53,100 and Rs 63,720.

Benefits for Employees in Levels 10 to 12

The grade pay of level-10 to 12 employees is Rs 5,400 to Rs 7,600. Following the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the basic salary of level-10 employees will increase from Rs 56,100 to Rs 67,320. Level-11 employees will see their basic salary increase from Rs 67,700 to Rs 81,240. Level-12 employees will also benefit, with their current basic salary rising from Rs 78,800 to Rs 94,560.

Salary and Benefits for Levels 13 and 14

According to the pay matrix, employees in levels 13 and 14 come in the grade pay range of Rs 8,700 to Rs 10,000. After the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the basic salary of level-13 employees will increase from Rs 1,23,100 to Rs 1,47,720, while the basic salary of level-14 employees will increase from Rs 1,44,200 to Rs 1,73,040.

Salary Growth for Levels 15 to 18

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Civil servants such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries fall between levels 15 to 18. The 8th Pay Commission recommends an increase in basic salaries for these levels. Level-15 employees will see their basic salary rise from Rs 1,82,200 to Rs 2,18,400. Similarly, level-16 employees will experience an increase from Rs 2,05,400 to Rs 2,46,480. For level-17 employees, the basic salary will be raised from Rs 2,25,000 to Rs 2,70,000. Lastly, level-18 employees will receive an increase from Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 3,00,000.

The increase in basic salary will result in an overall salary increase. Employees total salary comprises not just the basic salary but also components like dearness allowance and various other allowances. The combined sum of all these components determines the actual salary received by an employee, which is significantly higher than just the basic salary.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 11:42 IST
Let's Keep The World Healthy: Apollo Hospitals Dr Sangita Reddy Is CNN-News18s Businessperson Of The Year 2024

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 20:14 IST

CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2024 Business category: "My entire family believes healthcare is a sacred trust...We are here to create a healthy society, make people healthy and care accessible to all," says Dr Sangita Reddy

Dr Sangita Reddy is the Joint Managing Director (JMD) of Apollo Hospitals.

Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director (JMD) of Apollo Hospitals, was declared the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2024 in the business category in the 14th edition of the awards held on Friday.

This award is an acknowledgement of the healthcare in India. My father, Dr Reddy, who had returned from the US in 1980, lost a young patient. He had then asked, Why cant we give this standard of healthcare in India?". He raised capitalThose were venture capitalists in those years. From that time when he dreamt of giving world-class facilities, to this is testament to the fact that dreams come true if you think of giving back to society," said Reddy.

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My entire family believes healthcare is a sacred trustWe are here to create a healthy society, make people healthy and care accessible to allOur entire team strives for it. Lets keep the world healthy," she said, adding, When everyone pays a little, it goes to those who need itAyushman Bharat is one big step. The second step is the world is looking at non-communicable diseases, which are mainly lifestyle diseases."

Asked about the 90-hour work hours debate, she said, I work for 90 hoursBut it is key to find your balance."

On a lighter note, her husband and politician KV Reddy asked when she would keep her phone on silent, she replied, Today it is on call forwardI dont want anyone needing healthcare to not get itBut we will use technologyI promise to put my phone on silent."

Reddy thanked her parents, sisters, husband, children and the team for her success. I want to dedicate it to the unsung heroes such as nurses, ayahs, caregivers at home, and anybody who is committed to giving care," she said.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj, Team HAL were the others nominated in the category.

Regarded as Indias biggest and most credible news television awards, IOTY celebrates exceptional achievements of Indians who are inspiring the world through their triumphs.

The jury for this edition was environmental activist Afroze Shah, former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve and former Supreme Court judge Indu Malhotra.

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The selection process was a mix of both jury and public voting; with 50% of the decision-making power given to the audience, and the remaining 50% is entrusted to the jury, striking a balance between collective choice of the masses and the discerning eye of experts.

RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is the Presenting Partner and Reliance Industries is the Associate Partner for this edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 20:00 IST
Stallion India Fluorochemicals IPO Receives 32.19x Subscription On Day 2; Check GMP Today

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 17:53 IST

Unlisted shares of Stallion India Fluorochemicals Ltd are trading at Rs 128 apiece in the grey market, which is a 42.22 per cent premium over the upper IPO price of Rs 90.

Stallion India Fluorochemicals IPO.

Stallion India Fluorochemicals IPO: The initial public offer (IPO) of Stallion India Fluorochemicals Ltd, which was opened on January 16 (Wednesday), has received over 7.31 times subscription so far. The IPO will be closed on January 20. The price band of the Rs 199.45-crore SME IPO has been fixed at Rs 85 to 90 apiece. On the second day of bidding on Friday, the IPO got a 32.19 times subscription receiving bids for 49,94,10,615 shares against 1,55,12,978 shares on offer.

So far, the quota for retail investors got subscribed by 31.15 times. The non-institutional investors (NII) portion received a 77.13 times subscription. The QIB category has been subscribed by 0.31 times.

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The IPO allotment will likely take place on January 21, while the listing is scheduled to take place on January 23 on both BSE and NSE.

Stallion India IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Stallion India Fluorochemicals Ltd are currently trading at Rs 128 apiece in the grey market, which is a 42.22 per cent premium over the upper IPO price of Rs 90. It indicates a strong listing gain for investors on January 23.

Stallion India Fluorochemicals IPO: Should You Apply?

Most brokerages have give a subscribe rating to the IPO.

Anand Rathi Research in its IPO note said Stallion India Fluorochemicals has created a unique space in the segment with quality and economical products. The company holds a prominent position with a market share of 10 per cent in the fluorochemicals industry. With its planned business strategy and capex mode, there is a significant headroom to improve earnings in coming years.

On the valuation front, at an upper band, the company is fairly priced at a P/E of 48 times post issue of equity shares on FY24 earning basis. We believe that the company has a scope of business improvement on the back of industry tailwinds and business scalability. Thus, we recommend a subscribe for long-term rating for this IPO," Anand Rathi added.

Another brokerage Swastika Investmart in its IPO note said Stallion India is engaged in the refrigerant and industrial gases business. The company has strong market recognition. It has a track record of strong financial performance while the IPO is priced at a fair valuation.

We recommend subscribing to the Stallion India IPO given its strong market position and financial performance," it added.

Arihant Capital Markets also granted a subscribe rating saying that the IPO proceeds will help Stallion India Fluorochemicals fund the planned capex for the expansion of semiconductor, specialty and refrigerant Gas, said .

Granting a subscribe rating to the Stallion India IPO, Arihant Capital said the issue is valued at an EV/Ebitda multiple of 26.2 times based on FY24 Ebitda and P/E ratio of 35.4 times.

Stallion India Fluorochemicals IPO: More Details

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of 1.78 crore equity shares and an offer-for-sale (OFS) component of 43.02 lakh shares by its promoter Shazad Sheriar Rustomji.

At the upper end of the price band, the IPO size is pegged at Rs 199.45 crore.

The public issue will conclude on January 20.

Proceeds from the issue will be used towards funding working capital requirements, capital expenditure for its proposed facilities in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and general corporate purposes.

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Stallion India Fluorochemicals is engaged in the sale of refrigerants and industrial gases, along with related products. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including air-conditioning and refrigeration, firefighting, semiconductor manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medicals, glass bottle manufacturing, aerosols, and spray foam applications.

Sarthi Capital Advisors is the sole book running lead manager, while Bigshare Services is the registrar to the issue.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 10:10 IST
Budget 2025: PNC Infra, Dilip Buildcon, Other Road Construction Stocks In Focus; Know Why

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 23, 2025, 23:32 IST

Industry experts also foresee a stronger focus on improving rural road connectivity in this years budget

Roads & Highway construction stocks in focus (Image: Shutterstock)

The road construction sector is drawing significant attention ahead of the Union Budget scheduled for February 1, with expectations that it will be one of the key beneficiaries of increased budgetary allocations.

Experts point out that increased infrastructure spending, with a major focus on road network development, has been a defining feature of Union Budgets under PM Narendra Modis leadership. Over the past five years, Indias road network has grown by 59%, making it the second-largest globally at over 6.7 million kilometers, second only to the United States. This expansion includes 1.46 lakh kilometers of national highways.

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Although there has been some slowdown in the past two years due to higher social expenditures in preparation for the general elections in May, analysts expect a significant year-on-year rise in road sector funding in the upcoming Union Budget.

In the 202425 fiscal year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) was allocated Rs 2.72 lakh crore, with actual expenditure by December 2024 estimated at Rs 1.751.8 lakh crore. However, the pace of project awarding slowed to 2,500 kilometers, compared to 3,100 kilometers in the same period last year.

The Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is expected to see a modest increase of 56%, reaching Rs 2.852.9 lakh crore.

A renewed focus on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects is anticipated, with 15 projects valued at Rs 44,000 crore in the pipeline. Additionally, the government is likely to revive the Bharatmala Pariyojana, aiming to complete the remaining 4,182 kilometers under Phase-I. Delays in this initiative have been attributed to cost overruns and administrative challenges. With the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) carrying a debt of Rs 2.8 lakh crore, the budget may introduce measures to encourage asset monetisation to finance new developments and ease financial pressures.

Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking, notes that while budgetary allocations for road infrastructure have increased, project execution may still face delays due to challenges such as land acquisition and regulatory hurdles. Infrastructure and EPC companies are expected to benefit, but near-term gains may be tempered by these execution challenges.

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Industry experts also foresee a stronger focus on improving rural road connectivity in this years budget. However, the success of such initiatives will depend on project size, private developers returns, and the ability to streamline clearances to address the challenges associated with long-gestation projects.

Over the past 12 years, the road construction sector has consistently delivered strong returns, with companies like G R Infraprojects, KNR Constructions, PNC Infratech, and Dilip Buildcon registering compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) ranging from 15% to 30%. Analysts believe that valuations in this sector remain attractive compared to the railways sector, supported by steady revenue growth and substantial government spending.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 11:21 IST
Kalyan Jewellers Shares Fall 37% From All-Time Highs; Why Is The Stock Losing Its Shine?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 12:41 IST

Shares of Kalyan Jewellers India Ltd have continued to decline despite the company denying rumors of IT raids; Why is the stock falling?

Kalyan Jewellers Share Price

Shares of Kalyan Jewellers India Ltd have continued to decline despite the company denying rumors of IT raids and allegations of bribing fund managers. The stock had started 2025 on a high note, reaching an all-time high on January 2, but has mostly been on a downward trend since then, falling in 10 out of 13 sessions this year.

On Friday, the stock dropped 6.63%, reaching a days low of Rs 503.25. This marks a 36.66% decline from its record high of Rs 794.60. The stock has fallen in four out of five sessions this week, following a five-session losing streak last week.

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From a technical perspective, Kalyan Jewellers remains in oversold" territory, with its Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently at 21. An RSI below 30 indicates that the stock is oversold.

As of January 2, Kalyan Jewellers had a market capitalization exceeding Rs 82,000 crore, but it has now dropped to Rs 50,000 crore. Additionally, the stock remains under the Futures & Options (F&O) ban, meaning no new positions can be initiated.

The company recently addressed rumors of IT raids and bribery. During an earnings call, Kalyan Jewellers denied any raids and labeled the bribery allegations as absurd." Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director, emphasized that the company has always maintained a high level of integrity and transparency in its business operations. He also clarified that no raids had occurred, stating that inventory levels are audited thoroughly and the company has repaid around Rs 450 crore of debt over the last 18 months, in addition to a Rs 170 crore dividend payout. Kalyanaraman also dismissed rumors about purchasing an aircraft, clarifying that the company had no such plans and that it only owns a helicopter, which is not for sale.

Regarding the stocks future prospects, Kalyan Jewellers is currently trading at a six-month low. Riyank Arora, a technical analyst at Mehta Equities, noted that the stock is approaching a key support level of Rs 515, which could provide an opportunity for a rebound. Arora suggested that the stock could rise towards Rs 560570 in the near term, supported by the oversold conditions indicated by an RSI of 22. He advised a disciplined approach with a stop loss near Rs 510 to manage risk effectively, suggesting a favorable risk-reward ratio for short-term traders.

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Kalyan Jewellers is a constituent of the NIFTY 500 index. Despite the recent decline, data from the BSE shows that the stock has delivered a positive return of 39% over the past year. Over the past two and three years, Kalyan Jewellers shares have provided multibagger returns of 320% and 626%, respectively.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 12:41 IST
Stocks To Watch: Infosys, IRCTC, Wipro, RIL, Axis Bank, TVS Motors, Tech M, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 07:56 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Infosys, IRCTC, Wipro, RIL, Axis Bank, TVS Motors, Tech M, and others will be in focus on Friday's trade

Stocks to Watch Today

Stocks To Watch On January 17: On the weekly expiry day, domestic markets traded within a narrow range and ended slightly higher, marking the third consecutive day of consolidation. Key stocks such as Reliance Industries (RIL), Infosys, IRCTC, Wipro, Jio Financial, and BPCL are likely to be in focus due to recent developments and Q3 results.

Earnings to Watch on January 17: Several companies will announce their quarterly earnings today, including Wipro, Tech Mahindra, SBI Life Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Indian Hotels, Jio Financial Services, Rallis India, Ramkrishna Forgings, Supreme Petrochem, Sterlite Technologies, Swaraj Engines, Seshasayee Paper & Boards, Steel Strips Wheels, Aether Industries, 5paisa Capital, Concord Enviro Systems, Sanathan Textiles, Ponni Sugars (Erode), Mamata Machinery, and MRO-TEK Realty.

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Listings: Capital Infra IPO (Mainline) and Sat Kartar Shopping IPO (SME) are set to list on the bourses today.

Reliance Industries: For Q3, Reliance Industries reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 18,540 crore, up 7.39% YoY from Rs 17,265 crore. Revenue increased by 7.02% YoY to Rs 2,44,000 crore, while EBITDA grew 7.71% YoY to Rs 43,789 crore. The EBITDA margin improved slightly to 17.96%, up 0.13 percentage points from the previous year.

Infosys: Infosys posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 6,810 crore for Q3, a 4.77% QoQ increase from Rs 6,500 crore, in line with estimates. Revenue rose by 1.85% QoQ to Rs 41,760 crore, surpassing estimates of Rs 41,300 crore. EBIT increased by 3.03% QoQ to Rs 8,912 crore, with an EBIT margin of 21.34%, up 0.24 percentage points.

Axis Bank: Axis Banks Q3 standalone net profit grew by 3.83% YoY to Rs 6,304 crore, meeting estimates. Interest income rose by 10.71% YoY to Rs 30,950 crore. The bank reported a marginal increase in gross NPA to 1.46% and net NPA to 0.35%. Provisions fell by 2.18% to Rs 2,156 crore from the previous quarter.

IRCTC: IRCTC appointed Sudhir Kumar as the Chief Financial Officer, effective from January 16.

Havells India: For Q3, Havells India reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 278 crore, down 3.47% YoY from Rs 288 crore. Revenue rose 10.75% YoY to Rs 4,889 crore, while EBITDA decreased by 1.62% to Rs 426 crore. The EBITDA margin narrowed to 8.71%, down 1.10 percentage points from last year.

LTIMindtree: LTIMindtrees Q3 consolidated net profit dropped 13.2% QoQ to Rs 1,085 crore, missing estimates of Rs 1,120 crore. Revenue rose by 2.78% QoQ to Rs 9,661 crore, slightly exceeding estimates. EBIT fell by 8.28% QoQ to Rs 1,339 crore, with an EBIT margin of 13.76%, down from 15.46% in the previous quarter.

Metro Brands: For Q3, Metro Brands reported a standalone net profit of Rs 94.1 crore, a decline of 1.67% YoY from Rs 95.7 crore. Revenue grew by 11.69% YoY to Rs 688 crore, while EBITDA increased by 13.20% to Rs 223 crore. The EBITDA margin improved slightly to 32.41%.

TVS Motors: TVS Motors announced its entry into the Moroccan market in partnership with Hindi Motors, launching a range of two-wheelers including the TVS NTORQ 125, TVS Raider 125, and TVS Apache 160 and 200.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL): BPCL secured a Rs 31,802 crore loan agreement with an SBI-led consortium to finance the expansion of its petrochemical complex and refinery at Bina.

AIA Engineering: AIA Engineerings subsidiary Vega ME plans to expand its manufacturing facilities in China and Ghana and is exploring locations in Indonesia. The company aims to add 100,000 MTPA of capacity with an investment of $50 million (Rs 410 crore), expected to be completed within three years.

Bajaj Healthcare: The company secured a new contract to manufacture, market, and sell Magnesium L-Threonate in the Indian market.

Hatsun Agro Products: For Q3, Hatsun Agros standalone net profit fell 28.71% YoY to Rs 40.9 crore. Revenue grew 6.30% YoY to Rs 2,009 crore, while EBITDA increased marginally by 0.47% to Rs 214 crore. The EBITDA margin contracted to 10.65% from 11.27% YoY.

HFCL: HFCL received an advance work order worth Rs 2,501 crore from BSNL.

Waaree Renewable Tech: Waaree Renewable Techs Q3 consolidated net profit declined 16.71% YoY to Rs 53.5 crore, while revenue rose 11.11% YoY to Rs 360 crore. EBITDA fell 18.11% YoY to Rs 71.92 crore, with the EBITDA margin dropping to 19.96% from 27.08% in the previous year.

Spencers Retail: Spencers Retails Q3 consolidated net loss narrowed 7.62% YoY to Rs 47.3 crore, with revenue declining 20.49% YoY to Rs 520 crore. EBITDA rose slightly by 0.34% YoY to Rs 11.8 crore, with an improved EBITDA margin of 2.28%, up from 1.80% YoY.

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Last Mile Enterprises: The company approved a 1:10 subdivision of its equity shares.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 07:56 IST
Tata Sons Faces Potential Mandatory IPO Amid NBFC-UL Classification by RBI; All You Need To Know

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:41 IST

Tata Sons, classified as an NBFC-UL by RBI, may need to list on stock exchanges by September 2025 unless its de-registration application is approved.

Tata Sons IPO In September?

Tata Sons IPO In September? Tata Sons, the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group, may be required to list on stock exchanges by September 2025 following its identification as an Upper Layer Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-UL) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, the companys application for de-registration as an NBFC is still under review by the central bank, which, if approved, would exempt it from the mandatory listing requirements.

The Reserve Bank of India released the latest list of 15 NBFCs classified under the Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) category on January 16. Apart from Tata Sons, the list includes Tata Capital, LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, and Aditya Birla Finance, among others.

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What Does Upper Layer NBFC Classification Entail?

Under the RBIs Scale Based Regulation (SBR): A Revised Regulatory Framework for NBFCs," NBFCs classified as Upper Layer must mandatorily list on stock exchanges within three years of identification. These norms, effective October 1, 2022, ensure enhanced regulatory oversight for large NBFCs due to their size, activities, and risk profile.

Tata Sons was categorized as an NBFC-UL on September 30, 2022, which means the company must list by September 30, 2025, unless it secures de-registration. Once classified as an NBFC-UL, a company remains subject to stringent regulatory requirements for at least five years, even if it no longer meets the criteria in subsequent years.

The RBI uses asset size and other parameters to classify NBFCs into four layers  Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL), Top Layer.

The Upper Layer comprise of those NBFCs which are specifically identified by the Reserve Bank as warranting enhanced regulatory requirement based on a set of parameters and scoring methodology.

The top ten eligible NBFCs in terms of their asset size always reside in the upper layer, irrespective of any other factor.

In terms of the framework, once an NBFC is classified as NBFC-UL, it will be subject to enhanced regulatory requirements, at least for five years from its classification in the layer, even in case it does not meet the parametric criteria in the subsequent year/s.

Tata Sons IPO: Whats the Status?

Tata Sons has applied to the RBI for de-registration as an NBFC, which would relieve it from the listing requirement. The RBI clarified, Inclusion of Tata Sons Private Limited in the list of NBFC-UL is without prejudice to the outcome of its application for de-registration, which is under examination."

Should the application be denied, Tata Sons would be obligated to comply with the listing requirement under the SBR framework.

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Other Tata Group NBFC in Focus

In addition to Tata Sons, another Tata group entity, Tata Capital, has been identified as an NBFC-UL, meaning it, too, would be subject to mandatory listing under the current regulations.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:35 IST
CBSE Asks Schools To Upload Class 12th Practical Exam, Internal Assessment Marks By Feb 14

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:42 IST

The CBSE has urged the schools to meticulously verify data accuracy before submission, as no corrections will be allowed later.

CBSE has opened the portal for schools to upload Class 12 practical/internal assessment marks from January 15 to February 14, 2025.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened the portal for uploading marks for Practical, Project, and Internal Assessments for Class 12th conducted by affiliated schools. In the official notice, the CBSE announced that the portal was activated on January 15, 2025, and schools will be able to upload the marks of the students until February 15, 2025.

The Board Examinations 2024-25 related activities are in full swing with most schools conducting the Practical/Project/Internal Assessment and uploading of marks for the same. In continuation of the same, the portal for uploading of Internal Grades will remain active w.e.f. 15th January, 2025 to 14th February, 2025 for Uploading the Internal Grades of Class  XII candidates, CBSE stated in the official notice.

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The board has urged all the schools to carefully cross-check the data before uploading, ensuring the accuracy of the Internal Grades. It is important to note that once the marks or grades for Practical/Internal Assessments and Projects are uploaded, they will be final, and no corrections will be permitted thereafter. Schools are responsible for verifying that the grades are correct before submission. The Board emphasizes the need for meticulous attention to detail during this process to avoid any discrepancies.

The practical exams, project works and internal assessment for the 2024-25 academic session are being held from January 1, 2025 for all the CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad.

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Meanwhile, CBSE has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools across various locations in India following surprise inspections conducted in December 2024. The inspections carried out on December 18 and 19, were aimed at assessing the schools compliance with CBSEs affiliation rules and guidelines.

The schools in Delhi were inspected on December 18, while those in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) were examined the following day, December 19. After reviewing the reports from the inspection teams, CBSE found significant violations in many of the schools.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:01 IST
Mastering CUET-UG 2025: Preparation Tips From Expert To Crack The Entrance Exam

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 14:20 IST

Early preparation, a structured study plan, regular mock tests, and maintaining a positive mindset are essential for success in CUET-UG 2025.

Check these tips for CUET UG 2025 exam. (Representative Image/Shutterstock)

By Amitendra Kumar

The Common University Entrance Test, UG 2025 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a very important gateway for students who seek admission into undergraduate programs offered by more than 250 prestigious Central, State, and participating universities across India. With competition increasing every year, preparing effectively for this exam is more important now than ever before.

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CUET tests the applicants on critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, language skills, and domain-specific knowledge, hence preparation requires strategic planning. Lets have a look at key tips and strategies that students can use with confidence to conquer the CUET-UG examination and fulfill their academic goals.

Understanding CUET And Early Preparation

The first step in your preparation journey is to understand the structure of the CUET exam. The test assesses candidates in areas such as critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the syllabus, exam format, and marking scheme. For accurate and updated information, refer to the official NTA website.

An early start gives a lot of time to cover the syllabus and revise in detail. Start by breaking down the syllabus into smaller sections, identifying core topics, and focusing on areas where you feel less confident.

Analyzing the exam pattern, including the number of sections, types of questions, and time limits, help in strategizing your study plan effectively. Checking the eligibility criteria at the very beginning will ensure that you meet the requirements and avoid last-minute surprises during the application process.

Crafting A Structured Study Plan

An organized study plan is key to managing your preparation effectively. Allocate dedicated hours for each subject based on its complexity and your proficiency level. Ensure your schedule includes regular revision sessions to reinforce what youve learned. Instead of overloading yourself with long study hours, aim for shorter, focused sessions with periodic breaks to refresh your mind.

Mock tests and sample papers are the most precious tools in your preparation. This is what they do for you: they help familiarize you with the format of the exam, improve time management skills, and give you confidence. After every test, analyze your performance well to pick out your strengths and weaknesses. This enables you to focus on those areas and prepare the right strategies for answering.

Preparation Of Key Sections

The preparation for CUET requires an all-around focus on all the core areas of it. For critical thinking, one should practice logical puzzles and reasoning exercises to hone ones analytical abilities. For quantitative reasoning, a good hold on mathematical concepts is necessary; therefore, emphasis should be placed on mastering topics such as algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

Language proficiency demands regular reading, vocabulary enhancement, and comprehension practice, while subject-specific knowledge can be fortified by revisiting NCERT textbooks and standard reference materials.

Integrating advanced technology can also give an edge in preparation. AI learning platforms provide the advantage of adaptive testing, personalization of a study plan, and performance tracking in real-time, which allows focusing on weak areas.

Managing Exam Day Effectively

Success in CUET does not only depend on preparation but also on how you handle the exam day. Planning can reduce stress and improve performance. Prepare a list of topics for last-minute revision, focusing on key concepts, formulas, and strategies. Avoid trying to learn new material at the last moment.

Take photocopies of the documents required during the exam such as an admit card, and a valid photo ID one day before the day of the test. You must visit the test centre beforehand to familiarize yourself with its location so you dont experience confusion on test day. It helps you get into the exam well in time with sufficient time for settling in.

Maintain a calm and focused mind on the exam day. Stress can hamper your thinking ability, so practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to keep yourself composed. Equally important is a good nights sleep before the exam, as it enhances concentration and cognitive functions.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk Is Hiring Software Engineers To Build Everything App, Fancy Degrees And Experience Not Needed

Overcoming Challenges With A Positive Mindset

The CUET preparation sometimes seems daunting, but what helps in overcoming such challenges is the motivation and positive approach. Joining study groups is helpful as one can exchange ideas and clarify doubts by taking different perspectives on issues.

The mentors or teachers help in the understanding of complex topics by providing valuable insights in overcoming the tricky areas more effectively.

Using quality study material is the other most important factor. You must select books and online material that are rich in covering the syllabus as well as following the latest pattern of exams. Regular visits to the NTA website ensure you remain updated concerning changes in the format or guidelines of the exam.

Takeaway

In conclusion, to ace the CUET-UG 2025 exam, one needs early preparation, disciplined study routines, regular practice, and a calm mindset. Understanding the exam pattern, focusing on weak areas, and practicing with sample papers and mock tests will boost the confidence and readiness of the students.

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It is equally important to manage stress, maintain a positive outlook, and ensure physical well-being with proper rest and nutrition. Being updated with exam notifications and using quality resources is what keeps one ahead. With regular effort and a focused strategy, students can conquer challenges and gain entry into their dream university, paving the way for a promising academic future.

(The Author is the Product Head of UG at Career Launcher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.)

First Published: January 17, 2025, 10:10 IST
Friday Fables: A List Of Saif Ali Khan's Recommended Books

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 15:22 IST

Saif Ali Khan News: While fans prays for the actor's speedy recovery, you may want to know his favourite books for a weekend read.

Saif Ali Khan is a global-minded actor with royal ancestry whose passions go far beyond sets and scripts. (File Image)

Saif Ali Khans fans have been praying for his speedy recovery ever since it came to light that the 54-year-old actor suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th-floor flat in Bandra. The actor, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent emergency surgery, according to doctors.

The actor is a notable personality in the Bollywood industry, not only for his acting but also for his varied tastes and intellectual curiosity.

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Saif Ali Khan Is An Avid Book Lover

Saif is a global-minded actor with royal ancestry whose passions go far beyond sets and scripts. He is also an avid reader and his taste in literature reflects his artistic endeavours. He still finds time to read a great book amid his busy schedule. Any bookworm would be jealous of his magnificent collection, stocked with first editions and signed copies. Saif has given us a look into his personality by sharing some of his favourite novels in his interviews. The books that influenced the actors thought process offer an intriguing look into his mind. He suggests these three works since they each have a distinct storytelling and thought-provoking style. Lets have a look:

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

The Fountainhead (1943) by Ayn Rand is a philosophical book that uses the tale of Howard Roark, a young, unyielding architect, to examine independence, creativity and integrity. Roark encounters obstacles and rejection as a result of his creative designs that defy social norms. Roarks independence is contrasted throughout the book with the moral compromising and conforming behaviour of characters such as Peter Keating and Ellsworth Toohey. Rand uses the story to support her objectivism, emphasising the pursuit of personal values and rational self-interest. The book is a thought-provoking examination of ambition, artistic independence and the conflict between personal vision and social expectations.

Saif Ali Khan suggests this book because it emphasises the value of self-reliance and sticking to ones convictions, which he can connect to in his own life and work. In addition to telling a gripping tale, the book challenges readers to consider their morals and the cost of being authentic.

The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse

The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse, published in 1938, is a hilarious comedy romp that stars the endearingly incompetent Bertie Wooster and his unflappable butler, Jeeves. Bertie is drawn into a string of mishaps including a friends romantic problems, an outrageous cow-creamer and an overbearing aunt. Wodehouses trademark wit, complex plot turns and endearing characters such as the cunning Sir Roderick Spode and the unfortunate Gussie Fink-Nottle abound in this tale. One of Wodehouses best-known works, the novel is a masterwork of absurd humour that captures the whimsical mayhem of upper-class British society.

Saif has a strong taste for British wit and Wodehouses light-hearted narrative is expertly displayed in this novel. He adores how it provides a lovely diversion from daily life, full of witty banter and humorous scenarios.

Collected Ghost Stories by M.R. James

Some of the best ghostly stories ever written are collected in M.R. Jamess Collected Ghost Stories, demonstrating his command of atmosphere, tension and fear. These tales, which were written between 1895 and 1936, frequently centre on scholars or antiquarians who unintentionally awaken evil spirits. James creates a spooky realism with his use of rich historical information and subtle danger. These classic stories continue to enthral readers with their subdued, eerie intensity and have influenced countless horror authors.

Saif Ali Khan is enthralled by James use of suspense and tension, choosing psychological terror over the gory violence frequently found in contemporary films. This suggestion demonstrates Saifs wide range of literary preferences by fusing his passion for books with an interest in the enigmatic. Collected Ghost Stories is a great option if youre searching for a terrifying dive into the paranormal; it provides a spooky experience without resorting to graphic graphics.

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Saif Ali Khans reading list portrays a man who refuses to be constrained by the glamour of his career to better comprehend the world and himself. One cant help but wonder which book will influence his decisions or give him a fresh perspective on life as he continues to wow audiences with his amazing movies. His bookshelf serves as a map of a different vision as well as a collection of volumes for readers and fans like us.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:05 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his congratulations on the victory of his party in the parliamentary elections during a joint press conference, Trend reports.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the victory of his party is significant for ensuring stability and security in the region and for the relations between the two countries. He stated, This is of exceptional importance. You are a unique leader in the region and a role model for us. You lead your country by protecting the interests of your state. It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be here today.
Need 50% Cut In Metro Fares For Students: Arvind Kejriwal To PM Modi Ahead Of Delhi Polls

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 11:03 IST

Arvind Kerjiwal, in yet another move days ahead of voting in Delhi, has demanded PM Modi to approve 50% concession for students travelling in Delhi Metro.

PM Modi and Arvind Kejriwal (PTI Image)

Former Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, seeking re-election in the Delhi polls, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve a 50% concession for students travelling in the citys Metro.

In a letter to PM Modi on Friday, Kejriwal said that both the Centre and the Delhi governments should manage the losses incurred in rolling out the proposal.

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Notably, Delhi Metro is operated in collaboration between the Delhi and the central governments.

Kejriwal Writes To PM Modi

Mentioning that a large number of students commute through Delhi Metro on a daily basis for educational purposes, Kejriwal proposed offering 50% concession to the students to alleviate the financial burden" from them.

I am writing this letter to draw your attention to an important matter concerning the students of schools and colleges in Delhi. A large number of students in Delhi rely heavily on the metro for their daily commute to and from their educational institutions," he said.

To alleviate the financial burden on students, I propose offering a 50% concession on metro fares for students. The Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the Delhi Government and the Central Government, with equal (50:50) funding. Therefore, the cost of this concession should be equally shared by both the Delhi Government and the Central Government," Kejriwal added.

AAP To Make Bus Rides Free For Students

He further said that the AAP is planning to make bus travel completely free" for students and added that he hoped" that the Prime Minister would agree to the proposal.

Notably, bus rides are free for women passengers in Delhi and now the Delhi government is planning to make it free of cost for students.

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However, due to the model code of conduct in place, the decision cannot be implemented before elections, and the decision can only be enforced on the ground after the new government is formed.

Delhi is all set to go to Assembly polls on February 5 and the counting of votes will be done on February 8.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 10:47 IST
How Pontoon Bridges, The Engineering Marvel At Maha Kumbh Mela, Ensure Seamless, Safe, Spiritual Journey

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 12:47 IST

Relying on the ancient concept of floating bridges, the 30 pontoon bridges constructed over the period of 15 months for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, can support up to 5 tonnes of weight. The bridges are dismantled after the festival ends

The pontoon bridges float on the River Ganga based on the Archimedes' Principle. (Photo: Oliver Fredrick/ News18)

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 stands as a global spectacle, with astounding 1.65 crore attendees flocking to Prayagraj on Paush Purnima (January 13) and record-breaking 3.5 crore devotees on Makar Sankranti (January 14). So, how are pilgrims able to attend this colossal event, divided in 25 sectors, spanning across 40 square kilometers? It is the heavy-duty pontoon bridges, which connect various sectors and ensure uninterrupted movement of the faithful at the festival.

Inspired by a 2,500-year-old Persian technique first used in Europe in 480 BCE, the black, floating iron capsules weigh 5 tonnes each, and serve as the lifeline" of the worlds largest human congregation, according to officials.

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Peepe Ka Pul  A Blend Of Ancient Innovation With Modern Practicality

The pontoon bridge floats on water and is supported by large, hollow containers called pontoons. It is called Peepe Ka Pul in Maha Kumbh City  Prayagraj.

News18 spoke to the officers responsible for constructing the colossal pontoon bridges, which facilitate the passage of millions of devotees from one place to another, enabling seamless access to religious rituals at the Kumbh Mela. The bridges also accommodate the grand procession of all 13 Akharas along with a fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles, chariots, and animals.

Pontoon bridges are indeed an indispensable part of Maha Kumbh. We are working round the clock to maintain these pontoon bridges, which are although low maintenance but need round- the-clock monitoring," said Alok Kumar, a Public Works Department (PWD) engineer, who ensures the maintenance of the pontoon bridges.

How Many Pontoon Bridges In Maha Kumbh?

Nearly 30 pontoon bridges were constructed over a period of 15 months for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.

The PWD department officials said in August 2023 the department was assigned with the task of erecting massive pontoon bridges along the Kumbh Mela area. We were entrusted with the responsibility of building pontoon bridges for the Maha Kumbh. This mammoth task required the construction of 2,213 pontoons within just 15 months  a number unprecedented in history. Over 1,000 workers, engineers, and officials worked tirelessly, often for 14 hours a day. By October 2024, we had completed all the pontoon bridges and handed them over to the fair administration," senior PWD officials told News18.

How Are Pontoon Bridges Constructed?

The 30 pontoon bridges connect various parts of the Maha Kumbh area, spanning the Ganga River, to make the pilgrimage more seamless for devotees. Once the fair concludes, the bridges are dismantled and stored," PWD engineer Alok Kumar said.

The parts will be stored in designated locations in Prayagraj: Sarayinayat near Kanihar, Trivenipuram, and the Parade Ground. While some may be allocated to other districts of Uttar Pradesh to support temporary bridge requirements.

After the pontoons are built, using thick iron sheets, they are transported through cranes and lowered into the river. Once positioned, workers set girders on top, secure them with nuts and bolts, and push the pontoons into the river with hydraulic machines, officials behind the construction and maintenance of the pontoon bridges told News18.

The bridge deck is layered with wooden planks, loam soil, and sand, while strong iron angles and wires provide additional stability. Finally, checkered metal plates are installed to complete the surface.

He said the size of the pontoons is as large as that of boats and remain buoyant and stable even under significant weight.

How Do Pontoons Float?

It is simple physics that keeps these heavy iron capsules afloat," said Kumar. It is based on Archimedes Principle, which states that the upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body. Formulated by Archimedes of Syracuse, this fundamental law of fluid mechanics ensures that the massive, hollow iron pontoonsdespite weighing several tons  remain buoyant.

The official said each pontoon bridge can support up to 5 tonnes of weight. Exceeding this load risks sinking or breaking the structure. The bridges are meticulously designed to evenly distribute weight, and crowd movement is carefully managed to prevent excessive strain on any single section", he added.

The 30 pontoon bridges at the Maha Kumbh are built at the cost of Rs 17.31 crore. The Nagvasuki temple to Jhusi bridge had the highest budget of Rs 1.13 crore, while others like Gangeshwar and Bhardwaj ranged from Rs 50 to Rs 89 lakh, according to officials.

History Of Pontoon Bridges In India

The first pontoon bridge was constructed around 2,500 years, showcasing ancient engineering ingenuity.

Officials said the first pontoon bridge in India, when it was opened to traffic in October 1874, connected Howrah and Calcutta across the Hooghly River. Designed by Sir Bradford Leslie, the bridge was built using timber pontoons and was partially constructed in England before being shipped to India for assembly. Unfortunately, it was damaged by a cyclone in the same year.

Despite this, the bridge remained functional and was even illuminated by electric lamps in 1879. To accommodate river traffic, the bridge was periodically unfastened. However, due to increased traffic and the harsh weather conditions, it was decommissioned in 1943 and replaced by the iconic Howrah Bridge. The new bridge was built to handle higher traffic volumes and withstand the regions rough weather, solidifying its place as one of Indias most important infrastructure landmarks.

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In China, temporary pontoon bridges were first used during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC), with permanent versions developed under the Qin Dynasty (2nd century BC).

In Persia, engineers constructed famous pontoon bridges in 480 BC across the Hellespont to facilitate Xerxes Is military campaign into Greece. These structures relied on the principle of buoyancy, utilising floating platforms to create stable, temporary crossings over water bodies.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 10:54 IST
What's The New Definition Of Obesity, Does It Include BMI? Lancets Updated Guidelines Explained

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Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:11 IST

BMI over 30 is considered obese. But those having excess fat may not always have a BMI 30, which shows under-diagnosis of people and the health risks they carry. Thus, Lancet has introduced two ways to diagnose obesity: clinical and pre-clinical obesity

Over the years, BMI was used as a tool to diagnose obesity. But the American Medical Association in 2013 urged doctors to downgrade BMI in their health assessments of patients.

For many years, obesity would be diagnosed based on a persons BMI (Body Mass Index). But the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission  which is endorsed by 75 medical organisation around the world  has introduced two ways to diagnose obesity: clinical and pre-clinical obesity.

Earlier, BMI over 30 would be considered obese. But those having excess fat may not always have a BMI 30, which shows under-diagnosis of people and the health risks they carry. BMI is defined as a measure of body fat based on a persons weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in metres.

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Thus, the new way would delineate if and how an individuals excess body fat affects their organ health and daily functioning.

What Are The New Guidelines?

Obesity means having too much body fat, which can harm your health. While obesity is defined by body fat, measuring it accurately often requires special machines like Bioelectrical Impedance or DEXA scans, which are expensive and not commonly available in clinics.

According to Lancet, the new, evidence-based definition distinguishes clinical obesity, a chronic, systemic disease state directly caused by excess adiposity, from preclinical obesity, a condition of excess adiposity without current organ dysfunction or limitations in daily activities but with increased future health risk.

Given the limitations of BMI, the Commission uses other measurements of body size (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist-to-height ratio), in addition to BMI, to define obesity status."

Clinical obesity is defined in the new guidelines as a chronic disease with specific signs and symptoms of ongoing organ dysfunction due to obesity alone. Treatment for clinical obesity  lifestyle, medication, surgery, etc.  should be aimed to fully regain or improve the body functions reduced by excess body fat.

As per new guidelines, pre-clinical obesity is defined as being associated with variable level of health risk, but no ongoing health complications due to excess body fat. The approach to care should aim at risk reduction.

All people living with obesity should receive health advice and evidence-based care when needed  free of stigma and blame  with different strategies for clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.

The Shift In Recognising Obesity As A Disease

Over the years, the BMI was used as a tool to diagnose obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of obesity, it is a condition where there is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat (BMI above 30) that can pose a health risk.

Since the WHO definition in 1948, the American Medical Association in 2013 urged doctors to downgrade BMI in their health assessments of patients. Treatments too are getting more scrutiny as recent guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration edged closer to weight loss drugs and further away from lifestyle changes as the first option for doctors and patients to consider.

That shift  from recognising obesity as a disease and not just a risk for other diseases  demands more clarity in diagnosis, the Lancet commission concluded, as reported by Stat News  a news website that covers health, science and medicine.

Obesity In India

Similar to the new definition of obesity released by Lancet, doctors, surgeons, physiotherapists and nutritionists from the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), Fortis C-DOC Hospital, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have provided new guidelines for obesity.

As per Indian doctors and researchers, new definition and guidelines for obesity were needed as the old 2009 guidelines relied solely on BMI to diagnose obesity. Research now shows BMI alone is not enough, especially for Indians.

Studies reveal a strong link between belly fat, inflammation, and early health problems in Indians.

Obesity are classified into two stages:

Stage 1: Increased adiposity (BMI > 23 kg/m) without apparent effects on organ functions or routine daily activities. This stage of obesity, currently not causing any pathological problems (Innocuous obesity"), could progress to Stage 2 obesity, which has association with mechanical and disease related problems.

Stage 2: Advanced state of obesity with increased BMI more than 23 kg/2, and abdominal adiposity, excess Waist Circumference (WC) or Waist-to-Height Ratio (W-HtR). One of these impacts physical and organ functions: mechanical conditions (such as knee arthritis due to excess weight) or the presence of diseases associated with obesity (such as type 2 diabetes).

Facts About Obesity And Overweight

According to WHO, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and above were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity, in 2022. This corresponds to 43% of adults aged 18 years and over (43% of men and 44% of women) were overweight  an increase from 1990, when 25% of adults were overweight.

Around 31% of worlds overweight people are found in South-East Asia Region and the African Region compared to 67% in Americas.

About 16% of adults aged 18 years and older worldwide were obese in 2022. In 2022, an estimated 37 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries.

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While just 2% of children and adolescents aged 5-19 were obese in 1990 (31 million young people), by 2022, 8% of children and adolescents were living with obesity (160 million young people).

In India, around 70 million adults were obese in 2022, with almost twice the number of women than men, at 44 million and 26 million, respectively. In children aged 19 and under, 5.2 million girls and 7.3 million boys were obese, a global study published on February 29, 2024 in Lancet journal said.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:08 IST
Why Do Punjab Farmers On Protest Want India To Exit WTO? | Explained

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:02 IST

According to the protesting farmers, WTO rules favour developed nations, harming Indian small-scale farmers by threatening food security, livelihoods, and agriculture, particularly in Punjab, through restrictive policies and agreements

According to farmers, WTO policies threaten India's food security, small farmers and their livelihoods. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The farmers agitation on the borders of Punjab and Haryana has entered its eleventh month. The farmers movement began on February 13, 2024 at Khanauri (Sangrur district) and the Shambhu border (Patiala district) near the Haryana border.

This movement started with various demands including making a law to guarantee minimum support price (MSP) for all crops. But now their demands have gone beyond this.

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The movement, initiated under the banner of the non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha, has brought to the forefront demands for agricultural reforms. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader associated with the movement, has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri Kisan Morcha for several days. His primary demand is a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for 24 crops.

Farmers, particularly those from Punjab, have intensified their calls for Indias withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the suspension of all free trade agreements falling under the Agriculture Agreement. They contend that WTO rules disproportionately benefit developed countries, while many aspects of the agriculture agreement are detrimental to the interests of small-scale Indian farmers.

In February 2024, farmers in Punjab observed Quit WTO Day. They claimed that World Trade Organisation (WTO) policies threaten Indias food security, small farmers and their livelihoods, especially in Punjab.

Why is there a demand to withdraw from WTO?

According to the protesting farmers, the WTOs agriculture agreement, implemented to reduce agricultural subsidies and create a more equitable trading system, is fundamentally biased against developing countries like India. The agreement covers agricultural products but excludes forest produce, fisheries and products like jute and coir.

According to an Indian Express report, Jagmohan Singh, general secretary of Bhartiya Kisan Union, said that WTO rules favour developed countries, allowing them to provide high subsidies to their farmers. He added that these rules restrict Indias domestic support programmes such as the minimum support price (MSP) and subsidies.

Rural economy may be in danger

Jagmohan Singh criticized the central government for the lack of strong representation in WTO meetings. He accused the leaders of accepting the unfair practices of developed countries. He said that countries like the United States continue to provide disproportionately high subsidies under cleverly classified schemes while pressuring developing countries to reduce MSP.

Jagmohan Singh stressed that failure to deal with these issues could put Indias food security programs, small farmers income and rural economy at risk.

Heavily dependent on wheat and paddy

Punjabs agricultural economy is heavily dependent on wheat and paddy. Public procurement of these crops under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system forms the backbone of the states agricultural structure.

About 90% of Punjabs Rabi and Kharif crops are purchased under the MSP system. These purchases contribute 80% to the central pool of rice and wheat. Consequently, WTO rules restricting subsidies and public procurement jeopardise the livelihood of the farmers who produce these crops.

These restrictions also weaken the Public Distribution System (PDS), which ensures rations for millions of Indians, especially those living below the poverty line.

Harmful for Small Farmers

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Small farmers constitute 86 per cent of Indias agricultural population and are especially vulnerable. They lack access to modern technology, markets, and financing.

According to experts, liberalised global trade under WTO rules exposes them to unfair competition and cheap imports. This, in turn, can destabilise rural economies and threaten ecology, livelihoods, and food security.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:02 IST
Ahead Of RG Kar Verdict, Bengal Doctors Caught In A Tussle With Mamata Govt Over Midnapore Death

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 11:05 IST

Just one day before the RG Kar judgement, the West Bengal Government suspended 12 doctors for alleged negligence in the Medinipur pregnant woman death case.

Doctors again took to the streets on Thursday as they believe that suspension of Midnapore doctors by Mamata govt was a conspiracy for protesting in the RG Kar case. (PTI)

The judgement in the RG Kar rape and murder case is due on January 18. The case has been at the centre of political blame game between the Government and the opposition. Both are, therefore, awaiting the courts verdict.

Just one day before the judgement, the West Bengal Government also suspended 12 doctors for their negligent role in the Midnapore pregnant woman death case. This has again ignited a confrontation between doctors and the Government.

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What happened in Medinipur Medical college? Last week, after giving birth, one woman died, and in the same hospital, three other mothers health conditions deteriorated. According to family members of the deceased and some doctors, this happened because of the use of toxic saline. The Chief Secretary of the State asked the health department to conduct an enquiry, and the CID also probed the incident.

The comprehensive report by the 13-member inquiry committee by the State Health Department found it to be negligible; the CID report also raised questions on the role of doctors. On the basis of this, 12 doctors, including six junior doctors, have been suspended. A criminal case will also be initiated as the CID is investigating the matter.

According to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Since both reports say that there is gross negligence of doctors here, we had to take steps because this is a matter of life." On the other hand, doctors again took to the streets on Thursday as they believe that this is a conspiracy against them for protesting in the RG Kar case. The doctors of Medinipur Medical College have said they will speak with the principal and decide whether they should go on strike as a mark of protest against the suspension of 12 doctors.

In fact, on Wednesday, the police conducted a raid in Dr Ashfakullah Naiyas (a prominent face in the RG Kar movement) district residence in Kakdwip. One case had been lodged against Ashfakullah that, without being an ENT specialist, he used to run chambers showing that he is a specialist. Police said there has been a case against him, and thats why they raided his residence, but the junior doctors group and Ashfakullah said that the Government is taking revenge because they participated in the RG Kar movement.

Twenty-four hours from now, the Saturday judgement will come. On Thursday, doctors also took out a rally in protest. According to TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh, Our leader has said from the very first day that those guilty such crimes should be given capital punishment. We expect that capital punishment will be given to this accused. Kolkata Police arrested him within 24 hours."

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On the other hand, Agnimitra Paul of the BJP told News18, We doubt a lot of things about this case; we want capital punishment for Sanjay Roy, but we know that more than one person are involved. What the court says on that, we will see." Samik Bhattacharya, Rajya Sabha MP, BJP, said, The PO was disturbed, evidence was tampered with, a lot of things happened with this case. We are looking forward to the judgement, but we know that more things which were supposed to come out could not come out because of Kolkata Police."

While all eyes will be on Saturdays judgement, doctors and state government are again caught in a tussle with each other.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:26 IST
Can Unmarried Couples Be Arrested From Hotel Rooms Like OYO? The Law Says...

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 16:53 IST

OYO Rooms New Rule: Speaking about the new revised policy of OYO which was known for offering couple friendly accommodations, the advocate clarified that it's due to hotel policies and social pressure and not law

An adult has the right to travel, live, or stay in a hotel anywhere. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The recent revision of OYOs check-in policy for unmarried couples in Meerut has reignited the debate surrounding the rights of unmarried adults to occupy hotel rooms in India. This issue, fraught with social and legal complexities, has sparked concerns, particularly in light of reports detailing police raids on hotels where unmarried couples were staying. Speaking to News18, Senior Advocate Sanjay of Dhanbad Court offered a legal perspective on this issue.

Definition of an Adult and Their Rights

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Under Indian law, individuals are recognized as adults upon reaching the age of 18. Adults possess the legal right to travel, reside, or lodge in hotels as they see fit. It is not unlawful for consenting unmarried adults to share accommodation in hotel rooms or private residences. This right is protected by the Constitution, and law enforcement authorities are prohibited from apprehending individuals solely on the grounds of being an unmarried couple.

The Supreme Court of India has affirmed the right to privacy and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.

Possible Situations During a Police Raid

If the police raid a hotel and find adult couples, there is no legal basis for arrest unless they suspect criminal activity.

Advocate Sanjay clarified that if the girl and boy are in a consensual relationship, the police cannot make an arrest. Adult couples have the legal right to stay in a hotel, he said.

However, if the girl makes serious allegations against the boy or changes her statement, the boys arrest is possible. The case would then be heard in court, and if found guilty, the boy could be sentenced to one to one and a half years in prison.

If no complaint is filed, the police have no basis to arrest the couple.

Speaking about the entry of unmarried couples being banned by OYO and other hotels in many cities in India, the Advocate said that this restriction is due to the policies of hotel management and local social pressure. However, this is not a legal rule. Adult couples have the legal right to stay in a hotel.

In 2019, the Madras High Court stated that an unmarried couple staying together in a hotel room is neither illegal nor a criminal offence. The court emphasised that a live-in relationship between two adults cannot be considered an offence.

When a live-in relationship between two adults is not deemed to be an offence, the occupation of a hotel room by an unmarried couple will not attract any criminal offence. While that being so, the extreme step of sealing the premises on the ground that an unmarried couple was occupying it is totally illegal," the Judge ruled.

Earlier in 2009, the Delhi High Court ruled that two consenting adults have the right to stay together in a hotel room. In 2013, the Madras High Court clearly stated that no law prohibits unmarried couples from staying in hotel rooms.

Legal Protection and Advice

According to advocate Sanjay, adult couples should be aware of their legal rights. In the event of a dispute involving police intervention, it is crucial to remain calm and seek legal counsel.

Cooperation with the police is advised, providing proof of adulthood as necessary. Should the police exert undue pressure, immediate contact with a lawyer is recommended. As a precautionary measure, it should be ensured that both individuals identity cards are deposited with the hotel management during the stay.

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Need for Social Awareness

Conservative thinking regarding unmarried couples remains prevalent in Indian society, despite laws protecting their freedom and rights. Societal attitudes should evolve to respect the private lives of legally adult individuals.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 16:28 IST
Dense Fog In Delhi Amid Cold Wave Delays 27 Trains, Flight Ops Impacted: Top Updates

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 08:43 IST

Delhi Weather Updates: The trains delayed included Swaraj Express, KCVL ASR SF Express, INDB NOLS Express, UP SMPRK Kranti Express, LTT HW AC Express, among others.

Delhi Weather Today: The weather department- India Meteorological Department (IMD)- predicted that the cold wave will persist in the capital for the next couple of days.

Dense fog and poor visibility in New Delhi caused major disruptions as more than 25 trains departing from the city were delayed, including major services like Poorva Express, Farakka Express and Karnataka Express. The fog, coupled with persisting cold temperature in the national capital and poor visibility, added to the problems. Here are top updates on Delhi weather today:

1. The trains delayed included Swaraj Express, KCVL ASR SF Express, INDB NOLS Express, UP SMPRK Kranti Express, LTT HW AC Express, Tamil Nadu SF Express, AP Express, CG Sampark Kranti Express, RKMP NZM SF Express, Telangana Express, Karnataka Express, Mandore Express and SBIB NDLS Raj Express.

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2. Over 100 flights were delayed and ten cancelled owing to zero or low visibility conditions in Delhi-NCR region.

3. Zero visibility has been reported across airports in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh today.

4. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhis Palam Airport, Punjabs Amristar Airport, Varanasi, Agra and Lucknow airports in Uttar Pradesh reported zero visibility at 5:30 am today.

5. At Delhis IGI airport, as many as 117 flights were delayed due to dense fog of which 76 flights reported an average delay time of 20 minutes at 7 am, as per flight tracking website Flightradar24.

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6. Delhi Airport issued an advisory amid dense fog on its official X account, stating, While landings and take offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted."

7. IMD issued an orange warning for Delhi due to dense to very dense fog across many places.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 08:14 IST
Haryana Man Who Carried Disabled Brother's Severed Head In A Bag Sentenced To Death

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 12:33 IST

According to the deceased's sister, the younger brother's torso was found in a pool of blood on the house's verandah, with his neck slashed by a sharp weapon. His head was missing, and the CCTV DVR was also gone

The younger brother, 40, had been disabled for three to four years and was divorced. (News18 Hindi)

The court of District and Sessions Judge Deepak Agarwal has sentenced the man guilty of brutally slitting the throat of his disabled brother to death in Tohana in Haryanas Fatehabad district. The court deemed this case the rarest of rare cases and imposed the death penalty.

On June 18, 2020, the accused allegedly murdered his brother following a property dispute. The accused is reported to have slit his brothers throat and subsequently fled the scene with the victims head concealed in a bag. Law enforcement officials later apprehended the accused and recovered the severed head.

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The police registered a case against the accused under Sections 457, 506, 302, and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court sentenced him to death and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 under Section 302. Additionally, the court sentenced him to five years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 for each of the offences under Sections 457, 506, and 201.

District Deputy Public Prosecutor Arun Kumar represented the prosecution in this case. District Public Prosecutor Devendra Mittal stated that Sushma Devi, the deceaseds sister and wife of Manjit Singh, a resident of Sangrur, Punjab, filed the case.

Sushma stated that her brother Ashok had killed his younger brother Deepak by cutting his neck with a sharp weapon due to enmity. In her police complaint, Sushma said she has six siblings, of whom two brothers have died.

Her younger brother, 40-year-old Deepak, had been disabled for three to four years and was divorced. He lived with his mother near Guga Medi in Tohana. His mother registered her house in Deepaks name 10 years ago. Sushma stated that Deepaks brother, Ashok, held a grudge against him for this and had spoken about killing him several times.

According to the complainant, Surjeet, of village Dangra, was her brother Deepaks brother-in-law. On June 18 2020, Surjeet called Deepak and told him that on June 17, while he (Surjeet) was at Deepaks house, Ashok came and sat in front of him and drank alcohol. Afterwards, Surjeet returned to his village.

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On the morning of the June 18, when Surjeet went to Deepaks house, the door was not opening. Sushma, accompanied by her husband, arrived at the location and informed the police.

According to the complainant, Deepaks torso was found lying in a pool of blood in the verandah of the house, his neck having been cut with a sharp weapon. His head was missing. She accused her brother, Ashok, of the murder and of taking the victims head. The CCTV DVR installed in the house was also missing. The police registered a case and commenced an investigation. The court has since sentenced the perpetrator to death.

Location : Fatehabad, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 12:33 IST
India Urgently Needs A Central Environmental Health Agency To Tackle Climate Risks: Dr Soumya Swaminathan

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 06:00 IST

The former WHO Chief Scientist likened the proposed agency to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US, which has the authority to regulate and take action when required

The former WHO Chief Scientist now heads the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Image/News18

It is high time that India sets up a central environmental health regulatory body to tackle the increasing risks of climate change and environmental pollution on the health of its billion-plus population, said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Climate change, health and environment are interconnected, but currently the work in these areas is happening in silos in India. We do not have any central agency that can take data on climate, health, meteorological, and environmental factors and put it together to analyse it and make policies," she highlighted.

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The renowned clinical scientist, who has also been at the helm of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2017, was in New Delhi to attend the 150th commemoration event of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), where experts from across the country deliberated the increasing human toll of rising global temperatures.

Dr Swaminathan likened the agency to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, which needs to be science-based and data-driven but has the mandate to collect and analyse data from all ministries or departments and the authority to formulate guidelines, recommendations, and policies.

Not a toothless body, should have authority

The former WHO Chief Scientist, who now heads the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), also pointed out that this new agency should not merely be an advisory body but a regulatory one, which also has teeth to regulate and take action when required.

Environmental health risks are the biggest threats to public health today. We mostly talk about air pollution, but then there is also plastic and chemical pollution and contamination of soil and water. We do not have a clear picture of the extent to which it harms public health. Until we have that, we will not be able to build required policies," she emphasised.

The recommendation was also endorsed by other noted experts on the panel, including those from the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFF&CC), the University of Delhi, IMD, and other institutions, who agreed that the work on climate change cannot be handled by just one department or ministry alone.

Urgent need to assess climate impact on health

Since India is extremely vulnerable to extreme weather events, the scale of destruction and the loss of lives and livelihoods has grown over the years. Schools too are facing prolonged closures due to an increase in extreme weather events, as well as rising pollution levels.

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According to experts, the increasing heat stress is particularly worrying because its impacts on the large poor population are alarming, especially in the wake of the record warming in recent years.

Our studies show that districts most exposed to repeated droughts and floods have high malnutrition rates, low birth weight of newborns, and overall poor health indicators. It is partly climate change, but partly our model of development. Our indigenous communities are more attuned to living with natural disasters. But the way we are building our cities, it is certain that nobody is immune from the disastrous impacts of climate change," Dr Swaminathan added.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 06:00 IST
16 Indians Fighting In Russian Army 'Missing', 12 Killed So Far In Ukraine War: MEA

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 16:52 IST

This came after India reiterated its demand of early discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian Army following the death of a Kerala man in Ukraine.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (Photo: YouTube/MEA)

At least 16 Indian nationals deployed by the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine are missing, while 12 have been killed so far, the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Friday.

This development came after the death of an Indian national from Kerala recruited by the Russian military while another sustained injuries during Russias ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Following this, India strongly raised the matter with Moscow and reiterated its demand for the early discharge of all Indians from the Russian Army.

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As of today, there have been 126 cases (of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army). Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces. 18 Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain and out of them the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a briefing on Friday.

Jaiswal said Russia has categorised the 16 Indian nationals as missing", adding that India is seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain. At least 12 Indian nationals have been killed fighting for the Russian Army in Ukraine.

The Ministry also extended its condolences to death of the Kerala man Binil Babu, who was killed during the Ukraine conflict and said the Indian embassy is in touch with Russian authorities for the repatriation of his mortal remains. Another Indian national Jain T K is receiving treatment in Moscow and is expected to return to India once his treatment is completed.

Indian Nationals Recruited By Russian Army

126 Indians recruited by the Russian Army.

96 Indians have returned

12 Indians killed fighting for the Russian Army

18 Indians still serving in Russia

16 Indians categorised as missing by Russia

The External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday said the embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families of the two Indians and all possible assistance is being extended. 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.

The MEA spokesperson said India has also reiterated its demand for an early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in Russian military.

Indias Long-Standing Demand From Russia

Binil (32) and Jain (27) are ITI mechanical diploma holders and had gone to Russia on April 4, hoping to work as electricians and plumbers. However, upon arrival, their Indian passports were confiscated, and they were subsequently deployed to the war zone as part of the Russian Military Support Service, according to relatives.

Dozens of Indians have reportedly been duped by agents into fighting for Russian forces with the lure of money and a Russian passport. In May last year, the police arrested four people allegedly linked to a network of human traffickers on suspicion of luring young men to Russia with the promise of jobs or education, only to force them to fight in Ukraine.

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In July, Russia promised early discharge of all Indian nationals from the service of the Russian Army after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter strongly" with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the formers visit to Moscow. The prime minister strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army," the MEA said at the time.

Prior to that, India had demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army and that such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership".

First Published: January 17, 2025, 16:12 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. A ceremony was conducted to honor the conclusion of US Ambassador honor W. Libby's diplomatic mission to Azerbaijan, the US Embassy in Azerbaijan said in a statement, Trend reports.

"His sincere and dedicated approach to strengthening the US-Azerbaijan relations and establishing new connections in Azerbaijan has truly been inspiring. The ambassador's contribution, from creating new partnerships to opening opportunities for further cooperation, will remain significant in the years to come," the embassy said.

To note, Libby was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the United States ambassador to Azerbaijan on May 25, 2022. His nomination expired at the end of the year and was returned to Biden on January 3, 2023. Libby was renominated by President Biden on the same day. On November 8, 2023, the full United States Senate confirmed his nomination through a voice vote. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Mark Libby's credentials on January 18, 2024. Libby declared her intention to resign at the conclusion of 2024 for health-related reasons on December 3, 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Mumbai Police Rule Out Forced Entry By Attacker Into Saif Ali Khan's House

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 08:33 IST

Saif Ali Khan was attacked by the intruder at his Bandra residence on Thursday morning, necessitating a surgery. He was shifted to the ICU where the doctors are monitoring him.

As per the doctors at Lilavati Hospital, Saif Ali Khan had walked into the hospital on his own after getting stabbed. (PTI Image)

The Mumbai Police registered an FIR under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for armed robbery and attempt to cause death or grievous hurt and house-trespassing, after Saif Ali Khans house help Eliyamma Phillip filed a complaint of attack on the actor at his Bandra residence.

DCP (Zone IX) Dikshit Gedam, after her statement, said that the method of the intruders entry into the house was unclear as there were no signs of forceful entry. The police said that the attacker was seen leaving the building through stairs in the CCTV cameras. He also stared at the camera while going downstairs. The police have constituted multiple teams to nab the accused.

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What Did Saifs House Help Say?

Phillips recounted the sequence of events to the police and said that she first heard the sound of the intruder barging in at around 2.30 am. She thought Kareena Kapoor had come to check on her son.

I thought Kareena had come to see Jeh (Jehangir) baba and went to check. I didnt see her and went back to bed. But I thought something was amiss, and when I went back to look, I saw the shadow of a man. He came out of the bathroom and tried to enter Jeh babas bedroom. I immediately raised an alarm."

According to the FIR, the attacker used a hacksaw blade as the weapon.

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A police source told Times of India that Kareena returned home just a few minutes before the incident took place.

Three maids, one male servant, actor Khan and his wife confronted the intruder before he attacked the actor with a knife. When they tried to nab him, he locked himself up in a room. Kareena rushed Khan down to take him to the hospital. It is suspected that this was when the intruder managed to escape," the TOI quoted the police as saying.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 08:10 IST
Population Is Wealth: Andhra CM Naidu Proposes At Least 2 Children Law

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 13:35 IST

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu: Now, there is a need to promote population growth. Therefore, only individuals with at least two children will be eligible to contest elections

Chandrababu Naidu pointed out the declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the state. (News18)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to introduce incentives to boost the states population. He revealed that a new law would require having at least two children to be eligible to contest local body elections.

Naidu also mentioned that moving forward, family size would be a significant factor in determining eligibility for government schemes.

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At a press conference, Naidu said, In the past, population was seen as a burden, but today, it is considered an asset. Earlier, we used to offer incentives to control population growth. For instance, families with up to five members were given 25 kilograms of rice, but no additional benefits were provided to families with more than five members. At that time, we even enacted a law disqualifying those with more than two children from contesting local body elections, as it suited the needs of the society back then."

Naidu acknowledged that circumstances have changed and emphasised the need to encourage population growth. Now, there is a need to promote population growth. Therefore, only individuals with at least two children will be eligible to contest elections," he stated.

Citing statistics, Naidu shared projections about the states declining population. By 2026, Andhra Pradeshs population is expected to reach 53.8 million. It is estimated to grow to 54.2 million by 2031 and 54.4 million by 2036. However, by 2041, the population is likely to decline to 54.2 million and could further drop to 54.1 million by 2051," he explained.

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He also pointed out the declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the state. In 2026, the average TFR is projected to be 1.51 births per couple. By 2051, this is expected to drop to 1.07, which is alarming. For stable population management, the TFR should ideally be 2.1 births per couple," Naidu said.

Highlighting the significance of population, Naidu remarked, Population is wealth. If we focus solely on creating wealth while ignoring population growth, there will be no one left to utilise that wealth. We may have massive airports and wide roads in the future, but there might not be enough people to use them."

Location : Andhra Pradesh, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 15:40 IST
Several Feared Dead As Part Of Cement Factory Collapses In Odisha, Rescue Ops On

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 11:43 IST

According to media reports, a big iron structure and a large coal hopper had collapsed inside the factory premises

Visuals from the Sundargarh district where the cement factory collapsed. (Source: PTI)

In a tragic incident, a cement factory collapsed in Odishas Sundargarh district on Thursday night with many labourers still feared trapped under the debris.

According to the news agency ANI, the incident was reported at Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited at the Rajgangpur area of the district. Soon after the information was received, police along with rescue teams rushed to the site and launched relief and rescue operations.

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#WATCH | Odisha | Labourers feared trapped at a cement factory in Sundargarhs Rajgangpur after a part of the factory collapsed yesterday. More details awaited.Visuals from the spot pic.twitter.com/iROXPRrGGg  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

As per media reports, a large coal hopper, a big iron structure, had collapsed inside the factory premises.

Visuals have emerged from the spot wherein a huge crowd can be seen outside the factory. This incident has triggered panic in the area.

To assist in the rescue operation, fire tenders were also rushed to the spot. An ambulance was also placed at the site.

Sundargarh MLA Demands Arrest Of Factory Officials

According to Sundargarh MLA Rajen Ekka, some casualties have been reported in the incident. He further said that several factory officials, including factory manager, shift in-charge and safety in-charge, should be arrested in connection with the incident.

VIDEO | Several casualties reported after a coal hopper collapsed at a cement factory in Rajgangpur of Odishas Sundargarh district. Details awaited.(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ZaG7Yi8xau  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2025

An accident took place in Dalmia Bharat Cement Limited. We rushed to the factory as soon as we got the information. All the officials from the administration DIG, SP, sub-collector are inside the factory. We are here to help people. Reports are coming that there have been some deaths in the incident," news agency PTI quoted MLA Rajen Ekka as saying.

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We want that factory manager, shift in-charge and safety in-charge should be arrested and interrogated. People should be compensated, and treatment should be provided," he added.

The rescue operation is currently underway. More details are awaited.

Location : Bhubaneswar, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 11:41 IST
Shocking Killing Caught On CCTV: Robbers Gun Down ATM Cash Van Guard In Karnataka, Loot Rs 90 L

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 02:13 IST

The deceased, Giri Venkatesh, and his colleague Shivakumar arrived near the ATM at the Shivaji Park area in Bidar, where the State Bank of India (SBI) main office was, to refill the machine. While Venkatesh succumbed to five gunshot wounds, Shivakumar is being treated at... Read More

CCTV footage captured two masked robbers gunning down Giri and Shivakumar and then hurriedly leaving on a motorcycle with a large bag of cash. Image/X

One person was injured while another succumbed to bullet wounds in Karnatakas Bidar after robbers opened fire at them when they arrived near a bank to refill an ATM with cash.

The shocking incident took place at around 10.50 am on Thursday, under the Market Police Station limits in Bidar. The deceased, Giri Venkatesh, and his colleague Shivakumar arrived near the ATM in the Shivaji Park area, where the State Bank of India (SBI) main office was, to refill the machine. While Venkatesh succumbed to five gunshot wounds, Shivakumar is being treated at a private hospital with grievous injuries.

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CCTV footage captured two masked robbers gunning down Giri and Shivakumar and then hurriedly leaving on a motorcycle with a large bag of cash. Mobile phone footage from a passerby also showed bank staff member Giri Venkatesh struggling in his dying moments at the crime scene, while the robbers left with the money. It is estimated that the robbers escaped with around 90 lakh rupees in cash.

Kalaburagi DIG Ajay Hilori and Bidar SP Pradeep Gunti rushed to the scene. CCTV footage also showed the robbers escaping with the money, and the Bidar police have formed several teams to conduct a manhunt.

The shocking heist has raised several concerns over possible lapses in the handling of such large amounts of cash. The shattered family of the deceased gathered around the hospital where Giri lay, protesting the incident while demanding justice.

Bidar MP Sagar Khandre, who arrived at the hospital, expressed his shock, claiming that the area had never seen anything like this. He also took ownership of the possible lapses in the shocking robbery, saying that he and the government would look into the entire episode. Khandre also announced compensation of 8 lakh rupees from the states social welfare department and added that the government would ensure a job for a member of Venkateshs family.

On Friday, a gang of four robbers, wearing masks and armed with weapons, entered a cooperative society bank at Kotekar near Mangaluru and made off with valuables worth about Rs 4 crore. The robbery occurred at Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakara Sangha Bank, located about 15 km from Mangaluru City, between 1 pm and 1.20 pm.

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Police said that the gang, reportedly speaking in Hindi and armed with machetes and a pistol, threatened the staff and forced the manager to open the strong room. They looted cash and gold jewellery stored in a locker.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah, who was visiting Mangaluru, held an emergency meeting with senior police officials and issued strict instructions for the swift apprehension of the culprits.

Location : Bidar, India

First Published: January 18, 2025, 02:13 IST
'This Will Be Talking Point No. 1': As Bengaluru Gets US Consulate, Jaishankar Shares His Agenda For Trump Inauguration

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 20:12 IST

On Friday, the site dedication ceremony was carried out, though the consulate wont be starting visa services soon

(L-R) Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, outgoing US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Pic/News18

More than two decades after it was first proposed, Indias IT capital Bengaluru has got a US consulate. However, it has a long way to go before it becomes fully operational. On Friday, the site dedication ceremony was carried out, though the consulate wont be starting visa services soon.

Visa services wont be offered at the beginning. We will bring it as soon as possible," said Eric Garcetti, the outgoing US ambassador to India.

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But external affairs minister S Jaishankar has given some hope to travellers from Bengaluru and Karnataka. He said he would take up the issue with Marco Rubio, the incoming secretary of state in Donald Trumps administration. I do understand what the ambassador said, and we ourselves know what it is like to establish a post and get it running. Regarding how soon visa services can be started. I just realised this will be talking point no. 1 when I meet US Secretary Rubio. The sooner we get it done, it is better," said Jaishankar.

The minister also highlighted how the city was close to his heart as his grandparents lived in Bengaluru, and he studied a bit here and did district training in Karnatakas Chikkodi".

The regional passport offices in Bengaluru issued 8,83,000 passports last year, and the city has three flights every week to San Francisco.

The minister also mentioned the negotiations behind the scenes to ensure the consulate became a reality. He recalled his conversation with US ambassador Garcetti, where he said, If you get Bengaluru done, Ill get Los Angeles done."

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The outgoing ambassador, in his last public speech, learnt a few Kannada words to label this as hosa arambha", which means its a new beginning.

This is the 12th consulate to open in Bengaluru. The consulate of Spain is likely to open soon in the city.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 20:11 IST
Three Major Questions That Are Still Unanswered In Saif Ali Khan's Attack Case | Details

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 11:18 IST

Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence on Thursday early morning after which he was operated upon. He is currently in the ICU under doctors' observation and is stable.

Saif Ali Khan is currently in the ICU

The Mumbai Police have intensified its search for the individual who attacked Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence, however, the mystery still revolves around the answers to some questions.

The attacker was seen in the CCTV footage taking the staircase on his way out of the building. As per sources, he was also seen on CCTV at the Bandra station bridge. Since his movement was not recorded in any other CCTV cameras, the investigators suspect he may have fled towards the Vasai-Nallasopara area by train.

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However, some questions remain unanswered.

1. How did the assailant enter the building and the 12th floor where Saif lives with his family?

It was earlier reported that he may have used pipes to climb the Satguru Sharan building and entered the actors son Jehs (Jehangir) room through an opened window. Reports also surfaced that he may have used the stairs to enter the building, however, there has been no clarity on the matter so far. The question stems into another query whether there was an insider who was an accomplice in the incident.

According to Times of India, there were 11 people in the flat when the attack took place, including Saif, his wife Kareena, and two children. The police are investigating if any staff helped the intruder in. All the domestic help hail from Kerala, Bihar, and Nepal, according to the police.

The police, after their initial investigation, concluded that there were no signs of forced entry into the building. He was, however, seen using stairs to move out of the building on CCTV. He had also looked into the camera during his downward movement on the stairs.

2. How Did The Attacker Escape So Easily Despite Security In Building?

According to TOI, Kareena, who was out for a party that night, had just returned home a few minutes before the attack. Three maids, one male servant, the actor and his wife confronted the thief after which he attacked Khan with a knife.

When those present on the spot attempted to nab him, the attacker locked himself up in a room, TOI reported.

This was when Kareena rushed her husband down to shift him to the hospital. It is suspected that this was when the intruder managed to escape," TOI quoted the police as saying.

The intruder was seen running downstairs on the CCTV. Questions arise about how he managed to reach the stairs section of the building as there could be presence of security at the main door. There would also be a security presence on the entry and exit gate of the elite residential society. Therefore, there is no clarity on how the man managed to escape the security, ditching all cameras on the premises.

Meanwhile, due to the absence of the family drivers at that time, Kareena asked her domestic help to hail an auto-rickshaw at the soonest, after which son Ibrahim, who lives in another building in the area, along with domestic help, took Khan to the Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgery, TOI reported.

3. How Did None Of Security Guards Spot Attacker Leaving The Building?

There are multple floors in the residential society and even when Saif Ali Khan was rushed to the hospital in a bleeding state amid chaos and panic, there would have been the presence of security guards and watchmen in the building.

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However, according to a Times of India report, there were no personal guards at the flat or entrance to minotor visitors. The 13-storey Satguru Sharan building society also did not have register logbook to keep a tab on visitors entering or exiting the premises, the report said.

We are genuinely surprised that such a high-profile couple does not have robust security measures in place. This incident is a wake-up call not just for them but for others in similar positions," TOI quoted a senior investigating officer as saying.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 11:18 IST
Craving Something Sweet? Try Vivian Dsenas Atta Halwa Recipe For A Quick And Tasty Indulgence

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 15:48 IST

From preparing wholesome dishes like chole masala to tikki for Shilpas birthday, Vivian Dsena has been raking in praises from housemates for his finger-licking recipes.

Vivian prepared Atta Halwa for his wife when during Family Week episode.

After months of captivating drama, intense fights, laughter, and entertaining episodes, the moment fans have been waiting for is finally over. The highly anticipated Bigg Boss 18 finale is just two days away. Fans are super excited to witness their favourite contestant lift the trophy of the controversial reality show. If you are an ardent BB watcher, you must have noticed Vivian Dsena captivating audiences not only with his personality but also with his impressive culinary skills and creative food recipes.

From preparing wholesome dishes like chole masala to tikki for Shilpas birthday, Vivian has been raking in praises from housemates for his finger-licking recipes. But among all, what quickly grabbed the attention of the audience was his atta halwa recipe. During the Family Week episode, the Madhubala actor prepared atta halwa for his wife, Nouran Aly, when she came to meet him.

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Well, if you were also in awe of his gesture and want to try the delicious bowl of Vivian-style halwa? Heres how to make atta halwa just like Vivian Dsena with these simple steps.

Ingredients

1 cup wheat flour,

1  cups sugar,

1 cup water,

4 tablespoons raisins,

4 tablespoons cashews,

 cup ghee,

 tsp salt (optional),

1 tsp ground cardamom

How to prepare?

Step 1: Start by heating  cup of ghee in a kadai. Add in cashews and raisins and stir-fry them on low heat until turned golden. Strain and set them aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, add some more ghee and roast wheat flour on low flame for about 5 to 6 minutes till it turns golden brown.

Step 3: Once the flour is roasted and toasted well, pour in sugar and milk and stir continuously until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: After 4-5 minutes, pour the remaining  cup of ghee slowly and keep cooking on low heat. flame.

Step 5: Mix for 5 to 10 minutes, and youll notice that the halwa will start leaving the sides of the pan.

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Step 6: At this point, stir in cardamom powder and fried nuts.

Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with chopped dried fruits.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 15:48 IST
Environmental Toxins From Heavy Metals, Pesticides Cause Blood Cancer? Here's What We Know

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 14:51 IST

Environmental toxins can lead to blood cancer. Read on to know more and find about the precautionary tips to take.

The doctor explained how long-term exposure to environmental toxins has the potential to weaken the immune system.

Genetic predisposition and lifestyle elements generally play a significant role in influencing blood cancers. However, most individuals overlook another major factor responsible for increasing the risk of developing blood cancer  environmental toxins. Yes, environmental toxins such as heavy metals, industry pollutants, and pesticides act as contributors to mutations and disruptions in the hematopoietic system of the human body. Oncquest Laboratories doctor Shivali Ahlawat recently opened up about how these toxins can affect our blood cells in an interview. Long-term exposure to these toxins can weaken the immune system and cause DNA mutations, which can lead to cancerous changes in blood cells," she told Hindustan Times.

In the interview, Dr Shivali Ahlawat talked about how benzene can increase the risk of blood cancer in the human body. A major carcinogen is benzene," the doctor said. In the opinion of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), chronic exposure to benzene increases the risks of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), as a result of damage to hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow," she added. Dr Ahlawat further claimed benzene is present in cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, and industrial solvents. She even suggested that benzene can negatively impact the human bodys production of blood cells.

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Dr Shivali Ahlawat also explained how heavy metals and radiation may lead to the development of different blood cancers. Additional heavy metals including arsenic, together with long-term exposure to ionizing radiation from industrial sources or medical imaging, also have associations with the development of different blood cancers," she said. Dr Ahlawat claimed that these agents disrupt the routine cellular repair process in the human body. According to her, it may cause instability within the genome. Dr. Ahlawat added that certain agricultural pesticides have also been linked with an elevated risk for the development of different types of blood cancers.

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Apart from highlighting the causes, Dr Shivali Ahlawat also opened up on the remedies to avoid the risk of developing blood cancer. She explained that individuals involved in high-risk jobs must use protective gear to reduce exposure to carcinogens. Regular screenings available through specialized cancer testing labs facilitate prompt identification of blood abnormalities, which improves results," the doctor added.

A better knowledge of the dangers of environmental toxins can help us protect ourselves from the risks of developing blood cancer. Understanding the perilousness of the situation can enable us to take proactive steps to safeguard ourselves.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 14:51 IST
Ice Dunking, Homemade Toner, And Sunscreen: Inside Kriti Sanon's Seven Step Skincare Routine

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:03 IST

Kriti Sanon gave her fans a sneak peek into her seven step skincare routine. The routine gives her skin a healthy glow and instant hydration.

Kriti Sanon's gave her fans a glimpse into her skincare routine.

Kriti Sanon has often been honest about her skincare journey ever since she started her beauty line. The actor believes in keeping things candid with her fans when it comes to everything related to her skincare. In an earlier video, the actor took to her YouTube channel and gave her fans a glimpse into her seven-step skincare routine.

Taking to her YouTube channel, Kriti Sanon shared a Wake Up With Me video where she gave her fans a sneak peek into her skincare routine. She said, My morning skincare is very, very simple, and I dont take too long [with it]. I dont do a mask every single day, but on special days when I feel like I want to detoxify my skin, I use one."

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Lets take a look Kriti Sanons skincare routine.

Step 1  Ice Dunking

The actor begins her day with a glass of lukewarm lemon water. Once she is up, she washes her face with clean hands and dunks her face in a bowl of ice-cold water. This process calms down the inflammation and cleanses the pores.

Step 2  Detoxifying Mask

Kriti mentioned that whenever she has a morning shoot, she opts for a detoxifying mask for her skin. She also mentioned that when she is nearing her period, she uses a hydrating mask.

Step 3  Undereye Patch

She follows the mask with an undereye patch and places it on top of her mask. She lets it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4  Toner

After removing the face mask and the eyepatch, she uses a homemade toner made with glycerine and rose water. She spritzes the toner on her face for some instant hydration. She said, For those who dont know about glycerine, it is an underrated product that hydrates your skin, adds moisture to your skin holds that moisture, and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties."

Step 5  Serum

She follows the toner with a hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and alpha arbuti serum. The serum targets uneven and pigmented skin.

Step 6  Sunscreen

Kriti revealed that she does not like layering her moisturizer with sunscreen. She added that she only uses sunscreen that comes with moisturizing properties as well. She said, With sunscreen, more is more, so dont shy away and make sure you are covering your entire face, neck, and eyelids. 80 to 90 percent of premature ageing happens because of skin damage, so dont skip your sunscreen  whether you are inside or outside the house."

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Step 7  Lip Balm

She ends her routine with a hydrating and glossy lip balm that she carries everywhere.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:03 IST
Aman Jaiswal, 22-Year-Old TV Actor Known For Dhartiputra Nandini, Dies In Road Accident

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 21:38 IST

Aman Jaiswal, 22, known for 'Dhartiputra Nandini,' tragically passed away in a road accident. Celebrities and fans mourn his loss.

TV actor Aman Jaiswal dies in a road accident in Mumbai.

Aman Jaiswal, a young TV actor celebrated for his role in the Indian TV serial Dhartiputra Nandini, tragically passed away in a road accident at the age of 22. The incident occurred on Jogeshwari Highway in Mumbai while Aman was en route to an audition. His bike was reportedly struck by a truck, as shared by Dhiraj Mishra, the writer of Dhartiputra Nandini.

Aman was rushed to Cama Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries half an hour later.

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Originally from Balia, Uttar Pradesh, Aman Jaiswal gained fame for portraying the lead role in Dhartiputra Nandini. He also appeared in the Sony TV series Punyashlok Ahilyabai as Yashwant Rao Phanse and the popular show Udaariyaan, produced by Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta. Before entering television, Aman had a flourishing career as a model.

On Instagram, Aman often expressed his passion for acting, describing himself as someone who lived through his characters." His last post was about Dhartiputra Nandini, where he spoke candidly about overcoming family opposition to pursue his dreams. With over 65,000 followers, his vibrant personality resonated with fans and industry colleagues alike.

Screenwriter and director Dhiraj Mishra penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying, Tum jeevit rahoge hamari yaadon mein Ishwar kabhi kabhi kitna kroor ho sakta hai aaj tumhari mrityu ne ehsaas kara diya alvida (You will live on in our memories How cruel God can sometimes be, today your death has made me realize this Goodbye)."

Actress Dipika Chikhlia expressed her shock and grief, revealing, Its very shocking. His family members are coming to Mumbai to take his mortal remains. They will be performing his last rites in Balia, Bihar." She added, I went to the hospital. The family will be coming late at night. We will be hosting a prayer meet tomorrow. I will talk to his parents tomorrow. They are in bad shape. His father got hospitalised. They cant even talk."

Amans untimely demise has left a void in the television industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a bright young talent.

May his soul rest in peace!

First Published: January 17, 2025, 21:38 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. An open trial on the criminal case concerning the crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including waging an aggressive war, genocide, forced displacement of the population, persecution, torture, military robbery and other unlawful acts committed against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people by the Armenian state and its Armed Forces, as well as the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" established in the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its illegal armed groups was held on Friday, Trend reports.

This process will primarily serve to establish Armenias state responsibility and other illegal actions as an occupying and aggressive country through judicial means.

During the preparatory session held at the Baku Military Court in the Baku Court Complex, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the accused were provided with Armenian language interpreters and defense lawyers.

First, the interpreters were announced, and the requirements of the legislation, including their rights and duties, were explained to them. Then, the accused persons were asked if they had any objections to the interpreters, or other participants in the process.

Then, the defense attorneys for the accused persons were announced. Six prosecution employees participated as state prosecutors, and Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Apparatus, participated as a victim on behalf of the Azerbaijani state.

It was reported that there are more than 531,000 victims and their representatives in the criminal case.

The judge noted that the rights and duties of the accused persons were explained to them in Armenian language.

Furthermore, their rights and duties were explained again during the court session.

Then, the court announced a break in the court session.

After the adjournment, A. Harutyunyan addressed the court saying that he wanted to make a statement. The judge gave the floor to him.

In his remarks, A. Harutyunyan said that he regretted his statement regarding the shelling of Ganja with missiles during the 44-day war, adding: There is an opinion among the Azerbaijani people that I gave this order. This decision was not made by me. Yes, I had made a statement about this incident. Now I regret this statement and apologize. I did not have such a right, such an authority, nor the opportunity to express an opinion. I have explained in my testimony during the investigation why I have made this statement.

Finally, the court postponed the trial until January 21.

There were more than 350 people in the courtroom, along with the victims, their representatives and legal heirs.

15 persons accused in the crimes committed by Armenian state and its Armed Forces, as well as the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" established in the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its illegal armed groups - Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri, Ghukasyan Arkadi Arshaviri, Sahakyan Bako Sahaki, Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni, Manukyan Davit Azati, Babayan Davit Klimi, Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikovich, Beglaryan Vasili Ivani, Ghazaryan Erik Roberti, Allahverdyan Davit Nelsoni, Stepanyan Gurgen Homerosi, Balayan Levon Romiki, Babayan Madat Arakelovich, Martirosyan Garik Grigori, and Pashayan Melikset Vladimiri have been charged as accused persons under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, or waging an aggressive war), Article 102 (attacks on internationally protected persons or organizations), Article 103 (genocide), Article 105 (extermination of population), Article 106 (slavery), Article 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), Article 109 (persecution), Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons through violence), Article 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law), Article 113 (torture), Article 114 (mercenarism), Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict), Article 118 (war looting), Article 120 (premeditated murder), Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), Article 214 (terrorism), Article 214-1 (financing of terrorism), Article 218 (establishment of a criminal organization), Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosive substances, and devices), Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security), Article 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure), Article 278 (forceful seizure of power and its forcible retention, forceful alteration of the state's constitutional order), Article 279 (creation of armed groups and units not provided for by law) and other articles.

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Then, a preparatory session of the trial against Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia accused of torture, mercenary, violating the laws or customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan was proceeded.

During the preparatory session held at the Baku Military Court in the Baku Court Complex, the questionnaire data of Ruben Vardanyan was clarified.

Ruben Vardanyan was provided with the defense attorney and the Russian language interpreter.

Zeynal Aghayev, the Presiding judge at the court session, announced the requirements of the legislation, the rights and duties of the accused person, including the right for objection, asking Vardanyan whether he had any appeals.

Ruben Vardanyan and the defense attorney, providing legal assistance, have submitted two requests.

The first request was to combine the criminal case against R. Vardanyan with the case of 15 persons of Armenian origin accused of committing severe crimes against the Azerbaijani people into one proceeding, while the second request was to give the defendant additional time to familiarize himself with the materials of the criminal case.

The state prosecutor expressed his objection to the request to combine the criminal cases in one proceeding and asked the court not to grant it, requesting the court to grant additional time to the defendant to get familiarized with the criminal case.

According to the Criminal Procedure Legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this request was not granted by the court, since it is not envisaged to combine criminal cases into one proceeding during the court process.

Although during the preliminary investigation Ruben Vardanyan was given plenty of time to familiarize himself with the criminal case materials in a chosen language and prepare for his defense, the court, taking into account the request of the accused, made a decision to grant the request and provide him with an additional 10 days to familiarize himself with the case materials.

Moreover, the prosecution did not object to giving the accused additional time to familiarize himself with the case materials.

The preparatory court session will continue on January 27.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100 (planning and waging aggressive war), 107 (deportation or forcible displacement of populations), 109 (persecution), 112 (arbitrary detention in violation of international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenarism), 115 (violation of laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing terrorism), 218 (creation of a criminal organization), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1 (actions threatening aviation security), 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279 (creation of illegal armed formations and groups), 318 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan), and other articles provided for by the legislation.
Coldplay's Chris Martin Visits Lord Shiva Temple; Dakota Johnson Whispers Wish Into Nandi's Ear | Watch

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 02:08 IST

Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson visited the iconic Shri Babulnath Temple in Mumbai on Friday, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin with his actress-partner Dakota Johnson.

Coldplays Chris Martin and Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson captured hearts in Mumbai ahead of the bands highly awaited India concerts. The couple visited the iconic Shri Babulnath Temple on Friday, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Chris, sporting a serene pastel blue kurta paired with a Rudraksha mala, embraced the local culture effortlessly. Dakota wore a simple printed cotton suit with her head respectfully covered by a dupatta. The couples spiritual outing drew attention as they posed for photographers before heading inside.

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A particular moment that won over fans was Dakota whispering her wish into the ear of Nandi, Lord Shivas sacred bull, a traditional act believed to fulfil prayers. The viral videos and pictures of their visit show the duos genuine curiosity and respect for Indian customs.

This spiritual detour comes just days before Coldplays much-anticipated performances in India as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour. The UK band is set to perform three back-to-back concerts at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, culminating with a grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25.

The couple first turned heads on Thursday night when they landed at Mumbai airport. Chris greeted the paparazzi with a warm Namaste," instantly striking a chord with fans. Dakota, known for her roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and Madame Web, complemented Chriss grounded gesture.

This is not Coldplays first rendezvous with India. The band previously performed at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai, leaving an indelible mark on Indian fans. With the upcoming concerts, they are all set to recreate the magic, promising nights of unforgettable music and energy.

Fans are already speculating whether Dakota might attend the concerts, cheering from the sidelines for her partner.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 02:08 IST
Directors' Association Condemns Brutal Attack On Saif Ali Khan, Calls It 'Inhuman'

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 08:38 IST

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence in the wee hours of January 16.

Saif Ali Khan is out of danger but is currently hospitalised.

Indian Film and Television Directors Association has condemned the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. On Thursday, the association wrote an open letter, signed by its president, Ashoke Pandit, and called that stabbing incident inhuman. The directors body further raised questions on security lapse and wished Saif for his speedy recovery.

We are deeply saddened to know the inhuman stabbing attack on our beloved hero, Mr. Saif Ali Khan during night at his residence in Bandra (West)," the letter read and then added, We are at a loss to know the attacker how he reached the 12th floor of Mr. Saif Ali Khans flat and waited for the attack and stabbed him causing injuries to his hand, neck and spine. There seems to be the lapse of security in his building."

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The timely treatment by the surgeons and doctors at Lilavati Hospital has saved his life, and he is out of danger. We, at IFTDA condemn the deadly attack on Mr. Saif Ali Khan and pray to the Almighty for his fast recovery," it concluded.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence in the wee hours of January 16. At around 2 AM, the actor heard noises when one of his female employees was attacked in Jehs room. This prompted Saif to intervene, which led to an altercation between the two and the attacker injured both Saif and the female employee. The Bollywood star was stabbed six times by the robber following which he was rushed to the hospital. The actor is now out of danger.

Meanwhile, Mumbai police have intensified their efforts to locate the suspect, forming multiple teams to ensure swift action. CCTV footage, which reveals the attackers face, has also been traced and further efforts to nab him are currently underway.

Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan also issued a statement on Thursday night and appealed for privacy as their family processes the traumatic experience. It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage." She expressed concern for their safety, urging the media to respect their boundaries: The constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request your cooperation during this sensitive time," she wrote.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 08:38 IST
Emergency In Trouble! Gurudwara Committee Demands Ban, Accuses Kangana Ranaut Of Defaming Sikhs

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 10:58 IST

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against Kangana Ranaut's Emergency.

Kangana Ranaut's Emergency is set to hit theaters on January 17, 2025. (Photo: X)

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded a ban on Kangana Ranauts movie Emergency in Punjab. On Thursday, i.e. a day before the films release, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and argued that the film must not be released in the state. He accused Kangana of defaming Sikhs in her movie.

While lodging its protest, the SGPC has already sent its executive committee resolution to the state chief secretary in which it was clearly stated that the screening of this movie would not be allowed in Punjab because it has been made under a scheme to defame Sikhs. The resolution demanded the Punjab government ban the screening of the movie in the state. However, sadly, the Punjab government led by you (Bhagwant Mann) did not take any step in this direction. If the movie is released on January 17, it would enrage the Sikh world, which is natural," the letter read.

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By hiding facts related to attacks on the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, Sri Harmandar Sahib, the top temporal seat, Akal Takht Sahib, and other gurdwaras and the Sikh genocide (of 1984), this movie works to spread venom under an anti-Sikh agenda. So, we again demand a ban on screening this movie in Punjab. If released, we will be forced to strongly protest it," Dhami added.

This is not the first time that the Gurdwara committee has raised an objection on Kangana Ranauts Emergency. Even last year, several complaints were made against the film, which resulted in delay in its release.

Kangana Ranaut is not just playing the lead in Emergency but has also directed it. The film explores the 21-month Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, from 1975 to 1977, often referred to as the darkest chapter of independent India. The film also stars Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi. It will hit theatres today i.e. on January 17, 2025.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 08:07 IST
Javed Akhtar Turns 80: What Was His Last Film? Iconic Collaborations With Amitabh Bachchan

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:37 IST

Javed Akhtar wrote almost 12 films for Amitabh Bachchan.

Javed Akhtar turned 80 today on January 17, 2025. (Image: Instagram)

Javed Akhtar  the iconic screenwriter, lyricist and poet, needs no introduction. He is already the recipient of five National Film Awards and even two of Indias highest civilian honours  the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. He has written a number of hit movies but earned his breakthrough as a screenwriter only after Amitabh Bachchans starrer Zanjeer, released in 1973.

Alongside Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar is behind many wonders, including Andaz (1971), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), and many others. On his 80th birthday today, lets take a look back at his last written film and professional bonding with Amitabh Bachchan-

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The Last Film Javed Akhtar Wrote

The last film written by Javed Akhtar as a solo was the 2006-released Don: The Chase Begins Again. The movie was directed by his son, Farhan Akhtar and starred Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles.

Before that, it was in 1987 when he collaboratively wrote Mr. India, starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri in key roles, with Salim Khan, before their split.

Movies Javed Akhtar Wrote For Amitabh Bachchan

One of the most successful scriptwriters duo in the Hindi film industry, Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan wrote 24 films together, 20 of which were hits, and they could easily garner immense appreciation and accolades for the same. Amongst them, they also penned several movies for Amitabh Bachchan, including:

Zanjeer (1973): As Salim-Javed, the first movie they wrote for Amitabh Bachchan was Zanjeer, released in 1973. The action film gave Bachchan his first big break after a series of flop films. Prakash Mehras directorial alongside the beautiful dialogues written by Salim-Javed, helped Big B easily establish his heroic Angry Young Man" image. Sholay (1975): An iconic film in the Angry Young Man" series, written by Salim-Javed, that starred Amitabh Bachchan alongside Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri. Ramesh Sippys directorial Sholay was released in 1975. Deewar (1975): Another hit film in the same Angry Young Man" series, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, alongside Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, and Neetu Singh, was written by Salim-Javed. The 1975 film was directed by Yash Chopra, and Big B was seen in the role of Vijay Verma. Don (1978): Chandra Barots directorial Don was released in 1978 and counted amongst one of the iconic films in Amitabh Bachchans acting career. Co-starring Zeenat Aman and Pran, Big Bs role and dialogues have been etched in the hearts of his millions of fans. Lakshya (2004): This was the second film in Big Bs career, which was written by Javed solely after his split with Salim Khan, followed by the 1989-released Main Azaad Hoon. In the coming-of-age war drama, Bachchan portrayed the role of Colonel Sunil Damle.

Besides the above-mentioned list, Javed-Salim also wrote Majboor (1974), Immaan Dharam (1977), Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979), Dostana (1980), Shaan (1980) and Shakti (1982).

Times Javed Akhtar Spoke About Amitabh Bachchan

When Javed Akhtar revealed how he met Amitabh Bachchan

In an interview with Indian Express Screen, Javed Akhtar recalled his not so eventful" first meeting with Amitabh Bachchan. According to the screenwriter, they met on the sets of Anand in Mohan Studio. Big B was sitting in one corner and somebody introduced the actor to him.

When Javed Akhtar revealed how Amitabh Bachchan was roped in for Zanjeer

In the same interview with Indian Express Screen, Javed Akhtar revealed how he was confident about Amitabh Bachchan doing Zanjeer even after watching his flops. I felt after watching these few films that this man is a major talent and both of us (Salim-Javed) agreed on this. We were like, My God, what an actor he is! Unfortunately, his films were not doing well at that time."

Coincidentally, Salim-Javed were struggling to find a lead actor for their film

Zanjeer that is when they thought of Bachchan. After narrating the story to him, Javed shared, I still remember very clearly that he looked at me and said, Do you think I can pull this off? Because till that time, he was playing poet, doctor, and writer, and so on. I said, Nobody can do this better than you. Noone," and this was their second meeting.

Javed Akhtar once revealed that Amitabh Bachchan had more superhit turnovers than Dilip Kumar

At an Expresso session, Akhtar acknowledged Bachchans exceptional acting skills and compared him with the legendary Dilip Kumar. The screenwriter shared, We have to simply accept the fact that he is an exceptionally good actor. After Dilip saab, it is Amitabh. In fact, while Dilip saab did one film every two years, Amitabhs turnover was almost 7-8 superhits a year."

Javed Akhtar once highlighted Amitabh Bachchans discipline

In the same interview, the legendary lyricist even talked about Big Bs discipline and shared, He had tremendous discipline, focus, and total control over his tongue. He never made a controversial statement. If the shift was from 7, hed be there on the sets by quarter to 7. He is an unbelievable actor. I have done 14 films with him, and I have no complaints about how he delivered my lines. In fact, I am thankful that he elevated some of my lines."

Javed Akhtar once said that no one can be Amitabh Bachchan

In a conversation with India Today, Akhtar showered heaps of praises on Bachchan and said, It is very difficult to be Amitabh Bachchan. You have to be unbelievably talented. You also have to be exceptionally disciplined and totally focused. You have to be so sensible that in your career of so many years, you never make a wrong statement and never say anything in disgrace. There was a time he worked with five groups who would like to see each other dead. But he was the common factor. Everyone used to be happy with Amitabh. That showed his social abilities. His social interactions were also very decent. His discipline even at the peak of his career was unbelievable."

First Published: January 17, 2025, 06:00 IST
Justin Baldoni Claims Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds And Taylor Swift Took Major Creative Decisions

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 16:26 IST

According to the complaint, Justin Baldoni was initially hesitant to adopt her revisions. However, he claimed that Blake Lively enlisted the support of her husband, Ryan Reynolds and close friend, pop icon Taylor Swift, to sway his decision.

Baldoni describes a meeting where Reynolds and Swift joined forces to champion Livelys vision for the scene. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a staggering $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, accusing them of undue creative interference during the production of It Ends With Us. This legal battle is taking place against the backdrop of an already contentious relationship, with Lively having recently filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging misconduct on set. Baldoni, 40, reportedly alleges that tensions flared during pre-production when Livelycast as the films protagonist, Lily Bloomadvocated for significant changes to a key rooftop scene.

According to the complaint, Baldoni was initially hesitant to adopt her revisions. However, he claimed that Lively enlisted the support of her husband, Ryan Reynolds and close friend, pop icon Taylor Swift, to sway his decision.

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In the lawsuit, Baldoni describes a meeting where Reynolds and Swift joined forces to champion Livelys vision for the scene. He alleges their collective influence left him feeling cornered into accepting the changes. Notably, this marked a pivotal moment in Livelys involvement with the film, as she stepped into her first executive producer role and took a more active part in shaping the production, reports The Daily Mail.

The lawsuit reportedly includes text messages where Lively humorously referred to Reynolds and Swift as her Dance Moms level stage moms, likening herself to Game of Thrones Daenerys Targaryen, with the pair as her dragons. Swifts song My Tears Ricochet was prominently featured in the film and Lively publicly acknowledged Reynolds contributions to the script.

This rooftop scene disagreement is just one piece of the larger puzzle in what has become a messy and public dispute. In December, Lively accused Baldoni of fostering a hostile work environment" during the filming of an emotionally charged birth scene, allegations he has firmly denied as defamatory, informs Daily Mail.

The drama doesnt end there. Baldoni is also pursuing a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the outlet misrepresented his actions in an article discussing Livelys allegations. Together, these legal battles underscore the escalating tensions surrounding the adaptation of Colleen Hoovers bestselling novela production that has drawn headlines for its star-studded cast and behind-the-scenes power struggles.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 16:26 IST
Kangana Ranaut Greets Sadhguru, Touches His Feet At Emergency Screening Amid SGPC Protests | Watch

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Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 01:13 IST

Kangana Ranaut touches Sadhgurus feet at Emergency screening; protests in Punjab halt the films release in theaters.

Kangana Ranaut welcomes Sadhguru in Mumbai.

Kangana Ranaut made a heartfelt gesture as she welcomed spiritual leader Sadhguru to a special screening of her latest film Emergency in Mumbai on Friday. The actress was seen touching Sadhgurus feet as he stepped out of his car, offering him a bouquet of flowers with folded hands. Dressed in a traditional beige saree with a golden border, Kangana exuded grace and simplicity. Her neatly tied hair and minimal jewellery further enhanced her elegant look.

Joining Kangana at the event was her co-star Anupam Kher, who also posed with the duo for the paparazzi before heading inside the screening venue at PVR Juhu. A video capturing Kanganas reverence for Sadhguru went viral on social media, with fans praising her humility and respect for the spiritual leader.

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While the Mumbai screening was a serene and celebratory affair, Emergency faced significant backlash in Punjab. Protests erupted across the state on the day of its release, leading to multiple theaters canceling screenings of the political drama. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) spearheaded the protests, accusing the film of misrepresentation. SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Manan stated that strong demonstrations outside cinemas forced theater owners to halt the films release, a decision welcomed by the SGPC.

Manan said, The SGPC will not allow this film to be screened in Punjab under any circumstances. If anyone attempts to show the film, the committee will resume its protests." He also criticized the films portrayal, calling it misleading and hurtful.

Reacting to the situation, Kangana Ranaut expressed her frustration on X (formerly Twitter). She wrote, This is complete harassment of art and the artist. From Punjab, many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency."

Directed and headlined by Kangana, Emergency chronicles the events during the 1975 Emergency in India, with Kangana portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Despite the controversies, the film has garnered attention for its bold storytelling and performances.

First Published: January 18, 2025, 01:13 IST
Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Arjun Kapoor Reacts To Kareena Kapoor's Post, Says Its Only Fair That This

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:01 IST

Earlier, Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh have also reacted to the post and send love to the family

Arjun Kapoor reacts to Kareena Kapoor post

In an unfortunate incident, Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times during a theft incident at his residence. The actor is currently admitted to the hospital and undergoing treatment. Well, amid this Kareena Kapoor issued a statement demanding privacy for her family to cope with the shocking incident. Arjun Kapoor has reacted and came out in support.

Sharing the post, Arjun has written, Its only fair that this is read, heard and respectfully understood by all of us." In her heartfelt note, Kareena shared, It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage." She expressed concern for their safety, urging the media to respect their boundaries: The constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request your cooperation during this sensitive time."

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Take a look here:

Under Kareenas Instagram post, Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh sent messages of love and support. Priyanka wrote, Sending so much love," while Ranveer commented, Love and prayers," adding the evil eye, praying hands, and heart emojis.

The attack has sparked widespread concern across the film industry and among fans. Security has reportedly been heightened at Saif and Kareenas home to ensure the familys safety.

Saif Ali Khan, known for his calm demeanour and dedication to his family, is now recovering post-surgery. The incident has brought an outpouring of support from colleagues and admirers. Kareena concluded her statement by thanking everyone for their understanding and cooperation, saying, We appreciate the concern and support."

Meanwhile, Mumbai police have intensified their efforts to locate the suspect, forming multiple teams to ensure swift action. A CCTV footage, which reveals the attackers face, has also been traced and further efforts to nab him are currently underway.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:01 IST
Kitna Time Lagega: Auto Driver Recalls Rushing Saif Ali Khan To Lilavati Hospital

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 20:46 IST

Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after he was stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra residence in the wee hours of January 16.

Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Auto Driver Recalls Rushing Actor To Lilavati Hospital (Pic Credit: X/PTI)

The news of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan being attacked by an intruder at his residence in Bandra left his fans and the film fraternity in disbelief. He is currently admitted at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. It was reported that he was rushed to the hospital in an auto rickshaw by his son, as he was bleeding heavily and the car was yet not ready to leave. Now, the auto rickshaw driver who drove Saif to the hospital, has recounted the tense journey to the hospital.

Sharing his account of the encounter, the rickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana told ABP News that as soon as Saif Ali Khan got into the vehicle, his first question was Kitna time lagega? (How long will it take?)". Narrating what happened that day, he said, I was in running and suddenly I heard a sound from the gate. A lady was screaming help from near the main gate saying rickshaw ruko (stop the rickshaw). Initially, I didnt know he was Saif Ali Khan and thought of it as a normal assault case."

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He revealed that Saif Ali Khan was able to walk, and he got inside the rickshaw on his own. He (Saif Ali Khan) walked towards me himself and sat in the auto. He was in an injured state. A small child and one more person was with him. Soon after sitting in my auto, Saif Ali Khan asked me kitna time lagega? (how much time will it take to reach hospital). We reached in eight to ten minutes".

He also recalled that Saif Ali Khan was bleeding from the neck and back, and that there was so much blood loss that his white kurta had turned red. I didnt even take the fare. I feel good that I could help him at that time," he further added.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times, including in his neck and shoulder, at his Bandra West apartment around 2:30 am on Thursday. He was rushed to the Lilawati Hospital where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. The actor is out of danger now, and is recovering well.

The Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, Niraj Uttamani, said that Khan, who was soaked in blood after the knife attack, walked into the hospital like a lion" and was accompanied by his son, Taimur Ali Khan. He didnt even use a stretcher, said Uttamani. He (Mr Khan) was soaked in blood when he arrived at the hospital. But he walked in like a lion. He is very fortunate. If a knife were 2 mm deeper, he would have sustained a serious injury," he added.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:05 IST
Saif Ali Khan Health Update: Actor Advised Bed Rest, Likely To Be Discharged In 2 Days

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:05 IST

Doctors mentioned that since Saif Ali Khan was also stabbed in his back, it will take some time for his wounds to get better.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an intruder. (Photo Credit: X)

A day after Saif Ali Khan was admitted to Mumbais Lilavati hospital after being stabbed, a team of doctors treating the Bollywood actor has shared his health update. On Friday, the doctors held a press conference and revealed that even though Saif is doing fine, he has been advised bed rest for now.

Doctors mentioned that since Saif Ali Khan was also stabbed in his back, it will take some time for his wounds to get better. Therefore, the actor has been asked to restrict his movements for almost a week.

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The doctors also mentioned that the actor is currently under observation and is likely to be discharged in the next two to three days, depending upon his recovery.

What Happened At Saif Ali Khans Home?

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence in the wee hours of January 16. At around 2 AM, the actor heard noises when one of his female employees was attacked in Jehs room. This prompted Saif to intervene, which led to an altercation between the two and the attacker injured both Saif and the female employee. The Bollywood star was stabbed six times by the robber following which he was rushed to the hospital. The actor is now out of danger.

What Did Kareena Kapoor Khan Say About The Stabbing Incident?

On Thursday night, Kareena Kapoor Khan also issued a statement and appealed for privacy as their family processes the traumatic experience. It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage." She expressed concern for their safety, urging the media to respect their boundaries: The constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request your cooperation during this sensitive time," she wrote.

Meanwhile, the attacker has been arrested by the Mumbai police.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:05 IST
Photo Of Knife Lodged In Saif Ali Khan's Spine: 'Was Soaked In Blood But Entered Hospital Like Lion'

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 14:25 IST

Saif Ali Khan Attack News: Doctors at Lilavati hospital said that they will restrict visitors today as the actor needs to take rest due to knife-inflicted wounds, "especially in the back which can have chances of infection".

Saif Ali Khan News: Broken part of the knife that remained lodged in actor's backbone.

A picture of a part of the knife, which allegedly broke off and remained lodged in Saif Ali Khans spine, emerged on Friday. Niraj Uttamani, the Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, said that if the stab was 2 mm deeper, the actor would have sustained a life-threatening injury.

Uttamani added that the actor is a real hero" as he walked into the hospital like a lion despite being soaked in blood. He didnt even use a stretcher, the doctor added.

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#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital says, "Saif Ali Khan is a real heroHe is doing well. He has been shifted from ICU to a normal room" pic.twitter.com/3pucBkC8ys ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Khan was repeatedly stabbed by an intruder in his highrise apartment in posh Bandra West neighbourhood early Thursday and rushed to hospital with the blade still lodged in his thoracic spine.

He underwent an extensive surgery to remove the part of the knife. Dr Nitin Dange, the neurosurgeon who performed the operation, said on Thursday, The actor is stable, recovering well, and out of danger."

He sustained a serious injury to his thoracic spine. The surgery was necessary to remove the knife and repair the leaking spinal fluid," Dr Dange explained.

In addition to the spinal injury, Khan had two other deep wounds. These were on the left wrist and on the right side of his neck. The injuries were addressed by the plastic surgery team, led by Dr Leena Jain.

On Friday, the 54-year-old actor was shifted from the Intensive Care Units (ICU) to a special room at the private hospital.

Today we will be restricting visitors as we want Saif Ali Khan to rest. He has to take rest due to knife-inflicted wounds, especially in the back which can have chances of infection," the doctors at Lilavati Hospital said.

Besides Khan, a 56-year-old staff nurse at the house, Eliyama Philip, who is the complainant, and a domestic help suffered blade injuries in the incident, said an official.

The entire family  Khan, his wife and fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur  were home in the 12th-floor apartment along with their five house helps. In a statement to the police, Jehs nanny Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:33 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Chairman of Baku Metro CJSC Vusal Aslanov met with Chief Investment Officer of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Konstantin Limitovskiy, Trend reports.

At the meeting, detailed information was presented about the prospects of Baku Metro development till 2030, the construction of 10 new stations, as well as other projects and their importance.

Moreover, it was noted that the development of the metro is one of the priority tasks.

The special topic of discussion was the metro development plan in the aspect of the Baku Mobility Plan.

Meanwhile, a thorough exchange of views was held on the participation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in financing initiatives and projects related to the development of Baku Metro.

The parties agreed on the prospects of cooperation and forthcoming meetings.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Saif Ali Khan Stabbed: Police Step Up Probe, Interrogating Labourers At Actor's Building

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:32 IST

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence in the wee hours of January 16.

Saif Ali Khan attacked: Police released visuals of the suspect who attacked the actor.

A day after Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Mumbai residence, police officials have now stepped up the investigation. News18 has now learnt that the cops are interrogating two labourers who were carrying out some maintenance work on the terrace of Saifs building.

Reportedly, this is only a preliminary interrogation which is being done to find out if somebody, who had an idea of the building, helped the intruder. Police officials know that the intruder had a detailed knowledge of Saifs building. He used a staircase and shaft to reach the actors house and is suspected to have left from the rear gate and that is why isnt captured in the camera. Therefore, cops believe that the intruder had details of Saifs building.

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Meanwhile, Mumbai police have also formed multiple teams to ensure swift action. CCTV footage, which reveals the attackers face, has also been traced and further efforts to nab him are currently underway.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Mumbai residence in the wee hours of January 16. At around 2 AM, the actor heard noises when one of his female employees was attacked in Jehs room. This prompted Saif to intervene, which led to an altercation between the two and the attacker injured both Saif and the female employee. The Bollywood star was stabbed six times by the robber following which he was rushed to the hospital. The actor is now out of danger.

On Thursday night, Kareena Kapoor Khan also issued a statement and appealed for privacy as their family processes the traumatic experience. It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage." She expressed concern for their safety, urging the media to respect their boundaries: The constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request your cooperation during this sensitive time," she wrote.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:32 IST
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing: 2nd CCTV Footage Shows Suspect Wearing Different Clothes In Bandra

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 21:55 IST

Police are yet to detain any suspect involved in the attack on Saif Ali Khan, who was hospitalised after being stabbed multiple times. Khan is out of danger now after multiple surgeries.

The suspect managed to flee the scene and was caught on CCTV camera after the attack. (PTI)

A fresh image surfaced of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans suspected attacker, a day after the actor was attacked in his Bandra West apartment. CCTV footage showed the man wearing a blue shirt, which was different from an earlier photo of him wearing a black t-shirt.

The CCTV footage from Saif Ali Khans house and a hotel in Bandra showed the suspect wearing a blue shirt and carrying a backpack with his hands folded, suggesting that he may have changed clothes to evade the police. The suspected attacker was reportedly seen around the area outside Bandra station wearing a wrist band. Police have begun investigating the area. Mumbai police are yet to apprehend the suspect as the manhunt for Khans attacker continues.

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In the early hours of Thursday, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times during a burglary attempt. The actor had heard commotion between the attacker and one of his house-helps and rushed to the room after which he got involved in a scuffle with the attacker and was stabbed with a sharp object.

The primary suspect was identified by Mumbai police through CCTV footage, but remains at large. The attacker was seen in a black t-shirt walking down the stairs caryring a backpack. The case, classified as an attempted robbery, has prompted an extensive investigation involving over 30 police teams.

During a press conference, officials disclosed that the suspect gained access to the building using the staircase. The Mumbai Crime Branch has also deployed seven specialized teams to assist in solving the case.

Authorities have confirmed that a case has been filed at the Bandra Police Station, with the investigation in full swing.

What Happened To Saif Ali Khan?

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times, including in his neck and shoulder, at his Bandra West apartment around 2:30 am on Thursday. He was rushed to the Lilawati Hospital where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery.

Doctors treating him said on Friday that the Bollywood actor had a narrow escape as the knife missed his spine by just 2 millimetres. Saif Ali Khan is doing excellent. We made him walk and he can walk well. There is no problem and not much pain," Dr Nitin Narayan Dange of the citys Lilawati Hospital said while briefing the media today.

We have shifted him from the ICU to a special room. The visitors movement has been restricted for almost a week due to the injury in his spine. It has a potential chance for spreading infection," said Dange adding that there is no risk" of paralysis.

The Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, Niraj Uttamani, said that Khan, who was soaked in blood after the knife attack, walked into the hospital like a lion" and was accompanied by his son, Taimur Ali Khan.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 21:13 IST
The Roshans Review: Hrithik Roshan And Family Take Viewers On An Emotional Journey

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News18.com

Edited By: Shrishti Negi



Last Updated: January 23, 2025, 20:49 IST

The Roshans Review: The four-part docu-series is a light and enjoyable watch for film buffs.

Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan and Rajesh Roshan in the poster of the docu-series.

The Roshans U/A 3.5/5 Invalid Date|Hindi, English 4 Episodes | Documentary, Biography Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, Rajesh Roshan Director: Sashi Ranjan Platform: Netflix Watch Trailer

The Roshans, on Netflix, offers an engaging look into the life of a family that has shaped Indian cinema across three generations. The series captures their highs and lows with refreshing honesty, making it an easy watch for fans of music, film and storytelling. What sets it apart is its balanced approach  neither over-glorifying nor downplaying the familys challenges.

Roshan Lal Nagrath: The Musical Trailblazer

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The series opens with Roshan Lal Nagrath, who transformed Bollywoods music scene with timeless compositions. His qawwalis, like Na Toh Caravan Ki Talash Hai, set new benchmarks in the genre. A memorable moment from the 1950s recounts a Binaca Geetmala broadcast when his song Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhulegi was up against Chaudhvin Ka Chand. Rakesh Roshan recalls the familys joy when Roshans song won: We celebrated with a party," he fondly shares in the first episode. Despite his amazing melodies, Roshan Lal faced challenges later in life as the industry began to overlook him. In the same episode, Asha Bhosle reveals that even R.D. Burman admired Rajesh Roshans work, underscoring how Roshan Lals influence extended beyond his family to shape an entire generation of musicians.

Rajesh Roshan: Rajesh Roshan: From Struggles to Stardom

The narrative then shifts to Roshans son, Rajesh Roshan, who emerged as a composer of his own merit. Rajeshs early struggles are brought to life, from his mother asking lyricist Anand Bakshi to help him find a job to Laxmikant-Pyarelal giving him his first opportunity. Pyarelal tested him by asking him to play the Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate solo in front of none other than Lata Mangeshkar, which became a defining moment in his career. Hrithik Roshan also goes on to share a vivid memory of watching his uncle compose music: He would sit at the harmonium, take a breath, smile, and then begin. It was such a joy to watch," he says.

Rajesh Roshans work, such as Dil Kya Kare, received a lot of love. Sanjay Leela Bhansali marvels at the maturity of such a young composer, calling it unheard of." He adds, Roshan Sir would have been proud to see his son create music as melodious and extraordinary as his own." Rajesh Roshans collaborations with Dev Anand, particularly for Des Pardes, marked a turning point in his career and is talked out at length in the docu-series.

Rakesh Roshan Finding His True Calling

Rakesh Roshans transformation from an actor struggling for roles to one of Bollywoods top directors is a story in itself. He speaks about his failures as an actor and producer, admitting, I was told to call producers daily for work. I thought, how long will this go on? Thats when I decided to become a director."

Once Rakesh turned to direction, there was no looking back. Shah Rukh Khan recalls how he initially rejected Karan Arjun but was later convinced, calling the film a gift to his fans." The series highlights Rakeshs ability to create groundbreaking films, from Koi Mil Gaya, Indias first sci-fi hit, to Krrish, the superhero film that became a cultural phenomenon.

Hrithik also goes on to share how his fathers endless stream of ideas shaped their creative collaborations: He would come to me with an idea every week. Some I loved, some I didnt. But Karan Arjun stayed with him for years." Actors like Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan also share their love for Rakeshs unique storytelling approach.

Hrithik Roshans Superstardom

Hrithik Roshans rise to fame with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai forms the final act of the series. His debut brought overnight success but also challenges. The near-fatal attack on Rakesh Roshan shortly after the films release is portrayed with raw emotion.

Hrithik also reflects on how failures shaped his journey, saying, Through those failures, you realise you were meant to become who you are." Abhishek Bachchan calls Hrithik a rare talent, while Ranbir Kapoor shares how his father, Rishi Kapoor, was moved by songs like Chal Kahin Door Nikal Jaaye.

The Verdict

The four-part docu-series is a light and enjoyable watch for film buffs.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:30 IST
Opinion | Taliban Talks: Indias Nuanced Afghan Policy In Action

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 15:09 IST

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Afghan government, was the outcome of a deliberate decision taken at the highest level in India to publicly upgrade ties with the Taliban authorities

Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi (of the Taliban) in Dubai. (IMAGE: X)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Afghan Taliban government, in Dubai on January 8 was potentially a significant development for Indias approaches to Afghanistan. The meeting was not a chance encounter between Muttaqi and Indias top professional diplomat. Nor was it held on the sidelines of a multilateral event. It was obviously prepared for in advance; both Misri and Muttaqi were accompanied by a number of officials.

The meeting was doubtless the outcome of a deliberate decision taken at the highest level in India to publicly upgrade ties with the Afghan Taliban authorities. It does not mean that India has decided to accord diplomatic recognition to the Afghan Taliban government. Indeed, no country hasnot even China which has replaced its ambassador in Kabulgiven diplomatic recognition to the Afghan Taliban government. That has not inhibited China, Russia and a number of other countries from conducting relations with Kabul in a practical manner.

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Clearly, India had decided to do the same when it had sent a technical team to be based in Kabul in June 2022. The Joint Secretary in charge of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran (PAI) Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh, also travelled to Kabul to meet Afghan officials and ministers on a few occasions in the past two and a half years. It is certain that Indian agencies were also closely monitoring Afghan developments and maintaining contact with the Afghan Taliban. However, unlike some other countries India had remained inhibited in openly upgrading contacts till now. On their part the Afghan Taliban authorities were urging India to open up more to them. They had signalled not only now, but in the past too, that India should not consider the group as a Pakistani proxy.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement on the Misri-Muttaqi meeting was appropriately nuanced. While acknowledging that the two sides had discussed various issues pertaining to bilateral relations as well as regional developments" and noting that The Afghan side underlined its sensitivities to Indias security concerns" its main emphasis was on Indias assistance programme to Afghanistan. India agreed to consider developmental projects in addition to continuing its humanitarian efforts. It was particularly pertinent in the context of India-Afghanistan connectivity that Misri and Muttaqi also agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port for supporting trade and commercial activities, including for the purpose of humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan". As Pakistan will not agree, in the foreseeable future, to opening the land route from India via its Punjab province to Afghanistan it is vital that the Chabahar port be upgraded. It is also noteworthy that the Afghan Taliban is in agreement with the ousted government of the Afghan Republic on the significance of the Chabahar port. It shows that it is no novice when it comes to Afghanistans national interests. Finally, it was good that Misri underlined Indias historic friendship with the Afghan people and the strong people to people contacts between the two countries".

The Afghan Taliban Foreign Ministry statement on the meeting stated: Expressing gratitude for Indias humanitarian assistance, FM Muttaqi underlined a desire of strengthening political & economic relations with India as a key regional and economic player, in line with IEAs balanced & economy-centric foreign policy. Assuring the Indian delegation that Afghanistan does not pose a threat to any nation, FM Muttaqi expressed hope for raising level of diplomatic relations, and easeing (sic) visa regime for Afghan businessmen, patients and students."

This statement shows diplomatic sophistication. It stresses Indias importance in the region and as an economic player". It is therefore a signal to Pakistan that Kabuls present rulers are not willing to sacrifice their countrys economic interests because Pakistan wants Afghanistan to curtail its ties with India. At the same time, the statement seeks to reassure India as well as Pakistan that Afghanistans territory will not be available to be used by either country against each other. However, given the traditional paranoia in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on India and Afghanistan establishing meaningful ties such a balanced approach by Kabul will never satisfy the Pakistani military and intelligence establishment or its politicians.

Therein lies one significant aspect of the problem in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. This was illustrated during Army Chief General Asim Munirs meeting with political leaders in Peshawar on January 13. The political leaders who were from all major Pakistani political parties recommended that Pakistan needed to engage the Afghan Taliban in a dialogue process on the internal situation in Pakistan. These words obviously relate to the Pakistan and Afghan Taliban differences on the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP).

Media reports quoted Gen. Munir informing the politicians They dont listen to us". While the immediate context was the TTP but for the Pakistani establishment it extends to anyone who is in power in Afghanistans attitude to India as well. It wants them to listen to us. That no Afghan government has been willing to do. And, no government in Kabul ever will. The Pakistani establishment has been especially bitter with the Afghan Taliban for they provided it all out support which enabled it to inflict a strategic defeat on the US in the forever war. That also sent the Afghan Republic packing. What the Pakistani generals forget is that the Afghan Taliban was one entity as long as it was dependent on them and became different after August 15, 2021 when it captured Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

India will have to take great note of Muttaqis request for visas to Afghan nationals for business, medical treatment and education. Indeed, it is clearly contradictory that Indias top professional diplomat emphasised people-to-people ties with Afghanistan while India continues to pursue a completely restrictive visa policy for all Afghan nationals. This Indian visa policy since August 2021 has lost its substantial goodwill among the Afghan people. Naturally, security concerns have to be taken into account while giving visas to Afghans but it can now only be hoped that the restrictive policy which was counter-productive to Indian interests to begin with would be given up.

There is one basic question that has to be addressed at this stage in India-Afghan ties. Is there unanimity in the Afghan Taliban leadership towards opening up meaningfully with India? The Afghan Taliban leaderships power is shared largely between the Kandahar-based groups and those from the south-east. The former are Durranis along with some Ghilzai tribes. The latter are led by the Zadrans. The word of the Afghan Taliban head, the reclusive Haibatullah, is final. He is well guarded in Kandahar. The Zadrans are strong in the south-east and their power in Kabul is substantial.

The Zadrans have had traditionally close ties with the Pakistani intelligence agencies and, it is believed, acted on their behalf in carrying out attacks on the Indian Mission in 2008 and later. But times have changed and it is now believed that the Zadrans want to balance ties between Pakistan and India. Mullah Yakub, the son of the Taliban founder-leader Mullah Omar who is now defence minister is also believed to be in favour of better ties with India but his enthusiasm for it is not clear. Muttaqi could not have met Misri without the clearance of Haibatullah but the Afghan Taliban Supremos real interest in the India relationship is a question mark. At the same time, he is unwilling to do Pakistans bidding on the TTP with whom the Afghan Taliban share theological connections.

Pakistan has begun indicating to Kabul and Kandahar that it has cards it can play. In late December the Director General of the ISI, Lt Gen Asim Malik visited Dushanbe. During the visit he met Tajikistans President, Emomali Rahmon. Rahmon has been his countrys President since 1994. He has seen all phases of the Afghan situation which has through the decades impacted his countrys security and economy.

Rahmon has always had reservations about the Taliban and had close ties with the Tajik leadership led by the Lion of Panjsher, Ahmed Shah Masood, during the 1990s. He gave the Tajik leadership refuge and a base. Now Masoods son and the brave Amrullah Saleh are based in Tajikistan. From there they are trying to keep the flame of resistance to the Taliban alive. Some small militant actions are also taking place in northern Afghanistan. Maliks visit was a signal to the Afghan Taliban that it can provide help to the Tajiks and other members of the erstwhile Northern Alliance unless it begins to listen" to Pakistan, especially on the TTP. The other card that the Pakistanis can attempt to play is to provoke some of the traditionally anti-Afghan Taliban tribes in the Kandahar areathe Noorzais and the Achakzais for instance against it.

All this can trouble the Afghan Taliban but not really weaken its hold on the country. This is especially because there has been no real effective resistance against it in the cities.

The erstwhile officials of the Afghan Republic have been unhappy with the Misri-Muttaqi meeting. They should understand that India has to safeguard its interests in Afghanistan. That stated, India should also maintain its ties with all sections of Afghan opinion within Afghanistan and outside it too.

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India has to now move deliberately to build on the Misri-Muttaqi meeting.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 17, 2025, 15:09 IST
Blinkit Opens Temporary Store At Maha Kumbh Mela, Internet Calls It An Incredible Initiative

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 19:16 IST

People can purchase chargers, power banks, towels, blankets, bedsheets and Triveni Sangam Jal bottles online.

The Maha Kumbh started on January 13. (Photo credits: X)

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has drawn millions of pilgrims and tourists and Blinkit has stepped in to cater to their needs with a temporary store. Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, announced the initiative on X (formerly Twitter), stating, Today, weve opened a temporary Blinkit store in Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, to serve pilgrims and tourists."

The 100 sq ft store is strategically positioned to deliver essentials across key areas such as Arail Tent City, Dome City, ITDC Luxury Camp and Devrakh. The specially curated inventory includes pooja essentials, milk, curd, fruits and vegetables. Visitors can also purchase chargers, power banks, towels, blankets, bedsheets and Triveni Sangam Jal bottles, ensuring convenience during the spiritual gathering.

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The tweet read, Today weve opened a temporary Blinkit store in Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj to serve pilgrims and tourists. This one is a 100 sq ft store which will be delivered in Arail Tent City, Dome City, ITDC Luxury Camp, Devrakh, and other key areas of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Our teams are ready to deliver specially curated assortment like pooja needs, milk, curd, fruits & vegetables (for self consumption as well as for daan), chargers, power banks, towels, blankets, bedsheets and more. Weve also got Triveni Sangam Jal bottles in stock."

Today weve opened a temporary Blinkit store in Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj to serve pilgrims and tourists.This one is a 100 sq ft store which will be delivering in Arail Tent City, Dome City, ITDC Luxury Camp, Devrakh, and other key areas of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Our teams are pic.twitter.com/p8pDakE1SV  Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) January 17, 2025

Blinkits initiative has struck a chord with the people online.

A user asked, Wow cool! But how are you going to keep track of inventory?"

Another asked, What a thoughtful initiative! Pilgrims now have one less thing to worry about with Blinkit delivering all the essentials, right where they need it."

Echoing a similar sentiment, a person added, Incredible initiative! Making essentials accessible for pilgrimsBlinkit truly delivers where it matters most."

Sharing his first-hand experience, another said, I was there on the 12th and literally searched on Blinkit to see if its available there. Crazy stuff you guys have been doing."

That is great, hope it works without issues" was the sentiment.

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A comment read, Very good initiative. Kudos to the team Blinkit."

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has made arrangements to make it a safe and memorable trip for devotees. To ensure safety and efficient crowd management, the mela area has been declared a no vehicle zone.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 19:13 IST
Build-A-Bear CEO Sharon Price Johns Unique Friday Habit: Thank-You Notes To Boost Employee Morale

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:20 IST

Despite the swirl of new strategies and technology and her demanding schedule overseeing the company, Sharon Price John dedicates an hour every Friday to writing thank-you notes.

She shared that her practice is now being adopted by company leaders. (Photo Credits: X)

In a business world often dominated by emails, instant messages, and fleeting digital interactions, the CEO of a $486 million toy business based in the United States has a unique Friday ritual. Despite the swirl of new strategies and technology and her demanding schedule overseeing a multi-million-dollar Build-A-Bear company, Sharon Price John dedicates an hour every Friday to writing thank-you notes. This seemingly small but impactful act sets her apart in the fast-paced world of corporate America.

Talking about her weekly Friday practice, John told Fortune her business days are packed with back-to-back meetings and post-work events. Often, its easy to forget to point out employees wins at the moment. Carving out a chunk of time to appreciate a great sales day or penning a message of appreciation helps her stay on top of the week and is also great for her business.

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I found that means an awful lot to people. It only takes a few seconds to text somebody. Its very easy in this role to focus on everything that needs to be fixed, and there is always something that needs to be fixed. But if you balance it and acknowledge and be thoughtful about the things that are going right, sometimes that helps the momentum," John said.

Elaborating further, she shared that her practice is now being adopted by company leaders. Id hope that the people that I am sending these emails or texts to are also then turning and doing that for their organisation," she said.

In addition to her weekly displays of gratitude, the CEO also said, The chief executive is an incredibly varied type of position where you have to be a bit of a jack of all trades, and I think that sometimes surprises people when they step into the CEO role."

Potential bosses must be prepared for a learning curve," but that spirit of learning and leaning in is still one of her favourite aspects of the gig, even after nearly 12 years in the role," she concluded.

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Build-A-Bear recorded profits in December, expecting total revenues for the full year to be up to $495 million, as reported by Fortune. All of the companys physical stores are profitable, up from 80 per cent over the past 10 years.

This weekly ritual reinforces the companys culture of appreciation and strengthens connections within the Build-A-Bear Workshop community.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 13:20 IST
From Private Jets To Exotic Weekends: Harvard Students List Bizarre Rich Things They Have Seen On Campus

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:16 IST

In the video, a woman shared the story about students flying on their dad's private jet instead of a regular airline.

Can you believe it? (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Harvard University is known for its high standards and difficult admissions process, as it accepts only a handful of students each year. Among these students, some come from incredibly wealthy backgrounds and their spending habits are just jaw-dropping. Now, a video, shared on Instagram by a content creator, features some students talking about the most shocking rich things theyve seen on campus. From owning a private jet to weekend outings in Europe, the video shows the lavish lifestyles of some students.

One of the students recalled, I just feel theres a lot. Ive seen people pay for on-campus housing and then off-campus housing too, which is like crazy. They dont even live here on Harvard, they live across the street."

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Another shared, The people who go to Europe on weekends. I know the plane tickets, thats not affordable. A couple of people, Ive also met have last names that the buildings have here."

A woman shared the story about students flying on their dads private jet instead of a regular airline. Another person mentioned seeing someone posting a selfie from a private jet before class and then attending class later that night, which they found interesting. A student talked about spotting someone wearing three expensive Cartier love bracelets on one arm, which is worth $7350 (approximately Rs 6 lakh).

Other stories were equally bizarre, including students who have houses everywhere. So I know someone was like, I need to work on a project. Let me go to my beach house on the Cape. Thats not something I can do."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashton Herndon (@ashtonherndonn)

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Bro hunted out the kids on scholarship to interview."

Another wondered, Why would they pay for double rent?"

So gossip girl was not that unrealistic after all," a comment read.

Another mentioned, If you notice them doing things like this, theyre not super rich. The really, really rich kids act like normal people. Then you find out years later that this regular brown kid is heir to the throne of his country or something."

An individual observed, So the pressure is everywhere, but the pressure at Harvard sounds like a whole other level."

One more added, Some of them have legacy admissions even though they dont deserve it but because their family names are on some building."

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Since the video was shared on Instagram, it has garnered 4.6 million views.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:16 IST
On Shark Tank India Season 4, Gaurav Taneja AKA Flying Beasts Pitch Rejected

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Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:46 IST

Gaurav Taneja claimed that his brand, which focuses on easily digestible protein supplements, generated Rs 1 crore in sales within an hour of launching its password-protected website.

Gaurav Taneja boasts 9.5 million YouTube and 3.7 million Instagram followers. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The latest season of the business reality show Shark Tank India has started. This season is full of intense and dramatic episodes, keeping viewers glued to their screens. Adding to the excitement, social media influencer and entrepreneur Gaurav Taneja, aka Flying Beast, recently pitched his fitness brand, Beast Life, to the panel. However, the sharks rejected his pitch, citing divided attention, a fragmented equity structure, and a long-term commitment to his brand, BeastLife.

Accompanied by his business partner Raj Gupta, the entrepreneur sought Rs 1 crore in exchange for a 1 per cent equity stake in the startup. The brand, which focuses on easily digestible protein supplements, generated Rs 1 crore in sales within an hour of launching its password-protected website.

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Taneja claimed that this achievement was possible because of his massive online following, which includes 9.5 million YouTube subscribers and 3.7 million Instagram followers.

Founder of Shaadi.com, Anupam Mittal, voiced concerns about the YouTubers ability to evolve into a full-time entrepreneur. Labelling Taneja a terrible entrepreneur," he stated, You are a good influencer, but you cant outsource entrepreneurship."

He also said that success requires undivided focus and warned him against spreading himself too thin between his influencer career and various business ventures. Other judges agreed with Mittals concerns, questioning Tanejas divided attention, fragmented equity structure, and long-term commitment to his brand, BeastLife. These concerns eventually prompted the Sharks to reject the pitch.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shark Tank India (@sharktank.india)

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Prior to the Shark Tank India episode, the influencer took to his YouTube channel to clear the air regarding his sales figures. Addressing the media misconceptions in a YouTube vlog, Taneja clarified, People have started thinking that I earn Rs 1 crore in one hour, but thats not how it works. Its revenue, not money in the pocket," he explained.

The YouTuber also addressed the ongoing criticism regarding his visit in the show for marketing instead of fundraising. I wanted both the marketing and the money. You cant run a business without them. We went for both; its not like we did not want the marketing. We did. The biggest companies in the world want marketing," he claimed.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:42 IST
How This Ex-Google Employee, Once A 'Below-Average Student', Became A Successful Entrepreneur

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:16 IST

Andrew Yeung lacked charm and extraordinary intelligence which he felt would be necessary to shine in his career.

Andrew Yeung completed his graduation from the University of Toronto. (Representative Image)

A single sheet of paper cant decide my future". Decades have passed since Thomas Alva Edison made the remarks about his career, and it continues to inspire people around the world. Andrew Yeung, a former employee of Meta and Google, has proven that a sheet indeed cant decide or determine anyones future.

Born in Hong Kong, Yeung was never a bright student. He struggled in mathematics, English and science during his school and college days. With below-par grades in these subjects, an underconfident Yeung doubted he would ever land a job, Business Insider reported.

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Yeung also revealed that he lacked the charm and extraordinary intelligence necessary to shine in any career. He completed his graduation from the University of Toronto. After earning his degree, Yeung spent nine months searching for jobs but failed. Thats when he chose to opt for an unconventional strategy.

I see myself as an average person who isnt particularly gifted. But Ive managed to find success by discovering the unfair advantages uniquely suited to me," the entrepreneur told Business Insider.

As shared by Yeung, he went on to look for innovative ways to build contacts with tech professionals. He aimed for leadership roles at Google and Meta and attempted four key strategies to achieve his goals.

Yeung started to organise private dinners with executives of reputed companies and attended other events as well. He changed the power dynamic, bringing industry experts under the same umbrella.

Yeung realised that he would need to keep his eyes open and seize any opportunity that came his way. He was rejected by many companies but never gave up on moving forward. Finally, he was offered an internship by the CEO of a company with over 20,000 employees.

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His eyes, however, were set on Facebook and Google. Thanks to his spontaneity and swift response, Yeung finally got a chance to work with the tech giants. He even remained in touch with those hiring managers who rejected him initially. His determination has no doubt paid off.

Once a below-average student, Yeung has now founded his company, Fibe, which has already organised 200-plus tech events.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:16 IST
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh Breaks Silence On Toxic Work Culture Allegations

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 18:33 IST

This comes days after Bhupendra Vishwakarma, a techie from Pune said that he left Infosys, despite having no job lined up.

Infosys CEO Salil Parekhs reaction came during the companys Q3 earnings call. (Representative Image)

In the IT world, few names carry as much weight as Infosys, a global tech giant thats been at the forefront for decades. But as the company continues to ride the wave of growth, it has to face its fair share of challenges. Recently, Infosys has found itself in the spotlight for some wrong reasons. From allegations of low salary hikes to reports of a toxic work culture, the companys reputation has taken a hit. During the companys Q3 earnings call on Thursday, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh was asked about the growing unrest among employees.

The controversy surrounding Infosys began in 2023 when founder Narayana Murthy made headlines for his remarks on young employees working long hours, a comment that sparked intense debate about the companys work-life balance. As months went by, more employees came forward, citing issues such as stagnant salaries, poor financial growth and an overwhelming workload. The situation escalated when about a week ago, Bhupendra Vishwakarma, a techie from Pune, shared a LinkedIn post explaining why he left Infosys, despite having no job lined up, citing exactly those reasons: excessive pressure, lack of financial growth and a toxic work culture.

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Check out his post here:

With these issues making waves on social media, Parekh was inevitably asked to respond. The CEOs reply during the earnings call was eagerly awaited by many, especially as it was clear that Infosys was grappling with a potential reputation crisis.

Bhupendra said a lot of things on LinkedIn, on the culture, the work culture. What are your views on that?" a reporter from Moneycontrol asked. Parekhs response was calm yet firm, insisting that Infosys has always made a point to treat its employees fairly and that the company adheres to a high standard of transparency and equality in the workplace.

In terms of the employee question, within Infosys, we have a very clear approach to make sure that everyone is treated fairly. We have a well-defined process of looking at how performance is driven," he said.

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We are an equal opportunity company, ensuring that everyone gets the benefit of that. And we hold ourselves to this high standard," he added, outlining the companys commitment to fairness and equal opportunity.

Despite the growing criticism, Infosys also used the opportunity to reaffirm its focus on future growth, revealing that it remains on track to meet its target of hiring 15,000 freshers in FY25.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:33 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The trial in the case of Armenians accused of war crimes starts today in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The preparatory session of the court on the criminal case is scheduled for today.

The indictment in the criminal case was approved by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 16 and submitted to the Baku Military Court for consideration on the merits. The case was transferred to the Baku Military Court for the proceedings of the judge, chairman of the court, Zeynal Aghayev.

The press service of the General Prosecutor's Office disseminated information on sending to court the criminal case on illegal actions committed against the Republic of Azerbaijan by the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and its illegal armed formations established by the Republic of Armenia in the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the full support of the Republic of Armenia and its armed forces.

According to the information, the Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan investigated the criminal case on the facts of committing an act of aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people, occupation, genocide, other crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other numerous crimes.

Meanwhile, it is noted that on May 2, 2024, by the decision of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 1389 criminal cases were investigated in the Prosecutor General's Office and other investigative bodies of the country in connection with crimes committed between October 1987 and April 22, 2024, which were merged into one proceeding. The investigation was conducted by the investigative staff of the State Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Customs Committee, and the Military Prosecutor's Office under the direction of the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Based on the collected reliable evidence, a total of 15 persons were brought as defendants for crimes committed by the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia and illegal armed groups in 2,548 episodes. The following persons: Arkady Ghukasyan, Araik Harutyunyan, Bako Saakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Leva Mnatsakanyan, Davit Manukyan, Garik Martirosyan, Melikset Pashayan, Davit Allahverdyan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, Madat Babayan, Vasiliy Beglaryan, and Eric Ghazaryan are charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to the periods of their participation in the criminal acts: 100 (planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression), 102 (attacking persons or institutions which enjoy international protection ), 103 (genocide), 105 (extermination of population), 106 (slavery), 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible detention of a person), 112 (deprivation of liberty in violation of international law ), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenarism), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts), 118 (war looting), 120 (premeditated murder), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218 (organization of a criminal association (criminal organization), 228 (unlawful acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of firearms, component parts thereof, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices), 270-1 (acts endangering aviation safety), 277 (attempt on the life of a State or public figure), 278 (forcible seizure of power or forcible retention of power or forcible change of the constitutional order of the State), 279 (establishment of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and other articles. Each of the accused is provided with a defense, the use of a language he or she knows, and other procedural rights.

The defendants were also provided with a lawyer.

On the basis of a petition by the investigative body and a submission by the procurator in charge of the procedural management of the preliminary investigation, a preventive measure of restraint in the form of arrest was imposed on them by court decisions.

The applications and complaints filed by the accused both during the preliminary investigation and after its completion were considered following the requirements of criminal procedural law, and appropriate decisions were taken. The accused in the case and other participants in the criminal proceedings were informed of the end of the preliminary investigation and familiarized with all the materials of the criminal case.

At the same time, the criminal case against other persons accused of committing numerous crimes is being separated, and the preliminary investigation is continuing.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan invites the competent authorities of the Republic of Armenia to cooperate, referring to the existence of serious grounds, such as the stay in the territory of Armenia of numerous persons suspected in this case, as well as witnesses.

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Meet 'Swiggy' The German Shepherd Who Waited 8 Hours For Owner At Delhi Market

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 16:10 IST

The viral video shows a female German Shepherd sitting on a scooter in Delhi, waiting for the owner who had abandoned her.

The dog was rescued by Kaveri Rana, founder of Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust. (Photo Credits: X)

There are moments when a story emerges that can evoke both sadness and happiness at the same time. Recently, a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed a German Shepherd sitting on a scooter, waiting for its owner who had abandoned her. The situation was heart-wrenching yet it ended beautifully when the dog was rescued by animal welfare activists and given the name Swiggy.

The video caught the attention of social media users after Ajay Joe shared it on January 14. He described how the dog had been left in a Delhi market, climbing onto a scooter and waiting for her owner to return.

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This evening, a dog was brought to a marketplace in Delhi on a scooter and was conveniently left behindin other words, abandoned. The poor dog has climbed onto another scooter and has been waiting there for the past 8 hours, longing for his owner. His eyes are filled with hope and despair as he gazes around, searching for the person who left him," Ajay wrote.

This evening, a dog was brought to a marketplace in Delhi on a scooter and was conveniently left behindin other words, abandoned.The poor dog has climbed onto another scooter and has been waiting there for the past 8 hours, longing for his owner. His eyes are filled with hope pic.twitter.com/kFm2gZBDBF  Ajay Joe (@joedelhi) January 14, 2025

Once the dogs situation gained attention, a group of animal lovers rushed to help. One volunteer stayed with the German Shepherd overnight, feeding her and keeping her company. At the same time, another volunteer, Renu Khinchi, made arrangements for an ambulance to take the dog to a safer place.

One volunteer stayed with him till 3 am feeding and taking care of him. Renu Khinchi is organising an ambulance and shifting him to a safe place," Ajay wrote in the follow-up post.

One volunteer stayed with him till 3 am feeding and taking care of him.@Renu66713 is organising an ambulance and shifting him to a safe place. Ajay Joe (@joedelhi) January 15, 2025

Very Kind of @TheDogMother_ to keep him at her home. @Renu66713 for coordinating the baby for rescue.@TheViditsharma for offering a safe place too. pic.twitter.com/vcXVza45OW Ajay Joe (@joedelhi) January 15, 2025

Ultimately, the dog was rescued by Kaveri Rana, the founder of Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust, and named Swiggy in honour of a delivery platforms initiative to reunite lost pets with their owners.

In our efforts to rescue her and ensure her safety throughout the night, we didnt stop to consider the dogs gender. The constant vigilance of dedicated volunteers played a crucial role in keeping her safe on the streets," Ajay wrote.

Ajay also shared a powerful reminder about the cruelty of pet abandonment, writing, Abandoning a pet is one of the most heartless and cruel acts a human can commit. Pets rely on us for care and love; abandoning them is a betrayal of their trust and loyalty."

Shes a girl Weve named her "Swiggy" after @Swiggy 's initiative to help find missing dogs. Thanks to everyones good wishes on @X , she stayed near the scooter, clinging to it often, now safe @TheDogMother_s home and sanctuary. In our efforts to rescue her and ensure her https://t.co/WIwp2h92ga pic.twitter.com/bBRfL3RtBM  Ajay Joe (@joedelhi) January 15, 2025

The social media users took to the comment section to express their thoughts and were moved by Swiggys story.

One user commented, This is heartbreaking, she is such a sweetheart, how could anybody do such a thing? You guys are truly God-sent. You make the world a happy place."

Another shared, I was really upset seeing your video of this lovely creature having been abandoned yesterday. Such a relief."

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Wonderful news and amazing work by all involved," someone expressed.

More comments followed with users expressing, Happy for Swiggy," Happy ending" and So happy to see this."

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 16:10 IST
This UK Restaurant Is Charging Rs 10,000 For Pineapple Pizza  Heres Why

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 12:36 IST

The owners and staff of Lupa Pizza are so opposed to the idea of pineapple on pizza that they have reluctantly added the Hawaiian pizza with a hefty price tag.

Lupa Pizza is located in Norwich, UK.

Pineapple on pizza? It is a topic that has sparked debates for many years among foodies. While some enjoy the sweet and savoury combination, others simply cant stand it. But in a bold move, Lupa Pizza in Norwich, UK, is taking a firm stance against the controversial topping by charging a jaw-dropping 100 (around Rs 10,500) for a Hawaiian pizza. The pizzerias owners and staff are strongly opposed to pineapple on pizza which is why they have reluctantly added the Hawaiian pizza to their menu with a hefty price tag. The description on the menu reads: Yeah, for 100 you can have it. Order the champagne too! Go on you Monster!"

The restaurants co-owner Francis Woolf told The Guardian, I absolutely loathe pineapple on a pizza," while the head chef, Quin Jianoran, said, I love a pina colada, but pineapple on pizza? Never. Id rather put a bloody strawberry on one than that tropical menace."

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The Hawaiian pizza was invented by Sam Panopoulos in the 1960s who decided to put tinned pineapple on a ham pizza, naming it after the brand of pineapple used. Since then, it has become a divisive dish that people either love or hate.

So far, no one has ordered the 100 pizza at Lupa although Jianoran shared that the online buzz has been overwhelming. Its unbelievable, to be honest," he told CNN.

The restaurant has also promised to put pineapple on the menus monthly special if the results of a poll from the Norwich Evening News go in the fruits favour. Right now, pineapple is leading with 62% of the vote on whether it belongs on pizza. My views might change! It could be 200, it could be 2, who knows," Jianoran said.

Interestingly, Lupas bold move isnt the highest price for pineapple. Last year, a $395.99 (nearly around Rs 34,280) red-hued pineapple variant hit the California market but this price is still much higher than the usual supermarket can of tinned pineapple.

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While many traditional Italian pizza-makers continue to reject pineapple as a topping, some pizzerias are embracing it. In 2024, Napoli pizza maestro Gino Sorbillo introduced ananas (pineapple) to his menu in Via dei Tribunali, Naples famous pizza street. He explained that his goal was to combat food prejudice."

The debate over pineapple on pizza has been so heated that in 2017, the Icelandic president, Guoni Th. Johannesson, was forced to clarify that he wouldnt be banning pineapple pizza after his remarks against the combo went viral.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 17, 2025, 12:25 IST
China Most Unbalanced Economy, Will Squeeze Bad Actors Like Iran: Trump's Treasury Secy Pick

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:26 IST

Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary pick Scott Bessent called China the "most unbalanced economy" in the world and also vowed to impose sanctions on Iran in the incoming administration.

Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary pick Scott Bessent (AP Image)

US Treasury Secretary-designate Scott Bessent on Thursday described China as an unbalanced economy" and said that the country was in a severe recession".

He stressed on the need to balance free trade with fair trade and said that the current global trade dynamics have heavily impacted the American workers.

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Free trade must be also balanced against fair trade, and clearly what has happened is the trade has not been fair. That has fallen on the American workers. China is the most unbalanced economy in the world. They are in a severe recession and depression and they are attempting to export their way out of that," Bessent said during the Senate confirmation hearings.

He listed his approach to strengthen the US economy by raising domestic production and imposing sanctions to target bad actors" such as Iran.

I would view that as we raise US production, we can squeeze down bad actors, especially Iran. I believe Iran was down to 100,000 barrels of oil exports when President Trump left office  theyre now exporting approximately 1.7 million. So, through sanction policy, I believe we can make the Iranian regime broke again  and at the same time, increase our domestic production with the highest energy standards in the world," Bessent said.

Donald Trump nominated Scott Bessent to lead the US Department of Treasury soon after his victory in November last year.

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In a statement, Trump had said, I am most pleased to nominate Scott Bessent to serve as the 79th Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Scott is widely respected as one of the Worlds foremost International Investors and Geopolitical and Economic Strategists. Scotts story is that of the American Dream."

(With ANI inputs)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:26 IST
'We Will Solve Many Problems': Trump, Xi Hold Talks Over Phone Days Before Inauguration

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 21:06 IST

Xi has sent Vice-President Han Zheng to attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony, marking the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a US presidential inauguration.

The phone conversation between the two leaders comes just three days before Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20. (AP File Photo)

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing the future of US-China relations ahead of his inauguration on Monday.

Trump expressed optimism about building a strong relationship with China, despite ongoing tensions between the two superpowers.

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The call was a very good one for both China and the USA," Trump shared on his social media platform after the conversation.

It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects," he noted.

Trump added that he and President Xi would work together to create a more peaceful and safe world. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" he said.

Xi Expresses Optimism

On the Chinese side, President Xi also expressed optimism about the future of US-China relations.

We both attach great importance to mutual interaction (and) hope that China-US relations will have a good start in the new term of the US president," Xi said, according to Chinese state media CCTV.

The call came just days before Trump takes office for his second term, with the US-China relationship expected to be a major focus. Tensions between the two nations are high, particularly over trade, technology, and issues concerning Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China.

Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on all Chinese imports. However, he has also praised his relationship with Xi and suggested that China could play a role in mediating international crises, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Xi, who will not attend Trumps inauguration, was represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Despite the challenges in US-China relations, Trump has maintained a positive stance on his personal relationship with Xi, stating in a December interview that he and the Chinese leader have communicated frequently since his election victory.

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We have a very good relationship," Trump said in the interview, adding that although they had not discussed Taiwan, they had addressed other important issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 17, 2025, 20:01 IST
Pakistan: Imran Khan Gets 14 Years In Jail, Bushra Bibi 7 As Duo Convicted In Al-Qadir Trust Case

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Ashesh Mallick



Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 13:02 IST

Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment while his wife Bushra got 7 years jail as punishment in the Al-Qadir Trust case in Pakistan.

Pakistan court sentences Imran Khan to 14 years jail (AP File Image)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in the 190m Al-Qadir Trust case, while his wife Bushra Bibi has been awarded a jail term of 7 years.

Bushra Bibi was arrested from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023. She was present to hear the decision.

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The case relates to the misuse of authority and corruption involving Khans Al-Qadir University Project Trust.

The duo were indicted in the case on February 27 last year, shortly after the controversial general elections. Imran Khan was incarcerated in August 2023 in connection with a series of legal cases, which he has dubbed as politically motivated."

In 2024, he was acquitted in the Cipher and Iddat cases but faced fresh charges in the Toshakhana 2 case in December.

What Is The Al-Qadir Trust Case?

The case was filed by Pakistans National Accountability Bureau (NAB) which alleged that Khan played a pivotal role" in the illicit transfer of funds that were intended for the state of Pakistan but were deposited into an account designated for land payments by Bahria Town Karachi.

The case alleges that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received billions of (Pakistani) rupees and land spanning hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd in exchange for legalising Rs50 billion, which had been identified and repatriated to Pakistan by the United Kingdom during the previous PTI government.

Originally scheduled for December 23, the verdict in the case was deferred by an Islamabad accountability court to January 6, citing winter vacations as the reason for the postponement.

The NAB claimed that despite giving multiple opportunities to justify his act and provide further details, Khan deliberately, with mala fide intention, refused to give information on one pretext or another.

Property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mirza Shehzad Akbar, and Zulfi Bukhari are also among the suspects in this reference. They didnt join the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, they absconded and were subsequently declared proclaimed offenders (PO).

Verdict On Expected Lines: Sources Close To Imran Khan

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According to sources close to Imran Khan, the verdict of the court is on the expected lines. The judges were already told by the army to deliver on certain lines," the sources claimed.

During the course of hearing, Imran Khan was not given a fair trial," they added.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: January 17, 2025, 12:37 IST
Indian-Origin Man Gets 8 Years Of Imprisonment For Attempted Attack on White House

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:36 IST

Indian national Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, on Thursday was sentenced to eight years for an attempted attack on the White House with a rented truck on May 22, 2023.

Indian-origin Sai Varshith Kandula has been pronounced eight years of imprisonment. (Courtesy: X/@SiddharthKG7)

Indian national Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, on Thursday, was sentenced to eight years for an attempted attack on the White House with a rented truck on May 22, 2023.

The attack aimed to overthrow the democratically elected American government in order to replace it with a dictatorship fuelled by Nazi ideology, the Department of Justice said.

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Kandula had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to a charge of willful injury or depredation of US property. Born in Chandanagar, India, he was a lawful permanent resident of the US with a green card. In addition to the prison term, District Court Judge Dabney L Friedrich ordered Kandula to serve three years of supervised release.

The Indian national flew on a commercial flight from St Louis, Missouri, to Washington D.C. on the afternoon of May 22, 2023, connecting through another airport on a one-way airline ticket, according to court documents, and arrived at Dulles International Airport about 5:20 pm, wherein he rented a truck at 6:30 pm.

He stopped for food and gas and then drove to Washington, D.C., where he crashed into the barriers protecting the White House and the Presidents Park at 9:35 pm at the intersection of H Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest. Kandula drove onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians running from the scene. After striking the barriers, the truck backed up in reverse, then lurched forward, striking the metal barriers a second time. The second impact disabled the truck which began smoking from the engine compartment and leaking fluids.

Kandula next exited the vehicle and went to the back of the truck. From a backpack, he removed a flag, a three-by-five foot red-and-white banner with a Nazi Swastika in the centre, and brandished it. US Park Police and the US Secret Service officers arrested Kandula at the scene and took him into custody, the Department of Justice said.

According to the plea agreement, at the time Kandula crashed the truck into the White House perimeter, he was attempting to gain access to the White House to seize political power.

Kandulas intent was to replace the democratically elected government with a dictatorship fueled by the ideology of Nazi Germany and for himself to be put in charge of the United States. Kandula admitted to investigators that he would have arranged for the killing of the US President and others if necessary to achieve his objective. His actions were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion," it said.

According to the Department of Justice, his actions caused USD 4,322 in damage to the National Park Service. This amount included costs for repairing the metal bollard barriers to their original condition and ensuring structural soundness, oil and chemical removal, spill cleanup, and disposal of fluids from the crashed U-Haul.

Kandula planned the attack for several weeks. Prior to renting the truck and crashing it on the White House grounds, he made several attempts to gain access to vehicles or armed security guards. For example, on April 22, 2023, Kandula requested 25 armed guards and an armoured convoy from a security company located in Virginia, federal prosecutors said.

On May 4, 2023, Kandula attempted to contact several other companies in an attempt to rent a large commercial tractor-trailer truck, a dump truck, or another large truck. Kandula was unsuccessful in arraigning for security guards or a tractor-trailer truck or dump truck. Kandula had attempted to arrange for the services of these security guards and the use of large vehicles in order to carry out his offence against the US government, a media release said.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:36 IST
Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal With Hamas

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 19:09 IST

Israels security cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal that involves the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet meeting to vote on ceasefire deal | AP Image

Israels security cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire agreement that involves the exchange of dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and a temporary pause in the 15-month-long conflict.

The much-awaited decision came as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet to vote on the long-pending ceasefire deal with Gaza on Friday.

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The approval came after an unexpected delay, raising concerns that last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas might jeopardize the agreement.

Additionally, far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government threatened to undermine months of efforts to resolve the conflict.

Full Cabinet Nod Awaited

After the security cabinets approval, the Gaza ceasefire deal will now go to the full cabinet for the final signoff so that the agreement can be implemented on Sunday, with the release of the initial batch of hostages.

On the other hand, the Israeli High Court is scheduled to hear petitions against the provisions and elements mentioned in the agreement. However, its not likely to intervene, according to local media reports.

Under the first phase of the agreement, set to last 42 days, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages, including children, womensuch as female soldiersand individuals over the age of 50.

In return, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female Israeli soldier freed by Hamas and 30 prisoners for other female hostages.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said that the French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages to be freed.

The 15 months of war between Israel and Palestine that killed nearly 48,000 people was triggered after the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023. During the horrific episode, over 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 250 people were taken hostage.

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One hundred of the hostages were freed in exchange for 240 women and children held in Israeli jails, as the result of a ceasefire deal struck in November 2023 that collapsed after a week.

Location : Israel

First Published: January 17, 2025, 18:47 IST
Man Wins Rs 7.10 Cr In Lottery, Company Takes His Money To Share With Employees

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 19:17 IST

The incident was reported from China's Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and originally took place in March 2019

The company had purchased over 500 lottery tickets from a local station to create a festive atmosphere at the annual event. (Representational image via AP)

A Chinese man had won more than six million yuan in a lottery at his companys party, only to be asked to return the prize so it could be shared among all participants.

The incident was reported from Chinas Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and originally took place in March 2019.

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However, the story has resurfaced on social media as the Spring Festival approaches, a time when many companies host similar parties. Some online users have speculated that the revival of the story is aimed at boosting the sales of lottery tickets.

The company had purchased over 500 lottery tickets from a local station to create a festive atmosphere at the annual event. Each employee was given one ticket, and the unnamed winner hit the jackpot, claiming the grand prize of six million yuan. The win quickly caused a stir, with many employees sharing the news on social media, South China Morning Post reported.

Come join our company, six million lottery wins are just a regular perk! Message me for job openings," joked one employee. Another remarked, Our annual party handed out lottery tickets, and someone won the jackpot! This is probably the closest I will ever get to such a huge prize."

However, things took a turn when the company demanded that the winner return the ticket. The company argued that the large prize should be divided among all the partygoers. The employee refused, and the dispute escalated, leading to a visit to the local police station for resolution.

Authorities from Yinzhou district confirmed that they had addressed the issue, noting that it was a civil dispute and advising the parties to pursue legal action if necessary.

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Adding to the drama, it was revealed that the lottery draw took place on February 28, two days before the tickets were distributed to staff. Insiders disclosed that the company had instructed finance staff to ensure that no winning tickets were handed out.

However, due to an oversight, the winning ticket slipped through. It remains unclear whether the dispute was resolved in court.

Location : China

First Published: January 17, 2025, 19:05 IST
'You War Criminal': Top US Diplomat Antony Blinken Heckled During Gaza War Briefing

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 09:14 IST

The incident happened at the US State Department where several journalists were interrupting Antony Blinken as he defended outgoing US President Joe Bidens handling of Israel's 15-month war with Hamas.

As Antony Blinken was delivering his final press conference, a journalist condemned his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced stark criticism from journalists who slammed the Joe Biden administrations foreign policy on Israel-Hamas war. As Antony Blinken was delivering his final press conference, a journalist condemned his handling of the Gaza conflict.

Sam Husseini shouted, Criminal! You belong in The Hague"- referring to The Hague, where the International Criminal Court is located. Following this, security personnel quickly intervened and took Sam Husseini away from the room.

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The incident happened at the US State Department where several journalists were interrupting Antony Blinken as he defended outgoing US President Joe Bidens handling of Israels 15-month war with Hamas.

MUST SEE: Journalist @MaxBlumenthal confronts Antony Blinken about Israels genocide300 reporters in Gaza were on the receiving end of your bombs" Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?" Why did you allow the holocaust of our time to happen??" pic.twitter.com/wqpRDGEWCd  Decensored News (@decensorednews) January 16, 2025

Another journalist- editor of the Grayzone Max Blumenthal- said, Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?"

Antony Blinken is set to leave office on January 20 after Donald Trumps inauguration. He has faced criticism with regards to the Gaza war before as well.

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While talking to journalists in his last briefing, he said, Id also point out that in Israel itself, there are hundreds of cases being investigated. They have a process, they have procedures, they have rule of law Thats the hallmark of any democracy."

Asked if he would change anything about his dealings with Israel, he said the Israeli government had carried out policies that were supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis after the trauma of October 7."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 17, 2025, 09:11 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The court hearing for the criminal case of Ruben Vardanyan, accused of war crimes, is starting, Trend reports.

The preliminary adjudication session of the judiciary regarding the criminal case is slated for today.

To note, the case has been referred to the Baku Military Court for adjudication under the auspices of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, who presides as the Chairman of the Court.

On December 28, the Main Investigation Department of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan conducted an investigation of a criminal case involving acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism, crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and numerous other offenses committed against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people.

Ruben Vardanyan, a former citizen of the Russian Federation and currently a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, was the founder and head of the "Troyka Dialogue" company in Russia, a member of the Board of Directors of "KAMAZ" OJSC, and an independent director of the "Volga-Dnepr" group of companies, among other positions in the Russian Federation. On September 25, 2023, he was charged under Articles 214-1, 279.3, and 318.1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and declared wanted. He was arrested on September 27, 2023, handed over to the investigative authorities, and charged on the same date.

Based on the substantial evidence collected, the accused, Ruben Vardanyan, has been charged with participating in the criminal activities of the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" and associated illegal armed groups established in the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan occupied by the Republic of Armenia. He has been implicated in the creation and organization of illegal armed formations and groups.

A final indictment has been issued against him under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, or waging an aggressive war), Article 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), Article 109 (persecution), Article 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law), Article 113 (torture), Article 114 (mercenarism), Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict), Article 214 (terrorism), Article 214-1 (financing of terrorism), Article 218 (establishment of a criminal organization), Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosive substances, and devices), Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security), Article 278 (forceful seizure of power and its forcible retention, forceful alteration of the state's constitutional order), Article 279 (creation of armed groups and units not provided for by law), 318 (illegal crossing of the state border of Azerbaijan).

During the investigation, the accused person's right to defense, use of a language he understands, and other procedural rights were fully ensured. Vardanyan was provided with legal representation by lawyers of his choosing. Petitions submitted by him and his lawyers were reviewed in accordance with the requirements of criminal procedure legislation, and relevant decisions were made.

Vardanyan and other participants in the criminal process were informed about the conclusion of the preliminary investigation and given access to review all the criminal case materials, including physical evidence, documents, expert opinions, and other evidence.

The Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan approved the indictment on December 28, 2024, and submitted it to the Baku Military Court for consideration.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
NEQSOL Holding, an international group of companies, has signed a landmark agreement with Swiss GRC to digitalize its comprehensive Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) business functions.

This partnership follows a highly competitive and extensive evaluation, where Swiss GRC's offerings and platform capabilities secured this partnership, standing out among prominent market players.

As part of the initial implementation, NEQSOL Holding will deploy Swiss GRC modules for its already developed frameworks, such as Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, HSE, Internal Controls, Incident Management, and several others.

This move is a natural progression for NEQSOL Holding and its subsidiaries  Azerconnect Group, Vodafone Ukraine, Bakcell, and Norm  as they strive to enhance their business processes and support continued growth.

Speaking about the partnership, Imran Ahmadzada, CFO of NEQSOL Holding and Head of NEQSOL Holding Azerbaijan, said: This is an important move for the Holding since, as a pioneer in Risk Management, Governance, and Compliance, our maturity level requires the implementation of advanced digital tools. We believe that this partnership with Swiss GRC will help us fully digitalize those systems in all group companies of NEQSOL Holding.

Samir Karimov, Head of Risk Management at NEQSOL Holding, explained: Implementing Swiss GRC will give us a reliable framework to oversee and control risks across all our various business sectors. The Swiss GRC platform will help us make our processes more efficient, increase transparency, and better handle risks throughout our business.

Besfort Kuqi, CEO of Swiss GRC, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "We are honored to welcome NEQSOL Holding as one of our major multinational clients. The rigorous evaluation process reflects the strength of our platform and services, and we look forward to supporting NEQSOL Holdings ambitious GRC initiatives. This is a major statement for Swiss GRC as we continue to expand globally."

Rajeev Dutt, General Manager MEA & APAC at Swiss GRC, highlighted the strategic value of the collaboration: "Partnering with a group like NEQSOL Holding is a testament to the versatility and scalability of the GRC Toolbox. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that empower organizations to navigate various regulatory environments effectively."

Swiss GRCs platform empowers NEQSOL Holding to proactively manage risks, enhance accountability, and strengthen operational resilience across the entire group. The use of custom-built modules highlights Swiss GRCs ability to adapt their solutions to the specific needs of diverse organizations.

About NEQSOL Holding

NEQSOL Holding is an international group of companies operating in 11 countries across the telecommunications, energy, construction, and hi-tech industries. NEQSOL Holdings commitment to governance, risk management, and compliance is part of its strategy to ensure sustainable and responsible business practices. For more information, visit: www.neqsolholding.com.

About Swiss GRC

Swiss GRC, headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, is a leading provider of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions. Its flagship product, the GRC Toolbox, offers a unified platform for managing risks, ensuring compliance, and fostering resilience across organizations. With its commitment to "Global Reach, Local Excellence," Swiss GRC has expanded its presence globally. The company is known for its focus on innovation, integrating AI and advanced analytics into its solutions to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving GRC landscape. For more information, visit: www.swissgrc.com.
Win a $3K Trip to Tuscany!

Who wouldnt want to spend a week in Tuscany? Weve teamed up with our friends at Indus Travels to give one lucky winner that very thing. The prize package includes 6 nights in superior hotels in Florence and Siena, daily breakfast and 3 Tuscan lunches, wine tastings and cooking class, and guided tours and sightseeing at landmarks like Uffizi, Boboli Gardens, and Siena Cathedral.(Ends 3/31/25. See Terms & Conditions
Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels has donated his career archive to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas. This collection encompasses rehearsal notes, scripts, and photographs from the show, alongside personal correspondence. The center is recognized as one of the top literary and humanities archives in the nation, boasting works from the likes of Norman Mailer and David Mamet. The facility is planning an exhibition titled "Live from New York! The Making of Lorne Michaels," set to open in September, featuring video, photos, and artifacts detailing show production and its cultural impact.
Top US officials say that Sudan's military leader has used chemical weaponstwice, reports the New York Times . The allegation against Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which has been relayed to the UN, puts al-Burhan on a very short list of leaders who have deployed the banned weaponry since World War II. Only Syria and under Bashar al-Assad and Iraq under Saddam Hussein have been known to use the weapons in combat, according to a previous CNN story. Russia, meanwhile, has been accused of using nerve agents against political enemies.

The general reportedly used the weapons in two remote areas of the country while the Sudanese military battled paramilitaries aligned with the group Rapid Support Forces, which is fighting for control of the country. The fear, however, is that the weapons might be used in a far more populated region, including near the capital of Khartoum. Amnesty International accused Sudan of using chemical weapons in 2016, though the claims were not confirmed. The US is expected to announce sanctions against al-Burhan, the Times reports. Earlier this month, the State Department accused the RSF and allied militias of committing genocide and sanctioned the group's leader. (More Sudan stories.)
In public and in private, Mitch McConnell has been silent on whether he'll support President-elect Trump's nominees, sources tell Axios . And for those working on behalf of former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence , the silence is becoming alarming. Gabbard's team isn't counting on McConnell's vote, though Trump's team believes Gabbard can be confirmed without it, Axios reports. Others aren't so sure. If the former GOP Senate leader does come out against Gabbard, viewed by Democrats as " compromised ," others may be inclined to follow. As Politico 's Jonathan Martin reports, "one aide to a senior lawmaker told me that, in a secret ballot, she'd lose at least 15 Republicans."

For one thing, Gabbard "couldn't clearly articulate what the role of director of national intelligence entails" during her meeting with GOP Sen. James Lankford, an unnamed Trump transition official tells the Wall Street Journal. She reportedly also conflated Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows for the surveillance of foreigners outside the US for national security reasons, with FISA's Title I, which allows for the targeting of suspected spies living within the US, during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds. Both Lankford and Rounds sit on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which Gabbard will need to win over if she hopes to ease her path to confirmation.

The committee has a 9-8 GOP majority, but GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Todd Young are considered swing votes, per Axios. Collins previously said she would reserve judgment until after Gabbard's background check and hearing. Still, Trump's transition team believes fears of primary challenges for senators who go against Trump's nominees will be enough to get them in line, per the Journal. Rounds' concerns were allayed when Gabbard, who previously called for repealing Section 702, backed it this week. "Tulsi has been working hard and I was pleased she had taken my advice to meet with the experts I recommended," he tells the Journal, adding Gabbard will get his vote. (More Tulsi Gabbard stories.)
Everyone's headed down to South Florida these days to pay a visit to President-elect Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and now Eric Adams will join those ranks. A rep for the New York City mayor, Fabien Levy, tells the AP that Adams will be meeting with Trump on Friday to "discuss New Yorkers' priorities," and that Adams "looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward." The Democratic Adams, who syncs up with Trump and the GOP on some immigration issues, has already met with incoming border czar Tom Homan.

Both the AP and New York Times note that Adams and Trump have spoken warmly of each other in the past, though a source tells the Times that it was Adams who requested this meeting. A spokeswoman for Adams says that no officials other than Adams' bodyguards will accompany him to Florida, and New York City will pick up the tab for his travels, as the trip has a "city purpose." "Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkersand that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York City's success," Levy says in a statement.

The trip is of interest not only because Adams is a prominent Democrat leading a major US cityhe's also awaiting trial on federal corruption charges against him, and Trump has hinted previously that a pardon for Adams could be on the table. Adams has similarly expressed openness to accepting that pardon. The president-elect could also put the squeeze on the DOJ to simply drop the charges against the New York City mayor, notes the AP. "Eric Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump," says New York City comptroller Brad Lander, per the Times. "New Yorkers deserve to know that their mayor is putting their interests ahead of his own." (More Eric Adams stories.)
An ex-boyfriend of Method Man's daughter says the rapper beat him up at a New York gym on Monday. Patrick Sokoya, 28, told the NYPD that Method Man, real name Clifford Smith, punched him seven times with a closed fist at Crunch Fitness gym on Staten Island, where he is known to work out, per the New York Post and New York Daily News. The 53-year-old Wu-Tang rapper and actor denies the allegations and has not been arrested, a rep tells Billboard, though police are reportedly looking to question him. Sokoya, who declined medical attention, was in a relationship with Smith's daughter, 28-year-old Cheyenne Smith, more than a decade ago, the Post reports, indicating this was the reason for the alleged assault. (More assault stories.)
President Biden won't enforce a ban on the social media app TikTok that is set to take effect a day before he leaves office on Monday, a US official said Thursday, leaving its fate in the hands of President-elect Trump. Congress last year, in a law signed by Biden, required that TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance divest the company by Jan. 19, a day before the presidential inauguration. The official said the outgoing administration was leaving the implementation of the lawand the potential enforcement of the banto Trump, the AP reports. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal Biden administration thinking.
Totress Beasley paid off the mortgage on her Pasadena home exactly one day before the Eaton Fire reduced it to smoldering ash. "We're in this circumstance with so many other people," the 64-year-old tells KTLA . She's not suffering alone, but there's an unfortunate downside to that. With so many people having lost homes in the fires that swept through Los Angeles County, there's high demand for the vacant homes and apartments still standing, and some landlords are aiming to profit. Beasley tells KTLA she was quoted an incredible $5,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. As bad as that is, she says friends have heard of landlords charging as much as $8,000 per month for similar apartments.

LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman spoke out against "despicable" price gouging on Wednesday, accusing landlords of doubling and tripling prices. There are people "asking how [they can] make the most amount of money from people desperately seeking housing, supplies and services because they've lost everything," Hochman said. Though an executive order signed Sunday by Gov. Gavin Newsom forbids landlords from increasing rents by more than 10% above previously advertised rates, one Santa Monica property listed for $12,750 per month before the fires is now asking $28,000 per month, per KTLA.

Even a 10% rent increase can be "an impossibility, both for people who lost everything and for the rest of tenants in the city who were already struggling to get by," says a rep for the Los Angeles Tenants Union, which identified more than 500 properties where rental fees spiked, per Reuters. California Attorney General Rob Bonta says his office has launched multiple investigations. But even when rentals advertise somewhat affordable prices, bidding wars result. An 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who lost the Sunset Mesa home she shared with her husband says the couple offered $14,000 per month for a home asking $8,000 monthly, and still didn't win it, per Reuters. They've been forced to move into their son's one-bedroom apartment until they can find something else. (More California wildfires stories.)
With a little more than 72 hours remaining in his presidency on Friday, President Biden made a big move on the Equal Rights Amendment. "It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people," he said in a statement . "In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex." White House officials, however, acknowledged that the statement doesn't have the force of law, Politico reports.

The amendment essentially consists of one sentence: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." It was sent to the states by Congress in 1972, the year before Biden became a senator. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it, meaning the threshold of three-quarters of the states had been reached. The deadline for ratification was 1982, but a White House official says Biden agrees with an American Bar Association opinion that "stresses that no time limit was included in the text of the Equal Rights Amendment," CNN reports.

What happens now? To formally become part of the Constitution, the ERA would have to be certified and published by National Archivist Colleen Shogan, NPR reports. Shogan, a Biden appointee, has argued that Congress will have to lift the expiry date. The White House says Shogan won't be ordered to add the amendment, which will leave it in limbo for now. CNN notes that Biden's opinion is likely to meet "swift legal challenges"and, like many of his other last-minute actions, it could easily be reversed when President-elect Trump takes office on Monday.

"I have supported the Equal Rights Amendment for more than 50 years, and I have long been clear that no one should be discriminated against based on their sex," Biden said. We, as a nation, must affirm and protect women's full equality once and for all." He did not, however, explain why he had waited until three days before leaving office to make the move. The New York Times describes it as a late effort from Biden "to bring about profound change and shape his own legacy, but without taking actual action." Former Sen. Russ Feingold, however, tells the Times that it is "completely historic to have the president of the United States say it's already in the Constitution," adding, "I believe and many believe that whether or not the archivist certifies it or not doesn't matter." (More Equal Rights Amendment stories.)


One of the hottest issues in China and for all of Asia, as well as the world is the topic of education. In this episode of China Trends, we welcome Roger Bishop, the headmaster of AISB-Hope International School, who shares with us the similarities and differences between the Chinese and Western education systems, and how to combine the best of both.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The Health Ministry of Azerbaijan has held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary Tamas Torma, Trend reports.

Health Minister Teymur Musayev emphasized the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the field of health care and medical science.

According to the minister, cooperation in the field of health care between Azerbaijan and Hungary is carried out within the framework of international organizations, primarily the World Health Organization and the Organization of Turkic-speaking States (OTS).

Bilateral cooperation in the field of medical education is also developing dynamically. In addition, Azerbaijan Medical University actively cooperates with Hungarian universities Semmelweis and Pecs, the minister noted.

Emphasizing that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important sectors of modern times, Musayev also pointed to the dynamic cooperation in this field.

"Historically, the Hungarian pharmaceutical industry has been distinguished by high-quality products. I would also like to note that some medical institutions in Azerbaijan are equipped with Hungarian-made medical devices," he said.

In conclusion, the Minister of Health of Azerbaijan expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral relations.

In view of the terrible death toll from the Baku-Grozny airplane crash, the Hungarian Ambassador first sent his sympathies to the people of Azerbaijan. Stressing that interstate relations are at a high level in all areas, including healthcare, Tamas Torma noted that in 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of healthcare and medical science was signed between the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Human Resources of Hungary.

In the course of the meeting, the current state and potential opportunities for the development of Azerbaijani-Hungarian cooperation in the field of healthcare and medical science, as well as prospects for bilateral cooperation in the field of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, were discussed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a broad cooperation pact Friday in the face of stinging Western sanctions. Officials say the "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" covers all areasfrom trade and military cooperation to science, education, and culture, per the AP . Putin praised the deal as a "real breakthrough, creating conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia, Iran, and the entire region," and voiced hope that it would expand trade and economic cooperation. He said the countries are trying to resolve technical obstacles to advance planned projects to ship Russian natural gas to Iran and build transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Pezeshkian said the projects are feasible, adding that experts were working to resolve the remaining obstacles. His visit came ahead of Monday's inauguration of President-elect Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran, which is grappling with growing economic problems and other challenges, including military setbacks in its sphere of influence across the Middle East. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Trump's inauguration, saying the signing had been planned long ago. Welcoming Pezeshkian for his third meeting with the president since coming to power in July, Putin said the new treaty will "give an additional impulse to practically all areas of our cooperation."

"We do consider our relations with you as vital, sensitive, and strategic, and we are on this path strongly," said Pezeshkian. He emphasized that countries in the region should resolve their own problems themselves, adding in an apparent reference to the US that the presence of outside forces will only exacerbate tensions and destabilize the situation. "They come from another side of the world to make chaos in the region," he said. "These ties will defuse their plot, definitely." Russia's ties with Iran have grown closer after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine and the West have accused Tehran of providing Moscow with hundreds of drones for use to attack Ukraine, which Moscow and Tehran have denied. (More Russia stories.)
Chrystia Freeland has announced her candidacy for leader of Canada's Liberal Party, following her resignation as finance minister, which precipitated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to step down. The leadership race intensifies as Freeland vies against former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. The new leader, set to be chosen on March 9, could face a potential no-confidence vote as opposition parties plan to challenge the minority government after Parliament reconvenes on March 24.

Freeland's resignation on December 16 sent shockwaves through Canadian politics. She criticized Trudeau's economic strategies amid threats from US President-elect Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods. Freeland warned in a Toronto Star opinion piece that Canada should retaliate "dollar-for-dollar" if Trump follows through, targeting industries like Florida oranges and Wisconsin dairy. Her hardline stance underscores the tense US-Canada trade relations.

Despite her economic criticisms, Freeland herself has faced scrutiny concerning Canada's fiscal policies during her tenure. Criticized for the growing deficits and rising living costs, she left a Liberal government unpopular in the polls. Recent surveys show the Liberals trailing the Conservatives, with the next election expected in the spring.

story continues below

Freeland, 56, a Harvard alumnus and former journalist, has been a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an advocate for Ukraine. Her diverse background and outspoken demeanor have drawn both praise and criticism, particularly from Trump, who deemed her "totally toxic." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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Yelo Bank continues to enhance its digital services to make everyday financial tasks more convenient and faster for its customers. Now, with the Yelo App, you can pay study fees for the countrys leading educational institutions in just a few clicks, without the need to visit a physical location.



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TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Ensuring food security took centre stage as Bahrain and Oman signed a series of agreements during the state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Oman, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

A key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bahrain Food Holding Company Ghithaa, a subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), and Oman Food Investment Holding Company Nitaj, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Authority. The agreement was signed by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Mumtalakat, and Sultan Al Habsi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority.

This MoU aims to strengthen food security collaboration between Bahrain and Oman by facilitating the exchange of expertise, promoting best practices, and supporting the development of local goods for regional and international markets. It focuses on sustainability, addressing shared agricultural challenges, and fostering strategic partnerships to drive joint investment and economic growth.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa highlighted that the MoU would advance cooperation between Mumtalakat and the Oman Investment Authority, opening up new investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Climate Challenges

Another important focus of the visit was enhancing cooperation in meteorology. An agreement was signed between Bahrains Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Omans Civil Aviation Authority to exchange expertise, improve weather systems, and address climate challenges, promoting safety and regional integration.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, underscored Bahrains commitment, under the leadership of HM King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening strategic ties with Oman. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in meteorology to advance civil aviation, navigation, and sustainable development.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrains Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Omans Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A fundraising event for the Fondation du MAC in support of the development of contemporary art in Montreal and its emerging artists

MONTREAL, Jan. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Fondation du Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal (MAC) Montreal (MAC) is proud to reveal the theme for the 17th edition of its philanthropic evening, Les Printemps du MAC, which will be held on April 11th at La Nesra. Under the theme "Alter Ego," guests are invited to experience an immersive and artistic celebration offering an opportunity to unveil another facet of their personality for an evening. In addition to participating in a memorable event, guests will contribute to the development of emerging contemporary artists and the rise of new talents, particularly through the auction that will feature works by five artists mentored by artist Yann Pocreau.

Alter Ego (CNW Group/Fondation du MAC) Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal (MAC) (CNW Group/Fondation du MAC)

Alter Ego will explore the multiple facets of self-perception, creative expression, and the freedom to present one's self without any restraint. With captivating performances by invited artists, an electrifying musical atmosphere, artwork to discover, and a carefully curated selection of food and cocktails, the evening promises to be another must-attend event on the Montreal scene. For the occasion, participants are invited to don bold outfits and surprising silhouettes to celebrate in style alongside public figures, who will walk the iconic Les Printemps du MAC red carpet, adorned in their finest attire.

The evening, organized by a devoted committee of young professional volunteers, is under the leadership of Catherine Martel, Director, Brand Innovation & Growth at Haus of Park, and David-Marc Bouchard, Managing Director and Partner at TROUVE - Recruitment Firm. This committee also benefits from the gracious support of a trio of honorary co-chairs composed of Kerianne Boulva, Surgical Oncologist at the CHUM; Meriem Mehdaoui, Managing Director of PBY Capital; and Emmanuel Philippe, Private Wealth Management Advisor at National Bank.

"It is a great honor for us to have been chosen to preside over the Printemps committee this year. We wanted this edition to celebrate contemporary art in all its dimensions, while highlighting the event's charitable mission: to support emerging artists in Montreal. It is a festive moment, an absolutely unique networking opportunity, but above all an occasion to build bridges between the professional and artistic worlds. This is an invitation for all those who wish to propel the next generation of contemporary artists with us," emphasizes David-Marc Bouchard, Managing Director and Partner at TROUVE - Recruitment Firm, and co-president of Le Printemps du MAC committee.

"We want participants to be able to personally connect with contemporary art and playfully explore their relationship with creativity. Art is meant to be evocative, liberating, and full of possible interpretations, and this is what we will offer as an experience through the theme of Alter Ego. It is an opportunity to celebrate the Museum and to be inspired by the courage of countless artists to reveal hidden aspects of our personality. Contact with art is essential, and it is with great pride that we leverage the committee's immeasurable talent to bring the Foundation's mission to life among the philanthropic community," adds Catherine Martel, Director, Brand Innovation & Growth at Haus of Park, and co-president of Le Printemps du MAC committee.

A Program and a Platform for Emerging Talents

The five artists who will be presented at the event, selected by the MAC conservation team, Concordia University, and UQAM, will participate in the very recent Fondation du MAC program. This program acts as an incubator in support of emerging artists. The group of artists will benefit from a mentoring session led by artist Yann Pocreau, in addition to personalized sessions with MAC curators to provide them with tangible tools. With the same desire for development, the auction model has been redesigned for this new edition, allowing all profits from the sale of the works to be donated to the participating artists, in order to fully support them in their practice.

"We are delighted to unveil the exceptional theme of Les Printemps du MAC 2025 and to collaborate once again with a committee of talented, philanthropic, and creative young volunteers who bring a new and inspiring energy to this event," says Anne Lebel, Executive Director of the Fondation du MAC. "Moreover, the Foundation is pleased to launch a new program aimed at supporting the journey of emerging artists. We invite all collectors, whether beginners or seasoned, to show their support for the MAC and contemporary art, and to directly encourage emerging artists by acquiring works as part of the auction."

Event Details

Date and time: April 11, 2025, evening

Where: 2020 Rue William, Montreal, La Nesra

Ticket price: from $285

To experience an unforgettable evening, everyone is invited to don their Alter Ego on April 11th in vibrant support of the Fondation du MAC. Tickets are now on sale at https://macm.org/en/activities/les-printemps-du-mac-2025/ . Any company or individual wishing to get involved with us is invited to contact: [email protected] .

Les Printemps du MAC

Created in 2006, Les Printemps du MAC shines under the management of Les Printemps du MAC Committee, a group of young philanthropists passionate about contemporary art who have set themselves the mandate of organizing a unique event with real added value for guests and to promote the Museum for the benefit of the Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation. The event, which aims to raise awareness among young generations about contemporary art and the importance of the role of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) in the preservation and dissemination of this heritage in Quebec, Canada, and internationally, contributes directly to the Museum's growth, as all profits from the evening are donated to the MAC Foundation. Since its creation, Les Printemps du MAC has enabled the Foundation to raise more than $3 million and reach more than 14,000 participants.

The 2024-2025 committee, co-chaired by David-Marc Bouchard, headhunter, Managing Director and Partner at TROUVE, and Catherine Martel, Director, Brand Innovation & Growth at Haus of Park, is composed of:

Andy Barril, Multimedia Director (Moment Factory); Simon Bellemare, Real Estate Broker (Sotheby's International); Kristel Dupont, Public Relations Director (Rethink); Theo Dupuis-Carbonneau, Editor-in-Chief (Magazine VERO, KO Media); Allison Forbes, Founder & President (Raisonnable); Jillianne Gignac, Digital Communications Advisor (Quebec Construction Association); Frederique Hebert-Soucy, Head of Partnerships and Communications (Zu); Olivier Lapierre, Communications, Public Relations, and Media Relations Consultant; Philippe Lemieux, Principal Director (Groupe Focus); Shanel Lessard, Account Manager; Vincent Morel, Communications, Image & Marketing Consultant; Marc-Etienne Nolin, Corporate Public Relations Manager (Cirque du Soleil Group); Rheane Portelance, Event Director and Business Development (A5 Hospitality); Camille de Repentigny, Co-Founder (Forward Mgmt); Antoine Sabourin, Lawyer (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP); Guillaume Lavallee, Co-Founder & Creative Director (Martha); Ariane Leblanc, Co-Founder & Creative Director (Martha)

About the Fondation du Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal (MAC) The mission of the Fondation du MAC is to support the Museum in its various areas of activity, namely the enrichment of its collection, the production of exhibitions, promotion, and educational programs. It therefore has the mandate to solicit funds from businesses, philanthropic foundations, and individuals interested in the dissemination and preservation of Quebec, Canadian, and international contemporary art. The Foundation thus contributes to the influence of the very first major institution dedicated entirely to contemporary art in Canada: the Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal.

About the Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal (MAC) For 60 years, the MAC has ensured the encounter between Quebec and international artists, their works, and diverse audiences, celebrating art as an essential component of life in Montreal and Quebec. While the Museum's headquarters in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles is undergoing a major architectural transformation, the MAC has temporarily relocated its activities to Place Ville Marie, another iconic location in the metropolis. Throughout the duration of the work, the Museum reaches the public through temporary exhibitions highlighting exceptional artists and presenting a variety of practices. The MAC at Place Ville Marie also offers a wide range of educational services, creative workshops, and community outreach activities. www.macm.org

SOURCE Fondation du MAC

For any questions, please contact: Kristel Dupont, [email protected]
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada)

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE PRN TEST ACCOUNT

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].
Vaire Computing has raised a total of $4.5 million in funding. They aim to produce useful reversible computing chips in 2027.

They ihad a seed round of $4 million, which was announced on July 1, 2024, bringing the total funding to $4.5 million when combined with previous pre-seed funding of $500,000.

IBM, Intel, MIT, Sandia and U of Florida have long histories researching reversible computing.

Reversible computing offers a path to continued performance improvements. It could help overcome the limit of physics (Landauer Limit) that will eventually limit further miniaturization and speed increases in conventional computing.

Reversible computing has the potential to achieve energy consumption significantly below the Landauer limit, which is the theoretical minimum energy required for irreversible computation. Heres a breakdown of the potential energy savings:

Theoretical Potential

Reversible computing could theoretically reduce energy consumption to arbitrarily low levels, even approaching zero. This is because reversible operations do not erase information.

Practical Considerations

While the theoretical potential is immense, practical implementations face challenges:

Orders of Magnitude Improvement: Reversible computing could potentially achieve energy consumption many orders of magnitude below the Landauer limit

Approaching Zero: In principle, for bit operations performed using high-quality reversible transformations, the energy dissipated per operation can be made arbitrarily small  much smaller than kT ln 2 (0.69 kT), which is the Landauer limit

No Absolute Minimum: Unlike irreversible computing, reversible computing does not have an absolute minimum heat output, allowing it to potentially surpass the limitations imposed by the laws of thermodynamics on conventional computing.

Challenge with Reversible Computing?

It is not just that the logic gates we are currently using are irreversible. Most calculations today are also fundamentally irreversible. As an example, consider adding two integers, A and B. If you just want to know the result, A+B, its impossible to know which integers A and B were added togetherthere are infinitely many combinations of integers whose sum is A+B.

To be reversible, you need to calculate and store some extra information. The result of reversible addition would be A+B and Astoring the input A in addition. With this additional information, you can find out what the original A and B were, but the price is that you have to store A, which youre not interested in, and thats why its called garbage.

Reversible computing operation.

As the calculation continues unchecked, you accumulate more and more garbage until your memory overflows. If you override memory cells and thereby delete information, youre expending energy, so youre not saving energy overall. Thats why Rolf Landauer dismissed reversible computing immediately as impractical when he researched heat generation in computing. But there are ways to get around this problem.

How Do You Make Reversible Computing a Reality? Calculate Twice

The trick to avoiding the memory overflow problem in reversible computing is to do every calculation twice: First, you perform the calculation forward, storing all the bits and never wiping out information. Once you arrive at the final answer, you make a copy of it. Then, you run the entire calculation backward to get to where you started and eliminate all the garbage. This also means you only need to store one step backward.

You might think, wait a minute, thats actually twice the computational effort. Is this really worth it just to save some energy?

First, doing the calculation forward and backward is the simplest approach to dealing with garbage. Over time, researchers discovered more sophisticated ways to reuse garbage bits in future computations, thereby reducing their number by orders of magnitude.

In the worst case, reversible computing requires twice as much circuitry, but it will allow us to build much larger and, therefore, much more powerful computers.

If a computer could be made entirely of reversible gates and operate completely adiabatically, it would not dissipate any heat from computation. In practice, some energy is always lost due to non-ideal characteristics of real materials and devices. But adiabatic switching of transistors combined with reversible computing will allow us to reduce energy consumption by several orders of magnitudesmore energy efficient than the human brain. Thats why Vaire Computing calls their chips Near-Zero Energy Chips (NZECs).

Without heat problems then many layer chips could be made. HBM memory can have 12-16 layers currently. The industry could see HBM stacks with capacities far beyond current levels, possibly up to 1,000 layers for NAND, although this is more speculative for DRAM. If Vaire succeeds then there could 10-100s of layers of reversible compute GPUs.

Vaire will trade single-core for multicore performanceoperating transistors adiabatically impacts single-core performance, but being super energy-efficient will allow us to stack compute layers on top of each other and build truly 3D chips. Microprocessors today are 2D because if you stack them, they will trap even more heat inside that you cant get rid of fast enough, and they will overheat.

Building 3D chips with many compute layers will be a game-changer. The starting point will be GPUs and machine learning as the first use case.

Challenges and Limitations

Engineering Hurdles: Achieving practical, high-quality, high-performance, and cost-efficient reversible computing below the Landauer limit is considered one of the most difficult engineering challenges of our time

Overhead Considerations: While individual operations might approach zero energy consumption, practical implementations still need to account for factors like error correction, input/output operations, and system-level overheads.

Temperature Dependence: The actual energy savings would depend on the operating temperature, as the Landauer limit itself is temperature-dependent.

Vaire Achievements in Reversible Computing:

Vaire Computing has focused on developing near-zero energy chips using reversible computing. Theyve made strides in creating silicon chips that could consume minimal energy and generate virtually no heat, aiming to address the energy inefficiency of traditional computing.

Theyve hired Mike Frank, a noted researcher in reversible computing, as a senior scientist, enhancing their expertise in the field.

This move also signifies their commitment to advancing the technology from theoretical to practical application.

Vaire has also been selected for the second UK cohort of Intel Ignite, Intels global startup accelerator program, which provides them with access to design tools, IP, and prototyping capabilities.

Vaire Computing has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the development and commercialization of its reversible computing technology:

First Prototype: The company aims to deliver its first chip prototype within the next 12 months (by mid-2025)

Test Chip Series: Vaire plans a series of test chips progressing from gates and simple functions to functional blocks, culminating in a software-programmable circuit

22nm Manufacturing Process: The first tape-out is being designed for a 22nm manufacturing process

Market Entry: Vaire expects to have a product in the market by 2027

Initial Focus: The company plans to enter the market with a generic Neural Processing Unit (NPU) chip for edge computing

Long-term Vision: Vaire aims to become the standard for computer processors, potentially replacing traditional chips across various applications

Performance Goals: The company is targeting a chip that is approaching 4,000 times more energy efficient than similar devices implemented classically

Roadmap:

Vaire Computings roadmap includes the development of a proof-of-concept for reversible computing, with plans to use their seed funding to hire additional engineering talent and fast-track their first prototype chip. They aim to have their first tape out in Q1 2025, with the goal of achieving full-scale production by 2027.

They envision a future where reversible computing becomes the standard, with their technology potentially leading to a 4000x improvement in energy efficiency over the next 10 to 15 years. This would significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with computing, particularly for AI and data center applications.

Their long-term goal is to extend Moores Law by decoupling energy and water resources from computational growth, allowing for continuous exponential growth in computing power without equivalent resource depletion.

Vaire Computing is positioning itself as a pioneer in reversible computing, aiming to revolutionize chip technology for more sustainable and efficient computing solutions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. On January 17, an open trial commenced in Azerbaijan addressing crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes such as waging a war of aggression, genocide, forced displacement of populations, persecution, torture, military robbery, and other violations. The charges also encompass actions by the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic," established by Armenia in Azerbaijan's occupied territories, and its illegal armed formations, Trend reports.

During the proceedings, war criminal Arayik Harutyunyan expressed regret for his statement made during the 44-day war, in which he claimed responsibility for missile strikes on the Azerbaijani city of Ganja.

There is an opinion among the Azerbaijani people that I gave this order. However, this decision was not made by me. Yes, I did make a statement about this. Now I regret my statement and ask for forgiveness. I had neither the right nor the authority to express my opinion. Why I made this statement then, I explained in my testimony during the investigation, Harutyunyan stated.

The trial has been adjourned until January 21 for further proceedings.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. A preparatory hearing for the trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, has been held, Trend reports.

Vardanyan, accused of crimes including torture, terrorism, financing terrorism, mercenary activity, and violations of international law during armed conflict, was provided with a defense attorney of his choice and a Russian translator.

During the hearing, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, the accused was informed of his rights and obligations under Azerbaijani legislation. Vardanyan and his defense attorney filed two motions: one to consolidate his case with that of 15 others accused of serious crimes against Azerbaijan, and the other to allow more time for him to review case materials.

The court rejected the motion to consolidate the cases, as Azerbaijani procedural law does not permit such actions during trial. However, the court granted Vardanyan an additional 10 days to familiarize himself with the case materials, despite the prosecution's argument that sufficient time had been provided during the investigation phase.

The next preparatory hearing is scheduled for January 27.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under numerous articles of Azerbaijans Criminal Code, including planning and waging aggressive war, persecution, torture, terrorism, financing terrorism, and illegal border crossing. These charges carry severe penalties under Azerbaijani law.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 17. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirms Kazakhstan's role as a key partner in Central Asia and expresses its readiness to continue supporting strategic projects that contribute to the sustainable development of the countrys economy, said the Director of the Austrian group of the EBRD Elizabeth Witztum at a meeting with the Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan Madi Takiyev, Trend reports.

The meeting addressed general priorities for cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and the EBRD, as well as Kazakhstans participation in the EBRD Annual Meeting, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025, in London, UK. Special attention was given to organizing an Investment Session for Kazakhstan.

Madi Takiyev emphasized the importance of cooperation with the EBRD, positively assessing the Banks contribution to investment attraction initiatives and infrastructure modernization in the country.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation and highlighted the significant potential for implementing joint projects aimed at enhancing Kazakhstans investment attractiveness and economic growth.

Also participating in the meeting were the EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia, Hussein Ozhan, and the Deputy Head for Kazakhstan, Askar Namazbaev.

Kazakhstan joined the EBRD in 1992. In 2022, the EBRD marked the 30th anniversary of its cooperation with Kazakhstan. The new country strategy for Kazakhstan for 2022-2027 was approved by the Board of Directors on June 22, 2022, and focuses on three main areas: enhancing the competitiveness and connectivity of the private sector; supporting Kazakhstans transition to green development, carbon neutrality, and climate resilience; and promoting economic integration and gender equality through private sector involvement.
New Jersey already has some of the strongest abortion rights in the United States, but advocates, healthcare providers, and even Gov. Phil Murphy himself are calling for reinforcements ahead of the next presidency.

On Thursday, the Murphy administration said the New Jersey Department of Health will work closely with clinics that provide abortions to begin collecting at least a six-month strategic reserve of mifepristone, the first of two drugs in the medication abortion process. The governors office said the stockpiling investment is part of a more than $50 million investment in reproductive health services in 2025.

It may come as a surprise that such measures need to be taken in a state that has already enshrined the right to abortion, including for out-of-state residents traveling to the state. But clinicians who provide abortion care, policy experts, and abortion rights advocates said New Jersey is wise to prepare for the possibility of a federal ban on abortion pills.

If theres an attack on medication abortion at the federal level, it would definitely impact our state, despite our strong constitutional protections for abortion, said Alejandra Sorto, a campaign strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.

The drug in question, mifepristone, was used in 63% of all abortions in 2023, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. In New Jersey, residents can get prescriptions for medication abortion through online telehealth appointments or have pills mailed to them, according to the state website. The pills are also available at clinics like Planned Parenthood, which has been stockpiling its own supply for years.

What I can say is because were Planned Parenthood, weve become good at having a contingency plan, said Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, senior vice president of public affairs at Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. Weve been planning for years for this potential and, without disclosing anything confidential, just know weve been preparing for this moment and weve been preparing a while.

READ MORE: Inside the unexpected anti-abortion battle unfolding in the abortion safe haven of N.J.

Mifepristone is a drug used with misoprostol for medication abortions and miscarriage management in pregnancies up to ten weeks, according to the Federal Food and Drug Administration. The medication is easy to take since it comes in pill form. Since being approved in 2000, its use has become widespread. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, and the World Health Organization all agree that mifepristone is safe and effective.

Despite this, the drug has come under scrutiny by anti-abortion groups in recent years. It has become illegal to prescribe the drug for abortions in many states, as abortion bans spring up around the country. Since the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that protected the right to abortion for nearly 50 years, 14 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, and an additional six have passed restrictions, according to KFF, a nonprofit for health policy research.

Critics of abortion have also tried to challenge the legality of medication abortion pills. In 2022, shortly after the end of the federal constitutional right to abortion, anti-abortion advocates filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration challenging its longtime approval of mifepristone. The case threatened access to medication abortion nationwide. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously preserved access in June.

By that point, a handful of Democratic-led states like California, New York, and Massachusetts had already begun stockpiling abortion medications. Now, in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trumps next administration, New Jersey is following suit. While Trump hasnt explicitly said his administration will reverse the FDAs original 2000 approval of safe medication abortion, he has previously expressed openness to the idea.

This is a proactive measure to ensure we have some kind of stockpile that can get us through the incoming administration, but its not a long-term solution, said Sorto of ACLU-NJ.

The benefits of stockpiling abortion pills are limited by the shelf life of the medications. If stored properly, mifepristone and misoprostol have a shelf life of several years, according to Aid Access, a nonprofit that provides access to medication abortion. However, the organization said abortion medication is safe and effective years past its original expiration date.

Planned Parenthood clinics have already seen an increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, according to Wojtowicz.

Each month, an average of 100 out-of-state patients come to Planned Parenthood clinics in New Jersey for abortion care, said Wojtowicz.

Some are patients coming from New York, hoping to avoid even longer wait times for abortion care in their home state. But Wojtowicz said many patients are from states that have passed restrictions on abortion.

Weve always seen some patients from area states, but the uptick weve seen is folks from places like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, flying into New Jersey for care, Wojtowicz said.

Also this week, Murphy, whos in his eighth and final year at the helm, repeated an appeal made during last years address for lawmakers to pass a bill that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion services. Most people in the U.S. pay out of pocket for abortion care due to insurance coverage restrictions on abortion. Its becoming more and more expensive to seek that care.

The average out-of-pocket cost for medication abortion ranges anywhere from around $500 to $1,000 depending on how far along the pregnancy is, according to research published in the Journal of Health Affairs.

Ensuring that all individuals can make personal health decisions without facing financial or regulatory obstacles is the cornerstone to protecting human rights in New Jersey, said state Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, one of the bills prime sponsors. Today, insurance companies only cover a part of the cost for receiving critical reproductive health services. This financial barrier disproportionately impacts communities that already face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

The bill (S3452) is a longtime goal of the Thrive New Jersey coalition, which encompasses a broad spectrum of reproductive health care providers, legal experts, faith leaders, and human and civil rights advocates.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
Authorities in Hudson County are investigating a traffic incident that left an enormous hole in the side of a Target store at the North Bergen Commons Friday.

Police in North Bergen said the driver of a dump truck traveling down 71st Street lost control of the vehicle before colliding into the tail end of a tractor trailer and then slamming into the side of a Target store.

Our preliminary investigation indicates that a dump truck traveling west on 71st Street crossed into the southbound lanes of Tonnelle Avenue, striking a tractor trailer before colliding with Target, North Bergen police wrote in a Facebook post at about 4:30 p.m. There are six reported injuries; two are considered serious, two moderate, and two minor.

Five people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, police said in the post.

Both drivers sustained injuries as well as three shoppers, authorities said Friday.

The collision left a giant hole in the side of the building, and the store was evacuated, officials said.

A video posted on Facebook by HudPost showed a dump truck barreling down 71st Street and over Tonnelle Avenue before ramming into the side of the building.

Pictures posted in a North Bergen facebook group by the citys mayor, Nicholas J. Sacco, show the tail end of a tractor trailer torn apart and twisted.

The driver of a dump truck in North Bergen lost control of his vehicle Friday and slammed into the side of a Target. Five people were injured, according to police.Courtesy of North Bergen Police Department

Our thoughts are with those who were affected by the events that occurred this afternoon, said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco at a press conference Friday afternoon. We are committed to supporting the injured individuals and their families while working to understand what happened.

North Bergen police said the incident is under investigation.

The incident is currently under investigation, with multiple emergency responders on-site, North Bergen police wrote in a Facebook post updating the public on traffic delays in the area around 4 p.m. Police did not have updates on the status of injuries Friday evening.

Authorities did not provide additional details on the incident or the investigation. No charges were filed Friday, according to police.

A phone call to the Target store Friday night said the store was closed.

Were grateful for the quick response of local authorities and our thoughts are with those who were injured, a Target spokesperson said in an email Friday night. Our team is safe and our store will remain closed as we assess the damage.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
Pete Alonsos tenure with the Mets is all but over.

After a weeks-long stalemate, the Mets indicated on Thursday that theyve shifted their focus away from re-signing their home-grown slugger after he rejected their latest offer. Instead, theyve opted to re-sign another outfielder, Jesse Winker and appear to be looking for a top-tier reliever like right-hander Tanner Scott.

Heres the offer, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post:

The Mets made what they perceived as a last-ditch effort to sign Pete Alonso by offering him a three-year contract in the $68 million-$70 million range, and when that was rejected, began their pivot away from their slugging first baseman, The Post has learned.

BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

That deal has an average annual value of $23.33 million, far below what former Mets infielder Carlos Baerga reported he was offered in December (3 years, $90 million). Alonso previously rejected a 7-year, $158 million offer under ousted general manager Billy Eppler.

Soon after it was reported that talks between the Mets and Alonso had devolved, ESPN insider Buster Olney revealed that the teams interest in another slugger, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., had been understated.

And the Mets, from what Im told, really want Vladdy, Olney said on ESPN New Yorks The Michael Kay Show on Thursday. Can you imagine Soto and Vladimir Guerrero, both in their mid-20s, those two guys going back-to-back as two great power hitters who dont strike out very much? It would be dynamic.

While the Blue Jays and Guerrero managed to avoid arbitration by extending the four-time All-Stars contract for one year at $28.5 million, a long-term extension has not been reached, and time is running out.

Guerrero set a deadline for the start of spring training to agree to a new contract. If Toronto cant secure a deal with its homegrown star, hell likely be traded, at some point, before becoming a free agent next winter.

Toronto have made Guerrero three separate offers, all of them rejected. The known dollar amount for one of those offers was $340 million, the slugger revealed in an appearance on Abriendo Sports, a Spanish language podcast based out of the Dominican Republic.

Guerrero is believed to want a deal in the $400 million to $500 million range. Steve Cohens Mets can certainly afford that.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
Seven Chilean nationals were arrested and charged in a string of residential burglaries in New Jersey and Massachusetts that targeted luxury items and cash, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office said Thursday.

The burglaries targeted a home in Monmouth County where the suspects stole luxury watches, designer hand bags, perfumes, cash and other goods, according to charging documents.

The suspects were part of a sophisticated burglary ring that also targeted homes in Massachusetts leading to over $100,000 in losses, officials said.

Police in Colts Neck responded to a residence in the town on Nov. 15, 2024 for a reported burglary, authorities said. The residents told officers that the burglar alarm had gone off around 8:41 p.m. and officers discovered a rear window had been broken and the interior of the home was ransacked, authorities said.

The residents told authorities that multiple valuable items were missing from the home including several high-value wristwatches, officials said.

During an investigation, authorities learned the car driven by the suspects in the burglary was rented from a car rental business in Fort Lee and was tracked to the area of the Colts Neck burglary around the time of the incident using the vehicles GPS, according to charging documents.

After the burglary, the vehicle was later tracked to a short-term vacation rental property in Keansburg the same night using the vehicles GPS, authorities said in charging documents.

A security camera near the front door of the Keansburg property caught six of the suspects at the location shortly after the burglary. One of the suspects was allegedly carrying a device designed to obscure license plates under his arm, officials said in court documents.

Just after midnight on Nov. 16, 2024, the rental vehicle was driven to Astoria, Queens and returned to the Keansburg rental property at about 6:42 a.m., according to charging documents.

One of the suspects was identified through security camera footage at a dispensary in Belmont, Massachusetts on Nov. 17, 2024 at about 11:30 a.m.

Later that night, a burglary was reported in Westwood, Massachusetts around 10 p.m. where the home had been ransacked and several luxury wristwatches had been taken, authorities wrote in charging documents.

The rental vehicle from the Colts Neck burglary was located in the area of the Westwood incident earlier the night of Nov. 17 and then later identified at a gas station in Brighton, Massachusetts on Nov. 18, 2024 at about 12: 15 p.m., officials wrote in charging documents.

At about 6:18 p.m., officers in Wellesley, Massachusetts responded to a residential burglary alarm and apprehended one of the suspects, charging documents show.

Three other suspects were apprehended in Spring Valley, New York after a license plate reader identified the rental vehicle in the area the night of the Wellesley burglary and authorities located the vehicle using its GPS, charging documents show.

Two other suspects that had fled across the country were located in the Seattle area around Jan. 8 and later traveled to a short-term rental home in Carlton, Oregon, authorities said in court documents.

Through court authorized searches, investigators discovered bags of jewelry, designer bags, watches, cash, diamonds and other valuable goods in both the rental car and at the Oregon rental home, authorities said.

The Colts Neck residents identified many of the valuables found in a search of the rental car as theirs, including a wristwatch estimated to cost over $10,000, officials wrote in charging documents.

Authorities also found tools commonly used in burglaries, including pry bars, window punches, electronic jamming devices and gloves, court documents show.

Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre, Fabiana Prado Scatarzi, Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez, Felip Andres Del Valle Munoz, Carlos Alfredo CAlderon Valencia, Diego Antonio CAlderon Leiva and Pedro Alejandro were all charged with one count of each of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property and receiving stolen property that crossed state lines.

Sanguesa Aguirre and Castillo Gonzalez appeared in Newark federal court on Wednesday and were detained, according to authorities.

Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia also appeared in federal court in Tacoma, Washington on Thursday and were detained, officials said.

Calderon Leiva appeared in federal court in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Wednesday and was detained while Prado Scatarzi appeared in federal court in Lafayette, Louisiana Thursday and was also detained, according to officials.

Salgado Vallejos appeared in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts Thursday and was detained.

Castillo Gonzalezs attorney declined to comment on the charges Thursday.

An attorney for Prado Scatarzi could not be reached for comment.

Attorneys for the other suspects did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday night.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
Editors note: This story was originally published by NJ Spotlight News and shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X).

A group of social justice advocacy organizations is asking the state Supreme Court to uphold the state takeover of the Paterson Police Department.

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin took charge of the troubled force two years ago, appointed new leadership, invited community participation and introduced reforms.

Its about the people of Paterson  the Black and brown communities here whove been subject to long-standing police misconduct and brutality, said Henal Patel of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, one of the organizations that filed a legal brief Friday.

These people need accountability, said Patel. Thats what it comes down to  the need for accountability, so that they can have a government, a police department that they can trust.

Local activist Corey Teague, whos also a member of Patersons school board, said, The reality is, there were a lot of issues with this police department, going back years, that culminated with the killing of Najee Seabrooks  and thats what set this whole thing off.

Seabrooks was fatally shot in March 2023 by Paterson police after they were called to his apartment, where he was suffering a mental health crisis. His death sparked demands for justice, and that same month Platkin took over the citys police department. The mayor and displaced police chief sued, claiming Platkin lacked the legal authority to supersede the city.

Theres no law that says the attorney general has the authority to do what he did. As a matter of fact, it ultimately comes down to people placing their trust in the mayor, said Mayor Andre Sayegh. He notes that an appellate court panel agreed with him and his former police chief, and ordered the attorney general out. But the Supreme Court ordered a temporary stay on that decision.

I was elected by a large margin by the people of Paterson. And quite frankly, I tell folks in this city, I may not look like you, but I always look out for you. And Im looking out for them every day. They know who their mayor is, they dont know who the attorney general is. They know where to find me. They put their faith in me. So its not fair someone would exceed his authority and encroach on my duty.

According to Sayegh, the issue is fundamentally a matter of home rule, long regarded as a baseline belief in New Jersey. The League of Municipalities filed a brief in support Paterson. On the other side of the argument is ACLU-NJ, which agrees with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice on the need for state control of the Paterson Police Department.

The New Jersey attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of New Jersey, said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. We cannot wait for bad-acting police departments to invite the attorney general for accountability. What we know right now is that local police departments cannot police themselves. So what we need is somebody whos been given the authority by the Legislature, such as the attorney general, to take over police departments  to be able to do so.

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Inauguration Day falls on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, which happens to also be Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year.

The event happens every four years to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power from one president to another or to mark a new administration if a president wins a second term.

The president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., to take office.

Because of the events surrounding the Inauguration, federal employees based in Washington, D.C., usually get the day off on Inauguration Day.

However, more employees will get the day off this year thanks to Inauguration Day and MLK Day falling on the same day.

Most federal and state employees will get off on Inauguration Day because it falls on MLK Day, a national federal holiday.

Even some private-sector employees will have the day off due to MLK Day, too. However, that is up to the discretion of each individual employer.

Employees should ultimately check their corporate holiday calendars or with their employers to see if they have the day off on Inauguration Day and MLK Day.

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When an abandoned mineshaft beneath Interstate 80 in Morris County collapsed the morning after Christmas, closing the eastbound side of the highway for four days, everyone took notice.

No vehicles crashed and no one was injured when the remains of the long-abandoned mine crumbled. But, for many, the sinkhole provided a sudden, alarming awareness that New Jersey is home to long-closed mines that can, and sometimes do, instantly collapse into a crater without warning.

New Jersey has nearly 600 abandoned mines, according to state officials. (See an interactive map of abandoned mine locations below.)

Theyre everywhere, said Timothy Rack, safety and compliance manager for the Morris County Parks Commission.

Abandoned mines on Morris County Parks land are surrounded by fencing and highlighted by blunt danger signs reading, stay out, stay alive.

Other mines around the state are more hidden.

There are approximately 588 mines beneath the surface in nine northern counties, mostly in a band across hilly northwestern New Jersey. They include the old mine that caused the I-80 sinkhole last month in Wharton, according to a map provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Cant see the map? Click here.

Some mines are in unexpected locations, including a copper mine in Edison  opened in 1784 and last used in 1903  that is not far from NJ Transits Metropark train station in Middlesex County. Others date to before the Revolutionary War, including a mine in New Brunswick identified only as a French mine that opened in 1750.

Most were last in use more than a century ago. The Bolmer mine, one of the four mines in Bridgewater in Somerset County, was decommissioned in 1868.

Occasionally, a sinkhole forms when a mineshaft collapses, which is what happened when a 40-foot-deep hole opened up on the eastbound I-80 highway shoulder in Wharton on Dec. 26.

A sinkhole that opened up on Interstate 80 near Wharton, Morris County, during rush hour Thursday morningABC7

While a tragedy that day was averted, sinkholes attributed to abandoned mines have occasionally proven deadly for generations, in New Jersey and elsewhere.

In November 1963, a 15-year-old boy was playing with two friends in Ringwood in Passaic County when he fell an estimated 100 feet into an abandoned iron mine and was buried under a series of cave-ins that lasted for an hour, The Star-Ledger reported at the time. The collapse was so extensive that authorities gave up trying to recover the teens body.

More recently, in western Pennsylvania on Dec. 2, a 64-year-old woman searching for her missing cat died after falling into an abandoned mine through an opening that was about the size of a manhole cover, authorities said. Her body was recovered four days later.

The mayor of Mine Hill, a Morris County borough whose name stems from two centuries of iron ore mining in the area, said he hopes the I-80 sinkhole will raise awareness and perhaps lead to additional state funding for mine mapping and other measures.

Mayor Sam Morris said Mine Hill has around 16 dormant mines, some of which occasionally prove problematic. A three-foot wide sinkhole formed near the playground at the Canfield Avenue School around two decades ago, but no one was hurt, he said.

In 2004, a water-filled sinkhole 15 feet deep was discovered by a worker near a Department of Public Works salt shed. A Mine Hill resident in 2016 reported a crater, 19 feet deep and about 20 by 30 feet wide, on his property near the entrance of an old ore mine.

This is a very real and scary issue. Im hoping that Route 80 will bring this issue back to light, Morris said.

Abandoned mines are not just a New Jersey problem. There are up to 500,000 in the U.S, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

In an incident mirroring what happened on I-80, Route 185 in Illinois was closed for about a month last summer as workers filled in a 50-foot sinkhole, attributed to an abandoned mine, in a field just off the highway.

Fixing mine-induced sinkholes is expensive. In 1989, a recurring problem with sinkholes in North Arlington in Bergen County resulted in 27 mineshafts being capped at a cost of $1.4 million under a federal program that was abolished seven years later, the Jersey Journal reported.

It wasnt a total fix, though. A sinkhole developed between two North Arlington houses in 2003, which was blamed on a shaft leading to a copper mine dating to around the Revolutionary War.

While many abandoned mines in New Jersey are filled in, state law requires only fencing around the locations. That was not an option for the now-repaired I-80 sinkhole, which happened in Wharton just west of the Route 15 interchange.

The state Department of Transportation is reviewing the area to further assess the stability of the subsurface conditions, said Steve Schapiro, a department spokesperson.

During the emergency repair, we performed Ground Penetrating Radar and found nothing of concern, Schapiro said.

One environmental activist told NJ Advance Media he state should proactivity pursue geotechnical investigations to get ahead of developing sinkholes.

We dont necessarily know where the sinkholes are or where they might be forming, said Elliott Ruga, policy and communications director for the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.

Ruga said it was just a stroke of luck that I-80 incident was not environmentally catastrophic.

A tractor trailer loaded with gasoline that spills into a sinkhole, that goes right into the groundwater, Ruga said.

While entrance locations to mines usually have been mapped, their extent underground often is not know, according to Rack.

A lot of times, you dont know where they are. Thats the biggest problem. They would dig straight down, then they would go left or right, Rack said.

There are warning signs for the Dodge Mine off Weldon Road in Jefferson, a heavily-traveled, two-lane road that connects with the high school, and middle school and police station.

Asked if the mine extends under the passing vehicles, Rack said, Its probably far enough off the road that it doesnt, but again, who knows.

A state Department of Environmental Protection map shows three abandoned mines next to the I-80 sinkhole location.

That the I-80 sinkhole cratered in early winter was not a surprise to Morris.

They call it the freeze-thaw cycle. Sometimes that opens a mine hole. From this time until April, we hold our breath, Morris said.

Sometimes a mine-related sinkhole, or the potential for one to develop, is spotted in time to avoid any real harm.

Rack cited the Schofield Mine in Jefferson, which was a steady source of iron ore until the late 1800s. It is located within the 3,000-acre Mahlon Dickinson Reservation, which attracts plenty of hikers and bicyclists.

The long-ago opening to the mine had been secured beyond a fence when, about a year ago, he said he noticed a large hole about 40 feet deep within the fenced area.

Just like Route 80, he said.

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A New Jersey man who had cocaine in hidden compartments of a vehicle when he was pulled over in Indiana has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.

Police found nearly 9 pounds of cocaine when Juan Aquino was stopped on the Indiana Toll Road (Interstates 80 and 90) on Dec. 20, 2023, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Northern Indiana said Thursday.

Aquino, 53, of Elizabeth, was on court release awaiting the start of a six-plus year prison term for selling fentanyl when law enforcement in Indiana arrested him.

He was pulled over for tailgating on the eastbound side of the highway in La Porte County, according to a report on WSBT.com.

Aquino obtained the cocaine in Colorado and was driving back to New Jersey, federal prosecutors said.

He will also have to serve four years of supervised released after finishing his prison term.

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New Jersey dropped its unsuccessful appeal of a court order that allowed New Yorks congestion pricing to start on Jan. 5 and intends to file a new suit against the Federal Highway Administration, attorneys said.

The Jan. 17 letter from attorney Randy Mastro who, is representing New Jersey, told U.S. International Court of Trade Judge Leo M. Gordon the state will voluntarily drop the appeal filed after Gordon denied New Jerseys motion on Jan. 3 to stop congestion pricing from starting on Jan. 5.
A Missouri appeals court has upheld a jurys decision to award a New Jersey sheriffs deputy $177 million in a sexual assault lawsuit against the Hyatt hotel chain.

Shannon Dugan, a sergeant with the Ocean County Sheriffs Office, filed a lawsuit against Hyatt in 2018 after she said a security guard at the Hyatt Regency in St. Louis broke into her room and sexually assaulted her while she was asleep.

In 2022, a jury found the corporation negligent in hiring, training and supervising the security guard, David A. White, who had a history of sexual assault offenses, according to her lawsuit.

Dugan was awarded $149 million in punitive damages and $28 million in compensatory damages.

After Hyatt tried to have the decision overturned, the judgement was upheld last month by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Now an advocate for sexual assault survivors, Dugan said Hyatt needs to change how it hires and supervises employees to prevent similar attacks.

Theres no way I was the first person this happened to, Dugan said Tuesday. Im speaking out to protect and support other survivors, and to shine a light on the systems that enable assaults to take place in hotel environments.

According to Dugans attorney, Hyatt plans to appeal the decision again.

Hyatt Hotels did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Dugan and a coworker were staying at the Hyatt Regency in St. Louis in 2016 while attending a seminar on death investigations.

One night during their stay, Dugans coworker couldnt find his phone, so he knocked on Dugans hotel room door and called her cellphone to see if she had it. When she didnt answer, the coworker became concerned and called Hyatt security to request a wellness check, according to the lawsuit.

White, then the hotels security guard, performed the wellness check alone, even though the hotels policy requires two guards for such checks, according to the lawsuit.

He later claimed he tried to wake Dugan, but she didnt respond, the lawsuit said.

Using a master key, White later broke into Dugans room and sexually assaulted her while she was sleep, the lawsuit said. When Dugan woke up, White fled before she could fully process what had happened, she said.

The next morning, Dugan contacted the front desk to ask if anyone had entered her room that night. She also requested a copy of the lock record to verify when the master key had been used to unlock her door, according to the lawsuit. The hotels security director denied her request, saying she would need to obtain a subpoena to access the information.

Dugan reported the incident to St. Louis police, who conducted an investigation and found footage showing White had entered Dugans room after the wellness check, according to court documents.

In 2018, White pleaded guilty to burglary and sexual abuse, receiving a probation sentence.

According to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Hyatt was negligent in hiring White and failed to conduct a proper background check on him.

He applied for the security guard position in 2015 and was hired after being interviewed by the hotels security director. Hyatt did not verify Whites references or prior employment before moving forward with his hiring, the lawsuit said.

Though a background check was conducted on White, it did not uncover his past sexual assault offenses, which included incidents of indecent exposure and making sexually harassing phone calls to a minor, the lawsuit said.

The appeals court ruling said Hyatt obstructed the investigation by failing to cooperate with law enforcement and withholding evidence.

Hyatts written policy mandates that the company assist victims of crimes occurring on their property by contacting the police, but that was not done when Dugan reported the incident, according to the lawsuit.

Instead, the hotel prioritized its own interests over those of its guest, the Missouri Court of Appeals ruling said.

In our judgment, Hyatts conduct in this regard epitomizes a conscious disregard for the rights and interests of its own hotel guest who suffered a sexual assault in her hotel room at the hands of Hyatts own security guard, the December decision said.

Dugans attorney, Scott Bethune, said the ruling is a message to other hotel corporations.

This ruling sends a powerful message that corporations must prioritize guest safety over profit and ensure their policies are rigorously enforced, Bethune said.

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President-elect Donald Trump is teasing a decision on the potential ban of popular social media platform TikTok.

The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could ban TikTok in the United States if its not sold by its Chinese parent company. It does not appear there are any plans to sell the popular app ahead of when the law is slated to take effect on Sunday.

The White House said in a statement Friday that implementation of the law on TikTok will now fall to the Trump administration. The president-elect emphasized that his decision on the social media platform app could be coming soon in a Friday post on Truth Social.

The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! Trump wrote.

The app exploded in popularity during Trumps last year in office. He initially supported efforts to ban the app during his first term, citing similar national security concerns shared with both Republicans and Democrats. President Joe Biden signed the law green lighting a potential ban of the app in April 2024.

But now, Trump has expressed sympathy for the popular app and promised on the campaign trail to save TikTok. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trumps inauguration, which comes just one day after the potential ban of the app will take place.

Trump also wrote in a separate Truth Social post that he discussed TikTok in a Friday conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Its unclear what options are open to Trump once he is sworn in as president on Monday. The law allowed for a 90-day pause in the restrictions on the app if there had been progress toward a sale before it took effect. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who defended the law at the Supreme Court for the Democratic Biden administration, told the justices last week that its uncertain whether the prospect of a sale once the law is in effect could trigger a 90-day respite for TikTok.

Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the court said in an unsigned opinion, adding that the law does not violate petitioners' First Amendment rights.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Elisabeth Finch, the former Greys Anatomy writer who sparked controversy by lying about having cancer, is being accused of a new scam.

Greys Anatomy producer Jamie Denbo took to Facebook on Thursday, Jan. 16, to share a screenshot of a post that Finch allegedly uploaded.

In the post, Finch sought out donations for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The post raised alarm bells for Denbo, as Finch asked her followers to send funds directly to her via Venmo or Zelle.

This is just me. Boots on the ground, Finchs post read. It was challenging enough getting dog food while evacuated and I was at a safe place. So this is for people who have virtually nothing and have pets with basic needs.

Denbo urged people not to send money to Finch, referencing the 2024 Peacock docuseries Anatomy of Lies, which explored Finchs history of deceit.

This person is a SCAMMER and a LIAR. It is well documented in the @peacock series #anatomyoflies, Denbo wrote alongside the screenshot of Finchs alleged post. Unless you want to send her donations of 69 cents for her cancer treatment (she doesnt have cancer) or perhaps in memory of her late brother(hes alive) or anything else she has lied about (everything) DO NOT DONATE to Elisabeth Finch!!

After Denbo called her out, Finch defended her intentions in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

I recognize, given my history, people might be skeptical of my fundraising efforts. Im trying to make amends in as many ways I can, including helping my community  especially during these difficult times, she told the outlet. So many organizations are calling for gift cards because they are overwhelmed with physical donations, and I didnt want peoples pet needs to get lost in the shuffle.

Denbo, meanwhile, told THR: Elisabeth continues to scam, deceive and produce incredible material for comedians like myself to use and mock her relentlessly. I cant thank her enough! (For just the last thing.) Keep it up, Finch!

Elisabeth Finch's history of deceit is explored in the Peacock docuseries "Anatomy of Lies." Jennifer Beyer/PEACOCK

Finch worked as a writer for Greys Anatomy from 2015 to 2022. During her time with the show, she was outspoken about her purported struggles with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She even turned her supposed personal history into plot points for Greys Anatomy.

Finchs health wasnt the only thing she lied about; she also told coworkers that a friend of hers died in the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting.

Finchs then-wife Jennifer Beyer began to notice inconsistencies in Finchs stories and confronted her about it. After Finch confessed, Beyer reported the conduct to Greys Anatomy production company Shondaland.

Amid an investigation into her falsehoods, Finch was placed on administrative leave in March 2022. She later resigned from her position at Greys Anatomy.

Finch publicly came clean about her lies during a December 2022 interview with The Ankler.

I lied, and theres no excuse for it. But theres context for it. The best way I can explain it is when you experience a level of trauma, a lot of people adopt a maladaptive coping mechanism, she said. [Lying] was my coping [mechanism] and my way to feel safe and seen and heard.

Anatomy of Lies is now streaming on Peacock.

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Dave Chappelle is gearing up to host Saturday Night Live on Saturday, Jan. 18  and the standup comedian is no stranger to the Studio 8H stage.

Chappelle has hosted SNL three times to date and will soon be a four-time host. That will leave him one hosting gig shy of the elite Five-Timers-Club, a group that includes stars like Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Tina Fey.

The Chappelles Show alum made his SNL hosting debut in November 2016. The appearance came after a decade of largely staying out of the public eye. Chappelle returned with a bang, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his SNL performance. He then went on to release his first standup special in 13 years, Netflixs Age of Spin, in 2017.

Chappelles first time hosting came one week after Donald Trump won the 2016 election, so it makes sense that he was invited back to host the week after Joe Biden won the presidency in November 2020. He nabbed the post-election spot again in November 2022, hosting one week after the midterms.

Viewers can expect Chappelles fourth SNL monologue to delve into politics once more, as the Jan. 18 episode takes place two days before Trumps inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20.

When SNL announced that Bill Burr would host the week after Trump was elected president for the second time in November 2024, some people assumed that the sketch comedy series was distancing itself from Chappelle, who has faced backlash in recent years for making transphobic remarks in his standup specials. Its now clear that wasnt the case.

Chappelle isnt the only controversial SNL host in recent memory. Shane Gillis was invited to host in February 2024 despite being previously fired from the show.

Shortly after Gillis was hired as a featured player for season 45 in 2019, podcast clips resurfaced of him using ethnic slurs and making racist remarks about Chinese people. He was fired after just five days as an SNL cast member.

SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels called the backlash against Gillis a mania during a September 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

He got beat up for things that hed done years earlier and the overreaction to it was so stunning, Michaels said. And the velocity of it was 200 Asian companies were going to boycott the show.

The showrunner also stood by the decision to bring Gillis back as a host.

When he came back to the show last year [to host], we saw, Oh, right, hes really talented, and he wouldve been really good for us, he said.

Saturday Night Live airs on NBC and Peacock Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. EST.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) set a new investment record in the Baltic states, committing 540 million euros in 2024, Trend reports.

This surpasses previous highs of 358 million euros in 2022 and 323 million euros in 2023, with a remarkable 95% of the funding supporting green projects.

Estonia and Lithuania led the way with record investments of 244 million euros and 233 million euros, respectively, focused on renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. In Latvia, the EBRD invested 63 million euros across 10 projects.

Key highlights include:

Estonia : 100 million euro loan to Enefit Green for the Sopi-Tootsi wind park (255 MW).

: 100 million euro loan to Enefit Green for the Sopi-Tootsi wind park (255 MW). Lithuania : 100 million euro equity investment in Green Geniuss regional expansion and 40 million euros to Vilnius Public Transport for electric buses.

: 100 million euro equity investment in Green Geniuss regional expansion and 40 million euros to Vilnius Public Transport for electric buses. Regional: 20 million euros commitment to the EfTEN Special Opportunities Fund, supporting local capital markets.

Tomas Kairys, Head of the Baltic States at the EBRD, praised the record results, emphasizing the Banks role as a climate financier and its commitment to helping the region transition to carbon neutrality.

Since its inception, the EBRD has invested nearly 4.14 billion euros in 379 projects across the Baltic region, driving sustainable development and economic resilience.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad is the most important part of the Middle Corridor, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov said at the opening of the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Special attention should be paid to joint efforts to fully implement the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project. Due to to additional investments by Azerbaijan and the efforts of Georgia, the throughput capacity of freight traffic has increased from 1 million up to 5 million tons, the Prime Minister said.

He emphasized that one of the largest trading ports on the Caspian SeaBaku International Trade Portalso plays a key role in the Middle Corridor.

Currently, active work is underway to increase the port's throughput capacity from 15 to 25 million tons per year. The Poti and Batumi ports in Georgia also form important elements of the Middle Corridor. We are very pleased that today the relevant agencies will sign a memorandum on cooperation in the field of the transport corridor. All these measures strengthen the role of Azerbaijan and Georgia as key transit links in intercontinental transactions, Ali Asadov noted.

To note, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Azerbaijan on a working visit on January 17.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The joint mega-projects between Azerbaijan and Georgia serve as a model of successful regional cooperation and contribute to the transformation of the South Caucasus, said Ali Asadov, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, at the opening of the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Addressing the event, Asadov emphasized that these projects have significantly altered the energy and transport landscape of the region.

"Particularly noteworthy is the Southern Corridor. Our countries play a vital role in implementing this strategic project. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) continues to supply gas to the Georgian market. Cooperation in the oil sector is also thriving. Last year, about thirty million tons of oil were transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The issue of collaboration with the terminal in Kulevi and the nearby oil refinery is also relevant. A contract has already been signed, and raw oil and oil products will soon be transported from the Kulevi terminal," he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia are jointly building a green energy bridge to Europe.

"The project to lay an electric cable across the bottom of the Black Sea is being implemented in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. This project is a key factor in Europe's energy security," he added.
Members of the public are invited to take a moment to remember their loved one at a special event in Abbotsham next week.

Kenwith Castle care home and the wider care village will host the annual Candles on the Lake event in partnership with North Devon Hospice on Friday 17 January 2025 from 4pm to 6pm.

This is the second year that Kenwith Castle has hosted Candles on the Lake.

For a taster of last years event, head to care-south.co.uk to watch a highlights video.

The event is open to the public, local carers who work in and around Bideford, as well as residents and their families from Kenwith Castle, as well as Fremington Manor care home near Barnstable.

Both care homes are part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South.

It will also be attended by the residents of the Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows assisted living bungalows based in the care village.

There is no need to book for the free-entry event as visitors can just turn up on the day.

All donations from the event will go to North Devon Hospice, which provides specialist care support to people with life-limiting conditions.

Event attendees will be invited to sponsor a candle in memory of a loved one.

After releasing a candle onto the lake, the whole family can enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a light bite while listening to live music.

Kenwith Castle provides residential, respite, and dementia care.

Care home residents have access to a range of communal spaces including lounges, dining rooms, and a bar area, as well as an exclusive onsite hairdressing salon.

A dedicated activities team organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

The care home is part of the wider Kenwith Castle care village which also includes assisted living bungalows.

All residents in the care village have access to 30 acres of beautiful parkland with landscaped gardens and stunning countryside views, a lake offering peaceful surroundings, and the dedicated onsite Kenwith Pavilion cafe, which is open for the exclusive use of the residents within the care village.

It plays host to a range of events for the residents including coffee mornings, barbecues and parties.

Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and home care services across the south of England.

The not-for-profit organisation, which is a registered charity, has care homes in Dorset, north Devon, Somerset and West Sussex, and home care offices covering east and west Dorset, and northeast Somerset and south Somerset.

For more information about the care services available at Kenwith Castle, go to care-south.co.uk or call the care home on 01237 879594.
North Devon Homes has been invited by the National Housing Federation (NHF) to attend a select committee discussion in Westminster.

The event will focus on the important role that housing associations play in shaping communities.

It is being held to help inform the UK Government's Housing Strategy, which will be released in June 2025.

North Devon Homes will share its work in involving residents and providing affordable housing.

The invitation follows North Devon Homes recent achievement of receiving the highest C1 grading in a Regulatory Inspection.

Martyn Gimber, Chief Executive of North Devon Homes, said: We are honoured to participate in these important discussions and share our experiences to help inform a National Strategy on Housing. Community engagement is at the heart of what we do, and these opportunities allow us to highlight the difference we are making in peoples lives. Achieving the C1 grading was a proud moment for our team, and we are excited to continue this journey of creating positive, sustainable communities.

North Devon Homes has also been invited to present at the NHFs Customer Experience and Resident Engagement (CERE) Conference in February 2025.

As part of the conference, the organisation will create a video showcasing its approach to working with residents and creating inclusive communities.

Mr Gimber added: Were committed to creating communities where people want to live.

We know that the key to this is listening to our customers. Thats why we actively work with our residents to help to continuously improve our services.

North Devon Homes continues to focus on involving residents in decision-making as part of its efforts to deliver their housing services.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Masdar, the UAEs clean energy leader, has signed agreements with the Philippines government to develop up to 1 GW of renewable energy projects by 2030, Trend reports.

This marks Masdars official entry into the Philippines and reinforces its growing presence in Southeast Asia.

The agreements, signed with the Department of Energy and the Board of Investments, focus on developing solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems to support the Philippines Energy Transition Program. This initiative aims to achieve 35% renewable energy in power generation by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

The signing ceremony was attended by UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and Philippines Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla. Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the partnership as a milestone in UAE-Philippines relations, emphasizing its potential to drive job creation, economic growth, and global renewable energy expansion.

Secretary Lotilla praised Masdars expertise in delivering large-scale renewable projects, calling the collaboration a pivotal step in advancing the Philippines clean energy goals. The partnership also aligns with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance energy security and foster sustainable development.

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi welcomed the agreement as part of Masdars commitment to achieving 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. He expressed confidence in leveraging the companys global experience to support the Philippines in meeting its ambitious energy transition targets.

This partnership builds on Masdars track record in Southeast Asia, including the regions largest floating solar facility in Indonesia and geothermal investments in Indonesia and Malaysia. Since its founding in 2006, Masdar has been a driving force behind the UAEs global leadership in sustainability and climate action.
Mayors from seven Southeast Asian countries, including Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, gathered in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, for the Global Mayors Dialogue from Wednesday to Saturday.

The dialogue has focused on exploring new models, content and pathways for friendly exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign cities, aiming to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

On Wednesday evening, the delegation visited Sanjie Liangxiang, a historical district in Nanning, to experience some Chinese New Year customs. They enjoyed folk art exhibitions, observed demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage and watched local opera performances.

If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.
The actor Justin Baldoni filed a defamation lawsuit against the Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds on Thursday, claiming that they tried to destroy him by accusing him of sexual harassment against the actress and then retaliation against her through a smear campaign.

The lawsuit is the latest legal action in a feud tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us, which starred Ms. Lively and Mr. Baldoni, who also directed it.

The 179-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, named Ms. Lively and Mr. Reynolds, her husband, as defendants, as well as their publicist Leslie Sloane and her company, Vision PR. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Mr. Baldoni; the films lead producer, Jamey Heath; their production company, Wayfarer Studios; and the publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. They are seeking $400 million in damages.

In response to the lawsuit on Thursday, Ms. Livelys legal team said in a statement, The strategy of attacking the woman is desperate, it does not refute the evidence in Ms. Livelys complaint, and it will fail.
Follow live updates on the Supreme Court ruling against TikTok.

Whether you cherish your morning TikTok scroll or the mere mention of the video platform sends you shrieking into a sensory-deprivation pod, there is no denying that the app has fundamentally transformed culinary culture in the United States.

The app has saved restaurants from closing, helped strangers form tight-knit communities and occasionally made Americans feel a little less alone. And for recipe developers, chicken-tender reviewers and everyone in between, TikTok has presented the opportunity to build a substantial livelihood somewhat casually using the apps creator fund, which pays users directly based on video views, as well as through sponsorships with brands. If the new American dream is to go viral, then clicking post on TikTok is the modern equivalent of punching in at 9 a.m.

Last year, President Biden signed a bill into law that could lead to a ban of the app in the United States on Jan. 19. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides of the debate. As a potential ban looms, we spoke to 11 influential TikTok food content creators about what is at stake. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.
It felt fitting that my city was burning when I heard the news Thursday that David Lynch had died at 78. Few filmmakers grasped the complexities of Los Angeles better than Lynch did and fewer still seemed so at home with its distinct, otherworldly mix of beauty and disaster, sunshine and noir. Los Angeles is where, after all, he shot Eraserhead, his feature directorial debut about  well, how to describe this sui generis art film in which a lady lives in a radiator and a baby looks like a slimy, fetid bobble-headed alien. Yet now David Lynch is gone and another part of this city seems to have disappeared with him, and I am bereft.

Lynch was literally born in Missoula, Mont., but I think he was more rightly birthed by Los Angeles. He went to school here, attending the American Film Institute (Eraserhead began as his student project!), eventually establishing a nearby compound where he took to delivering delightful weather reports with his singular twang. In the one he recorded for May 11, 2020, he sits at a desk with several pairs of glasses upon it and a mug that must be filled with black coffee. Here in L.A., he says, squinting up at a window, its kind of cloudy, some fog this morning. He swivels to face the camera, ticks off the temperature and adds: This all should burn off pretty soon and well have sunshine and 70 degrees. Have a great day.

I always took his signoffs to have a great day literally. Lynch created some of the most disturbing and haunted work in cinema, but in interviews  many peppered with his trademark interjections like jeepers  he came across as approachable. If anything, he appeared almost performatively normal, which made him seem even stranger. In 2001, the year his masterpiece Mulholland Drive was released, my friend, the critic John Powers, spoke with Lynch. He still reminds me of Jimmy Stewart, Powers wrote, not the Mr. Smith who goes to Washington but the grizzled obsessive from Vertigo. Time had already taken its toll: His beaming smile has lost its innocence.

Ive rarely received as many angry responses as I did when my rave of Mulholland Drive ran. People didnt just disagree; they seemed as enraged at my review as they were at the film. Among the most furiously voiced criticisms was that it just didnt make sense, leaving some viewers frustrated to the point of fury. The thing is, it had confused me as much as it had wowed me on first viewing. Movies are supposed to be obvious, but Lynch never was. Worse, he had made a work of art in an industry that disdains not just art  unless it hangs on mansion walls  but also artists who dont conform to its orthodoxies. If his relationship with Hollywood was difficult, its because he never seemed part of it  artistically, spiritually or in any other way  even when he made more establishment-consecrated films.
The Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday that it had reached a settlement with General Motors that would ban the automaker from providing drivers behavior and geolocation data to consumer reporting agencies. The ban will last for five years.

The New York Times reported last year that G.M. was collecting data about peoples driving behavior, including how often they sped or drove at night, and selling it to data brokers that generated risk profiles for insurance companies. Some drivers reported that their auto insurance rates increased as a result.

G.M. monitored and sold peoples precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds, said Lina M. Khan, the chair of the F.T.C. With this action, the F.T.C. is safeguarding Americans privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance.

The F.T.C. opened an investigation and determined that G.M. had collected and sold data from millions of vehicles without adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their affirmative consent. Drivers who signed up for OnStar Connected Services and activated a feature called Smart Driver were subject to the data collection. But federal regulators said the enrollment process was so confusing, many consumers did not realize that they had signed up for it.
Darrin Bell, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, was arrested in California on Wednesday on charges that he possessed more than 100 videos of child pornography, some of which was computer-generated, according to the authorities.

Investigators connected Mr. Bell, 49, to an online account that had shared 134 files of child sex abuse, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The authorities served a search warrant at Mr. Bells home on Wednesday morning and found more child pornography videos, including some generated using artificial intelligence, the sheriffs office said.

Mr. Bell, who was taken into custody after the search, is being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail in lieu of $1 million bail. He was charged with two felonies related to possession of child sex abuse material, according to jail records. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer, and no one responded to a call to his phone on Thursday afternoon.

This is the first time that the authorities in Sacramento County have charged someone with possession of computer-generated child sex abuse material under an amended state law that made possessing such material a criminal offense starting on Jan. 1.
As fires across Los Angeles County start to wind down, health officials are warning about risks related to water systems in the area.

Municipal water pipes damaged by fire can lose pressure, causing them to suck in smoke and harmful chemicals. Those chemicals can make their way through the water system and linger for years. Plastic piping, commonly used to carry water in quake-prone states like California, can also release chemicals into drinking water if the piping is heated, melted or burned.

One concern is benzene, which is abundant in wildfire smoke. If inhaled or ingested, benzene can lead to nausea and vomiting in the short term and may cause cancer over time.

After the wildfire that destroyed Paradise in 2018, testing found benzene concentrations in drinking water had spiked to more than 80 times levels that California health officials say are dangerous for short-term exposure.

Naphthalene and methylene chloride, present in plastic, adhesives and other household materials, can also contaminate drinking water and disperse easily into the air.

Local utilities are not taking any chances: Do not drink notices are in place for parts of Los Angeles County, including fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Utilities now face the daunting task of testing the safety of drinking water, as residents seek to return home.

In the meantime, officials directions are clear for those under Do not drink notices: Use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice or preparing food, including baby formula; limit the use of hot water, because chemicals can easily vaporize; do not try to treat the water yourself; and keep a close eye on updates.
American Express said on Thursday that it would pay $230 million to settle civil and criminal allegations that the company used deceptive sales tactics related to credit card and wire transfer products sold to small business customers.

The Justice Departments civil division claimed that, from 2014 through 2017, the credit card and travel services giant misrepresented its card rewards and fees, and whether credit checks would be done without a customers consent. The Justice Department also said the company had submitted falsified financial information for prospective customers, such as overstating a businesss income.

American Express was also accused of tricking its bank into issuing credit cards to small business customers without employer identification numbers, or E.I.N.s, which are required for certain businesses, the department said.

Then, from 2018 to 2021, the department claimed, American Express deceptively sold wire transfer products known as Payroll Rewards and Premium Wire, making false claims about the products tax benefits.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

Parting Words

President Biden gave his farewell address on Wednesday, warning Americans of an oligarchy taking shape that threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms.

On Thursday, Seth Meyers joked that Biden had waited until his last day at work to start stuffing the suggestion box.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. ACWA Power has officially entered Chinas renewable energy market, signing investment agreements for over 1GW of projects across multiple provinces, Trend reports.

As part of its expansion, ACWA Power has partnered with key Chinese renewable energy players. The first agreement, signed with Sungrow Renewables, focuses on the development of a 132 MW solar PV portfolio in Guangdong province. This project, comprising three individual sites, represents ACWA Powers first asset-level collaboration with its long-term supply chain partner.

The second agreement is with Mingyang Smart Energy Group, a developer of renewable assets and wind turbines. This partnership lays the groundwork for joint investments in Chinas wind energy sector, starting with a 200 MW portfolio.

Together, the Sungrow and Mingyang projects involve a combined investment of $312 million and are the initial phase of a broader initiative that will expand to over 1GW of renewable energy capacity. These ventures underline ACWA Powers commitment to supporting Chinas transition to cleaner energy sources and strengthening its global renewable energy footprint.
Sometime in the 1950s, Zilia Sanchez, a Cuban-born painter, was crying on a Havana rooftop, mourning the recent death of her father, when she caught a sight that would shape her career of more than seven decades: her fathers bedsheet, drying on a line, draped by the breeze over a nearby pipe and beams.

I felt like the sheet I had seen blowing in the wind was like his skin, and the wooden construction beneath it resembled a skeleton, she said in a 2016 interview with Ocula, an art magazine. I had to eternalize it because of this. It was a very emotional moment and still is an emotional memory. It felt like I saw my fathers soul leaving his body.

For Ms. Sanchez, who died on Dec. 18 at her home in San Juan, P.R., at 98, the image ultimately inspired her signature creations: minimalist paintings rendered in muted colors applied to canvas skins stretched over elaborate wooden armatures. The results were distinctive three-dimensional works that suggested images of waves, the moon and often the female anatomy, blurring the lines between painting and sculpture.

Still, recognition was a long time coming. Ms. Sanchez was in her 80s when she began to find serious acclaim outside the Caribbean. Her first solo show in New York was a small survey of her work at Artists Space in Lower Manhattan in 2013.
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, whose memoir about living as a child in an internment camp during World War II put a personal stamp on the hysteria that led the United States government to imprison some 120,000 Japanese Americans, died on Dec. 21 at her home in Santa Cruz, Calif. She was 90.

Her son, Joshua Houston, confirmed the death.

In March 1942, Jeanne, then 7, along with her nine siblings, her mother and her maternal grandmother, were forced to leave their home in Santa Monica, Calif., for the Manzanar War Relocation Center, a detention camp that had been hastily built on 5,000 acres in the Mojave Desert.

It was one of 10 camps, mostly in Western states, established under President Franklin D. Roosevelts Executive Order 9066, which he signed in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The order resulted in the military evacuation of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast on the largely unsupported suspicion that they represented a threat to national security.

Jeannes father, Ko Wakatsuki, a commercial fisherman from Hiroshima, did not go with his family. The F.B.I. arrested him soon after Pearl Harbor, accusing him of using his fishing boat to smuggle oil to Japanese submarines off the coast of California. He was sent to a military prison at Fort Lincoln in Bismarck, N.D. His family says that the accusation was false.
A vote on the Gaza cease-fire deal is set for today

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israeli has ordered a meeting of Israels political security cabinet for later today to approve the Gaza cease-fire deal, after Israeli and Hamas negotiators worked out their remaining differences.

A vote scheduled for yesterday was delayed by last-minute disputes with Hamas and rifts that emerged inside Netanyahus governing coalition. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hard-line national security minister, threatened to remove his party from the coalition if the cabinet voted to approve the provisional deal.

The move could threaten Netanyahus hold on power but is unlikely to stop the deal. He would still command a majority of 62 seats in the 120-member Parliament, and opposition lawmakers have pledged to support the push for a cease-fire if more hard-line allies leave the coalition. Read more about the political crisis facing Netanyahu.

The prime ministers office said that the families of hostages had been informed of the agreement and that the government authority responsible for the hostages had been instructed to prepare for their return to Israel.
Days before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office, China is gearing up for economic battle with the United States.

It threatened a widespread investigation into American chipmakers. It zeroed in on one American retailer, accusing it of inappropriate conduct that could lead to sanctions usually reserved for weapons sellers. And it got ready to slap duties on imports of industrial plastics.

The flurry of retaliatory gestures, all delivered this week, could have far-reaching implications for American companies. They join other measures by China in recent weeks with one objective: putting the incoming Trump administration on notice.

Its a warning shot to the new administration that we wont sit back, and we have leverage also in the event of a deepening of the trade tech wars, said Myron Brilliant, a senior counselor at Dentons Global Advisors-ASG, a business consulting firm.
When the Social Security Administration agreed to a five-year extension of work-from-home arrangements for tens of thousands of employees in early December, many at the agency expressed relief.

But the reprieve may be short-lived. At a news conference two weeks later, President-elect Donald J. Trump railed against the deal and said he would go to court to undo it. If people dont come back to work, come back into the office, he said, theyre going to be dismissed.

The back-and-forth previewed what is likely to be one of the earliest points of contention of Mr. Trumps second administration. Over the past few years, many federal workers have organized their lives around hybrid arrangements that help them juggle work and family responsibilities, and have gone so far as to demand that the Biden administration preserve the status quo. Some have rushed to join the roughly one-quarter to one-third of federal workers who are unionized, so that telework policies will be negotiable.

But to the president-elect and his allies, the work-from-home arrangements are not only a glaring example of liberal permissiveness run amok  a gift to a union, Mr. Trump said  but also a tantalizing opportunity to clear the federal government of obstructionist workers and to vastly shrink its reach.
As Elon Musks geopolitical influence grows because of his closeness to incoming President Donald J. Trump, regulators in Europe have faced questions about whether they would scale down an investigation of X, the social media network that Mr. Musk owns.

On Friday, European Union officials indicated that they were not backing off.

Regulators in Brussels said they would expand an investigation into X for potential violation of a law, called the Digital Services Act, intended to clamp down on online disinformation and illegal content. Officials said they had ordered X to hand over internal documents about the companys recommendation algorithm, as well as provide access to data that would allow regulators to study the platforms content moderation policies and understand why material on certain accounts may go viral.

We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the E.U. respects our legislation, which aims to make the online environment fair, safe and democratic for all European citizens, said Henna Virkkunen, the European Commissions executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy.

X did not respond to a request for comment.

The Digital Services Act, passed in 2022, gives regulators wide powers to force social media companies to police their platforms for hate speech, misinformation and illegal content. Companies that do not comply can face fines of up to 6 percent of global revenue.
He was attracted to the position, he said, because he has a passion for orchestrating impactful events that drive global change.

The forums mission to improve the state of the world through multi-stakeholder collaboration resonates deeply with my professional values, Mr. Podolak said.

Davos, the forums largest meeting, transpires in three venues: the Congress Centre; Kurpark Village, a nearly 65,000-square-foot temporary wooden chalet that debuted in 2024; and the Davos Ice Stadium, where hockey is played. Collectively, they are known as the Secured Zone and are within a five-minute walk from one another.

Mr. Podolak said the meeting encompassed more than 500 sessions over five days, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sessions include panels on global issues such as sustainability, artificial intelligence and the state of democracy worldwide, and invitation-only small-group and problem-solving discussions.

Every session, whether its a breakfast, dinner or an address to a large group, has a purpose, he said. Nothing we organize is for pure networking only, although that ends up happening. He noted that organizations and individuals attending the meeting planned the after-parties and other social events, not the World Economic Forum.
Complex and costly medical conditions require more nursing care, both in prison and after an inmates release. Across the country, prison systems attempting to discharge inmates convicted of serious crimes often find themselves with few options. Nursing home beds can be hard to find even for those without criminal records.

Spending on inmates medical care is increasing  in New York, it has grown to just over $7,500 in 2021 from about $6,000 per person in 2012. Even so, those who work with the incarcerated say the money is often not enough to keep up with the growing share of older inmates who have chronic health problems.

We see a lot of unfortunate gaps in care, said Dr. William Weber, an emergency physician in Chicago and medical director of the Medical Justice Alliance, a nonprofit that trains doctors to work as expert witnesses in cases involving prison inmates. With inmates often struggling to get specialty care or even copies of their own medical records, things fall through the cracks, he said.

Dr. Weber said he was recently involved in two cases of seriously ill prisoners, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Illinois, who could not be released without a nursing home placement. The Pennsylvania inmate died in prison and the Illinois man remains incarcerated, he said.

Almost all states have programs that allow early release for inmates with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. New Yorks program is one of the more expansive: While other states often limit the policy to those with less than six months to live, New Yorks is open to anyone with a terminal or debilitating illness. Nearly 90 people were granted medical parole in New York between 2020 and 2023.
Ahmad and Areej were at home in Sanliurfa with their children, ages 13 to 27, as the rebels pushed toward Damascus. No one had slept in days, and each was triangulating information across multiple platforms  broadcast TV, social media, different chat groups and relatives and friends inside and outside Syria. When official word came before sunrise that the regime had fallen, Areej began to run around the apartment. I didnt know where to go, what to do, she says. I was happy, scared, I couldnt believe it. It felt like a dream, a dream. They started opening the doors and windows and ran out onto the balcony even though it was still dark outside. The happiness was bigger than the house could contain, says their daughter Shaghaf, now 25.

But this elation, for Ahmad and Areej, does not  cannot  translate into an intention to return to Deir al-Zour, at least in the foreseeable future. ISIS has remained active in eastern Syria, and U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who control large parts of the region, are currently clashing with the Syrian National Army, a Turkey-backed proxy. Ahmad and Areej see ethnic conflict ahead. And they arent considering returning to other parts of Syria.

The problem is not in geography, says Ahmad, who wants to live in a secular state and does not want to live under a government led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Can these people who are now in charge take the right steps to build a civil state  one that respects human rights  secure lasting peace and deliver full services? He notes that Israeli forces are only kilometers outside Damascus, that U.S. planes still fly over Syrian skies and that many countries are calling the shots in Syria. Its not the Syria he dreamed of when he joined the early demonstrations or that he has been striving for in his near decade in Turkey, where he has worked with civil-society organizations focusing on initiatives that include peace building, human rights advocacy, youth and female empowerment and planning for a political and democratic transition of power in Syria. And of course, there is the trauma of having lived under ISIS, which Ahmed al-Shara, the leader of H.T.S., once had ties to. Our experience, personally and as a family, are among the main reasons we are not going back, Ahmad says. We are seeing signs that look a lot like ISIS. In how they are running the country and treating the people. Maybe not as intense or as obvious, or the same high level of severity, but the thoughts are one and similar. The family still hopes to be resettled outside Turkey, where their attempts to build their lives have not been easy for any one of them. Since 2021, their application for asylum has been pending at the United Nations refugee agency.

For his part, Rami quit waiting for permission from the Turkish government to cross legally into Syria via the countries shared border. He flew from Gaziantep to Istanbul to Beirut and drove to the Syrian border, arriving at midnight on Dec. 27. The checkpoint  once a place of corrupt border guards and officials who regularly expected bribes at best, or at worst abducted and disappeared Syrians entirely  was unmanned. The road to Damascus was now open.

Rami reached the capital at 1:30 a.m., nearly 30 hours after leaving Hiba and Pamela. His plan was to stay a few nights before heading north to Aleppo. On his first afternoon, he attended a somber gathering, a vigil of sorts, for the disappeared Syrians, who still number in the thousands. In silence, relatives stood holding their loved ones photos, demanding to know their fates. When Rami saw a young woman with her fathers picture, he thought of Pamela, imagined her in such a situation and realized he didnt have it in him to delay.
On Monday, Donald Trump is going to take the oath of office for the second time. During his first administration, there was a question of how he wields policy in the government. The question of how he wields and uses and raises money. Were used to talking about that with politicians. But there was also the separate question of how he wields and uses attention and Trump whatever else he is. Hes a master at using and wielding attention. Donald Trump has met the media moment. Conflict is attention, and attention is influence. Donald Trump is a marketing genius. He understands stagecraft. He understands the power of the visual image. In some ways, the defining feature of the last decade of public discourse has been Donald Trump as the center of attention. My friend Chris Hayes is best known as the host of MSNBCS 8:00 PM show all in, but he just wrote a great book called The sirens call how attention became the worlds most endangered resource. Ive read most of the books on attention out there. This one is, I think, the best one at understanding the value of attention today, because it isnt just endangered. It is the worlds most valuable resource, and the people who are on top of the world right now understand its value and understand how to wield it. And thats what this conversation is about. Its a curtain raiser on the intentional regime were about to enter. As always, my email at nytimes.com. Chris Hayes, welcome to the show. Its really great to be here. So youve got a cable news show. Youre an attention merchant, I am. What is different about the way attention felt and worked in the early 2000, when you were starting out. When I was starting out and the way it feels and works for you now. Thats a great question. One is just theres more competition. So much more competition. The notion now that at every single moment when you are competing for someones attention, you are competing against literally every piece of content ever produced. Like, I love this. This thing that happened a few years ago where suits, which was a network show that had became like the most watched show on Netflix. And its like it never would have occurred to me back in 2013 that I might be fighting for eyeballs with someone watching Suits at every single moment that you are trying to get someones attention now. The totality of human content is the Library of your competition, and that is. That was not true. I think that was not true in 2000. I mean, it was definitely not true in 2000. Its weird going in a lifetime from the problem of too little content to too much. I remember being a kid and I would read the cereal box. Absolutely I would read anything around me and there was never enough. There are all kinds of times in my life when I was caught without anything to read, and now it never happens. Theres so many. Theres so much of my life that would be better if I was caught without anything to read. But in my pocket is this portal to what is pretty close to everything ever written. Pretty close. I mean, I remember a version of the Elias Sports Bureau sports baseball compendium of stats, and I would sit I just read who the top 40 era pitchers. When I was a kid, I knew the manufacturer suggested retail price of every single car on the road by year. I could tell you not just what a Camry cost, but what a 93 Camry cost. Because you must have had some books I had the Bluebook. Yeah right. Yeah yeah. And you would in some ways. The lack of choice forced a kind of focus, and I think you and I were roughly the same cohort. I was at the front end of RSS, Google readers and blogs and this idea that you could synthesize an insane amount of information very quickly if you curated it and you created processes to feed it into you. And those processes have gotten much harder, and theyve been totally overwhelmed by the evolution, such that I now have a very hard time even figuring out what the funnel Im trying to construct is. So youre it is hard sometimes, I think, when youve lived through attention and information changing as much as we have to take the long view. Yes one thing I liked about your book a lot is it takes the long view. And I would say the core argument is that what is happening to attention now is akin to what happened to human labor in the Industrial Revolution. Spin that out for me. So if you think about labor, right. Labor long predates labor as a wage commodity in the Industrial Revolution. Human beings did stuff with their effort and toil from the time that they essentially evolved. If youre hunting, gathering, picking berries, thats work. And labor evolved into an agrarian feudal systems and all kinds of different ways of small shopkeepers that did they did work recognizably. But what happens in the Industrial Revolution is that human effort gets embedded in a set of institutions, legal institutions, market institutions that commodify it, so that every hour of wage labor is equal to every other hour of wage labor, and then sold on a market for a price. And thats an enormous transformation in the human experience. This is a total transformation in all social relations, political relations, economic relations, and also, crucially, the subjective experience of being alive in the world. I think something similar is happening with attention, and it started a while ago the same way that the Industrial Revolution actually starts earlier than we think of it at its peak. But were reaching a crescendo where this thing attention, which is predates it being commodified. People have always paid attention to stuff, is now this market commodity thats extracted and sold. But go deeper. What do you mean. What makes attention price able and tradable now differently than it was before. Or is that not the ground of the analogy. Like go into the specifics of this. So theres a prehistory here, which is that from the birth of what we would call recognizably modern media and the penny press and magazines are probably the first place that you would call it that, particularly Benjamin days New York Sun, which has the idea that you charge people a penny for a newspaper. You lose money on each newspaper, but you sell the advertising. So the thing youre selling is the audience. Modern media has had this model for a long time, and basically its all been selling attention billboards, newspapers, magazines, radios, TV. Theres a few things that make it a difference in. Now, I would say one is the sophistication of how minutely you could capture peoples attention. And how quickly and sophisticated you could bring it to market. So youve now got these nanosecond auctions that are auctioning off your eyeballs in the moment youre loading a web page, or in the moment that Instagram Reels is going through. So thats one change. The other is just the ubiquity. The TV cant travel with you, magazines can. But eventually you read everything in the New Yorker and thats it. The birth of the smartphone produces a ubiquity of attention to be captured and sold. That just represents a kind of break. Like it just wasnt like that before. One of the things happening in this era, the reason I think people are so interested in books about attention and concern about attention is that the supply of attention is being changed and transformed by this process. It is being trained. My attention has been trained to want more than it used to want to be more despairing when it cant get it. But also, I mean the internet, in a way, with just a much higher level of sophistication, turned into a massive experimentation for what works intentionally. Its just this endless gain of function, bio lab for attention I like. I really think of a lot of social media as gain of function research for takes, right. Like if you tweak the take and tweak it and tweak it, at what point does it go viral. At what point does it go too viral. And it destroys your career, right. Like you could escape the lab in a way. But theres something about not, I think, just seeing attention as a commodity, but seeing it as something that is manipulable shapeable changeable, such that our collective attention is a resource, is changing. That feels important in this. I agree, and I think when you had Graham Burnett on the show, whos great on this and attention researcher he talks about fracking, right. And the point of the metaphor of fracking is that you need more supply. So there used to be a certain category of oil you could get. And then market demand said you had to go get more of it. And they figured out a way. And there is something very similar happening obviously here. The expanded supply. So like eating into your sleep hours, thats more supply getting children thats more supply. Looking at two or three things at once, which would have seemed totally like antisocial and borderline deranged two or three years ago, five years ago, 10 years ago, watching a movie while staring at another screen. Like, if someone did that 10 years ago, you would have been like, what are you. It would be so weird. The qualitative or subjective experience of what attention is shifting. You talk in the book about attention now being the most valuable commodity, the most important commodity, the commodity that so many of the great modern businesses, among other things, are built on Google and Meta. And I still think were realizing it was undervalued, or maybe that its most important value isnt selling it off to advertisers. So Ive been thinking a lot about Elon Musk who emerges in your book as a slightly pathetic figure. Trying to. Yes the book was written before. I think he kind of got a second chapter. Yeah trying to figure fill this howling void he has for attention. Elon Musk overpaid for Twitter $44 billion. It is not a business, as he has said himself, worth $44 billion. On the other hand, the amount of attention that he is capable of controlling and amassing and manipulating through Twitter cannot be traded directly for $44 billion, but is clearly worth, I think, more than $44 billion multiples of it. So how do you think about this translation that were seeing happen right now between attention as a financial commodity and attention is having more worth, frankly, than the money it would fetch on the open market. Thats a great point. Yes I think he backed into the he backed into the purchase of Twitter based on a kind of howling personal void, but in the same way that Donald Trump backed into the same insight born of his personality and his upbringing and New York tabloid world. He figured something out that has been obviously tremendously valuable in dollar terms. One of the really important ironies here, which I think does map onto labor, is that the aggregate of attention lots of attention or the collective public attention is wildly valuable, right. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a great example of this. The president of Ukraine he understands that attention on Ukraines plight is essentially the engine for securing the weaponry and resources his country needs to defend itself. And yet, even though the aggregate of attention is very valuable in market terms, each one of our individual attention to second a second is like pennies, fractions. Yeah, not even pennies. Not even pennies, fractions of pennies. And that was exactly what it was like with labor. When Marxists would say labor is a source of all value. They were right in the aggregate, take away all the workers. And the Industrial Revolution doesnt happen. But to the individual worker in the sweatshop, the little slice of labor that youre producing is both everything you have as a person and worth nothing in the market, almost nothing. And I think we have the same thing with attention, where its like its really valuable, pooled and aggregated the most valuable. Each individual part of it that we contribute is essentially worthless. Its pennies. And then subjectively, to us, its all we have. I think attention is now to politics, what people think money is to politics, I totally agree. Certainly at the high levels, right. There are places where money is very powerful, but its usually where people are not looking. Money is very powerful when theres not much attention. But Donald Trump doesnt control Republican primaries with money, controls them with attention. And I keep having to write about Musk, and I keep saying hes the richest man in the world, but thats actually not what matters about him right now. Its just how he managed to get the attention and become the character and the wielder of all this attention. And thats a changeover I think Trumpist Republicans have made and Democrats havent. Democrats are still thinking about money as the fundamental substance of politics, and the Trump Republican Party thinks about attention as a fundamental substance of politics. I really like this theory. I think youre totally right to identify that. They kind of. Its a sliding scale between the two, which is to say, political politics that have the least attention. Money matters the most. So in a state rep race, Yes. Money really matters. State rep race, partly because no ones paying attention to who the state rep is. Local media has been money can buy their attention. Money can buy their attention. So like can put out glossy mailers. You could. Theres a lot you can do that. The further up you go from that to Senate to President, the more attention there is already, the less the money counts. And you saw this with the Harris campaign. They raised a ton of money, and they spent it the way that most campaigns spend it, which is on trying to get peoples attention, whether thats through advertising or door knocking. But largely attention and then persuasion. Im running for president. Heres what I want to do. Heres why you should vote for me. Now, you can do that at billions of dollars worth. And everything is just like drops of rain in a river. Because there is so much competition for attention. And so what they figured out, I think, was that they being Harris or they being Trump, they being Trump. And I think Musk is that what matters is the total attentional atmosphere that in some ways its kind of a suckers game to try to pop in and be like, I got an ad, hey, hey, do you like tax cuts. Do you like, what do you like. Like all thats just going to whiz past people that the attentional atmosphere. Thats where the fight is. And thats what Musks Twitter purchase ended up being an enormous, almost like, Archimedean lever on the electorate. I think this is right. I think theres another distinction between Democrats and Republicans here, which is that I think Democrats still believe that the type of attention you get is the most important thing. If your choice is between a lot of negative attention and no attention, go for no attention. And at least the Trump side of the Republican Party believes the volume, the sum total of attention is the most important thing. And a lot of negative attention. Not only fine, maybe great. Because theres so much attention, energy and conflict. And so youd really see this Kamala Harris. And once he became part of the ticket, Tim Walz and behind them, Joe Biden before the changeover, they were just terrified of an interview going badly. Yes Trump and Vance. And I mean, they were all over the place, including in places very hostile to them. Yeah and Vance had a ton of interviews that went badly. Yeah, but they were everywhere. Yeah, because they cared about the volume of attention and were completely fine with the energy that negative attention could unlock. I think this is the key insight, the key transformational insight of Donald Trump to politics. So generally in politics, you want to get peoples attention for the project of persuading them. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears, Mark Anthony says before he proceeds to attempt to persuade them. What Trump figured out is that in the attention age, in this war of all against all, actually just getting attention matters more than whatever comes after it. And one way reliably to get peoples attention is negative attention. Like if you insult people, act outrageously. I mean, this is literally there was a commercial model for this, which is shock jocks of the 1980s and 90s that we grew up with. They were in a competitive, intentional marketplace in local places. Shock jocks said outrageous things. They werent trying to get someone to vote for them. They just wanted you to know that they were on the running the morning zoo. I dont know how to insert into the discourse a strong enough point that Joe Rogan is much better than Howard Stern was. Yes, its true. Like, nobody quite wants to admit this, because now Howard Stern has become this lovable uncle who for liberals, who has Hillary Clinton on his show. And I think Kamala Harris went on his show, but I think Rogan is the inheritor of Stern, basically. And Rogan has become much more right wing in the past couple of years. But compared to what. Stern was Rogan is just smarter and preferable. I think thats probably true, but what I find. Crazy is that the shock jock model has now become a successful model in politics. O.K, but now I think we need to have a moment of caution because theres a tendency right now because Donald Trump won the popular vote by like 1.5 percentage points, which is a terrible win in the annals of American politics. And yet theres just like no doubt that Trump and his broad cultural side have won some kind of cultural and intentional victory that is much bigger in its feeling than the actual electoral victory they want. So some of these things both feel like Im not sure this works as well in politics, but in terms of changing the culture his win has changed the culture immediately, in a way that I would not have foreseen and does not reflect. Like if you just told somebody the election results, I dont think they would feel the vibe shift. So I agree with that. And I want to take those in two parts of. Because I think the politics is actually worth taking a second with. Mark Robinson ran for governor of North Carolina. He was already elected as statewide as a Lieutenant Governor, said lots of outrageous things all the time. He was discovered to be almost certainly. I think he denies it, but it seems to me pretty plausible. A commenter on the nude Africa site, where he said all sorts of wildly offensive things, including I am a Black Nazi. Robinson lost that race in North Carolina, a state Trump carried. Its probably like a plus 1 or two Republican State at national level. It didnt work for him. Like there was a lot of attention. Mark Kari Lake courted negative attention, lost two successive statewide races. Doug Mastriano. I could go down the list. So theres something really JD Vance underperformed in Ohio in his Senate considerably. Considerably so there is something happening where its not a great. It has not proven to be a replicable strategy that the old logic that we were just talking about the Democrats having and being outdated still does hold in a lot of races. That said, in terms of influence, I think negative attention is incredibly effective. And I think youre seeing this shock jock. You can call it shock jock. You can just call it trolling politics. I mean, it is trolling politics. The idea of trolling and the reason that trolling exists is its easier to get negative attention than positive attention. It creates a conundrum for the other side, which is do you ignore them while they say horrible stuff, or do you engage them and give them what they want. And I think this kind of trolling politics, which was really Donald Trumps insight, is the most transformational part of politics now, and youre 100 percent correct. The media management around Democrats is so much risk aversion. If the choice is negative attention or no attention, we take no attention every time and that is the wrong choice. You can frame this as a strategy. And clearly people who are not temperamentally suited to the strategy Vance and Rubio and others have tried it on with varying degrees of fit at different times. But I think its better to frame it in a way as a temperament. I mean, you write in the book, compliments roll off your back, criticism stays with you for days, but its not true for everybody. Theres a certain personality type that is O.K. with that negative charge. It is O.K being hated by many to be loved by some. A lot of people would not have been willing to absorb the personal polarization Musk has decided to absorb to become as significant as he is. Trump is very similar. I think most people would take the trait of being thought fairly well of by a larger number of people, even if not thought that much of by them. Yeah, in general, rather than absolutely hated by half the country to be quite loved by the other half in order to really dominate the attentional sphere. And I think thats something in people. And I guess what Im asking you is does politics now. And attention select for a kind of attentional sociopath I think it does. I mean, I think it does select for a potential sociopath. I would push back a little bit in this respect though Im not I dont know how much of the negative feedback gets to Donald Trump and Musk like I do think they have probably created. But hes sitting there watching MSNBC and getting mad at it or CNN. Yes, thats true. Hes a guy who actually seeks out stuff to make him angry. Yes, but I guess what Im trying to say is I think it bothers him. And Musk too. I just like I dont. I guess I just dont buy that they dont, that it rolls off their back. I mean, theyre kind of obsessed with it also. So that fixation is manifest differently. It at least doesnt turn them back. It doesnt turn. They dont recede from the idea that theyre zen like. Like, well, people are just going to hate me. Like, thats not whats going on there psychologically. Fair enough. So Yes, I do. I worry actually that it now selects for a kind of sociopathic disposition. Or, or just a very, broken and compulsive one because I dont just speaking for myself, I have the show off demon in myself and Ive from the time I was very young, I wanted people to pay attention to me. I dont love that part of me. I dont thats like the best part of me. I think that my relationship to it is a little fraught and intentionally, intentionally managed. And I dont think that I would be a better person if I let that beast run loose, and I worry that the incentives are to basically do that both for everyone individually in politics and culture everywhere, and also in the kind of collective public sphere. Let me say the thing that I think is the deepest problem here. I think fundamentally the most competitive attentional regimes select for the parts of people that are in the aggregate and over time, the most reactionary. Thats the deeper problem. I worry about tabloid coverage of crime, tabloid coverage from crime, which literally goes back to Benjamin days New York Sun. He was the first New York newspaper to have a court reporter who went to the court and said wrote down what he heard. Tabloid coverage of crime 100 percent has an ideological valence that is conservative reactionary. So I think generally competitive attention markets select for negativity. They select for all kinds of things that are generally lead people towards their most reactionary selves. And then the negativity bias of a competitive attentional markets also means its really hard for incumbents. Weve been, I think, talking about attention mostly in terms of social media here. And I want to talk about another way that attention is in the way we think about stories like changed in this period, which is reality television, which is the other side of this that Trump comes out of. I mean, I understand Trump is made by Twitter that time, cable news at that time, and reality television. Joe Rogan, weirdly, also comes out of reality television. But one thing that has felt true to me about Trumps second term much more than the first, is it feels like reality television. It is all these secondary characters with their own subplots and their own arcs. And whats going to happen with Pete Hegseth. And over here is RFK jr. and Musk. Trump is playing much more than he did in the first. In the first term, Trump was the only character of the Trump administration. Now hes playing a role that feels to me much more like the host. Like sometimes he comes out and somebody actually is voted off the island. Its like, well, Matt Gaetz is gone now, or so and so is gone. People get fired or he settles like the big plot of that week. Hes going to side with Musk and Ramaswamy on h-1b visas or he comes in to announce a new plot like Greenland, right. Hes not the only one. Were running a new competition. Yeah hes not the only figure. Hes the. Yeah the host, the decider. Theres something there. Compared to other administrations, even compared to his first, this one is feeling programmed in a very different way. I mean, youre somebody obviously has to follow the plots and report on them night after night. And in the eternal purgatory that you are in, there are worse fates. Does that resonate for you. It does resonate. I mean yeah, if youve ever talked to people in reality television like they selected for people with very flawed personalities, borderline personality disorder, narcissism because that produced conflict and conflict produced drama and drama is conflict is what keeps attention. And those people like attention, not all of them, but the ones they pick, right. You pick people on reality shows who like attention and are willing to absorb negative attention to be the star. Exactly right. And you dont pick people who are just shy and go along to get along. Because what does that get you. So that model, I think, explains a lot about the personalities that are selected for in contexts of intense attentional competition. In terms of the programming, I totally agree, although I do think its totally like instinctual for him. Like I dont think its that plotted out. But I do think fundamentally, he thinks that you need to keep the he needs the attention at all times, and he just has an intuitive sense of that. The Greenland thing is a perfect example, and theres been 1,000 of them in the first Trump administration. Therell be 1,000 more, which is like, what do you do with it. Like, is it attention getting to be like, the incoming president wants to take over greenland? Like Yeah it is. Is he serious. I dont is it a good idea. No its not. Should we debate it. Should we talk about. I dont but were all just now inside the attentional vortex of the Greenland conversation. And hes done that again and again and again. But its a way in which his sense of it seems to have changed. It was a well remarked on and reported dynamic of the appointments in the first term. Yeah that he had a casting orientation to them, but it visual. He wanted people who looked like a Secretary of State, a general, a Federal Reserve chair. So you got people like Rex Tillerson and Jay Powell in Trump won. He is building characters and selecting people who are good at going on podcasts, for instance, or being on TV in Trump to. Yes I mean, that latter point, I think he is selecting for people that will keep attention and communicate, for sure. I mean, I still think theres a certain amount of casting look to it with all of. We should note all of the biases that come with that. Like if youre looking for a general central casting, youre looking for a white man. Which is part of I think. Yeah but youre not looking for Pete Hegseth, I guess, although I also think theres a certain amount of who does he see up on the TV. I think theres that. But, I mean, its a different story, right. I mean, Pete Hegseth is a different kind of character. I mean, hes an underdog in the thing. Then Jim Mattis for sure. Then, Jim. Hes that its more the a soldier whos going to take over and disrupt the thing. Look, Im not saying its all planned out. Im just saying that there has been a way this feels different. Oh, definitely. I mean, I also think I think theres also an Occams razor. Well, I dont know. I also think the man is the oldest man ever to be elected to be president of the United States. And maybe doesnt want to spend as much time doing everything. Kind of if someone says in this season were going to let you. Like last season of the show, you had really long shooting days. This season, were going to front some other characters. So like, we can cut your shooting days in half. I think theres a little bit of that happening now. I want to ask about the Democrats in relationship to this. And I guess one way to do it is that since the election, I mean, any room with six Democrats is a post-mortem now, whether formally or informally. Personally my favorite. Id like to keep this going for years as we can. There are parts of the postmortem that are divisive in the party, right. Did they move too far left or actually, did they moderate too much. And what about Gaza and the one that every room of this Im in. Everybody agrees on is and its always said the same way is that Democrats have a media problem. Yeah Im curious what you think that means. Well, I think theres two components to that. One I think you cannot avoid is that whatever you think about Joe Bidens abilities to be president in the sense of doing the job day to day, he was very clearly, and I think, irrefutably incapable of occupying the bully pulpit. Like, I just dont think theres any debate or argument on either side. Like, empirically, he gave fewer interviews. He gave fewer press conferences. I mean, compare go watch Barack Obama be president and/or George W Bush or all these people. Did Joe Biden. Like, it just was the case that I think largely due to his age, he was not capable of focusing and occupying the attentional space at the center of the presidency. So you got to start with that. Would that have would it have worked. I dont know. I believe Joe Biden, at 67, wins reelection, that he can tell a story about his own record, that if you want my counterfactual on this, basically what I think I kind of agree with that. And Ill say I kind of agree with that because this is a rising with all the fury I felt about it all year, going back a year, I talked to people, I will say, because of the way this conversation happened at the absolute highest level of the Biden administration. And one thing that they were not shy about saying when I was making these arguments before I even made them publicly about can this guy really run again, is I would hear something look, Joe Biden can perform the presidency, but he cant perform. The presidency was a wake up put to me. And they still thought it was O.K to run him again. You got to do both. Which shows an unbelievable devaluing at the highest levels of Democratic politics of attention. So, O.K, so that they thought it was O.K. They could just make this argument like, this guy cant perform it. But I mean, thats entertainment. This is a presidency. Its not about whos the best celebrity or who can go on Jimmy Kimmel. But of course, it partly is. So thats the first layer, right. But that connects the next layer, which is the obsession with what is called the mainstream media. The legacy media, all of which is like understands is understandable, but is increasingly a conversation that a relatively small part of the country is part of. And theyre still laser focused on that. And again, I get that and theyre laser focused on it in terms of not making news. I think about this phrase all the time, not making news as opposed to making news. Making news means getting peoples attention. Not making news means not getting peoples attention. And the goal of a lot of Democrats, always in their communication is to not make news. And Donald Trumps goal is always to make news. Something that has been on my mind. Is it, in a way, the fact that I keep hearing Democrats call this a media problem, rather than say, an attention problem, reflects exactly the problem, the issue that I think theres still an intuition. I mean, the media as a linguistic construct sounds like an institutional thing that people control. Like one way you might solve your media problem is Chris Hayes decides who goes on the Chris Hayes all in show on weeknights on MSNBC. And you get him to book you and/or a Joe Rogan of the left, a Joe Rogan of the left. Thats my favorite phrase to come out of the election. I think it reflects Democrats still thinking that media is something that broadcasters and gatekeepers control, and the way to win it over is to win them over as opposed to something that you attract. Media is something you get booked on. Attention is something you attract. Liberal Joe Rogan discourse actually drives me like insane. Like I want to throw myself off of a bridge. You cant build Joe Rogan if youre a political person. Youre trying to back it out as a because the whole point of what is meaningful about him, to the extent hes meaningful, and Im not sure Im using him a little bit as a stand in for a whole world of culture that I think Democrats have kind of abandoned. Whats meaningful about him is fundamentally, hes not for people interested in politics Democrats are obsessed with how New York Times exactly words. Its headlines about Donald Trump. But Democrats win. People who read New York Times headlines about Donald Trump, they lose people who dont read politics at all. And you cant win them by being more and more political and be like, were going to create a Joe Rogan, but with perfect politics who likes everything Democrats do. Like the whole point is that you have to go and compete in nonpolitical spaces, and you also have to get attention. You have to get the attention of people at the periphery of politics. I mean, how do you get messages to people at the outer periphery. And part of the answer is you need to draw a lot of attention generally. And its not like they didnt know this. I mean, the idea of Beyonce. The idea of using celebrities like, wait, well, these are attentional magnets. Theyre avatars. But increasingly it just doesnt work that way anymore. I do think a little bit Ive been thinking about this, and Im not sure I think what Im about to say is right, but I think a bit that the media attention cut Im making was actually there in who the two sides treated as celebrities because Democrats treated as celebrities. Celebrities like Beyonce and Taylor Swift and there was this kind of mocking like, well look, theyve got Kid Rock over there at the RNC. But the actual celebrities that Republicans were relying on were U of C influencers and random podcasters. And I do think there was a way in which this election, in a background fashion, was testing this question of, well, actually, who are the celebrities today or at least in a persuasive level, who are the celebrities. Because there are these very buttoned up celebrities where you would get one post from Taylor Swift, or maybe Bad Bunny came in at the end. And Im not saying that stuff didnt help Democrats a bit. And again, you can overstate how much any of it mattered. But I do think there was a way of not seeing that in this world. Like there are a bunch of people who are not named celebrities by the media, but they are influencers of massive power now because theyre just like theyre good at competing and getting attention and building direct relationships with their audience. Steve Jobs had this saying that its not the customers job to know what they want. And I do think theres a little bit of like, Democratic obsession with numbers and market research thats like, well, what do the numbers say. And part of this is just innovation and improvisation and trying new stuff that hasnt been tried before, as opposed to backing out what you think the expectation is. And thats really true, I think with attention entrepreneurship, which is not just to look what does best in the algorithm and not just look at the data, but to try new things. Like, I dont love Joe Rogans politics, but I Rogans a really good podcast. Its a really good show. I have listened to intermittently for years, particularly I used to more than I do now. Ive listened to Rogan podcasts where he does 2.5 hours with an astrophysicist, and theyre totally fascinating. I mean, part of the problem, too, as I think this through, there is an asymmetry about risk. And Im trying to figure out how it just is the case that a gaffe for a Democratic politician is going to stick out more and stick more. Partly, I think, as a self-reinforcing cycle, which is that if you do less media, then the gaffes stick more. And partly because, well, Ill do this take and then you can cut it out. I mean, were definitely not cutting it out now. Well, this take has nothing to do with attention. But heres my take. O.K youre at youre at a restaurant with your kids and the kid over there. The other table is just same age, just acting like crazy. Watching a screen doesnt have their napkin making a mess. And your kid says, well, they dont have to do it. And Im like, I dont care about them. Its not my kid. I feel like thats how the mainstream media basically treats the Democratic Party. And I think thats partly its partly the flip side of a correct conservative critique, which is that the vast majority of people who work in the mainstream media are products of a cultural milieu that is generally center left and Democratic voting. But it means that they hold Democrats to higher standards. And JD Vance and Donald Trump, are those other kids at the table. I dont care what they do. Theyre not my kids. And I. I truly believe this is true. This could get me in trouble. I dont care. I do. I do think theres something to it, but I think theres one more link in the chain, which is that the issue is that the people who vote for Democrats are like to them, the mainstream media is influencers. exactly. And I mean, it isnt the case. Or rather, it is the case that there are things Republicans can do in the media that are problems for them in certain ways, not being anti-immigrant enough. Yeah right. Or say Donald Trump did not win the 2020 election. They have their own gaffes. They have their own gaffes. Theyre just different. And theyre because the mainstream media for them is in the role of enemy for the mainstream media. Be mad at them. Doesnt matter. Like thats already the storyline. So I was running these numbers because I can write a column about this, but I dont think I am now. So Ill say it to you instead, which is that by 2000, Fox News is fairly it is a big enough force that one can take it seriously. Conservative talk radio is mature and is a big deal. So look at the 7 elections since 2000. Presidential elections. Republicans win the popular vote in two. Yep, in the seven before they win it in four. Yep now we know that Fox News persuades people to go right. And we know that Fox News is watched by people. And yet we also know that Republicans are performing worse, as Fox News and right wing media have become more powerful. And I always think the reason for that is that Fox News has made Republicans weirder. Oh, Yes. And, detached them from the center. I dont think Donald Trump is electorally optimal himself. And so theres this weird way where youve got to be very careful with this idea of I want this propaganda machine because the first person the propaganda machine is going to convince is you. Thats exactly right. And we see this in race after race after race. I mean, this has really been one of the stories of the MAGA era is bad Republican candidates at all levels, losing winnable races that they probably should have won because they were adhering to the exact same attentional incentives that produced Donald Trump up at the top. And this happens in all kinds of races. I mean, even races that they win, that are way closer than they should be. So part of whats happening is this malformation of the public. This of different publics of parties, of different audiences is producing real pathologies that are, in many cases, again with among Republican candidates, rejected by the people who are outside of that particular audience sphere that is being formed by that kind of propaganda. I mean, theres been all this post 2024 talk, some of it by me, about the problem of the groups on the Democratic side and the way they pull Democrats not just left, but into a distance from the median voter they convinced Democrats of things about the public that are not true. The group that is saying we represent Black voters, we represent Hispanic voters does not. I think conservative media is like that, but much more powerful for the right. It is, given the right a very malformed view of the public. Oh, I agree with that. And enforces that view in a vicious way. I think this is one place I think this is really true is on trans issues. I think people are deconflicted on questions of policy around this. But I think one thing that is pretty clear, both from electoral results. And from polling, is that the public writ large is nowhere near as obsessed, I mean, obsessed with this issue and with the lives and bodies of these fellow Americans of ours as the propaganda machine and the attentional, the attention merchants on the right are finding. And again, theyre covering that because it rates to be clear like theres a feedback loop here. Theyre not just like telling people to care about this. Theres a small group of people that do really care about it, but I think it has been distorting for them. And I theres all kinds of races where they have closed with this message. Well, I think that this issue is somewhere where as you say, people are deconflicted. So if you can split the electorate or make the electorate think about the part where they side with the right sports teams. Thats probably their best issue. But the issue I think that and Ive said this a bunch that one reason I mean just even just politically I think Democrats should be thoughtful about not veering too far, is it. Whats about to come is cruelty. And people dont like cruelty. Yeah And most people dont like most people dont like cruelty. Some people like cruelty. But when I think of the damage Twitter x did to Democrats, it came from 2020, not from 2024. It was his time when Democrats actually dominated Twitter and used it to do a lot of in-group policing and persuade themselves of a lot of electorally ruinous or unpopular ideas that then Republicans weaponized. In 2024 the fact that Republicans now have x and I guess truthsocial and its run by Musk and Trump, its not obvious to me that its a net benefit. Its a net benefit. I would agree with that. I mean, I think that its pretty clear to me that Musks takeover has produced a kind of vibe shift and cultural influence for reactionary ideas that I think broadly benefits the right writ large, even if it sends a few Republican candidates over the cliff. What I mean. Like, and I think that. So I think theres sometimes theres trade offs between that, honestly. And I think thats true for Democrats too. Like sometimes there are trade offs trade offs between ideas, moving public opinion in one direction or another, or normalizing things that seem ultra or radical that may cost a few candidates elections. And I think that those trade offs go in both directions. The other thing is like theres consequences here that are more than political. Like literally Tens of thousands of people die that shouldnt have died during the pandemic because they didnt get vaccinated. And so theres real tangible results to all of this that transcend politics. And I well, to me, thats one of the ways, though, that this might not play out well for the right. Yes that for instance, a good possible example of this is that if the embrace of crypto culture leads to unwise levels of I wouldnt call it deregulation, but because these things arent regulated really now, but structures of regulation that are shadowy, so you have huge amounts of risk pooling in weird places. You might have contagion in the financial sector because my Annie Lowery, my wife, wrote a great piece about this in the Atlantic. You might have contagion, the financial sector, because financial firms begin reconstructing themselves as blockchain assets in order to go into later regulation. And then you have something that somebody doesnt understand or the regulators dont understand blow up. And now youre blamed for it in the way that Bush and the Republicans were in 08. Theres no guarantee that happens. It might not. But thats the kind of thing where thats the risk youre running. Im biased here, and people listening to this who dont share my politics are free to write this off or not. But the center left, which still broadly concerns what we would call the mainstream media, legacy media, institutional media, that theres just more of this reality checking happening there. I mean, theres a big fight about is inflation happening or is it not. And then it was clear that inflation was happening. It was very high. And you didnt get, there were people who were talking about whether the inflation was the cause of the American Rescue Plan or whether it was really politically salient. But you didnt get a bunch of inflation truthers saying that the books were cooked or they were wrong, or inflation was high, and that core fact suffused the coverage of all the people in that media ecosystem and sphere. But I think if you saw 9 percent inflation under Donald Trump, I think you would have had a kind of similar, reaction to the election, the 2020 election, which is like its not happening. I think theres just a mechanism of denial, a mechanism of like sheer cleaving off from reality in that attentional ecosystem that is distinct. So the political scientist Henry Farrell had this good piece on a Substack, an essay about he was saying, we misunderstand the problem of social media. And he had this analogy to porn, and he says that the way hes working off somebody elses argument about porn, but he says internet porn is tuned not towards people who watch it, but people who buy it. What internet porn is trying to do is not get you to consume it for free, but to pay 9.95 a month or whatever. And the people who will do that have more extreme tastes. And so you have this ecosystem of pornography that is tilted to be more extreme because its trying to get this actual conversion, but it then creates this mass sense among the porn watching public that tastes are more extreme, that everybody else is into things that are more extreme. It arguably changes peoples tastes because you just get used to things. And in that way, pornography malformed the public. And his argument is that social media is doing the same thing. It is making everybody think that everybody elses tastes politically are more extreme than they are that everybody else is obsessed with a UK gang rape scandal from more than 10 years ago. The effect is not just what it does to the public, but the way it warps practically the understanding of politicians and media figures who are looking at social media as if it is the public. And his key point here was, which I think is just the bedrock to for this analysis. And so often left behind. And so important is that were talking about collective understanding and collective publics as complicated organisms that are greater than the sum of their parts. Because, as he writes in the piece, a lot of this discourse is about individuals like this, a bunch of individuals hold these wrong beliefs. But democracy is something we do together. Its not a bunch of aggregated individual choices. And I think this argument is completely correct. And partly its because were also being constantly pulled towards things that are the most potentially salient, which is just a distinct category from at a bedrock from what we think is important. I cannot stress this enough. Attention is not a moral faculty. Theres a Lippmann writing in 19 teens that I quote in the book. Its during Versailles. And he says the American people have a great deal of interests in what happens at Versailles, but theyre not interested in it. Hes like, in the same way that a child has a real interest in his fathers business hes going to inherit, but hes not interested in it. Hes like, what were interested in is like the gowns of the queen, basically. Yeah and its pretty funny because its bang on. And the point is that we all understand we have a category of words, going back to porn titillating, prurient, lurid. Did that obscene, obscene that describe the category of things that we think that we both draw our attention, but are morally dubious. And what happens in the collective malformation around attention as the most signature value. Its the only thing that matters in this competitive landscape is a kind of moral degradation, because its pulling us towards things that we know at some level arent that important or morally defensible, but do get our attention. O.K, so I think this actually brings up a good like very counter to this conversation question, which is maybe the optimal strategy if your vision, your sense of the public, your politics, maybe your own moral faculties are so warped by competing for this volume of attention is to not play. So in 2020, Joe Biden is the least online and the least intentionally sophisticated or even interested of any of the Democrats running for president. And I dont think that is unrelated to him winning, to why he won in 2020, certainly won in the primary and possibly even won in the general because he had lots of problems as a candidate. He was, I think, too old to be running effectively even then, or at least very much on the edge. And he was diminished from what he once was, but his sense of the electorate had not been driven. Malformed malformed. Thats a great point. And so he didnt get on board with a bunch of dumb things other people were getting on board with. Thats a great point. Were kind of implying that the right strategy here is an embrace in the way some kind of alternative but still embrace like what were seeing from Trump and Musk. Maybe its the opposite. And think about this for candidates. I mean, after Bush won in 2004, when there was a version of the discourse were going through now, the idea is like what. We need a Black guy with a foreign sounding name who is a former professor and community organizer. Constitutional law professor. Like, that was ludicrous. Like, what we need is like a guy you can have a beer with who also has a ranch. And, thats what we need. And it was like, no, we needed something totally different. Two things. One, I think it is important again, to distinguish between what is this doing to people more broadly, and what is it doing to political professionals. Yes And I think its extremely dangerous for political professionals to read social media as representative of the public. I also think you shouldnt just ignore it as online or Twitter is not real life because increasingly there is no distinction between the two. But there are different selves that we have. Theres a self that wants to read a novel, and the self that scrolls Instagram. Theres the self that doesnt want to eat the third cookie, and the self that does eat the third cookie. There are different publics too. In that same way within the public. Theres a public that feels very compassionate towards immigrants. It feels proud of America being a nation of immigrants. And theres a public that is feels like theyre being ripped off and invaded. And sometimes those are the same people. Often theyre the same people. But Ferrells whole point is that these publics are formed collectively. So I think its important the political professionals dont make this simple representational mistake, which I agree with you, has led to a lot of poor choices, people on this social media platform are screaming to me about this means theres some constituency behind them. And yet, as the line between reality and online breaks down, the Vanguard of people screaming really do have cultural significance. Thats true. But heres one of my big theories, and well in four or eight years if Im right, I think we are ready or very near ready. And I see it in the States and counties banning phones in schools. And just like the discourse for true backlash. And yes, I think that the next really successful Democrat, although it could be a Republican, is going to be oppositional to it in the way that when Barack Obama ran in 08. And I really think people forget this part of his appeal, he ran against cable news, against 24 hour news cycles, against political consultants. People didnt like the structure and feeling of political attention then, and I dont think there was anywhere near the level of disgust and concern and feeling that we were being corroded in our souls that there is now. And I think that at some point you are going to see a candidate come up who is going to weaponize this feeling, that they are going to run not against Facebook as a or meta as a big company that needs to be broken up, but all of it. Theyre going to run against all of it. That society and modernity and politics, shouldnt feel like this. And some of that will be banning phones in schools, right. Itll have a dimension that is policy, but some of it is going to be just absolutely like radiating a disgust for what it is doing to us and to ourselves. I mean, your book has a lot of this in it. I think that political space is weirdly open, but it seems very clear to me Somebodys going to grab it. I could not agree more. Even not even before we get to politics. Thoreau for president, but not Thoreau. I really think this is important. Its not somebody. Well, you cant drop out for President. Its not. You cant somebody who is withdrawing and wants to live on a lake. There are people like that. Its more like John Hite. Yeah right. Its more like what he is channeling. I mean, but channeled into politics, which is an actual anger at it. A it is not supposed to feel this way. And I dont think its just going to be like, were going to get rid of TikTok, but it is going to be something about this culture and society has fallen. I think its a keen insight. I agree, and what I thought about is like sometimes youll read historical dispatches from peak industrial London and people are just being like, this is the most disgusting place that has ever been put on Gods Earth. Its just sewage and coal ash in the sky. Satanic Mills, just satanic Mills, just the sheer stench. And just like, what have we done. How far from God we have fallen in this. And they were right. Like, its genuinely it was genuinely disgusting. And it did reach a point with all of these things, particularly the worst depredations of the Industrial Revolution, where people had enough and theyre having enough was represented in a million different political tendencies, cultural movements, manifestations, and we are at that. I mean, it is in the course of writing this book. I mean, literally from the conceptualization of this book for an essay that I wrote, 2022 to this book coming out now, weve already moved a tremendous amount. I mean, when I first started telling people about this book, Im like. Attention and now its like, right. And Ive been obsessed with this for. Well, you have for sure. Yes, Yes. And I think you and I are predisposed to be obsessed with it, because the universe in which we operate is like were constantly trying to screen information, get the good information, protect our attention, try to think in a way thats productive. But I just think the ubiquity of this. I mean, yes, I think theres an wellspring, an untapped wellspring for a total rebellion against the way it feels to be inside your mind at this particular moment, with this particular form of attention, capitalism and the way it feels to be inside the collectives mind. Yes, even I know a good number of Trump supporters and they may like him, but they dont not how he feels, but how all this feels. No, no one likes it. Nobody likes it. No one likes that. That is there. Its the thing that Obama was very good at working with. That is there in its modern version, I think, to derive energy from. Before any of that happens, though, hes going to be president again. Youve probably heard and Im just Im just hearing this now. How do you think Im sure youre thinking about this. How has your coverage of Trump in 2025 and his White House, knowing everything we know about the way attention works under his presidency, going to be different than it was in 2017? The one thing that I tried really hard in the first term, which I thought was important. And I think I mostly succeeded at, but certainly not always was, modulation. That, to me, is a central question of modulation. If you turn the dial on the stereo to 10 and leave it there, it will sound like five eventually, and then you cant turn it up past 10. And this was something I was intentional about the first time, but I think even more intentional now. And I think you see some of this. Like literally no ones saying anything about Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Its fine. Thats fine. Yeah, thats a perfectly thats fine. I mean, wouldnt be my choice, but I dont get to choose and it wouldnt be a Democratic presidents choice. But thats not to say that no one should raise any concerns. I just mean in terms of coverage, let me ask you something about the negativity bias and the incentives that sets up. Obviously, the future of the Republican Party is not highly determined by what MSNBC hosts say about different Trump appointees. But there is something about a world where Marco Rubio gets no coverage for being a who knows what kind of Secretary of State hell be, but plausibly, Yes, a more normal, thoughtful Marco Rubio, as a politician, works hard and tries to think about ideas. Hes also genuinely qualified for the job. Compared to a Pete Hegseth or a RFK jr. or Tulsi Gabbard. In this world where we say that there is value to attention and we give all this attentional resource to the worst people, making them more valuable to Trump and squeezing out the. Thats interesting. Is there actually like a bad incentive system being set up by that. Like, Ive never known what to do with this thought, which Ive had for a long time, because on the one hand, you cant just ignore the terrible things happening in government. Thats a dereliction of what were here to do. And on the other hand, if you believe that just giving things attention is to give them energy and energy to only cover the terrible things happening in government is to not empower like the Doug Burgums and Marco Rubios in the future. Like there feels some tension here that the media is never known what to do with. I think thats interesting. I mean, I think that I dont know. I dont have a worked out theory for how to deal with that, but I think its a good point. I have a broader thing Ive been thinking about a lot. This phrase that has been is on a brainstorming notepad of mine, and Ive thought about a million versions of it. The phrase is the opposite of doom, and I think about this a lot because I think that we live in a doom obsessed time scrolling. We do not live in an age in which we have a conception of the opposite of doom. We do not live in an age where we have a lot of conceptualizations of utopias. Theres different ages where all sorts of different people are planning their utopias spiritual leaders, architects, political leaders. This is it. This is what its going to look like when we figure it all out. No one does that anymore. I mean, literally no one does that. Like, I cant think of a modern contemporary version of utopia. Maybe in some version, the Trump Ill fix everything. Personalist is the closest we get personalist vision of fixing everything. And the reason I think about this is I think its probably really important to us in our collective, public and individually, to put our attention towards a vision of what we think something great would be. And it relates to this question about the individual coverage decisions which are absolutely affected by negativity bias. Like 100 percent And conflict too. Like theres a fight over exdeath as there should be. And theres not a fight over Rubio and the conflict drives the news. I mean, thats as old as news. But the reason I bring all this up is because I sometimes think about it just in terms of putting attention on things that have worked as opposed to things that havent worked. So not so much about individuals or members of the cabinet. But like I was thinking about this the other day 30 years ago, it just was inconceivable that we would cure HIV/AIDS. And it was its amazing that we essentially have and weve done it through the labor and work of people across all sectors of society over the course of decades. That took a thing that just felt horrible and intractable and made it so much better. And theres just so much less attention on those stories. And I think it is making it harder and harder for us to conceptualize that it is possible even to do good things and to solve problems. All right. I have a lot of thoughts on this. One is that I mean, you and I both know there have been a million efforts in journalism to do solutions based journalism. Yes right. Good news, good news journalism. And they dont work in part. Not that they dont work at all. No but its and this is as you make the point of at the beginning of this conversation and often in your book, attention is a business. So when they dont work for you, your cable news show gets replaced, with somebody who will do doom. On the other hand, one of the things I really believe about the podcasting world, one thing that makes me very hopeful about it is these podcasts have built huge, unbelievably huge audiences not being primarily about doom. Agreed right. They dont actually have a big negativity bias. Theyre very hopeful. Theyre futuristic. The obvious thing to say is the opposite of doom is hope. But I think the opposite of doom is curiosity, at least in this respect. I dont think its utopia. I think its something about curiosity, interest, beauty. There is this way that doom is a doom is a belief that we know how things are going to go. Comforting in its own way because of that. Comforting in its own way because of that. And mystery feels to me like an opposite of doom, and that theres a dimension here where I think what has gone wrong in a lot of this journalism is it feels hokey and cliche, and it has it is actually too much the opposite of doom. When the problem is like want to be on another dimension entirely. Like if the only question is things go, good things go bad, things go bad is more attention grabbing. If the question is things go bad or are there UFOs. Things go bad. Or like this novelist speaks unbelievably beautiful because I see it the ratings of this show, right. I can get very high downloads for Trump episodes and very high over time downloads for a novelist who describes a world in a really beautiful way. I dont think the opposite of doom is hope or good things or utopia. I think for attention, its curiosity. Its curiosity, its interest. Interesting Its like oh, have you ever thought about it this way or isnt that weird. I want to make a point that Im afraid is boringly technical after what you just said, which I am chewing on. I also think the back, the technological infrastructure of podcast matters tremendously. Youve talked about that line from I forget who wrote wherever you get your podcasts is a radical statement that the fact that podcasts have built audiences largely outside of algorithmic feeds have built them through an open protocol called RSS, that technical backbone actually matters for precisely what youre talking about. Part of the reason podcasts have flourished two or three hour podcast podcasts with novelists about obscure topics, long solo monologues about history. I mean, all sorts of stuff is because theyre not embedded in the same technical attentional marketplace. And I think that really matters a lot. And I think its actually really hopeful, because I think one of the things to remember here, and this is really an important point, everyone has wiped this from their memory. But the first version of the mass internet was an entirely commercially engineered mass internet. With prodigy, CompuServe, and AOL, AOL emerged as the winner. AOL acquired Time Warner. AOL was the Belle of the ball and this huge company, and it was a walled garden. And you dialed up and you were in this little world that was curated by these large commercial entities, and that was destroyed, partly, ironically, because of Marc Andreessens development of a graphical user interface to a non-commercial open internet that rewarded curiosity, that rewarded people connecting about obscure topics. It rewarded hobbyism. It rewarded obsessive, small little corners of knowledge. Its already been the case once that an open internet animated by curiosity, defeated a closed commercial internet. It doesnt have to be the case that the version of the commercial internet we have now is still the same one. So that to me is really hopeful, though, because its like its we have divided cells, we have divided desires. Theres different parts of us that want different things and different market setups, technical setups, institutional setups can cultivate different parts of those selves. Its not like we lose one part or another. The other part is still there. Its a question about the systems around us drawing forth those different parts of us or not. I think that is a good place to end. Always our final question what are three books you would recommend to the audience. So first, Ill start with a classic, which is Neil postmans amusing ourselves to death. The goat, the GOAT in this discourse, I think it still totally holds up the first chapter, which is somewhat predicts Donald Trump. Yes, totally in an explicit Yes way. Yes totally Yes. And an explicit way. Also the first essay, which is just about the different versions of dystopian future between 1984, which is information constraint, and brave new world, which is overflow of entertainment and information about how we ended up in the brave new world. Great Another book that has been mentioned on your podcast a lot and relevant, which is again, I feel like Im citing canonical texts here, and its important for me to do because I want to be clear, as we all are as authors lots of people have been thinking about this very well and very hard, but Jenny Odells how to do nothing is a fantastic book. Its strange and distinct and is much more, I would say like spiritually omnivorous than the book that Ive written, more interior in its focus to about how you do this work with yourself and with other people as a kind of collective, radical undertaking. Yeah, the form of that book is also the function, because I feel like so much of what books about attention are about is how it homogenizes all of us. In that book, I love that book so much. It is a completely distinct product, a completely distinct mind no other human being would write that book. No other human being would write that book. Theres no Comp for that book. It is its own thing. And its also a book that books like that. I love books like that too. And I also think its a rare thing to write a nonfiction book where you cant get 85 percent of the way there by just like hearing the author on a podcast or reading a review, you got to actually read the book. And then my final is a work of fiction of short stories by an author named Tony tulathimutte called rejection. And it is the bleakest, not safe for work friends, not safe for work. It is the bleakest and one of the most unremittingly punishing pictures of the hell that weve built for ourselves. And yet I say this. That doesnt sound like a book you want to read. I absolutely tore through it. I read the whole thing and basically a day and it has stuck with me. And I really recommend it highly. One of the most intense reading experiences there is. There is a 10 to 12 page granular description of a sexual fantasy in this book that is, that your full body will be basically will like hit a point of physical paralysis as you read this, but also cant stop reading and also are so amused. Its so funny and its so dark and its Ive never read anything like it. Chris Hayes, your book is great. I recommend it to everybody. Thank you, Thank you. Pop pop pop pop. Pop pop pop pop.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Croatian Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo (PPD) remains open to exploring further opportunities with Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, a source in PPD told Trend.

PPD is the largest Croatian importer of natural gas, supplying customers in Croatia. It also facilitates Azerbaijani gas supplies to Croatia starting from September last year.

"While we cannot disclose the specific volumes defined in the contract with SOCAR or delivered to date, we can confirm that this partnership has significantly strengthened our supply portfolio, particularly for the ongoing heating season," said the source.

The source pointed out that this collaboration aligns with the companys long-term strategy to diversify natural gas sources and ensure energy security for its customers in Croatia.

"In this context, PPD remains open to exploring further opportunities with SOCAR and other reliable partners to enhance the diversity and reliability of our energy supply. However, the volumes and future duration of this collaboration will depend on market conditions and the needs of our current and future customers," noted the source.

SOCAR began supplying natural gas to Croatia on September 1, 2024. The supply is facilitated by PPD and MET Group.

Azerbaijan delivers natural gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor. The current capacity of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the European leg of this corridor, is 10 billion cubic meters per year, with the potential for expansion to 20 billion cubic meters.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Then, of course, everybody knows Republicans are just knuckle-dragging racists. It was taken as given that there was going to be this great relationship. And of course, it worked so well for the Democratic Party. Clinton and Gore sailed to a re-election in 96. And the Valley was locked in for 100 years to come to be straight-up conventional blue Democrat.

Douthat: I want to talk about the Deal for a minute because it certainly lasts culturally down into the Obama years. So by the time Barack Obama is running for president, its taken for granted that theres going to be a ton of Silicon Valley money on his side. The incredible enthusiasm for the Obama candidacy is particularly strong, among tech-savvy young people. Theres a huge narrative with that campaign about how the Democratic Party is on the cutting edge of digital technology. Theyre using the internet to defeat the stodgy Republicans  so stodgy, they cant even use the internet to organize a campaign.

That narrative certainly persists. But through this whole period, the Democratic Party was still the party of higher tax rates and higher spending relative to the Republicans. So Silicon Valley was accepting at some level in this era that in supporting Democrats, you were going to get a slightly higher top marginal tax rate, a slightly higher corporate tax rate, a slightly higher tax rate on capital gains than if you went in for Republicans such as Bob Dole, George W. Bush and John McCain. Is that right? Was that understood that part of the Deal was you were on board with moderate, liberal, slightly higher taxes policies?

Andreessen: Yes, 100 percent. I would say even more than that. We all voluntarily live in California. We not only have the federal dimension of what youre saying; we also live in these very high-tax cities  San Francisco, Palo Alto. And I think by paying higher taxes and not objecting to them, you prove youre a good person. For that generation of enlightened centrist liberals, it was: Of course you pay higher taxes, because were the Democratic Party. As an agent of positive social change, of course you want to have a bigger safety net. Of course you want to fund all these programs, and you want to fund all these activist campaigns. Of course you want that.

The term Camelot was never used, but there was a Camelot feeling to it at the time that people must have felt in the early 60s in the same way. Like, wow, yes, its all happening, and its all going to happen, and its going to be great. Yeah, theyre going to tax us, but its going to pay off. That was like a full-fledged part of the Deal.
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.

kevin roose

Hi, Casey.

casey newton

Hello, Kevin.

kevin roose

Hows it going?

casey newton

Well, its going all right. Theres a lot of sad news in the world right now. Of course, my thoughts are with everyone affected by these LA wildfires. And whenever something bad has happened this month, I just think, I cant believe theyre doing this to us during dry January.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]:

casey newton

Do you know what I mean? Im doing dry January this year and 

kevin roose

Hows it going?

casey newton

Well, the unfortunate news is that its going fantastic.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]:

casey newton

I had assumed that each day I would wake up thinking, oh, it would be nice to crack open a beer with my friends tonight or something. But instead, Im just like, I feel so incredibly well rested.

kevin roose

Aw.

casey newton

So that has been an interesting learning.

kevin roose

Do you plan to continue it beyond January?

casey newton

Well, I dont think Im going to go 100 percent dry, but I have actually been thinking about, what if I did a dry February, too? So I dont know. I dont know. Changes could be on the horizon.

kevin roose

What would happen to your wine tap?

casey newton

I might have to replace it with seltzer or something dramatic. It could be crazy.

kevin roose

The horror. [MUSIC PLAYING] Im Kevin Roose, the tech columnist at The New York Times.

casey newton

Im Casey Newton from Platformer, and this is Hard Fork. This week, TikTok enters its final hours in the United States, and Americans are flocking to a new Chinese app. Then, Hugging Faces Sasha Luccioni joins us to help us understand the environmental impact of AI. And finally, my idea is to bring more masculine energy to Meta. Its time to man up, Kevin.

kevin roose

Lets go, bro. Well, Casey, the major, major news in tech this week is that we might actually get a TikTok ban.

casey newton

Its true. And I feel like weve probably started at least seven segments of the show that way over the years, Kevin. But this really is looking like the final, final, final version of, yes, TikTok could be banned.

kevin roose

Yes. This is TikTok ban v-12, final-final, use this one.docx.

casey newton

Thats right.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: And we have talked so much about how we came to this point, the law that Congress passed to ban TikTok.

casey newton

PAFACA.

kevin roose

PAFACA, technically, to force it to sell. That law is supposed to go into effect on January 19th, which is this Sunday, the day before Donald Trumps inauguration. And as of this taping, it appears that, barring some last minute intervention, TikToks time as one of the most popular social media apps in the United States may be coming to an end.

casey newton

And you want to talk about a roller coaster, the number of twists and turns this story has taken from when Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok in his administration, to Joe Biden putting the brakes on that and exploring other alternatives, to that process going off the rails, and Congress passing the first piece of tech related legislation in the past decade to make this thing happen. Then, Donald Trump reverses himself, says, Im going to save the app. Then, that doesnt work. And finally, last week, it all ends up at the Supreme Court. So yes, if you wonder why we keep doing this segment over and over again, its because very few things have changed as much in the past half decade or so as the fate of TikTok.

kevin roose

Its truly nuts. So when we started recording this segment on Wednesday, the Supreme Court had not made a decision yet on this case. But as of Friday, the justices did issue an opinion upholding the law and denying ByteDances challenge. So, Casey, were going to talk about all of this, but lets start by analyzing a little bit of what happened at the Supreme Court, and then talk about where we go from here. OK, so last Friday, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in TikTok v. Merrick Garland. Merrick Garland, of course, is the attorney general. And this was a lawsuit brought by ByteDance to try to get the Supreme Court to step in at the last minute and overturn this law, and basically say, ByteDance is allowed to own TikTok in the United States, or at least to delay the ban from going into effect. And did you actually listen to the oral arguments? I know youre a noted Supreme Court watcher.

casey newton

I did not listen to the Supreme Court arguments live, Kevin, but I did catch up on them later. And I have to say, I was surprised by the tenor of the discussion.

kevin roose

Say more.

casey newton

Well, I just thought that we would see a bit more deference to the First Amendment that we got. Justices seem to think that the speech issues involved in the case were not relevant. Because the way that the law is written says that as long as ByteDance divests this app, all of the speech on the app remains. So they swept that away. And again, if this is somewhat surprising that were talking about, it is only because the court did not have to hear this case. The last time we talked about this potential ban, we said, hey, look, the court could just defer to the lower court, not hear this argument, and just let the law go into effect. But instead, they did take it up, which made some people think, aha, maybe they have something to say about it. But I did predict at the time that really you just had a lot of justices that wanted to give TikTok the finger. And that does seem like what happened last week.

kevin roose

Yeah. So lets live in the world right now in which all of this goes as it looks like its going to go. ByteDance is forced to comply with this law. What happens next?

casey newton

So ByteDance has said that it will block access to the app for Americans beginning on Sunday. So you will open your TikTok app and it will not refresh. It will not be populated with new content. Now under the law, ByteDance doesnt actually have to do that. The way the law is written, it is actually intended to force Apple and Google, the two big App Store providers, to remove TikTok from the App Store. But ByteDance got ahead of that and said, were just going to shut the thing off, which some people have speculated is essentially a move to get some leverage. Because youre going to make so many Americans so mad that maybe that might generate some political goodwill for the company.

kevin roose

Right. Im imagining something like what Uber used to do back in the day when it was fighting with governments, where youd open your app, and youd see a little pop up that said, we dont have Uber in your city. If this makes you mad, here are some numbers to call to contact your local legislators and yell at them about it.

casey newton

Yeah. And ByteDance has tried stuff like that in the past in the United States, and it has backfired. But at this point, what does it have to lose?

kevin roose

Right. So the other possibility for an outcome here, I suppose, is that ByteDance could agree to sell TikTok, that it would divest, as this law was intended to force them to do, and that that would be how TikTok survives. Now, we should say, I think time is running out for any kind of deal like that. But maybe we should run down a few of the possible ways that this could end with a new owner of TikTok in the United States, rather than the app just going dark.

casey newton

Lets do it.

kevin roose

So one group that has lined up to say that they are interested in possibly acquiring TikTok is a group of investors led by the billionaire Frank McCourt, who is the former owner of the LA Dodgers. He sent ByteDance a letter last week expressing his interest in acquiring TikTok. He said that he would acquire it even without the algorithm that determines what people see in their For You pages. And he said that he would cobble the money together for the sale from private equity funds and other ultra wealthy investors, including Kevin OLeary, the investor who goes by Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank.

casey newton

Sharks, Im coming before you today because Id like to buy TikTok from the Chinese Communist Party. That would be a great episode. Id watch it.

kevin roose

Yeah. It sounds like this is a hastily arranged sale meant to avert a catastrophic legal outcome. And for that reason, Im out.

casey newton

Im out.

kevin roose

Another potential buyer is the YouTuber celebrity MrBeast, who said that he had had billionaires contacting him about buying TikTok after he posted about it on X. I dont know how serious this is, but I think we should just say MrBeast would be, I think, a pretty good owner of TikTok.

casey newton

I dont know. After I heard what happened on his Beast Games show on Amazon Prime, where many of the contestants were lucky to survive, Im not sure we want this man running a large tech platform, Kevin.

kevin roose

Well, I dont think we have to think about it that hard because I dont think its going to happen.

casey newton

Me either.

kevin roose

But the real wild card here, the one that I actually do take somewhat seriously, is that on Monday, Bloomberg published a story suggesting that the actual preferred acquirer for TikTok might be Elon Musk. The Wall Street Journal, shortly afterward, put out their own reporting with largely the same information. According to the Bloomberg article, 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. This is according to anonymous sources who asked not to be identified, revealing confidential discussions.

casey newton

Yeah, I bet they did.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: So, Casey, what do you think of this theory that Elon Musk could acquire TikTok?

casey newton

Every once in a while, something happens in the universe and I think, was this done to upset me specifically? Thats how I felt when I read the story that said that Elon Musk was going to take over a second beloved social platform in the United States, and presumably apply his signature brand of content moderation, and other fun tricks to the app. So I have to say, Kevin, of everything that has happened in the TikTok story so far, this truly might be the craziest because of the different players here, who we think knows what, what has been said about it. I can absolutely see a world where this is plausible. I can just as easily see a world where this is a nothing burger. And were just going to have to get a little bit more information. But what was your reaction?

kevin roose

So I was somewhat skeptical when I first saw this, in part because TikTok came out right away and said that this was pure fiction. But it was written in such a way that it felt like the message of the stories that I read was that actually TikTok may not be involved in these discussions. This may be happening at the level of the Chinese government, who is deliberating about what to do. And thats very telling. Obviously, theres this theory that I subscribe to, and that I think a lot of people subscribe to, that ByteDance is not really in control of its own destiny here. Because theres this government control of all Chinese social media platforms, but especially this one, which seems strategically important to the Chinese government.

casey newton

And under Chinese law, ByteDance would need the governments permission to divest TikTok. So thats a very real thing.

kevin roose

Right. I can also see this making sense for Elon Musk. Hes said before that he wants X to operate more like TikTok. Its obviously a social network thats very popular. Theyve obviously cracked the code on algorithmic presentation of content. I also think that he would be a more palatable American acquirer for the Chinese government than any other potential acquirer.

casey newton

So yeah, so sketch this case out. What would the Chinese government have if Elon owned TikTok?

kevin roose

So I think one thing that we know about Elon Musk is that he does a lot of business in China. Tesla has a lot of operations and entanglements in China. Elon Musk has also been very deferential to the Chinese government when it comes to doing things that he needs to do to continue operating his companies in China. And I think if youre the Chinese government looking at, well, OK, which American acquirer would allow us to continue to exert influence over the user base of TikTok in America? I think they have points of leverage on Elon Musk that they do not have over, say, Frank McCourt.

casey newton

Right. On one hand, Kevin, it seems a little crazy to me that the Chinese government thinks, essentially, we will turn Elon Musk into a soft Chinese agent to do our bidding in the United States. That seems a little bit far fetched. On the other hand, if you look at Musks behavior over the past few years, which I think has been really erratic in a lot of ways, hes always extremely careful about what he says about China. He truly almost never says anything remotely critical of that government. And if youre the Chinese government, maybe you look at that and you appreciate it. And you think, yeah, sure, let that guy take it.

kevin roose

Totally. So those are the acquisition scenarios. But I think we should say, I dont believe any of these are likely to happen by the time this deadline hits. I think that no matter what acquirers might be interested in buying TikTok, A, ByteDance does not seem interested in selling it. B, the Chinese government does not seem interested in letting ByteDance sell it. And C, I dont think anyone could put together a deal quickly enough to actually get this done by the 19th.

casey newton

Yeah, thats right. Also, I just want to acknowledge the American-centricness of this conversation. TikTok is available in many other markets where it is not banned. And while the United States is a very lucrative market and a great place to run an e-commerce operation the way that TikTok is doing, it is operating in many other countries in the world. I read this week that its largest market right now is actually in Indonesia. There are more users in Indonesia than in the United States. And so if youre ByteDance, just from a pure dollars and cents perspective, you may just look at this and think, we can actually make more money operating in the countries where we already exist, and just give up on America and well be fine. So thats another scenario here.

kevin roose

Yeah. So now lets talk about the user response because this has been truly wild. I know you are not a TikTok addict, but presumably 

casey newton

Despite my best efforts. Yes, I tried to get addicted to it on this very show.

kevin roose

You did.

casey newton

Yeah.

kevin roose

But the people on TikTok are starting to, I would say, panic over the impending possible loss of their favorite app, their favorite platform. And a lot of content creators on TikTok are starting to try to bring their audiences over to other platforms, like YouTube or Instagram. Some are saying theyre going to use VPNs to get around this ban. And the most fascinating development to come out of all of this, in my opinion, has been that there is now this new trend of TikTok refugees downloading a Chinese social media app called Xiaohongshu, or RedNote.

casey newton

Yes. This is truly one of the funniest and most unexpected stories of the young year so far, Kevin.

kevin roose

Yes. So as of yesterday, at least when I checked, the Xiaohongshu app was the number one free app on the iOS App Store. It has gotten a ton of downloads from people who are saying, basically, screw the US government. Screw this TikTok ban. Im going to protest this by going over to this explicitly Chinese app that does not even have an English name in the App Store.

casey newton

Thats right. Now, obviously, I have installed this app, which Im going to call RedNote, even though I believe that thats just an American nickname for it.

kevin roose

Yes, the literal translation is Little Red Book, which is also not subtle. That is also the name given to the book of quotations from Chairman Mao that was distributed during the Cultural Revolution.

casey newton

So tell people what RedNote is, Kevin.

kevin roose

So RedNote is essentially a TikTok-like app. It is not owned by ByteDance. But if you open it, you see a feed that looks very much like For You feed of trending videos. It basically has the same platform mechanics as TikTok. And until this week, most of the content there was people in China speaking Chinese and talking about China.

casey newton

Absolutely. And I downloaded it. I installed it, signed up for an account, and immediately started watching a bunch of videos from refugees, as theyre calling themselves, from TikTok over to RedNote. And they seem like theyre having a great time over there. But in addition to this migration, Kevin, what was truly so funny was there were so many posts on X of people bragging about how they were racing to share all of their data with a new Chinese app. They were posting screenshots of themselves with the Apple AppTrackingTransparency screen. Apple sends you this big, scary warning  hey, are you sure that you want to share your data? And people are like, hell, yeah, I want to share it, brother. Ill give you everything. I saw a TikTok from this one girl who was like, I would fly to China and hand my Social Security number to Xi Jinping before I would ever use Instagram Reels. Thats where the user base is at, Kevin.

kevin roose

Right. So I also thought I should probably download and install this Xiaohongshu, RedNote app just to see what all the fuss is about. And can I tell you the first three videos that I saw on my feed?

casey newton

Please.

kevin roose

Number one was a clip from Modern Family.

casey newton

That is the sourdough starter of the modern video-based social network, is just clips of Modern Family.

kevin roose

Number two was a Chinese language clip of a dog at the vet having its anal gland expressed.

casey newton

Oh, perfect. Express yourself.

kevin roose

And number three was someone making latte art of Luigi Mangione, the [LAUGHS]: suspect in the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

casey newton

[SIGHS]: So I think it just goes to show you how quickly you can create an American social network. In just three videos, youve captured a shocking amount of the zeitgeist, Kevin.

kevin roose

But I would say, after I scrolled more and more, I did start to see these so-called TikTok refugee videos, these Americans who are coming over to RedNote from TikTok, and basically trying to make sense of this new thing, and participating in almost a cultural exchange. So why dont we play a couple videos that have been making the rounds on RedNote?

casey newton

Lets do it.

archived recording (speaker 1) Hey, guys. I got sent here from TikTok. And I was hoping that you guys can welcome me. I really like this app, and I love the makeup. I tried to do it today, so thank you. archived recording (speaker 2) Xiaohongshu. archived recording (speaker 3) Im not going to lie to yall, bruh. I cant read shit on this app.

casey newton

[LAUGHS]:

archived recording (speaker 3) Say, somebody help me out. And I need some followers, too. Go ahead and hit that follow button, too. I need that. Say, who else a TikTok refugee? Yall let me know in the comments or something.

casey newton

Xiaohongshu.

kevin roose

So it inserts the little Xiaohongshu at the end of every video. Thats the watermark.

casey newton

Thats great because now I actually feel like I can pronounce it.

kevin roose

So, Casey, what do you make of the Xiaohongshu, RedNote trend?

casey newton

I have to say, this is why I love Americans. The absolute irreverence that they are bringing to this conversation, I find such a refreshing change of pace. So much of the discussion, and certainly I participate in this, is in terms of the rights involved, the equities, speech versus security. What are the national security implications? And Americans are truly just rolling their eyes out of the back of their heads with this discussion. And theyre saying, oh, you want to ban one Chinese app? We are going to flock to another one. And I just think its amazing.

kevin roose

Totally. Its also very interesting to me that the response from American TikTok users is not the response that TikTok had hoped for, which was that Americans get outraged that their favorite social media app is disappearing, and band together to storm the streets, and try to save TikTok, and overturn this law. Its like, no, were just going to pack up and move to another platform. I think it really speaks to the fragility of social media right now, and the fact that these platforms are seen as somewhat interchangeable and commoditized. And so if one of them gets banned by the government, you just pack up and move over to another one.

casey newton

Yeah. Although, of course, there are several American apps that folks could have chosen to move over to. And I think it is extra funny that instead of doing that, Americans were like, no, find us something that looks exactly like TikTok, but is even more Chinese.

kevin roose

Even more Chinese, and even less  it makes even fewer promises about data privacy.

casey newton

Yeah, exactly. Now some people might ask, doesnt PAFACA ban RedNote as well? And my understanding is that, no, PAFACA primarily applies to ByteDance and TikTok. But when it comes to other apps that are owned by a company in a country that the United States considers a foreign adversary, it is up to the president to decide that it represents a national security threat. And I imagine its going to be some time before RedNote is come to be seen that way.

kevin roose

Right. So in addition to packing up and moving over to Xiaohongshu, other TikTok users are participating in the Chinese spy meme. Have you seen this one?

casey newton

I love this meme so much.

kevin roose

OK, explain whats going on.

casey newton

So people are saying goodbye to their Chinese spy. This is another irreverent American joke. Basically, theyre making fun of the fact that members of Congress are constantly saying that the Chinese government is using TikTok to spy on Americans. And the Americans are now just making videos saying, hey, Im so glad we got to spend this time together, my Chinese spy. I will always remember you. And then you also have Chinese people, and these could be Chinese people from all over the world, but theyre making memes pretending to be the Chinese spy, saying, hey, I really loved spying on you for all these years. And maybe call your mother a little bit. And this message goes out to Laura from New York, and that sort of thing. So yeah, saying goodbye to my Chinese spy, I do think is one of the best TikTok memes of all time. Coming in hot right at the end.

kevin roose

Its so good. So weve talked a lot in the past about the free speech implications about all this, about whether this is the first of many conflicts between the US and China over emerging platforms. But Casey, where are you right now, days away from the likely end of TikTok as a major presence in US social media? What are you thinking about?

casey newton

My feeling has been, and Ive gone back and forth on this, but where I netted out was I do think there are good reasons for the United States to restrict foreign ownership of these kinds of apps, particularly from its adversaries like China. But I really hate the way that they went about it. And I worry about the implications for other speech platforms in the future. People are saying, well, this one is really easy because of the Chinese control angle, but I dont know. If this incoming administration decides it doesnt like a lot of the content on an American-owned app and says, you know what? Were actually just going to make you change ownership the same way that we did with ByteDance and TikTok. And now the Supreme Court has essentially rubber stamped that argument and said, yeah, there are no speech concerns. Because as long as you sell the app, all that speech can remain. You can imagine a lot of really dark outcomes for that kind of thinking. So I personally, as an older American who tried and failed to get addicted to TikTok, am not going to miss it that much day to day. But TikTok was an engine of culture that we are going to miss out on in this country. Those folks are going to have to find a new home. It really sucks for all of those creators. And so yeah, I think theres going to be a lot of really sad fallout from this. What do you think, Kevin?

kevin roose

So I still think theres a chance that Donald Trump decides to intervene and try to save TikTok in the United States. This week, we got some news that Shou Chew, the Chief Executive of TikTok, is going to be at Trumps inauguration, sitting with a bunch of other VIPs. And some people have interpreted that as Trump saying he supports TikTok and might try to save it. He obviously made promises about saving TikTok during his campaign. Obviously, a lots changed since then. But I do think that he understands that a lot of young Americans care deeply about the fate of TikTok. And then maybe he can build some goodwill with those young Americans by stepping in at the last minute to heroically save TikTok. Now there are some different ways he could do that. He could instruct the Justice Department in his administration not to enforce the ban on TikTok. He could also try to arrange some kind of deal, potentially selling TikTok to Elon Musk, or someone else who he trusts, and say, that is enough of a divestment for me. That satisfies the requirements of PAFACA.

casey newton

And he is, after all, Kevin, the author of The Art of the Deal.

kevin roose

Exactly. So I do think theres a chance that Donald Trump keeps TikTok around in some form after all. But Im not sure about that. And I think its equally plausible that TikTok actually does go away, and that it becomes this free-for-all in the social media world as different companies race to Hoover up the users who had previously spent hours a day on TikTok.

casey newton

Yeah. And when TikTok was banned in India, we saw what happened there, which was that YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, which were Google and Metas answers to TikTok, exploded in popularity. So one way that you should be thinking about this is, if this goes into effect, this is truly one of the greatest gifts for Google and Meta that you can imagine. And that is just really interesting, given the strong bipartisan feeling in Congress that Google and Meta specifically ought to be reined in and actually even broken up. When you think about who is on TikTok, it is the younger generation of Americans. So if Meta and Google can now go out and further entrench themselves into the lives of Generation Z, theyre going to have essentially monopolies over those folks, at least in terms of short form video consumption, for the foreseeable future.

kevin roose

Yeah. I think thats totally possible. I think there are probably a lot of executives at Meta who are licking their chops about this, who are very excited about the potential. Because their platforms, Facebook and Instagram, are aging. Facebook is for Boomers and Gen X. Instagram is for millennials. And until now, Gen Z has been the TikTok generation. And if Meta can suck up those users, it can extend its dominance for another generation. But I think that the past week has made me less sure that thats going to be the outcome here. Because what we have seen on TikTok as this ban has approached is not people saying, oh, everyone move over to Instagram Reels. Its saying, lets move over to this obscure Chinese language app that no ones ever heard of. Thats how badly we dont want to be on Instagram. I think part of the Gen Z identity is about not just embracing TikTok as a platform, but rejecting the platforms that people older than you use. And so I think its equally plausible that those younger users do not go to Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, that they instead go to some new app that may have most of the features of TikTok but is different in some way. Maybe were finally going to get a new American social media app.

casey newton

I would love to believe everything that youre saying, and I think that it absolutely could come to pass. But I also think its true that most members of Gen Z who have TikTok on their phone probably have Instagram as well. And its just going to be really hard for them to avoid taking a look at that as they look elsewhere to get their fix. But at the same time, were also seeing, separately from all of this, a boom in the Fediverse and people building on protocols. And that is rooted in the exact same frustration with these apps that are controlled by billionaires and giant, faceless corporations. So I agree with you. There is a lot of frustration among all sorts of Americans on that point. And so who knows? Maybe we do get an American owned alternative to TikTok that is not YouTube or Meta. [MUSIC PLAYING] When we come back, we answer one of the most common questions we get from listeners. What is the environmental impact of AI?

kevin roose

Well, Casey, for basically the entire time we have been making this podcast, we have gotten emails from listeners who want us to talk about the environmental impact of AI.

casey newton

Yeah. This might be the question that weve gotten the most that we have not yet devoted a segment to.

kevin roose

And I would say my own reluctance to talk about this topic on this show so far has been some insecurity on my part about not being an expert in climate science or the relevant information here. But also, it is very hard to get good and authoritative data about this subject in particular. It is just not something that there is a large body of reliable literature about.

casey newton

And the companies that have the best data, by and large, are not disclosing any of that data. And so that means that a lot of what we talk about when we talk about the environmental impact of AI is based on estimates that may or may not be close to the mark.

kevin roose

Yeah. But Im sure you have observed, as I have, that the issues around the environment and AI have only gotten more important to people. This really came to a head last week when the wildfires started burning in Los Angeles. I saw so many people posting on social media about what they viewed as a link between AI use and the wildfires. And Ill just read you one meme I saw in my feed that was liked and shared millions of times. This was posted by a guy named Matt Bernstein. And Ill just read it to you. It said, One search on ChatGPT uses 10 times the amount of energy as a Google search. Training one AI model produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as 300 round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco, and 5 times the lifetime emissions of a car. We dont need AI art. We dont need AI grocery lists. We dont need AI self-driving cars. We dont need ChatGPT, or Gemini, or Grok, or DALL-E, or whatever revolutionary technology already exists inside our own human brains. We need the Earth. And then below this meme was a picture of a blazing fire. So clearly this idea has taken root in culture that there is some kind of link between the disasters that we are seeing in places like Los Angeles, and the use of AI for basic, everyday tasks.

casey newton

Yeah. And I think today, we want to see what we can find out about how true some of the ideas in that post are.

kevin roose

Yeah. So to shed some light on this very hot topic of AI and energy use  I realized that I just used light and heat. That was not intentional.

casey newton

But were going to hope we shed more light than heat in this discussion, Kevin.

kevin roose

Yes. Today, we are talking with Dr. Sasha Luccioni. She is an AI Researcher and the Climate Lead at Hugging Face, which is an AI company that offers tools to developers for building AI models. She has been researching and talking about AIs environmental impact for many years, and also developing tools to help developers understand the impacts of their own systems on the environment.

casey newton

Yes. And Kevin, this might be a good time to dust off my shiny, new disclosure. Because when we talk about AI issues, I will sometimes remind people that my boyfriend is a software engineer at an AI company called Anthropic. My full ethics disclosure is that Platformer are not news/ethics.

kevin roose

And my past disclosure is that I work at The New York Times Company, which is suing OpenAI and Microsoft over issues of copyright violations.

casey newton

Perfect.

kevin roose

All right. Lets bring in Sasha Luccioni. [MUSIC PLAYING] Sasha Luccioni, welcome to Hard Fork.

dr. sasha luccioni

Thanks for having me.

kevin roose

So Im very excited to have this conversation. This is one weve been looking forward to for a while, and are frankly overdue in having. And I want to start by reading you an email that we recently got from a listener. This comes from a listener named T. Morris, and it says the following. As a tech content marketer, I feel increasingly conflicted about using AI. On the one hand, its been an amazing writing partner for big tasks, like brainstorming, and editing tech articles, and smaller copywriting tasks, like drafting social media posts. On the other hand, I see climate disasters like the North Carolina floods and LA fires linked with the amount of water and natural resources it takes to sustain AI infrastructure, and feel myself rationing my AI use, questioning whether the time saved is worth the environmental trade-offs. How do I navigate this new world where AI is everywhere while staying true to my environmental values? So Sasha, well dive into some of the specifics in just a minute, but I want to just start with this question from our listener. What advice would you give T Morris?

dr. sasha luccioni

Im generally very skeptical of individual culpability when it comes to the climate crisis. Yes, of course, we all contributed, but I think that were all also part of systems. And we have professions that require usage of technologies. Some people drive for a living and we cant spend our time feeling bad. Im much more of a fan of, well, requiring accountability from companies and requiring transparency. Because I think that especially around climate change, but also a lot of aspects of society, we just dont have the numbers to make informed decisions. And that doesnt mean you need to care, but you should have the information necessary for caring. So Im more about ask for accountability, ask for transparency when using these technologies, instead of psyching yourself out about them.

kevin roose

Got it. So I thought one way to frame this discussion would be to split it into, essentially, two parts, the micro and the macro. Micro being this question of, what do we know about the environmental impact of AI at the level of the individual user, the individual question that you might ask to ChatGPT, or Gemini, or Claude, and getting a response to that? And then macro being this larger question of, what is the AI sectors energy footprint more broadly? What do we know about where all the energy is coming from to run these very powerful models? And what can we do as a society and as big corporations to position ourselves better for the future? And with your permission, Sasha, I want to start with the micro. So one of the statistics that people will often throw out when talking about the energy demands of AI is this figure that a ChatGPT query, or something like it, costs somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 times more energy than a traditional web query on something like Google. Now I asked Google about this figure, and they wouldnt say exactly how much energy it takes to query Gemini versus to run a traditional web search. But they did say that those numbers are much larger than what theyve seen internally. But Sasha, where did that figure come from, and what do we know about how accurate it is?

dr. sasha luccioni

I think the initial Google search query is actually pretty old, and it was part of a study to greening the web type situation. And they made an estimate. And once again, they didnt really have the numbers, but they tried to extrapolate. And then for ChatGPT, it was a similar, kind of, assuming that somebody is querying a model that is running on this type of hardware, and assuming that the latency is x, and blah, blah, blah. And they extrapolated that. There are other models that do similar things. So maybe even if you dont know exactly ChatGPT inherently, you have other models that will do similar tasks. And so you can get a range. And I think that that range is more interesting than trying to chase down the exact number and compare the two. And also, its probably not a single number anyway. And so thats why its so hard to pin down this number. And thats why its going to be always possible for them to say, oh, no, thats not the number. Thats not the exact number.

casey newton

And I think that your point earlier that one of the things that we need on this subject is just a lot more transparency is really well taken. I know that Google has folks who work on climate issues. But Im curious, as you look across the industry, maybe at some of the newer, smaller AI labs, or just, I dont know, companies other than Google, do you get the sense that people are paying attention to this, that they are taking these sort of measurements, that they even have a sense of the per query energy usage of one of their products?

dr. sasha luccioni

Definitely. Because unlike Google, or Microsoft, or any of the big tech companies, usually smaller companies are a lot more compute restrained. So theyre doing more with less because they have to. They dont always come at it from a sustainability perspective. Theyre not like, oh, yeah, we want to protect the planet, but there is a part of that. Its like frugality. Its like, we want to be more efficient because we only have GPUs to work with.

casey newton

And this seems like maybe one positive thing that Im hearing so far is that it sounds like the incentives for all of these companies are to get the amount of compute and energy that they are using over time down as quickly as they can.

kevin roose

Another claim that you often hear from people who are worried about the environmental impacts of using AI on a micro or personal level is about water use. Theres this statistic, Im sure youve seen it around, that using an LLM is like pouring out a bottle of water, or half a liter of water, Ive seen going around. Where did that figure come from? And why do these AI models need water? And is that statistic true?

dr. sasha luccioni

So that paper is, once again, an extrapolation. It takes some of the work that I did about an open-source model where we measured how many kilowatt hours of energy were being used to query it. And essentially what happens in data centers is that they have an amount, like a liter of water per kilowatt hour of energy. Its like a water efficiency. They call it water use efficiency. And essentially, depending on where your data set 

casey newton

Sorry, why do they need water in the data centers?

dr. sasha luccioni

Mostly for the cooling. This hardware heats up. I dont know if youve ever visited a data center. If you can, I highly recommend it. It is like an overwhelming experience. The noise, the heat, and just the general buzz of electricity is pretty overwhelming. Anyway, so you need a lot of cooling. And essentially how thats usually done is with water cooling. You pump in cool water and theres a bunch of pipes. And it goes through all of the hardware, and then it either  a part of it evaporates completely. And a part of it has to be cooled down before either reused or put back into nature, or whatnot. And so that whole process is hugely water consumptive. And of course, not all the water evaporates, but a fair amount of it does just because the hardware heats up so much. Once again, its  so I go back and forth on this a lot, whether putting out statistics like this that are based on estimates or not is useful for the conversation. Because on one hand, its really easy for the companies to say, no, you guys are tripping. Thats not at all the true number, which then it cuts the conversation. And on the other hand, they do become like urban legend. And so now I hear this 500 milliliter per conversation number a lot. And its like, well, actually itll depend on so many different things. So its definitely not systematically 500 milliliters, but it is a non-negligible amount of water. And depending on where the data center is located, that can become an issue. So weve seen places where the data centers have put a strain on the towns around them that have water shortages because the water is being pumped into a new data center that has been powered up.

casey newton

You said earlier, understandably, that youre not a huge fan of thinking about these issues at the individual level. Im still curious, when you are considering your own personal use of AI, where water usage fits into things. Is that, for you, a reason to send fewer queries to ChatGPT or an equivalent?

dr. sasha luccioni

Im, in general, such a  I dont use AI that often, I mean, generative AI that often. The one use case that I found was really something that actually is useful in my life is when I read an article or a research paper, putting in the abstract and getting a fun title. Im so bad at generating fun titles, but ChatGPT is really good. And it can come up with puns, and stuff like that. But what really kills me is people who switch to generative AI for things that dont really need it. My pet peeve example is calculators. People use ChatGPT as a calculator now. And thats really like, thats really terrible. You really dont need it. Not only is it bad at arithmetic, its literally not made to do math. But its also orders of magnitude more energy, and a crazy amount of water for something that doesnt need water.

casey newton

Well, I have to say, Im going to admit something, which is, Ive talked before on the show about how I use this app called Raycast, which is plugged into OpenAIs model. And I can just summon it on my keyboard with command-space. And I do probably ask it four or five questions a day. I am definitely using it for things I can Google. One of my toxic traits is Im curious how old people are. And so sometimes Ill just be like, how old is Billy Crystal, or whatever?

dr. sasha luccioni

Do you check the answers and theyre all accurate?

casey newton

Its not that I check the answers. Its that I dont really care that much. So when the LLM says that Billy Crystal is, I dont know, 70, or whatever he is, Im like, yeah, thats the right ballpark. And then I move on. Im realizing that I sound very silly as Im saying this, but Im saying it because I suspect other people may be doing the same thing. And I think there is a case that, you know what? Maybe I should actually Google that, in part for environmental reasons.

kevin roose

I want to just embody the other side of this. Because what Im hearing from you is, generative AI is not useful enough in many cases to justify the energy costs of engaging with an LLM. And Im a person who uses AI every day. I generally find it quite useful in my life. I use it to accomplish a lot of tasks that I could not use equivalent tools for. I dont just run, how old is Billy Crystal searches over and over again.

casey newton

To be clear, I only ran it once.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: And I would say that my own usage of this is to do new things that I couldnt do before, mostly. And if people dont find generative AI useful, they shouldnt use it. But if people do find it useful but are worried about the environmental costs, Im just not entirely convinced that were thinking about the costs of AI in the sense of energy at the right scale. I recently was reading a Substack post by a guy named Andy Masley, where he basically broke down the best data and estimates we have about the environmental costs of using AI. And he compared it to some other activities, like sending emails, or streaming a video on Netflix, or driving a car a very short distance. And basically, what he found is that compared to all these other activities, the energy required to generate an answer on ChatGPT or a similar system is just infinitesimally small, that if we are worried about our own personal environmental footprint, we could do much more to help the environment by cutting out meat from our diets, or by taking fewer trips in cars or on airplanes. And basically, the argument that he made that I am tempted by is that all of this talk about personal responsibility is just neglecting to look at AI use in the context of all the other things that we do in our lives that require energy. And Im wondering, Sasha, what you make of that argument.

dr. sasha luccioni

It builds upon what I said at the beginning. But in general, when you talk to people around the issue of climate change and mitigation, its like, were bound by the structures in which we operate and live, and the constraints that we have. So of course, Im not going to be like, oh, yeah, dont take that plane to take a well-deserved vacation, and spend your time worrying about climate change. Because thats not a productive state of mind. But on the other hand, we can make decisions with the environment in our minds. So for example, nowadays, a lot of people have ChatGPT open as the de facto source of information on the internet. And I do think that, yes, of course, little by little, that the individual energy consumption of each query is not that much. But if we start using it as literally our rubber duck, and our bouncing board, and our companion, and then people also will use ChatGPT to build tools. Nowadays, people are building therapists, and whatnot, companions using, and then that incrementally becomes a deal. Personally, I try to focus on a specific task you want to do, for example, searching the internet, or answering a question, and then comparing what you would use, option A and option B. And then whats the difference? And then its up to you to decide whether that difference is worth it based on the advantage that the technology gives you. But I dont think it makes sense to compare meat and email, or Netflix and taking your car. Because I feel like theyre incomparable actions.

casey newton

Right. People arent choosing between, well, should I drive to work today, or should I ask ChatGPT that question?

dr. sasha luccioni

Yeah, exactly. So I feel that I understand where hes coming from in his argument, but I dont feel that that helps us make choices any better. It makes us feel bad all around.

kevin roose

So, Sasha, can I try to summarize what Im hearing from you on the point of individual use, the micro question about the environmental impact of AI? What Im hearing you say, I believe, is that the individual costs of using LLMs may not move the needle on climate one way or the other, but that people should be conscious of what they are using AI for. And maybe use the smallest model that will allow them to get the task done that they are looking to do. And that maybe we shouldnt be tearing our hair out over people using ChatGPT if theyre using it to do stuff that is genuinely useful to them.

dr. sasha luccioni

Exactly.

kevin roose

Is that an accurate reflection of your sentiment?

dr. sasha luccioni

Its a great reflection. And I think that often we forget our power as consumers and users of technology. And I think that putting pressure on companies and being, hey, we care. We want this number. Stop bullshitting us. You have the number somewhere of the average energy. Even if its not a single number, if its a range, give us the range. And then well make our informed decisions. Because people are more and more aware of relative comparisons, like, a mile driven in a car, or a steak, or whatever. We need to add, even if its a range, AI to those options that people have so that they can actually make informed decisions. We should stop just feeding them shit and keeping them in the dark.

kevin roose

OK, so that is the micro picture of the AI energy story. Now lets talk about the macro. There was recently a report just last month from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory about the power that is currently needed to run the data centers in this country, and the power that will soon be needed as the AI boom sparks demand for more and more of these data centers. This report said that between 2018 and 2023, the power to run data centers around the US went from 1.9 percent of total annual electricity consumption, to 4.4 percent, more than double. And this report estimated that the energy demands of data centers, of which AI is a major part, will continue to increase over the next few years, and could, by 2028, make up between 6.7 percent and 12 percent of total US electricity consumption. So, Sasha, lets zoom out a little bit and talk about the energy needs of the AI industry as a whole. Where are we? Do these companies know where they are going to get all this energy to build these incredibly powerful AI models?

dr. sasha luccioni

Yes and no. We currently have a certain infrastructure. But the problem is the growth of the infrastructure is kicking into high gear. And so whats interesting is that the big tech companies are the largest purchasers of renewable energy credits, which are like offsets for energy. And also, they make a lot of power purchase agreements, which are essentially ways of promising to buy energy, especially renewable energy, into the future. So theyve been, Ill give them that, that theyve been actually on top of things. But then this year, I mean, this past year, both Google and Microsoft actually put out reports saying that theyre not meeting their own sustainability targets. They dropped the ball on their own energy and carbon goals because of AI. Because they were not ready themselves for the amount of energy that they would need, and where that energy is coming from, the renewable energy offsetting things, werent covering. And so I think that the latest and greatest in the trends in terms of energy generation has been nuclear. All the big tech companies have signed nuclear agreements, power purchase agreements in the last couple of months. And the general messaging is that thats going to solve the issue in terms of energy demand growth.

casey newton

And when Microsoft and Google said, hey, were not going to make our targets, was it nuclear that they were pointing to? Did they say, dont worry, were going to fix this, we have a new strategy? Or did they say, we might just never hit these targets because our values have changed?

dr. sasha luccioni

So they were, like, well, these were very ambitious targets that we set back in 2018 or 2019. And oh, technology moves at such a fast pace. But no, nuclear actually entered the chat relatively recently. I think that the reports came out in around May of last year, of 2024. And then, a couple of months later, it was, Microsoft announced that they are recommissioning Three Mile Island. Google signed a partnership with, I dont remember what nuclear generator.

kevin roose

Kairos.

dr. sasha luccioni

Yeah, exactly. And so theyre saying that, well, this is the new direction were going. Because the thing is, sadly, building out renewable energy infrastructure does take time. And also, the problem with data centers and renewable energy is that data centers need energy 24/7. And the cycles arent necessarily predictable as heating and cooling, for example. When the temperature drops, people will turn on their heating systems. You have these models that have worked pretty well historically. But for data centers, they dont work. And renewable energy tends to vary, if theres wind, if theres sun. And so there are a lot of challenges. You cant just heat a bunch of solar panels and expect them to respond to the demand of your data centers. Its much more complicated. And so thats why nuclear has emerged as a potential solution.

kevin roose

So my understanding, Sasha, is that a lot of the big AI companies are now just racing to get as much energy capacity as they can. And that one of the worries is that they are tapping out the infrastructure for clean or renewable energy. And so they are starting to go into these dirtier forms of energy that we have these harmful environmental costs because there just isnt enough renewable energy. And adding more takes time, as you said.

dr. sasha luccioni

Yeah. Also, the thing is, with data centers, is that theyre a very concentrated, very intense energy sink. So making that connection, I was talking to some energy grid operators in Paris. And they were saying, even if we did have the capacity, the actual megawatt hours, distributing it in a way that all of that extra capacity goes towards the data center in whatever rural area they build it in is a challenge in itself.

kevin roose

I was talking with someone the other day who works at an AI company. And one of the arguments that they made for why we shouldnt worry so much about the energy costs associated with AI is that basically our electrical grid in America has been in desperate need of modernization, that we have this creaky, old electrical grid that has not been growing nearly as quickly as it needs to. And that basically, because AI now exists and demands all of this energy, we are starting to do things that we probably should have done a long time ago as far as investing in new sources of energy, in these mini nuclear reactors, in trying to scale up things like solar and wind power. And so, yes, these models are demanding a lot of energy. But they are forcing us to modernize our infrastructure and our energy grid in ways that will benefit us as a country down the line. What do you make of that argument?

dr. sasha luccioni

Well, so whats interesting about the United States, particularly, is that its not a single energy grid. Theres a lot of energy providers in the United States. Theres a really nifty website called Electricity Map, and they map out electricity. And whats interesting, when you zoom in on the US, its like patchwork. Theres some states that have 12 different grids. And then theres some, actually, multiple states have a single grid. And whats interesting is that, for example, Canada has one per province. In Europe, it might be one per country. France has a single one. And so, yeah, theyre probably right to an extent. But modernizing the US energy system network of grids is actually really difficult because its so heterogeneous. And because even if you update one part of the grid, that doesnt mean, for example, smaller energy grids dont have that much capacity. And the bigger ones will take time to update. So I think, its like, yes, in theory, it would be good to overhaul the US energy grid. But in practice, its a lot of small problems that are harder to solve.

kevin roose

One other thing Ive heard from people who work in the AI industry, or are not as worried about the environmental impact of AI, is that, yes, this stuff costs energy. Yes, we need to find new sources of energy. But ultimately, AI is going to be more of a help in addressing the climate crisis than it will hurt. What do you make of that argument? Is that just self-serving?

dr. sasha luccioni

I dont think its self-serving, but I think its a false dichotomy. Because the AI systems that are the most energy intensive, like large language models, are the ones that have yet to prove their utility in fighting climate change. I think that the issue here is that were using these big models for tasks that are not helping the fight against climate change. And compared to that, the models that are helping climate change arent the ones that are the issue. And so the problem with AI being an umbrella term makes it very, very hard to have this discussion. But its like, essentially, large language models are not solving the climate crisis anytime soon. And the models that are helping are not the ones that are contributing, most of the energy and carbon issues that were seeing.

kevin roose

All right. One more argument that I want to have you address, which is about the efficiency of AI over time. Weve heard from companies that they are making their models much more efficient because they are creating these algorithmic breakthroughs, doing things like model distillation. The chips themselves are also becoming much more energy efficient. And so theres this argument that youll hear from folks in the industry that, actually, were running on outdated information when we say that AI is a risk to the climate. Because the energy needs are scaling down over time per use, and that actually were just worried because our information isnt up to date. So do you think about efficiency in those terms, or how should we think about that?

dr. sasha luccioni

So efficiency is interesting because I think that a lot of what people talk about when they talk about technological progress is some form of efficiency. Its like, oh, were using less time. Were using less fuel. Were less using less energy, for example. And I think in AI we are seeing this. But whats interesting, Ive been really going down the rabbit hole in terms of macroeconomic literature on this. Theres this really interesting paradox thats called Jevons paradox. What Jevons observed in the 19th century was that were actually still using more and more coal, despite using it more efficiently. And so this kind of phenomenon has been observed a lot with different kinds of efficiency gains, whether it be time, whether it be, for example, cars. Now that we can drive farther on the same amount of fuel, well actually go to more places. And so I think what were seeing a lot in AI is this rebound effect that, yeah, we can do more AI for the same amount of computer money. But that means were going to do even more. Were going to put AI into even more things. And so those efficiency gains are lost because now were using LLMs for things that we didnt use LLMs for before.

kevin roose

Casey, do you want to try repeating back what weve heard about the macro picture when it comes to AI and energy?

casey newton

Well, the macro picture of AI and energy is that the construction of data centers does actually put a strain on the grid. Were seeing many more of them. And that even as individual usage of AI gets more efficient, it seems likely that well just use a lot more of it. And so this is one that it seems like we do have to watch and take the environmental claims seriously. Thats what I feel like I heard. Does that sound right?

dr. sasha luccioni

Yes, it does. I think you summed it up really well.

casey newton

Got it.

kevin roose

And I think what we can agree on, whether or not we think that the individual or the macro use of AI across the economy is dangerous for the environment, is that AI companies should be required to disclose a lot more data about the energy use of their models. It just seems like the data we have, a lot of it is based on estimates from the outside. A lot of it is outdated. A lot of it is sort of gone through this game of telephone where, all of a sudden, every time people use ChatGPT, they think theyre burning down a forest. And it seems like this could all be solved by just having much better and more transparent data from the AI companies themselves about how much energy theyre using.

dr. sasha luccioni

Agreed, and giving users more agency when it comes to generative AI. And even having a toggle when it comes to, whatever, AI generated summaries in Google. Just giving people a little bit more control over how they use  we dont want to stop using Google, or most people dont. So let us use Google in a way that is coherent with our values or the things that we want to optimize for.

kevin roose

Well, Sasha, thank you so much for enlightening us on this subject. It is one I imagine we will return to because I dont think this debate is going away anytime soon. But I really appreciate your expertise and your time.

dr. sasha luccioni

Thank you for the great questions. [MUSIC PLAYING]

kevin roose

When we come back, put on your gold chains, insert your Zyns, and lets do some jujitsu. Were talking about masculinity in the tech industry.

casey newton

Well, Kevin, did you see the Mark Zuckerberg interview with Joe Rogan?

kevin roose

I did. And I assume that thats why were sitting here in our oversized, baggy t-shirts, and our gold chains.

casey newton

Thats right. Yes. Thank you for agreeing to this costume change. Listeners should know that we are wearing very boxy black t-shirts right now and gold chains to try to get us into the mindset of what Im hoping we can do today.

kevin roose

Yeah. Should we pop a Zyn, too?

casey newton

If you have any on you, go for it.

kevin roose

Ive got four. Ive got Upper Deckys here, but if you want one, Im happy to provide.

casey newton

Upper Deckys?

kevin roose

You never heard of Upper Deckys?

casey newton

No.

kevin roose

Dawg. [LAUGHS]

casey newton

Whats an Upper Decky?

kevin roose

Let me teach you something about straight culture.

casey newton

Please do.

kevin roose

Youre always enlightening me about gay culture. Upper Deckys are when you put a Zyn nicotine pouch in your upper lip.

casey newton

That is perfect, Kevin. That is exactly the right spirit that I want to take into this segment. So you watched the Mark Zuckerberg interview on Joe Rogan?

kevin roose

I did.

casey newton

And what did you think?

kevin roose

I thought it was very long. That was my main thing, was this meeting could have been an email.

casey newton

Well, I think thats a fair point, Kevin. But to me, I was so pleased to hear it. Because finally, someone in Silicon Valley was willing to say what weve all been thinking for years now, which is that this town does not have enough masculine energy. You know what I mean? Kevin 

kevin roose

Yes.

casey newton

Sometimes I will visit a company in Silicon Valley and see as many as one female executive. And finally, people like Mark Zuckerberg are starting to ask, when did things get this out of control? And I know youve thought the same thing. Youve said that to me off mic.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: I dont think I have, but go on.

casey newton

Now some people get confused. Because the most recent time that Meta shared numbers, it had about two men at the company for every one woman. But this just highlights how powerful feminine energy is, Kevin. What Zuckerberg is saying is that to counteract the presence of even one woman at Meta, at least three men are needed to restore balance. Now just to give listeners a bit more of a sense of what were talking about, I think we should play Mark Zuckerberg talking about masculine energy on The Joe Rogan Experience.

kevin roose

Lets do it.

archived recording (mark zuckerberg) I just think we swung culturally to that part of the spectrum, where its all, like, OK, masculinity is toxic. We have to get rid of it completely. Its like, no. Both of these things are good. Its like, you want feminine energy. You want masculine energy. Youre going to have parts of society that have more of one or the other. I think that thats all good. But I do think the corporate culture had swung towards being this somewhat more neutered thing. And I didnt really feel that until I got involved in martial arts, which I think is still a much more masculine culture.

casey newton

There is something about being punched in the face that makes you think, my culture has been neutered. You know what I mean?

kevin roose

So, yes. I did hear this part of the interview. This went viral. Everyone on my feeds has been talking about these comments that Mark Zuckerberg made about masculine energy being missing from many of our greatest corporations. And this is in the context of all the moves that hes been making to try to make Meta more palatable to people on the right, including the incoming Trump administration. And this was him saying to Joe Rogan, in a way that people mercilessly mocked, the real problem in corporate America is that weve been letting this feminine energy take over. And we need to assert masculine energy, and thats our path back to greatness.

casey newton

Exactly, Kevin. And so, as we so often try to do on this show, Ive spent all week thinking, how can we be part of the solution here? And so I have come up with a list of ideas that we can bring to the Meta corporation to help them restore masculine energy to Meta.

kevin roose

Oh, boy.

casey newton

Were going to give Meta a masculine makeover, and I would love to share some of the ideas that I have with you right now.

kevin roose

Please.

casey newton

Number one, modify the Facebook Like button to display a bulging vein, reflecting long hours spent in the gym. What do you think?

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: I like it.

casey newton

Something else, whenever you tap it, your phone grunts.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]:

casey newton

Number two, lets just say the poke is going to work a little differently now, but I cant say how on this podcast. Number three, transform every conference room at Meta into an octagon, Kevin. Remind workers at every meeting that work is a combat zone, and Mark Zuckerberg can strike at any time.

kevin roose

I like this.

casey newton

Were also changing the name of the finance department to MMA, mixed martial accounting.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]:

casey newton

Number four, Meta acquires 4chan. Its the largest repository of disturbed 17-year-olds in the world, Kevin. And they could be part of the solution, too. Now the obvious thing to do would be to let them run the human resources department. But Im proposing that Meta goes further and puts them in charge of content moderation. That would be some masculine energy.

kevin roose

It sure would.

casey newton

Number five, no more of these beta team building activities, like making pottery and volunteering, Kevin. Instead, were going on a wild boar hunt.

kevin roose

Yes.

casey newton

As Mark shared on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the greatest challenges in his life is that his ranch in Kauai is absolutely beset by an invasive species of wild boars. And for years now, Zuckerberg has been spending his downtime hunting them with bow and arrows. In fact, do we have a clip of that?

archived recording (mark zuckerberg) Well, my favorite is bow, bow and arrow. Thats, I think, the most  that feels like the most sporting version of it. archived recording (joe rogan) Yeah, if you want to put it that way. Yeah. If youre just trying to get meat, its not the most effective. The most effective is certainly a rifle.

casey newton

If you work at Meta, I think this should be your problem, too. Whether you want to use a bow and arrow or a rifle, report to the Zuckerberg ranch for further instructions.

kevin roose

Now do we know what happens if you are a Meta employee and you actually bring a hunting bow into the office?

casey newton

Thats actually one of the main ways to get promoted now. Number six, replace the water in Metas data centers with Mountain Dew Code Red.

kevin roose

Oh, I like this one.

casey newton

Me too. Number seven, in the 2019 film Joker, Kevin, Joaquin Phoenixs character does a famous dance down a set of stairs to signify that he is fully transformed into the Joker. My proposal, we bring those steps to the Meta campus in Menlo Park. You have a meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. Guess what, Kevin? You have to walk up the Joker steps.

kevin roose

I like that.

casey newton

Because Mark is the Joker now. Number eight, in what many people perceived as a cruel and pointless attack on trans people, Meta instructed managers to remove tampons from the male restrooms at their campuses. But this is a half measure, Kevin. Because lets face it, real men dont use toilet paper.

kevin roose

True.

casey newton

Get rid of it.

kevin roose

Yeah. Are we doing bidets, or are we just going rawdog?

casey newton

Bidets, are you kidding me? There will not be one French thing in those restrooms, as long as Im suggesting ideas. Number nine, employees will now get one extra day off a year to do one of the following three activities  mow the lawn, watch the game, or hang with the boys. Which one of those would you pick, Kevin?

kevin roose

Hang with the boys, for sure.

casey newton

Do you even have any boys?

kevin roose

Come on, Ive got you.

casey newton

Thats true. We can hang together on our day off. Now I have one last suggestion to bring up the masculine energy at Meta, Kevin, and it goes like this. Were going to have a hackathon for women. Doesnt that sound nice?

kevin roose

Yeah.

casey newton

Yeah. And at the end, were going to take all the best ideas from their hackathon and give them to Metas male executives. Because what kind of energy is more masculine than taking credit for a womans idea? Anyway, just my thoughts, Kevin. Do you have any ideas as well?

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: No, I think that basically covers it. I think with these changes, the Meta corporation will be fully  whats the opposite of emasculated?

casey newton

It will be emanulated.

kevin roose

Emanulated. And we will have a glorious future run by men. There used to be a time at Meta when people like Sheryl Sandberg had a seat at the table, and famously told women there to lean in. Whats happening with that now?

casey newton

Im being given word that theyre being asked to lean out actually, maybe all the way out. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg announced this week that he was going to cut 5 percent of what he called the low performers at the company. And that is the ultimate, lean out is a layoff.

kevin roose

Yeah. I did see some Meta employees posting that the way they were going to avoid getting laid off is by getting extremely jacked. So thats an idea there.

casey newton

That is now something that we can respect in culture is we can say, if you have visible muscles, maybe you belong around here.

kevin roose

Casey, I have to ask. Since we are in the Zuckerberg uniform now, minus the $900,000 watch. This is just my Apple Watch. How do you feel? Do you feel more masculine sitting in the studio today?

casey newton

I am having an almost uncontrollable desire to just wrestle you to the ground and force you to submit. How are you feeling?

kevin roose

Im feeling like Im a little insecure, honestly.

casey newton

Really?

kevin roose

Yeah.

casey newton

Why?

kevin roose

Because I dont think I can pull this off.

casey newton

You can absolutely pull it off. Everyone looks good in a black t-shirt and a gold chain.

kevin roose

Yeah? Including me?

casey newton

Yes.

kevin roose

Im not a big man jewelry guy.

casey newton

You know what? I havent been either. But then for our anniversary, my boyfriend and I got little chains. Isnt that so cute?

kevin roose

That is cute.

casey newton

Yeah, and manly in a different way, in, kind of, like, a gay, manly way. This is what I love. You start off, youre talking about something super manly, but then you get into it in any degree of detail, and you realize, no, its masculine and feminine energy together in the same place. And isnt that beautiful?

kevin roose

Now, Casey, the one serious thing that I do want to say about this is that it clicked for me when I heard Mark Zuckerberg on Joe Rogan talking about masculinity and masculine energy that this is what founder mode was.

casey newton

Yes.

kevin roose

You can look back at our shows that we did about founder mode last year, and to my recollection, not one of the people in Silicon Valley calling for the return of founder mode was a woman. And I believe that that is because founder mode was an elaborate way of saying, were big boys, and we would like to run our companies like big boys.

casey newton

Yeah. And look, I dont want to completely dismiss the idea that people should get in touch with masculine energy. That is a fine thing to do, no matter who you are. I get really concerned when somebody who employs tens of thousands of people starts talking about this in the context of corporate culture, and amid a series of initiatives that includes killing off the DEI program, and firing your, quote, unquote, low performers. A clear message is being sent, and the message is not, women are welcome at Meta.

kevin roose

One thing that also struck me as I was listening to Mark Zuckerberg is that it also reminded me of a conversation that Jeff Bezos had at the DealBook Conference just a few weeks ago that I heard where I was actually surprised. Jeff Bezos was the original tech founder who got super masculine. He turned from this scrawny nerd into this jacked dude who lifts weights, and has these bulging muscles, and embraced a masculine aesthetic, I think, earlier than a lot of other tech executives. But I was also struck by his comments at DealBook, where he basically talked about his feelings a lot, and how he had started becoming more emotionally open at work about feeling scared or feeling vulnerable. And it just really struck me that that is a person who is actually comfortable with masculinity, when you can talk about emotions in the context of a business meeting. And you could talk about them on stage at a business conference. This LARPing that Mark Zuckerberg is doing, where he is pretending to be super masculine all of a sudden, and enjoy bow hunting, and hanging out with the bros, it just feels very insecure to me, and very, very much like this is a person who has not yet actually become at peace with his own self.

casey newton

Yeah. I think that there is something to that. I cant even make a joke about that because its actually kind of terrifying.

kevin roose

[LAUGHS]: Yes.

casey newton

To be 40 and still be trying to work out, hmm, what are my values? And could I just replace them wholesale almost overnight with a different set? Thats kind of a scary proposition for somebody who runs a set of platforms used by billions of people.

kevin roose

Yes. And I hope that whatever Mark Zuckerberg is looking for, he finds it. And I hope that it does not come at the expense of a lot of boars who might needlessly die. [MUSIC PLAYING] One last thing before we go. Our colleagues over at the Matter of Opinion podcast just published an extensive interview with the tech Investor Marc Andreessen about his support for Donald Trump, and what he sees as the emergence of a new conservative tech right. If youre interested in checking out that show, you can search for the Matter of Opinion podcast, or click the link in our show notes. Hard Fork is produced by Whitney Jones and Rachel Cohn. Were edited this week by Rachel Dry. Were fact checked by Caitlin Love. Todays show was engineered by Brad Fisher. Original music by Rowan Niemisto and Dan Powell. Our executive producer is Jen Poyant. Our audience editor is Nell Gallogly. Video production by Ryan Manning and Chris Schott. You can watch this full episode on YouTube at YouTube.com/HardFork. Special thanks to Paula Szuchman, Pui-Wing Tamm, Dahlia Haddad, and Jeffrey Miranda. As always, you can email us at HardFork@NYTimes.com. Send us your ideas for how to make Hard Forks masculine energy more palpable.

casey newton

What if we had a third male co-host?

kevin roose
I scoured the internet for clergy members who had experimented with A.I. to help write their sermons, and called over a dozen. I also visited a few local churches, synagogues and mosques to ask religious leaders what they thought about using A.I. in their work.

I quickly discovered that A.I. was already a contentious topic in many religious communities. I even found a Bible study group made up of engineers from the top A.I. companies, who met every week in a Silicon Valley church basement.

The religious leaders I was most interested in speaking with were the ones that saw A.I. as a dilemma: Yes, the technology might be making their job easier. But at what cost?

Ive found that most reporting on A.I. is about the advances in the technology itself, such as updates to chatbots or the emerging global market of computers and semiconductor chips that power them. But Ive always had an interest in reporting on the other aspect of A.I.  how people are using it, and the ethical problems that arise from automating the more personal aspects of our lives.

Religion felt like a good subject to explore in my reporting, because the foundations of most faiths are written scripture, which A.I. can ingest just as it would news articles or books. But I could also see plenty of reasons people would be opposed to using A.I. in a practice where the human intimacy is, in many ways, the whole point. How would religious leaders react when A.I. had hallucinations  statements that chatbots fabricate?
President-elect Donald J. Trump has picked Brandon Williams, a former Navy officer and one-term congressman, to become the keeper of the nations arsenal of thousands of nuclear bombs and warheads.

Mr. Trumps selection is a shift from a tradition in which the people who served as administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration typically had deep technical roots or experience in the nations atomic complex. Whats unknown publicly is the extent of Mr. Williams experience in the knotty intricacies of how the weapons work and how they are kept reliable for decades without ever being ignited.

Terry C. Wallace Jr., a former director of the Los Alamos weapons laboratory in New Mexico, expressed surprise at Mr. Trumps pick.

Dr. Wallace said he had never met him or had a meeting with Mr. Williams and characterized him as having very limited experience with the N.N.S.A.s missions, based on his own decades of work in and around the nations atomic complex.
Sydney Paige Hopfer and Jes Ansley Graham hustled from their Jan. 3 wedding ceremony at the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse in Washington straight to the Supreme Court Building. There, they tied red capes on over their wedding dresses and held aloft a bridal bouquet of red roses they intended to burn.

That was our political statement, said Ms. Hopfer, 25, of Vienna, Va. The red cloaks were representing The Handmaids Tale, where women are being controlled and dont have choices.

The two were among the L.G.B.T.Q. couples rushing to get married before Donald J. Trump returned to the White House. Concerns that marriage equality rights might be in jeopardy under the new presidential administration contributed to their decision to move their legal wedding this year to January from June. But they also saw their wedding day in Washington as a chance to flex their activist muscles on behalf of womens reproductive rights.

Ive seen firsthand that access to care for women is going in the wrong direction, Ms. Hopfer said. Both work in womens health, Ms. Hopfer as a nurse to high-risk pregnancy patients at a hospital in Silver Spring, Md., and M. Graham is a patient care technician and doula.
Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, 28: Le Daim (2019)

The French director Quentin Dupieuxs movies are short but radical. I also like that theyre low budget. Its not the budget that makes a movie high quality, and thats true of fashion, too. To me, his movies are more like paintings in that each one focuses on a single subject. They remind me that every detail counts, and that art can and must be a space for experimentation. I really love Le Daim, or Deerskin in English, which is about a man who buys a suede jacket and becomes obsessed with it and violent with people he meets who wear a similar one. Dupieux takes small, real-life subjects and adds something to make them absurd. Thats what I like to do with clothing.

These interviews have been edited and condensed.
For years, Meta and Google have prepared for the possibility of a TikTok ban in the United States. Their planning kicked into high gear in April when President Biden signed a bill into law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok to non-Chinese owners or face a ban in the United States. TikTok sued the federal government to challenge the law, with the case eventually landing in the Supreme Court.

In public, Meta and Google have remained relatively quiet on what may happen if TikTok is banished from the United States, but they have been active behind the scenes, said three people familiar with the companies plans.

At the Meta meeting on Wednesday led by Mr. Schultz, executives discussed how to divvy up internal resources  including workers and financial support  partly to deal with a potential influx of TikTok users, the two employees familiar with the call said. Some teams have discussed how to help TikTok users transition to Instagram, including by potentially bringing some of their TikTok videos to Instagram, the people said.

Instagram and YouTube will both gain incrementally more revenue and time spent on their apps by users if TikTok is banned, John Blackledge, an analyst at the investment firm TD Cowen, said in an interview. But Instagram has the edge, he said.

U.S. internet users said they would most likely watch Instagram Reels after TikToks ban, according to TD Cowens recent survey of 2,500 consumers. Reels would attract 29 percent of respondents, while 23 percent said they would spend more time on YouTube Shorts, and 15 percent would look for a new app, according to the survey.
Follow live updates on the Supreme Court ruling against TikTok.

As the Supreme Court was poised on Friday to announce its landmark decision on whether to uphold a law that would effectively ban TikTok in the United States, the popular Chinese-owned app and its allies launched a last-minute push to fend off the statutes enforcement.

The companys representatives have swarmed Capitol Hill in recent days, pressing lawmakers with TikToks case, three people familiar with the efforts said. The app, which is owned by ByteDance, should win a reprieve, the company representatives say, and warn that if it doesnt it may go dark on Sunday when the law is scheduled to go into effect.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, recently told President Biden in a phone call that the ban would damage his legacy if it occurred on his watch, according to two people familiar with the conversation. Mr. Schumer, who said he wanted TikTok to be sold to an American owner instead of being banned, publicly confirmed on Thursday that he had pushed Mr. Biden to extend the deadline.

At the same time, President-elect Donald J. Trump  who has signaled his support for the app and will take office on Monday  has weighed signing an executive order that could effectively neuter the law.
In mid-2023, TikTok had just eluded an effort in Congress to ban the video app, the latest Houdini-like escape for the young tech company. For several years, during both Republican and Democratic administrations, lawmakers and officials had trained their sights on the app, saying its Chinese ownership posed a national security risk.

Inside TikTok, a small group of employees started formulating a plan to ensure that the regulatory threat would never reappear, three people with knowledge of the project said. The employees pitched a campaign of TV commercials, messages to users and other public advocacy to turn Washingtons attention elsewhere. They called it Project Achilles.

But TikToks leaders lost interest by the end of the year. Several, including Shou Chew, its chief executive, seemed to think the threat of a ban was no longer imminent, the people said. Project Achilles never became reality.

The misreading of the political winds could not have been greater.

Just a few months later, Congress overwhelmingly passed and President Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok unless the apps owner, ByteDance, sold it to a non-Chinese company. On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law. TikTok is set to be removed from app stores on Sunday, when the law goes into effect.
Three years ago, when Kristin Crowley became the first female chief in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department, she was lauded as a force for stability.

There is no one better equipped to lead the L.A.F.D. at this moment than Kristin, the mayor at the time, Eric Garcetti, said of the 22-year veteran of the department. Shes ready to make history.

Now, as Los Angeles reels under an extended onslaught of wind-driven wildfire, its fire chief is being buffeted by challenges in and outside her ranks, tension with City Hall and questions about her departments preparedness. The fires, which are still unfolding on the citys west side and in the community of Altadena outside the city, have so far leveled nearly 40,000 acres and claimed at least 27 lives.

Last week, complaints about funding for her department boiled over into a public dispute between Mayor Karen Bass and Chief Crowley. This week, veteran fire managers charged that she and her staff should have positioned more engines in advance in high-risk areas like Pacific Palisades, where the fires began on Jan. 7.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have discussed a new Partnership Framework Program for 2025-2029, Trend reports.

According to the CBA, the First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Aliyar Mammadyarov held a meeting with the ADB Country Manager for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal.

The New Partnership Framework Program on Azerbaijan for 2025-2029 was presented during the meeting. The meeting expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan's successful cooperation with ADB and exchanged views on the prospects of deepening this partnership.

For more details on the Partnership Framework Program, we suggest you read our interview.
The Louisiana State Police for years engaged in a statewide pattern of excessive force during arrests and pursuits, including the unjustified use of stun guns, according to a Justice Department report released on Thursday.

The departments civil rights division issued the report days after federal prosecutors said they would not bring charges in one of the cases that prompted the investigation  the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a Black driver who was pulled over and beaten by white officers.

The investigation concluded that the encounter with Mr. Greene demonstrated serious failures at L.S.P.  excessive force, improper supervision, ineffective training and breakdowns in accountability. It was part of a larger pattern of behavior, the report said, that violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The criminal cases of those accused of attacking the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, continued more or less normally on Friday, the last business day before President-elect Donald J. Trump returns to the White House.

Throughout his campaign, Mr. Trump repeatedly vowed to issue pardons on his first day back in office to many, perhaps even most, of the rioters who stormed the Capitol on his behalf. But it remains less clear what he intends to do with the sprawling investigation of Jan. 6  the largest single criminal inquiry the Justice Department has undertaken in its 155-year history.

After he is sworn in on Monday, Mr. Trump could order the Justice Department to simply stop pursuing any cases related to Jan. 6. But even with the change in administrations less than three days away, there was no sign at the federal courthouse in Washington, where all of the Jan. 6 proceedings have been heard, that federal prosecutors were pulling back or slowing down.

In one courtroom, Kellye SoRelle, the former lawyer for the Oath Keepers militia, was sentenced to a year in prison on charges of advising other members of the far-right group to delete their text messages after taking part in the Capitol attack.
The Senate on Friday cleared away the final major hurdle to enactment of legislation that would require the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants accused of minor crimes or assaulting a police officer, after several Democrats joined Republicans to advance it.

In a test vote of 61 to 35 that put the measure on a path to clear Congress within days, 10 Democrats teamed with Republicans to support moving to a final vote in the chamber, enough to surpass the 60-vote threshold to avoid a filibuster. That all but guaranteed that the legislation, which passed the House with bipartisan support last week, would make it to President-elect Donald J. Trumps desk to be signed after he is sworn in on Monday.

It still must win approval in the Senate in a vote scheduled for late Monday afternoon, just hours after Mr. Trump takes office, and return to the House before heading to the White House.

The Senate action came after senators spent several days debating changes to the bill, a process that exposed deep divisions among Democrats over immigration as some in the party move to the right following their partys electoral losses in November. The bill is the opening legislative move for Republicans in a broader push to crack down on immigration and significantly step up deportations, a promise that Mr. Trump made a centerpiece of his campaign.
As of last July, Xiaohongshu had raised nearly $1 billion since it was founded over a decade ago, according to Crunchbase, from investors including Alibaba, HongShan and Tencent, the Chinese internet giant behind the countrys most ubiquitous app, WeChat.

Xiaohongshu caters mainly to people who speak Mandarin, and until this week was little known outside China, where a vast majority of its users are based. Over the past few days, the company has posted multiple job openings looking for people with fluent English skills while it scrambles to accommodate the influx of self-described TikTok refugees.

People flocking to download the app in the United States said, in interviews and on the app, that they wanted to show they did not share Washingtons concerns about TikToks ties to China.

But, like ByteDance, Xiaohongshu is a privately held company that is bound by Chinese law, including laws that would require it to turn over data to the Chinese government if requested to do so.

Claire Fu contributed reporting from Seoul.
The law upheld by the Supreme Court requires TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban. As part of that, app stores, like Apple and Google, are required to stop offering TikTok for downloads. The law also forbids cloud computing companies from serving the app.

It is unclear if an executive order by Mr. Trump could effectively halt that kind of ban. Legal experts said he could direct the Justice Department not to enforce the law, or delay enforcement for a set period, but how such an executive order would fare if challenged in court was uncertain.

You could have a policy not to enforce this ban, said Ryan Calo, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law, who was part of a group of legal scholars who urged the Supreme Court to overturn the TikTok ban.

That maneuver would be complicated by the fact that Mr. Trump would have to convince Apple, Google and other companies that work with TikTok that there was no risk that they would be punished for violating a law that was already on the books.

The law also gives the president the ability to extend the deadline for a sale, only if there is significant progress toward a deal that would put TikTok in the hands of a non-Chinese owner, also requiring that the deal be possible to complete inside of the 90-day length of the extension. It is unclear exactly how that extension would work if Mr. Trump tried to deploy it after the ban had already taken effect.
TikTok faces a U.S. ban as soon as Sunday, a move that could have sweeping consequences for the social media landscape, popular culture, and millions of influencers and small businesses that rely on the platform to earn a living.

Heres what you need to know.

Why is TikTok facing a ban?

U.S. officials have long been concerned that the Chinese government could manipulate content or gain access to sensitive user data through TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Those fears prompted Congress to pass legislation that would ban the social media platform unless it was sold to a government-approved buyer within 270 days.

Who is responsible for the law?

The concerns about TikTok have been bipartisan. The law was crafted in secret by a small group of lawmakers and congressional staff members last year. The Biden administration helped them write the legislation and sent national security officials to brief lawmakers about the threat from TikTok. The House overwhelmingly approved the bill, and it passed the Senate as part of a package that included aid for Ukraine and Israel. President Biden signed it into law in April.

What happens next?

The law doesnt ban TikTok directly if ByteDance is unable or unwilling to sell the app. Instead, it says that app stores, like those operated by Apple and Google, and cloud providers like Oracle cannot distribute the app.
The Biden administration declassified one last piece of information about how it has helped Ukraine: an account of its once-secret support for the countrys military drone industry.

U.S. officials said on Thursday that they had made big investments that helped Ukraine start and expand its production of drones as it battled Russias larger and better-equipped army.

Much of the U.S. assistance to the Ukrainian military, including billions of dollars in missiles, air defense systems, tanks, artillery and training, has been announced to the public. But other support has largely gone on in the shadows.

That included helping Ukraine develop a new generation of drones and revolutionize how wars are fought, according to U.S. officials.
Vivek Ramaswamy intends to run for governor of Ohio, according to a person with knowledge of his thinking, but does not immediately plan to leave his high-profile role in Donald J. Trumps government efficiency project.

Mr. Ramaswamy told Ohio allies of his plan on Friday after the states Republican governor, Mike DeWine, named Ohios lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Mr. Ramaswamys anticipated candidacy in his home state comes after he encountered some turbulence in Mr. Trumps orbit.

Mr. Ramaswamy, a wealthy pharmaceutical entrepreneur who ran for president in the 2024 primary and lives near Columbus, had been considered for the Senate seat, and Mr. Trump had recently told him that he would be a good fit. Mr. DeWine, who cannot seek a third term under Ohio law, met with Mr. Ramaswamy last weekend, the governor said.
The Justice Department said this week that it had found no discriminatory practices behind the fatal shooting last year by an Illinois sheriffs deputy of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called 911 because she had thought a prowler was outside her home.

Still, as part of an agreement that ended the departments civil rights investigation into the countys practices, the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office and emergency dispatch operation must review and update their policies and training. The county must also create a mobile crisis team that includes trained behavioral health staff.

Federal officials had opened the inquiry after Ms. Massey, 36, was killed on July 6, 2024, in her home after an exchange with responding deputies over a pot of hot water.

Sean Grayson, a white sheriffs deputy involved in the killing, was fired and has been charged with first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.
While battling to stay aloft, they became transfixed by the blinding bright-orange wave of fire beneath them. This account of what it was like inside Copter 17 on the night of Jan. 7 is based on interviews with 10 pilots and crew members, as well as a reporters ride in the same aircraft through Eaton Canyon a week later.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is recognized across the country as a pioneer in using aircraft to fight fires. The department was the first county to adapt the militarys Black Hawk helicopter into a firefighting copter known as the Firehawk, which carries a water tank of 1,000 gallons. The department was also the first in the United States to use night-vision equipment to fight fires in the dark.

Yet the pilots who flew that night speak of weather conditions that humbled them, a ferocity of sustained, 90-mile-an-hour winds that overpowered their equipment and brought them to the edge of an airborne catastrophe. It was a night, they say, that underlined the futility of trying to confront an inferno driven by hurricane-force winds.

This by far is the worst event Ive been in, in my career  without a doubt, said Ken Williams, a pilot for the department with 42 years experience and 11,000 flying hours. Mother Nature was in control that night.

Like Jimi Hendrix Plays the Guitar
They could have arrested me during the search if they wanted. Anything I do is an attempt to hide to them. Was it refuge? Asylum? With asylum, you deal directly with the president.

Was it a bid for asylum? It seems strange to sleep in an embassy.

Isnt it strange that Im being persecuted? Everything I might say, the other side could go after me. I met with [President Viktor Orban of Hungary] in Argentina at [President Javier] Mileis inauguration. I get along well with him.

It wasnt a crime what I did. If there had been any crime, they would have arrested me.

[The embassys surveillance footage also showed a person visit Mr. Bolsonaro for 38 minutes. A Brazilian news outlet later reported it was his son, Carlos. Carlos was in the room with us.]

Carlos, you visited your father, right? What happened?

Carlos Bolsonaro: I just talked to my father about 

[Lawyer in the room interrupts to request to talk off the record.]

Jair Bolsonaro: Do you think I would have trouble leaving Brazil right now? No passport? Dont a ton of illegal immigrants go to the United States? Im an army captain. Im used to the hardships out there.
In Pakistans turbulent politics, it has long been held that Allah, the army and America hold sway over who wields power.

Supporters of Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister, are now pinning their hopes on getting him freed  however fanciful  on the wild card among the three: the incoming administration of Donald J. Trump.

Mr. Trump has said nothing publicly to indicate that he plans to intervene in Mr. Khans case. Once he is sworn in as president on Monday, Pakistan is unlikely to rank high among Mr. Trumps foreign policy priorities.

But a series of posts on social media by one of Mr. Trumps close allies has inspired almost messianic certainty among Mr. Khans followers that the once and future American president will help secure his freedom.
Chrystia Freeland, Canadas former deputy prime minister, whose sudden resignation in December helped set the stage for Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to step down, said on Friday that she was running to replace him.

She posted her announcement on X with a six-word sentence: Im running to fight for Canada.

Ms. Freeland, 56, once a close ally of Mr. Trudeau who was often called his minister of everything, had served as deputy prime minister since 2019, and had long been viewed as a possible successor.

But the two had a bitter rift when Mr. Trudeau moved to demote her over a Zoom call in December, offering her a minister-without-portfolio role. Instead, she opted to resign and delivered a strong rebuke of Mr. Trudeaus leadership as Canada prepares to deal with President-elect Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump has threatened to apply a tariff on Canadian exports to the United States.

Her stinging departure destabilized Mr. Trudeaus shaky grip on power. Three weeks later, on Jan. 6, he announced he would step down as Liberal Party leader and as prime minister once a new leader was in place.
Since 1988, the hulking presses at Lanex Manufacturing on the edge of Windsor, Ontario, have been stamping out door strikers, folding-seat latches, tailpipe hangers, frame braces and other prosaic bits of metal that make their way into vehicles ranging from Corvettes to Honda minivans.

But, these days, worries about the future permeate the plant as President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to enter the White House. He has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on all goods exported from Canada to the United States. In Windsor, that would ravage its lifeblood: automobiles and everything that goes into them.

Everybodys waiting for the next shoe to drop, Bruce Lane, the president of Lanex, said in its boardroom, whose walls were made of painted concrete blocks. If Windsor lost its automotive business, Windsor would not survive.
President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir V. Putin, signed a major cooperation treaty on Friday in the Kremlin, solidifying an alliance between two countries driven by mutual desire to challenge the West.

The treaty was the latest Russia has signed with a country that is engaged in a conflict with Western states since Moscow invaded Ukraine almost three years ago, and represents an effort to improve its global standing before the start of the second Trump presidency.

Iran and Russia have been subjected to numerous sanctions by the West, and trade and finance are at the forefront of the treaty signed Friday.

The published agreement covers military issues and specifies that in case either Iran or Russia are attacked, the treaty signatories would not give any military or other aid to the aggressor that would facilitate the continuation of the aggression.
A Russian court on Friday sentenced three lawyers for the late opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny to as much as five and a half years in prison for passing on correspondence from him to his allies, a clear reminder of how the Kremlin is still pursuing his associates even after his death.

The three lawyers  Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Aleksei Liptser  were arrested in October 2023 while Mr. Navalny was in a high-security prison colony in Siberia, in a stark warning that the Kremlin was intent on severing Mr. Navalnys links to the outside world.

The city court in Petushki, about 80 miles east of Moscow, convicted the three lawyers, all of whom represented Mr. Navalny at some point over the past decade, of involvement in an extremist group, Russian news agencies reported from the courtroom.

Even from prison, Mr. Navalny was the most popular opposition figure in Russia, defiantly challenging the rule of President Vladimir V. Putin, and the authorities banned his nationwide movement as extremist shortly before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Shortly after Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested by the police in France last summer and charged with failing to prevent illicit activity on the app, a French law professor specializing in cybersecurity got online messages from a man named Isaac Steidl.

I would like to talk with you, said an email signed by Mr. Steidl, who introduced himself as the founder of the online chat site Coco. My case is very similar to Telegrams, and so are the charges.

Michel Sejean, the professor, who shared copies of the messages with The New York Times, said he didnt know Mr. Steidl, had no interest in helping him, and never responded. He was, however, familiar with Coco  a website where anonymous users could chat without leaving records of the conversation.

French law enforcement had tied the site to thousands of criminal cases, including the recent trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men, most of whom were convicted of raping Mr. Pelicots now ex-wife while she was heavily sedated, and who testified that they had first met him on the chat site.
At his seaside office complex in Doha on Wednesday evening, the Qatari prime minister thought he had a deal. Hamass negotiators, led by a burly former lawmaker, had left the prime ministers office, having given up on an 11th-hour demand that was the last major obstacle to a cease-fire in Gaza after 466 days of war.

Reporters had begun to assemble in an auditorium downstairs, expecting to witness the prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announce that he and other mediators had finally brokered a deal. Two American envoys joined Sheikh Mohammed as he prepared his statement.

Suddenly, there was a new problem, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.

In a room elsewhere on the sixth floor, the Israeli delegation, led by the heads of Israels two main intelligence agencies, had their own last-minute demand. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to clarify the names of a handful of Palestinian prisoners whom Israel would release during the truce.

As his aides tried to resolve the final hitch, Sheikh Mohammed sat in his office with Brett McGurk, President Bidens lead negotiator, and Steve Witkoff, the representative of President-elect Donald J. Trump, hoping that their efforts had not been wasted.
Since the cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel was announced on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes have continued across the Gaza Strip, with northern Gaza facing the heaviest attacks, emergency officials in the territory said on Friday morning.

Palestinian Civil Defense, an emergency services organization, said that more than two dozen children were among those killed, and that more than 200 people were injured across the territory. The highest toll was in Gaza City, where more than 80 Palestinians had been killed, Civil Defense said.

The groups figures could not be independently confirmed. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Wafa, the Palestinian Authoritys official news agency, said that Israeli warplanes had struck homes in northeastern Gaza City, resulting in deaths and injuries. Rescue workers and ambulance teams have been unable to reach the area to recover bodies, Wafa said.

Ahmad al-Mashharwi, who has been sheltering with more than a dozen family members in a rented house in Gaza City, described the attacks as relentless.

The cease-fire feels meaningless, he said in a phone interview. Artillery and airstrikes continue around us, especially in northern Gaza.

The cease-fire, if it goes into effect, is supposed to pave the way for more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Mr. al-Mashharwi said that conditions in northern Gaza were dire, with prices soaring and even the most basic goods in short supply.

We cant afford food or clean water, and my children are going hungry, he said. Weve been stripped of everything  theres no safety, no resources, nothing to help us survive.
2 TIKTOK INC. v. GARLAND GORSUCH, J., concurring in judgment they say in concert with a foreign adversary. Those who won our independence" knew the vital importance of the "freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think," as well as the dangers that come with repressing the free flow of ideas. Whitney v. California, 274 U. S. 357, 375 (1927) (Brandeis, J., concurring). They knew, too, that except in the most extreme situations, the fitting remedy for evil counsels is good ones." Ibid. Too often in recent years, the government has sought to censor disfavored speech online, as if the internet were somehow exempt from the full sweep of the First Amendment. See, e.g., Murthy v. Missouri, 603 U. S. 43, 7678 (2024) (ALITO, J., dissenting). But even as times and technologies change, the principle of the right to free speech is always the same." Abrams v. United States, 250 U. S. 616, 628 (1919) (Holmes, J., dissenting). Second, I am pleased that the Court declines to consider the classified evidence the government has submitted to us but shielded from petitioners and their counsel. Ante, at 13, n. 3. Efforts to inject secret evidence into judicial proceed- ings present obvious constitutional concerns. Usually, the evidence used to prove the Government's case must be dis- closed to the individual so that he has an opportunity to show that it is untrue." Greene v. McElroy, 360 U. S. 474, 496 (1959). Maybe there is a way to handle classified evi- dence that would afford a similar opportunity in cases like these. Maybe, too, Congress or even the Standing Commit- tee on Rules of Practice and Procedure would profit from considering the question. Cf. United States v. Zubaydah, 595 U. S. 195, 245 (2022) (GORSUCH, J., dissenting). But as the Court recognizes, we have no business considering the government's secret evidence here. Third, I harbor serious reservations about whether the law before us is content neutral and thus escapes strict scrutiny." See ante, at 9-12; Brief for Petitioners in No. 24- 656, pp. 2531; Brief for Petitioners in No. 24-657, pp. 24- 26; Reply Brief in No. 24656, pp. 1012; Reply Brief in No.
HADRUT, Azerbaijan, January 17. There is a good base and great potential for cooperation between Azerishig and Dongfang Electronics Corporation, the deputy general director of Dongfang Electronics Corporation Shudong Cao told Trend.

He noted that in November 2024, China participated in the COP29 conference in Baku with a large delegation.

Within the framework of this event, Donfang Electronics Corporation Chairman of the Board Zheng Ji Fang held a meeting with the management staff of Azerishig OJSC. In December 2024, the delegation of Azerishig OJSC made a reciprocal visit to China and visited Donfang Electronics Corporation. Mutual visits of the parties laid a solid foundation for further cooperation.

The other day we came to Azerbaijan, held extensive discussions in Azerishig, and visited various facilities. We see that Azerishig has very good ideas and initiatives in the field of Smart Grid and Green Energy and is implementing innovative innovations in these areas.

Dongfang Electronics Corporation, a world-renowned Chinese power company, operates in more than 50 countries. The company has a complete production chain and solutions in the field of power distribution and transmission systems, as well as rich experience in the reconstruction and construction of intelligent power grids, development and implementation of electrical SCADA systems, and development and construction in the field of green energy. Therefore, there is a good base and great potential for cooperation between Azerishig and Donfang Electronics Corporation.

Today we visited Karabakh and saw the devastating traces of war and houses in ruins. At the same time, we witnessed how fast the post-war reconstruction was progressing. Modern technology is being used in many areas, including roads, houses, and energy infrastructure. This is a great achievement for the President and the people of Azerbaijan. We visited the Fuzuli substation and saw the application of advanced digital technologies in the construction of this substation. Our specialists highly appreciate these technologies.

At present, Azerishig is cooperating with our company in the field of creating a SCADA system, an intelligent electric network of the Karabakh region, and the development of green energy. We hope to bring Chinese experience to the reconstruction of Azerbaijan's smart grid and development of green energy, Shudong Cao said.
For over a month now, the Gaite Lyrique Theater in Paris, France, has been taken over by a group of homeless migrants who needed a roof over their heads during winter.

The occupation of Gaite Lyrique began on 10 December when the cultural venue hosted a free conference titled Reinventing the Welcome for Refugees in France. Ironically, the 250 African migrants who attended the event refused to leave after it was over, and they were later joined by another 50 or so migrants who didnt have anywhere else to hide from the cold Paris weather. Its been over a month since the Gaite Lyrique was occupied, and management admits that it was forced to cancel all performances until at least January 24, which threatens to bankrupt it, as the institution relies on such performances for 70% of its income, with the other 30% coming from the state as subsidies.

Despite suffering losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands of euros in December alone and struggling to cover the salaries of its 60-something employees, the Gaite Lyrique Theater has issued a statement deeming it unthinkable to throw these people out onto the street in the middle of winter. The theater has requested the assistance of the French Government and local authorities to find suitable shelter for the hundreds of migrants squatting at Gaite Lyrique.

While we regret the occupation of the Gaite Lyrique, we wish to affirm our support for the young adults without housing who have found refuge in the establishment, a statement released by the Paris City Hall reads. The City refuses to implement dry evictions: these social emergency situations require social responses and, therefore, suitable accommodation places.



A banner on the front of the occupied Paris theater readsHousing emergency, isolated minors on the streets! and the collective that claims to represent the squatting migrants says that the vast majority of them are minors, which means they fall under French welfare organizations obligation to offer them shelter and assistance, according to French law. However, according to newspapers like Le Figaro, most of them were homeless adults who had registered with French social services.

French media have been trying to gain access to the Gaite Lyrique Theater and speak with representatives of the migrants, but so far their efforts have proven fruitless. Le Figaro claims that a representative of the migrant collective told its employees that access is given exclusively by the theater, which chose to voluntarily close down to allow the migrants to stay there, while the theater said that press access is given by the delegates of the collective.
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Stagwell is acquiring ADK GLOBAL, a network of overseas marketing communications units, managed by Japan-based ADK Holdings. The network has offices in 10 markets around the world, including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia and the US. It provides integrated marketing solutions based on an understanding of local markets, media and consumers. By bringing ADK GLOBAL into Stagwell, the network's regional staff count in APAC rises to over 2,000 team members. "By leveraging the strengths of Stagwell, which operates on a global scale, we will further elevate the quality of our expertise in integrated marketing solutions and contribute to the growth of our clients' businesses," said ADK GLOBAL chief executive officer Yasuyuki Katagi.

Hart, a brand transformation agency based in Toledo, OH, acquires Rebuild, a Detroit-based firm that offers services including digital marketing, brand development and website development. It focuses on clients in the healthcare, travel and tourism, food and beverage, and economic development sectors. Rebuilds Detroit offices will become the fourth physical location of Hart (the firm also has offices in Columbus and Washington, DC). Its digital expertise will deepen Harts ability to deliver omnichannel experiences. Whether its the strong base that Rebuild has developed, the talent pool in the area, or the ability to address an underserved community of brands looking to get to a better place, Hart sees the tremendous opportunity in Detroit, said Hart president Marc Paulenich.

1905 New Media, a St. Louis-based integrated marketing communications firm, finalizes the acquisition of Mauge, a Chicago creative agency that offers branding, strategic marketing and design services. The acquisition allows 1905 New Media to expand its services to the Chicago area as well as increasing its creative capabilities and adding experienced designers to the team. By integrating Mauge's innovative approaches and talented team, we are poised to offer our services in a new market, upholding our commitment to innovation and excellence, said 1905 New Media president John Meilink.
James Buchanan

Back to Delaware. Joe Biden entered the White House four years ago, fashioning himself as the second coming of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Americas most consequential president since Abraham Lincoln.

It was a bad mistake. We werent looking for another FDR. All America wanted was a leader to guide the country through the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and restore the decency in the White House that was debased by Donald Trump.

We wanted a low-key president, who wasnt in the national spotlight 24/7. America wanted to occasionally ask ourselves, Gee, I wonder what president Biden is up to these days?

We wanted Uncle Joe from Scranton to make the White House normal again.

Biden is now leaving Washington, mimicking Dwight Eisenhower who warned America against the rise of the military-industrial complex.

In his farewell address on Jan. 15, Biden cited the potential rise of a tech-industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country.

Eisenhower left office as a two-term president. Biden exits after aborting a re-election campaign, and complaining that Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation.

His media team contributed to that misinformation by covering up Bidens cognitive decline until it was exposed to all during his only debate with Trump.

Breaking his promise of being a bridge to the future as a one-term president is Bidens legacy.

The failure to step aside in time for another Democrat to mount a campaign for the presidency led to the return of Trump, whom Biden had called a threat to democracy, to power.

That is his legacy, far overshadowing any legislative and foreign policy achievements.

Biden hopes that future historians will take a kinder view of his time in office.

James Buchanan, arguably Americas worst president, had a similar hope.

In his March 4, 1857 inaugural address, the 15th president called slavery happily, a matter of little practical importance.

While in office, the bachelor president remained in denial about the possibility of southern state secession. He failed to supply Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor when it was under bombardment by Confederate artillery.

Seven states left the Union during the three months that lame-duck president Buchanan served as he waited for Lincoln took office on March 4, 1861.

Buchanan thought history would be kind to him. History will vindicate my memory from every unjust aspersion, he said in 1868.

It hasnt worked out that way. Maybe Joe will have better luck.

Three cheers for DEI. The PR community should give Costco CEO Ron Vachris a pat on the back for his strong defense of diversity, equity, inclusion programming.

While companies like Deere & Co., Meta, Microsoft, Ford Motor, Alphabet, Lowes and Harley-Davidson ditch or scale back DEI efforts, Costco stands tall.

The membership big-box store company has rejected a shareholder proposal slated for the Jan. 23 annual meeting that calls for a report about the litigation, reputational and financial risks associated with DEI.

Costco believes DEI enhances its capacity to attract and retain employees who will help the business succeed.

As membership diversifies, we believe that serving it with a diverse group of employees enhances satisfaction, said Costco in response to the shareholder proposal.

A diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the treasure hunt that our customers value.

That group also helps to provide insights into the tastes and preferences of members.

Costco also believes many of its members like to see themselves reflected in the people in our warehouses with whom they interact.

A probe into the risks of DEI would be a waste of corporate resources, according to Costco.

Its refreshing to see a high-profile company like Costco stand up for what it believes in.

It would have been very easy to cave as other titans of Corporate America have done at even the slightest challenge to their DEI programs.

Hit the road, Jack. BCT Partners, a Jersey consulting firm that designs DEI programs among other services, has apologized on its X platform for a video shot outside of its office of a staffer making highly offensive and misogynistic statements.

That man has been identified online as Ryan Caldwell, who was a business analyst at BCT.

The offensive video, which was viewed more than 31M times, shows Caldwell tossing crude insults at a woman wearing a jersey of the visiting Green Bay Packers during the Jan. 12 wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Caldwell is now banned forever from events at at Lincoln Financial Field.

BCT said the now-fired staffers conduct and language were vile, disgusting, unacceptable and horrific and have no place in our workplace and society.

But at the same time, it stressed that it can condemn the actions without condemning the individual because none of us deserve to be remembered for actions taken on our worst day.

We have offered grace and support to our former employee. We hope that he will grow and we all can learn from this deeply disturbing incident. That's what real inclusion is and does, said BCT.

Is BCT, which is committed to gender equity, going to re-hire the lout?

The Eagles, by the way, beat the Packers by a score of 22-10.
JOIN Ireland's King of Swing Luke Thomas and The Swing Cats for their Kings of Swing tour on February 15th at Birr Theatre in Offaly.

This brand-new show celebrates 100 years of swing music with a musical timeline of classics from the 1920's to the modern day featuring Big Band songs like Sing Sing Sing, Puttin on The Ritz, Just a Gigolo and Mack The Knife to crooning favourites like Mr Bojangles, Fly Me To The Moon and Moon River all the way to the iconic swing anthem New York New York.

Audiences have been on their feet and venues sold out all over the country for this electrifying show commemorating the illustrious 100-year legacy of swing music. Luke Thomas has also captivated audiences as a headline act at The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival this year and at Electric Picnic and also on The Late Late Show, Ireland AM, The Today Show, The Six O'Clock Show and every major radio station in the country.

With two #1 Albums, three TV Concert Specials and eight personally requested performances for President Higgins, Luke Thomas and The Swing Cats bring that irresistible charisma and magnetic charm that defined the iconic legends of swing music. Tickets from 28 available from www.theswingcats.ie .

With a stage presence that exudes timeless sophistication, electric energy and effortlessly cool, Luke Thomas channels the suave charisma of Sinatra and the debonair charm of Dean Martin, captivating audiences with every note. With dynamic performances and undeniable star quality, Luke Thomas and the Swing Cats pay homage to the golden era of swing while infusing it with their own modern flair, creating a mesmerising experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Witness the evolution of swing music through the decades, from the Big Band era of the 1930s to the vibrant sounds of the 1940s and beyond. Celebrate the enduring influence of swing music and get immersed in the rich tapestry of Swing history. Let the Kings of Swing Tour 2024 be your guide through a century of musical brilliance, a testament to the timeless allure of swing where every note strikes a chord in your heart and soul. Prepare to dance, sing, and swing the night away! Tickets available from www.theswingcats.ie .
A MAN with an address in Rathcabbin pleaded guilty to fraudulently using a tax disc during last week's Tullamore Court session.

Emil Grzeskiewicz, Roughan, Rathcabbin, Co. Tipperary, committed the offence at Drumbane, Birr on the 16th of July last. He also pleaded guilty to having no road tax.

Garda Brendan Mulvey from Birr Garda Station told the Judge that on the date in question his Mobility App notified him that Mr Grzeskiewicz had no tax. The App also told him that the tax had expired since December 2023.

The disc had been taken from a different vehicle and said March 2024, Garda Mulvey pointed out.

Giving evidence, Mr Grzeskiewicz apologised for his act and said it was a stupid thing to do. He added that Since I came to Ireland 20 years ago I have never been in trouble of any sort.

He said his financial situation became precarious three years ago and he lost his house.

Judge Andrew Cody convicted and fined 200 for having no road tax, and took into consideration the other offence.

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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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Uzbekistan's National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAPP) and Binance have reached an agreement on customer service in the country, Trend reports.

According to Binance, the agreement allows the platform to provide services to residents of Uzbekistan through a licensed partner.

Furthermore, Binance will operate in Uzbekistan through its local partner, COINPAY LLC. Now Binance users will be able to deposit and withdraw funds in the national currency using bank cards and national payment systems via the official website of the LLC.

Reaching an agreement with the regulator of Uzbekistan is an important moment for Binance. It underscores our commitment to working with local authorities and creating a safe and innovative environment for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies worldwide. We are pleased to continue our operations in Uzbekistan and contribute to the growth and development of the cryptocurrency industry in the region, commented Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance's Regional Head of Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.

To note, Binance is the world's leading cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a suite of financial products that include the largest digital asset trading exchange by volume.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 17. Kyrgyzstan will adopt a National Development Program for the period leading up to 2030 in 2025, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev announced during a cabinet meeting, Trend reports.

The program will outline the country's development plans for the next six years, focusing on a range of strategic goals.

"As part of this program, a plan for the next six years will be outlined. Our goals are to improve the efficiency of government administration, enhance the well-being of the population, develop human capital, advance key sectors of the economy, and implement national projects. Over the past four years, a solid foundation for the state has been established. Kyrgyzstan has successfully completed the first phase of development. With the adoption of the program through 2030, we are entering the second phase of development. Time, order, and decision-making are the foundation of our work," he said.

Kasymaliyev also acknowledged the early completion of the government's work plan for 2026.

Additionally, the chairman highlighted that Kyrgyzstan had achieved significant economic progress in 2024. The countrys GDP surpassed 1.5 trillion som (more than $17 billion), which is a 9 percent increase compared to 2023. This growth trend, Kasymaliyev noted, is expected to continue and improve in the coming years.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 17. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Kyrgyzstan are set to sign a cooperation program for the years 2025-2027, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on social media, Trend reports.

The signing is expected to take place as part of an official visit by Kyrgyzstans Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev to Moscow on January 22.

Zakharova confirmed that during the visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues. The two officials are expected to focus on political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as other key areas of mutual interest.

The ministers will exchange views on issues related to Eurasian integration, global and regional security, and coordination of joint actions on international platforms, Zakharova said.

She also noted that special attention would be given to collaboration within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), given Kyrgyzstans current chairmanship of the organization in 2025.

"We are confident that the visit of Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister to Russia will contribute to the further strengthening of the Russian-Kyrgyz strategic partnership and alliance," said the spokesperson.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 17. Iran and Tajikistan have signed a document regarding the use of Iran's Chabahar port for cargo transit, Trend reports.

According to Tajikistan's Ministry of Transport, a cooperation agreement between Tajikistans Ministry of Transport and Irans Ports and Maritime Organization was signed to develop the transit of goods through Chabahar port. The signing took place during the state visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Tajikistan.

During the talks with his Iranian counterpart, President Rahmon emphasized the importance of fully using the transport and transit potential of Irans ports. They also discussed how Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports could become key hubs for moving goods and products.

In total, 23 new cooperation agreements were signed during the visit, with both President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran present.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 11. Uzbekistan is set to implement 290 new projects in the electrical engineering sector across its regions, with a total value of $4 billion, Trend reports.

This announcement was made by the Uzelttehsanoat association during a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

According to the associations chairman, the government also plans to attract $600 million in investments and increase the copper processing rate to 75%.

One of the main objectives is to effectively utilize localization programs. This year, Uzbekistan will implement investment projects totaling $75 billion, with $28 billion allocated for local components.

To support the expansion of the electrical engineering cluster, additional land plots have been allocated: 200 hectares in Akhangaran, 10 hectares in Fergana, and 4 hectares in Urgench. Infrastructure worth approximately $13.91 million has already been built.

Under new policies, entrepreneurs will be allowed to construct ready-to-use buildings on technology park premises and sell them to companies in the electrical engineering and related sectors. Additionally, entrepreneurs who introduce high-tech production will be exempt from profit and property taxes for three years.

These measures will pave the way for new projects, including one in the Akhangaran copper cluster, valued at $68 million, as well as initiatives in Kashkadarya, Fergana, and Urgench, totaling $30 million.
"Any charter that refuses to pay what is owed should be revoked."

- Scott Schmerelson

In violation of previous promises by Jose' Cole-Gutie'rrez to provide updated amounts owed for overallocation fees "approximately every month", it had been almost six months since the Charter School Division had updated the spreadsheet they provide to the public. As the LAUSD began its winter break, the bureaucrats who report to Cole-Gutie'rrez finally updated their website with new information showing charter schools still owed LAUSD students $2,899,721. Since the information is almost three months old, the public still does not know the current status of this past-due debt, but the information gives some idea of what is happening with collecting these penalties.

With this updated report, we finally know that LAUSD students at seven schools were deprived of space they were entitled to use last year. Under the rules that Cole-Gutie'rrez set in place, this means that students with Special Education needs were potentially provided services in hallways and stairwells when the room previously used for these purposes was deemed to be "empty" and available to be given away to charter schools. To compensate these students, their schools should receive 90% of the $1,139,029 in overallocation fees that were assessed against charters for overestimating the size of their student bodies. The amount for this mandatory fee is set by state law.

Even though these fees are supposed to be paid immediately, one of the schools has yet to remit the funds, depriving LAUSD students of the funding they are entitled to receive. Los Angeles Academy of Arts & Enterprise, which only enrolled 75% of its projected student body, already had a past-due balance and it appears that it has not paid any of the newly assessed fees raising its balance to $176,249.

Two of the winning candidates in the last election agreed schools that did not pay overallocation fees to the District should have their charters revoked. Scott Schmerelson and Karla Griego need to follow through with their campaign promises and ensure that a notice of violation is immediately issued to the Los Angeles Academy of Arts & Enterprise demanding immediate payment. If the bill remains unpaid, a revocation hearing should be scheduled.



(Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA



"We need a complete investigation of this travesty."

-- Scott Schmerelson

"I will support an investigation as to the legality of this or any write-off."

-- Karla Griego

According to the CSD's website, 15 charter schools are paying off their $1,725,129 in past-due debt under installment plans. The terms of these payment plans have not been publicly released. It also does not appear that the School Board approved them. Ocean Charter School is the biggest beneficiary of these terms, carrying an $851,833 balance without having to pay interest. It will also take them over six years to pay off their balance at their current payment rate. The new iteration of the Board needs to insist that new terms be negotiated that are more favorable to the District.

None of the balances referenced above include the $7,678,022 that Cole-Gutie'rrez deducted from the balances due without public explanation at the beginning of 2022. According to Board Member Schmerelson, the elected representatives were also kept in the dark about this gift to the charter schools and it was never approved by the governing board.

One of the schools that benefited from this forgiveness was the Watts Learning Center, which had $169,837 mysteriously disappear from its past-due balance with the District. Later this month the LAUSD's Board will consider this school's application to renew its charter. This should not be done without an explanation of this financial transaction. If one is not provided, the Board must insist that payment terms be included with any renewal agreement.

KIPP Corazon Academy is also up for renewal with three of its sister schools. This chain frequently takes more space than it is entitled to and has amassed over $1,656,818 in overallocation fees. This includes $28,111 for KIPP Corazon which was part of the forgiveness program. Unless there was a legitimate reason for this gift, the fees need to be paid before renewal of the charter is considered.

The voters ignored $6.2 million in campaign spending from supporters of the Charter School Industry to elect a majority on the Board that is supportive of public education. The clear mandate is to make sure that publicly funded private schools are accountable for the public education funds they receive. Ensuring that they pay their debts is a good place to start.

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
Kiosks newly parked in nine Fred Meyer stores will let Oregon drivers to renew their vehicle registration  and get new plate stickers right away  without a trip to the DMV.

All of the Oregon DMV Express kiosks take credit and debit cards for the renewal payment, and about half also accept cash. They also charge a $4.95 transaction fee paid to the states vendor, Intellectual Technology Inc.

For now, the kiosks are only good for renewing registration, but the Oregon DMV said it hopes to add other transactions soon.

Mailed renewal letters will include a QR code that can be scanned at the kiosk. (It can also scan an Oregon drivers license associated with the vehicle.) Drivers renewing a vehicle registration will need to bring their drivers license, permit or ID number, as well as insurance information

The machines will print a vehicle registration card and new license plate stickers on the spot.

The machines are available at these Fred Meyer locations:

Another kiosk will soon be installed in a Portland Fred Meyer location  which location hasnt been determined yet, the Oregon DMV said  and it plans to add more.

Oregon already offers vehicle registration renewal online, but mailed stickers and registration cards wont arrive by mail for at least a few days.

Portland and Medford-area drivers with gas-powered cars more than four years old  but not manufactured before 1975  still need to pass an emissions test before renewing at the kiosk. (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality emissions testing centers also provide new registration and plate stickers on the spot.)

 Elliot Njus edits business and economy news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at enjus@oregonian.com.

This post has been updated to reflect the following correction: The Oregon DMV plans to install another DMV Express kiosk in a Portland Fred Meyer store but has not determined the location. A location included in the story has been removed.
A former Washington state newspaper editor accused of paying girls for sexually explicit images has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Steven Smith, 74, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on Wednesday, KREM-TV reported. He was arrested in July 2023 and charged with 11 counts of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Though it seems wholly inadequate to say, I am ashamed and I am so sorry, Smith said at sentencing in the Spokane County Courthouse.

Smith pleaded guilty in November to one count of exploitation of a minor and three counts of first-degree possession of child pornography as part of a plea agreement, KHQ-TV reported at the time. The Spokesman-Review reported that some of the images found on his devices were of 5-year-old girls being assaulted, according to investigators.

Smith was executive editor of The Spokesman-Review in Spokane from 2002 to 2008. After leaving the newspaper, he taught journalism ethics at the University of Idaho, retiring in 2020. He worked at newspapers in Salem and Eugene decades ago.

Court documents say an account in Smiths name for a mobile cash payment service was linked to an investigation into children using social media to send sexually explicit images of themselves in exchange for money sent to them via the app.

The victims, 10- to 14-year-old girls, sent images to an Instagram account and received money through a cash app account. Internet activity of those accounts was traced to Smiths Spokane home, according to the documents. Detectives say the victims shared approximately 30 nude videos of themselves between April 2022 and January 2023.

Chat conversations showed Smith was aware of the victims ages, the documents said.

Smith was downloading more of the images when investigators searched his home, the documents said.
Gary Hewitt, former executive director of homeless services nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul of Bend, was sentenced to nearly three-and-a-half years in state prison and three years probation Wednesday morning after he pleaded guilty to selling substantial quantities of methamphetamine from his Redmond home.

That charge could have carried a longer sentence, but Hewitts plea agreement considered his accomplishments as a nonprofit leader in homelessness, his cooperation with the case and the amount of meth drug teams recovered was probably less than initial measurements.

Its difficult to wrap my head around how this happens, how you got to this place, Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge Beth Bagley told Hewitt during the sentencing. I hope for better from you in the future, and I know that you want to give better in the future.

Hewitt, 59, was arrested in August after police entered his home on a search warrant as the result of a long-term investigation. They found a scale, packaging and cash.

Prosecutors initially alleged there were more than 100 grams of drugs  the threshold carrying a mandatory prison sentence under state law of three to six years, depending on criminal history. But without packaging, the drugs likely weighed just under the threshold, said Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle.

One hundred grams of meth is equal to about 1,000 servings, which signals intent to sell, according to Doyle. He said the district attorneys office has been consistent in pursuing prison sentences for substantial quantities of narcotics, or more than 10 grams.

Because Hewitt pleaded guilty to the more serious charge of delivery, prosecutors dropped a second charge for possession.

Hewitt also served prison time for two counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in 2011.

Prior to the sentencing, the court received letters from St. Vincent de Paul volunteers attesting to Hewitts character and his work with the nonprofit.

Hewitt was involved with the organization for nine years before becoming executive director in 2021. St. Vincent told The Bulletin after Hewitts arrest that the nonprofit was aware of Hewitts background when he was hired but believed him to be fully reformed, and that he had been a stellar employee.

As executive director, Hewitt spearheaded St. Vincents Place, a tiny-home village serving people transitioning out of homelessness. Bill Parks, a former executive director at St. Vincent said in a letter to the court he believed Hewitt to be one of the most qualified directors the nonprofit has ever had.

He knew the pitfalls from his past but had a strong desire to create a future for himself, Parks said.

St. Vincents board president Patty Christopher said the nonprofit is grateful the court took mercy on him but he should be in prison for what he did.

Hewitt declined an interview with The Bulletin. In a written statement he said: The thing I regret the most is that I did not consider how my actions might affect other people. The selfish nature of what I did had consequences beyond myself. I am so very sorry for the damage this may have caused St. Vincent de Paul. I will now go pay the price for what Ive done.

 2025 The Bulletin, Bend, Ore.. Visit https://www.bendbulletin.com/. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A prominent Sacramento-based comic strip creator, cartoonist and author has been arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

Darrin Lawrence Bell, 49, who won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, was arrested Wednesday morning at his south Sacramento home by Sacramento County Sheriffs Office investigators. Deputies served a search warrant Wednesday morning against Bell following an investigation by the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Detectives task force.

Bell was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and remains held on $1 million bail. Bell was expected to be arraigned Friday afternoon in Sacramento Superior Court.

The Sheriffs Office said it was the first arrest by the task force connected to AI-generated material, which was incorporated into existing child pornography law on Jan. 1. It was not known Thursday whether Bell would face federal charges, said Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi.

Bell is best known for his comic strip Candorville, which features three childhood friends of color and their daily lives in the inner city. Bell, who is Black and Jewish, was the first Black cartoonist to have two nationally syndicated strips, the other being Rudy Park, which was co-created by Theron Heir. Candorville, ran Sundays in The Sacramento Bee from 2021 to April of 2023.

Bell was 20 when he began his career in 1995, drawing as a freelance cartoonist for the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post, while the cartoonist was at the Daily Californian, the newspaper of UC Berkeley. Candorville  which frequently dealt with issues of race, civil rights, pop culture and family  was syndicated by the Washington Post Writers Group three times a week beginning in 2003 before moving to King Features, a division of Hearst, in 2019.

For over two decades, Darrin Bell has been one of the foremost voices in editorial cartooning, King Features remarked on Bells signing. Bells voice is hard-hitting and witty, using humor to portray commentary in a compelling, visual storytelling format.

The Sheriffs Office said it received a tip National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that someone had uploaded 18 files of child sex abuse material to the internet. Investigators said they had located 134 videos of CSAM were located and linked to the same account, owned and controlled by 49-year-old Darrin Bell.

Detectives recovered evidence related to the case, as well as computer-generated/AI (child pornography), the Sheriffs Office said in a news release. This case was the first arrest by Sacramento Valley ICAC where possession of computer-generated/AI CSAM was charged against a suspect.

Gandhi said it was not clear whether Bell created or received the AI/computer-generated images.

In September, shortly before the sheriffs investigation into Bell, California lawmakers approved AB 1831 expanding existing child pornography laws to include images created or manipulated by artificial intelligence.

The harms exist regardless of how CSAM (child sexual assault materials) are produced, and it is imperative that we protect our children from that harm regardless of how the images are produced, the bills text read in part. The threat posed by AI-generated CSAM is real now and is emerging quickly as a serious impediment to protecting our children.

The bill, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, also gamed out a horrifying scenario: Artificial intelligence that uses data sets of known child sexual assault victims by the thousands to generate yet more of the images.

The creation of CSAM using AI is inherently harmful to children because the machine-learning models utilized by AI have been trained on datasets containing thousands of depictions of known CSAM victims, revictimizing these real children by using their likeness to generate AI CSAM images into perpetuity, the bill language read.

Sheriffs spokesman Gandhi said the rapidly evolving technology is one more tool being deployed by increasingly sophisticated child sex criminals.

Criminals are getting a lot more sophisticated, using cloaking technology and internal IP addresses to mask their activity, Gandhi said. These folks hide in the shadows. The source of these images is much harder to detect.

Investigators had worked the case for a couple of months or more before arresting Bell Wednesday morning, Gandhi said Thursday.

These are very seasoned detectives, Gandhi said. They dont get it wrong. They know exactly where these things are.

Bell five years ago had reached the pinnacle of his profession receiving the 2019 Pulitzer Prize. In their citation, the Pulitzer judges remarked on Bells beautiful and daring editorial cartoons that took on issues affecting disenfranchised communities, calling out lies, hypocrisy and fraud in the political turmoil surrounding the Trump administration.

In recent years, Bell had taken to Substack, the route of so many editorial cartoonists as more and more daily newspapers shed them from their opinion pages. The page he titled Disobey in Advance continued to touch on the themes of his Pulitzer Prize-winning work. The page became a Substack best-seller Jan. 9.

His last work, published Jan. 11, skewered President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans response to the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County.

____

2025 The Sacramento Bee. Visit at sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Samantha Miller, who prosecutors said acted as the boss of the Woofin Palooza pet adoption agency under a fake name, was sentenced Thursday to more than three years in federal prison for defrauding hundreds of people by concealing that the animals had significant medical and behavioral problems.

A parade of people who adopted pets from the Portland agency described their anger with Miller for deceiving them, heaping additional costs on them and turning their lives into turmoil with dogs later diagnosed with distemper, cancer or other significant ailments. One woman said her adopted dog caused a literal tornado in my house because the dog was intent on attacking her two cats, broke through baby gates and bared his teeth at other dogs. Another said her adopted dog nearly mauled her 5-year-old granddaughter.

New pet owners were forced to get further veterinary care and training, they said. In some instances, they were forced to part with their new pets who were euthanized at significant expense.

I thought I was getting a 2-year-old healthy dog and what I got was a bucket of lies, dog owner April Stone told U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez. Stone was previously a clerk for the judge; the judge said he could weigh her comments like any one else who appeared before him.

Several veterinarians and other pet adoption business owners spoke in support of Miller, urging the judge to consider the tens of thousands of animals that she saved from high-kill shelters.

Fred Wick, who served as chief executive officer from 2015 to 2019 of the unrelated Hannah the Pet Society that provides veterinarian care, said there were tens of thousands of people who obtained pets as a result of Miller.

There isnt a single shelter in the United States that hasnt adopted out pets that turned out to be unhealthy or a poor match with the new owner, he said.

Miller, 55, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a licensed veterinarian order.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Trisotto urged a sentence of three years and four months, citing the need to deter Millers conduct. He also successfully convinced the court that Miller exerted control over her partner and was a leader of the conspiracy.

Defense lawyers Tara Herivel and Per C. Olson asked for a year and a half, countering that her co-defendant was the leader of the business. Miller also denied that she used any drugs to conceal animal illnesses or health problems, Olson said.

Trisotto said Miller used a fake name, Mandy Myers, to hide her past after her real name had been tainted from a 2018 civil case and state investigation of her prior pet organization called All Terrier Rescue Hunters Crossing Inc.

She claimed she was Woofin Paloozas receptionist and scheduler, not the person in charge, customers said. She also created fraudulent medical documents for animals adopted and had an accomplice fabricate rabies vaccination certificates for the animals she put up for adoption, without knowing if the animals had received the vaccines, according to Trisotto.

Woofin Palooza obtained the animals from high-kill shelters for free and then put them up for adoption for a fee.

When one Oregon resident went to adopt a Great Pyrenees in May 2020, the customer was told the dog had a mammary tumor that was benign and was given a bottle of Robitussin to treat its cough, according to prosecutors.

When the new owner took the dog to be spayed two months later, the veterinarian identified a mass on the animal, removed it and confirmed that it was cancerous.

When the Great Pyrenees owner emailed Woofin Palooza, asking if a vet had previously examined the mass, Miller posing as Myers emailed back that the benign tumor diagnosis was correct. I would not worry about it being anything but just that, she wrote.

By October 2020, the dogs cancer spread to its mammary glands and the dog died within a month.

Another Oregon resident adopted a border collie that Woofin Palooza claimed merely had a cough. Within a day, a veterinarian discovered the dog had a high temperature of 105 and needed to be rushed to an animal hospital. The border collie was placed in intensive care, diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and tested positive for distemper, according to prosecutors.

Because of the dogs medical condition, it was euthanized within six days of adoption.

Another new pet owner said she was conned into adopting an anxiety-ridden dog with rotten teeth -- hidden because Woofin Palooza had drugged the dog to hide its anxiety.

Another owner characterized Woofin Paloozas fraud as cat-fish trickery, saying she adopted a dog that was advertised as young and healthy. Once she took the dog to a vet all but three of its teeth needed to be removed due to decay and infection, she said. The dog also had a tumor in its throat, a broken foot and was infested with worms.

Prosecutors said Miller used another veterinarians license number to order prescription animal drugs through online pharmacies without the vets knowledge and had the drugs shipped to Woofin Palooza. She stored the drugs with misleading labels, they said.

She also failed to get the animals the care they needed from a licensed veterinarian, they said, either ignoring their medical problems or attempting to treat the animals herself by administering prescription drugs without proper supervision.

Portland police searched Woofin Palooza with a warrant on Aug. 11, 2020, and seized about 85 different bottles, boxes, bags and packages of prescription drugs. Months later on Jan. 20, 2021, the Federal Drug Administration executed its own search warrant and seized another 95 different bottles, injectables and packages of prescription animal drugs. They included sedatives, antibiotics, anti-seizure and anti-nausea medications, muscle relaxants and insecticides.

Miller used the income from Woofin Paloozas business account to pay her personal expenses, including her electricity, water and cellphone bills and grocery, pet food and gas expenses, according to Trisotto.

Hernandez sentenced her to three years and one month in federal prison. It will run concurrent to the remaining two months in custody that she still must serve from a pending state sentence. Once those two months are completed, shell be transferred to federal prison.

The judge described videos that the government shared with him, depicting Miller dragging and striking some dogs, as horrific, but made it clear that the federal case dealt with her conspiracy to deceive prospective customers about the health of the animals up for adoption, and her state prosecution regarded animal abuse. A restitution hearing was set over until March.

Miller was sentenced in Multnomah County Circuit Court in May 2023 to five years probation after pleading guilty to second-degree animal abuse and fourth-degree assault. She later was found to have violated her probation, which prohibited her from possessing any animals for 15 years. Less than a year later, on March 18, 2024, she was found with two cats and seven dogs at her home. She was sentenced to two years for violating probation in the state case.

Co-defendant Tori Lynn Head has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and dispensing prescription animal drugs without proper labeling and is set to be sentenced Feb. 28.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn.

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SEATTLE  This week, mother orca Tahlequah may have surpassed her 2018 tour of grief, when she carried her dead calf for 17 days and more than 1,000 miles.

Tahlequah was last seen still carrying her latest calf  dead since at least New Years Eve  on Jan. 10 off San Juan Island. That evening the southern resident family, part of J pod, headed west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Tagging data and the acoustic records of the southern resident orcas vocalizations have revealed typical patterns for their seasonal foraging, said Brad Hanson, biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

Once the orcas leave for the strait, it becomes difficult to pinpoint them. It helps to know the southern residents typical behavior this time of year to figure where they might be.

J pod is one of the southern residents three family groups. They typically hunt for Chinook returning to B.C.s Fraser River in September, then in October and November transition to eating Puget Sound salmon, especially coho and chum. When those runs are passed by in December, K and L pods travel the outer coast, ranging as far south as California. J pod in winter is typically at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Tahlequah and the rest of her J pod crew also often travel back this way in winter, heading east in the straight then to the Strait of Georgia, almost to the Campbell River. But theres no telling when or if that will happen.

But not knowing how she is  and whether she is still carrying the calf  is not the same thing as not caring.

Tahlequahs grief is heartbreaking, poet Tim McNulty of Sequim wrote in an email. The world shared her 17-day mourning for her last calf. Now she mourns again, away from our view. But Tahlequahs grief transcends language and geographies. Maybe it strikes us so deeply because Tahlequah embodies a larger, unspoken grief for our own unraveling world.

The southern residents are endangered, with only 73 members left. The main threats to their survival include lack of fish, especially Chinook salmon; pollution, which contaminates their food; and vessel noise that makes it harder for them to hunt. All of those threats are made worse by climate change, which is upending ocean food webs, depleting summer stream flows and warming stream temperatures. Those factors hurt salmon survival  and when salmon are scarce, the other threats the southern residents face are intensified.

Philosopher and author Kathleen Moore of Oregon State University said she witnesses Tahlequahs second loss with a mix of awe and concern. All I know is that grief is a measure of love, Moore wrote in an email. The greater the love, the more devastating the sorrow. If we had no love, we would feel no loss. This mothers expression of grief is desperately dangerous. Can we infer that her baby means more to her than her own life itself? Its a magnificent love that she carries.

Julie Seitz of Federal Way followed Tahlequahs journey in 2018. Today, the orca once again is in her thoughts and heart.

She is a life, she said of the baby orca Tahlequah lost. We cared so much and the mother cared so much, when I think about her baby it brings tears to my eyes  I feel sad, I want to know how she is doing, I will feel sad in my heart until I hear more.

I pray for her comfort and her healing.

To her, Tahlequahs mourning also is a gift to a human society in which grief can be awkward, rushed, even marginalized. When she lost two beloved elderly dogs, Seitz said she turned to art to comfort herself, making fabric urns for their ashes  a design she even patented. It is beautiful to see people touched by this, Seitz said of Tahlequah. Maybe it helps us all expand our appreciation for grief, maybe the animals are teaching us.

She wonders daily what is happening with Tahlequah and the calf. Do the predators come? Do the other orcas feed her? We dont know the answers.

For some, a least a few answers are clear. This is a call to action, said Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Conservation Action and a citizen of the Confederates Tribes of Warm Springs. In losing another calf she is showing us two-leggeds, we humans, that we have more work to do. That is what I took from that. She is not the first of her people to lose a calf, but she is the one consistently showing us and telling us  we have work to do.

Many Coast Salish peoples regard the orcas as family relatives. Think of them as the highly intelligent relatives that they are, Macy said. I dont know how the calf died, but my guess is it just didnt have enough food. How awful it would be to not have enough food for your child, and then to grieve that grief.

When she heard of Tahlequahs second tour of grief, Lummi elder Raynell Morris floated a wreath of cedar and flowers on the waters of Puget Sound, offshore of an ancient Lummi Village at what today is called Cherry Point.

Ive been crying a lot, praying a lot, Morris said. As hurtful as it is, we cant quit advocating. We are still doing the good work. Because that is what is given to us.

For Rob Williams, chief scientist at Oceans Initiative, Tahlequahs grief was up close and personal. On New Years Eve, he and his wife bundled their 10-year-old daughter into their research boat so she could come along as they took breath samples from the new baby for research. We were taking our calf to see her calf, he said. But as they approached, the parents quickly figured out, that calf is dead, Williams said. It was: Get her to look the other way.

Williams is lead author on a recent paper about the accelerating extinction risk for the southern residents looming in plain sight. How much more plain could that sight be? This is hard as a scientist, Williams said. It is even harder as a dad. As a parent. Especially a second time.

He puts it this way: If a Hollywood producer asked him to consult on a script in which a whale whose family was shattered and food taken away carried her dead calf for everyone to see, not once but twice, he would reject it as unbelievable, Williams said. And yet, here we are.

At some point you gotta admit, she is trying to tell you something.

___

2025 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The campaign to prevent wolves from attacking livestock in Baker County has taken to the sky.

The countys wolf depredation compensation committee during its meeting Tuesday voted 5-0 to recommend county commissioners use $14,778 in state money to buy a drone that a federal agency can use to haze wolves day and night.

Shane Koyle, east district supervisor for U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, applied for the money.

Koyle said the agency, which seeks to control wolves and other predators, has been using nonlethal techniques to deter wolves in Baker County for the past 18 months.

One tool that (the agency) has been utilizing the last few months is the use of a thermal imagining, speaker enabled drone, Koyle wrote in a letter to the compensation committee.

The use of a (drone) for wolf conflict reduction is a fairly new concept but has thus far proven very useful in many situations, Koyle wrote.

The $14,800 the committee recommended is part of the countys share of state grants for nonlethal wolf control.

The county has $42,000 to spend before Jan. 31. The county must by law return unspent dollars to the state.

Koyle told committee members that the drone, which can be flown at night, is not a silver bullet, its just another tool.

Brian Ratliff, district wildlife biologist at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlifes Baker City office, told the committee that drones can be especially effective when used at night.

Koyle said Wildlife Services has one drone to share among 11 counties, including Baker.

In response to questions from committee members, Koyle said that if county commissioners approve the drone purchase, Wildlife Services could ensure that that drone is used exclusively in Baker County, while the older drone continues to be shared among the 10 other counties in his district.

Commissioners have to approve the purchase because it exceeds $5,000, said Heidi Martin, the countys executive assistant and human resources manager.

The committee also awarded money to three ranchers, all in the Halfway area, to compensate them for range rider work  spending time with their cattle herds to try to dissuade wolves.

The county will use the money to buy a variety of items, including lights, that are used to deter wolves.

Committee members attending the meeting were Michelle Thomas, Shella DelCurto and Marty Harriman of Halfway, and Levi Bunch of Durkee, along with Baker County commissioner Christina Witham.

The committee briefly reviewed three applications for compensation for cattle killed by wolves or that are missing and presumed to have been attacked by wolves.

The committee will meet later to decide whether to approve those requests, which would be sent to the state.

 2025 the Baker City Herald (Baker City, Ore.).

Visit www.bakercityherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Editors note: This coverage was made possible by a grant through the URL Collective, a nonprofit supporting local, diverse media. palabra and URL Collective have partnered to bring you election reporting from grassroots media. This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

By Cora Cervantes | Edited by Patricia Guadalupe

On election night back in November, Marine veteran and Democratic representative Ruben Gallego stepped on stage. He confidently said to cheering fans, I believe that when all those ballots are counted, and every Arizonan vote is counted, a poor Latino boy who grew up sleeping on the floor will be headed to the floor of the United States Senate. The first Latino senator in Arizona history. My name is Ruben Gallego. Im a husband, a congressman, and a Marine. Six days later, on Veterans Day, the race was called for him, with just over 50% of the vote. Many media outlets and Arizona voters closely followed the race between Gallego and Trump-backed Kari Lake. While Arizona went red and contributed to President-elect Donald Trumps win, an overlay of the presidential and Senate races reveals one outlier: Maricopa County, which has seen the Latino community grow faster than any other group. In 2022, Latinos comprised more than 1.5 million of the countys 4.5 million population. In last years Senate race, the county went blue and elected Arizonas first Latino to the countrys upper chamber. Some viewed Gallegos race as a key to understanding and engaging the shifting electoral and demographic landscape.

Gallego, of Colombian and Mexican descent, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago by a single mother. He was the first in his family to go to college, attending Harvard before joining the Marines and serving for four years. Gallego has said he moved to Arizona looking for a fresh start. He decided to run for elected office after serving as chief of staff to Phoenix City Council member Michael Nowakowski. He was first elected to state office in 2010 during an anti-immigrant climate reflected by the passage and aftermath of SB 1070, legislation that stated as its purpose attrition through enforcement  to discourage and deter the unlawful entry and presence of aliens and economic activity by persons unlawfully present in the United States. Political scientists point to SB 1070 as one of the most anti-immigrant pieces of state legislation in the country. SB 1070 also created a legal means of racially profiling anyone suspected of entering the country without legal documents. In Arizona, this meant law enforcement could apply a broad definition of reasonable suspicion to target Latinos for questioning.

Gallego joined a diverse coalition of groups fighting SB 1070. He founded Citizens for Professional Law Enforcement to recall then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the bills supporter and enforcer. Arpaio overcame the recall efforts and remained in office until 2016. In 2020, when deciding whether to run for the U.S. Senate, Gallego reflected on that time. The children of SB 1070 ten years later grew to change Arizona. You tried to bury us; you didnt know we were seeds, and we would grow to fight for Arizona, he posted on Twitter at the time. DACA recipient Antonio Valdovinos was with Gallego the day the Senate results became official. Everybody went to the American Legion, and it was just a really intense moment. Twelve years of friendship and work and inspiration and to see him become a U.S. senator reinforced that this journey was worth the sacrifice, to push to get folks elected to, to get folks to actually participate in their own community elections, whether that was Congress or school board, he told palabra.

Antonio Valdovinos, right, and his brother, with Ruben Gallego, center, at Gallegos victory speech event. Photo courtesy of Antonio Valdovinos (Palabra)Palabra

Valdovinos first met Gallego during the fight against SB 1070. Both worked to elect state Representative Daniel Valenzuela. At that time, Gallego was a freshman member of the Arizona State House and Valdovinos says his desire to get involved with the Democratic Party stemmed from the passage of Prop. 300 in 2006, which didnt allow in-state tuition to students without documents, even if they graduated from an Arizona high school. I ended up in politics out of wanting to join the fight for my future, says Valdovinos. Gallego and Valdovinos were paired to canvas for state House candidate Valenzuela. That was the first time I was truly inspired by him (Gallego) as a person. He was a Marine. He had served in Lima Company 325, one of the most legendary Marine outfits that had been deployed in Iraq. For me, he was a big hero, to be in front of an infantry Marine.

In his book, They Called Us Lucky, Gallego describes his combat unit, Lucky Lima, a remarkable group that, for a time under heavy fighting in the spring of 2005, went weeks without casualties.

In his first run for public office, Gallego became the first Latino Marine veteran elected to the state House. Valdovinos became Gallegos field director during Gallegos run for Congress in 2014. He would engage, organize, and mobilize in communities to get Latinos who had never participated in an election process to cast their ballot.

We were sitting on the second-worst performing district in the United States Congress  We mobilized like crazy. It was just students from all sorts of walks of life that were there to see a young Latino become our congressman, says Valdovinos.

Students mobilizing for Gallego said they were driven by a need for representation amid policy attacks like SB 1070 and figures like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. There was just so much fear in communities, says Valdovinos. After Gallegos first congressional win, Valdovinos left to open his own political consulting firm, La Machine Consulting, to continue to mobilize and empower communities to drive positive change.

He says he was in many ways inspired by Gallego. When I first met him in 2011, he was the only elected official who was literally walking in the summer with us  A lot of people would come and give us a speech, motivate us  but Ruben was the only elected official who literally picked up a list day after day and would go out there for four, six hours in the summer and knock on doors to help people know what was going on with the years election.

Antonio Valdovinos, left, with political consultant Patrick Barrett and Ruben Gallego in Washington, D.C., in 2015 for Gallegos congressional swearing-in ceremony. Photo courtesy of Antonio ValdovinosPalabra

Once he arrived in Congress, Gallego introduced legislation and other measures supporting veterans and immigrants. In 2016, he sponsored a bill that would allow deported veterans who have not been convicted of felonies or serious misdemeanors to apply for legal respite to return to the U.S. In 2022, he introduced a bill allowing DACA recipients to join the military. Neither bill has passed, and both would have to be reintroduced in this new congressional session to be considered.

As a DACA recipient, Valdovinos sees Gallegos Senate win as critical for immigrant communities at a moment when measures like Prop. 314, a bill similar to SB 1070, and President-elect Trumps immigration policy will impact many families. During campaign debates with Republican opponent Kari Lake, Gallego said that he supported border security and providing avenues for legalization for immigrants. During a particularly heated exchange, he stood against the persecution of immigrant communities and supported DACA. I think that hes made for challenges . Hes gonna be there present, hes gonna be there sharp, hes gonna be there with purpose. You look back at January 6th (2021) when everything hit the fan. I mean, Ruben was out on top of a seat telling people how to use a gas mask. I think that no matter the height of the challenge, hes gonna rise towards it.

Ricardo Reyes, a veteran and member of the group Common Defense and its Arizona campaign arm, Vets for Gallego, also found hope in Gallego and his win, coming from over a decade of grassroots efforts. Reyes met Gallego in 2010 when he started to volunteer against SB 1070. He says he was drawn to Gallego through speeches he heard at that time, when he had been out of the Marines for two years. In Gallego, Reyes saw someone addressing issues and advocating for the change he wanted. Arizona is ranked 13th among states for its share of the veteran population. Latino veterans make up more than 12% of Arizona veterans, almost double the percentage in the country. During the Democratic National Convention last summer, Gallego brought military veterans on stage as he gave a speech about placing country over party.

Ricardo Reyes, second from the right, with Ruben Gallego and Common Defense veterans at a victory event in south Phoenix on November 11. Photo courtesy of Ricardo ReyesPalabra

Reyes says Gallego understands the veteran community in a way that is impactful for him. Everybody says that they care about veterans. Its important for politicians to say they care. When I watched Ruben, there were a few times during this campaign where he talked about friends he lost, like people he saw while they were suffering and dying in his arms. He is genuine. He is someone that came back with PTSD and was very reluctant to get help.

In his book, Gallego says that it wasnt until 2017, nearly 12 years after the war, that he started realizing how deep and empty the hole was. He says it took many years to recognize his own PTSD despite fighting for mental health services and support for other veterans. I was off-kilter. I had all the things that outside calls success, yet inside, I felt like I had nothing, he wrote. The father of two says the birth of his first child triggered the introspection and led him to seek counseling and more awareness about PTSD. Gallego says finding reasons to feel alive drove him to view his work in Congress in a different light.

In his book, he articulates that he saw his work to advance support services not as a job he had to do as a member of Congress, but as someone who was passionate and wanted to do it. Similarly, he began to focus differently on the scope and reach of legislation that impacted other areas he cared about, such as Native American issues. Citing that some of his close friends and battalion brothers were Navajo, he has said he wanted to approach the work from a place of care to bring him happiness and has worked on several issues of interest to the community, including improving internet access on reservations and holding the first-ever congressional hearing on missing and murdered Indigenous women.

He has approached his work to advance equity in Latino communities similarly. I want to help them not because it will help my next election, but because it is what I want to do, wrote Gallego in his book. He says he views his PTSD as a symbiotic thing, inside him, like most parasites, generally bad, but it can also help me in unexpected ways  on some level, it helped push me to become a congressman.

Ricardo Reyes, left, with Ruben Gallego and veterans at the Ahwatukee Easter parade in Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Ricardo ReyesPalabra

Reyes and Common Defense said they supported Gallego because they believed having someone who represented Arizonas changing demographics and understood veterans was important, with Reyes saying Gallego has walked the walk. Reyes now worries that gains will be lost, like the humanitarian visas granted to deported veterans under a program begun shortly after President Biden took office. President-elect Trump has signaled that he plans to restrict access to humanitarian parole, and his pick to head the Department of Veterans Affairs has some worried that the administration may push to privatize veterans healthcare and other programs as Trump tried to do during his first stint in the White House. Given Republican control of Congress and the White House, along with a firm conservative majority on the Supreme Court, it is unclear how much policy ground Gallego would gain. As a freshman senator, he would also have less power and seniority.

During a recent appearance on ABCs The View, Gallego signaled reaching out beyond the usual and traditional while on the campaign trail. I went everywhere in the state. I took no population for advantage . We did it in an honest and earnest way; we wanted to earn peoples respect. He talked about visiting a tribe in northern Arizona that required a flight up to Utah and a drive down to Arizona to access a community of voters that had not been visited in decades during a political campaign. He alluded in his book to this type of successful approach, functioning like a military operation with good intel and set objectives. He has a policy track record that addresses underrepresented and underserved communities, and a platform that has elevated key issues and voices.

Antonio Valdovinos can attest to this. Gallego invited Valdovinos to President Trumps first address to Congress in 2021. It was kind of an intimidating experience where, you know, youre realizing how much support there is for Trump and the vision at the time. But Ruben always stood. having the confidence and the direction to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge  . So to watch him become a U.S. senator is just a transitional moment.

Gallego is now in the U.S. Senate with a major win under his belt. Late last month, President Biden signed into law H.R. 663, the Native American Child Protection Act, legislation sponsored by Gallego which among other things provides additional support and protection to investigate and prosecute cases of family violence, child abuse, and neglect in Native American communities, including those living outside of reservations. Numerous attempts were made to speak with Gallego, but his office did not respond to interview requests.

Cora Cervantes is an independent journalist in Los Angeles reporting about politics, immigration, climate change, race, justice, and culture with an equity lens. She has a network television and cable news production background at NBC News and MSNBC. She has produced digital stories for multimedia outlets, including NBC News, Al-Jazeera, NPRs Latino USA, High Country News and Narratively. Cora is a graduate of Columbia University and holds a Masters degree from New York Universitys Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She currently serves as a board member of NAHJs Los Angeles Chapter. @cora_cervantes

Patricia Guadalupe, raised in Puerto Rico, is a bilingual multimedia journalist based in Washington, D.C. She has been covering the capital for both English- and Spanish-language media outlets since the mid-1990s. She previously worked as a reporter in New York City. Shes been an editor at Hispanic Link News Service, a reporter at WTOP Radio (CBS Washington affiliate), a contributing reporter for CBS Radio network and has written for NBC News.com and Latino Magazine, among others. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and has a Masters degree from the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. She specializes in business news and politics and cultural issues. She is the former president of the Washington, D.C. chapter of NAHJ and is an adjunct professor at American University in the nations capital and the Washington semester program of Florida International University. @PatriciagDC
The Oregon House will get its first Japanese American representative after Multnomah and Washington county commissioners voted to appoint Bethany Democrat Mari Watanabe to a vacant seat in the state House.

Multnomah and Washington County Commissioners on Wednesday selected Mari Watanabe to replace Lisa Reynolds as the new representative for Portland-area House District 34.Courtesy of Washington County

Watanabe, who will replace newly appointed Sen. Lisa Reynolds in the House, is the last of 19 new faces in the state Legislature, which will begin its work in earnest on Tuesday. The 11 new representatives and eight new senators include several former legislators who are returning to Salem and family members of two Republican senators who were disqualified from running for reelection because they missed six weeks of floor sessions during a 2023 quorum-denying walkout.

Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards described Watanabe as a powerful leader during an appointment meeting on Wednesday evening, though she also praised Watanabe for knowing when to step back and let others lead.

Watanabe, who has lived in a Beaverton suburb for two decades, was raised in Washington by parents who were forced into internment camps during World War II. That heritage led her to serve as executive director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and, later, of Partners in Diversity, a nonprofit organization that champions diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, was among the speakers at the meeting who urged county commissioners to pick Watanabe. He said he met her at a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Japanese removal act and considered her a truly transformational, experienced, collaborative and thoughtful leader.

Heres a look at Oregons other new lawmakers:

House

Rep. Willy Chotzen was sworn in Jan. 13 to a first term representing House District 46, centered on 82nd Avenue in Southeast Portland.Provided by the candidate

Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland

Chotzen, a public defender, won a primary to replace now-Sen. Khanh Pham in the reliably Democratic 46th House District seat. He ran on fixing the states public defense crisis, which over the past few years has left thousands of Oregonians facing criminal charges while waiting for their constitutional right to representation. Chotzen was a middle school math teacher before earning his law degree and leading the misdemeanor unit at the Metropolitan Public Defender in Multnomah County. Hell be a vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee and serve on the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee and the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley

Dobson, a community organizer and member of the North Clackamas School Board, will replace former Rep. Janelle Bynum, a fellow Democrat elected to Congress in November. She has been involved in education advocacy since one of her children was diagnosed with autism and ran on expanding access to affordable child care and mental health care, as well as improving schools. Shes a vice chair of the House Education Committee and a member of the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade Committee and Housing and Homelessness Committee.

Republican lawmaker Christine Drazan was among those sworn in at the Oregon Capitol Jan. 13. She had already been chosen as House Republican leader, a role she held previously, before she ran unsuccessfully for governor. Beth Nakamura

Rep. Christine Drazan, R-Canby

Drazan, a former House Republican leader who resigned in late 2021 for an unsuccessful campaign for governor, surprised many when she chose to run in the primary against her replacement in the House, Rep. James Hieb in the 51st House District. Drazan won by a landslide in May and returned to her former post as minority leader before even taking her oath of office. She was a foil to Gov. Tina Kotek during Koteks tenure as House speaker and has returned to her role as Koteks chief critic.

Rep. Darsey Edwards, a Republican who lives in Banks, is the newly elected representative of House District 31. Beth Nakamura

Rep. Darcey Edwards, R-Banks

Voters in the 31st House District had minimal representation over the past two years, as former Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, barred Rep. Brian Stout, R-Columbia City, from serving on any legislative committees because of a restraining order by a former campaign volunteer against him. Stout chose not to run for reelection and endorsed Edwards, a real estate agent. Shes a member of four committees: the joint committees on Information Management and Technology and Addiction and Community Safety Response; and the House Climate, Energy and Environment, and Housing and Homelessness committees.

Rep. Lisa Fragala in her Capitol office on Jan. 13, 2025. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Rep. Lisa Fragala, D-Eugene

Fragala, a longtime elementary school teacher and community partnership coordinator for Pacific Universitys college of education, replaced longtime Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, who retired. She experienced homelessness as a child after her mother lost her job, and she heard similar stories from students and families. Shes a vice chair of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and a member of the House Housing and Homelessness and Labor and Workplace Standards committees.

Rep. Darin Harbick sits in his office on Jan.13, 2025. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Rep. Darin Harbick, R-McKenzie Bridge

The small business owner from rural Lane County launched a campaign to defeat Rep. Charlie Conrad, a former police officer who switched his party registration to Independent from Republican after losing in the primary. Conrad experienced the ire of his former party for voting with Democrats on a bill to expand access to abortion and gender-affirming care, as well as for supporting ranked choice voting and opposing President-elect Donald Trump. Harbicks campaign, supported by Oregon Right to Life, centered around attacking Conrad. Harbick is a vice chair of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and member of the Behavioral Health and Health Care and Education committees.

Shannon Jones Isadore, founder of the Oregon Change Clinic and then a candidate for Oregon's House District 46, speaks with campaign supporters. The Portland Democrat is one of 11 newly sworn in members of the Oregon House.Shannon Jones Isadore campaign

Rep. Shannon Isadore, D-Portland

Isadore joined the House a few months ahead of schedule, as she was appointed to replace U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter in the 33rd House District in October. Isadore is the founder and CEO of the Oregon Change Clinic, which provides addiction and mental health treatment for people of color, and her campaign focused on addiction, mental health and housing. She replaces Bynum as the only Black woman in the House. Shes a vice chair of the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade Committee and serves on the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response and House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee.

Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald takes a moment to relax in her office in the Oregon Capitol Monday. Five days after winning election, she found out her colon cancer had returned. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/Pool)Laura Tester/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis

McDonald replaced Rayfield, now Oregons attorney general. Shes an academic adviser at Oregon State University and former member of the Corvallis School Board who founded the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group. McDonald announced Wednesday that she learned shortly after the November election that her colon cancer is no longer in remission and shell undergo chemotherapy while serving in the Legislature. Shes a vice chair of the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water Committee and member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Representative Lesly Munoz is among the new House members sworn in this week. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/Pool)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/Pool

Rep. Lesly Munoz, D-Woodburn

Munozs upset victory over Republican Rep. Tracy Cramer of Gervais in Marion Countys 22nd House District gave Democrats the three-fifths supermajority needed to create taxes or increase existing ones without Republican support. Shes a longtime union organizer who ran on a platform of affordable housing, community safety and workers rights. Munoz will be a vice chair of the House Labor and Workplace Standards committee, along with serving as a member of the Behavioral Health and Health Care and Higher Education and Workforce Development committees.

Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Canyonville, left, speaks with Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, on Monday, the day he was sworn in to his first term in the Oregon House.Beth Nakamura

Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston

Skarlatos is new to the state House after two failed runs for Congress from southwest Oregons 4th Congressional District. Hell represent the 4th House District. Skarlatos is a real estate investor who gained international attention for helping stop a terrorist on a Paris-bound train in 2015, when he was a sniper with the Army National Guard. Hell serve on the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade committee and the Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans committee along with the Joint Ways and Means subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

Senate

Anthony Broadman, then the mayor pro-tem of Bend, gave a statement during a media briefing in August of 2022. Broadman, a Democrat, was sworn in Monday at the new senator representing the Bend area. He succeeded Tim Knopp, a Republican who was barred from running for reelection after 2023's lengthy Republican walkout.Dave Killen/The Oregonian

Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend

Broadman, a tribal attorney and former Bend city councilor, gave Democrats their Senate supermajority with his election to the 27th Senate District previously represented by Republican Tim Knopp. Broadmans election, along with the reelection of Bend-area Democratic Reps. Jason Kropf and Emerson Levy, is a signal of Democrats growing power in central Oregon, long a Republican stronghold. Hell serve as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means public safety subcommittee and on the Judiciary, Housing and Development, and Ways and Means committees.

Sen. Diane Linthicum takes her oath of office in the Oregon Senate on Jan.13, 2025 (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Sen. Diane Linthicum, R-Beatty

Linthicum is new to elected office, but not to the Capitol  she was chief of staff for her husband, former Sen. Dennis Linthicum, before he was disqualified from running for reelection in the 28th Senate District. Like her husband, who lost his race for secretary of state in November, Linthicum regularly fails to respond to interview requests and ran on her opposition to abortion, vaccinations, gun control and mail voting. Shell be the vice chair of the Senate Human Services committee and a member of the Health Care and Early Childhood and Behavioral Health committees.

Rep. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, speaks as a member of the Oregon House in January 2019 while then-House Speaker Tina Kotek looks on. McLane left the Legislature to serve as a judge, but returned this week after winning election to succeed Sen. Lynn Findley of Vale, a Republican who retired from the Legislature. (Beth Nakamura |The Oregonian/OregonLive)

Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte

McLane is an attorney and former House Republican leader who left the Legislature in 2019 to serve as a circuit court judge. He replaced Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, in the 30th Senate District, which covers a vast swath of southeastern Oregon. McLane told the Capital Chronicle during his campaign that he hoped to use his experience to work on budget issues. Hell serve on the budget-setting Joint Ways and Means Committee and its capital construction subcommittee, as well as on the Joint Tax Expenditures Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and as vice-chair of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee.

Sen. Todd Nash, a cattle rancher and former Wallowa County commissioner, is the states first senator from the remote northeastern Oregon county.Provided by the senator

Sen. Todd Nash, R-Enterprise

Nash, a cattle rancher and former Wallowa county commissioner, is the states first senator from the remote northeastern county. He replaced longtime legislator Bill Hansell, R-Athena, who announced his retirement before he was barred from running for reelection for participating in the 2023 walkout. Nash ran on supporting natural resource industries and is the vice chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee. Hes also a member of the Senate Human Services and Housing and Development committees.

Khanh Pham, then a member of the Oregon House, was among those working to pass a slew of laws before the June 2023 deadline to wrap up work. This week she was sworn in to represent a larger slice of Northeast and Southeast Portland in the Oregon Senate.Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland

Pham, long one of the most progressive members of the state House, replaced retiring Sen. Michael Dembow in southeast Portlands 23rd Senate District. Shell be the chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee and serve on the Senate Labor and Business and Energy and Environment committees, as well as on the Joint Transportation Committee and a joint committee on the Interstate 5 bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver. Pham is Oregons first Vietnamese American state senator.

Democrat Lisa Reynolds, who was reelected to a third term in the Oregon House in November, won appointment to the Oregon Senate after Elizabeth Steiner left the Senate to become Oregon's treasurer. This photo shows Reynolds on House floor in January 2023. (Beth Nakamura/StaffThe Oregonian

Sen. Lisa Reynolds, D-Beaverton

Reynolds, a pediatrician, served two terms in the House and was elected to a third before winning an appointment to the Senate to finish the last two years of new Treasurer Elizabeth Steiners term in the 17th Senate District. Shes the chair of the new Senate Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee, where shell debut her package of bills aimed at improving child and maternal health care, dubbed Momnibus 2025. She also serves on the Senate Human Services and Health Care committees.

Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/pool)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/pool)

Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction

Like Linthicum, Robinson isnt new to the Capitol. He was chief of staff for his father, former Sen. Art Robinson, before the elder Robinsons disqualification over the walkout. Robinson has indicated hell carry on his fathers tradition of voting no on just about everything, including being the only senator to vote against approving the appointment of the Senate secretary  despite calling the secretary excellent a few minutes later. Robinson is a member of the Senate Education and Energy and Environment committees and the Joint Information Management and Technology Committee.

Republican Sen. Bruce Starr of Dundee speaks with a colleague before Gov. Tina Kotek's State of the Union address on Jan.13, 2025 (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee

Starr served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2015 and narrowly lost his 2014 reelection bid. Hes returning after a decade away because former Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, was unable to run for reelection due to the 2023 GOP walkout. Starr, who worked closely on a bipartisan 2009 transportation package, will be the co-vice chair of the Joint Transportation Committee and serve on the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee and joint committees or subcommittees on the Interstate 5 bridge, tax expenditures and transportation and economic development.

-- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Oregons newest kid governor wants to the state to focus on addressing climate change.

Thats the platform on which Rosie Lanenga, a fifth-grader at Portlands Riverdale Grade School, was elected by her peers from across the state.

I think its a pressing issue, Lanenga said. I want Oregon to stay as beautiful as it is right now, and climate change is affecting that, and I want to make sure Oregon is safe.

Lanenga was sworn in at the Oregon State Capitol on Thursday along with six members of her kid governor cabinet.

In 2017, Oregon became the second state, behind Connecticut, to adopt the Kid Governor program as a way to introduce civic education to fifth-graders. As part of the program, interested fifth-graders can run for office by creating a campaign video.

Oregons Secretary of State office received 22 video entries from kid gubernatorial hopefuls across the state. A panel of judges narrowed the nominees to seven candidates. In November, those candidates were voted on by thousands of fifth-graders from nearly 100 classrooms across Oregon.

The top voter getter was named kid governor while the other candidates became cabinet members.

This bipartisan program provides free toolkits and lesson plans that help celebrate Oregon democracy, then-Deputy Secretary of State Cheryl Myers stated in an announcement about Lanengas election. Thousands of fifth-graders from across Oregon vote for their kid governor during the election cycle. The future of our state looks promising thanks to these impressive future leaders.

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read poses for a photo with 2025 Kid Governor Rosie Lanenga, center, and 2024 Kid Governor, Zoya Shah, right, at the Oregon Capitol on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Salem.Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

In her campaign video, Lanenga laid out A.C.T., her three-point plan to address climate change.

A stands for acting in your home, she said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Acting in your home could mean just turning off the lights, riding your bike instead of driving your car to places if you can, or it could mean planting a tree in your backyard. Its the little things that you can do to help our community.

C stands for holding class meetings to discuss ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and T stands for taking time to share that knowledge with others.

Lanenga wants to be a lawyer when she grows up, and shes also interested in politics.

I like knowing whats happening and helping change it for the better, she said.

Lanenga said shes looking forward to meeting with Gov. Tina Kotek and other state representatives, as well as her kid cabinet members. Shell also maintain a blog throughout her year-long kid governor term at or.kidgovernor.org.

 Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
LOS ANGELES  Shaw Zhao was worried even before departing from Portland to Los Angeles last week: His fathers L.A. neighborhood was in an evacuation zone as deadly wildfires raged in the metropolitan area, and Zhao hadnt heard from the 84-year-old the previous night.

As he made his way from the airport to Zhi-feng Zhaos home in the Altadena neighborhood on Jan. 8, he was stopped by police blockades. So he went to a shelter for evacuees, searching every bed for his fathers familiar face to no avail.

The next day, he got into the neighborhood on foot, walking for an hour with his Lyft driver and the mans wife  two strangers who had agreed to help him.

Approaching his fathers home, the houses along the entire block were all but gone. A coyote sniffed around the debris where his fathers home once stood. When he went to inspect, he was horrified to find his fathers remains.

It was very difficult, Zhao said, crying.

Zhi-feng Zhao, who was among at least 25 people killed in one of the most destructive natural disasters in Southern Californias history, had come to the United States from China in 1989, his son said, speaking partially in Mandarin.

An undated photo shows Zhi-feng Zhao, 84, whose remains were found Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the site of his home in Altadena, after wildfires raged in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. (Courtesy of Shaw Zhao via AP)Courtesy of Shaw Zhao via AP

His father, who was orphaned as a child and grew up in poverty in China, earned a college degree in math and mechanical engineering. After he immigrated to the U.S., he was unable to continue his academic work in his field because of the language barrier and instead worked in the restaurant business, his son said.

Shaw Zhao said he bought the Altadena home for his parents in 2003. His mother, a local Chinese schoolteacher, died from cancer in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was afraid to go to the hospital because she didnt want to be isolated from her family.

Both his parents loved the neighborhood near Pasadena. The ranch-style home had a tree in the yard that produced a bounty of avocados for them and their neighbors every year.

He just loved the peace, the fresh air above Altadena, Zhao said of his father, noting that he was an avid hiker, active and strong until his wife passed away. Hed since required the help of a caregiver, who was out of town when the fires started.

Numerous older photos of his parents, his moms extensive stamp collection and sweaters she knit for him before she was diagnosed with cancer were also lost in the fire.

His dad had told him, Shaw, Mom will leave you. But you will always have something to warm your body.

Shaw Zhao plans to take both parents ashes to China, where they have side-by-side burial plots in Shanghai. He also plans to rebuild the home, even though he lives in Portland.

Zhao said he was close to his father, a smart and talented man who often gave him advice on how to speak up for himself and handle challenges when he was growing up.

Whenever he visited Los Angeles, his parents would prepare fish and his other favorite dishes. Even when his father couldnt cook anymore, hed instruct his caregiver to make food or order authentic Shanghainese food from Alhambra, an LA area with a large Chinese population.

In his last conversation with his dad  the day before he flew to Los Angeles  his father carried on that form of love: When will you be here at home? What do you want to eat?

--Jaimie Ding/The Associated Press
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 17. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with the World Bank, discussed the creation of a centralized digital platform designed to collect, systematize, and effectively utilize geological data, Trend reports.

The news follows a meeting between Remi Pelon, senior specialist from the World Bank's Mining Industry Department, Francisco Igualada, mining and geology consultant, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Khurshed Mustafayev, along with other ministry officials and representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Geology.

The platform aims to streamline the investment process and attract international investors to the sector.

During the meeting, the sides reviewed developing Uzbekistan's geological potential, attracting international investment, and creating sustainable supply chains. The World Bank delegation praised the country's opportunities for geological exploration and its efforts to implement institutional reforms to support investment.

The talks also highlighted the importance of improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards in the geological and mining industries to boost global competitiveness. Additionally, efforts to digitize geological research, train qualified personnel, and introduce technological innovations were discussed.

Moreover, the bank representatives stressed the unique opportunity this project offers for the further development of Uzbekistan's mining industry and emphasized the need for expedited progress.
A children's book author based in Florida and her husband have pled guilty after abusing their adopted kids for years, so much so that one child suffered organ failure.

Jennifer Wolfthal, 45, and Joseph Wolfthal, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse and neglect of a child with great bodily harm in an agreement with prosecutors. Their plea deal led the prosecutors to drop three other charges of kidnapping, as reported by PEOPLE.

Jennifer will now face 12 years in prison while her husband gets 10. Had they not agreed to the plea deal, the couple could have faced over 100 years in prison.

How Did the Couple Abuse Their Adopted Children?

The couple's crime was discovered after their 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with pneumonia, a staph infection, and failing liver and kidneys when she was brought to the hospital by her adopted father.

In addition to the injuries, the 8-year-old was also malnourished and had a skin infection, sores on his right lower leg, and two black eyes, according to WFTV, citing the arrest report. When asked how the girl got her injuries, Joseph told authorities that she fell and brushed her teeth "too hard."

Investigators later interviewed the couple's other children and found that the pair spanked the kids to the point of bleeding, doused them in cold water, and would often allow them to go for months without bathing.

Additionally, the kids were not allowed to eat until later in the afternoon. And when they are actually allowed to eat, the children only have vegetable puree and cereal flakes.

Furthermore, investigators found more than 1,000 notes in the house that said, "My body stays flat on the bed at all times. I was never given permission to move or say anything else. Now, I get to write about this along with everything else. I'm a fool," per Law & Crime.

The children were adopted in 2014.

Jennifer Wolfthal's Children's Book

Jennifer wrote a children's book called A Real Friend, which remains on sale on Amazon. The book publisher, Clavis Publishing, denounced her following her arrest, adding that they would work to stop the commercialization of the book.
An Australian influencer has been charged by police after she allegedly drugged her own child in hopes of posting the video online to gain followers and donations.

Queensland Police alleged that the 34-year-old woman from Sunshine Coast administered "several unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medicines" to her one-year-old baby girl despite not having medical approval. She would record this in video and post their supposed medical journey online.

"It will be further alleged the woman, disregarding medical advice, went to lengths to obtain unauthorized medicines, including old medicines for a different person available in their home," the Queensland Police said in a statement, as quoted by CNN.

Woman Gives Unauthorized Drugs to 1-Year-Old To Gain Donations

Authorities said the woman, whose identity has not been publicly released, poisoned her one-year-old baby from Aug. 6 to Oct. 15, 2024. Investigators also said the woman subjected her child to immense distress and pain and then filmed it. She would then post the videos online to entice monetary donations and gain online followers.

She had also launched a GoFundMe campaign where she raised about $37,300 (AUD $60,000). The site has since closed the campaign after the allegations came to light. The organization is now attempting to repay the donations, according to BBC News.

She later admitted her child to a hospital, where medical staff reported their suspicions to authorities. The hospital tested the child for unauthorized medicines, and the test returned positive results. She was promptly arrested by detectives, who noted that she worked "carefully" to conceal her actions. Her one-year-old baby was taken into immediate care, per the New York Post.

Her child is now "safe and doing well."

What Charges Will She Face?

The 34-year-old has been charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.

The woman is scheduled to attend a hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday. If she is found guilty, it would be the country's first high-profile case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MBSP), which is a disorder wherein a caregiver---typically a parent or guardian--- exaggerates or induces physical or psychological symptoms in a person under their care.
Ive just begun reading a new book by the Catholic New Testament scholar Brant Pitre, entitled Jesus and Divine Christology (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2024). Thus far, I like it very much and find it quite persuasive. Ill write later, probably in a column, about his overall argument. Right now, though, I would like to share some amusing examples that he mentions of efforts to dispense with the purported miracle of Jesus walking on the water. The most obvious way of getting rid of the miracle is simply to dismiss it as fiction, a later hagiographic invention. Dr. Pitre responds to such dismissals quite well, I think. But Im more entertained by efforts to take the story more or less as is and then to explain it away.

The account is given in two of the synoptic gospels, as well as in the gospel of John. Here is Matthew 14:22-27, as it reads in the New International Version:

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. Its a ghost,they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Dont be afraid.

Here is it as given in Mark 6:45-51 (NIV):

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, Take courage! It is I. Dont be afraid. 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed.

And, lastly, this is how the story reads in the NIV translation of John 6:16-21:

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, It is I; dont be afraid. 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

It has been suggested, Pitre says (on page 67, with footnoted sources), that Jesus was walking on a great floating raft, or wading through the surf near the hidden shore, or walking on the very edge of the sea (or in the shallows). Or, perhaps, he was on the land but the surface was obscured by a low mist that looked like the sea. Perhaps he knew where there were submerged rocks, or was walking on a log or concealed sandbar. Best of all, maybe Jesus walked on ice floes (!)  a theory that was seriously suggested back in 2006 by scientists claiming that Palestine had at least two extended cold periods in ancient times, which would have made it possible for water to freeze near the shore' (48).

But, if one is intending to reject the testimony of the primary sources  e.g., that the boat was . . . a considerable distance from land (Matthew 14:24), the boat was in the middle of the lake (Mark 6:47), and they had rowed about three or four miles (John 6:19)  why not simply throw those primary sources out altogether? In its current state, Lake Kinneret (often but erroneously called by Christians the Sea of Galilee) is approximately thirteen miles in north-south length and seven and a half miles from west to east at its widest point. (Once, in my misguided youth  which came before my misguided adulthood, which in its turn preceded my current misguided senescence  I set out to swim across it. I had made considerable progress when an angry Israeli lifeguard on a paddle board caught up with me.) The three gospel texts agree that the disciples and their boat were nowhere near the shore. Jesus must have walked at least two or three miles to reach them.

In support of this years Come, Follow Me curriculum, which will shortly turn to the recovery of the Book of Mormon, the Interpreter Foundation is calling attention to the short video features that it derived from the theatrical film Witnesses and from that movies accompanying docudrama, Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Here is yet another of those short video features. (This one runs slightly less than 8.5 minutes.) We hope that youll find them inspirational and helpful and that, if you do, youll share them with others:

Episode 7: Did the Witnesses Ever Deny their Testimonies?

Critics of the Church have claimed through the years that one or more of the witnesses of the Book of Mormonand of the Gold Plateseventually denied their testimonies. Is there any truth to these claims? This is Episode 7 of a series compiled from the many interviews conducted during the course of the Witnesses film project. . . . These additional resources are hosted by Camrey Bagley Fox, who played Emma Smith in Witnesses, as she introduces and visits with a variety of experts. These individuals answer questions or address accusations against the witnesses, also helping viewers understand the context of the times in which the witnesses lived. This week we feature Gerrit Dirkmaat, Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. For more information, go to https://witnessesofthebookofmormon.org/. Learn about the documentary movie UndauntedWitnesses of the Book of Mormon at https://witnessesundaunted.com/

And, in the meantime, the Interpreter Foundation continues to die. The latest of our last gasps is Made Stronger Than Many Waters: The Purported Sacred Names of Moses as a Series of Keywords, which was written by Jeffrey M. Bradshaw and Matthew L. Bowen:

Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in The Temple: Past, Present and Future, edited by Stephen D. Ricks and Jeffrey M. Bradshaw. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-past-present-and-future/. For video and audio recording of this conference talk, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2020-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/videos/calabro/. The idea of names as keywords has been associated with temples since very early times. In a temple context, the meaning of the term keyword can be taken quite literally: the use of the appropriate keyword or keywords by a qualified worshipper unlocks each one of a successive series of gates, thus providing access to specific, secured areas of the sacred space. In this presentation, we will explore how a series of names and titles purportedly given to Moses at various points in his life might relate to accounts of his ascents to heaven.

Posted from Bountiful, Utah
You would think that Arm, which arguably has been the vanguard in the smartphone and PC industry push for improved power efficiency, would double down on that strategy in its plans for 2025. Actually, its sort of the opposite.

PCWorld sat down at CES 2025 with Chris Bergey, senior vice president and general manager for Arms client line of business. Bergey is responsible for both the smartphone as well as the laptop and tablet business, where Arms designs are licensed by companies like Qualcomm and Apple, who tweak and eventually manufacture them as finished goods.

Arm provides multiple types of licenses, but the two most common types are a core license, where a customer will buy a verified core that includes an Arm Cortex CPU, Mali GPU, or other intellectual property. Arm also sells architectural licenses to companies like Apple, which gives them the freedom to design their own cores from scratch, though they must be fully compatible with the Arm architecture.

Arms RISC architecture is generally considered to be more power-efficient than the X86 architecture used by AMD and Intel, though it requires either that applications be natively coded for it or for an emulator like Microsofts Prism to step in and interpret the code for an X86 chip to understand. While the Arm chips are often more efficient  in terms of the work done per clock cycle (instructions per clock, or IPC) or per watt  they still can lag in overall performance. One exception has been Apples custom M4 chip, where its single-threaded performance is seen as especially competitive.

In 2025, the plan is to improve Arms own cores, Bergey said. And the first goal is simply to run them faster.

We think that we are reaching, weve reached kind of IPC leadership, and now people are getting very aggressive on frequency, so were going to continue to really push there, Bergey said.

Were leading on IPC on some of the products in the market, Bergey said. But were clocking at a lower frequency than some of those products. And so what Im just suggesting is  you know, IPC times frequency, right, gets you to [higher] performance. We want to continue to provide the highest performance Arm cores, so well continue to make those investments.

Bergey said that Arms second priority is to accelerate AI workloads on its own designs, specifically on the CPU and GPU. On the CPU, that entails specific instruction capabilities that Arm is adding to the CPUs, progressing past Neon, its Scalable Vector Extensions (SVE), and 2021s SVE2. These additional extensions will build off of SVE2 to accelerate some of these AI workloads, Bergey said.

Arm also plans to make additional investments in its GPU business  and, like its more established competitors in the PC space, to use AI to improve graphics. In a mobile handset, you can render at 1080p, 60Hz right? But you could also render at 540p, 30Hz, and use AI to interpolate.

That sort of approach should be very familiar to PC users who have bought graphics cards from AMD or Nvidia, and who will end up using technologies like DLSS 4s neural rendering to ease the burden on a discrete GPU. In Arms case, using AI to interpolate or render an image is simply more power-efficient than directly rendering the image, Bergey said.

Were going to be a leader in trying to bring total processing to the GPUs in a mobile environment, Bergey said.

Expect to see that as part of what Arm calls the Arm CSS for Client, its next-gen Arm compute platform.

Basically, were making it easier for people to put the technology together, and do so to maximize the performance, Bergey said. So if you need to maximize that frequency and get to a four-gigahertz design, were going to be able to provide you that recipe for some of the latest [manufacturing] nodes.

Arms litigation: It aint over til its over

Arm normally enjoys solid relationships with its licensing partners  save for Qualcomm, and an ongoing lawsuit that has simmered since 2022. Last October, that suit boiled over after Arm cancelled Qualcomms architectural licensing agreement. But when the suit reached court, a district judge found in favor of Qualcomm in two of the three issues, including that Qualcomm proved that the CPUs acquired via Nuvia are covered by its architectural license, and that Qualcomm did not breach the terms of the Nuvia license it acquired.

However, the jury could not come to a conclusion over whether Nuvia itself had breached the terms of its architectural license. According to Bergey, this leaves the case between the two companies unresolved. Its still an open issue that needs to be resolved between the two parties, he said. He declined to comment further.

Qualcomm, for its part, was undeterred. Weve made a public statement that we are happy with the outcome of the case, and [the court] upheld that we have the right to innovate and to the technology that we are bringing, the disruption that we are creating in the marketplace, said Nitin Kumar, senior director of product management, at CES last week.
More than two dozen people and four companies were charged in a multimillion-dollar diesel fuel scam, New Jersey authorities announced Thursday.

At least 25 suspects operating across five states  New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts  netted at least $3.4 million from the enterprise over a period of a little more than a year, according to a news release from the state attorney generals office.

Stolen credit card information was used to purchase tens of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, which was resold to trucking companies and other fuel providers.

The cards were cloned, the release states. Law enforcement recovered roughly 500 of the cards while making arrests in the case.

The fuel was then delivered to customers in vehicles clearly not designed to lawfully transport fuel, including an ice cream truck, according to the release.

These deliveries were often made under the cover of darkness and paid for in cash and checks to shell corporations, or via an unspecified payment app.

The enterprises primary customer was Glotrac Builders LLC, a truck lot in Newark, which forked over approximately $2.88 million for stolen fuel. Three other companies, Filpo Trucking Corp, A&A Truck Center Corp. and Kalle Trucking, LLC., were also implicated in the investigation.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin referred to it in the release as a sophisticated system.

State investigators in Platkins office were tipped off to the skimming scheme in October 2023 by the Camden County Prosecutors Office and Gloucester Township Police Department.

They found that card information was stolen using skimmers, small devices illegally planted on ATMs and gas pumps to record the information on credit and debit cards.

The enterprises members possessed master keys allowing them to unlock gas pumps and surreptitiously install the skimmers. It was unclear from the release how the keys were obtained.

At least 2,033 different victims had their card information stolen at the pumps between Jan. 1, 2023, and July 20, 2024, according to the news release.

All 25 defendants are charged with first-degree racketeering, with some facing additional charges.
A Trenton, New Jersey, man killed his girlfriend in a Bensalem, Pennsylvania, motel and then returned to the city and fired a handgun at several residents and police officers while looking for the womans family members in a West Ward neighborhood, authorities alleged Thursday.

A SWAT team arrested him in a house early Wednesday where hed fired at police during a two-hour standoff.

Orenthia Upshur, 51, will be charged with killing Maisha Coon, 49, whom police found early Wednesday shot dead in a room shed booked in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, authorities said at a Thursday morning press event there.

Please dont do this to me, Coon reportedly said in a call not long before her death.

Police said they have surveillance footage of Upshur leaving the motel, the Sleep Inn & Suites on Street Road, with a handgun in his pocket.

While the Bucks County District Attorneys Office works to extradite Upshur to try him for Coons killing, Trenton police charged him with 58 felonies in the shooting spree they say he committed while looking for Coons family members.

The bulk of the charges are for firing at police officers and residents, including 11 counts of attempted murder of a police officer.

No lawyer information for Upshur was immediately available Thursday.

Police at the Oak Lane shooting and standoff scene in Trenton on Jan. 15, 2025.(Photo courtesy of Peterson's Breaking News)

Pennsylvania and Trenton police gave this version of the early Wednesday events:

A man walked into the Pennsylvania State Police Trevose station, in Bensalem, at about 5 a.m. and reported that a family member, Upshur, had come to his house earlier in the morning and said hed just shot and killed his girlfriend.

The man said Upshur made the remarks while holding a handgun and acting erratically.

The tipster said the crime apparently occurred at a motel, although he did not know exactly where, and that Upshur and Coon had prior domestic issues.

This individual was on a phone call with Ms. Coon at approximately 12 a.m. when he heard Ms. Coon state the following, I didnt think you would harm me, and Please dont do this to me, prior to the call being terminated, Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey said.

The state police, with Bensalem, started tracking Coons phone and searching all motels in town. After about 90 minutes, they found Coons name in the registry at the Sleep Inn and entered her room.

This defendant executed Ms. Coon as she laid on the floor of that hotel room, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said.

Police said they later found a bullet had traveled to an occupied room below Coons, but it did not hit anyone.

Meanwhile, at about 4:30 a.m., Trenton started getting reports of gunfire in the area of Parkside Avenue and Oak Lane. As officers arrived, they heard more shots.

Police say Upshur was looking Coons family members, who lived in the area, and first fired at an occupied Uber vehicle.

As more police arrived, Upshur kicked in the door of an Oak Lane home that he was familiar with but was not a Coon family home. Police evacuated residents from it after Upshur went to the second floor.

He then fired at police officers below. None were able to fire back.

Mercer Countys Tactical Response Team arrived and, after about two hours, they entered the house and arrested Upshur without major incident.

Police recovered a Glock handgun during the arrest, which they allege he used to kill Coon.

On social media, several Trenton residents mourned Coon and posted pictures.

One said she was beautiful inside and out.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 17. Uzbekistan and Rothschild & Co. are in talks about the ongoing privatization process of Uzpromstroybank., Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between member of the supervisory board of Rothschild & Co., Ariel Malard de Rothschild, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov.

With the privatization of Uzpromstroybank taking center stage, both parties exchanged perspectives on Rothschild&Co's expertise in bank privatization and delved into how to apply effective strategies in the current endeavor.

Both sides also focused on ongoing socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, with particular emphasis on elevating the banking and financial sector, as well as the privatization of state-owned banks. The delegation of Rothschild & Co. emphasized the importance of modernization and transformation in both the banking and energy sectors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to deepen their cooperation and work systematically toward achieving the objectives set out in their discussions.

Rothschild&Co., a global financial holding company, provides investment banking, corporate banking services, private equity investments, asset management, and private banking services.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A 22-year-old man was killed and two other were injured Sunday after the man advertised his birthday party at a short-term rental home in Monroe County and a Venezuelan street gang showed up, authorities said.

Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso on Friday morning shed more light on the case in a Facebook posting. The gunfire, he said, was the result of the gang showing up at the party held deep in the heart of the Emerald Lakes subdivision on Clover Road in Long Pond.

The gang, known as Tren de Aragua, is a transnational criminal organization that began as a prison gang in the Tocoron Prison in the state of Aragua in Venezuela, Mancuso said. He said through the past six years, its leader has expanded the groups criminal network throughout South America and north into Central America and the United States.

A recent notable incident by the same gang was an apparent takeover of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, multiple published reports state. Monroe County law enforcement officials are experiencing several contacts with the same gang, Mancuso said Friday.

Pocono Mountain Regional police were called at 4:40 p.m. Sunday to the home after 22-year-old Lionardo Hernandez, originally from Venezuela, advertised the party in a flyer with his photo holding a peace sign, Mancuso said.

Investigators found Hernandez alone at the home with multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Monroe County coroners office. Monroe County Coroner Tom Yanac confirmed Friday the manner of death was a homicide with the cause pending.

Two others  23-year-old Johangel Farfan and another 25-year-old, both of Venezuela  were later found with gunshot wounds, according to police. They are listed in stable condition at a hospital, police said.

The scene was full of spent shell casings and bullet holes, Mancuso said. Indeed, it was readily apparent that several different calibers of ammunition were used.

Mancuso said there was evidence throughout the home of the flight of numerous party-goers. Suitcases were left in the driveway, and cellphones, cash and Venezuelan identification cards were all left behind. Significant amounts of drugs and paraphernalia were seized by investigators, he said.

Investigators simultaneously learned of an attempted home burglary in progress in the area of Mohegan Court in Long Pond a short distance from Clover Road, according to police.

Investigators followed footprints in the snow and found a second attempted break-in. Officers continued the pursuit and found a third home that had been broken into, police said.

Two men  26-year-old Victor Cesar Caldera Malpica and 34-year-old Angel Paez-Seguera  were found in that residence and taken into custody, Wagner said. The pair were also connected to the Clover Road incident, Wagner said.

Five others also have been taken into custody, all believed to be from Venezuela.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Heavy metal legend Ragne Wahlquist has died.

Wahlquist, who was 69, actually died back on Jan. 7.

Wahlquist was described as the Godfather of Swedish heavy metal, by Blabbermouth.com.

The site said Wahlquist was the guitarist and vocalist for Heavy Load, which it said is widely regarded as the first Swedish heavy metal band and first Viking metal band in the world.

SVT reported that Wahlquist and his younger brother, Styrbjorn, were recording the bands fifth album at the time of his death. It said the band intends to complete the project and to continue on with the band.

Blabbermouth said that Heavy Load is credited with starting the Swedish wave of heavy metal.

The band first began performing in 1976 and released its first studio album, Full Speed at High Level in 1978. They released three more albums with the last  Riders of the Ancient Storm  coming in 2023.
It wont be long until the regions second El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria opens.

Manuel Ambrocio and Maria Ramirez invite diners to a grand opening celebration on Feb. 3 at 135 Sheraton Drive in Fairview Township, York County. It will kick off at 11 a.m. with a mariachi band at 6 p.m.

The restaurant is modeled after the couples other El Rancho at 771 Eisenhower Blvd. in Swatara Township, with an authentic Central American menu blending Mexican and El Salvadorian foods.

Last fall the couple started renovations at the former Bob Evans off Interstate 83.

They said customers had been requesting they open a second restaurant since El Rancho opened in 2019 on North Third Street in Harrisburg. In 2022 they relocated to bigger space in Swatara Township.

El Rancho blends the couples two heritages under one roof. Ambrocio grew up in Guatemala near the El Salvadorian border, while Ramirez is from Mexico.

They are in the process of applying for a liquor license through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In a message posted on Facebook, they said they will operate as a BYOB until the license is approved.

The new El Rancho will be open seven days a week.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden announced Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment should be considered a ratified addition to the U.S. Constitution, making a symbolic statement thats unlikely to alter a decades-long push for gender equality.

The Equal Rights Amendment is the law of the land, Biden said even though presidents have no role in the constitutional process. He did not direct the leader of the National Archives to certify the amendment, as some activists have called for, sidestepping a legal battle.

It was the latest in a collection of pronouncements that Biden has made in the waning days of his presidency as he tries to tie up loose ends and embroider his legacy despite leaving after only one term. Hes also called for a ban on stock trading for members of Congress and proposed term limits for Supreme Court justices  ideas that lingered for years before Biden endorsed them.

With his popularity low and political influence running dry before hes replaced by Donald Trump on Monday, Bidens statements have stirred aggravation among some allies who believe he should have acted more swiftly and spoken out earlier.

The Equal Rights Amendment, which would ban discrimination based on gender, was sent to the states for ratification in 1972. Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it in 2000, although years past the deadline set by Congress, leading to a legal standoff over whether it could be considered valid.

Democrats and activists have long pressed to consider the amendment as ratified, but Biden did not say he agreed until Friday.

I wish it was done sooner because its so important, said Christian F. Nunes, leader of the National Organization for Women. The fact that its getting done now is more important than the fact that it took long, but we cant continue to delay womens protections and equal rights in this country.

Noreen Farrell, executive director of Equal Rights Advocates, said she wished Bidens statement had come earlier in hopes of influencing the leader of the National Archives, who has declined to certify the amendment because of the expired deadline for ratification.

But we remain hopeful that it would help build momentum even at this late date, Farrell said.

Biden defended his decision not to weigh in until the end of his term by telling reporters that he needed all the facts.

Earlier in the day, Biden issued a statement saying it is long past time to recognize the will of the American people.

In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.

Its unlikely that Bidens support will have any impact. On Friday, the National Archives reiterated its position by saying the underlying legal and procedural issues have not changed.

Some activists gathered outside the National Archives to celebrate Bidens statement and call on the archivist to take action.

Do your job, said Zakiya Thomas, head of the ERA Coalition. The president has done his.

Claudia Nachega, a leader in the Young Feminist Party, said certifying the Equal Rights Amendment would signal the beginning of a new American era that gives us a fighting chance of surviving a second Trump presidency.
FILE - Sarah Baus, left, of Charleston, S.C., and Tiffany Cianci, who says she is a "long-form educational content creator," livestream to TikTok outside the Supreme Court, on Jan. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)AP

NEW YORK  The U.S. is inching closer and closer to a potential TikTok ban  with the nations highest court upholding a law thats set to halt new downloads of the app starting Sunday. But many questions around what exactly this ban will look like, and whether it will actually be enforced, remain.

That puts millions of users and content creators in limbo  particularly influencers and small business owners who have come to rely on the mega-popular social media platform as a source of income.

Among those individuals is Terrell Wade, a comedian, actor and content creator with 1.5 million followers on TikTok under the handle @TheWadeEmpire. Wade, who has turned his TikTok presence into a full-time job, said he expects two days of chaos as the Sunday deadline nears.

At this point, I really dont know what to believe, Wade told The Associated Press.

In a unanimous decision on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that will ban TikTok unless its sold by its China-based parent company before Jan. 19  ruling that a risk to national security posed by the platforms ties to China overcomes First Amendment concerns about limiting free speech on and by the app.

A sale does not appear imminent, meaning the ban should go into effect Sunday. But the ruling also arrives just days before the inauguration of a new president.

President Joe Bidens administration has maintained that TikTok must change its ownership to address national security concerns, but signaled that it wont enforce the law on Sunday, the Democrats final full day in office. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that actions to enforce the law will fall to the new administration due to the sheer fact of timing. Meanwhile, Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who once also tried to ban TikTok, has now vowed to preserve access to the platform. But what his options will be following Mondays inauguration remains unclear.

Among other points of confusion is what a ban on TikTok will look like. Experts have said the app will not disappear from existing users' devices once the law takes effect. But new users wont be able to download it and updates will not be available. That will eventually render the app unworkable, the Justice Department said in court filings.

All of this is a reminder to the creator community that social media platforms can come and go, notes Kelsey Chickering, a principal analyst at Forrester, stressing the disruptions TikTok creators and influencers will feel if the ban takes effect. If access to is lost, she adds, many will have to pivot and re-build their presence on other platforms.

While bracing for a potential Sunday ban, Wade is among creators who hope that something happens to avert the shutdown, although he thinks he has enough followers on other platforms to stay afloat.

Im still remaining optimistic, he said.

Still, many continue to express fears over the potential of losing TikTok.

Janette Ok, a full-time content creator based in Los Angeles, says TikTok is the primary platform she uses today. As an influencer and also an artist, she says the platform has helped her make brand deals and promote her music  bringing opportunities that I never believed I could experience in my lifetime.

Ok was also among influencers who TikTok brought to Washington in 2023 to lobby for the preservation of the app, and remembers a ban being discussed as far back as 2020. And as someone who is Asian, the efforts to ban TikTok over the years have also felt a little xenophobic, she added.

I hear all these different things, and I dont know what to believe  so thats where Im very frustrated. Im confused. Im disappointed, Ok said. Its a beautiful app, its brought so many people together, its changed a lot of peoples lives, and for it to just be taken away like that feels ... so not American.

Jordan Smith, a former WNBA player who operates The Elevated Closet in Austin, Texas  a clothing brand for tall women  depends on TikTok and TikTok Shop to find customers that fit her niche demographic thats difficult to specifically market to otherwise.

On TikTok Ive just been able to find that audience so much easier, she said.

She fears losing TikTok will hurt her business, and shell miss it personally, too. So shes following what people are saying will happen on Sunday and hopes a ban might be diverted.

It kind of seems like Bidens kind of pushing it off to Trump, she said. So people have hopes that maybe we have a few more days and it wont go dark on Sunday, but I dont really know.

Alejandro Flores-Munoz owns a catering business in the Denver area called Combi Taco, or @combicafe on TikTok. TikTok helped him reach customers without spending money on marketing, he said. He was optimistic that TikTok would stick around until he heard todays Supreme Court decision.

Up until today, I was extremely optimistic. And after todays Supreme Court decision to uphold the banned or the sale of TikTok, I weigh my options, he said. But honestly, its very disheartening, specifically because I truly did rely on the app for my business and my growth of my business.

Going viral on TikTok helped Ruben Trujillo market his Cafe Emporos Coffeegrams, a card that includes coffee, tea or hot chocolate. He said hes growing frustrated with the ever-evolving politics surrounding the ban.

Its kind of like they keep putting the ball in each others court, but whos going to make the decision? he said. He said small business owners are told to be creative, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, he said. And a lot of people did that, and its like those bootstraps are being cut now.
A New Jersey man awaiting trial for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol has been given permission to attend President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration in Washington D.C. on Monday.

Lee Giobbie, 41, of Eastampton Township, was arrested and charged in January of last year with participating in the Jan. 6 attack, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

He was identified by authorities by the green Philadelphia Eagles beanie he wore that day that featured an older team logo.

Giobbie is currently barred from traveling to the nations capital, but on Jan. 10 U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols ruled that an exception could be made for Trumps inauguration.

Many Jan. 6 defendants have requested to attend the inauguration, although not all those requests have been granted.

The dividing line that seems to be drawn is charged or convicted, Giobbies attorney William Shipley said to the Inquirer.

Trump has said he will pardon some of the people convicted of crimes relating to the Capitol attack once he takes office, but it isnt clear who would get a pardon and who would not.

According to the indictment, Giobbe used a bullhorn to encourage rioters on Jan. 6 to push back against officers and the barricades. He is being charged with a felony count of civil disorder, which could result in up to five years in prison.
By Marcia Dunn, The Associated Press

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its latest test flight on Thursday, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad.

Elon Musks company said Starship broke apart  what it called a rapid unscheduled disassembly. The spacecrafts six engines appeared to shut down one by one during ascent, with contact lost just 8 1/2 minutes into the flight.

The spacecraft  a new and upgraded model making its debut  was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world similar to previous test flights. SpaceX had packed it with 10 dummy satellites for practice at releasing them.

A minute before the loss, SpaceX used the launch towers giant mechanical arms to catch the returning booster, a feat achieved only once before. The descending booster hovered over the launch pad before being gripped by the pair of arms dubbed chopsticks.

The thrill of the catch quickly turned into disappointment for not only the company but the crowds gathered along the southern tip of Texas.

It was great to see a booster come down, but we are obviously bummed out about the ship, said SpaceX spokesman Dan Huot. Its a flight test. Its an experimental vehicle, he stressed.

The last data received from the spacecraft indicated an altitude of 90 miles (146 kilometers) and a velocity of 13,245 mph (21,317 kph).

Musk said a preliminary analysis suggests leaking fuel may have built up pressure in a cavity above the engine firewall. Fire suppression will be added to the area, with increased venting and double-checking for leaks, he said via X.

The 400-foot (123-meter) rocket had thundered away in late afternoon from Boca Chica Beach near the Mexican border. The late hour ensured a daylight entry halfway around the world in the Indian Ocean. But the shiny retro-looking spacecraft never got nearly that far.

SpaceX had made improvements to the spacecraft for the latest demo and added a fleet of satellite mockups. The test satellites were the same size as SpaceXs Starlink internet satellites and, like the spacecraft, were meant to be destroyed upon entry.

Musk plans to launch actual Starlinks on Starships before moving on to other satellites and, eventually, crews.

SpaceX's mega rocket Starship booster returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP

It was the seventh test flight for the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket. NASA has reserved a pair of Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade. Musks goal is Mars.

Hours earlier in Florida, another billionaires rocket company  Jeff Bezos Blue Origin  launched the newest supersized rocket, New Glenn. The rocket reached orbit on its first flight, successfully placing an experimental satellite thousands of miles above Earth. But the first-stage booster was destroyed, missing its targeted landing on a floating platform in the Atlantic.

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.
By Amy S. Rosenberg, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

MAYS LANDING  Charges of child abuse involving his daughter continue to follow Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who pleaded not guilty Thursday to a related charge of witness tampering.

Small was charged in November with allegedly asking his daughter to lie about a head injury.

The charge is in addition to previous charges of child endangerment, assault, and terroristic threats. His wife, LaQuetta Small, who is superintendent of Atlantic City public schools, is also charged in connection with child endangerment.

Marty Small was in court Thursday for an arraignment on the witness tampering charge, and both Smalls were there for a status hearing on the original charges.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. waits for his arraignment hearing to begin in the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing, N.J. on Thursday, October 10, 2024.Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Prosecutors said Small allegedly asked his daughter to do him a favor and twist up the story she had previously told police about alleged abuse allegations she made against him, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Both Marty and LaQuetta Small appeared in court Thursday for a status hearing on the original charges. The next court date was set for Feb. 24. They have previously pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Both declined to comment on questions of whether they should stay in their powerful jobs. Marty Smalls attorney handed reporters a statement saying Small was completely innocent of the witness tampering charge.

A father who explains to his child the value of being truthful is only guilty of good parenting, not witness tampering, the statement said.

On Thursday, assistant Atlantic County prosecutor Elizabeth Fischer told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury that video surveillance from the courthouse would be part of the discovery in the witness tampering case.

The original child abuse charges stem from multiple occasions in December 2023 and January 2024 when the defendants physically and emotionally abused their 15/16-year-old daughter, according to prosecutors.

Both Marty and LaQuetta Small were charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Marty Small is also charged with charged with third-degree terroristic threats and third-degree aggravated assault.

In one incident, prosecutors allege Marty Small hit his daughter in the head with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness. Another incident involved him punching his daughter repeatedly in her legs, leaving her bruised, prosecutors said. In another, they said, Small argued with his daughter, then grabbed her head and threw her to the ground, while threatening to throw her down the stairs.

Small has denied the charges and said the incident was a result of normal parenting struggles and was a family matter that turned political. He has said the family has continued to work through their issues. Unlike the last court appearance, their two children, who are both minors, were not present in the courthouse on Thursday.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, La'Quetta Small, stand with her attorney Michael Schreiber, center, during their arraignment hearing in the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing, N.J. on Thursday, October 10, 2024.Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Prosecutors allege that LaQuetta Small once punched her daughter multiple times in the chest, leaving her bruised. She is also accused of dragging her daughter by her hair and striking her with a belt in one incident, and punching her daughter in the mouth during an argument in another.

The principal of Atlantic City High School, Constance Days-Chapman, a family friend, has also been indicted related to her failure to report the child abuse to state authorities after Smalls' daughter told her about the alleged incidents in school, prosecutors said. The allegations came to light after a nonschool entity called a hotline, prosecutors have said.

Gov. Phil Murphy, whose administration has control over city operations under a takeover agreement, has said Small should consider whether the charges interfere with his ability to do his job as mayor.

Asked about Murphys comments after the court hearing, Small said the governor hadnt suggested he should consider resigning.

 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit www.inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | January 17, 2025

The number of guns at airports throughout Pennsylvania fell last year. Iconic Pennsylvania companies already stopped using that federally-banned dye. Couples are getting married later in life. Finally, some guy tried stealing 25 Terrible Towels from a Giant Eagle.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Authors: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to take effect on Jan. 19, 2025, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Even as Israels cabinet delayed until Jan. 17 its vote to ratify the complex deal, Blinken said he is very confident this is moving forward.

The U.S., Qatar and Egypt helped broker the deal, which followed negotiations that had many starts and stops in 2024. Representatives of the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump worked together to advance the agreement, and both leaders took credit for the expected return of an estimated 100 Israeli hostages  both living and dead  and a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation, spoke with Gregory F. Treverton, who served as the chairperson of the U.S. National Intelligence Council during the Obama administration, to better understand what the United States role in this agreement says about American influence in the Middle East.

President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, delivers remarks on the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 15, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesAnna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Q, What is unusual, if anything, about the role of the US in this deal?

A, So far, the U.S. has not had very much influence in attempts to end the conflict. One reason is that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears allergic to taking advice from the U.S. What is striking now is that some combination of Donald Trump coming to power and Joe Biden leaving office has made a difference  and possibly made Netanyahu more willing to take political risks with his governing coalition and to sign on to the deal.

It is more or less the same kind of deal that the U.S. presented in May 2024. So, it is hard to know whether Trump moved the dial by his past threats to punish Hamas and by pressuring Netanyahu, or whether Hamas felt like it has been weakened and lacks outside support from weakened allies like Iran. Or a combination of these factors.

We also know that there are some last-minute hiccups with the deal, so it isnt over yet. But there is real progress and hope, and that reflects a lot of the Biden administrations hard work over the past 15 months.

The proposed deal has three phases that will last more than four months. Because it starts doesnt mean it will get to the end. And the agreed end is very, very vague, with a revamped Palestinian Authority taking over Gaza  something Netanyahu has said he doesnt want.

The deal has been brokered largely by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. There is not a serious international monitor of the deal beyond the political pressure of these countries.

People walk past rubble and destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, on Jan. 15, 2025. Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty ImagesBashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images

Q, What do you make of Trumps and Bidens teams working together on this?

A, It is not unprecedented. Typically, during ordinary transitions between administrations, there is a lot of cooperation and working together.

What is unusual is that you would perhaps not have expected this kind of collaboration, given the hostility between Trump and Biden and their teams. Biden has said that his administration and the Trump team have been speaking as one team. In that sense, it is a bright spot in U.S. politics as of late and returns to a more normal pattern in U.S. foreign policy where there has been cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations.

It is unusual that Steve Witkoff, Trumps designated Middle East special envoy, went on his own to meet with Netanyahu in Januaryand reportedly influenced Netanyahus decision to accept a deal that he previously rejected. Many special envoys require confirmation by the Senate, though they can hold the post temporarily without it. They also need security clearances, so that limits some of the things they can do.

Q, What else is notable about the US role in the deal?

A, It is striking that for all his efforts, Biden seemed to have so little influence on Netanyahu. This has been very difficult for Biden politically. He wanted to get a ceasefire deal done, but he also wanted to stop the suffering in Gaza and didnt want to look like he was giving Israel a blank check to do whatever it wanted.

In the process, the U.S. has been labeled as partially responsible for the tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, which some people would call a genocide. This has done a lot of damage to the United States global reputation, and that will take some time to repair.

Trump is entirely unpredictable. He may continue to pressure Netanyahu or he may decide that Netanyahu can do whatever he wants.

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Khan Yunis on Jan. 15, 2025. Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty ImagesAbed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

Q, What does this deal tell us about the standing of the US in the Middle East?

A, In some ways, I think it shows the United States diminished influence on the Middle East. On the other hand, the geopolitics of other regional conflicts and political changes, like the fall of the Assad government in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah and Iran over the past year or so, have given certain opportunities to Israel, and therefore the U.S. This includes continuing the Abraham Accords, an agreement the Trump administration helped negotiate in 2020 to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The Saudis have been clear that they wont make an agreement with Israel if there is not a state or something else designated for the Palestinians. It may turn out that this current deal, if implemented, offers enough for the Palestinians for the Saudis to also make an agreement with Israel.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/israel-hamas-deal-shows-limits-of-us-influence-and-the-unpredictable-impact-of-trump-247638.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Russia on an official visit, Trend reports.

Within the framework of the visit, talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin are envisaged.

Moreover, it is expected that the sides will sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty and ink several agreements covering key areas of economic cooperation.
I like the idea of making America great again but I dont think kicking sand in the face of countries like Canada, Denmark and Panama will do the trick. Id much rather we figure out how to minimize the consequences of Russias return to greatness under Vladimir Putin and Chinas efforts to restore its historical position as the worlds economic power house.

We will probably never again see that brief moment after World War II when we were the only nation to possess an atomic bomb and the means to deliver it any place in the world. While we are working to avoid nuclear confrontations we we can work to raise the standard of living and economic security of all Americans. I hope we can at least match those countries ahead of us when it comes to making all votes cast as equal as possible in all elections and providing help to those who need it without cutting too much into the handsome taxation exemptions usually enjoyed by our top 5%.

A lot of nations have experienced relatively long periods of greatness and some even a return to greatness. Lets find a way of improving the lives of all Americans while we are at it. Maybe even a program to provide health insurance to all Americans similar to that of a congressman.

I know President Donald Trump has said he has vey good people working on health care. Im sure former President Barack Obama would be happy to be upstaged.

Frank Suran, Camp Hill, Pa.
By Ximena Conde, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Sylvester Stallone, best known for his Philly-based Rocky franchise, is slated to save Hollywood from foreign countries taking away movie business and usher in a new Golden Age of Hollywood. Jon Voight and Mel Gibson are expected to take part in this endeavor, too.

No, this is not the plot of a new Expendables flick. Its the latest job announcement made by incoming President Donald Trump.

In a post Thursday on Truth Social, Trump said Stallone, Voight, and Gibson were going to be special ambassadors to Tinseltown tasked with bringing business lost over the last four years BACK, BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!

Just how much business foreign countries are taking away from the United States was unclear, as was how the Hollywood envoys would go about taking such business back  the appointment announcement offered few details.

Still, its no secret the United Kingdom and other European countries like Greece, Bulgaria, and Estonia are vying to become filming destinations for American productions. These countries offer production tax incentives and rebates as high as 40% with the hope tourists will visit and snap a selfie where the last James Bond action sequence was filmed. The efforts have been working to a certain extent, with the U.K. catching up to Los Angeles in studio space, according to a 2022 Deadline report.

But that is far from Hollywoods only problem.

Lesser-known actors, writers, and crews working behind the scenes have had an especially difficult couple of years, between pandemic shutdowns and high-profile strikes that froze productions. The actors strike lasted 118 days and the writers strike lasted 148 days. The wildfires devastating parts of California are the latest blow to the industry. According to the Hollywood Reporter, several productions shooting in the area temporarily paused filming due to the fires and evacuation orders. Just how many people in the industry were affected is not yet known.

In his announcement, Trump did not make mention of these other issues affecting the industry.

All three of the presidents appointees have been longtime supporters of his and no strangers to controversy.

Stallone, who called Trump a second George Washington at a Mar-a-Lago event in November, was accused of creating a toxic environment on the set of the series Tulsa King. Voight made headlines last year when he accused his daughter Angelina Jolie of being influenced by antisemitic people over her calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Gibson gave an infamous antisemitic rant during a DUI stop in 2006, followed by a 2010 incident where he made racist remarks to his girlfriend at the time. He has also been accused of making homophobic remarks.

These three talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest, said Trump in his post. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!

2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Target is offering up to 40% off select activewear and sneakers - but youll need to hurry because the sale ends January 18. Were talking the best deals on viral yoga leggings (the ones that look like that other brand), hoodies and even sneakers.

No need to go over budget to update your workout OOTD going into the new year. You can still update your athleisure look for a fraction of the cost - if you shop this sale, which extends across the retailers top activewear categories.

Target made it simple for us by breaking down the categories. Shop flared leggings or loose-fitting tees to stay cool at the gym, all for 30% off. This includes savings for the entire family. Check out our top picks below:

Activewear for Women

Activewear for Men

Activewear for Kids

Dont forget the shoes

Are you in need of new sneakers? Not to worry. Target has marked down all of their Ryka shoes 40% and sneakers are 30% off. But youll need to add to cart quickly because the sale ends Saturday, January 18. These best-selling Reebok Lite 4 Shoes are regularly priced at $60, but Target shoppers can get them for just $27 through Saturday.

Ashley Dill covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce. She can be reached at adill@pennlive.com.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The meeting of Iranian and Russian presidents may discuss the latest processes related to the Iranian nuclear program, the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, relations between Iran and Russia are multilateral and the nuclear program is one of such issues.

Baghaei noted that Iran, as a member of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, is trying to mitigate the negative effects of sanctions imposed by Western countries with the help of these two organizations.

The US imposed new sanctions on Iran in November 2018 over Iran's nuclear program. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals.

The first round of the dialog between the deputy foreign ministers of Iran and three European countries (UK, France, and Germany) was held in Geneva on November 29, 2024. The next round of this dialog was continued on January 13-14 in Geneva. The Geneva Talks discuss regional and international issues, bilateral issues as well as nuclear issues with the three European countries (UK, Franc,e, and Germany).

On January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The number of steps taken by the Central Bank of Iran has led to the development of banking and financial relations between Iran and Russia, former chairman of Iran's Trade Development Organization Alireza Peymanpak told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, last year, due to the efforts of the Iranian Central Bank, accounts were opened in Russian banks VTB and Sberbank for Iranian commercial banks, and a letter of credit was opened between Iran and some Russian banks. This has contributed to the development of banking and financial relations between Iran and Russia.

Peymanpak noted that Iranian businessmen can now easily conduct trade operations with Russia.

''The created opportunities have made it easier for Iranian exporters to return the funds received from exporting products from Russia back to the country. Also, these funds are used to provide necessary products from Russia.

Naturally, soon, the strengthening of financial and banking relations will lead to a significant increase in trade between the two countries, '' he added.

As to trade turnover between the two nations, it amounted to 3.5 million tons worth $1.9 billion during nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 through December 2024). Iran exported 1.95 million tons of products worth $803 million to Russia and imported 1.49 million tons of products worth $1.1 billion from Russia during the nine months.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation visited Russia today (January 17). During the visit, a document on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries will be signed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. The cooperation between Iran and Russia can neutralize sanctions and adventures of Western countries, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishutsin on January 17, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran has a serious intention to develop relations with Russia.

He noted that relations between Iran and Russia have different directions, and the two countries are interested in developing cooperation in all directions.

A meeting between the Caspian littoral states is planned. It is expected that discussions on the development of relations will continue during this meeting and on its margins, he added.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishutin also stated at the meeting that the construction of the Rasht-Astara railroad should be accelerated. It is expected that the various stages of work related to this project will be carried out in due time.

Mishutin asserted that Russia is ready to export gas to Iran. Negotiations have been held with Iran's oil minister in this direction.

To note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation visited Russia today (January 17). During the visit, a document on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries will be signed.
Irish Poker Tour Heads to Charleville for the 2025 Munster Poker Festival

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

The Charleville Park Hotel in County Cork is where the poker action is at from January 24-26 because the Irish Poker Tour is in town for the weekend. The hotel hosts the 2025 edition of the Munster Poker Festival, which features a 200 buy-in Main Event with a 70,000 guaranteed prize pool.

The inaugural Munster Poker Festival ran in June 2022 at The Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown. Back then, the Irish Poker Tour was still in its infancy, and the festival featured a trio of events: a 150 No-Limit Hold'em tournament, a 250 Munster Poker Cup, and a 100 NLHE side event.

Things have changed since then, and the Irish Poker Tour's growth has been impressive. The 2025 edition of the Munster Poker Festival has combined guarantees of 100,000, including a cool 70,000 guaranteed in the 200 buy-in Munster Poker Cup.

2025 Irish Poker Tour Munster Poker Festival Schedule

Date Time Event Guarantee Fri 24 Jan 1:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Doyles 10K in a Day 10,000 6:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Munster Poker Cup Day 1A 70,000 8:00 p.m. 150 NLHE Friday Night 3K 3,000 Sat 25 Jan 11:00 a.m. 20 NLHE Munster Poker Cup Day 1B 70,000 12:00 p.m. 50 Munster Poker Cup Satellite 4x seats 1:00 p.m. 200 PLO 7-Max 5,000 4:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Munster Poker Cup Day 1C 70,000 8:00 p.m. 150 NLHE 3K Turbo  27 Player Cap 3,000 9:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Munster Poker Cup Day 1D Fast 70,000 Sun 26 Jan 11:00 a.m. 200 NLHE Munster Poker Cup Day 1E Hyper 70,000 12:30 p.m. Munster Poker Cup Final 70,000 2:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Monsterstack 10,000 3:00 p.m. 120 NLHE Final Fling Fast Freezeout 7:00 p.m. 150 PLO 4/5 Card

Doyle's 10K in a Day kicks off the Munster Poker Festival at 1:00 p.m. GMT on January 24, a 200 buy-in tournament that is done and dusted, as the name suggests, in one day. The first of five flights in the 200 Munster Poker Cup starts at 6:00 p.m. GMT on the same day. Three subsequent Day 1s are scheduled for January 25, including a fast-structured Day 1D. Those preferring a hyper-turbo structure should dive into Day 1E at 11:00 a.m. GMT on January 26.

Several side events complement the Munster Poker Cup, including a 150 buy-in, 3,000 guaranteed Friday Night 3K, a 200 seven-handed Pot-Limit Omaha tournament with 5,000 guaranteed, and a 200 NLHE Monsterstack on January 26 that promises 10,000 will be paid.

Irish Poker Tour Announces First Six 2025 Stops Save the dates

Over 400 Munster Poker Cup Entries Required

The Munster Poker Cup requires over 400 entries to reach the 70,000 guarantee. Such a chunky prize pool for an affordable buy-in should attract players to the tournament like flies to steak.

This stop is the third of the New Year for the Irish Poker Tour. It kicked 2025 off in style with the Galway Poker Festival, which saw Mitchell Hynam take down the 700 Galway Main Event for a career-best 83,600.

Limerick was the next destination, with the 30K in a Day series proving popular. The 200 buy-in, 20,000 guaranteed Main Event was the highlight. It saw 272 players create a 44,391 prize pool. A three-handed deal concluded that particular tournament, with Dymatro Nadinyi and Ross O'Donovan collecting 7,300, and Daniel Colbert announced as the champion, a result good for 7,400.

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Is Lock Poker's Former CEO On The Hook For Paying $2.2 Million in Damages?

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Do you remember the online poker room Lock Poker and how it shut down, owing millions of dollars to players through unsettled withdrawal requests?

While the millions of dollars are still missing and unlikely to be returned, court documents suggest that the founder and CEO of Lock Poker finds herself on the hook for over $2.2 million in damages caused as a result of Lock's parent company going bankrupt.

Lock Poker burst onto the online poker scene in 2007 and made an immediate splash in its waters. Back then, most online poker rooms offered their services to U.S.-based players despite the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

Lock Poker was a popular haunt for American grinders, and business seemed to be booming. However, the site folded nine years later, with players owed a combined sum thought to be up to $15 million.

Big Name Pros Join Lock Poker's Roster

"The Grinder" briefly served as a Lock Poker pro.

Two years after launching, Lock Poker's owner and CEO Jennifer Larsen sanctioned the signing of several high-profile, prominent poker pros to the site's roster. Eric "Rizen" Lynch came on board and was made Vice President of Product Development and then poker room manager. Others who joined the company in various roles included Mike Leah, Matt Stout, Kyle Bowker, and Lee Childs.

Online legend Chris Moorman, Paul Volpe, Annette Obrestad, and Michael Mizrachi would be part of the Lock Poker team over the years. Everything seemed rosy, but something was seriously wrong behind the scenes.

Cashout Concerns Begin Surfacing

Concerns about the site began surfacing in 2010, with Lock Poker appearing on Casinomeister's rogue list for slow payments. Then came poker's Black Friday to throw another spanner in the works. On April 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seized several online poker rooms' websites and charged their executives with money laundering, illegal gambling, and wire fraud.

Unsurprisingly, banks and payment processors distanced themselves from online poker rooms, making it incredibly challenging for those sites to accept deposits and process withdrawals.

Despite those struggles, Lock Poker gave the impression that they could weather the storm. Better yet, they announced they were leaving the Merge Network and purchasing the now-defunct Cake Network to become standalone operators. However, something was rotten in the state of Denmark.

The Start of Lock Poker's Demise

Player traffic dwindled on the new network, resulting in a lack of new deposits and, therefore, rake and tournament fees, but extravagant spending by the company's management continued, according to Lock Poker's former Director of Social Media and Affiliate Marketing, Shane Bridges.

Bridges spoke to Pokerfuse in February 2015, shortly before the site went dark, and claimed Larsen and her management team were buying "$500 bottles of wine with every single meal, Vintage Dom any time champagne was drunk, and insane overtipping." Bridges added the Lock Poker executives took first-class flights everywhere and stayed in "insane five-star boutique hotels."

In May 2013, matters seemed to come to a head. Some Two Plus Two forum posters claimed they hadnt received withdrawals requested the previous year, with U.S. players waiting five months or more for funds to arrive. The cashout issues created a black market where players bought funds tied up on Lock Poker. However, the site soon put a stop to that happening.

Lock canceled withdrawal requests that had been lingering for months and contacted affected players with an email reading:

"Please note that player transfers and winnings derived from player transfers are not eligible for payouts. If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us."

The shocking development understandably caused outrage among Lock's customers. Several Lock Poker Elite Pro members, including Chris Moorman and Paul Volpe, parted ways with the beleaguered online poker room. At the time, Volpe told PokerNews, "I don't want to bash Lock, but if people aren't getting paid, then I don't want to be either."

Lock was now in freefall. Online searches for Lock and withdrawals returned thousands of results from angry customers. Respected pros distancing themselves from the site didn't help, and traffic dwindled to between 10 and 20 players. The site hadn't paid anyone for a year; the writing was on the wall.

In April 2015, Lock Poker closed its doors and turned off the lights without a written warning or explanation. Players began reporting that the site was unavailable. The website remained active for a while, but player accounts were inaccessible. Lock Poker, which had accepted deposits right up to folding, had ridden off into the sunset with approximately $15 million owed to scammed players.

Shadey Dealings Behind the Scenes

The executives behind Lock Poker apparently went to great lengths to create confusion and distance themselves from any legal action.

A Curacao-based trust company, Carmanco, established the gambling company Cipaco, which operated Lock Poker and its casino. Claims against Cipaco piled up, so everything was transferred to Stacktrace NV in 2013.

Carmanco established Stacktrace NV in 2012 and began operating Lock Poker in 2013 using the master license of Cyberluck, another company that Carmanco established. Players did not have to create new accounts, leading to later claims that the takeover only created uncertainty about the responsibility for the claims.

Carmanco was a director of Stacktrace from its inception until February 2015, when it formally withdrew its directorship. Three months later, a month after Lock Poker went dark, Stacktrace was declared bankrupt.

Court Rulings and Implications

In 2018, a court ruling found Carmanco and Cyberluck were jointly liable for damages due to mismanagement and negligence. Both were ordered to pay an initial advance of 100,000 guilders ($55,500), which Cyberluck complied with.

The Court of Justice reaffirmed this decision in 2020. By February 2022, the bankruptcy trustee recognized creditors' claims totaling over $1 million. Additionally, the court approved costs associated with the bankruptcy process amounting to 187,000 guilders ($103,600), and ongoing costs of approximately 75,000 guilders ($41,400).

The Curacao court ordered Carmanco to pay more than $1.2 million in damages while holding Cyberluck liable for $1 million. Cyberluck declared bankruptcy in October 2024. However, because the judgment had already been requested before that date, Cyberluck is still on the hook for $1 million.

The Plot Thickens: Unnamed Canadian Women Liable For $2.2 Million

Both Carmanco and Cyberluck felt that someone else should pay the cost, a Canadian woman who was the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) of Carmanco. It so happens that Jennifer Larsen, founder and CEO of Lock Poker, is Canadian.

According to anonymized court documents published on the Dutch site Casinonieuws.nl, the UBO applied for bank accounts for Lock Poker's Stacktrace in 2014 and was the only person authorized to dispose of those accounts. Lock Poker's player deposits found their way to another company's bank account. The same unnamed Canadian woman applied for those bank accounts.

The unnamed Canadian woman did not appear in court and was ordered to pay the costs that Cyberluck and Carmanco were convicted of in her absence.

While it seems unlikely at best that Lock Poker's former customers will ever see a cent of their missing funds, they may take some solace in the fact that the person who masterminded what was essentially a scam faces paying over $2.2 million in damages.

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Day 2 of the $2,200 Warm Up at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series concluded with 38 players remaining from the 501-strong field that turned up to play at the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino.

After battling through fourteen 40-minute levels, it was bracelet winner Georgios Skarparis of Cyprus who ended the day atop the chip counts with a whopping stack of 3,400,000. Trailing closely behind him in second place, and the only other player to surpass the three-million chip mark, is Mario Fata, who brings 3,135,000 into the event's penultimate day. Rounding out the top three is Italy's Gaspare Sposato, who bagged a healthy 2,555,000 to position himself well for a deep run.

Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Georgios Skarparis Cyprus 3,400,000 68 2 Mario Fata France 3,135,000 63 3 Gaspare Sposato Italy 2,555,000 51 4 Danielle Noja Lebanon 2,190,000 44 5 Xin Yuan China 2,160,000 43 6 Andrei Roscan Romania 2,095,000 42 7 Albert Sapiano United Kingdom 2,000,000 40 8 Dan Borlan Romania 1,905,000 38 9 Ali Zebarjad Iran 1,860,000 37 10 Konstantin Kvashin Russia 1,860,000 37

Day 2's Action

All eyes were on Luke Marsh once cards went in the air. Marsh began the day as the chip leader with just shy of one million chips and looked poised for a deep run after maintaining a steady stack throughout much of the day. However, Marsh was ultimately unable to capitalize on his early momentum and fell short of making the money.

Luke Marsh

When late registration closed at the end of Level 15, the payouts for the series' first major event were finalized. A total of 63 players would make it into the money, with the minimum cash set at $3,415, and the eventual winner set to take home a staggering $180,200.

The eliminations came quickly as the day progressed, with several notable players failing to reach the money. Among those who fell short were Andrey Pateychuk, three-time bracelet winner Timur Margolin, Aleksandr Shevliakov, Tobias Peters, Aliaksei Boika, and Paul Runcan.

Sergei Varnaev

Once hand-for-hand play began during the penultimate level, it took only three hands for the bubble to burst. Unfortunately for Sergei Varnaev, he earned the unenviable title of bubble boy after being forced all in from the big blind. Varnaev found himself in a race with sailboats against Sofia Merkulova's queen-six. A queen in the window sealed Varnaev's fate, and with his elimination, the remaining 63 players secured their spot in the money.

The eliminations continued at a rapid pace, with several players falling short of Day 3 after reaching the money. Among them were Stanislaw Grodek (58th - $3,415), Imad Saab (57th - $3,415), Traian Stanciu (51st - $4,055), Soraya Estrada (49th - $4,055), Edward Quinn (48th - $4,055), and Candido Cappiello (47th - $4,055). Cappiello's elimination came after his pocket queens were bested by the pocket kings of Mario Fata, the current second in chips.

Alisa Sibgatova

Some notables to advance to Day 3 include Danielle Noja (2,190,000), Dan Borlan (1,905,000), and Kianoosh Matin (1,810,000) after Paul Runcan made an audacious river bluff into Matin's two pair. Esper Sadek (1,525,000) rivered a miracle straight to crack Sachin Joshi's queens earlier in the day. Bracelet winners Darius Neagoe (1,420,000) and Boris Kolev (965,000) made it through in the middle of the pack. Nestled toward the bottom of the pack with the most work to do tomorrow are Joshi (410,000), Merkulova (340,000), and the current tournament short stack Alisa Sibgatova (110,000).

Day 3 begins January 17th, at 12:00 p.m. local time. The blinds will remain 40 minutes in duration, and players will return to blinds of 25,000/50,000 with a big blind ante of 50,000. The goal for tomorrow is to play down until the final table of nine is set.

Remaining Schedule

Date Day Time Blind Levels January 17 Day 3 12:00 p.m. 40 minutes January 18 Day 4 12:00 p.m. 40 minutes

As always, stay tuned to PokerNews for all the updates as we follow this event to its conclusion. A winner will be crowned on Saturday, January 18.
After seven intense levels of play in the $2,200 Warm Up, the field of 38 players was whittled down to the final nine inside the majestic Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, setting the stage for the first major final table of the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series.

Day 2 chip leader Georgios Skarparis successfully defended his position at the summit, riding high to finish at the peak of the chip counts once again with 8,425,000 chips. Much of his stack came from a pivotal clash against Aliaksandr Hirs during the penultimate level of the day, solidifying his spot as the player to beat heading into the final day of play.

Final Table Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Georgios Skarparis Cyprus 8,425,000 42 2 Philipp Wood Germany 8,000,000 40 3 Zhen Chen China 7,625,000 38 4 Konstantin Kvashin Russia 6,275,000 31 5 Danielle Noja Australia 5,975,000 30 6 Aliaksandr Hirs Belarus 3,675,000 18 7 Ali Zebarjad Australia 3,625,000 18 8 Grigorii Rodin Russia 3,475,000 17 9 Mario Fata France 3,025,000 15

Philipp Wood sits close behind in second with an even 8,000,000 chips, and it was the German player who ended the night in style, eliminating Haghgou Seyedahmad in the final hand of the day. A familiar face rounds out the top three, as Zhen Chen bagged 7,625,000. Chen, fresh off his High Roller victory at the Gatsby Gala just months ago, will be aiming to add another prestigious trophy to his collection.

Philipp Wood

Other notable stacks include Konstantin Kvashin, who boosted his count with a crucial late double-up holding pocket kings, and Danielle Noja, who sits fifth in chips. Completing the final table lineup are Hirs, Ali Zebarjad, Grigorii Rodin, and Mario Fata.

Day 3 Action

The day began with a bang as ten players were sent to the sidelines during the opening level of play. Philip Joyce, Damir Zhugralin, and Darius Neagoe were among the early casualties, heading for an early shower as the action heated up.

Skarparis found himself in a pivotal flip with pocket jacks against the ace-queen of Xin Yuan. An ace on the flop seemed to spell disaster for Skarparis, but a dramatic jack on the river turned the tables, earning him a crucial pot. From there, the Cypriot rode the momentum and never looked back.

Alisa Sibgatova

The tournaments two remaining ladies, Sofia Merkulova and Alisa Sibgatova, saw their runs come to an end within seconds of each other, finishing in 24th and 23rd places, respectively.

Meanwhile, notable contenders like Boris Kolev, Dan Borlan, and Nikolay Ponomarev battled valiantly but ultimately fell short of reaching the final table.

Remaining Payouts

Place Prize 1 $180,200 2 $121,100 3 $86,040 4 $60,070 5 $45,050 6 $36,140 7 $30,035 8 $24,025 9 $18,020

Each finalist is guaranteed a payday of $18,020, but all eyes are fixed firmly on the top prize of $180,200 and the coveted title.

The final table begins tomorrow at 12 p.m., resuming at the halfway point of Level 31 with blinds at 100,000/200,000 and a 200,000 big blind ante. The average stack is just shy of 5,600,000, equating to 28 big blinds  leaving plenty of room for calculated risks and bold moves.

Stay tuned to PokerNews as the remaining nine contenders saddle up for the final ride, each hoping to carve their name into the record books and claim the trophy in this thrilling Western Series showdown!
The 2025 Merit Poker Western Series has ridden back into town at the luxurious Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, bringing with it one of its marquee events, the $5,300 High Roller. Set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time, this high-stakes showdown boasts a guaranteed prizepool of $500,000 and promises to deliver thrills worthy of the Wild West.

This years High Roller follows a similar structure to the 2024 edition, where Maksim Shornikau emerged as the last cowboy standing. The Belarusian bested a field of 153 players, pocketing $177,500 after a heads-up duel with Shuang Luo of China. With a posse of breakout stars and seasoned sharpshooters expected to saddle up this year, this looks to be another unforgettable event.

2024 Western Series $5,300 High Roller Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Maksim Shornikau Belarus $177,500 2 Shuang Luo China $125,100 3 Aleksandar Tot Montenegro $81,500 4 Aleksandr Kirichenko Russia $58,500 5 Anatoly Nikitin Russia $43,800 6 Bogdan Munteanu Romania $35,100 7 Tarmo Tammel Estonia $29,200 8 Guoliang Wei China $23,400 9 Maher Achour Tunisia $17,500

Players kicking off Day 1 of this four-day rodeo will start with a stack of 100,000 chips and play through eight 40-minute blind levels. The blinds will begin at 200/400 with a big blind ante of 400. Late registration and unlimited reentries will remain open until the end of Level 12 on Day 2.

With many of the region's top poker gunslingers already spotted in the Warm Up field and a treasure chest of $500,000 up for grabs, this High Roller promises to be a showdown for the ages.

$5,300 High Roller Schedule

Date Day Time Blind Levels January 17 Day 1 8 p.m. 40 minutes January 18 Day 2 8 p.m. 40 minutes January 19 Day 3 4 p.m. 40 minutes January 20 Day 4 1 p.m. 40 minutes

Stay tuned to PokerNews for comprehensive live coverage of this event, from the first deal to the crowning of the champion on Monday, January 20.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. Bank operations between Iran and Russia have been activated, Head of Iran's Central Bank, Mohammad Reza Farzin, told reporters, Trend reports.

Farzin mentioned that the Russian "Mir" and Iran's "Shetab" card networks have joined forces, and a currency agreement between the two nations is now in effect.

According to Farzin, bank cooperation between the two countries will be conducted using their national currencies (ruble and rial) based on the agreement.

The Iranian official noted that the joint action plan between the central banks of Iran and Russia includes three key points: the use of national currencies in bilateral trade, the use of local SEPAM and SPFS banking message systems, and connecting to both countries' payment card systems.

To note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation visited Russia on January 17. The signing of a document regarding the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations took place during the visit.

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Photo: Press service of the President of Iran

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement has been signed between Iran and Russia, Trend reports.

The agreement was signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An introduction and forty-seven clauses make up the agreement. After talks for three years, the two countries finally reached this agreement. The next step is for the two countries' legislatures to ratify the deal.

In addition to trade and economic cooperation, the agreement covers areas such as innovative technologies, peaceful nuclear energy, information and cybersecurity, counter-terrorism efforts, cooperation in the Caspian Sea, and environmental matters, among others.

The term of the agreement spans 25 years and serves as a substitute for the prior 20-year agreement.

To note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation visited Russia on January 17. The signing of a document regarding the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations took place during the visit.

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Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled two transformative digital solutionsthe Document Flow (DocFlow) System and the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) Naira Payment Solution.

According to a statement by the bank, the launch was held at the CBNs headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

It said the launch is part of the banks ongoing Digital First transformation initiative introduced by the governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, in December 2023.

Mr Cardoso described the DocFlow System as a groundbreaking tool designed to digitise document management, reduce paper consumption, and streamline approval processes within the bank.

He explained that the MDAs Naira Payment Solution automates cash withdrawal processes for MDAs, ensuring efficiency in financial transactions while strengthening client support mechanisms.

According to the statement, Mr Cardoso described the DocFlow system as a groundbreaking solution designed to revolutionise the banks document management processes by digitising documentation, minimising paper usage, and streamlining the approval processes.

He emphasised the significance of the MDA Naira Payment Solution, which automates the cash withdrawal process for MDAs, enhancing efficiency in financial transactions and strengthening client support.

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He also pledged his commitment to all the banks initiatives, which aim to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and foster sustainability through technological advancements. He expressed delight that the two solutions were fully developed in-house, thus saving many costs.

The Deputy Governor of Operations, Emem Usoro, emphasised the significance of these innovations in driving operational excellence. She noted that the MDA Naira Payment Solution would significantly improve service delivery to government agencies, reduce errors and irregularities, and strengthen safeguards against fraud.

The Acting Director of the Information Technology Department and project lead, Jide-Samuel, disclosed that the MDAs Naira Payment Solution had been successfully tested with select agencies.

She highlighted its alignment with the banks enterprise objective of achieving Excellence in Central Banking Operations and projected that the solution would improve payment turnaround times by 70%.

The MDAs Naira Payment Solution is considered a game-changer in the CBNs financial transaction management. The statement said it is projected to cause a 70% improvement in payment turnaround time and further improve Nigerias financial ecosystem, the statement said.

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Former FBN Holdings Chairman Oba Otudeko, in the middle of a N12.3 billion advanced fee fraud suit alongside three others, has flown to London ahead of his arraignment planned for Monday.

A source familiar with his itinerary told PREMIUM TIMES Friday that he flew out of Lagos on Thursday on a British Airways flight to London.

Insiders close to the heart of the matter at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecutor, said they were not aware of the development.

The arraignment would proceed as scheduled on Monday with the three others, but they added that if Mr Otudeko fails to show up in court, the commission would seek a bench warrant for his arrest.

The anti-corruption agency opened a can of worms on Thursday after filing various charges against him, including falsification, diversion of loan proceeds and fraud.

Bisi Onasanya, who was the CEO of FBN Holdings during part of the time when Mr Otudeko was chairman, and Soji Akintayo, a former director of Honeywell Flour Group and Anchorage Leisure Limited, are co-defendants in the case.

Mr Otudeko holds the controlling stake in Honeywell Flour Mills, listed in Lagos.

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Background

One of the revelations from the filing of the charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos on Thursday was the allegation that the four procured Honeywell Flour Mills to retain the sum of N1.5 billion from proceeds of alleged unlawful activities in December 2013.

Both Mr Otudeko and Mr Onasanya were said to have procured one Abiodun Olatunji and Raymond Eze to move N6.2 billion from proceeds of unlawful activities to an account of Stallion Nigeria domiciled with First BANK.

The duo also were alleged to procure Mr Olatunji and Eze to transfer N2.1 billion from an account of Stallion Nigeria Limited with First Bank to Emmerado Logistics Limiteds account with First City Monument Bank.

Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Limited on or about the third day of September 2013 in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court made a forged document titled AUTHORISATION TO ISSUE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATE TO FIRST BANK, the prosecution stated.

According to the EFCC, the four defendants intended that First Bank may use the certificate under the impression that the document was genuine and came from V-Tech Links Dynamic Limited.

In 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria ousted Mr Otudeko from the financial services groups chairmanship for allegedly violating the institutions corporate governance principles.

The regulator cited his role in the removal of Adesola Adeduntan, the then-CEO of the institution.

The far-reaching shake-up also led to the dismissal of the entire board of First Bank, the commercial banking subsidiary of the group.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 17. A range of regional matters, including the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, were discussed today between Iran and Russia, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, Trend reports.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Pezeshkian noted that the development of regional cooperation was a key focus, especially considering their shared membership in significant organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS. Active participation in these organizations was emphasized by both parties.

Pezeshkian further noted that, given the current regional situation, enhancing cooperation on security issues such as combating radicalism, terrorism, and organized violence was a central point of the discussions.

To note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation visited Russia on January 17. The signing of a document regarding the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations took place during the visit. Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement consisting of 47 clauses.

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The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed N1.424 trillion to the federal government, states, and local government councils as federation allocation for December 2024.

This was disclosed in a communique issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, following the FAAC meeting held on Friday in Abuja.

At the meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, it was disclosed that the allocation was derived from a gross revenue of N2.310 trillion.

Out of the total distributable amount, the federal government received N451.193 billion, while the states and local councils were allocated N498.498 billion and N361.754 billion, respectively.

Oil-producing states received N113.477 billion as derivation revenue, representing 13 per cent of mineral revenue. Additionally, N84.780 billion was set aside for the cost of collection, and N801.175 billion was allocated for transfers, interventions, and refunds.

Statutory revenue for the month stood at N1.226 trillion, a decrease of N6.988 billion compared to the preceding months N1.827 trillion.

From this amount, N57.498 billion was deducted for the cost of collection, while N782.468 billion was designated for transfers, interventions, and refunds.

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The remaining N386.124 billion was shared among the tiers of government, with the federal government receiving N167.690 billion, the states N85.055 billion, the local councils N65.574 billion, and oil-producing states N67.806 billion in derivation.

Revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) amounted to N649.561 billion, reflecting an increase of N20.588 billion compared to the N628.973 billion recorded in November.

After deductions of N25.982 billion for the cost of collection and N18.707 billion for transfers, interventions, and refunds, the distributable VAT balance stood at N604.872 billion.

From this, the federal government received N90.731 billion, while the states and local councils received N302.436 billion and N211.705 billion, respectively.

The committee also reported that revenue from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) for December amounted to N31.211 billion.

Of this, N1.300 billion was allocated for the cost of collection, leaving N29.911 billion to be shared among the three tiers of government.

The federal government received N4.682 billion, the states N15.605 billion, and the local councils N10.924 billion.

Also, N402.714 billion from exchange difference revenue was distributed, with the federal government allocated N188.090 billion, the states N95.402 billion, the local councils N73.551 billion, and the oil-producing states N45.671 billion as derivation revenue.

The communique noted significant increases in revenues from VAT and the Electronic Money Transfer Levy, which offset the considerable declines in revenue from Oil and Gas Royalty, CET Levies, Excise Duty, Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax, and Companies Income Tax.

In total, the distributable revenue for December 2024 comprised N386.124 billion from statutory revenue, N604.872 billion from VAT, N31.211 billion from EMTL, and N402.714 billion from exchange difference.

This cumulative amount of N1.424 trillion underscores both the challenges in statutory revenue and the growing reliance on VAT and EMTL to support public finances.

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The Labour Party leadership says Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has no plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The national spokesperson of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that rumours have been rife over plans by at least five first-term opposition governors to defect to APC, preparatory to the 2027 general elections.

According to media reports, the governors are Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah, Enugu; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers; and Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom.

While Messrs Mbah, Fubara, Eno, and Oborevwori are PDP governors, Mr Otti belongs to the LP, with both parties currently locked in post-2023 election crises.

Mr Ifoh, in the interview, however, said that the purported plan by Governor Otti to dump the LP for the APC was farther from the truth.

It is a mere rumour, and I hope it remains so. For us in the Labour Party, we are in touch with our governor, Dr Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere ahead of 2027.

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We believe that he will stay with us, irrespective of some of the issues which we are working hard to resolve, he said.

The spokesperson, who said that defection from one political party to another was nothing new in any democratic setting, however, said that Mr Otti was not thinking about teaming up with the ruling APC.

The courts have come up several times to make interpretation as regards Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution and many people who had defected at one time or the other had been challenged in court.

So, if five governors are planning to defect, it wont be a new thing, as it had happened in the past, he said.

Mr Ifoh attributed the rumoured defection to the fact that some opposition governors had been having challenges controlling their states.

He insisted that the speculated rumour of the only LP governor had no substance or validity.

We are good in Labour Party, and our governor is with us, and we are hoping that by 2027, we will have more governors in our fold, he said.

NAN recalls that a recent media report indicated that the body language of some governors, particularly from PDP, was tilting toward moving to the ruling APC.

The report further indicated that some governors have either been visiting President Bola Tinubu privately or having him inaugurate projects in their states.

It was also reported that the Progressives Governors Forum Chairperson, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, had been wooing the opposition governors to join the APC.

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United States President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to William Kumuyi, founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, to attend his second inauguration as the 47th president of the country.

Mr Trump, 78, will be inaugurated on 20 January alongside his Vice President, JD Vance.

This follows the conclusion of the tenures of incumbent President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Trump.

The invitation is confirmed on the website of Larry Ross Communications, a U.S.-based public relations firm.

It comes two weeks after renowned Nigerian gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey was invited to minister at Mr Trumps inaugural prayer breakfast.

On 5 January, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Bassey is the only Nigerian and African artist scheduled to perform at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast, a non-political, faith-based event held every four years before the swearing-in of a new administration.

However, the statement published on the Larry Ross Communications website announced Wednesday that the 83-year-old clergyman will share insights on the global Christian shift during the inauguration.

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The statement also highlighted that Pastor Kumuyis presence will underscore the significance of religious freedom and Christian unity at the event.

Part of the statement reads: As global leaders convene in Washington, D.C. for President Donald Trumps second inauguration on Jan. 20, one of the worlds most influential Christian leaders, Rev. William F. Kumuyi, will attend.

Kumuyi, the General Superintendent and Founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) based in Lagos, Nigeria, is pastor of the third-largest church in the world known for his impactful Bible teaching and evangelistic ministry.

Christians globally

Responding to the invitation, the convener of the Global Crusade, Mr Kumuyi (GCK), described Trump as a steadfast advocate for the gospel, recognised not only by American Christians but also by Christians worldwide.

He highlighted that Mr Trump hosted the first-ever meeting of foreign ministers dedicated exclusively to international religious freedom and emphasised his commitment to Christian values during his first-term campaign.

Additionally, the Osun-born cleric noted that Mr Trump had pledged unwavering support for Christian priorities before his eventual departure from office.

During his visit to the United States, Mr Kumuyi is expected to meet with members of Congress, American church leaders, and media representatives.

This moment in history reminds us that faith transcends borders and unites believers worldwide.

As we gather in Washington, D.C., the global church stands together in prayer and purpose, advocating for faith-based dialogue to shape policies that uphold religious liberty and foster the growth of Christianity worldwide, Pastor Kumuyi said.

Godly discussion

The statement highlighted that Pastor Kumuyi will be available for interviews to address topics such as the global shift in Christianity.

READ ALSO: US Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

He will provide insights into findings from the Lausanne Movement, which reveal that the epicentre of Christianity is shifting from the Global North (Europe and North America) to the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America), where growth is occurring both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Global Leadership for 2025: At the recent DCLM Global Leadership Strategy Congress, Kumuyi challenged nearly 20,000 church leaders from 120 countries to embrace 2025 as the Year of Higher Ground.

Faith in Practice

In a recent Op-ed for The Christian Post, Kumuyi called on American Christians to deepen their trust in God for daily concerns, urging, Why is it that we can trust God for eternity but not for today? added the statement.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a $1.5 billion Health Emergency Appeal (HEA) for 2025 to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.

WHOs Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, made the call on Thursday in a statement outlining the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies.

Mr Ghebreyesus said this includes 17 Grade 3 crises, the most severe emergencies that require the highest level of response.

Conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unparalleled global health crisis, with 305 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025, he said.

He explained that with health systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, the $1.5 billion is needed to help people facing the most difficult situations.

Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters, and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional; they are relentless, overlapping, and intensifying, he said.

From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHOs work extends beyond the immediate care we provide.

He stated that the appeal aimed to empower communities to protect themselves, prioritise equity, and build a legacy of preparedness.

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This appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and provide hope where there is none.

WHO is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Sudan.

Mr Ghebreyesus outlined that WHOs response aligned with wider humanitarian efforts, prioritising essential care and medical supplies, and treating malnutrition.

He added that it also include supporting maternal and child health, conducting vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks, and offering mental health support to populations impacted by trauma.

The appeal also highlights four key challenges facing the world: climate change, conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks.

These are responsible for fueling deeper, longer-lasting health crises and putting the worlds most vulnerable at greater risk, he said.

He said the appeal further detailed the priorities and financial needs for each of the Grade 3 emergencies that WHO was responding to.

Mr Ghebreyesus said with the support of donors and partners, WHO aims to fulfil its unique role in health emergencies.

He emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring that no one is left behind, even in the most challenging circumstances.

(NAN)

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Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has undergone a successful eye surgery at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Mr Abayomi took to his Instagram page to share the news on Friday, posting a photo of himself wearing a hospital gown and with his right eye covered after the surgery.

He expressed gratitude to the hospitals team of skilled oculoplastic surgeons.

Thrilled to share that I just had a successful eye surgery at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)! he wrote.

He praised the painless procedure and extended appreciation to Bola Adekoya, a professor, Rosemary Ngwu, a doctor, and other key medical professionals at LASUTH.

This development stands out amid ongoing challenges with medical tourism in Nigeria, which costs the nation billions of naira annually as many citizens, including high-ranking officials, seek medical care abroad.

By opting for LASUTH, Mr Abayomi demonstrated confidence in the capacity of Nigerias healthcare system to deliver advanced medical procedures.

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Medical tourism in Nigeria

In 2024, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) raised concerns about the implications of medical tourism on the economy and healthcare sector.

According to the NMA, an estimated N2 billion is lost annually as Nigerians seek medical care abroad.

NMA President Bala Audu emphasised the urgent need to reverse medical tourism, saying: We want Nigerians to seek medical care within the country, and attract patients from other countries to come to Nigeria for medical care.

Highlighting the financial implications, Central Bank Governor, Oluyemi Cardoso, revealed in February 2024 that Nigerians spent over $40 billion on education and healthcare abroad between 2010 and 2020.

Mr Cardoso identified the high number of Nigerians in foreign schools and reliance on medical tourism as two major factors driving pressure on the naira.

The issue has drawn criticism on government practices in the past. Former President Muhammadu Buharis frequent medical trips abroad highlighted the countrys dependence on foreign healthcare systems.

During his tenure, Mr Buhari spent approximately 232 days on medical leave, far surpassing the 109 days spent abroad by his predecessor, the late Umar YarAdua, during his 32 months in office.

In a bid to address this, President Bola Tinubu introduced measures to curb medical tourism.

In March 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Tinubu ordered a ban on foreign trips by ministers and government officials. The directive allowed exemptions only for trips deemed absolutely necessary.

Lagos efforts

In September 2024, the Lagos State Health Commissioner reaffirmed the states commitment to becoming a top destination for medical tourism in Nigeria and West Africa.

Speaking at the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agencys World Patient Safety Day in Lagos, Mr Abayomi emphasised the governments ongoing efforts to establish a safe and effective healthcare delivery system.

According to Mr Abayomi, the state must address the $1.5 billion Nigerians spend annually on medical treatment abroad, noting that Lagos serves as a healthcare hub, with over 12.5 million people accessing care annually.

Mr Abayomi acknowledged that Lagos faces significant challenges, including bed shortages, which necessitate increased investment in the healthcare sector.

To address these issues, the state plans to expand its annual intake of healthcare professionals from 100 to 1,000 and leverage private sector partnerships to strengthen primary healthcare services.

The private sector will be pivotal in addressing Lagos healthcare needs, Mr Abayomi stated, calling for increased local investment to reduce the reliance on medical tourism.

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A former chair of FBN Holdings Plc, Oba Otudeko, has been sued for advanced fee fraud in the sum of N12.3 billion in an alleged conspiracy that also involved Bisi Onasanya, an ex-CEO of the financial institution, Soji Akintayo, a former director of Honeywell Flour Group, and Anchorage Leisure Limited.

Mr Otudeko owns majority stake in Honeywell Flour Mills, which is listed on the Nigerian Exchange in Lagos.

The lawsuit, which has the Federal Republic of Nigeria as its plaintiff, centres on a 13-count charge against Mr Otudeko, 12 against Mr Onasanya and ten each against Mr Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure, according to court papers seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

According to the details of the suit filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos, the four defendants connived among themselves to secure a N12.3 billion credit facilities from First Bank between 2013 and 2014 under the pretence that V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited applied for the loans.

The four also in November 2013 took N5.2 billion from First bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED which representation you know to be false, the document went further to say.

Mr Otudeko, who has been in a tussle for months with Femi Otedola, the current chair of FBN Holdings over the top ownership position of FBN Holdings, wrote the board of the lender in the first week of January, asking that his rival be removed and he be appointed chairman.

Both men hold the biggest stakes in the group. Mr Otudeko held the chairmanship of FBN Holdings directors board from 2012 until he was dismissed in 2021 by the CBN for breach of corporate governance rules.

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The three men and Anchorage Leisure are also facing the accusation of taking the sum of N6.2 billion, being proceeds of the alleged criminal act, for personal use.

One of the the uncanny accusations that the plaintiff has made is that the four allegedly acquired Honeywell Flour Mills Plc in late 2013 for N1.5 billion with the ill-gotten proceeds of unlawful activities obtained under false pretence.

The sum of N500 million of the controversial loan facilities was also converted for the use of Honeywell Flour Mills, the prosecution argued.

The four of them, the court paper further said, colluded to commit an offence to wit: uttering a forged document  titled Letter of Application with intent that it may be used by the First Bank in the belief that the said document is genuine and emanated from V-Tech Links Dynamic Limited.

They also face the allegation of making false document titled authorisation to issue investment certificate to First Bank with the intent that it may be used by the lender uder the guise that the document is genuine and emanated from V-Tech Links Dynamic Limited.

Both Mr Otudeko and Mr Onasanya were said to procure one Abiodun Olatunji and Raymond Eze to move N6.2 billion from proceeds of unlawful activities to an account of Stallion Nigeria domiciled with First BANK.

The duo also were alleged to procure Mr Olatunji and Eze to transfer N2.1 billion from an account of Stallion Nigeria Limited with First Bank to Emmerado Logistics Limiteds account with First City Monument Bank.

OBA OTUDEKO on or about 3rd day of September, 2013 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst being the Chairman of First bank Plc indirectly had personal interest in a loan facility sought by V Tech Dynamics Links Limited in the sum of N6,150,000,000 (Six Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only), which interest was not declared to the bank, the document added.

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The police in Anambra State have arrested three suspected car thieves in the state.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Enugu-Ukwu, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson said police operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested the suspects after intercepting them in a Lexus 330 SUV without a number plate at a junction in Awka.

He gave the names of the suspects as Ifesinachi Okonwko, 22, Chisom Okafor, 20 and Oderah Ebenezer, 20  all males.

During interrogation by the operatives, the suspects respectively confessed to having stolen the car at Isuaniocha Village, Awka North and are members of the same criminal gang terrorising innocent citizens in Awka, he said.

Invitation

Mr Ikenga said the police operatives subsequently recovered the SUV used by the suspects which was believed to be a stolen vehicle.

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The spokesperson said because of the recovery, the State Police Command has extended an invitation to anyone looking for their vehicle which matches the recovered SUV.

He added that those looking for their missing vehicle should visit his office in Awka with valid proof or evidence of ownership for verification and possible collection.

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The remains of Tobias Okonkwo, a Catholic priest of the Nnewi diocese in Anambra State, killed on 26 December, have been buried amid tears.

After a requiem mass there, he was buried on Thursday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi.

His assailants shot Mr Okonkwo, a pharmacist while leaving the premises of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where he worked as a manager.

In his homily, the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anichebe Ezeobata, said the late Okonkwo, who died in his prime, had created an impressive image for himself.

The vicar general added that the priest had led an impactful pastoral life before his death after being ordained in July 2015.

He explained that the deceased finished his internship as a pharmacist in October 2024 and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, as a manager.

The cleric said that the deceased had barely two months in office before he was killed.

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Dignitaries who attended the burial mass included Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and Stella Okunna, a former commissioner for economic planning and budget in Anambra state.

(NAN)

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On Thursday, Landmark Group, a leading real estate and property development company in Africa, signed a concession to revamp the Enugu State-owned Nike Lake Resort Hotel.

Paul Onwuanibe, the companys managing director and CEO, signed the agreement on behalf of the firm, while the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Adaora Chukwu, signed for the Enugu State Government.

Mr Onwuanibe said the company would inject over N10 billion to revamp the resort.

The CEO expressed delight in being part of Governor Peter Mbahs development vision, stressing that the hotel would soon become a hub for tourism, leisure and hospitality.

He said that the hotels revitalisation would provide job opportunities for the states teeming youth and make Enugu State the South-easts capital of tourism.

He commended Mr Mbah for giving his company the opportunity to manage the hotel.

It is a big opportunity for us to upgrade the Nike Lake Resort Hotel through which Enugu State can become a hub for tourism in the South-east and Nigeria.

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It is our view that we can return Nike Lake Hotel to its past glory by restoring it to world-class tourism for Nigerians, and we intend to invest up to N10 billion in the first phase, he said.

He explained that upgrading the hotel was a joint venture between the Enugu State Government and the Landmark group.

Where the state handed over Nike Lake Hotel Resort to us, Landmark is providing the management and operations.

We believe that the hotel will bring both Nigeria and international visitors to Enugu after the upgrade, he added.

Responding, Governor Mbah assured Mr Onwuanibe of his administrations commitment to providing the needed support to see that the hotel was transformed.

He said his target was to attract over three million people annually from across the globe to the state, adding that he would not relent on his efforts to make Enugu a premier destination for investment, business, and living.

When revamped, the governor said that Nike Lake Resort Hotel would contribute towards his administrations determination to grow Enugu economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years.

(NAN)

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A candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to contest Saturdays local government election in Ondo state has rejected the decision of the leadership of the party to withdraw from the election.

Speaking on behalf of other candidates in Akure, the PDP chairmanship candidate for Akure South, Tuyi Adekambi, criticised the party for the withdrawal, describing it as an infringement on their rights to contest the election.

Mr Adekanmbi also said the party leadership withdrew 72 hours before the contest without consulting with the candidates. The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement on our rights, and a disservice to democracy, Mr Adekanmbi, who is also the PDP Youth Leader in Akure South, said.

For the party to withdraw just 72 hours before the election is a betrayal, not only to us as candidates but also to the people of Akure South, who have supported us. We believe we have a strong chance of winning, with nearly 85 per cent support from the electorate.

We are deeply disappointed by the partys decision and see it as a failure of leadership. Moving forward, we will communicate our next line of action to the public. For now, we thank the people of Akure for their unwavering support and urge them to remain steadfast.

This decision was not ours. The party leadership has failed us and the people of Akure. We remain committed to the democratic process and will continue to fight for what is right.

However, the party leadership has insisted that the decision to pull out of the election was well taken. We understand the feelings of some of the candidates, having invested their emotions and funds into the election, but what an elder will see while sitting, a child may not see it even if it climbs the treetop, Kennedy Peretei, the partys publicity secretary, said.

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Mr Peretei acknowledged that the election was imminent, leaving little room for further action at this stage, and affirmed that the partys position remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Chief Judge Olusegun Odutola has inaugurated the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal to address any electoral disputes that may arise following the LG polls.

The tribunal members are Dickson Oguntuyi, Ruth Adebodun, Kehinde Aladedutire, Aduroja Atinuke, Lebi Olalekan, and Victor Ajayi. At the inauguration ceremony, which was held at the Conference Hall of the Ondo State High Court on Thursday, Mr Odutola said the appointed chairperson and members of the tribunal were designated to preside over election petition tribunals.

This occasion underscores the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is dispensed without fear or favour, the Chief Judge said.

He stated that elections are the foundation of democracy, enabling the people to select their leaders in line with their will. He emphasised that, when disputes arise, the judiciary serves as a vital institution for interpreting the law, resolving conflicts, and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed his administrations determination to adopt a strategic approach to combat drug abuse and its associated challenges.

Mr Otti made this known on Thursday when the new State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chidi Nnadi, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The governor said that the challenges posed by drug abuse and crime clearly showed the evolving nature of the drug menace and its correlation with criminal activities.

He expressed his administrations commitment to collaboration and the use of strategic actions to prevent and tackle these issues.

Mr Otti said, When you look at crime and drugs, youll see that they are closely related, like you said, and we understand that.

A lot of times, people who get involved in crime and criminality start with drugs and drugs have been so cheap, and their prices have reduced so much because there are alternatives.

The fight against drugs has metamorphosed into something a bit more difficult because were not dealing with a wide range of issues.

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In the past, drug barons could be easily identified, but today in dingy places in villages, you just see people seated taking drugs, so it becomes a more difficult fight.

So, while we are dealing with it in a kinetic manner, we should also be thinking of other means of fighting it, and that takes me to intelligence.

He advocated for intelligence-driven strategies alongside traditional enforcement methods.

The governor reiterated his administrations commitment to providing the NDLEA with the necessary resources and support to achieve its mission.

Earlier, Mr Nnadi expressed the agencys commitment to combating drug abuse and insecurity in the state.

The commandant thanked the governor and his wife for their passionate involvement in awareness campaigns and the rehabilitation of drug users.

He described the inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee, chaired by the governors wife, as a significant step toward tackling the issue at the grassroots level.

Mr Nnadi said the committee aligns with the National Drug Control Master Plan, which mandated every state establish such structures to effectively address drug-related challenges.

(NAN)

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The seat of the Nigerian president is among the areas to be affected by power outages in Abuja after vandals damaged and stole transmission cables, an official has said.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Friday said its 132kV transmission line and underground cables taking power to the central area and of Abuja and its environs have been vandalised, causing power outage.

The TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement.

Ms Mbah said the vandalised 132kV underground cable transports bulk electricity to TCNs 132kV central area transmission substation, which then supplies power through distribution feeders to Abuja Electricity Distribution Distribution Company (AEDC) for onward supply to its customers in the central area and environs.

She explained that the theft carried out around the Millennium Park axis of Abuja, affected over 60 per cent of the power supply to the Nigerian capital. She said the vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm XLPE conductors on the 2 numbers 132kV transmission lines.

She listed areas affected to include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa, which houses President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima.

She noted that the TCN engineers have already been mobilised to the site of the incident to repair the vandalised cables.

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We enjoin Nigerians to be vigilant in observing and reporting suspicious activities to security operatives. We must work together to protect our transmission equipment and installation. This is very crucial to the development of the nations power sector, she said.

Vandalism has recently become a significant threat to Nigerias power infrastructure.

In March 2024, the TCN said that one of its critical infrastructures, the Shiroro-Katampe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line, was vandalised, making it the fifth incident between February and March.

Reacting to the frequent vandalism of power infrastructure across Nigeria at the time, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recommended the death penalty for persons who steal power infrastructure.

Unfortunately, the government has yet to prosecute arrested vandals as they are usually released on bail by the police, according to the TCN.

Last December, the TCN said its 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line was vandalised.

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When the Lagos State House of Assembly commenced an emergency plenary session on Monday, many observers could not have predicted the outcome.

The lawmakers went on a recess after their 6 January plenary and their speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was outside the country.

In the Speakers absence, his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, could preside over a sitting of the Assembly. On Monday, she and the 29 other lawmakers who attended the emergency sitting had only one thing in mind: the removal of Mr Obasa.

By the end of the session, Mr Obasas long career as the Speaker of the House had ended suddenly. All 30 lawmakers present, of the total 40 state lawmakers, voted to remove him from office and elected Ms Meranda to lead the House.

Mr Obasas alleged infractions, documented in a statement issued by the Assemblys Public Affairs Directorate, centered around the misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the management of the assembly.

He was also accused of misconduct and poor leadership, with the statement saying he was ceaselessly late for legislative sessions and meetings. His allegedly authoritarian style of leadership and abuse of office, coupled with the alleged intimidation and oppression of his fellow lawmakers triggered the motion for impeachment.

Weve had enough of the Right Honourable Speaker, Abiodun Tobun, a member of the House, said during a briefing with journalists.

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Flanked by other lawmakers, Mr Tobun said Mr Obasas impeachment was necessary to safeguard the sanctity and reputation of the Assembly.

The removal of a Speaker by a two-thirds majority vote is backed by section 92(2) (C) of the Nigerian constitution. Mr Obasas removal by 75 per cent of the lawmakers ended the leadership of the 52-year-old lawmaker, who has represented Agege state constituency for 18 years.

So how did Lagoss longest-serving Speaker (2015 to 2025), purported to nurse an ambition to become the next governor of Lagos State, get kicked out of his exalted seat?

Obasas Rise and Fall

Mr Obasa was born on 11 November 1972. His political career took off when he became a councilor in Agege Local Government under the Alliance for Democracy in 1999. He served in this role until 2002.

Mr Obasa secured a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003, representing Agege Constituency I. He went on to win re-elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Lagos State politics.

To put Mr Obasas long stay as a Lagos lawmaker in perspective, he has served as a lawmaker under four different state governors (Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu) and was Speaker during the tenure of the last two.

Mr Obasas nearly decade-long reign as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was a study in contrasts. On one hand, his unwavering loyalty to Bola Tinubus Bourdillon faction earned him immense influence and power. On the other, his unyielding stance often sparked controversy and criticism.

He reportedly thwarted key initiatives and budget proposals, during Akinwunmi Ambodes governorship tenure and was accused of arrogance and disregard for authority.

The same treatment was reportedly meted on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was sworn into office in 2019.

Political observers and officials of Governor Sanwo-Olu said the ousted speaker refused to collaborate with the governor and in some instances, shown disrespect to him.

This situation strained their working relationship and raised concern among the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

For instance, the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, the highest political, though unconstitutional, advisory body of the APC, had to meet with the feuding duo after the Assembly rejected 17 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent by the governor for screening.

It was speculated that the nominees were rejected for political reasons.

Aside from the contentious 2024 Lagos State Local Council Administration Law sent to Governor Sanwo-Olu for approval, which had already created tension between the two parties, Mr Obasas remarks during the 2025 budget presentation proved to be the final straw.

In his speech, Mr Obasa threw jibes at the governor and quipped that he was more qualified to govern the state.

Let me also emphasise that those who live in glass houses must not throw stones as the saying goes Becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better of, he said.

His statement angered many party leaders, loyalists and state officials who believed Mr Obasas disrespect to the governor must not go unchecked.

A long tenure, experience, and seniority can foster self-assurance, which may sometimes be perceived as arrogance. Nevertheless, the situation was brought to the attention of the leader of the APC, President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu reportedly reprimanded Mr Obasa and warned him against disrespecting the governor. The meeting may have led to Mr Obasas unceremonious removal.

Allegations of Financial Misappropriation

Among his many sins, Mr Obasa was reportedly involved in a multimillionaire scandal and alleged looting of public funds.

The former speaker was alleged to have spent N17 billion to fix a gate at the Lagos Assembly complex. It was also alleged that he spent N200 million on a thanksgiving service for staff.

Mr Obasa has since denied the allegations.

Another media report claimed that he, in collusion with certain lawmakers, facilitated the monthly disbursement of N10 million to his wife. This allocation was purportedly made under the auspices of a gender inclusiveness programme for empowering women, but its legitimacy has been called into question.

In 2020, the former speaker was interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of fraud and financial misappropriation. He was said to have owned more than 60 bank accounts, through which he misused public funds.

In 2023, the EFCC withdrew the money laundering suit against Mr Obasa, according to a report by The Nation newspaper.

Whats Next?

Mr Obasas political future remains uncertain. Following his removal from office, speculations are rife about his next move.

The APC has a strong grip on the political leadership in Lagos so Mr Obasa is not expected to leave the party as he would want to remain relevant politically. However, he may choose to lie low and distance himself from his partys key functions or reconcile with the top echelon of the APC.

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A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international non-profit organisation, says US President Joe Bidens foreign policy was inconsistent on human rights.

According to the report, Mr Bidens administration provided arms to Israel despite the war crimes in Gaza but criticised Russia for similar violations in Ukraine.

The non-profit published the 2025 World Report on Thursday.

The HRW report disclosed that although the presidents foreign policy approved the sale of more than 100 arms to Israel, it withheld funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the principal humanitarian agency for Palestinians.

This was amid Gazas starvation crisis due to the Israeli siege.

This was in contrast to the EU, UK, and other countries who resumed funding to UNRWA, the key Palestinian humanitarian agency.

Countries including the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK suspended some arms transfers or licenses to Israel due to a clear risk of their arms being used in serious violations of international law, the report stated.

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The report noted that the Biden-led administration also allocated $17.9 billion as security aid to Israel during a war that led to the death of 44,000 people in Gaza.

According to Human Rights Watch, the data on deaths and injuries do not include those who died from illness or disease or who were buried under the rubble.

It also stated that 70 per cent of the 8,200 fatalities the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) verified were women and children.

Israeli forces forcibly displaced nearly all of Gazas population, often multiple times. In October, Israel ordered more than 1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours.

By May 2024, more than half of Gazas population was crammed into the southern city of Rafah, which the Israeli military then attacked, forcing more than 1.4 million people to flee again, the report read in part.

Trumps re-election a threat to human rights

The report disclosed that the Biden administration turned a blind eye to significant human rights abuses committed by key allies such as the United Arab Emirates, India, and Kenya.

It also described Donald Trumps reelection as US president as a threat to human rights.

The former president, who served from 2017 to 2021, emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election, defeating the Democratic candidate and Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Mr Trump is set to be inaugurated and officially welcomed into the White House on 20 January.

However, the HRW said his return will affect, by commission and omission, respect for human rights abroad.

If the first Trump administrations attacks on multilateral institutions, international law, and the rights of marginalised groups are any indication, his second term could inflict even greater human rights damage, including by emboldening illiberal leaders worldwide to follow suit, it added.

Human rights issues in Europe

The report also stated that Europe is facing significant human rights challenges.

The report said many European governments have used economic stagnation and security issues as a pretext to justify their selective jettisoning of rights. However, they fail to take credible action to improve financial and social rights.

The action, the report noted, often affects marginalised groups, migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

The HRW report also stated that authoritarian leaders are making strides in elections because mainstream parties are normalising their discriminatory rhetoric and policies.

It noted that this fragmented global political landscape reflects a broader truth: the shared values and commitment to human rights for all cannot be taken for granted.

Indeed, the appeal of populist leaders lies in their willingness to scapegoat minorities and foreigners and offer voters the mirage of solutions in exchange for trading away their rights and the rule of their inseparable link.

The past year reinforced the importance of looking to governments across regions to display bold leadership on human rights and accountability  and they will need to do so more often, the report said.

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has called for the establishment of a Special Operations Account to fund emergency internal security operations.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made the call on Thursday during the 2025 budget defence before the joint Committee on Police Affairs and Police Institutions.

Mr Egbetokun explained that in spite of incremental progress, the appropriations and subsequent releases remained insufficient to meet the operational and institutional needs of the police force.

He stressed that given the vast scope of the responsibilities and the critical nature of their mandate, the financial provisions were inadequate.

A significant challenge persists in the absence of a Special Operations Account, which would enable the Force to fund emergency internal security operations, he said.

He urged the committees to support the establishment and proper funding of this account in the 2025 budget cycle.

Presenting the NPFs 2025 budget proposal, Mr Egbetokun revealed that the original institutional estimate for the fiscal year was N1.896 trillion, but was reviewed downward to N1.252 trillion, a reduction of N644.106 billion.

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He highlighted three critical challenges facing the police force: inadequate appropriations, which hindered modernisation efforts and service delivery; the restrictive envelope budgetary system, which failed to account for the Forces expanding mandate; and delays in fund releases.

These delays, he explained, disrupt planning and operational preparedness, making it difficult for the Nigeria Police Force to effectively address internal security challenges.

Mr Egbetokun urged the committees to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the envelope budgetary regime to allow for more accurate funding projections.

He also called for the allocation of funds for constructing five new zonal headquarters and supporting tactical units crucial to internal security.

(NAN)

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The Rivers State Government has announced the death of nine people following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas of the state.

Ada Oreh, the state commissioner for health, confirmed the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

She said that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six others were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under monitoring across the two areas.

We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak, Ms Oreh said.

The commissioner said health officials were conducting tests to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

She said, The symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.

The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni Local Government Area.

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The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera.

She said the bacteria responsible for cholera thrive in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.

She said the bacteria could be transmitted through contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons.

This poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.

The ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni Local Government Area, has activated emergency response measures.

Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities, Ms Oreh stated.

Ms Oreh said the response team had distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.

She advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

Ms Oreh also urged them to drink only boiled or chorine-treated water to ensure safety.

(NAN)

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The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP-NWC) has affirmed Nname Ewor, an ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the partys chairperson in Rivers State, dealing yet another political blow to former Governor Nyesom Wike.

The partys action followed Mondays verdict of a State High Court in Port Harcourt, which sacked Mr Wikes ally, Aaron Chukwuemeka-led PDP executive, in the state and also restrained them from functioning in that capacity.

The court also nullified the partys Ward, Local Government, and State congresses held on 27 July, 10 August, and 31 August 2024, respectively.

Mr Chukwuemeka-led state executive of the party emerged from the 31 August 2024 congress.

The suit was instituted by two Port Harcourt-based lawyers, Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, alongside other PDP members against the party national chairperson, the state chairperson, Mr Chukwuemeka, and nine others who emerged from the state congress.

After sacking Mr Chukwuemeka-led executives, the court granted the applicants relief, seeking to declare them the authentic and subsisting members of the PDP state executive committee. It directed the PDP and its national leadership to recognise and deal with them accordingly.

The court recognises the applicants as the authentic and subsisting members of the Rivers State executive committee of the PDP, the ruling stated.

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PDP affirms Fubaras ally as party chairperson in Rivers

Following the court verdict, the spokesperson of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement posted on X on Thursday, said the party has received, considered and accepted the courts verdict.

Consequently, in line with the judgement of the court delivered on 13 January, the NWC affirms the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led Rivers State Executive to henceforth pilot the affairs of the PDP Rivers State Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The NWC commends the decision of the court, which reaffirms the famed position of the PDP as the bastion of transparency in the due process of internal democracy and strict adherence to the Rule of Law and Party Guidelines in the conduct of Congresses and other activities, Mr Ologunagba said.

The national leadership of the party called leaders of the party in Rivers to work with the new executives and urged the new leadership of the party in the state to work hard to unite the party in the oil-rich state.

Rivers crisis, party legal tussles

In addition to splitting lawmakers in the states assembly into two factions, the political feud between Messrs Fubara and Wike also split the PDP, the ruling party in the state, into two factions.

Mr Wikes faction, which previously controlled the party structure in the state, boycotted last years local government election in Rivers, forcing Mr Fubaras loyalists to seek an alternative in a relatively unknown APP, whose candidates eventually won the 22 chairmanship seats so far declared.

Regarding last years party congresses in the state, a State High Court barred the PDP from conducting them, but a Federal High Court overturned the verdict.

Days before the exercise, another state high court restrained the PDP, its national chairperson, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and their agents from organising state congresses, pending the matters determination.

Notwithstanding the last court injunction, the PDP proceeded with the congresses, prompting a legal challenge that culminated in the nullification of the exercise and the sacking of executives.

The PDPs affirmation of Mr Fubaras allies as party executive in the state is a severe political blow to Mr Wike. It is another advantage to Mr Fubara, who has continued to consolidate his leadership in the state after successfully conducting local elections and swearing in his loyalists as council officials. This move 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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For his innovative teaching method of translating complex mathematical problems into local language, a Nigerian teacher, Kayode Adewale, has emerged as one of the 50 finalists in the 2025 annual Global Teacher Prize.

The Prize, organised by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), celebrates exceptional teachers making transformative impacts in education and their communities.

The prize is widely regarded as the Nobel Prize of Teaching.

In a statement announcing the 50 finalists, the Chairperson of the Varkey Foundation, Sunny Varkey, said the list represents educators from across the world who champion inclusivity, child rights, and innovative teaching methods.

Mr Varkey said the Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight educations critical role in addressing the worlds major challenges  from combating climate change to reducing inequality and navigating technological change.

Through creativity and the integration of technology, they nurture students talents, build confidence, and foster meaningful change in society, he said.

I congratulate all top 50 finalists who are joining a global community of educators leading the way to build a better future.

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Commending the finalists, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini emphasised the importance of investing in educators.

Ms Giannini said in a time of global teacher shortages, challenging conditions, and technological advances, recognising and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies, she said.

About Mr Adewale

Mr Adewale is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educator at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School, Ogun State.

He is known for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to bridging socio-economic gaps in education, including integrating local languages like Yoruba and Hausa into his lessons to simplify complex mathematical concepts.

Kayode Adewale, a Nigerian teacher, emerges as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2025 (Credit: Global Teacher Prize)

Addressing the challenges of students lacking access to quality educational resources, Mr Adewale transformed his students relationship with smartphones, encouraging their use for academic purposes.

By introducing platforms like the Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS) and educational apps like Inquiry Learning Space (ILS) and PhET simulation, he has cultivated digital literacy and enhanced performance in national and regional exams, the statement reads.

He created opportunities for collaborative virtual study groups and hands-on problem-solving, enhancing students performance in national and regional exams while cultivating digital skills critical for 21st-century success.

Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, he has trained over 30,000 teachers, equipping them with tools to integrate technology into their teaching practices.

As the founder of the Ogun517GoToSpace programme, he has inspired students and educators to explore space science, collaborating with global professionals, including NASA experts, to foster interest in STEM careers, the statement reads further.

Mr Adewale was named the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Teacher in Nigeria.

Other winners

According to the statement posted on its website, other winners include; Ali Mokgalaka, Andreja Pavlovic, Angel Luis Gonzalez Serrano, Ann Marie Vanneste, Brett Dascombe, Carla Neely, Celine Haller, Danilo Kovac, Dominic Orina, Erick Hueck, Faith Senyo, Gayatri Narasimhan, Giuseppe Fiamingo, Hans Diaz, Helder Guastti da Silva, Ile Mihajlovski, Ioanna Zafeiriou, Jesus Castaneda Rivera, Jorge Patric Pena Guevara, Junmerth Jorta and Karina Sarro.

Others are; Kayode Adewale, Lesia Pavliuk, Lucas Schildknecht, Lucas Daniel Vogel Luciana Ortega, Mahamba Sebastian Ihonde, Mairi Godley, Mansour Al Mansour, Marek Grzywna, Marilyn Pryle, Maytee Guadalupe Gonzalez Reyna, Melecio Tito Mamani, Mohamed Al Hashoum, Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati, Moza Mohammed Rashid Saadan Al-Hafiti, Muhammad Nazmi, Muhammad Akbar Rafsanzani, Ramon Maje Floriano, Rosie Connelly, Rumeysa Cevlik, Sequoyah Wharton, Shinya Sanzen, Stella Gyimaah Larbi, Subash Chandar K, Tiffany Pace, Tionge Mtambo, Zainab Saeed Salman, Zakiah Al-Lahyani and Zamir Montero.

About the Global Teacher Prize

The Global Teacher Prize is an international award celebrating exceptional teachers making outstanding contributions to the profession. It was established in 2014 by the Varkey Foundation and is presented annually in partnership with UNESCO. The award aims to highlight the critical role of teachers in shaping the future and solving some of the worlds greatest challenges through education.

The Prize, now in its 11th edition, offers a $1 million reward to the overall winner and aims to highlight the value of educators worldwide in shaping equitable and sustainable societies.

The organisers noted that more details on the finalists and their contributions to education are expected to follow as they compete for the coveted prize.

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Organised Labour in Akwa Ibom State is bracing itself for a showdown with the Akwa Ibom State Government over the failure of the latter to commence payment of the new minimum wage in January.

Governor Umo Eno had approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state, which is N10,000 higher than the N70,000 national wage approved by the federal government.

Unlike his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara who approved N85,000 as the new minimum wage and began payment in November with October arrears to come later, Mr Eno conditioned the commencement on the completion of staff verification.

However, Mr Eno bowed to pressure from Labour in the state and signed an agreement to commence payment of the new minimum wage in December, with the November arrears to be paid within the first quarter of 2025.

But at a Christmas Carol Service last month in Uyo, Mr Eno unilaterally backed out of the agreement, insisting on the completion of the staff audit.

If Labour gives me (verification) tonight, we start paying from tomorrow  Eno

While making remarks at the Carol service held on 13 December 2024, Mr Eno acknowledged the agreement he had with Labour to commence payment in the same month.

We will not start payment until we finish verification. Nobody will force me to do that. I must know the number of workers that are in the civil service of the state, he said, backing out of the agreement.

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And so if Labour gives that to me tonight we start paying from tomorrow, he had said.

Dont let anybody confuse you. If they tell you to come and block Government House, block it, work will still go on, the governor said, dismissing the threat made by Labour to mobilise workers to block Government House if the state government fails to commence payment by December.

A lot of people have left the civil service. The Japa syndrome has carried them away. Some of the people have gone to sleep with the Lord, and we are still paying salaries. I will not pay until we verify. But whenever we finish verification, we will backdate it to 1 November 2024, Mr Eno had said.

He told the people at the service that the state government would pay a 13-month salary as compensation for workers.

After Mr Enos remarks, the Organised Labour held a meeting the following day, during which they agreed with the governors request to complete verification before payment commences.

Imminent showdown

In a letter dated 16 January and addressed to the governor, the Organised Labour said the state government had assured them that payment would begin in January.

The Labour leaders reminded the governor that he had promised to implement the new minimum wage immediately after the completion of staff verification.

Unfortunately, despite the conclusion of the exercise on 3 January, credible information suggests that the Government is no longer prepared to fulfil that commitment as alleged January salaries have been computed using the old template, the Labour said.

The Labour urged the government to direct the issuance of minimum wage circulars with salary templates to respective ministries, departments and agencies for implementation.

Organised Labour said if payment is not initiated in the January payroll, it will have no other option than to shut down the state workforce.

READ ALSO: PDP declares Eno sole governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom 2027 election

This step will not be taken lightly as it reflects our last resort in advocating for our right and justice, the labour said in a letter signed by its leaders including the NLC chairperson, Sunny James and its TUC counterpart, Dominic Abang.

PREMIUM TIMES could not get a response from the state government as calls made to the governors spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, were not connected.

As of the time this report was filed, Mr Udoh had not responded to a text message seeking his comments.

But an official of the state government who preferred not to be named confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that January salaries will not come with the new minimum wage.

The (New minimum wage) table not yet out and (minimum wage) bill has not been assented to yet, the official said, a statement that counters the promise made by Mr Eno to commence minimum wage payment immediately after completion of staff verification.

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The European Union has announced an initial humanitarian assistance budget of 1.9 billion for 2025 to address growing global crises.

Of this amount, 510 million has been earmarked for Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. At the present exchange rate of N1,600 to 1 Euro, this amounts to about N816 billion.

The European Unions delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the fund will be distributed to West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Greater Horn of Africa.

The commission also stated that the EU has budgeted 1.9 billion, about N3 trillion, for humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide.

With more than 300 million people needing humanitarian assistance in 2025, the EU is upholding its commitment to help those most in need as a leading donor of humanitarian assistance.

Our humanitarian aid funding will support our partners on the ground  the UN family, the Red Cross/Red Crescent family, international and local government and non-governmental organisations  to provide life-saving, emergency assistance where needed, the statement noted.

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Funding for other regions

Nigeria and the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are not the only countries receiving humanitarian assistance. The EU has also allocated another 470 million to target vulnerable populations in the Middle East and North Africa.

These funds will mainly target Gaza and Yemen, where humanitarian needs remain dire.

Due to the regions complex political, economic, and social challenges, another 95 million will be allocated to North Africa and Yemen.

The EU said, The region has seen significant changes in recent months, including after the recent developments in Syria.

Ukraine, now enduring its third year of war, will receive an initial allocation of 140 million from the EU.

Additionally, 8 million has been designated for humanitarian projects in neighbouring Moldova.

In the Caribbean and Latin American region, an initial 113 million will be directed at addressing the domestic and regional impact of the crisis in Venezuela, the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by the armed conflicts in Colombia, the complex crisis in Haiti and the violence in Central America, Mexico and Ecuador.

Around 182 million in Asia will be allocated to humanitarian assistance, particularly for the Myanmar crisis and its impact in Bangladesh, as well as for the situation in Afghanistan.

Moreover, 35 million are allocated to the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region as well as 5 million in the southern Caucasus and Central Asia, the statement noted.

Allocation for global emergencies

The statement further noted that the EU has set aside over 295 million to address global emergencies, ensuring rapid responses to sudden crises and unexpected humanitarian crises.

Also, more than 110 million has been budgeted to support initiatives centred on strategic policy measures, multi-year partnerships, and efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

More than 295 million are reserved for worldwide actions, responding to sudden-onset emergencies and unforeseen humanitarian crises that may arise throughout the year.

Over 110 million will be committed to horizontal activities, including innovative projects and policy initiatives, for example, the multi-year programmatic partnerships and the enhanced response capacity, the statement read.

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The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has exonerated the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), of alleged misappropriation of funds in its 2024 budget implementation.

The Chairperson of the committee, Sani Musa, in a statement on Thursday, said the board was erroneously accused of reckless spendings, given the documents submitted to the committee by JAMB.

He said the committee had during the budget defence session with the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede , alleged that the examination body spent N1.1 billion on meals, N850 million for fumigation among others.

Mr Sani said the JAMB Registrar, a professor, made efforts to explain how the stated expenditures were made but was overruled by the committee, adding that the committee requested that JAMB

present it with details of its budgetary appropriation and spendings in 2024 and 2025.

Mr Sani in the statement said:

For the purpose of clarity, the comprehensive report provided by JAMB indicated that the line items mentioned during Mondays hearing on revenue did not suggest any mismanagement or misuse of the boards funds.

On the contrary, the report highlighted the responsible and prudent use of resources under the leadership of the registrar.

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The registrar deserves commendation for demonstrating financial discipline and accountability in managing the boards resources effectively.

This level of stewardship serves as a model for public institutions across the nation.

(NAN)

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called for enhanced global collaboration to combat the spread of Mpox.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment.

NAN reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August for the second consecutive year.

The declaration followed the spread of a new variant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to neighbouring countries.

Africa CDCs Director-General, Jean Kaseya, made the call at the bi-weekly briefing on Mpox and other infectious diseases on Friday.

Mr Kaseya disclosed that Sierra Leone had reported its first two cases of Mpox, intensifying concerns over the viruss spread across Africa.

The infections, confirmed on 10 January in Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural districts, involved individuals with no travel history. Authorities are monitoring 25 contacts, he said.

He said the outbreak added to Africas escalating Mpox crisis, which had recorded 77,888 cases in the past year, including 16,767 confirmed infections across 21 countries.

He noted that the Central African region remained the hardest hit, accounting for 85 per cent of cases and nearly all deaths, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the epicentre.

This is a major public health emergency. We are seeing a sharp increase in cases compared to 2023, and this remains a significant threat to public health in Africa, he said.

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According to him, the death toll from the current outbreak stands at 1,321, with a case fatality rate of 1.8 per cent.

The emergence of the virulent Clade 1b virus has made children particularly vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for expanded vaccine access, he said.

Mr Kaseya disclosed that the DRC had received 365,000 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine but had only administered 55,000 doses by early December.

He, however, noted that authorities had accelerated their efforts with over 120,000 doses deployed in recent weeks.

The country has shifted its strategy from contact-based vaccination to community-wide immunisation in high-risk areas to improve coverage, he said.

To further combat the outbreak, Africa CDC has secured Japans LC16 vaccine, which will be deployed starting in February.

Unlike the MVA vaccine, LC16 can be administered to children, but its intradermal application requires additional training for health workers.

He said that the Mpox outbreak had extended beyond Africa, with China confirming a Clade 1b case on 9 January.

This makes it the ninth country outside the continent to report the more deadly clade, following cases in Belgium and other regions. This is an opportunity for global collaboration, he said.

He said emerging health threats demand solidarity and shared resources.

According to him, while the continent grapples with Mpox, Rwandas rapid response to a Marburg virus outbreak in 2024, is being hailed as a model for epidemic control.

He said the Africa CDC is ramping up its response to Mpox by expanding laboratory capacity, deploying rapid-response teams, and intensifying vaccination campaigns in hotspots.

From now until March, we are focusing on strengthening public health systems to manage this outbreak effectively, Mr Kaseya said.

The Director-General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Claude Muvunyi, said that his country deployed specialised teams for case detection, contact tracing, and patient isolation.

Mr Muvunyi, a professor noted that the method has reduced the case fatality rate to 23 per cent, significantly lower than historical averages.

Rwandas experience demonstrates the importance of early detection, regional collaboration, and sustained investment in health systems, he said.

Meanwhile, Tanzania has reported nine suspected Marburg Virus cases, with eight fatalities.

While five samples tested negative, Africa CDC and WHO are monitoring the situation closely.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasised the importance of timely investigations.

Ms Moeti said: We stand ready to support Tanzania in its efforts to contain the outbreak.

NAN reports that as Africa battles multiple health crises, the success of Rwandas approach offers hope.

(NAN)

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has given Licensed Private Tour Operators (LPTOs) participating in the 2025 Hajj up till 14 February to remit fare of intending pilgrims into the IBAN accounts.

The commission gave the deadline during a meeting with the operators on Thursday, according to a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, on Friday.

She said NAHCON Chairperson, Abdullahi Usman, held a meeting with the LPTOs in Saudi Arabia to discuss the updates on preparations for the Hajj operations.

Mrs Usara said the meeting also resolved that LPTOs are free to affiliate with any of the 10 leading companies across the zones except where the lead company had reached the 2,000 pilgrims limit.

She said following this resolution, the 10 lead companies remain unchanged.

Mrs Usara stated that NAHCON and the LPTOs reaffirmed their commitment to adhere to their common interest, which is providing best services for pilgrims while maintaining inclusivity in the process.

Both parties, she added, expressed need to accommodate one another for a seamless Hajj exercise to be achieved.

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Read full statement below

NAHCON/Licensed Tour Operators Meet on 2025 Hajj Operations

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) held a meeting with Licensed Private Tour Operators (LPTOs) last night, 16th January. The discussions were to give and receive updates on preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.

In his opening remarks, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman called for discussions that will focus on promoting understanding towards improving service delivery for Nigerian private pilgrims. He enjoined all members at the meeting to remember why all members are in Saudi Arabia for the sake of intending pilgrims. He welcomed observations, questions, suggestions and constructive criticisms.

It was disclosed at the meeting that 14th February 2025 is the deadline for remittance of Hajj fare into the Tour Operators IBAN accounts in order to meet up with visa issuance which would begin by 19th February 2025.

Similarly, it was resolved that LPTOs are free to affiliate with any of the 10 leading companies across the zones except where the lead company had reached the 2,000 pilgrims limit. Hence the 10 lead companies remain unchanged.

NAHCON and the LPTOs reaffirmed their commitment to adhere to their common interest which is providing best services for pilgrims while maintaining inclusivity in the process. Both parties expressed need to accommodate one another for a seamless Hajj exercise to be achieved.

Fatima Snda Usara

Assistant Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON.

17/1/2025

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But suddenly on the night of Saturday 6 July, 2024 at OOUTH, Kayode lost the struggle against the complications of irregular breathing, dragged from life into death, leaving behind a son, Othniel Oluwalonimi (barely five months old then), his wife, parents, siblings, and in-laws. We all and his friends, along with other loved ones, have long since been comforted over this huge loss. Kayode was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He believed in His Word that if you die in genuine salvation, its only a temporary physical deprivation. Your soul lives on in perfect joy and repose in Gods presence in Heaven. Thats an eternal state. Bereaved believers are therefore not to mourn inconsolably.

Today, 17 January would have marked the 41st natal anniversary of Solomon Kayode Ojewale, the young man who was beginning to be noticed as a regular name in Nigerias vast media space, online and main-view. He was a migratory writer. One time hed be in The Guardian, The PUNCH, The Nation, Nigerian Tribune, or Vanguard, all in Nigerias south, or another time up north in Daily Trust, Leadership or New Nigerian. Kayode also had a promising presence in the online publications: Premium Times, Newspot, SaharaReporters, etc. He wrote and read lustily.

On a number of occasions, he would query me: Dad, whats going on? I havent seen you write lately. Sometimes, he was a monitoring spirit, searching for my articles on the internet and railing at the ubiquitous devil in the print. He also preyed on books. He took from me a book on John McCain, once a US presidential aspirant, which Emeka Eluem Izeze, former MD of The Guardian, loaned me.

Kayodes articles were regularly run by Alausa Alert, a publication of Lagos State Ministry of Information, edited by the versatile Tayo Ogunbiyi. At a time, we projected a joint collection of essays by himself and Ogunbiyi.

The young man ardently desired a future with the media. So, he took a professional course in radio production and script writing at the Radio Nigeria Broadcasting School in Lagos.

Finally, he was approached by a business newspaper in Lagos to serve on its editorial board. The editors reckoned that pinning the prolific contributor exclusively to their desk might be more profitable to the paper than having him shared with others in the industry. The offer seemed OK for Kayode; it would give him a ready, regular and recognisable platform to express himself on hot-button issues.

Still, the deal wasnt consummated for some reasons. Kayode was a civil servant, on full time employment with the Public Relations Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). He troubleshot for the organisation a lot. In succession, his bosses, Mahmoud, Olumide Filade, Taofiq, Mrs Aluko, required Kayode to leverage his pen and bond with the editors to step in with a write-up in defence of LASTMA. He obliged always; but he was careful not to compromise the principles of mutual goodwill. So he did it daintily, without taking his cordial stand with the journalists for granted.

Colleagues at workplaces, childhood friends and those with whom he attended Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have offered profuse eulogies of endearment. Fashakin, Yeye, Kola, Sunday Ogunsola, Yemi (Baba Ibeji), Fisayo, Segun Hammed, Samson etc. say affable Kayode touched their lives not only in the campus, but also away from its environment. They fondly referred to him as Professor, because he had the carriage of a Prof.

Now, would he be able to answer to the true professional and non-aligned calling of the member of the editorial board of a reputable medium and remain in the service of LASTMA? Theres far more to being offered juicy contracts because of your current running or past performance. Those hiring you are more moved by what youd give them from the moment of your joining them after exit from your old station, scarcely excited about the exploits that made them notice you in the first place.

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These were some of what we were considering when a concatenation of health incidents set in for Kayode and hindered a logical resolution of the puzzle. First, a call from his wife, Bunmi, on Wednesday 4 July, 2024, that Kayode was gravely down with cough and unsettling breathing issues. She was taking him to a private hospital in their neighbourhood at Alakuko, Lagos, she told me. There, her husbands condition deteriorated. Bunmi, herself a professional nurse with a degree in the discipline, suggested a switch to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State. Bunmi had worked there until recently. She was familiar with the facility and was fully convinced her husband would receive much better care there. Indeed, Kayode also had a history with OOUTH, having undergone successful medical procedures at the institution in previous years.

But suddenly on the night of Saturday 6 July, 2024 at OOUTH, Kayode lost the struggle against the complications of irregular breathing, dragged from life into death, leaving behind a son, Othniel Oluwalonimi (barely five months old then), his wife, parents, siblings, and in-laws. We all and his friends, along with other loved ones, have long since been comforted over this huge loss. Kayode was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He believed in His Word that if you die in genuine salvation, its only a temporary physical deprivation. Your soul lives on in perfect joy and repose in Gods presence in Heaven. Thats an eternal state. Bereaved believers are therefore not to mourn inconsolably.

Colleagues at workplaces, childhood friends and those with whom he attended Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have offered profuse eulogies of endearment. Fashakin, Yeye, Kola, Sunday Ogunsola, Yemi (Baba Ibeji), Fisayo, Segun Hammed, Samson etc. say affable Kayode touched their lives not only in the campus, but also away from its environment. They fondly referred to him as Professor, because he had the carriage of a Prof. One of them said Kayode led him into writing for the media. He has since showed me some of his published works. One of his closest pals said their late friend was the one who always checked on them, one by one, and reminded them to felicitate with each other on their birthdays.

We used to call Kayode Old Man Kayus, because from his early years he looked like his paternal grandfather. The name stuck. Till Kayode passed on, Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, would always refer to him as Old Man, dropping Kayus. They were good friends, a bond built from the late 80s in Ilorin, Kwara State, where Uncle Dapoh used to drive Kayode and Lanre, his elder brother, around town.

He was also known for that in the family, serving as our PRO and point man on our WhatsApp platform. If you needed the statistics and pictures of an old family event, Kayode was the one to turn to. Youd get the info while rounding off your conversation. He could sometimes play games with this great gift. He would drop embarrassing ancient pictures of you, which you thought had disappeared with time. At other times, if a young person in the midst of older ones acted big and felt he had arrived, Kayode would move in and cut him to size by pointing to an elderly woman and announcing, Young man, hope you know that woman over there was the one who circumcised you! He meant no harm in his pranks. Kayode had a kind and accommodating heart that didnt allow him to hurt anyone with his gibes.

I was a victim of one of his sportive surprises, when years ago he conspired with some editors and had them publish his article on my 71st birthday. It was no small embarrassment when I woke that morning to a tumult of calls and messages. I got to know later that they were responding to Kayodes stealthy tribute.

We used to call Kayode Old Man Kayus, because from his early years he looked like his paternal grandfather. The name stuck. Till Kayode passed on, Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, would always refer to him as Old Man, dropping Kayus. They were good friends, a bond built from the late 80s in Ilorin, Kwara State, where Uncle Dapoh used to drive Kayode and Lanre, his elder brother, around town.

Solomon Kayode Oyedotun Adigun-Odi Ojewale wanted to study Medicine, for which he was given admission at a private institution in one of Nigerias South-Eastern states. Somehow, it didnt work out, and he went for Pure and Applied Chemistry at LAUTECH. He graduated in November 2008 and was posted to Bayelsa for his NYSC in July the following year. He served in Asamabiri. His experiences there are documented in his book, Asamabiri: A Youth Corps Members Experience. Unfortunately, the 12-chapter book wasnt published; a blundering bureaucratic bullock bred by the NYSC authorities stood in the way of the work, whose conclusion foresaw the food crisis now pillaging the land and recommended a strategic solution: Asamabiri canbe the food basket of the Niger Delta if the authorities harness its agricultural products. Its potential is enormous, waiting to be tapped to the full realities of full economic activity and industry. Government and the private sector must join hands to move into Asamabiri and turn the area into a developed and prosperous region. This way we can truly talk of diversifying the Nigerian economy and freeing it from dependence on oil.

Banji Ojewale, an author, wrote from Accra, Ghana.

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On 28th May 2025, ECOWAS will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. It should be a time for consolidation not disintegration. My view is that both sides could ride on the current positive bandwagon of throwing out French neo-colonialism to forge a new unity. France has been an active player, over the decades, blocking the emergence of the ECO  the common West Africa currency. This is the moment to all come together and make real the new proposed date of the establishment of ECO in 2027. This requires a strong political will

Some of us who are die-hard true believers in the dream of a united, integrated, prosperous and democratic West Africa of the people met in Dakar, Senegal this week to reflect on what needs to be done to preserve the dream. The meeting was convened by Professor Abdoulaye Bathily, Dr Abdoulie Janneh and Dr Kayode Fayemi. The issue of concern is that later this month, on 29th January, the statutory one-year notice period that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) required Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to observe when they announced their unilateral and immediate withdrawal from the organisation and launched their own Association of Sahel States (AES) will expire.

The ECOWAS Charter requires a one-year period before a notice of withdrawal of membership can become effective. However, while not being unaware of that requirement, the three AES countries stated categorically that they did not feel bound by it, considering that illegal and inhumane sanctions had been imposed on them on account of the military coups they had led. Those sanctions, they argued, were themselves illegal in terms of the ECOWAS Charter and the organisations founding principles, and in any case, they were imposed regardless of the circumstances that brought about the military interventions and the dire security threats each of the affected countries were faced with from various insurgents and terrorists.

Amidst ECOWAS insistence that all unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa will not be tolerated, and in the face of the threat particularly addressed to the coup makers who overthrew the Mohammed Bazoum administration in Niger, that a regional military expedition might be undertaken to help restore the dethroned government back to power, the AES countries proceeded to constitute themselves into a confederation with a mutual defence pact. In doing so, they stated that any attempt to attack Niger militarily would be considered an attack on all members of the new confederation and they would fight back.

What began as an attempt to enforce what had become an accustomed ECOWAS collective response to unconstitutional changes of government, and for which the organisation had previously won accolades as a robust defender of its charter on democracy and good governance, very quickly degenerated into a tempestuous stand-off between it and three of its members.

The battle line that was drawn between ECOWAS and the AES countries was complicated further when France, with its historic role of exploiter-in-chief in the Sahel, appeared to latch onto the ECOWAS criticism of the AES states, and even egged the former on for drastic and immediate action against the latter. For the AES countries, at a time when their militaries were actively seeking to consolidate themselves in power by tapping into a long-standing and growing groundswell of mass disaffection with French neo-colonialism, the offer of military support by Paris to ECOWAS countries for the threatened military expedition and the apparent moves that were made to that effect, was the evidence they needed to stake an argument that ECOWAS had not only deviated from its original mission and mandate but, worse, had become a tool in the hands of French imperialism. Not surprisingly, an almost complete breakdown in communication between ECOWAS and the AES countries followed.

In the months that have passed since the formation of the AES, there has been a significant softening of the ECOWAS stance towards the three countries, including the lifting of sanctions, the withdrawal of threats of collective military action on Niger, and direct conciliatory overtures made to them to rescind their notice of withdrawal from the organisation.

The collapse of direct engagement between the ECOWAS countries and the AES countries following the anger over the issues raised is today the main problem for forward movement. Having defined themselves as the West African flag bearers of a fight against centuries of French neo-colonialism and feeling themselves besieged by the sanctions that had been imposed on them by ECOWAS, sanctions which France and the wider European Union declared support for, the ground was ripe for the AES countries to fall into the embrace of Russia, especially for political cover and military support.

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China, Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar, to cite the most prominent, also found the terrain propitious for moving into the AES countries and staking their own strategic claims, especially to various natural resources and geopolitical assets, in what is not be allowed to become a new scramble for Africa. This is especially as the world is witnessing interesting times, given the context of accelerating realignments in global geopolitics that is pushing West Africa gradually, but perhaps inexorably into a new Cold War between the big powers seeking new hegemonic advantages in world affairs.

In the months that have passed since the formation of the AES, there has been a significant softening of the ECOWAS stance towards the three countries, including the lifting of sanctions, the withdrawal of threats of collective military action on Niger, and direct conciliatory overtures made to them to rescind their notice of withdrawal from the organisation. To further underscore the desire by ECOWAS to prevent the exit of the three countries, it was decided to designate the presidents of Senegal and Togo as joint mediators mandated to reach out to them and develop a rapprochement.

However, the AES countries have remained adamant about maintaining their withdrawal from ECOWAS, insisting that their decision is irrevocable and continuing their anti-ECOWAS public pronouncements. They have also been taking various steps, some of them symbolic, to consolidate their alliance.

In the meantime, the security situation in the Sahel continues to be a source of immense concern. In the three AES countries, violence of various kinds, including those underwritten by radical extremists and separatists, continues to grow, causing massive losses of life and property. Swathes of territory are in the hands of armed groups, including though not limited to the borderland communities. Indeed, in some of the territories that have been occupied, the armed groups are exacting taxation from the local populace, confiscating harvests, and/or setting up their own local administrative structures.

Maybe the most compelling argument for conserving ECOWAS is our collective security against the forces of terrorism that are strengthening. Division will certainly threaten our collective security by opening our doors wider to terrorism making both sides more vulnerable and less secure. Our dream of a prosperous, integrated and democratic West Africa must not die.

A veritable humanitarian crisis has developed across the Sahel as hapless citizens, especially women and children, bear the brunt of the continuing violence. Within the most affected countries that are the epicentres of the crisis, everyday governance has effectively been reduced to a game of survival designed to stave off a wholesale collapse. In the less directly affected countries, a major pre-occupation is how to ensure that contagion and spillover are either prevented or rolled back.

Overall, there is no doubt that the regional cooperation and integration agenda has been severely compromised. There is equally no doubt that a comprehensive reset is called for. Although the challenges facing West Africa as a region and ECOWAS as an organisation are serious, there can be no question of surrendering the gains in cooperation and integration that have been achieved over the period since 1975.

Both the AES states and the rest of ECOWAS would be losers if the divorce is consummated in two weeks time. The mutilated ECOWAS that would emerge would be without over 50 per cent of its territory and the three AES states would be cut off from their main social and economic partners  Nigeria and Benin for Niger, Ghana and Cote dIvoire for Burkina Faso, and Senegal for Mali. Both sides need to set emotions aside and stop the march towards an outcome they would surely regret.

The last ECOWAS Summit has provided a six months additional window  up till 29th July 2025, during which the AES countries could walk back from the divorce without consequences. That opportunity should be taken and the mediators can continue their work to mend the face-off. The larger West African society has a stake in unity as well, so the civil society, religious and traditional leaders, women and youth groups should all mobilise to keep the region united.

On 28th May 2025, ECOWAS will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. It should be a time for consolidation not disintegration. My view is that both sides could ride on the current positive bandwagon of throwing out French neo-colonialism to forge a new unity. France has been an active player, over the decades, blocking the emergence of the ECO  the common West Africa currency. This is the moment to all come together and make real the new proposed date of the establishment of ECO in 2027. This requires a strong political will that could set aside the technicist economic convergence principles that have been used to block the process over the years. Maybe the most compelling argument for conserving ECOWAS is our collective security against the forces of terrorism that are strengthening. Division will certainly threaten our collective security by opening our doors wider to terrorism making both sides more vulnerable and less secure. Our dream of a prosperous, integrated and democratic West Africa must not die.

A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.

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Dear servants of Allah! We have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters. The massive wildfires that have ravaged America serve as a stark reminder of the power of Allah and the fragility of human life. These events have sparked conversations about whether natural disasters are divine punishment or if they hold a deeper, more personal significance for humanity.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Praise belongs to Allah alone; peace and blessing on the last Prophet, his family and his Companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Most High says:

And we send not the signs except to warn, and to make people afraid (of destruction). [Quran, 17: 59]

Respected servants of Allah! The 2025 American/California/Los Angeles wildfires have been unprecedented in their scale and devastation, marking one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history.

These fires have ravaged over 40,000 to 80,000 acres, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of structures.

Lives have been lost and disrupted, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as wind-whipped wildfires continue to burn around Los Angeles a week after they began. Mental health professionals expect emotional and psychological wounds will endure long after the blazes have been extinguished.

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Fires continue to burn as millions of people remain under an extreme fire weather alert. The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire have already flattened entire neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, leaving nothing but outlines and ash where homes once stood. It is expected that this will all amount to the worst natural disaster in American history in terms of cost and scale.

These fires raise major questions about the future of Los Angeles, who is to blame, insurance and just how prepared they are for worsening fires and other climate change-fuelled disasters.

The fires are a national disaster of epic proportions. City officials, California Governor Gavin Newsom and President-elect Donald Trump have traded accusations about what caused this crisis.

Dear servants of Allah! We have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters. The massive wildfires that have ravaged America serve as a stark reminder of the power of Allah and the fragility of human life. These events have sparked conversations about whether natural disasters are divine punishment or if they hold a deeper, more personal significance for humanity.

In Islamic thought, the notion of natural disasters as divine punishment is a recurring theme, particularly in stories of earlier nations in the noble Quran. However, with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), many scholars believe that collective punishment in its classical sense no longer applies. Instead, natural calamities are understood through the lenses of divine mercy, tests, and individual accountability.

One perspective stems from the Quranic principle that divine punishment is preceded by Prophetic warnings. Allah the Most High says:

We would not punish until We had sent a messenger. [Quran, 17:15]

Islamic scholars suggest that with the completion of the Prophet Muhammads mission, humanity has been given a universal and enduring guide to righteousness in the noble Quran. This shifts the focus from collective punishment to individual and communal responsibility for navigating moral and ethical challenges.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is described in the noble Quran as a Rahmatan Lil-alameen (mercy to the worlds), emphasising divine mercy. His saying: Allahs mercy outstrips His wrath. [Muslim], reinforces this understanding. Many scholars argue that calamities now reflect divine wisdom as tests or reminders rather than direct retribution.

The Quran further supports this view, stating:

Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. [Quran, 42:30]

Natural disasters can be seen as consequences of human actions, such as environmental neglect, rather than explicit divine punishment. The principle of individual accountability, No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. [Quran, 6:164], highlights the shift from collective to personal responsibility.

Nevertheless, some scholars maintain that disasters serve as warnings about societal immorality. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

When obscenity and immorality spread among a people plagues and diseases that were never known among their predecessors will spread among them. [Ibn Majah]

These interpretations view disasters as opportunities for repentance and spiritual growth.

Understanding natural disasters requires balancing theological insights with compassion and action. Whether seen as tests, reminders, or consequences, such events call for reflection, moral accountability, and a collective commitment to justice and mercy. In doing so, we can align ourselves with the divine mercy that is central to Prophet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) mission and respond to challenges with resilience and faith.

Allah has sent some kind of wildfire or forest fire in Los Angeles of American that they have never seen before and without such sense the fire is increasing as if it being inserted, it has consumed houses only Allah knows how many houses of dollars have gone, everything has stopped in the city many people have fled refugee camps.

See how the city of Los Angeles, which is one of the largest cities in the world, woke up to a drought in less than two days.

Surely power is only belongs to Lillahi Wahidul Qahhar.

The fires in Los Angeles are still burning as I write this. The loss of property, the disruption and loss of lives, and the trauma these fires created are horrendous.

Ya Allah protect your righteous servants whenever they are in the world.

May Allah save those righteous servants affected from the wildfire calamity and make us learn lessons and correct our ways, ameen.

Lastly, I pray, may the Almighty Allah remove all our tears, all our worries, all our sorrows and all our pains and replace them with complete happiness, complete smiles and complete good health, ameen Ya Mujib!

All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumuah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 17 Rajab, 1446 AH (January 17, 2024).

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Comrade Bene Madunagu, who died recently and is being buried in Calabar today 17 January, was a striking example of a dedicated and committed socialist. As a working-class oriented class fighter, her monumental contributions to the struggles for the liberation of Nigerian working masses and the poor, and particularly that of women, are perhaps under-documented or not as highlighted as she richly deserves.

An academic and professor of Botany, she belonged to the rank of ivory tower intellectuals who, arising from their Marxian orientation and inclination towards the socialist transformation of Nigeria, believed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should serve as a veritable platform for waging joint struggles with the student movement and the larger working class movement.

Taking such a stance in an elite or perhaps bourgeois academic environment can be likened to committing class suicide. It was a choice that came with enormous sacrifices. Bene had more than enough dose of the pains that accompanied principled struggle as a socialist and later leader of ASUU of which, it must be stressed, she was also a foundational member. Indeed, her ascension to leadership role in ASUU bore all the hallmarks of courage, although it was also a product of the collective decision of the VANGUARD, as her long-time friend, comrade, soul mate and husband, Eddie Madunagu has repeatedly attested. She started off as the General Secretary of the University of Calabar branch of ASUU in 1982; but it was a position she assumed after her predecessor, the German-born Comrade Ingrid Essien-Obot, had been brutally murdered in her staff quarters residence in the University. She would thereafter serve as the Chairman for two-terms from 1986 to 1992.

The period of Benes active role in the leadership of ASUU coincided with significant developments in the student movement including the launch of the NANS Charter of Demands, the nationwide NANS led boycott of classes against commercialisation of education and another national protest of NANS against the killing of students at Ahmadu Bello University all between 1982 and1986 when NANS was respectively led by Chris Abashi, Lanre Arogundade, Buba Joda and Emma Ezeazu. NANS and individual students unions benefited from the solidarity and support of ASUU leaders like Bene during the referenced period, with her base at UniCal also being one of the bastons of radical students unionism.

Another indication that her acceptance of the mantle of leadership of ASUU at UniCal was an act of revolutionary courage was the fact in the preceding period of students agitation and protests against increases in feeding and tuition fees on campuses in the late 1970s, Bene happened to have been one of the leftist lecturers that were victimised. This was precisely the case in the aftermath of the Ali Must Go protests led by the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), which was subsequently banned by the Obasanjo/Yar Adua military junta. Comrade Eddie Madunagus recollection of this development offers valuable lessons on what it means to make revolutionary sacrifice. In the booklet, Bene Madunagu at 70  Tributes to Revolutionary Commitment, struggle and service, he wrote: For their actual and purported roles in the April 1978 national student action, called Ali Must Go, Bene and her husband, Edwin, who had joined the Mathematics Department of the University in August 1977, as well as 10 other University teachers and administrators across the country were summarily dismissed in September 1978. Although the military governments order was nationwide, its execution at the University of Calabar was most inhuman and vicious. Bene was instantly recalled from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, where she had just begun a PhD programme on a fellowship. The fellowship was withdrawn, her salary stopped and her official quarters in the University sealed up. She was left stranded in London and had to be repatriated back to Calabar by the Nigerian Embassy. Eddie added however that she went to court, won and got reinstated. More instructive was that the travails did not discourage her from pursuing the struggle at higher levels of responsibility.

Another significant contribution of Comrade Bene to the struggles of Nigerian peoples was in conceptualizing and articulating the idea of feminism from a socialist point of view. In this regard, she was co-founder of Women In Nigeria (WIN), which had male students and working-class activists as members. She subsequently founded the Girls Power Initiative (GPI), which has over the years trained and mentored several young females on gender rights.

The array of public lectures, writings and publications and the formation and participation in left leaning mass organisations of the people to advance the cause of the socialist transformation of the Nigerian society, represent other forms of monumental contributions of Comrade Bene to the struggles of Nigerian peoples.

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As we of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) celebrate her landmark contributions and mourn her passage, it is apposite to point out that although Comrade Bene is more celebrated as a feminist, her revolutionary trajectory showed a recognition of the linkage between the socialist transformation of the society through the unchaining of the shackles of capitalist exploitation and imperialist domination, and the solving of the collective and peculiar problems that confront the students, the youths, the women and the entire worksing class. The task of breaking the capitalist and imperialist yokes have become more daunting in view of the on-going unleashing of neo-liberal policies of education commercialisation, removal of petrol subsidy, excessive taxation of the poor masses and the devaluation of the currency, among others, by the Tinubu government, as did its predecessors.

However, if the memory of Comrade Bene is to be well served, it is a challenge that must be confronted through the rebuilding of the of the students unions, the trade unions and other mass organisations on the basis of a programme that supports the building of mass resistance against anti-poor capitalist policies, offers the socialist alternative to capitalism induced deprivation and poverty; and that also seeks to build an alternative political organisation of the workers, farmers and youths.

Peluola Adewale is the organising secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM).

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these reforms are anchored in the leadership and vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under his guidance, health has been elevated from a sectoral concern to a national imperative. His pledge  that no Nigerian woman will lose her life giving birth, no child will suffer needlessly for lack of care, and no family will face financial ruin from illness  has inspired this transformative journey. Together, with the Presidents enduring support and the collective resolve of all Nigerians, we will continue to strengthen our health system, ensuring it leaves no one behind.

On 12 December, 2023, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) declared that health is back on the front burner of Nigerias policy priorities. This declaration was a pivotal moment, signaling a renewed commitment to the well-being of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda. With this bold vision, the administration launched the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and signed a Compact with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), setting in motion a transformative journey to rebuild Nigerias health system into one that is equitable, resilient, and accessible to all.

At the heart of these reforms is the NHSRII, which provides a unified framework to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce fragmentation, and align efforts across all levels of government, the private sector, and development partners. Guided by the principle of one vision  one conversation, one budget, one report, the NHSRII has mobilised over $3 billion in external funding, with significant domestic investments projected over four years. This sector-wide approach has established Nigeria as a leader in health systems accountability across Africa.

Nowhere is the impact of this framework more evident than in the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres (PHCs), the cornerstone of Nigerias health system. More than 2,100 PHCs have been upgraded to full functionality, with another 3,000 in progress and on track to be fully functional by end of 2025, ensuring no Nigerian will need to travel more than five kilometres to access care. Backed by a 46 billion Direct Financing Facility, disbursed this year through the revamped Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to more than 8,000 facilities, these PHCs now deliver essential services, from immunisations to maternal and child healthcare. The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) has been critical to achieving these results, with tools like Joint Annual Reviews (JARs), Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), and State Dialogue Mechanisms driving accountability, alignment, and efficient resource use. Real-time dashboards ensure resources are deployed efficiently and transparently. For women like Hadiza in Gombe, who no longer has to walk 10 kilometres while pregnant to reach a clinic, these improvements are more than just policy  they are life-changing.

The challenges of maternal and newborn health have long been a source of pain for families across Nigeria. The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) was launched to change this, initially targeting 172 highest-burden local governments (LGAs). As part of the expanded National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) package, prequalified poor and vulnerable women now have access to free cesarean sections at accredited facilities, addressing obstetric complications that previously led to tragic outcomes. This initiative is supported by the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), which ensures emergency transport for those in critical need. Amina, a young mother in Bauchi State, is one of thousands whose life  and that of her baby  was saved through this programme. Her story reminds us why expanding access to quality, life-saving care remains essential.

In addition to saving mothers and children, Nigeria is intensifying its fight against infectious diseases. The government has made significant investments in malaria prevention, treatment, and vaccination, aiming to eradicate a disease that continues to claim lives, especially among children under five. The recent receipt of over one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine from The Vaccine Alliance, GAVI, and its rollout in high-burden states such as Kebbi and Bayelsa, is a testament to this commitment. Furthermore, strategic collaborations with the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Global Fund, US Government, and other partners, have helped scale up efforts to end diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. These initiatives reflect the governments unwavering focus on improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.

To make these reforms sustainable, robust financing has been a cornerstone of this administrations strategy. In 2023, the health sector budget increased by an unprecedented 41.5 per cent, rising from 826.9 billion in 2022 to 1.17 trillion. This investment has revitalised PHCs, expanded health insurance coverage, and strengthened health security. Tools like Tokuns Accounting ensure transparency in how these funds are deployed, bolstering public trust in our health system, which has risen from 37 per cent to 54 per cent between 2023 and 2024.

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Our health workforce is the foundation of all of these reforms. Over 53,000 frontline workers have been retrained in the past year, out of a target of 120,000 within three years. Community health workers, often the only connection between remote villages and the broader health system, are now better equipped to deliver immunisations, enlighten families, and provide referrals. At the same time, the adoption of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, signed by the President, reflects a balanced approach to addressing brain drain

Another landmark achievement under the NHSRII has been Nigerias strengthened vaccination efforts, which have played a critical role in combating emerging and re-emerging diseases. Enhanced immunisation campaigns have led to significant progress in stopping outbreaks such as diphtheria. These strides exemplify the power of collaboration between government, development partners and communities to protect public health.

Yet, financial protection for families remains a pressing challenge. While health insurance coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has grown by over two million enrolees in the past year  bringing the total to 19.2 million Nigerians  out-of-pocket health expenditures still remain too high. The upcoming Medical Relief Programme in 2024 will provide targeted subsidies for essential services, ensuring that financial hardship is no longer a barrier to care.

Our health workforce is the foundation of all of these reforms. Over 53,000 frontline workers have been retrained in the past year, out of a target of 120,000 within three years. Community health workers, often the only connection between remote villages and the broader health system, are now better equipped to deliver immunisations, enlighten families, and provide referrals. At the same time, the adoption of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, signed by the President, reflects a balanced approach to addressing brain drain, while strengthening domestic capacity.

In tandem with these workforce reforms, we have also focused sharply towards unlocking the economic potential of the health sector. Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), over $1 billion in investments have been catalysed, with 42 business cases finalised for the local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Partnerships with global firms are fostering innovation and technology transfer, making Nigeria a hub for healthcare manufacturing and resilience.

The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has a line of sight to billions in projects and has finalised 74 business cases to boost the local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Supported by a landmark Executive Order, unprecedented incentives are empowering local manufacturers and strengthening Nigerias healthcare ecosystem.

Nigerias progress has been amplified by international collaborations that reflect the nations growing influence on the global health stage. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was appointed African Union Champion for Health Workforce Development, highlighting his leadership in addressing workforce challenges across the continent. Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, has also been appointed as the National and Global Champion for Tuberculosis, lending her voice and influence to fight one of the worlds deadliest infectious diseases. These leadership roles underscore Nigerias commitment to tackling health challenges not only domestically but across Africa and beyond.

As we reflect on the past year, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Geographic disparities in access to care, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and the ongoing need to sustain financial reforms will require our unwavering focus. Yet, the progress we have made demonstrates that transformative change is not only possible but already underway. This progress is visible in the growing confidence of the public, the strengthened trust of our partners

Nigeria is hosting the newly established Africa CDC Regional Collaborating Centre for Western Africa, commissioned in Abuja. This regional hub will strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response across West Africa.

Health security has also been prioritised, with Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) now established in all geopolitical zones and enhanced genomic surveillance systems allowing for the faster detection of diseases like diphtheria and monkeypox. The launch of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report has positioned Nigeria as a leader in integrating climate resilience into health systems, ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges of a changing world.

Significant progress has also been made in tertiary care, with six state-of-the-art cancer treatment centres being developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). Two of these centres are set to open in May 2025, providing much-needed oncology services and reducing the financial and emotional toll of medical tourism for Nigerian families.

As we reflect on the past year, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Geographic disparities in access to care, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and the ongoing need to sustain financial reforms will require our unwavering focus. Yet, the progress we have made demonstrates that transformative change is not only possible but already underway. This progress is visible in the growing confidence of the public, the strengthened trust of our partners, and most importantly, in the lives that have been saved and transformed across our nation.

Looking ahead, it is evident that these reforms are anchored in the leadership and vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under his guidance, health has been elevated from a sectoral concern to a national imperative. His pledge  that no Nigerian woman will lose her life giving birth, no child will suffer needlessly for lack of care, and no family will face financial ruin from illness  has inspired this transformative journey. Together, with the Presidents enduring support and the collective resolve of all Nigerians, we will continue to strengthen our health system, ensuring it leaves no one behind. This is not just about health  it is about delivering hope, equity, and opportunity for generations to come.

Muntaqa Umar-sadiq is the National Coordinator, Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII)/Sector Wide Approach (SWAp).

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The United States of America (USA) is to present to the world next Monday, 20 January, its two faces. It will mark the Martin Luther King Jnr, MLK Day. The federal holiday which would be holding for the 39th year, is the American face of non-violence, civil and human rights. It is a day that propagates the basic philosophy and principles of equality, justice, and peace which MLK symbolized.

Ironically, it will also be the day its new, President Donald Trump whose philosophy stands in sharp contrast to MLK, would be sworn in for a second time. Where the latter stood for non-violence, Trump is inclined to violence. He also has no care for civil or human rights including those of women. Where MLK is for peace, Trump is a leading advocate of furthering the USA war economy. Where the former is rational and predictable, the latter can be irrational and unpredictable.

In some cases, the fear of Trump may be the beginning of wisdom. For instance, Israel and Palestine, after fifteen months war with nearly 47,000 killed, have suddenly reached a peace deal. It is one in which both sides will release political prisoners or prisoners of war, POW. Israel would pull back to Gazas perimeters and allow humanitarian aid flow into Palestine. This is a task, out-going President Joe Biden has been most reluctant to undertake. Rather, he concentrated on pouring more weapons into Israel and seemed comfortable being Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus unofficial spokesman. When there were cries about Palestinian children being wiped out by the Israeli military, Bidens response was that the numbers of those killed were exaggerated.

Biden may have a hand in the latest peace deal, but Trump has been taking credit. He boasted about the Wednesday Peace Agreement: The EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signalled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.

He has made a similar boast on the Russo-Ukrainian War. The recent intensification of that conflict might be attempts by both sides to gain more territory before Trump is sworn in. Russia, before the war, had pushed for peace deals under the MINSK I &II Agreements, and continues to call for a negotiated settlement.

Ukraine on the other hand, after rejecting the MINSK Agreements, has been pushing for an outright military victory over Russia. Save for countries like Hungary and Germany that are not convinced victory would come on the battlefield, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO supporters of Ukraine have, like motivational speakers, convinced Zelensky that he can militarily defeat Russia. But Trump does not have such beliefs and with him in the White House, neither Ukraine nor NATO can be sure of the mavericks position.

Trump in the campaigns and shortly after his electoral victory had promised to negotiate the Ukrainian War with Russian President Vladmir Putin, end Ukraines ambition to join NATO and impose a 10-20 per cent tariff on Americas $1.3 trillion trade with Europe. He also threatened to impose similar tariff on China, BRICS Members and on Americas neigbours; Mexico and Canada.

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It is not only foreigners warning about a renewed Trump Presidency. Even Biden, whose under-performance and lack of principles, handed Trump victory at the November 2024 polls over Vice President Kamala Harris, is also wailing.

In his Wednesday, 15 January Farewell Speech in the White House, he warned of a developing oligarchy and the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people. This was an obvious reference to Trump and his close friends like Ellon Musk and paypall co-founder, Ken Howery. Biden lamented: Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.

Also, in a little veiled reference to Trump who in his alternative facts makes no distinction between the truth and falsehood, Biden cried: Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power.

But Trumpism may be much more dangerous than Old Biden portrays. Trump imagines himself a Superman, a neo- Tarzanist swinging across the world; a cowboy with a badge, plucking down people. He sees himself as the world policeman beating everyone into line. Trump is a sword threatening to cut both ways, sparing neither his assumed Chinese foes nor Western European allies, not even neigbours across the borders in Mexico and Canada. As for us in the underdeveloped world, we are nothing more than a shithole

More dangerously, he wants to extend the frontiers of the US to new colonies. For instance, on Sunday, 12 January, he indicated that the USA wants to take over Greenland. He wrote: 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.

He was more direct on the Panama Canal which he threatened to seize because he claims that the fees being charged by the Panamanian Government for ships passing through it were too high. Referring to the USA control over the canal until 1977, Trump said he would demand that the: Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question When Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino responded that: Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA, and will continue to be. Trump retorted: Well see about that. He then posted a photo of the American flag over the canal with the caption: Welcome to the United States Canal!

He may also, with the assistance of allies like Elon Musk, want to colonise the outer space.

Trump is like a reflated ego making a second grand entrance on the world stage. He first came as a phenomenon; his second appearance might be no more than a caricature. What is roaring like a lion and rumbling in the jungle? Is it the same Trump that four years ago was trampling on grass and uprooting trees like a frightened elephant? The next few years would reveal if we are dealing with the same being or one that has undergone some transformation or transmutation. Whatever it is, even this, shall come to pass.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

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The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has condemned the recent attack on the Kankara General Hospital in the state by bandits.

In the aftermath of the recent soft target attack which affected patients and medical workers, the governor vowed that the fight against banditry across the state would be intensified. He said that security across the state would be tightened.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Thursday, said Radda expressed outrage at the targeting of a healthcare facility where patients, including injured individuals, sought critical medical attention.

This assault on healthcare workers and patients shows how low and cruel these bandits are, Mr Radda said.

The governor acknowledged recent successes in combating banditry in the state and assured that the fight would be sustained.

He stressed, Though we have made noticeable progress in reducing these attacks, this incident reminds us that our mission is not complete.

We are implementing additional security measures, including enhanced personnel presence at healthcare facilities throughout Katsina State.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The governor vowed that his government would not allow criminals to impede access to medical care or endanger healthcare workers. He warned bandits and their collaborators to stay away from the state, stressing that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

Anyone found aiding these criminals or participating in such attacks will face the full force of the law. There will be no haven for those who threaten our healthcare system, the statement quoted Mr Radda as saying.

The governor assured the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association and affected hospital staff of his commitment to their safety.

We are restrategising our security approach to ensure our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear.

The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern, he added.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, the youth wing of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has asked President Bola Tinubu to ignore the comments by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State on Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr Kanu, facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The IPOB leader has been in detention since he was repatriated to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.

IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants to be carved out from the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria.

What Soludo said

Many Igbo leaders have repeatedly called for the release of the IPOB leader, arguing that his freedom would end the worsening insecurity in the South-east.

But in mid-December 2024, Mr Soludo said releasing the IPOB leader might not end insecurity in the region.

The governor explained that the hoodlums behind frequent attacks in the South-east were criminals who had hijacked the Biafra struggle and are now hiding under the agitation and Mr Kanus name to perpetrate violence.

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Council Speaks

On Thursday, the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Nnabuike Okwu, in a statement, slammed Mr Soludo for the remarks.

Mr Okwu urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the governors comment, which the youth body argued was not a reflection of the truth and general belief of Ndigbo.

He argued that the Anambra governor appeared to be performing poorly in managing insecurity in his state.

This is why he found it so convenient to play down the role Nnamdi Kanus release will play towards stabilising the South-east.

We know that Mr President is a man of honour; he should not allow the likes of Soludo to mislead him, he said.

He should do Ndigbo a great favour by ordering the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This will no doubt de-escalate tension in the South-east region.

Fulfill campaign promise, agreement

Recently, Mr Kanus brother, Emmanuel, claimed that the family had an agreement with Mr Tinubus son, Seyi, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Emmanuel claimed that Seyi agreed with the family to prevail on IPOB so as not to disrupt the election. He promised that his father, if elected president, would release Mr Kanu.

The IPOB leaders brother also claimed that Mr Tinubu knew of the agreement and had authorised his son to get the deal.

Mr Okwu, in the Thursday statement, urged Mr Tinubu to fulfil his campaign promise and the agreement his son, Seyi, allegedly had with Mr Kanus family to free the IPOB leader.

It is no doubt a tonic to the endless tension in Igbo land, he said of what would happen if Mr Kanu is released.

Background

Mr Kanu was first arrested in 2015 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on 13 October 2022, held that the IPOB leader was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria and that the action was a flagrant violation of the countrys extradition treaty and a breach of his fundamental human rights.

The court, therefore, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Mr Kanu by the Nigerian government and ordered his release from the SSS facility.

But the government refused to release the IPOB leader, insisting that he (Kanu) could be unavailable in subsequent court proceedings if released and that his release would cause insecurity in the South-east, where he comes from.

The government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, later appealed the court ruling and subsequently obtained an order staying the execution of the court judgement at the Supreme Court.

Delivering judgement on the appeal on 15 December 2023, the Supreme Court reversed the lower courts acquittal granted to Mr Kanu and consequently ordered the continuation of his trial at the Federal High Court Abuja.

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the officers of the Nigeria Police for their role in achieving relative peace in the state.

Mr Otti disclosed this on Friday when the President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Elizabeth Egbetokun, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The governor said that the police support and efforts in maintaining law and order have contributed to a stable and secure environment for the people of Abia.

He said the collaboration between the state government and security agencies has promoted safety and fostered development in Abia.

As a government, we are very determined to support the officers and men that work for us.

So, in addition to whatever is done at the centre for us, we sit down and design the architecture in such a way that it would work for us, and we work very closely with the Police Force.

By the grace of God, with the work of your husband, his team and other members of the security, we have enjoyed relative peace in Abia State.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

We are not resting on our oars. We will continue to improve to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed, even if we dont sleep as people who are serving them, he said.

Support for POWA

Mr Otti also promised to support the POWA skills acquisition project to boost efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment in the state.

He said that he firmly believed in giving meaningful empowerment to the people as an effective strategy for achieving increased productivity.

It is on that note that I want to give assent to your request to set up a skill acquisition centre.

There are three major towns in Abia State  the administrative capital is Umuahia; the commercial capital is Aba, and then there is Ohafia.

These are three major towns, and I would like, when you have gone around, you would come to us and tell us where you would like the centre to be set up.

You can take it for granted that it has been approved, and beyond the land, we would also want to support you with labour, he said.

The governor said true empowerment does not focus on handing out fish to feed someone for a day but on teaching them how to fish and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive independently.

He described the kind of empowerment the state government stands for as building capacity, fostering self-reliance and paving the way for sustainable development in Abia.

Governor Otti commended the association for evolving initiatives aimed at empowering its members and the Late Police Officers Wives Association (LAPOWA).

It is heartwarming that the fallen heroes among the members of the Police Force are not forgotten and that you have come to reach out to members of POWA and LAPOWA, he said.

Earlier, Mrs Egbetokun, also the wife of the inspector-general of police, commended the government for its achievements in road infrastructure and the states economic development.

She said that POWAs mandate focuses on empowering women and children, especially the families of serving and fallen police officers, by equipping them with skills that would make them self-reliant.

Mrs Egbetokun appealed to the government for assistance in acquiring land for the establishment of a skills acquisition centre to empower members of POWA and LAPOWA.

(NAN)

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Banji Lawal has been appointed the new Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for the South-west geopolitical zone.

According to a statement released Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Ikechukwu Ani, Mr Lawal will represent the region on the Force Management Team.

He said Mr Lawal took over from Sylvester Alabi, the DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, representing the zone, who retired on 31 December 2024.

The PSC spokesperson said Mr Lawal was an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Border Patrol at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, before the appointment.

Mr Ani said the new DIG also served as a commandant at the Police Training College in Ikeja and as the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations in Ekiti, Abia, and Edo States.

He said Mr Lawal had appeared before the commission in the plenary at its extraordinary meeting.

Mr Ani said the new DIG passed written and oral examinations, during which he particularly commended the Nigeria Police Forces community policing programme.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said the Chairman of the PSC, Hashimu Argungu, congratulated the new DIG on his elevation and urged him to make himself relevant to the Police Management Team.

NAN

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The hit series that has sparked a revival in bathing and wellness culture across the globe follows sweat bathing guru and author Mikkel Aaland as he retraces his steps from his 70s classic, Sweat , to discover the resurgence of these ancient rituals. From Finland to Burning Man  sauna rafts, mobile saunas, and cold plunges, to Aufguss performances in large group saunas  Aaland joins local guides in eight countries, exploring diverse cultures and traditions, showcasing the profound impact of community sweat bathing on the human spirit.

"My vision is to see bathhouses on every corner instead of a bar, or a Starbucks," says Aaland in an interview at the Bathhouse - Banya London.

Perfect Sweat features a diverse cast of local guides and hosts, including sauna master Miki Tokairin and actor/dancer Sho Ikushima of Japan and sauna expert Lasse Eriksen of Norway. The series episode, Burning Man is directed by Emmy Award-nominated and Grammy award-winning filmmaker Doug Pray and other talented directors from around the globe.

The series premiered on June 8th, 2024 - Global Wellness Day and National Sauna Day to a global audience, with viewers tuning in from over 50 countries and has aired on broadcast networks in Finland, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

About the Seven Episodes:

Finland : In Finland , saunas are everywhere, and no steam is left unexplored with guide Samuel Aarnio . Mikkel and Samuel island hop by boat, visit old friends for a traditional smoke sauna, and test their limits in 60+ saunas at the Mobile Sauna Festival in Teuva. (Directed by Mika Hotakainen )

In , saunas are everywhere, and no steam is left unexplored with guide . Mikkel and Samuel island hop by boat, visit old friends for a traditional smoke sauna, and test their limits in 60+ saunas at the Mobile Sauna Festival in Teuva. (Directed by ) Aufguss: Experience the art of Aufguss, where sauna meets performance. Mikkel dives into the competitive world of Aufguss with Christine Rose , witnessing elaborate rituals, mesmerizing music, and the power of aromatherapy. (Directed by Wolfgang Ettlich )

Experience the art of Aufguss, where sauna meets performance. Mikkel dives into the competitive world of Aufguss with , witnessing elaborate rituals, mesmerizing music, and the power of aromatherapy. (Directed by ) Russia : Journey through Russia with Anna Artemieva, exploring the social and spiritual heart of the banya. From traditional village banyas to modern urban bathhouses, Mikkel uncovers the deep-rooted traditions and camaraderie of this communal steam bath. (Directed by Sasha Kulak and Alina Rudnitskaya )

Journey through with Anna Artemieva, exploring the social and spiritual heart of the banya. From traditional village banyas to modern urban bathhouses, Mikkel uncovers the deep-rooted traditions and camaraderie of this communal steam bath. (Directed by and ) Japan : Immerse yourself in the serene world of Japanese bathing culture with hosts Sho Ikushima and Miki Tokairin . Mikkel explores ancient onsen and sento rituals, from steaming volcanic hot springs to traditional public bathhouses, where cleansing and relaxation intertwine with nature. (Directed by Kaoru Ima and Michiko Zentoh)

Immerse yourself in the serene world of Japanese bathing culture with hosts and . Mikkel explores ancient onsen and sento rituals, from steaming volcanic hot springs to traditional public bathhouses, where cleansing and relaxation intertwine with nature. (Directed by and Michiko Zentoh) Turkey : Step into the opulent world of the Turkish hammam with Elizabet Kurumlu. Mikkel experiences the elaborate cleansing and rejuvenation rituals of this ancient tradition, visiting historical bathhouses and uncovering the secrets of this luxurious bathing culture. (Directed by Tuba Guvelioglu)

Step into the opulent world of the Turkish hammam with Elizabet Kurumlu. Mikkel experiences the elaborate cleansing and rejuvenation rituals of this ancient tradition, visiting historical bathhouses and uncovering the secrets of this luxurious bathing culture. (Directed by Tuba Guvelioglu) Norway : Embrace the revitalizing power of the Norwegian sauna with Lasse Eriksen . Mikkel explores the connection between sauna and the outdoors, from breathtaking fjord-side saunas to traditional farm saunas, discovering the health benefits and social customs of this invigorating practice. (Directed by Robin Hansen-Tangen )

Embrace the revitalizing power of the Norwegian sauna with . Mikkel explores the connection between sauna and the outdoors, from breathtaking fjord-side saunas to traditional farm saunas, discovering the health benefits and social customs of this invigorating practice. (Directed by ) Burning Man: Explore the unique sweat lodge culture of Burning Man with Zack Robertson and Teresa Yung . As a first-time "burner," Mikkel discovers a vibrant sweat bathing community where self-expression and communal healing converge in the Nevada desert. (Directed by Doug Pray )

Perfect Sweat is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video , Apple TV, Google Play , and YouTube in the English-Speaking territories of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and with bonus content worldwide through the film festival interface, Eventive.

Website: https://www.perfectsweatseries.com/

Social Media:

About Bray's Run Productions: Bray's Run Productions is an award-winning, Seattle-based independent film production company that specializes in exploring culture, history, and travel through the prism of charismatic people across the globe. We open doors into aspects of culture that traditional media has overlooked.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEW0uj6wmaI

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2600344/Brays_Run_Productions_Logo.jpg
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aleut Management Services, LLC (Aleut) has secured a position on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus (OASIS+) Total Small Business (SB) contract vehicle, encompassing two key domains: Management and Advisory, as well as Technical and Engineering (T&E). This dual-domain award underscores Aleut's diverse capabilities and enhances its ability to provide customized solutions to federal agencies across a broad range of mission-critical services.

The GSA OASIS+ program, building upon the success of its predecessor, offers federal agencies streamlined, flexible access to tailored products, services, and solutions from a large, diverse pool of top-tier industry contractors. Organized by functional domains tied to specific NAICS codes, OASIS+ SB enables federal customers to match their unique requirements with qualified partners like Aleut.

Aleut's inclusion in the Management and Advisory domain equips the company to assist federal agencies in improving performance, addressing administrative challenges, and achieving mission goals. Meanwhile, the T&E domain allows Aleut to leverage its specialized expertise, including engineering and other technical professional skills, to address complex operational challenges and deliver critical support.

"Our inclusion in the GSA OASIS+SB IDIQ contract vehicle empowers Aleut to expand the range of services available to our customers in the most efficient and cost-effective way," said Geoff Vaughan, Senior Vice President of Mission & Technology Services. "As an Alaska Native corporation, this vital contract vehicle not only enhances our capabilities for growth but directly benefits our shareholders."

With no program ceilings, a five-year base period, and an additional five-year option, OASIS+ SB enables long-term planning, and the delivery of innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of government agencies. As a 100% Small Business Set-Aside contract, with the flexibility to implement Socio-Economic Set-Asides at the task order level, OASIS+ SB fosters equitable access to the federal marketplace. It creates valuable opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to contribute to government initiatives.

ABOUT ALEUT

Aleut Management Services LLC (Aleut) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) program participant specializing in delivering professional development and training, engineering, and technical support services, including research and development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E), technical operations, and strategic services to federal agencies. Aleut holds an ISO 9001:2015 certification and functions as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aleut Federal, a holding company for the federal subsidiaries of The Aleut Corporation.

Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, The Aleut Corporation is one of 12 original regional Alaska Native corporations. Aleut Federal's diversified portfolio includes Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) subsidiaries, offering specialized capabilities to meet the diverse needs of federal clients.

Berlyn Martin

Aleut Federal, LLC

Phone: 586-337-5828

SOURCE Aleut Federal, LLC
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, released the following statement from ALTA CEO Diane Tomb on the nomination of Bill Pulte, founder and CEO of Pulte Capital Partners LLC, to Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency:

"ALTA congratulates Bill Pulte on President-elect Trump's intention to nominate him as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency," Tomb said. "We look forward to working collaboratively with him and the Trump administration to help more people achieve and protect the American dream of home ownership, while ensuring title insurance remains the gold standard in protecting property rights and strengthening the housing finance system and broader economy."

About ALTA

The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, is a national trade association representing more than 6,000 title insurance companies, title and settlement agents, independent abstracters, title searchers and real estate attorneys. ALTA members conduct title searches, examinations, closings and issue title insurance that protects real property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles.

Contact: Megan Hernandez

Office: 202-261-0315

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Land Title Association
BAYPORT, Minn., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Andersen Corporation (Andersen), manufacturer of America's most trusted brand of windows and doors*, has named Jeremy Behler senior vice president and chief financial officer. Behler will succeed the company's current chief financial officer, Phil Donaldson, who will retire this spring after 25 years with Andersen.

Andersen Corporation has named Jeremy Behler senior vice president and chief financial officer. Behler will succeed the companys current chief financial officer, Phil Donaldson, who will retire this spring after 25 years with Andersen.

Behler joins Andersen from Sargento Foods, a multi-billion-dollar, family-owned food company, where he held various strategy and finance leadership roles during his 11-year tenure, including serving as chief financial officer for the past nine years. He also spent 15 years at The Procter and Gamble Company, where he held roles in finance, business management, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions.

"Jeremy is a dynamic business leader with a proven track record of driving innovative growth strategies, leading high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results," said Chris Galvin, Andersen Corporation chief executive officer. "We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to Andersen at a time of exciting opportunity as we unlock additional growth and possibility across our industry-leading business portfolio."

Behler will lead Andersen's finance organization, including finance, accounting, tax, treasury and mergers and acquisitions. As an officer of the company, he will serve on the Andersen Corporation Executive Committee.

In addition to his business leadership, Behler is also a dedicated community member, serving as a board member for nonprofit organizations, including Salvation Army of Sheboygan County, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Kohler School Foundation.

As part of this planful transition, the company recognizes Donaldson's innumerable contributions. "We are incredibly grateful for Phil's 25 years of service to Andersen, 21 years as chief financial officer, and his deep commitment to ensuring Andersen's success today, and for future generations. Phil embodies our company's values, cherishes our special history, and has been an exceptional steward of our legacy throughout his tenure, leveraging his business and industry expertise to build our brand, expand our product portfolio, drive profitability, elevate our industry, and make a difference in the communities where we operate," said Galvin. "We wish Phil all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

*2023 Andersen brand survey of U.S. homeowners

About Andersen Corporation

Andersen was founded in 1903 on the philosophy of working "all together" to deliver on its promise to its customers. Every day, the company's more than 13,000 employees are empowered to imagine what's possible and do what's right. Andersen delivers products for the way people live, unmatched performance for the comfort and security homeowners desire, and endless design options to achieve any style.

Headquartered in Bayport, Minn., Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen, Renewal by Andersen, EMCO and MQ brands. Andersen, a privately held company, operates manufacturing sites across North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year  Sustained Excellence Award. Visit us at andersenwindows.com.

Follow us on Facebook @AndersenWindows and Instagram @andersen_windows.

SOURCE Andersen Corporation
This addition will serve Atlanta area enterprises, data center operators, and hyperscalers with mission-critical digital infrastructure

ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bandwidth IG (BIG) , a rapidly growing provider of purpose-built fiber infrastructure, is innovating beyond legacy networks with new AI-ready infrastructure in the Greater Atlanta area. Atlanta has emerged as one of the largest data center markets in North America, and BIG's recently launched fiber expansion will play a critical role in the growth.

The additions to BIG's Greater Atlanta network will double its fiber footprint, adding 170 route miles, bringing the total to more than 330 route miles in Georgia. Major investments in digital infrastructure, including innovation hubs and data center campuses, are expanding further outside of the major downtown business district, creating a critical need for digital infrastructure services in more areas. BIG's expansion will deliver AI-ready fiber infrastructure to additional counties, including Rockdale, Newton, Henry, Dekalb, and Butts Counties. The investment densifies BIG's existing network in Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, and Fulton Counties. This unprecedented project adds essential middle-mile connectivity to these emerging areas that will benefit local economies for decades to come.

"Enterprises and hyperscalers are making large investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other data-intensive technologies that are transforming our lives at work and at home. BIG will continue to be an agile dark fiber provider that empowers our customers to deliver new technologies in Georgia along with our additional markets," said Bruce Garrison, CEO of BIG.

As Atlanta's tech ecosystem continues to thrive, businesses and communities stand to benefit significantly from improved dark fiber infrastructure. Increasing access to best-in-class fiber infrastructure continues to be a driver of economic growth. Construction of BIG's network expansion is underway with the first segment expected to be complete by Q3 2025. BIG's ongoing investment will further solidify Greater Atlanta as a global leader in technology and innovation.

BIG has been serving Greater Atlanta with purpose-built, new 100% underground fiber infrastructure since the launch of its network in 2019. Upon completion of this announced expansion, BIG's fiber network will serve over 30 data center campuses across 10 counties.

To learn more about Bandwidth IG and how they are revolutionizing fiber infrastructure, visit https://bandwidthig.com/.

About Bandwidth IG

Bandwidth IG is a metro dark fiber provider that offers high capacity, strategically placed, dark fiber networks to mission-critical data centers, hyperscalers, and enterprises throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Portland, and Greater Atlanta areas. Bandwidth IG's 100% underground network meets critical data needs for enterprises and data centers that require quality, and new connectivity options. Bandwidth IG's San Francisco Bay Area network offers more than 310 route miles and 65 data centers. The Greater Portland network has more than 20 route miles and 15 data centers, and the Greater Atlanta network has more than 330 route miles and 30 data centers. Bandwidth IG was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Visit www.BandwidthIG.com to learn more.

SOURCE Bandwidth IG
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors has authorized regular cash dividends on the outstanding shares or depositary shares of the following series of preferred stock:

Series of Preferred Stock

Dividend per Share

or Depositary Share1

Record Date

Payment Date

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series E

$0.32807

January 31

February 18

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series F

$1,255.04500

February 28

March 17

Adjustable Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series G

$1,255.04500

February 28

March 17

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series 1

$0.34535

February 15

February 28

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series 2

$0.34663

February 15

February 28

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series 4

$0.35302

February 15

February 28

Floating Rate Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series 5

$0.33745

February 1

February 21

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series AA

$30.50

March 1

March 17

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series DD

$31.50

February 15

March 10

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series FF

$29.375

March 1

March 17

6.000% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series GG

$0.375

February 1

February 18

5.375% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series KK

$0.3359375

March 1

March 25

5.000% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series LL

$0.3125

March 1

March 17

4.250% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series QQ

$0.2656250

February 1

February 18

4.750% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series SS

$0.2968750

February 1

February 18



1 Each series of preferred stock, other than Series F and Series G, is represented by depositary shares. Dividend payments are made on a quarterly basis for each series of preferred stock, other than Series AA, Series DD, and Series FF for which dividends are paid on a semi-annual basis.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Jocelyn Seidenfeld, Bank of America

Phone: 1.646.743.3356

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC:PTBS)  BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, today presented their newly renovated Martinsburg, West Virginia, branch to the public with an open house. Aaron Howell, Senior Vice President and BCT's Community Banking Executive for the Eastern Panhandle region presided over the ceremonies and was joined by Alice Frazier, BCT's President and CEO, and Branch Manager Kim McGarrah as they welcomed guests. BCT clients and local community and business leaders joined the festivities. A "refreshed opening" ribbon cutting ceremony was officiated by Randy Lewis, Interim President and CEO of the Berkeley-Martinsburg Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments provided by local businesses were provided.

BCT-Bank of Charles Town Martinsburg's branch "refreshed opening," January 17, 2025. www.mybct.bank

"We are so proud to show off our newly renovated Martinsburg branch," stated Ms. Frazier. "After 23 years, it was definitely time for an HGTV makeover. And I cannot say enough how thankful we are for so many Martinsburg clients and business leaders to join in our exciting reveal! We hope this renovation, along with other past and upcoming bank-wide improvements, will greatly enhance our clients' experiences."

The Martinsburg branch originally opened in 2001 and has grown to be BCT's second largest branch in deposits and client accounts. BCT also has a branch in Hedgesville, providing BCT a strong presence in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

The Martinsburg branch provides comprehensive banking services that include deposit and savings accounts, retail and business lending, trust services, wealth and investment services, and mortgage lending. The branch is located at 9738 Tuscarora Pike, Martinsburg, WV, 25403. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. It also offers drive-through service.

About the Company

Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:PTBS). With approximately $871 million in assets as of September 30, 2024, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus another approximately 675 free access ATMs through another partnership. The Bank provides convenient online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction loans, commercial real estate loans, agricultural loans, and government contractor loans. The Bank is also a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 70 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided trust services, growing into a premier financial management, investments, and estate services provider. BCT was voted Winner in the LoudounNow 2024 Loudoun's Favorites readers' poll in four categories: Bank, Mortgage Company, Banker, and Financial Planner. Additionally, BCT was voted a "Best of the Best" winner in the 2024 Journal-News Readers' Choice Awards in four categories: Bank, Financial Planning, and Loan Services. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a "Top 200 Community Bank," an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion. In 2023, 2021, 2020, and 2019 the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker.

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank.

SOURCE BCT - Bank of Charles Town
LYON, France, and BANGKOK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioNet, a global leader in vaccine innovation, proudly announces its selection as a Concept Stage winner in the prestigious United States Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Patch Forward Prize. Achieved in collaboration with LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, this recognition underscores BioNet's contributions to mRNA vaccine technologies and their transformative potential to improve global health.

The award highlights BioNet's novel mRNA influenza vaccine candidate and its unparalleled manufacturing agilitycritical for addressing emerging global health threats.

The $50 million Patch Forward Prize, part of BARDA's Project NextGen initiative, aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of microneedle patch technologies for mRNA vaccines targeting seasonal influenza, pandemic influenza, and COVID-19. As a Concept Stage winner, the collaboration will receive $2 million to advance its innovative platform.

Driving Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration

The award-winning platform integrates BioNet's proprietary mRNA vaccine technology with LTS's dissolvable microneedle patch technology. This partnership addresses critical challenges in vaccine stability, accessibility, and administration. The resulting clinically tested platform offers enhanced patient compliance, reduced reliance on complex cold-chain logistics, and the potential for self-administration, significantly improving global vaccine accessibility.

With its capabilities to rapidly produce mRNA vaccine in 10 days for research and 100 days for GMP lots, BioNet's clinically proven mRNA technology platform exemplifies excellence in translational research and development. Initially targeting drifted seasonal influenza strains, the platform can rapidly pivot to address pandemic or regional outbreaks of other strains. The company's rapid development and manufacturing capabilities ensure preparedness and adaptability enabling swift responses to public health emergencies.

"This recognition from BARDA underscores the transformative potential of BioNet's mRNA vaccine platform," said Bill Cadwallader, VP of Business Operations (North America), who attended the BARDA Vaccine Forum in San Francisco. "We are honored to receive this award alongside LTS. This achievement represents a pioneering approach to vaccine delivery, addressing critical global health challenges with innovation, accessibility, and readiness."

A Leap Forward in Vaccine Innovation

The program, launching in Q1 2025, will focus on optimizing vaccine formulation and microneedle patch design, paving the way for preclinical validation and subsequent development. This initiative aligns with BioNet's commitment to delivering next-generation vaccines through innovation and global partnerships.

About BioNet

BioNet is a leading vaccine company in the field of innovation, manufacturing, and supply. BioNet is a leader in genetically designed vaccines with the production of the world's only genetically inactivated pertussis vaccine and a trailblazer in mRNA vaccine technology and manufacturing. BioNet is also the largest supplier of polio vaccines produced by a large manufacturing alliance.

BioNet operates across Thailand, France, Australia, and the United States. The company collaborates with global organizations, including BMGF, PATH, IVI, CEPI, and leading academic institutions, to address pressing public health challenges and revolutionize vaccine delivery.

Media Contact:

Bill Cadwallader

[email protected]

+1 (206) 852 0307

www.bionet.one

SOURCE BioNet-Asia Co., Ltd.
ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Black Women's Roundtable (GA BWR), a women's initiative of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (People's Agenda), convened over 200 Black women from diverse organizations and communities at the Georgia Capitol for BLACK WOMEN U3: UNITED. UNAPOLOGETIC. UNSTOPPABLE, an event focused on leveraging their collective power to shape the legislative agenda and drive accountability from lawmakers. It began with a live broadcast of WAOK's morning show, "The Wake Up with Dee," followed by a press conference unveiling the Georgia Black Women's Agenda, a report addressing critical challenges facing Black families across Georgia. The day concluded with a luncheon featuring a lively discussion.

Helen Butler, of GA Black Women's Roundtable, convenes Black women at Georgia Capitol to demand legislative action and accountability from lawmakers on critical issues impacting Black families. Black women unite at the Georgia Capitol to demand legislative action. Photo Credit: Jus4LovePhotos

Helen Butler, convener of GA BWR and executive director of the People's Agenda, notes that it's fitting that the women assembled during Atlanta's week-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birth to send a message that Black women will stay laser-focused on justice and equity for Black families. Butler said, "Black women across Georgia are standing together making it clear to legislators and stake holders that we are united, unapologetic, and unstoppable. We intend to shape the policy agenda raising the visibility of issues important to Black women, build political power, and drive accountability from lawmakers."

Host of "The Wake Up Call with Dee," Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler proclaims, "God has assembled us together at this state capitol for such a time as this. We are here on the very first day of session to let everyone know that Black women are concerned about things that are important to us." The former state representative adds, "Today you are on notice that Black women are here to stay. Our time is now."

GA BWR convened women in Macon in 2024 to create a comprehensive agenda for Black women, focusing on the issues most crucial to the Black community coupled with actionable solutions to drive meaningful change. After extensive planning sessions and surveys, the women crafted the GA Black Women's Agenda, outlining the key issues they are advocating for at the Georgia Capitol today.

Highlighting the alignment of these issues with the mission of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Dr. A. Lois Keith, national chair of NCNW, stated, "We are pleased to be a part of this historic event to address things such as education, health and wellness, women's rights, and human trafficking." Darlene McGhee Whittington, national president of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., added, "Jack and Jill of America is proud to stand in solidarity with our sisters."

The GA Black Women's Agenda prioritizes critical areas such as economic development, entrepreneurship, and education. The white paper calls for increased investment in education, particularly in underserved areas, to address Georgia's below-average student funding.

In public and mental health, systemic inequalities that disproportionately impact Black women, including alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates and reproductive rights are emphasized. The agenda also raises concerns about Project 2025, which threatens economic stability, restricts access to essential services, and weakens healthcare and civil rights protections. Additionally, it warns of the exacerbation of environmental injustices due to the rollback of climate action, increasing pollution and disproportionately harming Black communities.

Voting rights remain a crucial focus, with ongoing efforts to combat voter suppression and safeguard democratic participation. The agenda underscores the pivotal role of Black women in the electoral process and calls for stronger protections to ensure their voices are heard. With the inauguration of a new president approaching, Andrea Young, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, reminded the audience of the importance of elections, stating, "What we do matters. We've got to start working now to make sure our folks understand the consequences. Voting has consequences."

GA BWR is an initiative of the People's Agenda and the Georgia affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's Black Women's Roundtable. In March 2025, the organization will take a Georgia delegation to the 14th Annual BWR National Conference in Washington, D.C., where they will present the GA Black Women's Agenda to national representatives. The People's Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on year-round voter registration, education, and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia.

To schedule an interview or receive a copy of the #GABlackWomensAgenda email [email protected], visit thepeoplesagenda.org or @gcpagenda on social media.

Contact: Edrea Davis: Phone/Text: 818.613.9521

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda
New Initiative in Partnership with Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) and Local Ministries of Health Builds on Decades of Capacity Building to combat HIV and Pediatric Cancer

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Children's Global HOPE and Baylor College of Medicine Global Health, with support from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, announced the next front in their joint efforts to dramatically improve children's health in Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of a groundbreaking program to address one of the most urgent threats facing the region: sickle cell disease (SCD).

Partnership staff celebrate the program's launch in sub-Saharan Africa

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong, inherited disorder affecting red blood cells and is one of the leading causes of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by lifelong anemia, bone-crushing pain episodes that last for days or weeks, disability from brain strokes in childhood, and early childhood death from infections. In 2023, an estimated 7.7 million people were living with SCD, with more than 80% residing in sub-Saharan Africa. The three organizations are initially launching their joint programs in Tanzania and Uganda.

In Tanzania, Texas Children's Global HOPE Program and Baylor College of Medicine Global Health, backed by funding from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, will collaborate with Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation  Tanzania, Bugando Medical Centre, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and the Ministry of Health on the Sickle Cell Access and Lifelong Care Program (SCALE). SCALE is designed to improve the survival and quality of life for children living with sickle cell disease through early screening, infection prevention and accessible treatment.

In Uganda, starting in Kayunga, a mostly rural region, a new program led by the Ministry of Health unites Texas Children's Global HOPE, Baylor College of Medicine Global Health and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation with Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation-Uganda, Uganda National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (UNHLDS), Makerere University, Uganda Pediatric Association and Mulago National Referral Hospital to integrate SCD care in primary health services.

The initiative, in partnership with the Africa CDC, is part of a phased approach for a broader pan-African program. With a focus on building local healthcare capacity, the program will integrate three essential lifesaving SCD interventions into primary care services: (1) screening all infants for SCD at birth or vaccination visits, (2) administering timely childhood vaccinations and penicillin to prevent fatal infections, and (3) supplying hydroxyurea, a drug that reduces sickling of blood cells to prevent complications of SCD. The program will also train local health workers and supplement medical supplies to help provide sustainable, long-term care.

This program marks the next phase of a 25-year partnership between Baylor College of Medicine Global Health, Texas Children's Global Health and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation in the region that has been transformational for children's health. In 1999, these partners launched a response to HIV/AIDS at the height of the epidemic, providing care for more than 396,000 mothers and children across the region. Their efforts helped transform pediatric HIV and AIDS from an acute health crisis to a manageable chronic disease in some countries through improved healthcare system capacity, training tens of thousands of local healthcare workers, and establishing independent foundations that operate in partnership with governments to deliver care. Texas Children's leveraged these partnerships and launched the Global HOPE Program in 2016 to address the unconscionable suffering and mortality of children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other blood diseases in Africa and similar underserved regions around the world.

Since 2016, Texas Children's Global HOPE Program has trained 35 pediatric cancer and blood disease specialist doctors and 180 pediatric cancer nurses across east and southern Africa. These teams provide specialist care for about 2,500 children diagnosed with cancer every year at 12 tertiary centers in eight countries. They have treated more than 26,000 children with cancer, SCD and blood disorders to date. The dramatic improvement these African pediatric hematologists are making for children with SCD by providing basic medical interventions at tertiary centers reveals the neglect for the many more children with SCD that never make it to large city hospitals in Africa. These African specialists, in collaboration with Global HOPE, have concluded that a public health strategy for controlling SCD in Africa is urgently needed.

"In response to the outcry by the public and Ministries of Health to address sickle cell disease in Africa, together with colleagues and partners in Africa we have resolved to depart from the status quo by integrating interventions into the existing primary health systems to rapidly scale-up, save resources, and lives," said Dr. Joseph Lubega, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and director of Texas Children's Global HOPE Program. "This is the beginning of bringing an end to thousands of years of intolerable pain, disability and tragic deaths because of sickle cell disease across Africa. These children and families cannot wait any longer."

"Families in Sub-Saharan Africa know the devastating impact of sickle cell disease all too well," said Catharine Grimes, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. "For people living outside of major urban centers, finding care is a significant challenge and sometimes not even possible. Our new initiative will integrate lifesaving early-stage interventions into primary care facilities in non-urban areas. Leveraging the infrastructure and local healthcare capacity we have already built to address previous urgent crises like HIV/AIDS, we are focused on empowering local health workers to provide sustainable, long-term care. The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is proud to be working in partnership with these local health care professionals to turn the tide against this dire public health threat and deliver a brighter, healthier future for families around the region."

About Texas Children's

Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org .

About Baylor College of Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is recognized as a health sciences university and is known for excellence in education, research and patient care. Baylor is a top-ranked medical school and listed 20th among all U.S. medical schools for National Institutes of Health funding and No. 1 in Texas. Located in the Texas Medical Center, Baylor has affiliations with seven teaching hospitals and jointly owns and operates Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, part of St. Luke's Health. Currently, Baylor has more than 3,000 trainees in medical, graduate, nurse anesthesia, physician assistant, orthotics and genetic counseling as well as residents and postdoctoral fellows.

About the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, works to improve global health by empowering local communities and health systems to create lasting impact in regions of the world that are underserved and heavily burdened. The BMS Foundation embraces innovative approaches that have the potential to reshape healthcare systems by engaging in partnerships that build capacity in the geographies where they work. Through these strategic partnerships, the BMS Foundation can transform how care is delivered and help to ensure improved health now and in the future. For more information, visit bms.com/foundation.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Texas Children's Hospital

Kelley Murfin

[email protected]

Baylor College of Medicine

Molly Chiu

[email protected]

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation

Michael Dominick

[email protected]

SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras , Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the highest-rated Latin American issuer with AA/Aa3 ratings by S&P/Moody's, has successfully priced the largest issuance in its history through a US$1.5 billion Sustainable Global Bond with a three-year maturity.

The 144A/Reg S issuance, maturing in 2028 with a fixed coupon of 4.75%, represents the Bank's most relevant transaction in the capital markets and reinforces its position as a regular benchmark issuer in the global market.

The transaction garnered an order book exceeding US$4 billion, 2.7 times the issued amount, driven by the interest of over 110 high-quality global investors seeking sustainable, high-credit-quality instruments. The issuance was primarily allocated to Central Banks/Official Institutions (65%), Asset Managers/Insurers/Pension Funds (22%), and Banks/Treasuries (10%), underscoring the market's confidence in CABEI's financial strength.

The Sustainable label of the issuance highlights CABEI's leadership in sustainable finance as a benchmark ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issuer. To date, the Bank has issued over US$6.9 billion in sustainable bonds, representing more than 58% of its total funding since its first issuance into ESG capital markets in 2019. Proceeds from this issuance will be used to finance or refinance social, green, and blue eligible projects in line with CABEI's Sustainable Bond Framework, further advancing the Bank's mission to foster integral and sustainable development in the region through high-impact projects.

CABEI Executive President Gisela Sanchez emphasized: "We are very pleased with this new and historic global issuance, which solidifies our position as a sustainable issuer committed to the region's development." President Sanchez also noted: "We value the response and commitment of our investors, as well as the crucial role of our member countries in strengthening our franchise value in the capital markets."

This landmark issuance reaffirms investors' confidence in CABEI's financial strength under its renewed financial strategy, which prioritizes prudent and conservative balance sheet management, rigorous technical standards, cost optimization, operational efficiency, and the integration of ESG principles.

CABEI is being represented by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP on the issuance.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for any securities. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Notes were offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

Hector Barletta: [email protected]

www.bcie.org

SOURCE Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica
NEW BERLIN, N.Y., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chobani today announced the recipients of its seventh annual Community Impact Fund, awarding nearly $200,000 in grants to fuel initiatives that tackle food insecurity and strengthen infrastructure in its home communities of Central New York and Idaho's Magic Valley. Since 2018, Chobani has contributed nearly $1.8 million to over 50 organizations across these regions, empowering local nonprofits to create meaningful change.

This year's grants will fund programs like home-delivered meals for seniors, nutritious food-filled backpacks for at-risk youth, and programs that bring students together over healthy lunches. These projects embody Chobani's mission to support neighbors in need while fostering community wellness.

"At Chobani, we believe that true success is measured by the strength of our communities," said Nishant Roy, Chobani's Chief Impact Officer. "By supporting partners who are on the front lines of the fight against hunger, we're not just helping, we're standing shoulder to shoulder building a future where everyone has a place at the table."

This effort, supported by Chobani's employee selection committee and partnerships with the Community Foundation for South Central New York and the Idaho Community Foundation, exemplifies the power of collaboration.

"It has been our pleasure to partner with Chobani to administer their Community Impact Fund," said Tina Barber, Executive Director, Community Foundation for South Central New York. "We look forward to working with their employee-led review panel each year to make grants to projects and programs that improve access to healthy foods and address the critical issue of food insecurity. To date, the fund has invested over $900,000 in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Madison counties. We are excited to pass the million-dollar mark in 2025!"

"The Idaho Community Foundation is proud to partner with Chobani to address some of South Central Idaho's most pressing community needs. Chobani sets a powerful example for all Idahoans by giving backwhether through philanthropy, volunteerism, or other charitable efforts," said Lisa Bearg, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Idaho Community Foundation. "Together, we are leading a movement to create a culture of giving across Idaho, ensuring nonprofits have the support they need to thrive. The Chobani Community Impact Fund demonstrates the incredible good we can accomplish when we work together."

The 2024 Chobani Community Impact Fund Grant recipients are:

Central New York

Richfield Springs Food Pantry  The grant will support additional capacity to store more food for neighbors experiencing food insecurity in Otsego County (Grant: $16,000).

State University of New York at Oneonta Foundation Corporation  The grant will support the Red Dragon Food Pantry community outreach and family food bag program (Grant: $8,000).

The Cooperstown Food Pantry  The grant will support the Farmers' Market Voucher Program (Grant: $20,000).

United Way of Mid Rural  The grant will support the Chenango County Hunger Partnership (Grant: $20,000).

The Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, The Place  The grant will support the teen center (Grant: $20,000).

Rural Health Network SCNY  The grant will support the Nourish Chenango Program, which is a "food as medicine" program for expecting mothers and children to age 5 (Grant: $20,000).

Magic Valley

La Posada  The grant will support the food box program for individuals and families in need (Grant: $5,000).

Ageless Senior Center  The grant will support the rising expenses associated with providing home-delivered meals to homebound seniors (Grant: $3,000).

Mustard Seed Ministries  The grant will support the purchase of high-protein foods for the Mustard Seed pantry to be included in food boxes for individuals and families in need (Grant: $10,000).

Everybody House  The grant will provide one year of salary for a part-time kitchen manager of the Everybody Eats program, which provides a nutritious, chef-prepared meal free to the at-risk community twice per month. (Grant: $10,000)

Jerome Senior Center  The grant will support the purchase of fresh, non-processed foods for the senior nutrition program (Grant: $6,250).

Twin Falls Senior Citizens' Center  The grant will support eight months of continued meal delivery for seniors in the Twin Falls Community (Grant: $6,150).

Rock Creek Food Pantry  The grant will provide general operating support (Grant: $5,000).

Valley Housing Coalition  The grant will support the purchase of produce gift cards to supplement the fresh produce available to families in need (Grant: $6,600).

Family Health Services  The grant will replenish the eight food pantries operating in FHS clinics throughout Twin Falls and Jerome counties (Grant: $10,000).

Twin Falls Center for Community Health  The grant will support bilingual community health worker expenses (Grant: $10,000).

Twin Falls Christian Academy  The grant will provide ten months of fresh produce and protein for the school food pantry (Grant: $6,000).

West End Senior Center  The grant will provide two months' worth of vitamin rich foods and home-delivered meals (Grant: $4,000).

United Way of South Central Idaho  The grant will allow for continued coordination of hunger-fighting efforts in Twin Falls and Jerome counties by transporting essential gap items to food pantries (Grant: $12,000).

Twin Falls High School  The grant will support the "No One Eats Alone" initiative to encourage students to come together during lunchtime (Grant: $6,000).

About Chobani

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers  Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafes nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world  putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Community Foundation for South Central New York

The Community Foundation for South Central New York, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 and headquartered in Johnson City, encourages and facilitates personal and institutional philanthropy throughout the region by managing over 160 funds within the Foundation's endowment that are established by donors to achieve specific charitable goals. From these funds, the Foundation has awarded over $30 million in grants to the area's nonprofits to help address community concerns and improve the quality of life in the region. The Community Foundation serves donors and nonprofits in five New York counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at www.donorswhocare.org.

About Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation connects Idahoans to a generous statewide network through the power of collective giving. Our grantmaking, community impact work and relationships with local philanthropists have strengthened nonprofits, schools, and communities in every Idaho county for more than 30 years. We believe that shared philanthropy is more powerful than giving alone. For more information, visit: www.idahocf.org.

SOURCE Chobani, LLC
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For almost two decades, Christian Lingua has been breaking language barriers in Christian preaching by offering ministries, publishers, churches, and authors accurate, localized, and context-driven translations of Christian literature into more than 220 languages. As the world's largest faith-based translation company, Christian Lingua has a full-time staff of over 70 individuals who manage projects with a team of around 1,300 linguists and voiceover artists.

Christian Lingua

Michael Yurchuk, the founder of Christian Lingua, brings 18 years of expertise in managing Christian translations, earning the trust of renowned Christian leaders such as Tim Keller, John Piper, Rick Warren, Right Now Media, Cru, and many others.

Christian Lingua has reached an important milestone by expanding its language offerings to include five new languages, bringing the total number to 225. The newly added languages are Kisi, Tonga, Mende, Temne, and Kuranko.

Christian Lingua ensures that the Word of God is not just translated but also understood and felt by a diverse and global audience like never before. In his last interview, Michael Yurchuk discussed his primary purpose: "We knew that every language has its unique cultural lens, and we aimed to preserve the book's spirit while making it relevant to people in all corners of the world. It has been a journey of faith and commitment for our team, and we strive to make our translations a personal and heartfelt experience for our readers.

Christian Lingua avoids relying on AI or Google Translate to ensure that Christian linguists authentically and faithfully convey the original message to the target audience. Our commitment to authenticity and accuracy is unwavering. During the last 19 years, Christian Lingua has completed many projects, including single-page devotional translations, 44,000 pages into two dozen languages, subtitling of 25,000+ videos, and much more.

Spreading the Good Word Globally With Christian Translations

Christian Lingua's services, which include book translations, voiceovers, subtitling, and podcast translations/narration, are designed to help modern preachers, publishers, Christian organizations, and churches expand the Kingdom of God by communicating with people in their language. Since 2006, CL has translated over 200 million words into 225 languages for 2,000+ ministries. It has also dubbed or subtitled half a million minutes of Christian videos. By partnering with Christian Lingua, you can reach a wider audience, increase the impact of your message, and make your ministry more accessible and inclusive.

A single mission drives Christian Lingua's translation efforts: making Christian ministry hassle-free for clients. Christian Lingua aims to help missionaries reach out to more individuals by providing localized & soulful translations that contextualize a client's message, earn their audience's trust, and help them spread the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ worldwide.

Christian Lingua's prime directive is to eradicate language barriers in Christian preaching. Spread your message globally with accurate translations, and click here to learn more about their mission or become a partner in their mission to globalize Christian ministry.

Media Contact:

Michael Yurchuk

828-351-9559

[email protected]

SOURCE Christian Lingua
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global composite decking market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.99 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Composite Decking Market 2025-2029

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2024 Forecast period 2025-2029 Historic Data for 2019 - 2023 Segments Covered Application (Residential and Non-residential), Type (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl chloride, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered APR Composites, Buyrite Enterprises Ltd., Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA, DuraLife Decking and Railing Systems, Fortress Iron LP, Fortune Brands Innovations Inc., Genova Products Inc., Green Bay Decking, Nanjing Xuhua Sundi New Building Materials Co. Ltd., NewTechWood America Inc., Oakio Plastic Wood Building Materials Co. Ltd., Shanghai Seven Trust Industry Co. Ltd., Shantou Wallong Technology Co., Ltd., Shubh Composites, TAMKO Building Products LLC, The AZEK Co. Inc., Trex Co. Inc., trunorthdeck, UFP Industries Inc., and UPM Kymmene Corp. Regions Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Region Outlook

North America Europe Asia Rest of World

1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 32%. To the growth of the global market. The Composite Decking Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027.

The construction of single-family homes in the US with decks experienced significant growth between 2010 and 2021, with the number of houses built increasing from 32,000 in 2010 to 50,000 in 2021. This trend is driven by the rising demand for personal outdoor spaces and affordable home improvement options. As a result, the market for composite decking in North America is projected to grow. Homeowners are investing in renovation projects to enhance their properties and increase their value, making composite decks a popular choice due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. With the continued growth in single-family home construction and home improvement spending, the demand for composite decks is expected to remain strong during the forecast period.

For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample

Segmentation Overview

Application

1.1 Residential

1.2 Non-residential

Type

2.1 Polyethylene

2.2 Polypropylene

2.3 Polyvinyl chloride

2.4 Others

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

Country

US, China , UK, India , Germany , Canada , South Korea , France , Japan , and Italy

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The residential segment of the composite decking market is anticipated to experience significant growth due to the increase in residential construction activities in the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions. Factors such as increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and government initiatives are driving the demand for new residential constructions and public infrastructure in countries like China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The recovery of the global housing market in the US, Canada, Germany, and Spain is also expected to fuel the demand for composite decking. In the US, the residential building industry has benefited from expansionary monetary policies and record-low mortgage rates, leading to an increase in housing demand. Additionally, growing investments by countries like the US and Germany for remodeling and renovation of residential buildings will further boost the market growth. The Middle Eastern region, particularly the UAE, is also witnessing in residential construction activities, with projects like Azizi Developments' Riviera Reve in Dubai, which includes 25 luxury buildings and over 5,000 houses, contributing to the market expansion. Despite the temporary halt of residential construction activities due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the long-term growth prospects of the market remain positive, driven by the factors mentioned above.

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Research Analysis

Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners and contractors due to its durability and low maintenance properties. This building material is made from a combination of natural wood fibers and plastic resins, creating varieties such as capped composite decking with a protective shell. While initial costs may be higher than natural wood, composite decking offers benefits like resistance to fading, staining, scratching, and high load-bearing capacity. Resin types used in composite decking include polyethylene and polypropylene, with a shift in trend towards the latter due to its superior performance. Composite decking railing is also available, offering a cohesive look for outdoor spaces. Other advantages include low thermal expansion, resistance to slip, and color stability. Raw material costs and segmentation, including form (solid or hollow), have influenced product offerings from companies like Cardinal Building Products, Green Bay Decking, Fiberon, and MoistureShield. The building and construction industry has seen a rise in demand for composite decking due to its benefits, while the requirement for natural wood is lessening due to harvesting and regulatory concerns.

Market Overview

Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners and contractors seeking low-maintenance, weather-resistant solutions for their outdoor living spaces. This market offers various varieties, including capped composite decking with a protective shell, to ensure durability against fading, staining, scratching, and high foot traffic. Composite decking is known for its load-bearing capacity and resistance to slip, making it an ideal option for both residential and commercial projects. The shift in trend towards sustainable materials has boosted the composite decking market. Resin types, form, and segmentation are key factors influencing product offerings. Capped composite decking, with its low thermal expansion and color stability, is a top choice for clients seeking design versatility. However, raw material costs and color fading can be restraining factors. Interviews with industry executives reveal a rise in demand for composite decking railings and luxury lines. The Building and Construction Industry Association and other industry associations provide valuable data triangulation on market trends. The Transcend Lineage and other luxury composite decking lines cater to the growing demand for high-end, long-lasting outdoor living solutions.

Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
SAO PAULO, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coruripe Netherlands B.V. (the " Offeror "), a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) organized under the laws of the Netherlands, announces the early results of the cash tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") with respect to its outstanding US$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.000% senior secured notes due 2027 (the " Notes ") issued by the Offeror and guaranteed by S.A. Usina Coruripe Acucar e Alcool (" Usina Coruripe "), GTW Agronegocios S.A. (" GTW "), R.C.W. Agronegocios Ltda. (" R.C.W. "), S.P.F. Agronegocios Ltda. (" S.P.F. ") and V.M.W. Agronegocios Ltda. (" V.M.W. " and, together with Usina Coruripe, GTW, R.C.W. and S.P.F., the " Guarantors "). Terms not otherwise defined in this press release are defined in the Offer to Purchase.

Concurrently with the Tender Offer, the Offeror also solicited consents from holders of the Notes (the " Consent Solicitation ") for the adoption of proposed amendments (the " Proposed Amendments ") to the indenture governing the Notes (the " Indenture "), to (i) eliminate the collateral package under the Indenture; (ii) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, as well as certain events of default and related provisions contained in the Indenture; and (iii) reduce the minimum notice period to Holders in the case of an optional redemption pursuant to Sections 3.02 and 3.05 of the Indenture from 10 days to three Business Days (as defined in the Indenture).

Based on the information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation, as of 5:00 p.m., New York time, on January 16, 2025 (the " Early Tender Deadline "), holders of 92.78%, or US$278,335,000, of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes had tendered their Notes and validly delivered and not validly revoked their Consents (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated January 2, 2025 (as amended by the press release issued by the Offeror on January 8, 2025, the " Offer to Purchase ").

Because the Two-Thirds Consent (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) was obtained, the Offeror and the Guarantors, among others, expect to execute a third supplemental indenture to the Indenture (the " Third Supplemental Indenture ") effecting the Proposed Amendments; however, the Third Supplemental Indenture and the Proposed Amendments will not be operative until the Offeror pays in full the Total Consideration and applicable Accrued Interest with respect to the Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline. Adoption of the Proposed Amendments will have adverse consequences for Holders who elect not to tender Notes in the Tender Offer.

Certain information regarding the Notes and the terms and results of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation, as determined as of the Early Tender Deadline, is summarized in the following table:

Description of

Notes CUSIP/ISIN

Numbers Outstanding

Principal Amount

of Notes Prior to

the Tender

Offer(1) Principal Amount

of Notes

Tendered as of

the Early Tender

Deadline Outstanding

Principal Amount

of Notes

Following the

Early Settlement Tender Offer

Consideration(2) + Early Tender

Payment(3) = Total

Consideration(4) 10.000% Senior

Secured Notes

due 2027 144A: 22088D AA8 /

US22088DAA81 Reg S: N2322C AA3 /

USN2322CAA38 US$300,000,000 US$278,335,000 US$21,665,000 US$980.00

US$30.00

US$1,010.00





(1) As of the date of the Offer to Purchase, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes is US$300,000,000, of which US$11,086,000 is held by the Offeror, the Guarantors or their affiliates and is, therefore, not subject of the Consent Solicitation. (2) The amount to be paid for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase. In addition, the Offeror will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase from the most recent interest payment date on the Notes to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date for such Notes (" Accrued Interest "). (3) The additional amount to be paid for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase, included in the Total Consideration. (4) The total amount to be paid for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase. The Total Consideration equals the Tender Offer Consideration plus the Early Tender Payment. In addition, Accrued Interest will be paid.

The Offeror expects to accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and intends to make payment in cash of an amount equal to the Total Consideration plus Accrued Interest for all such Notes on or about January 30, 2025 (the " Early Settlement Date ", formerly expected for January 23, 2025), following the consummation of the concurrent real denominated loan transaction, as described in the Offer to Purchase (the " Financing Condition "), or, in any event, on the final settlement date, which is expected to be two business days after the Expiration Time (the " Final Settlement Date "). Assuming acceptance by the Offeror of all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) after the Early Tender Deadline, but at or prior to the Expiration Time, the Offeror intends to make payment in cash of an amount equal to the Tender Offer Consideration plus Accrued Interest for such accepted Notes on the Final Settlement Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter.

The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on February 3, 2025, unless extended by the Offeror (such time and date, as the same may be modified, the " Expiration Time "). Holders validly tendering Notes and delivering Consents in the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Time will only be eligible to receive payment of the Tender Offer Consideration, which equals the Total Consideration less the Early Tender Payment. Tendered Notes could be withdrawn and delivered Consents could be revoked at any time prior to the Early Tender Deadline (such time and date, the " Withdrawal Deadline "), but not thereafter, unless required by applicable law. The Offeror will not extend the Withdrawal Deadline.

The Offeror's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, the Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of the following conditions: (i) the Financing Condition and (ii) certain general conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The Offeror reserves the right, subject to applicable law, in its sole discretion, to waive any of the conditions, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. If the Offeror waives a material condition to the Tender Offer, applicable law or regulation may require it to extend the Tender Offer.

The Offeror has the right to amend or terminate the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation at any time, subject to applicable law.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc., Rabo Securities USA, Inc. and XP Investimentos Corretora de Cambio, Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios S.A. are acting as dealer managers in the Tender Offer and as solicitation agents in the Consent Solicitation, and can be contacted at their telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of the Offer to Purchase with questions regarding the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation.

Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to Holders from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to D.F. King at +1 (866) 828-6934 (toll-free), +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or [email protected].

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Offeror, the Guarantors or any of their affiliates. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are not being made to, nor will the Offeror accept tenders of Notes or deliveries of Consents from, Holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. This press release also is not a solicitation of consents to the Proposed Amendments to the Indenture.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or that relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described in this press release will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. The Offeror and the Guarantors undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

DISCLAIMER

This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This press release and the Offer to Purchase contain important information that must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. If any Holder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. None of the Offeror, the Guarantors, the dealer managers, the solicitation agents, the information and tender agent or any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons, makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should participate in the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation.

SOURCE Coruripe Netherlands B.V.
Encompassing different cultures, Blancpain celebrates Chinese New Year with the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar. This 50-piece limited edition comes in honour of the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, the wood snake, whose reign commences on January 29th 2025.

Sensual and enigmatic, a symbol of wisdom or temptation but equally associated with intelligence and renewal, the snakes power to enthral is embedded in multiple cultures and eras. On January 29th - the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar - the wood dragon will give way to the wood snake. The sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, its silhouette will watch over the days and months until the next Chinese New Year begins on February 17th 2026. In celebration of this symbolic date, Blancpain presents a Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar in a 50-piece limited edition.

This is the fourteenth consecutive year the Le Brassus brand has marked the event. The launch, in 2012, of the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar began a first 12-year cycle that continued with the introduction, each year, of a new model in honour of the reigning zodiac animal, in the order designated by the Jade Emperor. In 2024 Blancpain debuted a second 12-year cycle with a restyled portrait of the wood dragon; the mythical beasts outline framed by an aperture at 12 oclock. The honours now go to the wood snake whose stylised coils, highlighted in white, stand out against the deep green dial.

Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel  Blancpain

A novel combination

While the Chinese calendar has no secrets for Blancpain, this latest limited edition breaks new ground with a 42.5mm case sculpted from platinum, an unalterable precious metal, surrounding a green Grand Feu enamel dial. This unprecedented and supremely elegant combination forms an interesting contrast with the Chinese calendar indications and offers excellent legibility. Reproducing the intricacies of the Chinese calendar in a space as small as a watch dial is a challenge in itself. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar based on the position of the sun, the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, meaning it follows the cycles of the moon and the sun. In the Chinese calendar, years vary in length and the New Year falls between January and February, beginning on a New Moon. Also known as an agricultural calendar, it comprises 12 or 13 lunar months of 29 or 30 days. A thirteenth leap month is intercalated every three years.

Harmoniously arranged across the surface of the dial, the calendar indications are easily read despite their evident complexity. A subdial at 3 oclock displays the five elements in Chinese astrology  metal, wood, water, fire and earth- associated with the ten heavenly stems plus Yin and Yang. Directly opposite, at 9 oclock, Chinese days and months are shown by two hands sweeping a finely calligraphed subdial. Positioned inside this subdial is a small circular window for the leap-year indication. The current zodiac sign is displayed in an aperture at 12 oclock above a subdial for traditional Chinese double hours, forming a pleasing symmetry with the Blancpain logo and its signature moon phases at 6 oclock. Completing this array of information, the brand has included a serpentine hand which points to the date in the Gregorian calendar, inscribed around the edge of the dial.

Infinitely complex

Powering the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar is an understandably complex in-house movement, Calibre 3638, which Blancpain unveiled in 2012 for the first series of limited editions in honour of the Chinese New Year. Five years in development, 464 components, three barrels supplying an impressive seven-day power reserve the numbers alone are testimony to the technical tour de force such a mechanism represents. Turning the watch over, the open caseback shows off the haute horlogerie movement finishing, in addition to a finely detailed engraving of a coiled snake on the frosted white gold rotor. Not to be overlooked: the under-lug correctors which Blancpain patented in 2005 enable adjustment of all the calendar indications on this limited edition at the touch of a finger, without any need for tools: simple, practical and with no risk of damaging the movement with untimely manipulations. All that remains is for the watchs owner to take in the nuances and complexities of this lunisolar calendar, so very different from our Gregorian calendar.
Cold weather can reduce battery performance by up to 50%, leaving drivers vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns

CHICAGO, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With meteorologists forecasting a polar vortex with severe cold temperatures dropping to as low as -23F across many states, battery charging expert CTEK warns that up to 50% of drivers could face vehicle start failures. The combination of freezing conditions, short trips, and increased technology, puts significant stress on vehicles, particularly their batteries.

CTEK Winter Battery Warning: Half of U.S. Vehicles at Risk of Breakdown as Cold Weather Strikes

"Cold weather can reduce battery performance by up to 50%, leaving drivers vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns," explains Steve Hayes, Head of North America Operations, CTEK. "Modern vehicles are increasingly sophisticated, with everything from door locks to heated seats and steering wheels relying on electronics. This puts tremendous demand on batteries, especially during winter. I would suggest reaching for a battery charger, ahead of this predicted cold spell, to protect against a dead battery  don't get left out in the cold!"

Owners are increasingly keeping their vehicles longer, with the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads reaching record highs. The average age of cars and light trucks was about 12.5 years, while most car batteries last 3-5 years. Lack of battery maintenance, combined with short trips for errands can lead to battery issues. Even when parked, car batteries lose 0.1V of energy monthly, with additional drain from alarm systems, onboard computers, and remote locking. Regular driving only charges the battery to 80% capacity, making a battery charger essential for optimal performance.

The impact of cold weather on car batteries is particularly severe, affecting:

Overall battery capacity





Engine cranking power





Electronic system performance





Battery charging efficiency

To combat these winter challenges, CTEK recommends the CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar battery charger, specifically engineered for extreme cold weather conditions. With a 15.8 V charge, it is a quicker and more efficient charge in colder weather. This advanced charging solution features:

Cold weather optimized performance





Fully automatic 8-step charging process





Temperature-compensated charging algorithms





Spark-free operation and reverse polarity protection





Water and dust resistant means it is safe to use in all climate situations





Safe for long-term connection





Specialized reconditioning mode for deeply discharged batteries





Compatible with all types of 12V lead-acid batteries





Built to withstand extreme temperatures





Safe for all the vehicles electronics and easy to use

The CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar represents the latest in cold weather battery charging technology, ensuring reliable starts even in the harshest winter conditions. Its robust design and advanced features make it the ideal solution for maintaining battery health during the challenging winter months.

For more information about CTEK, visit www.ctek.com

About CTEK

Established in Dalarna, Sweden , CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions.

, CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions. CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment.

CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure.

CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards.

Press Contact:

Michelle Suzuki

310-930-6655

SOURCE CTEK
SHANGHAI, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo New Energy", the "Company" or "we"), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced that its subsidiary Xinjiang Daqo New Energy ("Xinjiang Daqo") has provided an estimate of its net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Xinjiang Daqo estimates that under PRC GAAP, its net loss attributable to Xinjiang Daqo's shareholders in FY2024 would be in the range of RMB2.6~3.1 billion, compared to net profit attributable to Xinjiang Daqo's shareholders of RMB5.8 billion in FY2023. This estimate includes losses related to provisions for inventory impairment and fixed asset impairment.

Daqo New Energy currently beneficially owns approximately 72.4% of Xinjiang Daqo's equity interest, and the majority of the Company's revenue and net income are contributed by Xinjiang Daqo. The estimated net loss described in this press release was prepared solely for Xinjiang Daqo in RMB in accordance with PRC GAAP and is subject to change upon completion of Xinjiang Daqo's internal financial closing and reporting process. In contrast, the Company's consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The estimated net loss described in this press release is based solely on the information currently available to Xinjiang Daqo's management. Its actual result could vary materially from this preliminary estimate. Consequently, investors should exercise caution in relying on this preliminary estimate and should not draw any inferences from it regarding financial or operating data not provided. The estimated net loss should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements of Xinjiang Daqo prepared in accordance with PRC GAAP. In addition, the estimated net loss is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved by Xinjiang Daqo in any future period.

About Daqo New Energy Corp.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufacturers, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 305,000 metric tons and is one of the world's lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "might," "guidance" and similar statements. Among other things, the estimated net loss for the year of 2024 contains forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company's ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; the Company's ability to lower its production costs; and changes in the regulatory environment. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents that the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

News Advisory:

The Press Freedom Center of the National Press Club is releasing the following information about a news conference with Debra Tice scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20 in Damascus, Syria. The Press Club has been working with the Tice family for many years and is their lead partner in Washington. The Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club has been working to support Hostage Aid Worldwide, whose founder, Nizar Zakka is with Mrs. Tice on her trip to Beirut and Damascus. HAW has been the lead NGO on the ground in Damascus searching prisons and looking for Austin and other detainees.

"Hostage Aid Worldwide invites you to a news conference with Debra Tice, mother of Austin Tice, the U.S. journalist who has been missing in Syria for the past 12 years and Families for Freedom, a women-led movement of Syrian families advocating for the freedom of their loved ones arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared in Syria.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, January 20, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM (Damascus Time)

Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

Please RSVP to confirm your attendance by emailing Sophie at [email protected].

This press conference marks a significant moment as Debra Tice makes her first visit to Damascus in over 9 years. Debra's relentless commitment to her son has led her to spend months in Damascus in the past, conducting meetings and discussions in Syria in an effort to find him.

Families for Freedom represents Syrian families demanding freedom for all of the country's sons and daughters arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared by the Syrian regime.

In the absence of any sustained U.S. government presence in Damascus, Hostage Aid Worldwide has worked on behalf of the Tice family and families of other foreign detainees, pursuing leads to bring them home.

Debra Tice, Families for Freedom, and Hostage Aid will address the press and open the floor to questions."

* If you are currently not in Syria, please feel free to forward this invite to your colleagues there.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected] for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club or [email protected] for HAW

SOURCE National Press Club
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global debt collection software market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.31 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.92% during the forecast period.

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Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Debt Collection Software Market 2024-2028

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Deployment (On-premises and Cloud-based), Industry Application (Small and medium enterprises and Large enterprises), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered Experian, Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), Constellation Software Inc., CGI Group Inc., TransUnion, Nucleus Software Exports Ltd., Chetu Inc., CDS Software, Pegasystems Inc., Temenos Group AG, AMEYO, PAIR Finance, Credgenics, FIS, Intellect Design Arena, Loxon Solutions, EXUS, Kuhlekt, Katabat. Regions Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Region Outlook

North America Europe Asia Rest of World

1. North America - APAC is estimated to contribute 31%. To the growth of the global market. The Debt Collection Software Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027.

The North American debt collection software market is experiencing significant growth due to the region's advanced IT infrastructure and high concentration of debt collection agencies and accounts receivable management companies. Businesses in various industries in North America are optimizing their debt collection processes to boost customer satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge in the global market. However, the market in North America has reached maturity, resulting in slower growth compared to other regions. Intensifying competition among debt collection software providers necessitates continuous upgrades to offerings to retain market share.

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Segmentation Overview

Deployment

1.1 On-premises

1.2 Cloud-based

Industry Application

2.1 Small and medium enterprises

2.2 Large enterprises

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

Country

US, Japan , China , Germany , and UK

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

On-premises debt collection software solutions hold a substantial position in the global debt collection software market, addressing the demands of businesses that value internal infrastructure management, data security, and customizability. These software solutions are installed and operated within an organization's premises, granting users a significant degree of autonomy over their debt collection operations. Large enterprises, particularly those in regulated industries like finance and healthcare, prefer on-premises debt collection software to safeguard sensitive debtor information and adhere to stringent data privacy regulations. Companies such as DAKCS Software Systems Inc. (DAKCS) provide tailored on-premises debt collection solutions, catering to the unique security and regulatory needs of large enterprises. This level of customization is particularly appealing to complex debt collection operations within large enterprises. On-premises debt collection software enables organizations to maintain full control over their data and operations, which is essential for large enterprises adhering to strict IT policies and security protocols. Providers like CDS Software offer extensive on-premises debt collection software, empowering large enterprises to manage their debt collection processes while ensuring data security and integrity. The need for direct control over data and operations, combined with the ability to customize software to align with specific business processes, is expected to fuel the growth of the on-premises segment in the global debt collection software market.

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Research Analysis

The Debt Collection Software market is witnessing significant growth due to the automation of debt collection processes, providing large enterprises with economies of scale and affordability. This market caters to both services and solutions segments, offering debt collection services and software solutions to organizations. The deployment of debt collection software streamlines the loan recovery process, enabling effective communication through multichannel methods. Borrower data management is crucial, and these systems provide features like overdue invoice reminders, phone calls, and online payment collection. Banking and financial organizations benefit greatly from these solutions, increasing productivity and improving the effectiveness of debt recovery. However, implementing debt collection software comes with complexities, including business-specific needs, training, and implementation work. Legacy systems and modern applications must be considered during strategy development. The debt collection ecosystem requires a well-thought-out plan for successful implementation.

Market Overview

The Debt Collection Software market is witnessing significant growth due to the automation of debt collection processes, which helps organizations streamline their loan recovery process and improve productivity. The large enterprises segment is a major contributor to the market's growth, as they can leverage economies of scale and affordability. The market offers both solutions and services segments, with debt collection services being a popular choice for organizations seeking expert assistance in managing their debt collection journeys. The deployment of debt collection software involves careful strategy and implementation, taking into account business-specific needs and the complexities of the debt collection ecosystem. Modern applications replace legacy systems, offering online payment collection, overdue invoice reminders, and multichannel communication options like phone calls, text messaging, voice mail drops, and dialers. Implementation work includes training and adherence to debt collection regulations, consumer protection laws, bankruptcy status, and litigious consumers. The market caters to banking organizations, financial institutions, government organizations, and other entities, providing effective debt recovery and cost savings through automatic monitoring, notifications, and alerts.

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Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

Experian

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

Constellation Software Inc.

CGI Group Inc.

TransUnion

Nucleus Software Exports Ltd.

Chetu Inc.

CDS Software

Pegasystems Inc.

Temenos Group AG

AMEYO

PAIR Finance

Credgenics

FIS

Intellect Design Arena

Loxon Solutions

EXUS

Kuhlekt

Katabat

Credgenics

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
Increasing their services to Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Baltimore Region of Maryland, Employ Prince George's announced the launch of Employ DMV and Employ Baltimore, along with several initiatives to unite workforce development and educational services providers in a comprehensive effort to drive economic mobility for youth and families in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) regions. Employ DMV established its foundation on the successful framework and program model of its sister organization, Employ Prince George's, offering employee recruitment services and residents skill-building opportunities in key sectors like Transportation, Information Technology, Construction & Real Estate, Hospitality and Healthcare. Included in their regional expansion is the launch of a vehicle disbursement program to provide vehicles to graduating seniors and adult job seekers securing employment. This expansion will address talent shortages, service delivery gaps, and various challenges working families encounter throughout the DMV.

"Maryland is a thriving state, with lots of wealth, but still, we know that data shows almost 40% of our residents are living in poverty or right above, with many being one paycheck away from experiencing immediate poverty. Our goal with this effort is to unite service providers across the region to leverage our resources to move our young people and families toward livable wage employment and economic prosperity." Said Walter Simmons, President and CEO, Employ Prince George's.

Supported by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Verizon, the Employ Prince George's and Employ DMV's Equity & Economic Stability Initiative aims to unite service providers and empower youth and families across the DC and Baltimore Metropolitan Regions toward economic stability and prosperity, through employment. This initiative will integrate workforce development services and skills upgrading training with essential needs support, financial and computer literacy training, and opportunities to own a vehicle.

At the event, guest speakers from CAEL, Verizon and Vehicles for Change shared their insights, alongside our host Marchelle LeBlanc, Director, Laurel Multiservice Center, Atif Chaudry, Secretary, Maryland Department of General Services and Raymond Harmon, Program Director, Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center.

"Too many Marylanders are currently locked out of economic mobility and high-paying roles either because of insufficient access to education or systemic barriers, such as food insecurity, inadequate childcare, and a lack of affordable housing," said Earl Buford, President, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). "The Employ Prince George's team has a well-deserved innovation in the workforce development space, and we're thrilled to bring their expertise, energy, and fresh thinking to bear as a partner in helping more adult learners chart pathways to rewarding careers in financial services."

Candice D. Austin, Director, State Government & Local Affairs, Verizon emphasize that, "At Verizon, we are committed to driving innovation and empowering communities through technology. We are thrilled today to partner with Employ Prince George's for their Equity & Economic Stability Initiative and remain committed to workforce development, assisting residents in the DMV region to achieve their career goals.

The event marked the expansion of Employ Prince George's from Prince George's County to the entire DMV, including the Baltimore Metropolitan Region, with the introduction of Employ DMV and Employ Baltimore as part of this regional initiative that provides workforce development services for job seekers and businesses, a true testament of Employ Prince George's Collective Impact efforts in the region.

Additionally, the unveiling of the 4 Wheels for Work, showcased a revolutionary effort to change lives, increase access to reliable transportation, while driving economic progress In collaboration with Prince George's County Government, Vehicles for Change and the Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center, which focuses on empowering returning citizens by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources through a comprehensive automotive mechanic training program, 4 Wheels for Work awards vehicles to eligible residents who have been offered employment or in need of reliable transportation to maintain employment. This initiative underscores Employ Prince George's commitment to creating opportunities for all members of the community to thrive in a rapidly evolving society. Over the next six months Employ Prince George's will work to expand the effort to providing access to high school graduates who complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) or Registered Apprenticeship program.

"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Employ Prince George's, an organization we've collaborated with for many years. Expanding our footprint in Prince George's County means we can repair even more donated vehicles, creating opportunities for those who need them most," stated Martin Schwartz, President, Vehicles for Change. "Transportation is a critical factor in breaking down barriers to employment and education, and together, we are building pathways to help individuals and families overcome generational poverty. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to making a lasting impact in the community."

A pivotal moment of the launch was the call to action, inviting partners to join Employ Prince George's and Employ DMV in fostering economic equity and prosperity across the DMV. The moment builds on EPG's mission that, together, we will build a strong network focused on service delivery, fundraising, career development, and the establishment of a DMV Economic Mobility Community Network.

About Employ Prince George's:

Employ Prince George's (EPG) provides workforce intelligence and solutions for the job seeker and business. EPG's mission is to contribute to the economic vitality of Prince George's County by providing a demand-driven system that delivers qualified workers to business and provides job seekers with opportunities for careers in high-demand/high-growth industries.

For more information, please visit employpg.org.

About Prince George's County American Job Center Community Network:

The Prince George's County American Job Center Community Network is a collaborative network operated by Employ Prince George's, connecting jobseekers to training and employment opportunities across Prince George's County, Maryland. Leveraging the core principle of PARTNERSHIP, the network combines government funding with community resources to provide high-quality career services, education, and training to empower individuals in the county.

SOURCE Employ Prince George's
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, President Biden officially announced that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has become the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.

This milestone comes after 102 years of collective advocacy, and Equality Now proudly honors the dedication and determination of all who've campaigned to make the ERA a reality. Their decades of commitment have led to this historic moment where every woman and girl in the U.S. can finally say, "I stand equal in the eyes of the Constitution."

National Archives Building, publish the ERA, Jan 15, 2025, Photo credit - Equality Now, Bell Visuals National Archives Building, Jan 15, 2025, Photo credit - Equality Now, Bell Visuals

President Biden's White House statement reads, "It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people. In keeping with my oath and duty to the Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex."

Equal rights under the law, irrespective of sex

The ERA, first proposed in 1923, guarantees equal rights under the law, irrespective of sex.

"Enshrining the ERA in the U.S. Constitution will give all women and girls constitutional protection against sex discrimination and a clear path to justice for those whose rights have been violated. Equality Now commends this pivotal achievement, which affirms the U.S.'s commitment to its obligations under international law," says S. Mona Sinha, Equality Now's Global Executive Director.

"This action will lay robust foundations for addressing systemic injustices in the country, including sexual violence, workplace discrimination, lack of family leave, and barriers to equal representation."

Protection against discrimination on the basis of sex

Equality in the U.S. Constitution will provide the required foundation for lawyers, judges, and advocates to challenge sex inequality at the highest level and shield the legal rights of all genders.

Laws that discriminate on the basis of sex will face the highest form of judicial scrutiny, enabling plaintiffs to better challenge such discrimination through the courts. Constitutional experts also anticipate the ERA will empower advocates and lawmakers to push for stronger legislation against human rights abuses such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

The ERA will make it more difficult for legislative bodies or courts to weaken or overturn established laws, such as those guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and will provide a bridge between federal and state legislation linked to women's rights.

Over the past century, women's rights organizations have tirelessly advocated for the ERA's ratification. On January 16, 2025, activists projected a message onto the National Archives building, urging the Biden administration to enshrine the ERA into the Constitution.

Aligning U.S. law with international human rights standards

Today's White House declaration signifies a pivotal moment in aligning U.S. law with international human rights standards. By recognizing the ERA, the United States takes a significant step toward fulfilling its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandates the elimination of sex-based discrimination.

President Biden's statement provides hope that the U.S. will no longer remain a global outlier by finally joining the 85% of United Nations member states that already guarantee equality in their constitutions.

While legal challenges to the ERA's official publication are anticipated, given the incoming administration, and although life for women and girls is unlikely to change overnight, President Biden's declaration remains a significant landmark victory. It underscores a renewed commitment to gender equality in the U.S., setting the stage for continued efforts to ensure the principles enshrined in the ERA are fully realized and upheld.

Equality Now will continue to work with lawmakers, legal professionals, and advocates to bring the ERA to life and ensure it is a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.

About: Equality Now is an international human rights organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of all women and girls worldwide. We combine grassroots activism with legal advocacy at the international, regional, and national levels to achieve systemic change and collaborate with local partners to ensure governments enact and enforce laws and policies that uphold women's and girls' rights.

Contact:

Mel Bailey

+44 07971556340

[email protected]

SOURCE Equality Now
500 attendees expected at family-friendly event celebrating school choice

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With next school year on their minds, families will explore different education options and have a blast at the School Choice Fair at Wahooz Family Fun Zone during School Choice Week in Idaho. Hosted by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, the event will feature representatives from schools and organizations showcasing a wide range of K-12 educational pathways, helping families make informed decisions about their children's education.

The fair will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian. Attendees will connect with representatives from two dozen public charter schools and virtual schools. A full list of participating schools can be found on the event's webpage.

The free community event comes at an important time for Idaho families, as the state has recently updated its open enrollment policies. Students can now transfer between public schools at any time during the year, and after two years, families no longer need to reapply annually. These changes make it easier for families to access the educational options that best fit their needs.

Representatives from traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, and private schools will be available to help families understand their options under these expanded policies. Parents can connect directly with educators to learn about different learning environments and get their questions answered to help make informed choices for their families.

"The School Choice Fair provides an incredible opportunity for educators, families, and stakeholders to come together and explore the best educational options available in our state," said China Gum, event lead at the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families. "By hosting this event in a fun, engaging environment, we're making it easier for parents to connect with schools and organizations that can help them make the best decisions for their children."

The fair will also feature family-friendly activities, including balloon artists, photo booths, face painting, and complimentary food, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.

The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week 2025, which will feature thousands of events nationwide celebrating educational opportunities. This fair represents one of Idaho's largest school choice celebrations, bringing together the educational community to support family choice in education.

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families works to support and expand educational opportunities for families across Idaho.

Location Details: Wahooz Family Fun Zone - Galaxy Event Center is located at 1385 S Blue Marlin Ln, Meridian, ID 83642.

Families can learn more and RSVP for this free event at idahoschoolfair.com . Spanish-speaking families can RSVP at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-idaho-feria-escolar .

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

SOURCE National School Choice Week
AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As frigid weather grips the region, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric companies remind customers of steps they can take to stay safe and better manage energy bills that may climb due to the cold weather. Based on current forecasts, all of FirstEnergy's six-state footprint will be affected by the cold snap, with sub-zero temperatures likely to arrive early next week and lasting several days.

Company line workers will be ready to assist should the arctic conditions cause any customers to lose power. A video playlist of utility personnel discussing winter power restoration activities is available on YouTube.

FirstEnergy takes a number of steps to prepare its system for cold weather, including pre-winter inspections of key electrical equipment. The companies are also reviewing staffing levels and cold weather operational procedures to ensure any localized power outages caused by the excessive cold are handled promptly and delaying any non-critical, planned outage work scheduled for next week in areas with extreme cold. FirstEnergy also continues to engage in discussions with the regional grid operator and peers to take any necessary proactive steps to ensure grid reliability through these extreme temperatures.

Customers should review important winter safety information and prepare in case weather-related outages do occur.

Safety Tips:

Heating appliances, such as space heaters and electric blankets, should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.

Never fold an electric blanket while it is in use. This can damage wires inside of the blanket, causing it to overheat or spark.

Only use space heaters designed for indoor use. Keep all heat sources at least three feet away from curtains, carpet or furniture that could catch on fire.

Never use a gas stove, charcoal grill or lantern intended for outdoor use inside your home because it could lead to a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

If operating a portable generator during a power outage, place it outside of your home and far away from windows, doors and vents. Never use a generator inside your home!

Keep electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops and tablet computers, fully charged to be ready for an emergency.

Have a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in case a power outage occurs.

Contact the local emergency management agency for a list of warming centers and other cold weather support.

Energy Saving Tips:

Dress for the weather. Wearing an extra layer or wrapping up in a blanket while you're relaxing can help you feel more comfortable without turning up the thermostat.

Rotate ceiling fans clockwise at a low speed to force warm air near the ceiling down. This can make your space feel warmer without adjusting your home's temperature.

Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use to keep cold air out.

Close the drapes at night. During the day, only open those that receive direct sunlight.

Turn off lights when you aren't using them. Change furnace filters regularly to ensure your heating system is working efficiently.

Keep registers for supply or return air free of obstructions like curtains or furniture.

Seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to prevent cold air from sneaking into your home.

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation or layers of newspaper. Avoid frozen pipes by opening faucets and maintaining a constant drip.

Keep the overhead door of an attached garage closed to block cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door between the house and garage.

Other FirstEnergy energy conservation tips are available at firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy .

Electric Bill Payment Assistance:

Frigid temperatures can lead to increased electric bills. FirstEnergy understands there are many reasons a customer may be struggling to pay their electric bill and is here to help, offering budget plans, special payment plans and access to energy assistance programs. To apply or learn more about utility bill assistance programs, customers are encouraged to visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist .

Customer Communications Options:

If winter weather does cause an outage, customers who are without power should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or report online at www.firstenergycorp.com/reportoutage .

FirstEnergy customers can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive updates after they've reported their power outages. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts and make other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information about these communications tools is available online at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect .

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com . Follow FirstEnergy on X: @FirstEnergyCorp .

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
New 2026 Itineraries will also include the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica

SEATTLE, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has unveiled its 2026 itineraries to the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic, giving guests the chance to explore some of the world's most historic destinations and storied waterways. Between August and October 2026, Seabourn Venture will offer six voyages ranging from eight to 24 days, traversing the historic routes of The Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic before sailing south to explore the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica. The expedition voyages are now on sale, with dates and full itinerary details available at www.seabourn.com.

Between August and October 2026, Seabourn Venture will offer six voyages ranging from eight to 24 days, traversing the historic routes of The Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic before sailing south to explore the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.

"The Northwest Passage is one of the most famous and historic routes in the Arctic, and we are excited to give travelers an opportunity to explore this region with Seabourn," said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. "Guests will admire towering icebergs, encounter unique wildlife found nowhere else, and immerse themselves in the stories of the daring expeditions that paved the wayall while enjoying Seabourn Venture's ultra-luxury comforts and services."

Northwest Passage Experiences

Seabourn Venture will offer two "24-day Journey Across the Northwest Passage" expeditions between Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska, departing on August 5 and August 29, as well as one "15-day Wild Labrador Coast: Missions, Fjords & Wilderness" departing September 20 from Reykjavik to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Additionally, two combination cruises are available for a longer, more immersive experience: a "35-day Glaciers, Fjords & Northwest Passage" voyage from Reykjavik to Anchorage and a "38-day Northwest Passage & Wild Labrador Coast" itinerary from Anchorage to Halifax.

Whether guests choose to sail eastbound or westbound, the expedition voyages will provide the same unforgettable opportunity to visit remote Arctic outposts and explore the historic Northwest Passage. Highlight experiences include the following:

Exploring Devon Island , the world's largest uninhabited island, located west of Baffin Bay, known as "Mars on Earth" for its barren, rocky terrain, and polar desert climate.

, the world's largest uninhabited island, located west of Baffin Bay, known as "Mars on Earth" for its barren, rocky terrain, and polar desert climate. Connecting with the people of the Arctic, learning their stories and cultural traditions in Cambridge Bay .

. Visiting the remains of historic sites, like outposts of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Hudson's Bay Company , in remote and uninhabited islands of the Canadian High Arctic .

and the , in remote and uninhabited islands of the . Touring Ilulissat, Greenland , once known as the "Town of 10,000 Souls," where sled dogs outnumbered the population.

Optional expedition experiences will also be available, including kayaking, submarine dives, and unique shore experiences like the Ilulissat Helicopter Adventure, a cruise to the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq, or an Icefjord Cruise. Guests can also participate in the optional Image Masters program, a hands-on photography experience offering in-the-field instruction on photo composition, camera techniques, editing, and retouching, all led by an accomplished nature photographer. Small groups of only 10 guests will participate in this exclusive, four-day workshop. The program provides personalized, in-depth guidance, allowing participants to refine their skills while capturing the breathtaking landscapes of the Northwest Passage.

All sailings feature exclusive amenities such as inclusive economy air from guests' departure city and complimentary full-service laundry.

Caribbean, South America and Antarctica

Following the Northwest Passage voyages, in October 2026, Seabourn Venture will journey south to the Caribbean and South America, offering three voyages ranging from eight to 21 days.

October 5  13, 2026  an "8-day Southern Caribbean Yacht Harbors" voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Bridgetown, Barbados featuring visits to Rodney Bay ( Saint Lucia ), and Carambola Beach. While this itinerary does not feature expedition programming, guests can immerse themselves in Seabourn's signature intimate, yacht-like atmosphere and traditional ocean cruise experiences, enhanced by the exclusivity of a ship carrying only 264 guests. This voyage will also feature Seabourn's signature Caviar in the Surf experience and private beach barbecue.





 13, 2026  an "8-day Southern Caribbean Yacht Harbors" voyage from to featuring visits to Rodney Bay ( ), and Carambola Beach. While this itinerary does not feature expedition programming, guests can immerse themselves in Seabourn's signature intimate, yacht-like atmosphere and traditional ocean cruise experiences, enhanced by the exclusivity of a ship carrying only 264 guests. This voyage will also feature Seabourn's signature Caviar in the Surf experience and private beach barbecue. October 13  29, 2026  a "16-day Trinidad to Rio: South American Expedition" from Bridgetown to Rio De Janeiro , traveling along the vibrant coast of Brazil





 29, 2026  a "16-day to Rio: South American Expedition" from to , traveling along the vibrant coast of October 29  November 19, 2026  a "21-day Wild South Atlantic & Antarctic Peninsula" from Rio De Janeiro to Buenos Aires, Argentina en route to begin its season in the White Continent

Guests can extend their journey with two combination voyages that explore both regions: a "24-day Southern Caribbean Yacht Harbors & Coast of Brazil" itinerary and a "37-day From the Caribbean to the Antarctic" voyage.

Exploration, Adventure, and Luxurious Comfort

Each expedition itinerary will include experiences led by an expert 23-person Expedition Team, consisting of academics, scientists, and naturalists. This elite team will guide nature walks, hikes and scenic Zodiac cruises, navigating through icebergs and beautiful waterways while highlighting marine mammals and wildlife along the shores. Additionally, guests on polar voyages will receive a complimentary PolarShield Parka by Helly Hansen to enhance their expedition experience.

Seabourn Venture offers the same luxurious small ship experience that travelers have come to expect from Seabourn, enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities. Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship's global deployment and capabilities. There is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views. In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites.

The ship is also equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink, providing its expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink's services are available.

For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK).

Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Pinterest .

IMAGES HERE

SOURCE Seabourn
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Every state in the union has criminal tax statutes. While different states tax in different ways, most of their criminal tax efforts function very similarly to how California goes after state tax crime.

Practice Overview (new version)

Each year, the State of California criminally prosecutes tax crimes detected and investigated by the criminal tax investigation functions of the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the Employment Development Department (EDD). Tax responsibilities can become increasingly complicated as your assets grow, and they can become extremely complex if you own or operate a business. While there are lawful ways to keep your tax bill as low as possible, some taxpayers either skip hiring a skilled tax professional or choose an unscrupulous preparer, causing them to file returns containing false, incomplete, or misleading information. These missteps not only risk civil tax penalties but may also lead to a high-risk audit or even a California FTB, CDTFA, or EDD criminal tax investigationculminating in California criminal tax charges that can include lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and restitution that is non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. Below, we examine why and how these prosecutions arise and the key factors that prompt a routine California civil tax audit to escalate into a significantly worse California felony tax fraud case.

California's Criminal Tax Evasion Laws: A Broad Scope

Under California state law, it is unlawful to underpay your taxes deliberately, fail to file required returns, or knowingly submit false statements or documents on your returns. For instance, Revenue and Taxation Code  19706 targets willful non-filing or underpayment, imposing up to one year in county jail or state prison and fines reaching $20,000. Meanwhile, Revenue and Taxation Code  19705 addresses deliberately false tax returns, punishable by 16 months to three years in prison and fines as high as $50,000 if the state proves that you knew your data was incorrect and intended to evade your obligations. Felony convictions often bring intangible fallout: the state may include you on its "top 500" delinquent taxpayers list, broadcast your name publicly, and irreparably harm your personal and professional standing.

Sales Tax Evasion as a Prime Trigger

Many Californians assume that state tax enforcement revolves primarily around personal or corporate income. In reality, the CDTFA aggressively audits entities suspected of failing to collect or remit sales and use taxes. Businesses such as restaurants, bars, liquor stores, salons, gas stations, and convenience stores all fall under the CDTFA's scrutiny, especially when they handle significant cash transactions. A CDTFA sales tax audit typically verifies whether a "retailer engaged in California" (i.e., one selling or delivering tangible personal property within the state or possessing sufficient economic or physical nexus here) has properly assessed and submitted the correct sales tax amount for every taxable transaction.

If CDTFA auditors find evidence of a willful underreporting of cash basis salesperhaps by omitting entire categories of transactions or employing point-of-sale manipulationsthey may conclude you intentionally withheld the sales taxes due. When unreported or falsified taxable sales exceed certain thresholds (for instance, $100,000 of unreported sales in a single quarter), the CDTFA routinely notifies both the FTB and possibly the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, turning a straightforward civil tax inquiry into a felony-level tax evasion matter especially if authorities believe you deliberately falsified your books or used "zapper" or "phantom-ware" software to hide transactions.

Moreover, Revenue and Taxation Code  7153, 7153.5, and 7153.6 can come into play. These provisions criminalize, for example, filing false returns "with intent to defeat or evade" a tax, failing to remit collected tax, or possessing or using an automated sales suppression device or phantom-ware to intentionally distort sales. In some cases, if the aggregated unreported tax liability hits $25,000 or more within 12 months, the offense is treated as a felony, with potential imprisonment and substantial fines (up to $20,000 for each offense). Tax or tax reimbursement that is collected but not reported is particularly damning evidence of willful wrongdoing.

At the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, our California Tax Fraud Defense Attorneys & supporting CPAs have years of experience helping clients who could potentially be charged with California tax/fraud crimes bring their case to the best possible resolution. The most effective way to prevent tax fraud charges is to consult with us before filing your taxes, or at least reach out once you realize you've made a mistakeor a series of them. If we can rectify the issue before a California tax audit or criminal tax investigation is initiated, we can likely bring you back into compliance without triggering criminal tax prosecution by California prosecutors. However, if you have already been charged, our dedicated dual-licensed California litigation attorneys & CPAs will work diligently to mitigate the damage through a plea bargain or strive for a not-guilty verdict at trial, depending on the specific strengths and weaknesses of your case. To set up a reduced rate initial consultation, call us today at (888) 310-3543 or schedule online.

If you find yourself under audit in a scenario where you know for a fact you have a long history of cheating on your California income, sales or employment tax returns, we recommend the following:

Avoid your original preparer and do not discuss your exposure with them. They are very likely to be called as a witness against you or offer your scalp in an effort to protect their own.

Contact us before ANY communication with the California taxing authority takes place. To our knowledge, we have never had a California Audit client go to jail that we have represented.

Factors That Trigger Criminal Tax Prosecution by California Prosecutors

While California tax audits typically begin as civil inquiries, they can quickly and clandestinely escalate into a criminal tax prosecution if evidence emerges of intentional deceit. Below are some badges of fraud California prosecutors will focus on in bringing criminal tax charges:

Evidence of Intentional Non-Filing or Underreporting: Consistent failures to file or glaring discrepancies between your reported and actual income strongly suggest willful tax avoidance. If underreporting or non-filing appears too substantial or systematic for random error, California prosecutors may proceed with felony charges under Revenue and Taxation Code  19705 or 19706.

Manipulated Records or Markup Audits Indicating Skimming: When the CDTFA suspects unreported cash sales, it often conducts markup audits, discarding your primary books to reconstruct the cost of goods sold by contacting your vendors directly and applying an industry-standard markup percentage to arrive at your estimated annual sales. If the computed difference is glaring, officials infer concealed sales, especially among cash-intensive operations. Discovery of a "zapper" program or missing register tapes typically implies a purposeful scheme to hide revenue, triggering felony tax charges under the appropriate California statutes.

Coordinated California & Federal Civil and Criminal Tax Leads: California's FTB, CDTFA, and EDD routinely share audit and criminal tax investigative findings among themselves and with the IRS, often exponentially compounding a taxpayer's peril. For instance, if a sales tax audit uncovers more than $100,000 of unreported cash basis sales in a single quarter, the CDTFA will routinely notify the FTB, which can then open a criminal tax investigation or adjust the entity's state income tax returns. California state freely communicates with the IRS, exposing taxpayers to parallel federal criminal tax charges if the IRS Criminal Investigation Division is informed of glaring intentional understatements, deceit or manipulations.

Reliance on a Preparer Under California or Federal Criminal Tax Investigation: If your tax preparer is suspected of orchestrating fraudulent returns across multiple clients, California prosecutors often audit all the targeted preparers client filings. Prosecutors may argue you "should have known" about artificially inflated deductions or omitted incomeparticularly if the errors yield disproportionately beneficial results. This approach paves the way to felony tax fraud charges under the rationale of willful ignorance.

Creation of Sham Entities or Use of Fake Exemptions: Tactics such as claiming out-of-state residency while living in California, establishing fictitious "shell" corporations to evade taxes, or repeatedly closing and reopening a business to avoid back taxes can all demonstrate willful attempts to circumvent California tax law. Investigators see these patterns as deliberate deceptions to circumvent lawful California tax obligations.

If you are worried about California prosecutors bringing tax fraud charges against you, contact our dual-licensed California civil and criminal tax defense lawyers and CPAs to gain legal guidance on how to handle this problem. We have a long track record of negotiating civil resolutions in potentially criminal tax scenarios.

Additionally, our firm has amassed years of experience handling foreign tax matters, and this experience could be used to address your offshore shell corp tax troubles. As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income t ax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure before the IRS or California state authority has started an audit or criminal tax investigation/prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply.

Contact the Tax Law Office of David W. Klasing Today To Defend Tax Fraud Charges in California

Notwithstanding California's aggressive stance, legitimate defenses exist for taxpayers under criminal tax investigation:

Lack of Willfulness : Proving the discrepancy was an honest miscalculation or sloppy record-keeping as opposed to intentional fraud can neutralize claims of criminal intent.

: Proving the discrepancy was an honest miscalculation or sloppy record-keeping as opposed to intentional can neutralize claims of criminal intent. Honest Reliance on a Professional : If you can show that you provided correct data to your preparer, and they manipulated the figures unilaterally, you may avoid liability for willful wrongdoing.

: If you can show that you provided correct data to your preparer, and they manipulated the figures unilaterally, you may avoid liability for willful wrongdoing. Amended Returns or Voluntary Disclosure : Rectifying errorsbefore the state cements its findingscan decrease or avert felony charges significantly if the adjustments convincingly demonstrate that you intend to comply.

: Rectifying errorsbefore the state cements its findingscan decrease or avert felony charges significantly if the adjustments convincingly demonstrate that you intend to comply. Mistaken Identity or Multiple Cooks: In a corporate environment, if another person surreptitiously provided false data, you can argue you had no knowledge of or role in the misrepresentation.

At the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, our distinctive blend of legal advocacy and advanced accounting proficiency positions us as a formidable ally when facing the severe ramifications of California or IRS criminal tax investigations and high-risk audits. In a climate where aggressive state enforcement can turn any apparent underreporting or questionable deduction into a felony tax charge, you need representation that addresses both the legal and financial facets of your situation simultaneously.

David W. Klasing brings decades of specialized experience handling high-risk tax civil and criminal tax controversies at both the California state and federal levels. By uniting the precision of a CPA with the strategic advocacy of a seasoned tax attorney, our team confronts complicated audits, defends against severe felony allegations, and works to minimize the life-altering fallout of a criminal tax prosecution. Whether you need rigorous pre-filing guidance to avert red flags before they attract prosecutorial attention, immediate damage control once an audit is underway, or a comprehensive trial defense after charges have been filed, our dedicated approach ensures that every aspect of your tax obligations and potential liabilities is meticulously managed. When the stakes involve your freedom, financial stability, and professional reputation, our dual-licensed expertise and unwavering commitment to protecting your best interests can be the decisive factor in achieving a favorable resolution. To set up a reduced rate initial consultation, call us today at (888) 310-3543 or schedule online here.

See our Sales Tax Q and A library

See our Audit Representation Q and A Library

See our Criminal Tax Law Q and A Library

See our Employment Tax Law Q and A Library

Public Contact: Dave Klasing Esq. M.S.-Tax CPA, [email protected]

SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC
The wife of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, defiantly ignored an invitation to Donald Trump's inauguration. The 61-year-old lawyer has repeatedly publicly criticized the politician's activities, so she will not attend the ceremony of the newly elected head of state in order "not to be fake."

ADVERTISIMENT

According to Page Six, citing an insider, the lawyer is very careful about the events she plans to attend. In addition, it is noted that she was rather reluctant to attend the presidential election.

"Michelle has never been fake. She always chooses very carefully where and how she appears in front of the public. She even reluctantly came to the elections," the source explained, "She doesn't need to explain anything. Absence speaks volumes."

It is worth noting that Michelle Obama made her attitude towards the newly elected US president clear during her speech at the Democratic National Convention held in August. The lawyer said: "For years, Donald Trump has done everything in his power to make people afraid of us. You see, his limited, narrow view of the world has made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, very successful people who happen to be black."

In 2017, the lawyer supported her husband Barack Obama's decision to attend Donald Trump's inauguration. However, over time, her criticism of the Republican became more and more acute, so she decided to stay true to her beliefs.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
DESIGNATED NEWS RELEASE

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - GoldMining Inc. (the "Company" or "GoldMining") (TSX: GOLD) (NYSE: GLDG) announces that Mr. Garnet Dawson and The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal, after each serving as an officer or director of the Company for more than ten years, have retired from the Company's board of directors and will continue contributing to the Company as strategic advisors on GoldMining's advisory board.

Mr. Dawson joined the Company as CEO in 2014 until 2021 and became a member of the board of directors in 2018. Mr. Dhaliwal joined the board of directors in 2013.

The Company wishes to express deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to Mr. Dawson and Mr. Dhaliwal for their many years of service helping to build and strengthen the Company. GoldMining wishes both of them well in their future endeavours, and the Company looks forward to their ongoing support as strategic advisors.

About GoldMining Inc.

GoldMining Inc. is a public mineral exploration company focused on acquiring and developing gold assets in the Americas. Through its disciplined acquisition strategy, GoldMining now controls a diversified portfolio of resource-stage gold and gold-copper projects in Canada, the U.S.A., Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The Company also owns approximately 21.5 million shares of Gold Royalty Corp. (NYSE American: GROY), 9.9 million shares of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (Nasdaq: USGO), and 26.7 million shares of NevGold Corp. (TSXV: NAU). See www.goldmining.com for additional information.

SOURCE GoldMining Inc.
GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with the government work report that the governor of Guangdong province delivered at the Third Session of the 14th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress on January 15, 2025, the province's GDP was estimated to surpass 14 trillion yuan in 2024, ranking first in China for 36 consecutive years, and its total imports and exports increased by 9.8% year-on-year to exceed 9 trillion yuan, both hitting a new record.

The Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, a new hub for Guangdong to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

In 2024, the two sessions of Canton Fair in spring and autumn attracted about 500,000 overseas purchasers, a record high. Guangzhou and Shenzhen were selected as pilot cities to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals. Amazon Global Selling opened its first innovation center for the Asia-Pacific region in Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, Shenzhen, aiming to help more Chinese e-commerce enterprises go global.

Thanks to the strong industrial development of the province, especially manufacturing, "Made in Guangdong" stood out in the global market. As the domestic real estate sector went through an in-depth adjustment, Guangdong's manufacturing industry still maintained steady growth, effectively filling the economic gap caused by the former, and further consolidating the foundation of real economy. In 2024, the added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size in Guangdong increased by 4.2% YoY, and the industrial sector contributed about 50% of the province's GDP growth.

In Guangdong, industry and technology are reinforcing each other, and new quality productive forces are springing up with great vitality. The province's research and development investment intensity is about 3.6%, and it is home to about 77,000 high-tech enterprises, and six national manufacturing innovation centers. Guangdong has ranked first nationwide for eight consecutive years in terms of comprehensive capacity of regional innovation, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster has ranked second worldwide for five consecutive years.

At present, Guangdong's economic aggregate accounts for about one tenth of the national total, and its industrial scale accounts for about one eighth of the national total. The 4.2% YoY increase in the added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size in Guangdong has provided strong support for the stability of the industrial foundation of the country. In 2024, one out of every four new energy vehicles, 2.2 out of every five industrial robots and two out of every five smartphones produced in China came from Guangdong. The scale of Guangdong's foreign trade accounted for more than one fifth of the country's total, contributing nearly 40% of the country's foreign trade growth. The province's local general public budget revenue reached 1.35 trillion yuan, ranking first nationwide for 34 consecutive years. The central-level tax revenue from Guangdong was the most in the country. A total of 1.43 million new jobs were created in urban areas in Guangdong, exceeding the annual target of 1.1 million set by the central government, and 43.86 million workers from outside the province maintained stable employment. Moreover, Guangdong continued to cultivate and expand industries with distinctive characteristics and advantages at county level, and 15 main platforms undertook about 700 new industrial transfer projects with a total investment of about 300 billion yuan.

In 2024, 54 Greater Bay Area (GBA) Standards were released, and 187 cross-boundary administrative services that are frequently needed were launched. The ShenzhenZhongshan Link and the Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage opened to traffic. And 4.5 million vehicles entered Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.

Guangdong, ranking first nationwide for 36 consecutive years in terms of GDP, is expected to make more achievements in the future.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599426/Guangdong_Province.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599425/Guangdong_Province_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Guangdong Province
Following the launch of " Digital Family Center " last year, " Mobile Family Center " is now open

Provides on-site psychological and self-reliance counseling for women and children facing difficulties at home

Over a decade of consistent family-focused social contribution activities, building strong community trust

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Life announced that, on January 16, it handed over its "Mobile Family Center," which was designed to build psychological and emotional safety nets for women and children, to the Indonesian government at the Jakarta City Hall. Following the launch of the "Digital Family Center" at the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection in Jakarta last year, "Mobile Family Center" aims to directly support underserved areas by adding mobile services.

Inside the Mobile Family Center vehicle, Teguh Setyabudi, Acting Governor of Jakarta, Indonesia (left), and Hong Jeong-pyo, Vice President of Hanwha Life (right), pose for a commemorative photo with counselor and beneficiary child.

Hanwha Life's "Digital Family Center" has been installed in two locations in the Jakarta area in collaboration with local child centers to provide mental care programs for women and children as well as counseling to promote welfare. This is the result of a partnership between Hanwha Life, the Jakarta government, and Save the Children, which has been ongoing since 2023.

The newly launched "Mobile Family Center" consists of a specially modified vehicle equipped with a counseling room, nursing room, and lounge. This mobile service will visit various regions on designated days, with the experts providing psychological counseling and self-reliance support programs. By offering this mobile center, access to welfare services will improve as people will no longer need to go long distances to use mental health services.

The Technical Service Unit for the Center for Women and Children Protection in Jakarta handled 1,682 cases of violence against women and children throughout 2023. These cases involved 665 girls, 286 boys, and 731 adult women. This number represents an increase compared to 2022, which recorded 1,455 cases of violence against women and children. Addressing the rising number of violence cases against women and children certainly requires specific solutions. The innovation of the Mobile Digital Family Center is expected to be a strategic step in strengthening the protection of women and children.

Hanwha Life's newly launched mobile counseling service will be able to operate in various locations, such as markets and apartment complexes. The mobile unit allows counselors to be closer to the community, enabling them to report issues they are experiencing, especially those related to violence against women and children. This innovation makes it easier for people to access counseling services, particularly for those who are reluctant or unaware of how to report the problems they are facing.

The handover ceremony was attended by over 200 participants, including Teguh Setyabudi, Acting Governor of Jakarta, Hong Jeong-pyo, Vice President of Hanwha Life, Rosianto Hamid, Chief Program Impact Creation of Save the Children Indonesia, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, Director of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, government officials, child protection agencies, and residents.

The attendees had the opportunity to experience the services provided inside the counseling vehicle firsthand, and share feedback from the residents, children, and counselors to discuss ways to operate this center more effectively and practically.

Hong Jeong-pyo, Vice President of Hanwha Life, stated, "We are delighted to bring essential support to the residents through "Mobile Family Center". We will continue to uphold our social responsibilities towards Indonesian communities, improving the quality of life for the local residents."

Hanwha Life first entered the Indonesian market in 2012 and has steadily expanded its footprint, now operating a nationwide network of 26 branches centered in Jakarta. Since its early days in the market, the company has consistently engaged in various social contribution activities, aimed at fostering a family-friendly environment in the region, including volunteer work for children in underserved areas, establishment of community child centers, and creation of youth entrepreneurship academies. These efforts have helped build strong trust within the local communities.

The company plans to further strengthen community-centered initiatives in global markets by promoting and implementing inclusive finance, reaching out to neighbors in need and making a meaningful impact on their lives.

SOURCE Hanwha Life
The company, along with joint-venture MegaMex Foods  the makers of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE, LA VICTORIA, HERDEZ, and CHI-CHI'S salsa  partner to deliver assistance to communities where team members live and work

AUSTIN, Minn., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, is committed to supporting disaster relief efforts across Southern California as wildfires continue to impact communities. The company has donated cash and products valued at more than $2 million retail to aid those affected, working closely with long-standing partners on the ground, including Convoy of Hope.

MegaMex Logo (PRNewsfoto/MegaMex Foods)

To date, Hormel Foods has donated food products totaling more than 550,000 pounds, which equates to over 460,000 meals*. The donation included essential ready-to-eat and shelf-stable products from brands such as PLANTERS, SKIPPY, JUSTIN'S and EMBASA. Frozen and refrigerated products such as JENNIE-O OVEN READY whole turkeys, WHOLLY avocado minis and COLUMBUS meats were also included. Additionally, the Hormel Foods Foodservice division supported restaurant operators in their efforts to provide free meals to first responders and displaced community members.

Given the company's commitment to education and recognizing the wildfire's impact on local schools, the Hormel Foods Charitable Trust along with MegaMex Foods  which is headquartered in Orange, California  jointly donated $50,000 to the LA Unified School District Education Foundation's Emergency Relief Fund. These dollars will go toward assisting students, faculty and families affected by the disaster.

"We are devastated by the impact that ongoing wildfires have had across the greater L.A. area," said Katie Clark, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Hormel Foods. "Ensuring that first responders, aid workers and community members in need have access to food, protein and nutrition is an ongoing priority for us. We partnered with Convoy of Hope and local restaurants to ensure the products we donated would be useful right away. We are dedicated to supporting relief efforts in both the short- and long-term as communities restock pantries and rebuild lives."

*Based on USDA guidelines, a meal is equal to 1.2 pounds of food.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN'S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

About MegaMex Foods, LLC

MegaMex Foods, one of the fastest growing Mexican food companies in the U.S., is focused on reimagining Mexican flavor in restaurants and home kitchens across the country. MegaMex Foods is proudly committed to authentic ingredients and providing a real solution for achieving true Mexican flavors with trusted products, including WHOLLY, LA VICTORIA, HERDEZ, EMBASA, DONA MARIA, BUFALO and DON MIGUEL brands. A joint venture founded by Herdez del Fuerte and Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), MegaMex Foods is headquartered in Orange, Calif., with facilities in Texas and Mexico. MegaMex Foods has two operating plants, numerous manufacturing partners and over 4,000 employees. For more information, visit www.megamexfoods.com and www.mmxfoodservice.com.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncologic, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmologic and other major diseases, and Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm, 002755.SZ), jointly announce that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) of limertinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Limertinib is the 14th product in Innovent's commercial portfolio and represents a cutting-edge addition to its strong TKI franchise, offering an innovative precision therapy option to lung cancer patients.

A Phase 2b pivotal study evaluating 301 patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated NSCLC demonstrated limertinib's robust efficacy and safety profile. Independent review committeeIRC assessment showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 68.8% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 92.4%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) reached 11.0 months, with a median duration of response (DoR) of 11.1 months. For patients with assessable central nervous system (CNS) lesions (N=99), the CNS best-ORR was 65.9% with a median PFS of 10.6 months. The safety profile aligned with other EGFR-targeting agents in its class.

Additionally, limertinib met its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 clinical trial comparing it to gefitinib for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. A separate NDA for the first-line treatment in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC carrying EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations is currently under NMPA review.

"Limertinib has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in NSCLC patients with EGFR T790M mutation and EGFR-sensitive mutations. Patients treated with limertinib showed a reduced risk of CNS progression or death. This approval brings new hope and options to patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC in China," said Professor Shi Yuankai, MD, Department of Medical Oncology at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Principal Investigator of the Phase 2b and Phase 3 clinical studies.

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated"The approval of limertinib's first indication marks a significant milestone, providing new treatment options for T790 mutation-positive lung cancer patients who have progressed after previous EGFR-TKI treatments. We anticipate the first-line treatment indication will benefit even more patients in the near future. As our 14th commercial product, limertinib represents an important advancement in precision medicine for lung cancer. We look forward to working with ASK Pharm to bring limertinib to market and benefit Chinese patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC."

Mr. Jingfei Ma, CEO and Executive Director of ASK Pharm, stated: "Beyond the approval for EGFR T790M+ NSCLC, limertinib is also under regulatory review for first-line treatment of EGFR 19DEL+ or L858R+ NSCLC in China. ASKC202, a new highly selective c-Met inhibitor, is currently undergoing clinical study in combination with limertinib to treat patients with third-generation EGFR-TKI resistance. Together with Innovent, we look forward to limertinib benefiting more Chinese lung cancer patients in the near future. The first approval of limertinib, a Class I innovative product, represents significant progress in the company's transformation toward innovative drug research and development. "

About EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest and most common cancers globally[i], with NSCLC accounting for about 85% of cases. Around 70% of NSCLC patients are diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic disease stages that cannot be surgically resected. EGFR mutations are particularly prevalent in Asian NSCLC patients, affecting 30% to 50% of cases. EGFR-TKIs are the recommended first-line standard of care for this group, with third-generation EGFR inhibitors offering the broadest applicability.

About Limertinib

Limertinib is an orally-administrated, third-generation EGFR TKI with proprietary rights, approved by the China's NMPA for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A second NDA is under NMPA review for first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC carrying EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations.

The drug demonstrated success in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 clinical trial comparing its efficacy and safety of to gefitinib in first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. With the primary endpoint met, results will be presented at upcoming academic conferences or published in academic journals.

In October 2024, Innovent and ASK Pharm entered into a strategic collaboration and license agreement for limertinib in Mainland China.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 14 products in the market. It has 3 new drug applications (NDA) under regulatory review, 3 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 17 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm)

Founded in January 2003, Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm) is a research-based pharmaceutical enterprise that integrates and streamlines innovative research and development with manufacture, marketing promotion and sales of proprietary pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and health-care products. ASK Pharm specializes in digestive disease, multidrug resistant infection, oncology and chronic disease areas.

ASK Pharm focuses on the R&D of small-molecule targeted innovative drugs and immuno-oncology biologic drugs. Currently, there are 48 major research projects, including 11 disclosed key projects focused on innovative chemical and biologic drugs. Among these, the innovative anti-tumor drug Limertinib are in the NDA stage, while ASKC109 (maltol iron capsules) and ASKB589 (Claudin18.2 monoclonal antibody) are in Phase III clinical trials. ASK Pharm has Ranked among the top 20 best industrial enterprises in China's pharmaceutical R&D pipeline for 14 consecutive years and it has also received numerous honors such as "Top Ten National R&D Innovators", "Best National Enterprise for Investment", and "National Torch Program High-Tech Enterprises".

For more information, visit www.ask-pharm.com.

Innovent's Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Reference

[i] Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 May-Jun;74(3):229-263. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834. Epub 2024 Apr 4. PMID: 38572751.

SOURCE Innovent Biologics
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A year of pain and perseverance, heartbreak and healing are reflected in the release of Jewish National Fund-USA's 2024 Year in Review. The organization has led philanthropic efforts to rebuild, repair, and rehabilitate Israel's North and South  communities it has worked with for decades  following the horrors of October 7, 2023.

The organization's achievements demonstrate its "Circle of Impact," whereby every initiative creates a ripple effect of job creation, economic development, and quality of life improvements.

A family in Israel's North Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers in Israel

"Our achievements underscore why we have every reason to believe that our best days are yet to come," said Deb Lust Zaluda, President of Jewish National Fund-USA. "At first, we were overwhelmed with grief; now we are overwhelmed by the unprecedented philanthropic support shown by our partners (donors) throughout the country."

Highlights:

Over 33,000 individuals attended in-person events, including 2,500 at the Global Conference for Israel in Dallas .

in . A 106% year-over-year increase in donations including 43,342 first-time contributors.

40,000+ Israeli volunteers and 4,000 American volunteers stepped up to make a difference.

270 bomb shelters were installed in the North and South.

19,000 care packages were delivered to evacuated families and soldiers serving in the war, and more.

Jewish National Fund-USA's efforts also extend beyond emergency relief, focusing on long-term solutions:

Supporting over 245 acres of agricultural land through innovative water reservoirs in the Negev.

Building and opening the Mitzpe Ramon Tech Hub, an innovative coworking space that is attracting new, high-tech investments and developments to the remote desert city.

Continuing construction on the Galilee Culinary Institute and Kiryat Shmona Medical Center, both located in northern Israel , with construction continuing uninterrupted throughout the war, and more.

Jewish National Fund-USA CEO, Russell F. Robinson, said, "We remain steadfast in our mission to create a beautiful future for our land and people of Israel. This year's accomplishments show that we were there yesterday, we are there today, and we will be there tomorrow, ensuring that Israelis know they are not alone and that the future is bright."

Jewish National Fund-USA has continued to operate its Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) and its college campus programming throughout this difficult year. Students who participate in Muss' lifechanging semester abroad experience gain a greater understanding of their connection to the land and people of Israel, and return home with confidence, academic accomplishments, and pride in their identity and history. College students take part in a variety of programs and organized groups, including Alternative Break volunteering in Israel trips, Caravan for Democracy, which brings students beyond the Jewish Faith to Israel, on-campus learning and solidarity opportunities, and more. The organization has also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Jewish and pro-Israel students on campus, providing support in the fight against antisemitism and anti-Israel disinformation.

To support Jewish National Fund-USA's impact in Israel, visit jnf.org/donate or call 800.JNF.0099.

About Jewish National Fund-USA

Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel's north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mara Fahl

212-879-9305 x 227

[email protected]

SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KCB Bank Kenya and UnionPay International (UPI) have partnered to enhance e-commerce payment capabilities in Kenya, enabling UnionPay cardholders to transact seamlessly on digital platforms.

This collaboration marks a significant advancement in digital payment capabilities, aimed at enriching the online shopping experience for consumers and merchants across Kenya.

"We are delighted to join hands with UnionPay International to enhance our e-commerce payment solutions. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing secure and efficient digital payment services that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. By integrating UnionPay's robust payment solutions, we are enabling seamless and secure online transactions for UnionPay cardholders," said Jane Isiaho, KCB Bank Kenya Director of Retail Banking.

The collaboration also takes inspiration from the highly successful payment landscape in China, where digital and contactless payment solutions are deeply embedded in everyday transactions. UnionPay brings valuable insights and best practices from this environment to Africa, focusing on scalability, security, and customer-centric innovation.

Through this partnership, KCB Bank aims to enable key merchant segments, including supermarket chains, all government e-citizen services, and leading hotel chains. By extending UnionPay card acceptance across these critical sectors, the bank is creating a robust ecosystem that fosters convenience for consumers and merchants alike.

"UnionPay International is pleased to collaborate with KCB Bank Kenya to expand our digital footprint in Kenya," said Asad Burney, Head of UnionPay International Africa Region. "This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting the digital transformation of payments in Africa. By integrating 3DS products, we aim to provide enhanced security and convenience for online transactions, contributing to a more seamless shopping experience for consumers."

E-commerce payment systems offer multiple advantages, including enhanced security, quick transaction processing, global reach, and reduced cart abandonment rates. These features combine to deliver an elevated shopping experience, benefiting both consumers and merchants.

The move will also play a key role in supporting Kenya's e-commerce sector which is currently experiencing rapid growth. According to the Competition Authority of Kenya, e-commerce penetration is projected to rise to 53.6 percent by 2025, driven by the expansion of internet connectivity, robust logistics, and the adoption of fintech solutions. These developments form the bedrock for a scalable, inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.

As a key player in the region's e-commerce ecosystem, KCB Bank is poised to expand UnionPay's online acceptance coverage significantly, catering to the growing demand for digital payments among consumers and businesses.

Ends

About KCB Bank Kenya Ltd

KCB Bank Kenya Limited is the largest commercial bank in the country. A subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, the Bank has the largest branch network, with over 200 branches, 367 ATMs and 16,000 agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. This is complemented by mobile banking and internet banking services with a 24-hour contact center services for our customers to get in touch with the Bank. KCB Group Plc- which also has presence in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC and a representative office in Ethiopia also boasts of a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay focused on expanding the global acceptance network of UnionPay cards. With over 260 million cards issued worldwide, UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 15 African countries. UnionPay continues to innovate and launch new payment products to support digital transformation and financial inclusion in Africa.
Pre-settlement funding company says over 80,000 plaintiffs are awaiting payouts on landmark $2.2 billion settlement

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay LLC, a leading pre settlement funding company, reports that November's $2.2 billion ruling against GlaxoSmithKline has still not been distributed to 80,000+ Zantac plaintiffs. The UK-based pharmaceutical company has been the target of numerous lawsuits for the past five years with plaintiffs alleging the popular heartburn medication causes cancer, and that the company failed to warn users that its main ingredientranitidinemay be a human carcinogen.

Testing last month determined how such dangerous levels of ranitidine ended up in the antacid product. As it turns out, impurities in the NDMA found in ranitidine increase when exposed to higher temps and humid conditions. Meaning that the Zantac may have been manufactured correctly, but when it was stored in a damp bathroom or glove compartment of a car, users themselves may have unwittingly triggered the very agent that caused their cancer.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal Bay, says, "GSK felt it was in the company's best interest to settle the lawsuits in order to appease shareholders rather than draw out litigation endlessly, especially considering they have been able to do so while providing no admission of liability. While we don't have an exact timeline for when payouts are expected to begin, we are nonetheless offering funding for Zantac plaintiffs while they wait."

To apply for a cash advance lawsuit loan from your anticipated GSK Zantac lawsuit settlement, please visit the company's website HERE or call 877.571.0405.

There is no way to estimate final settlement amounts or how much each plaintiff's case will be worth. Similar case values have been determined based on extent/amount of injuries along with the level of merit to the case. Each case is unique, and many factors go into deciding final damages. For the Zantac lawsuit payouts, plaintiffs will fall into one of three tiers:

Tier I:

Tier 1 injuries can expect payouts in the $300,000 range. Injuries in this tier include cancers of the stomach, prostate, pancreas, or breast.

Tier II:

Tier 2 injuries can expect payouts between $80,000 and 160,000 in most cases. Injuries in this tier include cancers of the major organs like bladder, kidney, or liver.

Tier III:

Tier 3 injuries are looking at payouts anywhere between $20,000 and $60,000 . Injuries in this tier vary greatly, but to a lesser extent than Tier I or II.

The verdicts in these lawsuits are wildly inconsistent and entirely unpredictable, and Legal Bay says there are no guarantees of award amounts nor time frames for payouts just based on the sheer number of claims to process. Nevertheless, Legal-Bay is one of the few legal funding companies who are providing some financial relief to Zantac lawsuit plaintiffs and their families with risk-free, non-recourse cash advance settlement loans. They have been a leader in the mass tort and Qui Tam arena for over fifteen years and have vast experience within this space. These litigations are complex, and Legal Bay has the knowledge and understanding to help plaintiffs navigate the complicated waters of the legal system.

If you're a plaintiff in an active GSK Zantac lawsuit and need an immediate cash advance from your anticipated settlement, please visit the company's website HERE or call 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to hear about your specific case.

Legal-Bay is one of the best lawsuit loan companies when it comes to mass tort and Qui Tam litigations, and has a great reputation within the industry. Legal-Bay assists plaintiffs in all types of class action and mass tort lawsuits, including: Round Up, Hernia Mesh, IVC Filters, Essure, Exactech hip and knee recall, Sex Abuse cases, JUUL, and more.

Legal-Bay assists plaintiffs in all other types of lawsuits including personal injury, dog bites, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, police brutality, unlawful incarceration, workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and more.

Legal-Bay's loan for settlement funding programs are designed to provide immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. While it's common to refer to these legal funding requests as settlement loans, loans for settlements, law suit loans, loans for lawsuits, etc., the "lawsuit loan" funds are, in fact, non-recourse. That means there's no risk when it comes to loans in lawsuit settlements because there is no obligation to repay the money if the recipient loses their case. Therefore, terms like settlement loan, loans for lawsuit, loans on settlement, or lawsuit loan funds don't necessarily apply, as the "loan on lawsuit" isn't really a loan at all, but rather a stress-free cash advance.

Legal-Bay is known to many as the best lawsuit funding provider in the industry for their helpful and knowledgeable staff, low rates, and quick turnaround, sometimes within 24-48 hours once all documents have been received.

To apply right now for a loan settlement program, please visit the company's website HERE or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to answer any questions.

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC
MIAMI, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveal Dental Partners, founded by Houmam Ali in an executive partnership with Lorient Capital, officially announces its launch with a mission to revolutionize dental implant services. Supported by an investment from Lorient Capital, Reveal Dental Partners aims to support and scale dental practices through expert mentorship, cutting-edge integrated lab services, and premier marketing strategies.

"Reveal Dental Partners is committed to empowering dental implant specialists by providing the resources needed to enhance clinical expertise within implantology," said Houmam Ali, CEO. "Our goal is to support dentists and practices to create more transformative 'reveal' moments for their patients."

"Our goal is to support dentists and practices to create more transformative 'reveal' moments for their patients." Post this

Houmam Ali brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Guardian Dentistry Partners, where he helped grow the organization from 28 to 164 locations in three years. Before Guardian, he was Vice President of Operations at ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. Houmam holds an MBA from the University of Denver and is a dentist trained through the University of Baghdad, Iraq.

Lorient Capital's sophisticated Executive Partnership model has been instrumental in the formation of this venture. "We believe that the key to success lies in strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, operational prowess, and strategic direction," said David Berman, Managing Partner of Lorient. "Our approach involves nurturing long-term, value-driven relationships with experienced C-level executives and industry visionaries. Houmam Ali's profound expertise in the dental sector makes him the ideal partner to spearhead Reveal Dental Partners."

Additionally, Mr. Ali expressed his enthusiasm about the alliance, stating, "I am incredibly excited to have the backing of Lorient Capital in the founding of Reveal. Lorient's experience in healthcare investments and its track record of leveraging an executive partnership model to build companies provides a superior foundation for our growth. Not only that, but their commitment to starting companies the right way by providing strategic support from their dedicated operations team ensures that we have the resources and expertise needed to recast key aspects of the dental implant industry."

"Building a unique dental partnership organization focused on empowering our partners with value added services enabling them to grow their practices while maintaining high-quality implant services is a compelling opportunity," said Mark Trouville, Vice President at Lorient. "Reveal Dental Partners is poised to fill significant unmet demand in the industry as a partner to independent dental practices that can help them scale their practice and implant service offering."

For more information about Reveal Dental Partners and our innovative approach to dental implantology, visit our website.

About Reveal Dental Partners

Reveal Dental Partners is a specialized dental partnership organization (SDPO) focused on scaling dental implant practices through advanced case acceptance and clinical mentorship, state-of-the-art integrated lab services, and strategic marketing solutions. By providing targeted support and resources, we empower doctors specializing in dental implants to achieve exceptional patient outcomes and sustainable practice growth.

About Lorient Capital

Lorient is a private investment firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Our distinctive approach blends our roots as entrepreneurs, operators, and investment professionals to build market-leading healthcare services and technology companies. Visit us at: https://lorientcap.com/

Media Contact:

David Peterson, EVP of Marketing

[email protected]

https://reveal.dental

SOURCE Reveal Dental Partners
Magma Power is Inevitable. It's not a question of if magma power will power the Earth  but when.

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Magma Power LLC, a global developer and licensor of Magma Power technology, proudly announces that is has been granted its 17th U.S. Patent on its revolutionary magma power technology.

"Our discussions are continuing to advance to use Magma Power technology to build the world's largest AI data center powered entirely by renewable energy," says Richard McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer of Magma Power, LLC.

Magma Power, LLC says the AI data center, to be developed by Magma Power's global consortium partners, would consume 10 gigawatts of power directly sourced from magma reservoirs. The total investment is expected to be over $20 billion.

"The power demand from AI is insatiable and Magma Power is the answer for renewable, baseload, and virtually unlimited power," McDonald says.

Goldman Sachs estimates that by 2030 data center power demand will be over 1,000 terra-watt hours (TWh). This equates to over 80 gigawatts of installed power. "Our magma-powered AI data center could meet over 10 percent of the global AI power demand by 2030," McDonald says, "all without emitting a single molecule of carbon or burning a single ounce of fossil fuels."

"Wind, solar, and nuclear all have significant drawbacks when it comes to providing the low-cost baseload renewable power that Magma Power provides," says McDonald. "Wind and solar do not provide the baseload power that is required to run a data center. And Magma power has none of the long-term environmental impacts of nuclear power," McDonald says.

Magma Power, LLC's 17th U.S. patent covers a proprietary system designed to safely and efficiently extract geothermal energy from magma reservoirs. This cutting-edge technology represents a significant leap forward in sustainable energy solutions, enabling the formation and maintenance of underground magma chambers for scalable energy production.

The patented system incorporates advanced technologies, including boreholes that reach magma reservoirs, a specially designed underground chamber formed within the magma, and heat transfer fluids such as molten salts or brine. The energy extracted is ideal for electricity generation, industrial processes, agriculture, and more.

"This patent represents a historic step forward in our mission to harness the Earth's untapped energy potential," said Levi Conner, CEO of Magma Power. "It not only showcases the ingenuity of our team but also highlights Magma Power's leadership in geothermal innovation. This technology will play a key role in transitioning the world to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions."

Patent Claims

The issued patent includes the following claims:

System Claims

A geothermal system, comprising: A borehole extending between a surface and an underground chamber;

The underground chamber comprising a cavity formed in an underground reservoir of magma;

A fluid pump configured to provide a flow of heat transfer fluid into the underground chamber;

A fluid conduit extending from the surface toward the underground chamber, configured to allow the flow of heat transfer fluid between the underground chamber and the surface. The geothermal system wherein at least a portion of an internal surface of the underground chamber comprises hardened magma. The geothermal system wherein at least a portion of an internal surface of the underground chamber comprises magma. The geothermal system wherein the heat transfer fluid is a molten salt. The geothermal system wherein a pressure provided to the underground chamber maintains the cavity within the underground reservoir of magma. The geothermal system wherein the cavity is formed by supplying a pressurized fluid into the underground reservoir of magma. The geothermal system further comprising a casing disposed within the borehole and extending no farther than the ceiling of the underground reservoir of magma. The geothermal system wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of: water, a brine solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils. The geothermal system wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid. The geothermal system wherein the fluid conduit is further coupled to a thermal process subsystem, including one or more of: turbines, reaction vessels, condensers, a water distillation system, a heat-driven chilling apparatus, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system. The geothermal system wherein at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid conveyed to the thermal process subsystem is returned to the underground chamber. The geothermal system wherein the fluid conduit comprises an insulation layer. The geothermal system wherein the fluid pump is configured to provide a flow of the heat transfer fluid at a pressure, flow rate, or both that maintains the cavity formed in the underground reservoir of magma.

Method Claims

14. A method of operating a geothermal system, comprising:

Providing a heat transfer fluid down a wellbore extending from a surface and into an underground chamber comprising a cavity formed in an underground reservoir of magma;

Receiving heated heat transfer fluid from the wellbore;

Providing the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermal process.

15. The method further comprising providing the heat transfer fluid to the wellbore at a pressure, flow rate, or both that maintains the cavity formed in the underground reservoir of magma.

16. The method wherein:

The heat transfer fluid provided down the wellbore comprises liquid water, and the heated heat transfer fluid received comprises steam;

Providing the heated heat transfer fluid to the thermal process comprises operating at least one turbine with the steam to generate electricity.

Additional System and Wellbore Preparation Claims

17. A geothermal system comprising:

A fluid pump configured to provide a flow of heat transfer fluid through a wellbore from a surface and into an underground chamber comprising a cavity formed in an underground reservoir of magma;

A fluid conduit configured to allow flow of heat transfer fluid heated in the underground chamber toward the surface.

18. The geothermal system wherein the fluid pump is configured to provide the flow of the heat transfer fluid at a pressure, flow rate, or both that maintains the cavity formed in the underground reservoir of magma.

19. The geothermal system wherein the fluid conduit comprises an insulation layer.

20. The geothermal system wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of: water, brine, refrigerants, thermal oils, molten salt, ionic liquid, and nanofluid.

21. A method of forming a geothermal wellbore, comprising:

Drilling a borehole from the surface to expose magma in an underground reservoir of magma;

Providing a fluid conduit in the borehole;

Injecting fluid to displace magma and form a chamber comprising a cavity within the reservoir.

22. The method further comprising allowing a hardened magma surface to form around the cavity.

23. The method further comprising separating a lower portion of the borehole from an upper portion for pressurization.

Leadership Quotes

Richard McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized: "This patent demonstrates Magma Power's commitment to innovation and leadership in renewable energy. It's not just about technologyit's about creating lasting solutions to global challenges."

KC Conner, the inventor and founder of Magma Power, added: "This patent reflects years of dedication and vision. By using the Earth's magma, we're unlocking a sustainable, untapped resource with the potential to transform the energy landscape."

Pioneering Global Energy Solutions

Magma Power LLC is now in advanced discussions with governments, land developers, power plant engineering firms, and a well-known and respected drilling company to implement its groundbreaking Magma Power technology in a $20 billion project to develop the world's largest AI data center powered entirely by renewable energy.

"The level of interest and collaboration we're seeing from these partners highlights the transformative potential of Magma Power," said McDonald. "This AI data center is designed to consume 10 gigawatts of baseload power sourced directly from magma reservoirs, addressing the insatiable demand for sustainable energy in the AI sector."

McDonald further emphasized the comparative advantages of Magma Power: "Wind and solar face significant limitations in delivering low-cost baseload power for critical infrastructure like data centers, and nuclear comes with long-term environmental challenges. Magma Power is the sustainable, scalable solution the world needs."

This breakthrough comes on the heels of Magma Power's newly issued patent, which ensures the scalability and reliability of such ambitious projects, providing a renewable energy source capable of meeting global demands.

About Magma Power LLC:

Magma Power LLC, (visit MagmaPower.com) with headquarters in Tampa, Florida, with additional offices in New York City and Houston, is a pioneering energy technology company dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions for harnessing renewable energy. Magma Power, LLC has secured fourteen worldwide patents covering all aspects of the production of green energy, energy-intensive manufacturing, green fuels, and other products using Magma Power. Magma Power LLC has also filed an additional forty-six global patents covering all aspects of magma power production, with over 1,000 patent claims pending related to this revolutionary new green energy source. Magma power is a virtually unlimited source of green, renewable, baseload energy that U.S. government researchers in the 1970s, including those at Sandia National Laboratories, concluded could meet the Earth's energy needs for the next several thousand years. The work of Magma Power LLC has taken the initial insights from the Sandia Labs test and developed them into robust, patent-protected technology ready for commercial deployment. Given the inability of wind and solar to provide stable baseload renewable power, there is no long-term alternative to magma power for renewable energy. Magma Power is Inevitable. It's not a question of if magma power will power the Earth  but when. Energy is civilization, and the next several thousand years of civilization will be driven by Magma Power.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Richard McDonald

Chief Strategy Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE Magma Power
American actor Bruce Willis, who suffers from an incurable disease called frontotemporal dementia, has made his first public appearance in several years. For a long time, the "tough guy" could only be seen in a car or in photos posted by his family.

ADVERTISIMENT

This time, however, the 69-year-old celebrity was seen in the company of police officers, whom he thanked for their work. The star's wife Emma Heming Willis posted the video on her Instagram page.

"When he noticed the first responders, Bruce never missed an opportunity to express his gratitude by shaking hands with them and saying: "Thank you for your service. This day was no exception," wrote the actor's chosen one.

In the published recording, you can see that Bruce Willis talked to police officers. The star was dressed in a comfortable casual look, where he combined loose pants, a T-shirt, a light jacket, and a cap.

ADVERTISIMENT

Netizens were pleasantly surprised that despite his serious illness, Bruce Willis continues to demonstrate his humanity and gratitude to those who save the lives of others every day. Many good words appeared in the comments under the post:

"He is truly an amazing man. Nothing can take that away from him."

"Absolutely no one will ever be as cool as Bruce Willis."

"Always kind and always grateful. This man is one of a kind!"

We would like to remind you that in 2022, the talented actor was diagnosed with an incurable disease  aphasia. Since then, Bruce Willis' health has been gradually deteriorating. The star had serious problems with speech and behavior, and in 2023, doctors stated that he had dementia. Due to a serious illness, the celebrity had to end his career.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market in brazil size is estimated to grow by USD 9.96 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below-

Segmentation Overview

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Meal Vouchers And Employee Benefit Solutions Market in Brazil 2025-2029

Application

1.1 Meal vouchers

1.2 Employee benefits

Product

2.1 Non-cash voucher

2.2 Cash voucher

Type

3.1 Book card

3.2 Digital card

Geography

4.1 South America

Country

Brazil and South America

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

Meal vouchers are a common form of compensation provided by employers to their employees in Brazil. These vouchers can be used to purchase food products from food service outlets or grocery stores. Employers work with meal voucher vendors, such as Sodexo SA and Edenred SE, to print and distribute these vouchers to their employees. In return, vendors charge an equivalent amount for printing and distribution, along with a commission from the employers. Meal vouchers offer tax benefits for employees, as many countries, including Brazil, have specified tax exemptions for meal vouchers. Sodexo SA, for instance, offers specialized meal vouchers for employees working over 30 hours a week. The meal vouchers segment is expected to experience growth in the meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market in Brazil due to these advantages.

Analyst Review

Meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions have become essential tools for business organizations in Brazil to enhance their employees' financial and overall health. These solutions, which include meal vouchers, meal cards, Lunch Pass cards, electronic vouchers, and gift coupons, enable employers to offer their workforce a range of benefits, from meal subsidies to cultural and book cards. Meal vouchers help working professionals and office employees save money on daily meals, while travel vouchers facilitate commuting expenses. These benefits not only improve employees' financial well-being but also contribute to their overall health and job satisfaction. Voucher issuing companies play a crucial role in facilitating these solutions, with digital cards and government agencies collaborating to ensure seamless implementation. Employers can choose from various options to customize their employee benefit packages, fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.

Market Overview

Meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions have become essential tools for business organizations in Brazil to attract, retain, and engage their workforce. Meal vouchers, also known as meal cards or electronic vouchers, enable employees to purchase meals at restaurants or canteens, providing financial benefits and improving employee productivity. Employers can also offer health-related policies, such as medical insurance, mental health services, and wellness programs, to enhance overall employee health and wellbeing. Employee benefit solutions extend beyond meal vouchers to include travel vouchers, prepaid cards, and gift vouchers. These benefits cater to various segments, including working professionals, office professionals, and restaurant staff. Government agencies and employers are increasingly adopting these solutions to navigate social insurance changes and tax benefits. Employee engagement, motivation level, and work-life balance are critical factors influencing the adoption of meal and employee benefit solutions in Brazil. Data security issues and concerns regarding security are essential considerations for businesses implementing electronic vouchers. The meal segment is a significant component of employee benefits, with physical health conditions and workplace productivity impacting employee health and wellbeing. Businesses can also offer cultural coupons, book cards, and digital cards as part of their employee benefits package to promote team engagement and workforce motivation. Geopolitical influences, natural disasters, and climate change can impact the adoption and effectiveness of meal and employee benefit solutions in Brazil. Employers must consider these factors when designing their employee benefits strategies to ensure long-term success.

To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

Alelo

Asinta

Edenred SE

Francisco Partners Management L.P.

PayPal Holdings Inc.

Sodexo SA

SWILE

Up group

Zeta Services Inc.

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
Company Stands With Californians as They Begin Their Rebuilding Efforts

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance is providing comprehensive support to its customers impacted by the ongoing Los Angeles area wildfires. The company is prioritizing the timely handling of claims, providing immediate financial support, and helping insureds through the claims process.

Immediate Payments : The company has already begun disbursing additional living expenses and claims payment advances to those affected by the fires.

: The company has already begun disbursing additional living expenses and claims payment advances to those affected by the fires. 24/7 Access to Claims Filing : Customers can easily file a claim through the online portal anytime, day or night. For those needing additional support, the claims hotline is available 24/7 at 800-503-3724.

: Customers can easily file a claim through the online portal anytime, day or night. For those needing additional support, the claims hotline is available 24/7 at 800-503-3724. Personalized Agent Support : Customers who work with a Mercury agent can contact them for one-on-one assistance throughout the claims process.

: Customers who work with a Mercury agent can contact them for one-on-one assistance throughout the claims process. Claims Guide & Checklist : Mercury has provided a detailed step-by-step guide to walk customers through the entire claims process. They also have a helpful checklist for customers working to document the contents of their home.

: Mercury has provided a detailed to walk customers through the entire claims process. They also have a helpful for customers working to document the contents of their home. In-Person Assistance Mercury Insurance Mobile Claims Assistance Center Pop-up: Mercury Insurance will have claims professionals on site at The Shops at Santa Anita, 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia , to help customers file claims and answer questions. Check the Mercury Insurance website and social media accounts for updates and availability. California Department of Insurance Workshops : The Commissioner's Office will also host multiple insurance workshops in both Santa Monica and Pasadena , and Mercury will have staff in attendance. The workshops give affected insureds an opportunity to talk with Mercury claims professionals and staff from the CDI. Santa Monica College

Performing Arts Center East Wing

1310 11 th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Saturday, January 18 th , 2025: 10am to 5pm

Sunday, January 19 th , 2025: 10am to 1pm Pasadena City College

1570 East Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA. 91106

Saturday, January 25 th , 2025: 10am to 5pm

Sunday, January 26 th , 2025: 10am to 1pm Disaster Recovery Centers: The county is also hosting these DRCs, where fire survivors can get assistance with paperwork and get questions answered about relief from FEMA and LA County. Centers are open from 9am to 8pm . Palisades Fire

UCLA Research Park West

10850 West Pico

Los Angeles, CA. 90064 Eaton Fire

Pasadena City College

Community Education Center

3035 East Foothill Blvd.

Pasadena, CA. 91107



Follow Mercury Insurance on social media for updates on the California wildfires.

About Mercury Insurance

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance directly to consumers and through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also writes business owners, business auto, landlord, commercial multi-peril and mechanical protection insurance in various states.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through nearly 4,100 employees and a network of more than 6,500 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance
BENGALURU, India, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Microland, a leading Global Digital Transformation Company, has been recognized as a Leader in the US region in the Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) quadrant of the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 for Intelligent Automation Services.

Microland Recognized as a Leader in ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 for Intelligent Automation Services Leader in the Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) Quadrant

The ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 highlights the comprehensive automation strategies offered by Intelligent Automation Service Providers, integrating evolving technological capabilities with the potential of scaling across entire organizations. The study emphasizes the importance of customer-centric design, purpose-built automation, and business experience in building distinguished performance metrics.

Microland's AIOps platform, Intelligeni delivers AI-driven automation for IT operations and real-time analytics, enhancing hybrid IT management, streamlining incident resolution, and improving scalability. The company's innovative Automated Ops model based on the Intelligeni platform, builds resilient IT environments that can adapt to changes without disruption. Intelligeni provides full-stack integration with a diverse range of monitoring sources through its comprehensive observability platform, offering accurate health assessments and holistic visibility into IT operations.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 for Intelligent Automation Services," said Satish Sukumar, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Platforms at Microland. "This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering unfaltering experiences and driving business growth for our clients through our innovative AI-powered solutions that drive IT resilience and efficiency."

"This recognition underscores our relentless focus on empowering enterprises with intelligent, AI-driven solutions that not only optimize IT operations but also lay the foundation for sustainable and scalable digital transformation. It's a proud moment for us as we continue to enable our clients to navigate complexity and achieve resilience with confidence," said Sam Mathew, President, Microland.

"Microland provides a complete suite of platforms and guidance for clients implementing AIOps, providing end-to-end insights into their IT infrastructure," said Ashwin Gaidhani, the lead author of this research.

The ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 serves as an important decision-making basis for business and IT decision-makers, offering transparency on the strengths and weaknesses of relevant providers, differentiated positioning by segments, and focus on different markets, including the U.S. and Europe. The study also provides insights into the high demand for multimodal talent and the importance of responsible automation practices.

For more information about Microland's AIOps solutions and the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024, please visit https://www.microland.com/analyst-insights/isg-provider-lens-study-intelligent-automation-services-2024.

About Microland

Microland is a pioneering IT Infrastructure services and consulting company headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with a proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes for 35 years. Today, as enterprises recognize that networks underpin the functionality and efficiency of modern digital systems and support innovation, we provide next-generation technologies such as AI, automated operations, and platform-driven solutions  which drive operational excellence, agility, and productivity for organizations worldwide. Our team of over 4,600 experts delivers services in over 100 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, offering cutting-edge solutions in networks, cloud, data centers, cybersecurity, services management, applications, and automation. Recognized by leading industry analysts for our innovative strategies, Microland is committed to strong governance, environmental sustainability, and fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talent thrives. When businesses work with Microland, they connect with the best talent, technologies, and solutions to create unparalleled value.

For more information, visit www.microland.com

Media contact:

[email protected]

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SOURCE Microland
SOFIA, Bulgaria, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NEXT BASKET, a global e-commerce innovator, has officially launched its NEBA Token, signaling a major step toward decentralizing the future of online shopping. NEBA Token is designed to underpin NEXT BASKET's unique ecosystem, combining blockchain and artificial intelligence to redefine how merchants and customers interact in the digital marketplace.

A Token with Purpose

The key to the future of decentralized Web3 e-commerce

NEBA Token is the operational backbone of NEXT BASKET's decentralized model. With an initial private sale price of $0.04, rising to $0.20 at public launch, NEBA offers investors and stakeholders an entry point into the rapidly growing world of Web3 commerce.

The token drives the platform's loyalty program, where customers earn NEBA Tokens as purchase rewards directly into their crypto wallets. Merchants use NEBA Tokens to fund these rewards, securing free access to NEXT BASKET's platform in return. This cycle of participation ensures consistent demand and ecosystem sustainability.

The Case for Decentralized E-commerce

Traditional Web2 e-commerce models are increasingly constrained by inefficiencies and intermediaries. NEXT BASKET's blockchain-based approach addresses these issues:

Efficiency: Removing middlemen increases revenue retention for merchants.

Removing middlemen increases revenue retention for merchants. Security: Blockchain ensures transparency and protects against cyber threats.

Blockchain ensures transparency and protects against cyber threats. Cost-Effectiveness: Decentralized technology reduces transaction and logistical expenses.

technology reduces transaction and logistical expenses. Speed: Faster, streamlined processes enhance the shopping experience.

Built for the Future

NEXT BASKET's integration of blockchain and AI creates a seamless, forward-thinking solution for merchants and customers alike. Already operating on four continents, the platform leverages its established presence to drive adoption of its decentralized model.

Why NEBA Token Matters

NEBA Token is more than a cryptocurrency; it represents a foundational shift in how e-commerce operates. Key highlights include:

Investment Potential: Forecasted to reach $3.50 within the first year.

Forecasted to reach within the first year. Guaranteed Demand: Merchant use ensures steady token circulation and value growth.

Merchant use ensures steady token circulation and value growth. Liquidity and Stability: Proceeds are strategically allocated to support token liquidity and maintain pricing.

About NEXT BASKET

NEXT BASKET is a global software platform combining AI and blockchain to create cutting-edge online stores and marketplaces. Its mission is to empower merchants and customers through decentralized, secure, and efficient solutions.

To learn more, visit https://nebatoken.com/

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SOURCE Nebatoken.com
Statement from Kathy Crosby, CEO and President, Truth Initiative

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's authorization of 20 Zyn nicotine pouch products addresses an ongoing need to provide adults who smoke with access to less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes. However, this decision also underscores the importance of ensuring that public health progress  marked by recent significant declines in youth tobacco and nicotine use  is not reversed. Helping adults who smoke and protecting youth are not competing priorities  they are shared responsibilities essential to advancing public health.

Nicotine addiction remains a serious public health challenge, particularly for adolescents, whose developing brains are highly susceptible to its harmful effects, and for 18- to 24-year-olds among whom tobacco use remains high. As the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) shows, the decline in teen tobacco use is one of the most significant public health achievements of the past decade. It is essential that the introduction of new nicotine products does not repeat the mistakes of the past, such as those seen with youth-appealing flavored e-cigarettes, where marketing and accessibility fueled a surge in youth use.

The FDA and the tobacco industry  including retailers  must be held accountable to ensure these products are marketed and sold legally and responsibly to only adults aged 21 and older, prioritizing public health over profit. That means strict oversight to prevent youth access, protect nicotine-naive individuals, and uphold the progress that has been achieved in reducing nicotine use and addiction among young people.

At the same time, it is critical to support adults who smoke in their efforts to quit. Data show many addicted adults want to quit but it's very difficult to break nicotine addiction. There is a need for new tools to help people who smoke to transition away from the deadliest products to living completely free from tobacco products. For nearly two decades, Truth Initiative has empowered millions of people of all ages on their quitting journeys through our evidence-based EX Program resource. EX Program provides personalized quit plans, interactive text support, and access to a robust online community, equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, EX Program Enterprise offers organizations  including employers, health plans, and public health agencies  a customizable, HIPAA-compliant cessation solution to help create healthier workplaces and communities.

Truth Initiative remains committed to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all. Together, we can protect the hard-won progress in youth tobacco prevention and build a healthier, nicotine-free future for all.

About Truth Initiative

Truth Initiative is a national nonprofit public health organization committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. Our mission is to prevent youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empower quitting for all. Through our evidence-based, market-leading cessation EX Program and national public education and prevention campaigns, we are leading the fight against youth and young adult tobacco use, which threatens to put a new generation at risk of lifetime nicotine addiction. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to contribute to ending one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington, D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories, and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

About EX Program

EX Program is a proven-effective tobacco cessation program, developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic, that brings together the best evidence-based quitting approaches, interactive digital quitting programs, and the most established online quit community. EX Program has helped millions of youth and adults develop the skills and confidence to successfully quit. Truth Initiative research has shown that EX Program text messages can increase a user's odds of quitting by up to 40%. To learn more, visit exprogram.com.

About EX Program Enterprise

Developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic, EX Program Enterprise is the best strategic partner for employers, health plans, and public health organizations to end smoking, vaping, and nicotine use. Sponsored users receive multimodal quitting support, available in both English and Spanish. Clients get real-time dashboards to track performance, year-round promotions, and expert Client Success guidance. To learn more about available options visit exprogram.com/enterprise.

SOURCE Truth Initiative
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era of unprecedented disruption and unrest, the need for transformative leadership in healthcare has never been greater. The current climate challenges a leader's ability to provide exceptional patient care while supporting essential healthcare workers. Recognizing this urgent need for change, industry leaders are stepping up to champion empathy, decisiveness, and unwavering commitment within their organizations.

American Association for Physician Leadership

The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) is proud to announce the release of a groundbreaking new book, Working with Distressed Physicians: A Guide for Physician Leaders. Co-authored by esteemed experts Charles R. Stoner, DBA, and Jennifer Robin, PhD, this essential resource is poised to become a cornerstone for professionals dedicated to making a lasting positive change in healthcare delivery.

Working with Distressed Physicians offers a comprehensive blueprint for creating a positive healthcare culture while managing distressed and disruptive behaviors within the workforce. Drawing from lived experiences, the authors explore three critical issues that disrupt workplace harmony and hinder innovation in the healthcare sector. Readers will gain specific considerations, actionable steps, and follow-up measures that can be immediately implemented to drive meaningful and sustainable change.

"This book is not just a guide; it's a call to action for every healthcare leader," says Peter Angood, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, MCCM, FAAPL(Hon), president & CEO of AAPL. "By embracing the strategies within, we can empower all types of healthcare leaders to better navigate the complexities of distressed behaviors and ensure a supportive environment for patients and healthcare workers."

Join the movement towards a more resilient and harmonious healthcare workplace. Working with Distressed Physicians: A Guide for Physician Leaders is an indispensable resource for anyone committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.

About the American Association for Physician Leadership

The core philosophy of the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) is that leadership is learned. AAPL is focused on the personal transformation of all physicians, and through them the organizations they serve. With the goal of improving patient outcomes, workforce wellness, and a refinement of all healthcare delivery, AAPL has remained the only association solely focused on providing professional development, leadership education, and management training exclusively for physicians. Since its founding in 1975, AAPL has educated 250,000+ physicians across 40 countriesincluding CEOs, chief medical officers, and physicians at all levels of healthcare. www.physicianleaders.org

Media Contact:

Jordan Himes

Communications Manager

(315) 480-7616

[email protected]

SOURCE American Association for Physician Leadership
SINGAPORE, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NodeOps, a decentralized node-as-a-service (NaaS) platform, achieved $2.5M in revenue in 2024, managed $63.3M in assets, and demonstrated an impressive CAGR of 350% over the last six months. According to the figures released in the latest Messari State of DePIN report, this places NodeOps as one of the top 10 projects in the DePIN space.

Driving Decentralization with NodeOps Solutions

NodeOps empowers blockchain protocols to decentralize rapidly through user-friendly solutions for node operations. By enabling protocols to incentivize a broad pool of users to run nodes, NodeOps ensures swift and effective decentralization of blockchain networks. With its AI-enabled technical infrastructure, NodeOps is able to provide scalable and resilient Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), making it a trusted partner for Web3 projects.

In 2024, NodeOps significantly enhanced node management with NodeConsole, a product that enabled seamless node management, performance tracking, and operational insights. The platform also bolstered validator resilience with high-availability setups, featuring multi-region redundancy and disaster recovery strategies to ensure consistent uptime. These developments propelled NodeOps to be a leader in operational excellence, even during challenging market conditions.

Technical Milestones in 2024

Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, described NodeOps' achievements, stating, "Atlas Network's ability to streamline compute marketplaces and NodeOps managing 55,000+ nodes across 45 networks, we're seeing the tip of the iceberg of what a truly decentralized digital economy can achieve."

Pratik Balar, Co-Founder and Head of Infrastructure at NodeOps added, "With 1,500+ compute machines across Atlas Network and NodeOps, 10PB+ bandwidth, and 536B+ blocks processed, we're shaping the future of decentralized AI and Web3 infrastructure. These metrics reflect our commitment to operational excellence and innovation."

The Vision Behind Atlas Network

Building on its achievements, NodeOps launched Atlas Network, a new initiative designed to address inefficiencies in the compute marketplace. Atlas Network simplifies compute management for technical operations and has already attracted over 274K Testnet users as of January 10, 2025. By bootstrapping compute supply, Atlas Network supports NodeOps' infrastructure demands while positioning itself as a key player in the decentralized compute provider ecosystem.

Managing over 55,000 nodes across 45+ blockchain networks in 2024, Atlas Network's Mainnet launch will integrate these nodes into a decentralized compute ecosystem.

Naman Kabra, CEO of NodeOps and Core Contributor to Atlas Network, remarked, "Atlas Network's discovery phase indicates market demand far exceeding our early expectations. This positions us to scale effectively and unlock new offerings."

A Transparent Future

NodeOps is committed to transparency and invites the community to follow Atlas Network's progress on its Dune analytics dashboard. This initiative provides real-time insights into the platform's decentralized infrastructure developments.

With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking approach, NodeOps continues to lead the DePIN ecosystem, paving the path for the next generation of Web3 projects.

Learn more at: Nodeops.xyz

About NodeOps

NodeOps is an AI-enabled decentralized application (dApp) designed to streamline Web3 development and infrastructure for developers and Node Operators. By offering features like Node-as-a-Service, an AI-powered playground, containerized infrastructure setup, and on-chain incentivization, NodeOps simplifies the process of building and maintaining dApps and nodes. It provides essential tools such as preset templates and real-time monitoring for enhanced security, enabling developers to focus on innovation while NodeOps handles the complexities of infrastructure. With its mission to foster developer engagement and create a sustainable value ecosystem, NodeOps is empowering builders to unlock the full potential of Web3.

Media Contact: Mansoor Madhavji | [email protected] | +1 778-241-7860

SOURCE NodeOps
Investments from Morgan Stanley, Truist Bank and Other Prominent Financial

Institutions Fund Residential Energy Leases Nationwide

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Palmetto, a software company enabling consumer adoption of climate technology products and services, announced that it has raised over $1.2 billion in capital to support 2024 and 2025 Palmetto LightReach residential clean energy plans, in partnership with prominent financial institutions and corporate partners.

Palmetto's LightReach energy plans enable homeowners to install rooftop solar and storage systems with $0 upfront investment and stable monthly payments. These plans offer savings over local utility rates within the first year, with no interest, dealer fees, or lifetime maintenance costs. Palmetto LightReach energy leases are part of the Company's broader effort to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to switch to clean energy sources, and are available through the Company's website or any of Palmetto's network of over 600 small- and medium-sized businesses and enterprise partners.

Since 2010, Palmetto has been building the technology underpinnings of the new American clean energy ecosystem with a focus on superior customer experience. Palmetto's proprietary technology platform leverages AI to provide homeowners with personalized energy recommendations and interactive tools to better understand their energy usage and spending. Through Palmetto's marketplace, customers can explore custom-tailored solutions like solar panels, battery systems, EV chargers, protection plans, and smart energy devices, while financing some of these products directly through Palmetto LightReach. This streamlined experience empowers homeowners to reduce utility costs, lower their environmental impact, and make informed energy choices  all in a seamless and intuitive shopping experience.

Palmetto began quietly offering Palmetto LightReach energy plans towards the end of 2023 after listening to consumers regarding the limitations of existing financing options. Palmetto LightReach energy plans are now on track for an average adoption of 300 households per day in 30 states and counting. To date, over 20,000 households have adopted solar energy through a Palmetto LightReach solar lease or PPA energy plan.

"We launched Palmetto LightReach to improve the consumer experience; in our sector, we have seen consumer issues emerge with legacy financial product providers and an antiquated go-to-market motion that can confuse consumers and create a bad name for the clean tech industry," said Chris Kemper, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Palmetto. "We invested over $200m over the past 8 years in our operating systems, which first scaled a singular product, solar power, and now extended to a far broader product catalogue. Consumer financing, alongside other additional strategic growth areas, leverage our tech-enabled scaling capabilities. We will continue to grow and service our consumer base at a rapid rate; Palmetto LightReach is a great example of what we're capable of executing."

The changing residential clean energy landscape

In the U.S., low-income families now devote nearly 18 percent of their take home pay to energy, with energy costs having risen by 30 percent in the last four years. In addition, the widespread adoption of AI and the power demands of data centers needed to run AI models, some analysts predict a further increase in energy costs of up to 20%. These rising costs are a driving force behind the increasing popularity of whole home electrification, as homeowners are seeking more cost-effective alternatives such as switching to electric appliances and heating systems, which are more energy efficient, especially when paired with renewable sources like solar power.

With solar power expected to grow substantially over the next six years, access to financing for affordable power will play an increasingly stabilizing role in households across the country. According to IEA's The Renewables 2024 report, renewable energy sources are on course to meet almost half of global electricity demand by the end of this decade, and solar PV alone is forecast to account for a massive 80% of the growth in global renewable capacity between now and 2030  the result of the construction of new large solar power plants as well as an increase in rooftop solar installations by companies and households. Palmetto LightReach plans empower consumers to harness solar energy affordably, reducing emissions from residential energy use, which accounts for 42% of U.S. energy-related emissions.

For more information on Lightreach energy plans, please visit: https://palmetto.com/products/lightreach.

About Palmetto:

Palmetto is an award-winning clean tech company dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. By leveraging a cutting-edge technology platform, Palmetto simplifies the adoption of renewable energy for homeowners, fosters innovation among businesses and clean tech entrepreneurs, and drives scalable environmental impact.

Palmetto's platform integrates digital tools, data assets, and actionable insights to create an end-to-end solution powering its consumer marketplace. The company operates as both a B2B and D2C provider, offering software, financial products, and support services that deliver competitive pricing and exceptional value to end consumers. Key offerings include the Clean Energy Operating Platform, LightReach Energy Plans, Energy Intelligence, and Asset Management Platforms for customer service, with more innovations on the horizon.

Committed to making clean energy accessible to everyone, Palmetto's Get Solar, Give Solar program funds philanthropic initiatives to bring renewable energy to underserved communities worldwide. A triple bottom line company with team members across the United States, Palmetto prioritizes people, planet, and profit in every aspect of its operations.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Palmetto
OLYPHANT, Pa., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pathways Consulting Group , a ServiceNow Elite Partner celebrated for its client-first approach, is proud to announce its merger with Sollus, marking a new chapter of growth and innovation under the Pathways umbrella. Together, these two industry leaders are redefining what it means to deliver elite ServiceNow solutions, guided by their shared commitment to excellence and the belief that they are "Better Together."

A Game-Changing Merger for the ServiceNow Ecosystem

This merger represents a strategic leap forward in addressing critical market gaps. While the ServiceNow landscape is crowded with large, generalized consultancies and scattered niche players, Pathways and Sollus are filling a unique void. Under the Pathways umbrella, the unified organization will provide:

Dedicated, Employee-Based Expertise: A fully in-house team delivering high-quality, personalized ServiceNow solutions without offshoring.

A fully in-house team delivering high-quality, personalized ServiceNow solutions without offshoring. Enhanced Service Offerings: In 2025, an elevated CSM solution will revolutionize Customer Service Management with advanced AI-driven insights and ChatGPT-powered support.

In 2025, an elevated CSM solution will revolutionize Customer Service Management with advanced AI-driven insights and ChatGPT-powered support. A Vision for Transformation: Combining 14+ years of consulting heritage, both organizations are poised to guide clients at any ServiceNow maturity level toward unparalleled success.

What This Means for Clients and the Industry

Clients can expect the same personalized attention and exceptional service that have defined Pathways and Sollus over the years. With the combined strengths of these two Elite Partners, the organization will offer:

Comprehensive Solutions Across Industries: From Financial Services to SLED, delivering results-driven ServiceNow services that address real business challenges.

From Financial Services to SLED, delivering results-driven ServiceNow services that address real business challenges. Innovative Edge: Continuous investment in R&D to remain at the forefront of ServiceNow technology.

Continuous investment in R&D to remain at the forefront of ServiceNow technology. Collaborative Innovation: A people-first model that prioritizes in-house expertise and close client collaboration.

Leadership That Inspires Confidence

Under the leadership of Mary Manzo, CEO of Pathways Consulting Group, the organization will continue to emphasize financial responsibility, operational excellence, and diversity as a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise.

"We are excited to have the Sollus team join Pathways Consulting Group," Manzo said. "Both companies have been dedicated to ServiceNow since 2010 and have created a unique and special culture with experience and expertise that is appreciated across the industry. Because of this, our customers can expect the same great services, engaged team members, and effective solutions."

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

The merger of Pathways and Sollus signifies more than just a business transactionit represents the unification of two cultures built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to helping clients achieve tangible outcomes. Together, we are stronger, more agile, and better equipped to drive the future of ServiceNow solutions.

For more information about our services and the impact of this merger, please visit https://pathwayscg.com/ or contact [email protected] .

About Pathways Consulting Group

We are ServiceNow experts. At Pathways, we listen. We care. We execute. As a Certified Women-Owned ServiceNow Elite Partner, Pathways Consulting Group has been helping clients unlock productivity, fuel efficiency and accelerate the path to digital transformation for over a decade.

SOURCE Pathways Consulting Group
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, the number one automotive dealership brokerage firm in the US, announces the successful sale of Groove Subaru in Denver, Colorado. Summit Automotive Partners owned the store, and Pinnacle represented Larry Van Tuyl of VT Companies in his purchase. The dealership will retain the Groove name under its new ownership.

This transaction marks Larry Van Tuyl's second dealership acquisition in Colorado, adding to his expansive portfolio of stores in Arizona, Texas, and California.

Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, the number one automotive dealership brokerage firm in the US, announces the successful sale of Groove Subaru in Denver, Colorado.

"My father and I have known and done business with Bill Scrivner since he was 23 years old, so several decades," said Van Tuyl, CEO of VT Companies. "He is the same guy we met at 23great character, 100% honest and transparent, hardworking, and driven to achieve a win-win. Bill understands the value of repeat business and long-term relationships and has a rock-solid personal life that supports his business life. Bill can take a complex transaction and reduce it to simple terms, but make sure he hits the bullseye for his client. Bill is a GOOD MAN!"

"Larry Van Tuyl has been a client and friend for over 30 years. We have helped him sell his stores and return to the car business after his retirement. We have sold him all but three of his current dealerships in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and California, and we are currently working together on more acquisitions. The list will continue to grow as the years go by," said Bill Scrivner, founder and CEO of Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions. "We are honored to continue supporting his growth in the automotive industry and helping him achieve his goals."

Pinnacle has an extensive history of successful transactions in Colorado, including representing Lithia Motors in the purchase of Ferrari of Denver, John Elway Dealership Group in the purchase of Bentley and Lotus of Denver, and Autostar Automotive Group in the purchase of Subaru and Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Silverthorne. Pinnacle also represented Corwin Auto Group in the purchase of Groove Honda in Colorado Springs, and Larry Van Tuyl in the buying of Groove Toyota in Denver from Summit Automotive Partners.

With over 800 transactions completed nationwide, Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions continues to exemplify excellence in dealership brokerage, offering decades of expertise, integrity, and dedication to achieving client success.

For more information about Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions and their services, visit www.pinnaclemergers.com.

We will all be available for meetings at NADA in New Orleans January 23-26th. If you would like to schedule a meeting, reach out on our website. We look forward to seeing you.

Contact:

Anne Kimmey

[email protected]

SOURCE Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions
Newly elected US President Donald Trump has announced that he has appointed Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as his "special ambassadors" to Hollywood. The 78-year-old politician aims to restore the American film industry to its former glory, so the three famous actors are to become his "ears and eyes" in the Los Angeles area.

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According to the Associated Press, the statesman posted a statement on his Truth Social platform. He noted that he plans to listen to all the advice and recommendations of celebrities to return Hollywood to its "golden age."

"I'm honored to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California. They will serve as my special ambassadors to bring back Hollywood, which has lost a lot of business to foreign countries over the past four years. To bring it back and make it bigger, better, and stronger than ever. These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will do what they suggest. Hollywood, like the rest of the United States, will once again have a golden age!" the politician said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Donald Trump's decision came as a real surprise to Mel Gibson. According to the actor, he learned the news along with everyone else. He noted that he accepts the politician's offer because it is his duty as a citizen to "provide all possible assistance."

"I am old enough to have seen the golden age of Hollywood. However, today the situation is much worse. Very few films are being made here now, but we are lucky that we have a new president who wants to bring Hollywood back to its former glory," said Jon Voight about the statesman's decision.

Sylvester Stallone has also taken a positive view of Donald Trump's "special envoy" status. The actor has been a longtime supporter of the newly elected US president, and once even compared him to George Washington.

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"No one in the world could have done what he did. So I'm in awe. When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he would change the world. Just imagine what the world would look like without him. Guess what? We have a second George Washington," said the Rocky star.

It's worth noting that film production in the US has declined significantly in recent years. First, it was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, then by the Writers Guild strikes in 2023, and now by the large-scale wildfires that have engulfed many parts of Los Angeles. Compared to 2021, film production in the United States has dropped by 26%.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The progressive stronghold in CA is not dead, but its demise is surfing on the Pacific waves of change.  Larry Thompson Post this

Even though President Trump improved his popularity from his 2020 presidential bid, he lost the state of California in the 2024 Presidential General Election to Vice President Kamala Harris by 20%. California maintained its democratic stronghold notwithstanding the country's majority conservative vote.

On the local level, Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass (D), who has still failed to explain why she was in Africa when the Pacific Palisades fire broke out, is fighting an attack from real estate mogul and former candidate for Los Angeles mayor, Rick Caruso (D), who lost the costly election to Karen Bass by 10% in 2022. It appears that Caruso may be considering another run for mayor or even governor in 2026.

"The basic fundamentals of leadership start with being present," Caruso, a former Republican and conservative Democrat, said January 10 in a post on X, a veiled swipe at Bass's absence in the city when the fires broke out last week. Bass has said that while she was away, she was in regular contact with deputies and officials. She also said political sniping accomplished little.

While Bass finds herself on the defensive, Congressman Brad Sherman (D) also finds himself under scrutiny by his recent opponent, Larry Thompson (R), who challenged Sherman in the recent General Election for U.S. Congressional District 32. The District includes Pacific Palisades and Malibu, where the fire has done the most damage. As reported by Ballotpedia.com, Thompson received 108,711 votes in the 2024 General Election in his bid for Congress, which is the most votes ever received by any candidate running against Brad Sherman in his 28 years in office.

Caruso and Thompson's efforts indicate that the tides of liberalism may be slowly receding in California. Thompson states, "The progressive stronghold in California may not be dead today, but I predict its demise is surfing on the Pacific waves of change."

While California's politically progressive tempo may be slowing, it's doubtful that President Trump is ready to invite many California elected officials to join him in his famous "Trump Dance" at his Inaugural Balls. His political twerking to the Village People's "Y.M.C.A." will still entertain his supporters and offer an optimistic promise for America's future.

"The progressive stronghold in California may not be dead today, but I predict its demise is surfing on the Pacific waves of change." Larry Thompson

For further information, contact:

Robert G. Endara II

12021 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 614

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 288-0700

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.LarryThompsonForCongress.com

Website: www.LarryThompsonOrg.com

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Larry Thompson For Congress

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SOURCE Larry Thompson For Congress
Parents Beware: Valid National Security Concerns and TikTok's U.S. Toxic Version Pushed to America's Children Make it a Double Threat

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enough Is Enough applauds the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling upholding a federal law that could ban TikTok unless its Chinese-owned company, ByteDance, sells its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. In his concurring opinion, Justice Gorsuch noted that the law serves a compelling interest; preventing a foreign country, designated by Congress and the President as an adversary of our Nation, from harvesting vast troves of personal information about tens of millions of Americans.

An equally concerning issue about the TikTok which has 170 million U.S. users is the stark contrast between the Chinese and the U.S. version of the popular platform. While the Supreme Court's decision centered on national security risks posed by its ties to China, American parents should be aware that ByteDance's domestic Chinese version, Douyin, enforces strict protections for young users and carefully curated educational content - protections notably absent from the U.S. version of TikTok.

The TikTok algorithm served to U.S. children is vastly different and can expose them to harmful content promoting dangerous behaviors, inappropriate material, and addictive viewing patterns. Recent demonstrations show that a new account registered as a 15-year-old American girl immediately receives recommendations for dating older men, substance use, and self-harm content - before the user has even watched their first video. Meanwhile, Chinese youth using Douyin are allegedly served up a much tamer version showing science experiments, educational content, and videos celebrating academic achievement, with mandatory breaks and usage restrictions featuring a "teenage mode" which limits use by children under 14 to 40 minutes a day, making the app unavailable to those users between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

This deliberate disparity in content moderation and safety features reveals a conscious decision by ByteDance to protect Chinese youth while exposing American children to potentially harmful content, all while hooking consumers through its addictive algorithms and collecting their personal data. The platform continues to generate $2 billion in advertising revenue from users aged 13-17 alone.

As President-elect Trump, policymakers and potential buyers decide the future of TikTok in America, the safety and wellbeing of millions of young users should be considered just as critical as the existing national security implications of the platform. In both regards, ByteDance has demonstrated it is a bad actor, with little or no concern for America or its citizens.

About Enough Is Enough

Enough Is Enough is a national nonpartisan, non-profit organization who has led the fight to make the internet safer for children and families since 1994. EIE's efforts to prevent the internet-enabled exploitation of children incorporate a four-pronged holistic strategy with shared responsibilities between the public, corporate America, government and faith community.

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SOURCE Enough Is Enough
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Families of children with autism in Indiana face alarming challenges as Medicaid introduces three drastic changes to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy coverage. Without input from families or providers, Medicaid announced:

A 30-hour weekly limit on ABA therapy per child. A three-year lifetime cap on ABA services per child. Mandatory credentialing for all Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

Bierman Autism Centers' Broad Ripple, IN, features a bright, playful interior designed to foster learning through fun. Vibrant colors, sensory-friendly elements, and engaging therapy tools create an inviting environment where children with autism feel supported and excited to grow. Every detail reflects Bierman's dedication to individualized care, ensuring each child's unique needs are met in a space that encourages progress and possibilities. An employee at Bierman Autism Centers supports a child in a bright, playful therapy space. Using a fun, individualized approach, the team helps children with autism build important skills and make meaningful progress in a welcoming environment.

"These policies would create significant barriers for children with autism to access the most basic, evidence-based treatment for their diagnosis," said Emily Roche, VP of Payer Contracting at Bierman Autism Centers. "Medicaid's proposed effective date of April 1, 2025, is clearly rushed. We believe they are pushing this timeline because these ambiguous policies won't hold up under adequate review."

Impact on Indiana's Children with Autism

The changes will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable children in Indiana. Decades of clinical research support intensive treatment30+ hours per week over multiple yearsas essential for children with the most significant needs. "These caps will harm the children who need care the most," Roche emphasized. Medicaid's approach prioritizes cost-cutting over the well-being of vulnerable children. In addition, lawmakers agreed long ago that insurance, including Medicaid, cannot arbitrarily cap mental health services in the interest of saving money. This new policy puts Indiana Medicaid in violation of federal Mental Health Parity laws.

Medicaid is required, per their own regulations, to provide medically necessary treatment, including the necessary dosage, and should not be allowed to implement these caps," Roche added.

Some of these new requirements for authorization of services include additional assessments and paperwork that are inconsistent with standard clinical practices for medical treatment. For example, the new guidelines require an assessment called the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (BASC-PRQ). This assessment cannot be used with children under 2 years old. However, providers are already seeing treatment requests being fully denied if the BASC-PRQ is not administered for a child under age two. These denials of services have begun even before the proposed new rules go into effect.

Bierman is already working with one family that received a full denial because of the assessment requirements. This further highlights that these new regulations were not created with proper input from clinical experts, and that Medicaid is using these arbitrary rules to deny medically necessary treatment to children.

Industry and Legal Concerns

Cora Steinmetz, Indiana's Medicaid Director, has defended the policy, citing adherence to MCG Medicaid Necessity Criteria. However, autism care advocates, including Mariel Fernandez, VP of Government Affairs at the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), have raised significant concerns about both the policy and its context.

"One critical consideration is the role of the recent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report in the decisions made by Indiana Medicaid," Fernandez explained. "The OIG report was unfavorable and did not paint ABA providers in a positive light, citing serious implications related to potential fraud, waste, and abuse. However, the report also fairly acknowledged that Indiana Medicaid failed to provide adequate policy requirements, training, or oversight for the ABA benefit."

Fernandez continued, "CASP has serious concerns with the proposed hard caps, which limit care to 30 hours per week for up to three years. These caps disregard the evidence-based needs of children and the best practices for ABA therapy. We also understand that the new Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) enrollment requirements create additional administrative burdens for providers, which will further hinder access to care."

Fernandez emphasized the broader impact of these proposed changes, stating that Medicaid must recognize its responsibility to support systemic reform rather than implementing policies that penalize children and providers. "It is essential to acknowledge the context provided by the OIG report and the need for improved oversight and training to ensure Medicaid services meet the needs of children with autism."

Procedural Concerns

Roche added, "Medicaid bypassed the proper rule-making procedures, failing to hold a required public comment period or public hearing. It is also unclear whether these changes were approved by the Attorney General and Governor." Bierman Autism Centers and other advocates are calling for Medicaid to adhere to state and federal procedural requirements before implementing such drastic changes.

"Medicaid needs to be held accountable to their obligationsnot only to follow federal law and state proceduresbut to protect our most vulnerable children," Roche said. "As a government agency, Medicaid should not be allowed to implement such harmful policies that violate a host of laws and regulations."

Call to Action

Bierman Autism Centers urges policymakers to immediately pause these harmful changes and collaborate with families, providers, and advocates to ensure Indiana's children continue receiving essential care. "This is not the time for rushed decisions. It's time to listen to the people who understand the importance of evidence-based ABA therapy," Roche concluded.

About Bierman Autism Centers

Bierman Autism Centers is a trusted leader in autism care, dedicated to helping children with autism grow, play, and thrive. Since 2006, Bierman has successfully graduated over 300 children and has been transforming lives through individualized therapy, empowering children to build essential skills like self-advocacy, communication, and independence. Learn more at www.biermanautism.com.

About the Council of Autism Service Providers

Founded in 2016, the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) is a non-profit trade association of over 380 autism service provider organizations from all 50 states and multiple countries. It supports members by cultivating, sharing, and advocating for best practices in autism services. From developing clinical practice guidelines for applied behavior analysis to educating legislators about good policy, CASP works every day to ensure individuals with autism receive quality care. Learn more at www.CASProviders.org.

Media Contact:

Carol Gifford

312-307-8318

[email protected]

SOURCE Bierman Autism Centers
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Families in Rhode Island will gather at the Providence School Fair to explore more than 40 K12 educational options, from traditional public and public charter schools to independent choices. Hosted by Rhode Island Families for School Choice, the event, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Traditional public, public charter, and independent schools will share their offerings with families at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, along with family fun activities like face painting, a balloon artist, and refreshments. Awards for a middle school art contest and a performance of the National School Choice Week dance by Valiant Arts will round out the programming. The event is expected to welcome over 500 attendees seeking resources and support to make the best decisions for their children's education.

"School choice is something our children both need and deserve. Rhode Island's charter and private school options are worth families' exploring, and the families I talk to want even more options to choose from," said Niyoka Powell, coalition chair and director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice, the event organizer. "Every child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive."

The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 events and activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families.

Rhode Island Families for School Choice seeks to empower families to choose the educational environment that best meets the strengths and needs for each student.

Location Details:

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is located at 60 Rhodes Pl, Cranston, RI 02905. The event will take place in the Rhodes Ballroom.

For more information or to RSVP, visit rischoolfair.com.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

SOURCE National School Choice Week
The Los Angeles fires have caused widespread displacement, leaving many without essential belongings and resources. Ricardo Beverly Hills donation aims to provide those affected with a practical and reliable means to carry their personal items as they navigate this challenging recovery period.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in California. At Ricardo Beverly Hills, we believe in stepping up to support our communities during times of crisis," said Laurent Bourscheidt VP of Marketing at Ricardo Beverly Hills. "As a company founded in Los Angeles, we feel a deep connection to this city, and we are honored to play a small part in helping our neighbors rebuild their lives during this difficult time."

The donated luggage will be distributed through celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart's Chic-Relief organization, a trusted nonprofit in the fashion industry working on the ground to provide immediate relief and support to fire-affected communities. The wheeled cases will be filled with clothing, shoes, and toiletries for people who have lost all of their belongings. This partnership ensures the luggage reaches those who need it most efficiently and effectively.

Ricardo Beverly Hills has a long-standing tradition of giving back to many national and local organizations, leveraging its resources and products to make a positive impact on communities and non-profits nationally and locally. In addition to this donation, the company is encouraging its customers and employees to contribute to fundraising efforts by donating to relief organizations in California.

About Ricardo Beverly Hills

Ricardo Beverly Hills, Inc. is a global leader specializing in the design, innovation, and marketing of luggage and travel accessories. The company is committed to delivering the best in luggage design through its core brands - RICARDO BEVERLY HILLS, SKYWAY LUGGAGE, STEPHANIE JOHNSON, AMERICAN EXPLORER - and private label brands. With a world-class global distribution spanning five continents and over 40 countries, the brands are available at major department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit us at www.ricardobeverlyhills.com. Keep up with the ways Ricardo Beverly Hills is reimagining the travel landscape and be sure to follow us on social media.

SOURCE Ricardo Beverly Hills
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines' information technology infrastructure impacting the Company's business, operations, and stock price.

LOGO

If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firm's website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10716 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected].

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation, the leading manufacturer of noncondensing tankless water heaters in North America, joined 21 attorneys general and a broad coalition of business groups in filing a petition for review of the U.S. Department of Energy's final rule on consumer tankless water heaters, which resulted in a de facto ban of popular noncondensing tankless products.

The petition, filed Friday in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, likely represents the last multistate action of the Biden Administration.

In addition to Rinnai, other plaintiffs include the attorneys general of Georgia, Kansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia; the National Propane Gas Association, the National Association of Homebuilders, the American Gas Association, the American Public Gas Association, the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, the Florida Propane Gas Association, and the Florida Natural Gas Association.

"Noncondensing tankless water heaters have saved tens of billions of pounds of carbon emissions in just the few years they have been on the market," Rinnai America President Frank Windsor said. "The Department of Energy's unlawful and ill-considered ban on noncondensing tankless technology interrupts an organic free-market shift towards decarbonization, denies consumer choice, and threatens hundreds of quality U.S. manufacturing jobs. Our employees and the American families we serve are extremely gratified by the outpouring of material support from state attorneys general and federal lawmakers, who have introduced a Congressional Review Act measure to block DOE's rule."

"Once again, the Biden administration shows it's completely out of touch with everyday Americans," Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr said. "The federal government cannot dictate the type of water heater you choose to own in your home. This is an ill-conceived ban that will only serve to drive up costs for hardworking families who are already struggling to make ends meet."

In December 2024, DOE issued a revised final rulemaking that mandated an efficiency level for consumer instantaneous water heaters that is technologically achieved only by condensing tankless water heaters, which are the most expensive products in the category. Despite mandating a technologically impossible efficiency standard for most tankless water heaters, DOE's final rule did not apply the same standard to less efficient storage tank products.

Rinnai America Corporation employs over 550 workers at its U.S. headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. In 2021, Rinnai opened a 360,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia. Over the last five years, the company has invested more than $100 million to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity of tankless water heaters.

Media contact:

James Richardson, Dentons US LLP

[email protected]

About Rinnai:

Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is a top-selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada. Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion. With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living. For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit rinnai.us.

Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai and Creating a healthier way of living are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation.

SOURCE Rinnai America
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I would like to address the global community, to those who care about what is happening in our region, those opposed to religious persecution worldwide and those who wish for a lasting and genuine peace.

I, Ruben Vardanyan, have been detained at the Detention Center of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan since September 27, 2023  more than 470 days in total, including 340 days in solitary confinement and 23 days in a punishment cell. I would like to make an official statement before the start of the trial. If you are reading these words, it means that I have exhausted all other means to convey the truth about what is happening here.

A court hearing of my case is scheduled for January 17 at 3:00 PM. I have been informed that I am facing 42 charges, some of which carry sentences up to life imprisonment. However, I have not been granted the opportunity to fully review the official indictment. My lawyer and I were merely allowed to skim through 422 volumes of the case files, all written solely in the Azerbaijani language, which I do not understand, within a very short timeframe  from December 9, 2024, to January 8, 2025. I only received the list of charges in Russian on January 8, 2025.

Moreover, pressure has been exerted on me, my lawyer, and my interpreter to force us to backdate and sign documents, including falsified protocols and records of interrogations that never took place.

I officially declare: I have given no testimony since the day of my arrest, except during the first interrogation, where I only stated my name and surname. Let me reiterate: all protocols bearing my signature are falsifications. These documents do not exist in reality. My lawyer and interpreter were coerced into signing these documents.

I once again reiterate and state my complete innocence and the innocence of my Armenian compatriots also being held as political prisoners and demand an immediate end to this politically motivated case against us.

Despite our innocence and the political motivation of this trial, it is most likely that the prosecutor will ignore my plea and pursue a trial against us, in which case I demand and ask for your support in ensuring that I am afforded the following:

Allow me and my lawyer adequate time and opportunity to prepare for my defense. In particular, provide us with the opportunity to thoroughly review the case materials in a language I understand. Eliminate all procedural violations and falsifications. Specifically, deem inadmissible all falsified documents and records of interrogations that never took place, as I have not provided any testimony since the day of my arrest. Make my trial, and those of the Armenian political prisoners, public. I insist on the most open trial possible, with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Consolidate my case with the cases of the others accused. More than 400 of the 422 volumes in my case concern episodes from the general case of which only 6 are specifically related to false accusations against me. Separating my case into a separate proceeding is an artificial and unfounded decision.

I bear no anger or hatred. On the contrary, I genuinely empathize with all those who violate laws, moral principles, and the teachings of the Quran and other holy texts.

I am convinced that true peace will only be possible when the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict, with the support of their societies, can come together to lay flowers on the graves of all those who perished in this war.

I promise to do everything possible to ensure this happens during my lifetime. As the great Mahatma Gandhi said, the only way to save the world from self-destruction is to live by the principles of nonviolence, truth, and love. Through compassion for all people, regardless of their skin color, nationality, or religion, we can achieve true peace.

Thank you all for your support! I love and thank you all for your kindness toward me. Know that I am standing strong and believe that the truth will prevail.

Ruben Vardanyan

For additional information go to www.freearmenianprisoners.com

For further information, please contact:

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Free Armenian Prisoners
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texans for Affordable Healthcare today offered its support for newly filed legislation that would create a fiscal note process for estimating the cost of proposed mandates in healthcare. House Bill 1906, filed by State Rep. Dennis Paul, and Senate Bill 818, filed by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, are intended to ensure that lawmakers have clarity regarding how proposed rules and regulations impact, and in some cases harm, Texas families and businesses.

In 2023, Texas lawmakers filed over 100 proposed new healthcare mandates, seeking to micromanage everything from employer-sponsored health benefits to the way pharmacists are compensated for filling prescriptions. Experts warned that many of those mandates would lead to increased out-of-pocket expenses, higher insurance premiums, and more expensive healthcare services and prescription drugs.

Meanwhile, health insurance premiums in Texas have jumped more than 5% for three consecutive years. A voter survey commissioned by TAHC and conducted by Baselice & Associates in September found that 37% of respondents had "skipped doses of a medication, discontinued a medication, or delayed or avoided a medical procedure because [they] could not afford to pay for it." A similar percentage reported they had struggled to pay back medical debt to a healthcare provider.

"We have a real healthcare cost crisis in Texas," said TAHC Executive Director Annie Spilman. "There are many factors that go into rising healthcare costs, but one that is completely in our control is whether we make this crisis worse by layering expensive mandates onto the system. These mandates essentially function as a tax on patients and families. If lawmakers are going to continue to use the government to micromanage our healthcare, they need to be able to see the impact it has on families and businesses. The new review process created by HB 1906 and SB 818 will help our elected officials make informed decisions and be more transparent with their constituents."

HB 1906 and SB 818 instruct the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to offer analysis of proposed legislation imposing new mandates on health benefits. That analysis would be available if requested by the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, or certain committee chairs in either house.

Over 40 new legislative mandates have been filed thus far in the 2025 legislative session.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Weintz; [email protected]

SOURCE Texans for Affordable Healthcare
GLENDALE HEIGHT, Ill., Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Van Der Hagen, a leading provider of high-quality shaving products for men, is excited to announce the launch of the new safety razor. A new ergonometric handle weighted for control, designed for comfort, and built for easy blade changes.

"Designing the new Van der Hagen V Razor took multiple iterations to make sure the quality and delivery of the shave were up to Van der Hagen standards," says Ignacio Sola, Head of Marketing. "This new razor expansion, demonstrates our commitment to reshape the shaving space."

New patented technology from the leaders in the safety razor category. Post this

The proprietary 110mm razor, is 3.2oz of total weight, and has a top triangle design that allows users experience a perfect shave. Each razor comes with 5 Ice Tempered German blades replacements. The New V Razor is available online at vanderhagen.com and will become available in retailers nationwide.

About Van der Hagen

Generations ago, the Van Der Hagen family began making homemade shaving soaps in the small village of Lith, Holland. In the early 1900s, the family immigrated to the United States and continued to refine and perfect their soaps. Utilizing a unique kettle process and high quality ingredients, the Van Der Hagen brand was born. Now the brand continues to delivery premium shaving products at affordable prices.

About Universal Beauty Products Inc.

Since 1995 Universal Beauty Products, Inc. has been creating the highest quality of Personal Care Products for all types and textures of hair for Men and Women both for the USA and international markets. Today, UBP has evolved and grown to 100+ employees. It is housed in a 200,000+ square foot facility with spacious offices, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, and a wide array of technological tools. Manufacture of brands like Van der Hagen, Beard Guyz, Jamaican Mango and Lime, Via Naturals and Salon Pro among others. For more information on Universal Beauty Products, please visit www.universalbeauty.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Van Der Hagen
Mayors from China, ASEAN discuss urban openess, cooperation

Xinhua) 08:10, January 17, 2025

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

NANNING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mayors, representatives and experts from China and ASEAN countries have gathered in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to discuss urban openness and cooperation during a dialogue that opened Thursday.

Themed "Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation," the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event has attracted attendees from ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the event, the participants conducted discussions and exchanges on topics including urban openness and economic cooperation, cultural interactions and integration, and experiences in urban governance.

"The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close, with bilateral trade volume rising from over 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024," said Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning.

"The two sides have achieved deep integration of their industrial, supply and value chains," Nong added.

"We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability, prosperity and sustainable development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities," said Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, at the event.

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a scene of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows a performance during the intervals of the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2025 shows the official release of the Nanning Initiative during the "Global Mayors Dialogue -- Nanning" event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
9-year-old Matvii Brus suddenly gained immense popularity among Ukrainians as he became a star of the network after performing the viral hit "Easter will be here soon." Now the boy volunteers with his family and uses his popularity to help the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who are defending the independence of our country.

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The young internet celebrity's father, Volodymyr Brus, who has his own YouTube channel, has formed a team with another blogger from Cherkasy region, Oleksii Vasylchenko, to double their support for the defenders, according to a story by "Yedyni Novyny." They are holding live broadcasts to raise funds, and Matvii is actively involved in this activity because he is popular with the network users.

"They (viewers  Ed.) give money for my songs. They like it. And then this money is spent on FPV drones and cars," the boy said.

During live broadcasts, bloggers' subscribers can win valuable items such as lawn mower, tools, or crafts for relatively small donations. According to Volodymyr Brus, the largest amount they have managed to raise during one broadcast is 640 thousand hryvnias.

ADVERTISIMENT

Internet activists have already sent more than 900 drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and do not plan to stop. Despite his young age, Matvii Brus realizes the importance of helping our defenders, so he addresses his fans with a grown-up message.

"You know what I'll tell you, you can't wait for Easter if you don't give money to drones," the network star said.

Earlier, in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA, Volodymyr Brus said that even though Matviiko understands his sudden popularity, he does not have "star disease" at all. According to his father, the boy has always liked to take part in filming videos: "When I record something of my own, he often comes running: "Let me say something!" He is present in almost every video I make: he can sing a song or recite a poem. If he's not there, there are a lot of comments under the video: "Where is Matvii?"

By the way, as Volodymyr Brus noted, they did not receive a penny from the viral video. The fact is that monetization on TikTok is only available when live broadcasts are held. However, the Brus family actively helps the military with the help of a YouTube channel with 290 thousand subscribers.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ensures nuclear energy remains core to its 'all of the above' energy generation strategy

Aligns with Duke Energy's focus on reducing costs and risks for its customers, investors and operations while supporting long-term regional economic development

Includes agreement to invest in activities to advance standard design and licensing of GE Hitachi's small modular reactor technology while gathering industry learnings and best practices

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced its participation in a multi-joint public-private application for the Department of Energy's (DOE) U.S. Gen III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technology grant.

If awarded by the DOE, the grant, which is being led by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), will support Duke Energy's new nuclear strategy by joining with other utilities and technology providers to more cost effectively advance a standard technology design and license, while learning best practices from others in the industry who are also pursuing new nuclear technologies. The goal is to continue to reduce technology risks and costs for the benefit of our customers, communities and investors.

"Our participation in this grant reflects our commitment to nuclear energy's role in our long-term 'all of the above' generation strategy by supporting the rigorous evaluation of future technologies, such as small modular reactors," said Harry Sideris, the company's president. "Public-private partnerships such as this accelerate technology development and increase our access to industry learnings and best practices, so we can deliver the best value for our customers, communities and investors."

As outlined in the DOE grant application, Duke Energy will participate as a member of a proposed U.S. coalition on SMRs. This includes working as a collective group to assess risks and foster U.S. heavy manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that could result in cost reductions and collaboration across deployments. The coalition will also seek input from local communities, including those impacted by retired fossil plants.

For more information regarding the coalition's DOE grant application, please see the TVA press release here.

Collaboration with GE Hitachi

In addition, Duke Energy has entered into an agreement with GE Hitachi to invest in activities to advance the standard design and licensing for GE Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMR technology. This agreement, along with participation in the potential U.S. SMR coalition, will provide another avenue for Duke Energy to exchange valuable insight and best practices with TVA and other collaborators as they implement GE Hitachi's SMR technology. This work will help inform Duke Energy's near-term evaluation and early development activities for new nuclear, which supports the company's energy transition and will deliver value to its customers and communities.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Jennifer Garber

24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
DRAPER, Utah, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With education freedom on the rise, there's plenty to celebrate this School Choice Week in Utah, particularly the success of the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program. Hundreds of students and their families will come together to underscore the importance of school choice at a special event this month.

The event, organized by Utah Education Fits All (UEFA) will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Juan Diego Catholic High School. Attendees will hear from students and families who have benefited from the scholarship, connect with state policymakers, enjoy student performances, a complimentary lunch and more.

The focus of this celebration, the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, was launched by the state for the 2024-2025 school year. This program provides $8,000 in flexible education funding for families choosing nonpublic school options, such as private schools or homeschooling. Beyond tuition, families can use these funds for other educational needs, including tutoring, educational software, material and curriculum costs, and even individual classes at public schools. The application portal for returning scholarship students opens on January 21 and on February 3 for new scholarship applicants.

The program will include remarks from Senate President Stuart Adams, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, Rep. Candice Pierucci, and Sen. Kirk Cullimore, as well as heartfelt stories from scholarship recipients and parents. The event will also feature musical performances by students, a presentation of the Champion for School Choice Awards, and time for families to connect and celebrate Utah's progress in educational freedom.

"The Utah Fits All Scholarship has created incredible opportunities for families to customize an education that aligns better with their values, expectations, and their children's unique needs," said Robyn Bagley, the Executive Director of Utah Education Fits All. "This event is a celebration of how far we've come in expanding educational freedom and a rallying point for the continued work to ensure every family in Utah can access the best learning environment for their child."

The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 events and activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families.

Utah Education Fits All is dedicated to empowering families with the freedom and access to choose the best fit for their child's education. Through programs like the Utah Fits All Scholarship, the needs of families take center stage and parents are empowered to actively shape their children's learning journey.

Location Details:

Juan Diego Catholic High School is located at 300 11800 S, Draper, UT 84020.

Families can RSVP at https://www.utaheducationfitsall.org/celebration2025/

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

SOURCE National School Choice Week
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From 9 to 11 January 2025, Vietjet's senior leadership team visited the United States to meet strategic partners from around the world as part of the "Friends of Vietnam Summit" held at Palm Beach, Florida.

The delegation arrived in Miami on Vietjet's inaugural flight to the United States. The flight, named "Hello America!" and operated by a wide-body aircraft, marks a significant milestone for Vietjet and underscores its commitment to strategic cooperation with the U.S.

VietJet inaugural US Flight

Vietjet has become a key pillar of U.S.-Vietnam economic collaboration, with its trade partnerships contributing to job creation for American workers. Vietjet has strategic agreements worth nearly USD50 billion with leading corporations such as Boeing, GE, CFM, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell. Additional agreements worth approximately USD14 billion are under negotiation. Vietjet also collaborates with leading technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Apple and Google. The airline is in discussions with SpaceX and several other providers of in-flight internet solutions to support its extensive fleet of hundreds of aircraft, driving high-tech workforce development and ushering in a new era of innovation in fields including semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data.

"The strategic partnerships Vietjet has forged in the U.S. reflect our deep commitment to strengthening the economic bridge between the two nations," stated Madame Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, founder of Vietjet and a leader of some of Vietnam's most successful corporations. "We are proud that Vietjet's growth not only directly contributes to job creation for American workers and advances technological progress, but also promotes Vietnam's economic development."

In 2017, during an official visit to Vietnam, then-President Donald Trump witnessed the signing of Vietjet's initial order for 100 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. At his suggestion to double the order, Vietjet finalized a deal for a total of 200 aircraft. In 2025, the first year of President-elect Trump's second term, Boeing will deliver the first 14 of these aircraft to Vietjet.

With robust commitments from strategic partners in this new phase of development, Vietjet continues to deliver affordable fares and high-quality services while building bridges between people, cultures, and creating business opportunities worldwide.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2600632/VietJet_inaugeral_US_Flight.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596946/VietJet_Air_logo_Logo.jpg
A roundup of the most newsworthy financial press releases from PR Newswire this week, including America's leading private landowners, the latest C-level executive surveys and California wildfire relief efforts.

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Finance Press Release Roundup, Jan. 13-17, 2025.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire .

Do you have a finance press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most.

California Wildfire Relief

As California prepares for the financial aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, banks and Fortune 500 companies are stepping up to support restoration efforts. Here are a few examples seen on PR Newswire this week:

California Bank & Trust announced it will donate $100,000 to organizations providing resources and relief to those impacted by the wildfires.

announced it will donate to organizations providing resources and relief to those impacted by the wildfires. CU SoCal pledged $1.25 million in interest-free loans and a $10,000 donation to CU Aid, a fund dedicated to helping credit unions, their employees, and their communities during times of crisis.

pledged in interest-free loans and a donation to CU Aid, a fund dedicated to helping credit unions, their employees, and their communities during times of crisis. Lowe's pledged $2 million to assist first responders and nonprofits that are responding to critical needs like supporting evacuations, emergency shelter and distributing urgently needed supplies like water, N95 masks, air purifiers, ash sifters and storage.

pledged to assist first responders and nonprofits that are responding to critical needs like supporting evacuations, emergency shelter and distributing urgently needed supplies like water, N95 masks, air purifiers, ash sifters and storage. Royal Bank of Canada , together with City National Bank, announced they are donating US$3 million to support victims of the wildfires in Southern California .

, together with City National Bank, announced they are donating to support victims of the wildfires in . Honda doubled its previously announced $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross  bringing the total to $1 million to support the tens of thousands of people impacted by the wildfires.

Read more press releases related to severe weather , including the Los Angeles-area wildfires.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists .

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet , a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles.

Journalists will have access to , a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines , features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected] .

SOURCE PR Newswire
A roundup of the most newsworthy tech announcements from PR Newswire this week, including a $7M state-of-the-art internet network, a limited-edition e-bike and a vlog camera drone.

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help tech journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Technology Press Release Roundup, Jan. 13-17, 2025.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest technology-related releases from PR Newswire.

Do you have a technology press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles.

Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

SOURCE PR Newswire
New features focused on customer communications and workflow transform dealership service departments into customer-centric powerhouses.

New, improved video and image capture and share, plus enhanced dealer texting and chat features simplify customer communications while improving the overall customer experience.

Xtime's new features can grow fixed operations profits with every appointment while creating superior customer experiences across end-to-end processes.

ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive Inc., today announced new capabilities to Xtime, the industry leading service platform for dealerships. Designed to deliver a modern service experience from appointment to payment, the new capabilities span communications, multimedia, reporting and connected workflows, while empowering dealerships to maximize service revenue and elevate the customer experience.

Enhanced texting features now available for all Xtime customers, improving service communication, efficiency, and flexibility.

"Xtime's latest enhancements underscore exactly what Cox Automotive's Retail360 deliversthe ability to provide consistent sales to service experiences through powerful insights," stated Tracy Fred, senior vice president of dealer and lender solutions at Cox Automotive. "Xtime stands out from other solutions in its ability to connect data from sales to service, providing tools to keep customers and service staff in constant communication, creating positive customer experiences, that drive loyalty, and promote retention that activates the lifetime value of the customer."

Xtime is a core service platform within Cox Automotive's Retail360 ecosystem, which enables every path to purchase, from search to service. With 65% of consumers rating digital features as critical or very important to their communication experience, coupled with 2025 shaping up to be the strongest year for automotive sales since 2019, Xtime's enhancements equip dealership service departments and OEMs with the right technology to meet their customers' expectations. (Source: 2024 Xtime Communication Satisfaction Survey)

New features include:

Enhanced texting communications that leverage a new messaging center to support interactions with customers and prospects, meeting evolving customer expectations. Including bulk communications to reduce the level of effort, ensuring timely and effective interactions and improving customer satisfaction.

that leverage a new messaging center to support interactions with customers and prospects, meeting evolving customer expectations. Including bulk communications to reduce the level of effort, ensuring timely and effective interactions and improving customer satisfaction. Enhanced video capabilities that include features like noise cancellation, higher resolution, subtitles, dealer branded MPI videos to drive technician's efficiency and elevate customer's experience. Engaging multimedia can generate approvals in as fast as 7 minutes for additional service recommendations. Also introducing Xtime's real-time performance dashboard and performance scoring capabilities with the goal of increasing additional service recommendations (ASRs) and driving revenue growth. (Source: Based on median approval time for dealers using Xtime Inspect and Enhanced Multi-Media, January 2024 to July 2024 .)

that include features like noise cancellation, higher resolution, subtitles, dealer branded MPI videos to drive technician's efficiency and elevate customer's experience. Engaging multimedia can generate approvals in as fast as 7 minutes for additional service recommendations. Also introducing Xtime's real-time performance dashboard and performance scoring capabilities with the goal of increasing additional service recommendations (ASRs) and driving revenue growth. (Source: Based on median approval time for dealers using Xtime Inspect and Enhanced Multi-Media, to .) Simplified reporting with deeper insights from the service lane helps dealers make informed decisions quickly.

with deeper insights from the service lane helps dealers make informed decisions quickly. Expanded workflow efficiency with seamless DMS integrations streamlines operations and enables a more efficient workflow. Connected data from back-office processes to fixed ops can lead to higher dealership profitability.

"Trusted by nearly 7,000 franchise dealers and more than 20 OEM partners, Xtime's service scheduling, multi-point inspections, service marketing, and the consumer check-in experience has long been relied upon," continued Fred. "Even in a positive market, dealers understand that they need to think long term and strategically, with a comprehensive set of tools with multi-channel marketing capabilities and powered by AI and service automations that drive precision for the customer. Xtime is the service platform that leads to a more profitable service experience today and in the future."

Media, analysts and dealers interested in speaking with Cox Automotive at the 2025 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, Jan. 23-26, about Xtime's new enhancements can visit the Cox Village at NADA or request a meeting through the Cox Automotive NADA Hub.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, vAuto, Dealertrack, NextGear Capital, CentralDispatch and FleetNet America. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X,CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Lisa Aloisio

[email protected]

404-725-0651

Brenna Buehler

[email protected]

949-473-6595

SOURCE Cox Automotive
The Carpathian narrow-gauge railway has its own special attraction for tourists. Throughout the year, the Carpathian Tram runs on these 760 mm wide tracks. Romantics and those who cannot imagine an interesting trip without the sound of wheels and picturesque landscapes outside the window will love this tram, which is actually a small train.

ADVERTISIMENT

The route of the Carpathian Tram starts from the village of Vyhoda in Ivano-Frankivsk region. Tickets can be purchased at the station's ticket office, by booking a tour through the Facebook page, or by taking advantage of one-day tours from Lviv, which include a tram ride and many other interesting things.

Ticket prices for the Carpathian Tram:

common, pensioner, student - 200 UAH ($4,75);

children (from 6 to 14 years old) - 150 UAH ($3,50);

ATO participants and military personnel with a certificate - free of charge.

In winter, you can take a trip to the Carpathians by tram on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. An additional trip is also possible on Friday, provided the group is at least 40 people. You can check the schedule of the Carpathian Tram at the information desk in Vyhoda village or at kartram.com.ua.

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You can choose the type of car depending on the purpose of the tour:

Locomotive (12 seats) to see what the driver's work consists of

Closed car with soft seats for admiring the panoramas outside the window

Convertible car and open platform for the best photos (better book for the warm season)

The route

Your journey among the snowy Carpathians will last 4 hours. There are also picturesque stops along the way to help you enjoy the beauty and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

The trip is accompanied by a guide, so you will hear many interesting stories and historical facts about the area outside the window of your car. Between the stories, the tram is filled with the sounds of famous Ukrainian songs, such as "Smereka" or "Marusya". The atmosphere during the tour is lively, cheerful and filled with the fabulous beauty of winter and the Carpathians.

ADVERTISIMENT

Starting your journey from the town of Vyhoda, the Carpathian Tram will take you up Mount Tserkvyshte and through the Shyrkovets Marsh. The village of Novyi Mizun will be the first stop, where you will take a walk by the reservoir. The stop at the Horyanka mineral spring is full of legends and beliefs. The water body is known for its cooling power and therapeutic effects on the body. The further path of the tram will lead you to the Mizunski waterfalls along the Mizunka River. On the way to the waterfalls, you will be greeted by bridges, white forest glades, snow-covered fir trees and crystal waters. After that, you will see the Dzyurkach spring and the Dzherelo Prykarpattia sanatorium. You will have the opportunity to walk along the suspension bridges, drink from the mineral spring, and buy a variety of souvenirs. The tram will then bring you back to Vyhoda village, filling you with memories and a dreamy and fairy-tale mood.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New Delhi, Jan 17 : On the ninth anniversary of the "Startup India" initiative, a grand Startup Mahakumbh was held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where Aman Gupta, co-founder of Boat, expressed his strong admiration for the program.

Gupta described the Startup Mahakumbh as an exceptional event. He said, "Startup Mahakumbh is a fantastic program. It began last year, and this is its second edition. I have witnessed startup events in Dubai, Singapore, and Finland. Now, India is hosting such a program, which is a great achievement for the country. This event will only grow bigger and better every year, and we are happy to be a part of it."

Aman Gupta emphasised how India is evolving as a global leader in nurturing startups, positioning itself as an important hub for entrepreneurial growth. The Startup India initiative has been instrumental in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.

Arcana Jahagirdar, Founder of Rukm Capital, highlighted the importance of sustaining this momentum. Speaking to IANS, she explained, "The objective is to ensure that the startup ecosystem continues to develop. Small nations abroad host startup events, but India did not have a platform where all stakeholders could come together. Startup Mahakumbh was created with this purpose. The ecosystem must keep expanding, and today, we must inspire and encourage our youth to become wealth and job creators. The development of this country lies in the hands of its youth, and that is why Startup Mahakumbh is happening."

Jahagirdar stressed the necessity of focusing on startup policies, further stating, "The progress of our country is in the hands of its youth, and we need to pay special attention to policies that will nurture startups in the future."

Anjali Bansal, Founder of Avana Capital, spoke about the vision behind the initiative, acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She said, "It was our Prime Minister Modi's vision to launch the Startup India initiative nine years ago. Today, we celebrate its ninth anniversary and National Startup Day. Over the past decade, we have seen tremendous growth in our innovation and technology ecosystem. Around 150,000 startups have been registered. I believe this number should at least triple in the coming years."

The program saw attendees highlight the significant contributions of Startup India in realising the vision of a developed India. They noted that initiatives like Startup India play a crucial role in transforming the country's entrepreneurial landscape.

As the Startup India mission progresses, it is poised to continue supporting the growth of startups, contributing to economic development and job creation across the nation.
Moscow, Jan 17 : Moscow supports any agreement that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Any settlement that leads to a ceasefire and an end to the suffering of the people in Gaza, that contributes to Israel's security, can only be welcomed," Peskov said on Thursday, commenting on the deal at a daily briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, Qatar's prime minister announced on Wednesday.

The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase, during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt.

The ceasefire agreement was brokered through weeks of negotiations in Doha by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced that 33 Israeli hostages would be released in the first 42-day phase, which could potentially evolve into a permanent ceasefire.

The initial release prioritises women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are ill or injured.

US President Joe Biden confirmed the crucial development on Wednesday at a briefing, saying "it is a very good afternoon now". He said: "Soon, the hostages will return home to their families."

Biden said that Israel would release Palestinian prisoners in return.

The US President said that during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, "Palestinians can return home to their neighbourhoods and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip will increase".

During the ceasefire, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza to facilitate prisoner exchanges, the return of displaced individuals, and the retrieval of remains.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in devastating casualties.

Hamas' attack on southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of approximately 250 individuals. Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has caused over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Juba, Jan 17 : At least 16 people, including a soldier, have been killed since clashes erupted between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Nagero County, officials said.

Henry Bangada Assaya, commissioner of Nagero County, said the violence has displaced over 79,000 people, many of whom are now hiding in the bush, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The fighting was still ongoing even on Wednesday evening. I witnessed heavy army weapons heading to where the fighting erupted," Bangada told Xinhua on Thursday by phone. He noted that the fighting has spread to Bazia in Western Bahr El Ghazal State.

Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, said the clashes began after SPLA-IO forces refused to dismantle an illegal checkpoint at Kubri-Boo Bridge.

"Initially, we thought it was the repercussion of that individual officer with few elements from the SPLA-IO that were resisting the removal of the roadblock, but after the removal of the roadblock, we were attacked at Kubri-Boo Bridge, and we repulsed them, but they came back again," Koang said.

According to Koang, SPLA-IO forces crossed into SSPDF-held territory on Tuesday evening and launched an ambush, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to three others. SSPDF forces faced two more attacks at Kubri-Boo and a third at Zamoi.

He said SPLA-IO soldiers crossed from their territory on Tuesday evening and launched an ambush, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to three others. SSPDF forces faced two more attacks at Kubri-Boo and a third at Zamoi.

However, Ali Solomon Simon, SPLA-IO sector commander in Nagero, blamed the SSPDF for initiating the conflict by attacking SPLA-IO forces at a cantonment site.

"Prior to the fighting, we were here in the cantonment site, waiting for the second phase of training of the unified forces, and I don't know why the government brought their forces here to start fighting my forces," Simon said.

He expressed frustration over the situation, saying, "If they wanted my forces to vacate the roadblock, we should have sat down and discussed it, but now they started a war with my forces. I am disappointed about this situation, because we are supposed to be implementing the 2018 revitalised peace agreement, but the government soldiers are instead fighting us."

Simon also confirmed that the fighting has spread to Bazia, where his forces are now stationed.
Damascus, Jan 17 : Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said that his nation is ready to partner with Syria's new administration to rebuild and develop the country.

Speaking alongside Syria's interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Thursday in a joint press conference, Al Thani emphasised the "urgent need" to lift sanctions on Syria to ensure the continuation of public services and kick-start economic recovery.

"We are on the threshold of a new chapter in Syria's history, and Qatar is extending its hand in partnership," Al Thani said.

Al Thani said his country is offering technical support to the new Syrian administration for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure in Syria, adding that Qatar will supply Syria with 200 megawatts of electricity, which will gradually increase to cover 10 Syrian areas.

He further noted that the Emir of Qatar plans to visit Syria in the near future and announced "significant momentum" in upcoming Qatari-Syrian projects.

Al Thani also condemned Israel's recent moves in the demilitarised zone, calling for an immediate withdrawal.

In his remarks, al-Sharaa underscored that Israel's advances in the buffer area under the pretext of countering Iranian militias were no longer justified "after the liberation of Damascus."

He reiterated Syria's readiness to welcome international peacekeeping forces and maintain respect for the 1974 disengagement accord.

"We've informed global stakeholders of our willingness to receive UN troops and guarantee their safety," al-Sharaa said, adding that Qatar will play a "pivotal role" in opposing Israel's incursion and supporting Syria's nascent rebuilding efforts.

The press conference marks a continuation of intensive diplomatic outreach by the new Syrian leadership since it took power in December 2024.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Damascus on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the flurry of high-level diplomatic visits to Syria since the fall of the previous government in December 2024, Syrian state television reported.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry described the visit as a reaffirmation of Doha's "longstanding position of supporting our Syrian brothers."
Phnom Penh, Jan 17 : Two Cambodian demining experts were killed as they were attempting to remove an anti-tank mine from a farmer's rice field, the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) said in a statement.

The accident took place in Trapeang Prey village in the northwestern Oddar Meanchey province's Trapeang Prasat district on Thursday during a mine clearance operation, the statement said, adding that the two male deminers were identified as Pov Nepin and Oeun Channara, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The two experts were killed during an anti-tank mine explosion as they were working to clear landmines from a farmer's rice field in the above-mentioned area," the statement said.

Cambodia is one of countries worst affected by landmines. An estimated 4 million to 6 million landmines and other munitions had been left over from three decades of war and internal conflicts that ended in 1998.

According to Yale University, between 1965 and 1973, the US had dropped 230,516 bombs on 113,716 sites in Cambodia.

A Cambodia's official report showed that from 1979 to 2024, landmine and explosive remnant of war (ERW) explosions had claimed 19,834 lives and either injured or amputated 45,252 others.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a public speech last November that although Cambodia achieved a full peace in 1998, the shadow of landmines continued to loom large and posed a dire threat to human lives and post-war recovery.

He said Cambodia has so far cleared over 3,000 square kilometres of landmines, destroying over 1 million anti-personnel mines and 3 million ERWs.

"We have declared 15 of 25 capital cities and provinces as mine free," Manet said. "Nevertheless, our journey is far from over. We still have over 1,600 square kilometres of contaminated lands and they are affecting lives of approximately 1 million people."
The new Hyundai budget crossover is comparable in price to the Renault Duster. At the same time, the car is very economical to operate, because it needs to be charged with electricity, and there is no need to spend money on gasoline. The novelty has been fully declassified officially.

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Recently, the compact budget crossover Hyundai Creta with an internal combustion engine was shown after modernization. Now the model has received a new modification. Everything about the Hyundai Creta Electric 2025 is already known thanks to the information on the manufacturer's website.

The exterior of the restyled model is made in the style of the modern Hyundai Tucson with integrated headlights and the Santa Fe with its "square" styling. The Hyundai Creta electric car differs from the gasoline version in bumpers, wheels, and decor.

Hyundai's electric crossover has 130 and 170-hp powertrains. 42 and 51 kWh battery packs provide a range of 390-470 km. The price of the Hyundai Creta EV starts from $20,800.

The Hyundai Creta has two-zone climate control, surround view cameras, a built-in DVR, seat ventilation, a panoramic roof, and other little things.
Addis Ababa, Jan 17 : The Ethiopian government has repatriated about 33,000 nationals facing dire conditions in various foreign countries over the past six months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the ongoing large-scale repatriation effort is part of the Ethiopian government's "citizen-centered" diplomatic commitment to bringing home its nationals stranded in difficult situations abroad, Xinhua news agency reported quoting state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate.

Getachew said the repatriated individuals had been "facing dire circumstances in various countries" during the first half of the current Ethiopian 2024/2025 fiscal year that started on July 8.

The spokesperson said a particularly concerning case involves Ethiopian nationals in Myanmar, where 380 citizens have been identified in dire circumstances. These individuals were misled by illegal brokers promising employment opportunities in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, they were taken to unauthorized camps in areas bordering Myanmar and Thailand, where conditions are reportedly severe.

He said as part of the government's efforts, some 34 nationals were freed from their "abductors" and transported to safety in Thailand before being repatriated to Ethiopia. Acknowledging that the task of rescuing the abducted nationals "requires a lot of effort," Getachew said the ministry has tasked its diplomatic missions in Tokyo, Japan and New Delhi, India to facilitate the ongoing efforts.

Getachew emphasised that various efforts are currently underway to bring back the stranded nationals home. The repatriation efforts, however, have been complicated by the fact that the regions where these individuals are thought to be located are not under strong government control.

He also highlighted the international criminal aspects of the issue, linked to human trafficking networks. Ethiopia is collaborating with the government of Myanmar and other affected nations to tackle the problem.

In recent years, Ethiopia has intensified efforts to repatriate its citizens stranded overseas, particularly in the Middle East. A significant number of returnees have been undocumented migrants facing hardship in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the government recently repatriated 164 citizens from Beirut, Lebanon, amid escalating regional insecurity.

Beyond repatriation, Ethiopia is focusing on preventive measures, including dismantling human trafficking networks and enhancing domestic economic opportunities. Many low-income Ethiopians migrate illegally, driven by hopes of improved living conditions abroad.
Melbourne, Jan 17 : World No.1 and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fended off 42nd-ranked Clara Tauson of Denmark 7-6 (5), 6-4 in their third-round match on Rod Laver Arena to enter the round of 16 at the Australian Open on Friday.

Sabalenka was down 5-3 in the opening set before the Belarusian battled past former Junior World No. 1 Tauson in 2 hours and 6 minutes, becoming the first woman to make the Australian Open Round of 16 for five straight years since Simona Halep did it from 2018 through 2022.

Moreover, Sabalenka recorded her 17th straight match win at the Australian Open, the most by any woman at this event since Victoria Azarenka won 18 straight in Melbourne between 2012 and 2014.

Tauson initially took control, breaking to lead 5-3 and serving for the first set. However, Sabalenka fought back and earned four set points on Tausonas serve at 6-5.

In the tiebreak, Tauson fought back from 4-1 down to lead 5-4, but Sabalenka responded with a stunning backhand return winner to set up a fifth set point at 6-5. A final forehand winner from the World No. 1 sealed a hard-fought set in 63 minutes.

Sabalenka seized control in the second set, overcoming a 13-minute service game to break for a 5-4 lead. Serving for the match, she faced two break points but managed to escape the pressure. She then sealed the victory with a backhand winner.

Sabalenka can still retain her World No. 1 ranking after the Australian Open, but she needs to reach at least the semifinals to have a chance of holding onto that position following this event. Either she or Iga Swiatek will be No. 1 coming out of Melbourne.
Beirut, Jan 17 : Visiting Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed his country's keenness to boost bilateral ties with Lebanon and invited newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit Jordan.

"This visit will constitute an opportunity to advance the levels of cooperation between our two countries and to discuss various issues of common interest," Safadi said at a press conference on Thursday following his meeting in Beirut with Aoun, Xinhua news agency reported.

Safadi said: "I express my deep pride in the strong brotherly relations that bind our two countries, and I affirm our keenness to move forward in consolidating and strengthening them in various fields."

Safadi emphasised Jordan's "absolute" support for Lebanon at this stage. He is optimistic about Lebanon starting a new chapter and added that the country will advance towards regaining its security and stability and beginning the reconstruction process.

"Our position in the Kingdom is the position we have always expressed that we stand by Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty," he said.

Safadi noted that the Kingdom's support for the Lebanese army is ongoing. "We have provided all the support we could in the past stage and will continue to offer it," he said.

The Jordanian minister said that after forming a new Lebanese government, ministers in the two countries will cooperate to boost relations in different fields.

"Ministers will discuss how to work together to activate bilateral cooperation. We had started the discussion about Jordan supplying Lebanon with electricity, which is still ongoing, and we will see a lot of this cooperation," he said.

Safadi also emphasised the need for Israel to commit to the ceasefire and to stop any aggression against Lebanon, its sovereignty, and threats to its security.
Mumbai, Jan 17 : The piece of Hexa blade that was removed from Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan after he was stabbed multiple times during an attempted robbery has been seized by the police.

According to a report, the sharp-edged part of the Hexa Blade, which had entered Saif Ali Khan's body, was removed by the hospital during surgery yesterday. The police have seized the small piece of the Hexa Blade.

It was during the wee hours of January 16, when the actor sustained six stab wounds in an attempt to fight off a burglar. Out of the six wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine.

The incident took place at 2:15 am when the burglar allegedly barged into their luxurious Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened.

At the time of incident, Kareena was present at home along with their children Taimur and Jeh. He was woken up by the commotion in his son Jeh's room.

He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the culprit.

The Mumbai police have started the investigation and are accessing the CCTV footage. Three accused have been reportedly detained, and are subjected to interrogation.

The actor was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital in the Bandra area of Mumbai by his domestic staff, as per a source. The actor was taken to the operation theatre for an emergency surgery to remove the foreign object from his body.

The actor's manager issued a statement about his condition, as the manager said, "There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khan's residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation".

After coming out of the surgery, a statement said that he was out of danger and is currently in recovery and the doctors are monitoring his progress.
Beirut, Jan 17 : UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that his office stands ready to strengthen human rights work in Lebanon and called for investment in the rule of law in the country.

"My office stands ready to strengthen our human rights work and to accompany the country as it moves forward," he said on Thursday at a press conference in Beirut, according to a statement released by the United Nations Information Center.

Turk said he offered his office's support for key reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the transparency of its work during discussions with the new Lebanese president and prime minister-designate, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I welcome the President's public commitment to ensuring equality, justice, and protection for all and respecting liberties, free press, and expression," he said.

Turk noted that with the new leadership in Lebanon, there is momentum for political stability, economic recovery, and long-overdue implementation of critical reforms to address the multiple socio-economic crises and gaping inequalities facing Lebanon.

"Human rights offer a tool of governance. This was a powerful message that I conveyed," he said.

Turk also called for an independent investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port in August 2020. "I repeat that those responsible for that tragedy must be held to account and offer the support of my office in this regard," he said.

Turk also called for respecting the rights of all Lebanese, most notably the vulnerable.

The rights of all Lebanese, most notably the vulnerable, must be at the heart of economic, fiscal, and financial policies. That is what a human rights economy is all about. Budget and investment decisions must prioritise access to education, health care, and social protection," he said.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The future skills-ready Indian workforce is ready to take the country towards being 'Viksit Bharat in 2047, even before that, as India has become one of the most prepared labour markets for in-demand skills in emerging technologies, senior officials from UK-based QS World University Rankings, world's largest global higher education network, told IANS on Friday.

India has been ranked number two in the inaugural 'QS World Future Skills Index,' just behind the US and ahead of countries like Canada and Germany.

According to Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director at Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), people always doubted India's potential and for the first time, a global index has ranked India so high by future of work, which means that the Indian industry and its workforce are ready to meet the job demands of the future.

"The 2020 National Education Policy positions India for the future of work. We've already seen in the last 10 years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, how the policies have transformed India from a 'brain drain' situation to a 'Brain Gain' one," Fernandes told IANS.

"We've seen how India today is not only positioned as a leader of the Global South but also taking an active position with its diaspora, which is holding great positions in workforces around the world," he stressed.

The India diaspora around the world has helped several countries transform their economies and now with 'brain gain,' "we are going to see the economy do further better. It is a shining new time for Atmanirbhar Bharat and being a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and hopefully much before 2047," said Fernandes.

The 'QS World Future Skills Index' has ranked India as one of the most prepared job markets for future in-demand skills in emerging technologies.

Jessica Turner, the CEO of QS, said that India's skilling mission over the past decade has been very transformative.

"There have been initiatives such as Skills India and Startup India, which have really empowered millions of Indians with relevant literacy, bridging some of the gap between education and employment, and really focusing on digital strategies, focusing on entrepreneurship and vocational training etc," she told IANS.

According to her, emerging technologies like AI and semiconductors are set to be a significant GDP driver for India, and investments in those areas are going to stimulate innovation.

"It's really boosting some of the manufacturing capabilities in the country and attracting a lot of foreign direct investment (FDI). We believe that AI adoption alone could add about $500 billion to India's GDP this year alone. And that's really through productivity gains," said Turner.
Abu Dhabi, Jan 17 : President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, held discussions on bilateral relations and pressing regional issues.

The talks, which took place during Sisi's working visit to the UAE on Thursday, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across development, economic, and investment sectors, aiming to align with the two nations' shared aspirations for progress and prosperity, Xinhua news agency reported quoting UAE's official news agency WAM.

On regional issues, the two leaders welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

They emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate humanitarian aid reaches the enclave.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President El-Sisi also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, exchanging views on key developments, particularly in the Middle East.

Both leaders reaffirmed the need for continued efforts to implement the two-state solution, recognising it as the pathway to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace and stability in the region.

During the talks, Mohamed commended Egypt's role in supporting the Palestinian people and brokering the Gaza ceasefire agreement.The ceasefire agreement was brokered through weeks of negotiations in Doha by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.The initial release prioritises women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are ill or injured.

The two leaders also lauded the election of Joseph Aoun as the president of Lebanon, expressing optimism that Aoun would lead Lebanon to stability.

On the developments in Syria, both presidents reaffirmed their shared commitment to the country's unity, stability, and sovereignty, calling for an inclusive political process that engages all sectors of Syrian society.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Aam Aadmi Party convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow a 50 per cent discount to students travelling the Delhi Metro.

In a letter to PM Modi, Kejriwal said that both the Centre and the Delhi governments should share the financial burden of the Metro services as a result.

In the letter, which was posted on social media, Kejriwal wrote in Hindi, "I am writing this letter to draw your attention to an important matter concerning the school and college students of Delhi. Students of Delhi largely depend on the Metro to reach their school or college. To reduce the financial burden on students, I propose to provide 50 per cent concessions to students in Delhi Metro."

He further wrote, "Delhi Metro is a 50:50 collaboration project between Delhi government and Central government. Therefore, the expenditure on this should be borne half by the Delhi government and the Central government."

Kejriwal further said that the AAP is planning to make bus travel free for students. "From our side, we are planning to make bus travel completely free for students. I sincerely hope that you will agree with this proposal."

The letter comes days ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in Delhi.

The voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly is set to take place on February 5, and the counting is scheduled for February 8.

The AAP, BJP and the Congress are fighting a bitter battle in the national capital. All three parties are making several promises to Delhiites.

Congress on January 16 said it would give Rs 500 LPG cylinder, free ration kits, and free electricity up to 300 units to the city residents if voted to power in Delhi. It has also announced aPyari Didi Yojanaa, promising a monthly aid of Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi.

The AAP, seeking a straight third term to power, has promised free healthcare for all senior citizens, monthly assistance of Rs 18,000 to priests in temples and granthis in gurudwaras, Mahila Samman Yojana and existing welfare schemes.

The BJP has been promising continuing welfare and subsidy schemes and providing up to 300 free units of electricity for households and up to 500 free power units for religious places, free bus rides for students and senior citizens, monthly financial aid scheme for women.
Kolkata, Jan 17 : Partial cease work by junior and senior doctors started at the state-run hospital in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal on Friday to protest against the suspension of 12 doctors.

The 12 doctors were suspended after the death of a woman and a newborn in the hospital allegedly after being administered expired Ringer's Lactate.

The woman Mamoni Ruidas died on January 10, the newborn died on Thursday morning.

While the entire state was fuming over allegations of the deaths being caused by the administration's expired Ringer's Lactate supplied by blacklisted entity Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday gave a virtual clean chit to the entity and announced the suspension of 12 doctors putting the entire onus of the tragedies on them.

The protesting doctors said that the partial cease work will continue till the suspension decision of the 12 doctors, six juniors and six seniors, is revoked. However, the protesting doctors have kept the emergency and outpatients department (OPD) at the hospital at West Midnapore functional.

The 12 suspended doctors include the medical superintendent-cum vice-principal and the resident medical officer of the said hospital.

On Thursday, while announcing the decision to suspend the 12 doctors and virtually giving a clean chit to Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, the Chief Minister argued that the negligence of the doctors of the said hospital was more responsible for the tragedies rather than the use of Ringers' Lactate there.

"Had it been the case, then there would have been similar reports from other hospitals in the state where the same solution was used. Here the case was different. It was a sheer case of negligence. Remember, negligence is also a sort of crime," the Chief Minister told media persons on Thursday.

The state health secretary, Narayan Swarup Nigam said that as per the standard operating protocol since there had been an incident the batches of solutions supplied by the same entity have been sent for re-examination. "All I can say is that the batches that were sent for use were properly tested repeatedly and then only sent for use. These batches will be tested again as per standard operating protocol," the state health secretary said.
Chennai, Jan 17 : The makers of director Nelson's much-awaited action entertainer 'Jailer 2', featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, have now given fans of the superstar one more reason to celebrate.

Yes, Sun Pictures, the production house which officially announced the launch of Jailer 2 through an exceptionally interesting teaser that was both funny and thrilling, has now released a making video of the teaser.

It may be recalled that the teaser opened with a radio announcement that a cyclone was making its way to the coast, even as music director Anirudh and director Nelson are shown having a funny conversation in Goa, where they have come for what Nelson says is a story discussion session.

The two are obviously looking to find a storyline for Nelson's next film.

The hilarious banter between the two soon makes way for some explosive action as random people who enter the room where the two are seated either get shot or stabbed.

With both the music director and the director scurrying for cover, you see a hazy image of Rajinikanth entering the room, obviously looking to hunt down any other survivors left behind.

When Rajinikanth leaves the room and steps out, a grenade is lobbed in. Outside Rajinikanth takes on more powerful villains. That is when an awestruck Anirudh tells director Nelson, "This looks fearsome Nelsa! Let's make this into a film!"

The announcement teaser of Jailer 2 was a big hit, garnering over 13 million views in a matter of just 48 hours. However, there were some who expressed doubts if it was actually superstar Rajinikanth who was seen in the teaser as shots of the superstar in the trailer were hazy.

Now, putting an end to all such doubts, the production house has released a making video in which Rajinikanth is seen shooting for the teaser along with Anirudh and Nelson.

'Jailer 2' has huge expectations riding on it as the film's first part went on to emerge a blockbuster, raking in a whopping 650 crores worldwide.

-IANS

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Japan, like many other developed countries, is facing the problem of an aging nation in remote regions. Therefore, the government has introduced several programs that encourage young people to move to less populated areas. Newcomers are offered financial assistance for renting housing, starting a business, etc. They also offer free or very cheap housing for new residents.

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Financial support programs for relocation are available in different regions. The conditions and amount of assistance may vary depending on which one you choose. The Express has described interesting options for those who are willing to take the risk of starting a new life in a distant country.

The government is offering 4,800,000 yen (almost 30 thousand euros) to those willing to move to rural areas as part of the country's Regional Revitalization Program.

"A lot of young Japanese people dont want to go through the hassle of trying to find a buyer when they inherit old family homes. There are hundreds of traditional Japanese countryside houses offering amazing locations, space, and architecture that are just going to waste right now. This is the perfect opportunity to snap up one of these amazing properties and start an amazing new adventure," said Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide.

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The program aims to revitalize the Japanese countryside and spur economic growth.

"Its a win-win: you get a fresh start and a helping hand, while local economies enjoy a much-needed boost, " Mills explained.

Takahama is a picturesque fishing town in Japan that, like many other similar communities, has faced the problem of depopulation and an aging population. However, local authorities and active residents did not give up and developed an ambitious revitalization program aimed at preserving traditions.

Takahama is gradually changing. The number of tourists is increasing, local crafts are being revived, and the population is growing. Takahama is becoming an example of successful implementation of rural revitalization projects.

Another possibility is the mountain village of Shimokawa-cho in Hokkaido. The comprehensive program includes several areas:

Support for young farmers. There are grants and training in modern farming methods.

Brand creation and market promotion of local products.

Agritourism development.

Creation of comfortable conditions for tourists.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, contesting from the New Delhi constituency, has declared a net worth of Rs 11.12 crore in his nomination papers filed on Thursday.

Dikshit reported Rs 1.04 crore in movable assets, while his wife holds Rs 2.41 crore in movable assets. The couple also disclosed liabilities totaling Rs 75.57 lakh.

In terms of immovable assets, Sandeep Dikshit owns properties valued at Rs 5.14 crore, and his wifeas immovable assets are worth Rs 2.53 crore.

For the financial year 2023-24, Dikshit declared an income of Rs16.33 lakh, while his wife reported an income of Rs 7.34 lakh.

Dikshit confirmed in his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission that there are no pending criminal cases against him.

The total value of Sandeep Dikshitas movable and immovable assets stands at Rs 11.12 crore.

The New Delhi constituency is set for a high-stakes triangular contest in the upcoming elections. Sandeep Dikshit is vying for the seat against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, as well as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Parvesh Verma.

Interestingly, this contest brings together three influential political families. Both Dikshit and Verma are sons of former Delhi Chief Ministers. Sandeep Dikshit is the son of the late Sheila Dikshit, who served as Delhias Chief Minister for three terms, while Parvesh Verma is the son of the late Sahib Singh Verma, a former Chief Minister of Delhi.

Earlier, Dikshit, while speaking to IANS, expressed confidence in securing a victory in the upcoming elections.

Dikshit said he is optimistic about the partyas prospects, and that his meetings with residents have shown a positive shift in sentiment toward the Congress. "I have a very good feeling about our chances," he stated, adding that after meeting numerous people and gauging their opinions on other political parties, he realised that there was growing support for Congress.

The Congress party on Thursday offered a free monthly electricity limit from 200 units to 300 units and give an LPG cylinder at Rs 500, apart from a monthly free ration kit offering 6 kg rice and other essentials if it comes to power in the national capital.
Mumbai, Jan 17 : Actor Ishwak Singh amidst shooting for "Paatal Lok 2" in the cold forests and hills paid attention to his fitness routine. He says it helped him connect with his character Ansari, who is all about focus and determination.

Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) Actor Ishwak Singh amidst shooting for "Paatal Lok 2" in the cold forests and hills paid attention to his fitness routine. He says it helped him connect with his character Ansari, who is all about focus and determination.

Reflecting on his experience, Ishwak said, "Discipline isn't just about lifting weights or following a routine; it's about showing up for yourself every single day, no matter the challenges."

After long shoot days, he along with a few crew members, including the action team, would hit the gym every evening. On busier days, Ishwak found creative ways to stay active, like walking several kilometers to the set instead of taking the car, according to a statement.

"Whether it was freezing cold or a packed schedule, staying fit gave me the clarity and strength to push forward. It also helped me connect with Ansari, who is all about focus and determination," he said.

Season 2 of 'Paatal Lok' is set in the northeastern state of Nagaland, and sees the lead character of Hathi Ram Chaudhary essayed by Jaideep Ahlawat teaming up with his ally Imran Ansari played by Ishwak to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a migrant worker tied to a perilous drug syndicate.

As the case deepens, he unravels a web of secrets, battling systemic corruption and powerful adversaries while confronting his own inner demons.

The investigation takes a toll on Hathi Ram's personal relationships, testing his resilience. With the truth elusive and stakes higher than ever, Season 2 promises an intense, edge-of-the-seat experience. The show also stars Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome and Nagesh Kukunoor.

The second season of the show is set to drop on Prime Video on January 17.

Ishwak made his screen debut with a small role in Raanjhanaa in 2013. He expanded into films with brief roles in the 2015 films Aligarh and Tamasha and had a bigger role in the romantic drama Tum Bin II. He then played a supporting role opposite Sonam Kapoor in the comedy Veere Di Wedding.
Beirut, Jan 17 : United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the UN will exert all efforts to enable Lebanon to achieve economic recovery.

Guterres made his remarks upon his arrival at the Beirut airport, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The UN will support all Lebanese sectors with its capabilities so that Lebanon can return to being a country of peace, beauty, and prosperity in the region," he said.

The UN chief said he visits Lebanon to express deep solidarity with the country and its people who have suffered from successive internal and regional crises.

Guterres also stressed that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and its offices will continue to support Lebanon and its stability.

For his part, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, who greeted Guterres at the airport, said, "Lebanon is a peace-loving country committed to international laws and resolutions of international legitimacy. It appreciates the UN's constant support for its sovereignty and independence, and it relies on the UN's role to help the country overcome the economic crisis and rebuild what was destroyed by the Israeli strikes."

Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that his office stands ready to strengthen human rights work in Lebanon and called for investment in the rule of law in the country.

"My office stands ready to strengthen our human rights work and to accompany the country as it moves forward," he said on Thursday at a press conference in Beirut, according to a statement released by the United Nations Information Center.

Turk said he offered his office's support for key reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the transparency of its work during discussions with the new Lebanese president and prime minister-designate, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I welcome the President's public commitment to ensuring equality, justice, and protection for all and respecting liberties, free press, and expression," he said.

Turk noted that with the new leadership in Lebanon, there is momentum for political stability, economic recovery, and long-overdue implementation of critical reforms to address the multiple socio-economic crises and gaping inequalities facing Lebanon.

"Human rights offer a tool of governance. This was a powerful message that I conveyed," he said.
Tirupati, Jan 17 : Police in Tirupati registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five persons said to be fans of popular Tollywood actor Balakrishna for beheading a goat for the success of his recently released movie 'Daku Maharaj'.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said it worked with the Tirupati police to get the FIR registered under sections 325 & 270, read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; sections 4 & 5, read with 6 & 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950; and sections 3, 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The goat was killed outside Pratap movie theatre, Tata Nagar, Tirupati on January 12, the day when 'Daku Maharaj' was released.

The video of the cruel incident was widely shared on social media. The FIR was registered after the offence was reported by a head constable of Tirupati East Police Station on the evening of January 16.

According to PETA India, the video shows men surrounding a frightened goat. The video then shows the goat, fully conscious, being beheaded with a machete and the slaughter taking place in full public view. It also shows a man smearing the blood of the sacrificed goat on the movie poster.

PETA India condemned the incident. "Killing an animal and smearing their blood on a poster doesn't make you a super fan - it makes you a villain and a criminal. True fans celebrate their favourite stars with movie tickets and supportive social media posts, not with acts of violence or cruelty," says PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Saloni Sakaria.

The organisation commended Tirupati police, especially the Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu, for swiftly registering an FIR and sending the message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.

In its complaint, PETA India pointed out that Section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950 prohibits any person from officiating, performing, serving, assisting, or participating in sacrificing an animal in any congregation. Section 5 prohibits the use of a place of public religious worship or adoration or its precincts for sacrificing animals by any person in possession of such precinct. Section 6 prescribes the penalties, and Section 8 makes all offences under the Act cognizable.
Johannesburg, Jan 17 : No illegal miners remain underground after four days of a rescue operation at the abandoned Stilfontein gold mine in South Africa's North West Province, police confirmed.

National Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe reaffirmed that 246 living illegal miners and 78 bodies had been retrieved from the mine since the rescue operation began Monday. A total of 1,907 illegal miners have surfaced since the launch of Operation Vala Umgodi (Close the Hole) in August last year, aimed at curbing illegal mining activities, she added.

Without providing specifics, Mathe noted that nine additional bodies had been recovered before the rescue operation, bringing the total number of deceased illegal miners to 87 since August, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking to the media in Stilfontein, Acting North West Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng confirmed that no illegal miners remained at the site. "There are no longer people alive and corpses that are still underground to be extracted," Asaneng said.

The Mine Rescue Services (MRS), which led the rescue operation, used a cage equipped with cameras to reach 2.5 km underground but found no additional survivors or bodies. Asaneng said that the MRS would provide a detailed report to law enforcement and the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources.

"It is based on that report that the government and the relevant ministers will also be addressing your good selves on what has transpired here," Asaneng said.

Both officials noted that the police would continue monitoring the mine as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

"In terms of our operations, we are going to continue Operation Vala Umgodi. We will leave at a time when this particular hole is closed and sealed and rehabilitated," Mathe told reporters.

Earlier, a total of 246 survivors and 78 bodies have been brought to the ground over three days of rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, the police said.

In a statement issued at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that 246 illegal miners had been retrieved alive from underground and had been arrested since the rescue operation commenced on Monday at the Stilfontein mine in the North West Province.
Khartoum, Jan 17 : Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan emphasised the SAF's ability to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), despite external pressures.

Al-Burhan, also chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a crowd of citizens and soldiers in Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, according to a statement by the sovereign council.

On January 11, the SAF recaptured Wad Madani from the RSF, which had controlled the city for more than a year, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The armed forces will defeat the rebel militia," he said, stressing his country would not be subjugated to external pressures, mainly referring to the new sanctions imposed on him by the US.

Earlier on Thursday, Washington imposed sanctions on Al-Burhan over his army's "lethal attacks" against civilians, days after slapping sanctions on RSF's commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, whose group the US accused of committing "genocide" in Sudan's Darfur region.

Earlier on Monday, SAF accused the paramilitary RSF of launching drone attacks targeting the Merowe Dam in Sudan's Northern State, which led to a widespread power outage.

"As part of its systematic campaign targeting military sites, vital facilities and the country's development projects, and after the successive defeats inflicted on it by our armed forces on all fronts, the RSF militia targetted the Merowe Dam hydroelectric plant with a number of drones," SAF's 19th Infantry Division said in a statement.

"The ground anti-aircraft weapons repelled the attack," the statement said, noting that the attack resulted in "some damages," without giving further details.

The Merowe Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River inaugurated in 2009, is located about 350 km north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, and is one of the largest hydropower projects in Africa.

Video clips on social media showed that a fire broke out at an electricity transmission station that transmits electricity from the dam to the national grid.

According to eyewitnesses, Merowe, Port Sudan, Omdurman, Atbara and Dongola cities have witnessed power outage.

The RSF has not commented yet on the SAF statement.

Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 : A local court in the Kerala capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday convicted Greeshma, a young woman, of murdering her lover Sharon Raj by poisoning him with a toxic chemical mixed into an ayurvedic medicine on October 14, 2022.

Sharon, after battling for his life for 11 days, succumbed to the poisoning on October 25, 2022. While Greeshma's mother, the second accused in the case, was acquitted, her uncle was also found guilty.

The court is set to pronounce the sentences for both Greeshma and her uncle on Saturday.

Reacting to the verdict, Sharon Raj's parents expressed relief over Greeshma's conviction but questioned the acquittal of her mother.

"We were confident that she (Greeshma) would be punished. However, we will wait for the sentencing and then approach the High Court to challenge the exoneration of her mother," Sharon's parents said with tears in eyes.

His grieving mother demanded the maximum punishment for Greeshma, saying, "She took the life of our son, who was our lifeline."

Greeshma and Sharon were close friends, but their relationship turned soure after Greeshma became engaged to another person. According to evidence presented in court, she sought to end her relationship with Sharon, believing in an astrological prediction that her first husband would die, allowing her to have a peaceful second marriage.

WhatsApp messages revealed her belief in this prediction, which Sharon reportedly tried to disprove. Relatives claim he married Greeshma at Vettukadu Church and even applied 'sindoor' on her forehead in a symbolic gesture.

Sharon Raj's family accused the Parasala Police of initially attempting to derail the investigation, despite their insistence that it was a premeditated murder.

The case took another dramatic turn when Greeshma attempted to commit suicide by consuming disinfectant while in police custody. Her attempt occurred just before evidence collection, but police intervention saved her life. A separate case was filed against her for the suicide attempt.

During the trial, despite the police presenting substantial evidence against her, Greeshma denied any wrongdoing.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with many awaiting the sentencing on Saturday to see the extent of justice delivered in this tragic story.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt homage to the founder of AIADMK, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), on his birth anniversary, hailing his contributions to empowering the marginalised sections of society, and also remarked that his governance was full of compassion.

In a post shared on his social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "I pay homage to Thiru MGR on his birth anniversary. We are greatly inspired by his efforts to empower the poor and build a better society."

In a video posted on X, PM Modi further praised MGR's governance, emphasising its compassion and focus on improving the lives of the underprivileged.

He remarked, "The great MGR's governance was full of compassion towards the poor. The subjects of healthcare, education, and empowerment of women were dear to him. He did not take people forward on the basis of family but took them forward on merit. This is why even today, society's poor people call him their leader."

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai also paid tribute to the iconic leader, highlighting his remarkable contributions to the state's progress. In a post on X, Annamalai noted, "He focused on the advancement of marginalised people. He implemented visionary projects that improved the entire Tamil community, such as healthcare, vocational training programs, self-employment programs, educational infrastructure, women's development, and nutritious meals for school students."

Annamalai also celebrated MGRas contribution to the Tamil identity, saying, "He held the World Tamil Conference and made Tamil proud. We pay tribute to Dr. MGR, a great nationalist who worked for the advancement of the socially and economically backward people."

MGR, an Indian actor, politician, and philanthropist, served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until he died in 1987. He was also the founder and first general secretary of AIADMK, leaving behind a lasting legacy of social welfare and development.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Chandra Arya, India-origin Member of Parliament for Nepean, has officially entered the race for Prime Minister of Canada after filing nomination and addressing the House in Kannada.

Arya, a native of Tumkur district in Karnataka, did his MBA from Dharwad before moving to Canada.

Earlier this week, he announced that he was running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.

Recently Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced to step down but assured to remain in the post till a new leader is selected.

"Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions. We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren," he wrote on the social media platform X on January 13.

Arya, who is slamming Khalistan supporters for celebrating the assassination of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and condemning the defacing of Hindu temples in Canada, has already announced that he will run for the Liberal leadership with a campaign promising to make the country "a sovereign republic" with bold political decisions, not optional but a necessity now.

"I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations," Arya, who was described by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a genuine advocate of India, wrote on X.

"We are facing significant structural problems that haven't been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices. I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary. If elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so," his post read.

Admitting that the nation is facing a "perfect storm", Arya, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in August last year, said, "Many Canadians, especially younger generations, face significant affordability issues. The working middle class is struggling today, and many working families are retiring directly into poverty."

Arya believes India is a significant and growing market for Canadaas exports and investments, and it serves as a key source for fulfilling "our critical talent needs".

"Canada deserves leadership that isn't afraid to make the big decisions. Decisions that rebuild our economy, restore hope, create equal opportunities for all Canadians, and secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political decisions are not optional -- they are necessary. With prudence and pragmatism as my guiding principles, I'm stepping forward to take on this responsibility and lead Canada as its next Prime Minister," he has said.
Islamabad, Jan 17 : Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted in the A190m Al-Qadir University Project Trust case on Friday. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year jail term.

Islamabad, Jan 17 (IANS) Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted in the 190m Al-Qadir University Project Trust case on Friday. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year jail term.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana delivered the verdict, which had been delayed three times, in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail. The court also imposed fines of Rs 1 million on Imran and Rs 500,000 on Bushra.

If they fail to pay the fines, they will face an additional six months in jail. The verdict was announced amid tight security outside Adiala Jail, and Bushra Bibi was arrested from the courtroom following the ruling.

The couple was formally indicted in the case on February 27, 2024, shortly after the general elections.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail before the hearing, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated, "You can guess the injustice that has occurred over the last two years. If a fair decision is made, Imran and Bushra will be acquitted."

The case alleges that Imran and Bushra Bibi received billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd in exchange for legalising Rs 50 billion, which had been identified and returned to Pakistan by the United Kingdom during the previous PTI government, Dawn reported.

The verdict, initially scheduled for December 23, was postponed due to winter vacations and rescheduled for January 6. However, it was delayed again as Judge Nasir Javed Rana was on leave, and on January 13, the hearing was further delayed because Imran and Bushra failed to appear in the courtroom at Adiala Jail.

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in connection with various legal cases, which he maintains are politically motivated. Last year, he was acquitted in the cipher and Iddat cases but faces new charges in the Toshakhana 2 case.
The popular social network TikTok may cease to operate in the United States this Sunday, January 19, 2025. This will happen if a federal ban on the use of the app comes into effect. According to preliminary information, users who try to open the app will receive a message explaining the situation and offering them the opportunity to download their data.

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This ban could be a serious blow to the US users, who number about 170 million. At the same time, TikTok's administration assures that if the ban is lifted, the service will be able to quickly resume its work in the country. Still, the United States is not the first country to ban TikTok. Earlier, a number of other countries made the same decision.

If the United States indeed bans TikTok, it could set a precedent for other countries. In particular, the UK, Australia, and EU countries may move from partial restrictions to full blocking.

Some states, such as Kenya, are considering tightening regulation of the platform instead of a complete ban. Such decisions may affect the future of TikTok in the world.

Which countries have already banned TikTok

Afghanistan

The Afghan authorities banned TikTok in 2022, claiming that it had a negative impact on young people.

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Albania

In Albania, the application was banned in December 2024 due to increased violence among teenagers. There was even a case related to the social network.

India

The largest ban in the country was the blocking of TikTok in 2020. The reason was the deterioration of relations with China, as well as concerns about the security of citizens' data. This decision affected about 200 million users in the country.

Jordan

In Jordan, TikTok was banned in 2022 after protests that led to the death of a police officer. The government said the platform failed to control calls for violence.

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, the app was blocked in 2023 due to a threat to children's mental health.

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Nepal

Nepal has decided to completely shut down TikTok in November 2023, as the government believes it harms social harmony and causes tension in society.

Senegal

In Senegal, TikTok was banned in August 2023 due to concerns that the platform was being used to spread extremist ideas.

Somalia

In Somalia, TikTok and Telegram were blocked in 2023 to limit the spread of "horrific content."

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan banned TikTok back in 2021, claiming that the company violated laws on personal data storage.

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Partial bans of TikTok: US, EU and others

In addition to outright bans, many countries have imposed restrictions on the use of TikTok at the state level. Among them are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, and most countries of the European Union. There, the officials were prohibited from using TikTok on their devices due to national security risks.

The closure of TikTok in different countries has had a significant impact on the lives of users. Many bloggers who made money on the platform lost their main source of income. At the same time, the restrictions contributed to the growing popularity of other services such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

In countries where TikTok has been banned, users often use VPNs to bypass the blocking and continue accessing content.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 : Unlike the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor Arif Mohammad Khan, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's inaugural address as Kerala's Governor to the 140-member Legislative Assembly (KLA) on Friday was smooth and incident-free.

This marked the commencement of the 13th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, a customary event where the Governor delivers the address on the first day of the calendar year's session.

The session, which is scheduled to conclude on March 28, will include 27 sitting days.

Governor Arlekar was welcomed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries upon his arrival at the Assembly. He delivered the 88-page speech in just under two hours, setting a contrast to Khan's contentious tenure.

In 2024, during his final address, Khan caused a stir by reading only the first and last paragraphs of the speech before abruptly leaving the Assembly.

Similarly, in 2022, disagreements between CM Vijayan and Governor Khan escalated when Khan refused to sign the Governoras address following a dispute involving senior IAS official K.R. Jyothilal.

The controversy arose after Jyothilal made the unprecedented appointment of a senior journalist in the Governor's office, prompting Khan to demand Jyothilalas removal. While the official was temporarily removed, Vijayan reinstated him a few months later, showcasing his characteristic resolve.

Khanas tenure was fraught with conflicts, often spilling into the public domain. His relationship with Vijayan and his cabinet was marked by frequent verbal spats. When Khan was leaving the Governor's House, in a notable snub neither Chief Minister Vijayan nor any of his ministers attended Khan's farewell.

In contrast, eyebrows were raised recently when Vijayan interrupted a media briefing, citing the need to reach the airport to welcome the new Governor -- a gesture reflecting a fresh start in state governance dynamics.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 : The US opened its consulate in Bengaluru on Friday, marking a significant step in enhancing diplomatic ties between India and the United States.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and US Ambassador Eric Garcetti among other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "The inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru is a significant milestone, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Bengaluru and Karnataka. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken steps to address this need. This consulate provides an exceptional platform for the people of Karnataka to connect with global aspirations. Being part of this event has brought me immense happiness."

He later posted on X also, saying: "Pleased to join the opening ceremony of the US Consulate in Bengaluru. Congratulate @USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti and his team...partnership is driven by strong people to people ties. This is expressed in domains like technology, innovation, space, defence and education. Today's opening of the new US Consulate in Bengaluru will go a long way in strengthening these collaborations, fostering exchanges of ideas and facilitating mobility of talent."

Deputy CM Shivakumar, speaking to the media on the occasion, stated, "I thank the American Consulate and the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on this momentous occasion. Jaishankar's father served as the Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. Members of Parliament have been working towards establishing the US Consulate here. Our IT and BT Industries Minister has also contributed significantly to this effort."

"India is seen through Bengaluru. This is a historic and sacred day for the state. We have been striving to bring the US Consulate to Bengaluru for a long time. During the Congress government led by the late S.M. Krishna in Karnataka, efforts were initiated to bring the US Consulate after organising the Global Investors' Meet. Later, when Krishna served as the External Affairs Minister, those efforts continued. Today is an auspicious day for Karnataka. Bengaluru and Karnataka have earned global recognition as symbols of India," Shivakumar said.

"This is not just about obtaining passports or visas. The finest students from India are contributing globally. Karnataka is a hub of knowledge and technology, with its thriving IT, BT, and startup ecosystems. Additionally, it is a leading destination for health tourism. After Maharashtra, Karnataka contributes the second-highest tax revenue and export generation for the country," he noted.

"Bengaluru alone accounts for 40 per cent of the country's export revenue. In the future, US universities may establish institutions here through partnerships, which will reduce the need for our children to go abroad for studies. I have set aside all my other commitments to attend this ceremony, representing the government," Shivakumar added.

BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, while expressing his thoughts, said, "Even though Bengaluru is globally recognised for its contributions to research, innovation, and exploration, the absence of a US Consulate in the city forced Kannadigas to travel to distant cities like Hyderabad or Chennai."

"The inauguration of the US Consulate is not only a matter of convenience but also a step toward positioning Bengaluru among globally significant cities. It will bolster India-US bilateral relations and benefit lakhs of students, professionals, and others. On behalf of all Kannadigas, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr S. Jaishankar for fulfilling this long-standing demand," he stated.

"The inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru, India's Silicon City and a hub of technology and innovation, is being considered as a matter of immense pride and joy. It is a milestone in strengthening India-US bilateral relations. Despite Bengaluru being a global leader in research, innovation, software, and biotechnology, residents had to travel to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, or Mumbai for visa processing. The opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru will greatly benefit lakhs of professionals and students. This is a proud moment as a long-standing demand of Kannadigas has been fulfilled," Surya said.
Hyderabad, Jan 17 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday began his Singapore tour with a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan.

The Chief Minister, who is leading an official delegation, termed the meeting engaging and fruitful.

According to Chief Minister's Office, Revanth Reddy focused on forging broad, long-term partnerships covering infrastructure development, energy, sustainable green energy initiatives, water management, river rejuvenation, tourism, education and skills development, IT parks, and more.

Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Electronic & Commerce, Industries & Commerce, D. Sridhar Babu and senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Sridhar Babu posted on 'X' that they discussed the collaboration for Telangana's Skill University and a MOU between ITE-Singapore and Young India Skill University.

"This partnership will pave the way for long-term collaborations in areas like infrastructure development, renewable energy, sustainable initiatives, tourism, education, and skills building. Looking forward to a fantastic trip ahead, fostering growth and prosperity for Telangana!," the Minister wrote.

The Telangana delegation began two-nation tour to Singapore and Davos to attract investments to the state. The delegation will remain in Singapore till January 19 before leaving for Davos for a three-day visit.

Minister Sridhar Babu and top officials of the Industries Department are part of the delegation.

The delegation will hold talks regarding Skill University and other investment-related agreements in Singapore before participating in the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.

Before embarking on the visit, the Chief Minister had stated that Telangana has emerged as the best destination for global investments in the country attracting giants in the manufacturing and service sectors.

The state government created an investor-friendly ecosystem to woo the investors in the country as well as abroad, the Chief Minister said.

He directed officials to be ready to promote Hyderabad on the world platform and invite huge investments.
Melbourne, Jan 17 : Carlos Alcaraz advanced past Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, delivering a swift and emphatic response after dropping his first set of the tournament, to enter the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second time in four appearances here on Friday.

The Spaniard is bidding to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam in men's singles history. Moreover, the 21-year-old Alcaraz can become the youngest champion at the hard-court major since Novak Djokovic (20) in 2008, according to ATP stats.

Alcaraz will meet the winner of Friday nightas showdown between 15th seed Jack Draper and Aleksandar Vukic in the last 16. Beyond that, he could face record 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in a potential quarterfinal that has been circled since the draw came out.

Alcaraz set the tone early, breaking in the opening game of the match and again to seal the first set. Tested in the second by the world No. 33, Alcaraz unleashed a huge forehand to break the stalemate in the ninth game before closing out the set with an ace.

Borges had chances to break early in the third, but Alcaraz snuffed out both opportunities with crisp forehand winners. Undeterred, the top-ranked Portuguese player created another break opportunity to earn a set point at 5-6 but overhit a backhand return. Alcaraz forced a decisive tiebreak, but after some loose points, gifted the set to Borges with a wide forehand, the tournament reports.

In the fourth set, Alcaraz secured an early break by chasing down a lob to crack a forehand winner. While Borges saved break points to avoid falling to 0-4 and 1-5 deficits, his accomplished foeas march to the finish line had an air of inevitability. After almost three hours, the four-time major champion clinched the match when a Borges forehand found the net.

In other men's singles action, Alexander Zverev continued his dominant Australian Open progress with a third consecutive straight-sets win. The German eased past Great Britain's Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, setting up a fourth-round showdown against the winner of the all-French matchup between Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils.

By reaching the Australian Open fourth round for the sixth time, Zverev matched Boris Becker's Open Era record for German men. With 21 total Grand Slam fourth-round appearances, Zverev now trails only Becker's 31 for most among German men.

A Melbourne semifinalist in both 2020 and 2024, Zverev is bidding for his maiden Grand Slam title this fortnight. A two-time major finalist, he came within a set of glory at the 2020 US Open and last year at Roland Garros.
Jammu, Jan 17 : Security forces on Friday launched a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the Billawar area.

Jammu, Jan 17 (IANS) Security forces on Friday launched a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) in Jammu and Kashmiras Kathua district following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the Billawar area.

Officials said that in a coordinated effort, special forces of the Army in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have launched the CASO in Billawar.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and were conducting extensive searches to locate the suspected terrorists. Locals have been advised to remain indoors and cooperate with the authorities.

Additional reinforcements have been deployed to track down the terrorists.

Security forces have been undertaking an aggressive campaign against terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the union territory.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has been chairing top-level security meetings. During these meetings, the Lt Governor has given clear orders to the security forces to go all-out against the terror ecosystem.

Security forces revised their strategy after terrorists carried out some dastardly attacks in the aftermath of peaceful people-participative Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in J&K. These elections were witnessed by diplomats of many countries and this, according to intelligence agencies, has frustrated the terror handlers sitting across the border in Pakistan.

Intelligence inputs indicate that the terror handlers have given directions to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir to give the dying terrorism its last push. Heightened vigilance is also being maintained at the border and the Line of Control (LoC) in the union territory following reports that terrorists are waiting at the launching pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to sneak into the Indian side of the border.

Recently Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed Pakistan saying that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure which it has built in PoK. He said this while addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veteransa Day rally in Jammu's Akhnoor. He said 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," the defence minister said.
Mumbai, Jan 17 : Actress Sobhita Dhulipala is over-the-moon as her film "Monkey Man" got a BAFTA nod and tops Rotten Tomatoes Best Reviewed movie.

Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) Actress Sobhita Dhulipala is over-the-moon as her film "Monkey Man" got a BAFTA nod and tops Rotten Tomatoes Best Reviewed movie.

The actress shared on social media that her film Monkey Man has entered the race for the BAFTAs, with Dev Patel receiving a nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Director or Producer.

The film won in the Best Action and Adventure Movies category. It was nominated alongside Deadpool & Wolverine, The Fall Guy, Rebel Ridge and Twisters.

Sharing the news on her Instagram, she wrote, "AM I DREAMIN OR WHAT HOLY .. - A Bafta nomination. - Rotten tomatoes best reviewed action and adventure film 2024. #IndieForLife."

Monkey Man, directed by Dev Patel, is an action-packed thriller about an ex-convict seeking redemption in a corrupt, chaotic world. The action thriller film is directed and produced by Dev Patel. The film stars Patel as the title character, with Sikandar Kher, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, and Vipin Sharma in supporting roles.

It was in 2024, when Sobhita got married to actor Naga Chaitanya at the Annapura studios in Hyderabad. She shared special moments from their much hyped wedding in December.

Posting their first official pictures from the wedding on Instagram they captioned it in Telugu.

The first picture shows Sobhita lovingly holding Naga's face. The rest of the pictures show multiple rituals held during their wedding ceremony including 'Havan' and 'Jaimaala' .

During the 'Jaimala' ceremony, the couple can be seen in a playful mood, as they try to put the garland around each other's neck, with neither willing to give in.

Naga and Shobhita got married on December 5, 2024. The intimate yet star-studded affair was graced by luminaries such as Chiranjeevi, PV Sindhu, Nayanthara, NTR, and celebrated couples like Ram Charan-Upasana Konidela and Mahesh Babu-Namrata Shirodkar.

Annapurna Studios was founded by Naga Chaitanya's grandfather, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. It is a cherished family legacy not only for Akkineni family but for the entire Telugu cinema fraternity. Spanning 22 acres in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, the studio holds a significant place in Tollywood's history, making it a fitting backdrop for this memorable day.
Seoul, Jan 17 : South Korean anti-corruption agency investigating impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case is 'nearly ready' to file for a warrant to formally arrest him, an official said on Friday.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is 'highly likely' to file the warrant with the Seoul Western District Court, the CIO official told reporters during a press briefing, before a 48-hour deadline expires Friday night.

The CIO's decision comes after Yoon again refused to appear for questioning over his failed martial law bid Friday, the third day of his detention.

The CIO had ordered him to appear for further questioning at 10 a.m. after he failed to appear the previous day, citing health reasons.

"The president will not appear at the CIO today," Seok Dong-hyeon, Yoon's lawyer and longtime friend, told Yonhap News Agency. "He thoroughly stated his basic position during the CIO's questioning the first day and doesn't see any reason or need to respond to a question-and-answer type of interrogation."

Yoon has been held at a detention centre since Wednesday night after investigators apprehended him at his residence and brought him to the CIO office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, to undergo over 10 hours of questioning.

Yoon filed a request with the Seoul Central District Court to review the legality of his detention, but the court dismissed the challenge Thursday night, keeping him in custody, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, supporters of detained South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol staged overnight rallies in front of the Seoul Western District Court, where investigators were expected to file for a warrant to formally arrest Yoon.

People in support of Yoon gathered outside the court late Thursday and locked arms in an attempt to block investigators from delivering documents requesting the warrant to the court.

A man in his 20s was detained at the scene after pushing a court employee.

When police blocked the protesters from gathering in front of the court, they moved to a nearby park and continued their rally.

Meanwhile, police launched an investigation to track down the writer of an online post threatening to kill a justice of the Seoul Central District Court who rejected Yoon's petition to review the legality of his detention the previous day, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is expected to file for the arrest warrant before a 48-hour deadline expires Friday night.

Seoul court also rejected a petition challenging the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in the ongoing investigation into his botched martial law bid, keeping him in custody a day after he was detained for questioning.

The decision by the Seoul Central District Court came a day after Yoon's legal representatives filed a petition seeking a review of the legality of his detention.

The previous day, investigators had detained Yoon for questioning over his December 3 martial law declaration after he ignored three summonses to appear for questioning in the investigation.

Thursday's court decision rejected claims from Yoon's side that the detention warrant against him, issued by the Seoul Western District Court, was invalid.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 : President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on Friday arrived at Bhubaneswar Airport on a two-day visit to Odisha. He was welcomed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Airport.

Shanmugaratnam later in a carcade went to a hotel where CM Majhi, and other officials are scheduled to meet the President later in the day.

Shanmugaratnam is accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ministers, businessmen, officials of the Singapore Government and representatives of leading academic institutions.

Around eight Memorandum of Understandings will be signed between different agencies of Singapore and Odisha.

The President of Singapore will also hold discussions with CM Majhi on various issues aiming to strengthen the economic ties and exploring mutual opportunities for both Singapore and Odisha.

As per reports, two MoUs will be signed between ITE Education Services (ITEES) of Singapore and the Odisha Skill Development and Technical Education on extending cooperation in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The MoU will facilitate in enhancing the skill development ecosystem including semiconductor related skilling in Odisha.

Shanmugaratnam is scheduled to visit the World Skill Centre at Mancheswar here later in the day. The centre was set up with the help of ITEES, Singapore with funding from the Asian Development Bank.

This apart, MoUs will also be signed on green hydrogen, cooperation on R&D in sustainable energy technologies, development of Industrial parks, Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region etc.

The President is scheduled to visit the famous Sun Temple at Konark and the vaccine manufacturing plant of Bharat Biotech on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on January 18.

President Shanmugaratnam is on a state visit to India from 14 to 18 January 2025. His visit marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Island country and India.

Notably, Singapore will be the first country partner for 'Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025,' which is scheduled to be held on January 28 and 29.
Tokyo, Jan 17 : Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has signed an agreement with Kumamoto prefecture to further develop a programme that estimates building damage caused by earthquakes using satellite imagery, local media reported Friday.

Under the partnership, JAXA will utilise approximately 200,000 data on building damage from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake to refine and enhance the accuracy of its technology, which is expected to be deployed nationwide, Kyodo News reported.

The programme will compare satellite images taken before and after an earthquake to assess the extent of structural damage within 2-3 hours of observation.

The programme can function effectively during nighttime and adverse weather conditions, according to the report.

JAXA anticipated the programme will be operational within a few years.

Last month, Japanese media reported that the Cabinet Office's disaster management division plans to assign designated officers to each prefecture starting next fiscal year as a preparation for possible major disasters such as a Nankai Trough megaquake or a Tokyo metropolitan earthquake.

The Cabinet Office is moving forward with plans to deploy approximately 50 officers across prefectures to focus on promoting stockpile management and volunteer collaboration in normal times while taking charge of assessing damage and organising evacuation shelters during disasters, Xinhua news agency reported.

To support the initiative, the Cabinet Office plans to double its current staff of 110 and seek a corresponding increase in its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, according to national broadcaster NHK, citing interviews with government officials.

The latest initiative is part of the broader goal of establishing a 'Disaster Management Agency' by fiscal year 2026.

Recent disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake, revealed challenges such as limited supplies in municipal stockpiles and delays in setting up evacuation shelters in Japan.

The Japanese Government has an emergency broadcasting system called 'J-Alert'. This system ensures that critical information reaches people in affected regions during various crisis, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, civil protection, and more. J-Alert employs various methods to communicate with the public.

Besides, since 2007, smartphones have been installed with an earthquake early warning system that sounds an alarm immediately before an earthquake strikes.

The first of its type in the world, this system generates an alert based on initial small tremors that occur seconds or tens of seconds before a large quake, urging people to prepare for evacuation.

The system uses seismometers and seismic intensity metres that measure the tremors from the Japan Meteorological Agency (roughly 690 locations nationwide) and a seismographic observation network from the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (roughly 1000 locations nationwide).
Kolkata, Jan 17 : The crucial verdict on the rape and murder of a woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata will be delivered at a special court in the city on Saturday.

Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy is the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

Any observations of the judge of the special court, besides pronouncing the conviction of Roy, will throw any light on the aspect of much-talked-about aspect of tampering and altering the evidence during the initial phase of investigation carried by Kolkata Police before the case was handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court.

The CBI during the entire phase of the investigation filed just one charge sheet in the case where it identified Roy as the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

Roy was initially arrested by the Kolkata Police just a day after the body of the victim doctor was recovered from a seminar hall of R.G. Kar premises in the morning of August 2024.

Although the CBI arrested the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal on charges of tampering and altering the evidence, both were granted "default bail" later by the same special court since the CBI failed to file supplementary charge sheet against them within 90 days from the date of their arrest.

The process of framing charges against Roy at the special court was completed on November 4, 2024, and, henceforth, the trial process started on November 11.

The entire trial process was conducted in camera and within the closed courtroom. During the trial process, the statements of a total of 50 witnesses were recorded, which included the parents of the victim, investigating officials of both CBI and Kolkata Police, forensic experts and some doctors and colleagues of the victim at R.G. Kar.

In the initial days after the recovery of the body and during the investigation by CBI, first, the entire West Bengal and subsequently the entire country witnessed a unity of the representatives from the medical fraternity, civil society and common people in hitting the streets demanding justice for the victim referred by protesters as 'Abhaya (the fearless). Gradually, protests were reported from other parts of the globe by the associations of Non-Resident Indians settled there.

The theory and suspicions of tampering with the evidence gained grounds on midnight of August 14 last year, when a group of anti-socials vandalized the emergency department of R.G. Kar, at a time when lakhs of people assembled on the streets in different pockets of the state at midnight protesting and demanding justice for Abhaya. The event of vandalism diverted the entire media attention from the spontaneous protests.
Archaeologists have discovered a Roman treasure dating back to the second half of the fourth century AD. During secret excavations in Luxembourg, 141 gold coins of nine Roman emperors were found.

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The Mine Action Service of the Luxembourg Army (SEDAL) helped the researchers because of the dangerous conditions they faced. It turns out that numerous explosives and ammunition from the Second World War were found buried around the excavation site, Arkeonews reports.

According to the researchers, the excavations were carried out under the supervision of the National Institute of Archaeological Research (INRA) from 2020 to 2024, and the discovery was kept secret for almost four years.

Because the Mine Action Service of the Luxembourg Army, which helped with the excavations due to explosives that were nearby, asked for non-disclosure, experts are now revealing the details of the secret mission.

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Only now have the services agreed on a decision to disseminate information about the treasure found. According to scientists, the gold coins were minted during the reign of nine emperors who ruled between 364 and 408 AD.

Interestingly, the coins depict eight emperors. However, researchers have noticed among the monarchs the illegal ruler of the Western Roman Empire, Eugenius, who ruled for only two years (392-394).

According to historians, Eugenius' reign was marked by political instability and conflict, particularly with the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius I. Ultimately, Eugene was defeated by Theodosius at the Battle of Phrygium in 394 AD, which led to his execution.

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Researchers emphasize that coins depicting Eugene are extremely rare. Therefore, this find is called unique.

"This is a major archaeological discovery, as it is extremely rare to study an entire ancient monetary deposit in its archaeological context," wrote the researchers from the National Institute of Archaeological Research in Luxembourg.

The gold coins are in excellent condition, and since they contain very rare specimens, INRA experts estimated the value of the coins at 308,600 euros, which is approximately $322,000.

In addition to the coins, the excavations revealed the remains of a late Roman small fortified observation tower, which is usually found on the German borders of the empire in the IV century, as well as several graves surrounding it, researchers say.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Sanaa, Jan 17 : The US military conducted five strikes on a Houthi military site in Yemen's province of Amran to the north of the capital Sanaa on Friday morning, said the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

The strikes hit the outpost in the Harf Sufyan district in northern Amran, said the television, not giving further details, as the rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, rarely discloses its casualties or losses.

Residents wrote on social media that they heard a series of loud explosions at dawn from the Houthi military outpost, where weapons are stored underneath rocky hills.

The US Central Command has not commented yet on the strikes, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthi military site, along with other military outposts in other northern provinces and the capital Sanaa, has been frequently targeted by US air raids since January 2024.

The fresh strikes came a few hours after the group's leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi vowed in a televised speech that his group would continue launching long-range rocket attacks on Israel if the Israeli forces kept raiding the Gaza Strip before the implementation of the announced Gaza ceasefire deal.

"Our military operations will continue in support of the Palestinian people if the Israeli enemy continues its genocidal massacres and escalation before implementing the ceasefire agreement," said Houthi group's leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi in a televised speech aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah satellite TV channel.

"We will keep an open eye on the stages of implementing the ceasefire agreement (in Gaza), and if Israel makes any breach or massacre at any phase of implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, we will be ready immediately for conducting a military support for the Palestinian people," the Houthi leader said.

"The United States is working to end Hamas's role in the future, but it will fail," he said.

The Houthi leader also said that his group has launched "1255 attacks" against Israeli cities, Israeli-linked ships, and US warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023, nearly three weeks after the Israel-Hamas war broke out.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 : In a major development, the Congress-led Karnataka government on Friday said it was determined to find a permanent solution to the controversial Datta Peetha Bababudangiri Dargah dispute.

A consultation meeting was held on the issue at the Vidhana Soudha conference hall in Bengaluru by state Home Minister G. Parameshwara with legislators, representatives, and religious leaders from Chikkamagaluru district to discuss the ongoing Special Leave Petition (SLP) related to the Datta Peetha Bababudangiri Dargah dispute, currently pending before the Supreme Court.

During the meeting, opinions and suggestions from the representatives, religious leaders, and leaders of various organisations from Chikkamagaluru were taken.

Minister Parameshwara declared that the issue required a permanent resolution with proper documentation of all relevant records. The government has decided to address this matter promptly to maintain peace and harmony in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Home Minister stated, "The Datta Peetha Bababudangiri Dargah, located on the Chandra Drona Hill in Karnataka, has been a symbol of religious harmony. While peaceful religious events took place here until 1975, subsequent years have seen disputes and controversies."

"The government has made several attempts to resolve this issue. We have seen both Hindu and Muslim communities take the matter to court. Committees and cabinet sub-committees were formed to examine records and present them before the court. Some individuals have now taken the issue to the Supreme Court," he explained.

"Our government is determined to resolve the Datta Peetha Bababudangiri Dargah dispute permanently. The cabinet sub-committee formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already held four meetings and reviewed numerous documents. On January 7, the Supreme Court directed the government to submit its opinion by March 24.

"In light of this, we consulted with representatives and religious leaders from Chikkamagaluru to gather their opinions and suggestions. Next week, the cabinet sub-committee will convene to review the inputs and documentation. We will submit the required information to the court, and further actions will be taken based on the court's decision," he stated.

The meeting was attended by Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Energy Minister K.J. George, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, MP Kota Srinivas Poojari, MLAs H.D. Thammaiah, Nayana Motamma, MLC C.T. Ravi, religious leaders, and officials from Chikkamagaluru district.

The controversial site was often referred to as Karnataka's 'Ayodhya'. Though the shrine symbolized the harmony of Hindus and Muslims, it has become a centre of crisis and struggle for over three decades.

Datta Peetha, the shrine in Chikkamagaluru has been a pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Muslims. The BJP, however, is demanding that the site be declared a Hindu temple.

Before 1964, the shrine was revered by both Hindus and Muslims. It symbolised Sufi culture and the unity of Hindu and Islam cultures. The shrine was known as Shree Guru Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah. What was a pilgrimage spot for the two faiths has become a disputed site between Hindus and Muslims.

Hindus consider the hill to be the final resting place of Dattatreya, the Muslims believe the dargah is one of the earliest centres of Sufism in south India. They believe that Sufi saint Dada Hayat Mirkalandar has lived there for years.

Irrespective of the controversy, the local coffee planters before the harvest visit the shrine and offer worship. Fakir Bababudan, a Sufi saint of the 17th century from Yemen, who settled at the shrine, is credited with planting the first coffee seeds in the Indian sub-continent.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 : The Karnataka High Court on Friday stayed the proceedings against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the defamation case filed by the state unit of the BJP.

A bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, passed the order while looking into the quash petition filed by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

The matter has been adjourned till February 20.

Rahul Gandhi was given bail in the case by the Magistrate Court in June 2024.

The BJP has also made Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar parties in the case.

Gandhi, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had appeared before the court regarding the matter.

The defamation suit filed by BJP General Secretary Keshav Prasad alleges that the Congress engaged in propaganda by publishing full-page advertisements accusing the then BJP government of charging a 40 per cent commission, labelling it as a "40 per cent government."

The Congress also created posters and advertisements displaying a rate card allegedly set by the then BJP government for various posts.

The petitioner claimed that the charges were baseless, defamatory and prejudiced.

The advertisement spoke about alleged scams in PSI recruitment, Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

The grand old party had also run a campaign against former CM Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government and claimed that during his regime, Rs 1.50 lakh crore were "looted". The BJP had also filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in this regard.

Initially, the allegations were made in speeches and soon the Congress took up social media campaigns and started putting up posters across the state.

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Petition against Gandhi in connection with issuing a derogatory statement against Prajwal Revanna, the jailed former MP and grandson of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda.

After dismissing the case on October 21, 2024, the High Court bench, headed by Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice K. V. Arvind, also slapped a Rs 25,000 fine on the petitioner.

The All India Dalit Action Committee had filed a petition against Rahul Gandhi.
Jerusalem, Jan 17 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently chairing the political-security cabinet discussion that began in Jerusalem Friday afternoon, hours after his office confirmed that a deal has been reached to release hostages held in Gaza and to implement a ceasefire following intense negotiations between Israeli and Hamas teams in Qatar.

"The political-security cabinet discussion began at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. Earlier, an operational security situation assessment was held regarding the implementation of the agreement, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with the negotiating team that returned from Doha," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) posted on X.

Netanyahu had ordered a meeting of the political-security cabinet immediately after he was informed by the negotiating team that agreements had been reached on a deal to release the hostages.

The government will then meet to approve the deal.

Netanyahu had expressed his appreciation to the negotiation team and everyone who assisted him.

"The families of the abductees were recently informed that the agreements had been reached by the Directorate of Abductees, Missing Persons and Returnees in the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister also instructed the Coordinator of Captives and Missing Persons to coordinate preparations for the absorption of the abductees upon their return to Israel," read a statement issued by the Israeli PMO, earlier in the day.

It mentioned that Israel is committed to achieving all the goals of the war, including the return of all our hostages - both living and dead.

"Subject to approval by the cabinet and the government, and the agreement coming into effect, the release of the hostages could be realized according to the planned outline, in which the hostages are expected to be released as early as Sunday," the statement added.

On Thursday, several reports indicated that Netanyahuas office had signalled concerns over last-minute snags in the negotiations, accusing Hamas of reneging on parts of the deal.
Jammu, Jan 17 : The toll in the 'mysterious' deaths in J&K's Rajouri district rose to 16 as an elderly woman of Budhaal village died on Friday.

Officials said that the death toll in Budhaal village rose to 16 with the death of an elderly woman in a hospital on Friday. Sixteen deaths have occurred within 45 days in Budhaal village as samples analysed at various premier laboratories of the country have ruled out any viral or bacterial infection.

Officials said that 60-year-old woman, Jatti Begum breathed her last at government medical college Hospital in Rajouri on Friday.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the alarming situation in Budhaal village of Rajouri district where 16 lives have died due to an unexplained illness. Omar Abdullah directed health and police departments to expedite their investigations.

"The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in resolving this issue," he said.

Secretary/commissioner, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah briefed the chief minister about the steps taken to ascertain the exact cause of these deaths. He said the health department has maintained an active presence in the area over the past 40 days, providing ambulances, medicines, and essential facilities to address any emergencies.

He said that health department teams have conducted door-to-door surveys of over 3,000 residents in the affected area collecting and testing samples of water, food, and other materials. He informed that all test results including those for influenza and other possible contaminants, came back negative.

The meeting was informed that additional testing was carried out by premier national institutes, including ICMR, National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh, but no definite cause for the deaths was identified.

Police officials informed the meeting that investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the fatalities, which have been limited to three families residing within 1.5 kilometres of each other.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health & Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah and other senior medical and police officers.
Kochi, Jan 17 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a surprise visit to the Congress legislator Uma Thomas at a private hospital, where she has been recuperating from injuries she sustained on falling 15 feet down at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

Kochi, Jan 17 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a surprise visit to the Congress legislator Uma Thomas at a private hospital, where she has been recuperating from injuries she sustained on falling 15 feet down at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

She apprised CM Vijayan of the sequence of events and thanked him for his help and support.

CM Vijayan went a step further and reminded Thomas that the whole of Kerala was concerned about her recovery and this left everyone in smiles.

The Chief Minister spent five minutes with her and wished her a speedy recovery.

The incident occurred on December 29, when she came to the stadium to attend a record-breaking dance performance.

She suffered serious injuries to her ribs which pierced into her lungs and after giving anxious moments for over a week.

The incident sparked a blame game, with authorities launching a probe into the eventas organisation.

Meanwhile, this case has turned controversial after widespread complaints surfaced about the poor security measures that were taken for this big event. Three people have been arrested but released on bail and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) came under fire for its callous attitude.

Thomas, the widow of Congress veteran P. T. Thomas, represents the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency. She entered politics after her husband died in December 2021 and won the bypoll with a margin of over 25,000 votes.

A former student leader during college, Thomas is known for her polite demeanour and well-researched speeches in the Assembly. As the only woman Congress legislator in the current Assembly, she holds a significant and symbolic position in her party.

Incidentally, P.T. Thomas for several years has been the bitterest critic of CM Vijayan, and on several occasions, the two have openly clashed on the floor of the Assembly.

Now, with the Kerala Assembly beginning its fresh session on Friday with the customary Governor's address and the session currently listed to end on March 28, all eyes are on whether Thomas will be able to attend.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : As the political temperature rises ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a series of promises aimed at winning over key voter groups, particularly women, senior citizens, slum dwellers, and financially weaker sections of the society.

The promises thrown open in the BJP's Sankalp Patra, are aimed to address a variety of social welfare requirements, basically to ensure support for the most vulnerable sections of society in the national capital.

As AAP focuses on "freebies" like free electricity and water, the BJP's promises of free healthcare, financial aid for women, and higher pensions aim to win over marginalised communities in Delhi, offering a strong challenge to AAP's approach.

The commitment to women empowerment figures prominently in the Sankalp Patra. One of the significant promises is the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

Under this scheme, women will be given Rs 2,500 per month in financial aid. With this initiative, the BJP has demonstrated its broader vision to improve the financial condition of women.

Women often face systemic challenges in their personal and professional lives.

In addition to this, the Mukyamantri Matritva Sahayta Yojana will provide six nutrition kits and Rs 21,000 as a big relief to every pregnant woman in Delhi. Experts believe that this scheme will ensure better health results for mothers and children.

Those in low-income households who might otherwise lack access to essential healthcare services will benefit from this scheme considerably.

In another move, the BJP has promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500, along with free cylinders during major festivals like Holi and Diwali. This will ease the financial burden on the financially weaker sections.

In the area of healthcare, the BJP has said that if it comes to power, it will bring the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Delhi, offering free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for all citizens.

The party has promised to go even further by pledging an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage from the state government for families living below the poverty line. It may be noted that the AAP government has not yet implemented the Ayushman scheme in Delhi.

Apart from this, the BJP, which is sparing no effort to ensure the defeat of Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, has also promised to provide free OPD and diagnostic services to senior citizens above the age of 70. This promise is part of a bigger efforts to ensure that elderly citizens find it easy to access the medical attention they need without worrying about the cost.

Normally, it has been seen that senior citizens are often the most vulnerable when it comes to healthcare.

In what highlights the BJP's commitment to senior citizens, the party has promised to increase pensions. The seniors aged between 60 and 70 years will get hiked pensions from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500.

At the same time, those over 70 years of age, as well as widows, the disabled, and destitute, will benefit from an increase in pension from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000.

In a bid to provide relief to slum dwellers, the BJP plans to introduce "Atal Canteens" in slum areas.

Under this scheme, nutritious meals will be made available for just Rs 5 for every individual. This initiative is aimed at addressing hunger and malnutrition among the poor.

They will have access to affordable and nutritious food under this scheme that the BJP has promised in the Sankalp Patra.

Going by the politics of former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, there cannot be any doubt that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is banking on "freebies", in these Assembly polls.

The AAP's leadership makes one promise or the other with every single passing day just to woo voters of different segments of society.

Meanwhile, the BJP's promises have added an interesting dynamic to the election race. With initiatives like free healthcare, financial aid for women, and increased pensions for senior citizens, the BJP is making a strong case for the support of marginalised communities in Delhi.

The BJP's promises, undeniably, pose a significant challenge for AAP, which has built its political narrative largely on offering freebies.

The BJP's new initiatives could appeal to voters who are seeking tangible support for their economic and social well-being, especially those who may not necessarily benefit directly from the AAP's schemes.

With both parties targeting key voter segments, the upcoming Delhi Assembly election promises to be a fierce contest, with each side vying for the support of women, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections.

As the election campaign intensifies, the BJP's promises offer an intriguing alternative to the AAP's existing platform, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Congress leader Abhay Dubey on Friday slammed the AAP convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of pushing Delhi into the "darkness of unemployment" and failing to fulfill his past promises.

This statement comes after Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer a 50 per cent discount to students travelling on the Delhi Metro.

Talking with IANS, Dubey questioned Kejriwal's governance, stating, "What are you saying, Arvind Kejriwal? You have pushed Delhi into the darkness of unemployment. Look at the employment exchange you've opened. You'll see how many unemployed people are still waiting. There are 16-17 lakh live registrations of unemployed people, and the unregistered numbers are in the lakhs. You've created this situation, so worry about it and provide employment opportunities."

Dubey also took a swipe at the Delhi government's unfulfilled promises, saying, "When you announce something, the people of Delhi are asking: How many of the old announcements were fulfilled?"

Further criticising AAP, Dubey accused the party of politicising the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai to gain Muslim votes ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls.

He referenced a statement made by Congress leader Imran Masood, saying, "We do not want to politicise this, but we ask Kejriwal, for eleven years you've taken care of the Muslim community. If you really did, then whose interests were you serving? The elite class, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Baba Siddique? The BJP may have links with criminals, but when riots were happening in Delhi, where was Kejriwal? As Chief Minister, was it not your responsibility to come and sit on the streets?"

Dubey also questioned Kejriwal's response during the Delhi riots and the misinformation spread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When communities were being locked down and lies spread about COVID, where were your MLAs? You want to know about the Quran, but the people of Delhi want to know about your failure to address unemployment. You're only interested in votes, especially from the Muslim community. This is shameful," he added.

This comes after the Congress MP Imran Masood criticised Kejriwal, saying, "It's surprising that Kejriwal, who didn't express concern for Delhi's Muslims over the last 10 years, is now suddenly concerned about Muslims in Mumbai. At least he's concerned about Muslims outside Delhi."

As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, a three-way contest is expected between the ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress. While Congress ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, it has suffered significant setbacks in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured only eight.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The race to woo women voters in Delhi Assembly elections got hotter on Friday with the BJP manifesto unveiling many attractive welfare schemes for the 71.74 lakh women electors, who also figure in key poll promises made by the ruling AAP and the Congress.

The clout of women voters in Delhi elections can be gauged from the fact that in 31 seats of the 70 Assembly segments, women voter turnout was higher than men in 2020. In 28 of these 31 seats, the AAP emerged victorious  largely because of free travel on public buses announced by the Arvind Kejriwal government just one year before the Assembly election.

The trend of attracting Delhi's women voters through poll promises was started in 2008 by the then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who launched the 'Ladli' scheme under which Rs 10,000 was deposited in the bank for the education of every girl child born in a family with an annual income less than Rs 1 lakh.

For the current Assembly election on February 5, the AAP took the lead in attracting women voters by promising Rs 2,100 to women under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana to women whose family income is less than Rs 3 lakh per annum. The scheme's enrolment was also launched, however, the process ran into legal trouble with the Delhi government disowning it through public notices.

The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra', released by National President J.P. Nadda on Friday, promised Rs 2,500 monthly monetary assistance to women, matching the amount that the Delhi Congress has guaranteed to poor women.

The BJP has called the monthly assistance for women "Mahila Smriddhi Yojana" and the Congress has named it "Pyari Didi Yojana".

In the run-up to the voting day on February 5, BJP leaders are making efforts to convince voters that it is their party which will honour the promise given to women. As proof, they are citing the monthly financial assistance being given in BJP-ruled states like  Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Kejriwal claims that the free travel for women in public transport buses is a scheme which he has pioneered in the country. This scheme had a huge impact on the outcome of the 2020 election in which the AAP came to power for the third time.

On Friday, Kejriwal sought to expand the scheme to attract young voters by offering free bus travel to students and proposing a 50 per cent discount on Metro rail fare.

The BJP also wants to remain in the good books of poor women voters, and it has announced that all public welfare schemes in Delhi, including free bus travel, will continue if its party forms the next government after the February 5 election.

"We will make the schemes free of corruption and strengthen them," said Nadda on Friday, without specifically mentioning the free water and power schemes that both the AAP and Congress have highlighted repeatedly.

The BJP's manifesto has also promised one-time financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutritional kits to pregnant women, besides Rs 5,000 for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child. These promises appear to be on the lines of the benefits offered in the rest of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  which was not available in the city.

Health insurance benefit is another welfare scheme that has been offered by all three parties in the Capital but with differing coverage.

On Friday, Nadda announced on behalf of the BJP that citizens will get an insurance health cover of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The health cover will increase the total health cover given to the elderly to Rs 10 lakh.

The Congress has announced Rs 25 lakh health insurance for all Delhiites  without any age bar.

Kejriwal's Sanjeevani Yojana aims to provide free treatment to Delhi's residents aged over 60 at private and government hospitals.

Nadda also announced a pension scheme under which senior citizens will receive Rs 2,000-2,500 in the 60-70 age group and Rs 3,000 for those above 70. For the Divyang and widow, the assistance will be increased to Rs 3,000.

Under the Puja Granthi Samman Yojana, the AAP has also announced a Rs 18,000 monthly allowance to Hindu temple priests and Gurdwara granthis.

The Delhi Congress has promised to ease women's monthly household spending by offering a free monthly ration kit.

A monthly ration kit containing 5 kg rice, 2 kg sugar, 1-litre cooking oil, 6 kg pulses and 250 gm tea will be given free to all the poor, said Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav.

Yadav said that nearly 17 lakh families in Delhi will benefit from the promised Rs 500 LPG cylinder every month.

The party has also guaranteed Rs 8,500 monthly financial internship-cum-assistance to educated, jobless youth for a period of one month.

On the subsidised food front, the BJP has announced the Atal Canteens will be set up in every slum where a full meal will be offered at just Rs 5.

The BJP has promised that its government will provide a Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, along with two free cylinders on Diwali and Holi.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : As the BJP unveiled its 'Sankalp Patra' ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, making a series of promises aimed at women, the poor, and marginalised sections of society, several BJP leaders lauded the manifesto, emphasising the party's commitment to fulfilling its promises.

Talking to IANS, BJP leader Yogender Chandoliya hailed the Rs 2,500 assistance for women, stating, "We have implemented this initiative in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Unlike Kejriwal, who made repeated announcements without fulfilling them, we deliver on our promises. This will also benefit women in Delhi, and the people will see the contrast with the empty promises of others."

Chandoliya further criticised AAP's announcement of Rs 1,000 for women in Punjab, calling it a misleading tactic that had angered the public.

"The truth will come out, and people will ask why they were misled for three years," he said, adding, "BJP's policies, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensure that Rs 500 cylinders reach even the remotest areas, bringing real benefits to people."

Praveen Khandelwal, another BJP leader, stressed that commitment is what sets the party apart.

"BJP's level of commitment to the people is evident from our past actions. Our promises are backed by results, and with National President JP Nadda's announcement today, we are showing that we will continue our work to develop Delhi," he stated, hinting at more announcements in the next phase.

BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari also emphasised the party's commitment to women's welfare, highlighting the Samman Rashi given to women in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

"While AAP has failed to deliver on its promises in Punjab and Delhi, the BJP is consistent in fulfilling its pledges," he said, adding that women's support in Delhi would ensure BJP's victory.

Vijender Gupta, another senior BJP leader, pointed out that the party has always prioritised women's welfare.

"In states where we govern, we've implemented schemes like Ladli Behna Yojana, and now in our manifesto, we have promised money to pregnant women and the establishment of Atal Canteens," he stated. "Unlike other parties, we don't just make promises; we deliver them."

Key promises include Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance for women, a Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, and medical insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for every resident. BJP leaders lauded the manifesto, emphasising the party's commitment to fulfilling its promises, unlike other political parties.

The manifesto also includes the promise of setting up Atal Canteens, providing meals at just Rs 5 to the underprivileged. Nadda took a jibe at Kejriwal's Anna Canteen pledge, calling it a mere attempt to deceive voters.

Polling for all 70 assembly seats in Delhi will be held in a single phase on February 5, with the contest shaping up to be a three-way battle. Both the BJP and Congress are aiming to prevent the AAP from securing a third consecutive term in power. The results of the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections will be announced by the Election Commission of India on February 8. The deadline for filing nominations is January 17, with scrutiny to take place by January 18. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until January 20. With the election schedule now announced, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect.
The city on water is a popular tourist destination that causes a real stir in summer. Therefore, to avoid the crowds, the best time to travel is during the frosty months. After all, the absence of heat and a large number of travelers allows you to calmly explore the city, enjoying its architecture and art. To know what to see and where to go, read on.

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Venice Carnival

The first mention of the festivities dates back to the XI century, and the holiday received its official status in 1296. At the time, the event was considered a place of permissiveness, when social boundaries were erased, and representatives of different segments of the population hid under masks.

After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, the carnival fell into decline, and in 1979 it became one of the city's main tourist attractions.

Today, the grand event attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world.

For several weeks, Venice lives in a rhythm of celebration. Theatrical performances, concerts, masquerade balls, and contests for the best costume take place in the squares and streets.

By the way, it is worth taking care of booking accommodation in advance, as prices increase significantly during this period.

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In 2025, the festival will run from February 22 to March 4.

St. Mark's Basilica

Located on the square of the same name.

In 829, the relics of the Apostle Mark, the patron saint of the city, were brought here. To store them, a small chapel was first built, which was later rebuilt into a majestic cathedral.

Today, the shrine is considered a model of the Byzantine style, combining elements of Western European architecture. The interior of the prayer hall is distinguished by a floor with colorful marble and walls covered with mosaics depicting biblical scenes and historical events.

We recommend paying attention to the Pala d'Oro, the main golden altar image with precious stones. It has 80 icons.

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By the way, the main Christmas tree is placed next to the prayer room.

Bridge of Sighs

The attraction was built in the early seventeenth century by architect Antonio Contino. The structure was made in the Baroque style of white Istrian stone. It is famous for its small windows decorated with stone lattices.

By the way, the name of the bridge does not come from the sighs of lovers, but from the mournful sighs of prisoners escorted through a closed passage, who admired the views of Venice for the last time.

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La Fenice Opera House

The theater was built in 1790-1792 by architect Gian Antonio Selva. Interesting fact: the building was named after the mythical Phoenix bird, as the institution has repeatedly risen from the ruins after fires.

In the XIX century, the premieres of operas by prominent Italian authors were held here, including of Gioacchino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, and Giuseppe Verdi.

In 1996, the theater burned down again. The arson was set by electrician Enrico Carella, who wanted to avoid a fine for delayed work.

The religious building was restored with the support of the state and reopened in 2003. President Carlo Ciampi attended the celebrations.

In winter, you can also enjoy New Year and Christmas concerts.

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Grand Canal

One of the main transportation routes that runs through the city. The waterway begins near the train station and ends near the customs building.

Unique buildings and glorious palaces, such as Ca' d'Oro and Barbarigo, line the canal.

We recommend taking a ride on a vaporetto, the only public transportation in Venice. From the deck of the "river tram" you can see all the coastal attractions.

Burano

An island neighborhood 7 kilometers from the city. It will surprise everyone who wants to escape from the winter gray.

The neighborhood is famous for its bright, colorful houses. Red, yellow, blue, orange, and light green shades prevail here.

Since the 16th century, the center has specialized in the production of lace. Even a museum is dedicated to this craft.

Also, go to the Church of San Martino. It was built between 1706 and 1785. Tourists can see a series of paintings by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, in particular the work "The Crucifixion".

The church houses the relics of the martyr Barbara, the patron saint of embroiderers.

Stroll through narrow streets, snow-covered squares, and quiet canals. Go to winter Venice!

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Mumbai, Jan 17 : Actor Saif Ali Khan's unverified bill has been leaked online, and it shows an initial requested amount of Rs 35, 98, 700 against an approved amount of Rs 250, 00, 000.

Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) Actor Saif Ali Khanas unverified bill has been leaked online, and it shows an initial requested amount of Rs 35, 98, 700 against an approved amount of Rs 250, 00, 000.

The document states that the actor suffered an injury to an unspecified region. However, it should be noted that the document has not been verified by the hospital authorities, and has been doing rounds on social media.

Earlier, in the day, Mumbai police recovered an old sword from the actoras house, it is unclear if it is a part of the actoras ancestral property. Safi, who belongs to the lineage of Nawabs, is the owner of many antique and priced possessions including the Pataudi Palace in Haryana.

Saif was reportedly attacked by an assailant who barged into his Bandra house through his youngest son, Jehas room during the wee hours of Thursday.

As per media reports, doctors removed the 2.5 inches of knife from his wound. The actor, who underwent a surgery, has now been shifted to the ICU and is said to be out of danger.

The actor was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off a burglar during the wee hours of Thursday. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine. The incident took place at 2:15 am when the burglar allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened.

Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jehas room. He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the intruder.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 : Kerala Leader of Opposition in Kerala V.D. Satheesan slammed the State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh for glorifying a controversial liquor firm owner who was in jail in the Delhi Excise liquor policy case.

Satheesan said that the permission given by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led-Left government to a private liquor company to start a brewery in the Palakkad district is a corrupt deal.

"This company Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd's top official was behind bars in the controversial Delhi Excise policy case. It's this company that Minister Rajesh was glorifying by saying this is a very good firm. The Vijayan government flouted all rules and gave permission without inviting tenders. We need to know how much did Vijayan government got for permitting this company to manufacture liquor," said Satheesan.

"This company has been given the sanction to operate in the water-scarce Palakkad district. It was after a long-drawn protest that the multinational Coke plant was wound up. This very same company's distillery plant in Punjab had caused numerous pollution problems and this issue had surfaced in the Parliament too. Yet Minister Rajesh says this is a great company," added Satheesan.

Veteran Congress legislator and former LoP, Ramesh Chennithala asked Vijayan to come clean on what basis it was decided to give permission to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd to start an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, brewery, malt spirit plant, and brandy/winery plant at Kanchikode in Palakkad.

"Rajesh says that Oasis is a company registered under the Companies Act. It's silly for a Minister to say such justification, as who doesn't know that all companies have to be registered. The Vijayan government has indulged in a corrupt deal as there were no tender adopted. Vijayan has to come clean on this deal," said Chennithala.

He said that the Congress will be raising this issue in the Assembly also which opened its budget session on Friday.

On January 15, the Vijayan cabinet granted approval to Oasis to start the plant at Kanchikode.

--IANS

sg/dan
Mangaluru, : Jan 17 (IANS) An armed gang of five dacoits looted more than Rs 12 crore worth of gold after threatening the bank staff with guns, swords, and knives in Mangaluru district of Karnataka on Friday.

The incident has raised concerns, coming just a day after two robbers shot dead an ATM cash vehicle staffer and looted Rs 93 lakh in cash on Thursday in Bidar city of the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attending an event in Mangaluru city held an emergency meeting with senior police officers and ordered urgent action to nab the dacoits.

According to the police, the dacoits barged into the K.C. Road branch of the Koteker Ullal Cooperative Bank in Mangaluru in a car, threatening the staff with guns, swords, and knives. They made off with gold articles worth over Rs 12 crore and Rs 5 lakh in cash.

The gang filled gold and cash into four to five bags before disappearing.

Usha, who lives across from the bank and witnessed the dacoity, stated that she saw five people rushing out of the bank. "I got scared. Four of them were dragging the bags, and one came running behind. All five dacoits were wearing masks and caps. There was no one around because it was Friday," she said.

Following the preliminary investigation, the police suspect the involvement of insiders. The bank's CCTV cameras had been sent for repair on Friday, which has raised suspicions.

In light of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's visit to Mangaluru, the police department was busy making security arrangements. The bank is located in a region with a large population from the minority community, and the road was empty as many had gone to offer prayers. The police believe the dacoits studied the situation and planned the robbery accordingly.

Meanwhile, following the Koteker Ullal Cooperative Bank robbery, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an urgent meeting with senior police officials in Mangaluru and issued strict instructions to quickly apprehend the culprits.

West Range IGP Amit Singh, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, SP Yathish N, and DySP were among the senior officers present at the meeting.

After gathering complete information about the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned, "Why did this happen with all of you present? How did the culprits manage to escape so easily? How many tolls did they pass through? Why weren't the tolls properly monitored?" he asked, visibly upset.

"There was no security staff at the cooperative bank, and only five or six bank employees were present," the Chief Minister said angrily.

Police officials informed the Chief Minister that the suspects spoke in Kannada and Hindi.

The Chief Minister instructed, "There should be tight checks at all toll gates. Set up roadblocks in the four districts and arrest the culprits as soon as possible, ensuring strict legal action against them."

The police have formed special teams and launched a manhunt for the dacoits.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi on Friday raised doubts on the police investigations into the derogatory remark row involving him and Karnataka Cabinet Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, saying that certain individuals are deliberately orchestrating conspiracies.

Speaking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, C.T. Ravi questioned: "How can you believe that the investigation by the police is honest? The police are working under pressure.

"I filed a complaint at Khanapur police station on the night of December 19, 2024, detailing the individuals who assaulted me and those who supported the attack. Till today, no FIR has been registered.

"There isn't one Constitution for me and another for others, nor one set of laws for me and another for others. If a complaint against me results in an immediate FIR, but my complaint doesn't lead to an FIR, it is evidence enough that the police are not acting impartially," C.T. Ravi questioned.

"I have filed complaints with the Governor, Chief Minister, and the DGP. Despite this, my complaint has not been registered, and I informed them about police highhandedness against me. Even now, my FIR hasn't been filed," the BJP leader said.

"What does the police protocol say? Having served as an MLA for 20 years and as a minister twice, and now serving as an MLC, if my complaint is treated this way, what is the fate of complaints from ordinary citizens?" he questioned.

"To avoid embarrassment, some individuals in the government have taken alternate routes. Ultimately, truth alone triumphs. I am confident that the final victory will be mine," he asserted.

C.T. Ravi further dismissed reports claiming that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests had confirmed the voice sample, which used derogatory language against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar on the floor of the council, to be his.

"These are all mere rumours, part of a conspiracy to create a negative narrative," maintained C.T. Ravi.

"There is no FSL report, no investigation has been done; if such planted stories are circulating, there is an ulterior motive behind them. Some people have resorted to underhanded means to save their reputation," he alleged, indirectly targeting Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

"I cannot reveal all details during the investigation phase. What I needed to say, I have already conveyed to the Chairman of the Legislative Council. They have issued their ruling after reviewing the records thoroughly," Ravi stated.

"If someone questions that ruling, it is equivalent to questioning the Constitution itself," he remarked.

When asked about the FSL report, Ravi responded, "Since the media is not disclosing its sources regarding the FSL report, I will not speculate."

The row erupted on December 19 during a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council. C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a "drug addict".

This provoked strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar calling Ravi a "murderer". Ravi reportedly responded with an obscene remark directed at Hebbalkar.

The alleged comment led to Ravi's arrest on charges of using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a High Court directive, Ravi was released, creating further political drama.

The Congress government has handed over the case to the special wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) even as the Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti had stated that the case is a closed chapter and the police interference is unacceptable.

Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, challenged BJP MLC C.T. Ravi to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Dharmasthala in Karnataka, regarding his alleged use of derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council.
Cairo, Jan 17 : Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone talks with his Iranian and Italian counterparts to exchange views on a recently reached ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

In his talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Abdelatty stressed, "Egypt attaches high importance to implementing the deal with no delay," reiterating the importance of urgent and sustainable access to relief and medical aid for the Gaza Strip.

Araghchi hailed the Egyptian efforts and pivotal role in helping achieve the deal.

The Egyptian foreign minister highlighted the role that the international community should play in reconstructing Gaza, rehabilitating its infrastructure, and restoring security and stability to its people.

The two ministers also discussed regional developments, especially the tensions in the Red Sea, Xinhua news agency reported.

Abdelatty said he hopes that the ceasefire deal will restore stability and calm and reduce escalation in the Red Sea region in a way that maintains the freedom of international traffic.

In his discussions with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Egyptian foreign minister reviewed the Egyptian mediation efforts in coordination with Qatar and the United States to reach the deal.

Tajani welcomed the deal, praising the Egyptian efforts that contributed directly to concluding the truce agreement.

The long-awaited truce agreement between Hamas and Israel was reached in Doha on Wednesday, according to Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Meanwhile, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, held discussions on bilateral relations and pressing regional issues, on Thursday.

The talks, which took place during Sisi's working visit to the UAE, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across development, economic, and investment sectors, aiming to align with the two nations' shared aspirations for progress and prosperity, Xinhua news agency reported quoting UAE's official news agency WAM.

On regional issues, the two leaders welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

They emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate humanitarian aid reaches the enclave.
Patna, Jan 17 : As Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi prepares to visit Patna on Saturday, a fierce poster war has erupted between Congress and BJP.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to attend the "Constitution Security Conference" and participate in a worker dialogue program during his visit and Congress leaders have flooded the city with posters to welcome him.

The Congress posters highlight the significance of Rahul Gandhias visit, portraying it as a moment of dignity and solidarity.

The party has made efforts to showcase its support and enthusiasm by placing welcoming banners at key locations throughout Patna. However, BJP leaders have countered with a series of sarcastic posters targeting Rahul Gandhi and his past remarks.

One such poster quotes Rahul Gandhi as allegedly saying that his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a role in defeating Bhimrao Ambedkar in an election. The BJP has framed the statement as a "reminder to the countrymen" about Congress's history.

Another set of posters highlights controversial statements attributed to Rahul Gandhi, such as "Hindus are violent." In response, the BJP's posters claim, "I thought of reminding the Hindu brothers of Bihar."

A further example references Rahul Gandhi allegedly commenting on the Emergency imposed by his grandmother Indira Gandhi, saying, "Congress does not believe in the Constitution, that is why his Dadi imposed Emergency."

BJP leader Shailesh Mahajan has taken sharp aim at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of disrespecting the Constitution and Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Mahajan alleged that Congress leaders are overly eager to project Gandhi as a Prime Ministerial candidate despite what he perceives as a lack of merit.

"Rahul Gandhi neither believes in the Constitution, Bhimrao Ambedkar, nor does he respect anyone. Congress leaders are desperate to make him the Prime Minister, but what ability does he have? His only qualification is that he is the grandson of a Prime Minister, the son of a Prime Minister, and the great-grandson of another Prime Minister," Mahajan said.

On Thursday, the Municipal Corporation intervened, removing many posters as part of a city-wide cleanliness drive. Most of the removed posters were from Congress, sparking criticism from party members.

However, on Friday, Congress replenished its posters, further intensifying the visual clash, while BJP continued to counter with new displays.
Kolkata, Jan 17 : A court in West Bengal on Friday handed the death penalty to an individual, Ashoke Sinha, convicted for raping and murdering a five-year old minor girl at Gurap in Hooghly district in November last year.

The death sentence was pronounced by judge Chandraprabha Bhattacharya of the POCSO court at Chinsurah in Hooghly district on Friday, exactly 55 days after the crime took place.

January 17 was also the birthday of the minor victim, as told by her mother to the mediapersons after the sentence was pronounced.

"My daughter asked me to gift her with a cake this birthday. But that was not possible. I left the entire matter entirely to the police investigation. Finally, my daughter has got the justice and I am happy over the court order," the victim's mother said.

In the Gurap case, the minor girl went missing from her residence in the evening of November 24 last year.

After a lot of searching, her body was ultimately recovered from the residence of the convict, who was the neighbor of the victim's family.

The local residents had severely thrashed him and then handed him over to the police.

The verdict on Friday, made the local villagers so elated that they were seen greeting the investigating officers and the public prosecutor outside the court.

The state of West Bengal as well as the entire nation was shocked by the ghastly incident of rape and murder of junior woman doctor on the premises of the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last year.

The crucial verdict is expected to be delivered by a special Kolkata court on Saturday.

Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy is the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

Roy was initially arrested by the Kolkata Police just a day after the body of the victim doctor was recovered from a seminar hall of R.G. Kar premises in the morning of August 2024.

Although the CBI arrested the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal on charges of tampering and altering the evidence, both were granted "default bail" later by the same special court since the CBI failed to file supplementary charge sheet against them within 90 days from the date of their arrest.

The process of framing charges against Roy at the special court was completed on November 4, 2024, and, henceforth, the trial process started on November 11.
Windhoek, Jan 17 : Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) issued a warning to farmers following the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in several areas.

There have been 73 confirmed cases of the disease, a debilitating viral infection that affects cattle, in the Otjombinde Constituency within the Epukiro Veterinary District in the Omaheke Region of eastern Namibia, Johannes Shoopala, acting chief veterinary officer at the DVS, said in a statement.

"LSD is a state-controlled disease, and wherever it occurs, it must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian," he said.

According to Shoopala, LSD is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

He noted that depending on the epidemiological situation of the area, local state veterinarians are empowered by law to implement control measures to safeguard the livestock industry, which may include quarantine of the affected area, vaccination of all in-contact animals with the recommended vaccine, and treatment of all animals showing symptoms of LSD, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The directorate is strongly advising farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against LSD, control biting insects, and report any suspected LSD case to their nearest state veterinary services office as required by law," Shoopala added.

Namibia exports beef to the European Union, Norway, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Lumpy skin disease represents a highly significant viral affliction affecting cattle, attributed to the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus, which is categorised under the genus Capripoxvirus within the family Poxviridae. In an effort to isolate the LSD virus, nodular skin samples were obtained from cattle exhibiting clinical symptoms in the Amuru and Wara Jarso districts of Ethiopia.

The isolation process involved the use of primary lamb testis and kidney cells. Subsequently, the isolated LSDV was introduced into a healthy calf, adhering to stringent biosecurity protocols, to induce skin lesions and monitor the progression of the disease through postmortem examinations.

On the fourth day following the inoculation, the calf exhibited characteristic skin nodules associated with LSD, accompanied by an elevated rectal temperature, which persisted until the twelfth day, at which point a reduction in symptoms was observed. Viral shedding was confirmed in nasal, oral, and conjunctival swabs collected between the sixth and fourteenth days post-infection, utilising real-time PCR techniques. Additionally, post-mortem tissue samples were found to be positive for the LSD virus through both real-time PCR and virus isolation methods.
Sydney, Jan 17 : Two men in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland have been hospitalized with rare and potentially deadly mosquito-borne viruses.

An elderly man from the city of Townsville, over 1,000 km northwest of Brisbane, has been admitted to hospital with dengue fever despite being vaccinated against it, marking the region's first breakthrough in five years, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) quoted Queensland health authorities as saying on Friday.

At the same time a middle-aged man from Townsville, who recently traveled to southern Queensland, was in hospital with Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).

It was the first confirmed human case of JEV in Queensland since 2022.

Townsville Public Health Unit Director Steven Donohue told reporters on Friday that both men were in stable condition.

He said that the elderly man was unlucky because local mosquitoes in the Townsville area carry a bacteria that blocks transmission of dengue.

Mosquitoes from the area where he was bitten have been collected for analysis, Xinhua news agency reported.

Both dengue fever and JEV are types of flavivirus that can be fatal in rare cases.

Health authorities in the east coast states of New South Wales and Victoria have issued warnings over JEV in January after detecting it in mosquitoes.

The health authorities in Victoria, Australia's second-most populous state, had at the start of this year issued a high-risk warning after identifying a human case of a deadly mosquito-borne virus.

According to the World Health Organization, one in 250 human infections with JE virus results in severe clinical illness. The virus can cause a rare infection of the brain that can lead to seizures, hearing or vision loss, paralysis or even death.

The Victorian Department of Health alert had said that residents of, and visitors to, communities along the Murray River in the state's north are potentially at higher risk of infection.

It said that children aged five years and younger and the elderly are at higher risk of developing severe illness if they are infected with the JE virus.
Amaravati, Jan 17 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday hailed Rs 11,400 crore financial package to revive the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Naidu took to X to react to the Union Cabinet's decision and termed it an emotional and proud moment for the people of Andhra Pradesh.

"Today marks a historic moment etched in steel. It is an emotional and proud moment for people of Andhra Pradesh, as the Union Government, in response to GoAP's consistent efforts since the formation of NDA Government, has approved financial support of Rs. 11,440 crore to revive the Vizag Steel Plant," he said.

The Chief Minister extended 'heartfelt' gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support to the Steel Plant. He assured that this will contribute to the PM's vision of nation-building as part of Viksit Bharat  Viksit Andhra.

Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key ally of BJP-led NDA at the Centre, also thanked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for their constant support and positive response.

"The Vizag Steel Plant is more than just a factory - it stands as a monument to the struggles and spirit of the people of Andhra Pradesh, holding a special place in the hearts of all, especially the people of Vizag. This was not merely an election promise; it was a deeply personal commitment we were determined to honour. Good days ahead for Andhra Pradesh," added Naidu.

State Information Technology and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh also welcomed the Centre's decision.

"Andhra Pradesh today stands vindicated for voting NDA to power. The state's pride and crown jewel, the Vizag Steel Plant, will be revived and revitalized with a special package of Rs 11,440 crore, approved by the Prime Minister," he posted on X.

Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister Naidu, said Naidu strived to keep his election promise to save the ailing steel plant from closing down.

"All credit must go to Honourable Prime Minister Modi Ji for accepting our request and offering a major boost to the plant, which will provide direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people while playing a key role in nation-building as part of Viksit Bharat  Viksit Andhra," he wrote.

He also thanked Union Ministers Sitharaman and Kumaraswamy for their firm support. "Armed with wings of steel, Andhra Pradesh will soar to new heights, transforming millions of lives for the better," he added.

--IANS

ms/vd
Winter is not only snow and frost, but also a time of amazing changes in the ecosystem. The fairy-tale world comes to life, and everything around is covered with ice crystals. Today, we will reveal the secrets of the beauty of waterfalls and learn how to get to these magical locations.

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Shypit

It is located on the Pylypets River in the Zakarpattia region.

The waterfall was formed in a place where the geological layers consist of hard sandstones containing thin layers of shale rocks. These geological features resulted in the formation of this natural phenomenon.

It becomes truly picturesque in the spring, when the heat causes the snow covering the slopes of Mount Hemba to melt actively. And also in winter, when ice cascades appear.

Near the waterfall, you can buy souvenirs, homemade wine, and taste traditional dishes of the region, including bograch.

For tourists to get to this natural wonder, resorts and boarding houses organize bus trips. To help you navigate the terrain, there is a ski lift about 300 meters from the waterfall.

If you are traveling by car, take the T0718 road. Volovets railway station is also located 10 kilometers from the village.

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Zhenetskyi Huk

It is located near the villages of Mykulychyn and Tatariv in Ivano-Frankivsk region at an altitude of over 900 meters above sea level.

The Ukrainian word "huk" means simply "loud sound" or "noise". It is said that it is the hum that attracts many tourists.

There is a market here where you can buy souvenirs and taste hot drinks, including mulled wine, flavorful Carpathian tea with honey, or coffee with pepper.

The route is equipped with an asphalt road that stretches for more than 3 kilometers. Then travelers will have to walk dirt paths along the Zhenets River.

We also recommend going to the Narinetskyi Waterfall, which is nearby.

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Maniava

Located southwest of the village of Maniava in Ivano-Frankivsk region.

At the foot of the waterfall there is a small lake that attracts tourists to take a dip in the warm season.

According to a legend, this place once served as a pagan sanctuary, where ancient inhabitants made sacrifices to their gods asking for the preservation of youth.

There are two ways to get to the fountain from the village: you can either take a walk, which is about 5 to 7 kilometers away, or use specialized transport.

Make sure you have waterproof shoes, as you will have to cross the river several times on the way.

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Bukhtivets

The waterfall is located on the Bukhtivets River near the village of Bukove, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Although the waterfall is not impressive in size, it is a real star of the local landscape. Its height reaches about 8 meters. It is not a many-level cascade, rather one powerful stream that rushes down.

The waterfall appeared in a place where a small stream cut its way through a rock massif called "flysch". This is a special type of rock consisting of layers of sandstone, clay shale, etc.

The distance from the highway is approximately 6 kilometers. If you are traveling by car, look for a barrier - this is where the hiking part of the route begins. Then you need to walk only 50 meters to the path leading to the wooden stairs. Go down the stairs and cross the pond on a stone bridge.

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Kamianka

The waterfall is located within the Skole Beskydy massif in the Stryi district of Lviv region.

The waterfall was formed as a result of a geological fault in the mountain range. It caused the waterfall to divide into two separate parts by a massive stone block.

Water falls from a height of about 7 meters. There are also many rock fragments here, which allows you to cross the rapid current.

If you are traveling by car, head in the direction of Verkhnie Syniovydne to the village of Kamianka. The distance from the Skole railway station is about 10 kilometers, so we recommend using local transportation or walking.

Travel to the natural corners of Ukraine! Enjoy magical winter water cascades!

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Amaravati, Jan 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Andhra Pradesh.

The Prime Minister posted on X that during the Cabinet meeting, it was decided to provide equity support of over Rs 10,000 crore for the plant.

"This has been done understanding the importance of the steel sector in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he said.

Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Prime Minister approved a revival package worth Rs 11,440 crore for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. In the overall package of Rs 11440, fresh equity infusion would be worth Rs 10,300 crore and the conversion of working capital loan into preferred share capital of Rs 1,140 crore.

The Union Minister told reporters in Delhi that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a very important steel company in the overall steel sector of the country.

He hoped that with this revival package, many of the historical legacy problems that RINL used to face would be resolved.

Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan thanked Prime Minister Modi for the financial package.

"The sacrifice of Amruta Rao garu and countless others who gave their lives for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in 1966 burns eternal in our hearts. Their blood and tears laid the foundation for what stands today not just as a factory, but as the pride and identity of Telugu people," Pawan Kalyan said in his post on X.

"Today, the NDA government's decision of providing a financial package of 11,440 crores for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant isn't merely a number - it represents renewed hope for thousands of families: every worker whose hands have shaped steel, every employee who has dedicated years of service, and every contractor who has stood by this plant through its challenges," said the actor-politician.

The Jana Sena leader thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of the state for 'steadfast commitment to our state's development, your vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat finds one of its strongest pillars in our Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.'

Pawan Kalyan also thanked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy for their 'unwavering support strengthens not just a plant, but the dreams of millions of Telugu people'.

"We assure the people of the country that our government in the State led by our Hon'ble Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu garu shall ensure that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant will not just survive - it will thrive and stand as a testament to Telugu pride in building Viksit Bharat 2047. This is not just a financial revival - but the fulfilment of a promise written in the sacrifices of 1966. The spirit of Visakhapatnam Steel lives on!," the Deputy Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu thanked Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the revival package.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader said this fulfilled their election promise. He thanked the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for their 'unwavering support in halting the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and ensuring it resumes full-fledged production.'

"Under your visionary leadership, Andhra Pradesh is set to achieve greater heights of progress and prosperity," he said.

Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani also hailed the revival package.

He stated that Rs 11,440 crore financial assistance from the Centre to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a landmark investment in Andhra Pradesh's industrial sector.

He thanked Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy for their relentless efforts in advocating for this transformative support.

"This step strengthens the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and boosts regional development," he said.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 17 : In a rare and surprising gesture, Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, urged the people of the state to support his father as well as his party -- the Janata Dal-United -- in the 2025 Assembly elections.

Although Nishant is known to maintain a largely inactive political profile, he voiced his views and sought public support for the Bihar Chief Minister during the birth anniversary of his grandfather and freedom fighter Ram Lakhan Singh Vaidya at Bakhtiyarpur in Patna district on Friday.

Nishant stressed that the progress Bihar has witnessed under his father's leadership. He said: "I appeal to the people of Bihar, if possible, do vote for my father and his party and bring them back to power. My father is doing great work in Bihar."

This appeal came at a critical juncture as the JD-U, led by Nitish Kumar, gears up to contest the elections amid significant political competition.

Nishant's public statement marks a rare instance of his involvement in his father's political journey, potentially signaling the importance of the upcoming elections for the party.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar visited his native place in Bakhtiyarpur, Patna district, to pay tribute to his father and freedom fighter, Ram Lakhan Singh Vaidya, on January 17 (Friday).

The Chief Minister honours his father's legacy annually on this date by garlanding his statue and commemorating his contributions to India's freedom struggle.

In addition to his father, Nitish Kumar paid homage to four other freedom fighters -- Shaheed Mogal Singh, Pandit Sheelbhadra Yaji, Shaheed Nathun Singh Yadav, and Dumer Singh -- by garlanding their statues during a state-organised ceremony in Bakhtiyarpur.

Speaking about the tradition, Nishant Kumar said: "My father pays tribute to my grandfather, who served jail terms during the freedom struggle along with his colleagues. He comes to Bakhtiyarpur every year to commemorate this."

The event, hosted by the state government, was organised in the honour of Ram Lakhan Singh Vaidya and his fellow freedom fighters, highlighting their significant contributions to India's Independence.

Asked about his possible entry into politics, Nishant Kumar refrained from making any comments, maintaining his characteristic distance from political involvement despite his father's prominent role in Bihar's governance.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : A Special CBI court in Ahmedabad sentenced two accused, including a surveyor of an insurance company, to five years' rigorous imprisonment (RI) with a fine of Rs 17.2 lakh for fraudulent claims of Rs 9 lakh, an official said on Friday.

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) A Special CBI court in Ahmedabad sentenced two accused, including a surveyor of an insurance company, to five yearsa rigorous imprisonment (RI) with a fine of Rs 17.2 lakh for fraudulent claims of Rs 9 lakh, an official said on Friday.

Those sentenced to jail included Hasan Abu Soni, a partner in Marks Chemical and S.R.J Associates, and Sanjay Ramesh Chitre, surveyor/loss assessor, said the official in a statement.

The CBI registered the case on January 30, 2003, against the then Senior Divisional Manager of New India Assurance Co. Ltd. (NIACL), Divisional Office, Navsari, along with the convicts.

It was alleged that the Senior Divisional Manager entered a criminal conspiracy and in collusion with the private persons/accused sanctioned insurance claims based on forged documents, thus, causing loss to the tune of Rs 4.41 lakh and Rs 4.94 lakh to the New India Assurance Co. Ltd. in two policies.

After completion of the investigation, the CBI filed charge sheets on June 24, 2005, against the accused, including the convicted accused.

During the trial, 38 prosecution witnesses were examined, and 255 documents/exhibits were relied upon in support of the charges against the accused in the case of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery for the purpose of cheating and using forged documents as genuine to obtain insurance claims.

The Court, after trial, found the accused guilty and sentenced them accordingly. Charges against the accused the then public servant were abated as he died during trial.

In a separate matter, the CBI on Thursday booked an assistant post-master in Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh for demanding a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a man who wanted to withdraw Rs 1,50,000 from the Public Provident Fund account of his late father.

Assistant post-master Vijay Kumar Singh Jadon was booked under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act on the complaint of Vivek Pratap Singh, a resident of Jatau in district Firozabad.
Kolkata, Jan 17 : Service Doctors' Forum (SDF), an association of doctors practicing in West Bengal, approached the office of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Friday, seeking his intervention in initiating a judicial probe into the deaths of a woman and a newborn at a state-run medical facility in West Midnapore district allegedly after being administered with expired Ringer's Lactate intravanous fluid.

In an email communique, the SDF has also opposed the decision of the West Bengal government to suspend 12 doctors of the medical facility.

The SDF has claimed that the suspension of the 12 doctors are aimed at diverting attention from the real reason of the death, which was the administration of expired Ringer's Lactate supplied by a blacklisted entity, Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Private Limited.

SDF has also claimed that from the post-mortem report of the deceased woman, Mamoni Ruidas, who died on January 10, it is clear the death was due to the adverse impact of saline or medicine administered on her and in such a situation, the suspension of the 12 doctors are attempts to divert attention from the main issue.

"I do not understand where the state government reached the conclusion that the negligence by the doctors was responsible for the mishap. We condemn the suspension of the doctors and demand immediate withdrawal of the decision. If there has been any lapse, the state health department is responsible for lapses," said an office bearer of the SDF.

On Thursday afternoon, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave a virtual clean chit to the entity and announced the suspension of 12 doctors, putting the entire onus of the tragedies on them.

"Had it been the case, then there would have been similar reports from other hospitals in the state where the same solution was used. Here, the case was different. It was a sheer case of negligence. Remember, negligence is also a sort of crime," the Chief Minister told mediapersons on Thursday.

State health secretary, Narayan Swarup Nigam said that as per the standard operating protocol since there had been an incident, the batches of solutions supplied by the same entity have been sent for re-examination.

"All I can say is that the batches that were sent for use were properly tested repeatedly and then only sent for use. These batches will be tested again as per standard operating protocol," the state health secretary said.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that in cases related to national security, trial in absentia should be initiated against fugitives who have been absconding from the country for a long time.

During a meeting in the national capital with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to assess the implementation of three new criminal laws in the state, HM Shah said that the Indian Civil Security Code includes provisions for trial in absentia, enabling action against such fugitive offenders.

HM Shah said that the essence of the three new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi lies in the provision of delivering justice within three years, from the filing of an FIR till the verdict comes from Supreme Court.

Appreciating the efforts made so far by the Madhya Pradesh government in implementing the new criminal laws, the Home Minister emphasised the need for their 100 per cent implementation in the state at the earliest.

HM Shah mentioned that before registering cases under sections related to terrorism and organised crime, senior police officials should examine whether the case qualifies for the application of those sections.

He emphasised that any misuse of these legal provisions would undermine the sanctity of the new criminal laws.

HM Shah emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of the conversion of ZERO FIRs into regular FIRs. He also suggested establishing a system to enable the transfer of FIRs between two states through CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems).

The Home Minister also stressed ensuring the availability of more than one forensic science mobile van in every district. Additionally, he underlined the importance of constructing an adequate number of cubicles in hospitals and jails to facilitate evidence recording through video conferencing.

He also urged the state government to ensure that funds allocated under ICJS (Inter-operable Criminal Justice System) are utilized strictly in accordance with the standards set by the Central government.

The meeting reviewed the implementation and status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Madhya Pradesh.

The Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police from Madhya Pradesh, Director General of BPR&D, the Director General of NCRB, and several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the state government attended the meeting.
Chennai, Jan 17 : Buoyed by the emphatic success of his film Madha Gaja Raja, which has now emerged a blockbuster, actor Vishal on Friday said that the film's feat of emerging a success must go down in record books.

Chennai, Jan 17 (IANS) Buoyed by the emphatic success of his film Madha Gaja Raja, which has now emerged a blockbuster, actor Vishal on Friday said that the film's feat of emerging a success must go down in record books.

The actor, who participated in a Thanksgiving meet organized by the unit Madha Gaja Raja, spoke at length on a number of issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal said, "I was in tears when doctors told me not to go for the pre-release event as I was shivering and running a high temperature. But when I looked at the mirror, I could only see director Sundar C's face. For 12 years, we would talk to each other about this film. Every year, we would feel it would be great if this film released that year. I had given my heart and soul for this film and Sundar C sir would always comfort me saying, "Don't worry, whenever it releases, it will win."

Continuing to speak, Vishal said, "Honestly, in Indian film history, Madha Gaja Raja is the first film which has released after 12 years and still emerged a mega blockbuster. This is something I want to register. This feat should go in the book of records. It is unbelievable. By God's grace, people are celebrating this film."

Stating that this was like God was telling to him to wait and do other films with Sundar C, Vishal said, "It was like God telling us 'MGR will get its due.' He has now given us a date with nine days holidays. I thank God."

The actor thanked a number of people on the occasion -- from his director Sundar C, his producer, the cast and crew to audiences, the press and friends who had stood by him  for the success of the film.

Directed by Sundar C, Madha Gaja Raja has been produced by Gemini Film Circuit and stars Vishal, Anjali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in the lead. Actors Santhanam and Sonu Sood play pivotal roles in the film, the production of which began in 2012 and got completed in 2013. The film had remained unreleased for over a decade due to financial troubles but now, the film has released and emerged a success.

--IANS

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Hubballi, Jan 17 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has put an end to the ongoing speculation about power-sharing between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, declaring that there is no question of power-sharing in the state.

Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Shivakumar clarified that the entire party will function under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Earlier, leaders from Shivakumar's camp claimed that there was a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to equally split the Chief Minister's term.

Reacting strongly to questions about power-sharing, Shivakumar said: "There is no question of power-sharing. Where is power-sharing? We have not discussed anything about it. There is absolutely no discussion on power-sharing. Whatever the party decides, we will follow. Who has spoken about power-sharing? Have I ever said anything about it?"

"Some people might talk about this, but I am not engaging in any discussion. We are all party cadres. The people of Karnataka have given us their mandate, and we have given them five guarantees. The BJP is discussing us because their house is in disorder. They have no order in their own house, so they are trying to create fake news," Shivakumar remarked.

"There is no question of power-sharing. The entire party will work under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress President Kharge has entrusted us with this responsibility, and we will carry out whatever is asked of us by the high command," Shivakumar emphasised.

He added that the party high command has instructed all leaders, including him, to remain silent on certain matters.

"I am not prepared to answer all your questions. Mallikarjun Kharge is our President, and under his guidance, we will work tirelessly for the party," he said.

When asked about rumours of 30 Congress MLAs travelling to Dubai under the leadership of PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Shivakumar said he was not aware of any such development.

This is the first time Shivakumar has addressed the power-sharing issue since the Congress government came to power in the state. Shivakumar was a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post. Rahul Gandhi had earlier stated that whoever had the support of more MLAs would be made the Chief Minister. Following the Congress party's landslide victory in the assembly elections, Siddaramaiah was sworn in as Chief Minister for the second time.

However, after demands from Siddaramaiah's camp for the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts and the replacement of Shivakumar as State Party President, Shivakumar's camp began projecting him as the future Chief Minister. The rift within the party widened with the organisation of factional dinner parties. The high command had to intervene and put an end to these gatherings.

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka In-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala recently ruled out any changes in the state party's leadership, confirming that D.K. Shivakumar will continue as State Party President.
Jaipur, Jan 17 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah visited the Dargah in Ajmer on Friday evening and prayed for peace and brotherhood across the country.

He shared his joy in visiting the shrine and expressed hopes for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to overcome the challenges of the past decade.

He said he prayed for peace, progress, and snowfall, noting the pressing need for snow to address water shortages.

Farooq Abdullah also spoke about the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, stating that such incidents are not uncommon. He expressed relief that Khan's life was saved and wished him a speedy recovery.

He added that such attacks should not occur in the country, emphasising the need for a safer environment.

When asked about the possibility of the National Conference collaborating with the BJP, Farooq Abdullah firmly dismissed the idea.

"This can never happen. We cannot align with those who spread hatred," he said.

Addressing the recent outbreak of an unknown disease in Rajouri, where 15 people died, he said efforts are underway to identify the virus.

On Delhi elections, the former Chief Minister remarked that elections are a regular occurrence.

Meanwhile, a car in Farooq Abdullah's convoy met with an accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Dausa on Friday afternoon around 1:45 PM.

A Nilgai suddenly appeared in front of the vehicle, causing a collision that damaged a Delhi Police escort car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as both front airbags deployed effectively.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday launched a special category - Super Swachh League - creating a separate league of 12 cities excelling in cleanliness as part of the 2024 Swachh Survekshan (SS).

He also released the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan, the world's largest urban cleanliness survey, in its new avatar which is simpler, sharper, systematic and all-inclusive.

Speaking at the launch of the new toolkit, Khattar said, "To acknowledge the exceptional performance of cities in Swachh Survekshan, we are introducing the 'Super Swachh League', a competition among the cleanest cities."

In the new league, there are 12 cities which have been in the top three positions in the cleanliness contest in at least two years between 2021 and 2023.

Moving ahead, top three ranking cities in each population category will move into the league for the subsequent years.

ULBs in this league will be assessed on additional aspirational indicators and must maintain a score of 85 per cent or higher to retain their position, the minister said in a statement.

Cities in Super Swachh League include  Panchgani and Patan in the category of Very Small Cities (< 20,000 population); Vita and Sasvad in the category of Small Cities (20,000  50,000 population); Ambikapur, Tirupati and New Delhi Municipal Council of Delhi in the category of Medium Cities (50,000  3 lakh population); Noida and Chandigarh in the category of Big Cities (3  10 lakh population) and Navi Mumbai, Indore, Surat in Million Plus Cities (>10 lakh population).

Secretary, MoHUA, S. Katikithala was also present and launched the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS). The event was also attended by JS & MD, SBM-U, Roopa Mishra, ACS, Principal Secretaries of Urban Development, State Mission Directors, Municipal Commissioners representatives from various States and Urban Local Bodies and officials from the MoHUA.

Launched by MoHUA in 2016, Swachh Survekshan drives urban sanitation improvement through citizen participation and third-party validation.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) on Friday signed a Fiscal Support Agreement (FSA) with CG Power and CG Semi, that will help the country develop a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

CG Power is setting up its semiconductor OSAT unit in Sanand, Gujarat, which is in partnership with Renesas Electronics America and Stars Microelectronics (Thailand), with a total investment of approximately Rs 7,600 crore.

The FSA marks an important step in India's efforts to strengthen its semiconductor manufacturing through CG's OSAT facility which was approved under the Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem, according to the IT Ministry.

The project will benefit from 50 per cent fiscal support on a pari-passu basis for the eligible capex from India Semiconductor Mission.

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, commended CG Power for their effort in deeply understanding the nuances of the sector and their swift progress while emphasising on the significance of domestic intellectual property and market development.

He expressed confidence that CG Power will play several key roles in the electronics value chain going forward and contribute significantly to India's goal of reaching the $500 billion production target in electronics by 2030.

"The government of India remains committed to providing support at every stage for CG OSAT project," said Krishnan.

Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman of CG Power, highlighted that signing of the FSA is a momentous occasion for India's semiconductor industry, marking a key step toward self-reliance in manufacturing and design.

He noted that while Indians constitute nearly 20 per cent of the global semiconductor design workforce, there is a pressing need for India to foster homegrown brands and intellectual property. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of driving demand alongside building a robust semiconductor supply chain.

Sushil Pal, CEO of India Semiconductor Mission, highlighted CG Power's cooperation and promptness in the process of finalisation of FSA.

IANS

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On January 16, Ukraine's defense forces advanced on their main advance in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation amid fighting in the area. Russian troops are suffering losses in clashes on their territory, including many among the DPRK forces fighting on their side.

ADVERTISIMENT

Analysts estimate that the entire North Korean contingent of about 12,000 soldiers deployed to Kursk is at risk of being killed or wounded by mid-April 2025. The situation was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kursk Region

According to geolocation footage published on January 15, Ukrainian forces recently advanced from the international border to the central part of the village of Uspenivka (south of Koreneve and just beyond the Russian-Ukrainian border).

A Russian militarist claimed that Russian forces had advanced north and northeast of Makhnovka (south of Sudzha), but ISW has not found corroboration of this claim. Another Russian source acknowledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces counterattacked Russian positions near Makhnovka.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is reported that units of the Russian "Smuglyanka" detachment, the 155th Marine Brigade (Russian Pacific Fleet), and the "Press" group of the Chechen special forces "Akhmat" are currently operating in Kursk region. In addition, units of the 83rd Airborne Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces were spotted in the Mykolaiv-Daryino area (northwest of Sudzha); UAV operators of the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment (72nd Motorized Rifle Division) are operating in the area of Cherkaske Porichne (north of Sudzha); UAV operators of the 106th Airborne Division  in the area of Uspenivka; drone operators from the "Irish" and "Zorya" detachments, as well as the "Dozor" reconnaissance detachment, are operating near Mala Loknia (north of Sudzha).

ADVERTISIMENT

Losses of DPRK Forces in the Ranks of the Russian Army

As of early January 2025, 3,800 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded in the Kursk region. Before that, in November 2024, it was reported that North Korean forces were involved in "small-scale" clashes in the Kursk region. However, on December 6, Russian bloggers (contrary to the statements of the Kremlin's mouthpieces on RosTv about the absence of North Koreans in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces) admitted that they were actually involved in more significant hostilities.

Thus, analysts have calculated that the North Koreans have suffered approximately 92 casualties per day since they began participating in major hostilities in the Kursk region in early December 2024. In total, the DPRK has deployed about 12,000 of its military personnel there.

ADVERTISIMENT

"This entire contingent in the Kursk region could be killed or wounded in about 12 weeks (around mid-April 2025) if North Korean forces continue to suffer the same high casualty rates in the future," ISW estimated.

On January 13, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said that 300 North Koreans had been killed and 2,700 wounded in fighting in the Kursk region of Russia. Analysts believe that the DPRK forces will continue to suffer a higher ratio of wounded to killed in action  as is typical in war  and it is unclear if and when the wounded North Korean soldiers will return to battle.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, The New York Times, quoting analysts, noted that for Russia, the battle for the Kursk region has become similar to the storming of the Ukrainian cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka. The Russian army continues to try to drive the Ukrainian army out of this territory, uses a large amount of manpower in its offensives, and, as a result, suffers huge losses.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Chennai, Jan 17 : The makers of actor and director Dhanush's eagerly awaited romantic entertainer Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) on Friday announced that they had decided to postpone the release of the film to February 21 this year.

Sreyas, the director of Wunderbar Films, in a letter that was posted on the production house's X timeline, said, "Due to recent developments, NEEK is postponed to 21st February 2025. Thank you to everyone for your unconditional love and support. Om Namah Shivaya."

The film, which features actors Pavish, Anikha Surendran, Priya Prakash Varrier, Matthew Thomas, Venkatesh Menon, Rabiya Khatoon and Ramya Ranganathan among others, was originally scheduled to release on February 7 this year.

Although the production house did not specify which development in particular had prompted them to push their film's release to a later date, speculation was rife that the decision of the makers of director Magizh Thirumenias aVidaa Muyarchia, featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead, to release their film on February 7 must have been the cause for NEEKas postponement.

Directed by actor Dhanush, NEEK is being produced by Dhanushas parents, Kasthoori Raja and Vijayalakshmi Kasthoori Raja under the banner of his production house, Wunderbar Films. Music for the film is by G V Prakash Kumar while cinematography is by Leon Britto and editing is by G K Prasanna.

Malayalam actress Priya Prakash Warrier will be seen making her debut in Tamil with this film.

Dhanush will be making a guest appearance in a song in the film. Similarly, actress Priyanka Arul Mohan too makes a guest appearance in a song called Golden Sparrow. Incidentally, Golden Sparrow has already emerged a chart buster, with the lyrical video of the peppy number garnering a whopping 133 million views on YouTube.
Kolkata, Jan 17 : The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the Publishers & Booksellers Guild, the organiser of the Kolkata International Book Fair, to arrange space for the stall of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the annual event this year scheduled from January 28 to February 9.

Justice Amrita Sinha also directed the Guild authorities to clarify their position in front of her bench on the next date of hearing in the matter scheduled on January 20.

The Guild authorities denied permission to VHP to have a stall at this year's event, which is the 48th edition of the Kolkata International Book Fair.

The VHP later approached the Calcutta High Court against the decision of the guild authorities in the matter.

In his argument, the counsel of the Guild highlighted two reasons for denial of stall permission to VHP authorities. The first objection -- VHP did not apply for stall allotment strictly following the protocols, and the second -- 'highly sensitive' nature of the contents of the books published by the organisation.

In his counter argument, the VHP counsel argued that Vishva Hindu Varta is the publishing wing of the VHP, and it had been getting stall allotments at the Kolkata International Book Fair since 2011. Hence, the VHP counsel added, there was justification for denial of stall allotment permission this time.

Thereafter, Justice Sinha questioned the guild counsel on why the authorities suddenly this year became so conscious of the "sensitive nature" of the contents of the publication by VHP.

She also observed that "there is a limit to everything and no one should cross the limit of courtesy".

Thereafter, she directed the Guild authorities to make their stand clear in the matter in front of his bench on the next date of hearing.

Unlike previous years, this time there will not be participation of publishers from Bangladesh at the annual event this year, reportedly because of the political crisis going on there.

With Germany being the theme-country for the event this time, Publishers & Booksellers Guild, the organiser of the Kolkata Book Fair, has got confirmation from other countries like the UK, US, France, Italy, Spain, Spain, Peru, Argentina and Colombia among others, but not from any publisher from Bangladesh.
Amaravati, Jan 17 : Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT) and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, will make a strong pitch for investments into the state during the World Economic Forum summit in Davos next week.

Amaravati, Jan 17 (IANS) Andhra Pradeshas Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT) and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, will make a strong pitch for investments into the state during the World Economic Forum summit in Davos next week.

Lokesh, who is also chairman of the Investments Task Force Committee, will be visiting Davos from January 20 to 24 as part of the state government delegation to be headed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

During the five-day summit, Lokesh will be holding meetings with ambassadors from over 50 various countries, industrialists and several other top businessmen. The IT and Electronics Minister in particular will be having a face-to-face meeting at Andhra Pradesh Pavilion with over 30 top globally-renowned industrialists to discuss investments in the State in different sectors, according to an official statement released here on Friday.

Making the World Economic Forum as a platform, Lokesh will actively take part in the meetings of the governors of academic sectors to focus on the radical changes in education across the globe. He will also hold meetings with several experts on building the ecosystem for intelligent industries, Artificial Intelligence impact on the modern world and gender parity sprint champions.

Lokesh will take part in the round-table conference with representatives from Google and Nvidia on next-gen AI, data factories and establishing an AI university.

Industry Minister T. G. Bharath and some officials will also be part of the delegation, which will showcase the strengths and opportunities of the state to attract investment.

The Chief Minister has been invited to participate in the WEF annual meeting, which will be held under the theme ashaping the intelligent agea. Chandrababu Naidu attended WEF meetings in Davos on several occasions in the past during his earlier terms as the Chief Minister. This will be the first visit after he assumed office in June last year. Lokesh will be attending the WEF annual meeting for the first time.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu bowed out of the ongoing India Open 2025 after losing 9-21, 21-19, and 17-21 to Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Tunjung in the women's singles quarterfinal of the BWF World Tour Super 750 event, here on Friday. The star Indian shuttler fought hard to force a decider after losing the first set 9-21 but Tunjung managed to win the tie.

Trailing the second game 3-9, the 29-year-old Sindhu bounced back to level the score at 9 points and then forced a decider against the error-prone Indonesian shuttler. In the decider, Tunjung came out to seal a place in the semifinals against top seed Se Young An of South Korea. The other semifinal will have eighth-seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand against sixth-seed Tomoka Miyazaki.

On Friday, all eyes were on Sindhu as she was playing her first tournament after getting married. She is hoping to get back into the top 10 but will now have to wait a bit longer after making a premature exit from the India Open.

In the previous round, former champion Sindhu brushed off the rustiness of a long competition break to register a straight games win over Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei in the second round. Sindhu, playing her first tournament after getting married in December last year, struggled with her rhythm during the 51-minute clash against an opponent who plays both singles and doubles. However, the two-time Olympic medallist upped the tempo when required to win 21-14, 22-20.

In other matches on Friday, the fourth day of the competition which will end on Sunday, Kiran George, who made it to the main draw as a substitute player following withdrawals, went down to Weng Hong Yang of China 13-21, 19-21 in a 51-minute encounter in men's singles quarterfinals.

Earlier, Kiran had missed three match points and saved three himself before beating Japanas Yushi Tanaka 21-19, 14-21, 27-25 in an hour and 11 minutes in the opening round of the BWF World Tour Super 750 event. In the second round, Kiran defeated Alex Lanier of France 22-20, 21-13 to seal a place in the quarterfinals.
Jaipur, Jan 17 : Rajasthan Police on Friday seized 1,905.65 kg of illegal poppy husk valued at approximately a2.85 crore.

Acting on an informantas tip-off, the authorities intercepted a truck at the Malasar toll naka on the Sardarshahar Mega Highway in Churu district.

The police arrested truck driver Bherulal Meena (21), a resident of Barudani, Bigod police station area, Bhilwara, and detained his minor accomplice. The truck and the contraband, packed in 97 sacks, were seized.

SP Jai Yadav stated that the operation is part of a special campaign launched by the Rajasthan Director General of Police, running from January 3 to January 31, 2025, aimed at controlling and eradicating drug abuse.

Under the guidance of ASP Dinesh Kumar and CO Anil Kumar, a team led by SHO Dilip Singh of Ratangarh police station was formed to take action against illegal drug trafficking.

During routine patrolling, the Ratangarh police team, with support from DST and the Highway Mobile Unit, stopped the suspicious truck and conducted a search, uncovering the large quantity of poppy husk.

A case under the NDPS Act was registered at the Ratangarh police station, and the investigation was transferred to the Rajaldesar police station.

During initial questioning, the accused revealed that the contraband was being transported from Bhilwara to Jammu and Kashmir.

The operation was executed by a joint team including SHO Dilip Singh, SI Debishahaya, ASI Ramniwas, head constables Mahavir and Pradeep Kumar, and constables Jagdish, Ruparam, Rakesh Kumar, Vikas Kumar, Deendayal, Pramod, and others.

The Highway Mobile Unit and DST Churu played crucial roles, with drivers Bhim Singh and Pushpendra providing key logistical support. This successful operation underscores the Rajasthan Police's commitment to curbing the illegal drug trade and ensuring public safety.
Kampala, Jan 17 : Uganda has received 2,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for a prevention campaign to be launched next month, a senior government official said on Friday.

Ugandan Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng told reporters that the vaccines will cover up to 1,000 individuals at high risk of contracting the highly infectious viral disease.

"Vaccination will target high-risk populations, close contacts of confirmed cases, and frontline health workers currently based in areas with active transmission," said Aceng.

Uganda, which confirmed the outbreak of the disease last August, has so far recorded 1,712 laboratory-confirmed monkeypox cases and 10 deaths, with the majority of the deceased having underlying medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and sickle cell disease.

At least 1,089 individuals have fully recovered and been discharged from various treatment facilities, according to the Ministry of Health.

Aceng assured tourists, investors, and traders that Uganda is safe for travel and business while urging Ugandans to remain vigilant and report suspected cases to health facilities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The World Health Organization in August declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, sounding the alarm over its potential for further international transmission.

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that is spread through close contact, with symptoms including fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.

Meanwhile, the number of cholera cases in Uganda have also risen to 67 since the disease outbreak was announced in the northern part of the country on January 7, the Ministry of Health said Friday.

Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, told reporters that out of the 67 cases, seven are laboratory confirmed, while the rest remain suspected cases.

Of the 67, all reported in the northern border district of Lamwo, 21 remain hospitalized, while the rest have been treated and discharged, Kyabayinze said, adding that one death has been registered.

He said it is suspected that the disease was imported into the country from neighbouring countries.

"The disease has spread through poor hygiene and using contaminated water in areas which have low coverage of latrines and toilets," Kyabayinze said.

"We have so far lost one person due to cholera. The treatment will require a lot of rehydration. We call upon people to exercise proper hygiene, boil their water, and report to treatment centers once they get suspected cases," he added.

Cholera is an extremely serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration, according to the World Health Organization.
Kinshasa, Jan 17 : About 237,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2025 in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the world's largest hosts of people uprooted within their own borders, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday.

Escalating clashes between armed groups and the DRC army in North and South Kivu provinces, already home to 4.6 million internally displaced people, are intensifying one of the world's most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises, UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun said at a press briefing.

From January 1 to 6, intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories of North Kivu Province forced about 150,000 individuals to flee their homes, while 84,000 people have been displaced in South Kivu's Fizi territory, the UN agency said, noting that civilians in both regions are enduring indiscriminate bombings.

On Wednesday, during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Felix Tshisekedi, the DRC government announced that the military had recovered several strategic localities in the eastern part of the country previously occupied by the March 23 Movement rebellion.

"The DRC Armed Forces remain determined on all front lines to restore security, recover lost areas, and restore the territorial integrity of the DRC," government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said late Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last month, a peace summit to address conflicts in the DRC was called off at the last minute due to a tough negotiation standoff.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco was set to host DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in a bid to ease tensions gripping the eastern DRC by securing an agreement supposed to be signed by the three heads of state.

The summit was planned as part of the "Luanda Process," a peace initiative launched in 2022 and endorsed by the African Union, to accelerate regional stabilization.

The eastern DRC continues to face instability due to the M23 rebel group, which has been advancing and seizing large areas of territory. The DRC government accuses neighboring Rwanda of providing military support to the M23, an allegation Kigali denies.

While denying ties to the M23, Rwanda has accused the DRC military of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a Rwandan rebel group whose members are blamed for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bangalore Zonal Office, has provisionally attached 142 immovable properties valued at approximately Rs. 300 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an ongoing investigation involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others.

These properties are registered in the names of various individuals involved in real estate businesses and agencies. Reports indicate that the seized properties were allocated to Siddaramaiah's wife, B.M. Parvathi.

The ED launched the investigation following an FIR filed by the Lokayuktha Police in Mysore under various sections of the IPC (1860) and the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988) against Siddaramaiah and others.

Allegations suggest that Siddaramaiah leveraged his political influence to secure compensation for 14 plots of land in his wife's name, B.M. Parvathi, in exchange for 3 acres and 16 guntas of land acquired by MUDA.

The land was originally acquired for Rs. 3,24,700, while the 14 compensation sites in a prime locality are valued at around Rs. 56 crore.

The investigation has also uncovered the role of former MUDA commissioner D.B. Natesh, who is believed to have played a key role in the illegal allotment of these compensation sites to B.M. Parvathi.

Further searches revealed that MUDA had illegally allocated numerous other sites as compensation to real estate businessmen, who later sold these sites at significant profit, generating large amounts of unaccounted cash. This illicit profit was laundered and presented as legitimate income.

The searches identified sites allocated to benami or dummy persons acting on behalf of influential individuals and real estate businessmen.

Incriminating evidence has been recovered, pointing to illegal bribes paid to the then MUDA Chairman and Commissioner in the form of property, MUDA sites, and cash. This illegal gratification was subsequently laundered and masked as legitimate funds.

The investigation also revealed that money was channelled through a cooperative society for purchasing properties and luxury vehicles in the names of relatives of G.T. Dinesh Kumar, the former MUDA commissioner.

The investigation is further being carried out.
Beirut, Jan 17 : Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training centre for Lebanese soldiers.

"France will establish a new centre to train 500 Lebanese soldiers," Macron said during a joint press conference at Baabda Palace with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Macron highlighted France's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and its leadership's efforts to ensure the country's full control over its territory.

He expressed France's aspiration for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and for all weapons to be under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We will work to mobilize the international community to assist Lebanon across various sectors," Macron added.

For his part, Aoun said, "The world's confidence in Lebanon must also be fully restored because the true and authentic Lebanon has returned."

Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday for an official visit.

Upon his arrival, Macron also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss potential support initiatives for Lebanon.

Mikati said that Macron expressed his willingness to support Lebanon through a trust fund that the Lebanese government plans to establish in collaboration with the World Bank to aid in the reconstruction of southern Lebanon.

Last November, France had backed the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its issuing of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif.

French foreign ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine said that the Court is a "guarantee of international stability" and its orders must be exercised "in all situations."

"The fight against impunity is our priority," Lemoine told reporters, adding that France will continue to support the action of the ICC.

He also said that France, the host country of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is extremely concerned about the cultural heritages in Gaza and Lebanon which have been destroyed during the wars by Israel.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : "Lakshadweep is no longer India's hidden paradise. The visit of the honourable Prime Minister has put it on the global tourist map," Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Friday during a visit to the union territory.

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) "Lakshadweep is no longer India's hidden paradise. The visit of the honourable Prime Minister has put it on the global tourist map," Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Friday during a visit to the union territory.

"In our country, development is touching the lives of people like the sun touches every part of the earth," he added.

Speaking during a public function at the Panchayat Stage at Agatti Island in Lakshadweep on Friday, the Vice President said, "My visit is no less than a journey for discovery and personal growth."

"Bharat is on the rise as never before under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Bharat is the world's fifth largest global economy. In two years, Bharat will be the third global economy and in 2047, Bharat will be a developed nation," V-P Dhankhar stated.

"In the last few years, the life of the common man has been completely changed for the better. Toilet in every home, pipe water in every home, gas connection in every home, what an achievement. What I have given today here, from cycle to computer and just imagine, from healthcare to solar house. We must all pledge to keep our nation always first," he added.

Appreciating the pristine beauty and recent development works in Lakshadweep, Dhankhar said, "Lakshadweep, the size may be small, but the heart is very, very large. The Bangaram Island Tent City Resort is a tourist revolution. 17,500 square meters of world-class hospitality. It is heaven for tourists.Lakshadweep is more than a group of islands. It defines our culture, unity in diversity and what we mean by a good environment".

The Vice-President also remotely inaugurated the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plant in Chetlat Island and Nandhar Anganwadi in Kalpeni Island. Later in the day, Vice-President Dhankhar will be visiting Bangaram Island and will inaugurate the Tent City at the Island on Saturday.

The Vice-President was received at the airport by Praful Patel, Administrator Union Territory of Lakshadweep and other dignitaries. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Dr Sudesh Dhankhar were also welcomed by the girl student band at the Agatti airport.

Praful Patel, Administrator, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed, Member of Lok Sabha and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Shahd Raed Al Wahidi did not go out on the streets on Wednesday to celebrate the ceasefire agreement, as other Gazans did, finally seeing a horizon of hope after 15 months of suffering. She shared their hope, but she was scared. Even though we are in the [displaced persons] camps, it was a dangerous thing to do, she explains. Even more so now: since the three mediating countries  Qatar, the United States and Egypt  announced the agreement on Wednesday evening, the Israeli army has increased its air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 77 people, according to health authorities.

Shahd is 19 years old and has been living in a tent near a relatives home in Deir al Balah since the beginning of the war in October 2023. Even if the guns finally fall silent on Sunday, as expected, her future is not very bright. Her family home in Gaza City is destroyed, like many others in a territory where 70% of buildings have been partially or totally damaged, according to United Nations data. I am exhausted, but overall [the ceasefire agreement] is almost finished, she says optimistically in an exchange of WhatsApp messages.

A Palestinian man looks on as another man cooks near the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israeli strikes on January 16, 2025. Hatem Khaled (REUTERS)

The joy over the ceasefire is mixed in with the fear of being added to the grim statistics of deaths, just when the end seems imminent. Another Gazan who has survived so far, Mohammed, sums up this feeling in an audio message to this newspaper: We are scared about these three days, until midnight on Sunday, the exact moment when the ceasefire is expected to come into effect. Whats more, right now, they are bombing a lot. Mohammed works in Al Awda, the only operational hospital in northern Gaza, and foresees emergency days as soon as the bombing stops. Many wounded people will arrive who could not be treated before, because of the destruction of the ambulances. And cases of malnutrition that could not be treated or no one dared to bring.

The Israeli government is expected to approve the agreement on Friday, according to local media, with the agreement taking effect two days later. The strikes will then cease and Israeli troops will begin to withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, in exchange for the release of the first Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The hope that the attacks will soon end makes the images of the last few hours more dramatic than usual. A video posted on social media captures the atrocious moment when a young man shakes and talks to the corpse of his sister, her face covered in dust and blood, who died in an Israeli strike in the Al Daray neighborhood in Gaza City. The war is over! Get up, get up, come on! The war is over, lets go to the south [of Gaza]! Get up! Lets leave the country, lets go! Get up, come on! he tells her before breaking into tears.

A Palestinian child sits amid the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday, in Gaza City January 16, 2025. Mahmoud Issa (REUTERS)

Aboud Al Majaida, who lives in a tent like tens of thousands of other Gazans, expressed a similar feeling in a video. Everyone is interested in the issue of the ceasefire and the agreement, but at the same time the occupation [Israel] is carrying out intensive operations and massacres at the moment [] The ceasefire is a reason for happiness, but there are those who lose every day, even up to this moment [] Imagine, for example, that you lose your brother and an hour later the ceasefire is declared.

Many Gazans have long responded to the question How are you? with the phrase Im alive, thank God. They are the ones who have survived daily attacks and terrible living conditions, with a humanitarian crisis deepening in recent months as attention has focused on Lebanon and Syria. Around 46,800 lives have been lost, mostly children and women, or one in 50 Gazans, according to the Hamas governments health ministry in Gaza. An undetermined number, estimated at several thousand, are under the rubble. A recent study by the scientific journal The Lancet estimated that the data from the Gaza health authorities  which Israel disputes, although U.N. agencies take it as a reference because in previous offensives it has ended up matching subsequent independent investigations  is actually too low. After comparing three different lists and extrapolating the results for nine months, The Lancet researchers said that the real death toll is 69.65% higher than reported. That is to say, Israeli strikes have killed more than 70,000 people.

Houses destroyed in previous Israeli strikes lie in ruin, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday, in Gaza City January 16, 2025. Hatem Khaled (REUTERS)

Open wounds

When we have finished surviving and waiting for the war to end, we will start to feel our open wounds, says Fatma Muhaisen, 22, via WhatsApp messages. She feels that the announcement of a ceasefire has shaken her out of the apathy that comes with the struggle for survival, in which day-to-day life, for nearly 470 days, has consisted of finding food and water, collecting their few possessions and escaping to another place every time the Israeli army issued an evacuation order from the area. Her family, she says, has done this 11 times in these past 15 months. The last time was three months ago, when they fled their home in the northern part of the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, in Gaza City, with the latest invasion of Jabalia, which turned into a wasteland an area where 200,000 people had lived before the war. Even the so-called humanitarian zone of Al Mawasi, where displaced people were urged to stay in tents, has been bombed several times.

When youre trying to survive, you dont really feel sad. And now that were less stressed, the sadness is starting to bubble up, although there have been tears of joy too. Its hard to believe its over, its really hard to believe! [] But its also a partial happiness. With all the death and destruction around us, its like: is that it? Is it over? Are we going to keep living like this? she asks.

Her plan for when the ceasefire comes into effect and the skies are no longer dark with Israeli fighter jets is to return to her family home in Gaza City, which she had to leave with her parents at the beginning of the war and which is badly damaged. We have to start removing the rubble and cleaning it up so we can live in it. And wait for our loved ones to return from the south Hopefully next week.

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday expressed confidence that the state will be benefited greatly by the signing of MoUs with Singapore in different sectors, including green energy, semiconductors, green hydrogen, etc.

Speaking to mediapersons after the exchange of MoUs in the presence of President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, here on Friday, CM Majhi said: "We have signed 8 MoUs today with Singapore government in different sectors including industrial park, green hydrogen corridor, PCPIR, new city plan, Green energy, Fin-tech, skilling for future and semiconductor. It will give a boost to bilateral trade, business, and commerce between Singapore and Odisha. Odisha will also be greatly benefited in skilling, the latest technology, semiconductors, etc."

CM Majhi also noted there is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha.

He said that the new state government after assuming power has been trying to attract investments in the industry, IT, Petro chemicals, Port-based industries, green energy, green ammonia, etc.

The Chief Minister further stated that various roadshows have been organised in India and abroad, inviting investors to the 'Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025', which is scheduled to be held on January 28 and 29.

"During our visit to Singapore to attract investors, we have held discussions with the Singapore government who showed great interest in making investment in Odisha. We had also invited the President of Singapore to visit Odisha," CM Majhi added.

He expressed confidence the state will attract more investment in the future after signing of the MoUs with the Singapore government.

The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Sembcorp, Singapore signed an MoU for development of the Industrial Park.

The IDCO also executed two more MoUs with Sembcorp and Surbana Jurong of Singapore for setting up of Green Hydrogen Corridor and Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR), respectively.

Another MoU was signed between Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Surbana Jurong, Singapore for the development of New City.

Similarly, Odisha government entity GRIDCO and IIT Bhubaneswar signed an MoU with Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for collaboration with R&D on Green Energy.

This apart, MoUs have also been exchanged for strengthening FinTech Ecosystem, advanced skilling and development of skills in the semiconductor sector.

President Shanmugaratnam admired Odisha's efforts in advancing skill development and fostering innovation.

CM Majhi presented a memento and shawl to Shanmugaratnam as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Odisha and Singapore.

It is pertinent here to mention that Shanmugaratnam on Friday arrived at Bhubaneswar Airport on a two-day visit to Odisha. He is scheduled to visit the famous Konark Sun temple and other important places before leaving for Delhi on Saturday.
Washington, Jan 17 : The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that bans TikTok, the video sharing App, from Sunday unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.

The court's ruling was unanimous. "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community," the court said in its opinion. "But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

The fate of the app, which has 170 million users in the US, is not clear. The current administration has indicated it might not enforce the ban when it comes into effect on Sunday, which is going to be President Joe Biden's last day in office.

Incoming President Donald Trump, however, has appeared to be partial to keeping the app alive. He said in a post on Truth Social that TikTok was among the many issues he discussed in a call with China's President Xi Jinping just hours before the Supreme Court ruling. TikTok's CEO Shou Zi Chew, in the meantime, is expected to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday.

The law will keep the app alive for 90 days if its sale by Byte Dance, the parent company, is in active negotiations. There have been reports that the Chinese government would like Elon Musk, the billionaire and adviser to Trump, to buy the app. But there are others who have expressed the desire to buy the app.

The US Congress passed the law  and Biden signed it into law  forcing TikTok to be sold by Byte Dance or be shut down in April 2024. Lawmakers and security experts fear that the Chinese authorities could access data about American users of the App by leaning on Byte Dance and have said the only way to prevent that is by dissociating it from its parent company.

India banned TikTok along with 60 other Chinese apps over national security concerns in 2020.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 : In a setback to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bangalore Zonal Office has provisionally attached 142 immovable properties having an approximate market value of Rs 300 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is accused number one in the case and the investigation is also conducted against others who got the illegal allotments done through the MUDA. His wife B.M. Parvathi is the second accused.

"The role of ex-MUDA commissioner D.B. Natesh has emerged as instrumental in illegal allotment of compensation sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife B.M. Parvathi," said ED in a statement.

Searches conducted during the investigation further revealed that a large number of sites, other than 14 sites allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife B.M. Parvathi, have been illegally allotted by MUDA as compensation to real estate businessmen, who in turn have sold these sites at a huge profit and generated huge amount of unaccounted cash.

Petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has alleged that illegal allotments by the MUDA amount to thousands of crores.

The ED said that the profit so generated has been laundered and shown as derived from legitimate sources.

"The searches also revealed that sites have been allotted in the name of Benamis/dummy persons of influential persons and real estate businessmen. The incriminating evidence with respect to payment of illegal gratification to then MUDA chairman and MUDA commissioner in the form of immovable property, MUDA sites, cash, etc., were recovered," the ED said.

The central investigating agency said that the illegal gratification, thus received, was further laundered and shown as derived from legitimate sources.

"The attached properties are registered in the name of various individuals who are working as real-estate businessmen and agents," the ED said.

ED initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Lokayuktha Police Mysuru under various sections of IPC, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Siddaramaiah and others.

It is alleged that Siddaramaiah has used his political influence to get compensation of 14 sites in the name of his wife B.M. Parvathi in lieu of 3 acres 16 guntas of land acquired by the MUDA.

The land was originally acquired by MUDA for Rs.3.24 lakh. The compensation in the form of 14 sites at the posh Vijayanagar locality in Mysuru is worth approximately Rs 56 crores.

The ED said that it has also been revealed that money was routed through a cooperative society for the purchase of property, luxury vehicles etc. in the name of relatives of G.T. Dinesh Kumar, who was the previous commissioner of MUDA.

Further investigation is under progress.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has outrightly rejected the allegations of illegal allotment. His wife Parvathi had returned the allotted 14 sites to the MUDA.

The Karnataka High Court's Dharwad Bench on Wednesday adjourned the hearing in the plea seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a case related to the alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to January 27.

The Bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna further directed the Lokayukta Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to submit the investigation report one day prior to the date of the next hearing in the case to the court.

Siddaramaiah is facing an investigation by Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case for allegedly getting 14 MUDA sites allotted to his family by violating all rules.

Siddaramaiah has filed a petition seeking quashing of proceedings against him in the MUDA case.

The Chief Minister was booked under Sections 120B, 166, 403, 406, 420, 426, 465, 468, 340, and 351 of the IPC.

Under Sections 9 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Sections 3, 53 and 54 of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act and Sections 3 and 4 of the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act.
Jaipur, Jan 17 : Reacting to the closure of Hindenburg Research, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena described it as the "end of an anti-national campaign."

"The closure of Hindenburg Research marks the end of a propaganda campaign orchestrated by Congress to defame the nation and its industrialists," said Meena.

He further added that it is a positive development as it puts an end to efforts by anti-national forces to weaken the country.

"Congress leveraged Hindenburg's reports to create nationwide disruption and undermine our economy. Their aim was to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India the third-largest economy in the world," he claimed.

Hindenburg Research, founded in 2017, became well-known for its reports on companies and individuals in the securities market.

The firm's founder and renowned short-seller Nate Anderson recently announced its closure on the company's official website.

In his statement, Anderson clarified that there were no specific reasons, dangers, or personal issues behind the decision to shut down the firm.

"There is no significant risk, health concern, or major personal matter driving this decision," Anderson noted.

The closure of Hindenburg Research has sparked a political debate, with some viewing it as a move that could impact global market dynamics.

Meanwhile, Meena's remarks underline the sentiment that its closure is a step toward stability and national progress.

Hindenburg Research, the US-based short seller that had targeted several business entities.

In a recent update on the Hindenburg website, Founder Nate Anderson confirmed that Hindenburg Research will be disbanded.

Nathan Anderson announced that the closure of the firm was a strategic decision made after the successful completion of their investigative projects.

He disclosed that the shutdown had been in the works for several months, with the team finalising their last investigations.
Jaipur, Jan 17 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised the crucial role of doctors in realising the vision of a 'Healthy Rajasthan' and announced that 50,000 personnel will be appointed soon in the Health Department.

Speaking at a pre-budget dialogue with representatives from the medical and health sector on Friday, Sharma said, "Doctors, with their expertise and sensitivity, are pivotal in achieving our vision. Providing quality healthcare to the people of the state remains our highest priority."

He added that the suggestions from medical professionals for the upcoming budget are valuable and will greatly benefit the public.

"We are committed to building a prosperous and healthy Rajasthan under the 'Apno Swasth Rajasthan' initiative," he said.

The Chief Minister said that the appointment of 21,000 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics have been recruited and shared plans to recruit an additional 50,000 staff soon.

He also highlighted the state's commitment to healthcare, noting that 8.26 per cent of the previous budget was allocated to health services.

He lauded the state's achievements, which surpass the national average in areas such as institutional deliveries, maternal and infant mortality rates, vaccination coverage, and the availability of healthcare facilities.

Sharma outlined the government's recent initiatives and said, "The state has also created Abha IDs for nearly 6 crore residents, making Rajasthan second in the country for digital health record management. Furthermore, over 11,500 health institutions have been operationalised as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, benefiting millions of people."

He counted the Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana (MA) in which cashless treatment of up to 25 lakh is provided.

Sharma also spoke on specialised care packages and said that 73 daycare packages for severe diseases like cancer and 419 pediatric packages for infant care are provided.

He also highlighted telemedicine services via e-Sanjeevani, the organisation of over 1.67 lakh health camps, and an increase in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Efforts are also underway to make Rajasthan TB-free through the 'TB Mukt Gram Panchayat' campaign.

Sharma revealed plans to develop Jaipur into a hub of advanced cardiac care with a state-of-the-art cardiac tower. Additionally, RUHS Hospital in Pratapnagar is being upgraded to RIMS, modelled after AIIMS. The government is also actively fighting food adulteration through the Shuddha Aahar-Adulteration Par War Campaign.

Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar praised the Chief Minister's leadership in expanding healthcare services and highlighted the benefits of initiatives such as digital health technology, telemedicine, and Abha IDs.

He expressed confidence in achieving the vision of a Healthy Rajasthan with collective efforts.

Representatives from various health institutions shared recommendations on enhancing transplant services, strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting medical research and tourism, and increasing health awareness among the public.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Akhil Arora, and Principal Secretary Medical and Health Gayatri A. Rathore. Representatives from institutions such as Mahavir Cancer Hospital, Narayana Hospital, IMA Rajasthan Branch, and Red Cross Society also participated.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute 65 lakh property cards in more than 50,000 villages across the country under the SVAMITVA Scheme on Saturday (January 18), marking a historic achievement in the empowerment of rural India, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj said.

The PM will preside over the e-distribution of SVAMITVA Property Cards through video conference. The PM's event will span 10 States  Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and two Union Territories  Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The occasion will also witness a major milestone in the preparation of nearly 2.25 crore property cards under the scheme, the ministry said in a statement issued on Friday.

During the event, the Prime Minister will also interact with select beneficiaries and deliver a nationwide address.

A large number of citizens will participate in the physical distribution of property cards in various events that will be organised in over 230 districts. It is expected that around 13 Union Ministers will physically join the function from designated locations across the country, to oversee the regional distribution ceremony of the property cards.

Launched on April 24, 2020, (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Prime Minister, the SVAMITVA Scheme aims to provide a "Record of Rights" to property owners in rural Abadi areas using drone and GIS technology. A Total of 67,000 sq km of Rural Abadi Land valued at Rs.132 lakh crore have been surveyed under the scheme.

The SVAMITVA Scheme has achieved remarkable progress, with drone surveys completed in 3.17 lakh villages across India. This includes full saturation in the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, as well as the States of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the statement said.

In addition, property cards have been generated for all inhabited villages in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Goa, highlighting significant advancements in implementation.

At the national level, a total of 3,46,187 villages have been notified under the scheme, with drone flying completed in 3,17,715 villages, marking 92 per cent achievement. Maps have been handed over for State inquiries, and property cards have been prepared for 1,53,726 villages, resulting in the issuance of nearly 2.25 crore property cards.

States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have achieved 100 per cent drone surveys, with substantial progress in property card preparation at 73.57 per cent and 68.93 per cent, respectively. Haryana and Uttarakhand stand out with 100 per cent completion in both drone surveys and property card preparation.

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan have made commendable progress in drone surveys, with Maharashtra and Gujarat achieving over 98 per cent, though further acceleration is needed in property card preparation. A total of 67,000 sq.km of rural Abadi land has been surveyed, valued at Rs 132 lakh crore, emphasising the economic significance of the initiative.

Looking ahead, the Panchayati Raj Ministry plans to showcase the success of the SVAMITVA Scheme on global platforms. In March 2025, the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, has planned to host an International Workshop on Land Governance in India, with participation from nearly 40 representatives from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This workshop aims to share best practices and advanced drone and GIS technologies, fostering collaboration for similar initiatives worldwide.

In May 2025, the Ministry is also planning to participate in the World Bank Land Governance Conference in Washington to highlight India's achievements and encourage international adoption of the model, the statement said.

The SVAMITVA Scheme has had a transformative impact on rural India by strengthening land governance, fostering financial inclusion, and driving rural community development. It has facilitated easier access to bank loans, resolved long-standing land disputes, and empowered women by securing their property rights, marking a significant milestone in social and economic empowerment.

The SVAMITVA Scheme exemplifies the Whole-of-Government approach, fostering inter-departmental synergy to bring about financial inclusion, rural stability, and economic growth. It has not only empowered property owners but also enabled better infrastructure planning, financial stability and sustainable development in rural India, the statement added.
Imphal/New Delhi, Jan 17 : Leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex socio-political body of the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, held a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Friday and discussed their demands and prevailing situation in the northeastern state, KZC sources said.

The four-member delegation of the KZC, led by its Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, met the Adviser to MHA A. K. Mishra and Joint Director, MHA, Rajesh Kamble.

Though the KZC leaders said that they would disclose the details of the discussion at Friday's meeting on Saturday, sources in the council said that they told the MHA officials about the precarious situation in the tribal inhabited areas.

The KZC also apprised the MHA officials about the biased role of a section of the security personnel and how the tribal are being deprived by the state administration.

The other members of the KZC delegation were Council's Spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, Coordinator Ajang Khongsai, and Finance Secretary Richard Hmar.

The KZC, a conglomerate of 13 organisations of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, and 10 tribal MLAs have been demanding a separate administration equivalent to a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal-dominated areas.

Friday's meeting with the MHA officials assumes significance in view of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and the government's moves to resolve the ethnic crisis in the northeastern state.

The KZC last week urged Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take steps to deploy "neutral central security forces" to deal with the ethnic crisis and also pressed their demand for a Union Territory.

The tribal leaders met the Governor in Churachandpur district headquarters during Bhalla's maiden visit and submitted a memorandum, which also demanded "maintaining the sanctity of the buffer zones between the hill and valley regions and re-demarcation of district police jurisdictions".

The memorandum said that there has been no improvement in the security situation following over a year-and-a-half of killings and displacements and citizens "continue to face daily danger of death".

"One-and-a-half years after the violence began, Kuki-Zo community people's homes and properties are still being set on fire and destroyed. To date, almost 7,000 homes have been demolished, over 220 Kuki-Zo community people have lost their lives, over 360 places of worship were destroyed, and about 40,000 have been made homeless," the memorandum had said.

The Governor, on his maiden visit after assuming office on January 3, visited Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts on January 7 and during his interaction with various civil society organisations (CSOs) appealed to the leaders to work collaboratively with the administration in peace-building efforts.

Bhalla also visited various relief camps in the two districts and interacted with displaced people, who have been staying in the relief camps since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023. At least 250 people have been killed and over a thousand people injured in the ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei people since May 3, 2023. More than 60,000 people have been displaced from their homes and villages and now staying in relief camps in different districts for the past 20 months.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 17 : Bollywood actresses Rekha and Mumtaz recently had a reunion at a public event. A video of the two actresses embracing each other in a hug has surfaced on social media.

The two actresses have worked in films like aNagina and aRam Tere Kitne Naama.

Mumtaz is regarded as one of the finest actresses of Hindi cinema of the 70s. She made her acting debut at age 11 with aLajwantia, aSone Ki Chidiyaa, and did smaller roles in films like aStreea and aSehraa.

She was typecast as a "stunt film heroine", with aFaulada and aDaku Mangal Singha, which stalled her career. After being praised for her work in aRam Aur Shyama, aMere Hamdam Mere Dosta. She rose to prominence with aDo Raastea. She went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses.

Rekha, on her part, has starred in more than 180 films and is the recipient of several accolades, including one National Film Award. She has often played strong and complicated female characters in both mainstream and independent films. Though her career has gone through certain periods of decline, Rekha has gained a reputation for reinventing herself numerous times and has been credited for her ability to sustain her status.

Earlier, Rekha was seen hugging actor Agastya Nanda, the grandson of veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, in a video that went viral.

The video was from the centenary celebrations of the Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor in Mumbai. Rekha and Big B have a history as the veteran Bollywood megastar was involved in an extra marital affair with Rekha while he was married to Jaya Bachchan.

The affair created a huge controversy. During the same time Amitabh Bachchan was injured on the sets of 'Coolie'. During a fight scene with Puneet Issar, Amitabh mistimed a jump and was accidentally punched in the stomach. The punch caused severe internal injuries. The actor was rushed to a hospital in Bengaluru for emergency surgery. He was then flown to Mumbai and admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, where he was declared clinically dead for a few minutes. Doctors revived him with an adrenaline injection.

The senior actor underwent multiple surgeries and was put on a ventilator. It's said that Rekha prayed for Bachchan's recovery. The actor recovered but continued his treatment. Eventually, Rekha and Big B's romance watered down and he stayed with Jaya Bachchan in the marriage.
Gandhinagar, Jan 17 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Friday that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has exemplified the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

He said that during the severe challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, India solidified its position as a global ally by providing vaccines and medicines to over 100 countries.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Dialogue on Health Diplomacy,' organised by the Gujarat Health and Family Welfare Department and the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairsa Policy Planning and Research Division.

The primary aim of this dialogue is to explore the potential contributions of Indian policies and best practices in the Global South Countries. Key discussions revolved around improving global health security, reducing poverty, and fostering equity through cooperation among Global South Countries.

The Chief Minister highlighted India's pivotal role in enhancing access to generic medicines and supporting pharmacy regulations in Global South nations under the Prime Ministeras leadership.

The Chief Minister conveyed confidence in India's ability to address complex global health issues, calling the dialogue a vital platform for presenting India's innovative solutions to global challenges.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant strides in the healthcare sector over the last decade. The focus has been on promoting preventive healthcare, ensuring access to quality medical facilities for all citizens, establishing modern healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and setting up medical colleges and research institutes in urban centres.

The Chief Minister highlighted Gujarat's progress under the Prime Minister's guidance over the past 23 years. Gujarat is home to over 11,000 healthcare institutions, including Ayushman Arogya Mandir, medical colleges, and state-of-the-art hospitals, all working towards improving the health and well-being of the people.

The Chief Minister also noted Gujarat's success, with the state ranking first for two consecutive years in NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals in the 'Good Health and Well-being' category.

Gujarat, with its strong healthcare infrastructure, is rapidly emerging as a prominent hub for medical tourism, experiencing a 33 per cent growth rate in this sector, 13 per cent higher than the national average. The Chief Minister also conveyed confidence that platforms like the 'Dialogue on Health Diplomacy' will play a crucial role in addressing global healthcare challenges.

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, in his address, highlighted the transformation of Gujaratas healthcare system into a world-class entity under the leadership of then Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He credited PM Modi for the vision behind the establishment of IIPH (Indian Institute of Public Health), aimed at advancing health research and modelled after institutions like IITs and IIMs.

The Health Minister highlighted key improvements in Gujarat's healthcare, including the reduction in child and maternal mortality rates, prevention of non-communicable diseases, and the development of a strong healthcare infrastructure, from primary health centres to civil hospitals.

As a result, Gujarat has been ranked first in the country for health-related SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) in the NITI Aayog index. He reiterated the government's commitment to establishing medical colleges in every district and ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to high-quality healthcare.

The Minister also highlighted that the Prime Ministeras vision of an Ahmedabad Civil Medicity is nearing completion, with the state, under the leadership of the Chief Minister advancing the construction of Medicity zones.

Rushikesh Patel conveyed confidence that Gujarat will become a model state by 2047, driven by its comprehensive development in health, education, industry, and other sectors.

Kajari Biswas, IFS officer of the Ministry of External Affairs, congratulated the organisation of the Health Diplomacy Dialogue, highlighting India's leadership in the health sector.

Biswas noted that while India has made significant strides in technological advancements, it has also embraced traditional practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy.

Indiaas development of an indigenous vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic was a global breakthrough.

He also acknowledged the international recognition of Indiaas successful G20 hosting and the global praise for initiatives like the CoWIN app.
Kolkata, Jan 17 : Hours before a special court on Saturday pronounces its verdict in the case of the ghastly rape and & murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August last year, the parents of the victim on Friday evening, accused Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of being "deliberately inactive" in the entire probe process.

"The CBI has done absolutely nothing in the matter. Even the report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) claims that the seminar room where the body of our daughter was recovered on the morning of August 9 was not actually the scene of the crime. The CBI is showing civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the sole prime accused in the case. They are just trying to prove that. Now only the court verdict will say how far the CBI has been successful in those attempts," the victim's father, with his wife sitting beside him, told media persons.

The father claimed that in the entire investigation process by the CBI, it seemed that some "invisible hand had been pulling the strings" of the investigation agency since the beginning.

"Now the question is who is behind that invisible hand. The administration did not want to and that is why my daughter did not get justice," he said.

Seconding the victim's father, senior Calcutta High Court advocate and CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya said that "hurried justice" is not necessarily the "right justice".

"This is not a simple case of rape and murder. Hence, unnecessary haste can often help the real culprits to escape punishment," Bhattacharya added.

However, the ruling Trinamool Congress's state General Secretary Kunal Ghosh said that the CBI started the investigation following an order from the Calcutta High Court since the victim's parents wanted that.

"Now they are getting misled by others," he said.
Demonstration to demand the release of hostages on Thursday in Tel Aviv. Shir Torem (REUTERS)

Despite delays and concerns, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is progressing toward becoming a reality. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Friday that delegations from Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement attending talks in Doha had signed the agreement initially announced by mediators Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt on Wednesday, but that was later blocked due to last-minute disagreements. Deadlines have been tight but are holding, even as intense Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue. According to the Gazan emergency services, 101 people, mostly women and children, have died since the agreement was announced on Wednesday.

Israels security cabinet approved the deal Friday, with the government expected to ratify it later in the afternoon, before Sabbath begins. If, as anticipated, both sides give the green light and no unforeseen issues arise, the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners will begin on Sunday, the originally planned date, Netanyahus office confirmed. Before implementation, there will be a period for Supreme Court objections, which is not expected to cause significant delays.

On Friday morning, the Israeli press published the names of 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase of the agreement. Among them are two young children, aged two and five, along with their parents, as well as three individuals over the age of 80. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that two of the hostages hold French citizenship. The first group of hostages to be returned includes women, men over 50, and individuals categorized as humanitarians, such as minors and the ill. It is not known for sure how many hostages are still alive.

Hamas initially refused to include military reservists in the first phase of the hostage exchange, but eventually relented. During negotiations, the Palestinian party-militia claimed it could not provide an advance list of hostages due to ongoing bombings and concerns about revealing their locations. Israel ultimately agreed to proceed with the exchange without a confirmed list, and believes that the hostages in this phase are primarily civilians. However, there are greater concerns for the second phase, which is expected to involve soldiers, as there is a fear of more bodies being included.

The exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released will depend on the number of hostages still alive. Local media reports indicate that the first exchange  scheduled for Sunday  will involve three civilian women. The next exchange, a week later, will include another four hostages.

During the approximately six weeks of the first phase, Israel will begin to gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza, start releasing Palestinian prisoners (some of whom may be sent abroad), and allow displaced residents from northern Gaza to return to their homes if they remain standing.

Humanitarian aid food distribution in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, on Friday. Hatem Khaled (REUTERS)

The anticipation for the hostages return is palpable in Israel, reflected in headlines like Waiting for everyone to come home (Yediot Aharonot), Holding our breath (Haaretz), and Waiting for them (Israel Hayom). This moment touches a deeply sensitive national nerve and is part of the national ethos.

However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right figure, announced that his party would resign from the ruling coalition if the disastrous and irresponsible pact is approved and implemented. However, he said he would continue to support Netanyahu but not as partners in a defeatist agreement. The ceasefire agreement, he said, releases hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands, who, upon their release, will seek to murder the next Jew and undoes all the war successes that cost us so much blood. Ben Gvir also called for completely cutting off Gazas water, electricity, and aid supplies to force Hamas to release all hostages.

The pivotal factor lay in the stance of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the most influential ultra-nationalist figure in the government. Following five meetings over two days with Netanyahu, an undisclosed agreement was reached to ensure that Smotrichs Religious Zionism party remains in the coalition. While Smotrich plans to vote against the ceasefire deal, he has agreed not to withdraw from the governing alliance, which includes Netanyahus Likud party and ultra-Orthodox partners.

The broader ceasefire agreement aims to solidify peace but hinges on key backroom negotiations involving Netanyahu and incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration leans toward extreme Israeli right-wing positions.

The agreement signed Friday morning aims to establish a lasting ceasefire, but its implementation will largely hinge on the political maneuvers and agreements between Netanyahu and Donald Trump, who is set to assume the U.S. presidency next Monday. Trumps administration has already appointed officials aligned with the far-right elements of Israeli politics to influential positions. These dynamics will influence decisions on critical issues such as renewed bombings in Gaza if Hamas is perceived as regrouping, the annexation of occupied West Bank territories, and strategic actions regarding Iran  a priority concern for both leaders.

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Itanagar, Jan 17 : In a major breakthrough, Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) arrested one Tana Hasi, who is the main recruiter for the militant outfits and maintained direct contact with senior members of United Tani Army (UTA) and Naga insurgent groups, officials said on Friday.

An APP police spokesman said that Tana Hasi, a resident of Itanagar, was arrested on January 15 in a targeted intelligence-based operation. He said that Tana Hasi was in direct contact with senior members of UTA and Naga insurgent groups and acted as a link between the groups and vulnerable youth in Arunachal Pradesh.

The accused was the main recruiter who recruited young individuals and facilitated their transportation to camps associated with banned organisations, the spokesman said. Tana Hasi has been actively scouting for new recruits and the Capital police have prevented one such youth from joining the underground outfit. "Social media platforms and local networks were used to identify and mislead young people, persuading them to join UTA," an official statement said.

It said that this case highlights the dangerous activities of UTA, which seeks to destabilise peace and "exploit the potential of our youth for violent purposes". Police have identified the names and identities of several individuals recruited into the UTA outfit. "The State Police appeal to these youths to return voluntarily to their families and communities and no legal action would be taken against you if you come forward on your own," the statement added.

"We understand that many of you may have been misled or pressured into joining. If you step back now, we will provide you with support to reintegrate into society and pursue a better future," the statement said. Arunachal Pradesh police also urged the parents and guardians to remain vigilant and guide their children away from such harmful influences.

"If you suspect your child or someone you know has been recruited, please encourage them to come forward voluntarily. We are here to help and ensure their safety." The statement said that the police are committed to dismantling recruitment networks like those operated by UTA and ensuring peace in the state.

"We urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can prevent these harmful ideologies from spreading and protect the future of our youth. Arunachal Pradesh is a land of peace and opportunity. Let us work together to safeguard our state's harmony and provide our youth with the chance to thrive in a brighter, violence-free future," the statement said.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : After being bestowed with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu, Indian pistol ace Manu Bhaker said 'the biggest honour is that I'll always be known as a Khel Ratna Awardee'. Manu became the first Indian athlete to win twin medals in a single edition of the summer Olympic Games in Paris, following a double bronze in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event.

"Khel Ratna is a big honour, the biggest honour is that I'll forever be known as a Khel Ratna Awardee. Awards and honours like these will forever motivate me to strive and win more medals for the country," Manu told IANS.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honour.

After her heartbreaking Tokyo Olympics campaign, where she fell short of winning a medal due to a pistol malfunction, the 22-year-old Manu created history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition post-Independence.

She bagged her first medal at the Paris Olympics when she clinched the bronze in women's 10m air pistol. Just days later, she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. "The way our country is progressing, the day we perform even better and win medals in double digits at the Olympics is not far. I am looking forward to that day, let's all support the government, athletes, and upcoming stars," she added.

Just days later, she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. She also came tantalizingly close to her historic third medal before finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol event. Manu was initially tied for third place with former world record holder (25m pistol) Veronika Major of Hungary before she dropped two points in the shoot-off series to hand the Hungarian a podium finish.

India accumulated six medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics with five bronze and one silver. The performance saw the nation end at 71st in the medal tally.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The success of Indian space startup Digantara's Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission is important to the growing space industry in India, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Digantara launched its SCOT satellite aboard SpaceX'sTransporter-12 mission on Wednesday to enhance space safety and track Resident Space Objects (RSOs).

On Thursday, the company announced the success of the mission.

"Kudos to Indian space startup Digantara at the success of Mission SCOT," said PM Modi in a post on social media platform X on Friday.

"This is an important contribution of the growing Indian space industry towards enhancing space situational awareness," he added.

Mission SCOT is the world's first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite. It will monitor Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with improved efficiency.

Backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, it aims to support national security and space operations.

It will ensure surveillance of objects as small as 5 cm orbiting the Earth to ensure safer space operations.

"Mission SCOT has successfully established contact with our ground station! Solar panel arrays are deployed, power levels are positive, and stabilisation is on point," Digantara said on X.

The company noted that its focus now shifted to commissioning the satellite, preparing it for its core mission: precise object tracking and imaging in LEO.

Earlier, the company was also lauded by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar.

"Wonderful!!! Congrats Digantara you make us proud and you did this on #National Startup Day," he said on X.

On the same day, Bengaluru-based Pixxel also launched its first three satellites of its Firefly constellation -- India's 1st private satellite constellation.

The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The Parliament's Budget Session is set to be held from January 31 to April 4 -- in two parts, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to table the Budget for the eight consecutive time on February 1.

According to provisional calendar released by Lok Sabha Secratariat, the session will begin with President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of both Houses of the Parliament -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey.

Taking to X, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote: "The Hon'ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on the recommendation of the Government of India, has approved summoning both Houses of Parliament for the Budget Session 2025 from 31st January, 2025 to 4th April 2025 (subject to exigencies of parliamentary business)."

He mentioned that President Murmu will address the joint sitting of both Houses on January 31 at 11 a.m. in the Lok Sabha Chamber.

"Union Budget 2025-26 to be presented on 1st February, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Both Houses may adjourn for a recess on 13th February, 2025 to meet again on 10th March, 2025 to examine & report on the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments," Rijiju wrote.

The first part of the Budget Session will have nine sittings from January 31 to February 13.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, while Finance Minister Sitharaman will reply to the discussion on the Budget.

After a break to examine the Budget proposals, the Parliament session will resume on March 10 during which discussions on demands for grants of various ministries will be held.

The entire budget session will have 27 sittings, and it will conclude on April 4.

FM Sitharaman in July last year, weeks after the formation of the new government at the Centre, presented her seventh Budget.

She then broke late Morarji Desai's record of presenting six consecutive Budgets.

FM Sitharaman, a key ministerial figure in the Union Cabinet, had earlier served as junior minister in PM Modi-led government between 2014 and 2017. She has been the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs from May to November 2014, and then was the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from May 2014 to September 2017.

Later, she was elevated to senior posts in the Union Cabinet.

Sitharaman was the Defence Minister in the first PM Modi-led Cabinet during the Balakot surgical strikes of 2019.

She got the charge of Finance Ministry in 2019 in Modi 2.0 Cabinet and has been the Finance Minister since then.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Mumbai Zone, has restituted immovable properties worth Rs 289.54 crore to the Competent Authority, MPID appointed by the Government of Maharashtra in the case of M/s Pen Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd, an official said on Friday.

A statement mentioned that the assets were provisionally attached by ED under Section 5 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 as the erstwhile office bearers had cheated the banks and siphoned off the bank funds for private investments.

The investigation was initiated based on the FIR registered by Pen Police Station, District Raigad, Maharashtra. It was alleged by the LEA in its chargesheet that office bearers of the bank entered into criminal conspiracy with the then Auditors of the Bank willfully and intentionally manipulated the books of accounts of Pen Bank and fraudulently reported profit and caused a loss of Rs. 651.35 Crore to the bank.

ED investigations revealed that the proceeds generated out of crime of forgery and cheating was diverted and routed through the bogus cash credit accounts opened in the said bank using the services of cheque discounters in the market.

The statement further read that part of such Proceed of Crime (POC) was utilised for purchase of immovable properties at different locations in Raigad District of Maharashtra in the names of third parties (Benami properties).

"These Benami properties measuring 70.9 acres worth Rs. 25.20 Crore were attached u/s 5 of PMLA on 26.05.2014 and 03.12.2014. Further Prosecution Complaint dated 20.06.2018 has been filed in the subject case before Honable Special Court, PMLA and the trial is underway," it read.

"In the meantime, a Criminal Writ Petition bearing was filed by one of Depositor of Pen Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd before the Honable Bombay High Court praying for release of the properties attached under the PMLA. The Honable Bombay High Court vide order dated 07.10.2016 directed the ED to hand over the properties to MPID. Against the said order, ED filed a SLP before the Apex Court vide order dated 03.11.2017 which granted a stay on the order of Honable Bombay High Court. MPID authorities filed an application u/s 8(8) of PMLA dated 01.02.2019 before Honable Special Court (PMLA), Mumbai to confiscate the attached property to MPID for its restitution," it further mentioned.

Pen Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd had 2 lakh depositors and 42,000 shareholders who have lost their hard earned money. In the larger interest of depositors and currently ongoing restitution efforts, ED took a pragmatic view and decided to withdraw the SLP before the Apex Court.

"Consequently an affidavit was filed before the apex court which was allowed vide order dated 13.12.2024 and SLP was withdrawn," the statement read.

It mentioned: "ED thereafter filed an affidavit before the Honable Special Court (PMLA), Mumbai expressing willingness to restitute the properties covered by the Honable High Court order dated 07.10.2016. Vide order dated 14.01.2025, the Honable Special Court (PMLA) allowed the EDas application and ordered the restoration of 29 immovable properties which are presently valued at Rs. 289.54 Crore to the Competent Authority under MPID Act."
Patna, Jan 18 : RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav on Friday criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son after his appeal to voters to support in father in the upcoming Assembly polls, saying that he does not know the ground reality of the state.

"Nishant has no understanding of the state. He does not know about the ground reality," Tej Pratap.

When asked by media personnel whether he would welcome Nishant Kumar into politics, Tej Pratap adopted a conciliatory tone, saying, "If a youth is moving forward in politics, then there should be no problem."

Tej Pratap's criticism comes amid growing political rhetoric between the RJD and JD-U as both parties prepare for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, made headlines on Friday with a significant statement in Bakhtiyarpur, Patna.

Nishant urged the people to vote for his father and JD-U.

Speaking to media, Nishant Kumar highlighted the developmental work undertaken by Nitish Kumar during his tenure as Chief Minister.

"My father has done a lot of work for the development of Bihar. People should give their vote to him and his party JDU," Nishant said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited his ancestral residence in Bakhtiyarpur to pay tribute to his late father, freedom fighter Ram Lakhan Singh Vaidya, along with four other freedom fighters: Shaheed Mogal Singh, Pandit Sheelbhadra Yaji, Shaheed Nathun Singh Yadav, and Dumer Singh.

The Bihar government organised a state ceremony in honour of these freedom fighters. Nitish Kumar garlanded their statues during the event as a mark of respect, emphasising the state's commitment to recognising its historical heroes.

Nishant Kumar, who accompanied his father to the event, surprised many by addressing the media and making a direct political appeal to voters. His statement has reignited speculation about his potential entry into active politics.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The Centre's air quality panel on Friday revoked restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and neighbouring areas as air quality improved in the city.

The move comes a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management rolled back GRAP 4 following a dip in air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

The CAQM said in a statement that its sub-committee on GRAP conducted its meeting on Friday and reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts.

"As per the Air Quality & Weather forecast provided by IMD/ IITM, there is a likelihood of the AQI of Delhi to remain in the lower end of 'Very Poor' category in the coming days owing to favourable meteorological conditions and strong wind speeds," the CAQM said in the statement.

"Construction & Demolition project sites etc. which have been issued specific closure orders on account of violations/ non-compliances of various statutory directions, rules, guidelines etc. under no circumstances shall resume their operations without any specific order to this effect from the Commission," the CAQM statement added.

Delhi's average AQI has significantly improved as the AQI clocked 289 on Friday, as per the AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), clearly indicating a downward trend.

Stages 3 and 4 of the GRAP were invoked on January 15 when the average AQI of Delhi breached the 350 mark and started to exhibit a sharp increasing trend, indicating a possibility to even breach the 400 mark.
After moving their eponymous imprint from HarperCollins Children's Books to Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group last spring, publishers Alessandra Balzer and Donna Bray of Balzer + Bray have announced their inaugural list, to be published in winter and spring 2026. With books such as Angie Thomass The Hate U Give (edited by Bray), Ibi Zobois Nigeria Jones, and The Lesbianas Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes (edited by Balzer) in their portfolio, the publishers have established a reputation for books at the intersection of literary and commercial fiction. At Macmillan, the imprint will start small, with 10 titles within a mix of categories: three picture books, four middle grade books, and three YA novels.

The Balzer + Bray imprint launched at Harper in 2009. Both publishers had held leadership roles at Hyperion Books for Children, with Bray serving as editorial director and Balzer as executive editor. At Harper, the co-publishers released an array of bestsellers and award winners. After 16 years, Bray said the move to Macmillan was the right opportunity at the right time. Their time at Harper was really wonderful and we built a great list there, she said, but we were just ready for a change. It was a new challengeto do what we love to do in a new environment with new people. VP and co-publisher Alessandra Balzer called the change energizing.

Our tastes, mission, and philosophy remain the same, Balzer added. Were going to continue to publish bold innovative books that appeal directly to kids. Were never led by trends or by necessarily whats hot in the market. Things are constantly evolving and changing.

VP and co-publisher Donna Bray added, Were always looking for authors who have something to say to kids at this timehigh quality, great storytelling, voices that will stand the test of time, but that also feel current. The inaugural list features authors who write like nobody else does, she continued. They really respect kids and write so beautifully in their different ways.

Among those featured on the initial list are Sara Pennypacker (the Clementine series), who has worked with Bray before, and Jasmine Warga (Other Words for Home) and Ibi Zoboi (Nigeria Jones), who have published with both editors across their careers. It feels like kismet that we have such a nice mix of former authors that we love and new people, Balzer said. While all the authors on the inaugural list have been previously published, some are new to us and some are doing work thats different from what theyve done in the past, she added.

The imprints picture book list includes Call Me Moby, the first author-illustrated title by New Yorker cartoonist and television writer Lars Kenseth. Its a story that has a lot of heart, Bray said. Adults familiar with Moby-Dick will understand the references, but for kids, its a story of a whale who just wants to make friends and doesnt understand why the sailors dont want to be friends with him.

Coretta Scott King winner and Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinsons picture book Dad is destined to make people cry, Bray said. The story focuses on different kinds of fathers, including animal and human dads, and different sorts of father-child relationships. All the very best books can be read on so many levels. A parent reading it to a child will understand the layers of the text, but [Dad] also can just be taken at face value, Bray added.

In the middle grade category, Balzer + Bray will publish Spindlewood, the first novel for this age group by Freddie Kolsch, who made her YA debut with Now, Conjurers in 2024. Spindlewood is described by Bray as having Wednesday Addams vibes, centering on a girl who winds up at a boarding school for seers even though she cannot see ghosts and is very skeptical.

Also on the middle grade list is The Serpent, the Rainbow, the Island Below by Ibi Zoboi. Being very cognizant of how Haiti is represented in the news, Balzer said, Zoboi takes that and creates this incredible middle-grade fantasy about kids who are the descendants of Voudou gods. Its her way of speaking to that moment and sort of taking back that narrative. She can do it like no one else can. Balzer added that the story is incredibly escapist with all the things that kids love about fantasy, friendship, and characterization.

Bray said shes always looking for stories that are funny, intriguing, pacy and fresh, but also have a lot of heart, so we have a real emotional connection to the story. She found it all in Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd Jones (The Bone Houses). Set in the near future, the book features a young hacker who uses her criminal skills and knowledge to solve crimes with a secret government agency. Bray described it as gripping and intense, with a bit of mystery.

Peter Bognanni (This Book Is Not Yet Rated) has written for both adults and teens. His new YA, How to Lose Yourself Completely, is about a boy grappling with grief and anxiety who enrolls in an adventure therapy program. Balzer said that the novels themes resonate especially strongly for teens these days and that, while there are elements of escapism in the story, it also has a lot of heart. The narrative voice is second person, which makes it especially gripping from the beginning, she added.

In their new home at Macmillan, the imprint has a staff of three: Balzer, Bray and their assistant, Lavell Nero. Starting with a small list has allowed the editors to be involved in each part of the process. We very much love being in the weeds with the author and the artist and the team. Its such a collaborative process for us. We care so passionately about it and of course we take very seriously that were shepherding these authors book babies into the world, Balzer said.

Currently the plan is to slowly build to around 24 books a year. While they dont have any debut authors on the initial list, introducing new voices is something thats important to the publishers and they anticipate doing so as time goes on. Were known for having a really strong vision for a book from acquisition, Bray said, adding that the team really needs to feel that we can be the best publisher for any given book that we bring on.

While the exact dates arent finalized yet, the first Balzer + Bray titles under Macmillan will publish in January 2026.
After a long investigation and hundreds of complaints, a grand jury in San Diego has charged three people involved in a publishing scam that the government contends defrauded elderly authors across the U.S. of almost $44 million.

According to the indictment, Gemma Traya Austin of Chula Vista, Calif., was the organizer and registered agent for PageTurner Press and Media LLC, a Chula Vistabased company that claimed to be a book publishing business. Also indicted were Michael Cris Traya Sordilla (her nephew) and Bryan Navales Tarosa, both of the Philippines, who were executives at Innocentrix Philippines, a business process outsourcing company. The three had been previously arrested in December by authorities.

The indictment alleges that between September 2017 and December 2024, the defendants used PageTurner to operate a book publishing scam in which the conspirators working for Innocentrix Philippines contacted individual authors through unsolicited calls and emails. As part of the scam, the conspirators falsely represented PageTurner as a book publishing business that worked with literary agents, major motion picture studios, and popular video streaming services, claiming that PageTurner acted as a liaison between individuals who sought to publish their books or have their books turned into motion pictures or television series.

Both the Authors Guild and Writers Beware had received hundreds of complaints against PageTurner Press and Media (not be confused with other companies of the same name). The Guild issued a scam alert in April 2023, which resulted in more reports of fraud. The FBI subsequently interviewed Guild general counsel Cheryl Davis as part of its investigation.

For her part, Victoria Straus of Writers Beware reported that she began receiving complaints about PageTurner in 2018 and recently posted her account of tracking the fraud.

As part of the conspiracy, the scammers falsely told victims that their works had been selected for acquisition by publishers or movie studios, and fraudulently convinced victims to send PageTurner payments for various services. To date, the FBI has identified more than 800 victims of the scheme. The Guild said it is aware of a victim who lost $800,000.

Sordilla and Tarosa were arrested on December 9 in San Diego. Austin was arrested on December 12 in Chula Vista. All three are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The FBI also seized the PageTurner website, pageturner.us.

If convicted, all three face heavy fines and up to 20 years in prison.
In 2018, in the city of Esteli, in western Nicaragua, young people protesting against the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo were killed. On Wednesday of this week, the Sandinista regime swore in 1,700 members of the newly created volunteer police who attended the event dressed in white shirts, black cargo pants and black balaclavas. The swearing-in of thousands more took place in the Department of Madriz, in the north, and in the coming days other similar ceremonies are scheduled in other cities as part of a drive to institutionalize paramilitary groups, as established by the new Political Constitution tailored by the presidential couple to guarantee that the family dynasty will remain in power.

In addition to burying what was left of the separation of powers, officially creating the position of co-president for Rosario Murillo, and allowing the appointment of vice-presidents without putting it to a popular vote, among other prerogatives, the Ortega-Murillo Constitution legitimizes in its Article 97  still in the process of being approved  the creation of the Volunteer Police, which is defined as an auxiliary body of the National Police. In other words, according to human rights organizations, it is a way to legitimize the repressive paramilitary force that in 2018 was responsible for murdering the majority of the 355 people who were peacefully protesting against the regime.

That year, with the streets overflowing with protesters, the police  the governments main organ of repression  was overwhelmed. The Sandinista regime turned to paramilitary groups to quell the discontent. The individuals who were recruited were retired Sandinista military personnel, civilians and public employees who, using war weapons such as AK-47 and Dragunov rifles, shot to kill, aiming at the heads, necks and chests of the protesters. It was a massacre that a group of United Nations experts later classified as crimes against humanity. In late December 2024, Argentinas justice system issued an international arrest warrant against Ortega and Murillo over these crimes.

Faced with abundant evidence of paramilitary action in coordination with the National Police and state institutions, Commissioner General Francisco Diaz, the chief of the National Police and in-law of the presidential couple, said in 2019 that these groups were volunteer police. After Diazs statements, co-president Murillo instructed the official propaganda machine to use the term heroes of peace to describe these heavily armed men who patrolled the streets in Toyota Hilux trucks.

During the swearing-in ceremony in Esteli, Commissioner Diaz said that they were proud of the Comandante Julio Buitrago Urroz Volunteer Police, as this unit has been named. The peace that is enjoyed in Nicaragua must be maintained and protected, added the police chief, emulating the rhetoric of his in-law Rosario Murillo. The latter claims that the paramilitaries managed to dismantle a coup attempt, without mentioning that in order to do so, the regime not only imprisoned and killed people, but has since also confiscated assets, withdrawn citizenship, exiled and relentlessly persecuted thousands of citizens considered critical with the government.

Training of public employees

The previous Constitution prohibited the existence of illegal armed groups and required the Nicaraguan Army to eradicate them. But the latter, also involved in the government repression, never did so. On the contrary, these contingents coordinate, through the Directorate of Information for Defense (DID), to persecute opponents even beyond Nicaraguan borders, such as in Costa Rica, where thousands of exiles have settled down. The Nicaragua Never Again Human Rights Collective has documented cases of extraterritorial repression.

Thus, with the new Constitution, the creation of the the Volunteer Police as an auxiliary body to support the National Police, comprised of Nicaraguan citizens offering their services voluntarily and temporarily, was authorized. The text adds that there cannot be more armed bodies in the national territory than those established in the Constitution, nor military ranks other than those established by law.

Although they have lowered their public profile in recent years, the paramilitaries have not ceased their operations. They always operate in coordination with the armed forces and continue to kidnap opponents, either to take them to prison or to forcibly exile them, dumping them on the border with Costa Rica.

During 2024, the regime forced thousands of public employees to receive military training in various clandestine camps around Nicaragua. At that time, EL PAIS documented cases of teachers and security guards forcibly displaced to camps to prepare for any coup attempt. A security expert consulted by this newspaper claims that the large number of volunteer police who have begun to be sworn in come from these groups of public officials forcibly trained under penalty of dismissal or jail.

The actions we are seeing, from my point of view, are intended to terrorize the population, because Ortega and Murillo are at a critical moment in the dynastic succession, due to the changes they are making to the Constitution, adds this expert. They are very afraid of the discontent of the people, which is becoming deeper and more widespread even among their own supporters. That is why they are holding these public events with great pomp: they were formed as a military body and they are being presented to the public wearing balaclavas. But if one looks at the photographs, behind the balaclavas there are people who do not look happy. It is very likely that among them there are convinced paramilitaries, but there are also public employees who were forced into military training.

The Sandinista flag, a new national symbol

The week began with the lawmakers of the National Assembly, all of them submissive to the dictates of Ortega and Murillo, approving, section by section, the new Political Constitution. Among more than a hundred reformed articles, the legislators established on Wednesday, January 15, that the red-and-black flag of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) is established from now on as a national symbol.

A young man holds the flag of Nicaragua and that of the Sandinista Front, during an anniversary of the triumph of the revolution. HECTOR GUERRERO

The symbolic decision encapsulates the consolidation of a family dictatorship in which, from its very beginning in 2006, when Ortega returned to power, the confusion between family, state and party began to take shape, according to critics of the Sandinista administration. Article 13 of the reformed constitution mandates that the national symbols are: the national anthem, the blue-and-white and the red-and-black flags of the anti-imperialist struggle of General Augusto C. Sandino and of the Sandinista Popular Revolution, and the national coat-of-arms.

Since Ortegas return to the presidency, there has been criticism about the fact that the Sandinista flag has been present in all activities by state bodies, even above and beyond the national flag. At one point Juan Carlos Ortega Murillo, son of the presidential couple, went so far as to say that the red-and-black defends the blue-and-white. Thus, for more than a decade, the Sandinista flag has flown in schools, patriotic parades, hospitals, ministries and even shows up on official state stationery.

In 2018, citizens clung to the blue-and-white flag as a form of protest and resistance against the repression. It was a symbolic confrontation that continues to this day. The government claimed the Sandinista flag at its events, while citizens waved the national flag and burned the Sandinista one in the streets. There are at least two cases of protests in which the regime agents arrested and tortured opponents for burning the Sandinista flag. The first victim was Sergio Beteta, who on December 21, 2020 was arrested for setting fire to the flag of the Sandinista Front on a public street. Beteta was released and exiled to the United States, along with 221 other political prisoners, on February 9, 2023. Three young women  Adela Espinoza, Gabriela Morales and Mayela Campos  burned another Sandinista flag on August 18, 2023, in protest of the closure and confiscation of the Central American University (UCA), where some of them had studied. The three were also prosecuted and then exiled to Guatemala on September 5, 2024.

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On the surface, the answer to whats the best suppressor is obvious: the quietest one. But not only is that answer untrue, its incomplete. Absolutely, some silencers are better than others, just like how some cars and guns are better than others, but individual considerations always come into play. If youre looking for lazy, just buy what your friends buy and make up the reasons later. But if you want to know what goes into real testing, this one is for you.

In the lead up to our first phenomenal CANCON Carolinas, a group of us got together to give serious consideration to this question. On the panel we have RECOIL Editor-in-Chief Iain Harrison, CONCEALMENT Editor (and silencer nerd) Dave Merrill, and Gun Digest Editor Luke Hartle, and each will render a decision at the end.

The testing you see here isnt all encompassing; we have a selection of silencers from eight manufacturers brave enough to allow potentially destructive testing. Think of this as a how-to paired with actual answers, and purchase recommendations along with the rationale. This is but the first of many silencer tests. And oh yeah  theres some corresponding RECOILtv when you want more. Enjoy!

GUNS & GEAR

This testing is performed on hard mode  every silencer sounds great shooting subsonic .300 Blackout from a 24-inch barrel, but the same cant be said of a shorter 5.56 shooting high-

velocity ammunition. Further, if you want testing to actually be meaningful, the variables need to be reduced. That means the same guns, ammo, and conditions across the board.

To wit, our three testers are all American Defense Manufacturing UIC MOD-2 5.56 guns with 12.5-inch barrels, topped off with EOTech EXPS sights; the only difference among them is the color of the finish. The only ammunition used was 55-grain Federal American Eagle. All tests occurred in the same environmental conditions, and acoustic testing happened away from surfaces that could warp or reflect sound.

While not every suppressor in this test has a 5.56 bore, some manufacturers opted to send .30-caliber cans even though they knew it was a 12.5-inch 5.56 test bed. Further note that the weights listed are with an attachment device. Many manufacturers like to list the weight of their cans naked, but if they cant be screwed on the end, they arent really silencers anyway  at worst call it marketing, at best call it incomplete. The silencers without mounts were weighed with a lightweight direct-thread attachment.

ON DECIBELS

Decibels (dB) can be used for an awful lot of things, but for our purposes theyre a measurement of sound pressure level. Theres a lot of confusion surrounding them, and its not hard to mislead someone regarding this logarithmic measurement. Add into the mix that human perception of sound is different than that of a meter, and youll find there are general guidelines within the space of human senses, but very few hard rules.

For example: Doubling the sound pressure gives you a 6dB measurement increase, but a 10dB increase is a perceived doubling of the sound. Sound also decreases at an inverse square, so when you double the distance from the source the intensity of the sound itself is quartered.

If youre confused, dont worry because PhDs and audio engineers can argue about this stuff for days. You need to know OSHA states impulse noise shouldnt exceed a peak of 140dB. This doesnt mean you should be running around without hearing protection since your gun/can combo meters at 139dB because hearing damage is cumulative, but it is a benchmark.

You can think of decibels like altitude  the peak of the mountain, how high up it goes. Decibels arent concerned with matters of tone, the shape of the sound itself, or the quality of the pitch. Two different mountains may be the same height, but if one has a gentle slope to the top and another a sheer cliff that must be climbed, they arent the same experience. All of this to say that decibels are an important metric, but at best a decibel reading is an incomplete tale.

THE METER

You cant just use any old decibel meter or smartphone app if you want to get good data, and you certainly cant determine how a gun or silencer actually sounds from watching a video. The microphones and speakers used in our phones and cameras and televisions have a limited frequency range, biased toward human speech. Loud sounds compress and clip. After all, if a video camera properly recorded the entire spectrum and your speakers could reproduce it, youd go deaf watching any sort of shooting video.

Even comparing data using different suppressors and the same flawed equipment doesnt give you anything useful, because not only will peak noise be compressed to mush, but it takes an expensive microphone to be able to detect the sound quickly enough to discern differences.

We need an expensive, calibrated, precision instrument to properly measure decibels. In our case, a Larson Davis SoundExpert 821 with the appropriate microphones.

DECIBEL TESTING

The current sound testing standard comes from the DODs Design Criteria Standard Noise Limits, MIL-STD-1474E, last revised in 2015.

It should be stated that the primary concern of the DOD is how physically loud something is; how much exposure will damage your hearing. The rest of the waveform and how it subjectively feels doesnt really matter to that bottom line.

All testing occurred away from walls and other reflective surfaces.

Because of the inverse square of sound, microphone placement is essential, or all the testing is invalid. We measure decibels 1 meter left from the center of where the shock wave propagates (the muzzle of the silencer), as well as 15 centimeters to the right of the shooters right ear.

Before the first round is fired through a silencer, the insides are full of atmospheric gases. That same explosion that propels the projectile also ignites some of these gases, adding to the pressure and noise. We call this slightly louder shot first round pop. While FRP makes little difference in overall noise on a short, suppressed 5.56, we still included the FRP reading into our average.

THE LETHAL OPTOMETRIST

MIL-STD-1474E is but the latest revision in a long line of attempts at acoustic reading. The DOD published Report R-1896 on the principles of silencers and evaluation back in 1968, and while it has a ton of neat information, the details better serve historical application than the practical.

But just because input doesnt come from a calibrated meter doesnt mean it isnt useful. We added a subjective test, one reportedly developed by Mitch WerBell III. Among feats and exploits like being an OSS operative, paramilitary trainer, arms dealer, and mercenary, WerBell also designed and manufactured dozens of silencers. He founded SIONICS in the 1960s and later established the [in]famous Military Armament Corporation with Gordon Ingram.

Historically, when you see both blindfolds and rifles, there are last words and cigarettes involved  here it wasnt quite as tense.

One of the ways WerBell checked the efficacy of his cans was with a test weve come to call the Lethal Optometrist. Secretaries would be lined up on chairs while WerBell would fire different silencers, Which sounds better? A or B?

Here we do the same, but instead of secretaries we used the panel as test subjects. Blindfolded in order to not bias the results, this was a single-elimination event. And though

perception of sound is subjective, both Iain Harrison and Luke Hartle chose the BOSS Guillotine, with Dave Merrill blind-picking the B&T SRBS.

Take care to note that these results DO NOT line up with what the calibrated decibel meter showed  proving once again theres more to sound than simply how loud it is.

GAS BLOWBACK

After sound, it came time to track gas blowback. Due to deadly diseases linked to inhalation of a lot of leaded gas, the DOD has put great focus on reducing the gas that works back through the system (and exhausts in your face). Yes, there are custom adjustable/blocking gas blocks and gas tubes and bolt carriers and charging handles  but damned if it isnt easier if you can go without.

Unfortunately, now some manufacturers just list low backpressure for marketing purposes, but thankfully this can actually be measured. The official method is with whats essentially an aquarium with carbon monoxide sensors inside, but there are a few accessible ways.

The crudest way, beyond just seeing if you suck down too much during a string of fire, is by looking at the ejection patterns of spent cases. More gas in the system means higher pressure and faster bolt speeds, and with an AR-15 this equates to a more-forward shell ejection relative to unsuppressed shooting. In our experience, it works on the extreme ends of the scale, but the middle can be a toss-up; itll get you beyond the nose.

The more fun method is by measuring automatic rate-of-fire both unsuppressed and suppressed. More gas equals faster ROF.

FULL-AUTO FAILURES

Ever seen a silencer listed as full auto rated? You should know its probably BS unless its something built for a belt-fed. What it really means is if youre in the demographic who actually owns a machine gun and uses one of their cans, theyll warranty the result.

Theres no set standard for full auto rated, but surviving the vaunted SOCOM Table II firing schedule should be the start. Requiring (eight) full 30-round magazines for a total of 240 rounds, Table II prescribes rates of fire as slow as one shot per second and as fast as an automatic dump. Even silencers that can stand far more than 240 rounds straight on a machine gun sometimes break during a Table II.

During a SOCOM Table II test, absolutely everything gets hot, including the optics!

At the sort of temperatures seen, you also have to worry about cook-offs, meaning ammunition goes off from heat alone as soon as it enters the chamber  no trigger pull required.

Please note that just because some silencers had issues with Table II doesnt mean those silencers are bad or unusable, just that they arent the best choice for machine guns or other military applications.

BEST 5.56 SUPPRESSORS

Advanced Armament Corporation Ranger 5

Caliber: 6mm

Length: 5.8 inches

Diameter: 1.5 inches

Weight (with mount): 15 ounces

MSRP: $900

dB at Muzzle: 146.5

dB at Ear: 141.9

Gas Pressure Increase: 44%

Table II: Pass

One of the old school silencer companies first founded back in the mid 1990s, AAC was one of the early silencer educators out there  its hard to sell things people assume are illegal, after all. Though their presence hasnt been constant because of the company changing hands over the years, they now have the same parent as Palmetto State Armory, so we expect to see a lot more from them in the future.

If you know anything about AAC silencers, then the Ranger 5 is exactly what you expect. Its tough as nails, and one of the few on this list advertised as full auto rated we actually outright believed.

Advanced Armament Corp. $900

Aero Precision Lahar-30

Caliber: .30

Length: 5.9 inches

Diameter: 1.58 inches

Weight (with mount): 15.9 ounces

MSRP: $893

dB at Muzzle: 141.9 <-Quietest

dB at Ear: 145.9

Gas Pressure Increase: 52%

Table II: Pass

We often find .30-caliber cans to do worse in sound testing, but here the Aero Precision Lahar-30 took home top marks at the muzzle decibel meter at 141.9dB but was higher at the ear. It also had the highest ROF increase among our test group at 52 percent.

With an Inconel blast baffle and 17-4 stainless steel construction, the tubeless

Lahar-30 shrugged off the Table II and asked for more.

All told, we found Aero Precision silencers to be right where Aero Precision rifles are respectable and higher than the middle. Very versatile, affordable silencer.

Silencer Central $700

Brugger & Thomet Print-X SRBS-Ti (Leathal Optometrist Winner & Dave Merrill Editor's Choice)

Caliber: 5.56mm

Length: 7.4 inches

Diameter: 1.73 inches

Weight (with mount): 11.3 <-Lightest

MSRP: $950

dB at Muzzle: 142.2

dB at Ear: 138.9

Gas Increase: 23%

Table II: Pass

There was a time when any titanium silencer wouldve been shrugged off or laughed off when it came to serious use, because when subjected to high heat and pressures it starts to send off white sparks. The B&T Print-X SRBS-Ti had a few sparks, but far fewer than we were used to.

3D printed with direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), this B&T silencer was the lightest of our bunch despite being more than 7 inches long paired with a fatter 1.73-inch diameter. Plus, the gray suppressor changed colors in a pleasing way after finishing the Table II test.

In addition to being the lightest silencer, the SRBS-Ti had the smallest ROF increase at 23 percent, which is no surprise if you know anything about their low-pressure efforts.

The sound profile and engineering coalesce in a way thats hard to describe, but I like it all. -Dave Merrill

Silencer Central $1,350

BOSS Silencers Guillotine (Leathal Optometrist Winner & Luke Hartle Editor's Choice)

Caliber: 5.56mm

Length: 6 inches

Diameter: 1.5 inches

Weight (with mount): 12.1 ounces

MSRP: $500

dB at Muzzle: 144.0

dB at Ear: 138.7

Gas Increase: Unknown but high

Table II: Fail

We dont have ROF increases for the BOSS Guillotine because it suffered a catastrophic failure when shooting the SOCOM Table II, but we know it wouldve been high. When Luke Hartle was shooting velocity data, he wasnt pleased with the sheer amount of gas in his face. And yet, this was still his overall choice.

The BOSS Guillotine 5.56 stood out and truly impressed me. Its small, its inexpensive at about $500, and I chose its sound profile as most appealing over all the others  while blindfolded! The fact that it failed the Table II test is a moot point for me; Ill never use a can like that in real application. -Luke Hartle

B.O.S.S. Silencers $500

KG Made R556A2 (Iain Harrison Editor's Choice)

Caliber: 5.56

Length: 6.4 inches

Diameter: 1.6 inches

Weight (with mount): 22.1 ounces

MSRP: $975

dB at Muzzle: 145.7

dB at Ear: 146.1

Gas Increase: 37%

Table II: Pass

Theres no way around it, this suppressor is absolutely aesthetically pleasing. You just know its meant for an apocalypse-level of abuse by looking at it. Though its the heaviest of the bunch, there was great confidence it would perform well with the Table II, and it most certainly did.

Regarding gas blowback, it was in the lower half, and the muzzle device attachment method is quick and painless.

This wouldnt be my first pick for a hunting rifle. In fact, it wouldnt be my 30th, but if youre looking for one can thatll stand up to whatever abuse you can throw at it, the KGM is money. As Dave Merrill is fond of opining, theres a lot of BS thrown around when it comes to cans being full auto rated, and you will always find someone on the internet with an opinion that suppressor X from company Y will stand up to use on a machine gun. Usually, that someone doesnt have a machine gun. I do, and this is the suppressor Id run on it. -Iain Harrison

Silencer Central $975

LMT Advanced Technologies ATIONLT Ion LT

Caliber: .30

Length: 8.14 inches

Diameter: 1.74 inches

Weight (with mount): 18 ounces

MSRP: $1,300

dB at Muzzle: 148.2

dB at Ear: 139.5

Gas Increase: 28%

Table II: Pass

LMT stands for Lewis Machine & Tool, first founded back in 1980 with government contracts in mind  and they got them, just mostly overseas in the southern hemisphere these days. The joke is that they essentially do not have a marketing department, largely because they dont need it; if you know, you know.

LMT released some of their early consumer silencers at CANCON, so it was absolutely appropriate they participated in our first bout of testing. Everything they make is designed to be bomb-proof, and at the factory they perform their own Table II testing. Needless to say, performance was admirable. Also, noteworthy it had the second-best ROF increase in our testing.

Silencer Central $1,250

Troy Industries TPRS Kryptos

Caliber: 5.56mm

Length: 6.5 inches

Diameter: 1.65 inches

Weight (with mount): 21.4 ounces

MSRP: $1,200

dB at Muzzle: 144.4

dB at Ear: 138.1

Gas Increase: 51%

Table II: Pass

Multiple people commented on how good this silencer looks mounted on the end of a rifle.

The Kryptos comes complete with a specific muzzle device with open tines on the end. Even tucked inside, this device can emit a high-pitched ringing sound after firing, which may be annoying/distracting. Though the Troy Kryptos made it through the Table II, it began occasionally cooking off rounds during the last few magazines.

A stand-out feature of the Troy Kryptos is that its a reflexive silencer. That means part of the silencer goes back over the barrel, adding to internal volume without additional length. This extra volume behind the blast isnt as efficient as it is in front of the muzzle, but it still helps. It also gives the rifle a shorter profile; even though the Kryptos is 6.5 inches long, it only adds 4 inches to the system.

Troy Industries $1,200

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A great microscopic battle is brewing: bacteria-eating viruses against antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified resistance to these drugs as one of the greatest threats to global health  it could kill 208 million people in 25 years  and science has been working to find a solution from different angles. One of these has been to rescue phage therapy from history, which consists of using bacteriophage viruses (phages) to exterminate resistant bacteria.

Thousands of treated patients have demonstrated their therapeutic potential over the last century, but the still-limited knowledge of the vast population of phages on the planet and the complexity of adapting this strategy to the current regulatory framework mean that phage therapy has not yet taken off. The scientific commitment to building an army of phages against superbugs, however, remains firm and an international consortium has just received 1.2 million ($1.24 million) from the European Union to deepen our knowledge of these bacteria-eating viruses.

The history of phage therapy spans more than a century: from the beginning, the idea was to use the machinery of these viruses  capable of infecting or killing bacterial cells without harming the rest of the organism  to destroy the microbes causing serious infections. That was the plan. And it worked. But with the discovery and expansion of penicillin in the middle of the last century, phage therapy fell into oblivion in the West although in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, research with it continued. Its global renaissance has arisen precisely when some antibiotics have reached their ceiling and a handful of bacterial families have become resistant to all the drugs available to annihilate them.

The scientific community has seen an opportunity in phage therapy and research has been stepped up. A Lebanese review published a few weeks ago in the Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance confirmed that phage therapy was growing in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Another Japanese study on the current state of this therapeutic approach agreed and provided a couple of paradigmatic cases that crystallize that the scientific commitment is serious: in Belgium, for example, a national phage bank has been established and the University of California, in the United States, has founded the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics.

Maria del Mar Tomas, a microbiologist at the A Coruna University Hospital Complex (CHUAC) in Spain and coordinator of the international project from the A Coruna Biomedical Research Institute (Inibic), explains that phages are found everywhere in the environment. Wherever there is a bacteria, these viruses will be there, numbering in the trillions and trillions: it is estimated that there are 10 to the power of 30 phages in the ocean. Those that interest scientists as a therapy are the lytic phages, which recognize the bacteria and kill it immediately. The phage arrives, recognizes the bacteria and, in order to be able to embed itself inside it, needs receptors. Once it binds to these receptors, it integrates its DNA and begins to use the bacterias machinery to replicate its proteins and make tiny viruses. When there is a complete virus, the bacteria explodes and lysis occurs [decomposition of the microbe].

The scientists initial plan was to use phages to kill bacteria, but they have also discovered that these viruses can enhance antibiotics. It has been seen, and that is why Europe is beginning to consider lytic phages as medicine and sees potential in them, the synergistic effect with antibiotics. Phages can cause a resensitization of bacteria to these medicines and that would allow us to again use those antibiotics that we have lost, says Tomas.

Microbiologist Maria del Mar Tomas, in one of the laboratories of the University Hospital Complex of A Coruna. VANESSA CASTELEIRO

The treatments are highly personalized, based on a preparation of a single phage or a cocktail of several viruses selected ad hoc against a specific bacteria. In most cases treated, they were people who had already exhausted all therapeutic alternatives, such as a patient with cystic fibrosis and a disseminated infection by Mycobacterium abscessus who was successfully treated with a cocktail of three phages after a lung transplant: the treatment eliminated the infectious strain and improved the wound from the operation, liver function, and skin lesions associated with the infection.

Specifically, Cristina Berastegui, from the Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR) pulmonology research group, participated in a study analysing 20 similar cases of mycobacterial infection treated with phages and concluded that more than 50% of the patients improved. Phages are not a panacea, but they offer a promising future for infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria, says the pulmonologist.

There are also studies that have demonstrated the potential of this therapeutic approach to treat sepsis, urinary tract infections, osteomyelitis, or pneumonia, among other ailments. Tomas assures that in topical infections, on the skin, such as ulcer overinfections or in burns, the efficacy is around 90%. There is a French group that uses phages in prosthetic infections during the operation itself and is having 80% to 90% success. Where we have less success is in sepsis and cardiovascular infections, says the microbiologist.

A scientific review published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases in 2022 analyzed more than 2,200 patients treated with phages in the first two decades of this century and concluded that in 79% of cases there was clinical improvement, and in 87% of patients treated with bacteriophages, the bacteria they were targeting was eradicated. In addition, adverse effects were only recorded in 7% of cases and all were mild.

Among the advantages of phages, experts highlight their high specificity, meaning that they are highly targeted to a specific bacteria, which will prevent damage to the bodys normal flora. There is therefore less risk of side effects, such as secondary infections caused by antibiotic therapy, which tends to attack a broader spectrum of microbes and sweep away the bad ones, but also some good ones, which de facto implies damage to the intestinal microbiome.

Persistent bacteria

In the war against antibiotic resistance, Tomas also highlights the potential of phages, but admits that these viruses will not be the ones to fight the final battle against superbacteria. In fact, in this never-ending evolutionary race, resistant microbes also learn to avoid the attack of phages, she assumes. Belgian researchers have carried out an observational study with 100 patients with different infections in different locations. They have simply used 26 phages, pre-adapting them to the bacteria responsible for the infection, and have achieved an eradication success rate of between 65% and 77%, with clinical improvement. But there has been a 40% innate resistance of the bacteria to the phage. In other words, the bacteria have innate mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics and phages and to any stress. Therefore, looking for common areas in these molecular mechanisms of response to stress would allow us to develop a treatment with greater potential, the researcher suggests.

In the case of the international project coordinated by Inibic, the objective is to test phages against a very particular type of microbe: persistent bacteria. After years studying the response of bacteria to infection by phages, we have seen several molecular mechanisms of resistance that consist of telling the bacteria to enter a state of latency. And we think that we could go against that, against the development of persistent bacteria responsible for chronic infections, says Tomas.

Scientists have identified bacteriophages capable of acting against these persistent bacteria that, in any stressful situation, become invisible and escape attack by any agent that wants to eliminate them, be it antibiotics or phages. I think that if we manage to eradicate this type of population, we eliminate the infection completely, explains Tomas. The project plans to create a bank of phages and persistent bacteria, as well as testing combinations of antibiotics and phages to neutralize these super-resistant microbes.

Loose ends

Phage research is gaining momentum, but there are still loose ends that trip up researchers. Thus, while there is observational evidence of success stories and data that phage therapy is a safe therapeutic approach, there is also skepticism about the efficacy results within the scientific community. A review of these treatments explains that, despite compelling observational evidence, modern clinical trials, while consistently demonstrating safety, have so far not consistently demonstrated efficacy and points out that this limited efficacy arises from clinical and microbiological challenges unique to phage therapy.

One factor that weighs heavily is the fact that it is a highly personalized treatment, where the phage or phage cocktail is used for a very specific bacteria in a very specific patient. Not all patients require the same dose or the same types of phages. In addition, the preparations will require continuous adjustments and reformulation to adapt to changes in bacterial populations and resistance patterns, the authors of the review explain. The number of clinically useful phages in the environment does not help either: It would be impossible to subject each phage, or combination of phages, to clinical trials for a single type of infection, much less for the variety of bacterial infections to which the phages could be applied, the article agrees.

The reality of these living medicines clashes with the rigidity of the regulatory framework, which can lead to delays in the approval of treatments and uncertainty when it comes to standardizing therapies. And all of this, like a kind of domino effect, also encourages the pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to invest in these approaches.

A review notes, however, that knowledge about phages is still limited and that the full range of interactions between viruses and the bacteria in which they are embedded is not fully understood, for example. The authors also raise safety concerns: Phages are complex biological entities and can theoretically transfer harmful bacterial genes (such as antibiotic resistance genes) between bacteria or trigger adverse immune responses, they stress.

The authors of the article in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, however, clarify that, although phages can induce a direct response from the immune system, there is no evidence that they can cause damage to human cells. They clarify that, although phages can self-amplify, causing the death of bacteria, they do not replicate endlessly: this growth process stops when the bacteria they target disappear.

The experts consulted agree on the need to properly regulate the use of this therapeutic strategy  in Spain it is used, above all, for compassionate use or in contexts of scientific studies  in order to have phages more easily available and exploit their potential to 100%. To guarantee the quality of phage cocktails, Tomas advocates creating a national network of phage therapy in advanced therapy centers. That is, preparing these treatments in highly specialized scientific laboratories, such as those where CAR-T therapy is manufactured, an immunotherapy that consists of extracting lymphocytes from the patient, genetically modifying them so that they recognize tumor cells, and reinfusing them into the patient.

Two researchers in a CHUAC laboratory. VANESSA CASTELEIRO

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Last week, the U.S. Border Patrol carried out a series of surprise arrests and deportations in Bakersfield, California. According to the Customs and Border Protection Office, the operation between January 6 and 8 in this agricultural city left a balance of 78 people detained representing seven different nationalities. But the largest union of agricultural workers in the country suspects that the real number of people affected may be higher than officially reported. The United Farm Workers (UFW) organization believes that the police operation, in which dozens of agents participated on land and by air, was intended to intimidate Latino workers. In fact, the UFW claims that among those detained there were even U.S. citizens and legal residents, as they announced this Thursday in a press conference. They also announced that at least 50 of detainees have been deported to Mexico.

The raids come just before President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to take office on Monday. The promise of mass deportations of immigrants was one of the strong points of the Republicans campaign. This operation in a city whose population is predominantly Latino raises alarms about what may come in the near future.

Information obtained by the UFW through various sources suggests that the number of detainees is higher. We received a report from a rancher who estimates that at least 30 of his workers were detained, Ambar Tovar, director of legal services for the UFW Foundation, said during the press conference. An individual also said that he was detained in a van with at least 36 people during the first day of the operation, she added.

For Tovar, what happened was a scare tactic to terrorize farm workers and the immigrant community on their way to and from work. UFW leaders explained that this operation, called Return to Sender, was the first of this magnitude carried out by the Border Patrol in the area: We counted more than 50 agents mobilized, in addition to patrol cars, vans and helicopters.

Most of those arrested were farm workers. In smaller numbers, we also saw construction workers, yard workers, and others without permanent jobs, said Areli Arteaga, the unions director of Policy and Legislation. The information they have is that around 50 people have already been sent to Mexico. We are certain because we received it from a very reliable source. What we know and suspect is that the majority probably signed their voluntary departure, she said.

The UFW is in touch with some of the detained individuals who were later released, to investigate whether their rights were violated during the process. Despite Border Patrols demonstrably false claim that this raid targeted criminals, we believe it went far beyond that. We are heartbroken to share that two UFW members were detained and are now in Mexico. Both members had lived and worked in the United States for over 15 years. One leaves behind two children under the age of 10, and the other leaves behind four children between the ages of four and 10.

Antonio De Loera-Brust, UFW communications director, said that among those initially arrested were citizens and legal residents of Hispanic origin, which indicates that to a certain extent the arrests were based on their physical appearance. He added that, at this time, the community feels scared: There is a feeling of anxiety about the possibility of being separated from their families. But at the same time, we must continue working. While they are feeding this country, the farm workers feel under threat.

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For the first time, the event will take place across three locations in Delhi: Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, Yashobhoomi Convention Centre at Dwarka, and India Expo Mart at Greater Noida.

IMAGE: Mahindra's BE.05 Rall.E Concept Electric Vehicle. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

The 2025 edition of the Auto Expo, held under the umbrella of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (BMGE), is buzzing with excitement after a relatively lacklustre event in 2023. With 2025 set to see a wave of electric vehicle (EV) launches, the Auto Expo is alive with anticipation, expecting dozens of product unveilings and launches during Delhi's winter chill.

While the exact number has not been officially confirmed, industry sources estimate that nearly 40 new products will be showcased or launched at the BMGE.

The event is also expected to ease geopolitical tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, as the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has reportedly approved the participation of executives from Chinese automobile (auto) makers and auto parts manufacturers, alongside executives from JSW MG Motor India and BYD India.

Passenger vehicle (PV) industry wholesale volumes grew by nearly 4.5 per cent in 2024, reaching 4.3 million units, and automakers expect mid-single-digit growth in 2025.

EVs, however, are projected to see major growth over the next two years. From around 100,000 units in 2025, the numbers are expected to double within two years, according to auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Hyundai Motor India Chief Operating Officer Tarun Garg said that passenger car EV penetration is projected to rise to 17 per cent by 2030, up from around 2.4 per cent currently, aided by an improving ecosystem. The OEM plans to launch the Creta EV at the BMGE.

2025 is expected to be a landmark year for EV launches. Industry leaders such as Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Hyundai, and JSW MG Motor are gearing up to introduce an assortment of EVs in India. Luxury carmakers also have a strong EV lineup planned. Experts observe that the number of electric PV launches in India will double in 2025, increasing from seven to eight launches in 2024 to 15-20, including offerings from luxury carmakers.

For the first time, the event will take place across three locations in Delhi: Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, Yashobhoomi Convention Centre at Dwarka, and India Expo Mart at Greater Noida.

Over 25 car and two-wheeler OEMs are participating this year, including MSIL, Tata Motors, Hyundai Motor India, M&M, Kia, JSW MG Motor, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Vietnam's EV maker VinFast, and China's BYD. Two-wheeler majors such as Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), Yamaha, Suzuki Motorcycle, and TVS Motor Company, along with newcomers like Ola Electric and Ather Energy, will showcase their new lineups.

Vietnamese automaker VinFast, which is setting up an EV assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, will display its global EV range, including the compact mini SUV VF3 and the spacious three-row VF9. It will also showcase various SUVs, electric scooters, and the VF Wild, an electric pickup concept.

Chinese EV maker BYD, which recorded 40 per cent growth in India's electric PV market in 2024, will also exhibit globally acclaimed models alongside its existing offerings.

Rajeev Chauhan, head of the electric passenger vehicles business at BYD India, said: "Our participation strengthens our dedication to providing cutting-edge EV solutions for a cleaner environment and a greener future for India."

Earlier, visas were a problem for large-scale Chinese participation at the expo. However, on December 13, the MEA allowed the Engineering Export Promotion Council, one of the event's organisers, through a letter, that representatives from 42 countries could participate in the event, with China among them.

Interestingly, the participation of Chinese players is vital as the country is a key supplier in the supply chain ecosystem, especially in areas like EV technology, battery production, and raw materials for zero-emission vehicles.

Beijing is also important in the auto industry context as its share in auto components to India is around 30 per cent of total imports, amounting to $6 billion per year. Recently, the government has also eased the issuance of visas to Chinese nationals working under the production-linked incentive scheme.

The 2023 edition of the Expo lacked participation from auto majors such as M&M, Volkswagen, Skoda Auto, Honda Cars, Nissan, and Renault. Luxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as top two-wheeler makers like Hero MotoCorp, HMSI, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company, and Royal Enfield, were also absent.

This year, however, most of these companies are returning. "Companies often prefer to unveil cars on their own rather than at an industry event," said an industry executive.

WHEELS OF CHANGE Nearly 40 new products expected at BMGE, though official numbers unconfirmed  Event aims to ease New Delhi-Beijing tensions with Chinese auto executives attending  PV industry grew 4.5% in 2024, reaching 4.3 million units; modest growth expected in 2025  EV numbers projected to double within two years, starting from 100,000 units in 2025  Event expands to three Delhi locations: Pragati Maidan, Dwarka, and Greater Noida  Over 25 car and two-wheeler OEMs participating this year  2023 Expo saw fewer major auto players due to high costs, affecting value for money

Sohini Das, Shine Jacob, and Deepak Patel contributed to the story.
'...spent 1/10th of his time at 24, Akbar Road...'

'He would have met thousands of party workers and ordinary Congress supporters who have love for the party.'

'Left of Centre intellectuals have shaped Rahul's values, but he lacks earthiness.'

Rasheed Kidwai, author of the best-selling 24 Akbar Road, recalls interesting stories that defined its time.

IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal and others attend a Congress Working Committee meeting at 24, Akbar Road. Photograph: ANI Photo

Part 1: When Raiv Gandhi Sat In The Winter Sun

24, Akbar Road was not built as a party office. The colonial bungalow was meant to be a temporary office in 1978, but remained the Congress HQ for 47 years.

It had limited rooms, washrooms etc and did not have a ladies toilet till about 2012. The women general secretaries had attached toilet in their offices, but women visitors and workers had to use a makeshift toilet.

It was not designed as an office. There was no biometric, or attendance register. Since there is no salary culture in political parties, the general secretaries would get reimbursed for petrol against vouchers.

The main room in the bungalow was occupied by the Congress president. The other rooms assigned to the general secretaries.

P V Narasimha Rao hardly used the room as Congress president, but the party benefited most from him. Since he was PM, the SPG had to be accommodated for his token visits. Makeshift rooms were constructed for the SPG which were later used by the general secretaries.

The AICC office at 24, Akbar Road was quite chaotic and disorganised. There was no or very little use of technology. Even though they had computers, mobiles, they were not used much which resulted in a lot of paperwork.

There were long time hangers on at the office which was sort of a parallel Congress Working Committee. They were the real movers and shakers. The power brokers who knew about appointments, the movement of files from different offices. They organised jobs like logistics and printing of election material which involved a fair amount of money, and had a lot of information of the going ons.

There used to be a board outside a temporary fabricated room in the main building which was the Central Election Authority.

It was a small room which could barely accommodate seven, eight people with a rather imposing name. I used to joke and say that the committee responsible for conducting the elections of the Congress party whose membership ran into two odd crore functioned out of a makeshift room which could not even accommodate eight chairs and that's how it went on for years and years.

It might amuse or upset people to know that the great Indian National Congress that is 140 years old does not have a library.

IMAGE: Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders pay their respects to the mortal remains of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh at 24, Akbar Road, December 28, 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

There are hundreds of karamcharis who are part of AICC staff attached to the general secretaries and other office bearers.

Many live at 24, Akbar Road. They are the faceless people who have seen many general secretaries, Congress presidents, vice presidents and office bearers come and go over the years.

I remember Digvijay Singh gave 150 dinner sets to every employee when he became chief minister of Madhya Pradesh for the second time in 1998.

Many of the staff's daughters or sons would get married at 24, Akbar Road. Sonia Gandhi, who has a huge collection of saris, would gift them saris. She would receive saris as gifts from all over the country and would distribute many of the saris to the staff.

Catering at Congress Working Committee meetings was done by Nathu Sweets, Bengali Sweet House from Bengali Market and from Kaleva Sweets.

There was also an element of tragedy to 24, Akbar Road because the Congress PMs did not spend enough time there.

When the Congress moved here in 1978, Indira Gandhi was out of power, but when she became prime minister, she did not get much time to come here.

Rajiv Gandhi spent time here as general secretary, but then became prime minister. Narasimha Rao did not go to office and functioned from home.

Since Sonia Gandhi was the longest serving Congress president, she spent a lot of time at that office.

Ahmad Patel, who wore many hats -- political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, AICC general secretary, treasurer etc -- did not spend much time there because he was unsure of the confidentiality. He felt there were a lot of hangers on who would come in and out.

Rahul and Priyanka also did not spend too much time there. They were young when Indira Gandhi was PM and did not visit much.

After Rajiv Gandhi's assassination they had a lot of security restriction on movement. Then Rahul went abroad to study and I think had little emotional attachment with that office.

If like his father, he had spent some time there, it would have helped him. He would have met thousands of party workers and ordinary Congress supporters who have love and affection for the party.

Left of Centre and semi or quasi academic intellectuals have shaped his values, but he lacks earthiness.

If he had met and spent 1/10th of his time at 24, Akbar Road, he would have been wiser, because here people came with a sense of association for the Congress.

I remember Indira Gandhi would meet one and all. No one returned empty handed.

IMAGE: Sonia Gandhi in conversation with Mallikarjun Kharge during a meeting at 24, Akbar Road. Photograph: ANI Photo

Technocrats have a very transactional way of looking at politics which is devoid of emotions, and therefore, very cut and dry.

Another change that has happened is that the entire political class has moved from a morning to a night routine.

Earlier, many politicians, particularly Congress politicians, would meet any number of people who came from outside Delhi.

This evaporated over the years because politicians started meeting at night. This meant that the wealthy with cars had access and ordinary people who used public transport were cut off.

This transition from day to night brought a sort of corporate culture which left out ordinary folks.

IMAGE: Sonia Gandhi accompanied by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal lights a ceremonial lamp at the inauguration of Indira Bhawan, the new Congress headquarters in New Delhi, January 15, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Another incident I remember clearly that took place at 24, Akbar Road was on May 14, 1999. All of India was in a hurry to see the India-England match when Sharad Pawar and P A Sangma etc revolted against Sonia Gandhi on her foreign origin.

Sonia stormed out of the meeting and Arjun Singh ran behind her forgetting his slippers. It was an iconic picture of her looking back sternly and Arjun Singh folding his hands as if he was apologising on behalf of the whole Congress party.

The walls of every room at 24, Akbar Road have a lot of history and the Congress should try and preserve it as a museum and hold onto it.

It has seen history not only about the Congress, the Gandhis, but the nation.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A mysterious illness has taken 16 lives in a small village Rajouri, confounding authorities, which remain clueless about the cause of the deaths even two months after the first casualty.

Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Jatti Begum, 60, who perished from unknown causes on Friday is the latest casualty in the series. Another girl still battles for her life.

The victims belong to Badhaal village in the Kotranka sub-division of Rajouri district, where 16 members of three families have died since December last year - seven of them since Sunday.

Authorities have sealed three houses belonging to the affected families and shifted 21 their close relatives to government accommodation to be kept under strict monitoring.

A team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dil Mir carried out the operation, with security personnel deployed at the sites, officials said.

Meanwhile, an 11-member SIT, headed by Budhal Superintendent of Police (Operations) Wajahat Hussain, has been formed to investigate the deaths.

Jatti Begum's husband, Mohd Yousuf died three days ago in a hospital.

Yasmeen Kouser, 15, the daughter of Mohd Aslam, remains critical and is on ventilator support at SMGS Hospital in Jammu, officials said.

Of the six children of Mohd Aslam admitted to SMGS Hospital on Sunday, five have died.

"The situation is being fully monitored on all fronts. Many health and testing agencies are already involved in the investigation to determine the cause of these deaths," Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo told reporters in Jammu.

"There is no evidence of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections so far. Further investigations are ongoing to identify the cause. To explore any possible criminal angle, an SIT has been formed," he said.

Dulloo ruled out a health emergency, stating that only three families in the area were affected.

Investigators will examine all food items and medicines consumed by the families of Fazal, Mohd Rafiq, and Mohd Aslam, and samples will be sent to laboratories for testing, officials said.

The SIT has started its probe, examining the circumstances in the village, reviewing medical purchases from local chemists, and questioning residents.

A central team comprising experts from premier health and testing institutions is camping in the village.

"All samples have tested negative for any viral or bacteriological cause," Dulloo said.

"Tests were conducted at reputed institutions, including the National Institute of Virology (Pune), the National Centre for Disease Control (New Delhi), and others," he said. The first incident was reported on December 7 last year when a family of seven fell ill after a community meal, resulting in five deaths.

On December 12, a family of nine was affected, with three deaths.

The third incident occurred on January 12, involving a family of ten, with six children hospitalised.

On Wednesday night, Zabeena Kouser, 10, another child of Mohd Aslam, died at SMGS Hospital, while her 15-year-old sister Yasmeen remains critical, officials said.

Reports suggest that the incidents are not linked to any communicable disease.

"Toxicological analysis by CSIR-IITR detected toxins in multiple biological specimens," a spokesperson said.
Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda on Friday released the first part of the party's manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, announcing Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens.

IMAGE: BJP candidate from Patel Nagar assembly constituency Raaj Kumar Anand files his nomination for the Delhi assembly elections, in New Delhi, January 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

He also assured all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the BJP is voted to power.

Addressing a press conference while releasing the first part of the 'Sankalp Patra', Nadda said the party's manifesto is the foundation for a developed Delhi.

Hitting out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, he said all corruption charges in the existing public welfare schemes will be investigated.

He promised that a BJP-led Delhi government will approve implementation of the 'Ayushman Bharat ' in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.

"The BJP will give LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder will be given each on Holi and Diwali," he said.

The BJP president also promised Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens between the age of 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those older than 70.
In an unusual turn of events in the Supreme Court, a law officer criticised the Enforcement Directorate for filing a "half-baked" reply in a bail matter and later termed it a miscommunication while urging the court to proceed with the hearing.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing an appeal of Arun Pati Tripathi, an Indian Telecom Services officer, challenging the October 25, 2024 order of the Chhattisgarh high court denying him bail in connection with the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor scam.

Additional solicitor general SV Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, said, "There is something hanky-panky as far as my department is concerned. Without consultation, a half-baked affidavit has been filed even before we made an appearance."

Taking note of the shocking submission, the bench expressed dissatisfaction on the situation, calling it a "serious matter" questioning the accountability of ED and the agency's advocate-on-record.

"The counter must have been filed by your AoR," Justice Oka said to which Raju said the AoR could not be blamed for the oversight.

Subsequently, when the matter was taken up for hearing, the bench asked Raju, "You (ED) have filed a counter affidavit. Can you disown it now? What is going on?"

He responded, "I am not disowning. I am only saying it was filed without proper vetting so I will have to verify."

The bench termed it a "sad thing" and said it was like casting an aspersion on the AoR.

"I am not casting any aspersion. Some miscommunication has happened," said the law officer, insisting the AoR was not to be blamed.

Raju then requested the bench to proceed with the matter, but the court posted the hearing on February 5.

In the day earlier, the law officer said the affidavit was filed without an input from the investigating agency, and indicated possible procedural lapses within the ED.

This prompted senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing Tripathi, to suggest it might be a deliberate strategy to prolong the accused's detention.

The bench wondered how the affidavit could have been filed without proper instructions and asked, "AoR for ED files the affidavit, and now ED wants to say it was filed without instructions. How can we accept that?"

The ASG clarified while the affidavit originated from the ED, it was submitted without being vetted through proper channels.

He assured the court that he had asked the ED director to initiate a departmental inquiry into the matter.

"I personally told the director (ED) to institute an inquiry and ensure the officer responsible is present in court. This type of thing should not happen in the department," said Raju.

The case involved allegations of massive corruption, money laundering, and illegal profiteering by a criminal syndicate operating within the state's excise department.

Tripathi, who served on deputation as the special secretary and managing director of the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited, was arrested on August 8, 2024, following an investigation by the ED.

The ED initiated the probe based on a predicate offense registered by the economic offences wing, Raipur, on January 17, 2024, under multiple sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The ED alleged a criminal syndicate comprising senior government officials, private individuals, and political executives manipulated the state's excise policies to extort illegal earnings from the liquor trade.

Investigations revealed the syndicate amassed over Rs 1,660 crore between 2019 and 2023, exploiting loopholes in the system to enrich themselves.
Pakistani court on Friday sentenced jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 14 and seven years in prison respectively after finding them guilty of corruption in the 190 million pounds al-Qadir Trust case.

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IMAGE: Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan shout slogans during a protest following Khan's 14-year jail sentence in a land corruption case, outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, January 17, 2025. Photograph: Salahuddin/Reuters

Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the anti-corruption court announced the verdict in a makeshift court set up in Adila jail where Khan is currently lodged. Khan is facing dozens of cases after he lost a trust vote in Parliament in 2022.

Khan has been convicted for "corrupt practices" and "misuse of authority", while his wife has been convicted for "involvement in illegal activities".

Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023, was also fined Rs 1 million and Bibi half a million rupees.

Failure to pay the fine will entail an additional six months of imprisonment for Khan and three months for Bibi. The court also ordered the confiscation of the land of Al-Qadir University set up by them.

Bibi was arrested from the court after the sentencing.

Supporters and leaders of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party staged a protest outside Parliament House, held placards, and chanted slogans, demanding his release.

"Today's (Friday) verdict has tarnished the reputation of the judiciary In this case, neither I benefited nor the government lost. I don't want any relief and will face all cases," Khan was quoted as saying by his party.

"A dictator is doing all this," he said.

PTI leaders strongly denounced the verdict, terming it unjust, shameful, and a case of political victimisation.

PTI chairman Gohar Khan said, "The behaviour of the court has been unjust. Khan sahib has not benefitted from a single rupee from this matter."

PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry termed the decision political use of the National Accountability Bureau.

Another party leader, Shibli Faraz, argued that Khan and Bibi were not beneficiaries of the alleged transactions.

He contended that they were being punished for founding the Al-Qadir University, which aimed to promote the teachings of the Prophet.

"Those who looted the country walk free, while sincere leaders face jail," said Faraz, while reaffirming to challenge the verdict.

Khan can appeal against the judgment in the High Court and if needed in the Supreme Court.

The National Accountability Bureau in December 2023 filed the case against Khan (72), Bibi (50) and six others, accusing them of causing a loss to the tune of 190 million pounds (PRs 50 billion) to the national kitty.

Only Khan and Bibi have been prosecuted in the case as all others, including a property tycoon, were out of the country.

The case revolves around allegations that an amount of PRs 50 billion, returned to Pakistan by the UK's National Crime Agency as part of a settlement with the property tycoon, was misused.

The funds were reportedly intended for the national treasury but were allegedly redirected for the personal benefit of the businessman who helped Bibi and Khan to set up a university.

Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of benefiting from this settlement, including acquiring 458 kanals of land for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.

Judge Rana concluded the hearing in the case on December 18 but reserved the judgment until December 23.

Later, he fixed January 6 as the date for announcing the verdict, Geo News reported.

He was on leave on January 6 so the verdict was postponed until January 13.

But the verdict was once again deferred as the accused and their lawyers were not present in the court on January 13.

The judgment comes amidst the ongoing negotiation between the government and Khan's PTI to address the political instability in the country due to the imprisonment of Khan and several other leaders of his party.

Pakistan has been in the grip of political turmoil since the elections were held on February 8 last year when the PTI refused to accept the result and held several protests over alleged rigging of polls, and Khan's detention.

So far three rounds of talks have been held between the government and the PTI and the opposition party has presented its charter of demands in writing to the government.

Khan claims all cases against him were politically motivated.

Last year, he was acquitted in the cipher case for disclosing official secrets and the Iddat case for violating marriage laws but was charged in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case in December.
An Indian national, Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, on Thursday was sentenced to eight years for an attempted attack on the White House with a rented truck on May 22, 2023.

Photograph: White House on Facebook

The attack aimed to overthrow the democratically elected American government in order to replace it with a dictatorship fuelled by Nazi ideology, the Department of Justice said.

Kandula had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024 to a charge of willful injury or depredation of US property. Born in Chandanagar, India, he was a was a lawful permanent resident of the US with a green card. In addition to the prison term, District Court Judge Dabney L Friedrich ordered Kandula to serve three years of supervised release.

The Indian national flew on a commercial flight from St Louis, Missouri, to Washington D.C. on the afternoon of May 22, 2023, connecting through another airport on a one-way airline ticket, according to court documents, and arrived at Dulles International Airport about 5:20 pm, wherein he rented a truck at 6:30 pm.

He stopped for food and gas, and then drove to Washington, D.C., where he crashed into the barriers protecting the White House and the President's Park at 9:35 pm at the intersection of H Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest. Kandula drove onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians running from the scene. After striking the barriers, the truck backed up in reverse, then lurched forward, striking the metal barriers a second time. The second impact disabled the truck which began smoking from the engine compartment and leaking fluids.

Kandula next exited the vehicle and went to the back of the truck. From a backpack he removed a flag, a three-by-five foot red-and-white banner with a Nazi Swastika in the centre, and brandished it. US Park Police and the US Secret Service officers arrested Kandula at the scene and took him into custody, the Department of Justice said.

According to the plea agreement, at the time Kandula crashed the truck into the White House perimeter, he was attempting to gain access to the White House to seize political power.

Kandula's intent was to replace the democratically elected government with a dictatorship fueled by ideology of Nazi Germany and for himself to be put in charge of the United States. Kandula admitted to investigators that he would have arranged for the killing of the US President and others if necessary to achieve his objective. His actions were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, it said.

According to Department of Justice, his actions caused USD 4,322 in damage to the National Park Service. This amount included costs for repairing the metal bollard barriers to their original condition and ensuring structural soundness, oil and chemical removal, spill cleanup, and disposal of fluids from the crashed U-Haul.

Kandula planned the attack for several weeks. Prior to renting the truck and crashing it on the White House grounds, he made several attempts to gain access to vehicles or armed security guards. For example, on April 22, 2023, Kandula requested 25 armed guards and an armoured convoy from a security company located in Virginia, federal prosecutors said.

On May 4, 2023, Kandula attempted to contact several other companies in an attempt to rent a large commercial tractor-trailer truck, a dump truck, or another large truck. Kandula was unsuccessful in arraigning for security guards or a tractor-trailer truck or dump truck. Kandula had attempted to arrange for the services of these security guards and the use of large vehicles in order to carry out his offense against the US government, a media release said.

By Lalit K Jha
A Pakistani court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to rename a chowk in Lahore after Bhagat Singh, upholding instead the decision of the local corporation which cited a retired military officer who said that the freedom fighter was not a revolutionary but a "criminal".

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Lahore high court Judge Shams Mehmood Mirza disposed of a petition of Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan seeking to rename Shadman Chowk Lahore after Singh and place his statue where he was hanged, a court official told PTI.

The judge dismissed the petition after hearing arguments by counsels for the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore and the foundation.

The foundation's chairman, advocate Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi said it would challenge the LHC's decision in the Supreme Court.

Earlier the corporation, which is a part of the district government of Lahore, had told the LHC in a written reply that it scrapped the plan to rename the chowk and place Bhagat Singh's statue where he was hanged 94 years ago.

It said that the plan was dropped "in the light of an observation submitted by Commodore (Retd) Tariq Majeed".

Majeed, who was engaged by the government in a committee to rename Shadman Chowk, in his observations submitted to the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore in November claimed that Singh "was not a revolutionary but a criminal".

"In today's terms he was a terrorist, he killed a British police officer, and for this crime, he was hanged along with two accomplices," the retired officer had said in his his report.

Majeed also claimed that Singh had no role in the freedom movement of the subcontinent.

"He was an atheist and declaring such a criminal a martyr is a crime and an insult to the concept of martyrs of Islam and advertising in his support is against Islam," he said, recommending to the government that the Shadman Chowk must not be named Bhagat Singh Chowk and his statue should not be installed there.

The report also said Singh was influenced by "religious leaders hostile to Muslims and the NGO -- Bhagat Singh Foundation -- is working against Islamic ideology and Pakistani culture, (and) it should be banned".

"Don't the officials of the foundation, who call themselves Muslims, know that it is not acceptable to name a place after an atheist in Pakistan and that Islam prohibits human statues?" it asked.

In response to the report, Qureshi had earlier told PTI that Singh was declared a great revolutionary, freedom fighter and martyr undisputedly.

At a press conference in Lahore in November, the foundation chairman had said that Majeed should remember the speech of Pakistan's founder M A Jinnah for the praise of revolutionary Singh in the Central Assembly before calling him a "criminal and terrorist".

"Jinnah not only praised the sacrificial personality of Bhagat Singh and his comrades but also stood in their support with the strongest possible intention and questioned British law and order and principles," Qureshi had said.

Singh was hanged along with his two comrades -- Rajguru and Sukhdev -- by British rulers on March 23, 1931, at the age of 23 in Lahore, after being tried under charges for hatching a conspiracy against the colonial government and allegedly killing British police officer John P Saunders.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the police have got several clues in the Saif Ali Khan attack case, and will arrest the culprit soon.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addresses the 'National Startup Day 2025' programme, at Jio World Centre in Mumbai, January 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, was talking to the media in Mumbai.

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was grievously injured after an intruder stabbed him multiple times at his home in Mumbai's Bandra area early Thursday morning.

"Police investigation is going on....they have got many clues and I feel the police will very soon zero in (on the culprit)," the chief minister said, replying to a question.
No underworld gang is behind the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Maharashtra minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam said on Friday.

Photograph: Courtesy Soha Ali Khan on Instagram

"A suspect who has been detained in connection with the attack is not part of any gang. No gang has carried out this attack," Kadam told reporters in Pune.

Kadam said the theft was the only motive behind the attack on the actor.

"There has been no intimation from Saif Ali Khan to the police, till date on whether he faced any threat," the minister said.

"He has not sought any security cover, but if he does so, we will follow due procedure," he added.

Queried if the actor would be provided security following the incident, Kadam said Khan can put forth a demand if he believes there is a threat to his life.

"The police administration will take appropriate decision after a review (of the demand). There is a police committee which reviews applications seeking security. It is provided on the basis of severity of threat to a person," the minister added.

Khan (54) suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th-floor flat in upscale Bandra in the early hours of Thursday.

The actor, who received multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.

He is doing "very well" and expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors said on Friday.

Kadam said the Mumbai police have detained a person whose facial features matched with the suspected attacker whose image was captured in CCTV cameras when he was fleeing the building.

The person has a criminal record and police were questioning him, he said.

Asked about possible involvement of a criminal gang in the attack, the minister maintained primary investigations have ruled out any such angle.

So far, theft seems to be the only motive behind the incident, he added.

"The Mumbai police have detained a person whose facial characteristics are similar to the man seen in CCTV cameras. The police are tracking one more person," Kadam informed.

CCTV footage showed the suspected assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the 'Satguru Sharan' building where Khan lives.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the law forcing the short video platform TikTok to separate from its parent company, China-based ByteDance. The ruling issued Friday unanimously by the nine justices opens the door to the social network being shut down in the U.S., one of its largest markets, as of this Sunday, the day before Donald Trumps inauguration in Washington.

The U.S. government  which by then will already be in Trumps hands  can apply an extension of 100 days, as provided by the law itself, passed last May with the support of both parties in Congress. But the condition is that, by then, the social network has begun to take steps to put itself up for sale.

The Justice Department argued that the law is necessary to protect U.S. national security. It claimed that the Chinese-owned platform could disseminate propaganda content in a way that would go unnoticed by users, and that ByteDance could obtain data from its U.S. consumers that could end up in the hands of the Chinese government. TikTok argued, for its part, that the move violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech.

The Supreme Court has upheld the decision issued by an appeals court, which found that the law does not violate the freedom of speech of the platforms nearly 170 million U.S. users. There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the ruling states. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights, it adds.

The Supreme Courts decision comes as president-elect Trump held a conversation Friday with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which they discussed the situation of the short video platform, among other issues. Trump himself made the conversation, which he described as positive, known in a post on his social network, Truth. The CEO of TikTok, Singaporean Shou Zi Chew, is one of the guests who will be present at the inauguration ceremony on the steps of the Capitol next Monday.

In a statement, the White House, where President Joe Biden signed the law into effect last May, indicated that the social network should continue to be available to U.S. users, but under U.S. ownership or other owners who do not pose a danger to national security. Those actions will be up to the new administration, which will begin to exercise its functions on January 20.

Bidens spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, explained that given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday.

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BRATTLEBORO  As this year's Miss Vermont, Meara Seery took to the big stage to compete in Miss America.

While the Brattleboro native wasn't named a finalist, she enjoyed the grandeur and fun of the event that took place from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Fla.

"It was honestly really eye opening in the sense that it's really easy to go into any situation with goals for yourself," she said. "Then once you get there, you realize how much bigger the experience is than your own personal experience."

Her goal was to become the first Miss Vermont to ever make the top 10. When she arrived, she said, she realized there's so much more to get out of the experience.

Two nights of preliminary competition included women representing the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On the first night, Seery participated in contests involving evening gown, fitness and stage questioning followed by talent on the second night. Judges scored the contestants and determined the top 10 finalists to move on.

Seery said she made some close friends she's talked to every single day since the competition and Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who complimented her talent. For the talent portion, she brought the house down with a jazzy rendition of The White Stripes song, "Seven Nation Army."

Sixx's daughter participates in a mentorship program through the Miss America organization and his wife made the floral arrangements for the competition. Seery described Sixx as "great, super down-to-Earth" and "welcoming."

Walking out on the stage for the first time during rehearsal brought on "a weird feeling" for Seery. She said it felt much smaller and less intimidating than she expected.

"But I still had a huge sense of the grandeur of the situation, where only 52 women get to do this every single year," she said.

Seery said she wasn't nervous during the week. Instead, she described being "grateful for the opportunity."

"I didn't feel any sense of obligation," she said.

She noted some people in Vermont and other rural areas don't fully grasp the scope or magnitude of Miss America.

Brattleboro woman crowned Miss Vermont BRATTLEBORO  Third time's the charm for Meara Seery.

With five months left as Miss Vermont, Seery intends to put in as many appearances as possible and savor the remaining moments. The 24-year-old will soon retire from pageantry, crowning her successor May 4 in Stowe.

"This is weird because it's been such a big part of my life for so long," she said.

Her first pageant happened at the 2017 Brattleboro Winter Carnival. She said she wishes the event still was part of the carnival.

Starting in 2021, Seery competed in Miss Vermont. She received the title in April 2024 and will be known in the future as a Forever Miss Vermont. She'll be invited to the annual show to help out.

"I would love to judge also," she said. "I think it would be so fun to be a judge for other competitions now that I'm on the other side of things."

Miss Vermont delegate from Brattleboro hones in on sustainability BRATTLEBORO  A local delegate in the Miss Vermont competition is making a slight tweak to h

Sustainability is Seery's platform as Miss Vermont. She said she's had people reach out to tell her she inspired them to start thrift shopping and create their own clothing.

Attending a Noah Kahan concert at Fenway Park over the summer, she was approached about the subject.

"They said, 'I saw your Tik Tok of making those shorts,'" she said. "I definitely feel I'm making some positive differences for the environment."

Through a partnership with Green Up Vermont, Seery helped achieve a Guinness World Record for having the most volunteer pledges to clean up trash in a 24-hour period on Green Up Day on May 4. That number is 6,833.

Green Up Vermont, Miss Vermont celebrate Guinness World Record Green Up Vermont and Miss Vermont celebrated a Guinness World Record for having the most vol

Currently, Seery lives in Burlington. She moved there to be closer to resources for Miss Vermont activities.

For now, she doesn't have much planned for retirement from the pageant life.

"I'm just trying to enjoy the moment because it is kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said. "My goal for being Miss Vermont and for competing in Miss America, other than sustainability, has been about advocating for low income women, and girls and people who live in rural communities, and to show them that you can do things like go to college and graduate debt free, and even be Miss Vermont."

Seery said she wants to "encourage people to take leaps and try new things and maybe even sign up to compete for 2025."
Now, its been 15 years. Most of the girls that are coming in here today dont know anything about Jessica, said Debbie Bolognani. But, she
By Yuki Yamaguchi, KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 08:35 | All, World, Japan

With only days remaining before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office amid his threats of tariffs, Japanese automakers are preparing to explore new partnerships and revamp supply chains to stay competitive in the vital U.S. market.

Among Japanese industries, the auto sector is expected to face the highest risk from the incoming president's proposal to impose 10 to 20 percent tariffs on all U.S. imports.

Vehicle exports comprise the largest share of Japan's exports to the world's largest economy, accounting for about 30 percent of the total in 2023.

Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and their smaller local peers will have no choice but to respond to the tariff plan, which would raise vehicle prices and dampen consumer demand unless countermeasures are implemented. Even if prices remain unchanged, carmakers would face a squeeze on profitability.

The United States currently imposes a 2.5 percent tariff on Japanese cars, 2 percent on buses, and 25 percent on trucks, while Japan imposes no auto tariffs of its own.

"It is a highly competitive market, but it is also a market easier to make money compared to other markets due to its massive size," Seiji Sugiura, senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Co., said of the U.S. market.

Producing vehicles in Japan rather than at local plants for the world's second-largest auto market after China makes business sense. Japanese automakers have benefited significantly from the yen's recent slide to multi-decade lows against the U.S. dollar.

A weaker yen makes Japan-made vehicles more price-competitive overseas and increases income earned abroad when converted back into Japanese currency.

However, analysts say Trump's higher import duties are likely to significantly offset the currency advantage and reduce profits, particularly for Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp.

Subaru and Mazda export about 50 percent and 70 percent of their vehicles sold in the U.S. market from Japan, respectively, compared with over 20 percent for Toyota and less than 1 percent for Honda.

Operating profit could decline by 35 percent at Subaru and 33 percent at Mazda in the fiscal year ending March 2026 due to the additional levies, analysts at Nomura Securities Co. said in a report released in September.

"This is not a problem one company can solve alone," Mazda President Masahiro Moro said at a November press conference on the company's latest earnings, referring to the tariff plan. He noted that Mazda would closely monitor changes in U.S. trade policy under the new administration. The company operates a plant in the state of Alabama that was jointly established with Toyota.

Subaru said it is considering boosting production capacity at its plant in the state of Indiana to lessen the impact of the tariffs.

The situation may be more complicated for Mazda, as it also produces vehicles in Mexico for the U.S. market, another target of Trump's tariffs.

Trump has announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective from his first day in office after being sworn in on Monday.

About 30 percent of Honda vehicles sold in the United States are sourced from Canada and Mexico. Toyota also produces vehicles in both neighboring countries for the U.S. market, while Nissan ships about 40 percent of its Mexico-made vehicles to the United States, with all benefiting from a free trade agreement among the three nations.

Japan's two largest automakers, Toyota and Honda, have greater production capacity in the United States than other Japanese manufacturers. However, Trump's proposed 25 percent tariff is likely to prompt them to reassess their global production strategies, analysts said.

Honda may consider relocating production out of Mexico, depending on the duration of any new tariffs, Honda Executive Vice President Shinji Aoyama said at a November press conference on the company's latest earnings.

"We cannot move production out of Mexico right away," Aoyama said. But the company is aware that "there is going to be a big impact" from the tariff plan, he said.

Jin Tang, senior principal researcher at Mizuho Bank, said Japanese automakers should prioritize improving profitability, such as through cost-cutting measures, as Trump's plan is expected to impact sales of vehicles from Canada and Mexico.

"It is possible that they lower their production volumes or reduce the number of models they build" in Mexico and Canada to mitigate the impact of the plan, he said.

Nissan, which exports more vehicles from Mexico than any other Japanese automaker, is in greater need of external support to withstand the new levies.

The carmaker is scaling back its global production capacity as part of restructuring after falling into a loss in the July-September quarter due in part to sluggish U.S. sales.

Japan's third-largest automaker by volume announced in December plans to merge with its second-largest rival, Honda. Analysts say the merger could offer a solution by allowing the two companies to utilize each other's plants, share expenses for developing next-generation electric vehicles and bolster their product lineups by providing complementary models.

Honda will consider supplying hybrid vehicles to Nissan, Honda President Toshihiro Mibe said at a December press conference announcing the merger plan. This would allow Nissan to enter the U.S. hybrid market and meet the growing demand for gasoline-electric models.

"Nissan is not the only company that will be hit by the tariffs, but they could further deteriorate the harsh business environment it is facing in the United States," said Sanshiro Fukao, executive fellow at the Itochu Research Institute.

Related coverage:

Honda, Nissan aim to merge under holding company in 2026

Honda, Nissan to consider building vehicles at each other's plants

OPINION: Tune in to American populists
KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 19:49 | Japan, All, Arts

The president of Fuji Television Network Inc. apologized Friday over allegations it was involved in a sexual misconduct scandal involving Japanese TV host Masahiro Nakai, best known as a member of the now-defunct pop group SMAP, and a woman.

Koichi Minato, who also announced the establishment of a new investigation panel led by lawyers, said that while the network was aware of the incident in June 2023, it was not disclosed as "we prioritized the woman's physical and mental recovery as well as the protection of her privacy, considering it a highly sensitive matter."

"We apologize for not being able to provide explanations earlier," Minato said at a press conference, the broadcaster's first since media reports emerged last month that its employee had arranged the meal where Nakai met the woman.

According to the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine, what was planned as a dinner in June 2023 with Fuji TV employees ended up with only Nakai and the woman present, leading to nonconsensual sexual activity and a 90 million yen ($579,000) out-of-court settlement.

Minato declined to comment on the magazine's criticism of the network's handling of the situation with the woman, citing the investigation to which he himself would also be subjected.

The TV broadcaster denied involvement in the incident, stating that the employee in question neither arranged nor was aware of the meal. But it said the matter would be "entrusted to the investigation committee for further review."

Fuji TV's first monthly press conference for the year was initially scheduled for late February, but it was urgently brought forward to Friday following growing calls by reporters.

Related coverage:

Fuji TV probing alleged role in sex scandal of Japan TV host Masahiro Nakai

Sex scandal-hit ex-SMAP member Nakai apologizes for "trouble"
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."
He has been referred to by Western media and pundits as "Russia's man in the south" of Syria, and some see him as a potential threat to the country's new ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

His name is Ahmad al-Awda and he has been in the news since the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's government last month.

Awda commanded rebel forces opposed to Assad in the southern Syrian governorate of Daraa from the early years of the civil war, which began in 2011, before shifting alliances to cooperate with Assad's ally, Russia. But that all changed last November.

As the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies launched their lightning offensive against Assad's government from the north on November 27, 2024, Awda and his fighters moved toward Damascus from the south.

"He's an opportunist or an intelligent and pragmatic player, depending on your perspective," said Robin Yassin-Kassab, the co-author of Burning Country: Syrians In Revolution And War.



Rebel In The South



There are no clear details about Awda's early years. Reports citing people close to him say that, some time before the start of Syria's civil war, he left the country for the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) after completing his mandatory military service in Syria's army.

Awda, who reportedly had no military experience besides his time as a conscript, returned to Daraa in 2012.

In 2014, he joined the Free Syrian Army, a large coalition of rebel forces opposed to Assad. He was handed the command of the Shabaab Al-Sunna (Sunni Youth) battalion, which then took control of his hometown of Bosra in the Daraa governorate.

According to people close to him, despite cooperating with them, he never grew close to Islamist rebel groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra, or the Nusra Front, which was founded by Sharaa, who at the time went by his nom de guerre, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. Awda has never publicly expressed a desire for rule by Shari'a law.

Following a major offensive by Syrian government forces in 2018 to retake the south from rebel forces, Awda reached a so-called settlement agreement with Russia.

Under the deal, the rebels "reconciled" with the Assad government, gave up their heavy weaponry, and remained in the south.

"In effect, [Awda] achieved a low level of autonomy," said Yassin-Kassab. "He became a local warlord."

Awda then became the commander of the Eighth Brigade, a unit that, in 2020, was integrated into the Syrian Army's Fifth Corps, which was sponsored by Russia.

Awda, however, switched allegiances once again, following the launch of the HTS-led offensive against Assad in November 2024. Reportedly working with HTS, he cut ties with Russia and marched toward Damascus.

On December 8, 2024, Awda and his forces were spotted in the Syrian capital before Sharaa's arrival, but they left within hours. While he has not publicly expressed a desire to challenge Sharaa, there have been reports indicating that he wants to maintain his autonomy in the south.



Leadership Threat?

Powerful Arab states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. are worried about the regional ramifications of Islamists seizing power in Syria.

Those fears come as the United States is in the process of lifting certain restrictions to facilitate Syria's transition into the post-Assad era. The European Union is also mulling lifting oil, gas, banking, and transportation sanctions, according to an informal EU document seen by RFE/RL.

Colin Clarke, director of policy and research at the New York-based Soufan Group intelligence consultancy, said that if Syria's new rulers manage to effectively run the country, it would serve as a "real momentum boost" for Islamist groups.

"To the leadership in U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia, there is a concern that the takeover of Syria by HTS will energize Islamists in those countries, and if [Sharaa] succeeds in governing, it will be proof of concept for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood," he added.

Both the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia view Islamist movements as existential threats to their monarchies and political systems.

This is where someone like Awda -- who has name recognition and ties with the U.A.E. -- could fit in. Some region-watchers have suggested he could become Syria's Khalifa Haftar -- a strongman backed by the U.A.E. and Egypt, who has challenged the rule of the UN-backed Government of National Accord in Libya.

"I'm sure the U.A.E. and [Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah] Sisi would aid an insurgency if one gets going in Syria," Yassin-Kassab said, adding that it depends on how effectively and quickly the new Syrian administration can establish order and authority.

"But if things in general degenerate, then [Awda] could be one warlord who might take foreign funds," he said.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Minding The Transatlantic Gap

China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine.

But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing?

Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments.

That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years.

On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States.

Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration.

"Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper.

How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019.

The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure.

Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States.

This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing.

A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real.

Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly.

"My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said.

Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels.

One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington.

The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters.

Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge.

As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27.

James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation.

"A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said.

China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals.

What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. A Reverse Nixon?

China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner.

The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me.

One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States.

The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing.

Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset.

He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War.

2. But Can It Work?

A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late.

What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia.

Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed.

And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began.

"It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said.

The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan.

Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing.

"Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump."

3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine

Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion.

What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification.

Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance.

When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration.

So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom.

Across The Supercontinent

Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer.

New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia.

New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system.

One Thing To Watch

A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed.

Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel.

The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish
The family of the exiled Iranian satirist and comedian Ebrahim Nabavi has announced his death in the United States at the age of 66. In a statement, they said he had taken his own life and that the "impossibility of living in his homeland weighed heavily on him." Nabavi left Iran in 2003 after serving multiple prison terms for his activism and criticism of the Islamic republic.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 13:19 | World, All

Mainland China saw its population decline for the third straight year in 2024, government data showed Friday, with the graying of the world's second-largest economy accelerating despite the scrapping of its "one-child policy" in 2016.

The population of China, excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, reached 1,408.28 million by the end of 2024, down 1.39 million from the previous year. The ratio of those aged 65 or older inched up 0.2 percentage point to 15.6 percent.

The birthrate recovered to 6.77 per 1,000 people from 6.39 in 2023, its lowest level since 1949, when Mao Zedong founded the Communist-led country.

The number of babies born stood at 9.54 million, up from 9.02 million in 2023 as the government implemented policies to encourage childbirth.

In 2021, China decided to allow married couples to have a third child, but so far, the country has not seen a baby boom, with experts pointing to the heavy financial burden on young couples to raise children.

In addition to ending the "one-child policy" introduced in 1979, China began to gradually raise the country's retirement age over a 15-year period from January this year, amid growing concerns that a rapidly aging population could constrain the nation's economic expansion.

According to U.N. estimates, India overtook China as the world's most populous nation in 2023. In 2022, the population of mainland China shrank for the first time in 61 years.

Related coverage:

Japan's births fall to record low of 350,000 in Jan.-June

Japan's 18-year-olds rise to 1.09 mil., yet still 2nd lowest
The historic Loughglynn House and demesne was purchased recently at an online auction for the asking price of 425,000.

The unique property in West Roscommon had been on the market for 850,000 two years ago, but was sold for half that price.

A spokesperson for BidX1, the company which handled the auction, told the Herald it could not reveal the identity of the new owner on GDPR grounds.

The 18th century Georgian country estate on almost 20 acres comprises two period houses together with church buildings, courtyard buildings and a caretakers cottage.

The historic house was originally built as a country residence for Viscount Dillon and his family in 1715. The Dillons lived primarily in the UK while land agents lived in the house, including the Strickland family.

In 1899, the house was bought by the Bishop of Elphin and three years later, it was handed over to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary to use as a convent.

From 1973, the complex operated as a nursing home until 2003 when the property was sold by the nuns to a development company. The company had previously secured planning permission to develop it into a luxury hotel complex.

However, those ambitious plans were scuppered by the economic crash, and the buildings fell into disrepair and became victim of extensive vandalism and theft.

Following a period of neglect, the last owners purchased the property in 2014, and carried out remedial works on the property.
The Irish media are often criticised for being too obsessed with US politics. Nonetheless, when Micheal Martin references the imminent inauguration of Donald Trump as a factor in speeding up government formation, its clear what happens in Washington is looming large over Irish politics.

One positive of Trumps election victory is that its concentrating minds in coalition negotiations. The voters have every right to ask why it has taken so long to get the Dail back up and running given that the nation went to polls on November 29th, especially since Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are so familiar with one another.

A new government needs to be in place to prepare for what Trump 2.0 has in store for Ireland; to discover if we are one of those nations in his sights. Trump has promised to introduce tariffs, which would spark a trade war with the EU and impact drastically on Irish exports to the US. Just as seriously, maybe more so, officials in the incoming administration want giant US tech companies to relocate to the mother nation or at least pay their taxes there.

As the dogs on the streets know, Ireland has become overly dependent on the tax bonanza from those US corporations. Its the reason Irelands economic growth is an outlier in western Europe. That will change dramatically if those taxes are diverted back to the US.

Its not just Ireland that is wary, of course. The world is holding its breath for what awaits when Trump returns to the White House. Ukraine must be petrified that the new president will leave them to their fate.

However, Trump switched his attention to unlikely targets last week when he said he wanted to take Greenland from Denmark, reclaim the Panama Canal and outlined the positives of Canada and the US uniting. Everyone knows Trump and his acolytes are revelling in the way they are unnerving the USs erstwhile allies; Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, hadnt the stomach for the upcoming turbulence and resigned.

What has been fascinating is how the attitude of the rest of the world has changed since Trump previously took office in 2017. Back then, his election was greeted with a mixture of disbelief, disdain, disquiet and a measure of condescension.

All is changed, changed utterly. This time around, leaders of other nations are doing all they can to ingratiate themselves with the new administration. The world is also different to 2016: Trump-like leaders are being elected across the western world as politics has shifted notably to the right.

Its the same with the social media behemoths who treated Trump with suspicion the first time around, now they are queuing up seeking his favour.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, is acting like a co-president, but should be careful not to over-reach. The Donald is like Joey in Friends: he doesnt share. If Musk continues to seek the limelight, the bromance will come to an abrupt end.

The new vibe was exemplified by the actions of Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta. Four years ago, in the wake of the January 6th attacks in Washington, Zuckerberg banned Trump from Facebook. Last week, Zuckerberg got rid of fact-checkers and said he wanted to join forces with the president, especially in taking on the more regulation-conscious EU.

Trump was asked if he thought his previous threats to Zuckerberg led to the transformation in his thinking; Trump replied nonchalantly, Probably. We are entering the Age of the Bellicose Bully.

The Irish government and its diplomats will need to be adroit at reading the room as Trump takes charge next Tuesday.

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE

Two groups of people deserve praise for their sterling work last week. The Roscommon Town Lights Committee went about their work taking down the lights with their customary efficiency last weekend. As always, the lights were intrinsic to making Christmas special in Roscommon this year.

The exceptionally mild weather at Christmas was followed by an Arctic blast last week with temperatures going as low as -6.6. in Mount Dillon last Friday morning. The ESB and Uisce Eireann worked heroically to make sure people had power and water while Roscommon County Council staff kept the main roads in the county safe.

One of the leading officials in Kilkenny County Council made a salient point last week: the key to combating ice and snow is the timing of the gritting. From my own experience, Roscommon got their timing spot-on for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. Well done to all involved.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 16:38 | All, Japan

The Japanese government started a process Friday to compensate victims of forced sterilization surgery under a now-defunct eugenics protection law, aiming to provide remedy to those who have not joined lawsuits against the state.

The move comes as a law took effect to provide damages to those affected by what is seen as the worst human rights violation in the country's postwar history.

The government will pay 15 million yen ($96,700) each to victims of forced sterilization surgery under the 1948-1996 eugenics law, 5 million yen to spouses of the victims and a lump sum of 2 million yen to those forced to undergo abortion surgery.

About 25,000 people were sterilized, 16,500 of them without consent, and there were around 59,000 cases of abortion surgery under the law, according to government data, with over 23,000 victims estimated to be alive.

A total of 39 people have filed lawsuits nationwide since 2018 to seek compensation from the state. But many others are unable to raise their voices for fear of facing prejudice or having no knowledge of having undergone sterilization surgery, according to lawyers.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with some of the plaintiffs at his office, offering an apology.

"Keeping in mind your painful memories and feelings, we will make sure that you can receive compensation (under the new scheme)," he said.

Japanese newspapers carried an advertisement on Friday in which the government apologized for its past practice and acknowledged the responsibility of the legislative branch that enacted the eugenics protection law.

The new law, proposed by a cross-party lawmakers' group, was enacted in October 2024, three months after the Supreme Court said in a landmark ruling that the eugenics protection law was unconstitutional, ordering the state to compensate victims.

The eugenics law permitted sterilization or abortion surgery for people with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, or hereditary disorders without their consent, aiming to prevent "inferior" traits from entering the gene pool.

The compensation will be paid on request from victims or their families, with the deadline for applications set for Jan. 16, 2030. If a sterilization victim or the victim's spouse has died, the compensation will go to their children, grandchildren or siblings.

The new law, whose preamble says parliament and the government "deeply apologize" for the eugenics program, provides significantly higher damages than the one-time state benefit of 3.2 million yen paid under a different law enacted in 2019.

To ensure prompt compensation without going through litigation, a board at the Children and Families Agency will take charge of identifying the extent of damage.

Applicants will be introduced to a lawyer free of charge on request to receive advice to prepare necessary documents, including a medical certificate proving they were administered surgery.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the statute of limitations of 20 years for an unlawful act does not apply to cases involving the eugenics law.

Related coverage:

Japan comedian, eugenics law plaintiff on BBC 100 Women list for 2024

Japan Diet enacts aid law on forced sterilization victims

Japan's 1st forced sterilization plaintiff gets 15 mil. yen settlement
Memorial Services for Jeanette will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, ND with Garrett Gudmunsen and Matthew Rolfson officiating. A luncheon will follow the burial at The American Legion Carl E Rogen Post 29 for a time of fellowship and sharing. Jeanette will be laid to rest at Silent City Cemetery in Keene, ND. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Wilmington Lutheran Church Sunday School. The service will be livestreamed directly on Jeanette's obituary page on our website: http://www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, North Dakota is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Jeanette K. Anderson, 62, of Watford City passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the McKenzie County Hospital in Watford City, ND leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.

Jeanette was born on December 10, 1962, in Waford City, ND to Norman and Loretta Anderson. In her younger years, she lived in Keene and then moved to Watford City with her parents and 2 sisters. She attended Watford City High School in the graduating class of 1981.

In 1987 Jeanette met the love of her life, Charles Ceynar. They have been lifelong partners up until the day she passed away. With this union Charles and Jeanette had one son, Marc Ceynar. She also had 2 stepdaughters, Tanya and Janelle. She refused to be called a stepmom, "I came into your life after you were born but that doesn't matter. You girls are my daughters". She had incredible love for her family.

Jeanette worked at Schafer SuperValu from 1980-1983. When Susan and Mike Tschetter bought the grocery store and renamed it Mikes SuperValu, she became one of the longest employees of 30 years. Her dedication to the many customers and co-workers is still remembered 12 years after her retirement.

Jeanette had many passions, and she put her whole heart into each one. First and foremost, she was a devoted grandmother. She proudly referred to herself as "Head Granny at Granny's Daycare". Owen, Colton, Liam, Levi, Jayden and Austen will never forget her love, dedication and how she made each one feel special. The boys are truly blessed.

She also loved her fur babies: Eddie, Skippy, and Sami.

Another passion of Jeanette's was quilting. When she completed one, it was a creative piece of art that was shipped all across the United States. Any time there was a fundraiser, auction, benefit supper or raffle, Jeanette always donated one of her unique, one-of-a-kind quilts.

Jeanette was also an avid coin collector, phenomenal cook (the best meatballs and prime rib!) and photographer.

Volunteering her time and helping coordinate events were truly important to her. From the VFW Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop 382 Treasurer, Silent City Cemetery Secretary/Treasurer and President of Friendly Fifteen Homemakers were just a few. She enjoyed every moment of putting her time and effort into these organizations.

Jeanette had such a wide-spread, amazing impact on the community. She was kind, dependable, and fiercely loyal.

Jeanette is survived by her son, Marc (Jeana) Ceynar; daughter, Janelle Ceynar; life partner, Charles Ceynar; mother, Loretta Anderson; grandchildren; Colton and Owen Ceynar, Liam Hersch, Austen and Jayden Huckaba, and Levi Wilson; sisters, Roxanne Anderson, Carla Anderson; brother-in-law's, Bruce Ceynar, Brad Ceynar; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Norman Anderson; daughter, Tanya Ceynar; beloved dog, Sami; brother-in-law, Keith Ceynar; her grandparents, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kangana Ranaut Slams Protests Against Emergency in Punjab, Calls It "Harassment of Art"

Kangana Ranaut expressed her dismay, calling the protests an attack on artistic freedom.

Kangana Ranaut on Emergency Controversy in Punjab Latest News: Actor Kangana Ranaut has reacted strongly to the ongoing protests in Punjab against her latest film Emergency. The protests, led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and several Sikh groups, have disrupted screenings of the film in various cities, alleging it portrays Sikh issues inaccurately and tarnishes their image.

In her first official statement, Kangana Ranaut expressed her dismay, calling the protests an attack on artistic freedom. "This is complete harassment of art and the artist. From many cities in Punjab, reports are coming in that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened," she said.

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Clarifying her stance, Kangana emphasized her respect for Sikhism and its values, saying, "I have utmost respect for all religions, and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh, I have closely observed and followed the Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film Emergency."

The film, which explores the political and social upheaval during the Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, has faced resistance from Sikh groups claiming it misrepresents attacks on prominent Sikh shrines and the events surrounding the 1984 Sikh genocide.

Despite the challenges, the actor remains firm in her stand. Known for her outspoken nature, Kangana also took to social media to urge fans to support her film. "Art should be a medium of dialogue and discussion, not suppression," she said.

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The protests have disrupted screenings in multiple cities, with theaters reporting cancellations amid fears of backlash. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has yet to respond to the SGPC's request to ban the film in the state.

While Kangana remains defiant, the controversy surrounding Emergency continues to escalate, raising questions about the intersection of art, politics, and religious sensitivities.

(For more news apart from Kangana Ranaut on Emergency Controversy in Punjab Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Saif Ali Khan Attack Latest News Today

Police are investigating how the intruder managed to bypass the building's security.

Saif Ali Khan Attack Latest News Today: In a harrowing episode that left Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan hospitalized, an intruder broke into his Bandra home early Thursday, sparking a tense 30-minute ordeal. Saif, stabbed six times during the confrontation, underwent emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital and is now out of danger.

Police are investigating how the intruder managed to bypass the building's security. There were no signs of forced entry, and CCTV footage showed no suspicious activity in the two hours before the attack. Authorities suspect the assailant, familiar with the buildings layout, scaled a neighboring wall and accessed the home via the fire escape.

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The intruder first entered Saifs younger son Jehs room, where nanny Eliyama Philip discovered him around 2 a.m. I saw the bathroom light on and assumed it was Kareena Kapoor. But then I saw a man step out, Philip recounted. She confronted the intruder, who demanded a1 crore, and sustained injuries while fighting him off. Another house help alerted Saif, who rushed to confront the attacker.

Despite his efforts, Saif was stabbed multiple times. Nanny Geeta helped overpower the intruder, temporarily locking him in a room. However, the assailant escaped, using the buildings fire shaft to flee. Police teams are now working to track him down.

Saifs injuries included a critical wound to his spine that required immediate surgical intervention. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital successfully treated the injuries, including reconstructive procedures on his hand and neck.

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A case of robbery, trespassing, and grievous hurt has been registered, and the police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspect.

(For more news apart from Saif Ali Khan Attack Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
The Raw Truth of Indian Deaths on Foreign War Fronts

The Russian government claims it will stop recruiting Indians for its armed forces by April 2024.

Whether the conflict is in Europe or the Middle East, reports of Indian citizens losing their lives on foreign war fronts have become increasingly common. The latest such incident involves Binil T.B., a resident of Thrissur district in Kerala, who died on the Ukraine-Russia war front. Binil succumbed to injuries sustained in a drone strike in Russian-held Ukrainian territory, while his relative, T.K. Jain, is still fighting for his life in a military hospital.

This tragic news follows the death of Sandeep, another young man from Thrissur, who was killed last month during a Ukrainian counterattack in the Russian region of Kursk. According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, six Indian youths have lost their lives on the Russian war front in the past year. The bodies of three have been repatriated, while the fate of others remains uncertain.

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A Call for Caution

The Indian Embassy has issued repeated warnings, urging Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Russia for jobs such as electricians, plumbers, cooks, and drivers. Many of these jobs are offered by foreign-based recruitment companies that allegedly mislead Indian workers with false contracts. These individuals are often coerced into assisting the Russian military, with some being sent to the war front after only a week or two of rudimentary training.

Similar practices have been reported in the Middle East, where Indian citizens are said to be working as porters for the Israeli military. Despite warnings from the Ministry of External Affairs, individuals continue to migrate to conflict zones, driven by promises of better opportunities or citizenship.

Recruitment and Risks

The Russian government claims it will stop recruiting Indians for its armed forces by April 2024. However, last years intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs, which secured the release of 85 Indian citizens from the Russian military, underscores the challenges involved. The legal complexities tied to these misleading agreements make it difficult to extricate individuals from such situations.

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For many, the lure of obtaining Russian or Israeli citizenship, along with compensation packages, outweighs the risks. The Russian government has reportedly been offering Rs. 1.30 crore in compensation to the families of deceased workers, along with benefits like citizenship and free education for their children.

Wider Concerns

Its not just Russia and Israel; unscrupulous agents are also targeting Indian youth for recruitment in troubled regions like Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova. These countries, marketed as stepping stones to Western Europe, often trap migrants in poor conditions with low wages and precarious legal statuses.

A Call to Action

The Ministry of External Affairs must intensify efforts to combat this exploitation and raise awareness about the risks of migrating to conflict zones. Collaboration with the Home Ministry could enable the establishment of counseling counters at airports to guide potential migrants.

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While migration cannot be forcibly stopped, it can be made safer and more beneficial with effective policies and education. The government must prioritize creating domestic employment opportunities to reduce the push factors driving individuals to seek risky opportunities abroad.

Proper awareness and vigilance are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens seeking a better life beyond the nations borders.
Major Challenges in 2025

"Connections no longer mean peace, economic relationships no longer lead to security"

Major Challenges in 2025

Corina Cristea, 17.01.2025, 13:22

The war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Donald Trumps return to the White House, elections in France, Germany and Poland  these are events that mark the path forward in the year 2025. A year in which the European Union, long convinced that a major war in Europe was never possible again, must continue to come up with adequate answers. Established as an entity to manage peace, the EU woke up in 2022 facing a harsh reality with the Russian Federations initiation of the conflict in Ukraine. A conflict that has already been going on for almost three years, and that is not known when and how will end. Europes shock was the shock of the continent, which understands that a major war is possible on its territory, says university professor Dan Dungaciu. What has Europe learned so far? Especially since the relationship, interaction, contacts, and economic connections produce peace, as the EU was established after the Second World War through the economic cooperation of France and Germany. It is also how the EU behaved later, when interconnection was producing peace and security, but everything the Union knew until today has gone down the drain, believes Professor Dungaciu.

Connections no longer mean peace, economic relationships no longer lead to security. On the contrary, connections, connectivity, interactions can produce war. Hence the decoupling from the Russian Federation, later the decoupling from China, and so on. The great challenge of the European Union is that it must reinvent itself in its very substance. The second challenge, which is less visible, is that the EU, which was established as a post-national project  not necessarily anti-national, but post-national  is waking up today in a reality that is acutely national, through the war in Ukraine. Because Ukraines resistance to the aggression of the Russian Federation is, first and foremost, a national resistance. Ukraine is reinventing itself, finding itself, developing, and so on. So, here are two major challenges that the Union must manage, in one form or another. The extent to which it will manage them, obviously, will test the EUs capacity to continue this project that began long ago, but which today is, perhaps, facing its greatest challenge.

Towards the end of 2024, the war in Ukraine has in some ways entered a shadow area as a result of developments in the Middle East, including the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. A strategic political victory for Israel, believes university professor Dan Dungaciu.

Basically, the fall of Syria today means a major disadvantage for the Iranian state, which sees itself as being deprived of the most important corridor through which it feeds its most powerful proxy, Hezbollah. So, what does this mean? This means that we will witness, from the moment the White House approaches this case, thought probably the first will be the Ukrainian one, we will witness a redrawing of the entire Middle East. Because what happened in Syria obviously will not stay in Syria. What will happen to this country itself, which was in many ways a quasi-artificial construction, remains to be seen, but it is clear that extremely important strategic emanations start from Syria. One that leads to Turkey, another that leads to Iran, another that leads to Israel and so on, and all of which will have to be managed in one form or another. They cannot do it from the inside. One way or another, the Trump administration will have to try to set a framework for future developments.

Dan Dungaciu adds that we are facing an extremely complicated case, but one that we must ultimately follow in 2025. That is because it will be one of the most important, even if not very visible, major changes that are happening today in the Middle East, and which are unprecedented.

It will be very interesting to see how the American administration of Donald Trump will try to approach the Middle East, being involved there, but not entering, not being militarily present in that region. Because, if Donald Trump fears anything at the beginning of his administration, it is being caught in a war, which would be the recipe for failure for Donald Trump, who has only one major project: to become the greatest American president, at least in the last hundred years.

Returning to Europe, a great challenge remains the information and cyber war waged by Russia  a hybrid war, which fuels the extremist trends. In 2025, decisive elections will take place in Europe  in France, in Germany, presidential elections in Poland, all with major stakes, recalls Dan Dungaciu, who draws attention to the fact that the greatest security danger is the creation of a climate in which the propaganda of the Russian Federation takes hold and spreads. Not the propaganda itself, but the climate you establish in certain societies, insists university professor Dr. Dan Dungaciu  this was the great failure of the European mainstream, and he believes that from there we must start the reevaluation of the European public space, so that it is better protected against the obvious interference of the Russian Federation.
The UK has pledged 4.5 billion pounds ($5.5. billion) worth of military aid for Ukraine in 2025.

The security assistance, announced by visiting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be used to procure hundreds more air defense systems, drones and essential equipment to sustain Ukrainian forces on the front line to defend against the ongoing Russian attacks.

In addition to 3 billion pounds ($3.66 billion) already committed for lethal aid, the first 1.5 billion pounds ($1.83 billion) from a 2.26 billion pounds ($2.75 billion) loan as part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme will be released for major procurement projects. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilized Russian sovereign assets.

A Yorkshire-based defense company will begin the production of artillery barrels for artillery guns for the use of Ukrainian military. The UK placed a 61 million pounds ($74.45 million) contract with defense giant BAE Systems to produce the barrel forgings, working with Sheffield Forgemasters.

Starmer said the UK is expanding its offer to train more members of Ukraine's armed forces.

He told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the UK was working closely with allies and partners to design and develop a new training offer to put the country at the strongest possible position through 2025.

"The British people have never wavered in their support for Ukraine, and today, UK firms are stepping up to support Ukraine's military capabilities. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine."

The Prime Minister also announced that UK will deliver a new mobile air defense capability to Ukraine this year.

Gravehawk, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, is a rapidly developed air defense system to meet Ukrainian needs on the battlefield.

The innovative system, which is the size of a shipping container, is able to retrofit air-air missiles for ground-based air defense, meaning it can use Ukrainian missiles already in their Armed Forces' possession.

With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraine's air defenses, allowing them to defend their cities, troops and critical infrastructure.

Two prototypes of the air defense capability system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will follow this year, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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By Takehiro Higashi, KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 10:10 | Feature, All, Japan

As a ferry with decorative taiko drums on its hull eases into the port of Iojima, a tiny island in southwestern Japan, a welcoming rumble of rhythmic sounds from the shore resonates within the boat.

The drumming coming from the island, however, is not from the traditional Japanese taiko but from students practicing the djembe, a West African goblet drum played with the hand.

The drum was introduced to the Pacific island, a part of Kagoshima Prefecture, some three decades ago by a top djembe musician visiting from Guinea. It has since become a performing art passed down through the generations in a long-standing music exchange with the West African nation.

The villagers are now teaching the drum to people across Japan, with a total of 83 people visiting to learn the instrument on a six-month program so far.

Local children, meanwhile, are hard at work as they prepare to play the djembe for the World Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka, western Japan, from April 13 to Oct. 13.

Located four hours by ferry from Kagoshima city, the prefectural capital, Iojima is one of three islands that make up Mishima village, along with Takeshima and Kuroshima, and lies in the northern part of the Ryukyu Islands.

All of the municipal boats that ferry people to the islands proudly display djembe decorations.

A hollowed log, commonly covered with an untreated rawhide drumhead of goatskin, the djembe produces low, medium and high pitch staccato rhythms, similar to a tambourine. It is traditionally played with three other drums for a variety of ceremonies.

"Anyone can become your friend if they start playing the djembe," said Kurumi Takahashi, 35, who stayed in Iojima, along with her remote-working husband and her 1-year-old daughter, in 2024 as a student learning the djembe. "It is a simple yet profound instrument that cannot be faked," she said.

The Takahashis learned about the Mishima Djembe School while traveling around the country in their camping trailer. Although her husband did not participate in the program, he sometimes practiced with his wife.

Kurumi was in the school's 18th graduating class, studying alongside five men and women in their 20s and 30s.

Practice is conducted in a music studio and the participants help out with village activities. Accommodation and training fees are free, while the village provides 30,000 yen ($190) per month as compensation for the help it receives.

The djembe, which in West Africa is traditionally played only by men, was introduced to Iojima in 1994 by the late Mamady Keita, a renowned player of the instrument who had the aim of interacting through music with the children of the small Japanese village.

Known as a djembefola, an honorary title bestowed upon those who have become proficient in the instrument and understand the intricacies of its rhythms, and a member of the group Sewa Kan, Keita had been active as a top player in Guinea's national dance company.

A djembefola is said to communicate with the spirits of nature and "make the instrument speak" to tell emotional stories, using rhythms and the wide range of tones the instrument produces to get their message across.





Taking a cue from Keita, Kenichiro Tokuda, 56, a former public employee of the village, and others began gathering local students after school to practice the instrument. "We wanted to keep this exchange alive," said Tokuda, who was also exploring opportunities to keep the local community thriving despite rapid depopulation.

According to the school, the initial 19 children from the village to try their hand at the djembe were bewildered by their first exposure to it, but hearing the cheerful rhythms of Keita's playing and his words of encouragement allowed them to find joy in taking on the challenge.

"You don't have to play well. If you enjoy playing the drums, everyone who hears you will be happy, too," Keita told them.

After much practice, the children went on a performance tour that summer with Keita -- first to nearby Amami-Oshima Island and then to Hiroshima and Okayama on Japan's main island of Honshu. They were met with thunderous applause.

Keita continued to visit Iojima frequently, and children from Mishima and Guinea began mutual visits in a friendship exchange that has deepened to this day.

Tokuda traveled abroad to Guinea in a volunteer capacity to receive formal djembe instruction before opening the Mishima Djembe School where he is currently the principal.

In early November on the island of Kuroshima, 70 minutes by ferry from Iojima, djembe students at Mishima Osato Gakuen, a school with a total of 16 elementary and middle school students, practiced "Mishima," an original composition by Keita. There was no sheet music, but they absorbed the rhythms of the drum as they played.

"It's difficult for everyone to keep the complicated rhythm together, but I feel a sense of accomplishment," said 14-year-old Nao Suzuki, a second-year junior high school student there.

She is among the djembe students from the village set to perform in commemoration of Guinea's National Day at the World Expo in Osaka on June 10.

Mishima village is also working on settlement measures and creating places to work on the islands, but as of December 2024, the population, which had exceeded 1,000 in the 1960s, stood at 344 in 197 households. With no high school, many of the children leave the islands behind after graduating from middle school.

"I want them to be proud to say they come from the islands of the djembe," Tokuda said.

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Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 begins today and 2025 Auto Expo is probably the most important part of it. This automotive spectacle will encompass a host of showcases, launches and more spread out across Day 1 (17th Jan 2025) and Day 2 (18th Jan 2025). In this post, we will break out the schedule for 2025 Auto Expo.

2025 Auto Expo Schedule  Day 1 (17th Jan 2025)

1. Maruti Suzuki India  Press conferences for Day 1 start with Maruti Suzuki India at Hall No 5 between 13:15 and 13:35. The main showcase here will be Marutis first ever electric vehicle  eVitara SUV.

2. Suzuki Motorcycle India  If you stay at Hall No 5 for a bit longer, you will be able to catch the press conference of Suzuki Motorcycle India that is conducted between 13:40 and 14:00.

3. Hero MotoCorp  At the same Hall No 5, Hero MotoCorp is staging a press conference between 14:05 and 14:25. The main highlights from Hero are likely to be Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250R, Karizma XMR 250, Xoom 160 ADV scooter and a bunch of other concepts.

4. BMW India  Between 14:30 and 14:50, BMW India is hosting a press conference at Hall No 6 at 2025 Auto Expo.

5. Mercedes-Benz India  The three-pointed star is poised to glitz the audience at Hall No 4 between 14:55 and 15:20.

6. Hyundai Motor India  All eyes on Hyundais press conference today as the company will announce prices of Creta Electric at Hall No 4 between 15:25 and 15:55.

7. JSW MG Motor India  At Hall No 2, between 16:00 and 16:20, JSW MG Motor India is staging a press conference where the company is showcasing MG Cyberster, M9 MPV and more.

8. Tata Motors  Tata Motors is expected to showcase production-spec version of Harrier EV and close-to-production-spec version of Sierra EV at Hall No 1 between 16:25 and 17:15.

9. VECV  Volvo and Eicher partnership are poised to show off some of their cutting-edge tech at Hall No 14 between 17:25 and 17:45.

10. Kia India  At Hall No 3, between 17:55 and 18:15, Kia Ind5ia will showcase Syros SUV for the first time to public, among other vehicles.

11. Greaves Cotton  Between 18:20 and 18:40, at Hall No 5, Greaves Cotton is hosting a press conference to showcase their future tech.

12. Porsche India  Iconic German sportscar brand, Porsche, is staging a press conference at Hall No 6 between 18:45 and 19:05.

13. Skoda Auto Volkswagen  Wrapping up Day 1, we have Skoda Auto Volkswagen India hosting a press con at Hall No 3 between 19:10 and 19:30.

2025 Auto Expo Schedule  Day 2 (18th Jan 2025)

1. Vinfast Auto India  The Vietnamese brand is making a grand entry into Indian market and will showcase a few products planned for India at Hall No 14 between 09:00 and 09:20.

2. BMW India  At Hall No 6, BMW has a press con between 09:25 and 09:55 and is likely to showcase future products and cutting-edge tech.

3. Ashok Leyland  Also at At Hall No 6, we have Ashok Leyland showing their future products between 10:00 and 10:20.

4. Eka Mobility  Sticking around at Hall No 6, you will be able to catch Eka Mobiltys showcase between 10:25 and 10:45.

5. BYD India  Between 10:50 and 11:10, at Hall No 6, BYD will showcase their future products and their technology.

6. JBM Auto  Between 11:15 and 11:35, JBM Auto will showcase their technology and products at Hall No 6.

7. TI Clean Mobility  Also at Hall No 6, we have TI Clean Mobility press con between 11:40 and 12:00.

8. Bajaj Auto  One of Indias leading 2W and 3W brands, Bajaj Auto is set to wow audience at Hall No 3, between 12:05 and 12:25.

9. Hyundai Motor India  Continuing into the 2nd Day, we have Hyundai Motor India at Hall No 4 between 12:30 and 12:50.

10. Pinnacle Industries  Between 12:55 and 13:15, Pinnacle Industries will host a press con at Hall No 4.

11. Numeros Motors  Also at Hall No 4, you can catch up with what Numeros Motors is up to, between 13:20 and 13:40.

12. Vayve Mobility  The last press con at Hall No 4 will be hosted by Vayve Mobility between 13:45 and 14:05.

13. SML Isuzu  Among the leading CV makers in India, SML Isuzu will line up its showcases at Hall No 3 between 14:10 and 14:30.

14. Cummins India  Poised to showcase their future powertrains and associated tech, we have Cummins India at Hall No 2 between 14:35 and 14:55.

15. Godawari Electric Motors  At Hall No 2FF, you can catch the press con of Godawari Electric Motors between 15:00 and 15:20.

16. Sarla Aviation  Between 15:55 and 16:15, Sarla Aviation will host a press con at Hall No 14.

17. Motovolt Mobility  At Hall No 11, between 16:20 and 16:40, you can catch up with everything Motovolt Mobility is up to.

18. Olectra Greentech  Also at Hall No 11, we have a press con from Olectra Greentech, between 16:45 and 17:05.

19. Omega Seiki Mobility  Lastly, we have Omega Seiki Mobility hosting a press con at Hall No 11, between 17:10 and 17:30.
By Hiroshi Inoue, KYODO NEWS - Jan 17, 2025 - 08:16 | All, Japan, Arts

A prizewinning Japanese author who lost her home in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles expressed dismay that the life she once knew is now over.

"Everything from the past has disappeared," said Fumiko Kometani, 94, stunned by her losses in the ongoing fires that have ravaged multiple areas in and near the city.

On Jan. 7, the day a major fire broke out and advanced toward her neighborhood, Kometani's family rushed to her home in Pacific Palisades, western Los Angeles, and urged her to leave quickly.

Her home had never before been affected by wildfires and she did not immediately think it necessary to evacuate. But she agreed to go stay in a hotel in nearby Santa Monica, taking only a few of her belongings as she expected to return home soon.

But as the fire continued to spread, the hotel was soon under evacuation orders as well, forcing her to relocate again. Accompanied by her eldest son, Karl Taro Greenfeld, 60, she and others moved to the house of her grandchildren's friend's parents in Los Angeles.

Though grateful for the hospitality, she confessed that the ordeal had made it hard for her to sleep.

Her son went to Pacific Palisades on Jan. 9 to check the damage, and confirmed that Kometani's home had burned down.

"She's lost her entire life, every painting, every book, every photo of my late father, every scrap that proves she has lived her life," said Greenfeld, who also lost his home in the fires.

Still in a state of shock, Kometani said, "It doesn't feel real." As the cause of the fire remains unknown, she added, "I don't know who to blame."

Born in Osaka, Kometani moved to the United States in 1960 to study painting and would eventually settle in Pacific Palisades with her late husband, the writer Josh Greenfeld, in 1974.

She began to write later in life and went on to release the novella "Passover (Sugikoshi no matsuri)," which won the Akutagawa Prize, a coveted Japanese literary award, in 1986.

Kometani liked the atmosphere around her two-story Japanese-style home, which was on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Expressing reluctance to see for herself the ruins of the once-loved place, she said, "I want to keep my good memories as they are."

She has no intention of going back.

Related coverage:

Japan to give $2 million in aid to California for wildfire relief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C) inspects peacekeepers at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, Lebanon, Jan. 18, 2025. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a halt of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Addressing peacekeepers at the headquarters of the UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, Guterres said, "The continued occupation by the Israel Defense Forces inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701 and pose a continued risk to your safety and security." (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a halt of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

Addressing peacekeepers at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, Guterres said, "The continued occupation by the Israel Defense Forces inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701 and pose a continued risk to your safety and security."

"They must stop," he added.

"We will continue to urge the international community to strengthen support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The path ahead is full of challenges. But together, we can help make good on this window of opportunity," he said.

Guterres also criticized attacks against peacekeepers during the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, assuring that all parties must ensure the safety of UN personnel.

"The inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Attacks against UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable. They are in breach of international law and against international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime," he said.

The UN chief revealed that UNIFIL has uncovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah and other armed groups since Nov. 27. He vowed that the UN will continue to work closely with relevant countries to ensure that Lebanese troops have enhanced capacities for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance.

Guterres stressed the importance of preserving the effective role of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon, saying the presence of armed personnel, assets, and weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon and UNIFIL between the Blue Line and Litani River are also clear violations of resolution 1701 and undermine Lebanon's stability.

"The Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole guarantor of Lebanon's security, are deploying in greater numbers to southern Lebanon, including with the assistance of UNIFIL as well as the members of the mechanism established under the cessation of hostilities," he said.

Guterres arrived in Beirut on Thursday on an official visit. 
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will soon resume group tour services for residents of Fujian and Shanghai to Taiwan, said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.

The move aims to restore normal interactions between people across the Taiwan Strait and facilitate their regular exchanges in various fields, the ministry said in an announcement released on its official website.

It is also to address the high expectations of the general public and the tourism industry in Taiwan and enhance the well-being of people across the Strait, added the ministry.

Preparations for this resumption are well underway, said the ministry, expressing the hope that tourism industries on both sides of the Strait would strengthen communication to provide quality services and products for mainland tour groups to Taiwan. 
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a State Council meeting on clean governance on Jan. 17, 2025.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday called for persistent efforts to improve Party conduct, build a clean government and fight corruption to provide a strong guarantee for high-quality development and the Chinese modernization drive.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance.

Addressing the meeting, Li stressed the need to resolutely implement the strategic plans of the CPC Central Committee on exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.

The premier noted that the current anti-corruption situation remains challenging and complex, and stressed the need to continue the battle with unwavering perseverance.

Urging strict adherence to financial discipline and effective management of public funds, he demanded efforts to prevent corruption and severely punish those engaging in corrupt practices in key areas including finance, state-owned assets, state-owned enterprises and bidding for construction projects.

The leading Party members group of governments at all levels, as well as the leading Party members group or Party committee of all departments, should take on the responsibility of exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, said Li, calling on them to promote clean governance through deepening reform and diligently perform their duties.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attended the meeting. 
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- With the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas offering a ray of hope to millions of people in the Gaza Strip after nearly 15 months of devastating conflicts, UN aid agencies continue to provide assistance while mobilizing for a surge in relief deliveries.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday will take effect on Sunday, although some last-minute challenges have popped up, possibly threatening the effective date as hostilities continue.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday it continues to receive reports of Palestinians killed due to the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that it is standing by to bring food into Gaza.

"We have 80,000 tons of food waiting outside Gaza or on its way in," WFP said in a post on social media platform X, adding the food is enough to feed more than 1 million people for about three months.

"The ceasefire brings hope, but we need unrestricted movement of humanitarian teams and supplies to reach those in need," WFP said.

However, aid isn't only delivered in the form of food.

OCHA said the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners facilitated the medical evacuation of 12 patients and nearly three dozen companions from the Gaza Strip. Most are suffering from cancer and immunological disorders, and they will receive treatment in Albania, France, Norway and Romania.

WHO said that as the ceasefire takes hold, more countries must step forward to receive additional patients for specialized treatment. More than 12,000 people are awaiting medical evacuation outside Gaza, where the health system has been shattered by more than 15 months of conflict.

The UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) reported that over 1,070 UNRWA health staff work in health centers, temporary clinics and medical points across Gaza, providing more than 16,000 health consultations daily.

The office said UNRWA's medical teams also ensure specialized support for patients. On Jan. 11 alone, they provided care for nearly 1,100 pregnant and post-natal women at high risk, dental and oral health services for almost 600 patients, and physiotherapy for more than 300 patients.

Alleging UNRWA is infiltrated with members of Hamas, Israel passed a law barring the agency from operating in Gaza effective the end of this month. Spokespersons for the United Nations have repeatedly said that UNRWA, employing 30,000 people in the region, will continue to provide aid in the strip and that the world body is not planning to withdraw. 
Pico Iyer's illustrious writing career has taken him around the world many times, but one of his favorite places appears to be a tiny monastery high above the Pacific Ocean. Aflame: Learning from Silence is a love letter to a place to which Iyer has returned over and over for more than 30 years, seeking solace and renewal in the consolations of solitude.

The location that has played such a central role in Iyer's spiritual and emotional life is the New Camaldoli Hermitage, established in 1958 in California's Big Sur. The monks who reside there are Benedictines whose congregation dates to Italy in 1012. In addition to operating a bookstore and supplementing their revenue with the sale of "(brandy-soaked) fruitcake," the monks open the property to visitors like Iyer.

Though he admits his "aversion to all crosses and hymnals," Iyer finds himself drawn to this place of "just silence and emptiness and light" and its "nine hundred acres of live oak, madrona, redwood and desert yucca, a quarter of a mile above the sea." As he experiences it, "The world isn't erased here; only returned to its proper proportions." In addition to his spiritual reflections, Iyer recounts some of his encounters with the Camaldolese monks.

Iyer weaves insights from thinkers like Meister Eckhart, Albert Camus, and Thomas Merton into his own reflections and evocative descriptions of the Hermitage's physical surroundings. As Sarah Anderson recognized in her book The Lost Art of Silence, a life of quietude may be anathema to some. For others, like Pico Iyer, it may just be the antidote that's required to survive in a cacophonous world. --Harvey Freedenberg, freelance reviewer
Journalist Kyle Paoletta, who grew up in New Mexico, vividly illuminates the past and future of his home region in his first book, American Oasis. Through a blend of memoir, interviews, and well-researched reportage, Paoletta delves into the allure and challenges of life in cities such as Las Vegas, El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, and his hometown of Albuquerque.

Paoletta provides an overview of the origin and development of the Southwest's major metro areas, starting with the Indigenous people who found ways to live in harmony with the desert's harsh beauty and constraints. He continues with accounts of the conquistadors and other European colonizers who pushed out the native peoples, determined to subdue the desert instead of submitting to it. That push-pull between the colonizer mindset (more growth at any cost) and the native one (learning to accept the landscape's strengths and limitations) continues to inform 21st-century life in the Southwest today.

Paoletta discusses urban planning, the constant problem of water use, the ostensible multiculturalism that often hides rampant racism--all issues specific to the region, yet relevant to the country at large. He portrays the stark, powerful landscapes that still draw people to the American West. Between chapters, he describes his experiences hiking the desert and visiting sacred and historic sites. These lyrical interludes are a dreamy counterpoint to the more factual portions, which brim with anecdotes, statistics, and biographical sketches of larger-than-life characters whose actions have shaped the region.

American Oasis is an indispensable regional history and an insightful consideration of how the Southwest's experience may provide a blueprint for the future of the entire country. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams
Famously, when Fred Rogers was a kid confronted with upsetting scenes in the news, his mother told him to look for the helpers. In that spirit, R.W. Alley presents his Breezy Valley at Work picture-book series, which showcases anthropomorphized animals giving their all to their communities. Following the launch title, Firefighters to the Rescue!, comes the winsomely demystifying Hospital Heroes Save the Day!

Breezy Valley Hospital is a hive of activity. Readers meet the hospital workers: "Greeter Owl makes sure patients and visitors know where to go," "Pharmacist Hippo mixes medicines in the Pharmacy," and so on. Readers also meet the (minutely) injured and bickering Tabby Twins, but the story gets hopping when One-Lemur-Band Lemur arrives: an X-ray shows that his tailbones have popped out of position--"My drum kerplopped on my tail," he explains in one of the book's many dialogue balloons. Fortunately, Doctor Otter can operate, and readers are walked through the surgical basics (operating room, IV, going-to-sleep mask). Lemur mends in time to lead the marchers on Parade Day, his broken drum fixed (with Band-Aids) by hospital staff.

Alley whittles down a hospital's countless moving parts to manageable bite-size bursts of information. His digitally tweaked pencil illustrations are likewise unfussy and deserve the inevitable comparisons to Richard Scarry's Busytown art: basic-colors layouts thrumming with cartoonish characters on the go. As a bonus, Hospital Heroes Save the Day! rewards sharp-eyed readers with gags, as when atop a hospital refrigerator sits a cookie jar alongside the question, "Best medicine?" --Nell Beram, freelance writer and YA author
As it takes readers on a grand "architectural odyssey" through historic Italy, Spain, England, and beyond, British author Diana Dark's Islamesque: The Forgotten Craftsmen Who Built Europe's Medieval Monuments shatters long-held assumptions about the artistic pedigrees of landmark "Romanesque" buildings erected between the ninth and 11th centuries. European art historians have insisted that classical Rome was "the source of all early Christian architecture," but Darke's intellectually thrilling, evidence-based findings suggest otherwise.

Darke (Stealing from the Saracens; The Ottomans) is a cultural historian of the Middle East who has lived in Syria. Her fascination with the zigzag pattern decorating the courtyard of her Ottoman house in Damascus led her to discover the same design gracing architectural gems such as England's Durham Cathedral. The motif originated in ancient Egypt, where early hieroglyphs used a zigzag line to represent water.

Like the zigzags, features such as sophisticated geometric vaulting and carvings of fantastical creatures appear on medieval structures across Europe, and Darke asserts that only craftsmen trained in Islamic traditions were capable of such artistry. These craftsmen, whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, left clues to their cultural roots, including Arabic numerals carved into the roof beams of Salisbury Cathedral.

Collaboration across religious communities in the medieval era was common, Darke notes, where Islamophobia divides societies in the 21st century. She can't resist pointing out the exquisite irony that superior Islamic craftsmanship forms the foundation of Europe's majestic architectural heritage.

Darke concludes with a gallery of images, including the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel in France and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Islamesque is a book of wondrous discovery, complete with an elegant narrative and photography. --Shahina Piyarali
Lauded Anita Desai's return to publishing after a dozen-plus years will undoubtedly draw extra attention to her spare, sublime Rosarita, about an Indian woman studying Spanish in vibrant San Miguel de Allende. Desai writes intriguingly in second person to introduce her protagonist, Bonita, who sits on a park bench and realizes she's not alone: "Staring at you fixedly, taking in every detail of your person" is Vicky--although Bonita calls her "the Stranger"--who insists she knew Bonita's mother, the titular Rosarita. Ignoring Bonita's correction that her mother was named Sarita, Vicky reveals a "mythical mother" who arrived alone to study painting in Mexico. Bonita longs to believe, to dispel her own memories of a silenced and abused Sarita. Desai skillfully shifts to third person, as if suggesting a distanced truth, to resurrect Rosarita who, haunted by the legacy of India's Partition, becomes captivated by Mexican muralists and the Mexican Revolution, and temporarily escapes through art.

Desai provides no definitive revelations nor resolutions. The Stranger all but disappears, while Bonita's search feels unfinished. She imagines her mother "clutching her passport, her visa, her ticket, a bag, her fear and her nerve, doing what till the very last she had not believed she could do." Bonita considers her own autonomy: "Just as you had shed her... she now shed you. Go free." As in The Zigzag Way (2004), which was also set in Mexico, Desai's intricately sensory descriptions of landmarks and landscapes transform cities and villages into memorable characters. Despite the novel's brevity, Desai turns Bonita's journey into an immersive experience through indelible, exquisite storytelling. --Terry Hong
Schooled in Murder is a sharp and smartly crafted cozy mystery series opener by Victoria Gilbert (A Killer Clue), author of several other cozy mystery series.

The novel's narrator is 32-year-old Jennifer Dalton, who works as the director of the campus writing center at a university in Virginia. Jenn is also the pseudonymous author of a series of mystery novels about "a retired female detective teaming up with a younger woman to solve crimes in their small town." Life imitates art when Jenn discovers the body of someone who fell from the mezzanine on the top floor of the university's library.

Jenn is shocked when the corpse is identified as Doug Barth, a popular but elitist English professor who'd been known to belittle students interested in writing genre fiction. Rumors arise that pages by Mia Jackson, a talented student who had a run-in with Doug earlier that day, were found at the scene. This sets up Mia, an aspiring romance writer who's suddenly nowhere to be found, as the prime suspect in Doug's murder.

Determined to clear Mia's name, Jenn sets out to deconstruct the events leading up to the murder by employing strategies used by her fictional sleuths. With the help from the university's reference librarian, a local psychologist, and the manager of the school's main cafeteria, Jenn cleverly roots out the killer, who has dangerous designs to silence Jenn.

A perceptive supersleuth, red herrings, and fatal secrets are the ingredients in what proves to be another winning formula for the prolific Gilbert. --Kathleen Gerard, blogger at Reading Between the Lines
JUBA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday imposed a curfew across the country in the wake of targeted revenge attacks on Sudanese nationals triggered by graphic footage on social media of South Sudanese nationals being killed in Sudan.

The curfew, which will come into force from 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT), is aimed at preventing any violations of public and private property, the Inspector General of the South Sudan National Police Service, Abraham Manyuat Peter, announced on state television.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and call on citizens to report any criminal violations," he said. "The police will not tolerate any violations that harm public security and will deal with them according to the law."

Peter said four people were injured Thursday night in clashes between security forces and rioters, who attacked, looted, and vandalized businesses owned by Sudanese nationals in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The riots came after video clips circulating on social media platforms of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers executing unarmed civilians, including South Sudanese nationals, in Wad Medani, Al Gezira State, Sudan.

There have since been attacks on Sudanese nationals in Juba, Aweil, and Warrap State, according to reports.

South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Wednesday summoned the Sudanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Isam Mohamed Hassan Karar, to protest the killing of its nationals.

John Samuel Bwogo, undersecretary in South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has requested that the Sudan Sovereign Council allow a high-level committee from Juba to visit Wad Madani, where the alleged attacks took place.

He urged both the Sudan Sovereign Council and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to protect South Sudanese nationals caught up in the violence.

The Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan said an investigation committee has been formed to investigate the killings in Wad Madani, which happened after the SAF retook the area from the rebels.

"There are many nationalities engaging in war within Sudan. The investigation committee will work closely with the undersecretary and ambassador of South Sudan based in Port Sudan, and we will update South Sudanese and the public on the situation of citizens in Al Gezira," he said. 
The Book Industry Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Sourcebooks and the Denver Publishing Institute, has opened applications for a scholarship to attend DPI. The scholarship is worth up to $7,000 and includes tuition, room, and board, along with up to $2,000 to cover travel and lost wages.

DPI will run from July 13 to August 8 at the University of Denver. The program features industry professionals teaching courses and giving lectures on subjects that include book marketing, manuscript editing, copy editing and proofreading, digital marketing strategies, the role of the bookstore, and more. Participants can choose to attend in-person or remotely.

To be eligible for the scholarship, booksellers must be employed full- or part-time at a physical bookstore with a tenure of at least 90 days, and must be employed by the bookstore at the time of the program. Applicants must also discuss application and potential selection with their store owner/manager before applying.

"We look forward to welcoming Bincs newest Denver Publishing Institute scholarship recipient to our 50th anniversary program in 2025," said DPI director Jill Smith. "Booksellers who attend DPI bring deep understanding of how books reach readers in their communities, and they also bring curiosity to learn more about the book industry. We anticipate another great summer devoted to professional development and learning about all facets of book publishing."

Applications will be open until Friday, February 7.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's automobile industry was reflective of the nation's aspirations and its readiness for tomorrow when inaugurating the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The event, held at Bharat Mandapam, also paid tribute to industry stalwarts Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki, who passed away in 2024.

"India's automotive sector is growing rapidly, with an annual growth of 12% last year", Modi said. "Aligned with the 'Make in India' and 'Make for the World' initiatives, exports are thriving. Selling 2.5 crore cars annually demonstrates the burgeoning demand in India", he added.

Modi said, "These two visionaries played significant roles in making India's automobile sector and delivering the dreams of its middle-class. Their legacies will go on to continue inspiring India's mobility sector in the years ahead".

India, the fifth-largest global economy, is the world's third-largest passenger vehicle market. As India transitions among the top three economies, auto markets will take new heights,Modi said during the event as he cited several factors such as a young population, an expansive middle class, urbanization, and modern infrastructure as key drivers.

Speaking about the past challenges in infrastructure, Modi said, "Earlier, poor road conditions prevented people from owning cars. Today, India is focusing on ease of travel with extensive multi-lane highways, expressways, and multi-modal connectivity under PM Gati Shakti. Last year alone, more than Rs 11 lakh crore was invested in infrastructure development".

The Prime Minister was quick to note that the schemes based on the concept of Production Linked Incentive have showcased success in the auto sector by creating 1.5 lakh direct jobs and generating sales of Rs 2.25 lakh crore.

India's commitment to green mobility and emphasized the importance of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and biofuels. The Prime Minister released his vision for India's mobility future through the 'Seven Cs'  common, connected, convenient, congestion-free, charged, clean, and cutting-edge. He reinforcedand emphasized the importance of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and biofuels.

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, to be held from 17 to 22 January in three venues at Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in New Delhi and the India Expo Center & Mart in Greater Noida has industry leaders as well as policy makers. It was attended by Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, and M L Khattar, among others.

India's auto sector remains a flagship of its economic growth, highlighting the country as a global mobility hub.
SHANGHAI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Leading global consumer goods company Reckitt is investing heavily in China, leveraging world-class R&D opportunities to bring new products to market, according to CEO Kris Licht.

"With world-class R&D, world-class manufacturing, and a great go-to-market system, Reckitt is in an investment mode in terms of China," Licht told Xinhua during the ground-breaking ceremony of its Global R&D Science and Innovation Center in Shanghai on Thursday.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Reckitt's operations on the Chinese mainland. Adhering to the "Design for China in China" strategy, currently around 95 percent of Reckitt's product portfolio in China is designed locally, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Chinese consumers.

Spanning over 8,000 square meters, Reckitt's Global R&D Science and Innovation Center in Shanghai, with its world-class R&D facilities, cutting-edge digital systems, and AI-enabled technologies, represents an investment of over 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars), making it the company's largest R&D site investment in Asia.

The center is scheduled to become operational in 2026, aiming to accelerate innovation and growth in China.

"From a talent perspective, we will be able to draw upon a wealth of scientists and experts from local universities and research institutions. At the same time, we will also bring in global talents," said the CEO.

According to Licht, this latest investment will enable them to expand their understanding of the evolving needs of Chinese consumers and deepen their scientific research capabilities, thereby bringing more products to market more swiftly.

"We plan to introduce new brands and broaden our product portfolio -- all of which require substantial investment," he noted.

As a hub of economic and technological innovation, Shanghai boasts a superior location, an abundant talent pool, and significant innovation resources. It also serves as the center of Reckitt's commercial business and is close to Reckitt's mega factory in Taicang City in east China's Jiangsu Province.

"Today, China is the most sophisticated market for us in terms of the rate of innovation, the level of consumer knowledge and engagement, and the growth of social commerce," he said, adding that the Chinese economy has progressed at an incredible pace.

At the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2024, China's policymakers, while mapping out economic work for 2025, highlighted the need to vigorously boost consumption, improve investment efficiency, and expand domestic demand on all fronts.

"We have products that cater to the needs of younger people all the way through to the silver generation. The booming silver economy in China has also brought opportunities for our business," he said. "We will continue to expand our product range to meet a wider array of needs."

Licht has a very positive outlook on the company's business in China in 2025, which is expected to involve strong growth and continued investment. "With our latest investment in the R&D center, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to this market," he said.

As a global consumer goods company headquartered in Britain, Reckitt operates in over 60 countries and regions, and markets its products in nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide. 
A fifth grade teacher at a Cape May County elementary school got pregnant after she repeatedly sexually assaulted a student who moved into her house with his brother, police say in a report obtained by NJ Advance Media.

Middle Township School District Superintendent David Salvo received an anonymous tip on Dec. 12 saying a teacher  identified Wednesday as Laura R. Caron, 34, of the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township  may have sexually assaulted a student, according to an affidavit of probable cause in the case.

Salvo immediately contacted police, authorities said.

Caron was a fifth grade teacher at Middle Township Elementary School No. 2 in Cape May Court House before she was suspended, officials said.

The tip to police cited a Facebook message posted by the students father, which said Carons 5-year-old child looks like him and his son, the affidavit stated.

Carons child was born in 2019, when she was 28 and the alleged victim was 13 and living in her home, investigators said. The teenager told police earlier this month that he is the father of his former teachers child.

The teachers attorney could not immediately be reached to comment Thursday.

Caron taught both the alleged victim and his brother when they were in fifth grade, the boys father told police. The boys mother became friendly with the teacher and the parents began allowing their children to stay at the Carons home, the court documents said.

The sleepovers would only happen one or two nights a week at first, then the siblings moved into the teachers house full time from 2016 to 2020, investigators said. Further details about what prompted the parents to allow the living arrangement were not disclosed in police documents.

The boys sister, who also spent time at Carons home, told police on Dec. 16 the alleged victim, her brother, began sleeping at the house when he was 11 and the children stayed in a shared room, authorities said.

However, the sister told police she noticed her brother would often be in Carons bed when they awoke in the morning, the affidavit said. She also told detectives she would see Caron walk into the bathroom where her brother would shower and lock the door.

The alleged victims brother also told investigators he witnessed Caron sexually assault his brother, court papers said.

The sister provided police with a screenshot of a text between her and her brother in which he allegedly admitted he is the father of Carons child, the affidavit said. He asked his sister not to tell anyone so his former teacher would not get in trouble, police said.

On Jan. 5, the alleged victim told police Caron sexually assaulted him about twice a week while he lived with her, police said. He also allegedly told investigators he is the father of her child.

The police documents do not indicate when the siblings stopped living with Caron. The alleged victim told detectives he continued talking with Caron until his fathers Facebook post last month, according to the affidavit.

Caron was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, the Cape May County Prosecutors Office said. She was brought to the Cape May County jail.

School district officials said Caron was suspended once they learned about the criminal investigation.

When the school district was first advised of the criminal investigation, Laura Caron was suspended, and removed from any contact with students, as we take allegations regarding employee misconduct seriously, the Middle Township school district said. Our school district is committed to continuing to work in the best interest of our children and to provide an excellent education in a healthy, safe, and secure environment.

Hired as a public employee in 2014, Caron is paid an annual salary of $64,512, according to state pension records.

I want to personally assure the parents of Middle Township that we are taking every step possible to ensure the safety of our children. Our department is working closely with the Prosecutors Office to ensure that every aspect of this case is thoroughly investigated, said Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super in a statement, according to a report on 6abc.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for its scholarship award.

The fund, which was founded by board president Cindy Voorspuy in memory of her late mother, Lathrope Keen Baker Voorspuy, aims to motivate and inspire young activists, specifically those interested in social justice, economic issues, environmental studies, community activism and future political involvement.

After the late Voorspuy moved to New Brighton, she wasted no time involving herself in any local politics and activities she could find. She joined the Staten Island Democratic Association and became captain of the 14th Election District of the 59th Assembly District and was elected to the Democratic County Committee. The Staten Island Democratic Association later awarded her with the Peggy Johnston Club Service Award in 1995.

The society is ultimately a group effort between the board, and they know how much this means to me. This is a place to honor her life and legacy to what she loved most: activism. She was active in the civil rights and womens movements in the late 60s, said Cindy Voorspuy.

The board encourages middle and high school students to apply for the scholarship, but the award is open to all ages.

The application consists of a one-page written essay responding to questions provided by the society. Applicants can choose from a list of several programs, including the Elenora Roosevelt Legacy and The Midwest Academy. If an applicant finds a program not on the list, he or she can propose it to the boards consideration.

The grant amount is determined by the tuition and program to which the applicant applies. The award ranges from a couple hundred dollars to $2,000.

To submit an application, visit the LVMSF website, download and fill out the PDF, and return it by email or mail. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2025.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A major fire erupted at a battery energy storage site (BESS) in California on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation and a call for residents in neighboring towns to shut their windows and stay indoors to avoid the toxic smoke, according to recent reports.

We implore people to heed the evacuation order and to go to a safe location, Monterey County spokesman Nicholas Pasculli told The Mercury News. Its a major incident. All the resources in the county and our neighboring jurisdictions have been deployed to assist with this incident.

The fire, which is more than 300 miles away from and totally unrelated to the Southern California wildfires, was raging out of control Thursday night, sending up huge flames and clouds of hazardous black smoke, according to local news reports.

It was reported at the Moss Landing Power Plant located in northern Monterey County around 3 p.m.

Evacuations of about 1,500 people were ordered for the area, and the Monterey County Sheriffs Office called other agencies in the county to help with the emergency.

The facility, owned by Vistra Energy, a Texas company, is one of the largest battery storage plants in the world, The Mercury News reported. It holds tens of thousands of lithium batteries, which are used to store electricity generated from solar power.

Theres no way to sugarcoat it. This is a disaster, is what it is, Monterey County Supervisor Glen Church told KSBW-TV. This is extremely disconcerting.

The plant is located on the site of a now-shuttered 1950s-era PG&E Moss Landing natural gas plant, which was converted into a BESS facility in 2020. The site can store a total of 750 megawatts of energy, which is sold to PG&E, The Mercury News reported. A separate 182-megawatt battery storage plant that has 256 Tesla Megapack battery packs is also located on the north side of the site. According to The Mercury News, that facility did not appear to be burning.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but past reports indicate that this is the third fire at the facility.

Fires broke out at the Vistra plant on Sept. 4, 2021, and Feb 14, 2022, The Mercury News noted. Investigations showed that they were caused by a malfunction in a fire sprinkler system, which released water and caused several of the units to overheat.

The site in California is similar to the BESS sites that started popping up in several NYC neighborhoods in 2022. There are currently more than a dozen of them located on Staten Island, and many more are in the pipeline -- several of which are set to receive more than $1.5 million in incentive awards from the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Developers and green energy proponents tout the lithium-ion structures as quiet neighbors that are a necessary agent for renewable change -- one that will remove pressure from the citys stressed grid and help the state meet some ambitious environmental goals.

But over the past two years, borough residents and local officials have voiced their concerns about the structures. Community Boards voted against their proximity to bakeries and storefronts; elected officials issued a moratorium on BESS applications filed within residential districts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot.

Still, construction on these structures has been continuous throughout the local region. According to NYSERDA data, there are 5,988 sites currently installed throughout New York state.
A pancake and waffle mix product by the Quaker Oats Company is being recalled for an undeclared allergen, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A recall has been issued for a limited number of two-pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted by a retail partner.

Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product, according to the FDA notice.

No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date.

The products were sold until Nov. 18, 2024. No other Pearl Milling Company products are recalled.

The items have an expiration date of Sept. 13, 2025.

If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately. Quaker has informed the FDA of this action, stated the FDA notice.

Consumers with the product described above can contact Quaker Consumer Relations at 1-800-407-2247.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Flower power appears to be the latest weapon in Staten Islanders war on New York Citys speed cameras.

Local drivers have long bemoaned the boroughs speed cameras since they first started popping up in 2014, arguing that the automated enforcement is nothing more than a city cash grab operating under the guise of a public safety tool.

Recently, a group that refers to itself as the Staten Island Beautification Squad has launched a protest against the speed cameras, using small bouquets of flowers to block the lenses of the ticketing devices.

Photos of the obstructed cameras have begun circulating on social media to mixed response, with some championing the floral vigilantes.

Looks great, keep it up Beautification Squad. More trees and flowers are great for the environment! someone wrote on the social media platform X.

Love it! I hate those cameras! Thats one good thing about NJ; theyve been eliminated here, another added.

A group that refers to itself as the Staten Island Beautification Squad is using small bouquets of flowers to block the lenses of speed cameras on Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/Erik Bascome)Staten Island Advance/Erik Bascome

However, others have criticized the protest as a promotion of speeding at a time when the borough is experiencing an uptick in pedestrian fatalities.

So these morons think people should be able to speed through their communities? Deplorable, one user wrote.

This city has a serious problem. The vocal driver minority seems to think that they are entitled to speed, run reds, and kill more people yearly than homicides and other accidents combined, another commented.

Frank Morano, the boroughs self-proclaimed favorite son who recently announced his intention to run for the boroughs South Shore City Council seat, recently spoke about the floral crusade on his show, The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano on 77WABC Talk Radio.

Let me be clear, I cant condone obstructing law enforcement technology as someone who takes pedestrian safety very seriously. My stepmother was nearly killed by a speeding driver five years ago when she was walking around. I know the devastation reckless driving can cause, Morano said.

But Id be lying if I said I dont understand the frustration thats driving this so called beautification movement. At some point we have to ask, Are these cameras really about safety, or are they just another way to milk every last dime from hard working New Yorkers? The fact that some people feel compelled to take such action should be a wake up call to city leaders, he added.

A representative from the Department of Transportation (DOT) said the city is aware of the situation and has cleared similar obstructions from 14 Staten Island speed cameras.

Speeding kills. Tampering with speed cameras is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. We are actively working with the NYPD and the perpetrators will be held accountable for jeopardizing public safety, a DOT spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com.

About NYC speed cameras

New York Citys speed cameras operate around-the-clock, ticketing motorists 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, following a massive expansion in August 2022.

Previously, speed cameras had only been permitted to operate on weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Though the number of school zones with cameras is legally capped at 750, zones are permitted to have multiple cameras, with roughly 2,000 total operating throughout the five boroughs.

The speed cameras, which must be placed within a quarter-mile radial distance from a school building, issue $50 fines to drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Native Staten Islander Vincent J Di Simone, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Jan. 14, 2025. He attended New Dorp schools on Staten Island and worked for the family business, the Columbia Meat and Fish Market. Soon after marrying the love of his life, Barbara Ann Vittoriosa, they moved upstate to Otisville, N.Y., to provide a better life for their new family. He started working for ShopRite supermarkets, where he quickly became meat department manager. He worked with ShopRite for 44 years till he retired in 2012. Read the full obituary here.

Marilyn Hansen (Potter), 71, of Roselle Park, N.J., formerly of Staten Island, passed away on Jan. 6, 2025. Born on March 26, 1953, Marilyn was a cancer registrar, educator, and active parishioner. She is survived by her husband Kenneth, daughters K.C. and Denise, grandchildren Emily and Evelyn, brother Edward, and best friend Fannie. Read the full obituary here.

Lifelong Staten Islander Michael David Hoey, 53, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away Jan. 14, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in West Brighton, he was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart R.C. Church. He graduated from St. Peters Boys High School and went on to earn a bachelors degree in history from St. Johns University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Upsilon Fraternity, Alpha Chapter. Over the course of his career, he worked in sales, where his hard work, dedication and kindness made a lasting impact on all who knew him. Read the full obituary here.

Leonard Gerard Pugliese, 45, formerly of Staten Island, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Born on March 5, 1979, Leonard attended the Eden II School and participated with On Your Mark. He is survived by his parents Lynn and Leonard, siblings Lori and Kenneth, nephews Alexander, Jack and Leonardo, and nieces Olivia, Sophia and Cynthia. Read the full obituary here.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by SILive.com staff.
The list of the worlds safest airlines for 2025 has been released by AirlineRatings.com, a ranking compiled by a team of aviation writers, editors, and researchers since 2012.

Air New Zealand, renowned for operating one of the globes longest regularly scheduled flights, claimed the top spot. The airline connects Auckland, New Zealands largest city, with New Yorks JFK Airport, spanning an impressive 8,828 milesa flight that takes over 16 hours.

It was extremely close again between Air New Zealand and Qantas for first place, with only 1.50 points separating the two airlines, said CEO Sharon Petersen in a statement. While both airlines uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, Air New Zealand continues to have a younger fleet than Qantas, which sets them apart.

Notably, Alaska Airlines earned the number nine spot on the list of top-ranked U.S. carriers, despite a door incident during a flight in 2024, which was determined to be caused by a Boeing manufacturing defect rather than the airlines fault. Hawaiian Airlines landed at 12, American at 13, Delta at 21, and United at the bottom.

Compared to last years rankings, significant changes for 2024 include the inclusion of Iberia and Vietnam Airlines (their first appearance on the list), as well as Korean Airs rise into the top 10. Notably absent from this years list are Singapore Airlines and KLM.

The rankings are determined by pilots and aviation experts based on factors such as incident rates, incident management, seriousness of incidents, fatalities, financial stability, pilot skill and training, fleet age, fleet size, and more.

The Top 25 Full-Service Airlines for 2025 in order are:

Air New Zealand

Qantas

Cathay Pacific; Qatar Airways; Emirates

Virgin Australia

Etihad Airways

ANA

EVA Air

Korean Air

Alaska Airlines

Turkish Airlines (THY)

TAP Portugal

Hawaiian Airlines

American Airlines

SAS

British Airways

Iberia

Finnair

Lufthansa/Swiss

JAL

Air Canada

Delta Airlines

Vietnam Airlines

United Airlines

Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Millions of women across the U.S. celebrated on Friday, as President Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is now the law of the land.

One of those women is Stapleton resident Lorie Honor, who has been tirelessly campaigning alongside many others, to have the ERA made law.

There are really no words to express how happy I am that decades of work of millions of women are now verified and recognized. Regardless of party, regardless of affiliation, this is the will of the people, and nobody has a right to undermine a constitutional amendment, said Honor, who is co-founder of Staten Island Women Who March, and chief of staff for Vote Equality, a national organization whose mission is to bring awareness to the fact that gender equality was not in the U.S. Constitution.

Pictured are women working with Stapleton Resident Lorie Honor in Washington D.C. to have the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) officially added to the U.S. Constitution.Courtesy of Lorie Honor

I am so overjoyed that millions of women, the LGBTQ+ community and Americans in general can enjoy the fruits of constitutional equality that we have been denied for 250 years since the beginning of this country, and 100 years after it was introduced to Congress. I am so grateful to President Biden, and grateful mostly to the advocates, allies and grassroots people who got this done, she added.

In a written statement, Biden said this of the 28th Amendment: It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.

Said Crystal Armstrong, a North Shore resident and womens rights activist: Im so glad to hear that President Biden certified the ERA. I was almost certain that he was not going to do this. We all worked so hard on this and glad to see it come to fruition. Im so proud of everyone who made calls, texted and sent and signed postcards. This shows how if we work together we can get things done.

Biggest advancement for women since 1920

Many are touting the move as the biggest advancement of womens rights in the nation since the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920 giving women the right to vote.

I want to praise President Biden for declaring that the Equal Rights Amendment is now a valid part of the Constitution. I am in full agreement with his argument, given that the ERA has met every requirement laid out in Article V of the Constitution, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), who has been a leader in the effort to enshrine the ERA in the Constitution. This fact, together with the presidents proclamation and the backing of numerous legal experts, makes it clear that the ERA must now be considered the law of the land. This is an important day for reproductive freedom and a historic day for equality.

I want to praise President Biden for declaring that the Equal Rights Amendment is now a valid part of the Constitution. I am in full agreement with his argument, given that the ERA has met every requirement laid out in Article V of the Constitution, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), who as been a leader in the effort to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the Constitution. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA via AP) Images)Sipa USA via AP

Gillibrand noted that women living in states with restrictions on reproductive rights can now file lawsuits to overturn unconstitutional laws that discriminate against people based on their sex. I urge them to do so, and I know theyll have abundant support for these efforts.

However, there is some confusion as to whether the archivist still has to certify the amendment for it to officially be law. Gillibrand argued at a press conference on Friday that Bidens declaration supersedes the archivist.

Biden has superseded the archivist as the commander in chief, as the highest legal officer in the land. The archivist is part of his administration. She has the ministerial duty of publishing the Equal Rights Amendment to notify the states of the fact that its now part of the Constitution, said the New York senator.

She should have done that from the beginning. She chose not to. She has no constitutional role ...He [Biden] has followed in the steps of past presidents. In fact, President Adams was the one to publish through a statement to Congress, the 11th Amendment, after it had been ratified by the states. His statement to Congress was the functional publishing of the 11th Amendment. It just needed to be done by the president, who is her boss, and supersedes both her and the Department of Justice.expects a court battle from opponents to the ERA, she added.

However, Gillibrand suspects there will be a legal battle from opponents.

There is strong legal backing for our position, including from the American Bar Association, which has urged federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to implement the 28th Amendment. The time for procedure is overwe must now move to implementation, she said.

About the ERA

The ERA, written in 1923, promised equal rights for women and to establish the premise that sex-based distinctions in access to reproductive care would be unconstitutional.

This means abortion bans would violate a constitutional right to sex equality since such restrictions would single out women for unfair denial of medical treatment based on sex. State-level Equal Rights Amendments have already been passed to provide a constitutional basis for reproductive equality.

When it was written in 1923, the ERA promised equal rights for women, but it wasnt until 1972 that Congress proposed the amendment be added to the U.S. Constitution. To be added to the Constitution, however, three-quarters of the states needed to ratify it. And that didnt happen by its legal deadline on June 30, 1982.

But several states continued to ratify the ERA despite the deadline passing. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to approve the amendment. Since then, some lawmakers and many equal rights activists have lobbied for the amendment to be added to the Constitution. Former President Donald Trump vetoed the idea in 2020. But Friday, Biden said this met the requirement for the ERA is be law.

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SANAA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military conducted five strikes on a Houthi military site in Yemen's province of Amran to the north of the capital Sanaa on Friday morning, said the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

The strikes hit the outpost in the Harf Sufyan district in northern Amran, said the television, not giving further details, as the rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, rarely discloses its casualties or losses.

Residents wrote on social media that they heard a series of loud explosions at dawn from the Houthi military outpost, where weapons are stored underneath rocky hills.

The U.S. Central Command has not commented yet on the strikes.

The Houthi military site, along with other military outposts in other northern provinces and the capital Sanaa, has been frequently targeted by U.S. air raids since January 2024.

The fresh strikes came a few hours after the group's leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi vowed in a televised speech that his group would continue launching long-range rocket attacks on Israel if the Israeli forces kept raiding the Gaza Strip before the implementation of the announced Gaza ceasefire deal. 
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Condor Energy (ASX: CND)

80% (from 2c to 3.6c)

Junior gas explorer Condor Energy snatched second place this week after its shares leapt on news of the companys 147 per cent increase to its best estimate (2C) contingent resource of one trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas at its undeveloped shallow water Piedra Redonda gas field.

A further 513 per cent jump to its 2.65 Tcf high estimate (3C) of gas added to the excitement for the hydrocarbon true believers.

Closing last Friday at 2c, the companys shares were placed into a trading halt on Tuesday morning before they were back up for grabs on Thursday, causing traders to pile in on the impressive news.

With daily share volumes in the past six months not exceeding 4 million on any given day and often coming in below 500,000, a staggering 70.7 million changed hands on Thursday, boosting the price to a near four month high of 3.5c. Fridays trading pushed the price even higher and saw the shares touch 3.6c.

The company engaged a specialist firm to reprocess seismic data and when that data was combined with previous petrophysical and geophysical studies, it resulted in the whopping increase to the resource. The new resource positions the project as one of the largest undeveloped offshore gas discoveries on the west coast of South America.

Piedra Redonda sits within Condors Tumbes Technical Evaluation Agreement (TEA) or block area that covers 4858 square kilometres of offshore Peru acreage. Condor holds an 80 per cent stake in the project.

The TEA area covers almost all the Peruvian offshore Tumbes Basin in shallow to moderate depths and is surrounded by multiple historic and currently producing oil and gas fields.

Western Gold Resources (ASX : WGR)

Up 70% (from 4.1c to 7c)

Getting a solid bump to its share price on Wednesday and moving into this weeks third place is aspiring gold producer Western Gold Resources.

During the week the company revealed its preferred mining contractor for the promising Gold Duke project, located about 40km south-west of the small historic gold mining town of Wiluna, which sits at the gateway to the famous Canning Stock Route.

The market bought into news that the project is now about to become a mine and also seemed to like the contractor offering a deferred payment scheme to assist with the development. This helped boost Western Golds stock by 50 per cent on the day and more than 70 per cent for the week, taking it to a high of 7c from a Friday close of 4.1c. Solid volumes of 3.6 million on Wednesday were followed by a healthy 1.8 million shares traded Thursday, as the stock pared back some of its recent gains.

Management says a binding obligation will be created with the SSH Group upon executing a Master Services Agreement, which will be dependent on the company securing a toll treatment/ore sale agreement and a final investment decision by Western Golds board.

The first-stage production will focus on four deposits at the site, including EagleEmuGold KingGolden Monarch, which have a production target of 447,000 tonnes grading 2.55 grams per tonne gold for 34,000 ounces of the precious yellow metal.

SSH will be responsible for site establishment, mining and ore haulage to selected third-party processing operations and Western Gold believes the deferred payment facility will aid with managing the companys cash flow.

The eye-shaped feature Terrain Minerals believes could be similar to the one that led to the renowned Nova-Bollinger discovery.

Terrain Minerals (ASX : TMX)

Up 66% (from 0.3c to 0.5c)

Narrowly missing out on a podium finish this week but nonetheless grabbing the markets attention anyway was junior explorer Terrain Minerals. The company has its promising Lort River nickel project in the renowned Albany-Fraser Orogen, where IGOs highly successful Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper mine sits.

Terrain kicked off an RC drilling campaign at Lort River during the week, causing rusted on followers of IGOs extraordinary Nova-Bollinger Nickel discovery some years ago to get a slight twinge in their legs.

The new drill campaign will hit two prime targets which management says contains a super-prospective eye feature identified by magnetic surveys similar to what was identified at Nova-Bollinger prior to its initial drilling. That little piece of news got the market pumping and Terrain saw a stunning 58.6 million shares traded on Thursday.

Its price was boosted to 0.5c a share, representing a solid increase for the day of 66.67 per cent for the $7 million market-capped junior.

Volumes of nearly 40 million shares were traded by Friday lunchtime.

The Lort River project sits 50km north-west of Esperance and about 300km south of Nova-Bollinger.

Before being picked up by IGO, the Nova nickel/copper discovery was made by Sirius Resources back in 2012 and the nearby Bollinger find shortly thereafter. That discovery sent the companys shares on a rocket ship to the moon, before IGO kicked Sirius front door in with an astounding $1.8 billion offer for the mineral-rich project.

Some pundits describe the Albany-Fraser Orogen, extending for a minimum 1200km in length, as being a one-hit wonder due to Nova-Bollinger being the only nickel-copper discovery on a huge scale found within the regions mineralised belt. Others however believe there are more Nova-Bollingers lurking out there, particularly because it is a magmatic sulphide discovery which are known to occur in clusters elsewhere in the world.

Sirius Resources Nova-Bollinger discovery caused a conga line of small-capped ASX listed companies to run to the Fraser Range in search of the next big one. Many returned home with their tail between their legs and a million dollar drilling bill.

Not many of them however went down as far as Esperance which makes Terrains Lort River play rather curious and perhaps even cause for pause.

With the rotary truth diviner now doing its thing on site, punters wont have long to wait to see if Sirius Resources Nova-Bollinger nickel copper discovery does indeed have a big, beautiful twin.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
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Eating outRestaurant news Shawarma tacos on the menu at Merrylands slick new dining spot Chef Jeremy Agha wants to redefine Middle Eastern cooking in western Sydney one wagyu kofta dumpling at a time. Scott Bolles January 16, 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

Merrylands doesnt often find itself at the epicentre of Sydneys feverish restaurant opening action. But the western suburb is now home to Iftar, a slick new eatery delivering hot takes on Middle Eastern food. Weve reimagined the shawarma and turned it into a taco, says Iftar owner Jeremy Agha. The budding young restaurateur grew up in his familys Lebanese bakery in nearby Guildford but ditched the traditional flatbread for wrapping his shawarma. We use house-made tortillas instead, says the 25-year-old. Iftars shawarma tacos swap flatbread for tortillas. Merrylands, just south of Parramatta, already has an excellent line-up of restaurants, bakeries, food stores and sweet shops. The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide lists Kabul House and Al Shami in the suburb, and other popular dining destinations include Toranj Persian Restaurant, Mansours BBQ, and a branch of Yemeni rice specialist Mataam al Mandi. 14.5 / 20 Review Sure, this is a terrific place to wrap grilled meat in bread, but theres much more to explore

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When Kabul House opened in 2010, it was one of the few Afghan restaurants in Sydney, reports the Good Food Guide. Now there are several on the same street, but even in Merrylands Afghan district, Kabul House is the busiest. Meanwhile, Al Shami is a bright and welcoming place, with traditional Syrian cooking and an impressive marble fountain that wouldnt be out of place in an Arabian embassy. The dining room at Iftar designed by Matt Woods. Iftar officially launches in the heart of Merrylands on January 18, but Agha has been quietly putting his investment through its paces in recent weeks and fine-tuning the left-field menu. The restaurant has long been his dream. Growing up in the area, Agha felt local clientele deserved the level of restaurant dining room they often had to travel to enjoy, so he sought out acclaimed interior designer Matt Woods.

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In terms of the combination of flavour, experience and feel, I honestly dont think theres anything like it in Sydney, says Agha. Iftar can be found in Merrylands Main Lane precint. Supplied With soft down-lighting, earthy tones and custom cabinetry, Iftar has the design accoutrements of a high-end, hatted Sydney CBD venue. I can honestly say we havent changed a single tile from [Woods] first draft. As for the menu, Agha explains its a co-creation with his mum, Rita. With a bakery background and an inquisitive palate, he says he dreams up the flavour combinations in his head, then gives his mother the tough assignment of turning them into dishes the Iftar kitchen can reproduce. Every recipe is hers, he says. Iftar means breakfast in Arabic, and the hidden meaning is that Iftar cant be spelt without the letters of her name. Theres no Iftar without Mum. Its as much her story as it is mine.

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Iftars 25-year-old owner Jeremy Agha. Supplied One of those left-field dishes is a dumpling filled with wagyu kofta, which has reportedly impressed both Middle Eastern and Asian diners. The tight menu also lists cheese cigars with halloumi, feta, mozzarella and zaatar; macaroni bi laban with lamb mince, burnt butter and pine nuts; and fattoush with pomegranate molasses. The breakfast line-up includes lamb confit with runny egg. Its a modern take on [Middle Eastern] classics, says Agha. Theres a drinks list of wine and beer but its all non-alcoholic stuff: Iftar is booze-free. And its owner plans to cater for a greater slice of local clientele from late next month, expanding opening hours to dinner to coincide with Ramadan. Breakfast and lunch daily,

Main Lane, Merrylands; instagram.com/iftarmerrylands Collection Your January hit list: The hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now

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Strong winds have torn awnings from shopfronts, downed power lines and uprooted trees across Sydney, including in the CBD, where two people were injured after a large fig fell on them in Hyde Park.

Wind speeds as high as 120km/h were recorded in Sydney on Friday, with the SES responding to about 2100 requests for assistance.

SES spokesman Andrew Edmunds said a large number of calls concerned fallen trees, which led to more than 1000 requests for help on Friday. In West Pymble, fallen trees damaged gas mains.

Awnings were also ripped from shopfronts and onto traffic on Victoria Road in Drummoyne, closing citybound lanes, which have since reopened. One man believed to be in his 60s was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
A western Sydney man has been charged with six domestic violence offences after allegedly stalking, choking and stabbing a woman in the back.

After responding to reports of a domestic violence incident in Cabramatta on Friday night, Fairfield police arrived at the Mallee Street home to find a 34-year-old woman with a stab wound in her back.

Paramedics treated her at the scene before taking her to Liverpool Hospital. She is in a stable condition.

Fairfield police have arrested a 37-year-old man following an alleged stabbing. Credit: Nine News

Police arrested 37-year-old Ba Duy Le and took him to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with six offences including reckless wounding, two counts of stalking and intimidation, choking without consent, and destruction of property.
The City of Sydney has objected to construction designed to pave the way for the final piece of the Barangaroo foreshore, as pressure mounts on the NSW government to lock in plans for the site with a proposed $2 billion-plus development still in limbo months after its metro station opened.

The government is assessing the revised application from its development partner, Aqualand, to build 150 luxury apartments, a hotel, shops and offices in seven blocks of up to 10 storeys at Central Barangaroo.

The state government is still mulling plans for the final piece of the Barangaroo urban renewal project. Credit: Rhett Wyman

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has also been appraising separate plans for early works on a small section of the 5.2-hectare site. Those plans were this month referred to the Independent Planning Commission after the City of Sydney Council refused to support them, citing little clarity over what the future development of Central Barangaroo would look like or how it will be used.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore told the Herald the site linking the office district and headland was the final piece of public land to be redeveloped at Barangaroo and the last opportunity to get it right.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's medical insurance fund last year achieved a balanced budget, with a slight surplus, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the fund, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

A total of 6.7 billion outpatient settlements were covered by basic medical insurance in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 19 percent, the NHSA told a press conference on Friday.

Maternity insurance fund expenditure amounted to 143.2 billion yuan (19.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 -- a 33.9-percent increase from the previous year, the NHSA revealed. 
Second, just three years later, in 1995, he chaired another difficult general synod meeting as the Anglican Church struggled to agree to a second modern prayer book. A Prayer Book for Australia, the successor to the 1978 An Australian Prayer Book, passed the synod but despite numerous concessions made during the meeting, it failed at the last moment to achieve the approval of the conservative diocese of Sydney. Nevertheless, it is used extensively around the rest of the Australian church.

First, as the fractious decades-long debate about womens ordination came to a head, he chaired the churchs general synod  the Anglican Churchs national parliament  through two difficult meetings in 1992 that finally approved the ordination of women as priests. Barely a month later, in December that year, he presided over the first Melbourne ordinations of women priests. There were so many women waiting for ordination in Melbourne that three services were required that month.

As primate (leading bishop) of the Anglican Church of Australia from 1991 until his retirement in 1999, Dr Rayner steered the Anglican Church through perhaps its most turbulent decade. He provided the towering intellectual leadership needed to wrestle at depth with the fundamental theological and ecclesiological issues involved in what was potentially an explosive fault line in the church.

Keith Rayner, a former Anglican archbishop of Melbourne and one of the most significant Australian church leaders of the 20th century, has died in Adelaide at the age of 95.

On both occasions, many believed it was Dr Rayners firm but careful leadership committed to building consensus that ensured that the national church was able to survive intact and with a degree of equanimity. Despite the significant differences in the national church between conservatives and progressives, he was always highly respected across the church.

A considerable theologian, he had first become engaged in the womens ordination debate when he was a member of the first doctrine commission of the Australian church. The commission, which began meeting in 1969, brought a resolution in favour of women clergy to the national church in 1977. Dr Rayner has said that while early in the commissions work he became personally convinced of the rightness of ordaining women, he could see that it would be disruptive for the church. Nevertheless, whatever the short-term cost, the integrity of the Church demanded that the issue be honestly faced. He argued dispassionately but persuasively in favour of women clergy in the highly charged synod debates that marked the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was eventually delighted to see women ordained, returning to Melbourne in 2012 to join the 20th anniversary celebrations of the first ordinations of women priests here.

Leigh Mackay OAM, a Melbourne lawyer and laywoman who was appointed registrar of the diocese of Melbourne by Dr Rayner in 1995  the first woman to hold that role  has described him as unpretentious, shy, wise, dedicated and hardworking. Although by nature conservative, she said: He engaged with contentious issues  divorce, womens ordination  and was prepared to change his mind. Many times, I saw his pastoral concerns for his clergy. She added that, in chairing synod meetings, she saw him as courteous, clear, across the detail of the agenda and legislation, as well as of the arcane synod procedures.

Archbishop Keith Rayner with the 12 women ordained at St Pauls Cathedral in December 1992. Credit: Fairfax Media

At the time of his retirement in 1999, Dr Rayner nominated the changed status of the laity as the greatest change he has witnessed in his 30 years in episcopal orders. Thirty years ago, people used to talk about going into the church when they meant they were going to be ordained, he said then. That attitude  that the clergy were the church  was reflected in styles of worship, and church management at every level from the national to the parochial.
A father and son have been stabbed to death after a toddlers birthday party ended in a wild brawl in Melbournes outer south-east.

Police were called to a property on Observatory Street in Clyde North at 9.30pm on Thursday following reports of an argument that spilled out onto the street.

By the time emergency services arrived, the two men from Seaford  one aged 23, the other 54  were found on opposite sides of the road with stab wounds.

Despite medical treatment, they both died at the scene. Police are now searching for multiple people involved who left before officers arrived. Nine News reported family had gathered for a childs first birthday party.
If you feel like four weeks of leave a year is not enough to rest and recharge, theres a hack you can use to lengthen your holidays  starting this month.

By strategically booking your days off this year, you can turn 20 days of annual leave into 49 days. It might not cut it if youve saved up for a big Euro trip, but by booking leave around key public holidays, you can get seven weeks off  including one long weekend at a time of your choice this year.

With a bit of finessing in 2025, seven weeks of downtime are well within your reach. Credit: Getty Images

Public Service Association of NSW general secretary Stewart Little says it makes total sense for employees to be strategic about when they take their leave especially in New South Wales, given we get fewer public holidays than everyone else. The state has 11 days of public holidays each year and others have up to 13, but the complement of public holidays varies within states because some have regional days off or include partial public holidays.

Australian HR Institute chief executive Sarah McCann-Bartlett says the strategy of taking leave to maximise days off has been around for a while and is not for everyone. But she said it had not caused issues.
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 Another attack in Sydney, this time on the eve of a breakthrough in the Gaza war (High-profile Jewish leader lived at home targeted in eastern suburbs attack, January 17). This homegrown conflict is no longer about the plight of Palestinians. This is now about attacking Jews anywhere. The local perpetrators would be more comfortable in 1930s Europe than they are in democratic Australia. I await our politicians to decry this latest act with their usual its not the Australian way, but platitudes like that are meaningless. Who knows, maybe it is the new Australian way. But each time it happens, my hope and pride in our nation is diminished, one step at a time. Patrick McGrath, Potts Point While we feel deep sympathy for Israeli hostages in Gaza and their families (After 18 months of agony, Elis ordeal nears end, December 17), we should also remember the suffering of Palestinian hostages who have been taken in much greater numbers before, during and since the October 7 attacks. They include Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of northern Gazas last functioning hospital, who was arbitrarily detained in December. The return of all hostages on both sides is essential for the ordeal to really end. Martin Cousins, Lindfield Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, with his wife Vicky outside their former home in Dover Heights, which was vandalised overnight. Credit: James Brickwood I had hoped the ceasefire deal in Gaza would help bring an end to antisemitic attacks on Australian citizens in Sydney, but there were more attacks overnight in the eastern suburbs. So much for hope. When will this hate end? These people, many the family members of Holocaust survivors, have done nothing to deserve this. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh Train drivers dont have it easy I can understand the frustration of commuters who feel let down by recent disruptions, but as the wife of an ex-driver, I know firsthand the workplace conditions drivers and guards face. There is no consistency in shifts: a driver may start at 12:06 am one day; 3:13 the next; work seven to 10 days straight; work three hours without a toilet break. If trains are delayed for some reason, you might get no break at all. These conditions result in driver fatigue and they endanger the staff and the public, yet they are rarely publicised. I can think of few other jobs that place such a strain on employees, and few employees who would work under such conditions. Let them be compensated fairly, and let the safety of these workers prevail. Drivers and commuters lives could depend on it. Jen Hacker, Ettalong Beach

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Working from home has many benefits, as outlined by Tim Chapman (Letters, January 17), however, there are thousands of workers who simply cant: nurses, ambos and police to name a few. The rail union leaders appear to have forgotten that these essential workers need to get to their workplaces, and on time. In addition, the housing crisis has condemned many of these same workers to long commutes, making transport disruption doubly hard to bear. Another reader, Ron Sinclair, pointed out that union bastardry made the election of a conservative government more likely. Do we really need another Mussolini to get the trains running on time? Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt Study in economy While it would certainly be a struggle to survive on less than half the average full-time wage, there is no need for anyone to do that (PhD students struggle to survive on just $87 a day, January 17). Full-time PhD students can work part-time, just like any other full-time university student, as I know from my time as a dean of graduate studies. Any limits on working hours that a university may impose allow enough hours of work for students to earn a reasonable supplementary income. The beauty of the stipend, for those fortunate enough to be allocated one, is that students have a financial cushion that other students do not have. PhD students may even have the convenience of being offered part-time work tutoring, or as a research assistant, at their university. Moreover, they do not pay fees as other university students have to, so they do not incur a debt. My research on part-time student work has shown over the years that in Australia (as in many other countries), it is the norm for full-time students to work part-time. PhD students should be no different, with the added advantage that their hours of study are generally flexible, and they do not have to worry, as others do, about rearranging their working hours every semester when the times of their classes change. It would be a shame if this report by Christopher Harris deterred people from undertaking PhD study. Professor Erica Smith, Moruya Full-time PhD students can work part-time, just like any other full-time university student. Christopher Harris article highlighting the stringent budgeting required for daily survival by PhD student Katherine Warwick risks stereotyping such students as living lives akin to characters in La Boheme. However, the PhD student is a fuzzier concept. There is the PhD student whose family are the ones making the sacrifices, with the PhD spouse-parent-student spending evenings and weekends researching and writing. There is also the late-age PhD student who can finally pursue their dream of leisurely research, free from financial and family pressures. Finally, for an unknown number of PhD students, there is a marked personal cost, described by Julia Baird reflecting on her PhD path as years marked as much by isolation and self-doubt as by discovery (Phosphorescence, p. 146). Each PhD has its own story. Paul Casey, Callala Bay Its deja vu all over again. At the end of 1984, when I finished my PhD, the minimum wage in Australia was $4 an hour, or $152 per week. My postgraduate scholarship was $4400 per year, or $84.60 per week; so my income was 56 per cent of the minimum wage. For todays students, that figure is about 66 per cent. Andrew Scott, Pymble

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Trumps conga line Daily, the Trump Show becomes more surreal (Trump casts Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as his Hollywood envoys  , January 17). This is the ultimate outcome of the historical, sustained American cult of celebrity. Somehow, millions of people have empowered an ageing public office impostor to trample on all the flowers of statesmanship, democracy, decency, intellectual power, leadership and sober vision to fulfil all his childish fantasies and surround himself with similarly unrepresentative, unqualified celebrities . Not a single individual in Donald Trumps expanding conga line of sycophants and ageing, tiresome stars have any concept or interest in the realities, needs and expectations of the public. Behold, the end of the road of the American exceptionalism delusion. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville Although he might initially confuse him with Karl, Trump should perhaps also pick Groucho Marx as a Hollywood envoy, even posthumously. Why? Because I think hed like but embrangle the meaning of the comedians famous words: Those are my principles, and if you dont like them, well, I have others. Shaun Davies, St Peters Mel Gibson (left), Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone are cast as Trumps Hollywood envoys. Credit: Stephen Kirprillis The contest between Joe Biden and Trump over bragging rights to the Gaza ceasefire agreement is dismally sad (Biden leaves White House with Trump as his legacy, January 17). The idea that success has many fathers but failure is an orphan is playing out. If the peace lasts, there will still be thousands of real orphans in Gaza and thats even sadder. Peter Russell, Coogee Portion distortion Like Melissa Mason, Ive often wondered about the size of pub and club meals while travelling and why it is almost impossible to order a smaller portion (When it comes to dining out, I will always choose the kids menu, January 16). This is particularly so if ordering breakfast when bacon and eggs comes with a weeks supply of bacon and two eggs when all that is required is one of each. Yes, if with a companion, you can share, although some eateries are not inclined to oblige. As Melissa asks, why arent smaller meals available to everyone, not just children and seniors, and why should you be shamed for asking? Max Redmayne, Drummoyne

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Members of my family who insist on feeding healthy food to their children are tormented by its absence from cafe menus. While adults are well catered for, the kids choices are usually limited to nuggets (Chicken? Pull the other leg), chips, batter balls disguised as fish  in fact, sustenance devoid of anything that a nutritionist would approve. With societys obesity problem, surely we should be training young palates to recognise whats good for you. Some will sneer and say one in a while wont hurt, but why is good food a punishment and chips a reward? Wendy Crewe, Lane Cove I love a pub lunch, beer on tap, the usual menu of fish, parmigiana or pizza. However, Im with Melissa Mason. Sometimes I want to choose from the kids menu because I dont want the supersized meal that these days seems the norm. I no longer have a kid sitting at the table that makes me feel OK to contemplate the small peoples menu and meals. Half the size, half the price. Id like to see that. Lisa Williams, Dulwich Hill Many readers have complained about not being able to order smaller portions off the childs menu. Credit: Shutterstock.com Melissa Masons desire to eat from the kids menu reminded me of the four ladies who lunch, two of whom ordered from the kids menu. When the waitress delivered their dishes, she said to the first two the plates are hot. To the other two, burny burny. Derek Tennent, Manly Vale In Italy, there is no problem with ordering a meal per dividere, and thats in a country where the meals arent the enormous offerings found in the US or Australia. Usually, theres no separate childrens menu as children are offered the same nutritious meals as adults. No self-respecting Italian parent would offer their bambino chicken nuggets  shudder. Jennifer Bacia, Newstead Red tape tangle I refer to yesterdays story in the Herald ( Confusing approval process holding back Sydney housing, January 17). Thirty-five years ago, I drew up my house plans with a pencil and paper, submitted them to council, obtained development approval, owner built the house at a cost of about $100,000 including land, and have lived there ever since. Three years ago, a 1940s house I owned in the same suburb burnt down. The zoning allowed a duplex, so I decided to build two smaller dwellings. Stupidly, I thought that increasing the supply of smaller houses close to shops, trains, buses and schools would be a good thing, but council did not share that view. I spent $15,000 on flood studies just to get to the starting line, even though the land has never flooded; not to mention tree studies, landscape plans and an extensive Statement of Environmental Effects. I am now engaged in an ongoing back and forth with council to address their inane and arbitrary concerns. For example, there is a gum tree on an adjacent block. Under a recent Australian Standard, the tree protection zone for this tree covers around half my block of land and I have had to demonstrate that the house footings will not adversely affect the tree. I have also had to make the driveway wide enough for two cars to park side by side, to avoid using street parking. Then there is a drainage constraint, which means I can build a McMansion with a granny flat, but I cant build a duplex with the same footprint and the same roof runoff. Its currently 232 days and counting, and the housing crisis deepens. John Storer, Bulli

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Throughout a career in local government, I found delays in processing approvals were generally due to an applicant failing to provide the necessary information, and a shortage of staff. The Local Government Act 1919 was updated and amended yearly to make it easier for the applicant to determine if their proposal was compliant. This process was changed with the introduction of the LGA of 1993, with a more costly DA that now requires the submission of full detailed plans and a statement of environmental effects (completed by any unqualified person) in the first instance.

It has become a costly throw of the dice for an applicant who does not have a prior meeting with councils staff before lodging a DA. This, together with private certification, has provided an uncertain and costly process for both the applicant and our community. Brian McDonald, Willoughby I dont know how to solve the housing crisis in Sydney and the resulting youth exodus (Citys housing crisis sparks youth exodus, January 16), but I do know the NSW and the federal governments could lessen the burden on people by setting a cap on essential food prices and drawing up a list of such items, similar to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schemes list of essential medical items. In 1974, when I started off as a graduate teacher, I could pay off one-third of my eight-year-old house with a years salary. In 2024, a starting graduate teacher can buy just 1/25 th of the same house, which is now 50 years old, with one years salary. This is indeed a crisis. Ken Grant, West Pennant Hills Psychiatrists employed by the state are resigning in protest at their pay rates. Credit: Istock Wage reversal Some readers think public health psychiatrists are being greedy by resigning over pay (Letters, January 16). To put this in perspective, my psychiatrist father charged $45 per consultation in 1975 when in private practice. This apparently equates to $264 in todays dollars. Consultations often lasted well over an hour and he bulk-billed many patients. The work was difficult and sometimes dangerous. He put three children through private school, took us on several overseas trips (unusual at the time), had a large house in a prestigious suburb and three cars. Good luck to any psychiatrist trying to do all that on the current wage today. Natalie Maschmeyer, Lindfield A ripping yarn Rather than go into a protracted explanation to overseas visitors of the dangers of rips, Josephine Grieve (Letters, January 17), Id suggest you simply tell the swimmers that sharks had been spotted in the area. My guess is that theyll walk (or run) on water to reach land. Randi Svensen, Wyong

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You dont want to sell your home for less than you pay for it, she said. When we really do start to see price rises, we will see it in areas like these premium locations that are now seeing the deepest falls. What you tend to find in markets like Melbourne is the premium end of the housing market does lead price cycles, and what that means is it tends to see greater rates of growth during an upswing, but it does appear more vulnerable when we see softer market conditions. Sam Nottle, 33, upsized from his unit in St Kilda East to a house in Albert Park at the end of 2024 and says the purchase was all about timing. Sam Nottle said it was the right time to buy his new home in Albert Park. Credit: Simon Schluter It was a decent time to buy, Nottle said. I think its fair to say we were able to get a better price at the time.

Houses in Albert Park recorded a price decline of 1.7 per cent in the 12 months to December, Domain data shows. Nottle, a lawyer, said while he wasnt waiting around for significant price drops, he knew that softening house prices around Melbourne meant he could be paying less than if he had bought a year ago. He said buying after the COVID-19 housing boom meant he wasnt overpaying for the property. Entourage Finance director Vincent Moore, Nottles mortgage broker, said he had noticed clients taking advantage of price declines in sought-after areas.

Moore said many buyers had waited three or four years for prices to come down before putting forward an offer on a home in their ideal location. Loading More people are upsizing or upgrading their properties, he said. Some of those affluent suburbs are now a lot more affordable  thats a big trend were seeing. More first home buyers were entering the housing market amid rising rents and as rental properties were being sold off, Moore added. I think the sell-off of investment properties is triggering a lot more first time buyers who were potentially going to wait [to buy] to get into the market now.

While some premium areas have experienced price falls, more affordable and family-oriented suburbs have recorded price rises in the past year. House prices in Oak Park increased by 15.5 per cent to a median of $835,000, while Pascoe Vale had an 8.8 per cent rise, bringing its median house price to $800,000. ANZ senior economist Adelaide Timbrell said house prices had been pushed up in more affordable areas because of increased demand, while the cost of living had restricted budgets for some buyers looking in premium locations. The Reserve Banks tightening cycle has reduced borrowing capacity for prospective home owners, and what that does is it takes away the ability for home owners to bid more at auctions, and can push some prospective home owners down to a lower price point than they would have had otherwise, Timbrell said.
The second takeaway is that we dont play a consistent sport. Only one out of 10 points reaches nine shots or longer. All those long rallies that make you feel so good on the practice court dont really parlay to the match court. Mens top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner is once again carving his way through the draw on the back of destroying opponents in short rallies. Sinner has played a staggering 78 per cent of his points in the zero to four shot length. He is only playing 16 per cent in the mid-length range of five to eight shots and only 7 per cent of points in long rallies. He has won 16 points in nine plus shot rallies and lost 14. Who cares when he plays 339 short points in the zero to four rally length? Carlos Alcaraz is another player who likes to attack at the start of the point. The Spaniard is playing 72 per cent of his points in short rallies, 22 per cent in five to eight shots, and just 6 per cent in nine plus shot rallies. Alcaraz has won nine points in long rallies and lost nine. He has a zero-sum net in long rallies. No problem. Thats not going to stop him from winning the title. The three players who have built the most significant winning margins in thezero to four shot rally length are Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Novak Djokovic. These heavyweights are cleverly outclassing opponents before they can sink their teeth into the point. Leading three players in the zero to four shot rally length A. Zverev: 146 won/90 lost = +56 T. Fritz: 111 won/55 lost = +56 N. Djokovic: 179 won/125 lost = +54

Where most points are played, Zverev, Fritz and Djokovic turn the screws better than anyone else left in the draw. Whats interesting is that three players have managed to reach the third round losing more points in the zero to four shot rally length than they have won. Worst performers in the zero to four rally length L. Tien: 85 won/101 lost = -16 H. Rune: 183 won/195 lost = -12 A. Vukic: 96 won/102 lost = -6 These players rely on wearing down opponents in longer rallies. Tien, in particular, performed well in longer rallies in his five-set upset of Medvedev in the second round. The two players combined for a staggering 110 points in the nine plus shot rally length, Tien outlasted the No.5 seed 62-48 in their lengthiest exchanges. In the two sets Medvedev won, the pair played only 23 points in long rallies of nine plus shots. Medvedev was clearly trying to keep points short and not let Tien gain a foothold from the baseline. In the fifth set alone, the pair played 36 rallies of nine plus shots, which favoured Tien. Carlos Alcaraz stretches for a backhand. Credit: Getty Images

They played a 33-shot rally in the first game of the fifth set, which Tien won. In the second-set tie-breaker, they produced a jaw-dropping 45-shot rally, which Tien also won. Typically, Medvedev grinds opponents into the court in Australia, but this time he met a younger, faster version of himself. The mid-length rallies of five to eight shots are the in-between land where patterns of play emerge. This is where players can plan where they serve, where the ball will most likely come back, and the ensuing couple of shots that act as blows against the opponents weakness. Its premeditated murder. Below are the leading three players winning points in the five to eight shot rally length. Leading three players in the five to eight shot rally length H, Rune: 71 won/46 lost = +25 A. Michelsen: 55 won/30 lost = +25 C. Alcaraz: 43 won/21 lost = +22 These mid-length rallies account for 21 per cent of total points. Its a sizable amount of points that are up for grabs that typically supplement the winning strategies of short points. Whats interesting about this rally length is that players can be solid here or even quite average. Only seven players built a double-digit lead, while 10 players created no advantage at all.

Worst performers in the five to eight shot rally length L. Musetti: 51 won/62 lost = -11 B. Shelton: 40 won/49 lost = -9 N. Djokovic: 40 won/45 lost = -5 Its startling to see Djokovic, a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, trailing in any stat against his opponents, but thats exactly where he stands in mid-length rallies through the first two rounds. Novak Djokovic rally length won/lost Zero to four shots: 179 won/125 lost = +54 Five to eight shots: 40 won/45 lost = -5 Nine plus shots: 38 won/28 lost = +10 This identifies an apparent problem for Djokovic: he is playing too many long rallies compared with the rest of the draw, which is not ideal from a stamina perspective for the 37-year-old. Djokovic has played the second-highest total of nine plus rallies, at 14.5 per cent of his total points. Only Tien has a higher average. The problem is that Djokovic has played 151 points in rallies of five shots or longer and has only crafted a five-point advantage. Thats a lot of running for a mediocre payout.
Straight up, Ive loved the Australian Open forever. On TV since Edo and his fantastic moustache took the 1976 title, and in real life since the 1980s, when Id catch the train from school to Kooyong to park up in the back row of centre court and critique players legs.

My first boyfriend was a pro player who ended up coaching the Bryan brothers to a zillion grand slam titles. During the 1984 Open, David slept on the velour modular in our lounge room and badgered Mum to make her sweet and sour pork.

The Australian Open is in full flight. Credit: Eddie Jim

I was 18 and studying for HSC exams. Still 17, he was making his main draw singles debut. At night, wed play cards, hed quiz me on my English texts, wed talk cricket and our futures.

Long story short, my dream to marry into tennis fizzled, but not my love for the game and the Australian Open.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- As China-EU relations reach a pivotal juncture, a recent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and European Council President Antonio Costa has provided more clarity and guidance.

The candid talk, the first high-level engagement with the new EU leadership, underscored the importance of mutual trust and collaboration in jointly navigating an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

In an era marked by changes unseen in a century and mounting global challenges, sustained dialogue and a commitment to multilateralism are essential. For China and the EU, these efforts serve their fundamental interests, and help grow bilateral ties and promote global peace and prosperity.

The latest phone conversation reaffirmed both sides' commitment to closer cooperation. Last year, Xi's successful visit to Europe, along with multiple European leaders' visits to China, helped maintain high-level strategic communication, encouraging a long-term perspective on their relationship.

During their phone conversation, Xi said that China remains confident in the EU and hopes the EU will also prove to be a trustworthy cooperation partner for China, while Costa affirmed the EU's willingness to enhance dialogue and communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, and strengthen the partnership.

As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, the exchange of views has sent a clear, positive signal, injecting fresh momentum into the healthy and steady growth of the China-EU relationship.

There exists no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU. Instead, the two sides share a solid foundation of mutual interests, characterized by their complementary and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation. They also jointly stand as defenders of the multilateral trading system.

As each other's second-largest trading partner, China and the EU conduct nearly 1.5 million U.S. dollars worth of trade every minute, with Chinese and EU businesses boosting investments in both ways.

Initiatives like the China-Europe Railway Express, which has completed over 100,000 trips, strengthen this synergy. The two sides also cooperate in areas like agriculture, aerospace, nuclear energy, green tech and renewable energy.

China's commitment to high-quality development and high-level opening-up is also bringing new opportunities for China-EU cooperation. Recent policies, including removing all restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing and introducing a nationwide negative-list system for cross-border trade in services, as well as expanded visa-free access and improved travel facilitation, have further strengthened China's appeal as a hub for European investment.

A report published in October by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade revealed that over 41 percent of surveyed European companies viewed the Chinese market outlook as "good," up by 14.17 percentage points from the previous month, while nearly 48 percent recognized China's rising market appeal, up by 5.42 percentage points.

China and the EU are two major forces advancing multipolarity, two large markets supporting globalization and two great civilizations advocating for diversity. Over the past 50 years, China-EU relations have not only contributed to their respective development but also made significant contributions to global peace and prosperity.

Past experience and lessons show that mutual respect and candid dialogue are key to advancing cooperation. Amid mounting global challenges, China and the EU need to stay true to their original aspirations of establishing diplomatic ties. By cementing mutual understanding and upholding win-win cooperation, they can safeguard their core interests and contribute to global stability and prosperity. 
The firebombing of a Dover Heights home early on Friday morning is a major escalation in local antisemitism and a jarring counterpoint to hopes for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is now edging towards reality in the Middle East.

To our countrys shame, there has been a gradual rise in the number and extremity of hate attacks across Australia on schools, synagogues, homes, offices, property and cars since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. Amid the almost weekly demonstrations against the Gaza war, some antisemitic attacks were haphazard and carried out under cover of darkness. But the Dover Heights incident is different. It clearly targeted a home previously owned by co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin, and that fact now forms the basis of a NSW Police criminal investigation.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, outside a home in Dover Heights that he owned until 2022. It was vandalised overnight. Credit: James Brickwood

The antisemitism that has driven these local attacks is the same disease that provoked the latest Middle East war. In the 15 months since it began, more than 1200 Israeli civilians, an unknown number of Israeli soldiers and an estimated 46,000 Palestinians have died.

We welcome the mooted ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. It has been a long time coming and there have been several false starts. We can only imagine the fear and joy it brings to Palestinians trapped in the war zone, and the families of remaining Israeli hostages.
Washington: TikTok says it will go dark and may disappear from app stores in the United States as soon as Sunday unless President Joe Biden intervenes after the Supreme Court upheld a legislated ban of the Chinese-owned social media app over national security concerns.

The law, carried by Congress and signed by Biden in April, arose from fears shared by many Western allies that user information could end up in the hands of the Chinese government through TikToks Beijing-based parent company ByteDance.

A content creator wears a Keep TikTok button outside the US Supreme Court in Washington. Credit: Bloomberg

It required ByteDance to divest from TikTok in the US by a deadline which comes on Sunday, January 19, Bidens final day as president. The company challenged the law on the grounds it violated free speech rights under the First Amendment of the US Constitution, but on Friday the Supreme Court rejected those arguments and upheld the imminent ban.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court said in a unanimous opinion.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Electoral Council hereby reminds all registered political parties that in accordance with article 37 paragraph 1 of the National Ordinance on Registration

and Finances of Political Parties, they are required to submit to the Electoral Council a chronological register of donations of all donations received throughout the year

2024, be it in cash, by transfer or in kind, before February 1st, 2025. Political parties who did not receive any donations in 2024 must also submit a signed register.

All registered political parties, including parties that did not participate in the January 9th, 2024 parliamentary election or the August 19th, 2024 snap election must

maintain and submit a register of donations.

In addition, with regard to the snap parliamentary election that was held on August 19th, 2024, the Electoral Council hereby notifies all candidates that pursuant to

article 33, paragraph 2 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties all candidates must maintain from the moment that they have been

designated as a candidate by their political party a register of all donations received.

Further, pursuant to article 3,7 paragraph 2, all candidates must submit a copy of their register of donations, be it monetary or in kind, within one month after

election day, provided with a declaration signed by the candidate. Candidates who have not yet submitted their donation registration must also do so.

The Electoral Council advises all party boards to carefully monitor donations received by their candidates and  when necessary - to assist their candidates with the

accurate registration of donations. Each candidate is required to date and sign his/her donations register and to certify that this is completed accurately and

truthfully. Non-compliance with or violation of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties is subject to penalty.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber published its Focus audit on experiences with the tax system. The report is based on a survey of 562 respondents. Although the results are not statistically representative nor provide a comprehensive overview, it does provide insights of the public's experiences with the tax administration. The General Audit Chamber notes that they were unable to ascertain the total amount of taxable entities and persons on St. Maarten.

A total of 72% of the respondents reported difficulties interacting with the tax office. The most common issues included unclear assessments (269 respondents), poor customer service (199 respondents), and difficulty contacting the tax office (200 respondents). Additionally, 73% of respondents relied on professional help, indicating the complexity of the tax filing process.

A mere 22% of respondents found tax forms easy to use, while 38% rated them as difficult. Awareness of tax compliance promotion efforts was also low, with 41% unaware of initiatives by the tax administration. The General Audit Chamber believes that these findings show gaps in communication, efficiency, and transparency, which hinder compliance and diminish trust in the system.

The report acknowledges ongoing reforms, including ICT upgrades and legal improvements, but stresses the need for immediate enhancements in customer service and accessibility. A customer-focused approach, improved communication, and simplified processes are needed for restoring taxpayer confidence and achieving the administrations vision of efficiency and honesty.

The Audit Chamber urges the Tax Administration, government, and Parliament to address these issues to ensure a fair, transparent, and effective tax system. The findings serve as a roadmap for a stronger relationship between taxpayers and public institutions, ultimately contributing to the countrys fiscal stability.

The General Audit Chamber facilitates Parliament with objective assessments that inform their oversight. The audit is a wake-up call for addressing systemic issues. The report is available on the General Audit Chambers website: www.arsxm.org.
~ People walking around with psychosis are accepted as if it's furniture in the country. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina made a passionate plea to Members of Parliament as he addressed the discussion on the legalization of cannabis in St. Maarten. Mercelina told Parliament that he reflected on how to respond to the cannabis legalization that dominated the 2025 Budget debate this week.

He informed parliament that his response was that of the Prime Minister of St. Maarten, a politician as well as a father and doctor.

Mercelina made clear that his comments should not be considered as if he is for or against the legalization of cannabis.

Mercelina said he already read on Friday morning that 71% of the new mental health cases treated at the Mental Health Foundation are due to the use and abuse of cannabis.

The Prime Minister said that as the current coalition's leader, he is aware that St. Maarten is faced with some challenges. He listed some challenges, such as health care, mental health, unemployment, criminality, and the challenges among youths in St. Maarten.

The countrys Prime Minister said there are several essential commodities St. Maarten does not have under control, yet Members of Parliament are trying to add a huge baby to the crib.

He warned Members of Parliament not to place the horse before the cart as St. Maarten had already made several errors in the past. Mercelina said even countries in West Europe, like the Netherlands, that are over-regulated and organized are having cannabis issues.

The Prime Minister said that the legalization of cannabis has to be appropriately organized because of its complexity.

Mercelina said Turning Point is not organized, and he can confirm that mental health is also not organized in St. Maarten.

He reflected on a statement made by Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, who spoke of the amount of stoned youths attending schools in the morning. Mercelina lamented that they were destroying the future of the youths of St. Maarten.

The countrys Prime Minister said if they can already conclude that there are a large number of youths attending schools in stoned circumstances, then he can conclude that the future of the youths is being destroyed.

Mercelina, who is a medical doctor by profession, called on Members of Parliament to say that there is a lot of psychosis on the streets of St. Maarten that is being introduced by humankind.

The Prime Minister called on the Members of Parliament to study schizophrenia as a mental disorder that is induced by excessive use of cannabis. He lamented that if Members of Parliament still see the need to legalize cannabis in St. Maarten, they should also ensure that it is properly regulated. He asked parliament not to forget the destruction to the youths and not to forget the high percentage of psychosis, schizophrenia, and criminality all related to cannabis.

In closing off his comments on the topic of cannabis, he warned the Members of Parliament not to let any hidden agendas dominate how they decide on the legalization of cannabis since cannabis and money are green.  do not let pecunia (money) and the hidden agendas of pecunia (money) dominate how you deal with the legalization of cannabis."

Mercelina asked the Members of Parliament to imagine what it would feel like if they were driving on the street and they saw one of their sons with psychosis, and they were in a position that could have taken care of the use of cannabis.

Asked by Member of Parliament Omar Ottley if he is pro or contra cannabis, Mercelina said if anyone listened to the recording, they would hear he said twice that he was for or against cannabis. Mercelina further stated that as a medical doctor, he gave a helicopter view of the legislation of cannabis.

Mercelina was also asked by MP Darryl York to share his personal opinion on the fees waived for lottery bosses and the closure of all casinos, Mercelina told parliament that after he caucus with his coalition partners.
~The motion tied with seven votes for and seven against.~



PHILIPSBURG: --- The motion for the government of St. Maarten to prepare for a referendum by December 2027 was shot down by the coalition partners of parliament. Former Member of Parliament and now Minister of ECYS Mellisa Gumbs explained to parliament that the matter of referendum and self-determination was discussed with the committee on parliament's constitutional affairs and said that the matter of referendum is the responsibility of the parliament and not the government of St. Maarten.

Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion, the motion's author, urged his colleagues to support the motion since he is a St. Maarten who believes in prosperity and empowerment. He said that it is time for the decision as to self-determination should be placed back in the hands of the people.

Member of Parliament Sarah Wescott Williams said that parliament had already started the discussion through the CCAD committee of parliament. Wescot Williams said matters of the referendum are in the hands of parliament and should be handled by parliament and not pawned off to the government, which is against article 92 of the constitution of St. Maarten.

SAM leader Franklyn Meyers said the articles of incorporation of the SAM party have in its first article to seek complete independence. He said he has been a long-time politician, and he, too, can recognize a curve ball when he sees one.

UPP leader Omar Ottley, in his motivation, said that at some point, people have to decide their future, and instead of going back to the beginning, he would change where it ends.

Ottley said the Netherlands had already abolished the legislation on the referendum.

Other members of parliament that also said they were in favor of independence but could not support the motion are Sjamira Roseburg, Viren Kotai, Dimar Labega, Veronica Jansen Webster, and Cris Wever.

Members of Parliament sitting on the Opposition benches have all decided to support the motion since the motion is for the government to begin preparations for the referendum. Those who support the motion are Members of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, Omar Ottley, Egbert Jurendy Doran, Darryl York, Ardwell Irion, Francisco Lacroes, and Franklyn Meyers. Those against are MPS Sarah Wescot Williams, Viren Kotai, Dimar Labega, Veronica Jansen Webster, Raeyhon Peterson, Cris Wever, and Sjamira Roseburg, while MP Ludimilla De Weever were not in attendance.

After the voting, the motion was tied by seven members voting for and seven against.

Based on the rules of order, this motion would have to be discussed again and put up for voting. `
URUMQI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A herder gathering and moving his camels across vast open plains -- this is one of the most iconic images of northwestern China.

Doulgala, a 45-year-old resident of Bohu County in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was once a typical herdsman. But he has given up his nomadic ways and now uses an unmanned aerial vehicle to track his herd, which makes his work easier and more efficient.

His family have been herders for generations. Doulgala's father used to herd on camelback, carrying a tent and following the animals wherever they roamed. Whenever a camel went missing, the herder had to embark on a painstaking search.

"It would take two or three days to catch up with the missing camels," Doulgala said, recalling his early days of herding with his father. "We had to endure hunger and thirst along the way. While the camels can withstand the harsh conditions, it is challenging for us herders."

In the 1980s, Doulgala's family began using motorcycles to herd their camels. The wheels sped up the process and eased the urban-rural commute for their camel milk business.

However, the gears brought new problems. Doulgala said that the pasture is covered in sharp gravel, which often punctured the motorcycle tires. And whenever a motor broke down, the herders had no choice but to spend the night outdoors, waiting until the next day to search for their lost camels before returning home, which also added hours to their work.

In 2019, Doulgala and his brother were watching the news and saw that farmers were using tractors equipped with China's homegrown BeiDou Navigation Satellite System for their livestock. This sparked Doulgala's interest in the positioning technology, which he now uses to locate his herd of 200 camels.

Encouraged by the two young herders, Doulgala's father agreed to fit all his camels with BeiDou collars. Thanks to satellite positioning, the family could use a smartphone app to track the location of the camel herd remotely and in real-time.

"We can just sit back and watch them from home," Doulgala said, adding that the animals are okay on their own most of the time, and that the collar battery only needs to be charged once a week.

In 2020, China officially commissioned the BeiDou system, making it available to global users. The system has since been serving a wide range of industries, including animal husbandry, by enhancing efficiency and lightening workloads.

More than 1,000 camels in Bohu County have been fitted with collars containing chips that are connected to the BeiDou system, enabling their owners to monitor them remotely.

The pasture on which Doulgala herds his camels is situated on the south bank of Bosten Lake, which is home to over 120 herding families. Its stunning scenery has made it a popular location on social media, drawing photographers from near and far. Doulgala has found that camels respond to the movement of these visitors' drones, so he sometimes asks them to assist him while they capture their drone footage.

Just as satellites can help herders locate their camels, unmanned aerial vehicles can guide the animals in the right direction. In 2022, Doulgala began piloting a drone over the pasture, leading the way with innovative herding methods.

"I can use the drone to guide the camels home if the weather suddenly turns bad, or to scout out a route and direct them to grazing areas with better grass," he said, highlighting the advantages of drones.

Recently, the camels in the region entered their separation season, during which herders ensure they are cared for appropriately by dividing them into three groups: lactating camels, pregnant camels, and camels in estrus.

This movement of thousands of camels across the vast, snowy plains is a magnificent sight, yet it is a busy period for herders like Doulgala.

A video featured by multiple local news outlets shows Doulgala standing in front of his pasture, holding a drone console and launching the craft with a simple click. The drone can be seen flying through the air and hovering above his camel herd in the distance.

Onboard cameras provide a live video stream to his smartphone, so Doulgala knows what is happening in real-time.

The drone, he said, has all the characteristics of a good herding mate -- it is smart, loyal and fast. The use of drone technology saves time and labor, allowing him to devote more efforts to the family's other business operations. He can earn over 300,000 yuan (about 41,700 U.S. dollars) annually from selling camels and camel milk.

In Xinjiang, drones have become an integral part of the farming industry. Another common sight is a drone sprayer operating above the region's expansive cotton fields, assisting farmers in the efficient application of fertilizer, pesticide and defoliant.

"I am happy to stay abreast of the technological advancements," Doulgala said. "By embracing these innovative herding practices, our lives are enriched and getting better." 
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Dale County natives and Auburn University students Brittany and Blake Carroll received scholarships from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and the Dale County Farmers Federation. They were recognized during the Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship reception Sept. 27 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. Blake is a sophomore from Ozark studying animal sciences, allied industries track, while Brittany is a senior from Ozark studying agricultural business and economics. From left, are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Brittany, Blake, Dale County Farmers Federation President Chris Carroll, Federation District 12 Director Thomas Adams and Federation Southeast Area Vice President George Jeffcoat.
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by Xinhua writers Xiong Maoling, Zheng Kaijun, Hu Yousong

WASHINGTON/BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Protectionist measures such as additional tariffs would burden U.S. consumers, harm U.S.-China trade and weaken the world economy, said renowned U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs, urging the incoming administration to avoid implementing protectionist policies.

Sachs, an economics professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said he does not believe imposing additional tariffs on trading partners of the United States is a good idea.

"It will actually impede the world economy. It will create higher costs. It will burden U.S. consumers. It will harm mutual relations between the United States and China, but also (with) other countries as well," he told Xinhua in a video interview.

The economist said that if trade barriers start spreading all over the world, and the World Trade Organization breaks down, it will be a "big shock" to the global efficiency and supply system. "It's a loss of output, a loss of the benefits of international trade," he said.

Sachs noted that there are two motivations for the continued tendency to levy tariffs on Chinese products, one of which is protectionism.

"China is ahead of the United States in producing electric vehicles. It's ahead of the United States in producing many other green technologies. It's ahead of the United States in 5G technologies," said the economist. "So this is one of the reasons for protectionism."

The other motivation, he said, is a desire to weaken China and to harm China's economic progress.

"China has strong trade relations with the rest of the world, and I think China will be able to boost its trade with the rest of the world ... because most countries in the world want to have good, strong, open trade and finance relations with China," he added.

The economist noted that China wants to engage in economic development and technological advancement. "Yes, Chinese companies compete hard. They want to win market share. They want to be prosperous. But that's the same with American companies," said Sachs.

"So all of this very exaggerated talk of threats is just wrong and dangerous," he said.

"And in my 43 years of visiting China, very frequently, I have never felt during that period that China poses a threat to the United States," he added. 
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Music industry girds for looming US TikTok ban



New York, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2025



TikTok has dramatically changed music discovery and marketing -- a reliance the looming US ban on the popular app has underscored as the music world braces for an unknown future.

That the short-form video-sharing app might shut down in the United States starting Sunday has fostered a sense of "marketing apocalypse" across the industry, says Tatiana Cirisano, a music industry analyst at MIDiA Research.

For years TikTok has been an integral tool for most musicians, a jump-off point for artists looking to break out and an essential promotional platform for established musicians.

In an increasingly fragmented musical landscape, Cirisano says "Tik Tok served as sort of the one lightning rod where popularity could actually coalesce into a hit, and there actually could be these more mainstream cultural moments."

Now, digital marketing companies say artists are scrambling to download and archive their TikTok content before the app goes dark -- the "worst-case scenario," said Cassie Petrey, founder of the digital marketing company Crowd Surf.

"We've helped a lot of talent build great audiences" on TikTok, Petrey said. "It is unfortunate."



- Life post-TikTok -



What platform could fill a potential void is a question front of industry minds; obvious near-parallels include YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.

Both features were created in TikTok's image -- but neither have enjoyed comparable prominence.

"It's one thing to measure the user base or the weekly active users of those platforms," said Cirisano, numbers she said are on par with TikTok.

But in terms of "cultural heft," she said, "they haven't really had the same impact."

Jahan Karimaghayi, co-founder of marketing firm Benchmob, has urged clients to consider "changing their approach specifically to Instagram."

"Instagram is a little bit more of an art gallery -- it's about showing content to your followers -- where Tiktok it's almost like you make content for people who don't follow you," he said.

Sarah Flanagan, an influencer marketing expert in the music industry, echoed that view, saying that on TikTok "discovery is coming from a viral sound point of view" versus image.

"That's huge in terms of why Tiktok has worked so well for music," she said.

It's one advantage YouTube -- which Karimaghayi pointed out many people already use "as a jukebox"-- could have.

"If people migrate to Shorts, there's a real opportunity for artists to connect even more music," Flanagan said.

And Americans are already trying new alternatives, like China's popular viral video app RedNote.

It's surged to top Apple's free app downloads, though experts say that could be a short-term trend.



- 'Pressure to go viral' -



As earth-shaking as a TikTok ban stateside could be for music, "I think there's definitely artists who will breathe a sigh of relief for their mental state if Tiktok goes away, because of just the pressure to create content, the pressure to go viral," Cirisano said.

In contrast to putting out a high-production music video, the explosion of short-form video has meant "suddenly artists were burdened with having to create their own format" rather than work with a full team, Flanagan said.

"Nobody was telling them what to do and how to look cool."

But experts agree any respite could be brief: losing US TikTok won't spell the end of content creation beyond the music.

"There's very few artists these days that can put up music and do very little," Karimaghayi said.

For Cirisano, fear of a TikTok ban is a stark reminder that "social is what is driving music and culture, and that trickles down to streaming -- when it used to be the opposite."



- Global impact -



Of course, TikTok will remain core to music marketing strategies outside US borders -- most stars already have teams working on global promotion, and that won't stop even if American or US-based artists can't use their accounts domestically.

The change might even benefit already-huge markets in places like Latin America and Africa, which could grow increasingly dominant.

But it could also negatively impact those seeking to break through in the US, which remains the largest recorded music market in the world, where many career-makers are based.

"TikTok was sort of that crucial bridge between global regions," Cirisano said.

For at least an interim period, taking away TikTok would give "power and sway back to the traditional power players in music," Flanagan said.

But, "sometime change is good," she added: "it was limiting in terms of how creative you could be when everybody always wanted to just push songs on Tiktok."

And ultimately, the music industry is no stranger to evolving consumption habits or new media: "we've always kind of been at the forefront of technology," Karimaghayi said.

"There will be a little bit of a bumpy road -- but people are still going to use the internet."
'Mini-Musks' channel tech titan in EU Parliament



Brussels, Belgium, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



Fidias Panayiotou, a Cypriot YouTuber-turned-lawmaker who snatched his 15 minutes of fame by hugging Elon Musk, is doubtless the tech titan's biggest fan in the European Parliament -- but far from the only one.

Lawmakers across the EU spectrum have voiced outrage at Musk's stance towards the bloc -- from his incendiary backing for the German far right, to his outbursts over alleged censorship by Brussels regulators.

The X owner and Donald Trump ally is the unspoken target of a headline parliament debate next week on enforcing EU rules to "protect democracy on social media" against "foreign interference".

But at the same time dozens of EU lawmakers, most but not all from the hard right, are cheering on the billionaire even as he trains his fire on Brussels.

Among his fans are a handful of "mini-Musks", as one insider dubs them: anti-establishment lawmakers prone to racking up followers, and stirring controversy, on social media.

The hoodie-wearing prankster Panayiotou made a name online by collecting hugs with celebrities, including one with Musk -- snagged after spending months camped outside his offices in Texas.

"I agree with him on free speech 100 percent," the 24-year-old told AFP, though he said he finds the SpaceX and Tesla boss to be "sometimes aggressive" in his stances.

Panayiotou readily admits to having no political experience prior to being elected last June -- and has resorted to asking his 2.7 million YouTube followers which way to vote, in between videos upbraiding Brussels bureaucrats, 80 percent of whom he would "fire".

Another Musk cheerleader, the controversial Spanish YouTuber Alvise Perez, cuts a "more aggressive" figure in the chamber according to one parliament official, who asked not to be named.



- 'The rot has set in' -



Perez -- who heads a new faction called "Se Acabo la Fiesta" (SALF), Spanish for "The Party's Over" -- declined to respond to an AFP request for comment.

A social media provocateur, he routinely rails against the Spanish government, vaccines or immigration -- and has reposted Musk's inflammatory attacks on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Influencers aside, Musk has found a sympathetic audience in the ranks of the parliament's three hard-right groups: the ECR, the Patriots and the Sovereignists.

EU hard-right groups made a joint push last autumn for Musk to be awarded the bloc's top rights Sakharov prize as a champion of "free speech".

But an official of France's National Rally, which is part of the Patriots group, downplayed the message of support -- voiced before Musk backed Trump's bid to reclaim the White House.

"That was before Donald Trump's election," they said. "And Musk had not yet intervened in national politics" in Germany.

In Patriot ranks, support for the Musk-Trump tandem varies from country to country, the official said -- with the Hungarians, Dutch and Austrians the most enthusiastic.

France's RN by contrast is "under no illusions" about the intentions of the new US administration, the official said.

"We may like their positions against immigration and wokeness," they said, but beyond that "we know it will be America First and they won't hesitate to trample on Europe to defend American interests."

That said, the Patriots came together this month to ask Parliament President Roberta Metsola to take a public stance on Britain's "grooming gangs" scandal -- which Musk has seized on to attack Starmer, a former chief state prosecutor.

"They are amplifying Elon Musk's harassment of Keir Starmer," charged French socialist lawmaker Chloe Ridel.

"There is a fascination for Musk around the idea of the self-made success story," said Ridel, who believes that when it comes to Musk-style antics "the rot has set in" in the European Parliament.

Among the European Conservatives and Reformists group, which includes Italian leader Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy, admiration for the SpaceX boss is widespread.

Meloni herself boasts of her "excellent relations" with Musk, whom she has described as "a genius" -- dismissing complaints he is meddling with European politics as left-wing bias.

Echoing the accusations made by Musk and Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg against EU regulators, a group of right-wing lawmakers have requested a parliamentary investigation into "social media censorship".

And an open letter gathering support among right-wing groups calls for Musk to be invited to address the EU parliament.

But why stop there: the Slovenian Branko Grims, a maverick member of the centre-right European People's Party, has set his sights higher by nominating Musk and his efforts to uphold "freedom of speech" for the Nobel Peace Prize.

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TikTok's US future in limbo after Supreme Court ruling



Washington, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that could force TikTok to shut down in the United States, potentially cutting off the app's 170 million users within days.

The unanimous ruling, which found the law does not violate free speech rights, dealt a major blow to TikTok and created uncertainty about what will happen when the ban takes effect on Sunday.

The court agreed with the government's national security concerns about Chinese company ByteDance's ownership of the app.

The White House-backed legislation, passed overwhelmingly by Congress last year, requires ByteDance to either sell TikTok or cease US operations by January 19.

ByteDance has firmly rejected selling its US operation, a stance also taken by Beijing, which has denounced the law as theft.

The justices acknowledged that, "for more than 170 million Americans," the social media giant "offers a distinct and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community."

But, the court concluded, "Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

Even if the ban now stands, the Biden White House said it won't enforce it, leaving the matter to incoming president Donald Trump.

Trump, who opposes the ban, discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

"The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it," Trump wrote on Truth Social as he said he would need time to find an alternative to the ban.

The Department of Justice noted that enforcing the law "will be a process that plays out over time," in a potential sign that it does not intend to carry out the law for now.

Despite the court defeat, TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked Trump for his "commitment to work with us to find a solution."

Trump "truly understands our platform," he added.

TikTok has been lobbying furiously to thwart the law's implementation with Chew set to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday.

The law requires Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, blocking new downloads. The companies could face penalties of up to $5,000 per user who can access the app.

Chew gave no indication on whether TikTok would unilaterally shut down its app in the US when the ban kicks in, as reported in US media.

TikTok's lawyer Noel Francisco had warned the platform would shut down Sunday in case of a legal defeat.



- 'Viable deal' -



Trump's incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz told Fox News the administration would work "to keep TikTok from going dark," noting the law allows a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress toward "a viable deal."

Frank McCourt, former Los Angeles Dodgers owner, has expressed interest in leading a purchase of TikTok's US activity and said he's "ready to work with the company and President Trump to complete a deal."

The ban would hugely benefit US-owned rivals Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, but influencers said that TikTok's unique abilities could not be matched.

"Making videos and reaching people on TikTok is so much easier than a lot of a lot of other platforms," said Nathan Espinoza, who has more than 500,000 followers on TikTok.

Courtney Spritzer, head of digital marketing agency Socialfly, said TikTok creators were in "great uncertainty."

Among advertisers, "some are betting there will be a shutdown while others are more optimistic that it will continue to exist after Sunday."
YAOUNDE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and six others injured on Thursday afternoon in a clash between government forces and separatists in Cameroon's war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, a military official told Xinhua.

The exchange of fire occurred in the neighborhood of Bamenda, chief town of the region as government forces repelled a separatist infiltration attempt, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"They attacked a military outpost at Ntabessi. Our brave forces fought back and opened fire. It was then that stray bullets killed a civilian and injured six others. Our forces are pursuing them to their hideouts," the official said.

A separatist insurgency has been going on in Cameroon's two anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017. Armed separatists attempt to secede from the largely French-speaking Cameroon and create an independent nation in the regions. 
Mongolia signs landmark mining deal with French nuclear giant



Ulaanbaatar, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



Mongolia on Friday signed a $1.6 billion investment deal with French nuclear giant Orano allowing it to exploit a vast uranium deposit in its southwest, a move Paris says will enhance its energy independence.

Discussions between Orano and Mongolian authorities began more than two years ago, with a related memorandum of understanding reached during a state visit to France by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in 2023.

The details of the final agreement are expected to be released later on Friday.

According to a Mongolian government press release, the deal provides for a total investment of $1.6 billion, with an initial outlay of $500 million and first effective production in 2027.

Orano has described the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium deposit, discovered by the firm's geologists in southwest Mongolia in 2010, as "world-class".

The deposit contains about 90,000 tonnes of resources that will be extracted over the mine's lifetime, forecast to last 30 years.

According to estimates, production at the future site could reach about 2,500 tonnes per year -- roughly equivalent to a quarter of France's annual nuclear energy needs.

The deal was signed Friday by France's minister delegate for foreign trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, Orano CEO Nicolas Maes and Mongolian officials.

"The Zuuvch-Ovoo deposit is one of the 10 largest in the world. It will make Mongolia a major new player in the global uranium market," Saint-Martin said at the signing ceremony.

"By helping to secure our energy supplies, this agreement will quite simply contribute to greater sovereignty for France," Saint-Martin added.

Orano, 90 percent of which is owned by the French state, plays a crucial role in ensuring the supply of uranium for the country's power plants.

The Franco-Mongolian project has been in development for several years by Badrakh Energy, a joint venture between Orano and Mongolia's state-owned MonAtom.
Japan forest on fire after military explosives drill



Tokyo, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



Fire-fighters and helicopters were combating a blaze in a forest on a Japanese island on Friday, with media reports saying it may have been started by nearby military exercises.

Public broadcaster NHK's live footage showed the blaze burning across a wooded hillside in the western Hiroshima region and smoke billowing into the air.

The fire follows the issuing of a dry weather advisory in southern Hiroshima after a long period without rain, with residents urged to take care when handling fire.

The forest is flanked by a shooting range operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF), which was conducting an "explosives training around 9:30 am (0030 GMT)" Friday, a spokesman told AFP.

"Gunpowder was being used for the drill," the official with the MSDF 1st Service School said, adding it "still remains under investigation" whether the explosives had caused the fire.

Around 60 firefighters and four helicopters had been mobilised to put out the blaze, which has engulfed at least two hectares (five acres) of forest, a local fire department told AFP.

No injuries have been reported, but authorities have urged roughly 150 residents at a nearby nursing home to start evacuating in case the fire spreads.

The forest is in Hiroshima's Etajima district, an island with a population of over 20,000 people.

Japan saw in 2024 its hottest year since records began in 1898, mirroring other nations as ever-rising greenhouse gas emissions fuel climate change.
Philippine navy holds exercise near China-controlled reef



Manila, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



The Philippine Navy said its warships held exercises Friday in the South China Sea as part of its efforts to assert its sovereign rights over waters also claimed by Beijing.

China claims most of the strategic waterway despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Friday's exercises were held days after the Filipino coast guard expressed alarm over Chinese patrols moving closer to Manila's shores.

"While conducting sovereignty patrol in the West Philippine Sea, several offshore combat ships of the Philippine Navy held a unilateral exercise," a navy statement said, using the Filipino name for areas of the South China Sea claimed by Manila.

The "routine" exercise was "aimed at sustaining and improving the operational proficiency of both assets and personnel particularly in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc", it said, using the local name for a fish-rich reef called Scarborough Shoal.

This is "crucial in the fulfillment of the Navy's mandate of securing the seas and upholding the nation's territorial integrity".

Seized by China after a 2012 standoff with the Filipino navy, the reef is a key flashpoint of escalating confrontations between the Chinese and Filipino coast guards.

The confrontations have sparked concern they could draw the United States, Manila's long-time security ally, into armed conflict with China.

Friday's manoeuvres involved some of the Filipino navy's largest ships -- the frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the patrol vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Andres Bonifacio.

A navy spokesman told AFP they trained "in the vicinity south of Bajo de Masinloc".

The navy released video footage of uniformed crew firing a machine gun mounted on the side of a warship, and one of the vessels dramatically sweeping past a wall of white smoke that trailed a hail of bullets falling into the water.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China reported rises in both newborns and the birth rate in 2024 after seven consecutive years of decline, buoyed by a baby boom in post-COVID Year of the Dragon and a slew of birth-friendly policies.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday that China recorded 9.54 million newborns last year, an increase of 520,000 compared with 2023. The birth rate for 2024 reached 6.77 per 1,000 people, reflecting an increase of 0.38 per thousand from the previous year.

Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, credited the growth to a spike in marriage registrations after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Year of the Dragon, and improvements in China's childbirth support system.

China is soon to wrap up the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese lunar calendar, which traditionally features a baby boom. The dragon, or loong, is a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture and considered the most auspicious among the 12 zodiac animals.

Official data indicated that approximately 11.94 million Chinese individuals married for the first time in 2023, up 13.52 percent compared with 2022, marking the first rise in newlywed numbers since 2014.

Analysts have attributed the rebound in marriage registrations to the fact that many newlyweds had delayed marriage plans due to COVID-19.

"As most Chinese still adhere to the tradition of marrying before having children, the rise in marriages is expected to boost the birth rate within one to two years," Yuan said. "Moreover, our comprehensive birth support policies are beginning to show results."

In 2015, China ended its decades-long one-child policy, granting all couples the right to have two children. In 2021, this policy was further expanded to allow families to have a third child.

Subsequently, central and local governments introduced a range of supportive measures to build a more childbirth-friendly society. These measures included expanding childcare systems and strengthening education, housing and employment support.

Tang Linxiu, a 27-year-old saleswoman in Shanghai, had her first baby in August last year. She said having children at a young age allows for quicker recovery and better opportunity to return to work. "Besides, the Year of the Dragon carries positive connotations," Tang added.

Despite the recent increase in births, experts have cautioned that China still faces significant demographic challenges due to a declining number of women at childbearing age and a rapidly ageing population.

The NBS said on Friday that China's population on the mainland stood at 1.40828 billion by the end of 2024, a decrease of 1.39 million over that at the end of 2023, representing the third consecutive decline since 2021.

Du Peng, dean of the School of Population and Health at Renmin University of China, emphasized that discussions about population size and trends should consider the broader context of economic development.

"China's pursuit of long-term balanced population development does not necessarily indicate uninterrupted demographic growth," Du stated, noting that expecting the population to consistently rise to 1.5 billion or 1.6 billion is unrealistic.

Wang Qinchi, a researcher at the China Population and Development Research Center, told Xinhua that the decline in population may prompt a shift in China's growth model -- from relying on population growth to adapting to a shrinking population -- thus facilitating educational reforms and efforts to improve human capital.

Wang said by improving population services and adjusting industrial structures, China can further balance demographic and economic development, and foster urban-rural and regional coordination.

In the meantime, experts have urged thorough implementation of birth supportive policies, including extended maternity leave and free pregnancy check-ups. They also stressed the need to include assisted reproduction services in insurances for everyone in need.

A 33-year-old new mother surnamed Shen in the city of Shenyang, northeast China, said she was generally satisfied with government subsidies related to childbirth as well as maternity and paternity leaves.

"In the future, I hope there can be more support from the society, such as increased childcare facilities and better regulated childcare service industry," Shen added. 
French patrol aircraft threatened by Russian military: minister



Paris, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



A French maritime patrol aircraft was the object of an "intimidation attempt" this week by the Russian military over the Baltic Sea, France said Friday, calling the incident "unacceptable".

The French Navy's Atlantique-2 plane was carrying out a surveillance flight when it became the victim of an "attempted jamming" and was also tracked by the radar of a S-400 surface-to-air missile system, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X.

The aircraft was operating as part of NATO's operation Baltic Sentry in response to suspected Russian damage to submarine power and telecoms cables.

"This aggressive Russian action is unacceptable," Lecornu said, adding that the incident happened overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

"Our armed forces will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces."

Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels on Thursday, US General Christopher Cavoli, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said such incidents were "widespread" and "quite serious".

They have gone "far beyond the borders of Europe as well", Cavoli added.
Polish PM vows commitment to US ties despite 'objective difficulties'



Warsaw, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday said that he would seek the "closest possible" cooperation with the United States despite "objective difficulties", speaking days before US president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Poland, a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, is one of the staunchest supporters of neighbouring Ukraine, which has been struggling to fend off Russia's invasion launched in 2022.

Trump, who will be sworn into office on Monday, has promised to cut a deal to bring a quick end to the war, sparking fears he could force Kyiv to make painful concessions to Moscow.

Tusk on Friday vowed to secure "the closest possible cooperation with the United States, with Canada, both in the context of the war in Ukraine, but also more broadly".

Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Tusk added that both leaders would work on the transatlantic ties to be "at the highest possible level, regardless of the sometimes objective difficulties or uncertainties".

Tusk and Starmer also announced the launch of negotiations on "a new UK-Poland security and defence treaty".

"This includes deepening ties between our defence industries," Starmer told reporters.

Trump has demanded that NATO members increase defence expenditure to five percent of GDP, even though the alliance's current minimum level for defence spending is two percent.

Poland plans to spend 4.7 percent of its annual economic output on defence in 2025.

"It is not my task to call on NATO partners to follow Poland's lead when it comes to military spending, I am not here to lecture anyone," Tusk said.

"But there is no doubt that the position of the aggressor... would be incomparably worse if capabilities of the individual NATO countries were greater today and if they corresponded to our real economic potentials," he added in reference to Russia.

In recent years Poland signed a string of contracts with the United States for US-designed army equipment, including Apache attack helicopters and modern Abrams tanks.

Poland also hosts more than 10,000 US troops stationed on its territory.

mmp/bc
ISTANBUL, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three illegal migrants died and three others went missing after falling from a rubber boat into the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkiye's Aydin province, local media reported on Friday.

According to NTV, the accident occurred near the coastal town of Kusadasi when the boat carrying migrants failed to heed a "stop" warning from security forces.

As the boat attempted to flee, several migrants fell into the sea. The Coast Guard rescued 32 individuals and recovered the bodies of three others.

The report added that three people are still missing as search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Preliminary reports suggest that the migrants were attempting to illegally cross to a Greek island.

The Aegean Sea has long been a key route for migrants attempting to reach Europe via Turkiye.

As one of the world's leading destinations for refugees, Turkiye currently hosts over 4 million migrants, the majority of whom are Syrians, according to the Presidential Directorate of Communications. 
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
The Chancellor said in the Autumn that the rate of NI contributions for employers will go up from 13.8% to 15% while the threshold at which they start paying it falls from 9,100 to 5000.
Dough Hands is opening a second residency at the Nuns Head in Peckham in February. It follows a wildly successful one at the Spurstowe Arms and we imagine Dough Hands will only continue to grow. Founder Hannah Drye has been selling pizza since 2020 and they are very new-age London: wonderfully light, crisp, quite New York in form but with some more modern toppings. They should be more famous than they are. The second site follows Dryes existing spot at the Spurstowe Arms by London Fields and the menus will largely align: 12-inch pizzas topped with the likes of nduja, hot honey and stracciatella; soy-roasted mushrooms, taleggio and tarragon; and pepperoni, jalapenos and parmesan, the OG. Therell be Dryes house-made hot sauce, too, and a few South London specials.
The young girl, who cannot be named due to her age, was on holiday in the UK for a dream trip to see Taylor Swift in concert when she was stabbed, at just after 11.30am on August 12 last year.
The move comes after Fahri, who was released from jail on licence in 2023, appeared to record drill music referencing the murder of Jimmy, who bled to death at a bakery in south London after his attacker threw a large glass dish that shattered and severed an artery in his neck.
The Met said in its action over the protest it had carefully considered the views of the congregation of the synagogue a short distance from the form-up point in Portland Place and that it had taken into account the cumulative impact of a prolonged period of protest often on Saturdays - the Jewish holy day - and often in close proximity to synagogues.
Those figures did initially show that the UK had the highest GDP growth in the G7 over that period. But following revisions to the data, it now suggests by that measure that the UK had the joint-fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first two quarters of 2024, alongside the United States.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been met with gratitude in Yemen, where many are praying for peace and stability in the region. #GLOBALink
A Chinese-owned app known as RedNote in English has seen a spike in new US users in anticipation of a ban, but Mr Pratt is hesitant about jumping platforms over concerns about whether his privacy and data will be protected on the new app.
Under the agreement, 33 of the 98 hostages held by Hamas will be freed over the course of six weeks. About half of the hostages are believed to be alive. The remaining hostages are to be released in a second phase, which will be negotiated during the initial ceasefire.
So many things had happened, and I was so aware how guilty people thought I was, that the moment of vindication that I got from being able to stand up in front of everybody and say, Im a faithful, was worth more than any money, and I sincerely mean that, I think.
KAMPALA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has received 2,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for a prevention campaign to be launched next month, a senior government official said on Friday.

Ugandan Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng told reporters that the vaccines will cover up to 1,000 individuals at high risk of contracting the highly infectious viral disease.

"Vaccination will target high-risk populations, close contacts of confirmed cases, and frontline health workers currently based in areas with active transmission," said Aceng.

Uganda, which confirmed the outbreak of the disease last August, has so far recorded 1,712 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases and 10 deaths, with the majority of the deceased having underlying medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and sickle cell disease.

At least 1,089 individuals have fully recovered and been discharged from various treatment facilities, according to the Ministry of Health.

Aceng assured tourists, investors, and traders that Uganda is safe for travel and business while urging Ugandans to remain vigilant and report suspected cases to health facilities.

The World Health Organization in August declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, sounding the alarm over its potential for further international transmission.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that is spread through close contact, with symptoms including fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain. 
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will soon resume group tour services to Taiwan for residents of Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Friday.

The move aims to restore normal interactions between people across the Taiwan Strait and facilitate their regular exchanges in various fields, the ministry stated in an announcement released on its official website.

This initiative is also to address the high expectations of the public and the tourism industry in Taiwan and enhance the well-being of people across the Strait, the ministry added.

Preparations for the resumption are well underway, the ministry revealed, while expressing the hope that tourism industries on both sides of the Strait would strengthen communication to provide quality services and products for mainland tour groups to Taiwan.

The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Friday said the move responds to Taiwan compatriots' appeals for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation.

Chen Binhua, the office's spokesperson, said the mainland has always supported and promoted normal interactions and exchanges across the Strait, in seeking to enhance the well-being of compatriots in Taiwan.

Chen voiced his hope that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan would consider mainstream public opinion and concerns on the island.

He urged them to lift the ban on group tour services at an early date, remove travel warnings for visits to the mainland, and fully restore direct transport services to all previously designated destinations for cross-Strait travelers. 
Adrian Sarbu, former head of cabinet for former prime minister Petre Roman, and Miron Cozma, former leader of the miners from the Jiu Valley, were summoned on Friday to the General Prosecutor's Office to be informed that they are indicted in the case of the June 1990 Mineriad for committing crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors need to redo the investigation in this case after the gathered evidence was annulled in court.

Initially, in June 2017, the case was sent to court, but in December 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the return of the case to the Military Prosecutor's Office for the investigation to be restarted from scratch.

So far, former president Ion Iliescu, former prime minister Petre Roman, retired General Vasile Dobrinoiu, former commander of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Higher Military Officers' School, and retired Colonel Petre Peter, former commander of the Military Unit 0575 Magurele, have been re-indicted.

Since he is unable to move, Ion Iliescu was visited by prosecutors at his home on Wednesday.

Prosecutors argue that in June 1990, individuals in decision-making positions within the Romanian state at that time launched a policy of repression against the civilian population in the Capital, as a result of which 4 people were killed, 2 were raped, the physical and/or mental integrity of over 1,300 people was harmed, and over 1,200 people were persecuted by being unlawfully deprived of their freedom.

Starting with April 22, 1990, a protest took place in University Square in Bucharest, lasting several weeks until June 13, 1990. The protest was aimed at opposing the newly established government in Romania after the 1989 Revolution, with protesters verbally demanding, through statements and other forms of protest, the break from the communist regime that had just been replaced in December 1989, the promotion of people without a background in party activism, the establishment of a free television station, and other similar demands of a democratic nature.

In this context, Ion Iliescu, Petre Roman, and other figures in the leadership of the state or the National Salvation Front launched an attack against the protesters physically present in University Square, which actually served as a pretext to conceal the repressive action against individuals who had previously participated in these protests, especially opinion leaders, as well as against anyone who manifested or was suspected of manifesting any form of opposition, particularly students, intellectuals, or those expressing affinity with Western values, investigators indicate.

Given the scale of the attack, its implementation required the involvement of a very large number of people. In this regard, individuals in the state leadership allegedly formed, according to the evidence presented, a systemic, heterogeneous criminal group, with political, administrative, military, and civilian elements, within which a large number of individuals were involved, each contributing in different ways and with varying degrees of involvement to actions that took place on an impressive scale.

roup, but the design and orchestration of the commission of the crimes was the responsibility of the political leadership of the Romanian state at the time, through the mentioned individuals. The acts carried out by the prosecutors show complicity at the level of planning and orchestrating the criminal plan, and the method chosen for its implementation was through the use of other individuals who were not part of the conspiracy. Thus, starting on June 13, 1990, a repressive action was carried out against the protesters in University Square in Bucharest. This attack illegally involved forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence, the Romanian Intelligence Service, as well as over ten thousand miners and other workers from various regions of the country," explains the Prosecutor's Office.

The repressive action had the character of a widespread and systematic attack, during which 4 people were killed by gunfire, 2 were raped, and 1,311 people were physically or psychologically harmed.

Additionally, 1,211 individuals were persecuted through illegal deprivation of liberty. Thus, on the morning of June 13, 1990, over two hundred people were detained and transported to the Military Unit 0575 Magurele of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where they were held until the afternoon of the same day, when they were allowed to leave after a brief interrogation.

Moreover, workers from the Bucharest Heavy Machinery Plant were brought to University Square, where they acted violently, physically assaulting individuals in the vicinity of the Institute of Architecture, after which they occupied University Square alongside the law enforcement forces to prevent the return of the protesters. The actions of the state authorities prompted a violent retaliation from the opposition, which led to the burning of the headquarters of the Capital Police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Romanian Television, and the Romanian Intelligence Service. The law enforcement forces used firearms with military ammunition, during which 4 people were fatally shot.

The repression by the authorities continued on June 14 and 15, 1990, through a systematic attack carried out with miners and workers from several counties of the country, who had become a true parallel law enforcement force, alongside those recognised and legally organised.

In this context, the miners brought to Bucharest destroyed the offices of political parties newly established or re-established after the December 1989 Revolution and which were in opposition, the homes of the main opposition political leaders, and the offices of independent press publications and educational institutions.
The population of northern Tulcea County received, on the night between Thursday and Friday, a RO-ALERT message regarding the possibility of objects falling on the national territory, amid the war in Ukraine.

The message was sent by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) during the night, and the population was urged to take shelter in safe areas for the next 90 minutes.

Shortly after the message was sent, the people of Tulcea could hear the noises specific to airplanes flying over the national airspace.

"We note that the role of the message is to inform and prevent the population in the area where it is transmitted and must be treated as such. During the night, a call was recorded to the single number 112 requesting information. We note that any citizen who feels in danger or notices something unusual can call the single emergency number 112 for help," said the spokesperson for the Delta Emergency Situations Inspectorate, Cristina Profir.

This is the first RO-ALERT message issued since the beginning of the year in the Tulcea County, amid the war in Ukraine.
Ambassador of Romania in Sofia Brandusa Predescu presented on Thursday former Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha with the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Star of Romania, in a ceremony held at the Romanian Embassy in Bulgaria's capital city, news agency BTA reports.

President Klaus Iohannis awarded the former Bulgarian prime minister with Romania's highest distinction at the end of November last year, as a sign of "high appreciation for the exceptional contribution made to supporting Romania's actions at European level, and for his personal engagement in advancing and strengthening Romanian-Bulgarian bilateral relations."

The former Bulgarian prime minister expressed his gratitude for this honor, noting that he shares the merit with a team of motivated and competent people.

"From my very first day as prime minister of Bulgaria, I was offered with the proposal to work together and I was convinced that this was the right path," said Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, adding that Romania now enjoys a much more favorable image in the West, and that he had concrete opportunities to use his contacts in several countries.

He mentioned that he was surprised by the distinction conferred to him by President Iohannis, but that this "shows that the president has a good memory, and that they really put in great efforts together."

Several Bulgarian officials and personalities were bestowed awards through a set of decrees signed in November 2024 by the Romanian head of state: caretaker Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov, researcher, translator and Sofia University Lecturer Lora Nenkovska, Euroregion Danubius Association Director Lili Gancheva, honorary consul of Romania in Burgas Evghenia Popescu, caretaker Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, and Bulgarian Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov.
Romanian police and the country's Intelligence Service presented on Friday details about the strategic infrastructure a Colombian man detained on charges of attempted diversion and sabotage intended to blow up at the behest of a Russian proxy - a recyclable waste deposit in Ilfov, two oil drilling wells and a gas regulation/metering station, informs Agerpres.

According to the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), 34-year-old Colombian citizen Murillo Diosa Luis Alfonso was affiliated with an extensive network of saboteurs targeting European countries, controlled through proxies by the Russian secret services. On November 13, 2024, he was sent to trial by anti-terror prosecutors for attempted diversion acts.

According to initial investigations, the Colombian traveled to Romania in July 2024, and reportedly carried out extensive documentation for implementing a plan to set on fire or destroy by explosion some Romanian sites, all of which were of critical importance to national security. Between July 28 - 30, 2024, while physically in Romania, the 34-year-old man proceeded to conduct reconnaissance of the objectives, and to identifying the access and withdrawal routes of the targets, which are located in the vicinity of a complex in Ilfov County that accommodates a recyclable waste deposit, two oil extraction wells and a natural gas regulation/metering station. The Colombian allegedly took photographs and videos of the respective targets.

According to the investigators, the Colombian arrived in Romania by plane in the morning of July 28, traveling the route Medellin, Colombia - Madrid, Spain - Mykonos, Greece - Bucharest, Otopeni. He then checked into a hotel in Bucharest. On July 29, 2024, he went to a locality in Ilfov County, in the proximity of the targeted site.

The man has completed his military training in the Colombian armed forces, and is trained in information gathering, research and documentation activities. According to investigators, his internet searches on substances and ingredients for civilian use, accessible on the free market, corroborated with his military training and some video content accessed online on the manufacturing of explosive/incendiary devices, confirm the tasks received from his contact person, as well as his intention to proceed with the destruction of Romanian targets by blowing them up, setting them on fire, or by other means.

Police, acting with the specialized support of the Romanian Intelligence Service thwarted this sabotage operation that was actually orchestrated by the Russian Federation. Between July and August, Romania was targeted by several such aborted attempts, with the SRI managing to prevent them by identifying the attacker before he was able to take action. This modus operandi is part of the arsenal of hybrid techniques the Russian Federation uses in Romania, as well as in allied states, the SRI release states, adding that the information obtained by the SRI and transmitted promptly to the Foreign Affairs Ministry allowed his detention on July 30, 2024.

According to the SRI, the specific operating mode of the Russian services is highlighted by the involvement of a proxy - who acts as an organizer and recruiter on virtual social media platforms, makes and pays in advance for travel and accommodation reservations, and indicates (on encrypted applications) the type of mission, destination and targets.

The saboteur was instructed to communicate periodically and to personally document the entire cycle of activities he was going to carry out, sending images with specific landmarks as proof that he was acting according to the training received.

Also, the photo-video documentation was necessary for the use of data in fake news campaigns carried out on social media platforms, for the propagandistic presentation of large-scale diversion operations carried out by an alleged Ukrainian pro-Russian resistance, the aforementioned release notes.
As Russia's war in Ukraine continues to reshape global security, NATO and EU leaders are calling for a massive increase in defence spending. With proposals ranging from higher GDP targets to joint EU borrowing, the debate highlights Europe's struggle to close the gap in its defence capabilities, informs Agerpres.

Addressing EU lawmakers on Monday, NATO chief Mark Rutte insisted that Europe needs to massively ramp up its defence spending. 'We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years,' he said.

The former Dutch prime minister warned the alliance's threshold of two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) was 'not nearly enough' to face the growing risk from Russia and said NATO countries may need to spend 3.6 to 3.7 percent of their GDP on defence to counter the threats.

Rutte has been leading the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a 32-nation strong military alliance, since October after serving as the Netherlands' prime minister for 14 years.

Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was seen as a wake-up call for Europe and its underfunded defence industry after years of neglect following the end of the Cold War. But despite countries ramping up military budgets since then and a raft of EU efforts to increase production, Europe's output of arms still lags far behind that of Russia.

Rutte specifically called on the European Union to avoid creating barriers that could prevent companies in non-EU NATO countries from participating in its push for a stronger defence industry.

At a conference organised by the Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels in December, Rutte had already urged allies to speed up military spending and change to a 'wartime mindset' in order to avoid another conflict on their territory.

Europe's 'big bang' in defence

Rutte was driving home a point made by the first ever European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, who on Saturday called again for a 'big bang' in defence in a social media post.

The push for a stronger European defence is animated by US President-elect Donald Trump's demand to NATO members to boost their defense spending to five percent of GDP, underlining his long-standing claims that they are underpaying for US protection.

Trump has long been sceptical of NATO, the cornerstone of security in Europe since World War II, and last month reiterated a familiar threat to leave the alliance if its members did not step up spending.

Trump takes power nearly three years after Russia's invasion as Ukraine's fatigued forces are being pushed back on the front line. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated last week that she hopes the United States will maintain its support for Kyiv - but that if not, Europe was ready to take the lead.

In his post on Saturday, EU defence commissioner Kubilius presented a graph published by the weekly magazine The Economist showing the position of the 27 EU member states based on their distance in kilometres from Russia and the proportion of their GDP they spent on defence in 2023.

According to the graph, countries like Ireland, Portugal and Spain were near the bottom of the scale while those close to Russia like Estonia and Poland were at the top.

In 2023 NATO set a minimum level for defence spending of two percent of GDP, because Russia's war in Ukraine had jolted the military alliance to strengthen its eastern flank and ramp up spending.

Most of its 32 members are set to reach the two-percent-target in 2024 figures, but some are still struggling, according to NATO estimates.

NATO defence spending estimates reveal gaps

Poland and Estonia lead the ranking with estimations of a staggering 4.12 and 3.43 percent of GDP respectively, according to NATO estimates on defence spending as a share of GDP dated mid-June 2024. The two EU members are closely followed by the United States (3.38 percent).

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen shared NATO chief Rutte's assessment that NATO countries may need to spend more than the current target. While Denmark already exceeds the target with an estimated 2.37 percent of GDP for 2024, Frederiksen said that Denmark 'will rearm more, and it will be expensive'.

Germany, the largest economy in the European Union, allocated 2.12 percent of its GDP to defence, according to the NATO data. In November, German defence giant Rheinmetall and Lithuania signed deals to begin construction of a 180-million-Euro ammunition plant to make artillery shells in the EU and NATO member state Lithuania, which shares a border with Russia.

With an estimated 2.18 percent for 2024, Bulgaria also exceeds the alliance's target. Back in October, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated that there is growing consensus in Bulgaria on the need to increase defence spending to reach 2.5 percent of GDP.

Similarly, neighbouring North Macedonia allocated 2.22 percent of its GDP to defence, according to the 2024 NATO estimates.

The Czech Ministry of Defence said that the Czech Republic has also met the two-percent commitment last year. According to the 2024 NATO estimates, the country spent 2.10 percent of its GDP on defence.

Czech President Petr Pavel last week said it was realistic to expect spending to rise to 3 percent of GDP by 2030. Speaking to Czech Radio, he however stressed that defence spending should be driven by justified needs based on security threats rather than arguing about percentages, which he said were misleading.

Countries falling behind the two-percent target include Spain (1.28 percent), Slovenia and Luxembourg (1.29 percent), Belgium (1.30 percent), Canada (1.37 percent), Italy (1.49 percent), Portugal (1.55 percent) and Croatia (1.81 percent).

Portugal's Defence Minister Nuno Melo insisted last week that it aims to reach the target by 2029, which 'doesn't mean that these targets can't be changed along the way, depending on the circumstances'. In December, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said that the government will 'try to allocate resources to all areas, including defence'.

Slovenia, while behind on the target, significantly increased its planned defence budget. The 2025 budget allocates over 1.2 billion Euro - an increase of one fifth compared to the previous year - and more than 1.3 billion Euro is planned for 2026.

Among proposals to boost defence spending are calls from EU countries including France and Estonia for the bloc to use joint borrowing to fund defence spending similar to the approach Europe took to fund its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. But others such as Germany and the Netherlands have so far rebuffed moves in that direction.

Greece, which allocated a remarkable 3.08 percent of GDP according to the 2024 NATO estimates, is in favour of establishing a fund in the EU to finance common defence spending. In December, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis - who championed calls for Eurobonds for defence - said it required 'the mobilisation of European resources' and the creation of a European defence fund'.

EU defence retreat

EU leaders will meet for an informal retreat at the Chateau de Limont, in the Belgian countryside an hour out from Brussels, on February 3 to talk about how to give impetus to European defence.

'Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defence,' the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, wrote in a letter on Monday inviting EU heads of state and government to the retreat.

'I believe we share a similar assessment of the threats Europe is facing,' he said, adding that Russia's aggression against Ukraine spelled the return of a 'high-intensity war' to the continent along with a surging threat from hybrid and cyber-attacks against EU member states.

For the occasion, Costa has also invited NATO chief Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to join.

The talks come at a crucial juncture, with key Ukraine backers Britain and the EU warily eyeing US President-elect Trump's promises to put a swift end to the conflict after taking power on January 20.

The February meeting will feed into a planned white paper on the future of European defence, with the topic to be tackled again at an EU leaders' summit in June.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, AMNA, ANSA, BTA, CTK, dpa, EFE, Lusa, MIA, Ritzau and STA as part of the European

Newsroom (enr) project.
JAKARTA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia welcomed a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that supports the archipelago nation in its dispute over "palm oil discrimination" by the European Union (EU), government ministers said on Friday.

"This victory demonstrates that in the case of palm oil and biodiesel, Europe is recognized for discriminating against Indonesia. So, the biodiesel that we are now taking as a policy, the world has to accept," Airlangga Hartarto, coordinating minister for economic affairs, said.

In addition to providing justice, Airlangga noted that this ruling serves as a foundation for expanding regional collaboration with Malaysia and other palm oil-producing countries, as well as enhancing globally recognized sustainability standards.

Airlangga emphasized the necessity of maintaining this momentum to overcome barriers in the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) negotiations.

Budi Santoso, minister of trade, said that this victory sends a strong message to the European Union to avoid implementing discriminatory regulations.

"We hope that other trading partner countries will not implement similar policies that could hinder global trade," said Budi.

In its ruling, the WTO determined that the EU not only failed to properly evaluate data related to the high land use conversion risk category for palm-based biofuels but also unfairly advantaged rapeseed and soybean-based biofuels. 
Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) is reiterating the fact that, lately, disinformation and manipulation have proliferated on line in Romania, especially on digital communication platforms, through which some people who express different opinions misrepresent themselves as current or former MApN employees.

The most recent situation of this kind, MApN says, is that of a person who manages accounts on the TikTok platform as "raisa 8283" and who is presented as a reserve lieutenant colonel and former agent of the so-called Army Secret Service.

"Following requests for clarification sent by some media organisations, we want to specify that the person in question does not appear in the records of the Ministry of National Defence as a reserve military officer and has never been employed by our ministry, much less in military intelligence organisations.'
Oradea is promoted as a tourist destination at international tourism fairs in Helsinki and Vienna between January 16-19, according to a press release from Visit Oradea.

According to the quoted source, the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Oradea and the Region (Visit Oradea) continues its international tourism promotion strategy by participating in two prestigious tourism fairs held during the same period: the Matka Nordic Travel Fair in Helsinki and the Ferien-Messe Wien in Vienna.

"These events represent valuable opportunities to attract tourists from Finland and Austria, markets that are increasingly interested in authentic destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. Through participation in these prestigious fairs, Visit Oradea reaffirms its commitment to promoting Oradea as a top-tier tourist destination in 2025, thus supporting the development of local tourism and attracting international visitors," the press release reads.

The Matka Nordic Travel Fair, the largest tourism fair in Scandinavia, annually gathers over 800 exhibitors and attracts more than 50,000 visitors, many of whom are travel agencies, tour operators, and dedicated media.

At this fair, Oradea is promoting its architectural heritage in the Art Nouveau style, its thermal baths known for their healing properties, local gastronomy, cultural events, as well as the tourism packages offered by hotels in the city.

On the first day of the fair, the Visit Oradea team had the honour of receiving a visit from a delegation of the Romanian Embassy to the Republic of Finland, "a special moment that highlights the importance of the city's involvement in this event," the source said.

"In the context of air connectivity with Nordic countries, through LOT Polish Airlines, our participation in the Helsinki Tourism Fair comes as a strategic opportunity to attract Finnish and Scandinavian tourists, facilitating their access to Oradea through flights operated by LOT with a stopover in Warsaw. This presence allows us to promote the destination in a direct and efficient way, strengthening the city's position in the Nordic market," said Visit Oradea Director General Alexandru Chira.

he Ferien-Messe Wien is the most important tourism fair in Austria, with over 50,000 visitors and exhibitors from more than 70 countries. Oradea's participation in this event aims to strengthen its presence in the Austrian market, an important segment due to its geographic proximity and the growing interest of Austrian tourists in destinations in Romania.

This year, Oradea is participating in Ferien-Messe Wien alongside two other Romanian destinations, Sibiu and Timisoara, in a shared stand.

"Visit Oradea has participated every year in the Vienna Tourism Fair, as it is a promising market for Romanian tourism, and the interest of Austrian tourists in spa tourism, cities with rich history, and impressive architecture is growing more and more. We considered it extremely important to be present at this specialist event this year, even though Romania is not represented on a central level with a country stand. For this reason, in order to have a stronger presence at the fair and to optimise the participation budget, we, together with Timisoara and Sibiu, came up with the idea of a shared stand. Our presence at this fair is even more important in the context of Romania's entering the Schengen Area for road traffic starting January 1, 2025," Alexandru Chira aslo said.
Romania will participate in the largest organic products fair in the world, BioFach 2025, which will take place in Nuremberg (Germany), from February 11-14 this year, having been present for 20 years in this event dedicated to agriculture and ecological products, the Bio-Romania Association informs on Friday, informs Agerpres.

"Biofach represents an excellent opportunity to present the diversity and quality of Romanian organic products on the international stage and to explore new business opportunities and to express Romania's potential to produce organic food, food-medicine", the president of the Bio-Romania Association, Avraham Marian Cioceanu said in a release sent to AGERPRES.

According to the cited source, Romania will be represented at Biofach 2025 by top companies in the field. Thus, Apiprodex, Evicom Honey, Herta BIO, Honey Trade continue their tradition in the production of honey and beekeeping products, bringing to the market products recognized for their purity and special quality specific to the unique floral biodiversity in the world, and Regiu Plant, Birom Ralex, BioCatina Cooperativa, Rawboost Smart Food and EcoFruct are distinguished by innovative products and commitment to ecological practices, offering organic solutions adapted to contemporary health and nutrition needs.

"The spontaneous flora of Romania is carefully harvested, selected and preserved by these companies, to be offered to the producers of teas, natural remedies and the most demanding producers of organic cosmetics from all over the world", said the representative of Bio-Romania.

Also, the company Petras Bio brings to the fair organic flours and quality pasta, and Giofral from Timisoara offers a rich range of organic oils, cold pressed with special qualities, already highly appreciated by Western European customers.

Franco-Romanian domains, one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in Romania, highlights Romania's commitment to viticulture and organic wine-making, offering wines from unique varieties specific to Romania, refined, with unique aromas and flavors highly appreciated by connoisseurs. Vanbet Bio from Vaslui brings a selection of dairy products and matured cheeses from goat's and sheep's milk, very special comparable to the most refined similar products obtained in countries with tradition such as France and Italy. A carefully selected assortment of organic turkey meat dishes will be available for tasting at the Romanian Pavilion. These are offered by the Bio Star Logistic from Topoloveni,, reads the association's press release.

"Each of these companies contributes to Romania's success at BioFach 2025, demonstrating the national commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability and especially to human health. The vast majority of Romanian products present at BioFach Nuremberg offer unique products that can be classified in the Food-Medicine category. As Hippocrates said: 'Let your food be your medicine', the Romanian producers of organic products are getting closer to this goal more and more", said the president of the Bio-Romania Association.

Ever since 1990, BioFach has become the essential meeting point for organic producers around the world, offering networking opportunities and a place where ideas can be exchanged between all actors in the value chain of the organic sector. BioFach has made a decisive and essential contribution to the development of the field of organic agriculture throughout the world.

The Bio-Romania Association, supported by the Romanian Government through the Romanian Investment and Foreign Trade Agency, invites visitors to the Romanian Pavilion - Hall 4, stands 171 and 271 - at Biofach Nureberg, between February 11-14, 2025.
The general proclamation of the canonisation of 16 Romanian Saints, on February 4, and the consecration of the National Cathedral and the opening of the place of worship on October 26 are among the important events dedicated to the Centennial Year 2025 that will take place during the coming months at the Romanian Christian Orthodox Patriarchate.

According to the Romanian Patriarchate, on February 4 the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church will celebrate 100 years since its promotion to the rank of patriarchate, a day that will also coincide with the general proclamation of the canonisation of 6 Romanian saints by the Patriarch of Romania surrounded by the hierarchs of the Holy Synod.

Subsequently, the local proclamation of each saint will take place in the diocese that put forward the arguments for his canonisation, on the date of death.

The preparation and consecration of the Holy and Great Chrism, used for the Mystery of Chrismation and for the consecration of all places of worship, will take place on April 17, and the marking of the 140th anniversary of the autocephaly of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church will take place on April 25, an event that will coincide with the feast of the Healing Spring.

Between May 13 and 17, the International Symposium of Theology dedicated to the Centennial Year and the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea will take place in Bucharest.

The consecration of the National Cathedral and its opening for service will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The National Cathedral will be consecrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church, in the presence of the members of the Holy Synod.

All these important events and dates will be highlighted through official presentations during this year.

The year 2025 was declared the Solemn Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Commemorative Year of the 20th-century Romanian Orthodox confessors and spiritual fathers.
The Romanian film "The New Year That Never Came," directed by Bogdan Muresanu and produced by Ada Solomon, won the Golden Pyramid Award - the highest distinction at the prestigious Cairo International Film Festival, now in its 45th edition, the Ministry of Culture announced on Friday.

According to a statement posted on the Ministry of Culture's Facebook page, the international jury and the Egyptian audience were deeply moved by this tragicomedy, which received resounding applause and was praised throughout the evening.

The trophy was handed over to Romania's ambassador to Egypt, Olivia Toderean, by the festival's director, renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, and Egypt's Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno.

"A great success for Romanian cinema and a new page of cultural excellence! We warmly congratulate Bogdan Muresanu, Ada Solomon, the entire team of actors and creators who brought this extraordinary film to life!," said the ministry.

The Cairo International Film Festival is the oldest and most prestigious cinematic event in the Middle East and Africa, and this success strengthens Romania's cultural projection in the region.

"The New Year That Never Came," directed by Bogdan Muresanu, depicts the emotional chaos on the eve of the Romanian Revolution. In episodes full of humor, the fates of six people intersect while Ceausescu's dictatorship collapses, although no one can predict the scale of the changes.

The cast includes Adrian Vancica, Nicoleta Hancu, Iulian Postelnicu, Mihai Calin, Emilia Dobrin, Andrei Miercure.

The film premiered on September 1 at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the "Orizzonti" Award for Best Film.
The increase in the number of troops in the Romanian-Ukrainian border area on the territory of Tulcea County, as well as the location of several observation points and ground sensors explains the speed with which the Ministry of National Defense (MApN) identified on Friday, in Ceatalchioi commune, traces of a drone used in the war started by Russia against Ukraine, informs Agerpres.

According to the data provided to AGERPRES by MApN, from September 5, 2023 until Friday, January 17, 2025, 12 situations were identified on Romanian territory, 11 of which in Tulcea County, as a result of which fragments of drones were found on Romanian territory, and of these seven were found in the Plauru area, Ceatalchioi commune.

MApN recalled that, after identifying the first drone fragments that fell on the territory of Romania, it took a series of measures in the area close to the border with Ukraine and thus explained the speed with which it discovered the traces of drones on Friday, under conditions in which they were previously found or made public at least 12 hours after the attack.

The cited source also refers to electronic warfare that involves both false signals of aerial targets and real attacks, a telling case being the one on September 8, 2024, when a Russian unmanned aerial platform was also monitored by radars from ground and by the F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, under the command of NATO, which was scrambled to clarify air situation.

"From the information obtained through the electronic surveillance systems and through other means of monitoring, the conditions of a direct military threat to the national territory or the territorial waters of Romania have not been met. In such situations, the measures are taken gradually, in a unitary manner, for the entire NATO airspace. The kinetic action against aircraft using unauthorized airspace is carried out under the conditions of an intentional attack, a hostile act against Romania's or NATO's territory. The F-16 aircraft constantly monitored the air situation, being able to intervene in the event of a danger to the national territory. The Ministry of National Defense informed and informs the allied structures in real time to the situations generated by the attacks, remaining in permanent contact with them", reads the MApN release sent to AGERPRES.

One of the drones used in the attack from Thursday night to Friday fell near a group of houses, very close to the county road, and the panic of the population was quite high, especially since the noise of the impact could also be heard in Tulcea municipality, Tudor Cernega, the mayor of Ceatalchioi commune, declared for AGERPRES.

In Chilia Veche, a Romanian town located across the Danube from the Ukrainian town of Kilia Noua, the Russian drone attack on the port infrastructure in the neighboring country could be seen even by the locals, the two towns being separated only by the river.

"There was panic in our place. All the boxes in the blocks in the locality are properly set up to protect the population," Timur Ciaus, mayor of the Chilia Veche commune, told AGERPRES.

The population of the north of Tulcea county received, on the night of Thursday to Friday, a RO-ALERT message about the possibility of some objects falling on the national territory, against the background of the war in Ukraine, and a person called the emergency number 112 to ask for additional information.

The message was sent by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) around 1:46 a.m., and the population was urged to shelter in safe areas for the next 90 minutes.

Shortly after the transmission of the message, the people of Tulcea could hear the specific noises of the planes flying over the national airspace.

This is the first RO-ALERT message issued since the beginning of the year for the communities of Tulcea County in the context of the war in Ukraine.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Jan. 16, 2025. Turk said on Thursday that his office stands ready to strengthen human rights work in Lebanon and called for investment in the rule of law in the country. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Thursday that his office stands ready to strengthen human rights work in Lebanon and called for investment in the rule of law in the country.

"My office stands ready to strengthen our human rights work and to accompany the country as it moves forward," he said at a press conference in Beirut, according to a statement released by the United Nations Information Center.

Turk said he offered his office's support for key reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the transparency of its work during discussions with the new Lebanese president and prime minister-designate.

"I welcome the President's public commitment to ensuring equality, justice, and protection for all and respecting liberties, free press, and expression," he said.

Turk noted that with the new leadership in Lebanon, there is momentum for political stability, economic recovery, and long-overdue implementation of critical reforms to address the multiple socio-economic crises and gaping inequalities facing Lebanon.

"Human rights offer a tool of governance. This was a powerful message that I conveyed," he said.

Turk also called for an independent investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port in August 2020. "I repeat that those responsible for that tragedy must be held to account and offer the support of my office in this regard," he said.

Turk also called for respecting the rights of all Lebanese, most notably the vulnerable.

The rights of all Lebanese, most notably the vulnerable, must be at the heart of economic, fiscal, and financial policies. That is what a human rights economy is all about. Budget and investment decisions must prioritize access to education, health care, and social protection," he said. 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk (3rd R, on stage) speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Jan. 16, 2025.

Turk said on Thursday that his office stands ready to strengthen human rights work in Lebanon and called for investment in the rule of law in the country. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and six others injured Friday after a speeding mini truck collided with a van, causing it to ram into a stationary bus in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, police said.

The accident took place on the Pune-Nashik highway near Narayangaon in Pune district, about 185 km east of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra.

Immediately after the accident, locals and police rushed to the spot and took the victims to the nearest hospital.

Police registered a case and ordered an investigation into the accident.

Deadly road accidents are common in India due to overloading, bad conditions of roads and reckless driving. 
Editor's note: In June, Post-Dispatch opinion section published a series of essays by St. Louis young people preparing to vote (or not) in their first presidential election. This is among follow-up essays by four of them in advance of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday. It is sponsored by the River City Journalism Fund.

The fact that it was raining should have been my first sign. The fact that my fathers umbrella was broken should have been the second. Yet, there I was, standing in the drizzle at 8:00 a.m. on a Monday, four hours away from my college-town home. I was an absentee voter who procrastinated requesting a ballot for too long.

Unsurprisingly, one month was not enough time for the state of Missouri and the postal service to jointly deliver my ballot to Indiana. So, I found myself driving back home to St. Louis on a Sunday morning and then back to Bloomington, Indiana, less than 24 hours later. But for me, voting was worth the sacrifice.

I was 13 years old when Donald Trump first won the presidency in 2016; I was 17 when he lost re-election in 2020. At 21, I was hopeful that my vote would count toward his second failure.

I was not so naive to think that Kamala Harris had a fighting chance in Missouri, but I was hopeful enough to think she could win the battleground states. I am not a prophet, nor do I consider myself religious. But in the weeks leading up to the election, I found myself sending prayers into the ether. Mother Universe, wont you let Harris win the presidency?

Mother Universe, as it turns out, seemed to have heard about 2.2 million more prayers in favor of Trump.

Suddenly, everyone felt like my enemy. I side-eyed every smiling man I passed on my walk to class. I unfollowed suspiciously silent friends on social media. I grew quieter. And meaner.

Everything felt like a cruel reminder of a country-wide failure: The quiz I nearly failed because I forfeited study time for a drive home. The freshman boys giggling over videos of Trump in front of me in class. My immigrant mother celebrating her birthday while depressed in bed two days after Trumps win. I even found myself planning to flee the country, hoping to rely on moderate French skills to escape a supervillain's return to the White House.

It was easy to find hatred, easy to let it rot me. But when I turned off the buzz of my cellphone and the bright glare of social media, I discovered it was easy to find love too and to let it feed me.

The morning after the election, my life kept moving just like everyone else's, and I found myself facing the four female students in my French course. They were lost and angry too, struggling to make sense of a country that could endorse someone like Trump. Our shared outrage felt like an ounce of hope in 2.2 million tons of rotting hatred. Small but important.

Together, we painted the bigger picture: Missouri voted to protect reproductive rights and raise the minimum wage; at that point we still had over two more months until Trump took office; and between all of us, there were at least four other people in the world who were not our enemy.

Now, with so few days before the inauguration, it has been more difficult to find ounces of hope. Without the gift of prophecy, I have no idea what the next four years will look like. All I can do is turn back to the ether. Mother Universe, won't you let us survive this presidency?
10 Years of Premium Real-Time Streaming for iGaming Operators: nanocosmos Celebrates Milestone at ICE 2025 in Barcelona, January 2022

In 2025, nanocosmos, pioneers of ultra-low-latency streaming for global business customers, celebrates a decade of innovation. Their solution, nanoStream Cloud, marks 10 years of tackling the unique challenges of streaming in iGaming. Managing Partner Chr

Berlin( )

With the now globally acclaimed solution nanoStream Cloud, nanocosmos celebrates 10 years of premium streaming for iGaming operators as they present new highlights at the upcoming ICE show in Barcelona, which is expected to be the largest in gambling industry history. The groundbreaking introduction of nanoStream Cloud and its unique H5Live streaming format to the iGaming world in 2015 positioned nanocosmos as a pioneer in real-time streaming with playback on any browser and device.

Commitment to continuous innovation

Among the highlights of nanocosmos' real-time streaming solution at ICE 2025 are live video processing and AI-related features: While Live Replay, automated thumbnails, MotionClips, and recording capabilities are designed to boost content monetization, AI-powered speech-to-text, live captions, and multilingual translation have been added to enhance interactivity and accessibility for global audiences.



The announcement of nanocosmos' recent commitment to Media Over QUIC (MoQ) marks a natural progression in its ongoing innovation since 1998, with consistent updates to its platform. The MoQ protocol promises seamless, sub-second latency streaming even in challenging network environments, leveraging advanced technologies such as QUIC, HTTP/3, and WebTransport. With the integration, says CEO Oliver Lietz, operators can expect smoother playback, faster connections, and greater resilience to network fluctuations.

A key factor in nanocosmos ongoing success as a trusted partner, according to CEO Oliver Lietz, has been their close cooperation with clients and their strong Content Delivery Network (CDN): We have built our own infrastructure with triple redundancies, global CDNs, and edge points to ensure 100% uptime for our customers.

Expert Insights and Live Demonstrations, Booth #5F32: Partnering with SCCG Management and founder Stephen Crystal, nanocosmos will showcase how nanoStream Cloud integrates ultra-low latency streaming, robust CDN capabilities, security, and advanced analytics with the latest technology:

Live Video Processing Features to boost player engagement and reach.

Reliability and 100% Uptime: CDN Updates to minimize downtime risk.

Enhanced User Role Permissions: Secure and flexible platform management.

Attendees of ICE can visit booth #5F32 to learn more about the nanocosmos platform, experience live demonstrations, and schedule meetings. Visit https://www.nanocosmos.net/ice-2025/ for more information.

About SCCG

For more information, visit https://sccgmanagement.com/

About nanocosmos

For more information, visit https://www.nanocosmos.de/
Army Sgt. Trent Goines, a petroleum supply specialist at Fort Riley, Kan., faced a court-martial for the sexual assault of a female soldier while they served in Poland. He was convicted Dec. 6, 2024, and will serve more than a year in prison. (Facebook)

An ultrasound and a DNA test on a female soldier after she fainted in formation led to the conviction of another soldier for sexual assault two years after they served together in Poland, according to Army officials.

Sgt. Trent Goines, a 31-year-old petroleum supply specialist with the 101st Brigade Support Battalion of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, faced a court-martial for the sexual assault of the female soldier, and he was convicted Dec. 6 by a jury at Fort Riley in Kansas.

Goines and the female soldier were serving in Gydinia, Poland, on June 12, 2022, when they went out together after work with another friend, according to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which prosecuted the case. The three drank alcohol late into the night and decided to share a hotel room.

The female soldier fell asleep first and woke up several times to find Goines touching her but had no memory of sexual intercourse, according to prosecutors. The next morning, Goines texted her asking what she remembered from the night before.

Her memory was fuzzy, and she told him that she could only remember a few details. Goines assured her that they did not have sex, prosecutors said.

But in September 2022, the female soldier passed out during formation and soon discovered she was pregnant. An ultrasound determined the conception date was June 12, 2022. Later, fetal DNA testing confirmed Goines was the biological father of the unborn baby, according to prosecutors.

Col. Alexander Pickands, the military judge in the case, sentenced Goines to 15 months in prison along with a reduction in rank to E-1 and a dishonorable discharge. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

An attorney for Goines did not respond to a request for comment.

Trust and confidence in ones fellow soldiers are of paramount importance within our ranks, Capt. Molly Sevcik, prosecutor on the case, said in a statement Wednesday. When a noncommissioned officer sexually assaults another soldier, it erodes the organizational structure and trust and jeopardizes the mission.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki speaks to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, Aug. 7, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Okinawas governor has delivered official protest letters to two Japanese government officials over the latest sexual assault allegation against a U.S. service member.

Gov. Denny Tamaki signed and personally delivered the letters to Manabu Miyagawa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, and Shinya Ito, director of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, on Thursday in Naha city.

Okinawa Prefectural Police on Jan. 8 accused a Marine of injuring a woman during a sexual assault in November and forwarded the case to local prosecutors.

It is very regrettable and causes strong anger that this kind of crime happened five times in one year, Tamaki wrote in the letter, a copy of which was provided to Stars and Stripes.

Following a closed-door meeting with both officials, Tamaki told reporters the prefecture has a sense of crisis about such incidents, a spokesman for Okinawas Military Base Affairs Division said Friday by phone.

I spoke about this to both parties during the closed meeting, Tamaki said, according to the spokesman. I think sharing this sense of crisis will lead to the prevention of reoccurrences.

Tamaki requested in the letter that the prefecture receive notice of future incidents as soon as possible, and asked the U.S. and Japanese governments to provide compensation to the woman in the most recent case.

The allegation is the latest in a string of similar accusations that have caused friction between U.S. and Japanese authorities.

In December, a Japanese court sentenced Senior Airman Brennon Washington to five years in prison with hard labor for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl a year earlier. He has appealed the verdict.

A Marine lance corporal was indicted in June of attempted sexual assault. In September, another Marine lance corporal was charged with injuring a woman during a sexual assault.

The allegations prompted U.S. Forces Japan to amend liberty rules for all troops in Japan.

In a statement posted online in July, then-USFJ commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp announced a new forum of cooperation with the Japanese and Okinawan governments and the Okinawan community. He also called for joint U.S. and Japanese police patrols.

Tamaki in the letter cast doubt on the effectiveness of these measures and urged more restrictions on service members.

I think that it is necessary to verify how the preventative measures announced by the U.S. military have been applied and to share those results in a new forum, he wrote.

Three consultative meetings have been held so far between relevant U.S. and Japanese leaders to discuss the forum and patrols, Air Force Capt. Danny Rangel, a USFJ spokesman, told Stars and Stripes in an email Tuesday.

Weve made strides in strengthening our partnership, though the issue of joint patrols remains a critical area of discussion, with varying perspectives on its feasibility and effectiveness, he said.

The most recent meeting between the U.S. military and the prefecture happened in November, said the division spokesman. He declined to say who represented each side in those meetings.

Tamaki also plans to meet with Marine Corps Installations Pacific commander Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, but a date has yet to be set, the spokesman said.

Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

A spokesman from the installations command, Maj. Brett Dornhege-Lazaroff, confirmed Friday by email that the meeting is being coordinated but declined to provide additional details.

On Tuesday, Miyagawa hosted a meeting in Naha to discuss the prevention of future incidents involving U.S. service members, according to a Friday post on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Okinawa Liaison Offices Facebook page.

It included Wolford, Ito, Hitoshi Tamari, director of the Okinawa Prefectural Governors office, and Andrew Ou, U.S. consul general on Okinawa.
Sailors practice a commissioning ceremony for the Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H Lucas in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 4, 2023. (EJ Hersom/Defense Department)

WASHINGTON  Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in recent days has named more than a dozen future ships, including aircraft carriers and submarines, to culminate his time leading the sea service.

A total of 19 Navy ships have been named by Del Toro in the past two weeks. The ships span two aircraft carriers, four submarines, five destroyers, two fleet replenishment oilers, a frigate, an amphibious ship, an expeditionary medical ship, two ocean surveillance ships and a first-in-class amphibious ship.

The latest slew of ships to be named included the future USS McClung, the first ship in the new McClung-class of medium landing ships. The Navys Medium Landing Ship program, previously called the Light Amphibious Warship program, seeks to purchase and build 18 to 35 new amphibious ships to support Marine Corps operations. The ships are meant to transport troops and equipment from ship to shore. The first-in-class ship honors Maj. Megan McClung, a Marine Corps public affairs officer who was killed in action while serving in Iraq. This will be the first Navy vessel to bear her name.

[The ship] will be an asset to the Marine Corps amphibious capabilities, designed to greatly enhance operational flexibility and combat readiness, Del Toro said.

Also announced Thursday were the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg and USNS Thomas D. Parham Jr.  two future John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers. The oilers will supply fuel and dry cargo to deployed warships while at sea.

The day before Del Toro announced the names of three Flight III Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyers and one Constellation-class, guided-missile frigate. Those warships are future destroyers USS Ray Mabus, USS Kyle Carpenter, and USS Robert R. Ingram and future frigate USS Everett Alvarez Jr.

The three destroyers honor former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, and Medal of Honor recipients Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter and Navy Corpsman Robert Ingram.

The destroyers join two others named earlier in the month  the future USS Robert Kerrey and USS Intrepid. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers incorporate stealth techniques, allowing these ships to conduct a variety of operations with a wide range of air, surface and underwater warfighting abilities.

Future frigate USS Everett Alvarez Jr. pays tribute to the first American aviator shot down over Vietnam and the longest-held prisoner of war in North Vietnam, according to the Navy History and Heritage Command. The constellation-class, guided-missile frigate represents the Navys next-generation small surface combat vessel. This ship class is designed to be a multi-mission warship capable of operations in deep water or near shore.

Everywhere that these ships sail it will represent the legacies of these four leaders and heroes who placed country over self and service above all else, Del Toro said Wednesday at the Naval Surface Force National Symposium in Arlington.

Outgoing Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro speaks Jan. 13, 2025, to the U.S. Naval Academy Brigade in Annapolis, Md., during his final days in office. (Stacy Godfrey/U.S. Navy photo )

Del Toro announced Monday that the names of the Navys next two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, which will honor former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The future USS William J. Clinton and USS George W. Bush will be the fifth and sixth Ford-class carriers.

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 same day, the names of four future submarines were announced in a video message to the Navys submarine community.

Todays submarine force is the most capable force in the world and in the history of U.S. Navy, Del Toro said. 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 next Columbia-class submarine will be the USS Groton, named for the Connecticut town considered to be the submarine capital of the world because it is where Navy submarines are built. The Columbia-class submarine is a new class of nuclear subs designed to replace the Navys Ohio-class submarines. They serve as a launch platform for ballistic missiles. The Groton will be the third Columbia submarine.

Additionally, three Virginia-class submarines were named the future USS Potomac, USS Norfolk and USS Brooklyn. Virginia-class submarines are attack warships designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and engage in mine warfare. The ships are armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and carry special operation forces that can deploy from the submarine.

Last week, Del Toro named a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Travis Manion, along with two T-AGOS  the first two ships in the newly named Explorer class of ocean surveillance ships  the future USNS Don Walsh and the future USNS Victor Vescovo. Operated by the Military Sea Lift Command, the Explorer-class ships are designed to play a role in the Navys anti-submarine warfare operations.

The amphibious ship, which embarks Marines and their equipment, honors a Marine who was ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house in Iraqs Anbar province. As he led a counterattack, Manion was fatally wounded by a sniper while aiding his fellow Marines. He deliberately exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to draw fire away from other wounded Marines. For his actions, he received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with valor.

Del Toro also named a future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship USNS Portsmouth during a ship naming ceremony last week at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ships are designed optimizes hospital-level medical care in support of maritime operations.

Del Toro was sworn in as the Navys top civilian leader in 2021 under President Joe Bidens administration. As Bidens presidency comes to a close, so does Del Toros time as leading the sea service.

President-elect Donald Trump, who enters office Monday, has tapped businessman and mega donor John Phelan as his pick for the next Navy secretary.
Loaded steak fries from JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

JJs American Diner serves up classic American comfort food with an international flair in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

Much like diners in the United States, JJs captures the essence of a small-town eatery while embracing the global influences that have shaped American cuisine over the years.

Its proximity to the base  just a five-minute stroll from the Camp Humphreys walk-in gate  ensures its a welcoming spot for soldiers and locals alike.

Inside, the atmosphere is everything youd expect from a diner: warm, inviting and full of nostalgic charm. Booth seating and friendly staff make it the perfect place to settle in for a meal that feels like home.

JJs menu features an array of dishes that highlight the fusion of American classics and international inspirations. From burgers and pancakes to chicken and waffles, the options are diverse and satisfying.

For the main course, I tried the loaded steak fries, which surprises with its portion size and layered flavors. Crinkle-cut fries form the base, topped with tender steak, onions, tomatoes, sour cream and a combination of shredded and melted cheese.

While the presentation wasnt particularly striking, mixing everything together brought out a surprising flavor profile. The price on this one was 15,900 won, or about $12.

Creamy Alfredo pasta with steak from JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

I also sampled the creamy Alfredo pasta with steak, which delivered a rich and hearty meal. The pasta was coated in Alfredo sauce, complemented by tender cubes of steak.

However, the accompanying bread leaned a bit too sweet for my taste and detracted slightly from the overall meal. At 18,900 won, its a solid choice if youre in the mood for something indulgent and comforting.

JJs drink selection sticks to the diner classics, with coffee, sodas and a small selection of beers like Budweiser and Heineken. The straightforward options pair well with the rich, flavorful entrees and round out the experience.

JJs American Diner blends the best of American comfort food with a touch of global influence, making it a solid choice for anyone in the area. Whether youre stationed nearby or just passing through, JJs is a reliable spot for a satisfying meal.

JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, is warm, inviting and full of nostalgic charm. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

JJs American Diner

Location: 93-4 Anjeong-ro 222beon-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Directions: A short walk from Camp Humphreys walk-in gate.

Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday.

Prices: Entrees cost between 14,900 and 28,900 won.

Dress: Casual

Information: 031-8094-1337
Finding friends in middle age isnt easy, but its very rewarding. (iStock)

Hey, Lisa, my friend, Marcia approached me after our Boot Camp exercise class this week. That dinner you told us about was at Castle Hill, right? I told my husband about it, and he just couldnt believe it.

I was taken aback. Marcia was referring to a story Id told a few boot-campers recently, and I was touched that she found my tale interesting enough to tell her husband.

Call me pathetic, but this little crumb of social success felt like a breakthrough.

Even though my Navy husband retired after 28 active duty years and we now live in a tiny town in Rhode Island, I still have a military spouses mindset, prone to insecurity after so many military moves.

After every PCS move our family experienced, Id turned into my middle-school-aged self. Will anyone like me? Id wonder, awkward and uncertain. Id eventually find my people, but it was never easy. Even after my husbands military retirement and move to our current home, Ive struggled to find close pals in my local community.

Since leaving base life, Ive longed for one or two kitchen door friends. The kind that show up unannounced without makeup on. The kind that tell you the commissary is out of strawberries. The kind that let you vent about how long it took for your number to be called at the base pharmacy. The kind that let you be yourself and appreciate you for it.

About a year ago, I discovered that the local recreation center offered Boot Camp exercise classes, so I signed up and became a twice-a-week regular. I wanted to get in better shape, but the women in the class were equally interested in the social opportunity Boot Camp classes offered.

On Fridays after class, wed all meet up at a local coffee shop for sweaty chat sessions. Over time, these little doses of camaraderie were like Prozac. I hadnt found a kitchen door friend yet, but Id found camaraderie.

Boot Camp classes were not in session over the recent holidays, so five of us met up on the morning of New Years Eve to make a feeble attempt at self-directed exercise before we gave up and headed to a coffee shop. After exercising, we opened a bottle of Prosecco one of the ladies had brought on a bench outside the rec center, hoping we wouldnt get busted by any local cops. Giggling with my plastic cup and clowning around, I felt like a goofy middle-schooler, but in a good way.

At the coffee shop, I experienced a sense of comfort I hadnt felt before, so I decided, for the first time with this group, to tell a meaty story.

Ive always been a story-teller, sometimes to the chagrin of my audience, because I enhance every detail with elaborate descriptions, exaggerated hand gestures and facial expressions. I pride myself in telling a good story, but I dont fully reveal this essential element of my personality until I can trust that listener will appreciate it. My best friends know that whether they laugh, cry, are fascinated or outraged, they will be entertained.

With the Proseccos liquid courage in my bloodstream, I relayed my story of the dinner at Castle Hill to my Boot Camp friends. To tell it right, it was necessary to transport my consciousness back to the evening in question and recount every detail. I was deep into my story-telling trance when I approached the plots climax, so I paused for dramatic effect.

In that brief moment of silence, my consciousness was restored. I glanced around at the four ladies, and realized that none of them was rolling her eyes, having a side conversation or falling asleep. They were looking right at me, frozen in suspense.

Then, I delivered the crucial pinnacle, and my friends gasped in disbelief. What? Are you kidding? No way! Thats outrageous! I walked home feeling great. Id finally let go and was unguarded. I wanted to trust that my new friends appreciation of my authentic self was genuine.

My husband couldnt believe it when I told him your story! Marcia said at Boot Camp this week, and then I knew for certain. Id found my people.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com
NAIROBI  The Biden administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on the head of the Sudanese military, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for allegedly presiding over attacks on civilians, denying food aid to Sudanese citizens and contributing to what Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

The asset freeze  imposed amid a flurry of actions as the administration rushes to make use of its final days in power  comes as famine has taken hold of large portions of Sudan amid the countrys prolonged civil war.

Theres no military solution to this conflict, Blinken told reporters Thursday ahead of the sanctions announcement. People are suffering grievously in Sudan.

The Treasury Department said in a statement that Burhan had presided over a military that has committed lethal attacks on civilians, including airstrikes against protected infrastructure including schools, markets, and hospitals. It also blamed him for refusing to participate in peace talks to try to end the conflict.

Todays action underscores our commitment to seeing an end to this conflict, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. The United States will continue to use our tools to disrupt the flow of weapons into Sudan and hold these leaders responsible for their blatant disregard of civilian lives.

There was no immediate official response from the Sudanese military to the designation, which follows a similar move by Washington last week to put sanctions on Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, universally known as Hemedti, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Taken together, these sanctions underscore the U.S. view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan, Blinken said in a statement after the sanctions were announced.

The U.S. government said eight months ago that around 150,000 people have died in the Sudan conflict. Washington has accused both sides of committing war crimes, and the RSF of committing ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Since war erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the military and the RSF, more than 11 million people have had to flee their homes, creating the worlds largest displacement crisis. As citizens flee, the war has sucked in fighters from neighboring countries seeking to loot. The fighting has also created a creeping famine; the United Nations says just over half of the population of 51 million people need aid. One-third are hungry.

The sanctions underscore American frustration at the lack of progress in resolving the conflict, which now will be left to the Trump administration to try to address.

Humanitarian organizations have previously criticized the Sudanese military for putting onerous conditions on the delivery of aid, including refusing permission for convoys to pass through key border crossings to areas hit by famine last year. In December, the military withdrew from the U.N. body responsible for declaring famine.

The United States has repeatedly tried to bring together the warring parties for peace talks, but only the RSF attended the most recent meeting in Switzerland last August.

Meanwhile, other foreign powers have fueled the conflict. The United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally, has been supplying weapons to the RSF, while Iran has supplied weapons to the military. Russia, says Washington, has armed both sides.

A Sudanese official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal considerations, said any sanctions would probably push Sudan closer to Russias camp, and that the Russian defense ministry had already offered to support the military with Africa Corps, a state-run paramilitary that succeeded the notorious Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries.

Sudan is suffering already from the Islamists, including ISIS, the Sudanese official said. The public will stand up and support the head of the state and move a relationship forward with elements or forces against the United States government.

This year, the Sudanese military has gained ground in the capital  still hotly contested between the two forces  and retaken the agricultural city of Wad Madani in the southern agricultural heartlands, a year after the RSF had captured it. A statement from the United Nations on Thursday said only a third of the citys population remained and that the main hospital had been damaged and looted.

Videos purporting to be from the city show widespread bloodshed and executions, and the military issued an unusual statement this week acknowledging individuals had committed killings but stopping short of taking responsibility.

The conflict is complicated by the involvement of undisciplined militias supporting both sides. The RSF draws on clan militias from Darfur, mercenaries from neighboring countries and other forces; the military fights alongside civilian militias often organized and armed by retired military officers active under the Islamist regime of the previous president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, himself wanted for genocide by the International Criminal Court.

Both sides have repeatedly attacked hospitals, civilian neighborhoods and other infrastructure. Since the start of the conflict, the United Nations says more than 110 aid workers have been killed, wounded, kidnapped or are missing. Doctors and medical staff have been kidnapped, arrested and killed; the United Nations has also documented at least 512 attacks on health-care systems between April 2023 and November 2024.

Birnbaum reported from Washington.
Household goods inspector Faata Leafa watches a mover with Aloha International pack up a home in Honolulu on May 5, 2020. (Daniel Mayberry/U.S. Navy)

The Defense Departments effort to streamline its global system of shipping service members household goods is meeting resistance from the moving industry and a federal lawsuit challenging the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar contract.

The system overhaul would consolidate oversight and management to a single contractor that oversees and manages all domestic and international relocations for the military, Coast Guard and federal employees.

Single oversight is intended to increase customer satisfaction and tamp down costs, but many in the moving industry have balked. They compare the contract terms unfavorably to the current system.

In November 2021, U.S. Transportation Command awarded a $20 billion contract to Houston-based HomeSafe Alliance LLC to handle the work being done by more than 900 commercial entities for roughly 300,000 moves a year.

More than three years later, the rollout of the so-called Global Household Goods Contract, or GHC, has made little headway, with growing resistance by much of the industry.

As of Monday, HomeSafe had completed a meager 607 household goods deliveries, according to an email Wednesday from the U.S. Transportation Command in response to a written query.

Initially, I think industry was kind of split on whether GHC was going to be a good thing or a bad thing, Katie McMichael, executive director of Movers for America, a coalition pushing back on GHCs implementation, said in a phone interview Jan. 8.

But I think what weve seen with the rollout of GHC is there have been a lot of areas that really were not well thought out, she said.

Damaged goods

The effort to streamline moves was sparked by a spate of complaints in 2018 by service members over late arrival of shipments, damaged goods and a lack of clarity on whom to blame for the failures.

Problems arising under the GHC model would rest on the shoulders of the sole entity overseeing relocations: HomeSafe Alliance.

Under GHC, HomeSafe, a joint venture between Tier One Relocation and KBR, formerly Kellogg Brown & Root, will eventually replace the roughly 900 forwarding agents who have until now handled military moves.

Forwarding agents  sometimes called transportation service providers  orchestrate domestic and international moves by hiring movers, truckers, ocean shippers and warehousing. In some cases, forwarding agents own subsidiaries to do that work.

Theyre creating something thats never existed, said Anthony Shipp, president and CEO of Hawaii-based M. Dyer Global, which is among those 900 forwarding companies.

If such an all-encompassing agent could have made a go of it, it would already exist, Shipp, who opposes GHC, said during a Jan. 7 phone interview.

To this day, theres no player in the market that would do something like that, he said.

GHC will put his companys forwarding operations, which account for about 25% of its revenue, completely out of business, Shipp said.

So thats one reason why were opposed, he said.

The GHC contract for the use of his companys trucks and warehouse space come with fixed rates not favorable to us and an enormous amount of liability that doesnt exist in the current program, Shipp said.

So, when you kind of put all that together, it just doesnt make business sense for us to do it, he said. No mover really wants to sign up for that.

Proprietary rate info

The Movers for America alliance primarily objects to the payment rates offered under the GHC contract and to complications arising from the federal Service Contract Act that could force moving companies to treat independent truckers as employees.

U.S. Transportation Command is leaving the issue of compensation to HomeSafe.

Regarding rates, as the prime contractor for GHC, HomeSafe is responsible for building a sub-contractor network to fulfill contract terms to include sub-contractor compensation, the command wrote in its email.

It is important to note, specific information on rates is contract proprietary between HomeSafe and the providers in their network, the email states.

As to the issue of independent contractors and truckers, little wiggle room exists because GHC is a Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract, according to the commands email.

To comply with that regulation, HomeSafe and its subcontractors must pay at least minimum wage and furnish fringe benefits to workers, the email said.

McMichael said the industry has received no guidance from the Transportation Command, the Department of Labor or HomeSafe on how this impacts workers.

The bottom line for the alliance is that the entire GHC overhaul is ultimately unnecessary because the current system is working smoothly.

The current program is seeing record high satisfaction rates, she said.

So, at this point, we really dont support GHC moving forward because its over budget and behind in the timeline. It seems like a massive waste of taxpayers money.

Target missed

In a November 2022 news release, the Transportation Command had projected that by the peak 2024 moving season all domestic and international household goods and unaccompanied baggage shipments would move under GHC.

After almost entirely missing that target, the commands current projections are modest and subject to change.

The DOD is planning to activate all installations in the continental U.S. by spring 2025, the command wrote in its email. International shipments under GHC are expected to begin no earlier than September 2025.

A federal lawsuit filed by several moving companies late last year could further slow or even derail GHC.

The Suddath Companies, a major player in military relocations based in Jacksonville, Fla., filed suit Nov. 22 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims alleging that Transportation Command violated the bidding process for GHC by changing terms after it was awarded.

Two additional companies joined the suit, with the plaintiffs asserting they would have submitted more favorable bids under the altered terms of service.

The lawsuit alleges that HomeSafe has been given almost four times as long to implement the program as was set out in the bid solicitation and provided an additional $60 million to fund implementation.
SYDNEY, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A teenage boy has died, and two more teenagers have been hospitalized after a car crashed into a tree in southwest Sydney Thursday night, police in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) said Friday.

The black sedan left the road and struck a tree at about 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday in Hoxton Park, 33 km southwest of central Sydney, the capital city of NSW, the police said in a statement.

Emergency services attended the scene where police rendered aid to the front passenger in the car, a 16-year-old boy, who died at the scene.

He has not yet been formally identified.

The driver of the car, a 19-year-old male, was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital, as was a 16-year-old passenger who sustained minor injuries.

Police said a crime scene was established and that an investigation into the circumstances of the crash has commenced. 
A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range, or JASSM-ER, is launched for the first time from an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Gulf of Mexico, Sept. 19, 2018. (Michael Jackson/U.S. Air Force)

TOKYO  Japans counterstrike capabilities is set to receive a boost from the U.S. Defense Department, which on Wednesday backed a $39 million sale of air-to-surface missiles for the countrys F-15J and F-35 fighters.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that it approved the sale of 16 joint air-to-surface standoff missiles with extended range, or JASSM-ER, according to a notice on the agencys website.

The U.S. Air Force has fielded the JASSM-ER, which has a range of 500 nautical miles, since 2014, according to manufacturer Lockheed-Martin.

A 2,000-pound class weapon, JASSM can be employed in adverse weather conditions, day or night, using a state-of-the-art infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam Global Positioning System (GPS) to dial into specific target aimpoints, the weapons maker states on its website.

Japan stations F-35A Lightning II fighters at Misawa Air Base in the countrys northeast and has committed to purchasing 147 of the multirole stealth jets.

The countrys military also wants to arm its F-15 air superiority fighters with the new missiles, the Ministry of Defense said in a July 4 statement. It has 200 Mitsubishi F-15s, according an annual defense paper released last summer.

Sixty-eight of the fighters are being upgraded to mount stand-off missiles, according to a report posted on the ministrys website. Stand-off missiles allow fighters to reach enemy targets while remaining beyond the range of anti-air missiles.

In recent years, China has rapidly expanded its military and pressed territorial claims in Taiwan and in the South and East China seas. Japan has moved to reinterpret its pacifist constitution to allow its forces counterstrike capability against enemies in times of war.

China has more than 1,900 ballistic missiles that can reach Japan, according to a 2022 Pentagon report on Beijings military capabilities.

The approval for Japans air-to-ground missile purchase comes just over a year after the U.S. approved a $2.35 billion sale of 400 Tomahawk missiles to Japan.

Sales of military hardware to foreign governments are approved by the State Department and carried out by the Defense Department, unless Congress, once notified, moves to block them.

The Tomahawks, also used by the U.S. Navy, can be launched from Aegis destroyers of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. A Tomahawk can strike targets at a range of 1,000 miles, according to its maker, Raytheon Technologies.

The air-to-ground missile sale includes training munitions, anti-jam global positioning receivers, support equipment, spare parts, accessories, repair and return support, software, personnel training, and airlift and transport support, according to the U.S. sale approval.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to take a tough line on China and the possible EU move would reinforce for his team how the bloc will approach dealing with Beijing, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials from the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden are also urging Europe to keep pursuing the case. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

The European Union is debating whether to drop a sensitive trade investigation against China over alleged coercive activity targeting Lithuania, a prospect thats frustrated officials in Washington, where the incoming Trump team sees it as capitulation to Beijing.

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to take a tough line on China and the possible EU move would reinforce for his team how the bloc will approach dealing with Beijing, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials from the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden are also urging Europe to keep pursuing the case.

Trump, who will be inaugurated next week, has threatened the EU with tariffs and his team has criticized the bloc for being weak on China. The manner in which the EU handles the dispute will present an early test of how the world approaches trade under the new administration in Washington and the resilience of the transatlantic relationship.

No decision has been made on the next steps in this procedure, an EU official familiar with the case said. The EU will always stand by Lithuania and address any coercion and its effect on trade, the official added. The EU will continue to monitor developments concerning exports from Lithuania to China, and will continue to work closely with allies on matters of economic coercion, said the official. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team didnt respond to a request for comment.

The case is as strong today as the day it was filed, the United States Trade Representatives office said in a response to questions.

It is very hard to understand why the commission, one year after suspending this dispute on Chinas coercion, has still not resumed it.

The EU filed a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization in 2022 as a result of trade restrictions Beijing imposed on Lithuania after the Baltic country opened a Taiwanese representative office in its capital. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has repeatedly voiced opposition to countries engaging in official contact with the government in Taipei.

The commission, the EUs executive arm, said at the time that China was using economic coercion against one of its member states - a claim that the US and 17 other countries supported as third parties in the case.

Lithuanias foreign minister said the country had suffered from economic coercion and had been removed from Chinas customs system. The EU criticized Beijings actions in December 2021 and brought the matter to the WTO a few weeks later. Lithuania said in 2023 that trade with China was stabilizing and that the customs restrictions had been lifted.

In January 2024, the EU decided to suspend the proceedings, setting off a year-long lobbying frenzy, with other capitals pushing Brussels not to give up for fear that it would set a bad precedent.

The logic was that the EU would have likely lost the case because the required evidence was no longer there, some of the people said, which would leave the EU looking weak. Suspending the case was tactical and a political decision on whether to resume it has yet to be taken, one of the people said. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has the final word on the matter.

Talks between US officials and their European counterparts got heated at times, but in the end went nowhere, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. If Europe doesnt resume the complaint by the end of next week, it will lapse. European officials have repeatedly pledged to work with the Trump team on China but have made that contingent on not being targeted by tariffs themselves.

The Biden administration is perplexed by Europes explanation that the evidence to continue the complaint was no longer strong enough, even though US officials say the facts havent changed, according to the people.

Economic Coercion

US officials - both in the current administration and in Trumps orbit - said the takeaway for Beijing will be that it can get away with bullying an EU member state without repercussions. Some in Brussels, however, accused the Biden team of coercion for trying to keep the case alive, one of the people said.

The EUs actions may confirm the incoming administrations conviction that the Europeans are feckless and lack resolve in standing up to China, Aaron Friedberg, a professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, said in an interview. Its kind of like they went out to bat and then decided not to swing.

But theres even division among EU officials over whether the case should resume, with some arguing theres little to gain from potentially losing, one of the people said. Member states are also split.

Lithuania wasnt informed of the decision to suspend the WTO complaint last year and is frustrated with the commission, the people said. Another person said the EU is talking to Vilnius about next steps.

Its unclear if Beijing did anything to sway the outcome but some officials suspect China applied pressure to get the commission to drop the case.

For the Biden team, dropping the case would represent a missed opportunity to advance the US and EUs joint competition with China. And even if the case is lost, they say, it will prove that the WTO is not able to deal with fundamental challenges China poses to the international trading system.

The EU, on the other hand, believes the WTO instead needs to be reformed and has to work to solve disputes, one of the people said.

The EU has numerous cases at the WTO involving China and it has probed the second-largest economy in several areas including public tenders, the procurement of medical devices and electric vehicles, where the bloc applied tariffs last year despite immense pressure from Beijing.

If the Europeans are really hoping the Chinese will let the pressure off, theyre kidding themselves, Friedberg said. I dont see that the Europeans have a choice but to cooperate more closely with us on China.

With assistance from Milda Seputyte.
Two Norwegian F-35s stationed in Poland were scrambled Jan. 15, 2025, in response to Russian drones that were flying over Ukraine toward Poland. (X/NATO Air Command)

STUTTGART, Germany  A new NATO-led air defense mission in Poland sprang into action this week, scrambling F-35 jets in response to a potential Russian drone incursion, the American general who serves as the alliances top military commander said.

Along with a separate effort launched Tuesday to track suspicious Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, the maneuvers Wednesday involving Norwegian jets are putting European militaries into a leading role, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli said.

The Norwegian F-35s, based in Poland, were scrambled after allied air defense alert systems tracked Russian drones that were flying over Ukraine and headed toward Poland, Cavoli said Thursday after two days of high-level talks in Brussels.

Our airborne early-warning and our other systems detected these. ... They were able to get a good lock on these drones and were prepared to deal with them should they have come into NATO airspace, said Cavoli, NATOs supreme allied commander in Europe.

The gathering of allied defense chiefs put a spotlight on recent efforts to shift certain military command responsibilities in Europe from the United States to NATO.

While the imminent return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to the White House wasnt characterized as the impetus for such moves, putting allies into a more prominent position is in line with Trumps often-stated view that European countries need to shoulder more of the security burden on the Continent.

This is an alliance that is not a one-trick pony, Cavoli said. This is an alliance that is capable of doing things and is rapidly gaining the ability to do more and more.

Norwegian air force F-35 Lightning IIs fly over U.S. European Command's area of responsibility in June 2024. Two Norwegian F-35s stationed in Poland were scrambled Jan. 15, 2025, in response to Russian aircraft on NATO's eastern flank. (Emily Farnsworth/U.S. Air Force)

Last week, NATOs military headquarters assumed command of air defense efforts in Poland that are focused on securing logistics nodes used to supply military equipment to Ukraine.

The initiative, which has involved American Patriot missile defense units, was previously commanded by the United States. In addition, an alliance-led headquarters in Germany has taken over coordination of support for Ukraine from U.S. forces.

Cavoli declined to speculate on what Trumps approach to NATO will look like, saying it would be irresponsible to do so. However, he said hes confident that the alliance as a whole will keep up the assistance.

We put into place procedures and institutions that are designed to endure, so Im not very worried about NATOs continuous contribution in support for Ukraine, he said.

Meanwhile, the new NATO Baltic Sentry mission, which began Tuesday in response to the damaging of undersea communication and energy cables, is being done without U.S. military assets, Cavoli said.

The mission involves naval surveillance drones, warships, submarines and aircraft. It is aimed at better tracking Russias so-called shadow fleet of ships, which are believed to have been involved in sabotaging critical undersea cables in Europe.

Theres not a single U.S. contribution to that, Cavoli said.
Nigel Farage in London, on Jan. 16. (Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg)

Nigel Farage denied being anti-immigration and advocated for market-friendly fiscal policies in a bid to show that his insurgent Reform UK was ready to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour Party for power.

Farage - the populist architect of Brexit and a friend of incoming US President Donald Trump - told Bloombergs UK Politics podcast that he accepted that his partys economic plans came with a big initial cost. But he denied they would spark the same sort of market havoc as seen during former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss disastrous seven weeks in office in 2022.

He also used the half-hour interview his renew an offer to help Starmers government manage relations with Trump. He hailed Tesla boss Elon Musk - who recently called for Farages ouster as Reform leader - as a hero for buying the social media platform X and promoting free speech.

The remarks represented Farages latest attempt to put a more moderate face on the right-wing Reform UK, which is threatening to overtake Labour in opinion polls after edging past the Conservatives. That surge - buoyed by Trumps election and the potential for Musks financial support - has made Farage, 60, a bookmakers favorite to succeed Starmer as prime minister, even though Reform only won five seats in the last election and another one doesnt need to be held until 2029.

Those familiar with the Brexit architects long history of campaigning against European Union membership, and the free movement of people that went with it, will see his remarks on immigration as a softening. He denied Reform was anti-immigration, saying instead it was pro-control.

We are not putting up the barriers entirely, Farage said. If we want the City of London - where were sitting right now - if we want our tech sector to be a world leader, if we want to turn this place into one of the crypto-trading centers of the world - all those things - theres a lot we can do with British people, but we will need some highly-skilled people from other parts of the world.

The remarks contrast with Farages campaigning during Britains referendum on leaving the European Union in 2016. Then, he drew criticism for suggesting continued EU membership would allow 75 million Turkish citizens to travel freely to Britain, and was accused of stoking anti-immigrant hostility with a poster showing a queue of largely non-white migrants under the slogan BREAKING POINT.

Farage again made immigration a focal point in last years vote, calling it an immigration election, tying economic and social problems to an influx of people from abroad.

Farage stressed Reform was non-sectarian, non-racist and would never have dealings with far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson - whose release from prison Musk has repeatedly called for this year. UK policy needs to ensure theres no overall population explosion due to immigration, Farage said, referring to official data showing net migration soared to an all-time high of 906,000 in the year to June 2023. Nevertheless, he said theres still plenty of room for people to come on either work visas or in some cases come to settle. He didnt address how lower migration would affect the health and social care sectors, which are currently staffed by large numbers of low-paid workers from overseas.

Farage smells an opportunity to finally make a dent in what he describes as a uni-party that has dominated British politics for decades. After making inroads into the Tory vote in the general election in July, hes said hes now coming for Labour, promising a political revolution.

Britains first-past-the-post electoral system doesnt help. Reforms five seats came on 14.3% of the vote, compared with the 72 seats taken by the centrist Liberal Democrats on 12.2%, reflecting of that partys more strategic targeting of constituencies. With Reform placing second in 98 constituencies, Farage has vowed to professionalize his party.

Farage has been helped by his relationship with Trump, an old friend who singled him out at a rally in the final days of the presidential campaign. Farage reiterated an offer to act as a go-between.

If they need help with the relationship - particularly in terms of negotiating tariffs or maybe sectoral free trade agreements, which I do believe are possible with the Trump regime - I, of course, would help because that is in the national interest, he said. He added that Trump would likely be amenable to strike deals on products such as whisky, motorbikes and financial services, but that one on agriculture might be too hard.

Farage declined to say if hed spoken to Labour grandee Peter Mandelson - who advised the government to swallow its pride and make use of Farage in its dealings with Trump - since he was named ambassador to Washington. He called Mandelson bright, clever, wily, but said Trump worked better with entrepreneurs and that the UK could do better. He also warned that Starmers pursuit of deeper EU ties could alienate the incoming US administration.

And while he offered some praise for Musk, he also warned it was important for the worlds richest man not to be seen to be dictating policy to the US Treasury Department.

Domestically, Reforms election performance was built on its so-called contract with voters, in which the party vowed to boost growth by slashing taxes, migration and wasteful government spending.

Headline policies included saving 50 billion ($61 billion) a year through cuts in bureaucracy and wasteful spending; raising the level at which workers should start paying income tax to 20,000 from 12,570, and ending interest payments made by the Bank of England to commercial banks on reserves created through quantitative easing, which it said would save 35 billion a year.

But Reforms manifesto has been criticized by Tax Policy Associates Dan Neidle and the Institute for Fiscal Studies for vagueness and faulty projections. With the UKs tax collector, His Majestys Revenue and Customs, saying each 100 increase in the income tax threshold costs 1 billion, the tax promise alone could cost more than 70 billion a year.

The contract set out our vision broadly of where we want to go, Farage said. Were now in a completely different place, and I fully accept that between now and the next election, weve got to be more specific.

Farage said he realized he wouldnt be able to make all his promised tax cuts at once - a nod to the market turmoil triggered by Truss unfunded package of tax cuts.

Were being much more cautious, Farage said. Liz Truss was going for Big Bang, right? Everything at once and clearly way too much at once without corresponding initial spending cuts.

The Reform leader also emphasized his desire to push jobless Britons, and those who claim welfare benefits, back into work with a carrot and stick approach. Lower taxation would be the carrot to attract Britons currently stuck in a welfare trap into working more, Farage said.

The stick would include welfare cuts and curbs to rights such as working from home and four-day weeks, he said. What Im trying to do is give people a way out of poverty by making work pay.

With assistance from James Woolcock.
Veterans Affairs signage. (Dreamstime/TNS) ()

A U.S. Army veterans ex-wife insisted she was his surviving spouse after he died so she could steal his military benefits, federal prosecutors said.

Miranda Rachel Briggs of Rincon, Georgia, defrauded the Department of Veterans Affairs out of nearly $130,000 after she tried hiding the divorce, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

Now Briggs, 34, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming her ex-husbands benefits, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a Jan. 15 news release.

Her defense attorney, Kurtis C. Bronston, declined McClatchy News request for comment Jan. 16.

Briggs is the founder of Fight the War Within Foundation , a nonprofit that provides resources to individuals who have PTSD from their military service or work as a first responder, WJCL reported.

A bio for Briggs on the organizations website says she founded the nonprofit after the loss of her warrior, SPC Garrett Briggs, whos her ex-husband.

The organization didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment Jan. 16.

The scheme to steal benefits

Briggs filed to divorce her husband in September 2016, less than a year after they got married, according to court documents. The divorce was finalized in August 2017, an indictment shows.

When they got married, she kept her maiden name, Fisher, prosecutors said. She changed her last name to Briggs after she claimed her ex-husbands benefits, according to prosecutors.

Two weeks before his death, Briggs certified that she was divorced when she filed for bankruptcy in January 2018, prosecutors said.

Within weeks of his death, Briggs claimed VA benefits and maintained her marriage never ended, prosecutors said. Following the divorce, her ex-husband had her removed as a recipient of his benefits, according to prosecutors.

Though the VA initially denied Briggs claim, she persisted and submitted additional paperwork claiming she and G.B. were married until his death in 2018, prosecutors said.

Then the VA allowed her to start receiving benefits, according to prosecutors.

Afterward, she had her last name legally changed to Briggs, prosecutors said.

In 2021, Briggs became the administrator of her ex-husbands estate and filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government over his death, according to prosecutors and the indictment.

She sought $7,350,000 while pretending to be his surviving spouse, the indictment says.

Her lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, court records show.

In March 2023, the Chatham County Probate Court in Georgia discovered Briggs had divorced her husband and removed her as the administrator of his estate, prosecutors said.

Before the VA learned this, the agency paid her about $49,000 in medical benefits and about $80,000 in surviving spouse benefits, according to prosecutors.

Programs that financially benefit surviving family members of deceased veterans are designed to provide a safety net to those survivors, said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg in a statement. (Briggs) guilty plea demonstrates the tenacity of investigators and prosecutors in dismantling this scheme.

Now, Briggs is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

A date for her sentencing hearing wasnt listed in court records on Jan. 16.

Rincon, where Briggs is from, is about a 25-mile drive northwest from Savannah.

2025 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit at charlotteobserver.com .

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting, which called for stepping up pro-employment policies.

During the meeting, Li was also briefed on efforts to optimize the layout of healthcare institutions at the primary level.

Noting that employment is crucial to people's well-being, the meeting called for efforts to promote high-quality and sufficient employment.

It also urged tapping the potential to create jobs in areas including advanced manufacturing, services and consumption, as well as sectors related to people's well-being.

Efforts will be made to increase the credit limit for special loans aimed at stabilizing and boosting employment, alongside large-scale vocational skill training programs.

The meeting emphasized the importance of improving the layout of primary-level healthcare institutions based on local conditions to ensure greater convenience for the public in accessing nearby healthcare services.

It was announced at the meeting that China will strengthen grassroots medical services, strengthen the training of medical personnel, and improve the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic and common diseases.

The use of telemedicine and other new technologies should be leveraged to offer comprehensive, full-life cycle health services to the public, according to the meeting.

The meeting also studied pilot comprehensive reforms in higher education.

It stressed the need to scientifically develop mechanisms for adjusting disciplines and talent training models, ensuring that higher education meets the demands of economic and social development. 
Manfredo Martin-Michael Madrigal, a former Army officer and attorney, was sentenced Jan. 16, 2025, to over four years in prison. He pleaded guilty in July to federal charges of destroying Army materials and making false statements. (U.S. Army)

A former Army first lieutenant is going to prison for unlawfully deleting training materials and lying to investigators about a call he made to the Russian diplomatic mission in Washington.

Manfredo Martin-Michael Madrigal, 38, was handed a term of four years and six months Thursday during his sentencing in a federal court in Virginia, according to a Justice Department statement the same day.

He had pleaded guilty in July to one count of destroying Army materials and three counts of making false statements.

An attorney who was assigned to a staff position at the Judge Advocate Generals Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Madrigal was under investigation by the Army in early 2022 for not disclosing a previous DUI arrest, the statement said.

Amid the investigation, he filmed himself deleting online JAG training materials without authorization and graphically describing ill will toward the Army, according to the DOJ statement, which didnt give the date of that crime.

The training materials were related to national security, the Charlotte Observer reported in July, citing an FBI affidavit. Madrigal sent the video he took of himself deleting the materials to a woman described as a former romantic partner, according to the affidavit.

Later the same day, Madrigal called the Russian Embassy in Washington. The Justice Department statement doesnt provide further details about the call, which lasted about 2 minutes and 26 seconds, the Observer reported.

Madrigal told the woman that Moscow wanted to know what he knew and also that he was planning to travel to Russia, according to court filings.

On Feb. 22, 2022, Madrigal was discharged from the JAG School, and in an exit statement he denied that he had been in contact with any foreign nationals, according to the Justice Department statement.

Days before his separation from the Army, Madrigal told the woman that the Russians had reached out to him, but a search of his phone records did not show any incoming calls from Russian officials, according to the affidavit cited by the Charlotte Observer.

FBI agents interviewed him in April and May of 2022. He repeated the lie about his contact with foreign nationals and also denied any involvement in the deletion of the Army materials, the DOJ said.

Madrigal had an active security clearance and served overseas on sensitive operations before working at the JAG School, the Justice Department added.

Madrigals attorney, John N. Maher, sent McClatchy News a statement in July saying the case was launched because of authorities suspicion of espionage.

What the facts truly prove is that First Lieutenant Madrigal distinguished himself as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper and a senior non-commissioned officer with the 75th Ranger Regiment, having conducted onerous and life threatening missions our country asked him to perform, Maher said.
As many as 50 migrants attempting to reach Spain by boat from West Africa may have drowned, migrant rights group Walking Borders said on Thursday.

Moroccan authorities on Wednesday rescued 36 people from a boat that had departed from Mauritania on January 2, the group based in Madrid and Navarra said, and had carried 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis.

The rights group said it had alerted authorities from all countries involved six days ago about the missing boat.

The boat left for Spain on January 2, relatives of the drowned Pakistani migrants have said. According to them, the human traffickers had anchored the boat in the sea and were demanding more money from them.

Alarm Phone, an NGO that provides an emergency phone line for migrants lost at sea, said it had alerted Spain's maritime rescue service on January 12.

The service said it did not have any information about the boat.

Citing the Walking Borders' post on social media platform X, the Canary Islands' regional leader Fernando Clavijo expressed his sorrow for the victims and urged Spain and Europe to act to prevent further tragedies.

"The Atlantic cannot continue to be the graveyard of Africa," Clavijo said on X. "They cannot continue to turn their backs on this humanitarian drama."

Walking Borders CEO Helena Maleno said in a post on X that 44 of those who drowned were from Pakistan.

"They spent 13 days of anguish on the crossing without anyone coming to rescue them," she said.

A record 10,457 migrants, or 30 people a day, died trying to reach Spain in 2024, most while attempting to cross the Atlantic route from West African countries such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary islands, according to Walking Borders.

In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office said boat carrying 80 passengers capsized near the Moroccan port of Dakhla.

A team from the Rabat Embassy has been dispatched to Dakhla to facilitate the Pakistani nationals and provide necessary assistance, the statement further read.

"The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) in the Foreign Ministry has been activated, and the deputy prime minister and foreign minister have instructed the relevant government agencies to extend all possible facilitation to the affected Pakistanis," it said.

The latest incident came a month after more than 80 Pakistanis drowned after boats carrying them capsized near Greece on the night between December 13 and 14, 2024.

Although, as many as 36 Pakistani citizens were rescued, the rest still remain missing which, as per a report from the Pakistani Embassy, should be presumed dead.

The boats, which departed from Libya's Tobruk port also carried Bangladeshi, Egyptian and Sudanese nationals.

In separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives accident in the boat tragedy.

PM Shehbaz prayed for the elevation of ranks of Pakistanis who lost their lives in the tragedy and sought a report from the relevant officials about the incident.

He warned of strict action against the persons involved in the repulsive act of human smuggling.

He said no negligence on the matter would be tolerated, adding, We are taking strong measures against human smuggling.

Similarly, President also called for far-reaching and effective steps to stop human smuggling.
I knew my son was gone at that stage..His eyes were rolling in his head and he was gurgling

The father of a man who died from head injuries following an incident outside a pub in Monasterevin has described to a jury the moment he knew his son was gone when he saw him gurgling and his eyes rolling in his head.

Sean Kavanagh (26) with an address at St Marys Lane, Church Avenue, and Calvin Dunne (24) of Abbey View, both in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022.

Both men have also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Dylans father Eamon McCarthy on the same date and at the same location.

It is the States case that Dylan McCarthy (29) died following an incident in Monasterevin in which he received punches from Mr Kavanagh and Mr Dunne, before he received a vicious kick to the head from Mr Dunne while he was attempting to get up off the ground.

The jury has been told that both men have claimed they were acting in self-defence and that Dylan McCarthy was himself involved in violence on the night.

Giving evidence to prosecuting counsel Seoirse O Dunlaing SC today, Eamon McCarthy said he had travelled to Monasterevin from his home in Limerick on August 21, 2022 with his son Dylan and Dylans partner Aoife Talty to celebrate the birth of his daughter Orlas baby.

Mr McCarthy told the court that his wife Marita stayed at home to look after their grandson while he, Dylan, Ms Talty, Orla and her partner Glen Brogan went out.

Mr McCarthy said when they left the first pub they heard music coming from another establishment, which he now knows to be the Bellyard pub, and someone in the group said well go in for one.

This was around 11.45pm, he said, and after ordering drinks, the group started to dance to the band who were playing, and they were all enjoying ourselves.

Calvin Dunne and Sean Kavanagh

Mr McCarthy said when a drink was spilled, a barman came out and was cleaning the floor with blue kitchen roll when Dylans girlfriend said she would give him a hand.

She put her leg on it and he basically pushed her leg away and said f**k away from it. 

I said: youre a gas man to do that to a woman, Mr McCarthy told counsel.

He immediately turned to me and said: Do you want a piece of me?. I said no were here to enjoy ourselves. He repeated it, I said, no were here to enjoy ourselves, said the witness.

Mr McCarthy said the barman then went for Glen and he got in-between them. He said there was another barman who came in on Dylans face.

He said he didnt know any of these men and that after he broke up what was happening, he said the barmen were dragging Aoife and Dylan out the door.

He said when he got to the porch at the front door, he saw a man who had Dylan by the throat and he was gouging his eyes.

Thats my fucking son thats what I said, Mr McCarthy told the jury. I pulled your mans hands off Dylan. I got a dig into the back of the head and I was shoved out the door.

He said at this point he put his foot in the door to stop them closing it and there were two men who were outside who said: Dont let them close the door, theyll kill him inside there.

Mr McCarthy said the next thing he remembered was getting up off the ground. He said there was a man walking down towards him who said: Im already after bursting your face twice dont come back for a third time.

The witness said he told the man he was going up to his son and the man then hit a belt into his face.

Asked by Mr O Dunlaing to describe the man, the witness said he had facial hair and a black top on.

Mr McCarthy said after he was punched, he fell to the ground and when he eventually got up he went up to Dylan.

I knew my son was gone at that stage, he told the court. His eyes were rolling in his head and he was gurgling.

He said an ambulance arrived and gave medical assistance to his son who was then brought to hospital. A short time later, the witness said he was also removed from the scene by ambulance and brought to Portlaoise hospital before he was transferred to Dublin.

Mr McCarthy said he sustained a fractured jaw and required surgery and five plates to treat his injuries.

He also sustained a broken nose and a hairline fracture around one of his eye sockets, he confirmed to counsel. He said he waited until after Dylans funeral had taken place to have the operation.

Asked by Mr O Dunlaing how those injuries were received, the witness said it was from the punch from the person who came down the road towards him.

Under cross-examination, Michael Lynn SC, representing Mr Kavanagh, put it to the witness that in his witness statement, the barman said the group became aggressive and Mr McCarthy had commented to the owner of the bar: You come outside with me and Ill pull the eyes out of your head.

Mr McCarthy said this was not true.

Counsel said the other witness, who is the licence owner of the bar, said he told the group: Lads I think its time to go and they told him to go f**k myself. F**k you. F**k off. Dont be acting the prick.

No, I dont recall that, Mr McCarthy replied.

CCTV footage from inside and outside the pub at the time of the incident was then played in court.

Mr Lynn put it to the witness that he had placed Mr Kavanagh in a headlock. It looks like I pulled him away from my son, said Mr McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy denied a suggestion by John Fitzgerald SC, representing Mr Dunne, that Ms Talty was getting in the way or making a nuisance of herself rather than trying to help.

Mr Fitzgerald asked the witness if, having viewed the footage, he still maintained that he had only made one comment to the barman. That was the extent of what the jury has just watched, is that right? counsel asked.

Thats why I recall yes, said Mr McCarthy before refuting suggestions that his recollection might be wrong.

The trial continues on Monday before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and the jury of 10 men and two women.
The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, waived her anonymity in order to identify OConnor

A member of the Defence Forces has been sentenced to five years in prison for the rape of his partner's long-term friend.

Alan OConnor (38) of Acorn Downes, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was found guilty of one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November.

The offence occurred at a property in Portarlington in Co Laois on June 17, 2020. He has no previous convictions.

The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, waived her anonymity in order to identify OConnor.

Passing sentence today, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a headline sentence of seven and a half years before considering the mitigating factors in this case.

Judge Naidoo said OConnor has no relevant convictions, has recently required serious medical attention, and has made positive contributions to his family and society. The judge noted that OConnor is fortunate to have the support of his partner.

Alan OConnor

Judge Naidoo sentenced OConnor to five and a half years in prison. This was an isolated incident, and I will suspend the final six months of his sentence for two years, he said.

The judge ordered that OConnor follow all directions as outlined by the Probation Service upon his release.

At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Robert McGrady told Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, that Ms Murphy had arranged to go to her friend's house on the night in question. Ms Murphys friend lives with O'Connor and is in a long-term relationship with him.

The court heard that OConnors partner collected Ms Murphy and brought her to their house, where OConnor was also present. They had some drinks, and at some point, Ms Murphys friend went to bed as she was feeling unwell.

It had been agreed that Ms Murphy would share a bed with her friend and OConnor would sleep on the couch. Ms Murphy went to bed later beside her friend. She was fully clothed.

The court heard Ms Murphy woke at one stage when OConnor got into the bed beside her. She then went back to sleep, but woke a time later to a feeling of pain in her genital area, and OConnor penetrating her.

Her trousers and underwear had been pulled down. Ms Murphy went downstairs and slept on the couch. The following morning, she did not say anything.

The court heard that later that day, Ms Murphy messaged OConnor and said she remembered what happened. She later made a complaint to the gardai.

The gardai interviewed OConnor but he denied any wrongdoing. The court heard that OConnor has been a member of the Defence Forces for nearly nineteen years.

Ms Murphy read her victim impact statement to the court, which said that OConnor was not a stranger; he was someone I had known and trusted for fifteen years.

He completely disregarded my boundaries; he betrayed my trust in the worst way.

I should have felt safe in their home, she said. It was not just a violation of my body; it was a violation of my person.

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offending in the sentencing parameters of seven to 10 years, the court heard.

Det Gda McGrady agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that when gardai attended OConnors home, he was co-operative. She agreed that he had abided by all bail conditions and made himself available to gardai when needed.

The court heard O'Connor maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury. Testimonials were handed into court, including a letter from a priest who said that this was totally out of character from the Alan he knew.

Another character reference described OConnor as having outstanding character.

Counsel said O'Connor is the sole earner in his home, and his incarceration will greatly affect his family. She said that OConnor has lived a productive life and contributed to society.

The court heard that OConnor recently had surgery in St Vincents Hospital to remove a tumour from his pancreas and has to attend the hospital every two weeks and take medication.

Ms Murphy asked the court to be as lenient as possible and highlighted her client's lack of previous convictions, his engagement with society, his family support, and the serious difficulties his family has following his conviction.
Alan Morrison (45) pleaded guilty to the possession of a realistic imitation firearm at an address in Finglas.

A father of three has been jailed for three years for turning up at an innocent mans home with an imitation firearm and threatening to put a bullet in his head.

As a result of the incident, the injured party, Geoffrey Keating, upgraded his security, bought a car and learned to drive, and is currently trying to move his family out of the area.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Alan Morrison (45) of Whitestown Avenue, Mulhuddart, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the possession of a realistic imitation firearm at an address in Finglas, in Dublin on December 6, 2023. He has 67 previous convictions.

Garda Jamie Greville of Finglas Garda Station said that he became aware of an armed incident at Mr Keatings address at 9 oclock that night.

The arms support unit arrived before him, and there were two people on the ground, with a small black handgun on the ground between them. It wasnt clear what was going on, and Mr Keating had been initially handcuffed.

Alan Morrisson

Shock moment Dublin criminal is disarmed by Rihannas former bodyguard

It transpired that the accused had turned up unannounced at Mr Keatings address and demanded 30,000 for an alleged drug debt. However, Gda Greville confirmed that Mr Keating had never been involved in drugs.

He said that there had been some confusion on Morrisons part, as a quantity of drugs had been found in a field some distance behind Mr Keatings house, and Morrison had made an incorrect assumption.

Mr Keating told gardai that the accused had produced the weapon and threatened to put a bullet in his head. However, Mr Keating had been able to subdue the situation by using a weapon belonging to his son, which was the one found on the ground.

rihanna

Gardai searched the accused and found an imitation firearm in his right trouser leg.

His 67 previous convictions were mostly for road traffic matters. However, he had been sentenced to 12 years in 2009 for possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Judge Elva Duffy asked Gda Greville about Mr Keating overpowering the accused.

The gardai didnt have any concerns as to any firearm used during that? she asked.

The judge was told that the injured party had a visit the previous evening by another person and was very much on edge.

He was very scared, he explained.

The judge was also told that Mr Keating had suffered an aggravation of a knee injury and that he had also injured his vocal cords, due to the amount of shouting involved.

Having not been a driver beforehand, he obtained a driving licence and spent 10,300 on a car for added safety. He upgraded the security on his home, and the court was also told that he was trying to move his family from Finglas to another area.

Defence barrister Greg Murphy BL said there was no evidence of the vocal cord injury and asked the court to disregard the 10,300, as it was unvouched.

Im taking account of this as an impact on his life, not a monetary value, responded the judge.

Mr Murphy handed in a letter from his clients partner, who said that his young family miss him greatly. The court heard that one of his children is an adult and that he had missed out on much of that childhood.

He also said that Morrison was an active member of his community, helped out with his neighbourhood, and was a member of St Josephs Horse and Pony Club, in which the gardai were also involved.

Counsel said that the accused was now clean of heroin and was engaging with prison supports since going into custody that day.

Geoffrey Keating

He explained that he had a diagnosis of PTSD arising out of his time in St Lawrences Institution when younger and had started on drugs and alcohol at 15 and 16 years of age.

He asked court to structure his sentence to incentivise his rehabilitation, re-integrate him into the community, and give him a minimum of 18 months of support on his release.

He wants to be the breadwinner for his family, he said. He has asked me to convey his apology. He appreciates what he has done.

The judge responded that this wasnt a drug-related offence.

Do you want to address me on why he turned up to an innocent mans home with an imitation firearm and told him he was going to put a bullet in his head? she asked.

Morrisons legal team was then given time to consult with him in court.

He started heroin in 2023, and had built up a debt of 20,000, and its this that caused him to commit this offence, said Mr Murphy when he returned.

On consulting with gardai, the prosecution informed the court that the accused hadnt been there on behalf of anyone else on the night.

That Christmas and the rest of their lives have been blighted by the sudden arrival of this accused onto their doorstep, remarked the judge. Gardai had no issue that he had a gun as he had been on high alert.

She noted that he had got a car for his family and a driving licence to be able to get away from their house if required.

She also noted that he was placed on medication by his doctor, but didnt take it, as he wanted to be at his full senses in case something happened.

That is a terrible position for any innocent person to be in, she commented. To feel that they need to be able to escape, that they dont feel they can take the medicine that would make them less anxious.

She also noted the fact that he had to train his children in how to defend themselves, he was not sleeping, had lost weight and had flashbacks.

There appears to have been a certain amount of preplanning, she said of the accused. He was got the better of on the night in question.

She accepted that hed had a very troubled youth and could be a valued member of society.

She said that the maximum sentence of five years was appropriate, but imposed a four-year sentence after taking the mitigating factors into consideration.

She suspended the final 12 months for two years on a number of conditions.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's launch of its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan, is not directed at any specific entity, region or country, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Friday, noting that it is a normal arrangement in the development of the Chinese navy.

"It is a common practice for countries around the world to develop weapons and equipment in accordance with their national defense needs," said Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.

Wu further explained that the goal of China's independent development of the Type 076 is to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as to better ensure peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The Type 076, China's next-generation amphibious assault ship, features advanced electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology. It can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment -- making it highly capable of amphibious and far-seas operations.

Reaffirming China's stance, Wu reiterated that the country remains committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. 
The vet further said that he had endured a level of starvation, had suffered unnecessarily and had been subjected to cruelty

The horse now known as 'Mac'

A Limerick woman has been convicted of animal cruelty after a horse was subjected to a level of neglect which no animal should ever have to face".

Fiona Hickey with an address at Carrigoreilly, Caherconlish, Co Limerick failed to appear before Judge Brian OShea at Clonmel District Court on Wednesday, January 15.

She was to face charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 in relation to a chestnut gelding horse, now named Mac.

Judge OShea elected to hear the evidence in absentia.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey told the court how the horse was dropped to a yard in Co Waterford by Ms Hickey in January 2024, in order to be broken.

Due to concerns regarding the animals condition, the Department of Agriculture and the ISPCA were alerted.

Inspector Lacey described viewing the horse which she said was in extremely poor body condition.

She could see that his spine, ribs, and pin bones were easily visible, he had extensive rain scald on his back, and his hooves were overgrown. She seized the horse pending further enquiries.

A veterinary examination confirmed Inspector Laceys concerns, with a vet giving the opinion that Macs physical condition was extremely poor with obvious bony prominence of the ribs and pelvis.

The vet further said that he had endured a level of starvation, had suffered unnecessarily and had been subjected to cruelty.

Senior Inspector Lacey told the court that she made contact with the defendant by telephone and described subsequent interactions with Ms Hickey as very difficult.

She said that the accused made admissions regarding ownership the horse in question, described the animal as dangerous and said that, by seizing Mac, Inspector Lacey was doing an injustice to the horse.

An email from the defendant was read in court in which she denied owning the horse.

But Judge OShea convicted Ms Hickey on all four counts in her absence, fined her a total of 4,000, and ordered that she pay ISPCA costs of 4,385.60.

He also ordered forfeiture of the seized horse to the ISPCA.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey said Mac was subjected to a level of neglect which no animal should ever have to face".

This case demonstrates the consequences of failing to provide adequate care and treatment for the animals in our care and the importance of holding those responsible accountable, Ms Lacey said.

The ISPCA urges the public to report any suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, reporting online here: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/ or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie.

Together, we can continue to protect Irelands most vulnerable animals and bringing those who harm them to justice, they added in a statement.
Rodel Padilla (51) had been working at the hospital for 14 years and immediately resigned when his offending was revealed

A nurse manager who stole approximately 56,000 from the Beacon Hospital by using a systems glitch to overstate his overtime has been handed a three-year suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Rodel Padilla (51) had been working at the hospital for 14 years and immediately resigned when his offending was revealed.

Padilla of Village Gate, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow pleaded guilty to deception on dates between July 2021 and August 2023. He has no previous convictions.

He told gardai he was sending money home to the Philippines due to family difficulties and that he was under severe financial pressure at the time.

Having heard the facts of the case yesterday, Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case overnight to consider the sentence.

Today Judge Nolan handed Padilla a three-year, fully suspended sentence.

The judge said the mitigation, in this case, was the guilty plea, the defendants cooperation and admissions, his lack of previous convictions, his good work history and that he is unlikely to reoffend again.

Judge Nolan said, Does he deserve to go to prison for his offending? I am of the opinion he does not.

Detective Garda Michael Murphy previously told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Padilla's role as nurse manager included responsibility for inputting time and attendance for staff on his assigned ward. A glitch in the system meant he was able to manipulate his own hours on the system and claim for overtime he hadn't worked.

An internal investigation was carried out in 2023 after a system flag triggered. Padilla made full admissions and resigned.

A complaint was made to gardai in November 2023. Padilla was arrested by arrangement in February 2024 and made full admissions when interviewed by gardai. He told gardai that he recognised he'd have to face the consequences of his actions, and that he found himself in financial trouble as he was sending money home to the Philippines due to family difficulties.

The court heard that Padilla received around 56,000 in payments by overstating overtime he didn't undertake. He told gardai he thought the figure was approximately 20,000 but took full responsibility when made aware it was higher.

Det Gda Murphy agreed with Olan Callanan, BL, defending, that Padilla accepted his wrongdoing and had lost his career due to his actions.

Mr Callanan noted the payments were made through Padilla's salary and subject to tax, which was not the most efficient manner of theft. He suggested to Det Gda Murphy that his client might only have gained half of 56,000, with the rest claimed by the State, to which the witness replied it was possible.

The garda also agreed that Padilla outlined family difficulties to the gardai, including the death of three relatives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Det Gda Murphy accepted that Padilla had taken out bank loans totalling 27,000 and a 15,000 loan from a friend to send money to family in the Philippines.

He accepted the defence counsel's suggestion that Padilla was relieved when his wrongdoing came to light and that Padilla's expression of remorse was genuine.

Mr Callanan said his client had put himself in irrecoverable financial difficulty, lost his career and caused irreparable damage to his life through his own actions.

He said his client was not in a financial position to repay the money taken from the Beacon Hospital.

He asked the court to consider his client's early admissions and guilty pleas and to consider imposing a suspended sentence.
Judge Alexander Owens ordered McGregor sign a sworn affidavit detailing how he has disposed of any copies of the evidence

Conor McGregor has been told he will go to jail if the CCTV from the Beacon Hotel in Dublin of victim Nikita Hand is published.

Justice Alexander Owens at the High Court issued a stark warning to the MMA star to guarantee he will retrieve all copies of the recordings handed over for the purpose of the original criminal investigation into allegations of rape.

Nicola and Niall speak with Clodagh Meaney about yet another day for McGregor in court.

MORE EPISODES
Ms Bergin had been drawing down his pension for 28-and-a-half years after his death, to the value of 271,046.28, between December 1993 and February 2022.

Ten commemorative coins issued to the deceased father-in-law of pension fraudster Margaret Bergin were this morning ordered to be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.

In November of last year, Bergin (73) was jailed for two years for falsely claiming her dead father-in-law's pension for over 28 years to the value of more than 271,000.

Margaret Bergin, with an address at Fairfield House in Mountrath in Co Laois, had pleaded guilty to 15 sample charges in relation to the offence.

The grandmother was sentenced at Portlaoise Circuit Court to five-and-a-half years in prison, with the final three-and-a-half years suspended.

She had pleaded guilty to ten sample counts of theft and five sample counts of larceny arising from fraudulently claiming the State pension of John Bergin, who died in 1993 aged 82.

Ms Bergin had been drawing down his pension for 28-and-a-half years after his death, to the value of 271,046.28, between December 1993 and February 2022.

The pension fraud was first detected after an amateur gerontologist carried out research in 2022 in relation to a man in Mountrath who was 110 years of age.

At a sitting in Portlaoise District Court this morning, Judge Andrew Cody directed the return of 10 commemorative coins  one of which was issued to John Bergin on the occasion of each birthday from his 100th onwards  to Aras an Uachtarain.

Margaret Bergin

A solicitor for Ms. Bergin had earlier told the court his client and her family had expressed no interest in retaining the coins.

Directing the return of the coins to their rightful owner, Judge Andrew Cody said: The Police Property Act provides that this court can make an order for the delivery of the property to the person appearing to the court to be the rightful owner or, if the owner cannot be ascertained, make such order as the court considers proper.

This may be done even if no person has been charged with an offence in connection with the property in question.

The tradition by which Centenarians receive what is described as a bounty goes back to the first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde in the 1940s and people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of 2,540, a letter from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity and a special commemorative coin.

Similar gifts and letters are sent on their 101st and every subsequent birthday.

This application concerns 10 such coins, letters and cheques issued by The President on behalf of the State to the late John Bergin, who died over 30 years ago in November 1993 and no effort was made to register his death by his son Seamus or daughter-in-law Margaret.

His daughter in law, Margaret Bergin pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and larceny relating to the claiming of her late father-in-law's pension over a period in excess of 28 years.

The issue only came to light when an amateur genealogist by the name of Mr McCoy was undertaking research and discovered that there was a person purportedly living in Laois by the name of John Bergin who was reputedly 110 years of age and contacted the office of the President to inquire about their records relating to the late John Bergin and the Centenarian Bounty.

Gardai were subsequently alerted and they conducted a search of the Bergin home and found in a handbag belonging to Margaret Bergin these 10 silver centenarian coins, the letters from the President and the 10 centenarian bounty cheques.

Mrs Bergin was arrested and acknowledged she had claimed the pension falsely or that she had signed documents in the name of the late Mr John Bergin.

While Margaret Bergin received a sentence of five years and six months for Social Welfare fraud and Judge Johnson suspended the final 3 years and 6 months of that sentence for a period of six years, she was not prosecuted for any offence involving the Centenarian's letters, cheques or coins and accordingly these were not the subject matter of any criminal prosecution.

In his sentencing Judge Johnson said the following: "I cannot believe that correspondence which had been received at least annually in the name of John Bergin could not have been seen by other members of the household particularly the correspondence and centenarian coins from Aras An Uachtarain which would have been unique and noticeable..... I cannot help but feel, despite her assertions to the contrary, that Mrs Bergin has allowed herself to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the offending and that full responsibility does not rest exclusively with her."

In my view, the responsibility for dealing with any correspondence arriving to any household decades after a person has passed away rests with their next of kin, living at that address, and in this case that is his son Seamus.

In relation to this application John Bergin's son Seamus continued for 10 years to accept these coins, cheques and letters without ever alerting the President's office or returning them to their rightful owner.

I am satisfied that these medals were in the possession of Seamus Bergin and/or Margaret Bergin as a result of deliberate and repeated fraud and have no rightful claim whatsoever on the medals, letters and coins.

I am satisfied that they should be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland.

l am therefore making an order pursuant to section 1 (1) of the above-mentioned Act for the return of the 10 coins, letters and cheques issued by The President, currently in the possession of the Garda Siochana at Portlaoise to the Office of the President of Ireland.
Kinahan Cartel lieutenant Byrne granted early release but placed under strict house arrest

Kinahan Cartel lieutenant Liam Byrne has been released from a UK prison just three months after being jailed for five years for a weapons plot.

Gang boss Byrne was granted early release from Belmarsh Prison in London two weeks ago but has been placed under strict house arrest.

The Sunday World can also reveal Byrne has been formally hit with a Serious Crime Prevention Order by UK police which will place serious restrictions on his movements and lifestyle.

A spokesman for the National Crime Agency (NCA) said the court has confirmed the order against Byrne allowing them to restrict his business and travel acxtivities..

He said: We can confirm a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) has been obtained against Liam Byrne.

"SCPOs are designed to limit the ability of convicted criminals to engage in illegal activity once released from custody and contain restrictions deemed relevant by the court, and are granted by the court where it has grounds to believe they are necessary to protect the public.

The Crumlin-born criminals early release comes as the British government face an overcrowding crisis in the prison system.

Liam Byrne

This has lead to a large number of convicted criminals being allowed out of jail early to serve the rest of their sentences in the community  often with electronic tags to allow police to monitor their movements.

In October, Byrne (44) was sentenced to five years in prison  his first lengthy prison term in nearly two decades  for his role in a firearms plot.

However, he had served nearly 18 months in custody after he was arrested in Spain in June 2023 and extradited to the UK last December.

Cartel chief Bomber Kavanagh hatched a plot where he hoped that by leading the National Crime Agency to a buried stash of 11 weapons, he could get a lower sentence in a multimillion-pound drug smuggling case.

Running the plot from prison, Kavanagh used his son, Jack, as well as his brother-in-law, Liam Byrne, and associate Shaun Kent in the plan.

In May 2021, Thomas Kavanagh provided information to the NCA which led them to a field in Newry, Northern Ireland, where two holdalls were unearthed.

They contained seven machine guns, three automatic hand guns, an assault rifle and ammunition.

The plot was foiled after the NCA uncovered incriminating messages on encrypted EncroChat which had been cracked by French counterparts.

Byrne pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, alongside Bomber Kavanagh - who is considered the head of the UK wing of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group.

Kavanagh was sentenced to six years, a sentence he will serve consecutively to his existing 21 year sentence for drug trafficking offences.

A third man, Shaun Kent also received a sentence of six years at the Old Bailey in London this week.

Photo issued by National Crime Agency (NCA) of (left to right) Thomas Kavanagh, Liam Byrne and Shaun Kent who were involved in an arms cache plot to get Thomas Kavanagh out of jail early.

"At the instruction of their leader Thomas Kavanagh, Shaun Kent and Liam Byrne orchestrated a cynical and dangerous plot to plant a cache of weapons so Kavanagh could direct the NCA to them and reduce his time in prison, National Crime Agency (NCA) Branch Commander Ty Surgeon explained.

"These weapons were viable and deadly weapons that were in the hands of a criminal gang, loaded and ready for use in criminality. What this group didn't know is their Encrochat messages had been unveiled for law enforcement to see, showing every detail of their plan.

Byrne had previously been described in the High Court as the leader of the Byrne Organised Crime Group, effectively the Dublin branch of the Kinahans international network, while his brother David was shot dead in the Regency Hotel attack in 2016, which sparked the Hutch/Kinahan feud.
The 30-year-old man, a member of Irelands most notorious burglary gang, remains on the run after he walked out of prison on the same day he was given a jail sentence.

Gardai seized a car that was being used by an on-the-run prisoner at his mothers property just days before she was sent to prison for offences linked to the organised crime gang they are both members of.

The 30-year-old man, a member of Irelands most notorious burglary gang, remains on the run after he walked out of prison on the same day he was given a jail sentence. However, his mother was sent to prison this week in a separate case.

Gardai believe the man is now abroad, after receiving intelligence that he had been hiding out in a hotel in the Clondalkin area of the capital, with sources certain his mother has information on his whereabouts.

She must know where he is

Of course, she is not telling gardai where he is, but the discovery of the Volkswagen car at her property that he was using indicates that she must know where he is, a source said.

Neither the mother or son can be named here for legal reasons, but both are classified as key members of the gang that was led by Fat Andy Connors, who was shot dead in August 2014.

Last month, the Irish Independent revealed the 30-year-old  who was convicted of money-laundering and tax-dodging offences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court  had gone missing from the Midlands Prison in Co Laois on November 25 last year.

Jail sources said he was released by mistake due to a processing error because of a certain issue with multiple warrants connected to him.

Gardai have been told to watch properties linked to the suspect in Carlow and a rural location near Tallaght, but sources say the latest information is that the criminal may now be in France, and has also spent time in the UK.

'Fat' Andy Connors

His mother started an 18-month sentence at the Dochas Centre this week after she was convicted of two charges of failing to make tax returns and one count of money laundering in relation to a car that was seized by gardai and found to be the proceeds of crime.

The Co Dublin-based woman, aged in her late 40s, was convicted after a trial at Dublin Circuit Court last year.

Judge Pauline Codd handed down a three-year jail sentence, with the final 18 months suspended.

The woman proclaimed her innocence, saying: I didnt do anything as a number of younger female family members wept, expressing their disbelief at the sentence and rushing to hug the woman before she was led away by two prison officers.

Judge Codd had earlier said she was imposing a prison sentence because there has to be a deterrent for these type of offences, pointing out that the woman chose to fight the case.

The accused had not made tax returns despite having income from rental properties

The trial heard details of substantial rental income being made in relation to a number of properties but no tax being paid on this income.

The accused had not made tax returns despite having income from rental properties, the judge said.

The court also heard that the garda investigation began when a car worth around 30,000, which was being driven by a female relative of the burglary gang associate, was stopped at a garda checkpoint in October 2020.

Evidence was given that the jailed woman had three previous convictions in Ireland.
South East Antrim faction protecting Sewell in Maghaberry prison while he serves life sentence for murder of Ian Ogle

UVF killer Mark Sewell is being given protection behind bars by South East Antrim UDA.

Sewell, a one-time senior figure in the East Belfast UVF crime gang, is almost a year into a life sentence for the brutal murder of prominent loyalist Ian Ogle in 2019.

Sewell is a divisive figure and is thought to have been concerned for his safety because of his close association with East Belfast but also his role in the Ogle murder.

The Sunday World understands he has found sanctuary with SEA, who have told him they have his back while hes in Maghaberry.

Having been cast aside by alleged East Belfast UVF chief Stephen Matthews, according to sources, he is not welcome on the UVF wing and has turned to SEA.

Matthews denies links to criminality.

Loyalist sources say Sewells drug-dealing connections with elements of the Kinahan gang  who also supply SEA  smoothed his path.

At one stage he was also close to former SEA stalwart Adrian Price.

Price was SEAs kingpin in north Down but was forced to flee his Newtownards bolthbole after he was disowned by UDA brigadier Gary Fisher, but Sewell managed to maintain his links with the breakaway unit.

At one stage Sewell was seen as the natural successor to Stephen Matthews, it is claimed.

Sewell headed a breakaway unit inside the organised crime gang and was prepared to challenge the leadership.

There was a level of disquiet at the iron fist of the leaderships control and Sewell saw an opportunity.

It was intensified when Matthews allegedly stood him down in February 2019, a month after the Ogle murder.

East Belfast UVF came under fire for the involvement of members in the murder, and Matthews hoped that expelling or standing down a number of people believed to have been involved would restore the groups reputation.

Sewell was the highest profile casualty but, despite being a major suspect in the Ogle killing, he went on the offensive.

Initially he fled to Benidorm in Spain and defied repeated orders to return from his sun-kissed bolthole.

Stephen Matthews

Assassin Sewell was once one of Matthews most trusted lieutenants and was so close to the East Belfast boss that he was dubbed The Child.

He was one of the chosen few who had Matthews complete trust but the relationship soured amid growing unrest at the UVFs continued involvement in the drugs trade and campaigns of intimidation  not to mention the Ogle murder.

Sewell is believed to have sanctioned a number of attacks, with residents and veteran members in the Newtownards Road having grown increasingly disillusioned and angry.

According to sources, Matthews made his move against Sewell in an attempt to stem the rising tide of resentment.

Such was the extent of the breakdown in their relationship that Sewell was convinced he would be in danger should he ever set foot in his home city.

However, with increased police scrutiny on East Belfast UVF, Matthews could not make a move and Matthews arrest and subsequent charges in relation to an alleged paramilitary show of strength in Pitt Park in 2020 further curtailed any prospect of action.

Sewell is one of five people convicted of the Ogle murder.

Ian Ogle

Mr Ogle was 45 when he was beaten and stabbed 11 times just yards from his Cluan Place home in the east of the city in January 2019.

Sewell and Jonathan Brown had already pleaded guilty to murder by the time three others  Glenn Rainey, Walter Ervine and Robert Spiers  came to be sentenced last November.

On the evening Mr Ogle was attacked, he and his son had been involved in an assault on another man on the Beersbridge Road.

The judge said this had been a precipitating factor in the fatal attack later that night.

CCTV footage indicated Mr Ogle had been the victim of a 30-second attack.

Witnesses said he was attacked with a baton and a knife, and his head was stamped upon.

A local pastor Kevin Sambrook, who had been speaking with Mr Ogle before the attack and gave evidence during the trial, described the killers as acting like a pack of hyenas.
Inez Weski faces allegations of misusing her position as a lawyer to shield communications with Kinahan cartel associate Ridouan Taghi, her former client

A former lawyer for Kinahan cartel associate, Ridouan Taghi, exchanged at least 8,000 messages with the Dutch crime lord and his associates while he was held in solitary confinement at the Vught high-security prison, prosecutors have alleged.

Inez Weski faced allegations from the Public Prosecution Service (OM) in the Netherlands of misusing her position as a lawyer to shield communications with Taghi, her former client, on the first day of her trial at a court in Rotterdam.

Weski (69) was not present for the hearing on Tuesday, citing serious personal and medical reasons, according to NlTimes.

In her absence, her attorneys, led by Geert-Jan Knoops, read a prepared statement in her defense.

The statement criticised the OM for making what Weski described as careless, unsettling, and damaging claims in the media ahead of the trial.

Describing Weski as an extraordinary woman and attorney who has dedicated her entire life to justice, Knoops said she had served the rule of law for 45 years and deserves respect.

Weski has been accused by the OM of secretly passing messages to and from Taghi during her time as his attorney.

Crime lord and Kinahan associate, Ridouan Taghi

This, it is alleged, enabled him to maintain control over criminal operations from behind bars.

The prosecution claims these communications were disguised as confidential legal correspondence, a misuse of attorney-client privilege.

The OM argued Weski was hiding behind her attorneys robe to facilitate unlawful communications.

This is not about respecting legal confidentiality, the prosecutor stated. This is about deliberately aiding a criminal network.

Weski, who was arrested in April 2023 has consistently denied the accusations through her legal team.

She spent more than 40 days in pretrial detention, a period she later described as traumatic.

She claimed experienced multiple near-death incidents due to health complications and alleged safety lapses while being held in a secretive, windowless facility, which she referred to as a bunker.

Weskis statement read out on Tuesday also asked why she was detained in a place that created life-threatening situations where she alleged, her inability to summon help when the intercom system malfunctioned exacerbated her health issues.

The OM described Weskis claims of deliberate endangerment as unfounded and absurd with a spokesperson insisting: All necessary measures were taken to ensure her safety and health during her detention.

Taghi is considered the alleged leader of the so-called Mocro Mafia, a criminal network linked to drug trafficking, violence, and assassinations in the Netherlands and abroad.

Taghi was jailed for life at the end of a long investigation for his role in six murders and four attempted killings last year.

Weski resigned as Taghis lawyer shortly before her arrest, citing professional and ethical concerns.

The OM has previously suggested that Weski was under pressure from Taghis organisation to comply with their demands, a claim she has denied.

Further hearings in the trial are expected to focus on the content of the alleged 8,000 communications, their implications, and whether Weskis actions violated Dutch legal standards governing attorney-client relationships, NLTimes.nl reports.

Her arrest after a public prosecution department investigation shocked the Dutch legal circuit and the criminal investigation ended her 45-year career.

Daniel Kinahan

Weski herself has refused to comment on the speculation and the accusations, saying it would break attorney client privilege.

After she was released from jail in June 2023, Weskis own lawyers issued a short statement saying that she had not given a statement to the police during questioning because she is bound by the legal systems confidentiality agreement. Nor will she do so in the future, the lawyers said.

Taghi was ultimately arrested in the Gulf State at the end of 2019 and extradited to the Netherlands.

Since his extradition to the Netherlands, Taghi has been kept in isolation, which forbids him from communicating with anyone other than his legal team.

The manhunt for Taghi began six months after he attended Daniel Kinahans wedding in May 2017 in Dubai when officers grasped that Taghi and other global gangsters had joined together as one.

Kinahan's wedding at the seven-star Burj al Arab was a focus point for investigators piecing together evidence from an underworld super-grass and secret text messages unscrambled six months after the nuptials.

The party was attended by friends and associates of Kinahan, as well as senior underworld figures who were members of asuper cartel that allegedly included Kinahan and Raffaele Imperiale, an Italian mafia don, along with a Bosnian outfit known as the Tito and Dino cartel.
Its a neighbourhood institution, and we are going to do our best to reopen as soon as we can

A famous Irish bar in San Francisco has been damaged after a hit-and-run car crash in the citys Mission district.

Pictures published online show firefighters and emergency responders attending to a crashed SUV at the corner of a building marked Dovre Club.

Two people suffered minor injuries when two vehicles collided at the corner of Valencia and 26th streets, fire officials said.

One then hit the legendary Irish bar who suffered significant structural damage, San Francisco Fire Department Captain Jonathan Baxter told The Standard.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, officers had responded to a report of a hit-and-run vehicle collision.

When they arrived on the scene they spoke with one driver, who paramedics had been assessing for injuries.

The other driver had fled on foot, however, officers later found the suspect near Folsom and 26th streets brought them to a hospital for evaluation.

The Dovre Club sign was removed from the bars exterior by fire safety officers and will need city approval to be reinstalled after the building has been inspected.

Despite the damage, Dovre bartender Brendon Elvis McElhatton described the incident as a very minor thing.

Someone crashed into the front door, he told the San Francisco Standard.

It sounded like had crashed into a couple of other vehicles; I really dont know. There were no major injuries. Theres some damage to the club.

Manager Dee Deem said the bar would be closed for repairs by a structural engineer, plumber, and electrician.

Its a neighborhood institution, and we are going to do our best to reopen as soon as we can, she said.

Deem expressed relief that the bar was closed and no one was walking in the street at the time of the crash.

I got a call at 9.25am from a regular who said somebody just drove into the bar, Deem, who was also among the first on the scene, said in an interview in front of the bar.

The damage, she said, was minor.

The bar itself was not really compromised, she said. The front doors are broken and a supporting beam outside of the bar has been taken out completely."

The iconic Dovre Club sign was taken down by firefighters after the incident for safety.

The firefighters said it was going to fall and so it was safer for them to take it down, said Deem.

The Dovre Club is famous among the Irish community in San Francisco.

Its former owner, Patrick Paddy Nolan was a pal of journalist Warren Hinckle, a friend of the infamous author Hunter S Thompson who drank there.

Nolan, who died of throat cancer in 1996, was said to be a staunch advocate of Irish Northern Aid, a major faction in the movement to unite Ireland.

Nolan left the Mission District bar to Brian McElhatton, who died of brain cancer in 2008.

Elvis McElhatton is Brians younger brother and he was once asked about claims that Irish protesters stood on the Golden Gate Bridge with a sack of potatoes during Queen Elizabeths visit to San Francisco in the 1980s.

The idea was to hurl them at the royal yacht Britannia from above but in an interview with the Standard he told writer Joe Burn: "It was pigs blood. Weve got to keep our potatoes. We dont waste that shit.

It also never made it past the plotting stage, according to Elvis as police caught wind of the scheme, although many of the cops, being Irish themselves, refused to intervene.

He told writer Joe Burn the plan never came to fruition, as the Golden Gate Bridge walkways were closed.

However, FBI documents allege there was a plot to kill the queen that involved dropping something off the bridge toward the royal yacht during her 1983 visit.

The files name the Dovre Club as a gathering place for Irish Republican Army sympathisers.
Spanish police recovered his remains following a high-profile campaign by the family, who flew to Spain to help with the search

The family of murdered Belfast man John George has thanked the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for helping bring the father-of-twos remains back to Ireland.

Mr Georges remains were flown into Dublin from Spain on Thursday night, where they were collected by undertakers from ONeills Funeral Directors, to be driven across the border.

He was shot and his body was left in a rural area in the Alicante region in and around December 14.

Spanish police recovered his remains following a high-profile campaign by the family, who flew to Spain to help with the search.

Mr George will be laid to rest next Friday following Requiem Mass at St Lukes Church in Twinbrook.

The return of his body brings to an end the month-long campaign by Billy and Sharon George to bring their son home.

The family also asked that instead of flowers that donations be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity which helps bring the bodies of those who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.

The charity was founded out of a family tragedy in June 2013, when Kevin Bell died suddenly in New York.

Courtney George said: Without this amazing charity we would never be able to get John home to where he belongs.

A funeral notice described John as the devoted father of Jason and Jacob, beloved brother of Darren, Courtney and Caitlyn, and cherished partner of Danielle.

John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him, it adds.

Books of condolence are open in both of ONeill Funeral Directors premises on the Stewartstown and Falls roads in Belfast.

Spanish police continue to investigate the murder of Mr George.

A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic has been arrested and was later released on bail pending further investigation.

Spanish authorities are also looking for a second suspect who may have fled the area following the murder.

Mr George last spoke to his family on December 14.

They were later informed by people in Spain that he had lost his phone but was booked onto a flight from Alicante to Belfast on December 18.

When he never boarded the flight his loved ones became concerned.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier this week that the return flight was apparently booked after he was murdered, with this now forming part of the investigation.

Mr Georges remains were discovered in a rural area close to Rojales, 45 minutes south of Alicante, last week.

Interpol is also assisting the Spanish authorities with the murder probe.
KAMPALA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of cholera cases in Uganda has risen to 67 since the disease outbreak was announced in the northern part of the country on Jan. 7, the Ministry of Health said Friday.

Daniel Kyabayinze, director of public health at the Ministry of Health, told reporters that out of the 67 cases, seven are laboratory confirmed, while the rest remain suspected cases.

Of the 67, all reported in the northern border district of Lamwo, 21 remain hospitalized, while the rest have been treated and discharged, Kyabayinze said, adding that one death has been registered.

He said it is suspected that the disease was imported into the country from neighboring countries.

"The disease has spread through poor hygiene and using contaminated water in areas which have low coverage of latrines and toilets," Kyabayinze said.

"We have so far lost one person due to cholera. The treatment will require a lot of rehydration. We call upon people to exercise proper hygiene, boil their water, and report to treatment centers once they get suspected cases," he added.

Cholera is an extremely serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration, according to the World Health Organization. 
The introduction of the final Fees-Free tertiary education policy has been called a wise investment by Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

This is exactly the kind of practical policy reform that will make a real difference for students in the Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand, Rutherford said.

He highlighted that the policys design ensures taxpayer money is spent effectively.

Unlike the previous first-year scheme, this approach rewards commitment and completion. Its about backing students who demonstrate the dedication to see their studies through.



Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

Local tertiary providers, including Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, will benefit from the streamlined implementation process managed by the Tertiary Education Commission and Inland Revenue.

I encourage all eligible students in the Bay of Plenty to take advantage of this opportunity. This is about investing in your future and our regions prosperity, Rutherford said.

Starting January 2025, a policy will provide up to $12,000 in fee coverage for students completing their first tertiary qualification in their final two years.

Ive spoken with many local students who struggle with the financial burden of completing their studies. This policy tells them clearly: stick with it, and well help you across the finish line, says Rutherford.

Not everyone agrees with the policy change.

University of Waikato, Bachelor of Social Science student Belle Yeoman believes it will harm those who cant afford university.

The whole reason to have a first-year fee-free was to help people who struggle financially and to allow more high school graduates to go to university or at least explore it without thinking about the pressure of money, Yeoman said.

Now, having the last year fee-free, theyre helping people who have already been able to financially support themselves through the majority of their degree.

Yeoman took advantage of the free first year, helping students explore their passions and the universitys offerings.

It will make people second guess whether they should go to university or not, she said.

The other good thing about first-year fee-free is to know you can start at university, and if you arent enjoying your course, you can change, and theres no financial pressure.



Toi Ohomai's Windermere campus. Photo / File

The fees-free tertiary education and training scheme was introduced on 1 January 2018, Toi Ohomai Tumu Whenua a-Rohe 2, executive director for Region 2 Huia Haeata, said.

It covered fees for first-time learners in their first year of provider-based study or their first two years of work-based training, up to $12,000, Haeata said.

In August, the Tertiary Education Commission hosted a webinar outlining the changes, and education providers had the opportunity to provide feedback on implementing the new process.

The policy aims to motivate and reward learners for completing their qualification or programme and reduce the overall cost of their study and training, Haeata said.

Learners that previously received firstyear fees free will not be eligible for final year fees free.

Toi Ohomai has not widely canvassed prospective learners about the impact of this change on their study decisions,

However, current enrolments do not indicate that the change in fee-free funding is having a significant impact.

Akonga, in a one-year course, can access funding if it is their first qualification and they havent used fees-free financing before.

For many akonga, the financial burden associated with participating in tertiary study can be challenging - for themselves and their whanau, she said.
In the world of philately, Jill Nutsford may be an award-winning newbie but she has almost seven decades of experience under her belt when it comes to collecting stamps.

The Pyes Pa resident won the Novice Trophy for her first ever entry in an inter-club competition; the upper North Islands Ambury Shield in November. Her Tauranga team also picked up the overall prize.

I was so surprised to win because I tend to focus on the technical side of things rather than making my entry colourful and beautiful to look at, she said.

There was nothing pretty about my entry at all.

The simplicity of her eight-page entry examining the evolution of the UKs gold Royal Mail Machin stamps from 2009 to 2015 won praise from the judges. But it was long ago that the 77-year-olds love of collecting originally began.

When I was around 10, my father gave me an album with two stamps glued into it, Nutsford said, before explaining that to philatelists, glue is an absolute no-no.

I still have those original stamps. As a child, it was an on-again off-again hobby and then I got back into it in my late-20s and then joined the Tauranga and District Stamp Club in 2018.

Nutsford actually went to a club meeting with the intention of selling her five stamp albums; But I got hooked all over again, she said.

I love the camaraderie. Everyone is there to help others in what they want to collect. Theyre such a great group.

Now, she has millions of stamps in her extensive collection and is turning her attention to the stories behind them. A letter from 1841 purchased for the Penny Black stamp (the worlds first adhesive postage stamp) is a research project.

Another album contains distinctive triangular stamps commemorating New Zealands pigeon post that connected Great Barrier Island with the mainland from 1897 until 1908.

They were effectively the worlds earliest airmail stamps.

Most of us (collectors) have an interest in delving into the history behind a letter or a postcard, said Nutsford.

I found the pigeon post particularly fascinating because I have a whole collection dedicated to aviation that includes balloon flights, pilots and the planes that New Zealand airlines have used.

Nutsford is now culling down her stamps, helping others value their own collections and is thrilled to help others launch into the hobby.

There are more kids joining the club, now, which is lovely to see.

For more information on club meetings and events, visit Tauranga and District Stamp Club - NZ Philatelic Federation
A couple, Vili Lolohea Losaki, 52, and Polokola Kaimua, 50, were driving from Hamilton towards Tauranga in a Nissan Liberty.

The collision happened on State Highway 29 in Waikato at about 5.30pm on September 16 that year.

A car crash that killed three people near Matamata in 2022 was caused by driver error.

Auckland man Jay Robert Acton, 44, was driving in the other direction in a Volvo V50 from Tauranga on the way to Cambridge.

In findings publicly released today, a coroner found that Actons car crossed the centreline into the eastbound lane and the path of the Nissan.

The two vehicles collided head-on, with the right-hand headlight the point of impact for both.

A person in a vehicle following the Nissan witnessed the crash and called 111 before going to help.

Ambulance staff were dispatched but all three people died at the scene.

Actons car crossed the centreline as he steered into a long left-hand bend.

A police investigator said this could have been caused by driver distraction and/or fatigue.

Associate Coroner Dan Moore said that while these could not be discounted, there was insufficient evidence to make a finding that they were the cause of the crash.

A blood sample showed Acton had traces of alcohol in his system, which might have come from a means other than drinking, and no other drugs of note.

Actons Volvo had a worn front left tyre and the Nissan had incorrect wheel nuts but neither factor was considered to have contributed to the crash.

Witnesses said both vehicles appeared to be travelling within the 100km/h limit, and the coroner said speed was also not considered a factor.

I find that the cause of the motor vehicle incident was driver error on the part of Mr Acton, Coroner Moore said.

The coroner released two sets of inquest findings today  one for Acton and one for Losaki and Kaimua.

He said that Polokola Kaimua (also known as Polokola Losaki) was not wearing her seatbelt at the time.

There have been numerous driver safety campaigns stressing the importance of correct and consistent use of seatbelts, he said.

There is good reason for this: advice on the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency website states that wearing a seatbelt reduces your chances of being killed or injured in a road crash by about 40%.

I encourage all drivers and passengers to use their seatbelts at all times.
With school holidays in full swing, water quality scientists are advising parents, grandparents, holiday programme staff, and other caregivers to check the latest information on Can I swim here? before deciding where to take children for a swim.

By being aware of water quality, caregivers can help keep tamariki safe from bugs and infections that can sometimes come from swimming in polluted water. Checking online before you go means kids can splash, swim, and explore with a lower risk of tummy upsets or other waterborne illnesses.

LAWA Recreational Water Quality Science Lead Dr Elaine Moriarty advised that the Can I swim here? guide lists around 900 popular swim spots across New Zealand.

River, beach, and lake spots are regularly monitored by regional and unitary council science teams over the summer months. Results are shared on the LAWA website to help inform communities about where is and is not suitable for swimming, said Dr Moriarty.

In New Zealand, most monitored swim spots are suitable for swimming most of the time - but its always worth checking. Image/LAWA.

Swimming water quality tips from Dr Elaine Moriarty:

1. Know before you go  Check water quality online

Check Can I Swim Here? on the LAWA website before heading out for a swim. Its updated regularly with the latest sampled and predictive water quality results and advice.

The simple traffic light system grades swim results based on the risk of illness from contact with the water. The results are either deemed suitable for swimming (green), caution advised (amber), or unsuitable for swimming (red).

Knowing the water quality history of a swim spot and the recent monitoring result can help you prevent waterborne illnesses like tummy bugs or ear and throat infections.

2. Avoid swimming after rain

As a rule of thumb, avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.

Rain can wash contaminants like animal faeces and stormwater runoff into rivers, lakes, and beaches, even at usually clean spots. If youve seen water running down gutters or felt the need for an umbrella, its likely enough rain has fallen to impact water quality.

3. Stay away from potential sources of pollution

Avoid recreation in areas near stormwater pipes or culverts, flocks of birds, and other wildlife.

These spots are more likely to have higher levels of bacteria that can make you sick. Instead, choose swim spots that are visually clean and clear, and away from these pollution sources.

4. Pay attention to signage

When you arrive at a swim spot, look out for official warning signs put up by councils.

These signs provide important information about water quality, toxic algae, or other hazards that might not be visible. Follow the advice on the sign to keep your family safe.

5. Look out for toxic algae

Toxic algae are harmful for human and pet health. Just a small amount of it can cause serious harm to people and numerous dogs have died from eating it, so its important to know what toxic algae looks like and avoid contact with it.

Toxic algae blooms are more common during the summer months, when lower rainfall, warm temperatures, nutrient levels, and more sunlight create an environment where it can thrive.

In rivers, toxic algae generally form brown or black mats that grow on rocks in the riverbed and can also wash up on the banks or form floating rafts in shallow areas.

In lakes, toxic algae grow in a free-floating murky green bloom and can give lakes a pea soup appearance. They can also form visible green to red films or scums on the waters surface, especially at the waters edge.

Know the water safety code

As well as thinking about water quality, its vital that everyone knows the five simple ways to survive and follows the water safety code.

Water Safety New Zealand have great resources for parents and caregivers on their website and encourage every would-be-swimmer to take care of yourself and others, know how to float, find the safest place, know how to get help, and if in doubt, stay out.

By being aware of water quality, you can enjoy a healthy, fun-filled summer with your tamariki and whanau while making the most of New Zealands beautiful waterways, said Dr Moriarty, A few quick checks online and at your swim spot of choice can make all the difference.

To stay informed visit: www.lawa.org.nz/swim
USDA reports Corn stocks down, soybean stocks up from year earlier, winter wheat seedings up for 2025

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2025  Corn production declined, while soybean production increased from last year, according to the 2024 Crop Production Annual Summary released today by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service.

U.S. corn growers produced 14.9 billion bushels in 2024, down 3% from 2023. Corn yield in the United States is estimated at 179.3 bushels per acre, 2.0 bushels above 2023 and a record high. Area harvested for grain, at 82.9 million acres in 2024, is down 4% from 2023.

Soybean production for 2024 totaled 4.37 billion bushels, up 5% from 2023. T...
By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor Nebraska News Connection

Some farm advocates in rural America, including Nebraska, are calling on the Trump administration to continue investing in small communities.

They propose that new federal investments in agriculture wind up in the hands of farmers in rural communities.

Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen said he is cautiously optimistic about how rural policy will look in the new administration, but said it will start with fair competition in the agriculture markets.

"The markets are not competitive now," said Hansen. "So, if they're not competi...
A Look Back

1 Years Ago, The Sidney Sun-Telegraph, 2015

Fourteen local musicians make up the Cheyenne County Community Band, directed by Chris Gabis. There are no auditions, experience level requirements or age restrictions to be a part of this nonprofit musical group. We provide the music, and all you have to do is bring your instrument and show up to a practice, said Danielle DeKruif, Cheyenne County Community Band president and member. The band has only been together for a year, but they have made multiple appearances around Sidney and neighboring towns. Oktoberfest is our big event, shares DeKrui...
Charges Stem From House Fire in April 2024

SIDNEY--On January 8, 2025 Tessa J. Krauss, formerly of Sidney, was sentenced by the Hon. Judge Derek Weimer in Cheyenne County District Court to 36 months of Intensive Supervised Probation after pleading guilty to one charge of Third Degree Arson, a Class 4 Felony, and one charge of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. She received 24 months of probation on the arson count, and 12 months probation for the Receiving Stolen Property charge, to run concurrently.

Krauss appeared in person for the sentencing hearing. Prior to sentencing, Defense Attorney Don Miller told the j...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sign a 100-year partnership agreement between their countries in Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 16, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed here on Thursday a 100-year partnership agreement between their countries, the presidential press service reported. (Ukrainian Presidential Office/Handout via Xinhua)

KIEV, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer here on Thursday signed a 100-year partnership agreement between their countries, the presidential press service reported.

The deal stipulates that the UK will provide Ukraine with annual military assistance of at least 3.6 billion U.S. dollars for "as long as needed," according to the statement on the presidential website.

It envisages deepening defense cooperation, building partnership in maritime security, and boosting economic and trade collaboration between the two nations.

Under the deal, the UK plans to expand its contribution to the modern fighter jet coalition for Ukraine, increasing training efforts and assisting with the supply of aircraft used by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states.

The agreement also lays grounds for enhanced cooperation on long-range weaponry, and investment in Ukrainian defense industry, including drones and artillery production.

Additionally, the deal includes provisions for building consensus on Ukraine's potential membership in NATO, alongside strengthening partnership in energy, justice, science, migration, and other key sectors.

Starmer arrived in Ukraine earlier in the day for his first visit since assuming the office. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 16, 2025.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer here on Thursday signed a 100-year partnership agreement between their countries, the presidential press service reported. (Ukrainian Presidential Office/Handout via Xinhua)
Carol and Daryl, played by Melissa McBride and Norman Reedus, in a scene from the series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, which will be filmed in Granada.

They are hard to see, but they are here, specifically in Granada, crouching in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to... take out their camera and note down the exact spot. Zombies? No, no. AMC+'s team of scouts for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.

Two months ago, SUR's sister newspaper Ideal announced that the international production company intended to shoot part of the third season of the hit series in Granada province. It is no longer an intention, it is a reality. And we have dates.

Although preparations have already begun, the production crew for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, the spin-off starring Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, will spend two days filming in Granada, as sources from the production itself confirmed to Ideal.

The dates are Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February. In fact it's three days before the Goya Awards ceremony take place in Granada (Saturday 8 February).

Ideal understands that AMC+ commissioned the agency Yaeldeperfil to carry out a casting to find dozens of extras in Granada and the candidates selected through an online application process (there were thousands of registrations) attended a casting session in Seville a few weeks ago.

The company was looking for a wide variety of extras and in particular African-Americans, Latin Americans, people with traditional haircut and natural hair colour and more men than women, according to Yaeldeperfil.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, which is the third season of the series, has been filmed all over Spain. After Madrid and Galicia, the last location was Sepulveda (Segovia). Along with AMC, they have the support of the Malaga-based production company Anima Stillking, which has become an international benchmark. In addition, they usually have local professionals at each shooting location, so everything indicates that there will be technicians from Granada behind the cameras.
From a headache to a serious emergency, you can have a doctor at your door 24/7

SUR in English Malaga Friday, 17 January 2025, 13:06 Compartir

Since its founding in 1988, Helicopteros Sanitarios has become a benchmark for home medical care in Spain. What began as a pioneering service featuring a helicopter has evolved into a sophisticated network of eight mobile medical units, strategically located in Fuengirola, Manilva and Marbella, specifically in Puerto Banus, with coverage stretching from Torremolinos to Sotogrande.

The mission is simple: to deliver immediate, high-quality medical assistance for any need, regardless of severity, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Inmaculada Lanzas from the Commercial department explains that Helicopteros Sanitarios was founded more than 35 years ago, thanks to the visionary approach of its founder and current CEO, Maria Jose Canete. Back in the 1980s, the Costa del Sol suffered from outdated road networks, making rapid medical assistance a significant challenge.

Canete was just 23 years old when she launched this ambitious initiative. Starting with a helicopter as the initial tool, she set a precedent in Spain by offering an innovative service that combined advanced technology, highly skilled teams and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. Lanzas highlights that the companys success lies in the blend of passion, dedication and surrounding itself with a team of highly qualified professionals.

Over time, the Helicopteros Sanitarios model has evolved to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population. Today, it operates a fleet of ambulances equipped as mobile Intensive Care Units (ICUs), specialist vehicles with the most advanced medical and electro-medical technology and the best personnel.

The key to its success lies in the speed and quality of its care. With our annual membership, we guarantee a doctor will be available within minutes, 24 hours a day, with no waiting lists or age or illness restrictions, says Lanzas.

Blas Diaz, head of the Alarm Centre, explains that Helicopteros Sanitarios covers a wide area from Torremolinos to Sotogrande, including the most remote urbanisations, thanks to a well-coordinated and well-equipped team. The ambulances, which are true mobile ICUs, are fitted with the latest medical technology such as defibrillators, ventilators and monitors, and staffed by doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and drivers.

In addition, the service guarantees care in several languages, with English being a minimum requirement, which is particularly useful in an area with an international population. This is complemented by excellent emergency management at its Alarm Centre, which uses location systems and protocols designed to ensure every call is handled quickly and accurately.

How the service works

The process starts with a phone call. Members are just one step away from receiving immediate and professional medical care. The call triggers a medical team to follow a precise action protocol.

 Location: The control centre quickly identifies the patients location and dispatches the nearest ambulance, equipped with advanced geolocation systems to optimise response times.

 Situation assessment: An operator gathers key information about the patients condition while the medical team is on its way. Emotional management is essential. Keeping the patient or caller calm helps us gather accurate information while assistance is en route, explains Diaz.

 Personalised care: Upon arrival, the team provides an accurate diagnosis, administers specific medication if needed and makes swift decisions to stabilise the patient.

 Safe transport: If necessary, the patient is transported to hospital in an ICU ambulance.

A doctor at your door in minutes

The cornerstone of Helicopteros Sanitarios is its annual membership, which ensures that whenever medical assistance is needed, a team comprising a doctor, nurse and technician will arrive at the members home within minutes. As Lanzas from the Commercial department highlights: Our priority is to address everything from minor issues like a headache to serious emergencies such as a heart attack. It all starts with a call to our call centre, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Helicopteros Sanitarios boasts a team of over 250 highly qualified professionals who have handled more than 1,196,435 emergencies and saved over 14,863,000 lives.

The company offers three membership options to suit different family situations: Individual (298), Couple  not necessarily marital  provided both individuals share the same address (495), and Family, covering parents and children up to 25 years old (565). This membership provides access to a service that has become popular with both residents and international visitors.

The Helicopteros Sanitarios service stands out for its speed and quality in a context where waiting lists and hospital overcrowding are growing concerns. As Lanzas emphasises: The membership removes barriers. You can call us for something as simple as gastroenteritis. Having a doctor at home in minutes is a luxury that provides peace of mind.

Additional facilities: the Helicopteros Sanitarios private hospital

Although the core of its service is home medical care, Helicopteros Sanitarios also operates a private hospital in Puerto Banus. This medical centre offers over 35 specialities, including Cardiology, Dermatology and Endocrinology, as well as fully equipped operating theatres and premium rooms with gourmet catering tailored to each patients health needs.

Its worth noting that hospital services are not included in the membership. However, members benefit from priority access and preferential rates.
Tony Bryant Fuengirola Friday, 17 January 2025, 16:34 Compartir

Most artists spend several years at art college or university in order to develop their techniques and perfect their creative talents, and once this is achieved, they then aspire to show their paintings in galleries or exhibitions in the hope of receiving fame and recognition. However, not all artists follow this practice, especially Bettina Eriksen, a self-taught artist who has lived on the Costa del Sol for more than 25 years. Bettina shies away from exhibitions, preferring to invite people to her studio in the centre of Fuengirola to view her work, and, although difficult to believe, she has had no training. She believes that her paintings convey the "joy of life, human will power, liberty, passion, sensuality and emotion". Her large Andalusian-theme canvases created with bold colours verify this.

Born in Denmark in 1965, it was Bettina's parents who persuaded her not to attend art college, for they feared it might alter or divert what they considered to be a natural gift.

"I have been an artist almost my entire life. Actually, it's been ever since I could hold a pencil in my hand. I never went to art college or university because my parents believed that I had a special talent. They thought that if I went to an art school it could change the way I paint, or change my technique, so I just found my own direction and went with the flow," Bettina tells SUR in English.

At the age of 12, the young artist won a painting competition, and two years later, she created, and sold, her first piece.

She was inspired by her "favourite" aunt, also a painter, who encouraged Bettina to "just be herself and to follow her natural instinct".

As a child, Bettina became obsessed with the colours of nature, taking home leaves that "danced in front of me" in order to try and perfectly recreate their colours with her palette. She financed the purchase of canvases, brushes and paints by delivering newspapers after school.

"When walking home from school, especially in the autumn, I was attracted to all the marvellous colours I saw around me. I would take flowers or leaves home and try to capture the exact colours of nature," she says.

Zoom

Bettina was inspired to start painting bulls and flamenco dancers soon after arriving in Fuengirola in 1999. She had visited the coast on holiday more than 20 times, so it was an obvious choice for her when she decided to settle in Spain. Today she lives in the town, along with her Spanish boyfriend.

Freedom of expression

The softly-spoken artist also loves to dance. She says that dance has influenced her art, as she was inspired by the freedom of expression and energy conveyed during a performance, which reminds her of the colours of the "dancing leaves" from her childhood.

She began to turn her focus to how she could express this freedom in her artwork, which initiated an interest in the human body, its anatomy and energy.

"My studies of anatomy combined with my dancing has no doubt helped me as an artist transfer that special sensation of energy into my artwork.

"I would see people dancing in the streets and I found it inspiring, because I could sense the feeling and emotion," she explains.

However, her passion for painting bulls did not come from her love of bullfighting, an art she says that she "thinks should be banned".

"I have never been to a bullfight. My reason for painting bulls is to symbolise the animal and try to change the belief that a bull is an animal to be killed. In Spain, we always associate a bull with death. I want people to see that the bull is a beautiful, powerful animal, which is why I paint them with so many colours. My paintings always show the bull free and happy, not in a bullring. Although I respect that it is an art, animals should not be killed for pleasure," she says.

Putting her art into a style is "very difficult", although she says the closest would be figurative, although, as she points out, she also introduces abstract techniques, "so it's difficult to categorise".

"My mood will take me where I want to go with the painting. It depends on if I'm excited and happy, if I'm sad, or angry, I just go with the flow, which is why I say that painting for me is like a roller coaster ride," she explains.

Dancing on the canvas

Bettina believes that her work is "special" because she is "not afraid to use bold colours".

"I use colours in their vibrancy, dancing on the canvas conveying a story and capturing the moment as I myself am experiencing it. It's our innate human potential, our drive and our desire to express that allows me my unique expression in my brushstrokes," the artist declares.

Bettina rarely hosts exhibitions of her work because she does "not really like too much attention from too many people at one time". She has always made good use of the internet and presents her work on her social media pages and on her website (www.artbybettina.com), which she says is the "best way to let people know about it".

"I don't really enjoy doing exhibitions because I don't feel in control, which is why I prefer to invite people to my studio. This is much more personal than a large gathering of people at a gallery," she explains.

Bettina has sold paintings to customers from all over Europe and America, but she rarely sells her work to Spanish clients: instead, she attracts mainly foreign clientele to her studio.

"I am extremely pleased with the way my career has taken shape, especially here in Spain. I have achieved so much, so I am a very content artist who enjoys her work. I am so lucky to be an artist who can survive on my art," she concludes.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 17 January 2025, 11:36 Compartir

Ouigo, the first purely low-cost operator, had its Malaga debut on Wednesday this week and from 16 January the train operator will be providing journeys between the cities of Malaga and Madrid. Yet, even before welcoming the first passengers on board, Ouigo's entry into the market has already caused a general drop in high-speed train fares.

A search carried out on 15 January, just a week ahead of the travel date taken as an example (22 January) for the route from Maria Zambrano to Atocha, shows that it is already possible to book seats for nine, 16 or 19 euros with all four operators (AVE, Avlo, Iryo and Ouigo). These are figures that were unthinkable until now, although the emergence of more competition at the beginning of 2023 had already led to the first tangible decrease in the cost of tickets, but prices are now less than 50% of what they were shortly after the pandemic.

Zoom AVE, Avlo, Iryo and Oigo train units in Malaga. Marilu Baez

It is therefore not surprising that 80% of Ouigo's tickets for this first weekend are already sold out, as confirmed by Helene Valenzuela, the company's general manager, after Wednesday's corporate visit to Malaga's Maria Zambrano station to see the first train arrive.

"Tickets have been on sale for a month and we are seeing a very dynamic market, the business has been very well received. We estimate that with last minute sales we will reach close to 80% this weekend, which will be a first for us. In the middle of January people are looking for the sun and light of Malaga and it is going to be a success," she said at the launch event, appearing alongside Alain Krakovitch, president of Ouigo in Spain.

In addition, for February the management team assures that sales are "at a higher rate than even those we see when we launch other routes. Andalucia and Malaga in particular are very popular and we are very happy. For us, reaching Malaga and Andalucia is a commercial milestone, they are two thirds of our business plan and we were really looking forward to being part of rail provision in Andalucia and specifically here."

The Alstom Euroduplex train arrived at around 10am, a few minutes early. Moreover, its arrival took everyone by surprise: while the company spotlight was on the stage where the official inauguration was to take place at the end of the platform at Maria Zambrano station, the train just appeared without warning on the track at the opposite end of the station.

Afterwards, the company's executives accompanied a large delegation of institutional and business leaders on a tour of the train's interior where its striking configuration especially stands out, with two floors connected by stairs as well as its seats, which are wider than usual. Among the attending dignitaries were Malaga's mayor Francisco de la Torre, president of the provincial council Francisco Salado, Malaga's sub-delegate for central government Javier Salas and Junta delegate Patricia Navarro, among many others.

Upping the frequency

From Thursday this week Ouigo is offering two daily departures in both directions. A maximum of 14,000 seats per week will be put on the market with journey times lasting between two hours 48 minutes to three hours.

509 The Alstom Euroduplex double-decker trains, which offer the largest capacity in the Spanish market, have 509 seats. It is also envisaged in the medium term to operate by doubling the double-decker carriages, which would bring the total number of seats to 1,018.

Ouigo's trains have the largest capacity in the Spanish market in a single convoy. The operator uses Alstom Euroduplex trains, with double height (two decks) and 509 seats. Although it will not do so in the short term, it is also contemplating working with full-blown double-decker trains, which in a single journey would provide 1,018 seats. Still, the strong point of Ouigo's product is the price, publicising itself as a purely 'low cost' operator, with initial (and real) fares starting at nine euros each way.

Although it is now starting with two round trips per day, Valenzuela announced at the Malaga launch that Ouigo is already working with Adif, the company that manages Spain's rail network, to be able to launch a third. "I hope and trust that in the second half of the year we will be able to do it," she said.
Welcome, welcome!

Just days before the potential enforcement of a U.S. government ban on TikTok, Chinese social media app -- RedNote, has now become crowded with foreign newcomers, mainly Americans, who call themselves "TikTok refugees."

Take a look at how they share their lives and interact with Chinese users.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Two classic movies from the 1980s are reportedly getting sequels.

Deadline reports new installments of The Goonies and Gremlins are officially in the works. Its part of an effort to go big at Warner Bros., following 2023s success with Barbie and upcoming hopes James Gunns Superman can rescue DC Comics superheroes on the big screen.

Chris Columbus, whose credits include Home Alone, is reportedly working on a third Gremlins movie after the franchise was recently revisited in the 2023 Max animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Original director Joe Dante told SlashFilm in 2022 that a new Gremlins film is inevitable, but hopes there isnt too much CGI to recreate the beloved Gizmo and other characters.

Deadline sources said WB is hoping for more franchise-building with Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, Practical Magic 2, a new Matrix movie from Drew Goddard, and yes, a treatment for The Goonies 2. Columbus co-wrote the original Goonies film that starred Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman and Ke Huy Quan in 1985.

Its unclear how close a Goonies sequel really is. Original director Richard Donner previously fought to make it happen, but Brolin and Plimpton have been publicly skeptical about it in recent years.

But Astin, also known for Rudy, Stranger Things and The Lord of the Rings films, is a firm believer in the motto Goonies never say die.

Its always possible. I will say that its likely that it will happen, the actor told Huffington Post in 2017. I dont know when, but I have always had confidence that that sequel will happen mostly because [producer] Steven Spielberg, from the time when I was a kid, told me he wanted it to happen and has never changed his opinion.

Potential casts, plots, release dates, and other details for Gremlins and Goonies sequels have not been announced.

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Syracuse, N.Y. Two people were arrested after a standoff Wednesday at a home in Syracuses Skunk City that started when officers were looking for a stolen car and gun, police said Thursday.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday, Syracuse police officers responded to North Franklin and West Willow streets for a stolen vehicle complaint, the Syracuse Police Department said in a news release.

Police found that a handgun was in the vehicle when it was stolen. As the investigation continued officers went to a house on Arthur Street near Elliott Street where the standoff began.

Police deployed officers with long guns and an armored vehicle as well as a robot. They blocked off streets. Officers used a megaphone to ask people to come out of a house at 302 Arthur St. It is listed on the citys registry of vacant homes.

Shortly after 7 a.m., police confirmed the stand-off had ended.

Police arrested Fox Hamilton, 28, and Jacob Metcalf, 33, they said.

Hamilton was charged with criminal sale of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, police said. Hes being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail

Metcalf was transported to Upstate University Hospital for a medical evaluation and was later lodged jail on active outstanding warrants.

Metcalf is being held in the jail on charges that include criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to jail records.

More charges related to this standoff may be coming, police said.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel's restricted security cabinet voted on Friday in favor of the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced in a statement.

The office noted that the full cabinet is expected to convene later Friday for final approval of the agreement, which Qatar first announced on Wednesday. Israel's acceptance of the agreement would become official only after the full cabinet vote.

Ministers of the security cabinet voted in favor of the deal "after examining all the political, security, and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports achieving the objectives of the war," according to the statement.

The ministers were originally scheduled to vote on the deal on Thursday, but the meeting was delayed, with Netanyahu blaming Hamas for raising last-minute obstacles about the terms of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the names of the Palestinian prisoners who would be released.

Hamas said in a statement on Friday that disputes have been resolved, a day after the group affirmed in a statement its commitment to the full terms of the accord.

The vote came amid concerns that the implementation of the deal would be postponed following objections by far-right partners in Netanyahu's coalition government.

Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two far-right ministers, voted against the agreement in the security cabinet, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported.

The two ministers demanded a government commitment to resume fighting in Gaza once the first phase of the deal, in which Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages, is completed.

On Thursday, they announced their intention to quit the coalition unless their demands were met, which would leave Netanyahu without a parliamentary majority.

According to the mediators, which include Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the agreement consists of three phases towards a "permanent ceasefire between the parties."

The ceasefire is expected to go into effect on Sunday, marking the start of the first phase. Fighting will be halted for six weeks, during which Hamas will release 33 hostages, including all women, children, and men over the age of 50. Israel will withdraw its forces from populated areas in Gaza, and more aid will follow into the enclave.

In return, Israel will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinians detained in its jails, including all Palestinian women and children under 19, by the end of the first phase.

According to a separate statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office, Hamas is expected to release three Israeli women on Sunday.

The Israeli military continued airstrikes in Gaza despite the announcement of the deal. According to the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza, at least 103 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks after the Gaza ceasefire announcement. 
Albany, N.Y.  A contractor who has a history of pocketing money he had been paid to renovate Upstate New York homes has been sentenced again to several years in state prison.

The contractor, Dakota A. Smith, was sentenced Thursday to two to four years in state prison in a case in Albany County, according to the county District Attorneys Office.

Smith, 29, pleaded guilty in November to fourth-degree grand larceny after taking about $39,000 from an older couple with the promise of renovating their home, the county sheriffs office previously said. He never started any of the work and stopped communicating with them.

The prison sentence will run concurrently with, or at the same time as, a prison sentence of three to six years imposed on Smith last week in Greene County.

Smith has court appearances scheduled for later this month in eight other pending criminal cases in the Capital Region and Onondaga County.

One of those local criminal cases is a Baldwinsville family who 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.

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

Read more: Contractor who stole money in 3 counties takes $62,000 from Central NY family, leaves huge hole, couple says

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.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- If you have gently used winter clothing, you can donate coats, gloves, hats and accessories at the Share The Warmth drive on Monday at Nottingham High School.

Volunteers will collect donations for men, women and children from 9 a.m. to noon in the schools gymnasium as part of a day of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The last drive up and drop donation will be taken at 11:30 a.m. No donations will be accepted after noon.

Requested items include new and gently used winter coats. New hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and socks will also be accepted.

Early drop-offs will also be collected today (Friday) from 3 to 5 p.m. at the school.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Syracuse Mayor Ben Walshs final State of the City address was packed with reflection on seven years worth of new policies, programs and projects.

Now in his final year in office due to term limits, the mayor delivered the legally required speech to the Syracuse Common Council on Thursday at Grant Middle School.

Walsh, an alum of Syracuse Syracuse Universitys Maxwell School of Citizenship, referred at the start of his remarks to words inscribed on that schools lobby wall from an oath taken by officials in Athens, Greece more than 2,000 years ago.

On behalf of the Administration in my final year in office and in keeping with the continuing words of the Athenian Oath, I am proud to report Syracuse is not only not less but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us, Walsh told the gathering of about 350 people in the schools auditorium, restored in recent years to its original 1931 state.

While much of the hour-long address touched on dozens of city government accomplishments made since he took office, the mayor did tease out some details of new projects and initiatives in the works for his final year.

That included a plan to reopen a fire station in downtown Syracuse for the first time since the 1970s.

By early summer, the Syracuse Fire Department should have an engine company operating out of the historic Station 12 building on West Genesee Street. Four firefighters per shift will be stationed there, along with a full engine and a smaller truck.

Closed in 1998, the station has in recent years housed the SFDs emergency medical services division along with fire investigators. They will remain at the site for now, SFD Chief Michael Monds said.

Syracuse last year secured a $7.6 million federal grant to pay for additional firefighters, and that is helping to bring Station 12 back online. Walsh said the new station will help meet the fire service demands of a growing city and be able to respond to calls more effectively as Interstate 81 construction in the city accelerates.

Here are a few additional announcements included in Walshs 2025 address:

Housing goals in sight

Walsh said the goal to have 2,500 new units of housing built or under construction from the start of 2024 until the end of his term is halfway completed, and hes confident of hitting the number by the end of this year.

That will include progress on a big southern Syracuse project announced at last years speech, a planned housing development at the former Lafayette Country Club that will create 300 market-rate, single-family and two-family homes in an initial phase. Work should also get started this year on the transformation of the vacant Maria Regina campus on the North Side into 181 apartments for low-income seniors. The new Syracuse Housing Strategy will kick into higher gear this year, as well, providing grants for home improvements in targeted middle-income neighborhoods.

Moving projects ahead

The city is already seeing increased demand for construction and building permits, and thats expected to grow. To ensure the city can keep up with process applications, they plan to contract with additional third-party reviewers at outside engineering firms to help city staff. Thats already started on a trial basis.

With the help of qualified outside engineering firms, were already seeing a reduction of new projects waiting in the queue and faster turnaround times on permit approvals, Walsh said.

Street safety plans

The city this year will adopt and begin implementing a data-driven plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, which average nine fatal and 126 serious injury crashes per year in the city. Its called the Vision Zero plan, and data analysis completed shows that 50% of serious accidents happen on about 6% of city roads and at 1% of its intersections. This data shows us where to start, Walsh said.

The city will continue gathering public input through the end of this month syr.gov/vision-zero. An action plan will given to the Syracuse Common Council for its approval by the spring.

Another safety-driven program, bus stop arms cameras, will be in use next month, with school zone red light and speed cameras in use by the spring.

Upgrades at parks

Walsh said a number of improvements will be made this year at city parks. Those include a new trailside Family Recreation Center at the Inner Harbor, an e-gaming center at Wilson Park Community Center, upgrades for the Eastwood Skate Park, reconstruction of the Hanover Square fountain, the installation of new performance stage at Spirit of Jubilee Park, a new play feature at Sankofa Park and a new splashpad at Westmoreland Park.

Supporting New Americans

Walsh said hell establish a new advisory group to build on the work of the Mayors Quality of Life Commission, which brings neighborhood representatives together with his administrations managers to discuss priorities and concerns.

An LGBTQ+ Advisory Group started after that, and this year the administration will launch a New American Advisory Group to provide the same kind of engagement with our New American neighbors across the city, Walsh said.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh shares his 2025 State of the City address on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com)dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.comdenn

City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook.
Tim Rudd announced his run for Syracuse mayor on Jan. 16, 2025. The former Syracuse common councilor is the budget director for Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. He's resigning from his post to enter this years mayoral race. Rudd's father William and wife Arati joined him for the announcement.Katrina Tulloch

Syracuse, N.Y.  There were no political signs, no microphones or speakers, no podiums. No one wore campaign hats or shirts.

On a gray, cold Thursday afternoon, Tim Rudd stood with only his wife and father on the front steps of his childhood home to announce his campaign to be Syracuses next mayor. Wearing a green-hooded sweatshirt under a coat, black pants, work boots and blue knit cap, Rudd read eight minutes worth of prepared remarks from a smartphone about his background and qualifications. A few minutes later, he was back inside the Eastwood house where his father still lives.

It was an unconventional campaign launch, but it might be fitting for a campaign that could be described the same way.

Rudd, 42, is a lifelong Democrat who was backing Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens in this years race a few months ago. He is now switching his party affiliation so he can run as a Republican. But hes making it clear that hes not embracing a GOP platform.

I am officially becoming a RINO, he said, using the acronym that means Republican In Name Only. This might hurt some peoples heads and Im OK with that. I see this as a practical decision. Even as a RINO, this path provides voters with more choice in November and I believe my chances of winning increase as the contest expands to include more people.

Tim Rudd announced his run for Syracuse mayor on Jan. 16, 2025. The former Syracuse common councilor is now budget director for Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. He's resigning from his post to enter this years mayoral race. Tim's father William and wife Arati joined him for the announcement.Katrina Tulloch

Rudd joins a field of declared candidates that also includes four people seeking the Democratic ballot line. Walsh, an independent, cant run for re-election because of term limits.

Rudd paused in the middle of his speech Thursday to pull out a clipboard and sign what he said was a party enrollment change form that hes planning to file the same day.

Becoming a RINO isnt hard to do, he said just before completing the form.

Rudd said he spoke briefly with Syracuse Republican Committee Chair Kevin Ryan and the two planned to meet soon to discuss Rudds intentions. But Rudd did not tell Ryan that he was making his announcement Thursday.

Hes a little upset, but I think hes going to get through it, Rudd said of Ryan.

Ryan confirmed that he was caught off-guard by the timing of Rudds announcement. Ryan said Rudd contacted him last week to express his interest in joining the party and running, but Rudd told him to keep the matter confidential until they could talk further in the days after Mayor Ben Walshs State of the City speech on Thursday night.

If he does enroll in the party, we would give him the courtesy of meeting with the committee, as we would with any Republican thats interested in running for office in the city of Syracuse, Ryan said.

Aside from a $100 check from his dad that hes not yet cashed, Rudd has not raised money for the campaign so far and he doesnt plan do so until March 19. Thats the day he plans to step down from his job as incumbent Mayor Ben Walshs budget director. Rudd said he feels an obligation to complete the draft of the mayors 2025-26 city budget proposal before shifting his focus to politics.

Rudd thanked Walsh for giving him the chance to be budget director and said hes confident that Walsh will keep him on the job until the budget is drafted. The mayors office said Thursday that they are still working to finalize the terms of Rudds resignation.

Rudd made a $1,000 donation to the Owens campaign in September, but said Thursday that she lost his support. He declined to give the reason, though, saying he would explain more on March 19.

Rudd, now an Elmwood neighborhood resident, grew up in Eastwood. He spoke about the supportive upbringing he received from his father, William, and mother, Helen, who died 11 years ago. He thanked his wife, Arati, for encouraging my constant transformation.

Besides his two family members, the only people attending Thursdays event were three journalists and two of Rudds Elmwood neighbors.

During his remarks, Rudd did not speak about a vision for the city or outline any specific policies or priorities, but claimed his experience makes him the most-qualified candidate. Walsh made Rudd his budget director in 2020 after Rudd had been the Syracuse Common Council Finance Committee chair since 2018.

I am the only candidate in this race who has served with a fiduciary responsibility for the entire Walsh Administration. First, as the finance chair of the city council and then in my current role as the budget director, he said.

In addition to Owens, Democrats who have launched campaigns include Common Councilors Chol Majok and Pat Hogan and police community engagement director Jimmy Oliver.

I no longer believe in the ability of a Democratic primary to produce the best candidate, Rudd said.

He also addressed the Democratic candidates in his speech, saying I pray this process results in strong debate, clear choices, and eventually better outcomes for our community.

City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Two months before President-elect Donald Trump appointed Tom Homan to be his border czar, Homan flew to Syracuse for a fund-raising breakfast to benefit Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.

Homan wrote a check for $2,000, recorded as a $1,000 donation from him and $1,000 from his wife.
New York  A settlement was reached Thursday between Rudy Giuliani and two former Georgia election workers to decide the ownership of his Florida condominium and three World Series rings, which were sought to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment against him.

The deal negated the need for a trial that was supposed to begin Thursday morning at a federal court in Manhattan, where Giuliani was scheduled to be the first witness. He never came to court. The former Georgia election workers won the judgment against him. Terms if the settlement were not immediately disclosed.

Giuliani, 80, was to testify before the same judge who last week found him in contempt for failing to turn over information on some of his assets to the womens lawyers. As punishment, Judge Lewis J. Liman banned Giuliani from introducing some evidence.

Giuliani, who served for a time as personal attorney to President-elect Donald Trump during his first term, also was found in contempt last week in Washington, D.C. The judge there found that Giuliani continued to slander the election workers by repeating false claims that they counted votes corruptly in the 2020 presidential contest.

During the wait, Giuliani posted a video on social media showing a dog named Vinny on the grounds of Trumps Palm Beach, Florida, estate. The dog, the post said, loves hanging out at Mar-a-Lago but is ready to spend a lot more time in Washington, D.C., supporting Trump. It wasnt clear when the recording was made.

The trial was not intended to relitigate whether Giuliani defamed the women or the amount of the judgment against him, both of which are issues that have been decided, but rather to determine whether he would get to keep certain valuable assets instead of turning them over.

Among them was his condominium in Palm Beach, Florida. The former mayor says he established residence there in January 2024, but lawyers for the election workers say he continued to operate as if his New York apartment was his residence until it was surrendered in the fall as part of the judgement.

Also at stake were three World Series rings that Giuliani says he gave to his son, Andrew, in 2018.

At a recent hearing, Giuliani said he is not impoverished but does not have access to most of his remaining assets.

Everything I have is tied up. I dont have a car. I dont have a credit card. I dont have cash. I cant get to bank accounts that truly would be mine because they have put ... stop orders on, for example, my Social Security account, which they have no right to do, he said.

Lawyers for the election workers say Giuliani listed the Manhattan apartment as his residence and the rings as his property when he filed for bankruptcy in December 2023, an application that was dismissed six months later by a judge who accused him of uncooperative conduct, self-dealing and a lack of transparency.

Giuliani said during a deposition last month that George Steinbrenner, the late New York Yankees owner, gave him the rings in 2002, although he insisted on paying for them and told Steinbrenner: These are for Andrew. He testified that he gave one to Andrew immediately and kept three others for safekeeping. He estimated their total worth at $27,000.

Lawyers for the election workers say Giuliani, a lifelong Yankees fan who wore the rings sometimes, never listed them as a gift to his son in tax records even though he was meticulous about listing gifts when he reported taxes. And they say the son never obtained insurance for the rings or reported them in his own tax records.

Giulianis total assets are not expected to amount to much more than $10 million. The Palm Beach condominium is believed to be worth more than $3 million.

He has already surrendered a New York apartment worth about $5 million, a 1980 Mercedes once owned by movie star Lauren Bacall, numerous luxury watches and other assets.

The election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Shaye Moss, won the defamation judgment after saying Giiulianis lies about the 2020 presidential election being stolen led to death threats that made them fear for their lives.
OSWEGO, NY  It was love at first sight for Laura Kimmes after she entered the front foyer of the house at 54 West Fifth Street in Oswego.

She and her husband, Tommy, who had retired from the U.S. Army, had been searching for their forever home, in 2022 after stays at numerous Army bases, from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to Germany.
MACAO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A reception was held in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year which falls on Jan. 29.

Speaking at the reception, Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, called for a focus on high-quality growth, efficient governance, valuable contributions, and high level of security.

Emphasizing the central government's support to Macao, Zheng urged the SAR to seize opportunities in the new year by embracing reforms and to better leverage the advantages of the "one country, two systems" policy.

Over 1,200 guests attended the reception, including Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. The event brought together representatives from central government organizations in Macao, the SAR government, the SAR's Legislative Assembly, the judiciary, and various sectors of Macao society.

In his remarks, Sam reaffirmed the SAR government's commitment to the "one country, two systems" policy to better safeguard national security and maintain stability in Macao.

Sam outlined the administration's goals of promoting appropriate economic diversification, advancing public administration reforms, and improving the effectiveness of governance. He promised to prioritize the well-being of residents and ensure that development benefits all citizens.

The chief executive also stressed the importance of building Macao as a hub for the country's high-level openness and a significant platform for exchanges among civilizations.

He expressed the SAR government's commitment to attracting international talent and enhancing Macao's role on the global stage so as to better integrate into the national development. 
MOSCOW, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have regained control of 63.2 percent of the territory in the Kursk region previously seized by Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defense said Friday.

Units of the North military group took back four settlements in the Kursk region over the course of two weeks in January, it said.

Russian forces are continuing their offensive in all directions, said the ministry, adding that Ukrainian troops are retreating from occupied territories despite reinforcements. 
2025 Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards launched

The Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards for 2025 were launched this week by Teagasc, with generous support from FBD. The Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards aim to promote environmentally sustainable farming and highlight the progress that farmers are making to reduce their impact on the environment, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious food, in a profitable manner.

The Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards for 2025 were launched on Thursday, 16th January on the farm of the 2024 award winners John and Brendan Walsh from Ballylooby, County Tipperary. Pictured left to right were: Professor Frank OMara, Teagasc Director; Dr Siobhan Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist; Brendan Walsh, host farmer; Mary Dunphy, FBD; Michael Berkery, Chairman FBD Trust; Dr Tom ODwyer, Head of Signpost Programme; and John Walsh, host farmer. Picture: OGorman Photography

The closing date for entries is Thursday, 6 March 2025.

This is the second year of the awards, and last year the winners of the competition demonstrated the capacity to operate sustainable, profitable farming systems, whilst incorporating the latest scientific developments and technologies on their farms, reducing their greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and improving soil health and carbon.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc, highlighted that producing food in an environmentally sustainable fashion is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Irish farmers currently. Many farmers are doing a great job farming in an environmentally friendly manner, and we need to hear more of these positive stories of farmers taking steps on their farms to reduce their farms environmental footprint, while continuing to produce high quality food profitably. He said; Farmers have a key role to play in meeting our environmental challenges and these awards aim to encourage more farmers to make a start and take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Chairman of FBD Trust, Michael Berkery commented; In FBD we are delighted to sponsor the Environmental Sustainability Awards, to celebrate the outstanding efforts of farmers who are addressing one of the biggest challenges facing Irish agriculture today - producing high-quality food in an environmentally sustainable way. We are delighted to see these awards return for a second year, to shine a spotlight on innovative farming practices that balance environmental stewardship with maintaining output and profitability.

The launch of the 2025 Awards took place on the farm of the 2024 award winners John and Brendan Walsh from Ballylooby, County Tipperary.

This competition is now open for entries to all farmers from all of the main enterprises. The closing date for entries is Thursday, 6 March 2025. Farmers can apply for the awards here

The prize money for these awards is generous, with 30,000 in prize money. The overall award winner will receive 10,000.

The awards will be presented in late September, 2025. The overall sponsor of the awards is FBD Insurance. They are supported by ICBF, Bord Bia, and AgNav.

Watch a short video below from the launch with Professor Frank OMara, Teagasc Director

Watch a short video below from the launch with Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust
VW2010 Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: electricity Posts: 2,930 Thanked: 4,490 Times

re: Replacement for Tata Nano | Kinetic Yellow Maruti Jimny 4x4 | 13,500 km update



Starting the proceeding with some pictures till the 6000kms Mark.

















The summary is between 6000kms to 10000kms.





Trip no 1 was to Bangalore for a conference. We started at 430 and returned by 1130pm. We took the Old Madras road and it rained in a few sections as well. The car handled the tarmac and the lack of it through this drive with less fuss and more awe. We started at 430 and reached MG Road around 845 and that is a pretty good average.



The bane of Jimny, the slow-speed steering wheel was very comfortable at high speeds. The soft suspension eats up bad roads but does not become a boat on the tarmac. The Car is very planted on corners and one can keep gaining confidence in the capability of Jimny.



Visibility and size are favorable to highway driving in the Jimny. The engine whines more than your regular-sized engines but not once it felt it is struggling. We could cruise with no discomfort and with the EVC overtaking was also not difficult. EVC is a must for Jimny and I understand why the ECU is tuned to drive in its stock form as Fuel efficiency is also a key DNA of Maruti which does not exist with Jimny. Even at this good average pace, we got around 10.8 to 11.2 kmpl during the trip. One tank each way was the cost.



There were few stretches when it rained and some bad stretches of roads drenched in rain and mud. I am 100% sure I would have slowed down to a crawl in a sedan or other cars but with Jimny, we just glided over these stretches at a healthy speed. This makes it a terrific highway car once you consider the comfort factor on all type of roads.



Things that impressed me during this trip

Stability

The engine is not that bad and with EVC the drive is comfortable and reaches 3-digit speeds quickly

Extremely comfortable for driver and front seat passengers.

Fabric seats are comfortable

AC, Dark tints and cabin size make it a very cold ride even in a hot summer

Does not float like a boat and stiffer steering makes it relatively ok to drive at highway speeds

Great for good roads, greater for bad roads

The brakes are good. It is not abrupt but can confidently go all during an emergency and the car will stop

Can zip through the slow traffic like you are used to as the car is small but also agile.



While this established my opinion that Jimny is a solid highway vehicle, the next day, I had a trip planned with the wife and kid to Trivandrum, Tanjavur and and Trihcy, which meant I could test the car further on the rear seat comfort, luggage space, and overall performance.



Trip no 2 - Chennai - Trivandrum - Madurai - Kumbakonam - Chennai



A similar trip was completed last year in the Endeavour (ex). While it is easy to say the Endeavour was comfortable because of that extra space, size, weight, and powerful engine, Jimny did not disappoint.



We started at 6 and reached Trivandrum around 7 pm which included the usual breakfast, lunch, and snack break.



Luggage for 3 - Check - You can say 4 as the camera gears and other nonsense I carry can be added as 1 extra person's luggage.









My wife was seated in the front/rear at different times and my son was in the rear seat. The roads were very good and well-maintained. The toll takes a toll on your wallet though. We were consistently cruising at highway speed and throughout the trip, the few questions I kept asking my family were " How comfortable is the rear seat? Is the ride bouncy? Does it make you sick?"



Both never once said they felt uncomfortable during the trip. At some stages, my son was fully stretched out and sleeping in the second row giving both me and my wife enough room to push the seats back to prevent him from rolling down.



Few things that worked in their favor

Excellent AC and protection from heat (It was a hot day)

The fabric seats are comfortable

I have installed an Android device that allows us to use the display as a phone and install any app from the app store. This meant they could watch their own OTT platform on the go.

Good stops at right time also ensured some stretching and relaxing



Cruising at highway speed is easy and the cruise control is a bonus here.







Took the car to the carwash next to Infosys in Trivandrum and they did a very good job.

























Some pictures during the visit.













We did use the car inside Trivandrum and this was the trip that helped me enjoy what this Jimny offers.



Trip to Chennai



We left Trivandrum at 5 am and we planned to head to Kumbakonam and visit 4 of the 5 Navagraha temples and stay put in Kumbakonam. The plan was flexible based on the time it took us to reach Kumbakonam.



On the way we stopped to enjoy the windmills and take some photos finally of Jimny













This is an excellent place to stay if you want to start your tour from Karaikal. Clean and tidy and the food is very good.



















We reached Madurai by 930am and decided to head to Kumbakonam and finish the outer stretch of the 4 temples including Shani, Budhan, Kethu, and Sevvai. The roads are lovely to drive or ride in this part of the state.



In between it was raining and I had to take an emergency call from work.





Driving the Jimny in these parts is easy and fun. Roads are small compared to the highways and Google Maps takes you via weird interior roads that are at best as wide as one car. I enjoyed this drive and so did my family.



After finishing the tour we returned and were treated to some exhibition of sky, colors, and a clean day. There is nothing here to explain but to share some pictures





















We reached Chennai around 4pm leaving us a day and a half to relax before heading back to awful work and routine.



Spotted this Mahindra EV on the way back home.







Final Summary and stats after these two trips:-







Jimny is a solid city and highway car for a small family. It is strictly a 2 adult and 2 kid car. It has enough space for such a family size with the advantage of looking good as well.



Total Distance covered - Close to 3500 and ended the trip at 9500 km.

Average fuel consumption for the trip - Around 11



Considering the 3500 odd km in 5-6 days I heard only good things from a comfort standpoint from my wife and Kid. This trip enabled me to sell the Endeavor. Jimny now has a solid recommendation if someone came to me and I personally do not believe this is a slow car or a car that is not good for highway drives.



I also completed the 10000 km 3rd service. Changed oil, filters, and pretty much the usual top-up stuff. The filter was filthy and I have decided to clean it once a week. The filter is located inside the glove compartment. Rear wiper water pressure is suddenly low and i have to check this this week. Other than that, there is a reason why people buy Maruthi. The experience is stellar and thanks to Abish from Khivraj. He is a fantastic service manager and if you are in Chennai, please get your car serviced in Khivraj Perungudi and ask for Abish.





Up next - Offroading debut with the Jimny and starting to use the car to the fullest....... Here is the Promised update and with that I also complete the 3rd service. Another Shout out to Abish from Khivraj who took care of all service needs. Nothing major but changing oil and filters. Will get to the service update at the end.Starting the proceeding with some pictures till the 6000kms Mark.was to Bangalore for a conference. We started at 430 and returned by 1130pm. We took the Old Madras road and it rained in a few sections as well. The car handled the tarmac and the lack of it through this drive with less fuss and more awe. We started at 430 and reached MG Road around 845 and that is a pretty good average.The bane of Jimny, the slow-speed steering wheel was very comfortable at high speeds. The soft suspension eats up bad roads but does not become a boat on the tarmac. The Car is very planted on corners and one can keep gaining confidence in the capability of Jimny.Visibility and size are favorable to highway driving in the Jimny. The engine whines more than your regular-sized engines but not once it felt it is struggling. We could cruise with no discomfort and with the EVC overtaking was also not difficult. EVC is a must for Jimny and I understand why the ECU is tuned to drive in its stock form as Fuel efficiency is also a key DNA of Maruti which does not exist with Jimny. Even at this good average pace, we got around 10.8 to 11.2 kmpl during the trip. One tank each way was the cost.There were few stretches when it rained and some bad stretches of roads drenched in rain and mud. I am 100% sure I would have slowed down to a crawl in a sedan or other cars but with Jimny, we just glided over these stretches at a healthy speed. This makes it a terrific highway car once you consider the comfort factor on all type of roads.While this established my opinion that Jimny is a solid highway vehicle, the next day, I had a trip planned with the wife and kid to Trivandrum, Tanjavur and and Trihcy, which meant I could test the car further on the rear seat comfort, luggage space, and overall performance.A similar trip was completed last year in the Endeavour (ex). While it is easy to say the Endeavour was comfortable because of that extra space, size, weight, and powerful engine, Jimny did not disappoint.We started at 6 and reached Trivandrum around 7 pm which included the usual breakfast, lunch, and snack break.- You can say 4 as the camera gears and other nonsense I carry can be added as 1 extra person's luggage.My wife was seated in the front/rear at different times and my son was in the rear seat. The roads were very good and well-maintained. The toll takes a toll on your wallet though. We were consistently cruising at highway speed and throughout the trip, the few questions I kept asking my family were " How comfortable is the rear seat? Is the ride bouncy? Does it make you sick?"Both never once said they felt uncomfortable during the trip. At some stages, my son was fully stretched out and sleeping in the second row giving both me and my wife enough room to push the seats back to prevent him from rolling down.Few things that worked in their favorCruising at highway speed is easy and the cruise control is a bonus here.We reached Trivandrum and the forward trip was complete. We went through a few rain zones and the car was dirty and covered with muck from the previous day's trip as well.Took the car to the carwash next to Infosys in Trivandrum and they did a very good job.We did use the car inside Trivandrum and this was the trip that helped me enjoy what this Jimny offers.We left Trivandrum at 5 am and we planned to head to Kumbakonam and visit 4 of the 5 Navagraha temples and stay put in Kumbakonam. The plan was flexible based on the time it took us to reach Kumbakonam.On the way we stopped to enjoy the windmills and take some photos finally of JimnyWe reached Madurai by 930am and decided to head to Kumbakonam and finish the outer stretch of the 4 temples including Shani, Budhan, Kethu, and Sevvai. The roads are lovely to drive or ride in this part of the state.In between it was raining and I had to take an emergency call from work.Driving the Jimny in these parts is easy and fun. Roads are small compared to the highways and Google Maps takes you via weird interior roads that are at best as wide as one car. I enjoyed this drive and so did my family.After finishing the tour we returned and were treated to some exhibition of sky, colors, and a clean day. There is nothing here to explain but to share some picturesWe reached Chennai around 4pm leaving us a day and a half to relax before heading back to awful work and routine.Spotted this Mahindra EV on the way back home.Jimny is a solid city and highway car for a small family. It is strictly a 2 adult and 2 kid car. It has enough space for such a family size with the advantage of looking good as well.Total Distance covered - Close to 3500 and ended the trip at 9500 km.Average fuel consumption for the trip - Around 11Considering the 3500 odd km in 5-6 days I heard only good things from a comfort standpoint from my wife and Kid. This trip enabled me to sell the Endeavor. Jimny now has a solid recommendation if someone came to me and I personally do not believe this is a slow car or a car that is not good for highway drives.I also completed the 10000 km 3rd service. Changed oil, filters, and pretty much the usual top-up stuff. The filter was filthy and I have decided to clean it once a week. The filter is located inside the glove compartment. Rear wiper water pressure is suddenly low and i have to check this this week. Other than that, there is a reason why people buy Maruthi. The experience is stellar and thanks to Abish from Khivraj. He is a fantastic service manager and if you are in Chennai, please get your car serviced in Khivraj Perungudi and ask for Abish.Up next - Offroading debut with the Jimny and starting to use the car to the fullest....... Last edited by VW2010 : 3rd November 2024 at 00:25 .
What just happened? General Motors and the FTC have reached a settlement over allegations that the automaker shared details about driver locations and behavior to third parties without consent. GM is now banned from carrying out these actions for five years.

In March 2024, a New York Times report uncovered how connected cars with built-in telematics share driver statistics and data with insurers, often without the owners even realizing it.

One of these companies was GM, which collected location and driving data through its OnStar connected vehicle service  a GM subsidiary that provides subscription-based communications, security, emergency services, navigation, and remote diagnostics  as well as its OnStar Smart Drive feature. According to the FTC, GM did not clearly disclose these practices, and the data was subsequently sold to third parties, such as consumer reporting agencies.

A few users said GM vehicles tracked them even when they didn't activate the OnStar Smart Driver feature, which claimed to help users become better drivers by gamifying the experience. They may have been enrolled by the dealership, but even for those who opted in, the enrollment process didn't make it clear that third parties would receive the driving data.

GM confirmed to the NYT that it shared "select insights" about hard braking, hard accelerating, speeding over 80 mph, and drive time of Smart Driver enrollees with global data brokers LexisNexis and Verisk.

It's claimed the information was offered to insurance companies, which used it to increase the rates of customers they deemed to be bad drivers based on the data.

In the wake of the report, senators urged the FTC to investigate carmakers selling consumer data. The agency filed a formal legal complaint against GM

GM said that it discontinued the Smart Driver program across all its vehicles last April, unenrolled all customers, and ended its third-party telematics relationships with LexisNexis and Verisk.

"Respecting our customers' privacy and earning their trust is deeply important to us," GM said in a statement. "Although Smart Driver was created to promote safer driving behavior, we ended that program due to customer feedback."

In addition to GM being banned from sharing geolocation and driver behavior data to consumer reporting agencies for five years, the settlement has other conditions. The 20-year agreement states that GM and OnStar must attain affirmative express consent from consumers prior to collecting connected vehicle data, allow consumers to obtain and delete their data, and allow consumers to limit data collection from their vehicles, including geolocation data.

"GM monitored and sold people's precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds," said Lina M. Khan, the chair of the FTC. "With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans' privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance."

The proposed settlement is open to public comment for 30 days, after which the FTC will make its final decision.
A hot potato: Since the widespread adoption of ChatGPT, there have been concerns about children using the tool and other AIs to do their schoolwork. But the UK's tech minister recently said that it was fine for schoolkids to use the technology for homework, and even compared fears around the arrival of generative AI to those that followed the launch of calculators.

Peter Kyle, the UK's Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, doesn't believe in following the lead of other institutions by implementing outright bans or heavy restrictions on the use of AI among students.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Kyle was asked if he thought it was okay for a child to use AI to complete their homework. "Actually with supervision and used in the right way, then yes, because ChatGPT and the AI technology that is using language is already being used across the economy."

Kyle added that he remembers having a similar conversation about calculators when they launched. When the devices first became commercially available in the 1960s and 1970s, it was feared that calculators would lead to the erosion of basic math skills, critical thinking, and problem solving, while also enabling students to cheat. Similar concerns have been raised with regards to generative AI.

Calculators were, of course, eventually integrated into education, something that Kyle believes should also happen with AI tools.

"We need to make sure that kids and young people are learning how to use this technology," he said.

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Imperial College London, all prohibit the use of AI tools for assessed work. But Kylie believes it could help those younger students who struggle in traditional teaching environments. He added that the tools could be used to help neurodivergent children overcome barriers.

"There are kids with real talents in outlier talents and using ChatGPT and other AI assistance could really turbo charge and give them a challenge they're not getting in other places," he said.

The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) banned the use of ChatGPT in public schools in January 2023, but it reversed its decision a few months later, saying it would focus on integrating AI tools into the educational curriculum

2023 also saw some educators go back to focusing on "ChatGPT-proof" pen-and-paper tests. A computer science professor at St. John's University in New York required students in her introductory course to handwrite their code, with paper exams accounting for a larger portion of the overall grade. The plan doesn't seem to be working well: a report last August found that cheating using ChatGPT in schools had reached endemic levels.
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What just happened? A major fire broke out at Moss Landing, Vistra Energy's massive battery storage facility, which is said to be the largest in the world. Huge flames and thick plumes of hazardous black smoke reportedly poured from the plant, prompting evacuations in the surrounding area.

The blaze was first reported around 3 p.m. local time at the site, located just off Highway 1 along California's Central Coast. Monterey County officials swiftly issued evacuation orders as the inferno raged unchecked into the evening hours. Nearby residents were also advised to shelter in place and seal windows and doors to avoid exposure to potentially toxic fumes, according to Mercury News.

Vistra, the Texas-based owner of the natural gas power plant and adjoining lithium-ion battery complex, confirmed that personnel had been evacuated after the fire erupted.

North County Fire is currently addressing a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant.



As a precaution, individuals in Zones MRY-B047 and MRY-B053 are advised to close their windows and doors, and turn off any air systems until further notice. pic.twitter.com/VlMFxaYhik  California Fire Tracker (@deb8rr) January 17, 2025

The fire reportedly originated in the 300-megawatt Phase I section of the 750-megawatt facility, located on the site of a retired PG&E natural gas plant. A company spokesperson stated that the cause remains unknown but will be thoroughly investigated.

The dramatic scenes served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with utility-scale battery farms, as California races to expand massive energy storage to support its clean energy goals. The Moss Landing site reached its impressive 750-megawatt capacity in 2023  enough to power over half a million homes for up to four hours. However, the state projects that it must triple its energy storage capacity by 2045 to meet demand and achieve net-zero emissions.

This isn't the first time the Moss Landing battery plant has experienced a fire, as a malfunctioning heat detector triggered an incident back in 2021.

These safety concerns have fueled pushback against such projects in some coastal communities. For instance, residents in Morro Bay approved a ballot measure last November blocking permits for a new Vistra battery complex near a local power plant. However, it's unlikely to halt the state-approved plan.

Lithium battery fires like this are notoriously difficult to extinguish due to the extreme heat and noxious gases they release. Fire crews face significant challenges in bringing the blaze under control while minimizing risks of respiratory issues and chemical exposure.
In a nutshell: Paris-based startup Robeaute has secured nearly $28 million in venture capital funding to help bring its tiny surgery-assisting robot to operating rooms around the globe. The company, founded in 2017, has created a self-propelled microrobot that could assist neurosurgeons when operating on the human brain.

Existing solutions often involve stiff, invasive tools that can cause major damage to sensitive brain tissue. Robeaute's bot, which is roughly the size of a grain of rice, is small and nimble enough to burrow its way deep into the brain without leaving a trail of destruction.

The bot is designed to follow a set path laid out by a neurosurgeon, and can be tracked in real time. Robeaute initially plans to use its bots to collect tissue samples for biopsies. Later, the tech could be used to deliver targeted drugs to specific parts of the brain or implant electrodes to treat conditions like Parkinson's.

Robeaute was founded by Bertrand Duplat and Joana Cartocci. Duplat, a veteran in the fields of robotics and computer science, had worked for decades on robots meant to operate in extreme environments  like on the ocean floor and at radioactive sites. But when his mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, he shifted his focus.

The idea really came out of the pain and frustration at the inability to reach any of these meaningful areas of the brain, Duplat said.

The co-founder, who also serves as CEO, said it was no easy task to get to where they are today. Several advances in electronics, robotics, and microfrabrication were necessary to build the tiny bot. "It required multiple building blocks, and it took five years to get all these initial building blocks put together, working with different labs," he added.

The team successfully trialed the technology in animal cadavers in late 2021 before moving to human cadavers and live animals. Robeaute hopes to start testing in humans as early as 2026, but must first gain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Cartocci told Fortune that neurosurgeons have been among their biggest supporters, adding that the medical community response was overwhelming. "They recognized the need for this solution and they recognized the intellectual challenge of trying to achieve it," Cartocci said.
There may be fewer worries for Americans who are massive fans of TikTok as the ban may face a delay and not happen this Sunday, January 19, as President Joe Biden's administration reportedly shared this semi-good news. This is because the Biden administration is now passing the problem to incoming President Donald J. Trump for him and his office to handle.

However, this is also not a confirmation that TikTok would remain as an operational app despite it opting to remainwith ByteDance, with President Biden still having the power over the platform's future until his term is up.

TikTok Ban Delay: Biden Hands Decision Over to Trump

A White House official shared a new statement to ABC News (via The Verge) regarding the impending doom that will ban TikTok in the country, and they regarded that there might be a delay for the ban which could postpone the law from taking effect this January 19. It was revealed that President Biden's administration is considering the timeline of this ban, especially as it falls into effect during a holiday weekend, amidst the inauguration.

It was regarded by the White House that President Biden is handing over the reins of the TikTok ban to the incoming President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for him to handle.

Previous reports regarded that Trump is in favor of letting TikTok continue its operations for a short while before deciding again if they will grant the Chinese social media its much-needed freedom or hold the shackles of the law over their heads.

There Are No Guarantees For TikTok's US Operations

The Verge said that despite this delay presented by the Biden administration, it is still not a guarantee that TikTok is safe from the Foreign Adversary Act and fully escape the law, as this is not the case. There are monetary risks already involved in this ban, particularly as companies like Apple and Google were asked by the courts to help take down TikTok come January 19.

Additionally, President Biden still has the power to extend the TikTok sale deadline for up to 90 days but has held out in granting this favor.

TikTok Ban Is Coming, Alternatives Are Rising

American TikTok users are now scrambling their last efforts to keep the Chinese social media platform operational in the country, with its upcoming ban this January 19 set to block the platform's operations from here on out. Others already accepted TikTok's fate by joining the massive exodus to the new Chinese social media, RedNote, and are calling themselves 'TikTok refugees.'

Over the past week, TikTok regarded that they are already accepting their fate, and the company is making its moveto shut down its US operations instead of waiting for the country to effect their ban at the said date. The company already presented its arguments to the US Supreme Court on why it should not be banned in the country, but this did not change much about its fate.

While there are still other options, with one including the sale of TikTok to Elon Musk and X to adhere to the law and keep its operations running in the country, there are no updates yet if this pushed through. That being said, another last resort for TikTok presented itself for the company, with the White House and the outgoing President Biden handing over the reins of this issue to the incoming President Trump could delay the ban, but is not a guarantee of their continued availability in the US.
Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron addresses a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not in the picture) at Baabda Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Jan. 17, 2025. Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers.

"France will establish a new center to train 500 Lebanese soldiers," Macron said during a joint press conference at Baabda Palace with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Macron highlighted France's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and its leadership's efforts to ensure the country's full control over its territory.

He expressed France's aspiration for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and for all weapons to be under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army.

"We will work to mobilize the international community to assist Lebanon across various sectors," Macron added.

For his part, Aoun said, "The world's confidence in Lebanon must also be fully restored because the true and authentic Lebanon has returned."

Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday for an official visit.

Upon his arrival, Macron also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss potential support initiatives for Lebanon.

Mikati said that Macron expressed his willingness to support Lebanon through a trust fund that the Lebanese government plans to establish in collaboration with the World Bank to aid in the reconstruction of southern Lebanon. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (C-R) and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron (C-L) attend a joint press conference at Baabda Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Jan. 17, 2025. Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron addresses a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not in the picture) at Baabda Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Jan. 17, 2025. Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) shakes hands with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron at a joint press conference at Baabda Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Jan. 17, 2025. Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R, Rear) and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference at Baabda Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Jan. 17, 2025. Macron reaffirmed on Friday France's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army, announcing plans to establish a new training center for Lebanese soldiers. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
None of Your Business (NOYB), a prominent Austria-based advocacy group, filed GDPR complaints on Thursday against TikTok and five other Chinese companies for unlawfully sending Europeans personal data to China.

For those unaware, NOYB is a Vienna-based non-profit organization established in 2017 to advocate for data privacy rights and stronger data protection laws and regulations.

The organization is known for filing complaints against numerous U.S. tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta. This is the first complaint that the company has filed against Chinese firms.

The Vienna-based advocacy organization has filed six complaints against TikTok and Xiaomi in Greece, SHEIN in Italy, AliExpress in Belgium, WeChat in the Netherlands, and Temu in Austria for violating data protection regulations in the European Union (EU).

NOYB said that Alibabas e-commerce site AliExpress, retailer SHEIN, Chinese short-form video app TikTok, and phone maker Xiaomi have openly admitted to sending Europeans personal data to China, while retailer Temu and Tencents messenger app WeChat mentioned that they transfer data to undisclosed third countries likely China.

Under the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws, data transfers outside the EU are permissible only if the destination country meets the EUs strict data protection standards.

However, NOYB argues that Chinas authoritarian government and surveillance practices make it impossible for companies to shield European users data legally from state surveillance.

Given that China is an authoritarian surveillance state, it is crystal clear that China doesnt offer the same level of data protection as the EU. Transferring Europeans personal data is clearly unlawful - and must be terminated immediately, Kleanthi Sardeli, data protection lawyer at NOYB, said in a statement.

As none of the companies responded adequately to the complainants access requests, we have to assume that this includes China. After issues around US government access, the rise of Chinese apps opens a new front for EU data protection law, the statement added.

NOYB has urged European data protection authorities (DPAs) to take immediate action, including suspending data transfers to China under GDPR Article 58(2)(j) and requesting that companies bring their processing into compliance with the GDPR.

Additionally, imposing administrative fines under GDPR, which can reach up to 4% of each companys global revenue. This could mean fines up to 147 million ( 3.68 billion) for AliExpress or 1.35 billion (33.84 billion) for Temu can be enforced.

Reacting to the NOYB complaint, a Xiaomi spokesperson said that the company was aware of the complaint and is examining the allegations against them.

By complying with applicable local laws and regulations in the markets where Xiaomi operates, user data is stored and processed in accordance with local laws, the statement added.

In the event that a national data protection authority approaches Xiaomi in the future due to this complaint, we will fully cooperate with the authority to resolve the issue.

TikTok and other companies have yet to comment on the complaint.
SYDNEY, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two men in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland have been hospitalized with rare and potentially deadly mosquito-borne viruses.

An elderly man from the city of Townsville, over 1,000 km northwest of Brisbane, has been admitted to hospital with dengue fever despite being vaccinated against it, marking the region's first breakthrough in five years, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) quoted Queensland health authorities as saying on Friday.

At the same time a middle-aged man from Townsville, who recently traveled to southern Queensland, was in hospital with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

It was the first confirmed human case of JEV in Queensland since 2022.

Townsville Public Health Unit Director Steven Donohue told reporters on Friday that both men were in stable condition.

He said that the elderly man was unlucky because local mosquitoes in the Townsville area carry a bacteria that blocks transmission of dengue.

Mosquitoes from the area where he was bitten have been collected for analysis.

Both dengue fever and JEV are types of flavivirus that can be fatal in rare cases.

Health authorities in the east coast states of New South Wales and Victoria have issued warnings over JEV in January after detecting it in mosquitoes. 
Greenpeace among Spanish environment NGOs quitting X



Madrid, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



Spanish environmental organisations including Greenpeace Spain as well as university rectors said Friday that they would stop using X, swelling an exodus from Elon Musk's social media platform.

A string of institutions have turned their back on the former Twitter after the world's richest person used X to promote Donald Trump's successful bid for the US presidency and clashed with European governments.

Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Ecologists in Action said they were among "hundreds of organisations, groups, journalist associations and thousands of people" to quit X on January 20, Trump's inauguration day.

Musk has made X "a danger for democracy" by promoting discourses "based on the ideas of the far right" and interfered in other countries' elections such as in Germany, they said in a joint statement.

"The constant generation of fake news" and growing "toxicity" also pushed the organisations away from X, which they said was silencing voices opposed to Musk's ideas.

The Spanish University Rectors' Conference announced it would stop posting on X, also citing concerns about disinformation as well as "behaviour that diverges from democratic values" and "unethical management".

Musk has gutted trust and safety teams, scaled back content moderation and restored known conspiracy theorists to X since purchasing it for $44 billion in 2022.

Musk has described himself as a "free speech absolutist" with a permissive attitude towards content, and defended the mass layoffs by pointing to the company's financial difficulties.

imm/js
Clashes between police, gang leave 11 dead in Brazil



Sao Paulo, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2025



At least 11 people have been killed in a week of clashes between Brazilian officers and one of the country's most powerful criminal groups in the Amazon region, according to a government report.

The wave of violence erupted after the murder of a military police officer on Sunday in the northwestern city of Porto Velho, a major state capital with one of the country's highest homicide rates.

In response, police launched an operation against the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) criminal group, which has spread from its base in Rio de Janeiro across the country and even beyond Brazil's border.

The Rondonia state security secretariat said in a report published Thursday that four people were killed in shootouts with police, and 14 people were arrested.

At least seven civilians were killed in retaliatory attacks on the population by Comando Vermelho, the report added.

Brazilian media reported that more than 20 buses and other vehicles had been set ablaze in the state.

Involved in extortion, drug trafficking and other criminal activities, Commando Vermelho has major influence in the Amazonas region.

Earlier in January, a Comando Vermelho boss was killed in a police operation in Porto Velho, local media reported.

Rondonia state forms part of the Brazilian Amazon, where murder rates are 41 percent higher than the national average, according to a study by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security (FBSP) released in December.

The NGO said that criminal gangs now operate in a third of Amazon municipalities -- half of them under the control of Comando Vermelho.

Brazil's other major criminal network, First Capital Command (PCC), is also present in the region, along with other smaller groups fighting for control in more than 80 municipalities.

Organized crime in the Amazon is linked to drug trafficking, but also deforestation and other environmental crimes, said the FBSP.
OTTAWA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian federal government will unveil proposed retaliatory tariffs on an initial round of U.S. imports Monday if incoming U.S. president Donald Trump uses his inauguration to proceed with threatened levies on Canada, local daily The Globe and Mail reported Thursday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would announce a rapid consultation period, possibly two weeks, on a first round of tariffs that would cover approximately 37 billion Canadian dollars (26 billion U.S. dollars) of U.S. imports, with implementation to follow immediately after, said the report.

Depending on how hefty initial U.S. tariffs on Canada are, Trudeau may also announce consultations on tariffs covering another 110 billion Canadian dollars (76 billion U.S. dollars) or so of American goods.

Canadian Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who was in Washington this week to meet congressional Republicans on the issue, said Thursday that he has heard of three tariff plans that Trump is considering: a 25 percent levy on Canadian goods, a 10 percent tax for all countries, or an escalating tariff that starts low and rises over time. 
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Amazon is saying goodbye to a popular Prime service.

The Try Before You Buy option allowed Amazon's Prime members to try on select clothing items, shoes and accessories at home before completing a purchase.

It is now set to wind down in the coming weeks.

The last day eligible customers can place orders using the subscriber benefit is this Friday, 31 January, the company confirmed.

Under the service, Prime members can order up to six select apparel items on a trial basis. Customers then have seven days after receiving the merchandise to return any unwanted items without being charged.

In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson cited the program's limited reach and the growing use of improve sizing recommendations powered by artificial intelligence on the e-commerce platform.

Given the combination of Try Before You Buy only scaling to a limited number of items and customers increasingly using our new AI-powered features like virtual try-on, personalized size recommendations, review highlights, and improved size charts to make sure they find the right fit, were phasing out the Try Before You Buy option," the spokesperson said.

Seattle-based Amazon first began testing its trying before buying offering under the name Prime Wardrobe in 2017, and the program officially launched in 2018.

Amazon Try Before You Buy ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

As more people shop online and take advantage of generous return policies, Amazon and other retail companies have worked to reduce shipping fees, processing time and other ballooning costs from returned products.

Amazon said Monday that customers still will be able to get free returns across its apparel department and that phasing out Try Before You Buy would give shoppers a simpler experience with a bigger selection and faster delivery.

The change comes as Starbucks also announced a change to one of its rules.

The new code of conduct means if you want to hang out or use the restroom at a coffee shop in America you now have to buy something.

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.

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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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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Researchers have built a tiny robot capable of navigating through a human brain, which they claim could revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions.

Paris-based startup Robeaute aims to begin human trials of its microrobot next year, having just raised 27.2 million (23 million) to further advance and test the technology.

Investors of the funding round heralded the new technology as revolutionary, capable of fundamentally changing brain treatments in the same way that the endoscope transformed gastrointestinal medicine.

Neurosurgery currently relies on relatively crude methods, involving stiff tools pushed through the brain in a straight line in a way that can be both invasive and fatal.

Robeautes robots are the size of a grain of rice and are introduced to the brain through a tiny burr hole, 3mm wide. The microrobots are then able to move through the brains extracellular matrix in curved lines to reach hard-to-access places in the brain.

This means the microbots will be less damaging and invasive than existing tools like neurosurgical needles or electrodes, Joana Cartocci, co-founder and chief operating officer of Robeaute, told The Independent.

The microrobots feature a tiny embarked engine so they can move through the tissue and they are designed to follow a guided path, set by a neurosurgeon and tracked in real time.

open image in gallery Robeautes microrobot is the size of a grain of rice ( Robeaute )

The minimally invasive approach has already been successfully tested in animals as a biopsy tool for tumours, though they can also deliver molecules, implant electrodes and collect data samples.

The self-powered robots are designed to follow a guided path set by a neurosurgeon, which can be tracked in real time. They are also able to carry specific extensions depending on the task, including biopsy, drug cargo and electrodes to diagnose, treat and monitor diseases and conditions.

We are working with regulatory authorities to craft our way to neurosurgical operating rooms and patients, said Ms Cartocci.

Though biopsy will not directly treat the patient, the information collected remains critical to define the best course of treatment. Then, well go back to deliver the therapy that will be more effective in addressing the disease to treat patients.

Bertrand Duplat, co-founder and CEO of Robeaute, added: There is unexplored potential for microrobots in medicine.

Were creating microrobots that will bring unparalleled access to the brain with personalised, precision medicine that can transform treatments and patient outcomes.

If human trials prove successful, the startup expects to receive regulatory approval for drug delivery with the robot in 2030.
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China-based RedNote has experienced a huge surge in downloads from users in the US and worldwide as the 19 January deadline for the US TikTok ban approaches.

The app, a mix of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, is one of the most popular in China and reached the top spot in the UK app download charts this week. Those migrating to the platform, officially called Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book, have been warmly welcomed. Chinese and Western users collaborate on the app, teaching each other English or Mandarin, helping with homework, or sharing jokes about the looming TikTok ban.

TikTok will disappear from Apple and Android app stores on Sunday unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, either sells the app to an approved buyer or convinces the US Supreme Court to delay the ban.

The ban stems from national security concerns, with lawmakers claiming that ByteDances ties to the Chinese Communist Party could enable spying or political manipulation through users feeds. Both TikTok and ByteDance have strongly denied the allegations and mounted several legal challenges against the bill.

But even if the ban is enforced, is it simply pushing users toward another app with similar risks?

open image in gallery Both TikTok and ByteDance have strongly denied the allegations and mounted several legal challenges against the bill. ( Getty Images )

Like TikTok, RedNote is owned by a Chinese company, Xingyin Information Technology. Chartered security expert James Bore says that, like most social media platforms, RedNote prioritises growth and engagement over user privacy. However, the platforms governance under Chinese law sets it apart.

The difference is that China has a law that the government must have a stake in companies, he told The Independent. This is not a secret, its written into Chinese law so that they can overrule things and make sure theres nothing that threatens the Chinese state. Thats a level of interference in companies that were not really used to in the West.

Cybersecurity expert Rob Pritchard added: I doubt there is a particular risk to individuals, but the broader implications are interesting. Its not the effect the US government wanted to achieve, Im sure.

When users sign up for RedNote, they must accept terms and conditions presented only in Mandarin, leaving many unaware of what theyre agreeing to.

I saw the terms and conditions for this app and I just clicked it. I didnt even try to read that, said new RedNote user Kelsey Higginbottom in a clip.

open image in gallery Like TikTok, RedNote is owned by a Chinese company, Xingyin Information Technology. ( Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images )

Translated sections reveal strict content rules, banning anything that destroys the unity of the nation-state, violates the bottom line of the socialist system, or edits the vision of the nation.

TikTok was run out of the US for the most part so it conformed to Western norms, Pritchard said. You could have talked about things like Tiananmen Square  but you cant do that on RedNote. The content and speech people from the West put on there will be subject to the same controls that you see in China.

He added: You probably will be exposed to some kind of propaganda in the sense you will only see the Chinese state line  which is very controlled. Even with all the arguments weve had over censorship of Twitter  it is still not controlled in the same way the Chinese government controls censorship.

open image in gallery Translated sections reveal strict content rules, banning anything that destroys the unity of the nation-state, violates the bottom line of the socialist system, or edits the vision of the nation. ( Getty Images )

Western users posting prohibited content are unlikely to face legal repercussions, but their accounts may be banned. Meanwhile, the influx of Western users appears to have raised concerns within China itself.

On Wednesday, RedNote released an update allowing users in China to browse the app without seeing content from outside the region.

It seems they dont want cultural contamination. That reason is hypothetical, but the update has gone out, Bore said. He added that the update is currently optional but could be made automatic in the future.

RedNote collects personal data, including location, browsing activity, and device-specific information like IP addresses, and can share this data with third parties or government authorities. Experts note that this practice is not unusual for social media platforms.

RedNote is broadly as safe as much as any other social media platform, Bore said. Pretty much all of them are established with not being concerned with users privacy and welfare. So yes, there have been concerns about TikTok and RedNote, but the same concerns apply to pretty much every other platform out there too.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday called for all parties in Lebanon to "demonstrate renewed unity," and urged the new authorities to swiftly form a government.

In a presidential statement adopted unanimously, the council welcomed the election of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Nawaf Salam as prime minister, describing the recent developments as "a long-awaited and critical step" to overcome its political and institutional crisis.

Last week, Aoun was elected the new president of Lebanon, ending a two-year presidential vacuum that had paralyzed the country's political system. He then named Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as the new prime minister.

Meanwhile, the Security Council expressed concern about the reported violations of the cessation of hostilities arrangement between Israel and Lebanon reached in November 2024, and called for the full implementation of the deal.

The council reaffirmed its support for Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Council resolution 1701 (2006), the statement said.

It called on the international community to extend humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people, including through facilitating the safe return of displaced persons.

The 15-nation organ "also called for further international assistance to help facilitate the country's reconstruction and development; strengthen state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces; and help secure a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict," the statement said. 
 Close TikTok goes dark in the U.S.

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The Chinese-owned social media app TikTok has hailed President Trumps efforts as it confirmed it is back online in the U.S. following a brief shutdown.

TikTok went offline in the U.S. at about 10.30 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday before the ban went into effect on January 19.

But on Sunday morning President-elect Donald Trump intervened and vowed to issue an executive order on Monday in a bid to get TikTok back online again.

When users logged in to the app on Sunday afternoon, they were greeted by the message: Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trumps efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!

However, the app remained unavailable for redownload for many users in app stores as of Sunday late afternoon.

The company behind the app released a statement crediting the president-elect for providing clarity to tech companies.

We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive, TikTok said.

During his first administration, Trump pushed for a ban on the app over national security concerns.
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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.
CAIRO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone talks with his Iranian and Italian counterparts to exchange views on a recently reached ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

In his talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Abdelatty stressed, "Egypt attaches high importance to implementing the deal with no delay," reiterating the importance of urgent and sustainable access to relief and medical aid for the Gaza Strip.

Araghchi hailed the Egyptian efforts and pivotal role in helping achieve the deal.

The Egyptian foreign minister highlighted the role that the international community should play in reconstructing Gaza, rehabilitating its infrastructure, and restoring security and stability to its people.

The two ministers also discussed regional developments, especially the tensions in the Red Sea.

Abdelatty said he hopes that the ceasefire deal will restore stability and calm and reduce escalation in the Red Sea region in a way that maintains the freedom of international traffic.

In his discussions with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Egyptian foreign minister reviewed the Egyptian mediation efforts in coordination with Qatar and the United States to reach the deal.

Tajani welcomed the deal, praising the Egyptian efforts that contributed directly to concluding the truce agreement.

The long-awaited truce agreement between Hamas and Israel was reached in Doha on Wednesday, according to Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. 
Ardea Resources is making quick work of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) at its massive Goongarrie Hub nickel laterite project in WAs Goldfields region, with four drill rigs active and several work contracts already awarded.

Supported by mega joint venture partners Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation, the $98.5 million DFS is looking to prove up the economics of turning the project into a low-cost, multi-decade laterite nickel-cobalt producer.

A diamond drill rig completes a previous RC hole for quality assurance and quality control assessment as part of the resource estimate update at Ardea Resources massive nickel laterite project in WAs Goldfields.

The on-site rigs are conducting the all-important resource definition, geotechnical, and hydrogeological drilling, with a fifth rig set to join the operations next month.

So far, 622 resource definition drill holes for 37,842 metres have been completed on a 40 by 40 metre spacing grid. Most of the assays are still pending however the company expects the trickle of results so far to turn into a flood across the next couple of months.
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 Step into any one of Meccas more than 100 buzzing beauty stores across the country where curious shoppers are trialling products, getting a personalised regime consultation or picking up their Beauty Loop box, and you might wonder if were in a cost of living crisis at all. It does still resonate, Meccas chief new concepts officer Maria Tsaousis said of the lipstick effect, the phenomenon where people turn to more affordable luxuries and small indulgences when times are tough to boost morale. Customers are still coming through the doors because they feel better leaving than they did when they came in, she added. Beauty has always been a platform to people to go, this is who I am. This is how I want to show up in the world. Despite household budgets coming under pressure over the past two years, Australians willingness to fill their shopping baskets with skincare, makeup, fragrances, and other cosmetic and self-care products has been virtually immune, even as we made sacrifices in other areas. The $5.9 billion cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries and personal grooming industry is forecast to grow 2.4 per cent over the next five years, and 2.7 per cent in the five years after that, according to IBISWorld. Meccas flagship Sydney store. Credit: Oscar Colman Cosmetics and skincare were stand-out categories shoppers waited for and seized upon during Black Friday sales, with Shopify data revealing Tower 28 Beautys Swipe Serum Concealer was a top-trending product, along with moisturisers, nail polish, and sunscreen and other makeup. The lipstick effect has been one driving force behind this. Another is that beauty is inherently connected to our sense of self-image and wellbeing, making it a highly emotional purchase.

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Skincare has become so innate to us  [its] not considered a luxury anymore. Its considered more of a necessity, said long-time beauty writer and editor Sarah Tarca, who co-runs a weekly beauty newsletter gloss etc. Its easy for [beauty] to be democratised, because everyone can go out and go get a lipstick. Sarah Tarca, beauty editor and co-founder of beauty newsletter gloss etc. Leading the charge on this front is Mecca, which has been busy expanding its national footprint at a time when businesses collapses are at record highs. In Australias beauty retail industry, Meccas position as the market leader is not disputed: the 27-year-old homegrown specialty store has led the way in defying the retail recession and becoming a shopping destination by creating a highly loyal and deeply engaged community and a dynamic store experience. Meccas revenue is estimated to sit around $1.3 billion for the 2025 financial year, commanding roughly a fifth of Australias beauty and toiletries industry, according to IBISWorld. A strong online presence is bolstered by bespoke store design, tailored to the demographic of that area, that houses digital and interactive displays and personalised beauty experiences. The pandemic also triggered a shift in the way we engaged with beauty. During that era of countless Zoom meetings, makeup spending dropped, but what climbed was a desire to understand skincare ingredients and their functions (vitamin c to reduce hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid to unblock pores). Consumers pushed back against descriptors like anti-ageing. They didnt want to be sold the dream anymore, said Tarca. People were like, first of all, to age is a privilege, dont tell me this is wrong. Second of all, it means nothing  they want [products] more specific to their concerns.

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Crossing generations Millennials and Generation Z are the most targeted demographic by beauty retailers, but those with the greatest spending power are Gen X and Baby Boomers, who prefer to shop at more traditional retailers such as department stores, which are falling out of favour with younger customers, according to an IBISWorld report. Consumers across different generations have their own preferences for how they want to shop. Boomers, accustomed to personalised service, often

gravitate towards familiar, trusted brands. Gen X consumers, prioritise product quality and efficacy, said Sephora Australia general manager Mark OKeefe. Millennials, heavily influenced by online reviews and social media trends, seek recommendations before making purchases. Gen Z, a generation defined by its focus on inclusivity and social responsibility, prioritises brands that champion diverse representation and sustainable practices. Loading Department stores  once a key touchpoint for customers  are refreshing the way they show off their wares. David Jones has been refurbishing its beauty floors across a number of stores, starting with its Bourke Street store seven years ago. General manager of beauty, Alicia Shoolman, insists it is not trying to compete with specialty retailers Mecca and Sephora, which operate a brand-agnostic model. We are playing a game of catch up, Shoolman acknowledges. Sephora was rolling out, Mecca was rolling out and evolving the concept, and David Jones was a little bit off the mark.

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Theyre phenomenal retailers in that space, they do it so, so well. So were not going to try and be them, she said. For us, its about investing in the brands. David Jones Melbourne, November 2023: The department store has been refurbishing its beauty halls. Credit: Elke Meitzel Shoolman identifies luxury skincare, niche fragrances and exclusive brands (La Mer, SK-II, Aesop among a few) as David Jones competitive edge, requiring highly knowledgeable staff trained on that brand. Thats always been DJs heartland and weve maybe lost it for a while. But were really coming back to that focus that that is who we are. To attract customers, department stores are doubling down on in-store experiences like facial treatments and personal styling suites. Customers who enter the store for something else might incidentally browse beauty products and may find it less intimidating to do so than walking into a beauty retailer, Shoolman said. Finding new ways to place beauty products throughout the store despite clear zoning of categories is also an opportunity. In a market getting more crowded by the day, offering something original is key to maintaining relevance and strengthening sales. The beauty category is the most exciting, innovative, future thinking category. I dont think there is more innovation that is happening in any other category, maybe [other than] tech, said Meccas Tsaousis. Everything to everyone

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Shoppers are navigating tougher economic conditions by trading down to more affordable brands, fanning the dupe culture craze that has sent luxe for less cosmetics business MCoBeautys sales storming higher. Specialty retailers and department stores are now contending with greater competition from the likes of Kmart and Chemist Warehouse. Supermarkets and discount pharmacies have continued to make inroads into the beauty market by stocking an ever-increasing range of salon and professional products, drawing away consumers, stated the IBISWorld report. A new frontier of competition is opening up: mens products. Almost every beauty business this masthead spoke to said mens skincare, haircare and fragrance was a fast-growing category. Having the right mix of products at various price points is crucial to capturing as many consumers as possible. LOreal, which produces makeup and fragrances for some luxury brands including Prada, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Lancome, recently held an event in Sydney to showcase that all of its 32 brands belonged to one roof: Maison LOreal. Resembling something between a makeup artists showroom and a tech conference, various branded stalls displayed hand-held devices helping serums absorb into skin and futuristic hair dryers alongside rows upon rows of foundation, handwash, lip glosses, fragrances and other bottles. Designer brands like Giorgio Armani Maison Margiela sat paces away from supermarket brands CeraVe, Thayers, and bold makeup line Nyx. Inside the Maison LOreal event in Sydney on Wednesday 27 November 2024. Beauty for each is this idea of ultra-personalisation, which is enabled by beauty tech, a focus beyond the formulas, how can technology help deliver innovation thats more sustainable, said LOreal Australia CEO Alex Davison. Through the use of tech, you can have devices that can consult, guide, diagnose, predict, to read, to help people through the beauty journey.

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BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Thai police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with a human trafficking case involving a Chinese actor surnamed Wang, who was deceived into a scam and subsequently trapped on the Thailand-Myanmar border, China's Ministry of Public Security said on Friday.

The case has drawn significant public attention after Wang, along with several others, was deceived into traveling to Thailand under the pretense of a film project.

Police investigation found that, upon arriving in Bangkok, Wang was transported across the border into an area in Myanmar near the border of Thailand, where he was sold to a telecom fraud syndicate, the ministry said.

According to police, Wang first came across the fraudulent job offer in a group on the messaging app WeChat in late December 2024. The advertisement promised film work in Thailand, which led him to contact an individual claiming to be an assistant director.

After agreeing to travel to Bangkok, Wang arrived on Jan. 3, only to be driven by car across the border into Myanmar, where he was sold to a criminal group involved in telecom fraud operations.

Wang and five other victims, including a lighting technician, surnamed Sun, were eventually rescued and returned to China.

The ministry confirmed that the Chinese actor's trafficking was part of a wider trafficking scheme orchestrated by a criminal group based in the region.

The police investigation has connected recent cases of missing Chinese citizens abroad to this trafficking ring. Since December 2024, the group has used fake job offers in multiple WeChat groups to lure victims, promising to cover their travel and accommodation expenses. Once in Thailand, the victims were smuggled into Myanmar, where they were sold to various telecom fraud operations.

The arrest of the 12 suspects, including Chinese nationals, is the result of a coordinated effort by Chinese and Thai authorities, with further arrests expected as the investigation progresses, the ministry said.

Chinese police are urging the public to be cautious of suspicious job offers, particularly those that promise high-paying positions with free accommodation and travel.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to combating cross-border telecom fraud and human trafficking and strengthening international cooperation to dismantle such criminal networks. 
For all the havoc it has wreaked, some good things were born from the pandemic: widespread hybrid working for one. Another was the emergence of e61: a novel name  not for a virus or robot  but for a factory for economic findings.

Whats new about that? you might ask. Well, its breaking a decades (perhaps centuries) old habit of people sticking to their lanes. Despite the important work done by academics and policymakers, the two rarely join forces.

Few people are tuned into both the cutting edge of research and the front line of policymaking. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Part of that is because some of our best academic talent gets sucked overseas to places like the US or UK. Its also because academics and policymakers dont tend to go out of their way to engage with one another, and because rigorous research skills and policymaking passion and practice dont often manifest in a single person.

There are politicians such as federal Labor MP Dr Andrew Charlton with a doctorate in economics from Oxford University, who have put themselves through the wringer of high-level research  but few who are tuned into both the cutting edge of research and the front line of policymaking.
Los Angeles: David Lynch, the filmmaker celebrated for his uniquely dark vision in movies such as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive and the TV series Twin Peaks, has died just days before his 79th birthday.

His family announced the death in a Facebook post on Thursday. The cause of death and location was not immediately available, but Lynch had been public about his emphysema.

David Lynch in Brisbane in 2015. The American filmmaker has died, his family has announced. Credit: Michelle Smith

We would appreciate some privacy at this time. Theres a big hole in the world now that hes no longer with us. But, as he would say, Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole, the post read. Its a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.

Lynch was a one-time artist who broke through in the 1970s with the surreal Eraserhead and rarely failed to startle and inspire audiences and peers in the following decades. His notable releases ranged from the neo-noir Mulholland Drive to the skewed gothic of Blue Velvet to the eclectic and eccentric Twin Peaks.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size If you placed a map of the vast areas the Palisades bushfire alone has burnt over a map of Sydney, it would cover a vast stretch of the city  from Kirribilli on the lower north shore to Lakemba in the south-west. In Melbourne, the burnt area would be equivalent to fires sweeping from Ivanhoe in the north to Malvern in the south-east, and stretching to Yarraville in the west. The scale of the devastation wrought by the Los Angeles bushfires  in which the chilling term house-to-house ignition has become household slang  has led many to wonder: could it happen here? In short, say many of the experts interviewed for this piece: yes. The Los Angeles bushfires are next level, says Victorian Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan. Australia is yet to experience losing thousands of homes in a major city, as seen in this months catastrophic fires in Los Angeles. Yet in some respects, LA-style fires have already happened here  its just a question of scale.

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Most Australians would be acutely aware of the many occasions when bushfires have devastated regional towns and suburbs on the fringes of cities, including five years ago during Black Summer. Heffernan says house-to-house ignition is a feature here too and that it is becoming more common. In 2003, four people died and 510 properties (including 487 homes) were lost when Canberras western suburbs went up, fuelled by pine plantations hard up against suburban areas. Other well-known examples include Victorias Black Saturday fires in 2009, which killed 173 people  mostly in the Kinglake area and Marysville  and which destroyed more than 2000 homes; the Sydney fires of 1994, when more than a hundred homes were lost around the city from Como in the south to the Lane Cover River Valley in the north; and the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires that swept through South Australia and Victoria. Typically, any time we have extreme or catastrophic fire danger ratings, we consider what we call short-fuse fires a real risk, Heffernan says. Thats where you have a fire start in close proximity to population centres, and then that time from ignition to impact is very short. Steve Turton, an adjunct professor of environmental geography at Central Queensland University, says the climatic conditions that sparked the southern California bushfires were prolonged periods of rain, which created extensive growth, followed by extended drought and the hot, gusty Santa Ana winds. Here, repeated La Nina weather patterns have brought above-average rainfall to the eastern seaboard and warmer than average temperatures have fuelled vegetation growth.

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The World Meteorological Organisation on Monday confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Temperatures were about 1.55 degrees above pre-industrialisation levels. Turton says the next major El Nino (the drier relative of La Nina) will bring the risk of severe bushfires with it for cities on the east coast of mainland Australia. (Tasmania has its own patterns.) South-east Queensland and urban areas like Brisbane  which I think is a sitting time bomb for a big, big fire one day  and also, obviously, the fire-prone areas around Sydney and Melbourne, he says. The Dandenongs [in Melbourne] are a risk but also, when were getting into Sydney, all those areas of the ... urban forest interface are at risk, and that will come with the next El Nino. The Santa Anas, often thought of as peculiar to California, are typical of a phenomenon known as foehn wind, which is found all over the world, including in the Australian coastal cities east of the Great Dividing Range. Dr Martin Jucker, an atmospheric dynamics and climatology expert at the University of NSW, says foehns are winds that are pushed up a mountain slope and then down the other side, getting hotter and drier on the way because of changes in pressure.

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Westerlies over the Blue Mountains, for example, will be hotter by the time they reach Sydney. As with Los Angeles, there is dry country inland to the mountains, so the air is already hot and dry. The difference with the Santa Anas is the mountains are much taller and also wider, so the effect is stronger, Jucker says. Climate change increases the risk of bushfires occurring and also the intensity of the fires. Dr Stephen Sutton, a lecturer at Flinders University and a former director of Bushfires NT, says the old saying that if you keep doing what youre doing, youll keep getting the same thing is no longer true. As Melbourne grows, its suburbs edge closer to bushland. Credit: Jason South It is only a matter of time before something like what is happening in LA happens in Australia, Sutton says. Climate change supercharges the weather so that if we keep doing what were doing, were going to get much worse outcomes than weve been getting.

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Fire Brigade Employees Union of NSW state secretary Leighton Drury says climate change is turbo-charging fires. Disasters are becoming more intense and more erratic, Drury says. Things are happening that we didnt know could happen or knew only with science could happen like the big thermal up-draughts and down-draughts in the 2019-20 fires that picked up trucks and threw them like toys across the room. Drury says there is a strong chance that multiple homes could be lost in the next two to three years, in part because some fire-prone areas around major cities had not had a big fire for some time. In Sydney, Drury says, this would include areas that burned heavily in the 1990s, such as northern suburbs including Turramurra and Mona Vale and the southern fringe near Royal National Park. Victorian United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall says his members hold grave concerns for Melbourne suburbs including Warrandyte, Eltham and Donvale. It is only a matter of time before something like what is happening in LA happens in Australia. Dr Stephen Sutton, former director of Bushfires NT As Melbourne grows, the interfaces between bushland, industry and suburbia expand, especially in Labor heartland in the north, west and south-east of the city, Marshall says.

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Eating outFood Legit Sri Lankan street food and crab curry arrive in Brisbanes south A much-loved food truck has opened a bricks and mortar in a prime Stones Corner spot. Heres what to expect. Matt Shea January 17, 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

Why isnt Sri Lankan food better represented in Brisbane? Or Australia for that matter? The Sir Lankan diaspora in Australia now numbers more than 160,000 people. By some estimates, thats the fifth-largest in the world. Yet, notable Sri Lankan restaurants around the country are few and bar between: Lankan Filling Station, Kurumba and Colombo Social in Sydney, and maybe Okra and Citrus in Melbourne, among a few others. Walkway to Ceylon opened in Stones Corner in mid-December. Markus Ravik In Brisbane, theres Ceylon Inn in Graceville, but it mixes Sri Lankan cuisine with dishes from other parts of the Indian subcontinent. Husband-and-wife team Sam Weerappuli and Nirosha Jayasekara spotted this gap in the market so back in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, they launched a Sri Lankan food truck called Cafe 299.

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Wed thought of opening a premises, Jayasekara says. But it was the Council that encouraged us to start with a food truck, to test the concept and to see how we manage it. Rising tides, rising costs: Brisbane dinings 2024 in review We were popping up outside of friends places, Weerappuli adds. After that, we thought, Time to expand and maybe take it to markets. The couples first experience was at Redcliffe Market, where they sold out of food in 45 minutes, Weerappuli says. More market gigs and catering jobs followed  along with a regular spot outside Red Bowler in West End  prompting Jayasekara and Weerappuli to open a production kitchen in Coorparoo. They added a handful of tables out front, which would often fill up with diners who had heard of Cafe 299 either through word of mouth or social media. Now, theyve opened their first proper bricks-and-mortar restaurant, Walkway to Ceylon, in the premises previously occupied by Yum Yum Duck in Stones Corner. Jayasekara and Weerappuli have given it a simple but smart fit-out, with concrete floors, yellow and black furniture, and an eye-catching timber bar that was designed by Jayasekara.

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Owners Sam Weerappuli and Nirosha Jayasekara have given the restaurant a simple but smart fit-out. Markus Ravik Stones Corner felt like a good fit, Weerappuli says, and it had a good sized kitchen. What is Sri Lankan food? If your first thought is to wonder if its like Indian food, the answer is kind of. There are plenty of curries but theres also a ready inclusiveness of non-native ingredients, given the island nations geographical position on traditional trade routes, and a greater focus on seafood  tuna in the south and shellfish in the west and north. Lamb kottu at Walkway to Ceylon. Markus Ravik I [describe] Sri Lankan food as a bit lighter and having multiple spices in its bases, Jayasekara says. Theres a lot of coriander, fennel, fenugreek. Theres cumin and cardamom, which is the same as [Indian food], but they make their garam masala completely differently, for example, and Sri Lankan five spice has a completely different taste.

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Weerappuli has expressed that in an efficient menu that covers starters, street food, and mains and stir fries. You might begin with Sri Lankan-style fish cutlets (similar to croquettes) served with dipping sauce and salad, chicken crispy rolls (crumbed and deep-fried crepes stuffed with tempered potato, onion and Sri Lankan spice pancake), or potato onion and Sri Lankan-spiced vegetarian patties. Sri Lankan-style nasi goreng. Markus Ravik The street food mostly revolves around variations on roti. Theres kottu, where shredded roti is tossed with egg and vegetables, and served with a choice of protein, and a tomato and onion sambal, and curry sauce; egg roti, with paper-thin godamba-style roti folded over with eggs, cooked on the hot plate and served with curry and a traditional Sri Lankan chilli sambal; and coconut roti served with dhal, Sri Lankan chilli sambal and either a meat or vegetable curry. For mains theres a banana leaf feast thats served with three curries and accompanied by a fish cutlet, rice, a pappadum and condiments; a Sri Lankan-style nasi goreng served with fried egg, a pappadum, chilli paste and an onion sambal; and vegetable or mixed fried rice.

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Then there are the Sri Lankan stir fries, or devilled dishes, that are tossed in the wok with sauces, onion, capsicum with or without chilli  you can order these with either chicken, pork or tofu  and hot butter calamari and hot butter prawns. Walkway to Ceylon has turned head with Stones Corner locals. Markus Ravik Theres also a short menu of signature dishes that mostly focuses on seafood and requires pre-booking. It includes a Sri Lankan-style crab curry for two served with string hoppers (rice noodles), rice and a coconut sambal. Drinks are anchored by a signature cocktail list. Theres also a compact selection of wines and a clutch of beers on tap and by the bottle, including Lion Lager from Sri Lanka. Its been going well, Jayasekara says. Weve had five events so far [since opening on December 10]  locals want us to start lunch, but were just making sure we sort our staff first. Then well start lunch.

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Open Tue-Thu 5.30pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-10pm, Sun 5.30pm-9pm 1/417 Logan Road, Stones Corner, 0412 008 107 instagram.com/walkwaytoceylon

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Is the start of a ceasefire the end of a conflict? History says only sometimes. In the Middle East, in particular, permanency is a fluid concept. Within the announcement this week of a Gaza ceasefire exist myriad obstacles to a genuine end to the violence. The foundations of peace rest on reconciling seemingly irreconcilable interests, and building a strength from that fragility.

Even as the world welcomed news of the ceasefire, fractures appeared on both the Hamas and Israeli sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he would convene his security cabinet later that day and the government would then approve the agreement. However, the hard right faction of cabinet oppose the agreement. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said his Jewish Power party would quit the coalition if a deal went ahead.

Palestinian children play among the rubble of the Khan Younis neighbourhood in the Gaza Strip last month. Credit: AP

Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said he saw the deal as a defeat for Israel. Our people have thwarted the declared and hidden goals of the occupation. Today we prove that the occupation will never defeat our people and their resistance, he said.

Israel, however, can argue it has had some success in this area. In the 15 months since Hamas massacred more than 1200 people in southern Israel and took more than 250 people hostage, Israel has killed Hamas fighters and leaders, including its head in Gaza. It has inflicted damage on a large section of Hezbollah in Lebanon and weakened Irans regional standing.
In Victorian-era Melbourne, ladies columns in newspapers were rife with topics such as fashion, weddings and cookery.

However, in 1879, prolific journalist and pioneering crime fiction author Mary Fortune was not one to follow the crowd. Instead, she wrote an extraordinary first-person piece for The Herald about visiting Pentridge Prison.

Lucy Sussex, co-author of a new book on crime writer Mary Fortune, at the former Pentridge Prison, where Fortunes criminal son, George, was once an inmate. Credit: Jason South

Writing under the pseudonym Nemia, Fortune described meeting a nice young inmate  without revealing he was actually her son, George Fortune.

After the article was published, someone dobbed her in to her bosses and she was sacked as womens editor.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece accepted a donation from Audi Centre Melbourne two days after voting to discontinue part of Roden Street in West Melbourne, which adjoins the business.

Audi Centre Melbourne is owned by Bobby Zagame, who had an application for a development on the site approved by the City of Melbourne in 2023 and made a $20,000 donation on September 5 to Reeces campaign to be elected lord mayor.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he would not take donations from developers in the City of Melbourne in the election campaign. Credit: Simon Schluter

Two days earlier, on September 3, Reece seconded a motion to discontinue part of Roden Street between King and Spencer streets in West Melbourne to facilitate a $2.75 million Greening Roden Street plan.

Reece described the proposal in an interview with North West City News as creating a green oasis, with plans to add 1000 square metres of trees and grass to the designated area, plus new kerbs and channels, seasonal garden beds and paths, and a reconfiguration of parking spaces so there would be no loss of parking.
West Coast Eagles star Liam Ryan has been reported to the AFL integrity unit over a brawl that broke out on the streets of Fremantle on Wednesday night.

The club released a statement on Friday morning confirming it was aware of an incident involving Ryan and had made the report.

Liam and his partner Evana are safe, and Liam will continue with pre-season training on Friday morning, the club wrote.

The club is working to gather all the information, will support Liam throughout this process and will make no further comment at this time.
In the newsroom we refer to it as a tip jar  a tool allowing us to receive instant news tip-offs from our millions of readers. As a subscriber, you would probably recognise it as a small box within a story with a headline such as Do you know more?

This week we created tip jars asking you to tell us about your commute during Wednesdays Sydney rail chaos. Hundreds of readers wrote to us, venting their white-hot rage at the train meltdown triggered by industrial action by the Electrical Trades Union and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). Our state topic editor, Kathryn Wicks, has worked at the Herald for decades and said she has never seen a response from readers quite like it.

Commuters faced sharply reduced services and packed trains. Credit: Steven Siewert

Wednesdays Herald editorial blasted the RTBU for its long campaign of industrial bastardry and spoke up on behalf of commuters who have had a gutful of being the collateral damage in its dispute with the Minns government. We said the chaos is damaging to the states economy. We also pointed out that leaving passengers on crowded platforms or in packed carriages for hours in the middle of summer  or during serious storms such as the one that swept across Sydney on Wednesday night  is also highly dangerous.

The Labor governments latest offer would give RTBU members a pay rise of 14 per cent over four years, and an extra 1 per cent from legislated super increases. The union wants a 32 per cent increase over four years and a 35-hour working week. Many readers have a lot of sympathy for nurses asking for pay rises but do not place train drivers in the same category of essential workers deserving of a big bump.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A European Union (EU) delegation, led by Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, met on Friday with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's interim leader, vowing to provide an aid package worth 235 million euros (241 million U.S. dollars) to assist Syrians.

During a press conference, Lahbib hailed Syria's "historic transition" as an opportunity for citizens to overcome decades of conflict and despair, urging an inclusive vision for the nation's future.

"The Syrian people are rewriting history, and we encourage them to build a society that represents everyone," Lahbib said. She added that peace, stability, and justice "are what Syrians deserve."

"We will continue to reduce suffering and address people's most urgent needs," she said, emphasizing the EU's commitment to supporting a post-war recovery process. 
Washington: In August, Barack and Michelle Obama appeared together on stage at the Democratic National Convention, launching their biggest intervention against Donald Trump during the presidential race.

The couple lapped up applause from delegates as they doled out personal attacks on the Republican nominee, who Michelle accused of ugly, misogynistic, racist lies.

Former first lady Michelle Obama has opted not to attend Donald Trumps inauguration next week. Credit: AP

Five months  and one election loss  later, the speech also marks the last time Barack and Michelle have made a public appearance together.

After skipping a state funeral for Jimmy Carter in Washington last week, Michelle Obama has confirmed she will not attend the presidential inauguration on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), leaving her husband to face the fanfare alone again.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's population on the mainland stood at 1.40828 billion by the end of 2024, a decrease of 1.39 million over that at the end of 2023, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Friday. 
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the U.S. side, President Xi Jinping's special representative, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Friday.

China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States, the spokesperson said.

"We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other," the spokesperson added. 
Actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed by intruder at Mumbai home





MUMBAI :

Doctors say, he is out of danger Attack on Saif serious incident, but wrong to brand Mumbai as unsafe: CM Fadnavis

BOLLYWOOD star Saif Ali Khan was repeatedly stabbed by an intruder in his highrise apartment in upscale Bandra early Thursday and rushed to hospital with the blade still lodged in his spine, an audacious attack that raises intriguing questions about security and celebrity life in the financial and showbiz hub. The 54-year-old, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, was out of danger following an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the attack outside his younger son Jehs room around 2.30 am.The entire family - Khan, his wife, fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, fouryear-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur - were home in the 12th floor apartment along with their five house helps.

In a statement to the police, Jehs nanny Eliyama Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore. The intruder did not force his entry or break into the actors flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night withthe intention of robbery, policeofficials said. The attacker, whomade his escape through thestairs, remains on the run. Recounting the horrific eventsof the night, Philip said she wassleeping on the floor in Jehs roomand woke up around 2 am whenshe heard a sound and saw aman move towards the sleepingchild. Panicked, she rushed topick him up and was pushedaway by the man, armed with awooden stick and a long Hexablade. Another nanny was alsosleeping in the same room.

I sat up to see who was in thebathroom I saw a thin andshort man come out and gotowards Jehs bed, Philip said inthe statement that forms thebasis of the police FIR on the incident. The man, she said, pointed a finger at her andwarned her, Koi awaz nahin(dont make any noise) In the scuffle, he attacked me with the blade. I got injured on my wrist. I asked him what he wants. He said he wants money and that he needs Rs 1 crore, Philip, who has been working with the star couple for four years, said in her statement. Hearing her scream, Khan and Kareena rushed out of their room. The intruder, who Philip said was between 35-40 years old, then attacked Khan with a knife. During the commotion, another house help also rushed out to raise an alarm.

The intruder then ran away. CCTV footage showed the alleged assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the Satguru Sharan building. At least 10 police teams were formed to untangle the sensational crime targeting the Dil Chahta Hai actor and his family, amongst the most high profile and most photographed in Mumbai. Fadnavis responded by saying that the attack was serious but it would be incorrect to call Mumbai unsafe. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the incident shows that the law and order situation is deteriorating in Maharashtra. Recently, a person was killed in the same area and now this incident. All these things are worrisome, Pawar told reporters at Baramati.
BEED SARPANCHS MURDER:Judicial probe panel formed





MUMBAI :

THE Maharashtra Government has set up a single-member committee of retired High Court judge M L Tahaliyani for a judicial inquiry into the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district, officials said on Thursday. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, 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. Police have arrested several persons in connection with the murder case. Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Deshmukh, has been arrested in a related extortion case and the Special Investigation Team (SIT ) probing the sarpanchs murder on Wednesday took him into seven-day custody.

The judicial committee will determine whether any individual or organisation was responsible for Deshmukhs death, as per the Government order issued on Wednesday. It will also assess the adequacy of police and district administration resources during the incident, evaluate the actions taken by law enforcement agencies, and identify any officers who may be accountable. The committee is also tasked with suggesting measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, the order said. The Government on Wednesday also set up a onemember committee of retired judge V L Achalia for a judicial inquiry into the custodial death of Parbhani protester Somnath Suryavanshi. The committee will investigate the sequence of events and reasons concerning the custodial death of the Dalit protester. The panel will also probe into the steps taken by the Parbhani police to handle the situation
COMP-EX 2025: Nagpurs premier tech event opens





District Collector of Nagpur Dr Vipin Itankar addressing the gathering. Also seen are VCMDWA members at the expo.

Business Reporter :

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to visit COMP-EX 2025 today

THE excitement at COMP-EX 2025, Central Indias premier technology expo, is reaching new heights as the event opened at St Ursula School Ground, near VCA Stadium, Civil Lines, Nagpur on Thursday. Organised by Vidarbha Computer and Media Welfare Association (VCMDWA), this four-day event has already attracted tech enthusiasts, professionals, and students from across the region, offering an unparalleled showcase of technological advancements and innovation. Day 1 saw a vibrant start with the grand inauguration ceremony presided over by the District Collector of Nagpur Dr Vipin Itankar, as the chief guest. Dr Itankars address emphasised the significance of technology expos in fostering regional progress and empowering local innovators.

Several visitors thronged the venue on Day 1 to explore innovations in computing, cloud solutions, cyber security, and more. Exhibitors showcased their cutting-edge technologies with live demonstrations, captivating the audience and sparking conversations about the future of tech. The second day of COMP-EX 2025 is set to be even more exciting as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled to visit the event. His presence highlights the importance of COMP-EX as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and learning. Seminars and workshops in collaboration with Ramdeobaba University (RBU) will explore artificial intelligence trends, career opportunities in tech, and employability for IT students. Job seekers can connect with potential employers and explore career paths in the thriving tech sector. The event is from January 1619 from 12 pm to 9 pm. Day 2 promises to be an extraordinary experience for the visitors.
Exploitation of environment must be stopped for better future: Dr Mande





Staff Reporter :

Four-days Science Expo inaugurated at Raman Science Centre

We are on the path of destruction of the environment; there is an utmost need to take bold steps to stop the exploitation of the environment for our better future, said Dr Shekhar C Mande, Professor, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and Former Director General of CSIR, here on Thursday. Dr Mande made this statement during the inauguration of Science Expo conducted by Raman Science Centre at its premises near Gandhi Sagar. Nagpur has a great history of science. Sir C V Raman lived here for some years, and his relatives also. They have contributed to the development of science.





I appeal to the young generation that the future of humanity is in your hands, said Dr Mande during his address. Prof Prem Lal Patel, Director, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) was the guest of honour of the programme. Prof Patel in his speech, said, Thomas Alva Edison invented the bulb in 1879; its 150 years now. The science has grown a lot during this span. At this stage we need to connect science with silence; science should be used for creation and not for destruction.

Dr Umesh Kumar Rustagi, Director, Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, presided over the inauguration function. Raman Science Centre (RSC) is conducting the event to create awareness among the school and college students. Selected innovative projects by innovators from schools, science and engineering college students, and start-ups are also on display.

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Nagpur; Bureau of Indian Standards; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI); Geological Survey of India (GSI); Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur; ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research; Indian Society of Heating Refrigeration and A/C Engineers; Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre; Manganese Ore (India) Limited; Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited; Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited; Raman Science Centre; Serum Institute of India, Pune; Soil and Land Use Survey of India; Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology; and Western Coalfields Limited have their stalls in the exhibition.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's medical insurance fund last year achieved a balanced budget, with a slight surplus, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the fund, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

A total of 6.7 billion outpatient settlements were covered by basic medical insurance in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 19 percent, the NHSA told a press conference on Friday.

Maternity insurance fund expenditure amounted to 143.2 billion yuan (19.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 -- a 33.9-percent increase from the previous year, the NHSA revealed.

In 2024, the national medical insurance system recovered 27.5 billion yuan in funds, identified 2,008 fraudulent insurance institutions, and worked with public security authorities to investigate 3,018 medical insurance fraud cases, leading to the arrest of 10,741 suspects.

Gu Rong, an official with the NHSA, said that part of the recovered funds were retrieved through big data monitoring technology.

According to the NHSA, the administration is actively promoting the use of drug traceability codes, which allow relevant departments to quickly and accurately detect fraud involving the misuse of drugs to exploit the insurance system. 
INDIA DOCKS ITS NAME IN SPACE HISTORY SpaDex Mission Accomplished: ISRO





BENGALURU :

ISRO on Thursday successfully performed the docking of satellites as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and the space agency also announced that post docking, control of two satellites as a single object was successful. India docked its name in space history! Good Morning India ISROs SpaDeX mission accomplishes historic docking success. Proud to witness this moment!, ISRO said in a post on X. With the successful docking of satellites, India has become the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to accomplish the feat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X greeted the scientists for the achievement. He said: Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for Indias ambitious space missions in the years to come.

Further, ISRO said:Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days. Hailing ISRO, Union Minister of State for S c i e n c e , Technology and Space, J i t e n d r a Singh said on X:  C o n g r a t s #ISRO. Finally made it. SPADEX has accomplished the unbelievable docking complete and it is all indigenous Bharatiya Docking System. He said this success paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions, including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. PM Sh @narendramodis continuous patronage keeps the spirits soaring here at Bengaluru, he added. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan too congratulated the team which made the mission successful. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted ISRO for achieving the feat.

We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission, Kharge said in a post on X. He said this significant milestone marks a pivotal step for the future of Indias space programme, which has been built over years, and is a collective achievement for the nation. Earlier on January 12, ISRO brought the two spacecraft to three metres and then moved them back to safe distance in its trial attempt to dock the satellites. ISRO had successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, 2024.

The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended. According to ISRO, the SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV. In space, docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. This experiment is crucial for ISROs future missions, such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and landing an astronaut on the moon.
Mah to set up Innovation City like Gujs GIFT City: CM





MUMBAI :

CHIEF Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announcedplans to establishan Innovation CityinMaharashtra on the lines of Gujarats GIFT City, underscoring the need for efforts to maintain the States leadership in Indias start-up ecosystem. Speaking at a forum on startups and technology here,he said this initiativewould create a hub for technology and innovation, providing fertile ground for startups, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The way GIFT City has been created, we aim to develop an Innovation City in Maharashtra at anevenfasterpace,Fadnavis said. The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is Indias first International Financial ServicesCentre under the Special Economic Zone Act. The financial and technology hub between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar is designed to attract businesses from India and abroad. Highlighting Maharashtras achievements, Fadnavis saidthe State is home to over 25,000 startups and continues to lead in investment and valuation.

Citing a report of the Union Government,he expressed pride in the States ranking as the top start-up ecosystem in India. He attributed the success to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Indiahasnowthethird-largest start-upecosystemglobally,with over 1,57,000 start-ups, up from just 471 in 2016, he said. While Maharashtra has played a pivotal role in this growth, India could soon become the global leaderinthe sector, saidtheCM.
New addition: Flight service from Jabalpur to Hyderabad begins





Staff Reporter :

Member of Parliament Ashish Dubey inaugurated Indigos new flight service from Jabalpur to Hyderabad, on Wednesday. The flight is an addition to the existing service already operating between the two cities. State Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh was also present during the inauguration ceremony. The new flight was welcomed at Dumna Airport with a water cannon salute. MP Dubey handed the boarding pass to the first flyer of the new service and welcomed arriving passengers with flowers.

He informed that at present, a daily flight already operates between Jabalpur and Hyderabad, departing from Jabalpur in the morning and returning from Hyderabad in the evening. Introduction of this new flight enhances air connectivity from Jabalpur to southern cities. He said the new service will operate three times a week i.e. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

It will arrive in Jabalpur at 4 pm and depart for Hyderabad 20 minutes later. An ATR 72 aircraft with a seating capacity of 78 will operate on this route. MP Dubey highlighted that the new flight will provide convenience to passengers, facilitating easier connections from Hyderabad to Chennai, Bengaluru and other cities of southern India. Likewise, it will improve connectivity to international destinations through other cities. Expressing hope, Dubey stated that in near future, flights from Jabalpur to other cities across the country would commence, with additional flights to Delhi and Mumbai. He assured continuous efforts in this direction. Those present were MLA Abhilash Pandey, newly appointed BJP City President Ratnesh Sonkar, Abhay Singh Thakur and a number of party workers.
Restoration of band stand at Kasturchand Park begins





Staff Reporter :

After getting the permission from the Heritage Committee, the district administration has started restoration work of band stand at Kasturchand Park. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with the work by the District Collector after allotment of Rs 5 cr from the District Planning Committee (DPC). About five years ago, Judges of High Court had visited the sites facing problems to know what exactly the Government had done there. Its a rare occurence when High Court judges visit such sites. The then Justice R K Deshpande and Justice Pushpa Ganediwala of Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court visited the Kasturchand Park (KP) to check whether the administration had taken any measures to restore the glory of this historical site as was mentioned in its affidavit. But the sorry state of affair that they observed compelled them to express displeasure. Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of report published in The Hitavada about the plight of this Grade-I heritage site. The sandstone made structure was gathering dust.

After the High Court order, we needed to seek permission from Heritage Committee. Once we got that permission, we immediately sanctioned the required money from the DPC and handed over the work to PWD. For the last two months, cleaning and repairing work is going on. The Heritage Committee has asked us to take care that its originality should be maintained. Accordingly, PWD is doing that work, said Dr Vipin Itankar. PWD has been asked to complete the work in nine months. It includes, cleaning, beautification and repairing fountain there. PWD has brought artisans from Uttar Pradesh. The works include scraping, washing, chemical treatment.

Heritage Committee has asked PWD not to use cement as it needed to be conserved as per the norms of Archeological Survey of India (ASI). PWD submitted an affidavit wherein it gave a detailed information about how the restoration work would go. In recent years, the ground witnessed a lot of infrastructural work including the construction of a metro station with construction material lying on the ground, construction of walking track right in the middle of the ground that devastated the beauty of the ground. The historic bandstand is in a very sorry condition. Some part of the roof was collapsed and was not repaired. This site is ignored completely. Sans security, the antisocial elements did the further mess.
Saif knife attack: Celebritiesand politicians express shock





Mumbai :

FILM celebrities and politicians, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal and Chiranjeevi, expressed shock over the attack on Saif Ali Khan at his home in Mumbai with several others questioning lawlessness in the city. The 54-year-old actor, who was injured after an intruder attacked him with a knife at around 2.30 am on Thursday at his Bandra home, was hospitalised and underwent surgery. He is out of danger, his representative said. Banerjee and Kejriwal wished for the actors speedy recovery in their social media posts. Its very concerning to hear about the attack on noted actor SaifAli Khan.

I pray for his speedy recovery, trusting that the law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable. My thoughts and prayers are with Sharmila Di, Kareena Kapoor, and the entire family during this difficult time, Banerjee posted on X. Kejriwal said, Shocked to hear about the attack on Saif Ali Khan. Wishing him a speedy recovery and strength to his family during this difficult time. Shiv Sena UBT leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the incident at Saifs residence is another high profile attempt on life after the firing outside superstar Salman Khans home and the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. The attack on Saif Ali Khan yet again raises questions on Mumbai Police & the Home Minister. This is after a series of incidents that show there is a deliberate attempt to undermine Mumbai by targeting big names...
Sorry state of Govt School in Mudariya village reflects authorities lack of interest





Our Correspondent

Mangthar,

Teachers, principal have pleaded for additional classrooms and need for building boundary wall

The Primary and Middle School being run in Kumurdhu under Mudariya village panchayat is facing acute shortage of classrooms and it is affecting the teaching. Further, the school does not have proper boundary wall behind the premises near a pond which poses risk of an accident. The School Principal concerned with the risk of an accident, along school teachers have sent many letters in this regard to senior government officials but still no action has been taken. The school is running in three rooms and one additional room where along with Mid Day Meal kitchen, scrap has also been stored.

The student from class 1-8th study in these rooms. The classes of little children are run in the additional room near the kitchen and which also poses risk of accidents. School Principal Rekha Upadhyay informed that till last academic session classes from 6 to 8 were being run in this building hence there was no shortage of classrooms but now primary school has been merged in this school and now shortage of classroom has rose. The boundary wall behind school has not been built and it is adjacent to the pond the students go behind the school near the pond which is very risky. Many anti-social elements enter the school campus as there is no boundary wall and create nuisances. Primary School principal Mithilesh Maravi informed that on June 30, 2023 the primary school situated in the village partially collapsed. Then on the order of Assistant Commissioner, primary school is now being run in this middle school. 48 students are enrolled in primary school and 28 are in Middle School.

More classrooms are required. At times, classes are run in office room also. Teachers inform to that the hand pump in the school campus for students is now of no use as impure water is coming out. Teachers informed the govt officials that water supply to entire village under Nal Jal Yojna is being operated from this school campus as borewll. But no safety measures has been taken as often wires are seen hanging loose and switch boards are not properly placed. In view of large number of students playing in the campus it is essential that entire water supply system setup should be secured well so that students does not touch the electric motor pumps and other machinery.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American company or the popular app would face a ban starting on Sunday, one day before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

"Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary," the court's ruling said.

"We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners' First Amendment rights," the court said, adding that the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed.

The court was referring to a judgement in December, when the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. dismissed TikTok's claim that the ban is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment rights of the 170 million U.S. users.

TikTok then asked the Supreme Court to block the law, arguing that it will shutter one of America's most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, and "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."

In April 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted the law that gives ByteDance only 270 days to sell TikTok, citing unfounded national security concerns. If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms starting on Jan. 19, 2025.

The law has drawn widespread criticism. Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, wrote in an article in September that as with Huawei, "no evidence was disclosed" by U.S. authorities that TikTok accounts are subject to actual surveillance or that the platform serves as a channel for "Chinese propaganda."

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, Biden is unlikely to enforce a ban on TikTok, leaving the decision to the incoming Donald Trump administration, according to U.S. media reports on Thursday citing White House officials.

Trump recently urged the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban to allow time for a negotiated solution.

The incoming president's National Security Adviser pick Mike Waltz told Fox News on Thursday that the incoming administration will work on a deal to keep the "fantastic platform" in place for Americans while protecting their data.

As the ban's effective date approaches, a large number of U.S. TikTok users have flocked to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book, or RedNote) this week to express their dissatisfaction with the U.S. government.

These Americans, who call themselves "TikTok refugees," are engaging enthusiastically with Chinese users, sharing photos of cats and dogs, and asking about each other's daily lives. 
BOGOTA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Friday said on his X account that he ordered the suspension of peace dialogues with the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group after the attacks that occurred in the country's northeastern Catatumbo area on Thursday.

The attacks committed by the ELN left at least 20 people dead and hundreds displaced, according to information provided by the government delegation.

"What the ELN has committed in Catatumbo are war crimes. The dialogue process with this group is suspended, the ELN has no will for peace," the president wrote on the social platform.

Ivan Cepeda, spokesperson for the government delegation in the peace talks with the ELN, confirmed that the instruction of the president will be followed and recognized that it is impossible to talk about peace with an armed group that murders unarmed civilians, social leaders and peace signatories.

At least five signatories of the Havana peace talks have been murdered in the municipalities of el Tarra, Teorama and Convencion in recent hours, according to the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz).

These attacks have caused the displacement of hundreds of frightened families, and community organizations in Catatumbo have called for the immediate intervention of the government and the United Nations Verification Mission. 
BEIJING/TAIPEI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Residents of two places on the Chinese mainland with strong ties with Taiwan on Friday were given the green light for group tours to the island after almost five years of disruption.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), group tour services to Taiwan will soon be resumed for residents of Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality, a move to restore normal interactions between people across the Taiwan Strait and facilitate their regular exchanges.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities banned mainland residents from visiting Taiwan in 2020 on the pretext of COVID-19, and are yet to lift the ban on group tours to the mainland, much to the discontent of residents on both sides of the Strait.

This initiative is to address the high expectations of the public and the tourism industry in Taiwan and enhance the well-being of people across the Strait, the MCT said.

The announcement has received positive feedback from Taiwan's tourism circles. A respondent with the Taiwan-based Chinese Great Travel Association said it was great news as the Chinese New Year draws near, and that the normalization of travel across the Taiwan Strait is what they have long been craving.

The Far Dragon International Travel Service Co. in Taiwan called the new policy from the mainland "exciting," and said it will instill new vigor into Taiwan's tourism sector and facilitate the revival of the region's tourism market.

Preparations for the resumption are well underway, the MCT revealed, expressing the hope that tourism industries on both sides of the Strait would strengthen communication to provide quality services and products for mainland tour groups to Taiwan.

The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Friday said the move responds to Taiwan compatriots' appeals for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation, and that "the crux and obstacle in the tourism issue across the Taiwan Strait lie in the DPP authorities."

Chen Binhua, the office's spokesperson, said the mainland has always supported and promoted normal interactions and exchanges across the Strait, in seeking to enhance the well-being of compatriots in Taiwan.

He voiced his hope that the DPP authorities in Taiwan would consider mainstream public opinion and concerns on the island, and urged them to lift the ban on group tour services at an early date, remove travel warnings for visits to the mainland, and fully restore direct transport services to all previously designated destinations for cross-Strait travelers.

The spokesperson's remarks echoed the Taiwan tourism practitioners' call as they reflected on the sluggish performance of the region's tourism industry.

The restrictions from the DPP authorities have landed heavy blows to the industry, and multiple industries have suffered from it, according to a respondent with the Far Dragon International Travel Service Co.

Another respondent with the Taiwan Tourism Interchange Association expected the DPP authorities to give a positive response to the mainland's announcement, and said that with such constructive interactions, the normalization of cross-Strait tourism can be expected soon. 
CAIRO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A meeting to discuss the implementation of the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement concluded in Cairo on a positive atmosphere, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported Friday.

All necessary arrangements were agreed upon to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement, the channel quoted a well-informed official source as saying.

This includes the formation of a joint operations room in Cairo, comprised of representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States, and Israel, which will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts and monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement, the report said.

On Wednesday, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which have been mediating between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza, announced in a joint statement that the two parties had agreed on a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, along with a return to sustainable calm, aiming for a permanent ceasefire between them.

The agreement, expected to take effect on Sunday, includes an initial 42-day phase, during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt, and 33 hostages held in Gaza will be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. 
Firefighters check wildfire-damaged structures in Altadena, California, United States, Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Local authorities confirmed that fierce wildfires across Southern California have killed at least 27 people and destroyed at least 12,300 structures after more than a week.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of firefighters were still working hard battling the two major wildfires in Southern California on Friday as winds fade in the area.

Local authorities confirmed that fierce wildfires across Southern California have killed at least 27 people and destroyed at least 12,300 structures after more than a week.

The Palisades Fire, the largest active wildfire in the Los Angeles region, has scorched 23,713 acres (95.96 square km). The fire, which broke out on Jan. 7, is 31 percent contained, up from 22 percent early Thursday.

"Overnight and this morning, cooler temperatures, light winds and good humidity were observed," said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) in an update Friday morning, adding that "Crews continue to establish and improve containment lines to minimize fire spread around structures that are within the controlled areas, as well as provide for the safety of the public and incident personnel."

Another major active fire, the Eaton Fire, was 65 percent contained as of Friday morning, up from 55 percent a day earlier. The deadly fire has burned 14,117 acres (57.1 square km) near Altadena and Pasadena.

Cal Fire said that firefighters continue to work on constructing and improving containment lines in steep, inaccessible terrain in the area.

The fire's containment continues to grow, and the fire is expected to stay within its current footprint, according to Cal Fire.

Local officials said as many as 11,000 residents would be able to return to their neighborhoods after some evacuation orders were lifted on Thursday. But people are required to show proof of residency to access the areas while some other zones devastated by the wildfires will still not open to the public. 
WINDHOEK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) issued a warning to farmers on Thursday night following the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in several areas.

There have been 73 confirmed cases of the disease, a debilitating viral infection that affects cattle, in the Otjombinde Constituency within the Epukiro Veterinary District in the Omaheke Region of eastern Namibia, Johannes Shoopala, acting chief veterinary officer at the DVS, said in a statement.

"LSD is a state-controlled disease, and wherever it occurs, it must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian," he said.

According to Shoopala, LSD is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

He noted that depending on the epidemiological situation of the area, local state veterinarians are empowered by law to implement control measures to safeguard the livestock industry, which may include quarantine of the affected area, vaccination of all in-contact animals with the recommended vaccine, and treatment of all animals showing symptoms of LSD.

"The directorate is strongly advising farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against LSD, control biting insects, and report any suspected LSD case to their nearest state veterinary services office as required by law," Shoopala added.

Namibia exports beef to the European Union, Norway, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
PORT SUDAN, Sudan, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Heavy traffic and sluggish road conditions have made the journey to a displacement center in the north of Port Sudan unusually time-consuming. The coastal city, now the largest host for people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, has become a hub for displaced families seeking refuge.

In a worn-out tent in the eastern section of the shelter, Asmaa Obeid Allah, a displaced mother, sat with her young children as she prepared a simple meal, while her infant lay on a piece of cardboard.

"The war has made me the only provider for seven children. My husband is missing, and I have no information about his whereabouts," said Obeid Allah, recounting her tragedy.

"We were living in Omdurman, north of Khartoum," she said, looking sad and pale. "About a month after the war broke out, my husband disappeared, and up to this day, I remain unknown about his fate."

Her challenges are compounded by the chronic illnesses affecting two of her children. One child, aged 14, has diabetes and requires insulin, while another, aged six, has asthma and needs inhalers costing about 30,000 Sudanese pounds, or around 13 U.S. dollars in the parallel market. These medical expenses are beyond the family's means.

Food assistance is provided intermittently, with the family relying on one meal per day, typically lentil soup and dry bread supplied by local bakery owners.

Obeid Allah's eldest son, 16-year-old Ali, tries to help by selling consumer goods in the local market.

"Every day, I go to the grand market in Port Sudan to sell consumer goods, including soap, glycerin, and toothbrushes. I get these items from a wholesale merchant and sell them for a modest profit margin," Ali told Xinhua.

"The situation is difficult. We see our mother's distress and miss our father a lot," the boy said, fighting back tears as his mother patted his shoulder to comfort him.

"We have many families in this center facing challenging humanitarian conditions," Islam Mohamed, supervisor of the shelter center, told Xinhua, pointing out that Obeid Allah's plight is particularly dire.

The shelter administration has been in contact with various humanitarian and charitable organizations to secure essential assistance for her family, said Mohamed, adding that they are also communicating with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross to locate Obeid Allah's husband.

Overcrowding at the shelter remains a critical issue, with multiple families often sharing a single tent.

Ehsan Mohamed, a displaced mother of four children, shares a small torn tent with another displaced woman and her five children.

"My baby is malnourished, so he cries incessantly, and I am unable to supply him with milk," said Ehsan. Her baby also suffers from cracked skin caused by sleeping on the floor and the extreme heat during the past period, she added.

Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced about 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. 
Response of Delhi in last 20 months Making people more confused

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Deafening silence may not be technically correct for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out on the ethnic violence here at least two/three times. The time the Prime Minister broke his silence on Manipur was July 20, 2023 when the nude parade of two girls went viral on the social media. The video shoot was reportedly recorded on May 4, 2023, that is one day after Manipur went up in flames but the video footage surfaced only in July, prompting the Prime Minister to break his silence. This was in 2023 and while Manipur went from one case of mayhem to the other, the Prime Minister spoke out again on April 8, 2024 proclaiming that situation in Manipur was improving. This was followed by his call to all to rise above politics while referring to the ethnic clash here on July 3, 2024. The Prime Minister has not been keeping quiet, is the line that the BJP has sought to convey to the people and in a sort of a master stroke to convince others that Manipur ranks high on the agenda of the BJP led Government at Delhi, the Prime Minister asserted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is keeping a close tab on what is happening here in Manipur and he (PM) is being kept updated. To demonstrate that Delhi and Imphal are working in close tandem to keep a check on the violence here, the Home Minister proclaimed that the Chief Minister is co- operating. With no further details spelt out, many have noted with concern that just a few days after the ethnic violence erupted, Delhi lost no time in sending in more troops to contain the situation and in nominating former CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh as the Security Advisor and made him the Chairman of the Unified Command. The interesting part is the appointment of Kuldiep Singh as the Security Advisor was officially announced by the State Government. Next came the appointment of senior IPS officer Rajiv Singh as the new DGP and here too while the new DGP was sent from Delhi, the announcement was made by the State Government. It was only some time back that Manipur has received a new Chief Secretary in the person of Prashant Kumar Singh via the same route and while there may be no protocol laid down in black and white that it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to name the Chief Secretary and the DGP, one is left wondering why all eyes were turned towards New Delhi when the new DGP and Chief Secretary were named. It is also not clear whether Article 355 has been imposed in the State or not and this is the situation that has been scripted by New Delhi for Manipur since the evening of May 3, 2023.

This has been the reality for over 20 months now and it was back on June 17, 2024, that Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high level security meeting at New Delhi to discuss the security scenario in Manipur. The notable absentee at the high level security meet was Chief Minister N Biren Singh with Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and the then Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi representing Manipur at the meeting. A retired IPS officer in his new avatar as the Security Advisor and an IAS officer occupying the post of Chief Secretary representing Manipur at a meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister to discuss crucial matters when Manipur was literally burning and clearly the response of New Delhi to the unfolding human tragedy did raise more questions than answers. And it has not helped improve the situation. For over 20 months Manipur has been reeling under a crisis and while the mindless killings have left thousands shocked and dumb founded, the indifference of the Prime Minister has only made matters worse. The Prime Minister may have mentioned Manipur more than once in his many address since May 3, 2023, but it should be clear that something more needs to be done. And the manner in which the understanding of a State Government has been turned upside down cannot exactly be called an effort to normalise things. It has only made the people more confused.
FESOK urges

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IMPHAL, Jan 17 : The Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) has urged schools under the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) to only include books prescribed by BOSEM in their curriculum.

According to a press release issued by FESOK, the appeal was made following complaints that some schools under BOSEM are teaching from books not prescribed by the Board.

FESOK has also urged all schools under BOSEM to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Board.
The art of resetting : Mastering focus amidst distractions

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Samchetsabam Ratankumar Singh

Modern researchers rightly assert that the greatest challenge todays generation faces is not merely focusing but knowing where to focus. Everyone seems to be in a rush, searching for shortcuts and desiring quick results without investing the necessary effort, proper planning, research, skillset, or mindset.

Philosophers, researchers, and successful leaders agree on one key principle: the perspective you hold about yourself shapes your journey toward success. When you feel stuck, reflect on moments from your childhoodwhen your ideas were fresh, curiosity was boundless, and every possibility felt within reach. Why should success feel unattainable now?

The Problem of Information Overload

Today, the sheer volume of information bombards us from all directions, creating a paradox of toxic positivity. Everyone has access to a wealth of information, but how often do we verify its accuracy? Many people begin sharing surface-level knowledge without truly understanding the depth of the subject.

This phenomenon often results in people listening only to respond rather than to understand. Superficial advice spreads quickly, especially among younger generations, outpacing the wisdom shared by seasoned professionals. True understanding, however, requires depth, conviction, and experimentationqualities often missing from the information we consume today.

The result ? Toxic positivity that perpetuates shallow perspectives, preventing us from embracing the depth and richness of real knowledge.

Mastering the Art of Losing Distractions

We often hear advice like, Reset yourself, Celebrate small wins, or Break tasks into smaller steps. While valuable, these principles work best when paired with the art of getting LOST:

LOST from social media.

LOST from toxic positivity.

LOST from distractions like TV, unhealthy food, outdated mindsets, biases, and unnecessary politics.

LOST from enticing but meaningless headlines that drain your energy.

This doesnt mean these things are inherently bad. But until you develop the right mindset, skillset, and resilience to handle such distractions, its better to avoid what doesnt align with your goals.

The Bamboo Analogy

Consider the bamboo plant: it spends years growing its roots before shooting up rapidly to become one of the strongest grasses. Its strength lies in its deep foundation, which no wind or storm can uproot.

Similarly, building resilience, knowledge, and character takes time and patience. But once developed, these qualities create a foundation strong enough to weather any storm.

The Cost of Distraction: A YouTube Example

Lets consider YouTube as a case study. The platform earns revenue in two primary ways:

The Distracted Group: This group spends hours on screen time, scrolling endlessly, consuming ads, and engaging with superficial content. They provide YouTube with millions of impressions, generating significant ad revenue.

The Purposeful Group: This group values their time, avoids distractions, and uses tools like ad blockers or premium subscriptions to eliminate interruptions. They prioritize learning, focus on purposeful content, and maintain their mental clarity.

Both groups use the same platform, yet their approachesand outcomes are vastly different.

Now, imagine spending years consuming toxic, irrelevant content versus consciously distancing yourself from it. The difference is stark and manifests in every aspect of lifephysically, mentally, emotionally, and intellectually. The latter group experiences growth, while the former stagnates.

This example highlights how consciously choosing to eliminate distractions can set the stage for success, growth, and focus.

Lessons From School Days

When I feel challenged, I often reflect on my school daysa group full of positivity, a powerhouse of energy, a mind space full of openness, and a place where everyone loved the association. We understood the value of connection, where every interaction, whether solving a problem or just sharing a laugh, reinforced our bond.

Back then, my classmates and I unknowingly developed timeless leadership skills that remain relevant:

Prompt responses: Seeking help or solutions quickly, such as borrowing notes when someone missed a class.

Empathy and encouragement: Supporting one another during tough times, like when a friend helped me apply for a scholarship while I recovered from surgery.

Critical thinking: Solving problems creatively, especially in challenging subjects like math.

Adaptability: Adjusting to new teachers, subjects, and challenges while ensuring everyone felt included.

Collaboration: Working as a cohesive unit despite our diverse family backgrounds, particularly during science projects or group activities.

Humor and positivity: Finding joy in the little things, like singing songs during breaks or cracking jokes to lift each others spirits.

Effective communication: Expressing ideas meaningfully in group discussions, casual conversations, or presentations.

Delegation: Dividing responsibilities during group activities, like planning class dinners or picnics, ensuring everyone contributed beyond financial means.

Conflict resolution: Resolving disagreements amicably, often with humor, and maintaining harmony within the group.

A sense of belonging: Taking pride in being part of a supportive batch that valued collective growth and success.

These shared experiences taught us resilience, teamwork, and democratic leadership. We learned to listen to and value others perspectives, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not about one person taking charge but about lifting each other up.

Looking back, I feel immense pride in being part of that groupa batch that embodied leadership through empathy, collaboration, humor, and perseverance.

Success Through Baby Steps

After stepping into the corporate world, Ive realized that we are all natural-born leaders. We possess the ability to face challenges, expand ideas, provide actionable insights, demonstrate flexibility, embrace a willingness to learn, adapt to change, excel in research skills, and connect globally. However, the foundation of success lies in mastering the basics and taking small, consistent steps.

Resetting isnt about quitting; its about refocusing. As Richard Nixon wisely said:

A man is not finished when he is defeated; he is finished when he quits.

By committing to the art of losing distractions and anchoring ourselves in resilience and purpose, we lay the groundwork for true success.

The writer is Associate Director  Marketing Operations Certified in 100+ Skillsets, AIR Speaker, LinkedIn Contributor Worked with 10+ reputed global firms, Columnist
KAMPALA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has intensified border surveillance with neighboring Tanzania following a suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak that has claimed eight lives, a senior government official said Friday.

Ugandan Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng told reporters that the World Health Organization (WHO) had alerted Uganda about the suspected outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region, which shares a border with Uganda.

Aceng said health authorities have identified Uganda's border districts of Kyotera, Isingiro, Rakai, Kalangala, and Ntungamo as being at immediate high risk of disease importation.

According to the ministry, no confirmed or suspected cases of MVD -- characterized by symptoms such as headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, body weakness, and external bleeding -- have been reported in Uganda.

"We are aware that in addition to cross-border movements through the designated points of entry, there is rapid movement in the non-designated points of entry," Aceng said. "We have heightened points of entry surveillance, active case search, and public health communication in the high-risk border districts."

The WHO has classified the regional risk as high, citing Kagera's strategic role as a transit hub with extensive cross-border movement involving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"We advise the population to remain calm, especially the population in the high-risk districts," said Aceng. "They should remain vigilant and report any individual with the signs and symptoms consistent with Marburg and suspicious deaths to the nearest health facility. The ministry will monitor the situation and provide timely updates."

MVD is a highly virulent disease causing hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, according to the WHO. The virus, which is zoonotic, is transmitted to humans through direct contact with body fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials such as blood, tissues, or surfaces. 
Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee today condemned the statement of Mohan Bhagwat, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief as anti-national and said this was uncalled for.

She further asked him to take back his statement. Mr Bhagwat had said some days ago that Indias Independence Day should be 22 January, the day when Ram Mandir was inaugurated and not 15 August, 1947.

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Coming down heavily on Mr Bhagwat, she said, I cannot dream of someone making such a statement. I condemn it and request him to call it back. She was talking to the media at Nabanna this afternoon.

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She said, Thousands of youths had sacrificed their lives to make India free from the clutches of the British. Bengal had played a major role in Indias freedom movement followed by Punjab and Maharashtra. How can we forget their sacrifices, which finally led to our freedom.

Miss Banerjee regretted that attempts are on to rewrite Indias history. It is absolutely wrong. You cannot change a countrys history. How can you ignore the contribution of Gandhiji, Panditji of Netaji. They had been the pillar of the freedom movement along with many more. We pay salute to those who laid their lives to make us free. We are now the citizens of a sovereign; free country whose basis is democracy.

Miss Banerjee said Indias philosophy is unity in diversity. We have a diverse culture, language and religion. Synthesis of religions as preached by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda is our strength. We will give our lives to protect Indias democracy and unity in diversity principle.
KINSHASA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- About 237,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2025 in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the world's largest hosts of people uprooted within their own borders, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday.

Escalating clashes between armed groups and the DRC army in North and South Kivu provinces, already home to 4.6 million internally displaced people, are intensifying one of the world's most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises, UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun said at a press briefing.

From Jan. 1 to 6, intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories of North Kivu Province forced about 150,000 individuals to flee their homes, while 84,000 people have been displaced in South Kivu's Fizi territory, the UN agency said, noting that civilians in both regions are enduring indiscriminate bombings.

On Wednesday, during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Felix Tshisekedi, the DRC government announced that the military had recovered several strategic localities in the eastern part of the country previously occupied by the March 23 Movement rebellion.

"The DRC Armed Forces remain determined on all front lines to restore security, recover lost areas, and restore the territorial integrity of the DRC," government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said late Wednesday. 
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the revival plan for RINL for a total of Rs 11,440 crore.

The infusion includes Rs 10,300 crore as equity capital into Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL) and Conversion of Rs 1,140 crore working capital loan as 7 per cent Non-cumulative Preference Share Capital redeemable after 10 years to keep RINL as a going concern, the Ministry of Steel said on Friday.

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The RINL is a ScheduleA CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel with 100 per cent ownership of the Government of India. RINL operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), the only offshore steel plant under the Government sector in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It has an installed capacity of 7.3 Mtpa of liquid steel.

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The financial condition of the RINL is critical (as on 31.03.2024, the net worth of RINL was Rs (-)4538.00 crore, current assets were Rs 7,686.24 and current liabilities were Rs 26,114.92 crore).

The RINL has exhausted the sanctioned borrowing limits from banks for working capital and was not in a position to get further loans from Banks. It also defaulted on the Capex Loan repayments and Interest payments in June 2024.

The equity infusion of Rs 10,300 crore into RINL will help overcome the operational problems related to raising working capital and start Blast furnace operations in the most productive way. This would allow the company to gradually reach its full production capacity which is critical and is in the national interest to have stability in the Indian steel market by augmenting steel production and also save the livelihoods of employees (regular and contractual) and those dependent on the operations of the steel plant. The revival plan envisages that RINL will start full production with two blast furnaces in January 2025 and with three blast furnaces August 2025.

Steel production is a core sector of the economy and is one of the indicators of economic development of any country. The revival and continued operation of VSP at its full capacity will ensure efficient utilization of public resources and help in achieving the objectives of National Steel Policy, 2017.

This strategic decision underscores the Governments steadfast commitment to supporting indigenous industries for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Coal India Limited (CIL) reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns of displaced communities in Jharkhand during a high-level Three-Tier Review Meeting held at its headquarters in Kolkata.

Chaired by Coal India Chairman P M Prasad, the meeting included senior officials, representatives, and Giridih MP Chandraprakash Choudhary, who collectively focused on finding long-term solutions to issues stemming from coal mining operations.

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The meeting comes in the wake of growing concerns over displacement, compensation delays, and incidents like the recent Kharakhari coal project firing. Coal India announced several critical measures aimed at ensuring justice and relief for affected families:

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To address grievances swiftly and transparently, a dedicated cell will be set up to cater exclusively to the needs of displaced communities.

Following allegations of violence involving MDO Hill Top Hiring Private Limited, Coal India will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure accountability and a fair inquiry.

Acknowledging delays in providing PEP cards to displaced families, the company pledged to organize special camps over the next two months to expedite the process.

Coal India will fast-track the legal framework to establish a tribunal to address disputes and safeguard the rights of displaced individuals.

High-level consultations will be held with senior managers and local officials to devise strategies aimed at preventing violence and ensuring the safety of communities near coal project sites.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Prasad stressed Coal Indias commitment to resolving these critical issues. The welfare of displaced communities is integral to our mission. We are taking these steps to ensure that their voices are heard and their grievances addressed in a timely manner, he said.

Giridih MP Choudhary commended Coal Indias proactive approach. This meeting marks an important step toward justice and relief for the displaced. I am confident that the measures announced will lead to meaningful change, he remarked.

The meeting follows a recent escalation of tensions in Jharkhands coal mining regions, where displaced families have called for increased safety, adequate compensation, and employment opportunities. While the initiatives announced have been welcomed by community leaders, they have emphasised the need for swift and transparent implementation.

Coal Indias renewed focus on the welfare of displaced communities underscores its recognition of the social responsibility inherent in large-scale mining operations. As the company moves to execute its promises, stakeholders and local communities alike await visible progress in the months to come.
In the backdrop of the AAP and the BJP sparring over inclusion of Jat community in the OBC category at the Centre, Congress MLA from Julana, Haryana, Vinesh Phogat said here on Friday that it was the Congress government at the Centre that placed the caste in OBC list through a notification dated 4 March, 2014 providing them reservation in nine states.

Addressing a press conference here at the DPCC office, Phogat said, AAP and BJP are doing politics on Jat reservation for electoral gains. But Congress is the only party that takes up the issues of Jats, OBCs, Harijans and the backwards, as Rahul Gandhi has been speaking up for them very strongly.

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The sportsperson-turned-politician recalled that on 31 March 2000, the Congress government in Delhi under then chief minister Sheila Dikshit issued a notification for the inclusion of Jats in the OBC list. When farmers of the entire country were protesting against the black farm laws, Kejriwal called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to issue a notification endorsing Modis three black farm laws in the city, she noted.

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Commenting on the guarantees of the BJP and AAP, Phogat said both the parties are copy-pasting the guarantees of the Congress-ruled states in Karnataka, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

AAP had announced Rs 1000 per month for the women of Punjab, but three years after the promise, the government is yet to implement it. Similarly, BJP had promised in Maharashtra that it will increase the honorarium for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 and in Madhya Pradesh from 1,250 to Rs 3,000, but these promises still remain on paper while Congress hiked the amount for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 as soon as the new Jharkhand government took charge, the MLA from Julana said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has allotted two seats to its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls on February 5.

While JD(U) will contest from the Burari seat, LJP will fight the poll from the Deoli assembly seat.

The BJP on Thursday released its fourth list of nine candidates for the polls, thus declaring 68 of the 70 names, leaving two seats for its allies.

While JD(U) has announced Shailendra Kumar as its candidate from Burari, the LJP (RV) is likely to field a candidate from Deoli.

Both the JD(U) and LJP (Ram Vilas), with a stronghold in Bihar that goes to polls this year, are key partners in the BJP-NDA.

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The BJP also named nine more candidates for the elections to the 70-member assembly, fielding Shikha Rai and Anil Vashishth from Greater Kailash and Babarpur, respectively.

The Congress had already declared 68 candidates out of Delhis 70 assembly seats. The ruling AAP has already declared its candidates for all 70 seats.

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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 Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats.

Earlier, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari attacked ruling AAP on the Yamuna cleaning issue.

 AAP does the work of buying & selling; I pray to the people of Delhi to send such parties off Arvind Kejriwal does not have any right to ask for votes, as he did not keep his word of cleaning Yamuna, the BJP leader said.

Taking a dig at AAP national convenor, Chairperson of Delhi State Haj Committee and BJP leader, Kausar Jahan said, As per the affidavit Arvind Kejriwal submitted to the Election Commission, his and his wifes collective net worth is Rs 4 crore 36 lakh. I want to ask Arvind Kejriwal- When will the Aam Aadmis of Delhi become such a Crorepati Aam Aadmi? I have full faith that the BJP will form their government in Delhi.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, People wont believe their lieswe have assured and will announce in our election manifesto as well about the schemesif the state government doesnt cooperate, then things wont move forward. In the last 10 years, the Delhi government hasnt let central government schemes be implemented in Delhithey are doing vote bank politics. All the schemes that have been stuck, we will resume everything once we come to powerthe illegal colonies, under the PM-UDAY Yojana, being given ownershipall colonies will be approved, some relaxation of norms will be donewe will do all these works once we come to power

Congress also attacked AAP, saying that BJP and Congress are progressing with strength, prompting Kejriwal to attack both parties.

In the last 11 years, what has AAP done except play the blame game? If you look at the recent Haryana elections, AAP helped the BJP by cutting the votes of Congress. AAP does this in every state In the last phase of the election campaigns, Arvind Kejriwal can see that BJP and Congress are progressing with strength; that is why hes attacking both parties, Congress leader Mumtaz Patel said.

After Samjawadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, part of the INDIA bloc, extended his support to AAP in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Congress MP Imran Masood said that it is his personal opinion.

This is his decisionif he says something about Uttar Pradesh, then I can speak on it. If he says that in Uttar Pradesh, they (SP) will go alone, then we can respond to that He has also said just because he is supporting AAP for Delhi elections doesnt mean that he is against Congress 43 seats (in Uttar Pradesh) were won because of Rahul Gandhis name, Congress MP Imran Masood said.

Delhi Minister and AAP candidate from the Greater Kailash Assembly seat, Saurabh Bharadwaj, said that Delhi elections have become a big black spot for democracy.

For any democratic country, where the foundation of democracy is 75-80 years old, the election process is considered very sacred. Every process under the complete electoral process is videographed. Under that process, today shoes, sarees, and bedsheets are being distributed in Delhi. Today the Delhi Assembly election has become a big black spot for democracy, Bharadwaj said.

Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann said, People are coming here on their own; we are not paying them for coming here It means that people have made up their minds. Delhi is ready to write a story for the fourth timea story of truth and honesty We will list out our works before the people. We wont say that we will do this or that, we will list out what we did. We do the politics of work Going by the atmosphere that has formed, I can say that AAP kisi survey mein nahi aati, sarkar mein hi aati hai

They will maintain their record. It would be zero (seats) this time too, he added.
BJP chief J P Nadda on Friday launched the first part of the partys manifesto for Delhi polls with key promises including Rs 2,500 monthly monetary assistance to poor women, medical insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh to every resident, Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens, and Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders.

He also assured that no scheme of public interest would be stopped if the BJP is voted to power after the Assembly elections.

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Addressing a press conference here while launching BJPs Sankalp Patra Part  I for Delhi Assembly polls, Nadda said, The points I am going to make today are going to lay the foundation of a developed Delhi. Today we will discuss those points on how to take forward a developed Delhi.

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The saffron party in the first part of its manifesto has promised to give Rs 2,500 to every woman in Delhi every month through Mahila Samridhi Yojana. Every poor woman in Delhi will be given financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month, the manifesto said.

An amount of Rs 2,500 per month will be given to every woman in Delhi under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana. This scheme will be passed in the cabinet in the first instance, Nadda said while addressing the press conference.

The BJP, in its manifesto, has also promised that every pregnant woman in Delhi will get financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutrition kits.

Nadda further said all existing welfare schemes currently operational in Delhi will continue to be implemented even after the BJP forms the government.

These schemes will be executed more effectively and further strengthened to benefit the people. Additionally, we are committed to eradicating every avenue of corruption, which has been a hallmark of the AAP-led administration, he said.

The BJP national president also announced that the new BJP government will approve the Union governments flagship health scheme Ayushman Bharat in letter and spirit, in the first cabinet meeting and will also enhance the limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Apart from Centres Rs 5 lakh medical insurance under Ayushman Bharat, the new city dispensation will give additional benefits of Rs 5 lakh, together, taking it to a total of Rs 10 lakh, Nadda said.

The BJP has promised that the pension of senior citizens will be increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per month.

The saffron party has further promised that the pension of senior citizens of above 70 years, widows and destitute women will be increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per month.

To make the life of senior citizens simple and successful, our government will increase the senior citizen pension for 60 to 70 year olds from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500. Apart from this, the pension of senior citizens above 70 years, widows and destitute women will be increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000, Nadda said.

The BJP has also promised that every woman from a poor family in Delhi will be given a subsidy of Rs 500 on gas cylinders. Apart from this, one cylinder each will be given free on Holi and Diwali, the saffron party further promised in its manifesto.

Poor sisters will be given a subsidy of Rs 500 on the cylinder and one cylinder each will be given free on Holi and Diwali, Nadda said.

During the press conference, Nadda hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, saying that a BJP government will investigate AAPs alleged corruption.

Their (AAPs) mohalla clinic is a den of corruption and a programme to hoodwink people. Fraud lab tests have been conducted in his mohalla clinic and a scam of Rs 300 crore has taken place. When our government comes, all these will be thoroughly investigated, the BJP national president said.

He further criticised the other promises which Delhis ruling party has failed to give, claiming that they were not able to fulfil their promise of giving Rs 2100 in Punjab too.

Calling it AAPdas track record, he added, Let me shed some light on AAPdas track record. They promised to give Rs 2100 per month in 2021. They neither gave it here in Delhi nor in Punjab. In 2024, they promised to give Rs 1000 per month. As expected, they did not provide it here in Delhi or Punjab. They failed to give subsidies on LPG.

The saffron party in its manifesto also promised setting up of Atal canteens in Delhi if it is voted to power after the Assembly polls. The canteens will provide food to the poor and marginalised at just Rs 5.

We have decided that we will make arrangements to provide a full meal at Rs 5 in all the slum clusters through Atal Canteen here in Delhi. For this we will launch Atal Canteen Yojana, Nadda said.

The Delhi Assembly elections are going to be held in a single phase on February 5, with counting to be done on February 8.
Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has strongly criticized the ongoing protests against her film Emergency, calling it complete harassment of art and the artist.

The film, which she directed and stars in, has faced significant opposition, particularly from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for overseeing historic gurudwaras in several northern states, including Punjab.

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The protests against Kangana Ranauts Emergency are primarily centered around concerns raised by the SGPC and other political figures who claim that the film portrays the Sikh community in a negative light.

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Ranaut, who represents Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has dismissed these claims as propaganda aimed at damaging her reputation and undermining her films release.

This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened.

I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh https://t.co/VQEWMqiFih  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 17, 2025

In a tweet responding to Punjab MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who called for an immediate ban on Emergency, Ranaut expressed her frustration, stating, This is complete harassment of art and the artist.

She further emphasized her respect for all religions, particularly the Sikh faith, with which she says she has a close connection, having grown up in Chandigarh.

This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film, she added.

The controversy surrounding Emergency stems from its portrayal of the Emergency period in India, which was declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977. The film covers the political climate during this tumultuous time and its lasting effects.

While Kangana plays the lead role of Indira Gandhi, the film also features prominent actors like Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade.

Kanganas critics, including MLA Khaira from the Bholath constituency in Punjab, have voiced concerns over the films portrayal of Sikhs and farmers.

Khaira, in a post on social media platform X, expressed his support for the SGPCs demand to ban the film. He accused Ranaut of being a known critic of farmers and Sikhs and stated that the film could defame the people of Punjab and misrepresent their contributions to the country.

In response to the growing protests, security measures have been heightened in cinema halls across Amritsar. Station House Officer (SHO) Baljinder Singh Aulakh confirmed that police were stationed at local theaters to maintain law and order.

We received a call from SGPC that the film shouldnt be screened. Accordingly, security has been heightened here, Aulakh told ANI. However, he also mentioned that no screenings of Emergency were scheduled at the time.
Saif Ali Khan, who is currently recovering at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after a shocking attack at his home, is being praised by his medical team for his resilience and quick thinking.

The actor, who was stabbed six times by an unknown assailant, is now out of the ICU and in a special room, showing remarkable progress in his recovery.

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On Friday afternoon, Dr. Niraj Uttamani, the Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, provided an update on Saifs condition.

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He shared that the actors health had significantly improved since his surgery. Saif, who was initially admitted with serious injuries, was able to walk today, and doctors are optimistic that there are no lasting effects from the attack, including paralysis.

Dr. Uttamani described Saifs actions during the attack as heroic, noting that he remained calm despite the severity of his injuries.

The doctors were particularly relieved that the knife wound came perilously close to his spine, with the blade stopping just 2 millimeters away from damaging the spinal cord. Had it gone deeper, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

He is very fortunate to have escaped such a close call, Dr. Uttamani said, emphasizing how narrowly Saif had avoided a life-changing injury.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Nitin Dange, who performed the surgery on Thursday, also spoke to the media about Saifs remarkable recovery. He described the actors condition as excellent and noted that Saif was already able to walk with little pain.

The #MumbaiPolice clarified that no person related to the case of actor #SaifAliKhan had been detained so far. Despite earlier claims, the individual brought to Bandra Police station was not linked to the incident. Meanwhile, #YogeshKadam, Maharashtras Junior Minister for Home pic.twitter.com/2bp0KapnBk  The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 17, 2025

The surgery had repaired the damage to his spine, and although there were concerns about potential infections due to the nature of the injury, doctors are confident that Saif will make a full recovery.

While Saifs progress is encouraging, Dr. Dange stressed the importance of rest during the initial recovery period. The actors movements are currently restricted, especially due to the vulnerability of his spine.

Doctors have advised minimal activity for about a week to prevent any complications, including infections. Visitors are being carefully managed to ensure Saif Ali Khan can rest and recover without disruption.

Saifs medical team is optimistic that his recovery will continue smoothly, with no signs of paralysis or other severe complications.
The highly anticipated sequel project Son of Sardaar 2 led by Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur locks a release date. Given the popularity of the original title, fans have been patiently waiting for the sequel to hit the theatres. Releasing 13 years after the first film Son of Sardaar 2 is among the most awaited releases of the year. The upcoming film is going to release on July 25, 2025.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to X to share the tantalising piece of news. AJAY DEVGN: SON OF SARDAAR 2 RELEASE DATE LOCKED 25 July 2025 is the release date of #SonOfSardaar2, the much-anticipated sequel to #SonOfSardaar [2012]. Starring #AjayDevgn and #MrunalThakur, #SOS2 is directed by #VijayKumarArora. Presented by #JioStudios and #DevgnFilms, #SonOfSardaar2 is produced by #AjayDevgn, #JyotiDeshpande, #NRPachisia and #PravinTalreja and co-produced by #KumarMangatPathak.

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Meanwhile, the first Son of Sardaar released in 2012. The title starred Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles of Billu and Jassi. However, last year, reports surfaced that Sanjay Dutt could not travel to the UK following his visa rejection. Subsequently, this stirred speculation about the actor walking out of the project.

In an interview with Bombay Times, the actor reflected on the issue. He said, I know one thing that the UK government did not do the right thing. They gave me the Visa (initially). Waha (in the UK) sab payment ho gaye the. Everything was ready. Then a month later, you are cancelling my Visa! I gave you (the UK government) all the papers and everything required. Why did you give me the Visa (in the first place)? You shouldnt have given me the visa. How come it took you one month to realise the laws? However, later, Danik Bhaskar claimed that Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn would shoot for the film in Punjab. Vijay Kumar Arora will helm Son of Sardaar 2.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan walks after stabbing case: Remarkable recovery, out of ICU

The first film featured Ajay Devgn trying to win Sonakshi Sinhas hand in marriage by impressing her older brother, played by Sanjay Dutt. Meanwhile, the plot of the slated title remains under wraps.
Following his suit against the New York Times, It Ends With Us director and actor Justin Baldoni sues co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million. Moreover, he drags Taylor Swift into the case by claiming that Lively leveraged her friendship with the global icon to pressure him. Baldonis countersuit comes after Lively sued him for sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her after she called his behaviour on set. In his suit, the actor sues Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist for damages, citing civil extortion, defamation and invasion of privacy.

Apart from citing defamation, Baldoni accuses Lively of trying to take complete control of It Ends With Us. He states that the actress relied on Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swifts stardom to pressure him.

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Justin Baldoni accuses Lively of trying to destroy his image:

Justin Baldonis attorney, Bryan Freedman, states that Lively and her team engaged in spreading misinformation. The suit states that they circulated grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media. He also accuses them of trying to bulldoze reputations and livelihoods for heinously selfish reasons. In the 179-page complaint, Baldoni accuses the couple of sabotaging his reputation. The reported complaint states that Blake Lively was determined to make Baldoni the real-life villain in her story to avoid being labelled as tone-deaf during the films media tour.

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Baldonis team alleges that the couple used media to falsely accuse Baldoni and others involved in the production of sexual harassment and other misconduct. The lawsuit states: This is a case about two of the most powerful stars in the world deploying their enormous power to steal an entire film right out of the hands of its director and production studio. Then, when Lively and Reynolds efforts failed to win them the acclaim they believed they so richly deserved, they turned their fury on their chosen scapegoat.

The suit alleges that Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift tried to pressure Justin Baldoni to let Lively re-write key scene:

As reported by PEOPLE, Baldoni described Livelys involvement in rewriting key movie scenes. The actor claims pressure from Reynolds and Taylor Swift. During pre-production, Lively reportedly requested to rewrite the pivotal rooftop scene. In the scene, Livelys character, Lily Bloom, meets Baldonis character, Ryle Kincaid. While Baldoni was initially hesitant, he agreed to look at her revisions.

Reportedly, after Baldoni expressed mild resistance, Lively went silent for days before responding via text. She said didnt feel great to her, Reynolds, and Taylor Swifta close friend of the couple. The suit also alleges that Lively and Reynolds invited Baldoni to their penthouse where their close friend, Taylor Swift was also present. His suit alleges that the trio subtly pressured him to accept Livelys re-write. Subsequently, he gave in.

Blake Lively compares herself to Khaleesi from GOT:

As per the complaint, she responded enthusiastically, comparing herself to Game of Thrones Khaleesi. Moreover, the actress reportedly called Reynolds and Swift her dragons who protect her.

Lively allegedly texted Baldoni, If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, youll appreciate that Im Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So, really, we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.

Referencing the message, the suit claims, The message could not have been clearer. Baldoni was not just dealing with Lively. He was also facing Livelys dragons, two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who were not afraid to make things very difficult for him.

Baldonis suit against The New York Times and his letter to Marvel and Disney:

Prior to suing Lively and Reynolds, Justin Baldoni sued The New York Times over their article detailing Livelys allegations against him. He sued the outlet for reporting misinformation and defamation. Meanwhile, recently, Justin Baldonis attorney, Bryan Freedman sent a litigation hold letter to Marvel president Kevin Feige, Disney CEO Bob Iger and director Tim Miller. The notice asks them to preserve all documents related to the Deadpool and Wolverine character Nicepool and data connected to Baldoni.

Also read: Justin Baldoni asks Marvel and Disney to preserve documents about Deadpool and Wolverines Nicepool

For Justins suit against NY Times: Justin Baldoni sues The New York Times in connection to the Blake Lively case

For details on Livelys accusations, Read: Blake Lively sues It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment
Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency was released in theatres on Friday with mixed reviews even as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) protested against its screening in Punjab.

The SGPC is demanding a ban on the film in the northern state for its wrongful depiction of the Sikh community.

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Protests were held outside theatres in cities like Amritsar and Patiala, and visuals from these locations showed heavy police presence to ensure order. Several theatres across the state also canceled the films screening due to strong opposition from the SGPC.

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Reacting to the protests, a statement from Ranauts team read, This is complete harassment of art and artists from Punjab and many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh.

The film also marks Ranauts directorial debut and features Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, and Vishak Nair in supporting roles.

The SGPC claimed the film portrays Sikhs in a negative light and distorts historical facts, especially regarding the Sikh community and the events of 1984. One protestor said, We are against the release of Emergency because it misrepresents the Sikh religion and history. We had raised our concerns earlier, but the government did nothing to stop the film. The Censor Board allowed it, and now we are protesting.

The protestors also warned that the Punjab government would be responsible for any law and order problems, as they had already written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann without receiving a reply.

In August last year, the SGPC sent a legal notice to the films producers, alleging that it misrepresented the character and history of Sikhs, and asked them to remove objectionable scenes depicting anti-Sikh sentiments.

Punjab Congress chief and Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that governments and censor boards must keep an eye on films like Emergency because such films show scripted stories, which are not true, adding that the facts are twisted; otherwise, they wouldnt be successful if there was no masala.
People try to control bulls during a traditional bull-taming festival called Jallikattu in Kyauktan township on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People try to control bulls during a traditional bull-taming festival called Jallikattu in Kyauktan township on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People try to control a bull during a traditional bull-taming festival called Jallikattu in Kyauktan township on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Nora Fatehi and Jason Derulo have joined forces to release their highly anticipated single, Snake, under Warner Music.

The track, a bold fusion of R&B with Moroccan and Middle Eastern influences, is already making waves with its infectious rhythm and cutting-edge production.

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Fans are calling it a global anthem in the making, destined to dominate playlists and dance floors everywhere.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nora Fatehi (@norafatehi)

Sharing her excitement on social media, Nora posted a clip from the song with the caption, Finally, my biggest international collaboration with Jason Derulo, Snake, is out now! Play it loud and move it like a snake .

The post quickly gained traction, with fans flooding the comments with praise and excitement.

The track marks a significant milestone for Nora as she not only stars in the video but also showcases her vocal talents. The accompanying music video is a visual spectacle, featuring breathtaking choreography and stunning visuals.

Noras signature belly dancing takes center stage, adding to the videos high-energy appeal. Filmed amidst the picturesque landscapes of Marrakesh, Morocco, the production shows the hard work of an international crew led by Moroccan director Abderrafia El Abdioui and Indian choreographer Rajit Dev.

The songs production credits include American record producer Tommy Brown, known for his work with global icons like Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, BTS, and The Weeknd.

Alongside his team, Parker and Courtlin, Brown has crafted a track that seamlessly blends cross-cultural elements with modern pop sensibilities.
With the principal opposition AIADMK and the BJP boycotting the February 5 crucial bypoll for the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Erode East constituency, both are apparently yielding the opposition political space to a resurgent Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) of filmmaker Seeman, espousing Tamil nationalism.

DMK nominee VC Chandirakumar and the NTK candidate MK Seethalakshmi filed their nominations on Friday, the last date for filing them. Since the nine others who have filed the papers are independents, the contest is primarily between the ruling DMK and the NTK. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazham (TVK) of actor Vijay has also stayed away from the contest.

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The byelection is necessitated by the demise of Congress veteran and former Union Minister EVKS Elangovan, grand nephew of rationalist social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy, the Dravidian icon. He too was elected in a bypoll in 2023 following the death of his son, Evera Thirumagan. This time, the Congress has given up the seat to its dominant alliance partner on a request.

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More than making it easy for the DMK, the boycott of the AIADMK, DMDK of late actor Vijayakant, and the BJP-led NDA has opened up an opportunity for Seeman to gain more political space. For, the NTK alone will be taking on the might of the DMK and its allies at the hustings and project itself as an alternative to the DMK ideologically as well.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha poll, the NTK, ploughing a lonely furrow, secured more than 8 per cent vote share. It clearly indicates that Tamil nationalist politics of Seeman, however crude chauvinistic it might be, has become mainstream. Further, this has helped the NTK to gain recognition as a recognised State Party by the Election Commission.

The BJP denies that their boycott will result in the party and the NDA losing the opposition space to the NTK. Our focus is on the 2026 Assembly election to unseat the DMK from power. Everyone knows that the DMK will make the election a farce as was the case last time when the voters were herded into shelters like cattle. They will use money and muscle power besides misuse of the official machinery. Hence, our boycott is not a negation of the democratic exercise, but a political message, says State BJP vice- president Narayanan Thirupathy. The AIADMK too has proffered similar justification.

However, analysts are of the view that the boycott is advantage for Seeman. More than any other leader, Seeman has been very vocal and consistent in his opposition to the DMK. That the principal opposition AIADMK as well as the BJP, eyeing the opposition space for long, aided by the DMK and the AIADMK, are staying away from the electoral battle, is a great advantage for Seeman and the NTK. Though the reasons for the boycott are understandable, it is undeniable that the field is wide open for the NTK, explains C Lakshmanan, who was formerly teaching at the Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS). In his view, the NTK would increase its vote share with creditable performance by getting the votes of AIADMK and the BJP, besides reaping the anti-DMK votes.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) has successfully enabled a new export initiative for BSRM Steel Re Rolling Mills, marking the first shipment of Soft Billets from the Nayagarh and Keonjhar district to Nepal.

The first rake was loaded on Friday, signaling the beginning of this crucial transportation link that is expected to see an initial traffic of three rakes per month.

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This development is part of a Business Development Initiative (BDU) by East Coast Railway designed to boost regional trade and improve connectivity for goods movement, especially steel products, to neighboring countries like Nepal. The strategic role of the railway in this new venture highlights the importance of rail transport in enhancing logistics efficiency and meeting the growing export demands from the region.

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The Railways role in facilitating this export venture underscores its commitment to supporting industrial development and enhancing the movement of goods across borders, said an official.
The body of 78-year-old Gopan Swami, exhumed earlier for a post-mortem examination following legal and public scrutiny of his familys claim of samadhi, was reinterred in a grand religious ceremony at his residence in Neyyattinkara on Friday.

Family members, alongside Hindu organizations such as the Hindu Aikya Vedi and Vaikunda Swami Dharma Pracharana Sabha, conducted the reburial, referring to it as a Maha Samadhi.

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The rituals included elaborate ceremonies, and a newly erected shrine called Rushipeetham now stands at the site of the controversial memorial in the familys courtyard.

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The reburial was marked by a religious procession, where the remains of Gopan Swami, seated cross-legged and wrapped in a red cloth, were transported from the mortuary to the family home in an open-top vehicle adorned with flowers. Supporters and relatives showered flowers on the body during the journey.

The ceremonies, led by Sanyasis (monks), concluded at 4 p.m. on Friday. Addressing reporters, family members and leaders of Hindu organizations claimed that the earlier controversies surrounding the samadhi were driven by communal motives. They asserted that the Maha Samadhi was a symbolic response to detractors questioning Gopan Swamis spiritual legacy.

The controversy began on January 9, when neighbors reported Gopan Swami missing. Days later, his family disclosed that he had attained samadhi and had been secretly buried in a sitting position beneath a concrete slab, covered with ash and incense.

Following public outcry, the Kerala High Court ordered the exhumation of the body, which was carried out by the Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police on Thursday.

The exhumed body was sent to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for a post-mortem examination. The inquest report noted no visible injuries or signs of unnatural death, though the exact cause will only be determined after the detailed post-mortem report is released.

Despite the earlier controversies, Fridays reburial ceremony proceeded smoothly, showcasing the intricate balance between faith, law, and public perception in the case of Gopan Swamis samadhi.
In just six days of the Mahakumbh, over 7 crore devotees, Kalpavasis and revered sants have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

The UP government estimates that this time, more than 45 crore people will attend the Mahakumbh. With such a massive influx of devotees, the security of the crowd is a major challenge for the Mahakumbh Police.

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However, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), set up in the fair area, is proving to be a boon in managing the crowd. It not only helps in controlling the huge influx of devotees but also plays a key role in various types of surveillance.

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ICCC played an important role in managing the massive crowd during the first day of the Mahakumbh, specifically during the Paush Purnima Snan festival and the Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti.

SP Amit Kumar, the in-charge of ICCC, said here on Friday that 2,750 cameras have been installed, which monitor not only the fair area but also the entire city. Surveillance is conducted from three angles: security, crowd management, and crime prevention.

He explained, With the cameras, we can monitor aspects like crowd flow, surveillance, and fire safety. For crowd management, we track the flow of people, where the crowd is concentrated, and how to regulate it. This technique helps us to direct the crowd to areas with less congestion.

In addition to crowd management, the cameras also aid in fire surveillance. We monitor for any signs of smoke or flames, said Amit Kumar. Parking areas are also under constant surveillance. Cameras installed in each parking lot indicate whether they are full or empty. When a parking lot reaches its capacity, we close it and direct vehicles to the next available lot. The nearest parking is filled first to minimise walking distance for the bathers.

He further explained that there are seven main routes connecting Prayagraj to other cities. With this in mind, parking arrangements have been strategically made in all directions to ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate the influx of visitors during the events.

SP Kumar emphasised the significant role of AI cameras, which help in decision-making, though he clarified that they are not completely relied upon. AI cameras increase our capacity to manage crowd control, which is unprecedented at such a large scale. Our forces are trained institutionally, but having data-based evidence helps further enhance our skills. He explained that there are four ICCC units in the fair area. In case of an emergency, another unit can be used for better coordination and monitoring.

He further mentioned that cameras have been installed at all critical and sensitive locations within the fair area, including ghats, major roads, and bridges. These cameras provide us with real-time information on crowd movement and help assess the crowd density at key locations like the Sangam. The cameras help us understand how people gather during such events, and we can monitor areas with higher crowd densities, such as at the ghats, while other areas remain less crowded, he said.
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday ruled out unity between his party and the BJP.

Responding to a media query here on Friday afternoon, Abdullah negated the possibility of unity between the two parties saying, This will never happen We can never unite.

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We cannot march along those who indulge in hate-mongering.

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The sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir arrived here on Friday afternoon to perform ziyarat at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

He said, I have come to pray before Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz for peace, tranquillity, and the progress of our state and its people, who have faced tough times for over a decade.
Maharashtras Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam accused the Opposition of trying to politice the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan by attacking the BJP-led Mahayuti government for the incident.

He said, No underworld gang is behind the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. Preliminary investigations have ruled out any such possibility. The Opposition wants to turn this into a political issue. This is being done only because his surname is Khan. So far, theft seems to be the only motive behind the incident, Yogesh Kadam said.

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The minister issued the statement on Friday in Pune after the entire Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and his daughter NCP MP Supriya Sule, raised questions over the state of law and order in Maharashtra.

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Initial investigation has revealed that the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan may have been with the intention of theft. The police found CCTV footage and they are investigating further. The thiefs face has also been identified and we are collecting information. The investigation is on. However, we cannot say before the investigation is over if it was just an attempted theft or if there was any intention to murder, Kadam said.

He said the thief entered the house through the back wall. I assure everyone that Mumbai is safe. The investigation is still going on. Let the investigation be completed, he said.

After the attack on Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Raut targeted the government saying law and order has deteriorated in Maharashtra since the last two years.

Everyones attention is only focused on meetings, conferences, festivals and welcoming the Prime Minister, but in which direction is the state going? Nobody is looking at that issue, Raut had said, criticising the law and order situation.
A police escort vehicle in the motorcade of National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah met with an accident when it was hit by a Nilgai, a large antelope, near Bhandarej in the Dausa district of Rajasthan.

The NC leader was heading to Ajmer on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway when the large antelope suddenly came hopping from the bushes before the speeding vehicle of the Delhi Police around 1345hrs on Friday.

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The animal forcefully hit the vehicle, damaging it badly. Luckily, both lifesaver airbags opened in time to save the four on-duty policemen.

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Farooq Abdullah is also unhurt.

The sitting Rajya Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir was on his way to Ajmer to perform ziyarat at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the urgent need to fortify Indias offensive and defensive capabilities, given the current global turmoil and the evolving rules-based international order.

Speaking at an event marking 2024 as the Year of Naval Civilians, Singh on Friday underscored the growing complexities facing the Armed Forces due to the volatile geopolitical security environment and called for rapid enhancement of Indias critical defense capabilities.

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If we assess the entire decade from a defence and security perspective, we can say that it has been a volatile decade. We are witnessing conflicts and wars in different regions across the world. Keeping these things in mind, we need planning, resourcing and budgeting for our security, he said.

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There is a need to adopt a consultative approach. We need to take inputs from all the stakeholders on how to face future challenges. Our forces should be equipped and ready according to the changing times, said Singh, stressing that the civilian workforce plays a vital role in this process.

Singh further highlighted the indispensable role of the civilian workforce, describing them as soldiers without uniforms who provide crucial support to the militarys complex operations.

He called for the civilian sector to embrace values such as patriotism, discipline, and valour, which are essential to strengthen Indias security apparatus. In the broader scope of national service, every responsible civilian is a soldier without uniform, and every soldier is a civilian in uniform, he added.

The Defence Minister also lauded the recent induction of three indigenous warships  INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer  built by Mazagon Dock Limited, calling them a testament to Indias growing military prowess.

He emphasized the significance of maritime security, linking Indias economic prosperity to the protection of its territorial waters and ensuring safe sea routes for global trade.

As naval powers scale back their presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy has ramped up its efforts to ensure regional security, particularly in strategic areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Singh also drew attention to the growing importance of cybersecurity in maritime defense, warning that cyber threats could prove devastating if left unchecked. He advocated for a specialized campaign to raise awareness about cybersecurity within the Armed Forces.

Reiterating the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Singh urged the civilian workforce to continuously upgrade their skills in line with technological advancements. He emphasized a Whole of the Government approach, urging collaboration across all sectors to achieve the countrys larger goals.

Our goal is to work with the Whole of the Government approach. It should not be linked only to the level of department or organisation. If people work together, then no matter which organisation they are associated with, they will work for the larger goal of the country, he said.

Moving beyond the Whole of the Government approach, we should work with the Whole of the People approach. Together, we will not only strengthen India from a strategic point of view, but will also give new dimensions to its holistic development, added Singh.
The Supreme Court, on Friday, stayed the Delhi High Courts December 2024 order directing Chief Minister Atishi Marlenas Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) scheme in the national capital.

A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih issued a notice and sought the Central governments reply to the Delhi governments plea challenging the high court order.

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Appearing for the Delhi government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi asked how can the high court force the state government to sign the MoU with the Central government.

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Singhvi told the bench that if the MoU is signed, the Centre will bear 60 per cent cost of the capital expenditure and the Delhi government to bear 40 per cent, but the Centre will not share any part of the expenditure on the running of the scheme.

Having flagged the issue of the fiscal component of running the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission scheme, he told the court that the reach and coverage of the Delhi governments own health scheme is much larger.

The order of high court came while dealing with a suo motu PIL initiated in 2017 concerning the health infrastructure in government hospitals.

It was said non-implementation of the PM-ABHIM Scheme in Delhi, when 33 states and Union Territories have already implemented the same, would not be justified.
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Friday that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has the potential to help ASEAN member states grow their economies with high capacity and resilience.

Hun Sen made the remarks during a meeting with Johari bin Abdul, speaker of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat, lower house of the parliament, in the capital Phnom Penh, the senate said in a press release after the meeting.

As Malaysia is ASEAN's chair for 2025, Hun Sen has a strong conviction that Malaysia will lead the region to further develop, the press release said.

He also suggested that Malaysia consider initiating a mechanism for ASEAN-level trade negotiations with its external partners, the press release added.

Entering into force on Jan. 1, 2022, the RCEP comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the RCEP would help reduce the gap in development between rich and poor ASEAN member states.

"The RCEP has lowered tariffs and reduced trade barriers, which has led to more trade between ASEAN member states and their trading partners," he told Xinhua. "The world's largest free trade agreement has also helped improve ASEAN's integration into the global economy and global supply chains." 
The security forces gunned down 12 Maoist insurgents in an intense day-long encounter near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border on Thursday. The joint operation involved over 1,500 personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), COBRA units and the CRPF, targeting Maoist strongholds in the tri-junction of Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts.

Bastar Inspector General, Sundarraj P, confirmed the operation, adding that a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. The operation was launched following intelligence inputs indicating the presence of senior Maoist leaders in the area, including members of Battalion 1, Company 9, and the Pamed Area Committee.

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The encounter began early Thursday in the forests of Pujari Kanker, with intermittent gunfire continuing throughout the day. By evening, reports confirmed the elimination of 12 Maoists, including several leaders carrying bounties of up to Rs eight lakh each. The security forces meticulously combed the area, ensuring Maoist positions were encircled.

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Among the targeted groups was the elusive Core Committee member Hidma, a high-ranking Maoist leader known to operate in the region. While his presence at the site remains unconfirmed, the operation dealt a significant blow to Maoist structures in the region.

Search operations are still underway, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in the dense forested terrain. The final assessment of the operations success, including the identification of the deceased Maoists, will be determined once all units regroup.

The encounter follows an earlier operation on January 12, where five Maoists, including two women, were killed in Bijapurs Madde area. However, the insurgents continue to pose threats through IED attacks. On Thursday, two BSF personnel were injured in Narayanpur after stepping on an IED planted by Maoists, while two COBRA jawans sustained injuries in a similar incident in Bijapurs Basaguda area.

The state Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the forces, stating, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have vowed to eradicate Maoist insurgency by March 2026. Our state is committed to this goal. The security forces have shown remarkable bravery in combating Maoist insurgents. I salute their courage, especially in the Bijapur-Sukma operation, where 12 Maoists were neutralized.

The operation marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist networks in southern Chhattisgarh. Security forces have been intensifying operations in the Bastar region, aided by actionable intelligence and enhanced coordination between units.

This latest success of security forces is expected to weaken Maoist influence in the tri-junction area of Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts in southern Chhattisgarh, a long-time stronghold of insurgents. The governments comprehensive approach, combining robust military operations and developmental initiatives, aims to eradicate the Maoist insurgency in the region.
Singapore, on Friday, signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Odisha government in various spheres, including petrochemical and semiconductor sectors, after the arrival of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam here on a two-day official visit to extend cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), skill development ecosystem, the semiconductor industry in the coastal state.

Shanmugaratnam, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, MPs, and officials, visited the World Skill Centre set up here by Singapores Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES) with funding from the Asian Development Bank.

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The Singaporean presidents visit marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Singapore and the state of Odisha. There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha, said CM Majhi, who extended a warm welcome to the visiting foreign dignitary.

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A series of MoUs were exchanged between the government of Odisha and various Singaporean entities to strengthen collaboration in key sectors. These include the Industrial Park sector with MoU signed between Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Sembcorp, Singapore.

Similarly, in Green Hydrogen Corridor MoU was inked between IDCO and Sembcorp, Singapore. Likewise, IDCO Odisha and Surbana Jurong, Singapore signed MoU for Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR):

A MoU between Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Surbana Jurong, Singapore was also signed for urban infrastructure, new city development.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will also collaborate with GRIDCO Odisha and IIT Bhubaneswar in the field of new energy. For strengthening FinTech Ecosystem, a MoU between the Electronics & IT Department Odisha and Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Singapore.

The Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Odisha, and ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore resolved to focus on advanced skilling through a MoU.

Further the Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Odisha, and ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore laid focus on semiconductors by signing a MoU.

A detailed briefing was presented by Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, covering key themes such as skill development, industrial parks, master planning, ports and Paradip, renewable energy, semiconductors, information technology, data centers, culture, and connectivity.

During the visit, President Shanmugaratnam toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center and interacted with students and instructors, showcasing Odishas commitment to fostering technical education and innovation.

He later lauded Odishas efforts in advancing skill development and fostering innovation.

Ahead of Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha conclave, scheduled for January 28 and 29, the visit of Singapore president is being touted as a significant development to attract investors to the conclave.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Friday arrived here on a two-day official visit during which the South east Asian countrys head will take part in an MoU signing ceremony to extend cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to further enhance the skill development ecosystem, particularly for the semiconductor industry in the coastal state.

Shanmugaratnam, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, MPs, and officials, is also scheduled to visit the World Skill Centre, which was set up here by Singapores Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES) with funding from the Asian Development Bank.

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Besides, he will tour the UNESCO heritage site of Konark Sun Temple, a vaccine manufacturing plant and the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar. He will also pay a visit to the vaccine manufacturing plant of Bharat Biotech in the State capital.

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Ahead of Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha conclave, scheduled for January 28 and 29, the visit of Singapore president is being believed as a significant development to attract investors to the conclave.
At least 12 Indian nationals have died while serving the Russian Army in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday.

At a media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there were a total of 126 Indian nationals working in the Russian armed forces. Of them, 96 have returned to India, having been discharged from the Russian armed forces.

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A total of 18 Indian nationals still remain with the Russian forces. The whereabouts of 16 of them are not known. The Russian side has categorised them as missing, the spokesperson said, adding New Delhi is in touch with their families. The spokesperson said India has asked Moscow to release all those Indians still working with the Russian forces and repatriate them as early as possible.

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The spokesperson condoled the recent death of Binil Babu from Kerala while serving the Russian Army. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities so that his mortal remains could come back to India as soon as possible. Another person, who was injured, is receiving treatment in Moscow. Hopefully, he will also be returning to India soon after his treatment is completed, he added.
Decades pass and, although Capital has often been described as an outdated text, the debate surrounding this book persists. Despite being 157 years old, Karl Marxs critique of political economy retains all the qualities of a great classic: it sparks new insights with every reading and continues to shed light on key aspects of both the past and the present. Moreover, it has the remarkable ability to place the chronicle of the present ~ and the often-inadequate figures at its helm ~ into the relative perspective they deserve.

It is no coincidence that the well known Italian writer and journalist Italo Calvino asserted that a classic is one that helps us relegate the present to the status of background noise. Classics point to the essential issues and inescapable truths necessary to understand the problems thoroughly and resolve them. This is why they consistently captivate new generations of readers. A classic remains indispensable despite the passage of time and, in the case of Capital, one could argue that its relevance only grows as capitalism spreads to every corner of the globe and expands into all aspects of our lives.

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Following the outbreak of the 2007-2008 economic crisis, the rediscovery of Marxs magnum opus became a real necessity, almost a response to an emergency: bringing back into circulation the text ~ long forgotten after the fall of the Berlin Wall ~ that offered still-relevant interpretative keys to understanding the true causes of capitalisms destructive madness. As global stock market indices were burning through hundreds of billions of euros, and numerous financial institutions declared bankruptcy, within a few months Capital sold more copies than it had in the previous two decades combined. The current revival of Capital, however, responds to a different need: the need to define, thanks to the substantial body of recent scholarship, which version of the work to trust as the most reliable one.

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Marxs original intention ~ outlined in the early preparatory manuscript of the work (the Grundrisse of 1857-58) ~ was to divide his work into six books. The first three would focus on capital, landed property, and wage labour; the following books would cover the state, foreign trade, and the world market. Over time, Marxs realization of the impossibility of undertaking such an expensive project forced him to adopt a more feasible approach. He considered leaving out the last three volumes and incorporating parts on landed property and wage labor into the book on capital.

Capital was then conceived as a three-part structure: Book I would focus on The Process of Capitalist Production, Book II on The Process of Circulation of Capital, and Book III on The Overall Process of Capitalist Production. A fourth book was plan  ned to cover the history of theory, but it was never started and is often mistakenly conflated with Theories of Surplus Value. As is well known, Marx was only able to complete Book I of Capital in accordance with his original plan. Books II and III were published posthumously, in 1885 and 1894, respectively, thanks to a massive editorial effort by Friedrich Engels.

While scholars have long debated the reliability of these two volumes ~ based on incomplete, fragmented manuscripts written years apart and containing numerous unresolved the oretical issues ~ fewer have delved into another equally crucial question: whether a definitive version of Book I existed. This debate has resurfaced, capturing the attention of translators and publishers, and this year two major new editions of Capital were released. In Italy ~ the third country after Russia and France to translate the work, which was intended as a key tool in the struggle for proletarian emancipation ~ the text was published by the prestigious Einaudi. This represents the eighth Italian translation, the first having been published in 1886.

In the United States, the prestigious Princeton University Press released, in a print run of 13,000 copies, the first new English translation in fifty years ~ the fourth English edition. First published in 1867, after over two decades of prep  a ratory research, Marx was neverfully satisfied with the structure of the volume. He ended up dividing it into just six lengthy chapters and, notably, was dissatisfied with how he presented the theory of value, which he had to split into two parts: one in the first chapter and the other in an appendix, hastily written after the manuscript had already been submitted. As a result, the work continued to occupy Marxs attention even after its publication. In preparation for the second edition, published in installments between 1872 and 1873, Marx rewrote the crucial section on the theory of value, added various supplements addressing the distinction between constant and variable capital, surplus value, and the use of machinery and technology.

He also reorganized the entire structure of the book, dividing it into seven sections, comprising 25 chapters, which were then meticulously subdivided into paragraphs. Marx closely followed the progress of the Russian translation (1872) as much as possible and devoted even more energy to preparing the French version, which appeared in installments bet  ween 1872 and 1875. In fact, he had to spend much more time than anticipated correcting the drafts. Dissatisfied with the work of the translator, who had rendered the text too literally, Marx rewrote entire sections to make the dialectical parts more digestible for the French audience and to implement changes he deemed essential. These revisions were mainly concentrated in the final section, dedicated to the Process of Accumulation of Capital.

He also altered the structure of the chapters, which increased after further adjustments to the distribution of the material. In the postscript to the French edition, Marx did not hesitate to assign it scientific value independent of the original and observed that it should also be consulted by readers who know German. Not by chance, when the possibility of an English edition arose in 1877, Marx emphasized that the translator should necessarily compare the second German edition with the French edition, in which he had added something new and better described many things. These were not merely stylistic tweaks. The changes Marx made to the various editions also reflected the results of his ongoing studies and the evolution of his critical thought. Marx and Engels differed on the issue. Marx, satisfied with the new version, considered it, in many parts, an improvement over the previous ones.

Engels, on the other hand, while praising the theoretical improvements in certain areas, was highly skeptical of the literary style imposed by the French translation, vigorously writing: I would consider it a great mistake to take this version as the basis for the English translation. Consequently, when Engels was asked shortly after his friends death to publish the third German edition (1883) of Book I, he limited his changes to only the most necessary ones.

In the preface, he informed the reader that Marxs intention had been to rework the text largely, but that his poor health had prevented him from doing so. Engels worked with a German copy, corrected in various places by Marx, and a copy of the French translation, in which Marx had indicated the passages he considered indispensable. Angels kept his revisions to a minimum and could confidently declare: In this third edition, no word has been changed that I am not certain the author himself would have changed. However, he did not include all the variations Marx had indicated. The English translation (1887), fully supervised by Engels, was based on the third German edition. Engels claimed that this edition, like the second German edition, was superior to the French translation ~ especially in terms of the structure of the index. The fourth German edition was published in 1890; it was the last one prepared by Engels.

With more time at his disposal, he was able to incorporate ~ though still excluding some ~ other corrections Marx had made to the French version. The 1890 Engels edition became the canonical version of Capital, from which most translations worldwide were derived. However, the debate has never truly ended. Which of these five versions presents the best structure for the work? Which edition incorporates the theoretical advancements of the later Marx? The editors of the new American translation decided to rely primarily on the 1872-73 edition ~ the last German edition revised by Marx. A recent new German version (edited by T. Kuczynski) proposed an alternative that, claiming greater fidelity to Marxs intent, includes additional changes made for the French translation.

The former has the flaw of neglecting parts of the French version that are clearly superior to the German, while the latter produced a text that is confusing and difficult to read. In contrast, the best is to include all the variants of each edition and various other preparatory manuscripts written by Marx in the long process of writing his masterpiece (the Italian translation does so). Nevertheless, no definitive version of Book I exists, and the systematic comparison of the revisions made by Marx and Engels remains a task for future scholars.

(The writer is Professor of Sociology, York University, Toronto)
The arrest of South Koreas sitting president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of insurrection has set a historic precedent, marking a pivotal moment for the countrys democracy. This dramatic event, unprecedented in its scale and implications, underscores the resilience of South Koreas democratic institutions while exposing deep political and societal divisions. The unfolding crisis is not merely a legal or political spectacle but a test of the countrys commitment to upholding the rule of law and constitutional order. The accusations against the president, stemming from a failed martial law order, are grave. Such an act directly threatens the democratic fabric of any nation.

While the investigation and subsequent arrest have been met with both acclaim and condemnation, the message is clear: no leader is above the law. This principle is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and South Koreas willingness to pursue accountability at the highest level reflects its institutional maturity. However, the process leading to this arrest raises significant concerns about polarisation and the public perception of justice. The dramatic operation to detain the president, involving barricades, barbed wire, and a standoff with security forces, has further divided public opinion. Supporters of the president view the arrest as politically motivated, while opponents see it as a necessary step toward restoring constitutional order. The tension between these camps reflects broader societal rifts, highlighting the challenges of maintaining national unity during such crises.

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This crisis also highlights the role of civil society in shaping democratic resilience. The protests outside the presidents residence, both for and against his arrest, illustrate the publics engagement in holding leaders accountable. While divisions are evident, such active participation reflects a society that values its democratic voice and recognises the importance of safeguarding it. The legal battle surrounding the arrest also raises important questions. The presidents legal team has challenged the validity of the warrant, alleging jurisdiction overreach by the investigative agency. This dispute underscores the need for clear legal frameworks and transparent processes when addressing allegations against sitting leaders. Any perception of bias or procedural flaws could erode public trust in the judicial system and the broader democratic framework.

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For South Ko rea, this moment is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates the strength of its institutions and the courage of its officials to confront allegations of abuse of power. On the other, it reveals political instability in the face of deep divisions. Moving forward, the country must navigate this crisis with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for democratic principles. Mr Yoons fate now rests with the courts, but the implications of this crisis extend far beyond individual accountability. It serves as a reminder to all democracies that power must be exercised within the bounds of the law. South Koreas ability to emerge from this turmoil with its democratic institutions intact will set a powerful example, proving that even in moments of great uncertainty, justice and democracy can prevail.
The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas offers a fragile respite in a volatile region. Brokered through Qatars mediation and supported by the United States, the agreement involves the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, alongside the entry of limited humanitarian aid into Gaza. While this development provides temporary relief, it underscores the deeper challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region. This agreement represents a vital step toward ending one of the regions most prolonged and devastating conflicts, offering a glimmer of hope for peace and stability. The success of this deal could pave the way for long-term reconciliation efforts.

President-elect Donald Trump heightened the urgency last week with a stark warning that all hell would break loose if the hostages, including Americans, were not freed before his inauguration. His remarks added considerable pressure on all sides to act swiftly, reflecting the global focus on the hostage crisis. President Joe Biden, speaking on the deal, described it as a critical step toward reducing tensions and urged all parties to uphold their commitments. His administration played a significant role in facilitating the agreement, highlighting the USs continuing influence in West Asian affairs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the deal as a vital step to ensure the safe return of Israeli hostages. However, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted of militant activities, has drawn criticism from Mr Netanyahus right-wing coalition members.

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Critics argue the releases could embolden Hamas and compromise Israeli security, illustrating the political tight-rope Mr Netanyahu must walk in balancing humanitarian priorities with domestic security concerns. In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Years of blockade and repeated military operations have devastated infrastructure, leaving millions without access to essential supplies like food, water, and medicine. The ceasefire allows for limited aid deliveries, but addressing Gazas long-term needs will require a sustained international effort and a commitment to rebuilding the region. Qatar has emerged as a critical mediator, leveraging its unique position to facilitate negotiations between parties unwilling to engage directly. Its role in brokering the ceasefire underscores the importance of regional actors in navigating the complexities of West Asian diplomacy. Despite these developments, the ceasefires fragility cannot be ignored. Extremist factions on both sides have historically undermined such agreements, and tensions over the prisoner exchange could derail the truce. The risk of renewed violence looms large if either party perceives breaches in the deal or if external pressures destabilise the arrangement.

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Mr Trumps warning serves as a reminder of how precarious the situation remains. While the ceasefire provides a brief moment of relief, it is far from a comprehensive resolution. As Mr Biden emphasised, sustained diplomacy, mutual restraint, and efforts to address the root causes of the conflict are essential to ensuring that this ause in violence becomes a foundation for long-term peace. Without such efforts, the region risks falling back into chaos.
In a cluster of villages inhabited by Tharu tribals in the terai area of Uttarakhand, a nutrition survey discovered that despite other problems, people had managed to avoid malnutrition to a remarkable extent. The reason, as related by social activist Devyani working with this community, was linked to their traditional practice of having a lot of green leafy vegetables or saag in their everyday food not only saag cultivated by them but perhaps more so the numerous varieties collected from forests which on the basis of their traditional knowledge they could recognize as being not just edible but having a high nutrition value as well.

Another activist, Anita Damor, working among Bhil tribal communities in Rajasthan, while agreeing with the high nutrition content of traditional foods in her region, raised a different aspect of prevailing practices in her community. In several villages, breastfeeding was being denied to new-born children due to superstition or wrong beliefs. So, it was necessary to have a campaign here to convince people and mothers regarding the safety and desirability of breastfeeding for new-born children. These different aspects of traditional practices were revealed at a dialogue in Delhi where the consensus was on recognizing the high value of protecting traditional wisdom and utilizing it properly to meet existing challenges, while at the same time taking care to counter any harmful practices based on superstitions.

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In particular the value of traditional knowledge and practices related to agro-ecology, nutrition and health was emphasized at this dialogue in the context of meeting the challenges of climate change. This dialogue called Swaraj Samvad (Dialogue on Swaraj)  Integrating Traditional Knowledge to Enhance Resilience to Climate Change was held at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, from January 7 to 9. It was attended by nearly 500 participants from all over India. The dialogue was organized by Climate Rise Alliance and Vaagdhara, an organization working with tribal communities, particularly Bhil communities in Central India.

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As Jayesh Joshi, one of the main organizers and founder-coordinator of Vaagdhara explained, he and his colleagues had been organizing Swaraj dialogues and foot marches in their work area for years, then expanded this effort to wider marches. Looking at the hope-giving results of this effort, they thought of a national dialogue. The Swaraj-related initiatives in the present context were explained by several participants in this dialogue as a combination of struggles as well as constructive activities which take rural communities, including tribal communities, closer to self-reliance based development. Progress along these lines can bring several benefits including strengthening of rural communities and increasing their capacity to contribute to climate change mitigation as well as adaptation.

Khushali of Climate Rise Alliance stated that there is an effort to move out of the shadow of a West-driven climate agenda and evolve an agenda of climate response more in tune with the needs, strengths and potential of Indias communities. If we look at village communities at the time of the independence, fossil fuel impact was very little and their dependence on expensive external inputs for farming and related livelihoods was also very little. Clearly in several other respects, development was needed, but Mahatma Gandhi emphasized that maintaining or increasing self-reliance of communities must get a high priority. His advice was ignored but subsequently it was seen that the growing dependence on external inputs had led to unbearably high costs for small farmers, increasing debt and livelihood crises.

In addition, now that climate change has become such an important issue, it is increasingly realized that the overall higher dependence of rural communities has included even higher dependence on fossil fuels. So the path of moving towards self-reliance, as advised strongly by Gandhi, now holds at least three rich promises in the current context. Firstly, it can contribute to reducing the crisis of small and medium farmers by reducing their external dependence and costs significantly. For this it is necessary that they are able to adopt social agro-ecology practices in a wise way in tune with local conditions. Here they can learn a lot from traditional systems and best practices which represent the accumulated experience of many generations of farmers.

Secondly, increasing self-reliance presents many opportunities of climate change mitigation by reducing the burden of fossil fuels as well as enabling more carbon absorption through soil conservation and afforestation. Thirdly, strengthened rural communities with more creativity, skills and resilience can reduce costs and debts of farmers, ensure better water conservation and contribute to climate change adaptation. So the path of higher self-reliance has relevance for almost all rural communities, but it has higher chances of success in many tribal communities that have been closer to self-reliance in their basic thinking. This was also reflected in the higher representation of tribal communities in the recent Swaraj Dialogue in Delhi.

At the same time tribal community leaders such as Gangabhai Paikra from Chattisgarh warned that several traditional aspects of the life of tribal communities are also deeply troubled today by recent and ongoing changes which have increased the cash expenses of households, increasing their debt to the extent that they are even losing some of their land. In the midst of such increasing difficulties, various participants at the dialogue emphasized, on the basis of their diverse field experiences, that traditional knowledge and wisdom when used carefully can contribute in many significant ways to resolving livelihood crisis situations as well as to protection of the environment.

(The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Man over Machine and Indias Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food.)
Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces announced on Thursday the arrest of 15 individuals accused of planning sabotage in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The IRGCs Quds Base said the arrests took place during the ongoing Martyrs of Security operation.

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Security forces identified the group in the border areas between Iran and Pakistan and captured them through a coordinated ground operation, supported by intelligence officers, military helicopters, and drones, the IRNA reported.

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The operation also led to the seizure of a large cache of weapons and ammunition, Xinhua news agency reported.

Sistan and Baluchestan, a province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been the site of several terrorist attacks targeting both civilians and security forces in recent years.

In November, the border security forces of Iran and Pakistan conducted a joint operation along the Pak-Afghan border in the province, aimed at targetting Afghan and Tajik militants.

The Iranian authorities had maintained that the joint military operation  which was conducted in Rasik, Chabahar and Parwad areas  resulted in the killing of at least 18 Afghan-Tajik suicide bombers.

The militants entered into Iran from Pakistan disguised as oil tanker owners, said Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

On the other hand, certain reports suggested that the killed militants were smugglers and the joint operation was not against militants, but other criminals.

The Pakistan-Iran border has been used by smugglers, traffickers and militants for infiltration and other activities.

In the past, the Iranian border security forces have even conducted operations inside the Pakistani territory while Islamabad has carried out air strikes inside Iranian territory targetting militant hideouts.
A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying a Pakistani satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday sent a Pakistani satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

The satellite, named PRSC-EO1, was launched at 12:07 p.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and entered its planned orbit successfully.

The rocket also carried two other satellites, namely Tianlu-1 and Lantan-1.

This launch marked the 556th flight mission involving the Long March carrier rocket series. 

A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying a Pakistani satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying a Pakistani satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)


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VIENTIANE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will collaborate with partners to improve service quality in the tourism sector.

An agreement was signed between the ministry's Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism, Pan-Mekong International Economic Development (Laos) Sole Co., Ltd., and China's Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology, to strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation between Laos and China.

The agreement outlines key areas, including educational and tourism exchanges to foster academic collaboration between Laos and China.

Other initiatives include Chinese language training for tour guides and skill enhancement for hotel, guesthouse and restaurant operators.

The collaboration will set a new standard for tourism services in Laos and support the sector's sustainable growth. 
TVS Motor Co, Indias third largest motorcycle firm by topline, announced its entry to Morocco. The maker of two- and three-wheelers would collaborate with Hindi Motors, its distribution partner in the African nation.



TVS Motor led the announcement, filed to exchanges on Friday, stating that Morocco would see the launch of TVS Ntorq 125, TVS Raider 125, TVS Apache 160, and TVS Apache 200.

The company said it would leverage the extensive service and distribution network of MotorSports Maroc, which uses the retail banner of Hindi Motors for its operations in Morocco.

TVS Group, traces its origins to Madurai in 1911, where the founder, T. V. Sundram Iyengar, launched a bus service in the city. He was also instrumental in laying the foundation of the road transport industry in the erstwhile Madras Presidency.

The two-wheeler division came to life after the collaboration with UK firm Clayton Dewandre Holdings, leading to Sundaram Clayton in 1962a company that manufactured auto parts. By the 1980s, the TVS 50 was launched from its Hosur factory, making it to history books as the nations first two-seater moped.

Later, Suzuki entered a JV with Sundaram Clayton, and rolled out commercial motorcycles in 1989 under TVS-Suzuki, leading to sought-after offerings such as the Samurai and Shogun. The JV was dissolved in 2001, and TVS Motor Co came into being.

Highlighting the companys 58 million user base, TVS Motors international business VP Rahul Nayak talked about the Morocco entry, stating that mobility was an important lever for economic and societal progress.

Our partnerMotorsports Marocbrings in decades of expertise and experience in sales, service and customer care, added Nayak.

Hindi Motors MD Omar Messaoudi stated that the firm looked forward to bringing some of the worlds best two-wheelers to Morocco.

The entry of TVS Motor Company into the Moroccan market represents a new chapter in the field of mobility. The effective mobility solutions provided by TVS are now part of the growth and progress of Morocco, Messaoudi said.

Shares of TVS Motor inched more than 1 per cent in morning trade following the announcement. However, in 2025 so far, the stock dipped at least 4.4 per cent.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the Union government's resolve to strengthen the Indian Navy taking into consideration India's strategic location and its geopolitical situation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He was speaking an event, organised to commemorate 2024 as the Year of Naval Civilians, in New Delhi on Friday.

Citing the example of the commissioning of three frontline naval combatantsINS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheerhe said these warships are a symbol of Indias empowerment.

Observing that Indias economic prosperity is linked to maritime security, he said it is necessary to protect the country's territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and keep sea routes, which are the maritime highways, safe.

ALSO READ: MoD seals Rs 2,960 crore missile deal for Indian Navy with BDL

In recent years, major naval powers have reduced their presence in IOR, while the Indian Navy has increased it, he pointed out.

"There is a possibility of increase in threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries. In view of this, the Indian Navy is working towards increasing its presence further.

He highlighted the importance of having a special awareness campaign on cyber security in the armed forces as cyber security is an important aspect of maritime security in todays times and ignoring this could prove to be detrimental.

Further, the defence minister underlined the need to strengthen Indias offensive and defensive responses in the wake of the turmoil being witnessed in the rules-based international order. He highlighted the increasing complexities for the armed forces due to the tense geopolitical security scenario and pitched to increase the critical capability of the country at the earliest.

Calling the current decade a "volatile" one, he said, "We are witnessing conflicts and wars in different regions across the world.

Keeping these things in mind, we need planning, resourcing and budgeting for our security. There is a need to adopt a consultative approach. We need to take inputs from all the stakeholders on how to face future challenges. Our forces should be equipped and ready according to the changing times.
A viral video clip which surfaced on the occasion of the release of actor Balakrishnas, Daaku Maharaaj showed a group of people outside a theatre surrounding a garlanded goat. A man with a machete then aims for the neck and forces down the sharp object severing the body of the goat, splattering the blood. The fans then let out a cry of joy immediately after the animal sacrifice hoping that it would bring good luck and success to their matinee idol, Balakrishna.

Animal sacrifices such as the one that took place in Tirupati town are not new to Tollywood. In the past, similar incidents were recorded during big-ticket films involving star heroes.

Also read | 'Daaku Maharaaj' review: Balakrishna gallops to glory with this mass entertainer



In 2023, Balakrishnas fans resorted to the same act in the same Tirupati town to celebrate the release of his movie, Veera Simha Reddy. Last year, fans of NTR Jr chopped off the head of a goat and its blood was poured over the poster of the movie, Devara.

In 2022, now Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyans movie, Bhimla Nayak also witnessed a similar slaughter executed by his fans. In 2016, in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, there was an outrage following a goat sacrifice for actor Rajinikanth by his fans for the movie Kabali.

After the recent incident came to the notice of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), its members lodged a complaint with the Tirupati police and pursued the case.

"Killing an animal and smearing their blood on a poster doesn't make you a super fan- it makes you a villain and a criminal. True fans celebrate their favourite stars with movie tickets and supportive social media posts, not with acts of violence or cruelty," said PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator, Saloni Sakaria.

An FIR has been registered against five identified persons under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The PETA in its statement commended Tirupati police for registering a case and sending out a strong message that animal cruelty would not be tolerated. In its complaint, PETA India pointed out that Section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950 prohibits any person from officiating, performing, serving, assisting, or participating in sacrificing an animal in any congregation.

Superintendent of Police, Tirupati, L. Subbarayudu told THE WEEK that action would be taken soon on the identified men who were involved in the animal sacrifice.
Recounting the shocking events of the night when Saif Ali Khan was stabbed, auto driver Bhajan Singh Rana said the Bollywood actor seemed calm and not scared while he was taken to Lilavati Hospital on Thursday.

During the early hours of Thursday, actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder at his residence in Mumbai. The actor suffered multiple injuries, including on his neck, and was soaked in blood while he got in the auto.

Also read | Saif Ali Khan stabbed: Accused caught on CCTV near Bandra station; cops grill workers at actor's home

#WATCH | Attack on #SaifAliKhan | Mumbai: Bhajan Singh Rana, autorickshaw driver who rushed the actor to Lilavati Hospital after the attack, says, "I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 am when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto but nobody stopped. I could also hear pic.twitter.com/3pzoy2eoh6  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Based on the complaint filed by the actor's maid, who also suffered injuries, the Bandra police registered a case.

The auto driver, who hails from Uttarakhand, told reporters on Friday that the actor on reaching the hospital called the guard to fetch a stretcher and said he was Saif Ali Khan.

Also read | Who is safe in Mumbai?: Congress targets Fadnavis govt over attack on Saif Ali Khan

Rana was asked to stop his auto by a woman and a few others at around 3 am. "I noticed he (the actor) had neck and back injuries and he was soaked in blood. He walked into the auto. There was a seven-eight-year-old boy who also boarded the rickshaw," said Rana.

Rana said that the actor's son Taimur and elder son Ibrahim Ali Khan accompanied him to the hospital. "The actor sat by himself in the three-wheeler. He did not seem scared and appeared normal," he said.

Also read | Saif Ali Khan stabbed: Attacker first entered son Jehs room, demanded Rs 1 crore

The actor was stabbed six times by the intruder, who sneaked into Saif's son Jeh's room and allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore.

According to the police, the attacker could have entered the building via the AC duct and reached inside the actor's flat using the fire exit.

Earlier in the day, the doctors who treated the actor said he suffered three injuries, two on the hand and one on the right side of the neck. A sharp object had gone deep into the body, touching the spinal cord, the doctors added.

However, the sharp object was removed and the spinal injury was repaired.

On Friday, the Mumbai police arrested the attacker and the suspect is being questioned by the cops at Bandra police station.
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that instead of relying on fact-checkers, Meta's social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, will leave it to people to fact-check information on their own. While fact-checkers around the world have raised alarms about the move, as a physician, I am afraid that public health may be one of the biggest casualties of the move.

Health is a sector that touches everyones life. While the internet and social media provides easy access to health information and facilitates better communication, some features also make it a fertile ground for the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation.

Misinformation, as defined by the WHO, is the spread of inaccurate or false information, regardless of the intent to mislead. Disinformation, on the other hand, is the intentional spread of false or doubtful information with the aim to deceive or manipulate.

With advancements in technology, particularly in diagnostics, diseases are being diagnosed more frequently than in earlier times and with the rapid proliferation of health information on the Internet, and its convenience and availability, peoples first reaction is often to search online and try to acquire knowledge on their health conditions based on their symptoms, before seeking a professional diagnosis.

Studies show that 7 per cent of Googles daily searches this equates to more than 1 billion per day are health-related queries. Quality of online content related to health can vary as the content can range from being peer reviewed to personal blogs, opinions, or anecdotes of other patients.

Zuckerberg's move is likely to further exacerbate the health-related misinformation ecosystem, as many people lack the skills to verify and fact-check, particularly in countries where health literacy is already low.

People consuming such information on the internet may not possess the necessary skills to evaluate medical information and relate it to their own health circumstances. As a consequence, online information can lead to patients being misinformed, lead to distress, and increase the tendency toward self-diagnosis or self-treatment. This behaviour has also contributed to the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses an important global health challenge in the 21st century. Flexible regulations and the availability of over-the-counter medicines exacerbate this issue.

We have seen firsthand the real-world consequences of health related misinformation and how it costs lives in recent times - for instance, how the conspiracy theories around COVID took certain sections of people away from life saving vaccines and precautions.

Health misinformation also results in delayed treatments and thus increasing the burden of diseases or disease progression, leading to increased healthcare costs due to complications that require more extensive medical interventions. Ultimately, patients bear the economic, social, and psychological costs of not receiving the right treatment at the right time.

Critics argue that relying on community-based mechanisms like "Community Notes" is insufficient to curb the spread of misinformation, as these mechanisms depend heavily on user participation and may lack the rigor needed to address mis-and disinformation regarding complex health topics.

Zuckerberg himself must understand the consequences of misinformation, as Meta's representatives were recently summoned by the India's Parliamentary Committee over Zuckerbergs comments about Indian elections stating that India is among a ton of countries (where) incumbents basically lost" elections because of the way they handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

While currently the decision is limited to the US market, fact-checkers in India are also concerned if the same would be extended to the region too. However, with no real clarity on Meta's plans for the region, it is a matter of waiting and watching at this time. There is no doubt however, that Meta's move will take us leaps behind in combating misinformation and safeguarding public health.

Dr Sabba Mehmood is the Co-Founder and Director of First Check and DataLEADS.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Dr Asfakulla Naiya, a postgraduate trainee and a prominent figure during the RG Kar trainee doctor rape and murder protests, is facing severe allegations of practising medicine with a fraudulent degree. Dr Naiya is currently a postgraduate trainee in the ENT department at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.



On Thursday, Bidhannagar police carried out a search operation at Dr Naiya's residence in Kakdwip, South 24 Parganas, after receiving a complaint that the junior doctor was allegedly practising medicine under the false claim of being an MS (Doctor of Surgery) in ENT, despite not yet earning the degree.

On the basis of the complaint, we obtained a search warrant from Bidhannagar court and then a team carried out a search operation at his house, said Aneesh Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Bidhannagar police, during a media interaction.

The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has reportedly issued a showcause notice to the young doctor, instructing him to appear before the council's registrar with all relevant documents supporting his "unauthorised ENT qualification. The WBMC warned that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action.

However, Dr Naiya claims he has not yet received any formal showcause notice or communication from the council. He said, The one thats being circulated by the media has no date or time. They claim I must appear within seven days, but seven days from what date?

He stated that he would respond to the notice when he receives it. Denying the allegations against him, he described these "coercive" actions by the state government as "vindictive measures" taken in retaliation to his efforts to expose corruption within West Bengal's health sector under the patronage of the ruling party.

Alleging that the police harassed his family on the pretext of searching, he said, I anticipated this would happen. If something like this hadnt occurred, I would have taken it as a sign that our movement did not make any impact. It cant happen that we will speak against injustice and not face resistance.

Fellow doctors have expressed solidarity with Dr Naiya. Junior doctors staged a demonstration at RG Kar Medical College, protesting the "police harassment" of Dr Naiya and other junior doctors.

The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal has issued a statement condemning the police action. Medical council sending a police team is unheard of in history. This is clearly a vindictive action to silence the protesters, the statement read.
Parvathipuram-Manyam district has one of the lowest literacy rates in Andhra Pradesh, barely breaching the 50 per cent mark. Apart from this, the region and its people, for long, endured inhospitable terrain, wildlife conflicts, and lack of access to good healthcare and infrastructure, making the district being stuck in social backwardness.



However, the same district has now been recognised at the national level for reversing the trend of high mortality rates that was very much prevalent till a few years back. The man who spearheaded the change was an IAS officer of AP cadre, Nishant Kumar. During his tenure as a district collector (2021 to 2024), he launched a programme called Prism 10 aimed at improving the lives of the local tribal population who faced unique health challenges. Due to his effective implementation leading to impressive results, Nishant Kumar won the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Administration in the category of Innovation-District for the year 2023.



The 'Prism 10' programme was launched in 2022 to tackle maternal and child health issues. In 2021, the Infant Mortality Rate (IFR) stood at an alarming 24 (per 1,000 live births) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) at 129 (per 1 lakh live births). The immunisation cover was only 48 per cent in the district. 'Prism 10' was designed to have a targeted approach towards public health. The first step was to rope in adoption officers, who were drawn from the village and ward secretariat system, self-help groups, anganwadi workers and health department staff. They were instructed to specifically work for high-risk pregnant women and infants.



The next step was to leverage technology to achieve goals. Modern analytics was used to identify medical gaps and provide immediate services. Digital health platforms also played a key part in it. Another critical component of 'Prism 10' project was the expansion of medical services. Twenty-nine mobile health clinics were pressed into service to provide health in remote areas. Through family doctor programme, 282 community health offices strengthened the medical facilities in the tribal and interior areas. Anaemia action groups were tasked with reducing maternal and child anaemia. Secretariats were ordered to monitor monthly progress of the project. In the next two years, the exercise yielded visible results. By 2024, the IMR had fallen from 24 to 8 and MMR from 129 to 67. The immunisation went up drastically from 48 per cent to 97 per cent.


Delhis women voters have reason to be happy. Like their sisters in 11 other states who receive some form of cash transfer from the respective governments, they too will get over Rs 2,000 per month regardless of the party voted to power. The reason? All the three main parties in Delhi have given their best pre-poll offers.

On the last day of filing nominations, the BJP national president J.P. Nadda announced that if the BJP is voted to power, it would give Rs 2,500 to women. The BJPs offer matches Congress offer of Rs 2,500 per month, while the ruling AAP promised to give Rs 2,100 to them.

While both AAP and Congress have announced most of their promises, the BJP took time to formulate its manifesto promises. This is only part one of the promises, Nadda said, adding, the second and third parts will also be presented soon.

#WATCH | #DelhiElection2025 | BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda says, "Families using LPG will get a Rs 500 subsidy per cylinder, and on Holi and Diwali, they will receive one free cylinder each...we will give Rs 21,000 to the pregnant women..." pic.twitter.com/ruRq1Zcrf8  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

As Nadda made a slew of promises, it was clear that the debate over freebies was essentially buried during the Delhi polls. The political parties have witnessed that freebies play a huge role in even swinging tough elections. All the three parties have made similar promises, only the amount offered for various schemes differ. The Delhi voters will have a tough choice in picking the team with the best offer.

The BJP chief announced that poor women will be given a subsidy of Rs 500 on gas cylinders, and they would even get a cylinder free on two Hindu festivals, Holi and Diwali.

In a move to reach out to slum dwellers, Atal Canteen Scheme will be launched in Delhi, under which food will be provided in slum areas for Rs 5.

Pregnant women will be given Rs 21,000; the pension of people between 60 and 70 years will be increased by Rs 500, while people above 70 years of age, disabled and widowed women will be given Rs 3,000 as pension instead of the current Rs 2,500, as per the BJP manifesto.

The party also promised to extend the Union governments Ayushman Bharat scheme to Delhi, offering health insurance cover for Rs 5 lakh, while an additional Rs 5 lakh will be given by the state government.

People above 70 years of age will be given an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh, Nadda said.

So, what makes the BJPs promises different from others offered by its rivals? Nadda said the BJP has a higher record in fulfilling its promises. In 2014, BJP had made 500 promises, out of which 499 promises, which is 99.99 per cent were fulfilled. In 2019, the BJP made 235 promises, out of which we fulfilled 225 promises, which is. 95.50 per cent. The remaining promises have also reached the stage of implementation, the BJP chief said.

The key promise is that of cash transfer for women. When the BJP government is formed in Delhi, women will be given Rs 2,500 every month under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana in Delhi. We have done this in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Nadda said.

Hitting out at the AAP, the BJP hinted that it may shut down Mohalla clinics saying they were dens of corruption. There has been a scam of about Rs 300 crore in the Mohalla clinics of Aam Aadmi Party. These scams will be investigated after the BJP government is formed in Delhi.

The BJP president said no political party would have worked with so much detail on its manifesto as they have. To prepare our Sankalp Patra, we took about 1,80,000 feedbacks, held discussions with 62 sections, discussed it in 12,000 small and big meetings and BJP MPs, MLAs and councilors have discussed it with the people by going to every corner of Delhi through LED vans.

After Nadda announced the first set of promises, former Delhi CM Kejriwal took a swipe at the saffron party saying the party has forgotten about what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said about freebies. Have they got it approved from Modi. PM should now say that Kejriwal was right in running these schemes.
Has the 'caste survey' report in Karnataka become a paper tiger? Is it now just a tool in the hands of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to silence his opponents within and outside the party?

Siddaramaiah, a mass leader and an OBC (Kuruba) leader turned lucky a second time in 2023 when he occupied the CMs chair after the Congress party wrested a thumping majority and dislodged the BJP from power.

KPCC chief D K Shivakumar, a Vokkaliga leader who had succeeded in shifting the crucial Vokkaliga votes from JDS to Congress in the hope of becoming the chief minister had to settle for the deputys post. But the power tussle continues.

The state is once again witnessing a battle for political dominance, as the Congress remains a divided house and the Ahinda (minorities, dalit and backward classes) leaders are locked in a battle with the Vokkaliga strongman Shivakumar. Besides the Ahinda conventions, which is a show of strength, the undisclosed caste survey is the latest political tool that comes in handy every time the chief minister wants to rein-in his political opponents and to send a reminder to the party high command of his broad support base. It is a pandoras box that could alter the political landscape of the country.

Leader of the opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi pushed for a nationwide caste census and endorsed the slogan 'Jitni abadi utna Haq' (Rights proportionate to the population) while calling for greater representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) based on their population.

The caste census in the country should enumerate not only the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) population but also the OBC to ensure a 'fair' resource allocation and representation, contends the Congress leader. But Karnataka was the first state to push for a similar survey prior to this nationwide campaign. In 2015, during Siddaramaiahs first stint as the chief minister (2013-2018), he commissioned a study of the socio-economic and educational status of the various social groups, (referred to as the caste survey. Accordingly, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (H Kantharaju Commission) prepared a report spending Rs 169 crore. While the report was ready by 2016, it was put in cold storage by subsequent governments fearing a backlash from politically dominant and numerically strong communities  the Vokkaliga and Lingayat.

Again in 2020, the BJP government appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the Commission chief but the report was not made public. Hegde submitted the final report to the Siddaramaiah government on February 29, 2024, where he recommended reservation in education and public employment and targeted intervention to empower the backward communities.

BREAKING-



The chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes- Jayaprakash Hegde submitted the caste survey report to CM Siddaramaiah in Vidhana Soudha.



The Congress Party in Karnataka implementing caste census  pic.twitter.com/dPRJPqLxkA  Rohini Anand (@mrs_roh08) March 1, 2024

The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, which represent the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the two dominant caste groups in the state, are opposed to the caste census as they suspect the survey has undercounted their population. The two communities believed to be numerically strong (Lingayat - 17 per cent of the total population and Vokkaliga - 12 per cent) have been wielding immense political power. At least 16 of the 23 chief ministers of Karnataka belong to these two caste groups. The community leaders cutting across party lines feel that the census, by undercounting their numbers, might curtail their political representation both within and outside the party.

The two communities believe the survey is "unscientific" and "incomplete" and does not truly reflect their numerical strength.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, a Vokkaliga leader has been a signatory to a dissent letter by the Vokkaligara Sangha, while the Lingayat leaders from the Congress party too have demanded a fresh survey.

Industries minister M B Patil, a Lingayat leader said: "Many Lingayat subsects have enumerated only as 'Hindu' and not as Lingayat due to reservation policy. It will grave injustice to the community if the survey fails to reflect the actual numbers."

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Minister for Commerce & Industries, Infrastructure GoK MB Patil says, "...There cannot be a caste census. A caste census can only be conducted by the Government of India. It is not a census, but an exercise, a survey. Regarding the concerns of the Lingayat pic.twitter.com/nbF2AnZZZc  IANS (@ians_india) January 16, 2025

Union minister and JDS state president HD Kumaraswamy, also a Vokkaliga, asked the chief minister if the guarantee schemes of the ruling Congress had failed to give justice to the people in the absence of the survey report.

BJP leader and LOP in Assembly R Ashok asked the Karnataka government to cooperate with the Union government which is planning to conduct a caste census along with the conventional census (to be released in 2026). "Why is the CM in a hurry to implement a 10-year-old report?," he asked.

The Opposition BJP is opposed to the "incomplete" survey being tabled in the House in a hurry as the partys main support base, the Lingayat community is sceptical about the report favouring them.

This time again, the demand to make the caste survey public has been revived by the Ahinda leaders as they suspect they are in large numbers and can hard bargain for adequate political representation and resource allocation too.

Siddaramaiah who had indicated that the survey would be tabled before the Cabinet on January 16, had to revoke his decision owing to directions from the party high command to hold back. Amid frequent speculations over the survey being leaked Siddaramaiah announced that the survey remains sealed and would be opened two hours prior to the next cabinet meeting without specifying a date.

With the factional feud to grab the KPCC chiefs post and eventually the CMs chair gains steam, Shivakumar is struggling to gain control over the party before he can finally stake claim to the CMs post as per a "secret" power-sharing pact agreed upon by the CM, DCM and the party high command post the May 2023 Assembly polls.
A migratory bird perches on a branch in Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Migratory birds rest on the trees in Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Tourists visit Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

A tourist visits Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Birds are pictured in Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Tourists visit Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Jan. 15, 2025. Located in the northwest of Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of more than 200 hectares of mangroves, ponds and forests. In 2003, the reserve was recognized as Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge cracked the whip on the warring factions of the Karnataka Congress by asking the leaders to "keep their mouth shut" and deliver the tasks assigned to them.

The demand for a "full-time" state Congress chief had grown louder as deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar, who was anointed as the KPCC chief in 2020, completes four years in the post.

Annoyed by the constant friction between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar factions over the demand for a change of guard in the state, Kharge asserted that the party leadership would take the decision when the need arises.

Also read | 'Ahinda' vs Vokkaliga: Power tussle in Karnataka Congress turns into caste war



"The leaders should stop raking up issues like CM and DCM replacement. I am here, Rahul ji is there to look into these issues. We have given the leaders the task to do development work for the people and strengthen the party. This should be their priority," said Kharge, who stopped short of ruling out a change of guard in the state or the party in the state.

Shivakumar, who is hoping to succeed Siddaramaiah as the chief minister as per a "secret" power-sharing pact, is unwilling to give up the party post until the transfer of power. However, the Siddaramaiah faction, which lobbied for the creation of multiple deputy CMs posts to diminish the statute of Shivakumar, is now trying hard to replace Shivakumar as the KPCC chief.

Also read | Karnataka: D.K. Shivakumar admits there's a power-sharing pact, but CM Siddaramaiah denies



Interestingly, Home Minister G. Parameshwar, PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna have openly demanded a "full-time" party chief citing the party's "one man, one post" policy.

"I have worked as the KPCC president and I had given up my ministership to focus on party work. The current person has two big portfolios to manage, and the party high command will certainly notice this since it has kept tabs on dinner meetings," said Parameshwar, taking a dig at the party high command stalling a dinner meeting of Dalit leaders called by him at the behest of Shivakumar.

Last week, Shivakumar who was in Delhi got the party leadership to issue a diktat to all the leaders to abstain from private dinner meetings and caste conventions stating it would create further "confusion" among the cadres and also affect the party's image.

A miffed Rajanna had batted for Jarkiholi taking the reins of the party stating the current chief had overstayed.

"The leadership has indicated that Shivakumar would continue as the KPCC chief till the Lok Sabha polls. But it has been six months and we need clarity on this issue," said Rajanna.

Jarkiholi went a step ahead and alleged the party work has taken a beating since 2023, owing to the absence of a full-time chief.

"Moreover, the person who has the support of the MLAs will become the KPCC chief," said Jarkiholi drawing flak from party workers, which forced him to retract his statements.

Amid rumours of Shivakumar's negotiations with the party high command to consider his younger brother and former MP D.K. Suresh for the party chief's post, AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who met both Jarkiholi and Suresh at Belagavi on Friday, ruled out replacing the party chief for the time being.

Shivakumar took on his detractor's saying the party post was not a "commodity" that could be purchased from a shop. "The party's high command looks at the leadership quality and organisational skills of a person before offering the post. Mallikarjun Kharge is our chief and he has both eyes and ears and he is watching everything," said Shivakumar.

Mocking the power tussle within the ruling Congress, BJP state president B.Y. Vijendra said, "Siddaramaiah will not complete a full term in office and will step down soon, going by the developments in the party. The dinner meetings, caste conventions and demand for the replacement of the KPCC chief is Siddaramaiah's orchestrated resistance to relinquishing power. The Siddaramaiah supporters are arm twisting the party high command too."
A young man from north Kashmir's Karnah in Kupwara, near the Line of Control, has gone missing in Russia after responding to a job offer. Zahoor Sheikh was lured by the promise of a better future, only to find himself sent to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war alongside Russian soldiers.

Zahoor, 27, last spoke to his family on December 31, 2023. He informed them he would be going for "training" and out of contact for three months.

However, as reports began to emerge of Indian citizens dying in the Russia-Ukraine war, his family grew increasingly concerned about his safety and whereabouts.

Also read | Binil TB, the Kerala man who was forced to fight in Russia, shot dead by Ukrainian forces

Mohammad Amin Sheikh, Zahoor's father and a resident of Haji Nar in Karnah, said they have been desperately searching for his son but without any success.

He said after completing his graduation in Chandigarh, his son was working at a company for Rs 30,000 a month.

He said he was later approached by some agents, including a woman, who offered him a high-paying job in Russia.

My son thought he would earn a years salary in a month and agreed to work in Russia, he said.

He said after arriving in Russia, his son learned that he and several other young men from different parts of India had been lured with false promises of lucrative jobs to join the war against Ukraine alongside Russian soldiers.

Amin Sheikh also added that after his son called him home the last time, they tried to contact him but his phone was switched off.

It has now been a year and a month, but there is no trace of my son, Mohammad Amin said. He reported the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Moscow but received no satisfactory response.

"We went to Delhi several times and tried to meet officials, but no concrete information was provided, he recounted. Mohammad Amin learned that Zahoor was among 15 Indian citizens reported missing in Russia. Their families claim they were deceived and forcibly enlisted in the Russian army, yet their appeals have yielded no progress.

Every passing day has become a long torment for Sheikh. "A year and a month have passed. I have knocked on every door, but nobody is helping me trace my son, he expressed. My son sought a better future, but we live a nightmare here." He wants to know whether his son is alive.

The Indian government has made several attempts to contact Russian authorities, but no definitive response has been received. The grief of these families continues to grow as they come together for solace in shared hope. For them, time is slipping by, but their battle for answers is far from over.

Waseem Baba, a resident of Tangdhar, who has been highlighting the issues of the people of Karnah and Tangdhar through his reportage said the incident has saddened the people. Everybody is praying for Zahoors safety, he said. The incident has brought to the fore the tough life and lack of employment opportunities for the educated youth of Karnah and Tanghdar living right next to LoC, he added.
Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens were among some of the promises made in the first part of BJP's manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, released on Friday.

Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.

#WATCH | #DelhiElection2025 | BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda says, "Families using LPG will get a Rs 500 subsidy per cylinder, and on Holi and Diwali, they will receive one free cylinder each...we will give Rs 21,000 to the pregnant women..." pic.twitter.com/ruRq1Zcrf8  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

BJP president J.P. Nadda assured that all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the safron party is elected to power.

Addressing a press conference while releasing the first part of the 'Sankalp Patra', Nadda said the party's manifesto is the foundation for a developed Delhi.

Nadda promised that a BJP-led Delhi government will approve the implementation of 'Ayushman Bharat ' in the city in its first cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.

"The BJP will give LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder will be given each on Holi and Diwali."

"We have provided 5 kg of wheat or 5 kg of rice and 1 kg of dal to 75 lakh people in Delhi. Similarly, the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan have made arrangements to provide full meals for Rs 5 to the poor. We have also decided that in Delhi, we will provide nutritious meals for Rs 5 through Atal Canteen in all slum clusters"

He said 'Sankalp Patra' has been made after receiving feedback from thousands of meetings.

Further, he hit out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, saying all corruption charges in the existing public welfare schemes will be investigated.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva claimed that Delhi needs holistic development that touches every sector and said Arvind Kejriwal does not understand the difference between freebies and empowerment, or freebies and prosperity.

#WATCH | #DelhiElection2025 | Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva says, "A criminal who is out on bail - Arvind Kejriwal would not be able to understand the difference between 'revri' and development, the difference between freebies and empowerment, the difference between freebies pic.twitter.com/wLt2IPRwQm  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Reacting to the release of the first part of the party's manifesto, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said the people of Delhi will now get their true rights as the BJP does what it says and says only what it can do.
The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to issue a transferable development rights (TDR) certificate to the Mysore royals family for acquiring 15 acres and 39 gunta of land on the Bangalore Palace Grounds for widening the Bellary and Jayamahal roads.

The decision comes following the Supreme Court castigating the state government and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for not complying with its earlier order, during the hearing on December 10, 2024.

The apex court had passed orders in November 2014 and May 2022, directing the government to issue TDR at market value. On December 10, 2024, it granted a final six-week deadline for issuing the TDR certificates, noting that the market value of the said land should be Rs 2.83 lakh to Rs. 2.04 lakh per square metre.

As per the government estimates, the land's TDR value is Rs. 1,396 crores, and the royal family can construct up to 13.91 lakh sqft of commercial property.

The Supreme Court will review the compliance on January 22, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has also decided to file an Interim application (IA) before the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing on the validity of the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996. Also, the cabinet has decided to file a contempt petition against the royal family members alleging the construction of unauthorised structures on the Bangalore Palace premises, which is a violation of the Supreme Courts 2001 order to maintain the "status quo" in the case.

The government has issued notices (dated January 9, 2025) to vacate the illegal structures within 15 days and has decided against allowing any programmes at the Palace Grounds.

It may be recalled that the Karnataka government had enacted the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996, vesting ownership of all movable and immovable properties of the Bangalore Palace with the government. However, the legal heirs have contested the Act in the Supreme Court and litigation over the ownership of the 472-acre Palace Grounds is pending in the court.
A consumer court in Lucknow has fined a retail chain store Rs 35,000 for selling a bag for Rs 18 to a consumer who purchased a shirt from it.

The court observed that the store had offered deficient service and displayed inappropriate behaviour towards the consumer.

The quantum of the fine has been determined by calculating 9 per cent yearly interest on the Rs 18 that was charged for the bag. In addition, the consumer has been awarded Rs 25,000 for the mental agony he had to undergo because of the store. The remainder of the fine is to cover the costs incurred in filing the complaint.

The entire amount is to be paid within 45 days of the order which was passed on January 15.

The complaint was made against a store at Kanpur Road, Lucknow.

Shashikant Shukla said that when even small, streetside vendors offered carry bags, what business did such a big store have charging for a bag after he had purchased a shirt worth Rs 599.

Shukla said that at the payment counter he was given a bill of Rs 616. The person at the counter did not ask whether Shukla wanted a bag but simply informed him that he would have to pay an additional Rs 18 for one.

Even though Shukla insisted that he did not want a bag, he was told that getting one was mandatory under the stores policies.

The incident took place in the second week of September 2023. After this, Shukla sent a written complaint to the store. When he did not receive any response, he filed a case in the consumer court.

The court also sent a notice to the store but did not receive any response, after which legal proceedings were initiated in October 2023.

While delivering its judgment, the Lucknow court cited one by the national consumer court.

In September 2023, the national body had said that it was unfair to charge a consumer for a carry bag without explicitly informing him about the same.
The Mumbai police have nabbed the attacker in Saif Ali Khan stabbing case and the suspect is reportedly being questioned by cops at Bandra police station. Police have nabbed the accused 30 hours after the incident.



Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder at his residence during the early hours of Thursday. The attacker stabbed him six times and Saif underwent multiple surgeries at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. The Bandra police registered a case based on the complaint filed by the actors maid, who also suffered injuries in the attack.

#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | Mumbai Police bring one person to Bandra Police station for questioning.



Latest Visuals pic.twitter.com/us4CYR7BR1  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Mumbai police had deployed 20 special teams to nab the attacker. Police on Thursday released visuals of the attacker captured in the CCTV at the actors residential building. The suspect was later spotted in visuals captured by a CCTV camera installed on the Bandra footbridge.

According to police, the attacker could have entered the high-security building via the AC duct and reached/escaped from the actor's flat using the fire exit. The intruder sneaked into Saif's son Jeh's room and allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore. Police are questioning other workers at the actor's residence.

Meanwhile, Mumbai police have taken possession of part of a broken knife removed from Saif's body and efforts are on to recover the remaining part of the weapon. Doctors at the hospital removed a 2.5-inch knife from Saif's back on Thursday. According to doctors, the actor suffered a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord, and there were deep wounds in his neck and left hand. Doctors said the actor is stable and recovering. He was kept under observation in the ICU following the surgery on Thursday and a decision regarding moving him to a ward will be taken after discussing with family.
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Delhi High Courts order directing the Aam Aadmi Party government to implement the Centres Ayushman Bharat health scheme in the national capital. The apex court also issued notice to the Centre over the matter.

Hearing the Delhi governments plea challenging the High Courts order, a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih stayed the directions issued by the High Court and issued notice to the Centre. The Delhi High Court had directed the AAP government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union health ministry for implementing the scheme by January 5.

Passing the order in December last year, the Delhi High Court said PM-ABHIM has to be implemented in its entirety to ensure Delhi residents were not deprived of the funds and facilities under it. The High Court also said the MoU shall be signed irrespective of the model code of conduct.

Welcoming the Supreme Courts order, AAP leader and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Ayushman Bharat health scheme was the "biggest scam" in the country.

Talking to reporters, Kejriwal said, "I am happy that the Supreme Court has confirmed that it is a fake scheme. Ayushman Bharat is the biggest scam in the country. When the central government changes and an inquiry is conducted into these scams, people will realise how big a scam Ayushman Bharat truly was," PTI reported.
Actor-politician Vijay on Friday announced that his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, will not contest the upcoming Erode East bypolls nor will support candidates of any other party in the fray. Earlier, AIADMK, the key opposition party in Tamil Nadu, and the BJP announced they are boycotting the polls.



In a statement issued by TVKs general secretary N.Anand, the party said the primary goal of TVK is to contest and win the 2026 assembly polls and dethrone the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state. Accusing the DMK of indulging in anti-democratic practices during the bypolls, the party charged, The ruling governments in Tamil Nadu have, in the past, shown a disregard for democratic traditions, repeatedly winning by exploiting their political power and engaging in numerous political injustices. This is what history has taught us, where victories in by-elections have often come at the cost of undermining democracy.

It added, The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam will boycott the Erode East assembly byelection on February 5, just like the Vikravandi byelection, and will not support any party.

Vijays announcement comes after other opposition parties in the state including Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharatiya Janata Party and Desiya Murpoku Dravida Kazhagam declared they are boycotting the bypoll alleging it wouldnt be held in a free and fair manner.

In a statement, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleged attempts would be made to flex money and muscle power in the elections. DMDK also said they are boycotting the bypolls.

BJP state president K. Annamalai stated, All the leaders of NDA who desire people's welfare, after a detailed consultation, have decided to boycott the Erode East bypolls. Our target is to remove the DMK in the 2026 elections and give the NDA's good governance to people.

The bypoll was necessitated following the death of Congress legislator E.V.K.S. Elangovan in December last year. The ruling DMK has fielded V.C. Chandrakumar for the byelection.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has questioned the data presented by Yogi Adityanath government on the number of devotees attending Maha Kumbh, stating that the numbers were fake.

Yadav, who said he would go to 'Sangam' only when Mother Ganga called him, said the trains to Prayagraj were running empty. "Every figure presented by the government is fake. Many trains are empty. We heard that the train from Gorakhpur to Prayagraj was running empty," Yadav said, questioning the credibility of the data presented by the government.

Akhilesh's comments irked BJP, which said the government doesn't need a certificate from him. Party MP PRaveen Khandelwal told ANI that Akhilesh's comments reflected his desire to stay in the headlines. "Akhilesh Yadav is also searching for his ground in politics since the people rejected him. The world is seeing how popular the Maha Kumbh is. People are visiting the Maha Kumbh not only from the country but also from abroad. The government does not need his certificate," Khandelwal told ANI.

UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak too slammed Yadav and urged him to rise above factionalism and welcome people coming to Prayagraj. He accused him of not providing even the basic facilities to Ayodhya despite speaking about Sanatan. "Look at his past. His party workers ordered the firing of Ram bhakts in Ayodhya. Crores of people, irrespective of caste and creed, take a dip in Sangam and this hurts him. If he has the courage, he should speak against other religions," Pathak said.

He added that whenever anyone has insulted Sanatan, he had to repent. "The Samajwadi Party will also have to repent," he said.

The Uttar Pradesh Government said over 40 crore people are expected to visit Kumbh Mela. The government uses manual head counts watch towers, road counts and train arrivals.
On Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office confirmed that the ceasefire deal with Hamas has been finalised and it would go into effect as scheduled, on Sunday, with the release of the first batch of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu, however, faces a daunting challenge in implementing the agreement, evident from the initial resistance to getting the agreement cleared by his cabinet. The deal, negotiated under intense international and domestic pressure, has revealed sharp internal divisions within his ruling coalition and raised questions about his ability to balance conflicting priorities. The debate over the ceasefire underscores the fragility of his government and the ideological divides that shape Israels approach to its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The ceasefire has exposed the rift between Netanyahu and two influential far-right members of his coalition: Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, and Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism party. Together, these two parties hold substantial sway in the Knesset, with six and seven seats respectively. Both leaders are staunchly opposed to any negotiations with Hamas, viewing the ceasefire as a capitulation to terrorism.

Ben-Gvir has announced that he is leaving the government if the deal commences and Smotrich if it reaches the second phase. That means Netanyahu would lose his majority in the Knesset. But if Netanyahu listens to them, he will violate the ceasefire agreement and risk Trump's pic.twitter.com/zWnHOg4dmw  Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) January 17, 2025

Their opposition has placed Netanyahu in a precarious position. While Ben-Gvirs potential departure from the coalition would not lead to an immediate collapse of the government, Smotrichs exit would. Losing Smotrich could leave Netanyahus coalition without a majority, severely weakening his ability to govern effectively. This threat has forced Netanyahu to negotiate extensively with Smotrich, seeking either his support or a tempering of his opposition. However, Smotrichs demands  including a firm commitment to resuming military operations after the ceasefire  complicate efforts to finalise the agreement.

The rift between Netanyahu and his far-right allies reflects broader ideological differences within the government. While Netanyahu has taken a more pragmatic approach, attempting to balance Israels security interests with international expectations, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich prioritise military dominance over diplomacy. They advocate for unrelenting military action to decisively defeat Hamas, rejecting any form of ceasefire or peace negotiations.

This hardline stance aligns with the ideological rigidity of their parties, which view concessions to Hamas as unacceptable. Both leaders are willing to escalate the conflict, even at the cost of hostages lives, to achieve their objectives. Their position has drawn criticism from moderates within the government and the broader Israeli public, who see the release of hostages as a critical priority.

The proposed ceasefire deal includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in its first phase, with a total of 98 expected to be freed. In exchange, Israel has agreed to a temporary halt in military operations against Hamas. Netanyahu has emphasised that the ceasefire is a tactical pause, not an end to the conflict, seeking to reassure critics within his coalition.

To address concerns from Smotrich and others, Netanyahu has promised that Israel will maintain its military presence along the Egypt-Gaza border during the ceasefire. This measure is intended to prevent Hamas from rearming or regrouping during the pause in hostilities. However, critics argue that any agreement with Hamas undermines Israels security and sends the wrong message to its adversaries.

Netanyahus handling of the ceasefire deal is also shaped by significant international pressure, particularly from the United States. The Biden administration has urged Israel to pursue a temporary ceasefire as a demonstration of good faith, stating the need for a balanced approach that considers humanitarian concerns. American officials have framed the ceasefire as a strategic move, arguing that it could strengthen Israels position if Hamas violates the agreement. For instance, the intervention of President-elect Donald Trump has played a significant role in shaping Netanyahus strategy.

Statements from Trumps likely defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, and national security adviser, Mike Waltz, suggest that they support Israels right to destroy Hamas but are encouraging a ceasefire as a temporary tactic to demonstrate a good-faith effort for peace. This calculated move, in their view, could provide Israel with a stronger justification to resume military operations if Hamas violates the terms of the ceasefire.

Netanyahu appears to be leveraging these assurances to address domestic opposition. Reports suggest he has used stalling tactics to buy time for negotiations with Smotrich and other coalition members. By pointing out that the ceasefire is backed by incoming president Donald Trump, Netanyahu hopes to bolster his case for the agreements strategic value.

Netanyahus ability to deal with these competing pressures highlights the complexity of his position. Domestically, he must project strength to his right-wing base and appease influential coalition partners. At the same time, he faces mounting public pressure to secure the release of hostages and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But many Israelis also view the deal as a concession to Hamas. Netanyahus ability to navigate these competing views will be critical to his political survival.

The ceasefire debate also has long-term implications for Netanyahus political legacy. As Israels longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu has built his career on projecting strength and stability. However, the divisions within his coalition and the challenges of governing in a polarised environment have raised questions about his ability to lead effectively.

In the coming days, Netanyahus ability to secure support for the ceasefire will be a key test of his leadership. If he can navigate the divisions within his coalition and deliver a deal that satisfies both domestic and international stakeholders, he may strengthen his position as a pragmatic and resilient leader. However, failure to achieve consensus could plunge his government into crisis, with far-reaching consequences for Israels political and security landscape.
ALMATY, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Air Astana, Kazakhstan's flagship airline, will begin operating flights in March from Almaty and Astana to Nha Trang in southern Vietnam, the airline's press service said Thursday.

With the arrival of the spring-summer season, Air Astana will replace its Phu Quoc route with services to Nha Trang.

Flights from Almaty to Nha Trang will commence on March 30 and will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. From Astana, flights will begin on March 31 and will run on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the statement said.

Nha Trang, the capital of Vietnam's Khanh Hoa province, is a popular coastal resort, attracting numerous foreign tourists. 
Israel, Hamas, the US, and Qatar have officially signed the hostage deal and Gaza ceasefire in Doha, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office confirmed on Friday morning. The deal will now be presented before the security cabinet for a vote, which, however, will not occur until Saturday.

The deal was hailed by the world for how it will end the 15-month-long conflict in the Middle East and help Palestinian people, who have lost much, rebuild their lives.

The US, Egypt and Qatar have mediated the long-running efforts but Israel's spy agency Mossad too was the main operative behind the deal but chose to stay out of the spotlight. While US President Donald Trump was widely hailed for enabling the sealing of the final agreement, it was Mossad chief David Barnea who sewed together a vast majority of the pact, dating back to May 27 and August 16, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Barnea managed to gain a significant concession from Hamas; that it would re-enter negotiations for returning all hostages without requiring an end to the war as a prerequisite to renewing the talks. This happened during the negotiations in the May-August period, long before Trump entered the picture.

Though no one had a clear idea about what Barnea was doing, the head negotiator is said to have manoeuvred between holding Israels ground on certain issues, including refusal to return Yahya Sinwars body, while displaying flexibility and willingness to accept minor changes, to seal the deal, the report said.

For those unfamiliar, David (Dedi) Barnea is the current head of the Mossad, born in 1965, and joined Israel's intelligence service in the 1990s. Over the years, Barnea led various Mossad units, with a focus on combating terrorism and countering Iranian expansion. Today, he pic.twitter.com/Wyjl8SbRO1  LionsOfZion_ official (@LionsOfZion_ORG) September 20, 2024

The spy chief is also said to have directed his energy towards building a relationship with Qatar since the country had a huge leverage over Hamas. His expertise in his field prompted Qatar to realise that when Barnea made an offer it was real and concrete, unlike a smooth talk by a diplomat.

Barnea also had a major role in the November 2023 proposal which saw 50 hostages freed. It was Barnea who shot down Hamas's attempt to change what they were "giving" to Israel. Hamas planned to hand over male hostages and dead bodies instead of the agreed-upon female hostages.

He was also instrumental in ensuring that the pact stayed on track despite it coming several close to falling apart in May and August.
Every biopic, whether made in India or abroad, is an interpretation seen through the vision of a filmmaker handling their subject. Kangana Ranaut's Emergency is one too. Can any filmmaker claim that the biopic they have made is 100% accurate? The same can be said of Emergency. Of course, we are aware of the various dark, life-altering events that occurred during her stint as Prime Minister. But can any filmmaker say for certain that every specific thought or vulnerable moment depicted on screen is a true representation?

Take the scene where a guilt-ridden Indira Gandhi looks at a mirror and sees a hideous creature with her likeness straight out of a horror film. Or what about her strained relationship with her father or her husband? Did every situation and dialogue play out the same way in real life? In Emergency, we find Indira Gandhi looking vulnerable in multiple places. But Kangana also plays her as a resilient figure. As she tells a character in one scene: "I've been defeated, not broken." This interpretation of Indira Gandhi's life shows her conveying exactly that.

Kangana delivers a mostly competent performance that makes you reflect on the immense pressure that someone of Indira Gandhi's stature must've experienced. The actor's voice is eerily similar to that of the controversial figure; however, there are times when the performance borders on the comical, like when she calls President Richard Nixon and shows him that she is not one to be underestimated. These scenes feel like something straight out of a South Indian masala movie. The 'masala' quality shows up jarringly in some other places, too, like when Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Shreyas Talpade), Jayaprakash Narayan (Anupam Kher) and even Sam Manekshaw (Milind Soman) break into a patriotic song routine. In another "old-school Bollywood" moment, George Fernandes joins fellow prisoners in a song while being tortured. Thankfully, these moments are few and far between.

What the filmmaker's intention with this film is, when placed in the context of her real-life image and her work as an actor and, of course, a filmmaker, is up for debate. If you expected to see a biopic that's critical  and rightly so  of some of Indira Gandhi's decisions and the 'darkest chapter' in Indian history, you'll find it here. If you expect to see a biopic that treats its subject as a human being, you'll find that as well.

Emergency is a straightforward, textbook biopic which, thankfully, doesn't adopt the oft-repeated, cradle-to-grave template of chronicling its subject. Despite the film's title, it doesn't stick to the events of this chapter alone. It's more interested in the human being that is Indira Gandhi  or, as I said earlier, the 'interpretation' of her. Kangana opts for a more character-centric approach, showing us a woman deeply hurt by the refusal of her father and, later, her husband to acknowledge her efforts to not only grow as a woman but also her efforts to please them. A woman who tries to make up for that lack of validation through her spoilt brat of a son, Sanjay Gandhi (Vishak Nair), from whom she gets the support and encouragement she so badly wanted from her father and husband. A woman who has to prove that she is not a "dumb little girl" as seen by some of her contemporaries.

This means that to make more time for its subject, it has to adopt a Powerpoint presentation style rush-through of key events such as the Indo-Pakistani war, the Emergency, press censorship, and curtailing the freedom of expression of any artist who opposed the Indira Gandhi-led government, and so on. I would've liked to see the film devoting more time to those severely affected by the decisions of Indira and Sanjay Gandhi. I mean, if you're going to show a flawed, guilt-ridden individual, wouldn't it have been prudent to give us a deeper sense of the suffering endured by the common man? Perhaps a web series approach would've worked better for this subject.

Kangana's filmmaking is fairly solid from a technical standpoint when compared to some of the recent films based on real-life Indian political figures. With the able hands of her Japanese director of photography, Tetsuo Nagata, she steers a film that feels fairly epic in scope and moves along briskly despite a two-hour-plus time, even if it doesn't attempt anything groundbreaking.

Film: Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair

Rating: 3/5
The California fires have left the world in a state of shock and despair as countless people have lost their homes and their valuables. Given the number of high net-worth individuals who have their palatial homes in the area, it comes as no surprise that there are also priceless works of art that have been turned to smithereens as a result of the devastation.

In the last few decades, human beings are equally to blame for disasters such as forest fires and earthquakes. Climate change, rapid and unplanned development for example have certainly played the role of a catalyst as a growing number of catastrophic disasters are being recorded in quick succession. But the impermanence of material culture is a sad reality which religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism have been preaching for centuries now.

Even Japanese art celebrates the transient nature of life, making us question the building of borders, the concept of a home and the true meaning of materialism and identity. This is one of the reasons why it is of great importance to document and archive. When art is documented there is a record for an art historian or conservator to trace the work, the artist, even if the work itself ceases to exist.

In a workshop with Erroll Pires, a retired National Institute of Design professor I asked him why he was gifting his ornate and intricate ply split-braided works of art to a museum rather than allowing collectors to purchase it. He spoke about the work being larger than him and the infrastructure as well as the certainty of a museum to look after a work rather than an individual.

After the discovery of the Ajanta Cave complex in 1819, several attempts have been made to document the fading paintings inside them recognising their impermanence but importance as historic masterpieces. Major Robert Gill, in 1844, was commissioned to create a comprehensive documentation of these works. But when most of Gills paintings were lost to a fire in 1866, Sir John Griffiths (who was also at one point the Principal of Sir JJ College of Art, Mumbai) and seven Indian students from the Bombay School of Art, spent every winter from 1872 to 1885 producing over 300 detailed paintings. Majority of these works are undocumented in locations unknown. There is also little published on Sir Griffith and his contributions to Modernism in India.

The many gaps in art history fuelled by tragic disasters. In 2015, when an earthquake devastated Nepal, cultural and natural heritage was damaged and lost with over 600 historic buildings heavily affected. UNESCO and Nepals Department of Archaeology are till date restoring the aftermath of an earthquake that took place nine years ago.

Salvaging and inventorying art, cultural heritage is of great importance for numerous reasons ranging from the historic importance of an object to the national or religious significance of a monument. However, the result of many disasters can be just as stark as, ashes to ashes and dust to dust.

The Los Angeles fires are yet another tragedy with the loss of countless art from private homes to museums. Ron Rivlins collection of art, lost in the fire, included over 200 works by celebrated artists such as Keith Haring, John Baldessari and Damien Hirst. His collection of Andy Warhol included an iconic set of 30 works, which sadly will never be seen again. The only option at that tragic stage is to surrender and mourn the loss.

Similarly, as thousands of historic landmarks have been razed and art collections lost, music compositions such as American-Austrian composer Arnold Schoenbergs music archive of 100,000 scores has also been destroyed. While most high net-worth art is insured by individuals as well as institutions, private collectors are more vulnerable to losing treasured works for the lack of resources a person will have in comparison to an organisation. The Getty Center for example, is built out of stone which is fire resistant and protected steel keeping in mind the possibility of calamities such as this.

However, in either case, can the monetary value ever quantify the historic or emotional value of art?
Lawyers for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol failed in their court effort to secure his release on Thursday, a day after he was detained at his residence for questioning over rebellion allegations linked to his martial law declaration last month.

Yoon was sent to a detention center near the countrys capital, Seoul, after undergoing more than 10 hours of questioning on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, during which he exercised his right to remain silent. Yoon refused further questioning by the anti-corruption officials on Thursday as his lawyers maintained that the investigation was illegal.

Lawyers had asked the Seoul Central District Court to consider his release, questioning the validity of the detention warrant for Yoon issued by the Seoul Western District Court.

But the Central District Court denied their petition late Thursday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Lawyers representing South Koreas impeached president said Thursday he will refuse further questioning after being detained by anti-corruption officials over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month, maintaining that the investigation is illegal.

President Yoon Suk Yeol exercised his right to remain silent as he faced more than 10 hours of questioning on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, following a massive law enforcement operation to detain him at his official residence in Seoul.

Investigators are expected to move to place him under arrest in the coming days.

The anti-corruption agency, which is leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoons martial law declaration amounted to attempted rebellion, has 48 hours either to request a court order for his formal arrest or to release him.

Yoons lawyers have argued that the detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court is invalid and have asked the Seoul Central District Court to consider his release. The clock for the arrest warrant is on hold while the court reviews his petition, which can take up to 48 hours.

On Thursday, his lawyers formally claimed Wednesdays raid at the presidential residence which led to the detention of a head of state was illegal, in complaints filed with prosecutors.

Yoon didnt attend a hearing at the Central District Court on Thursday, which was part of the review over his detention warrant, due to security concerns, according to Seok Dong-hyeon, one of the presidents lawyers.

It was expected that the decision could come sometime during the evening.

Hundreds of Yoons supporters gathered in the streets near the court amid a heavy police presence, waving banners and chanting slogans calling for his release.

Yoon set off the countrys most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s when he attempted to break through gridlock in legislation by declaring martial law and deploying troops around the National Assembly on Dec. 3. The standoff lasted only hours before lawmakers 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 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.

Yoon and his allies have defied efforts to investigate his role in the chaos of Dec. 3. He ignored requests to appear for questioning for weeks, remaining in his official residence to avoid detention as his lawyers turned away police, citing a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge  Yoon himself. They also said that the anti-corruption agency had no legal authority to investigate rebellion allegations.

Yoon also resisted one attempt to detain him as the presidential security service barricaded the residence. He was finally brought into custody after hundreds of anti-corruption investigators and police raided the presidential compound for some five hours in a second attempt.

In a video message recorded shortly before he was escorted to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented that the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country. He echoed the arguments of his lawyers that the anti-corruption agency does not have the authority to investigate his actions, but said he accepted detention to prevent violence.

The Constitutional Court rejected a request by Yoons lawyers to postpone a hearing on his case scheduled for Thursday. It remains possible for Yoon to exercise his right to attend, even while under detention.

If a court grants a warrant for Yoons formal arrest, the anti-corruption investigators can extend his detention to 20 days, during which it will transfer the case to public prosecutors for an indictment.

If prosecutors indict Yoon on the possible charges of rebellion and abuse of power, he could remain under arrest until the first 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.

(AP)
The supremely popular TikTok could be banned on Jan. 19 under a federal law that forces the video sharing platform to divest itself from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or shut down its U.S. operations.

Several parties have expressed interest in buying the platform, but ByteDance has repeatedly said it does not plan to sell. Experts have also noted the Chinese government is unlikely to approve a sale that includes TikToks coveted algorithm.

But until the deadline passes, or until the Supreme Court takes action, the possibility of a purchase is still possible. Heres what you need to know:

How much is TikTok worth?

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimates TikTok is worth well north of $100 billion with the algorithm  and potentially up to $200 billion in a best case scenario.

Without the algorithm its $40 billion to $50 billion, Ives said, adding he does not believe that ByteDance and Beijing would sell TikTok with the algorithm.

Attorneys for the TikTok and ByteDance have claimed its impossible to divest the platform commercially and technologically. They also say any sale of TikTok without the coveted algorithm  the platforms secret sauce that Chinese authorities would likely block under any divesture plan  would turn the U.S. version of TikTok into an island disconnected from other global content.

U.S. officials warned that the proprietary algorithm is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way thats difficult to detect.

Whos serious about buying TikTok?

Billionaire businessman and real estate mogul Frank McCourt and his internet advocacy group recently announced it had submitted a proposal to buy the social media site from ByteDance. Famed Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary has also joined the effort.

The group has not disclosed details of the bid.

If a sale occurs, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers said he would plan to restructure TikTok and give more agency to people over their digital identities and data by migrating the platform to an open-source protocol that allows for more transparency.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has also taken steps to purchase TikTok.

Shortly after Congress passed the ban, Mnuchin told CNBC he had started creating an investor group that would purchase the popular social media company. He offered no details about who may be in the group or about TikToks possible valuation.

When Mnuchin was Treasury secretary, he helped the Trump administration broker a deal in 2020 that would have had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok on national security grounds.

Several other names have been floated as possible buyers  Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Jimmy Donaldson ( MrBeast), who recently posted on social media about possibly pulling off such a deal, and former Blizzard-Activision CEO Bobby Kotick. Whether these buyers are serious and actively assembling a bid for the company, however, is not clear.

Can Trump intervene?

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, recently asked the court to put a pause on the law so he can work out a political resolution to the issue during his second term.

If the justices  who heard oral arguments Friday over the law  grant his request, a potential ban on TikTok will be delayed. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision within days.

The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his campaign pledge to save TikTok. But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement in November that he plans to deliver on his promise.

After Trump takes office, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. On Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trumps pick for Attorney General, dodged a question during a Senate hearing on whether shed uphold a TikTok ban.

(AP)
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday aimed at strengthening the nations cybersecurity and making it easier to go after foreign adversaries or hacking groups that try to compromise U.S. internet and telecommunication systems.

Provisions in the order call for the development of minimum cybersecurity standards for government technology contractors and require that contractors submit evidence that theyre complying with the rules.

They also are aimed at making it easier for U.S. authorities to sanction foreign governments that target the U.S. with cyberattacks  a change that comes after several recent hacking incidents linked to China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. Among other changes, the order allows sanctions to be imposed on foreign hackers who target hospitals or other organizations with ransomware.

The order also requires federal agencies to improve cybersecurity to protect against the threat posed by powerful quantum computers, which cyber experts say could be used to easily break into many systems. Its an issue that could have direct national security implications if a foreign adversary builds a computer sophisticated enough to break American codes.

The White House issued the order just days before Biden, a Democrat, leaves office. Republican President-elect Donald Trumps administration could rescind the policy in favor of its own proposals. But deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger said the orders twin goals  strengthening cybersecurity and punishing those responsible for cyberattacks  should win bipartisan support.

The order is intended to show that America means business when it comes to protecting our businesses and our citizens, Neuberger said while briefing reporters on the new policies.

The policies build on several earlier actions by the Biden administration intended to boost defenses against cyber intrusions  whether they target the government, critical infrastructure like ports or power plants, U.S. businesses or individual users.

Earlier this month, the White House announced a labeling program designed to help consumers pick smart devices that are more resistant to hacking. Under the cyber trust mark program, manufacturers of internet-connected devices can attach the label to let buyers know the product meets federal cybersecurity standards.

Trump has not announced his picks for top national cybersecurity positions. John Ratcliffe, Trumps nominee to be CIA director, said Wednesday during his Senate confirmation hearing that its essential the U.S. improve its defensive and offensive cyber capabilities to keep up with China and other adversaries.

We have the best code makers and code breakers in the world, Ratcliffe said of American spy agencies. But if China gets to quantum computing before we do, thats a real problem.

(AP)
President-elect Donald Trump tasked a New Jersey congressman and vocal critic of offshore wind with writing an executive order he could issue to halt wind energy projects.

Offshore wind is a major part of transitioning to an electric grid powered entirely by sources that dont emit carbon dioxide when generating electricity. The power sector is responsible for nearly a third of the nations planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to end the offshore wind industry as soon as he returned to the White House. He wants to boost production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal, which cause climate change, in order for the U.S. to have the lowest-cost energy and electricity of any nation in the world, he says.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew said he spoke with Trump by phone about a month ago and urged him to act on his campaign promise.

I said Mr. President, we need to move on this. He said, Yeah, we definitely do. I agree. Im against them. Van Drew said. He said, Write an executive order, get it to my people.

Van Drew told The Associated Press Wednesday night that he quickly emailed a draft order to Doug Burgum, Trumps pick to be interior secretary. Van Drew said the draft is written to halt offshore wind development from Rhode Island to Virginia for six months so the incoming interior secretary could review how leases and permits were issued. Van Drew said he believes the approvals did not fully take into account the impact on the fishing industry, tourism, whales or Americans utility bills, and its problematic to rely on foreign renewable energy companies building the wind farms.

The Interior Department includes the agency responsible for offshore renewable energy development in federal waters, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Burgum is due before a Senate committee Thursday for a confirmation hearing.

Van Drew declined to show the AP the order, saying he doesnt expect Trump to use his draft verbatim, its a template. He expects Trump to issue an offshore wind executive order within the first quarter of the year, possibly as early as his first day on the job. Van Drew said he views that as a first step toward an eventual moratorium on offshore wind development.

Trump says wind turbines are horrible and expensive. He repeats unfounded claims about offshore wind threatening whales. His transition team didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The Biden administration worked to propel the nascent U.S. offshore wind industry forward to address climate change as an existential threat. It set targets to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, generating enough electricity to power more than 10 million homes, and up to 15 gigawatts of electricity through floating sites by 2035, enough to power 5 million homes.

The nations first commercial-scale offshore wind farm opened in March, a 12-turbine wind farm called South Fork Wind 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Montauk Point, New York.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held first-ever lease sales off the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, and the first commercial sale for floating offshore wind on the Atlantic coast. It approved the nations 11th commercial-scale offshore wind energy project in December. Combined, the 11 projects total over 19 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power more than 6 million homes.

(AP)
President-elect Donald Trump has named Troy Meink, a former Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft navigator and former deputy of the National Reconnaissance Office, as his choice to serve as the top civilian leader for the Air Force.

Meink has almost four decades of experience as both a military member and in government service in national security, including roles managing some of the nations most sensitive satellite intelligence capabilities and the militarys space portfolio.

Troy will work with our incredible Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to ensure that our Nations Air Force is the most effective and deadly force in the World, as we secure peace through strength, Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social.

If confirmed, Meink would assume the role as the Air Force and U.S. Space Force, which was established by Trump during his first term and just hit its fifth year in existence  are hurriedly trying to reshape the nations space capabilities.

Many countries, including Russia, China, North Korea and the U.S. are developing new ways to disable or defend the tens of thousands of satellites that ring the Earth as a way to cripple a potential adversary without fighting a traditional land-based war.

Meink is from Lemmon, South Dakota, and joined the Air Force as an ROTC cadet at South Dakota State University in 1988. In his previous role at the National Reconnaissance Office, Meink oversaw a more than $15 billion budget to acquire new satellite capabilities.

(AP)
BRUSSELS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission is taking further steps to clarify the compliance of social media platform X's recommender systems with the obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said Friday.

The Commission has requested that X submit internal documentation related to its recommender systems, including any recent modifications, by Feb. 15. Additionally, X has been asked to preserve internal documents concerning the design and functioning of these algorithms until the end of the year, unless the investigation concludes earlier.

The Commission has also sought access to specific commercial APIs from X. These technical interfaces will allow for a direct examination of content moderation practices and the mechanisms driving account virality.

The investigation into X commenced in December 2023. By July 2024, the Commission's preliminary findings indicated that X had violated the DSA in several areas, including the use of dark patterns, lack of advertising transparency, and restricted data access for researchers.

X's owner, Elon Musk, has recently clashed with EU regulators. Some European politicians have accused him of election interference, pointing to his livestreamed discussion with the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). 
Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya publicly doubled down on the terrorist organizations commitment to Israels destruction in his first statement after approving the ceasefire deal with Israel. Speaking from Doha in an 18-minute televised address, al-Hayya claimed that Hamas had thwarted both Israels declared and hidden goals during negotiations.

Today, we prove that the occupation will never defeat our people and their resistance, al-Hayya said. He described the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people, as a miraculous achievement and a source of pride for Palestinians, asserting it would be remembered for generations.

He said that Hamas will expel the occupation from our land and from Al Quds [Jerusalem] at the earliest time possible, and promised: Our enemy will never see a moment of weakness from us.

Al-Hayya mourned the deaths of key Hamas leaders and extended gratitude to allies, including Iran, which he credited with supporting Hamas efforts. He also praised international support from countries such as Turkey, South Africa, and Russia, as well as global protests against Israel.

The truce deal, brokered with the help of mediators in Qatar and Egypt, was confirmed Wednesday by President-elect Donald Trump. The agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners, among other conditions.

Mass celebrations erupted in Gaza and the West Bank following the announcement, with armed Hamas terrorists taking to the streets. Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also hailed the deal as a victory, while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad vowed to remain vigilant in ensuring its implementation.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Guatemalan authorities were forced to separate children from their mothers because the mothers were not allowing the children to eat.

According to sources, Lev Tahor leaders instructed the mothers to starve the children so they would only receive food that the cult wanted them to eat.

The children were forbidden from eating even fruits and vegetables.

A source in Guatemala said: They told the children to starve and not to eat things they could eat, for example, fruits and vegetables. They told them not to eat anything, to starve themselves, to hurt themselves, and all sorts of things, in order to exert pressure on the authorities.

One source said:  I think a baby should be with his mother. But thats what the judge decided. They separated all the children from their mothers because the mothers are abusing them. They are forced to do this under the leaderships orders; theyve been brainwashed.

The source added that the authorities are concerned that the leaders of the cult will put certain substances in the food. There are all kinds of drugs they can push on the children.

He added that there are guidelines for mothers to kill their children if the government takes them, or if the Zionists try to rescue them from there. In letters published by the cult leaders in the past, members of the cult were told that they must sacrifice their lives.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has made a dramatic announcement on Thursday night following a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

A short statement for Ben-Gvir says: The emerging deal is reckless. It includes the release of hundreds of murderers, the return of hundreds of thousands of Gazans to the northern part of the Strip, including thousands of terrorists, withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route, and cessation of the fighting.

This deal will undo all the achievements we have brought to the country and does not secure the release of all the hostages.

If the reckless deal is approved, we will submit our resignation letters to the Prime Minister. Otzma Yehudit will withdraw from the government.

If the war resumes with the aim of achieving a decisive victory, we will propose returning to the government.

Should he resign, the government will have 63 seats and will not dissolv.

Attached is the full statement by Otzma Yehudit leader and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

The emerging deal is reckless. It includes the release of hundreds of murderous terrorists, the return of thousands of terrorists to northern Gaza, withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route, and the cessation of fighting. In essence, this deal erases the achievements of the war.

Not only that, it does not lead to the release of all the hostages, it seals the fate of those not included in the deal, and it will end the war without Hamas being defeated, leaving it with significant ability to rebuild itself.

When you see the celebrations of Hamas supporter Ayman Odeh, the dancing in Gaza, and the festivities in villages across Judea and Samaria, it becomes clear which side has surrendered in this deal.

Therefore, if this reckless deal is approved and implemented, the Otzma Yehudit party will not remain part of the government and will withdraw.

If the war against Hamas resumes with force, aimed at achieving decisive victory and fulfilling the wars unachieved goals, we will return to the government.

I also call on the members of the Religious Zionism party and ideological Likud Knesset members to act similarly, joining us in preventing the implementation of this disgraceful surrender deal.

We are also willing to pay a heavy price for the release of the hostages. We are ready to do everything possible to bring about their release, as long as the price does not include a much greater cost. This deal only increases Hamass appetite and motivation for another massacre like October 7, forcing Israel to capitulate repeatedly. This is aside from the wave of terror attacks that, heaven forbid, could shed much Jewish blood.

To secure the release of the hostages, humanitarian aid to Gaza must be completely haltednot controlled or reduced, but entirely stopped. The transfer of fuel, electricity, and water must end.

Only in this way will Hamas release our hostages without endangering Israels security, alongside a powerful military onslaught. Only in this way can we defeat this murderous terrorist organization.

Therefore, even now, I still urge the Prime Minister to reconsider, avoid this horrific deal, and take these steps to defeat Hamas and free our hostages without surrendering to it.

If he does not do so, and once the governments decision is made, Otzma Yehudit under my leadership will not overthrow Netanyahu or act with the left and its goals against the government. However, we cannot remain part of a government that approves a deal that rewards Hamas significantly and risks leading to another October 7 disaster. We will withdraw.

If the war against Hamas resumes with force to achieve decisive victory and fulfill the wars unachieved goals, we will return to the government.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid reaffirmed his commitment to providing Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with a political safety net to advance a hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas. The offer comes after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to quit the government if the agreement is approved.

I say to Benjamin Netanyahu, dont be afraid or intimidated. You will get every safety net you need to make the hostage deal, Lapid wrote.

This is more important than any disagreement weve ever had, he added.

The proposed agreement, announced yesterday, has sparked tensions within Netanyahus coalition, with Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening to resign.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Biden administration is reportedly shocked by reports that Israel plans to delay the approval of a critical hostage deal by one day, potentially complicating its implementation.

According to Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to convene a cabinet meeting to vote on the deals approval on Shabbos, instead of Friday as initially expected. The report indicates that time constraints will prevent both a security cabinet vote and a full cabinet vote from being held before Shabbos begins on Friday, pushing the latter to Motzei Shabbos.

Following the cabinets approval, Israeli law requires a 24-hour period for potential High Court of Justice petitions against the agreement before the deal can be implemented.

The White House is said to be fuming over the decision, Channel 12 reported, warning that the additional day could introduce further complications to the already delicate negotiations.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas signed an agreement in Doha on Thursday to release hostages held in Gaza and initiate a long-awaited, tensely-negotiated, fragile ceasefire. However, the Israeli government is not expected to vote on the deal until Motzei Shabbos, delaying its implementation until at least Monday, according to Israeli officials.

The Israeli security cabinet was initially set to convene Thursday morning to vote on the agreement. However, last-minute disputes during negotiations in Doha postponed the official signing. On Wednesday night, a disagreement emerged over the final list of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the deal.

Hamas pushed for the inclusion of terrorist leaders serving life sentences for orchestrating attacks. Although Israel had previously vetoed their release, the issue resurfaced during negotiations. U.S. officials, including President Joe Bidens Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, along with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, worked to resolve the dispute. Ultimately, the matter was settled, but it delayed the signing of the agreement by several hours.

While negotiators finalized the deal in Doha, political tensions rose in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahus right-wing coalition partners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, voiced opposition to the agreement. Ben Gvir threatened to resign and withdraw his party from the coalition if the deal were approved. Smotrich met with Netanyahu on Thursday but expressed continued reservations.

Netanyahu is expected to secure a majority in the cabinet vote despite opposition from these coalition partners. The Likud party criticized Ben Gvir, accusing him of attempting to destabilize the government.

The Prime Ministers Office issued a statement saying that Netanyahu has been updated by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal for the release of the hostages.

The statement thanked the negotiating team, and said the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing will coordinate the preparations to receive the hostages upon their return to Israel.

The State of Israel is committed to achieving all of the objectives of the war including the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased, the statement stressed.

The agreement outlines a phased process for the release of hostages and the implementation of a ceasefire:

The first phase involves the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and vulnerable men. The hostages will be released gradually during the six-week ceasefire period.

More than 700 Palestinian prisoners will be released, including 275 serving life sentences. Additionally, approximately 1,000 Palestinians detained during the war will be freed.

From the first day of the ceasefire, 600 aid trucks, including 50 fuel trucks, will enter Gaza daily. Tents and mobile homes will be provided for displaced Palestinians.

The IDF will withdraw to a buffer zone in Gaza. Northern Gaza will reopen to Palestinians, with vehicle checks conducted by Qatari and Egyptian officials to prevent the transport of heavy weapons.

Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. will oversee the agreements implementation.

The Israeli security cabinet is expected to vote on the agreement on Friday morning, followed by a full cabinet meeting on Motzei Shabbos. Under Israeli law, the public will have 24 hours to appeal any decision to release prisoners. If the agreement is approved, the ceasefire and hostages release will begin Monday.

The deal includes provisions for a second phase, beginning on the 16th day of the ceasefire, during which negotiations will address the release of additional hostages and discussions on a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF announced on Friday morning that it has initiated criminal proceedings against bnei yeshivos who did not report to enlistment centers after receiving draft orders.

According to the IDF spokespersons statement, anyone designated for enlistment who did not comply with the recruitment order he received will be considered to have committed a criminal offense.

The IDF said that the decision is based on Section 12 of the Security Service Law, after all necessary processes have been exhausted.

The IDF is the army of the people and operates professionally and officially to enlist all who are required to enlist, in accordance with the law and the instructions of the political leadership, the statement continued.

The IDF will continue to enforce the law and take action against candidates for service who violate the law and do not report to the recruitment office.

The move comes after Defense Minister Yisrael Katz presented an outline of a Chareidi draft law to the Knesset which states that if Chareidi enlistment target numbers are not reached, personal sanctions will be implemented against lomdei Torah.

The Chareidi parties vowed to fight against the law, saying that it is inconceivable that in a Jewish state, lomdei Torah would be punished in any way for exercising their right and duty to immerse themselves in Torah, which is a protection and salvation, especially during a time when Klal Yisrael is in danger.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet on Friday to discuss the proposed hostage release-ceasefire deal. The full Israeli government is set to meet at 3:30 p.m. to approve the agreement, with implementation scheduled to begin on Sunday at 12:15 p.m.

Originally, the government meeting was planned for Saturday evening after Shabbos, but the timeline was moved up to expedite the process.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu participated in a security assessment with the negotiating team that returned overnight from Doha, where the final version of the agreement was signed.

Despite delays in the deals signing and government approval, the Prime Ministers Office confirmed that the release of hostages from Gaza is still expected to proceed as planned on Sunday.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
This week the Prime Minister was out banging the drum for an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in Britain.

It is paradoxical that Herald Investment Trust, which prides itself on tech discovery and AI, faces an existential threat in the next few days.

It is the first of the seven quoted investment vehicles targeted by US activist Boaz Weinstein and Saba Capital to face a shareholder vote that could see the 30-year-old trust, with a stonking record of returns for investors, assaulted and dismantled.

It is not jingoistic, as Weinstein has clumsily claimed, to defend solid UK investment groups.

Several have enviable track records and are held for long-term returns. It is appalling that the defences of the trusts, against defenestration of independent boards and liquidation of growth assets, is so frail.

Neglect of the sector by regulators at the misfiring Financial Conduct Authority, and impenetrable voting barriers, are being exploited to the detriment of private investors.

Trust me: US hedge fund Saba Capital, run by the aggressive activist investor Boaz Weinstein (pictured) has set its sights on seven UK investment trusts calling for major shake-ups

For private investors in Herald, who hold their stock on platforms run by firms such as AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown and smaller players, today is the last chance to save Herald by registering to vote.

Information about Sabas intentions, as it built a 29.9 per cent stake in Herald, has been woefully poor.

Most takeovers, such as Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinskys battle for Royal Mail and the bid by Aviva for Direct Line, attract blazing headlines.

Investment trusts rarely get the same treatment. They are viewed as a backwater in finance and their glory, as a structure, has been displaced by open-ended unit trusts and new-fangled exchange trade funds (ETFs).

Yet investment trusts have innate advantage over rival homes for savings and pensions.

They use leverage, to boost returns, and in the manner of Herald and other trusts under siege, offer investors access to specialist sectors.

Heralds top ten holdings, at present, include US semiconductor and robotics innovator Celestica and fast expanding tech-enabled UK consumer site Trustpilot.

As those who hold investments on platforms know, it is never easy to make a voice heard on corporate actions. Some are better than others.

Barclays Smart Investor is good at chasing holders for votes and decisions. Other are more awkward.

Requests are hidden in tricky to access parts of the website. It appears that some holders of Herald stock outrageously are required to pay fees of 30 to 40 to exercise their democratic right. Nevertheless, there is still the opportunity today to turn things around.

Those investors who hold Herald shares directly can still vote until Monday. But disenfranchisement of private investors, through neglect, apathy or little awareness is a clear danger.

It is extraordinary that Saba can use a disclosed holding of 24.5 per cent to sack a board, impose its own directors and seize management fees.

There was a time when this would not be allowed to happen. The Governor of the Bank of England would have called all parties (including the City Panel on Takeovers) and toughened defences.

The requirement of a simple majority in investment trust takeovers, as against the higher barrier of 75 per cent on many corporate actions, leaves them ridiculously vulnerable.

There are closed trusts, notably Neil Woodfords Patient Capital (now a huge loser under Schroder management), that have been run disastrously. It became a dumping ground for unquoted holdings from Woodfords Equity Income fund.

Others are run for the benefit of managers and a small, privileged circle of directors rather than savers. These are rogue outfits, and Herald is not among them.

Investors in the seven funds targeted have been let down by the consumer duty requiring disclosure of fees already in the share price.

The biggest enemy is the search for safety in bonds by UK pension funds, post-Maxwell regulation and Gordon Browns raid on UK dividends.

Managers scoured the planet, ignoring Britain, in search of high performing equities.

The challenge of getting out the vote to defeat Saba endangers the whole sector. Pity it has taken so long for the main players and City enforcers to recognise this.
US hedge fund Saba Capital is targeting a so-called miserable seven investment trusts with plans to oust their directors and install allies in their place.

The firm, run by Wall Street financier Boaz Weinstein, needs to win 50 per cent support from voting shareholders to succeed, meaning investors must vote against the proposals to defeat them.

The investment trusts have fought back and are urging investors not to miss the chance to vote and have their say.

Here we take a look at each of the seven trusts.

The seven investment trusts that Saba Capital is seeking to take control of

Herald Investment Trust

Herald Investment Trust is the largest being targeted by Saba with a market value of nearly 1.3billion.

It is the first one to hold a vote on the US hedge funds plans, with a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The trusts top holdings include major tech firms such as US computer server maker Super Micro and Dutch chip group BE Semiconductor, as well as London-listed firms YouGov and Next Fifteen.

Saba has told Heralds investors that if it wins next week, it will urge the new board to offer shareholders the chance to cash out at 99 per cent of the trusts net asset value (NAV).

However, the board has accused Saba of making an opportunistic bid to take control, adding that they believe the US firm has materially underperformed Herald.

Chairman Andrew Joy said: Every shareholders voice matters and every vote counts. Protect your investment from changes to our strategy which provides proven long-term value to shareholders, and vote against Sabas proposals.

Baillie Gifford US Growth

The Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust, another mid-cap investment company, holds its vote on February 3. The fund holds assets worth nearly 840million, but its market capitalisation currently sits at 761million.

As the name suggests, the trust focuses on US-based businesses, with its top investment being Elon Musks rocket firm SpaceX. Tech giants Amazon, Nvidia and Meta are among its biggest holdings.

After the launch of Sabas campaign, the trust said it had delivered exactly what it promised and accused the fund of trying to subvert its performance.

But US Growths chairman Tom Burnet said many small shareholders think their votes dont count despite their influence on the trusts register, controlling about 30 per cent.

Weinstein has doled out sharp criticism of Baillie Gifford, which manages the trust, saying it was responsible for some of the most abysmal failures in the sector.

Keystone Positive Change Investment

Keystone Positive Change holds 169million of assets and focuses on firms that make a positive social or environmental impact.

Its top holdings include Taiwanese computer chip giant TSMC, Microsoft, e-commerce group Shopify and language-learning app Duolingo. It trades on the stock market with a value of 146million.

Keystones chairman Karen Brade has been among the harshest critics of Saba, saying she has been appalled by the US firms actions and that it is being disingenuous about its plans for the business.

Brade also told us that Saba was taking advantage of low turnout by retail shareholders at previous votes and it was really important small investors made their voices heard at its meeting, also on February 3.

Saba has responded in similarly sulphurous terms, accusing Brade of presiding over a disastrous track record at the trust, which currently trades with a discount of 7.3pc to its NAV.

CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income

With assets of 147million, CQS Natural Resources is one of the smaller trusts in Sabas crosshairs. It trades with a market cap of 118million.

The portfolio focuses on mining, with its top holding Canadian uranium miner NexGen Energy. Other investments include London-listed digger Greatland Gold.

CQS chairman Christopher Casey said the trusts small investors, who hold 44 per cent of its stock, should understand the importance of their vote.

Warning that it was no coincidence the US firm had targeted trusts with large numbers of retail  or individual  shareholders, he added: They are trying to bulldoze their way in.

Saba has accused Casey and CQS of making inaccurate, unsubstantiated claims about its performance and that the current managements record was putting shareholder value at risk.

Predator: Saba, run by Wall Street financier Boaz Weinstein (pictured with ex wife Tali Farhadian), needs to win at least 50% support from voting shareholders to seize control

Henderson Opportunities

Focused on building a portfolio primarily of UK investments, the Henderson Opportunities Trust counts banking giants HSBC and Standard Chartered as its top holdings, with substantial investments in Barclays, Tesco and miner Rio Tinto.

The firms assets amount to 102million, but it trades on the market at 87million.

Chairman Wendy Colquhoun said Sabas coup attempt was a really unfortunate turn of events.

It is incredibly important that all of our shareholders vote, she said. About 40 per cent of the trusts shares are held by retail investors.

Saba has claimed that the trust has a track record of underperforming.

This week, the boss of Janus Henderson, which manages the trust, told investors to not be complacent about the US firms plans.

European Smaller Companies

As its name suggest, the European Smaller Companies Trust portfolio is comprised of small and medium-sized companies listed on the Continent.

Its top holdings include Dutch investment manager Van Lanschot Kempen and German chemicals firm AlzChem.

The FTSE 250 firms assets are worth 838million while its market cap sits at 719million. About 35 per cent of its shares are held by retail investors.

ESCT chairman James Williams warned investors that, if they did not vote, the hedge fund could change the trusts investment focus away from what they originally backed.

ESCT has been accused by Saba of having failed shareholders and with Henderson Opportunities of presiding over disappointing trading over the past three years.

Edinburgh Worldwide Investment

With assets of 812million, Baillie Gifford-managed Edinburgh Worldwide trust offers investors a portfolio of what it describes as businesses operating at frontiers of technological innovation and transformation.

SpaceX is a top holding with Californian quantum computing firm PsiQuantum and Massachusetts-based drug group AInylam Pharma. It trades with a market cap of 725million and a premium of nearly 0.5 per cent.

Chairman Jonathan Simpson-Dent has been heavily critical of Saba, accusing Weinstein and his allies of trying to make a quick buck by taking over the trusts, branding the US firms plans as sketchy.

We think his proposals are damaging to shareholders interests and choice, which is why we will be urging them to vote against Saba, he added.

The critique seems to have hit a nerve with Weinstein, who in a presentation on Tuesday issued a scathing critique of the trust, arguing he couldnt do worse than the trusts current team.
HAMBURG, Germany, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- German fashion brand Tom Tailor is preparing to attend this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) in a bid to explore new market opportunities and strengthen its foothold in China's expansive consumer market.

At a promotional event here for the 8th CIIE on Thursday, Tom Tailor's CEO Gernot Lenz highlighted the expo's pivotal role in fostering partnerships and localizing the brand for Chinese consumers.

The company, known for its Europe operations, entered the Chinese market several years ago. Lenz has visited the expo in Shanghai before and secured a local partner to adapt the brand for the Chinese market. "It is an amazing platform, well organized and structured," he told Xinhua, calling the expo a "very unique" platform to exchange ideas, learn about the market, and seek partnerships.

This year, Tom Tailor is set to make its debut as an exhibitor at the 8th CIIE. By collaborating with local partners, the company aims to better meet the needs and preferences of Chinese customers, Lenz noted.

Since its launch in 2018, the CIIE has facilitated intended transaction volume exceeding 500 billion U.S. dollars. As the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to imports, it has hosted more than 10,000 foreign companies from over 180 countries and regions.

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, emphasized Germany's prominent participation. Ning said Germany has consistently been the European country with the largest number of participating companies at the CIIE.

At last year's event, around 120 German enterprises showcased their products and services across sectors like industrial manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods and logistics. Regular participants include prominent names like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Siemens.

Ning expressed optimism about increased German involvement in this year's six-day event scheduled for November. He encouraged German companies, particularly those unfamiliar with the expo, to use the platform to connect and exchange ideas.

The expo has also bolstered logistics between China and Germany. In October 2021, a dedicated China-Europe freight train departed from Hamburg, transporting German exhibits to Shanghai for the CIIE. Thomas Kiefer, representing the Hamburg Billwerder terminal operated by DUSS, Germany's leading rail-road transshipment company, noted the continued operation of these trains in subsequent years.

"The CIIE has not only enhanced trade between China and Germany, as well as Europe, but also significantly boosted bilateral logistics," Kiefer said. He added that for companies seeking global expansion, the import expo represents a "great opportunity." 
Rio Tinto and Glencore have held talks over a potential merger that would be the mining sectors biggest ever deal.

The London-listed mining giants have held early-stage discussions about a combination of the two businesses, Bloomberg reported last night.

A deal would topple industry leader BHP from the top spot and create a company worth around 130billion.

It comes amid a wave of dealmaking in the sector over the last few years as miners attempt to boost their copper production - a metal that is seen as key to the green energy transition.

And it follows BHPs failed attempt to buy London-listed miner Anglo American last year.

The Australian giant walked away from takeover talks after fierce opposition from Anglos board, abandoning what would have been one of the biggest ever mining sector tie-ups.

London-listed mining giants Rio Tinto and Glencore have held talks over a potential merger

As part of its fightback, Anglo unveiled a major restructuring plan to split itself up including the sale of its diamond arm De Beers.

Last year Switzerland-headquartered Glencore, which has a market capitalisation of nearly 45billion, completed the 5.6billion acquisition of Canadian miner Teck Resources steelmaking coal unit.

And Rio Tinto chief Jakob Stausholm said he would not rule out large deals in the copper sector.

But he warned that major M&A deals can present a big risk that could derail the whole company.

Rio Tinto, which is worth around 84billion, is the worlds largest producer of iron ore.

It depends on the mineral to drive its profits at a time when the market looks set for an extended period of weakness.

Bloomberg reported yesterday that it is not clear whether merger talks between Glencore and Rio Tinto are ongoing.

A Glencore spokesman said: We do not comment on market rumour or speculation. Rio Tinto was not immediately available for comment.

Rio Tinto said it does not comment on market rumour.
The heads of seven investment trusts under attack by a US corporate raider have urged small investors who hold shares to exercise their right to vote and oppose plans to overhaul their businesses.

Saba Capital, run by Wall Street financier Boaz Weinstein, is proposing to replace directors at the seven investment trusts with its own nominees, saying leaders have failed shareholders and made poor decisions.

It has stakes in each firm ranging from 19 per cent to 29 per cent and needs to win 50 per cent support from voting shareholders to succeed.

As a result, it will win if other investors do not actively vote against the proposals.

The trust chairmen have accused Saba of trying to bulldoze its way into gaining control of their businesses by relying on many ordinary shareholders not voting.

The main industry lobby group for UK investment trusts has warned the City watchdog that current rules do not protect the interests of retail shareholders on concerns smaller investors have not been properly informed about Sabas plans.

Power grab: Saba Capital, run by Wall Street financier Boaz Weinstein, is proposing to replace directors at the trusts with its own nominees

Andrew Joy, chairman of the Herald Investment Trust, which is the first to face a vote on Wednesday, told the Mail and This is Money every shareholders voice matters.

He urged them to protect your investment and vote against Sabas proposals.

Tom Burnet, chairman of the Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust, said many small shareholders believe their votes dont count despite holding 30 per cent of the trusts stock, against the 25 per cent held by Saba.

He said: We dont want investors to be complacent. We want to defeat Saba significantly.

While the hedge fund holds substantial stakes in each of the trusts, it is outnumbered in almost all by private investors.

Christopher Casey, chairman of the CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income Trust, said its small investors, which hold 44 per cent of the trust, were at risk of becoming disenfranchised if Saba succeeds.

People should understand the importance of their vote, he said, adding it was no coincidence the US firm had targeted trusts with large numbers of retail investors. They are trying to bulldoze their way in.

The comments came as the Association of Investment Companies wrote to the Financial Conduct Authority urging it to change rules so retail investors were automatically informed of plans to change investment trust strategy or their leadership.

With so much at stake, the regulator cant just rely on people doing the right thing, said the associations chief executive Richard Stone.

He added that when significant changes to a trust were proposed, investment platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell and Interactive Investor should actively contact their clients to encourage voting.
BAKU, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze visited Baku on Friday for official talks, marking his first foreign trip after being reappointed to office, and focusing on enhancing the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

During the trip, Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and participated in a session of the joint intergovernmental commission, which included delegations from both countries, the AZERTAC news agency reported.

The discussions revolved around bolstering trade and economic ties, and expanding cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors. Asadov congratulated Kobakhidze on his reappointment and the formation of a new Georgian government, underscoring that strengthening relations with Georgia is a key priority for Azerbaijan's foreign policy.

Several agreements were signed during the visit, including memorandums of cooperation in consular and transport matters. The leaders also visited a site in Baku designated for the construction of a new Georgian embassy.

Later, Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at a joint press conference, Kobakhidze emphasized that Azerbaijan is one of Georgia's top five trade partners and expressed his commitment to furthering trade relations. "Azerbaijan and Georgia serve as a bridge connecting Europe with Asia, and we must fully capitalize on this potential," he stated.

Aliyev highlighted the significance of regional communication projects, particularly the Middle Corridor initiative. "This project spans a wide geography, with Georgia and Azerbaijan playing a crucial role in connecting Europe and Asia," he said.

Aliyev also addressed energy cooperation, noting the success of joint oil and gas projects. "These initiatives contribute to the energy security of many countries. Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 11 countries via Georgia, and these volumes continue to grow," he added.

The day concluded with an extended meeting between the two leaders during a luncheon, after which Kobakhidze returned to Tbilisi. 
NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden won't enforce a ban on TikTok just a day before he leaves office on Monday, leaving the incoming Donald Trump administration to make the decision, according to a White House official.

"Given the timing of when it goes into effect over a holiday weekend a day before the inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement," CNN reported on Thursday, citing an anonymous White House official.

In April 2024, Biden enacted a law named Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act that gives TikTok's parent company ByteDance only 270 days to sell TikTok, citing unfounded national security concerns.

If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms.

The ban is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, one day before U.S. President-elect Trump takes office.

The expectation of going dark with TikTok raised grave concerns amid hundreds of millions of its U.S. users and quite a number of Congressional members.

Trump recently urged the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban to allow time for a negotiated solution.

The Supreme Court of the United States is expected to announce its opinions on the fate of TikTok on Friday morning, according to a last-minute addition to its schedule.

"The Court may announce opinions on the homepage beginning at 10 a.m. The Court will not take the Bench," said a notice by the Supreme Court.

TikTok sued the U.S. government to block the potential ban in May 2024 and the legal fight reached the Supreme Court in December 2024.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments over the controversial law last Friday. 
Auto parts maker Tenneco announced that it would cease operations and permanently close a 55-year-old plant in Paragould, Arkansas, local television station K8 News reported.

The company informed the facilitys workers of their impending layoffs on January 14. Online news source NEAReport.com obtained a letter to the employees that said the company will conduct the closure and permanent layoffs in three phases around March 31, April 15 and April 30, with no bumping rights currently in place.

Tenneco did not disclose how many workers would lose their jobs, but an article from the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce reported that the factory had more than 1,100 employees in 2022. The article also stated that the facility, part of Tennecos DRiV motor parts aftermarket division, annually assembled over 13 million shocks and struts and produced 2.4 million modular assemblies per year.

Most Read on IEN:

Tenneco explained in its letter to employees that the Paragould DRiV plant has faced financial difficulties and has been unable to maintain market competitiveness for several years. The company also stated that it needs to realign its manufacturing footprint to respond to changing market conditions, which includes resizing operations to reflect the current and expected market demand.

A Paragould Daily Press article from 1983 reported that Monroe Auto Equipment originally opened the Paragould factory for shock absorber production in 1970. The company added 24,000 square feet in 1972 to incorporate sintered metal parts production.

After acquiring Monroe in 1977, Tenneco eventually expanded the site to occupy 450,000 square feet and become the second largest facility in its portfolio, according to monroeheavyduty.com.

K8 News reported that the Chamber plans to connect the affected employees with nearby job opportunities. Chamber Economic Development Director Allison Hestand noted multiple companies, including Anchor Packaging and transportation manufacturer Greenbrier, had already made contact.

Hestand added that the factorys future remains uncertain.

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By Chen Aizhu

SINGAPORE, (Reuters) - Up to 10% of China's oil refining capacity faces closure in the next ten years as an earlier-than-expected peak in Chinese fuel demand crushes margins and Beijing's drive to wring out inefficiency begins to squeeze older and smaller plants.

Tighter U.S. sanctions enforcement under the incoming Trump administration could send more plants into the red and accelerate shutdowns by halting access to cheap crude from the likes of Iran, industry players and analysts say.

The world's second-largest refining industry has long been plagued by excess capacity after expanding to capitalise on three decades of rapid demand growth.

Authorities, including officials in the independent refinery hub of Shandong province, have lacked political will to shut inefficient plants that employ tens of thousands of workers, analysts said.

However, rapid electrification of China's vehicles and flagging economic growth are making the weakest operators unviable, forcing a moment of reckoning.

The shakeout is likely to cap crude imports into China, the world's largest buyer, accounting for 11% of global demand. Chinese crude imports declined 1.9% in 2024, the only drop in the last two decades outside the COVID years, with weaker demand weighing on global oil prices.

Refinery output last year recorded a rare fall as well.

Poor operating rates are the clearest sign of the industry's pain. Consultancy Wood Mackenzie estimates Chinese refineries ran at only 75.5% of their capacity in 2024, the second-lowest utilisation rate since 2019 and significantly below U.S. refiners' rate of above 90%.

Worst off are independent fuel producers known as teapots, mostly located in east China's Shandong, which make up a quarter of the industry. They operated at just 54% of capacity last year, according to a Chinese consultancy, the lowest since 2017 outside the COVID years.

Weaker players were effectively put on notice by Beijing in 2023 when it vowed to weed out the smallest plants under a national refining capacity cap of 20 million barrels per day by 2025, only slightly above 19 million bpd currently.

The smaller plants have become dispensable following the start-up of four large privately-controlled refiners since 2019 which together make up 10% of China's refining capacity, industry players said.

Adding to their challenges, Beijing began chasing independent refiners in 2021 for unpaid tax.

Smaller operators, especially those that do not qualify for Beijing's crude oil quotas and survive instead on processing imported fuel oil, face a further crunch as new tariff and tax policies are set to drive up their costs in 2025, industry executives said.
By Amy-Jo Crowley

LONDON (Reuters) - An exodus of companies from London's Alternative Investment (AIM) market is set to accelerate into 2025, even as Britain's policymakers try to revive the country's capital markets, bankers and financial advisers to AIM companies told Reuters.

Already in 2025, Britain's Alliance Pharma agreed to sell itself to asset management firm DBAY Advisors, and online marketing firm Team Internet said it had received takeover approaches from private equity bidders.

This 30-year-old segment of the London Stock Exchange was designed to help smaller companies secure capital, with fewer listing requirements than the main market.

But now a growing number of AIM members are considering delisting or putting themselves up for sale as market valuations have slumped and changes in Britain's tax rules have made these listings less attractive.

We are seeing an increasing number of AIM company boards who are considering their options, including running a private or public sale process, and  particularly at the larger end  there is a growing trend for AIM companies to think about a move to the main market to benefit in part from more liquidity, said Marc Jones, a managing director who focuses on M&A at Peel Hunt.

UK officials implemented a suite of listing reforms last year aimed at helping London compete with New York and the European Union after Brexit. This easing of listing rules has yet to yield any noticeable turnaround in initial public offerings (IPOs), however, which has been accompanied by a long spell of outflows from UK funds.

A total of 89 companies left the junior exchange last year, with just 18 joining. That compares with 2021 when there were just 54 departures from AIM and 66 additions.

And an estimated third of AIM companies with a market value of 50 million to 250 million pounds ($61-$305 million) are vulnerable to bids, according to Peel Hunt.

AIM stocks are trading at 30% to 40% below their 10-year average as investors have pulled out more cash from UK funds, versus a 10% to 20% discount on the FTSE 100 and 250 markets, said Graham Simpson, head of Quest Research.

"AIM disappearing would be catastrophic," said Simpson, adding it would be an admission that Britain is not interested in supporting entrepreneurs, startups and growth businesses.

Simpson blamed outflows from UK equity funds and "apathy" about investing in small UK companies given their poor performance of recent years.

UK-focused equity funds have seen 41 consecutive months of outflows, a driver of more departures from AIM, according to Panmure Liberum deputy CEO Bidhi Bhoma. At the same time, there has been a lack of IPOs to counter the departures.
By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Azul and Gol, two of Brazil's largest airlines, are moving a step closer to a sweeping merger that would create a dominant carrier in Latin America's No. 1 economy, a securities filing showed on Wednesday.

The union of the two companies, which follows months of talks and market speculation, would hold roughly 60% of the domestic market, far surpassing the local unit of Chile-based LATAM Airlines.

Azul Chief Executive John Rodgerson said in an interview that the combined carrier, which would continue operating two separate brands despite the combined ownership, would be "a national champion."

Seeking to rebuff potential competition concerns, Rodgerson pointed to other national carriers with dominant shares in their home markets, including LATAM in Chile, Lufthansa in Germany and IAG in the UK.

"So these other countries understand the importance of having a strong airline that can grow," he told Reuters. "Especially a strong company which buys local aircraft."

Azul's fleet includes regional jets from Brazil's Embraer as well as Airbus single- and twin-aisle planes, while Gol flies only Boeing 737 aircraft.

He added that the move would allow for larger connectivity and lower cost of capital.

Azul and Abra Group, the majority investor in Gol and Colombia's Avianca, had been in talks since last year to "explore opportunities," seeking to strengthen their operations to face challenging times for the industry in the region.

They have now signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding aimed at combining Azul and Gol, the first of several steps on the path to completing a deal, the securities filing showed.

It also marks the beginning of the process to obtain regulatory approvals for a combination, including from antitrust regulator CADE.

Latin American airlines have been facing financial hurdles in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with most forced to restructure, several in bankruptcy, as they struggle with high debt.

Gol has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in the United States since early 2024, while Azul recently had to strike deals with lessors to scrap obligations in exchange for an equity stake, and with bondholders to obtain fresh financing.

A combination would follow Gol's exit from bankruptcy proceedings.

Gol earlier in the day released a new five-year strategic plan laying the groundwork for it to exit Chapter 11, which it expects to happen by May.

The combined company, Rodgerson said, would include three board members appointed by Azul, three appointed by Abra, and three independent members. Azul would name the company's chief executive and Abra its chairman.
Recently, our friend Clay called us out and he was correct . . .

His main point that we don't think he'll mind sharing . . .

A recent post on his efforts was guilty of:



"The belief that the value of an idea is solely a function of who is presenting the idea. Who over what. That attitude only serves to further dumbdown your readers, restrict discussion & divert (more) negative attention onto me."

Thing of it is as far as fairness regarding political ideas goes . . . HE'S RIGHT!!!

Here at TKC . . . WE CONSIDER ALL THINGS KANSAS CITY!!!

And, like it or not, Clay is still a big part of the story of this town.



And so . . . With the caveat that the activist tells us he's NOT running for Mayor next time around . . .



Apropos for #TBT we keep up with a friend of the blog and his ongoing fight against city hall.

Here's the word . . .



Chastain (Pro se) comes to KC to continue the Battle of the Bulge (Appeals Court fight against Lucas & City) the outcome of which will determine who has the credibility to lead Kansas City forward.

As Mayor, Lawyer Lucas rode the wave of a foolish & dangerous era of... Woke politics, urban crime, censorship & lawfare against political opponents. Now that common sense has returned to the American political landscape, Lucas is a lame duck Mayor without refuge or cause. But he remains (unless he apologizes) liable for damages he inflicted upon his political rival...Chastain...in the 2023 Mayor's race. Recall Lucas refused to debate me, censored me, falsely arrested me and then ordered the City prosecutor to maliciously prosecute me (he lost in City court) for daring to voice my free speech @ City Hall.



Chastain rolls his new weapon onto the legal battlefield (Appellant brief he will file in the Western District Court of Appeals) to make Lucas go the way of Trudeau. After filing, Chastain will walk across the street to City Hall & personally deliver a copy to the Mayor & City.



If I prevail, I win the right to ask voters to put behind KC the worst of the worst of times & put me in charge of Making KC Great Again with (common sense) infrastructure improvements including...the construction of an Ultra Light Rail line from the Eastside's KC Zoo (along 63rd &Troost & Linwood) to a new Union Station Hub, a Rapid Monorail line (connecting the northland to the southland) operating from Union Station to the Kansas City International Airport& & a Citywide Greenway Network to transform KC into a more walkable, livable City.



Electrical engineer, Clay Chastain

#####################


A sign of the times . . .

RIVER MARKET & DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS ARE SO FRUSTRATED WITH KANSAS CITY PARKING RULES THAT THEY'VE STARTED TO VANDALIZE SIGNS!!!



Sadly . . .

Mayor & Council are slow to recognize local anger at new parking rules that's now trending not just on social but but also amongst neighborhood discussion groups.



Here's a glimpse at the sitch that's causing some confusion . . .



Someone is placing large green stickers on parking signs required by law, making it appear the stickers were placed by city workers.



The stickers say every vehicle towed from a property where the sticker is placed has been an illegal tow.



Not correct, said Jim Ready, manager of Kansas Citys Regulated Industries Department.



The stickers are not placed or produced by the city, Ready said.



They're from an unknown person or body that has just taken it upon themselves to put them over the correct parking lot signs.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
By John Revill

ZURICH (Reuters) -Richemont, the owner of Cartier jewellery, on Thursday fuelled hopes of a revival for the beaten down luxury goods industry, with end-of-year sales that exceeded expectations, sending shares higher across the sector.

The company's robust performance over the all-important holiday season was seen as a signal that luxury sales may have turned a corner, even if Richemont mostly operates at the very high end of the market.

The Swiss company's sales jumped 10% year-on-year to 6.2 billion euros ($6.37 billion) for the three months to end-December, well ahead of analyst expectations for a 1% increase.

Shares in Richemont, which also owns Swiss watch brands Piaget, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre, rose 14%.

Rivals LVMH and Kering also got a boost, with both up more than 7%. Swatch was up as much as 10%.

Bernstein analyst Luca Solca described Richemont's sales as "an encouraging sign and a confirmation...that (the previous quarter) may have been a trough".

The industry is grappling with its lowest sales growth in years as shoppers, beaten down by economic uncertainty and high prices, have cut back on discretionary spending.

The gap between stronger and weaker players has been widening, with groups catering to the very high-end, like Hermes, outperforming those with a less wealthy customer base, such as Burberry.

Richemont had reported a 1% drop in sales during its second quarter after being hit by a downturn in Asia.

The company declined to comment on its future outlook.

Richemont said there remained a "challenging" situation in China, where third-quarter sales fell 18%, but this was more than compensated for by strong growth in other regions.

U.S. sales benefited from customers heading to the shops again after the uncertainty created by the November presidential election. A strong dollar boosted tourist purchases in Europe, while a weak yen also supported tourist purchases in Japan.

Sales in the Americas region accelerated, rising 22%, adding to initial signs of improvement in the U.S. market, where credit card spending on luxury labels in December turned positive for the first time in two years.

European luxury players are betting on American shoppers for growth this year, as Chinese appetite for high end goods has been dampened by the property crisis.

Richemont continued to spend on marketing and hosting events at its stores for high-end clients.

Kepler Cheuvreux analyst Jon Cox described Richemont's performance as excellent but was more cautious about the wider industry.
BEIJING (Reuters) -China said on Thursday it would apply provisional duties on imports of industrial plastics from the United States, European Union, Japan and Taiwan after a months-long anti-dumping investigation.

The provisional anti-dumping levies on polyacetal copolymers range from 3.8% to 74.9% depending on the country and company and will commence from January 24, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

China launched the investigation in May, the same week that U.S. hiked tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and the European Union launched a trade investigation into certain Chinese steel imports.

The nine-month investigation announced its findings days before Donald Trump is due to take office, where he is expected to adopt the hard-line stance on trade begun in his first term.

China imported roughly 3 billion yuan ($409 million) worth from the U.S., Japan, Taiwan and Germany between January and November last year, customs data showed.

The plastics in question can partially replace metals such as copper and zinc and have various applications including in auto parts, electronics, and medical equipment, the Ministry said.

The highest duties will apply to U.S. firms, while European Union companies will face a 42% duty. The majority of Taiwanese and Japanese companies will face duties of 32.6% and 43.7%, respectively.

($1 = 7.3316 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; editing by Jason Neely and Jane Merriman)
By Nicole Lyons, January 17, 2025

From left, Max Ridenhour, chair of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Lover Chancler, Ph.D., director of UCMs Center for

Multiculturalism and Inclusivity; Barbara Hill, Community Service Award recipient; Michelle and Steve Denton, parents of High School Community

Service Award recipient Emalie Denton; guest speaker Capt. Sha'Quan Clarke of the U.S. Air Force; and Suzanne Taylor, executive director of the Chamber.

Numerous activities are planned in January to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the University of Central Missouris (UCM) 2025 MLK Celebration, with the theme Living the Dream: Bringing Unity to the Community.



The highlight of the universitys MLK Celebration is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Scholarship Banquet, which will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 in the Elliott Student Union Ballrooms.



Guests will enjoy vocal and dance performances from UCM and community members, view works of art by local students inspired by Dr. Kings message, and watch the 2025 MLK Freedom Scholarships presentation. Heavy hors doeuvres will be served. Tickets are required, and all funds raised go directly to deserving UCM undergraduate students through Freedom Scholarships. This awards program began in 1999.



Other MLK Celebration events include the Community Praise and Worship Service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 212 N. Main St. in Warrensburg. The community is invited to attend this service in honor of Dr. King, whose faith was the foundation of his activism. Choirs and other local groups will perform.



UCMs Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity will present the Lets Talk discussion program at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 in its office on the third floor of the Elliott Student Union.



Campus and community members can visit the Volunteer Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the Elliott Student Union atrium. Find volunteer and service opportunities with a variety of community partners.



UCM will host a Day of Service for the Warrensburg campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, and for the Lee's Summit campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Volunteer registration has closed.



The Missouri Innovation Campus in Lees Summit will host an MLK Celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Awards will be presented to faculty and students along with the Lees Summit R-VII School District student winner of the MLK Art Contest. For more information, contact Rick Smetana at smetana@ucmo.edu.



The MLK Celebration concludes with a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 and Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the Union Ballrooms. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted as time and staffing allow. Registration is available at savealifenow.org/group using code SZ.



The MLK Celebration began with the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Awards luncheon hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Northside Christian Church.



The awards, co-sponsored by the Warrensburg Chamber and the UCM Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, honor community members who exemplify humanitarianism, leadership and selfless service. Warrensburg resident Barbara Hill received the Community Service Award, and Warrensburg High School (WHS) student Emalie Denton received the High School Community Service Award.



Denton could not attend the luncheon as she is training for the Missouri Army National Guard. Her parents, Michelle and Steve, accepted the award on her behalf.



Hill is the student service coordinator at Maple Grove Elementary and works to get resources to minority, lower-income and marginalized families in Warrensburg. Under her leadership over the last four years, the Warrensburg R-6 School Districts Diversity and Equity in Education Committee has highlighted each schools DEI effort, offered professional development opportunities and provided a platform for teachers to share grade-appropriate DEI curriculum.



Hill also supports the Warrensburg Diversity Dialogue group and helps coordinate the annual Community Connection Fair. In 2023, she helped the district receive a grant for homeless families and was instrumental in creating the new Resource Center for families.



Denton has completed countless hours of community service and led numerous projects. She coordinated with the high school administration, Warrensburg Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol to organize a traffic safety initiative, including additional road signs and a vehicle safety demonstration for WHS juniors and seniors before the 2024 Prom. She also helped the ProStart program obtain a Kids Feeding Kids grant, which provided 248 free hot meals to Warrensburg residents.



Denton is a member and officer in several organizations, including Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Student Council and DECA.



Capt. Sha'Quan Clarke, of the U.S. Air Force and owner of Unruly Igzatiks, was the guest speaker. He said unity requires effort and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.



Its OK to celebrate our differences; aint nothing wrong with that. We have to use them to build something greater than ourselves, Clarke said. ... Understanding is the foundation of unity. Lets not just talk about unity, lets live it. Lets make an effort to reach out, connect and celebrate the stories that make us unique.



For more information about the MLK Celebration, contact Lover Chancler, Ph.D., director of UCMs Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, at 660-543-8049 or chancler@ucmo.edu or visit ucmo.edu/mlk.



For more information about the Volunteer Fair, Day of Service or the blood drive, contact Kristie Brinkley, assistant director of Volunteer Services, at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu.
| By Lorri Angelloz

Weve set the table for Baltimores future, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce Jarrell, MD, FACS, said at the Jan. 15 grand opening of 4MLK, the newest addition to the University of Maryland BioPark. Jarrell was welcoming guests including Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, University leaders, community members, and other partners who have made 4MLK a reality and helped shape the BioParks growth over the past two decades.

I think of this as a table, Jarrell continued, describing how community stakeholders, private companies, and government agencies have come together to create a hub of innovation in West Baltimore. And this BioPark is a good example of another plate at the table to help make Baltimore great.

Jarrell hailed the project as a spectacular transformation of the surrounding corridor and credited Wexford Science & Technology, the buildings developer, for taking a chance on Baltimore. It took trust from the Wexford & Science Technology company, our BioPark development company, to believe that this could happen in West Baltimore, Jarrell said.

(View a photo gallery below.)

Wexford Science & Technology, now headquartered at 4MLK, has built similar projects across the country. But for chief executive officer Ted Russell, 4MLK is especially meaningful. Though Wexford is now known as a national development company, our roots are based here in Baltimore, and they run deep  specifically for myself, born and raised here in Baltimore City, which is why 4MLK is so important to us and to me, he said.

Located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and West Baltimore Street, the eight-story, 250,000-square-foot 4MLK was designed to stand as a center of community engagement in addition to research and entrepreneurship. That role is evident even in the facilitys name. As noted during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the development team hoped to give the building the address 1 MLK. When its location on the even-numbered side of the street made that impossible, they instead chose 4MLK  intended to mean for everybody  highlighting its inclusive purpose for innovators and residents alike.

Russell explained that the new facility brings Wexfords Knowledge Community model to life, noting, 4MLK not only represents a new statement project for Wexford, but the opportunity to create a new gateway here to the BioPark that demonstrates the most forward-thinking components of design, collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

In addition to flexible lab spaces called Connect Labs by Wexford, designed for startups and established companies alike, amenities at 4MLK include a civic lounge to foster gatherings that welcome neighbors as well as scientists.

Baltimores mayor also underlined 4MLKs community-first spirit. The civic lounge, flexible land space, and public plaza demonstrate that this building isnt just for researchers and entrepreneurs, its a place for connection, creativity, and community, Scott said, emphasizing the inclusion of common areas and programming that invite local residents to enjoy the space. Its going to continue to build Baltimores reputation as a destination for the very best minds in our country to come and resource work and fall in love with not just crab cakes, but everything that is Charm City.

Miller, who also spoke at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in projects such as 4MLK. All of us know progress like this doesn't happen on its own, and it doesnt happen in isolation. As the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us, and whose name this building and the road bears, that progress is neither automatic, nor is it inevitable, and progress cannot happen without partnership and collaboration, she said, before noting that the partnership between public and private sectors, including the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Advantage Maryland, and the Baltimore Development Corporation, made the development of 4MLK possible.

When the states largest city thrives, Maryland succeeds, she said.

During the festive ribbon-cutting, University of Maryland representatives, Wexford executives, and local officials lined up with oversized scissors as a band played in the spaces bright lobby. The crowd broke into applause as the ribbon fell, officially opening 4MLKs doors to students, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.

We hope that youll consider our home your home, as 4MLK was created for you, Russell told the gathered audience.

Already, 4MLK has welcomed several tenants within Connect Labs by Wexford, including UMB startup Irazu Oncology, the Emerging Technology Center Baltimore, and EPOCH Epigenetics, among others. In addition, the facilitys fourth floor is home to the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine, made possible by a $10 million joint gift from Edward and Jennifer St. John and the Edward St. John Foundation. The new center brings together researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine at UMB and the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.

James L. Hughes, MBA, chief enterprise and economic development officer and senior vice president at UMB and president of the BioPark, made clear that the ceremony represented more than just the celebration of a new building: It also was a declaration of continued commitment to West Baltimore. This is community space, he said when describing 4MLK, a comfortable place where people from all walks of life, all different backgrounds, will come together, interact, and be a really convening place for the biotech community, but also for the community in general.

One of the celebrations attendees was Brian Sturdivant, MSW, director of strategic initiatives and community partnerships at UMBs Office of Community and Civic Engagement, located just a few blocks away from 4MLK. He praised the design and impact of 4MLK, calling it a beautiful addition to the BioPark that serves as a gateway to both Baltimore and the University.

4MLK is such a beautiful building that I recently joked with my colleagues that UMB must have been showing off when they constructed it, he said, adding that the grand opening celebration itself was incredible, especially the band.
01/17/2025

By Michael Rutherford

On Jan. 5, 2025, a federal law titled the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) was signed into law. This law may provide a significant financial benefit to certain eligible Massachusetts public employees when they retire from state service.



Background



Massachusetts public employees, including UMass Lowell benefited employees, pay into either the Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System (MSERS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). Adjunct faculty and temporary staff pay into the Mandatory OBRA (Smart) plan. For benefited staff, the time that they work for the university counts toward their eligibility for a pension from MSERS or the ORP. Massachusetts public employees do not pay Social Security (FICA) taxes, and their employment with the university does not constitute eligible service for the purpose of determining their eligibility towards Social Security benefits.



However, some university employees have worked, or will work, in the private sector for a sufficient amount of time to become eligible for both Social Security benefits and a public pension upon retirement.

Prior to the enactment of the SSFA, the Social Security Administration would reduce the Social Security benefit of retirees based upon provisions in the federal law known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The SSFA eliminates both the WEP and the GPO and any offset based upon a state pension.



For more information, we encourage you to read this following message from the Social Security Administration as well as the memo from the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission.



For additional questions, contact the Benefits Office or call 978-934-4100. If you wish to discuss retirement planning, please contact Kim Casey to make an appointment or to request information on the retirement planning process.
(Reuters) -Property developer China Vanke told some investors on Wednesday that it had no plans to extend the maturity dates of its bonds amid a market sell-off, financial news outlet REDD reported, citing two persons briefed by the company on the matter.

Vanke's onshore bond prices have been volatile in the past few weeks over concerns about its ability to make maturity payments this year following a prolonged property market slump. Its January 2028 yuan bond was temporarily suspended from trading on Thursday after plunging 21%.

The state-backed developer has a total of $3.4 billion worth of public bonds, which are mostly onshore debt except one dollar bond - maturing this year. Its next onshore repayment deadline is Jan. 27.

REDD reported on Thursday that China Vanke briefed investors on the matter after online rumours that it was considering bond extensions.

The property developer, however, did not clarify whether it had prepared funds to repay debt maturing this quarter, REDD reported.

China Vanke said in a statement it will "go all out" to raise funds through operations and financing for the public bond obligations due in 2025. It said it would also continue to accelerate asset sales and exit its non-core businesses for the repayments.

China Vanke highlighted its reliance on operating cash flow and asset sales for funding, with proceeds from several transactions signed last year beginning to materialise, the report said.

Funds from the asset sales will be used to support debt repayments, the report said.

Many highly indebted Chinese developers have kept extending deadlines on onshore repayments to bondholders without formal restructurings, to avoid technical defaults.

(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru and Clare Jim in Hong Kong; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Saad Sayeed)
China's imports from Africa rose to US$116.8 billion last year, up 6.9 per cent compared to 2023, driven by gold demand and agricultural products, which slightly narrowed the continent's trade deficit.

The increase tapered Africa's trade gap with China to about US$62 billion from US$64 billion in 2023, according to statistics from the General Administration of Customs, as African countries called for more imports of their processed products, rather than raw materials.

At last year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country had seen an increase in bilateral trade with China but it wanted "to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of our trade".

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.

Increased investment in new mineral sites, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea, Zambia and Zimbabwe, helped to boost African exports last year.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confers with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC opening ceremony in Beijing last September. Photo: AFP alt=South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confers with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC opening ceremony in Beijing last September. Photo: AFP>

The DRC supplies more than 60 per cent of the cobalt China uses in its electric vehicle battery industry, while Zimbabwe has attracted billions of dollars from Chinese companies for the processing of lithium, another essential material for EVs.

Aly-Khan Satchu, an independent analyst based in Nairobi who specialises in sub-Saharan Africa, said two-way trade was resilient because China had nurtured its African relationships over more than two decades.

Satchu said the rise in imports to China was interesting given that oil prices were largely soft through the reporting period. "I suspect an acceleration in gold exports to China from Africa was hidden in the headline number," Satchu said.

Chinese companies have stepped up imports of African gold as the price of the commodity has surged. They have also invested millions of dollars in gold processing plants in South Africa and Ghana, the continent's top two exporters of the precious metal.

Gold - considered a safe-haven asset - has extended gains this year to above US$2,600 per ounce - up from about US$2,000 at the end of 2023 - as investors continued to seek safety in the metal amid geopolitical uncertainty that intensified with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Millsaps College in Mississippi recently fired a tenured professor, James Bowley, following his use of his faculty email to express some personal views concerning the 2024 presidential election.

The controversy began on November 6, 2024. Bowley, in an email sent to his class "Abortion and Religions." Not only did he cancel the class session, but he also stated that he wanted to take time to grieve and reflect "on this racist fascist country." Bowley based his decision out of close intimacy with his tiny class of only three students he thought would need time to nurse their wounds and grieve in the wake of the election outcome.

According to WLBT3, the response was swift. He was slapped with administrative penalties, Allegations of Policy Fabrication. Just two days after his public pronouncements, Bowley was put on administrative leave by Millsaps Provost Stephanie Rolph.

The college claimed he had violated policy because he sent his personal opinion over college e-mail. Of course, as investigation later confirmed, no such policy existed in the college's handbook. According to a faculty grievance committee which reviewed the case, nothing inappropriate had taken place. Still, the college president, Frank Neville, supported this leave and afterward dismissed Bowley.

Critics Slam Millsaps College for Firing College Professor

The incident raises a question about free speech at Millsaps College: it punished Bowley for exercising his right to comment on public issues such as elections, an activity that courts normally protect as faculty speech. Even though private institutions like Millsaps are not compelled by the First Amendment, their decision appears to be at odds with the free expression principles they have articulated.

Support for Bowley skyrocketed, with more than 100 students, 500 alumni, and the free speech advocacy group FIRE, calling for his reinstatement. They condemned the college for violating due process, pointing out that Bowley's leave was not based on a formal hearing or legitimate reason. However, Neville ignored the grievance committee's recommendations, arguing that Bowley's actions were a valid reason for dismissal, without specifying why.

Bowley, looking back on his dismissal, expressed disappointment over the demise of free speech in academia.
The Hope College community is in mourning over the tragic loss of its Junior college student who was hit and killed by a train on Saturday night near 10th Street in Holland, Michigan.

Jennifer Kasunick, a 20-year-old blind student, had been walking on the sidewalk when the train signals activated.

According to the Holland police, as shared by WZZM 13, she did stop for the signals, but apparently never realized just how close she had gotten to the tracks. The passing train clipped her and then she succumbed to her injuries in Holland Hospital.

Sunday evening, the campus community held a service at Dimnent Memorial Chapel to honor the memory of Jennifer. Many remembered her as one of the bright and kind students who always managed to bring smiles everywhere she was. Campus social networks are filled with warm tributes reflecting the tremendous influence she left in the campus community.

Jennifer was an active member of the Hope College community. She played in the orchestra and served as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Phelps Hall alongside her service dog, Rowdy, who survived the incident.

College President Matthew Scogin took to social media to express his condolences.

Will the Train Operator Be Charged?

Based on the description given in the account, the train cannot be charged with the accident.

Kasunick was blind and stopped at the train signals, probably miscalculating the distance away from the tracks. The train was running according to plan, and the signals were also given that warned the pedestrians and vehicles.

It is critical, at this point, that such incidents call for accessible infrastructure so that visually impaired individuals might have alternative ways of detecting warnings with the aid of a tactile device or supplemented by additional auditory signals to possibly prevent similar tragedies in the future.

CSX, the company that owned the train, already issued condolences to everyone and promised support to the investigating authority.
TikTok faces a pressing deadline this January 19th to either sell its US operations or shut it down. With no prospective buyer at ByteDance's alley, considering its alleged link to China, it seems the first option is a TikTok ban in the US.

For college students, a TikTok ban in the US will mean bracing for a negative impact on their social media engagement, free speech, and content creation for millions. Almost 150 million people in the country will be affected, with the majority of those being college students. While some argue that it is needed for national security, others worry about the implications on free speech and the creator economy.

Dartmouth shared that its students and professors are wrestling with the constitutional implications of the TikTok ban. Government professor Sonu Bedi challenges the Supreme Court's decision, especially whether TikTok constitutes a public forum for free speech. If it does, shutting down the platform could directly interfere with Americans' ability to express themselves.

However, students like Mollie Berry counter that the ban won't substantially infringe on free speech since there are so many other alternative platforms for public discourse.

Cybersecurity expert Sergey Bratus comments that ByteDance might be forced to share user data with the Chinese government, thus raising concerns over privacy and potential misuse of data.

College Content Creators

From another angle, a ban on the social media platform could severely disrupt the creator economy, worth more than $250 billion.

TikTok is home to millions of creators, most of whom are collegiate students, per Duke Chronicle. Student creators at Duke University spoke about the potential shutdown and its impact. Content creators such as Natalia Hauser and Allison Chen, who focus on lifestyle and cooking niches, say that migration to other platforms is possible but would be difficult and expensive.

The ease of the interface, algorithm, and the community's support are what make creators successful on TikTok. For student creators, who make their income almost solely off TikTok, this could mean a huge blow to their financesafter all, many pay part of their tuition through their content. While some are prepared for the shift, others may have a tougher time adapting and, subsequently, might leave the space.

However, there is a silver lining: the ban could help bring content creation to be recognized as real work, thereby bringing more respect to the value that creators add to the digital economy.

Whether it's final or not, the ruling on the TikTok ban will be one of the defining moments in determining the future of social media and its role in national security as well as in the lives of millions of college students across the US.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 17th Jan, 2025) The United Arab Emirates' unwavering stance against terrorism reflects its conviction that the fight against terrorist groups and their supporters is a collective battle for the survival of human civilisation.

The UAE has consistently stressed the necessity of rallying all international efforts to counter this grave threat to the security of nations and communities worldwide.

The UAE was among the first nations to warn of the growing threat of terrorism many years ago, urging regional and global cooperation to confront and eliminate it. It has actively contributed to regional and international efforts to combat terrorism, demonstrating its commitment to promoting global peace and security.

The UAE's role in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen and its active participation in Operation Decisive Storm, launched in March 2015, are notable examples. UAE Armed Forces played a pivotal role in thwarting the plans of the Houthi terrorist militias to dominate Yemen and use it as a platform to threaten neighbouring countries and international maritime navigation through the control of the Gulf of Aden and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait.

In addition to targeting the Houthis, UAE forces dealt significant blows to Al Qaeda and Daesh in Yemen, liberating numerous cities and areas from their control.

The UAE also played a critical role in securing the Gulf of Aden, the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, and the western coastal strip, which were strategic targets for the Arab Coalition. These secured areas were vital to counter the Houthis' ambitions to disrupt international navigation and threaten global trade routes through the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb.

Addressing Yemen's deteriorating humanitarian situation has been a top priority for the UAE. The country quickly established air and sea relief bridges to combat famine, poverty, and the collapse of health and education services caused by the war initiated by the Houthi militias.

The UAE implemented developmental programmes and emergency interventions to rebuild key infrastructure destroyed by the conflict. These efforts included combating epidemics such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, improving living conditions for impoverished families, and supporting vulnerable groups across Yemen, including areas under Houthi control.

Over the years, the UAE has actively participated in numerous regional and international coalitions to combat terrorism. One significant contribution was its 2014 inclusion in the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh. The UAE's active role in military operations against Daesh in Syria, alongside countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, helped halt the group's expansion and prevented it from gaining control of additional territories in Iraq or elsewhere.

The UAE has also launched several regional and international initiatives to promote tolerance, moderation, and acceptance as alternatives to extremism and fanaticism. These include the establishment of Sawab Centre in July 2015, an interactive online messaging initiative supporting the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh.

In July 2014, the UAE launched the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first independent international body aimed at fostering peace in the Islamic world. Additionally, the UAE established the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, one of the Islamic world's most prominent platforms addressing humanitarian and intellectual challenges arising from sectarian and ideological conflicts.

In December 2012, the UAE inaugurated the Hedayah - The International Centre of Excellence For Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, which focuses on preventive measures. The centre collaborates with global partners to dissuade individuals from adopting radical ideologies or engaging in violent extremism and works to redirect those on the verge of such paths.
We bring you details on the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. We'll also cover President Joe Biden's farewell address, highlighting the accomplishments of his administration. Plus, join us for the heated moments on Capitol Hill during the confirmation hearings for Trump administration cabinet nominees. This week on The Inside Story: Transition in America.
The Army expects to meet its enlistment goals for 2025, marking a dramatic turnaround for a service that has struggled for several years to bring in enough young people and has undergone a major overhaul of its recruiting programs.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said the Army is on pace to bring in 61,000 young people by the end of the fiscal year in September and will have more than 20,000 additional young people signed up in the delayed entry program for 2026. It's the second straight year of meeting the goals.

Whats really remarkable is the first quarter contracts that we have signed are the highest rate in the last 10 years, Wormuth said. We are going like gangbusters, which is terrific.

Wormuth, who took over the Army four years ago as restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were devastating recruitment across the military, also flatly rejected suggestions that the Army is woke.

Critics have used the term to describe what they call an over-emphasis on diversity and equity programs. Some Republicans have blamed wokeness for the recruiting struggles, a claim repeated by President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, during his confirmation hearing this week.

Wormuth dismissed the claims.

Concerns about the Army being, quote, woke, have not been a significant issue in our recruiting crisis, she said. They werent at the beginning of the crisis. They werent in the middle of the crisis. They arent now. The data does not show that young Americans dont want to join the Army because they think the army is woke  however they define that.

Hegseth has vowed to remove woke programs and officers from the military. And during his hearing Tuesday, he told senators that troops will rejoice as the Trump administration takes office and makes those changes.

Weve already seen it in recruiting numbers, he said. Theres already been a surge since President Trump won the election."

In fact, according to Army data, recruiting numbers have been increasing steadily over the past year, with the highest total in August 2024  before the November election. Army officials closely track recruiting numbers.

Instead, a significant driver of the recruiting success was the Army's decision to launch the Future Soldier Prep Course, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in August 2022. That program gives lower-performing recruits up to 90 days of academic or fitness instruction to help them meet military standards and move on to basic training.

In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2024, the Army met its recruiting goal of 55,000 and began to rebuild its delayed entry pool. About 24% of those recruits came out of the prep course. Wormuth said she expects it will contribute about 30% of this year's recruits.

The Army and the military more broadly have struggled with recruiting for about a decade, as the unemployment rate shrank, and competition grew from private companies able and willing to pay more and offer similar or better benefits.

Just 23% of young adults are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver. Moral behavior issues include drug use, gang ties or a criminal record. And the coronavirus pandemic shut down enlistment stations and in-person recruiting in schools and at public events that the military has long relied upon.

Wormuth said a private survey along with more recent data show that the key impediments to joining the military are concerns "about getting killed or getting hurt, leaving their friends and family, and having a perception that their careers will be on hold.

That survey, done in 2022, found that wokeness was mentioned by just 5% of respondents.

Wormuth acknowledged that the latest data show one element mentioned by Hegseth  that the number of white men enlisting is a bit lower. She said the persistent criticism about wokeness could be one reason.

Any time an institution is being inaccurately criticized and demeaned, its going to make it harder to recruit. And I think that is what we have seen, she said. In terms of is the Army woke  which I will take to mean focused on things that dont make us more lethal or effective or better able to defend this nation  I would say the Army is absolutely not woke.

As an example, she said recruits get one hour of equal opportunity instruction in basic training and 95 hours of marksmanship.

She also said there has been an increase in minority enlistment. The service brought in the highest number ever of Hispanic recruits in 2024 and saw a 6% increase in Black recruiting.

In 2022, the Army fell 15,000 short of its enlistment goal of 60,000. The following year, the service brought in a bit more than 50,000 recruits, widely missing its publicly stated stretch goal of 65,000.

The Navy and the Air Force all missed their recruitment targets in 2023, while the Marine Corps and the tiny Space Force have consistently hit their goals.

Critics have also charged that the military has lowered standards under President Joe Biden's administration. Asked if that was true for the Army, Wormuth said the service actually resolved not to do that to meet its recruiting goals. Instead, she said, the prep course helps recruits meet the standards.

Other changes that have helped the recruiting turnaround, she said, include an overhaul of the system used to select recruiters, which now chooses soldiers more suited to the task, as well as an increased use of data analytics to improve marketing and ads.

The Army also increased the number of medical personnel being used to help process routine waivers to move them more quickly through the system. A consistent complaint across the military has been that it took too long to get a waiver approved and that recruits were moving on to other jobs as a result of the delays.
Britain and Ukraine signed a 100-year agreement Thursday, with Britain pledging to provide Ukraine with $3.6 billion in military aid this year.

The deal was announced during a joint news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, at the presidential palace where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Starmer is on his first trip to Ukraine since he took office.

Starmer called the agreement historic and said the new partnership "reflects the huge affection that exists between our two nations." The partnership will include cooperation in the areas of culture, education, science and technology.

Regarding military assistance for Kyiv's war against Russia, Starmer said Britain plans to provide Ukraine with a loan of more than $2.6 billion. He said the loan "will be paid back not by Ukraine, but from the interest on frozen Russian assets." Starmer also announced that Britain was providing Ukraine with 150 artillery gun barrels and a new mobile air defense system.

In his comments, Starmer credited Ukraine's allies, particularly the United States, for contributing to the success Ukraine has had against "aggression from Russia." He said he wanted to pay tribute to the U.S. for "the work that the U.S. has done here, the support that they have put in, because it's been a vital component of what has been quite an incredible achievement by Ukraine."

The comments came just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a critic of U.S. support for Ukraine, takes office and a day after the new president's pick to be the U.S. secretary of state, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, told a Senate panel the war must end.

Speaking at his confirmation hearing, Rubio called the conflict a "war of attrition" and a "stalemate" that must be ended. He said the first step should be a ceasefire that halts ground fighting, which has for more than a year mostly occurred in eastern Ukraine.

Rubio called the destruction in Ukraine "extraordinary," saying it will "take a generation to rebuild."

"The truth of the matter is that in this conflict, there is no way Russia takes all of Ukraine," Rubio said. "It's also unrealistic to believe that somehow, a nation the size of Ukraine ... is also going to push these people all the way back to where they were on the eve of the invasion."

Even as he argued for a negotiated settlement to end the fighting that started with Russia's invasion in February 2022, Rubio said it was unlikely that there would be much change in the current battle lines. Russia currently holds about a fifth of the internationally recognized Ukrainian land mass.

Democrats, and some Republicans on the committee, continued to voice their support for more military aid to Ukraine, saying it was important to give Kyiv leverage in any eventual peace talks with Moscow.

But Rubio said that one of Ukraine's key problems was not a shortage of ammunition or money but its inability to train and recruit enough troops.

At Thursday's news conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy refused to speculate on what U.S. support for Ukraine will look like under a Trump administration.

"It is too early to talk about the details, because we have not yet had a detailed conversation with the new U.S. administration about security guarantees," he said.

Trump has voiced skepticism about continued U.S. military support for Kyiv and repeatedly vowed that he would end the war when he assumed the presidency on Monday.

In recent days, his aides have said the new timeline is ending the war in the first 100 days of his administration, which would be by the end of April.

Ken Bredemeier and Chris Hannas contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, just hours after China announced its plan to send Vice President Han Zheng to attend Trumps inauguration ceremony on Monday.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the call as a very good one for the United States and China and said the two discussed issues such as balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok and many other subjects.

"It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, Trump wrote in the post. "President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!

Chinese state media said Xi congratulated Trump on his election victory during the call and said both he and the president-elect have great aspirations for the development of U.S.-China relations over the next four years.

We both attach great importance to our interactions with each other, we both hope that U.S.-China relations will get off to a good start in the American Presidents new term, and we both are willing to push China-U.S. relations forward to make greater progress from a new starting point, Xi said in a readout published by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Xi said while there will be differences between Beijing and Washington, the key is to "respect each other's core interests and major concerns and to find a proper solution to the problem.

Xi urged Trump to handle the Taiwan issue carefully. Beijing claims that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force if necessary to unify the island with China.

According to the Chinese readout, Xi and Trump also exchanged views on the Ukraine War, the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, and other major international and regional issues.

Earlier on Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the decision for Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to represent Xi at the inauguration.

The announcement comes more than a month after Trump invited Xi and other foreign leaders to attend his inauguration. It is an unprecedented move that marks a break from tradition, since foreign ambassadors have historically attended presidential inaugurations.

Analysts say Beijing is showing goodwill toward the new Trump administration by sending Han.

China has no established tradition of letting the president attend other heads of states inauguration ceremonies, said Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Sending the vice president to attend Trumps inauguration ceremony is the best option, and it shows Beijings goodwill to President-elect Trump, he told VOA by phone.

While Beijing tries to respond positively to Trumps invitation, other experts say Hans attendance will remain largely ceremonial.

I dont expect anything concrete out of Hans trip to Washington, said Zhiqun Zhu, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Bucknell University in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

Despite the ceremonial nature of Hans attendance at the inauguration, Zhu said Beijings move could still lay a good foundation for U.S.-China relations under the second Trump administration.

Hopefully, a friendly atmosphere will be built and can be sustained in the weeks and months ahead, so when the two sides sit down to discuss substantive issues, maybe a deal could be struck, he told VOA by phone.

Trumps return to the White House has created uncertainties for China, which has faced a persistent economic downturn in recent years.

During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to impose tariffs up to 60% on Chinese products. Zhou said the possibility of high tariffs has made Beijing cautious about the prospect of U.S.-China relations under the second Trump administration.

We dont know how Trump will play his cards, so I believe China will wait to see how his policies toward China play out, he told VOA.

Despite threatening to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump said the two could have a good relationship and that he has been in contact with the Chinese leaders through representatives.

And I think we will probably get along very well, I predict, he said during an interview with conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt on Jan. 6, adding that the relationship has to be a two-way street.

Additionally, Trump wants to appoint several politicians known for hawkish stances on China, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz to be White House national security adviser.

Rubio, during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, described China as the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted.

They have elements that the Soviet Union never possessed. They are a technological adversary and competitor, an industrial competitor, an economic competitor, a geopolitical competitor, a scientific competitor, he said.

Despite Rubios seemingly tough rhetoric on China during the hearing, Zhu said it is too early to tell whether that language will translate into actual policies toward China in the new administration.

Some of the appointees by Trump seem hawkish on China but since they work for Trump, I dont think they will override Trumps policies, he told VOA.

Zhu said since it remains unclear how Trump will shape his policies toward China, Washington and Beijing will move ahead cautiously.

Both sides had a terrible experience during Trumps first term so it looks like they want to start afresh this time, he said.
By Selena Li

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China Asset Management Company, the country's second-largest fund manager, plans to launch funds in the U.S. and Brazil this year, its chief executive said, betting on a revival of investor interest in Chinese markets.

The state majority-owned fund manager is seeking a partner in the U.S. to roll out funds catering to American retail investors despite the likelihood of increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing, said CEO Li Yimei.

China Asset Management (ChinaAMC), which manages $350 billion, is also awaiting Beijing's approval to launch a cross-listing exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Brazil, she said, adding the planned launches would be the first of their kind in both countries.

"If the mountain will not come to us, then we will go to the mountain," Li said in an interview this week.

The moves overseas illustrate Chinese fund managers' efforts to expand their investor pool to draw back global participants who pared their exposure to China in the past two years on concerns over its slowing economy.

While it's "almost certain" there will be more challenges and frictions between the U.S. and China as Donald Trump returns to the White House, Chinese assets may rebound as Beijing will provide sufficient economic stimulus to counter their impact.

"I believe they (foreign investors) will definitely come back to China assets," she said.

While some U.S. investors maybe have doubts about products from a Chinese fund manager, Li pointed out others may have different thoughts and "it would be great for us to fulfil the demand of those who don't."

International investors and mainland institutions flocked to products managed by ChinaAMC's Hong Kong unit last year, with assets under management doubling to exceed HK$100 billion ($12.84 billion).

While investors from North America face more restrictions in investing in China, Li said she is confident in gaining new flows from the Middle East, Latin American, and South East Asian investors.

Last year, Qatar's sovereign wealth fund agreed to buy a 10% stake in ChinaAMC, making them the first in China to have a Middle Eastern shareholder.

In December, ChinaAMC formed a partnership with Oman's Jabal Asset Management and introduced a China equity long-only fund in the country, which Li said is the first such strategy managed by a Chinese asset manager in Oman.

Beijing is in talks to launch an ETF cross-listing programme with Brazil, under which ChinaAMC and a couple of other fund managers would offer China-focused products, Li said, following Chinese President Xi Jinping's November visit to Brasilia.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Friday that Sudanese civilians were in greater peril than ever as ethnically motivated attacks and hate speech by the warring parties becomes increasingly common.

As the Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF] and Rapid Support Forces [RSF] battle for control at all costs in the senseless war that [has] raged for close to two years now, direct and ethnically motivated attacks on civilians are becoming increasingly common, he said in a statement.

The situation for civilians in Sudan is already desperate, and there is evidence of the commission of war crimes and other atrocity crimes, Turk said. I fear the situation is now taking a further, even more dangerous turn.

Since the rival forces and generals went to war in mid-April 2023, the United Nations has said, more than 24,000 people have been killed and more than 14 million have been displaced  11 million inside the country and over 3 million as refugees in neighboring countries.

Widespread hunger

The World Food Program has reported that nearly 24.6 million people  nearly half the population  suffer from acute hunger and an estimated 1.5 million are on the verge of famine. The World Health Organization has said around 90% of health facilities are not functional, and that cholera, malaria, dengue and measles have been reported in over 12 states.

This is an extremely dire situation which deserves all the attention it can get to put whatever pressure the international community can to bring this conflict to an end, Turks spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, told journalists Friday at a briefing in Geneva.

In the last week alone, she said, the U.N. Human Rights Office documented at least 21 deaths in two attacks in Al Jazirah state, although the actual numbers of attacks directed at civilians and of civilians killed are very likely much higher.

The reason why we felt we had to speak out today is because of reports of an imminent battle for Khartoum, she said. We are worried about the kinds of violations that we may see as the parties to the conflict battle for control at all costs for Khartoum, and we are worried that this is taking us further away from peace and further into a horrific situation for civilians.

Turk expressed concern about retaliatory attacks of shocking brutality on entire communities based on real or perceived ethnic identity and hate speech, which he said were on the rise and were acting as an incitement to violence.

This must, urgently, be brought to an end, he said.

Shamdasani reported that the human rights office has received three videos that document scenes of violence, including summary executions that were hailed by perpetrators as a cleaning operation. The victims were referred to as animals and dirt before being killed.

"The videos reportedly were filmed in Wad Madani with men in SAF uniforms visibly present, the spokesperson said.

Serious concerns also persist for civilians in North Darfur, where ethnically motivated attacks by the RSF and its allied Arab militias against African ethnic groups, particularly the Zaghawa and Fur, continue to exact a horrific toll, she said.

Effects on neighbors

Aid workers in the region have reported that the multiplying horrors of the war in Sudan are having serious effects on neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan.

Speaking from the South Sudanese capital, Juba, Florence Gillette, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in South Sudan, said ICRCs mobile surgical team in the town of Renk had treated more than 230 patients wounded by weapons in just one month.

She said more than 120,000 people from Sudan had fled to South Sudan since early December  this on top of 800,000 people who already had sought safety in South Sudan since the war began.

Dozens of them, wounded by the violence, have required urgent medical care by ICRC doctors, she said.

The ongoing influx of Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees is straining resources throughout Renk communities, she said. This is particularly worrying as South Sudan continues to face a cholera outbreak with more than 20,000 cases recorded in the country so far.

Meanwhile, Turk renewed his call for both warring parties to abide by international humanitarian and human rights law. Attacks must never be directed against civilians, he said

Arms embargo

Shamdasani said the high commissioner also was calling on all states to abide by a U.N. arms embargo and to refrain from providing all types of military support in Sudan.

Just as nations fail to abide by the U.N. arms embargo, she acknowledged, sanctions imposed by individual countries often are not respected.

This was a reference to the United States, which declared sanctions on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday, a week after the U.S. slapped sanctions on RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Sudans army-aligned foreign ministry has rejected the U.S. sanctions, calling them immoral.

Shamdasani said her office generally opposed broad sanctions because they can damage human rights in a country. But targeted sanctions can be effective in exerting pressure on specific individuals and organizations that are responsible for the perpetration of conflict, she said. So we are calling on states to use whatever measures they can, to use whatever leverage they have to pressure the parties to the conflict to bring this war to an end.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the signing of a strategic partnership treaty involving closer defense cooperation that is likely to worry the West.

Pezeshkian, on his first Kremlin visit since winning the presidency last July, will hold talks with Putin focusing on bilateral ties and international issues before signing the treaty.

Ahead of the talks, the Kremlin hailed its ever closer ties with Tehran.

"Iran is an important partner for us with which we are developing multifaceted co-operation," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Moscow has cultivated closer ties with Iran and other countries hostile towards the U.S., such as North Korea, since the start of the Ukraine war, and already has strategic pacts with Pyongyang and close ally Belarus, as well as a strategic partnership agreement with China.

The 20-year Russia-Iran agreement is not expected to include a mutual defense clause of the kind sealed with Minsk and Pyongyang, but is still likely to concern the West which sees both countries as malign influences on the world stage.

Moscow and Tehran say their increasingly close ties are not directed against other countries.

Russia has made extensive use of Iranian drones during the war in Ukraine and the United States accused Tehran in September of delivering close-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Tehran denies supplying drones or missiles.

The Kremlin has declined to confirm it has received Iranian missiles, but has acknowledged that its cooperation with Iran includes "the most sensitive areas."

Pezeshkian visit to Moscow also comes at a time when Iranian influence across the Middle East is in retreat after Islamist rebels seized power in Syria, expelling ally Bashar al-Assad, and after Iran-backed Hamas has been pounded by Israel in Gaza.

Israel has also inflicted serious damage on the Tehran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Russia too finds itself on the backfoot in Syria where it maintains two major military facilities crucial to its geopolitical and military influence in the Middle East and Africa but whose fate under Syria's new rulers is now uncertain.

Putin met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan in October and at a cultural forum in Turkmenistan the same month.

Pezeshkian, who is holding talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin before meeting Putin, is accompanied to Moscow by his oil minister, and Western sanctions on the sector and the subject of how to circumvent them are likely to be discussed.
A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at an industrial site late Friday in Russia's Kaluga region, about 170 kilometers from the shared border.

"As a result of a drone attack in Lyudinovo, a fire broke out on the territory of an industrial enterprise," regional Governor Vladislav Shapsha posted on Telegram.

Agence France-Presse reported that unverified videos on unofficial Russia social media showed what they said was the attack targeting an oil depot.

A Russian missile attack killed at least four people and injured at 14 others in the southern-central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address.

"Such strikes, such losses, simply would not have happened if we had received all the necessary air defense systems that we have been talking about with our partners for such a long time and that are available in the world," the president said.

Earlier Friday, Zelenskyy, who was born in Kryvyi Rih, condemned the attack on Telegram. "Each such terrorist attack is another reminder of who we are dealing with. Russia will not stop on its own  it can only be stopped by joint pressure," he said.

The attack also damaged an educational facility and two five-story buildings, officials said.

VOA was unable to independently verify the reports.

On Friday, Russia's Defense Ministry said that Ukraine on Thursday had launched an attack on Russia's Belgorod region with six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles.

The ministry said all the missiles had been intercepted but that Russia would nonetheless retaliate.

The Kremlin has said it will respond every time Ukraine uses ATACMS or British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to attack Russia.

Kyiv first used those weapons to strike Russia in November after Washington and London gave Ukraine permission to do so.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, German Chancellor Olah Scholz said Friday that he does not expect the United States to halt military aid to Ukraine after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on January 20.

"We can therefore hope that good cooperation between Europe and the USA will continue to be successful in the future, including on the issue of support for Ukraine," Scholz said. "I don't expect the U.S. to stop supporting Ukraine in its defense."

Trump has previously said he would be able to stop the war in Ukraine in one day, but he has not specified how he would do so.

Trump aides recently said the new plan is to end the war within the first 100 days of the administration.

Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Malawis government launched a plan Thursday to stop cholera outbreaks by 2030.

Officials say that if the government and international partners can effectively cooperate, they can greatly reduce the prevalence of cholera in the southern African country, where it has killed at least 1,700 people over the past three years.

Partners include the World Health Organization, or WHO, and UNICEF.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo-Chiponda said, The goal of the plan is to reduce the annual cholera rate by 90% and achieve the case fatality rate of less than 1% by the year 2030, as recommended by WHO.

Kandodo-Chiponda said there are several ways to achieve the goal, all of which involve the government, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders supplying expertise and funding to support prevention and control efforts.

She said those efforts will be to increase access to safe water and sanitation facilities and promote improved hygiene practices; to raise awareness and promote community-led initiatives to prevent and to respond to outbreaks.

Malawi has experienced cholera outbreaks over the past three years, with the most severe occurring in 2022, resulting in over 1,700 deaths nationwide.

During Thursdays event, the Malawian government launched an oral cholera vaccine campaign targeting four districts  Mzimba, Karonga, Balaka and Machinga  to address a recent resurgence of cholera there.

Statistics from the Presidential Task Force on Cholera show the disease has caused 14 deaths since September.

Shadrack Omol, UNICEFs representative in Malawi, said the 2024 resurgence of cholera shows that root causes of the infectious bacterial disease persist.

Health interventions ... are complimentary in support, Omol said. The key to addressing the root causes is in provision of safe drinking water across our country, improving sanitation and improving hygiene practices.

Malawis public health experts say goals to eradicate the disease within five years will depend on stakeholder commitments.

George Jobe, executive director of the Malawi Health Equity Network, said, If financial investments [and] technical investments from partners are done, we believe we can win this battle. It should not be a document that should grow dust on the shelves.

Kandodo-Chiponda said the operational plans will be reviewed at least once every year to keep ahead of any possible cholera outbreaks.
Venezuela and Cuba this week released political prisoners, including a free speech advocate, but analysts say the threat of legal action in authoritarian countries stifles media freedom.

In Venezuela on Thursday, Carlos Correa, director of the free speech organization Espacio Publico, was freed after a week in custody, his group reported.

Authorities had arrested Correa along with at least six others, including opposition politicians, ahead of President Nicolas Maduros inauguration last Friday.

We thank all the people, organizations, governments and groups that joined the voice for [Correas] liberation. We continue to defend human dignity, Espacio Publico said in a post on social media X.

Correas legal situation remained unclear. The journalist has appeared before an anti-terrorism court, his wife, Mabel Calderin, told reporters Thursday. Calderin said she had no information on the charges brought against her husband.

The Venezuelan Communications Ministry did not reply to an email from VOA asking for a comment about the release of Correa.

Correa has not replied to messages on social media from VOA.

Also, this week, Cuba released 127 activists as part of a deal with outgoing U.S President Joe Biden, who pledged to remove Havana from the U.S. list of terrorism sponsors.

Cash-strapped Cuba promised to free up to 553 people, many of whom the U.S. government considers as political prisoners.

Most were arrested for taking part in anti-government demonstrations in July 2021 over a series of power cuts, food shortages and price increases.

Prisoners Defenders International, a Madrid-based non-governmental organization, or NGO, estimates Cuba is holding 1,161 political prisoners. Five reporters remain behind bars and another five face legal restrictions on their freedom, Prisoners Defenders said. These restrictions vary from not being able to leave the island to serving sentences under house arrest.

None of those released on Wednesday are journalists, Prisoners Defenders International told VOA.

Civil society groups welcomed the releases in both countries but warn that the threat of legal action or jailing intimidates independent media.

In its annual report of jailed journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ noted that while few Latin American countries are detaining media workers, even a small number of arrests can create a repressive environment.



That increased criminalization that were seeing of journalists is a deliberate tactic by governments to silence journalists, because they know that if there is a threat of being labelled a criminal or there is threat of imprisonment, many journalists will back off from that reporting, Jodie Ginsberg, who heads CPJ, told VOA.

Globally, CPJ found 361 journalists behind bars for their work, the second highest number recorded by the organization since it began recording data in 1992.

Ginsberg said that in authoritarian Latin American countries, not many journalists have been jailed but this may show the success of repressive policies.

So, in some cases, a low number of jailed journalists in a repressive regime is actually an indication of how successful that regime has been in repressing them. In Latin America and the Caribbean, what we see more often is physical attacks on journalists, added Ginsberg.

The leader of Venezuelas neighbor, Colombia, celebrated the release of Correa and called for all political prisoners to be freed in Latin America.

When Cuba has released more than 500 prisoners, it is important for peace in the Americas that Venezuela releases all the people detained in the framework of the [presidential] election and the post-election, including the 12 Colombians detained in its territory, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in a post on X.

May the Americas be a land of freedom without political prisoners, he added.

Petro declined to attend Maduros inauguration amid widespread accusation that last year's Venezuelan election was rigged.

Days before Maduro was sworn in for a third term, Caracas detained seven individuals that it described as mercenaries, including two Americans. However, the political party Popular Will said authorities have detained up to 19 people.

Witnesses saw Correa being bundled into a car by hooded figures, Espacio Publico said. The same week that he was detained, authorities arrested Enrique Marquez, a politician who ran in the 2024 presidential elections and later backed Edmundo Gonzalez as the victor.

Marquez, who is accused of trying to stage a coup against Maduro, remains behind bars.

The Venezuelan government is investigating major opposition leaders for alleged conspiracy, among other charges, and has repeatedly accused the opposition of inciting violence with its claims of victory in the presidential election in July.

The opposition published ballot box-level tallies which, it says, show a resounding victory for its candidate Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is recognized as president-elect by several countries, including the U.S. The Venezuelan government is offering a $100,000 reward for his capture.

Liam Scott contributed to this report.
Slovenian model turned US first lady Melania Trump is headed back to the White House after a bittersweet experience in the limelight after her husband, President-elect Donald Trump, first took office in 2016. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias gives us a look at her life and voter expectations for her second term. Camera: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
At least 67 journalists are imprisoned across Africa, reflecting the continents ongoing struggle for a free press, according to a report released Thursday.

The cases in Africa contribute to a global total of 361 journalists jailed as of Dec. 1, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. It is the second-highest number ever recorded by CPJ.

Muthoki Mumo, the Africa program coordinator at CPJ, said the report highlights a global trend in which authoritarian regimes weaponize laws against journalists, using national security, anti-terror and cybercrime legislation to justify crackdowns.

While these trends are not confined to Africa, the continent has seen alarming cases of journalists facing prosecution under such laws, said Mumo. Countries such as Burundi, Ethiopia and Nigeria are using legislation intended for public safety to criminalize journalism, Mumo said.

In Nigeria, You have four journalists behind bars being prosecuted under cybercrime legislation in connection to their reporting on corruption, Mumo told VOA in a video interview.

And in Ethiopia, six journalists are behind bars. Five of them are facing prosecution under anti-terrorism laws. They could potentially face very harsh penalties if they are convicted, said Mumo.

Another trend, the media advocacy group says, is the use of vague and broad laws to target journalists.

In Burundi, Sandra Muhoza, a reporter for the online media outlet La Nova Burundi was convicted under national security laws after posting a WhatsApp message. The case, said Mumo, is a clear example of the criminalization of journalism.

Muhoza was convicted recently of trying to undermine the integrity of the national territory  which is a mouthful  but it's essentially, a provision in Burundian laws about national security, and this was turned against this journalist, Mumo said.

VOA sent messages to Burundis government spokesperson, Jerome Niyonzima, along with the Ethiopian communication services minister, Legesse Tulu, and Eritreas information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, requesting comment, but inquiries went unanswered. The Washington embassy of Nigeria has not yet responded to VOA requests for comment.

The continents top jailers are familiar names, with Egypt topping the list as the worst jailer of journalists, with 17 held. In Egypt, weve seen anti-state laws being turned against the media, Mumo said.

Eritrea, known for its long-standing detention of journalists, follows closely behind, with 16 journalists behind bars  some since 2001. Eritrea is home to the longest-detained journalists in the world, many of whom have never been tried in court.

That's a very dubious honor on the part of Eritrea that the journalists who have been behind jail the longest in the world are actually Eritreans, Mumo said.

Jodie Ginsberg, the head of CPJ, said it is important to keep advocating for those imprisoned in Eritrea. The country falls off the radar internationally, she told VOA, Because of how little press freedom and media freedom there is to report on what's happening inside.

It's very easy sometimes to forget some of those longer cases. They go out of the public eye, Ginsberg told VOA, adding that it is important to talk about places where journalists have been in jail for a very, very long time and still need to be fought for.

Ethiopia, where journalists have been held without trial for extended periods, is another major offender, along with Cameroon, Rwanda and Tunisia. In these countries, journalists are often detained under anti-state regulation, the use of false news regulations to throw a journalist behind bars and to prosecute them. Mumo said.

CPJs report highlights press freedom issues in Angola, where Carlos Raimundo Alberto, an editor who was arrested on Sept. 29, 2023, remains detained. Raimundo qualified for parole in November 2024 but has yet to comply with a court order to publicly apologize to a government official.

And in Senegal, journalist Rene Capain Bassene has been jailed for life for a crime that witnesses said he could not have committed, the report said.

Mumo said CPJ faces challenges accessing information in some regions about the state of media freedom.

But, she said, It could also be about intimidation; family members and others who are aware of arrest may not always want to speak out about them.

Despite obstacles, she said, CPJ strives to keep the names of detained journalists alive. The media advocacy group calls on governments to respect the rights of journalists and make sure that their work is not criminalized.

While the prison census offers a snapshot of the situation on a specific date, Mumo said the report alone cannot fully capture the often-fluid reality journalists face.

The report offers a small window into the larger picture of press freedom, Mumo said, because there are journalists who go in and out of prison during other times of the year. Theyre not reflected in this number.

VOA's Liam Scott contributed to this report.
Russia on Friday sentenced three lawyers who had defended Alexey Navalny to several years in prison for bringing messages from the late opposition leader from prison to the outside world.

The sentences come as Russia -- in the midst of a massive crackdown during its Ukraine offensive -- seeks to punish Navalny's associates since his unexplained death in an Arctic prison colony last February.

Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin -- who were arrested in October 2023 -- were found guilty of participating in an "extremist organization," a court in the Russian town of Petushki ruled.

Kobzev, the most high-profile member of Navalny's legal team, was given 5.5 years, while Liptser was handed five years and Sergunin 3.5 years.

While serving his 19-year sentence, Navalny communicated with the world by transmitting messages through his lawyers which his team then published on social media.

Authorities had moved him to a harsher prison regime that limited outside contact, before sending him to a remote colony above the Arctic Circle where he died.

"We are on trial for passing Navalny's thoughts to other people," Kobzev said in court last week.

The court said the men had "used their status as lawyers while visiting convict Navalny ... to ensure the regular transfer of information between the members of the extremist community, including those wanted and hiding outside the Russian Federation, and Navalny."

'Outrageous'

It said this allowed Navalny to continue "planning the preparation and creating conditions for committing crimes with an extremist character."

Navalny had condemned the arrests of the lawyers as "outrageous" and part of a campaign to further isolate him in jail.

The court proceedings, which opened in September in Petushki, a town about 115 kilometers east of Moscow, have been held behind closed doors.

The verdicts come several days before four independent journalists accused of helping Navalny will be back in court, facing up to six years in prison.

In his messages to the outside world, Navalny denounced the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive as "criminal" and told supporters "not to give up."

The texts from prison were also full of tongue-in-cheek dispatches of daily life behind bars.

In his speech last week, Kobzev compared Moscow's current crackdown on dissent to Stalin-era mass repression.

"Eight years have passed... and in the Petushki court, people are once again on trial for discrediting officials and the state agencies," he said, in a speech published by the Novaya Gazeta newspaper.

'Savage' sentences

Another member of Navalny's former legal team, Olga Mikhailova, who is in exile, denounced the requested sentences as "savage," saying the men had "honestly and professionally defended Navalny for many years."

Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya has vowed to continue his work.

Last week, she said Russia has refused to remove her dead husband from its list of terrorists and extremists.

She published a Dec. 16 letter from Russia's financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring addressed to Navalny's mother that said that the late opposition leader was still being investigated for money laundering and "financing terrorism."

"Why does Putin need this? Obviously not to stop Alexei from opening a bank account. That is now impossible," Navalnaya said.

"Putin is doing this to scare you. He wants you to be scared of even mentioning Alexei and for you to gradually forget his name."

Russia has added Navalnaya to the "terrorists and extremists" blacklist.

In 2021, Moscow banned Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, known for investigations into the alleged corruption of Putin's officials, labeling it "extremist."

He nearly died in 2020 after being poisoned on a campaign trip to Siberia ahead of regional elections.

The West and Moscow were in talks about freeing Navalny in a prisoner exchange when he died. Several of his associates were later freed in the eventual deal.
A Russian court on Friday upheld the jail term of Robert Shonov, a former U.S. Consulate worker sentenced to almost five years for "secret collaboration with a foreign state."

Shonov, a Russian citizen, worked for more than 25 years at the U.S. Consulate in the far eastern city of Vladivostok until 2021, when Moscow imposed restrictions on local staff working for foreign missions.

He was arrested in 2023 on suspicion of passing secret information about Russia's military offensive against Ukraine to the United States in exchange for money and sentenced to four years and 10 months prison in November 2024.

"The judicial act was upheld," a court in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk ruled, according to its website, rejecting an appeal Shonov had made against his sentencing.

The United States strongly condemned the conviction last year, calling it an "egregious injustice" based on "meritless allegations."

In September 2023, Russia expelled two U.S. diplomats it accused of acting as liaison agents for Shonov.

In recent years, several U.S. citizens have been arrested and sentenced to long jail terms in Russia.

Others are being held pending trial.

Washington, which supports Ukraine militarily and financially against Russia's military offensive, accuses Moscow of arresting Americans on baseless charges to use as bargaining chips in prisoner exchanges.

Even after a landmark prisoner swap in August, several U.S. nationals and dual nationals remain in detention in Russia.
TikTok has lost its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court for a reprieve from a law that it shut down its operations in the United States on Sunday unless it can demonstrate it is close to a sale to divest itself from its China-based parent company, ByteDance.

The court acknowledged that for TikTok's 170 million American users, the platform "offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community. But the justices added that the U.S. Congress "has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

"Without doubt, the remedy Congress and the President chose here is dramatic," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in his concurring opinion. "Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know."

Amid the looming deadline, there is some bipartisan consensus on giving TikTok some extra time.

It is not known if TikTok will switch off access immediately after losing its final bid in the American judicial system, where it unsuccessfully argued its First Amendment free speech rights were being violated by the law President Joe Biden signed last March.

Biden, leaving St. John's Church after a brief visit, was asked by a reporter what he thought about the Supreme Court's decision. He replied that it will be up to the next administration to take action.

The White House, prior to Biden's remark, issued a statement noting the outgoing president's stance that TikTok should remain available to Americans but preferably under American ownership.

"Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday," said the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, in the statement.

The named defendant in the case that went to the Supreme Court, the attorney general of the United States, Merrick Garland, in a statement welcomed the justices' decision, but like the White House, indicated there would be no immediate enforcement come the Sunday deadline for TikTok to divest ownership or cease operation in the United States.

"The next phase of this effort  implementing and ensuring compliance with the law after it goes into effect on January 19  will be a process that plays out over time," stated Garland.

On Friday evening, TikTok said on X the statements from both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice "failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok's availability to over 170 million Americans."

"Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," TikTok said.

That drops the matter into the lap of Donald Trump, who is to take the oath of office for his second, nonconsecutive term as president on Monday, the day after the deadline.

Trump has recently made it clear he also does not want to see TikTok go offline in the United States on Sunday amid a possible deal for a sale.

Trump, on his own social media platform, Truth Social, said prior to Friday's Supreme Court ruling that he had just spoken to China's leader, Xi Jinping, about TikTok and other matters that would be solved "starting immediately."

In a subsequent message, the president-elect stated: "The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation."

Earlier in the day, on the official @tiktok account, the companys Singaporean chief executive officer, Shou Zi Chew, thanked Trump "for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States."

In a shaky video he recorded himself, Chew added: "We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform, one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process."

It has been reported that the TikTok CEO is to attend Trump's inauguration in Washington on Monday. "I believe that Trump will view TikTok as a card that he can play to drive a sweeter deal with China" in the trade arena, Abishur Prakash, founder of The Geopolitical Business, a Canadian advisory firm, told VOA.

The situation also presents a quandary for Beijing.

"China has to ensure that no specific precedent is set. If China sells TikTok, that sets a precedent throughout the West that Chinese companies can be cut down to size," according to Prakash. "But if TikTok is banned in the U.S. this opens the door to TikTok being banned elsewhere throughout the West."

Influencer Madilynn Cameron, who has more than 1 million followers, expressed excitement about Chew's posting.

"Is Trump going to save us? I never thought I'd say those words," Cameron said in a TikTok video post in which she played an excerpt from the TikTok's CEO video in the background. "This is huge. There is hope!"

There has been speculation, but no confirmation, that negotiations may be underway to have the billionaire owner of social media platform X, Elon Musk, acquire the U.S. version of TikTok.

Another billionaire, Frank McCourt, recently announced he and his internet advocacy group had submitted a proposal to ByteDance and investor Kevin O'Leary, best known from the "Shark Tank" television show, had also joined their effort.
(Reuters) -Citigroup is cutting more jobs this week after going through an overhaul last year, a spokesperson for the lender said on Thursday, as a part of the sweeping reorganization under Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser to cut costs.

Managing directors in the wealth and technology units are leaving the firm and Citi is also axing people from a team that compiles data and analysis on the bank's clients, according to a report by Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the matter.

Dallas-based co-chief information officer Shadman Zafar is part of the departures. Zafar, a banking veteran, has decided to retire from his role, the Citi spokesperson confirmed.

"Leadership changes, retirements and targeted staff changes are all normal course when running a business," the bank said in a statement. The lender declined any further comment.

A chunk of restructuring was completed last year after Fraser presented a plan in late 2023 to increase earnings, streamline operations and address long-standing deficiencies in the bank's data governance and risk management.

The bank still expects to list Banamex, its Mexican unit, on Mexico and U.S. stock exchanges this year. However, market conditions and regulatory hurdles might delay the stock floatation to 2026, Fraser told analysts.

In December, the bank concluded the separation of banking companies that was needed for the listing.

Citi's stock surged 37% in 2024, outperforming the broader banking index and the equity markets, as investors cheered Fraser's efforts to transform the bank.

Citigroup beat estimates for fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday, fueled by strength in trading and dealmaking.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
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Pamela Bondi, President-elect Donald Trumps choice to become attorney general, faced more questions from U.S. senators Thursday. Witnesses testified to her character and integrity to serve in one of the nations most critical positions. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to lead the agency central to his vision of cracking down on illegal immigration, is facing senators Friday at a confirmation hearing that is her first chance to lay out her vision for the sprawling Department of Homeland Security.

Noem, a two-term governor and former U.S. congresswoman, was chosen by the president-elect to lead the department responsible for key immigration and border-related actions that will be central to his plans for mass deportations and tightened access at the border.

The immigration and border-related agencies Noem would oversee include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Beyond those agencies, the department is also responsible for securing airline transportation, protecting high-profile dignitaries, responding to natural disasters.

She would replace outgoing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was so vilified by Republicans angry at the number of migrants crossing the country's southern border that they impeached him in early 2024.

Noem would be entering a job that was a pressure cooker under the first Trump administration. Six people cycled through the homeland security secretary position during his four years in office.

So far, she appears to have strong backing from Republican senators, who will be crucial to her confirmation.

Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee where Noem will testify, said he expected a straightforward hearing.

"I'm not aware of any real specific complaints from the Democrats on Kristi Noem," Paul said. "I think there's a reasonable chance that she gets some Democrat support."

Still, Democrats are likely to question whether she is qualified to lead a department that is crucial to the country's safety.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat on the committee, said he had "serious doubts" about her ability to manage "this huge organization of such serious consequence to national security."

Noem in recent years became a regular presence in Trump's orbit and at one point was even considered to be his running mate.

After becoming governor, Noem started working closely with Corey Lewandowski, Trump's 2016 campaign manager. Then, during the pandemic, she rose to prominence in conservative circles for resisting most government regulations to slow the spread of infections.

The South Dakota governor has echoed Trump's tough immigration talk.

"Now, the situation at our southern border is nothing short of an invasion. And over the last four years, America's border security has been purposely weakened and ignored. Our laws have not been enforced," Noem said during her State of the State address Tuesday.

Noem joined other Republican governors who sent troops to Texas to assist Operation Lone Star, which sought to discourage migrants. The decision was met with criticism because Noem covered most of the deployment cost with a $1 million donation from a Tennessee billionaire who has often donated to Republicans.
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One of President-elect Donald Trumps campaign promises was to urge the US Congress to pass legislation banning sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some local officials vowed to fight the new Trump administration. VOAs immigration reporter, Aline Barros, has more.
With a law declaring the social media application TikTok illegal in the United States, set to take effect on Sunday, the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is signaling that it plans to try to find a way to prevent the service from going offline.

Under the federal law, the service's parent company, China-based ByteDance, must either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese firm or see it banned in the U.S.

Representative Mike Waltz, who has been tapped to serve as Trump's national security adviser, told Fox News on Thursday that the president-elect has options available to postpone enforcement of the law while a possible deal is worked out to sell the company. That includes a section of the law allowing the president to give ByteDance a 90-day extension to finalize a sale.

"We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark," Waltz said, "as long as a viable deal is on the table. Essentially that buys President Trump time to keep TikTok going."

Executive action reportedly considered

Also on Wednesday, several media outlets reported that Trump is considering issuing an executive order that would protect TikTok.

The legality of such a move is unclear and is thrown further into doubt by the fact that the Supreme Court ruled Friday upholding the federal law banning TikTok.

Trump's attitude toward TikTok has evolved considerably over the years. During his first term in office, he attempted to shut the service down in the U.S. Since then, though, he has used the service, with considerable success, to connect with his supporters.

In a press conference in Florida last month, Trump said, "I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," and credited the app with helping him get his message out to younger American voters.

Trump has denied that his change of heart about TikTok was influenced by a brief meeting in March with Republican megadonor and ByteDance investor Jeff Yass. Lobbying disclosure reports from 2024 show that ByteDance paid a former Trump campaign aide to lobby lawmakers in Washington in favor of TikTok, and that former senior Trump aide Kellyanne Conway has been paid to advocate for TikTok in Congress via the Yass-funded conservative group Club for Growth.

Trump also said TikTok was not mentioned during his meeting with Yass.

Economic concerns

In the years since TikTok took off, thousands of U.S.-based content creators have developed large audiences on the app, and in many cases have been able to monetize their TikTok feeds.

Many small businesses have found success advertising their products to TikTok users. Other TikTok personalities have parlayed fame on the app into broader celebrity that has led to lucrative product endorsements and other deals.

Some members of Congress have expressed concern that abruptly shutting the app down could have economic consequences.

On Monday, Democratic Senator Edward Markey introduced legislation that would delay the TikTok ban by 270 days.

"Let me be clear: TikTok has its problems," Markey said in a statement released by his office. "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."

Viability of sale unclear

As the Sunday deadline nears, there have been a number of rumors about a possible sale of the company. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Chinese officials were considering the possibility of selling the service to billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump adviser who already owns the social media service X, formerly Twitter.

Another U.S. billionaire, real estate developer Frank McCourt, told Reuters on Thursday that a consortium of investors he had formed has already made a formal offer to purchase TikTok, valuing the service at $20 billion.

However, it is far from clear that a sale is something the Chinese government is prepared to allow. Any sale worth the buyer's investment would have to include the "recommendation engine," TikTok's name for the algorithm that makes the service so popular and, many would say, addictive.

Last year in a court filing, TikTok characterized such a deal as unavailable.

"Just as the United States restricts the export of U.S.-origin technologies (e.g., certain computer chips), the Chinese government regulates the transfer of technologies developed in China," the company argued in a court filing. "The Chinese government has made clear in public statements that it would not permit a forced divestment of the recommendation engine."

Privacy, national security worries

A wildly popular service for sharing short videos, TikTok has an estimated 170 million U.S. users. Federal officials have been concerned about TikTok for years because it collects vast amounts of information about its user base. They have argued that Chinese laws compelling domestic companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies could be used to force the company to share that data with the Chinese Communist Party.

U.S. officials have expressed concern that China could misuse the private information about U.S. users of the service. They have also warned that Beijing could use TikTok's powerful recommendation algorithm to shape public discourse in the U.S. to the benefit of China.

In December, when a federal appeals court upheld the law mandating the company's sale or shutdown, Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, one of the original sponsors of the law, released a statement expressing the thoughts of many of the law's supporters.

"With today's opinion, all three branches of government have reached the same conclusion: ByteDance is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, and TikTok's ownership by ByteDance is a national security threat that cannot be mitigated through any other means than divestiture," Krishnamoorthi said.

"Every day that TikTok remains under the Chinese Communist Party's control is a day that our security is at risk," Krishnamoorthi added.
The head of the United Nations agency that assists Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, warned Friday that the expected implementation later this month of Israeli legislation aimed at shuttering the agency would be catastrophic to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

A chaotic dismantling of UNRWA will irreversibly harm the lives and future of the Palestinians, said Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. I believe it will obliterate their trust in the international community and any solution it attempts to facilitate.

On Oct. 28, Israels parliament adopted legislation to ban the agency in Israel and forbid Israeli officials from having any contact with UNRWA representatives. Israel says some UNRWA staff participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack inside Israel. The United Nations investigated the accusations and fired nine staffers.

Israel's U.N. envoy, Danny Danon, has said that UNRWA Gaza has become a front for Hamas."

Lazzarini told reporters that full implementation of the legislation could potentially cripple UNRWAs ability to reach millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He said they are still waiting for Israel to issue some guidance on how the two laws will be implemented, but nothing has come down so far, and they plan to stay and deliver, opening their schools and clinics as normal.

Israel has suggested that other U.N. and international aid agencies take over UNRWAs work. But Lazzarini said UNRWAs services, mainly health care and education, can be transferred only to a functioning state  ideally a Palestinian one.

A ceasefire in Gaza must be followed by a political transition that includes an orderly conclusion of UNRWAs mandate and the handover of its public-like services to empowered Palestinian institutions, he said.

U.N. officials have repeatedly stressed that if the Knesset legislation is enforced and UNRWA dismantled, then Israel, as the occupying power, would have the legal responsibility for providing essential services to the Palestinian population.

Lazzarini was in New York to brief U.N. Security Council members on the situation. He said he asked them to prevent implementation of the Israeli legislation, insist on a political path forward that clearly delineates UNRWAs role as a provider of essential services, and ensure the agencys financial crisis does not end its work.

UNRWA has long had funding shortfalls. However, the commissioner-general says those shortfalls have been exacerbated by what he calls a politically driven disinformation campaign by Israel to drive donors away from UNRWA, as well as the growing needs in Gaza over the last 15 months.

With a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal struck this week that includes a provision for 600 aid trucks a day to enter the enclave, diplomats say UNRWAs infrastructure and expertise are even more necessary.

UNRWA remains absolutely indispensable in Gaza, in the West Bank, everywhere, French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere told reporters Friday.

It would be quite a contradiction to close UNRWA while implementing the ceasefire agreement, he added. Because on the one hand, you will try to improve the situation in Gaza  to improve the humanitarian situation  and on the other hand, since there is no credible Plan B for UNRWA, Gazans would just suffer, and the situation will further deteriorate.

The U.N. General Assembly created UNRWA in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods because of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to the creation of the State of Israel.
People hospitalized for flu should be tested for bird flu within 24 hours, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday, in an expansion of the agency's efforts to tackle increasing infections in humans.

The advisory is intended to prevent delays in identifying human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses amid high levels of seasonal influenza.

The risk to the general public from bird flu is low, and there has been no further evidence of person to person spread, the agency said.

Still, influenza A-positive patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit, should be tested ideally within 24 hours of hospitalization to identify the viral subtype and determine whether they have bird flu, the agency said.

Prior to Thursday's guidance, hospitals generally sent batches of samples to labs for subtyping every few days.

Faster testing also aims to help doctors identify how people became infected and provide their close contacts with testing and medicine more quickly, if needed, said Nirav Shah, the agency's principal deputy director, on a call with reporters.

The CDC does not believe it has been missing bird flu infections in people, Shah said. No surveillance system detects 100% of cases, he added later.

"The system is working as it should," said Shah, adding that health officials want results sooner in case any public health action is needed. "What we need is to shift to a system that tells us what's happening in the moment."

Nearly 70 people in the United States, most of them farmworkers, have contracted bird flu since April, as the virus has circulated among poultry flocks and dairy herds. Three people have tested positive without a clear source of exposure to the virus, according to CDC.

Most infections in humans have been mild, but one fatality was reported in Louisiana last week.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has more than 300 personnel working on its bird flu response and has spent $1.5 billion on its efforts to curb the spread among poultry and dairy cattle, said Eric Deeble, a deputy undersecretary at the agency.

The USDA last week said it would rebuild a bird flu vaccine stockpile for poultry.

USDA officials have met several times with the transition team of the incoming Donald Trump administration to try to ensure a smooth handoff on agency actions to curb the spread of the virus, including a tabletop exercise at the White House on Wednesday, Deeble said.

Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services, which encompasses CDC, also have repeatedly met with the transition team on Zoom calls and have shared their bird flu playbook, officials said on the press call.

HHS said on Thursday it plans to put $211 million toward mRNA-based vaccine technology to better respond to emerging infectious diseases such as bird flu.
The United States has been ramping up its Indo-Pacific region air bases to ensure they are protected against attack, a spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told VOA this week, amid concerns over vulnerabilities they face in countries such as Japan, the Philippines and South Korea against potential Chinese strikes.

While we are continually improving our theater posture, warfighting advantage and integration with allied and partners, Pacific Air Forces stands ready every day to respond to anything that poses a threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the spokesperson said.

We continue to invest in infrastructure and technology to enhance the resilience and survivability of our bases and facilities across the theater, including hardening airfields and buildings while investing in advanced security systems to protect our personnel and assets, the spokesperson told VOA on Tuesday.

The Air Force was authorized with $916.6 million to improve logistics, maintenance capabilities and prepositioning of equipment, munitions, fuel and material in the Indo-Pacific through the fiscal 2024 Pacific Deterrence Initiative, the spokesperson added. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is a set of defense priorities set up in 2021 by Congress to support U.S. goals in the Indo-Pacific, primarily to counter China.

The comments were made in response to a report last week by the Hudson Institute claiming that U.S. aircraft at allied Indo-Pacific country bases could suffer major losses from Chinese attacks unless those bases are fortified.

If left unfortified, the U.S. air power in the region would be significantly reduced compared to Chinas, according to the report, Concrete Sky: Air Based Hardening in the Western Pacific.

One of the reasons, according to the report, is that the U.S. is lagging behind China in the number of shelters that could hide and protect the aircraft from attacks.

China more than doubled the number of aircraft shelters since the early 2010s, having more than 3,000, according to the report. Across 134 Chinese air bases located within 1,000 nautical miles of the Taiwan Strait, China has more than 650 hardened aircraft shelters and nearly 2,000 nonhardened individual aircraft shelters.

A hardened shelter is a reinforced structure made of steel, concrete, and other materials to protect military aircraft from enemy strikes.

In comparison, the U.S. has added two hardened shelters and 41 nonhardened ones within 1,000 nautical miles of the Taiwan Strait and outside South Korea since the 2010s, the report said.

This means if a war breaks out over Taiwan, U.S. aircraft could suffer more damage than Chinas if they attacked each others bases in the region, which would prevent U.S. air operation for a duration of time, said analysts.

According to Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centers Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program, attacks on U.S. bases in the Pacific region, including Japan could prevent the U.S. Air Force from conducting fighter operations for about the first 12 days of a conflict from U.S. bases in Japan.

Grieco continued, based on her own report published by the Stimson Center, that Chinese missiles could also take out runways and aerial refueling tankers, rendering them unusable for over a month at U.S. bases in Japan and for over half a week at U.S. military bases in Guam and other Pacific locations.

Its not possible to harden a runway or taxiway that is exposed as an easy target to destroy, disabling aircraft from taking off, she said. This begs the question of whether it is worth investing in hardening facilities, she added.

The Hudson Institute report says within the 1,000 nautical miles of Taiwan, China has added 20 runways and 49 taxiways since the 2010s while the U.S. added one runway and one taxiway.

Unhardened airfields

Among U.S. air bases in the allied countries of Japan, the Philippines and South Korea, those in the Philippines are the least protected, Timothy Walton, one of the authors of the Hudson report, told VOA.

In Japan, Kadena and Misawa Air Bases are the most fortified U.S. bases, while the remainder are largely unfortified, said Walton, a senior fellow at Hudsons Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.

In the Republic of Korea, the two U.S. Air Force bases, Osan and Kunsan, are hardened. Airfields in the Philippines are unhardened, he said.

Grieco said the U.S. would mostly rely on its bases in Japan, Guam and other Pacific locations as South Korea would restrict the use of U.S. bases in its territory in a Taiwan contingency out of concern about North Korean aggression and to avoid a rupture with Beijing.

U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, the chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for secretary of state, and 13 other lawmakers underlined last year the importance of hardened shelters to protect against Chinese attacks.

In a letter sent to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in May, they said, U.S. bases in the region have almost no hardened aircraft shelters compared to Chinese military bases, leading to U.S. air assets being highly vulnerable to Chinese strikes.

Aside from hardened shelters, analysts pointed to dispersing airfields as important.

Steven Rudder, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and former commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said, When you look at the number of aircraft in the Asia Pacific, I am not sure that the ability to harden every single aircraft parking space would be as effective as a distributed force.

Bruce Bennett, a senior defense researcher at Rand Corporation, said dispersing airfields are important against nuclear strikes.

Against conventional warhead missiles, shelters are key to the protection, said Bennett. But if theres a nuclear threat, youve got to have different airfields as alternative locations to park and land aircraft and to provide logistic support such as fueling, maintenance and repair, he said.

Bennett added the disparity in the number of aircraft shelters between the China and U.S. seems to stem from U.S. air superiority.

What the U.S. Air Force tends to perceive is that weve got the ability to deal with the Chinese air force in an air-to-air combat, where China traditionally felt it would lose air-to-air combat against the U.S. and therefore wants to take U.S. aircraft on the ground before engaging in air while sheltering theirs heavily on the ground, Bennett said.

The question becomes, as the Chinese aircraft get better and as they start fielding fifth-generation fighter, will the U.S. need the ability to attack Chinese airfields with conventional weapons? I dont think the Defense Department has considered it as one of important tasks, Bennett said.
Washington has slapped sanctions on Sudan's army leader, citing his responsibility for war crimes in a conflict that has bled the oil-rich country dry over the last year  sparking a famine, killing tens of thousands of people and driving millions from their homes  just a week after the U.S. sanctioned his opponent for acts it described as genocide.

Thursday's sanctions on Sudanese Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a Hong-Kong-based weapons supplier block them from entering or transiting the United States and restrict their access to any U.S. assets.

This leaves both sides economically restrained in this brutal conflict that the State Department has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, but where Washington's options are limited because of its strained diplomatic ties to the large African nation. This conflict also has drawn in outside players, with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates arming the rivals.

During his final press conference on Thursday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the SAF of war crimes. In last week's sanctions, the State Department accused the opposing Rapid Support Forces of genocide.

"The SAF has also committed war crimes, and it continues to target civilians," Blinken said. "It's obstructed the advancement of the peace process. It's refused to participate on numerous occasions in ceasefire talks that we've sought to convene, and together with the RSF, it's caused what is the world's worst humanitarian crisis that people are suffering through every day. And we believe strongly, as we said, there's no military solution to this conflict."

'Flawed' action, Sudan says

Sudan's government expressed its objection to the sanctions, calling them "flawed," "unethical" and "dubious."

"This decision lacks the basic principles of justice and objectivity, relying on implausible pretexts," read its statement, which was posted on social media platform X. "It also reflects a blatant disregard for the Sudanese people, who stand firmly united behind General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as a symbol of their sovereignty and armed forces, and as a courageous leader in the battle for dignity against the terrorist Janjaweed militias."

Blinken did not address U.S. media reports citing anonymous U.S. officials that the SAF has used chemical weapons at least twice. VOA's query to the National Security Council went unanswered Thursday.

When asked by reporters whether both sides were equally responsible, Blinken replied, "The actions we took on the RSF, as you know, found a determination of genocide. The actions that we're looking at for the SAF go to war crimes. So there are gradations in these things, and we follow the law."

And Blinken expressed regrets that this conflict has escalated. It has followed many of the same contours as the Darfur conflict at the turn of the century.

"It is, for me, yes, another real regret that when it comes to Sudan, we haven't been able on our watch to get to that day of success," he said.

He added, "We'll keep working it for the next three days, and I hope the next administration will take that on as well."

Hemedti sanctioned

Last week's sanctions targeted RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, whom the White House named as the leader of a wave of renewed ethnic cleansing, rape and systematic atrocities.

Daglo, who is better known by his nickname, Hemedti, was a commander in the Janjaweed militia considered largely responsible for the brutal Darfur conflict, in which Sudanese Arab Janjaweed militias used scorched-earth tactics on the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa people of Western Sudan, killing at least 200,000. The scale and savagery of the violence prompted the International Criminal Court to issue its first-ever warrant for genocide to Sudan's then-president, Omar al-Bashir.

Hemedti led the RSF as a paramilitary unit until the April 2023 clash with government forces that sparked the current conflict.

The violence has plunged nearly 640,000 people into the misery of famine, the State Department said. And the United Nations estimates that 30 million people  more than half of the nation's population  need humanitarian assistance.

Daniel Volman, director of the African Security Research Project, told VOA it's "unlikely" that the incoming Trump administration will impose further sanctions. He said the U.S. and its allies bear some responsibility for "the conflict escalating to genocidal heights."

"I think that the United States, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, bears a major responsibility for failing to take effective action against the Bashir regime [which created the RSF and carried out the first genocide in Darfur] and for failing to take effective action to support the civil society groups fighting for a democratic government, which led to the current civil war," he said by email. "The United States is not alone in bearing responsibility. Russia, Iran and other countries are also arming the rival forces and prolonging the conflict."

Complicating factor

And, Volman said, the Biden administration's decision to sanction some of Hemedti's foreign backers by targeting companies based in the United Arab Emirates is also a complicating factor.

"The involvement of Egypt and the UAE in arming the rival forces and prolonging the civil war will complicate the Trump administration's relations with these two key allies and may lead them to expand and escalate their military intervention in Sudan," he said.

Andrew Payne, a lecturer in foreign policy and security at City, University of London, told VOA that for now, sanctions are the main tool that Washington has to constrain Khartoum.

"Sanctions are an easy tool that make it appear like an administration is doing something, regardless of whether that is an appropriate tool to use. It's relatively cost-free to the United States. If the alternative is something that requires political will, then that will has to be there. ... Sanctions are always the tool of cheapest resort, in a sense. So, it's a way of seeming like you're engaged, seeming like you're active, without considering more tougher measures," Payne said.
Human Rights Watch, in its "World Report 2025," warned of the worsening human rights situation in Iran. Citing evidence and reports, the organization highlights intensified repression of women and girls, a rise in executions, lack of fair trials, harassment of activists, students, journalists and justice-seeking families, as well as continued discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community by the Islamic Republic in 2024.

Click here for the full story in Persian.
A suspension for Elon Musk-owned social network X in the European Union could be more difficult than some politicians have suggested and at worst only temporary, experts told AFP.

Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton brought suspending X into play last week, suggesting in a TV interview that it would be "possible" to suspend the platform across the 27-nation bloc.

"We have two laws... that would potentially allow a judge to impose this requirement," he said, referring to the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) that came into force in early 2024.

Breton's suggestion followed allegations that X's algorithm was amplifying specific political viewpoints, especially those aligned with its owner.

On Friday, the European Commission announced new technical measures as part of an investigation it opened against X in 2023.

- 'Very large platform' status -

The DSA imposes a single regulatory framework on digital platforms across all EU member states.

Like other networks with more than 45 million active users per month, X has been designated as a "very large online platform" -- subjecting it to the most stringent requirements, especially on content moderation.

The legislation says such platforms "can be used in a way that strongly influences safety online (and) the shaping of public opinion and discourse".

"Very large" platforms must therefore take steps to limit "systemic risks", including to "media freedom and pluralism" and "democratic processes".

In practice, applying the terms of the DSA will likely prove difficult, said Alexandre De Streel, an expert on digital legislation at the Brussels-based Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE).

"Proving that an algorithm is biased in favour of certain content... is not easy, because you need to have access to the algorithm itself and be able to understand how it works," he said.

- Possible penalties -

Suspending X "is not at all a simple path, it's a realistic but extreme path", said Jean Cattan, general secretary of france's National Digital Council (Cnum).

There is no provision in the DSA for a platform to be banned for good.

Its maximum penalty is rather a temporary suspension that can be ordered by a judge.

Suspension would be only a very last resort after a potential fine of up to six percent of a platform's worldwide annual revenue.

This staggering of the penalties suggests reaction times to any infraction will be slow.

Recent events in Romania, where a suspected Russian-backed TikTok campaign allegedly boosted far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, "show us that the DSA does not allow us to react swiftly enough", Cattan said.

The Commission said Friday that it had demanded more details about X's algorithms as part of its 2023 probe, including the platform's internal documentation of its systems.

Brussels is under pressure from national capitals and EU lawmakers not to let up the pressure on X.

Around 30 MEPs from across the mainstream political spectrum this week wrote to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen demanding that she examine X's compliance with the DSA.

- No national action -

In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed anger in early January about the Commission's failure to take action against X.

"Either the European Commission applies as strictly as possible the laws we've passed to protect our public space, or it doesn't, and therefore it will have to agree to return the capacity to do this to the member states," he said.

Nevertheless, the DSA's rules mean that it is up to digital regulators in Ireland, where X has set up its European headquarters, to take any action.

France's Arcom audiovisual authority, designated the country's digital services "coordinator" under the DSA, can only transmit to Dublin any complaints it receives against X.

Only in cases touching on national security or other rare exceptions can national capitals act directly against specific websites or social networks, as Paris did against TikTok during last year's riots in Pacific territory New Caledonia.

mng/tgb/phz
Photo: Nicola Dove/Universal Pictures

If Twilight and What We Do in the Shadows are to be believed, vampires and werewolves are sworn enemies  but lets face it, this is not exactly a fair fight when it comes to how these creatures are depicted. In the battle of cinematic representations, vampires have a considerable advantage: There are simply far more classic vampire movies than there are classic werewolf movies, whether thats because vampires are a more enduring cultural fixation or because believable werewolf makeup is extremely hard to get right. Even the most famous cinematic werewolf, the titular Wolf Man introduced by Universal Pictures in 1941, has struggled to stand out.

In that first iteration of The Wolf Man, we meet Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.), who returns to his ancestral home in Wales and scoffs at the local legend of the werewolf  that is, until hes bitten by one. Chaney went on to star as Talbot in four sequels, despite the fact that the character dies in nearly every installment. Those subsequent films  Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein  were mash-up movies, pitting the Wolf Man against other Universal Monsters. After that series ended, the studio left Talbot alone for over 60 years, resurrecting him in the form of Benicio del Toro for the 2010 remake The Wolfman. Now, Universal is reviving the franchise once again with Leigh Whannells Wolf Man, a take so tight and lean that the title loses its definite article. Christopher Abbotts werewolf isnt Larry Talbot, but hes a Universal Monster all the same.

Watching these movies back-to-back forces you to confront a reality that goes beyond the vampire-vs.-werewolf rivalry: There has never been a great Wolf Man film. Each of these movies has its moments; a couple are even good! True excellence, however, remains as elusive as a cure for lycanthropy. But that doesnt make the series any less interesting to talk about  in fact, sometimes the most compelling thing about these films is where they fall short. To separate the slightly flawed from the true disappointments, I ranked all seven Universal Wolf Man movies, including Whannells divisive reboot.

7.

The poster for the third Universal Wolf Man film promises a crossover event uniting Frankensteins Monster, Dracula, and the Wolf Man, along with Hunchback and Mad Doctor, unofficial Universal Monsters but called out on the poster nonetheless. (Confusingly, Hunchback has nothing to do with the title character in Universals 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame, played by Lon Chaney Sr. Here, it just refers to any kyphosis-stricken lab assistant.) Unfortunately, House of Frankenstein is less graveyard smash and more poorly paced anthology, with the stories linked by Boris Karloff as evil scientist Dr. Gustav Niemann (the Mad Doctor).

Larry Talbot spends most of the classic sequels begging to be put out of his misery, which makes him a rather pathetic figure. On the plus side, Chaney is better in sad-sack mode than he is in the original Wolf Man where hes trying to play seductive. The real problem here is John Carradines Dracula  a far cry from the Bela Lugosi character  and the supremely silly bat-transformation effects hes saddled with. (As Frankensteins Monster, Glenn Strange isnt quite Karloff, but hes serviceable given how little is required of him.) While none of these sequels has a strong plot, this one is the most obviously held together by tape and glue, and the episodic structure makes House of Frankenstein feel longer than its 70-minute run time.

6.

One year after House of Frankenstein came House of Dracula, with much of the cast and crew carrying over and critics similarly unimpressed. The biggest twist here is that the Hunchback is now a beautiful woman, played by Jane Adams, with Onslow Stevens stepping into the Mad Doctor role as Dr. Franz Edelmann. While the plot is as convoluted and silly as in the last film  Dr. Edelmann tries to cure Draculas vampirism through blood transfusions, among other developments  theres slightly more cohesion.

The Wolf Man also gets a more dynamic role in House of Dracula, with Talbot seeking his own cure from Dr. Edelmann instead of simply trying to get himself killed. Chaney does a decent job at playing Talbots desperation, and given the fact that we keep seeing the character die and come back, usually without explanation, its easy enough to feel his urgency. By this point in the series, however, its also impossible to ignore how repetitive the sequels are. Poor Frankensteins Monster keeps waking up at the very end only to get himself killed in the final moments. At 67 minutes, House of Dracula should be breezier than its predecessor, but once you recognize the formula, youre ready for it to be over.

5.

Joe Johnstons 2010 remake of The Wolf Man opted to make wolfman one word for some reason  otherwise, its a fairly direct (and largely superfluous) retread of the 1941 film. Benicio del Toro is at least a better actor than Lon Chaney Jr., to the point that he almost convinces you Larry Talbot is the biological son of Anthony Hopkinss Sir John Talbot. While the final act delivers its big twist, the plot is otherwise lifted directly from The Wolf Man with the biggest change being the addition of R-rated gore. Frankly, thats a welcome update that at least keeps things interesting, along with Rick Bakers Oscar-winning werewolf-makeup effects.

Sadly, the other effects in The Wolfman have not aged as well: The film is burdened with relentlessly ugly CGI that instantly dates it, undermining set pieces that might otherwise be engaging. Equally cringe is the decision to go with the same racist Romani story line from the 41 movie, down to casting another white actor as Maleva, the wise old Romani woman who knows all about werewolves. (Its always nice to see Geraldine Chaplin, just not in this particular role.) Overall, The Wolfman is crying out to be a silly gorefest, but it also wants to be taken seriously, and that disconnect makes the whole thing less fun than it should be. Though it teases a sequel  Talbot bites Hugo Weavings Inspector Aberline before dying  its not surprising Universal put a pin in the franchise after this films release.

4.

The first sequel to The Wolf Man is surprisingly consequential, retconning Universals werewolf mythology so that the transformation is linked to the full moon and introducing the Wolf Mans friendship (or frienemyship) with Frankensteins Monster. The original plan was to have Chaney play both Wolf Man and Frankensteins Monster  the movie is also a direct sequel to The Ghost of Frankenstein, where Chaney stars as the title doctors creation  but 55 years before The Parent Trap, that was too daunting a task. Ultimately, Bela Lugosi was cast as the Monster, and his surprisingly weak performance makes Chaney look better in comparison.

Thats probably more of a backhanded compliment than Chaney deserves. As I said, hes much more compelling in all of these Wolf Man follow-ups, where hes playing a tortured man trying desperately to die before he kills again. In Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, Talbot reunites with Maleva (Maria Ouspenskaya) and seeks the aid of Baroness Elsa Frankenstein (Ilona Massey) and Dr. Frank Mannering (Patric Knowles), determined to discover the secret to undoing his immortality. The plot does what it needs to do, and it feels fresh enough this early in the franchise. Most important, it finds a way to climax in a battle between Frankensteins Monster and the Wolf Man, the kind of spectacle that audiences were surely going to these monster rally movies to see but that the films often forgot to include.

3.

Some critics will say that the Universal Monsters jumped the shark when they were forced to share space with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello  and they may be right in terms of the later entries in the Abbott and Costello Meet  series. But the first of those movies, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, is actually pretty fun. It helps that after three repetitive and oddly humorless sequels, this films inherent silliness is a breath of fresh air. Thats to say nothing of the fact that Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein also marks Lugosis one-and-only return to playing Count Dracula on the big screen. Even though he was visibly in his mid-60s at this point, his long-awaited return does not disappoint.

The title comedians star as Chick and Wilbur, two baggage clerks who wind up in possession of Dracula and Frankensteins Monster. Meanwhile, Talbot does his best to warn them of the danger  when hes not busy transforming into the Wolf Man and wreaking havoc of his own. More than any of the other monster mash-up movies, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein delivers on the promise of seeing these horror icons face off. The slapstick finale has all the Universal Monsters going at it, with a hapless Chick and Wilbur trying to escape in one piece. Your enjoyment of the movie may depend on how much you can take of Abbott and Costellos shtick, but even as the longest of the original series  clocking in at a whole 82 minutes!  its by far the breeziest of the bunch.

2.

Following 2020s The Invisible Man, Leigh Whannell returns with another stripped-down take on a classic horror character where the real universal monster is toxic masculinity. In Wolf Man, Christopher Abbott plays Blake, whose trip back to his childhood home in Oregon gets derailed when he and his family are attacked by a werewolf in the woods. Over the course of a harrowing night, Blake tries to fend off the bloodthirsty creature, while he himself begins to change into something inhuman. Julia Garner plays Blakes wife, Charlotte, who isnt sure whether the bigger danger to their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) is outside the home or within.

The film is an entirely different take on werewolf mythology and on the Wolf Man in particular, but Whannell once again shows his ability to craft a tense and thematically resonant monster movie that still echoes the decades-old original. To that end, you can mostly forgive that it doesnt have anything all that new to say. Abbott is (again, apologies) a better actor than Chaney, and Blake is a more sympathetic character than Talbot has ever been. This Wolf Man wisely leans into the body horror of the werewolf transformation, leading to some thrillingly disgusting scenes that hit harder because we care about the person theyre happening to. While the films limited scope makes it feel a bit slighter than it should, the intimacy and groundedness result in the scariest Wolf Man movie to date  not that there was much competition.

1.

Its easy enough to point out the flaws of The Wolf Man, the film that started it all. Theres the aforementioned Romani plotline, very much a product of its time. Theres the flimsy story, stretched out to a mere 70 minutes. And then theres the fact that Chaney is, as Ive alluded to throughout, not the performer that Lugosi and Karloff were. Hes certainly outmatched by the great Claude Rains, who plays Larrys father, Sir John Talbot. Thankfully, Rainss performance goes a long way toward elevating the material, emphasizing the tortured father-son relationship thats the clearest through-line to the Wolf Man movies, showing up again in the 2010 remake and the 2025 reboot.

And flawed or not, its tough to argue with The Wolf Mans impact and influence. Talbots reluctant transformation into the title monster and Jack Pierces special-effects makeup remain iconic, responsible for the dominant cultural perception of how a werewolf looks and feels  even as cinematic werewolves have become beastlier in the decades since. The Wolf Man may not be as sensual as Dracula or as tragic as Frankensteins Monster, but there is a humanity to him that has lasted through all iterations of the character. From this first film, he is a creature doomed by fate with a painful longing to protect the loved ones he feels fated to harm. And its that idea, articulated most succinctly here, that makes this movie the best of Universals Wolf Man franchise, warts and all.
Dern and Lynch. Photo: Matthew Simmons/WireImage

Beloved filmmaker David Lynch died on January 15, and when his family broke the news the next day, Hollywoods grief mourned the loss of the great director, including the stars of his many films. Laura Dern, an essential actress in the Lynch universe, remembered him on his birthday, January 20. Happy birthday, tidbit. I will love and miss you every day for the rest of my life, she wrote in the post with a photo of the two looking into each others eyes. Isabella Rossellini, his ex-partner, paid tribute on Instagram. I loved him so much, she wrote in the caption of her post, alongside a picture of her and Lynch. Thanks for all your kind messages.

Nicolas Cage, who starred in Lynchs Wild at Heart, told Deadline the director was a singular genius in cinema and fondly looked back on their laughs working together. He was brave, brilliant, and a maverick with a joyful sense of humor, Cage added. I never had more fun on a film set than working with David Lynch. He will always be solid gold. Kyle Maclachlan remembered the beginnings of his long career working with Lynch when they first met on Dune: He clearly saw something in me that even I didnt recognize. I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision.

Mulholland Drive star Naomi Watts thanked Lynch for her breakout role in his film on Instagram, sharing a sweet photo of her kissing him on the cheek. His creative mentorship was truly powerful, she wrote. He put me on the map. The world Id been trying to break into for ten plus years, flunking auditions left and right. Finally, I sat in front of a curious man, beaming with light, speaking words from another era, making me laugh and feel at ease. How did he even see me when I was so well hidden, and Id even lost sight of myself?!

Laura Dern  who collaborated with Lynch on Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks: The Return  underscored Lynchs connection to Los Angeles. She wrote a letter to Lynch on his birthday, published ni the L.A. Times. You leave us amid utter brokenness in our city, our beloved Los Angeles, the place we both called home. I know you were worried for everyones heartbreak and loss, and yet still, like your films, while horror is happening, you always believed in the light and the goodness in people and held hope for our city and all those who live here, she wrote. It somehow doesnt shock me that gratitude and despair are so closely aligned at this moment for our city and our loss of you  a genius who gave us not only some of our most iconic imagery and impacted our dreams but also forever wove Los Angeles into them.

Below, more tributes from directors like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese as well as Lynch-ian stars including Lee Grant and Rebekah del Rio.

Laura Dern

William Patrick Corgan

RIP David Lynch. A true artist, through and through. pic.twitter.com/qtcE8U4q3f  William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) January 16, 2025

American Film Institute

David Lynch was an American original. And the stories are true  as a foundational Fellow at the American Film... Posted by American Film Institute on Thursday, January 16, 2025

Naomi Watts

Steven Spielberg

In a statement to Variety, Spielberg remembered Lynch as a visionary, writing, I loved Davids films. Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and Elephant Man defined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade. I got to know David when he played John Ford in The Fabelmans. Here was one of my heroesDavid Lynch playing one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of Davids own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.

Lee Grant

Years later, when offered the chance to work with him for a day, I jumped at the opportunity to see how a mind like that directed. It was a day on Mulholland Drive. He was, in actuality, a one of a kind artist.  Lee Grant (@TheLeeGrant) January 16, 2025

Rebekah del Rio

Martin Scorcese

In a statement to Indiewire, Scorcese explains why Lynch was the true definition of visionary: I hear and read the word visionary a lot these daysits become a kind of catch-all description, another piece of promotional language. But David Lynch really was a visionaryin fact, the word could have been invented to describe the man and the films, the series, the images and the sounds he left behind. He created forms that seemed like they were right on the edge of falling apart but somehow never did. He put images on the screen unlike anything that I or anybody else had ever seenhe made everything strange, uncanny, revelatory and new. And he was absolutely uncompromising, from start to finish. Its a sad, sad day for moviemakers, movie lovers, and for the art of cinema. But Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, the two Twin Peaks series and the film Fire Walk with Me, Lost Highway, The Straight Story, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire as the years and the decades go by, they will just keep growing and deepening. We were lucky to have had David Lynch.

John Carpenter

I got to be friends with David Lynch when we were both at Universal years ago. A very kind man, he was a fan of Bob's Big Boy. So was I. I'm going to miss him. R.I.P. David.  John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) January 17, 2025

Jane Schoenbrun

Like Kafka, like Bacon, he dedicated his life to opening a portal. He was the first to show me another world, a beautiful one of love and danger I sensed but had never seen outside sleep. Thank you David your gift will reverberate for the rest of my life. https://t.co/pK2GDycV1Y  Jane Schoenbrun (@sapphicspielbrg) January 16, 2025

Ron Howard

#RIPDavidLynch, a gracious man and fearless artist who followed his heart & soul and proved that radical experimentation could yield unforgettable cinema. https://t.co/uMsAxrzKFx  Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 16, 2025

James Gunn

RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us.  pic.twitter.com/KkZ1WgmzyV  James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 16, 2025

Patton Oswalt

David Lynch, RIP. At least thats what the horse wearing a fez just told me* in a dream. (*Backwards and in Swedish) pic.twitter.com/Kt1bkryELQ  Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 16, 2025

Seth Meyers

The Late Night writer's room is filled with David Lynch fans. The backward written cue cards for this still hang on the wall. RIP to a legend https://t.co/a3SctN6Gm2  Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) January 17, 2025

Michael Horse
Photo: Aidan Monaghan/Focus Features

Nosferatu has no shortage of harrowing human performances, but lets be honest  this movies many, many rat actors are the ones who make our skin crawl. A physical manifestation of Count Orloks pestilence, these rodents have a ball running around, crawling all over people, and pretending to eat them alive. But what is it like to direct live rats? To find out, we had to go straight to the source  director Robert Eggers and head animal trainers Jachym and Ota Bares from Fauna Film.

The thing about rats, the Bareses said in an email, is that theyre very smart and sociable  until you put too many of them in a room: When working with a big group, they all of a sudden lose their intelligence in the anonymity of the crowd and are very hard to coordinate and motivate.

Most of the rats used in this film are brown rats  the most common breed in the film world. They were housed at one of Fauna Films facilities. We built these sort of pools in one of our halls where they were kept and trained, the Bareses said. The acting rats, who learned how to run on cue, stayed in Faunas training studio, where they trained on the productions set pieces.

As for why live rats are worth the effort over their always compliant CGI brethren? It really makes the experience from seeing the film feel more real and immersive, the Bareses said. Sometimes, they just behave naturally and dont do whats expected of them, but that can also be an upside.

Nosferatu employed 2,000 rat actors.

You know what they say  it takes a village (of rats). Speaking with Vulture, Eggers estimated that his production used 2,000 live rats. In some more populated shots, CG scans of living, breathing rats helped fill the background.

In most cases, the rats were trained to enter and leave on cue. But when theres just, like, thousands of rats squirming around, Eggers acknowledged, they become a little harder to direct. You have plexiglass enclosures that you cant see to keep the rats safe, and they just sort of do their rat thing.

Outdoor scenes with rats are better than indoor scenes with rats.

Rats like to mark everywhere they go, which is a nice way to say that they pee on everything. Theyre also prolific poop machines. Because of this, as one might imagine, outdoor scenes became easier to film than indoor scenes.

Outside, you really couldnt smell it unless you got real close, the Bareses said. But during the crypt scenes, they had to heat the set because rats dont like sitting out in the cold: All that warm air in combination with the rats really made the room smell bad. You could really smell the strong odor of ammonia in the room. Charming!

Rats are not dangerous scene partners  but they might mark you.

To the trainers surprise, no one in the Nosferatu cast was afraid of the rats during their initial meet and greets. Still, some actors had to get more up close and personal than others. Emma Corrin  who plays Anna Harding, best friend to Lily-Rose Depps Ellen Hutter  had to film a scene covered in rats that crawled on their bare chest. At the time, the trainers admit, no one thought Corrin could do it  and, to be fair, once the rats urinated and defecated on them, theres a good chance they wished they hadnt. Still, Corrin powered through, delivering one of the most intense and spine-tingling moments in the film.

Rats are talented improvisers.

Just like humans, rats sometimes want to steal the show. In one scene, Bill Skarsgard had to lay in a closed coffin snuggled up against some 30 rats. The coffin had to be closed before each take, and its heavy lid required a few people to open. During one take, Skarsgard began yelling from under the closed lid, but no one could make out what he was saying. When they finally pried the lid off, there he was, with a rat sitting on his forehead ready for its close-up.

It gets worse: Apparently, some of the rats also wanted to check on Skarsgards teeth  a nightmare image that will remain seared into our minds for eternity.

How do you motivate 2,000 rats? Help them avoid being perceived.

Rats are clever creatures with incredible memories, and like many of us, theyll work harder if you reward their efforts with a little treat. When working with one or a few rats, snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit often do the trick. But when youre corralling a whole mischief (thats how one describes a group of rats), things get trickier and more competitive. Thankfully, rats also love to run and hide in dark places. So on Nosferatu, the Bareses motivated their animal actors to run from one place to another by letting them scurry into their rat houses, which are basically boxes where they can feel safe.

The races to the rat houses revealed that some rodents on set were more motivated than others. One group of 15 female rats, brighter in color than the rest, kept zooming past the others to make it into the houses first, making the rest of their furry colleagues look like slowpokes. In certain scenes, the trainers had to bench these ladies to maintain a uniform speed onscreen. As for how they knew who was who? They labeled some of the rats underneath their tails for easy identification.

Rat safety meetings are crucial.

The key to rat safety on the Nosferatu set? Planning and plexiglass.

The trainers held meetings during preproduction to ensure theyd accounted for all necessary safety precautions. It was really helpful that Robert had everything planned out and he knew what exactly he wanted, the Bareses said. The director even provided storyboards for the team to follow  an extra collaborative step that made their jobs easier. Scenes were rehearsed days before shooting, so the trainers knew exactly what the setup would look like.

When working with the rats, we always kept minimum crew on set, the Bareses said. Only cast members and handlers were allowed to enter areas with rats.

For each day the critters showed up to work, the trainers held a safety meeting to make sure everything ran smoothly. Resting areas were erected off set to avoid overworking the rats, who had access to food and water at all times. They rode from place to place in rodent boxes in groups of ten to ensure they had adequate space, and the loading-unloading process, in particular, could be grueling  in part because the rat handlers needed to check each rat to make sure it was healthy enough to go to set. During filming, the production corralled the rats using plexiglass barriers that were invisible to the camera  which is why none ever turned up at craft services.

The ship scene was the hardest to prep.

The rat team needed six months to train all of the rats to enter on cue during the scene where they exit the ship. Rats naturally run alongside walls, where they feel safer, said the Bareses. So they were taught to run in open spaces first. They had a few set pieces from the production at their facility to help the rats feel more comfortable with their surroundings during filming, and they spent about a week training the rats on the actual set at the backlot. Its really important to give the rats their time to smell the set and mark their paths along which they run, the pair said.

Still, this scene was challenging  largely because the more rats you use at a time, the harder it is to get them to move anywhere at all. One rat will never take the lead of the rest of the group, the Bareses said. But one rat can easily stop a whole army of rats for no reason at all. Only thing we could do is to take the rat out and try again.
Photo: Adam Gray/Getty Images

On January 19, the TikTok ban went into effect, leaving the digital future of the platforms 170 million U.S. users up in the air  for about 14 hours. Then, Donald Trump took office and delayed the enforcement of the law for 75 days (one of nearly 100 planned executive orders). This ban stemmed from the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a federal law that gives the government power to bar foreign-owned apps if they post a national security risk. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle claimed that the Chinese government had the ability to mine Americans data from TikToks owner, ByteDance, and then deploy this information in alleged efforts to surveil U.S. users as well as peddle disinformation. Under the legislation, companies that allow people to access TikTok  such as Apple through its App Store and Google through its Play Store  cannot distribute, maintain, or update (or enable the distribution, maintenance, or updating of) a foreign adversary controlled application either through a marketplace or internet hosting services. While TikTok, CapCut, and other apps affected by the law are not currently available for download, they are still available for use.

TikTok has fought the ban, most recently before the Supreme Court. Free-speech advocates contend that the ban would violate First Amendment rights. But the justices sided with the government on January 17, writing in their decision that TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment. So, what does this mean? Before the Supreme Court decision came down, Vulture spoke with Eva Galperin, director of cyber security at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international digital-rights group, to answer all your questions about the TikTok ban.

People who really want to keep using TikTok are wondering this: If youre in the U.S., is there a way to get around the ban?

TikTok has said that users coming from the U.S. will be blocked, and they will be pointed toward a message that explains to them what the TikTok ban is and who is responsible, that they should contact their local representative. But also, that they will be giving them an opportunity to export their data. It is unclear whether or not a U.S.-based user would still get this message and this offer if they were coming from a non-U.S. IP address.

If it turns out that this is an entirely IP-address-based decision, then would it be possible to circumvent it by using a VPN that makes it look like you are coming from a non-U.S. location? Also, whats a VPN?

VPN stands for virtual private network, and there are a lot of different kinds of VPNs. For example, many corporations run their own VPN services, and you are required to use their VPN in order to log in to the corporate intranet. But the way in which most people encounter VPNs in their day-to-day lives is usually through the commercial VPN market. A commercial VPN is an app, usually that you pay money for, sometimes available for free. It is an app that you can run on your device that will mask your traffic on the network on which you are located. So, on the network, people will not be able to see what websites youre going to, for example. When it comes to the site that you are going to, it makes it look like you are coming from a different location. One of the most common uses of a VPN that makes it look like you are coming from a different location is usually to stream Netflix in order to access geo-blocked content.

Free VPNs are something that you should be very careful of, because when somebody offers you something for free, often it is because you are the product. The way that these companies make money is by selling the information about where youre going and what you are doing online. They may also log your traffic so that if law enforcement comes to them and asks for the details of where youve been going or what youve been doing, they may hand those over. They may serve you ads, and those ads may be surreptitiously tracking you, or they could even be surreptitiously installing malware on your device, which is a very serious problem.

So if you want to watch a Netflix show from Poland or use TikTok, pay a couple bucks to use a good VPN?

Not every VPN that costs a couple of bucks is, by its very nature, good. You should be careful of anything that feeds you ads, and also you should take a look at the reputation of the VPN. Just go do a quick Google search on the name of the VPN company and see whether or not there have been any scandals with data leaks or with them doing sketchy things with the data they get from their users.

Will people be able to share TikToks in the U.S.? Or does it look like its just going to stop working right away?

That will be up to TikTok, because under this new law, TikTok is not required to do any of these things. TikTok is going beyond what they are required to do. And the reason for this is they want to make it very clear that this law is designed to silence U.S. TikTok users, and they would like to lay the blame directly at the feet of the people who are responsible for this.

So TikTok could shut off the lights immediately for U.S. users?

It is up to TikTok whether or not you are able to get to TikTok from a U.S. IP. You have to understand: This sort of censorship, theres not a lot of infrastructure in the U.S. for banning apps. Theres a reason why no social-media platform has been banned in the United States thus far. The way in which the law appears to suggest this will work is that it will require U.S.-based app stores to remove TikTok from the store.

If you remove TikTok from the store, this does not remove TikTok from your phone, but what it does mean is that in the future, when there are updates to the TikTok app, you will not get those updates. Eventually, TikTok will stop supporting out-of-date versions of the client, and then you will stop having access to TikTok. This, I think, is how the people who wrote the law imagined that this would work. What TikTok is doing is theyre saying, if youre telling us that we cant have U.S. users, youre telling us that were going to be blocked in the U.S., fine, well be blocked in the U.S.  and everybody will know whose fault it is.

Do you have any sense of what platform people are going to next?

Based on reports that I have read, it sounds like TikTok users are sort of flocking to the Little Red Book, which is often translated into English as RedNote  which is absolutely a Chinese app, in Mandarin, based in mainland China, subject to mainland China rules about what you can and cannot say into on the app.

So, ironically, this might push people toward a platform that is almost undoubtedly monitoring them?

Yes, and it is my understanding that TikTok users are doing this on purpose.

Wait, what?

U.S. users are not under the impression that the Chinese government is not monitoring an app named after Maos Little Red Book. They are showing that they dont care.

Are these Chinese-language speakers or everyone?

Theyre largely English speakers. There are a lot of very funny memes on that platform right now of English speakers trying to learn Mandarin. To be fair, they have a point in a really convoluted sort of way. There is no evidence  and the U.S. government admits this in the TikTok case  that the Chinese government is collecting the data that TikTok has on users or using them for any kind of nefarious purposes. If the Chinese government wanted that data, they wouldnt have to go to TikTok, they could simply buy it from any of the existing U.S. social-media platforms, all of whom sell it through a series of data brokers. The only way that we could really stop that is by having comprehensive data-privacy reform that addresses data brokers and all U.S.-based companies. Singling out a Chinese platform does not actually solve the problem in any way.

Creators on TikTok can make money in a couple different ways. Do they know whats going to happen to the views-based money  will they get paid?

I dont think TikTok has said anything about this, or at least TikTok has not said anything about this that I have seen.

Will a U.S.-based company buy TikTok?

There is a possibility that TikTok could spinoff its U.S. operations into a separate company and sell that to a U.S. buyer. That would allow TikTok to continue to be available to U.S. users in spite of this law. There is no indication thus far that this is what TikTok intends to do or that there is a buyer available.

What is Donald Trump doing about TikTok?

Trump filed an amicus brief, a friend-of-the-court brief, in the SCOTUS appeal in support of TikTok. There was no legal reasoning that I was able to discern, aside from Trump likes TikTok and he thinks it helped him get elected. Therefore, he thinks that TikTok should not be banned. I think it would also be to Trumps advantage if TikTok had to spinoff its U.S. operations and sell them to a U.S. buyer, because it would allow him to sort of hand this off as a gift to one of his supporters. And it would allow him to extract concessions from the Chinese government. So I am guessing that would be his ideal situation.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By John O'Donnell and Victoria Waldersee

FRANKFURT/BERLIN (Reuters) - Chinese officials and automakers are eyeing German factories slated for closure and are particularly interested in Volkswagen's sites, a person with knowledge of Chinese government thinking told Reuters.

Buying a factory would allow China to build influence in Germany's prized auto industry, home to some of the oldest and most prestigious car brands, the person said.

Chinese companies have invested across a range of industries in Europe's biggest economy, from telecommunications to robotics, but have yet to set up traditional car manufacturing there despite Mercedes-Benz having two large Chinese shareholders.

Any such move could mark China's most politically sensitive investment yet. VW has long been a symbol of Germany's industrial prowess, now threatened by a global economic slowdown hitting demand and creaking transition to green technologies.

Building cars in Germany for sale in Europe would allow China's EV makers to avoid paying EU tariffs on electric cars imported from China and could pose a further threat to European manufacturers' competitiveness.

While bids could come from private companies, state-owned businesses or joint ventures with foreign players, Chinese authorities reserve the right to approve certain investments abroad and are likely to be involved in any offer from early in the process.

Investment decisions would hinge on the new German government's stance towards China after an election in February, the person said.

The two economies became deeply intertwined during Angela Merkel's 16 years in office, fuelled by investments and exports from German carmakers to China.

But relations have cooled as the current coalition pushes to reduce dependence on China. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described President Xi Jinping as a "dictator", and China as a rival.

A source from Germany's foreign office said China had evolved to become a systemic rival.

Volkswagen is exploring alternative uses for its Dresden and Osnabrueck factories under a cost-cutting drive to pare back its German operations. Europe's biggest automaker, which owns brands including Porsche, Audi and Skoda, has suffered a fall in sales in the face of rising competition from Chinese companies.

VW executives wanted to close several plants but faced resistance from unions. In a deal struck before Christmas they agreed to end production in Dresden, a 340-worker plant making the electric ID.3, from 2025, and Osnabrueck, where 2,300 employees produce the T-Roc Cabrio, from 2027.
Spectacular new discovery in Regio IX area of Pompeii.

Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a large thermal bath complex that has been hailed as a "once in a century discovery" by the site's director Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

The spa was found during excavations at a private house or domus in the Regio IX area of the ancient city which was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The bath complex, equipped with hot, warm and cold rooms, has been described as among the largest and most sophisticated of its kind to be discovered at Pompeii.

Frigidarium. Photo Parco Archeologico di Pompeii.

The few other examples of such baths include those at the House of Julia Felix, the House of the Labyrinth and the Villa of Diomedes, according to a statement from the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

The domus is believed to have been owned by a member of Pompeii's ruling class who used the impressive baths to affirm his social status as well as to curry favour with his guests, Zuchtriegel said.

Apodyterium. Photo Parco Archeologico di Pompeii.

The bath complex, which could host up to 30 people, was composed of a calidarium, tepidarium, frigidarium (hot, warm and cold room) and a changing room (apodyterium).

The private spa was connected to a recently discovered banquet hall, decorated with pristine frescoes depicting Greek mythological figures inspired by the Trojan War.

Photos courtesy Parco Archeologico di Pompeii
Rome also rated sixth Most Popular Tourist Destination in the World.

Rome has come first in the Best Food Destinations in the World in the 2025 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Destination Awards, compiled by travel review site Tripadvisor.

The annual rankings are based on the millions of travel reviews and recommendations submitted to the Tripadvisor platform over the past 12 months.

The 2025 list put Rome ahead of London, in second place, followed by Marrakech and Paris, with Naples in fifth place.

Describing Rome as "a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites", Tripadvisor advises: "Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew."

Rome also came sixth in Tripadvisor's Most Popular Tourist Destinations in the World category, in a list headed by London, Bali, Dubai, Sicily and Paris.

The accolades come as Rome prepares to welcome more than 30 million visitors during the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025.

Photo credite: lornet / Shutterstock.com.
By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) - Gilead Sciences and the U.S. government have settled a billion-dollar patent dispute over Gilead's HIV prevention drugs Truvada and Descovy, according to a Wednesday filing in Delaware federal court.

The settlement follows a victory for Gilead in a 2023 jury trial on the government's patent infringement allegations.

Gilead General Counsel Deborah Telman said in a statement that the agreement "allows Gilead to continue to focus its resources on its mission to discover, develop, and deliver innovative therapeutics to people with life-threatening diseases."

Spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not immediately respond to a request for comment and more information about the settlement.

Foster City, California-based Gilead collaborated with the CDC in the mid-2000s to test if Gilead's Truvada could prevent transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in addition to treating it. The federal government said Gilead failed to compensate the CDC for discovering that Truvada can prevent HIV infections.

The lawsuit claimed Gilead "exaggerated" its role in developing the drug's HIV-prevention regimen, known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, ignored the CDC's contributions and refused to license the CDC's patents.

The government said in a pre-trial court filing it was entitled to up to $691 million in damages from Truvada and $311 million from Gilead's related drug Descovy. Gilead earned more than $1.8 billion from U.S. sales of Descovy and Truvada in 2023.

A Washington, D.C. federal court determined in a separate lawsuit in 2022 that the government breached research agreements with Gilead by applying for the patents without giving the company sufficient notice.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Bill Berkrot)
By Jessica Magee and Isabel Hayes

A judge has issued a bench warrant after a man who defrauded about 1,200 people while posing as a barrister and personal insolvency practitioner failed to turn up for his sentence.

David Williams (67), with an address in Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to multiple sample counts of deception on dates between January 2019 and June 2020.

He also admitted to charges of providing legal services while an unqualified person and acting as a personal insolvency practitioner while an unauthorised person during the same period.

In a separate matter, Williams pleaded guilty to defrauding a Galway woman in her 80s by dishonestly inducing her to buy a mini-digger for over 7,000.

Williams was due to be sentenced on Friday, but he failed to show up and medical letters were handed in to the court instead by his defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL.

His sentence was also adjourned last November for medical reasons and he has previously failed to attend court.

Judge Orla Crowe said she did not believe the documentation provided to the court warranted adjourning the matter. She acceded to a prosecution request for a bench warrant to be issued for Williams' arrest.

William's former partner, Crystal Talia (46), of the same address, was in court on Friday to be sentenced for her role in the offence.

She previously pleaded guilty to impeding an investigation by allowing Williams to use her bank accounts on dates between September 2018 and May 2020.

The court heard that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigated a firm called THL Legal, which offered a range of legal services including advice about work permits, leave-to-remain applications and family reunifications.

Most of the people seeking advice were not of Irish origin and had paid sums averaging 1,500 to the company, the court heard.

THL had Facebook and Twitter accounts and a website advertising themselves as a dynamic firm of experienced lawyers, although the company was never a solicitors firm and was not registered with the Law Society, the court heard.

The court heard Williams is not and never was a practicing barrister, nor was he ever on the Roll of Practising Barristers.

THLs offices in Greenogue Business Park, Westmanstown, Rathcoole, Co Dublin were raided by gardai who seized a large number of files including a client list with 1,200 names on it.

Williams then set up another legal firm called Moore, Barrington and Walters (MBW) which operated from November 2019 to May 2020, until its offices were also raided by gardai.

Williams was arrested in May 2020, but in June of that year, counsel said he was toting himself out as a personal insolvency practitioner in a third business called Global Business Recovery, or GBR.

The court heard that Talia and Williams were in a relationship and living together in Kildare with a number of children at the time of the offences. They met when she was working as a carer for his elderly aunt.

Talia opened a bank account used for trading as THL and then MBW, into which unwitting victims transferred fees for what they believed would be legitimate legal services.

The court heard that as some of these clients realised that the relevant legal work they had requested was not being carried out, they began to report the firm to the gardai or the Law Society.

When arrested, Talia said Williams had set up THL Legal and asked her to set up a bank account that he could use for the business, as he said he was going through marital difficulties in the UK.

She was not involved in the day-to-day business of THL or Williams' other firms and she has no previous convictions.

Handing down sentence today/yesterday (FRI), Judge Crowe noted Talia trusted someone who did not deserve to be trusted.

The judge noted Talia allowed two of her bank accounts to be used for Williams' offending, including after the first account came under garda investigation.

She said Talia ought to have been sufficiently concerned by the search warrant on the first bank account so as to have known something was going on.

The judge took into account a number of mitigating factors, including Talia's prior good character, her family situation and her good work record. She handed down a 12 month sentence and suspended it entirely on a number of conditions.
Stagemad Theatre Company in Tramore, Co Waterford is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

With that in mind the company is inviting writers to submit plays for a special autumn production.

The event will feature five, 15-minute plays, with submissions open to writers of all ages and experience levels. Plays must be 15 minutes long with simple settings, and all genres are welcome including comedy, tragedy, farce, fantasy and horror.

New and emerging playwrights are strongly encouraged to participate and aspiring directors are also welcome to express their interest.

The event will be a fundraising initiative and royalties cannot be offered for selected plays, however, it presents a great opportunity for up-and-coming as well as established playwrights to have one of their short works staged locally.

The theatre company is very appreciative of the support it has received over the last 20 years and everyone involved is looking forward to what will be a milestone event.

Those interested in submitting works for consideration can submit them by email to stagemadtheatrecompany1@gmail.com

The closing date for submissions is March 31.
Waterford TD David Cullinane had described the Programme for Government as "full of vague commitments" and criticised the lack of mention of 24/7 Cardiac Care at University Hospital Waterford.

"The draft Programme for Government is full of vague commitments," the Sinn Fein spokesperson for Health said.

"Not a great start for the two Government Representatives," he added.

"The programme commits to progressing the Waterford Airport Project with no timeframes and no specifics."

Deputy Cullinane drew attention to the lack of reference to comprehensive cardiac care coverage at UHW: "There is no mention of 24/7 cardiac care, no mention of Waterford Port and no mention of upgrading the N24 and N25 Roads to Limerick and Cork."

However, Fianna Fail Minister of State Mary Butler disagreed and in a statement to Waterford News & Star, said: "24/7 cardiac care is covered via a commitment to build on the existing national cardiovascular policy by developing a new and more ambitious plan to enhance patient care and timely access across all regions."

The Programme for Government does not directly reference the University Hospital Waterford or the long-awaited provision of 24/7 cardiac care but commits the Government to "building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions".

While Deputy Cullinane criticised the lack of mention of upgrades to the N24 and N25 Roads to Limerick and Cork, Minister Butler characterised the Programme for Government as including a "firm commitment" on the matters.

"Theres also a firm commitment of investment for some of Waterfords key road projects, under the National Development Plan, such as the Cork to Waterford road and the Waterford to Limerick road," the Fianna Fail TD for Waterford said.

The Programme for Government as published does not directly reference these roads but does include a commitment to "invest in all road projects in the current National Development Plan and consider additional important road projects as part of the NDP review".

The current National Development Plan lists the developments of the N24 from Cahir to Limerick Junction and from Cahir to Waterford as well as the N25 Waterford to Glenmore.
The recently published Programme for Government includes a "massive step forward" for Waterford.

The draft Programme for Government was presented to the party memberships on Wednesday, January 15, following an agreement between Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, with the support of the Independent Regional Group. It is now subject to approval by the party memberships.

The Deise's Government party representatives, Minister of State Mary Butler and Deputy John Cummins, have both praised the commitments made by the proposed coalition government.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said she was "delighted" to be able to "produce a Programme for Government in such a timely and efficient manner".

"It has been a huge honour to have been in a position to influence policy in this country for the next five years," she said.

The Sinn Fein Health spokesperson David Cullinane TD is less impressed with the PfG, describing the document as "full of vague commitments" and said it was "not a great start for the two Government representatives".

"The programme commits to progressing the Waterford Airport Project with no timeframes and no specifics. There is no mention of 24/7 cardiac care, no mention of Waterford Port, no mention of upgrading the N24 and N25 Roads to Limerick and Cork," he said.

Minister Butler opposed this notion noting that 24/7 cardiac care is covered via a commitment to build on the existing national cardiovascular policy by developing a new and more ambitious plan to enhance patient care and timely access across all regions".

Quickly progress Waterford Airport

The next government has committed to working to "quickly progress the Waterford Airport project" on the back of pre-election promises from both major Government parties to progress the development of the airport.

The Programme for Government makes the commitment to work with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous government decision of 2019" following the scandal in which Fianna Fail Minister of State James Lawless described the business case as a "pig in a poke".

Newly elected Waterford TD John Cummins, one of the six lead negotiators for Fine Gael alongside Ministers McEntee, Donohoe, Heydon, Carroll MacNeill and Deputy OShea, said he was "delighted" that the development of the regional airport was included in the document.

When I stood for election, I said I would fight tooth and nail to deliver key projects for Waterford and one of those was the lengthening and widening of the runway at Waterford Airport," said Deputy Cummins.

"It is a project I believe strongly in because I know how impactful it would be for the entire region," he added, before commenting: "Im delighted that agreement was reached to specifically name check the Waterford Airport Project in this programme for Government. In terms of aviation, the government has also committed to work with stakeholders to achieve our objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.

New surgical hub for Waterford

The next Government has committed to work to establish six new surgical hubs across the country, including one in Waterford in the draft Programme for Government - which is not a surprise as it's already under construction at Maypark Lane in the city.

The proposed coalition government has pledged to establish six surgical hubs across the country with two in Dublin, one in Cork, Galway and Limerick, and one in Waterford. The government has also committed to exploring adding a seventh novel surgical hub for the North West.

In addition to adding to the South East's surgical capacity, the PfG states that it will work on "building on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, we will develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions".

The proposed government has also pledged to increase national hospital capacity by between 4,000 and 4,500 new and refurbished inpatient hospital beds across the country with 100 new ICU beds and to work to deliver more community beds.

Waterford Council cited as 'best practice'

The work of Waterford City and County Council on the 'Repair and Lease' and 'Buy and Renew' schemes has been cited as "best practice" by the government parties in the document.

The proposed coalition government has detailed their commitment to "continue the Repair and Lease and Buy and Renew Schemes for five more years" with the target of "1,000 additional homes annually by building on best practice as demonstrated by Waterford City and County Council."

Waterford has led the way for the use of the Repair and Lease scheme, with Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien saying that Waterford City and County Council is the leading local authority in delivering units under RLS" in April 2024.

It participated in the original pilot scheme, commencing in October 2016," he said, "To end 2023, Waterford has delivered 312 homes under RLS, 56% of national delivery. This includes the largest RLS project to date, St Josephs House, Manor Hill, where 71 homes have been created in a previously vacant convent in a city centre location."

In May, Waterford City and County Council received 9 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund to bring 130 vacant local properties back into use in the county.

Then Senator John Cummins said that "huge progress" had been made under the schemes in Waterford.

We are the national leaders in the Repair and Lease Scheme. We have had good numbers of units delivered via the introduction of the commercial to residential exemption from planning, which I brought through the Joint Oireachtas Committee, and the Buy and Renew Scheme is working well too."

SETU to benefit from new TU borrowing framework

A new borrowing framework for technological universities was also committed to in the draft document to ease the difficulties for institutions, such as South East Technological University in accessing funding for capital improvement projects.

The PfG commits the proposed government to "develop a borrowing framework for technological universities and ensure a clear pathway for Technological Universities to access capital funding for initiatives, including student accommodation."

Technological Universities are not presently permitted to independently borrow money for capital improvements, in contrast to traditional universities, as legislation permitting borrowing frameworks - written upon the formation of TUs - has yet to be approved.

Newly elected TD, Deputy John Cummins, lauded the announcement of the borrowing framework, which he described as "key to the growth of SETU".

"Im also happy with the language we arrived at around creating a borrowing framework for the Technological Universities, which is key to the growth of SETU going forward," Deputy Cummins said.

Minister Butler similarly echoed a positive sentiment on the new framework: Theres good news for SETU as this programme commits to finding a mechanism by which technological universities can borrow off balance sheet."

The Programme for Government has also committed to "support universities to meet their carbon reduction targets under their Climate Action Plans", as well as working to ensure that in cases in which a higher education institution "operates across multiple campuses in a region, that there is balanced senior management representation based across the campuses".

The tri-entity coalition has also pledged to "continue to support the Technological Sector Advancement Fund".
Commencement data shows construction of new homes in Waterford increased by 34 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.

In 2024, there have been commencement notices for 941 homes in Waterford, up 34 per cent compared to 2023 (700 homes).

Speaking on the figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien commended Waterford for its proactiveness: Strong figures on home starts in Waterford in 2024 confirm that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline."

"Government initiatives such as the development levy waiver and the Uisce Eireann rebate have had a positive impact in getting projects off the ground with the ultimate goal of increasing our housing supply to meet housing needs," he said.

"This significant rise in housing supply will enable more people to become homeowners and also help increase access to a wider range of secure housing options.

Nationally, the data shows that between January and December 2024, there were 60,243 new homes commenced, up 84 per cent from the 32,801 recorded in 2023. This equates to, on average, 239 new homes commenced every working day during 2024. This is the highest number of annual residential commencements since records began in 2014.
A Waterford woman has pleaded guilty on two separate charges of arson and false imprisonment.

Lavinia McMahon, last address given as McGwire House, Bath St, Waterford, appeared at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.

The 30-year-old is currently in custody.

She pleaded guilty to a charge of false imprisonment contrary to Section 15(1) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, when on April 25, 2024, she committed the act at the HSE premises on the Cork Road in Waterford.

McMahon went on to plead guilty to one count of arson contrary to Section 2 (1)(4) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991 whereby; "a person who without lawful excuse damages any property belonging to another intending to damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be damaged shall be guilty of an offence."

The offence occurred at 8 Courtyard Apartments, Summerhill, Waterford, on April 8, 2022.

Report

Defending counsel Paul W. Hutchinson informed the Court that there were "significant underlying issues" surrounding his client and requested the preparation of a probation report before sentencing.

Judge O'Kelly granted the preparation of the report.

The case will be heard again on March 12 when McMahon will appear via video link.
High Court reporters

A vulnerable man in his 50s who got a broken leg while in medical care has settled his case for 325,000, the High Court has been told.

The man, who has long-term mental and physical health needs and has been in residential care in a facility for 15 years, took the action against the owner-operators of the facility, a Dublin hospital and the HSE.

In a personal injury summons issued by lawyers for the man, it was claimed that on or about October 27th, 2018, the plaintiff was transferred from the care unit to an emergency department suffering "general malaise, hypotension and tachycardia".

The plaintiff was admitted as an in-patient at the hospital until his discharge on November 2nd, 2018, back to the care unit.

However, following his return on November 2nd, it was noticed by "servants or agents" of the facility that there was significant bruising on the plaintiff's right thigh and he was transferred back to the hospital where it was revealed that he had a fracture in his right femur that required surgery.

It was alleged that the care unit permitted or allowed the plaintiff to fracture his femur while under their care either prior to the transfer to the hospital or caused, permitted or allowed the plaintiff to fracture the femur following his discharge back to the care unit.

The hospital and the HSE were similarly accused of failing the plaintiff when both admitting and discharging the man without finding bruising and that they failed to have any or adequate regard for the plaintiff's history of falls, poor balance and communication difficulties.

Lawyers for the man said it was the duty of the defendants, their servants and agents "to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence in and about the diagnosis, treatment, management and care of the man".

At the High Court on Friday, barrister Richard Kean SC, for the man, told Mr Justice Paul Coffey, that mediation of the settlement had been "efficient" and that Mr Byrne's sister who also cares for him was pleased with the outcome.

The court was told that the settlement is comprised of 200,000 in general damages and 125,000 in special damages.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey then approved the settlement.
Smith left his accounting job and went surfing in California, where he managed to sell some ugg boots out of his van to some initially unconvinced Americans. He set up a company, Ugg Holdings Inc, trademarked UGG in 25 countries, and saw demand for the shoe flourish, before selling the company to Deckers in 1995. UGG has since become the globes biggest seller of the fuzzy boots and is the New York Stock Exchange-listed business most lucrative brand, making up around half of its $US4.3 billion in total revenue in the 2024 financial year. The fight over ugg boots has been bubbling for decades. Credit: iStock But Smith was not the first inventor of ugg boots, and never claimed to be; a handful of local manufacturers had been producing the shoe well before it became a worldwide sensation. Ugg boots have been around for a century. They were first made in World War I for pilots in their open cockpits, said Australian Sheepskin Association (ASA) president Stephanie Mortel. She is the general manager of Mortels Sheepskin Factory, founded by her father-in-law Frank, who began making uggs in 1958 after making a pair of fur-lined slippers for his wife Rita, who complained of cold feet.

The narrative has just changed over the years, Mortel said, likening it to a game of broken telephone. Uggs: Whats in a name? At the heart of the issue is this question: do uggs refer to a specific brand, or does it refer to a type of sheepskin boot? It depends where in the world youre asking this question. Deckers has trademarked UGG in more than 100 markets, including the US and Europe. Two regions where its not allowed to own this trademark are Australia and New Zealand. This means that Australian manufacturers have been barred for decades by an American giant from describing and selling ugg boots as ugg boots overseas.

It stifles our marketing opportunities outside of Australia, said Mortel. If theyre searching for ugg boots, theyre not going to find us. Deckers, having owned the trademarks to ugh and ugh boots since 1971 and 1979 and UGG Australia since 1999, issued cease and desist letters to several small Australian manufacturers that year. Another set of letters landed in 2004 demanding manufacturers stop using the name, and the following year the manufacturers banded together to form the ASA. Verner x Ugg shoe auction during Australian Fashion Week 2024 in Carriageworks, Sydney. Credit: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images for AFW Perth-based small business Uggs-N-Rugs, owned by Bronwyn and Bruce McDougall, appealed to trademark regulator IP Australia, which ultimately ruled that ugg boots refers to a generic category and directed it to be removed from the national register of trademarks. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the proposition that the terms ugh boot(s), ugboot(s) and ugg boot(s) are interchangeably used to describe a specific style of sheepskin boot and are the first and most natural way in which to describe these goods, wrote trademark hearings officer Ian Thompson in his decision.

While Deckers UGG dominates in many markets, it is not the only competition that local manufacturers face: of 246 registered and protected ugg trademarks in Australia, the majority are Chinese-made brands, according to Mortel, with only roughly a dozen that are Australian. Ugg manufacturer Eddie Oygur and Senator Nick Xenophon in the famous boots in May 2016. Credit: James Alcock Sticking the boot in Deckers willingness to take legal action over the years has stifled the business of many small local manufacturers, either directly or indirectly. In 2016, Sydney-based small business Australian Leather was hit with legal action after selling 12 pairs of ugg boots online to US customers, and lost. Owner Eddie Oygur was ordered to pay over $3 million in penalties and legal costs. If the French can protect the use of the word champagne, the Greeks the use of the word feta, then surely Australia can protect the use of the word Ugg for Australian manufacturers, then-South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon said at the time after publicly campaigning for Oygur.

Loading Despite reclaiming the name uggs for bootmakers in Australia, the McDougalls have since closed Uggs-N-Rugs. Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has penalised some traders  once in 2011 and again in 2018  for falsely claiming their Chinese-made uggs were crafted in Australia. Deckers-produced UGGs are manufactured in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries, and use some synthetic fabrics in some of their products. UGG Since 1974 is simply the latest company to be hit by litigation from the US apparel and footwear giant.
(Bloomberg) -- The latest round in the power struggle between the founders of Turkeys quick grocery delivery startup Getir BV and its main investor Mubadala Investment Co. is set to come to a head in Amsterdam this weekend.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund said by email that itd agreed on a new transaction for the Istanbul-based company with the independent members of the board. Mubadala said that Getirs founders have demonstrated an inability to complete the agreement reached in June to restructure the firm.

Shareholders will vote on the agreement at an extraordinary general meeting in Amsterdam Sunday.

We want them (Mubadala) to honor the legally binding agreement from June, Getir co-founder Nazim Salur said in an interview. They now want to cut the founders stake to 0% at Getir.

In an earlier post on his X account, Salur said he was pursuing legal action through the courts. He declined to elaborate on his legal avenues in the interview.

Getirs other co-founders Serkan Borancili and Tuncay Tutek did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Back in June, the Abu Dhabi fund took a controlling stake in Getir, after leading a $250 million funding round. At that time, co-founders and investors agreed to split about a dozen services offered under the Getir app, and Salur stepped down as the chief executive officer.

Getirs founding team had previously clashed with investors, primarily Mubadala, over the companys strategy and costs. Its valuation plunged to $2.5 billion in 2023 from its peak of $11.8 billion in 2022.

Alpha Wave Global, Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global and Turkeys Revo Capital and Esas Holding were among the other investors in Getirs earlier funding rounds.

This new transaction will secure Getirs financial stability and allow for the execution of its long-term business plan, protecting and sustaining employment for over 18,000 Turkish employees, Mubadala said in the statement.

Founded in 2015, Getir became a pandemic success story by offering ultra-fast grocery deliveries, often within 10 minutes, through bicycle and motorbike couriers. However, Getir subsequently struggled with cash burn and withdrew from key markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is refocusing on its home market, Turkey, where its financial performance is stronger.
ETF Investing Tools

Quantum computing stocks continued their rollercoaster ride on Wednesday after two tech heavyweights lent credibility to the space.



Shares of IONQ Inc., Rigetti Computing Inc., and D-Wave Quantum Inc. were trading up anywhere between 22% and 34% at the close on Wednesday, while the Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) rose by 2.5% after Nvidia Corp. announced that it would be shining a spotlight on the industry at its conference in March.



Nvidia will host Quantum Day at its Nvidia GTC conference in March to celebrate and explore the remarkable progress in quantum computing, according to a company blog post.



At the event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will share the stage with industry leaders, including those from IonQ, Rigetti and D-Wave.



Last week, shares of quantum computing stocks were cut in half in a single day after Huang made comments suggesting that useful quantum computers wouldnt be available for at least a decade and a half.



If you kind of said 15 years for very useful quantum computers, that would probably be on the early side. If you said 30, its probably on the late side. If you picked 20, I think a whole bunch of us would believe it, he said at Nvidias analyst/investor day Jan. 7.



Days later, Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg followed up by commenting on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast that quantum computing was still quite a ways off from being a useful paradigm.

Is Quantum Computing Ready for Prime Time?

While those lengthy timetables may still be accurate, at least today, investors are encouraged that Nvidia sees enough potential in the quantum computing industry to highlight it at GTC, the companys AI-focused conference.

Additionally, a separate blog post from Microsoft Corp. emphasizing the vast potential of quantum computing also provided fodder for bulls.



We are at the advent of the reliable quantum computing era. And we are right on the cusp of seeing quantum computers solve meaningful problems and capture new business value, the post said.



The suggestion that quantum computers could be ready for prime time relatively soon was music to the ears of investors in quantum stocks and the QTUM fund.



Since the start of the year, investors have put $181 million to work in QTUM, while theyve plowed $575 million into the fund over the past three months.



The ETF currently has $924 million in assets under management.





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(Reuters) -Backers of China's Xiaohongshu are looking to sell a part of their stake to the likes of Tencent, among others, in a deal that could value the TikTok-rival at at least $20 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Tiantu Capital, key shareholders of the social media platform, have drawn interest from existing backers HongShan Capital Group and Hillhouse Investment, Bloomberg News said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Tencent, another existing shareholder, is also considering whether to buy more shares, the report added.

The report comes at a time when TikTok is preparing to shut its U.S. operations as a federal ban is set to take effect, barring a last-minute reprieve.

Xiaohongshu, whose name translates to "little red book", is similar to Meta's Instagram in that it allows users to curate photos, videos and text documenting their lives.

The company, a privately held firm with over 300 million users, had a reported valuation of $17 billion after its latest funding round in July 2024.

Tencent, TikTok and its parent ByteDance, and the office of Xiaohongshu CEO Charlwin Mao did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Aaditya Govind Rao in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
LONDON (Reuters) -U.S. private equity firm TPG and Russian state-owned firms Rosatom and Transneft on Friday won their bid to block jailed tycoon Ziyavudin Magomedov's $14 billion London lawsuit over an alleged conspiracy to strip his assets.

Magomedov sued the companies and several others at London's High Court, alleging his 2018 arrest on embezzlement charges prompted a Russian state-supported scheme to strip him of his holdings in valuable port operators.

The defendants all denied the allegations and last year argued that the lawsuit should be thrown out, with TPG's lawyers accusing Magomedov of concocting "preposterous allegations".

Judge Robert Bright ruled that the case should not continue, saying in a written ruling that there was "no serious issue to be tried" against TPG or Transneft and that any case against Rosatom should not be heard in London.

A spokesperson for Magomedov said: "We are naturally disappointed with the decision and intend to seek permission to appeal."

A spokesperson for TPG said the company was "pleased to put this baseless matter behind us".

Magomedov once controlled an empire ranging from port logistics to oil and gas through his Summa Group conglomerate, which he founded with his brother Magomed.

But the brothers were arrested on embezzlement and organised crime charges in one of the most high-profile prosecutions of its kind in years.

Magomedov was sentenced to 19 years in jail in 2022 and is held in a penal colony in Kirov, 900 km (560 miles) east of Moscow, according to court filings for last year's hearing.

Magomedov says the charges against him are unfounded and unsuccessfully appealed against his conviction.

(Reporting by Sam TobinEditing by Sachin Ravikumar and Peter Graff)
Fiona Magennis

The father of a man who died from head injuries following an incident outside a pub in Monasterevin has described to a jury the moment he knew his son was gone when he saw him gurgling and his eyes rolling in his head.

Sean Kavanagh (26), with an address at St Marys Lane, Church Avenue, and Calvin Dunne (24), of Abbey View, both in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy on or about August 22nd, 2022.

Both men have also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on August 21st, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Dylans father Eamon McCarthy on the same date and at the same location.

It is the States case that Dylan McCarthy (29) died following an incident in Monasterevin in which he received punches from Mr Kavanagh and Mr Dunne, before he received a vicious kick to the head from Mr Dunne while he was attempting to get up off the ground.

The jury has been told that both men have claimed they were acting in self-defence and that Dylan McCarthy was himself involved in violence on the night.

Giving evidence to prosecuting counsel Seoirse O Dunlaing SC on Friday, Eamon McCarthy said he had travelled to Monasterevin from his home in Limerick on August 21st, 2022 with his son Dylan and Dylans partner Aoife Talty to celebrate the birth of his daughter Orlas baby.

Mr McCarthy told the court that his wife Marita stayed at home to look after their grandson while he, Dylan, Ms Talty, Orla and her partner Glen Brogan went out.

Eamon McCarthy, father of Dylan McCarthy. Photo: Collins

Mr McCarthy said when they left the first pub they heard music coming from another establishment, which he now knows to be the Bellyard pub, and someone in the group said well go in for one.

This was around 11.45pm, he said, and after ordering drinks, the group started to dance to the band who were playing, and they were all enjoying ourselves.

Mr McCarthy said when a drink was spilled, a barman came out and was cleaning the floor with blue kitchen roll when Dylans girlfriend said she would give him a hand. She put her leg on it and he basically pushed her leg away and said f**k away from it. 

I said: youre a gas man to do that to a woman, Mr McCarthy told counsel.

He immediately turned to me and said: Do you want a piece of me?. I said no were here to enjoy ourselves. He repeated it, I said, no were here to enjoy ourselves, said the witness.

Mr McCarthy said the barman then went for Glen and he got in-between them. He said there was another barman who came in on Dylans face.

He said he didnt know any of these men and that after he broke up what was happening, he said the barmen were dragging Aoife and Dylan out the door. He said when he got to the porch at the front door, he saw a man who had Dylan by the throat and he was gouging his eyes.

Thats my f***ing son thats what I said, Mr McCarthy told the jury. I pulled your mans hands off Dylan. I got a dig into the back of the head and I was shoved out the door.

He said at this point he put his foot in the door to stop them closing it and there were two men who were outside who said: Dont let them close the door, theyll kill him inside there.

Mr McCarthy said the next thing he remembered was getting up off the ground. He said there was a man walking down towards him who said: Im already after bursting your face twice dont come back for a third time.

The witness said he told the man he was going up to his son and the man then hit a belt into his face.

Asked by Mr O Dunlaing to describe the man, the witness said he had facial hair and a black top on.

Dublin Road in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, where the incident took place. Photo: PA Images

Mr McCarthy said after he was punched, he fell to the ground and when he eventually got up he went up to Dylan.

I knew my son was gone at that stage, he told the court. His eyes were rolling in his head and he was gurgling.

He said an ambulance arrived and gave medical assistance to his son who was then brought to hospital.

A short time later, the witness said he was also removed from the scene by ambulance and brought to Portlaoise hospital before he was transferred to Dublin.

Mr McCarthy said he sustained a fractured jaw and required surgery and five plates to treat his injuries. He also sustained a broken nose and a hairline fracture around one of his eye sockets, he confirmed to counsel. He said he waited until after Dylans funeral had taken place to have the operation.

Asked by Mr O Dunlaing how those injuries were received, the witness said it was from the punch from the person who came down the road towards him.

Calvin Dunne (left) and Sean Kavanagh have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy. Photo: Collins

Under cross-examination, Michael Lynn SC, representing Mr Kavanagh, put it to the witness that in his witness statement, the barman said the group became aggressive and Mr McCarthy had commented to the owner of the bar: You come outside with me and Ill pull the eyes out of your head. Mr McCarthy said this was not true.

Counsel said the other witness, who is the licence owner of the bar, said he told the group: Lads I think its time to go and they told him to go f**k myself. F**k you. F**k off. Dont be acting the prick.

No, I dont recall that, Mr McCarthy replied.

CCTV footage from inside and outside the pub at the time of the incident was then played in court.

Mr Lynn put it to the witness that he had placed Mr Kavanagh in a headlock. It looks like I pulled him away from my son, said Mr McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy denied a suggestion by John Fitzgerald SC, representing Mr Dunne, that Ms Talty was getting in the way or making a nuisance of herself rather than trying to help.

Mr Fitzgerald asked the witness if, having viewed the footage, he still maintained that he had only made one comment to the barman. That was the extent of what the jury has just watched, is that right? counsel asked.

Thats why I recall yes, said Mr McCarthy before refuting suggestions that his recollection might be wrong.

The trial continues on Monday before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and the jury of 10 men and two women.
Mayo County Council has not dismissed the idea of applying for Unesco Heritage Site status for the Ceide Fields in the future.

The local authority opted not to push forward with a nomination for the North Mayo neolithic site due to a lack of unanimous local public support at the time.

The issue was raised at a meeting of Mayo County Council following an article in a national newspaper.

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly said there has been no recent conversation on the matter and the original process which was reported on occurred a number of years ago.

This process was a number of years ago and has been no recent conversation on the ground. It has been indicated by Mayo County Council that if there is community support for putting forward the Ceide Fields as a possibility for a Unesco heritage site we will support it. But we can only do that with community support and at the appropriate time when the applicants are open, he said.

Director of Services, Tom Gilligan stated that the level of support was measured with consultation in the community and meetings with individuals.

Fine Gaels Gerry Coyle said he attended a meeting in the area at the time. He said the position of the community at that juncture was that Unesco status could result in too many restrictions.

Mr Kelly said Mayo County Council is open to applying for the status in the future if public support is there.

World Heritage Sites are recognised for their importance to humanity, and they are protected and conserved under an international treaty. The existing list of sites includes the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Barrier Reef. Ireland currently has three sites on the list: Sceilg Mhichil, Bru na Boinne and the Giants Causeway.
Social housing bodies, also known as approved housing bodies, are becoming central to solving Mayos housing needs but even as the sector has greater access to financial support than ever an increasing level of regulation will mean many will have to merge.

Thats the view of Kevin Ryan, collaboration manager of the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH), which has members in the Ballyhaunis area and across the county. He said AHBs are now delivering 40% of social housing in Mayo under the Housing for All plan.

Housing associations (also known as AHBs) have traditionally had a strong presence in Mayo and have a presence in many local parishes, particularly in the area of providing accommodation for the elderly. In recent years, there has been more of a focus on growth and many of our members have worked with Mayo County Council to deliver greater numbers of housing, he said.

There are well-established financing channels for social housing bodies, including the Governments Capital Assistance Scheme, which many housing associations have used in Mayo to deliver housing for the elderly as well as the more recent Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF), which is more focused on general needs housing. Ryan says this scheme, in particular, has allowed approved housing bodies to grow quite quickly in recent years in aiding local authorities to meet their targets under the Governments Housing for All plan.

A director of a social housing scheme in East Mayo explained that Mayo County Council planning staff have become much more proactive in dealing with AHBs, adding: Everything has changed now. The need is there.

The local director said 75% of his developments tenants are taken from the lists operated by the council and Safe Home Ireland.

We have a waiting list and no vacant house... we would like to build more houses.

The director, who requested anonymity to prevent any fall-out in dealings with the council, explained that his and many other housing associations were formed in the Celtic Tiger years with government grant aid, but after the financial crash very little happened in the voluntary housing sector as all funding dried up".

There is great talk at present about the need to construct more social houses and it seems that funding will be made available to voluntary housing associations and approved housing bodies that can demonstrate housing need in their area.

Even as the Government embraces AHBs as a solution to the housing crisis, there has also been an increase in regulation of the sector which could force smaller housing bodies to amalgamate.

There is a belief in certain quarters that smaller housing associations and approved housing bodies are going to struggle going forward and that they should merge or be taken over, explained the locally-based voluntary housing body director.

The ICSH wrote to members last September to encourage amalgamation of smaller voluntary housing organisations so that they are confident in dealing with current and future challenges in areas such as regulation, board renewal and housing management. The ICSH added: For many, this will involve remaining as an independent AHB but for some, this may involve exploring options to transfer their homes to another AHB.

An AHB Collaboration Programme, run by the ICSH, funds group service and other initiatives leading to the re-organisation and rationalisation of the AHB sector. In particular, takeover proposals and group service arrangements will be prioritised for funding, noted the letter.

Kevin Ryan said many AHBs are facing the twin challenges of an increasing amount of regulation as well as board renewal issues, with fewer people in some communities volunteering as board members.

Strong and healthy boards are the key to smaller AHBs as they provide the strategic direction and control functions in terms of management, he said.

Other factors such as audit costs and insurance can make it very difficult for very small bodies to continue to operate.

The perceived loss of autonomy might be offputting for some housing bodies. Yet their independence is in any case limited by government funding rules. The local AHB who spoke for this article explained that a housing association that has received state funding can only allocate 25% of its housing units at its own discretion.

Given that applications for state funds have to go through local authorities, the council has the right to insist that 75% of all units are filled by persons who make it onto the local housing list operated by the council.

Safe Home Ireland, meanwhile, can recommend suitable tenants from the lists of Irish emigrants wishing to return home, he added.

Mr Ryan wants smaller AHBs to consider which is best for them - to stay independent, maybe renew their board and do their best to comply with increased regulation or to join with other smaller AHBs in the area to form a services company to support AHBs".

Even with the opening of the Government funding spigots for the sector, the rise in building costs has put pressure on the viability of certain housing schemes, according to Mr Ryan.

The availability of building contractors and skilled labour is another issue leading to delays, particularly what are known as the wet trades such as block laying and plasterers, and there hasnt been a substantial move towards modular build which would reduce the pressure on these trades.

Costs and building labour shortages are also having an impact on regeneration of existing social housing properties, he added.

Often these can be tricky projects which take a lot of work and imagination to deliver but can be so valuable to a local community by reducing the amount of dereliction in a town or village. In some cases, the refurbishment cost compared to a new build on a greenfield site means its difficult to justify progressing these projects.

Often associated with group homes and sheltered living, AHBs are diversifying their property portfolios to serve wider social housing needs with the properties coming available in towns increasingly flushed off their retail space.

With an increased focus on regeneration and refurb, there is certainly now a much greater diversity in the properties that AHBs manage, said Mr Ryan. Particularly in town centres we are seeing conversions from what were commercial premises into residential and this has the advantage of being generally well situated close to town centres. There is a need for one and two-bedroom units, in particular, so many of these conversions can also serve this need which is a positive, were still not building enough smaller units such as those that people can rightsize to, which would free up other housing.
The new year has brought incredible fortune to several scratch card players in Ireland, with winners from Dublin, Donegal, Kildare, Mayo and Wexford, all celebrating their unexpected windfalls.

An ecstatic family syndicate of five from Mayo made their way to Lottery HQ to claim an incredible 100,000 prize.

Their journey to fortune began with a Money Multiplier scratch card, gifted during a wedding anniversary celebration. The winning ticket was purchased at Kavanaghs SuperValu in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

While they have no immediate plans for their windfall, the family dreams of planning an unforgettable holiday together in the near future.
Some years ago on a bracing sunny day, I visited Auschwitz concentration camp on the outskirts of Krakow in Poland, where more than one million Jewish men, women and children were murdered as part of Nazi Germanys final solution to the Jewish question.

A guide brought us through the remains of the camp. He explained in gruesome detail the process by which Jews were rounded up all over Europe, promised a new and better life, loaded into railway carriages used to transport cattle, given no food and no water and brought often hundreds of miles across Europe to the terminal at Auschwitz where German doctors, including the infamous Dr Mengele, separated them on the platform into two groups: those strong enough to carry out the necessary work of the camp; and the rest, who were brought to the gas chambers.

Those destined for a quick death had their hair shorn, any gold in their teeth pulled forcibly out, their clothes taken from them and they were ushered naked into a chamber, expecting a communal shower and discovering to their horror that they were in a gas chamber and would be dead within minutes. Their bodies were then removed and piled into incinerators.

The guide brought us to rooms filled with thousands of shoes, thousands of spectacles and a mound of human hair, stark reminders of what remained of the lives of over one million Jews.

My visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. At the end of a moving presentation on BBC television the Chief Rabbi prayed the Kaddish, the Jewish Prayer for the dead. (It is usually recited in the eleven months following the death of a loved one.)

It brought back memories of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel, speaking so movingly of those going to the death chambers in Auschwitz asking: Who will say the Kaddish for me?

The temptation with the Auschwitz experience is to file it away undisturbed in the recesses of our minds. Yet the reality is that versions of Auschwitz recur again and again in human history, as in recent years when the extermination of Muslims and Croats was deployed by Milosevic and Karadzic in Yugoslavia. So allowing time to diminish the significance of Auschwitz is not an option. Remembering is both a human and historical imperative.

There are two temptations when we try to manage the Auschwitz experience. One is to spread the responsibility, to dissipate the German ownership of the horror by arguing that humankind in general should shoulder the blame  that, somehow, its everyones fault, when it isnt.

The other is to imagine that no possible combination of circumstances could conspire to bring you or me down that road, to find us participating in something that was so clearly immoral or unacceptable. That doesnt wash either.

Better to recognise that wherever enormous atrocities take place we need to own that reality. To accept too that the ground of places like Auchwitz is hallowed by suffering and death. And that such places, stained with the blood of the innocent, become pilgrimage sites to which we travel to remember what happened because we cant afford to forget.

Trying to come to terms with the reality of places like Auschwitz is about recognising the limitations of a world and a humanity where, in William Butler Yeats words, the best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity.

In the history of humankind, atrocities come and go and those at the receiving end of such horror (as Auschwitz represents) are naturally most intent on commemorating unacceptable outrages and the unspeakable litany of pain and suffering that attended them.

Which, on reflection, makes it even more extraordinary that, in the present war in the Middle East, Israel has inflicted so much suffering on so many innocent people, not least in Gaza.

Yes, Israel has a right to defend itself, even to retaliate when it is being bullied as with the recent outrage when the country was invaded in October 2023 and about 1,200 people were killed while over 250 citizens taken as hostages by Hamas  with an estimated 96 still being held.

Yes, Israel with its long history of persecution is notoriously conscious of that history  including the Holocaust  and the price the Jews of Europe then paid as well as the lingering legacy of pain and suffering that it has inherited.

But does all that  important as it is  justify the killing of more than 45,000 people in the present war of attrition in Gaza? Can it possibly be held to justify the killing of so many children? Does it justify the bombing of hospitals and schools? Does it give Israel the right to propose its own rules of combat that fly in the face of the United Nations protocols of war? Does it justify what sometimes seemed an Israeli effort to use hunger as a weapon of war in its reluctance to cooperate with the UN effort to feed the hungry?

We imagine that those who have endured terrible suffering are more conscious of the sufferings of others, more aware of the terrible cost involved, and because of their direct experience of suffering, less inclined to inflict it on others.

Yet, the International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israels presence in Gaza (since 1967) is illegal, a violation of Palestinians right to self-determination and that its crimes may amount to genocide.

What a pity if Israels present war was to diminish in any way the terrible experience of the Holocaust and what it represents  not just for Israel but for the world. In the war in Gaza, Israel is losing the sympathy of the wider world.
My new Palestinian flag is on order and will replace the bedraggled flag that has been battered, torn and wrecked by storms in the past year. The flag is a microcosm that poorly reflects the state of Gaza which has been blown to smithereens by the Israeli Attack Forces. More than 45,000 dead, men, women and children (not counting perhaps thousands more buried under the rubble of destroyed cities and towns), hundreds of thousands on the verge of forced starvation and hundreds of thousands more bereaved and bereft, mourning loved ones. The people of Israel have supported this slaughter as a response to the Hamas attack on ordinary decent people on October 7, 2023 when over 1,200 innocents, according to Israel, were put to the sword and hundreds were taken hostage.

It was not a surprise that Israel retaliated. Hamas and indeed the world would have expected that. What was a surprise was the unforgiving and bitter reaction of the Israeli government, with the support of many of the Israeli people, to the unremitting prosecution of the war by the Israeli Attack Forces. The justification for the brutality was the determination to eliminate Hamas. The end result has been to generate hundreds of thousands more martyrs to the Hamas cause and greatly undermined, if not completely destroyed, Israels standing in the world community.

There remains doubt that the ceasefire will take effect (it was supposed to come into operation last Sunday). Already the Israeli spin doctors have been out suggesting that Hamas has reneged on the deal but Israels reliability on the world stage has been so damaged that few believe what they have to say. The Israeli National Security Minister has threatened to resign if Israel ratifies the ceasefire, but there is nothing new in that and Netanyahu and the Israeli parliament have little room to manoeuvre. They have little choice if they want the hostages to be returned. The hostages, those still alive, have been used as pawns, not just by Hamas but by Netanyahu, who has shown scant regard for their safety.

Despite the current negative spin as I write, I expect that the ceasefire will come into effect and that the new pristine Palestinian flag will fly here. I have been critical of Joe Biden because of his continued kowtowing to Netanyahu and because he failed to use the power the US wields to bring the war to an end sooner but he is now entitled to some credit for getting a deal done.

Qatar and Egypt are not known as world powers but they have played a key role in securing this ceasefire and they too are deserving of credit. In the face of so many setbacks, lesser powers might well have left both Israel and Gaza to sort it out between themselves with even more disastrous consequences.

And so to the consequences for Ireland/Israel relations. Its a minor detail when viewed against the slaughter that has taken place but when the standing of Irelands President is called into question by the Israeli propaganda machine it is time the Irish Government took a stand. Michael D Higgins has been forceful in his condemnations of Israels brutal war. He was equally forceful in his condemnation of the Hamas attack on the innocent Israeli civilians on October 7. He called, on numerous occasions, for the killing, on both sides, to stop. He has not said anything that the Irish government and many other world leaders have not said.

But his condemnation has, for some reason, drawn the anger of Israel and unfortunately people of the Jewish faith in this country have felt it necessary to come to the defence of Israel. Michael D Higgins has not an anti-Semitic bone in his body and yet he is being accused of anti-Semitism and it is being suggested that he is not a worthy person to deliver the keynote speech at the Holocaust Day Memorial in a few weeks time.

The President has delivered the keynote speech at the commemoration on a number of occasions in the past. But now, because he has dared to question Israels prosecution of the war in Gaza, he suddenly becomes a leper, if not a Hitler, in the eyes of some Irish Jews.

It is to be expected that some Jews would take exception to some of the Presidents utterances but when the Chairman of the Jewish Representative Council in Ireland, Maurice Cohen, suggests that Jews in this country would prefer that Mr Higgins would not give the keynote speech this year and when Irelands chief rabbi, Yuni Weider, objects to Mr Higgins presence at the event because of his failure to acknowledge the scourge of anti-Semitism in Ireland, then it time to challenge this further libel on the people of Ireland. Oliver Sears, a spokesman for Holocaust Ireland Awareness, joined in the fray to accuse President Higgins of grave insensitivity to Irish Jews because of his condemnations of Israels conduct of the war.

Maybe Mr Higgins has made some anti-Jewish comments that I am not aware of. Maybe he is a closet anti-Semite but it seems to me that Mr Higgins has suddenly been branded, along with the Irish people, of being anti-Semitic because he dared to utter a criticism of Israel. Criticism of the state of Israel, criticism of the government of Israel, criticism of the prime Minister of Israel does not equate to anti-Semitism. It does not make Irish people Holocaust deniers.

On a less contentious note we have or will shortly have a new government. We will have Micheal Martin as our Taoiseach for the next three years. We will have sound Independents supporting the Government and we will have the Healy-Raes. Michael Healy-Rae, it appears, will be junior Minister at the Department of Agriculture. His senior Minister in that Department will, understandably, be nervous but, for the plain people of Ireland, they will have a champion in the plain speaking Michael Healy-Rae.

Leaving aside his Kerry bias and his desire to channel enormous amounts of cash into the Kingdom, his past utterances would suggest that we will, at long last, have a politician who will bring common sense to the workings of government. Michael has an understanding of what ordinary people want. I dont exactly agree with his view on drinking and driving but he has a point about people being able to have a pint or two before driving home from their local. I feel he will be sympathetic to the drinking man and it will come as a surprise if he does not put an end to this proposal for yet another increase in the price of the pint. The government is not yet in office and the first thing they do is increase the price of the plain mans pint. There was a time when cost was not a factor so long as there was plenty of Guinness available. But that day is long gone. Gone with the thousands of publicans who got out of the business?

We all know that it does not pay farmers to grow vegetables. Maybe Healy Rae might bring back the vegetable grower and the milkman. There was a time when a cow would walk placidly alongside a farmer when he put a halter on her. Nowadays a halter would send cows into paroxysms of passion and they would bucklep all the fields in the seven parishes. Cows have grown so used to the milking machines that they would kick the bucket if a farmer tried to draw milk by hand from them. Its time we got back to basics and Healy-Rae could be the man to lead the farming revival.

Thought for the Day

As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John F Kennedy
By Rebecca Black, PA

Families of two of those killed in the IRAs Teebane atrocity are seeking answers from a new state legacy body.

Eight men were killed on January 17th, 1992 and others were seriously injured when a roadside bomb exploded as a van passed the Teebane crossroads in Co Tyrone.

The men were construction workers who had been carrying out repair work at a British Army base in Omagh.

This Sunday a roadside service will mark the 33rd anniversary of the bombing.

Diane Kerrigan, the daughter of Cecil Caldwell, one of the eight men killed, said they want answers and closure over the attack, carried out by the Provisional IRA.

Victims group the Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) said it has asked the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to carry out a review of the PIRA case.

The ICRIR was set up in the UKs Legacy Act and is headed by Northern Irelands former lord chief justice, Sir Declan Morgan.

While many victims groups were strongly opposed to the Legacy Act, in December the ICRIR said 120 people have come forward and started an investigation with the commission, in the hope of finding the answers they seek.

They said of those, 24 have moved into the information recovery stage of the process and the commission has accepted a request for an investigation from the Secretary of State.

A memorial to the victims of the Teebane bombing (Kenny Donaldson/PA)

In a statement, Ms Kerrigan said Teebane will be a challenging piece of work for the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

All I want is some answers. Who carried this out and why? My family was devastated, left with decades of pain and torment, she said.

This was a calculated and callous and, yes, sectarian attack on workers who wanted no more than to do all they could for their families.

We have to hope that the ICRIR will bring us some closure. If that closure results in the naming of the terrorists and opens the door to criminal proceedings, then our persistence will have been rewarded.

UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said the Teebane attack merited a review and hoped it would provide relatives with some answers.

UHRW is representing two of the families who lost loved ones in this appalling attack, he said.

A number of factors are under the microscope.

First, in a review by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), a number of suspects were identified but they were never arrested or interviewed. This fact, on its own, is a source of major concern for the families.

Second, technological advances in forensics have created new opportunities to re-test over twenty exhibits.

These tests could help in the identification of the PIRA terrorists, opening the way to possibly initiating criminal proceedings.

There were failings and shortcomings but ultimately this heavy loss of innocent lives was down to the murderous actions of the PIRA.

Even if prosecutions are not possible, the ICRIR has the power to name those involved in the bombing.
Employees restock shelves of school supplies at a Walmart in Burbank, California on Aug. 8, 2017. - Image: Patrick T. Fallon (Getty Images)

Walmarts (WMT) in hot water. More than 30 shareholders, representing $266 billion in assets, are demanding answers over the companys rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

In a letter to CEO Doug McMillion, the investors accused Walmart of yielding to pressure from anti-DEI groups  a move the primarily faith- and values-focused shareholders say is very disheartening. Theyre requesting a meeting with the companys senior leadership and board to discuss the shift in policy. The group says it has long raised concerns about the risks of discrimination and inequities for over 30 years.

The letter, published on Jan. 14, points out that Walmart has not provided financial or business justifications for this policy change. Additionally, investors emphasized that they have already shared data that shows the financial benefits of promoting DEI.

In November, Walmart announced it would no longer consider race and gender when awarding supplier contracts, nor would it collect demographic information when determining eligibility for financing.

At the time, Walmart described itself as being on a journey, and that although it isnt perfect, the company strives to make every decision from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging. Robby Starbuck, a conservative influencer, took credit for Walmarts decision, claiming he worked with the company after initially planning to do a story on wokeness.

The letter sent to Walmart  including organizations like Amalgamated Bank (AMAL) and United Church funds  comes amid growing activism among religious shareholders across the political spectrum. Anti-DEI groups have pushed for a reduction in such programs, despite similar initiatives at other corporations continuing to thrive.

Moreover, the timing of this policy shift is notable. With increasing threats to rights of marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community and workers of color, Walmarts decision to backtrack sends a clear signal that company will not fight to protect their rights, investors noted.

Walmart is the nations largest private-employer of women, Black and African Americans, Hispanic and LatinX, and people of color, according to a 2023 report of culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The companys decision comes at a time when other major corporations are also rethinking their DEI strategies, often in response to similar pressures from conservative groups. Companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Zoom, and McDonalds have all scaled back or reassessed their DEI goals, raising broader questions about corporate responsibility and the long-term impact of diversity initiatives.
Israel, Hamas agree to ceasefire, ushering in hope for Gaza peace

Xinhua) 08:31, January 17, 2025

DOHA/GAZA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been reached, offering a glimmer of hope for ending the 15-month-old bloodshed in the enclave.

In a press conference on Wednesday in Doha, where the truce talks were held, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the agreement, which will take effect on Sunday, includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners and return to sustainable calm that would lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

While the widely-anticipated deal represents a step toward restoring peace in the region, analysts argue that, since it does not address the deep-seated issues fueling the Israel-Palestine conflict, the path to long-lasting peace in the Middle East remains fraught with uncertainty.

THREE-PHASED CEASEFIRE

According to the mediators, which include Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the agreement consists of three phases towards a "permanent ceasefire between the parties."

The first stage, which lasts for 42 days, includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces outside densely populated areas, the release of hostages and exchange of prisoners and detainees, the exchange of the remains of the deceased, the return of internally displaced persons to their places of residence in Gaza, and facilitating the departure of patients and the wounded to receive treatment.

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The first stage also includes intensifying the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale throughout the Gaza Strip, rehabilitating hospitals, health centers and bakeries, bringing in civil defense supplies and fuel, and bringing in shelter supplies for displaced persons who lost their homes due to the war.

The details of the second and third phases will be announced after the completion of the first phase of the agreement.

RARE MOMENT OF HOPE FOR PEACE

The ceasefire agreement has brought a rare moment of hope for peace to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and the wider Middle East.

"I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza," United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas, urging all parties to ensure the full implementation of the deal. (Photo by William M. Reilly/Xinhua)

"This deal is a critical first step, but we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory," Guterres added.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit also welcomed the ceasefire deal, calling for strict adherence to the terms of the agreement.

"The agreement must lead to a complete and final cessation of the Israeli war on Gaza," Aboul-Gheit said in a statement.

"Many have been hoping for this moment for the past 15 months," Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on X.

As the agreement finally came through after multiple rounds of negotiations, Gazans took to the streets to express their excitement and relief over the truce.

"Now, we can sleep without fearing more loss," said Fatima Abu Riash, a displaced mother of three from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

As the ceasefire draws near, many Palestinians are remembering their loved ones who lost their lives in the conflict.

Ever since Israel launched its large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in response to the latter's sudden attack on the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

"I am grateful for the ceasefire, but I cannot forget those killed or the destruction of my home," Mohammed Abu Ramadan, a father of six from Gaza, said as he joined the street celebrations.

CHALLENGES REMAIN

The timing of the ceasefire deal coincided with changes in the broader regional landscape, said Nimrod Goren, president of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies.

A woman places a candle amid reports of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 15, 2025. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatar's prime minister announced on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

"Israel, having achieved significant military successes against Hezbollah and in Syria, felt more secure in its position. Hamas, facing sustained pressure, likely recognized the need for a temporary reprieve to recalibrate its strategy. These factors, combined with external mediation efforts, created a moment where both sides were more willing to accept terms they had previously rejected," he said.

Ismat Mansour, a Palestinian expert based in Nablus, the West Bank, said that the ceasefire agreement could establish initial calm and serve as a first step toward alleviating the grave humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Israeli political analyst Amos Harel wrote in Israeli newspaper Haaretz that the agreement could pave the way for a new political reality in Gaza, potentially involving the moderate Arab states.

However, Goren warned that the deal "will not bring an end to the broader conflict," highlighting that "(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's reluctance to fully withdraw from Gaza, as demanded by Hamas, suggests that the ceasefire may be fragile and temporary."

A ceasefire in Gaza "does not address the root causes of the conflict," and "a comprehensive peace in the Middle East requires significant progress toward a two-state solution, which the current Israeli government strongly opposes," he said.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said, "While the deal might temporarily ease tensions, it does not preclude future Israeli actions against Iran."

"The parties (Hamas and Israel) still lack trust, and both sides are doing their best to defeat the other, and this would put the deal in danger at any time," noted Mansour.

Ghassan Khatib, a professor of international relations at Birzeit University in the West Bank, cautioned, "The real challenges will arise during the implementation of the agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, given the absence of clear arrangements for the political and administrative management of the Gaza Strip, which will further complicate the situation."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The first quarter is a great time to connect with your financial advisor to reflect on the past and discuss the future. An in-depth conversation about annual tax rules, budgets, investment performance, and the year ahead can reveal insights and needed adjustments for your financial plan.

You can initiate that conversation with the five expert-recommended questions below.

Learn more: What is a financial advisor, and what do they do?

This embedded content is not available in your region.

No. 1: How should we prepare for income and estate tax changes this year?

Ken Robinson, founder and senior advisor at Practical Financial Planning, explains, "Tax law is changing all the time, and practices that a consumer is used to  or has avoided  could be treated differently in the new year." Robinson recommends tackling any tax law changes with your advisor as early as possible. This gives you more time to adjust and implement new strategies.

Jennifer Kohlbacher, director with wealth advisory Mariner, adds that tax changes can prompt a range of actions, from updating estate planning documents to allocating funds to 529 plans for the grandkids.

Learn more: Everything you need to file your taxes on time

No. 2: What should I do differently this year?

Gregory Luken, founder of Luken Wealth Management, recommends asking your advisor what you can do independently to support your financial plan. Market conditions and personal circumstances change. Those changes may prompt the need to save more, redirect your tax-deductible contributions to a different account, or update your estate planning documents.

There are only four variables you can control, Luken explains, but those four are enough.

Luken says there are always external economic factors pressuring your financial plan, but you have control over how much you invest, how long you invest, how you allocate your investments, and what you spend relative to your income.

Learn more: How to start investing: A 6-step guide

No. 3: Is my portfolio aligned with my financial plan?

Jake Falcon, CEO at Falcon Wealth Advisors, poses the alignment question to help savers stay true to their priorities. "Many people get caught up trying to make the biggest return they can every year. What's more important is that your portfolio aligns with your financial goals," Falcon explains.

For example, a retired couple focused on preserving capital shouldn't be invested in volatile growth stocks like Nvidia (NVDA). The risks of poor alignment include emotional stress, missed goals, lack of direction, and increased risk exposure, according to Falcon.

Learn more: Create a stock investing strategy in 3 steps

No. 4: What are my charitable plans for the year?

Joel Callagan, vice president at Wealth Enhancement Group, recommends a first-quarter conversation with your advisor about giving strategies. "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly changed the ability to deduct charitable giving," Callagan explains. Your advisor can identify when more aggressive strategies make sense, such as super funding a donor-advised fund.

Donor-advised funds function like charitable foundations for individuals. You contribute to the fund and the fund, in turn, donates to charities. Your contributions earn an immediate tax deduction. The funds undistributed assets also grow tax-free. Superfunding involves donating two or more years of contributions to the fund.

Learn more: How much does a financial advisor cost?

No. 5: How did my investments perform relative to their respective benchmarks?

The first quarter is a good time to review how investments have performed relative to their benchmarks, according to Jeff DeLarme, founder and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. This question may broaden your perspective, particularly if you tend to compare your performance to one benchmark only, like the S&P 500. It can also initiate a productive discussion about risk, portfolio allocation, and the advisor's skill at choosing appropriate investments.

"To be sure," DeLarme explains, "even the best investment managers and advisors are likely to underperform from time to time, but we should strive to understand why we performed the way we did."

Learn more: Alternatives to having a financial advisor: How to build wealth without one

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How often to meet with your financial advisor

The first quarter is a productive time to meet with your financial advisor, but whether that's the only time you two connect depends on your circumstances.

Chad Gammon, CFP and owner of Custom Fit Financial, schedules meeting cadences according to the maturity of the client's financial plan. With new clients, for example, he prefers to meet three times annually. Later, the frequency can dip to one conversation every year or two, unless there are specific complexities to address.

If you are comfortable with your net worth growth and you do not expect major life changes in the short term, a once-annual meeting can be sufficient. Life changes that should prompt more frequent conversations include retirement, divorce, or an inheritance. Any of these can change your income or liquidity needs or your risk tolerance.

New year, new wealth opportunities

Small changes to your financial plan in the first quarter can yield big results. Don't miss the opportunity to review your goals, money management habits, and investment performance with an experienced professional. If strategy changes are needed, you'll have nearly the full year to benefit from their impact. As well, your financial advisor will appreciate the conversation, and you will feel more connected to your wealth plan.
When tax time rolls around, figuring out which types of income you need to report to Uncle Sam can be confusing. Adjusted gross income, taxable income, investment income, interest income  all of these have an effect on your tax liability. And understanding what each calculation involves can help you minimize what you owe or develop a better tax strategy for next year.

Lets take a closer look at what is considered taxable income, how to calculate it, what effect it has on your tax rate, and how to reduce your taxable income.

Read more: Here are 7 free tax filing options

Taxable income explained

In the simplest terms, taxable income is the portion of your earned and unearned income that is subject to income taxes.

Taxable income includes salary or wages from a job and other income sources such as bonuses and tips, unemployment or disability benefits, and even lottery winnings. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to report all amounts included in your income as taxable unless it is specifically exempted by law. In short, if you receive income in the form of money, property, or services, the IRS may require you to report it as taxable income.

Calculating taxable income involves determining your adjusted gross income minus deductions. (More on that below.) The final number is used to determine how much youll pay in income taxes on your federal and state income tax returns.

Read more: Expecting money back? Here are 5 smart ways to use your tax refund

What's the difference between taxable and nontaxable income?

Here are some basic categories of income that the IRS categorizes as taxable and not.

Common sources of taxable income

1. Employee compensation

Wages and earnings from your job fall into this bucket, but so do other types of compensation, such as tips, bonuses, and any fees paid to you by an employer. Usually, these earned income sources are reported on your W2, which you receive in the mail or electronically at the beginning of the year.

2. Investment income

If you receive income from certain types of business activity or investments, youre required to report that as investment or qualified business income. Rental income is a common example, as is interest earned from savings accounts, dividends, or capital gains you realize after selling an asset like a stock.

3. Fringe benefits

Fringe benefits sound like fun, but theyre actually just a term for being tipped, receiving a bonus, or earning extra income for services either as a salaried or hourly employee or an independent contractor. And you need to account for them on your tax forms.

4. Miscellaneous taxable income sources

Theres a pretty long list of other sources of income the IRS taxes, such as ordinary income from partnerships, S corporations, fair market value of assets earned from bartering, digital currencies, royalties, and more.

Common sources of nontaxable income

While it may seem like everything you earn is subject to income tax, there are a few exceptions. For example, earnings that you return as charitable contributions to a religious or nonprofit organization wont be taxed, nor will capital gains from selling your primary residence.

Still confused? Use this table as a quick reference on common sources of taxable and nontaxable income for federal tax purposes.

With some types of income, the answer to whether its taxable is it depends. For example, alimony from divorces finalized before 2019 is taxable for the receiving spouse. For divorces finalized from Jan. 1, 2019, and later, its not taxable. And retirement accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k)s have specific rules. In general, withdrawals from retirement accounts, known as required minimum distributions or RMDs, are taxable.

One big exception is Roth IRAs, which provide tax-free income in retirement.

Read more: 401(k) vs. IRA: The differences and how to choose which is right for you

How to calculate your taxable income in 4 easy steps

Step 1: Gather documentation of your income

Before you can sit down and calculate how much tax you owe, you need to gather numbers on yourself, your spouse, and all your dependents. That starts with W-2 forms, which reflect traditional wages earned as an employee in Box 1 of the form.

If youre self-employed or work as a contractor, you might receive a Form 1099-NEC from a business or employer if your income during the year totaled more than $600.

Step 2: Determine your filing status

Its important before you start running numbers to decide your income tax filing status. Your filing status determines your tax bracket and tax rate and the deductions and credits you may be eligible for. These are the filing status options set by the IRS:

Single

Head of household

Married filing separately

Married filing jointly

Qualifying widow(er)

Not sure which status applies to you? The IRS has a filing status tool that can help you decide the best option for your situation.

Read more: How to choose the right federal tax filing status

Step 3: Calculate your gross income and your adjusted gross income

Gross income is a calculation of your total income, including any wages, tips or bonuses, interest, dividends, rental income, and even capital gains. Once you have that number nailed down, you can determine your adjusted gross income.

Calculating your adjusted gross income, sometimes referred to as modified adjusted gross income, means making certain adjustments to your gross income. Here are a few examples:

Work retirement plan and IRA contributions

Alimony payments

Student loan interest

Contributions to a health saving accounts (HSA)

Health insurance premiums for the self-employed

Your gross income minus these adjustments (also known as above-the-line deductions) is your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Step 4: Decide if youll take the standard or itemized deductions

Once youve calculated your AGI, the final step is to subtract either the standard deduction or itemized deductions. The standard deduction is a set amount taken from your adjusted gross income depending on your filing status.

Itemized deductions are specific items you are eligible to deduct that may add up to more than the standard deduction in some situations. Having a mortgage, significant medical expenses, or property loss from a federally declared disaster are just a few scenarios where it may make financial sense to itemize your deductions.

After subtracting your itemized or standard deduction, the remaining amount is your taxable income. Keep in mind that after calculating this number, you may still be eligible for certain tax credits, like the child tax credit, which could lower your tax liability.

Read more: Standard deduction vs. itemized: How to decide which tax filing approach is right

Taxable income: Federal vs. state taxes

While your federal taxable income will be calculated the same way no matter which state you live in, each state has its own income tax rate and guidelines to determine each taxpayer's state tax liability. Fortunately, 31 states (including the District of Columbia) have streamlined their tax return process by using the federal adjusted gross income (AGI) being reported.

Additionally, some tax preparation software can expedite the return process by filing federal and state taxes at the same time for some residents.

How do I reduce my taxable income?

Reducing your taxable income can reduce the amount of federal income tax you owe. You can do that by using one or more of these strategies to engage in better financial planning right now and better tax planning next year.

Make or increase contributions to retirement accounts

You can lower your taxable income by increasing contributions to a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA. If youre under 50, you can contribute up to $23,500 pre-tax to your employer-sponsored plan during the 2025 tax year. If youre over 50, that number increases to $31,000 in annual contributions for 2025.

Note, however, that not all retirement savings will lower your tax burden or provide immediate tax benefits. For instance, a Roth IRA is funded with after-dollars and wont decrease your taxable income. However, if the Roth IRA has been open five years or more the growth is tax-deferred, meaning your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

Read more: How much can you contribute to your 401(k) in 2025?

Max out contributions to a health savings account

Similar to retirement contributions, employer-sponsored health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) use pre-tax dollars to cover medical expenses and can reduce your taxable income.

Limits for HSA contributions are up to $4,300 individually or $8,550 as a family in 2025. FSA individual contribution limits are up to a maximum amount of $3,300 in 2025 or $6,600 for married couples contributing individually to separate FSA accounts.

Read more: What is a health savings account (HSA)?

Consult a tax professional

Taxpayers can also lower their tax bill or find tax savings by itemizing deductions or using the all-in-one standard deduction.

In some cases, its best to consult a tax professional, financial advisor, or certified public accountant (CPA) to see if they can help you get into a lower tax bracket or avoid paying long-term capital gains tax by making charitable donations, a qualified charitable distribution, or using tax-loss harvesting.

High-income earners and small business owners, in particular, may benefit from professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is taxable income listed on my W2?

Your annual income is listed in Box 1 of the W-2 form you receive from your employer. While that number is a helpful starting point to determine your gross income, your taxable income may be lower depending on the adjustments, deductions, and tax credits you qualify for.

2. Is student loan interest taxable?

Tax deductions are allowed for interest paid on all student loans, including federal loans, taken out by you, your spouse, or on behalf of your dependents. The maximum deduction, according to the IRS, is $2,500 per tax year, depending on your income eligibility.

If youve recently had your student loans forgiven as part of the American Rescue Plan or another federal action, those canceled debts are not taxable.

Read more: Will I be taxed on student loan forgiveness?

3. Can a 529 plan reduce taxable income?

While a qualified tuition program or 529 plan contributions wont reduce your taxable income up front, these tax-advantaged accounts are designed to prepay for educational expenses and can be a tax-efficient strategy. Earnings accumulate tax-free, and the beneficiary of a 529 plan doesn't need to report distributions from the account as taxable income.
Weather Alert

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 1 AM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. &&
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. &&
I am a senior front-line nurse working at University Hospitals Dorset. After hearing Prime Minister Keir Starmers devastating attack on what remains of the National Health Service (NHS), I am fuming. I call on my fellow health workers across the country to stand up against this outrageous plundering of the NHS.

It appears to me that Starmer is following the motto of never let a serious crisis go to waste, much like Boris Johnsons Tory government during its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnsons government facilitated a massive transfer of wealth to the super-rich during the pandemic, handed billions worth of NHS contracts to private companies, and allowed tens of thousands of people, including the elderly, to die of COVIDjustifying it as natures way of dealing with elderly people.

Private company owned ambulances park at the Poole General Hospital , May 2024

Years of underfunding by consecutive governments and the criminal mismanagement of the pandemic have created a massive waiting list for elective operations. Currently, in England, 6.4 million people are waiting for 7.5 million elective procedures. Nearly 235,000 people have been waiting for more than a year! There is no doubt that this lack of care and treatment will have detrimental effects on the health outcomes of many people.

Starmers plan to cut the massive waiting list is a disastrous and irreversible acceleration of the privatisation process in the NHS. This would effectively end the founding principles of the NHS: that it provides a comprehensive service, available to all and that access to its services is based on clinical need, not an individuals ability to pay.

Tens of billions of pounds will be handed over to the private corporations under his plan. The private sector will be given responsibility to treat up to an additional 2.5 million extra NHS patients a year.

It is now abundantly clear that his governments allocation of 22 billion to the NHS is not intended to revive its dilapidated services but to enrich a thin layer of individuals who run private hospitals and diagnostic facilities.

Starmer proclaimed: I welcome a new agreement that will expand the relationship between the NHS and the private healthcare sector, asserting that it would make the spaces, facilities, and resources of private hospitals more readily available to the NHS. But this claim should be taken with more than a pinch of salt.

Between March 2020 and March 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Johnsons government handed private hospitals an estimated 2-5 billion to cover their full operational costs and free up 8,000 beds. Yet, in total, these hospitals delivered only 0.08 percent of COVID care, with the highest total of COVID patients they had on a single day being just 78.

This occurred while NHS hospitals were facing a perilous situation. During this same period, private hospitals continued carrying out private, fee-paying operations without hindrance, while also incentivising themselves with taxpayers money granted by the Tory government.

NHS workers should take Starmers words as a warning. His government will neither allow the NHS to stand on its own feet, with the many more billions of pounds in funding it needs, nor halt the erosion of workers pay, terms, and conditions. He shamefully said, The NHS cant become the national money pit, and Productivity cant bump along 11 percent lower than it was before the pandemic.

Despite surging demand for treatment and care, consecutive governments have starved the NHS of necessary funding since the 2008 financial crash. Bed capacity has been severely reduced. In England, the number of available beds has been more than halved over the last 30 years, from 299,000 in 1987/88 to 141,000 in 2019/20, creating dangerously high levels of occupancy.

Moreover, NHS England faces 100,000 vacancies, including 32,000 nursing posts.

This has created dangerous and unsafe conditions for patients across every area of the NHS, with safety targets being missedwhether for GP appointments, ambulance response times, accident and emergency waiting times, cancer treatment, or waiting times for elective operations.

A consultant in our Accident and Emergency (A&E) department recently shared that she had to treat patients inside ambulances multiple times because A&E beds, trolleys, and corridors were full. She described this as unsafe and a serious risk to patients, who were left waiting in ambulances for hours before being handed over to A&E.

A senior colleague in the Acute Medical Unit reported that 20 GP-referred patients were waiting for admission despite no available beds. He also highlighted the lack of isolation facilities, even with patients suffering from COVID-19, flu, Norovirus and RSV. Were becoming a hub for spreading infections rather than containing them, he said.

These pressures also harm elective procedures across the trust, as beds allocated for such operations are repeatedly used for emergency admissions, leading to frequent cancellations.

A senior cardiology nurse told me that elective angiograms, pacemaker and ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) insertions, and procedures for correcting dangerous heart rhythms were often cancelled because the Cardiac Investigation Unit was repurposed as escalation bays for emergency patients.

She also raised concerns about outsourcing to the private sector, saying, sometimes untrained private crews attend emergencies, including heart attacks, with limited skills in advanced life support and manual handling, putting patient safety at risk.

A colleague in the histopathology department mentioned that they are severely understaffed:

We do not have enough consultants, biomedical scientists (BMSs), or secretaries. Only three out of eight consultant posts are filled, with BMSs struggling to keep up with their workload. The smooth functioning of the Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings is affected due to the shortage of secretaries to organize the meetings and care files.

These conditions can have a detrimental effect on the diagnosis and treatment of patients, especially cancer patients. This created a staffing crisis and is being used to justify outsourcing the examination and reporting of biopsy samples. Most of the simpler samples are sent to the private sector at higher rates, leaving critical and complex cancer diagnosis biopsies to NHS staff.

A significant amount of money is being funnelled into the private sector, which could instead be reinvested in the NHS if the department were adequately staffed, he concluded.

There is also a severe shortage of phlebotomists in our hospital. There should be at least nine to properly cover Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Christchurch Hospital, but only five are employed. This has an impact on the treatment and diagnosis of patient conditions, as well as the workload of the already overstretched nursing staff and healthcare assistants. The remaining phlebotomists are struggling with their unbearable workload of taking blood samples.

Despite staff shortages, the trust is implementing a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) to further reduce workforce levels, as part of NHS Dorsets financial plan. While targeting non-patient-facing roles, overstretched clinical staff will inevitably bear the brunt.

All this highlights how Starmers Labour government risks patient safety by shifting burdens instead of solving systemic issues. Though he claims, Im not interested in putting ideology before patients, his plan reflects a Thatcherite push toward a two-tier healthcare system.

NHS trade unions are playing a despicable role as they dont raise a finger against this massive-scale privatization of the NHS by the Labour Party. My union, the Royal College of Nursing, has not uttered a word against Stamers plan to dismantle the NHS.

I urge all my colleagues across the country to share their stories with the World Socialist Web Site and join the NHS FightBack to launch a struggle to defend the NHS with a socialist strategy.

For further information contact NHS FightBack, established by the Socialist Equality Party and affiliated to the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
Seventy-eight dead bodies have been brought to the surface of the abandoned gold mine at Stilfontein in South Africa, after being blockaded by the African National Congress government for months. Another 248 gaunt and emaciated miners made it out alive in the last few days, during a desultory rescue operation the government had to be ordered to carry out by the High Court in Pretoria.

We do not want a situation where this will be marked as the darkest point in our history, Judge Ronel Tolmay said, giving the order a few days ago, alluding to the outrage in the population.

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, January 14, 2025. [AP Photo/Themba Hadebe]

But the ANC is already guilty of a horrific crime. The Stilfontein mine was being worked by thousands of desperately impoverished people when security forces moved in last summer, as part of the ANCs Vala Umgodi (Plug the Hole) operation aimed at driving an estimated 30,000 illegal miners out of abandoned pits across the country.

Police blocked food and water in an effort to smoke them out, arresting roughly 1,500 people as they emerged in the last five months. They have been charged with crimes including illegal mining, trespass and illegal migration. Many were too weak to climb out and died before the rescue operation, during which no government worker would enter the mine, could reach them.

These workers were murdered by the ANC government. Its barbarous actions are a devastating indictment of bourgeois nationalism and all the forces which have backed the ANC historically, including the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

Mining in abandoned pits takes place in South Africa thanks to the social havoc wrought by the shuttering of much of the countrys mining infrastructure and the broader poverty in the country fueling a huge informal sector and a workforce preyed upon by criminal syndicates.

Under apartheid, South Africas lucrative mining industry was built on the rampant exploitation of black workerswho suffered extreme racial discrimination and restrictions on organisingorganised through the Chamber of Mines to prevent any bidding up of wages in competition between mine owners for employees. This was aided by the recruitment of huge numbers of migrant workers from neighbouring countries.

A combination of sharply falling gold prices, underinvestment and outdated machinery, and the depletion of the most easily accessible reserves began to put enormous pressure on the industry in the late 1980s. Also confronting a surge in unionised activity bound up with the popular revolt which put an end to apartheid, the mine owners responded with closures and mass lay-offs. The sector shed roughly 300,000 jobs between 1990 and 2020, leaving many communities without any source of income.

The new ANC government and its Tripartite Alliance with the SACP and COSATU oversaw this war on the working class, while elevating a few more privileged members of the black South African population into the ranks of the super-richincluding the ranks of mine owners. Patrice Motsepe is emblematic of this process, becoming South Africas first black billionaire in 2008 (he is now worth $2.8 billion) through his ownership of African Rainbow Minerals and Harmony Gold Mining.

Other multi-hundred millionaire beneficiaries include Tokyo Sexwale, with sizeable diamond mining interests, and coal mine owner Sipho Nkosi, who served a term as president of the Chamber of Mines. Mining wealth has also contributed to the sprawling fortune of President Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, the black working classwho still make up 80-85 percent of minerscontinue to work in the brutal conditions brought to international attention by the Marikana Massacre in 2012. Tens of thousands are forced to eke out a living in the extraordinarily dangerous abandoned mines, largely at the mercy of criminal syndicates, estimated to be extracting billions of dollars a year.

These zama zama (take a chance, or hustler) miners are part of South Africas huge informal economy, accounting for a quarter to a third of its workforce. Such workers lack even the most basic protections, serving as a source of hyper-exploitable labour. Their conditions create opportunities for criminal networks to flourish, frequently with the aid of political connections to various levels of the state.

Considered entirely disposable by South Africas capitalist class and its political representatives, they are treated with undisguised brutality and contempt. Minister for Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe asked provocatively this week of the miners at Stilfontein: If you go and take a risk voluntarily, how is human rights [part of the question]?

You go, a train is coming, and you sleep on the rail line, and the train runs over you. Can we address that as a human rights issue? Can we address that as a humanitarian issue? Illegal mining is not different from that.

Seeking to stir up xenophobia, he added with reference to the migrant workers in the mine, Its a criminal activity. Its an attack on our economy by foreign nationals in the main. Officials say most of the arrested Stilfontein miners are from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

The ANC government has made a point of cracking down on migration this parliament, setting up a South African Border Management Authority last April which has already arrested and deported 410,000 people. Like Vala Umgodi, it is aimed at the criminalisation and abuse of southern Africas most vulnerable workers, who regularly have to cross borders in search of a job.

Mantashe concluded, While theres a criminal activity, theres a crime scene... It [the government] should be intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

The national spokesperson for the South African police was similarly clear: Our mandate was to combat criminality and that is exactly what weve been doing. By providing food, water and necessities to these illegal miners it would be the police entertaining and allowing criminality to thrive.

The ANCs government partners, the Democratic Alliance, made a lame attempt to distance themselves from the deaths, asking why the situation was allowed to get so badly out of hand, while still complaining that the police do not have the firepower [] to get to grips with illegal mining.

COSATU North West Secretary Kopano Konopi said the state was to blame, but only for delaying its rescue operation. He told eNCA:

The state made a commitment that they would take over, now it is more than a month and its now that we see the state acting and taking over the process of rescuing the people underground If this action could have been executed in the past year when we requested we would have saved many lives.

He added, There are more questions than answers and we are a bit disappointed.

Speaking in November, North West SACP Secretary Madoda Sambatha called for community groups to persuade the miners to leave, but made clear to Newzroom Africa, We support the programme of the government of operation Vala Umgodi.

He added:

I would not say they are trapped The only problem that is bringing us here is that their work is illegal, their work is not permitted by any law; thats why they must be found and brought outside police are working on implementation of a government policy.

The Stilfontein massacre is graphic proof of Leon Trotskys theory of permanent revolution: that none of the basic social and democratic questions confronting the working class in countries whose capitalist development was delayed by imperialist oppression and exploitation can be solved under the leadership of the national bourgeoisie.

The ANC has been in power for 30 years and cannot so much as provide all its citizens with a regular jobcriminalising and even killing workers for doing what they can to earn a living. Its destroyed political reputation is reflected in plummeting vote shares at the last two electionslosing its majority in 2023.

The popular dissatisfaction growing in South Africa is common to all the Southern African countries, among workers and rural poor who confront the same basic situation. In Botswana last month, the Botswana Democratic Party was thrown out of office after 58 years of rule. The South West Africa Peoples Organisation (SWAPO) is losing votes in Namibia. Mozambiques FRELIMO party was declared the winner of recent elections only amid widespread allegations of vote-rigging, and has since killed over 300 protesters.
Healthcare workers and activists rally in Teaneck, New Jersey, against the Gaza genocide on January 12, 2025

A collection of healthcare worker associations and activist groups held a rally and press conference in Teaneck, New Jersey, on January 12 to oppose Israels genocide in Gaza. The organizers included Doctors Against Genocide, Labor for Palestine, Healthcare Workers for Palestine, the New Jersey chapter of American Muslims for Palestine and the National Arab American Medical Association. Though several of the speakers made powerful and moving remarks, they also called for continued appeals to the Democratic and Republican parties, which have been complicit in the genocide since it was launched by the Netanyahu regime last year. The past 15 months have proven the bankruptcy of this perspective.

Zahed, a travel nurse with more than 15 years experience, spoke at the rally about his time providing volunteer medical care in Gaza last March. After the rally, the World Socialist Web Site interviewed Zahed about his experience.

WSWS: When you volunteered to provide care in the Gaza Strip, what kind of patients did you treat? What condition were patients in? What kind of wounds did you see?

Zahed: The patients that we saw, most of them were victims of genocide. [They were] the victims of gunshot wounds, hit by shrapnel, explosive injuries, being stuck under rubble. These were individuals that were found to have metal fragments in their bodies, in their heads, in their abdomens. Many of them had to lose limbs. Most of them happened, unfortunately, to be children.

The organization was not really allowed to go outside the campus in Rafah. But what we saw as we were entering the city and driving toward the campus was nothing short of an apocalyptic film. There was rubble everywhere. There was garbage everywhere. The odors were very, very pungent: anything from decaying human flesh, to sewage, to garbage, to the smell of smoke. It was an assault on all your senses. We were at the European Gaza Hospital.

Dr. Feroze Sidhwa with a patient and relative in Gaza [Photo by Dr. Feroze Sidhwa]

WSWS: What kind of medical supplies did you have to work with?

Zahed: This was before the Rafah crossing was closed. We were entering through the Egyptian side, so we were able to take medical supplies with us. It was never enough, though. The basics of these medical supplies included gloves, gauze, first aid, surgical equipment and stuff like that.

However, while I was there, there were still things that were very, very short. An endotracheal tube is something that you use to secure an airway in a patient whos going to be put on a ventilator. If that patient were to die, they would reuse it on a different patient. In America, that would never happen. If something hits the floor, and its never been used, it would get thrown out immediately. But in a situation where you dont have any supplies, you have to do what you have to do.

WSWS: How did being there and treating these patients affect you?

Zahed: It was a privilege for me to be selected to go. It was an honor for me to be there and take care of these human beings. What I discovered while I was there was that these are some of the most giving people, the most resilient people, the strongest in their faith. They have so much integrity and dignity and pride. They take care of each other. They look after each other. For me to witness that and to be part of that was absolutely amazing.

I was there for two weeks. [In that time] you cant really make that much of an impact on their situation. But what did happen in those two weeks is that they collectively impacted me. I am not a native Arabic speaker by any means, yet most of the doctors and nurses in the hospital spoke English fairly well. Most of their charting is done in English.

I learned from them what it means to really, truly love your fellow man, what it means to truly be sacrificial and to be unconditional, in terms of taking care of, having concern for or loving your fellow man. I remember during COVID in America, in our crisis, there were nurses that wouldnt show up to work because the bonuses for COVID werent that great. [In Gaza] you had doctors and nurses who had been displaced multiple times, who had been without salary for months, who had definitely lost at least one family member, all showing up to work as scheduled to take care of strangers. They show up to work because they have a job, they have an obligation to their community.

Medical staff in Gaza trying to snatch some sleep. [Photo by Dr. Feroze Sidhwa]

WSWS: Biden has been funding the genocide. There has been more than a year of protests and a reporter asked Biden whether the protests had changed his mind. He said, bluntly, No.

Trump is on the record as saying that he thinks Israel should finish the job. He also said, in effect, Release the hostages or else. Hes threatening that all hell will break out in the Middle East unless the hostages are released.

But there are grounds for optimism. Protests are still going on. Theres mass opposition around the world, but the question is what direction this opposition is taking. That is the question of questions: what orientation these protests take.

Zahed: I feel that the majority of the American population is for a complete ceasefire, because theres still humanity left in America. I dont think humanity ever left. It was just maybe suppressed, maybe quiet. But the more this this genocide continues, the more people are becoming vocal, and the more rallies you see. The crowd is getting bigger and bigger. I dont feel like any politician should ignore the cries of the American public.

WSWS: Thats correct, but theyre ignoring the fires in Los Angeles right now. This is a city thats been under Democratic control for decades, and the supposedly progressive mayor recently cut the fire departments budget by $17 million. There are 186 billionaires in California and no water pressure in the fire hydrants. All the resources of society are being used to further enrich the already wealthy and to conduct predatory wars abroad, so that the United States can maintain its dominant position in the world.

Our position is that appealing to capitalist politicians is not going to go anywhere. It hasnt gone anywhere. We have to turn toward the working class.

Zahed: The working class has the power to change the political class, and thats what I hope in America will happen. It will change the global perspective, and itll bring justice to everyone, because America is unique. Its a very powerful country, and for the most part, the world looks to America for justice.

The American population needs to somehow encourage their leaders to vote in the correct way and to end genocide. Keep the money in America. Stop sending it to foreign countries. We shouldnt have homeless people. We shouldnt have potholes. We should have free college education. Thats not a privilege that other countries should be afforded based on the tax dollars in America. Our taxes are going up, but were not seeing the fruits of those taxes.

Like you said, in California, you have this entire region of California thats ablaze, and theres no funding to take care of that. We have people who are still homeless in North Carolina from the recent hurricane, and that should not be the case. These are the people that need to voice their opinions, and they need to get politically involved and active and bring about that change.

WSWS: People like Trump and Biden represent the interests of billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. These politicians are doing the bidding of the banks and the corporations. Both parties represent this class. The only way to stop the genocide, to stop the war against Iran thats being prepared, is to orient toward the working class. Ultimately, the working class has to take political power.

You mentioned that this tremendous wealth in America is not being used to put out fires or to prevent infection. Everything is subordinated to profit. The working class needs to take political power, abolish the capitalist system and organize production to meet human need.

Zahed: People over profit.

WSWS: Yes. The only way this is going to happen is if all the oligarchs are expropriated. Amazon, for example, and the banks need to be run by the working class in the interests of the working class, which is the majority of the worlds population. And this cant be limited to the United States. Its got to be an international revolution, because were in a global economy. Everything is interconnected.

You said that American resources shouldnt go abroad to fund other people. Thats not our perspective. Were fighting for the international unity of the working class.

Zahed: It has to start somewhere, and I believe America could be the pioneer to starting this movement. The average American, I think, is not educated and not aware of everything that you just talked about. The media is very suppressed. Its very controlled. Fortunately, because of journalists like yourselves, information about the world is becoming more and more available, especially in the palms of our hands.

This genocide is the worlds most documented genocide ever. Its a good thing and its a bad thing. Its a good thing because its opening the eyes of the American public and its shifting the needle toward making things right and correcting whatever has been wrong so far. And its bad because its a genocide. Its something that should never have happened. So, once this movement starts, and it already has, I dont think its going to stop until there is a truly free global environment where people can move freely and live freely.

This whole thing thats happening in California, it hit home. Thats why you see it all over the media. You have celebrities who are on TV who have lost their homes. They [non-celebrities] dont know what to do. Their insurance policy has gone to hell, so they dont know what theyre gonna do about their house. And theyve been displaced. I cant say that their displacement is anything close to the displacement of the people in the Gaza. The people here, when they got displaced, got to move from an unsafe situation through a safe passage to a safe location. In Gaza, you go from one unsafe location through an unsafe passage to another unsafe location. Theres no safety there, right? So, all that being broadcast on social media, on national media, is shifting the needle. Its just not as fast as we would like.

WSWS: Youre right that technology is allowing this information to get out there, and were all more interconnected than ever. Theres tremendous potential in the current situation and the technology that we have. But you also pointed out that the level of consciousness is not adequate to the situation. Theres a lack of political perspective, a lack of understanding about whats going on. The role of our party, the Socialist Equality Party, is to provide this understanding and to provide political leadership to the working class. Only the working class can put an end to the genocide, the historic levels of inequality, the retrogression in public health. But it needs to understand its objective position in capitalist society and its historic role. This is our perspective. What do you think?

Zahed: I think youre right. I think knowledge is power. Educating your average American is probably key. The only way thats going to happen is to utilize whatever resources we have. You have to raise awareness.
Smoke rises behind destroyed buildings by Israeli bombardments as seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 [AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov]

Despite the announcement Wednesday by US President Joe Biden that Israel had agreed to implement a ceasefire in the Gaza genocide, the Israeli military is continuing its rampage throughout the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli forces have killed 86 people and wounded 558 since the announcement, in the highest daily death toll in over a week. The dead include 23 children. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had attacked 50 terror targets in Gaza.

The Palestinian Information Center reported that the occupations aircraft and artillery continued their raids and violent shelling on Thursday in various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons gatherings, and streets, causing dozens of deaths.

Al Jazeera reported, Within the past 24 hours, the Israeli military scaled up its attacks across the Gaza Strip, mainly targeting buildings and public facilities. More people were killed inside their homes and shelters, where they had been seeking refuge and protection.

Despite earlier statements accusing Hamas negotiators of extortion, the Israeli prime ministers office announced Thursday that an agreement had been reached, and that a vote of Israels security cabinet would be held on Friday. There appear to be significant divisions within the security cabinet over the agreement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Thursday he would resign from the government if the deal was ratified, declaring, If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we, the members of Jewish Power, will submit letters of resignation to the Prime Minister.

Amichai Chikli, Israels minister of diaspora, was more nuanced in his statement on the agreement, making it clear that it would not involve the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The most essential foundation of this deal is Israels refusal to commit to ending the war, he wrote. Equally important, Hamas is not receiving its demand for a complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza. The IDF will continue to hold the Philadelphi Corridor (with five outposts and patrols along its entire length) and the perimeter along Gazas borders, he wrote in a statement on X.

He made it clear that the incoming Trump administration would only intensify US support for the genocide, declaring it is [U]ndoubtedly expected to be the most supportive of Israel ever. He added, Last night, I listened carefully to @michaelgwaltz, the incoming national security advisor to President Trump, a true friend of Israel, who stated in a Fox News interview that the incoming administration supports Israels right to continue the war as needed and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Hamas does not continue to rule Gaza. He added, The designated secretary of defense, @PeteHegseth, said this week during his confirmation hearing that he supports Israels right to destroy Hamas and eliminate it to the last man.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza, meanwhile, continues to deteriorate. In a statement published last week, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, For the children of Gaza, the new year has brought more death and suffering from attacks, deprivation, and increasing exposure to the cold.

She continued:

At least 74 children have reportedly been killed in relentless violence in the Gaza Strip in just the first seven days of 2025. Children have reportedly been killed in several mass casualty events, including nighttime attacks in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Al Mawasi, a unilaterally designated safe zone in the south. The most recent attack, yesterday, saw five children reportedly killed in Al Mawasi.

In a statement on January 14, Save the Children wrote:

The use of explosive weapons in Gaza in 2024 condemned an average of 475 children each monthor 15 children a dayto potentially lifelong disabilities, including severely injured limbs and hearing impairments...

It added that this

shows that in the first 11 months of 2024, at least 5,230 children sustained injuries requiring significant rehabilitation support that is inaccessible due to attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers by Israeli forces and restrictions on entry of critical supplies, leaving them with a high likelihood of disability.

Dr. Ana Jeelani, an orthopedic surgeon with Save the Childrens partner organization Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), said: When you treat children with injuries, they have growing bones, so if you have an injury to the growing part of your bone, then that part will stop growing. She added, Wounds are not healing due to increased levels of malnutritionwere basically trying to stitch back wounds that wont heal. Children are heading to amputations because bones are not healing, limbs fixed but not functional because of the gravity of the situation.

In a separate report, the United Nations Population Fund wrote that over 40,000 pregnant women are experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) and more than 8,000 are enduring catastrophic food insecurity conditions (IPC Phase 5). It added, At present, emergency obstetric and newborn care is only available at seven out of 18 partially functional hospitals across Gaza, four out of 11 field hospitals, and a community health center.

Earlier this month, a landmark study found that the official death toll in Gaza, which stands at 46,000, underestimates the actual number of dead by over 40 percent, and that the actual death toll probably exceeded 70,000.
Antonio Costa (president of the European Council) and Donald Tusk (prime minister of Poland) at the ceremony inaugurating the Polish presidency [Photo by European Union]

On January 1, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took over the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Above all, this role involves the organisational preparation of the council meetings. However, it also gives the council president the opportunity to set certain thematic priorities.

Tusk made clear from the outset what is central for him: the EU must be prepared for war. Under the motto Security, Europe! he presented a militarist and authoritarian agenda in Warsaw. By this he meant not only the arming of the state and its powers at home and abroad, but in all areas of society, which he linked to the buzzwords information, economy, energy, food and health.

In other words, in view of the tense situation in which Europe finds itself, all areas of society must be adapted to the demands of war. If Europe is powerless, it will not survive, said Tusk.

He made clear how far his considerations go with the following sentence: The sources of Europes greatnessfreedom, a sense of sovereignty and our cultureare all worth the effort. Some say that they are even worth the ultimate sacrifice.

In view of the numerous crimes committed by the major European powers, from colonialism to the Holocaust, conjuring up a pan-European myth of greatness is already abhorrent enough.

But much more disturbing is the question: what is the ultimate sacrifice for Tusk? The renewed death of millions of soldiers on the battlefields and millions more civilians, as in the past world wars? A systematic mass murder of civilians, as in the Gaza Strip? The annihilation of all major European cities in a nuclear exchange? Or even the annihilation of all humanity as a result of a nuclear winter?

When Tusk raises these questions, he does so not as an individual, or even as the Polish head of government, but as the voice of European imperialism. As a long-standing president of the European Council, he is well connected in the EU. His words show how far the debates among the European elites have already proceeded. The NATO states are increasingly escalating the proxy war in Ukraine, and at least since French President Emmanuel Macrons statements last year, it has also become clear that the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine is being intensively debated.

Tusks agenda is also a reaction to the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House. During his first presidency, Trump had already intensified the trade war against his European NATO allies. Now, even before taking office, he has made it clear that he will not stop there. By calling for US control of Greenland, which is under Danish sovereignty, he has shown his willingness to create military facts against other NATO states as well.

For the Polish elite, whether in the PiS or Tusk camp, the historical alliance with US imperialism is a given. Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz promptly supported Trumps demand to increase military spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product and offered himself as a transatlantic link.

But Polands economic ties with Europe are much stronger than with the US. Around 30 percent of Polands foreign trade is with Germany, followed by the Czech Republic and France (each around 6 percent), while the US accounts for just 3 percent. This contradiction will inevitably intensify in the new Trump era.

Tusk, who clearly represents the faction in Polands ruling class that favours cooperation with Berlin, Brussels and Paris, has therefore repeatedly emphasised the need for European unity.

Last year, for example, under Tusk, Poland joined the European Air Defence System (European Sky Shield Initiative) initiated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022. At the same time, in May, Tusk, together with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, criticised the lack of a unified European air defence shield. So far, neither France nor Italy nor Spain are participating in the European system.

A clear diplomatic affront was the non-invitation of Poland to the war summit of Scholz and US President Joe Biden in October in Berlin, to which the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the French President Emmanuel Macron were invited, but not Tusk. The Warsaw correspondent of broadcaster Deutsche Welle therefore warned that Poland, disappointed in Germany, had reoriented itself around the Scandinavian-Baltic bloc.

In a pseudo-philosophical digression, Tusk also proclaimed in his speech that strength and unity produce wisdom, even in the face of suffering, leaving no doubt that he wanted to ensure more suffering. He wants to escalate the war against refugeesor the protection of people and borders, as he cynically called it.

Tusk, who is often presented as a liberal alternative to the far-right PiS, as well as the Hungarian government of Viktor Orban, not only seamlessly continues their attacks on refugees, but intensifies them.

On December 18, the Polish government, with the blessing of the EU, passed a package of laws that effectively abolish the right to asylum in Poland. The Council of Ministers can now suspend the right to asylum in designated areas for 60 days. The PiS had already acted in a similar way but had declared a state of emergency to do so, thereby also eliminating the rights of journalists and refugee workers. Under Tusk, the exception is now being made the legal rule.

Although the new law pays some lip service to vulnerable people, with pregnant women already among the victims of illegal push-backs, this is not worth the paper it is written on.

In addition, asylum protection that has already been granted can now be withdrawn if the person concerned has been convicted of serious crimes or supposedly poses a threat to national security.

The latter is directed in particular against the millions of Ukrainians who have fled to Poland. While they initially received comparatively extensive and unbureaucratic help, almost all state aid has now been discontinued. Instead, agitation against them is increasing, from openly fascist groups warning of the Ukrainisation of Poland to Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, who denounces them as draft dodgers. Kosiniak-Kamysz has declared his willingness to cooperate with Kiev in registering Ukrainian conscripts, so they can be sent to the front.

In the face of recurring crimes by Polish soldiers on the border, Kosiniak-Kamysz has set up a special unit of his own to provide legal assistance to the soldiers. He had previously described as unacceptable the arrest of soldiers who had fired warning shots at refugees in spring 2024.

The regular reports of drunken soldiers, violence against refugees and other offences continued seamlessly into the new year. On New Years Day, a drunken border guard shot at a civilian car near the border town of Mielnik.

The Orwellian narrative depicting fleeing people as a danger runs like a red thread through the entire far-right agenda. As early as May 2024, the Polish government had already justified the multibillion-dollar East Shield project by citing the hybrid war that Russia and Belarus were allegedly waging by exploiting asylum-seeking refugees.

The Tusk government is not satisfied with the 100-kilometre-long, five-metre-high fence that the previous PiS government had erected. It wants to expand the existing death strip, which is visually comparable to the former border fortifications of the Iron Curtain, to include extensive military positions. It is obvious that these installations stand to serve a war with Russia, which is why Warsaw has asked its European allies to contribute to the costs.

Poland is not alone in this. In Finland, Spain and Greece, the EUs external border is also guarded by the military. The attacks on refugees are only the tip of a general assault on democratic rights. This is shown by the attacks on journalists and refugee workers in the border area. At the same time, the unrestrained attitudes of a fascistic soldiery are being cultivated among border officials.

Under Tusk, social and intra-European tensions will inevitably increase; Trumps policies will serve as a catalyst. The European Commission is discussing plans to raise around 500 billion for armaments over the next 10 years, in addition to increasing national spending.

This money will inevitably be squeezed out of the European working class. Cuts in social spending, job cuts and wage reductions will explosively intensify the class struggle. Those in power will not hesitate to agitate the soldateska (backward, unscrupulous soldiers) against their own working class. The only thing they agree on is to secure the largest possible share in the imperialist redivision of the world and to defend their privileges by force against the working class.
City letter carriers: Tell us how youre voting on the contract and why by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

A U.S. Postal Service employee works outside a post office in Wheeling, Illinois. [AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh]

The union covering 205,000 active city carriers at the United States Postal Service has announced a two-week extension to voting on a new contractironically, due to delivery issues with mail-in ballots.

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) announced the extension to voting, originally scheduled to last January 13, to January 27. The reason stated was due to delays in the Postal Service delivering ballots in some locations and to ensure adequate time for replacement ballots to be delivered and returned.

That even ballots for a postal contract are being affected by delays underscores that the USPS is under massive assault. Frankly, the NALC contract would only continue and deepen this. Its provocative 1.3 percent annual wage increase has outraged workers, and momentum is clearly building for its defeat.

The contract is bound up with the misnamed Delivering for America restructuring program now underway. Its aim is the destruction of the post office as a public service by cutting tens of thousands of jobs, closing more than 1,000 local post offices and imposing greater delays on mail deliveries.

The program has already had a disastrous impact, sparking scandals as mail has been backed up at sorting and distribution centers for weeks, including time-sensitive mail such as results for cancer screenings.

The ultimate aim is to privatize the USPS, which the incoming Trump administration intends to carry out. This is the tip of the spear for a campaign of vast looting of government assets by the corporate oligarchy that Trump represents. Elon Musk, head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, said he intends to cut $2 trillion per year in federal spending.

With a 2024 revenue of nearly $80 billion, it would be a very attractive for-profit acquisition for Postmaster Louis DeJoys cronies. In 2011, Forbes ranked the post office as 35 out of 500 companies if it were privatized.

Building upon his predecessor Biden, Trump is preparing the deepest attacks on the social and democratic rights of the working class in history.

Postal workers must prepare for a struggle against this government by organizing and expanding the US Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. Demanding an end to privatization and vast improvements to working conditions, postal workers must link up with workers around the world, including in countries where postal services are also under attack. 50,000 workers at Canada Post struck late last year against massive cuts, before being ordered back to work by the government, and in Britain, Royal Mail workers are fighting a sale to billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

USPS workers must also link up with workers fighting similar automation-driven layoffs such as at UPS, the auto industry and across the entire private sector.

The development of independent organizations, unconstrained by union officials, is necessary because the bureaucrats are working with management. Rank-and-file committees provide workers real decision-making power, fighting for the principle that the final authority rests with workers, not the apparatus.

It should be recalled that the first attempt to fully privatize the US post office under Nixon in 1970 was defeated only through a massive wildcat strike, in defiance of both anti-strike laws and conciliation by union officials.

Today, the union bureaucracy openly support Delivering For America. NALC President Brian Renfroe falsely claimed to WSWS reporters last year that job cuts would not take place under the new deal. NALC also went behind workers backs to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an invasive new monitoring system, the Technology Integrated Alternate Route Evaluation and Adjustment Process (TIAREAP), which automatically writes up workers for stationary events while on their routes. This computerized harassment program contributed to the heat-related death of Dallas-area letter carrier Eugene Gates in 2023.

The other postal unions are doing the same thing. The National Rural Letter Carriers Association has signed off on a new compensation system that has slashed wages by tens of thousands of dollars per year, and the American Postal Workers Union, which covers postal clerks and other inside positions, has done nothing to seriously oppose facility closures and consolidations.

The delay in voting and the issues behind it also raise questions about the integrity of the vote. It should be recalled that the 2022 United Auto Workers union leadership election, also conducted via mail, resulted in more ballots returned as undeliverable than were actually cast. Will Lehman, a socialist autoworker who ran for UAW president against the bureaucracy, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Labor.

The APWUs last contract vote was marred by a similarly low turnout, with only 36,032 out of around 200,000 members casting votes in favor of the deal, or 18 percent.

This poses the need for rank-and-file oversight over the balloting, including the mailing, collecting and counting of ballots.

But the vote is only one aspect of a wider process that is totally illegitimate. Even if the contract is defeated, the issue will then go to binding arbitration because of anti-worker lawsflagrantly violating the First Amendment right to free speechwhich ban USPS and other federal workers from striking.

In other words, for USPS administrators it is heads I win, tails you lose. Either workers must accept the contract or, if they reject it, it will then be imposed by an arbitrator with minor changes. It should be recalled that in the struggle against railroaders in 2022, the federal government used a Presidential Emergency Board and then an act of Congress to shove a sellout contract down workers throats.

If workers are to win their demands, they cannot accept this framework which binds them hand and foot. The union bureaucracy upholds this system because it gives them ammunition against a restive rank and file. Meanwhile, the new government headed by convicted criminal Donald Trump, will violate the US Constitution whenever it suits their purpose.

The development of rank-and-file committees is the only viable solution to this false choice between accepting either the contract or binding arbitration. The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee gives workers a forum to discuss strategy and organize all action which they see as necessary in order to save USPS and the jobs of hundreds of thousands of postal workers.
Striking nurses in Oregon [Photo: ONA]

We invite medical workers at Providence and across the country to write to us about the conditions they face as a result of the ongoing social crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a week out on strike, the 5,000 nurses, doctors and midwives who walked out against the Providence healthcare network in Oregon are reaching a critical turning point in their fight.

On Tuesday, Providence issued a statement that it is ready to discuss resuming mediated negotiations at the eight hospitals, including the Providence Portland Medical Center and six clinics across the state that are on strike. The nurses union, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), responded that it is prepared to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike.

There is an enormous drive by rank-and-file nurses and other healthcare workers to ensure their demands are met. Similar to every struggle of healthcare workers in the past several years, Oregon nurses are fighting for improved staffing levels, wages that match similar work at other medical institutions in the state and better health benefits. A recent transition to a new health insurance company has meant many workers have had to switch medical providers or suffer out-of-network costs.

The strike has also made a definite financial impact. News reports indicate that Providence is losing more than $25 million a week on the strike with the hiring of scabs alone.

The fight for these demands, however, immediately poses the need for a broader industrial and political struggle against the subordination of healthcare to corporate profit, supported by both the Republicans and the Democrats.

This struggle must be developed independently of the ONA bureaucracy, which bear responsibility for the conditions nurses face. Striking healthcare workers must build a rank-and-file committee to outline their own non-negotiable demands, including large pay raises, improved health benefits and, above all, real and enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios.

The committee must launch an immediate campaign to unite strikers with medical workers at Kaiser Permanente and PeaceHealth, both of which have facilities in Portland and across the Pacific Northwest, for a joint struggle to meet workers collective demands.

Union officials, working with state Democrats, promoted the claim that the passage of the Oregon Safe Staffing law in August 2023 would end chronic understaffing. Instead, the toothless bill has only expanded the already existing labor-management staffing committees, which bow to corporate demands and allows hospital chains to continue to violate safe staffing levels.

The Democratic Party-sponsored bill was actually drafted by the ONA, and then passed with higher nurse-to-patient ratios at the insistence of the hospitals. As a report in the Washington State Nurses Association publication admitted:

The final language of the bill reflected agreement among ONA and other unionsthe Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP), Service Employees International Union 49, and Oregon American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employeeswith the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, representatives of Oregon Health and Sciences University, Providence, and Salem Health.

Hospitals have used certain provisions in the law, which went into effect on June 1, 2024, to claim that nurses needed to take the maximum patient assignment possible, often increasing their workload rather than decreasing it.

The strike by over 5,000 nurses, doctors and midwives against the Providence healthcare network in Oregon entered its second week on Friday. The strike is the first major strike in the US this year, and the largest healthcare strike in the states history.

Genuine safe staffing can only come from the workers themselves. Rank-and-file committees must be established by healthcare workers on the hospital and clinic floors to enforce proper ratios, as well as ensure against any attempt by the ONA apparatus or hospital management to violate measures needed to properly care for patients.

These committees must also be developed to lead the current strike itself. Rather than subordinating the strike to the Democratic Partya capitalist party which defends the for-profit health system and has overseen ever-greater social inequality over the last four yearsthe strike must become the catalyst for an industrial and political counter-offensive against both corporate-backed parties.

Teacher joins striking nurses in Hood River, Oregon [Photo: ONA]

ONA officials have been working closely with federal mediators sent by the Biden administration to come to an agreement ahead of the inauguration of President-elect and fascist Donald Trump. There is a deep concern that an ongoing strike when Trump takes office will impede Trumps efforts to be a dictator on day one, including beginning rounding up millions of immigrants, many of whom live in Portland.

In other words, these same bureaucrats do not share the interests of the rank and file. The fact that workers across Oregon are again striking, after a strike at Providence St. Vincent in June 2024, a strike at Providence Portland Medical Center in 2024 and a supposed victory on a contract at St. Vincent in 2022, all on the same issues, is itself an indication that workers must develop new forms of struggle.

This has emerged within multiple industries, both across the US and in the Pacific Northwest in particular. The American Federation of Teachers, with which the ONA is affiliated, is infamous among educators for playing a critical role, as it has recently in Chicago and Seattle, sanctioning the closure of schools and forcing higher teacher-to-student ratios. The United Auto Workers did everything it could to isolate and cripple last years strike by graduate workers at the University of California against the Gaza genocide.

And at Boeing, the International Association of Machinists worked to shut down a powerful strike of 33,000 Boeing machinists the day before the November election, again to ensure the smooth transition of power touted by Biden. The unions work hand in hand with the Democrats, as well as the Republicans, as in the case of International Longshoremens Association President Harold Daggett, to keep workers on the job and to isolate strike activity.

A key aspect of such campaigns is played by publications such as the pseudo-left Labor Notes, which recently wrote on the Oregon nurses strike. While it acknowledged some of the many issues nurses and other medical workers face, it made no mention of the role of the ONA bureaucracy in acquiescing to these issues in the first place. Instead they tout that strikes in which workers demands are not met are successful.

The only way for the ongoing strike at Providence to be genuinely successful is for workers themselves to abolish the artificial divisions enforced by the unions, especially the different contracts of different lengths at each individual hospital and workplace. A united struggle must be waged to purge the profit motive from the health care system as part of the broader socialist transformation of society.

This involves setting up rank-and-file committees, organizations where workers can democratically discuss their demands and set out plans to enforce their will. These committees would act under the umbrella organization of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), to communicate with and unite with healthcare workers around the world who face the same struggles.

Nurses and healthcare workers looking to wage such a struggle should contact the World Socialist Web Site Health Care Newsletter, which will provide all possible support for such a fight. For more information, fill out the form below.
Emilia Perez is a 2024 Spanish-language musical set amid Mexicos drug wars, written and directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard. It has received considerable media attention, praised by well-known industry directors, and touted as a serious contender at the upcoming Academy Awards. At the recent Golden Globe awards, it became the second-most-nominated film in the events history. (More than anything else, however, this points toward the current cinema vacuum.)

While the films technical sophistication and somewhat novel approachan operetta fused with nominally realistic social elementsoccasionally come together in emotionally striking ways, the meandering and implausible story has little substance to offer.

Karla Sofia Gascon and Adriana Paz in Emilia Perez

The drama begins with Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldana), an overworked lawyer in Mexico City. Following the trial of an accused murderer, on whose behalf her legal team is dishonestly working, she receives a mysterious phone call asking her if shed like to get rich.

Moments later, Rita is kidnapped and driven to the outskirts of town where she meets the grisly Manitas de Monte (Karla Sofia)the wealthy ringleader of a notorious and politically connected drug cartel. His wish is to escape the murderous gang warfare and begin a new life as a womanwith no expense spared in the process. Rita agrees to provide logistical support in return for a handsome payout.

For Manitas plan to be kept secret, everything must disappear. He sends Rita to Thailand and Israel in search of a safe place outside of Mexico for him to reset, and ships his unwitting wife, Jesse (Selena Gomez), and two children to a snowy cottage in Switzerland. After staging his own death, Manitas heads to Tel Aviv to see Dr. Wasserman (Mark Ivanir), who has agreed to perform the surgeries necessary for his gender transition.

Four years on, Rita has relocated with her financial windfall to the UK, where she hobnobs with the London jet set. While out for dinner with friends, she recognizes the transformed Manitaswho introduces herself as Emilia Perez. Rita suspects that Emilia has followed her to London with violent intentions, to erase the last witness to her past life. But Emilia has come with a nobler aimto be reunited with her children (albeit on her own terms).

Rita arranges for Jesse and the children to live with Emilia, who they are told is Manitas distant cousin (and heir to his fortune), in her luxury house overlooking Mexico City. As Emilia attempts to atone for her past crimes through charity work, Jesse feels increasingly captive, in what she perceives as yet a different form of Manitas golden cuffs. When Jesse announces that she and boyfriend, Gustavo (Edgar Ramirez), plan on marrying and relocating to another city with the kids, Emilia lashes out, setting into motion a series of violent and tragic consequences.

Though the production is significantly stylized, there is something initially fresh in the depictions of daily street life in comparison to the imagery of conspicuous wealth and glamour one sees in so many films. The opening scenes of Emilia Perez, which offer glimpses into some of the cynicism and corruption widespread in the Mexican legal system, make for a promising start.

Some of the initial musical numbers too have an appeal. The erratic and snappy choreography, spoken-word-style song and sensitive a cappella melodies set against the chaotic urban backdrop do perhaps offer a little of what Adriana Paz (Emilias love interest, Epifania) describes as the sensation of living in Mexico.

However, a few moments of intrigue and a degree of technical panache do not compensate for what is, in the end, a meandering and oftentimes illogical patchwork of a story that skips from one implausible plot line to another. Overall, the outlandish premise and campy musical acts serve as a substitute for and diversion from a more penetrating look at social reality.

Emilia Perez

Take the following example. As part of Emilias newly founded charity intended to help the families of the cartels many victims, Rita pays a visit to some imprisoned sicarios, who describe to her the horrific details of those they have disappeared. This is one of the films more striking scenes.

Shortly afterward, however, Emilia and Rita host a lavish dinner party intended to entice a stylish crowd of drug kingpins, corrupt officials and crooks into funding their charity. Rita performs a musical number with the chorus, Talk, talk all these people talk, but now they are going to pay, pay, payas though slightly hurting the pocket books of these rich criminals is some kind of retribution for their victims!

Following the release of Emilia Perez, numerous comments popped up referring to its inaccurate depictions of Mexico and to its muddled dialogue and lyrics. Whatever the nationalist-patriotic limitations of such criticisms, they do point toward the films generally light-minded attitude to its subject matter. In a recent interview, the films director and screenwriter, Jacques Audiard, who lives in France, acknowledged that, I didnt study [Mexico] much.  What I needed to know I already knew a little bit.

In another interview, Audiard, who does not speak fluent Spanish, observed that, Not knowing the language gives me a quality of detachment. When Ive directed in my own language, I get stuck on the details. Such an approach suggests a preference for generalities and surface polish over concrete substance, and avoids the challenges involved in genuinely clarifying social and psychological matters. This may help to account for the many vague and even incoherent lines of dialogue.

The premise for Emilia Perez was loosely extracted from a chapter in Boris Razons 2018 novel, Ecoute. In response to the question as to why he found the kingpin character intriguing, Audiard explained in a New York Times interview that he was struck by this person, representative of pure violence, of machismo, of the most absolute patriarchy, having a desire for femininity. It was that paradox that drew me. He then adds, What interested me also is the endemic violence that Mexico deals with and the tremendous amount of people who have disappeared.

However, what exactly is the relationship between absolute patriarchy and endemic violence in Mexico? Emilia Perez would have us believe that the former drives the latter, with the psychology of gender at the heart of the issue. However, the paradox of absolute patriarchy found in gang life is, above all, a social problemone symptom of desperate poverty, brutal exploitation and historical class oppression.

Had these objective contradictions been probed more deeply, the central protagonist, Emilia, might have been placed on a more authentic footing. Her characterization, which often lapses into outlandish caricature, might have taken a bolder, more sincere direction.

About Audiards film, The Prophet (2009), the WSWS wrote that, In general, the film has enough grittiness and notable performances to create the appearance of realitybut one that cannot be scrutinized too closely. Minus the grittiness, this assessment could provide a more generous summing up of the problems present in Emilia Perez.
Journalist Sam Husseini being forcibly removed from the State Department briefing room by police while questioning Secretary of State Antony Blinken on his complicity in the Gaza genocide [Photo: @willy_lowry]

On Thursday, during Secretary of State Antony Blinkens final press conference, Jordanian-Palestinian journalist Sam Husseini was forcibly removed by security personnel after he insisted that Blinken answer questions about US support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

As he was being carried out of the State Department briefing room by four security guards, Husseini shouted at Blinken, Criminal! Why arent you in The Hague, a reference to the location of the International Criminal Court.

Husseini began peppering Blinken with questions about the US role in Israeli war crimes in Gaza, interrupting the secretary of state just as he was reviewing the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas and calling it a success.

As Blinken was saying the White House was celebrating the return of hostages in Gaza, including Americans, without mentioning the slaughter of tens of thousands of Palestinians by Israel, Husseini interrupted, Do you know about the Hannibal Directive?

Husseini followed up his question by saying that State Department spokesman Matt Miller said, he doesnt know about the Hannibal Directive, which is clearly a lie.

Although it has been kept secret and never publicly acknowledged by Israel, the Hannibal Directive is well-known and dates back to the 1980s. It states that overwhelming force is to be used by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prevent the capture of soldiers and in hostage situations, including the mass murder of civilians and killing of the soldiers and hostages involved.

According to a report in Haaretz in July, the IDF issued the Hannibal Directive and ordered the use of force to prevent soldiers from being taken into captivity at three army facilities infiltrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Massive force was used in buildings where hostages were known to be held, and orders were given to fire on civilians in buildings and open areas. The directive implied that the IDF should kill Israelis rather than allow them to fall into the hands of Hamas.

While Blinken claimed he would answer questions at the end of his statement, State Department staff and security descended on Husseini. As the independent reporter continued to demand that Blinken answer his questions, saying, Hes made a lot of speeches. Let him answer some questions, the staff threatened to remove him.

To their shame, the assembled corporate media representatives refused to come to his defense and remained silent while Husseini insisted, I am justified in what I am doing.

Numerous videos have been published on social media that show what happened next. The security guards began grabbing Husseini and lifting him out of his chair while he said repeatedly, Get your hands off me, and You are hurting me, while Blinken told him to respect the process.

As he was being hauled out of the briefing room, Husseini maintained his composure and continued to put questions to Blinken about US support for genocide and violation of the Geneva conventions in Gaza.

In a subsequent post on Twitter/X, Husseini said he had been released unharmed and thanked those who had supported him. Husseini also wrote the following:

My intention was to ask tough questions at every opportunity during the news conference which State personnel obviously cut short: * Was the point of the May 31 announcement to block implementation of the May 24 ICJ [International Court of Justice] order? * Why do you refuse to recognize the Geneva conventions as applying to Gaza? * Everyone from Amnesty International to the ICC accuses Israel of extermination and genocide. Why are you not in the Hague? * Why was your stepfather Pisar connected to both Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein? * Miller here pretends not to know about the Hannibal directive - do you know about the Hannibal directive? * Why do you not even acknowledge Israels nuclear weapons?

In the space of several minutes, Husseini exposed the complicity of the corporate media in the crimes of the Biden administration over the past 15 months. The official journalists of the major daily newspapers and television news broadcasters have refused to characterize the Israeli operation in Gaza as genocide, and, instead, bolstered the White House narrative that Israel has a right to defend itself by murdering tens of thousands of Palestinians, most of whom are women and children.

Earlier in the briefing, Max Blumenthal, editor of the Grayzone, also asked Blinken, Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?, before he was escorted out.

Sam Husseini is the communications director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, a D.C.-based nonprofit group that promotes alternative news sources. He was formerly at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and at the media watch group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Husseini has written articles for a variety of publications, including CounterPunch, The Nation, the Washington Post, USA Today and Salon.

CNN, reporting on the events in the State Department briefing room, called the two reporters, hecklers and activists. CNN chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt, who was in the briefing room, claimed that it was unclear as to who those people were.

Marquardt then went on to claim that the silencing of Husseini was a testament to American democracy, because less mainstream journalists are allowed to go to the State Department, to go to the White House and to ask questions of that administration, and there is a relatively open policy in the press rooms.
Investigators in South Korea on Wednesday arrested impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol at his residence on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. This stems from his attempt to impose martial law last month in what was essentially a failed coup. He has already been suspended from office following his impeachment on December 14.

Police officers stand in front of the gate of the presidential residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. [AP Photo/Lee Jin-man]

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) along with the National Police Agency carried out the arrest warrant and Yoon was taken in for questioning at the CIOs headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul. While other former South Korean presidents have been jailed, Yoon is the first sitting president in the countrys history to be arrested. When not being questioned, Yoon has been held in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang.

The president was questioned for ten hours on Wednesday, though the CIO stated he largely refused to cooperate. He then refused to attend any sessions yesterday, claiming to be ill. President Yoon is not well and fully explained his position yesterday (Wednesday) so there is nothing more to be interrogated about, one of his lawyers, Yun Gap-geun, stated. The CIO has ordered Yoon to attend the 10 a.m. questioning session today.

After his arrest, the presidents lawyers filed for a review of his detention with the Seoul Central District Court. They also filed accusations with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors office against the heads of the CIO, O Dong-un, and the polices National Office of Investigation, U Jong-su, of insurrection against the government for detaining Yoon. They previously claimed that Yoon is immune from prosecution for acts he carries out as president, specifically citing the United States Supreme Court ruling last July that stated a US president has unlimited power.

The court rejected several of Yoons claims, including that the detention warrant was invalid, that the CIO had no right to investigate Yoon, and that the police had engaged in illegal practices during the arrest. After a 48-hour period of questioning, the CIO will file for an extension of the arrest warrant today. This is a legal step before the case is sent to prosecutors, who have the authority to indict him.

The CIO first requested the arrest warrant from the Seoul Western District Court, which granted it on December 31. Yoon had three times refused to respond to summonses for questioning in relation to his martial law declaration on the evening of December 3.

On that evening, Yoon ordered military troops and the police to surround the National Assembly and drag lawmakers out of the building before they had an opportunity to vote to lift the martial law decree. However, this failed and parliament, controlled by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), voted to end martial law. Only after several hours did Yoon agree to comply.

Yoons arrest on Wednesday was the second attempt to detain the president after the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and military brigades under PSS control blocked investigators from arresting him on January 3. The president has repeatedly declared that the CIO has no right to investigate his martial law declaration.

Discussions on how to carry out the second attempt included suggestions that the police could send in special forces, raising the possibility of an armed battle between the PSS and the police. After his arrest, a pre-recorded video was released in which Yoon stated, Although it is an illegal investigation, I decided to agree to appear at the CIO in order to prevent ugly bloodshed.

The police deployed thousands of officers to carry out the warrant and prevent clashes. Approximately 1,200 police personnel took part in the actual arrest, ten times the number during the first attempt. Lawmakers from Yoons ruling People Power Party (PPP) and members of his legal team attempted to block the entrance to the presidential residence. However, a CIO official told the media, Unlike during the first attempt, there were no personnel or Presidential Security Service staff actively resisting the execution (of the warrant). There were practically no physical clashes today.

The only clashes that did take place Wednesday were with Yoons supporters. Relatively small in number, they are a mob of far-right-wing and fascistic individuals, who have waved South Korean and American flags while carrying Stop the steal signs at pro-Yoon rallies in a direct appeal for support from United States imperialism and incoming President Donald Trump. They regularly denounce their political opponents as communists, including the CIO.

Despite his suspension from office and arrest, Yoon remains president. He can only be removed from power by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to rule on whether or not his martial law declaration violated the constitution. This means it is entirely possible that Yoon will return to office with all the powers he previously held, including over the military. The first and second formal hearings in the case took place on January 14 and 16 respectively, with which Yoon has largely refused to cooperate.

That Yoon is emboldened to stonewall the legal process is an indication that he feels he has enough support within the political establishment. Should he be reinstated, he would no doubt put an end to his criminal case and be in position to carry out retribution against his political opponents and attempt another imposition of martial law to strangle democratic rights.

His arrest is also not an indication that the president is throwing in the towel. No doubt, Yoon and his allies in the PPP were concerned that if bloodshed did occur, it would lead to the renewal of mass protests that would negatively impact the ability to maneuver in the courts and behind the scenes to stay in power.

Those mass protests peaked on December 14 when approximately two million people gathered outside the National Assembly to demand Yoons impeachment. Since then, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), aided by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), has demobilized the demonstrations, concerned that participants would begin advancing demands that went beyond the confines set by the political establishment, and about the impact on the economy and big business.

Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae released a statement on Thursday, claiming, The arrest of Yoon Suk-yeol is a great achievement of the people who have risen up in the middle of winter to save democracy. Yet the danger to democracy is not the result of the personal inclination for authoritarianism of one individual. It is the result of the crisis of capitalism that is occurring around the globe that is increasingly seeing far-right figures coming to power, notably Trump in the US.

The DP however covers this up while presenting Yoons removal from power as an already accomplished fact. It is the same type of rhetoric that the DP and its allies used when Yoon was impeached, yet his attempt to block his arrest demonstrated the serious crisis that continues to exist.

Democratic lawmaker Wi Seong-rak made clear the real concerns of the party when he recently told Bloomberg, If the Trump administration applies across-the-board tariffs, that will be a big hit for our firms, the economy and employment when the (South) Korean economy is going slow. We need to give a signal to the market that the (South) Korean government is stabilized, and soon it will be normalized. The South Korean won, for example, fell 5.3 percent in value against the US dollar in December and has continued to weaken throughout January.

The Democratic Party is not leading nor will it lead a defense of democratic rights in South Korea. The working class and youth should take the situation as a serious warning. The Democrats downplaying of the danger will only further embolden Yoon and the far-right in South Korea.
Properties are damaged by the Palisades Fire, in a view from the coastline, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 [AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster]

In a Thursday morning press conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced that two more people have died from the Eaton and Palisades fires. This brings the death toll to at least 27, with another 31 people officially missing.

As of this writing, the larger Palisades Fire remains only 22 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire is at 55 percent. Santa Ana winds, which have fueled both fires, receded on Thursday providing firefighting crews, including helicopters, windows of opportunity to try and contain the infernos. However, Luna said it would be another week, if not longer, until the over 80,000 residents who are still displaced would be allowed to return.

Even with the slight respite from the winds, millions of people are in danger from toxic chemicals and plastics that continue to burn throughout urban areas. Dr. Jeff Masters, a former hurricane scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), wrote in a recent article for Yale Climate Connections that the eventual death toll from the disaster is likely to be far, far, higher, once the health effects from the toxic smoke from the fires are fully realized.

Masters cited several recent studies on wildfire smoke, including a 2024 study which found that smoke from the 2018 Paradise Fire may have killed as many as 12,000 Californians prematurely. While burning trees release gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, modern homes and urban landscapes are filled with plastics, which burn faster and release more toxic chemicals.

Speaking to the Atlantic, Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuna admitted we cant put firefighters in front of these houses due to the toxic air released from the burning of petrochemicals inside. Acuna noted that while plastic is a useful material, it will burn faster, and it will burn hotter.

In addition to still raging fires, toxic smoke, downed power lines and ruptured gas lines, residents whose homes may have been spared from the flames are now having to contend with potentially deadly mudslides and erosion, with steep hillsides now stripped of vegetation. At least one home in Pacific Palisades that was not burned is now unlivable after it was practically split in half once the ground underneath it gave way due to the shifting of soil between the fires and runoff.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Director Mark Pestrella warned in a Thursday press conference that more homes could be at risk from mudslides if, and when, major rainfall occurs. He noted that debris from burned out houses and foliage could overwhelm the flood control system. He said that in an event that we have major rain, we do expect that all areas will be impacted by debris flows that will be hazardous to human health.

Burned out homes from the Los Angeles fires, January 12, 2025.

The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, leaving tens of thousands of residents without permanent shelter. According to residential real estate brokerage firm Redfin, as of December 2024 the median home sale price in Los Angeles was over $905,000, with an average monthly mortgage payment of $5,970. Los Angeles, Redfin wrote, has the least affordable for-sale housing market in the country. As for renters, Redfin found that the median asking rental price for December 2024 was $2,780, over $1,000 more than the national median asking rent of $1,594. Before the fires, more than 95 percent of apartment units in the city were occupied.

Since the fires, residents have reported that many landlords are seeking to take advantage of the recently homeless and displaced. A Google sheet created by Los Angeles resident Chelsea Kirk tabulates over 1,250 properties that have seen dramatic price increases since the fires started last Tuesday.

Kirk told SFGate that she began the spreadsheet after she saw listings in her Echo Park neighborhood dramatically increase in price. While California has a law that bars price increases of 10 percent or more during a state of emergency, Kirk said she saw listings that had increased as much as 120 percent.

At the Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, WSWS reporters spoke to Pauline about the immense difficulty she and thousands of others are currently having trying to secure housing. She said that before the fire started she was under the impression she had secured an AirBnB rental and had already paid a fee to someone she thought had access to the property.

When I went to my AirBnB, the fire started, I ran, twisted both my ankles, my hands got hurt... It was a complete nightmare. Pauline has been unable to recoup any of the money she previously paid. They take your money and leave you nowhere.

I want to get an apartment now, she added, but no one will rent to me because Im not working. Now how can I work when Im in that shelter? Im really mad, because we all pay taxes, everyone.

Why wont they let me have a place? They said I have to have three times their rent money. Thats a lie. Thats a horrible thing to do to someone, or pay a years rent before I move in. I should be able to get a place to live.

She added, There are other people, and I dont want anyone ripped off after theyve lost everything. The woman I was just sitting with there, she was a young girl, they lost her whole house. She showed me the whole house burning, burning, gone. She has nothing.

Pauline noted that rents have gone up around the city in the days since the fires began last week. They really have to get after these price gouging things. They never did for food. She added, Its a cost-of-living [crisis]. Who can even afford it? People forget that youre only one paycheck away from being homeless.

She said, People dont have anything. And they have to depend on their insurance. And God knows if theyre going to pull out like they did in Florida. My two friends that live there, one of them was hit. She paid $15,000 a year, and the insurance company said We cant fix your place.

On the Dan Bongino show Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump again raised the possibility of withholding disaster relief to California residents unless they agreed to fund his political priorities, including a massive border police-state bill and tax cuts for the wealthy.



Id like to see one bill, Trump said. And because of Los Angeles, youd think thats a Democrat thing. They want that money going so fast. He added, If you add Los Angeles into it, then you can really do one, big, beautiful bill, because, frankly, they want that so badly. They want the money to go out there so badly. And I dont think we should do a bill until Los Angeles is included. And when Los Angeles is included, we get everything we want.

Commenting on Trump and the Republican Partys threats to withhold disaster aid, Pauline said, Hes insulting the people. He hates Los Angeles because we dont like him. Asked to comment on Trump blaming immigrants for starting the fires, Pauline replied, He is a racist.
Striking postal workers in Oshawa, Ontario

Are you a postal worker, or employed in the delivery or logistics sector? We urge you to contact the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee at canadapostworkersrfc@gmail.com or by filling out the form at the end of this article.

One month after the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) capitulated to a strikebreaking order from the Liberal government by sending 55,000 postal workers back to work, the ruling class is intensifying its drive to destroy the postal service.

Contract talks resumed this week and an Industrial Inquiry Commission is scheduled to hold its first hearings on the future of Canada Post on January 27 and 28. The Liberal government, supported by corporate advisers, Canada Post management and the leadership of CUPW, are setting the stage for the gutting of jobs, degrading of working conditions, and the transformation of the countrys postal service into a low-cost skeleton operation in the name of returning the corporation to profitability.

This was made clear by Carleton University business management professor Ian Lee, a former Canada Post executive, in an interview with CBC News this week in which he outlined far-reaching plans for the cannibalization of the national postal servicecurrently run as a for-profit Crown corporation under government oversight. Lee proposed that urban operations be handed over to private, for-profit couriers and/or the elimination of home delivery in favour of delivery to post boxes at franchises in grocery stores and pharmacies. Ultimately, he proposed that Canada Posts operations be reduced to a tax-payer subsidized service for rural and remote communities. Private courier companies refuse to deliver to these communities because it is unprofitable, even when using contractors paid cheap-labour rates.

There is a future. Its going to be a very different organization. Its going to be much smaller, Lee told CBC News. Its going to be restructured. The only question is when and to what extent, and what will be the proposition offered when they restructure?

Left unsaid by Professor Lee, who no doubt has an inside view of the ongoing discussions within Canada Post management, are the implications for the thousands of workers who would likely lose their jobs or be reduced to low-paid, temporary and part-time workers.

Lee and other scoundrels like him would not be in a position to gloat so openly about slashing tens of thousands of full-time jobs and inflicting a bitter defeat on one of the most militant sections of the working class without CUPWs torpedoing of the postal workers strike.

With the full backing of the Canadian Labour Congress, which took three days before issuing a news release mildly criticizing the government back-to-work order, the CUPW National Executive forced postal workers to return to work without giving them any say in the decision. It acted in this arbitrary, anti-democratic fashion because it well knew that there was mass rank-and-file sentiment in favour of defying the state strikebreaking.

Workers, moreover, enjoyed powerful support from the population at large and faced a Liberal government that was crumbling on its feet. On the very day that CUPW ordered workers to take down picket lines, Chrystia Freeland resigned as deputy prime minister and finance minister, deepening the crisis facing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that led to his resignation announcement earlier this month.

In addition to this favourable political situation, the mail rush prior to the holiday period placed workers in a strong position to make their fight for secure jobs, protection against the use of automation and AI to increase worker-exploitation, and real wage increases the spearhead of a worker-led counteroffensive against capitalist austerity and war. This would have met with an enthusiastic response because postal workers demands are similar to and of vital importance to all workers, private and public sector alike. But the CUPW leaderships top priority was to prevent such a development at all costs, since it would have upset the union bureaucracys anti-worker corporatist alliance with the Liberals and New Democrats.

Throughout the more than year-long negotiations with CUPW, Canada Post management has pleaded poverty, noting that the company has lost $3 billion since 2018, as mail volumes have shifted away from traditional letter mail and towards parcels. They insist that these losses necessitate the expansion and entrenchment of a low-paid part-time and temporary workforce, and the implementation of artificial intelligence and other technology to compete with the notorious conditions of brutal exploitation at Amazon, UPS, and other private delivery companies.

After months of delay, CUPW finally called a nationwide walkout on November 15 amid militant demands from the rank-and-file membership to defend their jobs, and fight for improved wages and benefits. Workers manned picket lines at depots and sorting plants across the country, determined to push back the companys demands for deep concessions. Instead of preparing workers for a looming and inevitable back-to-work order and seeking to mobilize the broader working class in the defense of postal workers, public services and the right to strike, the CUPW apparatus kept workers isolated on their picket lines, encouraging them merely to write to their MPs and appeal for Canada Post to bargain fairly.

When the state criminalization of the strike came, in the form of an order from the unelected Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) acting on the instructions of Liberal Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon, the union bureaucracy shut down all talk of workers defying the illegitimate order and directed them to return to work on December 17. MacKinnons anti-democratic order relied on a cooked-up interpretation of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code that the Liberal government has used to shut down four separate labour disputes in less than six months.

The CIRB order has extended the expired contract until May 22 to give management and CUPW more time to conspire behind workers backs as to the best way to fundamentally restructure Canada Post, before presenting their decisions as a fait accompli.

The Industrial Inquiry Commission ordered by MacKinnon is a frauda transparent mechanism to impose the demands of corporate Canada. It is headed by seasoned arbitrator William Kaplan, who is also mediating in the ongoing contract talks. It can be said with certainty that in the name of restoring profitability it will rubber stamp many of the far-reaching attacks sought by management and demanded by Bay Street investors and big business as a whole.

The commission has a wide remit to review Canada Posts financial situation, alternative delivery models and issues in negotiations related to full-time employment, health and safety and job security. It is empowered to recommend any changes it deems needed to Canada Posts operations moving forward and to the collective agreements between Canada Post and CUPW.

While corporate Canada has everything at its disposal to get its way, workers will have no effective means to have their voices heard, let alone realize their demands. Generally, the only people allowed to appear before such commissions are corporate executives, big business lobbyists, government officials and union bureaucrats. Kaplan is mandated to deliver his Inquiry Commission report by May 15, one week before postal workers under the CIRB order are to regain the legal right to strike.

This is all part of a Trudeau government-concocted plan to stack the decks as heavily as possible against the postal workers. The Inquiry Commission will deliver a so-called neutral, third party report backing Canada Posts demands, to assist in whipping up public sentiment against the postal workers. Furthermore, workers positions will be weakened by the fact that mail volumes are far lower in May than in the weeks preceding the Christmas holiday and both the employer and Canada Post will have had five months to make further plans to weather a strike.

Despite all this, and as part of its continuing efforts to bind workers to the state-designed, pro-employer collective bargaining system, CUPW is actively promoting the Inquiry Commission. Having gagged and bound rank-and-file workers hand and foot by enforcing last months strike ban, CUPW President Jan Simpson had the temerity to claim that the rigged Industrial Inquiry Commission will be a vital forum to present and address the broader issues and structural changes to the public post office and how they affect all members and the public.

In opposition to the capitulation and collaboration of the CUPW bureaucracy in the destruction of jobs and working conditions, postal workers from across Canada in the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) have been fighting for a program based on what workers need, not what the union deems is possible or what management declares necessary to boost profits. The PWRFC has worked actively to mobilize support for postal workers in the Canadian working class and to develop ties with postal workers internationally, who all confront the same attacks on their living standards and jobs.

Prior to the strike the PWRFC issued a program for developing the struggle of postal workers. It stated:

Rank-and-file postal workers must take control of our contract struggle into our own hands. The refusal of the CUPW apparatus to act on the overwhelming strike mandate and provide a strategy to mobilize workers power to win our just demands and meet the threat of government strikebreaking is yet further proof that it is in the pocket of Canada Post management and the Trudeau Liberal government. We call on postal workers and all workers throughout the delivery and logistics sectors to join and build the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. We fight to: 1. Achieve postal workers demands, including a 30 percent pay rise to make up for years of concessions and for workers control over the deployment of new technologies. 2. Broaden our struggle to other sections of workers across Canada in order to defy a back-to-work law or any other anti-democratic state-imposed strike ban. 3. Launch a political struggle that rejects Canada Post being run as a profit-making enterprise, and makes our contract fight the spearhead of a worker-led counteroffensive in defence of fully-funded public services and workers rights, and against austerity and war.

With the resumption of contract talks and the Kaplan commission set to begin its work, the struggle of postal workers has entered a new stage. Militant rank-and-file workers must prepare for a mobilization to stop the planned pro-corporate restructuring of Canada Post by joining the PWRFC, which is affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, and building a network of rank-and-file committees at every plant and depot which will fight for its program. Fill out the form below to get in touch with the PWRFC today.
A semiconductor manufacturer seeking to expand and modernize its Colorado Springs plant would be eligible for a $3.68 million cash award from the state under a financial incentive for the company approved Thursday by the Colorado Economic Development Commission.

The company, whose identity was kept confidential by state officials and instead was assigned the code name Project Boron, had requested refundable tax credits that are available under the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program  created by Colorado lawmakers in 2023 as a means of encouraging the development and expansion of the state's semiconductor industry.

In turn, the financial support provided by the state helps Colorado companies secure funding through the federal Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science program  known as the CHIPS and Science Act, which also provides financial incentives to boost the nation's semiconductor industry.

At its monthly meeting Thursday, the state Economic Development Commission  a panel appointed by the governor and legislators and that considers tax breaks for employers  approved $4.6 million in refundable tax credits for the Project Boron company through the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program. Under rules of the program, 80% of that amount, or $3.68 million, now would be available to the company in the form of a cash refund.

Though the Project Boron company wasn't identified by name at the Economic Development Commission meeting, its description provided by officials of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade  a state agency  matches that of Colorado Springs-based InnovaFlex Foundry.

InnovaFlex officials didn't immediately return a phone call to The Gazette for comment.

The company behind Project Boron was described by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade as "a nontraditional semiconductor manufacturer that has capabilities to create a variety of electronics on both glass and flexible substrates. The companys digital sensor technology provides the foundation for some of today's most innovative solutions in military, medical, industrial and security imaging business markets."

The semiconductor manufacturer's expansion and modernization would double the size of its existing, 55,000-square-foot clean room space, according to state officials.

"The new space and equipment will allow the company to increase production of its current custom products  which are used by the Department of Defense and companies in the medical, automotive, aerospace, and consumer markets  and enable an aggressive (research and development) agenda," state officials added.

The company behind Project Boron must travel a somewhat complicated road to receive its refund under the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program.

Companies that receive incentives through the state's Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit program and the Enterprise Zone program can seek to take some of those tax breaks as refunds under the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program, state officials say.

In the case of the company behind Project Boron, it received a $2.8 million Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit award two years ago and it expects to earn Enterprise Zone tax credits totaling $7.1 million over the next eight years, according to information provided by state officials.

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Combined, those incentives total $9.9 million, which is the refund amount the company sought Thursday from the Economic Development Commission under the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program.

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade, however, recommended that the commission approve a refund of $4.6 million for the company, which translates to $3.68 million under rules of the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credit program.

It's unknown when the company behind Project Boron might announce its next steps on the improvements planned for its Colorado Springs facility.

Incentives for airplane manufacturer

Also at its Thursday meeting, the Economic Development Commission approved $2.15 million in Job Growth Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits to an airplane manufacturer.

The company, dubbed by state officials as Project Airplane, is looking to build a seat production and customer experience center, according to information provided to the commission. The company is eying Colorado or Florida for its expansion.

The company was described by state officials as a manufacturer within the aerospace industry with 3,000 employees. It previously has received tax incentives from Colorado.

Descriptions of the company suggest its likely Pilatus Aircraft, a Swiss airplane maker with a facility in Broomfield.

Pilatus has more than 3,000 employees worldwide, according to its website. And Richard Janser, the companys vice president and chief financial officer, was in attendance virtually at the the commission meeting Thursday.

The company is considering factors such as location, talent, costs and access to the supply chain, according to information provided by state officials.

The tax incentives approved for the company would span eight years and the expansion is expected to create 191 jobs, which would include craft workers, operatives, administrative support and sales. Annual wages would average $85,000.

The airplane maker received another job growth tax incentive from the state that closed in December 2023 and overperformed on the jobs it promised, according to the EDC. The company added about 70 more jobs than it originally reported in its employment plan.
Colorado's second-highest court agreed on Thursday that a former executive of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems may proceed with a defamation claim against Rudy Giuliani for his unproven accusations of election rigging in the 2020 presidential race.
Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, unveils his caucus' plan to reduce the cost of housing, utilities, transportation and groceries at a Jan. 14, 2025 news conference.
Most cruise ships go into dry dock every few years for routine maintenance and refurbishment. Cruise lines typically plan their dry dock schedules far in advance and know when each ship will be out of service, planning their cruise itineraries around dry dock breaks.

Sometimes, dry dock schedule changes happen though. These changes can occur for a variety of reasons, but occasionally periods of planned maintenance on a ship need to be extended longer than originally anticipated.

Related: Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line plan smaller ships

Dry dock schedule changes can force cruise lines to revise cruise itineraries or cancel sailings to take the ship out of service during a time when it was scheduled to sail.

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For passengers booked on cruises during that time period, this is extremely disappointing news. After planning a vacation, making travel arrangements and getting excited for your upcoming cruise, the last thing you want is for a wrench to be thrown into your plans.

But thats exactly what just happened to many families booked on fall 2025 Disney Cruise Line sailings.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Even Mickey and Minnie can't get Disney Fantasy out of dry dock faster. Image source: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line cancels four Disney Fantasy voyages

Due to an unexpected change in the dry dock schedule for the Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line canceled multiple fall 2025 sailings on the ship.

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The cruise line canceled four Disney Fantasy voyages that were scheduled to depart between Oct. 20 and Nov. 12, 2025, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog.

Rather than returning from Europe to Port Canaveral, Florida with a 13-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton, England in October, the Disney Fantasy will extend its stay to accommodate the dry dock schedule change. Three November cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral were also canceled as a result.

Related: New experiences, characters coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2025

With these cancellations, the Disney Fantasy now has an itinerary gap from Sept. 29, 2025 to Nov. 16, 2025. In an email to impacted passengers, the cruise line stated that a revised 13-night westbound transatlantic cruise will be available to book beginning on Feb. 6, 2025.

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In addition to receiving a full refund, each passenger booked on the canceled voyages was offered a 20% future cruise discount. Passengers can use the credit to book the revised transatlantic cruise, alternative sailings to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, or most other Disney cruises departing on or before Feb. 6, 2027.

The credit is not valid for maiden voyage sailings like the November inaugural sailing of the new Disney Destiny cruise ship.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

A ships log for the Disney Destiny is now live

Disney Cruise Line just launched a ships log for the Disney Destiny on its Disney Parks Blog to give fans updates on the shipbuilding process and sneak-peek looks at the new heroes and villains-themed ship. The Disney Destiny is currently under construction at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

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The cruise line kicked off the ships log on Jan. 15 with a first look at the ships progress. Along with a time-lapse video of construction footage, Disney Cruise Line shared that the ships exterior is now structurally complete and outfitting work has begun on the interior.

Related: Disney Cruise Line passengers dream up cruise ship spaces

Disney Cruise Line will debut brand-new cruise experiences on board the Disney Destiny inspired by the legends and legacies of some of Disneys most iconic heroes and villains. New experiences and venues will include a dinner show inspired by The Lion King and lounges inspired by Marvel Studios Doctor Strange, Disney villain Cruella de Vil, and the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disney Parks.

The Disney Destinys bar lineup will also feature the Haunted Mansion Parlor, which recently debuted aboard the Disney Treasure.

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(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise).

Have questions about booking a cruise? Schedule a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner Postcard Travel Planning.

The Disney Destiny will set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Nov. 20. The ships inaugural season includes four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean, including visits to one or both of Disney Cruise Lines island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
Jan. 16An Albuquerque developer is hoping to bring big city flair to Albuquerque's Uptown area.

Heritage Hotels and Resorts Founder and CEO Jim Long, following the success of Sawmill Market which he developed, is preparing to open Park Square Market in March and has announced plans to build a similar market in Santa Fe.

In contrast to Sawmill, Park Square Market, at 2125 Louisiana NE, will have higher-end retailers, offering customers a "cosmopolitan-style" experience, Long said. Many of the restaurants that will be at Park Square Market are already operating at Sawmill.

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Park Square Market was designed by SOM, previously Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, an international architecture firm whose projects have been featured in Architectural Digest.

"We're creating this really magnificent outdoor space in between these four buildings," Long said.

The new market in Uptown will open in phases. The first buildings to open will be the north and south food halls, which will each host a litany of food shops.

Many of the restaurateurs and retailers at Long's markets are locals looking to break into a new industry. Long said one of his goals with the food halls is to provide a location for aspiring entrepreneurs, cutting down on start-up costs for a standalone restaurant or food truck.

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"These food halls give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a business," Long said.

The east and west buildings will host retail shops that are still being chosen.

"We can facilitate and make dreams come true," Long said. Park Square is looking to fill the retail space with a medical spa and high-end clothing and jewelry shops.

Sights set on SF

While Park Square focuses on a more luxurious approach, a new food hall in Santa Fe will aim for a younger clientele.

"We think that one of the things that Santa Fe needs is spaces that attract a younger demographic," Long said. "We need to create environments that are more family-friendly and that are more favorably priced so the younger generation can enjoy Santa Fe, and we think a food hall accomplishes just that."

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Slated to open in March 2026, the Santa Fe food hall will be located near the Santa Fe Plaza inside the First Interstate Bank building, directly north of the New Mexico History Museum. The food hall hasn't been named.

Concept art shows a food hall with restaurants offering a wide spread of options. Nineteen vendors will be submitting business plans and Long hopes to begin the process of making vendor decisions in the next 45 days.

Developers could be breaking ground within the next month or so.

"Food is an important part of people's lives," Long said. "There's a real interest in the food culture scene today and so a food hall really celebrates that and really brings young talent together."
In last weeks column, I wrote about the desire to have a winter vacation, where my kids could play in the snow since Tuscaloosa rarely gets any snow that actually sticks.

The column was written during the week, before the snow day on Jan. 10. Obviously, there are some columns that age better than others. I think that one was maybe a premonition. Perhaps it was an answered prayer. Or maybe just luck.

But on Jan. 9, shortly after it was announced that school would be closed Jan. 10 due to winter weather, I packed up my three kids and a friend, along with what seemed like a small mountain of bags filled with coats, scarves and gloves, and we headed north to visit my mom.

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As I wrote in last weeks column, I relished in the snow that we got in Florence, Alabama, when I was growing up. I loved sledding and snow would stick around for a few days. The snow was usually just enough to sled in but it would melt away before we had to actually shovel it or go anywhere. While Tuscaloosa was forecasted to get a dusting on Jan. 10, Florence was predicted to get anywhere from 4-6 inches.

Lydia Seabol Avant. [Staff file photo/The Tuscaloosa News]

The choice was a no-brainer. So away we went, car packed, driving after work in the dark. We got to my moms shortly after 9 p.m. and unpacked the burdened minivan. The kids were excited to be there, playing with my moms dog, talking about the snow that would come the next day. But I soon realized there was something missing.

I unpacked bags of groceries, our suitcases, even bags filled with coats and snow pants that I had ordered last minute. But nowhere in the car was the bag with our rain boots, our gloves or our hats. I started to panic, since I knew the local Target and Wal-Mart had likely been bought out of winter wear with the predicted snow only hours away. I called my husband, who was staying in Tuscaloosa with our dogs, to confirm.

Have you seen a bag filled with boots? I asked him, looking down at my own two feet. I was only wearing ballet flats, hardly appropriate for snow. I wondered, could we wrap our frozen feet in shopping bags, the way my mom did when I was a kid? Should I run to Walmart and buy whatever size rain boots or hiking boots might work for myself and my three kids?

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More: Family dreams of vacation playing in the snow | THE MOM STOP

The bag is still at the top of the stairs, my husband replied.

I couldnt believe it. Or I could believe it, because usually I am so careful about packing that I do a last walk through in the house to make sure we get everything, and I usually pack for everyone in the family. However, we were in a time crunch, and I didnt check upstairs. I had sent my 13-year-old son in for a last-minute grab for a phone charger, and I didnt think to check to make sure we had packed all the bags.

I grabbed my keys, my purse and was driving toward Walmart with only an hour before they closed before my husband called me back and told me to turn around. He was already on his way to Florence, a 2.5 hour drive, with the missing bag in tow. He would arrive just shortly after midnight, just as the snow was expected to start, but wed have our snow gear for our kids snow day.

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The kicker was, he had to work the next day, so he drove straight back to Tuscaloosa, arriving after 3 a.m. Thankfully, he made the trip safely. Im so thankful that, despite me telling him to stay home, he drove a five-hour roundtrip just so his kids would be dressed appropriately to play in the snow.

And play in the snow is exactly what we did. We went sledding two days in a row. We built snowmen, one almost as tall as my 15-year-old daughter. We drank hot apple cider and made snow angels, and the kids remarked how it was the most snow they had ever seen. It likely was.

But the true hero of the day was their daddy, who drove five hours round trip, just to make sure that his family got the snow day that we had all hoped for.

Lydia Seabol Avant writes The Mom Stop for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at momstopcolumn@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: How my husband became the snow day hero | THE MOM STOP
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  A man has died in a shooting that happened at the North Hills shopping plaza Friday morning.

Around 11 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4300 block of Circle at North Hills Street.

In a press conference around 12:50 p.m., Raleigh police said that a man entered the Coquette restaurant in North Hills and shot another individual and that person died. Police said that the shooting suspect then shot himself and is now in critical condition.

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A third man standing nearby was struck and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Police believe that this was not a random incident.

In a photo provided to CBS 17, a sheet can be seen covering what appears to be a body near the intersection Dartmouth and Six Forks roads.

RPD police presence at North Hills RPD police presence at North Hills RPD police presence at North Hills (Hattman / CBS 17) Shooting at North Hills (Hattman / CBS 17) Hattman/CBS 17 Shooting on North Hills (Dave Hattman/CBS 17) Heavy police presence at North Hills from shooting (Dave Hattman / CBS 17)

All schools in the area, including Brooks Magnet Elementary School, Carroll Magnet Middle School, Douglas Magnet Elementary School, Green Magnet Elementary School and Aldert Root Elementary School are currently on code green after being on lockdown due to the incident, according to Wake County Public School System officials.

Employees at Finks Jewelers in the North Hills plaza said that they are also currently on lockdown. Employees at Edible Art Bakery said that police have instructed that no one can go in or out of their establishments at this time.

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We were sitting outside like we normally do and we saw police outside so we locked the door. We havent been able to reach anybody for when we can leave, a sales associate from Bonobos said.

In a post on X (formally Twitter) North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said, I have talked with [Raleigh Police] Chief Patterson and offered whatever assistance she may need from the state. For the time being, please stay away from the area and stay tuned to local law enforcement for more information.

There is no threat to the public at this time, according to officers.

Police said that Six Forks Road is closed around the North Hills area for the investigation. Traffic headed south should detour on Northbrook Drive to Interstate 440. Traffic headed north should take Falls of Neuse Road.

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The public has been advised to avoid the area as officers investigate the area.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A person was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in northeast Charlotte early Friday morning.

ALSO READ: 1 seriously hurt in north Charlotte shooting, MEDIC says

MEDIC confirmed they responded to a call about a reported shooting on Barrington Drive just after 4 a.m.

Officials said the victim has serious injuries.

Were asking the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department what led to the violence and if they have anyone in custody.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

(VIDEO: Detectives investigate homicide in northeast Charlotte)




A recent study by Rocket Moving analyzed cities across all 50 U.S states, revealing the places that people should probably consider moving out of. The study looked at seven factors to base that on, including crime rates, cost of living, unemployment and even Google searches for moving out.

Discover More: 3 Best States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Experts

Consider This: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

Here are the top 10 cities where Americans are staying put despite financial, social and environmental factors suggesting they consider other options:

ChrisBoswell / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Camden, New Jersey

Composite score: 100.0

Personal income: $767,174

Level of crime: 87.50

Air quality index: 52

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 4.7

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 140,000

Population change from 2020 to 2024: 53

Cost of living index: 114.1

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Camden comes in as the top city Americans should move out of. Yet, despite it having a high crime rate and the third-highest unemployment rate, the population actually grew between 2020 and 2024.

Read More: 10 Dangerous Cities You Shouldnt Buy a Home in No Matter the Price

For You: 8 Places Where Houses Are Suddenly Major Bargains

ChrisBoswell / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Cleveland

Composite score: 98.5

Personal income: $731,787

Level of crime: 73.77

Air quality index: 75

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 4.5

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 152,600

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -10,199

Cost of living index: 94.0

Cleveland has seen a mass exodus, with over 10,000 residents leaving in the last few years. With a crime rate pushing 74 and unemployment at 4.5%, its clear why. But for those who havent left, the combination of economic stagnation and social decline makes for a tough situation.

Be Aware: 50 Cities With the Poorest Middle Class in America: From a $25K to $40K Income

benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Rockford, Illinois

Composite score: 98.3

Personal income: $911,804

Level of crime: 82.09

Air quality index: 55

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 5.2

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 200,200

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -1,019

Cost of living index: 90.8

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Rockfords got the highest unemployment rate on this list at 5.2%, and crime isnt any better, sitting at 82.09. Add to that over 200,000 Google searches for moving out and its clear the city has plenty of residents looking to leave.

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Stockton, California

Composite score: 97.8

Personal income: $3,218,470

Level of crime: 84.91

Air quality index: 46

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 4.9

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 487,200

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -172

Cost of living index: 134.5

Stockton may be in California, but life here is anything but glamorous. Crime remains high, and with nearly 500,000 searches for moving out and an unemployment rate close to 5%, Stockton is struggling despite its hefty personal income figures.

amolson7 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

St. Louis

Composite score: 95.4

Personal income: $390,378

Level of crime: 84.32

Air quality index: 59

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.8

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 96,600

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -7,186

Cost of living index: 88.4

St. Louis has seen over 7,000 residents leave since 2020, and with a crime rate of 84.32, its not surprising. Though unemployment is lower than some cities on this list, St. Louis still struggles with social and economic challenges that make it a hard place to stay.

Trending Now: 5 Types of Homes Expected To Plummet in Value by the End of 2025

Davel5957 / iStock.com

Pueblo, Colorado

Composite score: 95.0

Personal income: $478,444

Level of crime: 75.09

Air quality index: 17

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.9

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 175,000

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -23

Cost of living index: 105.5

Pueblo offers great air quality, but not much else. The cost of living is creeping up, and the crime rate is high, which could make residents think twice about staying.

gcgebel / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Honolulu

Composite score: 94.7

Personal income: $96,950

Level of crime: 51.63

Air quality index: 42

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 2.9

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 37,800

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -9,017

Cost of living index: 179.0

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Honolulu might look like paradise, but it comes at a price  literally. With a cost of living index of 179.0, living in Honolulu is far from affordable. Even with low crime and unemployment rates, over 9,000 residents have left since 2020.

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

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Macon, Georgia

Composite score: 92.5

Personal income: $668,464

Level of crime: 86.23

Air quality index: 42

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.4

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 217,000

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -3,364

Cost of living index: 91.0

Macons crime rate (86.23) is one of the highest on this list, and over 3,000 residents have left in recent years. While the cost of living is relatively low, the crime situation makes Macon a tough place to stay.

Read More: 8 Places Where Houses Are Suddenly Major Bargains

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Baltimore

Composite score: 92.1

Personal income: $469,899

Level of crime: 86.84

Air quality index: 56

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 2.8

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 96,600

Population change from 2020 to 2024: -6,659

Cost of living index: 119.5

Baltimores low unemployment rate doesnt make up for its high crime. With a crime rate of 86.84 and a population drop of over 6,000, residents may be concerned about safety. The cost of living doesnt help either, pushing more people to look for a way out.

halbergman / Getty Images

Springfield, Massachusetts

Composite score: 91.4

Personal income: $628,992

Level of crime: 85.82

Air quality index: 48

Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.5

Searches for Moving out of [city]: 96,600

Population change from 2020 to 2024: 649

Cost of living index: 148.4

Springfield rounds out the list with a high cost of living (148.4) and a crime rate of 85.82. Despite these challenges, the city actually gained some residents  649, to be exact. But with costs so high, its hard to see that trend continuing.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Cities Americans Should Leave (But They Arent)
Ten Democrats in the Senate voted Friday to advance the Laken Riley Act, teeing up a final vote in the upper chamber.

The Democratic supporters were Sens. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Mark Warner (Va.), and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.). Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) did not cast votes.

The bill would require federal detention for immigrants without legal status who are accused of theft, burglary and assaulting a law enforcement officer, among other things. It is named after Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant who has since been convicted of murder in the case.

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Although Fetterman didnt vote Friday, he is a cosponsor of the bill.

The senator had to be in Pennsylvania for a family obligation. He looks forward to voting for final passage on Monday, a spokesperson for Fetterman said.

Gallego and Kelly have also been outspoken about illegal immigrations impact on the Sun State, and theyve signaled they are open to working with the Trump administration to swiftly address the issue once hes in the White House.

Fetterman has made a number of bipartisan overtures amid the Biden-Trump transition, paying a visit to President-elect Trump in Florida and earning praise from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

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Fetterman defended his support for the Laken Riley Act in an interview Tuesday with Fox News.

If youre here illegally and youre committing crimes and those things, I dont know why anybody thinks that its controversial that they all need to go, he stated.

Updated at 1:31 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 The Hill.
A 13-year-old girl was found unconscious in a ditch following a hit-and-run crash in a New England town earlier this week, authorities said.

Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian in the area of Worster Road in Eliot, Maine, just before 4 p.m. on Wednesday discovered the unconscious teen and recovered vehicle debris, according to Eliot Police Sgt. Ron Lund.

The girl was rushed to Portsmouth Regional Hospital to be treated for her injuries.

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After canvassing the neighborhood, Lund said officers tracked down the vehicle in question and arrested 82-year-old Leon Benton in connection with the crash.

Benton is facing a charge of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, according to Lund. He is due in court in April.

We thank the community for their assistance and support during this investigation. Our thoughts are with the young victim and her family as they navigate this difficult time, Lund said in a statement shared on Facebook.

An investigation is ongoing.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Approximately 140 Illinois National Guard (ILNG) members will be in Washington D.C. on Monday for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, ILNG officials announced.

The state National Guard members will be deploying to Washington on federal orders to support security operations. About 110 soldiers and 30 airmen from the ILNG will be there.

Supporting the presidential inauguration is a great opportunity for the Illinois National Guard to be part of history and represent the state of Illinois, said Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. Our soldiers and airmen are highly trained, and I have full confidence in their abilities to support the local and federal agencies as needed.

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Springfield man sentenced for punching USPS worker

The detachment from Illinois will include 100 military police soldiers from the 933rd Military Police Company based in Fort Sheridan, and about 30 security forces airmen from the 183rd Wing based in Springfield, the 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base and the 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria.

These troops will conduct site security in support of the federal task force.

There will also be some service members present from the 5th Civil Support Team (CST) based in Bartonville and the 126th Air Refueling Wing. All the soldiers and airmen will be on duty for approximately 10 days.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
With the 2025 session underway, Colorado Politics caught up with Senate Majority Leader James Coleman on his priorities and expectations. The answers have been slightly edited.

Colorado Politics: What is your top priority for this session?

James Coleman: My top priority for this session is to support the members of the Senate to the best of my ability. I am not just the President of the Senate Democrats, Im President of the Senate. We have so much important work to do over the next few months, and its critical that every member, regardless of political affiliation, can come to the Capitol well-prepared and well-supported to do the work.

CP: What is your caucus's top priority for this session?

Coleman: Stronger communities for all Coloradans. That means communities safe from violence and crime, communities where you can afford to live where you work and where going to the doctor doesnt break the bank, and communities that embrace diversity and freedom.

CP: Given the state's budgetary constraints, how will you manage your caucus's expectations and the governor's expectations?

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Coleman: We have known about this years budget challenges for the better part of a year. Having seen those warning signs, we have been having, and will continue to have conversations with our caucus about what will be realistic this year. I applaud Senators (Jeff) Bridges and (Judy) Amabiles leadership as they work to balance our budget, and all of our expectations.

CP: How would you characterize your relationship with lawmakers on the other side of the aisle?

Coleman: Collaborative, respectful. The Senate has a long tradition of collaboration and shared respect between all of its members, on both sides of the aisle. Thats a tradition Im proud to carry forward as I begin my tenure as Senate President.

CP: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the session?

Coleman: There are two main things I hope to accomplish by the end of session. The first is coming out on the other side of a tough budget year having protected the essential services Coloradans rely on and passing legislation thats going to make a difference. The second is doing that together  with members from both sides of the aisle, urban and rural areas, folks with ideas across all parts of the political spectrum.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old man in connection to a deadly shooting in Kansas City in October 2024.

Mikael Hickman-Perry is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers were responding to a medical call just after 5:30 a.m. on Oct. 24, 2024, in the area of East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue.

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When officers arrived on the scene, they located the victim with apparent blood on his face, hands and shoes suffering from apparent trauma to his head next to two trash cans. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Christopher Avila, was pronounced dead at the scene.

KC man pleads guilty to calling in false threat at government building

Hickman-Perry, who was 17 at the time of the incident, was taken into custody.

Witnesses on the scene described hearing an argument and then multiple gunshots.

Security cameras showed a red/orange Jeep Renegade arrive on scene and then its seen leaving the scene.

Family of the victim said he was last seen leaving a residence with Hickman-Perry, who is known to drive a red/orange Jeep.

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Detectives later located the suspect vehicle, which appeared to have blood splatter on the ceiling. Large amounts of blood was also found on the inside with signs that someone was trying to clean it, court documents say. A person he was with started acting crazy. Hickman-Perry then told her that everything went left but would not elaborate on what that meant.

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The Jackson County Medical Examiner found lacerations and gun muzzle strike marks on the left side of the victims scalp during the body exam, according to court documents. The victim also suffered two apparent gunshot wounds, one to the center of the back and one grazing the left shoulder.

Hickman-Perry is being held on a $100,000 bond.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police arrested a 19-year-old accused of murder in connection to a deadly shooting in Portlands Old Town Neighborhood in September, authorities said.

FBI: New info on Vancouver, Portland ballot box fires

On Jan. 9, Malachi Martin was arrested in connection to last years shooting death of 21-year-old Malik Wilkerson.

Police say Malik Wilkerson, 21, was killed in a shooting in Downtown Portland on Sept. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB)

The incident happened on Sept. 4, just after 3:30 a.m., when Portland police responded to reports of a shooting near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Ankeny Street.

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Upon arriving at the scene, officers were told the victim  later identified as Wilkerson  was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. Police said he later died at the hospital from his injuries.

The Medical Examiner confirmed he died of homicide by gunshot wound.

Martin was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on second-degree murder charges.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Two people were arrested after deputies in West Baton Rouge Parish found drugs in a hotel room.

According to the sheriffs office, Derwin Oubre, 36, of Plaquemine, and Latreeka Comeaux, 34, of Baton Rouge, were identified as suspects in a drug investigation.

WBRSO deputies started an investigation on Jan. 4 into a suspected drug operation from a rented room at the Audubon Inn in Port Allen. Deputies made controlled purchases of heroin from Comeaux, which led to her immediate arrest.

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Deputies were granted a search warrant for the room, and Oubre was taken into custody. The following items were found:

275 grams of marijuana.

76 grams of methamphetamine.

5 grams of cocaine.

3.5 Xanax pills.

3 grams of heroin.

2 bottles of Quinine (cutting agent).

1 bottle of Inositol (cutting agent).

4 digital scales.

3 cell phones.

1 roll of cannabis RX prescription stickers.

boxes of plastic bags.

Oubre was booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center and charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug, possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule III drug, possession of a Schedule I drug, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Comeaux was booked and charged with two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug, possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule III drug and three counts of possession of a Schedule I drug.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two people have been arrested in connection to a Lakewood shooting that killed a 26-year-old woman.

On Friday, the Lakewood Police Department said 25-year-old Flor Contreras and 27-year-old Menelson Leonel Ramirez were taken into custody.

The shooting happened on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of Kendall Street. When agents arrived at the area, they found a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was taken to a local hospital where she died.

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Lakewood police identified the victim as 26-year-old Nairelis Junior Castel of Lakewood.

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Following the investigation, Lakewood police arrested Contreras on suspicion of complicity in committing first-degree murder.

As the investigation progressed, police said they identified Ramirez, but he fled the state. He was ultimately arrested in Megargel, Texas, a town northwest of Fort Worth.

Police said Ramirez is awaiting extradition back to Colorado where he is facing a first-degree murder charge.

All of us at the Lakewood Police Department want to thank everyone at the Archer County, Texas Sheriffs Office for their assistance in apprehending Mr. Ramirez, Lakewood police said in a press release.

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It appears all three people knew each other, according to the department.

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Anyone with further information on the case can call 303-980-7300.

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DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Two Hartsville men are in custody after being accused of having materials depicting child sexual abuse, state authorities said.

Michael Thomas Allen, 24, and Wyman Troy Manuel, 55, were booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center after their arrest on Wednesday. Their cases are not related.

They were arrested after Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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Allen allegedly distributed child sexual abuse material, according to the attorney generals office. Manuel allegedly possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

The task force includes investigators from the Darlington County Sheriffs Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service.

Allen was being held on a $40,000 bond on Friday after being charged with two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to online jail records. He faces up to 10 years in prison for each count if convicted.

Manuel was being held on a $50,000 bond on Friday after being charged with five third-degree counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He faces up to 10 years in prison on each count if convicted.

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* * *

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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(KTLA)  Two inmates from Southern California are suspects in a deadly attack on a third inmate at California State Prison (SAC), previously called New Folsom Prison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials announced Thursday.

The violence unfolded in the prisons main exercise yard just after 5 p.m. on Jan. 15, according to a CDCR news release.

Prison officials said that officers responded as two inmates, identified as 32-year-old Cody Taylor and 58-year-old David Gomez, attacked 36-year-old Mario Campbell, quickly stopping the violence with one application of chemical agents.

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The victim was rushed to a hospital outside the prison where he was declared dead by a physician just before 6:30 p.m.

At the scene of the attack in the exercise yard, officers located three improvised weapons, the release detailed.

Mario Campbell, 36. (CDCR) Cody R. Taylor, 32. (CDCR) David M. Gomez, 58. (CDCR)

Both Taylor and Gomez were put in restricted housing after prison officials launched a homicide investigation.

Sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for penetration with force against a victims will, Campbell was transferred to SAC in October 2009, officials said. The 36-year-old was also convicted of false imprisonment, a felon in possession of a firearm and first-degree burglary and robbery among several other offenses.

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Mud, debris slide splits hillside home that survived Palisades Fire in half

Taylor, who was most recently sentenced to life with the possibility of parole in Sacramento County for first-degree murder among other violent offenses, was transferred to SAC from Ventura County in May 2013.

Originally transferred to SAC from Los Angeles County in April 1998 for rape, oral copulation with force and first-degree burglary, he was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. In January 2021, he was convicted in Monterey County for first-degree murder and another violent offense and was again sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.

California State Prison in Sacramento County opened in 1986 and houses more than 2,200 medium, maximum and high-security inmates.

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A Metrolink train struck a car in the City of Industry on Thursday morning, killing two people inside the vehicle, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed.

Metrolink Train 407 hit a white Toyota Camry on the tracks near the intersection of Rose Hills Road and Capitol Avenue, killing Grecia Garcia Sofia, 19; and Pamela Gutierrez Guizar, 47, according to L.A. County medical examiner records. The train was traveling between the Industry and Montebello/Commerce stations when it struck the car at 8 a.m. Thursday, according to Metrolink.

Two other people were taken to a hospital with moderate injuries, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Authorities didn't say how they were involved in the accident.

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Five train passengers reported non-life-threatening injuries from the crash, according to Metrolink. Though two trains were canceled after the accident, the agency said, customers were offered transportation alternatives and the schedule for the rest of Thursday was not affected.

It was not clear how the car ended up in the path of the oncoming train. Authorities said an investigation is ongoing.

Last October, a pedestrian was killed on Metrolink tracks between Lancaster and Palmdale. The accident occurred in an area without a crossing.

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CANTON, Ohio (WKBN)  Two kids who were reported missing out of Ohio in October were recently found in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Read next: Extreme cold watch issued for local counties

According to a release from U.S. Marshals, the children, ages 8 and 9, from Canton, were reported missing in October by a family member. Reports state the childrens mother stopped taking her mental health medication, abandoned her apartment, and the children stopped attending school.

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The missing children, along with their mother, were tracked to Denver, Colorado, London, a remote fishing village in Iceland and then finally the capital Reykjavik, where they were apprehended in a hotel by Icelandic Police.

The collaboration of effort in this case cant be understated, said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott. The ability to respond and recover these children abroad is an extremely difficult task. Our investigators did an outstanding job. We are lucky to have such strong and dedicated law enforcement partners and credit should be given to them for helping bring these children home.

The children were placed in the care of social services until a family member could get them, the Marshals say. Their mother was placed in a hospital where she will remain until she is well enough to travel back to the U.S. according to the Marshals Service.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided financial support to reunite the children with family in the US and return them home.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Two Rhode Island men have been convicted on Friday of murdering a pregnant woman and dumping her body in a Coventry pond.

Gary Gromkiewicz, 37, and Michael Lambert, 47, were found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the killing of 34-year-old Leila Duarte Da Luz.

RECAP: Juries deliberate fate of men accused in pregnant womans murder

Da Luzs body was discovered on the morning of Dec. 21, 2022, by a fisherman at Carbuncle Pond. Investigators determined her cause of death to be a combination of blunt force injuries and drowning. At the time of her death, she was eight to ten weeks pregnant with Gromkiewiczs child.

Pictured: Leila Duarte Da Luz

The trial, which spanned ten days, featured separate juries for Gromkiewicz and Lambert as each defendant was tried concurrently. Prosecutors presented digital data, witness testimony, and forensic evidence proving they coordinated the murder and attempted to cover their tracks.

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Investigators traced their movements before and after the killing, from Brockton, Massachusetts, through Rhode Islandincluding the Buttonwoods section of Warwick, several gas stations, and ultimately Carbuncle Pond, where Da Luz was abandoned after being brutally attacked.

Court records show this is Lamberts second murder conviction. In 1994, he and another man brutally beat and killed a homeless man.

Target 12 previously reported that a unanimous parole board voted to release him in 2019, but he remained in prison until March 2022just nine months before he and Gromkiewicz killed Da Luz. The two men reportedly met at the ACI while Gromkiewicz was serving time for a felony weapons charge.

MORE: RI man accused of killing pregnant woman paroled just months earlier

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[Leila] was a young woman who had immigrated from Cape Verde. She was well-educated. She had dreams. She had aspirations. She had hopes. But they were snuffed out during the early morning hours of December 21, Prosecutor Stephen Dambruch said during closing arguments Thursday.

Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on March 28.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Two Warren women are facing charges after police say they arrested one of them and charged the other after they showed up drunk at a gas station, according to a police report.

Read next: Howland-native actor pleads guilty to amended charges in assault case

Makayla Murray, 21, is charged with OVI, child endangering, obstructing official business and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors. Bridgett Plant, 25, is charged with endangering children, obstructing official business and disorderly conduct, also all misdemeanors.

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An officer on patrol around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday on Mahoning Avenue noticed the women get out of an SUV to pump gas and thought that they appeared impaired, including Murray, who was the driver, according to a police report.

When officers tried to investigate, they said Murray tried to push Plant toward the SUV to get her inside so she couldnt talk to officers, the report said. At that time, officers noted an infant in the back seat of the vehicle that belonged to Plant.

Police said Murray was unsteady on her feet, smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and had urinated in her pants, the report said.

Murray failed a field sobriety test, was arrested and en route to the Trumbull County Jail, she threw up, the report stated.

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The child was turned over to a family member.

Police added in the report that due to Plant being impaired to a point she could barely stand and Murray driving while intoxicated, the child was placed at extreme risk of physical harm.

Both women pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Thursday. Both are due back in court on Jan. 30.

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The woman arrested for allegedly starting the Highland Lakes fire outside of Divide in October has a long-documented history of mental illness in several criminal cases.

Lacey Tillitt, 77, also referred to as Lowa Tillitt in court records, was arrested by the Teller County Sheriff's Office on Thursday on suspicion of felony arson, according to a news release.

The release states that Tillitt knowingly set fire to her own home northwest of Divide and that because of her actions "over 700 homes were threatened, the entirety of the Highland Lakes area was evacuated, and the surrounding neighborhoods were put on pre-evacuation orders."

The Highland Lakes fire started Oct. 28 and was 100% contained Nov. 2. It burned 166 acres and forced more than 700 households to be evacuated. The homes represented $300 million in value, and more than 2,000 people were displaced, Teller Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.

This is not the first time that Tillitt has been in trouble with law enforcement, including several recent incidents in the months leading up to the fire.

According to court documents from Greene County, Mo., Tillitt was the subject of an injunction in a case in which she was accused of threatening a man over an insurance dispute.

According to the petition for a temporary restraining order, Tillitt was accused of calling several employees of the American National Property and Casualty Co. over the phone and making threats, including threatening to kill one employee and his family, as well as making threats to burn down an affiliate office, ANPAC, in Galveston, Texas.

Some of the threats documented in the petition include:

"The world is gonna know when I get done with you."

"You get somebody on this phone right now who has some clout, or I'm gonna start shooting people."

The petition notes that Tillitt traveled to the ANPAC affiliate office in Galveston but was "repelled by security personnel," and later traveled to the ANPAC office in Missouri on Aug. 26, 2024, and refused to leave until the Springfield Police Department arrived.

The petition states that Tillitt's continued threats  which began in February 2024 and continued up until the filing of the temporary restraining order in August  stemmed from a contested homeowner and property insurance claim between Tillitt and the other party.

Court records show Tillitt was served with a summons in the injunction case by the Teller County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 15. The case was closed on Dec. 20, according to court records, after a Greene County, Mo., judge ruled that Tillitt is "permanently enjoined from entering near or on the plaintiff ANPAC's premises."

Disputes over Tillitt's home, which is believed by law enforcement to be what started the Highland Lakes fire, have taken place locally in the months leading up to the fire.

Five days before Tillitt is alleged to have started the fire, a Teller County judge ruled against Tillitt and forced the sale of the home at 13 Beaver Lake Circle in Divide.

Tillitt also has had several criminal cases filed over more than a decade in Teller County, with nearly all of the cases including concerns about Tillitt's mental health and competency.

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According to court records, Tillitt was arrested by the Sheriff's Office and faces charges of misdemeanor harassment and obstructing a peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical service provider.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette, sheriff's officers were dispatched to Tillitt's home on June 7 for a welfare check because Tillitt had made "over 17 phone calls" to the Teller County Department of Human Services.

Ralph Parsons, with Teller DHS, told law enforcement that Tillitt "abused the hotline and tied up the lines for a period of over four hours," and that Tillitt threatened suicide and was hostile and rude to DHS workers in the phone calls.

Court records show that Tillitt's case remains open, and that a motion for a competency evaluation was ordered on Aug. 11, with a court order for a competency evaluation to be conducted two days later. A records request for the motion for competency evaluation was denied by the Teller County court records department.

Records show that after the fire, Tillitt failed to appear to two court dates for her misdemeanor case, one in December and another on Monday.

Tillitt is scheduled to make her next appearance connected to her misdemeanor case in 4th Judicial District court on Wednesday.

In 2020, Tillitt was arrested by the Teller Sheriff's Office with accusations of similar vulgar language and concerns about the woman's mental health.

An affidavit for that arrest details that on Feb. 5, 2020, a deputy was dispatched to U.S. 24 to check on the welfare of a woman, later identified as Tillitt, who was walking alongside the highway alone.

When approached, Tillitt refused help and stated she "was walking and was going to continue walking until she froze to death."

"No just let me freeze and die. No one cares," Tillitt told the deputy.

The deputy told her she was not allowed to leave because of her statements of self-harm. The affidavit details that the deputy was holding onto Tillitt's arm when she kicked his shin, and he arrested Tillitt.

In that incident Tillitt was charged with second-degree assault and misdemeanor resisting arrest and booked in jail on a $10,000 bond, though court records show the case was dismissed less than two weeks later.

In 2015 court records show that Tillitt was found guilty at trial of one count of misdemeanor assault in Adams County, and was sentenced to 12 months probation.

In 2013, court records show Tillitt pleaded guilty to one count of felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon and was initially sentenced to three years probation. However, records show Tillitt failed on probation and was later sentenced to 90 days in jail.

In the menacing case, which began in 2011, court records show that a mental health stay was ordered in both the 2012 and 2013 cases.

Records show Tillitt failed to appear in court several times in both criminal cases.

Jail records show that Tillitt was booked in Teller County jail on Thursday afternoon and faces a $50,000 bond to be released. She does not have a court date scheduled at the time of writing.
Nearly two dozen people and several house pets were displaced after a blaze at a multi-family residence in East Boston Thursday night.

According to officials, the fire broke out on the rear porches of 74 Prescott Street around 6 p.m.

Arriving companies had trouble accessing the flames in the back of the property. Firefighters ordered a 2-alarm response to gain control of the fire, eventually knocking it down.

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There were no reports of any injuries, but officials say 20 people, 2 cats and a bird were displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced with hotels.

District Chief Paul Ristino estimated the damage to the building to be upwards of $200,000.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Firefighters arrived at 74 Prescott in E Boston to fire showing from rear porches with very limited access. The 2nd alarm was struck to gain control of the attached 3 family pic.twitter.com/pnaT5zK31E  Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 16, 2025

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Travel within Africa is notoriously difficult and cumbersome, with delayed flights and long stopovers par for the course. Yet, with several major positions in African multilateral organizations becoming vacant this year, African diplomats will be expected to brave these obstacles and others as they crisscross the continent to lobby states for their preferred candidates. In February, the African Union will name the new members of its commission, including a successor to term-limited Moussa Faki, from Chad, as its chair. And in June, the African Development Bank, or AfDB, will name its ninth president to replace Nigerias Akinwunmi Adesina, who leaves after two terms in office.

These transitions will occur amid a fairly disruptive period in regional and global politics. Africa is a very different place than it was when Faki and Adesina took office a little over a decade ago. Great powers continue to seek influence on the continent, while forces within Africa push back via anti-neocolonial movements and governments amid a return to Pan-Africanism but also threats to democracy in the form of military coups. At the same time, Western states are increasingly turning inward. On Jan. 20, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House, with all the uncertainty that entails. And recent elections across Europe have seen the rise of parties advocating for more nationalist policies.

By contrast, African states have seldom had the luxury of looking inward, for a variety of reasons. Contiguous borders mean they need to keep tabs on any policy changes enacted by their neighbors in multiple directions. This interdependence has also led to a proliferation of regional economic communities, often overlapping, which means African states are often committed to several multilateral treaties and agreements at the same time. Furthermore, the fact that many ethnic groups and families straddle borders is a factor that states must actively consider when devising and carrying out policies.

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At their core, the AU and AfDB are the embodiment of Pan-African ideals of collaboration, solidarity and unity, the overarching structures into which the regional blocs fit. However, as organizations, they remain vulnerable to internal dysfunction that often renders them unable to work effectively. How African diplomats resolve these tensions in the coming years appointments will have a significant impact on how well these organizations are able to meet African populations aspirations.

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AU Commission

Whoever succeeds Faki as chair of the AU Commission will remain hobbled by the same issues that affected him and his predecessors. Heads of government across the region prefer to maintain active oversight over the blocs foreign policy, limiting the chairs de facto secretary-general role to more secretary than general. Moreover, the chair does not nominate or have direct oversight over the commissioners he or she must manage, since the entire commission is elected by the heads of state. Several recent episodessuch as the controversy over Fakis decision to grant Israel observer status in the AU in 2021, which was ultimately suspended and revoked due to member state objectionsshow the limitation of the commission chairs power in this regard.

The position has also become a convenient way for heads of state to reward proteges or rid themselves, at least temporarily, of their domestic rivals, regardless of their particular aptitude for the job. From the looks of how this years contest is shaping up, it appears Kenyan President William Ruto is poised to try to take a page out of this particular playbook. Ruto is supporting the bid of Raila Odinga, whom Ruto defeated in Kenyas 2022 presidential election, for the AUs top job. Should their alliance of convenience be successful, Odingas absence from the domestic scene will no doubt help Ruto, who faces low approval ratings at the midpoint of his term.

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Kenyas considerable diplomatic heft means Odinga must be considered the favorite for the position of AU chair. But at 80 years old, he might struggle to display the necessary energy required for the role, let alone be a fair representative of a continent whose population is overwhelmingly young. Moreover, his rivals, from Djibouti and Madagascar, remain competitive in a race that has historically favored Africas smaller states. In particular, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djiboutis foreign minister, has drawn the backing of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation27 of whose members are in Africaand might become a strong alternative to the heavyweight candidates, in the way Faki was against Senegals Abdoulaye Bathily and Kenyas Amina Mohamed when he first won the position in 2017.

Attention must also be given to the AUs rotating leadership of heads of state and government, which has historically wielded more power in the organization. In recent years, the leaders of South Africa, Rwanda and even Comoros have displayed deft diplomacy to actively steer the bodys response to global issues. This precedent of the AU Commission being relegated to a secondary role means that heads of state are often prone to see the chair as disposable, rather than the coordinating power it should be.

This year Angola will assume the rotating leadership position, meaning Angolan President Joao Lourenco will jostle with the incoming chair for prominence. That will take on added significance due to the AU transition occurring during South Africas rotating presidency of the G20, forcing the AU to quickly determine which of its leading figures is best primed to represent the continent in the global body. Bilateral and regional dynamics between Angola and South Africa, with its hegemonic ambitions, as well as both of their relationships with the new AU Commission and chair will determine how quickly and effectively the AU will leverage this new role.

AfDB Presidency

Another keenly followed contest on the continent this year is the AfDB presidency. Here, Trumps return to the U.S. presidency will play a major role, as the U.S. is the banks second-largest shareholderafter Nigeriaand therefore controls significant voting shares. In 2020, toward the end of Trumps first term, his administration sought to leverage accusations of ethics improprieties against Adesina to block his re-election. The charges against him ranged from favoring Nigerians in appointments to undue payoffs for departing staff members. Despite his exoneration by an investigative panel, then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin sent a letter insisting on further review. Adesina was eventually cleared to run as the sole candidate and was re-elected to a second and final term.

Leadership transitions in the U.S. and Europe might receive more attention, but upcoming changes at the AU and AfDB will have a significant impact on a continent that is increasingly becoming an active player in global affairs.

Trumps administration sought to block Adesinas re-election for several reasons. First, then-World Bank President David Malpass, a Trump appointee, had criticized what he called the AfDBs unsustainable lending practices as a contributing factor to stifling debt loads in emerging markets, a charge that Adesina and the AfDB strongly denied. Second, Adesina appeared unwilling to criticize increased Chinese investment in Africa and reportedly told a U.S. audience, Do not be overly concerned about Chinas presence in Africa economically. Be more concerned about Americas absence. In the face of the Trump administrations stand-off with China, this would not have been well received.

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At the time, the Trump administrations opposition to Adesina in the face of consensus support among the AfDBs African member states was perceived as a U.S. effort to bar the way for an African candidate. A similar dynamic arose when the Trump administration tried to block another Nigerian, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from becoming director-general of the World Trade Organization later that year. Okonjo-Iwealas re-election as WTO head in November 2024 was reportedly sped up to avoid a similar delay, or veto, by the incoming second Trump administration.

Against this backdrop, the selection of the next AfDB president will be keenly monitored from all directions. South Africa has already decided to jettison Zambias Munzele Maimbo, who was Malpass chief of staff at the World Bank and the candidate of the Southern African bloc, in favor of its own Swazi Tshabalala, who resigned as the banks senior vice president in order to run for the top job. Besides these two candidates, six others have emerged with multiple bloc endorsements. The nature of the banks voting shares, with 60 percent held by African countries and 40 percent by donor countries, means that the contest will likely be shaped by the views of the non-African partner countries as well.

Why It All Matters

Leadership transitions in the U.S. and Europe might receive more attention, but these upcoming changes in African multilateral organizations will have a significant impact on a continent that is increasingly becoming an active player in global affairs. From immigration policies to asserting their numerical weight as a bloc in international bodies, African states diplomacy at the continental level cannot be simply ignored. But these changes will come in the middle of an already tumultuous year in continental diplomacy, including the departure of three states from West Africas regional bloc ECOWAS, amid efforts for more collaboration.

There is a tendency to dismiss many of these discussions as affecting only the continents elite, who rely on these diplomatic networks to shuttle around the world in pursuit of their global dealings. Regional blocs have long been accused of being presidents clubs and even trade unions for heads of state, while failing to address the challenges facing the millions of citizens they claim to serve. Rising discontent on display in domestic elections is mirrored in the lack of active engagement in the selection of the continents next top diplomat and the expectation that it will be all for nought.

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But the obvious counterargument is that at a time when the world is taking a turn toward more insularity, effective leadership can make the difference between Africa continuing to squander its enormous human capital and leveraging it for a more ambitious future. If the continents multilateral organizations are to survivelet alone maintain relevancelong enough to see a generational change, then accountability on the next picks is essential, and that begins with popular engagement with the process.

Beyond the continents shores, African diplomacy will continue to play an outsized role. Ghanas Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will resume her role as secretary-general of the Commonwealth, adding to the number of Africans in key roles in global organizations. African states will also press their case for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, though this is another topic that a Trump administration is unlikely to support. And further out on the horizon, Amina Mohammed, a British-born Nigerian who is currently U.N. deputy secretary-general, appears to be in consideration for the top job when Secretary-General Antonio Guterres steps down in 2026.

All of these appointments will ultimately be tested and judged by their interaction with an increasingly multipolar world. Trump is not likely to press for more U.S. engagement with Africa, which leaves space for China and other powers to step in, for better and for worse. Increasing anti-French sentiment in the Sahel, including the expected closure of several military bases, will poll well for leaders who have yet to find sustainable solutions to lingering security challenges. And as countries grapple with immigration and economic challenges, development aid and its expected conditions might become more stringent.

It is through this world that Africas top diplomats will need to help steer the continent, and the impact of their actionsor inactionwill be widely felt.

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Afolabi Adekaiyaoja is a writer, researcher and political analyst from Nigeria who writes on democracy, elections, geopolitics and institutions in West Africa. He can be followed on Twitter at @adekaiyaoja.

The post 2025 Will Be a Year of Change for Africas Continental Leadership appeared first on World Politics Review.
PETUSHKI, Russia (AP)  Three lawyers who once represented the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were convicted by a court Friday as part of the Kremlins crackdown on dissent that has reached levels unseen since Soviet times.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser were already in custody and were given sentences ranging from 3 1/2 to five years by a court in the town of Petushki, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Moscow. They were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with extremist groups, as Navalnys networks were deemed by authorities.

The case was widely seen as a way to increase pressure on the opposition to discourage defense lawyers from taking political cases.

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The U.S. State Department condemned the sentences against the lawyers who were simply doing their jobs to ensure a political prisoner was afforded his right to legal representation, turning defense lawyers into political prisoners themselves, said spokesman Matthew Miller.

He called it yet another example of the persecution of defense lawyers by the Kremlin in its effort to undermine human rights, subvert the rule of law, and suppress dissent, and urged the government to release all political prisoners immediately.

At the time of his death last year in an Arctic penal colony, Navalny was serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including extremism.

The independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that Kobzev said in his final statement in court on Jan. 10 that we are being tried for transmitting Navalny's thoughts to other people.

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The independent Russian news outlet Mediazona reported three journalists attending the sentencing were detained and taken to a police station.

Navalny's networks were deemed extremist following a 2021 ruling that outlawed his organizations  the Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of regional offices  as extremist groups.

That ruling, which exposed anyone involved with the organizations to prosecution, was condemned by Kremlin critics as politically motivated and designed to stifle Navalnys activities.

According to Navalnys allies, authorities accused the lawyers of using their position to pass information from him to his team.

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Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and outspoken opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested in 2021 upon his return from Germany, where he was recuperating from a nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was ordered to serve 2 1/2 years in prison.

After two more trials, his sentence was extended to 19 years. He and his allies said the charges were politically motivated and accused the Kremlin of seeking to jail him for life.

In December 2023, Navalny was moved from a penal colony in the Vladimir region east of Moscow to one above the Arctic Circle, where he died on Feb. 16, 2024, at the age of 47 under still-unexplained circumstances. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and members of his team alleged he was killed on orders from the Kremlin. Officials have rejected the accusation.

Two other Navalny lawyers, Olga Mikhailova and Alexander Fedulov, are on a wanted list but no longer live in Russia. Mikhailova, who defended Navalny for a decade, said she was charged in absentia with extremism.

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Kobzev, Liptser and Sergunin have been deemed to be political prisoners, according to human rights advocates from Memorial, Russias most prominent rights group that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. The group demands their immediate release.

Independent Russian media reported Friday that Konstantin Kotov, an activist accused of donating to Navalnys organization, left Russia before he was due to appear in a Moscow court Friday. He told Mediazona he decided to leave after a heart surgeon, Dr. Ivan Tishchenko, was jailed for four years for donating about $34 to Navalnys organization.
South Carolina's execution chamber. (Provided by the SC Department of Corrections)

COLUMBIA  Death row inmate Marion Bowman chose to die by lethal injection, while still suing for more information about the drug the state will use to kill him, his attorneys said Friday.

The decision came a day after the state Supreme Court turned down an attempt by Bowmans attorneys to halt his Jan. 31 execution. Unless a court or the governor intervenes, Bowman will be the third inmate to die by lethal injection since the state resumed executions in September, following a 13-year hiatus.

Marion Bowman. (Provided/S.C. Department of Corrections)

Death row inmates have the choice to die by lethal injection, electrocution or firing squad. If Bowman had not made a decision by Friday, the deadline required by law, the state would have selected electrocution. Legislators made that the default method in the 2021 law that added firing squad as an option.

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He made this choice to avoid the default method of execution by electrocution, Lindsey Vann, an attorney representing Bowman for Justice360, said in a statement. Mr. Bowman and his legal team still have significant concerns about the quality of the lethal injection drugs used in South Carolina executions because the Department of Corrections continues to refuse to provide any basic information about the drugs, including the expiration date and storage procedures.

Bowman, 44, was sentenced to death in 2002 for shooting and killing single mother Kandee Martin of Orangeburg in 2001, then stuffing her body in the trunk of her own car and lighting the car on fire in rural Dorchester County. He maintains that hes innocent, despite courts repeatedly ruling otherwise. In his explanation last month, he said he and Martin were having an affair.

Renewed questions over drug secrecy

Before Bowman goes to the death chamber, his attorneys want to know more about the lethal sedative set to kill him.

Little information is available about the drugs under a 2023 law that worked as intended. The law, which keeps the origins of any drug used in executing inmates a secret, helped corrections officials find a supplier of sedative pentobarbital four months later.

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Bowmans attorneys want to know when and how the drugs were tested, when they expire and how the department stores them, they wrote in the latest federal lawsuit filed last Friday.

If the drugs are expired, stored incorrectly or tested in a way that does not detect problems with the drug itself, Bowman could suffer while he dies, or the execution could fail and potentially leave him with long-term health issues, his attorneys claimed in the lawsuit.

This lawsuits purpose is not to permanently halt Bowmans execution, the filing reads. His aim is only to require State officials to carry out his execution with the transparency and access to information about critically important government functions that state law allows and the Constitution requires.

Those arguments mirror those attorneys made in another lawsuit filed in September on behalf of the six inmates who had exhausted their appeals. Bowman is one of four still facing the death chamber in the coming months.

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A federal judge dismissed the other case in October, deciding that inmates dont have a right to know any more about the drug itself than is already provided. What inmates can ask for is more information about the process of testing the drug to make sure its ready for use, U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn Austin ruled. That would need to be decided on a case-by-case basis, she wrote.

Raising those questions becomes especially pertinent because of concerns the attorneys have about the previous two executions, Bowmans attorneys wrote. After viewing inmate Richard Moores autopsy report for the team of attorneys, a Tennessee doctor raised questioned whether something went wrong during the November execution based on the length of time between the first dose of pentobarbital and his time of death.

The sedative used for lethal injection, at the strength at which it is administered, should take only a minute or so to be fatal, the doctor wrote. Moores time of death was 23 minutes after the drug started flowing, though media witnesses reported that Moore stopped moving about three minutes after the execution began.

Bowmans weight, at nearly 400 lbs, could cause more complications if officials dont use enough of the drug or a high enough potency to kill him immediately, the attorneys wrote.

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If Bowmans attorneys get their way, his execution date could be pushed back to give him and his attorneys time to review the information provided and make a decision about whether he still wants to die by lethal injection, they wrote.

A federal judge has asked the states attorneys to file a response by Wednesday.

Supreme Court ruling

Claims of withheld evidence and racism from Bowmans own attorney during his 2002 trial are not enough to make justices believe his sentencing would have been any different, the state Supreme Court decided Thursday.

The court does not have any obligation to consider Bowmans personal growth while in prison, the states highest court wrote in disagreeing with an argument that the justices should consider overturning his sentence for that reason.

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The ruling falls in line with previous courts, which also decided the defense team had access to much of the evidence but didnt use it. Most of the evidence wouldnt have helped Bowmans case if it had come up during trial, the Supreme Courts order read.

That included a letter in which a fellow inmate claimed one of the witnesses in Bowmans trial confessed to the crime. The inmate later took back his statement, saying Bowman had told him to write it. Regardless, the letter contained multiple levels of hearsay, which would have discounted it during a hearing, the justices wrote.

Jurors might have been swayed by knowing one witness had pending charges against him, which might have led jurors to believe he was trying to win favor with the state, the order reads. But the sentencing did not rely enough on that testimony to convince justices it would have changed the jurys verdict or sentence, the justices wrote.

The court completely rejected Bowmans argument that his own defense attorney, who is white, was racist against him because he is Black.

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Bowmans current attorneys claimed that his original defense attorney referred to Bowmans victim as a little girl or little white girl while calling him a man, despite him being just a year older.

That was a meritless narrative, the state Supreme Court wrote in its order. The attorneys work was in no way indicative of racism, the decision continued.

Bowmans attorneys could appeal the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied appeals for Owens and Moore.

The governor has the ability to grant clemency to any death row inmate, sparing them the death penalty in favor of life in prison.

Gov. Henry McMaster, who has made it a rule to not announce his decision until the final minutes before an execution begins, declined to grant clemency during either of the past two executions.
Jan. 16DIXON  Thousands of borrowers who sought college degrees from a for-profit, largely online university that had a Clinton, Iowa, campus no longer will have to repay their student loans as the result of action taken by the Biden-Harris Administration.

Under that action, 261,000 borrowers who attended Ashford University from March 1, 2009, through April 30, 2020, will be relieved of $4.5 billion in student loan debt, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Education.

"Numerous federal and state investigations have documented the deceptive recruiting tactics frequently used by Ashford University," said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. "In reality, 90% of Ashford students never graduated, and the few who did were often left with large debts and low incomes. Today's announcement will finally provide relief to many students who were harmed by Ashford's illegal actions."

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The loan forgiveness is in response to a request from the California Department of Justice based upon evidence it obtained during a successful lawsuit brought against Ashford University LLC and its parent company, Zovio, Inc. around widespread misrepresentations in nine separate areas, including students' ability to obtain needed licensure, transfer credits, the cost and amount of financial aid, and the time it would take to earn a degree. The U.S. Department of Education also conducted its own separate review of the evidence from California, according to the release.

Zovio, formerly known as Bridgepoint Education, established its connection to Clinton when in 2005 it purchased the former Mount St. Clare College  which had been founded by Clinton's Sisters of St. Francis in 1918  turned it into Ashford University and gave the largely online institution a brick-and-mortar presence.

In the years that followed, Ashford, which at one point had nearly 100,000 students, came under scrutiny for its recruitment practices and former students' claims that they couldn't transfer credits as promised or were unable to land a job after earning a degree from Ashford. Ashford's Clinton campus closed in 2016. Bridgepoint later changed is name to Zovio, which dissolved in 2022, and Ashford became part of the University of Arizona Global Campus.

Also in 2022, the California Department of Justice secured a more than $20 million penalty against Zovio and Ashford, and an appeals court upheld the findings of wrongdoing and made a small reduction in the penalty in 2024.

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The judge's verdict found that Zovio and Ashford "created a high pressure culture in admissions that prioritized enrollment numbers over compliance."

"Ashford University made false promises to students about the value of an Ashford degree and the opportunities it would create and instead left students worse off: with mounting debt and searching for a job," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. "This is unacceptable and illegal. California stopped this fraud when we sued Ashford and held it accountable for its deception. I am proud that California's work taking this case to trial paved the way for the U.S. Department of Education to provide relief today for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who were deceived by Ashford."

In addition to the California case, Ashford faced numerous lawsuits and investigations at the federal and state level, including from the Department's Inspector General, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Attorneys General of Iowa and North Carolina. Some of these actions resulted in settlements, including one with the CFPB requiring Ashford to discharge private loans and pay an $8 million civil penalty.

In 2023 the Department announced the approval of $72 million in borrower defense to repayment discharges for more than 2,300 students who applied for relief from loans they took out to attend Ashford. The discharge announced Wednesday expands on that relief to cover additional borrowers.

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According to the release, those prior approvals as well as the group discharge announced Wednesday result from the following misrepresentations:

* Ashford recruiters told students they would be able to work as teachers, social workers, nurses, or drug and alcohol counselors. But Ashford never obtained the necessary state approval and/or accreditation for students to enter these professions, meaning students wasted years of their lives and incurred tens of thousands of dollars of debt for degrees they could not use.

* Ashford recruiters also lied about the cost to attend Ashford, the amount and type of financial aid students would receive, and the amount of debt students would accumulate. For instance, before they had access to borrowers' financial aid award information some recruiters told prospective students that they would not incur out-of-pocket costs, that every Ashford student qualified for federal Pell grants, or that loan payments would be $50$75 per month. Borrowers later discovered these promises were untrue when, for example, they unexpectedly reached lifetime loan limits during their enrollment, unexpectedly incurred out-of-pocket costs, and were forced to withdraw with debt but no degree.

* Ashford recruiters misled students about how long it would take to obtain an Ashford degree by stating its bachelor's programs were "accelerated" or by comparing Ashford's bachelor's programs to traditional four-year schools when, in fact, Ashford's bachelor's degree programs were structured to take five academic years to complete.

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* Ashford recruiters misled students about the ability to transfer credits both into Ashford and out of Ashford. Recruiters told students that Ashford would accept previously earned credits, reducing the amount of time and money students would spend completing their degrees. Students would later learn only some of the promised credits actually transferred. Ashford recruiters also promised students that the credits they earned at Ashford would transfer to other universities, when this was not always true.

The release also states that only 10% of students graduated from Ashford within 8 years of enrolling and borrowers in their applications described the inability to obtain employment. Data released as part of the rulemaking on financial value transparency and gainful employment also show that Ashford had the second highest number of graduates in programs that failed to provide sufficient financial value. This includes failing to provide sufficient financial value in programs tied to misrepresentations in the California case, such as teaching, social work and psychology.

Separate from the action announced Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education also announced that it has issued a proposed debarment action to Andrew Clark, the founder, president and CEO of Zovio. This would stop him from acting as a principal or executive of any institution in connection with the Title IV Program, among other consequences.

The U.S. Department of Education will refer this matter to its Office of Hearings and Appeals for a decision on whether to debar Clark and if so, for what length of time, according to the release. The department is recommending a debarment period of no less than three years. Clark has the opportunity to contest the proposed debarment, and the Office of Hearings and Appeals will decide whether and for how long a debarment should be effective.

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What's next for borrowers?

Ashford borrowers approved for a discharge will be sent emails from the U.S. Department of Education in the coming days notifying them that the full amount of outstanding balances for their Ashford loans will be discharged.

Borrowers will not need to take any further action to receive relief nor will they have to make any additional payments on these loans, according to the release. The discharge covers borrowers even if they have not submitted a borrower defense to repayment application.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  When you think of infrastructure, images of highways, bridges and dams immediately come to mind. But $416 million has been allocated to Nevada for a different kind of infrastructure: better high-speed internet service.

The U.S. Commerce Department approved Nevadas proposal for its part of a $42.5 billion national effort to improve the internet experience for areas that are woefully behind the curve. The program is known as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD). Todays approval allows the state to move ahead with signing agreements with internet service providers it has selected for the program.

The funding is expected to expand high-speed internet access to more than 50,000 households in Nevada, primarily in rural areas.

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Faced with challenging terrain, Nevada has built an outstanding plan to connect the unconnected, said Alan Davidson, administrator for the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Nevadas plan shows how we can economically bring the best possible Internet service to people using a variety of technologies. Today it can put that plan into action and bring high-speed Internet service to everyone in the state, Davidson said.

Its welcome news for Nevadas elected officials, including Democratic Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who helped secure the funding.

This critical funding Ive helped deliver to connect Nevadans in all corners of our state will be a gamechanger for so many households who still lack access to high-speed internet, Cortez Masto said on Thursday. Thanks to the support provide by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more Nevadans, both rural and urban, will be able to get online to stay in touch with loved ones, complete their education, and grow their businesses.

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A news release from her office indicated she specifically worked to ensure Nevada would receive more funding by pushing the administration to update their National Broadband Map to accurately reflect the states broadband needs. Two years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was in the middle of that work.

In interviews with 8 News Now last year, state officials described the importance of fast, reliable broadband access as an important building block for business. The project could unlock barriers that have prevented companies from locating in rural areas.

Nevadas unique geography  and the federal governments ownership of the majority of the land  has limited infrastructure that has been built elsewhere in the nation.

In rural Lincoln County, which borders northeast Clark County, a $23.5 million loan to the Lincoln County Telephone System was announced in December. That announcement included another big project: a $500,000 grant to deploy fiber networks in five counties, part of U.S. Department of Agriculture efforts for rural communities.

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To make our country more competitive, everyone in America needs access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service so they can fully participate in our modern economy, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. Today, Nevada can begin building the networks to ensure that people throughout the state can get connected. Congratulations to Nevada on this terrific achievement for its workers, businesses, communities, and families.

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ROCK ISLAND, Ill.  Five people have been charged in connection with an AMBER Alert linked to a missing four-year-old Illinois girl who was abducted near her home.

New details released by authorities Thursday evening say that a brown Saturn Outlook was stolen from the 1300 block of 14th  Street with the four-year-old still in the back seat. Police said the girls mother left the vehicle running, with the child in a booster seat and went into a house to get another child.

Police said that, during that short time, someone had stolen her vehicle.

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While responding officers did not locate the stolen vehicle, authorities say it was found unoccupied about 14 minutes later in the area of 8th Street and 15th Street. After an hours-long search, authorities safely located the 4-year-old girl in the area, in an alleyway, just before 3 p.m.

According to police, the 4-year-old girl appeared to be in good health and reunited with her mother. She was later evaluated at a nearby hospital.

As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested five people in connection with the 4-year-old girls disappearance:

Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18  charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle

A 16-year-old male  charged with kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle

A 16-year-old male  charged with possession of a stolen vehicle

A 15-year-old girl  charged with possession of a stolen vehicle

A 14-year-old girl  charged with possession of a stolen vehicle

Jaron Bailey-Harris

The Rock Island County Sheriffs Office, the Moline Police Department, the Village of Milan Police Department, the Davenport Police Department, Illinois State Police Troop 2, the FBI, and the United States Marshals Service assisted with the search.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

An investigation is ongoing.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Hillsborough County judge heard arguments in the Julio Foolio murder case Thursday.

During the hearing, the judge decided whether Davion Murphy, who was recently arrested in connection with the murder, should stay locked up until trial.

Judge orders Lakeland deadly hit-and-run suspect held on $550,000 bond

Murphy appeared before the judge in handcuffs and a red jumpsuit.

Murphy is one of five suspects who were wanted for their alleged involvement in the murder of Jacksonville rapper, Charles jones, known as Julio Foolio.

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Investigators believe the five suspects allegedly worked with members of rival gangs like ATK and 1200 to kill Julio Foolio back in June.

Investigators claim the suspects followed jones to Tampa from Jacksonville where he celebrated his 26th birthday.

While in court Thursday, prosecutors showed cell phone records and surveillance video linking Murphy to the deadly shooting.

The judge set all five suspects for a trial date in April of 2026.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Thousands of National Guard troops are moving into D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration, providing support and security at the request of the U.S. Secret Service.

As a result, spectators may see more of the National Guard over the next several days as over 7,800 of its members flood D.C.

Our motto is always ready, always there, said D.C. National Guard Brigadier General Leland Blanchard.

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The members headed for the District are filing in from 40 states and U.S. territories.

Presidential Inauguration events to impact DCs Union Station

Im excited that were able to be part of this moment, said Captain Ray Brown with the Maryland National Guard. And that I know that Im going to remember this for the rest of my life.

National Guard members will help with tasks like crowd management, traffic control, parade events, emergency response services and communication to facilitate the historic day.

They should be proud, said Blanchard. And again, this is what makes our nation a little bit different, this peaceful transition of power. Were here as guardsmen to help support, law enforcement and support activities and just make sure that that were a little bit safer and that things are going well.

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Baltimore native Ray Brown is a Maryland National Guard member and Baltimore City Police Officer back home.

So thats given me an experience with public safety management as well as crowd management, explained Brown.

Water main break in College Park leads to road closures

He says hes ready to do his part to serve the community and work to ensure the peaceful transfer of power.

Well be taking direction from our local and federal partners, and well be assisting them in looking out for anyone who might be in distress so we can get first responders, to give them the necessary aid. And then well also be looking to make sure that theres no suspicious activity that could threaten anyone in the area, Brown said.

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National Guardsmen have played a role in presidential inaugurations since President George Washington.

The FBI says currently it is not tracking any specific or credible threats to the inauguration ceremony.

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Editors note: This story has been updated to provide the correct date of the city council meeting.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  On Thursday night, Sioux City council members discussed several buildings that are on the demolition list.

City council approved the demolition of those buildings during the placard meeting. Five of them are residential, with the other two being former White Oak Station locations. The gas stations are on Morningside Avenue and on Gordon Drive. The building on Gordon Drive not only had the gas station, but also a business in it.

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South Sioux City elementary school recognized for academic achievement

This is not the first time the citys had issues with the company that owns the former White Oak locations.

I dont know what the companys thinking of, Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said. You know, they promised us they would fix 27th and Court or 28th and Court, they did nothing. And they dont even show up tonight, and I just dont understand how people operate like that. That they dont maintain anything and let it deteriorate in a neighborhood after they spent good money for these buildings.

KCAU 9 reached out to the business that is located next to the former gas station, but they declined to comment. Mayor Scott says that the citys economic development team will work with the business to try and help them relocate so that they dont lose their business.

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KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis.  A 70-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning, according to the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office.

The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of CTH-N (38th Street) and CTH-MB (152nd Avenue) just before 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16.

According to deputies, a semi-truck was traveling north on 152nd Avenue and failed to stop at a required stop sign at 38th Street. As the semi-truck bypassed the stop sign, deputies say the 70-year-old victim was traveling west on 38th Street in a pick-up truck.

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Deputies say the pick-up truck crashed into the semi-truck trailer, becoming lodged underneath.

The 70-year-old driver, the lone occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies say his name will be released pending family notification.

Deputies add that the driver of the semi-truck stayed at the scene. The use of intoxicants is not considered a contributing factor to the crash.

SEE ALSO: Woman killed, man injured after car crashes into pole on Southwest Side

A crash investigation is ongoing. Deputies ask anyone with additional information about the crash to call (262) 605-5100.

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Nine more people have been charged with various crimes committed during recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, ranging from arson and looting to impersonating a firefighter.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the new charges on Friday.

To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: You will be caught, and you will be held accountable, Hochman said in a news release.

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Among those charged is Luis Felipe Gudino, 28, accused of felony arson for allegedly igniting a couch behind a South Gate apartment building on Jan. 13. The fire spread to a utility pole, causing significant damage. Gudino, who is being held on $350,000 bail, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Another defendant, Richard Alexander Peterson, 36, is accused of setting fire to a Christmas tree outside a South Gate motel the same day. Peterson, a third-strike offender, faces 25 years to life in prison and is being held on $1.35 million bail.

In a video shared by the Los Angeles County DA, burglars are seen looting a home inside the Palisades Fire evacuation zone in Los Angeles. January 2025. (LA County DAs Office)

Omar Lopez, 35, allegedly ignited two fires in Huntington Park on Jan. 14, including one involving a Christmas tree in an apartment courtyard. He has pleaded not guilty and could face nearly nine years in prison if convicted.

Additional cases include Manuel Rodriguez, 35, accused of starting a dumpster fire behind a Brentwood library; Travis Glodt, 34, charged with multiple arsons in Hawthorne; and Leopoldo Reveles, 49, accused of setting trash fires near train tracks in Compton.

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L.A. District Attorney Hochman hires special prosecutor for police misconduct

Charges also include non-arson crimes. Keyshon Walker, 22, is accused of unlawful possession of ammunition and tools in an evacuation zone. Joshua Love, 29, faces charges for attempted burglary and looting in Santa Monica. Ivan Cedric Reed, 34, is accused of impersonating a firefighter in Malibu while possessing stolen property.

The cases were investigated by local police departments, with bail amounts ranging from $45,000 to over $1 million. Preliminary hearings for the defendants are scheduled throughout the month.

Its the latest round of charges filed against individuals who have been found inside evacuation zones where the Palisades and Eaton fires left mass destruction in their wakes.

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Dozens of people have been arrested for allegedly violating evacuation orders, including many who have been charged with burglary.

Hochman, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Gov. Gavin Newsoms office and local authorities have vowed to arrest and prosecute looters and others taking advantage of the deadly fires to the fullest extent of the law.

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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  Model railroad enthusiasts will want to make a beeline to the West Des Moines Public Library this weekend.

Starting Friday afternoon, a model railroad display presented by DesMoiNTrak, a non-profit model railroad club, will be on view. Library officials say the display has been one of the librarys most popular events so theyre bringing it back.

City considers closing iconic Birdland Pool

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The N-scale working layout will fill the librarys community room. A train craft will also be available for kids in the Childrens Department.

All ages are invited to attend the free event at 4000 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines.

The dates and times are:

Friday, January 17th  1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 18th  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 19th  2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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It has long been said that having a posh accent can help you get ahead in life and boost your career prospects.

Now, scientists at the University of Cambridge have bolstered that theory and found that those who speak with received pronunciation (RP) are perceived as smarter, more educated and richer than people with other accents.

Those who use the Queens English  either Standard Southern British English (SSBE) or RP  are also considered to be the least likely to be a criminal as well as the least working class and least aggressive.

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The findings come from a study of 180 Britons who listened to audio clips of people with 10 different accents. Participants were asked to give their opinion on the individuals personality based solely on the accent, not what they were talking about.

As well as SSBE/RP, participants were asked for their thoughts on the accents of people from Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

Scousers were deemed to be the most likely to exhibit criminal behaviour, followed by people from Bradford, Newcastle and Londoners with a Cockney accent.

RP was found to be the least criminal-sounding voice, followed by Belfast and Glasgow accents.

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While people with RP accents were perceived the least likely to commit crimes overall, they were, however, deemed to be the third most likely to touch another person inappropriately, behind those with a Cockney and Scouse accent.

Alice Paver, the study lead author and PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, said this finding may indicate shifting perceptions of the type of man who can and does commit sexual offences.

She told The Telegraph that high-profile sexual crimes committed by people in power has likely reshaped the publics perception of a sex offender.

Sex crimes are often about power and control, and if the way you speak makes you sound like youve got high social status, then its not a stretch to think people assume this translates across to your behaviour too, Ms Paver said.

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But I think this also probably speaks to generally the British public having a less clearly established idea of what a sex offender is like; its much less clear cut and associated with social class than their image of a thief or a vandal.

Many people have tried to shed their regional accent in favour of RP in a bid to further themselves, including Robert Lindsay, the Derby-born actor, who did so to be a little better than where I came from, he has said previously.

But while RP speakers have many benefits as a result of their accent, it does have some drawbacks, the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Communication, found.

We also observed some other negative stereotypes about RP speakers; they were the most likely to report a relative to the police for a minor offence, and the least likely to stand up for someone being harassed, Ms Paver said.

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The study also investigated how accents influence a persons perception of various characteristics, not just likelihood to be a criminal.

They ranked accents, based on participant opinions, for how working class they are, as well as aggression, confidence, education, friendliness, honesty, intelligence, kindness, wealth and trustworthiness.

Geordies were deemed the least confident, least friendly, least kind, least rich and least trustworthy.

Meanwhile, the Cockney accent was the most working class, followed by Liverpudlian and Geordie, while Scousers were also thought of as being the most aggressive and criminal.

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The scientists said they found that having a non-English accent elicited more positive trait-and-behaviour ratings than English accents while regional accents were generally perceived more negatively than a standard one.

For example, a Cardiff accent made people seem the friendliest and kindest, data revealed, while Glaswegian ranked highest for trustworthiness and honesty.

A Welsh, Scottish or RP accent scored best for every single one of the 10 characteristics.

The Geordie accent was bottom for five traits, with the Souse accent bottom for three and Cockney also bottom in three.

These findings emphasise the fact that people carry with them their stereotyped judgements about accents when making attributions of guilt and this has serious implications for the criminal justice system, the studys authors wrote.

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Prejudice in the criminal justice system can come from many factors, but unlike some types, for example racial prejudice, voice or accent-based prejudice is not currently something that jurors may be aware of or warned against letting it sway their decisions.

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Who takes care of caregivers? ACCESS aims to answer that with Exhale: A program offering resources, community support and expert guidance to ease the challenges of senior caregiving.

The program's bi-monthly group sessions provide a space for caregivers to connect with peers, share experiences and build a sense of community, according to a news release from ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. The sessions also feature expert advice from a wide range of professionals who offer participants practical tools, training and resources.

In addition to the gatherings, the program connects participants with necessary medical equipment like wheelchairs or bathchairs; health, mental health and social services; caregiving resources and more, said Amne Talab, the director of social services at ACCESS' east Dearborn location. Caregivers also receive an annual stipend of $150 to spend on themselves and are taken on occasional recreational outings.

An image from Google street view shows the exterior of ACCESS on Schaefer Road in Dearborn. The nonprofit's new program, Exhale, aims to address challenges faced by family caregivers in the Detroit tri-county area.

"We're trying to assist caregivers who are going through burnout or are just exhausted or overly tired from caring for their loved ones," Talab told the Free Press. "The whole idea of the Exhale program is to give them respite care  let them exhale; let them breathe."

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Scheduled respite services are also available through Exhale upon request, according to the nonprofit. If caregivers need someone to look after the person they care for while managing other responsibilities, ACCESS can provide assistance.

The program began in October and is open to anyone taking care of a senior over 60 in Wayne, Macomb, or Oakland County. Those interested in joining can visit ACCESS at 6451 Schaefer Rd. in Dearborn to get registered.

More: Arctic blast in Michigan raises hypothermia, frostbite risk. How you can stay safe

More: Will schools be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? What to know about the federal holiday

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Exhale is part of a broader effort by ACCESS to address challenges faced by family caregivers. The nonprofit is one of 50 organizations in southeast Michigan to receive funding aimed at expanding access to such respite services, according to ACCESS. The program, offered in partnership with The Senior Alliance, collaborates with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, nursing associations, and senior programs to meet the diverse needs of caregiving communities across the Detroit tri-county area.

"The professionals that will come and talk to them include psychologists, therapists, social workers, and anyone else they'd like us to bring them," Talab said. "I ask them what they need and they'll tell us. We either provide the training from external sources or internally through the 120 programs here at ACCESS."

For more information, visit ACCESS' caregiving services webpage here.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New ACCESS program offers resources, support for family caregivers
LONDON  Accessories brand Chylak has won a years-long legal battle against CCC SA, one of Polands largest retail companies, for copying one of its bestselling handbag designs.

Chylak, which sells shoes and handbags at contemporary price points, filed the case against CCC on June 9, 2021, after it saw similarities between one of its bags and one for sale on the retailers website. The initial court ruled in favor of Chylak in October 2024.

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CCC appealed the case, but in October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Poznan, Poland, dismissed the appeal and said the original bag, designed by Chylaks founder Zofia Chylak-Widmanska, goes beyond the scope of acceptable inspiration.

Chylak footwear.

The court ordered the retailer to publish a statement about the verdict on the companys homepage and Facebook page with a deadline of Nov. 4, 2024, which CCC has not yet done. CCC is looking to appeal the case to Polands Supreme Court, according to Chylak.

This creates a serious challenge for independent artists in Poland. Not everyone can afford to take on the financial and emotional strain of battling a large entity like CCC, even when their rights have been clearly violated, said Chylak-Widmanska in an email interview.

The legal costs were quite substantial, and unfortunately, I wont be able to recover them in full. In Poland, the winning party in a case is entitled to reimbursement of only a portion of their legal expenses. This means that even with a favorable judgment, a significant part of the financial burden remains with the plaintiff, she added.

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The court ordered CCC to pay a combination of damages, unlawfully obtained profits, and compensation for the moral injury that Chylak-Widmanska suffered in the process. The brand did not disclose the amount.

Chylak, fall 2024

The damages were calculated as a fraction of the infringing products price, multiplied by the number of units sold. Because the price of these products was very low, the total damages awarded were not as substantial as one might expect.

Chylak was founded in 2014 with a focus on minimally designed bags with striking features such as a gold buckle or pearl drops that look like tears.

The brand expanded into footwear in the spring of 2023 with its ambitions set on practicality rather than a particular aesthetic.

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My goal was to create designs that look graceful in all sizes. I wear a size 41 myself and am often dissatisfied with how shoes look in this size. While most shoe models are developed first in size 37  and later scaled up  we also develop them in size 41, Chylak told WWD a year ago.

Her footwear designs borrow from vintage shoes and ballet flats featuring romantic touches such as big bows, laces and fringes.

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ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  South Carolinas mysterious $1.8 billion in a bank account doesnt exist. Thats the answer to the nearly year-long questions of Where did this money come from and Who does it belong to?

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis says hes accounted for every single cent.

Not one penny is missing, he told reporters Thursday. I get a report every morning at 9 oclock that tells me where every dime we have is either in the bank or invested.

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But in April, Loftis told Senate Finance Subcommittee members he invested the money in the mystery account and made nearly $200 million in interest for the state.

An audit released Wednesday found the $1.8 billion was an accounting error made about a decade ago, when the state converted from an old accounting system to a new one.

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SOUTH CAROLINA MONEY MYSTERY

The report says about $1.6 billion never existed, while the remaining $200 million had been real at one point, yet it was eventually spent by lawmakers and never removed from the books.

It will throw off your financials, 30-year accountant Mary Ann Castro said.

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However, some professional accountants are still skeptical. Castro says an error of this size could have a significant ripple effect.

As a resident and as an accountant, I would say dig deeper the same, Castro said. If somethings wrong in any books, dig deeper.

Fellow accountant Jay Brightman agrees. He says people should start asking questions when the numbers dont add up.

You want to further investigate and ask questions and understand. Even though something has been occurring consistently for a period of years and people just continue to say okay, thats fine, because its been happening for the last ten years. well, sometimes you want to verify and validate that and do independent checks of data thats coming in, Brightman said.

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Some state lawmakers are calling for Loftis resignation saying he is not fit for the position.

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Louis Bianculli expected to be in and out of custody this week after he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual battery against a family member and video voyeurism against a woman who accused him of raping her in the 1990s.

The victims in both cases were minors.

But theres a chance Bianculli, 78, wont be a free man anytime soon: According to the Broward State Attorneys Office, the former Fort Lauderdale pet shop owner is being evaluated for civil commitment under the Jimmy Ryce Act, a move the defense characterized as a way of depriving Bianculli of his freedom after he was promised he would not be going back to jail or prison.

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This whole process of negotiating a plea has been dishonest, said Herbert Cohen, one of Biancullis lawyers. He vowed to have the plea withdrawn if the state tries to keep Bianculli in custody.

The Jimmy Ryce Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators Treatment and Care Act of 1998 is a Florida law that allows prosecutors to seek mandatory mental health treatment for sex offenders deemed likely to strike again. Its a civil action, which means the standard of proof is not as high and more evidence can be admitted.

Incriminating recordings that were excluded from the criminal case, for example, are more likely to be admitted for the civil hearing, said Adriana Alcalde Padron, a former sex crimes prosecutor now representing the victim in the video voyeurism case.

Broward Circuit Judge Michael Usan told Bianculli on Thursday that he expected the defendant to get processed at the Broward jail and released in a day, but he also warned him that if he pleads guilty, involuntary civil commitment under the Jimmy Ryce Act is a possibility. Everyone who pleads guilty in Florida to any crime, whether its sexual or not, is warned about the Jimmy Ryce Act before they enter their plea.

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Bianculli, who lives in Lighthouse Point, pleaded guilty anyway and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, time he had already served awaiting trial. Now he is at a treatment center in Arcadia in DeSoto County, where he will be evaluated within 72 hours and the Florida Department of Corrections will determine whether to seek involuntary civil commitment.

I dont think they are going to be able to withdraw the plea because he was warned and he knew this was a possibility, said Alcalde. I think this is precisely the kind of predator the Jimmy Ryce Act was meant to protect the public from.

If the Department of Corrections seeks a civil commitment, the case will come back to Broward County, where it will be heard by a civil court judge. A motion to withdraw the guilty pleas would be heard in criminal court and, if denied, could end up before the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Follow him on Threads.net/@rafael.olmeda.
Adam McKay said that the popularity of his film proves viewers know when theyre being gaslit and that the L.A. wildfires are a painful reminder that climate change is here and that the were in an emergency right now.

McKay wrote and directed Dont Look Up for Netflix in 2021. As of today, the blockbuster comedy still remains the second most watched movie ever for the streamer. In his personal life, McKay has been outspoken about his views of the climate crisis. As a longtime Los Angeles resident, the director said of the fires, Were heartbroken. Afraid. Sad. He didnt hold back in an interview with NME talking about the fires, global climate change and the oddly enduring power of Dont Look Up.

The director was quick to point out that this is one of the rare cases where TV coverage doesnt do the scale of the disaster justice.

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Usually when there are disasters in Southern California TV coverage makes it look worse than it is, McKay said. This is the first time that Ive had to tell friends and family reaching out that its actually worse than what youre seeing. Its hard for people to comprehend the scale and scope of the disaster were in. Ive heard that from friends: they say, I thought we had more time. The answer is: We dont  its here now.

NME went on to ask McKay if he thought real-world disasters like the L.A. fires helped people perceive the current threat of climate change, he didnt beat around the bush.

When these calamities happen, which sadly are coming too fast and too frequently, there is a moment where some people get that climate change isnt something for our grandkids, McKay said. We are in an emergency right now. We just wish it didnt take 10,000 homes being destroyed and whole cities wiped off the map for some people to get whats going on.

McKay went on to talk about how films hold the power to hold a mirror up to the scope of real-life disasters. In a surprising reference, he mentioned The Day After Tomorrow. It might seem silly, and like a bad sci-fi movie, but the director thinks  minus the overall timeframe  that it feels like a mostly accurate idea of what might happen to the planet.

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He also talked about his own film Dont Look Up and the ripple-effect it had on the industry and with fans. Dont Look Up follows the story of two astronomers (Leonard DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) who discover a world-ending comet heading for Earth. The film centers around the scientists trying to warn humanity, but unfortunately, the truth falls on deaf ears. The film went on to receive a Best Picture Nomination at the Academy Awards but McKay feels like the film was initially unfairly criticized. However, in the years that followed, it found a dedicated fan base in dozens of countries around the world.

In the face of these dramatic catastrophes that keep happening, a movie seems really small and ridiculous, McKay noted. But what was inspiring and energizing was the popular response to that movie, not the critics and the cultural gatekeepers who hated it. It ended up being number one in something like 85 countries, as diverse as Pakistan, Vietnam, US and Uruguay. Thats extremely rare for a comedy which is usually confined by cultural regional reference points.

The estimates of how many people saw that movie  Netflix will never say exactly  but its somewhere between 400 million and half a billion, McKay went on. Viewers all really connected with the idea of being gaslit. Being lied to by their leaders, lied to by their big news media, and being lied to by industries. It was funny  when I realized that was the common connection point, I was like, of course! Its happening everywhere now with this global neo-liberal economy that were all living in. Its such a cancer and everyone is feeling it.

The ongoing wildfires in Altadena, Malibu and the Pacific Palisades have yet to be contained. The current death toll, as of Thursday, has risen to 27 according to the LA Times. Over 12,000 structures have been damaged and nearly 200,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.

The post Adam McKay Says Dont Look Up Popularity Proves Viewers Know Theyre Being Gaslit by Media and Political Leaders appeared first on TheWrap.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Ector County Independent School District and the Midland Independent School District, both, had over 370 students drop out in the 2022-2023 school year, for 7th through 12th grade, shows data from Texas.gov.

Well do I pay $50 for my kid to get counseling or do I pay for groceries or bills this year, this week, said Elisio Elizondo, the Executive Director of Communities in Schools Permian Basin.

Stopping severe absenteeism in schools begins by addressing mental health needs of students, especially for students have experienced severe crisis or trauma, shared Communities in Schools.

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That we as humans need help when that happens that we cant often overcome and deal with that on our own, Elizondo said. Sometimes you can but a lot of times you cant.

Communities in Schools Permian Basin, alongside community partners, provides students with resources including counseling, food assistance, mentorship and more at no cost, to help keep kids in school.

Imagine you have very high anxiety thats very uncomfortable and you miss a day of school, and boy you feel so much better, and so it kind of creates that cycle, said Crystal Ruiz, the Program Manager of Mental Health Support at Communities in Schools Permian Basin.



Ruiz encourages parents to have open conversations with their children about what they may be struggling with if they notice that they may want to continue missing out on school.

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Its okay to have someone help you destress and talk about your issues. and stuff. and how youre feeling and what your mental state is, and having someone help you walk through that, Elizondo said.

Communities in Schools is proud of the progress the Basin has made to address school absences, but said there is still work to do.

Theres definitely a big need out there and we are all just trying to work together to fill it, Ruiz said.

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An investigation from Stand.earth Research Group has uncovered a worrying connection between more than 100 major fashion brands and oil and gas fracking in Texas.

What's happening?

In December, SRG announced its findings after digging into customs data, export/import records, company 10-K filings, supplier disclosure information, and investor reports. It found that 107 fashion brands, including popular companies like Adidas, Lululemon, Zara, and Uniqlo, sourced fabric from companies that fracked oil and gas in the Permian Basin in Texas.

Moreover, only 57 of those brands have "explicit policies" to reduce or ban virgin polyester, which is derived from petroleum. Instead, many focused on boosting their use of recycled polyester from plastic bottles  a practice SRG wrote is "a false solution that still contributes to sustaining the oil and gas industry."

What should the government do about the fast fashion industry?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Texas isn't the only region that participates in fracking, as Corporate Knights pointed out in a summary of the investigation. However, SRG explained that it zeroed in on the basin because it has the highest potential to release pollution of any "carbon bomb" worldwide.

Why is this important?

Fracking involves blasting water and chemicals into rock formations in order to extract the fuels, and this high-pressure process creates a significant risk of environmental contamination.

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According to SRG, the 1.7 million fracking wells in the United States are creating a health risk for more than 12.6 million people, including by polluting crucial water sources. Unfortunately, many consumers may not realize popular fashion brands are contributing to the problem.

"While conversations on alternatives to fracked oil and gas predominantly focus on end uses like heating or gasoline, the fashion industry is on track to become a major player in driving the expansion of fracking," SRG investigative researcher Dr. Devyani Singh said in a statement.

"Consumers often purchase apparel without knowing the connection to fracking behind the fabric  especially when brands market themselves as environmentally friendly  and this investigation puts a spotlight on the gap between what apparel companies say and what apparel companies actually do," Singh added.

SRG noted that more than 65% of garments in 2023 were made with petrochemical-derived fibers, and that percentage is expected to climb to nearly 75% by the end of the decade.

What can be done about fashion-related fracking?

Urska Trunk, a senior campaign manager at Changing Markets Foundation, called on regulators to intervene to ensure the health of future generations.

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"Upcoming legislation must urgently shift the fashion industry away from its reliance on fossil fuels and put an end to plastic-based fabrics flooding our closets, polluting our environment, and threatening our health," Trunk said in a statement shared by SRG.

Beyond supporting eco-friendly policymakers to make your voice heard on this matter, you can buy from brands whose actions align with their sustainability claims.

Purchasing clothes made entirely from natural fibers is one way to avoid toxic plastic-based fabrics. DoneGood's "ethical marketplace" is one tool that can help you find brands using sustainable materials  and even get rewarded for your value-based choices.

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.




Lawmakers will introduce a bill to make comprehensive sexual education available to every student in New Mexico, as a way of preventing teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted disease, sexual violence, bullying and sexual harassment.

When Jade Waskow attended Albuquerque Public Schools, she took a sexual education course in junior high, but it wasnt until she was in high school she learned on her own that she is ace, or asexual, so sex didnt really interest her.

Her schooling hadnt even presented her identity as an option, said Waskow, the communications and training coordinator at the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, who also identifies as queer.

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Me being able to discover that word online was in itself a protective factor because if I had just relied on the education I had gotten from my class and that I was hearing from my peers, I would have probably put myself in situations where I wasnt comfortable, or pushed myself to do things that I thought were normal, because I didnt get presented with all the different types of relationships and choice could look like, she said.

Waskows organization, along with Equality New Mexico, ACLU-NM and a coalition of other groups, are preparing to push for a bill in the upcoming legislative session starting Jan. 21 to make comprehensive sexual education available to every student in New Mexico, as a way of preventing teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted disease, sexual violence, bullying and sexual harassment.

She spoke at a gathering of parents, educators and community organizers in Santa Fe and online on Tuesday night about improving sexual education in New Mexico schools.

Attendees shared personal sex ed experiences when they were in school in New Mexico and elsewhere. Many remembered the courses taught by gym teachers, or whoever could take on the role in addition to their existing duties.

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It can be remarkably hard to find adults who are really comfortable having this conversation, because its almost as if nobody had those conversations, said Jess Clark, director of sexual violence prevention at the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. We already have standards to teach sex ed in New Mexico. The problem is theyre not being followed, and theyre not as comprehensive as they need to be.

New Mexicos standards surpass many other states, he said, but they need an update. They require lessons on healthy relationships in grades K-4, on unhealthy sexual behavior in grades 5-8 and on more detailed topics related to sexuality in grades 9-12.

Right now, youth getting access to sex ed in New Mexico is dependent on where they live, said Clark. Thats one of the things were trying to fix, is making sure that every student in New Mexico actually gets access.

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Nonprofit organization Resolve teaches classes on sexual assault prevention, boundaries and healthy relationships. It partners with Santa Fe Public Schools nurses to provide five sexual health education lessons to 7th and 8th graders in order to meet New Mexicos Health Education Standards.



Marie Schow, administrative and development coordinator at Resolve, said Santa Fes sexual education curriculum is unique as the only district-wide one in New Mexico.

That happened because the districts Office of Student Wellness made comprehensive sexual education a priority, Clark said.

We know that young people really need this, and they want it, and that if we are not providing the structure for it in schools that theyre going to seek it out elsewhere, Clark said. One attendee said when he was a child, he received all of his information about sex from his older brother.

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State regulation requires districts to allow parents to exempt their children from the sex ed portion of required health courses.

Clark said some opponents of teaching sexuality in schools often say it should be up to parents to speak with their children about it. He said that should be part of the conversation, but many children dont want to talk to their parents about sexuality.

The bill would preserve this opt-out option, Clark said, but said its equally as important that all students at least have access to this information.

We cant let some parents not wanting it take away access for everyone, he said.

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Part of what makes the proposed curriculum under the bill comprehensive, Clark said, is its definitions of LGBTQ+, queer and trans identities. Not just accepting but explicitly naming queer and trans identities and sexualities as part of a larger range of sexualities, he said.

The lack of LGTBQ-inclusive sexual education can be seen as part of a broader political context of school district book bans that target books featuring LGBTQ+ themes or LGBTQ+ characters.

The bill will be sponsored by Rep. Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque) and Sen. Angel Charley (D-Acoma). As of Friday, the legislation had not been pre-filed.

In an interview Friday, Gurrola said the bill would standardize accurate information for students about their choices, bodies and rights, in order to prevent harm. It would not mandate districts to teach a particular curriculum, she said.

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We want to make sure we have accurate information, age-appropriate information, and family involvement, said Gurrola, who taught 8th grade mathematics at Washington Middle School in Albuquerque for more than 16 years, and now trains teachers.

Clark said the bill would allow for classes that dont just talk about what parents and educators dont want children to do, but also what they do want: healthy relationships.

The bill would also provide resources to rural and smaller districts so they can apply for grants to launch comprehensive sexual education programs, Clark said.

Clark said the grant program would have an oversight entity that would pick the curricula that school districts would choose, Clark said.

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Were not saying, Every school district, you have to do this exact thing, he said. What works in Santa Fe may not work in Hobbs. Even what works in Hobbs may not work in Dulce, or Carlsbad, because our communities are wildly different.

This story has been updated since publication to include comments from state Rep. Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque).

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered his farewell address at the Department of Justice on Thursday. During his remarks, Garland emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.

We know that only an independent Justice Department can ensure that the facts and the law alone will determine whether a person is investigated or prosecuted, Garland said.

Garland mentioned the DOJs work to charge more than 1,500 people for criminal conduct that occurred during and leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

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You brought to justice those who kicked, punched, beat and tased law enforcement officers who were protecting the Capitol that day, Garland said. You pursued accountability for that attack on our democracy wherever it led.

Garland, who at times appeared to get emotional, told the audience he is proud of the work the DOJ has done and said he would miss his role as attorney general.

Your job is to do what is right, nothing more and nothing less, Garland said.

Garlands remarks come as President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn in on Monday. The president-elect has been critical of the DOJ claiming some of the cases brought against him were politically motivated.

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President-elect Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to take over Garlands position under his administration. She still needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Age-progression images of two brothers who were reportedly abducted by their father from San Diego six years ago were released Thursday by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The images of 10-year-old Binyu Chin and his 13-year-old brother Huaiyu were created by a forensic artist to show what they would look like in the present day.

According to NCMEC, the boys mother Hongying Liu first met their father, Foong Chin, in New York while he was attending Columbia University.

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Beware of parking enforcement phishing scam: City of San Diego

In 2004, Chin received a job offer in San Diego, leading them to move to the West Coast. The couple then started divorce proceedings in 2014 and had shared custody of their two sons, NCMEC said.

On Jan. 12, 2019, Liu and the boys stepfather called police after the older son did not show up for school and Chin did not return the younger son as scheduled following a weekend visit.

Authorities discovered Chins apartment had been emptied when they arrived, according to NCMEC. The search for the boys and their father is ongoing.

Chin, 47, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on charges of parental child abduction. Authorities said he has ties to New York, Southern California, Baja California, Mexico and Singapore.

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Anyone with information about Chin and his sons Huaiyu and Binyu is asked to contact the NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or the U.S. Marshals Service of California at 1-858-565-5200.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
South Dakota Rep. Bethany Soye, R-Sioux Falls, testifies to a legislative committee on Jan. 17, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

PIERRE  A committee of South Dakota lawmakers endorsed a bill Friday that would require pornographic websites to implement age verification measures.

The House State Affairs Committee passed the measure 11-2, with all yes votes from Republicans and the two no votes from Democrats. It now goes to the full House of Representatives.

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The legislation would require pornographic websites to ensure users are at least 18 years old by verifying their identification, via means that could include submitting an image of an identification card. The bill would also prohibit the websites and any third parties conducting age verification from retaining users identifying information post-verification.

Non-compliance by websites would result in a misdemeanor for the first offense and escalate to a felony for subsequent violations. The bill contains lengthy definitions for pornographic content harmful to children.

Rep. Bethany Soye, R-Sioux Falls, is the prime sponsor of the bill. She said its essential to protect minors from exposure to explicit online content.

Hollie Strand is a forensic examiner with the Pennington County Sheriffs Office who said she was testifying on her own behalf. She said children as young as kindergarten students are being exposed to pornography, whether parents take measures to protect their kids or not.

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I had a kindergartener ask me what to do when his friend showed him porn and he asked him to stop, she said.

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The state Attorney Generals Office endorsed the bill.

The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota testified in opposition and said that while the intention is to safeguard minors, the legislation could undermine the First Amendment rights of adults who might be deterred by age-verification privacy concerns from accessing legal content.

Allowing the government to restrict access to sexual content will inevitably lead to more censorship and a more restricted internet for everyone, said Samantha Chapman, ACLU of South Dakota advocacy manager. Young people deserve our protection and support, but age-gating the internet is not the answer.

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The legislative effort follows similar, failed legislation from last year.

In response, an interim study committee was established to examine the issue further. A separate, similar bill also addresses the issue this session in the Senate but hasnt had a hearing yet.

Sen. David Wheeler, R-Huron, a sponsor of the Senate bill, said its modeled after Texas legislation thats under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill would only take effect if the Texas law is upheld. Wheeler said that would prevent South Dakota from having to face litigation and pay legal fees for its own law.

The other difference is the Senate bill would only require age verification for sites where at least one-third of the content is harmful to minors, to more clearly distinguish between pornographic sites and sites that merely contain some adult content. In response to a South Dakota Searchlight question, Wheeler acknowledged that pornographic sites could transition two-thirds of their content to non-harmful material to avoid being age-gated.

That just illustrates the difficulty of regulating this stuff, Wheeler said.

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Fueled by rage and anxiety following the first inauguration of President Donald Trump, the magnitude of the Womens Marches of 2017 caught the nation by surprise, marking what was widely believed to be the largest single-day protest event in American history at the time.

In Chicago, roughly a quarter-million demonstrators flooded the downtown area, shutting down sections of the Loop. A sea of protesters, many donning the events iconic pink knitted pussy hats, hoisted signs and chanted No Trump. No KKK. No fascist USA as they spilled out of Grant Park.

The Chicago rally was held in concert with the Womens March on Washington and similar protests in cities across the globe, where millions took to the streets to challenge Trumps agenda on his first full day in office. The Womens March turned into an annual event, embracing themes of gender equality, bodily autonomy and preservation of civil rights.

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But a few years later, discord and accusations of antisemitism plagued the national Womens March leadership, spurring the resignation of several board members and some fracturing within the broader grassroots movement.

Now, ahead of a second Trump presidency, national Womens March organizers have rebranded their annual January event as The Peoples March, which includes a coalition of dozens of organizations focused on reproductive rights, racial justice, immigration, environmental conservation and other issues.

The marches are scheduled on Saturday  two days before Trumps second inauguration  in Washington, D.C., and hundreds of other cities, including multiple local events.

But it remains to be seen if the protests can come anywhere close to reviving the fervor, support and united front that defined the initial Womens Marches.

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The demonstrations and events this weekend will provide an early glimpse at what a potential Trump resistance effort might look like as the Republican president-elect returns to the White House  threatening mass deportations, rollbacks of health care initiatives, a reprisal of the so-called Muslim travel ban from his first administration and a flurry of other pledges that have alarmed progressives.

So far, Peoples March events for the Chicago area seem to be getting off to a chaotic start.

A protest dubbed Peoples March Chicagoland: Unite Against Fascism was listed on The Peoples March website in late December and early January, with more than 900 RSVPs but no confirmed location. Then about a week before the event, the location was abruptly changed to Springfield  about 200 miles south of Chicago  and the demonstration was renamed Illinois United Against Tyranny.

Event organizers for Peoples March Chicagoland: Unite Against Fascism did not return Tribune emails or calls for comment after the location was changed. Shortly after, that event was removed completely from the Peoples March website.

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As of three days before the event, there was no Peoples March protest or rally listed in the downtown Chicago area for Saturday, though other local Peoples March demonstrations were scheduled in northwest suburban Arlington Heights, Rockford, DeKalb County and Kankakee. A Peoples March demonstration called Suburban March for Justice Suburbs of Chicago was planned for the citys Southwest Side near suburban Evergreen Park. There was also a variety of virtual events.

Another Peoples March rally had been scheduled for Kane County but was canceled about 10 days before the event, according to an organizer.

The Peoples March website listed two other events called Chicago Protest & Peoples March for Justice to Stop the Trump Agenda, protests to be held two days later on Jan. 20, the day of Trumps inauguration. Although the marches target the incoming president, a recent news release about the event also harshly criticized President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, both Democrats.

Peoples March for Justice listed two central demands: Stop the genocide in Palestine and No deportations, according to the website.

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We demand an end to all US aid to Israel and no deportations or raids in immigrant communities, an event description on Instagram stated.

National Womens March organizers say the movement will look very different in 2025 and beyond, compared with the earlier marches and rallies that rocked the start of Trumps first term.

The Peoples March is not a Womens March  Womens March as an organization is just one of the members who is involved, stressed Tamika Middleton, managing director of Womens March.

She cited several major world changes that have transpired and reshaped the political landscape over the past eight years, from the COVID-19 global pandemic to multiple election cycles to the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that established the right to an abortion nationwide for nearly a half-century.

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Were in a new era of American politics. There is no comparing the response in 2017 to today, Middleton said. We are in a whole new world, and we are acting accordingly. This year, we will see a revival of an emphasis on community.  People are hungry to take action in their own communities and connect with others in 2025.

Uphill battle

The results of the November presidential election devastated Andrea Bill, a mom of three from Morris who planned to travel roughly two hours round trip to attend Peoples March Chicagoland: Unite Against Fascism in Chicago on Saturday.

When the march was moved to Springfield, she thought about starting her own protest. Then she found out about Suburban March for Justice Suburbs of Chicago and decided to protest there on Saturday instead, she said.

Bill said she didnt attend the first few Womens Marches because she had young children at the time and protesting was difficult. She noted many people are grappling with jobs, housing, child care and health care, basic aspects of life she believes will only become more challenging under a second Trump administration.

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And I feel like thats why a lot of people arent as involved in politics, she said. Because its just so hard to make it through your own life that taking on the extra stresses of whats happening politically isnt at the top of peoples checklists.

Many people tell her demonstrations and rallies wont accomplish anything tangible.

But this is the little bit of power we do have as regular citizens, Bill said. We can come together collectively and let our issues be known. Its really one of the only tools we do have.

Suburban March for Justice Suburbs of Chicago organizer Bill Beaulieu added that marching can help build a sense of community and solidarity.

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Beaulieu believes Trump is dangerous and represents authoritarianism, but some who oppose the incoming presidents agenda might be feeling depressed or beleaguered following his second presidential win.

A lot of people are extremely worried about Donald Trump, no surprise, he said. But you want to let people know the answer isnt depression or apathy. The only thing we can do is keep organizing and letting people know that everyone doesnt agree. That this isnt right, whats going on.

Around the country and globe, the upcoming Peoples March events will necessarily have a different flavor than the Womens Marches of earlier years, predicted Tammy Vigil, associate professor of media science at Boston University.

The context is dramatically different, she said.

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In 2016, Trump won the presidential election but lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton by almost 2.9 million votes. Womens March protesters had a sense of broad support among voters, with the sentiment that the election outcome wasnt really representative of the will of the people, Vigil said.

There was a confidence in the marchers that they were speaking for a majority of Americans, whether or not that was actually the case, she said.

In November, Trump had a more decisive victory over opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, winning the popular vote and garnering about 2.5 million more votes than in 2020.

The dramatic and clear win by Trump leaves protesters in an odd situation this time around, Vigil said. While they still have a significant message, there is a sense that the breadth of support is smaller and that the audience is different.

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Although Trumps win was a result of many factors, Vigil believes racism and sexism played a big role.

The protesters need to convince the American people of the importance of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and respecting others, she added. In all honesty, I am not sure if the protest organizers understand the difference in the audience this time around. It gives them a bit more of an uphill battle.

Protest politics

In Chicago, Womens March organizers had predicted the 2017 event would draw some 22,000 participants. They were stunned when more than 10 times that many showed up. The Womens March on Washington that year eclipsed attendance at Trumps inauguration, according to crowd experts.

Then in January 2018, at the height of the #MeToo movement against sexual violence and harassment, the anniversary march in Chicago topped crowd estimates from the previous year.

But by late 2018, several leaders of the national Womens March group faced backlash over accusations of infighting and antisemitism, in part due to connections to Louis Farrakhan, whose Chicago-based Nation of Islam is designated as a hate group, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The national board members who were mired in controversy stepped down, and a new board was soon established that consists of leaders from a wide variety of communities, disciplines, ethnicities, religious beliefs, gender identities and experiences, the national organization said in a late 2019 statement.

Even though they were separate organizations, some local Womens March groups in other cities canceled marches and rallies in 2019, or tried their best to distance themselves from the national organization. Chicago organizers said they had already decided to forgo a January event that year, citing costs and limited resources following a fall march, and encouraged members to create their own events scattered around the Chicago area; however, some members bemoaned the lack of a unified, centrally located march in Chicago.

The first Womens Marches helped engage many of their participants politically, and that mobilization didnt end after the marches concluded, said David S. Meyer, professor of sociology at the University of California at Irvine.

While doing research, Meyer found at least a half-dozen women who were first-time candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates and won, who credited their decision to run for office to inspiration from the Womens March.

The Womens March events of 2017 were among a wave of protests against the Trump administration in Washington, D.C., and around the nation that focused on various issues, from LGBTQ rights to supporting science to immigration.

In late January and February 2017, protesters swarmed major airports across the country to demonstrate against Trumps travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations. It was one of Trumps first acts as president in early 2017: an executive order prohibiting refugees from coming to the United States for 120 days and barring citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the country for 90 days.

And if you looked through the photos of the airport protests, its not really hard to find pussy hats there, Meyer said, noting the overlap in the two anti-Trump administration protest movements.

However, Trumps reelection as president could be seen as a massive defeat of what the Womens Marches were fighting for, Meyer noted.

On the one hand, having Trump come back, that doesnt look like a win for the Womens March, right? said Meyer, co-editor of the book The Resistance: The Dawn of the Anti-Trump Opposition Movement and author of the book How Social Movements (Sometimes) Matter. On the other hand, he continued, they had to go through three versions of the Muslim ban, each one progressively softening it. Democrats made huge gains in the midterm elections and at the local level.

He added that grassroots action matters but not by itself: Marches and demonstrations have to be tied to other political activities. While the iconic protest events can be dramatic and powerful, the politics and change that emerges is usually on a smaller scale and incremental, he said.

The thing is, we want to tell these really short dramatic stories about protest movements. The simple story is Rosa Parks decides not to sit in the back of the bus, people protest and segregation ends. And thats a great story, he said. But in real life, there were bus protests going back 10 years before that and racial equality and segregation hung on a little bit longer, right?

Margaret Hefferon of East Lakeview protested at the Womens March in Chicago in 2017, while wearing her infant son in a carrier. She recalled the positive energy and optimism of the day; she attended many other marches and protests for similar causes afterward.

Hefferon was looking forward to taking part in Peoples March Chicagoland: Unite Against Fascism, but was disappointed when the event changed locations to Springfield and then disappeared entirely from the website. She said she inquired about helping to organize another centrally located Chicago march on Saturday, but acknowledged that it was probably too short notice; shes also working on Monday and cant take part in the protests scheduled that day.

I am sad to miss (the marches) but I think it is a shame there is not one devoted strictly to ending the wealth disparity in this country, she added. The plan is to flood us with distractions and divide us, and everything gets fractured. This is a time when all the groups need to join forces, which is what The Peoples March is talking about.

eleventis@chicagotribune.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Artificial intelligence isnt new, but there are renewed concerns about cybercriminals using the technology to trick unsuspecting individuals.

We call it SAP  scale, accuracy and plausibility, Neal OFarrell, founder of the Center for AI Crime, said. So you imagine every kind of cybercrime, scam or fraud that youve ever seen before, its going to be at a much greater scale, it will be much more accurate, and itll claim more victims because theyll be much more plausible.

What to do if your Facebook account is hacked

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OFarrell called Better Call 4 nearly one year ago to share those concerns. Now, the FBI has issued a similar warning to consumers:

criminals exploit generative artificial intelligence (AI) to commit fraud on a larger scale which increases the believability of their schemes, adding that it assists with content creation and reduces the time and effort criminals must expend to deceive their targets.

In total, the FBI identified 17 common tactics scammers use  with the help of AI  to con consumers, including deepfakes  images, videos, even phone calls.

How to avoid burst pipes during cold weather

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When we first started seeing these scams come out, you needed about five minutes of a persons voice, OFarrell said. In fact, some of the original ones were 15 minutes. Now, its down to three seconds. So, bop, bop, bop, might be enough for a scammer to replicate your voice.

Then, OFarrell said, scammers use your voice to manipulate others in order to make money. They may also create fake social media profiles, send phishing emails, create misinformation campaigns around politics, or exploit a crisis, like hurricanes or wildfires.

No matter the tactic, the goal is always the same  to get your personal and financial information. If you encounter a text message, phone call, email or social media message  even from someone you think you know  OFarrell suggested asking yourself a few questions first.

Need help? Contact Better Call 4

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Has that ever happened before? he said. Is it quite typical? Does the personality feel the same? The voice in the image might, might look familiar, but does the personality? Do they, do they normally greet you with that particular name or have they left out something? So, it has to be all about the context and typically with these scams, a key telltale is urgency. Take a breath. Take a moment. Double check.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The clock is ticking as contracts across the state expire between the union representing grocery workers in Colorado and Kroger, the parent company of King Soopers and City Market.

Its the first time the union has returned to settle a contract with Kroger since 2022, when negotiations sparked a strike and allegations the grocer colluded with Safeway with illegal non-poach agreements, which are still being settled through lawsuits filed by the state and the grocers union United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7.

It also comes a month after the proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger collapsed, which the UFCW Local 7 officials cheered.

The current union contract extension for the Denver metro region expired at midnight Thursday  and if the parties dont reach an agreement, the union president said the organization is willing to vote on whether to go on another strike soon.

The metro Denver region contracts are the first to expire and drive the negotiations in other parts of Colorado, with many more set to expire over the next few weeks.

Were very far apart right now, UFCW 7 President Kim Cordova told The Denver Gazette in a phone interview Thursday.

And if it keeps up, she said, the union will start scheduling strike votes.

Before midnight, King Soopers and City Market announced a last, best and final offer and urged workers to blame their union for stalling the process.

The plain truth is King Soopers and City Market have done everything possible to move the bargaining process forward and our associates deserve stronger representation and must hold their Union accountable for NOT prioritizing economic issues that directly impact their lives, said Joe Kelley, President of King Soopers, in a statement.

The union rejected the offer and the contract expired, meaning the no-strike clause is no longer in effect.

Union leaders in a statement Friday said votes to authorize a strike could come as early as Monday.

King Soopers said in a statement shortly after that it does not want a strike and the last offer stands until Jan. 31.

We know that nobody wins in a strike  strikes bring uncertainty and financial hardship, and we dont want that for our people, our customers, or our communities, King Soopers said in a statement Friday.

The representative for the grocers and the union did not immediately respond to questions about what steps itll take will take place following the contract expiration to avoid a strike.

Failed merger hangs over contract details, union claims

The negotiations are reminiscent of 2022, when King Soopers in the Denver area went on strike for 9 days in January.

The strike disrupted shopping and an economist who testified in Colorados lawsuit against Kroger found Safeway stores gained $55 for every $100 King Soopers lost during the strike.

UFCW Local 7, which represents about 23,000 grocery workers in Colorado and Wyoming, released a statement Wednesday night saying Kroger is ignoring their proposals and its current contract stipulations arent enough to meet the needs of grocery workers: Such as addressing the workforce shortage, weakening benefits and offering a wage too low for workers to afford living in Colorado.

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The aftermath of this failed attempt to merge has had a lot to do with this contentious negotiation, Cordova said.

For her, she said King Soopers and City Markets proposal comes with many concessions despite the company still doing well. Cordova said she believes the workers and consumers are paying for the failed merger, which was simultaneously shut down by two judges in Washington and Oregon in December.

Colorado is still awaiting an opinion from a Denver District Court judge, though court documents show the grocers are trying to toss the complaints regarding the merger since the deal fell apart. Still, the court has to rule on Colorados allegations that King Soopers had an illegal noncompete clause with Safeway to not hire striking workers in 2022.

The grocers denied those allegations, saying it was standard business practice to not hire striking union workers since they usually return to their store where they have more seniority when strikes end.

King Soopers and City Market, on the other hand, are claiming the union is stalling and hasnt brought forth their own wage, healthcare and pension proposals.

The road to reaching an agreement requires good faith bargaining, officials said in an infographic showing a timeline of the negotiations.

Kroger sales hit $150 billion in 2023, a slower annual growth of 1.1% from the previous year where sales increased by 5%.

Kroger also reported lower revenues in the third quarter of 2024, year-over-year, due to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy catering to patients with chronic illnesses requiring complex care.

But when not counting fuel and the pharmacys sales, Kroger reported its sales in grocery products are up 2.7%.

Cordova retorted back that grocer is delaying as the union is still waiting on data regarding how the grocers scheduling model works to put forward a more comprehensive proposal.

The grocery company is offering a new four-year contract, according to its proposal published on its website.

King Soopers and City Market is offering a total of $4.25 an hour in wage increases over the four years  or approximately $1 more hourly each year  for clerk and meat associates, department leaders, head clerks and pharmacy technicians. The grocer raised it Wednesday from a $3.50 increase from a previous offer, calling it significant.

Healthcare benefits would cost workers $1 to $3 more each week, depending on the plan, remaining low-cost, according to King Soopers.

The union said the companys proposals are inadequate and would cut the healthcare benefits and seniority-based scheduling perks, adding it would make it harder to retain workers to staff stores.

King Soopers retorted that its offer maintains affordable healthcare and stable pensions contributions while addressing rising costs to ensure long-term benefit security for all associates, in a workers guide for rebutting the unions claims.

In a statement Wednesday, a King Soopers representative said: We are hopeful that they will be ready to engage in meaningful negotiations focused on reaching a fair agreement, in a timely manner, that invests in our associates paychecks while keeping groceries affordable for Coloradans.

Chris Lacey, a worker in a Littleton store, said in a union statement that he wants the grocer to change its approach to negotiations.

We will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to secure a good and fair contract, Lacey said.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  There were a record number of travelers at OKC Will Rogers International Airport in 2024. It comes as upgrades are actively going on at the airport ahead of the hopeful arrival of a new international gate with direct flights to certain areas.

4.6 million people were flying in and out of the airport last year. That number not only beats 2023s numbers, but the previous record from five years ago.

LOCAL NEWS: Will Rogers World Airport looks to offer direct international flights

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Our highest year end record was 2019. And we have exceeded our 2019 passenger numbers, said Stacey Hamm, the Public Information and Marketing Manager at the airport.

As the number of travelers continues to grow, the airport is also gearing up to offer direct international flights.

However, theres still some work to be done, like adding a federal inspection area to the new international gate.

Were in talks with several airlines, Mexican carriers for multiple destinations in Mexico, said Hamm.

Im so excited because flying through Houston is just awful and thats usually the way we go, said Diana Hyde, traveler.

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Right now, theres still no set time when you can hop on a plane and take off, though.

Were hoping that sometime in 2025 we can make an announcement, hopefully sooner than rather than later, said Hamm.

LOCAL NEWS: OKC Airport Trust unveils new name, brand for Will Rogers World Airport

International flights arent the only new addition to the airport. Marketing manager, Stacey Hamm, said new upgrades are on the horizon.

Were updating all of our restrooms. Theyre getting a whole new look to them and theyll be ADA compliant with the new ADA standards. Youll see all of our older tile floor that will start to come up and then well replace that with some really beautiful terrazzo flooring throughout the airport, said Hamm.

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The new changes come on the heels of a big announcement last year when the airport got a new name.

It was time to rebrand the airport, bring it up to a more modern feel of the airport that falls more in line with the promotion of Oklahoma City in general.

While the name of the airport did change, travelers might still see the old signs around the lot.

The airport said theyre working on making the upgrades, but itll take some 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, watches the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 9, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Ledbetter said Thurdsay that the chamber could consider changes to the state's school funding formula in the coming session, but that Medicaid expansion was not a priority. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The leader of the Alabama House of Representatives said Thursday that Medicaid expansion will not be one of the chambers priorities for the 2025 legislative session, but that changes to the states school funding formula remain a possibility.

Speaking Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, speaking after addressing a meeting of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, said he did not see anything coming down the pike with respect to Medicaid expansion after President-elect Donald Trumps election victory.

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I think the thing now, because of where we are at in the change of administration, that is probably going to change, he said of how the federal government plans to handle the federal entitlement program, including how the government plans to allow states to expand it. I think we are better off seeing what they are going to do.

The comments came as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS of Alabama), the states largest insurer, has been advocating a plan to use Medicaid expansion dollars to pay for private insurance plans for people in the insurance coverage gap.

The health insurance company presented the proposal, known as ALLHealth, during an Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) last month. The company estimated it would provide health insurance to up to 330,000 eligible residents living in the state, either through the plan itself or by helping people pay their premiums with health insurance provided by their employers.

Ted Hosp, vice president of governmental affairs for BCBS of Alabama, said the proposal would assist with hospitals struggling to remain viable, especially in the more rural parts of the state by reducing the rate of uninsured individuals and families. It could also assist with providing access to mental health services for counties by paying for all the health care costs for people who are incarcerated if they receive care outside of the jail setting.

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The ACCAs 2025 legislative agenda calls on lawmakers to establish for Alabamians an insurance program that will take advantage of available federal funding without exposing the state of Alabama to undue budgetary requirements. ACCA declined comment on the matter Thursday. A message seeking comment was left on Thursday with BCBS of Alabama.

Ledbetter did not comment on specific Medicaid expansion proposals on Thursday. He said last year that legislators had to have a conversation about public-private partnerships on health insurance.

Alabama is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, which would allow anyone making up to 138% of the poverty level  $20,782 a year for an individual and $35,632 for a family of three  to get coverage under the program. Medicaid in Alabama almost exclusively covers children, the elderly and those with disabilities. Able-bodied childless adults almost never qualify, and adults with qualifying children can only receive Medicaid if they make 18% of the poverty level: $4,648 a year for a family of three.

School funding

Ledbetter said there would be a good possibility of making changes to the way the state funds schools.

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I think it is something that we will be working on, he said. I think the direction in which we are going is going to be positive. We just got to work it out. Anything that drastic, that stuff is going to have lots of conversation, and a lot of numbers to be looked at.

Alabama currently funds schools based on attendance figures, with the number of students in a school getting translated into teacher units.

Lawmakers, including House Ways and Means Education Committee Chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, have been exploring the possibility of weighting funding to students with particular needs, such as English language learners; students in poverty and students in charter schools.

Lawmakers reviewed three models at a commission meeting in December that was formed to evaluate possible changes to the funding formula the state used to fund schools, with different priorities that included low-income students, those with disabilities and others living in rural areas.

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The first model will total $713 million, the second will be $786 million and the third amounts to $825 million.

State education officials decline to weigh in further on the funding formula after Thursdays Montgomery Chamber of Commerce meeting.

We havent seen a bill, said Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey. We are just kind of waiting. Obviously I have sent people to the committee meetings, so we have seen what the public has seen, but we have not seen anything other than what has been presented in those public sessions.

The 2025 legislative session begins Feb. 4.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  The Alabama Blockchain Study Commission held a meeting in Montgomery Thursday. One expert told CBS 42 that blockchain is the underlying technology that makes cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, work.

With this new tech on the rise, state leaders say they want to get ahead.

If you think about it, the internet right as Google was coming about in the mid to late 90s we knew something was happening, said Wade Preston with the Alabama Blockchain Alliance. But we didnt know how it was going to change the world that we live in.

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Preston said crypto is the future. He said this new form of currency isnt regulated by any banks like our money is right now.

If its yours, you have it. And you are the only one that has access to it, said Preston. And you dont need permission from another person to be able to transact. And I think the freedom to transact is a key freedom.

Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) said he has concerns about how crypto will affect the way we make and receive payments. Thats because it isnt tangible, like the U.S. dollar.

Tuscaloosa City Hall to be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Now this technology is moving so far beyond. Weve got to get a handle on it in our heads, and our minds, said Albritton. And weve got to be able to stretch and move with it.

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Amanda Senn with the Alabama Securities Commission explained crypto is a digital currency with fair market value.

Theyre pulling it out and cashing it out in U.S. dollars. So the value is whatever someone is willing to pay for it at the time, she said.

Senn noted that cybersecurity it also a concern.

Theres a framework in place and there are measures and protections behind the U.S. dollar that dont exist right now with cryptocurrency.

Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) said they should continue learning more moving forward, regardless of what the next administration does policy-wise on the crypto industry.

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Be prepared to set up those guardrails for consumer protections. And be open minded to the industry as it develops, said Singleton. But yet, still making sure were protecting our citizens in the state.

The commission said they do want to see what the Trump administration will do when it comes to policies on the crypto industry. They hope to learn more from entrepreneurs who use blockchain at their next meeting.

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Alamance Crossing, the largest shopping center in Burlington, is set to be purchased by a Colorado-based commercial real estate group after an Alamance County Superior Court hearing earlier this week.

On Monday, Stephanie Reese, a visiting superior court judge from Guilford County, approved the sale of Alamance Crossing for $38.5 million to Arsenault Holdings, LLC. The entity is associated with Louisville, Colorado-based commercial real estate firm Real Capital Solutions.

Alamance Crossing has faced financial troubles in the past few years. In 2023, the Alamance County Superior Court appointed Spinoso Real Estate Group to take over management from CBL Properties after it defaulted on a $50.8 million bank loan in 2021. In July of 2024, the Alamance Superior Court ordered that the property be listed for sale.

Read the full story on the Triad Business Journals website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Jan. 16EL PASO  An El Paso man was sentenced Wednesday to 57 months in prison for conspiring with others from April 2021 through November 2023 to knowingly transport aliens who had illegally entered the United States.

According to court documents, since 2021 Mark Anthony Holguin, 28, supervised an alien smuggling organization that helped transport a significant number of aliens from the Republic of Mexico into the United States at El Paso and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza stated: "Alien smuggling has become an epidemic in the El Paso community. We need to send a message to these criminals  at all levels of these organizations  that it will not be tolerated, and we will prosecute. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations were a vital part of this investigation in helping to dismantle this alien smuggling organization."

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"The outcome of this criminal case should remind those involved in human smuggling that their criminal actions are neither going unnoticed nor undetected," said Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge for HSI El Paso. "HSI El Paso, jointly with our federal partners, is working tirelessly to secure our borders by identifying, arresting, and prosecuting transnational criminal organizations members responsible for illegally transporting people into and through our country."

The United States Border Patrol and Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Holderfield prosecuted the case.
A man accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and years later sending her a Facebook message admitting to raping her has been extradited to the U.S. from France this week, authorities said.

Ian Cleary was sent to the U.S. on Thursday, Jan. 16, on a flight that left from the Charles de Gaulle Airport just outside Paris, France, officials confirmed to the Associated Press and The New York Times.

Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, Calif., had been wanted by authorities for three years before his April 2024 arrest in Metz, France, the outlets report.

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Related: Woman Got Chilling Facebook Message: So I Raped You. After 3-Year Search, Suspect Is Arrested Overseas

Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett filed a felony arrest warrant charging Cleary with sexual assault in 2021, weeks after Shannon Keeler spoke to the Associated Press for a story about how difficult it is to prosecute sex crimes on college campuses.

According to a probable cause affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE, authorities allege Keeler was raped by Cleary, then 20, when they were both students at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa., in December 2013. Cleary allegedly stalked Keeler at a party and made his way into her dorm before sexually assaulting her.

Chris Carlson/AP/Shutterstock Shannon Keeler

Related: 'So I Raped You': Facebook Message Leads to Arrest Warrant in Alleged 2013 Campus Assault

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The affidavit states Keeler texted friends saying, Help please and OMG please Help me, before the alleged assault.

Keeler reported the alleged attack to police, underwent a rape kit test and found witnesses who saw Cleary that night, according to the affidavit. But nothing came of it after Keeler had spent years trying to convince authorities to arrest Cleary.

U.S. Marshals via AP Ian Cleary Ian Cleary

Years later, Keeler claims Cleary sent her chilling messages on Facebook admitting to the sexual assault. "So I raped you, Cleary allegedly wrote, per the affidavit. Police later allegedly linked Clearys Facebook account with a matching cell phone number.

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.

After the warrant was issued for Clearys arrest, Keeler said in a statement shared with PEOPLE through her attorney, Laura Dunn, that "While I am moved to tears by this result, which I have waited for (for) over seven years, I am mindful that this moment came because I went public with my story, which no survivor should have to do in order to obtain justice.

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PEOPLE couldnt immediately identify a current attorney for Cleary.



If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



Read the original article on People
BEFORE HES EVEN IN OFFICE, Donald Trump is threatening Americas foreign partners. The United States, he says, will buy or take over Greenland (which is officially part of Denmark and doesnt want to sell), turn Canada into the fifty-first state, and (re)take the Panama Canal.

Hes doing it in the just joking (or maybe not) style of internet trolls, which gives the troll an outIm just kidding, lighten upwhile also laying the groundwork for future action if he decides that, actually, he wasnt kidding. Does he really mean it? And if so, to what extent, intending which actions? Chances are he himself doesnt know, and hasnt put much thought into it. But whatever the level of seriousness, it harms U.S. interests.

Nevertheless, a variety of politicians and media rushed to defend the threats, or sanewash them by treating them as a coherent policy that must have a smart reason behind it somewhere. Besides the many Republicans who try to paint a rational, intellectual veneer on Trumps impulses, theres Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praising the Greenland threats as smart. Meanwhile, think tanks put out explainers like Everything you need to know about Trumps Greenland gambit, and newspapers publish reports on public opinion asking, for example, Do Americans want Trump to acquire Greenland?as if it were a normal policy proposal going through normal discussion.

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All that misses the point. Whatever Trumps intentions or lack thereof, threatening allies and partners is stupid and self-defeating. Following up with more verbal threats, economic pressure, or even military force would harm the United States.

Allies are assets. A good relationship means resources and knowledge to help with mutual challenges, access to foreign territory, economic benefits, and avoiding the costs of trying to force a foreign country to do something an ally would do upon request. Some international partners can be liabilitiesfor example, if they drag the United States into ill-advised warsbut Denmark, Greenland, Canada, and Panama havent done anything like that, and arent a threat to.

Theres no possible negotiation aided by these threats that will yield more for the United States than the good relationships do. And no possible military action, no matter how smooth, that would leave the United States in a stronger international position.

Sometimes the truth is complex; sometimes its quite simple. Regardless of the form it takes, we do our best to get at it. Get our independent journalism delivered to your inbox:

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Its true that Greenland is important to American national security interests. Its a large island in the north Atlantic, part of a land-hopping path between North America and Europe. But the U.S. military is already the dominant power there. The region is controlled by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the U.S.-led alliance that includes Denmark.

The U.S. military already has a base on Greenland, active since 1951 (which shows the depth of the relationship). If there were a need to increase Americas force posture on Greenland, the United States could do it quickly, and Denmark would likely help, as would other regional allies, such as Canada and the United Kingdom. From a U.S. national security perspective, this situation is in hand and functioning well. NATO has unquestioned military superiority, with information flowing among mutually trusting allies.

Disrupting this situation would be detrimental to U.S. national security. Americas position would be considerably weaker without local buy-inand cost a lot more. Theres no plausible scenario in which undermining America, Greenland, and Denmarks relationship of mutual trust would be a national defense improvement.

Greenland has resources, such as rare earth minerals, and more may be discovered as the glaciers retreat. The easiest, most economically efficient path to exploiting those resources is a development deal with local authorities. The bedrock of security and economic cooperation is already in place, and ensuring locals get a piece of the windfall is almost always less expensive than suppressing their anger over being looted.

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A SIMILAR POINT APPLIES TO CANADA, which Trump has been antagonizing with talk of making it the fifty-first state.

The United States gains a lot from its close partnership with Canada: a long land border that requires minimal military protection, extensive support for competition with Russia and others over the Arcticincreasingly important as sea ice melts, opening shipping lanes and easing access to natural resourcesplus trusted intelligence sharing as a member of the closely knit Five Eyes. There are no potential U.S. national security benefits to disrupting the U.S.-Canada alliance, and many potential downsides.

Per the North Atlantic Treaty, Canada responded to the September 11th attacks on the United States as if they had been attacks on Canada. The Canadians not only housed Americans caught in the air when the United States closed its skies, but also helped defend American airspace against possible follow-on attacks as part of Operation Eagle Assist. And they deployed troops alongside American forces in Afghanistan. Denmark sent troops as well, and like Canada authorized them to conduct combat operations, which not all coalition members did. After Americans and Brits, Canadian forces endured the third-highest total number of deaths, while Denmark saw the highest losses per capita. If they werent there, those deaths wouldve been American.

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Maybe Trumps issue with Canada isnt a security matter but an economic one. Trade, after all, is what Trump focuses on when he speaks ill of Canada, claiming that the United States heavily subsidizes its northern neighbor, by which he means that America has a trade deficit with Canada. But thats absurd, as any economist can tell you, and many have surely told him. Trump has, over the years, often seemed not to grasp the concept of a trade deficit, but its not very complicated: A trade deficit means American consumers and corporations voluntarily buy more from Canada than Canadians buy from America. Its not a problemif anything its a sign of the health of the American economy. At the risk of oversimplifying, my employer has a trade deficit with me (they give me money in exchange for services) and I have a trade deficit with the supermarket (I give them money in exchange for food). Were all benefiting.

Canada is one of the two biggest markets for American exportsvying year after year with Mexicobuying more from the United States than the twenty-seven EU countries combined, and more than twice as much as China. Canadas biggest export by far to the United States is crude oil, which goes to American refineries, primarily on the Gulf Coast, to be shipped around the world at a profit for U.S. companies. America would lose out if more of the Canadian crude went elsewhere.

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CANADA AND DENMARK ARE TREATY ALLIES of the United States, which Panama is not, but it is still an international partner that yields benefits for America. The United States built the Panama Canal early in the twentieth century. In the following decades, U.S. control caused increasing problems for U.S.-Panama relations, and in 1977 both sides signed a treaty that gave Panama control of the canal after 1999. American commercial and military ships traverse it when they want, and under the treaty, Panama accepted Americas right to use force if any foreign threat tries to disrupt the canals operations, so the United States has everything it needs from this arrangement.

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Trump, however, claims that China controls the canals operations, which is a blatant lie. He claims Chinese spies are active there, which is probably truetheyre active just about everywhere, including Trumps resort home, Mar-a-Lagobut the United States is in a much better position to counter it with the Panamanians friendly rather than hostile. The same point applies to Trumps inaccurate claims that Panama controlling the canal hurts America economically. Its cheaper for the United States if Panama runs it.

The U.S. military could take over the Panama Canal without much difficulty, at least in military terms. But that hardly means its costless. The United States invaded Panama in December 1989 after military dictator Manuel Noriega rejected election results. Ousting him took a month and a half, killed 23 Americans (with more than 300 injured) and 314 Panamanian military members, along with hundreds of Panamanian civilians. It cost $163.6 million on top of the normal military budgetmore than $400 million in todays dollars. And thats just for a limited military operation that partnered with local opposition forces and left shortly thereafter. Maintaining military control of the canal would impose ongoing costs on the United States, especially if any Panamanian insurgency developed in response to foreign occupiers taking their major national asset. Then add the costs to international shippingincluding between the East and West Coasts of the United Stateswhen the canal closes, or is damaged, because of the ongoing military operations around it.

The friendly, treaty-governed relationships with Panama, Canada, and Denmark all serve U.S. national security and economic interests. The only thing Americans dont currently get from those partnerships that they get from Trumps threats is the bullying itself.

Voluntary, mutually beneficial partnerships are a core component of American power. Trump and everyone going along with him are throwing it away. And for what?

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Freedom, justice and democracy will be the themes on display for residents in the Colorado Springs area the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Pikes Peak Diversity Council and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Preservation Society hold this event every year in the Pikes Peak region to bring people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds together to honor Kings vision of equality, justice and nonviolence.

The celebration begins with an All Peoples Breakfast at the Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs with doors opening 7:30 a.m. Monday. The breakfast is scheduled 8-10 a.m., with Isaac Newton Farris Jr., nephew of King, the keynote speaker.

Following the breakfast there will be a Unity March at 10 a.m. around the Antlers Hotel quad. It was originally planned to begin at the Antlers Hotel and move to Acacia Park but due to the forecast for extreme cold temperatures it was changed. The march is open to the public.

In the afternoon, there will be a youth panel discussion led by Farris from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Colorado Springs School in the Louisa Performing Arts Center located at 21 Broadmoor Ave.

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On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Farris will lead another panel discussion at Pikes Peak State College from 4-5:30 p.m. at its Centennial campus, 5675 Academy Blvd.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3-5 p.m., Farris will open up his discussion to the community with a panel at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Roaring Fork Hall, Kettle Creek Event Venue located at 4785 Stanton Road.

Admission is free to all events, but registration is required. Reserve your spot at mlklegacy.org/events.
Almost 40 vehicles were broken into at several Ohio schools on Thursday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Upper Arlington Police Division told our news partner WBNS in Columbus that they responded at around 9:30 a.m. to several reports of vehicles with broken windows at Upper Arlington High School.

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A school district spokesperson told WBNS that about 18 vehicles got vandalized at the high school.

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Three Grandview Heights Schools also reported that vehicles were broken into on Thursday. WBNS obtained a letter sent to parents and staff. It said several parking lots were targeted in smash-and-grab thefts.

The district said about 20 cars got vandalized between 9:50 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. They claim the thieves pulled up, smashed the vehicles, and took items before driving away, WBNS reports.

Each police department continues to investigate each case.

Photo contributed by WBNS TV

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Over the past eight years, Dean and Pauline Yasharian built a life for their family in a quiet corner of northeast Altadena. They live near the top of an area known as Christmas Tree Lane. Their two children attend the school down the street. And the couple own and operate a small French restaurant called Perle, just 10 minutes south of their home in the heart of Old Pasadena.

On the evening of Jan. 7, the life they knew forever changed with a text message from a friend, whose husband is a local firefighter.

He was like, 'You guys got to get out of there,'" Dean says.

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Over the years, the Yasharians had seen a few fires on the mountains just north of their Altadena neighborhood. When the Eaton fire started, Dean remained optimistic, never imagining that the flames could reach them.

Pauline packed a few valuables and left with the children. Dean decided to stay back with their dog and wait it out.

Me and my neighbors were watching the fire, Dean says. When the winds came through, they were bellowing and the flames looked like they were 50 feet high. We were praying they stayed on the mountain.

But the fire quickly made its way south, and by 11:30 p.m., the smoke was heavy in the air and there was no power. Dean decided to leave and come back in the morning.

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The next day, the couple received a text from a neighbor who lives across the street. The neighbors house was gone, and Dean and Pauline feared the worst. They got in the car and drove up to check on their home.

Read more: 'It's like Armageddon.' Restaurant owner describes fire that burned Moonshadows, Reel Inn and others

It was like an apocalypse, like somebody had dropped a nuclear bomb on our whole community, Dean says. There were power lines everywhere, everything was still on fire, houses catching fire, but we finally made it up to our street.

They drove as far as they could, then walked the rest of the way to their home.

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We walked out to our house and just broke down and held each other for a while, he says. It was just something you would never have expected in your life to happen. It was gone. Everything was gone.

The Yasharians are one of thousands of families who lost their homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires. Theyre part of a community of survivors now deep in the throes of navigating how to house their families and rebuild. Instead of taking the time to grieve and fully process their loss, the Yasharians switched gears to focus on their restaurant and the 30 employees they consider family.

The next day it was still snowing ash everywhere and all the restaurants were more or less closed and it was like a double whammy, Dean says. How are we going to survive this?

Even before the closure, the restaurant was entering what Dean calls an annual drop-in-sales period after the holidays. With their general manager, Nikki Langworthy, and a handful of other employees who also were displaced by the Eaton fire, they made the difficult decision to close the restaurant to regroup and assess the fire's full impact. He continued to pay his salaried employees and shared resources for how to file for disaster unemployment with anyone paid hourly.

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Dean held a crisis meeting with his staff on Jan. 9. Was the water safe at the restaurant? What about the air quality? How was he going to afford to pay his employees with an empty dining room?

After numerous mixed messages regarding water contamination, Langworthy received confirmation from Pasadena Water and Power that the water in the area was safe.

Dean kept a close eye on a text chain he shares with a number of the surrounding restaurants in Old Town, including Bone Kettle, Osawa, Pez Cantina and Union. The restaurants shared how many customers they served each day to help inform if and when Perle should reopen.

Dean and Pauline let themselves get lost in the inner workings of the restaurant, a welcome distraction from the trauma they were facing at home.

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The French restaurant is one of the most celebrated in the city. L.A. Times restaurant critic Bill Addison included Perle in one of his 101 Best Restaurants lists. I've featured (and frequently visit for) Yasharian's perfect tarte tatin.

We were starting to itemize the things that we lost, Dean says. Its a hard process and they want to know roughly what year you bought something. To put a cost on these possessions is a long, tedious task, but with the restaurant stuff, you have to put all of your focus into it at that moment. Its a nice escape to think about food and restaurants for a little while before we have to go back to dealing with everything else.

Read more: Fires burned up their restaurant jobs. 'From one day to another, we have no work'

During the week the restaurant was closed, its working capital dropped to an all-time low, and the team made the decision to reopen on Jan. 15. Dean reengineered the menu, brought on a skeleton staff of 10 and reduced opening hours in order to operate conservatively without running out of money.

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The reservations showed 10 tables and around 30 covers. Normally, he needs around 75 to 80 covers on a midweek evening to stay afloat.

After being evacuated from my own home in Pasadena for a week, I found comfort in a corner table of the Perle dining room. When disaster strikes, restaurants offer a sense of normalcy, and it felt good to be around other people, sharing French fries and a tarte tatin.

Apple tarte tatin is is one of the signature desserts at Perle restaurant in Pasadena. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

By 7 p.m. that evening, with multiple air purifiers running, the dining room was nearly full. Dean recognized most of the names in the reservation book. People at the table behind me told their server that they had seen Deans Instagram post about reopening and wanted to come out and support him. At another table, a man wearing a sweatshirt from the school the Yasharians children attend got up to give Dean a hug. That school burned down in the Eaton fire.

We really appreciate everyone coming out to support us, and it gives us hope that maybe the restaurant is going to bounce back, Dean says. We are a close-knit community. And the restaurant community have all been great too.

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Read more: Updated: 47 L.A. County restaurants offering food and relief to fire evacuees and first responders

With its own future uncertain, Bone Kettle reopened on Jan. 11 and donated proceeds from that weekends sales to the Yasharian family.

The restaurant, located around the corner from Perle on Raymond Avenue, reached out to its nearly 30,000 Instagram followers for help.

Words cant even begin to describe what a blow this is to this sweet family, reads the Bone Kettle Instagram post. Nothing makes sense about this, the only thing that makes sense for us to do is to support our neighbor when they needed it the most.

For those in a position to do so, its more important than ever to eat in or order takeout from your favorite restaurants. They are the lifeblood of communities across the city, providing employment, safe spaces and nourishment.

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We lost our house, the restaurant is in jeopardy, but it relieved the pressure a little to know people are still coming out to eat, Dean says. "Restaurants tend to really be affected during these disaster situations. It's a huge help for people to spread the word about Perle and to just go out and support your local restaurants."

Read more: Fire hits Altadena's burgeoning, tight-knit food community at vulnerable moment

Dean is looking to a steady stream of upcoming events and holidays to keep the business going. He signed up to participate in DineLA, the semiannual food event that includes prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at restaurants around the city.

The goal is to get the restaurant back operational, and then kind of maybe take a little time to breathe as a family, he says. Well find time for that.

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Read more: These are the Malibu and Altadena restaurants damaged or destroyed by L.A. fires

Sign up for our Tasting Notes newsletter for restaurant reviews, Los Angeles food-related news and more.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
It just got harder to find a bathroom in the United States.

Earlier this week, Starbucks announced the company would limit the use of its premises to paying customers only, with the stated goal of improving their stores atmospheres. By setting clear expectations for behavior and uses of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone, a company spokesperson told USA Today.

But that better atmosphere for Starbucks customers will come with a downside for all of us. If you need to use a bathroom when out and about  and all of us do at some point  life just got harder. As a result of the United States paucity of public bathrooms, Starbucks facilities had become de facto facilities for all. The story of its bathrooms demonstrates how we fail to invest in our civic infrastructure and instead privatize what are greater social issues and dilemmas -- all of us, after all, need to use the bathroom  and the limits of that policy.

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Starbucks began its open-door policy in 2018 after a Black man who was meeting a business associate for coffee at a Starbucks was denied use of the locations restroom. An argument between the staff and the men broke out, police were called, and a national scandal ensued. In an effort to quell the furor, the company declared all were welcome.

According to a study released in 2021, the United States has eight public toilets per 100,000 people. To put that number in context, Iceland has 56 and Switzerland 46. But even that nationwide ratio would be welcomed in our nations most populous cities. New York City and Los Angeles have four and five public toilets per every 100,000 residents, respectively. (Philadelphia, where that 2018 incident occurred, also has 4.)

We expect our taxes to pay for street signs and streetlights and benches, says Lezlie Lowe, author of No Place to Go: How Public Toilets Fail Our Private Needs. But weve become used to going into a coffee shop and buying a muffin we dont want to buy in order to access the bathroom.

Until the 1970s, pay toilets in both public and private settings in the United States was more common. It was understood that the nickel or dime fee would pay for keeping the facilities hygienic. But activists were aghast at the inequity. Women were more often charged for stall use, while men could frequently use urinals free of charge. It was also a burden on the poor. Eventually, California banned their use (the legislation signed by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan), and the pay toilet fell into disfavor.

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It was assumed states and cities would step in and build public facilities. But that never happened, at least in most places. Its not dissimilar to what happened around the same time when the state residential mental health hospitals were shut down and were supposed to be replaced by community facilities that were never funded in adequate numbers.

Legislation is regularly introduced in the states and cities to address our public toilet needs, but it frequently languishes. True, there are popular TikToks and Reddit threads devoted to the topic, but who has time for that when in a hurry? Instead, people in need rush into businesses they believe might let them use their restrooms. These can be anything from restaurants to malls to grocery stores. The entire exercise is inherently humiliating. No one wants to beg a store clerk for permission to go to the bathroom, especially if they say no.

This puts a burden on embarrassed and in extremis individuals, who are frequently left to guess whether the nearby fast-food joint will easily let them into their bathroom or insist they purchase a side of fries or a latte first. And the system is inherently inequitable. It is easier, to use a very personal example, for a middle-aged woman dressed in work clothes to gain access to a midtown Manhattan lobby hotel bathroom (and to possess the cultural knowledge to know it is there and open to the public) than it is for a homeless man, for whom it is all but impossible. And as that Philadelphia incident showed, race matters here, as well.

And the people needing to use the facilities arent just people out on a shopping trip. They are Uber drivers, Amazon drivers and those delivering food for apps. They are left to resort to carrying pee bottles in their vehicles or begging their customers for a favor.

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Toilet access is vital for a full public life. Thats why Starbucks open-door policy answered a pressing need. It was, as Laura Noren, co-editor of Toilet: Public Restrooms and the Politics of Sharing, told me, the [highway] rest stop for urban warriors. The companys stores are widely viewed as a so-called third space, a place outside of home or work where people can gather and socialize. But Starbucks was always, in reality, a private business where access can be yanked at any time. And thats exactly what happened.

The best outcome here would be if Starbucks decision led more cities and states to commit to building more public bathrooms. It can happen. Portland, Oregon  which manufactures and promotes the Portland Loo, a stand-alone, self-cleaning bathroom  has 17 public toilets per 100,000 residents. More cities and states should follow its lead. The worst outcome would be to flush this opportunity for change down the toilet.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As the quote goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." But what if the past wasn't taught in the first place? Oftentimes, history books completely overlook or sanitize uncomfortable truths from history...

Anna Gorin / Getty Images

So, recently, when Redditor u/Turbulent_Archer_727 asked, "What's one historical fact that they won't teach you in school?" The replies sent me down a rabbit hole of research. From nonconsensual experiments and procedures to plots to overthrow the government and declare war  here are 10 historical facts your teachers definitely didn't want you to learn about:

Warning: This post contains mentions of racism, death, animal death, drugs, war, and forced sterilization.

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1.Many people at the Alamo were, in fact, forgotten:

The Battle of the Alamo is a historical event shrouded in legend due partly to the glorification of a few recognizable figures in history books and films such as 1960's The Alamo. As author Bryan Burrough explained to NPR, our view of the events at the Alamo tends to lean towards a "heroic Anglo narrative." "Slavery was the undeniable linchpin of all of this," he continued. "It was the thing that the two sides had been arguing about and shooting about for going on 15 years. And yet it still surprises me that slavery went unexamined for so long." Burrough also noted that alongside Black individuals, the Tejanos who fought alongside the white Texas settlers were largely written out of the historical record due to the aforementioned "Anglo narrative." Suggested by: u/nowhereman136 Myloupe / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

2.The Irish potato famine was, in part, caused by the British government:

During the summer of 1845, a "blight of unusual character" began overtaking Ireland's potato crop  the country's main source of sustenance. This famine was long credited with being an unfortunate byproduct of natural events; however, the British government was not without fault for this tragedy. Due to Britain conquering and exerting its rule over the Irish people, vast plots of land were given to the English invaders, who, in turn, would rent out small amounts of acreage to the Irish natives. These "sharecroppers" were then forced to survive on the bare minimum and quickly learned that they were able to grow triple the number of potatoes on their plots of land than they could any grain. At this time, the British Corn Laws  legislation that placed high tariffs on grains imported from other countries  were being imposed on Ireland, which created the "perfect storm" that forced the typical Irish diet to become dependent on potatoes. Hulton Archive / Getty Images

When the "blight" was discovered, contemporary reports stated that within a few days, freshly picked potatoes would turn into slimy "mass[es] of rottenness." "Famine fever" soon struck the country  which was the common name for a whole host of ailments, including scurvy, dysentery, cholera, and typhus. It is estimated that around one million people died during the Great Irish Potato Famine, and another two million emigrated to either Great Britain or North America.

Shortly after the famine began, Irish leaders petitioned Queen Victoria and Parliament to repeal the restrictive "Corn Laws." Their petition was granted, but by then, it did little to offset the burgeoning crisis. In the spring of 1847, the British government attempted to provide relief to the Irish by establishing work programs and soup kitchens.

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However, an official apology from the British government wasn't issued for another 150 years when Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a statement of remorse for his country doing "too little" during the crisis.

Suggested by: u/Ragdoll665

3.The 13th amendment wasn't ratified in one U.S. state for 130 years:

The 13th Amendment  which forbids slavery within the United States  was ratified by Congress on December 6, 1865. Alongside the 14th and 15th Amendments, often known as the "Reconstruction Amendments," civil rights, at least in words, increased for many Americans. Most individual states within the US had ratified the 13th Amendment on their own by 1870; however, it took some states, such as Delaware and Kentucky, several more decades to ratify the Amendment. However, no state held out on the ratification of the Amendment quite like Mississippi. The 13th Amendment wasn't fully ratified in the Magnolia State until March 16, 1995, and it remained uncertified until February 7, 2013. Only after its certification in 2013 was the 13th Amendment finally ratified by every state that existed at the time of its creation 148 years prior. Suggested by: u/atomicrutabaga Mpi / Getty Images

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4.The Battle of Blair Mountain:

West Virginia coal miners and coal companies had a strained relationship for many decades due to the coal companies' unjust treatment of miners and unwillingness to improve unsafe work conditions. In an effort to keep their workers from unionizing, these companies often deployed a multitude of violent methods. However, the struggle came to a head on August 1, 1921, when pro-union sheriff Sid Hatfield was assassinated outside the McDowell County Courthouse. Miners throughout West Virginia flocked to the outskirts of the state's capitol in order to make their voices heard. United Mine Workers members Fred Mooney and Frank Keeney quickly organized a posse of these outraged miners. They declared their intention to march to Mingo County to confront the coal companies and free imprisoned union members who were being held in the area. However, to reach Mingo County, the miners had to pass through Logan County  a known stronghold for coal companies governed by anti-union sheriff Don Chafin, who vowed: "No armed mob will cross the Logan County line." Chafin and his supporters began preparing for battle and set up a path of trenches and machine gun nests around Blair Mountain. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

On August 24, Keeney and Mooney made a last-minute attempt to call a ceasefire to the oncoming mine war after Henry Bandholtz, General of the War Department, assured them that violence would prove disastrous for the miners and union members. However, after two miners were killed in a skirmish with Sheriff Chafin's forces, all hope of a ceasefire was lost.

Within four days, over 10,000 miners and union members swarmed the Logan County border to exchange gunfire with coal company sympathizers. The battle waged on until September 4, when federal troops became involved. Death tolls have never been confirmed, but estimates vary widely from somewhere between 16 and 100 people killed during the five-day battle.

Now considered a pivotal point in the fight for worker's rights in America, at the time, the Battle of Blair Mountain was considered an enormous loss for the miners. The state of West Virginia charged Keeney, Mooney, and 20 others with treason, as well as hundreds of other union members and miners with murder  however, nearly all were acquitted. The legal fees associated with these trials emptied the wallets of the UMW, which impaired their organizational efforts throughout the rest of the decade.

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Suggested by: u/meshuggahdaddy

5.Tuskegee Experiment:

The Tuskegee Experiment (aka the Untreated Syphilis Study) was a sinister study conducted by the United States Public Health Service between 1932 and 1972. The experiment took place in Macon County, Georgia, with over 600 participants  who were poor and mostly illiterate sharecroppers. When the study began, researchers informed the men that they had "bad blood," which at the time was a local catchall term that meant anything from anemia to the aforementioned syphilis. The men who participated in the study believed they were being offered medical care beyond their wildest dreams  everything from exams, free meals, rides to and from appointments, free treatment, and even burial stipends extended to their families after their deaths. However, they were never informed of the purpose or potential consequences of the "experiment." National Archives / AP

When the study began in 1932, there was no proven cure for syphilis; however, 15 years later, Dr. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, which became the standard treatment for the disease. Despite the newly discovered and proven cure, medical treatment was still withheld from the men in the Tuskegee Experiment. It was later determined that not only had dozens of men died due to the withholding of medical treatment, but countless wives and children had also been unknowingly infected.

The study only met its end in 1972 thanks to investigative journalist Jean Heller's discovery of a four-decades-long "nontherapeutic" study on the unmedicated course of syphilis in Black men. When the news broke, the public outcry was so fierce that it sparked action from multiple federal agencies; the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs soon appointed an Ad Hoc Advisory Panel to review the study. After four months of review, the Advisory Panel  comprised of nine members from the fields of law, medicine, religion, health administration, and education  deemed the study "ethically unjustified." The following month, the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs declared an official end to the experiment. In May 1997, President Bill Clinton issued an apology to five surviving members of the study. Suggested by: u/Jeramy_Jones Paul J. Richards / AFP via Getty Images

6.The World War II pet cull in England:

In the summer of 1939, the National Air Raid Precautions Animals Committee was formed in Great Britain. The Committee's first act was to draft a pamphlet outlining precautions for all British pet owners called "Advice to Animal Owners." In preparation for the approaching war, the pamphlet informed anxious Brits: "If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency." However, it concluded, "If you cannot place them in the care of neighbors, it really is kindest to have them destroyed." This heartwrenching advice was circulated in the aforementioned pamphlet, listed in every newspaper, and broadcasted on the radio. Clare Campbell, author of Bonzo's War: Animals Under Fire 1939-1945, told the BBC the announcement was "a national tragedy in the making." Hulton Deutsch / Corbis via Getty Images

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When war was officially declared on September 3, 1939, pet owners flocked to veterinarians to have their animals euthanized. The mass euthanasia only worsened after the Blitzkrieg began in September 1940. Contemporary journalist Susan Day urged readers of the Daily Mail: "Putting your pets to sleep is a very tragic decision. Do not take it before it is absolutely necessary."

One of the biggest reasons families euthanized their pets was because rations weren't allotted for animals. Some wealthy individuals, such as the feline-loving Duchess of Hamilton, acted against the cruelty and created a sanctuary for animals who needed a safe home. The duchess began sending staff to London's East End, where they eventually rescued hundreds of unwanted pets.

However, it wasn't enough to save them all. Within the span of one horrific week, an estimated 750,000 pets were killed. The British Zoo also took part in these measures by culling all of their poisonous animals in the event they escaped after a bombing raid. Fortunately, humane societies later stepped in and prevented more senseless pet deaths.

Suggested by: u/MrAlf0nse

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7.The Business Plot:

An older man in a suit sits in a wicker chair, holding a newspaper in a room with wicker furniture and a lamp on a table

Person in a suit poses in front of a large, striped fabric backdrop

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive, PhotoQuest / Getty Images

Throughout America's history, there have been many, many attempts to overthrow our democracy  including "The Business Plot," a little-known coup in 1933 that involved right-wing financiers plotting to overtake the government, depose the newly-elected FDR, and install Marine Corps. Major Smedley Butler as dictator of the United States.

During this time, the country was feeling the full effects of the Great Depression; as author Sally Denton explained to NPR, "There were suggestions that capitalism was not working, that democracy was not working." This caused many to look to other forms of government  including Communism, socialism, and even fascism  as a way to pull America out of its woe-ridden state.

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Denton noted that the financiers "thought they could convince Roosevelt to relinquish power to basically a fascist, military-type government." How close we came to this fascist dictator-run state is often debated. Still, it should be noted that this wealthy group of conspirators had already supplied the "coup d'etat" with millions of dollars and weapons before attempting to recruit Maj. Smedley Butler for the role of dictator. Luckily, however, Butler viewed this as an act of treason and immediately reported it to Congress.

The following year, Butler testified under oath before the Special Committee of Un-American Activities; however, no one involved in the proposed coup was prosecuted for treason.

The final congressional report stated, "There is no question that these attempts were discussed, were planned, and might have been placed in execution when and if the financial backers deemed it expedient."

Suggested by: u/wood-thing

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8.Project MK-Ultra:

Imagine it's 1953, and the world is at the height of the Cold War. Many high-ranking US government officials begin to fear that Communist nations are developing working methods of mind control to brainwash POWs who are being held in North Korea after the Korean War. This is how Project MK-Ultra came about. As a countermeasure, CIA director Alan Dulles approved Project MK-Ultra (aka America's attempt at mind control). Under the direction of chemist Sidney Gottlieb, the agency began working with powerful hallucinogenics that they believed could be helpful in brainwashing as well as psychological torture. Many of the participants in these "brainwashing" experiments were not informed of the studies being conducted on them, such as Operation Midnight Climax. This operation was an MK-Ultra project in which the government would employ sex workers to lure men to "safe houses" where they would be dosed with LSD and monitored from behind a two-way mirror. Pedrosala / Getty Images

Other experiment participants, such as Ken Kesey, author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, willingly volunteered to be studied for Project MK-Ultra while he was a student at Stanford University. Kesey later became an advocate of LSD and began hosting hallucinogenic-fueled parties known as "Acid Tests"  one of the factors behind the introduction of mainstream psychedelic culture in the late 1960s.

However, after funding and conducting studies at major universities, LSD  as well as MDMA, heroin, meth, "magic mushrooms," and a whole host of other drugs  were deemed too unstable to be used in the field.

The project was exposed in 1974 after New York Times journalist Seymour Hersh published a story about the CIA's nonconsensual mind control experiments and illegal spying operations. President Gerald Ford, in an attempt to tackle the newly reinvigorated distrust of the government following the Watergate Scandal, then formed a committee whose sole purpose was to investigate illegal CIA activity within the United States.

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Suggested by: u/FixedLoad

9.Operation Northwoods:

Seven months before the Cuban Missile Crisis, certain officials within the United States Department of Defense drew up a plan to justify declaring war against Cuba. This plan, referred to as Operation Northwoods, was a proposed false-flag mission that would entail CIA operatives plotting, staging, and committing acts of terrorism against the United States military, as well as American civilians, and then blaming it on Cuba. A few of the atrocities proposed were assassinating Cuban immigrants, sinking boats filled with Cuban refugees, and painting a civilian aircraft to appear as a US Air Force fighter plane before fabricating a Cuban "shootdown" of the "Air Force plane." Some top brass even contemplated sacrificing the lives of those in the Armed Forces in order to move ahead with a war, writing: "We could blow up a U.S. ship in Guantanamo Bay and blame Cuba. Casualty lists in U.S. newspapers would cause a helpful wave of national indignation." Frank Lennon / Toronto Star via Getty Images

These proposals shockingly earned the approval of all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They even went so far as to land on the desk of President Kennedy's defense secretary, Robert McNamara, who resoundingly rejected them.

Operation Northwoods lived in the shadows for another 30 years and was only declassified due to the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992; however, the documents weren't common knowledge until 2001 when author James Bamford released his book Body of Secrets.

Suggested by: u/mikeymikeymikey1968

10.The forced sterilization of Native American women:

In the six years after the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970 was passed, it is estimated that nearly 25% to 42% of Native American girls and women were nonconsensually sterilized by the Indian Health Service. Many of the procedures were performed on girls and women under the age of 21 despite there being a court-ordered moratorium on patients of that age. In 1976, the U.S. General Accountability Office investigated the sterilization practices of four offices of the Indian Health Service. The GAO uncovered evidence that most patients were unaware of the significance of the paperwork they were signing, while others were coerced into the procedure under the threat that other necessary healthcare would be withheld. Some were even told that sterilization would later be reversible when they were ready to have children. H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStoc

In 1977, Maria Sanchez, chief tribal judge on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, spoke to the United Nations Convention on Indigenous Rights in Geneva to tell them that Native American women were still being targeted by sterilization, which she called a "modern form" of genocide.

With impacts such as lasting mental health struggles and divorce, the effect of these procedures is still being felt in Native American communities today. While forced sterilizations haven't been a major headline in nearly half a century, author Jane Lawrence explained a chilling reality, "Sterilization abuse has not been reported recently on the scale that occurred during the 1970s, but the possibility still exists for it to occur.

Suggested by: u/Jeramy_Jones

Did any of these facts surprise you? What are some other heartbreaking historical facts that aren't taught in schools? Let us know in the comments!
The generation known for its obsession with avocado toast and selfies is approaching midlife  and power. The eldest of the millennials, a generation born between 1981 and 1996, are now in their early 40s, and some are challenging the stereotypes that have long defined them.

The generation that came of age during the rise of the internet, weathered the Great Recession and pioneered the gig economy is now stepping into leadership roles and assuming more responsibilities on both the home and work fronts. They include JD Vance, 40 years old and about to be the third youngest vice president in U.S. history, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, who is being considered for a key leadership role in the House. Is this AOCs moment? The Washington Post recently asked.

The rest of the millennials are wondering if it is their moment, too.

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For many millennials, myself among them, aging comes with a host of pressures: financial instability under the weight of student loan debt, heightened rates of anxiety and depression, and complex decisions about having children and navigating a demanding juggle of careers and caring for children. Dubbed the burnout generation, many millennials feel stretched to their limits.

But theyre also in a unique position to have significant influence in the coming decades.

Millennials have surpassed baby boomers in numbers and make up the largest eligible voting electorate and workforce demographic in the U.S., according to Pew Research Center. Theyre also the most ethnically and racially diverse generation of Americans; more than 40% of millennials are minorities.

Demographer William Frey, whos been studying the cultural generation gap, calls millennials a bridge generation between the older and less diverse generations and more diverse post-millennials. Its why the millennial cohort, he believes, is well-positioned for understanding and building relationships with people of various backgrounds and worldviews. (Vance demonstrates this; his Indian-American wife, Usha Vance, is the daughter of Indian immigrants.)

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Moving into middle age, what their experiences are going to be  both because of their diverse backgrounds and their ability to move across different racial and cultural lines and to interact with people  is certainly a positive thing in terms of our economy and ability to move into the new future, said Frey, who is a senior fellow with the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution.

As more of the cohort rises in their professions and accumulates wealth, theyre poised to influence cultural, political and economic landscapes in profound ways over the coming decades, analysts say.

The burnout generation?

I turned 40 last week, and with this milestone came a strange and unsettling realization: Ive officially entered middle age  defined by Brittanica as a period between 40 and 60  and Im not sure Im prepared for what lies ahead.

Now that Im 40, midlife no longer feels like a distant horizon  it is here and I am in it. Along with middle age comes an unspoken expectation that by now, everything should be figured out: a stable career, financial security, family and kids, and a clear sense of who you are.

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But for many millennials, which make up more than 70 million of other Americans, that picture feels more aspirational than real. Many millennials I know are navigating financial uncertainty, grappling with mental health challenges and striving to maintain healthy family dynamics. Other millennial friends are going through divorce and mourning the loss of parents. Many are reckoning with decisions they made in their 20s and 30s and, now armed with greater clarity and self-awareness, making adjustments for the years ahead.

Despite being the most educated generation in history, millennials entered adulthood during a time of financial instability and many are still playing catch-up. Student loan debt, the housing crisis and stagnant wages delayed wealth-building milestones for millennials and put them in a weaker economic position compared to previous generations at the same age. Anne Helen Petersen, author of Cant Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation, points to precarity and hustle culture, which have contributed to a sweeping exhaustion among the generation.

The burnout experienced by millennials is textured by how we interact with digital technologies, and some of our ideas about work and the fetishization of overwork, Petersen said in a Vox interview. Theres a feeling of instability thats the baseline economic condition for many, many millennials, and its enhanced by these other components of our lives that make it harder to turn away from.

This burnout may also explain why some millennials are delaying marriage, choosing not to have children, or redefining traditional markers of success. The feeling of precarity and burnout have, for many, overshadowed the milestones that older generations saw as the right of passage.

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But psychologist Jean Twenge, the author of Generation Me, argues that millennials are actually in a better financial position than it seems. The data on the income, on median incomes, is extremely clear: The millennials are actually making more money than previous generations at the same age, Twenge said in a Washington Post interview.

Lindsey and Russell Memory with their kids Elizabeth (4), Alex (3), and Emilia (1) at the Utah Valley Marathon in June 2024. | Memory family photo

Lindsey Memory, a librarian in Springville, Utah, who will turn 40 this summer, told me that for years she felt financially and professionally behind. She got a degree in a narrow field  academic librarianship  that takes time to advance in. Meanwhile, her husband was restarting his career in his 30s and the couple faced mounting expenses from infertility treatments. But the year 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, felt like a breakthrough: they had their first child, her husband started a new job as a software developer and they were able to buy a house.

A year later, Memory was promoted as a head of a library department. That salary bump allowed us to pay off our car and finally let our hair down ... not looking too hard at our grocery totals every week, Memory told me. The best part of aging for me has been finally reaching financial and career stability.

While members of Generation Z have been criticized for their laissez-faire attitudes toward work, millennials have been characterized as perfectionists and called the hardest working generation, channeling their ambition and adaptability into navigating a precarious world. But the question remains: At what cost?

Parenting and aging

As the first generation shaped by the internet and digital technology, millennials spend a significant portion of their lives online. Yet, theyre acutely aware of their compulsive scrolling habits. In fact, Out: scrolling  reducing the time spent online  was a recurring theme among New Years resolutions shared by millennial influencers on Instagram  a self-aware nod to their love-hate relationship with technology.

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For millennial parents, the challenges are even more pronounced. With kids transitioning into their teenage years, theyre navigating dilemmas their own parents never had to face: When is the right time to give a child a phone? Is it safe to let them roam the neighborhood unsupervised? Whats the most effective way to discipline in an age of constant digital connectivity?

Memory and her husband often talk about how they will help nurture healthy phone habits for their three kids, even though their children are still young. Knowing they will model their behaviors after mine also makes me pretty conscious of how often Im staring at my screen in front of them, she told me.

The rapid pace of technological progress over the past two decades has left parents of young children without a roadmap. Millennials are forging their own path, often feeling as though theyre improvising through uncharted territory.

At the same time, aging is stirring existential worries in a culture more obsessed than ever with youth and its preservation. Teenagers flock to Sephora, fueling a multibillion-dollar beauty industry, while the average age of Botox clients continues to drop. Billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel have invested millions in longevity and immortality research, chasing the dream of defying aging altogether. The Netflix documentary on centimillionaire Bryan Johnsons extreme anti-aging regimen  complete with more than 100 daily supplements and gene therapy  highlights the lengths to which some of us will go to do battle with death.

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When you are young, your body does (most) things you want it to  you are your looks, strength and energy, Memory told me. But as you age, your body no longer does the things you want it to ... and you start to understand that maybe the you of your youth was never real.

Amid this relentless fixation on youth, embracing the grace and depth that come with aging feels countercultural, a quiet rebellion.

Opportunities for change

But despite the challenges my generation is up against, millennials have unique opportunities to drive positive change in ways that previous generations couldnt. Having embraced technology as it evolved  but without being fully shaped by it in childhood  millennials are uniquely positioned to model healthier digital habits for their children.

The dual responsibilities of juggling caregiving for boomer parents while simultaneously caring for Gen Alpha children could help millennials advocate for policies that address the realities of modern family life, such as expanded parental leave, eldercare support and workplace flexibility. Millennials have the power to redefine family structures and set new standards for intergenerational care.

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Millennials make up the largest eligible voting bloc, which means that the priorities and values of this generation will continue to shape public policy and election outcomes for decades, even though the older generations still make up the majority of Congress, despite the share of millennials and Gen X-ers increasing in recent years, according to Pew Research Center.

As managers and employers in the most diverse generation, Frey says millennials know how to get along.

The point is that [millennials] are open to interacting with people of different backgrounds because they understand many of them, and theyve had some difficulty themselves as they were growing up, he said. How they advance and how theyre able to succeed will do a lot to help the generations behind them, because theyll be the role models for this kind of new diverse America.
An American woman allegedly hired to take part in the assassination of a British businessman is set to be charged with conspiracy to murder.

Aimee Betro was allegedly hired to kill Sikander Ali, a clothes boutique owner, on the orders of business rival Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nazir, 30.

The 44-year-old from Wisconsin is said to have disguised herself in a hijab before unsuccessfully trying to gun down Ali in Birmingham on Sept 7, 2019.

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She was on the run until she was finally arrested by police in Armenia in July and was extradited to the UK.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Betro with conspiracy to murder a Birmingham resident.

She is also set to be charged with possession of a firearm with intent and bringing ammunition into the UK.

Ben Samples, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in West Midlands, said: CPS West Midlands has worked closely with West Midlands Police, Derbyshire Police, the Armenian authorities and our own Extradition Unit to bring Ms Betro back to face proceedings in a UK court for alleged crimes that took place here.

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The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Ms Betro are active and that she has the right to a fair trial.

It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

Ms Betro will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 January.

Nazir and Islam were both found guilty of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court in the summer and were given prison sentences of 32 years and 10 years respectively.

The hearing was told Nazir and Aslam had held a grudge against Mr Alis family following a violent dispute at his boutique clothing store in Birmingham on July 21 2018. It resulted in the two men sustaining injuries and the shop windows being smashed.

Mugshot of Mohammed Nazir - West Midlands Police

Seeking revenge, the pair alleged to have flown Betro from the United States to kill Mr Ali and his family, the court was told. She is said to have worn a hijab to disguise herself and stayed at a number of hotels in Birmingham, Derby, Brighton and London while she was in the UK.

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On the morning of Sept 7 2019, she allegedly tried to shoot Mr Ali outside a house in Acocks Green, Birmingham, but the gun jammed, the court heard.

She allegedly returned to the house by taxi and fired three shots at the property before ordering the driver to take her to a McDonalds in Bordesley Green. No one was injured.

Jurors were told that Betro fled back to her native Wisconsin two days later before going to ground.

Her mother, Jeanne Johnson, 62, appealed in The Telegraph for her daughter to hand herself in, saying: She has nowhere else to go. Shes got to stop running.

It is understood a combination of background details in Betros Instagram selfies and sunset photos taken from her living room window helped trace her to a gated housing complex on the northern outskirts of Yerevan, the Armenian capital.

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.
(KRON)  Matthew Muller, the notorious rapist who was convicted of kidnapping Denise Huskins in Vallejo, pleaded guilty on Friday to victimizing more women in the South Bay.

Muller, 47, was featured in a Netflix documentary, American Nightmare, that chronicled Huskins harrowing experience in 2015 when Muller broke into her home, kidnapped and raped her, and held her for two days inside his South Lake Tahoe cabin.

On Friday, Muller pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting women during a pair of home invasions in Mountain View and Palo Alto 15 years ago. He will face life in prison when he is sentenced on February 21 in the Santa Clara County courthouse.

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This extremely dangerous person left a trail of traumatized and terrified victims, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. It took the collective courage of his victims and determined law enforcement officers to stop him. This nightmare is over.

Denise Huskins arrives at the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards on June 15, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

On Sept. 29, 2009, Muller broke into a womans Mountain View home, attacked her, tied her up, made her drink a concoction of medications, and said he was going to rape her. After the victim persuaded him against it, he told the victim to get a dog for protection and fled.

On Oct. 18, 2009, Muller broke into a Palo Alto home, bound and gagged a woman in her 30s and made her drink Nyquil. He sexually assaulted her until she also persuaded him to stop. Muller gave the victim crime prevention advice and fled.

Matthew Muller confessed to South Bay cold cases: court documents

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On March 23, 2015, Muller broke into a Vallejo home, where he drugged, and tied up a young couple. He kidnapped Huskins, brought her to his cabin in South Lake Tahoe, and recorded videos of rapes. Two days later, Muller drove Huskins to Southern California and released her. Muller was arrested in June of 2015 for both the Vallejo kidnapping and a violent Dublin home invasion.

Denise Huskins (right) and her husband, Aaron Quinn, appear at a law enforcement training event in Seaside in March 2024. (KRON4 / Amy Larson)

Muller pleaded guilty in 2016 for the Huskins case and was sentenced to serve decades in a federal prison. Following his guilty plea in Santa Clara County this week, the serial predator will now face kidnapping for ransom charges in Contra Costa County.

The investigation into Muller was reopened earlier this year when Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges teamed up with Huskins. Borges said he had never heard of the unsolved 2009 South Bay cold cases until he watched American Nightmare. Chief Borges began sending letters to Muller, who was an inmate at a federal prison in Arizona.

How Denise Huskins helped find more victims of American Nightmare kidnapper

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Borges received reply letters from Muller in which he confessed to victimizing Huskins in Vallejo, as well as a woman in Palo Alto, and a third woman in Mountain View, court documents obtained by KRON4 show.

In one prison letter, Muller explained why he first began breaking into the homes of young women, court documents state. His criminal life began with voyeurism. Over time, it escalated into home invasions, attempted rapes, and kidnapping.

The idea to raid a home and rape a woman developed in August or September 2009 and he was in a manic state, court documents state.

Muller served as a Marine, graduated from Harvard University, and worked as an attorney in California. Investigators described him as exceptionally intelligent. He meticulously planned out his crimes and practiced before terrorizing victims who were woken up in the middle of the night by a home intruder, investigators said.

Denise Huskins talks to reporters in Seaside, Calif. on Jan. 7, 2025. (KRON4 Photo)

In another prison letter, Muller described how its strange that he used to protect and enable women, and was somehow driven to hurt them instead.

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In addition to the prison letter confessions, advances in DNA technology allowed cold case investigators to make a DNA match from evidence found at the Palo Alto crime scene. Mullers DNA was detected on one of the bindings that was used to tie the victim up, Rosen said.

Timeline: Matthew Muller and the American Nightmare case

Huskins spoke to reporters at a news conference earlier this month. This man had all the markers of a serial predator. Its something he crafted and perfected over a long period of time. This is just the tip of the iceberg, she said. Tears flowed down Huskins face as she talked about finding more victims whom were previously unknown to law enforcement, and helping them seek justice.

Borges said Huskins is not only a survivor, shes a hero for seeking justice beyond her case.

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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 KRON4.
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Happy Friday! Not a great way to start the weekend, but important nonetheless: A new report detailed the alarming rise in cancer among women under 65 . While breast cancer remains the biggest risk, lung cancer cases are on the rise.

In today's big story, time is running out for TikTok as its sell-or-ban deadline is just days away.

What's on deck

Markets: When it comes to your 2025 investing strategy, size shouldn't matter .

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Tech: Meta's aggressive approach to underperformers is a nod to Amazon's playbook .

Business: Streamlining. Rightsizing. Reduction of force. Companies are using confusing language to disguise job cuts .

But first, we can't keep swiping.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Tick tock for TikTok

Gearstd/iStock, Tyler Le/BI

TikTok's For You Page might soon be for no one.

The social media platform is days away from a shutdown in the US thanks to a divest-or-ban law passed back in April.

Or is it?

To quickly recap: A law requires ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell its US operations to a non-Chinese owner by Sunday.

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However, anything beyond the above statement is unclear, as Business Insider's Peter Kafka explains.

There is some murkiness and conflicting reports on everything from how the law will be enforced to what will happen to TikTok if it isn't sold and the app's potential workarounds. Peter broke down all the possible scenarios .

Two central figures in the TikTok saga are the Supreme Court and President-elect Donald Trump.

With the former, TikTok argued the law violates the First Amendment. (Give me mindless day-in-the-life videos, or give me death.) However, legal experts told BI the app's argument might not have been good enough to get the highest court in the land to step in .

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Then there's Trump. Despite having once backed a TikTok ban, the incoming president has done a 180.

He's now much more supportive of the app, even inviting CEO Shou Chew to attend his inauguration . Some Democratic lawmakers are cheering Trump on regarding his TikTok efforts .

But as Peter points out, there are still questions about what Trump could do, even as president, to prevent the ban.

fotograzia/Getty, Richard Drury/Getty, Imgorthand/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

In the meantime, the world keeps swiping. One way or another.

Americans are proving stubborn, resourceful, or a combination of both as they look to scratch their social-media itch.

RedNote, which is basically China's version of Instagram, is surging in popularity in the US . The irony is Americans are essentially thumbing their nose at the US government by jumping to another Chinese-owned app, writes BI's Katie Notopoulos.

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RedNote has become so popular that Duolingo told BI it's seen 216% growth in new Mandarin learners in the US .

If TikTok truly is gone for good starting Sunday, there could be more US winners as users continue to look for a new home. And wherever the self-anointed "TikTok refugees" land, the ad dollars could follow.

Some familiar names could just gobble back up more business, according to Wall Street analysts, but emerging platforms like Reddit and Trade Desk might also stand to benefit , writes BI's Kelly Cloonan.

As for content creators who have built businesses on TikTok, it's another lesson in the importance of diversification .

News brief

Top headlines

3 things in markets

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng

1. America's economic exceptionalism isn't going anywhere. If you're wondering whether US market dominance peaked in 2024  when US GDP neared $30 trillion and dwarfed both the Eurozone and China  the answer is no. JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs both urged investors to bet on the red, white, and blue this year .

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2. Dutch Bros, Tempur-Sealy, and Mattel make the cut. UBS made its case for small and mid caps, with analysts pointing out how smaller firms outdid their larger peers by 2% per year in the long term. Interest-rate cuts aren't on the forecast after last month's knockout jobs report, but UBS still had some top picks for smaller stocks to buy.

3. Six shocks that could shake up markets in 2025. It's hard to predict surprises, but that doesn't stop some strategists from trying. From a global internet outage to another year of 20% stock gains, here are the curveballs Bank of America thinks could rattle investors.

3 things in tech

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. John Raoux/AP

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1. The Musk-Bezos space race. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin successfully sent its New Glenn rocket into orbit on Thursday. Its competitor SpaceX ran its seventh Starship launch later that day, but the mega-rocket unexpectedly dropped out of communications and exploded after liftoff. Pressure is mounting on both Bezos and Musk, as they prepare for Trump's White House return.

2. Amazon's RTO headaches. The company's five-day return-to-office mandate is off to a bumpy start thanks to a shortage of office space. Some employees told BI the rollout was riddled with issues like a lack of desks and meeting rooms, and workplace theft. Plus, they're still on video chats .

3. The times, they are a-changin'  and Big Tech workers pay the price. Meta and Microsoft are embracing Amazon's brutal management style, prioritizing lean, high-performing teams over employee retention. "The overarching trend is that corporations feel they have more power over their employees," one former Googler told BI.

3 things in business

Meta is among the companies using corporate jargon to describe job cuts. Alex Wong/Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

1. Nonregrettable attrition (noun): a euphemistic term for layoffs. Many companies go out of their way to avoid calling job cuts what they are. But whether it's "rightsizing," "streamlining," or Meta's recent buzzphrase "nonregrettable attrition," the corporate lingo of job cuts doesn't soften the blow to employees .

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2. Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, claiming $400 million in damages. The "It Ends With Us" director filed a 179-page suit on Thursday , accusing his costar of hijacking the movie and destroying his reputation. Lively previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and of trying to smear her in the press, claims that Baldoni has denied.

3. All the lonely (young) people. Gen Z adults are the loneliest and least optimistic generation, a new survey found. It's not just about young Americans having fewer social connections. More time alone and young people getting married later are also factors. Boomers, on the other hand, are on a different wavelength .

In other news

IMF World Economic Outlook Update launches.

Senate committee hearing on Kristi Noem, Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

China releases quarterly GDP data.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  Spartanburg Regional is joining multiple Upstate hospital systems in tightening restrictions on hospital visitors.

The revised visitor rules start Friday.

The healthcare system said surges in the flu, COVID-19, norovirus and other respiratory viruses pose a risk to patients.

Anyone who has tested positive for a respiratory illness or has illness symptoms is asked to refrain from visiting hospitalized patients.

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Additionally, the hospital will not allow visitors under the age of 16.

Those visiting patients are asked to wear a mask and thoroughly wash hands to reduce the spread of sickness.

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System operates hospitals in Spartanburg, Greer, Gaffney and Union.

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Update

According to Colorado Springs Police, Hensley has been located safely as of 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is searching for 13-year-old Hensley Betts-Metcalf, who was reported missing early Thursday morning.

Hensley is 5-foot-4, weighs about 150 pounds, has black shoulder length hair with pink dye in the back, and was last seen wearing black checkered sweatpants, a gray hoodie and black shoes.

She was reported missing from the 4800 block of Sprucewood Drive in the north part of the city about 10:30 p.m., Wednesday, according to police.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.
Editors note: Some content in this story is graphic and might be disturbing for some readers. Discretion is advised

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WBTW)  Sentencing documents released Friday ahead of Angel Vauses sentencing next month in federal court in Charleston paint a sordid picture of how Vause and Brittanee Drexels killer, Raymond Moody, interacted with the New York teenager, who went missing while on spring break in Myrtle Beach in 2009.

The documents also lay out Moodys history as a sexual predator in California, including a stint in a California prison from 1983-2004 after he admitted to stalking, abducting and raping seven young women over two years, including one who was 8 years old.

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In one of those cases, the victim, who was abducted from a school playground, told authorities that a man, later determined to be Moody, came up behind her, put his hands on her mouth and forced her into a small white car.

Im going to hurt you if you scream, the victim said Moody told her.

Vause, Moodys longtime girlfriend, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13 in U.S. District Court in Charleston for her role in the Drexel case, Justice Department spokesperson Veronica Hill told New13 on Friday. She pleaded guilty on Sept. 9 to three counts of lying to FBI agents and faces up to 24 years behind bars.

Moody, a Navy veteran and a Georgetown native whose father worked in the local paper mill, confessed in October 2022 to killing Drexel. He was arrested a week before authorities recovered Drexels remains were found in rural Georgetown County in May 2022 and charged with murder, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct. He pleaded guilty and is currently serving a life sentence.

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During a 2024 FBI interview at the Lieber Correctional Facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina, Moody explained in detail what happened the night of Drexels kidnapping in 2009.

We were hunting, he said, talking about their plan to abduct a girl, take her to a tent they had set up in Georgetown and rape her.

That night, Moody and Vause drove up and down Ocean Boulevard, passing Drexel at least twice, including once while she was walking south.

I had my eye on her, and I thought, shes the one, Moody said.

They encountered Drexel again later while she was walking north on the sidewalk. Moody was driving a Ford Explorer, but it was Vause who got out to talk to Drexel and kinda soften her up a little bit, maybe trust us.

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Their plan worked, and Vause led Drexel back to the vehicle. While talking to her, they told her they were tourists and learned that she also was a tourist. They offered to drop her off at her hotel  the Bar Harbor resort  but instead Moody turned off the boulevard and pretended to be lost.

He then stopped after driving across Kings Highway, saying he needed to change drivers. Moody planned to get into the back seat to restrain Drexel, but the door was locked so he entered the passenger side front door.

Then, before Vause put the vehicle in reverse, Moody dove into the back seat and restrained her with his arms and hands, telling her not to panic because he kidnaps girls, demands a $5,000 ransom and then returns them.

During the interview, he recalled handcuffing Drexel either in the vehicle or at the Pole Yard Boat Landing in Georgetown County, which is where their tent was located. He said the three of them walked into the woods to the tent before Vause left to get keys to their apartment.

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According to the documents, Moody previously lied to FBI agents, saying Vause was going to get drugs from the apartment. He also said he believes Vause went to get the keys from her son in Georgetown.

Editors note: The following details are graphic and could be disturbing for some readers. Discretion is advised

The documents indicate that Moodys and Vauses plan all along was to have sex together with Drexel. Vause even told Moody not to have sex with her until she got back.

Later that night after Vause came back, Moody left with Drexel still in handcuffs. The plan was to get sex toys from their apartment. When he returned, he raped with Vause present in the tent but said she did not take part in the rape.

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Moody also told investigators in the documents that he couldnt have an orgasm because he was thinking about having to murder Brittanee after the rape. Vause, he said, did not know he intended to kill Drexel.

The documents describe how Moody strangled Drexel using a yellow nylon rope and then later choked her with the rope to make sure she was dead. He later stabbed her in the heart with an ice pick before carrying her to the river and placing her face down in the shallow water.

He eventually took her body to the Pole Yard Boat Landing and placed her naked body under a tree before returning to the tent, where he and Vause packed up their belongings in the Explorer.

Moody and Vause then drove north toward Georgetown and crossed the Maryville bridge before stopping and leaving the Explorer. They drove back to the Pole Yard in Moodys truck, stopping along the way to get a shovel to bury Drexels body.

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Then, with Drexels body in the truck, they drove to their apartment at the Sunset Lodge and went inside to sleep. Moody recalled saying that Vause told him she was scared. Because he was afraid she wouldnt keep their secret and that she should know where he dumped the body, he left and went looking for a place to bury Drexel.

The next day, Moody and Vause drove his truck to Pawleys Island to retrieve his motorcycle, which he had left there before they abducted Drexel. He tossed the rope he used to kill Drexel in some shrubbery before they rode to Surfside Beach, where they were stopped for speeding.

During the interview, Moody said he feared Vause was coming apart after the FBI interviewed her in 2022. Thats when he told Vause to tell authorities that Drexel was already gone when they got back to the Pole Yard Landing and that she had used his phone to coordinate a pickup by her friends.

The documents indicated Vause lied to the FBI at least three times: once when she said she left Drexel and Moody at the Pole Yard to meet her son to retrieve keys at the Sunset Lodge, once when she said had maintained possession of her phone throughout the night of the murder, and again when she said Drexel willingly joined them on Ocean Boulevard to consume drugs.

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* * *

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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Two local entrepreneurs were awarded a combined $20,000 to grow their businesses in downtown Anniston through a pitch competition held on Wednesday. The pitch competition was hosted by Main Street Anniston, in partnership with Main Street America, Main Street Alabama and the Small Business Development Center at Jacksonville State University.

The competition included seven local entrepreneurs vying for the $10,000 Bright Ideas Grant, aimed at expanding business operations in the Main Street Anniston district. Andrew Koehler, owner of The Kress Grand Ballroom, secured the top prize with his proposal to transform the historic event venue into a Vintage Fair and Antique Market.

Koehlers plan includes restoring the iconic Kress lunch counter and installing 26 vendor booths to showcase vintage and antique items. His vision is expected to increase retail opportunities and drive more foot traffic to downtown Anniston.

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In addition to the Bright Ideas Grant, another $10,000 in seed funding was awarded to Charles Whitfield, owner of Chef Whitz, as part of the GETUP Anniston program. Whitfield plans to transition his popular home-based kettle corn business into a vibrant storefront in the Main Street district. Known for his sweet and savory popcorn flavors, Whitfield aims to create a unique culinary experience that will enhance downtown Annistons appeal.

This event highlights the incredible entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Anniston and reflects our communitys dedication to supporting small business growth, said Main Street Anniston Executive Director Karla Eden. By investing in these innovative ideas, we are fostering a stronger, more vibrant downtown that benefits everyone.

The GETUP Anniston program, developed by Main Street Anniston, the city of Anniston and local professionals, is a comprehensive three-month initiative that provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in business. Eden said on Thursday that another round of GETUP classes will be announced soon for the spring.
Republicans are fuming at the State Department after learning that recipients of funding from the legacy program to curb HIV/AIDS across Africa, PEPFAR, performed abortions in violation of U.S. law.

U.S. officials told members of Congress that a review of PEPFAR-funded service providers in Mozambique had revealed that four nurses had performed 21 abortions since January 2021, Reuters reported this week.

While abortion is legal in that country, service providers across Africa that get funding through the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are barred under U.S. law from providing abortion services.

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The State Department presented its findings to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee this week, prompting outrage from Republicans.

The PEPFAR program, established under Republican President George W. Bush, is credited with saving more than 25 million lives over the course of two decades and was routinely funded for periods of five-years.

But in March 2024, lawmakers reauthorized PEPFAR for only one year, hindering service-provider operations from planning for long-term priorities. PEPFAR authorization expires on March 25.

The discovery that some of the funding went to services that provided abortions is likely to add extra hurdles to the programs long-term reauthorization, especially under the trifecta of Republican control of the White House, Senate and House.

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Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Security and Diplomacy Bureau, called the revelation just the tip of the iceberg and vowed investigations into PEPFARs programs.

In 2024, Smith led the effort to delay PEPFAR reauthorization over what he said was opposition to Biden administration efforts to integrate the program with sexual and reproductive health and rights services. Smith called for investigations into the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) role in administering funding to service providers under PEPFAR.

The CDCs actions are a direct violation of both the letter and spirit of the law. It is unacceptable for our government to use PEPFARs taxpayer dollars to promote or provide abortion, especially in a program meant to save lives from HIV/AIDS Smith said.

The Republican chairs of the Senate Foreign Relations, House Foreign Affairs and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committees also called for investigations.

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I will not support one dollar of American money going towards abortion anywhere in the world, and I will do all I can to ensure this never happens again, said Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) pushed back, saying that increased partisanship is threatening a landmark health program that has saved millions of lives in Africa.

We dont reauthorize PEPFAR, the lives of hundreds of thousands of children will die, he said during a panel discussion at the U.S. Institute of Peace on Tuesday.

So not to reauthorize PEPFAR and to disregard a continent that is important, domestically to us, for the future, for the minerals, etc that we need  is dangerous to us. Because then somebodys going to step up to do it and guess who thats going to be? China.

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DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Languishing in a dungeon cell of Syrias then-ruler Bashar Assad, an unknown prisoner scrawled a verse of Arabic poetry on his cell wall  an expression of pain and love amid his torment.

My country, even if it oppresses me, is dear. My people, even if uncharitable to me, are generous, he wrote. Its a well-known verse, composed 800 years ago by a poet defying a tyrannical caliph.

As you walk through the cold, dark cells of Assads prisons, the graffiti on the walls cry out. They plead to God and yearn for loved ones. Often mysterious, they preserve fragments of what anonymous men were thinking as they faced torture and death.

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Trust no one, not even your brother, someone darkly warns on a cell wall in Damascus notorious Palestine Branch detention facility.

Oh Lord, bring relief, groans another.

Since 2011, tens of thousands of Syrians vanished inside the network of prisons and detention facilities run by Assads security forces as they tried to crush his opposition. Inmates went for years without contact with the outside world, living in overcrowded, windowless cells where their cellmates died around them. Torture and beatings were inflicted daily. Mass executions were frequent.

Most inmates would have fully expected to die. They had no reason to believe anyone would ever see the messages they scratched into the walls except future prisoners.

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One wrote a single word in Arabic, ashtaqtilak  I miss you  a love letter that could never be sent to a beloved whose name only the writer need know.

More than a month after the prisons were opened by insurgents who ousted Assad in December, The Associated Press toured several facilities to view the graffiti left behind. Nothing can be known about the men who drew and wrote them. Only a few bear names, and few are dated. Its impossible to know who of them lived or died.

Some walls have layers of graffiti on top of each other, marking generations of suffering.

Dont be sad, mother. This is my fate, reads one, dated Jan. 1, 2024. Underneath it are traces of an older text, so faded that only a few words are legible:  except for you  a hint of longing for a loved one.

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Many of the writings and drawings are cries to parents or loved ones. Someone drew a heart broken in two, with mother written in one side, father in the other.

Some quote poetry. When you wage your wars, think of those who ask for peace, reads one, slightly misremembering a verse by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

Many kept calendars, filling walls with grids of numbers. A year passed, was one prisoners terse summary above a field of 365 dots arranged in rows.

Some drawings are even playful, like googly-eye cartoon faces or a joint of hashish. Others are flights of fancy whose meaning, if any, was known only to the prisoner. One scene shows a landscape of rolling hills and forests of bare trees, where a pack of wolves howls at the sky and a bird of prey grips a hissing snake in its talons.

Darkness and fear hang over most, along with attempts to endure.

Patience is beautiful, and God the one from whom we seek help, one wrote. God, fill me with me patience and dont let me despair.
Jan. 10 - 16, 2025

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in to serve a third term despite credible evidence that his opponent won the July 2024 election.

Guatemalans marked the feast day of the Black Christ of Esquipulas, one of the most important Catholic celebrations in Central America.

The relatives of Haitian journalist Jimmy Jean mourned over his casket during his funeral Mass, a week after he was killed during a gang attack on the General Hospital where he was covering its reopening.

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People cooled off in the waters of Venezuela's Canaima National Park as well as a water hose in Buenos Aires, and Bolivians celebrated their National Chewing Coca Leaf Day.

This gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published in the past week by The Associated Press from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The selection was curated by AP photo editor Leslie Mazoch, based in Mexico City.

___

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Albuquerque Police detectives are investigating a deadly shooting that happened overnight in Southeast Albuquerque.

Story continues below

Officers responded to a report of a shooting on Thursday around 11:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a smoke shop, located at 8307 Central Ave., SE. They found a man with a gunshot wound who was determined to be dead. The victim was identified as 23-year-old Keyshawn Ball.

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ATLANTA (AP)  A Georgia appeals court has upheld the dismissal of some of the charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in the Georgia 2020 election interference case, as the future of the case remains uncertain.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee in March quashed six counts in the indictment, including three against Trump, but he left in place other counts. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appealed that ruling to the Georgia Court of Appeals, which on Friday upheld McAfee's ruling.

The indictment accused Trump and more than a dozen other people of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn Trumps narrow 2020 presidential election loss in Georgia. But the future of the case is up in the air  the Georgia Court of Appeals last month removed Willis from the case and even if that ruling is overturned, it seems unlikely that a criminal prosecution against Trump could proceed once he's inaugurated as president for a second time on Monday.

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Willis has asked the Georgia Supreme Court to reverse the ruling removing her and her office from the case. Trump's lawyers argued in a court filing Friday that the Georgia Supreme Court should not hear that appeal.

A spokesperson for Willis on Friday declined to comment on the Court of Appeals ruling.

The six dismissed counts charged the defendants with soliciting public officers to violate their oaths. One count stems from a phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, on Jan. 2, 2021, in which Trump urged Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes.

Another of the dismissed counts accused Trump of soliciting then-Georgia House Speaker David Ralston to violate his oath of office by calling a special session of the legislature to unlawfully appoint presidential electors.

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McAfee said the counts did not allege sufficient detail regarding the nature of the violations. The Court of Appeals agreed, finding that the indictment fails to include enough detail to sufficiently apprise the defendants of what they must be prepared to meet so that they can intelligently prepare their defenses.

The Georgia Court of Appeals last month ruled that Willis and her office could not continue to prosecute the case because of an appearance of impropriety created by a romantic relationship she had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the case.

Willis has asked the state Supreme Court to reverse that ruling, arguing in a court filing earlier this month the Court of Appeals was wrong to disqualify her based solely upon an appearance of impropriety and absent a finding of an actual conflict of interest or forensic misconduct. Lawyers for Trump argued in a filing Friday that the lower appeals court got it right and that Willis disqualification is mandated because it is the only remedy that could purge the taint of impropriety.

If the state Supreme Court declines to take the appeal or upholds the Court of Appeals ruling, it will be up to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to find another prosecutor to take over the case. That person could continue on the track that Willis has taken, decide to pursue only some charges or dismiss the case altogether.

___
The Illinois Sheriffs Association is awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state to students pursuing higher education during the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarships can only be applied to tuition, books and fees. Students must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the State of Illinois; however, online learning at an Illinois-based school is also accepted.

Applications are not restricted by race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. There are requirements to apply:

Applicants must be permanent Illinois residents.

Scholarships must be used at institutions of higher learning within the State of Illinois, including those offering online learning.

Students must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2025-2026 school year, excluding summer session.

Applications are available at your local Sheriffs office or on the ISA website. Students must complete the application, answer the essay question, and return all documentation your local Sheriffs office in their permanent county of residence. Applications must be postmarked by March 14, 2025.

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All applications are forwarded to the Regional Office of Education for evaluation to determine the winner. Click here for a directory of Sheriffs offices. Contact your local Sheriffs office, Illinois Sheriffs Association, high school advising center or college financial aid office for more information.

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Visitors walk around the Colorado Capitol on the first day of the 2025 session of the Legislature on Jan. 8, 2025. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

The four candidates hoping to be appointed to represent Aurora in the Colorado Legislature acknowledged the potential challenges with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump during a forum on Thursday night.

I am very afraid of what might be coming down the road for us, said community advocate Aly DeWills-Marcano. Were between a rock and a hard place  the federal administration coming into office in a few days and the Aurora City Council, which is following that administrations playbook.

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Dewills-Marcano currently works for the Community Economic Defense Project and has experience managing constituent services for U.S. Rep. Jason Crow.

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A vacancy committee will pick a new representative for House District 41 next week, after Sen. Iman Jodeh was appointed to her new office earlier this month, replacing former Sen. Janet Buckner. The Aurora-based district is one of the most diverse in the state.

Whoever replaces Jodeh will be part of a legislative delegation that represents a city with a political target on its back.

Aurora became the center of national attention last year with a viral video of armed men forcing their way into an apartment unit and assertions that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the city. The city became a flashpoint in a conservative claim that links criminality with immigrants, and Trump held a rally in the city in the final weeks of his campaign.

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During that stop, he announced plans for Operation Aurora, an effort to deport undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes. Immigrant advocates worry that Trumps plan would amount to unprecedented mass deportations of all undocumented immigrants.

Right now, we have a problem come Jan. 20, when Trump will come and ask all the immigrants and refugees that are illegal to get out, said Jane-Frances Echeozo.

Echeozo is a community organizer and nurse who leads a home health care organization.

Two of the four candidates are immigrants: Echeozo is from Nigeria and Aurora Public School Board Member Anne Keke is from Cote dIvoire.

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Also running is Jamie Jackson, who currently works as the chief operating officer at The Naloxone Project and previously worked at the Colorado Childrens Campaign. She previously worked for the City of Denver as a probation officer and at the GEO Group managing re-entry services, according to her LinkedIn.

Jackson said that her top priority at the Capitol would be equitable health care access.

Everyone has the right and should have the right to access affordable, high-quality health care, including mental health and substance use treatment, she said. Ill work to increase funding for community clinics in underserved areas in order to address racial disparities in healthcare and also advancing culturally-competent preventative measures as well.

On education, Keke said she would take her school board experience to the Capitol to advance education policy,

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If I am afforded that opportunity to represent you, I will advocate for better funding for our education. We know that there is a budget cut this year, but  everybody came together and said We do not want education to be cut, she said. She said her priorities would include making sure the budget stabilization factor  essentially a decade-long I.O.U. to public schools so the state could balance its budget  does not return.

The four candidates all expressed strong support for public education in Colorado.

Dewills-Marcano said there is an insidious strategy by Republicans to privatize public schools.

Theyre not saying were going to privatize schools. They sort of change the way that funding works. Were going to fund different things, or were going to bring in different types of groups. And Im very wary of that, she said. Its important that we continue to make sure that our schools are accessible to everyone, including students with disabilities, students in poverty and students of color. Public education is the best way to do that.

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Echezo said her top issue at the Capitol would be homelessness.

There is a reason for homelessness. It is not only housing. We have mental problems. We have drug addictions. These are things we have to really address and make sure that will ameliorate the problem, she said.

Dewills-Marcano indicated that housing and homelessness would also be her top priority. She said she supports a housing-first solution, which is a policy that provides unconditional housing to people followed by supportive services.

The vacancy committee, which is made up of Democrats in the district, will select a new representative on Jan. 22. The Arapahoe County Democratic Party will livestream the election on its website.

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Jan. 17Dangerously cold temperatures are slated to move into the area this weekend, combining with gusty winds to create wind chills near 30 degrees below zero.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will begin declining Friday into Saturday and then decrease further on Sunday. The coldest wind chills are expected early Sunday and Monday mornings.

Projections call for wind chills to reach 29 degrees below zero Sunday morning in Albert Lea and 28 degrees below zero Monday morning. Conditions will improve Tuesday but still start the day at about 24 degrees below zero.

Wind gusts as high as 33 mph are projected Friday into Saturday with winds otherwise staying at least 20 mph through Sunday.
Arienne Childrey, the first out transgender person on any city council in Ohio, wants her constituents to know she can serve her towns needs as well as anyone else.

Her presence means the same thing as having any other type of person on the city council, Childrey, who was sworn in Monday as a member of the St. Marys City Council, tells The Advocate. This is about good local government.

But shes also eager to stand up for trans people and show that were just your neighbors, she adds. I think its incredibly important to be on the council and show our LGBT community, our trans community, that we can make a difference, she notes.

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I want people outside our community to see the inspiration that we can make change, she says.

Childrey was appointed to the Fourth Ward seat on the council to replace Robin Willoughby, who resigned for health reasons. The Auglaize County Democratic Party Central Committee chose her for the seat, which was and remains the only one held by a Democrat. The way the appointments work is that each party gets to choose who will replace a council member who steps down. Childrey will serve the remainder of Willoughbys term, which goes until the end of the year, and if she wants to continue on the council, she will have to run to be elected for a full term  which she intends to do.

This isnt Childreys first venture into electoral politics. Last year, she ran for state representative from Ohios 84th District but lost to Republican incumbent Angie King. Childrey, however, survived a challenge to her candidacy over not using her deadname on her qualifying petitions, under an obscure Ohio law that was enforced unevenly. Shes also a veteran activist, having founded Rainbow Advocacy Network, an LGBTQ+ rights group. And shes a member of the Ohio Democratic Party Pride Caucus Steering Committee.

Childrey says shes excited to get started on the council and appreciative of the welcome that the body extended to her and another new member, Republican David Lunz. She plans to be accessible to her constituents and make sure the city serves them.

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Its really about the everyday things, she says of the councils duty. Those include fixing streets and alleys, maintaining public parks  St. Marys has beautiful ones, she says  and attract and keep businesses.





Arienne Childrey

Arienne Childrey on the St. Marys City Council Courtesy Arienne Childrey

St. Marys is a small town  its population is a little more than 8,000  in northwestern Ohio near the Indiana border. Its a heavily Republican area. Childrey, who worked for 20 years in retail management, moved there for work. Shes a native of what she calls a quaint coal town in Virginia.

I am a coal miners daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter, she says.

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She first moved to Ohio as a teenager, then went back home for about 10 years, and has now been in St. Marys for about a decade. When she was in retail, where the promotion was, thats where I went, she explains. Shes now devoting herself to politics full-time.

She came out as trans during 2016 election cycle, perhaps not a great time to be doing it, she observes. She transitioned on the job as manager of over 200 employees.

It definitely led to some estrangement from family, she recalls, adding, My transition was a last resort, but I couldnt stand waking up anymore  transition was truly lifesaving.

She worried at one point that she would spend life alone in the shadows, but then she met the man to whom shes now been married for six years  hes a union construction worker  and other friends and allies. Transition gave her confidence and opportunity to be my best self, she says.

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Childrey is continuing her activism with the Rainbow Advocacy Network. Much of that work involves public speaking, often countering misinformation about gender-affirming care for trans youth, which has been outlawed in Ohio. I will never stop fighting on civil rights front, she says. She also doesnt shy away from criticizing her own party, such as the Democrats who voted for the National Defense Authorization Act even though it denied gender-affirming care to minors under the militarys insurance plan.

During the 2024 election campaign, every day, here in Ohio, I was watching vile anti-trans ads coming across the TV, she says. She even heard one on the radio while she was being interviewed.

I encourage our trans community to refuse to back down, Childrey says. Thats why getting involved in politics is important: If theyre going to make laws about us, we need to have a seat at the table.

All the anti-trans rhetoric and legislation, she adds, not only hurts trans people but takes attention away from the real problems facing Americans  food insecurity, housing insecurity, underfunding of schools. We need politicians at all levels who are focused more on who they can help than who they can hurt, she says. This is a distraction technique being used by Republicans  because they got nothin.

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At the same time, as the councils Democratic caucus of one, shes ready to work with its Republican members. Having been in retail, I know about struggling financially and forming teams from varied backgrounds, she notes. Shes used to dealing with people who have different perspectives and finding consensus.

She also is planning to run for state representative again in 2026, a different election cycle than her race for a full term on the council. I am used to a very hectic, busy schedule, she says. I can do the work for people of St. Marys and ensure we have good representative at the state House of Representatives.

Childrey would be Ohios first out trans state representative. The only other trans public official in the state is Dion Manley, a trans man who was elected to the Gahanna-Jefferson City School District board in the suburbs of Columbus in 2021 and was sworn in the following year.

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which supports out candidates for office, celebrated Childreys appointment to the St. Marys council. LGBTQ+ Victory Fund congratulates Arienne Childrey on her historic appointment to the St. Marys City Council, trailblazing a path of representation for transgender women in city government in Ohio, said a statement from the group. Arienne is a fighter and will be an important voice for her constituents in championing civic pride, jobs, and economic development for her city and region. At a time when LGBTQ+ and specifically transgender rights are under attack, including direct attacks on her, the news of Ariennes appointment is a bright light that demonstrates that trans people are here and ready to serve their communities. We look forward to her service and are confident she will continue to be a changemaker for her city and all Ohioans.

Arienne Childrey and David Lunz
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?
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  With each drop, the snowpocalypse of 2025 is moving into the rearview mirror. That includes the blanket of white and piles of grey.

The mounds of dirty snow, sometimes called snirt are what many Arkansans hope will melt the quickest.

When everything is white, everything is beautiful and it puts you in a good mood, happy, but when its like thats just icky, Tracy Rae said.

Winter weather road tips: Staying safe while navigating the snow and ice

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Rae missed much of the snow in her hometown of Camden, but in Little Rock, she found plenty. Most of it, however, is in parking lots or on the sides of streets.

And its dangerous, especially if youre pulling in and out of there because you cant see over it, Rae explained.

Most of the snirt is where there is the least sunshine and, consequently, the least melting has occurred.

On Capitol Avenue Thursday, it created a slick place for Mike Gray to park.

Its just part of life I guess, Gray said. I think weve got it a lot better here than a lot of places in the north.

Were going a little stir crazy, Central Arkansas students stay home for third snow day on Monday

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The snirt near his car contained everything from dirt to twigs, asphalt, and even cigarettes. On snowplowed roads, many of the piles caused by plowing contain lane reflectors.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, each reflector costs about $4 to make. With thousands of roads to maintain and 66 reflectors per mile, ARDOT says they expect to pay about a couple million dollars to replace them.

Gray said he does not think of the dirty snow much apart from what it has done to his car.

Got my car washed yesterday and joined one of those places where you get it monthly, get it washed as many times as you want, so I decided yeah, and it was pretty busy, right in the lunch hour, very busy, Gray said.

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But to some even dirty snow is better than no snow.

I wish it was in Camden, Rae said. Id like to carve a castle out of that and put a flag on top.

GALLERY: Furry friends at the Little Rock Zoo enjoying the snow

More below-freezing temperatures are forecasted for early next week, so only time will tell how long it takes the snirt to melt.

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JASPER, Ark.  Arkansas State Police arrested a man Wednesday who is accused of threatening a homeowner and damaging their property in Newton County.

Special agents arrested 39-year-old William Gronwaldt in connection to a Saturday shots fired call in the 600 block of East Court Street in Jasper.

Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals make third arrest in 2022 interstate shooting

According to ASP officials, witnesses said Gronwaldt fired a shotgun at the residence, damaged property and was behaving erratically. Officials said the homeowner shot Gronwaldt in the hand during the confrontation.

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State troopers said Gronwaldt fled the scene but was later found by deputies with the Newton County Sheriffs Office on State Highway 7 North after he was involved in a car crash. He was taken to a hospital in Missouri for treatment.

Arkansas State Police announce arrest of suspects in 2022 shooting on I-630

ASP officials said Gronwaldt was arrested after turning himself into deputies. He is facing charges of possession of a firearm by certain persons and terroristic threatening.

Gronwaldt is currently being held at the Newton County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

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(KTLA)  Amid concerns over looters targeting wildfire victims homes, some residents are defying evacuation orders and choosing to protect their properties instead.

The homeowners said they have chosen to stay put, taking security measures into their own hands while potentially snuffing out any embers that could ignite.

EveAnna Manley moved to Altadena 20 years ago and said she worked to prepare her home for natural disasters such as the Eaton Fire.

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As of Wednesday, around 50 people had been arrested for alleged looting in wildfire evacuation zones across L.A.

Manley said she is fully prepared to face any looters who show up on her property.

I do have firearms and Ive been calling my friends to make sure I know how to legally exist with them, she said.

EveAnna Manley chose not to evacuate her Altadena home to protect the property against looters or potential flare-ups from the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) A sign posted on EveAnna Manleys front window alerting potential trespassers that she is armed. (KTLA) A sign posted on EveAnna Manleys front lawn alerting potential trespassers that she is armed. (KTLA) EveAnna Manley speaks to KTLAs Mary Beth McDade, explaining how she chose not to evacuate her Altadena home to protect the property against looters or potential flare-ups from the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) EveAnna Manleys Altadena neighborhood remains closed to traffic and protected by local authorities and the National Guard. (KTLA) EveAnna Manleys Altadena neighborhood remains closed to traffic and protected by local authorities and the National Guard. (KTLA)

Manleys street is among many that remained closed to traffic and is guarded by authorities against trespassers.

Its a hard no blockade and Im glad for that, she said. I want the hard no because I dont want anyone else up here. There have been reports of looting and thats frightening. We dont want that up here.

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Manley said she was inspired by her neighbor to prepare her home for future disasters like the Eaton Fire.

He had 55-gallon drums of water, she recalled of her neighbor. He had a reloading center. He put in a whole-house generator and I followed after that. I learned from him.

She removed the wood shingles on her homes exterior and replaced them with concrete shingles.

We do live in California, after all, so there can be earthquakes, mudslides, Manley explained.

Due to her years of preparation, she said she didnt feel the need to evacuate when the Eaton Fire arrived in her neighborhood.

After power was shut off in the area, Manley has been focused on helping other neighbors who also chose to stay by offering hot showers, access to laundry and hot food.

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As of Wednesday night, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres and was 45% contained.

Local authorities and fire officials continue to recommend all residents heed evacuation warnings when active.

On Tuesday, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer proposed legislation to make looting during a local emergency a felony punishable with a state prison sentence.

It would also classify looting as a strike under Californias Three Strikes Law and make it harder to expunge from a criminal record.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Another arrest was made Friday in a robbery at a Franklin County shopping center last year where hundreds of thousands of dollars of Pennsylvania Skill Machine cash was stolen from security guards at gunpoint by three people.

Chambersburg Police said Friday Ceferino Hernandez, 49, of Reading, was arrested for his alleged role in the armed robbery of a van outside a business at the Southgate Mall in March doing cash pickups/drop-offs.

Around $271,000 in cash that was in cases was stolen in the robbery, according to a criminal complaint. Police previously only reported that there was a large amount that was stolen but not specifically how much.

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Another suspect, Alfredo Cardona-Padilla, 45, of Reading, was arrested by police in April. Police allege he was the driver of the getaway vehicle used during the robbery. Cardona-Padilla posted bail that was set at $100,000 a little over a week after he originally had bailed denied, court records show. He is currently going through court proceedings.

There is a third suspect from the robbery that police are still looking for, and have not identified.

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The cash for skill games was put in a van by security guards when police say the trio approached the vehicle, one person went in front while two others were at the back. The guards were forced into the van at gunpoint during the robbery, and one of the alleged victims was also struck with a pistol and had their weapon taken, the criminal complaint shows.

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The cases were then dumped along different areas in Chambersburg, with the last cash box being found by Caledonia State Park, after the trio made their getaway, police say. The complaint states police were able to eventually track down the getaway van and find it at a garage in Reading.

Owner of Pennsylvania home care agency accused of fraud, neglecting residents

Police say Cardona-Padillas name was found on multiple documents inside the van, along with receipts that would have been in the cases. Police say through phone records, they found out Cardona-Padilla was in contact with Hernandez during the robbery, and there were tips that indicated Hernandez was part of the armed robbery.

It was noted by police that Hernandez has a prior criminal history after being convicted of a drug charge in 2013 and then a firearm charge in 2024.

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Hernandez faces felony charges of robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm charges. He also faces two misdemeanor charges of unlawful restraint.

Court records show he is locked up with bail denied in Franklin County Prison with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.

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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced for setting fire to a business that resulted in a firefighter being injured.

The Bucks County District Attorneys office says Shayne Holland of Philadelphia will serve 2.5 to 6 years in prison after a fire at Bucks County Carpet Company caused more than $1 million in damage.

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A responding firefighter from Croydon Fire Co. was injured after a catwalk inside the building collapsed, causing him to fall more than 12 feet and a beam landing on top of him.

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The District Attorneys office says Holland set fire to a pile of trash next to the building, leading to the evacuation of 10 residents in an attached building. Investigators reviewed surveillance video and identified Holland from a video at a nearby gas station.

Lancaster County tourist railroad ordered to pay $211K in back wages, damages

Holland pled guilty to multiple charges including arson and reckless burning.

It was the decision by one person, the Defendant, to light this fire and create untold destruction and risk to residents as well as firefighters, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc J. Furber. Todays sentence recognizes that the split-second decision to light a dangerous fire will result in long and life changing consequences for the arsonist.

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This case was investigated by the Bristol Township Police Department, with assistance from the Bensalem Township Police Department.

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Asda has publicly backed farmers in their row with the Government over its inheritance tax raid following tractor protests outside of supermarkets.

The supermarket chain was responding to a letter organised by protesting farmers calling on it to support British agriculture.

Dozens of farmers on tractors visited supermarkets in the Midlands and Sussex on Friday to call for their backing against Government plans to impose inheritance taxes on farms.

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An Asda spokesman said: Farming is a vital part of our supply chain. We need a confident farming sector, which is able and willing to invest in its future.

We have been raising our concerns with the Government and will be supporting the NFU [National Farmers Union] campaign calling for a pause in the implementation of APR [agricultural property relief ] to allow for proper consultation.

The NFU has called for the Government to backtrack on plans to make farms worth more than 1 million liable to pay a 20 per cent inheritance tax from April 2026.

The union has warned that the taxes will lead to the break-up of family farms, and says older farmers will not have time to change their plans to avoid taking the hit.

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Support from Asda, the UKs third largest supermarket, comes after Morrisons said it backed farmers in their efforts to secure changes to the policy.

Simon Orson, the chairman of Midlands Farmers, who organised the supermarket campaign, celebrated Asdas response on Friday.

I am very pleased they have come out and done the right thing supporting British farmers, he said. This is fantastic news and gives us more leverage when negotiating with the Government. Jobs a good un  Im over the moon.

Mr Orson and the farmers he led were largely greeted with support from members of the public as they visited supermarket chains on Friday. The protests ended in Leicester after a report was made to the police, with a single police officer approaching Mr Orson shortly after he had handed a letter to supermarket staff.

Farmers on their way to Asda in Thurmaston, Leicestershire - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

The move was also welcomed by the Countryside Alliance, which said businesses were increasingly recognising the threat to the wider economy from the potential loss of family farms.

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Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the organisations director of external affairs, said: The Treasury has seriously misjudged the mood of the wider British public on this issue, and it is vital they engage with the rural sector to find a positive way forward out of the mess before its too late.

The Government has refused to back down over the tax, arguing it will affect only a small portion of farms and will generate revenue for public services.

03:34 PM GMT

Thanks for following

That concludes the coverage of the farmers protest today. Thanks for joining.

Heres a round up of the main talking points:

Protesters demonstrated against Labours inheritance tax plans outside a number of British supermarkets

The farmers handed letters to superstore managers urging them to back their cause

Following the letter, Asda came out in support of the farmers

The protest was reported to Leicestershire Police

03:25 PM GMT

Protest now finished

The farmers have now ended their demonstration at the Sainsburys superstore near Fosse Park, Leicester, where a police officer made them aware that they had been reported to the Leicestershire Police.

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They are now taking down the placards from their tractors and returning to their farms.

03:14 PM GMT

Pictured: Two cousins demonstrate outside of Asda

James Lomas (left) and his cousin Joe Lomas (right) took part in the farmers protest in Leicestershire

03:02 PM GMT

Protest reported to Leicestershire Police

A report has been made to the police about the demonstrations at supermarkets in Leicester.

A single police officer approached Mr Orson shortly after he handed over a letter to supermarket staff at a Sainsburys near Fosse Park.

The supermarket employees made no response as they were handed the letter.

Mr Orson said he was informed that a report has been made to the police and that an officer took down his name and relevant details.

He stressed that the whole protest has been law-abiding with no disruption to the supermarkets or shoppers.

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Mr Orson said further protest action is being considered by farmers but it is not yet decided what will happen or where.

A police officer speaks to Mr Orson, chairman of Midlands Farmers and organiser of the protest

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02:48 PM GMT

Countryside Alliance backs Asda in support for farmers

The Countryside Alliance has welcomed Asdas position in supporting the protesting farmers.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said: This is an incredibly welcome announcement from Asda.

More and more businesses are seeing what a devastating loss family farms will have on the wider economy.

We hope that more supermarkets speak out and join the ever-growing mountain of voices calling for an urgent rethink over the family farm tax.

The Treasury has seriously misjudged the mood of the wider British public on this issue and it is vital they engage with the rural sector to find a positive way forward out of the mess before its too late.

02:28 PM GMT

Protesters arrive at their final destination

The convoy has now assembled for their last protest of the day.

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A Sainsburys superstore on the south-west outskirts of Leicester will be the farmers final location to demonstrate.

02:24 PM GMT

In pictures: Farmers successful protest outside Asda

Campaigners took to an Asda car park in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, to protest - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

Shoppers greeted and supported the farmers as they demonstrated against the tractor tax - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

02:14 PM GMT

How new inheritance tax rules will apply to farms

Labours decision to change agricultural property relief means that, from April 2026, farmers will no longer be able to inherit land without paying tax on it.

The value of the property that can be passed on free of inheritance tax is dependent on how many people own the farm and who receives ownership of it.

Heres how the new rules will work.

01:54 PM GMT

Convoy arrives at a Tesco superstore

The group has arrived at another Tesco Extra and handed the letter to a member of staff.

He accepted the message and pledged to pass it over to the store manager.

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The employee said to the farmers: As a person I completely agree with you  as company I do not know if I am allowed to.

I do not know if I am allowed because it is political.

01:43 PM GMT

Family farms inheritance tax bill will run into millions of pounds

James Bird, a 19-year-old farmer whose family owns a 6,000 acre farm, said their tax bill would run into the millions.

They have gone and taken a blunderbuss, he said of the Labour reforms.

It is going to destroy family farms. It is just a land grab for the Labour Government.

Mr Bird also said he agreed those who had bought farms to try and avoid paying tax should pay the inheritance tax.

The convoy is now assembling at another Tesco superstore to force the retail giant to come out in support of the farmers.

01:35 PM GMT

Pictured: Two protesters make their thoughts on the Government clear

Two farmers demonstrate against the so-called tractor tax - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

01:16 PM GMT

Farming expert explains threat of Labours tax raid

A farming representative suggests the Governments inheritance tax plans will stifle growth in the UK.

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Jonathan Roberts, Director of External Affairs at the Country Land and Business Association, which represents 27,000 farmers and small rural businesses in England and Wales, believes there are untold consequences of Labours tax raid.

He said: Farmers and small rural business owners in every part of the country are pulling planned investment, cancelling machinery orders and considering whether their businesses are viable for the long term.

This means fewer jobs, less food security, less growth and less money going into the Exchequer to pay for public services. Rachel Reevess inheritance tax reforms fails the country by every possible metric.

12:56 PM GMT

Aldi manager refuses to accept letter

A store manager at Aldi has refused to accept the farmers letter after they delivered it to him outside the supermarket in Hamilton, Leicestershire.

He told the group: I am not allowed to take the letter, I do not want to be seen or photographed taking the letter.

12:50 PM GMT

In pictures: Farmers continue their protest in the Midlands

Supporters made their thoughts clear as the convoy arrived at a Tesco superstore - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

Protesters hold a Fighting for the future of farming banner outside Sainsburys - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

The farmers latest stop is an Aldi branch in Hamilton, Leicestershire - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

12:40 PM GMT

Protesters delight with Asda support

Mr Orson, chairman of Midlands Farmers and organiser of the supermarket campaign, said upon hearing the news of Asdas support: I am very pleased they have come out and done the right thing supporting British farmers.

This is fantastic news and gives us more leverage when negotiating with the Government.

An Aldi branch in Hamilton, Leicester, is the next stop for the group.

12:08 PM GMT

Protesters arrive at Tesco superstore

The farmers have now made their way to the Tesco Extra in Hamilton, Leicester and are driving past the front entrance of the superstore.

One placard in front of the tractor reads Starmer the Farmer Harmer.

The convoy was met with a smattering of applause by one lady as they made their way past.

One driver shouted out from his window to the group, I sell chickens, I need you.

A Tesco manager politely walked out of the store and accepted the letter, saying: For me it is just to make sure we are operating safely.

12:01 PM GMT

Watch: The convoy on its way

11:52 AM GMT

Farmer works up to 100 hours a week for minimum wage

Adam Atton, a 22-year-old arable and beef farmer, spoke of the harsh realities of modern day farming, including 100 hour weeks, and the financial stresses they are already under, Max Stephens reports.

Mr Atton, who was attending the protest with his girlfriend Lauren Scarborough, said they now face an approximate 600,000 tax bill.

We cannot afford to pay it, it would ruin us, we are struggling with what we are doing now.

Its one blow after another, it never seems to end.

He said although this protest might not force the Government to change their policy, at least you can say we have done our best and we did not lie down and take it.

Mr Atton said he earns minimum wage and on some occasions has been forced to sleep overnight in his tractor just to meet the workloads of the 80- to 100-hour-long weeks.

He said his family would pay the tax bill if they could find the funds to do so.

11:32 AM GMT

Farmers stage similar protest in Sussex

A group of farmers has embarked on a similar protest across Sussex.

The tractors have already visited a Tesco superstore in Horsham, and plan to visit five more locations across the area throughout the day.

They will also be delivering a letter to each supermarket chain they visit, including M&S, Sainsburys and Asda, in a bid to gain their support against the inheritance tax raid.

11:18 AM GMT

Convoy moves onto their next supermarket

The farmers have now parked at a nearby Sainsburys, where several shoppers were beeping their horns in support and giving the group a thumbs up.

Mr Orson has handed a copy of the letter to the deputy manager of the Sainsburys.

A pair of shoppers who did not wish to be named but who gave a thumbs up to the group, said: Both of our dads are farmers, yes we support them, we buy wonky veg and everything.

11:12 AM GMT

Watch: Farmers prepare their tractors

11:06 AM GMT

Asda manager refuses to talk with farmers

The Asda manager, despite promising that he would come out and talk with Mr Orson in front of the superstore, did not do so but assured them their letter and concerns would be passed onto the supermarkets head office.

One shopper, Jean Ryder, 87, tried to offer the farmers a donation in support of their cause but they politely declined.

Mrs Ryder, whose son-in-law is an arable and livestock farmer, said: What would we do without farmers, it is about time the Government did more for farmers.

Of the protest, she added: I think they are doing a good job, they are trying to make people pay more attention, what would we do without farming, nobody seems to think about it.

Asked for her opinion on Sir Keir, she simply laughed and said: I have not got any comment.

10:57 AM GMT

In pictures: The convoy on its way to Asda

Farmers on route to Asda in Thurmaston - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

The group arriving at the first stop of their protest - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

10:49 AM GMT

Farmers share details of letter

Mr Orson, Chair of the Midlands has shared a copy of the letter he intends to hand to the supermarket managers in Leicester and Nottingham, writes Max Stephens.

It reads: As local farmers, we are writing to express our gratitude for the support the public has shown us during these challenging times.

This Friday, we will be visiting your supermarket with our tractors to engage with the community and highlight the importance of supporting British farming.

We are particularly encouraged by Morrisons recent declaration of support for British agriculture, we believe it sets a positive example for the industry. We kindly ask if your supermarket would consider backing this initiative as well.

By doing so, you would not only show solidarity with local farmers but also help to raise awareness about the value of sourcing home grown British produce and the work that goes into the food we grow here in the UK.

Our aim is to foster a greater connection between farmers and consumers and we believe your support can make a significant impact. We look forward to discussing this further during our visit and hope to work together to promote British agriculture.

Mr Orson joked to the other farmers: I am going to get punched, arent I?

Speaking to the manager, he then politely passed the letter, saying: Just a letter to hand to you if thats alright.

10:33 AM GMT

As much as a fifth of farms could go under

James Lomas, 47, a livestock and arable farmer, warned that around 20 per cent of British farms could be lost if Labours reforms go through.

Mr Lomas, whose 500 acre farm has been in his family for three generations, said that he is also facing a 1 million tax bill, despite earning a 33,000 annual salary.

He said of the reforms: It will be disastrous for farming. I do not really think the Government has thought it through.

I just do not think he [Sir Keir] is very good for the country, adding that the Labour leader will put us into a recession.

10:27 AM GMT

Farmers urge Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider

Simon Orston, a 36-year-old fifth generation arable farmer and organiser of the protest, is leading the convoy of a dozen tractors towards the Asda superstore in Thurmaston, writes Max Stephens.

He disclosed he is now facing around a 1 million tax bill because of Labours reforms.

Mr Orston, whose 700 acre farm has been passed down through his family for the past 300 years, accused Sir Keir Starmers administration of lying about their promise to form a good relationship with farmers.

He acknowledged that there is a misconception among the public about farmers income, quipping we are all millionaires.

Mr Orston, a Conservative local councillor, said most farmers earn between 30,000 and 35,000 annually and that he would have to sell a vast chunk of his farm to survive.

It is a law abiding protest, we are there to inform the public, where we are coming from, as a farming community.

Asked if he had a direct message for Sir Keir, he said: Come to the negotiating table.

Farmers are co-ordinating together to prevent the inheritance tax raid from coming into force - Paul Grover

10:19 AM GMT

What is expected today?

Dozens of farmers are planning to protest at an Asda store with tractors to urge the supermarket to support their protest against Labours inheritance tax raid.

The group will drive their tractors to the superstore in Thurmaston to formally ask the store manager to support them.

They will then move on to a number of other major supermarkets in Leicester and Nottingham in an attempt to persuade them to back the protests.

Morrisons and Boots have already pledged their support.

10:17 AM GMT

Tractors set off on their protest

The convoy of tractors has now set off along the A46 towards the Asda store.

Placards attached to the front of the vehicles read: Keep Britain Farming, Farmers Use Us or Lose Us and Where Will the Food Come From.

10:14 AM GMT

Why are farmers protesting?

Dozens of farmers are protesting today in an attempt to gain broader support against Labours inheritance tax raid.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, announced that farms worth more than 1 million will be subject to a 20 per cent levy in the Budget in October 2024.

This means that, from April 2026, farmers will pay this tax on their estate when they die and pass their farms on in their will.

Farmers have argued that the 1 million threshold will hit the majority of working family farms, which are asset-rich but cash-poor, instead of targeting wealthy landowners who bought land to avoid inheritance tax.

Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, has since apologised for the shock of Labours move on farmers, but has said it remains part of the difficult decisions the Government must make.

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I think it would have been wise for the judge in the Donald Trump case to add just a few consequences instead of just a basic you are guilty but because you are the president-elect you will not have any consequences. I would have imposed a ban on speaking about the judge, jury or anyone else involved with the case. This would then finally stop the constant harassment coming from the president-elect. Your thoughts?

 T. Teter, Richmond, Va.

Hi, T.,

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According to Judge Juan Merchan, he gave Trump the lenient unconditional discharge sentence because he thought he had to.

Heres what the judge said, in part, when sentencing Trump on Jan. 10: After careful analysis in obedience to governing mandates and pursuant to the rule of law, this court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching upon the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge. If you listen to the audio of Merchans remarks (you can find that here), you can hear him emphasize the word only.

By definition, an unconditional discharge lacks conditions. So Merchan couldnt add any.

And when it comes to the sort of speech restrictions you suggest, those resemble the gag order that Trump was under during this New York criminal case. But the order expired when the case ended. Therefore, the judge couldnt impose such a restriction going forward; certainly not with an unconditional discharge, nor when sentencing someone who will soon be president  a privileged legal status that the courts have seen fit to treat most delicately.

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At any rate, Merchan might agree with you that it would have been proper to give Trump a harsher sentence  or a sentence with literally any sort of penalty, even a nominal one.

But to your point that a gag order would stop Trump from lashing out against various actors in the legal system, Im not quite sure that it would. During the trial of this case alone, Merchan found Trump to have violated the gag order 10 times. That a defendant was found to have violated a court order 10 times and practically escaped unscathed reminds us that the law is only as good as the consequences for breaking it. That brings us back to the whole treating-presidents-with-kid-gloves thing.

All in all, I think its better not to have the pretense of yet another legal condition hanging out there if theres no meaningful consequence for violating it. Better, perhaps, to drop the charade  as the unconditional discharge did  and stop pretending that presidents are subject to the law like everyone else. By now, we know full well thats not the case.

Have any questions or comments for me? Id love to hear from you! Please email deadlinelegal@nbcuni.com for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Trump pins are displayed ahead of the Inauguration at a gift shop in Washington, DC., on Jan. 16, 2025. Credit - Kayla BartkowskiGetty Images

President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration will be attended by some of Americas most influential billionaires and politicians as well as some foreign leaders and celebrities who have embraced the incoming President.

Read below for some of the notable guests who will be in attendance.

Politicians

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their respective spouses First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, are set to revive the tradition of defeated presidential candidates sharing the inauguration stage with the election winners. Trump notably chose to skip Bidens inauguration in Jan. 2021, leaving for Florida after he mounted a failed effort to overturn his election loss.

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Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are also expected to attend the exercise, though all three are forgoing the traditional post-inauguration luncheon. Of their spouses, only former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush will be in attendance; Michelle Obama said she will not be attending.

Several Republican members of Congress will also attend, but a sizable number of congressional Democrats are planning to skip Trumps swearing inincluding former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Tech executives

The worlds three richest peopleElon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerbergwill attend Trumps inauguration and have a prominent spot at the ceremony. The tech moguls will be seated together on the dais alongside former Presidents, Trumps family, and Cabinet nominees.

It comes as little surprise that Musk, the X owner and Tesla and SpaceX CEO who donated more than a quarter-billion dollars in campaign funds to help elect Trump, would be invited to the inauguration. Musk has remained at Trumps side after campaigning with him and was tapped by Trump to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.

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Bezos, the Amazon founder who also owns the Washington Post, decided to withhold the newspapers endorsement of Harris over Trump in the presidential race. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO, has apparently tried to earn favor with Trump in recent months, reshuffling his lobbying staff and content moderation policies by replacing third-party fact-checking with user-written community notes. Zuckerberg is also reportedly co-hosting a black-tie reception Monday with Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson to celebrate Trumps inauguration.

Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, also plans to attend Trumps inauguration and was reportedly invited to sit on the same dais as the other tech executives. Trump has embraced TikTok as it faces a ban in the U.S. on Jan. 19, even though in his first term he tried to block the app in the U.S. and force its sale to an American company.

Other Big Tech executives who will reportedly be in attendance are Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI; Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google; Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple; and Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber.

Altman, Cook, and Khosrowshahi as well as companies Meta, Amazon, Google, and Uber each recently contributed at least $1 million to the Trump inaugural fund. The tech companies and their executives have a significant stake in Trumps second term due to potential changes in tax policy, trade policy, and antitrust enforcement.

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Biden, in his farewell address to the nation, warned that American democracy was sliding into an oligarchy of tech billionaires.

Foreign leaders

While foreign diplomats such as ambassadors have typically attended U.S. presidential inaugurations, no foreign head of state has previously made an official visit for the occasion, according to the Associated Press. But that is set to change for Trump.

Already, Trumps inauguration guest list includes right-wing populists like Argentina President Javier Milei, whose economic reforms have drawn praise from the U.S. President-elect, and Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a vocal Trump ally who is expected to attend if her schedule permits, according to Politico.

Among the other ideological comrades around the globe who are planning to attend Trumps inauguration are Belgiums Vlaams Belang party chairman Tom Van Grieken, Eric Zemmour of Frances nationalist Reconquete party, Tino Chrupalla of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Spains Vox party president Santiago Abascal, and Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party.

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Trump also extended an invite to Chinas President Xi Jinping, in what Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said is a sign of the President-elects willingness to have an open dialogue with all foreign nations around this world, whether theyre an adversary, or competitor, or ally. In Xis stead, China is sending Vice President Han Zheng, and the foreign ministry said it is ready to work with the new U.S. government.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa will also attend the inauguration, according to his office, along with Indias external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Japans foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Internet personalities and celebrities

Trumps inauguration is also expected to draw some celebrities and laddish internet personalities. According to TMZ, the list includes Jake and Logan Paul, Theo Von, Bryce Hall, and the Nelk Boys. Trump did interviews with Von and the Nelk Boys during his campaign, appearing on their male-focused podcasts in a deliberate attempt to make inroads with young men and pursue the so-called bro vote.

Other celebrities set to attend, according to TMZ, include Caitlyn Jenner, Amber Rose, Dana White, and Megyn Kelly. Carrie Underwood will be performing America The Beautiful.

Chad de Guzman contributed reporting.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Attorneys for a woman who is among thousands who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire outside Los Angeles say Southern California Edison crews working to repair and restore power in the area may have destroyed evidence that could help determine what sparked the wildfire.

The fire has killed at least 16 people and destroyed more than 7,000 structures in Altadena. Video and photos taken by residents captured flames beneath Edison's electrical towers in the Eaton Canyon area in the early minutes of the fire. One resident said he heard a loud pop at the outset of the conflagration.

Now, attorneys for Altadena resident Evangeline Iglesias have asked a judge to order Edison to preserve evidence in the area, concerned that the utility is discarding equipment that may hold clues to the fire's origin.

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SCEs counsel stated in no uncertain terms that SCE planned to destroy damaged distribution and related equipment in Altadena and electrical infrastructure" in Eaton Canyon unless plaintiff's attorneys identified each specific piece of evidence that had to be preserved, attorneys wrote.

Her lawyers say they have received nearly 1,000 inquiries from residents who will need this very same evidence in order to recover.

Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, wouldnt comment Friday on any lawsuits or the sound heard as the fire ignited because the cause is still under investigation.

Our hearts remain with our communities during the devastating fires in Southern California, and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time, she said.

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In a filing to the California Public Utilities Commission, Edison reported two days after the fire started that it had not received any suggestions that its equipment was involved in the ignition.

Preliminary analysis by SCE of electrical circuit information for the energized transmission lines going through the area for 12 hours prior to the reported start time of the fire shows no interruptions or electrical or operational anomalies until more than one hour after the reported start time of the fire, the utility reported. This assertion was repeated in a Jan. 14 letter written by SCEs attorneys in response to the request to preserve evidence.

Aerial images provided by the Vexcel Data Program show eight work trucks in the area northwest of the Eaton Valley electrical towers four days after the start of the fire. Several trucks matched the type used by Edison work crews but the logos weren't visible in the images. Ornelas said she did not have information about the trucks or their work.

In a filing in response to the request to preserve evidence, Edison lawyers said the utility must immediately undertake reconstruction work in Altadena to make the area safe for the public and to remove damaged equipment. The filing asked plaintiff attorneys to inform us immediately if you are in possession of any information or evidence suggesting that SCEs distribution facilities in Altadena are relevant to the Eaton Fire.

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One resident of the neighborhood who saw the fire as it began said he heard a loud pop as flames shot up beneath the electrical towers minutes before the wind whipped the blaze into one of the worst in state history.

Matt Logelin, whose backyard overlooks the Eaton Canyon area, was making dinner for his children when he heard the sound. At first, he thought it might be a tree branch that snapped in the strong wind.

I looked out the window just to kind of watch the wind. And I saw a tiny fire up on the hill, he said. He grabbed his phone and snapped a photo at 6:13 p.m. Twenty-three minutes later, the sky was glowing orange and flames filled the canyon.

Logelin immediately called 911 to report the breakout of the fire and ran to his neighbors to alert them. He snapped another photo at 6:21 p.m. that showed the orange flames had already spread across the hills. By 6:35 p.m. he and his family were in the car driving to safety.

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Logelin's house and others on his street survived but he has no idea when he'll be able to move back in.

"Its miraculous," he said. When I was running out the front door, there were embers flying into the backyard. There are embers flying over the house into the front yard. I thought the house was gone for sure.

Across Los Angeles County in Pacific Palisades, investigators with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have taken the lead on finding the cause of that blaze, which started hours before the Eaton. The Palisades Fire killed at least eight people and destroyed thousands of structures.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley told residents at a town hall Thursday that among the possible causes of that fire was a New Years Day grass fire that might have reignited with the savage winds of Jan. 7.

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We know everyone wants answers, and the community deserves answers, said Jose Medina, ATFs acting agent in charge in Los Angeles. ATF will give you those answers but it will be once we complete a thorough investigation.

___

Associated Press reporter Christopher L. Keller contributed to this story from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin bid farewell Friday to the forces and personnel he has led through a tumultuous term that had three major military crises, a global pandemic and a personal brush with cancer that became a flashpoint for the way it was mishandled.

In a ceremony tinged with emotion, Austin heralded his troops as the most lethal fighting force on Earth and told the packed crowd at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall that, for the past four years, weve stood up to our rivals. Weve weakened our foes, strengthened our friends, invested in our future and done right by our people.

In a subtle note to his successor, he said the job as Pentagon chief demands calm, judgment and humility. It tests you, it tempers you. But he also offered a warning against any plans by the next administration to try to fire so-called woke generals who back diversity programs, or remove women from combat jobs and transgender troops from service.

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We dont lower our standards for our recruits. We take good people and make them even better. And those who want to join us must raise their game, said Austin. But any military that turns away qualified patriots who are eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.

Austin, 71, spent 41 years of his life in a military uniform. He retired as a highly decorated four-star general who earned a Silver Star  an award given for gallantry in action  for leading troops from the front in the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq.

He is one of the many Pentagon leaders who have served in combat and has dust on his boots  something President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has falsely claimed is his distinction and why he is needed to restore a military hollowed out by woke diversity initiatives.

There have been a lot of narratives out there about how capable, how weak our military is," Austin said in an interview with The Associated Press. Youve just got to look at the things we have done, that we continue to do, at a moments notice."

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Austin retired from the Army in 2016 only to be asked to return to the Pentagon by President Joe Biden in 2021, making history as the nation's first Black defense secretary.

He took the helm of the Pentagon at the height of COVID-19 and just weeks after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a mob of Trump's supporters. His early months saw the department working through a divisive COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the force and a deep dive to determine whether there was a wider extremism problem in the ranks. More than 230 people with a military background were arrested in connection with the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection.

Austin repeatedly said he believed extremism was not a problem. Indeed, service members and veterans who radicalize make up a tiny fraction of a percentage point of the millions who have honorably served, though an Associated Press investigation last year found it was on the rise.

But it would be the shocking collapse of the Afghan government to the Taliban that would forever mar Austin's tenure. The U.S. withdrawal had been previously negotiated by Trump, and, because of that, there were only 2,500 U.S. forces in Afghanistan when Biden took office.

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To this day, there's a deep sense of betrayal among some veterans over the loss of Afghanistan, which became a key part of Trump's return to office.

Biden's decision to move forward with the withdrawal led to a chaotic two weeks in August 2021, when the Air Force evacuated more than 124,000 people from Afghanistan in just 17 days.

Air Force C-17s and chartered aircraft landed at Kabul airport in a non-stop operation, but then 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans were killed by a suicide bomber just days before the last U.S. service member left.

All the hard-won gains by women and for democracy began being dismantled by the Taliban.

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There was a lot of speculation on what would happen if we left Afghanistan. The world was going to come to an end. We were going to get attacked every day, and that just hasnt happened," Austin said. "Some horrible things have happened in terms of womens rights. Well just have to continue to work on those things.

The Biden administration was still reeling from the withdrawal when it began warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin was assembling hundreds of thousands of troops along Ukraine's border and was preparing to invade. In response to the invasion, Austin created the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of more than 50 partner nations that have sent more than $126 billion in weapons and training to Kyiv in the three years since.

Then Hamas launched its Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

Austin directed two aircraft carriers to sail immediately to the region, and in the year since, the widened conflict has spilled into the Red Sea, disrupting trade and engaging the U.S. Navy in the most intense running sea battle since World War II.

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The Navy has engaged not only drones but also anti-ship ballistic missiles fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and ballistic missiles fired at Israel directly by Iran.

Austin touted U.S. accomplishments surrounding those challenges in his final remarks on Friday.

Weve rallied the free world to help Ukraine fight for its freedom against Putins imperial aggression. Weve led a NATO alliance that is stronger, larger and more united than ever, he said. Weve prevented an all out war in the Middle East, seen Irans proxies gutted across the region and worked tirelessly to save Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

On one of Austin's final days in office, the Defense Department's inspector general released a report on his mishandling of his prostate cancer diagnosis in late 2023, when he failed to inform the White House of being hospitalized and incapacitated following complications with his treatment.

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Austin is known as a deeply private man, and that desire for privacy came to a head in his diagnosis and hospitalization.

I dont want my health to be a media circus, Austin texted his chief of staff while hospitalized. It became just that, and after revelations that he had not notified Congress for days that he was incapacitated, new processes were instituted to prevent the lack of notification from happening again.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Martin Luther King Jr. community march has been canceled and the festival that usually followed the march has been rescheduled with cold weather expected in Central Texas next week, the city of Austin said Friday.

FORECAST: KXAN First Warning Weather

The march was originally planned for Monday. This is the second year in a row that the march was canceled due to freezing temperatures.

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The festival will now be held at Huston-Tillotson University at 11 a.m. on Feb. 1.

Learn more about the event, hosted by Austin Area Heritage Council, on this 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 KXAN Austin.
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A member of parliament from a state in Australia toured the Plainfield Township water plant Thursday to learn how it removes PFAS from drinking water.

Cate Faehrmann is the chair of a committee in New South Wales looking into PFAS contamination.

PFAS is a class of man-made chemicals that have been found in all sorts of products from Teflon to Scotchgard and a type of firefighting foam used in fighting plane fires. The chemicals have leached in to water systems and made their way into peoples blood, where they remain for years. They have been linked to certain types of cancers.

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New area of interest identified for PFAS contamination in Comstock Township

What Im hoping to do from this visit is to take what I learned today in this water filtration plant back to Australia, Faehrmann said.

Cate Faehrmann, a member of the New South Wales, Australia, Parliament, speaks with Sandy Wynn-Stelt (in white) during a visit to the Plainfield Township Water Plant on Jan. 16, 2025, to learn about how the township filters PFAS out of its water. Wynn-Stelt lives across the street from the origin of a PFAS plume and is an activist for those affected by the so-called forever chemicals.

Don Petrovich, superintendent of water treatment for Plainfield Township, shows Cate Faehrmann, a member of the New South Wales, Australia, Parliament, how the township filters PFAS out of its water during a visit on Jan. 16, 2025.

PFAS was recently discovered in some of the water supply to Sydney.

When you do a quick search online for PFAS and action and the U.S., you quickly come up with Grand Rapids with the PFAS Action Network here in Michigan. Its quite extraordinary, Faehrmann said.

She connected with Sandy Wynn-Stelt, a Plainfield Township resident turned PFAS activist, who lost her husband to cancer after they unknowingly drank contaminated water from their well.

Sandy Wynn-Stelt at the Plainfield Township Water Plant on Jan. 16, 2025.

Every holiday that I go through without my husband just brings it kind of to the forefront of how serious this is and I think that is what drives me, Wynn-Stelt said.

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She was also diagnosed with cancer linked to the contamination.

Testing found 5 million parts per trillion of the chemicals in her blood.

Study: 1 in 3 Michiganders get drinking water from PFAS-tainted source

Wynn-Stelt, who is also a co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, helped arrange the visit.

It shows the importance of whats going on here and both the leadership that weve had in Michigan but also Im really really excited that other countries are taking this seriously because the more other countries take this seriously the more movement were gonna have with industry on fixing this problem, Wynn-Stelt said.

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The system in Plainfield Township was added in 2018 after contaminants were discovered in some of the water wells.

The superintendent of the plant, Don Petrovich, said granular activated carbon filters have been effective in removing the contaminants.

Inside the Plainfield Township Water Plant on Jan. 16, 2025.

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It garnered a lot of interest for the way we did it instead of a pressurized tank system that costs many millions of dollars we did it for a couple million dollars and its been never done in this way using our existing filters, Petrovich said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Four vehicles and the former home of a Jewish community leader were defaced in Sydney early Friday, with two cars set alight, in the latest antisemitic attack condemned by Australian authorities, who vowed to hunt down the perpetrators.

The attack in Dover Heights, one of the Australian citys exclusive eastern suburbs, is among more than 100 being investigated by Operation Avalite, a special taskforce created in early December to counter rising antisemitism.

It targeted the former residence of Alex Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), who has repeatedly urged the government to do more to address attacks on members of the Jewish community, which have flared up since the start of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza.

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Images showed red paint splashed on the homes exterior, and the words F*** Jews were written on the side of a car partially destroyed by fire.

Ryvchin told reporters it wasnt clear if his family was the target of the attack, but if not, the choice to spray paint that particular home was one hell of a coincidence.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told CNN affiliate ABC Radio Friday the attack is against everything that we stand for.

What we need to do is to lower the temperature in the community, Albanese said.

A resident inspects the burnt out remains of a car in Dover Heights, Sydney, Friday, January 17, 2025. - Bianca de Marchi/AAPIMAGE/Reuters

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke joined the chorus of condemnation from government ministers, calling the attack a hate crime that comes with serious criminal penalties.

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We have our best agencies working to make sure that these people are hunted down  Nobody should think that anything that is happening anywhere around the world gives them the right to conduct a hate crime in Australia, Burke said.

Fridays attack comes just days after red swastikas were daubed on two synagogues in the Sydney suburbs of Allawah and Newtown.

Two suspects dressed in black were caught on closed-circuit video cameras outside Newtown Synagogue, according to police in the state of New South Wales (NSW), of which Sydney is the capital.

Images released by police show two figures apparently leaving the scene on a pushbike and electric scooter. Police allege they also tried to light a fire.

Police released CCTV images after offensive graffiti was sprayed on a synagogue in Sydneys Inner West on Saturday, January 11, during which police believe an arson attempt was also made. - NSW Police

We will lock you up

A spate of antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne prompted the government to assign a special taskforce to address the problem.

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Operation Avalite filed its first charges Thursday, against a 44-year-old man who allegedly made death threats via social media directed at the Australian Jewish Association.

The Avalite team of 20 officers and analysts, including counter-terrorism investigators, are investigating dozens of antisemitic attacks dating back to October 2023.

They include an arson attack on Melbournes Adass Israel synagogue, which was gutted by fire in early December  and led to a security upgrade outside Jewish schools, community centers and places of worship.

No Australian should have to go to bed filled with apprehension about hate crimes being perpetrated overnight, said David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies Friday.

The destroyed interior of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne. - From Amir Maimon/X

Standing alongside Ossip, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley directly addressed the perpetrators of Fridays attack: We will hunt you down, we will find you and we will lock you up.

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Chris Minns, the state premier, said laws would be strengthened next month to protect places of worship, including the Great Synagogue in Sydneys central business district.

He said hate laws would also be tightened, to stamp out antisemitism before it progresses to the firebombing of synagogues and other religious sites.

The truth of the matter is that incidents of antisemitism, violent behavior are increasing in our community, and collectively, as a community, as a society, we have to stand together to condemn it unambiguously and send a clear message to these animals that these actions will not be tolerated, he said.

Israels onslaught on Gaza after the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023 has deepened divisions within Australian society.

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Almost every weekend since the start of the conflict, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have marched through Sydney to call for a ceasefire.

The Australian government has welcomed an agreement that mediators say would see a pause in fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Australians want to see the conflict end, Albanese said Friday. They want to see hostages released. They want to see people being able to live in peace and security  whether that be Israelis or Palestinians. And they dont want to see conflict brought here to Australia.

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Within the next two years, the "ding" of a seat belt reminder will be required for all seats in a vehicle, no longer just the driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a rule on Monday that will require seat belt use warnings for rear and passenger seats and enhanced warnings for driver seats.

Here's what to know.

Why will seat belt warnings be required for all seats?

The rule aims to prevent vehicle-related injuries and deaths. On average, there are 822 fatalities and more than 11,000 injuries due to backseat occupants not wearing seat belts each year, according to the rule. Implementation of the rule will prevent more than 500 injuries and 50 deaths each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a news release.

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The rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, which went into effect in 1968. Though vehicle manufacturers were installing seat belts before then, this was when the federal government mandated that seat belts be installed for driver seats.

While seat belt use has improved for decades, theres still more we can do to make sure everyone buckles up. These new requirements will help to increase seat belt use, especially for rear seat passengers, by enhancing reminders for vehicle occupants to buckle up," National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Chief Counsel Adam Raviv said in a news release.

When will vehicles start coming with rear seat warnings?

Front seat belt warning systems must comply with the new rule by Sept. 1, 2026, and rear seat belt warning systems must comply by Sept. 1, 2027, the rule states. Vehicle manufacturers are welcome to comply with the new rule ahead of these dates.

What vehicles does the new seat belt warning rule apply to?

The rule applies to passenger cars, trucks, most buses (not school buses) and multi-purpose passenger vehicles with a weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

What will rear seat belt warnings sound, look like?

Under the new rule, vehicles must display visual and audio warnings upon start-up to inform the driver of the status of rear seat belts. The visual warning must last at least 60 seconds and the audio warning must last at least 30 seconds. If the vehicle can determine rear seats are not occupied, no warnings are required.

What vehicles does the new seat belt warning rule apply to?

The rule applies to passenger cars, trucks, most buses (not school buses) and multi-purpose passenger vehicles with a weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

What will rear seat belt warnings sound, look like?

Under the new rule, vehicles must display visual and audio warnings upon start-up to inform the driver of the status of rear seat belts. The visual warning must last at least 60 seconds and the audio warning must last at least 30 seconds. If the vehicle can determine rear seats are not occupied, no warnings are required.

Passenger seat belt warnings will be required

Though most vehicles manufactured in 2022 or later have passenger seat belt warnings, the new rule requires them.

What enhancements will be required of driver seat belt warnings?

Though visual and audio seat belt warnings have been long used for driver seats, the new rule requires them to be longer. A visual warning will be required when a vehicle's ignition switch is on, the seat is occupied and the seat belt is not in use. The audio warning will be two phases. The first must last at least 30 seconds. The second phase must activate when the seat is occupied, seat belt is not in use and the vehicle speed is at least 6.2 miles per hour, the rule states.

Are seat belts required in Indiana?

Yes; Indiana has a primary seat belt law meaning a driver can be stopped and cited if anyone in the vehicle is not wearing a seat belt.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: New seat belt warning requirement and what Indiana's seatbelt law is
By Nailia Bagirova and Lucy Papachristou

BAKU (Reuters) - A billionaire former banker and 15 other ex-officials in the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region which Azerbaijan retook in 2023 went on trial on Friday in Baku in closed-door proceedings.

The most prominent of the defendants, Ruben Vardanyan, who earned his fortune in Russia before serving as the number-two official in Karabakh's separatist government from late 2022 until Feb. 2023, was tried separately from the other 15.

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"I once again ... state my complete innocence and the innocence of my Armenian compatriots also being held as political prisoners and demand an immediate end to this politically-motivated case against us," Vardanyan, who faces up to life in prison for 42 charges including terrorism, said in a statement on Thursday shared by his family.

Defendants in the other trial include three senior former separatist leaders and other civilian and military figures who face charges including genocide and war crimes, according to Azerbaijani prosecutors.

The court denied Vardanyan's request to merge his case with those of the others, according to his son, David, who added that his trial was set to resume on Jan. 27 and be opened to the public.

Reuters was denied access to the courtrooms on Friday, which were open only to Azerbaijani state media.

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Nagorno-Karabakh escaped Baku's control in fighting around the time of the Soviet collapse when hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azeris fled their homes. Baku casts Vardanyan and other former separatist officials as leaders of an illegal armed entity who tried to stop Azerbaijan from reclaiming the territory.

Peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan have effectively stalled more than a year after Baku retook Nagorno-Karabakh in a lightning offensive, prompting almost its entire ethnic Armenian population of around 100,000 to flee to Armenia.

Yerevan has said the war and ensuing mass exodus amounts to ethnic cleansing. Baku rejects that accusation and says the ethnic Armenians are free to return, although many say they would not feel safe in Azerbaijan.

Vardanyan, 56, was appointed state minister of Karabakh, the number-two position, after amassing a banking fortune in Russia. He was arrested alongside other officials by Azerbaijani authorities at a border checkpoint as he tried to flee Karabakh into Armenia in Sept. 2023.

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In his statement, Vardanyan said he had not been given enough time to review the indictment against him, and the 422 volumes of evidence had been presented in Azeri, a language he does not speak.

Jared Genser, Vardanyan's international counsel, said the legal process was "extraordinarily opaque" and called the case "a political show trial".

"The substance of the so-called charges are not documented," he told Reuters by phone. "I haven't heard of any credible evidence that's been brought against him."

The Azerbaijani president's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Vardanyan's lawyers have said he was mistreated in custody. Azerbaijan's prosecutor general has said Vardanyan's rights were being respected and he had received visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

David, Vardanyan's son, said his father's mood was "stoic" when they last spoke on the phone this week.

"He tried to convey a very important message, that if both sides continue on the path of blame and these prosecutions and war, this is a road to nowhere," David told Reuters by phone.

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova in Baku and Lucy Papachristou in London; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn and)
David Plasterer, of anti-poverty advocacy group RESULTS, holds his son, Lewis, during a "babies in the budget" news conference on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Advocates gathered at the Indiana Statehouse Thursday to declare legislation on paid leave and newborn tax credits good for babies, their families and the state as a whole.

What should be a joyful time  welcoming a new addition to the family  can become stressful, the United Way of Central Indianas Ryan Myers said at a news conference.

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Families, she added, may lose income during unpaid leave, even as their expenses jump: medical care, child care and supplies.

Some believe the policies could benefit the states future.

We are to care (for)  our youngest citizens, and in my completely unbiased opinion, our cutest citizens, said Dr. Melissa Klitzman, representing the Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Investing in them can  allow for improved outcomes in maternal and infant health care and then also create a better and more health(y) society.

Long shot paid leave

Senate Bill 115 would make Indianas Department of Workforce Development establish a paid family and medical leave program for all working Hoosiers.

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The state of Indiana has had new parent leave since 2018. Over 4,000 state employees have used the benefit, which applies to parents of newborns and adoptees.

In a recent evaluation of the program, the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that supervisors overwhelmingly reported that leave benefits outweigh burdens for morale, productivity, recruitment and retention.

Brian Lohsl holds his five-month-old daughter during a babies in the budget news conference on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

These policies that support families are good for babies, good for the budget and good for Indiana businesses, concluded the coalitions Colleen Yeakle.

Bill author Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said three in four Hoosiers dont have paid leave  and two in three cant even access unpaid leave.

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When a child is born, when a loved one falls ill, this largely puts them in an impossible choice: either go back to work or take care of your loved one, Pol said. This gap in support  forces people to make tough decisions that can have lasting impacts, not only on their financial stability, their health, their careers, but most importantly, their families.

The initiative would use payroll contributions and would require millions in funding from lawmakers. A fiscal analysis of the bill notes that administrative expenses for Colorados program were $3 million in the 2022 fiscal year, $23 million in 2023 and $63 million in 2024.

Although Pol told reporters that his bill has bipartisan support, its unclear how far itll go. Lower revenues are expected to result in a tight budget.

Weaseling in tax credits

The news conferences other highlight could have a more feasible path to law.

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Senate Bill 497 creates a refundable $500 tax credit for newborns and adoptive children. Parents must be earning less than 720% of the federal poverty level  about $225,000 annually for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It would be retroactive to January 1 of this year.

Klitzman, the doctor, said the credit could help families buy things like infant-safe cribs and breast milk supplies, which can lower sudden infant death syndrome risk.

Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, speaks at a babies in the budget news conference on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The bill would also scrap the additional dependent child exemption of $1,500. It offers about $45 in tax relief, according to the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute.

Author Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, also said the credit is more valuable than the deduction because you have to have significant earnings before you have taxable earnings.

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And some of the families, theyre not going to have any taxable income after their deductions go on, because theyre low income, he said. So this would be a direct benefit.

A fiscal analysis estimates that the credit would reduce state income by $37.6 million annually, while axing the exemption would increase revenue by about $3.5 million.

Walker said the legislation faces a difficult path.

What Im really hoping to accomplish is to first get the awareness to it. But secondly, Id like the language to be in play when we get down to the budgets final package, he said.

Im hoping I can weasel that in there, he added.

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CINCINNATI (WJW)  A federal grand jury has indicted two former FirstEnergy executives on racketeering charges related to Ohio House Bill 6  whats been called the largest public corruption scandal in state history.

A new 42-page indictment handed up on Wednesday and unsealed on Friday accuses ex-FirstEnergy president and CEO Charles Jones, 69, of Akron, and ex-senior VP Michael Dowling, 60, of Massillon, of bribery, money laundering and obstruction to increase the companys stock price and enrich themselves, reads a news release from Kenneth Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.

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Gov. Mike DeWine picks Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for J.D. Vances U.S. Senate seat

House Bill 6 was a billion-dollar legislative bailout for FirstEnergy-affiliated nuclear plants, for which the Ohio utility funneled nearly $60 million in dark money to politicians in former Ohio House speaker Larry Householders camp between 2017 and 2020.

The indictment alleges the executives schemed to bribe Householder as well as then-Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairman Sam Randazzo.

Prosecutors said in order to pass the bribe money, the alleged conspirators used 501(c)4 entities, known as dark money groups since they are legally allowed to finance election campaigns but dont have to disclose their donors.

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Dowling referred to them as a political tool, according to prosecutors.

The bribes helped Householder gain the speakership then pass the bailout bill, prosecutors said. He also used his influence to squash a potential referendum of the bill.

Jones allegedly referred to Householder as his expensive friend.

The indictment also alleges FirstEnergy pushed to have Randazzo appointed as PUCO chairman. The utility then in 2019 allegedly paid $4.3 million to Randazzo  which was passed through shell companies  to work in the utilitys interests.

Jones also thanked Randazzo for taking action in 2019 that boosted FirstEnergys stock price, according to prosecutors.

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After the passage of House Bill 6, Dowling wrote, Huge bet and we played it all right on the budget and HB 6  so we can go back for more!' reads the Friday news release.

During his time as president and CEO, Jones made about $60 million in performance-based pay tied to the Ohio utilitys stock price. Dowling was also paid based on the companys financial performance and growth. Both were terminated in 2020.

FILE  Former FirstEnergy CEO Charles Jones sits in the courtroom at the Summit County courthouse in Akron, Ohio on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File) FILE  Michael Dowling, a former senior vice president at FirstEnergy, sits in the courtroom at the Summit County courthouse in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)

Jones and Dowling are expected to appear in federal court on Friday in Cincinnati, according to the release. If found guilty, each could face up to 20 years in prison.

I stated following the jury conviction of Householder and [former Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges] that this office would continue to work tirelessly to hold more people accountable for their actions to harm Ohioans, and we have, Parker is quoted in the release. This indictment is yet another step in the direction of that accountability.

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State Sen. Kent Smith of Euclid, D-21st, in statement on Friday applauded the new indictments:

FirstEnergy hatched a plot to rip off everyday Ohioans to bail out their incompetent business decisions. They found willing co-conspirators in the Ohio GOP at all levels. I hope these indictments lead to a trial so the citizens of Ohio will learn the full extent of the criminal activity connected with the House Bill 6 legislation and the Sam Randazzo appointment to lead the PUCO, he wrote.

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

Jones and Dowling are also facing similar corruption charges filed last year in Summit County.

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Householder, now serving a 20-year prison sentence as the orchestrator of the HB 6 scandal, is also facing charges of theft in office and fraud in Cuyahoga County, accused of misusing campaign funds to pay for his defense in his federal corruption case.

Householder remains incarcerated at Federal Correction Institution Elkton in Lisbon and is currently set for release in 2040. Householders attorney in November said he plans to seek clemency from President-elect Donald Trump.

Borges was found guilty alongside Householder and sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the scheme.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last fall ordered FirstEnergy to pay a $100 million civil penalty for misleading investors about its role in the scheme, reported The Associated Press.

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The utility admitted culpability in 2021 as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, reported AP, and paid $230 million to avoid federal conspiracy charges.

The utility also paid another $20 million penalty to avoid criminal prosecution at the state level.

Randazzo died by suicide in April 2024.

Neil Clark, an Ohio lobbyist who was among the first to face federal charges in the HB 6 scandal, died by suicide in March 2021.

_____________________

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A recently released study links exposure to high levels of fluoride to lower IQ in children raising concerns about fluoride in drinking water.

Friends and family gathering to remember 31-year-old Ledomperignon Eady.

A peace vigil was held Thursday evening in the 1100 block of East 26th Street where Eady was killed on October 30, 2024.

Erie police charged four people in the deadly beating, three of the suspects had already been arrested.

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Thursday, Erie police said the fourth suspect, 37-year-old Jeffery Edmond, was picked up by U.S. Marshals in Kentucky.

Hes now being held in Erie County Prison with the three other suspects; 61-year-old Jack DeFilippo, 36-year-old Leah Hardin and 42-year-old Devon Barnett.

They face criminal homicide, aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit homicide charges

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The safest airlines in 2025 have been revealed, and its not the best news for travelers from the U.S.

AirlineRatings.com recently unveiled its annual list of the safest full-service and low-cost airlines. The two lists, including 25 airlines each, are based on the 385 airlines that Airline Ratings monitors.

The company created the worlds safest airlines based on airlines different measures, such as IOSA certification, pilot skill and training, serious incidents over the past two years, fleet size, and fleet age.

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Results found that the safest full-service airline does not travel to the US., with Air New Zealand taking first place. Qantas is ranked second place, while Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates are all tied for third.

The ranking of full-service airlines continues with Virgin Australia in fourth place and Etihad Airways in fifth.

However, popular U.S. airlines are pretty low on this list, as Hawaiian Airlines is ranked 12th place, American Airlines is ranked 13th, and Delta Airlines is ranked 22nd. United Airlines is in last place, as the 23rd safest full-service airline.

For the ranking of the 25 safest-low-cost airlines, the best airline is Hong Kong Express, followed by Jetstar Group in second place. Ryanair came in third place, with easyJet in fourth and Frontier Airlines in fifth.

JetBlue Airways was ranked towards the bottom of the safest low-cost airlines in 2025 (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, low-cost airlines known for traveling from the U.S. are once again pretty low on the list, with Southwest Airlines in ninth place. Meanwhile, the popular JetBlue Airways comes in 17th place.

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Airline Rankings noted that Spirit Airlines was missing from the low-cost airlines ranking, despite being on the list last year. Spirit Airlines also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November, after accumulating debt and losing more than $2.5bn since 2020.

According to Sharon Petersen, the CEO of AirlineRatings.com, while Air New Zealand came in first place for the worlds safest full-service airline, it was a pretty close race. There was only a 1.5-point difference between that airline and Qantas, which both uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, as noted by Petersen.

The three-way tie for third place was because we simply could not separate these airlines. From fleet age to pilot skill, safety practices, fleet size, and number of incidents, their scores were identical, she said.
EAST BERLIN, Pa. (AP)  An American accused of sexually assaulting a college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said So I raped you was ordered held without bail Friday during a court hearing in Pennsylvania.

The appearance by Ian Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, came a day after he arrived back in the U.S. He was detained in April in Metz, France, after a three-year search, and a French appeals court later said he could be extradited. He appeared by video and without a lawyer at the preliminary arraignment.

District Judge Tony J. Little in East Berlin made the detainment decision, citing a request by the Adams County District Attorney's Office, which argued that Cleary had no ties to the area and had been in France with no work or permanent address. Prosecutors also noted financial resources available to him through his family.

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Cleary appeared relatively calm during the hearing and spoke only briefly to answer questions from the judge. The next hearing was scheduled for Jan. 29.

Former Gettysburg College student Shannon Keeler, who pursued the case for more than a decade, said Thursday that Cleary's extradition gave her renewed faith in the justice system.

Cleary was the subject of an international search after authorities in Pennsylvania issued an arrest warrant in the case in 2021, weeks after an Associated Press story detailed the reluctance of local prosecutors to pursue campus sex crimes.

The warrant accused Cleary of stalking the 18-year-old Keeler at a campus party in 2013, sneaking into her dorm and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help. He was a 20-year-old Gettysburg student at the time but did not return to campus.

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Keeler underwent a rape exam the same day. She gathered witnesses and evidence and spent years urging officials to file charges. She went to authorities again in 2021 after discovering the Facebook messages that seemed to come from Clearys account.

So I raped you, the sender wrote in a string of messages.

Ill never do it to anyone ever again.

I need to hear your voice.

Ill pray for you."

According to the warrant, police verified that the Facebook account used to send the messages belonged to Cleary.

The AP does not typically identify sexual assault victims without their permission, which Keeler has granted.

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Keeler's lawyer, Andrea Levy, called it a relief" to see Cleary in custody after so long and thanked law enforcement officials for their efforts to find him.

In this case, accountability has been delayed for so long, she said after the hearing. Shannon is incredibly grateful.

She persevered. Many would not have had the wherewithal to pursue this for 11 years, Levy said.

Cleary, who grew up in Silicon Valley, later earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in California, worked for Telsa, moved to Europe and self-published several books of medieval fiction, according to his social media and other online posts. His mother lives in Baltimore, he told the judge Friday.

A woman who answered his mothers phone Thursday disconnected a reporters call. Phone numbers listed for his father were no longer working.
European Union top diplomat Kaja Kallas has said she sees no reason to lift sanctions against Russia.

Source: Kaja Kallas in an interview with AFP; European Pravda reports

Details: Kallas stressed that the EU needs sanctions because "this is our bargaining chip, and it would be strange to give it up".

Quote: "Nothing has changed. Putin has not changed his goals, and nothing has changed on the battlefield. Therefore, there are no grounds for lifting the sanctions."

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Details: She explained that the EU would be in a much weaker position in case of a premature lifting of sanctions.

Quote: "I also don't think it's in the interests of the United States to lift the sanctions now."

Background:

On Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged Brussels to lift sanctions and mend ties with Russia. He has also commended Hungary's performance during the previous EU presidency.

This week, reports emerged that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Russia, designed to bypass vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.

The Financial Times reported that EU officials are exploring additional measures, including the application of an 81-year-old law involving the Belgian king, to safeguard sanctions against Russia following Hungary's threat to veto their extension.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  In this weeks Basin Bites, we visited Wok N Roll, a Thai-style food truck in Midland that is one of the few places that serve Thai cuisine.

Owner Priscilla Leal began her new business eight months ago and aims to one day have her own restaurant. She originally started her food venture when she was 16 as a waitress. It was at this time when she worked at King and I, where she was introduced to Thai food.

I first tried Thai food probably 28 years ago and I loved it so much, says Leal. Like I want everyone to try it. Its so good. I know there are not very many options here in Midland. So I decided to open up a Thai food truck.

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Wok n Roll has items on the menu such as pad Thai, sweet and spicy lime fried chicken, pineapple fried rice and many other options.

For those who have never had Thai food before, they can be confused with Japanese or Chinese cuisine. However, Leal explains that Thai food uses different spices as well as different sauces.

It has different spices, says Leal. Not one dish has the same sauce on it so everything is just really good.

From all the items featured at Wok N Roll, you cannot go wrong. Every dish that they serve packs a punch and has tons of flavor with every bite.

If youre interested in visiting Wok N Roll, they post their schedule every day on Facebook.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- What started off as just a hobby has turned into a sweet and award-winning business. Maribea chocolates in Odessa has been around for seven years and provides the Permian Basin with a sweet and healthier indulgence.

Our chocolate is unique and all the flavors are different. Its something youve never experienced before. Said Maribea Merritt, co-owner of Maribea.

Maribea and her husband Mark opened Maribea chocolate seven years ago and have spent each day since trying to create a sweet yet unique flavor for the Basin.

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This moved into being a business when the chocolate actually started tasting really good.

It all started because Mark wanted to know how chocolate was made, but the process for making chocolate is a lot more complex than some might think.

Theres a lot of fine-tuning, I think, between the roasting and tempering of chocolate to actually get a product that people are going to come do repeat purchases of.

The process is very similar to that of making coffee in the sense that different cacao beans originate all over the world, providing unique flavors from one another. Maribea sources their beans from all over the world, including Mexico, India, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Uganda.

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Our product, the majority of it is dark chocolate, so we are not adding a lot of sugar to it and no preservatives, so youre actually getting cacao, cacao butter and sugar and that is all thats in our product unless we have, lets say, infused it or included something.

So if youre looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but dont want to risk damaging your health, Maribea provides you with a sweet yet healthier indulgence.

Business Details

Maribea is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

You can contact them at (432) 367-6126 or visit them at 7200 Sprague Rd, Odessa, TX 79764.

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For more information, visit https://maribeacacao.com/.

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Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey discuss the Gaza ceasefire, how the deal happened and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the world. Plus: reactions from Ruwaida Amer on the ground in Gaza and from Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the hostages killed by Hamas.

Battle Lines, a podcast from The Telegraph, combines on-the-ground reporting with analytical expertise to help the listener to better understand the course of world politics, wars and tensions, as fault lines grind and slip in an increasingly dangerous and confusing multipolar world.

Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app.

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WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Although Baylor University offices will be closed this Monday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be many events going on.

Participants in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk will gather at 8:30 a.m. at Indian Spring Park, located at 101 N. University Parks Drive. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. from downtown Waco, across the Suspension Bridge to Bridge Street. Following the walk, there will be a celebration of gospel music at 11 a.m. at the Waco Multi-Purpose Center, located at 1020 Elm Avenue.

University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary will play a Carillon Recital in honor of Dr. King at noon on the McLane Carillon in the tower of Pat Neff Hall. The recital is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to listen to the concert on the grounds around Pat Neff. Geary will play a host of selections, including Ill Overcome Some Day, This Little Light of Mine, Woke Up This Morning with My Mind [Stayed] on Freedom, Precious Lord and Lift Every Voice and Sing.

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Baylor Universitys George W. Truett Theological Seminary will host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Share the Dream event, beginning with a panel discussion from 4 to 5 p.m. in Truett room 107 on the Life, Ministry and Legacy of MLK. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Stephen B. Reid, vice provost for faculty diversity and belonging at Baylor and professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary.

Truett Seminary will hold a Worship Service in the Paul W. Powell Chapel at 7 p.m. Music will be led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Newby, The Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship and professor of music at Baylor, with the message shared by Rev. Dr. Tyshawn Gardner, associate professor of preaching at Truett Seminary. Both events will be available to view live on the Truett Seminary Facebook page.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Vigil will be held at 6 p.m. at the Waco Suspension Bridge and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, located at 300 MLK Jr. Boulevard. Participants are asked to bring a candle for the ceremony.

In addition, the Mayborn Museum is offering free admission on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV)  Students in Beaufort County have settled into a new policy: no phones or any electronic devices out during school hours.

Now, the rest of South Carolina schools are following in their footsteps, after the state mandated the policy.

We actually were looking into it last year and doing some research on it and it was something that had come up from teachers and parents as a consideration, asking us to look at, said Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools. And so, we did that.

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This approach gave Beaufort County Schools a head start on a rule that has now been implemented statewide by the South Carolina Department of Education. At the beginning of this month, all schools in the state have banned students from having phones or personal electronic devices out during the school day.

This is one of those things that I think frees students up to focus on their instruction, frees students up to focus on whatever is taking place. And it also frees students up to actually socialize a little bit with one another, said Dr. Rodriguez.

The Department of Education stated that the purpose of their policy is to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions.

Dr. Rodriguez added to that statement, We want them focused on their academic learning and the teaching that teachers are delivering. So, this provides the opportunity to focus on that, rather than focus on notifications from your phone.

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Beaufort County implemented the policy at the start of the year, giving students time to adjust right away, rather than introducing the change mid-semester. While several parents initially expressed concerns about the impact on student safety, the district remained confident in their decision.

They can contact the school, and schools can get in touch with the students and have the students communicate with parents through a regular phone at the school, just like we used to do when we were growing up, when cell phones werent around, said Dr. Rodriguez.

The district clarified that students are allowed to have their phones on their person, they just have to be turned off or put away during instruction. They feel students will be more aware during drills and/or safety plans with devices put away.

We want to make sure that our students are focused on responding appropriately to crises just as we train and drill throughout the year, and we want our teachers doing the same.

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The district acknowledged that its still too early to determine whether the new policy will have a significant effect on student test scores or overall well-being. However, teachers have already noticed one clear benefit. Students seem to be more focused.

And though too early to tell, Dr. Rodriguez and the district are hoping for some good changes to come in the future semesters.

We want to see what all the benefits are from this change right? Whether its positive impact on students mental health, or whether its changes in students concentration and focus in the classrooms. So, some of it might be quantitative and it may play out in some test scores and then some of it might just be benefits of the students overall well-being.

You can read more into the State of South Carolina Department of Educations cell phone policy here.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Work is under way to transform a notorious apartment complex that has been at the center of the struggles of Binghamtons Northside.

Local and state officials gathered in the Northside fire station across the street to announce a $94 million project to fully renovate the Town and Country Apartments.

The 22-building complex has been the scene of numerous acts of violent crime and constant complaints by tenants about unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

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Connecticut-based Vesta Corporation is currently in the process of gutting and upgrading the 256 units, replacing the roofs, windows, flooring, cabinetry and appliances and converting the HVAC systems from natural gas to electric.

Mayor Jared Kraham says Vestas investment means a potential solution to a decades-long problem.

Conditions at the complex, in fact, got so bad that before the developers from Vesta stepped in to take on the project, roughly half of the units were vacant. Thats more than 100 apartments in the midst of a statewide housing crisis that were vacant and empty, said Kraham.

Contractors working for Vesta gave Kraham, the Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and other officials a tour of some of the deplorable conditions theyre having to remediate. Some of the work includes removing asbestos tiles, lead paint and mold.

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Vesta has a long history of developing and redeveloping affordable housing.

Executive Vice President Joshua Greenblatt says this is their first project in Greater Binghamton.

Preserving affordable housing is challenging. We were encouraged by all of the stakeholders interest in this effort. I can honestly say that is not always the case in every community in which we work, and it makes a huge difference, said Greenblatt.

Greenblatt says once the apartments are brought back to high quality standards, Vesta will turn its attention to other amenities such as improved landscaping and community gathering spaces.

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Tenants at Town and Country must make 60% or less of the Area Median Income.

98 units will be reserved for the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program.

The project is supported by $71 million from Homes and Community Renewal, the city provided $3 million of its ARPA funds and the Broome County IDA is expected to provide a PILOT property tax break.

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Beijing and Manila have agreed to continue talks on settling their territorial differences despite Philippine protests about the presence of a Chinese "monster ship" near the contested Scarborough Shoal.

China said both sides had "agreed to strengthen dialogue and contact on maritime issues and properly handle maritime disputes", following a meeting between Chen Xiaodong, the vice-minister for foreign affairs, and his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in the Chinese city of Xiamen on Thursday.

The two sides pledged to boost cooperation in areas such as maritime security and science and technology, but China also criticised Manila's "provocative activities" and attempts to "hype up disputes" in the South China Sea.

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Meanwhile, Lazaro expressed "serious concern" about the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels in the Philippine exclusive economic zone but expressed a willingness to seek common ground, according to Bloomberg.

The talks, the first of their kind since July, were held under a mechanism to discuss their territorial disputes and were attended by military and coastguard representatives.

They follow a series of clashes between the two countries' coastguards over the past year around disputed South China Sea features.

Chen Xiaodong, the vice-minister for foreign affairs, and his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro meet in Xiamen on Thursday. Photo: Handout alt=Chen Xiaodong, the vice-minister for foreign affairs, and his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro meet in Xiamen on Thursday. Photo: Handout>

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Earlier this week, Manila accused China of "escalatory" and "provocative" behaviour by sending its largest coastguard vessel to waters near Scarborough Shoal, which is known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines.

It said the 12,000-tonne "monster ship", initially spotted off the west coast of Luzon earlier this month, other coastguard vessels and a naval helicopter had entered its exclusive economic zone, and demanded that China withdraw its ships.

The waters claimed by the Philippines as its exclusive economic zone overlap with China's nine-dash line, which outlines its sweeping claims in the resource-rich waters.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday its coastguard activities were "lawful, justified and beyond reproach" and urged Manila to "stop spreading malicious remarks and driving a wedge between China and other countries".

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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.

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OSCE observers not invited to monitor upcoming presidential election in Belarus.

Belarus to host over 13,000 Russian troops for Zapad-2025 joint military drills with Russia.

Belarus sentences EU diplomatic staffer to four years in prison.

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Irregular crossings into EU from eastern borders more than triple in 2024, Frontex reports.

Belarusian state TV airs a propaganda film with jailed journalists, attempting to discredit their coverage of 2020 elections ahead of upcoming vote.

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Belarusian opposition announced it will issue New Belarus passports, yet legal uncertainty remains for exiles.

Belarus refuses to invite OSCE observers to upcoming election

Minsk has not invited observers from the OSCEs Office for Democratic Institutions to monitor the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, the OSCE announced on Jan. 9.

The presidential elections, which are expected to provide Belaruss longtime dictator Alexander Lukashenko with a seventh term in office, are scheduled for Jan. 26. The poll, dismissed as a sham by the Belarusian opposition, will be the first presidential race since the 2020 election  which sparked an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests and an ongoing domestic political crisis.

The OSCE said Belarus decision not to invite its member states via the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was regrettable and deprives the countrys citizens of a transparent and full assessment of the entire process.

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The lack of transparency further undermines faith in the electoral system of Belarus, said OSCE PA President Pia Kauma.

This is the third time the office will be unable to observe elections in Belarus since the contested 2020 vote  it was not invited to observe the 2022 constitutional referendum or parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a meeting with the chairs of regional executive committees on Jan. 3, Lukashenko mentioned the idea of inviting international observers, saying, We should meet with the Central Commission once again and decide whether we will invite these foreigners (Western observers) to the elections.

However, Lukashenko raised the issue less than three weeks before the elections, with the key stages of the campaign  the nomination of candidates, the formation of local electoral committees, and the selection of national observers  already having been carried out.

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The rushed presidential election campaign is being held nearly half a year earlier than is stipulated in Belaruss election law. The Belarusian Central Election Committee (CEC) cleared the heads of three loyalist parties  Aleh Haidukevich, Alexander Hizhnyak, and Siarhei Syrankou  along with another sham candidate representing the so-called constructive opposition  Hanna Kanapatskaya  to challenge Lukashenko for the presidency.

As of Jan. 8, the Belarusian Central Electoral Committee (CEC) had accredited 362 foreign observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (PA CSTO)  all Russia-led international alliances favoring the Lukashenko regime.

Among the 28,330 national observers, 79% come from political parties or pro-government professional unions, the independent news outlet Pozirk reports. Since 2020, Lukashenko has eliminated all but four loyal political parties and liquidated over 1,800 civil society organizations.

The expert observation mission organized by the Viasna Human Rights Center and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee claims that the electoral campaign is organized in a repressive climate of threat, fear-mongering, pressure, and persecution in connection with any civil activity unauthorized by the state.

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Read also: Will Transnistrias gas crisis lead to its collapse and reintegration into Moldova?

Minsk expects 13,000 Russian troops to take part in joint military drills in 2025

Over 13,000 Russian troops will participate in the Zapad-2025 joint military exercise, the Belarusian Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 10, citing Major General Valery Revenka.

Military allies Russia and Belarus have been conducting the Zapad (West in Russian) strategic drills every two years since 2009. Approximately 12,800 Russian soldiers were hosted in Belarus in 2021. Another military drill, Union Resolve 2022, followed the Zapad-2021, and was used to disguise a troop buildup on the Ukrainian border ahead of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.

In an interview with a state-owned TV channel, Major General Revenka said that Belarus has already notified OSCE member states about the drills in line with the Vienna Document, extending an invitation to allies, friends, partners to observe the exercises.

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According to Revenka, Belarus views positively only some EU and NATO member countries  without specifying which ones. Noting that Belarus had not been invited to observe European military drills last year, Revenka said that a decision regarding an invitation to NATO members remained to be taken.

The date of the Zapad-2025 drills has not officially been announced, but they are believed to be scheduled for September 2025. In October 2024, the Belarusian Air Force announced major drills with Russia in September 2025, right after a meeting of the joint board of the Belarusian and Russian Defense Ministries approved a concept plan for the Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise.

The Vienna Document on security and confidence-building requires its members to provide notification 42 days or more prior to holding military drills.

Aside from Zapad-2025, Belarus plans to host three military drills  Search, Interaction, and Echelon  along with members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Russia-led bloc Moscow set up in 2002, over a decade after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact.

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While not committing Belarusian troops to Russias war on Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory as a jumping off point for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, provided supplies to the Russian army, and offered to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

EU diplomatic staffer in Belarus sentenced to 4 years in prison

Minsk City Court has handed down a four-year prison sentence to a local staff member of the European Unions diplomatic service in Belarus, Politico reported on Jan. 9.

The sentence, issued in late December 2024, has only now been made public. The court found the EU staffer, Mikalai Khilo, guilty of incitement of hatred and calls for actions harming Belaruss national security.



The EUs External Action Service condemned the decision and reiterated calls for Khilo to be released.

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We continue calling for Mikalai Khilos immediate and unconditional release, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anitta Hipper said in a statement shared with Politico.

The EU diplomatic service previously called for Khilos release ahead of his trial, which was held on Dec. 23. At the time, a Lithuanian member of the European Parliament, Petras Austrevicius, told Politico that Minsk was testing the EU by arresting its employee. He said Belarusian diplomats should be expelled from the EU if Khilo was convicted.

Forty-one-year-old Khilo split his time between working for the EU diplomatic mission and serving as a preacher in a local Baptist church, as confirmed by CV (formerly known as Christian Vision)  an international Christian ministry that monitors the repression of clergy and religious groups.

According to an unnamed EU official, Khilo was detained by the Belarusian KGB security service in front of the EU delegation office on April 24, 2024. The Viasna Human Rights Center, a human rights organization based in Belarus, recognizes Khilo as a political prisoner.

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Although there have recently been eight rounds of pardons of political prisoners in Belarus, 1,240 political prisoners remain behind bars in the country. According to CV, 86 clergymen from various confessions are behind bars because of their public support for anti-government protests in 2020.

Read also: Youll die here  Belarusian political prisoners recount experiences ahead of Lukashenkos reelection

EU border agency: Irregular crossings of eastern border more than tripled in 2024

The number of detected cases of migrants irregularly entering the European Union through its eastern borders more than tripled in 2024, to 17,000, the European border agency Frontex said in a report on Jan. 14.

Following the introduction of European sanctions in 2021 over the contested 2020 presidential election and crackdown on dissent, the regime of Lukashenko orchestrated an artificial migration crisis, allowing migrants from the Middle East and African to storm Belarus-EU borders.

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Frontex preliminary data show that while the overall number of irregular border crossings to the European Union declined by 38% (returning to the post-pandemic level of 2021), the eastern border route (including Belarus and Ukraine) bucked the general trend: There were 17,000 illegal crossings of the blocs eastern border out of a total of 239,000 crossings recorded in Europe last year.

A woman holds barbed wire while attending a demonstration against the Polish government's plans to suspend the right to asylum for refugees illegally crossing the Polish-Belarusian border, Krakow, Poland on Oct. 28, 2024. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In 2021, the EU recorded 8,000 illegal crossings of its eastern border, in what Frontex monitoring described as a hybrid operation targeting the EU external border. Following an initial settlement that led to a decline in the registered irregular border crossings to 5,608 in 2023, the artificial migration crisis reignited again, with Russia joining the effort.

In late 2024, the EU authorities revealed that 90% of the migrants arriving via Belarus had Russian student or travel visas. The bloc pledged 170 million euros to its eastern members  Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, and Finland  and to Norway to fortify their borders.

As hybrid warfare involving migrants continues, the border security agencies of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have thwarted a total of 36,291 attempts to illegally cross their borders from Belarus in 2024.

In 2024, Poland reimposed a 200-meter-wide buffer zone next to its border with Belarus, and considered temporarily suspending the right to asylum.

Belarusian state TV shows jailed journalists ahead of 2025 vote

The Belarusian state-owned TV channel ONT aired on Jan. 14 the first segment of propaganda interviews with journalists held in Belarusian prisons, in an apparent attempt to discredit the work of independent media during the 2020 presidential elections.

In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, widely viewed as neither free nor fair, the free media field in Belarus was eradicated. Thirty-seven journalists remain behind bars on politically motivated charges, and hundreds were forced into exile. In 2024 alone, 35 independent media were branded as extremist and banned in Belarus.

The first part of the series about employees of American Media, was filmed in prisons, yet is titled Freedom of Speech. RFE/RLs Belarus Service freelancer and political prisoner Andrey Kuznechyk, who was charged with six years of imprisonment for allegedly creating and participating in an extremist formation.

In the interview, Kuznechyk appears in a black robe in the prison yard, looking emaciated. The interviewer urges him to condemn the independent media in Belarus for biased coverage and trying to set Belarus on fire during the 2020 elections.

The program is airing ahead of the Jan. 26 presidential elections, the first presidential vote since the contested 2020 race, which is expected to provide Lukashenko with a seventh consecutive term in office. After winning the countrys first and last fair election in 1994, Lukashenko remained in power for 30 years, gradually giving up parts of Belarusian sovereignty to Russia.

Other segments are to feature RFE/RL Belarus Service journalist Ihar Losik, who has been held incommunicado for nearly two years, as well as former reporter Ihar Karney and opposition activist Yuras Zyankovich, who hold dual citizenship of Belarus and the United States.

The international press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) placed Belarus 167th out of 180 countries in its 2024 Press Freedom Index, calling the country the fourth largest jailer of journalists in the world, and Europe's most dangerous country for journalists up until Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Belarusian opposition announces issuing New Belarus passports

Political opponents of the regime of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko will start accepting applications for the alternative identity documents for exiled Belarusians on Jan. 26, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has announced on her Telegram channel.

In September 2023, Lukashenko barred Belarusian embassies from issuing or renewing passports of Belarusians living abroad, forcing the regimes critics to return to Belarus  risking arrest  to renew their essential documents. As a result of Lukashenkos move, over 300,000 exiles who have fled Belarus since the contested 2020 elections risk finding themselves in legal limbo, unable to prove their identity, renew residence permits, or access essential services in host countries with expired passports.

In response, the Belarusian opposition in exile announced the New Belarus passport project in 2023, but there was little progress on it in 2024. After a change of leadership of the project and a scandal involving the Lithuanian contractor for producing the passports  which was found to have ties with the Lukashenko regime  the opposition has since produced the first prototypes of the passport.

However, the new document has yet to be recognized as suitable for travel or as official proof of identity, and it will initially be available only to EU-based Belarusians due to verification constraints, according to project head Marius Gudelaitis.

Franak Viachorka, a chief advisor to Tsikhanouskaya, said that the passports will have specific functionality within a year.

Our goal is that this document can replace a foreign passport, be used for travel, and also replace expired (Belarusian) passports when submitting documents for legalization, for example, Viachorka told news outlet Zerkalo.

However, the former head of the passport project, Valery Kavaleuski, who earlier resigned from Tsikhanouskayas Transitional Cabinet, has warned that gaining recognition for the document under present conditions is unlikely. According to Kavaleuski, the issuing center has had to undergo an independent audit before issuing the documents. Besides, the passport will reportedly use a new country code, instead of the existing Belarusian one, which Kavaleuski described as a "dead end" for the recognition process.

The passport will be presented to the public at the Belarusians Deserve Better congress in Warsaw, Poland on Jan. 26  the same day as Lukashenko's latest presidential election, which has been dismissed as a sham by the Belarusian opposition. Meanwhile, Belarusian prosecutors have already issued warnings that congress participants could face criminal prosecution.

Read also: Belarusian soldiers fighting for Ukraine say time is running out for their brother-in-arms extradited to Belarus

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
On Friday, 17 January, a criminal court in Brussels began hearing a case against two Russians accused of cybercrimes, specifically extortion through ransomware attacks.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Belgian public service broadcaster VRT

Details: The defendants, 40-year-old V. S. and 44-year-old E. T., are accused of using Crylock ransomware to extort money from hundreds of thousands of people.

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The ransomware remotely locked computer files and demanded payment to restore access.

Belgian investigators revealed that V. S. developed Crylock, while E. T. promoted the ransomware to potential buyers and acted as an intermediary between the clients and victims during the ransom transactions.

The criminals targeted mainly companies but also private individuals, including minors. In total, nearly 400,000 people were affected, with damages estimated to exceed 3 million.

V. S. and E. T. were arrested in Spain in June 2023 and extradited to Belgium. During searches of their residence, police seized 16 servers.

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At the opening of the trial, the Brussels prosecutor urged victims not to pay ransoms and to report incidents to the police.

The substantive hearings in the case are scheduled for 9 May.

The Belgian Federal Prosecutors Office says that this is the first time the country has tried Russian citizens for large-scale ransomware cyberattacks.

Background:

Belgium has previously suffered from Russian cyberattacks related to its assistance to Ukraine in its fight against the full-scale Russian invasion.

NATO believes that the cyberattacks could be grounds for activating Article 5 of The North Atlantic Treaty.

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Tensions were high on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University on Friday as students staged a protest.

The protesters voiced concerns over five members of the universitys Board of Trustees.

Student government leaders and other students expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the board has conducted the search for a new president.

Read: Bethune-Cookman University wins legal dispute with former alumni association

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The students took their signs to the board meeting Friday morning.

Former judge Belvin Perry chaired the board of trustees and said he agreed with the students objections.

Read: How Mary McLeod Bethune created Bethune-Cookman University with $1.50 in her pocket

At todays meeting, Perry was voted out as chair but would still remain on the Board of Trustees.

The Board elected Vice Chair Pete Gamble to replace Perry as chair.

Channel 9 is working to gather more reactions to the changes and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Ben Affleck's Brentwood home has been subject to heightened security amid the Pacific Palisades wildfires.

After previously being visited by the FBI and a verbal encounter with police officers, the actor came home again to find a massive military vehicle near his home.

Ben Affleck initially evacuated his newly purchased mansion due to the wildfires but quickly returned after learning it survived the blaze.

Military Vehicle Is Stationed Outside Ben Affleck's Brentwood Home

MEGA

Affleck's upscale Brentwood neighborhood has seen a surge in security activity, and a military presence has now joined the scene.

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This comes just days after police and FBI agents were spotted in the area due to the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire. Most recently, a sand-colored military Humvee equipped with a turret for mounting heavy artillery was seen parked near Affleck's home.

The actor was photographed calmly driving past the vehicle, appearing unbothered by the unusual sight. A uniformed military officer stood beside the Humvee, but the actor did not interact with the military personnel.

According to TMZ, despite the close proximity to his home, the military deployment is not connected to Affleck personally.

The National Guard has been stationed in the area to support firefighting efforts as the Pacific Palisades wildfire continues to rage, burning over 23,000 acres and destroying neighborhoods in Malibu and beyond.

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With Affleck's home located near the edge of the evacuation zone, the increased security presence is part of ongoing measures to protect the community and contain the wildfire.

Ben Affleck's Encounter With Police Amid Increased Security Following FBI Investigation

MEGA

Earlier this week, FBI agents were seen at Affleck's Brentwood home investigating a drone incident involving a collision with a firefighting aircraft.

Despite the presence of federal agents, sources told the news outlet that Affleck is not under investigation and faces no legal issues related to the situation.

Just days after the FBI visit, photographers captured the "Gone Girl" actor in what appeared to be a heated exchange with local police officers.

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In the video, Affleck pulled up beside two police officers parked near his driveway, rolled down the window of his BMW, and appeared visibly frustrated as he voiced concerns about the security personnel in the area.

Tensions Remain High In Ben Affleck's Neighborhood Amid The Wildfires

MEGA

While the exact details of the conversation are unclear, Affleck seemed upset over what he described as unnecessary interference by private security guards.

After a brief but tense discussion, the mood gradually eased, and Affleck drove off calmly.

Tensions in the neighborhood remain high due to the nearby Palisades wildfire, which has led to evacuation orders and reports of looting in affected areas.

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Although Affleck's home is just outside the mandatory evacuation zone, heightened security and restricted access have created ongoing challenges for local residents.

Ben Affleck Reportedly Stayed With His Ex-Wife Temporarily After Evacuating His Home

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The FBI investigation and increased law enforcement presence at Affleck's home followed his recent evacuation due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

On January 7, Affleck was forced to leave his rental property as the fires tore through the area, destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and schools and claiming at least 25 lives.

During the evacuation, the "Good Will Hunting" star temporarily stayed at his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's nearby home.

A source also revealed to Page Six that Affleck's ex, Jennifer Lopez, has been in "regular contact" with him amid the crisis.

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Affleck swiftly returned to his home on January 8. At the time, a source shared that while he remained under evacuation status, the actor felt "grateful his property is safe for the time being."

"Ben knows many people who unfortunately lost their homes," the insider added. "He has seen a lot of devastation, and it's beyond tragic.  Ben is reaching out to anybody he can to help."

Ben Affleck Recently Finalized His Divorce

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Meanwhile, Lopez and Affleck officially finalized their divorce over five months after their unexpected split on their second wedding anniversary.

The couple, who married in 2022, will legally end their marriage on February 20. According to the Daily Mail, both Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, will retain the assets they individually acquired during their brief union.

The former couple has also reached a private agreement regarding their $61 million Beverly Hills mansion, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Berlin's major food and agricultural fair Green Week opened its doors to visitors on Friday, as authorities in the nearby state of Brandenburg were trying to contain a rare outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease.

During a four-hour opening tour of the event, Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir noted the importance of cooperation between rural and urban areas when it comes to food production and consumption.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner praised the fair as a space that showcases tradition while also educating visitors on the future of food and how to deal with it.

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Over the course of the 10-day event, organizers expect around 300,000 people to visit the Berlin exhibition grounds.

Attendees can sample international and regional specialities from 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries.

Berlin's Green Week fair is considered one of the largest exhibitions for food, agriculture, and horticulture in the world.

This year's edition is overshadowed by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the state of Brandenburg, surrounding Berlin. As a result, cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats or sheep will not be present on the exhibition grounds.

"The message is that we are not abandoning the farmers who are now affected by the foot-and-mouth epidemic," said Agriculture Minister Ozdemir during his tour of the fair. "Our goal must be to ensure that no farm has to give up because of this."

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Ozdemir, Wegner, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and the president of the German farmers' union, Joachim Rukwied were handed samples at every stall they passed as they toured the grounds, from spicy Polish sausage to Moroccan pastry and Czech sea buckthorn juice.

At a stall representing Ukrainian cuisine, the group took some more time to toast to "a free Ukraine" a with a glass of Carpathian sparkling wine.
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck honored Laurene Powell Jobs with the inaugural Bhutan GNH Medal, a rare national honor. At the ceremony yesterday, Queen Jetsun Pema joined her husband in celebrating Powell Jobs.

His Majesty The King conferred the inaugural Bhutan GNH Medal upon Ms. Laurene Powell Jobs, making her the first recipient of this prestigious honour, his official social media notes. This recognition celebrates her extraordinary contributions to the betterment of humanity. Her transformative work across diverse fields resonates deeply with Bhutans GNH values sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance. The award reflects Bhutans growing commitment to celebrating and supporting individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the well-being of humanity and our shared planet.

The post detailed her philanthropic achievements, writing how she exemplifies a new era of philanthropy and purpose-driven investing. Her work has created new pathways in education, supported climate solutions, and catalysed entrepreneurial approaches to systemic challenges.

King Jigme Khesar/Instagram

Powell Jobs, the founder and president of Emerson Collective, is one of the wealthiest women in the world. Forbes estimates her net worth to be around $15.3 billion. Before traveling to Bhutan this month, she was in India, where she visited spiritual guru Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji's ashram and other locations to learn more about Hinudism. She has a new name here, Kamalashe was inspired by the timeless sanatani culture, Mahant Ravindra Puri, chief of Panchayati Akhada Shri Niranjani, one of the organizations of Hindu saints and ascetics, told The Hindu. Her quest for spirituality brought her here.

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According to King Jigme Khesar's Instagram, on her visit to Bhutan, Powell Jobs will also visit the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

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The Biden administration announced Thursday its final round of student debt relief, topping off the most loan forgiveness ever given in a presidency.

The Department of Education announced it was forgiving more than $600 million of student loans for 4,550 borrowers through the income-driven repayment plan and 4,100 borrowers through Borrower Defense.

In total, the administration has given $188 billion of student debt relief to more than 5 million borrowers through 33 executive actions.

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Four years ago, President Biden made a promise to fix a broken student loan system. We rolled up our sleeves and, together, we fixed existing programs that had failed to deliver the relief they promised, took bold action on behalf of borrowers who had been cheated by their institutions, and brought financial breathing room to hardworking Americans  including public servants and borrowers with disabilities. Thanks to our relentless, unapologetic efforts, millions of Americans are approved for student loan forgiveness, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.

Im incredibly proud of the Biden-Harris Administrations historic achievements in making the life-changing potential of higher education more affordable and accessible for more people, he added.

The administration touted 1.7 million borrowers received forgiveness under the Borrower Defense program, 1 million from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, almost 1.5 million from income-driven repayment and more than 600,000 for those with permanent or total disabilities.

This action likely signals the last large amount of student debt relief borrowers will see for years as President-elect Trump, who takes office Monday, has signaled broad opposition to the loan forgiveness.

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The administration of US President Joe Biden has declassified new information on its assistance to Ukraine, revealing previously secret support for the countrys military drone industry.

Source: The New York Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: US officials said on 16 January that they had made major investments that helped Ukraine start up and expand drone production.

Much of the US's aid to Ukraine's military  which includes billions of dollars for missiles, air defence systems, tanks, artillery and training  has been announced to the public. But other support has largely remained in the shadows.

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The US officials noted that the support included helping Ukraine develop a new generation of drones which US officials say are revolutionising the way warfare is conducted.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the support has had a real strategic impact on the war.

"We saw how UAVs were becoming increasingly central to the fight in Ukraine and will be central to all future fights," Sullivan said.

The United States provided funds to support drone manufacturers and purchase spare parts. Sources familiar with the situation said the United States also sent intelligence officers to Ukraine to help develop the programme.

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In an interview earlier this week, CIA Director William Burns indirectly mentioned his agency's support for the drone programme in Ukraine.

Sullivan said that drone efforts began after the first Ukrainian counteroffensive in the autumn of 2022 when the limits of Ukraine's traditional capabilities became clear.

According to Sullivan, these efforts were accelerated during preparations for Ukraine's second counteroffensive, which was less successful. Ukraine did not gain as much ground as it wanted, partly because of Russia's use of UAVs.

After the counteroffensive, US officials said they rapidly stepped up support for Ukrainian drone manufacturers, building on Kyiv's efforts to develop its own industry.

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In addition to financial assistance, the Biden administration worked to establish links between US technology companies and Ukrainian drone manufacturers.

Last autumn, the Pentagon allocated US$800 million for drone production in Ukraine, which was used to purchase drone components and finance drone manufacturers.

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House in September 2024, President Biden said another US$1.5 billion would be directed to Ukraine's drone industry.

US officials said on 16 January that they believe these investments have made Ukraine's drones more effective and deadly.

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They noted that Ukrainian naval drones have destroyed a quarter of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and that drones deployed on the front lines have helped slow Russia's advance in Ukraines east.

Sullivan said the drive to build Ukraine's drone industry has yielded invaluable lessons that the Biden administration has begun to integrate into the USAs own defence industry.

Background:

Current Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have written a joint op-ed for The New York Times describing the dangers of cutting military aid to Ukraine and forcing a premature ceasefire.

In his farewell speech, President Joe Biden mentioned Ukraine in the context of his foreign policy achievements and how he had "strengthened NATO".

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The Biden administration took steps Thursday to safeguard an iconic bird species of the Western United States  but did so in only two out of the 10 states where such protections were anticipated.

The Bureau of Land Management announced that it would sign records of decision to improve the conservation of greater sage-grouse on public lands in Colorado and Oregon.

Although this decision could be critical for longevity of the sage-grouse in these two areas, a proposal released just two months ago had signaled that such protections would apply to 10 states  and could be issued before President-elect Trump takes office.

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The greater sage-grouse, which has long been suffering from population decline, is considered an indicator species: a species whose well-being indicates the vitality of others in the surrounding sagebrush ecosystem.

Known for their unique spiked plumage and chunky, round bodies, the sage-grouse have fallen prey to the impacts of climate change, according to the bureau.

The birds  which require up to 40 square miles of intact landscape to stay healthy  also inhabit the same areas that house a wealth of oil, gas and mineral resources.

Whether the plans finalized Thursday will stay intact once Trump takes office is unknown, as he previously sought to revoke protections of the bird on 10 million acres of public lands.

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And while a federal judge ultimately overturned that decision, Trump has vowed to ramp up domestic fossil fuel production.

The habitat conservation measures approved for Colorado and Oregon on Thursday will help support communities in the West and benefit more than 350 wildfire species, according to the bureau.

The agency said it had also completed administrative processes for records of decision in North Dakota, South Dakota and California and is prepared to issue them in these three states.

As for the remaining five, the bureau said it was working with the states to finalize decisions for sagebrush areas, with a goal of both improving habitat conservation and staying consistent with individual state priorities.

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These decisions are the result of our ongoing commitment to work with states to enhance protections that have been in place for nearly a decade, Nada Wolff Culver, Bureau of Land Management principal deputy director, said in a statement.

Multiple environmental organizations slammed the Biden administrations Thursday announcement, criticizing the bureau in a joint statement for having signaled its intentions to leave the decisions affecting the five key states of Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada to the Trump administration.

The new Biden plans leave the first Trump administrations gutting of sage grouse conservation largely in place, Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project, said in a statement.

The sagebrush sea needs consistent, science-based protections to safeguard sage grouse, other wildlife, and irreplaceable recreation lands  not this politicized crazy-quilt of loopholes and half-measures that sell out western public lands to the special interests, Molvar added.

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Joanna Zhang, endangered species advocate for WildEarth Guardians, described the greater sage-grouse as a symbol of the America West, stressing that without stronger range wide protections, it could vanish from our landscapes forever.

Protecting sage-grouse is not just about saving a species  its about safeguarding the health of the sagebrush sea, especially in the face of Trumps plans for energy dominance, Zhang added.

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Federal regulators are abandoning a proposal to expand ocean speed limits that were designed to protect North Atlantic right whales.

The whales, which give birth off Georgias coast in the winter, are nearing extinction: Just 370 remain, and vessel strikes are one of their leading causes of death.

Marine industry groups applauded the move to abandon a rule they have criticized as overly broad, while whale advocates said they were disappointed.

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The whales are going to suffer because of the inaction by the Biden administration, said Gib Brogan, campaign director with the advocacy group Oceana.

There are already some seasonal speed limits on large ships designed to cut down the risk of strikes during times of year when the whales are known to be in certain areas  like off the Georgia coast during the winter calving season.

In 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposed expanding those restrictions to include smaller boats and to apply over larger areas of the ocean for longer periods. The agency also proposed making some voluntary speed limits mandatory.

Whale scientists and advocates had celebrated the proposal and pushed for its adoption because smaller boats can and do kill right whales. They also emphasized the urgency, as the North Atlantic right whale population numbers falter, and whale behavior shifts due to climate change.

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But marine industry groups fought the proposed changes, which they argued could hurt the fishing and boating industries and other related businesses. Among other criticisms, they contended that smaller boats often need the ability to move fast to respond safely to changing ocean conditions. They also said the rules would cancel or alter thousands of recreational fishing trips that are important for coastal economies.

The rules many blind spots would have created dire consequences for boater safety and accessibility, the economic vitality of coastal communities and marine manufacturers, and the livelihoods of countless supporting small businesses, said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in a statement.

He added that the rule failed to distinguish between large, ocean-crossing vessels and small recreational boats, which could not be more different from each other.

The rule was never implemented, and now the agency is withdrawing it just days before a new administration enters the White House  a move whale advocates said was political, based on its timing.

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Two whales swim in a blue ocean scene

Climate change and boat strikes are killing right whales. Stronger speed limits could save them.

Emily Jones

Congress can review and overturn some recent actions taken by federal agencies, under a law known as the Congressional Review Act. This often comes into play when a new presidential administration and new Congress take over, because it gives them the power to rescind recent actions taken by a prior administration. With this mechanism, Congress can also block the agencies from taking similar actions in the future.

Whale advocates worry thats exactly what a Trump administration and Republican-controlled Congress would have done with this rule had it gone into effect within the review window: They could have overturned the rule and prevented future changes to vessel speed rules to protect right whales.

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So the real deadline for the Biden administration was this past summer, said Brogan. They knew that they needed to act this past summer to put durable protections on for North Atlantic right whales, but with an election and other things in play, they chose not to.

Whale advocates and scientists said they would continue to push for expanded right whale protections, despite what New England Aquarium conservation scientist Jessica Redfern called a serious setback in the effort to save right whales from extinction.

Im gonna have hope, because I do have hope that we can save this species, she said.

The aquarium maintains one of the longest-running right whale research programs in the country, and Redfern said the evidence is clear: The whales can recover, if we stop killing them.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Biden administration gives up on lower ocean speed limits to protect right whales on Jan 17, 2025.
Lakes and connecting streams in the northeastern part of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska are seen from the air on June 26, 2014. In its last days, the Biden administration is proposing new protections for the reserve. (Photo by Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Four days before President Joe Biden is set to leave office, his administration recommended that about 3 million more acres in Alaskas western Arctic be protected from development and issued a guideline, effective immediately, requiring additional protections for traditional Native subsistence harvests of fish, caribou and other resources.

The new recommendations and guidance, which apply to the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, run counter to President-elect Donald Trumps expressed plans to expand oil drilling in the Arctic and elsewhere and to overturn Biden administration environmental policies more broadly.

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Acting Deputy Interior Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis, who announced the recommendations and guidelines in a telephone news conference, acknowledged that the incoming administration might disagree with the Biden administrations action.

We know were in these seats for a few more days, and the next team may have a different perspective on how we manage public lands, including in the Western Arctic, but I think really we all have to agree that we must undertake activities in this incredible area with due consideration as to how they may impact subsistence resources that we are today identifying as a significant resource value, she said.

While environmentalists said they welcomed the move, critics of the Biden administrations Arctic oil policies were dismissive.

From their first day to nearly their last, the Biden administration willfully ignored federal law to try to convert the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska into de facto federal wilderness, said a social media post by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. The administrations actions concerning the petroleum reserve should be immediately repealed, she said in the post. The silver lining? Only four more days of this, she added.

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In a statement, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, called it the last gasp of a failed administration trying to crush Alaska and silence the voices of the Inupiat people who actually live on the North Slope.

The recommendations for additional land to be protected as part of what are termed special areas and the guidance for elevating the importance of subsistence and tribal consultation could be ignored or scrapped by the incoming Trump administration.

The recommendations build on an updated management blueprint that the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Land Management released in 2024. That rule made some modifications to an Obama administration-era plan that classified about half of the reserve as off-limits to oil development, adding some stipulations to minimize development impacts. It also established an avenue for additional lands in the reserve to be put into no-development special area status. That provision is what triggered the proposal released Thursday.

There are currently five special areas within the reserve: at Teshekpuk Lake at the northeastern corner of the reserve, the largest North Slope lake; along the Colville River, which flows along the reserves eastern boundary; and at Kasegaluk, Lagoon, Peard Bay, Teshekpuk Lake and the Utukok River Uplands in the western part of the reserve.

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The northeastern part of the reserve is the area considered most likely to hold oil and where development has spread in recent years. There is already production in that area, and the most notable production expected in the future is from ConocoPhillips Willow project. Willow won Biden administration approval in 2023. Production is expected to start by the end of the decade and peak at 180,000 barrels per day; current production from all North Slope fields amounts to less than 470,000 barrels per day.

The recommendation for 3 million additional acres is based on 88,000 public comments received after the BLM last summer floated the idea of expanding protections, Daniel-Davis said.

Included in the recommended additions is a new sixth protected area, a 1.3-million-acre Nuiqsut Subsistence Use Special Area by that North Slope village. Also recommended are additions to the Teshekpuk Lake, Colville River, Utukok River Uplands and Peard Bay special areas.

Like the existing Teshekpuk special area, which holds important habitat for caribou, fish and migratory birds, the village of Nuiqsut is in the general area of the reserves northeastern corner, where new oil development has occurred. Nuiqsut is so close that oilfield infrastructure can be seen from the village.

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Daniel-Davis said the new recommendation and guidelines should not affect existing leases or approved activities, including those going on at Willow.

Valid existing rights are always respected with regard to approving activities, she said.

Two caribou in the herd named for Teshekpuk Lake are seen on June 27, 2014, in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The Teshekpuk Lake Herd is known for staying on the North Slope all year. The herd congregates in the land along the lake, which is currently protected as one of the reserves designated special areas. (Photo by Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

The recommendations for new special area acreage are backed by a 16-page report that summarizes public comments and scientific information.

The best available current information requires the BLM to take additional steps to ensure maximum protection of significant resource values in the NPR-A and to mitigate reasonably foreseeable and significantly adverse effects of proposed oil and gas activities, the report said.

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The Biden administrations parting actions on National Petroleum Reserve development got a positive response from environmentalists and some Nuiqsut residents.

Todays announcement shows that BLM recognizes what scientists have long told us: that we must protect the diversity of plants and wildlife in the Western Arctic, including the calving grounds and migration corridors that sustain the caribou on which local Indigenous communities  such as Nuiqsut  depend to feed their families, Meda DeWitt, Alaska senior manager of Wilthe Wilderness Society, said in a statement.

Whether the recommendations or guidance will have any lasting effect is unclear.

Even some supporters were skeptical. Nauri Simmonds, executive director for Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, said the administrations announcement was well intentioned but unlikely to help protect resources important to survival and cultural identity.

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We appreciate any movement and help in this matter and dont want to diminish those efforts or any support given by entities and individuals towards these changes, but this is so little and so very late, she said in a statement.

Trump is already poised to take executive action overturning protections and opening more of the Arctic to oil development. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has urged him to do so.

Alaska political and business leaders, including prominent Inupiat leaders on the North Slope, had previously panned the idea of adding or expanding protected special areas in the reserve.

Among those in opposition was Voice of Arctic Inupiat, a North Slope coalition that has generally favored Arctic oil development for the economic benefits it brings to the region.

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In a statement Thursday, the organizations president reiterated the objections to new protective areas.

The Biden administration is selectively citing Indigenous voices, while ignoring wide swaths of the North Slope Inupiat, and fails to understand the implications of this announcement. Instead, it listened to voices that agreed with its policy agenda to justify its actions while ignoring the overwhelming majority of North Slope residents and locally elected leaders who opposed todays decision, Nagruk Harcharek, the groups president, said in the statement.

Even if the proposals result in no changes on the ground, the administrative record surrounding them might emerge in future debates, including possible legal debates.

The action followed the science that clearly shows that these areas irreplaceable values require maximum protection against harm from oil drilling. This is a model of inclusive, evidence-based land management and a win for wildlife and people, Erik Grafe, an Anchorage-based attorney for the environmental law firm Earthjustice, said in a statement The incoming Trump administration will have an obligation to acknowledge that oil development significantly harms the Western Arctics irreplaceable natural values.

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Bridget Psarianos, an attorney with the environmental law firm Trustees for Alaska, said Trump and his allies have made no secret about their plans to reverse protections, including those in the arctic.

But at the same time, I think we and our partners have also made it abundantly clear that were going to keep fighting, and keep fighting for protections in the Western Arctic, she said.

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The Biden Administration has made its final, last-minute push to tackle de minimis reform.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Friday announced the second of two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which it says will strengthen security against illicit foreign shipments by making certain products ineligible for the de minimis exemption. The first proposal was issued Monday.

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The Trade and National Security Actions for Low-Value Shipments rule stipulates that merchandise that is already subject to specific trade and national security actions, like punitive duties, can no longer enter the country duty free under de minimis.

That means products subject to tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, safeguard tariffs imposed under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, and unfair trade tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 wont be allowed to take advantage of the exemption, CBP wrote. Currently, these products are still eligible for de minimis treatment.

Certain shipments of sensitive goods will also be required to provide the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification as an added security measure.

Both the volume and combined worth of low-value, or de minimis, shipments to the United States have risen significantly over the past 10 years, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said Friday.

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The exemption of these goods from duties or taxes has undermined American businesses and workers and flooded our ports of entry with foreign-made products, making CBPs vital work screening these goods for security risks more difficult. The actions announced today to tighten this exemption will strengthen Americas economic and national security.

Over the past decade, de minimis trade has positively exploded, with the number of shipments claiming the exemption growing by more than 600 percent. De minimis trade reached 1 billion packages in fiscal 2023, compared to just 139 million in fiscal 2015. Last year, the upward trend continued unabated; de minimis shipments jumped to over 1.36 billion.

Secretary Mayorkas, along with CBP leaders and domestic industry trade groups, have spoken out about the growing strain on enforcement officials as de minimis trade skyrockets.

CBP has continued to take aggressive action on a multipronged strategy to enhance CBP enforcement in the low-value shipment environment, CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Pete R. Flores added. We will continue to leverage existing authorities to improve tools and automation, while strengthening enforcement of textile and apparel trade laws.

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National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard pointed the finger at Chinese-founded e-commerce platforms, which he said have exploited an unfair trade advantage. Firms like Shein and Temu have utilized de minimis to propel their sales into the stratosphere, while American businesses play by the rules, he believes.

Todays actions are an important step forward to level the playing field for American workers, retailers, and manufacturers and to enforce U.S. laws that protect the health and safety of our consumers, he added.

A longtime proponent of de minimis reform, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has pointed to the adverse effects that burgeoning de minimis trade have had on domestic manufacturing. Over the past 18 months, 25 U.S. textile plants have closeda phenomenon the trade group attributes to the unbridled growth of foreign competition.

The trade groups CEO and president, Kim Glas, praised the administrations forward movement on the issue on Friday.

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This rulemaking represents a step forward in minimizing the impact of this disastrous loophole in U.S. trade law that has facilitated a surge of duty-free imports that are normally subject to penalty tariffs under various U.S. trade remedy statutes, she said. Failure to collect these duties has exacerbated the flow of goods found to be in violation of U.S. trade laws that are costing American jobs and damaging our manufacturing sector.

With this rulemaking, CBP and the administration seek to eliminate de minimis treatment for all imported products subject to U.S. trade remedies and penalties, including the current Section 301 tariffs on China. This is an important and much overdue reform.

As with Mondays NPRM, members of the public will have 60 days to comment via the Federal Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration does not plan to levy billions of dollars in fines against companies that allow access to TikTok in the U.S., as is stipulated by law if a ban of the popular app goes into effect Sunday, according to two administration officials.

The administration has decided to defer implementation of the law banning TikTok in the U.S. to the incoming Trump administration, the officials said, effectively not enforcing it during the final 36 hours of President Joe Bidens term.

Given the timing of when it goes into effect over a holiday weekend a day before inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement, a White House official said.

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The move is aimed at trying to ensure there is no disruption in TikTok users access to the app in the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration Monday, despite the ban. It comes as the Supreme Court could rule anytime on whether to uphold the ban.

Trump has vowed to save TikTok from the ban, which Congress passed with bipartisan support and Biden signed into law last April citing concerns that the apps Chinese ownership makes it a national security threat to the U.S. The president-elects team has been exploring options for keeping TikTok operating in the U.S.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

Under the law, TikTok and companies that help provide users with access to the app  such as Apple, Google and internet hosting services like Oracle  potentially face fines totaling at least $850 billion if they dont shut down that access on Jan. 19.

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The White House has been under pressure to stop a ban from going into effect, including from Democrats. NBC News first reported Wednesday that the Biden administration was considering ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S. if a ban goes into effect Sunday.

On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he supports delaying the Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok to sell or be banned in the U.S.

Its clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers, Schumer said in remarks on the Senate floor.

Schumer said he has made his views clear to the current administration, and I will work with the Trump administration and with both parties to keep TikTok alive while protecting our national security.

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He also pointed to the reason lawmakers and the president supported a ban of TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not sell  national security concerns  as a continuing issue.

Trump initially sought to ban it in the U.S. during his first term.

His August 2020 executive order attempting to do so stipulated: TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories. This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information.

Those same national security concerns have not abated, according to U.S. officials.

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Last month, Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, said, Our intelligence professionals, our national security professionals  not the politicians, the professionals  have looked at this and have seen the national security risks.

FBI Director Christopher Wray also has warned of risks to national security because of the apps Chinese ownership.

The ability to collect the data, the ability to control the recommendation algorithm, which means the ability to push CCP narratives, pro-CCP narratives, downplay criticism of the Chinese government, in effect, enlist millions of users as unwitting advocates of CCP propaganda, Wray said last year in an interview with NBC News' Lester Holt.

TikTok has argued there is not a threat to U.S. national security.

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While the law that would ban TikTok does not include an exemption for beginning to fine companies that violate it because of a federal holiday weekend  Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day  or a presidential inauguration, administration officials cited both as reasons the Justice Department would not issue any fines or implement the ban Sunday.

The White House official reiterated the administrations position on TikTok's future, saying, Our position on this has been clear: TikTok should continue to operate but under American ownership.

The concern U.S. officials have had about TikTok, as outlined by the FBI on numerous occasions, is that the data its owner, ByteDance, collects is subject to Chinese laws, and therefore ByteDance has no choice but to share user data with that government.

That would allow China to know where a U.S. user of TikTok might be, what other apps they might be using, what their personal preferences are, any messages they exchange, and many other data points, officials have said in past briefings on the matter.

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The second threat U.S. officials have cited is that China could manipulate the apps content algorithms to shunt anti-Chinese government views or promote views to the benefit of the Chinese government in ways that would not be readily apparent to most users.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Biden administration on Friday made one final push to expose what officials say is a rampant Chinese cyber-espionage campaign by identifying a company and a person allegedly behind a pair of damaging hacks aimed at senior US officials.

The goal is to impose real costs on hackers who seek to undermine our democratic processes and ultimately our way of life, as senior US official told CNN. But limiting Chinas ability to gather sensitive intelligence from US networks is a decades-long challenge that the Trump administration will now inherit.

Fridays announcement included Treasury Department sanctions on a Chinese tech company for allegedly playing a key role in a sweeping breach of US telecommunication giants that became public last year. The hackers targeted the phone communications of President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and senior Biden administration officials.

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Treasury also sanctioned a Shanghai-based person for allegedly participating in a separate hack of Treasury itself that was disclosed last month. The hackers targeted unclassified information belonging to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her deputy Wally Adeyemo as part of an intelligence-gathering effort, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. They also breached the US government office that reviews foreign investments for national security risks, CNN previously reported.

A Treasury spokesperson declined to comment. Bloomberg News and Politico previously reported that Yellens information was targeted.

The sanctions came as Trump said he had a very good phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Trump wrote on social media.

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But Trumps administration is set to include multiple Cabinet members or other senior staff who have called for tougher measures on China over national security concerns, including incoming national security adviser Rep. Mike Waltz and Sen. Marco Rubio, Trumps choice for secretary of state.

And the Trump administration faces an early test on whether it will enforce a ban on Chinese-owned social media giant TikTok that the Supreme Court upheld on Friday.

The telecom and Treasury hacks, and their fallout for national security, have roiled Washington.

Federal employees are changing the way they communicate on their phones, moving to more secure methods. Lawmakers are calling for an overhaul of cybersecurity for major telecom providers. And Adeyemo, the outgoing deputy Treasury secretary, has asked Congress to give federal agencies clear authority to examine the security practices of contractors that serve the financial system. (The Treasury hack occurred through a software contractor.)

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In response to the recent Chinese hacking campaigns, Waltz has called for more offensive action from the US government in cyberspace.

Weve got to go on the offensive and impose COSTS on those who are stealing our technology and attacking our infrastructure, he posted on X last month.

Tensions over cybersecurity have long permeated the US-China relationships, but they have grown more acute in recent months. In conversations with their Chinese counterparts, US diplomats have complained that the scope and scale of the telecom hacks is excessive, CNN previously reported. China has rejected the evidence.

During his meeting with President Biden in Lima (last) year, President Xi Jinping said that there is no evidence that supports the irrational claim of the so-called cyberattacks from China, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, previously told CNN.

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As for Fridays sanctions, some cybersecurity experts said they were a necessary but insufficient step in trying to frustrate Chinas hacking activity.

Unfortunately, the actors behind these attacks are unlikely to be entirely deterred by these actions, but its important to shed a light on their operations and add as much friction as possible, said John Hultquist, chief analyst at Mandiant, a Google-owned cybersecurity firm.

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U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has declassified previously undisclosed efforts to support Ukraine's drone industry, including $1.5 billion funding sent in September 2024, The New York Times reported on Jan. 17, citing anonymous officials.

Ukrainian drones have been utilized for reconnaissance, combat, and other missions, showcasing their versatility and impact in countering Russian forces.

U.S. intelligence officers reportedly assisted in advancing Ukraine's drone capabilities, helping to design a new generation of drones intended to revolutionize modern warfare.

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While much of the U.S. aid for Ukraine has been publicly disclosed  covering missiles, air defense systems, tanks, and training  support for the drone sector has largely remained secret.

The declassified data reveals that the U.S. allocated funds for drone manufacturing and facilitated partnerships between U.S. tech companies and Ukrainian drone producers.

These efforts intensified during preparations for Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive, which struggled to achieve significant territorial gains, reportedly due to Russia's extensive drone use. In response, the U.S. accelerated aid to Ukraine's drone sector.

Officials reportedly believe this investment has made Ukrainian drones more effective and deadly. Ukrainian maritime drones, credited with destroying 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and aerial drones deployed on the front lines have slowed Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.

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By the end of 2024, Ukraine had delivered over 200,000 domestically produced drones to frontline units, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in December.

Read also: Ukrainian special forces target Russian soldiers behind POW executions  several reportedly killed, captured

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Biden asserted the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, is part of the Constitution, arguing Friday it had met the criteria to be added as the 28th Amendment.

Biden in a statement said the ERA is the law of the land because it was passed by a two-thirds majority in Congress, and three-quarters of the states have ratified it. But he stopped short of instructing the archivist to add the amendment to the Constitution, making it unclear what effect the outgoing presidents statement will have and likely inviting legal challenges.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has recognized that the Equal Rights Amendment has cleared all necessary hurdles to be formally added to the Constitution as the 28th Amendment, Biden said. I agree with the ABA and with leading legal constitutional scholars that the Equal Rights Amendment has become part of our Constitution.

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It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people, he added. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.

A senior administration official said Biden was not going to direct the archivist to add it to the Constitution. The official said the archivists role was purely ministerial and that she is required to publish an amendment once it has been effectively ratified.

Congress approved the ERA in 1972. The congressional approval came with a seven-year deadline for states to sign onto the law as a constitutional amendment, but it wasnt until 2020 that Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it.

The decades-long delay is likely to be the subject of any legal challenge from opponents, though the Constitution does not make any reference to a deadline for states to ratify an amendment.

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The first Trump administrations Justice Department issued an opinion in January 2020 saying no action should be taken to add the ERA to the Constitution, citing the lapsed deadline.

Bidens announcement comes just days before he is set to leave office, with President-elect Trump returning for a second term.

Democratic lawmakers and advocates have for weeks urged Biden to take action on the amendment before leaving office. More than 120 House Democrats, led by former Rep. Cori Bush (Mo.) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (Mass.), wrote a letter to the president in December calling on him to recognize it as a constitutional amendment.

The New York Times reported that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has also been lobbying Biden to affirm the ERA, arguing it would be a way to enshrine abortion rights after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022.

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Outgoing President Joe Biden announced today that he believes the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) met ratification requirements and is now the official 28th amendment to the Constitutiona statement that has no legal force since the amendment remains unpublished.

"I agree with the [American Bar Association] and with leading legal constitutional scholars that the Equal Rights Amendment has become part of our Constitution," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex."

Biden's comments are not an executive order requiring the national archivist to publish the amendment, but rather a statement of belief that contradicts the current legal opinion of the Justice Department and the archivist. The president has no constitutional role in the amendment process.

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"Absent action by the Archivist that withstands the scrutiny of the courts, Joe Biden's advisory opinion that he thinks the Equal Rights Amendment ratified is empty, vain, given to the winds," says Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies.

Congress passed the ERA, which bans discrimination on the basis of sex, and sent it to the states for ratification in 1972, along with a 10-year deadline. But when that 1982 deadline passed, the ERA was three states short of the required 38, and several other states had attempted to rescind their ratification votes.

Nevertheless, the ERA reemerged during the first Trump administration, and three more states voted to ratify it, with Virginia becoming the 38th state to do so in 2020. Democrats, led by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.), have been pressuring Biden to recognize the ERA, arguing that the deadline imposed by Congress was unconstitutional.

The national archivist, Colleen Shogan, rejected that position in December and issued a statement saying she would not certify the ERA. Shogan cited court rulings and Justice Department opinions. In 2020 and again in 2022, the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel "concluded that Congress had constitutional authority to impose that deadline and that, because 38 states had not ratified the proposed amendment before that deadline's expiration, the ERA is not a part of the United States Constitution and the Archivist of the United States may not certify it as such."

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There is a legitimate argument that deadlines for ratification are inconsistent with Article V of the Constitution, but wishcasting the ERA into the Constitution is bad constitutional process and will further muddy the legal waters. The fact that Biden only announced he believes the ERA is the "law of the land" five years after it allegedly became soand in the final days of his termbut declined to ever do anything to enforce or publish it, says everything about the seriousness of his position and the seriousness of his presidency.

Congress and the judiciary have the clear power to resolve the status of the ERA, and that is where it will be appropriately decided, not in blog posts from a historically unpopular president.

The post Biden Attempts To Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment by Blog Post appeared first on Reason.com.
President Biden on Thursday continued his farewell tour of Washington, D.C., with wide-ranging final remarks to U.S. service members, touting his defense record while praising the military and urging them to remember their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

Our commitment to honor, to integrity, to unity, to protecting and defending not a person or a party or a place, but an idea, Biden said. Thats the idea that generations of service members have fought for, an idea you have sworn an oath to defend as a nation. Weve never fully lived up to that idea, but weve never, ever, ever walked away from it. Our country is counting on you to ensure that that will always be true.

Biden  addressing a crowd of service members and officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Charles Q. Brown Jr., Vice President Harris and first lady Jill Biden  moments earlier had received a Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal.

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He then took to the podium to praise troops, sailors and airmen for representing Americas character, honesty, integrity, [and] commitment.

Every time Im here, its made me so damn proud to be an American, Biden said at the farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Fort Myer in Arlington, Va.

Serving as your commander in chief has been the greatest honor of my life. While Im deeply grateful for your thanks and affection, Im here to thank you. Thank you for your service to our nation, for allowing me to bear witness to your courage, your commitment, your character.

He went on to highlight myriad actions during his time in the White House, including investing record resources to fight the scourge of military suicide, bringing veteran homelessness to new lows, changes in the military justice system  which he said has reduced the rates of sexual assault for the first time in nearly a decade  ending President-elect Trumps enacted ban on transgender service members, creating more economic opportunities for military spouses, and expanding opportunities for women in combat roles.

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Biden devoted several minutes to his administrations effort to enact the PACT Act, legislation that increases access to medical care for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and substances. The issue is particularly close to his heart given his eldest son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 after being diagnosed with brain cancer believed to be a consequence of exposure to military burn pits while serving in Iraq.

He also praised troops for their role in the ending of the Afghanistan War in August 2021  a chaotic and deadly withdrawal that his adversaries have often attacked his handling of.

When I asked you to end our nations longest war, you rose to the occasion  accomplishing the largest airlift in military history in any war, he said. I believe history will reflect it was right thing to do, but I know it was hard. He noted that he carries the pain of losing 13 service members during the withdrawal every single day.

And just six months after that war ended, when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and Biden called on the U.S. military to help Kyiv, you didnt hesitate. You kept Ukraine in the fight, trained Ukrainian soldiers and pilots, troops bolstered NATOs eastern flank, and above all, you showed the world America stands up for freedom.

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He also pointed to U.S. deployments to the Middle East following Hamass Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which ignited several regional conflicts including between Israel and Iran and its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

You stepped up, pulling long nights and long deployments to weaken Hamas, to defend Israel against unprecedented attacks from Iran. Imagine, had we not. If we dont lead the world, who will lead the world? Who? Biden said, his voice rising.

He also highlighted his appointment of the first female service chief and first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in U.S. history, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who became chief of naval operations in November 2023.

Wrapping up his remarks, Biden added that he had one additional request for those in the military, made as someone who spent 50 years of his life serving his country in a different way, referring to his time in the U.S. Senate, as vice president, and as president.

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Remember your oath, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders whose sentences were longer than theyd receive under current standards, the White House said in a statement on Friday.

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The list includes people who received longer sentences for offenses related to crack cocaine, as compared to powder cocaine, and cases where sentencing guidelines have since changed, according to the White House. The administration did not immediately release a list of the cases.

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Bidens Justice Department in 2022 instructed federal prosecutors to end sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine. In doing so, the department said at the time that disparity has no basis in science, furthers no law enforcement purposes and drives unwarranted racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

Some 79% of crack cocaine trafficking offenders sentenced in fiscal year 2023 were Black, compared to 22% for powder cocaine, according to US Sentencing Commission data. White people, however, are more likely to use cocaine in their lifetime than any other group, according to the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health.

The move is the latest clemency action by Biden as he prepares to leave office Monday, following decisions last month to convert the sentences of all but three federal death row inmates to life imprisonment, and commute the cases of nearly 1,500 other people.

Biden also issued a comprehensive pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, after repeatedly pledging that he wouldnt do so.

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Earlier: Biden Commutes 37 Death Sentences in Use of Pardon Power

Biden has now granted clemency to more individuals than any other American president, and signaled he may yet add to that lengthy list in his final days in office. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons, the president said in the statement.

Among those under consideration for pardons are high-profile figures who President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to prosecute, including former Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican who helped lead a congressional inquiry into Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election, and infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, who led the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden told USA Today this month he was watching Trumps personnel moves during the transition before deciding. Presidents often save their most controversial pardons for their final hours in office.

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--With assistance from Gregory Korte.

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President Joe Biden is granting clemency for nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders in his final days in office, placing a focus on sentencing disparities for crack cocaine-related crimes.

Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice, Biden said in a statement Friday. Todays clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.

The clemency decision will benefit federal prisoners convicted of crack cocaine-related crimes, who have been serving disproportionately long sentences compared to those convicted of powder cocaine offenses, reflecting changes in the law aimed at reducing racial disparities.

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In 2021, the Biden administration became a vocal advocate for reforming the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, a law signed by President Ronald Reagan. The strict drug policy led to the incarceration of thousands of people of color, specifically Black people, for decades or for life for crack-related offenses, according to the Justice Department.

The law imposed an automatic five-year sentence for possessing 5 grams of crack cocaine, while 500 grams of powder cocaine carried the same penalty.

Since the November election, criminal justice reform groups have been anxiously waiting for the type of mass clemency for drug offenses in Bidens latest announcement.

However, Bidens first major post-election clemency action was personal and not part of any policy agenda: the controversial and unconditional pardon for his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted last year of 12 tax and gun crimes.

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Later in December, Biden commuted the sentences of 1,500 people who had already been on house arrest due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But that didnt release anyone from prison and didnt address the drug sentencing disparities that have been a top priority for criminal justice groups.

Some liberal-leaning activists had grown worried that their clemency priorities, especially related to racial justice, might go unaddressed before Trump takes office for his second term. But Biden delivered on some of those concerns with Fridays announcement and his other recent decision to commute nearly all federal death row sentences to life in prison.

Many of those civil rights and social justice organizations celebrated the commutations.

These final clemency actions will forever define President Bidens legacy on justice, Zoe Towns, executive director of criminal justice reform group FWD.us, said in a statement Friday. President Bidens final acts of leadership in delivering relief, justice, and mercy to thousands and, importantly, calling attention to the harms of extreme sentencing, the statement continued.

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Shaneva McReynolds, president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said in a statement that her group has long advocated for Biden to address these sentencing disparities, and that we are thrilled for the people and families who received relief today.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of thousands of drug criminals in the wake of his sons public addiction battles.

The US president announced on Friday he would reduce the disproportionately long sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates convicted of crack cocaine offences, who are predominantly African American, and other drug crimes.

Historically, crack cocaine has been treated more seriously than crimes involving powder cocaine, where those convicted are generally white.

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This is partially the result of legislation pushed by Mr Biden in the 1980s, which critics say fuelled the mass incarceration of black individuals.

It comes a month after the president pardoned his son, Hunter, who had been facing a possible prison sentence for buying a gun while being addicted to crack cocaine.

The outgoing president said on Friday: Todays clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.

This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.

Sentencing disparities

In 1986, Mr Biden, as a Delaware senator, crafted legislation requiring a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for trafficking in 500 grams of powder cocaine or five grams of crack, known as the 100-1 rule.

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Within a few years, the disparity in average federal drug sentences had increased from being 11 per cent higher for black defendants to 49 per cent, according to The Hill.

Legislation such as the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 has since reduced statutory penalties for crack cocaine offences.

In 2022, Merrick Garland, Mr Bidens attorney general, released guidelines for prosecutors to end the sentencing disparity, which he said had driven unwarranted racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

Mr Biden faced fury last month when he issued a blanket pardon for his son days before he was due to be sentenced, with Democrats accusing him of putting party before country.

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Previously, the president repeatedly said he would not use his power to pardon him  but then changed his mind over the Thanksgiving weekend.

In June, Hunter Biden was convicted of lying about his crack cocaine addiction to buy a handgun in 2018.

The charges carried a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines, although a custodial sentence was considered to be unlikely for him as a first-time offender.

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President Joe Biden appears to be backpedaling on the TikTok ban he signed last year. His administration is now saying it wont enforce the law that will boot the popular platform from app stores, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, the day before he leaves office.

Americans shouldnt expect to see TikTok suddenly banned on Sunday, an unnamed official told NBC News earlier this week. The official also said the government is exploring options for a way to keep the app available to Americans. It was later reported that Biden wont enforce the ban.

Democrats in Congress have also been working to stave off a ban, despite the fact that they largely supported the ban legislation. Punchbowl News reported on Friday that party members have been trying to get Biden to invoke a provision that would delay the ban for 90 days. Its clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor.

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Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation earlier this week to delay the deadline, saying the ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend on the app for social connections and their economic livelihood. He has also raised concerns about the free speech implications of a ban.

Biden reportedly wont fine companies for keeping the app in their app stores when the ban goes into effect on Sunday, but the administration has stopped short of triggering a 90-day extension  which would require the president to certify that real progress has been made toward a sale.

Last year, Biden signed a bipartisan bill into law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to divest and find an outside buyer for the app by this Sunday. The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the law is constitutional, clearing the way for it to take effect on Sunday.

Congress passed the legislation out of national security concerns related to China controlling the data of the 170 million Americans who use the platform, and potentially controlling content to influence Americans. Many users are migrating to the Chinese app RedNote ahead of the scheduled TikTok ban.

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Ultimately, the decision will be up to Trump. Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday, Biden Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Friday.

Trump once called to ban TikTok, but said more recently that he wants to keep the app available. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is planning to attend Trumps inauguration.

Why would I want to get rid of TikTok? Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this month, sharing a graphic that shows data of the Team Trump account generating 2.4 billion views.

On Friday, Trump said that he spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and that they discussed TikTok. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Trump posted on Truth Social.

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TikTok generates tens of billions of dollars for the U.S. economy, according to a report commissioned by TikTok. The report found the app supported nearly 225,000 jobs and contributed nearly $25 billion to the national GDP.

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Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The outgoing Biden administration announced its final round of student loan forgiveness on Thursday, erasing more than $600 million in debt held by more than 8,000 borrowers.

In a statement Thursday, the Department of Education said 4,550 borrowers will receive loan forgiveness through its Income-Based Repayment Plan. Another 4,100 former DeVry University students will receive loan relief based on findings announced by the department in February 2022 that Devry made "widespread substantial misrepresentations about its job placement rates."

"For decades, the federal government promised to help people who couldn't afford their student loans because they were in public service, had disabilities, were cheated by their college or who had completed decades of payments. But it rarely kept those promises until now," Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said in a statement.

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"These permanent reforms have already helped more than borrowers, and many more borrowers will continue to benefit," he said.

Student loan forgiveness has been a priority of President Joe Biden and his administration, whose attempts to cancel billions of dollars in students loans have been met with staunch Republican opposition.

In the summer of 2023, the Supreme Court blocked Biden's plan to offer up to $20,000 in student loan relief to millions of eligible borrowers.

In response, the White House in February announced another plan, the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, which had canceled some $5.5 billion in student debt held by more than 400,000 borrowers before an injunction prevented further implementation of parts of the policy.

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According to the Department of Education, Biden, who leaves office on Monday, has provided a combined $188.8 billion in loan forgiveness for 5.3 million borrowers with 33 executive actions.

"For too long, millions of borrowers have been paying into a system that has not recognized their efforts. Now, thanks to this IDR Account Adjustment update and other Biden-Harris Administration efforts to fix this long-broken system, borrowers will finally receive the credit they've earned and be one step closer to relief, Persis Yu, deputy executive director and managing counsel of the Student Borrow Protection Center, said in a statement.

Along with the loan forgiveness, the Department of Education announced Thursday that it had completed the payment count adjustment for borrowers enrolled in the income-driven repayment play, allowed them to see their repayment counters when they log into their account.

Yu added that this change is "a critical step" to ensuring borrowers actually receive their loan relief.

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"It gives borrowers the tools to hold servicers and the federal government accountable if they fail to deliver on the relief borrowers are entitled to under the law," Yu said.

With uncertainty hanging over the future of the loan relief programs with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House on Monday, Yu said they are encouraging all borrowers to screenshot their new count and save it in their records.

The announcement from the Biden administration comes just a few days after the president approved student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers.
The Biden administrations outgoing Federal Communications Commission chair had some choice words about Donald Trump and the threat he poses to the First Amendment as she announced some of the last official decisions of her tenure.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has been a bulwark in her role, often resisting proposals that would give a select few companies monopolistic control over communications technology and channels.

This week, the FCCs enforcement bureau dismissed three complaints filed to the commission by conservative groups that sought to penalize media outlets for their coverage. One claimed that ABC News showed preferential treatment to Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump during their sole debate last September. Another pushed allegations that CBS doctored an interview the organization conducted with Harris during the campaign. And the third claimed NBC violated the FCCs equal time rule by inviting Harris on Saturday Night Live before Election Day (NBC Universal, which airs Saturday Night Live, is the parent company of MSNBC).

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A fourth petition, filed by a liberal group, sought to have the broadcast license of Philadelphias WTFX-TV, a Fox station, revoked for broadcasting Fox News programs that promoted Donald Trumps election denialism after the 2020 vote.

Rosenworcels statement acknowledged there were varying reasons for each dismissal, but that all sought to weaponize the licensing authority of the FCC in a way that is fundamentally at odds with the First Amendment.

As Ive written for the blog, Trumps pick for Rosenworcels position, Project 2025 author Brendan Carr, seems poised to serve as media attack dog if hes confirmed. (Techdirt founder Mike Masnick also wrote a great breakdown for MSNBC of Carrs threats against Disney.) In light of that threat, Rosenworcels statement framed Trump as the latest in a list of presidents who have waged assaults on the First Amendment.

She wrote:

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Over the course of history, our government leaders have clashed with news organizations that cover their efforts. President John Adams, for instance, championed a law that made it illegal to print, utter, or publish malicious statements about the federal government. President Nixon targeted the license renewals of two television stations that were owned by the newspaper investigating his involvement in Watergate. More recently this threat to the First Amendment has taken on new forms, as the incoming President has called on the Federal Communications Commission to revoke licenses for broadcast television stations because he disagrees with their content and coverage.

She continued:

It may seem quaint to draw attention like this to broadcast licenses, in an era when so many of us seek out information we want, when we want it, from where we want it, on any screen handy. But these stations remain a vital source of local and national news. And there is nothing antiquated about the idea that the FCC has a duty to respect the Constitution.

In a few short months, well learn whether the FCC retains a semblance of independence or becomes an appendage that Trump and his allies can use to curtail speech they dont like.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Joe Biden today broke his own record for the most commutations issued in a single day, shortening the sentences of nearly 2,500 people who are serving time in federal prisons for nonviolent drug offenses. That brings his total commutations to more than 4,000, which far exceeds the previous record set by Barack Obama, who shortened 1,715 federal sentences as president.

Biden has granted about one-third of the commutations sought by federal prisoners since he took office, a very high rate compared to those of his recent predecessors. Obama, who received nearly three times as many commutation petitions, granted about 5 percent of them, which was high compared to the rates for Donald Trump (1 percent), George W. Bush (0.1 percent), Bill Clinton (1 percent), George H.W. Bush (0.4 percent), Ronald Reagan (1 percent), and Jimmy Carter (3 percent). Gerald Ford's rate (4 percent) was close to Obama's, while Richard Nixon's rate (nearly 7 percent) was higher, but both of those presidents received far fewer petitions.

Biden's latest batch of commutations, which follows about 1,500 he issued on December 12 for prisoners who had been transferred to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on people who are serving drug sentences that are probably longer than they would have received under current law. "Today's clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes," Biden said. "This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars."

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Although Biden did not mention it, those "sentencing disparities" and "historic wrongs" are the result of insanely punitive drug laws that he enthusiastically supported during his 36 years in the U.S. Senate. The New York Times alludes to that history, but in a way that understates Biden's role in establishing the harsh penalties he now regrets.

During the last two decades, the Times says, Congress "has passed legislation to remedy decades-long disparities spurred by tough-on-crime laws, such as mandatory minimum sentences. As a senator, Mr. Biden championed one such law, the 1994 crime bill. He has since expressed regret for his support of the legislation, and he committed during the 2020 campaign to addressing the long drug sentences that resulted."

Biden was still bragging about that 1994 lawthe incarceration-expanding Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (or, as he proudly called it, "the 1994 Biden Crime Bill")as late as 2015. And contrary to the impression left by the Times, it was just one in a long series of "tough-on-crime laws" that he supported, which included the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, the AntiDrug Abuse Act of 1986, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the 1994 crime bill, the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act of 2003, and the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005.

Those laws established the harsh sentences that Biden now views as "a big mistake," including a sentencing scheme that irrationally treated smoked cocaine as if it were 100 times worse than the snorted kind and prescribed a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for crack users caught with as little as five grams. As vice president in 2012, Biden was still citing his work with Sen. Strom Thurmond (RS.C.) on the 1984 crime bill, which started the ball rolling on mandatory minimums, as an inspiring example of bipartisan collaboration.

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Sen. Cory Booker (DN.J.) rebuked Biden for that record during a 2019 Democratic presidential debate. "There are people right now in prison for life for drug offenses because you stood up and used that 'tough on crime' phony rhetoric that got a lot of people elected but destroyed communities like mine," Booker said.

During that same presidential campaign, a chastened Biden promised to "eliminate mandatory minimums"; "end, once and for all, the federal crack and powder cocaine disparity"; "decriminalize the use of cannabis," and "automatically expunge all prior cannabis use convictions." All of those things would have required new legislation, and none of them actually happened. But Biden also promised he would "use the president's clemency power to secure the release of individuals facing unduly long sentences for certain non-violent and drug crimes." And he has done that in an unprecedented way, helping to ameliorate the damage caused by the draconian policies he supported for most of his political career.

The post Biden Has Now Issued Far More Commutations Than Any of His Predecessors appeared first on Reason.com.
In the last few days of Joe Bidens presidency, Steven Donziger hopes Biden will pardon him  as do dozens of progressive lawmakers in Congress, as well as human rights and environmental activists across the world.

Donzigers story is unique. Im the only person in the country to be criminally prosecuted by a private corporation, Donziger tells Rolling Stone.

As a lawyer, he helped secure a historic judgment against the oil giant Chevron on behalf of 30,000 Ecuadorians, after Texaco (bought by Chevron) heavily polluted the Amazon rainforest. The judgment was upheld by Ecuadors top court, which ordered Chevron to pay $9.5 billion. Chevron never paid a dime, and instead filed a racketeering suit against Donziger in the United States, claiming the case in Ecuador was fraudulent.

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Chevrons attempt to silence me is really an attack on these communities, Donziger says, adding that the communities he represented in Ecuador have been decimated by probably the worlds worst oil disaster.

After a judge ruled against him, Chevron demanded possession of Donzigers electronic devices  which he refused, citing attorney-client privilege. The judge moved to hold Donziger in contempt, then criminal contempt. When Donald Trumps Justice Department declined to prosecute the case, the judge appointed a corporate law firm  a firm that had recently represented Chevron  to prosecute Donziger, and picked a judge to hear the case.

Donziger ultimately spent 993 days under house arrest and 45 days in prison. He lost his law license. Now, hes broke, he says, because the first judge ordered him to pay Chevrons massive legal fees.

The human rights lawyer previously urged the Supreme Court to review his prosecution. While the high court declined to hear his case, Justice Neil Gorsuch issued a blistering dissent  joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh  declaring that the prosecution in this case broke a basic constitutional promise essential to our liberty, because judges have no power to initiate a prosecution of those who come before them.

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Our Constitution does not tolerate what happened here, Gorsuch added.

Now, Donziger is petitioning Biden for a pardon. I want to get out from under the burden of this conviction so I can practice my profession again and do my human rights advocacy all over the world, he says, including on behalf of the Amazon communities in Ecuador.

Currently, Donziger cant leave the country. That means I cannot meet my clients, he says. I need my law license back. He adds that Chevron has taken all my money. I literally have no money. I live off of a defense fund. Getting a pardon would make it much easier to get all of that stuff fixed.

Moreover, hes hoping Biden will see his case as an opportunity to send a clear message to our society that private corporate prosecutions will never again happen in this country.

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Donziger has many high-profile advocates. Last month, 34 lawmakers  including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and former Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.)  wrote to Biden requesting he pardon Donziger. They criticized the judges alarming and unusual decision to appoint a corporate law firm to step into the role of the U.S. government in order to prosecute Mr. Donziger, noting that the firm had recently represented Chevron as a client.

The lawmakers noted that Donziger is the only lawyer in U.S. history to be subject to any period of detention on a misdemeanor contempt of court charge, and said that pardoning him would send a powerful message to the world that billion-dollar corporations cannot act with impunity against lawyers and their clients who defend the public interest.

Nearly 200 human rights and environmental advocacy groups have previously urged Biden to pardon Donziger.

On Monday, human rights activist Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, wrote a letter to Biden noting that Donziger was prosecuted by a private law firm that had Chevron as a client after the Department of Justice rejected the charges.

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It is far past time to correct this wrong and align our government with the international human rights community in protecting Steven, she wrote, adding: Not addressing this important matter would send exactly the wrong message to the human rights community from an administration that obviously cares deeply about upholding the rule of law. Inaction in my view would not be consistent with our values as a country.

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President Joe Bidens term in office has been filled with breaking several records.

He was the first president to hold office over the age of 78, the first to win over 80 million votes in an election, the first to pardon a child, and now he has granted clemency to more individuals than any other president in American history.

Friday morning, Biden pardoned nearly 2,500 convicts, serving sentences for non-violent drug offenses, per the White House.

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Biden deemed these sentences as unfair and disproportionately long compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy and practice.

He added, With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.

Clemency granted to inmates affected by outdated crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing laws

Biden referenced the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act and the 2018 First Step Act, calling for a need to equalize these sentencing disparities.

The Fair Sentencing Act, signed into law by former President Barack Obama, increased the amount of crack cocaine required to trigger mandatory minimum sentences and eliminated the five-year minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine.

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Before the Fair Sentencing Act, federal law treated the possession or sale of crack cocaine much more harshly than powder cocaine. The law treated 1 gram of crack cocaine as equivalent to 100 grams of powder cocaine. After the Fair Sentencing Act, the ratio changed to 18:1.

The First Step Act was signed into law in 2018 by President-elect Donald Trump, and it allowed convicted drug users to petition for reduced sentences based on the changes in the Fair Sentencing Act.

It also incentivized inmates to participate in job training programs, enhanced family visitation and reduced sentence times for repeat offenders.

Biden says pardons are a step toward righting historic wrongs

In the White House press release, Biden said these pardons provide deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.

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He added, I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.

How do Bidens pardons compare to previous presidents?

According to Pew Research Center, Trump ranks as the third lowest president in granting clemency, with only George H.W. Bush and his son George W. Bush have granted less clemency since 1900.

Trump gave 143 pardons and 94 commutations during his first term.

Obama gave 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations during his two terms.

Until Bidens most recent mass pardoning, Obama held the highest total of any president going back to Harry Truman, Pew reported.
President Joe Biden said Thursday he is worried about the fragility of American democracy in the last interview of his presidency.

The president spoke with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell, a day after he addressed the nation from the Oval Office to warn about the concentration of power and wealth in government and the reshaping of an American oligarchy. The host asked Biden if he felt a sense of relief ending his administration.

No, Biden replied. But there was a sense of serious concern. Youve known me a long time. I really am concerned about how fragile democracy is. That sounds corny, but I really am concerned, because you have heard me say it a hundred times.

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I really think were in an inflection point in history here, where, unrelated to any particular leader, things are going to change drastically, he went on.

Biden: If the decision is made that the multi-billionaires, the super, super wealthy, the wealthiest people in the world began to control all the apparatuses from the media to the economy pic.twitter.com/s70BXyaS3v  Acyn (@Acyn) January 17, 2025

The remarks are similar to those Biden made in his Wednesday address, where he warned about the disappearance of facts on social media and a crumbling free press. But he said the power of the billionaire class  a pointed criticism of President-elect Donald Trumps close association with Elon Musk and other tech executives  was the key threat to democracy, our basic rights [and] our freedoms.

The reason for all the safeguards out there is, in a very trite way to say it, is to keep the bullies from taking advantage of everybody else, Biden told ODonnell on Thursday. I guess what Im worried about is that the thing that keeps it on track are the guardrails: that theres a Supreme Court thats independent, but accountable. There is a Congress that you speak your mind, but youre held accountable to basic standards. Theres a presidency that says you have really limited powers. I mean, youre the top dog, but you cant dictate everything.

Biden went on to say he believed he had some major policy accomplishments during his administration, but added he didnt spend enough time on the politics surrounding them and that may have hamstrung the Democratic Party at times.

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Im not a very good huckster, the president said. Ironically, I almost spent too much time on the policy and not enough time on the politics, because, I mean, you have some senators in Congress, Democratic senators in Congress saying, Well, you know, Joe Biden did this, and this is done by so and so and so and so, and this is built by the Democratic Party kind of thing.

Biden added that he felt claiming responsibility for political wins, to him, was almost bad taste.

Related...
President Joe Biden announced a major opinion Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, enshrining its protections into the Constitution, a last-minute move that some believe could pave the way to bolstering reproductive rights.

It will, however, certainly draw swift legal challenges  and its next steps remain extremely unclear as Biden prepares to leave office.

The amendment, which was passed by Congress in 1972, enshrines equal rights for women. An amendment to the Constitution requires three-quarters of states, or 38, to ratify it. Virginia in 2020 became the 38th state to ratify the bill after it sat stagnant for decades. Biden is now issuing his opinion that the amendment is ratified. It would next fall upon the archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, to certify and publish the amendment.

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It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: The 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex, Biden said in a statement Friday.

Biden, a senior Biden administration official said, is not taking executive action, but is stating an opinion that it is ratified.

He is using his power of the presidency to make it clear that he believes  and he agrees with leading constitutional scholars and the American Bar Association  not that it should be, but it is the 28th Amendment of the Constitution, the official added.

But legal experts contend it isnt that simple: Ratification deadlines lapsed and five states have rescinded their approval, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Universitys law school, prompting questions about the presidents authority to ratify the amendment more than 50 years after it first passed.

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Biden is leaning on the American Bar Associations opinion, the senior Biden official said, which stresses that no time limit was included in the text of the Equal Rights Amendment and stresses that the Constitutions framers wisely avoided the chaos that would have resulted if states were able to take back the ratifying votes at any time.

Shogan, who would be responsible for the amendments publication, said in a December statement alongside Deputy Archivist William Bosanko that the amendment cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions, pointing to a pair of conclusions in 2020 and 2022 from the Office of Legal Counsel at the US Department of Justice that affirmed that ratification deadlines were enforceable.

CNN reached out to the National Archives for guidance on what the archivist plans to do, and was directed to Shogan and Bosankos prior statement, calling it a long standing position for the Archivist and the National Archives.

The underlying legal and procedural issues have not changed, National Archives Public and Media Communications staff said Friday.

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The senior official was unable to say whether the White House had been in contact with the archivist prior to Fridays announcement.

Pressed by CNN on that December statement from the archivist, the senior official said that the archivists role is prescribed by statute, is purely ministerial, and she is required to publish an amendment once it has been effectively ratified.

Ultimately, the official conceded, It will be up to the courts to interpret this and their view of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, has been making a major push for certification, saying in a memo to interested parties that it would give Biden a way to codify womens freedom and equality without needing anything from a bitterly divided and broken Congress in the aftermath of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

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Biden has taken some executive actions to protect abortion rights following the decision, but the White House has essentially exhausted its options short of Congress codifying Roes protections, which remains unlikely.

Gillibrand pressed her case to the presidents top aides and outside allies, including an appeal to Biden and the first lady during a holiday party photo line, according to a source familiar with the interaction. She was in contact with the White House counsels office, the Gender Policy Council and other officials involved in the matter.

President pushing through executive actions in final days in office

Biden has used his final days in office to push through numerous executive actions, implement key laws and cement his foreign policy, announcing a pair of high-stakes decisions on Friday that underscore his efforts to shore up his legacy  and protect it from President-elect Donald Trump.

Still, when Trump returns to the White House on Monday, there is little that cant be undone. Just as Biden spent his first hours in office reversing some of Trumps biggest moves, rejoining international pacts and signing executive orders, so, too, can Trump cancel much of Bidens agenda.

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Bidens latest actions  clemency for nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders and a stated opinion that the Equal Rights Amendment is ratified  have mixed durability in the next administration. Clemency actions cannot be reversed, but the ERA move is certain to draw legal challenges.

Fridays moves join a spate of recent use of Bidens executive power as his team works to follow chief of staff Jeff Zients post-election call for his team to run through the tape.

Since the November election, Biden leaned into his presidential clemency powers, pardoning 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes, commuting the sentences of 1,500 nonviolent offenders, and commuting 37 federal death sentences to life behind bars. Biden also pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing on gun and tax convictions, a move drawing criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike.

He issued an executive action banning new oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of ocean, a move that drew Trumps ire. The ban will prevent oil companies from leasing waters for new drilling along the entire East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California, and portions of Alaskas Northern Bering Sea. The action would require a change in law from Congress for Trump to reverse it.

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In another environmental legacy move, Biden designated two national monuments in California, bringing the total amount of federally protected land to 674 million acres, or 1,053,125 square miles  an area of land and ocean nearly four times the size of Texas.

As Trump readies an immigration crackdown, Biden extended temporary protected status to nearly 1 million immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine and Sudan, shielding them from deportation for another 18 months.

The Biden administration removed Cuba from the US state sponsors of terrorism list, a move likely to be reversed by Trumps incoming team.

In the waning days in office, Biden canceled student loan debt for 150,000 additional student loan borrowers, and his team has pushed to finalize grants for semiconductor chip manufacturing to ensure approved money gets out the door as Trump prepares to take office.

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But there are a few fronts where Biden and Trump are on the same page. The president blocked the sale of US Steel to Japans Nippon Steel, a rare area of agreement between two men. The Biden and Trump teams also were in lockstep as they raced to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

The president is also weighing potential preemptive pardons for some of his political allies, an unprecedented move as he warned Trump against trying to settle scores. That decision, sources say, is likely to go down to the wire before Trump takes his oath of office.

Trump, who tried to block the transfer of power when he lost the 2020 presidential election, claimed in a post on social media that Biden was doing everything possible to make the TRANSITION as difficult as possible. Bidens executive orders, Trump said in the post, will all be terminated shortly.

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President Joe Biden on Friday said the Equal Right Amendment should be considered ratified, but is stopping short of taking any action on the matter in his final days in office.

"I have supported the Equal Rights Amendment for more than 50 years, and I have long been clear that no one should be discriminated against based on their sex," Biden said. "We, as a nation, must affirm and protect women's full equality once and for all."

Biden said he agreed with the American Bar Association, which has said the amendment cleared the necessary hurdles to be added to the Constitution after Virginia in 2020 became the 38th state to ratify it even though that was well past the deadline for ratification.

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"It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people," Biden said. "In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex."

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden's statement, saying the ERA "is the law of the land because the American people have spoken in states across our nation."

"It has always been clear that when we lift up women, we lift up children, families, communities, and all of society," added Harris, the nation's first female vice president. "Now, Americans must continue to fight for a more equal and just nation where everyone has the opportunity to realize the promise of America."

PHOTO:President Joe Biden speaks at a Department of Defense Commander in Chief farewell ceremony, at Joint Base Myers-Henderson Hall in Fort Myer, Va., Jan. 16, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Political debate around the ERA, which was first introduced in 1923, ramped up after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in 2022 and again after the 2024 election.

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In December, more than than 120 congressional Democrats called on Biden to officially ratify the amendment before ceding power to President-elect Donald Trump.

Solidifying your legacy on equal rights with a final action on the ERA would be a defining moment for the historic Biden-Harris administration and your presidency, they said in their letter to Biden.

PHOTO: Representative Cori Bush along with other lawmakers and advocates hold a press conference to urge President Joe Biden to certify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) before his term ends in January in Washington DC, Dec. 10, 2024. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The move prompted a rare statement from the leaders of the National Archives, who contended the amendment couldn't be certified without action from Congress or the judicial system because states did not meet the deadline established by Congress for ratification.

Lawmakers had set a seven-year deadline in 1972 for state ratification, though later extended it by an additional three years. Efforts by Democrats in recent years to remove the deadline have failed.

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"Court decisions at both the District and Circuit levels have affirmed that the ratification deadlines established by Congress for the ERA are valid," the archivists wrote. "Therefore, the Archivist of the United States cannot legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment."

Though Biden renewed his call for the ERA to become law of the land, he is not taking any action on the matter before he departs the White House on Monday, according to a senior administration official.

When pressed by reporters whether any steps would be taken in addition to Biden's messaging, the official "he is using his power of the presidency to make it clear that he believes and he agrees with leading constitutional scholars," but said he wasn't taking any specific action.

When asked why the announcement came now, the official said that Biden has supported the amendment for decades but said that he felt strongly about making this push before he leaves office.

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If Biden had taken any action to force ratification, it would have likely resulted in a legal fight, experts said.

PHOTO: A group of activists gather at the National Archives, to demand action on the Equal Rights Amendment, calling for its full ratification and recognition in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2025. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"At that point, there would be further litigation," Wilfred Codrington III, a constitutional law professor at Cardozo Law, previously told ABC News. "But really that would just become a question or a conflict between the president and Congress."

"If Congress is not doing something to suggest that the amendment is ratified, then that's kind of where the ball is going to end," Codrington said. "Congress is ultimately the gatekeeper when it comes to amendments."

The ERA is unlikely to be a priority in the incoming administration or new Congress, where Republicans control the House and Senate. Republicans have argued in the past that the amendment is unnecessary and duplicative.

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"That doesn't seem to be where the Republicans are going," Codrington said. "But it is notable that states are also another avenue that advocates can look to."

Codrington pointed to New York voters approving Proposition 1, a measure akin to the Equal Rights Amendment that also includes safeguards to abortion access, during the 2024 election.

Biden says Equal Rights Amendment should be considered ratified but not taking action originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Joe Biden has proclaimed that the Equal Rights Amendment is now the law of the landwith just days left in office.

We, as a nation, must affirm and protect womens full equality once and for all, the president wrote in a statement released Friday morning. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.

The ERA was introduced by suffragists in the 1920s and passed by Congress in 1972. But it wasnt fully ratified, thanks to the activism of prominent anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly, and has remained in legislative limbo ever since. At least 38 states must ratify a proposed constitutional amendment, and only 35 have ratified the ERA, with the most recent being Virginia in 2020.

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Bidens late-term announcement will likely do very little to actually advance the ERAs chances of becoming a constitutional amendment. That lies in the hands of the national archivist and Congress. The national archivist, who publishes amendments, has already stated that she could not add the ERA without approval from Congress or the courts, as the 1982 ratification deadline was missed. And a Republican-controlled Congress wont be so kind as to give Biden a win like this on his way out.

Its a disappointment for the reproductive rights activists who have been calling for the ERA to be ratified for some time, especially since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

While Bidens statement is positive, the timing of such a critical piece of legislationthree days before Trump is inauguratedleaves many asking where this energy was for the four years Biden was in office.
During his final days in office, President Joe Biden has been getting some things checked off his to-do list. This week he has moved to take Cuba off the state sponsor of terror list, extend protections for nearly one million immigrants, forgive another $4.5 billion in student loans, and commute the "disproportionately long" drug sentences for 2,500 people.

And he said Friday morning it was his belief that the Equal Rights Amendment  an 53-year-old amendment that would explicitly block discrimination on the basis of sex  has passed all the requirements to become the 28th amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

"It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people," Biden said in a statement. "In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex."

Can Biden add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution?

No. Presidents do not have a role in the amendment process. The head of the National Archives, whose job it is to publish the amendment and make it official, has already said it can't be certified without further action by Congress or the courts.

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And it would face significant legal challenges. The deadline to ratify the amendment is long past, five of the states that originally ratified it have since rescinded their approval, and the incoming administration may not support it. The Department of Justice under President-elect Donald Trump's first term issued a statement saying that Congress could not revive a proposed amendment after its deadline had passed.

In 2021 the U.S. House narrowly passed a resolution to remove the deadline but it stalled in the Senate. Two years later the Senate voted on a bipartisan attempt to do the same but it failed to meet the 60 votes needed.

Democrats urge Biden to ratify ERA

In December, more than 120 U.S. House Democrats, including six from Florida, sent a letter to Biden urging him to ratify the ERA while he still could.

"We must continue our efforts to fully affirm and recognize the equality of rights for all people, regardless of sex, as part of our Constitution, a vital effort that has never been more urgent," the letter said. "This action is essential as we prepare to transition to an administration that has been openly hostile to reproductive freedom, access to health care, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

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Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, Maxwell Frost, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Darren Soto, and Frederica Wilson all put their names on the letter, according to FloridaPhoenix.com.

What is the Equal Rights Amendment?

The Equal Rights Amendment or ERA was originally written in 1923 and gained renewed interest after World War II, when women had been forced to enter the workforce. It was reintroduced in Congress in 1971 at the height of the Women's Liberation Movement, where it passed in the House of Representatives and passed the Senate the next year.

It says, simply, "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

The other two sections of the amendment give Congress the power to enforce it and command it to take effect two years after it is ratified.

What was the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment?

After the amendment passed Congress, it was sent to the states with a seven-year deadline. A majority of the states  but not enough  ratified it within the first year. But momentum slipped after that, with only five more states ratifying it and five of the early states rescinding their ratifications. It is uncertain if states have the power to rescind certification of an amendment.

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In 1978, Congress voted to extend the ratification deadline to June 30, 1982, but the ERA still failed to reach the threshold of states until 2020, when Virginia finally ratified it.

However, the American Bar Association has said that no time limit was included in the text of the Equal Rights Amendment and Biden referenced the ABA in his statement.

How many states need to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires three-quarters of the states, or 38 to enshrine it as an official amendment.

Did Florida ratify the Equal Rights Amendment?

No. It came close, though.

In 1972, when there was a rush of states approving it, the ERA passed the Florida House 91 to 4, but the Senate refused to take it up. It failed in the Florida House in 1973 but passed when it came up again in 1975, 1979 and 1982.

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The Florida Senate failed to consider the amendment in 1972 and narrowly rejected it in every year it was introduced after that, twice by two-vote margins.

Does Florida have an equal rights law?

Florida has been slow to address women's issues with legislation, according to Joan S. Carver writing for Flroida Historical Quarterly.

"'"[Florida] failed repeatedly from 1913 to 1919 to adopt either an amendment to the state constitution providing for woman suffrage or legislation allowing women to participate in primary elections," she said, "and it did not act on the Nineteenth Amendment providing for woman suffrage until 1969, some forty-nine years after it had become a part of the Constitution."

The state did start passing laws to guarantee women legal and political equality in the 1970s, however, prohibiting discrimination in divorce, alimony, child support and custody, domicile, and prostitution.

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The second section of the Florida Constitution reads, "Basic rights. All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to pursue happiness, to be rewarded for industry, and to acquire, possess and protect property. No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, national origin, or physical disability."

The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 prohibited discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

However, neither are quite as sweeping as the ERA.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Biden declares ERA 'law of the land.' Did Florida ratify amendment?
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Outgoing Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns" of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel.

"And the idea that Israel is going to be able to sustain itself for the long term without accommodating the Palestinian question ... It's not going to happen," Biden, who hands over to Republican President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, said in an interview on MSNBC.

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"And I kept reminding my friend, and he is a friend, although we don't agree a whole lot lately, Bibi Netanyahu, that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of a large group of people called Palestinians, who have no place to live independently."

Biden faced criticism from multiple human rights advocates for his military and diplomatic support for Israel during its military assault on Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and led to accusations of war crimes and genocide. Israel denies the accusations.

Biden has at times been critical of Netanyahu but maintained firm support for Washington's ally. Washington said on Thursday it expected a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to go into effect on Sunday.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

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Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly its entire population and causing a hunger crisis.

The United States has for decades backed a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians that would create a state for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel must have security control over all land west of the Jordan River, which would preclude a sovereign Palestinian state.

The International Court of Justice says Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there are illegal.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates)
In President Joe Bidens final sit-down interview Thursday, the outgoing president told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell that Americas fragile democracy worries him as he prepares his White House exit.

I really am concerned about how fragile democracy is. That sounds corny, but I mean, I really am concerned, Biden said on Thursdays The Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell. Youve heard me say it 100 times. I really think were in an inflection point in history here.

The concerns expressed in his final interview echoed Wednesday nights presidential farewell address, in which he warned Americans that the nation is turning into an oligarchy that is controlled by tech billionaires.

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Some of President-elect Donald Trumps supporters include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla founder Elon Musk, all of whom are expected to be in attendance at Mondays inauguration ceremony. Trump also tapped Musk to co-lead his newly developed Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.).

Watch Bidens MSNBC interview below:

Elsewhere in his interview, Biden shared the backstory of why he got into politics in the first place: his objection to others abuse of power.

I got involved in public life because of the abuse of power, Biden explained. My Dad would say you know the greatest sin of all is the abuse of power  The reason for all the safeguards out there is in a very straight way to say keep the bullies from taking advantage of everybody else, basic guard rails. I think this concentration of enormous wealth and power in a circumstance where everythings changing, and the biggest thing changing is How do we communicate with one another?

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He continued: Theres a Supreme Court thats independent, but not accountable. Theres a Congress that you speak your mind but youre held accountable to basic standards. Theres a presidency that says you have really limited powers. Youre the top dog, but youre not, you cant dictate everything  They just seem to be chipping away at all those elements.

When asked how his concerns of an oligarchy would impact Americans, Biden said through media and the economy.

The decisions made. That the multibillionaires, the super, super wealthy, the wealthiest people in the world begin to control all the apparatuses from the media to the economy, and who do I get to fight back for me? Biden said.

Aside from domestic issues, Biden also shared concerns with the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, among other social and political issues. Watch the interview above.





The post Biden Says I Really Am Concerned About Americas Fragile Democracy Ahead of White House Exit | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
President Biden will commute the sentences of roughly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses, the White House announced on Friday.

This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars, Biden said in a statement. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.

The announcement, coupled with Bidens decision last month to commute the sentences of about 1,500 people put on home confinement during the Covid pandemic, means the Democrat has issued the most individual pardons and commutations of any president, according to The Associated Press.

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Criminal justice advocates praised the decision.

Too often, our criminal justice reforms only apply to the law going forward, leaving behind the very people and injustices that moved us to change, FWD.us executive director, Zoe Towns said in a statement.

Democrats urged Biden last month to take such a step, arguing sentencing disparities between different forms of drugs caused disproportionate harm to communities of color and meant thousands of people would be eligible for release if all were treated the same.

Joe Biden went from an architect of mass incarceration to a key backer of commutations and death penalty reform (EPA)

Biden has made large-scale pardons and commutations a major part of his criminal justice legacy.

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Last month, he also commuted the death sentences of almost everyone on federal death row into life sentences.

More controversially, Biden also pardoned his son Hunter as he was facing sentencing tax and gun charges, despite a previous pledge he wouldnt do so.

The Biden administration is reportedly mulling preemptive pardons for allies it views as potential targets of undue prosecution from the incoming Trump administration, including former congresswoman Liz Cheney and public health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

The pardons and commutations represent a break from Bidens past in Congress as an author of multiple influential hard-line law enforcement bills in the 1980s and 90s, which experts say played a key role in driving mass incarceration.

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Biden has since disavowed such bills, including one that created an infamous sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, which experts say drove the disproportionate sentencing of people of color on drug crimes.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Biden later said of the provision, calling it a profound mistake.

The executive actions may also be a tool of last resort, as key parts of Bidens legislative vision on criminal justice never moved forward, including a police reform bill after the murder of George Floyd, and legislation to end the federal death penalty.
Two days before President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, President Joe Biden announced he is commuting nearly 2,500 sentences, setting a record for the most pardons and commutations made by any president in history.

Biden made the announcement Friday, Jan. 17, saying the sentences for nonviolent drug offenses were "disproportionately long" compared to modern-day sentences.

It's not the first time Biden has offered clemency, especially during his final days in office. Most notable was his pardon of son Hunter Biden on Dec. 1. Hunter Biden had been convicted of gun- and tax-related offenses after a jury trial in one case and a guilty plea in another.

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Here's what we know about the latest commutations of prison sentences.

President Biden commutes 2,500 sentences

President Joe Biden announced Friday he is commuting nearly 2,500 criminal sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

The commutations are going to people who received lengthy sentences based on "discredited" and "outdated" sentencing practices, including distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, Biden said.

Details on exactly how many people are involved, a list of those whose sentences would be commuted and the criteria used have not been released.

Commutations are step toward 'righting historic wrongs'

"This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars," Biden said Friday.

Are any Florida sentences on list?

That's unknown at this time but wouldn't be surprising based on the number of sentences being commuted.

Biden commuted death sentences of 2 Florida killers

On Dec. 23, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 people  nearly every prisoner on federal death row  reclassifying them to life without the possibility of parole to prevent Trump from executing them.

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Among them were Daniel Troya and Ricardo Sanchez, Jr. of Florida, who were convicted in 2009 for their involvement in the brutal, drug-related killing of a family.

December 2024 brought more pardons, commutations

In what the White House described as the "largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history," on Thursday the Biden Administration pardoned 39 Americans and commuted the sentences for 1,499 prisoners.

 Who did President Biden pardon? See the full list of names

One of the 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes is a Florida man: Jose Antonio Rodriguez of Coral Springs.

In 1997, Rodriguez was charged with bank embezzlement, served one day in jail and was sentenced to a $500 fine and three years supervised release, according to U.S. Department of Justice records.

Biden announces latest round of commutations sets record

"With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history," Biden said Friday.

More pardons, commutations coming from Biden?

Biden said Friday he will "continue to review additional commutations and pardons."

What's the difference between a pardon and a commutation?

When a prisoner's sentence is commuted it is reduced or lessened from what was originally imposed by a judge. The president of the United States has the power to reduce or lessen a federal judicial sentence. State governors can commute state sentences.

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Unlike a pardon, a commuted sentence is not forgiven. Sentences may be commuted for good behavior, illness or old age, or if the original sentence is considered to be unreasonable harsh compared to other, similar cases, according to Cornell Law School.

A pardon is forgiveness of the offender's offense, according to mass.gov.

Contributors: Aysha Bagchi and C. A. Bridges, USA Today Network

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Joe Biden commutes 2,500 sentences of nonviolent drug offenders
RILEY COUNTY (KSNT)  Riley County Historical Museum Director Katharine Hensler and Museum Curator Melanie Highsmith joined the 27 News morning show to discuss some recent major renovations.

Museum staff have updated many exhibits for the first time since the 1970s. Hensler said a committee was formed about six months ago to build the story thats told through the updated exhibit.

We really decided we have got to do something the way that interpretation and storytelling works now is very different than what it worked in the 70s, Hensler said. And so our initial decision to do this was just that we have to tell these stories of Riley County better than we have.

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Traffic impacted after cattle trailer rollover on I-70

Hensler said the museum has started working with the local community to mark the museums 50th anniversary next year.

The museum will be closed until Saturday, Feb. 8 for the renovations. Hensler said a reopening event will be held exclusively for the countys historical society members. She said if you want to become a member to contact the museum.

You can contact the Riley County Historical Museum at 785-565-6490 or through email by clicking here. For more information on the Riley County Historical Museum, click 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.

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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 KSNT 27 News.
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW)  A federal proposal that some say would have devasted the boating and fishing industry in South Carolina has been withdrawn.

The Biden Administration pulled out from a ruling that requires more boats to slow down to 10 knots while offshore to protect North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes.

On Wednesday, just days before the administrations exit, it decided with the National Marine Fisheries Service, a sector of NOAA, to withdraw a proposal expanding its offshore speed regulations to vessels between 35 and 65 feet long.

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It would have been enforced in certain slow zones during part of the year.

The current rule has been in place since 2008 for vessels 65 foot or bigger. The expanded proposed rule had been looked at since 2022.

With the now withdrawn proposal, the federal government said, despite its best efforts, NMFS does not have sufficient time to finalize this regulation in this administration due to the scope and volume of public comments.

The proposal received 90,000 comments.

Russell Fry, South Carolina seventh district congressman, said the pushback on the proposal came because it would have threatened many livelihoods.

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Washington, D.C. gets a lot of things wrong, including this proposed rule, Fry said. So it was good that they actually listened to the people that were going to be impacted by this decision.

NOAA said endangered North Atlantic right whales are experiencing an unusual mortality event, citing deadly vessel strikes.

NOAA reported in 2022 that fewer than 350 right whales remain.

Last time News13 reported on this issue in July, we spoke with Murrells Inlet captain Shane Bashor who owns a 38-foot boat.

News13 caught up with him to hear his reaction on the proposal being withdrawn. He said in his 25 years of running charters, hes only ever seen one or two right whales.

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Its definitely a big like relief, he said. Thats one less thing, I guess, that we have to worry about. I mean, were already pretty regulated on a lot of issues.

But hes still wary of another potential proposal in the future.

Hopefully, you know, same thing, he said. Well get a heads up on it. And, you know, if its silly and doesnt make sense and hopefully enough people can comment, and it wont get passed.

NOAA said this decision would not stop it from trying to propose rules in the future. Fry said he will continue to check the federal government for over regulation.

* * *

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.

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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.
America is a nation of chicken lovers. People stock their fridges and freezers with everything from frozen tenders to whole birds and ready-to-eat breast meat. Unfortunately, that also means many households could be exposed to food-borne infections if this staple protein is tainted by harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. The chicken might also be contaminated by foreign objects if some aspect of the production process goes awry. So it should come as no surprise that the popular bird has featured in some of the biggest meat recalls in U.S. history.

The magnitude of the incidents is staggering, involving millions of pounds of poultry. While many of the recalls did not result in reported illnesses, others had serious consequences for consumers. In addition to causing havoc for companies, such occurrences serve as reminders to always follow food safety guidelines, like keeping raw meat separate and cleaning surfaces exposed to raw meat.

Read more: Frozen Chicken Patties Ranked Worst To Best

2 Million Pounds Of Simmons Prepared Foods Chicken (2019)

Cases of raw chicken meat - TY Lim/Shutterstock

In 2019, concerns over metal contamination spurred poultry product supplier Simmons Prepared Foods to recall over 2 million pounds of ready-to-cook items. The issue affected an array of products, including wings, tenderloins, and even whole birds that had been produced over a span of a few weeks in late October and early November. They were distributed to eight U.S. states, including Alabama, California, Georgia, and Oklahoma and were primarily shipped to various institutional locations.

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The metal was discovered during routine processing by Simmons Prepared Foods. Foreign object contamination can occur at many points along production and could stem from suppliers, machinery in production plants, or problems that occurred during distribution. No injuries were publicly reported at the time of the recall, but the company was concerned that some of the compromised items remained in institutional freezers. So customers were urged to check for any products bearing the relevant establishment codes.

2.5 Million Pounds Of Aspen Foods Chicken (2015)

Breaded chicken breasts - From_my_point_of_view/Getty Images

In 2015, Aspen Foods, a division of the Koch Poultry Company, pulled over 2.5 million pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed, and breaded chicken products that posed a risk of salmonella exposure. Announced in July of that year, the recall initially involved 1.9 million pounds of food. In October, however, further analysis uncovered that 561,000 pounds of additional products could also be contaminated with the same strain of bacteria. Thus the recall was expanded. These items were produced between April and September 2015 and distributed nationwide under various brands, including Sysco, Safeway Kitchens, and Kirkwood.

Leading up to the first recall in July, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified of a cluster of Salmonella-related illnesses and was able to trace them to Aspen Foods. In total, five people in Minnesota were infected, and two of them were hospitalized. No other illnesses were reported around the time of the second recall. In order to kill Salmonella, food must be cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

8.9 Million Pounds Of Tyson Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken (2019)

Bag of Tyson chicken wings - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In July 2021, a listeria outbreak forced Tyson Foods to recall 9 million pounds of poultry products. Among them were chicken fajita strips, diced chicken breast, and even Little Ceasar's chicken wings. All were frozen and fully-cooked. This massive amount of chicken was produced between December 2020 and April 2021, and was distributed nationwide to both retailers and institutions like hospitals, restaurants, and schools.

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The outbreak was linked to three confirmed listeriosis cases, including one death, that occurred between April and June 2021. The contaminated chicken samples collected by the FSIS were found to be genetically similar to the Listeria strains affecting the patients. Cases of listeriosis have historically involved meat, dairy products, and raw fruit and vegetables. You can kill the bacteria by cooking foods to steaming hot temperatures. Listeria will survive in the freezer but won't multiply quickly. Starting at temperatures of 24 degrees Fahrenheit, the bacteria will slowly grow.

11.8 Million Pounds Of Tyson Chicken Strips (2019)

Bag of frozen Tyson chicken strips - Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

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Tyson Foods has undergone many big recalls, plenty of which have to do with chicken. Its biggest one started in March, 2019, when approximately 69,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken strips were recalled in response to possible metal contamination. If that number seems too small, that's because it is. Roughly 11.8 million more pounds were recalled in May after the discovery of more extraneous material in chicken products. The company discovered the metal contamination after receiving a total of six customer complaints, three of whom reported oral injuries.

No flavor of chicken strip was spared, as the problem impacted BBQ, Buffalo, and crispy options in different sizes. The items were produced between October 2018 and March 2019 and had been distributed nationwide to retail, military, and institutional locations. The chicken traveled far and wide as well, reaching the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Bermuda, and St. Maarten.

Pilgrims's Pride Chicken And Turkey (2002)

Roasted whole chicken - Floortje/Getty Images

The largest incident on this list by far happened all the way in October 2002. A deadly Listeria outbreak linked to the poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride resulted in a recall of 27 million pounds of food. At the time, it marked the biggest meat recall that the United States had ever seen. The outbreak primarily affected people in northeastern states and resulted in 46 confirmed cases of illness. Tragically, seven people died, making this one of the most deadly recalls in U.S. history.

The listeria contamination was traced back to Pilgrim's Pride's Franconia, Pennsylvania plant, where both food and environmental samples tested positive for the bacteria. Perhaps making matters worse, the tainted items didn't have to be cooked or even heated before consumption. They included a massive assortment of ready-to-eat offerings, including roasted turkey breast, chicken breast, and cooked deli-style chicken.

Read the original article on Mashed.
Bill Gates is spilling the beans on his recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump.

The Microsoft founder shared in a clip of his upcoming interview with The Wall Street Journal that he visited Trump for a three-hour conversation earlier this month, and despite previously suggesting Trump wasnt that bright, said the discussion left him impressed.

I spoke a lot about HIV and that the foundations literally working on a cure for that, Gates told the Journal. Were at an early stage. And he in the COVID days accelerated the vaccine innovation. So I was asking him if maybe the same kind of thing could be done here.

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And we both got, I think, pretty excited about that, he continued.

Gates, whose eponymous foundation has stated goals of fighting poverty and disease, has become a key figure in global health care  and his foundation was among four organizations that reportedly spent a total of $10 billion since 2020 to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first Trump administration launched Operation Warp Speed in April 2020 to speed up the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. More than 13 billion doses have been administered globally since 2021, per the World Health Organization.

Despite the initiative launching under Trump, many of his voters grew skeptical of the vaccines once they started being administered under President Joe Biden. Some even accused Gates of creating the virus himself in a purported effort to microchip or sterilize people.

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In response to the conspiracy theories, Gates said last year: You almost have to laugh.

According to an analysis in 2020 by The New York Times, there were 160,000 Facebook posts connecting Gates to the virus, and the 10 most popular YouTube videos alleging as much were viewed nearly 5 million times in March and April of that year alone.

Bill Gates said Donald Trump seemed energized about facilitating vaccine innovation. Left: Seth Wenig/Associated Press; Right: Associated Press

Gates is among several billionaires making overtures toward fellow billionaire Trump following his election victory in November, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who congratulated Trump on beating Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump, who recently bragged about the tech giants visiting his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, wrote on his Truth Social media platform in December that Gates asked to come, tonight. The Palm Beach property has essentially become a haven for those seeking influence.

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Gates told the Journal that he and one of his associates, as well as incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, joined Trump for the wide-ranging dinner discussion earlier this month  and said he had educated Trump on the burgeoning danger of a polio resurgence.

Weve had cases show up Gaza, Gates told the Journal. We have cases in Africa. And he was fascinated to hear what he could do to maximize the chance that during the next four years, that incredible milestone [of eradicating the purported polio threat] will be achieved.

I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation, said Gates in the interview clip released Friday. You know, I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up.

Gates, who reportedly donated some $50 million to help elect Harris in the election, noted that Tesla CEO Elon Musk  an increasingly influential confidante of Trumps who will reportedly be given his own office on the White House campus  wasnt present.

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The full conversation will be released sometime next week.

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President-elect Donald Trump appears to have left a positive impression on former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates.

The billionaires met up after the 2024 presidential election, Gates told The Wall Street Journal, and shared an "intriguing" three-hour-long dinner together. Gates shared that the private meal only included Trump, himself, and the two individuals that help manage their respective affairs.

Though Gates reportedly helped fund Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 campaign, the philanthropist said he was "impressed" by Trump's interests.

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"It was quite wide-ranging," Gates said of their conversation.

Related: Bill Gates' New Netflix Series Features Lady Gaga, His Daughter Phoebe and More (Exclusive)

Roy Rochlin/Getty; Brandon Bell/Getty Bill Gates and Donald Trump. Bill Gates and Donald Trump.

Global health is an important matter to Gates, who as co-chair of the Gates Foundation works to fight disease and poverty worldwide. The billionaire shared that his discussion with Trump had them both "pretty excited" about a variety of topics, including vaccine innovation.

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.

They discussed polio in particular, as "we're very close to getting that done, but if you stop, it'll spread back," Gates said. Thus, the disease has had a resurgence in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza and Africa, to name a few areas, he added.

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"He was fascinated to hear what he could do to maximize the chance that during the next four years, that incredible milestone will be achieved," Gates said of Trump.

Related: Dr. Oz Tapped by Donald Trump for National Health Role Alongside RFK Jr.: No Physician More Qualified

"I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation," he continued. "You know, I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up."

Gates' positive assessment of Trump comes months after he reportedly donated $50 million to a nonprofit organization that helped support Harris' bid for president, according to The New York Times, though he didn't publicly endorse the Democratic nominee.

Before 2024, Gates largely stayed out of politics and kept his views private.

Read the original article on People
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Two Pennsylvania State Senators have proposed a bill that would prohibit declawing cats.

According to the Memorandum, this new bill which would ban cat declawing in Pennsylvania is being proposed by Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/ Montgomery).

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This Week in Pennsylvania

Declawing, which is also known as Onychectomy, is an elective procedure that amputates most or all of the last bone in each of a cats toes. Over the years, animal advocates, veterinarians, and others have acknowledged that this procedure is inhumane, unnecessary, and traumatic.

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Additionally, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Paw Project, Alley Cat Allies, and International Society of Feline Medicine do not support declawing cats as an elective procedure.

The memorandum also notes that in 2020, the nations largest veterinary chains, VCA, Banfield, and Blue Pearl, along with their 10,000+ veterinarians nationwide, banned declawing.

Altogether, it has been found that cat declawing can cause chronic pain, infection, nerve and tissue damage, bone spurs, lameness, as well as back pain caused by changes in the cats natural gait.

The newly proposed bill would amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to prohibit the declawing of cats unless the procedure is medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose and performed by a licensed veterinarian.

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Some examples of necessary cat declawing outlined in the memorandum include tumors, persistent infections, injuries, and congenital abnormalities.

Under this bill, declawing for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, as well as for convenience, would be prohibited in Pennsylvania.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Shark and Ray Touch Pool at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, in November 2024. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa lawmakers are considering a proposal to add a new animal to its list of dangerous wild animals: sharks.

A subcommittee in the Iowa House met Thursday to discuss House File 24, a bill that would add sharks that can grow to a length of 23 inches or more, or that have a documented history of biting humans, to the states existing code prohibiting contact with dangerous wild animals.

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State law already limits public contact and private ownership of many animals classified as dangerous, like lions, tigers, great apes and crocodiles, with exceptions for accredited institutions like zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

Shark bites are not a concern many people associate with Iowa, but the legislation was prompted by an July incident at Blue Zoo in West Des Moines where a staff member of the private aquarium was bitten by a bamboo shark. The staff member was bitten while transporting the animal from an interactive exhibit to a larger tank because it was showing signs of distress. Emergency responders were called to help, and the shark was ultimately euthanized as the sharks teeth were not able to be removed from the staff members hand.

Angela Caulk, a lobbyist for the Humane Society of the United States, told lawmakers Thursday that the proposal was brought forward to prevent these situations from occurring in the future  ensuring these animals cannot be in exhibits where members of the public can touch them, and requiring staff to have training to handle such animals.

EMS have to take the time to come out and take care of an incident that could have been easily, easily rectified had those types of interactions not that allowed, Caulk said.

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Though lawmakers did not express opposition to the intent of the measure, Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake said he was not sure the Legislature was the best avenue to address a single incident.

My personal opinion is, I have a tough time doing any bill to go over one business or one town, Wills said, but added that there will be continuing discussions on the measure.
Proposed legislation aimed at protecting South Dakota farmers from potential agro-terrorism activities could have a secondary effect of limiting access to some information about the states largest animal feeding operations.

Senate Bill 14 seeks to strengthen a set of existing laws that make it a crime for anyone to steal farm animals, release animals, trespass on farms or interfere with farm operations.

As written, the bill also would add criminal penalties for using deception to enter or gain employment at an agricultural operation or to use cameras or other surveillance methods to spy on a farm or agricultural research facility. The bill also would make it a crime to interfere with or destroy crops or structures at farms and agricultural research facilities.

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Essentially, its a property protection, property rights bill for farmers and ranchers, the bills lead sponsor, Sen. Casey Crabtree (R-Madison), told News Watch.

The measure, Crabtree said, is similar to laws passed over roughly the past 15 years in Iowa that sought to prevent animal-rights activists or anyone else from entering or recording activities at farms in order to find evidence of possible animal mistreatment or abuse.

Dubbed ag-gag laws by opponents, the laws were challenged in court on First Amendment grounds. Despite some lower court rulings, the Iowa laws most similar to Crabtrees proposal were upheld as constitutional by a federal appeals court in 2024.

Crabtree said he hasnt heard of widespread efforts to infiltrate or interfere with South Dakota farm operations, but a mink farm in Arlington has experienced problems in the past.

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Operators of that farm did not return a call seeking comment.

The intent of the bill is to stop bad actors from using deception or technology to possibly paint an unfair picture of what is happening on South Dakota farms, Crabtree said.

Weve got reports back about environmentalist groups that are attacking production facilities, or that they might be using drones and cameras, is really where this comes from, he said.

Ag groups push for Senate Bill 14

The drafting of SB 14 was aided by a number of farm groups that gathered last summer to identify ways to help agricultural producers in the 2025 legislative session, said Matthew Bogue, public policy director for the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation.

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South Dakota farmers deserve protection from anyone who may have intent to cause physical or economic harm to a farmer or farm operation, he said.

State farm groups have heard concerns from producers that people could break into their farms or trespass with ill intent, Bogue said.

Its never a bad time to be proactive, he said. In our opinion, this modernizes the existing statutes.

Bill would limit information on CAFOs

But the bill also would add a new section to state law that would make it more difficult for the public, the press and even local governments from obtaining information about the states largest animal operations.

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Concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, are large livestock operations where several hundred or even tens of thousands of cattle, hogs, chickens and turkeys are fed within a single farm, often in enclosed structures.

CAFOs are heavily regulated in South Dakota, and operators must obtain a permit and undergo inspection of their operations and their records to ensure proper waste management and protection of water resources.

Section 6 in SB 14 would bar the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources  which oversees CAFO permitting and inspection  from releasing a list of permitted CAFOs and their locations in South Dakota to anyone unless required by federal law.

The bill also would provide DANR discretion on whether to release a list of CAFOs to any South Dakota state agency or local government for information regarding a permitted operation in the jurisdiction of the agency or local government.

Information could be obtained in person

Crabtree said an individual or government entity could still obtain a list of CAFOs and their locations by making an in-person request at the offices of DANR in Pierre.

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The restriction on obtaining information about CAFOs worries Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District, which promotes conservation and management of water resources in eastern South Dakota.

The reason CAFOs are permitted in the first place is to maintain oversight of their operations and to allow for the state and others to ensure the large farms are not polluting the land and water, he said.

Restricting public access to CAFO permits could make it more likely that large livestock operators would cut corners or avoid expensive waste management or water protection systems without anyone knowing, Gilbertson said.

The permits are pretty explicit and contain all sorts of things thou shall or shant do, which makes it easy to adhere to because the operator knows exactly what is expected, he said.

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At the same time, if Im somebody who is concerned about a facility, I can look at the permit requirements and it will tell me, This is exactly what is supposed to be going on. And if it is, fine. But if it isnt, there isnt any debate that theres a problem.

CAFOs expanding in South Dakota

State officials said CAFOs are generally well operated and follow state laws. But problems do occur and fines have been levied against permit violators.

According to prior research by News Watch, permitted CAFOs in South Dakota violated state regulations 217 times from October 2009 to August 2019. The state received, on average, about two complaints about CAFOS from the public each month, and animal wastes from CAFOs leaked into state waterways on nine occasions during that time period, according to state records.

The number of animals raised and fed in CAFOs has increased steadily over the past decade.

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The state and lawmakers have taken steps in recent years to make it easier for development of CAFOs and harder for residents and local governments to fight them. The state also has offered financial incentives to livestock producers to expedite development of new CAFO operations.

Brian Walsh, deputy secretary of DANR, wrote in an email to News Watch that the department already denies release of CAFO information to some who request it.

DANR reviews and considers each individual request for information on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) as they are submitted. DANR has received requests for an aggregated listing of all CAFOs including specific location information (addresses, geographic coordinate systems locations, or legal locations) with the express purpose of sharing those locations online, Walsh wrote. DANR has denied such requests in the past due to the issue of biosecurity and agro-terrorism risks. The bill as drafted would not change how DANR currently responds to requests for CAFO records requests.

But Gilbertson said it seems odd that language in the bill could prevent the public or local governments from knowing where CAFOs are located.

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The department (DANR) has the tools to allow people to look things up for all the permits they issue, he said. But when it comes to animal feeding operations, if you really want to know, you have to go to Pierre, and try to get in the DANR building and dig through the paper files? That would just be silly.

___

This story was originally published by South Dakota News Watch and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A newly elected lawmaker wants to do away with the requirement for adults to wear seat belts in South Dakota.

Clear Lake Republican Rep. Dylan Jordan has proposed House Bill 1065 which is an act to repeal the requirement that an adult occupant of a motor vehicle in forward motion must wear a safety belt.

A broader sanction sought for misbranding meat

South Dakotas mandatory seat belt law took effect in 1995. It was one of the last states to have the law.

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From 2013 to 2022, 579 people died in South Dakota crashes while not wearing a seat belt, according to the South Dakota Public Safetys Drive Safe SD program. The DPS said 55% of all fatalities in 2022 were unrestrained.

The DPS Drive Safe SD says Decades of statistics show, seat belts save lives.

In 2023, 91% of South Dakotans reported always wearing a seat belt, according to the DPS.

New Hampshire is the only state without a mandatory seat belt law for adults. The law in South Dakota is a secondary law for adult driver and adult front seat passenger. It is a primary law for those under 17 in the vehicle. Generally, a secondary law means law enforcement cannot pull a driver over the specific violation. The driver and other eligible individuals, can receive a seat belt ticket if they are stopped for speeding, for example.

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Seat belt laws are secondary laws in 13 other states. In 35 states the law is a primary law.

Jordan is the main sponsor of the bill. Republican Representatives Aaron Alyward, Heather Baxter, Jana Hunt, Tina Mulally and John Sjaarda are also sponsors. Senate sponsors are Tom Pischke and Mykala Voita. Voita, Hunt and Baxter are new lawmakers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Hank Johnson are pressing KIK Consumer Products, the owner of the BioLab facility in Conyers, Ga. to provide updates on their investigation into the September fire.

The fire incident, which started on Sept. 29, 2024 and impacted families in Rockdale County and across the metro Atlanta area, led to 17,000 evacuations, multiple interstate closures and several shelter-in-place orders as chemical smoke continued to rise from the facility and spread across the region.

Now, Ossoff, Warnock and Johnson are pushing KIK to improve the transparency of the investigation into the fires cause and health impacts, as well as to extend the deadline for Georgians to submit reimbursement claims to KIK for the damage.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A November report by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said the plant had experienced a chemical reaction involving material stored in a warehouse, which resulted in multiple fires, extensive off-gassing, and a massive plume of potentially toxic smoke.

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In the wake of that reaction, large plumes of smoke and toxic vapors prompted shelter-in-place orders, evacuations, and road closures. Ultimately, the warehouse was completely destroyed, according to the report, though no injuries were reported at the site during or after the incident.

Citing the response of KIK to the BioLab fire, and their stated desire to address the needs of the impacted area residents and business owners, Ossoff, Warnock and Johnson said that they want specific information about the efforts to do that, having been three months since the fire.

RELATED STORIES:

The most recent update from KIK on the BioLab response said theyve stopped accepting claims from the incident.

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As of Dec. 11, BioLab said theyd responded to more than 29,000 calls and 9,000 emails, as well as helping 4,000 people who came in person to their Community Assistance Center in Conyers. 20 days later, no more claims could be filed.

Reflecting the steady decrease in the volume of incoming new claims, BioLab is no longer accepting new claims through its community-assistance programs as of December 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET, according to a company site.

The Georgia lawmakers said that while the efforts are appreciated, Rockdale County residents remain uncertain about your companys long-term commitment to their well-being, particularly in light of your decision to set a December 31 deadline for families to submit reimbursement claims.

As a result, the three elected officials are asking for responses to the following questions:

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Will you commit to publicly releasing the results of any debris testing you conducted, and work with relevant State and Federal agencies to assist the public in interpreting those results, to assuage the long-term health concerns expressed by local families? Please provide the following reimbursement request data: The total reimbursement requests your company received from local residents. The percentage of those requests have been approved. The number of requests currently pending. The average processing time for reimbursement requests. The total dollar amount of the reimbursement requests approved since September 29. Will you consider extending by 90 days the deadline for families to submit reimbursement claims to allow for submissions until March 31, 2025?

The lawmakers set a Jan. 17 deadline for those answers.

Responding to a request for comment from Channel 2 Action News, a company spokesperson for BioLab provided the following statement:

We have received and are reviewing the latest letter from Senators Ossoff and Warnock and Representative Johnson, and we look forward to continuing our constructive engagement. BioLab remains focused on the completion of clean-up efforts at the site, and has continued to advance a variety of community support initiatives to assist impacted area residents and business owners. This included standing up dedicated community resources, including a call center, an in-person community assistance center, and website  through which it has regularly provided updates and facilitated a claims intake process. During the claims intake period, which concluded at year-end following a steady decrease in the volume of incoming new claims through BioLabs community resources, the company responded to tens of thousands of calls and emails, as well as assisted thousands of individuals at its in-person center, helping with claims, reimbursement requests, and more. BioLab will continue its community engagement and looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the relevant authorities, regulators, and elected officials.

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GOLDEN POND, Ky. (WKRN)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will host a public bison auction to manage the herd size at Land Between the Lakes next month.

The auction will be held at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Kentucky-Tennessee state line on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the South Bison Range corral.

The Forest Service will sell approximately 30 bison, each separately to the highest bidder(s), including:

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3 large bulls born 2022

8 yearling bulls born 2023

9 yearling heifers born 2023

10 bull and heifer calves born 2024

Feral swine to be removed from Land Between the Lakes

(Courtesy: Land Between the Lakes)

Bidder registration and viewing begin at 8 a.m. before the auction starts at 9 a.m. Bison can be purchased with cash, credit card or personal check at time of bid acceptance.

Preliminary details regarding age, sex and weights of all animals to be sold will be available after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 with the final list available at 8 a.m. on auction day, according to a release. All animals will be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis by a licensed veterinarian before the auction.

An on-site veterinarian will issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection as required for interstate transport immediately after the auction. Import permits will be on hand for the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina. Purchasers must know the import regulations of their state before they place a bid. If a different state import permit is needed than listed here, call 270-924-2061 on or before Jan. 28 for it to be available at time of sale.

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Because of size and temperament, closed-topped trailers or vehicles are required to transport bison. Once bison step off the loading chute and into a buyers trailer, the animal becomes the property and responsibility of the buyer. Buyers must load animals immediately following the auction. For an additional fee of $40 per animal, arrangements can be made at time of payment to load bison Monday, Feb. 3 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. only.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The South Bison Range corral is located on the west side of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (TN461) just south of the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. This location is across the Scenic Byway from The Homeplace 1850 historic farm located at 4512 The Trace in Dover, Tennessee, also found on some online map searches as Model, Tennessee. For a preliminary list of animals to be sold or for any questions, call Curtis Fowler at 270-924-2061 or email frederick.fowler@usda.gov.

The Forest Service manages two herds of American Bison at Land Between the Lakes. All bison bloodlines originated from three sources: in 1969 from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota; in 1988 and 2012 from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska; and in 1996 from Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

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The charred husk of an artificial Christmas tree smoldered in the aftermath of the fire, ashes coating the tiled floor as flames still licked at the scorched ceiling.

The burned structure is the size of a modest living room, and it was built with a similar purpose: A place for loved ones to gather and enjoy each others' company on holidays or special occasions.

But the edifice is no home  it's a tomb in Mexico's Sinaloa state, allegedly targeted for arson earlier this month because it belongs to the family of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, reputed co-founder of the countrys most powerful drug cartel.

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After decades on the run, Zambada, 78, was arrested by U.S. authorities in July at an airport near El Paso. Since his capture, which he claimed in a letter from jail was orchestrated by a son of his longtime partner, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, war has erupted among rival cartel factions.

As the cradle of Mexicos narco culture, Sinaloa has seen its share of horrific violence during cartel feuds of years past. The desecration of tombs, however, is a stark indication of the deep enmity that has developed between El Chapos adult sons, known as Los Chapitos, and those who cooperated in the U.S. case against their father.

It is customary in Sinaloa  particularly among families of fallen drug traffickers  to construct elaborate tombs to honor the dead. The most ostentatious resemble small churches or even condo-style apartments with air conditioning, TVs and couches where families can comfortably spend time together. Jardines del Humaya, a sprawling cemetery on the outskirts of Sinaloas capital, Culiacan, contains several enormous mausoleums, including one made to resemble the Taj Mahal.

Jardines del Humaya, a cemetery on the outskirts of Culiacan, Mexico,contains many large mausoleums that are the final resting place for some of the state's most prominent drug traffickers. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)

At least two desecrations have occurred so far. The most recent involved a Zambada tomb built for one of El Mayos grandchildren, said to have died as a 7-year-old boy in an ATV accident. He was the son of Vicente Zambada Niebla, heir apparent to the cartel throne until his 2009 arrest in Mexico City. After he was extradited to the U.S., Zambada Niebla cooperated with federal authorities and served as a key witness during El Chapos trial in 2019.

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Sources with knowledge of the recent incident, who requested anonymity over concerns of potential retaliation, said men ransacked and torched the Zambada mausoleum located near Culiacan on Jan. 4.

Read more: The secretive life  and stunning downfall  of Sinaloa cartel boss 'El Mayo' Zambada

Days after the burning of the tomb, the sources said, men returned to inflict more damage and remove the remains of several Zambada relatives.

Zambada Niebla is believed to be under witness protection in the United States. His lawyer, Frank Perez  who also represents El Mayo  declined to comment.

The elder Zambada has pleaded not guilty to an array of federal charges, including for alleged murders, which could carry the death penalty. He appeared before a judge Wednesday, where he told the court he trusted Perez to continue handling his case despite a potential conflict of interest also representing his son, Zambada Niebla, who could be called as a witness if the case goes to trial.

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The proceeding was held in the same Brooklyn courthouse where El Chapo was convicted of drug smuggling, money laundering and weapons charges. He is serving a life sentence in U.S. federal prison, and an appeals court denied a last-ditch effort to have his conviction overturned on Jan. 10. Two of his sons remain free in Mexico and are believed to be top cartel leaders. Two others are in U.S. custody.

At a court hearing last week in Chicago, federal prosecutors said Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 38, and his brother Ovidio, 34, are engaged in plea negotiations for a "global resolution" to multiple pending indictments. Both stand accused of trafficking large shipments of fentanyl and other drugs across the border, fueling a surge in U.S. overdose deaths. Their lawyer did not respond to a request to comment.

After his arrest over the summer, El Mayo claimed that the elder Guzman Lopez brother lured him to a meeting on the outskirts of Culiacan, then kidnapped him and forced him onto an airplane bound for the U.S., where federal agents were waiting when they landed.

Read more: From jail, drug lord El Mayo Zambada tells wild story of corruption and murder

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El Mayo laid out the allegations in a statement from jail released in August by his lawyer, ending his message by calling for the people of Sinaloa to use restraint and maintain peace in our state.

Nothing can be solved by violence, El Mayo wrote. We have been down that road before, and everyone loses.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, 78, reputed co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 38, an alleged leader of the Los Chapitos faction of the cartel. Both men were arrested in July, with Zambada since claiming that he was "kidnapped," forced onto a plane and delivered to U.S. authorities by Guzman Lopez. (U.S. Department of State via AP)

Since then, however, gunfights have erupted regularly around Culiacan, with decapitated bodies bearing threatening messages left on public display.

Graveyards have not been totally off-limits in past eras. After he was gunned down in December 2009 by Mexican security forces, Arturo Beltran Leyva  a drug lord known as "The Boss of Bosses"  was buried in a mausoleum in Jardines del Humaya, the final resting place of many prominent traffickers. Within weeks, a severed head appeared in front of his tomb with a red flower tucked behind the ear, and the remains of a body nearby in a black plastic bag.

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Once tight with both El Chapo and El Mayo, Beltran Leyva and his brothers had been engaged in an all-out war with their former allies. Although Sinaloa has seen intense spasms of violence, most notably in response to government operations to capture El Chapo's sons, in recent years there had been relative calm under a longstanding but fragile alliance between the Zambadas, Guzmans and other prominent cartel factions.

With the pax mafiosa now shattered, at least one side in the conflict now appears willing to hit new extremes in the effort to settle old scores and sow terror. No cartel faction has claimed responsibility, nor have any messages been left at the scene to indicate the motive. But the targets are all associated with families who cooperated against El Chapo.

Another tomb destruction occurred shortly after El Mayos arrest in late July, when a group of men used heavy equipment to knock down a mausoleum in the municipality of Eldorado that housed the remains of family members of Damaso Lopez Nunez and his son, Damaso Lopez Serrano, respectively nicknamed "El Lic" and "Mini Lic."

Lopez Nunez is a former Mexican prison official who became El Chapos right-hand man. He too was captured, extradited, and served as a government witness during El Chapos trial, in which he testified in exchange for leniency in his own case.

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Video circulating online showed the facade of the mausoleum in Eldorado reduced to rubble and the structure severely damaged. Some reports claimed remains housed there had been disinterred. Mexicos then-president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, confirmed in a news conference that the tomb was destroyed, but he denied it was a reflection of deeper problems in Sinaloa and surrounding states.

The most sacred thing is life, we have to take care of it, protect it, Lopez Obrador said. We are paying attention. There is nothing strange, exceptional in the entire region.

Read more: Kidnapping, capture, cover-up? Cremated body baffles Mexican officials in El Mayo arrest

Amid fighting between his family's cartel faction and Los Chapitos, Lopez Serrano turned himself in at the Mexicali-Calexico border crossing in 2017. He cooperated with federal investigators, pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in San Diego and was sentenced in 2022 to time served.

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I know Im going to be a completely different person than I used to be, Lopez Serrano told the court at the time. I ask you for an opportunity to start a new life.

But on Dec. 14, court records show, federal authorities in the Eastern District of Virginia filed a criminal complaint against Lopez Serrano accusing him of fentanyl trafficking. He remains jailed, with his case pending. His lawyer, Matthew Lombard, declined to comment.

Lopez Serrano, 37, is wanted by Mexican authorities, who have identified him as "the mastermind" behind the 2017 killing of Javier Valdez Cardenas, a prominent Sinaloan journalist. Mexico Atty. Gen. Alejandro Gertz said last month at a news conference that the U.S. considered Lopez Serrano a protected witness and had refused to hand him over "on countless occasions."

Valdez, 50, had received the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists and was renowned for his unflinching coverage of crime in what remains one of the worlds deadliest countries for reporters. He was shot 12 times in broad daylight near the offices of his weekly newspaper, RioDoce.

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Lopez Nunez testified during El Chapo's trial in 2019 that Valdez had published a story against the wishes of El Chapo's sons, who allegedly sent men to follow delivery trucks in an effort to snatch up copies of the paper before it could hit newsstands.

My son and I are innocent of this mans murder, Lopez Nunez said. He disobeyed the threatening orders that my compadres sons had actually given him and thats why he got killed.

Valdez had also recently written a column that described Lopez Serrano as a weekend gunman and questioned whether he was fit to take over the cartel after his fathers capture.

Two of the killers, said to be from Lopez Serranos cartel faction, have been convicted in Mexican courts. A third suspect was found killed in 2018.

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After a Mexican judge issued a warrant for his arrest in 2020, Lopez Serrano issued a statement through his attorneys that said: "These accusations are unfounded and reckless. I had no participation or role in the death of journalist Javier Valdez-Cardenas. I am certain I can prove my innocence, but I fear this accusation is totally manipulated to affect me and intended to extradite me to Mexico.

Valdez's friends and colleagues, along with international press freedom advocates, have pushed for Lopez Serrano to stand trial for the killing, or for U.S. authorities to release any possible evidence they might have to support the allegation that El Chapo's sons were indeed the ones responsible.

Valdezs editor at RioDoce, Ismael Bojorquez, called for the U.S. to extradite Lopez Serrano after his latest case is resolved. The prosecutors in Mexico have a strong case, he said, and achieving a conviction would send a powerful message about ending impunity.

"Ninety-seven percent of attacks against journalists are not punished in this country," Bojorquez said, citing government statistics. "Raising the fight for justice in the case of Javier was always very important for us. If we know that there is an intellectual author who has not paid for [ordering] Javier's crime, we want him to pay. It is a fundamental issue of justice."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, led by House Ways and Means Vice Chair Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins (D-Montgomery), unveiled a sweeping package of bills Thursday in their 2025 legislative agenda. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland unveiled a sweeping legislative agenda Thursday that includes a number of issues that are back after they were debated in previous sessions but didnt pass.

Caucus members said the measures are still worth fighting for.

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We are saying yes to our children. Were saying, Yes, you are human,' said Del. J. Sandy Bartlett (D-Anne Arundel), speaking about one of those returning bills, to end the practice of youths being automatically charged as adults for certain crimes. Yes, you deserve to not be automatically charged as an adult in certain circumstances.

Bartlett, vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, was speaking about the Youth Equity and Safety Act, or the YES Act. Not only would it end the practice of charging some youths as adults, but it would also make sure theyre housed in juvenile facilities.

That bill was sponsored in years past by former Sen. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore City), a champion of many criminal justice reform bills that have been backed by the caucus. Carter stepped down last month after being appointed to the state Board of Contract Appeals, but other lawmakers quickly stepped forward.

Well be working fiercely to ensure that the bills that she worked on and all of the bills that we are championing are able to pass this legislative session, said Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery), who chairs the Black caucus.

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Those bills are part of an ambitious agenda for the more than 60 members of caucus that includes efforts to expand health, housing, education, wealth and public safety and justice reform.

The YES Act, which was still being drafted Thursday, will be sponsored in the House by Del. Karen Toles (D-Prince Georges). The proposal to end the automatic filing of adult charges against youths in some instances has support from criminal justice advocates led by Public Defender Natasha Dartigue. Her office highlighted that measure as one of its several priorities at a rally Thursday afternoon at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis.

On the topic of health, the Black caucus will once again support expanding the authority of the states Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Del. Jennifer White Holland (D-Baltimore County). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Dels. Jennifer White Holland (D-Baltimore County) Bonnie Cullison (D-Montgomery) will serve as the lead sponsors of the legislation in the House. A cross-filed bill in the Senate will be sponsored by Sens. Dawn Gile (D-Anne Arundel) and Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery), chair of the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee.

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The drug affordability board is charged with determining how to bring down prescription drug costs for state and local government health care plans.

A recent poll by Gonzales Research & Media Services Inc. found that 83% of Marylanders surveyed believed that drug companies could lower the costs of prescription drugs without hurting drug research, by spending less on advertising and other expenses.

HB 424 is scheduled to be assigned to the Health and Government Operations Committee and SB 357 before the Finance Committee.

We hope through this bill  to ensure that all Marylanders are able to see relief from the rising and skyrocketing costs of medications, which we know is even more significantly felt among Black Marylanders, said White Holland, a member of the caucus.

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A few other filed bills the caucus supports are:

SB 292, sponsored by Sen. Charles Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County), would downgrade a number of current primary violations, that allow police to pull a motorist over, to secondary status, for which an officer cannot stop a driver without observing another violation if making a nonsafety-related traffic stop. A hearing is scheduled Jan. 28 before the Judicial Proceedings Committee. As of Thursday evening, the House version from Del. N. Scott Phillips (D-Baltimore County) had not been filed.

SB 181 and HB 190, sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County) and Bartlett, respectively, seek to reform the states parole system on medical and geriatric parole. A hearing on the Senate version is scheduled Jan. 28 before the Judicial Proceedings Committee; no hearing scheduled for House version before Judiciary Committee.

SB 107 and HB 392, sponsored by Sydnor and Bartlett, would let individuals who work as fair housing testers intercept a wire, oral or electronic communication in their investigations. The purpose is to ensure rental or housing agents arent discriminating against people of color or other protected classes of people under the law. A hearing was held Wednesday on the Senate version before the Judicial Proceedings Committee; no hearing has been set on the House version before Judiciary Committee.

A main education priority for the caucus remains sustained funding of the education reform plan known as the Blueprint for Marylands Future, now in its third year.

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Gov. Wes Moore (D) released a proposed $67.3 billion spending plan Wednesday that would freeze funding for community schools at fiscal 2026 levels, according to a budget summary, while making strategic investments and policy changes to support a three-point plan to make Marylands community schools the best in the nation.

Wilkins, the caucus chair, said that could impact 585 community schools expected to be up and running this year, mostly in communities represented by caucus members.

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Community schools receive concentration in poverty grants, based on the number of students who receive free and reduced meals. They were scheduled to receive additional funding for the next several years as part of the Blueprint for Marylands Future education reform plan.

Some of the wraparound services students and their families can receive at those schools include food pantries, English language learner courses and vision and dental care. Each school also has a community school coordinator and a health care practitioner.

We do look forward to working together to reverse that cut [and] to make sure that the students who are most in need are getting that funding, Wilkins said. The governor continues to be our close partner. Well work with the House and work with the Senate to ensure that we are restoring those cuts.
Black Lives Matter flag in Lansing | Susan J. Demas

A rally is scheduled Saturday to protest the Detroit Police Departments budget and invest in permanent non-punitive resources and social programs for Detroiters, organizers say.

The event, which is set to take place at noon at the Detroit Police Union Building, 1938 E. Jefferson St. in Detroit, is organized by Black Lives Matter Detroit in partnership with General Strike U.S. Detroit/Downriver and The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights.

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It is imperative that the Detroit City Government divest from punitive policing and invest permanent funding into resources and services that protect the community and prevent harm, organizers said in a press release.

In summer 2020, there were a series of Black Lives Matter rallies in Detroit and across the country to protest police brutality following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

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(WHTM)  During Black History Month we are sharing a snapshot of Black-owned businesses. While challenges persist, these businesses have seen significant growth nationwide.

Ameka Coleman, the Founder of Strands of Faith in Pearl, Mississippi, has a 3,000-square-foot facility used to formulate hand-crafted hair products.

Events coming to Hershey in 2025

I wanted to create a brand that was more holistic in terms of products and encouraged me. I just combined the two together, said Coleman. And thats what inspired me to start Strands of Faith.

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Faith tested when it came to funding.

When you look at funding and the stats that are against most Black business owners when it comes to, receiving like loans, the stats show that we receive it at a much lower rate than our counterparts, said Coleman.

Black business owner wins with family banana pudding recipe

She started using her savings and grant money for her start-up while also heavily relying on social media to boost sales.

Dr. Kenneth Harris, President & CEO of the National Business League, says social media has been highly beneficial for small businesses like Colemans.

No question, [I] would say not only TikTok, but I would also say Linkedin, Facebook and all of your traditional types of social media platforms that give entrepreneurs a competitive landscape to get their message out, said Dr. Harris.

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Black-owned pharmacy combats pharmacy desert

The National Business League is the first and oldest trade association for Black-owned businesses in the United States.

We find ourselves in 2025 with an upswing in trajectory, said Dr. Harris. Black businesses are growing three times the national rate as it being more than 3.6 million Black-owned businesses here in the United States of America. Ninty-five percent of those businesses are between one and three employees, which means that although we have seen a tremendous uptick in Black businesses, there is still a significant amount of capacity in building growth

Dorien Saunders owns Whims Brewing in Atco, New Jersey, and says he has seen great growth since opening in 2022.

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The tenants trying to keep it local, trying to support the economy while were doing it friends, family, local artists, said Saunders. And thats, you know, thats a high level.

His father Lance Saunders helps oversee sales and distribution for the company.

His beers are just amazing. Ive received a lot of fanfare in a sense that folks they do want to be supportive of us from our community.

While both love the idea of supporting Black-owned businesses, Dorien says he doesnt want customers to support him just because were Black-owned.

I want you to support us because you also believe in the product, said Dorien. You enjoy the product.

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When it comes to keeping these small businesses out of the red, customer loyalty is key.

Coleman says you may think your favorite business owner is successful because they have visibility, but in order to keep them going. They need your support.

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A Black retired police officer claims in a newly filed lawsuit that he was falsely accused of trafficking his wife, who is White, on an American Airlines flight while on their way to celebrate their honeymoon.

The retired cop, Anthony Williams, and his wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, were on a flight from Phoenix to Miami in September 2022 when they claim that a passenger accused Williams of human trafficking and reported him to airline employees, according to their complaint, which was filed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida.

Upon landing, our clients were falsely imprisoned by American Airlines employees who escorted them off of the plane, they were made to wait confused and embarrassed as the other passengers deplaned and walked by them, Williams and Shasholkas attorneys allege in the complaint.

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The plaintiffs say they were humiliated by the experience and claim that the defendants had no reason to suspect that Shasholka was in any danger.

The airlines actions allegedly caused plaintiffs to experience mental pain and suffering, sleeplessness, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, humiliation, the complaint states.

The complaint names American Airlines, as well as the passenger who reported the plaintiffs and two airline employees as defendants and accuses them of racial discrimination.

American strives to provide a positive experience to everyone who travels with us, the airline says in a statement to PEOPLE. We are reviewing the allegations of the complaint.

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The lawsuit also referenced a 2023 incident in which musician David Ryan Harris, who is Black, was stopped on the jetway by an American Airlines employee and police officers in Atlanta and accused of trafficking his own kids, who are biracial.

Related: Musician David Ryan Harris Says American Airlines Accused Him of Trafficking His Biracial Kids

Harris, who has played guitar in John Mayers band for years and has collaborated with Dave Matthews, said that he believed a flight attendant called ahead and reported that the musicians children possibly werent actually his because they didn't respond during an interaction with her.

At American, the safety and security of our customers and team members are our top priorities. We strive to create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us and apologize for any misunderstanding that may have occurred, the airline told PEOPLE following the 2023 incident. A member of our team has reached out to the customer to learn more about their experience and address their concerns.

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Harris later posted that the airline reached out to let him know that the flight attendant offered a heartfelt apology.



To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies.

ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities.

National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond.

Read the original article on People
"Twin Peaks" creator David Lynch passed away at the age of 78.

The "Dune" director's family announced his passing on Jan. 16 with a post on social media.

David Lynch would have turned 79 on Jan. 20.

Director David Lynch Dies At 78

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The family of David Lynch announced his death with a post on Facebook on Jan. 16. According to PEOPLE, Lynch would have turned 79 on Jan. 20.

"It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time," the family wrote.

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"Theres a big hole in the world now that hes no longer with us. But, as he would say, 'Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole. Its a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.'"

Lynch Created 'Twin Peaks' And Directed Multiple Films

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Lynch was born in 1946 in Missoula, Montana. The director grew up in Boise, Idaho, and spent his childhood in the Pacific Northwest discovering the outdoors. The landscape would later inspire his mystery television series, "Twin Peaks."

The film director later moved to Alexandria, Virginia as a teenager before moving to Philadelphia to study art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Lynch told PEOPLE in 1990 that the city was a major influence on his films.

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"I loved Philadelphia," he said. "The most corrupt, fear-ridden city I've ever seen. It's one of my major film influences."

The director earned a spot at the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies in Los Angeles after his short film, "The Grandmother" was released in 1975. His first feature film, "Eraserhead," premiered in 1977 and quickly became a cult classic.

'Eraserhead' Led To Lynch's First Oscar Nomination

"Eraserhead" earned Lynch a job working with famed actor, comedian, and "Young Frankenstein" director, Mel Brooks.

Brooks hired Lynch to direct a film based on circus performer Joseph Merrick, "The Elephant Man." The 1980 film was a hit and won eight Oscar nominations. Lynch was nominated for Best Director as well as for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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In 1984, Lynch directed the sci-fi film, "Dune." The movie became another cult classic, but Lynch told The Hollywood Reporter in 2020 that the film was a "heartache" for him because he didn't have the final cut on the project. He also was not interested in seeing the 2021 remake.

"Because it was a heartache for me," he recalled. "It was a failure and I didnt have [the] final cut. Ive told this story a billion times. Its not the film I wanted to make. I like certain parts of it very much  but it was a total failure for me."

The director went on to direct several more films, including "Blue Velvet" in 1986 and "Wild at Heart" in 1990. Lynch was nominated for Best Director Oscars for "Blue Velvet" and his 2001 film, "Mulholland Drive."

David Lynch Had Emphysema

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Lynch told Sight & Sound magazine last summer that he was diagnosed with emphysema after many years of smoking.

The Academy Award-nominated director revealed that he was "homebound" due to his condition and COVID-19.

"Ive gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so Im homebound whether I like it or not," he said. "It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold."

Per The Independent, Lynch added that he could "only walk a short distance" before he's out of oxygen. His last project was "Twin Peaks: The Return" in 2017. The Showtime limited series is the third season of Lynch's 1990's ABC series, "Twin Peaks."

Lynch Announced His Diagnosis In August

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The famed director also announced his condition on X, formally Twitter, on Aug. 5, 2024.

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"Ladies and Gentlemen, Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema," he wrote.

Lynch added that he'd quit smoking two years prior.

"I have now quit smoking for over two years," he continued. "Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David."

Lynch also directed the 1992 film, "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" based on the series. He released deleted and extended scenes from the film in "Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces" back in 2014.
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  Bolivian judge orders the arrest of former President Evo Morales after he fails to appear in court in a sex abuse case.
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  A Bolivian judge on Friday issued a warrant for the arrest of former President Evo Morales after he failed to appear in court over a case alleging that he sexually abused a minor.

Morales, 65, is alleged to have had a child with a teenage girl in 2016  a sexual relationship that would have constituted statutory rape under Bolivian law.

There has been a warrant ordered for his search and arrest, said Judge Nelson Rocabado after a hearing in the southern region of Tarija, where the alleged victim lives.

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Morales has denied the allegations. He claimed he was a victim to legal warfare carried out by his ally-turned-political-rival President Luis Arce and refused to appear in court. In December, the Bolivian prosecutor's office also ordered Morales' detention, but Friday's order added extra weight on top of mounting calls for the ex-president's arrest.

The populist leader has barricaded himself in his fiefdom in Chapare, in central Bolivia, and lives in the headquarters of the coca growers unions protected by up to three security cordons to avoid his arrest.

Outside the courthouse on Friday a group of women who identified themselves as mothers carried banners that read Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched."

The prosecutor handling the case, Sandra Gutierrez, said they would now investigate if the president had committed a crime by not appearing in court.

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The case emerged last year in the heart of a fierce political grappling between Morales and the country's leader, Arce, for control of Bolivia's ruling party ahead of August presidential elections. Neither Morales nor Arce immediately commented on Friday's order.

Morales' defense argued that the former leader was sick with bronchopneumonia as a justification for his no shows, and on Friday they further alleged he suffered from heart conditions. However, the judge dismissed those claims, saying the ailments were treatable.

Morales, who enjoys strong support from many Indigenous and rural populations in Bolivia, continued to be backed by leaders like Isidro Vaca, who said the former president was in hiding because he believes he would not receive justice under the current government.

We have to take care of him, we are not going to allow (him to be arrested). We will stand by his side 24 hours a day, Vaca said.

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Meanwhile, opposition leaders and government officials continue to criticize Morales stance of not attending his hearings.

He should take a paternity test if he is innocent, said Roberto Rios, Bolivia's deputy minister of public safety.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
By Ope Adetayo

ABUJA (Reuters) - When vigilantes in northwestern Nigeria's Tungar Kara town prepared to go after an armed gang in a nearby forest last Saturday, residents cheered and prayed for their safe return.

But before they set off on their mission, the town was bombed in an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which it said targeted the armed gang but residents said killed 15 civilians - members of the vigilante group and other bystanders.

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The army and air force have increasingly used aerial assaults against the growing threat in Nigeria's northwest and central region posed by armed criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, which kill villagers and carry out mass kidnappings.

But the campaign is exacting a heavy toll on Nigerian civilians and sapping their support for the military, residents and analysts say.

Salihu Usman, one of the vigilantes tasked with protecting the town from armed gangs, said he was praying when a jet roared in the sky. Then he heard a loud blast and found himself lying injured on the ground.

"Now whenever I see a military plane flying during daytime, I think it is a threat to my life," said Usman, who said his stomach was partly ripped open and has lacerations on his body.

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"Bandits kill us and the military bombed us from the sky."

The NAF did not respond to questions from Reuters. In a statement on Monday, the NAF denied it targeted civilians but said it would investigate Saturday's strike on Tungar Kara, a remote town in northwestern Zamfara state.

Haliru Attahiru, a 30-year-old farmer, said he did not believe the airstrike was an accident.

"How do you come to bomb people in the town and not in the forest? The bandits are there in the forest," he told Reuters by phone.

In December, an airstrike killed 10 people in nearby Sokoto state, in an attack the state governor said had mistakenly targeted civilians. The strike continued a pattern of deadly aerial attacks by the military in which civilians have been killed, the subject of a Reuters special report in June 2023.

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"If the people discover that they are not saved from the bandits and are fast becoming collateral damage through the air campaigns by the air force, it will affect their support for the military," Oluwole Ojewale, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, said.

Usman would not be returning to his vigilante group after his narrow escape. He says he now harbours a distrust for the military and even doubts that the airstrike was a mistake. "I even suspect they collaborated to harm us," he told Reuters.

(Reporting by Ope Adetayo, additional reporting by Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri, Editing by MacDonald Dzirutwe and Ros Russell)
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection to threats made towards Fridley Public Schools this week.

The teenager has been named a person of interest and arrested on Tuesday when the threats were initially made. He's being held at the Lino Lakes Detention Facility, the Fridley Police Department said.

Authorities say that as they've been working through the investigation, they've discovered additional potential threats on various social media platforms.

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All classes and school activities on Wednesday and Thursday were canceled by the school district. Friday is a scheduled day off for the district and students will return to classes on Jan. 21 at the earliest, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day this coming Monday.

Related: Fridley Public Schools closed Wednesday in response to threat

The investigation remains ongoing, involving local, state and federal authorities including the FBI.

Sen. Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) issued this statement in response to the threats:

"I am incredibly thankful for the diligent work of Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis, school staff, and law enforcement. As a former educator, the safety of our students, staff, and neighbors in Fridley is of utmost importance. I am continuing to monitor the situation and wish the students a safe return to school.

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Fridley Public Schools district comprises a pre-school, two elementary schools, Fridley Middle School and Fridley High School.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
A spokesperson for Brad Pitt has responded to viral reports that a 53-year-old French woman was scammed out of $850,000 by online fraudsters who impersonated the Oscar-winner.

Its awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities, the spokesperson said in a statement obtained by E News. But this is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.

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The viral story first emerged last Sunday on the current affairs show Sept a huit on the French TF1 network.

The 53-year-old, named Anne, told Sept a huit that the elaborate scam began in September 2023 when she received a message on Instagram from someone who claimed to be Pitts mother.

Anne told the show that Pitts mother quickly played matchmaker and connected her with the actor. The scammers used fake social media accounts and AI-generated selfies to appear as Pitt in correspondence with Anne.

Anne spent over a year communicating with the scammers, according to a France 24 report. Eventually, the fraudsters  still impersonating Pitt  told Anne that the actor needed urgent surgery to treat kidney cancer. They told her that Pitts bank accounts had been frozen by his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. She transferred $850,000 to an account managed by the scammers.

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Anne realized it was a scam after reading tabloid reports about Pitt and his partner Ines de Ramon. She reported the incident to French police, who launched an investigation last summer.

After Annes Sept a huit episode was aired it quickly went viral. The channel later pulled the episode from its website, citing online harassment leveled at Anne. French network BFMTV reported that Anne had been hospitalized with severe depression following the ordeal.

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SAYRE, Pa. (WETM)  A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to time in the Bradford County Correctional Facility after he was convicted of having meth on him, according to information from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office.

Arthur L. Barrett, 58, of Columbia Crossroads was sentenced to a minimum of six months to a maximum of 18 months in the Bradford County Correctional Facility followed by 18 months of parole.

PA woman sentenced on burglary charges after leaving rehab facility

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Barrett was sentenced for possession of a controlled substance, meth, and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges were filed by several different agencies including Athens Township Police Department, Sayre Borough Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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ATHENS TWP, Pa. (WETM)  A years-long mining proposal is nearing full approval in Bradford County after the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approved several main permits for a sand and gravel mine just outside of The Valley.

The Minard Mine Project was granted its surface mining and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits on January 8, 2025. The permits now allow for the mining of 150.7 acres of cropland and forestland in an area west of Sayre Borough and Athens Borough, close to the Chemung River. The project is proposed to be phased in over many years, with an estimated lifespan of the project being 20 years.

The issuing of these permits marks the first decision of 2025 after the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas denied a public appeal from citizens protesting the project back in November. The appeal was regarding a conditional use approval by Athens Township made on August 15, 2023.

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Valley residents voice concerns over proposed Athens Twp. quarry

The court issued an opinion on November 21, 2024, denying the appeal stating that, Objectors did not meet their burden in proving that the proposed mining project poses a substantial threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community that exceeds the impact that would normally be expected with such conditional use.

For much of 2024, the company behind the project, Bishop Brothers Construction, and the Pennsylvania DEP were in a series of back-and-forth with technical deficiency letters being presented and corrected. The DEP found several deficiencies in the projects plans throughout the year, requiring Bishop Brothers Construction to make proper adjustments to have a chance for permit approval.

The DEP said the permit is fully bonded to allow mining operations to begin, but other permits need to be obtained before other work, such as blasting, can begin.

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The DEP needs to issue a blasting plan before anything can occur in the sandstone and mining area. This plan is a requirement of the surface mining permit and public notice of the blasting schedule before blasting can start.

More concerns with the project from residents

Another permit that would be required is one for air quality, which must be issued by the DEP before the processing of stone can start.

The DEP said that Bishop Brothers must provide documentation from Athens Township saying the townships Land Development Plan has been met, another requirement of the mining permit.

The final requirement of the mining permit is that Bishop Brothers must get a letter from Athens Township analyzing the floodway impacts from the mining, according to the DEP.

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Along with these additional permits, a mine conservation inspector must perform quarterly inspections at random, once any activity starts at the mine. Complaints about the mining can be referred to the Moshannon District Mining Office at 186 Enterprise Dr. Phillipsburg, Pa.

A full list of documents breaking down the entire project including permits, DEP comments, maps, and other information regarding the mine can be found on the DEPs website.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) Animal Control team as well as the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and EMS joined forces to rescue a deer that was stranded on the icy Potomac River near the Key Bridge.

Just before 8 a.m., community members informed BVSPCA Animal Control Dispatch of a deer stranded in the Potomac River.

DC council to consider bottle deposit bill in attempt to reduce litter, increase recycling

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BVSPCA coordinated with first responders to quickly handle the situation.

Were deeply grateful to the community for reporting the deer in distress and to

the fearless responders from MPD and DC Fire for saving a life, said BVSPCA CEO Adam Lamb.

The deer was safely returned to land and soon after ran off unharmed.

Just two weeks into providing Animal Control services for the District, were

proud to celebrate this successful rescue, said Lamb.

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The News

Brazils Supreme Court banned former President Jair Bolsonaro from traveling to Donald Trumps inauguration, arguing that he could use the trip to flee the country. Bolsonaro is under investigation for his role in the political violence that gripped Brasilia after his electoral defeat.

Trump, who takes office on Monday, has already upended Latin American politics: Bolsonaro himself said he hopes Trumps return will lead to an easing of sanctions against his movement, while regional leaders have tried to curry favor with the incoming administration.

Trump is also having an impact economically: Chinese soybean buyers have begun acquiring seeds from Brazil instead of the US over fears that Trump might impose tariffs, as hes repeatedly vowed to.
SAO PAULO (AP)  Brazilian police killed six suspects Friday during an operation to dismantle a gang accused of planning large-scale bank robberies, authorities said.

Police in the southern state of Parana said that officers raided the gangs hideout at a ranch in Ponta Grossa, where the suspects were allegedly planning to rob a bank or an armored vehicle.

The suspects, who had been under surveillance since December, opened fire as officers arrived, police said. Authorities reported seizing a .50-caliber machine gun, rifles and explosives at the site.

Large-scale bank heists have become common in Brazil in recent years, often involving hostages used as human shields. In October 2021, police killed 25 suspects in a similar operation targeting a gang. Two months earlier, in August 2021, robbers had terrorized another city, marching hostages through the streets and strapping some to their cars during their escape.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey spoke on the future of the commonwealth Thursday as she reflected on the past year.

Drug law leaves gap in new benefit

Were going to stay focused on the things that matter to you, said Healey.

Governor Maura Healey shared the work her office accomplished in 2024 as she enters a third year in office. Last year, Massachusetts had the biggest population increase since 1964, but that increase has come with the addition of migrant families.

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Taxpayers should not foot the cost, the federal government should fix this, by passing a border security bill. Ive said I agree anyone that who does violent acts should be held accountable and be deported. Immigrant families who have lived here who are working here, who pay taxes here, who are raising children here, deserve a path forward, said Healey.

Governor Healey looked ahead to the new veterans home coming to Holyoke, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

When I visit the Holyoke veterans home, I love seeing my friend Rose Roy. Rose is 102 years old, she is a World War II veteran. Were a state thats always supported our military and thats why were so proud to win a fleet of brand new F-35 fighters jets for our air base at Barnes in Westfield, said Healey.

The governor says shes also investing $8 billion into transportation infrastructure, aiming to improve roads, bridges, public transit, and stabilize MBTA finances.

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Another big topic was housing. The governor is pushing ahead with strategies to increase housing across the state to lower costs. Education also a heavy topic.

Voters decided in November that the MCAS grad requirement isnt the way forward. Students, families, and employers need to know what a diploma represents. Im directing a statewide grad council that will require and include teachers, colleges employers, and students, that will develop recommendations for a permanent high standard, said Healey.

To keep the state a national leader in healthcare, Governor Healey also signed a maternal health bill expanding access to midwives, birthing centers, postpartum and breast cancer screenings.

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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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  One person is in critical condition after an aggravated assault in Salt Lake City.

According to Salt Lake City Police, the incident occurred around 8:30pm in the area of 1400 South State Street.



It is unknown what led up to the incident, but police confirm that one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition.



Police also confirm that one suspect is in custody and there is no further threat to the public.

No further information is available at this time.

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This is a breaking news story. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.

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Documents obtained by local media indicate police in London, Kentucky were at the wrong address when they fatally shot Doug Harless. Officers were trying to serve a search warrant at 11:54 p.m. on December 23 in connection with a weed eater stolen from a local elected official. Police say Harless pointed a gun at them before he was shot. TV station WKYT reports that dispatch audio and records show the warrant was for 489 Vanzant Road. Officers were at 511 Vanzant Road, the Harless home, when the shooting took place. WKYT says it has filed an open records request for the warrant to confirm what location it was for, but the local courts say they never received that request and the London police say they have turned over all their files to the Kentucky State Police, which is investigating the shooting.

The post Brickbat: Lawn Enforcement appeared first on Reason.com.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  Bristol, Virginia firefighters are being proactive with their health as part of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.

The Bristol, Virginia Fire Department (BVFD) announced Friday its partnered with One Test to help detect various cancer types in the early stages.

Chief Mike Armstrong said the department integrates various ways to prevent or reduce the chances of firefighters being exposed to carcinogens.

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Typically, at a fire, firefighters become contaminated by soot and other smoke particles, Armstrong said in a news release. After each fire, firefighters are required to decontaminate their personal protective equipment before leaving the scene of an emergency.

Former Carter County EMA director alleges hostile work environment, seeks $1 million in damages

Armstrong said while on scene firefighters use wipes to remove visible contaminates from exposed areas.

At fire stations, the trucks are then connected to exhaust systems that remove diesel exhaust from the apparatus bays, according to Armstrong.

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Our hope is that all results come back negative, Armstrong said. In the event someones results come back positive, the firefighter can then discuss this with their personal physician.

Cancer is the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network stated. 72% of line-of-duty deaths of firefighters are reportedly caused by occupational cancer.

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NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH)  A new elementary school is one step closer to being a reality in New Britain.

Stratford teacher charged with illegally selling vehicles using school computers

On Thursday, city and school leaders held a topping out ceremony at the site of the new Holmes Elementary School on Stanley Street.

During the event, two New Britain residents put the final beam in place, giving the building one of the finishing touches. The school is set to open in 2026.

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There has always been an intense rivalry between the Special Air Service and the Special Boat Service.

Such competition is not too surprising. Both units  along with the Special Reconnaissance Regiment  are what the military calls Tier One organisations and each is brimming with the most alpha of alpha males.

To the SAS, the SBS are known derisorily as the Shaky Boats Service  typically shortened to just the Shakies. And to the SBS, the SAS are often seen as the gloryboys  a unit often credited for every covert mission, irrespective of whether they were involved or not, from a public largely unattuned to the variety of units that make up the UKs special forces.

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But tensions between the two now seem to have spilled over into almost open warfare amid reports SBS officers accused their SAS counterparts of having committed war crimes in Afghanistan more than a decade ago as the unit aggressively pursued the Taliban.

Those allegations are at the centre of an ongoing public inquiry into the SAS, which is investigating claims that troops belonging to the regiment executed as many as 80 civilians in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Court papers released last week revealed the probe was initially triggered by concerns raised from within the rival SBS.

A former senior UK Special Forces officer told the inquiry that the SAS had a golden pass allowing them to get away with murder during operations in the country. The accusation was published by the inquiry, led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, as part of a release of material summarising seven closed hearings with members of UK Special Forces.

The senior officer was one of several who registered concerns back in 2011 that the SAS appeared to be carrying out executions and covering them up. In one email from the time, the officer wrote that the SAS and murder were regular bedfellows and described the regiments official descriptions of operational killings as quite incredible.

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Giving evidence to the inquiry behind closed doors in 2024, he and others went on to describe deep concerns that the SAS, fresh from aggressive, high-tempo combat in Iraq, was being driven by kill counts  the number of rival combatants eliminated in each operation.

The famous sand-coloured Special Air Service beret

None of those accusing the special forces of murder were actually present when the alleged crimes took place and critics of their accounts, such as Decorated SAS veteran James Deegan, have dismissed them as the result of professional jealousy. Deegan accused those who had given evidence to the inquiry of peddling supposition, casual stories and bar-room bulls----.

But the troops testimony appears to be unwavering. Another senior officer who gave evidence was asked whether he stood by concerns initially raised in 2011 that the SAS was carrying out extra-judicial killings. I thought, and think, that on at least some operations [the SAS] was carrying out murders, he said.

A junior officer who also gave evidence to the inquiry behind closed doors described a historic conversation in which a member of the SAS who had recently returned from Afghanistan told him about a pillow being put over the head of someone before they were killed with a pistol. I suppose what shocked me most wasnt the execution of potential members of the Taliban, which was of course wrong and illegal, but it was more the age and the methods and, you know, the details of things like pillows, the junior officer said.

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He alleged that some of those killed by the SAS had been children, according to the conversation he relayed. Asked by the inquiry if he meant some of those killed would be as young as 16, he replied: Or younger 100 per cent.

Rivalry at every level

The explosive claims levelled by Special Forces officers has led to the largest crisis in the SASs illustrious 84-year history, with the outcome of the inquiry led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave expected to have huge implications for the UKs elite military units.

It takes at least six months to become a member of either the SAS and the SBS and only 10 percent of volunteers, representing the very best the armed forces has to offer, eventually get through. The end result is a cadre of troops regarded as being of unequalled fighting prowess.

Until recently, the SBS recruited exclusively from the Royal Marines, while the SAS was almost entirely composed of soldiers, approximately 50 percent of whom were from the Parachute Regiment. The rivalry between the Paras and the Marines, who still make up the majority of troops in the SBS, is legendary.

Insiders suggest the rivalry between the SAS and the SBS (pictured) can be traced back to the toxic personalities held by rival commanders serving in the special forces during the height of the war on terror - Alamy

Today, however, there is just one selection process and both units are required to train and fight alongside each other. Anyone wishing to join either the SAS or the SBS has to complete the UK Joint Special Forces selection programme. Those who pass then choose which regiment they wish to serve in.

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There are few wallflowers in the special forces, one former non-commissioned officer tells The Telegraph. They are composed of very intelligent, driven people, who are at the very top of their game.

Everyone has a pretty big personality and there are plenty of egos that need to be managed, the officer adds. There is rivalry at every level  most of it healthy.

Insiders suggest the point at which intense professional rivalry between the SAS and SBS began to develop into something more venomous  and potentially damaging  can be traced back to the toxic personalities held by rival commanders serving in the special forces during the height of the war on terror.

The SAS 2009 deployment to Afghanistan, in particular, seems to have been a turning point. That deployment came after the SAS had already assumed control from the SBS as the lead British unit in Iraq, where Task Force Black and then Task Force Knight hunted down al-Qaeda operatives. The tempo of their operations was intense, with the then-Commanding Officer of the SAS insisting that his men were out every night. General David Petraeus would later describe the unit as doing a phenomenal job in Baghdad by effectively eliminating the al-Qaeda car bomb gangs who had killed hundreds.

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While the SAS set about its work in Iraq, the SBS was given the challenge of leading covert operations in Afghanistan. But the roles changed again three years later, in 2009, when the SAS was sent in to lead counter-terror operations aimed at rooting out the Taliban.

One military source claims the move was forced through by the head of the SAS at the time, who wanted to build on the success his unit had achieved in Iraq, and apply it to Afghanistan.

But it was a shift which annoyed many within the hierarchy of the SBS, which was still active in the country. One former SAS officer who was serving at the time says that the rivalry between the two units senior commanders was obvious.

At a junior officer level we are all generally great friends, he says. Operationally as a troop commander and a squadron commander, I had no sense that there was a rivalry at my level. You just wanted to get through a tour without losing anybody and try to make a real difference in the theatre you were in, which for me was both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The rivalry became pretty serious though at a much more senior level, especially as the SAS took over Task Force Knight in Iraq and the SBS stopped rotating into Iraq and were responsible for Afghanistan.

Then as Iraq quietened down there was this push for the SAS to go to Afghanistan. There was definitely a sense at the time that due to the tempo and frequency of operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq that the SAS was better. There was a definite air [amongst the SAS] of we are going to hammer the Taliban like the SBS never could.

A complete breakdown of trust

Another former SAS officer says such rivalry was so intense that it extended beyond the dividing lines of units, and into different parts of the SAS itself.

Every squadron really believed they were the best. The competition was immense but you find that in all the best units. Look at the Paras  there is huge rivalry between 1, 2 and 3 Para, but in reality they are all unified under the airborne maroon beret. I would say it was, in my experience, similar for the SAS and SBS.

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But there were plenty of people I served with who didnt think the SBS were up to the challenge, the officer adds. It [the rivalry] was certainly present at the command level  there were people in the SBS who seriously resented the commanding officer of the SAS at the time and there was a clash of some pretty toxic leadership personalities.

I think this stemmed from operations in Iraq, before I was in the SAS, when mistakes were made.

The first signs of public discord between the two regiments emerged in 2004, when a spat between the SAS and the SBS over a bungled operation in Iraq played out in the British press.

It broke out after a newspaper report quoted a then-serving member of the SAS as suggesting that SBS troops were incompetent and lacked courage. The report said that the SBSs inexperience culminated in a 40-man squadron belonging to the unit being ambushed in March 2003 by Saddam Husseins Republican Guard.

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It alleged SBS troops had failed to return fire during the incident in western Iraq and abandoned expensive equipment, including their Pinky Land Rovers. The vehicles, painted pink as a form of desert camouflage, were reportedly later paraded on Iraqi television.

They [the SBS troops] cocked it up, panicked and did a runner. For the first time they came under effective enemy fire. [And] people were not impressed with their reactions, the former member of the SAS was quoted as saying.

The accusation led to a furious response from the SBS, which countered that its troops had fought heroically after being double crossed by Iraqi spies who had posed as interpreters. The row became so intense that the then-Director of Special Forces, who at the time was an Army Brigadier, was forced to intervene.

The Director of Special Forces has made clear to the commanders of both services that accusations of cowardice will not be tolerated and that anyone attempting to discredit either the SAS or SBS  which were both formed in 1941  only succeeds in discrediting the whole of the Special Forces Group, a source in the Ministry of Defence was quoted as saying.

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Two decades on, as the current row rages, that warning rings as true as ever. But some insiders fear it may already be too late to heed as the explosive allegations aired at the inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan continue to reverberate.

Im not entirely sure there is a way back from this, one former SAS Sergeant Major tells The Telegraph. There is absolute disbelief within the SAS that this has happened. The damage is huge. I would say that there has been a complete breakdown of trust between the two units and that is not good for the Special Forces or the country.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  With frigid temperatures expected early next week, keeping residents safe and warm is the top priority for a new warming center opening in Brockport.

Officials believe this warming center will save lives. With those cold temperatures expected soon, there was added urgency to making sure this opened now.

It is located at the Brockport First Baptist on Main Street, and was part of a collaboration between Oak Orchard Health and Monroe County Human Services Department.

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New York State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, this opening couldnt have been better planned with the temperatures we are expecting next week.

Latest Rochester weather forecast updates

Pastor Dan Brockway with First Baptist Church said during the ribbon cutting that hes heard testimonies from clients who mightve died if the warming center did not exist.

Along with the warming center those who stay will receive a free bag with essentials like hot hands hand warmers, a thermal emergency blanket, and hygiene products and snacks. There is also a food pantry for those who need it.

County Executive Adam Bello explained to News 8 why it was so important to have a center in Brockport.

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Were really making sure were reaching residents in every corner of the county. We need to make sure the community is armed with all the info they need that individuals who are unhoused know where these shelter spaces are, know where to find them and can stay warm.

Bello also added that RTS will bring those in need to any warming center free of charge throughout the county.

The CEO of Oak Orchard Health says there are more warming centers in the making including one in Wyoming County.

This warming center will be open as needed during the week. Those utilizing will also have access to services from the county and local nonprofits to make sure their health needs are met.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)In a heartwarming display of community service, student volunteers from Brooklyns District 15 gathered at City Harvests headquarters in Sunset Park on Thursday for their annual Day of Service.

The event aimed to tackle food insecurity across New York City and saw young helpers pack bags of fresh produce for distribution to needy families.

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Marcelle Conheady, 10, from P.S. 10, was among the enthusiastic volunteers.

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Right now, we were doing 10 in a bag for apples and six in a bag for grapefruit, she explained, describing the process of sorting and packing the produce. Conheadys excitement was palpable as she shared, I love helping people, and this is just a great experience to be in right now.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially given the citys record-high food pantry visits. Volunteers are crucial in helping City Harvest provide nutritious, free food across the citys five boroughs.

Within the next 72 hours, this will be out in the city, making its way to peoples kitchens, said Alex Guyton, City Harvest Volunteer Program Manager, highlighting the immediate impact of the students efforts.

District 15s Day of Service has expanded its reach, including elementary to high school students.

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This expansion aims to teach civic responsibility and community service across Brooklyns diverse neighborhoods. Neal Singh, District 15 Director of Student Services, emphasized the events significance, particularly its timing just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Its in celebration of his life and his work and teaching the next generation of students what it means to serve others, Singh explained.

The impact of this service extends beyond the immediate help provided. For young volunteers like Conheady, it teaches them empathy and social responsibility.

I feel like its a big difference to help, and by doing this, I feel like so many people would get the nutrition that they need, she reflected.

By the end of the day, the students had packed an impressive 5,000 bags of fresh food, ready for distribution across the city. These bags will soon reach families experiencing food insecurity, providing much-needed nutrition and support.

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For those inspired by this initiative and looking to make a difference, City Harvest welcomes volunteers.

To learn more about how you can contribute to this cause, visit City Harvest at https://www.cityharvest.org/.

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LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Amid the devastating wildfires in Southern California, Bruce Willis took time to thank first responders.

The actors wife, Emma Heming Willis, posted a heartwarming video on Instagram on Thursday showing him shaking hands with members of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a thank you for your service, she wrote in the posts caption. Yesterday was no different.

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Eva Longoria brings supplies to 2nd responders in Pasadena

Instagram: Emma Heming Willis

TheDie Hard actor has mostly stayed away from the public eye after he quit acting in 2022. In 2023, his family revealed he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, FTD is a common cause of dementia that occurs when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost, causing the lobes to shrink.

Since his diagnosis, Willis family has given regular updates on his condition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
BRYAN COUNTY, Ga (WSAV)  Bryan County Sheriff Mark Crowe told News 3 the county jail has the lowest capacity per capita in the state of Georgia, with only 68 beds, and were told it is time to build an additional county jail.

According to Crowe, the Georgia Sheriffs Association said in 2025, they will be in need of a 475-bed facility, and they will need it to carry them 20 years into the future. The office is currently paying for inmates to be housed in Liberty and Ware County Jails, and Crowe said it costs $45 a day per inmate.

This year, itll be between $500,000 and $1 million on just housing out inmates to other counties, he said. Thats not including the time that it takes the deputy, our transport officer to go get them

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19-year-old sought for teens murder in Bryan County

Crowe said that it puts a strain on the budget and that its money that could be used on employees and equipment.

Furthermore, with more job opportunities like the Hyundai Metaplant bringing more people into the region, officials expect inmate transfers to increase.

The Hyundai plant is in our county and is causing all these other counties that touch us to have to build new facilities or build on to their facilities, Crowe explained. But the plant is in our county. Whats it going to do to us? Were already number one on the bad list, so were going to have to do something.

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He told News 3 that a full jail is hindering officers abilities to do their jobs well and could result in some offenders being released sooner than he would like.



He said expanding the current jail would encroach on someone elses property but building a new jail could be costly.

the price of the building materials per square foot has gone up tremendously since COVID, Crowe told News 3. The facility that you could build for 50 million or 25 million now is $50 [million] and what was $50 million is now a $100 [million].

It is a project that is still in the early stages.

I want to see this facility built and operational within this next four-year term that I have, he revealed. I would like to see it at least started, hopefully, finished.

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Crowe said it would be a new addition from which residents and his team would benefit.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) temporary evacuated a building in downtown Topeka Thursday afternoon.

As of 4:32 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, the KHP issued an all clear for the downtown Topeka building. The Topeka Fire Department confirmed there is no gas leak.

Around 3:50 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, KHP sent an alert message that Mills Building located at 901 S. Kansas Avenue is being evacuated.

According to KHP, a gas leak is causing the evacuation. The severity is unknown at this time. More information is expected to be released; 27 News will provide updates as they become available.

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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.

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BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP)  Alan Balog knows law enforcement.

In fact, Burlingtons police chiefs been around it all his life.

His father, Steve Balog, served as Alamance Countys district attorney from 1986 to 1997. He also served as a superior court judge from 1997 until he retired in 2007.

I had the opportunity to meet a lot of law enforcement officers growing up, Alan Balog told me recently. And I developed a strong respect for them and the nature of the work they did.

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Balog graduated from Williams High School, got a degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill and today is the chief of police in the city where he grew up. His department is also North Carolinas Law Enforcement Agency of the Year.

I recognized that policing can be very exciting, that it has a tremendous amount of variety and more importantly, its an opportunity to help people, he said.

And for Balog, its also been a challenge.

When he became chief in the spring of 2023, the department was working to overcome what he calls a dire manpower shortage.

When officer staffing goes down to a level where you have to be fully reactive, you dont really have the opportunity to try to prevent crime or prevent victimization from happening to people, he told me.

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Today, the department is close to being fully staffed. At this writing, Balog has only two positions that need filling.

Balog admits the staffing turnaround began as his predecessor, Chief Alan Long, was heading into retirement. But Balog himself has kept the momentum and, in doing so, has to use his wordssystematically changed the way police work was being done in the city.

He says the city council deciding the improve officer pay and benefits was critical. But it was also shifting the responsibilities of sworn officers to other professional staff in a way the police work was still done well.

This included the establishment of a team of civilian crash investigators to handle minor traffic mishaps. This has enabled more sworn officers to handle the more serious calls.

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You have somebody else whos just as well-trained, whos just as knowledgeable do that type of work, but theyre a civilian, Balog said.

Burlington Police are also facing many of the same issues other departments are facing. They include more and more young people using firearms to commit crimes and officers seizing guns on the streets that are more sophisticated.

Ghost guns, weapons that dont have a serial number that didnt come from any kind of legitimate sale, weapons that have been converted to shoot fully automatic, is how Balog describes these guns.

But from a law enforcement perspective, Balog believes his departments biggest challenge is peoplenamely eyewitnesses of crimes not cooperating with police, fearing retribution.

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There are challenges with getting folks to come forward and tell us what happened, he told me.

But in a way, the departments emphasis on technology is helping counteract that reluctance. For instance, if you have video and sound of a crime taking place, that could be as valuable as an eyewitness account.

As part of a partnership with the University of New Orleans, the Burlington Police Department was able to buyat a discounted rate12 sophisticated cameras its placed in high crime areas around the city as well as heavily travelled intersections.

Images from all the cameras appear in the departments 911 Communications Center.

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So if theres a crime happening in that space, we have video to go back and watch and review what happened, Balog said.

The department is also in the process of building what it calls an Aerial Reconnaissance and Tactical Intelligence Center. Part of it will be like what other law enforcement agencies refer to as Real Time Crime Centers. Its another place for officers to monitor strategically placed cameras around the city.

The aerial part is already in operation. In fact, it launched literallyin the summer of 2024. It includes a control area where an officer can control two drones.

One sits on top of police headquarters. The others on top of one of the citys fire departments. This drone as a first responder program has already helped officers track and capture a fleeing suspect.

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The drones can also often arrive at crime and fire scenes faster than the first responders themselvesgiving them a visual image of what exactly theyre facing while theyre on their ways to the scenes.

Last summer, Burlington Police also became the first law enforcement agency in North Carolina to use Truleo.

Its a pilot program not supported by taxpayer dollars. Its marketed as an artificial intelligence-powered police officer assistant.

In short, it screens all downloaded officer body camera video and flags things (like bad language or sudden changes in tone of voice) that could signal possible issues.

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Supervisors would only be capable of screening a small fraction of the video if this didnt exist.

It provides immediate feedback to the officers about the quality of the work theyve done, Balog said. And then the supervisors also get notifications and can conduct their own reviews of whats happening in all these different interactions.

Combine that with Good Sam technology that allows 911 callers to share live smart phone camera video with officers, the Burlington Police Department is among the most technologically advanced departments of its size in the country.

Its also a major reason the North Carolina Police Executives Association named it law enforcement agency of the year, a recognition it awards annually to the agency that implements innovative programs or policies not knowingly used elsewhere.

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The Burlington Police Department is always focused on doing policing the right way, treating people the way they want to be treated at the highest possible standards, Balog stressed to me. And thats what well continue to deliver.

Sounds like a person who really knows law enforcement.

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Rapper Busta Rhymes is now facing assault charges after being accused of attacking his 50-year-old assistant during an altercation at a Brooklyn condominium. The incident, which occurred on January 10, led to a police investigation and subsequent legal action against the rapper.

Here is more about the case against Busta Rhymes.

Busta Rhymes accused of assaulting his assistant

Busta Rhymes, the iconic rapper and Grammy-nominated artist, is facing assault charges after an alleged altercation with his assistant in Brooklyn on January 10. The incident took place at a high-end condominium in Dumbo, where Rhymes reportedly struck his 50-year-old assistant, Dashiel Gables, multiple times in the face, leaving him with visible swelling. The dispute arose after Gables, who had been on his phone during work, was confronted by Rhymes. This led to the violent outburst.

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Following the incident, the rapper, whose real name is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr., voluntarily turned himself in to the Brooklyn police on January 12. He was charged with third-degree assault and issued a desk appearance ticket, requiring him to appear in court for arraignment. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional details could emerge as the case unfolds.

As for Gables, he has chosen not to comment publicly on the matter. His lawyer has advised him to refrain from speaking to the media. Games said, Maybe later. Maybe in the future. I cant mess up my case, bro. Its just not going to be worth it. An article in the paper as opposed to a six or seven-million-dollar settlement? Im not risking it, sorry. Rhymes upcoming court appearance is scheduled for February 2, where the legal proceedings will continue. (via New York Post)

This legal issue adds to Rhymes history of previous encounters with law enforcement. The rapper has faced multiple charges in the past, including assault-related incidents and traffic violations. In 2015, Rhymes was arrested for allegedly throwing a drink at a gym employee. Even last year, he made headlines for another beverage-related altercation with a fan.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post Busta Rhymes Assault Accusation Case Explained appeared first on Mandatory.
In Senate committee hearings this week, President-elect Donald Trumps selections for Cabinet positions spoke authoritatively on culture war issues like curtailing DEI initiatives and ending the politicization and weaponization of the federal government. But when faced with questions about certain matters of policy, nominees had to make a decision: Which of Trumps positions should they support?

With the president-elects penchant for shifting policy positions, keeping up with Trumps latest stances occasionally proved a challenge for many of those seeking Senate confirmation to lead executive branch agencies. Some relied on vague answers to muddle through questions; others even appeared to contradict some of Trumps rhetoric.

One such example is the war in Ukraine, which Trump has said needs to end but has not been clear how. He has declared that the beleaguered nations survival is important to us, but he has also declined to say whether he wants Ukraine to win and has criticized the amount of aid America is giving the war-torn country. As a result, defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseths answer to the Armed Services Committee did not fit neatly with Trumps public statements.

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Thats a presidential-level policy decision, he told the panel when asked what the administrations posture toward the war would be. [Trump has] made it very clear that he would like to see an end to that conflict. We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. Wed like to see it as advantageous for the Ukrainians as possible, but that war needs to come to an end.

Hegseth was one of several nominees to be tasked with explaining what exactly the soon-to-be president believes on certain issues. The transition team already seems to be hedging on the relationship between officials and Trump, as incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a memo last month told members of the next administration that they do not speak for the chief executive, according to the New York Times. After a first term filled with tumult and turnover due to disagreements with members of his Cabinet, Trumps second-term picks have tried to steer clear of making declarations about many important policy areas the administration will have to tackle, either to avoid appearing out-of-step with the president-elect or to give the him wiggle room to settle on a course of action once he takes office.

Russell Vought, Trumps pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget and a social conservative who was one of the architects of the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 policy blueprint, seemed to evade questions about abortion in front of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri asked Vought whether he supported the reimplementation of pro-life policies from Trumps first term, such as not allowing abortion providers to receive funds under a federal family planning grant program and prohibiting nongovernmental organizations receiving federal funds from promoting or performing abortions overseas. Vought did not commit to reinstating them.

The president has made his views on abortion really clear throughout the campaign, Vought said. Im not going to get ahead of the president with regard to the budget process. We have submitted budgets in years past that give the Senate a sense of how he would budget, but Im not going to get ahead of the president on that.

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Though his first term featured strong anti-abortion policies and rhetoric, Trump backtracked during the campaign and has given little assurance that he would reimplement the measures Hawley named.

The vagueness of Voughts responses was not lost on Sen. James Lankford, a pro-life senator from Oklahoma who sits on the committee.

He just said, Im going to do what President Trump wants to do, which is the same thing that [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] has said, as well, Lankford told The Dispatch. We would think itd be very clear. Russ is personally very pro-life, and hes been very outspoken on that. We were all a little surprised, but I understand he works at the pleasure of the president.

Trumps nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, faced questions about enforcing the 2024 legislation that would compel TikToks Chinese-owned parent company to divest from the app or see it banned in the United States. Under questioning from Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Bondi referred to the fact that the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the companys appeal attempting to stop the law on First Amendment grounds.

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This is pending litigation within the Department of Justice, and I cant talk about that at all, she told the Senate Judiciary Committee, adding that, in general, she would defend U.S. laws in court.

While Trump sought to ban TikTok in his first term, he has since changed his position, searching for ways to save it once he takes office. He has attributed a measure of his electoral success with young people to his popularity on the app, and invited TikToks CEO to attend his inauguration.

One nominee plainly appeared to contradict Trump during a hearing. John Ratcliffe, the president-elects pick to lead the CIA, spoke positively about Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows the federal government to surveil foreign nationals without a warrant and will be up for renewal in 2026. Critics have argued that the statute needs reform since agencies can use it to peek at communications from Americans who talk to people abroad who are being surveilled.

Nevertheless, Ratcliffe told the Senate Intelligence Committee that renewing the authority is critical. Its indispensable, and, for critics of it, no one has offered a replacement, Ratcliffe said in response to questions from Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. If, for instance, half of the actionable foreign intelligence comes from FISA 702, what are we going to replace that with? And the critics havent provided any alternative to that.

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As House Speaker Mike Johnson was battling with Republican hardliners over renewing the law last year, Trump dropped a bomb into the negotiations, calling on legislators to KILL FISA, which WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. (Federal authorities did use FISA applications to surveil a 2016 campaign operative, but they did so under a different provision of the law.)

Rounds, however, insisted that Ratcliffe did not set himself against Trump. I think what they were talking about in a lot of cases was a FISA 702 that had not been amended or changed, and we made significant changes to the original FISA 702 provisions that provide for a lot more protection than what they did before, he told The Dispatch. So I think well be okay, and besides that, I think once the president realizes thatif he doesnt already, I think he willanywhere from 50 to 90 percent of his daily brief comes from a FISA collection.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Jan. 16UPDATED:

The Caddo Mills Police Department has asked the Texas Rangers of the Department of Public Safety to assist with the death investigation of an adult and a juvenile that happened in the 200 block of Coyote Trail in the Trailstone housing development.

No other information was provided in a press release issued Thursday afternoon. No names have been released of the two deceased persons but Caddo Mills ISD made a statement earlier on Thursday on social media that the district was "aware of a tragic event" and that counselors would be available on every CMISD campus and the counseling center at Caddo Mills High School would be open for any student who needed to talk.

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Law enforcement authorities were notified Thursday morning just after 5 a.m. to investigate a shooting that had left two people dead. The initial report suggested that one subject had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At about 5:20 a.m., EMS and fire personnel were notified of the shooting and instructed to stage nearby for safety reasons until deputies could confirm the scene was secure. It was later confirmed there were two fatalities at the scene. Additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident have not yet been released.

Residents in the area are encouraged to contact Caddo Mills police or the Texas Rangers with any information that may assist in the investigation.

The Trailstone subdivision is located between Interstate 30 and State Highway 66 off not Farm-to-Market Road 36.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

Hunt County law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting incident early Thursday morning in the Caddo Mills area that left two people dead. The initial report suggests that one subject had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At about 5:20 a.m., EMS and fire personnel were notified of the shooting and instructed to stage nearby for safety reasons until deputies could confirm the scene was secure. It was later confirmed there were two fatalities at the scene. Additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident have not yet been released. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Residents in the area are encouraged to contact the Hunt County Sheriff's Office with any information that may assist in the investigation. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
The Palisades Fire destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles as high winds stoked wildfires throughout the city. Many private insurers recently dropped coverage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, forcing residents to seek coverage from the states last resort FAIR Plan. (Mario Tama/Getty Images).

In the months before thousands of Los Angeles homes went up in flames, property insurance companies dropped coverage in many neighborhoods of the city, citing the growing wildfire risks caused by climate change.

As a result, a fast-growing number of California residents have switched to a state-backed last resort insurance plan. That plan has taken on policies covering billions of dollars in some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the fires, which have engulfed more than 12,000 structures and prompted staggering loss projections. Some experts think the plans reserves wont be enough to cover the damage.

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Theyre not going to have enough money to pay these claims, said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a nonprofit that advocates for insurance customers.

If that happens, it will trigger an assessment on every home insurance policyholder in the state to cover the outstanding claims. Its a mechanism available under some state-backed insurance plans  one thats known in Florida as the hurricane tax. Now, for the first time, Californians may be hit with the wildfire tax.

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A single wildfire disaster could impose a surcharge of close to $1,000 on every Californian with home insurance coverage, Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit advocacy group, told state lawmakers in March.

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Some experts fear its just the beginning of a vicious cycle in states across the country. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of disasters, experts predict, insurance companies will stop offering coverage to vast swaths of the country. State-backed last resort plans will take on an ever-growing number of the highest risk properties. And homeowners everywhere will get stuck with the bill when disaster strikes.

Were all going to be paying for the insurance industrys unwillingness to serve in those communities, said Doug Heller, director of insurance with the Consumer Federation of America, a research and advocacy nonprofit. The private companies are getting all the best risk [policies] and the public holds the bag for the worst risk.

Insurance companies have lobbied state regulators for more flexibility in setting rates and faster approvals of rate hikes. They say the market needs to keep up with the ever-growing risks caused by climate change for their business to be viable. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association did not grant an interview request by publication time.

FAIR Plans

State-backed insurance plans, known as FAIR Plans or Citizens Plans, were set up starting in the 1960s to provide coverage for homeowners who couldnt find policies on the private market. The plans are managed by state governments, but backed financially by a pool of the private insurers doing business in that state.

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Today, 35 states and the District of Columbia offer FAIR Plan policies to high-risk property owners. In many cases, those plans  often designed to cover a handful of outlier properties  are insuring hundreds of thousands of homes valued at billions of dollars. California, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts and North Carolina all have more than 100,000 policies insured by their state plans.

Nationwide, these state-backed plans cover nearly 3 million properties  Californias alone provides nearly half a million policies  with an exposure exceeding $1 trillion. Those numbers are only likely to grow.

[The Los Angeles fires] will be a giant I told you so from insurers, Bach said. This proves our point, and we just cant continue to do business in this market. Thats going to be a big blow to the FAIR Plan.

State Farm, Californias largest insurer, said last year that it could drop more than 1 million policies in the state over the next five years  a signal that private insurers retreat from the market could accelerate. This months wildfires are likely to hasten that exit.

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Because the FAIR Plan pools the private insurers doing business in California, any companies withdrawing from the market also weaken the safety net thats meant to cover the absence of private plans.

The plans first big stress test is likely to be in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, which was devastated by the fires. The FAIR Plan provides nearly $6 billion of wildfire coverage in that area, among the highest totals in the state.

At present, the California plan has about $377 million available to pay claims, with another $5.75 billion in reinsurance, The New York Times reported. In a news release, FAIR Plan officials said it was too early to calculate loss estimates from the Los Angeles fires and whether the plan would have to use payment mechanisms to cover its claims.

Until last year, the plans pool of insurance companies would have been required to cover the balance of outstanding claims, based on their market share in the state. But a policy announced last July by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, a Democrat, allows insurers to surcharge their policyholders directly to cover losses over $1 billion in an extreme worst case scenario.

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Consumer advocates say that policy was among a series of concessions made by Laras office, meant to induce insurance companies to continue providing policies in the state.

That was supposed to be in return for a guarantee that insurers come back to the market, but that guarantee has not played out, said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit advocacy group. If the insurance industry has their way, one half of California will no longer be covered, and we will get to that point quickly.

Balber noted that FAIR Plan policies still have expensive premiums and provide minimal coverage compared with private plans.

Laras office did not grant an interview by publication time.

Insurance company concerns

While advocates lament the increased risk borne by the public, insurance industry leaders say they cant continue to cover disaster-prone areas without damaging their companies.

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[In 2023], insurers paid $1.11 in claims and expenses for every dollar in premiums collected, Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications with the Insurance Information Institute, said in an interview with Stateline last year. If insurers continue to see significant underwriting losses year after year, thats going to be a determining factor in where they want to write policies.

Meanwhile, two California lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow the state to issue catastrophe bonds to help the FAIR Plan cover shortfalls to its reserves.

Insurance experts agree that the industry is grappling with the failure of public officials to stop the worst effects of climate change and limit development in areas prone to disasters.

Land use decision-making has been outsourced to the insurance industry, said Heller, of the Consumer Federation of America.

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Private insurers are likely to continue pulling back as climate change worsens, and state-backed plans are not equipped to handle the extra risk, said Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner who is now director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the University of California, Berkeleys Center for Law, Energy & the Environment.

He is advocating for a federal program to provide reinsurance  a type of insurance purchased by insurers themselves to hedge against large claim payouts  for state FAIR Plans, which would provide an important backstop as private reinsurance becomes more expensive.

Were marching steadily toward an uninsurable future, because were not dealing with the root cause of climate change, Jones said. Private insurers are going to act economically rationally in the face of these losses.

A vicious cycle

California isnt the only state facing pressure on its last resort insurance plan. Florida covers nearly 1 million households on its Citizens Plan, making it the largest property insurer in the state. The state was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, which caused billions of dollars in damage across the southeastern U.S.

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Lori Medders, a professor at Appalachian State University and a longtime expert on Florida insurance, said its unclear whether the claims paid out to hurricane survivors will require Citizens Plan to issue a hurricane tax on the states policyholders. This assessment was previously triggered after the hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005. She said state-backed plans  even those charging massive rates  rarely collect premiums matching their exposure.

Its incomprehensible to charge those people the rates you need from them to cover their risk, she said. The more insurance [state plans] have and value at risk they have, the more exposure they have to losses. If you exacerbate that with climate change, you are putting a market problem on top of a market problem.

Medders said increasing disasters could create a vicious cycle where private insurers cover fewer and fewer homes, forcing state plans to step in and hit residents with assessment on top of assessment on top of assessment to cover their losses.

Heller said governments may need to rethink insurance as a system akin to a utility, if the market approach can no longer sustain an industry.

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The private sector approach to property insurance is starting to crack under the weight of climate change and the public cant fill in the gaps under the existing structure, he said.

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SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla, referred to as a prolific firearm trafficker by authorities, was sentenced in a San Diego federal courtroom this week to almost 20 years in prison.

Rodriguez, 39, is said to have been the Sinaloa cartels main purveyor of weapons and ammunition since 2020.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego, Rodriguezs conviction is part of a long-running investigation targeting the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which was a significant component of the Sinaloa cartel and believed to be one of the largest importers of cocaine into the United States.

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The Valenzuela TCO reportedly sourced cocaine and other controlled substances such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana from South America and Mexico. The organization is accused of transporting the drugs to multiple locations along the U.S.-Mexico border using commercial trucking companies, smuggling the drugs into the country and distributing them. It then smuggled the bulk cash proceeds from its drug trafficking activities back to the its leadership in Mexico.

US in plea talks with Mexican cartel kingpin Ismael El Mayo Zambada

According to court records, throughout 2020, the Valenzuela TCO, including one of its leaders  Jorge Alberto Valenzuela Valenzuela  was engaged in violent conflict with another component of the Sinaloa cartel led by Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar. During this conflict, Jorges brother and previous TCO leader, Gabriel Valenzuela-Valenzuela, was killed.

This led the Valenzuela TCO to procure large quantities of firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, armored vehicles, and ballistic vests. A considerable number of these items were sourced from within the United States and clandestinely smuggled into Mexico, using numerous arms trafficking networks, according to federal prosecutors.

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During the multi-year investigation, agents identified Rodriguez as a firearms and ammunition trafficker and broker for the TCO. He and his co-conspirators worked with high-ranking organization members to supply firearms to the TCO. These firearms reportedly ranged from .50 caliber rifles, submachine guns and grenade launchers to assault-style rifles and handguns.

Texas, Arizona arming Mexican drug cartels

In addition to the weapons, Rodriguez and his co-conspirators supplied tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition. Some of these weapons and ammo were acquired in the United States, including from California, Arizona and Nevada, and then smuggled through the ports of entry in San Diego and Arizona to Mexico.

To date, this investigation has resulted in charges against 109 defendants and the seizure of approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl, more than $16 million in cash, and 21,000 rounds of ammunition.

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Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Guns and ammunition smuggled into Mexico support cartels and empower drug traffickers, U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said. This case continues to deal blow after blow to that infrastructure, sending a clear message: DOJ will prosecute every angle of cartel operations  from drug importation to money laundering to arms trafficking  to combat death and destruction on both sides of the border.

Padilla was a resident of Rialto, California in San Bernardino County, located east of Los Angeles.

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In the months since Novembers election, the American Left has had little to comfort itself with but dreams. Donald Trump is riding back into the White House more popular than hes ever been  and with Republican majorities in the House and Senate to boot.

Among those dreams: Kamala Harris reviving her political career by succeeding Gavin Newsom as governor of California, and then one of them delivering the Democrats out of the darkness come the 2028 presidential election.

But progressives dreams are so often punctured by reality, and reality arrived in Southern California this month.

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The human cost of the wildfires still ravaging Los Angeles is incalculable. Numbers  staggering as they may be  cannot accurately describe the devastation.

Its similarly difficult to appraise the political cost yet to be paid.

Natural disasters are natural disasters. In and of themselves, theyre not an indictment of local officials or governments. Yet in the case of the wildfires, theres more than enough blame to go around.

As, bizarrely enough, Donald Trump has been telling us for years  forest management is one of the niche topics the former and future President enjoys expounding upon  the risk of such fires can be mitigated.

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And yet under the current state budget signed by Newsom, California cut $4 million from a forest legacy programme aimed at encouraging good management practices from landowners, $5 million from CAL FIRE fuel reduction teams, $28 million from funds provided to multiple state conservancies to increase wildfire resilience, and more. All in, Newsom rubber-stamped $105 million in cuts to fire prevention programmes, according to National Reviews Jim Geraghty.

Lest you chalk those cuts up to frugality, consider that Newsom boasted about signing a $54 billion climate bill a few years ago and has championed further spending on a high-speed rail project that has been in the works for close to two decades, is expected to cost billions, and is still barely under construction.

To his credit, shortly after taking office in 2019, Newsom did announce a California Vegetation Treatment Programme. To his shame, though, a 2022 investigation found that the glacial pace of environmental approvals under CEQA may lead to a much worse outcome  extreme wildfires obliterating these areas.

The only saving grace for Newsom is that his failures are outnumbered and outweighed by those of LA mayor Karen Bass, who left for Ghana just before the outbreak of the fire. A 117 million gallon reservoir in Pacific Palisades, meanwhile, was also allowed to remain empty for nearly a year (and counting).

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None of the particulars of Newsom and Basss choices in the days leading up to this tragedy speak well of them. But its the ideology they represent that may well compel voters to reject them and the brand of politics they are associated with.

The likes of Newsom, Harris, and Bass found success in politics because they were willing to repeat the progressive shibboleths necessary to climb the Democratic Partys ladder.

Men can become women, while women can become men. Climate change is an existential threat that justifies any number of draconian policies at ruinous expense. No migrant can be illegal. Our economic woes would be solved if only the wealthy were made to pay their fair share. Abortion is health care. The slogans go on, and on, and on.

Following any of them to their logical conclusion only ever causes pain. But an obsession with the mantras of progressive ideology also distracts from the basic business of effective governance. It doesnt win headlines, but ensuring that the streets are safe, schools are impressive, and officials in areas prone to natural disasters are prepared, wins votes.

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California fails on all three counts; its no coincidence that its run by a bunch of incompetents whose only discernible talent is repeating their little slogans with a smile.

Harris, though not culpable for the tragedy unfolding in her home state, perfectly embodies this vapidity. Think back to the campaign trail. Was there a single accomplishment that the Democratic nominee for president or her supporters could point to? The answer most Americans would land on is a simple No. History is unlikely to look kindly on a vice-president who reportedly ordered a review of whether the intelligence community used gender-biased language at a time of enormous new threats to the West.

In November, the United States resolved to stop paying the price of Harris and Newsoms toxic form of virtue-signalling. The Vice-President should not hold out much hope of a political comeback.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  If youre passionate about birds of prey, you might want to consider joining the Raptor Inventory Nest Surveys (RINS) annual monitoring project, where volunteers will get the chance to learn about and help protect Utahs eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys, and owls.

The RINS organization collects and manages data about the nesting ecology of Utahs avian raptor population. Land managers and partner organizations will then utilize this data for decisions regarding land use and habitat.

Two-year-old Pallas cat moves into Utahs Hogle Zoo

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RINS mission is to ensure the success of nesting raptors and habitat protection through the collection of nesting data throughout the state of Utah, a press release from BLM Utah said.

To volunteer, you do not need a science background  as complete training for this project will be provided during workshops in February and March.

It is recommended that volunteers own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit, a digital camera, and have an email address. The projects time commitment involves monitoring visits to an assigned area from March through July.

The RIN was started in 2000 to give volunteers the opportunity to become citizen scientists, collecting and managing critical data about Utahs raptors. According to the RIN website, the program sees around 200 volunteers each year around the state, who locate and monitor the nests of birds of prey during the spring nesting season.

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The website states that the decades-long effort has led to the largest comprehensive raptor database in the State of Utah with over 6,672 nests and 82,119 monitoring records.

More information on workshops can be found by calling 801-554-0807, or emailing info@rins.org.

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CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  The School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded funding for out-of-school programs to a district in Cambria County.

The Forest Hills School District was awarded $250,000 through the Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program. The money will assist the district in expanding access to programs for at-risk youth after school hours.

Central Pennsylvania awarded over $700k for career, tech education

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Forest Hills will be using the grant to fund career cluster programs in the district that and will provide 300 students with real-world exposure to high-demand careers in the region. Theyll do this through occupationally related community service projects and the development of industry-focused curriculums.

Our region faces a workforce shortage thats impacting the industries that support our local economy, Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), who serves on the School Safety and Security Committee said. Its important to ensure that our students have the tools they need to build a career for themselves, and this program will help prepare and connect them to opportunities in the area.

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Its part of over $11,000,000 that was awarded statewide for 113 projects. You can find a full list of awardees here.

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Canada must send a message to President-elect Trump on tariffs, one of the countrys provincial leaders said Wednesday alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who described the threatened levies as unnecessary.

The outgoing leader said Canada would respond, purposefully, forcefully and resolutely if the Trump administration implemented tariffs.

Theres no sugarcoating it, Trudeau said alongside several provincial premiers. The incoming administrations proposed tariffs against Canada would harm Americans. It would put American jobs at risk. It would put our collective security at risk.

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It would raise costs at a time when people simply need, simply deserve, a break, he added. And perhaps most crucially, theyre not necessary. Our trading relationship is the envy of the world, and the better path forward is to make it stronger.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for tough retaliation.

Theres never been a time thats more important for Canadians to be united, to stand up and making sure that our voice is heard, he said.

We have to send a message, when someone comes up and tries to destroy our economy, itll be devastating for Canadians, he added.

The president-elect has said he would enact 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, while adding an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods.

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The aim of the tariffs, according to Trump, is to press the countries to increase their efforts on border security and combatting fentanyl exports to the U.S.

Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price! Trump said on Truth Social in November.

Earlier this month, the president-elect suggested Canada merge with the U.S., saying on Truth Social that with the combination of the two countries, there would no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.

The Hill has reached out to Trudeaus office, Fords office, the Quebec premier, the Alberta premier and the British Columbia premier.

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President Trump has promised tariff policies that protect the American manufacturers and working men and women from the unfair practices of foreign companies and foreign markets. As he did in his first term, he will implement economic and trade policies to make life affordable and more prosperous for our nation, Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes said in an emailed statement to The Hill.

When reached for comment, a Wednesday statement from Trudeau and Canadian provincial leaders was noted by Canadas diplomatic office, Global Affairs Canada. In the statement, the leaders said they agreed that Canada is a proud and sovereign nation, committed to upholding its values and responsibilities on the global stage. 

As a strong, independent country, we make decisions that reflect the best interests of our citizens, while actively contributing to global peace and stability, they added.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  As the death toll climbs from the devastating fires burning Los Angeles into a pile of ash, more heroes are being deployed into the firestorm. This time, theyre from Canada.

You cant teach how to have a good heart and a good attitudeyou can teach everything else, said Rob Bardossy, with the British Columbia Wildfire Service. How to run a saw, how to dig guard. All that stuff is trainable and teachable. Biggest thing is attitude and heart.

22 firefighters from British Columbia came to the Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office Jan. 16 for mandatory training, like how to setup an emergency fire shelter in 60 seconds or less.

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Fire is a very fluid situation. Conditions change and the fire changes quickly, said Bardossy. So, you need to be able to adapt and get ready quickly.

The average fire can reach temperatures of 1,400 degrees, but a wildfire can exceed 2,000 degrees.

People get into those shelters and they can survive a burnover, said Gabe Garcia, BLM District Manager of Central California. They cant survive everything.

Wife speaks out after Border Patrol agents arrest her husband

The firefighters from British Columbia are on a two week assignment to help contain the Eaton Fire. More than 40 crew members from Alberta were deployed Wednesday.

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It doesnt matter what patch you have on your uniform, were always willing to help one another when our neighbors are in need, said Garcia.

The team is thanks to a U.S. agreement with four countries: Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Canadian firefighters come well trained after the country saw a historic run of devastating fires in 2023.

One of the worst fire seasons on record ever in North America. So, for a lot of these folks, this is a chance to give something back, said Derrek Hartman, with the National Interagency Coordination Center.

Hartman says fire crews are working up to 110 fire line days a year versus 30 days in the past.

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California has gone from a fire season to a fire year.

Californias always had year-round fires but, I hate to say it; the rest of the country is trending that way as well, said Hartman.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A Canadian national got a nearly 7-year prison sentence related to the illegal purchase of handguns in Austin with the intent to smuggle them into Canada, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ said 31-year-old Harsimran Dhaliwal, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to 82 months in prison, as well as given a $30,000 fine.

Dhaliwal was accused of operating a gun smuggling operation to bring handguns into Canada, which are illegal in the country.

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In 2022, Dhaliwal made arrangements with a straw purchaser to obtain numerous handguns in and around the Austin area, the DOJ said. Dhaliwal then smuggled the handguns back to Canada.

According to the DOJ, at least two of the guns were recovered in Canada and linked to crimes there.

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(NewsNation)  A technical glitch at Capital One bank has thousands of customers reporting problems with missing direct deposits, according to reports.

More than 2,000 people had reported issues with Capital One banking as of Thursday morning, according to Down Detector, an online service that tracks tech outages.

Some of us have bills to pay and groceries to buy. At least keep us in the loop, one person said on social media in a post directed at Capital Ones customer service account on X, according to CBS News.

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Capital One said the company is working to resolve the issue, USA Today reported.

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Jan. 17CLOQUET  During Dave Lee's tenure as director of Carlton County Public Health and Human Services, he was more of a mentor than a boss for Annie Napoli, who served alongside Lee as his deputy director for the past eight years. Now, as Lee prepares to retire from his 25-year career at the department, Napoli plans to implement lessons learned working under Lee as she prepares to become the department's new director.

"I love public service, and I think that's it. I really feel like I've been in training and I'm ready for this," Napoli said. "I'm confident, and feel really good about it."

As the next director, Napoli will oversee 150 staff and 13 different teams charged with providing the county's human services, social services and public health.

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"It's a wide variety of work, but the focus on the community is where it's at," Napoli said.

Since being named as the next director by the Carlton County Board of Commissioners in December, Napoli is spending her time shadowing and attending meetings with Lee. She will assume the new role on Feb. 1. Lee retires at the end of the month.

On her first day as deputy director, Napoli recalls Lee told her to start building relationships. Those relationships will now prove crucial for the department, as Napoli serves as the point person between her department and the Minnesota Legislature, as well at the state's Department of Human Services, Department of Health and the newly formed Department of Children, Youth and Families.

"(Lee) said, collaborate and build relationships, and that's what I've worked really hard on for  well during my career, but especially the past eight years  and I want to continue with that, just with the other departments, the community, private providers, the state, regional counterparts."

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Napoli started her career with the county working as a social worker, following a career in the private sector working with seniors and people with disabilities.

As director, Napoli said her priorities will include expanding respite services (which provide short-term care for people with dementia when the primary caregiver is absent or needs relief) and expanding transportation services.

Napoli hopes to grow the county's volunteer services working with longterm care units and community providers to provide more options for respite and adult day cares, lessening the burden of caregivers of seniors. She hopes the expanded volunteer base will allow more seniors and people with disabilities to live in their homes.

The county is also struggling to provide adequate transportation. Though people enrolled in certain health plans receive transportation for medical appointments, the county relies on volunteers to shuttle people from hospital discharges and non-medical services. Napoli hopes to expand transportation services to correct the issue.

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Napoli commended Carlton County for being particularly good at interdepartmental communication. She noted the county's child protective services team, which works with the Carlton County Sheriff's Office, Carlton County Attorney's Office and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's Law Enforcement and Human Services Division.

Lee, who was not available to provide comment for this article, spent his time as a director integrating Carlton County Public Health and Human Services through the creation of the Carlton County Community Services Building in Cloquet, which brought public health and human services programs that previously operated out of four buildings into one, according to a release announcing Lee's retirement.

"I love that we're together. It reduces silos," Napoli said.

Lee also worked to streamline communication between the county and the Fond du Lac Band, where he helped to establish the first health and human services operational agreement between the band and the county in 2002, according to the release.

"He's a leader who can inspire, and he's a leader that can see things years down the road," Napoli said.
(Bloomberg) -- Former central banker Mark Carney stepped down as chairman of Brookfield Asset Management after joining the campaign to lead the Liberal Party of Canada.

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Mark has been a tremendous partner to the firm since he joined nearly five years ago, 59-year-old Chief Executive Officer Bruce Flatt, who has been named board chair, said in a statement, which also praised Carneys work leading Brookfield in the energy transition.

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Carney, also 59, said at a press conference in Edmonton, Alberta, that he has resigned all of his corporate roles, including as chair of Bloomberg Inc., to focus on politics. His resignation means hes no longer the head of transition investing at Brookfield.

While Carney built the firms transition investing business, Connor Teskey  CEO of the renewable unit  has been in day-to-day control for the past four years, according to a person familiar with the matter. The firm wont name a new head of transition investing, said the person, asking not to be identified due to the confidentiality of the matter.

Carney previously served as governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada.

In September, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canadas Conservative Party, attacked Carney for agreeing to help Justin Trudeau on economic policy and went on to criticize Brookfield.

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Before his globetrotting career in finance, Carney grew up in Edmonton, where his family had moved from the remote Northwest Territories. Carneys father unsuccessfully ran for the Liberals in Edmonton in 1980.

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CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Carter County Board of Education met Thursday night and discussed creating a plan to address missed school days and determine its opinion on the states proposed school voucher program.

As of Thursday, Carter County students have missed 28 days so far this school year.

In response, the school board will hold a special called meeting on Jan. 23 to discuss options to address the excessive closures.

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School board members said on Thursday that they could potentially vote to add more school days to the end of the year or take them from spring break.

During Thursdays meeting, the school board also made its stance on Tennessee Governor Bill Lees Education Freedom Act known. The proposed legislation, commonly referred to as school vouchers, has been strongly opposed by superintendents and school boards, while several lawmakers and county mayors have voiced their support.

The Carter County Board of Education voted 8-0 in favor of adopting a resolution opposing the voucher program.

The school board also briefly brought up the topic of a proposed $20 million in state funding for the rebuilding of Hampton High School, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. Lee announced Wednesday that he would call a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly to address the vouchers, Hurricane Helene relief and immigration policy changes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Darrin Bell, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, has been arrested following an investigation related to the possession of unlawful material. Authorities have connected Bell to serious allegations involving digital content under newly enforced laws.

Heres what we know about the arrest and the allegations against the acclaimed cartoonist.

Darrin Bell arrested over alleged child pornography possession

The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office arrested Darrin Bell, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, on January 15, 2025, in California for possessing child pornography, including computer-generated material.

FAMED CARTOONIST ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL (CHILD PORNOGRAPHY)



Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Detectives (ICAC) conducted an investigation stemming from a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) pic.twitter.com/PYpXozrvwk  Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) January 16, 2025

Investigators linked Mr. Bell, 49, to an online account that had shared 134 files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A search of his residence uncovered additional evidence, including AI-generated CSAM, which led to his arrest.

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Sacramento County authorities made their first arrest under a new California law, effective January 1, 2025, that criminalizes AI-generated CSAM. Officials are holding Mr. Bell at the Sacramento County Main Jail on $1 million bail. He will appear in court on January 17. Authorities have withheld his booking photo due to state law. It remains unclear whether Mr. Bell has secured legal representation.

Darrin Bell gained prominence as the first Black artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 2019, recognized for his work addressing political and social issues. His syndicated comics, Candorville and Rudy Park, have been featured in numerous publications. He also authored a graphic novel, The Talk, reflecting on his experiences growing up in Los Angeles. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Bell is a father of four children. (via The New York Times)

The investigation began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Detectives used this information to locate the incriminating files. This case highlights the growing challenges of addressing both traditional and AI-generated content in child exploitation crimes.

The post Cartoonist Darrin Bell Arrested, Accused of Possession of Child Pornography appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
The Kentucky Cattlemens Association returned to Owensboro for the first time in four years, bringing hundreds of cattle producers to the city for workshops and to share ideas.

The event, which continues Friday, is a chance for cattle producers to hear from experts on all aspects of raising cattle, from nutrition and disease preparedness to marketing.

Daniel Hayden, a Whitesville cattle producer and KCA executive committee member, said the convention is also a chance for people in cattle production to learn from one another.

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The convention is a great opportunity for networking, because most times, we are too busy, Hayden said. The annual convention, gives us the opportunity to compare and contrast what works and what doesnt work in our operations.

The event is generally held on two-year cycles, with two years in Owensboro, followed by two years in Lexington. This weeks convention, however, was the first in the city in four years.

Kentucky cattle producers largely have breeding cows, and sell the calfs. The breeding cows can be kept for more than 10 years, producing a calf a year.

The beef cattle market has been very profitable in recent years, as drought caused cattle producers to reduce their herds. While herds are smaller, demand for beef remains high, creating high prices for cattle, Hayden said.

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Nationwide, we have the smallest amount of cows that weve had since the 1950s, and demand (from consumers) is as high as it has ever been, Hayden said.

A focus of the convention is teaching producers about marketing their cattle, and marketing opportunities. But the convention gives producers ideas in all aspects of the industry.

Those issues ... those are the things we get to discuss at the convention, Hayden said. Thats the greatest thing. Ive come out of the convention with something to make my operation more profitable, and ensure the future of my farm for my kids.

Randy Warner, a Sharpsburg cattle producer and KCAs incoming president, said the industry is a full-time, year-long job, and said producers use science to produce high-quality herds.

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We are in the beef business, so the focus is on produce beef the public is confident in and happy with, Warner said.

Warner agreed the market for cattle currently is very favorable. Along with high demand and smaller herds, costs for inputs like feed are low.

There is no limit on the current market, Warner said. But, Im scared to say, what goes up must come down.

Warner said as president, a focus will be on completing the Livestock Innovation Center, which will be an education center for producers in Woodford County. The center is a partnership between KCA and the University of Kentuckys Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

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Another focus, Warner said, will be on helping prepare the next generation of cattle producers.

Im turning 60 years old, so these young people are going to have to start taking over, Warner said.

A featured speaker during Thursdays general business session was state Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.

With a new administration taking office Monday in Washington, Shell said he has spoken with Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins about issues such as the effect of tariffs on agriculture and other issues, and said Rollins is supportive of the farm community.

Its going to be amazing to have her voice there, Shell said. Shes deeply entrenched in agriculture, and in small agriculture.

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The state Department of Agriculture is wholly focused on economic development in farming, and with creating marketing opportunities for producers, Shell said.

Shell said after his presentation, This is one of the most important groups in the state. Weve got great relationships with all of our commodity groups, and Cattlemens is no different than any of the rest of them. These are the leaders across the state of Kentucky. These are the boots on the ground.

Shell, is also a cattle producer and KCA member, said, being here, to be able to be educated, and let them know the importance they have in the Department of Agriculture, and what were trying to do on their behalf every single day, I couldnt miss it.
General Motors reached a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that will prohibit it from selling information on its customers driving habits without their knowledge and explicit consent for the next 20 years.

Until last year, consumers buying a GM vehicle were encouraged to sign up for its Smart Driver program that would collect data on aspects like chosen traffic routes and trip duration.

Yet it also extracted information on the rate of acceleration, what speeds they might attempt a corner at, and how hard the brakes would be slammed. It even relayed information on whether they were taking their car on a late-night spin. Thats because this information was of particular value for insurers keen on better assessing the risk posed by their policyholders.

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What many of these GM customers did not know, however, is the carmaker had been cashing in on the sale of their personal data to third parties, irrespective of whether it would be to the detriment of the carmaker's unwitting customers, who believed it was for internal purposes only.

The feature has since been discontinued after the New York Times last March first uncovered the practice. The case highlights the risks to data privacy stemming from the lack of U.S. legislation equivalent to the GDPR law in Europe.

With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance, outgoing FTC chair Lina Khan said in a statement on Thursday.

In her final days before her Republican colleague Andrew Ferguson replaces her as chair, Khan has been busy, recently issuing a report targeting pharmacy benefit managers over price gouging.

GM handed total ban for five yearseven in cases of explicit consent

GM pledged to obtain affirmative consent by its owners to collect, use, or disclose certain types of connected vehicle data for the next two decades.

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But for the first five years, the carmaker was slapped with a total baneven if God came down personally to give explicit consent, GM would not be allowed to pass on the Almighty's data to a consumer reporting agency.

Moving forward, GM agreed furthermore to create a way for all U.S. consumers to request a copy of their data and, importantly, give them the means by which they could delete that information permanently.

Respecting our customers privacy and earning their trust is deeply important to us, GM said in a statement on Thursday. "Were more committed than ever to making our policies and controls clear and accessible."

GM declined to comment further on the settlement deal. The FTC can issue such orders once it has sufficient reason to believe the law has been violated. Each violation can potentially result in a penalty of up to $51,744 under the civil law statute book.

GM would harvest driver data for sale in some cases every three seconds

Smart Driver was billed as a feature to promote safer driving, according to GM. The technology was used, however, to sell to third parties data related to consumers precise geolocation data and their driving behavior without their explicit consentsometimes as often as every three seconds.

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Not only did its customers not share in the revenue from their loss of privacy, the FTC reported, but this practice led to unexpected increases in their insurance premiums for Smart Driver participants, as well as in some case the total loss of coverage. The reverse, however, is also true, as it could in theory help lower payments.

Last year, the feature was discontinued across all vehicles sold by GM group brands, with the company ending its business arrangement with Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

How damaging news of this settlement actually is for GMs reputation is a matter up for debate.

In Europe, a market GM has largely exited, consumer advocates like Austrias Max Schrems have gone to court in an effort to prevent the exploitation of their data from the likes of Meta, Google, and Applesuccessfully in two landmark cases.

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By comparison, Americans have a reputation for being more relaxed about their data, since many see leaving their digital fingerprints everywhere as an opportunity to gain valuable services. The more a platform like Facebook knows a user, the more tailored an experience they get, complete with targeted ads for products and services users find relevant.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM)  Corning Community College hosted its 12th annual Sophomore Career Day on Tuesday, which provided various opportunities for local students to learn about potential future career opportunities.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, around 350 sophomores from Corning-Painted Post High School and Corning Christian Academy gathered at CCC to attend the career day.

EOP to host 27th annual Together We Dine community dinner for MLK Day

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During the event, students had the opportunity to listen to 30-minute presentations given by local business professionals in career fields that they were interested in. Before the event, each sophomore had the opportunity to preselect three career topics they wanted to learn about.

Around 30 to 35 local professionals, including WETM 18 News, participated in the event. These professionals included those in a variety of careers such as law enforcement, cosmetology, engineering and broadcast television/journalism.

Steuben County sees new harm reduction vending machine

Students who attended the career day expressed that they saw the event as an opportunity to explore the future career paths that they are interested in.

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I definitely feel like Ive got a lot of insight on things that Im interested in, said Chinonyerem Okoro, a sophomore at Corning-Painted Post High School. Like journalism. I was able to learn about blocks and like how they formulate run downs, so that was really interesting.

The event was planned and organized by representatives of the Career Development Council.

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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.
TENAFLY, N.J. (PIX11)  The pending ceasefire in Gaza is in a war zone half a world away, but here in the tri-state region, connections to that part of the world  on both sides of the conflict  are deep and strong. That fact was very clear on Thursday in Northern New Jersey.

As Rania Mustafa, the executive director of the Palestinian American Community Center in Clifton, pointed out, New Jersey  has the highest number of Palestinian Americans in all of America.

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It was why her organization hosted a gathering of Palestinian community leaders on Thursday morning. It was meant to show support for the Gaza ceasefire, but to also say that nothing is guaranteed.

We definitely feel a lot of relief, said Mustafa, but its a lot of hesitancy.

Echoing that sentiment was Ahmad Wuhidi. Hes a filmmaker from Gaza City who managed to reach the United States after being injured in an Israeli missile strike on his familys home days after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 of last year.

I lost both my mom and sister in the Israeli military strike, Wuhidi said. His familys losses are among some 47,000 deaths in Gaza since the war began.

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Wuhidi joined with others from the Palestinian community on Thursday to publicly say that they want the bloodshed in Gaza to stop. Still, they said, theyre bracing for tragedy.

They are hopeful, Wuhidi said, but cautious at the same time.

Caution was also the watchword among Israelis in North Jersey.

Orly Amos is one of the closest friends of the family of Edan Alexander. The 21-year-old from Tenafly is one of the 98 hostages remaining in Hamas custody. Amos said that she was feeling positive, but added that there are simply no guarantees.

We cant trust the terrorists, we try to do that before, Amos said about the deal that Israel struck this week with Hamas. Nonetheless, she added, Now we feel closer [to a hostage release] than ever.

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Amos lives in a neighborhood in Tenafly where lawn signs with Alexanders face on them are visible on many streets. There are yellow ribbons tied around many of the trees in the leafy suburb, and the town holds a march every Friday calling for Alexanders safe return.

While Amos and her neighbors certainly have a different outlook on the ceasefire than their Palestinian neighbors here, the two groups share at least one hope: that the hostage release will be at least a start of something good. Still, there was a touch of skepticism expressed by Amos.

Until I see him in Israel, she said about her hostage friend whos in the Israeli military, Im not going to believe that [hes free].

That skepticism was further expressed by Jason Shames, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.

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Were basically trading terrorists with blood on their hands for babies, women and children, Shames said, and I think that sits heavy in the hearts of Jewish people, and especially Israelis.

Shames went on to say, in an interview, that getting hostages back is the ultimate goal, but the fate of all of them is not clear, and neither is the future of the ceasefire.

Its great to have them home, Shames said, but I think that at the same time theres a lot of consternation about whats next in the long term impact of this.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Central Ohio continues to deal with bitter cold, and some outdoor work continues, even in weather like this.

While working outside in temperatures below freezing can be challenging on its own, working on a roof can feel even colder.

It always seems like we have a big roof job when a cold snap hits, said Troy VanArsdalen, co-owner of United Mechanical Insulation LLC.

Ohio nonprofit challenges state tax breaks for major tech companies

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He talked with NBC4 on one of the companys job sites. The crew needed to be on top of a building for the job. They put insulation on mechanical equipment. Theyve been watching out for snow and ice while also dealing with the cold.

These guys, tip your hat to them, getting up in the morning, knowing the weather report, coming out here fighting these elements, VanArsdalen said.

His team wears heavy duty gloves and hats to cover as much skin as possible, layers up, and takes breaks to warm up when needed. Workers on sites around the region take similar steps to stay safe while also continuing the jobs.

Its very site specific and its very situational specific, its not like a one size fits all, said Jenna Eaves, safety director with Vaughn Industries. I think the big conversation were going to have is stop work authority, so giving individual employees the ability to say Hey Ive got to stop, Ive got to warm up.

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Eaves said on many of their sites there are trailers, trucks, or areas where workers can warm up. She also said employees have a buddy system so they are watching out for one another in the cold.

Car windows smashed in string of suspected break-ins at Upper Arlington, Grandview schools

It truly is proper planning. Its coming in, youre coming into fall, coming into winter, youre putting a winter preparation plan together, said Brent Harter, safety adviser with Safety Management Group. When I come up on a site its definitely the first conversation that comes up. Its definitely relevant to the topic. Fingers are cold, toes are cold, and again were talking about it and were trying to make the best of it while were out there.

With the beginning of next week expected to be even colder, VanArsdalen said they will likely not be working outside.

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You feel for the guys and we have started looking ahead like that, just like next week, we see early in the week single digit highs so weve already decided were going to move our guys to indoor jobs until we can at least get into the 20s, he said.

Vaughn is considering taking a similar action.

At the end of the day though if it does come down to a serious health concern or where people are constantly touching steel or metal, we would evaluate, ok what do we need to do, does it need to become a training day or are there some additional things we can offer besides working outside, Eaves said.

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A Georgia state lawmaker who was banned from entering the House chamber was thrown to the ground after attempting to attend Governor Brian Kemps State of the State address on Thursday.

Footage of the scene outside the chambers doors Thursday showed Georgia Republican State Senator Colton Moore surrounded by security guards and state troopers as someone who appeared to be a dectective or a guard tackled Moore to the floor to force him to leave.

In the video, Moore can be heard saying: It has gone too far. I have an obligation to be in that room.

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He added: I represent 200,000 people in northwest Georgia who duly elected me to be here today.

He was later arrested by officers at the Capitol and transported to Fulton County Jail. He was released and taken to a hospital for treatment. In an update from the hospital, Moore said he had taken a beating and his right hand was swollen and purple.

His team posted footage of the incident and the update on his X account along with the following statement: Senator Colton Moore, who exposed and defeated corrupt District Attorney Fani Willis last year, has been arrested by the Anti-Trump Speaker of the Georgia House. Colton is being held in the same Atlanta jail as President Trump.

Moore has blamed his banishment from the chamber on his attacks on Willis, who presided over President-elect Donald Trumps election interference case. Willis was recently disqualified for having an affair with a top prosecutor.

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In 2023, Moore was suspended from the GOP caucus for demanding a probe into Willis during a special session.

Moore also rudely insulted late House Speaker David Ralston, calling him a tyrant following his death in 2022.

Moore warned his colleagues in a letter the previous day that he planned to attend.

He wrote Republican House Speaker Jon Burns that his banishment was unconstitutional, illegal and the most disgraceful piece of correspondence issued by a legislator in Georgias history, according to WSBTV.

Moore vowed to be back on Friday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A chase involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Gaston County Police ended in a crash Thursday afternoon in northwest Charlotte.

CMPD confirms with Queen City News the incident began as a chase that ended at the corner of Hoskins Road and Hovis Road.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Queen City News observed both CMPD and Gaston County Police at the scene of the crash where a CMPD Animal Care & Control vehicle was also damaged.

Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News

No one was observed inside the wrecked vehicle that had crashed down into an embankment.

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Queen City News has reached out to CMPD and Gaston County Police for further information.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Most Native Hawaiian seabirds nest in remote areas of the islands but then you have the birds who prefer the company of Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Celine.

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The manu-o-Ku, or white tern, is the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu.

They could have chosen several other birds but they think they were chosen because of the deep historical significance. We dont know why ancient Hawaiians named the bird that but the fact that they did reflects the fact that the bird was important to them. There are no other Hawaiian birds that they named after a deity, Ku being one of the principle Hawaiian deities, Hui Manu o Ku coordinator, Rich Downs told KHON2.

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These birds breed in urban Honolulu and do not shy away from the crowds of Waikiki or Kapiolani Boulevard.

Why Honolulus trees have blue ribbons

One pair was recently discovered hanging out above mall-goers at Ala Moana Center.

So it was discovered that the pair laid the egg sometime in early December and the incubation period is 35 days, roughly. Then well be able to enjoy the chick for about two months. Its about that time from the time the chick hatches to the time theyre able to fly from branch to branch.

The mall is a great location as the adults have direct access to the ocean to gather fish for the chick. The adults fly back to the nest with the whole fish in their mouthsthey do no regurgitate like many other birds.

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You cant miss the place theyve chosen as mall management allowed Hui Manu o Ku to add a blue ribbon to the nesting tree.

So when you see the blue ribbon, look up, you just might get a chance to see the chick or better yet, see the adults feeding the chick fish that they brought back from the ocean.

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BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  Since being denied parole for the fifth time in September 2023, Cheri Lindseys killer is up for consideration once again.

James Wales was convicted of the rape and murder of 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey in 1984. Since becoming eligible for parole in 2017, Wales has been denied five times by the New York State Parole Board, with the most recent rejection coming on September 28, 2023.

According to a press release from Broome County DA Paul Battistis office, local officials are planning to hold a press conference next week to urge the NYSPB to deny Wales parole.

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It is expected local officials will speak on the impact Lindseys murder has had on the community in the 40+ years since. Those expected to attend include the Lindsey Family, Broome County DA Paul Battisti, Binghamton Police Chief Joseph T. Zikuski, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar and the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

DA Battisti says community members are encouraged to voice their opinion by submitting letters to the NYSPB.

The press conference is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, at 10:45 a.m.

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CHICAGO  A Chicago family will receive more than $24 million following a verdict in a lawsuit against the Chicago Housing Authority.

The ruling comes years after a Rogers Park mother and her children were exposed to dangerous lead levels for nearly a decade. The jurys decision was unanimous.

The familys attorney, Matthew S. Sims with Rapoport Weisberg & Sims, spoke with WGN News following the verdict, detailing the shocking details about the propertys history, where children had previously been exposed to lead.

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Im sorry: Chicago contractor Mark Diamond sentenced to more than 17 years for scamming elderly homeowners

This family had no idea that the problems with their apartment were releasing an invisible poison that would cause irreversible and permanent harm to their children, Sims said.

In 2014, Shanna Jordan moved into the CHA-owned North Side-area apartment building at 7715 North Marshfield. At the time, her son Jahmir Collins was just a baby. His sister, Amiah, was born three years later. A pediatrician noticed developmental delays in the children and during a routine blood draw, found they had lead poisoning.

In response, the citys Department of Public Health investigated and tested the apartment.

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What they found was that the lead-paint concentrations inside this home were excessively high. The paint was deteriorated, and there was lead dust present, Sims said.

When she moved in, the CHA property manager gave Jordan a lead disclosure form stating the apartment was free from lead. Yet Sims said that at least three other children from two separate families had been poisoned inside the unit in the 1990s. Further investigation revealed more than two dozen lead-based violations in the apartment.

CTU denounces districts efforts to increase standardized testing for youngest students

Court records show that CHA did nothing to fix them in 2001. The city of Chicago filed a lawsuit, which, attorneys say, was eventually dropped.

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You would think that after one child is poisoned, that would be enough, but unfortunately, the CHA had no evidence that they did anything to abate or mitigate the lead-based paint after that first child was poisoned in 1993, Sims said.

Lead poisoning can cause brain and nerve damage, reproductive problems, and kidney damage. For now, issues with 6-year-old Amaya, whose lead levels were 10 times higher than whats considered safe, will continue to affect her, Sims said.

Once a child has so much lead in their body that you can see it on X-rays, the lead that is in the bones is going to stay in the bones and slowly leak out over the next 10 to 30 years, he said.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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WGN News reached out to CHA for comment. In response, a spokesperson said: While we continue to express sympathy to the Jordan and Collins families, the Chicago Housing Authority is disappointed in the verdict and we are reviewing our options.

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HARTFORD, Mich. (WOOD)  A federal jury has convicted a Chicago man for his role in an elaborate scheme to steal $700,000 from a West Michigan casino.

The Office of the U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Michigan announced Friday that Jesus Gaytan-Garcia has been found guilty of transporting stolen money across state lines and theft from an Indian tribal organization.

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The charges stem from an incident on July 30, 2023, when someone called the Hartford Four Winds Casino and spoke with an employee there. The caller falsely claimed to be the tribal chairperson and said he needed the money to make an urgent payment. Investigators say a supervisor of the casinos cash cage gathered the money and followed the callers instructions, delivering the money to two people in Gary, Indiana.

Evidence led investigators to Gaytan-Garcia, who was believed to be one of those two people. They found a bundle of cash inside his home that included a paper band with the date of the robbery and the word Hartford.

An evidence photo released by the U.S. Attorneys Office shows some of the money stolen from the Hartford casino in July 2023.

Deputies: Family out $95K due to unlicensed contractor

The casino employee was initially charged with embezzlement for her role in the incident, but those charges were later dropped.

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The Nevada Gaming Control Board had issued a warning about complex phone scams just weeks before the incident. The calls appear to come from internal casino numbers and can use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of high-level executives. The crooks convince workers to break security protocols and bring money to an off-site location.

No sentencing date has been set yet for Gaytan-Garcia.

Van Buren County deputies warn public after scam nets $15K

In a statement, Totten thanked the investigators with the FBI and with the Pokagon Tribal Police Department for their work in the case.

This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams, Totten stated.

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  A minor is in the hospital in life-threatening condition after a water rescue in Winston-Salem, according to the Winston-Salem Fire Department.

Officials were told around 5 p.m. about three minors playing on a frozen pond in the area of 4000 Duck Pond Court, according to WSFD Assistant Chief Andrew Gray.

Two minors were taken out of the pond by a water rescue team and taken to the hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time.

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The third minor was taken to a hospital in life-threatening condition.

The High Point Fire Departments dive team helped with the rescue.

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For the fourth presidential election in a row, voters casting ballots in Colorado's congressional contests tilted toward candidates from the same party whose presidential nominees carried their districts, though in most of the seats won by Republicans, the ticket-mates diverged significantly.
BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government "has never and will never" require companies or individuals to collect data for or provide data to it in a way that violates the law, China's foreign ministry said on Friday.

The ministry spoksperson was responding to a question about six Chinese companies including TikTok, Shein, Xiaomi, which have been named in a privacy complaint filed by Austrian advocacy group Noyb claiming the firms were unlawfully sending European Union user data to China.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
China hawks in Congress are standing behind their law to force TikTok to divest or be banned in the U.S. after the Supreme Court ruled it constitutional Friday. But they are hopeful the president-elect will cut a deal to avert the app shutting down.

Hopefully theyll figure out a way to get it sold, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told POLITICO. Asked whether President-elect Donald Trump should enforce a ban, he said, I would think so.

Fridays decision to uphold the law comes two days before a ban is set to take effect on Jan. 19. However, Trump has vowed to save the app and is hosting TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his inauguration. TikTok is also sponsoring an inauguration partyfor MAGA influencers.

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Trump said he spoke to Chinas leader Xi Jinping about the issue Friday and expected to solve many problems together. He wrote later that everyone must respect the Supreme Court decision. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation, he added.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked Trump on Friday in a video statement on the platform.

"We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform  one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content, Chew said, adding, more to come.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said her agency welcomed the decision, and nodded to the uncertainty over the ban. "The next phase of this effort  implementing and ensuring compliance with the law after it goes into effect on January 19  will be a process that plays out over time, she said in a statement.

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White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden will not enforce the ban that imposes massive fees on platforms that continue to host TikTok.

Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, she said in a statement.

On the Hill, Republicans threaded the needle between support for the laws aims and openness to a deal that could avert a ban.

Theres a real national security issue here that I think Congress has made clear after looking at the issue that has to be addressed, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Asked whether the Trump administration has authority to postpone the ban, Rounds told reporters, They do. They have the power to extend it  I believe the time period is 90 days  if there is a legitimate reason, such as a pending sale. But I would think there would have to be a legitimate reason for that.

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Others gave the incoming administration less wiggle room even as Trumps nominee for attorney general Pam Bondi refused to commit to enforcing the TikTok law at her confirmation hearing this week. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters that U.S. app store providers like Google and Apple need to comply with the law and stop hosting the app.

Beijing-based ByteDance has said it would not sell TikTok. However, billionaire Frank McCourt said Friday he had a formal offer on the table to buy the app. His offer would not include the underlying algorithm that has made the app so popular with its users  and that Chinese law bars from being exported.

We are ready to work with the company and President Trump to complete a deal, McCourt said in a statement. Together, we can transition TikTok to a clean tech stack and turn this national security problem into a big win for Americans.

Some Democrats mounted a failed effort this week to get Biden to extend the deadline, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) who said he called the president, and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) who proposed to extend the deadline via a bill that fizzled. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) appeared sympathetic to TikTok, telling reporters, Targeting one company makes no sense. We need a level set of rules for all social media companies.

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told POLITICO on Friday that its more than possible, its likely and legally should be done for Biden to still use the extension, even as the law is set to take effect over a weekend and requires him to certify progress on a sale to Congress. He said he previously spoke to Biden officials, making his views known, but that it would be tricky to reach anyone in the Biden administration on the Friday before the inaugural.

He also gave a pass to the White House decision to not enforce a ban right away. I would be fine as long as the requirements of the law are followed, Blumenthal said. Some kind of certification or declaration as to the reason that it's not enforced. In other words, not just ad hoc 'we're not going to enforce the law.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters I think we always expected we might need an extra 90 days, adding if there are serious bidders, I hope the ByteDance management will get serious now as well.

But others in the party sounded a clear note of hostility to the app.

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House Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said, I urge ByteDance to recognize that it's time to sell TikTok. Spending lavishly to celebrate the President-elect's inauguration, and sending the CEO to sit on the dais does not change federal law or override a unanimous decision by the highest court in the land.

Pallone and TikTok sparred on X Thursday, with the TikTok team telling Pallone, you want to silence and censor over 170 million Americans' right to free speech.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) sounded a tone of frustration at the company saying, TikTok has no one to blame but themselves for this outcome.

No matter how TikTok spins this, its clear they cannot or simply refuse to sever ties with the Chinese Communist Party, he said in a statement. It should disturb every single American that they chose this path instead of working to divest and keep the app operational in the United States.

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One intriguing voice on the TikTok issue was Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trumps pick for secretary of State and previously a strong backer of the ban. On Friday, Rubio told reporters, I hope theres a deal on the table.

Asked whether Trump has authority to not enforce the law, Rubio said, On the 19th, he has 90 days if there's a deal on the table to purchase TikTok and added, I don't know what he's going to do. You have to ask them, but I'm just telling what the law is."
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas population shrank for the third straight year in 2024, even though births rose slightly, underscoring a persistent long-term risk for the economy.

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The total number of people in China fell by over 1.39 million to 1.408 billion last year, according to data released by the National Statistics Bureau on Friday.

Around 9.54 million babies were born, which is 520,000 more than the year before. This bump might be partly due to the belief that the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac is lucky for having children. Even so, it was the second-lowest number of births since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949.

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Many couples who delayed childbearing during the three years of the Covid-19 pandemic chose to have babies in 2024  that is the main cause of the uptick, said He Yafu, an independent demographer. But I estimate the number of newborns will drop in 2025.

For much of the world, China had long been the most populous country, but decades of restrictive family planning policies, rising childcare costs and changing social norms have slowed its birth rate dramatically. The number of newborns has been falling steadily since the 1960s, except for a brief uptick in 2016 as the government relaxed its one-child policy.

The latest population decline widens Chinas gap with India, which overtook it as the most populous nation in 2023. The South Asian nation is now approaching 1.45 billion people, according to United Nations estimates.

Bloomberg Intelligence forecast that Chinas population will shrink to 1.36 billion by 2035, a level not seen since 2012, though that may be delayed if couples could be persuaded to have more babies. In October, authorities pledged to better support families with multiple children, including by helping with housing, health care and employment.

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Chinas demographic challenges could eventually hurt the nations economic prospects as a shrinking workforce puts a strain on growth. Additionally, an expanding elderly population would pile more pressure on the underfunded pension system.

Last year, China said it would gradually raise the retirement age for the first time since 1978, despite the public disgruntlement the decision caused.

--With assistance from James Mayger.

(Updates with additional context from fifth paragraph)

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The Chinese foreign ministry says Vice President Han Zheng will attend Donald Trump's inauguration.

The Trump team said in December that it had invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but Xi will not attend.

Foreign heads of state do not usually attend US presidential inaugurations.

China's foreign ministry says it is sending Vice President Han Zheng to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.

The Trump transition team said last month that it had invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the event. The move came as a surprise given that foreign heads of state usually do not attend US presidential inaugurations.

"China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday morning local time announcing Han's attendance.

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The statement said China is "ready to work with the new US government to enhance dialogue and communication" and "jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship."

The White House, Trump's transition team, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and the Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

'A channel of communication'

International relations experts told BI the move to send Han to Trump's inauguration is a positive sign for the US-China relationship.

"Han's attendance is significant, and even though the vice president does not really wield political power, it is still consequential, and he certainly will be able to play the role of an interlocutor and a channel of communication," Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at the Nanyang Technological University, told BI.

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"Symbolically, the presence of Han for Trump's inauguration is also important to underline that political communication and cooperation is possible despite the campaign rhetoric and threat of tariffs," Loh added.

Han's visit to the US also allows China to "respectfully accept Trump's invitation without sending too strong of a signal or doing anything overly unconventional," said Austin Strange, associate professor at the University of Hong Kong's department of politics and public administration.

"China's government prefers a better, more stable relationship with the United States, and it can signal an initially friendly posture to the new administration, without making any concrete commitments, by sending a representative such as Han," Strange added.

Ian Ja Chong, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, told BI that while Han's presence suggests "respect for Trump and the invitation," he isn't a member of China's Politburo Standing Committee, the Chinese Communist Party's top decision-making body.

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"That insulates the CCP and the Politburo Standing Committee somewhat from blame should US-PRC relations not turn out as the CCP and Xi would prefer," Chong said.

"The PRC is willing to accord respect to Trump and set relations on a positive footing, but are not ready to engage with the Trump administration on substantive issues at the inauguration," he added.

Trump made tariff threats on the campaign trail

US-China relations have been tenuous since Trump's first term, with both the Trump and Biden administrations imposing tariffs on China.

In May, President Joe Biden announced an increase in tariffs on Chinese-exported steel, aluminum, medical products, and electric vehicles.

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Those tariffs could be ratcheted up even further when Trump takes office. During his campaign, Trump said he plans to impose tariffs of more than 60% on Chinese goods entering the US.

In November, Trump said he plans to impose an additional 10% import tariff on Chinese goods unless China does more to curb the inflow of fentanyl into the US.

In January, Trump said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that his representatives have been speaking to Xi's staff.

"I had a great relationship with President Xi. It was very solid, very strong, very friendly. He's a strong man, a powerful man," Trump told Hewitt in an interview that aired on January 6.

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"He's certainly revered in China, but they are having problems and I think we will probably get along very well, I predict, but you know it's got to be a two-way street," Trump added.



Business leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos , Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, and Shou Chew, are planning to attend Trump's inauguration on January 20. Meanwhile, US companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, have made $1 million donations to Trump's inauguration fund.

Read the original article on Business Insider
When Donald Trump returns to the White House, hell be accompanied by a coterie of China hawks, all vowing to use tariffs and export bans to stop Beijing from challenging the United States supremacy in technology.

This isnt entirely new; China has faced such trade pressure since Trump first became president in 2017, and it has continued through the Biden administration.

But the scale of what Trump now proposes  he has mentioned tariffs of up to 60% on goods from China  has some commentators suggesting that it could, in the words of one analyst, keep Beijing on the defensive and permanently transform the rivalry in Americas favor.

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Such a view is premised on the belief that Chinas outdated, state-subsidized, manufacturing-for-export model is ripe for disruption by U.S. tariffs.

But as someone who has studied Chinas technology since the early 2000s and written and edited two books on China and innovation, I believe this portrayal of Chinas economy is at least two decades out of date. Chinas technological sectors have grown rapidly after 2016 by adapting to the imposition of American tariffs. Indeed, since the trade war launched by Trump in 2017, Chinese technology has actually emerged as a world leader.

Chinas tech ascent

Thirty years ago, China barely had internet access, and its best technology company was yet to produce a competitive personal computer domestically. Fifteen years ago, it was the worlds factory  stuck at the low end of the value chain assembling iPhones and other tech gadgets, but not able to make any high-tech parts itself.

Even with the best crystal ball in the mid-2000s, no Chinese planners could have predicted the pathways to Chinas technological standing today.

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Fast-forward to today: China is now ahead of rival economies across broad technological fields. The think tank Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found in a 2024 report that China is leading or globally competitive in five out of nine high-tech sectors  robotics, nuclear power, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and quantum computing  and rapidly catching up in four others: chemicals, machine tools, biopharmaceuticals and semiconductors. A Bloomberg analysis similarly identified China as leading or globally competitive in 12 out of 13 technology-intensive industries. And the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found China leading in 37 of 44 critical technologies it tracked.

Why has the Chinese tech industry advanced so quickly? Many in Washington believe its the result of decades of careful government planning to dominate global high-tech industries. But this, I believe, vastly overestimates Beijings foresight and control. The Chinese government has indeed maintained the lofty goal of catching up with the West since the 1980s, but having goals isnt the same as being able to execute them.

An employee produces semiconductor chips at a factory in Chinas Shandong province on Jan. 15, 2025. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Many in the West also point at Chinese state subsidies propping up domestic tech firms. While subsidies have played a role in some tech successes, the Chinese government has also funded plenty of failures. Take semiconductors, for example: Despite enormous Chinese government investments since the 1990s, China still lags in producing cutting-edge chips and is reliant on imports.

Dare to D.R.E.A.M.

In my view, Chinas technological dynamism didnt come from the magic of central planning, but through five key elements I call D.R.E.A.M..

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D denotes the dialogue between state and market.

While Chinas government wields significant power, the countrys private sector is neither submissive nor powerless. In 2022, firms not owned by the state  mostly private firms but also offshore firms in which Beijing does not have a controlling share  accounted for 95% of enterprise R&D spending and 88% of urban employment.

While Beijing has cracked down on tech giants  it banned Alibabas Ant Group from listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2020, and its COVID-19 lockdown hurt its private sector  the government is not, contrary to how it is seen by many in the West, bound by strict ideology. It has recently started to voice more support for the private sector, even drafting laws to protect private companies.

Indeed, its more accurate to describe state-market relations in China as dynamic, adaptive interaction  more dialogue than dictatorship.

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R refers to the domestic research and development (R&D).

Once reliant on imported technology, China has invested heavily in domestic research capacity over the past 20 years. Geopolitical tensions accelerated a shift toward self-reliance, but Chinese scientists and engineers remain deeply engaged in global networks.

Further, a nominally anti-espionage program brought in under Trumps first administration has swelled the number of highly skilled workers in China. The China initiative introduced by the U.S. Justice Department in 2018 promoted the suspicion  often without evidence  that Chinese and Chinese American scientists might be spying for Beijing, resulting in a flood of leading scientists heading back to China. There they continued to undertake cutting-edge research and educate a new generation of Chinese scientists.

E is for the industrial ecosystem China can exploit.

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Chinas vast manufacturing base enables rapid creation and scaling of new technologies. In 2023, China produced 35% of the global gross manufacturing output, being the only country covering all major industrial sectors.

China may not have the innovative ecosystem of Silicon Valley, which can draw on deep venture capital and a booming stock market. But it has built comprehensive supply chains over the years, and its exceptionally good at repurposing them to rapidly bring new products to market.

Take the example of robotics. China took the robotics industry seriously only when labor costs rose sharply. In 2010, Chinas manufacturing labor costs were about $2 per hour, similar to the Philippines or Vietnam; by 2022, that figure rose to about $8 per hour  more than double the average of Southeast Asian countries.

China now installs more industrial robots annually than the rest of the world combined, and the quality of its robots has grown by leaps and bounds.

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A stands for accumulative changes.

Rather than aiming for novel breakthroughs, Chinese companies excel at incremental improvements  and this results in an accumulative transforming effect. The massive manufacturing networks create opportunities to improve upon existing products based on market feedback, rather than a few brilliant ideas from any leaders creative mind.

Analysts in the U.S. have long expected Chinas rampant intellectual property violations to doom its innovation drive, the thinking being that it takes away the impetus for individuals to innovate if they believe such innovations will be stolen. Instead, as Taiwanese tech expert and writer Kai-Fu Lee has explained, Chinese enterprises can be dynamic and innovative in an environment with less IP protection. They often rapidly expand their market share and build business ecosystems to prevent followers from catching up.

M means the middle market.

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Chinese firms tend to target middle-income consumers, both domestically and globally. By prioritizing affordability and functionality over cutting-edge innovation, they avoid head-to-head competition with Western giants such as Apple.

Chinese smartphone brands such as Xiaomi and Oppo are a third to half the price of an iPhone, but with similar functionalities. Chinese electric vehicles are similarly far less expensive than Tesla but still incorporate leading features.

Chinese firms tolerate lower profit margins, as they can rely on the expanded sales in the middle market, both domestically and, increasingly, overseas.

A JIDU 07 electric car draws attention at the 2024 China International Auto Show in Tianjin, China, on Oct. 3, 2024. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Tariffs as a counterproductive measure

The problem for the incoming Trump administration is that while tariffs might alter the global map of Chinas manufacturing and exports, they wont dismantle any of the D.R.E.A.M. elements. In fact, they could have the opposite effect of accelerating Chinas push for self-reliance and strengthening its foothold in global middle markets.

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Part of the problem is that American policymakers often see technological competition with China as a zero-sum contest. But technological competition isnt like a race with distinct lanes and a finish line. Rather, tech transformation is a complex process in which countries and companies compete, collaborate and build on each others work.

Ultimately, Americas technological prowess wont be measured by how much it manages to stop China, but by how successfully American companies can address humanitys greatest challenges. Attempts to hobble the competition through tariffs and trade wars will do little toward that end.

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: Yu Zhou, Vassar College

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Yu Zhou 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.
Chinese and Thai police have worked together to detain 12 members of a crime ring accused of kidnapping six victims in Thailand and trafficking them to Myanmar as part of an employment and telecoms scam, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

The report came a day after Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to crack down on cross-border telecoms fraud.

The victims in the case include Wang Xing, a Chinese actor who earlier this month flew to Bangkok where he expected to work on a film production but instead was kidnapped to the city of Myawaddy in Myanmar, a notorious hub for scams.

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A model and a lighting engineer were among the other victims, according to Xinhua.

Wang's case caused public outcry after his girlfriend posted on social media that he was missing. Several celebrities shared her post, which drew wide attention to the actor's ordeal. Wang was later rescued and returned to China.

Wang's story sparked a flood of reports on Chinese social media about similar cases, with many users claiming their friends and relatives had also disappeared near the Myanmar border after being tricked into travelling to Thailand.

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In response, China's Ministry of Public Security said earlier this week that it had deployed security authorities to investigate the cases of citizens who had gone missing abroad.

The ministry added that it would carry out investigations regarding missing citizens and coordinate efforts with China's foreign ministry and its embassies and consulates to rescue citizens trapped overseas.

Citing the Ministry of Public Security, the Xinhua report said the crime ring had posted false recruitment advertisements for actors, models and crew members in several WeChat groups and lured those who responded to Thailand. The victims were then taken to Myawaddy, where they were sent to various scam compounds.

"A number of recent online cases in which the persons concerned have been lost or trapped outside the country have been linked to this criminal ring," the report said. It added that investigations into related cases and further arrests were in progress.

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On Thursday, while meeting 10 envoys from Asean countries in Beijing, top diplomat Wang said the "vicious" cases, which involved online gambling and telecoms fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border, had threatened and harmed the vital interests of Chinese citizens.

He added that "relevant countries" should take responsibility and adopt strong measures to crack down on telecoms crime.

He said China was willing to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on law enforcement and security with Asean countries to create a safe environment for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation among neighbouring countries.

During the meeting with Asean countries, Wang also affirmed China's support for multilateralism.

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He said China was willing to work with Asean and like-minded countries to promote equal and orderly world multipolarity, inclusive economic globalisation, and the creation of a more just and rational global governance system.

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) - China's Vice President Han Zheng will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Chinese state news agencies said on Friday, with Beijing ready to enhance dialogue with the new U.S. administration.

Han's participation in the Washington, D.C. event comes at the invitation of the U.S. side, China's national television broadcaster reported.

"We are ready to strengthen dialogue and communication with the new U.S. government, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations," China Central Television (CCTV) said.

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"China has always viewed and developed China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

China is prepared "to find a correct way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," CCTV said.

Trump said on Jan. 6 that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been communicating through representatives, expressing optimism about their relationship.

Trump has named numerous China hawks to key posts in his incoming administration including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state.

He has also said he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl. He threatened tariffs in excess of 60% on Chinese goods while on the campaign trail.

(Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue and Jacqueline Wong)
(Reuters) -U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer was hacked and unclassified files were accessed as part of a broader breach of the Treasury Department by Chinese state-sponsored hackers, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The computers of two of Yellen's lieutenants, Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith, were also breached, the report said.

The hackers accessed fewer than 50 files on Yellen's machine, Bloomberg said.

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The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for a comment.

The hack, what the Treasury called a "major incident", happened in December when Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached the department's computer security guardrails by compromising third-party cybersecurity service provider BeyondTrust, according to Treasury officials.

"China has always opposed all forms of hacker attacks," Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said at the time.

(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and Christopher Cushing)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, but he is sending Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative.

The decision, announced Friday in China by the foreign ministry, came more than a month after Trump extended the unusual invitation to Xi, a break from tradition since no heads of state have previously made an official visit to the U.S. for the inauguration.

We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relations and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other," the ministry's spokesperson said when announcing the decision.

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Other foreign leaders have spoken about being invited to Trump's inauguration, including Argentinian President Javier Milei and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. The offices of Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena have also said they were invited and were planning to attend.

Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center, said the move by Xi means China is willing to forego protocol and cater to what Trump wants."

It indicates that China is willing to talk, negotiate and make efforts to reach deals, Sun wrote.

Danny Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Beijing is hedging by sending Han instead of Xi.

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Zero chance that Xi Jinping would allow himself to be potted plant at Donald Trumps triumphal coronation. At the same time, ensuring that China extends enough courtesy to avoid bruising Trumps ego, Russel wrote. Han's mission, the former American diplomat said, is symbolic, not substantive.

The dispatch of Han comes as the U.S.-China rivalry is set to intensify. Several of Trump's nominees for key Cabinet positions are known China hawks, including Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who's nominated as secretary of state. Rubio called China the most potent, dangerous and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, when members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged Rubio to make countering China a top priority.

Beijing prefers leader-level talks, which it believes could help guide the bilateral relations, while Trump likes to deal with world leaders directly.

As president, Xi has traveled abroad for state visits and summits. But he did not attend the coronation of King Charles III, nor did he go to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II or the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Instead, he sent vice presidents. Han was his special representative for King Charles III's coronation. When Trump invited Xi to the inauguration in December, it was widely believed that Xi was unlikely to come.

___

Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., contributed to this report.
Colorado's GOP caucus in Washington, D.C. and Republicans at the state Capitol in Denver sharply criticized news that Canadian wolves have been brought into the state over the weekend, decrying the move as "rushed" and the reintroduction program as "dysfunctional."
By Laurie Chen

BEIJING (Reuters) - From economic pessimism to cynicism about Marxism and fears over the potential for war, Chinese and American users of RedNote took part this week in rare candid exchanges that tested the limits of censorship on the Chinese social media platform.

The app, also known as Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book in China, has seen a surge of new U.S. users at a time of heightened geopolitical tension between the two world powers.

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The influx of nearly 3 million U.S. users at the start of this week has been driven by a looming U.S. ban on Chinese-owned TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans, on national security concerns.

The wave of American "TikTok refugees" provided China with a public relations win that state media seized upon. China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing supports people-to-people exchanges. People's Daily said American social media refugees had "found a 'new home'".

"Domestically (in China), a popular narrative has emerged: the idea that Americans coming to Xiaohongshu have broken out of their own echo chambers," said Rose Luqiu, a journalism professor at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Many popular discussion threads on Xiaohongshu in recent days have touched on subjects that are normally taboo in China.

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"I feel lost. Trying to find the meaning of life. I don't like my job, but I need salary," wrote one Chinese user.

Another Chinese user answered a question about fears over the future: "Probably not allowed to talk about it here but a lot of us worry about the potential war (over Taiwan)."

Analysts have speculated how much longer this rare loophole can stay open. The platform has been scrambling to boost English-language moderation capabilities, people familiar with the company have told Reuters.

RedNote, a 12-year-old private company seen as a potential IPO candidate, has not commented on the exchanges since the number of American users surged this week.

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Posts in recent days have ranged from the trivial to candid discussions of mental health, gender and sexuality, as well as China's current economic downturn, that are usually heavily censored on domestic Chinese platforms such as Weibo.

China controls the internet through a system known as the "Great Firewall" and social media posts are routinely censored when deemed detrimental to national interests. Foreign social media networks such as Instagram and X are blocked, a system that has created a captive market for domestic alternatives.

One English-language post on Xiaohongshu asking Chinese people about their mental health attracted more than 4,000 comments before it was taken down Friday.

"As an undergraduate who has just graduated, my peers are worried they can't find a job or are oppressed at work... in my high school, suicides happen every year," wrote one user.

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Rush Doshi, an expert on China and a former senior Biden administration official, wrote on X that RedNote had become "almost a tunnel under the firewall to reach PRC citizens directly," a development he said poses a challenge to Beijing.

'REMEMBER OUR LOVE AND TRUST'

Despite the candour to be seen in some areas, some U.S. users complained on X of being unable to view certain content or having account restrictions after posting about politically sensitive topics, including LGBT issues.

"Americans are used to very clear and transparent rules, and they cannot accept the censorship system within the Great Firewall," wrote former WeChat politics blogger Lao Zhou Heng Mei on X, adding that this was a "honeymoon period" for American users.

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Chinese users said they were aware the candid exchanges may be short-lived.

"If there really is a force majeure that cuts off our contact again, we must remember our love and trust in each other at this moment," read one message widely shared on the app in English and Chinese.

"And in the future if there are defamatory insults against each other, we can firmly say to ourselves: 'what we saw is not like this.'"

(Reporting by Laurie Chen; Additional reporting by Kevin Krolicki and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Frances Kerry)
This is an adapted excerpt from the Jan. 16 episode of All In with Chris Hayes.

In 1961, outgoing Republican President Dwight Eisenhower delivered his farewell address to the nation, as all presidents do. But as a former World War II general and outgoing commander in chief, his included quite a prescient warning:

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex, Eisenhower said. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted.

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I think its fair to say history has since vindicated Eisenhower but, at the time, this warning shocked people. The so-called military-industrial complex spent the following six decades consolidating power and influence in Washington to an extent that is, I believe, genuinely damaging to our democracy.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden delivered a farewell address of his own and, in an explicit nod to Eisenhower, offered a scorching warning about the new concentration of power we are seeing unfold before our eyes:

Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead. Im equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that can pose real dangers for our country as well.

It was genuinely wild to hear Biden describe an oligarchy from the Oval Office. Its something that Sen. Bernie Sanders has been talking about for decades. Its the type of thing you usually hear from the mouths of folks further to the left than Biden.

As journalist Brian Stelter noted, searches for the term spiked after Bidens speech. The Associated Press even published an explainer of what, exactly, an oligarchy is. In short, an oligarchy means rule by a very small group of very wealthy folks.

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Its not a word that you hear applied very often in this country, at least not by the nations most powerful politicians. When Americans do think about oligarchs, they think about what has emerged in post-Soviet states, like Russia, where leaders are surrounded by a handful of obscenely wealthy men who effectively control entire industries and act with total impunity, with the explicit or implicit permission of the actual government.

Those kinds of governments, basically without exception, make the lives of their citizens miserable because they destroy the mechanisms of democratic feedback that allow for flourishing nations.

They concentrate power, which in turn leads to abuses of power, as Biden warned. Its that very concentration of power, in fact, that many of the most influential framers of our Constitution feared most.

In Federalist 47, James Madison warned: The accumulation of all powers  in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many ... may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.

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President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear he wants to concentrate power around him. His billionaire tech bro buddies appear to be down with this plan as long as they get to be in the inner circle. They want to be the American oligarchs.

This week, we got word that Apple CEO Tim Cook will be joining the ranks of the billionaires at Trumps inauguration. Along with Amazons Jeff Bezos, Metas Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAIs Sam Altman, among others.

Elon Musk, naturally, will be at the inauguration as well, as he is already operating as Trumps co-president with his own independent authority. Hes calling the shots on congressional budget negotiations, he will be working within the White House complex, according to The New York Times, and, reportedly, hes running off-the-books prisoner swap negotiations with Iran.

To be clear, a handful of unelected tech bros should not be running our country just because they are giving lots of money to Trump. While all of this might seem abstract right now, there are many things these men  and they are all men  want from this government.

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The process of governing is about prioritizing competing interests between different people and factions. When it comes down to a scenario where theres competing interest between whats good for Bezos or Zuckerberg or Musk and whats good for you, who do you think is going to win that fight?

Allison Detzel contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Like many celebrities, Chrissy Teigens culinary brand, Cravings, made a generous donation of $100k to support displaced families after the devastating Los Angeles fires. In an Instagram post, Teigen and her brand released a joint statement that they are heartbroken by the devastation the recent fires in LA have caused. In addition, they sent love and support to the victims of the tragic event who lost their homes and their communities, sharing details about joining the efforts to help people begin to recover and rebuild.

Chrissy Teigens Cravings donates $100K towards helping people recover and rebuild

As LA begins to rebuild its communities, Chrissy Teigen and her culinary brand Cravings donated $100K to organizations working toward fire relief efforts. Teigen and Cravings wrote in the note that they are heartbroken by the damage and destruction these recent wildfires in California left behind. They also sent their thoughts to the victims whove lost homes and others actively working on the ground to contain these flames or volunteering to provide necessary help to the people.

Cravings, claiming to be an LA-born and bred brand, stated that food is central to their label and that it signifies family, and family means home. It then declared its desire to show up for our LA community in a way that reflects those values before revealing the $100K donation to organizations across the city.

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The post listed the organizations, such as the World Central Kitchen, the YMCA, the LA Regional Food Bank, and the Red Cross, which will use the funds to fulfill much needed supplies and most importantly  food. These contributions, the brand assured, will help people begin to recover and rebuild. With that, it announced its commitment to being part of the long-term effort to help rebuild their beloved communities.

Besides making the LA fire relief fund donation, Chrissy Teigens Cravings thanked first responders, organizations, and volunteers. It further acknowledged their hard work assisting day and night to serve our community and extended a helping hand, noting, Were with you.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fires in LA burned over 40,000 acres. These flames first sparked on January 7, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, burning countless homes and neighborhoods, and continue to burn even now.

Originally reported by Nikita Mahato on Mandatory.

The post Chrissy Teigens Cravings Makes $100K Donation Towards LA Fire Relief appeared first on Reality Tea.
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  The Christian County Health Department issued a warning on Friday after someone recently impersonated a health inspector.

The Health Department said on Facebook that an individual tried to conduct an inspection at a local business, but this person was not affiliated with the CCHD. Officials did not say when or where the impersonation took place.

Danville Election Commission under review for potential Open Meetings Act violations

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Our health department inspectors will always arrive with official identification, officials said. If you encounter anyone claiming to be a health inspector and you do not recognize them or they do not have proper credentials, we strongly encourage you to take immediate action.

Officials recommended the following steps if someone encounters an unrecognized inspector: ask for identification, like a badge or government-issued ID, and call both the Health Department and local law enforcement.

The Christian County Health Department is committed to maintaining the safety, health and trust of all our community members, officials added.

The Health Department can be reached by calling 217-824-4113.

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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 WCIA.com.
Former deputy prime minister and finance minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland has decided to run for leader of the Liberal Party. The new leader will head the Canadian government after Justin Trudeau's resignation.

Source: European Pravda citing a post by Freeland on X (Twitter)

Details: In a brief message, Freeland said she was "running to fight for Canada", adding that she would officially launch her campaign on Sunday, 19 January.

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As yet there are no details of where and when the politician will personally announce her bid for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Background:

On 6 January, Justin Trudeau announced that he would step down as Liberal Party leader and prime minister once a replacement was found.

Trudeau will remain prime minister until 9 March, when his successor will be named.

Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada who oversaw economic development throughout Trudeau's tenure, has indicated his intention to run for the Canadian Liberal leadership.

The reconstituted Liberal administration is unlikely to survive long. It is expected to call early elections by the end of March which, according to opinion polls, the Conservative Party are likely to win.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 33-year-old man who admitted to molesting young girls and possessing a mountain of child sexual abuse material was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.

Antonio O., Medina Jr., of Chula Vista, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of lewd acts on a child and one count of possessing CSAM, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a news release Thursday.

Investigators found more than 1,000 videos of child sexual abuse material, as well as an old laptop that contained videos taken by himself molesting nine different girls between the ages of 4 and 9 from 2011 to 2015, according to prosecutors.

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Gas leak repair prompts closure of North County school

During the investigation, authorities were able to identify some of the victims and prove that the jurisdiction of the crimes allowed San Diego to prosecute them.

This child predators reign of terror has come to an end, and he will spend the next 20 years in prison for his horrific crimes of harming girls as young as 4-years-old, Stephan said. Child molesters, who are often trusted people within families, harm children in the worst way, stealing their innocence and causing years of trauma and pain. They usually dont stop until they are discovered and stopped by law enforcement. We want victims of child molestation and their families to know that coming forward and reporting allows justice to prevail and stops these predators from hurting any other child.

Child sexual abuse can cause victims to suffer higher rates of school difficulty, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, eating or sleeping disorders and suicide.

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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 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A CIA employee who was accused of leaking classified documents about Israel's plans to strike Iran pleaded guilty on Friday to criminal charges that he willfully retained and transmitted national defense information, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

In pleading guilty, Asif William Rahman, who worked at the U.S. intelligence agency since 2016, acknowledged that he illegally downloaded, printed and distributed classified information on multiple occasions, including several in 2024.

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In the spring of 2024, he printed five documents that were labeled as secret and top secret from his work computer and took them home, court records in the case said. He then reproduced and altered them and shared them with people who were not legally entitled to receive them. To hide his conduct, Rahman deleted his activity from his electronic devices, brought the records back to work and had them shredded.

A second time, in the autumn of 2024, the court filings said he printed another 10 documents with a top secret classification, took them home and shared them with others.

Then on Oct. 17, 2024, he printed two more documents related to plans by a U.S. ally to strike a foreign adversary, the court records said.

Those documents, which entailed plans by Israel to strike Iran, later appeared online after a pro-Iranian Telegram account called "Middle East Spectator" published them.

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This case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Rahman, 34, is from Vienna, Virginia, and was arrested in Cambodia, according to court records. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington; Editing by Nia Williams)
Lt. Gen. Valeriy Kondratyuk had come to Washington, D.C., with a mission: to persuade American intelligence agencies to trust him.

It was 2015, a year after Russia had seized Crimea and started a war in eastern Ukraine. It was still six years before Russia would move to its full-scale invasion, but the front-line in eastern Ukraine still smoldered amid a poorly observed ceasefire agreement. General Kondratyuk was the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency. Convinced Ukraines future was with the West, he wanted the United States to help strengthen his agency to better hold off Russia. But so far he had found American intelligence wary.

To change that, he believed he needed a bold gesture. That was why his luggage was stuffed with top-secret Russian military documents.

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Kondratyuk said he brought the documents to meetings with senior American intelligence officials in Washington.

"I was like, 'Holy s---!'" a former U.S. official told ABC News. "And he's like, "'Yes, we have a gift.'"

PHOTO: Recruits from Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence examine a target after shooting training. (ABC News)

Kondratyuk's visit to Washington was part of a remarkable story: how since 2014 the CIA and Ukraine's intelligence services secretly forged a deep partnership, transforming them from former Cold War enemies into one of the U.S. agency's most trusted partners.

This account of the partnership is based on interviews with former U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence officials, including Kondratyuk, with knowledge of how it developed. Some of the officials have been granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

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The partnership, according to those former officials, has been essential to Ukraine defending itself against the Kremlin. It also gave the U.S. an extraordinary window into Russias military and its political decision-making, thanks to Ukraine's former closeness to Moscow.

"They went from being zero to one of our most important partners, up in the realm of the Brits," a former U.S. official told ABC News. "Their access was so significant. Here was the best friend of the Russians for many, many years. They knew things we just, frankly, had no idea of."

PHOTO: Lieutenant General Valeriy Kondratyuk, former head of Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence (2015-2016), speaks to ABC News in February 2024. (ABC News)

The partnership saw the CIA help Ukraine to rebuild its Main Directorate of Intelligence, known by its acronym HUR, which has become renowned for its audacious operations. The CIA eventually directed millions of dollars in funding to help train and equip Ukrainian intelligence officers, and to construct facilities, including around a dozen secret forward-operating bases on the border with Russia. The two services also began conducting joint operations together around the world, the highest level of trust for intelligence services, according to the former U.S. officials.

"It's unprecedented," Sir Richard Dearlove, the former chief of Britain's MI6 intelligence agency, told ABC News.

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The development of the partnership was first reported in-depth by The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Some of the former American and Ukrainian officials said they were speaking out now because they believed it was vital for American lawmakers to understand the benefits the partnership that Kondratyuk first helped build has brought to the U.S. as well as Ukraine.

"This is something that the American Congress needs to know. What they have done as a service -- and what Valeriy [Kondratyuk] has done personally -- has saved the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. Maybe even billions of dollars," said a former U.S. official.

PHOTO: Members of the SPG-9 anti tank recoilless gun crew fire onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, Aug. 14, 2023, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images, FILE)

Once Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022, CIA intelligence sharing, in particular targeting information, became crucial for Ukraine. American-trained Ukrainian special forces also caught advancing Russian troops by surprise, according to current and former Ukrainian and U.S. officials.

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"It was ground-breaking how we rebuilt that service. And the payoff came in the early days of the war," said one of the former U.S. officials. "The HUR special operations guys were able to hit the Russians hard and hit them in ways that they didn't expect. And that was the result of the years of investment from the agency in particular, said the official.

Asked to comment for this article, the CIA referred to remarks by the agencys director William Burns during an on-stage interview in October.

Im really proud of the record of the agency Burns said in the interview with The Cipher Brief. I'm proud of the work that CIA has done with our colleagues in the intelligence community to help the president build a strong coalition of countries to support Ukraine, to help the Ukrainians defend themselves.

'Let's help the Ukrainians be Ukrainians'

The origin of the CIA partnership traces back to 2014, nearly a decade before Russia's full-scale invasion, amid Ukraine's "Revolution of Dignity."

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In February 2014, months of mass protests and violent clashes with security services culminated with Ukraine's Kremlin-backed president, Viktor Yanukovych, fleeing to Russia.

PHOTO: Far-right parties and movements activists clash with riot police in front of the Ukrainian Parliament. Ovt. 14, 2014, in Kiev, Ukraine. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

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The countrys new pro-Western government appointed Valentyn Nalyvaichenko as head of Ukraines Security Service, the SBU. Barricades still circled central Kyiv, and government buildings were occupied by triumphant protesters.

Nalyvaichenko arrived at his new agency's offices in Kyiv to find them empty. Much of the SBU's leadership had fled to Russia and Crimea.

"I was absolutely shocked," Nalyvaichenko told ABC News in an interview in Kyiv. "Nobody in. My predecessor fled to Crimea. His first deputy fled to Russia. It was totally compromised and destroyed," said Nalyvaichenko.

PHOTO: Protesters clash with police after gaining new positions near the Independence square, Feb. 20, 2014, in Kiev, Ukraine. (Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Even worse, he said, officers from Russia's FSB intelligence service had been working directly inside the SBU's cybersecurity department. They had taken databases listing Ukraine's military and security officers with them.

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On the spot, Nalyvaichenko said, he decided that night to call the U.S. and British embassies directly from his abandoned office, and to ask for help.

The Americans and British quickly agreed, according to Nalyvaichenko, setting up a training program in combat tactics for SBU officers. That was the beginning.

"We could feel a palpable change on the Ukrainian side," said a former U.S. official. "There were those of us on the agency side who were like, 'Hey, this is something to exploit. We need to change with it. Let's help, you know, the Ukrainians be Ukrainians.'"

'Man, this is legit'

But initially, the U.S. was cautious, knowing that Ukrainian intelligence was deeply penetrated by Russia. The military intelligence agency, HUR, in particular, was seen as an unpromising candidate for collaboration.

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That began to change with the appointment of Kondratyuk as head of HUR in 2015. He took it upon himself to convince the Americans to help him rebuild his agency. First, he reached out to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, but he found they remained too wary. So he turned to the CIA.

"Convincing them that we were worth it, it was not easy," said Kondratyuk. "So I decided to go ahead, without receiving anything, but simply giving."

That was how Kondratyuk decided to surprise American officials with the trove of Russian documents gathered by Ukrainian intelligence during the trip in 2015. The documents he brought included top-secret plans of Russian weapons, military capabilities.

The move worked. CIA analysts began vetting the intelligence provided by Ukraine, still cautious it could have been maliciously supplied by Russia. But the U.S. confidence in the material rapidly grew.

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"He decided that the West is our future. So he essentially started opening the files," said a former U.S. official. "And, you know, as this stuff adds up and as it checks out, people are going like, 'Man, this is legit.'"

The partnership was also boosted by the arrival in Kyiv of a new CIA station chief, who developed a close relationship with Kondratyuk and believed the Ukrainians offered a historic opportunity for the CIA.

The new station chief, who had a white beard, was affectionately dubbed "Santa" by the Ukrainians.

PHOTO: A reconstruction of an interview with a former U.S. official, who spoke to ABC News about the partnership between the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence. (ABC News)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's seizure of Crimea, combined with his ambitious modernization program for Russia's armed forces, had to change how the U.S. government viewed Moscow. Officers within the CIA began arguing that the U.S. needed a more robust effort to understand Russias military, fearing Crimea could be a dry run for a larger war.

The intelligence the Ukrainians were providing bolstered their arguments for supporting them. They were sharing information on Russian decision-making, classified designs for new Russian weapon systems, electronic warfare technology, as well as their order of battle, the former U.S. officials said.

"The Ukrainians were providing us with the kind of intelligence that we could show it to our superiors and say, 'Hey, they're earning this. This isn't a handout,'" said one of the former U.S. officials.

"In the end of the day, we needed the Ukrainians as much as they needed us on Russia," said the former official.

Operation Goldfish

From 2016, the collaboration picked up speed. The CIA started providing secure communications technology, as well as training to Ukrainian officers in combat and espionage tactics. Ukrainian officers were brought to a European country for field training with officers from the CIA and Britain's MI6, according to Kondratyuk. The training included how to operate as a case officer in Russia and in occupied Ukraine.

"Secure communications, tradecraft, just basic street stuff," said a former U.S. official. "Because these guys heretofore had been trained using the old Soviet and Russian intelligence methods."

The CIA also eventually helped Ukraine equip a dozen forward-operating bases along the Russian border, from where the Ukrainian officers gathered intelligence, monitoring Russian communications and sometimes launching covert operations, according to Kondratyuk and former U.S. officials.

PHOTO: Recruits from Ukrianes Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) are seen training in 2024. (ABC News)

Hanging over the project always was the risk of Russian infiltration. Even after Ukraine's independence, Ukraine and Russia's spy services had remained deeply entwined, Many older officers had been trained in Moscow and some even remained close friends with their former Russian comrades. That closeness was both an asset and a liability.

To guard against Russian penetration, Kondratyuk compartmentalized new teams within HUR, recruiting for them only officers under 30, with no memory of the Soviet Union and who only knew an independent Ukraine.

Such officers made up a new commando unit trained by the CIA, called Unit 2245, that would become known for its audacious operations behind Russian lines and overseas, according to Kondratyuk. An officer from the unit, Kyrylo Budanov, is now the head of HUR.

PHOTO: Head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov attends the 'Ukraine Year 2024' forum, Feb. 25, 2024, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images)

The CIA and Ukraine also established a training program, called "Operation Goldfish". The name derived, Kondratyuk said, from a post-Soviet joke about an untrustworthy Russian-speaking fish.

The program trained Ukrainians to pose as Russians, not only in Russia but in third countries around the world in joint operations with the CIA. The Ukrainians were able to pass as Russians, creating remarkable opportunities for access and recruitment, former Ukrainian and U.S. officials said.

The speed the partnership developed at was exceptional, the former U.S. officials said

"It was a magical time, said a former U.S. official. We went from analytical exchanges to raw information exchanges to training. I think at the end of that year, we were starting joint operations. That usually takes a decade or more. And we did it in one year."

'So many red lines'

But, even as the partnership grew rapidly, White House officials under the Obama administration -- and later the Trump and Biden -- remained wary, worried the collaboration could provoke Russia, according to Kondratyuk and former U.S. officials.

The Administrations national security leaders wanted the partnership to focus on intelligence gathering and the CIA was forbidden from assisting the Ukrainians in conducting lethal or sabotage operations targeting Russia, the ex-officials said.

The restrictions frustrated the Ukrainians. Convinced Russia was already preparing for a larger invasion, Kondratyuk and others pushed to conduct sabotage operations into occupied Crimea and into Russia itself, with the aim of pre-positioning explosives for example. Such plans horrified the Obama administration, which demanded the Ukrainians not go through with them, former U.S. and Ukrainian officials said.

"We always had to you know respect those red lines. But they hated that we had so many red lines," said a former U.S. official.

PHOTO: A member of the Ukrainian special forces is seen while a gas station burns after Russian attacks in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 30, 2022. (Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

In 2016, without informing the Americans, Kondratyuk sent the U.S.-trained Unit 2245 on a mission to Crimea to plant explosives at a Russian helicopter base. The mission went disastrously awry, resulting in a gun battle with Russian special forces, reportedly killing several, and prompting Putin to publicly threaten retaliation.

The mission outraged the Obama White House. Joe Biden, then Vice President, called Ukraine's president Petro Poroshenko, to express the administration's unhappiness. Biden told him it had caused a "gigantic problem" and warned Poroshenko "it cannot come close to happening again," according to audio from the call that was later leaked by a pro-Russian Ukrainian MP.

The U.S. anger lost Kondratyuk his position as HUR chief. The partnership with the CIA, however, continued.

A first line of defense

When Russia invaded in 2022, the Biden administration lifted many of the restrictions on the CIA's operations in Ukraine, according to current and former U.S. officials.

CIA officers were authorised to remain in Ukraine as Russia attacked. They were still not permitted to directly kill Russians, but they were now authorized to assist Ukraine with targeting information.

PHOTO: A Ukrainian medic with the 28th Brigade runs through a partially dug trench along the frontline, March 5, 2023, outside of Bakhmut, Ukraine. (John Moore/Getty Images, FILE)

As Russian columns advanced over the border, CIA-trained HUR special forces units, operated behind the lines, sending intelligence on Russian troop movements and attacking them. Ukrainian agents had also planted explosives on train lines and logistics points and left weapons caches inside Russia and occupied Ukraine.

"All these guys were the first line of our defense, which met Russia in the first day of invasion," said Kondratyuk.

'Just Russian propaganda'

Putin has publicly long insisted Ukraine is controlled by the CIA and was becoming a beachhead for NATO forces, using the claims as justification for his invasion. Some have alleged the CIA partnership with Ukrainian intelligence was a provocation to Putin, giving him a pretext for the war.

Kondratyuk, who arrived in Washington all those years ago with luggage full of secrets, dismisses those claims, describing them as Russian propaganda. Putin, he said, invaded Ukraine because he wanted to dominate it.

PHOTO: A Ukrainian soldier of an artillery unit fires towards Russian positions outside Bakhmut, Nov. 8, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Bulent Kilic/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

"This is just Russian propaganda, manipulation in order to somehow justify this inhuman and terrible invasion of another country," he said. "Our cooperation did not provoke. It only strengthened our ability to resist Russian aggression."

Nalyvaichenko, the former SBU chief, who is now a member of parliament, said Ukrainians had sought support from the U.S. because they knew it was the best chance to retain their independence from Russia.

"We have only two options: for us to be in Russia, being dissolved, occupied with the KGB back," he said. "The other option is to become a democratic country, with democratic special services. We made our choice."

How the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence secretly forged a deep partnership originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Has passive protest become so unpopular that destructive behavior is becoming the norm for addressing cultural grievances?
Millions of periodical cicadas will emerge again from the soil this spring in 13 states across the eastern U.S., according to researchers. The 17-year Magicada cicadas come out of the soil in spring when the trees have grown their leaves.

cicadas on tree

Periodical Brood XIV cicadas are set to return to the following states sometime in May: Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

cicada map

The insects start to emerge when the soil beneath the ground layer reaches 64 degrees, according to researchers at the University of Connecticut.

Experts say a warm rain often is the trigger for their emergence.

These cicadas have a 17-year life cycle, so we havent spent time with this brood since 2008.
(KRON)  Loads of cigarette boxes, narcotics and illegal firearms were recovered after an armed robbery, the Antioch Police Department announced on Thursday.

More than $20,000 was stolen in an armed robbery. According to Antioch PD, the Oakland Police Department assisted in the retail bust. Multiple theft suspects were identified.

Photo: Antioch PD Photo: Antioch PD Photo: Antioch PD Photo: Antioch PD

Richmond man driving fake CHP car arrested in Marin County

Officers also recovered more than $6,000 in cash, a gold watch and ammunition, according to an image provided by Antioch PD.

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Police conducted a search of a property that they say led officers to recover six illegally possessed firearms, body armor, stolen property and narcotics.

The department did not confirm the date of the armed robbery or the search or where the theft occurred. However, Antioch PD posted about the investigation on Thursday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially banned Red Dye No. 3, but how will it affect your favorite Queen City foods?

The decision to remove the dye that gives food and drink a bright, cherry-red color is in response to a color additive petition filed in 2022 by advocates who claim Red Dye No. 3 is linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children, USA TODAY reports.

Manufacturers who use Red Dye No. 3 in food have until Jan. 15, 2027, to change their products, according to Wednesday's FDA announcement. Those who use the dye in drugs have until Jan. 18, 2028.

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But are there any Cincinnati foods that contain Red Dye No. 3? What about your favorite Kroger items? Here's what to know.

Manufacturers who use Red Dye No. 3 in food have until Jan. 15, 2027, to change their products.

Graeter's Cotton Candy ice cream contains Red Dye 3

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Graeter's cotton candy ice cream flavor contains Red Dye No. 3. However, Sara Walters, senior director of public relations for RMD Advertising, which represents Graeter's, told The Enquirer that the company will replace the Red Dye 3 with another ingredient before the 2027 deadline and has no plans to recall the product before then.

Does Barq's Red Cream Soda contain Red Dye 3?

No, Barq's Red Cream Soda does not contain Red Dye 3. The popular Cincinnati beverage is made with Red Dye 40, per its nutrition label.

Does Skyline Chili have Red Dye No. 3?

No, Skyline's canned original chili does not contain Red Dye 3 or any other artificial colors.

Do Grippo's Bar-B-Q chips have Red Dye No. 3?

No, Grippo's Bar-B-Q flavored potato chips are not made with Red Dye 3 or Red Dye 40.

Which Kroger products contain Red Dye 3?

Here's a list of some of the Kroger-branded products that contain Red Dye No. 3. For a full list, visit fdc.nal.usda.gov.

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The Enquirer reached out to Kroger to see what its plans are for products containing Red Dye No. 3 and is awaiting a response.

Which Meijer products contain Red Dye 3?

Meijer's Deluxe Gala Mix Hard Candy, Assorted Mini Cupcakes with Sprinkles, and Rainbow Sprinkles Ice Cream Topping are among the company's branded products that contain Red Dye No. 3. For a full list, visit fdc.nal.usda.gov.

Which Aldi and Target products contain Red Dye No. 3?

Target's Favorite Day Red Sanding Sugar, Valentine's Day Vanilla Mini Cupcakes, Valentine's Strawberry Dipping Kit with Edible Glitter Drink Mix-In, Valentine's Day Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies, and Favorite Day Cotton Candy Ice Cream are among the company's branded products that contain Red Dye No. 3.

The USDA also lists several Aldi-branded products that contain Red Dye 3. However, nutrition labels are not available on the Aldi website, therefor a full list of ingredients, including the usage of Red Dye 3, could not be verified at this time.

What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine, is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. According to the FDA announcement, the additive is commonly used in candy, cakes and cupcakes, frozen desserts, frostings and icing, and certain ingested drugs.

What is the difference between Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40?

Despite some similarities, Red Dye No. 40 is not the same as Red Dye No. 3, Women's Health Magazine reports. Red Dye No. 40, also known as Allura Red, is a different chemical than Red Dye No. 3. However, both dyes are synthesized from petroleum.

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Red Dye 40 was first registered with the FDA in the 1970s and is one of the most popular food dyes used in the U.S.

Research into the effects of Red Dye 40 is still ongoing, the magazine adds.

Contributing: Chad Murphy, Ohio Connect Team.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: These Kroger, Target items contain Red Dye 3
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was arrested after he was accused of exposing his genitals to children on a school bus in Citrus County.

The Citrus County Sheriffs Office said several children told their parents about the incident, which happened Tuesday afternoon.

Supreme Court gives green light to law that could ban TikTok

The students reported seeing a man exposing himself in a car next to the bus, according to CCSO. A child submitted videos of the incident in a tip to FortifyFL.

A detective identified the man as Freddy Parisi, 36, who he was familiar with from doing sex offender checks as a patrol deputy. Parisi was arrested and charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition.

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If you see something unusual or concerning, say something! The students exemplary use of FortifyFL and the parents follow-up reporting allowed the sheriffs office to quickly identify and apprehend this offender, making our community safer for students moving forward, Citrus County School District Chief of Police Rachel Montgomery said in a statement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The City of Odessa released a statement to residents amid growing frustration of the water billing system not working properly.

According to the City of Odessa, computer issues have affected more than 43,000 water billing customers, including over 5,600 accounts enrolled in Auto-Pay who can see payment being taken from their respective bank account, but cant see it posted on the citys website. The City said while this is extremely frustrating, officials are working to get the two systems back up and talking to one another, which is why some new bills are not appearing on line and some payments are not posted.

Odessa restores utility billing system, delays late fees, shutoffs

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The City said to make it easier to get in touch, officials have set up an email where you can send your concerns. You can send an email to bcemail@odessa.gov and include the following information:

Your name

Your Account Number or Address

Your phone number

A Description of the issue or concern

The City said, due to the high volume of emails, to allow up to five business days for officials to research and reply to any issues you may have. The City added that you will not be charged a late fee and your water will not be turned off.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The City of Savannah received backlash from business owners at Wednesdays public feedback meeting, after releasing a 90-day walking tour pilot program.

The pilot, starting Feb. 1 will restrict all walking tours south of Liberty Street starting at 10 p.m. and all other tours will have a 1 a.m. cut off.

Brigid Pitts, owner of The Witching Hour Paranormal Ghost Tour, attended all three public feedback meetings and said this will ultimately hurt businesses.

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Most of us are really, truly struggling, like were not making, you know, $500,000 a year, Pitts said.

Pitts and Dylan Jones both agree that the new regulation is problematic.

I was quite confused because Savannah is a city that is built on tourism for its haunted reputation, Jones said. So, to curtail tours by 10:00 [p.m.] is going to spoil the hundreds of thousands of visitors that purposely come to Savannah each year to seek out our ghost stories.

News 3 is told Wednesdays meeting was by far the most heated after business owners got the impression that the pilot would be paused from a meeting held on Monday. The city has decided to continue with the pilot.

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Temperatures are pretty high because its their livelihood, Alderman Detric Leggett of District 2 said. I understand that. But, at the same time, when we were given this pilot, it was a pilot that not only spoke to the industry, but it spoke to the quality of life for the people that live within this area.

With these adjustments, the city said folks that live south of Liberty Street should get some relief from noise, crowds, and blocked sidewalks.

The issue that I face with this is its not necessarily the tours that are going to be the bigger problems, Pitts said. Its going to be whether you have people coming in trying to have a good time. How are you going to separate the two if you have a bachelorette or bachelor party going around having a good time or just regular people that are in a flock, a group. Then you also have a tour company, where does that fine line end?

During the duration of the pilot, businesses must follow the rules or they will be fined. Some people at the meeting voiced that they will not follow the rules as a sign of protest.

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City officials said they will continue to work with its citizens along with business owners to make sure there is a balance.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Louisiana State Police for years have used excessive force during arrests and vehicle pursuits, a statewide pattern of misconduct that places the public at serious risk of harm, according to a scathing report released Thursday by the U.S. Justice Department.

A broad civil rights inquiry, announced in 2022 following an Associated Press investigation, found troopers' use of stun guns particularly concerning, and that troopers have used force on people who do not pose a threat or a flight risk," often because they are restrained. It cited systemic failures in supervision and chronic underreporting of force.

We also found that troopers use excessive force to immediately control encounters, often within the first few moments of encountering a person and without giving the person a warning or an opportunity to comply, the report said. Additionally, LSP uses excessive force on people who run from troopers, even when that person is only suspected of a misdemeanor.

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The findings were released two days after federal prosecutors said they would not bring charges in the deadly 2019 arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene, ending a lengthy probe into the white state troopers who stunned, punched and dragged Greene on a roadside following a high-speed chase outside Monroe, Louisiana.

Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, blasted the report as an attempt to diminish the service and exceptionality of LSP.

We will not let that happen, Landry said in a statement. The reputation of our men and women in blue is one of respect, admiration and appreciation, and we will always have their back.

Col. Robert Hodges, the state police superintendent, told troopers in an internal email obtained by AP that the isolated incidents highlighted in the report are not a fair assessment of todays Louisiana State Police or our agencys incredibly proud history and culture.

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The pattern-or-practice inquiry followed AP reporting that found Greenes arrest was among at least a dozen cases in which state troopers and their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings, deflected blame and impeded efforts to root out misconduct in the agency. In one case, a white trooper pummeled a Black man 18 times with a flashlight following a traffic stop, leaving him with a broken jaw, broken ribs and a gash to his head.

The state police withheld body-camera footage of Greene's death for two years, but the AP published it in 2021. The video showed troopers swarming Greene even as he appeared to raise his hands, plead for mercy and wail, Im your brother! Im scared! Im scared! Troopers repeatedly jolted Greene with stun guns before he could even get out of the car, with one of them wrestling him to the ground, putting him in a chokehold and punching him in the face. Another called him a profanity.

The 32-page report alleges that Greene's death demonstrated serious failures that were not isolated but part of a larger pattern or practice of law enforcement conduct that deprives people in Louisiana of their rights under the Constitution."

The report cites one case in which a trooper slammed a bar patron to the ground merely for failing to provide his ID quickly enough. "Rather than explaining the reason for the request or trying to persuade the man to cooperate," the report says, "the trooper immediately grabbed the mans arm and forced him to the ground, injuring his nose."

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The Justice Department also examined whether state police engage in racially discriminatory policing but made no findings at this time as to whether that contributed to the misconduct.

The report recommends  but does not mandate  a long list of remedial measures, while also crediting the agency with making much-needed reforms after video of Mr. Greenes death became public."

More reforms are needed to remedy the unlawful conduct we found," the report says.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP)  Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, are donating an initial $15 million in emergency funding for people affected by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

The Ballmer Group announced the donation Thursday on its website, saying it will go toward addressing immediate food and shelter needs in the community and supporting first responders.

We love L.A. and are committed to supporting the communities affected by the devastating wildfires, the couple said, adding the donation would help particularly in the historic, racially diverse community of Altadena.

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The Ballmer Group also is behind FireAid, a concert to be held Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, which is also owned by Ballmer.

We understand there will be a long road to recovery for the LA region and remain committed to supporting the community, the couple said.

Their donation covers four wildfire relief funds, two emergency shelters and emergency housing funds, two food and basic needs groups, two first responder groups, and nine groups that support basic needs for students and families.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officials say there is some encouraging news in its 2024 Public Safety Report.

Despite arrests being up 5%, for a total of about 15,000, overall crime was down 3% compared to the year before.

2024-eoy-graphics-2Download

That includes a 4% decrease in property crime, though a 3% increase in violent crimes offset that.

Auto thefts were down in 2024, including a 15% reduction in Kia and Hyundai thefts that were blamed on social media.

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CMPD is also reporting another decline, of 88%, in street takeover events, and they say juvenile crime was down overall last year, by 9%.

Chief Johnny Jennings says plans are in the works to free up more officers to be able to respond to calls.

Im proud of the men and women who worked so hard to lower crime across the city, but also for the way they came together during our worst day on April 29 after losing four officers including one of our own, Officer Joshua Eyer, in the line of duty, said Chief Jennings. We learned a lot about each other in 2024. We are a close group and a resourceful one. Each day, our officers are out trying to make the community safer, and the data shows they are doing an excellent job providing the type of service our neighborhoods need.

The department is also announcing a plan to do something about a recent string of shootings into homes with people inside.

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Officials say the program will offer cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest for those types of incidents.

See the full 2024 Public Safety Report below:

CMPD-Releases-2024-Public-Safety-Report_-Overall-Crime-Down-3-Charlotte-Mecklenburg-Police-DepartmentDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE: CNN reached a settlement with a security consultant this afternoon, hours after a jury found the network liable for defamation and awarded him $5 million.

Judge William Henry announced the settlement as jurors were deliberating in the second phase of the trial, to determine how much in additional punitive damages to award Zachary Young, a Navy veteran who filed the lawsuit last year. He was featured in a 2021 report on the exorbitant fees being demanded on the black market to evacuate Afghans during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal.

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A CNN spokesperson said, We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.

Earlier, the Florida jury today found CNN liable for defaming Young. The jury awarded $4 million in damages related to Youngs loss of earning potential and another $1 million for pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience and injury to reputation.

CNN also was found liable for punitive damages, which raised the prospect of the network having to pay out a much larger sum.

CNN aired the story from Alexander Marquardt 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.

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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 judge had left it up to the jury to decide whether the use of the term black market meant illegal or criminal activity. The deliberations started shortly before 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.

During the trial, Marquardt defended the piece, as did other CNN staffers who worked on the segment. They said that they never accused Young of any crime, and used his own words in the piece. The term black market was not in the story itself, but appeared on the chyron, but Marquardt said that he supported the use of that term as well.

After the piece ran and Young began a legal challenge, CNN aired 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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But in his closing argument, Youngs attorney, Devin Velvel Freedman told jurors that the networks on air apology was a lie.

Every single CNN employee got up on this stand and told you that they thought black market was accurate, he said. Each of them paraded a uniform lie that they thought to term black market meant an unregulated market. Each of them conveniently told you that they understood the word to mean the opposite of every single dictionary.

He argued that the story cast Young as an illicit profiteer, when in fact he didnt take money from Afghans and worked with corporations and non profits to fund evacuations.

Freedman told jurors that the story ruined Youngs career and reputation. He cant function anymore, and they did it. You saw him break down on the stand. We talked about the relationship with his wife, his inability to be intimate with her, and in speaking out loud for the first time, that hes just not the same man that she married.

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No man or woman should have to endure the pain, and certainly not because they want clicks and views.

But CNNs attorney, David Axelrod, told jurors they were being instructed to look at the words in context. Its the wild, wild west. Some people were taken out and killed. People were using safe houses. People were flying under the radar. People were avoiding the Taliban. You couldnt just go to the airport. Black market was a perfect way to describe that. Thats what it was used for, and thats the way it was understood.

He also added, If the black market was used to talk about the secondary market for Taylor Swift tickets, would anybody say that was criminal?

Axelrod, who is no relation to the political commentator, said that the report was factual and used Youngs own words, as he asked for $14,500 per evacuee. Axelrod also noted that there was a dearth of evidence to support Youngs claims or lost work and reputation.

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Jurors also were shown text messages during the trial giving them a glimpse of the newsgathering process. In one, written about 10 days before the story ran, from Marquardt wrote to another CNN staffer, We gonna nail this Zachary Young motherf*cker.

Youngs legal team has tried to make the case that the text and others were evidence of malice, but Axelrod argued that the Marquardt and others involved in reporting the story showed restraint. During the trial, Marquardt said that they found that Young told one woman to f-off and told another seeking to get someone out of the country to run for the border and see how far they get. But those comments werent included in the finished story.

The trial, Axelrod told the jurors, was about the truth of this case. Its not about sending a message.

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By Jack Queen

(Reuters) -CNN reached a settlement on Friday with a U.S. Navy veteran who helped evacuate people from Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrew from the country in 2021, a judge said on Friday, hours after a jury found the TV news outlet liable for defaming him.

The six-person jury decided CNN had to pay damages totaling $5 million. The settlement will avert a second phase of the trial that would have determined any punitive damages. The verdict followed a two-week trial in Panama City, Florida, state court.

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Circuit Judge William Henry did not provide details of the deal in announcing the settlement in open court.

Plaintiff Zachary Young sued CNN in 2022, accusing the Warner Bros Discovery unit of destroying his reputation in a segment on The Lead with Jake Tapper by branding him as a profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans by charging exorbitant fees.

CNN stood by its story and denied defaming Young, though the network said in March 2022 that it regretted using the term black market to describe Youngs work.

A CNN representative said the network remains proud of its journalists but "will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case." The representative declined to offer details of the deal.

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Young's lawyer Vel Freedman said in a statement that he was very pleased to clear Young's name, obtain punitive damages and settle the case.

Young, wearing a dark suit and blue tie, smiled as Henry thanked the lawyers for their work before dismissing them.

The case stems from Youngs work as a security consultant helping corporations and charities extract people from Afghanistan after the Taliban swiftly took back control following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal.

In a segment on The Lead, CNN said desperate Afghans trying to escape the country were being exploited with exorbitant and impossible fees charged for evacuations.

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The segment turned to focus on Young, displaying his name and photo next to a chyron saying evacuees faced a perilous black market.

The sum and substance of the segment states and implies that Young marketed evacuations directly to Afghan citizens, that he exploited Afghan citizens, and that he sold them illegal goods/services on a black market, Young said in his lawsuit.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and David Gregorio)
CNN defamed a U.S. Navy veteran in a 2021 report portraying him as illegally exploiting Afghans by charging exorbitant fees to be evacuated in the aftermath of the U.S. military withdrawal from the country, a jury has found.

A Florida jury on Friday awarded Zachary Young, a security consultant who said the story destroyed his business and reputation, $5 million after a nine-day defamation trial, The Washington Post reporter Jeremy Barr, who was onsite for the trial, reported. Following the verdict, a settlement was reached to resolve the entirety of the case before jurors calculated punitive damages, which is intended to punish malicious conduct and couldve added millions more to the total award, for an unspecified amount.

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The decision could signal the publics perception of CNN, which didnt immediately respond to a request for comment, as President Donald Trump comes into office after years of denouncing the network for allegedly biased coverage.

We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case, said a network spokesperson in a statement.

The disputed segment opens with Jake Tapper describing the U.S. governments evacuation of citizens. He goes on to say Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demand of exorbitant fees, and no guarantee of safety or success. The segment then switches to CNN chief security correspondent Alex Marquardt describing the situation of a man located in the U.S. whose family remained in Afghanistan and said that he found people on Facebook charging $10,000 per person to be evacuated. Marquardt stated that according to Afghans and activists weve spoke with, desperate Afghans are now being exploited because of the exorbitant and impossible amounts charged, pointing to a LinkedIn post from Young advertising his services and chat logs between him and people inquiring about his business.

Young, a security consultant for major defense contractors residing in Austria who served in the Navy and CIA, in 2022 filed the defamation lawsuit, arguing that the segment set up the false narrative that he illegally took advantage of the situation. He denied the assertion and said that he only assisted U.S. corporations and charities, which paid up to $14,500 for his services, that wanted to extract certain people from the country.

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Threatened with legal action by Young, CNN issued an on-air apology, issued a retraction and removed the segment, as well as all references to black markets made in relation to him. Network executives testified during the trial that a correction wasnt necessary.

Young said the story rendered him unemployable since maintaining his security clearance involves investigations to identify criminal activity and financial difficulties. He sought at least $15 million.

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CNN has told anchor Jim Acosta that they want to move him from his morning ET slot to midnight ET, a less high profile time period where cable news networks have traditionally run reruns of programming from earlier in the day.

Acosta has anchored a 10 am. ET show for almost a year, having moved from a weekend time slot. Acosta was told earlier this week that the network wanted to make the move as part of an anchor shuffle, according to a source. Status newsletter first reported on the potential move.

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During Donald Trumps first administration, Acosta was one of the most recognizable journalists on the beat as CNNs chief White House correspondent. The president, irate over Acostas and the networks coverage, often got into testy exchanges with him or berated him at press conferences and other events. At one point, the White House sought to revoke Acostas hard pass, and the network challenged the move in court. A federal judge sided with CNN and ordered the administration to return the pass.

Acosta has continued to feature critical coverage of Trump in his morning hour. On Thursday, he ended his show with a defense of a free press that paraphrased one of Trumps frequent attacks on the media. We are not the enemy of the people; we are the defenders of the people, Acosta said. Word of the proposal to move Acosta sparked some pushback on social media, particularly on Bluesky, the platform where many disaffected Twitter users have migrated since it was purchased by Elon Musk.

When CNNs CEO Mark Thompson made the proposal to Acosta to move his show, the anchor told him that the timing appeared to be suspicious. His ratings have held up in the time slot and, according to Status, he was told that the move was not for audience reasons or for the content of his show. CNN is reportedly mulling other changes to its lineup, including moving Wolf Blitzer to the morning with Pamela Brown.

CNN declined to comment. A two-hour show starting at midnight would reach a primetime audience on the West Coast, and the show would likely be based in Los Angeles. With the networks global footprint, the show would be aired in the mornings in Europe and in the afternoon in Hong Kong.

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CNN was ordered Friday to pay $5 million for defaming a security contractor in a 2021 story about desperate Afghan refugees seeking to flee their country.

The contractor, Zachary Young, sued in 2022, alleging that his livelihood was destroyed after the network accused him of operating in a black market.

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The jury found that CNN had defamed Young and ordered the network to pay $4 million for his loss of income, plus another $1 million in other compensatory damages. The jury also found CNN should have to pay punitive damages.

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On Friday afternoon, CNN and Youngs attorneys reached a settlement on the punitive damages award. The settlement amount was not immediately announced, but it relieved the jury from the obligation of reaching a separate verdict on that issue.

The trial lasted two weeks in Panama City, Fla., on the Florida Panhandle. The jury deliberated for about seven hours before reaching its verdict Friday morning.

Kyle Roche, Youngs attorney, thanked the jury for its verdict, saying that Young feels heard in a way he hasnt for three years.

Before the settlement was announced, Roche urged the jury to punish CNN where it hurts  the bottom line.

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They treated him as guilty until proven innocent, Roche said. They labeled him as a criminal for their own benefit.

David L. Axelrod, CNNs attorney, told the jury that he was disappointed in the verdict. He urged the jury to limit its punitive damages award, noting that the network is not unredeemable. He also argued that the networks worth is in subtle decline, given the headwinds faced by the entire media industry.

Roche had urged the jury to send a message to the mainstream media by holding CNN liable.

Reckless journalism is un-American, Roche said in his opening statement. Its dangerous, and if media companies engage in theater in the newsroom, Americans will hold them accountable in the courtroom.

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CNNs lawyers defended the coverage as tough but fair and accurate.

The trial revealed numerous internal communications among CNNs reporters, in which reporter Alex Marquardt referred to Young as a mf-er and vowed to nail him. Another CNN employee said that Young had a punchable face.

The CNN report told of Afghans who were seeking to escape the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Young advertised his services on LinkedIn, charging $14,500 per person in some cases. CNN argued that amount was far beyond what a typical Afghan could pay. The piece included about a minute on Young. CNNs defense team argued that the references to Young relied almost entirely on his own words.

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CNN will have to fork over at least $5 million to a U.S. Navy veteran after it lost a defamation trial in Florida on Friday.

A Panama City, Florida, jury ruled that CNN had defamed security contractor Zachary Young when it aired a 2021 report that said he was part of a black market that price-gouged those attempting to flee Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrew from the country.

CNNs lawyersand many of its employeesargued it viewed the term as unregulated markets, not criminal ones, according to The Washington Post.

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The six-person jury awarded $5 million to Young, who claimed the Nov. 2021 CNN report ruined his professional reputation.

The jury also awarded Young punitive damages. CNN subsequently reached a settlement with Young, the trials judge confirmed Friday afternoon, averting further legal proceedings to determine the extent of these damages.

In a statement shared with the Daily Beast, a CNN spokesperson said, we remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.

Youngs attorneys had told the jury the case could allow them to send a message to media companies over such reports, claiming they had the opportunity to move the pendulum back toward sanity in our media.

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CNNs lawyers argued the stories on the withdrawal were carefully vetted by multiple employees, who had also sought comment from Young.

Neither story accused Mr. Young of doing anything illegal, CNN attorney David L. Axelrod said. He is not related to CNN political commentator David Axelrod.

The two-week trial in the heavily conservative Florida city saw many CNN employeesincluding chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt, who produced the storytestify they did not intend to damage Youngs reputation and found the final report to be accurate.

After Youngs attorneys complained to the network about the report at the time, CNN aired an apology to him and retracted the report. But network executives told Youngs attorneys they didnt feel the correction was necessary.

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It is unclear whether the defamation case could test the actual malice standard that gives news outlets leeway to make mistakes in the course of reporting, particularly if the network appeals the ruling. But the case follows a series of litigation efforts against national media outlets, many of which were brought by President-elect Donald Trump and risked testingand imperilingthe standard.

Trump sued ABC News for defamation last year, arguing anchor George Stephanopoulos misled viewers when he claimed Trump was found liable for rape during an episode of This Week.

ABC News and Stephanopoulos defended the segment for months last year before it ultimately settled with Trump for $15 million in December.

Trump has also sued CBS News and the Des Moines Register for reports he claimed were laced with bias, and he vowed last month to continue his spree of defamation lawsuits to combat media biasregardless of whether the reports were accurate.

I feel I have to do this, he said at a news conference last month. It costs a lot of money to do it but we have to straighten out the press.
CNN paid an undisclosed settlement to a U.S. Navy veteran on Friday after a Florida jury found the network defamed him when it implied he illegally profited from helping Afghans flee the country during a 2021 segment on The Lead With Jake Tapper.

The settlement was made while the jury deliberated on how much CNN owed in punitive damages for libel. Earlier in the day, the network was ordered to pay Zachary Young $5 million in compensatory damages.

After the judge announced that a settlement had been reached, one of the jurors asked if they could hear said number. When the judge looked at both CNN and Youngs attorneys and received no response, they replied, Apparently not.

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We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case, a CNN spokesperson told TheWrap.

Young sued CNN in June 2022 for defamation after he said their segment on him destroyed his reputation and his security consulting business, Nemex Enterprises, Inc. The segment, reported by CNN chief security correspondent Alex Marquardt, said Young operated on the black market and exploited desperate Afghans fleeing the country following the U.S. Militarys withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

To leave the country, Afghans were being charged exorbitant, often impossible amounts, Marquardt said before a picture of Young was shown. The segment then said Youngs security company was charging $14,500 per person, or $75,000 for vehicles with passengers, to whisk them out  prices well beyond the reach of most Afghans, Marquardt noted.

The segment then showed Marquardt allegedly attempting to reach Young by phone. Young did not answer, and Marquardt said the veteran repeatedly declined to break down the cost or say if hes making money.

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This became a key point in the trial, as Young claimed Marquardt never made the phone call. Behind-the-scenes footage shown at the trial showed the reporter joking with colleagues it was all theater, per Fox News. Marquardt testified he made the phone call and that the theater claim was just a joke alluding to Saturday Night Live.

Tappers teasers for the segment  which first ran on his show on Nov. 11, 2021  were another important factor in the trial. Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demands of exorbitant fees and no guarantee of safety or success, he said in one of the clips.

On Friday, the Florida jury sided with Young following a nine-day trial. The jury awarded him $4 million in lost earnings and another $1 million in personal damages, and also determined punitive damages could be awarded before the settlement was reached.

Key aspects of CNNs finances were heard by the jury before making its decision. The network, according to financial documents shared in court, saw its net worth nearly sliced in half from 2021 to 23; CNNs revenue also dropped 18.8% during that time, from $2.2 billion annually to $1.8 billion in 2023, the most recent year for which financial figures were available.

The post CNN Pays Navy Veteran Undisclosed Defamation Settlement After Jury Orders $5 Million in Damages appeared first on TheWrap.
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. (KOIN)  Time moves at its own pace in a close-knit community like Junction City.

Theres a train that still regularly chugs through downtown, which is a healthy mix of old storefronts, banks, and local restaurants.

Drive about four miles outside of the town to a little hillside cemetery, and there are the grave markers of Julie and Terry Dade.

Portland-area school employees impacted by data breach

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The couple was brutally murdered 55 years ago.

We like to keep our eyes open and our blinders off and be open to any possibility because it could be something completely different than what were thinking, says David Silano, a retired Lane County detective.

Silano and a handful of other investigators track Lane Countys cold cases, and perhaps no case remains more mysterious than Terry and Julies killing one chilly January morning in 1970.

It feels targeted, in that its pretty violent regarding two people and two locations, said Silano.

Old photos from the 1970 investigation help the set the scene.

Julie and Terry Dade (Lane County Sheriffs Office) The burnt car where Julie was found. (LCSO) Julie Dade (Courtesy: Henry Thompson) Julie and Terry Dade on their wedding day. (Courtesy: Henry Thompson) The Dades old apartment complex.

Around 4:15 a.m. on January 21, neighbors a few blocks away from the Dades apartment woke up to Julie screaming and knocking on their door.

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Witnesses reported a mystery man chased her down, eventually threw her into the back of a station wagon, and told the half-asleep neighbor she was drunk.

About a half hour later, and another half-mile down Prairie Road, a different neighbor woke up to the sound of an explosion and car fire.

Under the burning car, first responders found 20-year-old Julies body.

It took them a few hours to piece together a possible identity, an address and what mightve happened.

Thats when Silano says officers finally rushed to the Dades apartment, only to find 19-year-old Terry dead from blunt force trauma.

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Henry Thompson, Julies brother, remembers all too well hearing the horrific details.

The guy just whaled away on him [Terry] with a pick hammer, said Henry. God, this guy was as cold-blooded as they get.

The couples one-year-old son was left unhurt in his crib, but Henry says the heartache that gripped the family in the days and months to come was almost inescapable.

We had their wedding at the Christian Church in Junction City, and 15 months later after they said their vows and walked on out, they were right back in there in caskets, he said.

Authorities worked the case aggressively from the start by interviewing dozens of neighbors and friends, while chasing down leads.

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KOIN 6 even covered the case, an unheard-of crime for a farming and mill town like Junction City.

But in 1970 no one was thinking about DNA, or even much about crime scene preservation, and Silano says although there were different theories and persons of interest in the months and years that followed, there were no arrests.

Mental illness existed back then. She couldve had someone that was obsessed with her, stalking her, Silano said. Were seeing what was missed. What was overlooked [] Sometimes, it just takes fresh eyes.

Its even possible more than the one mystery man was involved.

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Henry has his own thoughts about who might be responsible but doesnt want to jeopardize any potential breaks in the case.

For now, hes simply hopeful that detectives learn enough to make some kind of determination.

Its what Terry and Julie deserve after five and half decades.

The fear that was in her gets to me, you know what I mean. She was running for her life. It just gets to me. I want her to know Ill never forget her.

Anyone with information on the case can contact the Lane County Cold Case Unit 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 KOIN.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Beach Cold Case Homicide Unit is asking the public to come forward with any information regarding the murder of Karen Ann Wheeler.

On January 16, 1991, a construction worker discovered Wheelers body inside a green canvass military style duffel bag lying in a ditch along the 700 block of General Booth Boulevard.

The bag and body were taken to the State Medical Examiners Office where the death was ruled a homicide.

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Wheeler was a 21-year-old woman, who was approximately 5-foot-1 and 120 pounds with blonde hair, blue eyes and a scar on her left hand. She had last been seen on Nov. 29, 1990.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP)  Six students at Assumption University in Massachusetts appeared in court Thursday to face charges in a connection with an alleged plot to lure a man to their campus and then seize him as part of a catch a predator trend on social media.

The students were arraigned on conspiracy and kidnapping charges, after allegedly ambushing the man upon arrival and trying to hold him against his will. The victim, a 22-year-old active-duty military service member, later told authorities that he was punched when he ran away.

Police, citing Tinder messages between the victim and one of the students, have since determined that victim was not looking to meet underage girls, but rather that he believed he had arranged to meet with an 18-year-old woman.

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Nexstars WWLP obtained court documents which show that Assumption University Police reviewed an October incident of assault and battery reported by Kelsy Brainard, a student at the school. In the statement of facts from Worcester District Court, it was written that Brainard said a man on the schools campus was making her feel creepy, so she texted a friend, Easton Randall, who then chased the man off campus.

In the report, Brainard claimed she did not solicit contact with the man on Tinder and he came to the campus on October 1st at around 10:30 p.m. uninvited.

University officers were not able locate the man on campus early the next day.

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Worcester police, however, had said they were contacted by a man requiring assistance with an incident that happened at Assumption University around the same time. The man, who WWLP can identify as the victim, told police that he was in the area to attend his grandmothers funeral and just wanted to be around people that were happy, according to a campus police report.

The victim alleged he was in contact with Brainard on Tinder, and that she invited him to the campus. Once at the school, he claimed he was led into a building by Brainard before he was ambushed by a group of people, according to the report.

He further alleged that these people called him a pedophile and accused him of seeking out 17-year-old girls for sex. The group allegedly grabbed him to prevent him from leaving, but he was able to break free and run, being chased by approximately 25 people. He told police that he was chased to his car, punched in the back of his head, and that the group kicked his vehicle.

The victim called the police after leaving campus, according to the report.

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Campus video confirms Brainard led the victim into the building, and that the victim was seen a short time later running from a group of students, including Brainard, who were chasing and holding their phones, apparently recording, the report said. The footage, police said, indicated that the group had staged an alleged plot to falsely accuse the victim.

The incident does not appear to be a random occurrence but a deliberately staged event, the Worcester police report reads.

In the court documents, Worcester police said they believed the initial report filed by Brainard was an attempt to falsely lead police to believe a sexual predator was on campus.

A review of Brainards Tinder profile, which indicated that she was 18 years old, had messages between her and the victim that police believe showed no indication that the victim was looking for underage girls to meet.

Kelsy Brainard appears district court as she and four other Massachusetts college students made their first appearance on conspiracy and kidnapping charges in Worcester, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Easton Randall appears at district court as he and four other Massachusetts college students made their first appearance on conspiracy and kidnapping charges in Worcester, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Joaquin Smith appears at district court as he and four other Massachusetts college students made their first appearance on conspiracy and kidnapping charges in Worcester, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Kevin Carroll appears at district court as he and four other Massachusetts college students made their first appearance on conspiracy and kidnapping charges in Worcester, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Isabella Trudeau appears at district court as she and four other Massachusetts college students made their first appearance on conspiracy and kidnapping charges in Worcester, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

The report also indicated that Randall, one of the students, told officers they were inspired by the catch a predator trend, which he said is big on TikTok at the moment. He said their group shared ideas of what to tell the man through the Tinder app to lure him to campus, and then spread word through a dormitory chat group that a predator was in the building, the report said.

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Police identified Kelsy Brainard, Kevin Carroll, Easton Randall, Isabella Trudeau, Joaquin Smith, and a juvenile as the group of Assumption University students involved in the plot.

Kelsy Brainard, an 18-year-old from Holyoke, Mass., was charged with kidnapping, witness intimidation, and conspiracy.

Kevin Carroll, an 18-year-old from Holden, Mass., was charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Easton Randall, a 20-year-old from Jericho, Vermont, was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

Isabella Trudeau, an 18-year-old from Sterling, Mass., was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

Joaquin Smith, a 19-year-old from West Haven, Conn., was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

Juvenile, identity and charges not released due to their age.

The person described by the victim who hit him in the head was identified as a juvenile who is known to police. Another person, who allegedly slammed the victims head into a door, was identified as Kevin Carroll.

Mud, debris slide splits hillside home that survived Palisades Fire in half

Before leaving court, where cameras were turned on them, the teens were ordered to have no contact with the targeted man.

A lawyer for Brainard, Christopher Todd, said, Were just looking forward to having the process play out. The lawyer for Trudeau, Robert Iacovelli, said afterward that shes innocent. He filed a motion seeking dismissal of the charges against her, saying authorities lack probable cause to believe she committed a crime.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombia on Friday suspended peace talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, for a second time in less than a year after blaming the rebel group for recent violence in a northeastern region.

"The dialogue process with this group is suspended, the ELN has no will for peace, President Gustavo Petro said in a post on his X account.

The ELN has been fighting ex-rebels of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrilla group, or FARC, in a region known as Catatumbo, close to the border between Colombia and Venezuela.

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Recently, the ELN has been spreading into rural areas abandoned by the FARC, which agreed a peace deal with the government in 2016.

On Thursday, a former FARC leader accused the ELN of killing at least four demobilized members of the group. Authorities have said that they are investigating other deaths.

What the ELN has committed in Catatumbo are war crimes," said Petro, without giving more details.

The government suspended peace talks with the ELN last September after blaming it for the deaths of two soldiers.

Peace negotiations with the ELN began in November 2022 after Petro took power as the first leftist president and he also launched talks with other armed groups under a policy known as total peace.

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The ELN, which was founded in the 1960s by union leaders and university students inspired by the Cuban Revolution, has an estimated 6,000 fighters in Colombia and Venezuela and finances itself through drug trafficking and illegal gold mines.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) on Friday, after accusing the group of committing a war crime in the Catatumbo region, in the country's Norte de Santander province.

"The dialogue process with this group is suspended, the ELN has no will for peace," Petro said on X.

More than 30 people were killed and over 20 injured in Thursday's attacks, said Norte de Santander governor William Villamizar.

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At least five of those killed were demobilized former FARC rebels who were part of a 2016 peace agreement, the government said. It added that many of the victims were family members of demobilized former fighters and dissident FARC.

Members of Estado Mayor Central (EMC), a FARC dissident faction engaged in separate peace talks with the government, were also attacked, the government said.

The violence, which was condemned by the United Nations, had also led an unspecified number of civilians to be displaced, said the Catholic Church and the government's human rights ombudsman.

Authorities in Norte de Santander are waiting to discuss the situation with Petro, Villamizar said. The government said in a statement that it would deploy 300 more troops to Catatumbo to end the violence, which it blamed on the ELN and FARC dissidents.

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The dissidents are pulling back in the region to avoid confrontation with the ELN, said both the EMC and the government's negotiator in peace talks with the former FARC rebels, Camilo Gonzalez.

Peace talks between the ELN and the government, which restarted in 2022, have been marred by setbacks. In September, the government suspended negotiations a day after an ELN explosives attack killed two soldiers and wounded 29 near the Venezuelan border.

Talks also stalled when the government opened separate negotiations with an ELN splinter group in the southwest, while the ELN resumed kidnappings, bombings of oil pipelines, and attacks on security forces.

Colombia's majority state-owned energy company Ecopetrol said it would restrict work and movements at its operations in Catatumbo, including the Tibu field and Sardinata gas plant.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta and Natalia SiniawskiAdditional writing by Oliver GriffinEditing by Rosalba O'Brien)
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on Thursday announced he filed a lawsuit in Denver federal district court against apartment landlord Greystar.

This lawsuit comes a week after a separate antitrust lawsuit where the U.S. Justice Department sued several large landlords for allegedly coordinating to keep Americans rents high by using both an algorithm to help set rents and privately sharing sensitive information with their competitors to boost profits. Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC was named in that suit.

AG claims Greystar uses deceptive advertising

According to a press release from Weisers office, the AGs lawsuit claims Greystar used deceptive advertising to lure consumers into applying for rental housing, and then fleecing those tenants out of millions of dollars by charging mandatory, fixed fees not included in the advertised price for an apartment.

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The lawsuit said Greystar has allegedly been deceiving consumers since at least 2019 for deceptive advertising and failing to disclose the mandatory recurring fees charged to the tenants.

US Justice Department accuses six major landlords of scheming to keep rents high

The landlord attracts prospective tenants with deceptively low rental prices, but fails to disclose all or most of the hidden fees, the lawsuit reads.

Greystar responded in a statement on its website about the base rent by saying, The FTCs complaint targets a longstanding industrywide practice of advertising base rent to potential residents. The idea that this is done with the goal of hiding fees from consumers is patently false. No resident at a Greystar-managed community pays a fee they have not seen and agreed to in their lease.

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The company went on to say, Greystar, the rest of the industry, and consumers all focus on base rent because it is the standard unit of comparison that people have used for decades to evaluate and compare apartments. This is also why the many technology systems that market apartments are not set up to display all applicable fees or calculate total monthly leasing price in their advertisements.

The lawsuit said the hidden fees varied between properties, but some examples include additional payments for valet trash, package delivery, amenities and pest control. The lawsuit said Greystar tenants must pay for the services even if they do not want nor use them.

Even when Greystar lists the hidden fees before tenants apply, the fee information is confusing and in many cases contradicts other representations on the webpage  and the advertised price excludes the fees. The prospective tenant often cannot see the actual fees or the total amount they are required to pay until they receive the lease, which usually occurs after they have paid an application fee, said Weisers office in a press release.

Weisers office said that even if the prospective tenant notices the fees before signing the lease and withdraws their application, they do not retain their application fee. If the tenant signs the lease and wants to cancel after the fact, the AG said Greystar charges a lease termination fee that can total thousands.

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Weiser said the landlord is violating the Colorado Consumer Protection Act because they allegedly misled prospective tenants about the actual cost of the property.

Because of Greystars deceptive advertising and hidden fees, tenants are on the hook in their lease for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more than they anticipated that their apartment would cost. Through their actions, Greystar is thwarting apartment hunters from comparison shopping and choosing a home that fits within their budget, said Weiser. To the extent that other corporate landlords are not advertising their all-in pricing and are engaging in similar tactics, they are on notice that such conduct is illegal and will not be tolerated in Colorado.

The lawsuit is seeking a permanent injunction, monetary relief and other relief.

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We are confident that, in time, the courts will recognize this regulatory overreach and rule in our favor. In the meantime, Greystar will continue doing everything we can to move the industry forward and improve the resident experience in our communities, Greystar said in response to the lawsuit.

You can read Greystars full comment on its website.

Greystar responds to DOJ lawsuit

After Greystar was named in the U.S. Justice Departments lawsuit, they responded with this statement:

Greystar responded to the amended complaint that was filed today by the Department of Justice (DOJ) which added Greystar and other operators to its lawsuit against RealPage: We are disappointed that the DOJ added us and other operators to their lawsuit against RealPage. Greystar has and will conduct its business with the utmost integrity. At no time did Greystar engage in any anti-competitive practices. We will vigorously defend ourselves in this lawsuit. Greystar

Per the AGs office, Greystar is one of the largest rental housing providers in Colorado and the largest multi-family rental property manager in the U.S.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Colorado will see its coldest temperatures of the winter as a mass of cold air descends on the state from the Artic. But despite the bitter cold, this weather event is not a polar vortex.

"This is not so much a polar vortex for us because the vortex is holding up over Canada," David Barjenbruch, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boulder, told the Coloradoan. "But we will see the benefit of the cold from a big prolonged Arctic high pressure that will gradually lift into Monday."

What is a polar vortex?

A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earths poles, according to the National Weather Service.

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It weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.

The term "vortex" refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the poles. Many times during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream. It is often associated with large outbreaks of arctic air in the U.S.

Winter conditions are expected across the region this weekend. Wondering how much  we will see? Take a at the probability of 48 hour snowfall greater than 4" thru Sunday. The eastern Front Range Mountains, foothills, urban corridor, and Palmer Divide will be favored. #cowx pic.twitter.com/xocTG63rrY  NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 15, 2025

Why we usually get warm temperatures before cold snaps

Thursday's high in Fort Collins was 57 degrees, which is well above average for this time of year.

The city could see more than 100 hours of temperatures below 32 degrees from Friday into Wednesday.

Barjenbruch said a warm day or days before a cold snap is not unusual.

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"We call this the warm before the storm," he said.

He said before such cold air masses descend on the state, a low pressure creates downsloping wind off the mountains. When wind sweeps down the east side of the mountains, the air warms creating warmer-than-average temperatures along the Front Range.

Then a high pressure takes over and ushers in the cold air.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Why Colorado's bitter cold is not technically a polar vortex
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado will now have self-service kiosks for emissions testing on gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles.

In a Thursday press release, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission approved two new updates to the states vehicle emissions testing program.

One change that could have a big impact on how long drivers wait for an emissions test is the introduction of self-service kiosks. According to the agency, owners of gas-powered or hybrid vehicles who are required to undergo a diagnostic test can do so any time at a kiosk.

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The kiosks will be open 24 hours, every day of the week. The agency said the kiosks will be implemented in 2026. The exact locations of the kiosks were not immediately available.

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The idea of self-service kiosks was first introduced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments Motor Vehicle Emissions Division in September 2024.

Aside from the kiosks, the agency also adopted stricter emissions compliance requirements for diesel-powered vehicles. The Air Quality Control Commission said it reduced the opacity standard for diesel vehicles from 40% to 20% opacity measured over five seconds.

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According to the agency, the updated diesel-emissions opacity standard will help owners ensure their vehicles are running efficiently.

Protecting Colorados clean air is a responsibility we all share, said Michael Ogletree, director of the CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division. Testing your vehicles emissions is a short-term action that yields long-term benefits for our air quality and community health. Were proud to update these programs and make inspections more convenient than ever for Coloradans.

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission said these two new changes will help modernize the emissions testing process while also protecting air quality along the Front Range.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
ARCHER COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  A possible suspect in a Colorado murder was located and apprehended near Megargel, according to authorities in Archer County.

Manelson Leonel Ramirez, 26, was booked into the Archer County Jail at around 4:20 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, on a murder charge.

LOCAL CRIME: Man headed to prison for fatal shooting of homeless man in Scotland Park

According to a Facebook post from the Archer County Sheriffs Office, the office was contacted around 2 a.m. on Thursday morning by the Lakewood Police Department in Colorado about a possible murder suspect in the area.

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Authorities said the suspect was determined to be in the Megargel area of Archer County after tracking the phone of the suspect.

The Facebook post said authorities were able to locate the suspects vehicle and take the suspect into custody without incident. Officials said Young County deputies assisted in locating and arresting the suspect, identified as Ramirez.

According to the Facebook post, Ramirez will be returned to Colorado to face charges related to the ongoing murder investigation.

Thank you to all involved, and we will continue working with our partners in Colorado to bring this individual to justice, officials with the Archer County Sheriffs Office said in the Facebook post.

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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WASHINGTON (AP)  When Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo looks at Donald Trump, she says she sees a president-elect who for all of his aggressive talk is afraid to let America compete with the rest of the world, responding instead with tariffs and curtailing immigration.

What Trump is saying is I want to protect you from competition, Raimondo said in a Wednesday interview. I have a very different view. Were going to compete. Were going to outcompete, and were going to win. Theres no one better than American workers. No one more innovative American entrepreneurs. No one more creative than American companies.

She might also be previewing a message she thinks Democrats need in the future. Raimondo's four years in Washington have established her ability to cajole CEOs, work with labor unions and stare down foreign leaders. At 53, the former Rhode Island governor has already been considered for the vice presidency by both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

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Over the past four years, she has been integral to efforts to reshape the future of the U.S. economy. She managed infrastructure money to eventually connect everyone to the internet, approved the funding of new factories and research sites for advanced computer chips, and set up the government's ground rules for developing artificial intelligence.

The next four years are a test of whether her view or Trump's will prevail in a rapidly changing economy. The global system is increasingly fractured by wars and trade issues. AI has the power to supercharge U.S. growth by increasing the economy's productivity, but mishandled, it could lead to job losses and social disarray.

There is also the possibility that everyday tech made abroad could be used in an attack against Americans, a risk that led Raimondo to ban the internet-connected autos made by China.

AI is by far the single biggest disruptive force in our economy now and for the decade to come, hands down, Raimondo said. Every company is scrambling to figure out how to integrate AI into everything they do: accounting, sales, innovation, science. And there's a fear: If they dont figure it out, theyll be left behind.

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But her big bet has been that the trillions in income tax cuts favored by Trump will never be enough to revitalize America. Before entering politics, Raimondo worked as a venture capitalist and saw a lack of government investment in people and industries that would drive growth in the future.

So she helped deliver bipartisan support in 2022 for $52 billion to resurrect the manufacturing and development of advanced computer chips in the United States, with the goal of having 20% of the world's most sophisticated semiconductors coming from American factories.

For his part, Trump has argued that simply taxing imports would be enough to help U.S. manufacturing, saying in a 2024 interview on The Joe Rogan Experience: That chip deal is so bad. Yet Trump has also surrounded himself with tech billionaires such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and others as he promises to cut back regulations.

Members of the Trump team have suggested that money contractually obligated for the computer chips needed for AI and other technologies should be clawed back, with Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-leads Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, calling them wasteful subsidies on the social media site X.

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DOGE will review every one of these 11th-hour gambits & recommend that Inspectors General scrutinize these last-minute contracts," Ramaswamy posted in November. Political appointees who go on to work for beneficiaries of this midnight spending spree should be exposed unsparingly.

Raimondo noted that the other group that dislikes the CHIPS and Science Act is China's government.

China hates the CHIPS Act because its working  its good for America," she said, stressing that the government investment was needed because the markets didn't price in issues such as national security or supply chain disruptions.

Her portfolio extended well beyond that of many traditional commerce secretaries. For formulating a response ahead of Russia's invasion, Biden specifically tapped Raimondo to grind down Vladimir Putin's access to military supplies.

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A few weeks before the invasion, Raimondo was in a secure facility inside the Commerce Department when Biden got on a Zoom with his national security aides and assigned her to lead a coalition of 36 countries to restrict Russia's economy.

That was, for me, a real eureka moment," she recalled. Not only of how important the Commerce Departments tools are in national security, but also how national security today more than ever, is technological security.

She knew that Russia would ultimately struggle to fight if it lacked computer chips for its weapons, just as U.S. automakers had to cut production in 2021 when there was a global semiconductor shortage. The export controls imposed by the U.S. and its allies had the Russians ripping apart dishwashers, refrigerators and nursing pumps to find spare computer chips, she said, as well as becoming more dependent on trade with U.S. rivals.

She told the president that the impact would be gradual. And as she leaves office, Raimondo feels confident that Russia is struggling to keep its economy and war going. After Trump is inaugurated, she said she intends to stay in DC until June, when her son graduates from high school. But she also knows she just needs some time to think about what's ahead.

Saint Thomas Aquinas talks a lot about quieting your mind and quieting your soul, Raimondo said. And so thats what I need to do.

___
Jan. 16ANDERSON  New district maps for the Anderson City Council have been approved by the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit.

A federal judge has given the Anderson City Council until Friday to file the new district maps with the court.

The U.S. District Court, in an order issued Tuesday, gave the plaintiffs until Jan. 31 to respond to the maps submitted by the city council.

Common Cause of Indiana, the League of Women Voters of Indiana and the local chapter of the NAACP filed a complaint in 2023 in the U.S. District Court alleging the six single-member council districts violated federal law based on the one person, one vote requirement of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

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Julia Vaughn, executive director of Common Cause Indiana, said Thursday her group considers the map satisfactory in meeting constitutional requirements on population.

"As far as we can tell," she said of the maps approved by the city council. "Our mapmaker looked at the map and we're not concerned about the population numbers.

"We have signed off on it," Vaughn added. "We're glad the city council has approved the new maps."

The Anderson City Council Tuesday voted to adopt a map prepared by Virginia-based CensusChannel to bring the population disparity between the six districts to less than 10% as mandated by federal law.

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The new district map moved the 4th District to the east and, according to figures by CensusChannel, has a Black population of 39.27% and a Hispanic population of 9.68%.

Council attorney Rosemary Khoury said she has been negotiating with the attorney from Common Cause in trying to reach a settlement.

Vaughn said in a press release the court ordered the city to redraw its council districts into a map that complied with the 10% variance required under the law.

"On September 30, 2024, the judge ruled against the city and required them to draw new districts immediately," Common Cause said in a press release.

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"Updating districts to reflect new census population counts empowers the people to effectively advocate and ensures equal representation of communities," Vaughn said. "While we wish the city had not engaged in a long, expensive legal battle that costs Anderson taxpayers money to finally do the right thing, we are happy that a conclusion is in sight.

"After 40 years of the same districts, Anderson will finally give its people equal representation under the Constitution."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
NAVASOTA, Texas (FOX 44)  Citizens, loved ones, and law enforcement officers from across central Texas gathered at Navasota City Hall to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant Mark Butler, who tragically died following a wrong-way crash on Highway 6 on January 15, 2024.

Butler, a devoted family man and officer, was remembered for his commitment to law enforcement, family, friends, and community.

A community member, and former law officer, Rita Austin shared heartfelt remarks about Butlers impact. A good father and a husband, a friend and neighbor. He wears all those badges, not just a law enforcement badge, she said. Navasota lost a great person, but Navasota will continue to keep going, and he will forever be in our hearts and memories.

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Butlers death followed a vehicle pursuit in College Station, where officers were chasing a woman suspected of committing fraud. The pursuit ended in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of both Butler and the woman.

Its a great loss in our prayers and our hearts go out to his family and those that served with him. We know that hes probably up there patrolling the heavens right now, Austin added.

At Navasota City Hall tributes including flowers, cards, and prayers were left for Butler. The tributes reflected the deep respect and admiration the community had for him.

Melissa Rangel, a resident, spoke of how Butler went above and beyond in his service.

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He took the time of his day to have a friendly conversation with you, didnt matter what he was doing. I know theres been a couple of cases where he stopped by just to do a welfare check, just to see how we were doing. He made sure you felt like an individual and like you were important, Rangel said.

Navasota Police Chief Michael Mize expressed the profound loss felt by his department.

Our departments small, close-knit. Were pretty much like a family, so its losing a loved one. I consider these guys and girls my kids. So I lost a son, Mize said.

Sergeant Butler had served the Navasota community for four years, and his loss leaves a deep void in the local police department and the community he served. As tributes continued to pour in, it was clear that Sergeant Butlers dedication to his community and his role as a protector, friend, and family man will never be forgotten.

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The memorial service today reminded everyone that while Navasota has lost a hero, Butlers spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Its been nearly four months since a suspect was identified in Julys deadly shooting at Maplewood Park in Rochester.

While the Rochester Police Department is actively working on leads in their investigation, there is a continued call on the community to help make an arrest.

Police have named 20-year-old Niger Johnson as among those responsible for firing shots at the park on July 28. Up to 50 gunshots erupted at a summer barbecue gathering that day.

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Five people were injured. 25-year-old Tyasia Manning and 33-year-old Phylicia Council, both of Rochester, were killed.

Rochester community reclaims Maplewood Park as a safe space days after deadly shootout

Johnson is wanted on charges of reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the shooting.

Police say they are still missing information to formally arrest Johnson and believe others are responsible.

Absolutely demonic: Maplewood Park neighbors describe chaos in Sunday shootout

We put his name out back at the end of September. We put his picture out there looking for community help. Weve had a few leads and a few tips that unfortunately havent panned out. Ive been asked multiple times over the last several months about this case because it was a huge community event. It was a significant violent event where two people lost their lives, said RPD Capt. Greg Bello.

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As the department works to bring justice for the victims and their families, Capt. Bello addressed more questions in the investigation.

Its not only identifying people, but identifying and attaching them to crimes committed during this incident. Thats difficult because theres a lot of people involved. Theres a lot of video there and theres a lot of questions like, Where did bullets go? What did people do or not do in recovering guns? We dont want this to run cold. We dont want people to forget, and people in our community have not forgotten, said Capt. Bello.

Anyone with information that could lead police to an arrest is asked to call 911 or Crimestoppers at (585) 423-9300, where tips can remain anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Eight years after Donald Trump was first elected President, his opponents are once again taking to the streets in protest in advance of his inauguration on Monday.

A Human Rights March is planned for downtown Binghamton on Saturday. Much like the Womens March that took place in Binghamton and other cities across the country in early 2017, the event is an opportunity for opponents of Trumps agenda to voice their anger and concern.

The march is being organized by Indivisible Binghamton in partnership with Citizen Action, Southern Tier Voices of Power and other groups.

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Community Organizer with Citizen Action Ravo Root says this time, people have a much better understanding of what Trump plans to do.

Root says people fear that the rights of women, people of color, refugees and the LGBTQ community will be taken away.

Were seeing that across the board with communities of color, were seeing this with these cuts to those services. If you ask around the city, hows your livelihood now? How are you doing? A lot of people are going to say theyre not doing that great. So, how can we cut those essential services to folks? That is human rights, said Root.

The Binghamton Human Rights March is part of a national Peoples March taking place in multiple locations and sponsored by Womens March National.

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Participants are asked to gather at the Peace Makers Stage near the Court Street Bridge at noon on Saturday. They will then march up Court Street turning onto Chenango Street and ending at United Presbyterian Church.

They will hold a rally at the church with speakers focused on womens rights, gay rights, trans rights, civil rights, refugee rights and Palestinian rights.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell is shown speaking at a Connecticut Mirror event in New Haven in June 2024. Russell was one of the panelists at a conference on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Federal Reserve of New York about baby bonds. (Tabius McCoy/CT Mirror)

This story has been updated.

Connecticut officials joined advocates and researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Thursday to talk about the states trailblazing baby bonds program, and how it might ultimately serve as a proving ground for efforts around the country.

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Connecticut Mirror is a content partner of States Newsroom. Read the original version here.

The program, which launched in July 2024, invests $3,200 on behalf of babies enrolled in Connecticuts Medicaid program, HUSKY. More than half the babies born in Connecticut are to mothers on Medicaid, and around 15,600 babies are expected by be enrolled in the program annually. Eligible participants live in every one of the states cities and towns.

Connecticut is so far unique in passing sustained, state-level support for the concept, but small experiments are popping up around the country, including one through private philanthropy in Georgia and a temporary program for children in foster care in California who were impacted by COVID. Several other states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, are considering baby bonds-type programs.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKees proposed fiscal year 2026 budget released Thursday includes a baby bonds proposal that would put $3,000 into an interest-accruing trust for future use by children from low-income families eligible for the states RI Works cash assistance program. McKees budget scales back a proposal first pitched last year by Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa.

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The conference Thursday kicked off with a conversation between Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell and Darrick Hamilton, a professor at The New School and an economist who is credited with helping to create the concept. They discussed Connecticuts first in the nation program, and how it may be planting the seeds of a national movement.

Were building political momentum, we start local, said Hamilton, who is the founding director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School. But at the end of the day, to make this come into fruition, weve really got to get the federal government involved to ensure that all children of the United States will be able to get into that vehicle of wealth building.

Russell spoke about his childhood growing up in New Haven, sweeping the floor and working the register after school at his parents store. No one he knew as a kid owned their own home and working paycheck to paycheck was a way of life.

Russell said he is trying to end poverty in Connecticut, and baby bonds are but one of many strategies required to achieve that goal.

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We understand that baby bonds, by itself, is not the solution to that problem, Russell said. This is a piece to the puzzle as we continue to make key investments in things like education and early child care and bringing down the cost of housing.

Baby bonds can provide funds for a down payment on a home, money to open a business or pay for school. But officials said the existence of the funds may also help in less obvious ways: baby bonds can encourage a family to imagine a childs future and plan for it. The funds could stave off gentrification by creating a cohort of people who are able to cash in at around the same time and even pool resources to support their neighborhood. And they help link parents to state supports through a positive vehicle.

Theres a huge lack of trust between members of the community and government, Russell said. Now we actually have this positive way of connecting with people, right? Connecting with parents who are saying, My child is going to have access to this resource and this opportunity that I could have never imagined.

A recipient must be between 18 and 30 years old to use the funds, pass a financial literacy test, and be a Connecticut resident. That money is expected to eventually be worth at least $11,000 and as much as $24,000, depending when the recipient chooses to cash in the bond.

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Though the initiative received strong support from many political leaders, Gov. Ned Lamont nearly killed the program in 2023. The decision to draw from a surplus in Connecticuts special reserve fund instead of borrowing money, as was originally planned, allowed Lamont and Russell to reach a compromise and the program was finally launched in July 2023. In fact, as Russell mentioned during the conference, the so-called baby bonds ended up not being bonds at all.

At Thursdays event, the history of political infighting wasnt discussed. Rather, advocates and researchers focused on the promise of the program and the synergy with another initiative: guaranteed income.

Stanford University researchers Max Rong and David Grusky explained why, based on their research modeling, simultaneously offering families guaranteed income and baby bonds may be a superior approach to offering a more generous version of only one of these programs.

The researchers said that guaranteed income can prove meaningful to help families from falling into poverty, relieving the stress of financial pressure from caregivers so they can form healthy attachments with their children and afford day to day expenses that keep them healthy and safe. However, just providing that cash is unlikely to allow a family to save the kind of money they need to ultimately open a business, buy a home, afford higher education and ultimately build generational wealth. On the other hand, a single infusion of money  a cashed-in baby bond cannot undo years of underinvestment.

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You might think it doesnt matter if you just do one or the other, Grusky said. What this suggests is that, given data about how the world works, you actually need both.

Laura Clancy, the executive director of The Bridge Project, a guaranteed income program for new moms which recently launched in Connecticut, asked the room to simply trust mothers, who tend to have good judgment about what their kids need. She ended her panel by encouraging the audience to consider the power of imagination in initiatives like baby bonds and guaranteed income, and how thinking outside the box might help us upend the inequities we take for granted.

What have we come to accept that is unacceptable? she asked.

A previous version of this story referred to the venue as the Federal Reserve. The full title is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

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CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong announced the state is investing $58.6 million to create a program providing stable housing and recovery support for those who experience opioid use disorder.

The funding comes from multistate settlements with pharmaceutical companies for their alleged role in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic.

The program will provide stable housing and recovery support for people with opioid use disorder and homelessness.

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$7M going to Connecticuts opioid response strategies

The Housing as Recovery initiative acknowledges that a critical part of recovery is housing instability.

Stable housing is directly related to the ability of individuals facing addiction to successfully recover, Governor Lamont said in a written statement Using this settlement funding to support housing for people who have opioid use disorder is a way that we can make an impact in getting peoples lives turned around and on a stable path toward recovery.

The program will provide support services, rental subsidies, case management and more to around 500 people a year over the next four years.

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Over the past five-plus years, Connecticut has led the nation in securing $50 billion to combat the opioid epidemic, including $600 million for Connecticut alone, Attorney General Tong said in a written statement. Weve said since day one that those funds would be used to support treatment, prevention and recovery  to save lives. This announcement delivers on that promise, providing millions of dollars for safe, stable housing and support for our friends and neighbors at the most vulnerable points of their recovery.

The state is expected to receive around $600 million over the next 20 years as part of the multistate settlement.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Bay County reveals the most dangerous roads and a new plan to fix them.

In April of 2024, Bay County received the safe streets and roads for all grants. Its a federal program created under the bipartisan infrastructure law. With this funding, the county was able to survey thousands of locations, identifying the spots with the highest rate of crashes and fatalities over the last five years.

Bay County Parks & Recreation hosts master plan workshop for Majette Park

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This will be the very first time that the county has undergone a county-wide network screening. And so the network screening has identified the top 100 locations. And the next step is to solicit public feedback on the locations that weve identified, as well as locations that the public feels are tricky to navigate or perhaps in their own right, safety issues or concerns, Senior Project Manager Jeff Roberts said.

They presented their findings Thursday to residents during a public meeting at the Bay County government office. The top 5-most dangerous roadways are Front Beach Road from E El Centro Boulevard to Anenome Street, Back Beach Road to end of Hathaway Bridge, north Alf Coleman Road to Seasound Circle, Hickory Street to Allegheny Avenue, and Sea Sound Circle to Cauley Avenue.

The county says they will look at high-risk, high-traffic streets like Front Beach Road, but they say they wont overlook smaller areas that have issues.

We have a lot of pedestrians at the beach. So you see more pedestrian accidents there. A lot of traffic on U.S. 98, 79, Panama City Beach Parkway. So you expect to see a lot there. When you see a dot on a roadway that doesnt have a lot of traffic, thats a location you really need to go look at. See whats going on there. So those locations are sometimes pretty easy solutions to it could be a lighting, it could be just a blind curve, things that we can fix, Chief Infrastructure Officer Keith Bryant said.

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Beloved Thomas Drive Waffle & Omelet House demolished after tornado destruction

In phase two, more funding will be released from the grant, and the team will choose 25 locations to create concept plans and cost estimates.

More details on the plan can be found here.

The county will also be presenting the plan at the Panama City farmers market this Saturday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Ronald Lewis speaks with a Louisiana State Police officer during the closure of the state-sanctioned encampment on Earhart Boulevard in New Orleans on Jan. 15, 2025. (John Gray/Verite News)

NEW ORLEANS  Gov. Jeff Landry caught city officials off guard in October when he abruptly ordered Louisiana state troopers, along with officials from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and other state agencies, to close homeless encampments around the city, sending unhoused residents to a newly sanctioned site on Earhart Boulevard.

The move, officials said at the time, threatened to disrupt the citys long-term plan to get hundreds of people living on the street into permanent housing.

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But Landry thought the strategy was taking too long and feared that the existing encampments  concentrated in tourism-heavy areas around the Superdome and French Quarter  would reflect poorly on the city, which was preparing to take the national spotlight as host of the Super Bowl.

So the city offered an olive branch: It could speed up the rehousing strategy  through a multi-agency initiative called Home for Good  but it needed help from the state. About a week after the states raids, Councilwoman Lesli Harris office sent a proposal to one of Landrys aides. If the state could kick in $8 million, the city and its partners could house the 375 people currently living in eight encampments across the city.

The citys ask was co-signed by Office of Homeless Services and Strategies director Nate Fields, New Orleans Health Department director Dr. Jenifer Avegno and New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno, who were all cced on the email.

With State coordination and true collaboration to end homelessness, everyone could be on the same page and achieve the same goal of providing improved quality of life, permanent housing, and wrap-around services, Moreno said in a statement at the time. I hope that the Governor gives strong consideration to my recommendations and we can work to move forward together.

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But nothing came of it. And this week, Landry again ordered New Orleans encampments cleared, including the formerly state-sanctioned site on Earhart Boulevard. On Wednesday, two days after the announcement, the state moved in. Encampment residents were sent to a new temporary shelter, located in a warehouse on France Road, near the Industrial Canal.

Gov. Jeff Landry has authorized an emergency shelter for the unhoused in New Orleans, located on France Road. He opted against approving a city plan that included permanent housing. (Jake Rosenberg/WVUE-TV Fox 8)

The 200-bed Transitional Center, as the state refers to it, will be open for at least two months. Landrys administration promises it will provide three meals a day, basic medical care and support for finding housing  all of which comes at a high cost to Louisiana taxpayers. According to a draft plan submitted by the states contractor, The Workforce Group, 60 days of shelter operations will cost the state $11.4 million. An optional 30-day extension will bring that price tag up to $16 million, double the citys ask.

The higher price points in The Workforce Groups contract has placed its relationship with state leaders past and present under a microscope.

The Workforce Group is a subsidiary of the Lemoine Co., a Lafayette-based, family-owned conglomerate. Its ties to state government include a history of bipartisan contributions to elected officials and political action committees, according to state Ethics Administration campaign finance records.

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Since 2019, the Lemoine Co. has given $60,000 to the Republican Party of Louisiana. While the business has supported some Democratic candidates, including former Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, it has not given directly to the state party.

Contributions from company founders and brothers Lenny and Tim Lemoine lean toward the GOP, as do donations from their nephew, Seth Lemoine, who leads the Workforce Group.

The Lemoine familys connection to Republican power brokers in Louisiana is arguably stronger than their financial ties. Seth Lemoine is the stepson of Eddie Rispone, the Baton Rouge businessman who ran unsuccessfully for governor and was a key backer of Gov. Jeff Landry in his 2023 election win.

Seth Lemoine, who donated $10,000 to his stepfathers campaign, did not respond to a call and email seeking information on how The Workforce Group positioned itself to receive the emergency homeless shelter contract.

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On its website, The Workforce Group lists experience in disaster recovery, insurance claims, staffing and technology. Its background includes providing homeless services through a contract with the Louisiana Housing Corp.

After the August 2016 flood, The Workforce Group managed Louisiana Shelter at Home, a program that helped families stay in their homes while repairing damages. Like its current deal for the New Orleans homeless shelter, the contract went through the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The quick procurement for the New Orleans shelter came courtesy of Landrys Jan. 1 emergency declaration following the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. The declaration empowered the administration to quickly ink the emergency shelter contract without having to seek competitive bids for the job.

The governors press secretary did not respond when asked via email whether other companies were qualified to deliver the work called for in the contract.

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Another Lemoine Co. subsidiary, Lemoine Disaster Recovery, was awarded a $122 million state contract in 2022 for the Restore Louisiana program, which helps residents rebuild or repair homes after the disasters in 2020-21. Its contract was set to expire on July 31 this year before a legislative committee voted Friday to extend the term for two years at no additional cost.

A relocation notice posted in front of a makeshift shelter at the Earhart encampment Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Those living at the underpass will be transported Wednesday to the Transitional Center. (John Gray/Verite News)

The $8 million ask

On Nov. 4, a member of Councilwoman Lesli Harris staff sent a proposal to JT Hannan, the southeast director of Landrys Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The proposal was simple: It asked the state to provide $8 million to support the citys existing and ongoing efforts to get unhoused individuals off the street and into housing so that the city could close the remaining encampments by the end of January 2025  its original timeline.

The Nov. 4 proposal from Harris office touted the success of the citys Home for Good program, which, at that point in time, had housed 166 individuals, or nearly one-third of the unhoused population living on the street, and, as a result, was able to decommission seven encampments. The proposal noted that over 90% remained in permanent housing.

However, city officials and housing advocates warned that the State Polices October sweeps could postpone their January timeline by pushing people out of known encampments into surrounding neighborhoods, where caseworkers may struggle to connect with them.

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An additional $8 million from the state would supercharge the citys efforts to get the remaining 375 individuals living in encampments across the city into permanent housing by the end of January 2025, ahead of the Super Bowl in February, a win-win for the city and the state.

With the expectation of reimbursement from the state, the city would have been able to dedicate the additional $8 million from the general fund, Harris told Verite News, noting that the city had already dedicated a significant portion of its 2025 budget  including an additional $10 million to the Office of Homeless Services and Strategies  to addressing housing and homelessness issues.

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Ten days later, on Nov. 14, Hannan sent a bullet point list of updates for New Orleans city officials on the states current efforts to address homelessness among them, the fact that the state would no longer be taking their $8 million funding request into consideration.

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The supplemental funding requests that were sent to the state were tabled after Councilmember Leslie [sic] Harris parish wide measure on dedicating funds to housing was passed on Nov 5, 2024, Hannan wrote, referring to a recently-passed measure to create a Housing Trust Fund. That measure, which dedicates 2% of the citys general fund toward affordable housing initiatives, does not take effect until 2026.

Hannan did not respond to a request for comment.

The Workforce Groups budget for 60-90 days of shelter operations is not only millions above what the city proposed, it is also higher than the costs of operating some of the citys existing shelters for a full year, according to sources familiar with their budgets.

The citys 346-bed low-barrier shelter, located in the former Veterans Affairs hospital on Gravier Street and run by Odyssey House, operates on a $6.5 million annual budget. The New Orleans Mission, which provides 600 beds across multiple campuses, runs on a $10 million annual budget.

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The bulk of the Transitional Center budget goes toward standing up a new shelter. Theres a $1 million line item dedicated to purchasing warehouse subflooring, $91,980 for laundry equipment and $167,115 for eight restroom trailers with six stalls each. The proposal also lists a $685,125 fee for site buildout and set up  and another $453,600 for site teardown.

However, there are also significant labor costs. The Workforce Group proposal includes more than $2.2 million in labor costs for 60 days. This includes two shift supervisors, five housing specialists, four crisis counselors, as well as a data analyst, two medical services coordinators, eight drivers and 16 staff members dedicated to security, safety and fire watch, for a total of 39 employees.

The hourly rates listed for many of these jobs are significantly higher than the rates for comparable jobs in New Orleans.

The Workforce Group proposal lists an hourly rate of $115 for shift supervisors at the facility. The equivalent at the citys low-barrier shelter is under $30 per hour, and at the New Orleans Mission, it is closer to $15 per hour.

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Similar discrepancies emerge for other labor categories: A data analyst employed through the citys health department may earn around $30 per hour, but the Workforce proposal lists an hourly rate of $85 per hour for an equivalent position. Housing specialists tend to earn between $20 and $30 per hour in the city, while the same position is listed at about $80 per hour in the proposal. Crisis counselors employed at the low-barrier shelter or at the New Orleans Mission may earn anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour; The Workforce Group listed its crisis counselor rates as $100 per hour.

There are also discrepancies in security costs. At the New Orleans Mission, an unarmed security guard typically would be paid anywhere from $15 to $20 per hour. The Workforce Group proposal proposes hiring eight unarmed security guards at a rate of $50 per hour.

The rates increase for armed security personnel, which the proposal lists at a rate of $117 per hour. The standard (non-mounted, non-motorcycle) rates for a detailed NOPD officer range from $45 to $76 per hour.

A muddy driveway leads to a warehouse on France Road in New Orleans that is being used as a temporary shelter for the unhoused.

Serious concerns about conditions at state shelter

Despite the significant money being spent on the transitional center, some worry that the center, which is located inside an industrial warehouse, does not meet minimum habitability standards.

Harris, who visited the center on Wednesday, identified a bevy of issues plaguing the center on its first day of operation.

The shelter is in urgent need of lined cots and additional bedding to ensure warmth, as the building itself was extremely cold, Harris said. A sewer line issue has made the indoor bathrooms and showers unusable, forcing individuals to rely on just two outdoor portable toilets. Additionally, the recreation center with televisions was not yet set up, and there were no computers or phones available for residents to contact their caseworkers or loved ones  essential resources for those facing significant displacement.

She also said that critical wraparound services, like mental health support and case management, were not yet operational.

While staff on-site emphasized the quick turnaround in setting up the shelter, it raises serious concerns about why residents were moved in before the facility was ready, Harris said.

The shelter has also irked politicians who represent the area, who say their constituents were not notified in advance. In a joint statement, state Sen. Joe Bouie and state Rep. Matthew Willard, both New Orleans Democrats, said they have concerns about the shelters impact on residents of Gentilly, which has France Road as its eastern boundary.

It is our understanding that none of the neighborhood associations adjacent to the property on France Road were consulted prior to announcing this temporary transition plan for the unhoused population in New Orleans, their statement reads. Our primary concern is to ensure that the integrity and quality of life for those residents and their neighborhoods be maintained.

The lawmakers said they have requested details on the shelter from the governors office. In a text message, Willard said he would be meeting with Landrys staff Thursday afternoon.

The city, meanwhile, is continuing its efforts to house the street homeless population, and officials still hope to meet the end-of-January deadline.

Despite delays caused by state-led sweeps in the fall, the program has made significant progress: 275 individuals have been housed from inner-core encampments, with eight encampment sites closed and rehousing completed at an additional six sites throughout downtown, reads a press release from the city, sent Monday. The City looks forward to leveraging state support to strengthen its approach and help create sustainable, permanent housing solutions.

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Matthew Muller, the notorious kidnapper whose most infamous crime was detailed in the Netflix documentary "American Nightmare," appeared Friday in court and pleaded guilty to two additional crimes.

Wearing a brown Santa Clara County jail uniform, Muller, 47, gave a taciturn series of "yes" answers as Superior Court Judge Cynthia A. Sevely stated that he was admitting guilt in two home invasions in 2009. In both cases, Muller broke into homes in the early hours, bound his female victims and attempted to drug and sexually assault them.

In total, Muller is now suspected or convicted in at least six violent crimes, beginning when he was 16.

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This extremely dangerous person left a trail of traumatized and terrified victims, Dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen said. It took the collective courage of his victims and determined law enforcement officers to stop him. This nightmare is over.

The Santa Clara charges against Muller were the result of an unlikely collaboration between law enforcement officers and the two victims in the Vallejo case, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn. Over the last 10 months, the pair said, they obtained clues about the crimes  and even confessions  from Muller before approaching local authorities with jurisdiction in the incidents.

We knew there was more to this from the beginning, and clearly how things were handled from the beginning led to a lot of errors, Huskins said in an interview last week. We didnt really have anyone in law enforcement that we trusted and we felt were doing this case justice.

Read more: 'American Nightmare' survivors turn the tables, investigating the man who kidnapped them

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In the first Santa Clara County incident, which occurred Sept. 29, 2009, a Mountain View woman in her 30s told police that she awoke to find a man on top of her. According to a description of the case from the Santa Clara County district attorney's office, Muller demanded she drink a medicated beverage, then tied her up and said he was going to rape her.

The woman was able to persuade him to stop his assault, according to the district attorney's office. Before leaving, Muller allegedly told her that she should get a dog for protection.

About three weeks later, on Oct. 18, 2009, a woman in nearby Palo Alto awoke to find Muller on top of her, according to the district attorney's office. He tied the woman up and forced her to drink Nyquil.

Again, the woman was able to persuade him to stop, according to prosecutors. And again, before leaving, he gave the woman "crime prevention advice," according to the district attorney's office.

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Last week, Muller was also charged in an additional case, in the Contra Costa town of San Ramon, after authorities examined evidence brought to light through Huskins' and Quinn's investigative efforts.

After American Nightmare came out, Huskins and Quinn were contacted by an unlikely ally: the police chief in the Monterey Bay town of Seaside, Nick Borges. He had seen the documentary and wanted to help.

That Borges had nothing to do with the case didnt stop him from becoming involved. He invited Huskins and Quinn to speak to law enforcement in Seaside to share their belief that police interrogation methods that focused on Quinns guilt had sent the investigation down the wrong road.

Borges also persuaded the detective ultimately responsible for Mullers arrest, Misty Carausu, to join them.

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The four met with El Dorado County Dist. Atty. Vern Pierson, who has jurisdiction in the county where Huskins was held captive  and the seeds of a new investigation were planted.

At lunch after the law enforcement conference, Huskins and Quinn told Borges about their frustrations, and a desire to reach out to Muller personally to seek answers. But the couple feared that could present risks. Borges offered to write Muller on their behalf.

Muller wrote back, giving details of other crimes and even legal declarations with confessions.

Armed with the new information, Pierson, who had been working with the FBI and other agencies, in November traveled to Tucson to interview Muller in person. Over two days, according to Pierson, Muller shared more details, including information on a Northern California attack he claimed to have committed when he was 16. That case is still under investigation, Pierson said.

Attorney Anthony Douglas Rappaport, left, speaks at a 2016 news conference with clients Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn. The couple reached a $2.5-million settlement with the city of Vallejo after police falsely accused them of fabricating Huskins' kidnapping. (Sudhin Thanawala / Associated Press)

In Huskins' case, which the Netflix documentary is based on, Muller broke into her Vallejo home in March 2015 and drugged and bound her and her then-boyfriend, Aaron Quinn. Muller blindfolded them with swim goggles and gave them medicine to make them sleepy. He put headphones on Quinn and played recordings designed to make Quinn think he was dealing with more than one kidnapper.

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Muller then put Huskins into Quinns car and drove off with her, eventually taking her to his familys cabin in South Lake Tahoe. He held her there for two days and sexually assaulted her, before driving her across California and releasing her in Huntington Beach.

Initially, Vallejo police dismissed Quinns account of his girlfriend being spirited away by a kidnapper  or kidnappers  who put headphones on him and made him drink a substance that made him sleepy. Officers interrogated Quinn for hours, brushing aside his story and theorizing he was behind her disappearance.

When Huskins turned up, police grew more suspicious, questioning how a kidnapping victim could reappear hundreds of miles away wearing sunglasses and carrying an overnight bag.

Huskins did not act like a kidnapping victim, retired Vallejo Police Capt. James OConnell later said in a sworn statement .

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Police tried to get Huskins and Quinn to turn on each other and admit there had been no crime, offering immunity to whoever flipped first, according to statements from their family members.

Then, police went public with that sentiment. There is no evidence to support the claims that this was a stranger abduction or an abduction at all, police Lt. Kenny Park said in a statement at the time. Given the facts that have been presented thus far, this event appears to be an orchestrated event and not a crime.

However, less than three months later, evidence gathered from a June 5, 2015, home invasion robbery in the Bay Area community of Dublin helped authorities link Muller to the kidnapping. That case led authorities and Carausu, the detective, to the Muller familys South Lake Tahoe cabin, where they found , among other things, Quinn's computer, goggles and tape with a strand of long blond hair.

Huskins and Quinn, who later married, sued the Vallejo Police Department for defamation and reached a $2.5-million settlement in 2018.

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Muller, a Harvard-educated lawyer and former Marine, pleaded guilty in 2016 to kidnapping Huskins. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to additional charges of sexually assaulting her. Before he was transported to Santa Clara County to face the new charges, he had been serving his 40-year sentence at a federal prison in Tucson.

Muller is expected to return to Santa Clara County Superior Court on Feb. 21 for sentencing.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) signaled during an interview that he could be open to voting yes on Pam Bondi, President-elect Trumps choice to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Coons said during his Thursday appearance on CNN that the most important thing he was looking to hear from Bondi during the Wednesday Senate Judiciary Committee hearing is whether or not she would be independent, whether or not she would protect the Department of Justice from direct interference by the White House or President-Elect Trump.

The Delaware Senator told CNN host Brianna Keilar that Bondi, an ex-Florida attorney general, failed to answer that in the sort of clear, forceful and direct way that I expected.

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Keilar then said that Bondi pledged to follow the policy of separation between the White House and the DOJ. She asked if Coons did or did not hear anything specific about the policy that didnt meet the senators requirement.

Coons said he had to monitor the meeting alongside the hearing for Trumps Secretary of State nominee, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), though he asked his counsel to provide him with a transcript of Bondis hearing to review in order to her a fair shot, adding that he backed some of Trumps administration picks back in 2017.

With Bondi, Coons said he was looking for a clear answer on if career DOJ officials brought a criminal charge thats well predicated, well-founded and Trumps White House told her not to support it, what would she do in that case.

Now, I want to go back and review the transcript, Coons said Thursday on CNN Newsroom. But I wasnt satisfied. My recollection is of the answers I got at the time  and I want to make sure Im being fair here  but she hedged and she hawed.

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The Delaware senator, a President Biden ally, lauded Bondi for giving clear and good answers to two of his questions  if Trump can run for a third term and who will she serve if confirmed by the Senate  and added that he is still considering and want to make sure that I review exactly what she said in that hearing.

There are things that were positive about her record, he said. Working on criminal justice reform, working on combating the fentanyl and opioid epidemic, and working to combat human trafficking. So I do think this is a close call.

A day earlier, also on CNN, Coons said he was a no on Bondi, but he wants to be fair.

Im a no right now, but  Im going to go back and review the transcript, Coons told CNN host Kaitlyn Collins. I am trying to be fair, and Im trying to give her a reasonable shot at earning my vote, but I was not satisfied by the end of todays hearing.

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Trumps pick to be the next top law enforcement official was grilled by various senators during her hearing on Wednesday. She was pressed if she would push back versus Trump, who has previously said he would be open to going after his political enemies. Bondi did not commit when asked during the hearing if she would decline to probe special counsel Jack Smith, who resigned from the DOJ last week.

Republican senators on the panel pushed back against many lines of questions from their colleagues, especially those related to the DOJs independence.

The focus of these questions today are disturbing. I dont think my Democrat colleagues learned very much from the Nov. 5 election, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The lawsuit facing Nathan Fletcher over allegations of sexual misconduct could move to a civil trial as soon as fall 2025, as both sides continue to bump heads over text messages between the ex-supervisors accuser, Grecia Figueroa, and a friend.

In a hearing Thursday, the judge overseeing the case requested a third-party  known as a discovery referee  be brought in to guide what is admissible evidence in the lawsuit as the phones of Fletcher and Figueroa undergo technical analyses to recoup additional communications ahead of a potential trial.

A tentative trial date was set for mid-September, barring any further delays in the proceedings.

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Timeline: Unfolding of the Nathan Fletcher scandal

Yet the case, which survived an earlier effort by Fletcher to dismiss it, could still be thrown out before it is heard by a jury, with a number of hearings on the books for other issues that his attorneys argue could make her allegations null and void.

This includes further proceedings on accusations made by Fletcher that the former Metropolitan Transit System public relations specialist tampered with evidence by improperly deleting a number of text messages exchanged with her friend, Danielle Radin.

Radin, who worked for FOX 5 San Diego prior to the events of the case, had been identified by Figueroa in earlier discovery proceedings as a witness to her sexual misconduct allegations.

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The former supervisors defense attorneys have zeroed in on these messages in recent months, believing they would support his recounting of their online interactions and physical encounters as consensual.

Mr. Fletcher has represented from day one that his DMs with Mrs. Figueroa and the texts between Figueroa and Radin would demolish this case, Sam Sherman, one of Fletchers attorneys, told FOX 5/KUSI on Thursday. The more we find, the better its going to be for us.

Sherman added they believe these outstanding messages that appear to have been deleted  something which Figueroa denies  may support early dismissal of the case down the line, as well as add new contours to Fletchers countersuit for defamation against her.

In the countersuit, Fletcher alleged the former MTS employee intentionally ignored facts in taking legal action and caused significant damages to his reputation, due to its role in propelling his fall from grace in San Diego local politics.

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Successful defamation claims involving a public figure would need to meet the notoriously high standard of actual malice, meaning the party who made the statements had knowledge of their falsehood or a reckless disregard for their veracity.

Some messages between Figueroa and Radin turned over during the discovery process  as well as those from conversations with Fletcher  have been released by Fletchers attorneys in court filings appear to show at least some level of a consensual relationship for a time.

Taken together, Figueroa appeared to have been conflicted about the situation, at times expressing excitement to her friend about her interactions with Fletcher while at other points calling him a classic narcissist with whom she did not want to engage.

Gloria delivers frank State of the City: Today will be a true test of our resolve

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Figueroa also expressed to her friend in the communications how the interactions had eroded her mental health, leading her to thoughts of suicide.

These texts were dated mid-2022, around the same time that MTS officials began exploring probationary language in her job performance review  the precursor to her eventual firing on the same day Fletcher launched a now-defunct bid for California State Senate.

If Figueroas suit makes it to a civil jury trial, the attorneys expect it might take a minimum of two weeks to litigate. Fletchers defamation countersuit will likely be heard concurrently with the former MTS employees claim.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After two weeks in court, a Florida jury found CNN liable of defaming Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran who did private evacuation work in Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.

The six-person jury awarded Young $5 million in damages, and CNN is likely to be fined more in punitive damages as the next phase of the trial gets underway.

The CNN broadcast in question aired on The Lead with Jake Tapper on Nov. 11, 2021. Young accused CNN of destroy(ing) his reputation and business by portraying him as an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans.

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Young testified in court on the impact CNNs broadcast had on him. He said, When somebody puts your face on CNN all over the world with the label telling the viewer what theyre seeing, and it says, Black Market, ... its devastating when somebody labels you a criminal all over the world.

We refer to ourselves as quiet professionals, Young continued. We dont look for recognition. We do hard things in hard places, dangerous places. He said trust is everything in his work, and CNNs broadcast made it impossible to continue.

What happened in the CNN segment?

Jake Tapper began the segment by saying CNNs chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt found Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demands of exorbitant fees, and no guarantee of safety or success.

Marquardt then explained, desperate Afghans are being exploited and in order to flee the country, they must pay exorbitant, often impossible amounts.

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Then Youngs face appeared on the screen. Marquardt added that Youngs company charged $75,000 to transport a vehicle of passengers to Pakistan or $14,000 per person to the United Arab Emirates.

Prices well beyond the reach of most Afghans, Marquardt said.

The CNN segment showed Marquardt allegedly calling Young, who did not pick up the call.

Marquardt said Young had explained the costs to CNN when questioned about them. In a text message, he told CNN that Afghans trying to leave are expected to have sponsors pay for them, he said.

Internal CNN communications

During the public trial, Youngs legal team revealed CNN internal messages discussing Young. Some presented to the jury called him expletives and said he has a punchable face, according to Newsweek.

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The team also cited a message from Marquardt himself to a colleague, saying, Were gonna nail this Zachary Young (expletive).

On Monday during the trial, Marquardt said, I wasnt looking to take anyone down, I dont believe I took anyone down, and I dont believe the story was about Mr. Young.

CNN issued an on-air apology on March 25, 2022, with Pamela Brown as a substitute anchor sitting in Tappers chair.
Big Tech is the great corporate power of our generation, with more wealth and political might than most countries on earth. Indeed, the tech industry is a force that British governments seem very reluctant to reckon with, preferring to show reverence to  rather than to regulate  our digital overlords.

The US Government does not suffer from the same obsequiousness. America is the home of Big Tech and a country with a firm commitment to individual freedom. Yet from Sunday, the US Government will ban TikTok on the grounds that it is a national security risk.

TikTok is one of the worlds most successful social media players. Despite being launched just eight years ago, Tiktok now has over 2 billion users and is valued at around $200 billion. But TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company and in China there is no such thing as a private business, free from communist state control. US security services suspect that TikTok is being used by the Chinese to gather data for nefarious purposes and to spread anti-western propaganda.

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Despite its 120 million US users  the vast majority under the age of 30  these suspicions are serious enough for the US to ban TikTok altogether. Unless Bytedance is sold to a non-Chinese entity in the next 48 hours, TikTok will disappear from US smartphones.

If TikTok is a threat to US national security, it surely threatens British interests too. The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe, so why is the UK not taking similar action?

Geopolitical threats are not the only reason to remove TikTok from the virtual shelves. TikTok is arguably now the most potent influence on youth culture, glorifying violence and early sexualisation and recruiting children to gangs. Children buy knives and drugs through the platform and TikTok challenges have even been held responsible for the deaths of young children. TikTok has also been blamed for the alarming decrease in childrens attention span. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, has said that TikTok is uniquely awful and possibly the worst consumer product ever invented.

By any possible measure, TikTok is unsafe. Yet there is no appetite from our own Government to restrict childrens access to the platform, let alone to ban it. When asked why the UK would not be following Australia in imposing a minimum age of 16 for social media, Technology Minister Peter Kyle said it would be unpopular with children.

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Whenever the argument for regulating social media is made, it is dismissed as a moral panic or a threat to free speech. But a society that has no interest in who or what is influencing its children is a society that is finished.

All civilisations throughout history have carefully controlled influences on their young. How else can we ensure that the majority of children become law-abiding adults who are loyal to their family, community and nation, and have the character and conscientiousness to become good citizens.

There have always, sadly, been children at the margins who have not been protected from those who would exploit them. But the ubiquitous nature of social media means that danger has spread far beyond the margins, with digital platforms feeding an anti-western, anti-virtue, anti-truth narrative to a whole generation. If we  through fear, apathy or foolish naivety  fail to act in the face of such a threat then we have no interest in the future.

Of course we should uphold free speech. No government should be in the business of telling adults what they can and cant say. But it doesnt follow that we shouldnt regulate a product that is a threat to our security and our children. Adults have the right to drive cars, but we dont allow the automotive industry to sell cars with no brakes. For national security reasons, the UK banned Chinese-owned Huawei from our telecommunications network in 2020. Yet TikTok  now in the bedrooms of millions of British children  has more potential for hostile state interference than Huawei ever had.

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We must be far more cynical about Big Tech. Just as with any other technology, social media is neither innately good nor bad; there are benefits and harms depending on who owns it and how it is used. The idea that we cant or shouldnt regulate TikTok is just cowardice. The first role of any Government is to keep its citizens safe. Our US allies understand that  why dont we?

Miriam Cates is a GB News presenter

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Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Thursday at 11 a.m.

Larecak Lashia Coleman, 29, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, false pretense.

Hayden Bryce Till, 23, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of methamphetamine.

Norman OBryan Trice, 38, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Verona Police Department, violation of probation, possession of a Schedule II drug.

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Lee County Sheriffs Office

The following reports were filed Thursday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

A County Road 1554, Tupelo, woman said some time overnight, someone ran over her county-issued garbage can, destroying it. Waste Management told her she had to file a police report to get a replacement can.

A Silver Lake Road, Guntown, man said someone started driving across the corner of his property last Thursday. After the snow Friday, the person continued to cut the corner. The person continued driving through the mans yard Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The man put a T post in the ground Tuesday morning. The person started to cut across, but saw the metal fence post and re-entered the roadway. He said he is not sure who was responsible, but the damage will cost more than $2,000 to repair.

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A County Road 2204, Saltillo, woman said her neighbors five bulldogs roam the neighborhood causing problems. The dogs come over and harass the cats that she feeds on her property. Last night, the dogs came over and barked at the cats all night. They even came onto her front porch barking and growling. The deputy explained that Lee County does not have a leash law, but she has the right to protect herself, her family and her pets from aggressive animals.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
The court system is at risk of a crisis as criminal barristers quit to chase higher pay, the chairman of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has warned.

Mary Prior KC, the chairman of the CBA, said young criminal barristers who entered the profession out of a feeling of duty were increasingly being lured away by more lucrative jobs in corporate law.

Ms Prior said: The problem is that the enthusiasm and desire for public service wears off within a couple of years. At that stage, our young criminal barristers move into better paying and less traumatic work, which enables them to maintain some form of work-life balance.

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The situation is now contributing to a shortage of criminal barristers working in Britains criminal justice system, which is making the Crown Court backlog worse.

Britains Crown Courts are currently facing a backlog of more than 73,000 cases, as the result of a major build-up during Covid.

Ms Prior said: The number of defendants and victims of crime who need legal representation grows by the week and the number of cases which have to be adjourned because we cannot find a barrister to conduct a trial is growing.

Pay for commercial barristers has risen sharply in recent years as a result of a battle for talent between British and American law firms.

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Leading commercial chambers including Grays Inn Tax Chambers and Gough Square Chambers now offer pupilages  the one-year, vocational training barristers must complete to qualify  with annual pay worth up to 100,000 a year, according to industry blog Legal Cheek.

By contrast, criminal barristers, who rely on legal aid fees for the vast majority of their earnings, have seen their pay stagnate. Most trainee barristers are paid the minimum required by the Bar Standards Board, which amounts to 24,203 if they work in chambers in London, or 22,019 anywhere else in the UK.

Christopher Clark, a legal sector recruiter, said: Criminal barrister pay has continued to decline since legal aid was cut, with swathes of barristers having moved to City law firms for significant increases in compensation.

Lower pay for criminal barristers has so far failed to deter trainees from taking up pupilages, even if many of those who complete training later switch into other areas.

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Demand for criminal barrister training is so high that the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA), which runs one of the most popular bar training courses, is even offering discounts to trainees who defer their studies.

ICCA said those willing to defer will be eligible to receive a 33pc discount on the more than 12,000 fees charged to those completing their advocacy exam.

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President-elect Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order making crypto a policy priority.

It will also give people with influence in the industry a voice in the incoming administration, people familiar with the plan told Bloomberg.

The order is set to make crypto a national imperative or priority, pushing government agencies to work with the industry. Its also intended to establish a crypto advisory council to champion the industrys priorities.

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The crypto industry has been a target for investigations during the Biden administration after a number of fraud cases, including the collapse of the FTX exchange, which went bankrupt in 2022 and led to the arrest of former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of defrauding investors.

Federal agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed more than 100 enforcement actions against the crypto industry in the last few years. Banking regulators also made it hard for crypto companies to work alongside financial institutions, Bloomberg noted.

Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Republican governors at the Mar-a-Lago Club on January 9, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump has promised to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world (Getty Images)

What remains under discussion is a potential directive in the executive order for all agencies to have a look at their policies on digital assets and possibly put on hold any legal action that involves crypto, people familiar with the order told the outlet.

The creation of a national Bitcoin stockpile is also under consideration, which would include the governments current holdings of the worlds top cryptocurrency.

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The U.S. government currently has almost $20 billion in Bitcoin that was seized during a number of investigations, according to Arkham, an analytics company.

The executive order could become public as soon as Monday and it could change before its finalized, Bloomberg noted.

What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry, the vice president for U.S. policy at Coinbase Global, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., Kara Calvert, told the outlet. What its signaling to other countries is be careful, or you wont keep up.

Trump campaigned on aiding the crypto industry during the election. Attending a Bitcoin conference in July, he claimed that he would make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.

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Also last year, he announced a crypto business alongside his sons called World Liberty Financial. Its supposed to allow people to earn and borrow cryptocurrency, but it doesnt yet do so, Bloomberg noted.

Trump has received strong backing from the crypto industry, which has a major presence in the nations capital, supported by political action committees. A number of companies, such as Coinbase and Ripple, have donated to Trumps inaugural committee. The industry is hosting an Inaugural Crypto Ball on Friday ahead of Mondays inauguration.
The cryptocurrency industry, fresh off a 2024 elections spending spree, has turned its influence efforts in recent months to a new target: celebrating the start of President-elect Donald Trumps second term.

Leading crypto firms have pumped at least $10 million into the Trump inaugural fund, and top executives are flocking to Washington ahead of the incoming presidents swearing-in on Monday.

Crypto companies including Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood and Circle have made seven-figure donations to Trumps inaugural committee since Election Day  part of a wave of corporate contributions that Trump has reeled in as big businesses scrambled to curry favor with the incoming administration.

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The donations, which will fund the glitzy official events surrounding the inauguration, exemplify the giddiness across the digital asset sector as Trump prepares to become the first-ever explicitly pro-crypto U.S. president. The industry is eyeing any avenue of influence as it pushes the incoming administration and a GOP-controlled Congress to complete a regulatory overhaul that could boost its growth.

This is a moment of celebration for the industry, said Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, a leading crypto trade association.

The industry laid the groundwork for that celebration by pouring more than $160 million into a super PAC that helped elect a bipartisan slate of lawmakers sympathetic to its agenda. The high-dollar influence campaigns illustrate how the crypto industry has become a major new well that politicians are tapping for contributions, helping it play an outsize role in American politics.

Crypto firms are hosting a sold-out unofficial inaugural ball on Friday at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in downtown Washington. The event, which is set to feature Snoop Dogg as a musical guest, is being put on in part by David Bailey, who runs a bitcoin conference that Trump spoke at last summer. Other sponsors include the Coinbase-backed advocacy group Stand With Crypto and the digital asset firms Exodus, Anchorage Digital and Kraken.

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It all comes as crypto executives and their lobbyists are scrambling to gain sway over the policy changes that Trump has vowed to usher in, which include stockpiling bitcoin and putting in place a new framework for how digital assets are regulated  written by people who love your industry.

One target of fixation for players in the crypto space is a digital assets advisory council that Trump has vowed to create, led by incoming White House crypto and AI czar David Sacks and former North Carolina Congressional candidate Bo Hines.

Everyone is jockeying for it, said one Washington crypto lobbyist, granted anonymity to speak candidly about sensitive dynamics within the industry.

Several top executives are expected to be in town for the inauguration, along with other tech leaders who have taken steps to get in Trumps good graces in recent months. And many firms have shelled out to fill the inaugural funds coffers.

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The crypto firm Ripple, a major target of enforcement action from the SEC that the industry decried during the Biden era, donated $5 million in digital tokens to the inaugural committee, according to a spokesperson for the company. Two of the firms top executives, CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, who met with Trump earlier this month at Mar-a-Lago, plan to attend the swearing-in.

The U.S. crypto exchanges Coinbase and Kraken and the stablecoin company Circle, which issues a token that is pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar, each donated $1 million to the inaugural fund. Robinhood, a leading online brokerage that dabbles in crypto, donated $2 million, according to a spokesperson. Top Coinbase executives including CEO Brian Armstrong were on Capitol Hill on Friday, ahead of the inauguration. Armstrong has twice met with Trump, according to a spokesperson for the company, including once since Election Day.

I think its important to ensure that industry  can engage with this administration and engage in a meaningful way during the transition period, Kara Calvert, vice president for U.S. policy at Coinbase, said of the firms donation. This is the most pro-crypto president that weve ever seen, and he has made a platform clear now for months. And that is a really attractive characteristic right now.

The donations have become an early target for Democrats and watchdog groups, who say the president is selling influence.

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Billionaires think they bought this government, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a leading critic of the crypto industry in Congress, told reporters Thursday. They're sure throwing their weight around.

Irie Sentner and Eleanor Mueller contributed to this report.
A Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputy has agreed to plead guilty to extorting business rivals of a crypto mogul and other crimes, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Chino resident Eric Chase Saavedra, 41, will admit to conspiracy and tax crimes connected to his work for 24-year-old Adam Iza, a Beverly Hills and Newport Coast resident who calls himself The Godfather.

As far back as 2021, Iza paid Saavedras private security company  a business he ran on the side in addition to working as a deputy  $100,000 per month for round-the-clock bodyguards, the Times explains, citing court filings.

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Saavedra paid other deputies $750 in cash for each 12-hour shift, during which they sometimes carried guns and flashed their LASD badges, even though it wasnt official department work, the Times added.

When law enforcement officers violate their oath, they betray not only the public but also the vast majority of officers who do the job the right way, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a news release announcing the charges.. The conduct admitted to in these plea agreements is deeply disturbing and cannot be tolerated.

Saavedra also reportedly used his LASD credentials to access sensitive law enforcement databases and obtain personal identifiable information about people Iza had personal or business disputes with, as well as their associates and family members.

That information was allegedly used to allow for more criminal activity, such as when deputies held people at gunpoint or tried to break into their homes in service of Iza and his business interests.

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Saavedra faces up to 13 years in prison, while Iza faces up to 35, though both have taken plea deals that could reduce their sentences.

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A victim of a crypto-scammer lost an undisclosed amount of cash after they agreed to meet the suspect at a local coffee shop earlier this month.

The victim was a resident of San Marino, according to the San Marino Police Department.

They became the target of the scammer through Facebook, with the victim telling investigators they were contacted by an unknown woman who claimed to be a risk management specialist from Singapore.

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The scammer convinced them to transfer thousands of dollars into an online crypto wallet, a software program that stores the private keys needed for accessing a users cryptocurrency.

The victim then withdrew the funds and discovered a noticeable increase in value, police said.

On Jan. 10, convinced that the scheme was legitimate, the victim then agreed to meet a legitimate currency dealer at a local coffee shop, bringing with them an even larger sum of cash.

They handed the cash to the scammer, assuming that the value would increase as before, but when they checked the account the following day, the funds had completely disappeared.

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Its a tactic known by federal investigators as a Pig Butchering Scam, in which a scammer meets a victim online, often through social media, and builds trust with them over time. The scammer convinces their victim to invest in cryptocurrency, showing them immediate results, and continuing to encourage them to deposit more and more before ending contact and making off with all of the victims funds.

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is actively tracking cryptocurrency scams and continues to urge consumers to be diligent when discussing online funds, especially with someone you dont know or have never met in person.

As an investment, crypto is typically highly risky, and lacks the protections associated with other financial assets such as deposit insurance and the right to error resolution, DFPI says on its website. While there can be some security built into a blockchain system, consumers should be aware of the risks and potential for fraud.

The FBI says Americans lost more than $5.6 billion in crypto scams in 2023.

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To learn more about cryptocurrency scams, or to report if youve fallen victim to one, click here.

The case of the victim in San Marino remains under investigation, police said.

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The Cuban government is beginning to release prisoners who were arrested in the historic anti-government protest of 2021 after the U.S. recently removed the island nation from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. NBC News' George Solis reports on the uncertainty of the policy as a new administration prepares to take office.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Happy Last Normal Day

On the last full workday before Donald Trumps second inauguration on Monday, I wanted to return to our earlier discussion of the three horsemen of the Trump II apocalypse: retribution, corruption, and destruction.

As the pace of the Trump II chaos has quickened in recent days, its been harder to keep track of of it all, let alone make sense of it. We can wave our hands at the general chaos, but if our understanding starts to slip, we cant triage and prioritize the various threats and transgressions. It helps to remember that the chaos isnt the point in and of itself but is in service of the three driving motives that animate the MAGA id.

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Trumps lizard brain seeks retribution for slights real and imagined, with near perfect overlap between wounds to his ego and threats to his power. He perceives them in virtually the same way, and therein lies so much of the danger of the Trump cult. The melding of the personal and the public, of personality and power, and of loyalty to an individual and duty to the common good.

The corruption comes hand in hand with the elevation of personal loyalty over any other obligation or imperative. And it is enhanced by the destruction of institutions, power centers, enforcement mechanisms, and norms that would otherwise impose restraints.

All three impulses combine to project dominance, giving him and his backers a frisson of power as they bully, hurt, and demean for the sake of doing so.

The three motives overlap and reinforce each other, but they remain distinct from each other and help to clarify why a particular threat, scandal, conspiracy theory, elaborate charade, or transgression operates to enhance Trumps position.

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But I dont want this framework to exist only at the level of an abstraction. This isnt a passing parade for us to gawk at from the sidewalk. Real people  government employees; prosecutors, investigators, and judges; regulators, auditors, and watchdogs; and of course marginalized people of all stripes  are going to bear the very real and tangible burdens of being targeted, vilified, and abused under Trump II. That starts at noon ET Monday.

We owe it to them and to each other to keep clear heads about what is happening and why. Onward.

Quote Of The Day

It is the obligation of each of us to follow our norms, not only when it is easy, but also when it is hard, especially when it is hard. It is the obligation of each of us to adhere to our norms, even when and especially when the circumstances we face are not normal. Attorney General Merrick Garland, in his farewell speech to the Justice Department

Trump II Clown Show

Pam Bondi s financial disclosure form shows she and her husband have a net worth of $12.1 million  $3.9 million of which is stock in Trumps Truth Social platform, Business Insider reports, based on documents it obtained.

Kash Patel has vowed retribution. As FBI director, he could do it.WaPo

Stephen Miller, Channeling Trump, Has Built More Power Than EverNYT

Rudy G Settles With Georgia Election Workers

After a flurry of news reports yesterday that suggested Rudy Giuliani was a no-show for scheduled court proceedings, it became clear that he and Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss have settled their disputes over executing the $148 defamation judgment they have against him.

2024 Ephemera

TPMs Hunter Walker: One Of Ruben Gallegos Top Strategists Explains How They Won A Senate Seat In A State That Swung Hard For Trump

NYT: How Chuck Schumer Pushed Joe Biden to Drop Out

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) picks state Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubios Senate seat.

Didnt See This Coming

SCOTUSblog founder Tom Goldstein has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges in Maryland  but thats only the surface-level news. Goldstein, until 2023 a prominent Supreme Court advocate, was allegedly also a high-stakes poker player. Very high stakes. Millions of dollars in gamblings debts and winnings, allegedly. Adding to the sordid soup: allegations relating to keeping women he was involved with on his law firm payroll in fake jobs.

Welcome To The Pyrocene

One of Morning Memos jobs is to introduce you to expert voices you may not have heard yet. Daniel Swain is a climate scientist with a bent toward communicating the risks of climate change to a lay audience. He posted a long thread overnight on wildfire risk in a warming world. In giving a broad overview of whats changed, why wildfire impacts are worsening, and what policy changes and mitigation efforts need to be prioritized, Swain explicitly embraces complexity and doesnt offer silver bullet solutions or over-simplistic fixes. Worth a read, especially if you dont live in the arid West.

Pulling Back The Curtain On Disaster Response

Earlier this week, I was exchanging emails with TPM Reader JP, who has local-level disaster management experience. Hed written in primarily to highlight why Trumps political attacks on California were so godawful, but he also touched on one of my perennial preoccupations: The way news coverage creates and reinforces profound misapprehensions about how disaster response works.

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Im not sure if your readers, or even your staff in general, understand that when a disaster occurs the federal and state governments dont come swooping in. Theyll contribute money and press junkets, eventually. All the responders, which covers so much more than fire/police personnel/resources, are all local. As the disaster response expands beyond strictly local (county) capacity, the state may facilitate the transfer of other local resources, but thats it. No President or Governor is in a secret bunker directing the response and no national base is waiting with disaster equipment and staff to dispatch overnight, like some sort of military air-drop. As resources start pouring into the disaster response, for whatever disaster wherever it occurred, its all localities from across that state and across other states contributing to our shared welfare. I had municipal coworkers at my elbow who had just lost their houses and all their possessions, but knew they could still contribute to our communitys welfare by continuing to work in the response. These really are the most by the people, for the people experiences our country has, not war, not voting, not traveling, and certainly not social media. For those involved in the response and/or affected by the disaster it becomes one of the most elevated community/emotional experiences you can have. That a President, any President, would try to pillory a state in a time of crisis shows their true lack of character and moral ugliness. Even TX Governor Abbott, despite his political chicanery and CA scapegoating, knows that Texas and California are brethren in this cause and need to stand together. My heart goes out to those in Southern California fighting this raging storm of fire, we all stand with you in this time.

Whats Next In Los Angeles?

Susan Crawford: Why pushing to rebuild quickly in LA is both understandable and unthinkable

Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly

The aerospace industrial complex has always launched as many euphemisms as it has rockets. When Elon Musks SpaceX launch vehicle Starship exploded yesterday over the Turks and Caicos islands while on a test flight, we got this oldie but goodie:

Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause.



With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will help us improve Starships  SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025

The disintegration of the unmanned spacecraft was spectacular:

Starship Flight 7 breaking up and re-entering over Turks and Caicos pic.twitter.com/iuQ0YAy17O  Alex D. (@adavenport354) January 16, 2025

Kilauea Puts On A Show

The series of summit eruptions on Kilauea that began Dec. 23 resumed Wednesday morning and has evolved into vigorous lava fountaining from two vents at the base of the 700-foot-tall caldera wall. This is the fourth eruptive episode of the past month:

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PALOMARES, Spain (WHTM)  It was called Operation Chrome Dome. On January 17, 1966, a USAF B-52G bomber, which flew from Seymour Air Force Base in North Carolina to somewhere near the Soviet Unions border with Europe, was preparing to perform its second mid-air refueling of the mission with a KC-135 tanker over the Mediterranean Sea. Then, as the B-52 pilot later put it, All hell seemed to break loose.

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The two planes collided, and the fuel load on the tanker plane exploded. All four crewmembers of the tanker were killed, as well as three of the seven men on the B-52. The other four were able to parachute to safety.

And from the destroyed B-52 fell four thermonuclear bombs-H bombs, as they are often called. One of them splashed into the Mediterranean. The other three crashed into the land around Palomares, an agricultural and fishing community in the Almeria province of Spain. One of them landed relatively intact, but the non-nuclear explosives in the other two detonated on impact. The nuclear explosives, uranium and plutonium, did not go off, but in a classic demonstration of the dirty bomb scenario, the conventional explosives scattered about seven pounds of Plutonium 239 across a large swath of land.

The wreckage of a USAF Jet tanker which collided Spanish officials in background search for bodies in Almeria, Spain on Jan. 18, 1966. (AP Photo) The largest piece remaining of a U.S. jet tanker after its collision with a B52 bomber in Almeria, Spain, Jan. 18, 1966. Two of its crews were killed and the other two listed as missing. (AP Photo) Part of the wrecked fuselage of an USAF B52 bomber lines where it crashed near Palomares, 60 miles Northeast of Almeria, Spain on Jan. 17, 1966 after a Collision in flight with an USAF Kc 135 tanker while refueling. The Tanker too crashed. 4 of the 7 B 52 drew men survived. (AP Photo) Maj. Gen. Delmar Wilson, left, USAF, and rear Adm. William S. Guest, USN, are at Palomares Beach, Spain on April 8, 1966, inspecting the H-Bomb that was recovered from the Mediterranean. Bomb had been lost since January, following a crash of two USAF planes. Behind them is the torpedo grapple device which was used to recover the weapon from 2,500 feet below the surface of the sea. (AP Photo) Spanish and Americans work together sorting the tons of wreckage from the B-52/KC-135 which crashed on the coast of Southern Spain on Feb. 22, 1966. (AP Photo) A U.S. Air Force bulldozer cleans up rubble at the base camp from which the long search for a missing nuclear bomb continues in Palomares Beach, Spain on Feb. 11, 1966. (AP Photo) Technicians of the U.S., Air Force use rubber gloves while picking up picking particular pieces of the wreckage and placing them in cardboard boxes in Palomares on Jan. 28, 1966. Main part of the wreckage in background. (AP Photo/Franco Mattioli) Open air luncheon at Camp Wilson in Palomares Beach, Spain on Feb. 17, 1966. Nuclear search teams have noon-day meal from field kitchen. Two at right appear well fed. (AP Photo) More than 1,000 sealed barrels containing radioactive soil near Palomares in Spain on March 18, 1966, where H-bombs fell and broke open. The soil is to be taken to the U.S., atomic energy commissions Burial Ground near Aiken, South Carolina, for disposition. (AP Photo) Barrels of contaminated earth collected from the nearby area in Palomares, Spain on March 18, 1966, where a U.S. B52 plane crashed on January 17 with H-Bombs aboard. The earth will be shipped to the U.S., atomic energy commissions burial ground near Aiken, S.C., for disposition. (AP Photo) No hair left unturned in great nuclear search, an expert from Spains Nuclear Energy Board checks a reluctant cow for signs of radioactivity in Palomares Beach, Spain in 1966. (AP Photo) U.S., Navy frogmen arrive ashore with a LST to pickup a raft at the rescue and collection center set up in the beach in Palomares on Jan. 28, 1966, by U.S., Army and Air Force. The center has been set up to collect the pieces of the wreckage of a B-52 and a tanker jet which collided midair on January 17. They are also searching for nuclear devices which were aboard the B-52. One of the devices has been pinpointed at the bottom of the sea at about 1000mts offshore. (AP Photo/Franco Mattioli) A U.S. scuba diver surveys a piece of aircraft wreckage that was found at depth 130 feet in waters of Palomares during search for missing H-Bomb in Palomares Beach, Spain on March 9, 1966. (AP Photo) ** FILE ** In this March. 1966 photo taken from 16mm film footage from the National Archives in Washington D.C., an unidentified U.S. military diver guides an Alvin mini-submarine into the water near Palamares in south-eastern Spain, after a U.S. B-52 bomber crashed with a tanker plane during aerial refueling Jan 17, 1966, causing four hydrogen bombs to fall to earth in Palomares. Spain and the United States have reached an agreement on cleaning up radioactivity in the area, 40 years and 9 months after the accident news reports said Sunday. (AP Photo/National Archive Record Administration, Washington D.C. File.) The submarine Alvin sits in the well deck of a U.S. Navy landing ship dock as the deck is flooded to set the Alvin afloat. The two-man sub was one of two miniature subs used to search and recover debris in the depths off the coast of Palomares on Feb. 24, 1966. (AP Photo) The two-man Midget submarine Alvin, which made pictures indicating that the H-bomb missing off Palomares Beach, Spain on March 18, 1966, had been located, is near the Spanish Coast. A frogman checks with crewmen inside the tiny craft as a U.S. Navy launch stands by. The sub what official sources said was undoubtedly the bomb five miles off the southern coast of Spain and 2,500 feet below the surface. (AP Photo) U.S. Navy ordnance men check for contamination on an H-bomb on deck of the USS petrel off Palomares Beach, Spain on April 8, 1966, after the bomb was successfully recovered from the Mediterranean Sea. Bomb had been lost since last January following the crash of two U.S. Air Force planes. (AP Photo) In the spotlight since a United States jet plane collision on January 17, residents of the area around Palomares, Spain, carefully grade the new tomato crop before packing and shipment to market on March 21, 1966. Farmers around Palomares are worried about sale of their crops because this is the area on which three hydrogen bombs dropped in the collision of two jets. U.S. experts are trying to raise on object which is believed to be a fourth bomb, found after long search on a ledge 2,500 feet down in the sea off Palomares. (AP Photo) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, and Spains Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo sign agreements at the Santa Cruz palace, Spains Foreign Affairs Ministry, in Madrid, Spain, Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Spain and the United States signed an agreement Monday to further discuss the cleanup and removal of land contaminated with radioactivity after a mid-air collision in 1966 dumped four U.S. hydrogen bombs near the southern Spanish village of Palomares. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

US Air Force personnel from Torrejon Air Base near Madrid were sent to Palomares to access the situation and begin cleanup. The U.S. Navy sent ships to search for the bomb which fell into the water. Included in the fleet was the DSV Alvin, a research submarine operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. (If the name of the sub rings a bell with you, its probably because twenty years later, in 1986, she would be the first manned submersible to explore the R.M.S. Titanic.)

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Nagasaki marks A-bombing anniversary amid nuclear war fears

It took 80 days of looking, with scuba divers, hardhat divers, and submersibles, until Alvin finally located the bomb on March 15, in 2,550 feet of water. The first attempt to recover the bomb failed; it slipped loose while trying to attach lift lines and slid into deeper water. Alvin found it again on April 2 at a depth of 2,900 feet. On April 7 CURV-1, an unmanned, cable-controlled torpedo recovery craft, attempted to attach a line to the bomb but got entangled in the weapons parachute. The bomb and sub were winched up together to a depth of 100 feet, where divers attached cables. The nuclear weapon was brought to the surface, put on a ship, and taken to the United States.

Meanwhile ground cleanup continued around Palomares. 1,600 people, mostly Air Force personnel, spent months digging up soil, loading it into barrels, and shipping it off to a nuclear waste facility. In all about 10,000 cubic meters of soil were removed at a cost of about $80 million dollars.

Before long, people who worked on the cleanup started getting sick. Cancers, blood diseases, skin diseases, and a whole plethora of health issues began cropping up among veterans who moved the soil around Palomares. But many were denied disability benefits from the Veterans Administration based on Air Force radiation exposure estimates.

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Experts warn senators of Russia, China nuclear programs

Then in 2016, the 50th anniversary of the accident, the New York Times published a scathing article detailing the sufferings of the veterans, and how theyd been stonewalled in their efforts to get help.

In 2017 one of the veterans, Victor Skaar, sued the Department of Veterans Affairs in the specialized Court of Appeals for Veterans Affairs, requesting, among other things, that the Palomares veterans be given class-action status. The court granted that status in 2019, and in 2020 ordered the VA to review the Palomares veterans eligibility for benefits. Then on August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which seeks to ensure compensation and benefits to military personnel exposed to toxins-including the radioactive material at Palomares.

Veterans of UK nuclear weapons tests win battle for medal

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In Palomares itself, the people are still dealing with the aftermath of the event more than half a century later. While no official estimates have been published, there is still plutonium in the area. (In 2008 two trenches of radioactive soil were discovered, apparently buried by the Americans late in the cleanup.) Some areas are fenced off, and residents of the area are tested annually by Spanish and American research groups. Plankton and snails in the area show unusually high levels of radiation.

UN chief urges nuke powers to abide by no-first-use pledge

(To read the New York Times article click here.)

The half-life of Plutonium is 24,000 years.

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ST. LOUIS  More than three decades have passed since Famous Barr closed its iconic Southtown St. Louis store. This weekend marks 33 years since the St. Louis community bid farewell.

On Jan. 18, 1992, the beloved Famous Barr location at Chippewa Street and Kingshighway Boulevard officially closed doors.

Famous Barrs Southtown location, which opened in 1951, became a popular social hub and major economic engine for several south St. Louis neighborhoods. The three-story building was also celebrated for its mid-century architecture, featuing elegant storefronts, expansive windows, and a giant analog clock at its entrance.

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Food Network picks the most iconic foods and drinks of St. Louis

In FOX 2 archives from January 1992, ahead of its closure, owners reported that the store had been trending downward for several years due to the growing popularity of shopping malls.

According to Joe Sondermans 2024 book This Day In St. Louis History, there were proposals to transform the building into a Venture or K-Mart location, but those plans never came to fruition. The original Famous Barr building was demolished in 1995.

Today, a Walgreens now stands on the ground where Famous Barr once stood, with a small shopping plaza just behind it.

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A Davenport man was arrested after police say he sexually abused a family member.

According to the criminal complaint, the Davenport Police Department received a report of a sexual assault on January 4. Officers investigated and found probably cause to believe the defendant, identified as Michael Edler, 39, touched the victim inappropriately against her will and without her consent. In a post-Miranda interview, Edler admitted to the acts.

Michael Edler (Scott County Jail)

Edler was arrested and charged with felony third degree sexual abuse and incest. He was released on a secured $15,000 bond and is awaiting an initial court appearance.

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KAYSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  The Davis School District is celebrating a new milestone as it officially equips all 10 of its high schools with a teen resource center designed to help students who are struggling with housing insecurity.

The teen centers provide students with a safe place to shower, do laundry, study, and receive one-on-one assistance from family service workers. They also provide access to critical resources for teens.

Davis High School, located at 325 South Main Street in Kaysville, was the final school to be equipped with a teen resource center which officially opened earlier this week. Emily Wilding, the teen center site coordinator for Davis High, said the latest center was only made possible by strong support from the community.

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Im grateful that I could be an advocate for these kids who need help the most, said Wilding. To help them fill in the gaps of whatever it may be. If its having food on the table when they get home or having help with their academics when theyre here  just anything that they need.

Our city is fed up: Salt Lake City mayor releases safety plan right before state deadline

The latest resource center, which has officially been named The Dart Den, will be open from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and will offer discreet support to teens and their families.

The Davis School District began opening teen resource centers at its public high schools in 2021. In the four years since resource centers have been created in high schools from Layton and Syracuse to Bountiful and Woods Cross.

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Davis Education Foundation Executive Director Jodi Lunt said she hopes that these teen resource centers can be centers of hope for Davis County students.

Hope for these young people to realize their potential and to be able to actualize all the great potential that they have, said Lunt. These are places where students can feel safe and receive the services so that they can become the young person that they have the potential to become.

The district plans on continuing to expand resources for its students, with similar services expected to become available next for junior high schools throughout the county.

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Good morning, Chicago.

After nearly three months, more than 60 witnesses and a surprising turn on the stand from the defendant himself, the evidence phase of former House Speaker Michael Madigans corruption trial has drawn to a close.

Madigans attorneys formally rested yesterday, followed by a brief rebuttal case from prosecutors, who then also rested. Jurors were set to return Wednesday to begin hearing instructions and closing arguments, which will stretch over at least three days.

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The prosecution featured nearly 150 wiretapped phone calls and undercover videos as well as testimony from two now-legendary FBI moles: former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez and, most memorably, ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, who began cooperating with the government after being confronted with evidence of his own salacious misdeeds.

The defense put on a dozen witnesses, including Madigan himself, who regaled the jury with tales from his strict, Southwest Side Irish Catholic upbringing and flatly denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors, however, were able to confront him on cross-examination about his many statements on the governments wiretaps, including one where he allegedly laughed that some of his associates had made out like bandits.

The landmark trial, which began with jury selection on Oct. 8, has been a fascinating dive into the inner workings of state politics as well as Madigans vaunted political machine.

Read the full story from the Tribunes Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau.

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Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

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Israels security Cabinet meets to vote on a ceasefire to pause the war in Gaza and release hostages

Israels security Cabinet convened to vote on a ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by Hamas there.

President Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

Biden announced today that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.

Illinois State Board of Education asks for $11.4 billion in funding as state faces substantial budget deficit

The Illinois State Board of Education approved a nearly $11.4 billion budget request this week for the upcoming fiscal year, amounting to a 4.6% increase from this year, as the state prepares to face a substantial budget deficit.

Cook County board pays $180,000 settlement involving Board of Review commissioner

The Cook County Board awarded $180,000 to a former county employee that sued Board of Review commissioner Samantha Steele for wrongful termination.

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The countys top watchdog, meanwhile, dinged Board of Review members for ignoring its own rules when hiring new staff, many of whom he found were politically connected to the commissioners.

Northwest Indiana representatives file bills addressing mental health, higher education and Constitution change

As the Indiana General Assemblys 2025 legislative session moves forward, Northwest Indiana representatives have filed bills addressing mental health, higher education and water infrastructure and a resolution to change the Indiana Constitution.

Winnetka house made famous by the movie Home Alone sells for $5.5M

The red brick Georgian Revival mansion in Winnetka made famous by the 1990 film Home Alone sold on Thursday for $5.5 million  slightly above its $5.25 million asking price.

Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks plan to begin remaking the neighborhood surrounding United Center wins commission approval

The Chicago Plan Commission yesterday endorsed the first phase of a plan by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families to remake the Near West Side neighborhood around the United Center.

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This initial step will include the privately financed construction of a 6,000-seat music hall, a boutique hotel and nearly 10 acres of green space, including play areas for all age groups. The initial phase also includes several parking garages topped by elevated parks open to the public, with retail spaces and cafes on the ground floors.

Chicago Cubs and slugger Kyle Tucker agree to a $16.5 million salary for 2025 to avoid arbitration

Kyle Tuckers introduction to the Cubs organization wont involve an arbitration hearing during spring training.

The Cubs and their new slugger have agreed to a $16.5 million salary for 2025 to avoid arbitration, a source confirmed to the Tribune on Thursday. Tucker had filed at $17.5 million while the Cubs were at $15 million, which had been the largest gap among arbitration-eligible players who had not reached terms with their respective teams.

Sergio Santos takes over as Triple-A manager as Chicago White Sox make changes to player development staff

A former major-leaguer whose career included two seasons as a reliever with the Sox, Sergio Santos remembers making the leap from Double A to Triple A as a player  first as an infielder and then as a pitcher. He believes that experience will come in handy.

How Illinois became the first state to recognize MLK Day

We remember Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. each January 15, which was the slain civil rights leaders birthday. But, did you know, Illinois was the first state to recognize it as a holiday?

What to do in Chicago: Cubs Convention, Puppet Fest and an MLK concert

Also around the area these next few days, Black Panther in concert, comedian Alex Moffat and country star Kelsea Ballerini.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A D.C. man was sentenced to spend decades in prison for murdering his romantic rival in 2021, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said Thursday.

Vernon Parrish, 41, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm back over the summer of 2024.

According to the USAO, on Sept. 26, 2021, Parrish drove to Ronald Baileys home, which is in the 5200 block of E Street SE. He intended to kill Bailey because they were both in a relationship with the same woman.

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Presidential Inauguration events to impact DCs Union Station

Armed with a gun, Parrish sped down E Street, got out of his car in front of Baileys home, screamed for him to come out and then fired multiple shots into his home before fleeing the scene. Bailey was killed in the gunfire.

Parrish was arrested on Oct. 6, 2021, and has been in custody ever since.

He was sentenced to spend 40 years in prison on Jan. 16, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreemen t is expected to take effect as soon as Sunday. But the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in over a year of brutal war between Israel and Hamas is rife with risks and raises more questions than it answers.

The deal presented to the Israeli Cabinet Friday after months of complex negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar is ridden with diplomatic ambiguity, leaving the issues that most inflame tensions between Israel and Hamas up for more negotiation. That has stirred fears that, failing a second agreement, the war could resume within weeks.

In besieged Gaza, the prospect of more humanitarian aid and a respite from constant bombardment still has lifted Palestinians' hopes after 15 months of suffering through an Israeli military campaign has killed over 46,000 people, both civilians and militants.

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In Israel, families have eagerly prepared to welcome home relatives Hamas took captive during its Oct. 7 cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 250 others.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN COMING DAYS?

Even as Israel and Hamas quarreled over final sticking points earlier this week, American and Qatari officials said the first phase of the deal  lasting 42 days  should take hold first thing Sunday.

It involves the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza  women, children men over age 50 and sick or wounded people  in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

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Hamas has agreed to free three female hostages on Day 1 of the deal, four more on Day 7 and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks of this first stage.

The first stage also requires that 600 humanitarian relief trucks enter the enclave each day  a significant increase from the current trickle of aid deliveries decried by the United Nations as insufficient to cover people's basic needs.

In Gaza, Palestinians can expect the fighting to stop and the Israeli army to withdraw to the east, away from populated areas, allowing civilians to return to their shattered homes. Around 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million people has been displaced.

The majority of Palestinian prisoners slated for release, according to a partial list released by the Israeli Justice Ministry on Friday, are women and minors jailed in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem for non-violent offenses.

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Diplomats have sketched out further phases of the agreement in hopes that the immediate ceasefire can allow Israel and Hamas to work toward a lasting end to the war and the reconstruction of devastated Gaza.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?

The second phase of the deal is meant to be worked out before the first one ends. To convince both sides to sign on to the ceasefire, foreign mediators seem to have left that second phase particularly ambiguous.

The broad outline says all remaining hostages in Gaza, both alive and dead, are to be released in return for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the strip and a sustainable calm.

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The talks are bound to be tricky, given the participants antagonisms and sharply different goals.

Israel says it wont agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamas military and political capabilities are eliminated, ensuring it can no longer rule.

Hamas is badly battered but still controls much of Gaza and has said that it will only agree to a deal that permanently ends the war. It has refused to hand over the last Israeli hostages  around 100 are still in Gaza  until Israel removes all of its troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hoping to persuade his far-right allies to remain in his wobbly governing coalition despite their opposition to a ceasefire, has offered the public no guarantees that Israel will make it to Phase 2. That leaves many families afraid that loved ones still in Gaza will be left behind.

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Itamar Ben-Gvir, the hardline minister for national security, announced Thursday night that his ultranationalist Jewish Power party would quit the government over the ceasefire, and only return if fighting resumed. Israels finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, also demanded that Netanyahu promise to continue the war in Gaza after freeing some of the hostages as a condition of Smotrich's Religious Zionism staying in the government.

Few believe that the ceasefire will address the underlying causes of the war.

No one can promise that Hamas will keep its word and execute the second stage, Amos Harel, a military affairs columnist for the Israeli paper Haaretz, wrote on Friday. "And many are suspicious of Netanyahus intentions."
TALBOTTON, Ga. (WRBL)  A death investigation is underway in Talbot County after a man was fatally shot during an argument on Wednesday, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The Talbot County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to a home on Tuck Person Highway at about 2:10 p.m. Deputies learned Fazion Terry, 29, of Woodland and another man were both shot during an argument.

The GBI says Terry was pronounced dead on the scene. The other man was taken to a hospital in Columbus where he was treated for his injuries.

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No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI regional investigative office in Midland at (706) 565-7888 or the Talbot County Sheriffs Office at (706) 665-8314. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
PARACHINAR, Pakistan (AP)  The death toll from a rocket and gun attack on an aid convoy in restive northwestern Pakistan has jumped to at least five, local authorities said Friday.

The attack happened Thursday when trucks carrying food, medicine and other relief supplies for hundreds of thousands of besieged residents were heading to Kurram, a district hit by sectarian violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Authorities initially said a security officer was killed in the attack, but Shaukat Ali, a district administrator in Kurram, said on Friday that another officer had died at a hospital and the bodies of three missing truck drivers had been found.

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He said five drivers were still missing and their trucks had been burned by the attackers.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack in Kurram, which has been the scene of violence between Shiite and Sunni tribes since July 2024. The violence surged in November when attackers opened fire on vehicles carrying passengers, killing 52 people, mostly Shiites. Since then, at least 130 people have died in violence there.

Thursday's attack came weeks after the government secured a ceasefire deal between tribal leaders.

Shiite Muslims dominate parts of Kurram, although they are a minority in the rest of Pakistan, which is majority Sunni. The area has a history of sectarian conflict, with militant Sunni groups previously targeting minority Shiites.
DEEP RIVER, Conn. (WTNH)  A Deep River man was arrested on Thursday after police allegedly found a car stolen from a New Jersey dealership in a driveway, according to state police.

Prior to making the arrest, officers were informed that the suspect was the subject of an active arrest warrant in Sarasota County, Florida for felony burglary charges.

Man arrested on larceny charges in North Haven

Police said that they arrested 32-year-old Ryan Pulcini inside the residence. It was discovered through the investigation that Pulcini had originally purchased the Jeep Wagoneer from the dealership in New Jersey, but after the financing fell through, he failed to return the car to the dealership.

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He was charged with larceny in the first degree as well as fugitive from justice  extradition arrest. He was assigned a bond totaling to $350,000.

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 WTNH.com.
House Speaker Jon Patterson delivers his opening day speech Wednesday to the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

The day he was sworn in as speaker of the Missouri House, Jon Patterson declared that defining fetal viability could be a difficult task.

A surgeon serving his fourth term in the legislature, Patterson said despite the vagueness of the medical phrase, the decision by voters to overturn Missouris abortion ban means lawmakers have no choice but to try.

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What Ill tell you is, if you took 10 doctors and lined them up and said whats the definition of fetal viability, youd get 10 different answers, Patterson said at a press conference last week. Our citizens deserve to know what these are, and I think thats a debate worth having.

Fetal viability may be the crux of how anti-abortion lawmakers target the procedure. The constitutional amendment approved by voters protects abortion access up until the point of fetal viability, the time in pregnancy when a fetus can survive on its own outside the womb without extraordinary medical interventions.

Viability is generally considered to be about the mid-point in pregnancy, between 20 and 24 weeks, though there is no exact gestational definition. In addition to pondering putting a new amendment on the ballot, anti-abortion lawmakers are looking for path around the constitutional restrictions, including granting personhood beginning at the moment of conception.

Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chair of the Missouri section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said attempting to legislate a single definition or gestational age of viability would be a fools errand.

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McNicholas, who performed abortions in Missouri prior to the states ban in 2022, said viability early in pregnancy differentiates between a pregnancy that is miscarrying or not. Later in pregnancy, the word is used to estimate the probability a fetus could survive outside the womb.

Doctors, she said, use factors including gestational age, the mothers health and genetic conditions of the fetus to determine viability. But extenuating circumstances, like the availability of a NICU, can also be factors.

Like all attempts to legislate, regulate pregnancy care in general, its dangerous, she said. It means that you are trying to force an incredible variation of gray spectrum into a black or white box, which means that no matter what, people will be getting the wrong care, and care driven by politics and not by healthcare or science.

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McNicholas said in her experience, those whove sought out abortions that could be considered past the point of fetal viability often did so for one of three reasons: They recently received new medical information that led them to choose to end a wanted pregnancy; they dont learn they are pregnant until much later, inducing because they have inconsistent menstrual cycles or because they are young; or they tried to get an abortion earlier in pregnancy but couldnt because of barriers to access.

Im hoping that, as a physician, Dr. Patterson will be able to take a step back from politics, which he has in the past, McNicholas added. It is incredibly valuable that he is a physician, and I hope that experience in medicine and science will help to shape this.

Patterson has repeatedly said he will respect the will of the voters, who passed Amendment 3 by a slim margin of 51% in November. But he said lawmakers also need to give voters clarity.

What is the definition of extraordinary measures? Patterson asked. Is it a ventilator? Is it IVs?

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Across the Capitol rotunda, Missouri senators have also been contemplating their next move.

We owe it to voters to address this issue in a way that reflects the values of our state, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin said earlier this month. Whether that means pursuing a full repeal or making adjustments  such as including exceptions for certain cases  Im committed to ensuring the laws governing this issue are both transparent and reflective of what Missourians truly want.

While the amendment is now part of the state constitution, no abortions have begun again in Missouri.

Planned Parenthood is currently suing the state in an attempt to restore access by taking down existing laws regulating abortion providers, also known as TRAP laws. Without a judge striking down these laws as unconstitutional under Amendment 3, clinics are unable to gain licensure to start performing abortions again.

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Missourians havent had widespread abortion access in years, but all access was officially cut off in June 2022, when a trigger law with exceptions only for medical emergencies went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

As lawmakers begin to receive committee assignments this week, Missourians will soon get a better understanding of how the GOP supermajority will respond to the Amendment 3 vote.

So far, anti-abortion lawmakers and activists have said all ideas are welcome.

Im very open-minded about whats out there, said Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion activist and lobbyist who has been tracking the dozens of pieces of legislation filed this year aiming to curb or repeal Amendment 3.

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One piece of legislation, a house joint resolution filed by state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield, seeks to put before voters a constitutional amendment that would ban abortions with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies (but not diagnosed disabilities) and rape or incest, but only if the survivor is fewer than 12 weeks pregnant and has reported the crime to police.

It would also ask voters if they want to ban gender-affirming care for minors, clarify the right to treatment for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages and ensure a pregnant patients ability to sue in cases of medical neglect.

Stinnett was also chosen by Patterson to lead a working group of House Republicans to discuss ways they could address Amendment 3, considering approaches from statutory changes to partial or full repeals.

Representative Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield, on the final day of the 2023 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

Asked if any particular ideas or strategies are rising to the top, she said its too soon to say.

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My goal really is just to focus on the policy and making sure that what we pass is the best policy possible, she said. Then those decisions will be made when the time comes.

Lee said while he expects plenty of debate around what to put before votes, he has cautioned lawmakers against attempting to amend the language within Amendment 3 specifically.

Theres a chance that if tough restrictions are upheld by the courts, he said, Planned Parenthood may not reopen its doors for abortion.

Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, a member of Whats Next, said this debate around fetal viability was avoidable.

Whats Next is a coalition of abortion-rights organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment with no restrictions on abortion, arguing that Amendment 3 granted lawmakers too much control and created an unsolvable problem.

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At every stage we were warning voters that Amendment 3 further entrenches a problem that we cant solve, she said. It invites the government in to regulate abortion. It demands a definition of viability, and we are now living the reality that many of us were warning about.

Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, disagrees.

Wolff, who helped advise the coalition that crafted Amendment 3s language, said the amendment clearly defines fetal viability as the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgement of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a significant likelihood of the fetuss sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.

That definition, he said, puts medical professionals in the drivers seat.

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I dont know what business the legislature has in providing a new definition or trying to improve on it, he said.   The area between fetal viability and child birth is where the legislature gets to do its work, but it doesnt get to define that boundary of fetal viability.

If lawmakers attempt to define viability, he said they would be in violation of the constitution and whatever they do would be unenforceable.

A whole lot of the states other problems are going to suffer from inattention if they spend all their time defining something thats already defined, he said. But thats their business.

McNicholas, who recently stepped down as medical director of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers based out of St. Louis, is more confident in what Republicans might be able to achieve.

One of the things I certainly have learned in almost two decades of practicing in Missouri, is that anti abortion extremists are innovative, McNicholas said. They will continue to do what they can to eliminate access for patients.
David Wyatt received glowing reviews each year at Delray Beach Fire Rescue.

He began his career 23 years ago as an Ocean Rescue Officer in 2002, working his way up to Driver Engineer in late 2015. It was a promotion he had strived toward for years, personnel records obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel Thursday show.

A supervisor noted soon after he joined Delray Beach Fire Rescue that Wyatt had potential of becoming more. As Wyatt climbed in the department and as noted in his most recent annual evaluation, he was routinely recognized by supervisors as someone the city should be proud of as a representative, someone eager to learn, and someone who brought a positive, hardworking attitude to work every day. His supervisors year after year ranked him highly on safety, while on and off emergency calls.

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The years of positive reviews preceded a Dec. 28 crash with a Brightline train, where Wyatt drove a $1 million ladder truck onto the tracks with the crossing gates lowered as the high-speed passenger drain barreled toward it. Wyatt and two of his fellow firefighters on the truck were sent to the hospital as trauma alerts.

The violent crash has resulted in numerous investigations, public scrutiny of the fire department, and heated disagreements among city officials over transparency. It has also raised questions about previous issues with fire department personnel driving city-owned vehicles while the status of their licenses were in question during their employment.

Wyatts drivers license was suspended in October 2023 after a June traffic citation for careless driving in a personal car, Palm Beach County court records show. There is no mention of a license suspension or the crash that led to it in his annual review around that time, completed by Capt. Brian Fiorey and signed off on by then-Chief Keith Tomey in September 2023.

Only once in Wyatts personnel file is there mention of his drivers license. In his 2008 to 2009 annual evaluation, while not yet a Driver Engineer, his then-supervisor wrote under areas for Wyatt to improve: Paramedic Wyatt needs to be certain that all clerical issues such as having a valid Drivers License are kept current at all times.

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There were no records in Wyatts personnel file indicating he had ever been disciplined or internally investigated.

City and fire department officials have clashed over what information to make public about the crash, so far releasing 911 calls and dispatch audio from the day of the crash and the names of four people on administrative leave stemming from the Brightline crash, including Wyatt. The fire departments union heavily criticized Chief Ronald Martin for publicly naming them.

At least 10 fire department employees are believed to have had suspended licenses while working for the city of Delray Beach, according to brief discussion at the commission meeting earlier this month. Commissioner Rob Long said at the meeting that all personnel on the fire rescue truck at the time of the crash have active licenses.

Since the Brightline crash, Wyatt has been placed on administrative leave with pay, along with Capt. Brian Fiorey, who personnel records show was Wyatts direct manager in 2023 and 2024 and who city officials said was also on the ladder truck at the time of the crash.

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Two senior staff members, Assistant Chief Kevin Green and Division Chief Todd Lynch, are also on paid leave stemming from the crash, with the investigation of them focusing on the review of the driving record of City employee, David Wyatt, received on May 10, 2024, Chief Ronald Martin said in Jan. 3 memos to them.

Firefighter Joseph Fiumara III, the third person who was on the ladder truck that was destroyed in the Brightline collision, has not been placed on leave.

Driver Engineer David Wyatt

Wyatt, 46, served in the U.S. Air Force and was a lifeguard for Lake Worth Beach for 2 years before applying for the Delray Ocean Rescue job, where he got his start. Shortly after joining the department, Wyatt seemed to know he wanted to stay.

I am looking forward to a long career with DBFR, he wrote as a comment in his July 2005 evaluation.

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Wyatt is a member of the Station 115 crew, the departments Special Operations station, personnel records show. The six-member crew assigned to the station specialized in HAZMAT, high-angle and confined-space rescues, heavy extrication and dive rescues, the departments website for the station says. In 2015, Wyatt was a dive instructor for the department and in 2014 was recognized as one of the departments leaders in Dive Rescue.

His supervisor in a 2014 evaluation said Wyatt had not had any preventable crashes.

As a Driver Engineer in 2019, he was recognized as a leader for younger crew members at Station 115, according to his review that year. Between 2017 and 2019, Wyatt had not had any reportable incidents while a Driver Engineer.

Engineer Wyatt adheres to the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, his supervisor wrote in June 2018. He consistently operates apparatus in a safe and appropriate manner on both emergency and non-emergency responses.

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In his most recent review in June 2024, his supervisor Fiorey wrote he was a reliable and respectable role model in the Special Operations Program and the department overall, receiving an outstanding rating in every category in the evaluation, including in safety and compliance.

Capt. Brian Fiorey

Fiorey was hired in 2005 as a firefighter/paramedic, with previous experience as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

He became a certified firefighter in 2004 and within a few years, supervisors were impressed by him, saw him becoming a leader in the department and encouraged him to aim toward the Driver Engineer and higher ranks.

While a paramedic, Fioreys 2005 to 2006 evaluation said he had been in a minor accident, according to the document, and his supervisor said he needed to understand the importance of judgment and safety pertaining to his job.

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He became a Driver Engineer in 2012 and was another member of the Special Operations station routinely praised by supervisors for his work ethic, attitude and safety. Fiorey was promoted to captain in June 2014. A supervisor in 2014 noted he was extremely safety conscious and a member of the departments Health and Safety Committee.

There were no disciplinary records in the documents obtained by the Sun Sentinel.

Fiorey in his most recent review, in August 2024, received a perfect score in all 14 areas of the evaluation, in part being acknowledged for his deep understanding of safety protocols.

Assistant Chief Kevin Green

Green applied for Assistant Chief in 2012, ahead of his retirement from West Palm Beach Fire Department after nearly 30 years, his personnel records show.

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He first became a firefighter in 1984, rising through the ranks to Battalion Chief in 2005 and then to West Palm Beachs Assistant Chief in 2011, which is the title he held when he applied in Delray Beach.

Greens hiring in June 2012 in Delray Beach marked the first time in more than two decades that the fire department had hired an assistant chief from outside the department. Then-Chief Danielle Connor said in an evaluation that his job knowledge was unmatched.

In his 2014 to 2015 review, then-chief Danielle Connor said he had a chargeable accident in his city-issued staff vehicle but no other safety violations.

There were no disciplinary records in the documents obtained by the Sun Sentinel.

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City Manager Terrence Moore named Green as Acting Chief in May 2024, when then-chief Tomey was fired.

Division Chief Todd Lynch

Lynch, a U.S. Army veteran, was hired in 1999, holding titles of firefighter/paramedic, driver engineer in 2002, lieutenant in 2005 and battalion chief in 2016 before becoming Division Chief of Training in January 2023, according to personnel records and his biography on the citys website. He was also assigned as the station captain of the Special Operations Team.

Lynch in July 2015, while a paramedic captain, received a written reprimand from then-City Manager Donald Cooper after a conflict of interest investigation, where Lynch was found to have violated city policies and state law related to a company called Games on Fitness. Further details about the investigation were not included in the documents obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

There were no other disciplinary records included in the documents.

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While battalion chief, Lynch updated the departments policies, most of which were dated or lacking altogether, according to an evaluation in 2019, an enormous and important task that he was commended for.

In his most recent evaluation from June 2024, Lynch was praised for revamping the hiring process and credited with helping the department meet its Insurance Services Office, known as ISO, goals.

He served briefly as the interim Assistant Chief of Operations in 2024, after the previous person retired, personnel records show.

Chief Ronald Martin

Martin took over the fire department in October 2024, hired with a $165,006.40 salary and qualifications that exceeded the requirements.

Martin worked at Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District for 20 years, including holding the title of Fire Chief. He served as the incident commander for Hurricane Ian in 2022 and resigned in March 2023, for a blend of personal and professional reasons, he wrote in his application.

After resigning in Fort Myers, Martin from November 2023 to May 2024 was the Deputy Superintendent of Louisiana State Fire Marshal, where he oversaw an $8 million budget and the everyday operations of of the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy. He held the position at the time he applied for the Delray Beach job.
Miami-Dade County Democratic state Rep. Dotie Joseph at the Capitol on Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

With just two days left in his presidency, Miami-Dade Democratic Rep. Dotie Joseph is calling on Joe Biden to extend clemency and pardons to a handful of individuals and groups who she says represent critical cases of injustice and unfairness.

Shes calling for clemency for Leonard Peltier, the Native American activist who was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two FBI agents in a 1975 shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Peltier has been imprisoned for more than 48 years, with dozens of members of Congress urging his release. Peltier, 79, has maintained his innocence throughout his time in prison.

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She wants a presidential pardon for Marilyn Mosby, state attorney for Baltimore from 2015 to 2013. Last May she was sentenced to 12 months of home confinement as part of a 36 month sentence of supervised release for making a false mortgage application and two counts of perjury.

Joseph described Mosby in her letter as the courageous State Attorney whose politically motivated prosecution was pay-back for her efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the inexcusable death of Freddy Gray, who was killed while handcuffed in custody.

Joseph seeks a pardon for Steven Donziger, an environmental and human rights attorney. Donziger won a $9.5 billion judgement against Chevron in an environmental lawsuit in Ecuador. He was sentenced to six months in jail in 2023 for failing to comply with a judges order to surrender all of his electronic devices, according to CNBC.

Rep. Joseph is calling for a pardon for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who are incarcerated for desperate acts of self-defense against their abusers, and doing so would redress the systems failure to protect them and end their cycle of continued victimization.

Bidens tenure in office ends at 11:59 am next Monday, Jan.20.

Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses on Friday morning.
In the 2024 election, the American people, by a small margin, chose to put Donald Trump back in the White House. He will be the countrys first elected authoritarian and will rule as a dictator on day one. Although Trumps rule will take lessons from Hungarys Viktor Orban and Russias Vladimir Putin, it will adapt and fundamentally be American fascism and autocracy.

Public opinion polls and other research show that the American people are tired, exhausted, disconnected, full of malaise and generally feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction. These collective feelings are the fuel for authoritarianism populism both here in the form of Trumpism and MAGA and around the world. We are in a moment where rage at the elites and the system is a defining feature of the era.

Based on Trumps policies, temperament, the larger authoritarian and neo-fascist political project and his overall leadership style, these negative feelings and emotions will also be made worse by his time in power. The cruelty is almost always the point; sadopolitics is exhilarating and addictive.

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Where is the so-called Resistance in the face of Trump and MAGAs imminent return to national (and global) power and the countrys democracy crisis? At present the Resistance appears to be muted and silent, resigned to surrender and how the next four years (at least) will be dominated by Trump and the MAGA Republicans and their larger movements control over American government and the Supreme Court. The Democrats, an opposition party that does not know how to effectively oppose or resist, is publicly announcing how it will work with the Trump administration and Republican Party to advance policies that will help the American people where such opportunities present themselves. Based on historys lessons, this is a fools bargain to the extreme and what will likely be another paragraph in the epitaph of Americas multiracial pluralistic democracy.

The Resistance is not something abstract, it is comprised of real people. Like other Americans and members of society, they too are tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted, ground down and feeling the temptations of futility and of succumbing to learned helplessness in the face of Trumps reign.

These feelings are especially acute among those Americans who have been resisting Trumpism for more than eight years, were desperately warning and committing resources to stop Trumps return to power and then saw their hard work betrayed by their fellow Americans who, however they rationalized such a decision, ultimately put Trump back in office because they not could bring themselves to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman candidate to seek the presidency and a stalwart defender of the countrys democracy, institutions and the rule of law. However, those feelings cannot be allowed to linger too long and lead to demobilization and surrender. Immediate action will be required to slow down Trump's "shock and awe" campaign against American democracy, civil society, the Constitution, the rule of law and those individuals and groups he has targeted as "the enemy within."

What does resistance, opposition and trying to defend and renew Americas democratic life look like when confronted by such forces and power? What of the relationship between emotions and politics, the personal and the political in this moment of democracy crisis and the long Age of Trump and MAGA America? Where do we go from here?

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In an attempt to gain some perspective as we navigate Trumps return to power and the rise of MAGA America, I recently spoke with Virginia Kase Solomon, president and CEO of Common Cause, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization driving systemic change and holding power accountable through grassroots advocacy and legislative action. Since 1970, Common Cause has championed government accountability, ethics and the removal of big money from our nations political system. Today, the organization represents over 1.5 million members and 23 state offices.

This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

What is democracy? Why should Americans want to protect and preserve it?

As shown by the outcome of the 2024 election, real democracy is not something that many Americans appear to embrace or are willing to defend. Cheap gas and eggs and the border crisis were more important than the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law for those Americans who put Trump back in power.

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This is a really great question and its one we discuss a lot at Common Cause. From a values standpoint, it really is about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as described in the Declaration of Independence. At its core, democracy is a system of government where the public elects leaders to advocate on their behalf. In theory, it was created to empower everyday people and to prevent the consolidation of power by any one despot or monarch. Although we know that American democracy has always been flawed and has never fully met its promise, most Americans still support this system of government and we know for a fact that they will protect it when they think its being challenged.

Its also true that millions of Americans dont feel our democracy can deliver for them right now. For that reason, many people are willing to take a chance on political leaders who attack democratic norms and promise a full overhaul of our system. These people have every right to be concerned, and as we begin a new term in Washington, its on all political leaders in both parties to show Americans that our democracy is still able to address the most pressing challenges of our time.

Democracy is something we do. Part of defending democracy in this time of American autocracy and ascendant fascism will mean doing things in ones own immediate community that on the surface do not look like politics." This will be a very long struggle and not one measured in a few years or one election cycle.

Its true that all politics is local, and over the next few years, I expect well see a lot more young people taking action at the community level to address the issues that they feel are overlooked by our leaders in Washington. People can do amazing things when they come together.

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I can speak from firsthand experience about the impact of community organizing. When I was 22, I helped launch the Hartford Youth Peace Initiative in Connecticut, a nonprofit to provide a safety net and educational support to youth. I came out of a community with only a 56 percent high school graduation rate. We had more people living in public housing per capita than any other city in the country. This was a time  and a community  that was very economically disenfranchised and over-policed. We werent getting help from adults or elected leaders, so we took action and got organized. We saw that there were not enough social programs, so we fundraised and built programming to help young people improve their education. This is democracy in action, people organizing to yield power and make positive change. This work wasnt unique. It happens to this day in communities all around the country and it requires investment.

Is Donald Trump a populist? Is MAGA a populist movement?

In short, yes. Trump is a populist. He has the ability to speak to broad voter anger and voters are very angry. They feel like the system doesnt work, so theyre willing to put their trust in someone who speaks to that anger. However, grassroots organizing was created to empower everyday people, the kind of folks who dont have a lobbyist fighting for their interests in Washington. The MAGA movement has hijacked the traditional tactics of grassroots organizing but used it to advance an agenda that serves our countrys richest citizens.

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If were going to defend democracy and unite an electoral majority behind important policies in D.C. and in states across the country, we need to meet people where they are and address the issues that impact them most acutely every day. Some of the most common issues are affordability, access to healthcare, safety, freedom of expression and so much more. Too often, political leaders fall into the trap of lecturing their constituents when they should actually be on the ground, in their communities, listening to people talk about their problems.

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Using the exact same strategies from the last time Trump was in power will likely not be effective given how he has expanded his base of support, has professionalized and expanded his attack on democracy, the countrys institutions and the rule of law and has the Supreme Court, almost literally, in his back pocket.

The next four years will look a lot different than the last Trump administration. However, the president-elect is still fundamentally the same person he was when he was elected in 2016, even if he has a more professional operation around him. We can learn a lot from the first term and shouldnt repeat the mistakes of the past as we work through these next four years. A few high-level lessons, 1) criticize the politician and/or the policy, but not the voters, 2) dont get so lost in fact-checking that you amplify the president-elects lies to a larger audience 3) focus on bringing people together around issues where we agree and 4) make it plain and simple for people to understand the impact of issues on them and their lives and why they should care.

The right-wing and conservatives and other actors spent decades building the parallel organizations, institutions, media, think tanks, interest groups, the Christian Right, finance, business and other means to work the levers of power to shape public opinion and power and to set the stage for Trumpism and to roll back the country to the Gilded Age. The liberals, progressives, Democrats, the Left" and those others who believe in real democracy did not do that work. What can the Resistance and others who want to help defend and renew American democracy learn from the opposition?

The GOP was much better at using non-traditional media spaces to reach voters in 2024, and politicians on both sides of the aisle have fully embraced the power of podcasts and Substack as a means of mass communication.

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In general, I think legacy media as a whole needs to do a better job of reaching people. For many voters, the intervention of Jeff Bezos in The Washington Posts endorsement decision was deeply concerning. So many great papers and networks have shuttered, consolidated, or been bought out by billionaires. Over the next four years, Id encourage folks to really focus on identifying independent newsrooms, responsible voices on social media and new platforms to communicate and build new coalitions.

Much media attention and that of the engaged public has been focused on Project 2025 for example. But Project 2025 is just one part of a much larger revolutionary project by the American right to remake society in their vision. What are some of the other initiatives and projects that you and your colleagues are monitoring?

While all eyes are on Trump and the imminent threats of Project 2025 and Agenda 47s egregious policies, we must not lose sight of the democracy denialist threats playing out in state legislatures and city halls across the country. These hyper-local policies will have massive implications for our democratic processes.

Take a look at the Allison Riggs-Jefferson Griffin race for state Supreme Court in North Carolina. Griffin, the Republican candidate and North Carolina appellate judge, lost the race to Democratic Supreme Court incumbent Allison Riggs. He lost by just over 700 votes, with over five million ballots cast. The Republican Party is demanding that 60,000 lawfully cast ballots get thrown out despite two recounts and weeks of litigation  an attempt to silence voters and interfere in North Carolinas democratic election system. This challenge disenfranchises voters and calls the entire states election system into question. A Republican-controlled Supreme Court in North Carolina will now decide the winner of the race, which could create a dangerous precedent for other state legislatures.

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It is not just partisan battles we should keep a close eye on but also inaction from lame-duck legislatures that failed to codify voter protections for disenfranchised voters before leaving office.

I also think that we have to pay close attention to the role of billionaires and corporations in our government and how they are influencing policy, elections and our courts. Far too many of our elected officials, and even a few Supreme Court Justices, are  dare I say  being bought and paid for by those whose very interests are not aligned with the American people. While this is not new, this level of corruption is at an all-time high and we cannot look away. The role that money has in politics has gotten so out of control that we now have people questioning if Donald Trump is just a proxy for Elon Musk. Thats both sad and embarrassing for our country.

What will it require for the Democrats and other mainstream political actors, including the news media, to adopt a posture of being the opposition? I have deep worries that the Democratic Party, given its present leadership, is even capable of operating in that manner.

The country is very polarized right now. But when you remove the parties, theres broad consensus on a lot of issues. People want the same things  they want to earn a living, to have freedom over their bodies, to have access to adequate healthcare and to live free from fear or intimidation. These are universal values shared by a broad spectrum of voters. These are values that both parties should be holding sacred while looking for real solutions.

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Remember, a lot of the people who voted for Bernie Sanders also voted for Donald Trump. We must hold both parties accountable and realize that we must save ourselves, no political party or politician is going to do that for us.

What is the role of big money and moneyed interests in Trump 2.0?

Well, the President-elect has accepted millions and millions of dollars from CEOs and billionaires to fund his inauguration and pay off his campaigns debts. Additionally, the new cabinet has over 20 billionaires in it to date. Its fascinating because the involvement of elite corporate interests has been a Republican talking point used to critique the Democratic party, but the same standard does not exist for Trumps administration. This needs to be addressed.

Theres an expression: tell me who your friends are, and Ill tell you who you are. When the President-elect is surrounding himself with billionaire donors and tech leaders, he is separating himself from the American people, especially the middle and working class. When the founder of SpaceX is put in charge of regulating NASA, you have a serious conflict of interest.

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What do you want to prepare the American people for in these weeks and months ahead?

We will see injustice. We will see inequity, oppression and unjust laws. This is not new in America. However, for many, this is the first time you will have experienced this for yourself. Be reminded that far too many have experienced these things their entire lives. It is okay to feel sadness, anger and even despair, but you cannot sit in it. Use those emotions as motivation to be part of the change. Find ways to engage and be in community with others. There, you will find the inspiration you need. There, you will find joy and hope  both of which are active forms of resistance.

A few years ago, I was arrested with the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. We were engaging in civil disobedience with the Black Womens Roundtable protesting at the Senate in an effort to get them to eliminate the filibuster so we could pass voting rights legislation. She was one of my cellmates. As we sat in our cell talking, she said, Isnt this great? I responded, Isnt what great? Being in jail? She responded, Yes. How fortunate are we that we get the honor and the blessing of doing this work for so many people? Perspective. Even in a jail cell, she took pleasure in doing something that just might make peoples lives better. We didnt win that battle, but we both left that day knowing that we had done our part  with joy, to fight another day. There will always be another day and one day, we will win.
Donald Trump is set to notch his first big legislative win quickly after being sworn in as the nations 47th president  and he has Democrats to thank for it.

The Senate voted 61-35 on Friday to advance a major immigration bill aiming to crack down on immigrants lacking permanent legal status who commit crimes. A final vote on passage is expected after Trumps inauguration on Monday.

Republican senators were joined by 10 Democrats in breaking a filibuster of the Laken Riley Act  more evidence of their party moving rightward on immigration in the wake of stinging losses in the 2024 elections.

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The legislation would require the federal detention of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes like theft and burglary  even if an accusation is ultimately proved false and no conviction is obtained. Critics say it would erode rights to due process for undocumented immigrants, including those brought to the U.S. as children, and increase their chances of deportation.

The bill would go even further, however, by allowing state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they can show that their states are being harmed by a failure to implement national immigration policies. Opponents say that provision would unleash chaos in the nations immigration system by giving states unprecedented power in shaping federal policy.

The measure is named for a nursing student from Georgia who was murdered by a migrant from Venezuela who was on parole. Trump met with the students family on the 2024 campaign trail and vowed to sign legislation toughening penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency tasked with enforcing immigration law, told lawmakers that the bill would require the detention of more than 100,000 additional immigrants, costing over $26 billion. An analysis by Democrats said the legislation would cost significantly more  $83 billion over the first three years  as a result of increased resource needs, including around staffing and facilities.

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Senate Republicans dismissed the latter estimate as unrealistic while at the same time vowing to appropriate any funds that ICE may need to enforce the law. Conservatives in the House may yet raise flags about the spending before approving the bill and sending it to the White House.

Democrats rightward shift on immigration, an issue that hurt them in the 2024 election, has been brewing for some time. Last year, for example, their party helped write bipartisan legislation significantly strengthening enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border, over the objections of progressives and immigration advocates.

The partys bitter losses in November  Republicans now control a trifecta in Washington  accelerated that shift, and more Democrats are echoing the GOP on issues like crime and immigration.

Public safety is incredibly important to me, important to my constituents, Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat who voted for the Laken Riley Act, told HuffPost. This issue, you know, because were a border state, has a big impact on us.

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Even Democrats who opposed the bill acknowledged that their party is struggling with the politics of immigration right now.

Its a tough issue, said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), a longtime advocate of comprehensive immigration reform.

Democrats approach to Trump now couldnt be more different from their posture in 2017 after he was sworn in as president for the first time. The political movement that opposed him, often called the resistance, was buoyed by a wave of anti-Trump sentiment around the country, culminating in large marches of thousands of people in Washington that appealed to marginalized groups such as minorities and women. Democratic lawmakers responded in kind, opposing nearly all of Trumps agenda and denying him early legislative wins in Congress.

Things are set to be different this time around. Trump will be welcomed at his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol  the site of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection  with his net favorability rating at or near its highest point since ABC News 538 began tracking the figure four years ago, according to the poll aggregator. Many business and tech CEOs are expected to attend and sit prominently near Trump on the inaugural platform.

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I think the Nov. 5 election maybe helped them realize that they were out of step with the American people, particularly when it comes to the border and public safety, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said of Democrats shift toward Trump.

But the Laken Riley Act is only one of the bills that Republicans have teed up for passage in this Congress. On Thursday, the House passed a bill that would mandate deportation and block entry into the United States for migrants lacking permanent legal status who are convicted of or admit to sex crimes or domestic violence; dozens of Democrats voted for the legislation. And earlier this week, the chamber passed a bill aimed at preventing transgender girls and women from competing in school sports, garnering the support of a couple of Democrats.

That signals the possibility of some uncomfortable votes for Senate Democrats on the horizon.

We cant let Republicans set the terms, warned Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), an architect of last years bipartisan immigration deal who opposed the Laken Riley Act. We should lead and be really loud in communicating how insincere the Republicans are on border security.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), another opponent of the bill, said that Democrats helping Trump notch an early win isnt a good sign for the coming debates over his agenda.

What are we going to do? Were going to detain 10-year-olds who steal a pack of gum? Are we going to start not providing any kind of ability for domestic violence victims not to be detained? Hirono asked.

If this is the indication of what they want to do, it does not bode well, the senator added.
A woman has been arrested on an attempted murder charge in connection to the shooting of an off-duty ATF agent outside a Riverbend bowling alley.

Tia Heyward, 23, aided her brother, the alleged shooter, after the incident, deputies said in a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.

On Dec. 27, dispatchers received a call about 11 p.m. concerning a shooting at The Alley at Southshore, located at 10221 Big Bend Road in Riverview.

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Matthew Murray, 48, had tried to intervene in an altercation between a group of young people who were picking fights with strangers, his wife testified in court.

Moments later, Murray was shot in the neck, partially paralyzing him.

Christopher Demarcus Smith, 18, was arrested Dec. 28 and is accused of shooting Murray. He is being held in jail without bail while he awaits trial on charges that include attempted murder.

Heyward, who is Smiths sister and legal guardian, previously told the Tampa Bay Times she witnessed the fight that night. Murray was the aggressor, she said, and had punched a 16-year-old relative of hers.

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Earlier this month, Murrays wife testified in a Tampa courtroom that her husbands shooting had been unprovoked.

My husband was trying to deescalate the situation, she said. It was like we walked into an ambush.

Heyward was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, great bodily harm as an accessory after the fact, aggravated battery as an accessory after the fact and two counts of simple battery.

Our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that all those responsible for this senseless act of violence are held accountable and face the consequences of their actions, said Sheriff Chad Chronister in the news release. Our prayers remain with the ATF agent as he courageously embarks on his road to recovery.
King County Sheriffs Office (KCSO) deputies chased an SUV from Sammamish to Renton overnight after reports of a burglary and shooting.

Just before 3:30 a.m. Friday, KCSO deputies responded to reports of a vehicle prowl and attempted theft in Sammamish. At that point, they also reported suspects in a Dodge Durango had fired shots near homeowners along 2nd Place in Sammamish.

A joint pursuit with Washington State Patrol pursuit then ensued, with deputies following the SUV from Sammamish, across I-90 to I-405, and into Renton.

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Deputies confirmed a suspect fired shots at law enforcement at the top of the I-90 ramp to I-405, but no injuries to deputies or anyone else were reported.

As of 6:45 a.m. Friday, KCSO confirmed that three suspects had been detained in Renton, one specifically in Renton.

The case remains an open and active investigation with KCSOs Major Crimes Unit.




The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department sent an urgent message out to patrol cars Wednesday afternoon, warning deputies in Altadena that, after days of nearby wildfires, the air is so toxic they should wear masks and decontaminate their uniforms before stepping foot in their homes.

Sent at 4:35 p.m., the message began **Attn all personnel** and said that the Los Angeles County Fire Departments hazmat team reported the air in Altadena is hazardous, containing lead, asbestos and other harmful particulates.

In the all-caps lettering of the departments aging computer dispatch system, the message informed deputies that the hazmat team suggested wearing N95 masks while working in the area.

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Hazmat recommends decontaminating your uniform prior to entering your home, the message concluded.

Read more: What's in the smoke and ash of L.A.-area fires? County issues health warning

The notification came a little more than a week after deputies first responded to reports of a wildfire in Eaton Canyon, which killed at least 16 people and chewed through thousands of homes, businesses and historic buildings in unincorporated Altadena and nearby Pasadena. The Eaton fire came so close to burning the sheriffs station on East Altadena Drive that deputies were forced to evacuate with whatever they could carry  guns, body cameras and mementos from the 1948 building .

After relocating to the nearby Crescenta Valley sheriffs station, deputies from Altadena and across the county flocked to the area for grueling days of 12-hour shifts. At first they helped with evacuations. They later turned to looter suppression.

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The suggestion that the air around them could be toxic came as no surprise to several deputies whod been working in the area.

My eyes were burning and red, said one deputy who worked several shifts there in the days after the fire broke out. The deputy asked not be named, as he was not authorized to speak to media and feared retaliation.

Read more: How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires

Other deputies and department officials echoed those concerns, reporting coughs, red eyes and headaches.

Even in forested areas, wildfires create a wide array of pollutants, including toxic particulate matter that can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory issues, cancer and other health problems.

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But when blazes eat up urban areas and ravage buildings  such as the hardware store that burned , with its buckets full of paints and toxic chemicals  the smoke contains all sorts of other harmful particles, including the lead and asbestos that deputies were warned of in Wednesdays message.

Sheriffs Department officials said theyve responded by making sure there are masks available for deputies to wear.

Richard Pippin, president of the Assn. of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, emphasized that deputies are still doing their jobs despite the difficult working conditions.

"Deputy sheriffs are highly aware of the hazardous conditions they are facing in these fire zones, including asbestos, lead and other harmful materials in the air they are breathing, and it hasnt deterred them from focusing on their mission protecting the lives and property of those affected by this tragedy," he told The Times, adding that the union has been in communication with Sheriff Robert Luna to talk about how to be better prepared for future incidents.

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"The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous and greatly appreciated by our deputies," he continued, "but our elected officials need to ensure that we are better staffed, equipped and trained moving forward, because it is sadly a certainty that there will be disasters of this and greater magnitude in the future."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  A grand jury will hear the case of a Mobile woman accused of shooting her husband to death and then dropping his body off at a hospital.

The preliminary hearing for Genesis Tanksley Thursday provided new details into the investigation, as prosecutors tried to poke some holes in the suspects story about what happened early on New Years Day.

Person airlifted to trauma center after Mobile County crash: Seven Hills FD

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A ride to a convenience store became a key point of testimony in the Prichard murder case.

Prosecutors said Tanksley drove to the Lucky Seven convenience store on St. Stephens Road after allegedly shooting her husband, Lazarus, down the road.

In a statement to law enforcement, and during a jailhouse interview with WKRG, Tanksley said she gave a man a ride to the store.

On Thursday, however, Mobile County Sheriffs Office Detective Vincent Gazzier testified surveillance video showed Genesis Tanksley was alone in that car when she got to the store.

Greene County man guilty of murdering ex-wifes boyfriend, sentenced to life in prison

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The detective also shared a witness account of someone who said the victim ran toward them saying She shot me; she shot me.

Tanksley maintained someone else shot her husband.

After the investigation, theres absolutely no evidence to substantiate that, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said. The evidence presented today, in fact, pointed to her being the perpetrator of the murder. The judge found probable cause to send it to the grand jury.

Tanksleys father was in the courtroom as that decision was made.

City of Robertsdale begins eminent domain proceedings to acquire Baldwin Co. Fair land

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Unfortunately, I think that was a very grave decision. Things remain to be seen, a lot of evidence still has to come out, Andre Carstarphen said.

Investigators said, after the convenience store, Tanksley went back to the scene, got her husband and dropped him off at a hospital.

After that, she went to her fathers home.

She was like in a lot of despair, just very distraught, Carstarphen recalled. Basically saying, Larry, is dead, some, I think she said, Some dude shot him, and he died in my arms, and I dont know what to do.

Jay High student arrested  Santa Rosa County District Schools responds

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A search warrant was executed at her fathers home on Vetter Street uncovering weapons that were seized and are being analyzed.

Inside Tanksleys car, detectives said they found a bullet shell casing on the dashboard of the vehicle and blood.

Also in the car, a knit hat and a phone, which Tanksley claims belonged to the person who shot her husband.

Tanksleys attorney asked the judge to lower her $150,000 bond. The judge denied that request.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Yvette Cooper has scrapped a 10 airport transit charge dubbed devastating by Heathrow Airport.

The Home Secretary has rowed back on plans to extend the controversial electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system to passengers travelling through Britain after a backlash from the airline industry.

The ETA system was first introduced under the Conservatives in 2023 and initially required people from seven Middle Eastern countries who were travelling to the UK without a visa to pay a 10 fee.

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Plans were drawn up to roll out the system more broadly in due course and, in September, Ms Cooper announced the charge would apply to other nationals from 2025.

She also said that from April 2025, all transit passengers would also have to register and pay the fee just to travel through UK airports.

Her measures were widely criticised as a blow to Britains airline sector, with Heathrow warning it could lose 4m passengers as a result.

Over the summer, Heathrow Airport said it had suffered a 90,000 drop in passenger numbers on routes that were affected by the ETA scheme and described the system as devastating for our hub competitiveness.

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Following the backlash, the Home Office on Thursday said it would allow an exemption for transiting passengers who only change flights in Britain before flying to a third country.

However, the Home Office said that this exemption will be temporary and will be kept under review.

The boss of Heathrow said this decision was critical for the aviation industry.

Thomas Woldbye, the airports chief executive, said: The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it.

This is a critical move to ensure Heathrow and the aviation industry as a whole can continue to deliver for everyone who depends on our world-leading connectivity.

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It shows that the Government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UKs competitiveness and drive economic growth.

The decision will boost Heathrow and Manchester airports, which are the only UK airports that offer transit facilities.

While making the concession to the industry, Ms Cooper said on Thursday that she would raise the price of the ETA fee as part of a package of measures that will rake in an extra 269m a year from travellers and citizenship applicants.

The cost of the ETA will rise by 60p from 10 to 16. It was not clear when this would take effect. She also announced increases in certificate of sponsorship fees and the cost of naturalisation as a British citizen.

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Nearly two months after his death, authorities in Georgia have more information about what killed a 31-year-old local social media content creator. Loved ones found Jiare Schneider, who was known to his followers as @big_homie_tootall on TikTok, dead in the woods a week and a half after reporting him missing. And now theyre questioning why it took so long to solve his case.



A representative from the Clayton County Police Department told TMZ that Schneider died as a result of injuries sustained in a car crash. Although theyve concluded that there was nothing suspicious about the accident, police havent determined whether or not the crash was alcohol or drug-related.

We did find the vehicle deep in the woodlice, which indicates there was a fast speed approaching the intersection, Clayton County Police Department spokesperson Lt. Ricky Porter told FOX 5 Atlanta in an interview.

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Those closest to Schneider believe he may have been on his way to a content house, where local creators go to make videos for social media, at the time of his death. However, family friend Germequa Bell told Fox 5 that they began to worry when Schneider left home on November 15 and didnt return. According to Fox 5 his loved ones stepped up their search after what they say was a lack of urgency from the police. Bell says they eventually found Schneiders body in a wooded area inside a silver Toyota 4Runner.

This morning, a group of us gathered, and we came out here, and we went to the woods  and there he was. We knew when he disappeared that something was up, she said.

As those who loved Schneider try to cope in the aftermath of his untimely death, they wonder why authorities dragged their feet on his case, and their thoughts are with the young son he leaves behind.

His son, thats all we can think about. His son, Bell told Fox 5.

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INDIANA, Pa. (WJW)  A man believed to have shot and killed up-and-coming Cleveland rapper KashBankx last month was arrested by U.S. Marshals Thursday night in Pennsylvania.

Cleveland police investigating a shooting along Broadway Avenue in Clevelands Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood at about 4 a.m. on Dec. 29, according to a Friday news release from Marshals.

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Officers found Carlos Banks, 28, of Cleveland, shot multiple times inside an apartment in the 5100 block of Broadway Avenue, according to the release. Banks was a rapper performing under the name KashBankx.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office later ruled Banks death a homicide by gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

Authorities identified Devon Jones, 25, as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. With help from state and local authorities in Pennsylvania, Marshals arrested Jones at a home in the 200 block of Washington Street, Indiana.

Authorities also found drugs at the home, for which Jones is expected to face a felony charge in Pennsylvania, according to the release.

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Our Marshals Service counterparts in western Pennsylvania responded swiftly to locate and arrest this Cleveland homicide suspect. Now, the grieving family of the victim in this case is one step closer to getting the justice they deserve, Northern Ohio U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott is quoted in the release.

Anyone with information about a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money may be 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is said he is close to making a decision about who he will send to Washington to fill Vice President-elect JD Vances now-vacated Senate seat.

The reason that weve not made an announcement yet, were getting close, its just the gravity of this decision, the importance of this decision, DeWine said. The person that I pick may be there for a long time. Theyre going to be one of only two Ohioans who represent us in the U.S. Senate. Theyre only one of one of 100. This is a huge job. Its a very, very important job.

Will flags fly at full-staff on Inauguration Day in Ohio?

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Last week, DeWine said he would probably make his announcement this week. We are nearing the end of the week, so NBC4s Natalie Fahmy asked if he is committed to following that timeline.

Well have something later, DeWine said. No comment on that yet.

DeWine did not specify how much later or whether he meant by the end of the week or before Mondays inauguration. Not only is DeWine staying quiet about when he will make his announcement but also about who he will appoint.

The governor did, however, confirm that he has recently met with one rumored frontrunner for the seat  Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy  but did not say it was about the U.S. Senate seat.

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Fugitives arrest leads to body being found in east Columbus basement

I met with [Ramaswamy] last weekend, DeWine said. Ive met with a lot of people. We have a lot of good people and thats all Im going to say.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted  another apparent frontrunner  was asked for a third time if he can say whether he is interested in the job.

I am not talking about that, Husted said.

DeWine immediately added, We are not talking about that today.

The only thing DeWine has given away are some details about what kind of person he wants to send to Washington.

The person I pick is going to really understand Ohio and be an advocate for Ohio, DeWine said. Will they be two of the newest members of the Senate? Yes, they will. But thats, you know, thats where we are.

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Who can be held accountable for cyberattacks?

DeWine said there is one area in particular that he expects whoever he appoints to be focused on, on the heels of an announcement about defense manufacturing in Ohio.

This is a perilous time as far as our national defense, he said. As far as our foreign policy, this is something that we look, frankly, to U.S. Senators to focus on and whoever I pick will have to be focused on that.

DeWine does not have a hard deadline to make the appointment.

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COLUMBUS (WJW)  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is ordering flags to be raised for President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week.

DeWine made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, stating that United States and state of Ohio flags will be raised to full-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state on Monday, Jan. 20.

JD Vances Ohio hometown struggles with how to recognize the incoming vice president

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The flags will then be returned to half-staff to continue honoring former President Jimmy Carter on Tuesday, Jan. 21 until the sunset of Tuesday, Jan. 28.

DeWine becomes the latest of several U.S. governors who announced flags would be raised to full height on Inauguration Day, others including California, Idaho, North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Official portraits of Donald Trump, JD Vance are released

Flags across Ohio have been flying at half-staff to honor Carter since Dec. 29, the day the former president died at age 100.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced his own Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as the next senator from Ohio, passing over entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Jon Husted will be right at home in the United States Senate, and hell be at home on day one, DeWine said Friday in a press conference at the statehouse in Columbus.

Husted, a Republican more in DeWines institutionalist mold, had long planned to run for governor in 2026 to succeed DeWine. His ascent to the Senate will likely scramble the field in that race.

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Ramaswamy learned mid-morning Friday he would not be the pick, according to a person familiar with the discussion and granted anonymity to describe it.

DeWine's deliberations were upended when Ramaswamy, the billionaire Columbus-area entrepreneur and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency, made a late appeal for the vacancy. Despite insisting he was interested in running for governor in 2026, the DOGE co-chair was "lobbying like hell" for the Senate post, according to a source familiar with DeWine's thinking.

"It was bizarre," said this source.

A source close both to Trump world and Ramaswamy said that the Ohio billionaire enjoys the backing of the Trump family.

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They're not supporters of DeWine, this person, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the Trump familys behalf. They didn't want to see Husted in the governor race. Trump supports this.

The governor, a former two-term senator himself, is an outspoken internationalist. And in recent years, he has openly expressed unease about his party's drift toward the sort of isolationism Ramaswamy often voiced in his short-lived presidential bid. DeWine said he called Trump at 10 a.m. today to disclose his pick, but did not disclose their conversations.

"He's a serious guy for very serious times," said the source of Husted. "And nobody knows the state better."

The seat opened officially when Vance resigned from his seat at midnight last Friday, following his ascension to the vice presidency.

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Husted, a protege of the more moderate, less populist, old-school GOP DeWine, will serve through the special election in 2026. Before serving as lieutenant governor, Husted was the speaker of the Ohio House and was elected to the secretary of state.

Husted signaled a willingness to work with Trump, though, on Friday. President Trump won Ohio by 11 points in this past election, and I will do all I can to help him and JD Vance be successful, Husted said in his remarks Friday.

Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is expected to focus on attempting to gain some policy wins at DOGE while announcing a gubernatorial run in the coming weeks, two people familiar with his plans say.

Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.
Outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who for four years has been a target of Republican criticism, said that national tragedies should not be used for "political disagreements."

"There are people that lobby vitriol in public, and have relationships in private, that are quite inconsistent with the vitriol," he told ABC News in an exit interview from his office at DHS headquarters in Washington.

"Times of tragedy should drive unity of effort and unity of care, whether that be the hurricanes and tornadoes of Helene and Milton, or whether that be the wildfires in California, or whether that be the tragic death of 14 individuals on in the early morning hours of January 1, and not be ammunition for political disagreement," he said. "We've got to get back to a place where we can disagree and we can unify when the American people need it."

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He said his hope is that "we can disagree with civility and mutual respect."

Mayorkas' time as DHS secretary saw one crisis after another, including big increases in migrants crossing the southern border illegally to an unprecedented threat environment to an evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Through it all, he said remains proud of the department's work.

"I am on the ground with the people of this department in in times of success, in times of tragedy," Mayorkas said.

He personally traveled to funerals for Border Patrol agents who died in the line of duty, recalling how at one he was moved by the outpouring of honor and respect.

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"... along the highway in Texas," he said, "one saw police officers, firefighters, citizens standing outside of their cars at bus stops all along the multi-mile stretch of highway, saluting the car and the motorcade. Incredibly powerful message of the impact of our work and the impact of people doing the work on the broader community."

For Mayorkas, who spent 11 years working at DHS, serving as secretary was the honor of a lifetime.

PHOTO: President Biden listens as Vice President Harris speaks during a meeting with senior officials as they are briefed on the federal response to the wildfires across Los Angeles during a meeting in the Oval Office in Washington, Jan. 13, 2025. (Susan Walsh/AP)

"I love this job. I love the mission. I love the people who perform it, and it's going to be very hard to leave," he said.

Regrets, he said, are "unproductive."

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"If I said no, there's nothing we could have done better, I would be basically saying that we achieved perfection, and that obviously is not the case," he said. "In any large, multifaceted organization such as an administration, there are disagreements over policy and practice, and decisions are made, and then we all march as one in executing."

He maintained he is leaving DHS in better shape than how he found it, and, he insists, that starts with the border.

"We have built and delivered a model where the border is more secure now than it was in 2019 and we have safe, lawful and orderly pathways that have delivered humanitarian relief to people in need and cutting out the smugglers, we have modernized the system of border security and humanitarian relief in unprecedented ways," he says of the department's work, noting the border has seen the lowest daily average of migrants in December since July 2020.

PHOTO: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, attends a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Graduation Ceremony at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Md., on Oct. 23, 2024. (Tia Dufour/DHS )

Mayorkas said that the incoming Trump administration's critical rhetoric "misses everything that we have tried to do, and I view it as rhetoric that is a political and not substantive."

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"For example, they speak of focusing on public safety and national security threats when they talk about mass deportations," he said. "Well, they speak of it as something new, when in fact, that is a continuation of precisely what we've done."

PHOTO: Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, arrives in Raleigh, N.C., to meet with state and local leaders, and members of the FEMA workforce supporting response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, Oct. 10, 2024. (Tia Dufour/DHS )

Mayorkas also said that the incoming administration will have access to "tools at their disposal that were not tools that we had at our disposal," meaning potentially increased funding from Congress.

In June 2024, President Joe Biden signed a series of executive actions on the border, that DHS says curbed illegal immigration by nearly 55%.

When asked by ABC News why the Biden administration didn't act sooner to take the actions that President Joe Biden ordered in June 2024, during the presidential campaign, he said there was "bipartisan pressure" to not lift the order established by then-President Donald Trump to curb migrants at the border due to a public health emergency, known as Title 42.

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"Everyone expected that when we lifted it, calamity would ensue, 18,000 encounters, 20,000 encounters in a day, from on both sides of the aisle and that calamity did not occur," he said. "And then we turned to Congress for funding, more ICE officers, more Border Patrol agents, more Office of Field Operations personnel, more immigration judges denied. We went to Congress again, again, denied. We entered the bipartisan Senate negotiations, mission accomplished, political torpedo, no legislative reform," he said, noting how how then-candidate Donald Trump told congressional Republicans to block the measure. "And then the president acted," he said of President Biden.

Mayorkas also became the first Cabinet-level secretary to be impeached because, after House Republicans claimed his failed to handle the immigration issue.

PHOTO: Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, attends the U.S. Fire Administrator's Summit on Fire and Prevention and Control at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md., Oct. 8, 2024. (Tia Dufour/DHS )

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"It should never have occurred. And I wish that the members of Congress had followed the law, and if they had, it would not have occurred," he said. "And it's unfortunate when the law is overridden by politics."

He also said the country is in a "heightened threat environment," and to look no further than what happened on January 1st in New Orleans as an example.

Mayorkas said that the department under his watch is helping state and local governments take a public health approach to stopping mass attacks.

"If one takes a look at the assailant in Buffalo, the assailant in Uvalde, Texas, the assailant at the July 4 parade outside, in a suburb outside of Chicago, those three assailants exhibited signs manifested externally, signs of radicalizing to violence for different reasons," he said, adding if someone notices them, the assailant can get help.

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Mayorkas said he also has focused on positioning DHS to take on the challenge posed by artificial intelligence by personally recruiting people to come work on the issue and setting up the AI Safety Board -- a collection of private and public partners who help shape the department's AI policy.

The DHS secretary oversees 22 agencies with more than 260,000 employees - on issues ranging from the border to federal disaster management to the Secret Service.

He said that he wishes he could stay on to see reforms being made to the Secret Service after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July, which he described as an agency "failure."

"Let me be clear, I consider the Secret Service to be the best protective service in the world. Success is when nothing occurs, and there are countless examples of that success," he said.

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Mayorkas, who said he plans to stay on the job until Monday at noon, told ABC News he has had "substantive and very productive and very collegial" conversations with Trump's pick to be the new DHS secretary, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

DHS' Mayorkas: Tragedies not the place for political disagreements originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Wendy Williams recently shared her candid thoughts on Sean "Diddy" Combs' future ahead of his trial in May for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The former talk show host predicted that the embattled hip hop mogul would "go to prison for life" while clarifying she's not mentally impaired.

Wendy Williams and Sean "Diddy" Combs have had their fair share of beefs in the past, particularly in the late 1990s when the rapper allegedly got her fired from her Hot 97 radio gig.

Wendy Williams Claims Diddy Will Go To Prison 'For Life'

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Williams recently shared her thoughts on the fate of embattled rapper Diddy amid his mounting legal woes.

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The Bad Boy Records founder has been locked behind bars at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center after he was refused bail on several occasions.

Diddy is facing charges bordering on sex crimes and racketeering, with his trial scheduled to commence in May.

However, Williams called in to "The Breakfast Club" recently and weighed in on his chances of walking free, alongside other issues, including her health.

As the conversation progressed, Charlamagne tha God brought up the time Williams was allegedly fired from her job at New York's Hot 97 to prove that she's not impaired.

"As far as Diddy, Diddy will go to prison for life, people," she said, per Billboard. "You don't know things that I do about Diddy back in the day. And you wanna know what? It's about time, people. It is about time. Diddy done."

'Diddy Done' Goes Viral On X

MEGA

Williams' little quip about Diddy being over has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), with many agreeing that the rapper would find it difficult to come out of his legal battles unscathed.

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Several on the social media platform also used the opportunity to call for her "freedom" amid her conservatorship.

One person wrote, "Wendy Williams STILL got it! Not she said Diddy Done, and it's about time! She still knows things. #FreeWendy"

Another said, "Wendy sounds AMAZINGand I'm so glad they asked her about Diddy. She said, 'Diddy done.'"

A third person commented, "Wendy saying 'Diddy done.' She's still got it. Get her chair, a camera, and the baby mama chart NOW."

"Wendy Williams comments on Diddy being in jail, and she still got it, 'DIDDY DONE' I miss her bad," one more individual noted.

Wendy Williams And Diddy Have Had A Fractured Relationship

MEGA

Williams and Diddy don't see eye to eye, particularly because he was allegedly instrumental in her being sacked from her job on Hot 97.

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According to Billboard, Charlamagne mentioned their alleged squabble during an appearance on the "Flagrant" podcast, where he explained that the whole thing spiraled from Williams' claim that "Diddy was gay."

"Wendy's whole thing was, Diddy was gay," Charlamagne said. "That's why Wendy got fired from Hot 97. Wendy got fired from Hot 97 by Diddy 'cause that's when Bad Boy was smoking hot. She got fired for putting that out there."

Diddy's former bodyguard, Gene Deal, said the same thing in 2022 when he appeared in an interview on "Art of Dialogue."

MEGA

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"You started the conversation earlier about what did I mean about the power Puff had. With the radio stations in New York? Motherf-ckers didn't breathe hard if Puff didn't want them to.  Puff got one of the hottest DJs off of Hot 97 because she wanted to put up a picture of him getting his pants pulled down," Deal said.

He added, "Puff told Hot 97 if they didn't get rid of her before he got back in New York, that they was not going to get any music from any of his friends, any of the record label executives that was cool with him, everyone was going to boycott their station. We was out in L.A. for about three days; before we landed back in New York, Wendy Williams was in the radio station in Philly. It was over for her. She was fired."

Wendy Williams Insists She's Not 'Cognitively Impaired'

MEGA

During her chat with Charlamagne, the former "Wendy Williams Show" host opened up about her health and conservatorship.

Williams noted that she's not impaired or incapacitated and is capable of making her own decisions.

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"I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison," she said at the beginning of the interview. "I'm in New York City.  I'm in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s."

It comes after a 2023 press release suggested that she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.

She also told the host that her current guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, is abusing the conservatorship and controlling her money. She claims she doesn't have access to a laptop or iPad and can only make one-way calls to family and friends, who can't call her.

Williams Sparks Implies She Is Being Controlled

MEGA

On Friday, January 17, Williams appeared on Don Lemon's podcast, "The Don Lemon Show," where she sparked speculations she is under the control of unidentified individuals.

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In her conversation with the former CNN host, she was asked if she was "incapacitated," and she denied it but refused to share more details about her health for fear of the perceived consequences.

Lemon asked her about her health status following her guardian's November 2024 announcement that she is "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated."

"Hell f-cking no," Williams replied, per Sportskeeda. "I don't know how much I can talk without being punished."

"My life is ridiculous. I've been with this guardian person for three years. For three years of my life I'm isolated. I feel like I'm in prison. I can't go out. All I can do is look at the window," Williams continued.

"I'm not in a good position. My life is screwed up. You know, this guardian mess is  please, look, I am isolated. I feel like I'm in prison. I feel like, you know, they're trying to control me and everything that I do," she added.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved the hiring of a new special prosecutor to look into police misconduct cases this week, less than a month after Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman moved to fire the person his predecessor named to that post.

Michael Gennaco, an ex-federal prosecutor who once headed L.A. County's Office of Independent Review and has conducted oversight of troubled agencies such as the Department of Children and Family Services and the county Sheriff's Department, made his first appearance on behalf of the district attorney's office in a downtown courtroom Wednesday. His contract was approved by the board Tuesday, and Hochman announced the move Thursday.

Michael Gennaco, pictured at a 2006 news conference, will handle two high-profile cases. It is not clear whether he would be reviewing other cases or looking at incoming instances of alleged police misconduct or brutality. (Ric Francis / Associated Press)

Gennaco will replace Lawrence Middleton, whom former Dist. Atty. George Gascon hired in 2021 to reexamine a number of controversial police shootings that the district attorney's office previously declined to prosecute. Middleton brought just one case to court in all that time, though The Times reported last year that he had obtained a warrant to arrest an ex-LAPD officer in another case.

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Read more: L.A. County courts tried to maintain business as usual during firestorm. It was anything but

In an interview, Gennaco said Hochman contacted him after defeating Gascon and asked him to take over Middleton's caseload. It was not clear if Gennaco would be reviewing other cases or looking at incoming instances of alleged police misconduct or brutality, which are normally handled by the office's Justice Systems Integrity Division.

"Ive got to figure out where the cases are, procedurally, substantively, factually and then figure out where to go," he said.

Middleton was informed that his contract had been terminated on Jan. 7, according to a county spokeswoman. He declined to comment.

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The move marked a change in stance by Hochman, who repeatedly attacked Gascon's hiring of a special prosecutor on the campaign trail and questioned the need for such a position. Records show Middleton billed the county for just over $1 million between June 2021 and October 2024, a figure that infuriated rank-and-file prosecutors. Gennaco's contract is set to last 18 months, though Hochman has the ability to extend it.

Hochman did not respond to a list of questions about Genacco's hiring, but his office issued statement Thursday saying the appointment reflects the new D.A.'s "unwavering commitment to justice, accountability and public trust."

Read more: $1 million, no convictions: New L.A. D.A. to fire Gascon's police shootings prosecutor

Our goal is to ensure transparency and accountability while strengthening public confidence in our justice system, Hochman said. Michael Gennacos extensive experience and expertise in civil rights cases will be invaluable as we continue to reevaluate prior decisions and take a fresh look at cases involving officer-involved shootings.

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Miriam Krinsky  a former federal prosecutor and founder of Fair and Just Prosecution, a nonprofit that advocates for criminal justice reform  praised Gennaco as an important hire for Hochman, who has faced questions about his appetite to prosecute police given his broad support among law enforcement unions.

"He is tenacious. He has as much familiarity with police oversight as anyone in California. He has tremendous integrity. Hes very committed to this work," Krinsky said. "If you look at what he has done through his career ... he knows how to navigate the challenges of these cases."

Gennaco and Hochman worked together in the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles for years, where Gennaco prosecuted a number of high-profile civil rights and police misconduct cases before he was named to head L.A. County's newly formed Office of Independent Review in 2001.

Read more: 9 charged with looting during L.A. fires; Emmy award among items stolen

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For more than a decade, that office looked into issues of jail violence and excessive force, detailing shortcomings in the way the Sheriff's Department investigated deaths in the jails and improving the agency's internal disciplinary measures, according to a report from the county's Citizens Commission On Jail Violence in 2012.

In recent years, Gennaco has conducted audits and reviews of use-of-force cases in Burbank and Anaheim. He also said he reviewed some force cases for Gascon.

Gennaco and his former office have also faced some criticism for not doing enough to uncover patterns of abuse that exploded into the public eye when the FBI launched a probe that eventually ended in the conviction of former Sheriff Lee Baca, for whom Hochman once served as defense counsel. Some members of the Board of Supervisors also questioned if Gennaco and the board had been "compromised" and lacked independence from the Sheriff's Department.

Gennaco said anyone who questioned his commitment to police accountability should simply check his resume.

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"Im certainly not shy about criticizing police departments when criticism is due, and complimenting them when its not," he said. "I try to play it down the line.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(NewsNation)  DJI, a Chinese-based technology company, got rid of its geofence software, which stopped people from flying drones over the White House, runways, power plants and during public emergencies.

First reported on by The Verge, this change, which went into effect Monday, means that instead of enforcing No-Fly Zones, previously restricted areas will be displayed as Enhanced Warning Zones.

In these zones, in-app alerts will notify operators flying near FAA-designated controlled airspace, placing control back in the hands of the drone operators, in line with regulatory principles of the operator bearing final responsibility, DJI said.

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Senate confirmation hearings for Trumps Cabinet picks continue

While it is generally legal to fly a drone in most places, the Federal Aviation Administration says recreational flyers cannot go into airspace around airports, designated national security sensitive facilities, certain military bases, infrastructure and national landmarks and places covered by Temporary Flight Restrictions.

On DJIs blog, the company said when its geofencing system was introduced in 2013, consumer drones were still a new technology, and there werent many flight rules and regulations.

While the geofencing system was initially created as a voluntary built-in feature to help foster responsible flight practices, DJI said that global regulations and user awareness have evolved significantly.

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Remote ID solutions make detection and enforcement of drones much easier, DJI said.

The FAA has introduced Remote ID requirements, which means that drones flown in the U.S. must broadcast the equivalent of a license plate for drones, DJI told The Verge. This requirement went into effect in early 2024, providing authorities with the tools needed to enforce existing rules.

The Verge noted that a DJI drone that crashed into a plane fighting the Los Angeles-area wildfires was a sub-250-gram model that may not require Remote ID to operate.

In a statement to NewsNation, the FAA said it does not require geofencing from drone manufacturers.

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The FAAs role is to ensure drones operate safely within the National Airspace System. Drone operators must comply with FAA regulations, including obtaining proper airspace authorization when required, the statement said.

Violations of these regulations range from counseling and education to stiff fines and pilot certificate suspensions or revocations.

The Verge reported that the United States government has blocked some of its drone imports and called DJI a Chinese Military Company.

However, in another blog post, DJI said this change was not politically motivated.

Aviation regulators around the world  including the FAA  have advanced the principle of operator responsibility, the DJI said. This GEO update aligns with and respects this principle. We had planned to roll this update in the U.S. months ago but delayed the implementation to ensure the update would work properly.

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The Scene

DETROIT  The crowd of candidates running to lead the Democratic National Committee kept getting bigger. Their zoom-room Q&As with interest groups kept getting longer. The questions werent getting any fresher.

But at the first of two in-person public forums hosted by the party, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party chairman Ken Martin made DNC members a new offer. He could be mean.

I will take the low road so they can take the high road, said Martin, explaining what he told candidates back home. I will throw the punches so they dont have to.

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Martin proved that on Thursday, taking a few shots at Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, while rejecting the academic exercise of questioning whether President Biden should have run for re-election.

As Republicans prepare to take power next week, Democratic self-reflection has focused mostly on messaging  how to be credible, and how to be heard.

Theyve agreed to limit donations to the party from some corporate PACs, while marveling that Republicans gained working class votes without rejecting that money. Theyve agonized about the choices that got them here, but largely declined to blame a presidential campaign that switched candidates over the summer  after nearly every voting DNC member spent three years saying Biden could win.

Know More

The Democrats who entered the DNC chair race first remain ahead in public DNC member commitments; the winner needs a majority of their 448 votes when the party meets outside DC on Feb. 1.

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Based on a public count of endorsements, the frontrunner is still Martin, who led the association of state Democratic Party chairs during the Trump and Biden presidencies. Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley trails him; Wikler, who does not discuss whip counts, continues to land support from high-profile activists and labor leaders hoping to influence the process.

Im honored to carry the endorsement of AFSCME, of AFT, of the NEA, and of the SEIU, Wikler said at the start of Thursdays forum inside the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. (The unions leaders have endorsed him, not their full membership, but no candidate challenged the statement.)

Martin came into Thursday with the first endorsement by a former candidate  New York state Sen. James Skoufis, who folded his outsider campaign, and said he had some supporters he could bring over.

You cant argue with an undefeated 25-0 statewide record, Skoufis told Semafor, pointing to Martins scoreboard in Minnesota. The contrast with Wikler, who led a recovery of the Wisconsin party but couldnt quite win the state for Harris, is a theme of Martins campaign.

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Still, the field grew larger this week, as another candidate entered and more qualified for the final party-sponsored forums. Faiz Shakir, who managed the 2020 Bernie Sanders campaign, jumped into the race out of frustration at the nuts-and-bolts discussions of fundraising and media outreach. His idea: A party fully reoriented around the labor movement.

What are you going to do with the authority and the power of a $100 million-plus DNC and state party network? Shakir told Semafor. Just paint on a blank canvas? How would you change anything about how the Democratic Party is received? Whats the brand? Whats the change, whats the big thing? And theres nothing there.

Shakir entered the race too late to qualify for Thursdays forum, but candidates with sharper criticisms of the party have not struggled to meet the threshold: Forty signatures from voting members. Robert Houton, a fringe candidate from Maryland who urged Democrats to endorse the Trump tax cuts and get rid of this gender-affirming care, said he had qualified for the final forums. Three little-known party activists shared the stage on Thursday, along with Marianne Williamson, a two-time presidential candidate who did criticize the party for how it handled the Biden crisis.

For a year and a half, the Republicans were giving their message, and we were silent because the DNC was acting like a suppressant, said Williamson. Nobody can talk. We all have to vote for Joe Biden. We all have to vote for Joe Biden. Why? Because the DNC said so.

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Outgoing DNC chairman Jaime Harrison sat in the audience as she said that, arms folded, with no visible reaction. In an interview, he said that he expected criticism for the 2024 primary, but the process for replacing him was wide open.

I think we bumped up a little bit the number of signatures you need to get on the ballot, he said. But what we noticed was that DNC members have pretty much signed anybodys petition.

Candidates for the partys three vice chair roles were more critical of Biden, engaging with Politicos moderators and largely agreeing that the outgoing president should not have run again. Harrison, responding to the idea that the party needed to align more with labor, said that it had taken a page from Biden, and done so: The DNC unionized, for the first time in its history.

The conversation on Thursday was more about how the party could persuade angry voters and ex-Democrats that its populism was for real. In the forum, Martin said that he didnt hob-nob with billionaires, a veiled reference to how Wikler had courted LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman; the veil was removed as the candidates discussed the failure of Alloy, a data firm that burned through Hoffmans cash with no help to the party.

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My argument has always been that state parties needed to own their data, Wikler responded. So even if someone disagrees with me about something else, I will say, Look, why dont you donate to parties to help us win elections for folks up and down the ballot?

Martin got more personal. At a small labor rally before the forum, Martin called himself the only card-carrying member of a union in this race, whose mother wasnt a college professor and grandfather wasnt an ambassador. Both of those details applied to Wikler, who has never been a member of a union. (Not yet, he said at a virtual labor forum this month.) At the forum, Martin added another bona fide: He had not gone to an Ivy League school. (Wiklers political career started at Harvard University, where he became a close aide to Al Franken.)

The Wisconsin Democrat never responded to the personal jabs. And like Martin, he passed on the chance to criticize Biden.

Were four days away from Trumps inauguration, he told the moderators. We can disagree about all kinds of things about the past. The fundamental question is, what do we do now? We need to unite and fight for working people against an administration thats going to try to divide us and rip us all off.

Davids view

While the Democrats argued in public, I remembered that the Republican National Committee was holding its own meeting, in DC, ahead of the Trump inauguration. The only media coverage of that was a short, exclusive Fox News interview with chairman Michael Whatley, about how well things were going.

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Republicans dont see the point of hashing out their party business in public. Democrats are committed to it, even as they agonize over how badly their messages travel in the new world where liberals rage-post on Elon Musks X about Jeff Bezos ownership of the Washington Post. The loudest applause I heard on Thursday was for Jason Paul, a fairly obscure Democratic strategist and chair candidate who used the should Biden have run question as a cue to rip into the media: Our mistake was, we trusted you.

The party is clearly moving past Biden, who hasnt tried to influence the DNC race, and is mostly unhelpful to any rebrand. (Republicans instantly rebutted the attack on oligarchy in his farewell address by noting that hed just given medals to George Soros and David Rubenstein.) The big question I heard in Detroit was: How do we get people whove tuned us out to take us seriously? Thats where Martins sharp new attacks came from, but the shared premise was that nothing will click with voters until and unless Donald Trump screws up.

Notable
WEST UNION, W.Va. (WBOY)  Recent snowfall has caused numerous school closures throughout north central West Virginia over the past few weeks, which has begun to force some school districts to cut into some of their state-allotted snow days and could eventually lead to a longer school year in some counties.

Doddridge County Superintendent Scott Cochran said that the weather has been a bit of a challenge, but that the county has plans in place to navigate that the best way that it can.

He explained that Doddridge County Schools has five equivalency time days built into its calendar, which Cochran said is because all schools in the county go at least 30 minutes longer than the required state minimum for each programmatic level. However, with the recent winter weather, the county has used all of these days up for the current year and must now begin non-traditional learning days, which it held on Thursday.

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The school district has access to a state-approved non-traditional instructional plan, providing an additional five days of flexibility in case of inclement weather. If the district ends up using all five of those days, Cochran said that the county will have to begin converting out-of-calendar days and outside-school days into instructional days.

Monongalia County introduces new safety officers in schools

Theres a method to the madness, which sometimes it doesnt seem like the decisions that we make, but there is, Cochran said. At the end of the day, the decisions are for the safety of our students and our staff, number one.

According to Cochran, the Doddridge County Board of Education relies on information from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, which provides school districts across the state with weather briefings about a day leading up to an expected weather event. He added that these reports include projected accumulation amounts, projected temperatures and patterns that a storm may travel.

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Cochran added that the local Division of Highways district (District 4) does of great job of providing Doddridge County Schools with information surrounding upcoming weather events. He said that the districts maintenance and facilities departments do a wonderful job of going above and beyond to prepare for upcoming weather, based on the information that they receive.

A lot of people dont understand the work and hours that goes into getting our facilities ready to reopen after a weather event, said Cochran. So our departments here do a great job of getting our facilities ready for that.

Any decisions that the Doddridge County Board of Education makes regarding cancellations or delays are directly based on projected forecasts and current road condition reports. Cochran added that the final determination ultimately depends on whats in the best interest of the students, parents and staff in order to make sure that everybody is safe.

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Crews have been making steady progress in their battle against the Palisades and Eaton fires  with seemingly each new day bringing a further boost in containment.

But what do those figures mean, exactly?

Containment refers to how much of the fires edge, or perimeter, has been surrounded to the extent that firefighters believe they can stop the fire from expanding. Crews create control lines using natural barriers as well as man-made ones.

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A natural barrier may be a river or creek. A road or highway can be another barrier. Human interventions can help contain a fire, such as using a bulldozer to scrape the vegetation off a swath of land to deprive the fire of fuel it could use to grow.

Read more: Firefighters boost containment of Palisades and Eaton fires amid break from destructive winds

The percentage of containment is simply firefighters telling the public how much of the fire perimeter they believe will not go beyond their defenses.

Thats why even when a fire is 100% contained, it can still be burning, and firefighters stay to make sure it does not get out of control.

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Containment of the Eaton fire, which has burned just over 14,100 acres in Pasadena and Altadena, jumped to 55% on Thursday morning, up from 45% a day earlier. At the Palisades fire, which has burned 23,700 acres, containment was at 22% Thursday morning, up from 17% a day earlier, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

But officials have stressed that there is still much work to be done in the fire zones before residents can return.

Read more: Crews improve containment on Palisades, Eaton fires as winds die down

After a fire reaches 100% containment  which can take months, depending on the weather conditions, the blazes size and the areas topography  crews work toward declaring the fire controlled, a Cal Fire spokesperson previously told The Times.

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When a fire is controlled, its essentially out. Authorities will no longer assign crews to the blaze and will instead send a patrol out daily to ensure no scorched areas rekindle and start another fire.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Just like TikTok itself, as soon as you swipe past one bit of news another comes along. President Joe Biden won't enforce the ban on the wildly popular social media platform he signed last year that goes into effect Sunday, according to an unnamed official talking to the Associated Press.

A few days ago, TikTok's doom seemed assured. The bill required TikTok's parent company, Chinese-based ByteDance, to sell its U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or be shut down and blocked due to potential security risks with personal data from the 170 million Americans using it on a monthly basis.

The company argued before the Supreme Court that the ban was a violation of the First Amendment and the government had no evidence such data had ever been shared, but experts say the justices seemed unconvinced. A decision on whether to pause the ban or uphold it could come after 10 a.m. EST Friday.

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But in the past few days, things have changed. President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok himself during his first term, promised to "save" it and asked SCOTUS to pause the ban so he could pursue a deal after he became president Monday. He even invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to his inauguration with a prime seating location. The Washington Post and CNN said Wednesday he was considering issuing an executive order after he takes office to save the social media platform.

Multiple lawmakers have been vocal in opposing the ban, although many still support it. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass, announced he planned to introduce legislation to extend the deadline. Some lawmakers have expressed alarm that many defiant TikTok "refugees" have been jumping ship not to Facebook, Threads or X, but another, even more explicitly Chinese-owned and moderated app, Xiaohongshu, or RedNote.

Several possible buyers' names have been floated and some have put in bids. Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz said on "Fox and Friends" Thursday that the law banning TikTok allows for an extension "as long as a viable deal is on the table.

And then on Thursday, the Associated Press reported that according to a U.S, official, Biden will not enforce the ban he signed, allowing Trump to decide its fate.

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Which all means that it's probably not going away just yet. Here's what to know.

Why was TikTok banned?

Last year, Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its TikTok assets on national security grounds  the Justice Department had concerns that TikTok could share data with the Chinese government or use the service to influence American opinions  as part of a $95.3 billion foreign aid package.

The company argued before the Supreme Court that the ban was a violation of the First Amendment and the government had no evidence they had ever shared sensitive American data to the Chinese government or used the app to influence the opinions of the 170 million Americans using it, as the Department of Justice warned was possible and even likely.

Beijing-based internet company ByteDance. According to TikTok, about 60% of the parent company is owned by global institutional investors, 20% by the companys founders and 20% by employees.

When will TikTok be banned in the US?

If the Supreme Court does not pause the law and ByteDance does not sell TikTok to someone less adversarial than a Chinese company by Sunday, Jan. 19, the app is supposed to be removed from American app stores and U.S. internet service providers are supposed to be instructed to block access to the site.

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However, Biden could push the ban's deadline by 90 days if he learns that ByteDance is making substantial progress toward a divestiture, Reuters reported, and a U.S. official told AP that he would not enforce the ban before Trump takes office.

Will Elon Musk buy TikTok? Did MrBeast offer to buy TikTok?

Several names have been floated as potential TikTok buyers.

Elon Musk, the world's richest man and owner of one of the other large social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter), has been supportive of China and its leaders and has a strong alliance with Trump, so he could be a contender.

Other names out there include:

Frank McCourt and Kevin O'Leary: Billionaire McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has made a formal offer to ByteDance. O'Leary, one of the hosts of the ABC reality series "Shark Tank," has joined it.

MrBeast (James Donaldson): Donaldson, a popular YouTube creator known as MrBeast and host of "Beast Games," joked on X about buying TikTok but later said, "Unironically Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, lets see if we can pull this off."

Bobby Kotick: Kotick, former CEO of video game company Activision, has spoken to ByteDance about it, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Doug McMillon: The Walmart CEO has tried before, joining different bids with Microsoft and Oracle.

Or Microsoft could try again, this time on its own.

What happens if TikTok is banned? Will the TikTok app still work?

If you have the app on your phone it won't go away, but services may be limited or unavailable and you won't get any more software updates. It's unclear if you'd be able to add new content.

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Some users have discussed using a VPN, a service that allows your device to simulate being in a different location, to get around the regional ban but it's unclear how well that will work.

If you wish to keep a copy of your activity on the app, you may want to do that now (here's how).

Could President-elect Donald Trump save TikTok?

The ban will be in Trump's hands, and he has strongly signaled an interest in keeping it going. At the end of last year, he asked the Supreme Court to pause any bans on the app so that his administration, which will begin the day after the deadline when he formally takes office on Inauguration Day, to pursue a negotiated resolution.

At a December press conference, Trump  who currently has nearly 15 million followers on the app  told reporters "TikTok has a 'warm spot in my heart' and credited the app for growing his relationship with young voters. He also posted his support for the app on Truth Social, writing "Why would I want to ban TikTok?"

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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 gleefully organizing a campaign through the app to sign up for seats at his rallies, causing Trunp 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.

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.

Is TikTok already banned in Florida? Sort of

While the app is not completely banned in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has blocked it on government devices and school networks. Back in 2023, he signed two bills to restrict TikTok  The Florida Digital Bill of Rights and HB 379.

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Federal agencies were already required to remove the app from any government-issued devices.

In an interview with Piers Morgan for Fox Nation the same year, he voiced his thoughts on TikTok and confirmed he would completely ban the app if he could.

"I would. I think so. I think it's a security risk. They are harvesting so much data on our citizens," DeSantis said when asked about it. "There's a whole bunch of other apps and stuff that are out there and, honestly, I've got young kids and I don't want our kids on some of this stuff."

Contributing: Mike Snyder, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: TikTok ban gets punted to Trump, Supreme Court may issue opinion Friday
President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration is a few days away and so far, Utahs congressional delegation is enthusiastic about a smooth transition of power and the beginning of the America First agenda.

The ceremony is on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In remembrance of the late President Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden issued an order to lower the flags to half-staff. But the latest post from House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated The Capitol will fly at full-staff for the event Monday, defying one of Bidens final executive decisions.

The inauguration was also moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures.

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So far, the offices of Reps. Mike Kennedy, Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy confirmed to the Deseret News that they will be attending the inauguration. Rep. Blake Moores office hasnt indicated whether he will attend.

Newly sworn-in Kennedy, in a statement to the Deseret News, said, This is truly a historic event.

Despite the numerous efforts to prevent President Trump from assuming office, the day has come, and he is ready to lead our nation once again, said Kennedy, who represents Utahs 3rd District. Lets get to work!

In a statement to the Deseret News, Rep. Burgess Owens said Jan. 20 will mark the beginning of a new era, that is built on strong leadership, basic competence, and common sense.

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Our mission is simple: fulfill the mandate the American people gave President Trump and deliver on the America First agenda, said Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District. House Republicans have hit the ground running, working hand-in-hand with the incoming administration to protect Americans at home and abroad, lower costs for hardworking families, and ensure our nation remains a beacon of hope, prosperity, and freedom.

Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, said she looked forward to President Trumps inauguration with optimism after four years of chaos.

I think Utah and the country are ready for a new chapter, one where we have more freedom to pursue the American dream, she said, adding, she looked forward to working with the Trump administration to cut red tape, craft a balanced budget, and stop federal overreach of our public lands and resources. Maloy represents Utahs 2nd District.
Jan. 16A Huber Heights man accused of running a fraudulent dog training business that took in hundreds of thousands of dollars and abused dozens of dogs has pleaded guilty to the vast majority of the more than 250 charges facing him.

Jason Thomas Jones, 45, pleaded guilty to all but 16 counts he was indicted on, including felony and misdemeanor charges of theft and cruelty to companion animals, according to plea documents filed Jan. 10 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Felony charges that Jones plead guilty to, along with the possible sentences, include:  Theft between $1,000 and $7,500: 134 counts, $2,500 fine and six to 12 months in prison per count  Theft from elderly/disabled: one count, $2,500 fine and six to 12 months in prison per count  Theft from elderly/disabled/service member: 15 counts, $5,000 fine and six to 18 months in prison per count  Cruelty to Companion Animals: three counts, $2,500 fine and six to 12 months in prison per count  Failure to file state income tax: two counts, $2,500 fine and six to 12 months in prison per count  Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity: one count, $15,000 in fines and two to eight years in prison per count

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Misdemeanor charges that Jones pleaded guilty to, and their possible sentences, include:  Cruelty to companion animals: 21 counts, $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail per count  Theft: four counts, $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail per count

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced March 14.

Jones was indicted along with Jennifer Lynn Long, 39, of Huber Heights and Tabatha Lee Taverna, 47, of Dayton for a scheme that defrauded customers by failing to provide dog training and abused and neglected the animals they were paid to care for, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

The charges revolve around Dayton Dog Trainer, a business owned and operated by Jones that claimed to provide obedience training for dogs and support animal training.

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However, a lengthy investigation by the Miamisburg Police Department found that the animals were returned to the owners untrained, often covered with feces and with obvious signs of neglect and maltreatment, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. said when announcing the charges.

The investigation began after Randy Reed of Miamisburg placed his two 6-month-old bernedoodles Emmy and Bailey  a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle  in Jones' care. After the first two weeks of a contracted month of training for $4,000, Reed said he found his dogs at Jones' property staked in a field, filthy with a rash and clear weight loss. He did not bring the dogs back for a second two-week session and didn't get his money back for the extra weeks.

Reed then took to social media and found a dozen people with similar experiences and brought that information to the Miamisburg Police Department.

The investigation identified more than 65 dog owners who paid the business more than $200,000.

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"I don't think he wanted to face a jury," said Reed of the guilty plea, who added that there were a lot of budget-restricted people Jones ripped off, and that some of the victims had to put dogs down, had dogs with new or worse behavior issues or had dogs that are now afraid of people.

Reed said his own dogs had to go through a lot of actual training to overcome the damage but were doing pretty well now.

"Bailey is still a little fearful of people and probably always will be but we keep working on it," Reed said.

He said that after the yearslong process of the investigation and filing charges, it felt good to see the guilty plea.

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"It's very satisfying and I'm thrilled to death," Reed said, adding that he is thankful and happy for all the hard work put in by the prosecutor's office and Miamisburg police, particularly detective Sgt. Jeff Muncy.

"Justice was served, he's a convicted felon" Reed said, a charge he said would follow Jones the rest of his life.

When it came to the possible sentence he said that there was a lot of victims who would like to see Jones in prison for a long time, but there was a possibility that it would involve having Jones pay restitution to the people he had defrauded instead of a long incarceration.

"I am fine with it, if that's what happens, because I know there's a lot of poor people that need the money," Reed said. "We'll see what happens at the sentencing."

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He added that any of the other victims from that case who want to appear or make a victim's impact statement should notify the prosecutor's office and get their statement in before the Feb. 28 deadline.

Other victims include Melissa McClure of Springfield who previously said that she left her French bulldog Tater dog with Jones for five weeks because the dog had an issue with small children and other dogs.

When the dog was returned, McClure said she was shocked.

"He was dirty beyond belief, stunk to high heaven, had hair missing all over him  patches on his cheek, on his flank. Skin and bones. You can see all his ribs. You could see his back hip bones. It looks like this man filed my dog's teeth down," she said.

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The dog required multiple baths and veterinary care, along with a caution that he likely will need ongoing dental care for tooth decay.

"I'm convinced if he would have been there another week, he wouldn't have made it," she said.

Dale and Mary Beth Kidd of Washington Twp. also left a dog with Jones for training, a 2-year-old European German shepherd named Nico, who had a problem with barking at other dogs.

After a week of training with Jones in November 2023, Nico's behavior worsened and he started to growl at people before snapping at the couple's 42-year-old niece. When they contacted Jones, he convinced the couple Nico had some deep-seated issues and would train him for another week, for an additional $1,000.

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"When we got him back the second time, he's hiding, he's shaking, even more aggressive," Kidd said. The dog attacked the niece again, this time causing injuries that required six stiches on her hands.

Both of Jones' co-defendants Long and Taverna were indicted for one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Long was also indicted on four counts of theft and one count of cruelty to companion animals, and Taverna also was indicted on three counts of theft, one count of theft from an elderly or disabled person and two counts of cruelty to companion animals.

Both are scheduled for a jury trial on March 3.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Floridaand their dogshave discovered two new species of truffle.

Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the dog-found truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs, specifically Monza, the dog who discovered it with her trainer Lois Martin. Upon finding it, Martin noticed that it didnt quite look or smell like anything known to grow in North Americaso she sent it off to the lab of Gregory Bonito, a plant, spoil, and microbial sciences professor at MSU.

Lois Martin and Monza collecting truffles in a North American truffle orchard. (MSU)

The other truffle, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found by Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog Luca.

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After samples of both of the truffles made it to Bonitos lab, he and undergraduate research student Alassane Sow used DNA analyses to identify the two truffles and categorize them in the tree of life.

Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible European truffles Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum, Sow says. We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species.

Due to their rarity, truffles are expensive and highly valued for culinary purposes. According to Bonito, both these new species have economic potential due to having a unique aroma, the basis for a truffles culinary potential.

In international markets, fresh truffles are sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars per kilogram, Bonito says.

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While T. cumberlandense has been harvested and sold before, analysis shows that it is a distinct and previously undescribed species native to North America, according to Bonito.

Currently in Kentucky, the distiller Makers Mark is attempting to cultivate it and make use of it in the whiskey industry.

This particular species enjoys a symbiotic relationship with their host, white oaks, growing from their roots and providing nutrition to the trees, Bonito says. Makers Mark is interested in cultivating T. cumberlandense because they store their whiskey in white oak barrels. They will be reforesting their land in Kentucky with white oaks for the barrels and hope one day to harvest truffles as well; perhaps they will even create truffle-infused whiskey.

While historically, European truffles have had the most attention in the market, there is a growing interest in cultivating and selling North American truffles. And, if more and more people are trying to grow truffles, more truffle dogs are going to be needed to sniff them out.

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If you have $20,000 of truffles growing underground, you need to find them before they perish, so the dogs are very important, Bonito says.

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Springfield, Illinois (AP)  The US Justice Department and a central Illinois sheriffs office on Friday announced a deal resolving an inquiry into violations of federal anti-discrimination law in the shooting death last summer of an unarmed Black woman in her home after she called 911 for assistance.

The memorandum of agreement stipulates that federal officials found no discriminatory practices by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office or the countys emergency dispatch operation surrounding the death of Sonya Massey. As part of the deal, local officials pledged a series of remedies, including more training and use-of-force data reporting. The alleged shooter, ex-deputy Sean Grayson, was fired and remains jailed facing a first-degree murder charge.

Here are questions and answers about the incident and investigation.

What prompted the Justice Departments investigation?

In the early morning hours of July 6, Massey, 36, called deputies to her Springfield home, saying she suspected a prowler. Grayson and another officer, both White, responded and entered her home to get information. Grayson pointed out a pan of boiling water on the stove, Massey retrieved it and joked with Grayson over his backing away from it, then told Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson yelled at her to drop the pot, and as she ducked, he fired three shots, striking her just below the left eye.

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The Justice Department said in July it was assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident, but a county-created Massey Commission, whose co-chairpersons include Masseys cousin Shadia Massey, asked for federal intervention in October. A request from Washington for county records followed a month later.

Their advocacy has ensured that our practices are aligned with the highest standards of fairness and justice, Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said of the commission.

What did the investigation entail?

The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division probed the countys compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Safe Streets Act of 1968, which generally prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. Because Masseys mental health issues were the subject of several 911 calls from herself and her mother in the days leading up to the shooting, officials reviewed the incident against the Americans with Disabilities Acts ban on bias in public services based on disabilities.

What else is in the memorandum of agreement?

Federal officials noted the proactive steps the county has taken in filing criminal charges against Grayson and forming the Massey Commission to address public outcry.

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This agreement reflects Sangamon Countys commitment to instituting reform and taking action that will help improve public safety and restore trust with the community in the road ahead, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said.

Also, the county must add training for deputies and dispatchers in nondiscriminatory policing, de-escalation techniques and dealing with behavioral health disabilities.

It must work with local health organizations to create a mobile crisis response unit from which mental health professionals can respond to crises and emphasize de-escalation over traditional police intervention.

Officials must beef up their collection and analysis of data on use-of-force incidents with priority given to interactions with people with disabilities, once again to ensure they meet current standards.

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Local officials will review their policies and procedures to remove outdated tenets and expand community forums to hear from taxpayers.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Houston County, Ga., alleging its process for electing its board of commissioners violates Black voters rights.

The county uses an at-large voting method, which usually means candidates are elected by a plurality of all voters in the jurisdiction.

But according to the DOJ, the method means Black voters have less opportunity to elect candidates of choice, violating the Voting Rights Act.

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Though Black residents make up more than 31 percent of Houston Countys voting-age population, the DOJs lawsuit argues there are geographically and socially distinct Black and White communities.

The last time a Black American was on the board was in 1992, despite Black voters in the county consistently voting for Black candidates.

Since 2002, the DOJ says, at least 85 percent of Black voters have supported Black candidates in general elections for the board of commissioners. But the white population usually defeats the preferred candidate of Black voters.

The Voting Rights Act guarantees that all eligible citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and to elect representatives of their choice, regardless of race or ethnicity, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the DOJs Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

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The DOJ argues that changing how commissioners are elected can give Black voters more opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

If commissioners are elected from fairly drawn single-member districts, the DOJ argues, Black voters would have an equal opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to the board.

The lawsuit seeks a federal court order requiring the county to implement a new method of electing the board of commissioners.

The Justice Department has a solemn duty to protect the right to vote by enforcing the Voting Rights Act and ensuring that all communities have a fair and equal chance to participate, Clarke said.

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Baltimore City pre-K instructor, Berol Dewdney, the 2022-2023 Maryland teacher of the year, uses an interactive video with hand signals to guide her classroom at the beginning of the school day. (Photo by Shannon Clark/Capital News Service)

Marylands track record with public education is not good, especially for those facing the barriers of race, language, low income and disability. We persistently undercut our constitutional and rhetorical commitment to public education by putting it on the budgetary chopping block.

We face this choice again in the current legislative session. Do we try to cut our way to a balanced budget and, again, shortchange our kids or do we meet our responsibilities by raising revenue and more of it in a fairer and more productive way.

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Prior to 1954, Maryland schools discriminated explicitly against students based on the color of the students skin. The Brown decision, declaring that segregation is unconstitutional, was rendered in 1954. Twelve years later (1966), an investigatory report to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights made it clear that Maryland schools remained largely segregated and, thus, discriminatory.

We have replaced segregation with inadequate opportunity and funding.

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.

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Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines.

Views of writers are their own.

In 1979, when I was Marylands State Superintendent of Schools, Baltimore City and Caroline, Somerset and St. Marys counties sued the state (Somerset v. Hornbeck) asserting that the state was not providing Maryland students a thorough and efficient system of free public schools guaranteed by our constitution. As state superintendent of schools and the lead defendant by virtue of office, I spent many hours on the witness stand as a chief witness for the plaintiffs.

In effect, I pled guilty. No equitable or even reasonable appraisal of the disparity of funding and opportunity could reach a different conclusion in my view. The trial court agreed with the plaintiffs. The state appealed. The trial courts decision on behalf of Marylands students, was overturned. Inequity prevailed. The states most vulnerable children were, again, left behind.

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Another 10 years passed. In the mid-90s, the Bradford case was filed on the premise of constitutionally inadequate and racially discriminatory opportunities and funding. Seven years later, the Thornton Commission offered recommendations designed to rectify the structurally racist discrimination that has been built into the Maryland system since the first publicly supported school, King Williams School, was established in the colony in Annapolis in 1696.

In response to Thornton, the General Assembly passed the Bridge to Excellence in Public Education Act of 2002. It appeared progress was on the horizon  but only for six years. In 2008, the state said it could not maintain the commitment to its children because of the recession. Again, the absence of political will placed the burden of the states finances on its children. Funding for the Bridge to Excellence was cut.

Another 12 years passed  66 years after Brown, 44 years after Somerset. Based on visionary recommendations of the Kirwan Commission, the Blueprint for Marylands Future became law in 2020, arguably the most systemic, well-funded and comprehensive state education legislation in the nations history.

And now? Another fiscal crisis. The promise may have lasted only four years this time.

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We are being told that justice for Marylands students may be denied again, the state budget may require our kids  especially the most vulnerable ones  to wait a little longer. Are we serious? Many of the Blueprints kids are actually grandchildren, even the great grandchildren, of those to whom the promise of a different future was made in Brown.

There are other solutions than to cut our childrens opportunities. The fairer revenue-raising proposals contained in the Fair Share for Maryland Act, sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County) and Del. Julie Palakovich Carr (D-Montgomery), will address nearly two-thirds of the projected deficit. Thats a great start. It may need to go further. Lets finally meet our moral and constitutional obligations to our kids. How can we call our states budget a moral document and do less?
Two disasters struck the seaside town of Southport last summer. On July 29, three girls died in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. As misinformation about the incident spread, a wave of violence broke on July 30.

Rioters  some local, some from further afield  descended on Southport Mosque following false rumours that the suspect was a Muslim and an illegal immigrant. They looted a convenience store across the road. Bricks and other missiles were hurled, cars set alight and police officers injured.

Flames and billowing smoke rose up from St Lukes Road, and when the mob withdrew, it left behind an ugly sea of debris. The grief about the killings had been hijacked, it was said, by the far-Right and those with an anti-Muslim agenda.

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Almost six months on, this friendly Merseyside community is still coming to terms with what happened. On the eve of the murder trial of Axel Rudakubana, who stands accused of the July 29 attack, it is trying its best to move on.

Riot police holding back protesters in Southport - Getty Images

Chanaka Balasuriya, whose convenience store was stormed by thugs, has finally repaired the damage. Asked by a customer this week how hes doing, he replies: Back to normal, slowly.

The mosque that became the rioters target has tightened its security procedures.

Weve got security guards here, four in the day, four at night, says Suheil Haque, the mosques secretary. We have CCTV installed everywhere.

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Theres now a police presence outside during Friday prayers some weeks; a new metal railing traces the perimeter of the red-brick building.

Haque cites a couple of recent incidents elsewhere in the North West, including one in November in which a man allegedly pulled out a gun outside a mosque in Liverpool. This is, he suggests, no time to relax security. Otherwise everything is fine, he adds optimistically. The last few months, people are back to normal.

That seems to be the refrain here: that the town is back to normal, or hoping to be very soon.

But if walls have been rebuilt and shop shelves replenished, the psychological wounds may take longer to mend.

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On the night of July 30, Balasuriya, who is Buddhist and emigrated from Sri Lanka in the 1990s, had closed the shutters on his store and gone home. From there, he watched the devastation of his business unfold on CCTV. His children, aged 12 and 19, watched too as looters broke through the shutters and piled in, grabbing bottles of alcohol.

Chanaka Balasuriya, owner of the convenience store targeted in the riots - Paul Cooper

It was so scary to see it, he says. I had to shut down [the footage] because the kids were screaming.

From January 20, the killings that lit the fuse for the unrest will return to the spotlight. Nineteen miles to the south, at Liverpool Crown Court, Rudakubanas trial will begin. He is charged with the murder of Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, and Bebe King, aged six. Last month, not guilty pleas for the murders of the girls and attempted murder of 10 other people (including eight children) were entered on his behalf after he refused to speak at a pre-trial hearing. Not guilty pleas were also entered on his behalf to charges of producing the biological toxin ricin and possessing terrorist materials.

The trial, expected to last up to six weeks, will doubtless prove painful for the bereaved families. It will also put some in the wider Southport community on guard for further unrest of the sort that spread from Southport across numerous British towns and cities last summer.

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We are very aware of that [risk] and well be monitoring comment and so on, says Steve Martlew, who is leading Sefton Councils response and recovery following the summers events.

Some 5.6 million has been earmarked for building back Southport (including literally), with most of the funding provided by central Government. The cash will be spent on local schools, where children will be educated about race hate crime; on furthering community cohesion; on psychological support, health and wellbeing for those directly affected; and on supporting the local economy, which has taken a hit in the aftermath.

Southport describes itself as a fun-loving, family-friendly seaside town. Its beaches and resort-type attractions are paired with charming, unspoiled Victorian architecture. It has a Pleasureland theme park but also lots of stately-looking wrought iron facades. A relatively affluent place, tourism forms a significant slice of its economy.

It accounts for 40 to 50 per cent of [it], says Martlew.

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But after the catastrophic end to July, visitors stayed away in their droves.

In August there just wasnt the footfall in the town, understandably, says one local business owner. People steer clear because they dont want the association. Were hoping that this year well get back up and running and start attracting people back to the town.

He knows of a few local firms that were forced to close due to lack of customers. It literally couldnt have been a worse time.

On a stretch of Bold Street that leads directly to the seafront, many of the tall white houses are given over to B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels. For 25 years, Caroline Grogan has run the Adelphi Guest House here, a stones throw from the promenade. But the last six months have been tough.

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It did have an effect on the B&Bs, she says. There were a lot of cancellations. A lot of us suffered in August and September.

The bookings are slowly coming through for this year, she adds. Hopefully the footfall will come back.

Caroline Grogan, who runs the Adelphi Guest House - Paul Cooper

The town is anxious to avoid being defined by those two dark days in late July.

People talk about Dunblane, Lockerbie and Soham, and the fact that those places are remembered through tragic events, says Martlew. We dont want that for Southport. We dont want to forget the three little girls, but we dont want people to think of sad things when they think of Southport.

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As the local economy counts the cost and the residents hope their town wont forever be tainted, the authorities are making a sober attempt to address the sentiment behind the violence of July 30. Prosecutions have been progressing through the courts and a picture has formed of how the riots started.

On January 6, Lancashire taxi driver Andrew McIntyre was jailed for seven and a half years after pleading guilty to encouraging violent disorder and criminal damage, and possession of a knife. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 39-year-old became the catalyst for the Southport unrest when he set up a social media account called Southport Wake Up, urging English lads to rise up. He was, said Judge Neil Flewitt KC, motivated by racial hatred.

Weapons and a copy of Hitlers Mein Kampf were found in his home, the court heard. Before the disorder broke out, he had shared content from a site called Tommy Robinson/Britain First/For Britain about a protest in Southport on July 30.

Southport Mosque has installed extra security measures since the unrest

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Misinformation from various sources spread across social media. Ofcom, the media regulator, has concluded there was a clear connection between the violent disorder and social media posts.

Any local authority hoping to tackle such a problem will have a job on its hands. But Sefton Council, which governs Southport, is investigating the extent of tensions between the towns white British residents and its ethnic minority and immigrant population and any racism and extremism that may exist in the town.

Anecdotally, the council has been told there were some tensions beneath the surface, whatever the statistics suggested. Wed be foolish to close that [conversation] down, says Martlew. We want to engage with that and understand it fully. So far, about half of those convicted of disorder in Southport were locals, he adds.

At a time when some will prefer to believe what they read on social media if it fits their worldview  regardless of the facts  and when, as Martlew says, people just dont believe official organisations anymore, the challenge of combating misinformation and disinformation is daunting. I dont know what the answer is, Martlew admits. What were clear on is that the information we publish is factually correct Its a very difficult subject to grapple with.

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There has been a certain jumpiness, among some at least, since the attack at the dance class. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one Southport resident who works in the community says some children from ethnic minority backgrounds have received abuse at school. [Its] stuff kids have parroted from their parents, he believes.

But there is an overwhelming sense that, on the whole, the community deplores what happened and rejects the rioters attempts to create divisions. On St Lukes Road, Kimberley Parker runs a dog grooming spa called Glad Wags. The disorder reached her part of the street but didnt breach her door. It scared me how easily led people were by disinformation, she says.

Workers in the town, such as Emily from dog groomers Glad Wags, are focused on rebuilding after the events of last year - Paul Cooper

If any silver lining can be glimpsed through the darkness, it was the way in which much of the community rallied around: to remember the girls who were killed and reject racism.

I think everyones become a little bit closer since, says Parker. We had the violence but then [we had] everyone coming together Events like this bring out the best and the worst of the community.

As Southport looks to the future, it is hopeful it can put the worst behind it.

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Originally appeared on E! Online

Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone are taking on a new role.

After all, President-Elect Donald Trump have appointed the three actors to be the new "special ambassadors" to Hollywood, which he calls a "very troubled place."

"They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE," the 78-year-old wrote on Truth Social Jan. 16. "These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest."

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Trump continued, "It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!"

Voight 86, Gibson, 69, and Stallone, 78, all endorsed Trump prior to the 2025 presidential election, which saw the Apprentice alum re-elected over Vice President Kamala Harris.

While Voightwhose daughter is Angelina Jolieand Stallone have yet to comment on their new posts, Gibson said he learned of his appointment "at the same time" as other social media users.

More from E! Online

"Nevertheless, I heed the call," he told Variety in a Jan. 16 statement. "My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can."

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The Braveheart star joking added, "Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador's residence?"

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But one person who won't be working with Trump during his second presidency? His daughter Ivanka Trump.

"I know the cost," the 43-year-oldwhose mom is Trump's late ex Ivana Trumpsaid on the Jan. 13 episode of the Skinny Confidential podcast Him & Her Show, "and it's a price that I'm not willing to make my kids bear."

In fact, Ivankawho shares daughter Arabella, 13, and sons Joseph, 10, and Theodore, 8, with husband Jared Kushnersaid the long hours she spent serving as a senior advisor during her dad's first presidency from 2017 to 2021 played a huge part in why she's not keen to return.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

"Every time I had to miss something," she explained, Im like, 'I will never let this happen again the minute I leave the White House.'"

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Besides, Ivanka said she's not too fond of politics as a whole.

There is a darkness to that world that I dont really want to welcome into mine," she shared. "It's a very dark, negative business."

As for her siblings? Keep reading for a complete guide to the Trump family tree.

Ivana Trump

Ivana Trump was the first wife of President-elect Donald Trump. Born in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakianow Zlin of the Czech Republicin 1949, she rose to fame as a competitive skier. And, thanks to her marriage to Austrian ski instructor Alfred Winklmayr in 1971, Ivana was able to travel often outside of Czechoslovakia.



According to her book Raising Trump, the model met Donald three years after her 1973 divorce during a New York trip, where she'd traveled for a Canadian fashion show ahead of the Montreal Olympics. They wed in 1977 and welcomed three kids: Donald Trump Jr. born in 1977, Ivanka Trump born in 1981 and Eric Trump born in 1984.

The pair's divorce was finalized in 1992 following his affair with Marla Maples, whom he later married.



However, Ivanawho then married Riccardo Mazzucchelli for two years followed by Rossano Rubicondi for less than a yearand Donald remained on good terms. Donald during the divorce was brutal, she told ABC News in 2017. He took the divorce as a business deal, and he cannot lose. He has to win. So he took about two years. And after the final situation was straightened up, we would just talk and we are friends.



Ivana died in 2022 at age 73. According to NBC News, the New York City Medical Examiner said she died of blunt impact injuries and that her manner of death was an accident. A senior NYC official with direct knowledge added the circumstances were consistent with a fall on the stairs in her New York apartment.





Donald Trump Jr.

In 1977, Ivana and Donald welcomed their eldest son Donald Trump Jr. He began working for his fathers company The Trump Organization in 2001 and now serves as the executive vice president. Don Jr. has also been involved in his dads political campaigns, including speaking at rallies and the Republican National Convention during his father's presidential runs.



He shares five children with his ex-wife, model Vanessa Haydon: Kai (who made a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention) Donald III, Tristan, Spencer and Chloe. Don Jr. is now engaged to Fox News alum Kimberly Guilfoyle.

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Ivanka Trump

Four years after the arrival of Don Jr., Donald and Ivana became parents to daughter Ivanka Trump.



Before her fathers presidency, the University of Pennsylvania alum worked at The Trump Organization. But after he was elected in 2016, the fashion brand founderwho had her own eponymous linetook on the role of Advisor to the President.



After her dad announced he would be running for president again in 2024, Ivanka revealed she would be stepping out of the political arena to focus on her family with husband, former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, and their children Arabella, Joseph and Theodore.



I love my father very much, she said in part of a 2022 statement obtained by NBC News. This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics.





Eric Trump

Born in 1984, Eric Trump is the third child of Ivana and Donald. Like his brother, he works as executive vice president of The Trump Organization, which he joined in 2007.



He is married to Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, with whom he shares kids Luke and Carolina.





Marla Maples

Marla Maples is Donalds second wife, whom he met while still married to Ivana. In Raising Trump, Ivana wrote the actress approached her about the affair during a trip to Aspen in 1989. Still, Marla said on a 2018 episode of the ABC podcast Journeys of Faith with Paula Faris that she never considered herself a mistress.



"My intention was to never bring hurt," she continued. "Do I wish more than anything that we could have had this relationship after his divorce papers were signed? Absolutely. I mean, with all my heart. How much heartache would it have saved so many people if I had seen that piece of paper before we got involved? But it didn't happen that way."



Marla and Donald welcomed daughter Tiffany Trump in 1993, and the couple wed later that year. However, the Dancing With the Stars alum and the 45th commander in chief announced their separation four years later and finalized their divorce in 1999.





Tiffany Trump

After her parents breakup, Tiffany Trump relocated with her mother to California.



"She moved us out of New York to get out of the spotlight and let me grow up and find my own identity versus being in the shadow of a name or growing up very young with all that pressure, Tiffany told People in 2016. So, she wanted me to have a chance to have a normal childhood. As normal as possible. I think that she did well in that.



She released her 2011 single Like a Bird" and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a B.A. in sociology, focusing on law and society. She then went to Georgetown Law School, where she graduated with a JD in 2020.



In 2022, Tiffany wed Michael Boulos. Her father announced they're expecting their first baby during an October 2024 speech at the Detroit Economic Club. "Shes an exceptional young woman," he said during his remarks. "And shes going to have a baby. So thats nice.

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Melania Trump

Melania Trump is Donalds third wife and incoming First Lady of the United States. Born in Mesto, Slovenia in 1970, she is the second First Lady to be born outside of the U.S. and the only First Lady to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.



Melania met Donald in New York in 1996 while she was working as a model.



It was a big fashion party that my friend organized, fashion week, and he invited me, she recalled on a 2016 episode of On the Record With Greta Van Susteren. Thats how we met with Donald.



Melania and Donald married in 2005, and they welcomed son Barron Trump the following year.





Barron Trump

Born in 2006, Barron Trump is Donald and Melanias only child. While he has lived a more private liferelocating with his parents from New York to live in Washington, D.C. and then Floridait looked like he might enter the political world after he was selected in May 2024 as a Florida delegate to the Republican National Convention. However, Barron declined the offer.



"While Barron is honored to have been chosen as a delegate by the Florida Republican Party, a statement from Melanias office shared with NBC News at the time said, he regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments.



Like studying, perhaps, with Barron starting his freshman year at New York University in 2024. "He was accepted to a lot of colleges," his father told the Daily Mail in an interview published Sept. 4. "He's a very smart guy, and he'll be going to Stern, the business school, which is a great school at NYU."



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed a range of issues in a phone call on Friday.

Trump said the phone call was positive after the two leaders often bumped heads during the president-elect's first term in office, which resulted in a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

"The call was a very good one for both China and the USA," Trump said in a brief statement on his Truth Social account. "It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe."

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In a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs readout of the phone conversation, Xi congratulated Trump on his election and stressed the importance of communication between the two for improved relations.

"President Xi expressed his readiness to secure greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point," the Chinese statement said. "President Xi stressed that the two great nations of China and the United States are pursuing their respective dreams and are both committed to delivering a better life for their people."

The statement said the United States needs to approach the "Taiwan question" with "prudence" along with "sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The Biden administration and Chinese leaders have come to loggerheads over Taiwan, which the outgoing president said at one time that the U.S. would use military force if China attacked it, and navigation rights in the South China Sea.

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Confrontation and conflict should not be an option for the two countries," the Chinese statement said. "The two sides should follow the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, work more closely together, do more big, practical and good things that the two countries and the world."

In a separate statement, Xi announced that Vice President Han Zheng will attend Trump's inauguration ceremony in a show of mutual respect and that China is prepared to work more closely with the United States.
Donald Tusk, Polands prime minister, said he was dreaming of a Breturn after talks with Sir Keir Starmer over closer ties between the UK and European Union.

I am aware this is a dream: that instead of a Brexit, we will have a Breturn, Mr Tusk told a news conference following the pairs meeting in Warsaw on Friday afternoon.

Perhaps I am labouring under an illusion. But Id rather be an optimist and harbour these dreams in my heart. Sometimes they come true in politics.

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The two leaders held talks over Sir Keirs plans for a post-Brexit reset, as well as a new UK-Poland defence and security treaty to bolster both countries militaries and tackle people-smuggling gangs.

The remarks by Mr Tusk, who served as president of the European Council during the UKs ill-tempered negotiations over its withdrawal from the bloc, will create unease that Sir Keir is seeking to reverse Brexit.

The Polish prime minister is no stranger to making controversial statements criticising Britains decision to leave the EU.

He once said there was a special place in hell for those who pushed for Brexit without even a sketch of a plan.

Slogans, words and xenophobia

And in a fresh dig at Britains former Conservative government, Mr Tusk on Friday criticised its plan to send illegal migrants to Rwanda as just slogans, words and xenophobia.

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He said liberal democracies had to instead deliver effective countermeasures, based on facts to tackle illegal migration.

Sir Keir is set to travel to Belgium early next month to attend a retreat being held by EU leaders to discuss the continental defence at Chateau de Limont.

The Prime Minister is expected to unveil more details of his proposed foreign policy and defence pact he wants to broker with the bloc.

But he will also use the dinner to call for closer relations to reduce customs checks and controls on trade between the UK and EU.

Asked whether he would support the creation of a European army, Sir Keir said a meeting of defence ministers from the European Five (E5) group of Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the UK was not about creating an army but forging closer ties to bolster security.

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The meeting that happened the other day is vitally important. That isnt about creating armies. Its about how we share our security concerns and build on what weve already got.

Threats that we face

The UK-Poland security treaty will deepen ties between the two countries defence industries, including on producing new air-defence systems for the Eastern European nation, which borders war-torn Ukraine.

It will cover all aspects of the threats that we face and the steps that we must take to meet them, according to Sir Keir.

This includes deepening ties between our defence industries, the Prime Minster told reporters.

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The UK has secured 8 billion of defence deals in Poland over the last three years alone, and were going further today, opening a new joint programme office in Bristol to deliver our 4 billion partnership, to deliver the next generation of air-defence systems to Poland.

Earlier on Friday, Sir Keir and his wife Victoria, who is Jewish, visited Auschwitz, a former Nazi concentration camp.

Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing. The mounds of hair, the shoes, the suitcases, the names and details, everything that was so meticulously kept, except for human life, he said of their visit.

As I stood by the train tracks at Birkenau, looking across that cold, vast expanse, I felt a sickness, an air of desolation, as I tried to comprehend the enormity of this barbarous, planned, industrialised murder: a million people killed here for one reason, simply because they were Jewish.

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Greenland's prime minister spoke directly to Donald Trump's fanbase on Thursday, saying "thanks, but no thanks" to the president-elect's plans to annex the Danish territory while stopping by Fox News.

Mute Egede spoke with "Special Report" host Bret Baier, laying out his objections to Donald Trump's stated goals of American "ownership and control of Greenland.

"We are close neighbors, we have been cooperating in the last 80 years, and I think in the future we have a lot to offer to cooperate with," Egede said, "but we want to also be clear. We dont want to be Americans. We dont want to be a part of the U.S."

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Egede added that Greenland will "always be a part of NATO" and a "strong partner" while reiterating that the territory is not for sale.

"Greenland and the future of Greenland will be decided by the Greenlandic people," Egede said. "The Greenlandic people dont want to be Danes, the Greenlandic people dont want to be Americans. Greenlandic people want to be part of the Western alliance as Greenlandic people.

Baier: Are you saying that Greenland is not for sale?



Greenland PM: The future of Greenland will be decided by the Greenlandic people. They dont want to be Danes. They dont want to be Americans. They want to be part of the western alliance pic.twitter.com/oukeLkAwpE  Acyn (@Acyn) January 16, 2025

Trump's wishlist of neo-colonialism didn't come from nowhere. There's no doubt that the titans of industry who hang around Mar-a-Lago attempting to curry favor with the president-elect have pointed to the potential of harvesting Greenland's rich natural resources. But the hypothetical musings at a Floridian resort could have very real consequences in the North Atlantic. Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force to secure American control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. And Vice President-elect JD Vance worryingly pointed out that American troops are already situated on the sparsely populated island nation.

On Fox News, Egede said that there was no need for such geopolitical moves, promising to always aid the United States.

"Your security is our security," he said.
Little Miami Local Schools' Board of Education quashed a move that would've restricted flags and displays inside classrooms at a special meeting Thursday evening.

In a 3-2 vote, the board determined a controversial proposed policy  which would require teachers to take down posters, flags and other displays that aren't directly related to their class curriculum  will not move along toward further discussion or implementation. David Wallace and Mary Elmer were the two votes in favor of the policy.

More: Ohio school board considers restricting posters, flags at schools. 600 object in petition

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Wallace, the policy's main supporter, said restricting classroom decorations to those related to curriculum is necessary so that teachers don't influence students on social and political issues. When Wallace attended a parent night at the start of the school year, he said he "couldn't tell" what some teachers were teaching based on the displays in their classrooms, and "did not care for that at all."

"I want to trust that my child's walking into an early American history (classroom) and they're not getting bombarded with today's social issues," Wallace said.

Little Miami Local Schools serves more than 5,200 students and employs more than 300 teachers in Warren County. Wallace brought the proposed policy forward for a first read in December. Since then, an online petition against the policy garnered more than 800 signatures.

Teachers use posters, flags and other displays to show off their personalities and make students feel more comfortable, those opposing the policy said. Leslie Nahigyan, an officer for the local nonprofit Lebanon Pride, Inc. and a Little Miami alum who attended Thursday's special meeting, said she's worried that the policy would make LGBTQ students feel even more alone.

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LGBTQ kids are four times more likely to attempt suicide, she said. Nahigyan isn't suggesting putting pride flags up in all classrooms, but even generic motivational posters can help let students know they are safe.

"The impact of one caring adult in their life can make a life saving difference," Nahigyan told The Enquirer.

How conservative is Little Miami? Board members disagree

Thursday's votes don't mean that the policy is gone forever. Board members can reintroduce policies that failed in the past, said William Deters II, the board's legal counsel.

Deters told the board that he doesn't see legal issues with the policy itself, but said he worries that enforcing it could lead to legal battles that could be costly for the district.

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He advised the board to also take into consideration what the community wants.

The community showed what they wanted when they elected conservative board members, Wallace said. He said he was following through on his campaign promise to "get politics out of the classroom" by promoting the flag policy. Diane Horvath also ran as a conservative, Wallace said at Thursday's meeting. Horvath said she wasn't against the policy, but needed more time to consider its impact.

Wayne Siebert, another board member, vehemently opposed the flag policy at Thursday's meeting. He said the community members he's heard from have "overwhelmingly rejected this policy."

"They don't want it," Siebert said.

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But Elmer said she heard a lot of community feedback to the contrary.

"I believe that it does align with our mission," Elmer said. "It removes distractions from the classroom and will ensure an inclusive, effective and focused learning environment for students regardless of personal beliefs or political opinions."

Kristi Hamberg, a district parent with kids in third, sixth and seventh grades, said she believes the policies the board already has in place are sufficient for addressing any controversial issues. She's glad the board stopped the flag policy from moving forward, because she said it targeted minority groups.

Hamberg has lived in the district since 2009. She knows the area is conservative, but she said ideas from the "extreme right" aren't what her community wants for schools. And she doesn't think politics used to be so divisive in Little Miami in the past.

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"I don't remember this being this big of a deal until this year," Hamberg said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Little Miami school board won't move forward with flag restrictions
Calls from more than 60 organizations to better fund public assistance programs have, some say, not been heeded by the Montana health department, eliciting concern that vital services like health care and food will remain hard to reach for people who need them most.

Dozens of groups penned a letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte in June asking his administration to allocate resources toward the states largest agency to hire more staff, modernize systems and expand in-person help. While the governor's budget proposal provides some additional funding to improve public assistance programs, community groups responsible for helping people access those benefits say the measures dont go far enough.

The long and short of it is no, it doesnt address the issue, said Gayle Carlson, the CEO of the Montana Food Bank Network, which runs food banks across the state.

In its approximately $7 billion, two-year budget proposal, the Department of Public Health and Human Services requested $505,460 to pay overtime to existing staff at Offices of Public Assistance across the state. The proposal does not fund reopening any of the offices that were closed eight years ago after massive statewide spending cuts.

Carlson, whose organization also runs a troubleshooting hotline for people trying to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), says simply getting in touch with someone from the state has proven to be a challenge. SNAP helps low-income people afford groceries. Similar to a number of other public benefits, SNAP is bankrolled and administered by a partnership between state and federal authorities.

When then-Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, implemented widespread spending cuts to balance the state budget in 2017, he closed 19 Offices of Public Assistance, reducing the total by nearly half. These walk-in locations are staffed by DPHHS employees to support people trying to enroll in government programs that support their basic needs.

Today, only 19 OPA sites remain open, leaving large swaths of rural Montana without nearby access to in-person support.

For example, someone who lives in Ekalaka, where the median age is nearly 63 years old and roughly 20% of the rural towns residents live below the poverty line, must drive nearly two hours to the nearest office in Miles City.

DPHHS also continues to struggle with hiring, and turnover is common. As of Aug. 1, 2024, the vacancy rate was nearly 14%, though thats down from 19% two years prior, an agency report shows. A plurality of those open jobs are state-run health care facilities but vacancies plague just about every corner of the agency, including public assistance programs.

Medicaid redetermination, the federally mandated process Montana went through in 2023 and 2024 that required enrollees to reapply for coverage after the pandemic public health emergency ended, brought the fragility of the system into clear view, many community organizations say.

According to final DPHHS data, 115,302 people were disenrolled through the unwinding process, more than the agency projected. Its own data shows that more than 60% of people who lost Medicaid coverage did so because of paperwork errors and failures to submit all the necessary information. Advocates say this number is directly tied to challenges with how the state delivers public benefits.

During that process, the feds raised concerns about Montanas long wait times for those seeking help through the states Medicaid call center. Separately, the Montana Free Press reported that federal officials required DPHHS to implement a corrective action plan for its slow processing times on SNAP applications.

We have seen thousands of families, children, and individuals lose their health care coverage, not due to ineligibility or the fault of hard-working state employees, but due to administrative barriers caused by a system that is unapproachable and unmanageable for many, the June letter reads.

When asked about the overtime proposal at the Jan. 13 meeting of the health care appropriations committee, DPHHS staff said the additional hours would ease help line wait times.

Two Republican lawmakers probed for more information on the need for overtime if the redetermination period is over and, theoretically, Medicaid applications would be stabilizing. By contrast, Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, pushed for more clarity on whether these changes adequately addressed concerns raised in the June letter.

DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton touted recently implemented upgrades to the telephone help line, including the creation of a queued callback system and changes to call routing.

Neither required new funding because the agency had enough money in the budget to make the improvements, Brereton explained. He said DPHHS considered making a budget request to hire more coordinators for the help line, but decided to hold off to see how the changes work first.

I am still concerned that the department is not adequately funded nor asking for funds to enable Montanans who are entitled to benefits  whether it be Medicaid or SNAP or other services  will be well served, Margie MacDonald of Big Sky 55+, which advocates for aging adults, said in an email.

Brereton also pointed to the departments request for about $2.3 million over the next two years to hire more positions to support the states social safety net, a chunk of which would go toward bolstering the medically needy program. Eligible individuals make more than the Medicaid income limit but have significant medical expenses.

Heather OLoughlin, the Montana Budget and Policy Centers executive director, said she continues to hear reports of long wait times and difficulty accessing application information. The organization, a signatory of the letter, appreciates strides the department has made but believes there is more that can be done to bulk up public benefits, she said during the committee meeting.

A DPHHS spokesperson declined to comment when asked for further explanation.

An effort to link OPA funding with Medicaid expansion, up for reauthorization this session to avoid its sunset, looks likely to come before lawmakers next week.

House Bill 230, sponsored by Caferro, is a comprehensive bill to reauthorize expansion, including cutting the sunset and work requirements. But it would also direct DPHHS to reopen 10 OPA sites by June 30, 2026, and bolster its online and mobile-friendly capabilities.

"When people need assistance its usually at the most vulnerable times in their lives, and they deserve better from the Governor than long waits on hold, a stack of redundant forms to fill out, and no in-person help," Caferro told the Montana State News Bureau in an emailed statement.

The legislation tells the department to prioritize offices in areas with high call volumes and larger numbers of disenrolled Medicaid beneficiaries, and it appropriates $3 million from the states general fund to do so.

Gianforte's proposed budget funds Medicaid expansion, and he's expressed his support for work requirements.

Budget negotiations come as Montana lawmakers try to address the rising cost of living and consider possible changes to fiscal policy in the next presidential administration.
For many in need of a place to live, Jimmy Carter opened doors to a better life.

Those who want to show appreciation for Carters efforts can do so by putting their name directly on the door itself.

A memorial door is now on display at the Pulaski County Courthouse, where it will remain for over a month. People are invited to write tributes on the door to Carter, who served as President of the United States from 1977-1980 and was involved for around 40 years with Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need of housing with the resources and assistance they need to build their own home.

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The door was put there by Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky, which is joining Habitat organizations around the world in offering similar opportunities to honor the life and efforts of Carter, who passed away on December 29 at 100 years of age.

President and Mrs. Carters unwavering support for Habitat for Humanity has transformed the lives of countless families across Kentucky, said Chad Tyner, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky.

In June 1997, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, known as Hammering in the Hills, took place across parts of Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky, leaving a lasting impact on the region, continued Tyner. Over the course of one week, President and Mrs. Carter helped build over 50 homes, visiting towns that received homesincluding Berea, Morehead, Pikeville, and Richmond.

As we honor President Carters legacy with this memorial door, we are reminded of his steadfast belief in the power of unity and the profound impact of working together to build a better future, right here in the Bluegrass State, he added.

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Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County also expressed thanks to Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd and the Pulaski County Fiscal Court for allowing the memorial door to be placed in the courthouse, providing a meaningful space for the community to pay tribute.

We are proud to have this symbol of the life of President Carter sitting in the lobby of the Pulaski County Courthouse, said John Alexander, Public Information Office for Pulaski County Government. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, theres no denying the importance of President Jimmy Carters legacy. His public service was not limited to being a governor or a president. His entire life was spent caring for his fellow man. And though he has been welcomed to his eternal home, the work he did with Habitat for Humanity will continue to welcome families home for generations to come.

A similar door was placed in the courthouse for Rosalynn Carter in 2023 upon her passing and was well-received by the community, with around 150 messages left, noted Kristi Phillips, board president of Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky.

President Carter was a man of pure service, and he committed and did more for Habitat after his presidency than most people do in a lifetime, and he didnt have to, said Phillips. This is simply our way of honoring him and his memory.

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She said pictures will be shared with the Carter family once the doors time in the courthouse is done to show them the comments left by members of the community. The pictures will go to Habitat International, which is in touch with the family.

When Phillips reached out to Todd about putting the door in the courthouse, the judge-executive gave enthusiastic support; He said, Absolutely, bring it on, she said. Hes a great support to Habitat.

Phillips added that once the organization gets a permanent office in Pulaski County, memorials of this nature will be located there.

Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating President Carters life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute and see an official online memory book, visit habitat.org.

President Carters contributions to Habitat for Humanity are among the most vital to our organization, said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, in a statement. He opened doors of opportunity for families worldwide, and all of us at Habitat have been honored and humbled to work alongside him. We were truly blessed to have his support, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Carter family.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Just five months after recreational cannabis was legalized in Ohio, DoorDash is bringing hemp-derived products straight to Ohioans doors.

DoorDash announced it would offer hemp-derived THC and CBD products in select states, including Ohio, for customers of legal age to order straight to their front doors. Of-age customers will see a CBD/THC tab in the DoorDash app, adorned with an icon of a soda can and small candy jar. Among the items eligible for delivery are CBD and THC gummies, beverages, mints, candies, snacks and oils.

Car windows smashed in string of suspected break-ins at Upper Arlington, Grandview schools

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Cannabis is a plant that contains more than 80 chemical compounds, but the best known are THC and CBD. In the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis plants and products that contain no more than 0.3% THC were categorized as hemp and no longer classified as controlled substances, according to the FDA. Under the Farm Bill, THC and CBD extracted from hemp are now federally legal.

As DoorDash is offering hemp-based THC and CBD products, state regulations are more relaxed toward sales, allowing DoorDash to deliver these products. Although Ohio does not age-restrict CBD, a representative for DoorDash said customers must be at least 18 to purchase CBD products and at least 21 to purchase THC products.

DoorDash already uses ID verification measures for alcohol purchases, including third-party scanning technology to analyze and scan customer IDs. According to a DoorDash spokesperson, customers must confirm they understand an ID check will be mandatory to complete the delivery.

Once the order is delivered, customers will complete a four-step compliance check, including the ID verification technology, a physical ID check and an assessment of the customer to make sure they are not already intoxicated, the spokesperson said.

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Big Lots stores to remain open after last-ditch sale

According to DoorDash, a growing number of people are seeking out CBD and THC products to relax or provide alternative products. DoorDash cites a Harris Poll survey of U.S. adults where nearly 75% of adults hoping to de-stress this year said they are considering incorporating THC or CBD products.

At least six other states join Ohio in the new market, according to spokespeople, who said Minnesota, Georgia, Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana and Tennessee are also included. As part of the launch, DoorDash also partnered with hemp-infused beverage company Cann, offering customers $2 off a multipack purchase through DoorDash.

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Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has reached an agreement with the owner of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel at SeaWorld in Orlando for allegedly discriminating against people of Arab descent by canceling a conference at the hotel, officials announced Thursday.

The hotel canceled the conference to be held by the Arab America Foundation, a non-profit educational and cultural organization, in November 2023, just a week before it was scheduled to begin, which the Justice Department said violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

"No one may be denied the right to use hotel facilities because of their national origin," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division," in a statement released by the Justice Department.

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The Justice Department said the hotel's decision to cancel the conference was not based on any legitimate, non-discriminatory reason. The hotel claimed that it canceled the conference due to security concerns, but the Justice Department said in the release that the hotel had reported no such threats or conference-related risks.

"Rather, the decision to cancel was based on the national origin of the Arab America Foundation's members and the conference attendees," the Justice Department said.

The settlement requires the DoubleTree to issue a statement to the Arab America Foundation that all guests are welcome, including members of the foundation and its guests, retain a compliance officer for two years, craft new anti-discrimination policies, and provide related employee training, among other directives.
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum participates in a swearing-in ceremony of state lawmakers on Dec. 2, 2024, in Bismarck, North Dakota, shortly before completing his term as governor. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Doug Burgum this week signed an ethics agreement divesting from oil and gas interests as he seeks to be confirmed as Interior secretary.

As North Dakota governor, however, Burgum did not take similar steps to avoid a conflict of interest even though he chaired two state boards that regulate the industry.

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In fact, Burgum didnt publicly disclose his oil and gas interests until seven years into his time as governor  and only because he was a candidate for president.

The stark difference in ethics rules between the federal and state level is worth noting as North Dakota lawmakers are poised this year to discuss strengthening financial reporting requirements for state candidates.

Burgum on Monday signed an eight-page agreement with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics that outlines several steps hes taking to prevent any actual or apparent conflict of interest if hes confirmed to lead the Department of the Interior.

Among them, Burgum pledges to divest his financial interests in oil and gas mineral leases in two North Dakota counties within 90 days of his confirmation.

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According to Burgums federal financial disclosures, the Burgum Farm Partnership LLP has crop, land and mineral interests, including an oil and gas lease in Williams County.

Burgum also holds an ownership interest in Laurel Road LLC, which includes an oil and gas lease and equipment leasing in McKenzie and Williams counties, documents show.

Those oil and gas leases were not disclosed at the state level when Burgum served as governor. North Dakotas governor automatically chairs the state Industrial Commission and the Board of University and School Lands, which make decisions affecting the energy industry.

Burgum this week also committed to divest his interests in several technology and energy company stocks no later than 90 days after his confirmation.

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Again, those stocks  including energy companies that operate in North Dakota and occasionally come before regulatory boards  were not disclosed on Burgums state financial disclosure forms and only became public when Burgum ran for president.

A North Dakota Monitor and ProPublica investigation last year found that Burgum as chair of the Industrial Commission voted about 20 times on issues related to companies with which he has a financial relationship, according to a review of meeting minutes.

Burgums former spokesman, Mike Nowatzki, said last year Burgums oil and gas leases began long before he took office and they were not the subject of business that came before the boards he chaired.

Newly elected Gov. Kelly Armstrong has a much larger stake in oil and gas, earning a majority of his income from the industry, federal financial disclosure forms show.

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Similar to Burgum, the public learned more about the extent of Armstrongs energy holdings when he ran for U.S. House than they did when he served as a state lawmaker.

For example, Armstrong listed 4 Point Investments on his state disclosure form in 2016, but no other details. His disclosure forms as a member of Congress meanwhile, show that 4 Point Investments owns interests in hundreds of oil wells and lists a range of financial values for those assets.

Armstrong has said his oil and gas background will be an asset to him as governor and he would recuse himself from voting in instances where he has a conflict.

State rules would not require Armstrong to file another financial disclosure unless he runs for reelection in four years. Most states require the reports annually, reporter Jacob Orledge found in his investigation last year.

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North Dakota does not require candidates to report stock ownership or the value of those assets. State financial disclosure forms are not published online, and there are no penalties enforced for submitting incomplete or inaccurate information.

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has worked with the Ethics Commission to develop some proposed changes to financial disclosure rules. Howe has said he was working with a lawmaker to introduce a bill this session.

The bill was not public as of Thursday afternoon, but a draft discussed in November included requiring officials to report annually and making the documents available online. Howe and the Ethics Commission also discussed adding fines for noncompliance.

The availability and accuracy of this information matters because the public wants to trust that elected leaders are making decisions in the best interest of the state and not their own personal interests.

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Legislators have previously rejected attempts to improve financial reporting requirements. A bill introduced in the 2017 session would have required financial disclosure forms to be posted online and available for free. Lawmakers turned the bill into a study, and the idea was never implemented.

If North Dakotans want more transparency from elected officials, theyll need to pay attention during this legislative session.

Doug Burgum Ethics Agreement
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  MATAs trolley system, a fixture of downtown Memphis, has been missing since August of 2024, with no clear timeline of when it will come back.

Trolley repairs could cost $1.2 million. MATA says to put a secondary brake on each trolley would cost $200,000 each.

We were talking to MATA about when we can expect trolleys back. And, you know, I dont think theyre gone forever, said Kevin Kane, president of Memphis Tourism. Certainly, hope not.

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According to recent documents, there are only two companies in the country that work with the vintage trolley cars. Plus, some trolley stations on Main and Madison will need to be removed and replaced.

For now, MATA says a maintenance team is maintaining the empty tracks.

MATA OKs contract with Transpro, gets new interim CEO

After purchasing the brakes, getting them installed and tested, MATA will have to notify TDOT six months before they anticipate the trolleys starting back.

Mark Parsell owns South Main Sound, and sees the impacts of the trolley shutdown daily.

Tourists are a big thing, but we all forget about the fact that there are people that use the trolleys to get to and from work and to and from, the store, Parsell said. Its hurt foot traffic down certainly to this end of South Main.

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Wednesday, the Memphis Area Transit Authority board accepted an eight-month consulting contract worth more than $1 million, as well as a new interim leadership team.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Approximately 50 adoptable pets are arrived at PDX on Friday afternoon to help other pets that have been displaced by the devastating wildfires which sparked in Los Angeles last week.

The nonprofit Greater Good Charities moved these pets from the San Diego Humane Society and other shelters to help support overwhelmed shelters in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Man killed at Portland Fred Meyer was trying to stop robbery, police say

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This emergency flight is an important part of our larger response to provide critically needed aid to those affected: from displaced families and unhoused populations to injured animals, overwhelmed pet shelters, and damaged ecosystems, Greater Good Charities CEO Liz Baker said.

Moving these pets will allow the massive influx of lost and injured pets to move from the overwhelmed shelters to locations that can take appropriate care of them.

Oregon SNAP recipients will no longer receive federal replacements for stolen benefits

This transport lets us step up and give our friends in Los Angeles the support they need during this devastating crisis, and for that we are incredibly grateful, Dr. Gary Weitzman, the CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, said. The fires in L.A. are heartbreaking, and were fully committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors through this.

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Once the animals arrived in Portland, they were brought to the Oregon Humane Society, where they will stay until they find their new homes. They will need to complete a medical screening before they can be up for adoption.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.

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CAMPOBELLO, S.C. (WSPA)  Dozens of plaintiffs across North and South Carolina are suing the federal government over unpaid compensation for taking property along the Saluda Grade rail corridor.

Lewis Rice, a law firm based in St. Louis, said the firm has around 150 clients who enlisted its help to get fair compensation.

The properties in question lie along a 31.5 mile stretch of railroad track between Inman and Zirconia, N.C., also known as the Saluda Grade, made possible by a centuries-old easement.

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The train would stop here and theyd give free wine to the passengers on the train and so we became the Friendliest Town of the South, said Jim Fatland, the Town Manager for the Town of Tryon.

The Saluda Grade was created during the 19th century according to Fatland, as part of a larger national route. The corridors current owner, Norfolk Southern, ceased operations along the Saluda Grade in 2001, rendering it unused for more than two decades.

Until recently, [Norfolk Southern] actually decided to abandon it, go through the procedures and negotiate a sales price, said Fatland.

In August, Conserving Carolina, a nonprofit land trust based in Hendersonville, announced that it, and two other non-profits, planned to purchase the Saluda Grade rail corridor from Norfolk Southern with the intention of turning the abandoned line into a walking trail.

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So, it wasnt until the railroad sought approval to abandon its line and the trail sponsors, the Saluda Grade Rail Trail Conservancy, requested the federal governments authority to convert this line, said Lindsay Brinton, a lawyer with Lewis Rice. That, then the federal government issued its order authorizing the conversion  at the same time taking these landowners state law, property rights- [that we] filed the case.

Brinton explained that the sale of the rail corridor triggered the Takings Clause under the U.S. Constitutions 5th Amendment, forcing affected property owners to bring an inverse condemnation claim for compensation by suing the Federal Government.

A portion of their property was taken, so under state law, they should have their land free and clear of any easements on their property, said Brinton. So, they shouldnt have a railroad easement, [and] they shouldnt have a trail easement and now because of a federal law, the federal law pre-empted their state law property rights and instead allows Norfolk Southern to sell this right-of-way for non-railroad purpose and so thats the taking here. A federal law is pre-empting a state law.

Lewis Rices clients range from individual property owners in South Carolina, to entire municipalities in North Carolina.

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Fatland said he convinced Tyrons town council to join the suit because he believed the town could benefit from any possible additional income after Hurricane Helene swept through last fall.

In addition, Fatland expressed his support for the Saluda Grade Rail Project.

If we get some compensation off of it, its money thats going to come in to the town coffers, said Fatland.

Adding any money from the lawsuit would go towards installing public restrooms in downtown Tryon as well as other amenities.

Parcel of land along the Saluda Grade rail corridor in downtown Tryon.

I see it as an opportunity for the town and the community, said Fatland. Rather than trains coming through here, its going to be runners; people on bikes.

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Tryon owns four parcels of land along the rail corridor. Not every property owner along the rail corridor is completely onboard with the rails-to-trails project.

Gregory Clay is also suing the federal government for compensation. His land is in Campobello.

Clay said he wanted to build his future retirement home on the land because of the natural landscaping around him. Now he has reservations about it because of the trail project.

As long as its taken care of correctly and it serves both the property owners and the greater good, then Im all for it, said Clay. But, if it becomes a burden on the adjacent property owners, then thats a whole other issue.

Part of Gregory Clays land in Campobello that is situated next to the Saluda Grade.

He said he attended a community meeting, hosted by the projects sponsors last fall. He left with answers regarding trail management that didnt satisfy him.

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The issue with me is the safety and security, the cleanliness of the land behind me, said Clay. I dont want it to detract from what I have here.

7NEWS spoke with Conserving Carolina, the lead non-profit in charge of the trail projects North Carolina portion and Play Advocate Live Well (PAL), the lead non-profit in charge of the trail projects South Carolina portion to learn more about the plan.

A third non-profit based in Greenville, Upstate Forever, is also part of the coalition spearheading the Saluda Grade purchase.

You know, were doing this because there are many, many people in the community who are very excited about this opportunity, said Kieran Roe, executive director of Conserving Carolina. I remember well, those meetings that were well attended and I would say 95% positive feedback from those that came to those meetings.

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Roe explained the projects purpose is to create a pedestrian-friendly pathway across state lines, as well as to help preserve the natural landscape that already exists.

Were gonna keep it preserved as a natural corridor, except for this narrow pathway where there is already developed infrastructure, the rest of that corridor will stay natural, conserved, said Roe. Its gonna create an opportunity for people to get outside, enjoy nature [and] enjoy healthy exercise.

Laura Ringo, the Executive Director of PAL, said it has been in close contact with local police about the plans. The future trail will have specific entry points large enough for first responders to fit onto the trail.

Were excited to work hand-in-hand with property owners to make this the best project possible for everyone, so if there are concerns along the way we will work through those together, said Ringo.

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Ringo said it hopes to finalize the sale of the rail line by July.

The Lewis Rice law firm said it expects to resolve the lawsuits by the end of spring. It is still actively going through the applications, but said it will eventually add most eligible claims to the lawsuit filed in December.

Brinton said it is not a class-action lawsuit. A copy of that lawsuit is below.

Anne F. Day V. United States of AmericaDownload

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Drakes legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken a turn as hes alleged that the release of Kendrick Lamars diss track Not Like Us created a dangerous situation for him and his family.

According to an 81-page lawsuit, the Toronto superstar claims he pulled his seven-year-old son, Adonis, out of school due to security concerns. The suit details a series of incidents that allegedly occurred at Drakes home in May 2024, just days after Kendrick dropped the Mustard-produced track.

One particular event alleged an armed group of assailants pulled up to his residence and opened fire, injuring a security guard. Blood was everywhere, the lawsuit states, adding that it took nearly 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. In the following days, Drakes home was reportedly targeted multiple times. In one instance, an intruder allegedly used his bare hands to dig a hole under a security fence to gain entry, and another break-in attempt occurred on May 9further raising concerns for the rappers safety.

Drakes legal team argues that these events were no coincidence, claiming UMG prioritized corporate greed over the safety and wellbeing of its artists by capitalizing on the success of Kendricks diss track. The lawsuit even draws parallels to the 2016 Pizzagate conspiracy theory, citing the spread of false information that led to real-world violence.

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With the palpable physical threat to Drakes safety and the bombardment of online harassment, Drake fears for the safety and security of himself, his family, and his friends, the legal doc states. It also alleges that threats mentioning Adonis on social media contributed to Drakes decision to pull his son from his Toronto elementary school and relocate him and his mother for the summer.

In response, UMG dismissed the claims as baseless, stating to Variety: Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artistlet alone Drakeis illogical. We have invested massively in his music, and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success.

As Drake and Kendricks on-wax beef has simmered, Drake seems to be adding more fuel to the fire with his ongoing lawsuit.

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A driver died early Friday morning after their truck crashed through the Arlington Memorial Bridge during rush hour Thursday and plunged into the icy Potomac River.

The incident, captured on dashcam footage, showed the white pickup truck traveling in the right lane before swerving left across all lanes of traffic, breaking through the bridge's stone railings, and plummeting over the edge.

The exact circumstances of the crash remain unclear, but witnesses say the driver may have been trying to avoid a previous crash and clipped a car bumper before swerving off the bridge.

Nigisti Adane, who took the dashcam video showing what led up to the crash, told Fox 5 the driver was under the water for at least 15 minutes before first responders arrived on the scene.

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"I called at 6:48, and when the cops came it had been 15 minutes at that point," Adane said. "The truck went straight down. I think usually, I assumed that cars would float a little bit, but it looked like it went straight down."

Witnesses immediately stopped their vehicles and ran across traffic in an attempt to help until emergency response teams arrived. Rescue divers jumped into the Potomac River during the snowy 30-degree weather to rescue the submerged driver. Washington, D.C., experienced a low of 20 degrees F Thursday night.

The driver was pulled from the river and received life support while being transported to the hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries. Police later confirmed the driver died overnight.

Two other individuals were injured in the crash, with one person taken to the hospital with minor injuries and the other refusing treatment.

Following the accident, D.C. Police Traffic blocked all lanes at Rock Creek Parkway and Lincoln Memorial Circle Northwest, advising drivers to avoid the area. The bridge was reopened to traffic at 1 a.m. on Friday, according to the U.S. Park Police.
A motorist found a hawk wedged in the grill of their SUV after crashing into the bird of prey while driving on a highway in Massachusetts on Thursday.

Troopers responding to a call from a motorist who had struck a red-tailed hawk on Interstate 495 north in Chelmsford just after 1 p.m. discovered the hawk lodged in the grill of a Honda that stopped at a rest area along the highway, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The troopers then called Massachusetts Environmental Police, Chelmsford Animal Control, and technicians from Nucar Honda of Westford to the scene to strategize on freeing the hawk.

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Nucar technicians conducted a partial disassembly of the vehicles front, safely extricating the hawk from the grill, according to state police.

The hawk was said to be conscious and alert, only suffering from some ruffled feathers, when crews secured it in a cage for transport to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton for evaluation.

State police noted that the hawk showed no other signs of obvious injury.

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BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO)  The driver of a black Hyundai Sonata dead after a traffic crash sent them into a telephone pole, according to Belvidere Police.

The crash happened in the 500 block of W. Locust Street around 11:34 p.m. and involved a black 2006 Hyundai Sonata and a white 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Officers found the Hyundai crashed into a telephone poll and the Cherokee parked on W. Pleasant, about 25 feet away.

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Police said the driver of the Hyundai was given medical attention by Belvidere Police officers until emergency medical technicians arrived.

Ultimately, the driver died at OSF St. Anthony Hospital. Authorities have not released the victims name.

The driver of the Jeep Cherokee was uninjured.

The incident is under investigation.

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The district attorneys office in Harris County, Texas, has alerted attorneys involved in thousands of drug-related cases that rats were found eating the narcotics seized and stored by Houston police for decades, city officials announced at a press conference last week.

Houston police were first made aware of rats dining in their evidence room in October, but professional exterminators had difficulties resolving the issue because of the rodents constant drug use, Peter Stout, the president of the Houston Forensic Science Center, told reporters at the press conference.

I mean, think about it. Theyre drug-addicted rats. Theyre tough to deal with, Stout said.

Rodents, bugs, fungus, all kinds of things love drugs, forensic expert Peter Stout told reporters. Photo by Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance via Getty Images

The storage room contained large amounts of drugs collected over decades, officials said, including cocaine evidence from 1996 and marijuana from 1993. Those cases were finalized, and the evidence no longer has value.

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We got 400,000 pounds of marijuana in storage, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said at the press conference. The rats are the only ones enjoying it.

In addition to cocaine and marijuana, the rats have also feasted on packaging containing mushrooms, Joshua Reiss, general counsel at the Harris County District Attorneys Office, told CBS affiliate KHOU.

The district attorneys office has notified attorneys inmore than 3,600 open drug-related cases out of an abundance of caution, but only one active case has been affected, according to the outlet.

City officials told reporters last week they will take new measures allowing police officials to destroy narcotic evidence seized before 2015, along with any evidence in cases where both sides have agreed to a plea and to destroy the evidence.

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This is a problem for property rooms everywhere in the country, Stout said. Rodents, bugs, fungus, all kinds of things love drugs.

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BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)Not all Bay Staters who have diabetes, asthma or heart conditions will benefit from the new prescription drug reform law, and a top health official signaled regulators may need to consider expanding cost-control provisions in the future.

Members of the Health Policy Commission board discussed the gap in health insurance coverage Thursday. HPC Executive Director David Seltz highlighted how the law limits out-of-pocket costs for certain drugs to treat diabetes, asthma and the two most prevalent heart conditions.

Drug law will target costs, access, PBMs

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This mandate will apply to MassHealth, the Group Insurance Commission and to fully insured commercial health plans, and the legislation asked the Health Policy Commission to evaluate the impact of this new program every two years, Seltz said.

HPC Commissioner Alecia McGregor later asked Seltz which groups of health insurance enrollees, such as MassHealth Connector members, are potentially left out of the copay limits of $25 for certain brand-name medications.

Seltz said the caps apply to plans through the states health insurance marketplace, but not to self-insured plans. In a self-insured plan, which is more common among large companies, employers collect premiums and are responsible for paying medical claims from employees and their dependents, according to federal health officials.

Sen. Cindy Friedman, a lead bill negotiator, told the News Service on Thursday evening that self-insured plans arent included because the federal government doesnt allow Beacon Hill to mandate that the plans follow this type of state law.

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I dont know what percentage of enrollees that might compromise, but I would imagine a fairly large share, McGregor said.

HPC Commissioner David Cutler chimed in, telling McGregor, It is not a trivial matter at all.

Im guessing its about half of the privately insured, just as a round guess, Cutler said. Because almost all of the big employers are going to be self-insured, and then some of the smaller ones.

Seltz did not specify the number of Bay Staters enrolled in their employers self-insured plans, but he suggested the law may need to be expanded in the future.

In many cases where the state has made a mandate for coverage of the benefit, or in this case a copay cap on the fully insured market, there are times when self-insured plans will follow that same mandate in their plan design. Theyre not required to, but they may, Seltz said.

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The HPC can examine how self-insured plans choose to respond, and regulators can also make policy recommendations as they evaluate the impact of the new law. Seltz said regulators can explore how the law benefits patients and reduces long-term costs.

That may be something that we can help demonstrate in our analysis and in our reviews to make the economic case that this should be more widely applicable, Seltz said.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Drummond Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and its infrastructure hasnt been upgraded since World War II. Thursday night, Panama City officials held a meeting with residents to update them on their progress.

Drummond Park residents have experienced infrastructure problems for years. After Hurricane Michael hit, the issues only got worse. Six months ago, Panama City officials broke ground on a $21 million project, funded with grant money.

Beloved Thomas Drive Waffle & Omelet House demolished after tornado destruction

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CBC Construction is installing three miles of sewer line and 2.4 miles of water and storm lines over a 25-block radius. Theyre also upgrading the existing two-inch cast iron pipes to eight-inch PVC pipes.

The project includes repaved streets, new fire hydrants, and some new sidewalks. As of Thursday, the project is 35-to-40 percent complete.

Its divided into three subsections, A, B, and C.

Some of the sections are a little bit further along. I think you heard tonight subsection a is hopefully in the next 60 days or so youll start seeing some asphalt flow. And thats the final step. I think thats important for the residents to know is that after we do all of the infrastructure, the water lines, the sewer lines, the laterals up to the yards where the meters are, the stormwater system, the proper road basin, were going to make sure that the road last for decades to come, that thats all important for that asphalt to come in, Panama City, City Manager Jonathan Hayes said.

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Officials held Thursday nights meeting to update residents and warn them that construction may soon cause more inconvenience.

We dont run away from problems. We cant run away from problems. And the fact of the matter is, weve got roads torn up. Weve got sewer lines that are being replaced, water lines are being replaced. And so, like, this is very disruptive for people that are going about their daily lives. The good news is on the other side of it, its brand new. But when youre feeling and going through it, sometimes you just need a little help to work through stuff, Panama City Commissioner Josh Street said.

BDS introduces a new employee fur school safety

Officials say the project is still on time and on budget. The entire project is projected to be completed by the end of the year, but some areas will be finished as early as this summer.

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The project will alleviate residents issues with water pressure, busted pipes, and poor drainage, and upgrade fire pressure lines.

The upgrades are mostly modernization of infrastructure. Officials say they have about 200 million in grant funding for infrastructure to date, but theyre constantly advocating for grant funding opportunities to make improvements for residents.

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I feared the worst at the departure gate. It was 10am at Barcelona Airport on a Sunday in early summer and I was soberly sipping a cafe con leche and waiting to board for London Gatwick. Oy Oy, Choffers! a British thirty-something male bellowed as he prodded the backside of another man, who was wobbly on his feet and clasping a bottle of rose.

Choffers, clearly a soon-to-be-married groom, was in an advanced state of inebriation. As he emerged from his phalanx of fellow stags, I noted his attire: a flamenco dress with a spotted bodice that was straining to contain his beer belly.

Please, God, dont say theyre sitting next to me, I said in silent prayer, while raising my eyebrows at a well-heeled Spanish family, who were, as one, recoiling at the scene.

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I boarded the aircraft as the stags dawdled, downing their remaining drinks. Long-arm it, Choffers, you p****!

The dread set in 10 minutes later, when I noticed the row ahead of me was empty, as were the seats to my immediate right and left. Clearly Id angered the gods of the Ramblas in some way and was in for a long journey. A few minutes later, the stags shambled to their seats, with Choffers to my immediate left, on a seat next to the aisle.

For the first 30 minutes of the flight, the stags were joshing and garrulous. Choffers was supplied with more rose miniatures (why rose, I wondered?). I began to suspect the boozy bunch hadnt been to sleep the night before, and perhaps the night preceding that.

The first problem arose when Choffers started getting restless as we entered some turbulence. Sit down, sir, please, the seat belt sign has gone on, said a motherly member of the flight crew in soothing tones. Choffers eventually nodded and complied. Ten minutes later, the seat belt sign was off, and one of the stags was quizzing me about my marital status.

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I glanced around, and considered asking to be moved  there appeared to be a vacant seat near the window a few rows back. I was about to reach for my laptop and make a run for it, when it happened. A very green-at-the-gills Choffers stood up, leant against my row of seats, and urinated through his miniskirt on to my seat, and me.

Oh my God! a woman in the aisle across shrieked. Oh! My! God!

Safety concerns

My brush with in-flight boorishness came to mind on Monday, when Ryanair issued a statement detailing the costs incurred as a direct result of a disruptive passenger on board its flight from Dublin to Lanzarote last April.

Ryanair is seeking 15,000 (12,650) in damages from the unnamed Irish passenger to cover the bill for extra fuel, accommodation for more than 160 passengers and crew, landing fees, and legal expenses. In a statement on its corporate website, a Ryanair spokesman said: European [governments] repeatedly fail to take action when disruptive passengers threaten aircraft safety and force them to divert. It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports.

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The spokesman added: 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.

In a briefing note prepared for the UK Department for Transport, researchers defined disruptive and unruly passengers as those engaging in behaviour ranging from verbal abuse (Level 1) through to attempts to breach the flight deck (Level 4). The note states that such incidents have risen sharply in recent years, to more than 10,000 reports each year, compared with around 500 such reports in 2007.

According to data collected by the International Air Transport Association, 31 per cent of these incidents involve alcohol intoxication, 26 per cent non-compliance with smoking regulations, 17 per cent non-compliance with other regulations, 8 per cent disputes with other passengers, 2 per cent security threats and 1 per cent issues relating to passenger support animals.

The highest rates of such incidents are seen in mainland Europe (more than 2,000 a year), the United Kingdom (around 500), the United States (around 90) and New Zealand (around 60).

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Examples given in the briefing note of unruly behaviour include the case of Guilherme Alves De Melo, a Brazilian passenger who became verbally and physically disruptive to other passengers and flight crew and went on to eat part of his boarding pass on a flight from Calgary to Chicago; a female passenger on a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Perth who became disruptive to other passengers and crew by making death threats; and a man, possibly living out a James Bond fantasy, who wearing only his underwear, jumped a security fence at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, ran on to Runway 27 and jumped on to the wing of the recently landed aircraft.

They are always British

A quick survey of friends and acquaintances finds that brushes with unruly passengers are somewhat routine, suggesting the official figures merely scratch at the surface of an even wider problem. Lydia Berman tells me she has awful memories of an Etihad flight on which some drunk guys just used the back of the plane as a toilet as they didnt like plane loos and the poor staff were helpless to intervene.

Maya Middlemiss, a frequent traveller on Alicante-to-Gatwick flights, tells me she has seen it all, including singing Welsh hen nights, guys in matching dresses, the police having to board and arrest people  and they are always British, Im embarrassed to say!

Even celebrities are not immune to unsavoury inflight behaviour. In 2011, French actor Gerard Depardieu urinated in front of passengers on an Air France flight to Dublin when the cabin crew refused to let him use the on-board toilet as the aircraft was preparing for take-off.

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A statement issued on Depardieus behalf to French media cited prostate problems, adding that his friend and fellow actor Edouard Baer had passed him a bottle to urinate into, which had overflowed. At the time, Depardieu was removed from the aircraft.

Harsh penalties

Disruptive and unruly passenger behaviour contravenes the Tokyo Convention 1963, which has been incorporated into national aviation laws internationally. Many countries also have stringent national rules, including China, where unruly passengers can wind up in administrative detention for 10 days; India, where they can be permanently banned from flying; and the US, where they can be criminally prosecuted and face fines of up to 20,000.

In the UK, penalties for disruptive behaviour are dependent upon the severity of the behaviour, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Act 1982, Section 61, and may result in imprisonment or a fine exceeding the statutory maximum (5,000).

European Union authorities have yet to respond to Ryanairs call for legal limits on airport drinking, but would I welcome such stringent pre-flight regulations? Where dissolute British stags are involved, certainly.

Following Choffers flagrant micturition, the easyJet cabin crew swiftly stepped in to wipe down seats, as well as Choffers, who shamefacedly moved to the front of the plane as his fellow stags stared at their laps. I was relocated a few rows back and supplied with free cake and coffee. Its clear the easyJet staff were trained for such events and took it all in their stride. I didnt report the event at the time, being overjoyed to escape the scene on landing at Gatwick.

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When asked to respond to this piece, easyJet asked Telegraph Travel for details of the flight so it could investigate the incident. It added: Safety is our highest priority and we have strict guidelines about the consumption of alcohol on board and any passenger who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will be refused further alcohol. We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour on board and our cabin and ground crew are trained to assess any disruptive incidents and act quickly and appropriately.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  A Des Moines man was sentenced to almost two decades in prison on Thursday for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a one-year-old.

Iowa State Patrol urging drivers not to risk excessive speeds

According to the United States Attorneys Office Southern District of Iowa, on April 29, 2023 Kenneth Leroy Quinn, 23, distributed fentanyl pills to an individual. That individual then took some of the pills home, where the individuals one-year-old child later ingested the pills and died of acute fentanyl toxicity.

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Police opened an investigation into Quinn, which consisted of officers purchasing marijuana from Quinn six times and the execution of a search warrant that turned up multiple firearms, several pounds of marijuana, roughly an ounce of methamphetamine, and three-quarters of an ounce of cocaine, the attorneys office said.

Quinn was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison. Once released, he will have to undergo five years of supervised release.

Metro News:

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said officers arrested someone who was driving under the influence (DUI) after he hit one of its cruisers.

MCDP said the incident happened shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 11. Officers went to the area near I-270 and I-370 to help Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers with a serious crash. One of the Montgomery County police officers parked his cruiser, blocking lanes of traffic so that police could investigate things safely.

Right after that, a car rear-ended the cruiser, which had its lights flashing. Although there was significant damage to the cruiser, no officer was hurt.

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Two people found dead hours apart in Rockville; investigation continues

Officers said the driver of the car seemed impaired. Members of the police departments Holiday Alcohol Task Force came and investigated. Police said the driver performed poorly on sobriety tests. They arrested him for DUI.

After they took him to the police station, he chose not to take the Intoximeter test after officers told him his rights. He faces other charges besides DUI.

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Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the committee that Durbin leads.

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked a suite of agencies that previously employed Kash Patel to turn over information on possible misconduct of President-elect Trumps controversial pick to lead the FBI.

The letters lay out a series of allegations, including that Patel pushed to stop transition coordination with the incoming Biden administration, sought to declassify information that would be favorable to Trump, and was identified as a helpful figure for the man leading Trumps efforts to thwart the transfer of power after losing the 2020 election.

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The Director must be able to execute the FBIs mission in a nonpartisan, impartial manner that is above reproach. The credible allegations against Mr. Patel outlined above are deeply troubling, and the Committee is unable to properly consider his nomination without more information on his underlying conduct, Durbin wrote in letters to the Justice Department, Department of Defense, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Collectively, the letters pull together years of reporting on controversies trailing Patel.

One letter points to reporting from Bloomberg showing that Patel coordinated efforts with officials at the White House and Department of Justice, as well as Republican lawmakers, to declassify documents he saw as being favorable to Trump.

That includes dispositions of interviews with former Obama-era officials who were involved in the investigation into Trumps ties to Russia.

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Durbins letter indicates Patel may have made an improper disclosure of classified information in the process, noting the Justice Department reportedly received a complaint from an intelligence agency about one of his disclosures.

The letter to the Justice Department also notes that then-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, now Trumps nominee to lead the CIA, apparently identified Patel as someone who could find a trustworthy figure to coordinate with Jeffrey Clark, a former DOJ official who worked to forward Trumps baseless claims of election fraud about the 2020 election.

That detail comes from notes from Clark obtained by the committee.

The request asks for all information at the DOJ and ODNI about Patels declassification efforts, his contacts with Ratcliffe, and any investigations into improperly releasing classified information.

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One letter also points to prior reporting indicating Patel may have worked to stall transition efforts at the Pentagon.

During his tenure, Mr. Patel was accused of impeding the incoming Biden Administrations transition work with the Defense Department, injecting himself and another political appointee into processes normally handled by nonpartisan career civilian and military officials, and ignoring requests from the Biden Administrations transition team, Durbin wrote.

The Trump team said Patel would be happy to respond when he has his confirmation hearing.

Kash is proud of his service at the DOJ, DOD, and DNI, and looks forward to answering any of Senator Durbins questions at his confirmation hearing, said Alex Pfeiffer, a Trump spokesperson.

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Patels confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled, but he was a frequent topic of conversation during the hearing for Trumps pick to lead the Justice Department, Pam Bondi.

Many lawmakers pointed to Patels list of government gangsters included in his book of the same name, a list of figures he has previously said must be held accountable.

And as a former House Intelligence Committee staffer, he was a top aide in pushing back against the investigation into Trumps campaign, a topic that inspired a childrens book he has also written.

Asked how she would respond if Patel sought to ignite investigations into Trump adversaries, Bondi insisted he would follow the law.

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If he is confirmed, and if I am confirmed  he will follow the law if I am the attorney general of the United States of America. And I dont believe he would do anything otherwise, Bondi said Wednesday.

Updated at 11:11 a.m. EST Jan. 17.

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BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  Another company is looking to plant one of its first Ohio locations right here in the Miami Valley.

Dutch Bros Coffee is set to construct one of the companys first Ohio locations at 7922 N. Dixie Drive in Butler Township, between Taco Bell and Wings Bar and Grill.

A site plan obtained by WDTN.com shows the building will be 950 square feet with spaces for online order ahead pickup parking spaces. An outdoor patio is also expected at the location.

Dutch Bros Coffee/Butler Township

The Townships Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use permit for the location in mid-November, according to the spokesperson. A construction permit was granted just over two weeks later.

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A Butler Township Community Planning spokesperson confirmed to WDTN.com that construction for the new beverage spot will start as soon as the weather permits, with a projected opening time of early summer.

In late October, WDTN.com reached out to the company after it filed for a commercial permit on Brown Street. 2 NEWS was told that it was in the very early stages for that location, but we will continue to check back for updates on it.

Dutch Bros is best known for its iced coffee, tea, lemonade and more. The Cocomo, Double Torture, Golden Eagle and more are labeled by the company as Dutch Faves.

The nearest Dutch Bros location currently sits in Lexington, Kentucky, just over 2.5 hours south of downtown Dayton.

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WDTN.com recently reported the plan for Zaxbys to build its first Ohio location in Liberty Township. In June 2024, QuikTrip opened its first Ohio spot in Dayton.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The plan was to build a new home for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) as part of Nashvilles East Bank development, but TPAC said alternate sites are under consideration.

TPAC and Metro have voiced where the problems lie as negotiations continue. Last January, a site for TPAC was included in the East bank development plan, something residents called a good step forward.

APRIL 2024: TPAC footing large part of East Bank bill

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TPAC, obviously, is a huge asset for Nashville and has been really my whole life and if they need a new one, that seems like a good place to do it, East Nashville resident Michael Fitzgerald told News 2.

However, the East Bank development project could look different going forward.

TPAC has been working with Metro and the State to build a new home on the East bank of the Cumberland River, and TPAC and the State are committing a total of $600 million to the project. TPAC has been in discussions with Metro since July 2021 regarding the relocation of the performing arts center. While we understood and expected there would be a transitional period with a new administration, we did not anticipate the process would still be in limbo after 15 months. Metros requirements have exceeded the provisions of the MOU that was approved by Metro Council in February 2024, and TPAC has presented proposals that fully comply with it, including constructing a pedestrian bridge and funding TPACs proportional share of a bike ramp, neither of which are part of the new performing arts center facility. We have done all we can to be responsive to Metro, and at this point, due to the delays and resulting costs of more than $14 million, we are compelled to consider alternate sites. TPAC spokesperson

The news is not that surprising to some taxpayers.



[Its] not terribly shocking. I understand, East Nashville resident Rhiannon Jordan said. Nashville moves at a really slow pace and sometimes when your building is in crisis the way theirs is, you cant wait three years for a decision to be made.

According to the Nashville mayors office, the city has tried to push negotiations and come to an agreement with TPAC. Alex Apple, the deputy communications director for the Mayors Office, sent News 2 the following statement:

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Metro Council approved an MOU between TPAC and the city last year. Since then at TPACs request, we have continued negotiations around infrastructure costs that they committed to paying for when they signed the memorandum of understanding. TPAC has long-sought a lot on the East Bank that is the most expensive to develop because of its proximity to the pedestrian bridge. Metro believed TPAC was prepared to contribute money both to the pedestrian bridge and an exit ramp off the bridge. In order to advance discussions and offer more options, Metro has  in the months since  offered other lots and continued to negotiate on the original lot. Our hope is that we can strike an agreement that works for Metro taxpayers and provides a long-term home for the performing arts center.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

I know politics is complicated. Its expensive. It takes time and you want to get it right, Fitzgerald added. Obviously, if youve got $600 million project, you want to make sure its in the right place and its done the right way, but when you hear $14 million squandered on planning and bickering that feels like money thats thrown away.



I hope that the city has everyones best interest at heart and that theyre prioritizing the decision-making process, Jordan said.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Office of Multifamily Housing Programs has awarded a $3.2 million grant to the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging.

This funding under HUDs Section 202 program supports affordable housing for seniors. It can be used for new construction or repairs. It also provides rental assistance. EBRCOA said it is one of 11 organizations nationwide to receive this grant.

The grant will fund the building of the Lotus Village at the Lakes. It is a new affordable housing development for seniors on 6.3 acres at 15300 Plank Road in Baker. The project will build 49 energy-efficient cottages for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. They will include single-story and two-story lofts. According to the council, the goal is to create a supportive environment for aging in place.

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A standout feature is the inclusion of 10 intergenerational unitsa first for the region. The project aims for green building certification for sustainability, EBRCOA said.

According to a news release, the Lotus Village at the Lakes will have amenities to support seniors well-being. The property will have a scenic walking trail around a lake and a 12,500-square-foot senior center. The center will feature multipurpose spaces, a fitness room, a computer lab, a food pantry and more. It will be a hub for services and activities for all ages. It will provide nutritional support, transportation, healthcare, education, recreation and social events.

Two projects underway to curb crime in Baton Rouge

Addressing housing affordability and accessibility is a commitment the Council on Aging made to the seniors of this parish at the inception of the millage, EBRCOA CEO Tasha Clark-Amar said. We have worked aggressively to pursue funding and develop new concepts to address the concern of aging in place. EBRCOA is immensely grateful to be chosen for the HUD grant and excited to push forward with the construction of the Lotus Village at the Lakes in the City of Baker.

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Key supporters:

State Sen. Pro Tempore Regina Ashford Barro.

City of Baker Mayor Darnell Waites.

HUDs Office of Multifamily Housing Programs under the Biden-Harris Administration.

Latest News

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Maya Richard-Craven describes herself as "six generations Pasadena" because her family planted roots in the area roughly a century ago and has lived there ever since. Her relatives are involved to such an extent in local organizations, social clubs and volunteer groups, that, she said, taking a walk in nearby Altadena often means being waved down by someone who recognizes her mom.

But the Eaton Fire upended those customs, and potentially put their future in jeopardy, when it erupted in Altadena on Jan. 7. Fueled by an extreme windstorm that sparked several wildfires at once in different parts of Los Angeles and its adjacent counties, the deadly blaze spread quickly over some 14,000 acres and left a trail of charred debris in its wake.

Altadena homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire are pictured Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. / Credit: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Vast swaths of Altadena, a historically Black enclave, were ravaged, scorching the region's infrastructure along with its rich cultural record.

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"Altadena represented prosperity. It represented joy. It represented unity and Black excellence. And for that to all burn to pieces, it's just absolutely devastating," said Richard-Craven. "It's like, if a history book just lit on fire. This is a history that is deep."

Situated just north of Pasadena in the San Gabriel foothills, Altadena was long considered a haven for Black families who began settling there at the turn of the 20th century and continued trickling in as the years ensued. Some had escaped segregation in the South and took refuge in a place that did not subscribe to the racist criteria of the era for land ownership, an anomaly even in California.

"They were allowed to purchase property," said Richard-Craven. "And that was rare, you know, in the early 1900s."

It established a foundation for entrepreneurship and generational wealth that, eventually, underpinned the development of Altadena into a diverse and vibrant suburb filled with close-knit companies. Richard-Craven told CBS News she is among the legacy residents who've come to call its iconic Old Town district by the nickname "DNA."

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More than two dozen of those displaced by the Eaton Fire are people Richard-Craven knows personally. Her cousin's house was burned, as was her great-aunt's  where Richard-Craven herself also lived until recently.

When she spoke to CBS News on Thursday, her first morning back in Los Angeles after evacuating to a family friend's home in Nevada, Richard-Craven had not yet been able to visit Altadena since the fire. But she feared the neighborhood centers where Altadena's Black community thrived for decades could now be gone.

Authorities estimated more than 7,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in the Eaton Fire alone. Apocalyptic images and video from the area show full residential blocks reduced to ash and parked vehicles melted almost to their frames. At least five schools were severely impacted.

A lot full of burned vehicles in Altadena after the Eaton Fire. / Credit: Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Richard-Craven said she never imagined witnessing such devastation in her lifetime. In the week after the fire broke out, she heard that mainstays in Altadena's network of Black-owned businesses  a barber shop, a book store, a nail salon  may have been burned, too.

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"A bunch of Black-owned businesses burned, and those people are relying on that income," she said. "They're relying on making money through other Black people, through customers."

Los Angeles officials introduced a number of legislative proposals this week aimed at rebuilding areas that suffered profound losses in the wildfires, like Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Tina McKinnor, a California State Assembly member, cited Altadena specifically at a news conference where she pledged to focus on policies that preserve the county's cultural cornerstones, in part by protecting residents from predators looking to take advantage of them in an emergency.

"I have spoken with many families, including a number of impacted families from the historically Black neighborhoods of Altadena. These Black families have been an important part of the history of L.A. County for generations," McKinnor said. "This history is vital  a vital part of Los Angeles County's dynamic culture, and it's under attack by unscrupulous speculative land investors trying to take advantage of this natural disaster and its associated trauma for their own financial gain."

The facade of the Altadena Community Church stands amidst damage from the Eaton Fire on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. / Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP

Richard-Craven worries not everyone in Altadena will be able to fully recover, physically or financially, from the Eaton Fire, and those that do will continue to carry emotional scars. But the community's origin story and spirit give her hope that there is a path forward.

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"African Americans have survived 400 years of enslavement. We have survived mass incarceration. We have survived losing our loved ones to HIV. We have survived crack being planted in our communities," she said. "Even though this wildfire was devastating, and Black-owned businesses burned, and homes burned, and people burned, we will persevere."

CBS News Los Angeles contributed reporting.

Editor's Note: The story has been updated to clarify that Maya Richard-Craven's family has lived in Pasadena for six generations.

Vice President JD Vance's first interview | Face the Nation

Rebuilding Paradise

A tour of the Bronx
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Michael Brian Miller has been sentenced to life in prison after killing his wife through extensive blunt force in 2023.

According to the Ector County District Attorneys Office, a jury has found Michael Miller guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life in the Texas Department of Corrections.

According to an affidavit, at about 7:00 am on August 12, 2023, deputies with the Ector County Sheriffs Office responded to an RV park in the 16000 block of Snow Moon Road after Millers brother called 911 for a welfare check. The affidavit said that the call for help came after Miller reportedly called his brother and confessed to killing his wife. The brother told investigators that Michael also ingested a handful of prescription medication and planned to die by suicide.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Affidavit says Ector Co woman was allegedly bludgeoned to death by husband

Millers wife was found dead on the living room floor and reportedly had extensive blunt force trauma to her face and head, consistent with being struck by a blunt object, the report said. Miller was found unconscious in the bedroom of the RV and was taken to Medical Center Hospital where he was treated and later released.

Investigators said Michael and Lisa were arguing when things turned physical and Michael allegedly struck Lisa numerous times, causing her death, the report said.

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As the fires continue to burn in Los Angeles, a petition to recall Mayor Karen Bass has gathered nearly 150,000 signatures. In California, a petition like this can lead to real political change, because the state allows citizens to recall their elected officials before their terms expire.

Right now, Illinois voters have virtually no real mechanisms for accountability when a politician breaks their trust or fails in their duties, other than waiting until Election Day. But Brandon Johnsons brutal polling  the mayors approval rating sat at around 15% at last check  has raised the issue of recall in the public mind in a way we dont recall seeing before.

It should surprise few, given the self-serving nature of so many of our state and citys past political leaders, that theres no practical opportunity to recall officeholders in Illinois.

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We think time has come to give Illinois voters the power to collect enough signatures to trigger a special election on ousting an elected official, but only with appropriate safeguards built in.

In the case of Johnson, weve already seen a long-shot attempt despite the lack of an explicit mechanism to recall Chicagos mayor. Daniel Boland last April launched a convoluted, two-pronged process, garnering headlines and an angry retort from the mayor, which apparently has fizzled out.

The good news for Boland and other frustrated Chicagoans is there is some movement in Springfield on this front. State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, introduced legislation this month to allow voters to recall the mayor of Chicago. Across the aisle, Republican Rep. Dan Ugaste of St. Charles filed two bills, one a constitutional amendment that would cover all state offices and the other a bill to apply recall provisions to all local government officials.

Asked whether this is an opportunity for bipartisanship on this question, Ford told us yes. The Chicago representative first filed recall legislation in 2015 aimed at then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel following the delayed release of the horrific video evidence of Laquan McDonalds shooting death by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. Ford has continued to push for a mayoral recall process since then, and we commend the representative for his consistency on this issue regardless of whos sitting on the fifth floor.

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Among the 15 largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is one of just four that does not allow for mayoral recall elections.

Even in places where recall is available, its rare to see an elected official kicked out of office. Oakland, California, recalled its mayor in 2024; likewise, the progressive prosecutor in Oaklands Alameda County was removed by county voters. In 2011, voters ousted Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. But those examples are the exception.

While we believe there needs to be a process for Illinois voters to remove officials, we caution against signature thresholds that are too easy to meet. Better to have no recall powers than overly lenient ones. An environment where officials face a constant threat of removal from office, which can distract them from the hard work of governing, leads to a perpetual campaign mode that isnt healthy for democracy.

Poorly drafted recall legislation could also be exploited by special interest groups that are able to rally large numbers of voters  think the Chicago Teachers Union and their army of nearly 30,000 members. California in 2022 updated its recall rules to make it harder to initiate a recall election after Gov. Gavin Newsom easily beat back a recall effort the year before.

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That said, were confident there is a way to give Illinois voters this important say by establishing petition thresholds that are appropriately challenging but not insurmountable.

Lets be clear: Even if legislation passes in Springfield, an acknowledged long shot, new rules wouldnt come in time to give Johnsons detractors a realistic time frame to act. He is up for reelection in two years. And this choice should not be about any single unpopular politician anyway.

The public wants government that is serious about honesty, accountability and fairness. Democrats and Republicans would earn deserved gratitude from voters for advancing a recall process that gives it to them.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Researchers from the University of Utah found that one climate-saving solution wont help the climate and could have potential side effects.

Atmospheric scientists Jessica Haskins and Alfred Mayhew published the results from an in-depth study of an increasingly popular climate-saving solution attacking methane, one of the most impactful greenhouse gasses. The solution entails using hydrogen peroxide to react with methane in the atmosphere to limit a gas that is 80 times more potent than CO2.

Researchers Jessica Haskins (left) and Alfred Mayhew (right) publish research on atmospheric methane solutions (Credit: University of Utah)

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Certain companies, like Inversion Point, disperse hydrogen peroxide into the air from altitudes of two thousand feet. The hydrogen peroxide is then believed to react with the methane and decrease its presence in the atmosphere.

Our city is fed up: Salt Lake City mayor releases safety plan right before state deadline

According to Haskins, hydrogen peroxide, when in the presence of sunlight, creates a natural scrubber compound known as OH that can help to speed up the breakdown of methane. However, speed and scale appear to prevent this from being a viable solution.

OH doesnt react fast with methane, Haskins said, adding that the substance reacts with many other organic compounds. According to Haskins research, these reactions could lead to dangerous side effects in our air quality.

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The University of Utah research shows that such a solution could potentially be accompanied by an enhancement of a particulate matter known as PM 2.5, which is known to have negative effects on the environment and physical health.

In a separate study, researchers with National Academies assessed five atmospheric methane removal technologies, including the dispersion of hydrogen peroxide. The study found that methane reactors are severely challenged by the low concentration of methane in the air. While the gas contributes to about 30% of the planets rise in temperature, researchers argue the quantity of methane needed to make any real change would be unrealistically high.

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This proposed solution just wont remove any meaningful amount of methane from the atmosphere, Haskins said, citing data from simulations conducted in her study that showed a minimal impact.

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Haskins lab simulations envisioned 50 towers across North America that would theoretically release over one pound of hydrogen peroxide per second for 10 hours per day. The simulation showed only a reduction of 0.01% of annual methane emissions. Youd need about 352,000 [towers] to remove 50% of anthropogenic methane, according to Haskin.

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ABC4 reached out to one of the companies involved in removing methane through hydrogen peroxide, called Inversion Point, regarding the research and received the following statement:

We think that their work is high quality, requires expert interpretation, and should be considered in full. Generally speaking, atmospheric methane removal is the largest natural greenhouse gas sink, and its chemistry keeps our air breathable, making life on land possible. We hope to see more unbiased, high quality work from public US institutions to explore what might be possible within todays air quality models.



With nearby industrial plants and the resulting uniquely halogenated air chemistry, Salt Lake City has both some of the best public air quality research in the USA and some of the greatest cause for public opinions on this. Media has often wondered if Salt Lake City will need to move in the future as the lakes dry up and air quality problems are exacerbated from lakebed particulate and halogens. With the kind of research that the University of Utah has recently completed, I would challenge them what we might be able to do to help address this today or in the future. 

Models show the effects of hydrogen peroxide being dispersed into the atmosphere (Courtesy: University of Utah)

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You change one thing, and you think its going to do this, but it actually may do the opposite in one place versus the other, Haskins said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Motor vehicle safety inspections are no longer required for non-commercial vehicles as part of the annual vehicle registration process, El Paso County said in a news release.

This comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 3297, which abolished the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program beginning Jan. 1.

However, all non-commercial vehicles registered in El Paso County will need to obtain a passing emissions inspection before applying for a current vehicle registration sticker in person, email, or online, the County said.

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El Paso County said inspection stations automatically report and upload inspection status onto the Texas Department of Public Safety system. They then provide this information to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and update the vehicle record in real time.

However, to avoid delays, the County said it is advisable to take a copy of the passing emissions inspection report to the Tax Office or any private full-service office in case the inspection report fails to update.

The County said the new fees established by the state are as follows:

The County said all non-commercial vehicles are still subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee that will be collected at the time of registration.

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The inspection program replacement fee is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration, DPS explained in a news release. As its name suggests, this fee simply replaces the revenue source for state programs and operations  like the construction and expansion of state highways  once supported by vehicle safety inspections.

Non-commercial new vehicles (current or preceding year model on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas or another state are required to pay a $16.75 initial inspection program replacement fee to cover two years.

Emission fees:

The price of vehicle emissions tests varies by vehicle and county. In El Paso County, your emissions test fee will be collected by the inspection station currently set at $11.50, according to DPS.

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At the time of registration renewal, the emission fee will be $2.75 and will be identified and included in the total payment when your vehicle registration sticker is issued.

The County said vehicles exempt from emissions inspections include electric-only vehicles. Secondly, gasoline-powered vehicles 2 through 24 years old are required to have an emissions inspection.

All non-commercial exempt vehicles will be required to pay the appropriate annual inspection replacement fee, the County said.

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Spencer B. of SB Mowing performed lawn care work on an elderly woman's property for free after she faced a $240 fine from the city

As his footage of his work on Beth's property went viral, Spencer started a GoFundMe to raise money to fix the woman's accessibility issues at home  and now hundreds of thousands of dollars has been raised on her behalf

I was extremely surprised, Spencer tells PEOPLE, adding that the sweet messages they've gotten through GoFundMe have left Beth "teary-eyed"

When Spencer B., the owner of a Wichita, Kansas, lawn care company, first arrived at an elderly womans property to do a job last summer, he was amazed upon seeing the size of her overgrown lawn.

Beth's lawn was just crazy, Spencer, 26, who declined to give his last name, tells PEOPLE, adding that the woman, who has "some accessibility issues," had "a little bit of a hard time getting around."

"There were weeds growing up through her deck right out of her door and right down at the front of her stairs and to where she's basically having to walk through all this crazy overgrowth just to get to her car," he explains. "And so I told her that I'd just love to clean up for free for her.

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Spencers gesture towards Beth didnt stop from there. A self-described "lawn care and pressure washing social media influencer," he shared video footage of his work on Beths property and the womans heartfelt reaction on TikTok, which went viral and garnered over 94 million views. He then started a GoFundMe earlier this week for the woman to help fix some of the accessibility issues around her home. As of Friday, Jan. 17, the fundraiser has generated over $800,000.

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I was extremely surprised, Spencer, who runs SB Mowing, tells PEOPLE. My wife and I were thinking we'd raise maybe between $50,000 to $100,000 max."

Spencer and Beths worlds collided when a friend reached out to Spencer about a woman who needed help trimming her lawn. According to Spencer, the city required Beth  whom PEOPLE has attempted to reach out to  to either cut her lawn or she would have to pay a $240 fine, which she couldnt afford.

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As documented in the now-video he later posted on TikTok, Beth apologized for the property's appearance and told Spencer she spent over a month looking for someone to help.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

The work on Beths property took Spencer about 8-9 hours to complete by himself.

I got it looking honestly better than it's ever looked, Spencer tells PEOPLE. "And she was just absolutely stoked and just so excited to have this new brand new looking lawn that she hasn't had for a really long time since she's kind of lost her or started to have her accessibility issues.,,It's very hard work, but it's really fulfilling

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Upon the job he did on her property, Beth  who may be either 79 or 80 and lives by herself, according to Spencer  could be heard in the video thanking him and saying, "Your work makes me twinkle."

Related: Heartwarming Video of Woman Giving $1,300 to Struggling Veteran Goes Viral, Leading to $450K in Donations

Opening up about why he decided to share the clip on social media, Spencer says that Beth is the kind of person you can't help but love  and want to help in any way possible. And once he posted the video on YouTube, he says he "got a lot of messages" from people suggesting he set up a GoFundMe so they could help her too.

Spencer then posted a follow-up TikTok in which he can be seen telling Beth that the GoFundMe raised $500,000, an amount they've now far surpassed. In the video, she appeared emotionally moved and asked, Why?

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Speaking with PEOPLE, Spencer says that he's gotten "a lot of messages" from people in response to that video  and that all the messages say some version of, "Beth, you're asking why, but we're just saying that we love you and you're a great person. We wanted to do this for you."

And, he says that after reading those messages to her, "it really made her teary-eyed."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As for the money itself, Spencer says he hopes it can be used to make Beth's home more accessible, making it possible to install a ramp for her door and a chairlift so she can access her washer and dryer downstairs.

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He also hopes to be able to pay a company to maintain her lawn for the next several years.

Although thanks to the generosity of thousands of individuals, Spencer says Beth could possibly renovate her home, or, if she chooses, find a new place to live in a retirement community.

Related: A Single Mom with Terminal Cancer Is Raising Money for Her Funeral and Kids Trust Fund. She's Raised $900,000 So Far

I've always been very cautious with giving people money because I know a lot of people work very hard to make that money and donate it, he says, And so I want to make sure it's put to good use."

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"I've been talking with an estate attorney, and we're going to set up a trust for Beth to make sure that, number one, no one's going to take advantage of her. No family comes in and tries to take advantage of her now that she has that kind of money. And two, I want to make sure it's not spent on something that shouldn't be spent on," he adds.

For Spencer, the experience of helping Beth and seeing the viral reaction to his TikToks and GoFundMe have been surreal. His takeaway from all of this is just get out and help your neighbors "because you never know who's living around youDo as much as you can to go help people. If we all do, then it goes a long ways.



Read the original article on People
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Elizabethton Board of Education is the latest to formally oppose Gov. Bill Lees proposed expansion of the states school voucher program.

The board unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday night opposing the Education Freedom Scholarship Act.

The governors proposal would expand the states school voucher program to all 95 counties. Although it failed to pass in the General Assembly last year, lawmakers will consider it again during a special session that begins later this month.

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Carter Co. Mayor: Voucher support letter not result of pressure

Elizabethton City Schools Superintendent Richard Van Huss argued that the legislation asks taxpayers to fund two different education systems instead of one. He wants lawmakers to focus on making public education stronger.

Its titled the Education Freedom Act, but as a public educator, you know, I would say that we already have the opportunity for parents to make decisions, Van Huss said. They can do that right now. They can decide if they want their student to, you know, go to a public school, a private school, home school. So that that choice is already there. This just takes taxpayer dollars straight out of the state and applies those to these private schools, which were opposed to.

Multiple local school boards have passed resolutions opposing the Education Freedom Act, including the Carter County Board of Education on Thursday and the Kingsport Board of Education on Tuesday. Boards in Johnson City, Greeneville, Sullivan County, and Washington counties have also passed resolutions.

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Seven Northeast Tennessee county mayors recently signed a letter expressing support for the bill.

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Jan. 16ELKHART  A man was formally charged with murder Thursday following the death of an infant in his care.

Miguel Freid Garcia, 21, of Elkhart, is accused in the death of the child dating back to Dec. 16.

Elkhart Police Department responded to Elkhart General Hospital for a 20-month-old with a skull fracture.

The child's mother, Kiley Solum, and her boyfriend, Garcia, told police that the baby was injured when he slipped and fell on the hardwood floors in their apartment on Friday, Dec. 13.

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They told police that when he fell, the baby, identified in court documents as Z.S., showed no signed of injury other than crying about about 15 minutes and that he was acting normal after that until Dec. 16, prompting them to bring him to the hospital.

Medical staff at the hospital though did not believe the injuries consistent with a fall. They were unable to prove otherwise, but due to the severe nature of Z.S.'s injuries, doctors transported him to Riley Children's Hospital.

The following day, Riley Children's Hospital informed Elkhart detectives that the baby was non-responsive and suffered from a fracture to the occipital bone in the skull, bleeding on the brain in the subdural space, clotting in the sinus veins that runs from the brain to the heart, a possible traumatic brain injury, retinal hemorrhages, and a low platelet count.

He also had bruising on the inner right thigh that could possibly be finger or handprint and an injury to his liver, hospital officials reported.

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Riley Children's Hospital doctor and specialist in child abuse cases Ralph Hicks told detectives that with the injuries sustained, it was unlikely that Z.S. had fell on Dec. 13, and more likely that the incident happened on Dec. 16.

On Dec. 18, detectives met with Solum and Garcia. The couple reportedly told police that Garcia dropped Solum off at work around 4 p.m. Dec. 16 and at that time the baby was acting normal in the care of Garcia, who was alone with the baby.

A forensic search of Solum and Garcia's cell phones revealed a video taken by Garcia at 4:25 p.m. that day  the day the baby arrived at the hospital  where the baby was acting normal, and one later that same day at 5:44 p.m. where the baby was lying on the floor appearing to be unable to lift his head and making sounds like he was in pain, according to a probable cause affidavit.

On Dec. 20, Z.S. died as a result of his injuries.

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Amanda Paul, a forensic and pediatric pathologist, conducted an autopsy at the Marion County Coroner's Office on Dec. 24, and determined the manner of death to be homicide. Paul said that the injuries would have been acute from the time they were inflicted by another person, not consistent with a ground-level fall, and described the head injury as "devastating." She further advised that the inflicted injuries were not consistent with a ground level fall.

Garcia was arrested this past Monday on a charge of aggravated battery, with a charge of murder added on Tuesday. Charges were formally filed through the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office Thursday. Garcia is being held without bond. His initial hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Negotiations between Hamilton County and the Bengals grew tense and deteriorated over the summer, emails and letters between the county administration and team revealed on Friday.

Bengals management this past summer accused the county of defaulting on the lease for Paycor Stadium and broke off talks with the county, according to correspondence that was first reported by the Cincinnati Business Courier. This jeopardized the possibility of extending the current lease and future plans for the team to make millions of dollars in renovations to the 25-year-old stadium.

The county administration, in response, accused the Bengals of breaching the lease when it sold the naming rights to the stadium to Paycor without consent from the county.

Lease negotiations for Paycor Stadium grew tense between Hamilton County and the Bengals during the summer, newly released emails show.

While later correspondence indicated the county and Bengals have since continued talks, the kerfuffle was a major snag in negotiations for a new lease between the Bengals and Hamilton County for the county-owned stadium. The lease will expire in 2026.

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The Enquirer previously reported tension between the two sides in August 2023, with emails showing the Bengals were not happy with the county's slow response to start lease negotiations.

What happened in July

The latest revelations show the relationship between the two reached a boiling point in July when Bengals Vice President Troy Blackburn revoked prior offers made by the team and said the county was in default of its 1997 stadium lease.

Blackburn, in a series of letters and emails to County Administrator Jeff Aluotto in July, slammed the county for not making the team any offers on a new lease or lease extensions in six years of stadium discussions.

He said the county was late in providing reimbursements for $15 million in expenses and maintenance to the stadium as required by the 1997 lease, putting the county in default.

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As a result, Blackburn said the team "will work to unwind its stadium renovation plans."

"We are also suspending any ongoing discussions with county representatives, which have proven useless," Blackburn wrote in an email to Aluotto on July 26. "We are simply out of time."

The correspondence doesn't detail what unwinding the renovation plans meant, though Blackburn wrote in the July 26 email that "all prior offers made by the team are revoked and withdrawn."

The team announced in May it planned to invest $120 million in upgrades to the stadium. Those renovations appeared to be a go as of December when the team asked for, and received, a sales tax break from the Ohio General Assembly for these renovations.

Hamilton County and Bengals met weekly

Aluotto, in a July 11 email to Blackburn, said the county had been responsive to the Bengals and had met weekly with the team since January. He also said the Bengals had been slow to provide information on repairs and upgrades needed to the stadium.

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"You've expressed a concern that the team feels like the county is unresponsive to team communications," Aluotto said. "I will take careful note to ensure quick and direct responses to all communications in the future, however, I simply do not understand that position."

The county accuses the Bengals of violating the lease

In a lengthy letter to Blackburn on July 31, Aluotto explained that the county wasn't in violation of the lease, saying the section requiring reimbursement was "unenforceable." The letter didn't detail how it was unenforceable, saying "we do not desire to get into a legal battle over this topic."

To emphasize his point, Aluotto said the county could also accuse the Bengals of a lease violation over the team selling the naming rights of Paycor Stadium "without obtaining the county's advance written approval and consent."

County believed Bengals were asking too much

Aluotto, in an email to Blackburn on July 31, lamented that the county and team were "talking past each other."

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He expressed additional concerns from the county.

The Bengals, in 2023, proposed the county make $300 million worth of improvements to Paycor by the end of 2025. In return, the Bengals would extend the lease another five years through 2030.

The county administration responded that what the Bengals were asking was too expensive for too little in return.

"The county believes we owe it to the community to assess a longer-term deal and more strategic transformation of the stadium," Aluotto wrote to Blackburn on July 31.

County and Bengals resumed meeting

As for what this means for the current state of negotiations, it's not clear. It appears the county and Bengals resumed talks and were meeting on a weekly basis as recently as October, according to emails between the team and county.

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There still appears to be angst between the two sides.

The county isn't making enough improvements to Paycor Stadium and "has not shown the willingness to fund needed repairs," Blackburn wrote Jan. 9 in a letter sent to the county with the team's $158,526 rent check.

Blackburn said the situation "stands very much at a precipice." He ended the letter with a hopeful tone.

"We hope that we all have it in us to find ways to make progress," Blackburn wrote. "The community deserves that."

Bengals respond

The Enquirer reached out to the Bengals for comment. The team responded Friday morning in a statement that the Bengals' goal is still to extend the lease.

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"Over those decades, there will naturally be areas where the parties agree and areas where the parties disagree," the team said in the statement. "The Bengals' goal for many years has been to extend the lease and to keep the stadium competitive in the NFL. We believe that this is an area of agreement among the parties, and the team will continue to work to achieve these goals.

This story has been updated to add video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals, Hamilton County spar on Paycor Stadium lease
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A unanimous vote from Portland City Council marks a crucial step for a Portland non-profit supporting kids with cancer and their families.

At just 15, Sabina McMahon beat bone cancer twice  after a knee replacement and nine months of chemo.

She found support at camp Ukandu, Oregons largest camp for kids with cancer, all free of charge.

Unsolved murders haunt Oregon town 55 years later

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The second you walk into camp, everybody knows your situation without you having to explain it, McMahon said. Those kids, like they just get you, and so I can be my authentically, crazy, silly, goofy, self with these other people who are doing the exact same thing and nobody judges us for it.

On Thursday, McMahon and her parents joined Camp Ukandu in front of Portland City Council, pushing for approval to expand. The plan is to transform a property at Southwest First Avenue and Southwest Porter Street into Ukandu Loft.

The year-round resource center is also backed by research from Oregon Health and Science Universitys Knight Cancer Institute.

After hearing about their experiences, Portland City Council Preisdent Elana Pirtle-Guiney thanked McMahon and her family.

Camp Ukandu in Oregon (file, courtesy Ukandu). A rendering of the proposed Ukandu Loft in Portland (courtesy Ukandu). A rendering of the proposed Ukandu Loft in Portland (courtesy Ukandu). A rendering of the proposed Ukandu Loft in Portland (courtesy Ukandu). A rendering of the proposed Ukandu Loft in Portland (courtesy Ukandu).

Ultimately, Portland City Council approved demolishing the adjacent house in histrocic Lair Hill, already owned by Ukandu.

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The organization said the new space will expand services, including therapy, support groups, workshops and mental health care.

Its an emotional journey to be a part of and to witness and this is an emotional moment, said Camp Ukandu CEO Jason Hickox.

Hickox explained its been a long-held dream ever since hes been volunteering as a teen to do more to help children with cancer.

DMV opens self-serve kiosks at these Fred Meyer stores

Were ready to stick shovels in the ground and get to serving this community in ways that are needed and are not today available, Hickox said.

Though the loft is still in the design phase McMahon cant wait to see it take shape and dreams of volunteering when it does.

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I am not planning on leaving ukando, I never will, she said.

The Historic Preservation Program also approved the project, confirming it aligns with the areas historic value.

Though the city vote was unanimous, two councilors were absent. A final vote is set for Feb. 5.



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Its often hard to discern, definitively, when one societal trend ends and a new one begins. But right now across the United States, one change couldnt be clearer: Many DEI programs are sputtering or dying, and the anti-DEI movement is ascendant.

Some people, especially but not limited to those on the right, have long viewed contemporary efforts to strengthen DEI practices as performative, meddlesome, or ineffective. In the past several weeks, though, with Donald Trumps return drawing closer, the DEI opposition has been growing louder. Whats more, this newly emboldened anti-DEI bloc has also gained powerful allies.

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Many Americans might not have even been familiar with the concept of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) until the latter half of 2020, when, following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent nationwide protests against racism and police brutality, many corporations and universities scrambled to bolster their diversity efforts. DEI programs can involve hiring practices, but they also refer to company culture and everyday corporate decisions about how an organization is run. During the final months of the first Trump administration, some people in mainstream circles saw attacking DEI as akin to publicly displaying prejudice. Now, not even five years later, for a large swath of the country, the idea of DEI has become a catchall insult. DEI is part bogeyman, part always-there scapegoat for some combination of bureaucracy, overreach, or mediocrity.

Last week, Trumps current right-hand man, Elon Musk, blamed the historically destructive Southern California wildfires on DEI practices within the Los Angeles Fire Department. They prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes, Musk wrote on X, reposting a document related to the LAFDs racial equity action plan for fiscal year 202021. The former Fox host Megyn Kelly likewise went after the LAFD, zeroing in on the organizations female leadership and its first openly LGBTQ fire chief, Kristin Crowley, who is a 22-year veteran of the department: Who takes comfort [in] Im going to die, but its in the presence of an obese lesbian? This is ridiculous, Kelly said on her podcast.

The actor James Woods, who for a time thought he had lost his home in the Palisades fire, also brought up DEI while attacking Crowley. In a post on X, he highlighted a paragraph from her official bio on the departments website regarding her commitment to creating, supporting, and promoting a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Those three words were all Woods needed to pounce: Refilling the water reservoirs would have been a welcome priority, too, but I guess she had too much on her plate promoting diversity, he wrote.

In his recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Mark Zuckerberg awkwardly praised masculine energy and lamented that a lot of the corporate world is pretty culturally neutered. His company, Meta, just confirmed that it intends to scuttle certain DEI programs. Zuckerbergs Rogan interview, like his cozying up to Trump, is part of a careful calibration, one in which the issue of DEI is top of mind. Stephen Miller, Trumps incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, reportedly told Zuckerberg late last year that the 47th president is intent on going to war against DEI culture in corporate America. Zuckerberg apparently got the message. In an internal memo obtained by Axios, Janelle Gale, Metas vice president of human resources, explicitly said that the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing.

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Whether or not you agree with Metas decisions about how to run the company, Gale is correct that the landscape is shifting. At the start of the year, McDonalds announced that it was scrapping its aspirational representational goals. Shortly after Trumps electoral victory, Walmart said that it planned to end its racial-equity training programs for staff and was reevaluating DEI goals around suppliers. But its not just the tech bros or corporate behemoths. Last month, the University of Michigan announced that it would end the practice of requiring diversity statements as a component of faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure decisions. The change came following an extensive New York Times Magazine investigation that argued that the schools costly investment (roughly a quarter of a billion dollars) in DEI initiatives had all but failed.

The battle over DEI will likely get uglier. Hasty policy changes in either direction are unlikely to yield the best results. But one thing thats obvious is that the onset of post-DEI culture has already taken hold in certain realms. A recent Financial Times story cited an unnamed top banker who felt liberated and excited at the prospect of no longer having to self-censor. We can say retard and pussy without the fear of getting cancelled, the banker said. Its a new dawn.

Related:

Here are four new stories from The Atlantic:

Todays News

Israels cabinet is not expected to vote until at least tomorrow on the cease-fire deal with Hamas, which would include a hostage and prisoner exchange, according to Israeli officials. Senate confirmation hearings were held today for some of Donald Trumps nominees, including Doug Burgum for secretary of interior and Scott Bessent for secretary of the Treasury. In President Joe Bidens farewell address last night, he warned against an oligarchy taking shape in America and the threat it poses to democracy.

Dispatches

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Evening Read

Is Moderate Drinking Okay?

By Derek Thompson

Like millions of Americans, I look forward to a glass of winesure, occasionally twowhile cooking or eating dinner. I strongly believe that an ice-cold pilsner on a hot summer day is, to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, suggestive evidence that a divine spirit exists and gets a kick out of seeing us buzzed. But, like most people, I understand that booze isnt medicine.

Read the full article.

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Read. Pagan Kennedys new book, The Secret History of the Rape Kit, doubles as an account of the largely unknown history of the rape kits real inventor, Sheila McClear writes.

Examine. Many Americans used to think that getting married and having children were essential to living happily ever after. But that calculus has shifted, Stephanie H. Murray reports.

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Stephanie Bai contributed to this newsletter.

When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

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Some Point Ruston merchants are planning what they describe as a peaceful protest Saturday at the waterfront site.

A Waterfront Merchants Alliance news release sent Wednesday states the event is planned for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the sites parking lots and retail parking stalls.

The protest is in response to what the group says is exploitative parking practices and site mismanagement, which it contends have chased away local businesses and visitors alike.

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This event is more than a protest  its a movement to shine a light on exploitative practices and fight for a vibrant, inclusive community hub, the release stated.

The move comes following adjustments made by the Point Ruston owners group/management on parking enforcement, some of which was implemented last summer and other elements that began at the start of the new year.

As reported by The News Tribune earlier this week, more businesses are now confronted with employee parking costs amid continuing litigation tied to debt collection involving receiverships, including the Point Ruston Owners Association.

In addition, some businesses at the start of the year lost the ability to validate parking as ownership entities have contested amounts owed among assessments.

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PROA, which entered custodial receivership last year, is responsible for oversight and management of the property. A receiver provides third-party oversight in shoring up the sites operations, budget/finances and collections.

Representatives for PROAs receiver, Revitalization Partners, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the protest plans.

Employee parking on the garages lower level is at $1 an hour plus tax, presumably payable by the employer. For visitors, parking costs $4 an hour plus tax (for total of $5.80) in the Public Garage and along the streets, with tickets starting at $59 for unpaid or unvalidated parking. Three or more violations can lead to a vehicle being towed.

Grace period for validation is 15 minutes. Payment is via use of QR codes on site.

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Last summer, parking charges also started to be implemented at spaces that were once free near the public market.

Nobody coming to save us

Waterfront Merchant Alliance president Chyna Willman told The News Tribune on Wednesday some of the merchants decided to support a one-day action to call attention to the effect of the new costs on businesses. The latest rules were outlined in the 2025 PROA parking guide distributed to businesses.

The plan on Saturday is for supporters to fill the parking spots all day.

Parking costs and ticketing enforcement at Point Ruston have long been a sticking point for some of the merchants who contend it has discouraged growth and hurt the ability to compete with other retail centers.

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Marketing also has been an issue. Last year, a cease-and-desist order was sent from an attorney representing Point Ruston LLC, the developments original, overarching business entity, amid efforts to launch a farmers market and merchant alliance.

At issue was the fact the two entities included Point Rustons trademarked name in their registered titles. Though licensing its use was floated as an option, the entities did not pursue because of cost.

Meanwhile, agents for PROAs receiver, Seattle-based Revitalization Partners, have noted in court filings that the owners associations financial position is perilous.

In the most recent report filed in December, RPs senior director Kern Gillette wrote, The receiver and its counsel continued to spend substantial time and efforts on collection of accounts receivable ...

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Willman said the marketing battles, along with the parking challenges, have taken a toll.

Theres nobody coming to save us, Willman said in a brief interview. Theyve prioritized profits on parking over the well-being of our community and our businesses. And we are all collectively suffering.

She added that the whole point of the event is to let people see who we are and stop taking the fall for all of this ... Enough is enough and we dont have any more time for this to play out in the court system.

Previous reporting by The News Tribune contributed to this report.
Cincinnati Enquirer readers showed up to choose the next Student of the Week for the period ending Jan. 10.

Each week, these ballots are posted at 7 a.m. on Mondays. Like the popular athlete of the week ballots, voters may cast a ballot once an hour until the 2 p.m. deadline on Fridays.

School representatives such as teachers, counselors, club advisers, communication staff and principals can nominate these high school students by 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

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Here is this week's winner.

Cincinnati Enquirer Student of the Week: How can you add names to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Student of the Week ballots in 2025?

Rojita Rai, Fairfield High School

Rojita Rai is a student at Fairfield High School and the Cincinnati Enquirer's Student of the Week for Jan. 13, 2025.

It's a wonder if this senior ever gets any sleep. She is currently ranked second in her class of nearly 600 students. She takes all advanced placement and honors classes and participates in numerous school activities: Fairfield Youth Coalition, Taekwondo (2nd degree black belt and instructor) and Fairfield Hope Squad, to name a few.

Rojita also holds several leadership positions that include the Fairfield Youth Coalition's senior representative, National Honor Society president, senior class council vice president, Fairfield Medical Club founder/president and the Business Professionals of America local chapter historian.

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When she's not doing all of the above, she volunteers. She has worked with Missions in Motion, volunteer taught Taekwondo to children with special needs, helped at Fairfield elementary schools' carnivals, was a peer tutor and planned and organized events for youth with the Fairfield Prevention Coalition.

Still, there is more. Rojita has garnered numerous academic and leadership accolades. These include recognitions for character, grades, art and participation in medical exploration programs. In the fall, she was crowned the 2024 homecoming queen. Most recently, she was awarded a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program.

When asked about her goals, she had this to say: "I am still exploring careers currently, but I do know that I would like to be some sort of pediatric specialist with a PhD/Doctorate. I will be taking a pre-dental track in my undergraduate [majoring in biochemistry] and will further my studies at a dental institution. I would like to be a pediatric specialist due to my passion for working with kids and having a positive effect in their developmental process. Overall, I would like to have a career that fulfills my passion and that strengthens the lives of my family."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Enquirer readers choose Student of the Week winner for Jan. 13
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  Its not only a new year, but potentially a new era for relations between Native American tribes and the South Dakota governors office.

Tribes across the state banned Gov. Kristi Noem in 2024 from entering their land in the wake of comments she had made about their children and safety, but the second full week of 2025 has brought more than one piece of evidence that divisions are eroding.

Whether in tribal council or this legislature, progress is not about perfection, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribal chairman J. Garret Renville said Wednesday during the State of the Tribes address in Pierre. Its about persistence, honest communication and partnership.

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After a rocky 2024, the new year is bringing the prospect of a new chapter for relationships between the South Dakota governors office and Native tribes.

Today, lets reset, Renville said during the address. Today, lets rebuild. Today, lets start to listen and actually hear.

2 dead after drowning in Walworth County

Dave Flute, who serves a secretary of tribal relations in Noems cabinet, says those comments echo what the governor said earlier in the week.

This past Monday, just two days before the State of the Tribes address, Governor Noem met with four of our tribes and their tribal leaders at their request, and during this meeting, she had expressed to the tribes to take advantage of the opportunity to reset and rebuild with Lieutenant Governor Rhoden as he takes the position of governor, Flute said Thursday. And so Im grateful that Chairman Renville reiterated the governors words from her heart, and were ready to continue building those tribal relations.

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And Tuesday, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe dropped its banishment of Noem.

Im very thankful and commend the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe for their courage and their understanding in making a decision to lift the banishment, said Flute, who has previously served as chairman of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal flag hung in the Capitol rotunda on Thursday. For his part, Lower Brule Sioux Tribal chairman Boyd Gourneau concurs with Renvilles hope for renewal.

Dan Santella: When compared to three months ago, have relations between the tribes and the governors office improved, do you think?

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Well, Id say so, because theyre happening again, Gourneau said Thursday.

Gourneau says Noem remains banned from their land. However, the door is clearly open for a change.

I know were going to look at it  in the spirit of yesterdays speech, Gourneau said. I hope all tribes look at it and see how we go from here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Eric Adams is in Mar-a-Lago todayand perhaps one step closer to that Trump pardon hes been not-so-subtly angling for since November.

In the midst of a reelection campaign and his own federal indictment, the New York City mayor announced, with no advance warning, that hed be heading to Trumps Florida property to talk about New Yorkers priorities. The mayor asked for the meeting himself, according to The New York Times. Adams is not the first Democrat to meet with the president-elect at his Florida estate, with Representative John Fetterman visiting him just last week.

Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkersand that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success, said Adamss spokesman Fabian Levy.

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But anyone whos been watching Adams can guess that some of this meetingif not all of itwill be about a potential pardon. Adams, who is indicted on five federal corruption charges, compared himself to Hunter Biden in December, suggesting that he too was simply the target of a polarized Justice Department and worthy of a pardon. He also met with Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, to discuss how he could help the Trump administration deport millions of people. This meeting at Mar-a-Lago is just another step toward saving himself from prison.

Adamss mayoral competitors have been highly critical of his surprise trip.

No one believes that Eric Adams sneaked off to Mar-a-Lago to advocate for the needs of any New Yorkers other than his own, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani posted on X. The Mayor faces a federal trial on corruption charges in three short months and wants to appeal to the one person who can make it all go away. I fear he will sell out our city to secure that outcome.

Eric Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump, said city comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander. New Yorkers deserve to know that their Mayor is putting their interests ahead of his ownand whether our tax dollars, or Turkish Airlines, will be financing his trip to Florida.

Trump has yet to comment on the meeting.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) is set to meet with President-elect Trump in Florida on Friday just days ahead of Trumps inauguration next week, according to Adamss aide.

Tomorrow, Mayor Adams will sit down with President-elect Trump and discuss New Yorkers priorities, Adamss spokesperson Fabien Levy said in a Thursday post on X. The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward.

In December, Adams met with Trumps incoming border czar Tom Homan. After the meet-up, Adams said during a press conference the two share a mutual goal of preventing dangerous individuals to commit repeated violent acts of violence in our cities across America.

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Adams did highlight after the hour-long meeting that New York City will protect the rights of immigrants who are hard-working, giving back to the city in a real way.

Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers  and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success, Levy said.

Adams was indicted in September last year on federal fraud and bribery charges. He has denied any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty. He is set to stand trial in April.

When asked about the federal charges in mid-December, Trump said he would consider pardoning Adams, saying he thinks he was treated pretty unfairly.

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Trump has met with another Democrat at Mar-a-Lago in recent days. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and the president-elect met at Mar-a-Lago last weekend. Trump described the meeting as fascinating, characterizing the freshman Senator as a commonsense person.

Hes not liberal or conservative, Trump said. Hes just a commonsense person, which is beautiful.

The Hill has reached out to Trumps transition team for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Colonel Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, believes that Russian troops in Ukraine have begun to experience problems with their artillery systems.

Source: Kiviselg at a briefing on Friday, 17 January, as reported by European Pravda, with reference to Estonian public broadcaster ERR

Details: Describing the situation at the front line, Kiviselg noted that Russian troops have maintained the tactical initiative in recent weeks, but they do not have complete superiority.

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Quote from Kiviselg: "Therefore, Russia is not interested in ending the hostilities and continues offensive operations."

Details: Kiviselg pointed out that the most noticeable tactical observation was the appearance of artillery systems from North Korea at the front line as part of Russian units.

Quote from Kiviselg: "This indicates Russia's increasingly critical situation with artillery systems and its dependence on imported weapons".

He said that Ukraine's defence, which is rapidly adapting and technically more efficient, is withstanding Russias large-scale pressure and gradually weakening its offensive capabilities.

Background:

Last week, the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre reported that Ukraine's recent offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast has revealed Moscow's inability to reclaim these territories.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reported that North Korean forces have suffered more than 1,000 casualties since enlisting in Putin's war last December.

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Jazz trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and storyteller Etienne Charles is a Detroit favorite. He typically tours through the region two or three times a year, each time with a differently themed presentation; this weekend, hell bring to Ann Arbor perhaps his most personal project yet.

Earth Tones, presented at A2s Mendelssohn Theatre on Friday, Jan. 17, and Saturday, Jan. 18, is a richly textured, multimedia jazz performance featuring original compositions that draw attention to people and regions that are, or soon will be, severely affected by climate change.

Jazz musician Etienne Charles will perform his new "Earth Tones" project in Ann Arbor on Jan. 17 and 18, 2025.

Im from Trinidad, a small island state 11 degrees north of the equator, Charles told the Free Press. My mother is a retired urban planner and my father is a retired land surveyor. From childhood, I have always heard them talking about what they called global warming or sea level rising. My mom was part of this organization called AOSIS, the Association of Small Island States; she was one of Trinidads representatives. From early on, my parents always said, If you claim land, the sea is going to claim it back  this was some 50 years ago!

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More: Holy crap! Annual Saginaw outhouse races may air on ESPN: How you can get involved

Seeing (climate change) really rapidly increase over the last 10, 15 years, I started thinking about how, as an artist, I can use my practice and my platform to do something a little bit different. A lot of times, when you read about climate change, its just about the problem, full stop. They might talk about the outcomes of the current problem. But I never really saw people talk about the people affected, how its going to affect these people long term.

Charles decided he wanted to develop a project that centered the individuals whose lives are already being impacted by climate change.

We talk about coastal erosion, he said. You have places like the bayou and Houma, Louisiana, which is rapidly losing land and rapidly losing things like shrimp and crabs and crawfish, et cetera, which is a big part of the economy. The Maldives is the fastest sinking country in the world, where you have fishermen who are currently scrambling to get bigger boats so they can put bigger engines in, so that they can go further out to catch fish. The water is too hot, the reefs are bleached, and as a result, the fish are not there to eat anymore.

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When you start seeing these issues, you realize that a climate problem is an economic problem, and were seeing it with the cost of food today, not 10, 15, 20 years from now like they said. People in the grocery are paying insane amounts of money for fish and eggs and for all these different foods. So I wanted to devise a project that would really showcase how people are affected and who these people are, and how the cultures will be affected.

Charles traveled to the Maldives to interview residents and consult with scientists to learn about the challenges the nation faces, how governments have (or havent) responded to them.

You begin to realize there are going to be more and more severe hurricanes as a result of these problems, he said. It really becomes this big cycle.

During the 90-minute concert, short video interviews with these global citizens will be shown, followed by the band playing a response piece inspired by the rhythms and melodies of their part of the world.

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Charles has assembled a dynamic, all-star band of jazz players, all of whom come from climate change-affected areas. Hell be joined by Marcus Strickland (woodwinds), Detroit Jazz Festival favorite Warren Wolf (vibraphone, marimba and piano), Eva Scow (mandolin), Wizzmer (cuatro), Jonathon Muir-Cotton (bass), Val Jeanty (turntables and percussion) and John Davis (drums).

Charles said he hopes audiences come away with understanding of simple solutions that can be enacted in the micro sense, but also understanding that the biggest solutions are needed.

Hes also excited to be once again returning to metro Detroit.

I love me some Detroit, he said.

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Etienne Charles: Earth Tones will be performed Friday, Jan. 17, and Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University, Ann Arbor. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at ums.org.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Etienne Charles' Ann Arbor jazz concerts highlight climate change
The EU is considering its options to block Hungary from vetoing hundreds of billions of dollars worth of sanctions against Russia, including an 81-year-old decree that can only be signed by the king of Belgium.

The bloc is set to vote on the rollover of economic sanctions against Russia, which allows the confiscation of Russian assets held in Europe and blocks the trade of Russian oil and gas.

The EU has imposed 15 rounds of sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. Those sanctions need to be extended every six months, with the next deadline on January 31.

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The latest rollover is facing resistance from Hungarys right-wing Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, who has argued the bloc should wait to understand the new Trump administrations view on Russian tariffs.

The extension of sanctions has been a routine affair to date. However, Orban surprised the rest of the EU when he first called on the bloc to wait for Trumps ascension on Monday before agreeing to extend the sanctions. The extension must receive unanimous approval from all 27 member states, with Hungary holding the option to veto.

Trump, who has previously praised Orban, will become president 11 days before the expiry of EU sanctions.

There is hope in some corners that Trump will follow through on his promise of bringing a speedy end to Russias conflict in Ukraine, which would be expected to bring the lifting of sanctions against the country.

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Since initially vocalizing his hesitancy to extend sanctions on Russia, Orban has grown bolder in his backing of Russia.

Its time to throw sanctions out the window and to create a sanctions-free relationship with the Russians, Orban told state radio on Friday. This is some way off, but we need to work on this.

Were Orban to follow through with EU members fears of a veto, the bloc would explore fallback options to retain some of Russias assets. One of the options the bloc is reportedly considering involves a wartime decree signed in 1944 that would enlist King Phillipe of Belgium.

The decree would allow the king to block the transfer of assets from the country, the Financial Times reported, citing four officials involved in the discussions.

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Belgium holds around 190 billion in Russian state assets at the central securities depository, Euroclear.

A representative for the Royal Palace didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. However, a spokesperson for the palace declined to tell the FT whether the king had been approached about the treaty. The palace added that any decision would be the governments, not the kings, though he would be required to sign the treaty.

Representatives for the European Commission and Euroclear didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union is debating whether to drop a sensitive trade investigation against China over alleged coercive activity targeting Lithuania, a prospect thats frustrated officials in Washington, where the incoming Trump team sees it as capitulation to Beijing.

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President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to take a tough line on China and the possible EU move would reinforce for his team how the bloc will approach dealing with Beijing, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials from the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden are also urging Europe to keep pursuing the case.

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Trump, who will be inaugurated next week, has threatened the EU with tariffs and his team has criticized the bloc for being weak on China. The manner in which the EU handles the dispute will present an early test of how the world approaches trade under the new administration in Washington and the resilience of the transatlantic relationship.

No decision has been made on the next steps in this procedure, an EU official familiar with the case said. The EU will always stand by Lithuania and address any coercion and its effect on trade, the official added. The EU will continue to monitor developments concerning exports from Lithuania to China, and will continue to work closely with allies on matters of economic coercion, said the official. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team didnt respond to a request for comment.

The case is as strong today as the day it was filed, the United States Trade Representatives office said in a response to questions. It is very hard to understand why the commission, one year after suspending this dispute on Chinas coercion, has still not resumed it.

The EU filed a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization in 2022 as a result of trade restrictions Beijing imposed on Lithuania after the Baltic country opened a Taiwanese representative office in its capital. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has repeatedly voiced opposition to countries engaging in official contact with the government in Taipei.

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The commission, the EUs executive arm, said at the time that China was using economic coercion against one of its member states  a claim that the US and 17 other countries supported as third parties in the case.

Lithuanias foreign minister said the country had suffered from economic coercion and had been removed from Chinas customs system. The EU criticized Beijings actions in December 2021 and brought the matter to the WTO a few weeks later. Lithuania said in 2023 that trade with China was stabilizing and that the customs restrictions had been lifted.

In January 2024, the EU decided to suspend the proceedings, setting off a year-long lobbying frenzy, with other capitals pushing Brussels not to give up for fear that it would set a bad precedent.

The logic was that the EU would have likely lost the case because the required evidence was no longer there, some of the people said, which would leave the EU looking weak. Suspending the case was tactical and a political decision on whether to resume it has yet to be taken, one of the people said. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has the final word on the matter.

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Talks between US officials and their European counterparts got heated at times, but in the end went nowhere, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. If Europe doesnt resume the complaint by the end of next week, it will lapse.

European officials have repeatedly pledged to work with the Trump team on China but have made that contingent on not being targeted by tariffs themselves.

The Biden administration is perplexed by Europes explanation that the evidence to continue the complaint was no longer strong enough, even though US officials say the facts havent changed, according to the people.

Economic Coercion

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US officials  both in the current administration and in Trumps orbit  said the takeaway for Beijing will be that it can get away with bullying an EU member state without repercussions. Some in Brussels, however, accused the Biden team of coercion for trying to keep the case alive, one of the people said.

The EUs actions may confirm the incoming administrations conviction that the Europeans are feckless and lack resolve in standing up to China, Aaron Friedberg, a professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, said in an interview. Its kind of like they went out to bat and then decided not to swing.

But theres even division among EU officials over whether the case should resume, with some arguing theres little to gain from potentially losing, one of the people said. Member states are also split.

Lithuania wasnt informed of the decision to suspend the WTO complaint last year and is frustrated with the commission, the people said. Another person said the EU is talking to Vilnius about next steps.

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Its unclear if Beijing did anything to sway the outcome but some officials suspect China applied pressure to get the commission to drop the case.

For the Biden team, dropping the case would represent a missed opportunity to advance the US and EUs joint competition with China. And even if the case is lost, they say, it will prove that the WTO is not able to deal with fundamental challenges China poses to the international trading system.

The EU, on the other hand, believes the WTO instead needs to be reformed and has to work to solve disputes, one of the people said.

The EU has numerous cases at the WTO involving China and it has probed the second-largest economy in several areas including public tenders, the procurement of medical devices and electric vehicles, where the bloc applied tariffs last year despite immense pressure from Beijing.

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If the Europeans are really hoping the Chinese will let the pressure off, theyre kidding themselves, Friedberg said. I dont see that the Europeans have a choice but to cooperate more closely with us on China.

--With assistance from Milda Seputyte.

(Updates with EU official in the fourth paragraph)

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(Bloomberg) -- The European Union should end sanctions against Russia because Donald Trumps administration is poised to usher in a new era from next week, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

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Its time to throw sanctions out the window and to create a sanctions-free relationship with the Russians, Orban told state radio on Friday. This is some way off, he added, but we need to work on this.

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The EU has imposed 15 rounds of sanctions on Moscow over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which need to be extended every six months. The next extension, which requires a unanimous decision among the 27 member states, is due by the end of January, 11 days after Trump is due to be sworn in.

Orban surprised his counterparts last month at an EU summit in Brussels by saying he wasnt ready to move forward with an extension, Bloomberg News reported on Dec. 19. In the radio interview, Orban stopped short of saying that hed veto the extensions.

The Hungarian premier said it may take a couple of months for the EU to switch gears on Russian sanctions. The bloc should be in the phase of getting sober, but is instead doubling down on sanctions, he said.

(Adds Orban quote in second paragraph.)

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Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said that Europe is "under attack from Russia" and that hybrid attacks range from political assassinations and cyberwarfare to acts of sabotage and arson.

Source: Radosaw Sikorski in an interview in Berlin; European Pravda citing the dpa news agency

Details: Sikorski said that Poland will be "focused on security" during its EU presidency in the first half of 2025, and that the country feels "justified" because its repeated warnings about the threat posed by Moscow have proved correct.

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Nearly three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, Sikorski highlighted the multifaceted attacks Russia is carrying out on European soil, including the infamous 2019 Berlin assassination and alleged political assassinations in the UK.

"There are acts of sabotage in other countries: in Czechia, Lithuania, Poland," Sikorski said, citing the arson attacks, threats and destruction of infrastructure that have raised alarms across Eastern Europe in recent years.

Quote: "Russia's attacks on European security have also been taking place online for many years."

Details: He said European countries are under "constant cyber-attacks", citing interference in the Brexit referendum.

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The events in Romania, where the first round of the presidential election was cancelled in December after a surprise victory by a little-known pro-Russian candidate, should be a "wake-up call", Sikorski said.

Quote: "Someone paid for a social media campaign on his behalf."

Details: Poland also faced an additional threat from "armed migrants" on its eastern border, Sikorski stated and described the problem as a "hybrid operation conceived by Russia and Belarus".

The strategy behind the wave of Russian attacks is clear to Sikorski: "Vladimir Putin is clearly trying to provoke us and manipulate our electoral systems and our institutions to restore Russian control over the territory of another country, as well as to destroy the Western alliance."

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The foreign minister said that the best response for Europe would be to "take European defence seriously".

Quote: "Strength deterred, weakness encouraged."

Background:

On 15 January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a joint press conference with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia was planning terrorist attacks against Poland and international airlines.

Previous media reports citing Western security officials have revealed that Russia intended to cause fires on cargo and passenger planes bound for the United States and Canada.

The media also reported that packages containing incendiary devices that went up in flames at DHL distribution facilities in Germany and the United Kingdom had been mailed from Lithuania, with the sender using a false identity.

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Listening to the confirmation hearings of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's various appointees in Congress this week, it's becoming clear there is no meaningful grand plan from Trump to end the war in Ukraine quickly. In fact, Trump, along with figures like Keith Kellogg, the incoming Ukraine envoy, has backtracked from claiming the war could be ended in days  around the time of the inauguration  to acknowledging it may take months. This suggests they are still searching for a strategy.

There is a genuine desire to end the war, as Trump says, to "stop the killing" and reduce the U.S. budget burden. For some hardline MAGA China hawks (such as former White House chief strategic Steve Bannon), there's also a desire to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly in a Nixonian way, realigning for an eventual confrontation with China. These hawks often envision a world where the West and Russia form a Judeo-Christian alliance against Chinas non-believers.

For Trump, the solution seems simplistic: give Putin some wins  allowing him to keep the territories he holds, blocking NATO membership for Ukraine, restricting Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles, and moderating sanctions. In return, Trump believes Putin would halt the war. The assumption here is that Ukraines victory would simply be Putin halting offensive military actions.

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This is naive. It overlooks Ukraines security, which is central to both its stability and Europes security.

Trumps recent comments about territorial claims on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal suggest he shares Putins long-held view that great powers deserve spheres of influence. This could indicate that Trump might even entertain a "Yalta 2" scenario, where Putin gets Ukraine, and Trump gains Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. The question remains  would Chinese President Xi Jinping be invited to the table, and what would he get?

"Trumps recent comments about territorial claims on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal suggest he shares Putins long-held view that great powers deserve 'spheres of influence.'"

The issue from the perspective of long-term Putin watchers is that such a deal wouldnt satisfy Putin. He would take everything Trump offers, then push for more. This is the pattern of all Putins conflicts, from Georgia to Moldova, Ukraine, Syria, and Libya. For Putin, its not just about territory  it's about eradicating the very system of Western liberal market democracy.

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Putin's invasion of Ukraine wasnt about NATO membership  an unrealistic prospect in 2014. It was about the threat posed by Ukraines shift from a Russian client state under then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to a potential member of the Western club of liberal market democracies with the 2013 EU association agreement. Putin feared that if Ukraine succeeded in adopting a democratic, rules-based order, Russians would demand the same, threatening his own rule. It is democracy, not NATO, that Putin despises. Hes in an existential battle with the West  its kill or be killed. Trump simply doesnt understand this, or doesnt care.

Putin will not stop at a Yalta 2. He seeks total victory over the West.

What Trump doesnt grasp is that unless any peace deal ensures Ukraines security from future attack, Putin will inevitably use any perceived weakness as an excuse for further military invasions. This reality means Ukraine wont receive the investment necessary for its economic development. Without this, Ukraine risks repeating the 22 years of failed economic progress between 1991 and 2013, a period when it remained caught between East and West without a clear anchor, leading to social and political instability.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Mathilde Kaczkowski /Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Ask why Ukraine had two revolutions in 2004-2005 and again in 2014. History will surely repeat itself if millions of soldiers and migrants return to disappointment, leading to further instability that Putin could exploit, either to influence Ukrainian politics or justify future invasions.

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Trump isnt going to provide the leadership Ukraine or European security needs. Yes, his call for European partners to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP is a bold one, but because Trump will likely fail in his peace plan for Ukraine, Europe must take the lead  and perhaps should have done so already. Europe needs Plans A, B, and C.

"Europe needs Plans A, B, and C."

Plan A: Educate Trump about the importance of securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.

The pitch to Trump should focus on his aversion to failure. He must be told that if Ukraine lacks the security to fend off Putin, it could collapse entirely. This would be devastating for Europe, as millions of migrants would move westward, destabilizing European economies and their social fabric. A weakened Europe would become a reduced market for U.S. goods and a less valuable long-term ally in the looming battle with China. All this would happen on Trumps watch  it would make Bidens failure in Afghanistan look like a sideshow.

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Plan B: Emphasize how ensuring Ukraines security could benefit the U.S. economy.

Ukraine has proven capable of defending itself but could have already won the war with timely, well-supplied Western  mainly U.S.  military support. NATO membership and bilateral security agreements are desirable but unlikely given the politics. Better for Ukraine to trust in its own defense, provided it is assured the necessary military technology and kit will be delivered. The U.S. defense industry is the only one capable of supplying these. Europe, a $26 trillion economy, is more than capable of funding this effort  likely around $150 billion annually, a modest price considering that each 1% increase in NATO spending, due to the Russian threat, costs Europe $250 billion per year.

Europe could even fund increased defense spending by unlocking $330 billion in frozen Russian assets, dedicating a significant portion to purchasing U.S. military equipment.

Europe should also play to Trumps ego. Pledge a ten-year, $1 trillion European-Ukrainian U.S. defense purchasing program, naming it the "Trump Defense of Democracy in Europe" program  a modern-day Marshall Plan.

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Plan C: Prepare for Trumps potential failure and a bad peace deal that could lead to Ukraines eventual defeat.

If this occurs, Europe must step up financial and arms supplies to Ukraine, buying time to ramp up its own defense capacity to 4-5% of GDP. At the same time, Europe should maintain sanctions against Russia, regardless of U.S. actions. If the U.S. doesnt provide support, Europe should explore diplomatic, economic, and security ties with other powers like Turkey and even China. Though China poses a strategic threat to the U.S., for Europe, Russia remains the primary concern.

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Read also: The flaws in Ukraines new brigades and foreign training programs

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Europe is "under assault from Russia," Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said on Friday, with hybrid attacks ranging from political murders and cyberwarfare to acts of sabotage and weaponized migration.

At a press conference in Berlin, Sikorski said that Polands term holding the rotating EU presidency would be "focused on security," with the country feeling "vindicated" that its repeated warnings of the threat emanating from Moscow having proved correct.

Almost three years on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sikorski highlighted the multifaceted attacks being perpetrated by Russia on European soil, including a notorious 2019 assassination in Berlin and "political murders" in the United Kingdom.

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"In other countries, there are acts of sabotage: in the Czech Republic, in Lithuania, in Poland," he said, referring to instances of arson, threats, and disruption to infrastructure that have caused alarm across Eastern Europe in recent years.

The events can be directly linked to Russias GRU intelligence service, argued the 61-year-old, who previously served as Polands defence minister. "We have caught the people who were recruited by the GRU, and instructed and paid money for setting places ablaze.

"Russias assaults on European security have also been taking place online for many years, Sikorski said.

European countries are under "constant cyberattacks," he warned, while further mentioning "meddling" in the Brexit referendum.

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Events in Romania  which saw the first round of its presidential election annulled in December after the unexpected victory of a little-known pro-Russian candidate - must serve as a "wake-up call," Sikorski underlined.

"Someone paid for a social media campaign on his behalf," he said.

Poland has also faced an additional threat from "weaponized migrants" on its eastern border, Sikorski argued, describing the issue as "a hybrid operation conceived by Russia and Belarus."

The strategy behind the wave of Russian attacks is, for Sikorski, evident: "[Russian President] Vladimir Putin is clearly provoking us, and trying to manipulate our electoral systems and our institutions for the sake of restoring Russian control over the territory of another country, and also for the sake of destroying the Western alliance."

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The foreign minister said that the best response for Europe was to "get serious about European defence."

"Strength deters, weakness encourages," he added.

Sikorski: Poland is 'Ukraine's best friend'

European countries have invested heavily in their militaries since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, with 23 NATO members reaching the target of spending 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence last year, up from six in 2021.

Poland has led the way, as Sikorski said, with defence spending forecast to hit 4.7% of GDP in 2025. "I hope that others in NATO also increase their spending, because Vladimir Putin is at 8[%] or more."

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With regard to the war in Ukraine, Sikorski said that there was no sign of a ceasefire.

"Putin thinks hes winning, and the war will only end when Putin stops fighting," the minister said.

Until the conflict concludes, the potential deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine remains a "hypothetical discussion," he said.

He also rejected the idea that Poland could mediate in the conflict, as the countrys stance is not neutral.

"We are Ukraines best friend," Sikorski said. "And we regard Putins Russia as a hostile country."
Addressing EU lawmakers on Monday, NATO chief Mark Rutte insisted that Europe needs to massively ramp up its defence spending.

"We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years," he said.

The former Dutch prime minister warned the alliances threshold of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) was "not nearly enough" to face the growing risk from Russia and said NATO countries may need to spend 3.6-3.7% of their GDP on defence to counter potential threats.

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Rutte has been leading the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a 32-nation strong military alliance, since October after serving as the Netherlands prime minister for 14 years.

Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was seen as a wake-up call for Europe and its underfunded defence industry after years of neglect following the end of the Cold War. But despite countries ramping up military budgets since then and a raft of EU efforts to increase production, Europes output of arms still lags far behind that of Russia.

Rutte specifically called on the European Union to avoid creating barriers that could prevent companies in non-EU NATO countries from participating in its push for a stronger defence industry.

At a conference organized by the Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels in December, Rutte had already urged allies to speed up military spending and change to a "wartime mindset" in order to avoid another conflict on their territory.

Europes 'bigbang' in defence

Rutte was driving home a point made by the first ever European commissioner for defence, Andrius Kubilius, who on Saturday called again for a "big bang" in defence in a social media post.

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The push for a stronger European defence capability is animated by US President-elect Donald Trumps demand to NATO members to boost their defence spending to 5% of GDP.

Trump has long been sceptical of NATO, the cornerstone of security in Europe since World War II, and last month reiterated a familiar threat to leave the alliance if its members did not step up spending.

Trump takes power nearly three years after Russias invasion as Ukraines fatigued forces are being pushed back on the front line. The EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated last week that she hopes the United States will maintain its support for Kiev  but that if not, Europe was ready to take the lead.

In 2023 NATO set a minimum level for defence spending of 2% of GDP, because Russias war in Ukraine had jolted the military alliance to strengthen its eastern flank and ramp up spending.

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Most of its 32 members are set to reach the 2% target in 2024, but some are still struggling, according to NATO estimates.

NATO defence spending estimates reveal gaps

Poland and Estonia lead the ranking with estimations of a staggering 4.12% and 3.43% of GDP respectively, according to NATO estimates on defence spending dated mid-June 2024. The two EU members are closely followed by the United States (3.38%).

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen shared NATO chief Ruttes assessment that NATO countries may need to spend more than the current target. While Denmark already exceeds the target with an estimated 2.37% of GDP for 2024, Frederiksen said that Denmark "will rearm more, and it will be expensive."

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Germany, the largest economy in the EU, allocated 2.12% of its GDP to defence, according to the NATO data.

In November, German defence giant Rheinmetall and Lithuania signed deals to begin construction of a 180-million ($185-million) ammunition plant to make artillery shells in the EU and NATO member state Lithuania, which shares a border with Russia.

With an estimated 2.18% for 2024, Bulgaria also exceeds the alliances target.

Back in October, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated that there is growing consensus in Bulgaria on the need to increase defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP.

Similarly, neighbouring North Macedonia allocated 2.22% of its GDP to defence, according to the 2024 NATO estimates.

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The Czech Ministry of Defence said that the Czech Republic has also met the 2% commitment last year. According to the 2024 NATO estimates, the country spent 2.10% of its GDP on defence.

Czech President Petr Pavel last week said it was realistic to expect spending to rise to 3% of GDP by 2030.

Countries falling behind the 2% target include Spain (1.28%), Slovenia and Luxembourg (1.29%), Belgium (1.30%), Canada (1.37%), Italy (1.49%), Portugal (1.55%) and Croatia (1.81%).

Portugals Defence Minister Nuno Melo insisted last week that it aims to reach the target by 2029, which "doesnt mean that these targets cant be changed along the way, depending on the circumstances."

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Slovenia, while behind on the target, significantly increased its planned defence budget. The 2025 budget allocates over 1.2 billion  an increase of one fifth compared to the previous year  and more than 1.3 billion is planned for 2026.

Among proposals to boost defence spending are calls from EU countries including France and Estonia for the bloc to use joint borrowing to fund defence spending similar to the approach Europe took to fund its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. But others such as Germany and the Netherlands have so far rebuffed moves in that direction.

Greece, which allocated a remarkable 3.08% of GDP according to the 2024 NATO estimates, is in favour of common EU defence spending.

In December, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for "the mobilization of European resources to create a European defence fund.

EU defence retreat

EU leaders will meet outside Brussels on February 3 to talk about how to give impetus to European defence.

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"Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defence," the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, wrote in a letter on Monday inviting EU leaders to the retreat.

"I believe we share a similar assessment of the threats Europe is facing," he said, adding that Russias aggression against Ukraine spelled the return of a "high-intensity war" to the continent along with a surging threat from hybrid and cyber-attacks against EU member states.

Costa also invited NATO chief Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the gathering.

The talks come at a crucial juncture, with key Ukraine backers the United Kingdom and the EU warily eyeing Trumps promises to put a swift end to the conflict after taking power on January 20.

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The February meeting will feed into a planned white paper on the future of European defence, with the topic to be tackled again at an EU leaders summit in June.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, AMNA, ANSA, BTA, CTK, dpa, EFE, Lusa, MIA, Ritzau and STA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is in talks to revive a civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah following the announcement of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

A civilian EU mission to help monitor the Rafah crossing was set up under agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 2005, part of international help with peace efforts at a time when Israel had pulled troops and settlers from Gaza.

But the mission operated for only a year and a half before it was suspended when Hamas militants took control of the Gaza Strip and drove out the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority.

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Kallas met with the Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels on Friday morning and spoke on the phone with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The EU is "in discussions about redeploying our monitoring mission to Rafah to ensure the stability at the border, so we have it ready," Kallas told reporters in Brussels.

Kallas said redeploying would require invitations from Israel and the Palestinian Authority as well as a cooperation agreement with Egypt. She said the mission now had ten international staff and eight locals on standby.

"We will also be ready to assist in reconstruction and recovery," she said.

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Kallas said the EU was committed to a two-state solution to the broader Israel-Palestinian conflict.

"Of course lasting peace means compromises on both sides," she said. "I think there is a chance to prevent further loss of life with this ceasefire."

(Reporting by Lili Bayer; Editing by Peter Graff)
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (KRON)  A fire has erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant Thursday evening, officials said. The fire is at energy company Vistras power plant in Monterey County.

Monterey County officials will hold a press conference on the fire at 10 a.m. Friday.

The Monterey County Sheriffs Office issued evacuation orders at 7 p.m. for nearby areas, according to the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management. A map of the areas ordered to evacuate can be viewed below.

Map courtesy of Monterey County

The temporary evacuation point is at Castroville Recreation Center.

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Vistra, headquartered in Texas, said the cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. All on-site personnel were safely evacuated.

Full road closures remain in effect as of 7 a.m. Friday:

Highway 1 at Struve Road

Highway 1 at Molera Road

Dolan Road at Russo Road

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, southbound Highway 1 at Salinas Road was closed due to the fire.

Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted by federal grand jury: report

MOSS LANDING, CALIFORNIA  JANUARY 17: A view of flames and giant smoke over the sky as a fire erupted at Moss Landing Power Plant on Thursday that located on Pacific Coast Highway in Moss Landing of Monterey Bay, California, United States on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) MOSS LANDING, CALIFORNIA  JANUARY 16: A view of flames at Moss Landing Power Plant that located on Pacific Coast Highway in Moss Landing of Monterey Bay, California, United States on January 16, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Santa Cruz County health officials advised residents at 8:45 p.m. Thursday to stay indoors, keep windows and doors shut and turn off ventilation systems.

Vistra sent the following statement to KRON4:

There is an ongoing fire at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders.

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Earlier this afternoon, Vistra personnel called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site. All site personnel were safely evacuated.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday thats recognized annually in January to celebrate his life and achievements.

There is a wave of events scheduled for the weekend and Monday to honor the influential American civil rights leader, including a parade, a 5K run and more.

Heres a break down of MLK Jr. events in San Diego:

Whats closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego County?

43rd annual MLK Jr. Parade

On Sunday, this annual parade is set to kick off at 11 a.m., starting along San Diegos Harbor Drive and extending from Ash Street to Pacific Highway. Those in attendance can expect to see an array of floats, along with live performances from high school bands and drill teams. Also walking in the parade will be fraternities, sororities, churches, along with peace and youth organizations.

MLK Jr. Harmony Health Festival

Head to Water Park between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday to honor MLK Jr. at this local festival. As explained by the events organizers, it incorporates harmony, health and wellness alongside the celebration of Kings legacy. There will be a number of vendors and exhibitors who feature activities, workshops and resources dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

MLK Jr. 5K Run/Walk

This 5K, honoring King, is for both the runners and the walkers. For those who wish to participate, head to the Embarcadero Sunday to get moving. The race starts at 9 am. at Harbor Drive and Ash Street. The route is a scenic 3.1-mile course along the waterfront and back. There is also a shorter one mile route. Be sure to register online

36th Annual MLK Jr. Day Celebration at Worldbeat Cultural Center

This family-friendly celebration, located at Balboa Park, will feature cultural craft vendors, guest speakers like Dr. Richard Rose and Nikishia Garrett, a Native American blessing by Red Bird and the Red Warriors, an African drum and dance performance, and a number of bands. The event kicks off at noon on Monday and will continue until 6 p.m.

MLK Jr. Day Nature Walk

A guide with Mission Trails Regional Park will lead the outdoorsy on a special Martin Luther King Day nature walk, where participants will learn about the plants, animals, geology, history, and ecology of the park on scenic trails. The walk will start from the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. Be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water.

MLK Day of Service

The purpose of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, slated for Monday, is for people to volunteer their time to improve the communities they live in as a way to honor his legacy. The local non-profit HandsOn San Diego has provided a list of projects in which locals can participate. Those volunteer opportunities can be found below:

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 Food: Lucky Duck Meals for the Unsheltered Homeless Program in San Diego

 Help out: Lemon Grove Alano Club maintenance

 Sort: Clothing processor at Sharias Closet

 Animals: Daily feeding and cleaning for horses

 Help out: Pack donations for flood-impacted families

 Help out: Support rescued farm animals

 Food: Taco dinner service

 Food: Serve dinner at the Safe Parking Program in Spring Valley

King was fatally shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968. He is remembered for his role as an American civil rights activist and political philosopher.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TORONTO (AP)  Chrystia Freeland, whose abrupt resignation as finance minister last month forced Justin Trudeau's exit as prime minister, said she is running to be the next leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister of Canada.

Freeland said Friday in a statement posted on X that she will officially launch her campaign on Sunday.

She also released an opinion piece in which she called for economic retaliation if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his threat to impose tariffs on all Canadian products.

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If President Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs, our counterpunch must be dollar-for-dollar  and it must be precisely and painfully targeted, Freeland wrote in the Toronto Star.

Florida orange growers, Michigan dishwasher manufacturers and Wisconsin dairy farmers: brace yourselves. Canada is Americas largest export market  bigger than China, Japan, the U.K., and France combined. If pushed, our response will be the single largest trade blow the U.S. economy has ever endured," she added.

Freeland announced her resignation from Trudeaus Cabinet on Dec. 16, criticizing some of Trudeaus economic priorities in the face of Trumps tariff threats. The move stunned the country and raised questions about how much longer the increasingly unpopular Trudeau could stay in his job.

Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 that he would resigen, though he will remain prime minister until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen on March 9.

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The front-runners for the Liberal Party leadership are Freeland and former Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney.

The next Liberal leader could be the shortest-tenured prime minister in the countrys history. All three opposition parties have vowed to bring down the Liberals minority government in a no-confidence vote after parliament resumes on March 24. An election is expected this spring.

Recent polls suggest the Liberals chances of winning the next election look slim. In the latest poll by Nanos Research, the Liberals trail the opposition Conservatives 47% to 20%.

Trudeau announced his resignation on Jan. 6 after losing support both within his party and in the country.

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The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada. Trump keeps calling Canada the 51st state and has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods.

Trudeau told Freeland last month he no longer wanted her to serve as finance minister, but that she could remain deputy prime minister and the point person for U.S.-Canada relations.

Freeland resigned shortly after and released a scathing letter about the government that proved to be the last straw for the embattled leader.

Chrystia has been by my side for close to 10 years now. She has been an incredible political partner through just about everything we have done as a government as a party over the last decade, Trudeau said when he announced his resignation.

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An official close to Freeland said she resigned because the prime minister had lost confidence in her. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

After she resigned, Trump called Freeland totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals. Freeland was Canadas point person when the U.S, Canada and Mexico redid its free trade deal during the first Trump administration.

Freeland and Trudeau had disagreed about two recently announced policies: a temporary sales tax holiday on goods ranging from childrens clothes to beer, and plans to send every citizen a check for $250 Canadian dollars ($174.) Freeland, who was also deputy prime minister, said Canada could not afford costly political gimmicks.

But Freeland herself has been criticized for Canadas growing deficits and she was finance minister when the Liberal government became deeply unpopular with voters over a range of issues, including the soaring cost of food and housing as well as surging immigration.

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Our country is facing a grave challenge, Freeland wrote in her resignation letter. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.

Freeland is a combination of many things that seem to irritate Trump: a liberal Canadian and a former journalist. Freeland, who is of Ukrainian heritage, has also been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Freeland has been a frequent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who banned her from traveling to the country in 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions against Moscow.

The 56-year-old Harvard graduate and Rhodes scholar speaks five languages and has influential friends around the world.

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Trudeau personally recruited Freeland to join his Liberal Party while it was the third party in Parliament in 2013. At the time, Freeland had a senior position at the Reuters news agency but was ready to move on after setbacks in her journalism career, Martin Wolf, an influential Financial Times columnist and longtime friend previously said.

Freeland was the Financial Times' former Moscow bureau chief in her mid-20s during the collapse of the Soviet Union. She has served as deputy editor of the Globe and Mail in Toronto and the Financial Times.

She was familiar to many TV viewers in the U.S. because of her regular appearances on talk shows like the one hosted by Fareed Zakaria.
By Nivedita Bhattacharjee

BENGALURU (Reuters) -Seven Indian privately-held startups have been chosen for a first-of-its-kind India-U.S. space and defence collaboration programme, potentially unlocking a lucrative and strategic market for Indian firms, an investor who co-launched the project told Reuters on Friday.

The companies include space imaging company KaleidEO, rocket makers EtherealX and AI-driven company Shyam VNL. They will participate in a programme for defence and dual-use technology and explore opportunities to work with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit, the Department of Defense and other government agencies on satellite observation and emerging space and defence technologies.

Indian investor Indusbridge Ventures and U.S.-based FedTech, which established the programme in September 2024, selected seven Indian companies and talks are underway about specific projects.

"This programme offers valuable resources, mentorship, and essential connections with industry leaders in the U.S. and we look forward to partnering with FedTech on this initiative to accelerate private-sector partnership between the two countries in strategic sectors  defence and dual-use technology," said Rahul Devjani, the managing partner at Indusbridge Ventures.

The startups will get access to the world's biggest defence and space market and potentially work with U.S. defence industry leaders like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and RTX, two sources from the startups said. They declined to be identified owing to the sensitivity of the matter.

That could give them an edge against the competition as they compete for U.S. business in their niches worth about $1.5 billion annually, one of the sources said.

The U.S. government bodies did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The development and details of the programme have not been made public before.

Lockheed and Northrop declined to comment, while RTX, formerly known as Raytheon, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Access to the U.S. defence and space market, the largest globally, could generate annual revenues between $500 million and $1 billion for the Indian companies, the second source said.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval this month met with his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi to discuss space technology collaboration and the "deepening cooperation between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and India's Innovations for Defense Excellence to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge commercial technologies for military solutions," among other topics.

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Jamie Freed and Neil Fullick)
Many areas in Mississippi could get snow early next week, paired with days of subfreezing temperatures and some overnight lows in the teens, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Here's what we know.

A system will bring rain and snow to many parts of the U.S. through the weekend, and it will push a blast of Artic air into the South that's expected to stay for a few days into the middle of next week.

The NWS is calling for a major Arctic air outbreak that will affect the Great Plains to east of the Appalachian mountains and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Areas to the north can expect subzero temps. AccuWeather meteorologists said the air from Siberia will cause some of the coldest lows seen so far this winter.

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Current predictions also call for rain Saturday. According to NWS forecasts, several parts of the state have a chance of snow on Monday and/or Tuesday. Some areas can expect the extended cold snap to bring overnight lows in the teens and daytime highs below freezing.

Are you ready for brutal cold in Mississippi? Prep your family, pets, house and vehicle ahead of time to stay warm and safe. AccuWeather warns that strong breezes, paired with the deep chill can cause drafts to get into crawl spaces and elevate the chance of pipes bursting.

A National Weather Service forecast map showing temperatures expected in Mississippi from Jan. 22-26, 2025.

When could it snow in Mississippi?

The National Weather Service is showing a chance of snow around the state in the next seven days, as of around 8 a.m. Friday.

Jackson: A 20% chance Monday night, followed by a 40% chance of snow on Tuesday and a 20% chance of snow Tuesday night.

Hattiesburg: A 20% chance of snow showers after midnight on Monday, a 50% chance of snow on Tuesday and a 20% chance of snow Tuesday night before midnight.

Greenwood: A 20% chance of snow showers Tuesday.

Columbus/West Point/Starkville: A 30% chance of snow after noon on Tuesday.

Gulfport: A chance of 20% chance of snow after midnight on Monday night, likely snow showers after noon on Tuesday and a chance of snow and freezing rain Tuesday night before midnight.

Oxford: No snow in current forecast.

What's the weather forecast in Mississippi?

Most of Mississippi can expect temperatures below normal, leading to subfreezing but not subzero weather overnight in the coming week. Temps will stay lower than average through Jan. 30. Currently, precipitation chances are above average from Jan. 22-30.

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In Southaven, AccuWeather forecasts call for a 40% chance of rain Saturday, when the high is expected to be 48, and the low is 27. Highs are expected to stay near or below freezing Sunday through Tuesday. Lows will dip into the teens on Sunday and Tuesday, and the high Monday is 28 degrees. Temps are set to climb into the 40s again, starting Thursday. Lows could stay subfreezing through Jan. 26. (The NWS forecast also does not call for snow at this time.)

According to AccuWeather, as of Jan. 17, the Jackson area can expect:

Jan. 17: High 61F, low 52F.

Jan. 18: High 65F, low 31F, 70% chance of rain in the morning.

Jan. 19: High 39F, low 20F.

Jan. 20: High 36F, low 23F.

Jan. 21: High 32F, low 17F, 30% chance of precipitation, including a bit of snow or flurries.

Jan. 22: High 41F, low 23F.

Jan. 23: High 45F, low 31F, 55% chance of rain in the afternoon.

Jan. 24: High 44F, low 26F, 81% chance of rain in the morning and afternoon.

Jan. 25: High 51F, low 32F, 75% chance of precipitation, including rain and sleet in the morning with rain in the afternoon.

Jan. 26: High 58F, low 37F.

Jan. 27: High 59F, low 39F.

Jan. 28: High 49F, low 39F, 70% chance of precipitation with rain in the afternoon.

Weather Channel forecasts for Jackson also calls for snow Tuesday.

In Hattiesburg, the 10-day AccuWeather forecast shows about a 70% chance of rain Saturday with a high of 73 degrees. For Sunday through Friday, highs will mostly drop into the 40s with a dip to 34 on Tuesday. There a low chance of snow or flurries on Monday. There's a 35% chance of precipitation with snow and sleet Tuesday. Thursday has a 64% chance of precipitation and could have some icy mix in the rain. Lows will be in the 20s through at least Saturday, Jan. 25, with a possible dip to 19 degrees on Sunday and 17 Tuesday. Highs are expected to climb back in the 50s on Jan. 25; they day also has a 74% chance of rain and sleet. The high Sunday, Jan. 26, in the 60s.

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Around Gulfport, AccuWeather forecasts call for about a 94% chance of rain and a thunderstorm with a high of 68 degrees on Saturday. Lows will be in the 20s Sunday through Wednesday. There's a 35% chance of precipitation including snow, sleet and rain on Tuesday with a high of 36. Saturday, Jan. 25, has a 72% chance of rain, and the high is 55.

A National Weather Service forecast map showing precipitation expected in Mississippi from Jan. 22-26, 2025.

Why does it keep getting so cold?

According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which manages the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research, polar air comes south sometimes where the polar jet stream wanders.

As they describe it, the polar vortex circles the north pole counterclockwise. the polar jet stream circles at a lower level of the atmosphere, which usually keeps Arctic air corralled in the middle.

When the polar vortex is weak, the jet stream pattern wanders around a bit instead of staying in place "like a toupee that goes askew."

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The scientists that make up UCAR say predicting the pattern is getting harder because the Arctic is warming at a rapid rate.

How can I prepare for extreme cold?

The National Weather Service has tips to protect your family, pets, home and more in extreme cold.

Family

Know your weather forecasts, be ready in case of power outages.

Limit time outside in the cold. Early morning is the coldest, and kids might need to wait for the school bus somewhere warmer than usual.

Dress for winter weather, including layers to keep out the wind and wet. Wear waterproof boots, a hat and gloves.

Get a kit together for your home and/or vehicle.

Don't stay in wet clothes, stay warm and dry.

Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.

Story continues below video.

House

Insulate pipes.

Drip water and open cabinet doors to let pipes get warm air circulation.

Turn off sprinklers, and disconnect hoses. Insulate outside taps and pipes.

Winterize the home, like checking your chimney, clearing gutters. Insulate windows and attics if possible. If there are gaps around blankets or doors you can't fill, cover them with blankets or towels.

Install/check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you have a generator or plan to use one, make sure it's set up to run safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't run it in the house or near air intake for the residence.

Use space heaters safely: don't leave them unattended and be sure there's a 3-foot space away from flammable objects like curtains or furniture.

Close unused rooms to keep from wasting heat.

Car

Make sure your vehicles have at least half a tank of gas so you can stay warm if stranded.

Have an emergency kit ready in your car if you have to travel in cold weather.

Pets

If pets can come into the home or another shelter, bring them in.

If animals, like livestock, can't come inside, try to provide shelter and make sure their water isn't frozen over regularly.

What should I have in my emergency kit?

According to the NWS, people should have the following in emergency kits for their homes and vehicles.

To be ready for emergencies have:

Flashlights with fresh batteries.

Spare batteries.

First aid kit and any medicines or medical supplies you need.

Backup clothes for winter weather.

Baby gear.

Food that's non-perishable and/or will not have to be cooked if you lose power. If you pack canned good, be sure you have a manual can opener.

Water (plan 1 gallon per person for 3 days).

Pet supplies (food and water).

A basic toolkit, including pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver.

A radio.

Warmers.

Car kits need a lot of the same items and few others, including:

Jumper cables.

Cat litter or sand for tire traction.

Shovel.

Ice scraper.

Roadside emergency kit.

Blankets/sleeping bag.

How low can I set my thermostat?

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum temperature of 68 degrees for children, people with health problems and the elderly. WHO advises a range between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people.

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Thinking of going without heat and powering through with warm winter layers?

According to the CDC, hypothermia, or a dangerously low body temperature, usually happens in extreme cold but can happen in temperatures over 40 degrees if a person gets chilled from rain, sweat or cold water. A person can lose body heat faster than they generate more, leading to confusion and affecting their ability to move.

Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms can get hypothermia, as can elderly adults who don't have enough food, clothes or heating.

More: What does a La Nina winter mean for Mississippi? See 3-month NOAA forecast at season start

Can I use my oven to heat my house?

No. Ovens aren't made for space heating, making them inefficient for the job, which leads to increased fire risk.

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Electric ovens don't post a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, but gas ovens do, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against it.

Can I get help paying my power bill?

Mississippi Power has multiple programs to help people facing economic hardship, the elderly and people with disabilities pay their bills.

Call 228-701-0555 to talk to a Catholic Charities representative to find out if you're eligible for Project SHARE. Or you can donate to help someone in your community.

Or you can call the Mississippi Power Customer Care Center at 800-532-1502 to find out about bill discounts for households that get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

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The Farmers' Almanac forecast: When did winter start and what will the weather be in MS?

January average temperatures in Mississippi

These are the average temperatures for the Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo and Gulfport areas for 2020-24, according to data from the National Weather Service.

Jackson

2020: 50.9.

2021: 48.

2022: 45.4.

2023: 53.8.

2024: 44.5.

Hattiesburg

2020: 52.6.

2021: 49.7.

2022: 47.5.

2023: 55.8.

2024: 48.2.

Tupelo

2020: 48.6.

2021: 45.1.

2022: 42.

2023: 50.6.

2024: 39.5.

Gulfport

2020: 55.3.

2021: 51.7.

2022: 49.4.

2023: 58.2.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Will it snow in Mississippi? Forecasts say yes. Here's when it will hit
Card skimmers have been popping up across our area, including at a gas station in the citys Brookline neighborhood. Experts shared how to spot them and protect yourself.

Pittsburgh police said a card-skimming device was possibly found at the Exxon and 7-Eleven along Brookline Boulevard.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Possible card skimming device found at gas station in Brookline; Pittsburgh police investigating

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The victim told police their transaction was declined but that money not matching the original amount was still taken out of their account. Customers are shocked.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Skimmers found at 2 local Giant Eagle stores

Thats never good because you never think its going to happen to you or someone near you and it does, said Colin Doerr.

In the past five months, several skimmers have been reported across our area including in New Kensington and Monroeville.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Shoppers in at least 5 local communities targeted by card skimmers, police say

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Local man admitted to using skimming device on gas pumps at Monroeville Sheetz, police say

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The Better Business Bureau said a big red flag is if youre having trouble swiping or inserting your card.

Just really pay attention to that grip on your card if you have the ability to use contactless payment since those arent vulnerable to skimming. Use that tap-and-go feature on your credit card, said Caitlin Driscoll with the Better Business Bureau.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 men arrested, accused of placing card skimmer in local Shop n Save

Channel 11 told you about the skimmers found at the Giant Eagles in Greenfield and Mckeesport last month and learned they were installed and removed on the same day. Some customers potentially had their information stolen.

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Common places skimmers are found are at ATMs, gas pumps, self-checkout stations and vending machines.

The FBI office in Pittsburgh recommends using ATMs at a bank and in a well-lit and monitored location. They also said use fuel pumps closer to a store and make sure its not tampered with.

Look at the inspection stickers that are commonly found around the gas pumps. If the sticker looks like its broken or its been lifted, notify a station attendant, said Driscoll. If youre possibly a victim to a card a skimmer, report it to police and notify your bank right away.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Electric vehicles are popping up more and more each year, even in the Big Country. And just like any vehicle, they need to be fueledthat is, charged. As electric vehicles keep growing in popularity, cities across Texas are adding charging stations along major TXDOT roadways. This comes as the Abilene MPO works to expand charging infrastructure, following the guidelines of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

Wylie ISD considers grant for electric school buses

NEVI was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 to provide funding for the strategic placement of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and to establish a network that facilitates data collection, access, and reliability.

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In phase one, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program set requirements for electric vehicles and allocated $5 billion nationwide. The goal for Texas is to add about 56 new charging stations, in addition to the already active and planned stations, to meet the Federal Highway Administrations (FHWA) 50-mile maximum spacing requirement.

Phase Two began with TxDOTs Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which delves into key logistics such as plan approval, contracting processes, funding allocation, goals, market conditions, and other critical considerations. In this phase, the Abilene MPO is expected to receive a one-time 1 million for construction and a five-year 200,000 budget for operations and maintenance.

Wylie ISD considers grant for electric school buses

MPO Division Manager ELisa Smetana presented this topic to the MPO board, as the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has asked to define the boundaries for the study to install EV charging stations.

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What were asking for today is, do we want to look at the whole MPO planning area, or do we want to narrow it down to smaller study areas? Smetana told the board.

She then showcased information on what the installation of EV charging stations could look like for the area. Using the U.S. Department of Energys Alternative Fueling Station Locator, she highlighted the locations of current alternative fueling stations, with electric vehicle stations indicated by green dots.

Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, but Trump might get to cut the ribbons

The TxDOT Statewide Planning Map displays the current study area plan, along with the locations of existing alternative fueling stations, marked by green dots. Click here to view the full map.

On the Texas Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Plan website, residents can provide input by suggesting locations for EV charging stations using an interactive map. In Abilene, residents have primarily requested a charging station near the northside Walmart on Texas State Highway 351.

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EV charging stations come in three main types: Level 1 Charging, Level 2 Charging, and DC Fast Charging. The Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan is focused on installing DC Fast Charging stations at or near county seats in rural areas. Lets break down the differences between these types:

Level 1 Charging:

Power output: Up to 2 kilowatts

Charging speed: Adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour

Equipment needed: Standard house outlet (120V)

Level 2 Charging

Power output: 3 to 19 kilowatts

Charging speed: Adds 10 to 60 miles of range per hour

Equipment needed: Dedicated 240V outlet or hardwired installation with a compatible EVSE

DC Fast Charging

Power output: 50 to 350 kilowatts

Charging speed: Adds 100 to 300+ miles of range in roughly 20 to 30 minutes

Equipment needed: Specialized high-power charging stations

Universal plug-and-charge coming to all EVs starting in 2025

Level 2 Charging stations are permitted within one mile of a corridor, while DC Fast Charging stations must be located more than a mile away. Smetana mentioned that DC Fast Charging stations have been recommended for Abilene.

When we asked this at the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) at their September 24 meeting, after much discussion, we were discussing the study area being the entire MPO planning area, Smetana explained. What theyre recommending to the policy board is the DC Fast Charging.

A board member also recommended using DC Fast Charging stations due to the rate per hour. A motion was made and approved to proceed with the DC Fast Charging stations.

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There are a couple of ways to fund this project. The NEVI Formula Program will cover up to 80% of project costs. Additionally, TxDOT offers the Texas EV Infrastructure Grant Program, where applicants submit proposals. Afterward, TxDOT will select the awarded projects for the area, with the price per port determined by the amount of grant funding requested.

US EV charging kept up with growth, gained reliability in 2024

Smetana informed the board that they need to decide whether to use the entire MPO planning area before the Technical Advisory Committee presents it to the commission in November.

I think after that point, theyll establish the parameters because theyre going to have to put it out for the grant application process, and then the people are going to have to apply. Im not sure how long that will take, Smetana shared.

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Board member and Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley made a motion to conduct a study of the entire MPO boundary area. After a second to the motion, Abilene Councilman and MPO Chairperson Shane Price announced they would proceed with the full boundary, including the expanded area, if approved by the governor.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty that includes closer defence cooperation, something likely to worry the West.

Here are the key points:

GENERAL

The two sides will work to deepen their relationship in all areas of mutual interest. They will strengthen cooperation in security and defence, and closely coordinate their activities at regional and global levels, aiming for a long-term, comprehensive and strategic partnership.

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SECURITY

The two countries will work together against common military threats, take part in joint exercises and develop their "military-technical cooperation". If one is attacked, the other shall not assist the aggressor and will seek to resolve differences based on the U.N. Charter and international law.

Neither side will allow its territory to be used to support separatist movements or actions threatening the other's stability and territorial integrity. To tackle common threats, their intelligence and security services will share information and experience and work more closely together.

ENERGY

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Russia and Iran will promote cooperation between their energy companies and encourage investments in projects for developing oil and gas fields.

NUCLEAR

Both parties will work on long-term joint projects on the peaceful use of nuclear energy including the construction of nuclear power stations.

TRADE

The two sides will work together to create a modern payment system that is independent of third countries, with settlement in national currencies. They will strengthen direct interbank cooperation and promote their national financial products.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov and Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Under the Gaza ceasefire deal that came into force on Sunday, Israel has agreed to release Palestinians held in Israeli jails in return for freeing hostages taken by the militant group Hamas in their Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

There is no final agreement on which prisoners will be released in return for hostages, in part because it is unclear how many hostages will eventually be freed or how many are still alive.

Hamas has said 90 prisoners will go free on Sunday, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys.

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There are currently 10,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, not including detainees arrested in Gaza during the last 15 months of conflict, according to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society.

Below is a list of some of the most prominent Palestinian figures held in Israeli prisoners. None of them are expected to be freed on Sunday but some may be released in later stages: HAMAS FIGURES:

ABDALLAH AL-BARGHOUTI Barghouti was sentenced to 67 life terms in 2004 by an Israeli military court for his involvement in a series of suicide attacks in 2001 and 2002 that killed dozens of Israelis. Barghouti prepared the explosive belts used in the attacks, including one on a Jerusalem Sbarro restaurant in which 15 people were killed, the Israeli army said. A father of three, he was born in Kuwait in 1972. In 1996, he moved with his family to live in Beit Rima village near Ramallah in the West Bank.

IBRAHIM HAMED Hamed, who was handed 54 life terms, was arrested in 2006 in Ramallah. He is accused by Israel of planning suicide attacks that killed dozens of Israelis. Hamed, who had been on Israel's wanted list for eight years before his arrest, was the top West Bank commander of the Izz el-Deen Al-Qassam brigades, the Hamas military wing. He holds a degree in political science from Birzeit University near Ramallah. While he was a fugitive, Israel detained his wife for eight months and in 2003 demolished his house.

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NAEL BARGHOUTI

Born in 1957, Barghouti has spent 44 years, or two-thirds of his 67-year life, incarcerated by Israel - longer than any other Palestinian and is known as the "dean" of Palestinian prisoners. He was first jailed in 1978 for taking part in an attack that killed an Israeli soldier in Jerusalem. He was first released in 2011 under an agreement by which Israel released more than 1,000 Palestinians in exchange for Gilad Shalit, a soldier abducted by Hamas militants in 2006. After his release in 2011, he married Eman Nafe, who had also spent 10 years in an Israeli jail accused of attempting to plan a suicide operation in Jaffa. Hamas accused Israel of breaching the deal when it rearrested Barghouti in 2014. During his first, 33-year stretch in jail, Barghouti's parents and many other relatives died, Nafe said. Barghouti was a member of the armed wing of Yasser Arafat's Fatah Movement when he was given his life sentence in 1978. Later, he joined Hamas, the Islamist militant group founded in 1987.

HASSAN SALAMA Born in Gaza's Khan Younis refugee camp in 1971, Salama was convicted of orchestrating a wave of suicide bombings in Israel in 1996 that killed dozens of Israelis and wounded hundreds more. He was sentenced to 48 life terms in jail. Salama said the attacks were a response to the assassination of Hamas bombmaker Yahya Ayyash in 1996. Salama was arrested in Hebron in the West Bank later that year. NON-HAMAS FIGURES:

MARWAN AL-BARGHOUTI - FATAH

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A leading member of the Fatah movement, Barghouti is seen as a possible successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He made his name as a leader and organiser in both of the Intifadas, or uprisings, waged by the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1987. He was arrested in 2002, charged with orchestrating gun ambushes and suicide bombings and sentenced to five life terms in 2004. Fatah officials have said that he set up the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Fatah armed wing, on Arafat's orders.

AHMED SAADAT - PFLP

Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), was accused by Israel of ordering the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi in 2001. Pursued by Israel, he took shelter at the Ramallah headquarters of Arafat. Under a deal with the Palestinian Authority in 2002, Saadat stood trial in a Palestinian court and was incarcerated at a Palestinian Authority jail, where he was held under international supervision. The Israeli military seized Saadat in 2006 following the withdrawal of the foreign monitors. Put on trial in a military court, the charges against him included involvement in a militant group, weapons dealing and deadly attacks. However the justice ministry decided there was not enough evidence to charge him with Zeevi's assassination. He was sentenced to 30 years in jail in 2008.

(Editing by Ros Russell and Gareth Jones)
On a cold, dreary Thursday in Philadelphia, a smattering of people came to the waterfront to see the former Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (CV-67) begin its final journey. Nicknamed Big John, the Kitty Hawk class sub-variant began a trip from the U.S. Navys Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility to the International Shipbreaking Limited facility in Brownsville, Texas. There it will be cut up and its remnants sold for scrap.

After 17 years in Philadelphia, Big John is expected to arrive at its final destination sometime next month, a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) spokesman told The War Zone. It will transit south through the Atlantic Ocean, around the Florida peninsula, and then across the Gulf of Mexico. No date has been set for the ships dismantling.

USS John F Kennedy (CVN-67) moving from the Philadelphia Navy Yard to Texas for scrapping. pic.twitter.com/SBMTfKdqCw  Jeffrey Carberry   (@JeffreyCarberr1) January 16, 2025

USS John F. Kennedy, on her way to Brownsville, TX to be scrapped. pic.twitter.com/8azNv3PBbe  Elliott (Parody) (@pilotelliott) January 16, 2025

USS John F Kennedy (CVN-67) moving down the Delaware River off of Chester, Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/Ig615MhGXY  Jeffrey Carberry   (@JeffreyCarberr1) January 16, 2025

Goodbye, USS John F Kennedy, going to TX for disassembly. pic.twitter.com/QoKInyE2om  LisaSavigano (@LisaSavigano) January 16, 2025

Big John and the former USS Kitty Hawk were sold for a penny apiece in October 2021 after years of debate about their fates. For a brief time, this even included talk of returning Kitty Hawk to service and rumors of selling Big John to India. There were several more grounded but unsuccessful attempts to keep them from the scrappers torch. The Navy set the John F. Kennedy aside for possible conversion into a museum ship after it was decommissioned. Multiple groups attempted to secure the vessel for that purpose, but none of those efforts proved successful. Nuclear-powered supercarriers cannot be museum ships, so these were the last opportunities for such a second life for the Navys largest warships.

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Commissioned on Sept. 7, 1968, the flattop was the first Navy ship to be named John F. Kennedy and was the last U.S. conventionally powered aircraft carrier built. It was retired from service in 2007, 39 years later.

The USS John F. Kennedy at the U.S. Navys Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. (Brian W. Schaller via Wikicommons)

The vessel was a one-of-a-kind derivative of the Kitty Hawk class design originally intended to be nuclear-powered. It entered service at the height of the Vietnam War, but did not see service there. However, it did support a variety of other missions, including the U.S. response to the bombing of Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983 and the first Gulf War in 1991. The carrier and its air wing were called upon to provide combat air patrols after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the ship also took part in the early stages of the war in Afghanistan.

An aerial view from off the port bow of USS John F. Kennedy in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship was deployed to the New York area in response to terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City and Washington, DC. (Photo by Lisa Marcus/Courtesy of the US Navy/Getty Images) U.S. Navy

That such a large and storied ship  more than 1,000 feet long and displacing 87,000 tons  was sold for a penny highlights the challenge and expense of scrapping such large vessels. That problem is only about to get far more amplified. Scrapping a nuclear powered vessel of similar size is far more complicated and plagued with hazards. By comparison, the net cost to dismantle the former USS Enterprise  the Navys first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier  could be as high as $1.55 billion, according to a 2018 Government Accountability Report.

This wont be the last flattop to bear the 35th presidents name. The future Ford class USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the second Ford class supercarrier, was procured in Fiscal Year 2013 and scheduled for delivery this July, according to Navy documents.

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Some Images of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) during the construction phase at Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia, USA.  pic.twitter.com/52zy0w4hbS  Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) October 21, 2024

As of Thursday evening, the decaying Big John was still close to shore in the Delaware River, a sea-going tugboat towing it down the channel to the Atlantic Ocean. According to NAVSEA, once the ship hits open waters, it wont be visible again from shore until it nears the Texas city of San Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico.

Heres to the Big Johns legacy and all the sailors who called her home!

Update: 1:21 PM Eastern Jan. 17 

After the Kennedy left the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, a drone captured video of it being towed down the Delaware River toward the Atlantic Ocean as its final voyage continued.

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Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A new law passed quietly at the Ohio Statehouse earlier this month has some people saying it hurts police and government transparency.

The law allows law enforcement agencies to potentially charge hundreds of dollars for body camera footage.

Families with loved ones who were victims of police brutality held a news conference Thursday to raise their voices against the law.

Will flags fly at full-staff on Inauguration Day in Ohio?

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The new law was a last-minute amendment to House Bill 315, a bill primarily sponsored by Republicans Rep. Bill Seitz and Rep. Thomas Hall.

After signing the bill into law, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the policy would help law enforcement agencies manage time-consuming labor-intensive work. However, the families who spoke Thursday said the law feels like a step backward for police transparency.

Honestly, I feel like it damages the publics trust, Shawna Barnett said. Barnett is the sister of Andre Hill, who was shot and killed by former Columbus Police officer Adam Coy in December 2020.

Coy was found guilty of murder and reckless homicide in November. Barnett said body camera footage was a focal point in the trial.

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Yes, it was an invaluable thing in Andres case, Barnett said. Had that footage not been there, it could have been a whole different scenario because it could have been his word against ours and not what you see.

Fugitives arrest leads to body being found in east Columbus basement

She said that following Andres death, the City of Columbus even implemented Andres Law, which requires officers to turn on their body cameras before any enforcement to avoid a he-said-she-said situation.

Barnett is one of several people in similar situations from across the states raising their voices about the law.

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I felt like it is a step backwards for transparency and accountability, Barnett said.

The law states agencies can charge $75 per hour of video produced, capping fees at $750.

I do think the lack of clarity in the statute undermines it, said Susan Gilles, a professor of law at Capital University Law School. Gilles said this law changes a Supreme Court precedent which said agencies could charge for paper but not for labor.

Gilles said people are concerned about the charge, but she thinks the bigger issue will soon be the delays.

Culinary excellence: Central Ohios award-winning restaurants and chefs

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What the statute, the Senate bill does is now, if they elect to charge, they can take five days to work out how much theyre going to charge you and its only when you pay the amount that the clock starts running, Gilles said.

We asked her if she thinks this law will backfire in any way.

So this was passed late, Giles said. It was passed without any consultation or any evidence of what the problem is, so I think when you pass something not knowing what problem youre trying to fix, you often create a whole set of new problems.

When asked what they want to see done about this law, the attorneys representing these families said they want to see it repealed.

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NBC4 has reached out to many law enforcement agencies in central Ohio including the Columbus Division of Police to see if they plan to charge. All of them tell us they have not made any decisions yet.

The law is set to take effect April 2.

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Family displaced after fire in Berino

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A family was displaced after a residential structure fire Thursday morning, Jan. 16, in Berino, New Mexico, according to Dona Ana County.

The County says at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, rescue crews responded to a report of a fire located on the 100 block of Contreras Street.

Crews were able to contain the fire, kept it confined to the room in which it started, and ended up extinguishing it.

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The local Red Cross was dispatched to assist the displaced family, the County said.

A total of 13 firefighters responded to the incident. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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A family vowing to rebuild after losing nine homes in the California wildfires received a surprise donation Friday on "Good Morning America."

The Jenkins family of Altadena, California, will receive a $135,000 overall donation from the nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission, which is dedicated to helping people in disaster zones get back on their feet, and their partners, Bethenny Frankel's BStrong and Stable Road Foundation.

PHOTO: The Jenkins family open up on 'Good Morning America' about losing their nine homes in Altadena, Calif. and their commitment to rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. (ABC News)

"It's a small step, but trust ... everyone is doing what they can all throughout the world to support everyone here," Global Empowerment Mission spokesperson Michael Capponi told the Jenkins family.

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SoCal Strong: Donation total for fire victims

The Jenkins family says the donation will help bring their family closer and help with immediate housing needs.

"We've got family scattered from here to Orange County [and] Arizona," said Ed Broussard, one of the family's cousins. "Thank you."

PHOTO: The Jenkins family open up on 'Good Morning America' about losing their nine homes in Altadena, Calif. and their commitment to rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. (ABC News)

Broussard and his extended family previously all lived within a 2-mile radius of each other in Altadena for generations. They lost everything last week as the Eaton Fire roared through the town.

Altadena family recounts their harrowing escape from Eaton Fire

Four of the sisters in the Jenkins family lost their homes. In one sister's home, as Broussard and his cousins Will Chandler and Marcus Betts showed "GMA," there were only charred party chairs and tables left.

PHOTO: The Jenkins family open up on 'Good Morning America' about losing their nine homes in Altadena, Calif. and their commitment to rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. (ABC News)

"They have the party chairs and tables over here from when we would get together, do game night. My aunt Paula, that was her thing -- game night," Betts said.

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"It's a lotta legacy that we wanna hold onto. We don't want that to go with the houses, and so we need to be here to make sure the legacy stays here," Betts added.

PHOTO: Damage to structures is seen from hilltop perspective in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Jan. 10, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

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Betts, Broussard and Chandler say they're committed to helping build back Altadena and their families' homes.

"We're rebuilding. I'm not going anywhere. I don't care who it is. My family, we are staying," Broussard said. "We got electricians in the family. We got carpenters in the family. We're rebuilding."

The historic area of Altadena, one of the first areas in the U.S. where Black and brown people were allowed to buy real estate, is one of the many communities completely leveled by the devastating Los Angeles area wildfires.

The Eaton Fire, which first started on Jan. 7, is now 65% contained but has burned over 7,000 structures and at least 14,000 acres so far. Firefighters continue to battle the Eaton Fire as well as the Palisades Fire, also in Los Angeles County, and the Auto Fire in Ventura County. About 82,000 people are still under evacuation orders and about 90,000 are under evacuation warnings.

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Before the wildfires, Altadena was home to about 42,000 and known for its picturesque landscape in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Family who lost 9 homes in Eaton Fire vows to rebuild originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Jan. 16A Faribault man accused of stealing two vehicles and a flatbed trailer in July has made a first appearance in court.

Michael Jace Hesse-Walker, 28, was charged in Mower County District Thursday morning with four felony counts of theft  vehicle theft and theft  and one gross misdemeanor of giving a false name to a peace officer.

According to the court complaint, a Mower County Sheriff's Office deputy made contact with a victim who reported the theft of a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 1997 Chevrolet Suburban and a flatbed trailer from an outdoor storage unit located at 1700 block of 10th Drive SE in Austin.

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On multiple occasions on July 6-7, the suspect was viewed on video near the property and then at around 11:43 a.m. on July 7, video shows Hesse-Walker allegedly getting into the Silverado, which was connected to the trailer with the Suburban on the trailer, and driving off.

Two days later, on July 9, the deputy was contacted by the Albert Lea Police Department saying that the stolen Silverado had been located at Harold's Bar in Albert Lea and that Hesse-Walker had been detained.

Photographs sent to the deputy showed Hesse-Walker wearing similar clothing, hair style and facial hair as the suspect in the video.

After Hesse-Walker was handed over to the Mower County Sheriff's Office, the deputy attempted to gain information from the suspect who claimed he was Jeremiah Hesse, however, that turned out to be his brother's name. Hesse-Walker allegedly admitted he gave the false name because he has warrants out of Steele County and Iowa.

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DNA obtained from Hesse-Walker also allegedly matched DNA taken from the Silverado, which was verified by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in December of last year.

The victim of theft was able to recover the Silverado, but to date the Suburban ($8,000), trailer ($6,000) and a lawn mower that was in the bed of the truck ($3,000) have not been recovered.

In total, the estimated value of the vehicles and trailer tallied to $27,000.

Hesse-Walker's next appearance in court is slated for Jan. 27.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A 30-year-old Fayetteville man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of child sex crimes, according to the Western District of Arkansas.

John Steven Wallace was found guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor through an attempted production of child pornography.

John Wallace, 30 (Courtesy: Washington County Jail)

Wallace admitted to having a hidden camera in his bathroom. He produced images and videos of a minor who undressed. Evidence showed he had a large collection of child sex abuse material of the minor he identified.

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On Feb. 22, 2024, Wallace pleaded not guilty to 20 charges.

AR couple sentenced to 30 years for child sex crimes

Benton County Sheriffs Office investigated a residence that was responsible for downloading child sex material in November of 2023 which led them to Wallaces house.

Multiple agencies including the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Fayetteville Police Department searched Wallaces home.

Wallace admitted to downloading child sex abuse material.

He entered a guilty plea in September of 2024 to his federal case.

He was sentenced to 15 and half years in prison with no possibility of parole.

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We have new information on the arrest of a North Carolina man who allegedly tried to join ISIS.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: North Carolina man accused of trying to join ISIS

The U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI said 29-year-old Alexander White tried to make financial transactions in support of ISIS camps.

Investigators said they found out about White from an overseas source who saw him posting online under the name Sulaiman Al-Amriki, ABC affiliate WTVD reports.

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White was willing to fight U.S. military members, according to court records  and thats when federal authorities stepped in.

The Morocco General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance provided insight and assistance as we built our case, and we appreciate those international relationships as well, said Michael Easley Jr., the US Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. If the threat is international, so too will be our investigative efforts.

White was arrested by the FBI at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport before an apparent trip to Morocco to join the terrorist group.

(WATCH BELOW: NY man arrested for impersonating York County Sheriffs Office)
The FBI shuttered its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) office last month, according to the law enforcement agency.

In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024, an FBI spokesperson said Thursday in a emailed statement to The Hill.

DEI initiatives have received increased criticism in recent weeks following the deadly New Orleans terrorist attack on New Years Day that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens more, according to authorities.

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House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) criticized federal law enforcement agencies after the New Orleans attack, claiming the focus on inclusionary initiatives has distracted the agents hired to ensure safety in the U.S.

Some of these agencies have gotten so wrapped up in the DEI movement. You know, call it wokeness, call it whatever you want, Scalise said during a radio interview earlier this month. But where their main focus is on diversity and inclusion as opposed to security. And theyre two very different things. And weve got to get back to that core mission.

Scalises remarks came as anti-DEI advocates criticized New Orleanss FBI office for hosting Diversity Agent Recruiting events too.

Similarly in the upper chamber, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) accused the outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray of prioritizing DEI over the agencys core mission of protecting the American people.

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Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans, Blackburn wrote in a two-page letter dated Jan. 3.

Americans now feel increasingly unsafe because of incidents like the January 1 terror attack, and the FBIs prioritization of diversity over competence shows that their concerns are well founded, she said. Fortunately, the American people have spoken, and President Trump will soon bring law and order back to our nation.

Several U.S. companies, including retail giant Walmart, have rolled back their DEI initiative since President-elect Trump won the White House. Apart from Walmart, several other major corporations have taken similar steps including, Meta, Ford and McDonalds.

The closure of the FBIs DEI office was reported earlier Thursday by Fox News.

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The food dye that creates some of your favorite treats and beverages will soon be no more.

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On Wednesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned red dye no. 3.

The dye makes the bright red color found in some cakes, candies, strawberry-flavored drinks and cough syrups.

If its banned, at least theres a natural alternative, Che Houston of CheRene Macarons and More told Channel 2s Audrey Washington on Thursday.

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Scientists said studies showed a link between the dye and cancer in lab rats.

They said no evidence shows the dye causes cancer in humans, but some doctors said people should stay away from the dye.

We should try our best to limit those artificial substances. Its a petroleum product so it would make sense that it would be risky, said oncologist Dr. Andrew Salner.

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The FDA gave manufacturers that use red dye no. 3 in food and medications until January 2027 to reformulate their products.

Houston said she is making the change now.

Were moving to using beet powder to use for our red dye, said Houston.

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(Were going to) add just a little acidic, which is a lemon juice, so we can enhance the color of red and continue to have the vibrant colors, she explained.

Red dye no. 3 was banned from cosmetics in 1990.

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This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Your grocery selections may start to look different in the coming years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced a major ban on a common ingredient found in many everyday foods.

Heres what we know: On January 15, 2025, the FDA alerted the public that it plans to ban the use of the color additive Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs. This new policy will affect a wide range of products like candies, cookies, juices, tomato sauces, and more  as well as major brands like Goya, Nestle, Betty Crocker, and Hersheys.

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So what makes Red No. 3 so controversial? This synthetic food dye is commonly used to give food and drinks their bright cherry-red color. However, it has raised concerns because studies have shown it can cause cancer in lab rats. The FDA addressed these concerns in a recent press release, stating that while lab rats developed cancer after consuming products with the dye, studies in other animals and humans have not shown similar effects. The FDA concluded that there is not enough scientific evidence supporting the claim that Red No. 3 in food or drugs poses a risk to human health.

The National Confectioners Association, a trade organization for candy, chocolate, and gum manufacturers, responded to the new policy. The representative shared with The Kitchn, Food safety is the number-one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDAs guidance and safety standards. They also stated, Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA, and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework. We have been saying for years that FDA is the rightful national regulatory decision maker and leader in food safety.

The FDA has announced that manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, to produce products without Red No. 3. Once the new policy is in effect, international brands will also be required to follow these same regulations when importing food and drinks into the United States.

Further Reading

Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study

Le Creuset Launched a Pan Thats Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry  and Its Already on Sale

Reeses Just Launched a Limited-Edition Peanut Butter Cup, and It Tastes 4x Better than the Original

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(NewsNation)  Throughout the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump said he would carry out mass deportations once in office.

Some migrants are voluntarily choosing to leave the country ahead of Trumps inauguration on Monday.

Immigration attorney Rolando Vasquez told NewsNation some of his clients who entered under the Biden administration are now choosing to return home, fearing deportation under the incoming administration.

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Its not just Trumps deportation plans that have influenced these decisions.

TikTok ban upheld by Supreme Court

Vazquez says Mexico is now open to accepting non-Mexican deportees. This move would affect Cuban and Venezuelan migrants the most since those countries typically do not accept deportation flights from the U.S. but may take them from Mexico.

This is causing many migrants to leave on their own, knowing that theyre either going to be deported to their home country or be deported to Mexico, Vazquez said. The overwhelming majority of them do not want to be in Mexico.

Sources in Mexico tell NewsNation its likely newly deported migrants will face exploitation, kidnapping or extortion from cartels and smugglers. As of right now, its unclear if Mexico has a plan to protect deported migrants.





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Warmer than average and drier than average. Its a tale weve heard before. A holdover from 2024, we are expecting a continuation of conditions we felt for the previous year. February marks the last month of Meteorological Winter and its looking warmer and drier for better or for worse.

The latest forecast for February from the Climate Prediction Center calls for odds that favor a drier-than-normal month for almost all of Texas including Central Texas.

February rainfall forecast (CPC)

The temperature outlook likely points towards warmer-than-normal temperatures for February.

February temperature forecast (CPC)

What is normal in February in Austin?

On average February is our driest month and our third coldest month of the year. Its the only month when Austin averages some snowfall (only 0.2). Average temperatures rise to near 70 by the end of the month. We typically get two freezes in Austin in February.

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Average High: 66.5 Feb. 1 Average High: 64 Feb. 29 Average High: 69

Average Low: 45.8 Feb. 1 Average Low: 43 Feb. 29 Average Low: 49

Average Rain: 1.89 (Driest month)

Average Snow: 0.2 (Snowiest month)

BLOG: La Nina has officially started, what happens next

January on track to be below average

With just over half the month of January gone, temperatures are on track to remain much cooler. As we look back at January 2024, the month ended with an average temperature of 47.7. Colder weather is expected to dominate the remainder of the month thanks to an arctic blast.

January 2025 Calendar

Drought outlook continues worsening trend

Comparing the latest drought monitor to four months ago, severe and extreme conditions continue to spread across the Austin Metro and out towards the Hill Country. This is a massive change from four months ago when Central Texas almost escaped any type of drought situation.

Drought comparison to four months ago

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The latest Drought Outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the U.S. Drought Monitor for the next three and a half months shows drought conditions persisting across Central, West, and Deep South Texas.

Three-and-a-half-month drought outlook

March 1 begins meteorological spring and also the beginning of severe weather season in Central Texas. Stay with the First Warning Weather Team as we keep you safe and informed before and during any active weather.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Dana DiFilippo/States Newsroom

Can the State of Michigan require someone selling a product in Michigan to procure that product from the state? Or, phrased in the language of the coins other side, can Michigan bar in-state retailers from obtaining their merchandise from outside the state?

These are the two basic questions Circuit Judge Chad A. Readler asked in the opening to an opinion issued Thursday, as the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals considered whether certain requirements under the states 2016 energy law violated the U.S. Constitutions Commerce Clause, which limits states abilities to restrict interstate commerce. The law was signed by former Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican.

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As it stands, alternative energy suppliers must procure at least some of the energy they supply from within the state of Michigan for reliability purposes, alongside guaranteeing they can meet energy capacity requirements four years into the future.

However, Energy Michigan, Inc., a collective of alternative energy suppliers and the cases lead plaintiff, argues these requirements discriminate against in-state and out-of-state energy, and favors energy utilities  which control 90% of the states energy market  over alternative energy suppliers.

The Sixth Circuit Court ultimately agreed, finding the local energy sourcing requirement facially discriminatory, later noting a states generic interest in local energy reliability does not exempt it from Commerce Clause scrutiny.

While the courts 2-1 ruling stopped short of eliminating these requirements, it returned the matter to district court, asking the court to determine whether those requirements are the only means of achieving its goal of securing a reliable energy supply.

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In order for the law to stay in place, the defendants  the members of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), Michigans energy regulator  will need to prove that these rules are superior to all other alternatives, as the Court of Appeals notes state laws that discriminate explicitly against interstate commerce are almost always invalid.

In his dissenting opinion, Judge Danny J. Boggs argued the case involved a judgment on the proper trade-off between maintaining the reliability of household electric service and the prerogatives of a home-state regulator on the one hand and amplifying competition on the other.

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Should this court insert itself into a complex web of regulation in hopes of increasing competition within a sliver of the market? This court should err on the side of refusing to do so because the Commerce Clause does not elevate free trade above all other values, Boggs said, citing Maine v. Taylor, a Supreme Court case which also addressed questions with the Commerce clause.

He also argued the court was operating in an area that was typically handled by the state.

With the defense facing a high bar in state court, its likely the case will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court with the defendants hinging their argument on several other Commerce Clause cases argued before the high court.

The results of the case would also carry significant consequences for Michigan consumers and energy companies. While state law would continue to restrict alternative energy suppliers to 10% of the market, they could potentially source their energy supply from out of state, giving them an edge when competing with utilities for those 10% of customers, which the opinion notes are predominantly large industrial groups.

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Katie Carey, director of external relations for Consumers Energy, the states largest energy utility and an intervenor in the case, told the Michigan Advance in an email that the company is evaluating the opinion.

We remain committed to providing reliable service to our customers and will continue to work with the MPSC, customers, and suppliers to ensure we have the power supply needed to continue to effectively power Michigans progress, Carey said.

Dave Akerly, senior strategist at DTE Energy, Michigans other major energy utility, similarly said the company was reviewing the courts opinion, and did not have a comment at this time.

MPSC spokesperson Matt Helms declined to comment on the commissions behalf.

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The Michigan Advance also contacted Energy Michigan, Inc., the group had not responded to an emailed request for comment as of the time of publication.

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Jan. 16A federal court has sided with the state of New Mexico in a conflict over stream access that pitted landowners, water recreation enthusiasts and state regulators against one another.

U.S. District Judge Kea Riggs on Thursday dismissed a complaint filed by five landowners in San Miguel and Rio Arriba counties who alleged that the state was violating their rights by preventing them from removing trespassers from their property.

"We are disappointed in the outcome and will be conferring with our clients about the next steps in the coming days," wrote Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Christoper Kieser, who is representing the landowners, who own properties along the Pecos River and Rio Tusas.

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The complaint was filed in June, less than a year after Attorney General Raul Torrez filed his own complaint against property owners who, he said, had blocked public access to the Pecos River. Some of the barriers included "no trespassing" signs and fences made of PVC pipe and wire.

"The court's ruling sends a clear message: individuals attempting to restrict public recreation in these waters are wrong on the lawboth at the state and federal level," said Attorney General Raul Torrez in a statement. "This outcome underscores the strength of our state's constitution and the fundamental rights it guarantees to every New Mexican. We commend our exceptional legal team for their diligent and efficient work in defending these rights and ensuring that the law is upheld."

The conflict has been brewing since a 2022 state Supreme Court decision affirmed the right of New Mexicans to access non-navigable waterways, even if someone owns the riverbed underneath them. Although the decision was celebrated by fans of outdoor recreation, it was unpopular with some landowners who complained people were trashing the waterways abutting their properties.

In August, Torrez moved to hold one owner in contempt of court for allegedly failing to remove those barriers. That state court case is ongoing.
CHICAGO  Electric trucks are few and far between, but Illinois will be experiencing an uptick in these freight carriers due to the construction of 14 new electric truck charging hubs.

Illinois is the winner of a competitive $114 million federal grant to support new electric vehicle charging stations across the state.

Governor JB Pritzker announced the federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation will be used to build 14 truck charging hubs, with three being close to the St. Louis region.

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As more projects are developed and deployed, Illinois will serve as a critical connecting charging hub for zero-emission vehicles, especially trucks, traveling across the nation, Illinois EPA Director James Jennings said.

East St. Louis will receive a Tesla and Gage Zero charging station. Springfield, Ill. will only receive a Testla hub.

For the full list of locations funded through U.S. DOTs grant funding, click here.

Food Network picks the most iconic foods and drinks of St. Louis

Nationally, this Illinois-based charging infrastructure network will serve as a critical connecting node in the middle of the country to expand medium-heavy duty charging hubs beyond existing East and West coast deployments.

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From Illinois, a truck can reach 83 percent of the continental US within a two-day drive.

Many cities are only one EV charge away from the borders of Illinois. This project represents a significant step forward for Illinois in meeting its transportation decarbonization goals.

Collectively, these stations are estimated to support over 3,300 electric vehicles per day.

Governor JB Pritzker also announced $39 million in state funding to build 1,476 charging stations at 242 locations in Illinois, helping make access to charging more accessible across the state.

This is another win for Illinois as we lead the EV revolution, strengthening our EV infrastructure and building a cleaner, more sustainable transportation network, Governor JB Pritzker said.

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A major automaker that was accused of spying on drivers through onboard computer systems has agreed to a deal with federal regulators.

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Justin Gray has been reporting for months that this data has been leading to higher insurance bills for drivers.

The Federal Trade Commission says consumers didnt know that General Motors was collecting data about their driving through its OnStar system, let alone that they were selling it. Now, an order from the federal government is forcing them to stop.

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Temeika Clay told Gray her car insurance skyrocketed 80% last Spring after GM sold the OnStar data being collected on her Chevrolet Camaro without her knowledge.

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She learned that GM shared 603 entries with data brokers, including acceleration events, high-speed events and hard break events through what they call its Smart Driver Program.

The new order from the FTC bans GM from selling or sharing driver data for the next five years.

Never did I imagine it would be spying on us and sending information about driving habits. Thats just unbelievable, Clay told Gray.

The FTC alleges in its complaint that GM told consumers the driving data they collected from consumers would be used for the consumers own assessment of their driving habits. However, Respondents used their tracking technology to sell precise geolocation data and consumer driving behavior data without consumers consent.

MORE FROM 2 INVESTIGATES:

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GM shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News that read,

Last year, we discontinued Smart Driver across all GM vehicles, unenrolled all customers, and ended our third-party telematics relationships with LexisNexis and Verisk. As part of the agreement, GM will obtain affirmative customer consent to collect, use, or disclose certain types of connected vehicle data.

GM is signing onto that agreement to not track without consumer consent for the next 20 years as part of the settlement. It also requires GM to allow consumers to obtain and delete their data, as well as allow consumers to limit data collection from their vehicles.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  More money will be coming to a local health care provider to help them serve those who need it most.

The Health Resources and Services Administration announced they will invest $1 million in Heartland Health Services. According to the healthcare provider, the money will go towards adding more hours of operation.

The investment will add additional hours for the clinical and administration staff during the early morning, night and weekends.

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Heartland Health Services announces new CEO

Heartland Health Services is a community health center funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, so it sees patients regardless of their ability to pay. This expansion of hours is considered critical for the underinsured or uninsured.

It is also important for those struggling to find care outside regular business hours. Many people forgo care due to not being able to get timely appointments, which can lead to more expensive visits when health conditions get worse.

No one should have to delay or skip a trip to the doctor because of work or school. The millions of Americans who cant miss their daytime work shift, whose kids are in school, who have limited childcare, or who face transportation challenges deserve the same access to quality care, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

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These investments will help to extend operating hours, especially for patients in rural or underserved communities nationwide. Im proud to be part of an Administration that leaves nobody behind.

The official update hours for Heartland Health Services have not been released. The updated hours are expected to be released on Heartlands Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Three Republican-led states will be allowed to move forward with a lawsuit to restrict access to mifepristone, a Texas federal judge ruled Thursday, months after the Supreme Court rejected an earlier argument in the case.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed during President-elect Trumps first term, said Idaho, Missouri and Kansas can intervene and file a complaint in the case that was originally brought by a group of anti-abortion activists and doctors.

Last year, the Supreme Court dismissed that lawsuit, saying that private parties had no legal basis to challenge access to mifepristone. The justices found the conservative doctors in the lawsuit did not show they had personally been harmed by the governments actions regulating mifepristone.

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In the complaint allowed by Kacsmaryk, the red states claim that some of the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) actions to loosen access to mifepristone allowed the pills to flood across their borders, endangering the lives of women and undermining their anti-abortion laws.

The states are challenging the FDA actions that have loosened restrictions on the drug since 2016, including approving it for use in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and allowing it to be prescribed by telemedicine and sent through the mail.

The Biden administrations Department of Justice sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that Kansas, Idaho and Missouri did not have legal standing to bring a case to Amarillo, Texas. But Kacsmaryk, who in 2023 ruled against the FDA and ordered the drug off the market, said those arguments werent applicable.

He wrote in the decision that the FDA and mifepristone manufacturer Danco will have a separate opportunity to argue for the lawsuits dismissal. But the timing of the ruling means the next steps will come from the Trump administration, which could decide not to defend the regulation.

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Trumps attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, did not directly answer when asked by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) at her confirmation hearing whether she would commit to defending the FDAs actions in the case, saying she needed to do more research. Bondi vowed not to let her personal anti-abortion views influence her actions.

The FDA has repeatedly found that mifepristone is safe and that a medication abortion regimen that includes mifepristone and a second drug, misoprostol, is a safe and effective alternative to surgical abortions.

The Supreme Courts ruling on the case didnt address the underlying regulatory or safety issues the plaintiffs raised, instead deciding the case only on standing.

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A federal judge, in a hearing Friday, appeared likely to block Attorney General Merrick Garland from releasing special counsel Jack Smith's final report on Donald Trump's alleged retention of classified documents to select members of Congress.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the case last year based on the constitutionality of Smith's appointment, is considering whether to prevent Garland from allowing the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to view the volume of Smith's report covering his probe -- with Friday's hearing serving as epilogue to the criminal case that legal experts say once posed the most significant legal threat to the former president.

Cannon, in court, suggested it would be "premature" to allow the congressional members to see the report while the Justice Department continues to appeal the case against Trump's former co-defendants.

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MORE: DOJ pushes for select members of Congress to review Jack Smith's classified docs report

"There is really no way this court can do anything or enforce anything about leaks," Judge Cannon said. "What can I do if somehow this report gets leaked?"

Lawyers for Trump's former co-defendants, longtime aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago staffer Carlos De Oliviera, argued that the leak of the report's contents would be inevitable if the members of Congress are able to review the report, which would then harm their client's ability to have a fair trial should the DOJ succeed in its appeall.

Nauta's attorney, Stanley Woodward, said he has "virtually zero" confidence that Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin -- who serves as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee -- would respect the confidentiality of the report.

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"He has every expectation to talk about what's in the report," said Woodward, arguing the only thing preventing him from sharing the report's contents is "scout's honor."

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sept. 25, 2024, in Mint Hill, N.C. (Evan Vucci/AP)

While DOJ lawyer Elizabeth Shapiro argued that the defense argument relied on "speculation of speculation" about a potential leak, Judge Cannon appeared to agree with the defense's concerns and described the limited release of the report as "premature."

"At the end of the day, what is the upside of doing this now rather than waiting until the matter is concluded?" Judge Cannon asked.

Shapiro argued that the attorney general historically had has the right to release the report at his discretion, though she acknowledged the time sensitivity is because Garland's time in the position "is limited."

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John Lauro, an attorney for Trump, also joined the defense's push to block the report, arguing that the DOJ is trying to release an "unprecedented" and "incomprehensible" report.

"They want to make history today by releasing that information," Lauro said, calling the DOJ a "weaponized political weapon."

Lauro argued that Trump's ongoing interest is both institutional as the incoming president and personal as a former defendant who theoretically could face another prosecution since Smith's appeal was dismissed without prejudice.

MORE: House Democrats urge Garland to 'take all necessary steps' to release Jack Smith's report on Trump classified docs case

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Judge Cannon appeared interested in that argument in particular, confronting Shapiro about the seemingly incomprehensible possibility of another case being brought in the future.

"To this day, is the Department of Justice ruling out charging the president-elect?" Judge Cannon asked.

"I can't speak to that, your honor," Shapiro said.

"So, you're uncertain at this point?" Cannon asked.

"I don't know," said Shapiro, who only recently appeared as a lawyer in the case.

MORE: Timeline: Special counsel's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents

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It was unclear if Cannon would issue a ruling on Friday.

Earlier this week, Garland released the first volume of Smith's report related to Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election while withholding the second volume related to classified documents because an appeal of that case for Trump's former co-defendants is ongoing.

Trump pleaded not guilty in June 2023 to 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials, after prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information. The former president, along with Nauta and De Oliveira, also pleaded not guilty in a superseding indictment to allegedly attempting to delete surveillance footage at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Lawyers for the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe have downplayed the risks of releasing Smith's report on the case, arguing in court filings that the sensitive work products of other special counsels have been reviewed by members of Congress using secure protocols. The four members of Congress who would access Smith's report would be bound by confidentiality, and would be limited to an on-camera review of the report in which they would be prohibited from taking notes.

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"[T]his argument rests entirely on conjecture and disregards the options available to the Court to protect the Defendants from prejudice were this speculative chain of events to come to pass," prosecutors argued.

While Judge Cannon cast the legitimacy of Smith's appointment into doubt, prosecutors have argued that the question of releasing the report no longer relates to Smith -- who resigned last week after handing the report in -- and is fully in the hands of Garland.

"The Attorney General thus has authority to decide whether to release an investigative report prepared by his subordinates," prosecutors said in a filing.

Judge appears likely to block AG from releasing final report on Trump's classified docs case to Congress originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CHICAGO  A federal jury has convicted a Chicago man who kidnapped two women and sexually assaulted one of them at gunpoint in early 2021.

Prosecutors said 29-year-old Andrew Anania was convicted on Monday on two counts of kidnapping, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced Thursday.

The verdict was reached following a two-week trial in federal court in Chicago.

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Evidence presented at trial revealed that on March 8, 2021, Anania kidnapped an Uber Driver in Darien, Illinois. Prosecutors said he showed the victim a gun and forced her to drive to Chicago and park in an alley where he sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene on foot.

Two days later, on March 10, 2021, prosecutors said Anania and another man, 31-year-old Walter Moran, a Cicero resident, kidnapped another woman as she made her way to work. Anania pointed a gun at the victim and, alongside Moran, drove them to Chicago where Moran got into a gunfight on the street.

The duo eventually released the victim and stole her car.

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According to prosecutors, Anania also pleaded guilty to unrelated kidnapping and carjacking charges prior to trial.

Prosecutors said during that incident, which unfolded in Chicago on Feb. 27, 2021, Anania got into a vehicle with a driver and claimed he had a gun before he sexually assaulted her.

The victim was eventually able to escape when the car stopped at an intersection. Prosecutors said Anania fled in the vehicle but crashed shortly after.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

According to prosecutors, at the time he committed the offenses, Anania was awaiting trial in a separate federal firearm case. He had been released on bond following a court hearing, despite the governments efforts to detain him.

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Anania will appear for sentencing at 10:30 a.m. on May, 13. He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum of life.

Moran, who pleaded guilty last year to kidnapping and carjacking charges will appear before U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang on March, 18 for sentencing.

Prosecutors did not provide a booking photo for either man.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Federal authorities are investigating allegations that police officers may have paid bribes or offered other gratuities in exchange for promotions, according to a letter filed in court Thursday by a lawyer suing a former top adviser of Mayor Adams.

The lawyer, John Scola, wrote in the letter that his firm has spoken in recent months with numerous police union officials, officers and detectives of various ranks who have either direct knowledge of the pay to play investigation, have been interviewed by federal investigators or have been asked to turn over electronic communications to them.

Scola made the claims in a letter to the city seeking documents on behalf of his client, retired Sgt. Roxanne Ludemann. Ludemann alleges that former senior mayoral adviser Tim Pearson sexually harassed her, then blocked her promotion in early 2023 when she rebuffed him.

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Scola alleges in the letter that Pearson instead approved the promotion of his friend Patrick Gordon, the president of the NYPD Guardians Fraternal organization, a group in which Pearson has long been active. Gordon was promoted to Sgt Special Assignment on Feb. 24, 2023.

(Ludemann) seeks discovery regarding the pay-to-play promotion scheme currently under investigation by federal, state, and city law enforcement agencies, Scola writes in the letter.

(The citys) assertion that plaintiffs discovery demands are based on rumor is both false and misleading. I have personally spoken with numerous individuals possessing direct knowledge of the internal operations of the NYPD and the ongoing investigations that have implicated the department.

In addition to Ludemann, Scola also represents an active duty chief, Miltiadis Marmara, and two other retired police supervisors who claim Pearson sidelined their careers for backing Ludemann.

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Nicholas Biase, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys office in Manhattan, declined comment as did a spokeswoman for the city Department of Investigation.

Rumors about an investigation into pay for promotions have been circulating for months, ever since early September when the FBI appeared at the homes of key Adams administration officials, including Pearson, Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks.

Scolas letter is the first documented indication that such an investigation has been underway.

It has already been reported that Cabans brother James is under investigation for using his police ties to aid local businesses in avoiding police crackdowns.

Federal authorities in September slapped Mayor Adams asylum seeker operations director, Molly Schaeffer, with a subpoena requiring her to turn over records, including communications with Pearson, who had deep involvement in city migrant contracts.
(Texas Tribune)  Texas officials discriminated against residents based on race and national origin in distributing $1 billion in Hurricane Harvey aid in 2021, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development affirmed on Wednesday.

Since the state General Land Office has shown a sustained unwillingness to voluntarily correct the unequal treatment, which HUD contends violates the Fair Housing Act, the agency has referred the case to the Department of Justice.

Additional fact-finding by HUD investigators since their preliminary finding of discrimination in 2022 only reinforced that conclusion, Christina Lewis, Region VI director of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, wrote Wednesday in a letter to GLO and two community groups who originally filed the complaint.

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GLO focused Mitigation resources in communities that benefited smaller populations of rural White Texans over communities of urban Black and Hispanic Texans, particularly those closer to the coast and more prone to flooding from hurricanes and other natural disasters, Lewis said.

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham dismissed the move as a stunt by political activists embedded in HUD by the Biden Administration.

The fact is, the HUD-approved plan overwhelmingly benefited minorities and there simply was no discrimination, Buckingham said in a statement. No other state has performed as efficiently and effectively as Texas in providing disaster recovery and mitigation funding to communities and residents.

Buckingham said the Justice Department previously rejected fake claims from HUD because they lacked substance. Her spokesperson said she was referring to a 2023 letter in which the U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke returned a referral from the housing agency to HUD for further investigation.

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The two community groups, Texas Housers and Northeast Action Collective, on Thursday praised HUDs action and said in a statement that the findings confirmed what communities of color in Texas have long suspected. They called on the Justice Department to force Texas to comply with federal discrimination laws since the state had bucked a voluntary agreement with the housing department.

At issue is how the federal government says Texas misspent some of the $4.3 billion in disaster recovery aid it received from Congress in 2019.

The General Land Office in 2021, under then-Commissioner George P. Bush, distributed a $1 billion tranche via a funding competition it designed for local governments. But the governments of Houston and Harris County received $0 from the contest, despite the county having the most deaths and property damage from the storm.

A Houston Chronicle investigation found the aid disproportionately went to inland counties with less damage from the storm than coastal ones hit hardest. The newspaper also found the land office steered money away from coastal communities the state measured were at highest risk of natural disasters and toward inland ones with a lower disaster risk.

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Under pressure from irate Houston politicians of both parties, Bush canceled a planned second funding competition and announced plans to award $750 million directly to Harris County. But that did not satisfy all his critics.

HUD soon launched its own investigation. The agencys conclusions, released in 2022, confirmed the Chronicles findings and said the unfair doling out of funds discriminated on the basis of race and national origin and substantially and predictably disadvantaged minority residents, with particularly disparate outcomes for Black residents.

The land office revised its plan to distribute a second $1.2 billion tranche. But a Texas Tribune investigation found that, too, routed aid disproportionately to more white, inland counties at less risk of natural disasters.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

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What action the Justice Department may take is unclear with President Donald Trump, an ally of Abbott, returning to office next week. Trumps transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/16/texas-land-office-hurricane-harvey-aid-hud-discrimination/.

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.
Texas officials discriminated against residents based on race and national origin in distributing $1 billion in Hurricane Harvey aid in 2021, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development affirmed on Wednesday.

Since the state General Land Office has shown a sustained unwillingness to voluntarily correct the unequal treatment, which HUD contends violates the Fair Housing Act, the agency has referred the case to the Department of Justice.

Additional fact-finding by HUD investigators since their preliminary finding of discrimination in 2022 only reinforced that conclusion, Christina Lewis, Region VI director of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, wrote Wednesday in a letter to GLO and two community groups who originally filed the complaint.

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GLO focused Mitigation resources in communities that benefited smaller populations of rural White Texans over communities of urban Black and Hispanic Texans, particularly those closer to the coast and more prone to flooding from hurricanes and other natural disasters, Lewis said.

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham dismissed the move as a stunt by "political activists embedded in HUD by the Biden Administration."

"The fact is, the HUD-approved plan overwhelmingly benefited minorities and there simply was no discrimination," Buckingham said in a statement. "No other state has performed as efficiently and effectively as Texas in providing disaster recovery and mitigation funding to communities and residents."

Buckingham said the Justice Department previously rejected "fake claims" from HUD because they lacked substance. Her spokesperson said she was referring to a 2023 letter in which the U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke returned a referral from the housing agency to HUD for further investigation.

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The two community groups, Texas Housers and Northeast Action Collective, on Thursday praised HUDs action and said in a statement that the findings confirmed what communities of color in Texas have long suspected. They called on the Justice Department to force Texas to comply with federal discrimination laws since the state had bucked a voluntary agreement with the housing department.

At issue is how the federal government says Texas misspent some of the $4.3 billion in disaster recovery aid it received from Congress in 2019.

The General Land Office in 2021, under then-Commissioner George P. Bush, distributed a $1 billion tranche via a funding competition it designed for local governments. But the governments of Houston and Harris County received $0 from the contest, despite the county having the most deaths and property damage from the storm.

A Houston Chronicle investigation found the aid disproportionately went to inland counties with less damage from the storm than coastal ones hit hardest. The newspaper also found the land office steered money away from coastal communities the state measured were at highest risk of natural disasters and toward inland ones with a lower disaster risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Under pressure from irate Houston politicians of both parties, Bush canceled a planned second funding competition and announced plans to award $750 million directly to Harris County. But that did not satisfy all his critics.

HUD soon launched its own investigation. The agencys conclusions, released in 2022, confirmed the Chronicles findings and said the unfair doling out of funds discriminated on the basis of race and national origin and substantially and predictably disadvantaged minority residents, with particularly disparate outcomes for Black residents.

The land office revised its plan to distribute a second $1.2 billion tranche. But a Texas Tribune investigation found that, too, routed aid disproportionately to more white, inland counties at less risk of natural disasters.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

What action the Justice Department may take is unclear with President Donald Trump, an ally of Abbott, returning to office next week. Trumps transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Joe Everett told wildfire victims and evacuees that he feels like he failed the Pacific Palisades community during a community meeting in Westwood Thursday night.

Many residents, some of whom lost everything during last weeks wildfire, expressed anger and frustration during the meeting.

Some shouted questions like, When can we get access? Why couldnt you save our community? and Why is my home gone?

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Everett, a third-generation resident of Pacific Palisades, apologized to those in attendance.

Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Joe Everett speaks during a community meeting in Westwood on Jan. 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Its extremely, extremely hard for me to look you in the eye knowing that, quite honestly, I feel like I failed you in some respect, Everett said as his voice broke with emotion.

When he finished the emotional address and was about to move on to other matters, the crowd interrupted and applauded Everetts candor.

The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 during one of Southern Californias most powerful windstorms in over a decade, scorching nearly 24,000 acres and damaging or destroying over 10,000 structures.

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Firefighters were often overwhelmed by embers flying for miles through the air only to ignite additional structures. Crews also reported running out of water while attempting to douse the flames.

A firefighter battles the advancing Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Not many of the crowds questions were answered during the meeting, where fire officials provided further details about the firestorm that many already understood.

Ive never seen fire behavior like that in 39 years. This incident is going to go down as the most destructive fire incident in the history of Los Angeles County, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Fentanyl pills seized by Utah law enforcement and handed over to the Utah Department of Public Safety. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Department of Public Safety)

Fentanyl is the most common drug found in overdose deaths in the state, according to a new report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

There were 606 drug overdose deaths reported in 2023, a 14.3% jump from 2022. The report found 290 of those deaths involved fentanyl. Drug overdose deaths peaked in 2015 and havent dipped since. More people died from fatal drug overdoses in 2023 than ever before, and for the first time, there are more deaths from fentanyl than methamphetamine, according to the reports findings.

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The sharp increase in the number of fentanyl-involved deaths outpaces reductions in deaths from prescription opioids, said Dr. Deirdre Amaro, chief medical examiner. We will likely see an increase in the drug overdose death rate if this trend continues.

Utah launched a fentanyl task force, which DHHS is part of, last October to combat the drug market. The objectives of the task force include educating the public, disrupting trafficking networks, partnering with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, addressing the root causes of fentanyl use, collecting data on drug usage, and looking at policies and penalties for those convicted of dealing drugs.

We appreciate the dedication and support of Governor Cox and the Utah State Legislature in addressing the overdose crisis, said Tracy Gruber, DHHS executive director. Theres much work to do but DHHS is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and death in our families and communities and helping all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live healthy and safe lives.

The task force met Thursday to discuss the reports findings.

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Our subgroup leaders identified immediate next steps for action, many of which are now underway, to reduce the impact of fentanyl in our communities, Gov. Spencer Cox said in a post to X.

Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West, has introduced a bill that would make trafficking fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance a first-degree felony.

In a post to X on Wednesday, the official Utah House Majority account praised the bill.

Rep. Matt Gwynns bill hands out presumptive prison sentences to fentanyl traffickers, increasing penalties while investing in law enforcement programs to disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs in Utah, the post read.

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The report also found that middle-age men have a significantly higher rate of drug overdose death; people who experience homelessness die at a much faster and younger rate than those who are not homeless; and southeastern Utah counties like Emery, Grand, Summit, Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah have higher rates of drug overdoses.

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GOLDEN POND, Ky. (WKRN)  The Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area along the Kentucky-Tennessee border has long been a great destination for visitors to experience nature and observe wildlife.

However, in recent years, feral swine, a non-native species, are not only threatening visitor safety and cultural sites, but are also digging up native plants and farmland. In addition, officials say they endanger the native species in the area.

Courtesy: Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 21, a collection of government agencies will begin a campaign to reduce the number of feral hogs at the recreational area.

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Cicada invasion 2025: Will the insects emerge in Tennessee or Kentucky this year?

The USDA will reportedly partner with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the TWRA to use aerial operations and bait trapping to euthanize feral swine at the recreation area.

Courtesy: Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

One of the hogs destructive habits is to root into the ground for food. A local farmer described the damage they cause to the land.

Why do otters love to play in the snow?

And if you look at it, theyre rooting up this treated corn. Look right there, pointed out the farmer. And if you look right there, these are corn seeds. All the way down. This where they actually stopped right here, and started up again.

Courtesy: USDA Forest Service

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The feral swine are mostly on the Tennessee side of the border at Land Between the Lakes, with some reported sightings north of the Kentucky border.

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Visitors should be aware of additional official vehicles and aircraft at the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area for the remainder of the winter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  When Democrat John Fetterman got elected to Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat, many backers hoped he'd challenge convention and the status quo.

He did and has  just not in the way many had expected.

Fetterman has broken with his party on some policy matters and warmed to President-elect Donald Trump, a man he bashed on the 2024 campaign trail as a felon" who is obsessed with revenge. Fetterman later became the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump since the election.

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In fact, Fetterman has warmed to Trump so much that some in his party are quietly disavowing the man they supported in 2022, when the Pennsylvanian easily won a three-candidate primary and survived a stroke amid a high-pressure campaign to become the only Democrat to flip a Republican Senate seat that year.

Christine Jacobs, who founded Represent PA, an organization to help elect Democratic women to Pennsylvanias legislature, said the Democrats shes talking to are both disappointed and concerned by Fetterman's dalliance with Trump.

Their worry, Jacobs said, is that Trump can say hes talking to Democrats like John Fetterman, but its not going to change what he does and itll end up looking like John Fettermans being used.

Fetterman's approach is reminding some Democrats of former Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, both of whom clashed with their party during President Joe Biden's term, became political independents and didn't run for reelection.

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Still, Fetterman  who often mocked Manchin during his 2022 Senate run  isn't the only one adjusting to the new political reality.

Democrats are grappling with election losses across battleground states, including Pennsylvania, that gave Trump and his party control of the White House and Congress. Democrats are weighing how much to challenge Trump and whether to embrace some of his policies as they try to rebuild their coalition.

I havent changed my core values throughout out all this, Fetterman told KDKA-AM radio in Pittsburgh on Thursday. But, he said, engaging with Republicans is one of the reasons why they elected me, they wanted me to do these things.

Now Pennsylvania's senior senator, Fetterman had a difficult start to his Senate career. He was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, a complication from the stroke, and checked himself into the hospital for depression just one month after taking office.

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Six weeks later, Fetterman returned to the Senate seemingly transformed  joking with colleagues and shedding his suit-and-tie for the hoodies and shorts that had long been his trademark.

He quickly made waves  for instance, lambasting then-Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., for remaining in office while facing bribery charges. Menendez was convicted last year.

After Hamas attacked Israel, Fetterman became an outspoken supporter of Israel on an issue that had firmly divided Democrats.

Now, Fetterman has become the only Senate Democrat to meet with Trump, after flying to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last weekend. Fetterman said it was only reasonable to meet with the incoming president in what Fetterman has described as a good and honest conversation that lasted for over an hour.

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And I can only see good things emerging from that, Fetterman told KDKA.

For his part, Trump told the Washington Examiner that they had a totally fascinating meeting and that Fetterman is a commonsense person and not liberal or conservative.

Some Democrats say Fetterman is a smart politician who is acknowledging political reality.

Mustafa Rashed, a Philadelphia-based Democratic strategist, said Pennsylvania should be considered a Republican state after Trump's second victory there in three tries and the GOP's down-ballot trouncing of Democrats in November's statewide races. That included the defeat of Fetterman's mentor in the Senate, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

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Hes in a red state, Rashed said. Of course hes got to go meet with him. And if you want to continue to represent a red state, of course youve got to meet with the president.

Fetterman  who is among 10 Senate Democrats representing states won by Trump  is distinguishing himself in other ways.

He's met with several of Trumps Cabinet picks  unlike some fellow Democrats  and pledged to vote for some, even posing for photos with a thumbs-up, which Trump often strikes in photos with well-wishers.

Fetterman is also not dismissing Trumps eyebrow-raising idea of acquiring Greenland, the massive and rare earth mineral-rich Danish territory. On Fox News, Fetterman called buying Greenland a responsible conversation and compared it to the Louisiana Purchase.

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He co-sponsored a GOP bill to detain unauthorized immigrants accused of certain crimes and helped get it past a procedural hurdle in the Senate. Amid brewing Democratic opposition, Fetterman remarked on Fox News that if enough Democrats couldnt join with Republicans to pass the bill then thats a reason why we lost the 2024 election.

Republican senators have held out Fetterman as an example for other Democrats to follow. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., a close friend of Fetterman's in the Senate, said he is giving Pennsylvania a seat at the table by engaging with Trump and his nominees, and has demonstrated that he's interested in good policy, not partisan lines.

Truly, if more people operated like that, we would be better off as a nation, Britt said in an interview.

Democratic strategists note Fetterman forged his political career largely on his own, independently from the party.

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As a small-town mayor in Braddock, Fetterman became a minor celebrity for his looks  he's 6-foot-8 and tattooed with a shaved head  and his efforts to put the depressed former steel town back on the map.

He endorsed insurgent Democrat Bernie Sanders in 2016s presidential primary and ran from the left against the party-backed Democrat in 2016s Senate primary. When the state Democratic Party looked to endorse a candidate in 2022s three-way primary, Fetterman shrugged it off as an inside game.

Jamie Perrapato, executive director of Turn PA Blue, which helps organize and train campaign volunteers, said she's seeing a lot of outrage on the left over Fetterman engaging with Trump. But nobody should be surprised, she said.

Fetterman is a wild card," Perrapato said, and if anyone thought he'd fall in line with Senate Democratic leadership, they were crazy.

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Fetterman's drift has given rise to whispers that he may change his registration.

Last month, appearing on ABCs This Week, Fetterman said that hes not leaving the Democratic Party, but that meeting Trump nominees and aligning with some GOP policy views is part of representing the kind of state that we have in Pennsylvania.

Still, Fetterman hasn't backed away from his bedrock issues, such as support for labor unions, abortion rights or LGBT rights.

He has had close relationships with some top Pennsylvania Democrats, including Casey, and Jim Burn, a former state Democratic Party chairman, said Fetterman campaigned hard for Vice President Kamala Harris before she lost to Trump.

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Nobody can say John Fetterman was hedging bets for the Republicans," Burn said, because he was working his tail off for Kamala Harris all over the state.

___

Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
WASHINGTON  In May 2020, President Donald Trump sided with owner-operators lining the National Mall with their rigs protesting alleged price gouging by truck brokers.

All they want is to be treated fairly, and were going to treat them fairly, Trump told hosts of the morning show Fox & Friends at the time. Theyre great people, and theyre successful. They have these big, beautiful trucks.  Theyre not asking for much, so were going to take care of them.

Truckers demonstrating in Washington, D.C. May 3, 2020. (Photo: John Gallagher/FreightWaves)

Almost five years later, on Jan. 21, 2025, the comment period will end on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations Broker Transparency rulemaking, which was rolled out last year in response to petitions filed by small-business truckers during the 2020 protests. The proposed rule would impose tough new standards on contracts between brokers and shippers, with the goal of giving motor carriers easier access to rate information.

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Following the comment period  which ends the day after Trump is inaugurated  his FMCSA will have to decide whether to issue a final rule, delay action on it or revoke it altogether. Its unclear if his administration will continue to support truckers on the issue.





If theres anybody who thinks they can predict what President Trump is going to do, theyre probably not going to be in any industry very long, said Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, which lobbies on behalf of brokers and is adamantly against the proposed rule.

Speaking Wednesday on a webinar panel hosted by the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) discussing the prospects for the proposed rule, Burroughs acknowledged Trumps siding with truckers in May 2020, just after the beginning of the pandemic when freight rates had plummeted due to overcapacity in the trucking market.

Trucking spot rates ($/mile), March 2020 to January 2025. Source: SONAR

Trump was also facing reelection, and many saw his attention to the issue as trying to placate a portion of his voter base, which included owner-operators.

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So we dont know  were educating where we can, were working with Trumps transition team, well work with likely-soon-to-be Transportation Secretary Duffy, the folks at FMCSA, Burroughs said. But predicting where President Trumps going to be on this, were not sure.





Fair play and driver fatigue

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, along with the Small Business in Transportation Coalition, sought the rulemaking from FMCSA to allow truckers greater access to freight-rate information. OOIDA has argued that, while those rates are determined by supply and demand, FMCSAs lack of enforcement of existing broker transparency regulations has harmed truckers and benefited brokers.

Were not suggesting that broker transparency will set rates or guarantee certain rates, OOIDA asserts. We support the free market and are trying to even the playing field so that truckers arent systematically negotiating with one hand behind their backs.

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In agreeing to issue the rulemaking, FMCSA stated that it cannot replace prudent business judgement of shippers, brokers and carriers.

However, the brokered freight transportation industry requires a certain degree of trust to operate efficiently, the agency stated in the proposed rule.

Trust is eroded when motor carriers are prevented from seeing the charges and payments associated with the service they are providing. In addition to creating mistrust, unsubstantiated and specious charges levied on motor carriers divert resources to paying or litigating the charges, that could otherwise be spent providing safe and efficient transportation.

The National Owner Operators Association echoed the safety issue, contending that when carriers are unaware of the true value of a load, they may accept below-cost rates, leading to financial stress, wrote NOOA President Michael Boston in comments filed in the rulemaking.

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Carriers under financial pressure may feel forced to work longer hours, potentially violating Hours of Service regulations, which directly impacts safety.

A trucking backfire?

But Nadia Martin, who manages freight claims and carrier compliance at Blakeman Transportation, a trucking brokerage, says requiring brokers to reveal sensitive freight rate information would backfire on truckers.





Carriers would see that brokers dont make much off the load already, and with transparency, it could cause broker rates to fall even more in an attempt to secure whatever freight they can, Martin told FreightWaves. This in turn would cause carrier rates to fall because brokers would be in a bidding war with other brokers trying to get freight. Lowest rate wins, which means the carrier wouldnt be paid as much.

Slippery slope

NITL General Counsel Karyn Booth is skeptical that FMCSA, under the Trump administration, would make expanding oversight of private contract terms a priority.

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They really need to be focusing on safety and fraud  that makes a lot more sense of where to put their resources, Booth said during the webinar.

She added that theres a wider slippery slope argument to be made as well.

Where does this go from here? Do you move to the ocean industry and start requiring disclosure of ocean freight forwarder rates? What about all the other industries that use middlemen  the travel industry, finance industry, real estate  what is the precedent being set here, and is it a good idea?

Certainly from my perspective, when you have a very robustly competitive industry, its very unusual for the federal government to come in and dictate disclosure of proprietary commercial terms that are negotiated privately between two parties, and then giving that information to a third party.

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OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Film crews began shooting Bachelor Santa this week. Some of the scenes take place in The Creme Coffee Shop on 2nd street in Owensboro.

Annie Edwards and her husband are big holiday movie fans. When they heard one was filming at one of their favorite coffee shops they say they could not pass up the opportunity to be in it.

We had to act like we were ordering coffee which is normal because I order coffee pretty much every single day. And we did it over and over and over again  and it was really fun, says Edwards.

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The movie is about the daughter of a widow writing a letter to Santa Claus, hoping to find love for her mother. Coincidentally, the son of Santa Claus is looking for a Mrs. Claus.

Ella cannon plays Shelby, the widow mother who enters a christmas cookie baking contest for money. Jason Tobias plays Nick Jr., the son of Santa Claus. They say filming in places like this brings the movie to life.

Its got so much character inside and it just really adds that life to the film. So that when you see it you would say oh that looks like a place I would stop by, says Tobias.

Geoff Reisner is one of the directors and says they have already shot in several places around the city including along the river front and around downtown.

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The movie is produced by goldenrod film and television the same company who produced A Christmas Pitch which was shot in Madisonville and Owensboro. Both movies are expected to premiere later this year.

Watch the video above 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Jan. 17The Biden administration on Thursday rolled out last-minute plans to add protections for more than 3 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska for subsistence resources.

A portion of the areas chosen for additional protections is close to Nuiqsut, an Inupiaq village in the northeastern area of the reserve, and ConocoPhillips' massive Willow oil project and Nuna project, which produced first oil last month.

"The main conclusion is that subsistence resources must be acknowledged as a significant resource value in the reserve," said Acting Deputy Interior Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis in a press call.

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The Interior Department outlined steps to expand existing "special areas" in the NPR-A  where resource development is restricted  in consultation with Alaska Native tribes. The department also wants to establish a new, Nuiqsut Subsistence Use Special Area.

The department said interim measures would be enacted immediately. Those include directing the Bureau of Land Management to evaluate any proposed construction for potential impacts to subsistence resources such as caribou and fish.

Interior officials said that valid, existing rights for development would be respected. They said that the new protections would follow federal law that requires the department to administer an oil and gas program in the reserve.

In April, the Biden administration announced significant development restrictions in the NPR-A that limited oil and gas leasing in roughly half of the reserve. Interior solicited comments on whether to enact protections for subsistence resources.

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Daniel-Davis said the department's actions to protect subsistence were based on 88,000 comments from residents of North Slope communities.

ConocoPhillips on Thursday argued the new rules would effectively create a wilderness area in a reserve that Congress set aside for oil development.

"This 11th hour effort to impose interim measures by the outgoing administration is tied to the unlawful rules that are being challenged in court by those who live, work and raise families on the North Slope," company spokesperson Rebecca Boys said by email.

The interim measures do not affect the Willow project, which is already under construction, according to ConocoPhillips. However, the measures could impact future developments in the NPR-A, Boys said.

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Interior's announcement comes days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office. Trump, and his Republican allies in Congress, have said they plan to reverse the Biden administration's restrictions on resource development.

Environmental groups, and some Alaska Native groups, applauded the Biden administration's decisions for the Western Arctic region.

"This action reflects a commitment to prioritizing people, wildlife, and the climate over corporate profits, solidifying President Biden's Arctic legacy," said Kristen Miller, executive director of the Alaska Wilderness League, through a prepared statement.

Nauri Simmonds, executive director of Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, said she welcomed any safeguards that "will benefit our descendants."

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Voice of the Arctic Inupiat  a nonprofit representing a group of North Slope leaders and organizations  said Interior had selectively listened to Indigenous voices that agreed with its agenda.

The group said it "looked forward to building a more collaborative relationship" with the Trump administration.

Conservation groups applauded the Biden administration's April management plan. But ConocoPhillips sued the administration in July.

Alaska's congressional delegation blasted Interior's actions.

"The interim measures floated today, as well as the 2024 "management" rule for the petroleum reserve, need to be immediately repealed so that balanced management can be restored," U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said on social media.

"The silver lining? Only four more days of this," she added.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy was heading to Altadena after he was unable to reach his brother when the Eaton Fire approached

At a neighbor's home, Fennessy took milk and beers to cool off a gas meter that was about to ignite

"This house was just burning and I had to do that a few times till it was done, he told 60 Minutes

A California fire chief had to improvise while trying to save whatever homes were left standing as the Eaton fire threatened a neighborhood in Altadena.

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy told 60 Minutes and ABC affiliate KABC that while he was checking in on his brother's neighborhood, he saw that the gas meter on one of the homes was about to ignite.

Although he was able to find a hose, there was no water at the time, according to KABC, so he had to make a forced entry into the home.

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"I thought I'll check the refrigerator and all that was in there was some milk and a couple beers," Fennessy told the outlet.

"Went back out and kind of ran back there and cooled it off and pulled it back a little bit," he added. "It wasn't completely out, so I wasn't sure if it was going to rekindle, but it was all I could do."

Related: Woman Praises Gardener Who Lost Home in L.A. Fires But Saved Hers as Their Neighborhood Burned: An Angel

After he learned the Eaton fire was spreading to Altadena, Fennessy, who grew up there, tried to reach his brother to make sure he was okay. When he wasnt able to make contact with him, Fennessy made the drive up, 60 Minutes reported.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Fortunately, his brother did call him to say that he and his family were safely evacuated, but since he was already nearby, he decided to check on his brother's home  which is around the time he discovered the neighboring gas meter.

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Related: See the Most Dramatic, Terrifying Photos of the California Wildfire Devastation

For Fennessy, this marked the first time he'd ever put out flames in such an unusual way.

In this case, yeah, you know, little bit of milk and a couple beers really saved the day, he said while speaking with 60 Minutes.

Related: Disneyland Hotels Have Taken in at Least 100 Employees Displaced by Wildfires

In the aftermath, he said that only two homes in the neighborhood survived the blaze.

"I think this is our new reality," Fennessy said, according to KABC. "This house-to-house, these urban conflagrations, we're going start seeing them more and more."

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As of Friday, Jan. 17, the Eaton Fire, which is currently 65% contained, has left 16 people dead and burned over 14,000 acres, CAL Fire reported.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A fire erupted at an oil depot in the city of Lyudinovo in Russia's Kaluga Oblast following a Ukrainian drone attack on the facility on Jan. 17, regional Governor Vladislav Shapsha said.

Various Russian Telegram channels, citing residents, reported sounds of explosions in the region. Videos which appear to show a large fire at an oil depot in the city were posted to social media.

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Shapsha confirmed a fire had erupted at a "industrial facility" around 9:30 p.m. local time, additionally claiming that no casualties had been sustained as a result of the attack.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify claims made by Russian officials. Ukraine's military has not yet commented on the attack.

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The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

The attack comes amid an uptick in Ukraines drone operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has targeted Russia's fossil fuel infrastructure as part of its strategy to undermine a key funding source for Russia's war effort. Drone strikes on refineries in Tuapse, Ilyich, and Novoshakhtinsk have led to reductions or suspensions in operations.

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Overnight on Jan. 14, Ukraine carried out its "most massive" strike on Russian military and industrial facilities within a range of up to 1,100 kilometers (620 miles), according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. Targets included chemical plants, refineries, and ammunition depots at the Engels airbase, a source in Ukraines Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

Amid an uptick in drone attacks, Russia's seaborne exports of petroleum products declined by 9.1% to 113.7 million metric tons in 2024, Reuters reported on Jan. 17.

Read also: Russias seaborne oil exports decline 9.1% in 2024 amid Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Americans rekindled love affair with butter continues to gain momentum. In 2023, the average American consumed 6.5 pounds of butter. That growth continued in 2024 as Octobers domestic butter consumption climbed 11.2% to 217.4 million pounds when compared to the same time last year, reported USDAs Economic Research Service (ERS).

Rekindled is a key word in this narrative. While 6.5 pounds is the highest consumption since 1965, at one time, butter topped the leader board for all dairy product sales . . . even being higher than cheese. From 1909 to 1960, per capita butter consumption ranged from 10.9 to 18.7 pounds per person. Thats also according to data from ERS.



An important domestic development

As one would expect, domestic butter production continues to grow. In November, the U.S. produced 170.8 million pounds of butter. That was up 4.4% when compared to the same time last year.

The most recent USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for butter production has some interesting numbers in it. While U.S. butter production climbed 4.4% in November, Californias butter output fell a whopping 12.8% compared to one year ago.

In November 2023, the Golden State produced 51.6 million pounds of butter, and that total represented 48.8% of U.S. production. This time around, Californias 45 million pounds represented just 37.9% of the nations total output. Of course, it stands to reason that Californias butter production took a dramatic downturn as November milk production fell 9.2% while the states dairy farmers battled an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

To bridge the gap in production, other regions churned out more butter. The remaining 49 U.S. states produced 125.8 million pounds of butter and boosted production by 12.4%. Its important to note that USDA separates only two states for butter production data  California and Pennsylvania  as those states have more than three butter plants. When pulling out Pennsylvania from the November data, the remaining U.S. states were up an even more impressive 13.1%.



2024 could become a record year

During the 20th century, U.S. butter production peaked in 1941 at 1.87 billion pounds. That number was not surpassed again for 77 years until butter production reached 1.97 billion pounds in 2018. Currently, 2020 holds the record with 2.15 billion pounds of butter produced in a single year. Through November 2024, production metrics hit 2.20 billion pounds. This means 2024 is poised to go into the books as the top year for U.S. butter production, even though the industry awaits December production data.

Butter imports continue to swell

Still, near-record U.S. butter production has not satisfied consumer demand. From January to November 2024, the U.S. imported a record 204.4 million pounds of butter and milkfats, according to USDA-FAS data. With just 11 months of the 2024 year on the tally sheets, butter imports were up 27% when compared to 2023 and up a whopping 56.7% from 2021. When looking back to 2013, the U.S. now imports 10 times the amount of butter and milkfats.

Even with all this domestic production and inbound butter shipments, butter stocks continue to dwindle. In November, butter stocks totaled 214 million pounds, down 20% when compared to just one month earlier but near equal to one year earlier, reported USDA in its Cold Storage Report. However, stocks were down by nearly 54 million pounds when making a comparison to the five-year average.

All these numbers point to stronger long-term upside for butter . . . a product that already utilizes 18% of the U.S. milk supply when measured on a milkfat equivalent basis.



To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2025

January 16, 2025
Authorities in Monterey County, California lifted all evacuations Friday night, one day after a fire broke out at one of the world's largest lithium battery storage facilities.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office made the announcement shortly after 6 p.m. local time. Health officials still advised residents near the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant, located about 90 miles south of San Francisco, to limit outdoor exposure and to keep doors and windows closed until further notice.

The Monterey County Sheriffs Office has lifted all Evacuation Orders for the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire, effective immediately. USEPA conducted cooperative quality monitoring with environmental agencies and data confirms no threat to human health. Agencies continue to pic.twitter.com/yDNhOl0pw1  Monterey Co Sheriff (@MCoSheriff) January 18, 2025

Friday evening's announcement comes hours after the fire, which began early Thursday evening, flared up again. The fire closed a portion of coastal Highway 1 that remains shut down to traffic as the fire continues to burn.

Moss Landing lithium battery facility fire flares up Friday afternoon. / Credit: CBS News Bay Area

Monterey County officials held a second press conference Friday afternoon after the latest flare-up at around 1:45 p.m. produced another round of flames and black smoke shooting into the sky.

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Assemblymember Dawn Addis and Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, who spoke at the earlier press conference, addressed the media after the flare-up and voicing safety concerns for their constituents.

"There's been three incidents here. There's been the PG&E incident. It's really time to put a stop to it and take a breath and make sure that we can assure the public they're safe," said Addis. "This incident does look and feel very different. It's a different configuration, the fire is different."

However, by around 3 p.m., the flames had once again subsided and the black smoke being produced by the fire turned white.

Also on Friday afternoon, CBS News Bay Area obtained a statement from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Moss Landing facility fire.

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"Last night, the Monterey Fire Department requested EPA technical assistance to provide perimeter air monitoring at the Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant in Moss Landing, Monterey County. EPA and contractors were mobilized and arrived on scene. Additional EPA personnel, including four air monitoring specialists, and equipment are currently en route. The fire is ongoing, and EPA has joined Unified Command. At this time, Unified Command is led by the City of Monterey's Fire Department.

Evacuation and safety decisions are being made by the Incident Command. EPA is supporting the local authorities by gathering air monitoring data to help the fire Incident Command and local public health officials those decisions. Please reach out to the local fire department for more information."

The fire started at around 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon at a power plant and battery facility operated by Texas-based Vistra Energy. The plant is a natural gas-powered electricity generation plant in Moss Landing, an unincorporated area of the county.

In a statement Thursday, Vistra said its personnel "called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site."

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The release said all site personnel were safely evacuated. A company spokesperson said, "The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished."

"Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders," the statement said.

The fire began in the plant's first lithium-ion battery energy storage system which went online at the end of 2020 and was expanded in 2023, becoming the world's largest at the time, according to Energy Storage News. With the possible exposure to toxic chemicals, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office started evacuating residents in the Prunedale and Elkhorn area, just east and north of the fire.

The fire is being allowed to burn itself out and it was unknown how long that process would take.

Moss Landing Power Plant fire / Credit: KION

"No active fire suppression is taking place, the batteries must burn themselves out. No water can be used. This is standard action for battery fires," according to an update from the Monterey County Emergency Operations Center.

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"Just fire," Moss Landing resident Joel Bera told CBS News Bay Area. "That's all and smoke. A lot of traffic here too. There was traffic about an hour ago and this guy told me they started to evacuate this area."

Monterey County Communications Director Nick Pasculli said roughly 1,500 residents were evacuated.

In neighboring Santa Cruz County, public health officials there were also advising residents downwind of the incident to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems. Residents are additionally advised to monitor local news and social media for additional updates.

The fire led to some school closures. Hartnell College Castroville Education Center announced it would be closed Friday due to the fire out of safety to students and staff.

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North Monterey County Unified School District also made the decision to close all NMCUSD schools Friday, citing health and safety concerns for students and staff.

Monterey County officials declared a local state of emergency over the fire on Tuesday.

Weather conditions helping in Moss Landing

The one fortunate element Thursday evening was the weather. In an area known for heavy fog, it's been clear and still for most of the night, allowing the smoke from the fire to go up and out of the area.

"The weather is cooperating, and all I can say is thank God for that," said Pasculli. "Wind as you know what happened in Southern California can do crazy things, so we're not dealing with that fortunately."

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At a press conference Friday morning, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, who represents District 2 where the fire took place, called the incident "a worst-case scenario of a disaster."

"This is really a lot more than just a fire. This is really a wake up call for this industry," said Church. "And if we're going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have safe battery systems in place."

Church went on to note that his constituents have questions about how and why the fire happened and promised accountability and transparency when it comes to information about the fire and its impacts.

Church also noted that the facility is at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, an environmentally sensitive wetland.

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Chief Joel Mendoza of the North County Fire Protection District said that the fire was largely out as of Friday morning, but video from the power plant showed that the fire was still burning intensely and producing a column of smoke above the facility.

Mendoza said the fire was burning at a rate of 1% to 5% Friday morning compared to the height of the fire between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday night.

Moss Landing lithium battery facility fire / Credit: KPIX

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The last fire at the facility was back in 2022. That was before Vistra Energy went through a major expansion to its energy storage capabilities.

Fire emergency services and hazmat crews were all present at the scene, but Monterey CBS affiliate KION reported that those crews appeared to be letting the fire burn itself out. As of 10:30 p.m. Thursday, approximately 40% of the building containing batteries had burned.

Portion of Highway 1 closed

The Santa Cruz office of the CHP announced that State Route 1 has been shut down at Salinas Road because of the fire. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use U.S. Highway 101 as an alternate route. There was no estimated time of reopening as of .

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Northbound Highway 1 traffic was being directed off from the Highway 183 junction with southbound traffic being directed off Struve Road.

County of Monterey Public Works has also listed road closures that are in effect around the Moss Landing area including:

1.516 Dolan Road (Pick-n-Pull)

2. Highway 1 at Struve Road

3. Highway 1 at Potrero Road

4. Moss Landing Road North at Highway 1

*Residential access only.

Andrea Nakano contributed to this story.

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Twenty people were displaced when a fire at a vacant building in Hartford spread to a multi-family building on Thursday night.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at an unoccupied building on Ward Street around 11:45 p.m. and found that the three-story structure was fully engulfed in flames, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

The fire was so intense the structure collapsed and spread to another three-story building occupied by multiple families, fire officials said. Everyone inside made it out safely.

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The fire was put out but not before the vacant building and the multi-family structure sustained heavy damage. As a result, 20 people were left without a home, officials said. This included 18 adults and two children.

The fire departments Special Services Unit and the American Red Cross responded to assist the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The scale of the destruction and the ferocity of the Californian fires have been hard to fathom.

Entire neighbourhoods wiped out, swathes of wilderness reduced to ashen wastes, a firestorm hot enough to vaporise a childs bicycle left on a driveway as a family fled.

The apocalyptic scenes from Los Angeles, where major fires have killed at least 27 people and destroyed thousands of buildings in the last week, have left the city reeling.

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Joe Biden, the US President, told reporters last week that the scope, the scale and the erratic movements of these fires is truly unprecedented.

The firestorm was hot enough to vaporise a childs bicycle left on a driveway - Josh Weinsch

Yet catastrophic fires like the one that levelled the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood are not unprecedented. In fact, theyre becoming more and more common.

Both the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires have more than doubled over the past two decades, recent research has shown, turning what were once freak occurrences into regular events.

Experts say this is because a phenomenon known as fire weather  a potent combination of high winds, high temperatures and low humidity  is occurring more often and more widely as the planet heats up.

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On top of that, human factors like poor urban planning, a lack of adequate preparation, the introduction of highly flammable invasive species and the materials we rely on for our homes and possessions, make us more vulnerable when really powerful fires take hold.

Forest fires approaching the village of Pefki on Evia, Greeces second largest island, in 2021 - ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP via Getty Images

These huge blazes are creating a feedback loop, with the massive carbon emissions they cause contributing to global heating and in turn increasing the incidence of fire weather.

In an interview with the Telegraph, John Vaillant, author of the influential book Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast, said the phenomenon risked undermining economies around the world (see below).

Around the world, there has been at least one extreme or unusually destructive wildfire almost every year in the past decade.

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The Telegraph has analysed the environmental and man-made risk factors that made each one of them so catastrophic, and found that they often share a set of defining features.

Flames on the mountain as seen from Topanga Canyon near Pacific Palisade, Los Angeles, California - Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

The fires that have ravaged Los Angeles in the last week were powered by the violent Santa Ana winds that blow hot, dry air into Southern California from the Mojave Desert.

The combination of powerful winds, high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation have enabled the fires to burn ferociously.

But poor urban planning also contributed to the danger they pose  the Palisades neighbourhood that was almost completely destroyed is connected to the outside world by just three roads.

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Those attempting to escape reported being gridlocked for hours upon hours, and many were forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot.

Currently the US authorities are reporting just 27 deaths  its remarkable more have not died.

Reports of insufficient water supplies and empty fire hydrants are also said to have hindered the response, while some residents have blamed electrical infrastructure for starting the fires in the first place.

Chileans return to their burnt homes in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso, following a devastating fire in 2024 - JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images

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Days of extreme and unusual heat preceded Chiles wildfires in February of 2024. Temperatures soared to the upper 30s  more than 15 degrees hotter than is normal for that time of year, especially in the valleys and foothills of central Chile.

The country has also faced a drought for 15 years because of the El Nino weather phenomenon and, as in California, hundreds of fire hydrants located in and around the 165 active fires were said to be empty.

High winds descending from the Andes mountain range fanned the flames and allowed them to spread rapidly.

The plantation of invasive and non-native species, like pine and eucalyptus trees, quite literally added fuel to the fires. The trees burn easily and release volatile oils and fumes that explode like petrol.

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As in Los Angeles, the undulating landscape fuelled the fires and escape roads quickly became death traps.

In common with some major wildfires in Europe, it is thought they may have been started deliberately by volunteer fire fighters  who only start to get paid when there is a fire to put out.

A charred apartment complex in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, in 2023 - YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

Hurricane winds and dry weather were also part of the reason why Hawaiis wildfires in 2023 were so devastating.

Drought across large parts of the state  including the entire island of Maui  meant moisture had been sucked out of the vegetation, allowing it to catch fire more easily.

Strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which had passed Hawaiis coast just days before the fires broke out, helped fan the flames even further.

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Non-native grasses, covering around a quarter of the entire state, are thought to have played a significant role. Introduced for agriculture and into resorts and hotels for their aesthetics, they act as a kindling and were blamed for the fires destructive power.

Overhead power lines were blamed for sparking the blaze in the first place.

Canadians watch the McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna, British Columbia, in 2023 - DARREN HULL/AFP via Getty Images

The 2023 wildfire season in Canada was the most severe in the countrys history. All told, some thirty seven million acres of land were burned.

The country is warming almost twice as fast as the global average, and that warming has more than doubled the likelihood of extreme fire weather conditions across Canada.

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The summer of 2023 was the hottest and driest in Canada for 76 years, and the conditions sucked the moisture out of vegetation and made the countrys woods and grasslands easier to burn.

The fires produced roughly three billion tons of carbon dioxide  nearly four times the total carbon emissions of the global aviation sector in 2022.

Smoke from the wildfires blocked out the sun, caused a sharp rise in breathing difficulties in New York and affected air quality as far away as Europe and even China.

Villagers attempt to put out a wildfire, in Achallam village, in the mountainous Kabylie region of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, in 2021 - Abdelaziz Boumzar/REUTERS

While summer wildfires have always been a part of life in Algeria, the 2021 episode was the most widespread and devastating the country had experienced in more than 50 years.

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A period of blistering heat and extreme drought set the stage for dangerous fires that were whipped up by the hot and dry Sirocco winds from the Sahara.

Abdelmadjib Tebboune, the Algerian President, was quick to blame criminal hands for the fires.

But urban migration also explains why they were so deadly. As more and more Algerians move to cities, fewer people are left to manage farmland, turning fields into tinderboxes of untamed trees and grass.

Residents defend a property from a bushfire at Hillsville near Taree, 350km north of Sydney, in 2019 - PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images

Australia has been experiencing more and more intense heatwaves and prolonged dry periods in recent years  a combination that creates tinderbox conditions.

In the lead up to the 2019-2020 wildfires, or the Black Summer, record-breaking temperatures, exceptionally dry conditions and a lack of soil moisture were reported.

At least 80 per cent of the Blue Mountains  a landmark of New South Wales comprising forests of eucalyptus  burned.

The fires were not only devastating for people, but for nature too. Nearly three billion animals were impacted by the blazes.

They were not the first major wildfires Australia had to contend with. The country had to introduce a new fire-warning category after the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.

These were so intense that people and animals were killed at a distance by radiant heat alone  as if they had been felled by a death ray, says John Vaillant in his book Fire Weather.

Out went Extreme and in came a new Catastrophic fire designation. For your survival, leaving early is the only option, reads the directive that accompanies it.

Firefighters try to extinguish flames during a wildfire at the village of Kineta, near Athens, in 2018 - ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images

The deadliest wildfires in Greece in living memory struck during the 2018 European heatwaves.

By the time the fires started in two areas on the coast of Attica, temperatures had risen to 42 degrees.

Strong winds of up to 80mph meant both fires spread extremely rapidly. Within a day, the heat from the fires was so intense that people were trapped and burned inside their houses and cars.

As in Hawaii, many perished as they attempted to escape into the water.

Illegal building work was blamed for the rapid spread of the flames, while a lack of coordination between rescue services led to the system collapsing.

Abandoned vehicles burnt out on a car lot in Paradise, north of Sacramento, California, in 2018 - JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

The 2018 fire in northern California was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the states history  worse even than the Los Angeles fire in terms of acres burned and lives lost.

It was sparked after an unusually warm and dry winter, when a poorly maintained power line collapsed in high winds.

These same powerful katabatic winds barrelled through the valleys, fanning the flames across an area of more than 150,000 acres. They were so strong, and the air was so turbulent that it was impossible to drop fire retardant from aircraft.

The winds also felled trees and utility poles, which blocked escape routes, forcing drivers to abandon their cars and flee the inferno on foot.

Eighty five people were killed, and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company would later plead guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

A man inspects the burnt eucalyptus trees that surround his property near the village of Ferraria de Sao Joao in Penela, Portugal - PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images

Climate change has extended Portugals wildfire season from two to five months of the year.

The huge forest fire that swept through the centre of the country in 2017, killing dozens of people, came after a warm dry spring and a hot summer with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

Mismanagement of the countrys woodlands and the introduction of non-native species played a key role in making the fires so deadly. As in Algeria, rural populations have dwindled, leaving privately owned forests neglected and overgrown with brush and detritus that fuelled the flames.

Some 47 people were killed in their cars as they tried to flee on route N-236, which was lined with Eucalyptus trees. It is now known as the road of death.

A wildfire rages through the town of Fort McMurray, Canada,in 2016 - TWITTER.COM/JEROMEGAROT/EPA

Unseasonably warm weather in May 2016 and reduced snowfall in previous winters set the conditions for the massive fire, known as The Beast, that destroyed the town of Fort McMurray.

Ironically, Fort McMurray played a key role in the development of Canadas fossil fuels industry and was destroyed by a fire made more intense by climate change it induced.

But other factors were at play. The flammability of modern petroleum-based household goods and clothes fuelled the fire as it devoured the town and became so large that it created its own weather patterns.

A haphazard evacuation of the towns 88,000 residents was hindered by a lack of access roads and only began when the flames had begun to encroach on the town.

The story of the fire is powerfully told in John Vaillants excellent book Fire Weather.

Forest fires that originated with slash-and-burn agricultural practices tore across the length and breadth of Indonesia in 2015.

The fires were preceded by an exceptionally dry spell caused by El Nino, which turned the country into a tinderbox. Many of the blazes began on or near land used by palm oil and pulpwood producers.

Subsequent analyses found that the fires in Indonesia contributed three per cent of the total global carbon emissions for that year and led to an estimated 100,000 additional deaths from smoke-related respiratory problems.

The elephant in the room

The last decade shows that what were once exceptional events have now become the rule. But can the vicious cycle that extreme wildfires are fuelling be broken? Can the feedback loop be stopped?

John Vaillant, the American-Canadian writer whose book about the 2016 Fort McMurray fire helped popularise the concept of fire weather, believes they pose an existential threat.

Were living right now in a certifiably insane dissonance between what the science is telling us, what these 100 million dollar disasters are telling us, and what the petroleum industry and its companion industries are lobbying governments for and selling to the public, he told The Telegraph. Its the greatest obstacle to our future safety and the greatest threat.

The elephant in the room, he said, is our appetite for fossil fuels.

Our global appetite for fossil fuels is altering our climate in real time, changing the world in real time, making the world less safe, less habitable, and ultimately less profitable, he said.

A woman looks on as wildfires tear through a forest region in northern Morocco, in 2021 - FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

By continuing to burn fossil fuels to the tune of 100 million barrels a day we are threatening the foundations of society.

Were pulling Jenga blocks out of our ecosystem and also our society, he said.

The most crucial block? Insurance.

Mr Vaillant noted that several insurance companies had pulled out of the Palisades neighbourhood in recent years, because the risk of a catastrophic fire was so high.

Capitalism has a hard time functioning without protections, without insurance, and so does our society, he said.

Senator [Sheldon] Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, summed it up: Well, this isnt complicated. Climate risk makes things uninsurable. No insurance makes things un-mortgageable. No mortgages crashes the property markets. Crashed property markets trash the economy.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  In response to two house fires on Thursday, one firefighter suffered nonlife threatening injuries resultant from a gunshot wound.

According to a press release from the City of Springfield, the citys Fire Rescue team responded to multiple fires Thursday. Minutes before 4:15 p.m., crews were dispatched to the 600 block of Piqua Place.

When crews arrived to the residence they found fire coming from the first floor. They were also notified by neighbors that an elderly resident had not evacuated the structure, prompting a search and rescue operation.

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Person hears boom, sees house fire in Centerville: dispatch

The resident was located after crews searched through heavy smoke. Medics performed life-saving measures and the resident was transported to an area hospital.

While fighting the fire, a firearm discharged, hitting a firefighter. The emergency responder was transported to an area hospital for precautionary evaluation.

As crews battled the fire on Piqua Place, a second fire struck a structure on the 500 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. The three-story structure showed flames within the basement and was quickly extinguished.

In tackling the second fire, crews also revived one of two pets found within the structure. The pet was then returned to its guardian.

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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.
A firefighter and his wife were moved to tears after finding his wedding ring in the ashes of their burned-down home following the Eaton Fire.

The tearful moment was captured as Pasadena Fire Engineer Chien Yu spoke with CNN's Erin Burnett while visiting what remains of his home.

In a video shared by CNN, the two are seen walking through the remains of the home, where Yu and his wife lived for nearly eight years.

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After Yu found a piano belonging to their family, Burnett asked him how he felt about seeing the destruction.

Related: Man Who Lost Father and Brother in Eaton Fire Reveals Dads Last Words as Flames Closed In

"I don't know. It's just undescribable," he said. "I mean, you know, when we go to a house fire, you kind of detach, you know, and you just sort of do what's best for the homeowner and you put their fire out and we kind of salvage what we can."

"We pull what we can from them," continued Yu. "And hopefully some of their stuff makes it. But this is just gone."

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The clip then cut to two firefighters digging through the home to find his wedding ring, before one pulled it out from the rubble.

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gofundme Chien Yu with his wife and their two kids Chien Yu with his wife and their two kids

"Oh my god!" said Yu, smiling from ear to ear. When asked how he thought his wife would react, he revealed that she didn't know it was missing.

He then showed his wife the ring, and she immediately told him, "What? Oh, my gosh." The two hugged before breaking down in tears.

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The discovery was a bright light for Yu, who told CNN that their two kids are "doing the best as they can" amid the difficult situation.

"They do have moments, like when my wife puts them to bed," said Yu. "They've talked about, you know, like, 'I want to go home. I want to go back to school.' And unfortunately, we live right next to the school. So that fire took the school too."

Related: Man Who Lost Father and Brother in Eaton Fire Reveals Dads Last Words as Flames Closed In

David McNew/Getty Photo of the Eaton Fire Photo of the Eaton Fire

A GoFundMe has been established to help the Yu family after their loss. As of this writing, the campaign, which has a $300,000 fundraising goal, has raised nearly $240,000 with more than 3,000 donations.

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According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as of Thursday, Jan. 16, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres of land and is 55% contained. The Palisades Fires has burned 23,713 acres and is 27% contained.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

Read the original article on People
California's incompetent governance has been on full display as wildfires rage around Los Angelesand also long before, if we're being honest. Bizarre priorities, policy failures, unforgivable neglect, and officials who are out to lunch (or at overseas shindigs) have all played a role in throwing Californians on their own efforts to substitute for government institutions that just aren't up to the job. Faced with no other choice, people ingeniously devised means of keeping themselves and their property safe. They'd be better off if they hadn't first been fed false promises and charged, heavily, for substandard services.

Private Firefighting

This week, The Wall Street Journal ran a fascinating piece by Kelly Crow on the J. Paul Getty Museum's efforts to protect its two campuses from fire.

"Fire extinguishers in hand, the museum said, the Getty's staff scours the sparse ground beneath their boots as well as the canopies of oak trees overhead," Crow wrote. "They look for embers."

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Anticipating problems in a region prone to blazes, for years the museum prepared its grounds and constructed its buildings to be fire-resistant. It planted trees and shrubs that concentrate water, the irrigation system was designed as much to suppress fire as to maintain the grass, and on-site water tanks keep sprinklers from running dry. Flames made it within within six feet of the Pacific Palisades site but didn't damage the museum's buildings or collection.

Of course, such preparations come relatively easy for an institution with the foresight to plan for riding out both fires and earthquakes and a $9.1 billion endowment to fund its efforts. What are regular people with less gobsmacking bank balances to do?

"Wildfire Defense Systems, founded in 2008, works with three dozen insurance carriers to help prevent the costly wildfire damage to homes and businesses that insurance companies will ultimately be responsible for paying," The Guardian's Lois Beckett reports of one private firefighting company. "[The] company was not the only one providing boots on the ground in Los Angeles for major insurance companies."

As Reason's Jack Nicastro noted this week, private firefighting efforts have a long history in the United States. To this day, many of the older buildings in Annapolis, Maryland bear the plaques of the fire companies with which the property owners contracted in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Private firefighting companies battling Los Angeles blazes have been attacked by the sort of creatures whose idea of fairness is letting everything burn equally to the ground. But most of them serve regular people through deals with insurance companies or contracts with government agencies that need to quickly hire extra capacity.

"Private efforts to combat wildfires are not just for the mansions of the superrich," comments The Guardian's Beckett. "In fact, many private companies that respond to wildfires now work for insurers, who seek to minimize the policies they would have to pay out."

Hiring private firefighting companies is cheaper than paying to rebuild neighborhoods. It's also more cost-effective than many public departments. One private firefighter told Variety that "while his company might charge between $4,000-$5,000 per day for a small fleet for a client, a municipality will run closer to $20,000 for workers, trucks, overtime and backfill workers." According to The New York Times, private firefighters also usually truck in their own water or tap pools and ponds.

Private Security

But after a fire devastates a neighborhood, there's the problem of securing valuables left behind by fleeing residents. Looting is a concern, and police and National Guardsmen are stretched to the limit by the demands of protecting such large areas. Not everybody trusts them to protect their property.

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"Like the firefighters he was surrounded by the night before, he's guarding homesnot against the flames, but against looters," Rebecca Ellis of the Los Angeles Times wrote of one private security guard defending structures in the Pacific Palisades.

But a lot of people don't have the money to hire private security. Instead, they do the work themselves.

"In the still-smoldering neighborhoods of Altadena, where fires destroyed more than 2,700 structures, about 80 people have defied orders to evacuate, staying behind to protect what is left of their properties from looters and more fires after losing faith in authorities," report Sean McLain, Dan Frosch, and Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal.

Some of the residents are armed. Generators and stored water make their task a little easier. The Journal authors reported, regarding one Pacific Palisades resident: "He had long been skeptical of the system, he said, but the fires further showed him that communities need to be prepared to fend for themselves."

California Officials Still Get in the Way

But few of these residents asked to shoulder the responsibility and expense of patrolling their neighborhoods and fighting fires. California has the fifth highest state and local tax burden in the country, as defined by the Tax Foundation. When the government services those taxes fund failed, people had to add the cost of private alternatives to what they already paid.

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And still the state gets in the way. Perimeters established around neighborhoods by police prevent security guards and residents from protecting property. Those already inside the barriers rely on cops looking away while friends deliver supplies across the boundary.

Citing an owner of a private firefighting company, The New York Times wrote that a 2018 law requiring firms like his to coordinate with public agencies made it "too difficult to work directly with homeowners" and so his company pulled out of that market.

And while private firefighters more commonly contract with insurance companies than directly with property owners, the state's onerous regulations and premium caps are steadily driving out the insurers who hire firefighting firms in times of crisis. That leaves the state government's financially rickety FAIR Plan insurance coverage and fewer options for protecting homes and businesses.

California officials demonstrated they're incapable of delivering the services they promised and for which they charge high prices. Faced with the necessity of providing for themselves, people have been hard-working and creative in filling the gap. If only officialdom would get out of the way.

The post As Fires Burn, Private Firms and Personal Effort Step In Where California Officials Fail appeared first on Reason.com.
The journalists charged with covering the machinations of lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol would be hard pressed each week to select the most bizarre statement made by a member of the Legislature.

There are simply too many.

This week, however, I believe the clear winner would be the grotesquely oxymoronic declaration by Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin.

Speaking about an alternative to Arizonas lethal injection death penalty, he said, We actually know whats always humane and always seems to work properly, which is the firing squad.

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Always humane?

Will voters allow execution by firing squad?

A prisoner is bound to a chair thats surrounded by sandbags (to catch bullets and blood) while a doctor pins a piece of white cloth over his heart. Five shooters armed with rifles (one loaded with blanks) aim and fire.

If successful, the condemned inmate loses consciousness quickly. If not 

Humane?

Good people have their reasons for supporting the death penalty. But Id guess that every person who believes it serves justice, or believes it honors victims, or believes it is a deterrent (if only inside prison), understands that killing another human being is not humane.

In its own way, execution is the most premeditated of all killings. Arizona has a history of botching them.

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Kolodin wants to put using a firing squad on the 2026 ballot so voters can decide.

I dont know what it is, he said. But lethal injection just seems to be incredibly complicated, where it always leads to these delays and these hiccups and whatever.

The death penalty costs more than life in prison

Actually, delays are built into death penalty cases.

Its well known that it costs taxpayers WAY more to put a killer on death row than to sentence him to life without the possibility of parole.

The longer trials, the appeals, the costs of the lawyers and experts in the cases ... it goes on and on. The inmate often dies naturally in prison.

Opinion: Should Arizona let a condemned inmate die sooner?

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We also know that wealthy defendants do better than poor ones in death penalty cases, meaning justice is rarely equal.

And we know as well that a number of condemned inmates have been exonerated of all charges after being sent to death row. The number is now at 200 since 1973.

Maybe you still want to kill the bad guys who are already locked up. Fine.

Just dont call it humane.

Arizona once thought hanging was humane

Its no more humane than the guillotine, banned in the 70s by France after it abolished the death penalty.

Its no more humane than the sword, still used in Saudi Arabia to behead the condemned.

Killing is killing. If we are going to do it, we should own it.

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In some countries it is still acceptable to stone to death a condemned person.

Up until the 1930s, Arizonas method of capital punishment was hanging.

That ended following the execution of Eva Dugan, convicted of murdering of a wealthy Tucson chicken rancher named A.J. Mathis.

When Dugan dropped from the gallows and the noose tightened, she was decapitated.

News reports said her head rolled close to some of the spectators who had gathered for the event, causing three men and two women to faint.

Up until then, Id guess there were many people in Arizona who thought hangings were humane.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Execution is never 'humane,' even if Arizona leader says so | Opinion
The Economist recently reported that Ukraine is winning the economic war against Russia for the first time since the full-scale invasion began. Although the country has yet to return to its pre-war economic levels, the trajectory is promising. To sustain and accelerate this momentum, strategic investments, particularly in education, are crucial.

Investments in education have a multiplier effect, acting as a key driver of long-term economic growth. International support for Ukraines education sector is vital not just for recovery but for the social capital necessary for enduring progress.

As Ukraine enters its third year of full-scale war, the education system continues to operate under extraordinary circumstances. At the start of last year, one in seven schools was destroyed or damaged, and over 1.8 million students lost access to in-person education. The true cost, however, goes beyond physical destruction. It includes disrupted learning, emotional tolls on children, and the disconnection of students in occupied territories or abroad.

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Despite these challenges, Ukraine has made significant strides in restoring education, prioritizing in-person learning where possible. These efforts have been bolstered by a 40% increase in state education funding over the past two years and substantial international support.

For the past year and a half, Ive worked at Ukraines Ministry of Education and Science, promoting what I call educational diplomacy  advocating for Ukraines needs on global platforms and mobilizing resources. Today, 35 countries and more than 80 international organizations are helping support Ukrainian education, including leaders from UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

This international collaboration is delivering tangible results that extend beyond financial contributions, translating into concrete initiatives that impact students and teachers, laying a strong foundation for Ukraines recovery and future development.

In wartime, education  a fundamental right  is often one of the first casualties. Restoring it requires both innovation and collaboration. For example, the Device Coalition and international partners have provided over 247,990 devices since 2022, particularly to students in front-line and border areas, ensuring access to online learning.

Workers clear debris from a school building damaged by a missile attack in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on April 24, 2023, amid Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. (Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images)

Safe in-person learning also depends on the availability of shelters. In response, the Ukrainian government allocated $178 million for the construction of underground schools in 2024, with $147 million more planned for 2025. Together with the support of partners such as the European Union, Belgium, Lithuania, UNESCO, and UNITED24 donors, we will be able to help over 100,000 children return to school. Additionally, the Coalition for Textbooks has distributed more than 7.5 million books to ensure students have the resources to thrive.

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Key funding initiatives include a $28.2 million collaboration with GPE and a $21 million project with Education Cannot Wait, focused on Ukraines most affected regions.

Looking to the future, Ukraine is aligning its education system with European Union standards and investing in its human capital. For instance, UNICEF is supporting reforms in preschool and inclusive education, while the World Bank has provided unprecedented financial backing for general secondary education.

I recall the early days of my tenure when our team traveled to Washington to discuss education funding with the World Bank. What seemed an uphill battle led to the groundbreaking $415 million LEARN project  one of the largest in the World Banks portfolio  supporting the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform and marking the first significant World Bank funding for Ukrainian schools in over a decade.

Ukraines educational transformation extends beyond recovery. By 2027, the country will adopt a European-style 12-year education model. Vocational education is being revitalized with support from Swiss experts and DECIDE, while higher education reform is being advanced through a $200 million program in partnership with the World Bank.

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Throughout the war, Ukraine continues to develop sustainable educational reforms. A $2.7 million capacity-building grant from GPE is one of the resources enabling these efforts.

Building international partnerships is a long and rewarding process. Behind every achievement is a great deal of coordination, advocacy, and collaboration. These partnerships are built on mutual trust, shared vision, and a deep commitment to Ukraines future. Educational diplomacy is a two-way street, and we are committed to being a reliable and innovative partner, sharing our expertise gained through adversity.

Ukraines experience is unique: despite the devastation of war, we are not only restoring education but also laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient future. This progress would not be possible without the collective efforts of the global community.

The quality of Ukraines education system reflects the strength of international cooperation and the shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. By investing in Ukrainian education today, we are shaping a brighter future for both our country and the world.

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To all those who stand with us, I extend my deepest gratitude.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Read also: Putins war economy is running on fumes as inflation and shortages surge

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For the first time, birds in a backyard flock in Wayne County have been sickened by the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported Thursday.

It's the first time in Wayne County that a flock has been identified with an H5N1 bird flu infection, MDARD said, though the virus also was discovered in a flock of birds at Hess-Hathaway Park in Oakland County last week as it continues its march across the continent, leaving sick cows and millions of dead fowl and wild birds in its wake.

"The affected premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds were depopulated to prevent disease spread," MDARD said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.

Over the past several months, the U.S. has seen an increase in cases of bird flu, affecting poultry in multiple states.

No other details about the location, type of birds involved or the number of infected birds were released Thursday afternoon. The Free Press also has asked the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Wayne County Public Health Division for details about any people who might have been exposed to the infected birds, but did not get an immediate response.

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The H5N1 virus is extremely infectious in many types of birds and has a high fatality rate in chickens, turkeys and some waterfowl. It also can infect cows and some other mammals, including cats and people. Humans who have contracted the virus in the U.S. since 2022 have been infected after direct contact with sick birds or cattle. To date, there has been no known human-to-human spread of the virus, and the type of H5N1 that is spreading in North America has caused mostly mild illness in people.

There have been some exceptions, however, which concern some scientists for the possibility that H5N1 could mutate in a way that could set off human-to-human transmission and cases with severe disease, like that seen in a 13-year-old girl in British Columbia who was hospitalized in November.

A report about her case was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, detailing mutations in the virus that allowed it to replicate in the girl's respiratory tract. It caused such severe illness, she was hospitalized for two months and needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as ECMO, which acts as an artificial heart and lungs when a person is so critically ill their own heart and lungs cannot function.

The H5N1 virus also killed a person who had been hospitalized in Louisiana earlier this month. The Louisiana Department of Health reported that the person was exposed to both a backyard flock and wild birds, was older than 65 and had underlying medical conditions.

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More: Bird flu in Michigan: H5N1 Symptoms, what outbreak means for pets, why wastewater matters

More: Bird flu outbreak is really challenging to stop, Michigan State University dean says

Although no human cases of H5N1 have been tied to exposure to birds at Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford, a dozen people began a 10-day monitoring program by the Oakland County Health Division to watch for signs of illness.

One of them initially reported symptoms of respiratory illness  congestion and cough  and was tested for influenza A/B viruses, said Bill Mullan, a spokesperson for County Executive Dave Coulter. That testing came back negative. Because the H5N1 virus is a type of influenza A, that rules out bird flu in this case.

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As of Thursday afternoon, Mullan said none of the other people exposed to sick birds in Oakland County have reported symptoms. Monitoring ends Sunday.

How to protect your backyard flock from H5N1 bird flu

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low, and pasteurized milk remains safe to drink. It's also safe to eat properly cooked poultry, beef and eggs.

MDARD said people with backyard flocks can take steps to reduce the risk by:

Preventing contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing your flock indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

Washing your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.

Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving between coops.

Ensuring you do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or with other farms.

Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and other supplies between uses.

Using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.

Keeping poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Watching for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds.

If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours).

More: More than 100 birds culled at Waterford park for H5N1 bird flu

The public is asked to report unusual or unexplained deaths among wild birds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:

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Using the DNRs Eyes in the Field app. Choose the Diseased Wildlife option among the selections for Observation Forms.

Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bird flu strikes another Michigan flock, this time in Wayne County
(This Jan. 17 story has been refiled to fix a typo in paragraph 1)

By Marc Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - Fitch's new head of sovereign ratings says the firm is likely to have a clearer picture of how Donald Trumps second term as president could impact the U.S. credit rating by the time of its next rating review in the summer.

In his first interview since being appointed last year, James Longsdon said China and Frances downgrade-threatened ratings would also be a key focus, along with how Britain responds to its fiscal strains.

Fitch downgraded the U.S. in August 2023, becoming the second major rating agency after Standard & Poors to strip Washington of its triple-A rating.

The current AA+ score has a "stable outlook", meaning a downgrade, or an upgrade, is unlikely anytime soon.

But expectations that Trump will pursue an aggressive tax-cutting agenda and trigger a global trade war are creating plenty of angst about a $36 trillion U.S. debt pile already growing at $2 trillion a year.

"I think you would have some answers," Longsdon said referring to the U.S.'s next rating review which is due by the end of August.

"Certainly you would have had a chance to see how the legislative process is operating," he said, adding on tariffs: "Is it going to be very gradualist? Or is it going to be less gradualist? I just don't know."

Fitch currently assumes "dutiable rates" - tariffs on goods already liable to tariffs rather than all goods - will be hiked to 60% on China, 25% on Mexico and Canada and to 10% for the rest of the world.

Countries' ratings already factor those numbers in, meaning that only something more extreme, such as slapping tariffs on all imports, would cause sweeping changes.

China's is already on a downgrade warning though, meaning it will inevitably receive most attention.

"We'll look to see what comes out and what the reaction (to tariffs) is," Longsdon said, "particularly the sort of fiscal stimulus".

A positive for China was signs of "a few little green shoots in the property market" although more information on both tariffs and domestic issues was needed, he added.

FRANCE AND BRITAIN

France and Britain's AA- ratings are also in focus due to their respective home-grown issues.

France's outlook was lowered to "negative" in October, with a warning that its inability to rein in spending was rapidly pushing up its debt towards 118.5% of GDP.

Paris still needs to set a budget for this year, but this week lowered its target for spending cuts to 32 billion euros ($32.94 billion) from 40 billion in a bid to get opposition lawmakers onside.
Flags in Arizona and across the U.S. continue to fly at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.

On the death of a former president, the U.S. Flag Code states that flags must be flown at half-staff for 30 days. In the case of Carter's death that means flags will be lowered until sunset on Jan. 28, including on Inauguration Day.

Governors in some states, such as Texas and Tennessee, have ordered flags be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day to properly celebrate the start of Donald Trump's presidency.

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Gov. Katie Hobbs has not issued any similar orders, and the Governor's Office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Here's what to know about U.S. flags, including how long they'll remain at half-staff and what half-mast means.

How long will flags be at half-staff?

The 30-day mourning period for a deceased president is a federal mandate outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.

For former President Jimmy Carter, this means flags will remain at half-staff until at least Jan. 28, covering both the presidential inauguration and the first week of Trumps second term.

What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Typically, the difference between the two is where the flag is being flown. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are flags at half-staff in Arizona? Here's what to know
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Indiana Governor Mike Braun has directed that all flags in Indiana will be flown at full staff in honor of Inauguration Day.

A release obtained by Eyewitness News says flags should be flown at full staff from sunrise until sunset on January 20.

Following that, flags will be lowered to half-staff for the remainder of the month, in honor and memory of former President Jimmy Carter.

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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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
By Michelle Nichols and Emma Farge

UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA (Reuters) - Attacks on aid convoys in the Gaza Strip by looters and armed gangs could decline as humanitarian relief floods the area after the truce takes effect between Israel and Palestinian militants, the head of the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA said on Friday.

He said UNRWA has 4,000 truckloads of aid - half of which are food and flour - ready to enter the Palestinian enclave. The U.N. World Food Programme has said it has enough food ready to feed more than a million people for three months.

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Throughout the 15-month war, the U.N. has described its humanitarian operation as opportunistic - facing problems with Israel's military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza and more recently looting by armed gangs.

"If we start to flood Gaza with assistance ... that might also mitigate, in fact, this type of tension," said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini. "But obviously we need also an orderly, uninterrupted, unhindered access to the people."

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, due to start Sunday, and release of hostages taken by the militants during their deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which triggered the current conflict.

The accord remains conditional on approval of the full cabinet, which was meeting on Friday afternoon.

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Talks began in Cairo on Friday to hammer out details of implementing an aid surge into Gaza under the ceasefire deal. Along with security within Gaza, the U.N. has voiced concern about damage to roads, unexploded ordinance, fuel shortages and a lack of adequate communications equipment.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power said on Friday she hoped a surge in aid could create a steady pipeline of humanitarian relief for Gaza. She said USAID has stockpiles ready to send.

"We have sent a team from Washington to the region. They're working through the modalities of how many more checkpoints can be open at one time, how the hours can be extended, where the trucks can be sourced from," Power told MSNBC.

AID TRUCKS

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The deal requires 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of the 600 aid trucks would be delivered to Gaza's north, where experts have warned famine is imminent.

"It's doable, but it's unrealistic to believe that the 600 trucks would be brought only by the U.N. or humanitarian organizations," he told reporters. He added that commercial trucks would also need to be included.

Lazzarini also said logistical capacity was limited within Gaza, so it would help if bilateral aid could be delivered directly to its destination in the enclave.

UNRWA data showed just 523 aid trucks have entered Gaza in January, down sharply from 2,892 in December. Aid is dropped off on the Gaza side, where it is picked up by the U.N. and distributed.

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But gangs and looters have made that hard. Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 2,230 aid truckloads - an average of 72 a day - were picked up, while between Jan. 1-5 it was a daily average of 51 trucks.

Israel has laid waste to much of Gaza and the pre-war population of 2.3 million people has been displaced multiple times. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday described the humanitarian situation as "catastrophic."

Israel says Hamas killed some 1,200 people in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and the Gaza health ministry says more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war. The U.N. says 269 UNRWA staff in Gaza have been killed.

The World Health Organization plans to bring in prefabricated hospitals to support Gaza's decimated health sector over the next two months, said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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Currently, only about half of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functional, according to the WHO.

Peeperkorn said he expected the ceasefire to allow for more medical evacuations for the over 12,000 patients currently on the waiting list, of whom around a third are children. About half of the patients have injuries such as amputated limbs and spinal injuries, he said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Miranda Murray, Toby Chopra and David Gregorio)
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes was the keynote speaker at Francis Marion Universitys 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Thursday.

Barnes graduated from Wilson High School in Florence before attending South Carolina State University, where she earned her business degree. She preached unity in Thursdays speech.

His legacy of nonviolence, love before hate, has transformed us, Barnes said. It allowed us to come together to put our differences aside and work hand in hand. That we will walk to hope hand in hand, thats very, very, very important. We have become a better place because of his dream becoming a reality  but its not complete.

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Barnes was sworn in as Florences mayor in November, replacing Teresa Myers-Irvin.

* * *

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.
This story has video from a previous report

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A bill was filed Friday to undo the requirement for Florida school districts to change their start times, which was set to take effect in 2026.

In 2023, Florida state legislators changed the law to require school districts to reschedule the beginning and end of school days for middle and high school students in charter and public schools.

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The changes required middle school classes to start after 8 a.m. and high school classes after 8:30 a.m., were set to take effect by July 2026.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-District 6, introduced Senate Bill 296 to reverse the new policies, freeing school boards from having to adhere to the fix times proposed in the previous bill.

However, the requirement to have schools open no earlier than Aug. 10 remains in place.

If passed and signed into law, it would take effect July 1, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida Sen. Rick Scott joined Sen. Ted Cruz in introducing new legislation Thursday that would exempt tips from being subject to federal income tax.

The act, titled the No Tax on Tips Act, would allow traditionally tipped employees to claim a 100% deduction at filing for tipped wages. According to the bills text, the deduction could not exceed $25,000.

DeSantis names Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubios Senate seat

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Those who would be eligible include barbers, nail technicians, delivery drivers, bartenders, restaurant servers and any other employee of a business where tipping is customary.

The idea has already gained the support of some professionals in the beauty and restaurant sectors. In a statement Thursday, Sean Kennedy, National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, said eliminating tax on tips would put cash back in the pocket of a significant number of workers.

President-elect Donald Trump also spoke in support of eliminating tax on tips while on the campaign trail. Some Democrats, too, have favored the idea.

President Trump is laser-focused on getting our economy back on track, and passing this bill ASAP will be a great start, Scott said Thursday.

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Senators Jacky Rosen, Catherine Cortez Masto, Steve Daines and Pete Ricketts have also joined in sponsoring the bill, with Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan and Rep. Byron Donalds introducing the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Floridas tourism-driven economy thrives because of the hardworking men and women in our restaurant and hospitality industries, many of whom rely on tipped wages to support their families, Buchanan said. Im introducing the No Tax on Tips Act with Congressman Donalds to ensure that these essential workers are able to keep more of the money theyve earned, without interference from Washington.

Tax policy experts estimate exempting tipped income would add up to $150 to $250 billion over 10 years.

If passed, the bill would apply to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024.

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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.
A pair of empty nesters want to downsize but decide not to sell, causing a young couple to miss out on their dream home.

A single mother struggles to afford home insurance but doubts whether she can afford to move. A middle-aged couple faces rising condo fees but feels trapped in their costly high rise.

Meet Floridas homestead hostages  the countless homeowners in our state who decide not to sell out of fear of giving up their property tax status.

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Its a costly unintended consequence of our homestead tax exemption, which caps annual increases in assessed property value for primary residences.

In general, the longer youve lived in your home, the less you pay in taxes relative to the value of your property, and the less youll want to move.

Take the hypothetical empty nesters mentioned above. They bought their South Florida home for $300,000. Today it is worth $1.3 million.

But thanks to the exemption, they are only taxed on an assessed value of over $500,000. If they move, they can transfer only part of their roughly $800,000 tax assessment savings.

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Knowing their property taxes will skyrocket if they purchase a new home with a significantly higher tax assessment base, they reluctantly stay put.

Many Floridians feel frozen by this confusing disincentive to move. But it doesnt have to be this way.

A simple change in the law would free the homestead hostages, juice our economy and help alleviate three crises gripping our residents: the housing shortage, insurance affordability and the condo crisis.

Heres how it could work: The state could allow homeowners to transfer their full tax benefit  or as much of it as they wish  to their next home as long as it is purchased within 12 months of selling.

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To offset potential revenue loss for local governments, the state could implement a graduated fee structure, charging a one-time up-front fee based on how much of the exemption is transferred.

With this change, our empty nesters could buy a new $1.3 million home, and instead of seeing a large increase in their taxable property value, they could transfer their entire $800,000 homestead exemption to keep their property taxes roughly the same.

To do so, they simply need to pay a to-be-determined fee  lets say 2% of the savings they transfer. Thats a tiny amount, given the equity theyre cashing out with selling their current home.

This would have untold positive ripple effects on our economy. It would free up new housing stock, empower people to cash in their home equity and inject it into our economy, and allow those who are beset by high insurance costs to sell.

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On top of the benefits to residents, it would almost certainly lead to higher revenues for state and local governments. Not only will the one-time fee help offset the lower property taxes, but so will the higher volume of transfer taxes and other fees that accompany real estate transactions.

And think about it: Many of the homes sold by homestead hostages will be bought by non-homestead hostages (such as New Yorkers moving to Florida), who will be happy to pay taxes on the full newly assessed value.

Real estate markets need to churn in order to be healthy. They need a constant stream of both buyers and sellers  whether its people moving from higher density cities, or retirees heading to the Villages and creating new ownership opportunities for young families.

Thats how states thrive, and Florida needs it right now.

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As of March of last year, closed sales for all property types in Florida declined by 12.2% year-over-year. There are multiple reasons for the cooling market, but the disincentive created by the homestead exemption is the easiest to fix.

It is a bipartisan opportunity that should appeal to pro-growth Republicans and also my fellow pro-capitalism Democrats.

The exemption was, and still is, an excellent policy for our state, but its time to make this simple adjustment to unleash the full potential of the Florida economy.

Philip Levine, a cruise industry entrepreneur, is a former two-term mayor of Miami Beach and a one-time Democratic candidate for governor of Florida.







Levine






Yet another Arctic blast is expected to send temperatures plummeting by 30 to 40 degrees this weekend and into next week.

The predicted intense cold has prompted officials to move Monday's inauguration ceremony inside.

Even Florida will get some freezing temperatures and, possibly, "snow showers" next week as the winter storm sends frigid Arctic air into the Deep South, according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network and National Weather Service.

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 Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

Whether Florida will actually get some snow depends on whether all the right conditions line up right.

Here's what you should know.

Inauguration ceremony moved inside after forecast predicts extreme cold

The inauguration ceremony of Donald J. Trump will be moved indoors Monday due to the extreme cold, the president-elect announced Friday.

"The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured in any way," President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday.

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"I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda," Trump said.

 Trump inauguration moving inside due to 'Arctic blast.' What we know

"It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).

First up, rain and and thunderstorms

A storm starting Friday and continuing into Saturday night is expected to cross the southeastern states, bringing soaking rain and even a few locally heavy thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather.

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In brief: It'll be a wet weekend across most of Florida.

Colder air to move in next week

An Arctic blast is expected to bring freezing temperatures to Florida Jan. 22, 2025.

Frigid air will pour into the Central and Eastern states by early next week and will set the stage for the coldest presidential inauguration since the start of Ronald Reagan's second term in 1985, AccuWeather said.

As the cold air spreads farther to the south and east, a risk of snow and ice will accompany that expansion.

One or both storms could bring snow and ice as far south as I-10 and part of the Gulf Coast as early as Monday.

"Much of the Florida Peninsula is likely to avoid the worst of the chill. Still, freezing temperatures are projected during the outbreak in central and South Florida," according to AccuWeather.

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"Brutally cold days and locally historic low temperatures are in the forecast for many parts of the eastern U.S. and possibly parts of Florida," according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.

Will there be snow in Florida next week?

"Snow or ice in Florida is the ultimate meteorological trick shot, requiring a unique set-up that finesses a pristine Arctic airmass from the north and sufficient moisture from the south," said Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist with WeatherTiger. Truchelut is a Florida meteorologist who works with the USA TODAY Network.

"Everything has to go exactly right for the potential for Florida snow or ice to come to fruition," Truchelut said.

 Snow or white rain in Florida? A WeatherTiger reality check with a light dusting of hope

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Several areas across Florida's Panhandle and North Florida could see "snow showers" next week.

What are snow showers?

Snow showers means that snow falls at varying intensities for brief periods of time.

Some accumulation is possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Right conditions need to combine to bring snow to Florida; it rarely happens

Frozen precipitation in North Florida requires a very specific set of ingredients, and two forecasters from the National Weather Service Tallahassee identified them in 2008. They are:

Extreme jet stream amplification, bringing Arctic air plunging into the South.

A frigid low-level airmass bringing a freezing temperatures when precipitation starts.

The trigger and the 'Goldilocks Zone.' In other words, it could get get cold with no snow or ice. or it's too warm and all Florida gets is cold rain.

Florida winter threats next week: 2 scenarios

According to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, there are two scenarios Floridians could see next week:

North Florida:

Scenario 1: Low pressure develops over the central Gulf and tracks east. Precipitation develops well to the north of the low, resulting in a "wintry mix" across that could impact the entire area.

Scenario 2: Low pressure doesn't develop or develops across the far southern Gulf. This would keep "conditions dry, but temperatures would still be bitterly cold."

Central Florida: Moisture will begin to increase across Central and South Florida ahead of the next approaching front this weekend. The presence of abundant cloud cover and rain will keep overnight temperatures more mild, with lows in the 50s and 60s throughout Central Florida.

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South Florida: Starting Saturday, southerly winds take hold and temperatures become warmer. Plan for highs around 80 degrees. This cold front should start to approach South Florida on Sunday. Until then, expect a mild forecast with daytime highs in the middle 60s to lower 70s through South Florida and the Keys.

Weather alerts issued in Florida

NWS weather radar shows storms in and around Florida

"It's going to be cold. There's no way around the frigid temperatures and lingering impacts associated with that," according to the National Weather Service Mobile.

"Looking at the Monday through Wednesday timeframe, portions of the area will see apparent temperatures below freezing for upwards of 48 hours, with actual temperatures only briefly rising above freezing Tuesday afternoon."

There may be enough saturation that "snow could develop."

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Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 68. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday night: A 40 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday night: A 20 percent chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday night: A chance of snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday : Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Tallahassee, Florida: Watch for 'snow showers'

"Very cold weather expected for the first half of next week, beginning Sunday night. Wintry precipitation is still a possibility some time between late Monday and early Wednesday," according to National Weather Service Tallahassee.

"The best opportunity for wintry precipitation (if it were to materialize) is Tuesday night-Wednesday morning. This scenario is accounted for in the official forecast via a slight chance of light snow showers mixed with cold liquid rain for a good chunk of the region."

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., then showers after 10 a.m. High near 67. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday night: Showers. Low around 55. South southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Monday night: A slight chance of rain and snow showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday night: Rain showers likely before 10 p.m., then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Jacksonville, Florida: Chance for 'snow, freezing rainfall'

Expect a rainy weekend, along with a possibility of a few stronger storms, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville.

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It will be "dangerously cold next week as Arctic air brings our cold temperatures of the winter thus far to the local area. The potential for winter weather including snow and freezing rainfall increases Tuesday into Wednesday morning." Models as of Friday show a 30% to 50% chance of "snow and freezing rainfall" along and north of the I-10 corridor."

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday night: Showers. Low around 58. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday: Showers. High near 65. West wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 33.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy.

Wednesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Daytona Beach, Florida: Watch out for wind chills

"Much warmer on Saturday and then a cold front arrives Sunday with high coverage of rain and isolated lightning storms. A weather system is expected to bring breezy and wet conditions from Tuesday into Wednesday.

"Cold morning wind chills are also anticipated across parts of Central Florida, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.

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"At this time, the risk for freezing/frozen precipitation is forecast to stay north of East Central Florida."

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 68. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 43. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Windy, with a north wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 41. Windy, with a north wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Windy, with a north wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Melbourne, Florida: Wind chills expected

"Much warmer on Saturday and then a cold front arrives Sunday with high coverage of rain and isolated lightning storms. A weather system is expected to bring breezy and wet conditions from Tuesday into Wednesday.

"Cold morning wind chills are also anticipated across parts of Central Florida, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.

"At this time, the risk for freezing/frozen precipitation is forecast to stay north of East Central Florida."

Saturday: A 10 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Saturday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: A chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 49. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 65. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Windy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Windy, with a north wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter

"Much warmer on Saturday and then a cold front arrives Sunday with high coverage of rain and isolated lightning storms. A weather system is expected to bring breezy and wet conditions from Tuesday into Wednesday."

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Showers likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for West Palm Beach, Florida: Chance for showers

Expect a brief warming trend Saturday. "Rain chances increase from Saturday night into Sunday ahead of an approaching cold front," according to the National Weather Service Miami.

"The colder temps should remain over the northern half of Florida."

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. West wind 13 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Breezy, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Monday night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Windy, with a northeast wind 18 to 22 mph.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a northeast wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tuesday night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Windy.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Windy.

Wednesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Windy.

Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Miami, Florida: Warming trend before cold front

Expect a brief warming trend Saturday. "Rain chances increase from Saturday night into Sunday ahead of an approaching cold front," according to the National Weather Service Miami.

"The colder temps should remain over the northern half of Florida."

Saturday: A 10 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 6 to 9 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Breezy, with a northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Breezy.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Breezy.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Breezy.

Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Naples, Florida: Rain chances increase before cold front's arrival

Expect a brief warming trend Saturday. "Rain chances increase from Saturday night into Sunday ahead of an approaching cold front," according to the National Weather Service Miami.

"The colder temps should remain over the northern half of Florida."

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 6 to 8 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Monday night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Fort Myers, Florida: Expect showers, possible thunderstorms

"The cold front will push slowly down the Florida peninsula Saturday night and Sunday with a band of showers and possibly a few thunderstorms expected across west central and southwest Florida ahead of the front," according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.

"Both Tuesday and Tuesday night have the making to be very raw, cold, and rainy across the region. Wind chills may also become an issue Tuesday night and early Wednesday."

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

Saturday night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 7 mph.

Sunday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 9 to 11 mph.

Monday night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Sarasota, Florida: 'Mix of light rain/snow' possible for Levy County

"The cold front will push slowly down the Florida peninsula Saturday night and Sunday with a band of showers and possibly a few thunderstorms expected across west central and southwest Florida ahead of the front," according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.

"Both Tuesday and Tuesday night have the making to be very raw, cold, and rainy across the region. Wind chills may also become an issue Tuesday night and early Wednesday."

While uncertainty remains, it's possible there could be a "mix of light rain/snow across the extreme northern forecast area, specifically Levy County." Levy County is located southwest of Gainesville along Florida's West Coast.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. South southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

Saturday night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 71. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 16 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 49. North northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Breezy, with a north wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Monday night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy, with a northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tuesday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: Rain likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.

Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter

Weather forecast for Orlando, Florida. No snow in forecast for Disney World

"The coldest readings should be found northwest of Orlando, where statistical guidance indicates 40-60% chances for temps to dip into the 30s" next week, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.

Saturday : A 10 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday night: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 44. West northwest wind around 10 mph.

M.L. King Day/Inauguration Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. North wind around 10 mph.

Monday night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind around 10 mph.

Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter

When was the last time it snowed in Florida?

The last time snow was recorded in Florida was on Jan. 28, 2014, when there was 1 inch of snow in Pensacola.

The first documented account of snow in Florida was reported in 1774, according to the Florida Climate Center.

"Since 1886, there have been more than 80 months in which at least a trace of snow has been reported somewhere in the state," according to the Climate Center.

On Jan. 19, 1977, snow fell in South Florida for the first time in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are examples of snow experiences in Florida since 1950, from the Climate Center:

February 2, 1951: Two inches were reported in St. Augustine and Crescent City.

March 6, 1954: Four inches were reported at the Milton Experimental Station; this total holds as the 24-hour state snowfall record.

February 13, 1958: Rain changed to snow; 1.5 inches were reported in Jacksonville, and 2.8 inches reported in Tallahassee.

February 9-10, 1973: A large snowstorm that affected the Southeast U.S. brought 1.8 inches of snow in Pensacola on the 9th and 0.4 inches in Tallahassee on the 10th. Flurries were reported as far south as Lisbon and Clermont.

January 17-19, 1977: Snow started falling in Pensacola on the 17th. On the 19th, flurries were reported as far south as Homestead. Areas along I-4 (Tampa/Orlando) reported 1 to 2 inches of snow.

December 23, 1989 : Rain changed to snow in Jacksonville, and totals of several inches were reported in some locations; the city had its first White Christmas.

March 12, 1993: The '93 Superstorm produced up to 4 inches of snow along the Florida Panhandle.

November 21, 2006: A dusting of snow fell over portions of central Florida, the first November snow in the state since 1912.

January 8-9, 2010: A light dusting of snow was seen in Jacksonville. Light snow fell in parts of central Florida with sleet/snow reported in Orlando, Tampa, and Melbourne. Flurries are reported in West Palm Beach and Kendall.

December 26, 2010: A mix of snow and sleet was reported in Jacksonville, with a freezing fog event around midnight. Tallahassee, Gainesville, and other locations in the northern peninsula reported flurries during the day.

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Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA Today Network

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida snow forecast: What is a 'snow shower'? Cold front timing
Orange County Sheriffs Office says the man seen attacking an 83-year-old woman outside an Orlando store is now in custody.

24-year-old Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury faces robbery and battery charges.

Terrifying surveillance video shows Ruth Monroe being attacked outside Buddys Food and Lotto near the intersection of Curry Ford Road and Goldenrod Road.

The video shows the man wrestling and dragging the woman to the ground.

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Monroe tells Eyewitness News she had just picked up $200, her lottery winnings.

Read: Attorney says negligence will be determining factor for charges in dog attack death case

Video shows the store clerk running out of the store. An arrest affidavit Eyewitness News obtained Thursday says the store clerk demanded Tavarez Fluery leave Monroe alone. The court records say Tavarez Fluery pretended to walk away but then turned around and charged at the victim while reaching for the money.

The clerk eventually was able to pull the suspect away from the victim, but Tavarez Fluery ran away from the scene with the womans money, court records say.

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Shes reminded of the attack with a bandaged hand and a ripped lottery ticket.

Orange County Corporal William Ramirez says criminals look for opportunities.

Read: They didnt protect my property: Womans car stolen at off-site airport parking lot

He says law enforcement often refer to the crime triangle when talking about crime prevention.

It includes desire, ability, and opportunity. Ramirez explained how we cant control someones desire or ability to commit a crime, but citizens can control the opportunity.

So just be aware of your surroundings, you know? Dont give them the opportunity to take that money, put that money away before you walk out of a store or if you walk out of a bank. Put that money away so that they cant see it., Ramirez said.

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Taverez Fluery waived his first appearance in court Thursday afternoon.

Read: Three more arrested in connection with Katherine Aguasvivas kidnapping

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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA)  A federal investigation ended with the arrest of a Winter Haven man who had been harassing users of a live-streaming app and making threats against the company, according to an affidavit.

Michael Wallace, 39, was charged with stalking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and making written threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said.

Coin dealer dupes customers out of large sums of money at Bradenton flea market: deputies

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Federal agents at the FBIs National Threat Operations Center began investigating after receiving a complaint from the app Favorited on Jan. 5.

The app, which is catered to users 17 and older, allows people to subscribe to content creators and interact with them in real-time on a paid basis.

Authorities said one of the users reported that Wallace had sent her threatening messages, some stating that he was going to shoot her and end her life. Wallace reportedly posted similar threats on multiple social media accounts and created a Favorited account to further harass the victim.

In the affidavit, agents said their investigation revealed a repetitive pattern of behavior where Wallace would focus and engage a particular party for the purposes of harassing them.

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After Wallaces account was suspended for violating the apps community standards, officials said he began harassing and threatening members of Favoriteds Trust and Safety division via email.

The FBI provided members of the Polk County Sheriffs Office with a copy of a Jan. 14 email exchange between Wallace and one of Favoriteds team members.

On that day, Wallace reportedly emailed the company asking why his account had been blocked and requesting a full refund.

The team member replied, informing Wallace that his account had been permanently suspended for making violent threats toward another person.

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Wallace proceeded to send 11 more emails to the company between 5:52 p.m. and 10:36 p.m. The emails reportedly included racial slurs, as well as threats of bodily harm against himself and others.

Silencing an army vet with cancer? Hope your taxes are good bro, one of the emails read.

Authorities said Wallace also made threats to commit a mass shooting in his emails, at one point stating that he was going to shoot up a place.

Wallace was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 15 by Polk County deputies. During his arrest, officials said Wallace complained of chest pain and received medical treatment. He was later booked into the Polk County jail.

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A group of Florida university professors on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit challenging a 2023 state law and related regulations that prevent colleges from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, saying the restrictions are punishing educators and students for expressing differing and disfavored viewpoints.

The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP on behalf of six professors, alleges that the restrictions violate educators and students speech rights and the chilling expression in public universities. It targets the 2023 law (SB 266) and rules passed last year by the state university systems Board of Governors.

Continuing its effort to police the marketplace of ideas, the Florida Legislature again passed vague, viewpoint-discriminatory legislation that broadly restricts academic freedom and imposes the states favored viewpoints on public higher education, punishing educators and students for expressing differing and disfavored viewpoints, the lawsuit said.

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The restrictions ban funding for programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity, or inclusion or that engage in political or social activism. One of the rules defines DEI as any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals based on such classification. Colleges and universities risk losing funding if they violate the restrictions.

The lawsuit alleged that the regulations definitions are ambiguous, inconsistent, and far too broad to provide any real guidance other than indicating the Legislatures and the BOGs (Board of Governors) intent to disfavor certain speech.

Read: SpaceXs latest Starship test ends as ship explodes over Atlantic Ocean

The restrictions have left instructors and students fearful for the future of not only education but also free thought and democracy in Florida, the professors lawyers wrote.

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The rules have stripped hundreds of university courses from being designated as general education courses, according to the lawsuit. Universities also have denied scholarships and research money to faculty and students who have received it in the past.

The 2023 law and the rules were part of efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature to wipe out diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools and workplaces. The restrictions were built on a controversial 2022 law that curtailed the way race-related issues can be taught in schools. A lawsuit filed by professors challenging the 2022 law remains pending at the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

DeSantis has railed against woke education and has taken other steps, such as engineering an overhaul of New College of Florida. That overhaul included appointing conservative trustees, with a DeSantis ally, Richard Corcoran, installed as New College president.

Read: Blue Origins new Glenn rocket reaches orbit

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Professors at Florida International University, the University of Florida, and Florida State University are plaintiffs in the new lawsuit filed in the federal Northern District of Florida. The named defendants are members of the university systems Board of Governors and trustees of the three universities where the professors work.

The law and regulations together have disrupted educators careers and restricted the activities and education of faculty and students, the lawsuit said.

The plaintiffs include Jean Queeley, an associate professor of anthropology and African and African Diaspora Studies at FIU. Two of Queeleys courses that were taught for over a decade were stripped of their general education designation after the passage of the law.

Sharon Austin, a University of Florida political science professor who also is a plaintiff, is the former director of the schools African American Studies Program. The lawsuit said university officials in April denied funding to allow Austin to attend an international conference hosted by the Diversity Abroad organization, although she had received funding the previous year. The universitys provost office also flagged two of Austins courses  Politics of Race and Black Horror and Social Justice for not complying with the law, according to the lawsuit.

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Read: SpaceX loses spacecraft after catching rocket booster during test flight

Austin attempted to address the universitys concern that the courses violated the laws text about identity politics and systemic racism, but was told in December that neither course was approved for general-education designation.

Professors have been forced to alter their course titles and course descriptions in an attempt to conform with the recent legislation, a task that they have taken on without clarity on how to comply with the law, the professors lawyers argued.

Thursdays lawsuit also alleged that the DEI restrictions violate a 2021 law, known as Floridas Campus Free Expression Act. The law is aimed at protecting the expression of diverse viewpoints at colleges and universities.

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By allowing discussions of only those viewpoints that the state agrees with, defendants are shielding faculty members, students, and staff in violation of the free-expression law, the professors lawsuit said.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Cold season is here, and we arent just talking about the weather. For the first time in two years, the percentage of office visits for possible influenza is the highest Kansas has seen.

Symptoms of influenza-like visits include body aches, fevers, runny nose, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says 7% of clinic visits are for these symptoms. Thats a sharp increase from last year, which was only at 3.5%.

City of Topeka is fixing potholes; long-term solutions still to come

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27 News spoke with family physician Courtney Huhn to find ways to keep your community healthy.

You know some of the main things are I think a lot of people might think it might be too late to get their vaccines for flu or COVID-19 for this year, Huhn said. And youre thinking about it now that youre seeing that the community rates are so high and you want to still be able to do things like normal, its okay to go and go ahead and get those now. 

Huhn also says you can wash your hands for 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer, as well as decrease your exposure to others by staying in or wearing a mask.

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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CHICAGO  Fridays brief, one day mild spell was noteworthy.

Temperatures soared well into the 40s, and even hit the low 50s in a few locations. It marked the mildest temperatures of the year to date thus far under a completely sunny sky and gusty southwest winds.

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The official 47 degree high marked the second-warmest January 17 here in the past 25 years. Only a 49 degree high two years ago has been any warmer.

The mild weather will move out and a sharp plunge back into the deep freeze will move in.

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Maps & Interactive Radar

Extended 7-Day Forecast

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BARTLETT, Texas (FOX 44)  A former Bartlett Independent School District staff member has been arrested and is charged with Sexual Assault of a Child.

Superintendent Dr. Teddy Clevenger sent out a release on Wednesday saying the districts Police Department arrested the former employee on Tuesday. The former employee is also charged with Improper Relationship Between Educator/Student.

Dr. Clevenger says the district first became aware of the allegations on August 23, 2024, and immediately placed the alleged staff member on administrative leave, which removed the employee from all district property effective that same day. Immediately following those actions, the district contacted the Bartlett Police Department and Child Protective Services. The district also followed policy and state law, notifying the Texas Education Agency (TEA) of this investigation.

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The staff member was immediately removed from school property once notified of allegations, and Bartlett ISD cooperated with the TEA, Bartlett PD, and Child Protective Services as they conducted their separate investigations. In accordance with state and federal law, and out of respect for the privacy of the parties involved, the district will not disclose confidential information of those involved or details concering this matter.

Dr. Clevenger says the district will have extra counselors on campus to provide additional support as needed.

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A former CIA analyst arrested in November and charged with leaking highly classified records showing Israeli plans to launch a retaliatory strike on Iran pleaded guilty Friday in a federal court in Virginia.

Asif Rahman, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of transmission of national defense information, according to court records.

Rahman faces up to 10 years in prison for the first count and up to three years for the second count. His sentencing was set for May 15.

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MORE: US government employee charged with leaking apparent Israeli plans to retaliate against Iran

Rahman admitted to accessing and printing out two documents regarding Israel's retaliatory strike plans on Oct. 17 and transporting them to his residence, where he later uploaded images of them and provided them to "multiple individuals he knew were not entitled to receive them," according to the plea agreement.

He later took various steps to try and conceal his involvement in the leak, even as authorities were able to track him down remarkably quickly given he was the only individual found to have printed out the documents, according to logs reviewed by investigators.

PHOTO: Asif William Rahman, who worked for the U.S. government, was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia, and is charged with leaking classified information assessing Israel's earlier plans to attack Iran. (Guam Department of Corrections via AP)

Rahman was arrested in Cambodia and later brought to Guam, according to the charging documents.

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Rahman, a U.S. citizen, worked as an employee for the CIA starting in 2016.

In the days after the disclosure, Rahman deleted "approximately 1.5 gigabytes" of data from his personal folder in the Top Secret system, including scores of highly classified materials he had downloaded over the years -- largely relating to the Middle East, according to prosecutors.

Former CIA analyst pleads guilty to leaking Israeli retaliation plans originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Georgia pastor who was arrested in the murder of an 8-year-old Pennsylvania girl in 1975 has just been acquitted of the crime.

Up until 2023, David Zandstra has been living in Marietta with his family for nearly 20 years.

In July 2023, he was arrested in the 1975 murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington, who vanished while walking to Bible school.

Zandstra was the pastor at one of the two churches where the Bible school was held. Her father was the pastor of the 2nd church.

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Investigators said that before he and his family moved to Georgia, Zandstra knew the victim and her family very well. His wife even helped in the search when she vanished.

His attorney, Mark Much, told jurors that detectives pressured and tricked Zandstra into confessing to a crime he didnt commit. Defense attorneys said there was no physical evidence linking the retired minister to the girls death and that police had investigated other suspects who were more likely to be the killer.

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According to court records, a jury found Zandstra not guilty of murder in the first, second and third degrees. Two other charges were dismissed and another was withdrawn.

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In the days after the girl disappeared, hundreds of people searched nearby wooded areas, and authorities distributed more than 2,000 leaflets and set up a 24-hour hotline that took hundreds of calls, The Inquirer reported.

When the girls body was found, her clothing was folded and in a neat pile near her body with her underwear hanging from a tree branch like a flag ... as if to call attention to the place, the newspaper said at the time.

An attorney for Zandstra released a statement Friday evening, saying Zandstra maintained his innocence for 48 years and they were happy to have Mr. Zandstra returned to his family.

Our hearts along with all of Delaware County still break for the Harrington family who deserve an end to the nightmare of losing a family member, the statement went on to say.
Jan. 16A former Cumberland County Sheriff's deputy has pleaded not guilty to two felony charges tied to the theft of more than $10,000 from several people.

Brian Smith, 37, has denied the allegations against him, according to records filed in Cumberland County Superior Court, roughly a month after he was indicted on one count of theft and one count of burglary. Both are Class B charges and carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Smith had no upcoming court dates scheduled as of Thursday. He is out on $2,000 cash bail and had to surrender his passport.

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Prosecutors for the Office of the Maine Attorney General have alleged that between Jan. 4 and June 27 of 2024, Smith stole at least $10,000 from three people and their heirs, according to the indictment. The state has also accused Smith of illegally being in one of the victim's homes in Gray a year ago with the intent of committing theft.

Little else has been shared publicly. It's unclear whether Smith knew the victims and how prosecutors believe Smith committed his alleged crimes.

His defense attorney, Verne Paradie, said he couldn't share much information about the case and is still waiting on discovery materials from the state.

Smith would have been a deputy at the time of the alleged thefts, although he was suspended for three days on June 27, according to public records from the sheriff's office.

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Disciplinary records obtained through a public records request say that for several months early in 2024 Smith had been parking "for extended periods of time at an obscured spot at the New Gloucester Public Works" while on duty. An internal affairs investigation determined he had violated several codes of conduct, including "prohibited activity" while working.

Smith resigned in a brief letter to the sheriff's office July 29, offering no details as to why.

Sheriff Kevin Joyce has referred all questions to the attorney general's office, adding only that Smith's alleged misconduct doesn't represent the character of his other staff.

While Smith was on administrative leave, news broke that he was being charged in Androscoggin County with domestic violence and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. The charges stemmed from a report the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office received alleging Smith had fired his gun within 5 feet of another person.

That case was dismissed in September due to insufficient evidence, Paradie said.

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DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  Mac Marquette is planning to add to his legal team.

Court records show that the former Decatur Police officer charged with the shooting death of Stephen Perkins in September 2023 wants to hire Georgia-based lawyer Lance LoRusso to his legal team, joining Elizabeth Young and Brett Bloomston.

RELATED: City of Decatur wants timeline in Perkins wrongful death lawsuit

Marquette is set to go on trial on April 7.

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Marquette killed 39-year-old Perkins in the early morning hours of September 29th following an incident surrounding a vehicle repossession. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said Perkins pointed a weapon toward an officer, and the officer shot at him.

Perkins was taken to a nearby medical facility and died.

Based on Decatur Police Department policy, Marquette was placed on administrative leave, and ALEA began to investigate the shooting.

Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion issued a statement in November 2023 announcing he found reason to believe that policies were violated in the shooting death of Perkins. The chief said in his opinion discipline was warranted.

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The Morgan County District Attorney announced grand jury indicted Marquette in January 2024, after ALEA concluded its investigation into Perkins death. Marquette turned himself into the Morgan County Jail and was held on a $30,000 bond before bonding out.

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Marquettes personnel file obtained by News 19 shows he applied for a police officer position with the Decatur Police Department in late March 2020 and was given a conditional hiring offer on September 24, 2020. He was certified by the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission in April 2021.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A former employee of the Erie County Clerks Office who admitted to stealing more than $320,000 over four years was sentenced Friday before Judge Sheila DiTullio to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office.

Alexander McDougall, a former deputy clerk, stole $320,159.33 from the clerks office between April 2019 and June 2023. Following the sentencing, Erie County DA Mike Keane described the end of the case as difficult and emotional.

The missing money came to light after an audit of the Clerks Office by the Erie County and State comptrollers.

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According to the State Comptrollers Office, the investigation found that cash was deposited into McDougalls personal bank account and not the clerks account.

Obviously what Mr. McDougall did was very disruptive, said Keane. He stole $320,000 from taxpayers in New York and that money has not been repaid  I say this is a difficult case because Mr. McDougall is someone who has a very difficult family situation.

McDougalls defense attorney said that the money wasnt used for anything lavish, rather it was used for his wife and daughters medical needs.

In addition, the DA said McDougall never reported that stolen money on his tax returns, and because of that he owed just under $12,000 in state income tax.

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McDougall pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing. He was sentenced to the minimum for both counts, 1 1/3 to 4 for the first count and 1 to 3 for the second. The sentences will run concurrently.

He will be expected to pay back the full restitution, Keane said.

See Keanes full remarks in the video player above.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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Former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Michael Brown said that Congress should give the disaster relief agency back its independent agency status, allowing it direct access to the president which would, in his view, improve its overall operation.

The smartest thing they could do is to pull FEMA out, give it back its independent agency status, and give the director direct access to the president. If you dont have direct access to the president, like I had, its not going to work, Brown, who served as the FEMA chief from 2003 to 2005 under former President Bush, said during his Thursday appearance on NewsNations show The Hill.

The agency was formally created in 1979 with former President Carters executive order. In March 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the same year the executive department was formed.

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FEMA has come under intense scrutiny in recent months, particularly following the devastation that Hurricanes Helene and Milton left behind in Florida and North Carolina, as its response was questioned and criticized by lawmakers and residents.

Its reputation took another hit after a FEMA worker was fired for allegedly advising an assistance team to skip homes in Florida that had President-elect Trump signs in front of them following a major hurricane. Following the incident, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell was summoned to testify in Congress while an audit started in December led by DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari.

The criticism continued this week as Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), whose district has been ravaged by the Eaton Fire, called out FEMA for reportedly turning down assistance claims because of lack of insurance information. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) slammed FEMA on Tuesday, saying it needs a complete overhaul and a new leader.

First of all, we need we need a new director, a new administrator, and weve got to change the culture of FEMA, Edwards, whose district was severely damaged after Hurricane Helene, said. Theres too much government bureaucracy and not nearly enough caring about the folks that they should be tasked to help.

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Brown, who himself resigned from FEMA after 2.5 years after facing criticism over the U.S. response to Hurricane Katrina, echoed a similar sentiment to Edwards, arguing the agency has been subsumed by bureaucracy.

FEMA has been subsumed by this huge bureaucracy. So Im not trying to defend the FEMA Administrator, but I can tell you that whats going on is shes fighting a bureaucracy around her that just does not give her the resources or the flexibility to do what you need to do, Brown said on Thursday.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group which also owns The Hill.

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Two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted in connection with a massive statewide bribery scandal that put one of Ohio's most powerful politicians in federal prison.

Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling are accused of bribing state officials to pass a $1 billion bailout for the company's nuclear plants and to eliminate regulatory hurdles.

This alleged $60 million racketeering conspiracy defrauded Ohioans to enrich the defendants," FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola said. The FBI will continue to pursue political corruption and corporate fraud to protect taxpayers and hold white-collar criminals responsible for their actions.

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Both were indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a charge created to prevent organized crime and fight against drug kingpins. Jones, 69, of Akron, and Dowling, 60, of Massillon, were turning themselves in to federal authorities Friday morning.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine would not comment on the indictments during a press conference on Friday.

Defense attorney Steve Grimes talks with his client former FirstEnergy exec Michael Dowling before Dowling's arraignment in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross' courtroom in Akron on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

Prosecutors allege that Jones and Dowling participated in bribery, money laundering and obstruction to increase the company stock price and enrich themselves. FirstEnergy fired the two men in October 2020.

The Akron-based company previously pleaded guilty to bribing former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo  two public officials in powerful positions to help the company. The company paid a $230 million fine and agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.

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FirstEnergy spokesperson Jennifer Young said the company can't comment on the new indictment but noted that in the intervening years "FirstEnergy is a different, stronger company that has taken significant steps to move forward."

Householder was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in the scheme, which involved recruiting Republicans to win control of the House and passing the controversial House Bill 6, which included a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants then-owned by a FirstEnergy subsidiary. Former Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges received a five-year prison sentence for his role.

Randazzo was accused of accepting a $4.3 million bribe to help pass that law and ease regulatory hurdles for the company. He had pleaded not guilty. The case was dismissed after he died by suicide last April.

A statehouse scandal fueled by dark money

Even before Friday's announcement, the case has had a huge impact: Householder and Borges are convicted and imprisoned, two co-conspirators Jeff Longstreth and Juan Cespedes pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, lobbyist Neil Clark and Randazzo both died by suicide, and FirstEnergy changed its leadership and board.

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The latest development marks the first time federal authorities have charged the bribers instead of the bribe recipients.

The indictment paints a picture of how FirstEnergy executives used money and influence to their own advantage at the Ohio Statehouse. After House Bill 6 passed, Jones sent a photoshopped version of Mount Rushmore, featuring Randazzo's and others' faces on it. The caption read: HB 6 F*** ANYBODY WHO AINT US.

In October 2016, the executives pledged to the FirstEnergy board that the company value would be increased by 27%. But at the same time, the utility faced a weak energy market and hundreds of millions of dollars in losses, especially from FirstEnergy Solutions, its nuclear power subsidiary. To turn the company around, Jones and his team pursued bailouts from federal and state officials.

In 2018, FirstEnergy Solutions filed for bankruptcy and said it would close its nuclear power plants absent a government bailout.

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FirstEnergy used dark money groups to help Householder amass political power and become Ohio House speaker. In April 2019, Householder unveiled House Bill 6, which would require 4.5 million Ohio consumers to pay fees on their monthly electric bills to help keep the nuclear plants open.

It paid millions of dollars to Randazzo and his companies, including a $4.3 million payment shortly before he applied to chair the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Even after the scandal became public and lawmakers repealed the subsidies, FirstEnergy Solutions, which emerged from bankruptcy under the name Energy Harbor, kept the plants open and operating.

The federal indictment says that Jones and Dowling purposely used dark money groups because the source of funds didn't have to be disclosed.

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"Huge bet and we played it all right on the (state) budget and HB6, so we can go back for more!" Dowling said in a text to Jones the day that DeWine signed the bailout into law.

The indictment details FirstEnergy's plans to "Win the National Championship"  a reference to getting favorable action in the state budget, House Bill 6 and in front of the PUCO.

When the charges against Householder became public in July 2020, FirstEnergy copied everything on Jones' company cell phone. Months later, FirstEnergy took the phone from Jones again to re-copy its contents but found that thousands of messages relevant to the investigation had been deleted, according to the indictment. Messages between Dowling and Jones were also missing from Dowling's company phone.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Ken Parker and his team are prosecuting the case against Jones and Dowling nearly two years after they won convictions against Householder and Borges.

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Parker is an appointee of the Biden administration and may step down in the near future. Parker inherited the Householder and Borges case from federal prosecutor David DeVillers, a Trump appointee who stepped down in February 2021.

The Jones and Dowling cases are assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Black, who heard the case against Householder and Borges.

Last February, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, charged Jones and Dowling in state court with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Both have pleaded not guilty to those offenses.

Read the federal indictment here:

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Jones Dowling Indictment by Jessie Balmert on Scribd

This is a developing story that will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Former FirstEnergy executives charged in Ohio bribery scheme
Jennifer Lee Wilson, the Valparaiso area woman who pleaded guilty to a felony count of reckless homicide in the death of her foster son, Dakota Levi Stevens, will serve five years in the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by one year on probation, per a sentence handed down in Porter Superior Court on Friday.

Wilson, 49, also was given four days of credit for time served in the Porter County Jail and will have to pay a child abuse prevention fee mandated by the state. Wilson has the right to appeal her sentence and can ask for it to be modified after she serves three years.

Dakota, affectionately referred to as Levi by his biological family, was 10 when he died, a few days after, according to charging documents and court testimony, Wilson held him down on April 24 outside of her Liberty Township home until he stopped breathing after he tried to run away, calling his caseworker and her husband as Dakota screamed until he stopped breathing.

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Hes pronounced dead from asphyxiation, a 10-year-old boy, who this court will not ignore, as he was ignored by the defendant, Senior Judge Michael Bergerson said, his voice occasionally rising as he went over the factors that played into Wilsons sentence.

Wilsons attorneys, Kathie Perry and Amanda Price, requested a sentence of three years of home detention and two years on probation. Deputy Prosecutor Mary Ryan also requested a five-year sentence, with two years in state prison, two years on home detention and one year on probation. The advisory sentence under state statute for a Level 5 felony is three years.

Bergerson noted both sides suggested five-year sentences, with differences in how that should be divided up. Still, he also said that the mitigating factors in the case, including Wilsons lack of criminal history, her remorse, her guilty plea and the unlikelihood that the circumstances wouldnt occur again, could not overtake the aggravating factors.

Dakota was 10 and entrusted to Wilsons care, the judge said. Wilson was in a position of trust, which she violated.

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Obviously she applied more force than was necessary and that created the circumstances that led to his death, he said, adding that instead of trying to resolve the situation, Wilson was talking on a cellphone with callous disregard for Dakota.

Wilson weighed 340 pounds and Dakota weighed 91 pounds, according to charging documents.

All the while this beautiful boy was crying for his life  crying for his life  the defendant is just completely oblivious that she had just killed a foster child, Bergerson said. Its hard to think of a more egregious set of circumstances.

Any mitigating factors have to be discounted by the overwhelming proof of guilt in this case, he said. Bergerson also lifted a no-contact order thats barred Wilson from seeing two of her three adopted children since her July arrest  she said in court she also avoided seeing the third child to avoid running afoul of the court  because there was no need for it since she has been sentenced to prison.

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Court security kept a close eye on both Dakotas supporters, who couldnt all fit into the courtroom, and the 13 people there for Wilson, occasionally approaching them and asking for silence. Officers escorted one of Wilsons supporters out of the courtroom toward the end of the hearing.

Members of Dakotas family, many wearing orange in his memory, wept through much of the hearing, though kept their response muted when Wilson was sentenced. Once the hearing was over and two deputies escorted Wilson out of the courtroom, Dakotas supporters broke into cheers, applause and hugs.

Ana Parrish-Parker, one of Dakotas aunts and the family representative who presented a victim impact statement to the court, said after the hearing that the family was rejoicing.

There was a total sense of peace that Levi was not ignored. Levi was here, she said, adding the sentence is the very first step in our hearts coming together.

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Before the hearing, more than two dozen of Dakotas supporters joined hands and formed a circle, bowing their heads in prayer not far from the entrance to the courtroom. After the hearing, outside the courthouse, they again flanked together, this time in front of television news crews.

When she took the stand, Parrish-Parker said she had custody of Dakota and his younger sister, who was later adopted, for a year after they were removed from their parents home because of drug abuse. She said her younger sister, Dakotas mother, is now living in North Carolina and had her parental rights terminated, and Dakotas father died of an infection from his drug use.

The children were removed from her home, from what Parrish-Parker understands, because she refused to agree to increased therapy for siblings. They already had a rigorous and exhausting therapy schedule, she said, and additional therapy would have left them with no time to enjoy being a child.

Several other family members also offered to take the children in but Parrish-Parker said that for some reason, they always found a reason to disqualify the family from custody.

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The family, she said, went long stretches without knowing where Dakota and his sister were as they bounced around foster homes and Dakota was placed in a mental health facility.

Family members learned from one of Dakotas former foster parents that he had died, by way of a Facebook message, Parrish-Parker said, adding it took several days for the family to confirm the information.

Dakota was on life support at a South Bend hospital for two days before he died, she said.

Seeing your family suffer and knowing you cant do anything is very despairing. It brings you to the lowest of lows, Parrish-Parker said as she addressed the judge, sobbing. We were not able to be there to hold his hand.

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Given Wilsons experience working with children with mental health issues, Parrish-Parker said, she had the knowledge to handle Dakota.

His death was completely avoidable, she said.

Jennifer Wilson and her husband Robert addressed the court as well. Robert Wilson said the couple, married 30 years this month, had dedicated their lives to making things better for children. He is a school administrator who recently started a new job and previously worked in the mental health field.

The Wilsons had previously served as foster parents for Dakota and took him as an emergency placement in April. They had determined that because of Jennifer Wilsons health issues, they would not take in any more foster children but decided to take Dakota in again because the placement would be temporary. One of their family members was working to adopt Dakota.

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Robert Wilson said in court that his wife was holding Dakota down by his legs because the boy had tried to run away  Dakota told a neighbor he was being abused and asked her to call his caseworker and adopt him  and because Jennifer Wilson was concerned he would hurt himself, something he had done in the past.

Dakotas family, dubbed Dakotas Army, has called for justice for the boys death, sometimes gathering at a busy intersection in Portage Township to draw attention to what happened to him.

Jennifer Wilson addressed Dakotas Army by name in court, turning from her seat to speak with Dakotas family, often weeping, and said she did not expect forgiveness.

I cannot ask you for forgiveness because I cannot say for certain I would forgive someone who was responsible for the death of my loved one, Wilson said, sometimes sobbing so hard she could barely speak.

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Because of this tragedy, you lost him all over again. I am deeply saddened for the role, my role, in this horrible tragedy.

Wilson was an acquaintance of Dakotas extended family and said her actions were neither planned nor malicious. She, too, said she was trying to get the boy out of the foster system.

Just as each of you wanted a loving and supportive environment for Dakota, so did I, she said. Never in a million years could I imagine I would be the person responsible for his death.

Ryan, the deputy prosecutor, said Wilson taking in Dakota shortly before he died had to give them hope, which makes what happened even more awful for his family.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel and she took that light away, Ryan said. They lost him again and this time it was forever.

alavalley@chicagotribune.com
Former Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) said in an interview Thursday that he expects pieces of health care legislation that were dropped amid talks to avert a government shutdown last month will be brought back fairly soon with the support of the incoming Trump administration.

Bucshon spoke at Trust in Science: The High-Stakes Game For U.S. Public Health event, hosted by the The Hill and sponsored by the Alliance for Aging Research. The congressman from Indiana retired from Congress at the end of the 118th Congress.

The Hills contributing editor Steve Scully asked Bucshon how Republicans imminent trifecta of control of the federal government will affect public health issues.

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I think in a positive way, said Bucshon, a physician. You saw at the end of the last Congress, where we had this large funding bill, and there was a lot of bipartisan health care pieces of legislation that were in there and those were agreed to in a bipartisan way. Unfortunately, because of the funding situation and the size of the legislation, all of those got dropped out.

Bucshon predicted there will be a concerted effort in both the Houses Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees to bring these pieces of legislation back.

I think that will happen fairly soon, and I think the administration will be supportive of most of those things, he added.

The stopgap bill that ultimately passed last month and prevented a government shutdown included extensions of Medicare telehealth flexibilities but excluded pharmacy benefit manager reforms.

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Noting the 14 years Bucshon served in Congress, Scully asked what surprised him the most working in the House of Representatives.

So people ask me that question, Whats biggest surprise when you came to Congress?' Bucshon said. You wont be surprised by this answer. The amount of quality individuals who are actually members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. People, I think  people are surprised when you say that they are in your district. Theyll be like, Really? Thats not what we see on TV.'

Most people in Congress that I know on both sides of the aisle are here trying to do their version of the right thing, Bucshon added. You may not agree with their version but that doesnt mean theyre poorly motivated, right?

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - A home in Sydney previously owned by a senior Jewish community leader was vandalised on Friday morning and two cars were set on fire, with one spray painted with an antisemitic slur, Australian authorities said.

The attack, the third targeting the Jewish community in Sydney in two months, happened on a property once owned by Alex Ryvchin, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of the Australian Jewry, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.

"These are horrifying antisemitic attacks ... it is truly disgusting," Minns said during a media conference.

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"While police can't categorically at this early stage of the investigation say that the attack and the residence are linked, clearly it would be a massive coincidence if they were not linked."

Police said the house in the Dover Heights suburb was spray painted in red. There are no reports of injury.

Australia has seen a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since Israel retaliated against an attack by militant Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, with an assault on Gaza that has left tens of thousands of people dead.

A car was set alight and two properties spray painted with anti-Israel messages in Sydney last month, just days after an arson attack at a synagogue in Melbourne which is being investigated as terrorism.

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The latest attack comes two days after Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, an Israeli minister has said he would quit the government if the deal is approved.

Israel has delayed cabinet meetings to ratify the ceasefire, and media reports said voting could occur on Friday or Saturday, although the deal is expected to be approved.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
A former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a judge last year, stunning their tight-knit Appalachian community, appeared remotely from jail on Friday for a court hearing as defense attorneys and prosecutors discussed preliminary matters that will lead up to his murder trial.

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has been jailed since the killing last September, but his attorneys indicated they will ask that bond be set at another hearing not yet scheduled.

Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron said he would be glad to address bond" then. It was the first hearing before Cohron since his appointment last month as special judge in the case. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley said the matter of whether Stines should be released on bond had been in limbo until Cohron's appointment.

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Stines is accused of fatally shooting Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins in the judges chambers. Mullins died at the scene and Stines, who was sheriff at the time, surrendered without incident.

Stines was indicted by a grand jury on one count of murder of a public official. The ex-lawman pleaded not guilty. He resigned days after the Sept. 19 shooting at the courthouse in Whitesburg, an Appalachian town about 100 miles (146 kilometers) southeast of Lexington, Kentucky, near the Virginia border.

Video of the judge being shot was played at a dramatic court hearing last year. The video, without audio, showed a man identified by police as Stines pulling out a gun and shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk. The man walked around the desk, pointed the gun at the judge  who had fallen to the floor  and fired again, it showed. Stines could face the death penalty if hes convicted of the murder charge.

Participants in the court hearing on Friday appeared via a video conference. Stines showed no emotion as he sat quietly behind his lawyers at the eastern Kentucky jail where he's being held.

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Bartley told the judge that defense lawyers are reviewing voluminous amounts of potential evidence provided by prosecutors. It could take prosecutors another four to six months to amass all the potential evidence and complete any testing of it, prosecutor Jackie Steele said.

We still have some things coming in and things being tested, Steele said.

There was no mention of any specific evidence Friday, and police have given no motive for the shooting. Stines and Mullins had known each other for years. On the day of the shooting, they met for lunch with several other people near the courthouse, a Kentucky State Police detective said at a prior hearing.
A former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a judge last year, stunning their tight-knit Appalachian community, appeared remotely from a jail Friday for a court hearing as defense attorneys and prosecutors discussed preliminary matters that will lead up to his murder trial.

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has been jailed since the slaying last September, but his attorneys indicated they will ask that bond be set at another hearing not yet scheduled.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron said he would be glad to address bond then. It was the first hearing before Cohron since his appointment last month as special judge in the case. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley said the matter of whether Stines should be released on bond had been in limbo until Cohrons appointment.

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Stines is accused of fatally shooting Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins in the judges chambers. Mullins died at the scene and Stines, who was sheriff at the time, surrendered without incident.

Stines was indicted by a grand jury on one count of murder of a public official. The ex-lawman pleaded not guilty. He resigned days after the Sept. 19 shooting at the courthouse in Whitesburg, an Appalachian town about 100 miles (146 kilometers) southeast of Lexington, Kentucky, near the Virginia border.

Video of the judge being shot was played at a dramatic court hearing last year. The video, without audio, showed a man identified by police as Stines pulling out a gun and shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk. The man walked around the desk, pointed the gun at the judgewho had fallen to the floorand fired again, it showed. Stines could face the death penalty if hes convicted of the murder charge.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

Participants in the court hearing Friday appeared via a video conference. Stines showed no emotion as he sat quietly behind his lawyers at the eastern Kentucky jail where hes being held.

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Bartley told the judge that defense lawyers are reviewing voluminous amounts of potential evidence provided by prosecutors. It could take prosecutors another four to six months to amass all the potential evidence and complete any testing of it, prosecutor Jackie Steele said.

We still have some things coming in and things being tested, Steele said.

There was no mention of any specific evidence Friday, and police have given no motive for the shooting. Stines and Mullins had known each other for years. On the day of the shooting, they met for lunch with several other people near the courthouse, a Kentucky State Police detective said at a prior hearing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
A former Washington state newspaper editor accused of paying girls for sexually explicit images has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Steven Smith, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on Wednesday, KREM-TV reported. He was arrested in July 2023 and charged with 11 counts of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Though it seems wholly inadequate to say, I am ashamed and I am so sorry, Smith said at sentencing in the Spokane County Courthouse.

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Smith pleaded guilty in November to one count of exploitation of a minor and three counts of first-degree possession of child pornography as part of a plea agreement, KHQ-TV reported at the time.

Smith was executive editor of The Spokesman-Review in Spokane from 2002 to 2008. After leaving the newspaper, he taught journalism ethics at the University of Idaho, retiring in 2020.

Court documents say an account in Smiths name for a mobile cash payment service was linked to an investigation into children using social media to send sexually explicit images of themselves in exchange for money sent to them via the app.

The victims, 10- to 14-year-old girls, sent images to an Instagram account and received money through a cash app account. Internet activity of those accounts was traced to Smiths Spokane home, according to the documents. Detectives say the victims shared approximately 30 nude videos of themselves between April 2022 and January 2023.

Chat conversations showed Smith was aware of the victims ages, the documents said.

Smith was downloading more of the images when investigators searched his home, the documents said.




A former Tenafly, N.J. police officer has been found guilty in the death of his husband, a retired NYPD cop, whom he fatally shot while drunkenly trying to demonstrate how to kill a snake.

Joseph Grieco, 38, has long claimed the death of 44-year-old John Kelly, his partner of 14 years, was a freak accident and not an intentional act.

The couple had only just purchased a plot of land in Vernon Township, and were staying in an apartment nearby as they built their new home, when the incident occurred in the summer of 2023.

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In the early hours of July 26, authorities were called to the apartment on the 300 block of Route 94 to investigate reports of a discharge of a weapon with injuries, the Sussex County Prosecutors Office said at the time.

When they arrived on the scene around 1:20 a.m., they found Kelly suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died a short time later.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Grieco appeared intoxicated and told officers he and Kelly had been drinking in the hours leading up to the gunfire. He said he was trying to teach his husband how to shoot a snake when he mistakenly fired his weapon, fatally striking Kelly.

Following a trial that began last week, Grieco was found guilty on Thursday of first-degree aggravated manslaughter with extreme indifference to human life, NJ.com reported Friday. No information was given on when sentencing will occur. In New Jersey, first-degree aggravated manslaughter is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison.

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Grieco, the Tenafly Police Departments first openly gay officer, retired on disability in 2022 following an extended medical leave. Hed been suffering from what he said were cardiac, neurological and mental issues caused by long COVID. State records also showed he suffered a traumatic work-related accident two years earlier.

Born in Yonkers in 1978, Kelly kicked of his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Winchester County before joining the NYPD, according to an online obituary. He later retired and went on to earn a masters degree in corporate communications from New York University to work in the private sector.

In a since-deleted Facebook tribute in the wake of the shooting, Grieco wrote on the man he described as always the better half in their relationship.

You brought happiness and smiles to so many people and you never even knew it, or rarely noticed it, because it was so common any time you walked into a space, Grieco said of his husband. I wish that freak accident never happened, but unfortunately freak accidents are always a game of what-ifs constant moments of steps that lead to a single moment, followed by horrific grief.
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  A Former Sevier County Utility District president has been indicted on charges of official misconduct and bribery of a public servant, according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

The Comptrollers office released a report on its investigation into Matthew Ballard on Friday. Ballard was the president of the Sevier County Utility District (SCSD) for more than 20 years before he was placed on leave in January 2023 and subsequently fired just two months later.

Crisis negotiators respond to Knoxville home after domestic incident

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The report states that while working for the SCSD, Ballard misappropriated at least $181,582.83. Investigators allege that $158,760 of the total amount was misappropriated through a kickback scheme with an electrical company between 2018 and 2022. The scheme reportedly worked by Ballard requesting the owner of the company to overbill SCUD, and then provide himself or his father, William Eddie Ballard, with a kickback.

During the time period, investigators identified 30 kickback payments made from the electric company, the owner of the company or one of the owners immediate family members to Matthew Ballard or William Ballard. In total, the Comptrollers report states that of the more than $150,000 of funds that was misappropriated, the Matthew Ballard received $141,010, and his father received $17,750 in kickback payments.

The Comptrollers report also states that investigators determined Matthew Ballard misappropriated at lease $18,581 in district funds for work on his or his fathers personal property, as well as $4,241 for a leaf and lawn vacuum that he used on his personal property.

In addition to the misappropriation, the Comptrollers report also alleges several other issues involving Matthew Ballard. Those issues listed by the Comptrollers office were:

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Ballard instructed a district employee to write false information on an invoice in an effort to conceal the fact that he was settling a gambling debt.

Ballard interfered with the investigation by clearing data from his work-assigned devices and directing a SCUD employee to lie to the SCUD board.

Ballard authorized at least $1,704,876.11 in questionable SCUD spending. This included payments such as: $778,404.65 to the electrical company that paid him kickbacks $585,137.57 in payments to a landscaping/construction company without bidding the work and $118,000 in payments to a consulting firm that paid for alcohol at activities attended by SCUD employees, among others



Man found dead at Knoxville park

On Wednesday, Matthew Aaron Ballard was indicted by a grand jury on one count of official misconduct and and one count of bribery of a public servant. William Edgar Eddie Ballard was also indicted, per the Comptrollers report, on one count of criminal responsibility for the conduct of another.

Mr. Ballards actions and his disregard for the ratepayers within the district are egregious, said Comptroller Mumpower. I am disappointed that the Sevier County Utility District board did not provide the oversight necessary to question Ballards decisions and expenses, despite the clear warning signs that began with our 2011 investigative report. I know the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation will be thorough in its review of this case at its next regular meeting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Jan. 16Former Spokesman-Review editor and University of Idaho journalism professor Steven Smith will spend 10 years in prison for child pornography and child exploitation after he paid underage girls as young as 10 to send him explicit photos.

In an emotionally driven, 8-minute speech during his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Smith, 74, touted his hardworking demeanor and accomplishments as an editor and an "advocate" for women and children during his tenure until he facilitated the victimization of children.

"I was a good man for most of my life, and then I wasn't ... Instead of being an advocate, I became a victimizer," Smith said, and apologized to the girls he had harmed. "... I told myself, surely the good I had done in life would outweigh the bad. That was just so wrong."

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Smith, who taught journalism at UI from 2010-20 and was the executive editor at The Spokesman-Review from 2002-2008, was originally charged with 11 counts of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct when he was arrested in July 2023.

He instead pleaded guilty to lesser charges last month, and attorneys agreed on a sentencing recommendation of 10 years. Prosecutors said Wednesday that 10 years in custody satisfies federal and state sentencing requirements.

Smith was linked to the crimes from a CashApp account registered in his name. He was using the account to send money to 10-, 11- and 14-year-old girls in exchange for naked photos and videos of themselves, court records say.

Investigators wrote in their reports that some of the images found on his devices were of 5-year-old girls being assaulted by men.

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When police knocked on his door and asked if he knew why they were there with a search warrant, court records say he told them, "Yes, it's probably from what I have been downloading."

Smith has maintained he doesn't know why he committed the crimes he did.

He told the judge on Wednesday he "stepped into the abyss" of downloading videos and images of young girls, and wished he "had a good answer."

"I have agonized over this question during the 18 months since my arrest," he said. "I have to come to grips with myself with the fact that those victims have a lifetime sentence for their victimization."

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Court records show prior to Smith's sentencing, he told a presentence investigator that his career was his life. He said he lived life in a particular way, with "some ambition and some narcissism; that is how you become an editor."

Smith retired into the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he ended up spending a lot of time on the computer, according to court records.

He told the investigator he "accidentally" saw something online and spiraled, and every value he ever spoke to "flew out the window."

During his statement, he apologized to his ex-wife, who filed for divorce shortly after his arrest. He then apologized to his former journalism and academia colleagues, saying his crimes "cast a shadow" on the work they do. Smith also apologized to his former UI journalism students.

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"My crimes are, I know, of bitter betrayal," Smith said, and began quietly sobbing.

"I tell you now the classroom lessons were good. Remember the lessons, even as you put out of mind the professor who failed his final exam."

A victim advocate was present in the courtroom Wednesday on behalf of two girls, but declined to make a statement for them.

While they were not there, "their presence is here," Spokane County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emily Sullivan said. "The mother of two of the children were consulted on this matter and kept in contact with (the victim advocate) throughout."

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Sullivan called a sentence of 10 years "a significant penalty" for someone at his age.

"I hope that today provides the victims some sense of finality and justice," she said. "This has been a long process to get here."
A former CEO and one of his top executives with an Ohio energy company at the center of a $60 million bribery scheme have been indicted on racketeering charges, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

The former FirstEnergy Corp. executives  ex-CEO Chuck Jones and Senior Vice President Michael Dowling  were accused of taking part in an enterprise to bribe state officials and secure a $1 billion bailout of the companys nuclear plants.

The pair, already facing related charges on the state level, were charged with federal racketeering conspiracy charges, according to the indictment issued earlier this week and unsealed Friday.

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Prosecutors said the two men, through a series of bribery, money laundering and obstruction, sought to increase the companys stock price and enrich themselves.

Both denied wrongdoing after they were indicted on state charges last year. The Associated Press left email messages with their attorneys on Friday.

The bribery scheme, which resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a former Ohio House speaker, centered on FirstEnergys efforts to persuade state lawmakers to pass a bailout of two of its affiliated nuclear plants and defend the bill from a repeal effort.

Last fall, Akron-based FirstEnergy was ordered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to pay a $100 million civil penalty for misleading investors about its role in the scandal. The company also struck a deal with state prosecutors to pay $20 million to avoid criminal charges.

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The utility admitted to its role in the scheme as part of a July 2021 deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The company then agreed to pay $230 million in penalties and to implement reforms to avoid being criminally prosecuted on a federal conspiracy charge.

Former House Speaker Larry Householder was sentenced in June 2023 to 20 years for his role in orchestrating the scheme.

Federal prosecutors say those involved used money secretly funded by FirstEnergy to get Householders chosen candidates elected to the House in 2018 and to help him win the speakership. The money was used to win passage of the tainted energy bill and to conduct what authorities have said was a campaign to prevent a repeal referendum from reaching the ballot.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence called on President-elect Donald Trump to renew his pledge to support Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Speaking during a visit Friday to Taipei, Pence said Chinas annexation of the island would impact global trade, technology and nuclear proliferation.

The fall of Taiwan would likely spark a new nuclear arms race, he said. Smaller Asian nations concerned about Chinese aggression would no longer be confident of American deterrence. American security commitments would be viewed as empty promises, destabilizing not only this region but the wider world.

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He added nations would feel they had no choice but to develop their own nuclear arsenal, which would increase the risk of global nuclear confrontation.

Pence, who served as vice president during Trumps first term but had a falling out with his former boss over Trumps refusal to concede the 2020 election, sought to reassure Taiwanese people of Washingtons continued support.

The United States is Taiwans main arms provider and favors maintaining the status quo between Taipei and Beijing, which has threatened to annex the self-ruled island, by force if necessary.

On his campaign trail last year, Trump cast doubt over the U.S. continued backing of Taiwan, accusing the island of stealing the chip industry from the U.S. decades and saying Taiwan should pay the U.S. for protection against China.

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Pence, speaking at an educational forum in Taiwans capital, said he was convinced the U.S. would never abandon its allies across the Pacific Ocean.

I call on the new administration in Washington, D.C., and freedom loving nations around the world to urgently renew our commitment for providing Taiwan with the support it needs to defend itself and its freedom, he said.

He also called on Trumps incoming administration to start negotiations for a free trade agreement with Taiwan, a development thats long been floated by various U.S. and Taiwanese politicians and that would be sure to anger China.

Pence said during Trumps first term, he and the president changed the national consensus on China in the United States.

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Now there is a broad and bipartisan agreement in our nations capital that China today represents the greatest strategic and economic threat facing our nation and our allies in the 21st century, he said.

On Thursday, Pence attended a business event in Hong Kong, where he called for the release of imprisoned publisher Jimmy Lai.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Peters, Missouri, man who served as Webster Universitys IT director appeared in federal court on Thursday and was sentenced for defrauding both his employer and an IT equipment seller in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Ronald Simpson, 54, devised his plan in late November 2018.

Simpson admitted in court that he received university approval to purchase hundreds of pieces of IT equipment with the understanding that it would be installed on campus. Instead, Simpson sold that equipment to a third party, defrauding the university of a little over a million dollars.

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Simpson reached out to the universitys IT supplier and falsely claimed the equipment they shipped him was defective. Simpson received replacement equipment and sold that as well. The IT supplier lost approximately $780,000 based on Simpsons lies.

Prosecutors said Simpson received $2,188,704 for the IT equipment he sold.

A U.S. District Court judge sentenced Simpson to 46 months in federal prison and ordered him to repay Webster University $3.19 million and the IT supplier $780,233.

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Former Williamson Mayor Charlie Hatfield was CEO of Williamson Memorial Hospital in Mingo County, W.Va., from 2018-2019. (Google Maps screenshot)

Former Williamson Mayor Charlie Hatfield will serve five years of federal probation on charges of theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds for actions taken during his time as CEO of Williamson Memorial Hospital, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

In addition to the probation, Hatfield was ordered to repay the $34,872.62 he stole from the hospital for personal use and also pay a $20,000 fine for the crimes. U.S. District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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Hatfield pleaded guilty to the federal charges in May. He faced a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the crimes.

Hatfield served as the rural hospitals interim CEO for one year, from September 2018 to 2019. He was first elected as Williamson, West Virginias mayor in 2017. According to local media reports, he voluntarily resigned from that position earlier this month in light of the upcoming federal charges and a probe by the FBI.

According to court filings, Williamson Memorial Hospital received thousands of dollars in federal funds in both 2018 and 2019 while Hatfield was serving as CEO.

In May 2019, Hatfield used more than $9,000 of hospital funds to purchase a cashiers check, which he then sent to a man in Florida to pay off debts from a personal lawsuit, real estate taxes and property fees on a condominium he owned there. In September 2019, Hatfield directed nearly $26,000 from the hospitals accounts to Mid Mountain Properties, a real estate firm he has owned and operated since 2001, according to the Secretary of States office.

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Hatfield admitted to investigators, according to a news release, that he told his then-business partners about using the hospital funds to pay a personal obligation. He also admitted that he never requested authorization from the hospitals board to direct the funds to his own endeavors.

Nearly a month after that second transfer, on Oct. 21, 2019, the owners of Williamson Memorial Hospital filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

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A former youth minister accused of sexually abusing children spent at least a decade working as a charitable fundraiser in Cincinnati.

The former minister, Jeff Taylor, worked for most of that time at the University of Cincinnati Foundation, where he solicited donors and helped coordinate fundraising on behalf of UC Healths Gardner Neuroscience Institute from 2013 to 2023.

A UC Foundation spokesperson, Julie Engebrecht, said officials there conducted a routine background check before hiring Taylor and had no knowledge of the abuse allegations until after he left the foundation.

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She said Taylors work at the foundation involved regular contact with physicians and adult donors but not with children.

Jeff Taylor, a former fundraiser with the University of Cincinnati Foundation, was accused last year of sexual misconduct involving boys when he was a youth minister in the 1990s. Foundation officials say they didn't learn of the allegations until after Taylor retired in 2023. Taylor helped solicit donations on behalf of UC Health's Gardner Neuroscience Institute from 2013-2023.

Taylor arrived in Cincinnati years after working as a youth minister at three different churches, one in Northern Virginia and two in Georgia.

An independent investigation commissioned by one of those churches, Falls Church Anglican in Virginia, reported that three men have accused Taylor, now 64, of sexually abusing them when they were boys under his supervision in the 1990s. More than a dozen others told the investigator Taylor behaved inappropriately and asked them questions related to sex and masturbation.

Taylor, while employed with the Church, engaged in varying levels of conduct that was inappropriate and would fall within the definitions of sexual grooming or sexual abuse, wrote Edward Isler, an attorney with the IslerDare law firm, which was hired to conduct the investigation.

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Isler also concluded that after receiving a credible report of abuse in 2007, about five years after Taylor had left Falls Church, the leaders of Falls Church failed to take all of the necessary steps to determine whether there had been other victims of sexual abuse by Taylor.

Reports describe charismatic leader, troubling behavior

Taylor could not be reached for comment. But The Washington Post, which reported new allegations against Taylor in an investigation published this week, said Taylors attorney described the accusations as false and said no physical evidence supports the accusers claims.

The Post also reported that at least some of Taylors accusers have spoken to the FBI about their experiences with him when they were boys.

When contacted Thursday, FBI officials in Cincinnati and Washington, D.C., said they could neither confirm nor deny they are investigating Taylor.

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According to the IslerDare report, Falls Church hired Taylor in 1990 to run its youth program, which grew to include 300 to 500 young people during his tenure. The report said participants in the program and their parents considered Taylor a charismatic leader and good public speaker who was treated at times as a revered saint or mini-Jesus.

But there were warning signs, too, the report found. Taylor focused his attention on boys, some former youth group members told Isler, and often asked them intimate questions about sexuality and masturbation.

At times, some former group members said, Taylor touched them on their legs or private parts while wrestling with them or engaging in other kinds of physical play. Islers report said the touching included credit-card swipes, which involved Taylor putting his hand between a boys buttocks, and oil checks, during which hed stick his finger into a boys buttocks over his clothes.

Three students reported what Isler described in his report as overt sexual abuse, or specific sexual contact such as fondling.

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One of those students told Isler that Taylor referred the next day to the alleged abuse as some really crazy spiritual warfare.

In the article published this week, The Post described Taylors encounters with one of his accusers as intense sexual activity.

UC Foundation says it followed 'normal hiring procedures'

Taylor left Falls Church in 2002. He worked at two Atlanta-area churches until 2009, when, according to The Post, an accusation related to his days at Falls Church resulted in his suspension and resignation.

Taylor then worked for the Red Cross in Georgia before moving to the Cincinnati area and taking a job with the UC Foundation in 2013.

Foundation officials would not describe their vetting process or say whether they spoke to anyone at any of the churches where hed worked before coming to Cincinnati.

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We followed normal hiring procedures (background/reference checks) at the time of Taylors hiring, Engebrecht said in an email.

She said she could not discuss whether Taylor had been disciplined for any reason while working for the foundation, or whether the foundation had received any complaints about his behavior.

According to The Post, Taylor worked briefly in a fundraising role for the Cincinnati Nature Center after leaving the UC Foundation, but he left last year after Islers report about the abuse allegations became public.

A spokesperson for the Cincinnati Nature Center did not return a call seeking comment.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Youth minister accused of sex abuse later became Cincinnati fundraiser
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WKRG)  Jacqueline Sheffield said receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognizes her years of commitment to education and hard work.

Its recognition for the work that Ive done, for how hard Ive worked, for many years of commitment to education, Sheffield said.

City of Robertsdale begins eminent domain proceedings to acquire Baldwin Co. Fair land

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Sheffield has taught mathematics for 28 years including 24 years at Fort Walton Beach High School where she also attended as a student. She said the teachers who inspired her when she was in school led her to pursue a career in education.

I think I was inspired by amazing teachers that I had, Sheffield said. I went to high school here at Fort Walton Beach High School. I was actually nominated several times by my high school calculus teacher, who then worked in the county office. She inspired me and a few others to be a great teacher, to work hard, to be a better teacher.

Sheffield said she also found inspiration in her colleagues throughout her career.

I think Ive worked with some really great teachers, Sheffield said. Ive had great administration, great principals throughout my different stages of learning to be a teacher.

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The COVID-19 pandemic led Sheffield to change her teaching approach, she said. She shifted her classroom structure to focus on small-group learning, which allows students to work together in groups of three.

Students supporting each others learning, students who understand something but support another student, are actually even learning more and deepening their understanding by explaining to others, Sheffield said. So I think that has had a really big impact and change on my teaching.

Sheffield said her passion for math helps her spark interest in the subject for her students.

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I eat, sleep and breathe math every day, Sheffield said. I walk the walk, and so then they in turn see someone excited about math, someone who loves math. I think that starts to spark their love too.

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Sheffield said her enthusiasm for statistics also helps her engage students in ways that they may not experience in other classes.

I think my love for statistics is something that they dont see a lot of thats a little unique in my ability to create activities where they can see the statistics principles in play, Sheffield said.

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Sheffield said her time at Fort Walton Beach High School has been meaningful both as a student and a teacher. She said being named Teacher of the Year at the school was a proud moment in her career.

It was very exciting because were a great staff, Sheffield said. We have great teachers. So when your fellow teachers think highly of you, then, you know, thats a little pat on the back. You know, that youve done a good job. So thats definitely a standout.

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Looking forward, Sheffield said she hopes her legacy will reflect her dedication to students and her colleagues.

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Ive been here 24 years. I went to high school here, Sheffield said. A love for teaching, a love for my fellow teachers  thats something that I hope is my legacy here.

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BALTIMORE  The battle to solve Marylands $3 billion budget deficit has prompted a debate between the states two most recent leaders, who are pointing fingers and blaming each other for the fiscal crisis.

On Wednesday, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore released his proposed budget to address the deficit, which he insists his administration is not responsible for creatingInstead, he blames increased state spending and slow economic growth over the course of eight years before [he] took office for the situation.

But as Moores Republican predecessor, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, and others have noted, the state was in a much better financial position just two years ago.

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In a series of Facebook posts this week, after Moore blamed Hogan for the deficit, Hogan noted that Moore described the states financial situation as fortunate upon taking office in January 2023. Hogan claimed his administration left Moore with $5.5 billion in financial reserves  $3 billion in the states rainy day fund and a structural surplus of $2.5 billion.

Despite our warnings to protect the surplus, this progress has been squandered, and we are being told that tax hikes are on the way again, Hogan wrote.

But publicly, Moore now sees things differently. In Annapolis on Wednesday, the governor bluntly said his administration did not inherit a structural surplus.

Instead, Moore said the extra funds were from federal COVID-19 aid, which had to be spent quickly, and he insists were not reflective of Marylands financial situation overall.

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COVID money is not a structural surplus, Moore said. Billions of dollars that came into the state did not represent a structural surplus in any way, shape or form. It basically was just one-time money.

Asked to explain how the situation had changed so drastically in the last two years, spokesmen for Moore did not immediately respond.

Doug Mayer, a former spokesman for Hogan, said he didnt know what changed for Moore in that time. Was Moore playing politics then or is he playing politics now? he asked.

Mayer said the governor needs to be more honest with state legislators  such as Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat  about how surplus money was spent.

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At the end of the day, the problem with Wes [Moore] is that hes not willing to tell the truth about this particular situation because he cant, Mayer said. Wes does not want to blame or get into any kind of fight with the legislature.

Mayer also pushed back on Moores claim that federal COVID-19 funds made up most of Marylands budget surplus. He says 85% of state budget funds in a given year are mandated spending, which limits governors flexibility in spending decisions while delegating this authority more toward the Maryland General Assembly.

Moore should have foreseen the deficit a little bit earlier, but asking who is responsible for the fiscal crisis is a rather unfair question, said Daraius Irani, a Towson University economist and vice president of strategic partnerships and applied research.

It didnt happen in two years  A combination of both of them probably contributed to it, Irani said.

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Shocking news recently broke that former Texas GOP Rep. Kay Granger, a 14-term veteran of Congress, was living in a senior facility while still a sworn member of the U.S. House.

The revelation reignited the decades-old debate over congressional term limits, this time supercharged by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Taking to X, the social platform he owns, Musk amplified calls for one of the most popular political reforms in America  a proposal supported by more than 80% of voters  as the solution to an aging, ineffective and out-of-touch legislature.

But beneath its widespread appeal lies a dangerous mirage: Term limits wouldn't fix Congress. They would break it even further.

Let's be clear. Congress has an age problem. Granger's story joins a growing list of unsettling examples of aging lawmakers struggling to fulfill their duties.

Former California U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's frailty and memory lapses were on full display in her final months, forcing aides and colleagues to whisper instructions to her during votes.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has frozen midsentence twice in front of cameras, spurring health concerns that remain unanswered. And former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at 84, broke her hip after a fall just weeks before announcing her intention to run for another term.

These incidents are understandably frustrating and embarrassing for an institution already deeply unpopular with the public. But the prescription so often proposed  term limits  would make the very problems they are meant to fix far worse.

Advocates of term limits claim they would eliminate career politicians, reduce the influence of lobbyists and make Congress less polarized. But decades of experience from states with term limits tell a different story. Rather than rejuvenating legislatures, term limits exacerbate dysfunction, turning over power to unelected lobbyists, bureaucrats, governors and party leaders while leaving Congress even less capable of solving the nation's most pressing problems.

If you think Congress is dysfunctional now, populate the place with folks who have no incentive to invest in their work because they know they will soon need another paycheck.

One of the most common arguments for term limits is that they would create a "citizen legislature," bringing in fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds. But this, in itself, is a myth.

Politics, like any profession, has a steep learning curve. The labyrinth of congressional rules, procedures and policy details requires years  if not decades  to master. Term limits would ensure that lawmakers are constantly in the early, least effective stages of their tenure, leaving real decision-making to the unelected insiders who stay put: lobbyists, long-serving bureaucrats and congressional staffers.

Consider California, a state that has operated under term limits for decades. Studies consistently show that term-limited legislators are more dependent on outside actors for policy expertise, less effective at oversight and more likely to vote in lockstep with their party.

What's worse, term limits would disproportionately exclude Americans who lack significant financial resources. Congress is already disproportionately wealthy  members are more than 12 times wealthier than the average American. Limiting terms would mean that only those who can afford to take a career detour for a temporary stint in office  without worrying about lost income or job security  would be able to serve. Meanwhile, diverse, younger or working-class candidates, who already face immense financial barriers to running for office, would be shut out even further.

Another claim is that term limits would reduce polarization by freeing lawmakers to act independently of their parties. The opposite is true. With term limits in place, the constant churn of new lawmakers means more reliance on parties and ideological interest groups for campaign funding and electoral support. Research shows that term-limited legislators are more partisan, not less. They vote with their party more often and engage in less bipartisan collaboration than their non-term-limited peers.

Perhaps the most ironic failure of term limits is their effect on career politicians. Rather than forcing lawmakers to "return to the farm," term limits simply push them into other political roles. Many term-limited legislators run for different offices, accept gubernatorial appointments or  most troublingly  become lobbyists. Nearly 500 former members of Congress are currently working as lobbyists or consultants, using their connections and expertise to influence the very institution they left behind. Term limits would only accelerate this revolving door.

If age is the problem, the solution isn't term limits  it's age limits. Mandatory retirement ages for lawmakers would directly address concerns about cognitive decline and physical frailty while preserving the institutional memory and expertise that Congress desperately needs. Unlike term limits, which arbitrarily force out effective lawmakers alongside ineffective ones, age limits would target the root of the problem without weakening the legislature as a whole.

Congress does have serious problems. It is polarized, gridlocked and disconnected from the public it serves. But term limits are not the solution. They are a distraction, a blunt instrument that would cripple Congress rather than cure it. If we want a more functional and responsive legislature, we should focus on reforms that make it easier for talented, diverse and, yes, much, much younger candidates to run for office. And once we get past the myth of term limits, then we can tackle other huge problems like the outsize influence of money in politics and the staggering lack of competitiveness of congressional elections.

As frustrating as Congress can be, its flaws cannot be fixed by gutting the institution of its most experienced members. Real reform requires us to invest in a better Congress, not sabotage it in the name of misguided simplicity.

Term limits may be popular, but they are the wrong answer to the right question.

Casey Burgat, Ph.D., is a former congressional staffer-turned-professor of legislative affairs at George Washington University. He is the author of the forthcoming book "We Hold These 'Truths': How to Spot the Myths that Are Holding America Back," which examines common misconceptions about American democracy and their impact on contemporary political discourse.
Leaseweb Global, a leading cloud services and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider, today announced the launch of a new highly efficient Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution. Designed for businesses that need a combination of exceptional price-performance, fast local storage and easy deployment.

Leasewebs new VPS solution provides customers with the flexibility to expand their infrastructure as their business needs grow. Delivered via a low-touch, self-service portal, it requires limited technical expertise for setup or management, enabling users to configure their server, monitor resources and manage snapshots with ease. This makes it ideal for businesses seeking a straightforward, scalable and efficient hosting service, as well as those looking for an entry-level solution to Leaseweb Public Cloud.

With lightning-fast 10Gbps uplink speed, and powered by high performance processors and local NVMe storage, the Leaseweb VPS solution provides ample compute, RAM and generous traffic across all packages. In addition, built-in security and reliability features, including firewalls, DDoS protection and ISO-certified data centers, offer peace of mind and comprehensive protection for all customers. For those customers wanting to include backup, this is available as an add-on service.

Our new VPS solution has been designed from the ground up to offer the ideal balance of performance, usability and cost, said Mathijs Heikamp, Director Product Management at Leaseweb Global. By combining the latest hardware, advanced automation and an intuitive self-service portal, we're delivering a cloud infrastructure solution that can effortlessly adapt to customer requirements.

For further information about Leaseweb VPS, visit https://www.leaseweb.com/en/products-services/cloud/virtual-private-server.
PORTER COUNTY, Ind.  The foster mom who killed Dakota Levi Stevens was sentenced to five years in prison with one year suspended on Friday.

On April 25, 2024, about a half hour prior to the incident  Stevens ran over to his neighbors house asking her to adopt him. He said he was hit in the face and his foster parents did not let him call his case manager.

According to documents, his foster mother, Jennifer Wilson, located him at the neighbors house in the 200 block of Falcon Way, located in Liberty Township, and ending up sitting on the boy.

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Not for a few seconds, but for at least seven minutes.

Dakota Levi Stevens

Surveillance video capture the incident.

It begins with Wilson already laying on Stevens near his neck/head area in a twenty second video. In another video with a duration of 6:48, she is seen laying near the area of his buttocks and he did not move during the entire video, according to authorities.

Stevens weighed around 90 lbs. at the time of the incident and Wilson weighed 340 lbs., documents stated.

Previous: Foster mom accused of killing 10-year-old Northwest Indiana boy by laying on him

The 10-year-old was airlifted to a hospital in South Bend with severe trauma. He was pronounced dead on the morning of April 27. Stevens death was ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxia.

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A warrant for reckless homicide was issued and she was arrested near New Buffalo, Michigan in mid-July.

WGN News previously spoke with his birth aunt, Ana Parrish-Parker after his death.

Ana and Levis grandmother the day he was born

She had Stevens and his sister for nearly a year because his mother has struggled with addiction and his father had passed away.

His eyes popped open in the morning and he was go, go, go, Parrish-Parker said. His passions were digging for bugs and playing outside with his sister.

She said he was placed into foster care by DCS due to the department wanting him and his sister to go to additional therapy sessions.

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Parrish-Parker said she didnt think it was a good idea due to two additional days a week for visitation to their parents, plus school.

They didnt have time to be children. The judge ruled a removal from care (on behalf of DCS) and I never had the chance to speak to the judge to tell them I didnt want (the kids) to have more therapy, she said.

Levi at The Bean

Stevens foster dad from 2019-2021, Hayden Hetzel, previously said he was lucky to have shared great years with the boy.

He never didnt call me dad, he said. He was always like, Dad this, Dad that. Lets go on a walk.

Jennifer Wilson initially pleaded not guilty then changed her plea in October.

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On Friday, was sentenced to 6 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections with one year suspended. Becuase it is a Level 5 felony, she must serve 75 precent of the five years

DCS revoked her foster home license on June 30.

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Four people have been injured after an explosion caused a fire at an oil refinery in southern Germany, police said on Friday.

The incident in Neustadt an der Donau, north of Munich, was reported at around midnight (2300 GMT Thursday), with a large contingent of fire brigades deployed to the scene.

According to the police, the cause of the explosion and fire initially remained unclear, as did the extent of the damage.

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The Bayernoil refinery company said the fire broke out in a processing plant. The site was subsequently shut down, with safety measures in place.

Police said the building in which the fire broke out was burnt down in a controlled manner.

Residents in the Kelheim district near the site were urged to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed overnight. Authorities gave the all-clear early on Friday.

According to Bayernoil, the plant is supplied with crude oil from Trieste in Italy and produces flammable gases such as propane and butane, as well as petrol, diesel and heating oil.

Bayernoil has another similar site in Bavaria in Vohburg an der Donau.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Four men part of a Charlotte-based theft ring that stole over 100 vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships have been sentenced.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, the four suspects pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles.

Dewanne Lamar White, 44, of Sumter, South Carolina, was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

Kevin JaCoryen James Fields, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

Reginald Eugene Hill, 25, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release

Garyka Vaughn Bost, 26, of Denver, North Carolina, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release

According to documents, from 2021 to 2023 the group worked together to steal luxury vehicles from dealerships in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Arizona.

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Authorities said to maximize their profits, they targeted luxury vehicles made by Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Land Rover, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, and other expensive models.

PREVIOUS Multi-state task force recovers over 100 stolen luxury vehicles valued at $11.5 million

The group committed the thefts in several ways. For example, the group would visit dealerships posing as customers. After pretending to test drive or inspect the vehicles, they would swap the vehicles key fobs with similar ones, and later use the stolen fobs to steal the vehicles.

Other times, authorities said the group employed methods like smash and grab thefts, where they would break into dealerships and locate keys to the high-end models, or break open lockboxes containing keys to luxury vehicles, and then drive the vehicles off the lot.

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Court documents state once the stolen vehicles were taken off the dealership lots, the suspects would remove the GPS navigation and tracking systems, attach fictitious dealer tags or stolen license plates, and replace the vehicles authentic Vehicle Identification Numbers.

The stolen vehicles were then taken back to Charlotte where they were sold locally at prices well below market value, authorities said.

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This article contains anti-trans slurs and describes violence against a trans teen.

Four teenagers and one 20-year-old have been sentenced for their roles in the stabbing of an 18-year-old trans girl in London.

According to a Metropolitan Police press release, the anonymous victim  who asked police to release CCTV footage of the attack  had planned to attend a roller skating event in the Greater London town of Harrow on February 10, 2024. However, the event was used to lure her to the venue, where she was then attacked, robbed, and ultimately stabbed nine times before being taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries.

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According to the BBC, prosecutors said that the attack was orchestrated as an act of revenge after the victim performed oral sex on one of the teenagers, 18-year-old Bradley Harris, who hadnt realized she was trans. The victim recalled being invited to Harris home on January 29 and hearing Harris talking to a friend on the phone who told him she was trans. Having been attacked because of her trans identity in the past, she denied it. However, unbeknownst to her, footage of her performing oral sex on Harris was recorded and shared on Snapchat. Then, when another of Harris friends told him that the victim was trans, he asked her if this was true and threatened to stab her if she lied, leading her to confirm that she was.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer said that Harris subsequently plotted the attack on Snapchat with other assailants and hired 20-year-old Summer Betts-Ramsey to beat up the girl. The attack was filmed by other members of the Snapchat group and posted to social media. Heer said that in footage of the attack, Betts-Ramsey stabbed the victim, while other perpetrators kicked, punched, and dragged her across the ground. The BBC reports that the victim suffered wounds to her face and body.

Heer told the court that after the attack Harris feigned ignorance of it, later messaging the victim to ask what had happened. Meanwhile, Betts-Ramsey shared a Snapchat story of footage of the attack, a photo of the victim on a ventilator, and several transphobic slurs.

The Guardian reports that in evidence presented in court, Betts-Ramseytold an unnamed person, I have to go to Harrow to beat up some a fucking tranny bro. Judge Philip Katz said that the attack was "vicious" and had "elements of transphobia and revenge.

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In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said that although she previously experienced animosity due to being trans, she never thought that someone would have so much hatred for me and want to assault me in the way they did.

This incident has resulted in me being left with thick scars on and around my body, she continued. It saddens me every time I see them and I feel like I am the one living a life sentence due to them.

Ramsey has been sentenced to serve eight years and six months at an institution for youth offenders, having pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

The U.K. Is Making It Harder for Trans People to Determine Their Own Gender

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Trans people can currently circumvent a huge bureaucracy if they have documents from a list of recognized countries, but that list could dwindle soon.

Harris and two fellow assailants,18-year-old Shiloh Hindes and 18-year-old Camron Osei, have been sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. An unnamed 16-year-old boy received an 18-month supervision order after admitting to grievous bodily harm, and an unnamed 17-year-old girl will be sentenced at a later date after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of cannabis.

This was a horrendous and violent assault on a young woman, motivated by the fact she is transgender, Detective Inspector Nicola Hannant, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation into the crime, said in a statement. [...] It was incredibly fortunate for all those involved that the injuries caused were not more serious, as the level of violence used could have quite easily resulted in the death of the victim. I hope that todays sentencing allows the victim, who has demonstrated extreme bravery throughout the investigation, to start moving forward with her life.

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Originally Appeared on them.
BELOIT, Wis. (WFRV)  Four teenagers from southern Wisconsin were arrested after officers investigated a shots fired incident and seized guns from a suspect vehicle.

According to the Beloit Police Department, officers were called to the 1700 block of Porter Avenue around 1:45 a.m. on January 15.

When officers arrived to investigate the scene, they found shell casings and noticed that two homes were hit by gunfire. It was noted that no injuries were reported.

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Man found asleep behind the wheel of construction vehicle in Wisconsin, arrested for 2nd OWI

While officers from Beloit PD were on the scene, officers with the Janesville Police Department found a vehicle matching the suspect vehicles description in Janesville.

Subsequently, four teenagers were arrested for recklessly endangering safety as a party to a crime after investigators conducted a search warrant on the vehicle, recovering firearms in the process.

Those arrested included two 18-year-olds from Beloit and two 19-year-olds from Janesville.

Officers say the investigation is ongoing. No additional information was provided.

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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.
A professor is on the hunt for dozens of fragments of the Stone of Destiny that have been missing for 75 years.

More than 30 tiny pieces of the ancient artefact were retrieved and carefully recorded after it was damaged during a daring theft from Westminster Abbey in 1950.

While the location of some of the chips is known, the whereabouts of most remain a mystery as they have been passed down through families or are in private collections.

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Professor Sally Foster, from the University of Stirling, is painstakingly collating the history of as many of the pieces as possible, some of which were hidden in plain sight. She said they formed a fascinating new strand in the centuries-old history of the Stone of Scone.

Each one of these things has got a fantastic story in its own right, telling us about the meaning of the stone for ordinary as well as famous people, she said. Cumulatively, these offer valuable new perspectives to the enduring relevance of this national icon.

The existence of fragments from the 152kg sandstone block is known  an inch-sized piece was gifted to Alex Salmond by Sir Neil MacCormick and was kept at SNP headquarters  but it has not been widely appreciated that there are potentially more than 30 in existence.

Many came about when a mason secretly repaired the stone after it split in two during a Christmas Day raid by four students in 1950 who spirited it back to Scotland to try and advance the cause of Scottish independence.

Professor Sally Foster is appealing for people who may know the whereabouts of the fragments to get in touch with her - Sally Foster

It was returned in 1951 and repair work was conducted under the supervision of stonemason and nationalist politician Bertie Gray, who carefully numbered and recorded the pieces.

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He passed them on to the four students who carried out the heist  as well as those he admired in and around the movement.

Prof Foster believes Mr Grays repair work resulted in as many as 34 numbered fragments of the original stone.

The Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia - the body of senior officials charged with overseeing the Scottish crown jewels - are currently considering what should happen with the fragment gifted to Mr Salmond, who died last year.

Prof Foster said she met with the commissioners representatives last year after realising they may be making a decision about Mr Salmonds fragment in complete ignorance of the fact that there were others out there, beyond one that had came to light in 2018.

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Even at that stage I was aware there were other fragments, but I had not yet realised just many there were going to be, she said.

There was a case for codifying what their policy was going to be in relation to these, so that people wouldnt feel shy about coming forth and say theyve got - or had - a bit of it.

This fragment of the Stone of Destiny that was gifted to Alex Salmond and was kept at the SNPs headquarters. - Ross Colquhoun/SNP

Prof Fosters research, funded by the The British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, has involved combing through old newspaper archives dating back decades.

Other prominent nationalists to receive small chips include Margo MacDonald and Winnie Ewing  who had her piece fashioned into the centre of a brooch she once wore to an interview with the BBCs David Frost.

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Canadian journalist Dick Sanburn received chip number 25 in 1951 and proudly kept it behind his desk at the Calgary Herald. He said the fragments were carefully numbered and recorded to prevent a flood of fakes.

Former lord provost of Glasgow Sir Patrick Dollan displayed his chip to attendees at a concert in 1959.

The Stone of Destiny was moved to its new home at Perth Museum last year, where it sits as the centrepiece of an exhibition on Scotlands history.

It was taken to London for the coronation of King Charles in 2023 where it was mounted in the Coronation Chair, continuing its ancient role in the monarchy.

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The Scottish Government said the fragment gifted to Mr Salmond is currently being held by Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia, as agreed when the fragment was submitted for analysis.

The commissioners are considering options for the future location of the fragment. A final decision will be made in due course.

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A French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft was illuminated by the fire-control radar of a Russian long-range air defense system, while flying over the Baltic Sea earlier this week, according to Frances Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. The incident is the latest to occur in a highly strategic region in which NATO and Russian assets closely monitor each other, and which has seen a recent spate of suspected sabotage of undersea infrastructure. This has occurred as NATO officials increasingly warn of the threat of Russian hybrid warfare tactics here and elsewhere in Europe.

On Wednesday night, a French Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft was the target of Russian intimidation, Lecornu said in a statement issued today on X. It was patrolling in international airspace over the Baltic Sea as part of a NATO operation and was illuminated by the fire-control radar of an S-400 ground-based air defense system. This aggressive Russian action is unacceptable. Our armed forces will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and sea spaces.

Dans la nuit de mercredi a jeudi, un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2 francais a ete la cible de mesures d'intimidation russes.



Il patrouillait en espace aerien international au-dessus de la mer baltique, dans le cadre dune operation de lOTAN, et a ete illumine par le  Sebastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) January 17, 2025

Illuminating our aircraft in international waters with radar is an aggressive action, said Col. Guillaume Vernet, a spokesman for the French Armed Forces. The professional attitude of the crew prevented any escalation.

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Additional reports suggest that as well as being locked on by the fire-control radar, the Atlantique 2 was subjected to some kind of jamming by the Russian Armed Forces.

The Atlantique 2 was flying from its home base at Lann-Bihoue in Brittany, northern France, and reportedly flew a route that took it off the coast of Sweden and other countries in the Baltic.

While the Atlantique 2 began its service life primarily as an anti-submarine warfare platform, its mission spectrum has increased considerably in more recent years, as you can read about here.

A crew member watches from onboard an Atlantique 2 as it flies over the Black Sea on July 21, 2022. The Mark One Eyeball remains a vital surveillance tool and the glass nose affords an excellent view. Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images

As a surveillance asset, whether operating over water or over land, the Atlantique 2 is well equipped with sensors, especially after its Standard 6 upgrade, 18 of which are being completed.

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In its current configuration, the twin-engine turboprop boasts a Thales Searchmaster active electronically scanned array (AESA) surveillance radar, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera under the nose, an MX-20 sensor turret with electro-optical and infrared cameras below the rear fuselage, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) in the tail for acquiring submerged submarines, and wingtip electronic support measures (ESM) pods to intercept radio transmissions. The aircraft has a mission crew of 10 sensor operators, plus another four in the cockpit.

The MX-20 sensor turret under the rear fuselage of an Atlantique 2. Dassault Aviation

With a range of 4,300 nautical miles and an endurance of 14 hours, the Atlantique 2 is an ideal surveillance asset and can even conduct strike missions overland.

We are the only French aircraft equipped with so much imagery and electromagnetic surveillance kit and able to stay in the area for so long  up to 14 hours on task, the commanding officer of one of the two Atlantique 2 squadrons told AirForces Monthly in 2019. That allows us to assess information, to reinforce it, to make sure that its a target that needs dealing with and to release weapons.

A view from the cockpit of a French Navy Atlantique 2 as the sun rises on Lann-Bihoue naval air base, June 16, 2022. Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images

Its unclear exactly where the incidents occurred, but it seems almost certain that the French Navy aircraft was in international airspace close to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Baltic is a routine operating area for the Atlantique 2 and other NATO maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, from where they ensure the safety of navigation as well as keep tabs on Russian naval and air movements and activities on the ground in Kaliningrad, which is sandwiched between NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

A map of the Baltic region including Kaliningrad. Google Earth

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The heavily militarized exclave is a key area of interest to NATO. As well as hosting the headquarters of the Russian Navys Baltic Fleet, it also has important military air bases and serves as something of a missile bastion for Russia. It is home to ground-launched Iskander short-range ballistic missiles and has temporarily hosted Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles launched by MiG-31 Foxhound interceptors. In the past, there has also been speculation that Russia might deploy the 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile (SSC-8 Screwdriver) there. This controversial weapon violated the terms of the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, according to U.S. officials, and led to the United States withdrawing from that treaty.

Russian soldiers sit on the launcher of Tochka-M short-range ballistic missile, prior to its launch at a military training ground in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images STRINGER

As to the S-400, this long-range air defense system has been deployed to Kaliningrad in the past, although in late 2023 it was reported that at least some of the systems, or components of them, had been moved from the exclave, likely for use in the war in Ukraine. However, the system involved in the incident this week wouldnt necessarily have had to be in Kaliningrad to have illuminated the French Navy aircraft. With a claimed range of more than 200 miles, the fire-control radar could also have been located in Belarus and illuminated the aircraft off the coast of Kaliningrad, or it could have been stationed in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, provided the Atlantique 2 was operating at the eastern end of the Baltic, flying off the coast of Finland or Estonia.

Either way, the fact that a radar associated with the S-400 locked on to the Atlantique 2 will likely have provided very useful intelligence for the French Navy. Using its ESM equipment, the aircraft may have been able to eavesdrop on communications between Russian air defense operators as well as gain a better understanding of the S-400 and how its used. At the very least, the mission crew aboard the French aircraft should have been able to locate where the threatening radio-frequency emission was coming from, establishing the location of the S-400 and the type of radar used.

An S-400 air defense system during exercises near Elektrostal, outside of Moscow. ANDREY SMIRNOV/AFP via Getty Images ANDREY SMIRNOV

As well as routine intelligence-gathering flights in the region, maritime patrol and surveillance of the region have been stepped up in the wake of reported sabotage incidents that have targeted undersea cables in the Baltic. Most notably, in December, undersea cables between Estonia and Finland were damaged, with the suspected culprit vessel, the Eagle S, reportedly being extensively outfitted with espionage equipment.

The Swedish Navy ship HSwMS Belos found the anchor of the Eagle S, a Russian-linked oil tanker suspected of severing Estlink 2 four undersea telecom cables in December. Finnish Navy

As we reported recently, the newly created Baltic Sentry mission, which began this week, is dedicated to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure in this region.

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Speaking to TWZ earlier this month, a NATO naval spokesman said: Weve had persistent military presence in the Baltic Sea and that is something that will continue in full support of our Baltic allies. We will continue to work with our allies to determine options and assets to maintain an enduring military presence.

In addition, Russia has been accused of conducting large-scale jamming of GPS navigation in the Baltic region for some time now. Russian GPS jamming has been reported in the Baltic since at least 2017 and last year, U.K. authorities confirmed that a Royal Air Force Dassault 900LX business jet transporting the U.K. defense secretary experienced GPS jamming while flying near Kaliningrad. Russia has been accused of using similar tactics to target military aircraft elsewhere in Europe, too.

GPS systems are widely used for accurate aircraft navigation, increasing safety and efficiency, with most aircraft having backup systems if the GPS is lost.

For its part, Russia has a wide array of man-portable and vehicle-mounted electronic warfare systems that are reportedly capable of jamming transmissions and even feeding false information into networks, including spoofing GPS signals and potentially sending parties and vehicles off their intended course.

A Russian Krasukha-4 mobile electronic warfare system. It is reportedly able to target spy satellites, ground-based radars, and airborne early warning systems. Russian Ministry of Defense

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While the Baltic region has long been the backdrop for sometimes tense interactions between NATO and Russian military assets, the war in Ukraine and recent incidents of apparent sabotage on the seabed have increased the focus on this area, and officials are now speaking more frequently and openly about the Kremlins nefarious intentions here and elsewhere.

Yesterday, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and supreme allied commander Europe (SACEUR), said that Russian interference of aircraft is widespread, extends far beyond European borders, and is something that is quite serious, affecting all kinds of aircraft, both military and civilian.

In the Baltic region specifically, there seems little prospect of this kind of interference diminishing. Although using an air defense radar to illuminate a NATO aircraft in international waters is a provocative action, its not the first time that Russia has used belligerent tactics over these waters and will almost certainly not be the last.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has responded to Russia's attempts to jam a French aircraft, asserting that such aggressive acts are unacceptable.

Source: Lecornu on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: On Wednesday evening, 15 January, Lecornu reported that a French Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft was "subjected to intimidation" by Russia.

The minister explained that the aircraft was conducting a routine patrol in international airspace over the Baltic Sea as part of a NATO operation when it was "illuminated" by the fire-control radar of Russia's S-400 ground-to-air defence system ["Illumination" is military parlance for using radar to target an object  ed.].

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Quote: "These aggressive actions by Russia are unacceptable. Our armed forces will continue to operate to protect freedom of navigation in international air and sea spaces," Lecornu stated.

Background:

This week, NATO also announced the launch of a new surveillance mission in the Baltic Sea, involving patrol ships and aircraft, to protect the region's underwater infrastructure.

In addition, eight NATO member states with access to the Baltic Sea unveiled a reaction plan to suspicious situations involving underwater infrastructure damage

NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer stated at a press conference in Brussels on 16 January that there are no indications Russia is preparing for peace. As a result, NATO member states must strengthen military cooperation with partners and enhance support for Ukraine.

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PARIS  France says a Russian S-400 air-defense system targeted a French maritime patrol flight over the Baltic Sea this week in what the countrys Armed Forces Minister Sebastian Lecornu called an unacceptable act of aggression.

A French Atlantique 2 aircraft patrolling international airspace over the Baltic as part of a NATO mission was targeted by the fire-control system of the S-400 ground-to-air missile system in the night of Wednesday to Thursday, Lecornu said in a post on X .

This aggressive Russian action is unacceptable, Lecornu said. Our armed forces will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces.

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NATO this week kicked off Baltic Sentry , a mission to protect critical infrastructure in the region following damage to undersea cables between Estonia and Finland in December. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that Russias hostile actions against members of the alliance are accelerating , including through cyberattacks, sabotage and hybrid warfare.

Russia has been accused by the Baltic countries of large-scale jamming of GPS navigation, creating disruption for civilian aviation. Some military analysts have suggested Russia may step up sabotage efforts and hybrid warfare as it faces growing losses and difficulties on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Electro-magnetic interference of aircraft is widespread and goes far beyond European borders, affecting all types of air traffic, and is something that is quite serious, Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Christopher Cavoli said in a press conference in Brussels on Thursday, responding to a question about jamming and targeting of the French aircraft. He declined to comment on the specific incident.

NATO interceptions of Russian military aircraft approaching allied airspace, most of which take place over the Baltic, were little changed in 2024 from a year earlier, according to information from Allied Air Command provided to Defense News. NATO jets typically scrambled around 300 times a year in response to Russian activity, based on data for the past five years, except for a jump to more than 500 intercepts in 2022.

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Frances Atlantique 2 maritime patroller is a two-engine propeller aircraft specialized in anti-submarine warfare, with equipment including a magnetic anomaly detector, and 14-hour flight endurances. The French Navy has 22 of the aircraft, receiving the first unit in 1989, with most of the fleet being modernized starting in 2013 through to 2025.

Editors note: This story was updated after publication to correct the year when the Atlantique aircraft was first received by the French military, 1989.
The Catholic Church in France has called on prosecutors to investigate allegations of serious sexual abuse by the once venerated priest Abbe Pierre, who died in 2007.

Only the courts had the necessary investigative resources to ensure that the whole truth was told about the silences and denials from which Abbe Pierre may have benefited, the Catholic Bishops' Conference said.

Allegations regarding the clergyman, who died at the age of 94, have come to light in recent months, with the church detailing abuse directed at women, children and the vulnerable.

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The Egae Group, which has been tasked with collecting information on the scandal, said that 57 suspected victims had been identified after the Emmaus movement, founded by Abbe Pierre in 1949, made initial allegations public.

The abuse is reported to have occurred from the 1950s up to 2006.

Abbe Pierre was highly regarded in France, as a member of the Resistance during World War II, and one of the country's best-loved figures for his fight against poverty. Allegations of serious abuse against minors and young women emerged last year, shocking the country.
COMPANY NEWS: Popular generative AI security analyst can now be used to speed cybersecurity investigations and simplify threat hunting across a growing list of native and third-party sources

SentinelOne (NYSE: S) today announced another first when it comes to generative AI and cybersecurity  the companys award winning Purple AI security analyst can now be used with data from a growing list of the most popular third-party security offerings. Initial products supported include the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, Palo Alto Networks Firewall, Okta, Proofpoint TAP, Fortinet FortGate, and Microsoft Office 365. Its the latest innovation from SentinelOne to benefit from the Singularity Platforms advanced data and AI capabilities, and extends the speed, power and value of Purple AI to quickly stop todays increasingly sophisticated attacks.

The company also introduced multilingual support for Purple AI, complementing its popular English-language version with new support for natural language queries and summaries in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malay, Indonesian and more.

Purple AI has rapidly become SentinelOnes fastest growing product, and customer uptake and feedback has been incredible. Far beyond just a great natural language querying mechanism, Purple AI is automating investigations, prioritising threats, and slashing response times from hours to mere minutes, said Ely Kahn, Vice President, Product Management, Cloud Security, AI/ML and Core Platform, SentinelOne. By extending Purple AIs capabilities across both native and third-party data in Singularity, customers can rapidly stop even the most sophisticated attacks in their tracks, while gaining more value from the full security stack and their collective security data.

Overwhelming alert volumes, multiple data sources, increasingly sophisticated threat actors and expanding attack surfaces result in missed incidents and complex investigations. Disparate data schemas lead to limited visibility and threats falling through the cracks. And increasingly fast breakout times too often put defenders at a disadvantage of stopping lateral movement before the damage is done.

Purple AI simplifies the data problem for security teams to empower simpler and more complete threat hunting, while speeding investigations and response. It's the only GenAI security analyst in the industry that leverages the Open Cybersecurity Schema Framework (OCSF) to query data that has been normalised on ingestion. As a result, customers benefit from instant querying of native and third-party data, correlations and context across their security stack, and scalability across expanding ever-expanding data sources for faster and more complete investigations.

For example, take joint customers of SentinelOne and Zscaler, who can easily pull Zscaler Security Service Edge (SSE) logs into the Singularity platform via an out-of-the-box integration available on the Singularity Marketplace. Using this integration, which is configurable, these customers can use Purple AI to hunt across user or threat activity logs and data protection or zero trust policy violation logs and optimise investigations of security events that span network, endpoint, cloud and identity data, using simple, natural language queries like:

Using Zscaler logs, how many users have accessed cloud applications?

Show me Zscaler logs where users have downloaded malware.

Have any DLP violations been detected in Zscaler logs?

Are any users performing FTP file transfers in Zscaler logs?

Enriched by the extensive telemetry from Zscaler, the integration with SentinelOne significantly enhances the ability for SOC teams to leverage AI for threat hunting and complex investigations, said Amit Raikar, Vice President, Technology Alliances and Business Development, Zscaler. Together, were focused on helping customers strengthen their zero trust security in an increasingly complex risk environment, where closing gaps in hunting coverage with unprecedented speed and ease is more crucial than ever.

Availability:

The expansion of SentinelOnes Purple AI to third party data sources is available immediately for all Purple AI customers. Multilingual support is now open for early access to existing SentinelOne customers with Purple AI.

Related Content:
Newly appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou expressed optimism on Friday on passing an alternative to President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reforms by the end of May.

Trade union and employer representatives are to hold discussions on the reform from mid-February to resolve conflict on the way a reduction in pensionable age was pushed through without a vote in the National Assembly.

Following an initial meeting on Friday, Bayrou said he was convinced that his efforts could lead to positive results.

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Months-long mass protests erupted in France after the reform was pushed through at the beginning of 2023, raising the pensionable age in stages from 62 to 64.

Marylise Leon, head of the CFDT union, said the union continued to reject paying pensions only from 64. She nevertheless expressed optimism following the meeting.

Speaking for the CGT union, Sophie Binet said the discussions had shown how big the differences were.

Eric Chevee of the CPME association of smaller businesses said ahead of the meeting: "If employer contributions are to rise, there will be no agreement." He stressed that this was a red line for the association.

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If the discussions fail to reach an outcome, Macron's reforms will stand.

Bayrou, who describes himself as a centrist, has called on both sides to arrive at a reform that is socially more equitable without additional costs.

He needs support from the leftwing parties for his minority government to survive.

On Thursday, the prime minister survived a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly after socialist members and the far-right National Rally withheld support for the motion put forward by the hard-left La France insoumise (France Unbowed) party.
RED BAY, Ala. (WHNT)  Howard Burnham was arrested at his home in Red Bay Thursday when authorities say he thought he was chatting with a 13-year-old girl online.

The non-profit Bikers Against Predators is based out of Indiana. Members of the organization, will chat with potential predators online and then catch them with the help of local law enforcement agencies.

Wetumpka man charged with capital murder for October shooting in Triana

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According to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, members of the organization said they spoke with 62-year-old Burnham Thursday. He was chatting with who he thought was a 13-year-old girl online, asking for inappropriate photos and sending inappropriate messages.

Oliver said the sheriffs office does not take these situations lightly.

Its just in a nutshell sickening, a grown man sending messages to a 13-year-old girl, said Oliver. Its just very inappropriate and sickening and it shouldnt be happening.

According to their social media platforms, the non-profit has caught 395 predators across the country, News 19 reached out to the organization but has not heard back.

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Burnham is being held at the Franklin County jail on a $75,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
PARIS (AP)  The French Catholic Church has formally requested that prosecutors initiate an investigation into Abbe Pierre, a once-revered priest and humanitarian icon who died in 2007, following new revelations of sexual violence.

Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops Conference (CEF), announced the move during an interview on RMC radio on Friday. We must get to the bottom of the truth  uncover any additional victims, accomplices, and failures to report these crimes, he said.

Who was Abbe Pierre?

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Born Henri Groues in 1912, Abbe Pierre was a French Catholic priest renowned for his dedication to aiding the poor and homeless.

In 1949, he founded the Emmaus movement, an international organization focused on combating poverty and homelessness.

His humanitarian efforts, especially during the harsh winter of 1954, garnered him widespread admiration, and he was often regarded as the conscience of France.

Emergence of allegations

The allegations against Abbe Pierre surfaced posthumously, significantly tarnishing his legacy years after his death.

In July 2024, Emmaus International and the Fondation Abbe Pierre released a report detailing accusations from seven women, including one who was a minor at the time, alleging sexual assault and harassment by Abbe Pierre between the late 1970s and 2005.

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Following these initial revelations, a dedicated channel for victims led to 17 additional accusations, with incidents reportedly occurring from the 1950s to the 2000s across various countries, including France, the United States, Morocco and Switzerland.

Churchs response

In light of the allegations, Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops Conference, announced during an interview on RMC radio that the church has formally requested prosecutors to open an investigation into Abbe Pierre.

He emphasized the necessity of uncovering the full truth, identifying any additional victims, accomplices and instances where these crimes were not reported.

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The bishops conference also issued a statement Friday highlighting the gravity of the allegations and acknowledging past failures in heeding warnings.

It underscored the need for judicial action to uncover the full extent of the abuse and any systemic silences that may have allowed it to persist.

A significant chapter in Frances ongoing abuse scandals

The allegations against Abbe Pierre represent a key development in Frances broader reckoning with clerical abuse.

In 2021, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church reported that an estimated 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by clergy or church-affiliated individuals.

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The report highlighted a systemic coverup by church officials and called for significant reforms.

Churchs reparations for abuse victims

To address decades of abuse, the French Church launched a reparations program in 2022, overseen by the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation (INIRR).

The program offers financial compensation and psychological support to victims.

By March 2023, over 1,180 victims had come forward, with 404 receiving support from the INIRR.

Approximately 201 victims had already been granted financial or other reparations, which can also include non-financial support like organizing family mediation or installing memorials for victims.

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Compensation amounts range up to 60,000 euros ($63,000), with most recipients reporting very serious crimes, including rape or repeated abuse over years.

Critics argue that systemic reform of the church is still needed.
A French maritime patrol aircraft was the target of intimidation tactics over the Baltic Sea overnight on Jan. 17, after the aircraft was locked onto by the radar of a Russian ground-to-air defense system, France's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on social media.

The aircraft was patrolling in international airspace over the Baltic Sea overnight between Jan. 16 - 17 as part of a NATO operation, the defense minister said.

"This aggressive Russian action is not acceptable," Lecornu wrote on X. "Our armies will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces."

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The Baltic Sea region has witnessed growing concerns over Russian sabotage since Western nations began supporting Ukraine following Russias full-scale invasion in 2022.

On Dec. 25, four telecommunication cables and one power cable in the Baltic Sea were damaged, with Finnish authorities suspecting the involvement of the Russian "shadow fleet" vessel Eagle S.

Following the incident, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte vowed to increase NATO's military presence in the region. On Jan. 14, eight NATO member states bordering the Baltic Sea unveiled a coordinated action plan to address risks to underwater infrastructure following the suspected sabotage.

In addition to sabotage efforts, Russia has been repeatedly accused of jamming the GPS signal of various aircrafts, particularly in the Baltic Sea region.

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In March, Russia likely jammed the satellite signal of a Royal Air Force aircraft used to transport then-U.K. Defence Minister Grant Shapps near Kaliningrad.

On Dec. 9, two Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea. Later they were also scrambled again to intercept a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft.

Russian aircraft frequently operate over the Baltic Sea without transponders or flight plans, actions often seen as testing NATO's response capabilities.

Read also: NATO jets intercept Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea











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Friends of Wendy Williams' family are seeking contributions from her fans to assist in speeding her return to "her rightful home in Florida."

The Fundraiser has a target amount of $50,000 and was reportedly set up before Williams' explosive revelations on Thursday.

The beloved television personality said she felt like a prisoner amid her conservatorship, adding that she wasn't "cognitively impaired" as reported in the media.

GoFundMe Set Up For Wendy Williams

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to "Support Wendy Williams' Fight for Independence." According to the U.S. Sun, the fundraiser was created on January 15, ahead of Williams' explosive interview on The Breakfast Club on Thursday.

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Friends of the Williams Family organized the fundraiser, which seeks to raise $50,000. As of this post, $8,954 has been raised from 377 contributions.

The fundraiser's description reads, "A GoFundMe fundraiser is being urgently organized to assist Wendy Williams' family in expediting her return to her rightful home in Florida."

It continues, "For far too long, Wendy has faced the challenges of being unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated, despite her strong will and determination to live her life independently."

Williams' current situation was described as "unfair" and "deeply isolating," while it was claimed that the guardian assigned to her "severed connections with friends and family, leaving her without the support network she so desperately needs."

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According to the fundraiser, Williams' isolation in New York "has made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain her strength and resilience."

Wendy Williams' Family Need Help To 'Secure Legal Representation'

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The concluding part of the fundraiser description stressed that Williams' family "is passionately advocating for her return to Florida where she can once again be surrounded by the love and support of those who care about her."

It claimed that Williams' family is "suffering emotionally," witnessing the toll her isolation "is taking on her well-being."

However, the former television show host's family "have exhausted their financial resources" in their fight against her "unjust guardianship."

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Hence, they are "in dire need of assistance to secure legal representation."

The fundraiser's description concluded, "Legal services can be prohibitively expensive, and without our support, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of the situation."

Wendy Williams Likens Her Life To 'A Prison'

On Thursday, The Blast reported that Williams had a phone interview with "The Breakfast Club" and opened up about her conservatorship.

The former daytime talk show host denied her guardian's claim that she could not reason for herself.

Williams said, "I am not cognitively impaired, you know what I'm saying? But I feel like I'm in prison. I'm in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s, and 70s ... There's something wrong with these people here on this floor."

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Williams' niece, Alex, who joined the call, also shared more details about her living conditions in the New York care facility where she currently resides.

Alex revealed that her aunt stayed in a small, bare room. She claimed that the room had only one window that didn't allow for adequate sunlight.

Williams Gets Emotional About Her Conservatorship Experience

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Williams described her conservatorship experience as "emotional abuse" and broke down in tears while discussing the possibility of not being present for her dad's 94th birthday.

She explained that her ability to attend the celebration depended on her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, who she described as "that person that you talk about who is holding me hostage."

Williams lamented, "I am exhausted thinking about what if I can't see my dad for his birthday. At 94, the day after that is not promised. My life is like fed up."

She also noted that she had only $15 to her name before further revealing that her deeply treasured cats, which had been with her since she moved to New York City after her divorce, were "sold" without her consent.

Alex Urges Fans To Help Williams Regain Her Freedom

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During the interview, Williams revealed that she had one-way phone access, meaning she could call her family and friends but couldn't receive calls from them.

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Williams also claimed that her conservator was in total control of her life, down to her movements and finances.

Owing to Williams' revelations about her living conditions at the New York facility, her niece said it would be dangerous for her to remain under conservatorship.

Alex explained that Williams' family wants the best for her and is better suited to take care of her as they know her much better than an outsider would.

Hence, she urged the public to raise awareness about her aunt's situation on social media by sharing "#FreeWendy" to help her come out of conservatorship.
DENVER (AP)  U.S. property management company Greystar swindled renters across the country out of hundreds of millions using deceptive advertising and hidden fees, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Colorado.

The lawsuit arrive as renters gasp for air in Americas squeezed housing market and federal officials move to intervene. The Biden administration last week accused several major landlords and property managers, including Greystar, of scheming together to keep rents high in a sweeping lawsuit.

For years, rents have inexorably climbed, leaving half of U.S. renters  some 21 million households  spending more than a third of their income on the monthly bill. Within that group are people who are postponing doctor appointments to the pay their energy bills, removing groceries from the bag at the cash register or asking friends for a small loan.

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Greystar, which the FTC said manages some 800,000 rental units across the country, posted an unsigned statement on it's website in response to the lawsuit.

"The FTC has opted for headline-grabbing litigation in the waning days of the current administration," the statement reads. The complaint is based on gross misrepresentations of the facts and fundamentally flawed legal theories.

The lawsuit accuses Greystar of not revealing fees  such as trash or package delivery services  on websites where the apartments they managed were advertised, such as Zillow, even when those rental marketplaces had sections to list those types of fees.

Many people applying to the rental properties, the lawsuit said, couldn't learn of the fees until they filled out inquiry forms or clicked through small-print hyperlinks. In several cases, the FTC alleges that Greystar didn't reveal the fees until applicants paid the application fee, and that the extra chargers were buried in lease agreements reaching 60-pages long.

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Greystar, in their statement, said: No resident at a Greystar-managed community pays a fee they have not seen and agreed to in their lease.

The five members of the bipartisan commission unanimously voted to file the lawsuit, which accuses the management company of violating the FTC ACT as well as the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, according to a press release from the agency.

To the extent that other corporate landlords are not advertising their all-in pricing and are engaging in similar tactics, they are on notice that such conduct is illegal," Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement.

___

Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
New Mexico State Rep. Debra Sarinana introduced a bill ahead of the 2025 legislative session to make electric school buses an option for New Mexico school districts to replace traditional diesel vehicles. (Photo by TW Farlow / Getty Images)

Lawmakers are pushing to provide school districts throughout New Mexico financial support during the upcoming legislative session to replace their diesel school buses with zero emission alternative fuel ones.

House Bill 32, introduced by Reps. Debra Sarinana (D-Albuquerque) and Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), would give New Mexico school districts the choice of replacing diesel school buses with electric or other alternative fuel buses. It would also require that the Public Education Department provide the districts with funding at least comparable to what it costs to purchase a diesel bus.

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State law requires that public school buses be replaced every 12 years. Public Education Department Spokesperson Martha Pincoffs said 198 buses will need to be replaced this fiscal year.

This is just one little thing we need to do to make sure we are helping climate change, Sarinana told Source. Plus our kids, inhaling diesel when you get in a bus or around a bus is not good for them.

Kristin Graziano, a family physician and member of the advocacy organization Healthy Climate New Mexico, explained that emissions from diesel buses release toxic particulate matter, ozone and other harmful gases which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and public health. The New Mexico Environment Department reports transportation as the second largest producer of climate emissions in the state.

Children are more susceptible to the health problems these fumes pose, Graziano said. Their respiratory rates are higher than ours, they breathe faster. Their surface area on their lungs is actually bigger than adults  Their physiology is different. Also, they cant often get themselves out of environments. Theyre dependent on adults.

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Graziano pointed to lung diseases as the most common health impacts tied to diesel emissions, but said exposure has also been linked to heart disease, cancer and possible negative effects to neurodevelopment.

The kids I take care of, if their asthma is uncontrolled or their asthma is triggered by noxious fumes around the school, that impacts their ability to attend school, so theres more absenteeism, Graziano said, pointing out the ripple effect exposure can have on families. She added that if kids are unable to go to school, that could also lead to parents having to leave work to care for them.

Charles Goodmacher, lobbyist and policy advisor for Healthy Climate New Mexico, said approximately six school districts out of roughly 200 throughout the state have electric school buses so far, including Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Lake Arthur, Dulce, Dora and Albuquerque school districts.

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These districts have received federal or private funding in recent years to purchase electric buses and charging infrastructure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Clean School Bus Program is currently reviewing clean bus rebate applications from around the country. Awards are anticipated to be announced in May.

According to Healthy Climate New Mexico and NMVC Action Fund, diesel school buses cost approximately $140,000 each, while electric school buses, or ESBs, cost about $400,000. However, ESBs do not require the same amount of maintenance as diesel.

ESBs can also be used as energy storage to support the local energy grid or as backup power in emergency situations, according to NMVC Action Fund. The proposed bill will allow school districts to work with local electric utilities to establish vehicle-to-grid agreements, where districts sell excess energy back to the grid. ESB supporters note that this can bring revenue to the schools and further offset the cost of the buses.

Sarinana, a retired math teacher, said she took a ride on an electric school bus in Santa Fe and found it to be very different from her past experiences on school buses.

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I remember going on field trips and you couldnt even hear, everybody was yelling. But in this bus, it was so calm, Sarinana said, pointing out that electric buses dont have a traditional loud engine. This is what our kids need and as a teacher, I think this would get them to school a whole lot calmer.

Graziano said she thinks the proposed bill could make a significant impact on the health and the lifelong quality of life for our kids.

Lawmakers introduced a similar bill last year, but failed to make it on the governors call as an absolute budget item. Short 30-day legislative sessions focus solely on budgetary items or bills that receive special messages from the governor.

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Property fund manager ISPT and Telstra have announced that they are transforming office connectivity with 5G DAS tech, ensuring reliable, high-speed coverage in lifts, carparks, and more - with the first deployment in Sydneys new Tech Central precinct, Sydney, with other sites on the radar.

Weve all been there  youve stepped into a lift or the basement carpark while mid-call or responding to an important email on your phone, when suddenly, the signal drops and youve hit a dead zone. Its a struggle thats been around the since the dawn of mobile connectivity, and it always seems to happen at the worst times, right when you need it the most.

Telstra and ISPT, one of Australia's leading property fund managers, are revolutionising how ISPT tenant partners and their people stay connected. And this isnt just about providing coverage  its about delivering the next generation of high bandwidth 5G mobile connectivity.

This partnership is a first for the Australian property sector investing in the next generation of Distributed Antenna System (DAS) technology. ISPT's commercial tenants across select buildings will soon be able to enjoy reliable, top-to-bottom mobile coverage on the new Low-Power Active DAS, even in tricky spots like lifts and carparks. Plus, with Telstra 5G connectivity, theyll experience lightning-fast downloads, whether theyre working with large files or streaming high-quality video. This advanced infrastructure will also support next generation applications and innovative use cases, ensuring businesses are ready for whatever the future brings.

What makes this new Low-Power Active DAS technology special is that each antenna contains advanced radio components making it much easier to deliver greater levels of capacity utilising a capability known as MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output). The antennas are also connected by fibre, eliminating interference and making it easier to install, test and reconfigure as the buildings coverage needs evolve.

The first Australian building to benefit from the arrival of this next generation DAS technology is ISPT's recently redeveloped 477 Pitt Street in Sydney. Located in the heart of Sydneys new Tech Central precinct, the ISPT innovation hub is an incubator hotspot for emerging startups and entrepreneurs. Here, tenants and occupants arent just using technology; theyre developing it too where access to high bandwidth, low latency wireless infrastructure is essential to support data-hungry use cases such as augmented reality, robotics and AI applications.

Sending large file transfers or hosting a virtual meeting anywhere in the building is now a reality for businesses working out of 477 Pitt Street. This infrastructure will support more reliable high-speed connectivity with typical speeds of up to 1Gbps. It means tenants have access to faster, more reliable connectivity throughout the entire building and makes them future-ready to adopt new technologies and applications to support the innovative services theyre delivering.

While the roll out of this new Low Power Active technology at 477 Pitt Street might be the first deployment of its kind for Telstra, it certainly wont be the last in ISPTs buildings. An additional next generation DAS build has been deployed at 35 National Circuit in Canberra and ISPT are already looking at additional sites to benefit from this new technology, reinforcing their commitment to delivering best-in-class experiences for tenant partners and empowering their businesses to thrive.

At Telstra, we truly believe in the power of high-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity. By deploying this cutting-edge technology, were not just supporting businesses  were helping increase productivity levels and streamline efficiency, so businesses can focus on developing the next groundbreaking solutions. This technology is about opening doors to innovation we can only imagine right now.



Peggy Renders, is Chief Customer Officer for Telstra Enterprise.
Georgia Capitol Police arrested State Sen. Colton Moore, who represents parts of North Georgia, on Thursday morning while trying to attend the annual State of the State address.

The senator tried to enter the chamber, only to be rebuffed, shoved and eventually arrested.

Moore faces a charge of willfully obstructing law enforcement after the Georgia Department of Public Safety said he created a disruption outside the House Chamber. Despite multiple verbal warnings and several attempts to de-escalate the situation, Senator Moore persisted in his attempts to disrupt official proceedings inside the House Chamber. The disturbance escalated further when Senator Moore pushed into Troopers multiple times.

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He was granted a $1,000 surety bond, according to records from the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

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Senator Colton Moore, who exposed and defeated corrupt District Attorney Fani Willis last year, has been arrested by the Anti-Trump Speaker of the Georgia House.



Colton is being held in the same Atlanta jail as President Trump.



We are working to ensure his expedient release. pic.twitter.com/hRA2gM54FD  Sen. Colton Moore (@realColtonMoore) January 16, 2025

On Wednesday, Moore published a letter to Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns saying that a letter from Burns telling him not to enter the chamber was unconstitutional, illegal and the most disgraceful piece of correspondence issued by a legislator in Georgias history.

Moore was banned from entering the House chamber after making disparaging remarks about former House Speaker David Ralston, who died in 2022.

On Thursday morning, Moore tried to get inside, telling those blocking him from entering that he was interfering with his ability to serve his constituents.

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I have an obligation to be in that room, Moore said. I represent 200,000 people in Northwest Georgia who duly elected me to be here today and you are hindering that.

In the hours that followed Moores arrest, various lawmakers weighed in.

Republican Majority Leader Chuck Efstration said it was down to House rules.

The Speaker of the House has full responsibility of maintaining order and decorum in the House Chamber, Efstration said. Hed done that today.

While Republican leaders stood behind Burns and members of law enforcement, not everyone agreed that Moore should have been barred from the days proceedings.

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Whatever personal differences Senator Moore has with others, he is a member of the body over which I preside. All elected 56 senators and 180 representatives deserve the opportunity to fulfill their responsibility to attend joint sessions of the General Assembly, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones office said in a statement. There is real work to be done this session and the focus should be on delivering for the people of Georgia instead of personal grievances and egos.

On social media, Moore posted a quote from Gov. Kemps speech as a response to his arrest.

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TYRANT ALERT



Speaker @JonBurnsGA is attempting to ARREST and BLOCK me from representing the 53rd District at tomorrows State of the State joint session.



I will NEVER back down.



I will ALWAYS speak the truth and represent the people of Northwest Georgia as their trusted pic.twitter.com/zl9R4H1EmY  Sen. Colton Moore (@realColtonMoore) January 15, 2025

If youve been done wrong, you deserve justice, Moore posted, citing Kemps State of the State speech from Thursday.

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House Speaker Jon Burns office, released the following statement:

The situation outside of the House Chamber this morning was incredibly unfortunate. The Senator refused to cooperate with doorkeepers and law enforcement, and created a dangerous situation when he chose to use force against our law enforcement officers, dedicated doorkeepers and House staff. I want to thank every House staff member and our entire House family for holding the line to honor Speaker Ralstons legacy of dedicated service to our state. As you saw today, the integrity and decorum of this House are non-negotiableperiod.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a tearful goodbye while warning of the risks of grave injustice for those who abuse the Justice Departments power.

Much of Garlands parting remarks were a defense of the agency hes led the last four years while making veiled nods to the anxieties of those with a stake in the future of the Justice Department (DOJ).

The same powers that enable the federal prosecutor to pursue justice also create the potential for grave injustice, Garland said, adding that the Justice Department must always remember the difference between what we can do  and what we should do.

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And he stressed the need for the department to retain independence from the White House and Congress.

We make that commitment not because independence is necessarily constitutionally required, but because it is the only way to ensure that our law enforcement decisions are free from partisan influence, he said.

Many of Garlands comments seemed to be an assurance to career staff who will remain after the transition  a group he called the heart and soul of the department. He repeatedly choked up when addressing the crowd assembled in the DOJs Great Hall, stressing his pride in the departments workforce.

It is the obligation of each of us to follow our norms not only when it is easy, but also when it is hard  especially when it is hard. It is the obligation of each of us to adhere to our norms even when  and especially when  the circumstances we face are not normal, he said.

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But much of it also seemed to be directed at incoming Trump administration officials  a group that includes three members of President-elect Trumps personal defense team as well as Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who assisted Trump in challenging the 2020 election results.

He stressed the need to ignite investigations and bring charges only when there is a proper basis for doing so and the need for the Justice Department to retain its independence.

The attorney general must ensure that this department seeks justice, only with justice, he added later.

That included insisting on calling for respect for the integrity of our career agents, lawyers, and staff as well as protections for a free press.

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That call comes as FBI director nominee Kash Patel has threatened to come after journalists.

Garland also addressed criticism hurled at the department that it has been politicized, comments often based on investigations into Trump.

Over the years, some have criticized the department, saying it has allowed politics to influence its decisionmaking. That criticism often comes from people with political views opposite from one another, each making the exact opposite points about the same set of facts, he said.

The story that has been told by some outside of this building about what has happened inside of it is wrong. You have worked to pursue justice, not politics. That is the truth, and nothing can change it.

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Concerns over the future of the Justice Department were laid bare Wednesday as Democratic lawmakers peppered Bondi with questions about how she would respond to pressure from Trump about how to use the departments powers.

Trump has called for consequences for a number of his adversaries  prompting concern he will again pressure Justice Department officials to pursue investigations of his enemies.

And Bondi declined to say whether she would appoint a special counsel to review any potentially illegal actions taken by Trump.

Those fears are matched in recent polling that found just 2 in 10 Americans feel extremely or very confident that the Department of Justice will act in a fair and nonpartisan manner during Trumps second term.

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But the hearing was just as much a venue for Republicans to air their grievances for the Justice Department, an agency they see already spoilt by the political elements Democrats fear are coming.

I have taken note of the number of times you have been asked about weaponization of the Department of Justice, as if it was a theoretical possibility that might happen in the future, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said during the hearing.

We all know that weaponization has occurred like weve never seen before in American history under this administration.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  There are still a lot of questions about Governor Ron DeSantis call for a special session in less than two weeks. The governor ordered the legislature to meet back up in Tallahassee on Jan. 27 to tackle immigration, condo and hurricane relief, and reforming the amendment process.

And while the governor received national support from President-elect Donald Trump, theres been some concerns on reforming the amendment process. DeSantis says we need election integrity across the board.

DeSantis names Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubios Senate seat

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These initiatives and these petitions should not be able to be manipulated this way, especially with respect to amending the constitution, DeSantis said. Our constitution should not be for sale to the highest bidder.

However, state leaders think his priorities are out of touch.



As the governors policy plans for the special session circulate, state lawmakers warn the end of citizen petition gathering.

Well be reforming the petition and amendment process in the state of Florida. We had a major, major thing in this last election with the number of fraudulent petitions that were verified as fraudulent by the Secretary of States investigation for Amendment 4, DeSantis said. That is a huge, huge problem and I think part of the reason we are at this juncture is because the citizen initiative has really been transformed into a special interest initiative.

House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) questions the governor on his plan to prioritize reforming the amendment process over reforming issues like insurance.

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It seems to me that this is a governor whos always finding solutions in search of a problem, and he doesnt really do this in a way that is responsive to the people. So, to me it causes us to come across as tone deaf, Driskell said. People cant pay their grocery bills with a ballot petition, right?

Other House leaders agree.



Insurance is the single most important thing everywhere that I go, thats the first question Im asked, Whats happening with insurance?' said State Rep. Dianne Hart (D-Hillsborough).

When asked about the special session and property insurance concerns, State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) shared that the reforms theyve done in the past are bending the cost of insurance down.



I would just ask everyone to continue being patient, and that doesnt mean we are going to sit and rest on our laurels. We are always going to think about ways to reduce property insurance premiums, Ingoglia said. I have a couple of proposals that I think will do that, which entails hardening homes and making Florida more resilient to storms in the future.

Governor DeSantis has drummed up support from State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, State Sen. Jay Collins, State Sen. Jonathan Martin, State Rep. Mike Caruso, Former State Rep. Joel Rudman, his current cabinet, Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and more.

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However, in a joint letter, Florida GOP Senate President Ben Albritton and Republican House Speaker Daniel Perez called the special session premature and wrote, 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.

Driskell shared that after speaking with the House Speaker, it is still uncertain of how the special session will proceed.

I was quite surprised that in my six years here, this is the very first time I have literally seen the President of the Senate and House Speaker come against anything that the governor has said so I was really taken back a little bit, but I think they are standing up for what they believe in, said Rep. Dianne Hart.

Some state lawmakers arent too sure action will happen in the special session, saying they think they will gavel in and gavel out.

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I think we will gavel in and gavel out, Hart said.

One thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on is that immigration, insurance, and hurricane and condo relief will be at the forefront come March.

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A Georgia appeals court on Friday affirmed the dismissal of six counts in the states 2020 election interference against President-elect Trump and his allies, upholding a trial judges decision that the charges must be thrown out due to a lack of detail.

We find that the indictment fails to include enough detail to sufficiently apprise the defendants of what they must be prepared to meet so that they can intelligently prepare their defenses, Judge E. Trenton Brown III wrote for the three-judge panel, which ruled unanimously.

Trump faced three of those charges, which notably involve his effort to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) to find 11,779 votes, enough to overturn President Bidens victory in the state.

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All of the charges dropped pertain to efforts to solicit Georgia officials to violate their oaths of office but do not impact the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) count that each defendant faces, the count that serves as the foundation of the far-reaching prosecution.

A judge last March dismissed those charges, also citing lack of detail.

The dropping of charges is also unrelated to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) appeal over her disqualification in overseeing the case.

That prong of the case is also under the appeals process at Georgias top court.

Earlier Friday, Trumps team asked that court to dismiss Williss appeal, which stems from her being booted off the case following the revelation of a relationship she had with a top prosecutor whom she hired to work on the matter.

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Sen. Colton Moore was arrested Thursday after trying to enter the Georgia House. The House speaker banned the senator from the chamber last year. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

State Sen. Colton Moore will now be allowed to attend future joint sessions of the Legislature after the north Georgia lawmaker was arrested Thursday for trying to do just that.

House Speaker Jon Burns, a Newington Republican, banned Moore from entering the House chamber last year after Moore spoke ill of the late former GOP Speaker David Ralston while Ralston was being honored posthumously during a Senate session.

Sen. Colton Moore speaks with reporters the day after he was arrested after trying to enter the House chamber. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Last year, Moore called Ralston one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders well ever see in our lifetimes. Ralston had faced accusations that he used his position to delay court trials to the advantage of clients he represented. Moore came under criticism in part because Ralstons family was present in the Senate chamber.

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Burns announced Friday afternoon that he would modify the ban to allow Moore, a Trenton Republican, to attend proceedings in the House when members of both chambers are present, such as when lawmakers heard from the governor Thursday.

While the Senators actions were despicable and hurtful to all who knew, respected and loved former Speaker David Ralstonwe know that Speaker Ralstons first priority was always to serve the people of our great state, and he wouldnt want that important work to be hindered, Burns said in a statement.

For this reason, the Ralston family has expressed to their family here in the House that they desire for our Chamber to resume business as normalwith all members of the General Assembly presentfor any future joint sessions with or without the apology they and the House deserve, he added.

In a tussle that has since gone viral, Moore attempted to push his way past the House doorkeeper and Keith Williams, a lawyer for the speakers office, to enter the House for Gov. Brian Kemps annual State of the State address. At one point in the melee, Williams pushed Moore, who stumbled and landed on his back. After Moore continued trying to enter the chamber, Capitol police placed Moore under arrest.

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In a text message shortly after Burns announced the change, Moore said he had not heard directly from Burns and indicated he was not ready to squash the beef.

He should remove Keith Williams from state employment immediately, and resign from the office of speaker, Moore said.

Moore is considered to be on the far right side of his party and has raised GOP hackles before. He was kicked from the caucus after lawmakers said he doxxed colleagues in an effort to target Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for arresting former president, now President-elect Donald Trump.

Though some fellow senators may not be fans, Moore has a strong base of support among very conservative Georgians, some of whom were waiting outside the House chamber with cameras at the ready Thursday morning. Supporters have posted well-wishes and memes online, including side-by-side photos of Moores mugshot with that of Trump, who was booked in the same Fulton County jailhouse in 2023.

Sen. Colton Moore and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

On Friday, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is a Republican, told senators he spoke with Burns that morning.

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I told him that that what happened yesterday was an embarrassment for the General Assembly as a whole, whether we know it or not, whether you were involved in or not, that was an embarrassment for all of us, and it shouldnt happen again, and we both agreed to that, and I do appreciate him doing that.

Jones is a key Trump ally in the state and is considered likely to run for governor in 2026 when Kemp will be term limited.

I can tell you this moving forward, you have my word that this will not happen again under my watch, and I will make sure that every senator has a voice in this building, Jones added.

But some House members are of different minds about the takedown.

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Watkinsville Republican Rep. Marcus Wiedower spoke out in favor of the speaker Friday, implying Moore was trying to cause a scene to advance his political prospects.

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Certain people use this as theater, Wiedower said to his House colleagues. Certain people plan things to be able to raise money. They play on peoples emotions. They play on what people want to hear at home, because they think thats going to get them to their next step. Im not here for that. The man that I elected to control this chamber is not here for that.

Woodstock Republican Rep. Charlice Byrd, who is also considered to be to the right of the average Georgia Republican lawmaker, came out on Moores side.

This unprecedented action undermines the integrity of our legislative process and sets a dangerous and unconstitutional precedent when a duly elected member of the General Assembly is barred from fulfilling his duties, she said. When differences of opinion lead to exclusion and arrest rather than open dialog, we erode the very foundation of our republic. This is about more than one individual. It is about protecting the principles of representative democracy and ensuring that every voice elected to this body has the opportunity to be heard.

Deputy editor Jill Nolin and senior reporter Stanley Dunlap contributed to this report.

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ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia's House speaker said Friday that he's lifting his ban on a state senator entering the House chamber, a day after Sen. Colton Moore was arrested after he tried to enter for Gov. Brian Kemp's state of the state speech.

The decision came after state Senate and Republican Party leaders lined up to support Moore, a Republican who has criticized members of his own party for being insufficiently pure or insufficiently supportive of Donald Trump.

The arrest is one of several examples of state officials trying to restrain lawmakers or onlookers as legislative sessions begin in 2025. With many taking pictures and video, it quickly became the flashiest.

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State troopers arrested Moore after he tried to push his way past House staffers who were blocking him. At one point, Keith Williams, a lawyer for the speakers office, put his arms around Moore and shoved him away, with Moore falling to the ground. Troopers marched a handcuffed Moore away and booked him into Fulton County jail on a misdemeanor charge of willful obstruction of law enforcement officers. After Moore took a mug shot imitating one Donald Trump famously took at the same jail, a supporter posted Moores $1,000 bail.

How can a attorney for the speaker of the House do some wrestling move, throw the senator on to the ground, and the senator gets arrested with 18 state troopers standing there? a defiant Moore told reporters Friday. That is a constitutional crisis. That is tyranny.

Moore, from Trenton, says Burns can set rules for the House, but that he had a right to attend on Thursday because a joint House-Senate session was meeting to hear Kemps speech. Moore said hes considering legal action against Williams and others.

Burns banned Moore from the House chamber last year after Moore denounced late House Speaker David Ralston on a day when Ralston was being honored and his relatives were watching. Burns called Moores remarks vile when he announced the ban, saying it would remain until Moore apologized.

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Burns, a Republican from Newington, said Friday in a statement that Moore's desire to cause a disturbance and gain notoriety in the press broke longstanding rules and precedents of decorum that each member of the General Assembly has a responsibility to uphold. But he said he'd admit Moore for joint sessions without an apology because Ralston wouldn't have wanted the legislature's work to be hindered.

For this reason, the Ralston family has expressed to their family here in the House that they desire for our chamber to resume business as normal  with all members of the General Assembly present  for any future joint sessions with or without the apology they and the House deserve," Burns said.

Lt. Edward Starling, a spokesperson for troopers, said he had no update on whether charges would be dropped.

The decision likely averts another showdown on Jan. 28, when a House-Senate joint session is set for state Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs to address lawmakers.

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On Friday, with conservative groups supporting Moore, two interns in Burns' office were doing little but answering phone calls complaining about how Burns treated Moore. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon also lined up in support.

Jones said on Friday that he told Burns that the arrest was an embarrassment for all of us.

Moving forward, you have my word that this will not happen again under my watch, Jones said in a speech to senators. Because I will make sure that every senator has a voice in this building."

Moore was kicked out of the Senate Republican caucus in 2023 after attacking fellow Republicans for refusing to agree to a special session to act against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for indicting Trump. Kemp denounced the call as  some grifter scam  seeking campaign contributions.

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In 2018, troopers arrested 15 people including Nikema Williams, then a Democratic state senator and now a member of Congress, during a protest in the Georgia Capitol. Troopers arrested state Rep. Park Cannon in 2021 after she knocked on Kemp's office door as he broadcast a speech.

Charges were dropped both times.
Germany is not currently seen as a "driving force for peace policy in Europe," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Politico in comments published on Jan. 17, criticizing her own government for hesitancy in support of Ukraine.

"Even now, during the election campaign, some prioritize a national perspective  or how to quickly gain a few votes in the parliamentary election  rather than taking real responsibility for securing Europes peace and freedom," Baerbock said

Her comments come a little over a month before the snap parliamentary elections prompted by the Free Democratic Party (FDP) leaving the governing coalition with Baerbock's Greens and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD).

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Foreign policy issues like the Russia-Ukraine war are becoming key topics of the electoral campaign as the parties gear up for the vote on Feb. 23. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance, which has called for more decisive steps in support of Kyiv, is currently leading the polls.

Baerbock's statement also reveals a growing rift in the intermin Social Democrat-Greens cabinet as Scholz is reluctant to greenlight an additional 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in security assistance for Kyiv.

Despite Baerbock's and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' (SPD) support for the new assistance tranche, the chancellor said he would sign off on it only if it is paid with additional borrowing, an unpopular step among other parties.

Delays in German assistance "mean that Ukraine is less able to defend itself and, therefore, less able to defend us," Baerbock said during a meeting of diplomats in Saudi Arabia last week.

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Berlin stands as Ukraine's second largest military donor, a role of growing importance as Ukraine faces a heavy Russian onslaught in the east of the country, and the future of U.S. support appears uncertain under the incoming Trump administration.

Germany has allocated 4 billion euros ($4.1 billion) in military support for Ukraine this year, and the additional package would raise this to 7 billion ($7.2 billion). The defense articles contained in the new assistance include three IRIS-T air defense systems, three Skyranger air defense systems, 10 howitzers, surface-to-air missiles, 20 protective vehicles, artillery shells, and drones, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported.

Scholz's stance was criticized by the FDP, which claimed that the chancellor initially actively pushed for approving the 3 billion euro package, provided it is paid through borrowing. The opposition by the FDP's Finance Minister Christian Lindner reportedly led to his dismissal and the coalition's collapse.

Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

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Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister and co-leader of the Green Party, has criticised her government for its hesitancy in supporting Ukraine. She has also condemned past administrations for policies that, according to her, contributed to dependence on Russia.

Source: Politico

Details: Baerbock said that the current government's indecision on military aid to Ukraine is eroding the trust of European allies. She stressed that the government must act more swiftly, particularly in approving the 3 billion aid package, which she has strongly supported.

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Quote: "Germany as a whole isnt currently seen as a driving force for peace policy in Europe, and honestly that pains me," Baerbock emphasised, adding that populist sentiment ahead of elections is obstructing strategic decision-making.

She also criticised previous governments, especially the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) under Angela Merkel, for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which, according to her, had contributed to Germanys energy dependence on Russia. Baerbock also mentioned suspicions of Russia's involvement in damaging underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.

Quote: "Just as Nord Stream 2 was never purely an economic project  despite what the CDU and SPD long wanted to believe  its also no coincidence that undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea keep getting damaged," Baerbock said.

The minister also called for defence spending to be increased to over 2% of GDP, noting that in times of crisis, this could even rise to 3%.

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US President-elect Donald Trump has previously stated that he wants NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defence  more than double the current Alliance target. He has referred to Germany as a "debtor" regarding defence spending and has threatened to withdraw US protection from NATO countries that fail to meet the required defence spending levels.

Background:

On 14 January, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the German government had prepared the necessary steps to provide Ukraine with an additional 3 billion in military aid. However, discussions are still ongoing.

Earlier, German newspaper Spiegel reported that a dispute had emerged within the German government over an additional weapons package for Ukraine, valued at around 3 billion.

Later, Pistorius denied reports claiming that Chancellor Scholz was blocking the additional 3 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said an ongoing domestic political dispute over an aid package for Ukraine has left its mark on the country's standing with European allies.

"Germany as a whole isnt currently seen as a driving force for peace policy in Europe, and honestly that pains me," Baerbock told news website Politico in an interview published on Friday.

A majority of German lawmakers support more military aid for Ukraine, but there is no consensus on how to fund a 3 billion ($3.1 billion) package ahead of elections on February 23, with opposition parties accusing Chancellor Olaf Scholz of exploiting the issue as a campaign tactic.

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Scholz's Social Democrats favour suspending Germany's strict constitutional rules on government borrowing to raise the sum, but the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and Baerbock's Greens oppose doing so.

Baerbock said the fight could make allies "worry that Germany wont stand by them."
LONDON (Reuters) - The German prosecutor investigating the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann has said there is currently no prospect of charges being brought against the main suspect in the case, Sky News reported on Friday.

Christian Brueckner was formally identified in 2020 as a suspect in the case of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared from her bedroom in 2007 during a family holiday in Portugal. He denies any involvement.

Brueckner, a convicted child abuser and drug trader, is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Germany for raping a woman in the part of Portugal's Algarve region where McCann went missing. His sentence runs until September 2025.

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In October, Brueckner was acquitted of unrelated charges of rape and sexual abuse of children by a German court, raising the possibility that he will be released from jail this year.

"There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case," German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said in an interview published by Sky News on Friday. He added that as things stand Brueckner would be released in early September.

McCann, then aged 3, disappeared from her bedroom during a family holiday in the resort town of Praia da Luz while her parents were dining with friends nearby. Her fate remains a mystery and no body has ever been found.

German police said in June 2020 that McCann was assumed dead and that Brueckner, in his 40s, was likely responsible for it,

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The prosecutor said he could apply for a new arrest warrant for Brueckner to remain in custody beyond September. One of Brueckner's lawyers, cited by Sky News, said the defence team would oppose such appeal.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by William James)
(Bloomberg) -- The campaign for Germanys snap election has picked up speed as the candidates seek to win over an anxious electorate thats looking for the next government to revive growth and secure living standards.

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After infighting led to the early end of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-way coalition, the Feb. 23 vote will set the direction of Europes biggest economy and determine whether European Union integration stalls or progresses in a volatile geopolitical environment.

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The polls currently point to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party (CSU), returning to power  although a lot can change as the vote nears. Led by Friedrich Merz, the conservative blocs path to the chancellery will be complicated by a fragmented landscape, with seven parties vying for seats in the Bundestag.

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck from the Greens is more popular than Scholz and could yet become the favored candidate for center-left voters. The main spoiler is the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, which has nominated co-leader Alice Weidel as its first-ever chancellor candidate  though all other parties have ruled out cooperation with the anti-immigrant party.

As Germany grapples with its future, heres an overview of how the most important parties are trying to win over voters in key policy areas.

Economy

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After two years of contraction and little prospect of meaningful growth this year, reviving the economy is the most pressing issue for the next government.

 CDU/CSU has presented a so-called Agenda 2030 that aims to restore 2% growth. The bloc wants to lower the corporate tax rate to 25% from currently about 30% to free up more money for investment. To bolster middle-class incomes and in so doing boost consumption, it aims to raise the level of when the top income tax rate kicks in to 80,000 ($82,400) from about 67,000.

 The SPD plans a debt-financed investment fund worth 100 billion to increase public investments in infrastructure and technology for the green transition. It also wants to unleash an investment boom by introducing a 10% tax rebate for corporate capital expenditures in German assets. To boost consumption and domestic manufacturing, its in favor of tax rebates for Made in Germany electric vehicles.

 The Greens have similar plans for a special debt-financed public fund as the SPD, which would help modernize Germany's infrastructure, schools and support the transition to net-zero. Habeck has called for public investments of roughly 40 billion per year over a period of 10 years. He wants to use these funds for a 10% investment bonus for companies.

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 The FDP aims to reduce the corporate tax rate to below 25% from 30%, cut the value-added tax for restaurant food to 7% and abolish a reunification levy for high-income earners. It demands a three-year freeze on new regulations to cut red tape.

 The AfD calls for lower taxes and a radical reduction of red tape, without going into details.

Fiscal Policy

Scholzs coalition ultimately collapsed over the 2025 budget, showing how delicate fiscal issues are. The reform of the countrys so-called debt brake to enable urgently needed investments will shape coalition talks and be one of the most important tasks for the next government.

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 The CDU/CSU wants to stick to constitutional limits on borrowing. Merz, however, recently signaled that he might be willing to reform the rules to make them more flexible, especially with regard to the expected rapid increase in defense spending. The conservatives argue that planned tax cuts will be financed by additional economic growth.

 The SPD wants to loosen the debt brake to enable more public investment. To stimulate domestic demand, the SPD plans to lower income tax for most households. It would raise revenue and offset plans to lower the sales tax for groceries by increasing taxes on the super-rich and re-introducing a wealth tax.

 The Greens are also in favor of loosening the debt brake to allow more room for investment. They would retain strict rules for spending on public consumption and plan to reduce government spending by trimming subsidies harmful to the climate.

 The FDP wants to keep the debt brake as it is. Its fiscally conservative approach extends to the EU, where the party opposes joint borrowing. It also wants to reduce subsidies and divest state holdings.

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 The AfD wants to stick to the countrys strict debt limits, but is vague on how it wants to finance its additional spending plans.

Energy

Energy costs are one of the most critical issues for businesses and households. Power and gas prices are still much higher than before Russias invasion of Ukraine, which led to Germany getting cut off from pipeline gas deliveries.

 CDU/CSU plans to look at recommissioning nuclear power plants and abolish a reform that promoted electric-powered heat pumps over traditional boilers. The conservative bloc wants to pay out the proceeds from emissions trading as a climate dividend and cut subsidies for climate-friendly technologies.

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 The SPD wants to halve power prices and cap grid fees. Alongside lowering costs for industry, its open to subsidizing household energy bills via direct payments to cushion the burden of carbon-emission costs.

 The Greens have backed off some hardline climate policies and have shifted to easing the impact on low-income households. To accelerate a transition to clean energy, they want to build overhead power lines instead of more costly underground cables. They also want to lower electricity taxes to the EU minimum, offset prices for energy-intensive companies and cover the costs for grid fees.

 The FDP has taken opposing positions to the Greens and seeks to postpone Germanys climate neutrality by five years to 2050. It also wants to repeal the EUs plans to phase out combustion-engine cars and vans in 2035, expand domestic production of natural gas and allow nuclear power plants to operate again.

 The AfD wants to pull Germany out of climate pacts. It would reverse the countrys coal exit, reintroduce nuclear energy and rebuild the damaged Nord Stream pipeline to import Russian gas again. Weidel has also vowed to tear down wind-energy masts.

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Foreign Policy

Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, Donald Trumps return to the White House and Chinas efforts to expand its influence represent a challenge for Germany and its export-oriented economy.

 CDU/CSU wants to build ties with the Trump administration and sees transatlantic relations as a cornerstone of Europes security. That said, it wants Germany to play a stronger role on the foreign stage and plans to establish a national security council. It would also aim to make the EU more competitive and less bureaucratic. Merz is expected to adopt a more critical stance toward China.

 While the SPD describes the US as Germanys most important ally outside the EU, Scholz has taken issue with Trump over comments suggesting the US might take over Greenland. The SPD is also critical of China and proposes greater de-risking rather than a more abrupt de-coupling. The party wants to deepen EU integration and ease the blocs efforts to better assert its weight on the world stage.

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 The Greens want close ties with the US and a strong stance toward China. On the EU, they are pushing for reforms that would replace unanimity with majority decisions and cut off funding for members that undermine the rule of law. They also buck the trend in Germany and want the EU to be able to raise its own financial resources.

 The FDP wants to downsize the European Commission and supports qualified majority voting for foreign and security issues. The party would scale back Germanys development aid to redirect funds for domestic interests. It advocates retaining economic ties with China while de-risking. The party calls for withdrawing visas from Russian leadership.

 The AfD is friendly toward Russia. It calls for the end of sanctions and reviving ties with the Kremlin. The party also wants Germany to leave the euro and for the European Union to be wound down to a free trade zone.

Defense

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Faced with Russias military aggression and pressure from Trump for NATO partners to step up, defense policy will be a top priority for the next government, but maintaining spending levels could be a challenge.

 CDU/CSU wants to increase defense spending and reintroduce some form of compulsory military service. The NATO goal of spending at least 2% of GDP for defense is described as the minimum. The conservative bloc has vowed to continue military aid for Ukraine and wants to take a leading role in the creation of a European missile defense shield.

 The SPD also plans to keep defense spending above 2% of GDP. Under Scholz, Germany achieved the NATO goal for the first time since it was agreed more than a decade ago, thanks to a special fund he established shortly after Russias invasion of Ukraine. While the SPD supports further weapon deliveries to Ukraine, its wary of escalation and for that reason Scholz blocked the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv.

 The Greens have abandoned past pacifism and back the 2% spending target. They want to broaden security issues to the EU level and promote more joint arms procurement, as well as combat-ready multinational troops within the EU and NATO. It supports Ukraines membership in the EU and NATO.

 Unlike the SPD, the FDP is in favor of supplying Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles and supports the countrys accession to the EU and NATO. It wants a professional German volunteer army and calls for a joint EU army in the long term.

 The AfD wants to end the war in Ukraine and would cut off military aid. The party has conspicuously not criticized Russias invasion. It calls for the reintroduction of compulsory military service and higher defense spending.

Migration

The arrivals of more than 1 million Ukrainian war refugees has revived concerns over an influx of foreigners. In the emotional debate, lines are often blurred between asylum seekers, irregular migration and legal migrants, which Germany needs to bolster its aging workforce.

 CDU/CSU calls for stricter controls of legal migration and would intensify efforts to halt illegal entries. As part of the hardline stance, it would repeal a recent law that allows for dual citizenship. Merz has threatened to revoke passports for naturalized Germans convicted of crimes. Aid programs for asylum seekers would also be scaled back.

 The SPD has hardened its stance as well and plans to further accelerate deportation of rejected asylum seekers. It would maintain border controls at land crossings to fight illegal migration. The SPD though wants to stick to the citizenship law that makes it easier for foreigners to become Germans. It also wants to continue policies that lowered the hurdles for IT experts and other professionals from abroad.

 The Greens take a softer position and want to set up a panel of experts from academia, municipalities and refugees to advise the state on migration. They oppose outsourcing asylum procedures to third countries and instead call for safe migration routes to reduce disorderly migration.

 The FDP is against immigration into the social system and has suggested shifting authority for deportations from the states to the federal level.

 The AfD has the hardest line on migration. It effectively wants to close Germanys borders and calls for mass deportations under a program euphemistically dubbed remigration.

Social Policy

Social benefits represent the biggest chunk of government spending, but cutting payments, especially pensions, risks sending more people into poverty and stoking tension.

 CDU/CSU aims to cut social spending by reforming the so-called Burgergeld welfare program to try to force more people into the labor market. Pensioners who decide to work longer will receive a tax break for a monthly income of 2,000.

 The SPD wants to maintain Germanys social safety net, but would increase pressure on long-term unemployed to work in light of more than 1 million vacancies. It would keep public pensions stable despite concerns the system could collapse in the coming years as postwar Baby Boomers retire. To help low-income workers, the party would increase the national minimum wage 17% to 15 per hour.

 The Greens want to create incentives for welfare recipients to work rather than punish them for not working. The party would tighten rent controls to ease pressure from rising housing costs and a worsening shortage. Habeck proposed higher taxes on capital gains to contribute to social insurance schemes.

 The FDP wants to tighten rules for unemployment benefits and require jobless people to prove theyre looking for work. It would cut benefits if thats not the case.

 The AfD would prevent foreigners living in Germany from receiving welfare benefits and allow pensioners to work longer.

--With assistance from Petra Sorge, Eamon Farhat and Zoe Schneeweiss.

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BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday that Elon Musk's support for the far-right in Europe is completely unacceptable, adding to his previous criticism of Musk's interventions in the German election campaign.

Musk has said over the past month that only the far-right party Alternative for Germany, or AfD, can save Germany." Last week, the tech billionaire livestreamed on his social media platform X a chat with Alice Weidel, the party's candidate for chancellor in Germany's Feb. 23 election, amplifying its message ahead of the vote.

His interest in Germany and politics elsewhere in Europe, after he poured money and energy into helping Donald Trump win the U.S. election, has set off alarm bells among politicians across the continent. The Tesla and SpaceX chief executive also has demanded the release of jailed U.K. anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson and called British Prime Minister Keir Starmer 's government tyrannical, claiming Starmer should be in prison.

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Scholz has said its important to stay cool over personal attacks, but that Germanys way forward will not be decided by the owners of social media channels but by German voters.

Asked on Friday about Musk's interventions, he said it's important to criticize the right thing.

What we must criticize is not that a billionaire, or a billionaire from other countries in a global world, expresses his opinion  but what he says, Scholz said at a news conference. He supports the extreme right throughout Europe, in Britain, in Germany, in many, many other countries, and that is something that is completely unacceptable.

This endangers the democratic development of Europe, it endangers our community, and that must be criticized, Scholz said.

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Polls show AfD in second place ahead of the election, with support of about 20%, but Weidel has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the party.

Center-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz also has criticized Musk's endorsement of AfD. Merz's Union bloc leads polls and he is the favorite to become Germany's next leader.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not believe that Donald Trump will stop US military aid to Ukraine once he takes office, the German leader said on Friday.

Speaking following a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Berlin, Scholz said he was optimistic "that good cooperation between Europe and the US will continue to be successful in the future on the issue of support for Ukraine."

"So I do not expect the US to withdraw its support for Ukraine's defence," he added.

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Trump, who is set to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, has repeatedly said he would end Russia's war in Ukraine within 24 hours, without explaining how he would achieve that feat.

Speculation is rife that he could drastically reduce or even cut off military support for Ukraine in order to force Kiev to the negotiating table.

The US is Ukraine's most important supplier of military aid by far, followed by Germany.
A picture of flag (Photo by Mike Mozart of the ToyChannel and Jeepers Media via Flickr | CC-BY-SA 2.0).

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has entered the Treasure State in an ongoing flag war between supporters of President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, who for ordered the United States flag at half-staff on Monday, Inauguration Day.

Trump has taken to social media several times to criticize Bidens decision, and suggest the move was politically motivated.

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On Thursday, Gianfortes office issued a proclamation, meaning that Montana will follow the lead of U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, in ordering the flags at the Capitol to be raised to full-staff on Monday to celebrate Trumps inauguration, and then lowered for the remainder of the 30-day period to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024 at the age of 100.

For decades, America has honored its presidents who have died by lowering flags for one month (or 30 days) to half-staff as a sign of mourning and respect. However, it appears that Trump took the move, ordered by Biden, as an insult, claiming that it had never happened and no American was happy.

However, National Public Radio reports that flags were at half-staff when President Richard M. Nixon took office for his second term in 1973, after former President Harry S. Truman died on Dec. 26, 1972.

Gianforte followed other Republicans throughout the country. For example, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent out flag orders competing with Bidens, ordering the flags to be flown high on Monday, then kept at half-staff until the 30-day period of mourning ends.

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Trump has made several posts about what he perceives as a snub to his inaugural celebration, accusing Democrats on his Truth social media account of using the moment for politics:

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.

Gianforte was among the state leaders who expressed sadness and condolences upon the death of Carter.

While Montana continues to recognize and remember the memory of Former President Jimmy Carter, we must also greet the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, with honor, Gov. Gianforte said. As we welcome this new era of leadership, I ordered all flags to be raised to full staff at the Montana State Capitol and all state buildings for the inauguration of President Trump.

Bidens order will only affect flags flown on federal properties; Gianfortes proclamation only affect flags on state properties.

Monday is also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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Artist reconstruction of Tameryraptor markgrafi. | Credit: Joshua Knuppe

Researchers have identified a giant new dinosaur species after uncovering lost photos of fossils destroyed in World War II.

The newly named species, Tameryraptor markgrafi, or "thief from the beloved land," roamed Egypt 95 million years ago, and at 33 feet (10 meters) long, it is one of largest known land carnivores to ever roam the planet.

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German scientists first discovered the fossilized remains of this Cretaceous dinosaur in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert in 1914. They were then held at the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology (BSPG) in Germany until 1944, when the building they were in burned down during a WWII bombing raid, destroying the fossils, according to a BSPG statement released on Tuesday (Jan. 14).

Researchers recently found previously unknown photographs of the fossils in the Huene Archive at the University of Tubingen in Germany, which showed them on display in the 1940s. At the time of the photos, the fossils were thought to belong to a large theropod dinosaur called Carcharodontosaurus  but closer inspection of the photos revealed a prominent horn, an enlarged frontal brain and other features absent on other Carcharodontosaurus fossils.

"At first I was a bit confused when we found the new photos, and then I was super excited," study first author Maximilian Kellermann , a doctoral student at the BSPG, told Live Science in an email. "The more we looked, the more differences we found."

The researchers published their findings on Tuesday in the journal PLOS One .

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Related: Enormous skull of 200-million-year-old giant dinosaur discovered in China

The Egyptian fossils were first categorized by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer (1871-1952), who thought the fossils matched a dinosaur unearthed in Algeria that was only known by its teeth, according to the study. Stromer named a new group, Carcharodontosaurus, to encompass both sets of fossils, and the Egyptian specimen was considered the prime example of the group.

Over the years, paleontologists have unearthed more members of the Carcharodontosaurus group. In the 1990s, a relatively complete carcharodontosaurid skull from Morocco became the type specimen to represent the group, given that the Egyptian fossils were gone. Comparing the newfound photos of the lost fossils, along with Stromer's old descriptions and illustrations, with this type specimen, it became very clear that the former didn't fit within the Carcharodontosaurus group.

Skeletal remains of Tameryraptor markgrafi in Alte Akademie before they were destroyed in WWII. | Credit: University Archives Tubingen

"Exceptional case"

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Giant meat-eating dinosaur had a fancy skull and wee arms like T. rex

Oldest-known dinosaur in North America is a 'chicken-size' raptor  and changes what we know about how dinos conquered Earth

Weird bumps in UK quarry turn out to be 166 million-year-old dinosaur 'highway' for some of Jurassic's biggest dinosaurs

Researchers don't normally introduce a new species of dinosaur without observing fossils directly, but the study authors said that this was an "exceptional case." The new genus, Tameryraptor, combines the ancient name for Egypt, "Ta-Mery," or "promised land," and raptor, which is Latin for "thief." The species name markgrafi honors the German fossil collector Richard Markgraf, who excavated the dinosaur from the Bahariya Oasis in 1914, according to the study.

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The new study suggests that dinosaur life was richer across North Africa than previously thought, but also that more research is needed to fully understand the region's dinosaurs.
Jan. 17Glacier High School is inviting students to help clean up graffiti and garbage marring the nearby pedestrian tunnel that runs underneath the U.S. 93 Bypass.

The tunnel, which was painted by KALICO through the Rails to Trails Tunnel Vision Project, was reportedly graffitied last week. The vandalism prompted school officials to meet with the Northwest Montana Rails to Trails group on Jan. 10 to discuss ways of addressing offensive graffiti in the tunnel.

Glacier High School Principal Brad Holloway said he intends to give students monthly opportunities to clean up the tunnel. Cleaning supplies would be supplied by the school.

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"We want to get our kids over there, have them be part of the solution, part of the cleanup," he said.

Community volunteers in the past have taken it upon themselves to scrub off the paint.

At around noon on Jan. 6, a regular user of the trail spotted somebody with a can of spray paint in the tunnel and alerted authorities. School Resource Officer Garrett Smith responded but was unable to confirm that the graffiti was sprayed at the time of the report. No suspect or suspects were identified in connection to the most recent instance of vandalism.

Holloway said that by the time Smith was at the tunnel, there was a group of students, former students and unknown people in the tunnel.

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Photos sent to the Daily Inter Lake following the bout of vandalism showed a racial slur and vulgar language targeting an individual sprayed in pink paint over seemingly older graffiti.

The tunnel is no stranger to defacement. Vandals left antisemitic and homophobic graffiti on its walls in 2021. Smith also said graffiti began popping up last summer, "and then it kind of just compounded itself. And now there's considerable amount of graffiti on top of the street art."

The tunnel remained riddled with vulgar language as of Thursday.

Many students use the tunnel during lunch to get to Frugals and other stores in the area, Holloway said. Because it is off campus property, punishing vandals, if they were students, becomes tricky.

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"In an off-campus situation, the best that we can do from that, though, is work with law enforcement," Holloway said.

In the spring and fall, the school does a campus cleanup, which Holloway plans to expand to include the tunnel.

Holloway wants students to understand that while the tunnel is not on school property, it's a clear extension of the facility.

"We want that to be safe for students at lunch or before school and after school," he said.

Holloway said he is looking into installing cameras at the tunnel but is unsure about the logistics given they would be set up off school property.

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"A lot of this is reactive at this point," Holloway said. "You want to be able to stop it, but sometimes things like this, you're reacting until you catch somebody."

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 or junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.

Vandalism inside a tunnel along a multiuse trail in north Kalispell on Thursday, Jan. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider
Since 2003, the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. rose a staggering 90% in what has been called an out-of-control epidemic. However, the most recent national data from 2023 indicates the first signs that those STIs trends may be slowing.

Gonorrhea dropped for the second year in a row, declining by 7% from 2022 and dipping below pre-pandemic levels when rates increased after the initial stay-at-home orders were lifted. Meanwhile, overall syphilis cases increased by only 1% after years of double-digit increases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Primary and secondary syphilis cases dropped 10% from 2022, and newborn syphilis increased by 3% after increasing by an alarming 30% in prior years. The rates of chlamydia remained about the same in 2023 as the year prior.

In a statement, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, the director of CDC's National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention said he saw a glimmer of hope amidst millions of STIs.

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"After nearly two decades of STI increases, the tide is turning, Mermin said. We must make the most of this moment  let's further this momentum with creative innovation and further investment in STI prevention."

Millions of STIs still occurred in 2023, and experts warn that it will be essential to continue funding public health prevention programs and potentially expanding access to treatments like DoxyPep if the nation is to see these trends persist. STIs are still shrouded in stigma and many people do not seek care or dont have access to care.

There is a lot of concern that we may have had a small step forward but are facing further reductions [in funding]," said Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, who studies STIs at the University of Southern California. You get the public health you pay for, and if you dont pay for it, youre going to have bad sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

There are likely multiple factors that played a role in reducing the spread of STIs: Public health departments used funding issued as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded testing in nontraditional settings like emergency rooms or churches, and funded a workforce of disease intervention specialists who perform contact tracing and connect people to treatment.

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Meanwhile, sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men are thought to have changed as a result of the mpox outbreak in 2022, and the CDC began officially recommending the antibiotic doxycycline (doxy PEP)  which works like a morning after pill for STIs  to this community, along with transgender women.

It's not ever one thing right that causes either an epidemic or causes things to slow down, said Dr. Ina Park, a professor of Family Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. It's a concerted effort on multiple fronts.

Untreated STIs can lead to infertility and increase the risk for cervical and anal cancers. Congenital syphilis, in which syphilis is transmitted to an infant, can lead to miscarriages, stillbirth or disabilities.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

In recent years, the 30% increase in congenital syphilis has alarmed doctors and public health officials. This STI is easily treatable with a shot of penicillin during pregnancy, and a CDC report found that almost 90% of cases in 2022 were preventable.

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The National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force ramped up educational outreach, prevention services, and surveillance. This helped public health departments understand where outbreaks were occurring and find the communities that needed the outreach most, said Dr. Oni Blackstock, founder and executive director of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consulting firm.

In response to this congenital syphilis epidemic, there was a national coordinated response to increase access to syphilis testing for pregnant people, for cisgender men who have sex with men, and for people who are involved in sex work, Blackstock told Salon in a phone interview. A number of efforts were put forward to get people diagnosed early and get people connected and treated with penicillin as soon as they were diagnosed.

However, inequities persist among people of color. For example, American Indian and Alaska Natives represented 0.7% of births in 2023, but accounted for 4.6% of congenital syphilis cases. Black Americans were also disproportionately affected, along with people in the South compared to other regions in the U.S.

STIs follow social disparities in the United States, said David Harvey, the executive director of the coalition of STD directors. Communities of color, women and young people all bear a disproportionate number of STIs, so we know that it takes special efforts to reach those communities.

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In June 2024, the CDC officially recommended doxy PEP for men who have sex with men and transgender women to treat syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, many health departments had already started offering doxy PEP due to the overwhelmingly positive response it showed in clinical trials, reducing chlamydia and gonorrhea by 70% and 50%, respectively.

Although there have been some concerns raised about antibiotic resistance and the use of this medicine, doxy PEP was associated with a 50% decline in chlamydia and syphilis in men who have sex with men and transgender women in San Francisco in a study published earlier this month in JAMA Internal Medicine. In the national 2023 data, there was a 13% decline in primary and secondary syphilis among men who have sex with men.

We suspect that in San Francisco, doxy PEP has had an effect on men who have sex with men and trans women, said Dr. Oliver Bacon, a senior supervising physician at San Francisco City Clinic, which is run by the local health department. Declines in San Francisco and other declines nationwide are probably multifactorial, and its hard to pinpoint one cause.

Although men who have sex with men and transgender women experience some of the highest risk for STIs, there have been efforts to test whether doxy PEP could work to treat STIs in people assigned female at birth as well. However, in a trial published late 2023 in the New England Journal of Medicine, many of the participants who were assigned to take doxy PEP didnt actually take it, which may have affected the null results, said Dr. Connie Celum, a professor of global health and medicine at the University of Washington.

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If you look at the pharmacologic data the CDC generated and presented about a year ago, the levels of doxycycline in vaginal secretions is almost identical to the rectal and blood plasma, meaning it should work in women, Celum told Salon in a phone interview. Adherence was likely a big part of why it didnt work.

This year, a federally-funded study will be launched to test the effect of doxy PEP in people assigned female at birth, so more data should be forthcoming. Researchers have emphasized the need for this community to be included in these trials so they are not left behind.

Cisgender women, and particularly young cisgender women, have high rates of chlamydia, which tends to be asymptomatic in this population and is usually detected through screening, Blackstock said.

"Doxy PEP has been shown to be effective in cisgender men who have sex with men and trans women, and we dont yet have the data to support its use in cisgender women, a group that if shown to be effective could benefit greatly from this STI prevention strategy," Blackstock said.

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Many are hopeful STIs will continue to decline so long as there is an investment in STI prevention and surveillance resources. However, funding for STI programs has remained relatively flat, and departments are having to stretch the same funds to handle far more cases. There was a one-time allocation of $1.2 billion stemming from COVID legislation dedicated to STI prevention, but $400 million of that was rescinded under debt ceiling legislation.

Our history as a field has been: not enough resources, some small increases granted by the U.S. Congress in the last few years, and a one time infusion of money that was then rescinded, Harvey said. All of this adds up to a very difficult scenario around expanding our response in the U.S. commensurate with the scope of this problem.

Studies consistently show that more public health funding to prevent STIs leads to a reduction in cases. In one study, each $1 increase in per capita federal STI and HIV prevention funding was associated with a 21% decrease in gonorrhea. Another found each $0.10 in federal funding spent to eliminate syphilis was associated with a 28% reduction in cases.

We have some tools to prevent STIs and bend the curve down on the STI epidemic, Bacon said. Its really: Do we as a society commit the resources to doing that at scale?
The wildfires in Los Angeles consumed the home of a cancer patient who had just received good news about her recoveryand the home of another whose cancer had just returned. They razed the house of a woman who had lost everything once before in a World War II bombing. They flattened fruit trees and flower beds planted with care. They destroyed a wedding ring on the eve of a couples 40th wedding anniversary. They burned the beloved instruments of a 90-year-old jazz musician. They demolished a nursery that had just been prepared for a soon-to-be-born baby girl.

These stories of loss are from GoFundMe. Since the wildfires broke out last week, the site has been inundated with thousands of fundraisers for the victims. Collectively, theyd raised more than $100 million as of Tuesday evening, a GoFundMe spokesperson told me. (The company did not immediately respond when asked where the totals currently stand.) In recent days, Ive found myself scrolling through page after page of Angelenos documenting their losses. For people like me who dont live near L.A., the destruction can start to read like a set of statisticsmore than 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed; roughly 40,000 acres burned. But statistics have a strange way of obfuscating the magnitude and depth of the damage. On GoFundMe, the harm is shockingly visceral. As the catastrophe unfolds, the site is serving as a real-time record of the wildfires destruction.

Each GoFundMe page is unique in its own way. Some fundraisers are started by victims themselves, others by loved ones looking to help out in whatever way they can. The campaigns come with a description explaining why residents are asking for donations, and many detail the small but irreplaceable possessions that the fires took: family photos and home videos, letters and manuscripts, rare books and childhood diaries. Gone is the artwork residents have spent a lifetime creating. One woman who lost her home had moved in so recently that she hadnt even finished unpacking. Another family had spent years remodeling their house by hand. Multiple people lost a parents ashes. These fundraisers are inflected with the emotional toll of disaster. They contain the shock of the unimaginable and the mourning of devastation. But they also contain love, gratitude, and extraordinary resilience. Ive still been able to laugh, one victim wrote, at my Roomba app telling me its time to replace some parts (just SOME?).

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For those of us without a direct connection to the fires, GoFundMe can help tether us to the losses. Thats not just because of the details that are included in each fundraiser. These pages are ricocheting across the internet. They are being passed along in group chats and posted to Instagram and circulated in emails. They are being compiled into lists and spreadsheets that are sometimes overwhelming in length: As Rachel Davies, a writer who put together a list of more than 1,000 fundraisers, told the Associated Press, I feel connected in a strange way to all these people that I dont know. Through these channels, you might learn whose sibling, former professor, or best friend has suffered. The world becomes a little smaller.

[Read: The place where I grew up is gone]

That GoFundMe is so full of stories also indicates just how deeply embedded in the infrastructure of natural-disaster response the platform has become. The more than $100 million that has been raised through the site for L.A. wildfire relief so far just about matches the entire amount that was crowdsourced for natural-disaster relief on GoFundMe in 2023. Indeed, in May, Axios reported that over the past five years, the number of fundraisers for natural disasters has increased by 90 percent. GoFundMe has become a major form of disaster assistance, Emily Gallagher, a finance professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, told me.

In 2021, a wildfire broke out just miles from where Gallagher lives in Boulder, destroying more than 1,000 homes. Together with colleagues, she researched the use of GoFundMe as her community recovered, and found that victims who used the platform were 27 percent more likely to have started rebuilding their home within a year of the fire. Two-thirds of Americans with homeowners insurance are underinsured for wildfires; if catastrophe strikes, they wont be reimbursed for the full cost of what they lost. Meanwhile, applying for and receiving federal aid can be cumbersome. This is what makes crowdfunding so appealing. Donations can be used for whatever a recipient needs, as soon as they need it.

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But theres a dark side to GoFundMes role in fire relief. Crowdfunding tends to advantage the wealthy: In the fire that broke out near Gallagher, high-income households were more likely to have a friend set up a campaign on their behalf. These households, who had larger and wealthier social networks, then went on to raise substantially more money than lower-income residents with GoFundMe campaigns of their own. The net effect is that those who are most in need of funds may be least likely to receive them. For those who do benefit from the platform, FEMA has warned that funds raised through GoFundMe can affect eligibility for assistance, which may create an added layer of stress and confusion for already overwhelmed disaster victims.

[Read: Altadena after the fire]

When catastrophic events like the L.A. fires receive national attention, many people want to chip in. Without any personal ties, they may choose to donate to campaigns that, for whatever reason, resonate with them personally. This can lead, as the sociologist Matthew Wade suggests, to what are effectively sympathy markets, where donors are tasked with making moral judgments on who is most worthy of donation. In the extreme, GoFundMe can perversely encourage users to package their despair into marketable narratives. Trauma sells.

This is well understood by the scammers who lurk on the platform. GoFundMe has long struggled with fraud as people concoct stories of misfortune to sham unwitting donors out of cash. (So much so that a website called GoFraudMe once dedicated itself to tracking down fake campaigns.) To help prevent this with the L.A. fires, a GoFundMe spokesperson told me, the company has spun up a centralized hub of verified fundraisers, which have been reviewed by a team of experts. Still, when one victims friend created a fundraising campaign after she lost her rental home, a copycat emerged within hours. Someone has tried to just make their way in and try to profit off of my tragedy, the victim told The New York Times.

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As the fires continue to devastate Los Angeles, new fundraisers continue to pop up on GoFundMe: one for a 15-year-old soliciting help for his mother, another for a 94-year-old artist who lost a lifetimes worth of paintings and writing. If the fires are a window into our grim climate future, so are the fundraisers themselves. Contained within the stories is a double tragedy. There is the acute loss told by each individual narrative. But these fundraisers add up to tell the story of something much larger: that of a financial system unprepared for the new realities of climate disasters.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Jan. 16State legislators go to work Tuesday, but already there are winners, losers and chronic wasters of time and money.

The best evidence of who's onto something important and who's squandering resources can be found in proposals already filed for the 60-day session.

Republican Sens. Pat Woods and Crystal Brantley get demerits for saddling a bill-drafter with a useless measure. They have filed a joint resolution requesting Congress call a constitutional convention to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government and term limits on federal officials.

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The proposal by Brantley and Woods does not yet have a tracking number, though that doesn't matter. Their resolution is bound for a legislative graveyard. Whether its final resting place is in Santa Fe or Washington is the only question.

Woods, Brantley and other Republicans who complain about overspending in Washington always ignore the reality that no presidential administration or Congress wants to cut the defense budget. That's fine with most residents of New Mexico. They covet the paychecks military installations and national laboratories provide.

As for term limits, state legislators have always rejected bills to cap their own time in office. The gang in Washington is even more tenacious in guarding its power.

Members of Congress say seniority positions them to deliver for their districts. They love pork as much Jimmy Dean did.

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Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, has also taken a wayward path on legislation. His failure is minimizing the role of his legislative chamber in a financial scandal at Western New Mexico University.

Western's Board of Regents paid then-President Joseph Shepard $1.9 million to resign from office. In a second act of campus welfare for a wealthy pal, the regents handed Shepard a full professorship in the school of business. He will receive $200,000 a year for teaching two online classes per semester, deal-making sure to demoralize Western's faculty.

Four of the five reckless regents have resigned, but their ineptitude inspired Steinborn. He's filed a bill proposing 10 hours of mandatory training for regents of all state schools. They would study weighty matters such as ethics and money management.

Steinborn should introduce a companion bill requiring training for himself and the other 41 state senators. The Senate confirmed Western's free-spending regents in familiar fashion. No hard questions were asked. Platitudes were plentiful.

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Only once in the last decade have senators rejected a governor's nominee for any university board of regents. The hapless candidate was Matt Chandler, chosen by then-Gov. Susana Martinez for a seat on the board governing the University of New Mexico.

Chandler, a Republican, was treasurer of a political committee that circulated false advertisements about Democratic candidates. His tactics energized a Senate that seldom scrutinizes nominees for regent seats.

For every dozen bad or unnecessary bills, a couple of measures for good government can be found.

At some point during the session, many of the 112 legislators will lecture one committee or another on the value of transparency. Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, continues to do more than talk.

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He again has filed a proposed constitutional amendment to end the practice of pocket vetoes by the governor. Pocket vetoes by definition are secretive. They enable the governor to kill a bill by refusing to acknowledge it.

Under McQueen's House Joint Resolution 2, every bill approved by the Legislature but ignored by the governor would become law. That approach makes sense. If the executive can't be bothered to decide on a bill, the legislative branch should have its way.

Members of the House of Representatives last year had time to debate McQueen's resolution to end pocket vetoes, but they avoided the issue. At least some lawmakers in the majority party didn't want to rile a fellow Democrat, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

As McQueen's proposal died, House members turned their attention to a bill for a specialty license plate recognizing Smokey Bear. Both the House and the Senate in the final 12 hours of the session rushed to approve the measure on Smokey.

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Rep. Art De La Cruz, D-Albuquerque, was among the lawmakers who took up for Smokey Bear. He is back this year with a proposal for another specialty license plate.

De La Cruz's House Bill 23 would create an Iron Horse plate for motorcycles at least 35 years old and rated as collectors' items.

New Mexico already has a Horseless Carriage plate for other classic vehicles, such as De La Cruz's 1959 GMC truck.

"I also own an older motorcycle. Why one [specialty plate] for cars and trucks but not for motorcycles?" De La Cruz said. Creating the Iron Horse license plate "incentivizes people to protect these classics."

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At least De La Cruz's proposal isn't as bad as a bill that called for a specialty license plate for West Las Vegas High School. Martinez used a pocket veto to kill that one.

Another of De La Cruz's early filings looks out for people who usually aren't wealthy enough to own collectors' items.

House Bill 22 would amend the state's minimum wage law to ensure that workers receive all tips paid through credit cards. Employers could not use any portion of tips to cover credit-card processing fees or other costs.

The bill emulates wage laws in other states. "I look for best practices in legislation," De La Cruz said.

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Put that on a bumper sticker or even a license plate, Mr. Representative.

Ringside Seat is an opinion column about people, politics and news. Contact Milan Simonich at msimonich@sfnewmexican.com or 505-986-3080.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD)  A Conway charter school employee was arrested Tuesday and charged by the Goose Creek police department for child sex crimes, according to a report from the department.

55-year-old Jason Erik Keller of Myrtle Beach was charged with the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor in the first degree, two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor, and attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor 11-14 years old.

Keller was arrested at the Atlantic Collegiate Academy and transported to the Goose Creek Police Department for an interview. Once the interview was completed, he was booked at the Berkeley County Detention Center.

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According to reports from Goose Creek PD, Keller engaged in sexually explicit conversation with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl while attending an Evaluator 4.0 training event hosted by the Dorchester County School District in October 2024.

The 14-year-old Keller thought he was talking to was actually an investigator with the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office.

Comments Keller made in the conversation contributed to investigators determining he was in Summerville when the messages were exchanged across the Kik Messenger app.

The undercover investigation involving Keller began in September 2024, supplemental documents state.

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Law enforcement used the email address associated with the Kik account and information from the SC Department of Education, SC DMV, and his vehicle registration to help identify Keller.

During the October conversation, his vehicles license plate was also determined to be in Summerville.

News 2 has contacted the charter school president for a comment and is awaiting a reply.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
A Republican priority bill under consideration in the Indiana General Assembly would put stricter oversight policies in place for projects seeking to move large amounts of water from one basin the state to another. (Getty Images)

Early reaction was mostly positive Thursday to a Senate GOP priority bill that seeks to increase oversight of water withdrawal projects within Indiana.

Bill author Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, said Senate Bill 4 intends to add some regulatory oversight on high volume water transfers  a move that comes amid an ongoing debate over a pipeline to pump water from an aquifer in Tippecanoe County to a mammoth industrial campus in Boone County.

Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford (Photo courtesy Indiana Senate Republicans)

The current draft of Kochs measure would specifically require a utility or large private sector project leader to obtain an approval permit from Indianas Department of Natural Resources before carrying out a project where significant amounts of water are moved from one water basin in the state to another.

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A second permit process outlined in the bill would loop in Indianas Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for all large, long-haul water pipelines.

Entities that receive permits would have to request recertification every few years to ensure compliance, according to the bill.

Koch emphasized that the foundation of the bill is that regulations are built upon the states 10 natural watersheds, rather than artificial boundaries, such as county lines and municipal barriers.

The senator further maintained that the Lebanon project, dubbed the Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace Research and Innovation District, or LEAP, is an example of what were trying to work on, but its not the reason for the legislation.

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This isnt about LEAP. Its about the next LEAP, and its about being proactive, Koch told reporters Thursday after his bill was heard by the Senate utilities panel. This isnt about the past. This doesnt undo LEAP. Its not meant to undo LEAP  and it wont undo LEAP.

Even so, Kochs bill  and another filed by GOP Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette  appears to signal an appetite within the supermajority caucus to make Indianas water management policies more robust.

This isn't about LEAP. It's about the next LEAP, and it's about being proactive.

 Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford

Deerys proposal, Senate Bill 256, would separately create a two-year legislative task force to study water regulation and put a moratorium on Wabash River pipeline projects in the meantime. That bill was also assigned to the utilities committee but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

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Koch, who chairs the utilities committee, pointed to recent statewide studies  conducted as part of the LEAP projects planning  which so far show that Indiana has plenty of water. But he made clear that high-volume transfers like LEAP are going to get some sets of eyes and some regulatory oversight that they havent had before.

Were not going to have a shortage, so long as its properly managed. And so, thats the premise. We work from naturally created watersheds, and we realize that sometimes development occurs where water does not exist, Koch continued. This bill attempts to find the right balance between future needs and future supplies.

Utilities, citizens groups express approval

The water oversight bill was heard by the Senate committee Thursday but was not put to a vote. Koch said he anticipates the bill will be amended and advance to the Senate chamber in the coming weeks.

Expected updates to the bills permitting language will require the review process to also focus on the impact of a long-haul water pipeline on customer rates, Koch noted.

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He said, too, that a forthcoming amendment will allow the IURC and DNR to employ third-party consultants in an advisory capacity  as long as theres no conflict of interest  and that the consultants fees would be paid for by the water project applicant.

Representatives from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Manufacturers Association and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana testified in favor of the bill.

Bridget OConnor, government affairs director for Citizens Energy Group, said the central Indiana utility also supports the proposal.

Although plans for a hotly debated long-haul pipeline  stretching 40 miles between Lafayette and Lebanon  appear to be on hold, the state has already approved funding to help underwrite an extension of Citizens system that would provide additional water to Lebanon.

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The Citizens project  which is expected to boost an additional 25 million gallons daily to the city  would include new water mains, booster stations and tanks, plus treatment plant upgrades.

We understand the desire, as detailed in Senate Bill 4, to add safeguards which will ensure the movement of water is managed in a way that supports the water needs of the future, while protecting those that currently rely on the resource, OConnor said.

She added, however, that regulating transfers could create unique challenges for providers like Citizens. Because of its expansive regional territory, the utility constantly moves water in and out of multiple basins on a regular and constant basis.

We do not believe the goal is to regulate those normal operations, OConnor told lawmakers. While we believe certain exemptions are necessary to protect the utilities day-to-day operations, we believe Senate Bill 4 is a reasonable step forward to ensure that all stakeholders continue to have ample water supplies to facilitate growth and economic development.

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Citizens current LEAP project plans would not be subjected to the permitting process established by Kochs bill.

Kerwin Olson with the Citizens Action Coalition, a utility-focused customer advocacy group, told legislators that some might view that grandfathered approval as a total and complete exemption for the LEAP project, but he doesnt share that interpretation.

It could be read as sort of an exclusive gift to Citizens as the sole provider  I dont necessarily read it that way, Olson said. Ive already gotten a few chatters in my ears about that language.

Olson said his group is working on recommended tweaks to the bills language that could help quash concerns about what exceptions would be afforded to Citizens.

Other recommended bill changes

Indiana DNR deputy director Chris Smith said the state agency additionally has no issues with the goal or purpose of the bill. Smith offered lawmakers a handful of recommendations, though, to help with implementation of the permitting program.

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For example, the bill currently lacks specific criteria for DNR officials to use when making a determination on a permit application, or how to handle permit transfers from one party to another, Smith said.

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He further asked for the bill to address projects that fail to follow through on their approved plans.

Is that water then just locked up in perpetuity, no longer available? Smith asked.

The LEAP district in Lebanon was pitched by state leaders as a sort of technology park and future industry location for massive projects, such as a semiconductor chip plant. Thus far, the largest announced tenant at the Boone County site is Eli Lilly, which will be investing over $13 billion in research and manufacturing projects.

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Lawmakers and groups have expressed concerns that the area didnt have enough water to attract high-consumption businesses, such as data centers.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp., tasked with attracting new state investors and companies, oversaw water feasibility research before additional studies were moved to the Indiana Finance Authority.

The two most recently published studies from the state predicted that water availability will continue to outpace demand for the vital resource in coming decades, but both analyses urged stakeholders to consider more conservation measures to protect future supply.

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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour arrives Aug. 11, 2018, in San Pedro, California. The vessel is one of dozens Bollinger Shipyard of Lockport has construction for the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class)

The family-owned company of President-elect Donald Trumps campaign co-chair in Louisiana has agreed to pay $1.025 million to resolve allegations that it hired workers ineligible to work in the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.

Bollinger Shipyard LLC of Lockport was accused of violating the False Claims Act for knowingly billing the U.S. Coast Guard for the labor the illegal workers performed. The companys settlement with the federal government is not an admission of guilt but effectively brings the matter to a close.

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Bollinger is a longtime military contractor that manufactures the Coast Guards fast response cutter (FRC) vessel. The Justice Department alleged the shipbuilders violations took place from 2015-20 under its FRC contracts.

Bollinger Shipyards Lockport office directed a reporters call with questions to executive vice president Geoffrey Green, who has not yet responded.

The federal government requires contractors to confirm their employees are eligible to work in the United States, and officials alleged Bollinger failed to comply with this requirement. As a result, several ineligible employees worked on the contract, according to the Justice Department, and the company was paid for the work they performed.

Companies that conduct business with the United States are required to do so in a legitimate manner, U.S Attorney Duane Evans said in a news release.

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President Joe Biden appointed Evans to lead federal prosecutions in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As of November, Bollinger delivered 58 of the 67 fast response cutters the Coast Guard has ordered from the company at a cost of about $2 billion.

The former chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyard, Donald Boysie Bollinger Jr., has served as co-chair of the Trump campaign in Louisiana for the past three elections. Bollingers nephew, Ben Bordelon, took over as company leader in 2014, marking the third generation of family leadership at the 79-year-old business.

Bollinger has served as treasurer of the Republican Party of Louisiana and chaired the Louisiana presidential campaigns for George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

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Since 2016, Bollinger has donated more than $1.13 million to Republican candidates through Bollinger Enterprises, his separate investment company, based on numbers from OpenSecrets.org.

Over the same period, Bollingers donations to Democrats totaled $5,600, though he notably backed Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu in her re-election loss to Republican Bill Cassidy in 2014.

Bollingers largest political contributions in 2024 were $113,000 to the Republican National Committee and $100,000 to Make America Great Again Inc.

Last June, Bollinger hosted a $3,300-a-person fundraiser at his New Orleans home for Trump. The event raised $5 million, The Times-Picayune reported.

Efforts to reach Bollinger for comment were unsuccessful.

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As the Supreme Court unanimously voted to uphold the governments impending ban on TikTok, Justice Neil Gorsuch made an interesting observation in his concurring opinion.

Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another. As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear, Gorsuch wrote, but he then added a caveat.

But the question we face today is not the laws wisdom, only its constitutionality. Given just a handful of days after oral argument to issue an opinion, I cannot profess the kind of certainty I would like to have about the arguments and record before us. All I can say is that, at this time and under these constraints, the problem appears real and the response to it not unconstitutional, Gorsuch continued.

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Gorsuch, a conservative appointed to the court by Donald Trump in 2017, cast doubt on how much the ban may be able to achieve, national security concerns or not. Even some Democratic lawmakers who voted for the ban seem to be trying to backtrack in the final days before the deadline takes effect, a confusing about-face.

Meanwhile, while the right had previously pushed for banning TikTok, Trump now opposes it, likely because the app altered its algorithm to make his content perform better and because one of his wealthy allies, Jeff Yass, has a large stake in its parent company. However, theres another major reason that politicians on the right and left wanted to ban the app: the proliferation of pro-Palestine content.

Biden, with just days left in office, has said it will be up to Trump to decide how to enforce the ban. Its anyones guess what hell decide to do, although hes never had a high opinion of anything supporting the Palestinians.


Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed concerns Friday that the divest-or-ban law targeting TikTok might not achieve its goals.

Gorsuch warned that foreign adversaries could ultimately turn to another application for surveillance of U.S. data if TikTok is no longer used in the U.S.

Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another, Gorsuch wrote in a concurrence with the Supreme Courts unanimous decision to uphold the TikTok ban.

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As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear, he added.

The court on Friday upheld a law requiring TikToks China-based parent company to divest from the app amid national security concerns. In a 9-0 decision, the justices found the ban does not violate the First Amendment, as TikTok argued in court earlier this month.

Gorsuch said he agreed with the high courts decision not to rely on the governments concerns about the nature of content on TikTok as a justification to ban the app.

One mans covert content manipulation is anothers editorial discretion,' Gorsuch wrote. Journalists, publishers, and speakers of all kinds routinely make less-than-transparent judgments about what stories to tell and how to tell them.

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The court was also right not to rely on classified or secret evidence the government submitted to the court, but not to TikTok and its attorneys, Gorsuch argued.

Efforts to inject secret evidence into judicial proceedings present obvious constitutional concerns, he wrote, adding later, As the Court recognizes, we have no business considering the governments secret evidence here.

The ban law passed Congress with wide bipartisan majorities and was signed by President Biden in April. It gave TikTok until Sunday to either divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban in the U.S.

Gorsuch wrote he was persuaded the law is rooted in a compelling interest, as it seeks to prevent a foreign country from gathering troves of personal data about millions of Americans.

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The Biden administration, however, has signaled it does not plan to enforce the law one day before President-elect Trumps inauguration, leaving the decision to the incoming administration and seemingly allowing the app to stay online for the time being.

Trump, who will be sworn into office Monday, said Friday said he would be making a decision about the fate of TikTok.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Gavin Newsom rebuked Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and tech mogul Elon Musk for spreading misinformation about officials response to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires and for suggesting that federal disaster relief aid should come with conditions.

Speaker Johnson and Mr. President Elect, millions of your supporters are out here. They need your help. They need your empathy, Newsom said in a video interview published Thursday with liberal YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen. They need your care, whatever compassion you can express, as opposed to condemnation and divisive language that has aided and embedded nothing except mis- and disinformation thats flamed fear and flamed a lot of anxiety for folks that are simply trying to recover.

It is the strongest response Newsom has made so far in the week since the fires first erupted in the Los Angeles area, which have now destroyed over 12,000 structures. His office previously said Trumps remarks about Newsom failing to provide enough water to first responders was pure fiction, and his personal website has a section devoted to debunking misinformation about the fires.

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Trump has repeatedly blamed Newsom for the fires, with one expert saying he was treating the governor as a punching bag, while congessional Republicans, including Johnson, have suggested that any federal disaster relief aid should come with conditions like tying it to the federal debt ceiling. Newsom sent a letter Thursday to Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune asking Congress to provide expedited supplemental disaster aid...without conditions or prolonged negotiation.

Newsom told Cohen he first opted to ignore the remarks, calling them noise. Some of that he laid at the feet of Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter). The South African tech titan is one of Trumps biggest supporters and a frequent booster of conspiracy theories, Most recently, he called Newsom a scumbag in response to a post claiming Newsom had ordered a firefighter to return donated Starlink modems. Musks SpaceX company manufactures Starlink modems. Newsom refuted that claim online.

I started realizing...Im out in the community, people [are] reflecting stuff that made no sense. Why didnt you send us water? ...I said, What are you talking about? Newsom told Cohen. And I started to realize this misinformation is impacting peoples lives, is actually impacting their ability to trust and reason. And so we started to push back.

Its unclear whether congressional Republicans will succeed in attaching conditions to any federal fire aid. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, told KCRA he didnt think any such discussions were helpful. He also castigated Newsoms interview as incessant posturing, and said the governor was making it more difficult for him to get aid to wildfire victims.
As Texas lawmakers wrap up the first week of the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott has signaled another public education priority he wants on their list: banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in K-12 public schools.

No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund DEI in our schools, Abbott said in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday, using the acronym for diversity efforts. Schools must focus on fundamentals of education, not indoctrination.

Barring DEI efforts at K-12 schools would expand a statewide ban for colleges and universities approved two years ago. The governors office did not immediately respond to questions from The Texas Tribune on Friday seeking more details on Abbotts remarks.

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His comments came in response to a series of videos posted by Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, allegedly showing a Richardson school district official answering questions from an individual who recorded the interaction and asked whether the district would allow a transgender girl to share a room with other students on a field trip. The school official, identified as the districts executive DEI director, said the district would respond to the situation on a case-by-case basis with parental input.

Richardson school district officials said in a statement to the Tribune that only students of the same sex assigned at birth share rooms. The district also said its schools follow all anti-discrimination requirements, including a law stating that student-athletes must compete in events according to their sex assigned at birth.

The district is not aware of any instance where this requirement was not followed, nor of any RISD-specific information suggesting the requirement should not be followed, said Tim Clark, the districts executive director of communications.

During the 2023 legislative session, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI offices, programs and training at publicly-funded universities. Under the law, universities cannot create diversity offices, hire employees to carry out diversity-related initiatives or require any DEI training as a condition for employment or admission.

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Since the law was passed, universities across the state have moved to shutter DEI offices and efforts. Those offices played a pivotal role in helping Black, Latino, LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented students adjust to life on college campuses and foster a sense of community among their peers.

Educational institutions across the country made promises following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer to work harder at creating more inclusive environments for their students. But many of those efforts have taken significant steps back as state officials have passed legislation to shutter them, labeling those efforts as left-wing indoctrination.

Abbotts desire to now extend the law to K-12 public schools represents the latest attempt by Texas state officials to exert greater control over how educational institutions go about ensuring students from all backgrounds feel included, while limiting how they can teach and talk about gender, sexual orientation and Americas history of racism.

Abbotts promise to prevent taxpayer dollars from flowing toward DEI initiatives at schools comes as public education spending is set to play a central role during the 2025 legislative session, which began earlier this week.

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During the last session, House Democrats and rural Republicans efforts to block a school voucher program  Abbotts top legislative priority for the last few years  came at the cost of not securing a funding boost for public schools, which has left Texas school districts grappling with multimillion-dollar budget deficits and other serious financial difficulties like school closures.

Abbott now says he has the votes to get a voucher program, which would allow parents to use tax dollars to pay for their childrens private education, across the finish line. He has also indicated a willingness to increase public education funding this year.

The governors comments immediately drew praise from Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, chair of the Senates Education Committee and author of the current DEI law.

SB 17 has become a model for the entire nation, and I am ready to expand the law to protect the 6 million students in Texas schools from failed, divisive DEI programs, Creighton wrote on social media. Lets get to work.

Correction, Jan. 17, 2025 at 8:40 p.m. : A previous version of the story misidentified the occupation of Corey DeAngelis. He is a senior fellow at the American Culture Project.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her annual State of the State speech Feb. 26, according to a news release Friday from her office.

Typically, the governor delivers the annual policy address in January but Whitmer told reporters earlier this week to expect a later date this year.

She said the change in timing this year was meant to accommodate lawmakers traveling to Washington, D.C. for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration Monday. "I wanted to be respectful. The President will take his oath of office next week and I know a lot of the leadership in Lansing will be out there," Whitmer told reporters Wednesday.

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The last time Whitmer delivered the State of State in February was 2019, when she first took office. Her State of the State address this year will be her second to last before she leaves office due to term limits. In her speech next month, Whitmer plans to lay out her economic and education spending agenda, according to the news release from her office.

"Michigan is a state on the move as we continue working together to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, and invest in our students and schools," Whitmer said in a statement Friday. "I look forward to delivering my 2025 State of the State Address where I will lay out my plan to build on our years of strong, bipartisan progress and strategic, fiscally responsible leadership."Whitmer has already publicly outlined some of her policy priorities in a speech at the Detroit Auto Show on Wednesday in which she called on lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together to compromise on a long-term solution to fund Michigan roads. She did not put forward a proposal of her own to kick off the negotiations. She also called for a new public fund to bring manufacturing and other auto industry jobs to the state.

Michigan Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shares concerns about Michigan road funding, auto industry

After spending last year on the campaign trail stumping for Democratic presidential candidates, Whitmer in her speech this month tried to strike a bipartisan tone of cooperation and express her openness to working with Trump and legislative leaders from both parties.

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"Michiganders elected both me and Donald Trump twice just two years apart. Every one of us swore an oath to the people we serve and the people expect us to find common ground," she said. "Now I don't want to pretend we're always going to agree but I will always seek collaboration first. I won't go looking for fights. I won't back down from them either because I'm not here to play games."

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, sent Whitmer a letter Thursday to approve Whitmer's request to use the House Chambers Feb. 26 for her speech, according to a copy of Hall's correspondence shared by his spokesperson Greg Manz.

Hall also took the opportunity in the letter to remind Whitmer that he has put forward his own plan to fund roads the day after she called for one in her speech Wednesday. "We delivered a detailed roads plan to you earlier today that would increase funding by more than three billion dollars and do it without raising taxes by one dime. Perhaps your address on February 26 will be the right time to share the details of your plan to solve our states long-time roads and infrastructure crisis," Hall wrote to Whitmer.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gretchen Whitmer announces when she will give 2025 State of the State
An aerial view of people standing near destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Gov. Josh Stein has asked FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to extend the agencys Transition Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for eligible North Carolinians for an additional six months. After a presidentially-declared disaster, the TSA program allows for temporary, short-term accommodations for disaster survivors when other housing options are not available.

Gov. Josh Stein (right) inspects a trailer on a recent visit to western North Carolina. (Photo courtesy of the governors office.)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended hotel stays for more than 3,000 western North Carolina residents displaced by Hurricane Helene until Jan. 25. The extension is the third FEMA has granted to displaced residents using the TSA program.

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An extension through September 30, 2025, is needed to provide people displaced by Hurricane Helene certainty about a safe place to live as they rebuild, Stein said.

The people of western North Carolina are experiencing chaos and uncertainty that is untenable, Stein said. That is why I am urging FEMA to extend its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for six months to get folks through the winter in safe, secure shelter as they rebuild their homes.

Stein noted in his letter to Criswell that residents in North Carolinas mountains are facing below freezing temperatures this week. He said the state will experience another cold snap that may bring more winter weather.

I know that you agree that people are entitled to pass the winter safely and securely as they rebuild their damaged or destroyed homes, Stein wrote to Criswell. The shock of the damage Hurricane Helene caused is still very real for the people of western North Carolina. They need assurance that they will have shelter during this time so long as their home is still uninhabitable. We owe them support, not fear or confusion.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina (File photo)

In recent days, North Carolina Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis have expressed frustration over Hurricane Helene victims who were forced to leave hotels in western North Carolina after their vouchers expired.

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The two Republicans said on the social media platform X that their offices had received dozens of calls from residents of western North Carolina who had been kicked out of hotels.

My office has been helping dozens of Helene victims today who have been told their hotel vouchers expired despite not having a safe and livable home to go back to, Tillis wrote Tuesday. Their homes have mold and broken windows  its 20 degrees tonight. Hotels are trying to help them, and a number of nonprofits are stepping up to pay for victims to stay in their hotels, so FEMA has another day to get its act together.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed another executive order Thursday, issuing additional protections for abortion access.

The order mostly has to do with privacy for women who are seeking or who have already had an abortion in North Carolina. Stein argued there are too many out-of-state actors seeking to go after women getting a procedure that remains legal for most up to 12 weeks.

Im not changing the law in any way, said Stein. I am just clarifying and reassuring the women of North Carolina that they will maintain to have whatever rights they have under the law. They will be protected fiercely by this administration.

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Abortions are up in the US. Its a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel

Steins executive order is both preventative and reactive. First, it directs state agencies to find ways to protect both women and physicians from being charged or sued for getting or providing an abortion. It tells those agencies to review policies about medical records to ensure medical history remains private.

The governor also said he has concerns with pregnancy crisis centers, arguing that there have been instances of those organizations providing women with false information, preventing them getting an abortion before the 12-week cutoff. Stein will direct state agencies to provide information that explains the differences between health care providers and those crisis centers.

When asked if he is preparing for more abortion restrictions to be passed by Republicans in Raleigh, Stein said it is clear there are lawmakers that support such a move.

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So I am concerned about that, he said. That was an issue that was actually litigated in the last campaign. And I told the women of North Carolina that if you elect me, I will do everything in my power to protect your ability to make your own decisions.

North Carolinas GOP dismissed Steins order in a statement to Queen City News.

Gov. Stein is talking a lot about solving problems, but his actions show he is just another politician by pandering to his radical left-wing base and against the will of North Carolina voters.

Discussing the next 6 months of politics in NC

A spokesperson added that the GOPs legal team is reviewing the order to see how it compares to a similar directive issued by former governor Roy Cooper.

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This latest executive order marked Steins eighth since he took office at the start of January.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  After Governor Laura Kellys speech to Kansans and lawmakers on Wednesday night, she announced her annual budget Thursday.

Kelly announced her annual budget on Jan. 16 after addressing her top priorities at the annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Kelly mentioned one of her main goals was fully funding public schools in Kansas.

In a news release from Kellys office, there are 12 concepts the governor is focused on funding this year.

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Im a fiscal conservative, which is why, once again, Im proposing a budget thats balanced, maintains fiscal stability in the future, and ensures Kansans have access to the services their government has promised them, Kelly said. This budget also delivers on my commitment to continue fully funding schools, investing in our workforce and child care system, and securing water resources both immediately and in the future.

City leaders limit funding to fix Hotel Topeka

Below is a list of Kellys top budgetary items listed in the news release:

Continue investments in early childhood care and education: Kellys budget offers about $13.4 million to expand child care slots and build child care workforce capacity; including more than $11 million to increase child care through different state grant programs.

Provide free school meals to qualifying children: Kellys budget eliminates co-payments for students on reduced lunch; providing free school meals to more than 35,000 Kansas students.

Fully fund public K-12 schools in Kansas: For the seventh year in a row, Kellys budget will fully fund public schools, including $72.6 million in Special Education State Aid.

The budget aims to prioritize water: Kellys budget is increasing annual water funding by $30 million, pushing the budget to almost $90 million for water infrastructure in small towns.

Expanding Medicaid for 150,000 Kansans: the governors budget brings more than $1 billion in tax dollars back into the Sunflower State, providing access to affordable health care for 150,000 more Kansans and cut health care costs for everyone else.

Make investments in higher education: Kellys annual budget invests almost $50 million in additional funds to support the postsecondary sector and lower higher education costs for Kansas students, including $14.4 million in additional state funding to increase need-based aid.

Continue repairing the foster care system: The budget includes $9 million dedicated to the Kansas Department of Children and Families to supplement the loss of funds incurred due to Executive Order 25-01.

Supports health care services in hospitals: The budget will include $2 million towards capacity building funds to make sure hospitals and other healthcare facilities are safe and compliant for consumers.

Offers funding for agriculture and natural resources: Kellys budget includes a $1 million investment in the Center for Sorghum Improvement to sustain a 10-year research collaborative to promote growth of water-saving sorghum crops in Kansas.

Provide support for disability and employment services: The budget has funding for Home and Community Based Services Capacity Building, including $20 million for grants.

Improve public safety: This annual budget includes critical investments into Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and funding the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Invest in economic development and tourism: Kellys budget invests in economic development across the Sunflower State, and its ability to recruit international business.

Sheriffs office rescues 4 dogs left on Kansas Turnpike

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Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, shared his partys goals going into this years legislative session. Those priorities include property tax relief and reform, expand access to affordable healthcare with less government regulation, work to reduce the number of abortions in the Sunflower State and not allow extreme trans agenda to impact kids in Kansas.

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS - Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday, throwing a wrench in Ohios 2026 race for governor.

Husted's appointment ends weeks of speculation about who will join Sen. Bernie Moreno, who took the oath of office earlier this month after defeating former Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. Husted will serve in the Senate through 2026 and must run that year if he wants to keep the seat.

Per Ohio law, the winner of the November 2026 election will fill out the remainder of Vance's term, which ends in 2028.

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"I believe and know that Jon is prepared to be United States senator from the state of Ohio," DeWine said. The U.S. Senate rewards hard workers. It rewards those who master the facts. It rewards those who focus on getting things done."

Husted was long seen as the front runner for the Senate seat, but he wrestled with whether to accept the appointment or pursue a bid to replace term-limited DeWine as governor. His appointment ensures he'll avoid a bruising Republican primary for governor that could include former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Attorney General Dave Yost and Treasurer Robert Sprague.

Husted said he changed his mind "probably 100 times," calling it a choice between "the two best things that you can do in the state of Ohio."

"In the end, it's the opportunity to go right now to Washington  not two years from now, but now  to go work with President Trump and a Republican majority, to do the things that I think will make America a better country," Husted said. "And once you really look at it like that, it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up."

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted speaks at the Ohio Statehouse after accepting Gov. Mike DeWine's appointment to the U.S. Senate on Friday.

It's unclear when Husted will officially be sworn in as senator. He and his family do not plan to relocate to Washington, D.C., and will travel back and forth from Ohio as needed.

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Ramaswamy emerged as a late contender for the Senate seat after withdrawing his name from consideration two months ago. President-elect Donald tapped Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, but he recently urged the Ohio entrepreneur to accept the Senate appointment if offered.

Ramaswamy is now expected to proceed with his original plan, according to a source familiar with his thinking: Tackle the task before him at DOGE and announce a run for governor in 2026. The source said he's expected to launch his campaign "shortly."

DeWine called Trump Friday and said the president-elect was gracious and spoke positively about Husted. The lieutenant governor said he also talked to Trump, Vance and Moreno.

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I called Jon Husted to congratulate him on his appointment to the United States Senate, Vance posted on X. Look forward to working with both Jon and Bernie Moreno to Make America Great Again!

Who is Jon Husted?

Husted became lieutenant governor in 2019. He joined forces with DeWine in the 2018 election after a brief run against him, and the pair defeated Democrat Richard Cordray amid national losses for Republicans. Prior to that, Husted served as secretary of state, Ohio House speaker and state senator.

Husted, who was adopted by his parents, became emotional Friday as he discussed his work on foster care, adoption and protecting children from online predators.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted becomes emotional as he accepts Gov. Mike DeWine's appointment to the U.S. Senate at the Ohio Statehouse on Friday.

During his tenure as DeWine's No. 2, Husted championed economic development and helped persuade Intel to build a $28 billion semiconductor plant in central Ohio. He also enjoyed a moment in the national spotlight when he gave the vice-presidential nomination speech for Vance at last year's Republican National Convention.

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DeWine will need to appoint someone to serve as lieutenant governor for the next two years. He declined to say Friday who he's considering for the role.

Haley BeMiller covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: JD Vance to be replaced in US Senate by Ohio Lt. Gov Jon Husted
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey (R) has put several executive orders in place during his first days in office, including removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from state-funded programs, but exactly does the order mean?

DEI refers to practices, policies and education that are meant to support people who come from varying backgrounds, such as race, gender and sexual orientation.

In his Executive Order No. 3-25, Morrisey said that he believes it will help protect West Virginians from racial and gender discrimination by preventing preferential treatment for certain groups.

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So what will places like West Virginia University, which has an entire Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, do to enforce the order? According to WVU Executive Director of Communications April Kaull, some of the universitys existing accreditation and professional licensure standards include DEI requirements.

Gov. Morrisey orders flags in West Virginia to full-staff for Trump inauguration

The order specifically says that state agencies or entities receiving state funds cannot use state resources to support DEI positions or mandate DEI education. It also prevents mandates requiring people to disclose preferred pronouns or declare agreement with any particular political, philosophical, religious or other ideological viewpoint, and requires a review of all DEI positions and activities within 30 days of the order.

Were currently doing our due diligence by reviewing the Executive Order and having conversations with members of our campus community. Well have a better understanding once the review is completed, Kaull said in a statement to 12 News.

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Kaull told 12 News that WVU does not use state dollars to comply with any federal DEI requirements.

Most of the work in this area is by a focused group of employees for federal compliance of the Americans with Disability Act and Title IX, Kaull clarified.

Many of the current DEI resources found on WVUs website are not compulsory, but the new order would prevent any state funds from being used to provide optional DEI trainings and activities, and the current resources could be changed after a review from the state.

Other colleges and organizations with similar DEI programs will undergo reviews as well.

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The West Virginia Democratic Party has spoken out against the order. Del. Evan Hansen said in a lengthy statement from the WVDP, if you want to eliminate DEI paperwork, then tell us how you plan to address racism and ensure everyone has equal opportunities for jobs.

West Virginia and America as a whole are currently split on DEI since a court ruling in 2023 outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. A number of companies have already pulled back on DEI initiatives, including Meta, Walmart and McDonalds.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Six members of the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue team were honored by Governor Kristi Noem this week for the work they did this past summer during the McCook Lake flooding in North Sioux City. The swift water rescue team of Mike Murphy, Mike Olson, Adam Frick, Chris Lohan, Jack Claussen and Rob Flannery was given the Governors Award for Heroism.

The floods of June 2024 wont soon be forgotten by many people, especially first responders like the Sioux Falls Swift Water Rescue Team who were deployed to McCook Lake.

McCook Lake was really dynamic in the sense that we were constantly having changing water levels, low visibility at night, Rob Flannery with the Swift Water Rescue Team said.

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A lot of door-to-door rescues. There was some very swift water in an urban environment so, yeah, going door-to-door with a boat with multiple things floating down the streets that have now become rivers or small streams, Adam Frick with the Swift Water Rescue Team said.

Bob Nielson steps down as USD head coach

Their work did not go unnoticed.

These individuals all went above and beyond throughout the crisis. They truly saved lives and we cannot thank them enough for all that they accomplished. But heres what we can do. I would like to give the Governors Award for Heroism, Governor Kristi Noem said during her State of the State Address.

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A well-deserved honor that these men remain humble about.

Were the type of people that just like to go do our job and not get recognized, so yeah, it was a good experience, Frick said.

Being recognized by the Governor and the Capitol and all that good stuff, its fine and well but the job is so much bigger than that, Flannery said. The ball continues to roll and I think people are making an impact like that on a daily basis around here.

Governor Noem also gave the Heroism Award to Tim Cowman, the South Dakota State Geologist with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as conservation officers with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks  all for the work they did during the flooding.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called for spending cuts Thursday in a $65.9 billion two-year budget proposal that includes a modest reduction in the overall state sales tax but new taxes on services like legal and financial advice.

With a potential budget shortfall looming later this decade, Walz said it will be necessary to make cuts to disability home care spending and reimbursements for special education transportation. He also called for new measures against fraud.

Budget officials have warned the cost of reimbursements for home disability care has been growing. Walz is proposing about $350 million in cuts over the next two years, and $980 million in the following biennium.

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Minnesota is a state that cares deeply that every single individual should live the fullest quality of life they can, Walz said at a briefing with reporters at the Revenue Department in St. Paul Thursday. Were cutting state spending. Were cutting it responsibly. Were making a difference in long-term fiscal stability without making Minnesotans sacrifice the quality that theyre already getting.

Projected deficit on horizon

If the state doesnt take action to limit growth in long-term care waivers, they could end up being about an eighth of the state budget by 2028, and possibly half of the budget by the mid-2030s, Walz said.

Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell said the governors proposal would raise the amount of money left over at the end of the 2026-2027 cycle by about $570 million to $2.1 billion.

That would put the state on better financial footing in the next budget cycle when the state is expected to have a deficit, she said. The proposal would set the state up to have about $355 million left over in the 2028-2029 budget cycle when the state could have a revenue shortfall of several billion dollars.

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In December, MMB officials said Minnesota would have a $616 million surplus for 2026-2027, but warned that a $5.1 billion deficit could come in the following two years if current revenue and spending trends held.

Walzs recommendations come after Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers 2023 two-year budget grew spending by nearly 40% to $70.7 billion  though some of that was one-time spending, so Walzs cuts would not account for a more than $4 billion decrease.

GOP leaders say they will resist any new tax

House and Senate Republicans balked at Walzs recommendations and signaled they would resist any new taxes or fees.

We need a budget that puts Minnesotans first, not government first, said Senate Caucus leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. Republicans will stand firm against budgeting tricks that raise fees and taxes on regular Minnesotans.

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Said Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring: Any tax increases are off the table. Demuth was elected speaker by the House GOP this week.

Sales tax changes, cuts

Walz is calling for the overall statewide sales tax to be cut from 6.875% to 6.8%, meaning Minnesotans would pay $7.5 cents less on every $100 they spend. That amounts to a $95 million cut to overall sales taxes.

Those cuts come with increases in other areas.

The governors proposal ends sales tax exemptions for billable services like speaking with an attorney for legal advice or meeting with a financial adviser. The new fees on services like brokerage, accounting and legal services amount to around $185 million. There are exceptions for those seeking the new child tax credit or legal aid.

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Walz said that move is fair to taxpayers because many other services already are taxed  such as yard work or funeral processions.

In advocating for sales tax cuts, Walz also said he was in part proposing them to decrease potential rising prices of goods due to tariffs proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. Another reason Walz and budget officials say there needs to be more tax on services is a post-pandemic trend toward more spending on services than goods.

State of play

For the first time since 2021, Republicans will have a say in the final state budget. Voters elected a House tied at 67-67 between the parties, so any measure that makes it through will need bipartisan support. The House currently is at 67-66, in favor of the GOP, but a special election is yet to be held in a heavily-DFL Roseville district.

The Senate is currently tied 33-33 though theres a power sharing agreement there and its expected to return to a 34-seat DFL advantage after an upcoming special election in the heavily Democratic Minneapolis district of Sen. Kari Dziedzic, who died in late December.

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Right now, House Republicans and Democrats are in a power struggle thats headed to the state Supreme Court. DFLers boycotted the session after the parties failed to reach a power-sharing agreement, where Republicans used what likely will be a temporary majority to elect Demuth speaker on Tuesday.

The Legislature must pass a two-year budget this year. Walzs recommendations are one of the first steps in the process. A clearer picture of the budget will come after the states February budget forecast. The session ends May 19. If the Legislature doesnt pass a budget by the end of June the state risks a government shut down.

Past budgets

Heres the past seven two-year budgets for the state:

2023  $71 billion

2021  $52 billion

2019  $48 billion

2017  $46 billion

2015  $41.5 billion

2013  $38 billion

2011  $35.7 billion

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is adding his voice to the rising chorus of political leaders who want transparency from Seton Hall University about its new president being named in a secret report on sexual abuse.

The new president, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, was not accused of abuse himself, but POLITICO reported last month that investigators found in 2019 that he knew of sexual abuse allegations and did not properly report them. They recommended, under an action plan the university adopted, that Reilly not serve on boards or in leadership at the school.

The governor is deeply concerned by the allegations and believes Seton Hall University must release the full report, spokesperson Natalie Hamilton said in a statement.

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The schools Board of Regents last year unanimously approved Reilly to lead the Catholic university, which is located in North Jersey. Many current regents, including the chair who led the presidential search, were on the board when investigators laid out their findings about Reilly in 2019.

The university declined to release the report, saying "it is essential to respect the privacy and confidentiality promised to all individuals who participated in the review.

Murphy is one of the latest to call for the school to release the report on Reilly. State Sen. Joseph Cryan, the Democratic chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said in a brief interview Thursday: I think having the public understand making the selection they did is good for everyone involved. They should release the report.

Last week, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is running to replace the term-limited governor, said that Seton Hall needs to address this situation immediately and can start by publicly releasing the findings of their investigation and recommendations related to Monsignor Reilly.

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Two state lawmakers also issued a strongly worded joint statement calling for Reillys resignation and condemning the Board of Regents for making him president, saying it blatantly disregards the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice for survivors.



The allegations surrounding Monsignor Joseph Reillys egregious mishandling of sexual abuse allegations are utterly atrocious and absolutely unacceptable. It is outrageous that an individual who reportedly failed to disclose sexual abuse allegations and violated university, State, and federal policies has been appointed as president of Seton Hall University, said Sens. Joseph Vitale, chair of the health committee, and Andrew Zwicker, vice chair of the higher education committee.

Seton Hall must take immediate and decisive action to restore faith in its leadership. The university must unequivocally demonstrate that it stands with survivors and upholds the principles of justice rather than shielding those who enable abuse through inaction. Anything less is a blatant failure to protect its community and fulfill its mission.

The school had commissioned a report following decades of sexual abuse allegations by former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was the longtime archbishop of Newark before being named to lead the diocese in Washington, D.C.

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The university has stood by Reilly since POLITICO reported his knowledge and handling of sexual abuse claims on campus. Board of Regents Chair Hank DAlessandro, who led the search committee, last month called Reilly a man of profound faith and deeply compassionate character whose honesty and humanity are impeccable.

Seton Hall had hired two law firms  Gibbons P.C. and Latham & Watkins  to review McCarricks influence and actions at the university during his 24 years leading the Newark archdiocese. Latham then produced a report of its findings in 2019, and Gibbons summarized them in a memo delivered to the Board of Regents that year. The school also released a summary, but it did not offer details beyond confirming McCarrick had sexually harassed seminarians and created a culture of fear and intimidation.

Reilly spent a year in 1994 as priest-secretary to McCarrick. In 2012, when Reilly led the schools Immaculate Conception Seminary that trains for priesthood, he investigated a student complaint of sexual assault in house and did not report it or follow the school and federal Title IX policies and procedures, according to the memo viewed by POLITICO.

The memo also said Reilly dismissed a seminarian in 2012 who was an alleged victim of sexual abuse without investigating the incident or escalating the matter, a violation of university policy.

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Reilly also told investigators that he received information about a 2014 allegation of sexual harassment at the St. Andrews Hall seminary on campus.

A Responsive Action Plan, which the university approved in August 2019, said any employee or board member with knowledge of sexual misconduct claims involving ICS seminarians could not continue to serve on any board or any leadership position if they had failed to report the conduct or take other actions required under the schools sexual harassment policies.

Reilly took a sabbatical in 2022 and returned in 2023 as a vice provost before being elevated to president last summer. He is not the only one named in the memo. It also included allegations against about a dozen other university priests, so its known only to a small universe of people who they are and what discipline, if any, they faced.
Governor Mike DeWine has ordered all flags to be flown at full staff in Ohio for the inauguration.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Flags throughout the country have been flying at half-staff since the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29.

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DeWine said Thursday that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio would be raised to full staff at public buildings and grounds throughout the state on Jan. 20.

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President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, Middletown native, will be sworn into office on Monday in Washington D.C.

The flags throughout Ohio will return to half-staff on Jan. 21 until Jan. 28, DeWine said.

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Grain Belt Express, under development by Chicago-based Invenergy, will carry renewable energy from southwest Kansas through Missouri and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border (courtesy of Invenergy).

While it wont drop off electricity to substations in Kansas, the Grain Belt Express transmission line will bring savings and improve reliability for residents, developers of the project said Thursday.

Representatives from Invenergy, the Chicago-based company developing the Grain Belt Express, appeared before committees of the Kansas Senate and House to answer questions about the project, which is expected to carry renewable energy from southwest Kansas through Missouri and Illinois, ending at the Indiana border.

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Using high-voltage direct current technology, the 5,000-megawatt line will carry as much power as three traditional power line networks, Invenergy representatives said. It can also reverse its flow to provide power in the case of emergencies.

This project will unleash the power of Kansas energy to address the rapidly growing need for domestic energy supply, said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.

Justin Grady, deputy director of the utilities division for the Kansas Corporation Commission, acknowledged lawmakers might question how installing a transmission line to carry wind power from southwest Kansas to Missouri, where it will drop off substantial power, would help Kansans.

The reality is that it does  because in Kansas, we are not an island, he said.

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Kansas utilities are part of a regional grid that operates in 14 states called the Southwest Power Pool. When electrical generation is built or power lines go down in the region, it can affect Kansas, he said.

Right now, Grady said, theres wind energy in western and central Kansas causing congestion on the regional grid. Alleviating that, he said, would help improve reliability and cost for consumers.

Beyond that, Grady said, the Kansas Corporation Commission found the economic generation from constructing the Grain Belt Express would benefit Kansas.

What the commission found was billions of dollars of economic development activity in the state of Kansas is essentially unlocked by this project, Grady said.

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The company and agencys testimony comes at a time when, according to the Kansas Farm Bureau, rural residents attitudes about renewable energy projects are changing. Wendee Grady, the farm bureaus assistant general counsel, said the organization had updated its policy positions from blanket support for energy projects to a more balanced support of projects while protecting landowner rights.

To build the transmission line, Invenergy needs easements on private landowners properties to build towers and run the line. While Whitty said it has obtained almost all of those easements voluntarily, Invenergy can also obtain them through eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows it to obtain easements from reluctant landowners and compensate them.

Grain Belts right to use eminent domain has drawn criticism from some rural landowners. In neighboring Missouri, lawmakers tried for years to strip Invenergy of the right to use eminent domain for Grain Belt.

Grady said the Farm Bureau has advocated that the Kansas Corporation Commission, which governs utilities, require a code of conduct for future transmission line developers, including requiring truth and transparency when companies are dealing with our members or landowners in general.

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Those are basic standards that are sometimes not met, she said.

Grady said the Farm Bureau would also like to see higher compensation for landowners and efforts by transmission developers to mitigate any harm to agricultural land from construction.

Now is the time to address these issues, she said, so that companies that come to Kansas to do business are going to do it right and deal with landowners in a fair and transparent way and protect ag lands.
Grain Belt Express, under development by Chicago-based Invenergy, will carry renewable energy from southwest Kansas through Missouri and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. (Invenergy)

While it wont drop off electricity to substations in Kansas, the Grain Belt Express transmission line will bring savings and improve reliability for residents, developers of the project said Thursday.

Representatives from Invenergy, the Chicago-based company developing the Grain Belt Express, appeared before committees of the Kansas Senate and House to answer questions about the project, which is expected to carry renewable energy from southwest Kansas through Missouri and Illinois, ending at the Indiana border.

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Using high-voltage direct current technology, the 5,000-megawatt line will carry as much power as three traditional power line networks, Invenergy representatives said. It can also reverse its flow to provide power in the case of emergencies.

This project will unleash the power of Kansas energy to address the rapidly growing need for domestic energy supply, said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.

Justin Grady, deputy director of the utilities division for the Kansas Corporation Commission, acknowledged lawmakers might question how installing a transmission line to carry wind power from southwest Kansas to Missouri, where it will drop off substantial power, would help Kansans.

The reality is that it does  because in Kansas, we are not an island, he said.

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Kansas utilities are part of a regional grid that operates in 14 states called the Southwest Power Pool. When electrical generation is built or power lines go down in the region, it can affect Kansas, he said.

Right now, Grady said, theres wind energy in western and central Kansas causing congestion on the regional grid. Alleviating that, he said, would help improve reliability and cost for consumers.

Beyond that, Grady said, the Kansas Corporation Commission found the economic generation from constructing the Grain Belt Express would benefit Kansas.

What the commission found was billions of dollars of economic development activity in the state of Kansas is essentially unlocked by this project, Grady said.

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The company and agencys testimony comes at a time when, according to the Kansas Farm Bureau, rural residents attitudes about renewable energy projects are changing. Wendee Grady, the farm bureaus assistant general counsel, said the organization had updated its policy positions from blanket support for energy projects to a more balanced support of projects while protecting landowner rights.

To build the transmission line, Invenergy needs easements on private landowners properties to build towers and run the line. While Whitty said it has obtained almost all of those easements voluntarily, Invenergy can also obtain them through eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows it to obtain easements from reluctant landowners and compensate them.

Grain Belts right to use eminent domain has drawn criticism from some rural landowners. In neighboring Missouri, lawmakers tried for years to strip Invenergy of the right to use eminent domain for Grain Belt.

Grady said the Farm Bureau has advocated that the Kansas Corporation Commission, which governs utilities, require a code of conduct for future transmission line developers, including requiring truth and transparency when companies are dealing with our members or landowners in general.

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Those are basic standards that are sometimes not met, she said.

Grady said the Farm Bureau would also like to see higher compensation for landowners and efforts by transmission developers to mitigate any harm to agricultural land from construction.

Now is the time to address these issues, she said, so that companies that come to Kansas to do business are going to do it right and deal with landowners in a fair and transparent way and protect ag lands.
Jan. 16GRAND FORKS  Grand Forks has received a $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce for road improvements for the Epitome Energy soybean crush plant project.

The announcement was made on Thursday. The funds will go toward improving roads like 70th Avenue North that to this point did not have a clear source of funding. The funds, through the Federal Economic Development Administration, stem from the major disaster declaration given to the 2023 December ice storm that affected eastern parts of the state.

"It definitely lowers the burden on infrastructure cost on the city but also Epitome," Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski said. "There will be a cost share regardless, but this will help reduce the cost for everybody."

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The grant has a local match of $798,342. The transportation improvements for the project always had a less clear path, according to City Administrator Todd Feland, as there wasn't a funding source

directed at improvements in the way that were required for this project.

"This really helps us invest in this prime transportation corridor," Feland said. "We've always had a really great relationship with the EDA and (other) recent investments, like our UAS sector, are promoting economic development in the Grand Forks region."

The disaster declaration opened up funding opportunities for long-term economic recovery. This funding helps strengthen North Dakota's economy and industry, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

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"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing all communities with the resources they need to strengthen their local infrastructure," said Raimondo. "This EDA investment will bolster North Dakota's soybean processing industry, paving the way for additional private investments that will create jobs and build regional resilience for the future."

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, echoed many of Raimondo's statements.

"North Dakota is an agriculture powerhouse, and our commodities rely on infrastructure networks to get our products to market," Cramer said in a statement. "This project adds value to the Grand Forks community, helping to improve the movement and processing of soybeans in the region, while boosting economic growth."

The proposed soybean crush facility would be located on 70th Avenue North on the far north side of Grand Forks. Epitome Energy CEO Dennis Egan has said that he expects

sometime in 2025 to begin execution of the development agreement and the project.

Accepting the grant award will be before the City Council likely at the end of the month.
Clee and Mary Sealing participated in a rally on Jan. 16, 2024, in Grand Junction in support of Grand Junction TV news reporter Ja'Ronn Alex. (Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)

A dozen people stood outside the Mesa County Justice Center in sub-freezing temperatures Thursday to show their support for a Grand Junction TV news reporter who according to law enforcement was physically attacked outside KKCO 11 News last month.

The reporter, JaRonn Alex, 22, is a native of Detroit, and of Pacific Islander descent. He is a recent college graduate.

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Wendy Jones, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley, organized Thursdays rally outside the courthouse, where the accused attacker was present for a bond return hearing before 21st Judicial District Court Judge JenniLynn Lawrence. It was his third court appearance.

When we heard what happened to JaRonn so many of us were outraged, Jones said. With this hearing we thought it would be a good opportunity to show up and support him and let him know hes not alone.

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Anna Rasmussen, a Mesa County family physician, is a UU member who also attended the rally.

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When you hear people say This is Trumps America to justify a hate crime, we want to show up to say we dont accept that in our community  regardless of whos in office, Rasmussen said.

Some rallygoers said they were also there to defend press freedom.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation said it recorded 75 assaults on journalists in 2024.

The accused attacker, Patrick Egan, 39, was driving a Sunshine Rides taxi on Dec. 18 when he began following Alex from Delta to Grand Junction, a distance of approximately 50 miles, according to an arrest affidavit. Alex was driving his work vehicle, which identified him as a journalist.

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The affidivt describes how after arriving in Grand Junction Alex stopped at a traffic light, where Egan pulled up alongside him. They both rolled down their windows, and Egan shouted Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trumps America now. Im a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you, according to the affidavit.

Attempts to contact Egans defense attorney were not immediately successful.

Alex told law enforcement that he called his manager at work and was instructed to return to his office on Blichmann Avenue. In the buildings parking lot, Egan tackled Alex to the ground and put him in a headlock and began to strangle him, according to the affidavit. Employees came out of the building and pulled Egan off Alex, and they held him down until law enforcement arrived.

Egan faces charges of second-degree assault, including strangulation, bias-motivated crimes, and harassment via ethnic intimidation. He was booked into Mesa County Jail but was released after a $20,000 cash bond was posted on Jan. 2.

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President-elect Donald Trump has often stoked antipathy toward the news media, calling journalists the enemy of the people, a threat to democracy, fake, and crooked bastards. He has threatened to prosecute members of the media, according to the Columbia Journalism Review.

Rallygoer Mary Sealing is part of a study group called Waging Nonviolence. She said its important to speak out against violence toward minorities and journalists.

Were not going to tolerate these kinds of attacks, she said. Weve got to stand up  thats why were here.

Nick Allan is a Grand Junction community advocate who attended Thursdays hearing. He first met Alex when he was reporting on the future of the Orchard Mesa Pool, an issue that Allan was working on.

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He was doing interviews, Allan said. Hes a smart, kind, genuine young man.

Alex is on paid leave from his job, reported Inside the News in Colorado. He did not attend Thursdays rally.

Its a very traumatic, scary event, said Allan. Any attack like that can rattle someone. But hes a strong, brave person. We want to make sure his privacy is protected.

Egans next court appearance is set for 9 a.m., Feb. 11.

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City of Shamegels

As Angelenos look to rebuild in the wake of the region's devastating wildfires, landlords are taking advantage of their misery.

As the Los Angeles Times and other outlets report, landlords are hiking prices tens of thousands of dollars  or 100 percent more than what they were asking in 2024  even though officials have placed temporary restrictions on price-gouging in the wake of the fires.

Things are so bad that even the luxury real estate mogul at the center of the Netflix reality show "Selling Sunset" is calling out his fellow landlords.

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In an interview with the BBC, real estate mogul Jason Oppenheim said he encountered the illegal price gouging when one of his well-heeled clients went to go see a property that had previously been listed at $13,000 a month.

"[My client] offered $20,000 a month and he offered to pay six months upfront," Oppenheim told the British broadcaster, "and the landlord said 'I want $23,000.'"

"There are price gouging laws in California, they're just being ignored right now," he continued. "This isn't the time to be taking advantage of situations."

Handling It

While Oppenheim's rich clients can no doubt afford to find shelter elsewhere, the more than 40,000 acres and 12,000 structures destroyed extend far beyond the city's ritziest homes in the Pacific Palisades.

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The historic Black community in Altadena, an unincorporated town located outside of Pasadena, was hit particularly hard by the Eaton fire that took place in the San Gabriel Valley region. Many of the families whose homes were destroyed in the fires are now seeking new shelter  and unlike their wealthy counterparts to the west in Malibu and Brentwood, they can't afford to pay an arm and a leg.

As the city of angels reels from its latest wildfires, activists are sharing spreadsheets of allegedly price-gouged properties, complete with the contact information for the landlords that own them.

"Landlords are taking advantage of this moment," tenant organizer and list creator Chelsea Kirk told In These Times. "They're exploiting this moment."

While residents deal with this particularly heinous brand of landlord thuggishness, California's attorney general is pledging to hold them accountable.

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As LAist reports, the Golden State's top cop, Rob Bonta, has created a task force to handle price gouging in the aftermath of the fires.

"We have boots on the ground conducting investigations as we speak, building the criminal cases against price gougers," Bonta said during a press conference. "And we will continue to pursue those cases and others and prosecute to the full extent of the law."

The AG's office has also launched a website and hotline to report alleged price gouging  a sign, if nothing else, that California is taking this disgusting trend seriously.

More on the LA wildfires: Grimes Defends Elon Musk While Fleeing Fire He's Blaming on Woke
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede on Thursday countered Donald Trumps talk of buying the Danish territory with a clear message from the Greenlandic people, who arent so warm to the U.S. president-elects proposal.

Egede  in an interview with Fox News Bret Baier  emphasized that Greenland will always be part of NATO and a strong partner to America, which he described as a close neighbor thats cooperated with the territory for the past 80 years.

I think in the future, we have a lot to offer to cooperate with but we want to also be clear. We dont want to be Americans, we dont want to be a part of U.S. but we want a strong cooperation together with U.S., Egede said.

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Trump, who entertained buying and annexing Greenland during his first term, returned to his interest in controlling the territory again last month.

In the weeks since, Donald Trump Jr.  who has fancied rare minerals found in the ground in Greenland  visited the Arctic island just as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that the territory was not for sale.

Greenland officials like Pipaluk Lynge  a member of the territorys parliament  also let the U.S. president-elects son have it over the trip, which reportedly saw residents getting Make America Great Again caps prior to a staged photo.

Fox News correspondent Alex Hogan recently reported that people in Greenlands capital of Nuuk had a lot of mixed reaction over Donald Trumps annexing interest, as well.

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Egede, when asked whether residents would vote for independence from Denmark, noted that its up to the Greenlandic people to decide on that.

I think its important to see that if Greenland takes those steps, we will always be a part of the Western alliance and a strong partner for U.S. because your security is our security, he said.

He later added that Greenland and the future of the territory will be decided by the Greenlandic people.

And the Greenlandic people dont want to be Danes, the Greenlandic people dont want to be Americans. Greenlandic people want to be part of the Western alliance as Greenlandic people, he said.

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H/T: Mediaite

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Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede insisted Thursday that the island wants close ties to the U.S. and Denmark. But only to a point.

The Greenlandic people don't want to be Danes. The Greenlandic people don't want to be Americans, Egede said in a Fox News interview.

The prime ministers comments risk frustrating President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in taking control of the strategically located and resource-rich island.

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Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has supported Egede's assertion that "Greenland is not for sale," reiterating that message directly to Trump in a phone call Wednesday.

Egede, in an interview with Bret Baier, welcomed a strong partnership with both the EU and U.S. and expressed openness for increased European and American investment in the islands mining sector, echoing a Washington Post opinion penned by the islands natural resources minister Naaja H. Nathanielsen on Thursday.

Egede said Greenlanders would choose independence if given the chance to vote in a referendum  and the decision should be left in their hands.

The future of Greenland will be decided by the Greenlandic people, he said.

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If the Danish territory achieved independence, he said, Greenland would want to remain part of NATO as a member state and maintain a strong security and defense partnership with both the U.S. and EU.

Its important to see that if Greenland takes those steps we'll always be a part of the Western alliance and a strong partner for [the] U.S., he said, because your security is our security."
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The start of the new year brought changes to parking in the city of Greensboro, but it has nothing to do with the spaces, fees or parking rules. It has everything to do with who is keeping an eye on parking problems.

The City of Greensboro handed over parking enforcement to the Greensboro Police Department. Their goal is to expand from downtown and get officers out to these residential streets where oversized vehicles can sometimes take over the street.

It gives us a better advantage to be able to field the complaints from citizens on parking and be able to send or dispatch our parking enforcement officers to those locations in a quicker and more efficient manner, said Capt. Eric Goodykoontz, who oversees the operational support division at GPD.

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North Carolina court says mother of student killed in ride-along can sue trooper for negligence

Instead of writing more tickets, its an educational tool.

What we want to do is take a look at our problem areas and be able to create more signage or create more education towards those that use those areas a lot in order to reduce the amount of enforcement because we want everybody to be able to see where they can park and how they park rather than gaining that through heavy enforcement through heavy citations and fines, Capt. Goodykoontz said.

Right now, there are no plans to increase fines and fees, but depending on how the program works, it might change in the future.

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I think they can expect to see us more in areas and focus on complaints rather than focus on patrolling, said Kenneth Simon, the parking enforcement supervisor.

Simon is the new supervisor over the program, they also hired an administrative assistant and the five full-time parking enforcement officers are now under the police departments direction.

Man injured in road rage shooting on US 52 in Winston-Salem

Those five parking enforcement officers are also going to be cross-trained in addressing traffic assistance problems or stranded vehiclesso we can better help the citizens out there with stranded motorists or traffic direction during major incidents, Capt. Goodykoontz said.

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The biggest issue they want to tackle is oversized vehicles in neighborhoods. The city wants to lease out two lots they own to provide parking, but that process has been slow and no word on when they might be operational.

Over the past year, the city received more than 1,000 complaints about parking across Greensboro.

Some of the problem areas the police department will keep an eye on are Northeast Greensboro and East Greensboro where most of the oversized vehicle complaints come from.

If you have a complaint about parking, you can call (336) 373-SLOW. This is the same line for any neighborhood traffic complaints, but now it will also be used for parking complaints.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
When their two-year-old son, James, began complaining of headaches in 2017, Jessica and Simon Edwards were living a quiet life by the sea. Jessica worked for her family business, Simon in the travel sector. James loved drawing and jigsaw puzzles. They never imagined a world in which they were growing cannabis in the attic of their Cornwall home.

An emergency MRI scan revealed James had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumour. He had surgery and a six-week course of radiotherapy, but his prognosis was just eight months.

The oncologist told us not to go looking for alternatives, says Jessica. But what parent given a terminal diagnosis is not going to search with all their means so they know they did all they could?

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They were reading about cannabis oil when a friend offered to send them some capsules just to try. They were willing to try anything.

There were stories from all over the world, she says. There were equally as many sites claiming there was no evidence to support claims about cannabis and cancer, but right then, anecdotes were more than enough. When youre given that news, what have you got to lose?

Jessica squeezed the oil out onto a spoon for James to swallow. They started with a tiny dose, gradually building up until he seemed happy and comfortable. They would stop if they saw any negative effects.

The NHS says that unlicensed cannabis-based treatments will not be rolled out more widely until they can prove they are safe and effective - Getty

Despite doctors warning that his condition would worsen, James seemed to improve. The tremor in his leg stopped and he appeared so well that other families in the radiotherapy ward would mistake him for a sibling of one of the patients.

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Im not discounting the radiotherapy, but [cannabis] gave us a semi-normal life, Jessica says. He was eating, laughing and smiling.

In December 2018, one month after medical cannabis had been legalised in the UK, the couple contacted a private clinic in London, but were told a private prescription would cost them 1,200 a month.

With no NHS access, the most reliable option, they felt, was to grow cannabis themselves and make the oil at home. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the possession, supply and cultivation of cannabis remains unlawful except under a Home Office licence.

It was so hard not being able to say what were doing, Jessica says.

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Police or social services could have knocked at the door and found the cannabis in the loft. But every time we discussed it there was never a doubt in our minds. We felt in our gut we were doing the right thing.

James finished radiotherapy and was well enough to attend school. He learned to ride a bike and won a competition to have his artwork displayed at the Royal Academy in London. Every three months his hospital scans came back stable.

It was an amazing quality of life for a little boy with a brain tumour, Jessica adds.

The couple wish theyd been able to give James the oil under the guidance of a clinician, with the reassurance that the products were safe. They felt alone in what they were doing, but a new report published by the charity, Medcan Family Foundation, found almost 400 families in the UK are giving children illegal cannabis products  sourced through drug dealers and overseas sellers  having been unable to access NHS prescriptions. Authors say some were given products with no certainty on the content and dangerous advice on dosing and drug interactions.

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While the new research focuses on epilepsy, Dr Bob Phillips, Prof of Paediatrics and Evidence Synthesis, at the University of York and Director of the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, estimates up to a third of children receiving palliative care for cancer and other terminal conditions are also using cannabis-based products (based on surveys conducted through NHS and end-of-life services in 2019-2020).

NICE guidelines say doctors on the specialist register can prescribe medical cannabis if they are satisfied there is a possibility of clinical benefit. But in the six years since the law changed, fewer than five children have been prescribed unlicensed cannabis-based products on the NHS. Around 50 are currently prescribed through private clinics, costing tens of thousands of pounds a year.

Experts say a combination of failed policy, little understanding and training in the NHS, and a lack of funding for all but exceptional cases, means access is effectively blocked for thousands of other children. A 2024 study by researchers from Liverpool John Moores University and published in the journal Critical Social Policy, highlighted how contradictory policies and a lack of training for professionals were resulting in a range of harms including inequality among patients.

Hannah Deacons son Alfie Dingley was one of the first to be prescribed cannabis on the NHS in 2018. Up until then he was living with 150 seizures a week, now hes been seizure free for over four years. She estimates it has saved the NHS over 1 million in hospital costs.

Hannah Deacon with her son Alfie, who was one of the first to be prescribed cannabis on the NHS in 2018

Hes enjoying life and Ive been able to go back to work and contribute to society, says Deacon, a co-founder and chair of Medcan Family Foundation.

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He still has a very severe condition, this is not a cure, but it gives him a quality of life that he deserves.

Deacon adds: We know the government changed the law under pressure from campaigns like mine. Since then there has been a complete block on access due to a lack of support from government, failed policy and a perceived lack of evidence, when we know there is a vast amount of international research which shows this is safe. Whilst we do need more trials, when the law changed it was understood that it would be available on the NHS as an unlicensed special, as many drugs are to children like Alfie. We are calling on the government to urgently review the situation to prevent more families being pushed into criminality to save their childs life.

Katies* daughter is one of the few who now receives a private prescription, but she previously bought cannabis illegally through another parent in an epilepsy support group. After trying three drops of the oil herself and feeling dreadful, Katie decided against giving it to her daughter. But she understands why other parents do. Before she was prescribed cannabis, Katies daughter would suffer up to 100 seizures a day, now she can go up to three weeks without one.

Its been life-changing, she says. Shes started school and is making progress in all areas. If I was not able to get it legally, I would be sourcing it illegally. I dont know any mother that wouldnt in my situation. You feel guilty that youre breaking the law, but you dont really have a choice.

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Maya* says after trying 15 different anti-epileptic medications, it was sheer desperation that led her to buy illegal oil for her son.

Im not happy about the way Ive had to do this, she says. I would like to be able to have an open conversation with my neurologist, because even though hes on a very small dose, there is always a risk that something could go wrong. It puts so much extra stress on parents when our lives are already so complicated.

Some medical bodies say there is not enough evidence to recommend prescribing cannabis-based medicines in children with epilepsy and as a result many clinicians remain hesitant. In November 2024, the NHS announced two upcoming randomised control trials investigating CBD and THC in drug-resistant epilepsy, which were first promised in 2019.

Professor Mike Barnes, a neurologist and expert in medical cannabis, has concerns that these trialswhich would require some patients to be given a placebo may not be suitable for children already benefiting from these medicines. He argues that there is already firm evidence from around the world of its efficacy and limited side-effect profile in treatment-resistant epilepsy.

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In a recent publication Prof Barnes highlighted that globally around 8,000 children have been involved in clinical trials on epilepsy and cannabis medicines. Of these, he says, 10-15 per cent have achieved complete seizure freedom, with over three quarters seeing an overall reduction in seizures.

Simon and Jessica Edwards with a painting by their son James, displayed at the Royal Academy in London

This is a remarkable result, he says. Especially given that they havent responded to any other medication.

Barnes says regulators need to consider real-world data, as well as the gold standard RCTs (randomised controlled trials).

Overall there is no coherent academic argument against use of cannabis-based medications in children with epilepsy, he adds.

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The evidence for the use of cannabis-based medicines in oncology is less clear cut. According to Dr Phillips there is very little evidence of any anti-cancer effect, but it may have benefits for managing symptoms and side-effects in patients receiving palliative care, such as nausea and vomiting and sleep. Although in some cases, the side-effects of illegal products themselves can be worse.

People are doing this from a fundamentally good position and have a really strong belief that it makes a positive difference, but the data isnt that strong, he says. We need trials to develop an understanding of where the benefits are and how to counsel around side-effects.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the most significant barrier to accessing unlicensed products on the NHS is the lack of evidence on the quality, safety, and clinical and cost effectiveness and says it is down to manufacturers of these products to conduct this research.

A spokesman said: The NHS is taking an evidence-based approach to unlicensed cannabis-based treatments to ensure they are proved safe and effective before they can be considered for roll out more widely. No one should be buying these illicit cannabis products as they are unregulated and can cause serious harm.

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James died in March 2021, aged six, outliving his prognosis by several years. The tumour developed a cyst and his symptoms worsened to the point where Jessica could no longer give him the oil comfortably. His parents believe that while it wasnt a cure, cannabis allowed him a quality of life that meant they could enjoy the time they had together.

It gave us hope, says Jessica who is now writing a memoir about their experience. When something comes along and gives you a little bit of hope, you can function again. To think that others in the same situation could benefit from that, its a crime that they cant access it.

*Names have been changed to protect parents identities

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Multi-colored beach balls on steel rods spin around in one of the Elder Gallery spaces. A sculpture made of sponges drips water into a wading pool in another and giant Q-Tips, with wax on the ends, are stacked in a corner of the third space in the Nebraska Wesleyan University gallery.

A bronze squirrel looks down on the sponge sculpture. A Cow Staring At You confronts visitors near the spinning beach balls and wax-covered Menorahs sit opposite of the Q-Tips, flanking a photographic portrait of the artist as Chasid in the Woods.

That artist is Charley Friedman, and he is, as the exhibition is titled A Serious Man, albeit with a sense of humor that both disarms the viewer and opens the work up to deeper interpretation and makes the show entertaining for all ages  whether or not they care to contemplate the meaning and messages of the work.

The show, on view through Jan. 24, in NWUs Vance Rogers Center for Fine Arts, is a mini-survey of 30 years of work by the Lincoln conceptual artist and his first solo show in his hometown in seven years. It is also his first large local exhibition since a 2007 Sheldon Museum of Art show.

Friedman, however, has exhibited widely since his last Lincoln exhibition, most notably with Soundtracks for the Present Future, a musical instrument he created with dozens of wired guitars and Squirrel Gang, a gathering of the bronze squirrels, captured in human like behavior that was shown at Crystal Bridges, the prestigious Bentonville, Arkansas, museum.

As his past shows and the Elder exhibition demonstrate, Friedman refuses to privilege one medium over another. Drawing or bronze sculpture dont take primacy over photography, the beach balls and mechanism of Science Project, or a fictionalized New York Times art review from 1885 that sits on a podium between the Q-Tips and the Chasid.

Friedman also makes video art, most prominently a series of One Hour Smiles recorded every decade, and character-based performance art, neither represented in the Elder show, hence why it is a survey and not a retrospective.

Each of the media are chosen for specific pieces, most of which grow out of ideas Friedman records in sketchbooks that may not be turned into art for years.

Unlike most conceptual art, which is about the idea more than the object, Friedmans work is carefully crafted in a formal sense, e.g. the letters in the water sculpture I Like Moist Things cut into a square-edged font from specific 3M sponges then hung on wires so the words form a triangle as they hover on wires above the pool.

And, again unlike much conceptual work, Friedmans oeuvre is rooted in art history.

The giant Q-Tips are straight outta Pop Art, the photograph Cow Staring At You takes its black background and directness from Dutch Old Master painting and Family Portrait is something of a takeoff on Grant Woods iconic American Gothic.

Except, Family Portrait is a photograph of Friedman, holding a snow shovel, his wife, Nancy Friedemann-Sanchez, their then-9-year-old daughter, Nina, and dog Yoshi in front of the van Friedman purchased when he returned to Lincoln from New York in 2013.

The van is emblazoned with Friedman Realty, commercial, residential & conceptual art, and phone numbers. Those words and art on the side of the van, are evidence of the personal nature and transparency of Friedman work  revealing, unlike most artists, that he has a day job  in real estate  to support his art making.

Family Portrait also serves as an entryway into a spiritual aspect of the exhibition, connecting with the self-portrait of Friedman as a naked Chasidic Jew shot in the Nebraska woods that explores connections with religion and nature and resonates with the Menorah.

That Jewishness is also at the heart of Holocaust Deniers Word Search and its accompanying answer sheet, the piece that is the shows best example of Friedmans multi-layered, meaning driven art.

Taking a banal word search, blowing it up wall size and carefully crafting it with words associated with the Holocaust, Friedman has taken a universally understood game and injected it with thought-provoking meaning, not simply about the historic horrors but the recent rise of anti-Semitism.

Similarly, Gun Show fills a wall with black, cutout wood sculptures of guns, some realistic looking, others fanciful, sci-fi rayguns and a few tiny and sticklike. The latter reflect the guns that kids play with from an early age, the rayguns the romance of the gun and the floor-to-ceiling, doorway-to-doorway array, the volume of firearms embraced by Americans.

But the multiplicity of the gun designs and the sheer volume of the pieces prevents Gun Show from beating the viewer over the head with its gun culture critique as its too much fun to look at to be devastating.

But the critique can be found by those who look for it. So can the work that, to lift some phrases from New York Times Review, Feb. 18, 1885 BCE, Canaan Edition have human emotions like happiness, sadness, anger and even jealousy that can influence values and rituals.

Ive written extensively about Friedman and his work over the last quarter-century, have spent hours with him discussing art and his work, visited his studio, where, unknowingly I saw the show  the truth is it is just a bunch of stuff I had in the studio, rather than a tightly curated exhibition.

A Serious Man, nonetheless works as a survey of the work of the multi-faceted, idea-driven artist, addressing what it is to be human in contemporary society with technical skill, thought provoking ideas and, critically, a sense of humor.
When Kemi Badenoch described some of the Muslim men who raped white girls in towns like Rotherham as peasants from sub communities, she naturally prompted a backlash from the usual suspects screaming Islamophobia at the hint of any criticism of anyone originating from Pakistan, regardless of what they might have done.

In her peasant reference, Badenoch was specifically referring to a remote, rural district of Pakistan called Mirpur, within Azad Kashmir. This area was identified in 1987 by British sociologist Professor Roger Ballard as the place where much of the Pakistani migration to the UK had come from. Accelerated in the Sixties by the construction of the Mangla Dam, which submerged over 280 villages and displaced 110,000 people, Ballard concluded that at least 75 cent of British Pakistanis could trace their origins back to an area of no more than 600 square miles.

So it is not wrong  or indeed racist  to speculate that immigrants from the remote backwaters of Pakistan might be different to those coming from more westernised cities like Karachi and Lahore.

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Rather than describing Pakistanis in general as an alien culture, as Robert Jenrick did, Badenoch is right to demand more specificity. Where exactly did these brutes come from and what motivated them? Was it the case that they couldnt adopt western values because they didnt have any values at all? Were they too ill educated to know the difference?

As the survivor Gaia Cooper told the Daily T podcast last week, her abusers werent criminal masterminds. They were opportunists harbouring very primitive attitudes to women and sex.

There is undoubtedly a correlation between the Pakistani men who revelled in treating British teenage girls as easy meat, as former home secretary Jack Straw once described it, and the Hamas terrorists who delighted in raping, mutilating and murdering Israeli women on October 7.

As with the grooming gangs, the horror of what they did to their female victims must never be forgotten.

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In both cases, the offenders were medievalists carrying out sex crimes specifically targeted at non-Muslim women. Sure, some may simply have been sadists  but lets never overlook the fact that these were racially motivated crimes committed against so-called kaffirs.

The intention in both cases was to belittle and humiliate women they considered to be inferior not just because of their gender but because they were non-believers, be they white English girls or Israeli Jewish women. And in both cases, it happened in plain sight, aided by the repression of the perpetrators own hijab-wearing women. You have to ask yourself whether Muslim men would have got away with all this if their other halves had more of a voice.

But heres the truly shocking thing. There are plenty of women (and men) who did have a voice when all this was going on and either denied it was happening or stayed silent. Whats staggering is how many well educated, middle class types who enjoy all the privileges of a non peasant life turned a blind to the abuse  both in the case of the grooming gangs and the victims of October 7.

We know that when it came to the Pakistani child rapists, the police, social services, local councillors and other authorises covered up the scandal for fear of offending Muslims. But as the father of another grooming gang rape survivor told me this week: So have the virtue signalling modern slavery/human trafficking non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

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Pointing out that these well-meaning bodies are too focused on migration based modern slavery, rather than what is happening on our own doorstep, he added: These poor girls have been treated as the great unwashed because most of the NGOs are so out of touch and far too woke.

There is a pattern when it comes to progressive groups being reluctant to speak out about the repression, rape and murder of women when their attackers are Muslim.

Despite widespread evidence of Hamass systematic acts of sexual brutality on October 7, many organisations worldwide either failed to comment or used the atrocity as a stick with which to beat Israels military campaign in Gaza. Some even questioned the veracity of the accusations.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (also known as UN-Women) released a statement on October 13 equating Hamass crimes with Israels self-defence. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) also neglected to explicitly condemn the terrorist atrocities.

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Israeli womens rights experts were forced to hold a face to face meeting with UN-Women to advocate for official recognition of Hamass crimes against women and children.

Such was the hubris from some quarters of the so-called humanitarian community that Israels first lady Michal Herzog published an opinion piece in Newsweek expressing outrage and betrayal over the failure to condemn the gender-based sexual violence. A Hamas video from a kibbutz shows terrorists torturing a pregnant woman and removing her fetus, she wrote. It was abundantly clear that mass rape was a premeditated part of Hamass plan.

Another NGO, Women Deliver, a global group advocating for gender equality and womens rights, failed to condemn Hamas, but tweeted about the risk of genocide against the Palestinian people while Equality Now refrained from mentioning Hamas by name, while expressing a commitment to identify violations of international and humanitarian law, drawing attention to the specific impact on all women and children.

Dont forget that these sorts of groups rarely hesitated when it came to speaking up on behalf of the rights of men claiming to be women. Only last year, UN Women UK appointed transgender activist Munroe Bergdorf, who was born a man, as its first womens champion.

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So spare us the progressives now obsessing over Badenochs language. At least shes speaking up. To quote Martin Luther King: The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.

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The Guardian has been accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to help strike-breakers produce stories during recent walkouts.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said it was deeply disturbed to discover that AI had been deployed to assist working staff during last months strikes.

The Guardian offered non-striking staff AI to help generate headlines for stories, though the tools do not generate the main body of text.

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Journalists accused Guardian bosses of attempting to derail the four-day industrial action, which was held in protest against the controversial sale of its sister title The Observer to Tortoise, a loss-making start-up.

One insider said: Using AI tools to improve the productivity of managers covering [the] work of journalists who were out on strike was a deeply cynical attempt by management to undermine the strike. Its also in contravention of The Guardians self-professed values.

The Guardian has been developing its use of AI in recent months and has offered reassurances to staff over the use of the technology. However, union sources said AI tools that were in development had been activated specifically to counter the impact of the mass walkouts.

The optional tools, which are thought to include chatbot software Claude, were used to help generate suggestions for headlines, as well as so-called alt text that provides a description of images.

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The NUJ has instructed its members to withdraw their cooperation with the development of AI at The Guardian until safeguards have been agreed over the use of the technology.

AI is becoming increasingly commonplace in newsrooms and other publishers, including The Telegraph and Financial Times, are experimenting with the technology in areas such as headline generation and story summaries.

In a statement in 2023, Katharine Viner, The Guardians editor-in-chief, and Anna Bateson, its chief executive, warned that generative AI tools were exciting but currently unreliable.

The newspapers editorial code of practice states: AI systems should not be used to generate text or images intended to be directly inserted into published journalism outside of exceptional and specific circumstances.

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It adds that any exceptional use must be explicitly approved by a senior editor and clearly signalled to readers on the article.

One Guardian journalist said: All we do is warn our readers of the dangers of AI. It just goes to show its all talk with [Viner], shed probably have hired the Trump campaign if they were up for scabbing.

A Guardian spokesman said: AI tools were not used to write stories at The Guardian; our articles are written and edited by journalists. In November last year, management briefed key members of The Guardian NUJ chapel on two entirely optional new genAI [generative AI] features to be trialled by editorial. One tool suggests alt text to help visually impaired readers understand the content of a photograph or image, while the other tool suggests a number of entirely optional headlines on an article written by a journalist.

The two tools were released to a small group of senior management who trialled them on a subset of articles published. These tools were deployed on this limited scale before a wider trial takes place to ensure they were robust and that the extensive safeguards and systems were operating correctly. This trial follows the implementation of previous AI tools, such as for transcription.

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It came as The Guardian announced the appointment of a senior Google executive to its board in a further sign of the newspapers expansion into AI.

Matt Brittin, who recently stood down as Googles European chief after 18 years at the tech giant, will take up the role of non-executive director next month.

Google has invested heavily in AI products such as its Gemini chatbot. Charles Gurassa, the chairman of the Guardian Media Group board, said Mr Brittins expertise in the technology would be hugely beneficial.

Apple this week suspended a new AI feature that summarised news headlines after the software made a number of glaring errors. In one instance, the Apple alert incorrectly told readers that Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare boss, had shot himself.

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It is not the first time staff have accused executives of attempting to interfere with the strikes.

In the run-up to the walkouts, the newspaper asked journalists to declare whether they would take part. The NUJ branded this request inappropriate and urged members not to respond.

Bosses last month approved the sale of The Observer to Tortoise, a media start-up run by James Harding, the former BBC News chief, despite widespread uproar from journalists.

Staff had raised concerns that the worlds oldest Sunday newspaper would effectively be transformed into a weekly magazine, while questioning its financial security under the control of a start-up that has lost more than 20m since its launch in 2018.

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Tortoise has pledged to invest 25m in The Observer over five years and keep on all 70 staff members. The Scott Trust, the 1.3bn fund that owns The Guardian and The Observer, has argued it could no longer invest in the Sunday title and insisted the takeover was the best way to secure its future.

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WORTHINGTON, Minn., (AP)  With their sparkling embroideries and colorful sashes flapping in the frigid wind, hundreds of Guatemalan faithful flocked to the Catholic church of this heartland farming town to celebrate their biggest festival yet in honor of the Black Christ of Esquipulas.

Just days before the start of a U.S. administration thats promised a swift immigration crackdown, they turned with hope and pride to the statue of the crucified Jesus, an elaborately carved replica of the most venerated image in their tropical homeland. Church members had it especially commissioned and brought from Guatemala at enormous expense, along with two massive marimbas. No feast is complete without these musical instruments.

The Black Christ of Esquipulas has come taking planes and crossing borders like us, said Lucas Lopez. Fourteen years ago, he left San Marcos, one of Guatemalas poorest regions, where communities nonetheless also organized festivals this week.

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Lopez and his wife, Maria Ramirez, are now raising their four children in Worthington, a town transformed by international migration. With his salary from the pork processing plant job for which he awakes daily at 4:20 a.m., the couple recently bought their first home a few blocks from church.

At Sundays Mass that launched the daylong celebration, Lopez and Ramirez  wearing sequined and embroidered huipil and skirt, colorful ribbons tied in her hair  led a dozen faithful in a traditional barefoot dance bringing the offerings to the altar.

Were so happy to show that we are here, with our American dream, and also to share our culture with others, Lopez said.

One crucifix for many countries  and their migrants

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The original crucifix dates back to the late 16th century, and its feast day on January 15 draws thousands of pilgrims to the basilica in Esquipulas, a city on Guatemalas border with Honduras. On Sunday, Cardinal Fabio Baggio, long the head of the Vaticans migrants department, will also celebrate a special Esquipulas Mass at St. Peters.

From New Mexico to Panama, and throughout Guatemala, nearly 300 churches are devoted to its veneration, making the image a source of communal identity even beyond its religious meaning, said Douglass Sullivan-Gonzalez, a University of Mississippi history professor.

He added that its been intertwined in modern Central American politics, from Indigenous rights  because centuries of candle smoke have given it a darker skin tone  to civil wars.

The image itself comes alive in its context, Sullivan-Gonzalez said.

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For many in Worthington, that context is migration. Gratitude they made it to the United States, whether twelve months or two dozen years ago, mingles with nostalgia for customs and loved ones left behind.

The community includes undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and U.S. citizens, so apprehension over who will get to stay and for how long mixed with the pride of having pulled off a genuinely Guatemalan celebration some 2,500 miles (4,080 kilometers) away.

The immigration police is coming already! joked Benigno Miranda when an empty passenger van pulled up by the house where he and other church members had gathered to prepare the two marimbas to be transported to St. Marys Church. Thats what the van was really for.

One cant be afraid all the time, added Miranda, reflecting widespread sentiment among those celebrating the festivities that God will decide their destinies more than shifting politics and policies.

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Working a miracle to bring a sacred image to Minnesota

After all, the Black Christ of Esquipulas is known for miracles  as long as one truly has faith, choir member Lilia Soto said.

She remembers going to visit the sanctuary in Esquipulas with her grandmother before she came to Minnesota at 17  and also recalls how, shortly afterward, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at Worthington's meatpacking plant had many migrants terrified to leave their homes.

But now the Black Christ is here at St. Marys  normally hanging on a wall by the entrance, though for the festivities it was mounted on a processional float decorated with the same kaleidoscopic fabrics as the womens dresses.

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When they were getting it down, I basically went running to give it a hug, Soto said.

That made it even better than in Esquipulas, where the image is untouchable behind glass, she said.

Its like having a little piece of Guatemala in this church, added Dilma Perez, her fellow choir member.

Perez and her brother Sergio came to Worthington from San Marcos  where their parents regularly took them to church, but couldnt afford to travel to Esquipulas  more than two dozen years ago, when she was a teen and he about 9.

Now Perez and her husband have three U.S.-born children, and also relatives in Guatemala who still depend on their remittances because wages in their region hover around $6 a day. They both work in a pork processing plant 45 minutes away by car.

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Nevertheless, one taco and tamale sale at a time, the family led the communitys effort over the last three years to fundraise the nearly $40,000 needed to have an artist in Esquipulas sculpt the statue, to buy the wooden marimbas, and to get them to Worthington.

We sacrificed a lot, Sergio Perez said Sunday afternoon, after serving the celebrations free taco lunch in the parish school cafeteria and before playing guitar in the hours-long prayer service. Its been somewhat physically exhausting, but spiritually I feel strengthened.

Keeping traditions alive for future generations

For many diaspora communities, maintaining traditional celebrations while integrating in the life of the local church is crucial for the faith of future generations, said Jennifer Hughes, a history professor at the University of California, Riverside.

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In the villages in San Marcos that also celebrated festivals this week for the Black Christ of Esquipulas, some participants lamented losing many youth to migration.

Unfortunately, our people have to migrate to get ahead, said Freddy De Leon, a dancer in one of the processions.

But ties remain, also through remittances. The sister of another organizer, Luis Ramirez, watched a live Facebook video of their hamlet's festivities from her New Jersey home.

That's how the tradition continues, he said.

In Worthington, where students of color constitute more than 80% of those enrolled in K-12 and speak more than 40 languages, children are growing accustomed to intercultural mixing.

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Downtown, a flyer advertising the celebration in Spanish hung in a Guatemalan corner store, three blocks from where lifelong residents ice fished in the middle of frozen Lake Okabena.

Thats one thing Ramirez isnt eager to try, though the cold no longer fazes her. Her prayers to the Lord of Esquipulas center on a binational future for her family  that they can one day travel to Guatemala without losing the grip on their American dream.

During Mass, the procession of the crucifix to the altar was preceded by dancers carrying flags  that of Guatemala and the Stars and Stripes next to each other in the center  and accompanied by the marimba tune of Our Lord of Esquipulas.

It was very emotional. Its what weve learned since our birth, said one of the players, Antulio Juarez. Hes spent 12 years in Worthington, but learned marimba music by ear from his grandfather in Guatemalas volcanic highlands.

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Sergio Perez hopes the opportunity to hear this music will help keep the festival growing for years. Beyond that, he asks for no other miracles.

I dont ask him for anything, because I feel that hes already blessed me so much, he said of the Esquipulas image.

His sister Dilma was equally self-effacing  and trusting.

Faith is what keeps us going no matter what life confronts us with, she said. We dont do it to please anybody but God.

___

Associated Press photographer Moises Castillo in Guatemala, contributed.

___

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.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  The Gunite Foundry, which has been in Rockford almost as long as the city itself, begins laying off workers on Friday.

Founded in 1854, it is the citys oldest continuously operating manufacturer, at 302 Peoples Avenue.

The company was known worldwide for its production of motor vehicle parts.

In April 2024, the company celebrated the return of its drum brake manufacturing back to the United States from production in China.

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Then, in November, came the announcement of its closure.

Over 320 workers are expected to be impacted by the layoffs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Gwyneth Paltrow is struggling to come to terms with the devastation caused by the LA fires. The actor shared a heartbreaking note over the incident through her brand Goops social media page. Witnessing the destruction in real-time, the businesswoman noted that the loss is incalculable. She further mentioned the people who have reportedly lost their lives and thousands of structures reduced to ruins due to the blaze. The note also stated that Paltrow and her brand are making over $2 million worth of donations towards fire relief efforts. She and Goop promised to come up with more as the city of Los Angeles rebuilds.

Gwyneth Paltrow writes how Goop is helping LA residents rebuild the city post wildfires

Gwyneth Paltrow shared an emotional note about the LA fires through Goops Thursday newsletter. She acknowledged that the loss from the destruction has been more than what the current statistics reveal. She said, There is so much we cannot measure. The actor noted how the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods  two areas affected the most by the disaster  offer a sense of belongingness. Paltrow stated that they are witnesses to people who made it a home.

Although heartbroken over the devastation, Paltrow shared that tough times like these showed the spirit of Angelenos. She proceeded to give a shoutout to first responders who risked their lives to save people and their homes. The actor also thanked local journalists for braving the fires to report on the issue along with neighbors, businesses, artists, and the real estate community for stepping up in time of need.

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By the end of the note, Paltrow revealed that she and her brand, Goop, are committing to more than $2 million worth of donations of products to charitable organizations. These include Baby2Baby, Altadena Girls, and other local charities. The entrepreneur also announced the distribution of beauty and skincare care packages to Goop clients impacted by the LA fires. Paltrow finally expressed her gratitude to Goops chef, Kim Floresca, who helped serve over 800 meals to first responders working tirelessly to contain the fires. She ended the note saying, Los Angeles, I love you.

Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow joins many celebrities who have come forward with donations, volunteering efforts, or creating awareness. More recently, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo DiCaprio, and others have made significant contributions.

Originally reported by Varsha Narayanan on Mandatory.

The post Gwyneth Paltrows Goop Commits to $2M Worth of Donations Amid Raging LA Fires appeared first on Reality Tea.
Two juvenile detention officers were injured during an escape attempt at the Lewis County juvenile detention facility Wednesday, according to the Chehalis Police Department.

The incident, which happened around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, involved two male suspects and led to the arrest of both individuals.

Police were called to Green Hill School in the 1200 block of Southwest Pacific Avenue after a report of an escape attempt.

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When they arrived, officers learned that two female detention officers had been assaulted in the recreation area.

According to statements from detention staff, the two male juveniles tried to climb a fence in the recreation area.

When one officer attempted to stop them, one of the suspects began to punch her in the face.

As another officer came to help, one of the suspects took handcuffs from her and began hitting both officers in the head and feet after they had fallen to the ground.

One suspect, a 17-year-old male from Chehalis, was arrested at the scene.

He was booked into the Lewis County Jail on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree attempted murder. He will also face charges of first-degree escape and third-degree assault.

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The second suspect, a 16-year-old male, also from Chehalis, was able to escape the facility.

However, he was located at about 10:40 p.m. and returned to the juvenile facility, where he was booked for first-degree escape and third-degree assault.

The injured officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The Chehalis Police Department thanked the Lewis County Sheriffs Office, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and JNET for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Chehalis Police Department asks that anyone with information about this incident contact them at 360-748-8605.




With President-elect Donald Trump adding uncertainty around whether a TikTok ban will go into effect, the focus is now turning to companies like Google and Apple that are expected to take the popular video sharing app off their platforms in just two days.

Though the Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a federal law that could ban TikTok nationwide, its unclear how a shutdown of the popular social media platform will play out and what Americans will see when the clock strikes midnight on Sunday.

The court decision comes against a backdrop of unusual political agitation by Trump, who vowed that he could negotiate a solution after he takes office, and the administration of President Joe Biden, which has signaled it wont enforce the law beginning Sunday, his final full day in office. Now, tech observers  and some users  are intently watching to see what happens over the weekend and beyond.

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Were really in uncharted territory here in terms of tech policy, said Sarak Kreps, the director of Cornell Universitys Tech Policy Institute.

Under the law, mobile app stores  like the ones operated by Apple and Google  and internet hosting services will face major fines if they continue to distribute the platform to U.S. users beyond the deadline for divestment from ByteDance, TikToks China-based parent company. The companies could pay up to $5,000 for each user who continues to access TikTok, meaning penalties could total to a large sum.

Late Friday night, TikTok posted a statement on X saying that the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikToks availability to over 170 million Americans.

Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19, it said.

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Experts have noted TikToks app should remain available for current users, but existing ones will no longer be able to update it, making it unusable in the long term.

Trumps national security adviser has signaled this week that the incoming administration may take steps to keep TikTok from going dark, though what that looks like  and if any of those steps can withhold legal scrutiny  remains unclear.

My decision on TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future, but I must have time to review the situation, Trump said Friday in a post on Truth Social after the courts ruling. Earlier in the day, he said in another post that TikTok was among the topics in his conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

In the meantime, some of the attention has turned to tech companies, such as Apple, Google and Oracle, who currently offer TikTok on their app stores or host company data on their servers.

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Tech CEOs have been attempting to forge friendlier ties with Trump, who wants to put the TikTok ban on hold, since he was elected in November. But Kreps said it would defy credulity for them to continue to offer TikTok, even if they want to please Trump, since it would open them up to punitive fines.

Tech companies are also used to removing apps at the behest of governments. In 2023, Apple says it removed nearly 1,500 apps globally. Nearly 1,300 of the apps were taken down in China.

Penalties for companies like Apple and Google could run as high as $850 billion, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wrote on X on Thursday, while referring to the U.S. TikTok law. Not sure Id take a politicians word if I ran those companies.

Meanwhile, David Choffnes, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute at Northeastern University in Boston, said he believes theres a small chance that nothing happens to TikTok, but acknowledged that would require enormous risk on the on the part of the companies that support them.

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Apple, Google and Oracle did not respond to questions sent this week about their plans on TikTok.

In a video after the court ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, who is expected to attend Trumps inauguration and be granted a prime seating location on the dais, thanked the president-elect for his commitment to work with TikTok to find a solution that keeps the platform available.

We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform  one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process, Chew said.

Earlier this week, TikTok told its U.S. employees that its offices would remain open for work even if the situation wont be resolved by Sunday. In the memo, which was first reported by The New York Times and confirmed by the company, TikTok told workers that their employment, pay and benefits were secure, adding that the law was written in a way that impacts the U.S. user experience, not the entities that employ them.

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Meanwhile, in a letter sent Friday to Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland, an attorney for TikTok creators who sued the government asked the administration to pause enforcement of the law until there is further definitive guidance.

In addition, we request that you clarify that no app store, internet hosting service, or other provider faces any risk of enforcement or penalties with respect to TikTok, CapCut, or any other ByteDance apps, until such further guidance has been issued, said the letter by attorney Jeffrey Fisher.
U.S. users could see changes to TikTok as soon as Sunday. Illustration:Jianan Liu/HuffPost;Photo:Getty Images, TikTok

Bad news for TikTok lovers in the U.S.: You may not be able to see your beloved For You Page soon.

As part of the terms set by a federal law President Joe Biden signed this spring, TikTok will no longer be able to operate in the U.S. unless ByteDance, its Chinese owner, sells the platform by Jan. 19. That deadline is this weekend.

So far, an 11th-hour deal to spare TikTok hasnt come to pass. Because the bans timing comes on the last full day of Bidens presidency, it will be up to President-elect Donald Trump to decide how to implement it. Trump is reportedly weighing an executive order that would delay enforcement of the ban, but it is legally questionable if that could overturn a law that Congress approved with bipartisan support.

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TikTok challenged the ban and took its case to the Supreme Court. But during oral arguments earlier this month, a majority of the Supreme Court justices appear inclined to uphold the ban, suggesting that national security interests justified the laws restrictions on free speech.

HuffPost reached out to computer science experts about what will likely happen once the ban goes into effect. Heres what you could see:

What will happen to my TikTok app on day of the ban and weeks later?

If the ban is upheld, one likely scenario is that TikTok will quickly cease operating in the U.S. On January 19th, as I understand it, we shut down, TikTok lawyer Noel Francisco told Supreme Court justices during arguments.

According to The Information and Reuters, TikTok reportedly plans to immediately close U.S. operations of its social media app on Sunday, the ban deadline. Reuters reported that users who try to open the app will see a pop-up message directing them to a website with information about the ban.

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Under this scenario, the app would not work at all anymore after Sunday. New U.S. users would not be able to download the app and old users would not be able to access their feeds, because the law bans app stores and internet hosting services from providing service to TikTok in the U.S.

There are scenarios in which the app does not immediately go dark, but the details are unclear. Americans shouldnt expect to see TikTok suddenly banned on Sunday, an unnamed Biden administration official told NBC News on Wednesday night.

What happened when India banned TikTok also offers clues as to what could happen in the U.S. Following border violence between India and China, the Indian government banned TikTok and the app was removed from Google and Apple stores. Its website is now blocked for people in India.

Even if the app remains on your phone, it may not be able to receive updates, and it will eventually become unusable, said Kate Ruane, director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a group that joined an amicus brief supporting the First Amendment rights of TikTok users.

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Over time, without these updates, the quality of the app will degrade and, eventually, [it] will likely become incompatible with peoples operating systems, she said. People using browsers will also have a hard time accessing TikTok because the services  like file hosting and domain name service hosting  required to [use TikTok] will not be allowed to provide those services [to TikTok] in the United States any longer.

What happens if I use a VPN to access TikTok?

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are popular tools in countries with strict censorship. VPNs hide your IP address, which makes it harder for advertisers  and governments, in this case  to track your web activities.

So if your internet service provider blocks TikToks domain, you would still be able to use a VPN to access it, said Central Michigan University computer science professor Qi Liao.

It is entirely legal and encouraged to use here to increase security and privacy. For example, I use VPN for work every day, Liao said. The only issue may be performance and convenience issues. Network metrics such as bandwidth, latency, jitter, etc. may be ... subject to VPN providers.

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But in TikToks case, using a VPN wont solve the larger problem of the apps performance worsening over time for U.S. users. In other words, you may find a way to access TikTok, but it will not be the fully functioning app you remember. The service likely will not be the same as it was prior to the ban taking effect, Ruane said.

Would other Chinese-owned social media apps get banned too?

Its likely that Lemon8, the Chinese-owned TikTok alternative, could also be banned, based on what the law states, Ruane said.

The law prohibits the provision of certain services to foreign adversary-controlled applications, she explained. Foreign adversary-controlled applications are defined to include mobile applications and websites that are operated directly or indirectly by ByteDance, TikTok or other covered companies.

In other words, since ByteDance owns Lemon8, the law will treat Lemon8 as also subject to the ban, meaning it will also likely disappear from app stores, Ruane said.

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Unlike Lemon8, TikTok alternative RedNote, which is owned by a Chinese company and is based in China, is not explicitly named in the law, so it is not automatically subject to the ban. However, since the app does have Chinese origins, Congress could potentially compel the platform to divest its U.S. operations from Chinese ownership if the app is determined to be a national security threat, putting it in the same dilemma as TikTok.

Or, Ruane said, the president could designate [RedNote] to be a foreign adversary-controlled app if he determines it is controlled by a foreign adversary and a significant threat to national security, Ruane said.

Cant I just download TikTok outside of app stores?

There are ways to download apps outside of the official Google Play store and Apple App Store. These unauthorized techniques are called sideloading or jailbreaking. They are not generally illegal, but they could get you in trouble with the manufacturer of your device.

Sideloading is permitted by Googles terms of service but jailbreaking is not permitted by Apple, meaning jailbreaking an Apple device could void warranties and have other consequences, Ruane explained. For example, your devices could have a shorter battery life.

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Besides, sideloading and jailbreaking are a short-term fix to the larger problem of the TikTok app worsening over time for U.S. users.

These workarounds may allow updates to the TikTok app, which might alleviate anticipated degradation for a longer period, but likely would not prevent the degradation that will occur from internet hosting services no longer being provided to TikTok in the U.S., Ruane said.

The Social Video Platforms People Are Using As TikTok Alternatives

What makes TikTok special is its eerily accurate For You Page algorithm and its irreverent, wholesome and funny commenters. Theres no app that is exactly like TikTok, but there are a growing list of alternative short-form video apps that people are migrating to right now. The biggest contenders:

RedNote (iOS, Android)

Also called Xiaohongshu, which translates to little red book in English, this app became the top-downloaded free app in Apples App Store on Monday. Reportedly, more than 700,000 new users joined RedNote this week.

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Dubbing themselves TikTok refugees, U.S. TikTok users are documenting their move to RedNote, along with cross-cultural exchanges on food, politics and healthcare they are having with longtime Chinese users.

Keep in mind that Xiaohongshus default language is Mandarin Chinese. But that hasnt been a deterrent to determined TikTokers. Language-learning app Duolingo reported Wednesday that it has seen a 216% spike in U.S. people learning Mandarin Chinese, compared to last year.

oh so NOW youre learning mandarin  Duolingo (@duolingo) January 14, 2025

Lemon8 (iOS, Android)

Lemon8 is a lifestyle-focused short-form video app that looks similar to Pinterest. The main drawback with Lemon8 is that it is also owned by ByteDance, the same parent company that owns TikTok, and may be subject to the same ban.

The video staple YouTube has Shorts, which appear similar to TikToks video feed. The biggest advantage with this platform is its reach. Besides Facebook, YouTube is the most widely used social media platform in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.

Instagram Reels already recirculate TikToks, so they should look familiar to any TikTok fan. Launched in 2020, Reels has a short-form video feed and offers text options, filters, and audio tools that are similar to what TikTokers use.

Related...
Vice President Kamala Harris, in one of her last public appearances in the role, signed her ceremonial desk drawer at the White House on Thursday, a tradition that dates back nearly a century.

As a crush of current and prior staffers gathered in Harris formal office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, she thanked them for their extraordinary commitment to public service and prioritizing the hopes and dreams of the American people.

We have each taken on a life and a calling that is about doing work in the service of others, and doing it in a way that is fueled yes with ambition, yes with a sense of almost stubbornness about not hearing no and knowing we can make a difference, Harris said.

Kamala Harris' and other vice presidents' signatures on a desk drawer in Harris' office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

Then, as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff snapped pictures, Harris used a Sharpie to sign her desk drawer, a tradition that dates back to the 1940s and has been carried on continuously since the Ford administration. The vice president noted that she has met every one of her predecessors who signed the desk with the exception of Presidents Eisenhower and Truman.

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As onlookers chanted, MVP! MVP! Harris, who unsuccessfully challenged President-elect Donald Trump for the White House in 2024, was asked what she planned to do next. Speculation about whether she would run for governor of California has been swirling.

Ill keep you posted, she said, smiling.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  In September Panama City began phase two of the Harrison Streetscape project, shutting down the road between 4th and 5th streets. City officials told business owners there would be inconveniences, but pledged to keep the sidewalks in front of their businesses open.

They said customers would have plenty of parking in the lot between Harrison and Grace Avenue. It hasnt worked out that way. The downtown improvement board owns the parking lot.

DIB board members are now allowing the company renovating the Martin Theater to store their materials in the parking lot.

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Become immersed in the arts at Gulf Coast State College

I kind of wish that they had waited to start blocking off the back until, you know, the front parking was open, Main Street Antiques owner Liane Harding said.

I feel like with a reduction in the little parking that we have, that creates a pretty big problem because a lot of the businesses out here are small businesses. Even Ive noticed, like, if Im trying to walk to another business from here, it gets really tough, Emily Kabel said.

And the coffee shop is only on the edge of the construction. One business owner told us their business is down 40%. Others say theyve also lost business. All declined to go on camera, saying they feared retaliation for complaining.

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City officials say they havent heard many complaints.

I mean, weve heard a few concerns raised here and there, but weve really tried to jump in quickly and resolve those. I havent heard any major complaints, Panama City City Manager Jonathan Hayes said.

D-I-B board chairman Allan Branch told us board members granted construction workers a portion of the parking lot off to help facilitate a quicker work process, which is scheduled to take 29 months.

News 13 Pet Adoption Option: Phyllis and Pheven

The Harrison streetscape project, from 4th to 5th Street is scheduled to be finished by March.

We asked Hayes if there was some sort of help the city could provide to the struggling businesses, like suspending merchant fees, waiving city utilities, or possible grants from the CRA.

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This was his response:

Weve worked very closely with each of the businesses, with the downtown improvement board, with temporary sidewalks, with lots of signage to encourage people to know that downtown is still open for business, still keeping that walkability access as much as we possibly can, Hayes said.

Despite the problems, some business owners believe it will be worth the inconvenience.

But were really excited to see that project finally started. So, its giving up a little bit of our parking is, you know, the price for that, Harding said.

Once crews finish the work between 4th and 5th streets, theyll move to the last section between 5th and 6th streets. That should take another 7 months.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  In September Panama City began phase two of the Harrison Streetscape project, shutting down the road between 4th and 5th streets. City officials told business owners there would be inconveniences, but pledged to keep the sidewalks in front of their businesses open.

They said customers would have plenty of parking in the lot between Harrison and Grace Avenue. It hasnt worked out that way. The downtown improvement board owns the parking lot.

DIB board members are now allowing the company renovating the Martin Theater to store their materials in the parking lot.

Become immersed in the arts at Gulf Coast State College

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I kind of wish that they had waited to start blocking off the back until, you know, the front parking was open, Main Street Antiques owner Liane Harding said.

I feel like with a reduction in the little parking that we have, that creates a pretty big problem because a lot of the businesses out here are small businesses. Even Ive noticed, like, if Im trying to walk to another business from here, it gets really tough, Emily Kabel said.

And the coffee shop is only on the edge of the construction. One business owner told us their business is down 40%. Others say theyve also lost business. All declined to go on camera, saying they feared retaliation for complaining.

City officials say they havent heard many complaints.

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I mean, weve heard a few concerns raised here and there, but weve really tried to jump in quickly and resolve those. I havent heard any major complaints, Panama City City Manager Jonathan Hayes said.

D-I-B board chairman Allan Branch told us board members granted construction workers a portion of the parking lot off to help facilitate a quicker work process, which is scheduled to take 29 months.

News 13 Pet Adoption Option: Phyllis and Pheven

The Harrison streetscape project, from 4th to 5th Street is scheduled to be finished by March.

We asked Hayes if there was some sort of help the city could provide to the struggling businesses, like suspending merchant fees, waiving city utilities, or possible grants from the CRA.

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This was his response:

Weve worked very closely with each of the businesses, with the downtown improvement board, with temporary sidewalks, with lots of signage to encourage people to know that downtown is still open for business, still keeping that walkability access as much as we possibly can, Hayes said.

Despite the problems, some business owners believe it will be worth the inconvenience.

But were really excited to see that project finally started. So, its giving up a little bit of our parking is, you know, the price for that, Harding said.

Once crews finish the work between 4th and 5th streets, theyll move to the last section between 5th and 6th streets. That should take another 7 months.

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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 mypanhandle.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  More than 800 Hawaii tobacco retailers and distributors are being warned by Hawaiis Attorney General for selling illegal tobacco products, including vapes and oral tobacco pouch products.

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A bipartisan coalition of 10 attorneys general nationwide is leading efforts to hold companies accountable for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, selling and marketing these products.

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City Council eyes firework crack down

Attorney General Anne Lopez issued letters to Hawaii retailers and distributors to ensure only FDA-authorized e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products are sold in Hawaii.

Officials said some flavored disposable e-cigarette products are largely manufactured and imported illegally into the United States from China.

The companies that produce these products declined to participate in the FDA-mandated marketing order process, marking the product adulterated and unlawful for sale.

These illegal products may contain dangerous ingredients not listed on the packaging. E-cigarettes typically contain lithium-ion batteries that have been linked to burns and explosion-related injuries. The Department of the Attorney General is recommending all retailers and distributors in Hawaii to remove any tobacco products not authorized for sale by the FDA Rich Stacey, Departments Criminal Justice Division Tobacco Enforcement Unit Deputy AG

Lopez also reminds distributors that e-cigarettes and e-liquids are included in the Cigarette Tax and Tobacco Tax Law, therefore all wholesalers and dealers must have a tobacco license from the Hawaii Department of Taxation to sell them.

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Those aware they are distributing illegal tobacco products could face federal investigations and penalties.

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If you believe a business is selling these illegal products, contact the Department of the Attorney Generals Tobacco Enforcement Unit at atg.tobacco@hawaii.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM State Rep. Sean Quinlan, left, greets leaders of nurses unions and supporters during a news conference at the State Capitol on Thursday in Honolulu.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM State Rep. Sean Quinlan, left, greets leaders of nurses unions and supporters during a news conference at the State Capitol on Thursday in Honolulu.

RELATED PHOTO GALLERY The leaders of three unions representing more than 5, 000 nurses joined forces Thursday at the state Capitol to rally for legislation ensuring safer standards of staffing at Hawaii hospitals.

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Specifically, they rallied for mandated nurse-to-patient ratiosbasically, limits on how many patients a nurse cares for at one timeto be implemented through statewide legislation rather than through lengthy, individual contract negotiations.

State Rep. Sean Quinlan (D, Waialua-Haleiwa-Punaluu ) announced plans to introduce a bill establishing enforceable ratios, along with accountability in hospital staffing practices.

The bill would not only seek staffing ratios for various hospital units, but mandate nurse-led staffing committees and oversight by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. A addressing the issue in 2024 died early in the session.

Unfortunately, I know from my own experience in my life that nurses are such a critical part of any stay in a hospital, especially an extended stay,  Quinlan said. And I want to make sure that the public understands that this is not about nurses. This is about the patients that they serve.

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The past year has been fraught with conflict over staffing ratioswith strikes held by nurses at Kapi olani Medical Center for Women & Children, then at, including Maui Memorial Medical Center.

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A strike involving more than 1, 900 nurses was at The Queens Medical Center. Nurses at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai, meanwhile, were striking for the third day Thursday as the rally was being held.

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The Hawaii Nurses Association, which represents nurses at Kapi olani, Queens and Wilcox, put its support behind similar legislation in 2024.

HNA stood shoulder to shoulder with leaders of the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii, which represents workers at Maui Health, and Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, which represents nurses at Kaiser, at the Capitol Rotunda in support of the bill.

They said the legislation is needed to improve patient safety and reduce nurse burnoutand that states with laws, such as California, have seen improved patient outcomes.

Hospital leaders have pushed back against the concept of fixed ratios, saying they must remain flexible to adapt to patients changing needs and that sticking to ratios could lead to unintended consequences, such as having to turn away patients.

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But HNA President Rosalee Agas-Yuu said a momentum of support is building after the past years events.

The Kapi olani strike was followed by an indefinite lockout by management and the community activists protesting the lockout before an agreement was reached last fall with the help of federal mediators.

After years of fighting for change, we are finally seeing progress that puts patients at the center of health care reform,  Agas-Yuu said. In recent months all of us as separate unions have taken on fights for safe staffing, and today, for the first time, we are uniting to make history in Hawaii.

Terilyn Carvalho Luke, president of HNHP, which represents more than 1, 000 nurses at Kaiser Permanente, said the legislation is needed.

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Simply put, this will keep our patients safe throughout our state,  she said. When patients are being cared for by nurses who are stretched too thin, then our patients arent receiving the care that they deserve. When our nurses are overburdened, the consequences are severe.

Studies show that lower nurse-staffing levels are associated with higher patient mortality rates, increased complications and longer hospital stays, she said.

Also, high patient loads lead to burnout and mental health struggles for nurses, and have caused them to leave the bedside in Hawaii.

It is not uncommon for our patients to have a nurse who is working a 12-hour shift without a break while trying to manage as many as seven patients in acute care,  she said. This is not the best care that our patients deserve, and we cant hope to retain or attract nurses to our profession under these working conditions.

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Charmaine Morales, UNHCEH president, said patients are not just number on a profit-and-loss statement, but neighbors, teachers and friends.

No matter how committed, dedicated and skilled our nurses are, we alone cannot overcome the dangers of understaffing,  she said. We urgently need the help of health care providers and local governmentand lets be clear, understaffing has brutal effects.

Approximately 160 nurses at Wilcox are expected to return to work this morning after the strike.

The nurses there reached an impasse with management over ratios in the medical-surgical unit. Wilcox nurses want a ratio of 1 nurse to 5 patients, at most, instead of 6 patients, bringing it in line with standards at Oahu hospitals.

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The unions said nurses statewide should work under the same standards.

I feel very strongly that whatever island youre on or whatever hospital youre in in Hawaii, that you deserve the same standard of care as everybody else,  Quinlan said.

Correction : An earlier version of this story said Wilcox nurses want to work with a ratio of 1 to 5 patients instead of 6 to 7 patients. Wilcox Medical Center officials say its currently 6 at most.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Big decisions were made by the Board of Educations Finance Committee as they weighed in on fee increases for Hawaiis public schools.

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Starting next school year, summer school tuition is expected to increase by $70 to help cover the cost of programs and financial aid.

Ewa Beach has a new charter school thats changing the way Hawaii experiences education

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The committee also approved meal prices for second servings such as breakfasts, lunches and adult meals. The increases range from 50 cents to $2 to cover the increasing food and operation costs.

However, the committee rejected a proposed increase in student activity fees that would cover the increasing costs of clubs and class dues that help pay for things like prom.

I do think covering the costs for the students who show need, which I think is a great thing, but I dont think that is enough. I think were gonna have a population of students who are still not going to be able to pay, said Kahele Dukelow, Board of Education member.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

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The full board will vote on the recommendations next.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Access to water to fight wildfires is a problem seen in Maui in 2023 and again on a massive scale across Los Angeles. Officials urge residents to stock up as they would for hurricane season, especially if they are in a Public Power Safety Shutoff area.

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Hawaiis power companies and many nationwide have turned to a tool meant to reduce wildfire risk from active lines on red-flag warning days.

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LA inferno likely to hike Hawaii insurance

HECO calls it the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program or PSPS, but that creates a potential problem when it comes to water due to so many resources relying on electric pumps.

Itll affect the ability of water systems to operate. Itll affect the ability of all kinds of first responders, said Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson.

Pai said it will also affect what comes out of the tap if youre in a prolonged PSPS whether or not a fire breaks out.

Once the system the red flag is called is over with, and if theyve had to turn off the power to any part of the Leeward Coast, theyre still going to have to go back and visually inspect the lines to ensure there are no problems. That can take several days, said Kathleen Pahinui, Board of Water Supply.

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The BWS recommends each person has one gallon of water per person, per day and said there should be a five-day supply minimum. During hurricane season, you should have two weeks supply.

One of the first things we did was ask other utilities, other places in the country that have done this kind of thing, you know what? What are some of the things that youve learned, one of the very first lessons that they shared was you need to coordinate with, you know, other utilities, water systems, Pai added.

Hawaii Senator Hirono questions Gabbards experience, other Trump nominees

KHON2 checked with all counties about water during PSPS shutdowns and they said theyve been going to meetings and having tabletop exercises with HECO to work out the kinks.

Hawaii County

We have backup generators pre-positioned at key locations and can move more, plus they top off (county) water tanks as soon as a Red Flag Warning is announced even before a PSPS kicks in.

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They will also ask customers to reduce water use to essential needs only to preserve as much water in the system to fight fires.

Maui County

The Department of Water Supply tops off (their) water storage tanks and has emergency generators stationed at critical locations to continue pumping water for firefighting.

Oahu

The BWS worked with the Honolulu Fire Department to place generators at key strategic leeward locations.

They are also monitoring the weather. If red-flag conditions arise, they start topping off leeward reservoirs, which usually will provide enough water for about 24 hours.

KHON2 is still waiting to hear back from Kauai County but its electricity electricity cooperative has worked closely with other county agencies and first responders on its safety power-downs.

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If you have prepared your home or your business for a hurricane, then you are prepared for a Public Power Safety Shutoff in both scenarios, you know, youre looking at being potentially without power for an extended period of time.

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CHELMSFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  A hawk found itself in quite the predicament Thursday afternoon after it was hit by an SUV in Chelmsford, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Troopers were called to a rest stop off of I-495 North after a driver pulled over and found the hawks body lodged in the grill of their Honda CRV with its wings sticking out.

Police said the troopers reached out to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Chelmsford Animal Control and technicians with Nucar Honda for assistance.

(Courtesy: Massachusetts State Police) (Courtesy: Massachusetts State Police) (Courtesy: Massachusetts State Police)

The Nucar Honda technicians partially took apart the front of the SUV in an effort to get the bird out safely. It was eventually freed from the grill and secured in a cage.

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Police said the hawk was conscious, alert and other than some ruffled feathers did not appear to be injured.

Massachusetts Environmental Police brought the hawk to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton for evaluation.

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BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The head of a Hungarian anti-corruption office tasked with stamping out fraud in the spending of European Union funds denied charges of misappropriation and abuse of power on Friday after authorities searched his office the previous day.

The Integrity Authority was created under EU pressure in late 2022 in a country that has had frequent quarrels with the bloc over rule-of-law issues. It is independent of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government but had complained last year that it needed greater powers.

The chief prosecutor's office said late on Thursday that the head of the authority, Ferenc Biro, has been accused of misusing nearly 14 million forints ($35,000) by making his office rent two company cars for him, one of which was unlawfully used by his wife.

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He is also accused of unlawfully curtailing some of the official powers of his deputies, the office said in a statement.

After searching several locations including the offices of the Integrity Authority and seizing evidence, "the Prosecutor General's Office questioned the chairman of the Integrity Authority as a suspect," the statement said.

Biro, a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers with two decades of experience of forensic accounting and compliance, denied the accusations in a statement to Reuters on Friday.

"The accusations are unfounded, I filed a complaint against them. I did not commit any crimes," Biro said in an email.

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"I was attacked personally, which aimed at undermining the Integrity Authority. The operation of our organization has always been transparent and we have always worked according to the highest ethical and legal standards," he wrote.

The Integrity Authority said last year it has requested greater powers including for prosecutions, raids and sanctions. In a paper submitted to the Justice Ministry and the European Commission it complained that it lacks teeth to expose wrongdoing in the Eastern European nation.

($1 = 401.55 forints)

(Reporting by Anita Komuves; Editing by Frances Kerry)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Members of Grand Rapids Boston Square neighborhood celebrated their new health clinic, which officially opened its doors Thursday inside the HUB 07.

HUB stands for Hope, Unite and Build, while the 07 stems from the neighborhoods zip code. The 45,000-square-foot facility broke ground nearly three years ago at the corner of Kalamazoo Avenue and Ramona Street.

Ultimately, 15 businesses and organizations will call the hub home over the next year. But the need for a local health clinic didnt go unnoticed by Corewell Health.

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Clinic at Boston Square Hub 07 to open this year

The people who live in this community, in the 49507 zip code, are actually having nine years less life expectancy than the East Grand Rapids zip code, said Malissa Becksvoort, director of operations for Corewell Health. Thats a huge health disparity that we feel needed to be addressed.

Nurse Practitioner Quiana Scott-Ruffin has been designated as the primary care provider at the new facility  a welcomed and emotional transfer as the Boston Square native returns home.

Im a crybaby, Scott-Ruffin said. I remember what it was like for my mom, just to have to take us downtown for the doctors appointment. But something right here thats literally less than a mile, a five-minute walk  it is so needed.

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Ground broken on affordable housing project in Boston Square

The other businesses and organizations will span a wide range of community offerings, including early child care, adult education, job fair events and after-school programming.

One of the surveys that we did demonstrate that theres actual 2.5 times less health access points here in the 49507 compared to 49506, said Executive Director Jon Ippel with Amplify GR. So its bringing those types of access that allows us to get doctor care and other things like health and fitness.

The rest of the businesses and groups are scheduled to move in over the next year.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Six months after a ransomware attack hit Columbus, the city is still working to recover.

A breach report that should show how the attack happened and what exactly was accessed should be released soon.

Columbus isnt alone; each week, there seems to be another cyberattack and more data at risk.

NBC4 Investigates is looking into where accountability comes into play when it comes to these attacks because sometimes, its not just the criminals who are at fault.

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Last October, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 49 other attorney generals reached a settlement with Marriott International following a multiyear data breach; more than $1.5 million went to Ohio.

How far does this accountability reach and what will future cybersecurity efforts look like across the state?

When the ransomware attack hit Columbus, the city did not have cyber insurance, something that would cover liability for a data breach. This puts the cost of the breach on the taxpayers.

Are there any plans to pursue accountability or legal action against the city for this breach? NBC4 investigative reporter Isabel Cleary asked.

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So my staff is staying in contact with the city and learning about this at a relatively slow pace, Yost said. Whether theres any action to be taken is a decision for the future. Were watching it and this was a pretty significant breach. I am very hopeful that Mayor Ginther is going to spend the money and make the effort to make sure something like this doesnt happen again.

As cyberattacks continue to happen, cybersecurity conversations are becoming more common between Ohio leaders.

It ought to be a bigger conversation, but I hope the outcome of that conversation is not lawsuits, Yost said. I hope its better cybersecurity.

Its also a topic at the Ohio Statehouse.

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The issue that happened in Columbus not too recently has definitely sparked conversations about what we can do to strengthen our cybersecurity systems across the state, Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) said.

Jarrells said that 2025 will be an opportunity to explore ways to educate the community and invest in cybersecurity support for Ohio cities.

The biggest thing is just, we got to invest in our infrastructure, we have to, and so when we have an aging infrastructure in a rapidly growing city such as Columbus, you can see these issues begin to occur, unfortunately, Jarrells said.

Jarrells believes this is an issue that crosses both sides of the aisle.

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There is a bipartisan opportunity, with protecting our constituents, he said. I think how we get there is whats really important, right? Because we are looking at a budget that we dont have excess, a lot of funds, right, and so we have to think creatively about what can be possible.

You can find information about how to protect your data or what to do if youve been a victim of a cyberattack here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
NAVASOTA, Texas (FOX 44)  The Navasota community is honoring the life of Sergeant Mark Butler.

The city, in partnership with Citizens State Bank, has established the Mark Butler Memorial Fund to honor the Navasota Police Officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Wednesday. This fund will provide support to his family during this difficult time.

Donations can be made at Citizens State Bank branches in Navasota, Brenham, Burton, Somerville, Caldwell, Snook, and Deanville, or by mailing a check to the City of Navasota at P.O. Box 910, Navasota, TX 77868 (payable to the Mark Butler Memorial Fund).

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For more information about the Mark Butler Memorial Fund, you can call 936-825-6475 or 936-825-3662.

In addition, a GoFundMe has been set up with proceeds going toward the family. If you would like to make a donation, you can go here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, Milwaukee Public Schools has been required by Wisconsin law to implement a school-based police program.

Though requirements in the state law known as Act 12 are a first for Wisconsin, they resemble past agreements between the district and the Milwaukee Police Department. Milwaukee Public Schools worked with the police to create an officer presence in the district in various forms between 2005 and 2020.

Here's a timeline.

Milwaukee Police officer GiGi Shuttlesworth, who was stationed at Bradley Tech High School, talks with students going to lunch in March 2007.

MPS begins police programs in fall 2005

2005-06 school year: Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee Police Department began collaborating to ensure police were present at dismissal time, and during sporting and social events that took place after school hours, according to a later report to the school board.

MPS begins stationing police inside certain schools

2007-08 school year: MPS officially began a school resource officer program by assigning pairs of uniformed police officers to a handful of schools, including Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School and Custer High School. Custer is now named the Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education.

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More: In Milwaukee, police respond to thousands of calls to MPS: 'Why do we call the police?'

Milwaukee's SRO program transitions to 'mobile' officer units

2013-14 school year: The SRO program was modified so that school resource officers were no longer assigned to particular schools. Instead, they were deployed to MPS schools in a "mobile" fashion.

A 2014-15 report to the school board found that SROs were "taking on different than intended roles in the schools they were assigned to." It said school police were no longer just providing mentorship, "but more of a visible presence to enhance security, to be on patrol, and to enforce school rules and district policies."

"It was noted that the way some of the cases were handled, officers ended up making arrests as the situations escalated; arrests in schools increased," a different report later found.

STOP program beings

2013-14 school year: The report to the school board said the SRO program grew to include a new initiative: Stop Talk it Over with Police, or STOP. As part of that program, police worked inside schools directly with students with a goal of educating them about interacting with law enforcement.

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At the time, STOP received national praise for community policing efforts.

Federal government begins investigating MPS' discipline practices

June 2014: The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights began a compliance review against MPS. The goal was to determine whether MPS "discriminates against Black students on the basis of race by disciplining them more frequently and more harshly than similarly-situated white students."

Demonstrators gather outside Milwaukee Public Schools in June 2020 to support a resolution ending district contracts with the Milwaukee Police Department for school resource officers.

School board votes to implement restorative justice practices into MPS

Spring 2015: The MPS school board approved a resolution calling for the implementation of restorative justice practices throughout the district.

The resolution was part of a broader action by the board to acknowledge issues raised by the Black Lives Matter movement, saying "the killing of unarmed Black men and women has left young people searching for answers."

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Restorative justice focuses on healing damage that results from breaking rules or committing crimes rather than using traditional forms of punishment. The goal is for individuals to accept responsibility for their actions, while rebuilding relationships with those harmed, according to the University of Wisconsin Law School.

More: How restorative justice works at a MPS school, a decade in

STOP program ends

2016-17 school year: After criticism about negative effects on students, the school board did not renew the STOP program.

Among the concerns about the program was the use of a classroom skit in which police pretended to pull out a gun and threatened to shoot if a student ran away, while yelling "bang, bang, bang," according to news stories from the time.

Federal review finds unequal discipline of Black and white students

Jan. 31, 2018: A federal investigation found that Black students in MPS were "disproportionately disciplined for incidents in several categories of misconduct that are subjective in nature, including chronic disruption or violation of school rules and disorderly conduct," according to the U.S. Department of Education's review of 2013-14 and 2014-15 school year data.

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The federal investigation's final report found over 100 incidents in two school years when Black students were expelled, but "similarly-situated white students" were suspended for similar behaviors such as theft, fighting, battery or possession of a weapon other than a gun.

For example:

A white student was given a one-day out-of-school suspension because for possessing illegal drugs. A Black student was given a three-day suspension for the same thing.

Two students, one white and one Black, were disciplined for cellphone use and chronic disruption. The Black student received a one-day out-of-school suspension; the white student received a warning and counseling.

More: Police involvement in MPS schools never ended. Here's what the data show.

Consultant releases report on Milwaukee Public School's SRO program

May 22, 2018: The MPS school board received a 97-page report on its school resource officer program from Rosiak Associates LLC, an outside firm it hired to evaluate the program.

Among the consultant's list of recommendations was for MPS and MPD to better define the job of an SRO  as someone who is a mentor, educator and public safety officer, but who does not enforce school rules.

No SRO contract between MPD, MPS for 2019-20 school year

2019-20 school year: In previous years, the MPS board and MPD had signed memorandums of understanding outlining the goals of the SRO program. No contract exists for the 2019-20 school year, MPS confirmed.

School board officially terminates SRO program

June 18, 2020: The MPS school board voted to end all contracts with police.

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The school board resolution said the then-recent deaths of Alvin Cole, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd had "re-ignited longtime fears and resentments about the attitudes of police departments across the United States toward African-Americans and other peoples of color."

"Increased exposure of our students to police can have an effect on student performance due to the implications of the police presence," the resolution reads.

Kahlil Coleman leads protesters past the District 3 Milwaukee Police Station in 2020 as they march to a rally at the Milwaukee Public Schools administrative offices.

Act 12 becomes law, requiring MPS to re-implement 25 police

June 20, 2023: Gov. Tony Evers signed Act 12 into law, a statewide bill mostly focused on revenue sharing and sales taxes that included a requirement for MPS to ensure 25 school resource officers are "present" in the district during school hours and "available" after school.

MPS was the only public school district in Wisconsin required by Act 12 to implement school police. In defending the police requirements in Act 12, lawmakers have cited the need for in-school police to curb fights, prevent criminal activity and boost teacher recruitment.

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Before the bill became law, MPS school board president Marva Herndon said the requirement would "destroy Milwaukee's right to self-govern." She also said, "it clearly has racist overtones, as Milwaukee has the largest minority population in the state."

Requirements of Act 12 go into effect

Jan. 1, 2024: Act 12's requirements for MPS policing went into effect.

Since then, calls from local activists for MPS to defy the law haven't stopped. At a board meeting in October 2024, 37 people spoke against the placement of SROs in schools.

A year past deadline, MPS has not implemented Act 12

As of January 2025, the district has yet to implement the requirements of Act 12.

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MPS and city officials have repeatedly said they are in the process of creating a memorandum of understanding to implement Act 12's school police requirements.

A 25-officer school resource officer program is estimated to cost at least $2 million per year. Act 12 provided no funding for that mandate, and instead required MPS and the city of Milwaukee to "agree to an apportionment of the costs."

For months, MPS and the city have been negotiating over who should pay the bill.

During a Jan. 7 press conference, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the prior funding model  when MPS and the city split the costs of operating the program  worked well.

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Johnson said MPS went too far when it ended contracts with police in 2020. The city and school district are actively working to resolve the question of funding, the mayor said, but he was resistant to the idea that the city should be expected to pay more.

When you go to a restaurant and you order a meal, the chef doesnt prepare your meal and then pay the bill, Johnson said at the press conference. Thats essentially what were being asked to do, and I think thats wrong (to) taxpayers.

"As MPS does not employ, hire, or train City of Milwaukee police officers, the district is waiting for the city to provide resources for the program," MPS said in a previous statement regarding funding.

No matter the year, calls from school addresses to police never stopped

MPD receives 3,700 dispatch calls each school year, on average, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. related to MPS addresses, the Journal Sentinel found after reviewing September 2013 to July 2024 data.

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Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

David Clarey can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS began a school police program in 2005. Here's a timeline.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Heros Haven Child Advocacy Center held an open house event for elected officials on Thursday which gave the center a chance to educate officials on the services they provide to alleged child victims and their protecting caregivers, according to its Executive Director.

Its also for them to understand we are currently in a financial crisis, Executive Director Patty Saunders said. We do need that financial funding, but their focus needs to be the children and the future of the children in West Virginia.

Saunders shared that one of Heros Havens largest sources of federal funding is being cut by a large margin this year, which will affect 21 total child advocacy centers across the state. Therefore, the center is looking to elected officials to help them secure funding that will fill that gap.

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Heros Haven serves Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, and Taylor counties, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. According to Saunders, children were interviewed by multiple people such as law enforcement, school officials and Child Protective Services (CPS) prior to the existence of child advocacy centers, which sometimes made cases more difficult.

Saunders said that forcing children to interview multiple people increases trauma and that multiple interviews can make cases less defendable because a childs recollection of events could slightly change with each interview.

Monongalia County introduces new safety officers in schools

So with the presence of child advocacy centers, children are able to be brought into a child-friendly setting with non-biased interviewers. We dont have any authority in the case. Our job is to listen to them and they get a one-time interview, Saunders added.

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During these interviews, the advocates look for polyvictimization, to see if a child has been abused or victimized in more than one capacity. By doing this, theyre able to reduce the number of interviews and further look into a childs life.

Saunders told 12 News that these advocates also try to be a resource to the caregivers who protect these children by teaching, educating and supporting them. By doing this, Heros Haven hopes to take some stress off of these caregivers throughout the process.

Our advocates are making a one-way path for these protecting caregivers, Saunders said. For medical evaluations, for trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, for crime victim compensationthey are the driving force to help them.

Through this open house, Saunders said that she just wants people in the community to know that theyre there. Heros Haven Child Advocacy Center is not an agency where people can refer themselves, and theyre typically referred by law enforcement or CPS.

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She added that without these services, these alleged victims are at greater risk of drug abuse, criminal involvement, suicide, as well as health conditions like asthma or obesity. According to Saunders, its been proven that these services reduce the risks and make children more likely to be productive citizens and survivors, which saves the state more money as a result.

We save an average of $1,000 to the state of West Virginia per kid that comes through this door by having them routed here, said Saunders. Through this investigation, we have served over 500 kids in the year of 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Saunders told 12 News that when it comes to potential child abuse situations its important to remember that if you see something, say something. She said that you should report child abuse even if its just suspected because its our job to protect our children.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
A legal challenge against Labours tax raid on private schools will be fast-tracked through the High Court over fears it breaches the human rights of children.

Lord Pannick, who is acting on behalf of more than 1,000 private schools, argued parents needed certainty as the effects of the Governments 20pc levy, introduced on Jan 1, were already being felt.

Although government lawyers opposed the request and pleaded they needed more time to consider the evidence, Mr Justice Chamberlain sided with private schools and agreed to expedite the claim.

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The court also agreed that the claim being brought by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents 1,400 members, should be heard alongside a separate challenge brought by Sinclairs Law on behalf of private school parents.

No official date has been set, but The Telegraph understands it will likely be heard before the Easter recess and could be as early as the first week of April.

Owing to the importance of the claim, the hearing will take place in front of a divisional court, comprising two or three senior judges, and is expected to last two days.

James Gardner, of Sinclairs Law, said: This is very welcome news. It means that parents will have their day in court soon. Their concerns about the distress, disruption and uncertainty caused by this punitive tax will be heard.

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Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, said: This is an unprecedented tax on education and it is right that its compatibility with human rights law is tested.

We are glad that the High Court has recognised the urgency of this case and we look forward to making our legal arguments as soon as possible.

The news is considered a significant win for parents and schools campaigning to overturn the Governments 20pc VAT levy with insiders fearing the case would certainly have been delayed until the next academic year had it not been fast-tracked.

Both the ISC and Sinclairs Law will argue that Labours policy undermines some pupils human rights under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998.

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Lord Pannick, the leading human rights barrister who is spearheading the ISCs challenge, is representing six private school families who are taking part as case studies.

They include children with special education needs, a vulnerable girl in a single-sex school, minority Jewish and Muslim families, and foreign nationals in bilingual schools.

Sinclairs Law is similarly representing families of children with special needs as well as single mothers who they argue are disproportionately affected by the policy owing to the gender pay gap.

While ministers could ignore any ruling, lawyers for both groups hope that if the court finds in their favour, it would force the Government to abandon its controversial education tax, as it would significantly undermine how much money the policy  forecast to bring in 1.5bn  will raise.

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A government spokesman said: We do not comment on ongoing litigation matters.

Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8bn a year by 2029/30 to help deliver 6,500 new teachers and raise school standards, supporting the 94pc of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  With the 89th regular legislative session underway in the Texas Legislature, lawmakers will consider a handful of bills that could impact transportation operations here in the Lone Star State. Heres a roundup of the bills KXAN will be tracking in the transportation sphere.

Capping the maximum length of trains

House Bill 1564, filed by State Rep. Ana Hernandez on Dec. 10, proposes limits on how long trains can be while operating in Texas. The bill stipulates a railroad company wouldnt be able to operate or permit a train that is 8,500 feet or longer in length.

If adopted, the law would take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

Bills advocating for, against state funding for high-speed rail

State Rep. John Bucy III filed Nov. 12 House Bill 483, which calls for the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain, and operate high-speed rail connecting Dallas to Austin to San Antonio along the Interstate Highway 35 corridor.

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The bill defines high-speed rail as an intercity transit service reaching speeds of a minimum 110 miles per hour. State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt filed the supplementary Senate Bill 424 in the Senate chambers Nov. 21, which outlines the same stipulations as Bucys bill.

Calls for high-speed rail in Texas have extended beyond the confines of the State Capitol. Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai launched a coalition last year to champion plans supporting expanded rail funding as part of the 89th legislative session.

The two created the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee and discussed in September how better rail offerings could enhance economic vitality and mobility along the I-35 corridor.

PAST COVERAGE: Texas lawmakers envision high-speed rail along I-35 corridor in latest bill filings

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If the Legislature passes this proposal, it would become law and take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

On the other side of the aisle, lawmakers are proposing a prohibition of public funds for high-speed rail construction in Texas. State Rep. Cody Harris filed House Bill 1402 on Nov. 19 which, if passed, would prohibit allocated funds to pay for the alteration of a roadway related to the construction of a high-speed rail project operated by a public or private entity.

The legislation also defined public money as money of the state of Texas, a state agency or a political subdivision of the state. It also similarly defined high-speed rail as intercity transit service that reached at least 110 miles per hour.

If the bill becomes law, it would take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

Authorizing State Highway Fund dollars for transit-oriented projects

Bucy also filed on Nov. 12 House Bill 58, legislation proposing an amendment to the State Highway Fund to permit funding for transit-oriented development projects in Texas. The proposal would amend Article VIII of the Texas Constitution to incorporate the construction and maintenance of transit-oriented projects as a permitted use of revenues made off motor vehicle registration fees and motor fuels taxes.

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Because the legislation proposes a constitutional amendment, it would  if passed  go before voters as part of the Nov. 4, 2025 election.

The amendments to Section 7-a, Article VIII, of this constitution apply only in connection with a state fiscal biennium that begins on or after September 1, 2027. This temporary provision expires September 2, 2027, documents read.

Amending the Texas Tax Code, Texas Transportation Code to clarify State Highway Fund uses

Bucys House Bill 542, filed Nov. 12, would clarify and update language in the Texas Constitution. Existing language limits the use of the State Highway Fund to construction and maintenance work on Texas road system; that would update to allow the funding be used for the state highway system, transit-oriented projects or minimizing environmental impacts from construction or maintenance work.

The bills enactment would depend on voter approval of a constitutional amendment, detailed above. Should it go before voters and be approved, it would take effect Sept. 1, 2027.

Limiting the use of eminent domain for high-speed rail development, operations

State Rep. Brian Harrison filed House Bill 663 on Nov. 12 as a proposed limitation on a private entitys ability to enact eminent domain for the purpose of developing or operating high-speed rail. The bill aims to clarify the legal framework and language related to these kinds of transit projects in Texas.

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If passed, it would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Graduates from Utahs colleges and universities will step into a world that demands adaptability and reinvention.

The abilities to nimbly adapt, collaborate and thrive amid evolving challenges are just as essential for the states higher education institutions.

That was a core message shared Thursday at a University of Utah Hinckley Institute forum that featured three key players in the states higher education community: University of Utah President Taylor Randall, University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya and Utah System of Higher Education Commissioner Geoffrey Landward.

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The trio of educators paneled a Utah legislative session preview entitled Making the Case for Higher Education.

Lawmakers have signaled higher education as being on the short list of defining issues for the fast-approaching 2025 Utah Legislative session.

The states public colleges and universities likely face budget cuts and fiscal reallocations to reduce operating costs and purported inefficiencies  even while being asked to prioritize industry demands and workforce needs.

A student listens as University of Utah President Taylor Randall speaks during a forum to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislature, at Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Such changes to Utahs higher education system are sure to be uncomfortable. And Randall acknowledged that there have been tense discussions leading up to the legislative session.

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But opportunities are also emerging at a moment of academic disruption.

The states colleges and universities, said Randall, have to analyze themselves and ask, Are we delivering?

The leader of the states flagship university said all the players in Utahs higher education system share a deep concern for student success  along with the states future economic viability.

Its hard to argue that we need less education, said Randall, In fact, its more a question of knowing that we need more (education)  and, what is the type of skill and education that our students need?

Landward noted that higher educations role in Utah is immense.

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The states lawmakers, he said, understand that fact and they are invested in making it work. They are seeking a measurable return on that investment that is both strategic and objective.

While many across the country are antagonistic toward higher education, the commissioner said his discussions with local lawmakers have always been anchored to discovering whats best for Utah and its students.

They are interested in our feedback and they have been responsive to our feedback, said Landward.

The University of Utah has already developed plans to meet the legislatures expected request for accountability and transparency, said Montoya.

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Meanwhile, system-based criterium for the various higher education institutions are being developed to yield the best return of investments in areas such as graduation and meeting workforce industry needs, said Landward.

We want to ensure that the framework we develop is one in which the decision-making is squarely with the leaders who have access to the right information and understanding of the particular campuses  and thats the presidents and their leadership teams and the campus communities.

Another key legislative priority is ensuring students are placed on reliable paths to complete their degree or certificate, said Landward.

Attendees listen as University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Geoffrey Landward, Utah System of Higher Education commissioner, and University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya discuss the upcoming 2025 legislative session at the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Geoffrey Landward, Utah System of Higher Education commissioner, discusses the upcoming 2025 legislative session with University of Utah President Taylor Randall and University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya at the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya discusses the upcoming 2025 legislative session with University of Utah President Taylor Randall and Geoffrey Landward, Utah System of Higher Education commissioner, at the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

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Addison Graham, University of Utah graduate student, asks University of Utah President Taylor Randall about how the University of Utah can temper idealogical or culture war debates between higher education and the state government during a panel discussion about the upcoming 2025 legislative session at the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

University of Utah senior Alexander Hill, center, asks a question about the relevancy of research at the university at a forum to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislature, at Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

University of Utah President Taylor Randall participates in a forum to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislature, at Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya, right, speaks during a forum to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislature, at Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

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The richness of a college experience

When asked about possible budget cuts, Randall noted that each of Utahs higher education institutions is different  and each plays a different role.

We pride ourselves on a broad education that includes humanities and arts, he said. And so as we negotiate and we think about these reallocations, one of the things that we are trying to preserve here is the notion that theres much more that people come to this campus for than simply an immediate job.

Youre actually coming here for the richness that is the University of Utah campus. . That is one of the values that we that we care deeply about.

Randall added that hes enthused to make investments in programs that not only develop directly applicable job skills, but also essential soft skills.

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Being asked to revise, modify and improve is nothing new, said Montoya.

We have to, because the world around us is changing, she said. Its always been part of our process. And it will continue to be part of our process.

Randall said he and his associates are also taking a hard look at administrative costs.

I think that becoming more efficient in the way we deliver support to both faculty, staff and students is really important. Those are the other types of things that were going to look hard at as we try to make these re-investments.

Montoya also spoke of keeping administrative costs down through shared services before addressing a subject of obvious interest to Thursdays lunchtime audience of college students: tuition.

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The University of Utah, she said, has worked to keep tuition low.

Weve also worked extremely hard to make sure that we are working on providing scholarships, whether they are scholarships that we support ourselves or that we raise through philanthropic means, to provide as much support as we can to reduce that actual price that students pay.

Landward noted opportunities for higher education institutions to share services such as human resources, finance cybersecurity between institutions.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall speaks during a forum to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislature, held at Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Universities developing human capital

During a brief Q&A session with the panelists, a student said he often feels that the tension between state government and higher education doesnt revolve around financial efficiency  but ideology.

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He asked what school administrators can do to temper culture wars and remain focused on education.

Responding, Randall warned of the dangers of generalities.

The Legislature, he said, is a body consisting of hundreds of people  each from different backgrounds and beliefs. That same diversity is found on university campuses. Differing opinions deserve to be debated.

Randall concluded his forum remarks with a pep talk for Utah students:

One of the major things that universities do is we develop human beings, and we develop human capital.  You should feel yourself to be unique. You are special in so many ways  in your ability to go out and engage in the real world.
In her waning days as assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, Rachel Levine thinks back fondly to attending a 2022 Pride Month reception at the White House.

As the highest-ranking openly transgender person to serve in the U.S. government, Levines name was called by a speaker recognizing members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Biden administration. She then noticed that President Joe Biden was motioning for her to rise.

And so I stood up, and I got applause, she said. For the president to notice me and gesture at me to stand up, that really stuck in my memory.

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Less pleasant was seeing her image used in anti-trans ads by Republicans during the presidential campaign. The Trump campaign spent more money criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris on her support fortransgender rights than any other issue in the runup to the election, and Levine was caught in the middle.

I found it very challenging, she said. But you know what? Im a strong and resilient person, Ill be fine. What I worry about are other members of our community.

A uniformed admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Levine came to Washington after serving as Pennsylvanias health secretary and was originally trained in psychiatry and pediatrics.

In an exit interview with POLITICO Magazine, Levine discussed her work on health policy  she led much of the departments work on long Covid research as well as the health effects of climate change  and frequently spoke up on ongoing political debate over youth access to gender-affirming care. She says shes still optimistic about making progress on trans rights despite the political backlash.

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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Thinking back nearly four years ago, when you became the highest-ranking openly trans person to serve in the U.S. government, whats something you wish you had known going into the job?

It has been a tremendous honor to assume my commission and the uniform of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

I had very good experience in public health when I was the secretary of health of Pennsylvania, as well as the president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its a really good training ground to take this position.



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When I started, we were in the midst of the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the topics were very familiar to me.

This [she gestured to her uniform, which she was commissioned to take in 2021] was completely new, and it's a choice for the assistant secretary for health. I absolutely wanted to assume my commission and take the uniform.

Republicans have been making their anti-trans stance a bigger focus lately. What do you make of that? And were you surprised to find yourself targeted in anti-trans ads during the presidential campaign?

I found it very challenging. But you know what? I'm a strong and resilient person, I'll be fine. What I worry about are other members of our community. I worry about those young people. I worry about their families, and I worry about the doctors that treat them. I worry about adults as well in the LGBTQI+ community, broadly, as well as specifically in the transgender and non-binary community.

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They might have had my visage up there, but they're the ones that are going to be targeted.

A growing number of states have imposed restrictions on gender-affirming care for young people. How concerned are you that the new administration is going to take further action to ban or limit care?

I can't really comment on the incoming administration. I don't know what they'll decide to do, but I'm very proud of the work that we have done in support of health equity. In terms of transgender medicine for youth, it is performed primarily at our nation's fantastic children's hospitals.

The way I think of it is: If you have a child who has diabetes, then you would see a pediatric endocrinologist, probably at the local children's hospital. If you have a child with depression or anxiety, you might see a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist at the local children's hospital. If you have a child with an eating disorder or perhaps a gynecological issue, you might see the adolescent medicine specialist  like me  at a local children's hospital.

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So if you have a young person with gender issues, you would see the gender specialists at the children's hospital who might be exactly the same people I just discussed  the pediatric endocrinologist, the child psychologist, the child psychiatrist or the adolescent medicine physician. It is extremely, completely appropriate to see these specialists for the other conditions, but the legislatures in those states are prohibiting it for this issue.

To be frank, it has really been a strategy of think tanks from Washington based on ideological and political purposes with a well-developed playbook that has gone through many of the states of our country with draft legislation.

Now we'll see what happens when it happens nationally.

I think it is really challenging and potentially harmful to young people and their families and their medical providers. Yet, I remain a positive and optimistic person. I remain positive enough to continue my work and I think that eventually things will change. I don't know when that will be, and I think Ive got to be very realistic of the challenges that exist now in half the country, and could exist in other parts of the country in the future, but I think that the wheel will eventually turn. Although it's going to be a while.

Do you think HHS did enough to protect policies youve pushed on transgender youth, including strengthening anti-discrimination regulation in health care?

I think that we are leaving it in the strongest place possible with a transition of administrations.

You spent a lot of time at HHS focused on how climate change affects health care as well as the federal response to long Covid. Both initiatives are in jeopardy by the new Congress and administration. Where are you leaving this work?

All these [natural disasters, like ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles] are exacerbated by and stoked by climate change, and all of these have impacts on health. It is really going to be extremely important now, and in the future, to be addressing these health impacts. However a new administration wants to describe it, I still think these health issues will need to be worked on and addressed. Extreme heat is extreme heat, however you want to talk about it, and so we're going to need to address the health impacts [of climate change.]

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One of the things that we have said is that we know long Covid is real. Long Covid might not be one thing. It would be easier if it was, but it might actually not be one thing. It might be a constellation with different causes. We have a clinical definition of long Covid that was published by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. And so I think that we have made progress. I think one of the biggest things that we've worked on is long Covid centers that I think are really important, multidisciplinary centers throughout the country that serve as referral centers, as well as hub and spoke centers, to the community.

How worried are you about the future of the countrys public health with vaccine skepticism rising and someone like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nominated to lead HHS?

I can't comment on the next administration overall. I remain a positive and optimistic person, but I choose to do that because I think that that's how the work gets done. Public health is public health and is not political.

I know that there are differences as we change administrations in terms of certain policy  and that's how our system works  but the basic public health work will need to continue, and we have fantastic civil servants and full-time public health employees that will continue that work, as well as the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

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Vaccinations are one of the victories of public health in the 20th and 21st century. All those immunizations for youth and adolescents and adults are absolutely critically important to public health. Smallpox has been eradicated from the world. And so I have complete faith in our fantastic vaccine programs.

Has anyone from the incoming administration been in touch to talk about the work you do?

No. This happens with our full-time leadership staff. And so I have nothing to do with that as a political appointee.

Do you have any regrets from your time in office?

I'm not a person who has regrets about anything. I don't think it's very useful to have regrets. None of us are perfect, and we all do the very best we can. I have done the very best I can for the common good and for the health and welfare and public health of our nation. I am very proud of my service in Pennsylvania and here. What could be a more rewarding job, right?

Whats next for you?

Im going to go home to Central Pennsylvania. I'm going to take a long nap, rest and center myself, and then I'm going to consider what my next steps are.


Hilary Benn was behind the decision to pave the way for Gerry Adams to claim compensation, No 10 has said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the move to reverse provisions in the Troubles legislation barring the former Sinn Fein president from claiming a payout was taken by the Northern Ireland Secretary.

The Troubles Act, introduced by the Tories, originally denied Mr Adams and some 400 other Republicans from claiming compensation for their imprisonment during the 1970s.

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Labour decided to repeal the law last year after the High Court in Northern Ireland ruled that the legislation was incompatible with human rights laws.

Mr Benn said the decision to repeal the law underlined the Governments absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act.

Ministers decided not to appeal against the courts ruling despite warnings on Tuesday by 16 leading lawyers, former judges and ministers that it would reopen the door to a wave of meritless litigation relating to events dating back more than 50 years.

The 16, who included Lord West, the former Labour security minister, said in a report for Policy Exchange, a think tank, that hundreds of people who were lawfully detained for suspected involvement in terrorism could be paid compensation in an unjust and wasteful use of public money.

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Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, who represented Mr Adams on a separate damages claim by IRA victims, has refused to say whether he advised on dropping the appeal or repealing the legislation blocking his former client from claiming compensation.

Asked about whether Lord Hermer was involved in the decision, a No 10 spokesman said: Id stress that any decisions on the Legacy Act are taken by the Northern Ireland Secretary as the responsible department.

I appreciate the strong interest here but theres a long-standing law officers convention observed by successive governments that the substance of law officers advice to the Attorney General is not disclosed.

Victims of IRA atrocities have warned that it would be offensive and perverse to allow Mr Adams to claim compensation when they have been denied financial recompense.

Critics say potential payouts to the likes of Gerry Adams (centre) would be unjust and wasteful - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe

On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to find a way to block Mr Adams and other Republican detainees from claiming compensation, despite remaining committed to repealing the Troubles legislation. No 10 officials declined to say how he might achieve that ambition.

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Asked on Friday if the Prime Minister was concerned about having someone who had worked for Mr Adams working on the legislation, Sir Keirs official spokesman said: There is an established and rigorous system in place within the Attorney Generals office to ensure that law officers will not be consulted on any cases that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest.

Now thats because, by their experience and professional background, attorney generals will have by their very nature extensive legal backgrounds and theyve been involved in a wide number of varied cases.

Id just note that with regard to the Legacy Act specifically, those policy decisions are taken by the Northern Ireland Secretary, as the relevant department.

Jason McCue, who acted for the families of the Real IRAs 1998 Omagh bombing, said repealing sections 46 and 47 of the Troubles Act, which block the compensation, was perverse when other more worthy non-protagonist victims of the Troubles were being denied such funds.

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It would be foolish in the extreme to revoke 46/47 and thereby give Adams et al a pathway to compensation which would destabilise reconciliation within the legacy, he said.

Instead, he urged the Government to lodge an appeal to halt any court moves allowing compensation until it had drawn up a new Northern Irish Legacy Act, to replace the Tories Troubles Act.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office 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.

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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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In preparation for Inauguration Day (Jan. 20), workers assemble a structure in the U.S. Capitol rotunda on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images

President Donald Trumps second inauguration will be an indoor affair, as the temperature Monday in Washington, D.C., is expected to dip under 20 degrees, with a wind chill forecasted to make the weather feel like single digits.

Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. President inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and the inaugural parade will be staged in the Capitol One Arena. He is not the only president to move his inauguration indoors because of frigid conditions. It is expected to be the coldest Inauguration Day since 1985, when Ronald Reagan was sworn in for a second term in 7 degree weather. Like Trumps second inauguration, Reagans second swearing-in was held inside the Capitol rotunda, and the inaugural paradefeaturing an Alaskan dogsled pulled by 21 huskieswas cancelled.

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In 1909, William Taft took the oath of office inside the Senate chamber after a blizzard dropped nearly 10 inches of snow on D.C. But the parade was held outdoors, featuring 20,000 marchers.

I always knew it would be a cold day in hell when I became president, Taft quipped at the time, according to the Washington Post.

Some presidents have held inauguration events outside despite icy, cold temperatures, like President John F. Kennedy, who took the oath of office in 22-degree weather. Eight inches of snow had dropped unexpectedly the day prior paralyzing the D.C. area, according to the Washington Post. and the U.S. Army Engineers worked overtime to clear the snow in time for the ceremony and parade.

Trump urged anyone coming to see his inauguration to dress warmly, but also encouraged them to watch the events on television. As he posted Jan. 17 on the social networking site Truth Social, I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
STAR-ADVERTISER / MARCH 20 Merryl Iraha, director of sales and marketing for The Orchid Co., participated in 2024s show at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

STAR-ADVERTISER / MARCH 20 Merryl Iraha, director of sales and marketing for The Orchid Co., participated in 2024s show at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

The Hawai i Lodging & Tourism Association has announced that it plans to hold its fifth annual Hawai i Hotel & Restaurant Show in June.

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Organizers said the event, which is the official trade show of HLTA, will bring together vendors, service providers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, students and leaders in the hotel and restaurant industries and related service companies.

The 2025 show is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18-19 at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall & Arena. Admission is free, but HLTA said attendees must pre-register online and be approved prior to arrival.

Our goal is to deliver a dynamic expo that provides unparalleled value for exhibitors and attendees alike,  Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and CEO, said in a news release. This year, we are excited to continue our tradition of excellence with some standout features.

We are incredibly grateful to our major sponsors, Sysco Hawai i, Dominos Hawai i, CNHA and Avendra, as well as our longtime partner, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, for their continued support in making this event a success,  he said.

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Star-Advertiser President and Publisher Dennis Francis said, Working closely with our partners, Hawaiis newspaper is committed to facilitating business and serving our community. Our team is proud to assist HLTA in its efforts and pleased with the growth of this important industry event. The Hawai i Hotel & Restaurant Show is an all-inclusive resource bringing the best of Hawai i and the Pacific Rim together.

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For exhibitor information, attendee pre-registration and more details, go to, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, call Star Events at 808-529-4796.

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Gov. Hobbs delivers her State of the Tribal Nations address on Jan. 15, 2025, in Phoenix. Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation Council

As the new legislative year begins, Gov. Katie Hobbs is announcing her priorities for the state, which includes Arizonas 22 Tribal Nations, whose tribal lands make up 28% of the states land base and where Indigenous people make up 6% of the state population.

Our tribal communities are ignored so much, Hobbs said in an interview with The Arizona Mirror. She said that her commitment to working with tribes dates back to her work as Secretary of State when she worked to address voting barriers.

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I see it all the time; theyre brought to the table at the end of a discussion, Hobbs said, adding that when she became governor, she knew it would give her more ability to work with tribal communities.

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Arizonas tribes have continuously fought to have a seat at the table. Their contributions can be seen in state policies that have shaped Arizona, including access to voting rights, tribal gaming compacts, and negotiations for water rights.

When Hobbs took office, she said the states relationship with tribes was treated as if they were negotiating tradeoffs and more like what we can get from you, which is not how she likes to operate.

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Theres so many issues that are prevalent in the state  water, infrastructure  and they affect all communities, not just Maricopa County, Hobbs said, adding that having tribal representation at the table is critical.

Its not just about making sure that their needs are met, but what they can contribute to helping solve the problem as well, Hobbs said.

With the new legislation season starting and a presidential administration coming in, Hobbs said she wants to ensure she works with everyone on issues that are the right thing for Arizona and stand up to them when they are not.

Im gonna work hard to make sure that were not backtracking on any of the progress weve made, she added.

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In her second Tribal State of the State address, Hobbs highlighted her accomplishments, commitments, and priorities concerning Arizonas tribal nations.

She is one of the only sitting Arizona governors in recent years to have directly engaged with tribal nations during her State of the State addresses.

Hobbs speech aligned with the one she delivered on the Arizona House floor on Jan. 13, with an Arizona promise but with a focus on the states tribal nations.

Since I became governor, we have achieved much together by finding common ground, but we must do more, Hobbs said. As we go forward, let us work together to make that promise a reality today and for years to come.

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Hobbs gave her address to a room full of Indigenous leaders on Jan. 15 during the tribal leaders breakfast hosted by the Inter-Tribal Association of Arizona. The event kicks off the states Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.

Shes always been there as a support for tribal nations, Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley said of the governor, adding that she did some great work last legislative season and looks forward to collaborating with the state on important issues.

Some of the achievements Hobbs talked about included the continuation of the Governors Office on Tribal Relations, the signing of historic water settlements, supporting Native-owned small businesses, investments in education, food security and social services, veteran outreach, broadband expansion and infrastructure.

 I know this is not enough, but you can trust that, as long as I am governor, investing in tribal communities and closing these gaps will continue to be a priority, Hobbs said.

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Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said the Hobbs administration has incredible partnerships with tribes, which can be seen in the projects shes supported since taking office.

A project Lewis is proud to have partnered with Hobbs on is the widening of Interstate 10, specifically the 22 miles that pass through the Gila River Indian Community. Lewis said that previous attempts to fund the expansion often failed because the tribe and state didnt work together, but that changed.

This is the first time a sitting state governor and tribal that actually went and lobbied together, Lewis said, adding that they visited the Department of Transportation and the White House to advocate for the project.

Lewis said their work should be seen as a historic best practice for when tribes and state leadership collaborate to accomplish something that benefits both the tribe and state.

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Once completed, this project will ease congestion, improve safety and ensure this highly utilized corridor stays reliable for generations to come, Hobbs said in her speech.

Hobbs emphasized her commitments in her speech, which include missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, repatriation of Native American artifacts, supporting tribal healthcare, housing development and economic opportunities, establishing the sober living response fund and protecting water rights.

Addressing the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis has always been a priority for Indigenous communities across Arizona. When Hobbs took office, she signed an executive order to create an MMIP task force focused on identifying priorities and ways to address the crisis.

Hobbs said one of the biggest challenges she has heard about most related to MMIP is the trouble of raising awareness about a missing person before its too late.

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In Arizona, DPS issues an Amber Alert only when the missing individual is under 18 and meets five specific guidelines.

In 2023, more than 188,000 individuals went missing who did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, Hobbs said. These are mothers and fathers, neighbors and loved ones who are now lost because there is no alert code set up for them.

Hobbs said they know many Indigenous people who have gone missing in Arizona during the MMIP crisis have fallen into that category of not qualifying for an alert.

Theres no reason why they should not have an alert code, she said.

To address the issue, Hobbs said she is directing the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other key public safety agencies to collaborate on implementing the new Missing and Endangered Persons Alert Code for persons who do not meet the criteria for Amber Alerts.

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Tribal communities deserve to know that when their loved ones are missing, they have the same tools and resources available as everyone else, Hobbs said. I hope this will bring us one step closer to ending this crisis once and for all.

Rep. Teresa Martinez, whose district includes the Gila River Indian Community, is sponsoring House Bill 2281, which would create a missing Indigenous peoples alert system.

Another big issue affecting tribes in Arizona is the continued impact of the fraudulent sober living homes that have plagued the state and caused harm to thousands of Indigenous people.

Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes announced nearly two years ago that the state would take action to address the unregulated sober living home providers across the state.

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Hobbs said some of the states responses included implementing stricter provider enrollment, a humanitarian response, developing initiatives to combat waste, fraud, abuse, and exploitation, and legislation to bring transparency and accountability to Arizoans healthcare system.

I know that more work must be done, Hobbs said, which is why, as part of her Executive Budget, she includes $7 million to establish the Sober Living Home Tribal Response Fund at the Attorney Generals Office to assist tribes with the continued response to this crisis.

In consultation with all 22 federally recognized tribes in the state, the Attorney Generals Office will use these funds to mitigate the impact of the Sober Living Home crisis and assist in the creation and proliferation of culturally responsive behavioral health services for Indigenous Arizonans, she said.

Hobbs also laid out some of the other big priorities in her address to tribes, including proposing a $7 million investment to support the repatriation of Native American Human Remains and Artifacts from the Arizona State Museum, making the 12-month postpartum coverage permanent, distributing funding for broadband expansion projects within Indigenous communities, and upholding tribal sovereignty.

For tribal nations, realizing the Arizona Promise is impossible without respect for tribal sovereignty, which is not only a matter of justice but a foundation for preserving culture, strengthening communities, and building a future of shared prosperity, she said.

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Many scoffed at that term at the time but now, after all that has been revealed, the world realizes just how right Trump was. Another revelation just dawning on many people is that Joe Biden has been a "fake president." And not just in the last year or so, he's been a puppet from the start.

In his best days Biden never was anything but a liar, self-aggrandized braggart, plagiarist, and thief. He never accomplished anything during his time in the senate. He was a political hack in the true sense of the term and the only reason he was made vice president was to enhance Barak Obama's credibility with white working class voters based on the lie that "Scranton Joe" was a moderate blue collar guy who could be trusted. And that's the way he was sold to voters in 2020.

It was always obvious to me from the start that Biden absolutely was not in the driver's seat. He was controlled from the sidelines by political far left ideologs. This was in 2020, long before it became so clear that he had dementia. Joe Biden was nothing more than a part of the Democrat Washington, DC machine. He did what he was told. Yes, Joe Biden was a fake president. It only became more apparent as his dementia worsened.

Don't get me wrong. This doesn't absolve him of the policy failures and the domestic and foreign blunders of the past four years. He was a willing party to his fake presidency. I'm pretty sure he knew years ago that his role would be as the empty suit standing in front of the microphones and cameras mouthing the words written for him by the hidden people behind the scenes who were really in charge.

We probably may never know who exactly was calling the shots at the White House from 2021 through 2024. We can guess, but we'll never get all the names of the people involved. Oh, and by the way, these people are still at it. They are still doing damage in the name of our doddering simpleminded leader.

Those 37 death row commutations of murderers and the pardons (with the exception of Hunter Biden) were not chosen by Joe Biden. Neither were the 1,500 who were given clemency. And who do you think was behind the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros and Hilary Clinton and Pope Francis? Who was it that thought it would be perfect to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney? Biden didn't make these choices, but he was fine with them. He approved them. He signed them.

And don't forget it was only a week or so ago that the Biden administration announced that it is banning future offshore oil and gas activity across 625 million acres of the outer continental shelf, an area larger than the amount of land included in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. This will shut down future drilling along the East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, 250 million acres along the West Coast and 44 million acres of the Bering Sea along the Alaskan Coast.

And the damage continues. The Biden administration announced this past Tuesday that it was lifting Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Sen. Ted Cruz spoke out on it saying, "President Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list is unacceptable on its merits."

"Obama-Biden officials are continuing their legacy of closing out administrations with rank appeasement of the Cuban regime. They push these policies both because they believe in them and to undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress," Cruz said. "These moves do incredible damage to American national security and send a message to our adversaries that they can rely on outgoing Democrat administrations  and wait out pressure from Republican administrations  to continue engaging in terrorism and other aggression against Americans."

Whether it's Joe Biden himself or the puppet masters behind the curtain, the corrupt "Biden Administration" keeps doing what it can to get its Leftist agenda in place in spite of what the voters want. With just a few days to go until they are out, I believe I speak for most of the country in saying that it can't come soon enough.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
This article was originally published in New York Focus.

New York states 2.7 million students may soon have access to free school breakfast and lunch if a proposal by Governor Kathy Hochul makes it through this sessions budget negotiations.

Nearly one in five children in New York were food insecure in 2022  up significantly from the previous year  and research shows that students underperform when they are hungry, the governor said during her State of the State speech on Tuesday.

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It pains me as a mom to think of little kids stomachs growling while theyre in school while theyre supposed to be learning, Hochul said. In the wealthiest country in the world, this can no longer be tolerated.

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Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas have been pushing for a universal school meal program for the last three years, but the full proposal never made it through budget negotiations. The legislature did, however, provide funding to cover up to 90 percent of students, according to a representative from Gonzalez-Rojass office

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New York City, Albany, Rochester and Yonkers have their own universal free school meal programs. With President-elect Donald Trump vowing to reduce federal funding for school meals, a state program could fill in the remaining gaps.

Hochul estimated that free breakfast and lunch could save families as much as $1,600 per child per year. For the 2025-26 school year, the program is expected to cost $340 million, according to the governors office.

Among her other education-focused policy proposals, Hochul is also pushing to make community college free for students who enter certain fields, including teaching and nursing. The governor has also indicated that, as part of her executive budget, she will propose legislation to curb the use of smartphones at school, a move she has been considering for months.

Conspicuously absent from Hochuls speech was any mention of the Foundation Aid formula, which the state uses to distribute the majority of funding to schools. During last years State of the State, she noted that New York had set aside $24.9 billion for the program, fully funding it for the first time since its implementation in 2007.

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Last year, the state legislature also gave $2 million to the Rockefeller Institute to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the formula and suggest ways to improve it. The think tank released its final report in December, providing a list of recommendations that the governor and legislature can choose to implement  or not  during this years budget negotiations.

This story was originally published on New York Focus.
COURTESY POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY The Hokule a will be available for tours on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

COURTESY POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY The Hokule a will be available for tours on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

After four weeks in dry dock at Sand Island, the Hokule a, the Polynesian Voyaging Societys traditional voyaging canoe, returned to sea Wednesday and is resuming its Pae Aina Statewide Sail. On Saturday it will pull into Pearl Harbor for a week of school and community engagements.

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Volunteers came down to the Marine Education Training Center on Sand Island over the holiday season to repair and refurbish the world-famous canoe with a new coat of paint, lashing and some minor woodwork before continuing its statewide sail as its crew prepares for the boats 50th-birthday celebration March 8.

The Hokule a will arrive in Pearl Harbor on Saturday morning and will dock at 9 a.m. at the Rainbow Bay Marina, where a welcome ceremony will be performed.

Before its dry-dock stop, the Hokule a had spent four months sailing around the Hawaiian Islands for a statewide tour, with more than 20 community engagements, including a sail along Koolaupoko on Oahus Windward side, with stops at Heeia Kea Pier, Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo throughout December.

It also made a stop at Waimea Bay on Dec. 6 for the opening ceremony of The Eddie Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau, when the inaugural Eddie Aikau Foundation Kahiau Award was given to Hokule a captain and lifeguard Noland Keaulana.

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The Hokule a will be docked in Pearl Harbor from Saturday until Friday and host dockside tours for the public during its stay. After, it will continue its tour of the islands.

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The Hokule a will dock at 57 Arizona Memorial Drive.

The arrival and ceremony will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Public Dockside Canoe Tours will be held on :Sunday, 1-4 p.m.Monday, 2-5 p.m.Wednesday, 3-6 p.m.Thursday, 3-5 p.m.

After leaving Pearl Harbor, the Hokule a is scheduled to stop at the following ports, depending on weather and subject to change :Jan. 29-Feb 5 : Ko OlinaFeb. 6-8 : Poka iFeb. 9-14 : Maunalua (Hawaii Kai and Koko Marina )TBD : Hilo For the latest updates, visit and @hokuleacrew on, and.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  An emergency shelter will be opening Sunday in Holyoke for unhoused persons due to an impending snowstorm and expected extreme cold temperatures.

Persons in need of shelter can go to 51 Hamilton Street, through Kates Kitchen door in the back parking lot. The shelter will open at 5 p.m. Sunday and close at 7 a.m. Thursday. Persons must leave each morning by 8 a.m. It is handicapped accessible and for Holyoke residents only.

Snowstorm to hit Massachusetts Sunday ahead of below zero temperatures

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Donations of food and clean new or gently used clothing are being accepted.

Additional shelter services available in the city include the Center for Human Development (CHD), at 1515 Northampton Road (former Motel 6), contact: 413-302-5398; CHD Warming Center, 696 Dwight Street, Monday-Friday, 8 am  4 pm that offers food, phone charging, hygienic and emergency supplies and connect with case management; and CHD emergency weather hotel stays: Limited hotel rooms for unsheltered individuals during severe weather. Contact the CHD triage line: 413-867-0398.

This emergency shelter aims to ensure the safety and well-being of those without homes during severe weather conditions, said Jeff Trask, Holyokes Emergency Management Director. The designated location at 51 Hamilton Street will provide a secure space for individuals seeking shelter from the storm. The shelter will open its doors promptly at 5 p.m. each day, offering warmth and safety throughout the night until 7 a.m. It is imperative that all occupants exit the premises by 8 a.m. each day to allow for necessary preparations and ensure a smooth transition.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia said, This initiative underscores the City of Holyokes commitment to the welfare of its residents, particularly during challenging weather events. Collaboration with Providence Ministries/Kates Kitchen reinforces community support in times of need.

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For additional information or inquiries, contact the Holyoke Mayors Office, at 413-561-1600, or Emergency Management Department at the Holyoke Fire Department, at 413-534-2251.

Local News 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 WWLP.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Home Depot volunteers teamed up with St. Andrews STEM Academy students to build wooden furniture at the ToolBank USA warehouse.

The volunteer effort is one of many happening nationwide.

Our core value is giving back and we really care about giving back to our communities because our communities are what takes care of us and our veterans, Home Depot Store Manager Christopher Holland said.

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DeFuniak Springs cold weather shelter opens

Home Depot has a national partnership will ToolBank USA. ToolBank USA came to Panama City for disaster relief after Hurricane Michael.

We respond to natural disasters and we lend our tools at no cost to nonprofit organizations, government entities for organizations, and organizations with charitable intent that are going in to do the immediate response, ToolBank USA Director of Disaster Services Bill Hess said.

The Home Depot volunteers and St. Andrews Bay students paired up in groups as they began construction.

The furniture is made with local material from the Home Depot on 23rd Street. Students and volunteers cut the lumber, then followed an instruction manual to drill the pieces together.

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Volunteers built 14 wooden picnic tables and 14 benches for the Sims Retirement Center.

It took about 20 minutes for them to build each piece. After two hours of construction work, they made about 30 pieces of furniture.

Thats what today is about. Its not really so much about building the table, but its really about partnering with somebody else that they dont know and building a relationship and having a lot of fun and collaborating and learning something, Hess said.

State Attorney Office welcomes new felony prosecutor

Students interested in a career in construction learn valuable trade skills and see the positive impact that their skills have on the community.

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The great thing about the benches are going to go to our veterans to help them out so their families and everything can enjoy sitting time with them because where theyre at, they dont have the area to do that, Holland said.

ToolBank USA and Home Depot did a similar construction project with St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy students back in June.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
The Democratic Mayors Association will appoint Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb as the organization's next president during its meeting on Saturday, a source familiar told ABC News.

Representing the new coalition of Democratic up-and-comers, Bibb, who is Black and 37, has been labeled a "homegrown rising star." He will be succeeding Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

"Democratic Mayors are uniquely poised for this moment. We know how to lead, and we know how to get things done. Mayor Bibb is a proven leader of his city, and I know will do a fantastic job at the helm of the Democratic Mayors Association," Gallego said in a statement to ABC News.

PHOTO: Justin M. Bibb, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, speaks during South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2022. (Matthew Busch/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

Bibb will be overseeing the group, which reaches as many as 500 current and former mayors, at a time of reflection as the party looks to rebuild and recoup from its election losses and figure out who is best positioned to lead it as Donald Trump begins his second presidential term. The Democratic National Committee is also in the throes of selecting new leadership and will be electing a slate of officers on Feb. 1.

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(Martin O'Malley, a former Democratic mayor of Baltimore, is one of the leading candidates for DNC chair.)

As it moves forward, the party as a whole is looking to strike a balance between effectively messaging against Trump and Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, working with the incoming administration on issues key to the Democratic mayors' cities and reestablishing its brand with key facets of its base who turned to the GOP -- or stayed home -- last November.

"Over the next four years, Democratic mayors will play a pivotal role in communicating the Democratic Party's message, combating misinformation -- particularly about our cities, which Trump repeatedly attacks  and continuing to deliver results locally, keeping their communities safe and creating and connecting people to opportunity," a source familiar with the DMA's plans told ABC News.

In a recent interview with the Ohio-based news site Signal Cleveland, Bibb said he's uninterested in being part of any formal Trump "resistance."

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"I think Clevelanders and the American people are tired of 'the resistance,'" Bibb said. "They're tired of the bickering between Democrats and Republicans. They are tired of this left vs. right debate."

MORE: Democrats vie for top DNC job in first officer forum

For his part, Bibb said that despite uncertainty, the DMA, under his leadership, will move forward with "unity."

"While there is uncertainty and concern on the eve of the Inauguration, the Democratic Mayors Association is clear in its mission," Bibb said in a statement to ABC News. "We will stand together. We are going to deliver. We are going to move forward with positive action and real results. Our time is now."

PHOTO: Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego speaks during the Harris-Walz Campaign Election Eve rally and concert at the Celebrity theater in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 4, 2024. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Bibb is currently running for a second term as mayor.

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Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who served as a Biden and Harris campaign co-chairman, said the group is lucky to have Bibb at the helm.

"Nobody knows better than Democratic Mayors on how to deliver," Landrieu said in a statement. "Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. This work is more important now than ever, and we are lucky to have Mayor Bibb leading the way."

'Homegrown rising star': Justin Bibb tapped to lead Democratic Mayors Association originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem delivers her 2025 State of the State address to lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre on Jan. 14, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems advancement to the cusp of confirmation as a Trump cabinet secretary probably surprised some people who thought her career ended nine months ago with a notoriously disastrous book release.

Its no surprise to Noem, whos been thwarting predictions of her demise since her first statewide race 15 years ago.

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The biggest story of that campaign was a revelation of 20 speeding tickets on her driving record. It turned out to be the first of many scandals, controversies and negative headlines Noem would overcome on her climb to national prominence.

Following two hours of questioning Friday in a U.S. Senate committee hearing, all that stands between Noem and her appointment as secretary of Homeland Security is a vote by the full Senate. Thats anticipated sometime soon after President-elect Donald Trumps Monday inauguration.

Noem will then resign as South Dakotas governor and head to Washington, D.C., to lead an agency that oversees two of the most important issues to Trump and his millions of supporters: border security and immigration enforcement.

Its a high-risk appointment that could end in failure, or serve as a launching pad for a Republican presidential primary run in 2028 when Trump will be unable to seek office again due to term limits.

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In other words, its the kind of leap that the 53-year-old Noem has been taking ever since a family tragedy sparked her interest in politics more than three decades ago.

My whole life, Noem said in her infamous book last year, is about taking risks.

Defined by death and taxes

Noem inherited much of her risk-taking personality from her late father, Ron Arnold, a lifelong farmer and rancher. She remembers him as a hard-charging man of action, like a John Wayne movie character come to life.

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like him, she wrote in her earlier book, Not My First Rodeo.

One day in 1994, Arnold climbed to the top of a grain bin to break up a moldy crust atop the grain. An unseen cavity under the crust gave way, and he was sucked under multiple tons of corn. He suffocated while rescuers made frantic efforts to save him.

More about Kristi Noem

View South Dakota Searchlights Kristi Noem archive.

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As Noems family grieved, they were confronted with a federal estate tax of about $170,000 on her fathers $2 million estate. Much of the estates value was tied up in land, cattle, stored grain and equipment, plus loan debt, making it difficult for the family to pay the bill.

Tax experts said Arnold couldve avoided that outcome with an appropriately structured will. Noem called that fake news in 2017, telling a Courthouse News reporter, For a decade after a tragic farming accident took my dads life, the death tax impacted nearly every decision our family made.

Noems anger about the estate tax eventually motivated her to enter politics. She won a seat in the state House of Representatives in 2006 and served from 2007 until 2010.

That year, she entered a crowded Republican U.S. House field and won the primary election. She went on to beat incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin by 2 percentage points in the general election, overcoming the speeding-ticket revelation along the way.

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In Congress, Noem voted for legislation to weaken the estate tax, including the Tax Cut and Jobs Act that passed during Trumps first term in 2017. Among the laws provisions is a doubled estate tax exemption, so that individual estates worth up to $13.99 million can now avoid the tax. The law is scheduled to expire at the end of this year, but Trump and congressional Republicans hope to extend it.

Noem said she was instrumental in crafting the 2017 legislation. The impact on her political stature was evident in a photo of a White House event celebrating the bills passage. Among dozens of members of Congress standing behind Trump, she scored a prime spot near the middle of the frame, over the shoulders of the vice president and the Senate majority leader.

To Congress and back

After four terms in the U.S. House, Noem turned her attention back to South Dakota in 2018, where the states then-governor was term-limited. Noems husband, Bryon, and her three children had remained in South Dakota throughout her time in Congress, while she flew back and forth frequently and slept on a pullout bed in her congressional office.

Whenever Bryon and the kids were in town, we blew up air mattresses and threw down quilts and basically had slumber parties as a family, Noem wrote in her first book.

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She defeated South Dakotas attorney general in a Republican gubernatorial primary, and then attracted Trump to the state for a fundraiser in the fall. That helped propel her to a three-point general election victory over Democratic legislator Billie Sutton, a popular former rodeo cowboy.

My whole life is about taking risks.

 South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, in her book, 'No Going Back'

Noem took office in January 2019 as South Dakotas first female governor. A little more than a year into her first term, South Dakota detected its first COVID-19 cases.

Noem often says, as she did last week in her State of the State speech, that South Dakota was the only state that never forced a business or church to close. That simple description obscures a complicated reality.

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In the early weeks of the pandemic, Noem advised South Dakota schools to close for the remainder of the 2020 school year, and they complied.

Beyond that, her early approach to pandemic restrictions was ambiguous. In March 2020, she issued an executive order listing 20 things South Dakotans should do: People should engage in social distancing, businesses should prevent customers from congregating in close quarters, health-care facilities should postpone elective surgeries, and so on.

Reporters asked Noem to explain whether she was issuing orders or making suggestions. She refused to clarify and fell back on the word should 13 times during a 12-minute press conference.

I am telling them what they should be doing in this state, she said during one exchange.

Pandemic fame

As the pandemic wore on and the country fractured over conflicting views about the usefulness of shutdowns and mask mandates, Noem grew vocally opposed to both and became a national lightning rod. She racked up social media followers and began appearing on right-leaning news talk shows, where she boasted about the comparative strength of South Dakotas economy thanks to her hands-off approach. Meanwhile, the states COVID-19 death rate soared so high that it briefly ranked among the worlds worst.

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In July 2020, Noem leveraged her relationship with Trump to win authorization for a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The National Park Service had stopped allowing fireworks there more than a decade earlier, due in part to concerns about embers sparking wildfires in the surrounding forest.

Trump flew in and spoke at the event, which was attended by thousands of people and was broadcast live by national media outlets. The event drew praise as a defiant example of resistance to pandemic restrictions, and criticism as an irresponsibly large gathering at a time when health officials were encouraging social distancing.

Noem doubled down a month later by encouraging people from around the country to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which ignited a similarly divisive response and more national coverage.

By the fall of 2020, Noems national profile had risen so much that she was traveling the country campaigning for Trumps reelection. He lost, but she went on to win her own reelection in 2022 by a comfortable margin, setting the stage for yet another Trump visit to South Dakota in 2023. Noem announced her endorsement of Trump at that rally, fueling speculation that she could be his running mate in 2024.

Book debacle

Talk of Noem as a vice presidential candidate ended abruptly in April. The Guardian obtained an advance copy of her second book, No Going Back, and revealed passages she wrote about fatally shooting a misbehaving hunting dog and an unruly goat. The Dakota Scout, a South Dakota media outlet, challenged Noems claim in the book that she had met North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, and she retracted it.

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Noem became a subject of national scorn and ridicule for weeks. In interview after interview during a national book tour, she said her decisions to shoot the dog and the goat were evidence that she could do difficult things. She said the fake news was leaving out important facts and spinning the stories in a negative light.

Most politicians will run from the truth, Noem told Fox News. They will shy away and hide from making tough decisions. I dont do either of those.

When pressed to explain how an ultimately retracted anecdote about meeting Kim Jong Un got into her book, she repeatedly said she took it out as soon as it was brought to my attention (shed been assisted by a ghostwriter). When pressed further, she refused to elaborate, saying she wouldnt discuss her conversations with world leaders.

Late-night television hosts had a field day cracking jokes about Noem in their monologues. Saturday Night Live mocked her. Yet, less than three months later, she was given a speaking slot during the Republican National Convention.

No surrender

The week after Trump won the general election, he announced Noem as his pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Shed spent much of the prior year positioning herself as an outspoken critic of the Biden administrations border policies.

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That included deploying National Guard troops to assist Texas with border security and calling a joint session of the Legislature to deliver a speech about it. In that speech last year, Noem claimed Mexican drug cartel activity was rampant on Native American reservations in South Dakota. Her repeated use of similar rhetoric eventually motivated leaders of all nine Native American tribes in the state to ban her from their lands (at least one tribe recently retracted its ban).

The tribal banishments were among many controversies Noem endured during her time as governor. Other memorable dustups included accusations that she misused a state airplane for personal and political purposes, improperly intervened to help her daughter obtain an appraisers license, and mismanaged a flood that ravaged a small community while she flew away to a political fundraiser. She also suffered multiple published allegations of an extramarital affair with former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, which she denied.

Her first book included a statement of the philosophy thats gotten her through those and other difficulties, and the attitude shell bring to Washington.

My mom will tell you that from the time I was a little girl, every battle I got in was an epic struggle for victory, Noem wrote. Surrender was not an option.

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Jan. 16MORGANTOWN  Hope Gas' proposal to abandon its Red Lines and convert about 479 customers to propane or electricity took a significant turn this week. Hope announced an arrangement with Diversified Midstream for Diversified to acquire the Red Lines.

Hope told The Dominion Post in an email exchange, that the agreement resulted from what Hope learned at three town hall meetings held in early December. "This agreement will mean those Red Lines are not decommissioned as proposed in Hope's original filing. As a result, producers will retain the ability to transport their gas on these lines and royalty owners will continue to see the benefits of their arrangements with producers."

The amended proposal awaits PSC approval.

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Hope submitted an amended filing to the Public Service Commission and contacted The Dominion Post on Thursday, and answered some questions about the new direction on Friday.

Hope told The Dominion Post, "This amended filing does not change Hope's proposed plan to potentially convert approximately 479 customers to propane. Upon PSC approval, Hope Gas will meet with each of these customers individually to consider their specific situation. In some cases, natural gas pipelines may be close by. In those cases, Hope Gas will transfer the customer's service to the nearby natural gas pipeline instead of converting the home to propane."

Based on the amended filing, Hope said it wants customers to know: [BEGIN LIST ]

Royalty owners along the Red Lines will continue to see the benefits of their arrangements with producers.

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Producers who use the Red Lines to transport gas will have an outlet and market for their gas.

Hope Gas customers who received communication from Hope Gas about this project will be met with individually to assess their specific situation. These direct consultations will be scheduled with the customers only if and after the PSC approves the project.

Any Hope Gas customers who have not been directly contacted about this project are not affected.

[END LIST ]

Diversified Midstream is a subsidiary of Diversified Energy. Diversified's affiliate companies, Hope told the PSC, own and produce more than more than 32 % of the natural and and operate 44 % of the production meters along the Red Lines.

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Hope had originally proposed to abandon in place or transfer to other companies the Red Lines, which it previously acquired from Equitrans and Dominion Gathering and Processing. Hope bought about 3, 000 miles of pipeline, it said, with about 14, 800 farm-tap customers.

About 1, 069 miles are no longer necessary or useful, Hope said, and that providing safe, reliable, economic service to the farm-tap customers along those lines is in jeopardy because existing service "is either unsafe, unreliable, uneconomical, or any combination of the three."

The full number of potentially affected customers cited in prior filings and news stories was 629, but Hope clarified on Friday that the additional 150 customers are not associated with Red Lines ; they are part of a group of Hope customers connected to third party gathering pipelines. "Hope does not plan to move forward converting these customers unless we experience issues with service reliability to those customers."

Hope told the PSC that while it reached out to a number of producers, but only Diversified "sincerely engaged " in discussions.

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Alabama-based Diversified operates about 67, 000 wells across the Appalachian basin: conventional and unconventional natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil producing wells. It's the single-largest well operator in West Virginia, with more than 23, 000 conventional wells across the state, including Monongalia, Preston and Marion counties. Diversified also operates 17, 000 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines and a network of compression stations and processing facilities.

Hope told the PSC on Thursday that Diversified has made millions of dollars worth of charitable contributions and has paid a total $24 million in state severance taxes in 2023 and 2024.

Hope reiterated some of the reasons it wants to transfer the Red Lines in its Thursday filing. Among them is the expense: about $11 million per year to operate and maintain the lines. It would take three to five years to convert all the affected customers to propane, costing $33 million to $55 million. The estimated replacement cost is $600 million.

"For Hope, continuing to incur the increasing costs to operate and maintain the Red Lines (and potential capital investment to replace them as required over time) is a significant, increasing expense that Hope's customers ... should not continue to bear over the long term, " it said.

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Hope notes that Diversified is aware of the expense and is stepping forward nonetheless. "Diversified, not Hope and its customers, will take over the cost to operate and maintain the Red Lines upon closing."

Hope is asking the PSC for an order no later than March 1, subject to the processes and procedures Hope spelled out in a Dec. 17 filing (reported on at length here). Hope told the PSC it plans to convert all the affected farm tap customers to propane (or electricity service from another provider, if they prefer) within two years of closing the transaction.

In the meantime, the agreement indicates, Diversified will cooperate with Hope to ensure reliable service for all the affected customers, including adequate pressure and volume.
When Brittany Watts began bleeding at 21 weeks pregnant, she went to her local hospital seeking help. Instead, she was repeatedly denied treatment. When she miscarried at home, hospital staff accused Watts of deliberately harming her fetus, and Watts was eventually arrested and charged with a felony.

While a grand jury later declined to indict Watts, she filed a lawsuit earlier this month, accusing hospital employees of fabricating evidence that she had harmed her baby and failing to properly treat her miscarriage symptoms.

On September 19, 2023, Watts went to St. Joseph Warren Hospital in Warren, Ohio, after she had begun experiencing pain and bleeding. Doctors told her she had experienced a placental abruption, an extremely dangerous condition in which the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. But instead of receiving treatment, Watts waited for eight hours without care or information about her condition.

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According to Watts' lawsuit, she eventually went home and rapidly declined by the following morning. When she returned to the hospital, she was told that her water had broken, her cervix was dilated, and an infection had started. Her doctor allegedly told her that she risked "hemorrhaging, sepsis, and death" unless her fetus was removed.

Once again, instead of inducing labor or performing a dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure, doctors left Watts to languish without treatmentleaving her untreated for more than 10 hours. Watts once again returned home.

According to her lawsuit, Watts eventually miscarried in her toilet at home on September 22. The baby had already died, and Watts claims she didn't realize she had passed her fetus because it was obscured by a considerable volume of tissue, blood, and clots.

"Confronted with this bloody mess, Ms. Watts did what was reasonable: she flushed the toilet. The toilet began overflowing," the suit states. "Ms. Watts did her best to clear the toilet, removing some of the bloody mess with a bucket."

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Watts yet again returned to the hospital seeking care. This time, instead of merely ignoring her needs for care, Watts found herself falsely accused of committing a crime. According to the suit, a nurse called the police and "falsely told them that Ms. Watts had given birth at home, did not want the baby and so did not look to see if it were alive, and had come to the hospital without the baby." The suit adds that the nurse "falsely suggested the baby could be alive and that Ms. Watts may have done something wrong or illegal."

As Watts awaited treatment, a nurse and a police detective, "conspired to interrogate Ms. Watts and accuse her of harming the fetus," the suit claims. "They worked together to fabricate evidence to falsely implicate Ms. Watts in criminal conduct. They knowingly created reports and hospital notes that contained blatantly false information. As a result, Ms. Watts was arrested and charged with a felony: abuse of a corpse. She faced a year in prison for simply having a miscarriage at home."

The suit further claims that the police detective "later provided flatly false information in police reports, including that Ms. Watts had seen and touched the fetus, writing that she told him she had 'taken the fetus out of the toilet and placed it in a black bucket.'"

While Watts was later cleared of wrongdoing, her case is still a terrifying example of alleged medical malpractice and police abuse.

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"It's a shocking case," Julia Rickert, Watts' Attorney, told WFMJ, a local news station. "She was in the hospital for several days following the miscarriage, a hospital stay that could've been avoided if she had gotten proper care when she was at the hospital pre-miscarriage,"

"Ms.Watts was in a medical crisis, an emotional crisis and the people who should have been looking out for her, more than anyone else, the medical professionals, and police officers instead persecuted her," Ricket added.

The post Hospital Staff Failed To Treat Her Miscarriage, Then Accused Her of a Crime appeared first on Reason.com.
A demonstrator raises a placard calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza in front of the defence ministry in Tel Aviv on Jan. 14, 2025. Credit - Jack GuezAFP/Getty Images

For 467 days, millions of Israelis were yearning for Wednesdays announcement that Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The agreement is expected to see 33 Israelis in Gaza freed in the first 42-day phase, which starts on Sunday. The rest will follow if a permanent end to the fighting comes in the second phase. The news was the first sign of hope in over 13 months, since the only brief ceasefire to date ended in December 2023, when nearly half of the hostages Hamas kidnapped on Oct. 7 returned home.

Yet there were no fireworks in Israel on Wednesday evening. Two hours after the news broke, Israeli volunteers in Hostage Squarethe Tel Aviv plaza that has become a de facto encampment for hostage vigils, installations, and demonstrationslooked relieved but strained. All the happiness is also sadness; its not even happy, said Arnon Cohen, who grew up in Nahal Oz, a kibbutz near Gaza that was among the hardest hit on Oct. 7.

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Cohen sat in a tent with a small group of his childhood friends, now in their late 40s and early 50s, who spoke of relief, anticipation, fear, exhaustion, and confusion. Would the first batch of hostages include their loved ones? Which ones are no longer alive, and will the second phase, with further hostage release, ever materialize? No one knows.

Read More: Parents of Slain Hostages Know 'Deals' Are Precarious

But one person in Israel should have been very pleased: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After Hamas committed the most disastrous attack in Israels history on his watch, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping some 250 more, his public standing looked ruined. His approval ratings tanked. But by April 2024, those figures began to creep back up as Israel and Iran traded fire and Tel Aviv went on the offensive against Hezbollah. For Israelis, success on the battlefield restored a sense of strength, and Netanyahu reaped the credit.

Also, for a second time in his career, he outlasted a Democratic U.S. President that Israelis were told was insufficiently indulgent of Israel, and was rewarded with the November victory of Donald Trump, who Israelis resoundingly support in surveys.

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Yet the public remained furious over the hostages left in Gaza. With each agonizing wave of failed negotiations over their release, they increasingly blamed Netanyahu for avoiding a deal. Daily vigils and Saturday evening demonstrations around the country grew large. Posters of the missing and Bring them Home slogans and symbols became ubiquitous, with yellow pins adorning lapels everywhere. Now! transformed into a national call, and doubled as a bitter anti-government epithet.

A deal should be a political win for Netanyahu. But he does not seem pleased. The agreement announced on Wednesday closely tracks the one hammered out last May by the Biden team, which Netanyahu steadfastly avoided, to be sure with help from Hamas. For days, he tried everything. He denied that specific points of agreement had been reached. He hedged on the finality of the deal. He accused Hamas of reneging on details. He dramatically postponed the governments obligatory vote on the agreement. Then, finally, he confirmed on Friday the deal would go ahead.

The problem for Netanyahu is Netanyahu. Consumed by the desire to stay in power, he has been wedged between overwhelming public demand for the hostages to be released, and those who keep him in powerhis coalition partners.

These partners include a fanatic coterie of ministers from the Religious Zionist and Jewish Power parties. They would rather diemore accurately, they would rather hostages, soldiers, and Palestinians diethan lose the opportunity to conquer Gaza and rebuild settlements, which they cannot do if the war ends. The West Bank is already almost annexed. Israel is occupying sovereign territory in Syria that might meet the same fate.

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Netanyahu managed to seal his eyes, ears, and conscience against Israelis begging for mercy for their loved ones in Gaza all year, to keep these ministers at his side. Hes also not fundamentally opposed to their agenda; it was Netanyahu who engineered these parties electoral success and their prominent role in his government.

Enter Trump, the one person who both has leverage over Netanyahu (like every U.S. President) and seems willing to use it. Trump apparently turned up the heat for a ceasefire deal, and Netanyahu faced a new source of pressure.

Read More: A Gaza Ceasefire Is Here. Why Did It Take So Long?

Netanyahu now stands to win a spike in public support as hostages come home. But its the second phase of the deala permanent end to the war in Gazathat his coalition partners find intolerable. Maybe at that point they will topple the government.

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But its never quite over for Netanyahu, who always seems to have an escape route. The deal is extremely precarious and each phase is conditional on the previous one. But he may be tempted to see it through. Trump might conceivably bring a Saudi normalization deal, perhaps a green light to annex some settlements in the West Bank, or a freer hand against Iran.

In such a case Netanyahu could both reap some gain from the public for getting back hostages, while shoring up his base and political partners and coast along until the next scheduled elections in 2026.

The only certainty is that Netanyahu cares far more about his own political calculus than he ever cared about the hostagesor any victim of this war.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
(Bloomberg) -- The Yemen-based Houthis signaled a pause in their months-long attacks on commercial ships following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

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In his first comments since the Gaza truce accord was announced on Wednesday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi said that the group would follow the agreement, suggesting a halt in its campaign on vessels and on Israel. Still, he left the door open for resuming the attacks, which would likely mean shipping firms will remain very cautious of returning to the Red Sea.

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We will continue to follow the stages of implementing the agreement, Al-Houthi said in a speech Thursday. Any Israeli breach, massacre, or siege  we will be immediately ready to provide military support to Palestinians. He didnt clarify if he was referring to attacks on Israel or on ships.

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Ship owners and insurers have been waiting for the Houthis to signal their intent in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following months of missile and drone firings that have sunk some vessels, damaged many and forced a large majority to avoid the crucial trade route altogether. The Houthis and Israel have also been hitting each other directly.

The US-supported Gaza agreement is meant to start on Sunday, though that depends on Israels security cabinet approving it on Friday.

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The Houthis, an Islamist group thats designated as terrorists by the US and is backed by Iran, started their attacks in late 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians as the Israel-Hamas war raged. They said theyd continue until fighting ended.

Most Western-linked container ships have over the past year chosen to take the much longer route around southern Africa when sailing between Asia and Europe, and kept clear of the Red Sea. Thats squeezed global shipping capacity, lifting freight rates and boosted the earnings of carriers like Mitsui OSK.

Container-shipping giants A.P. Moller Maersk A/S and Hapag-Lloyd AG last year announced a vessel-sharing partnership for the alternative route.

The shipping disruptions are underscored by Egypt saying its revenue from the Suez Canal dropped by at least $7 billion, or around 60%, last year.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Howland-native model and actor has pleaded guilty to amended charges.

Read next: Man wanted on secret rape indictment arrested after chase

Chris Zylka entered the plea to two misdemeanor assault charges in Warren Municipal Court Friday. The charges were amended from felony assault and attempt to commit an offense. Other misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated menacing were dismissed.



The charges stem from a December ordeal where Zylka was accused of struggling with police and trying to get into a womans car after stopping her in traffic.



Zylka was given a 180-day suspended jail sentence, ordered to pay a fine, and placed on probation for two years. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim in the case.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is urging drivers to be careful in a dangerous intersection, as they notice a sharp rise in accidents.

This comes as the intersection of Memorial Parkway and Mastin Lake Road is undergoing some major construction.

City of Huntsville provides update on Derrick Street homeless camp clean up

HPD North Precinct Captain, Tony McElyea, told News 19 that there have been 15 accidents at that intersection since December 15th. He said 5 of those accidents produced injuries and one resulted in a death.

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HPD said most of the accidents follow a pattern of northbound Memorial Parkway drivers attempting to make a left onto Mastin Lake Road, despite multiple road signs alerting drivers that they cannot make a lefthand turn at that intersection.

The majority of the accidents, of that 15, have been illegal left turns, McElyea said.

He said that drivers are being t-boned in the intersection because other drivers dont see them coming.

Unfortunately once you make that turn, the people that are northbound or southbound, depending on which direction youre turning, they cant see you until you get in the intersection, McElyea said. Its already too late at that point.

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Missing Huntsville realtor was last seen leaving liqour store with 2 women

Right now the intersection is undergoing a major overhaul, as the Alabama Department of Transportation is working to build an overpass on Memorial Parkway over the Mastin Lake Road intersection.

Its a very dangerous intersection right now with the construction they have going on, McElyea said.

News 19 spoke to some drivers who agreed.

I travel back and forth periodically throughout the day, throughout the week said Tkayceon McCarroll. Its terrible.

McCarroll said between traveling to work at a nearby shopping center and getting to class at Alabama A&M University, shes seen a lot of the ongoing construction at the intersection. She said the traffic flow is constantly changing because of the construction.

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Its kind of confusing because literally every day it changes, she said.

McCarroll said with the constant lane shifts, its hard for drivers to not get confused in the intersection.

I feel like there would be less accidents if people pay attention to the signs because there are signs, she said. But at the same time, every day is a different route.

McCarroll said her best advice to drivers in that area is to pay as much attention as you can.

Literally right, left, back, front you have got to pay attention, she said. You have to take your time.

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MCSO says agencies are waiting for more info on 3 found dead after house fire

HPD echoes McCarrolls advice.

Just be cognizant of that intersection, McElya said. He urges drivers to plan a different route if they can and to be careful if they cant.

He said if you are traveling northbound on Memorial Parkway and need to make a left on Mastin Lake, go past the stop light and turn around at the next intersection.

McElyea said HPD is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on an updated safety plan for the intersection. In the meantime, HPD has stepped up patrols in the area. He said HPD is in that intersection to educate, to enforce, to try to give a presence, to remind people, hey, I probably shouldnt turn here.

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McElyea said since December 1st, HPD has issued 200 citations to drivers making illegal lefthand turns in the intersection.

ALDOT estimates the overpass construction will be finished by the Spring of 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
A fire broke out at California's Moss Landing Power Plant on Thursday.

The plant, said in 2023 to be the world's largest, stores energy for the California grid.

40% of the battery plant was burned, officials said, terming it a "disaster."

A major fire broke out Thursday at one of the world's largest battery storage plants.

The facility  in Moss Landing in northern California  stores energy for general use as part of the state grid and is a significant part of California's clean energy efforts.

Officials in Monterey County said it caught fire Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders for over 2,000 people. County officials said at a press conference Friday that the fire caused no injuries or deaths and that most of the fire is now extinguished.

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North County Fire Protection District Chief Joel Mendoza said at the press conference that every battery rack inside the facility has a "fire suppression system," but it wasn't enough.

"In other incidents that we've had, that system has worked perfectly," Mendoza said. "In this particular case, that system was not sufficient. It was overridden and that led to fire overtaking the system and eventually overtaking the entire building."

Ali Rangwala, the director of the explosion protection engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, told Business Insider that lithium-ion batteries, being a high-energy-density fuel, present a possibility of an explosion hazard.

"Besides toxic gases, batteries also off-gas  or release  hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc," Ranwala said in an email to Business Insider. "These gases, if confined and ignited, can pose an explosion hazard. This could propel fragments over large distances, depending on fuel load."

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Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said at the press conference that the incident was "more than just a fire."

"It's really a wake-up call for this industry, and if we're going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have a safer battery system in place," Church told reporters.

Church said the fire is the fourth at the site since 2019.

"There are two battery operations going on there, and both of them have had fires, and this has got to be the last one," Church said.

The facility is operated by Vistra Energy, a Fortune 500 firm based in Irving, Texas. It serves some 4 million residential and commercial customers across 20 states.

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Although its stock price was down just over 5% in premarket trading on Friday, it has soared more than 330% in the past 12 months, valuing it at $59 billion.

One of the batteries at Moss Landing, the Elkhorn Battery, was built in partnership with Tesla.

The system uses Tesla Megapack battery units, which contain lithium-ion batteries and power conversion equipment, and has a capacity of 730 megawatt hours of energy storage.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on X that any insinuation that the fire is related to Tesla is "false."

"This fire has nothing to do with Tesla and our Megapacks are operating well," Musk wrote.

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Vistra Director of Community Affairs Brad Watson said at the press conference that the company is hiring an outside consultant to help with air quality testing in the area around the fire in addition to testing by the local government and the EPA.

"Safety is our top priority, and we've heard the comments, last night and this morning, from residents and officials, about the concern about air quality from what happened at our facility," Watson said.

In a press release announcing the plant's expansion in 2023, Texas-based Vistra Energy said it was one of the world's largest battery storage plants.

The site has experienced problems before. In 2015, a transmission tower at the power plant collapsed, resulting in a significant power outage.

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A failing heat detector also damaged the battery complex in 2021, and in 2022, a fire broke out at a nearby Pacific Gas & Electric-owned battery plant.

Church said that the expansion of renewable energy in Monterey County "needs to be safe" and that he had been "personally assured" that the kind of fire that broke out Thursday would not happen at the facility.

"There were safety protocols in place," Church said. "Well, obviously, that failed. And I think that just shows the nature that nobody knows really what we're dealing with here in this technology, and as the importance of it is, we got to learn a lot more about it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Picturing how our species might appear in the far future often invites wild speculation over stand-out features such as height, brain size, and skin complexion. Yet subtle shifts in our anatomy today demonstrate how unpredictable evolution can be.

Take something as mundane as an extra blood vessel in our arms, which going by current trends could be commonplace within just a few generations.

An artery that temporarily runs down the center of our forearms while we're still in the womb isn't vanishing as often as it used to, according to a study published in 2020 from researchers at Flinders University and the University of Adelaide in Australia.

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That means there are more adults than ever with what amounts to be an extra channel of vascular tissue flowing under their wrist.

"Since the 18th century, anatomists have been studying the prevalence of this artery in adults and our study shows it's clearly increasing," Flinders University anatomist Teghan Lucas explained in 2020.

"The prevalence was around 10 percent in people born in the mid-1880s compared to 30 percent in those born in the late 20th century, so that's a significant increase in a fairly short period of time, when it comes to evolution."

The median artery forms fairly early in development in all humans, transporting blood down the center of our arms to feed our growing hands.

Three major arteries in the forearm  median in the center. (ilbusca/Digital Vision Vectors/Getty Images)

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At around eight weeks, it usually regresses, leaving the task to two other vessels  the radial (which we can feel when we take a person's pulse) and the ulnar arteries.

Anatomists have known for some time that this withering away of the median artery isn't a guarantee. In some cases, it hangs around for another month or so.

Sometimes we're born with it still pumping away, feeding either just the forearm, or in some cases the hand as well.

To compare the prevalence of this persistent blood channel, Lucas and colleagues Maciej Henneberg and Jaliya Kumaratilake from the University of Adelaide examined 80 limbs from cadavers, all donated by Australians of European descent.

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The donors ranged from 51 to 101 on passing, which means they were nearly all born in the first half of the 20th century.

Noting down how often they found a chunky median artery capable of carrying a good supply of blood, the research team compared the figures with records dug out of a literature search, taking into account tallies that could over-represent the vessel's appearance.

Their results were published in the Journal of Anatomy.

The fact the artery seems to be three times as common in adults today as it was more than a century ago is a startling find that suggests natural selection is favoring those who hold onto this extra bit of bloody supply.

Graph of one set of analyses predicts increase in prevalence of the median artery. (Lucas et al., Journal of Anatomy, 2020)

"This increase could have resulted from mutations of genes involved in median artery development or health problems in mothers during pregnancy, or both actually," said Lucas.

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We might imagine having a persistent median artery could give dexterous fingers or strong forearms a dependable boost of blood long after we're born. Yet having one also puts us at a greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, an uncomfortable condition that makes us less able to use our hands.

Nailing down the kinds of factors that play a major role in the processes selecting for a persistent median artery will require a lot more sleuthing.

Whatever they might be, it's likely we'll continue to see more of these vessels, the research suggests.

"If this trend continues, a majority of people will have median artery of the forearm by 2100," said Lucas.

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This rapid rise of the median artery in adults isn't unlike the reappearance of a knee bone called the fabella, which is also three times more common today than it was a century ago.

As small as these differences are, tiny microevolutionary changes add up to large-scale variations that come to define a species.

Together they create new pressures themselves, putting us on new paths of health and disease that right now we might find hard to imagine today.

This research was published in the Journal of Anatomy.

An earlier version of this article was published in October 2020.

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28/22 NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  Human trafficking is a crime hidden in plain sight happening all across the country.

Many people know the general definition of what it is but for 31-year-old Lacey Goldsmith its a horrific part of her life story dating back to 2015.

I spent two and a half years being trafficked in between Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. . . . Going through you know just some unspeakable things with where I was subjected, the violence.

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Organizations stepping up to help following EBT skimming

28/22 News first met Goldsmith back in 2022 where she spoke about a sting operation by the Monroe County District Attorneys office that freed her from her trafficker in 2018.

At the time she was still adjusting to being reunited with her family, but she says she continues to share her story so nobody else goes through what she experienced.

Everybody thinks, Oh yeah, these girls are potentially on drugs. Theyre this, theyre that, and I was not on drugs and I was definitely not the stereotypical human trafficking victim that people think of.

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Goldsmiths trafficker used the tactic of grooming, where they build trust in order to manipulate victims.

She became pregnant during those years. Her trafficker used her newborn child as a way to keep her from leaving.

I did have quite a few hospital visits, I had interactions with law enforcement, and then you know between the hotel hopping and just the fact that he isolated me from any of the other patrons at the hotels, you know just the traffic in and out of the rooms.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and as a mom to a 12, 7, and 3-year-old, Goldsmith says everyone needs to have conversations about trafficking, stating that technology is also a huge factor for kids.

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In the whole scheme of him being 12 years old and the internet, its so easy for somebody to say, oh, youre this age from here? Oh me too, we should meet up.

Prioritizing her family and stable job, Goldsmith says shell continue to spread awareness.

I was your typical small-town girl. Had a great childhood and it, you know, happened to me, so it can definitely happen to anybody.

If you suspect someone you know is being trafficked you can call the National human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Since its inception, it has identified more than 100-thousand cases of human trafficking. With nearly 200,000 victims involved.

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GREENWOOD, S.C. (WSPA)  The Humane Society of Greenwood will be hosting a free vaccination and microchipping clinic on Monday, hosted by Petco Love and Banfield Foundation.

The clinic will be held at 2820 Airport Road in Greenwood, SC 29649, on Monday, January 20. It will be hosted from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The humane society asks to arrive no earlier than 12:30 p.m. and no later than 1:30 p.m.

The humane shelter is also asking for donations including two rolls of paper towels, a ream of copy paper, and/or dog treats.

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If youd like to participate and get your furry friend caught up on their vaccinations, you can preregister here. There is a two animal per household limit and submit one form per animal.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A fire at the worlds largest battery storage plant in Northern California smoldered Friday after sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere, leading to the evacuation of up to 1,500 people. The blaze also shook up the young battery storage industry.

The fire at the Vistra Energy lithium battery plant in Moss Landing generated huge flames and significant amounts of smoke Thursday but had diminished significantly by Friday, Fire Chief Joel Mendoza of the North County Fire Protection District of Monterey County said. Vistra is based in Texas.

Theres very little, if any, of a plume emitting from that building, Mendoza said. Crews are not engaging with the fire and are waiting for it to burn out, he said. Letting lithium-ion battery fires burn out is not unusual because they burn very hot and are hard to put out.

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No injuries have been reported but residents raised concerns about hazardous gases being released into the air.

The fallout from the fire at the battery storage facility about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of San Francisco was just beginning.

This is more than a fire, this a wake-up call for the industry. If were going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have a safe battery system in place, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said at a Friday morning briefing.

Battery storage is considered crucial for feeding clean electricity onto the grid when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing, and it has been used in significant amounts only in the last couple of years. But the batteries are nearly all lithium, which has a tendency toward thermal runaway, meaning it can catch fire and burn very hot, releasing toxic gases.

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Vistra sells energy to Pacific Gas & Electric, one of the nations largest utilities.

The blaze did not spread beyond the facility, according to Monterey County spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli. Evacuation orders for from 1,200 to 1,500 people were lifted Friday evening after officials confirmed there was no threat to human health, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. But residents were advised to close their windows and turn off their air conditioning.

Theres no way to sugar coat it. This is a disaster, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church told KSBW-TV.

Brad Watson, Vistras senior director of community affairs, said the Environmental Protection Agency is testing air quality at the facility and that the company has hired an air consultant to check for pollution in nearby communities. Vistra will share the results when they are available, Watson said.

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Kelsey Scanlon, director of Monterey Countys Department of Emergency Management, told reporters that the release of hydrogen fluoride into the atmosphere from the blaze is a cause for concern.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hydrogen fluoride gas can irritate the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs and nose, and that too much exposure to the gas can be deadly.

Residents expressed concerns about air quality during an emergency meeting of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors earlier Friday.

It doesnt appear that the fire department had the appropriate fire retardants to minimize this fire and have to resort to actually letting it burn, exposing all of the residents, including Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, and this is extremely disturbing, resident Silvia Morales said.

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Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said air quality monitoring systems had not detected any hazardous gases in the air.

Watson said two overheating events happened at the battery plant in 2021 and 2022 because the batteries got wet. A third incident happened in 2022 in the neighboring Elkhorn battery plant that is owned by PG&E, he said.

Lithium batteries make the power grid more stable and reduce the need for energy to be generated from fossil fuels, which release planet-warming gases. California was an early adopter of battery storage and leads the nation with more than 11 gigawatts of utility-scale storage online, which can meet nearly half of the demand on the state's main grid for four hours per day.

Experts say lithium batteries are a safe technology that are essential for lowering carbon emissions and making grids more reliable. But they are a significant fire risk if they are damaged or overheat.

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We are not convinced that this incident could materially shift the national trend of growing grid scale battery deployment, said Timothy Fox, managing director of ClearView Energy Partners, a non-partisan energy research firm.

It was unclear what caused this latest fire. Vistra said in a statement that after it was detected, everyone at the site was evacuated safely. After the fire is out, an investigation will begin.

Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders, Jenny Lyon, a spokesperson for Vistra, said in a statement.

Jodie Lutkenhaus, professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University, said safer batteries must be found that can be used on the grid.

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Some improvements, such as more fire prevention measures, can be made to reduce fire risks with lithium batteries, Lutkenhaus said, but the only way to really address the problem is to use a safer technology. Water-based and redox flow batteries are being developed by scientists but have not yet scaled commercially.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are a possible alternative because they are highly stable, but they still carry some fire risk.

No matter what kind of lithium battery you use, "when you reach a certain size, it is inherently very dangerous and easy to catch fire, said Yiguang Ju, engineering professor at Princeton University.

___

O'Malley reported from Philadelphia.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Sanctions issued by the United States last week against a powerful Hungarian official with close ties to Prime Minister Viktor Orban have strengthened that official's standing within the populist government, Orban said Friday.

Speaking on state radio, Orban said the U.S. sanctions against Antal Rogan, a senior government minister who leads the prime minister's Cabinet office and is believed by the U.S. Treasury Department to be involved in official corruption, had not shaken his confidence in the minister.

The sanctions against Rogan strengthened the ministers position in Hungarian politics and in the government to an unprecedented extent," Orban said. He is the minister responsible for the national security services, the number one guardian of Hungarian national sovereignty, and being punished by a great power means that he is doing his job well.

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Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control suspects Rogan of using his position to broker favorable business deals with government-aligned businesspeople, a key aspect of European Union penalties against Hungary that have withheld billions in funding over official corruption concerns.

Speaking at a news conference in Budapest last week, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman, who left his post days later ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, said Rogan was a primary architect, implementer and beneficiary of systemic corruption in Hungary, which he described as a kleptocratic ecosystem.

Rogan oversees the engineering of wide-reaching government communication campaigns that are credited with being instrumental in maintaining Orbans power since 2010. Known among critics in Hungary as the propaganda minister, Rogan rarely appears in public or gives interviews, but is a veteran adviser to Orban and also oversees Hungarys secret services.

Orban, who supported Trump during his election campaign and is a regular visitor to his Florida headquarters, Mar-a-Lago, predicted Friday that the incoming president would usher in a golden age in U.S.-Hungary relations that had chilled over concerns in Washington that Orban has led Hungary, a member of both the EU and NATO, to abandon democratic principles while pursuing closer ties with Russia and China.

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Hungary's steeply contracting economy would also get a boost from Trump's presidency, Orban said, owing to Trump putting an end to the war in neighboring Ukraine on the horizon.

A harsh critic of Ukraine, Orban is widely seen has having the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any EU leader and has vocally opposed economic and military aid to Kyiv and argued against placing sanctions on Moscow for its war.

On Friday, he argued that during the Trump presidency the EU must throw sanctions out the window and establish a sanctions-free relationship with Russia.

He also said a postwar Ukraine would pose a serious threat to the European economy, and that Ukraine ultimately achieving its goal of joining the EU would force farmers from all over the bloc out of business.

Economic cooperation with Ukrainians raises many issues, and so far I see far more dangers than opportunities, he said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Russia, news portal Telex reported on Jan. 17.

According to the Hungarian outlet, Orban said it's "time to throw sanctions out the window" and establish a sanctions-free relationship with Russia during a radio interview.

He also described the European Union as being in a "drunken stage" but predicted a "sobering up" in Brussels.

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The statements come as Orban reportedly told EU leaders he plans to wait until U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office before deciding on extending the bloc's sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 19.

Orban, whose government is widely regarded as the EU's most Russia-friendly, has repeatedly criticized aid for Ukraine, arguing it prolongs and escalates the war.

"If they hadnt cheated in 2020, Donald Trump would have remained president, and then there would be no Ukrainian-Russian war," he said, referencing false claims that President Joe Biden stole the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Orban framed peace in Ukraine as essential to Hungary's economic goals, saying that European perspectives on Ukraine should go beyond the "lens of war."

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Orban also announced plans for protective economic measures to "safeguard" Hungarian agricultural sectors, citing Ukraine as a potential economic threat to Europe.

Orban's remarks come amid strained relations between Hungary and the EU. In July, the European Commission criticized Hungary for failing to meet democratic standards, particularly regarding political financing, conflicts of interest, and media independence.

Opposition leader Peter Magyar called for early elections on Jan. 1, citing Orban's declining popularity and allegations of corruption, which Magyar claims have turned Hungary into "the EU's poorest, most corrupt nation."

Read also: Slovak opposition leader arrives in Kyiv to reopen door Fico slammed

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Jan. 16BEMIDJI  Hunters for Hunters,

a coalition of hunters, landowners and farmers who share a frustration of "poor wildlife management" are set to host a meeting about recent wolf legislation at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Eagles Club, 1270 Neilson Ave SE.

This is

one of six planned wolf meetings

being hosted by HFH in the state.

The legislation in question was passed through the House of Representatives in September 2024 and aimed to have wolves removed from federal protection in the lower 48 states. However, the Senate halted the legislation.

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With a Republican majority of the House, Senate and White House after the 2024 General Election, HFH hopes that the same legislation will now pass through the Senate, a release said. And the group hopes their planned meetings will help guide the process.

"These meetings will give the attendees an opportunity to ask their elected officials how we got into this wolf crisis situation and what they plan to do to help us get out of it," the release said. "If the legislation does pass, will Minnesota re-introduce a wolf hunting season?"

HFH hopes to ask these questions and receive community-minded answers at the upcoming meeting.

For more information, email HFH at

info@hunters4hunters.org.
DUBAI (Reuters) - International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan held discussions on Friday with Syrian authorities on how the war crimes tribunal could help in their efforts to prosecute crimes allegedly committed in the country, his office said.

Khan was invited to Syria by the transitional government, which took over after former President Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December.

Khan met with Syria's de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss how the ICC prosecutors could support the Syrian authorities in their efforts "towards accountability for alleged crimes committed in the country", his office said.

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The ICC, which has 125 member states, is the world's permanent court to prosecute individuals for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

Syria is not a member state, but could accept the ICC's jurisdiction as a first step, Khan told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

Such a step would mirror the action Ukraine took in search of accountability for alleged Russian war crimes.

"Some of the remarks coming out of Syria by the transitional government seem to have indicated an openness to justice and accountability for crimes that may have taken place," Khan said in the interview.

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"I think we're happy to take part in the conversation to tell them the options that they have."

(Reporting by Clauda Tanios, Bart Meijer and Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Sharon Singleton)
By Anthony Deutsch

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended his decision to bring war crimes allegations against Israel's prime minister, saying Israel had made "no real effort" to investigate the allegations itself.

In an interview with Reuters, he stood by his decision over the arrest warrant despite a vote last week by the U.S. House of Representatives to sanction the ICC in protest, a move he described as "unwanted and unwelcome".

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ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.

The Israeli prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Khan's remarks to Reuters.

Israel has rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and denies war crimes. The United States, Israel's main ally, is also not a member of the ICC and Washington has criticised the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.

"We're here as a court of last resort and ...as we speak right now, we haven't seen any real effort by the State of Israel to take action that would meet the established jurisprudence, which is investigations regarding the same suspects for the same conduct," Khan told Reuters.

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"That can change and I hope it does," he said in Thursday's interview, a day after Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

An Israeli investigation could have led to the case being handed back to Israeli courts under so-called complementary principles. Israel can still demonstrate its willingness to investigate, even after warrants were issued, he said.

The ICC, with 125 member states, is the world's permanent court to prosecute individuals for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

Khan said that Israel had very good legal expertise.

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But he said "the question is have those judges, have those prosecutors, have those legal instruments been used to properly scrutinise the allegations that we've seen in the occupied Palestinian territories, in the State of Palestine? And I think the answer to that was 'no'."

TRUMP'S IMMINENT RETURN

Passage of the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 9 underscored strong support for Israel's government among President-elect Donald Trump's fellow Republicans.

The ICC said it noted the bill with concern and warned it could rob victims of atrocities of justice and hope.

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Trump's first administration imposed sanctions on the ICC in 2020 over investigations into war crimes in Afghanistan, including allegations of torture by U.S. citizens. Those sanctions were lifted during Joe Biden's presidency.

Five years ago, then-ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and other staff had credit cards and bank accounts frozen and U.S. travel impeded. Any further U.S. sanctions under Trump would be widely expected to be more severe and widespread.

The ICC, created in 1998, was intended to assume the work of temporary tribunals that have conducted war crimes trials based on legal principles established during the Nuremberg trials against the Nazis after World War Two.

"It is of course unwanted and unwelcome that an institution that is a child of Nuremberg ...is threatened with sanctions. It should make people take note because this court is not owned by the prosecutor or by judges. We have 125 states," Khan said.

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It "is a matter that should make all people of conscience be concerned," he said, declining to discuss further what sanctions could mean for the court.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
While one Milwaukee alderwoman is backtracking after she incorrectly called attention to a new "detention facility" for immigrant "prisoners," several of her Common Council colleagues continued to refer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's planned office move as a "detention facility expansion."

The characterization of the offices as a jail or prison-like facility is inaccurate, according to the agency, city records and Ald. Larresa Taylor, who sent out the initial news release with the wording; a detention center is not planned for Milwaukee.

The agency has been planning to move its downtown offices to a business park on the far northwest side since 2023.

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The ICE facility's function is expected to remain the same as its downtown offices, Taylor said an ICE administrator told her after she sent the initial news release on Tuesday evening. That means immigrants facing deportation who are not detained would visit for the building for appointments, and detainees being transported to other facilities would stop there for processing.

Despite that, a statement from seven Common Council members Thursday afternoon characterized the office move as an "ICE detention facility expansion," and said the agency was "possibly expanding its operations."

One of the signers, Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa, told the Journal Sentinel Thursday she was concerned the larger physical footprint of the new offices could allow ICE to change how it uses the space, such as facilitating a possible future mass deportation effort.

But there was no evidence aside from the larger square footage of the building to suggest the purpose or scope of the ICE office being moved to the northwest side was expanding to hold detainees overnight in a jail or prison-like facility.

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A spokesperson for the agency confirmed to the Journal Sentinel that "there are no ICE detention facilities listed or planned for the location in question."

Taylor acknowledged to the Journal Sentinel on Thursday that she made a "correlation" between the planned ICE offices and a future 32-bed youth detention center in her district that faced resident opposition.

She said she saw a proposal to add a sally port, which is a secure entryway often used in jails. It raised alarm bells, she said, since she is a former jail guard. She said she wanted the residents of her district to be aware that ICE could be moving into the area.

"My entire intent was to say here's a facility that is attempting to relocate into our district, and we need to be made aware of it," Taylor said. "We're not going to let them slide in without making sure that the residents of District 9 are made aware that this facility is planning to come."

What is the proposed purpose of the new ICE office?

The office building, at 11925 W. Lake Park Drive, would be a processing center where immigrants are not held overnight and are soon taken elsewhere, such as to a detention facility, according to a zoning proposal.

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The office would process detainees for transport to other facilities. It would also process people who are not detained but need to go to check-in appointments for their deportation cases, the proposal said.

It would also serve as the main office for immigration officers in southeast Wisconsin, with a staff of 29 people. The office would be staffed 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it would "not commonly have personnel on-site later than" those hours.

The current office downtown, at 310 East Knapp Street, appears to serve the same functions. An ICE spokesperson did not answer a reporter's questions about the functions of the current office.

But Taylor said an official with ICE told her the two offices would "operate exactly" the same.

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The current offices have four holding cells and no beds, Zamarripa said.

Until recently, the Knapp Street building housed other Department of Homeland Security agencies' offices in addition to ICE. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, which deals with naturalization and green card interviews and decisions, moved in October from Knapp Street to 310 W. Wisconsin Ave.

ICE is slated to move from its current location on Knapp Street to its new location on East Knapp Street in October, according to a spokeswoman for the General Services Administration, which deals with real estate for federal agencies.

The Knapp Street building was sold to Milwaukee School of Engineering, which will remodel it into classrooms.

What are the proposed changes to the building?

In the 2023 zoning proposal, the building owner said it wanted to add an 8-foot-tall chain link fence with privacy slats on the south end of the parking lot, and build a sally port, which is a secure entryway. It would consist of a metal roof structure enclosed by a 14-foot fence.

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Sally ports typically have a door on either end and can be used to transport inmates securely. An officer's vehicle could drive into the port, the exterior doors would close, and then the inmate could be brought through the interior doors into the facility.

Inmates who are moving from a jail or prison to an ICE detention facility may be brought to ICE offices for processing.

That zoning proposal was put on file in November 2024, meaning the Milwaukee Common Council tabled the proposal without taking action.

A building permit application in December asked to renovate the building and its parking lot. The document described the use of the building as a commercial office, and the renovations as an interior office remodel.

(Center) District 9 Alderwoman Larresa Taylor speaks at a press conference outside the proposed new location for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center at 11925 W. Lake Park Drive on Wednesday January 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Where is Wisconsin's ICE detention facility?

Wisconsin's only detention center is the Dodge County Detention Facility in Juneau. About 106 detainees are currently held there, according to data from the agency.

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ICE generally detains two kinds of people: those under "mandatory detention" because they are convicted of certain "aggravated" felonies, and people who are suspected of violating immigration laws, like unauthorized crossing of the border, and are deemed a flight or public safety risk.

Other immigrants may have ongoing deportation cases but are not detained, since they are not deemed a risk and they are not convicted of serious crimes.

Common Council members express concern for constituents

Taylor said she was not making a statement on the policies of immigrant detention and deportation, but she was standing up for her constituents who would oppose the ICE office near their homes.

"Is that a good fit for District 9? Is an office like that ... going to bring value and growth to our district?" Taylor said.

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As a result of the conflicting information being spread about the ICE office move, Zamarripa, whose south-side district includes many immigrants, said she received a message Thursday from a constituent concerned that ICE raids were happening in Milwaukee.

"Absolutely, we all have to make sure that we're not causing more fear," Zamarripa said. "But people also want to hear that there's folks being proactive and standing with, and protecting, their constituency."

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: ICE office move prompts conflicting statements from elected officials
Norwich  Brown Jacobson, a venerable law firm founded in the city 58 years ago, has closed, its seven attorneys vacating the firms stately downtown buildings and forming new firms or joining an existing one.

Michael Colonese, Michael Driscoll, John Duggan and Cassie Jameson have formed Colonese Law, while Jeffrey Godley and Aimee Seifert have joined Lahan and King.

Jeffrey Buebendorf has founded a solo practice, JB Law.

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Brown Jacobsons two-building location at 16-22 Courthouse Square, across from Norwich Superior Court, was purchased last month by a buyer with a Danvers, Mass., address, city land records show. The sale price of each building was $400,000.

Attempts to reach the new owner, who has yet to reveal his plans for the property, were unsuccessful.

Colonese, who joined Brown Jacobson in 1987, became the firms president in 2000.

Im pleased to report the transition has been completely amicable, he said of the firm's dissolution in a phone interview this week. Weve all worked together for years and our friendships are as strong now as before. When firms transition, its not always smooth  it was important to us that we do it the right way.

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He said the attorneys spun off according to their practice areas.

Colonese Law, with offices in the Mercantile Exchange building at 55 Main St., focuses on employment and workers compensation matters. Lahan and King, whose offices are at 53 Lafayette St., practices in the areas of estate planning, probate administration, fiduciary services and elder law.

JB Law focuses on employment matters.

Brown Jacobsons namesakes, Allyn Brown Jr. and Milton Jacobson, died in 2014 and 2005, respectively. Brown formed the firm of Brown, Jewett & Driscoll in 1947, and he and Jacobson founded Brown, Jacobson, Jewett & Laudone in 1966. Initially focused on litigation, the practice grew to include commercial law, banking and real estate law, estate planning and, eventually, Indian law, according to a history of the firm.

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In 1990, the firms name was changed to Brown, Jacobson, Tillinghast, Lahan and King, and in 2000 it was shortened to Brown Jacobson.

Brown, whose father, Allyn Brown Sr., was a Norwich mayor, state senator and chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, was long active in community affairs, as was Jacobson.

In the 1960s, Jacobson helped form the nonprofit Norwich Community Development Corp., and in ensuing years brokered deals that brought many businesses to the Norwich Industrial Park, including, in 1994, Dodd Memorial Stadium.

Brown Jacobsons building, which dates to the early 20th century, combined two historic landmarks.

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The firm first occupied the three-story Uncas-Merchants National Bank building at 22 Courthouse Square and later added the adjacent, two-story Thames National Bank building at 16 Courthouse Square, cutting through a wall to connect them. The buildings were once part of Bankers Row on what was then Shetucket Street.

The street was renamed in 1982 when the nearby courthouse was built.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com
American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King lead a black voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery. (William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images)

The public is invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. The event will feature ceremonies from noon to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Statehouses rotunda.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke will join Mamie Oliver, Ph.D., for the celebration, according to a press release from the Idaho Department of Labor.

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Oliver is an ordained minister, educator, psychotherapist and author, the release states. She served as a tenured professor of social work and as the internship coordinator at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.

Bedke and Oliver will be accompanied by the Boise State University Trumpet Studio under the direction of Derek Ganong, the Common Ground Community Chorus, the Oinkari Basque Dancers, the Boise Chinese Traditional Dance Group, Danza Azteca Tonatiuh and Odissi Natya Sala Boise, according to the release. Serve Idaho, the Governors Commission on Service and Volunteerism, will host a service project table to benefit Meals on Wheels, Boise Community Schools and the Boise State University Food Pantry.

During the ceremony, Idahoans are encouraged to decorate cards and bring donation items to benefit the organizations.

Needed items include:

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childrens underwear sizes 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 (S, M and L);

reusable water bottles;

breakfast bars or granola bars;

fruit cups or fruit snacks;

and cereal or oatmeal.

This year is the 38th year that Idaho has celebrated the holiday, which is also celebrated in the state as Idaho Human Rights Day.

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ILION, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Attorney General Letitia James and the New York State Department of Health announced on Thursday that they are moving to shut down a local smoke shop.

G Smoke 360 Corp and Liberty Smokeland, the companies that own the store G Smoke on Central Avenue in Ilion, were named in a lawsuit by the Attorney General on Thursday, January 16. The owners, Galal Kaid and Ali Al Shugaa, were also named in the lawsuit. In a statement, the Attorney General said the lawsuit was for persistently violating state laws by selling flavored e-cigarettes, including to minors, and operating without required licenses.

The lawsuit also alleges a pattern of illegal activity at the store. This includes the sale of flavored vapes  illegal in New York State  as well as failure to verify ages of customers and violations of the states Public Health Law. New York State Law prohibits the sale of vapes to anyone under the age of 21.

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Despite repeated enforcement actions and warnings, G Smoke has continued to flout state laws and sell harmful products to children, which is why we are taking action to shut their business down, James said in her statement. New York has zero tolerance for businesses that prioritize profit over public health, especially when they put our childrens health at risk. My office is committed to holding bad actors accountable and protecting our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction and predatory marketing practices. This lawsuit is a warning to all retailers: if you sell harmful products to our youth, you will face the full force of the law.

An investigation by the Department of Health of G Smoke found that employees repeatedly sold flavored vapes to minors, as well as failing to request proof of age. In one case, a minor was sold a flavored vape even after allegedly stating they did not have ID.

Inspections also allegedly revealed that more than 5,700 packages were openly and illegally displayed for sale on counters.

In January of 2024, G Smoke was issued a fine of almost $286,000 for illegal operations. Investigations in May and August of the same year also revealed illegal activities and confirmed that the store remains a hub for the illegal sale of flavored vapes marketed to youth, according to the Attorney Generals statement.

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In her lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks to completely shut down G Smoke and impose a permanent industry ban on Kaid and Al Shugaa, which would bar them from selling vapor products permanently. The lawsuit also seeks to recover fines, penalties and all profits from the illegal operations.

Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can cause addiction and damage to the developing adolescent brain, lungs, and overall health, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. The Department of Health remains committed to decreasing vaping among young people through education and through our investigations like this. With partners like Attorney General Letitia James, we will hold those accountable who violate the laws made to protect our children.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  After 175 years, a state park in Northern Illinois may get returned to an indigenous population.

A bill on Governor J.B. Pritzkers desk would return the land from Shabbona Lake and State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) said the bill corrects injustices the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation have been facing for multiple generations.

IL Secretary of State pushing for bill to raise driving test age requirement for senior drivers

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Forcibly ejecting the indigenous population from the state began generations of trauma still felt today, Guzzardi said in a news release. I am proud to join indigenous advocates and members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in committee and on the House floor to pass this bill. Weve got a lot more work to do to correct the egregious wrongs of past generations, but sending this land back to its rightful inhabitants is one step closer to honoring and supporting the fight for indigenous rights and protections.

In 1829, the U.S. government recognized, with a treaty, that an area of almost 1,300 acres around Lake Shabbona in DeKalb County belonged to Chief Shab-eh-nay and his people, which is now recognized as the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. While members of the Band were visiting other Potawatomi who had been forcibly relocated in Kansas, the federal government violated the treaty and sold the land in 1849.

The land then became a state park in 1969.

This bill would go into effect with the governors signature. The Prairie Band has agreed to keep the lake open to the public for recreation.

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DEKALB, Ill. (WTVO)  A DeKalb man has been accused of throwing bags of cat feces into the yards of homes displaying signs in support of President-elect Donald Trump. Police said they investigated 13 separate incidents over the last 11 months.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, in March 2024 police began receiving numerous reports of littering from homes located in DeKalb, Kingston, and Genoa townships.

Police said the most recent incident happened on January 1st, 2025.

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In each incident, a vehicle drove past a house, slowed down, and threw a plastic bag full of cat feces onto the victims yard, police said.

Authorities said five homes were targeted, with three of them targeted repeatedly. In total, police recorded thirteen incidents that were investigated.

Each victim had a Donald Trump flag on display at their residence, officials said.

Two vehicles were identified during the investigation, and police were able to link them to James Walker, 72.

He was arrested Thursday, January 16th, and charged with 13 separate counts of Littering from a Motor Vehicle and 13 counts of Disorderly Conduct.

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Walker was processed and released with a notice to appear at a future court date.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Monday, Jan. 20, offers a choice. On the one hand, it's the federal holiday to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On the other hand, it's the day the nation inaugurates its 47th president, Donald John Trump. Usually, I'm all in on the transfer-of-power thing. Not this time. On Inauguration Day, I'll choose to commemorate King.

It's an easy decision, for me. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors service, not self-gratification.

For those who may simply see the day as government-granted time off for a long weekend, the idea to honor King with a national holiday began four days after the Baptist minister and noted civil rights leader was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of a Memphis hotel in 1968. Fifteen years later, the bill establishing the King holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, and the first official observance took place three years later, in 1986.

Douglas C. Lyons

For those who may have forgotten, or are maybe too young to know, King was an authentic American hero, a champion of freedom who gave his life for an American ideal and the truth that all men are created equal. That truth certainly wasn't universally acknowledged when King helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 as a young minister, or when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington, or when in 1968 he supported a strike by sanitation workers  to spur society to address poverty, poor working conditions and other economic ills.

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Much has been made about that one line in King's dream speech, almost to the point of diminishing his stature and making him almost one-dimensional: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

King had a lot more to say about equality, racism and America that for too many may be lost to history.

Take these words from his 1967 "Beyond Vietnam" speech at the Riverside Church in New York City, in which he pushed back on criticism he received from venturing away from civil rights to condemning America's role in the Vietnam War.

"Perhaps the more tragic recognition of reality took place when it became clear to me that the war was doing far more than devastating the hopes of the poor at home," King said. "It was sending their sons and their brothers and their husbands to fight and to die in extraordinarily high proportions relative to the rest of the population. We were taking the Black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them 8,000 miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in Southwest Georgia and East Harlem."

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There's King's 1967 "Three Evils of Society" speech, where he bluntly describes the harm racism can cause.

"Racism can well be that corrosive evil that will bring down the curtain on western civilization," he said. "Arnold Toynbee has said that some 26 civilizations have risen upon the face of the Earth, almost all of them have descended into the junk heap of destruction."

King's 1957 "Give us the Ballot" address resonates today because he eerily called for new leadership in one particular group.

"It is unfortunate that at this time the leadership of the white South stems from the close-minded reactionaries," King said. "These persons gain prominence and power by the dissemination of false ideas and by deliberately appealing to the deepest hate responses within the human mind. It is my firm belief that this close-minded, reactionary, recalcitrant group constitutes a numerical minority. There are in the white South, more open-minded moderates, than appears on the surface. These persons are silent today because of fear of social, political and economic reprisals."

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Today, roughly 1,002 miles away from where I sit, Washington, D.C. and the nation will undergo a transition of power. In a weird sense of circumstance and convergence, the federal holiday remembering an iconic leader falls on the same day as the swearing in of a new president. My choice is to honor a King.

Douglas C. Lyons is an editorial writer and columnist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. He can be reached at dclyons@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: MLK Day is more important to me than Trumps inauguration | Opinion
Donald Trump and JD Vance will be sworn in to office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday  instead of outside the Capitol  as Washington, D.C., braces for dangerously cold temperatures, the president-elect posted on Truth Social.

The entire inauguration ceremony, including prayers and speeches, will move indoors. The last time cold weather scuttled the outdoor inauguration ceremony was in 1985 when Ronald Reagan was sworn into his second term. James Monroes second inauguration was also held inside the Capitol, in the House chamber, because of a snowstorm.

The National Weather Service is projecting sunny weather at the National Mall on Monday, with a high of around 23 degrees.

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Trump, in the post, said an Arctic blast threatened dangerous conditions and severe record lows for his supporters and the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders and others who were expected to attend the event.

This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience! Trump said.

Trump said that he would open Capital One arena in downtown Washington Monday for a live viewing of the event, and for the presidential parade. He said he will join the crowd at the arena following the ceremony.

The weather will, in fact, be far colder than its been for recent inauguration ceremonies  far colder even than it was in March 1841 when William Henry Harrison spoke for two hours in the cold rain. Harrisons inaugural address still holds the record for longest ever  and led to the shortest stint in the White House, after he caught a cold that turned into pneumonia, and died a month later.

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Without the president taking the oath and speaking from the Capitols West front, the crowd gathered on the National Mall, often stretching for several blocks, is likely to be somewhat smaller  and perhaps less of a fixation for Trump himself.

Eight years ago, his term began with his first press secretary, Sean Spicer, berating reporters in the briefing room for pointing out that Trumps inauguration crowd did not cover as much of the Mall as Barack Obamas did in 2009.

Holding the ceremony inside the Capitol will also offer an ironic historical coda coming four years after Trumps supporters broke through police barricades and stormed the building, ransacking offices, removing property and forcing lawmakers to shelter in place.

Inaugurating Trump in the very space that his supporters entered illegally will render in ever sharper relief a political rehabilitation that, on that shocking day four years earlier, seemed almost unfathomable.
School officials confirmed that an incident outside Carver Vocational-Technical High School on Thursday afternoon sent students and a staff member to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Around 2:35 p.m., two people attacked a student outside Carver Vocational-Technical High School. During the attack, the suspects, the victim, and a staff member who responded to the incident were injured, according to a statement from Sherry Christian, city schools spokeswoman earlier Thursday.

The Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City Public Schools police are investigating the incident, Christian said.

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A letter sent home with students obtained by The Baltimore Sun says two students and one staff member were injured by cutting during dismissal. However, police said four people were transported to the hospital total, Christian told The Baltimore Sun.

School administration and School Police intervened swiftly, and the situation was quickly brought under control. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken following an investigation of the incident, Principal Craig Rivers wrote in the letter.

At Carver, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We work daily to ensure a safe and positive environment for teaching and learning. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me directly at (410) 396-0553 or clrivers@bcps.k12.md.us. Thank you for your continued support of our school community, he said.

Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Pennsylvanias Attorney General-elect Dave Sunday will be sworn in next week, but hes already facing accusations of politicizing the office.

Consumer Advocate Patrick Ciceros job is to fight for people paying utility bills against companies seeking rate increases. Cicero offered his resignation after Sunday said he would explore other consumer advocate candidates.

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Cicero blamed an open, vocal and public campaign led by various investor-owned utilities seeking his removal who also donated to Sundays campaign.

Former Public Utility Commission Chairman Jim Cawley described Cicero as a vigorous advocate and says for-profit companies wanted Cicero out.

Heavily lobbied, including campaign contributions to Dave Sunday to get rid of this guy because hes doing too good a job, alleges Cawley. Thats essentially it.

Attorneys General do appoint consumer advocates; Cicero was Josh Shapiros pick when the Democrat Shapiro was Attorney General. Now, the Republican Sunday will be sworn in on Tuesday.

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Cawley, a Democrat, insists for nearly 50 years the office has been apolitical and independent.

I think Dave Sunday should reconsider, hes destroying his credibility coming in and he hasnt even sworn in yet, says Cawley.

Sunday issued his own statement wishing Cicero well, saying having a capable, unbiased and apolitical consumer advocate is a priority for my administration. Sunday added, I look forward to an open and transparent process with feedback from all interested parties and individuals.

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Cawley says he doesnt think residents can count on a truly independent and zealous consumer advocate coming in. Whoever Sunday does pick has to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled State Senate.

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Sarah Campbell Kier, a 90-year-old Valdosta, Ga., resident, chats with Abby Jones, a delivery driver with Barnes Drug Store pharmacy. Kier has relied on the store for prescription medication home delivery. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

VALDOSTA, Ga.  Abby Jones first stop of the day delivering medication was the home of 90-year-old Sarah Campbell Kier.

Come in! yelled Kier. Jones didnt have to knock. Kier had the screen door open and was waiting for the Barnes Drug Store driver, who also had delivered Kiers thyroid medication the day before.

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I appreciate you bringing my medicine, darling, said Kier, a retired school cafeteria worker. She sat on the couch by her walker, writing a $3 check for her prescription B12 supplement. Kier is having surgery later this month, and said she is glad she can rely on the drugstore for pre- and post-op medication management.

Kiers family has been buying from Barnes Drug Store since she was a child living in the countryside. We had to come to town to get our food and medicine, she said.

Barnes Drug Store is an independent pharmacy in the south Georgia town of Valdosta thats been serving the community for a century. The family-run business used to have six pharmacies. It now has just one.

Independent drugstores are closing at an alarming rate  about one a day in 2023  squeezed by the huge companies that reimburse pharmacies for costly medications.

Sarah Campbell Kier, 90, holds a prescription delivered by Barnes Drug Store, in Valdosta, Ga. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

But with each closure, a community loses more than another place where they can buy medicine. Experts say independent drugstores are more likely to know their patrons, offer health and medication counseling, and, crucially, serve communities in need.

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A 2023 study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that the estimated 15.1 million Americans who rely on independently owned pharmacies are more likely to have lower incomes, live in rural areas and to be at least 65 years old. Their health is more complicated, and theyre more likely to need one-on-one counseling to juggle multiple medications.

As a result, those communities  already vulnerable to lack of care  are hardest hit when independent pharmacies shutter. Lower drug reimbursements compared with those offered to chain pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, are a big factor.

Theyre going to close. If theyre relying on insurance, its not sustainable, said Dima Mazen Qato, a University of Southern California clinical pharmacy and spatial sciences professor who studies pharmacy access.

In recent studies, Qato and her team found independent pharmacies were more likely to close compared with chain pharmacies  and they were more likely to shutter in Black and Latino communities already facing disproportionate barriers to care.

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You would think there would be more accountability for ensuring that the pharmacies providing care for these patients are protected from closure, Qato said.

In Valdosta, Georgia, a city of 55,000 not far from the Florida state line that is surrounded by rural counties, many residents lack transportation and suffer chronic health conditions that require medication. Fifty-six percent of Valdostas residents are Black, and many of the surrounding communities, such as Echols and Hamilton counties in North Florida, are home to migrant workers.

Delivering prescriptions to a roughly 30-mile radius, Barnes Drug Store serves as a cornerstone for the area, where many towns lack a hospital, pharmacy, pediatrician or primary care provider.

Charles Barnes III, owner of Barnes Drug Store, strolls through the store on a recent morning. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

Owner Charles Barnes III, 78, said his grandfather opened the pharmacy in 1909, passing it down through generations. We know the families that come to our store, he said. His son, Charles Barnes IV, is the CEO. The family-run business has diversified its services, with other locations that offer home infusion and respiratory therapy services, helping the company, Barnes Healthcare Services, stay afloat.

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Last year, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed a bill that would have required the states health insurance program for teachers and state workers to reimburse independent pharmacies at the same rate as chain pharmacies, saying the initiative would be too costly and was unaccounted for in the budget. The bill had received bipartisan, almost unanimous support in the General Assembly.

If these pharmacies in these communities close, what are these patients in these communities supposed to do?

 Ben Ross, president and board chair of the Georgia Pharmacy Association

We have no negotiation power, said Ben Ross, president and board chair of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, which represents pharmacists across the state.

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We definitely have a reimbursement issue, where pharmacies are struggling not because of volume, not because they dont have the patients, but because of the reimbursements that were being paid by the PBMs, he added.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are companies serving as pharmaceutical middlemen. They manage insurance companies prescription drug benefits, processing between 80% and 90% of prescriptions dispensed nationwide. They decide how much to reimburse a pharmacy for each prescription. Big chains such as CVS and Walgreens routinely get better reimbursements than independent drugstores.

Ross, a second-generation pharmacist, runs Forest Heights Pharmacy in the eastern Georgia town of Statesboro. Hes also a partner in seven other pharmacies  most of them in rural parts of the state.

If these pharmacies in these communities close, Ross said, what are these patients in these communities supposed to do?

Taking a risk to help patients

At Springfield Pharmacy in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, owner Chichi Ilonzo Momah estimates that up to 30% of medications she fills are reimbursed for less than what they cost.

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In the past year, she said, three independent pharmacies in her area have closed. Recently, even though she knew a pregnant patients insurance wouldnt cover an RSV vaccine, she gave her the shot anyway.

Im taking a risk, Momah said, knowing that if a reimbursement wouldnt go through and the patient couldnt pay, she would be in the red.

Momah opened Springfield Pharmacy 13 years ago, and the store primarily serves the uninsured, as well as a large immigrant and refugee population. Shes formed trusted relationships with residents over the years. At times, shes called to remind customers to take their medications if she knows theyve been prone to forgetting, and theyll often seek her advice on medications and vaccines when theyre skeptical or confused.

Thats what happens when theres a trusted voice in the community, Momah said. If Chichi says its OK, its OK.  Theyre asking me, just like the way my aunt will ask me, or the way my mother-in-law asks me, the way my dad would ask me.

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When Stateline called her, the pharmacist was packing prescriptions for a patient on 14 medications.

If I put it in 14 vials, he can get confused. Hes 82 years old, so I put it in adherence packaging that says, Monday morning, Monday evening, she said. That right there  you cannot put a price tag. The PBMs cant pay for that. Its customized care.

In recent months, Momah has had to start turning some patients away.

That broke my heart. Some of them, I couldnt even tell them. I had to have my staff do it, because Ive known them for 13 years. Ive hand-delivered medications to their homes, she said. I dont understand why in America, the PBMs dont answer to somebody. Because pharmacies are going to continue to close.

Pharmacy deserts

In a December letter to the incoming Trump administrations proposed government efficiency committee, the National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents independent pharmacies across the nation, urged President-elect Donald Trump to rein in the three PBM conglomerates: CVS Healths Caremark, Cigna-owned Express Scripts and UnitedHealths Optum Rx. The association said regulating the PBMs would save taxpayers $5 billion.

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We are up against these giant, vertically integrated health care conglomerates, and so thats tough, Ronna Hauser, the associations senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, told Stateline.

Greg Lopes, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents PBMs, argued that they alone arent to blame for pharmacy closures, saying they are finding ways to support rural pharmacies.

There are many factors for pharmacy closures, including population. Pharmacy benefit managers are supporting community pharmacies in rural areas through programs that increase reimbursements, he wrote in a statement to Stateline.

But a scathing Federal Trade Commission report released Tuesday builds on a previous report that found PBMs had received 68% of the revenue from dispensing specialty drugs in 2023. The new report found that PBMs appear to be steering patients to their own affiliated pharmacies for the most profitable drugs, and away from unaffiliated, independent pharmacies.

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The closures, and the responses, are happening all over.

In Alabama, 21 community pharmacies and a dozen chain pharmacies closed across Alabama last year alone, according to the Alabama Pharmacy Association.

If you take care of all patients like we always have, youll go out of business, said Bobby Giles, a pharmacist and the associations government affairs director, adding that Medicaids fixed-rate reimbursements are in general higher than what PBMs pay pharmacies in his state.

We, as pharmacists, are literally asking for you to pay us the same rate of reimbursement that the poorest of the poor and the sickest of the sick in our states insurance pays, Giles said.

Some states have taken steps in recent years to support independent pharmacies. Last fall, Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed an emergency contract that aims to improve reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies.

In 2019, Illinois started a critical access pharmacy program, allowing small community pharmacies serving Medicaid patients to receive supplemental money from the state. Two years later, Tennessee passed a law that prohibits PBMs from reimbursing pharmacies below acquisition costs.

Both rural and urban pharmacies are closing their doors, though its happening slightly faster in rural communities, research shows. Nearly 16 million Americans live in pharmacy deserts across the nation, and on average, communities that are uninsured and that are more racially diverse disproportionately lack access to pharmacies.

Loryn Brown poses for a photo at Barnes Drug Store in Valdosta, Ga., where she works as a staff pharmacist. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

Delesha Carpenter, a professor and director of the Rural Research Alliance of Community Pharmacies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, said her surveys of community pharmacies have found the stores taking hundreds of dollars of losses per prescription as a result of inequitable reimbursements.

I would love to see more legislative initiatives  bolstering rural pharmacy, said Carpenter. She noted that pharmacists cant bill health insurance companies for the counseling and education they do on a daily basis, which Carpenter said would help bring in more revenue.

Personal service

Pharmacist Tyler Young and his wife bought Hines Prescription Shop in Barnesville, Georgia, an hour south of Atlanta, in 2021. Barnes told Stateline he takes a $75 loss on Ozempic prescriptions for one months supply per patient.

Young, 31, grew up around the pharmacy. His mom was a certified pharmacy technician and worked at Hines Prescription Shop. His freshman year of college, he got a part-time job at the shop.

Seeing the impact that the local community pharmacy had on their town really drove me to be involved in this profession, said Young, who also owns Roberta Drugs, another pharmacy he and his wife purchased in 2019.

We knew that it was possible, even with some of the challenges that we faced, it was still possible to serve our communities how we wanted to, he said.

On a recent morning back at Barnes Drug Store, Robert Morrison, 69, waited in the store lobby for his prescription to be filled. As a teenager, Morrison worked for Barnes delivering medicine.

Lifelong Valdosta, Ga., resident Robert Morrison, 69, had a liver transplant five years ago and gets most of his medication prescriptions from Barnes Drug Store, a local independent pharmacy where Morrison used to work a part-time job as a teenager, delivering prescriptions. (Nada Hassanein/Stateline)

He had a liver transplant five years ago, and with 10 to 12 different prescriptions, Morrison said he sometimes gets his medicines mixed up and asks the staff for help.

Its a good thing for the neighborhood, said Morrison, a yard worker. Ive been dealing with them a long time.

Staff pharmacist Loryn Brown said she often counsels customers on their medications and symptoms.

Ive sent numerous patients to the ER because of high blood pressures that they didnt realize were actually an emergent situation, Brown said.

Back at Kiers home in Valdosta, Kier reflected on the pharmacy closures across her state. Thats so sad, she said, thinking about residents unable to get their medications.

Uh-uh  I dont feel good, Kier continued, because I dont want my Barnes to close.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams will meet with President-elect Donald Trump Friday in Mar-a-Lago as Adams faces federal corruption charges.

Trump, who will be sworn in three days later, has the power to pardon Adams.

The choice to fly down to Florida to meet the Republican president at his home, which doubles as his transition headquarters, presents an enormous political risk for the Democratic mayor as he struggles to defend his seat this year. It follows months of him parting ways with fellow Democrats to treat Trump with kid gloves, while publicly admonishing outgoing President Joe Biden for his handling of immigration.

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Adams will use taxpayer funds to cover the cost of the trip, his spokesperson said.

In a statement following the New York Times breaking the news, top Adams aide Fabien Levy said partnering with the incoming Trump administration is key to the citys success.

He notably omitted any mention that Adams is facing potential prison time for a five-count federal indictment. Prosecutors in September charged him in a bribery and straw donation scheme for which he has pleaded not guilty. He is set to stand trial in April, just two months before the Democratic primary.

The case has cost him millions of dollars in matching funds and he is in substantial debt to his attorneys. His approval rating numbers  under water before the indictment  have continued to suffer.

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Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers  and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York City's success, Levy said in a statement. Tomorrow, Mayor Adams will sit down with President-elect Trump and discuss New Yorkers priorities. The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward.

Try as the Adams team will to divorce this meeting from his legal case, his election opponents will not allow it.

Who is this meeting for, New Yorkers or Eric Adams? said former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is challenging Adams in the Democratic primary. Our city has too many problems right now for us to worry about if hes fighting for New Yorkers or a hypothetical pardon for himself.

Another rival, comptroller Brad Lander, said: "Eric Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump. New Yorkers deserve to know that their mayor is putting their interests ahead of his own  and whether our tax dollars, or Turkish Airlines, will be financing his trip to Florida. (His quote was a reference to charges Adams accepted flight upgrades in exchange for official favors.)

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Trump has openly expressed interest in pardoning Adams, and has said they face similarly bogus charges from a politicized Department of Justice  a view the mayor shares. Adams has posited he was punished for criticizing Biden and told POLITICO  when asked earlier this month if he has proof of that assertion  he was scapegoated by Bidens team, even if not by the outgoing president himself.

I was targeted because of my stance to protect the city from the migrants and asylum seeker issues that we were facing, Adams said during a recent appearance on a local ABC affiliate. And I have a legal team that [is] going to pursue every avenue to get the justice that I deserve.

As POLITICO has reported, Trump could provide assistance to the New York City mayor in other ways.

Short of accepting a pardon, even sitting down with Trump could have significant consequences for the mayor over the coming year as he faces a narrow path to reelection. Accepting any support from the GOP standard-bearer is likely to lead to a significant backlash among voters deciding whether to support Adams for a second term, and is sure to become a favorite line of attack from his opponents.

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The flirting with Trump is not helpful for him in the Black community, Al Sharpton told POLITICO a few weeks ago. If I was between a rock and a hard place and the only one that could deliver me is Donald Trump I would be preparing for my bye-bye.

The flirting to which he referred involved Adams hosting Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, at Gracie Mansion, where the two discussed the possibility of the Trump administration helping to rewrite New Yorks sanctuary city laws that govern cooperation between the NYPD and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Adams  a moderate at odds with the left flank of his party  also dined with a Trump surrogate from Long Island on Tuesday.
Sandra Hale Schulman

Special to ICT

The latest: Natives through a foreign lens, contemplating Indigenous futures, four womens' journeys through MMIW, language survival through art.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Japanese photographer's century old images

An early immigrant from Japan, Frank Sakae Matsura (1873-1913) settled in Okanogan County along the U.S.-Canada border in Washington state. Matsura had been formally trained in photography, so he set up a studio in Okanogan, a cultural and geographic borderland, to witness a time of change.

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In his studio, Matsura made detailed portraits of the Indigenous people of the region. Now a century later, his work is receiving attention as conceptually sophisticated and collaborative portraits of people and families with whom he built trusting relationships.

Matsuras work will be in a new exhibition opening Feb. 1 at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland will feature 39 photographs from Matsuras archive paired with period-specific cultural items from the Indigenous Plateau where he lived. Exploring Indigenous people in photography as well as their objects, the exhibition spotlights some of Matsuras most culturally significant work.

Frank Matsura photo The Wapato Smithins family 1913

Matsuras photographs are blown up to see their impressive detail. They capture Syilx, or Okanogan, communities adapting to a changing time with gloves, beaded cornhusk bags and leggings, drawn from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Cultures collection and from the collections of the High Desert Museum.

By sharing Frank Matsuras compelling photographs alongside objects and contemporary videography, this exhibition offers a rich exploration of Indigenous communities and stories in the Plateau region, said Executive Director Dana Whitelaw in a statement.

ART: Speechless speaks loud and clear

Known for his mirror shields and wild costumes, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University will present Cannupa Hanska Luger: Speechless, opening Feb. 13-July 6.

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Speechless builds on Lugers Future Ancestral Technologies project, where he designs Indigenous futures through a visual lens of speculative fiction. Inspired by cargo cults in the 20th century, Luger finds ways to parallel historical phenomena with present-day North American culture questioning language, agency and control. The new work includes large-scale, mixed-media radio towers made of lodgepole and white pine poles that become cargo cult sculptures, surrounded by speakers that have teeth biting down on tongues, a way to silence through symbols.

"Department of the Interior" by Cannupa Hansker Luger, courtesy the artist

Also on view are works from Luger's series Transportable Intergenerational Protection Infrastructure (TIPI), the three-channel video installation Future Ancestral Technologies: ++ a generation of new myth ++, and 11 Native American bustles made from hair, hand-made paper, and repurposed speaker cones.

THEATER: Why they wear red

"Four Women in Red" promo poster courtesy Victory Theater

The Victory Theatre Center presents the world premiere of Four Women in Red, a provocative new play written by Laura Shamas (Chickasaw Nation) and directed by Jeanette Harrison (Onondaga), about four resilient women searching for their missing loved ones. Four Women in Red runs Jan. 17 through Feb. 23 at The Victory Theatre Center.

Carolyn Dunn (Tunica-Choctaw/Biloxi, Mvskoke), Harriette Feliz (Chumash), Zoey Reyes (Dineh and Chicana) and Jehnean Washington (Yuchi, Seminole/Shoshone) star as four First American women seeking missing friends and relatives in the face of apathetic sheriffs and fading clues. Are their loved ones lost? Were they taken? Are they even alive?

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This moving new play celebrates the power of community as the four women seek answers against all odds. Their roller coaster journey involves mystery, grief, prayer and moments of sudden joy.

Women and girls are disappearing, and no one will look for them, says Victory Theatre Center producing artistic director Maria Gobetti. Its horrifying.

It breaks my heart, says Shamas. I wrote this play to raise awareness about this very real crisis. Congressional hearings were held last month to try to address some of these issues, but most Americans are unaware of this horrible ongoing emergency, and we must take action.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Portraits to save languages

Actor and stuntman Eugene Brave Rock (Wonder Woman, Dark Winds) has set up a collaboration between Oki Language Project, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and photographer Joseph Kayne, who creates the bygone art of wet plate collodion tintype photography.

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Three different 11" x 14" art portraits of a Brave Rock in full regalia are available, signed and numbered by Brave Rock. There will only be 100 of each print available, making these exclusive, limited-edition pieces.

Brave Rocks Oki Language Project  a one Indian band as he calls it  travels the country in an airstream to record elders speaking languages in tribes large and small to preserve the words and stories.

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A 2-month-old Lakewood boy who was on life support after allegedly being shaken by his father in a fit of rage has died. The man is now accused of murder.

Prosecutors initially charged Fernandez Manaia Fruean, 27, with first-degree assault of a child on Dec. 19, 2024, court records show. Three days later, the baby died at a local hospital, and prosecutors increased the charges to two counts of second-degree murder and homicide by abuse.

Fruean has been in custody at the Pierce County Jail since his arrest Dec. 18. He appeared for a re-arraignment in Pierce County Superior Court on Friday morning. Several rows in the courts gallery were filled with family members in support of the child.

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A plea of not guilty was entered on Frueans behalf during the hearing. He continues to be held at the jail on $2 million bail.

The Pierce County Medical Examiners Office has not yet publicly identified the childs identity or his official cause of death.

Mia McFarland, the babys aunt, told The News Tribune outside the courtroom that her family wants justice.

Fruean was convicted in April 2023 of second-degree criminal mistreatment after breaking his infant daughters femur. His daughter was placed in foster care following the conviction.

We hope that the work the prosecutors are going to do will bring justice and make sure that things like this dont happen to other children in the state of Washington, because this shouldnt happen to any family, McFarland said. The sister is going to have to live to know her brother passed and it couldve been prevented.

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Prosecutors allege in charging documents that Fruean shook his baby to get him to stop crying at about 3 a.m. on Dec. 18.

During questioning, Fruean allegedly admitted to detectives that he was angry and picked up the baby, shaking him vigorously back and forth for five minutes, prosecutors wrote. Fruean allegedly did not seek medical help for his son for six hours after shaking him and instead put him face down on his bed before going to sleep, documents show.

After the childs mother came home from running errands later that morning, she saw Fruean holding their son and rocking him, documents show. They went to the hospital after she noticed their son was not moving. Fruean was the babys primary caretaker because the mother works.

Documents show that the baby had a brain bleed and four older rib fractures along with one clavicle fracture.
President Biden said that the free press is crumbling during his farewell address from the Oval Office. Disinformation dangers threatening democracy as Donald Trump takes charge is discussed on The ReidOut with Joy Reid on MSNBC.
Of note, today, of all days, when the Supreme Court of the United States is to consider state bans on treatments for gender-affirming care of transsexual youths, virtually every internet site on the subject is blocked.

Nevertheless, I am a medical student in 1967. I do not need the internet; I lived through the beginning of gender-affirming care. My memory is clear.

I am reminded of the story of Dr. John Money, a psychologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is known for his work in psycho-endocrinology and developmental sexology. His claim to fame is one of his patients, Bruce Reimer. Bruce is one of twin boys who undergo simultaneous circumcisions seven months after birth. Bruce Reimer has what could best be described as a botched job, and his penis is cauterized off. Now there is the issue of sexual ambiguity. Dr. Moneys solution is to rename Bruce Brenda, remove his testicles, create rudimentary female external genitalia, use estrogen, and raise him as a girl, reserving a surgical neovagina for when the time is right.

This turns out to be a colossal mistake. Brenda Reimer was so damaged by this decision that later he decides to call himself David, to reverse the harm already done and to acknowledge his true karyotype. Nevertheless, he is sterile and can never father children. David commits suicide in 2004. Dr. Money dies in 2016, never regretting the mistake. This is the tragedy upon which all other so-called research on gender-affirming care is based.

For some, this never happens. According to them, bans on best medical care represent an extreme and coordinated political attack on transgender people. Such bills specifically target transgender youth and block their access to research-based best practices endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the AMA, and other academic authorities. Twenty-six states, more than half the country, have such bans in effect or set to come into effect. The Supreme Court needs to reverse these bans.

First, looking closer at the American Academy of Pediatrics position, indeed, it accepts the benefits of gender-affirming care. However, according to it, this remains a controversial topic, in which misinformation and uncertainty regarding gender-affirming care and resulting consequences on policy underscore the necessity for more research.

The recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, actually, reflects the nuances of gender-affirming care treatment goals, for which it deserves credit. The topic is far more complex than others prefer and deserves more scrutiny from those in the media who reflexively oppose the ban. Its position, actually, provides a counterpoint to the contemporary media narrative. In short, even for the American Academy of Pediatrics, this subject is not as monolithic as others would prefer.

Second, nowhere in the academys position are found the words standard of care. Instead, best practice is used. A best practice is not a standard of care. A standard of care is that which is expected, with 95 percent confidence, of any competent and prudent practitioner when faced with a medical condition. A standard of care is science. A best practice is consensus. Consensus is the opposite of science. Standard of care is a term in medical malpractice. Oddly, this story over transgender rights begins with a botched circumcision, a medical malpractice case.

Taken further, is the final authority over what is expected of any competent and prudent practitioner when faced with a medical condition the physician or the Supreme Court of the United States? Doctors decide using 95 percent confidence. Judges decide using preponderance of evidence50 percent probability plus a scintilla.

In my wildest imagination, I would never expect the connection between medical malpractice and the Supreme Court to be over gender-affirming care. Yet, in the final analysis, it makes no difference because a decision for gender-affirming treatment, or any treatment for that matter, is between the doctor and the patient, or a party that represents the authority for the patient. Such is the case when John Money recommends the immediate amputation of Bruce Reimers testicles, estrogen therapy, and the surgical creation of a neovagina at some later time. Today, although this would have been banned by some states and a tragedy potentially averted, there is no such ban in Maryland. Better advice would have been: Get a lawyer. John Moneys legacy would be very different.

Howard Smith is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.
Some Brooklyn homeowners can now afford to go green with the help of a new program. The EnergyFit initiative is to renovate and retrofit 70 two- and three-family residences across select neighborhoods in Brooklyn over a two-year period.

What's happening?

A new program that launched in 2024 is helping families that lack the money they need for the upkeep of their homes. EnergyFit is run by three organizations with a shared common mission of fostering equitable urban development and community empowerment in New York City. The Pratt Center for Community Development, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, and IMPACCT Brooklyn will implement the program, which is funded with federal money and private donations.

EnergyFit will help homeowners in Brooklyn repair and retrofit their homes with a transition to renewable energy sources in mind. Buildings are the largest contributors to planet-warming pollution in New York City. The new program will help homeowners cut through the red tape and bureaucracy that can complicate making the types of changes needed to make homes more sustainable.

Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"A lot of these households are in communities that have been disinvested in for a long time, where people are house-rich, cash-poor, and have fallen so far behind on maintenance that to even be able to start moving towards electrification and efficiency, you've got to solve these other home maintenance problems," Rebekah Morris-Gonzalez, director of climate initiatives at Pratt, told Inside Climate News. "The benefits that will accrue are not just around carbon reductions. It is really about health improvements to households and comfort."

Why is EnergyFit important?

EnergyFit's goal is to help streamline the process of retrofitting homes for low-income New Yorkers so they are more energy-efficient. The program has completed nearly 50,000 retrofits across the state, but less than 2% of them have been in New York City, where there are nearly 250,000 homes in low-income communities and communities of color.

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"EnergyFit provides a new model for engaging and supporting low- and moderate-income homeowners in making their homes energy-efficient," according to the Pratt Center for Community Development. "By building a program that recognizes typical barriers and is designed better for their needs  such as reducing the number of points of decision making, providing a set and predictable price point, increasing incentives, simplifying complex technical language  the opportunity to increase the ability of homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improves dramatically."

What's being done about making homes more energy-efficient in other parts of the country?

Maine launched an initiative in 2019 with the goal to install 100,000 heat pumps by this year. That goal was smashed ahead of schedule.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded $450 million for a program to assist Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island to rapidly transition to more energy-efficient heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and ground source heat pumps.

GreenDoor Builders out of Rochester, New York, is working to merge environmental responsibility with affordability in the housing market. The company recently unveiled its affordable, efficient home design that could be implemented anywhere.

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office was briefly abducted and assaulted by an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail on Monday.

Reontay Harley, 33, abducted a deputy and held him in a cell at 1:30 p.m. Monday in a standoff that lasted less than 20 minutes, the JCSO reports. The jails extraction unit entered the cell and were able to restrain Harley and remove the deputy.

Birmingham Police Department officers injured after suspect crashes stolen SUV into parked police cars

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Harley and the deputy were both taken to a local hospital as a precaution. Harley, who has been in the jail since last summer on arson and murder charges, received an additional charge of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault and menacing.

We are pleased that our Extraction Unit acted quickly and that they safely removed our deputy, Sheriff Mark Pettway said in a statement.  Im also thankful that this incident ended with no one being injured.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The two South Dakota state penitentiary inmates found guilty of attempted murder were back in court Friday for their sentencing.

Lester Monroe was given 35 more years behind bars for his role in assaulting two correctional officers back in 2023.

2 dead after drowning in Walworth County

The judge told Lester she believed he could not be rehabilitated and recommended he take part in a mental illness program in prison.

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Kyle Jones was also in court Friday morning. His sentencing hearing is still ongoing.

Well have a full story from the courtroom later Friday night on KELOLAND News.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The employee backlash over JPMorgan Chases 5-day-a-week return to work mandate is gaining momentum. Several workers have reached out to the Communications Workers of America about forming a union shortly after the countrys biggest bank increased its in-office policy from three to five days a week.

"Im really against the full RTO out of empathy for a lot of colleagues whose personal lives will be upended. A lot of us have arranged our lives and [made] huge life decisions around being able to be remote a couple days a week or 40% of the time, said a JP Morgan employee from a city in the Southwest who, like others cited in this story, asked not to be named for fear of losing their job.

According to Nick Weiner, an organizer with the CWA, about a dozen JPMorgan Chase employees, representing groups from different areas of the bank all over the U.S., have contacted the union. They wanted information on how to unionize. We gave them directions and tasks for next steps, said Weiner, adding that bank employees in other countries have also contacted these reps.

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The CWA is a labor union that represents employees in many different industries including technology, customer service and airlines. In late 2023, Wells Fargo workers at an Albuquerque, New Mexico branch voted to join the CWA, a first in the banking industry. Roughly twenty-five Wells Fargo branches, including a group of conduct management investigators, have since unionized with the CWA, a spokesman said.

JPMorgan Chase is the nations biggest bank with $4 trillion in assets as of Dec. 31. If the workers are successful, JPMorgan Chase would be the second major bank to unionize.

We support any bank workers who are trying to improve working conditions through collective action, a CWA spokesman told Fortune.

JPMorgan Chase doesn't think a union is the way to go. "We believe each employee deserves to be treated as an individual, and that the strongest relationship we can have with them is a direct one, a JPM spokesman said.

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Barrons first reported that JPMorgan Chase workers were considering unionizing.

Back to the Office

On January 10, JPMorgan Chase set off a firestorm when the bank informed its more than 300,000 employees that all staff would be required to return to the office five days a week, possibly as early as March. Roughly 40% of the banks employees are currently on a hybrid schedule, where they are in the office three days a week.

About 60% of JPMorgan Chases staff, including many traders and retail branch workers, currently come into the office five days a week, Bloomberg reported.

We know that some of you prefer a hybrid schedule and respectfully understand that not everyone will agree with this decision, JPMorgan Chases operating committee said in the internal memo announcing the latest policy on return to office, which is commonly known as RTO in the corporate world.

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Jamie Dimon, the much-beloved CEO of JPMorgan Chase, is a very vocal supporter of RTO, and sees bringing people back to the office as a sound business decision. Being together greatly enhances mentoring, learning, brainstorming and getting things done, JPMorgans operating committee, which includes Dimon, said in the internal memo.

JPMorgan Chase posted the memo on its intranet, prompting hundreds of comments, many of them negative, from employees. The bank then turned off the comment functionality, a practice it has done in the past when the volume gets high. The comment function for the RTO discussion remains disabled, according to several bank employees.

Several JPMorgan Chase employees contacted by Fortune were still angry about the RTO. One worker, also from the Southwest, who has been with the bank for several years, said they were not a fan of the RTO, because when they do go into office they just sit on Zoom. My team is dispersed around the world.

Some JPMorgan Chase employees are also contemplating an organized walkout but its unclear how much support such a measure would get, two of the sources said. JPM workers have also passed around a Return to Office Employee Only Survey, apparently created by an employee, that asked about the impact the RTO would have on overall well-being, as well as their interest in forming a union. Some employees are refusing to fill it out, claiming that Jamie won't change his mind because of a Google poll, a third worker from a big Western city said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Pay day was a little worrisome for employees at Insights Trumbull and Hillside hospitals.

The new owner had an issue with its payroll system, and workers let WKBN 27 First News know they were concerned with calls into our newsroom.

Insight Health System said that during the process of transitioning to the corporate payroll platform, there was an unintended error that impacted payroll for Trumbull and Hillside and resulted in a delay of some paychecks.

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Insight recognizes the critical importance of accuracy and timeliness in payroll processing and is committed to upholding the highest standards. Our team remains fully dedicated to resolving this matter and we are working diligently to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the understanding and continued collaboration. Insight Health System

Insight reported later on Friday that the issue had been resolved and impacted employees began receiving their pay throughout the day on Friday depending on their individual bank.

Insight purchased the facilities in October, providing the local community and leaders a sigh of relief after both hospitals were at risk of closing following Steward Healths bankruptcy.

The Flint, Michigan-based health care system not only bought both local hospitals but also purchased all of Stewards operations in Trumbull and Mahoning counties including the Health Center on Elm Road in Bazetta Township and the Urgent Care in Austintown.

Kristen Hephner contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan made an unannounced visit Friday to Damascus to confer with the leader of Syrias de facto government on how to ensure accountability for alleged crimes committed in the country.

Khan's office said he visited at the invitation of Syrias transitional government. He met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Syrias new administration who was formerly known as Mohammad al-Golani, and the foreign minister to discuss options for justice in The Hague for victims of the country's civil war, which has left more than half a million dead and more than six million people displaced.

Al-Sharaa is a former al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the group leading the new authority in Syria. The former insurgent group, considered a terrorist group in the U.S., led the lightning offensive that toppled longtime dictator Bashar Assad last month and is now the de facto ruling party in the country.

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Assad, who fled to Russia in December, waged an oppressive campaign against anyone who opposed him during his more than two decades in power.

Rights groups estimate at least 150,000 people went missing after anti-government protests began in 2011, most vanishing into Assads prison network. Many of them were killed, either in mass executions or from torture and prison conditions. The exact number remains unknown.

The global chemical weapons watchdog found Syrian forces were responsible for multiple attacks using chlorine gas and other banned substances against civilians.

Other groups have also been accused of human rights violations and war crimes during the countrys civil war.

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The new authorities have called for members of the Assad regime to be brought to justice. It is unclear how exactly that would work at this stage.

Syria is not a member of the ICC, which has left the court without the ability to investigate the war. In 2014, Russia and China blocked a referral by the United Nations Security Council which would have given the court jurisdiction. Similar referrals were made for Sudan and Libya.

Khan's visit comes after a trip to Damascus last month by the U.N. organization assisting in investigating the most serious crimes in Syria. The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria was created to assist in evidence-gathering and prosecution of individuals responsible for possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide since Syrias civil war began in 2011.

The group's head, Robert Petit, highlighted the urgency of preserving documents and other evidence before they are lost.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The cost of watching television is going up in Louisiana, as digital products and services now have a 10% state sales tax.

As previously reported, some digital products were already subject to sales taxes, but as of Jan. 1, streaming services are included in the sales and use tax.

Digital services include internet services, TV streaming services, audio or audiovisual works, books, video games and applications.

Digital products do not include:

Any intangible such as a patent, stock, bond, goodwill, trademark, franchise, or copyright.

Telecommunications services.

Internet access service charges and ancillary services.

The representation of a work product resulting from a professional service, as described in existing law, in an electronic form, such as an electronic copy of an engineering report prepared by an engineer that primarily involves the application of human effort, and the human effort originated after the customer requested the service.

A product having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities where the purchaser holds a copyright or other intellectual property interest in the product, in whole or part, if the purchaser uses the product solely for commercial purposes, including advertising or other marketing activities.

Cable television services, direct-to-home satellite services, video programming services, or satellite digital audio radio services.

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Digital products used by licensed healthcare facilities are also exempt from the tax.

When were talking about Blockbuster, they used to exist in a physical form, and you would go and you would get the rent, the DVD, tangible, personal property, State Rep. Rashid Young (D-Homer) said. But because of a market boom, we now do that in a digital form. So, were adding digital products.

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This was part of Gov. Jeff Landrys plan to modernize the tax code. Most states already tax digital services.

I know were talking about a lot about the impending deficit, but it really is putting Louisiana in line with where it needs to be, right, Young said. I mean, because we probably should have done this around the dot com boom.

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The goal is to save the state nearly $40 million, in an effort to partly make up for the income tax cut, which is will result in a projected $1.3 billion loss to the state.

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Three weeks after the Kentucky Department of Public Health announced a human death from rabies, the department has contacted more than 400 people who may have been in contact with the person who died.

Of those 400 people with possible exposure, public health officials recommended 26 receive post exposure prophylaxis, a series of rabies vaccines and a dose of rabies immune globulin, a Cabinet for Health and Family Services spokesperson told the Lantern Friday.

Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is almost 100% effective at preventing rabies, Dr. Steven Stack, Kentuckys public health commissioner, has said.

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The state announced the death and launched an investigation in late December. That death was the first confirmed case of rabies infection in a human being in Kentucky since 1996.

Now, the spokesperson said, the public health investigation is largely complete and there is no ongoing public health threat to the public related to this investigation.

Its still unknown how the Northern Kentuckian got rabies.

Laboratory testing results at (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicate that the individual was exposed to the rabies virus outside of the United States, a cabinet spokesperson said.

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Symptoms of rabies include confusion, agitation and coma. It typically spreads through blood or saliva of an infected animal. Once it takes hold in the human body, it is fatal.

Anyone who comes across a wild animal should avoid contact. Pets should also stay up to date on vaccinations for protection against rabies. Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to rabies should call their health care provider immediately.

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AKRON, Ohio (WKBN)  Investigators in Ohio are asking for the publics help in finding a bank robbery suspect.

Read next: 2 missing Ohio kids found in Iceland

The robbery happened at Key Bank on Streetsboro Street in Hudson, Ohio last April.

The FBI in Akron and the Hudson Police Department now have security photos of the suspect and the car he came in.

Police describe the suspect as a white man, approximately 60 tall. He was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans, black hat, black medical mask and black sneakers at the time.

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The car is a dark-colored Kia Sorento SUV. Police believe an accomplice drove the SUV to and from the bank.

On April 6, 2024 around 10:30 a.m., police say the man entered the bank and gave a demand note to the teller. They say he left with an undisclosed amount of money.

If you have any information on the suspect, the getaway car or potential accomplices, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can submit tips anonymously.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian deepened military ties between their countries on Friday by signing a 20-year strategic partnership that is likely to worry the West.

Under the agreement, Russia and Iran will boost cooperation in a range of areas including their security services, military drills, warship port visits and joint officer training.

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Neither will allow their territory to be used for any action that threatens the other and will provide no help to an aggressor attacking either nation, according to the text, which also said they would work together to counter military threats.

But it did not include a mutual defence clause of the kind included in a treaty between Russia and North Korea, which the West says has seen North Korean troops deployed to fight in Ukraine, something Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied.

Nor was there specific mention of arms transfers, a topic of particular concern to the U.S. and its allies, though the two sides said they would develop "military-technical cooperation".

Pezeshkian, on his first Kremlin visit since winning the presidency last July, hailed the treaty as an important new chapter in bilateral relations, while Putin said Moscow and Tehran shared many views on international affairs.

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"This (treaty) creates better conditions for bilateral cooperation in all areas," said Putin, emphasising the upside for economic ties and trade, which he said was mostly carried out in the two countries' own currencies.

"We need less bureaucracy and more concrete action. Whatever difficulties are created by others, we will be able to overcome them and move forward," Putin added, referring to Western sanctions on both countries.

Putin said Russia regularly informed Iran about what was going on in the Ukraine conflict and that they closely consulted on events in the Middle East and the South Caucasus region.

Russia and Iran were the main military allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow after being toppled last month. The West also accuses Iran of providing missiles and drones for Russian attacks on Ukraine. Moscow and Tehran say their increasingly close ties are not directed against other countries.

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Putin said work on a potential gas pipeline to carry Russian gas to Iran via Azerbaijan was progressing despite difficulties. He added that, despite delays in building new nuclear reactors for Iran, Moscow was also open to potentially taking on more nuclear projects.

'MULTI-POLAR WORLD'

Pezeshkian, whose words were translated by Russian state TV, said the treaty showed that Moscow and Tehran did not need to heed the opinion of what he called "countries over the ocean".

"The agreements we reached today are another stimulus when it comes to the creation of a multi-polar world," he said, adding that he hoped the war in Ukraine could be ended at the negotiating table.

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"War is not a good solution to resolve problems and we would welcome talks and achieving peace between... Russia and Ukraine," Pezeshkian said.

Moscow has cultivated closer ties with Iran and other nations hostile towards the U.S. since the start of the Ukraine war. It already has strategic pacts with North Korea and close ally Belarus, as well as a partnership agreement with China.

Moscow has made extensive use of Iranian drones during the war in Ukraine. The United States accused Tehran in September of delivering close-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Tehran denies supplying drones or missiles.

The Kremlin has declined to confirm it has received Iranian missiles, but has acknowledged that its cooperation with Iran includes "the most sensitive areas".

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Russia has supplied Iran with S-300 air defence missile systems in the past and there have been reports in Iranian media of potential interest in buying more advanced systems such as the S-400 and of acquiring advanced Russian fighter jets.

Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow comes at a time when Iran's influence across the Middle East is in retreat, with the fall of Assad in Syria and the Israeli pounding of Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The fate of two major Russian military facilities in Syria remains uncertain following Assad's fall.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Andrew Osborn, Dmitry Antonov; Maxim Rodionov, Mark Trevelyan, Filipp Lebedev and Darya Korsunskaya Additional reporting by Dubai newsroom Writing by Andrew OsbornEditing by Angus MacSwan, Peter Graff and Gareth Jones)
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a broad cooperation pact Friday as their countries deepened their partnership in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

Russian and Iranian officials say the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture. The 20-year treaty could be extended further.

Putin praised the deal as a real breakthrough, creating conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia, Iran and the entire region.

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He said the amount of trade and economic cooperation was still insufficient, voicing hope the new treaty will help clear bureaucratic hurdles and expand ties. The Russian leader added that the countries are trying to resolve technical obstacles to advance planned projects to ship Russian natural gas to Iran via Azerbaijan and build transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Pezeshkian said the projects are feasible, adding that experts were working to resolve remaining obstacles.

We witness a new chapter of strategic relations, the Iranian president said, adding that the countries were set to expand trade ties and also boost the "level of security cooperation.

His visit came ahead of Monday's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran, which is grappling with growing economic problems and other challenges, including military setbacks in its sphere of influence across the Middle East.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Trumps inauguration, saying that Pezeshkian's visit had been planned long ago.

The signing of the treaty with Iran follows last year's pact with North Korea -- countries once identified by former President George W. Bush, along with Iraq, as the Axis of Evil.

Unlike the treaty with Pyongyang, the pact with Tehran doesn't envisage mutual assistance in case of aggression. But it does oblige each country not to offer any military or any other aid to an aggressor attacking another party.

Moscow and Tehran, which both have faced massive Western sanctions, agreed in the document to coordinate their response to such restrictions and facilitate payments in national currencies. The pact also envisions the exchange of intelligence information and cooperation on security issues.

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Welcoming Pezeshkian as they sat down for talks, Putin said the new treaty will give an additional impetus to practically all areas of our cooperation.

Pezeshkian, who met Putin for the third time since coming to power in July, said the documents form a solid foundation for our forward movement.

We do consider our relations with you as vital, sensitive and strategic, and we are on this path strongly, he said.

The Iranian president emphasized that countries in the region should resolve their own problems themselves, adding in an apparent reference to the U.S. that the presence of outside forces will only exacerbate tensions and destabilize the situation.

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They come from another side of the world to make chaos in the region," he said. "These ties will defuse their plot, definitely.

Russias ties with Iran have grown closer after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine and the West have accused Tehran of providing Moscow with hundreds of drones for use to attack Ukraine, which Moscow and Tehran have denied.

Pezeshkian spoke in support of prospective Russia-Ukraine peace talks, saying that war is not a solution and urging the West to avoid imposing excessive demands and acknowledge others security concerns.

Last year, Iran joined the BRICS bloc of developing economies and Pezeshkian attended its summit, which was hosted by Russia in Kazan.

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Russia and Iran, which had troubled relations in the past, developed cordial ties after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with Moscow emerging as a key trade partner and supplier of weapons and technologies for Tehran, which has faced bruising international sanctions.

Russia built Irans first nuclear plant that was launched in 2013 and is building two more nuclear reactors there.

Russia was part of the 2015 deal between Iran and six nuclear powers offering sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbing its atomic program, and the Kremlin offered political support to Iran when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during Trumps first term.

Russia and Iran also pooled their efforts to shore up Bashar Assads government during Syrias civil war, but failed to prevent his downfall last month after a lightning offensive by the opposition. Assad and his family fled to Russia.

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His ouster dealt another blow to Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance across the region, which had already been pummeled by Israels offensives against two militant groups backed by Iran - Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel also attacked Iran directly on two occasions.

Tehran increasingly needs Moscows assistance as it faces economic woes and stinging setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East. The troubles could deepen after Trump returns to the White House with his policy of maximum pressure on Iran.

In particular, Iran wants sophisticated Russian weapons like long-range air defense systems and fighter jets to help fend off possible attacks by Israel.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed.
WASHINGTON (AP)  IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel said in a letter to IRS workers on Friday that he intends to step down from his position on President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Day.

After significant introspection and consultation with others, Ive determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025, Werfel said in a note addressed to all IRS employees. While leaving a job you love is never easy, I take comfort in knowing that the civil servant leaders and employees at the IRS are the exact right team to effectively steward this organization forward until a new IRS Commissioner is confirmed.

Werfel's term was not scheduled to end until 2027. His early departure on Monday is unusual, since IRS commissioners' terms typically extend from one presidential administration into another. Werfel's term began in March 2023, under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and was set to end in November 2027, under Trump, a Republican.

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However, Trump in December announced plans to nominate former Missouri congressman Billy Long, who worked as an auctioneer before serving six terms in the House, to serve as the next IRS commissioner.

"While I had always intended to complete my full term as Commissioner," Werfel said, the President-elect has announced his plan to nominate a new IRS Commissioner. I have been touched by those who have reached out to me to share how they were hopeful that I could remain in seat and continue the important work underway. But as civil servants, we have a job to do, and that job is to now ensure a new Commissioner is set up for success.

Democrats including Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon have called Longs nomination a bizarre choice.

The federal tax collection agency originally received an $80 billion infusion of funds under the Democrats Inflation Reduction Act, though that money has already been clawed back. A 2023 debt ceiling and budget cuts deal between Republicans and the White House resulted in $1.4 billion rescinded from the agency and a separate agreement to take $20 billion from the IRS over the next two years and divert those funds to other nondefense programs.

While Trump has spoken at length about his proposed tax plans, he has not spoken as much about the agency in charge of administering tax policy or explicitly said he would cut its budget. He has, however, repeated a debunked claim that the agency has hired 87,000 armed enforcement agents to pursue taxpayers.
(Reuters) - US Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Danny Werfel said he would resign with nearly three years left in his term, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

"I had to recognize that the incoming team wanted to go in a new direction," Werfel said in an interview ahead of a Friday message to IRS employees announcing his exit, according to the Journal.

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar)
Heads should be rolling this morning at the Isaac Elementary School District, bouncing down McDowell Road just a few steps ahead of the attorney general.

Isaac is a small elementary school district, just northwest of downtown Phoenix.

It serves 4,800 mostly immigrant students  and possibly, some of the adults who run the place.

The state Board of Education this week seized control of the district, which is in the red to the tune of $19 million and wont be able to meet its payroll by months end.

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Its a total mess, and probably one of the biggest school screw-ups weve ever had, Maricopa County Treasurer John Allen told the state board during an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

Arizona auditor warned about district's finances

Meanwhile, Isaac Superintendent Mario Ventura told the board that it was very shocking to see, in December, that we were that far behind financially.

Really?

The Arizona Auditor Generals Office has been sounding the alarm about this school district for years, calling it 1 of Arizonas highest-risk districts since December 2020, indicating a high risk of insolvency.

In July, Auditor General Lindsey Perry sent the school district seven pages of deficiencies in its financial reporting  deficiencies it failed to correct.

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Opinion: Arizona could arm teachers, just not with what they need

In October, the district claimed to be on budget until December when suddenly, it was not.

In December, Perry notified the state school board that the district had submitted unreliable and inaccurate financial reports, preventing the Maricopa County School Superintendents Office and ADE from determining the overexpenditure amount.

Treasurer says Isaac school officials outright lied

Allen went a step further, telling the state board on Tuesday that the district outright lied about its financials, resulting in his office fronting the district $16 million.

We cannot give them any more money, he said. I will pay the payroll checks until Tuesday of next week, but theres no more money.

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The state board will appoint a receiver to run the district, but its pretty clear what needs to happen.

Make sure academics are not interrupted. I dont know where the money will come from, but the kids shouldnt have to pay for the adults gross mismanagement.

Fire everybody , from the superintendent and his financial and business executives to the school board thats supposed to oversee spending. Epic fail all around.

Bring in the Attorney Generals Office to investigate exactly how and why a small school district suddenly finds itself $19 million short. Is this mere incompetence or something more?

Consider whether the Isaac school district should continue to exist. This is a district of fewer than 5,000 students, one in which enrollment has declined by 20% in recent years. It is one of 13 elementary school districts that feed into the Phoenix Union High School District.

It is one of more than 58 school districts in Maricopa County, with the attendant 58 sets of school administrators.

Seems to me its time  what with declining enrollments in school districts everywhere, thanks to the states universal voucher program  to begin talking about whether we need all these school districts.

Whether some of the countys smaller school districts should be consolidated.

Isaac seems like a very good place to begin.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix school district must fire every leader, now | Opinion
Israels government is aiming to vote Saturday night local time to accept the terms of a ceasefire and hostage agreement, multiple outlets reported, delaying implementation of a deal that negotiators hoped to go into effect Sunday.

While President Biden, President-elect Trump, and Qatars emir announced Wednesday that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed beginning the internal Israeli process of approving the deal.

That process is expected to include a vote in the security Cabinet, a government-wide vote and at least 24 hours to allow for appeals at the Israeli Supreme Court.

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CNN reported on Thursday that Israels security Cabinet would convene Friday to vote on the deal and that the full Cabinet would vote Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat  the Jewish religious holiday that takes place from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.

The Times of Israel, citing the Hebrew-language Channel 12 news, also reported that the Knesset will vote Saturday night, saying that pushes the start date for the ceasefire to Monday.

Trump has warned of hell breaking out in the Middle East if hostages are not released before he is sworn into office Monday, Jan. 20, and he celebrated the clinching of the deal Wednesday.

The president-elect also suggested he pressured Netanyahu into the deal, sharing on his social media site Truth Social a headline from the Times of Israel reading, Arab officials: Trump envoy swayed Netanyahu more in one meeting than Biden did all year.

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If everything goes according to plan, Israel and Hamas will enter a ceasefire on Sunday or Monday at the latest, with the first three hostages set to be released.

But even if the security cabinet and the full government in Israel agree to the ceasefire, a lot can unravel once it comes into effect.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is under immense pressure from two of his coalition parties, Religious Zionism and Jewish Power, to withdraw from the deal, or at least to relaunch the war against Hamas after the first phase has been completed.

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Since the second and the third phases will only be discussed at least 16 days into the ceasefire, Mr Netanyahu might find a way to sabotage the deal to prevent the two parties from leaving his coalition.

Philadelphi corridor

The issue of Israels presence on the Philadelphi corridor has reportedly not been agreed on down to the last detail. Representatives from the IDF and Shin Bet, Israels internal security service, will leave for Cairo on Saturday to discuss the corridors place in the deal.

Mr Netanyahu made the corridor a key issue this summer when he promised not to withdraw from the buffer zone that separates Gaza from Egypt until Israel was certain that Hamas would no longer be able to use it as a smuggling route for weapons.

Many Israelis agree with the government, seeing the corridor as a lifeline for Hamas. The terror group could also sabotage the ceasefire itself over this issue, as it has repeatedly demanded that Israel withdraw from all of Gaza.

Palestinian prisoners and hostages

The release of convicted terrorists who murdered Israelis is being harshly criticised by Right-wing nationalists, who consider it a surrender to Hamas and essentially a ticking time bomb that will come back to haunt Israel.

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The issue caused delay and drama this week after the ceasefire was announced as Israel accused Hamas of adding last-minute names to be released.

A source familiar with the talks told The Telegraph that Hamas tried to add Marwan Barghouti to the list in the past couple of days, which Israel refused.

Barghouti is serving life in jail in Israel for the murder of five people during the second Intifada, but hes the most popular Palestinian leader today.

If Hamas continues to push for Barghouti or other high-level prisoners to be released during the second phase, Israel could torpedo the ceasefire and blame Hamas again.

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The condition of the hostages could also derail the ceasefire because Israel still doesnt know how many of them are alive. Its expected that most of the 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase are alive, but nothing is certain until Hamas brings them out of captivity.

If most of the hostages come out in body bags and Israel estimates that the second batch of hostages will do the same, the incentive to continue the war against Hamas after the first phase will increase.

Resume fighting

Mr Netanyahu has already made it clear that Donald Trump, the incoming US president, will give Israel the green light to resume fighting if Hamas violates the ceasefire. Any number of arguments could be made, from all of the above to a breakdown in negotiations over the second and third phases.

For Hamas, clinging on to chaos could also be in their interest as the terror group is not expected to be included in an interim government in Gaza. If the Palestinian Authority takes over Gaza, as the Biden administration wanted, the conflict between the two rival factions could become even more violent than it is now.

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The PA has cracked down on terror groups in the West Bank, including Hamas, and it would be expected of them to do the same in Gaza.

Hamas has no issue whatsoever making the population of Gaza suffer more for the sake of its primary goal; the destruction of Israel.

The terror group broke the last ceasefire in November 2023 and could find that it is in its interest to do the same after it manages to regroup and gather strength during the first couple of weeks of the ceasefire.

Israel too could break the ceasefire. It has intensified its bombardment in recent days, striking approximately 50 militant targets across the Gaza Strip, killing about 72 people.

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Despite heavy military losses in Gaza, Hamas has managed to ignite a level of antisemitism and hatred for Israel not seen in many decades. That in itself is a goal and a strategy to defeat Israel in the long run.

Coalition splits

Both Religious Zionism and the Jewish Power party have vowed to leave Mr Netanyahus government if the ceasefire continues in its current form.

The threats caused Mr Netanyahu to meet with both party leaders ahead of the security cabinet vote in an attempt to persuade them to stay in his coalition.

The government will, however, not fall if the two parties announce their exit.

Mr Netanyahu will still have a majority government, and both opposition leader Yair Lapid and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz have promised him they would provide a safety net for his coalition in order to get the ceasefire deal implemented.

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Theres therefore no risk of Mr Netanyahu being toppled as things stand now. It would take five more politicians to leave the government before he would lose his majority.

It would, however, leave the coalition vulnerable as both Jewish Power and Religious Zionism are close allies of Mr Netanyahu. If they decide to try to topple him, they could begin trying to convince other hardliners in the coalition to leave as well.

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Fifteen months of devastating war in Gaza could come to a halt as soon as Sunday, with Israels government poised to approve a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas.

Though the exact details of the agreement have not been publicly released, the contours follow President Bidens May proposal, which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

This is the ceasefire agreement I introduced last spring, Biden said in remarks Wednesday, announcing the deal.

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There were some final hang-ups this week, over which Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israels jails, and where they will be sent, as well as the ongoing presence of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the entire Gaza-Eqypt border.

However, Israels security Cabinet approved the deal Friday, and its set for prompt approval from the full Cabinet, meaning hostages could start walking free by Sunday, just ahead of President-elect Trumps inauguration.

Heres what we know about how the ceasefire will work

The agreement is a three-phase deal that begins with a halt in fighting, the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, along with a scale-up of humanitarian aid, and withdrawal of some Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip.

This period is supposed to last six weeks, with negotiations for the second phase of the deal beginning on the 16th day of the ceasefire, according to a detailed framework provided to The Hill by Hamas.

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If an agreement to begin the second phase of the deal is not achieved by the end of the initial six-week ceasefire, Biden said that as long as Israeli and Hamas officials are committed to continuing the talks, the ceasefire could continue indefinitely.

During this time, humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is expected to surge, as long as the truce holds, allowing the rehabilitation of civilian infrastructure, including electricity, water, sanitation, telecommunications and roads. Supplies for civil defense, debris removal, and rubble clearance will also be delivered. At least 60,000 temporary housing units and 200,000 tents are listed as required for people who lost their homes.

The transition between the first and second phase of the deal is expected to be the most fraught period, and will be overseen by the incoming Trump administration, which was also involved in the push for a deal in Bidens final days in the White House.

Israeli officials will be on guard against Hamas extending talks in bad faith, using the time to reconstitute its military. And at any point, Israel could restart military operations if it sees a renewed threat from the U.S.-designated terrorist group.

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The U.S., Egypt and Qatar are expected to mediate between Israel and Hamas during the transition between the first and second phase. To start the second phase, Israel and Hamas must agree on a permanent ceasefire.

What happens in the second and third phases

If a second phase is reached, more hostages held by Hamas  to include Israeli soldiers  will be released, and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The second phase is expected to last 42 days. The May text does not indicate how a transition from Phase 2 to Phase 3 will be accomplished.

The third phase will see Hamas release the bodies and remains of deceased hostages; the further release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, and a major reconstruction effort of the Gaza Strip, to take place over a period of three to five years. Gazas border crossings are expected to be open to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to take effect on Jan. 19, 2025, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Even as Israels cabinet delayed until Jan. 17 its vote to ratify the complex deal, Blinken said he is very confident this is moving forward.

The U.S., Qatar and Egypt helped broker the deal, which followed negotiations that had many starts and stops in 2024. Representatives of the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump worked together to advance the agreement, and both leaders took credit for the expected return of an estimated 100 Israeli hostages  both living and dead  and a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation, spoke with Gregory F. Treverton, who served as the chairperson of the U.S. National Intelligence Council during the Obama administration, to better understand what the United States role in this agreement says about American influence in the Middle East.

President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, delivers remarks on the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 15, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

What is unusual, if anything, about the role of the US in this deal?

So far, the U.S. has not had very much influence in attempts to end the conflict. One reason is that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears allergic to taking advice from the U.S. What is striking now is that some combination of Donald Trump coming to power and Joe Biden leaving office has made a difference  and possibly made Netanyahu more willing to take political risks with his governing coalition and to sign on to the deal.

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It is more or less the same kind of deal that the U.S. presented in May 2024. So, it is hard to know whether Trump moved the dial by his past threats to punish Hamas and by pressuring Netanyahu, or whether Hamas felt like it has been weakened and lacks outside support from weakened allies like Iran. Or a combination of these factors.

We also know that there are some last-minute hiccups with the deal, so it isnt over yet. But there is real progress and hope, and that reflects a lot of the Biden administrations hard work over the past 15 months.

The proposed deal has three phases that will last more than four months. Because it starts doesnt mean it will get to the end. And the agreed end is very, very vague, with a revamped Palestinian Authority taking over Gaza  something Netanyahu has said he doesnt want.

The deal has been brokered largely by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. There is not a serious international monitor of the deal beyond the political pressure of these countries.

People walk past rubble and destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, on Jan. 15, 2025. Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images

What do you make of Trumps and Bidens teams working together on this?

It is not unprecedented. Typically, during ordinary transitions between administrations, there is a lot of cooperation and working together.

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What is unusual is that you would perhaps not have expected this kind of collaboration, given the hostility between Trump and Biden and their teams. Biden has said that his administration and the Trump team have been speaking as one team. In that sense, it is a bright spot in U.S. politics as of late and returns to a more normal pattern in U.S. foreign policy where there has been cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations.

It is unusual that Steve Witkoff, Trumps designated Middle East special envoy, went on his own to meet with Netanyahu in January and reportedly influenced Netanyahus decision to accept a deal that he previously rejected. Many special envoys require confirmation by the Senate, though they can hold the post temporarily without it. They also need security clearances, so that limits some of the things they can do.

What else is notable about the US role in the deal?

It is striking that for all his efforts, Biden seemed to have so little influence on Netanyahu. This has been very difficult for Biden politically. He wanted to get a ceasefire deal done, but he also wanted to stop the suffering in Gaza and didnt want to look like he was giving Israel a blank check to do whatever it wanted.

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In the process, the U.S. has been labeled as partially responsible for the tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, which some people would call a genocide. This has done a lot of damage to the United States global reputation, and that will take some time to repair.

Trump is entirely unpredictable. He may continue to pressure Netanyahu or he may decide that Netanyahu can do whatever he wants.

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Khan Yunis on Jan. 15, 2025. Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

What does this deal tell us about the standing of the US in the Middle East?

In some ways, I think it shows the United States diminished influence on the Middle East. On the other hand, the geopolitics of other regional conflicts and political changes, like the fall of the Assad government in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah and Iran over the past year or so, have given certain opportunities to Israel, and therefore the U.S. This includes continuing the Abraham Accords, an agreement the Trump administration helped negotiate in 2020 to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

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The Saudis have been clear that they wont make an agreement with Israel if there is not a state or something else designated for the Palestinians. It may turn out that this current deal, if implemented, offers enough for the Palestinians for the Saudis to also make an agreement with Israel.

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: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Read more:



Gregory F. Treverton 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.
An agreement between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the initiation of a ceasefire has been officially signed in Doha, Qatar, on 16 January.

Source: Axios with reference to two sources familiar with the matter

Details: The agreement was signed by representatives from Israel, Qatar and Hamas after several days of intense talks. Brett McGurk, President Joe Biden's senior Middle East advisor, signed the agreement on behalf of the United States.

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According to the sources of Axios, the Israeli government will vote on the ratification of the agreement no earlier than the evening of Saturday, 18 January.

Under the agreement, the first stage will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over the age of 50 and the wounded. In addition, over 700 Palestinian prisoners will be released, including 275 individuals accused of killing Israelis. Furthermore, 1,000 Palestinians detained during the war but not involved in the 7 October attacks will also be released.

Humanitarian aid will be delivered to the Gaza Strip, including 600 lorries of supplies, 50 petrol tank trucks, 200,000 tents and 60,000 mobile homes for displaced persons.

The agreement stipulates that Qatar, Egypt and the United States will act as guarantors for its implementation.

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Israel and Hamas will begin talks on the second stage of the agreement on the 16th day of the truce, which includes the release of the remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Quote: "While the deal continued to be negotiated in Doha, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's ultranationalist coalition government partners  Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said they would vote against the deal."

Details: Mike Waltz, Trump's national security advisor, stated on Wednesday during a CNN broadcast that the new administration informed Netanyahu that if Hamas reneges on any part of the agreement, the US would support Israel.

Waltz also declared that the Trump administration would ensure the demilitarisation of Gaza and the destruction of Hamas.

Background:

On the morning of 16 January, the Israeli prime minister's office reported that the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas had refused to support a number of ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip, thereby disrupting the hostage release process.

On 15 January, US President Joe Biden confirmed that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement had been reached between Hamas terrorists and Israel.

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By James Mackenzie and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -The Israeli security cabinet approved a ceasefire deal on Friday, paving the way for the return of the first hostages from Gaza as early as Sunday and bringing a halt to 15 months of conflict that have devastated the Palestinian coastal strip.

The Israeli-Hamas accord is still conditional on the approval of the full cabinet, which was meeting on Friday afternoon.

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The war between Israeli forces and Hamas has razed much of heavily urbanised Gaza, killed more than 46,000 people, and displaced most of the enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million several times over, according to local authorities.

If successful, a ceasefire could also ease hostilities in the Middle East, where the Gaza war spread to include Iran and its proxies - Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq as well as the occupied West Bank.

In Gaza itself on Friday, Israeli warplanes kept up heavy strikes, and the Palestinian civil emergency service said 116 Palestinians, almost 60 of them women and children, had been killed since the deal was announced on Wednesday.

Under the six-week first phase of the three-stage deal, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50.

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Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase. The total number of Palestinians released will depend on hostages released, and could be between 990 and 1,650 Palestinians, including men, women and children.

The Israeli Justice Ministry on Friday released a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the first exchange on Sunday.

Hamas said in a statement that obstacles that arose on the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have been resolved.

After a last-minute delay on Thursday that Israel blamed on Hamas, Netanyahu's office in the early hours of Friday said Israel's security cabinet would meet to approve the ceasefire accord. Hamas on Thursday said it was committed to the agreement, which takes effect on Sunday.

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ACCORD REACHED ON HOSTAGES

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages," his office said in a statement.

Palestinians waiting for food in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday said they hoped a truce will mean an end to hours of queuing to fill one plate.

"I hope it will happen so we'll be able to cook in our homes and make whatever food we want, without having to go to soup kitchens and exhaust ourselves for three or four hours trying to get (food) - sometimes not even making it home," displaced Palestinian Reeham Sheikh al-Eid said.

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The deal faced strong opposition from hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition, who said it was a capitulation to Hamas, which had controlled Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved. However, he said he would not bring down the government.

Following the security cabinet meeting, Ben-Gvir repeated his opposition to the ceasefire deal in a statement and called on members of the full cabinet to join him in voting against it.

His fellow hardliner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, also threatened to quit the government if it does not go back to war to defeat Hamas after the first six-week phase of the ceasefire was completed.

In Gaza, the airstrikes continued. In the aftermath of one strike on tents housing displaced people, a boy picked through damaged items on the floor that was littered with canned food and coffee pots.

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That attack killed two people and wounded seven at an encampment close to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, according to medics.

Also in Khan Younis, mourners gathered around the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike as women hugged each other and cried.

"Life has become an unbearable hell," said resident Jomaa Abed al-Aal.

There was no comment from the Israeli military on the latest strikes.

HOSTAGE FAMILIES WANT SWIFT ACTION

Israel says 98 hostages are still being held in Gaza. About half are believed to be alive. They include Israelis and non-Israelis. Of the total, 94 were seized in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and four have been held in Gaza since 2014.

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For the first time, Israeli authorities have officially informed hostage families of the names of the first 33 to be released but it remains unclear how many of those on the list are still alive.

The ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, Israel's main supporter. As well as the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the deal includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

It also paves the way for a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, where the majority of the population has been displaced and faces hunger, sickness and cold. A World Health Organization official said it should be possible to scale up aid imports into Gaza to about 600 trucks a day under the terms of the deal.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen burst into Israeli border-area communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie in Jerusalem, Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo and Hatem Khaled in Gaza; Writing Michael Georgy; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Angus MacSwan, Ros Russell, William Maclean)
Israel's cabinet voted to approve a phased ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, hours after the agreement was OK'd by the country's security cabinet on Friday. The first phase of the deal is expected to begin on Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages being held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

There would normally be a window for appeals of the decision be made to Israel's Supreme Court, but it has previously refrained from interfering in similar matters.

According to a translated draft of the agreement viewed by CBS News, and from President Biden's description, the deal consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days.

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Hamas would start releasing hostages on the first day, initially returning three to Israel, according to the draft viewed by CBS News. On the seventh day, Hamas would release four hostages. Thereafter, Hamas would release three hostages taken from Israel every seven days, starting with the living and then moving on to return the bodies of those who have died.

It would release 33 women and children hostages in total during the first phase, as well as hostages over 50 years old, the draft viewed by CBS News said.

President Biden said Wednesday that Americans will be among the hostages released in this phase, but he did not specify any names or how soon they would be freed.

For each woman or child hostage returned to Israel, Israel is expected to 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.

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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 operations in Gaza, and would begin reconstruction of the enclave's infrastructure, such as water, electricity and sewage systems.

The second phase of the deal, which would be negotiated during the first, would involve the release of all remaining male Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of all IDF forces from Gaza, the president announced Wednesday.

The third phase, which would be negotiated during earlier phases, would include the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and prisoners and the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza, Mr. Biden said.

The agreement marks a fragile step toward ending 15 months of war. There are believed to be about 100 hostages still being held after Hamas' brutal Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed. The Israel Defense Forces has said it believes around a third of the hostages have already died.

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More than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli strikes since the war began, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, and most of Gaza's population is displaced and living in camps. Humanitarian groups have been struggling to deliver aid, and experts have warned of famine.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued overnight Friday, with the Hamas-run civil defense agency saying 113 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire and hostage deal was announced Wednesday evening local time.

Huda Matrabie, a Palestinian woman in northern Gaza, told CBS News partner network BBC News that the prospect of the agreement had given her hope, but "with this hope comes real fear" that the deal could fall apart.

"The fear is not just of the immediate danger, but of the emotional toll: constant uncertainty and the ever-present feeling that our lives are not truly our own," she said.

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Families of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday to call for the deal to be finalized.

"This deal comes too late for my son Guy, whose life will not be saved. But he can be brought back home for burial here," Michel Illouz, whose 26-year-old son was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023 and is believed to have died in Gaza, told a gathered crowd. "Our work is not done. We will not rest until every hostage is home, the living and the dead. They all need to return to us, to their family."

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Israel's defence minister said on Friday he is immediately freeing Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank who are being held in so-called "administrative detention."

The warrants issued for all of them will be lifted, Defence Minister Israel Katz said. The measure does not apply to Palestinians, who are vastly more affected by the controversial practice.

Katz said he was freeing the settlers because of the ceasefire and hostage deal reached with Hamas militants in Gaza. That agreement also foresees the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails, most of whom will return to the West Bank - but the ceasefire has yet to be formally approved by the Israeli government or put into effect.

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Katz said Jewish settlers are on the "front line in the fight against Palestinian terrorism," and so his decision to free them is meant to send "a clear message of strength and encouragement."

He did not mention the increasing settler violence against Palestinian residents of the West Bank.

Administrative detention involves holding suspects for six months or even longer. This is the case if the people concerned are linked to a crime, for example, but there is not enough evidence to bring charges or go to trial.

Rights groups say detainees are held on the presumption that they could commit an offence at some point in the future, and that children and activists can languish behind bars for long periods.

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Katz had already decided at the end of November 2024 to abolish the practice for Israeli settlers, but not for Palestinians. Administrative detention is a feature of the West Bank, but does not apply inside Israel.

Internationally, most states view Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace in the region.
Israel's security Cabinet on Friday approved the deal with Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision had been expected despite the resistance of some far-right ministers.

The deal now goes to Netanyahu's coalition government for the final sign-off, which would pave the way for the agreement to go into effect on Sunday.

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The three-phase deal calls for an initial six-week pause in the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip over the past 15 months and, according to the Hamas health authority, killed more than 46,000 people in the Palestinian territory.

During this first phase, Hamas is to release 33 hostages held by militants in Gaza and Israel is to release Palestinian prisoners held in its jails.

The deal was reached after months of indirect negotiations involving the mediation of Qatar and the United States.
Israel's security Cabinet on Friday approved the deal with Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision had been expected despite the resistance of some far-right ministers.

The deal now goes to Netanyahu's coalition government for the final sign-off, which would pave the way for the agreement to go into effect on Sunday.

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Netanyahu said the agreement would help reach the goverment's war goals, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

Specifically, the ceasefire is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 1015 GMT.

Netanyahu's office announced that it could go ahead as planned, subject to the approval of the government.

The first hostages are expected to be released on Sunday. According to the Israeli media, this could happen at 4pm (1400 GMT).

The three-phase deal calls for an initial six-week pause in the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip over the past 15 months and, according to the Hamas health authority, killed more than 46,000 people in the Palestinian territory.

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During this first phase, Hamas is to release 33 hostages held by militants in Gaza and Israel is to release Palestinian prisoners held in its jails.

The deal was reached after months of indirect negotiations involving the mediation of Qatar and the United States.

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists stormed out of the coastal territory and killed some 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities.
Israels full cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas on Friday night meaning the first hostages should be released on Sunday.

The agreement came just hours after Donald Trump demanded the deal better be done before I take the oath of office.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said the cabinet had given its approval after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects and said the agreement supported his war goals.

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The cabinet meeting lasted more than six hours and ended in the early hours of Saturday, inching into Shabbat, the day of rest in Israel.

Media reports said 24 ministers in the coalition government voted in favour of the deal, while eight opposed it.

Mr Netanyahu faced resistance from Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, his finance minister, both Right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, who voted against the deal.

Several ultra-orthodox ministers had to depart before the meeting finished but left notes on the table saying they would vote for the deal.

Families of hostages protested in Tel Aviv on Thursday as the Israeli government debated the deal - Noam Galai/Getty

Moshe Arbel, the interior minister from the ultra-orthodox Shas party, had demanded a vote on Friday afternoon so the hostage families would know before Shabbat that the government had approved it.

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Every hour and every minute are crucial for the hostages and their families, who are desperately seeking certainty, Mr Arbel said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Trump stressed the need for the ceasefire to be finalised before his inauguration on Monday.

We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done, the president-elect told the Dan Bongino podcast, claiming the negotiations would never have been finalised without pressure from the Trump team, including Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy.

We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office, Mr Trump said. It was so ungracious of Biden to say he did it  he didnt do anything. If we didnt get involved the hostages would have never come out.

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Im not looking for credit. I want to get these people out, he said of the hostages, adding: For three years theyve lived like in hell.

Children play with toy guns after Friday Noon prayers by Muslim worshippers in Jerusalem - Hazem Bader/AFP

Mr Ben-Gvir appealed to the security cabinet before it met to vote against the ceasefire, warning that releasing convicted Palestinian terrorists would endanger Israels security.

Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again, Mr Ben-Gvir said.

The national security minister warned Mr Netanyahu on Thursday that his party would leave the government if the ceasefire was approved.

However, Isaac Herzog, Israels president, praised the security cabinet for its approval, saying he expected the government to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision.

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This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home, Mr Herzog said.

The president added that he was under no illusion about a deal that would bring great challenges and painful, agonising moments. He said he embraced the families of the hostages, especially those who know that their loved ones will not return in the first stage.

The ceasefire is expected to come into effect on Sunday at 12.15pm local time. Three female hostages and 95 Palestinian prisoners will be released at around 4pm local time according to the plan.

Israels justice ministry published a partial list of the Palestinians prisoners slated for release, made up of women and minors, some of whom attempted murder or carried out shooting attacks.

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It is expected that some 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, of whom at least 250 are serving life sentences, will be released in the first phase, in return for 33 Israeli hostages.

Israeli hospitals have prepared for the return of the hostages, clearing rooms and putting staff on standby, including doctors, nurses and psychologists.

The Israeli military also prepared to receive the hostages, erecting three complexes at the Kerem Shalom and Erez Crossings as well as the Reim base.

The hostages will receive immediate medical treatment from doctors at the complexes, before being flown to hospitals in Israel for further treatment and examination.

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As families of hostages waited for a final announcement of a ceasefire deal on Friday, demonstrations continued at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said she was the closest she had been in 468 days to hugging her son.

A Syrian child celebrates the ceasefire at Yarmouk camp, Damascus, on Jan 17 - Yamam al Sharr/REUTERS

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This is the moment of truth for the Israeli public  to stand with us and ensure that the government implements all stages of the agreement, she said.

The grandson of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz described him as the only great-grandfather in the world to be held hostage.

We didnt believe that 15 months would pass that a great-grandfather is held hostage and the world doesnt help him and the Israeli government doesnt help him and I pray for the moment that he will return on his own two legs and well welcome him with love, said Daniel Lifshitz.

Michel Illouz, the father of Guy Illouz, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival and murdered in Hamas captivity, also spoke at the press conference, saying he welcomed the deal with a joy in my heart for every hostage saved, for every life saved.

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Mr Illouz thanked Mr Trump and Mr Biden for making the ceasefire happen but added: This deal comes too late for my son, whose life will not be saved, but he can be brought back home to be buried here.

Other families of hostages, however, demonstrated against the ceasefire in recent days, demanding that everyone be released at the same time from Gaza.

06:00 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage. It has now ended for the day.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

05:46 PM GMT

Palestinian authority ready to assume full responsibility

The Palestinian Authority is ready to assume full responsibility in post-war Gaza once a ceasefire comes into effect.

The Palestinian government, under President Abbas directives, has completed all preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza, a spokesman said.

05:21 PM GMT

Ceasefire deal last chance for Gaza, says Qatar

The ceasefire deal currently being reviewed by the Israeli cabinet is the last chance for Gaza, Qatars prime minister has told Sky News.

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Qatar was a key player in the negotiations process, with the countrys prime minister announcing the deal on Wednesday evening.

Peace wont happen unless theres a Palestinian state at the end of the day, to address the root cause of the issue and not just address the symptoms of the issue, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Friday, adding that the conflict had reshaped the region.

05:05 PM GMT

How will a ceasefire work?

04:41 PM GMT

Watch: Ceasefire celebrations across Middle East

Celebrations over a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have continued as its implementation edges closer.

The deal is expected to come into effect on Sunday if it is approved by the wider Israeli cabinet today.

04:27 PM GMT

Gaza death toll rises since deal announcement

The number of people killed in Gaza since a ceasefire deal was reached has risen to 116, according to the Hamas-run civil defence was reached.

A ceasefire agreement was announced by Qatar on Wednesday evening.

Some 264 people have been injured, according to the Palestinian authority.

Israel has continued to launch daily air strikes against the Palestinian territory, with a deal not set to come into effect until Sunday.

04:05 PM GMT

US backs Israel to restart war if second phase fails

Israel has the support of Donald Trumps administration to restart the war in Gaza if the second phase of the hostage deal fails, an official close to Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

The first phase of the deal, set to come into effect on Sunday, will last six weeks and see 33 hostages released by Hamas.

Negotiations about phase two will soon get under way, with the purpose to bring about a permanent end to the war and release the remaining hostages. In effect, a temporary ceasefire will become permanent.

Mr Netanyahu reportedly also had the backing of the Joe Biden administration to restart the war should this phase fail.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem - AP

03:48 PM GMT

Israel publishes list of Palestinian prisoners to be released

Israel has published a partial list of Palestinian prisoners that have been slated for release under phase one of the recently agreed ceasefire deal.

It includes 95 women and children who are being held in Israeli jails.

03:26 PM GMT

Watch: Israeli security cabinet votes on deal

03:05 PM GMT

Putin hopes Gaza ceasefire leads to long-term stabilisation

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a long-term stabilisation and called for efforts to secure a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Speaking about the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, Putin said: We hope this will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian situation and to the long-term stabilisation of the sector.

At the same time, it is important not to weaken efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of international law, the Russian president said.

02:46 PM GMT

Hamas accuses Israel of ramping up shelling to thwart deal

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said on Friday that 88 people had been killed in the Palestinian territory in the past 24 hours, taking its overall conflict death toll to 46,876.

Israel is deliberately committing these massacres in its quest to thwart the ceasefire agreement, Hamas said in a statement on Friday, calling on mediators to pressure Israel to stop the massacres.

02:21 PM GMT

EU ready to restart Gaza border mission

The EU is prepared to redeploy a monitoring mission to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the blocs top diplomat said Friday.

We are ready to do it, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after meeting Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Brussels, adding that the EU would first need an invitation from Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian representatives.

The bloc set up a civilian mission in 2005 to help monitor the crossing, but that was suspended two years later when Hamas took control of Gaza.

The EU announced a 120 million euros in humanitarian aid for Gaza after the ceasefire deal was struck.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Kaja Kallas in Brussels on Jan 17 - JOHANNA GERON/REUTERS

02:02 PM GMT

Pictured: Middle East celebrates ceasefire

People have taken to the streets across the Middle East to celebrate the ceasefire-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas.

Demonstrations took place in cities such as Amman, Damascus and Tehran, while Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree addressed crowds in Sanaa, Yemen.

Predominantly Houthi supporters demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinians Jan 17 - KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS

A Syrian child celebrates the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza, at Yarmouk camp, Damascus, on Jan 17 - YAMAM AL SHAAR/REUTERS

People celebrate the news of a ceasefire in Amman, Jordan, on Jan 17 - JEHAD SHELBAK/REUTERS

Iranians distribute flowers during a rally in Tehran to celebrate the ceasefire agreement - ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

01:43 PM GMT

Analysis: A lot has to go wrong now for the ceasefire to break down now

Israels security cabinet has now approved the ceasefire deal with Hamas which will be brought to a vote in the government.

The full 33-member cabinet is widely expected to give its approval which means the ceasefire can go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Three hostages are set to be released after the ceasefire comes into effect on Sunday afternoon, while the first Palestinian female prisoners will be released from Israeli jails.

A lot has to go wrong now for the ceasefire to break down, but as the ceasefire in November 2023 taught us, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners is not uncomplicated.

Hamas could turn to psychological games to delay the release, in which Israel would delay the release of prisoners as well.

01:33 PM GMT

Telegraph readers react to ceasefire-hostages deal

01:29 PM GMT

We have to bring everyone home, says Herzog

Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, has welcomed the decision of the security cabinet to approve the ceasefire-hostages deal and said he expected the full cabinet to follow suit.

This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens, he said, adding: We have to bring everyone home. Everyone! We will not rest or be silent until it happens.

A woman walks past a mural Kfar Saba, Israel, calling for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct 7 attacks - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

01:07 PM GMT

Security cabinet approves Gaza deal

The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire deal.

A statement from the office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the approval comes after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects and with the understanding that the agreement supports the achievement of the wars goals.

National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, two right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, previously said they would vote against the deal.

12:53 PM GMT

Full cabinet to meet in next hour to vote on deal, Israeli media reports

The full 33-member cabinet is set to convene at 15:30 local time (13:30 GMT) to vote on the ceasefire deal, according to Israeli media.

The 11-member Israeli security cabinet is currently meeting to approve the agreement.

Earlier, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel submitted a request for the full cabinet to vote today rather than on Saturday to allow opponents of the deal the 24 hours required to petition the High Court of Justice. In doing so, the deal still has a chance of being implemented on Sunday.

12:45 PM GMT

Iran and Russia sign cooperation pact

Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, held talks in the Kremlin on Friday before signing a pact to further entrench their allegiance amid debilitating Western sanctions.

The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture, the Kremlin said.

Tehran has increasingly sought Moscows in the face of economic woes and setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East, which could wane further when Donald Trump returns to the White House with his doctrine of maximum pressure on Iran.

In particular, Iran is after sophisticated Russian weapons such as long-range air defence systems and fighter jets to help fend off perceived potential attacks by Israel.

Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow on Jan 17 - EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA/REUTERS

12:20 PM GMT

UN secretary general demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, has demanded an end to Israels continued occupation and military operations in south Lebanon.

The continued occupation by the Israel (military) inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701... They must stop, he said, referring to the UN Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between both sides.

The secretary general added that peacekeepers had discovered more than 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah and its allies in south Lebanon since a ceasefire between the group and Israel, which also constituted a violation of the UN Security Council decision.

11:53 AM GMT

Listen: How Hamas and Israels worst war changed history

Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey discuss the Gaza ceasefire, how the deal happened and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the world.

Plus: reactions from Ruwaida Amer on the ground in Gaza and from Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the hostages killed by Hamas.

11:43 AM GMT

Pictured: Israeli security cabinet

The security cabinet has convened to decide whether to approve the ceasefire-hostages deal.

Eight of the security cabinets 11 members are from Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, two right-wing coalition partners in the security cabinet, have openly opposed the deal.

If the cabinet approves, the deal will then go to the full 33-member cabinet for a vote on Friday.

Benjamin Netanyahu heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal on Jan 17 - GPO/AFP

The full Israeli cabinet will convene to vote on the deal on Friday, rather than on Saturday as had been previously suggested - KOBY GIDEON/GPO

11:34 AM GMT

This is the moment of truth, say hostage families

Family members of hostages held by Hamas have delivered speeches at a press conference from Tel Avivs hostage square.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said she is the closest shes been in 468 days to hugging her son.

This is the moment of truth for the Israeli public  to stand with us and ensure that the government implements all stages of the agreement, she said.

The grandson of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz described him as the only great-grandfather in the world to be held hostage.

We didnt believe that 15 months would pass that a great-grandfather is held hostage and the world doesnt help him and the Israeli government doesnt help him and I pray for the moment that he will return on his own two legs and well welcome him with love, said Daniel Lifshitz.

Einav Zangauker delivers a statement in Tel Aviv on Jan 17 - JANIS LAIZANS/REUTERS

11:13 AM GMT

First three hostages released will be female Israeli soldiers

The first group of hostages to be released will be three female Israeli soldiers, according to AFP citing two sources close to Hamas.

They are expected to be released on Sunday evening, one source said on condition of anonymity, adding that the hostages would then be transported to Egypt where they would be handed over to the Israelis and undergo medical examinations.

Afterward, they will be transported directly to Israel. (Israel) is then expected to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners, including several with high sentences, the source added.

10:46 AM GMT

Two French-Israelis among first hostages to be freed, Macron says

French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of 33 hostages to be freed by Hamas, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said on Friday.

We remain tirelessly mobilised so that their families can find them, Mr Macron added.

Release of the first group of hostages is expected to begin on Sunday, the Israeli prime ministers office said earlier today.

Mr Macron is currently visiting neighbouring Lebanon to push for the formation of a government that can quickly implement reforms and open the door to reconstruction after last years war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based terror group.

Emmanuel Macron smiles as he walks in Beiruts Gemmayze district during a visit to Lebanon, Jan 17 - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP

10:32 AM GMT

Pictured: Aftermath of Israeli strikes on tents in Khan Yunis

Palestinians are pictured mourning and examining damage after an Israeli attack on tents in the southern Gazan city of Khan Yunis.

According to Gazan authorities, at least 101 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire deal was announced.

Relatives of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks mourn after Israeli airstrike on tents in Khan Yunis, Jan 17 - Anadolu/Anadolu

Palestinians examine damage to tents, in which displaced Palestinians lived, following an Israeli attack in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Jan 17 - Anadolu/Anadolu

10:23 AM GMT

Philadelphi corridor issue could impede deal

The issue of an Israeli military presence remaining on the Philadelphi corridor - a narrow strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt - has reportedly not been agreed on down to the last detail. In fact representatives from Israeli intelligence and the IDF will leave for Cairo tomorrow to discuss the implementation of the deal vis a vis the corridor.

Benjamin Netanyahu already made the corridor a key issue this summer when he promised not to withdraw from it until Israel is absolutely certain that Hamas will no longer be able to use it as a smuggling route for weapons.

Many Israelis agree with Mr Netanyahu on this issue, seeing the corridor as a lifeline for Hamas. The terror group could also sabotage the ceasefire themselves over this issue, as they have repeatedly demanded that Israel withdraw from all Gaza.

10:05 AM GMT

First hostages expected to be released on Sunday, Israeli PM office says

The first hostages are set to be released on Sunday as originally scheduled, the Israeli prime ministers office said, after hours of uncertainty over the timing of final cabinet approval of the deal.

The office said: Pending approval by the Security Cabinet and the Government, and the agreement taking effect, the release of the hostages will be implemented according to the planned framework in which the hostages are expected to be released on Sunday.

10:01 AM GMT

Pictured: Palestinian mourners near Nasser hospital in Khan Younis

Gazans are shown mourning near bodies of those killed in recent Israeli strikes on the enclave.

According to Gazan authorities, over 100 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire deal was announced.

Mourners react near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip - Hatem Khaled/REUTERS

09:48 AM GMT

Hostages forum demands fast-tracked decision

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has demanded an urgent government meeting to approve the Gaza hostage deal before the Shabbat begins later today.

There is no justification for waiting until after the Sabbath [as] this is a matter of life and death, a statement from the Forum read.

The Forum is an organisation set up by the families of those abducted during the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. It has advocated for negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of the hostages.

09:45 AM GMT

Hostage identities to be revealed on day of release

Hamas is expected to release the names of the hostages to be freed on the day of their release, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Hostages names will be made public only after they have been handed over to the IDF and their families have been notified, a statement from the Israeli prime ministers office read.

09:19 AM GMT

Ben-Gvir reiterates plans to resign over disastrous deal

Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister, has reiterated that his Jewish Power party will abandon the governing coalition if the hostage-ceasefire deal is approved.

I love Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will make sure he continues to be prime minister, but I will leave because the deal that was signed is disastrous; it releases hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands, who, upon their release, will seek to murder the next Jew; it allows the return of thousands of terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip with weapons - when their goal is to murder Jews; it harms Israels ability to defend itself on the Philadelphia axis and at other important points; and it undoes all the war successes that cost us so much blood, he said in a statement seen by the Times of Israel.

The minister said his party would return to government if the IDF resumes fighting when the hostages held by Hamas have been released.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, centre, speaks at his office in Jerusalem on Jan 16 - OHAD ZWIGENBERG/AP

09:07 AM GMT

Israel showed no real effort in investigating war crimes, says ICC prosecutor

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended his decision to bring war crimes allegations against Israels prime minister, saying Israel made no real effort to investigate the allegations itself.

ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.

The British lawyer claimed the Israeli judicial system had not properly scrutinised allegations in Gaza.

Israel has rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and the United States, which is also not a member of the ICC, has moved to sanction the ICC in response.

It is of course unwanted and unwelcome that an institution that is a child of Nuremberg ...is threatened with sanctions. It should make people take note because this court is not owned by the prosecutor or by judges. We have 125 states, Mr Khan said.

Donald Trumps first administration imposed sanctions on the ICC in 2020 over investigations into war crimes in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were lifted during Joe Bidens presidency.

Karim Khan speaks in The Hague, Netherlands, on Jan 16 - PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW/REUTERS

08:44 AM GMT

Pictured: Rival protests collide in Times Square

Pro-Palestinian protesters marched on Times Square, New York, with signs reading break the imperial chains and Palestinians are freedom fighters.

The march was met by a number of pro-Israeli demonstrators including one man wearing a beanie in support of the hostages taken by Hamas and holding aloft a sign reading Gaza is guilty.

Protesters march in Times Square to demand the release of all Palestinian prisoners - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

New York Police Officers marshal Pro-Palestinian protesters at Times Square on Jan 16 - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

A man wearing a sweater depicting colours of an Israeli flag at Times Square - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

A man holds Israeli and US flags aloft amid Pro-Palestinian protesters in New York - EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

08:23 AM GMT

Top cabinet minister demands vote on Friday

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has submitted a request for the full cabinet to hold a telephone vote to approve the hostage-ceasefire deal on Friday.

In these matters, every hour and every minute is important  both for the hostages themselves and for their families who yearn for certainty after over a year in captivity, he wrote to cabinet secretary Yossi Fuchs.

Should the vote be brought forward to today, before the beginning of the Sabbath, it would allow opponents of the deal the 24 hours required to petition the High Court of Justice so that the deal can still be implemented on Sunday.

A Netanyahu spokesperson told the Times of Israel earlier this morning that the full cabinet meeting was not slated to take place until tomorrow night to give people who are religious and observe the Sabbath time to petition.

There is a religious principle allowing the violation of the Sabbath to save a life which could be leaned on in this case.

07:54 AM GMT

Netanyahu woos Smotrich ahead of vote, Israeli media reports

Benjamin Netanyahu has sat down with the leader of Israels hard-Right Religious Zionism party amid reports the party could resign from government in protest at the deal with Hamas.

Bezalel Smotrich, who is also Israels finance minister, has voiced concern over the bad and dangerous deal and said his party would only remain in the governing coalition if Israel returns to fighting at full scale once the hostages are released.

Mr Netanyahus coalition would still retain a slim majority of 61 seats in the 120 member Knesset if the seven Religious Zionism MKs were to resign.

However, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hardline national security minister, said on Thursday his party of six MKs would also resign from the government if the ceasefire deal was ratified.

The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal, Mr Ben-Gvir said in a televised statement, saying it would erase the achievements of the war by releasing hundreds of Palestinian militants and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.

If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we, the members of Jewish Power, will submit letters of resignation to the prime minister, he said.

If both parties were to leave the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his majority in the Knesset.

Last night, Mr Netanyahu held talks in which Mr Smotrichs demands were almost fully accepted, according to Israeli outlets Ynet and Channel 12.

Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Bezalel Smotrich (R) attend a rally in the city of Sderot on Oct 26, 2022 - GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP/GETTY

07:40 AM GMT

Israeli delegation prepare for Cairo

An Israeli delegation, including Shin Bet and IDF representatives, will leave for Cairo tomorrow for discussions on the Philadelphia corridor and Rafah crossing, a source familiar with the details told The Telegraph.

Israeli officials have previously denied that the IDF would leave the Philadelphi corridor in the first phase of the ceasefire.

The Rafah border crossing has also been a contentious issue in the talks, but its expected to open as soon as the ceasefire begins

07:22 AM GMT

Ceasefire better be done before I take the oath of office, says Trump

Donald Trump has stressed the need for the ceasefire and hostages deal to be finalised before his inauguration on Monday.

We shook hands, and we signed certain documents, but it better be done, the president-elect told the Dan Bongino podcast, adding that negotiations would never have been finalised without pressure from his team, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

We changed the course of it, and we changed it fast, and frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office, Trump said. It was so ungracious of Biden to say he did it, he didnt do anything. If we didnt get involved the hostages would have never come out.

Im not looking for credit. I want to get these people out, he said of the hostages, adding: For three years theyve lived (sic) like in hell.

Protesters in Tel Aviv calling for the hostage deal to be confirmed - NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages gather in front of the Israeli defence ministry in Tel Aviv in favour of the Gaza truce - JACK GUEZ/AFP

06:53 AM GMT

Mapped: What we know about the deal so far

The first stage of the proposed truce, which is expected to last six weeks, would see Hamas release 33 of the 94 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

In return, Israel would release around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, withdraw troops from populated areas of Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to flood in.

Read the full story on how the truce is expected to be implemented here.

06:27 AM GMT

The only path to peace is Hamass total and utter defeat

Those who are horrified by this deal are right to highlight its grave risks.

It seems to involve release of more than a thousand Palestinian terrorists in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages.

And a cessation will give Hamas some opportunity to regroup and rebuild its capabilities.

Read more here.

06:08 AM GMT

G7 calls on both sides to stick to peace

Leaders of the G7 powers called the ceasefire deal in Gaza a significant development and urged Israel and Hamas to work on its full implementation.

This is a significant development, the G7 said in a statement, urging all parties to engage constructively in its next phases of talks to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities.

The G7 also reaffirmed its support for Israels defence from security threats, urging Iran and its proxies to refrain from any further attack against Israel.

In its statement, the group also highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where conditions continue to deteriorate.

We demand all parties allow the safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance and ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, the G7 said.

05:43 AM GMT

Biden warns Netanyahu to accommodate Palestinians

Joe Biden has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel.

In an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, the US president said: The idea that Israel is going to be able to sustain itself for the long term without accommodating the Palestinian question ... Its not going to happen.

And I kept reminding my friend  and he is a friend, although we dont agree a whole lot lately  Bibi Netanyahu, that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of a large group of people called Palestinians, who have no place to live independently.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at a farewell ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday - EPA

05:21 AM GMT

Can Netanyahu survive an outbreak of peace?

Now that something approaching a peace has been declared in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, faces his greatest battle.

Israelis have long liked to quip that Bibi is no more than the sum of his fears, but without a war to riff on, things could be about to get very dark indeed for the great escape artist.

Mr Netanyahus challenges range across the political, legal and personal  and are coming into ever sharper relief.

Read the full story here.

05:07 AM GMT

Stages of the deal

05:00 AM GMT

What you need to know

Good morning. Israels cabinet is set to vote on a ceasefire deal that could soon end 15 months of war in Gaza.

Heres what you need to know:

Benjamin Netanyahu says a deal to return Hamas-held hostages in the Gaza Strip has been reached

He will convene his security cabinet on Friday and then the government to approve the agreement

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said the two sides were bridging the gaps and that he fully expects that the implementation of the agreement will begin on Sunday

Israel has reportedly already agreed to release several prisoners serving life sentences for murder but has refused to release certain high-profile terrorists

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.
Israel's security Cabinet has begun its consultations on a ceasefire agreement with Hamas involving the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The meeting in Jerusalem began a day later than initially planned.

If the security Cabinet gives the green light as expected, the government still has to approve the deal before it goes into force.

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The ceasefire is scheduled to begin at 12:15 pm (1015 GMT) on Sunday. Netanyahu's office said that it could come into force as planned, provided the security Cabinet and government agree.

The first hostages are expected to be released on Sunday. According to Israeli media, this could happen at 4 pm.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israels Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages held there and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.

The government announced the approval after 1 a.m. Jerusalem time and confirmed the ceasefire will go into effect on Sunday. The hourslong Cabinet meeting went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, a sign of the moments importance. In line with Jewish law, the Israeli government usually halts all business for the Sabbath except in emergency cases of life or death.

Mediators Qatar and the United States announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but the deal was in limbo for more than a day as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute complications that he blamed on the Hamas militant group. On Friday, the smaller security Cabinet recommended approving the deal.

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Key questions remain about the ceasefire  the second achieved during the war  including the names of the 33 hostages who are to be released during the first, six-week phase and who among them is still alive.

Netanyahu instructed a special task force to prepare to receive the hostages. The 33 are women, children, men over 50 and sick or wounded people. Hamas has agreed to free three female hostages on Day 1 of the deal, four on Day 7 and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.

Palestinian detainees are to be released as well. Israels justice ministry published a list of more than 700 who are to be freed in the deals first phase and said the release will not begin before 4 p.m. local time Sunday. All people on the list are younger or female.

Israels Prison Services said it will transport the prisoners instead of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which handled transportation during the first ceasefire, to avoid public expressions of joy. The prisoners have been accused of crimes like incitement, vandalism, supporting terror, terror activities, attempted murder or throwing stones or Molotov cocktails.

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The largely devastated Gaza should see a surge in humanitarian aid. Trucks carrying aid lined up Friday on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing into Gaza.

An Egyptian official said an Israeli delegation from the military and Israels Shin Bet internal security agency arrived Friday in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the crossing. An Israeli official confirmed a delegation was going to Cairo. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

Israeli forces will also pull back from many areas in Gaza during the first phase of the ceasefire and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be able to return to whats left of their homes.

Once Sunday comes around, we would be happier, God willing, one of Gazas displaced people, Ekhlas al-Kafarna, said during the wait for word on the Israeli Cabinet decision.

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Israels military said that as its forces gradually withdraw from specific locations and routes in Gaza, residents will not be allowed to return to areas where troops are present or near the Israel-Gaza border, and any threat to Israeli forces will be met with a forceful response.

Ceasefire talks had stalled repeatedly in previous months. But Israel and Hamas had been under growing pressure from both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before Trump takes office on Monday.

Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and left some 250 others captive. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half the dead.

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Fighting continued into Friday, and Gazas Health Ministry said 88 bodies had arrived at hospitals in the past 24 hours. In previous conflicts, both sides stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

The second  and much more difficult  phase of the ceasefire is meant to be negotiated during the first. The remainder of the hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released during this phase.

But Hamas has said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it dismantles the group and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory.

Longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.

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The conflict has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests. It also highlighted political tensions inside Israel, drawing fierce resistance from Netanyahus far-right coalition partners.

On Thursday, Israels hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if Israel approved the ceasefire. He reiterated that Friday, writing on social media platform X: If the deal passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart.

There was no immediate sign early Saturday that he had done so.

Ben-Gvirs resignation would not bring down the government or derail the ceasefire deal, but the move would destabilize the government at a delicate moment and could eventually lead to its collapse if Ben-Gvir were joined by other key Netanyahu allies.

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___

Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Chicago, Sam Mednick in Jerusalem and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
ROME (AP)  The Italian government met on Friday to discuss the case of an Italian national arrested in Venezuela two months ago and held without formal charges, the premiers office said in a statement.

Foreign minister Antonio Tajani and the Italian Embassy in Caracas have been closely following the situation of Alberto Trentini, a 45-year-old NGO worker that family and friends have lost track of since his arrest.

Officials "are activating all the possible channels for a positive and swift solution, the statement said, reiterating that the government needs the maximum discretion from the media to favor a positive outcome of the case.

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Fridays meeting included Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, State undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano and top intelligence officials.

During the meeting, Tajani had a phone conversation with Trentinis mother to express the closeness of the government and reassure her over the institutions commitment.

Last week, Italy summoned Venezuelas chief diplomat in Rome to protest the lack of information on Trentinis situation.

Trentini's arrest in November took place amid deteriorating relations between Italy and Venezuela.

Italy, along with other countries, did not recognize the victory of Nicolas Maduro in the July 2024 presidential elections considering it illegitimate.
ROME (AP)  A Milan judge has ordered Italys tourism minister to stand trial on false accounting charges at her former publishing company, her lawyer said on Friday.

Daniela Santanche was among 17 people indicted on Friday over alleged false corporate communications. Her partner Dimitri Kunz and her sister Fiorella Garnero were also indicted.

Santanche had resigned from her roles in the publishing company, Visibilia, before she became minister in 2022. She denies any wrongdoing.

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Its a decision that we expected, but it still leaves a bitter taste in our mouth, said Santanches lawyer Nicolo Pelanda, adding that he was confident the court would establish his client's innocence.

Milan prosecutors alleged that Santanche and her co-defendants falsified financial statements at the Visibilia publishing and advertising group from 2016 to 2022.

Santanche, 63, a lawmaker in Premier Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy party, survived a no confidence motion in the Senate over allegations that her former business failed to pay suppliers and dismissed workers without giving them redundancy payments.

Santanche told lawmakers she was innocent and vowed to clear her name.

The trial could be a new headache for Meloni, who has so far defended the troubled minister against repeated opposition calls for her resignation.
Ukraine will receive a new military aid package from Italy, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Jan. 16 after meeting with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Kyiv.

"(The military aid package) is already on its way to Ukraine," Umerov said. "This is modern weaponry that will help our soldiers to deliver powerful strikes against the enemy."

The two ministers agreed to strengthen defense cooperation between Kyiv and Rome. The countries also plan to launch joint ventures and other initiatives to support the Ukrainian defense industry.

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According to Umerov, Crosetto backed the continuation of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meetings, known as the Ramstein format.

"This is critical for providing everything our defenders need," the Ukrainian minister said.

Crosetto also met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and discussed security guarantees for Ukraine.

Italy's 10 military aid packages to Ukraine have included advanced weapons systems like the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense units. The country's cabinet approved a decree on Dec. 23 extending the supply of military aid to Kyiv through the end of 2025.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, UK sign 100-year partnership agreement

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A new resource is now available for young people in Jackson County who may be struggling with their mental health.

Lutheran Family and Childrens Services of Missouri (LFCS) is offering free counseling services to children and teenagers between the ages of three and 19. The initiative is thanks to a federal grant that aims to increase access to mental health support whether it be for depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal thoughts.

By providing free counseling services for youth in Jackson County, we are ensuring that cost is no barrier to care for families in need, said John Watson, LFCSs Behavioral Health Supervisor in Kansas City.

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18-year-old charged in October Kansas City homicide

The services are provided by trained mental health professionals, including licensed therapists who offer personalized care plans to support each childs unique needs. Sessions are offered in person or virtually.

A 2018 mental health report from the State of Missouri, the most recent report available, showed more than half of Jackson County middle and high schoolers reported feeling sad while nearly 20% self-harmed by means of cutting or hitting. The pandemic likely exacerbated some of those issues.

For young kids, not being in school for significant periods of time, those developmental connections were missing for a period of time, added Watson, whos overseeing the new program, which recently partnered with the Northeast Community Center.

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On Wednesday, LCFS helped their first patients through the community center.

The goal is to expand into schools and other community centers to offer individual therapy and family counseling at no cost. In the St. Louis area, Watson said they have a presence in at least 30 schools.

Its just to provide a safe space and safe person for folks to talk to outside of their family and teachers.

When you compare kids in Kansas versus Missouri, data shows the latter is worse off when it comes to addressing mental health.

Olathe coach, mentor fighting cancer: Im strong and Im ready

Out of all 50 states, Kansas ranks 16th when it comes to a lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to care among youth. Compare that to Missouri, which ranked 41st out of 50.

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So, how do you know if your child is suffering?

FOX4 looked at the latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services, which said warning signs include low energy, spending more time alone and avoiding social activities, losing interest in activities they usually enjoy, and engaging in reckless or destructive behavior.

For more information about LFCSs free youth counseling services in Jackson County, please call toll-free at 866-326-LFCS (5327) or email help@lfcs.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Jan. 17BISMARCK  The District 12 delegation from Jamestown introduced a bill on Monday, Jan. 13, in the North Dakota Legislature that would repeal a section in the North Dakota Century Code related to an incentive compensation plan for the state Retirement and Investment Office.

Reps. Mitch Ostlie and Bernie Satrom, both R-Jamestown, and Mike Beltz, R-Hillsboro, introduced House Bill 1348, which also amends North Dakota Century Code 54-44.3-20 by removing investment and fiscal operations positions of the Retirement and Investment Office from being exempt from the state employee classification system.

Sens. Cole Conley, R-Jamestown, Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks, and Mark Weber, R-Casselton, are carrying the legislation in the Senate.

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The bill has been referred to the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee.

A hearing had not been scheduled for HB 1348 as of Friday morning, Jan. 17.

Satrom said many legislators were not aware of the incentive compensation program.

"It bothers me that this has not been properly vetted up to this point," he said.

The incentive compensation program could allow the top two officials in the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office to earn up to 100% of their salaries as incentive compensation although RIO officials said that might not happen every year.

If the employees don't perform well with investments, their incentive compensation will not be paid at the same level, said Scott Anderson, RIO chief investment officer, told The Jamestown Sun in November.

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He said having internal investment managers saves the office about $16 million per year for internally managing 15% of the state's assets.

The incentive compensation plan allows more than just the investment advisers to be eligible for the plan and includes the executive director and the fiscal team of the Retirement and Investment Office, Joe Morrissette, director for the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, told The Jamestown Sun in November. All employees in RIO are not eligible for the plan, he said.

Morrissette said the plan's structure allows the fiscal team to get 25% to 60% of their salary as incentive compensation.

Morrissette also said in November that he was against the structure of the bonus system because the plan awards a bonus at one basis point of performance that exceeds the benchmark.

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"A basis point is a 100th of a percent," he said. "That seemed like too small of a margin for me. I felt like there should be a larger gap between the benchmark and what our performance is before we started awarding bonuses."

Satrom said he's not against state employees getting competitive pay but the Legislature is accountable to taxpayers.

"It needs to be discussed, and then we can make the decisions," he said.

During the 2023 legislative session, the state Legislature authorized the Retirement and Investment Office to develop an incentive compensation program for its investment and fiscal operations positions necessary for the management of funds under the control of the State Investment Board.

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Section 5 of Senate Bill 2022 created a new section to North Dakota Century Code 54-52.5 relating to an incentive compensation program for investment and fiscal operations positions.

North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-52.5 says that the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office may develop an incentive compensation program for full-time-equivalent investment and fiscal operations positions necessary for the management of the investment of funds under the control of the State Investment Board. The State Investment Board must approve annually the provisions of the program.

Section 3 of SB 2022 during the 2023 legislative session amended North Dakota Century Code Section 54-44.3-20 to exempt investment and fiscal operations positions of the Retirement and Investment Office staff from the state employee classification system.

The State Investment Board approved in a 10-3 vote the incentive compensation program in February. Board members Adam Miller, Joe Morrissette and Susan Sisk were opposed.

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A Jamestown Sun request for the video of the February State Investment Board meeting was not available with Sarah Mudder, RIO communications and outreach director, citing North Dakota Century Code 44-04-19.2(5). The Jamestown Sun has filed a request for an attorney general opinion on whether the video should be available.

The compensation plan applies to 20 full-time-equivalent positions in the Retirement and Investment Office, according to budget No. 190 of SB 2022.

The documents of the plan say it is designed to:

* Help attract and retain talented investment professionals

* Help RIO earn the highest possible investment returns at a reasonable cost and at controlled levels of risk.

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* Reward long-term investment performance

* Reflect the RIO client fund above-benchmark, net of all performance

* Motivate staff to make good decisions for RIO client funds, including implementation decisions related to asset allocation

* Foster a collaborative approach to investing RIO's assets under management

* Reward measurable and achievable performance

* Be clear and easily communicated in terms of the Plan's objectives, design features and associated incentive compensation opportunities

* Be perceived as fair by RIO's employees and potential recruits

Plan participation is determined based on employment status and the executive director's assessment of the position's impact on the Retirement and Investment Office's overall investment performance.

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The incentive compensation plan provides incentive compensation as a percentage of regular compensation with 80% of the incentive compensation based on the financial performance of the investments and 20% based on individual goals, according to the Retirement and Investment Office's budget No. 190 for SB 2022. If the three-year rolling average return of the investments exceeds the benchmark return by 0.5%, 100% of the incentive compensation based on financial performance is available to the employees, the document says.

The maximum incentives as a percentage of regular compensation are as follows:

* 100% for the chief investment officer and executive director

* 90% for the deputy chief investment officer

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* 75% for the chief risk officer, senior investment officers, and portfolio managers

* 60% for the chief financial officer

* 50% for investment officers, risk officers and accounting managers

* 25% for senior investment accountants and investment accountants
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Jamestown woman who worked as a postal worker pleaded guilty after stealing money and gift cards from mailed envelopes on multiple occasions in 2022, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Anita Miller, 41, was employed by the U.S. Postal Service when she committed theft on six occasions between February and March. She also delayed the delivery of mail twice in March of that same year.

Miller pleaded guilty to six counts of theft of mail by a postal employee and two counts of delay of mail by a postal employee. She was indicted in September of 2023.

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Miller is scheduled to be sentenced in May and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
The stars and planets are really aligning in January.

Skygazers and astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to catching a rare "planet parade" in the night sky through January. According to NASA scientist Preston Dyches, the planets "will appear more or less along a line across" during a planetary alignment.

While the planets will be visible throughout the month, the best time to view the planet parade will be between Jan. 21 and Feb. 21, per CNET. While seeing the planets in the evening sky isn't a rare sighting," NASA says it's less common "seeing four or even five bright planets at once, which doesn't happen every year."

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Related: How to Watch the Mars Occultation During January's Supermoon

"That line is called the ecliptic, and it represents the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit around the Sun," Dyches explained. "This is, incidentally, why we sometimes observe planets appearing to approach closely to each other on the sky, as we view them along a line while they careen around the cosmic racetrack."

Read on to learn more about this rare planetary alignment, including how to spot the planets in the night sky.

Related: The Ultimate 2025 Horoscope Predictions for Each Zodiac Sign, According to a Celebrity Astrologer

Which planets will be visible during the planetary alignment?

DWPhoto/Getty The Earth and moon The Earth and moon

Throughout January, planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus will all be visible in the night sky. However, the best time to catch a glimpse of the planets will be on Jan. 29, the night of the new moon when the sky will be clear.

When will the planets be visible?

Matt Champlin/Getty The planets and moon visible at twilight The planets and moon visible at twilight

All month long, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will be visible as "bright planets" in the night sky the first few hours after dark, while Uranus and Neptune will not be visible without special equipment. Mars will be best visible in the west during morning twilight.

Where will the planets be visible?

Getty Images Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter and the moon visible at night

Per CNET, the planets will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere throughout the month. This means people in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be able to catch a glimpse of the planet parade on a clear night.

How to watch the planets in the sky?

m-gucci/Getty Observing the stars and planets at night Observing the stars and planets at night

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Catching a glimpse of the planets will depend on the time of day and their relative distance from the planet at the time. For example, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter are best viewed after sunset at around 7 p.m. local time while Mars is best viewed before sunrise.

NASA also reports that Venus and Saturn in particular will appear closer to each other in mid-January and will reach their closest placement between Jan. 17 and 18.

You will not need special equipment to view Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky since they will be bright enough to view with the naked eye. But to view Neptune and Uranus, you will need a telescope to catch a proper glimpse into the sky.



When will the next planetary alignment take place?

According to the Starwalk, the next planetary alignment will be visible on Feb. 28. There, stargazers will be able to view Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars in the evening.

Read the original article on People
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's foreign minister said on Friday he would highlight the economic and national security value that the United States' key Asian ally offers during his visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.

During his four-day stay beginning Sunday, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will be the first senior Japanese official to meet members of the incoming president's governing team.

Iwaya said he was likely to meet with Trump's pick for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, who is expected to be confirmed on Monday.

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Iwaya said Japan's commitment to allocating 2% of gross domestic product to defence by 2027, in line with its national security strategy, was steadily progressing.

"Japan's status as the leading U.S. investor over the past five years also demonstrates our contributions," Iwaya said at a regular press briefing. "I will thoroughly explain and ensure understanding of these efforts," he added.

Despite Japan's deep economic and security ties with the U.S., including a decades-long military alliance that provides Washington with military bases on China's doorstep, Tokyo is unsure whether Japanese goods, such as automobiles, will be subject to the trade tariffs that Trump has said he will impose on imports.

Iwaya, who is making his first visit to the U.S. since taking up his post in October, said his trip will pave the way for a first meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which is expected to take place next month.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Japans Fuji TV is facing criticism over its handling of alleged sexual misconduct by celebrity TV host and actor Masahiro Nakai, which have sent its parents share price tumbling in recent weeks.

A group representing investors associated with U.S.s Dalton Investments expressed outrage in a public letter to the Fuji board published this week over an alleged lack of transparency, following reports that Nakai harassed a woman and that an employee of Fuji Media was involved in the incident.

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Dalton and its British affiliate, Rising Sun Management, together own a stake of over 7% in Fuji Media Holdings, which owns Fuji TV. Dalton is known as an activist investor. The lack of consistency and, importantly, transparency in both reporting the facts and the subsequent unforgivable shortcomings in your response merit serious condemnation that serves not only to undermine viewer trust, but also leads directly to erode shareholder value, the letter said.

Financial newspaper Nikkei reported that Fuji TV is set to hold a press conference in Japan today, but only selected media have been invited. Fuji TV has denied employee involvement and said that an inquiry involving an external lawyer was already underway.

Deadline has reached out to Fuji TV for comment.

Shares of Fuji Media Holdings have fallen 10% since the scandal was reported in late December, a greater decline compared with domestic rivals.

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Nakai is one of Japans most prominent TV hosts, making regular appearances across several channels. He used to be a member of now-defunct Japanese boyband SMAP.

Bloomberg reported that Nakai has issued a statement on his website, acknowledging that he had reached a settlement with the alleged victim, without referring directly to the incident.

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Japanese retailer Honeys Holdings is in the process of dropping its defamation lawsuit against Myanmar union leader Myo Myo Aye, but it claims that neither the filing procedure nor the damages it requested were anything but appropriate.

As the proceedings in this case have been prolonged and we have recognized that an end is not in sight, we have already decided to withdraw the lawsuit from a comprehensive perspective, and HGIL has begun preparations for that procedure, it said in an emailed statement, using the acronym for Honeys Garment Industry Limited.

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HGIL is a Myanmar-based subsidiary that accused Myo Myo Aye, who leads the Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar, of intervening and instigating illegal actions after workers complained in 2017 of unrealistic quotas of up to 600 pieces a day, in violation of an earlier collective bargaining agreement.

The factory blamed the unionist for inciting its employees to strike by guiding workers through Facebook and other social network pages with flattery and motivational activities, disrupting factory production and besmirching the companys reputation through newspaper articles and messages shared in a workers group chat.

It would also end up axing nearly 450 of the protestors, a move that the Worker Rights Consortium, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, described in a 2021 report as a severe violation of workers fundamental labor rights and an obvious act of retaliation.

Honeys, referencing an open letter that Human Rights Now, a Tokyo-based advocacy group, spearheaded in December, however, maintains it has done nothing wrong.

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The facts on which [Human Rights Now] bases its claim that human rights violations occurred, such as the increase in production quotas and the circumstances surrounding dismissals, differ significantly from our understanding and we believe that these are one-sided allegations, the company said.

It added that worker firings were conducted in line with local laws and regulations and that the double-header of criminal chargessince dismissedand a civil lawsuit against Myo Myo Aye were carried out in consideration of the unexpected losses suffered by HGIL due to unjust protest activities that ignored procedures such as advance notice stipulated by local laws and regulations.

Neither complaint, Honeys insisted, was carried out as a Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, i.e, SLAPP, or retaliatory measure, as Human Rights Now suggested. Nor did the retailer believe that they violated international labor conventions, particularly those involving the rights to organize and collectively bargain.

Our company and our group, including HGIL, are committed to respecting human

rights in accordance with the Honeys Group human rights policy, Honeys said. In the future, based on the groups human rights policy, our group will appropriately judge the need to strengthen human rights due diligence, and when the need arises, we will review our previous methods and take sincere measures.

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But Kazuko Ito, vice president of Human Rights Now, told Sourcing Journal that she was not at all convinced by the companys response. She said it was hard to believe that Honeys had a clear understanding of international human rights standards or its responsibilities to safeguard human rights in a conflict-riddled country like Myanmar, where the military has ruled with an iron fist since its 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyis semi-democratic government.

Honeyss business partners should respond appropriately, she said, using an honorific to refer to the union leader. We urge Honeys to clarify the timeline for withdrawing the civil lawsuit and to have a sincere dialogue with Daw Myo Myo regarding future remediation.

As of now, Myo Myo Ayes case is still pending judgment in Myanmar, with a demand for civil damages of 1.8 billion kyats ($858,000) that still stands, according to Roy Ngerng, regional urgent appeal coordinator for East Asia at the Clean Clothes Campaign, the garment industrys largest conglomerate of trade unions and labor organizations and a co-signer of Human Rights Nows letter. A loss, he said, would exert massive financial and physical penalties on her.

The case against her has already dragged on for over seven years and caused hardship for Myo Myo Aye as it is, Ngerng added. Her next hearing is on Jan. 22 and we expect the withdrawal of the suit to happen by then.
Shortly after a heated exchange between Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) during a House committee meeting earlier this week, the Texas Democrat said she received a creepy phone call from a Republican staffer that seemingly doubled down on Maces threats of violence.

That was a pretty heated exchange between yall and Mace. My moneys on Mace, the staffer said on the call, according to Crocketts office.

She did not name who the staffer wasbut the Texas Democrat said she isnt taking the call lightly.

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I will say that I think that I do need to take it seriously, because violence has become a very real thing in this chamber, and ultimately, kind of in this country when it comes to politics, she said. And she threatened violence.

Mace, a representative for South Carolinas 1st congressional district and a an outspoken domestic violence survivor, insisted in an X post that she did not in fact mean fisticuffs when she said take it outside during a Tuesday meeting of the House Oversight Committee.

Im no child. And if I wanted a physical fight, youd know it. Thats not what this was.



I wont be bullied by someone who wants to take away womens rights while lecturing about civil rights. I wont be bullied by someone who thinks being scared of rape is a fantasy.



This pic.twitter.com/jcll9GRjh1  Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 14, 2025

Im no child. And if I wanted a physical fight, youd know it. Thats not what this was, she wrote on X. I wont be bullied by someone who wants to take away womens rights while lecturing about civil rights. I wont be bullied by someone who thinks being scared of rape is a fantasy. This aint political, its personal.

However Crockett said the damage has already been done because of how her base could use her words as an excuse to take action.

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She needs to be careful about trying to do that stuff, literally, because shes just trying to get clicks and trying to raise money, but it does incite violence, period, not only on me, but on her, said Crockett. So she needs to be careful, and honestly, its just unbecoming of a member of Congress.

Setting an example starts at the top, said Crockett. When this type of behavior is not checked... then it allows other little people to believe that they can just do whatever to a hosted member of Congress, she added.
PINE BLUFF, Ark.- The Jefferson County Community came together to discuss Wednesday nights quorum court meeting that failed to put in place the 2025 budget for the second time this year, leaving many people without a paycheck amid a county government shutdown.

Organizers of the meeting said it was important for them to host a meeting for the community to have the public comment they were not allowed to have at Wednesdays Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting.

Its a power struggle, Jefferson County community upset about county government shutdown over budget

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Organizers said they invited the community and all county officials to come and take part in the conversation.

This is our meeting, we are the community, we are concerned, meeting organizer Kymara Seals said.

Many people spoke out about the circumstances they would have to try to overcome if the budget from the judges office was to pass.

Losing $25,000 a year would devastate my family, one person said. We struggle; we struggle to pay our mortgage, afford daycare, or meet our other financial obligations.

Jefferson County still shutdown as 2025 budget fails to pass after second reading

Another person shared its not safe for multiple public safety programs to be cut from the budget or drastically decreased in funding.

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We will have to sell the house because I cant afford to be let go, a single mother of three said.

Also, many said they were confused and hurt over the government shutdown keeping their paychecks away.

Not getting paid is a problem, and its not your problem its everybodys problem, someone said.

Its frustrating, Jefferson County employees concerned about not being paid as budget issues continue

There has still not been a date and time set for another quorum court meeting.

Members at the meeting were asked to call all of the justices of the peace and urge them to call a meeting for Friday afternoon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
Recent campaign filings by the large group running for governor this year indicate the campaign "will be record-breaking," one election official said. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

The candidates seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy have pulled in a staggering $15.6 million in campaign cash with about five months still to go until the primary, state election officials said this week.

The filings released by the Election Law Enforcement Commission indicate the gubernatorial race  a packed campaign with nine Republicans and six Democrats  will be record-breaking, Joe Donohue, the agencys deputy director, said in a statement. Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, agreed.

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This primary is going to see an unbelievable amount of spending, Rasmussen said.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, leads the pack of 15 candidates with a reported $3.2 million raised. Hes spent $640,720, his campaigns filings show. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman who challenged Murphy in 2021, trails behind Fulop. He reported raising $2.9 million and spending $1.4 million.

Rasmussen attributes their higher fundraising totals in part to the length of time theyve been in the race. Fulop announced his candidacy in April 2023, and Ciattarelli formally launched his campaign one year later.

I think Fulop has absolutely used his time wisely. He has absolutely used it to the full advantage, but I dont think that means hes got some prohibitive head start. I think it means that other candidates have catching up to do, Rasmussen said.

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Former state Sen. Steve Sweeney isnt far behind Ciattarelli. Sweeney, a Democrat who lost his Senate seat in 2021 to Republican and fellow gubernatorial hopeful Ed Durr, reported raising $2.4 million and spending nearly $400,000. State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union) has raised $1.5 million and has spent $1.1 million.

Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, Democrats who both jumped into the race in November, have raised $1.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Rasmussen noted their late entries in the race, and said their time in Congress has given them the chops to fundraise quickly.

I dont think that fundraising is going to be an issue for them, he said. Its just going to take a few weeks longer than others.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat, reported raising $1.2 million, and Republican New Jersey 101.5 host Bill Spadea has raised $1.1 million.

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Near the bottom of the pack is Sean Spiller, a former Montclair mayor and head of the state teachers union, who has raised just $182,884. But the anemic total for his campaign doesnt mean he wont have campaign cash behind him. Working New Jersey, an independent spending group linked to Spillers union, plans to spend big to back his candidacy. It told election law officials it expects to spend $35 million on the race.

Several Republicans, including Durr, have not reported raising any money. Durr famously toppled Sweeney, who had been in the Senate for decades and was Senate president when he lost reelection, after raising just a few thousand dollars.

Rasmussen said running for governor on that kind of shoestring budget will be tough.

Money is never the only determining factor, and I think somebody like Ed Durr has shown that. But what an analyst wants to see is signs of life, and money is one of those signs, he said.

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It was Tuesday, Jan. 7, when Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater stepped into his front yard and saw the flames of the Eaton fire, just a short walk from his house, raging over the mountain. He drove a few minutes up the block, hoping to get a better sense of what was happening. As he watched the fire creep closer, he turned around, went home and told his wife they should start packing.

While gathering some of their things, Grater called Ruth Berman Harris, the cantor at Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC), where Grater, 54, had served as rabbi for 12 years before leaving in 2015 and becoming a congregant.

"He called me on Tuesday night and said, 'Ruth, I think the fire is getting stronger and the winds are ramping up,' " Harris tells PEOPLE. "I was at home, getting ready to wind down for the night, and I said, 'Okay, I'm on my way.' "

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater The view from Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater's house when the wildfire in Pasadena exploded. The view from Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater's house when the wildfire in Pasadena exploded.

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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As Grater watched smoke fill the air, he got in his car and drove the short distance to PJTC, located at the base of Altadena. There, he met the temples caretaker, and together they gathered the 11 main Torahs, along with a few smaller ones, from the two sanctuaries and brought them into the buildings lobby.

A little while later, Harris and her husband arrived after sneaking through a back alley, since the roads were already closed. When they got there, they started loading the Torahs into their white Subaru Outback along with a gray Volkswagen Tiguan.

But by 8 p.m. local time, they noticed the smoke getting worse and quickly drove off.

"The smoke was unbearable, and I couldnt see my husband, so I screamed at him, 'Do you have all the Torahs?' And he screamed back, 'Yes, I do,' " Harris says. "The president of the congregation was also there helping out, and I said, 'We have to go. We have to go. If we stay, we're literally going to get trapped here.' "

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"So thats what we did. By then, embers were flying into the parking lot. Thank God, they didnt hit us," Harris adds.

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center burns during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California on Jan. 7. The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center burns during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California on Jan. 7.

Shortly after Harris and Grater retrieved the Torahs, Melissa Levy, the temples executive director, got a call while at home with her kids. While on speakerphone with those at the temple as they recovered the Torahs, she received a text from the board president informing her that the synagogue was on fire.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Levy says that while she knew firefighters and first responders were doing everything they could, she and the others could only watch helplessly as the fire unfolded.

From there, Levy recalls everything being a "bit of a blur." But she estimates that about 10 to 15 minutes later, she watched in disbelief as the 84-year-old building, which housed 435 member families, burned to the ground on her television screen.

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"As our synagogue was burning, I kept thinking about our neighbors, with whom we stay in close touch and who ended up losing their homes," Levy says. "We sometimes get calls when someone they dont recognize is walking on the property, and we send them little honey sticks before Rosh Hashanah because we know how busy that time can get for them."

"Its devastating," she adds. "So much has been lost. Im thankful that most people are safe, but its just so overwhelming. So many of the leaders who are usually the ones supporting others are the ones impacted this time. Our sisterhood president, who usually leads our 'sisterhood army' of volunteers, lost her home. And our past sisterhood president had to evacuate because she lived nearby."

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center after the Los Angeles wildfires. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center after the Los Angeles wildfires.

Among those in the PJTC community who also lost their homes was Grater. He says his neighborhood only had about five houses burn down, scattered randomly across different streets.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, when he went back with his wife to see remained of what once his familys home of 22 years, he found an Obama poster and the book Sacred Fire by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a rabbi in Poland during the Holocaust.

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"I was pretty much still in shock," he says. "We were in the house for just a little bit. I dont even remember exactly how long, but I think my wife saw it first."

"I dont believe this happened for a reason, or that God specifically saved that book," he adds. "I dont think that at all. But I believe there is something greater than ourselves, something beyond us. As a friend of mine said to me yesterday, 'We make meaning out of life.' And thats a central part of our religious tradition: the act of creating meaning."

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Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater Sacred Fire by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a rabbi in Poland during the Holocaust. Sacred Fire by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a rabbi in Poland during the Holocaust.

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While the PJTC community has lost so much from the fires, both Levy says that with the help of Grater  who sacrificed time to evacuate his own home  Harris, and a few others, they were thankfully able to save all of the congregation's Torahs.

Right now, she says they are housing a few of them at one of their congregants' homes so they can be used for services until a long-term rental space is found. However, most are being kept in a vault at a local nonprofit institution.

"We can create a sanctuary anywhere, as long as we have the Torahs." Harris says.

"This congregation has been through a lot," Levy adds. "Everyone had to deal with the pandemic, but just a little over a year ago, we lost our director of education to cancer. She was 40 years old, and over a thousand people gathered in our sanctuary and social hall to mourn her. We're also in the middle of a rabbi search to round out our senior staff, and our new director of education, who is also a rabbi, has been covering both roles at once. This past weekend, a candidate was supposed to be here for the rabbi search."

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Levy continues, "The way this community has supported each other through all of these ups and downs  its just astounding. Whats most important is each other, not a building."

Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Cantor Ruth Berman Harris with Torahs after saving them from the fire. Cantor Ruth Berman Harris with Torahs after saving them from the fire.

Related: Woman Who Evacuated L.A. Fires Is 'Haunted' by Watching 'Little Kids and Their Little Backpacks Running for Help' (Exclusive)

This past weekend, just three days after the fire broke out, Harris says that they were able to hold Shabbat at a local school. They had a big Shabbat potluck in the social hall, followed by Friday night services in the auditorium. On Saturday morning, they held morning services in the same auditorium, using kippot, tallitot (prayer shawls) and prayer books donated by local congregations.

The next day, for Sunday school, they held classes in the same space, where many of the families attending had lost their homes in the fire.

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"I am incredibly proud of who we are as a community, both from a leadership perspective and within the congregation," Harris says. "People are stepping up, showing love, offering their homes, their spaces, their food, and their resources. We're a strong community, and it's been amazing to witness."

"Ive lived in several places  Argentina, Israel for five years, Milwaukee, and Phoenix  and when I came here to interview, my family was still in Phoenix," she adds. "I remember telling them, I dont know what it is about this shul, but theyre incredibly warm and welcoming. Theres something here that I think I can really be a part of. Even then, I could feel that this community had a deep sense of extended family running through its veins. And now, in moments like this, it's becoming so clear how that spirit is coming to life."

Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Torahs after being saved from Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. Torahs after being saved from Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center.

While the community is already rebuilding spiritually, both Grater and Harris note that the physical reconstruction will likely take years. In the meantime, they are actively scouting locations for a semi-permanent campus.

"In Jewish tradition, mourning is a process that begins once we bury our loved ones," Harris says. "In a way, I had to go back to bury that building myself  to plant the seed in the ground, to start mourning what I no longer have: the community space, my office, my books, everything."

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"It was important for me to physically let go of that place," she adds. "Not that it makes the pain any less, but it officially marked the start of my mourning."

Grater adds, "I saw it yesterday for the first time, and its pretty unimaginable what lies ahead. But the community is strong. We will find a place. We are known to be a wandering people. A temple, a synagogueits not just a building, its the community. Its going to be hard, but we will figure it out."

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
This may be a dark day for TikTok, but Jimmy Fallon is looking at the bright side. The NBC late night host listed TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew as someone who may be looking forward to Donald Trumps inauguration.

Trump previously invited the executive to attend the event, which Chew accepted. The TikTok CEO was like, Oh, spying in person! This hits different,' Fallon said on Thursday night.

I read that Trump is considering an executive order that would keep TikTok around for a few more months, Fallon said earlier in the show. It makes sense because with TikTok you think youre done and you end up scrolling for a little bit longer.

Fallons jokes came out on Thursday night, hours before the Supreme Court upheld the United States TikTok ban early Friday morning. The ban is expected to go into effect this upcoming Sunday, impacting the platforms 170 million monthly American users from accessing the app. During its ruling, the Supreme Court found banning the app does not impact Americans First Amendment rights and cited national security justifications for the reason behind its decision, pointing to Chinas data collection and content manipulation efforts.

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Last April, President Biden signed a law that would result in a ban of the app unless TikToks parent company, the Beijing-based ByteDance, sold its American business. President-elect Trump has since said he may save the app. This may take the form of issuing an executive order that overturns the ban or giving ByteDance more time to sell off the U.S. branch of its company.

As for what this ban practically means for users, starting on Sunday, Americans who do not already have the app will be unable to download it, and Apple and Googles digital stores will stop offering the app. TikTok will also be prevented from updating on the phones of existing users. Reports have leaked that TikTok will take more drastic measures if the ban is passed, pushing for an immediate shutdown on Sunday rather than the slower shutdown process that will happen as users are unable to update.

The post Jimmy Fallon Thinks TikToks CEO Will Have Fun at Trumps Inauguration: Oh, Spying in Person! appeared first on TheWrap.
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as National Security Adviser John Bolton listens in the Oval Office of the White House on August 20, 2019. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

With just days until his inauguration, it would not be a shock to learn that Donald Trump is walking around Mar-a-Lago singing Starships No. 1 hit song from 1987 (the same year he published The Art of the Deal): Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now.

Confirmation hearings for Cabinet-level posts are moving right along, with Republican senators getting in line. The transition from the Biden administration to Trumps has been relatively smooth. Politically, Trump has never been more popular. Its a period of such good feelings that even (some) Democrats are playing nice with Trump.

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Everybodys optimistic. Everything seems possible. No limits appear, says executive branch veteran John Bolton. It lasts right up until noon on the 20th, when reality strikes.

Up to now, the focus of most commentary and reporting has been how the second Trump administration will reshape the country and the world: the national economy, the countrys global standing, both the operation of government and everyday life in the nations capital, the trajectory of American politics, Congress, big business, and even popular culture.

But as it has in past administrations, the world itself has the ability to stop a presidency dead in its tracks. So how should an incoming Trump official think about the incredible, and most likely incredibly frustrating, challenges to come?

On Monday the work of the second Trump administration will begin in earnest, starting with the more than 100 executive orders promised by his transition. There will still be plenty of confirmations to go through, not just for Cabinet secretaries and prominent agency heads, but many of the lower-level but still Senate-confirmed positions Trump will need to fill. The process for accomplishing his legislative agenda remains a mystery to his allies in Congress. Nor do the Republican Partys margins in both houses of Congress leave much room for error. And the looming midterm elections of 2026 will start the clock on how much real time this already-lame duck president has to get it all done before a potential shift in power in Washington.

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On top of all that are what Donald Rumsfeld called the known and unknown unknowns that can throw a presidency off its plan: natural disasters, terrorist attacks, international incidents, economic calamities. Trump had direct experience with this in the form of the COVID outbreak in 2020. A development in Ukraine or a provocation from China could complicate whatever domestic plans the Trump administration has. So, too, could injunctions and lawsuits in response to his executive actions.

So while Trump is now an old hand at being president, the real work of governing falls to the thousands of appointees, advisers, and staff of the executive branch. That, says Bolton, is where the real actionand real obstacleswill appear.

When it comes to the running of departments and agencies, day by day, a lot depends on the deputy secretary, the undersecretaries, the assistant secretaries, and those we still dont know a bunch about. So in that sense, the transition continues, except it continues under the gun, [when] youre making policy, making decisions that every day that have real world consequences, Bolton says.

And he would know. The 76-year-old attorney has served in every Republican administration since Ronald Reagans, including multiple positions in both the Justice and State departments. From perches that run the gamut from mid-level agency administrator to Trumps national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, Bolton has seen administrations struggle with the responsibilities of governance from multiple vantage points. Its hard to live up to the promises of a campaign, no matter how unified your party is or how poorly your predecessor performed.

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And beyond the base level of difficulty in running a massive government bureaucracy, implementing policy, and spending political capital effectively, carrying out the business of a Trump administration is uniquely demanding. It requires officials and staff to be prepared for the whiplash of contradictory directives or sudden decisionmaking from a capricious chief executive, who, as Bolton recently wrote for the New York Times, expects loyalty to himself above all. Boltons advice to those coming in to work for the administration? Be prepared for all of that.

People who have been in the government before have seen how presidents have operated who are disciplined, Bolton says. George H.W. Bush being perhaps the most disciplined, but Reagan had a certain discipline. George W. Bush had a certain discipline. Trump doesnt have a discipline, and that is hard just in the regular course of trying to decide policy.

Like many who worked for Trump during his first presidential tenure, Bolton has been vocal about how tumultuous the work can be. But for those who will be navigating what he calls the continuing turmoil of advising Trump, Bolton has some straightforward recommendations.

If youre a senior official, White House staff, Cabinet officer, whatever it might be, your job is to present to the president the information that he should have to make a decision. Present the options, get a decision, and then carry it out, he says. And you cant be held responsible if he doesnt care about the information youre providing or doesnt want to look at options, thats still what you should do, because thats what serves the country.

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Sometimes the best policy could be keeping your head down, particularly if your corner of the government doesnt often grab Trumps eye. In many departments and agencies, you know, if, once they get over there and begin to do the things they think that almost any Republican administration would do if Trump doesnt pay any attention to them, that could well be a blessing, because they could get a lot more done that way, Bolton says.

And knowing when to call it quits, too, is just as important. When the time comes that your principles are being violated or you just dont think hes paying any attention to you, thats the time to get out, Bolton says. And you shouldnt regret that, because you know this job is temporary going in, and as long as you know it could end tomorrow, you sleep a lot better at night and you perform better on the job.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Speaker Mike Johnson is remaking the House Intelligence Committee in Donald Trumps image, a shakeup with immense implications as the president-elect returns to power.

After ousting hawkish Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) as chair on Wednesday night, Johnson on Thursday installed the more MAGA-aligned Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) as lead Republican on the panel. He also added a passel of vocal Trump supporters to the committees lineup, tapping Reps. Ben Cline (Va.), Pat Fallon (Texas), Greg Steube (Fla.), Claudia Tenney (N.Y.) and Ann Wagner (Mo.).

The sea change on the panel is already triggering intense backlash from some Republicans on the committee and across the conference, who worry its a warning sign about the Houses willingness to stay independent of Trump. Thats to say nothing of Democrats, who fear the return of the partisan warfare that wracked the panel during Trumps first term.

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Unlike Turner, who has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine funding and other muscular national security stances, Crawford is much more America First in his outlook. He opposed aid to Ukraine last year and was the only member of the Arkansas congressional delegation to oppose the certification of President Joe Bidens electoral win in 2021.

Crawford is also seen as a team player for the Trump cause. He gave up his Intelligence seat for a time to Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), a veteran partisan brawler, in the runup to Trumps first impeachment in 2019 so Republicans would have more firepower during televised hearings. He said at the time he wanted to ensure the American people hear the full truth amid allegations that Trump threatened to hold up military aid to Ukraine in exchange for political dirt on his political opponents.

POLITICO first reported Thursday that Johnson was planning to pick Crawford. Johnson and Turner met in the speakers office Wednesday night, in what many Republicans on the panel assumed was a gathering to discuss the panels new member list. Instead, Johnson informed Turner he was out.

Turner later told CBS News that Johnson said it was due to concerns from Mar-a-Lago, though there were other concerns internal to the House that might have weighed on Johnson.



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First named to lead committee Republicans in 2022 by then-Leader Kevin McCarthy, Turner has made enemies on the MAGA right over his handling of key intelligence matters, including a major internal battle last year over renewing certain surveillance authorities that had been used to spy on Americans.

Conservative hard-liners grew enraged after Turner, they argue, tried to strong-arm them into backing the spy-powers bill by citing general national security implications. Crawford also supported renewing those powers but didnt try to force hard-liners into conforming, according to one GOP lawmaker who was granted anonymity to candidly discuss internal conference dynamics.

The internal GOP war created a massive mess for Johnson, who was still fairly new to the speaker role at the time and trying to balance his rebellious conferences dizzying demands.

Hes the most senior member, he is highly qualified and has been doing great work on the committee for six years, Johnson said as he left the Capitol on Thursday, denying that Freedom Caucus members had demanded Turners ouster.

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We have a lot of reform and restoration of trust thats needed in the intelligence community, and I think hes the perfect guy, he added.

During Trumps first term, under chairs Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and then Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the panel  officially the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence  became a hotbed of partisan tensions. Republicans used the panel to root out alleged deep state enemies of Trump inside the intelligence community, while Democrats then made it the center of their first impeachment effort.

Among the new members Johnson added Thursday  he has plenary control as speaker over which Republicans sit on and lead the panel  none is known as a Trump critic. Wagner, who recently missed out on the House Foreign Affairs Committee gavel, has transformed herself into a staunch Trump ally after crossing him early in his rise.

Other Republicans were pushing for a slot but didnt make the cut, including Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), who initially endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis against Trump in the last years presidential primaries.

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Johnsons move to remake the committee has unsettled a swath of his conference, especially centrists who backed Turner. Some GOP members have also raised questions about the other new members Johnson named to the panel, saying they had fewer qualifications than other Republicans who had been vying for the role.



Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a GOP defense hawk, said Turner was doing a good job in most of our minds.

Wed like to know what happened, because we dont know, Bacon said. But we dont like it because we agree with him on Ukraine, we agree with him on [surveillance]. So did the speaker.

I think its divisive within the conference, he added. We probably should just know what the truth is, because some of the rumors out there are offensive.

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The House Armed Services Committees top Democrat, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), had often clashed with Turner on that panel but was nonetheless unnerved by the possibility that Mar-a-Lago machinations had been behind his ouster.

Turner and I have gone at each other on a number of occasions, but he is a smart, competent guy who knows the intel community, and hes done the job really well for two years now, Smith said. There is no reason to remove him from that leadership post based on his ability to run the committee.

The implication, Smith said, is that Trump will wield more control over the House than any president in history.

It sure as hell seems like Donald Trump said, I dont like that guy, get rid of him, and Mike Johnson said, Yes, sir, Smith said.
Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) decision to shake up leadership on the House Intelligence Committee sent shockwaves throughout the panel and beyond, fueling concerns on both sides of the aisle about the influence of the MAGA-right and how sensitive national security matters will be handled in the looming Trump era.

Johnson declined to reappoint Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio)  a defense hawk and more traditional national security-focused holdover from former Speaker Kevin McCarthys (R-Calif.) time leading the House GOP  to the chairmanship of the high-profile committee. Instead, the Speaker opted to install Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), the most-senior GOP member of the panel who has been more skeptical of Ukraine aid, to the top job.

The change, which Johnson solidified Thursday, is setting a Trumpier tone at the top of the plum committee.

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While Turner is an ardent supporter of Ukraine, Crawford voted against a multibillion-dollar aid package for Kyiv last year. Crawford, in a statement announcing his new chairmanship, raised concern that abuse within our nations security apparatus has eroded trust in our institutions. And while Turner voted to certify the 2020 election, Crawford objected to certifying electors from both Pennsylvania and Arizona.

The unexpected nature of the roster shift is sparking questions among members of the panel about approach the committee will take moving forward  and targeting some ire at Johnson.

It kind of came out of nowhere. No good explanation, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) said of Turners removal. Lot of experience and expertise gone with Mike Turner. Not obvious what Johnson has in mind for the future, so we all have questions and concerns.

Theres been too much disruption on one of the most important committees in Congress, Crenshaw said, adding, Its all happened under Johnsons leadership.

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Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), another member of the panel, pointed to President-elect Trumps apparent influence on the decision. One GOP lawmaker told The Hill that Mar-a-Lago vetoed Turner.

Its a disturbing trend of a kind of purge of anybody who isnt a lackey for Donald Trump, Castro said.

Johnson and a Trump spokesperson, for their part, have denied that the president-elect directed the Speaker to remove Turner from the panel, with the Speaker underscoring that he made the decision of his own volition. Johnson, as Speaker, has the unilateral power to appoint the panel chair and members.

This is not a Mar-a-Lago or a Trump decision. This is a Speakers decision. A lot of deliberative thought goes into these things. The Intel Committee is extremely important, especially at a time like this, and its time for a new start, Johnson said in response to a question from The Hill, citing abuses within the intelligence community.

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Weve got to clean all that up, and its going to be a time for reform and all that, he added.

That response, however, has not stopped members on both sides of the aisle from worrying about the president-elects influence moving forward.

I dont think he showed enough fealty to President Trump, committee member Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) said of Turners ouster. Its really, really concerning, and President Trump hasnt even been sworn in yet. And these kinds of changes, huge sea changes, are happening. Speaker Johnson, in my opinion, just usurped a bunch of his power  Article I power  as near as I can tell at the request-slash-requirement of President Trump.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) said he thought any Trump involvement was motivated by his own run-ins with the law enforcement and intelligence community.

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Whats pretty clear to me is that Donald Trump has taken a personal interest in the nominees for national security and federal law enforcement positions; I think a lot of that has to do with his perceived grievances and his interest in putting loyalists into these positions, he said. Which Ive repeatedly said is troubling for our national security. When you talk about these positions, they should be bipartisan. They should be nonpartisan and above politics, because thats what our national security requires.

Turners ouster came as members on both sides of the aisle said they felt like the Intelligence Committee had finally reached a good place. They note it has transitioned from the fraught years of the Trump impeachment and feuding between former chairs Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who used the panel as a forum to battle over the investigation into Russias influence on Trumps 2016 campaign, to return to the more bipartisan manner the committee had seen for years.

McCarthy had appointed Turner as part of an effort to turn a new leaf, and hes had a good relationship with ranking member Jim Himes (D-Conn.), as well as with members further down the dais.

With Turner out, members of the panel are worried about the committees next chapter.

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Mike Turner, I think, tried to work in a bipartisan way for the best interest in the country, and it was a change from Devin Nunes, and so Im concerned [about] whats coming, Castro said before Johnson announced Crawford as the new chair.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), another member of the committee, said he was concerned Turner was being punished for practicing bipartisanship.

One, Donald Trump appears to have some kind of veto power over the appointment of members of Congress to different committees, which is disturbing in and of itself. And then secondly, you know, he obviously had a problem with Mikes trying to bring more bipartisanship to the committee. And theres nothing more urgent than having more bipartisanship in Congress, and certainly on issues of national security, he said.

To Democrats, Turners removal is just the latest in a series of concerning moves on national security from the MAGA wing, particularly as Trump has pledged to go after the deep state.

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Krishnamoorthi pointed to Trumps nominations of Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence and Kash Patel to be FBI director. And Johnsons appointment to the Intelligence panel of Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Trumps former White House physician, and Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), whose cell phone was seized by the FBI in 2022, raised eyebrows in both parties.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) touted Turners impactful track record as Intelligence Committee chief, calling Johnsons decision shameful.

Mike Turner has robustly promoted the safety of the American people and the Free World and his unjustified ouster is likely being applauded by our adversaries in Russia and China, he added.

There may have been other factors contributing to Turners ouster. He had rankled some with a cryptic announcement about an urgent national security member, prompting declassification of Russias nuclear ambitions in space  a move one GOP lawmaker said Johnsons office saw as a mess they had to clean up.

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Another element fueling inter-GOP strife is the battle over how to handle reform of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a controversial law that allows the government to spy on foreigners when they are located abroad.

Its been a target of MAGA-aligned members and privacy hawks who see it as a backdoor for collecting information on Americans and want to add a warrant provision to the law.

From his perch, Turner led the charge to renew FISA 702 without the warrant amendment, a battle he narrowly won last April. Some say that victory fueled hard-line conservative ire toward the now-former chair.

[House Freedom Caucus] seems to care about one thing and one thing only, which is FISA, Crenshaw said.

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Crenshaw also said that a Turner deputy was recently blocked from going to the National Security Council as a part of the fallout. But he said complaints about FISA 702 would likely hit a brick wall with many other new intel nominees backing the provision.

If there are people trying to cut some of these rational national defense types out, its not going to work. Were going to win, and all youre doing is creating bad blood in the process, Crenshaw said.

Crawford has also been a supporter of FISA 702, but in a statement Thursday, he referenced the kind of concerns espoused by Freedom Caucus members about the law. It will be up to him to shepherd the law through its next reauthorization before it expires in 2026.

Without aggressive oversight and vigorous protection of Americans Fourth Amendment rights, the IC is prone to give in to mission creep and skirt U.S. laws, Crawford said. In all our work, I pledge to preserve Americans constitutional rights even as we work to support the IC in doing everything required to collect indispensable information from our foreign adversaries.

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For those still on the committee, questions remain about their working dynamic going forward.

The committee can adapt. I mean, were  we all work well together. But it definitely will be a disruption with Turner, because Turner did a lot of good things and kind of refocused the committee back to the way it should be, said one GOP committee member who requested anonymity.

But Democrats said they will be vigilant going forward in battling any efforts by Trump to shift the committee.

Ill do everything in my power to prevent it from being pulled into politics or pulled into Donald Trumps loyalty tests, Crow said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jan. 16Retired Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor said the 12 Pittsburg County jurors picked for the Terry Nichols trial in 2004 were the real heroes of the case.

"12 Pittsburg County citizens were called upon to give up four months of their lives as jurors," Taylor said. "And they ended up being the heroes and champions of this trial because they sat through that trial and did their duty."

Taylor spoke about his experiences of being the presiding judge over Nichols' 2004 state trial for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing during the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum's Journey of Hope presentation held Thursday at McAlester High School.

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April 19, 2025, marks the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.

As part of its mission to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those whose lives were changed forever, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is traveling to all 77 counties across Oklahoma in a Journey of Hope.

The mobile presentation was attended Thursday by all McAlester High School Students along with a handful of first responders and local and state officials, including Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon, District 18 District Attorney Chuck Sullivan, and State Representatives Jim Grego and Tim Turner.

Organizers said these in-person visits provide an opportunity to take the exhibit beyond the walls of the museum and the memorial to all parts of the state and share the 30th anniversary message, "A Day of Darkness  Years of Light" aimed at inspiring students, civic clubs, church groups, individuals and families to embody the Oklahoma Standard by showing up to serve, rising up to honor and stepping up to be kind.

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During his presentation, Taylor said Nichols "was more of the logistics guy" and was the one that gathered all of the material used to make the fertilizer bomb with Timothy McVeigh being the "macho guy" who wanted to light the fuse.

Taylor also spoke about how two people who were living in Arizona could have prevented the tragedy if they had just told the authorities.

Michael and Lori Fortier were a part of the planning of the bombing, with Michael eventually taking a plea agreement or failing to report the attack beforehand in exchange for a reduced sentence and immunity for his wife. He also had to testify against both McVeigh and Nichols as part of the plea agreement.

"All they had to do is report this, and we wouldn't be here today. Those 168 people, those 19 children would still have their lives to live. And so, the lesson here for all of you is and you've heard it hundreds of times, but this is how it really works. The Fortiers knew about it and they didn't say anything," Taylor said. "So that lesson all of you hear from time to time 'You see something, say something, you hear something, say something,' you can save lives. You can make a difference."

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Taylor said the jurors who believed that life in prison without parole would be worse than receiving the death penalty "may be the wise ones."

"I told him this at the time of sentencing, I hope he thinks about those 168 people every day, and in a way, those jurors who felt that life without parole was harsher may be the wise ones," Taylor said. "Because every day in that small cell in Florence, Colorado, the defendants thinking about those 168 and those 19 kids."

The Journey of Hope will hold its next presentation Friday at Wilburton High School.
BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN)  Construction can continue at an industrial park in Bee Cave, according to a ruling issued by a Travis County judge this week.

This decision came months after the city of Bee Cave filed a lawsuit against the developer of the project, Velocis, to stop the project.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two Central Texas cities file lawsuit to stop development near residential neighborhood

The nearly 270,000-square-foot business park sits next to a residential area in Bee Caves extra-territorial jurisdiction. The facility under construction is near the intersection of State Highway 71 and Serene Hills Drive.

According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN) According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN) According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN) According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN) According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN) According to the business parks website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March 2025. (Photo: KXAN)

Online plans showed the property would have three buildings with 80 docking bays that could hold big rigs, warehouse space and offices.

The lawsuit

The city and others want to stop the project as well. In August, the city council voted to file a lawsuit blocking the development.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Home builder joins lawsuit against warehouse facility in Bee Cave

We are seeking to not only stop construction, but to tear down what has already been built, said city of Bee Cave Communications Director Crystal Cotti at the time.

The lawsuit alleged the developer violated a development agreement it signed with the city back in 2015. The city also claimed noise and light pollution disrupts residents ability to get good sleep.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Judge pauses construction on Bee Cave warehouse facility facing lawsuit

Last October, a judge approved a temporary restraining order to pause construction at the industrial park. This latest ruling now allows construction to continue, however Velocis can not violate city noise ordinances.

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The Court enjoined Defendants from any conduct that would violate the noise ordinance that Defendants agreed to follow in the Development Agreement. The Courts findings confirm the harm this development has caused to residents and supports the citys claim that Defendants breached the Development Agreement. The Courts ruling also clears the path for the case to proceed to trial on August 18, 2025. Crystal Cotti, City of Bee Cave Communications Director

Nicole Cox lives in a subdivision near the industrial ark. Cox said she felt disappointed with the ruling. Ultimately, she hoped for more.

We know it limits some of the conduct, but its not quite enough. Its bigger than just the noise, in addition to the traffic, Cox said. Condition of the road will be impacted, the air quality.

Paul Smith, a partner at Velocis, said in a statement that, As our history shows, we take pride in being a responsible and valuable partner within the communities where we operate. Our team is committed to finding a quick resolution to any outstanding concerns which will avoid a long and costly trial for the City of Bee Cave and its taxpayers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT PIERCE, Florida  A federal judge appeared highly skeptical Friday of Attorney General Merrick Garlands plan to show lawmakers the volume of special counsel Jack Smiths report pertaining to his now dismissed criminal case against President-elect Donald Trump for hoarding classified documents.

With the clock counting down towards Trumps inauguration on Monday, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon expressed serious doubts about nearly every argument a Justice Department attorney put forward for allowing the department to show four congressional leaders the portion of Smiths report covering the classified-information probe.

Over the course of a 90-minute public hearing, Cannon  a Trump appointee repeatedly questioned the urgency of showing the report to lawmakers in the coming days. The judge also challenged the safeguards the Justice Department says are in place to keep the report confidential and pressed for information on how prosecutors ensure that the report doesnt contain information protected by grand jury secrecy.

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The hearing Friday followed the Justice Departments release of the first volume of Smiths report on Tuesday, covering his investigation into Trumps effort to subvert the 2020 election. Cannon blocked release of the second volume, detailing Smiths investigation into Trumps storage of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after he left office in 2021, while DOJ seeks to revive charges against Trumps former co-defendants in that case.

Why is there such urgency to disclose this to Congress right now, prior to the conclusion of the criminal proceeding  which would seem to be the ordinary course? Cannon asked veteran Justice Department attorney Elizabeth Shapiro. At the end of the day, whats the upside of doing this right now?

Shapiro cited the historical practice of sending special counsel reports to Congress and a commitment by Garland to be fully transparent about the results of such investigations.

Im still not hearing a satisfying answer to that question, Cannon said.

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That prompted Shapiro to acknowledge that Garland only has control over the report for a few more days, given Trump is expected to replace him on Monday with an acting attorney general.

His time is limited. He appointed these special counsels, Shapiro said of Garland.

Shapiro said the conditions Garland has proposed for the leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committee to review the report  namely that they can only review it at the Justice Department, without electronic devices or staff, and must agree to keep its findings confidential  all but eliminate any danger of it becoming public.

Theres virtually no likelihood that the report can leak, Shapiro said.

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However, lawyers for Trump and his two former co-defendants in the classified documents case  Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira  said it was clear that Cannon had no authority to police any potential breaches of those conditions by lawmakers. They also argued it was more or less guaranteed that Trumps political opponents would disclose the information in some fashion.

The courts cannot order members of Congress to do things, said Nautas attorney Stanley Woodward, who raised his hand as he mocked the secrecy pledge as a scouts honor oath.

For all intents and purposes, it would really be a release publicly, Trump attorney John Lauro said.

Cannon noted that the precise scope of grand jury secrecy is often hashed out between parties in a criminal case and resolved by a judge. In this case, it appears to be a decision that was made entirely unilaterally by Smiths team, the judge said.

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Cannon also said she received a copy of the report for review on Thursday and that it appeared to contain information Trumps lawyers had previously argued was covered by attorney-client privilege.

Cannon did not issue an immediate ruling after the public hearing and did not indicate when she planned to do so. She ordered the courtroom cleared of press and spectators for a sealed session where lawyers were set to discuss the contents of the report in detail. Neither Trump nor his former co-defendants were in court for the proceedings.

The Justice Department seemed handicapped at the hearing Friday by the absence of any representative of the special counsels office who could speak in detail about how the report was prepared. Smith resigned last week and several of his top prosecutors have also left the department.

Shapiro said she was confident the report did not contain classified information, but she could not say whether it had undergone a review by the intelligence community for such content.

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Trumps lawyer said the lack of a persuasive answer about the urgency of the matter supported the notion that Garlands reasons for disclosing the report to members of Congress were political.

If counsel were 100% honest about why, it would bring disrepute on the Department of Justice, Lauro said. There simply is no good answer. He later suggested the candid answer might be: We want to get our last licks in before we leave.

Lauro also said one reason for Cannon to act was because the whole matter had become unduly distracting to Trump as he prepares to be sworn in next week.

There is certainly a need for him to give all of his attention and all of his concentration on being president again and not on the intermeddling issues, Lauro said.

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That drew one of the rare moments of disagreement between the judge and Trumps camp, with Cannon telling Lauro his argument was too broad because it suggested Trump should be protected from anything that could be distracting during the transition or even as president.

Negative press is negative press, the judge said.

Cannon also pressed lawyers for both sides on whether they were aware of any instance where a special counsel had released a report when a prosecution or appeal was still pending. The attorneys said they werent aware of such an instance, although Shapiro mentioned that special counsel David Weiss, who investigated Hunter Biden, testified before Congress while his prosecutions were ongoing.

Neither side mentioned that special counsel Robert Muellers final report was released while election-interference charges he brought against various Russian individuals and firms were still pending. Those charges remain open to this day, although the most prominent defendant, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a plane crash in 2023.

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Trump has strongly protested any release or sharing of Smiths final report, arguing that the prosecutor was biased and that his appointment was illegal. In a ruling last July, Cannon dismissed the classified documents case in its entirety, agreeing with Trump that Smith was unlawfully appointed by Garland.

The Justice Department quickly appealed that decision but dropped its bid to revive the charges against Trump after he won the election in November. The appeal seeking to reinstate the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira remains pending at the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, but its widely expected incoming Trump appointees will drop it or Trump will squelch the issue by pardoning the men.

Last week, Cannon temporarily blocked the release of any part of Smiths final report, even though the criminal case she handled is officially closed in court records. She eased that order on Monday, allowing the Justice Department to proceed with public release of the part of Smiths report that addressed the 2020 election probe.

Justice Department lawyers said in court filings that Garland agreed with a recommendation from Smith that the portion of the report about the documents stored at Mar-a-Lago only be shown to lawmakers and not be released publicly because of the possibility that Nauta and De Oliveira could face a trial if the appeals court reverses Cannons ruling dismissing the case.


Jan. 17WILKES-BARRE  Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough is giving one more month for prosecutors and an attorney advocating for 17-year-old James Alberto Jr. to reach a plea agreement in reference to a drive-by shooting in Nanticoke in 2023.

If a deal is not acceptable to both parties by a certain date in February, Vough said he will schedule the case for trial.

Alberto Jr. was charged by the Pennsylvania State Police at Wilkes-Barre on allegations he reached out a window of a stolen 2014 Hyundai Elantra and fired multiple shots, striking a 14-year-old boy in the head and ankle on July 21, 2023, according to court records.

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The shooting happened in the area of West Green and Maple streets.

During a review hearing due to Alberto Jr. being a minor housed in an adult prison, Vough inquired if he was attending educational classes and staying away from adult inmates.

"How you doing Mr. Alberto?" Vough asked.

"Fine, how are you judge," Alberto Jr. replied.

Vough then turned to Assistant District Attorney Julian Truskowski about placement in a juvenile facility.

Truskowski said there remains no room at five juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania and no space for Alberto Jr. at a juvenile detention facility in Ohio.

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Truskowski said negotiations continue with Alberto Jr.'s attorney, Ellen Granahan, about a possible plea agreement.

Vough said if a plea agreement cannot be reached by the next review hearing, he will schedule Alberto Jr. for trial.

Alberto Jr. is facing charges of criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, arson, reckless burning, receiving stolen property and possessing a firearm by a minor.

Court records say the Hyundai Elantra was stolen from a residence in Nanticoke on July 19, 2023. After the shooting, the Hyundai was set ablaze in Plymouth, court records say.

The driver of the Hyundai at the time of the shooting, John Carl Pearce IV, 18, pled guilty to criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, arson and theft. He was sentenced by Vough to five to 10 years in state prison in September.
COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI)  After two weeks of testimony, deliberation is now underway in the dual-jury trial of two men accused of murdering a pregnant woman and dumping her body in a Coventry pond.

On the morning of Dec. 21, 2022, a fisherman planning to angle at Carbuncle Pond spotted the body of a young woman submerged below the surface. She was later identified as 34-year-old Leila Duarte Da Luz.

Nearly a year later, Gary Gromkiewicz, 37, and Michael Lambert, 47, were indicted on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with Da Luzs death.

Pictured: Leila Duarte Da Luz

Investigators determined she died from a combination of blunt force injuries and drowning, ruling her death a homicide.

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According to prosecutors, Da Luz was an immigrant from Cape Verde who came to the United States with hopes and dreams, which were brutally torn away from her. At the time of her death, she was eight to ten weeks pregnant with Gromkiewiczs child.

BACKGROUND: Suspects plead not guilty in Coventry murder of pregnant woman

Due to the complexity of the case, the ongoing trial features two juriesone for each defendant.

To convict Gromkiewicz and Lambert, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they acted with malice and premeditation to cause Da Luzs death and that they intentionally conspired to carry out the crime.

Courtesy: Rhode Island State Police

Although presence at the scene of a crime is a factor, prosecutors said it is insufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

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According to the judge, both verdicts must be received simultaneously; whichever jury reaches a verdict first, must wait until the other is ready before they can be delivered.

UPDATE: 2 RI men found guilty of murdering pregnant woman

Closing arguments: Gromkiewicz

Prosecution

During Thursdays closing arguments, Prosecutor Stephen Dambruch recounted forensic evidence showing that Da Luz was violently assaulted, transported in a Jeep, and dumped in Carbuncle Pond.

She was well-educated. She had dreams. She had aspirations. She had hopes. But they were snuffed out during the early morning hours of December 21st, Dambruch said.

The two men allegedly communicated about plotting to kill her and cover their tracks, which was corroborated by digital data and witness testimony.

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Im not asking you to speculate. Im asking you to look at the evidence, Dambruch said. We have direct evidence, testimony, video, cellular  even if it is circumstantial, if you find it reliable, thats enough to convict.

Dambruch noted that Gromkiewicz and Lambert have known each other for 20 years and worked together with Da Luz at a factory. Gromkiewicz allegedly asked Lambert to help carry out the murder.

While Gromkiewicz claimed he tried to contact Da Luz after police informed him that she was missing, phone records show otherwise, according to Dambruch.

Instead, he contacted Lambert using his girlfriends sons phone and made incriminating Google searches such as Can someone track my location if I turn my phone off?

Photograph of Google search history found on a phone confiscated from Gary Gromkiewicz.

RELATED: Google searches, call logs examined in murder suspects joint trial

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In his statement, Gromkiewicz alleged that Lambert told him he had pistol-whipped Da Luz, but Dambruch dismissed this, saying Gromkiewicz was describing his own involvement in the crime.

The best lies always contain a kernel of truth, Dambruch added.

Dambruch pointed to multiple inconsistencies in Gromkiewiczs statements, saying they were riddled with lies, and urged the jury to hold him accountable for his actions. Gromkiewicz reportedly began sobbing at the end, which Dambruch dismissed as crocodile tears.

Defense

Gromkiewiczs attorney, Melissa Larsen, painted a different picture, pinning the blame on Lambert and arguing that Gromkiewicz had no involvement in Da Luzs murder.

Pictured: Leila Duarte Da Luz

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This was a heinous and tragic crime, but after two weeks of testimony  the state is relying on purely circumstantial evidence, Larsen said. The state has failed to prove [Gary] murdered [Leila] and conspired.

Larsen claimed the evidence overwhelmingly points to Lambert as the sole perpetrator. She argued that Lamberts phone records placed him at Carbuncle Pond, highlighting Lamberts history of violence and the fact he was on parole at the time of Da Luzs death.

READ: Medical examiner testifies in Carbuncle Pond murder trial

According to Larsen, there was no DNA, murder weapon, eyewitnesses or confession connecting Gromkiewicz to the crime  only circumstantial evidence.

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She dismissed the states claim that Gromkiewicz had a motive to kill Da Luz, arguing instead that he was excited to be a father. Larsen pointed to testimony from Gromkiewiczs sister and Da Luzs friend, who described him as happy about the pregnancy.

Gary Gromkiewicz is not a perfect man, but hes not a murderer, Larsen concluded, asking the jury to find her client not guilty on all counts.

Closing arguments: Lambert

State

In his closing argument for Lamberts jury, Dambruch said Lambert worked closely with Gromkiewicz to plan and execute the murder. He reiterated their coordinated movements leading up to Da Luzs death and the steps they allegedly took after the fact.

Dambruch disputed the defenses claim that the evidence was circumstantial, noting that Da Luzs DNA was found on both sides of the cargo area in the Jeep. He also pointed out Lamberts suspicious behavior during that time.

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From when the two men went to Buttonwoods together on Dec. 19, 2022, to when Da Luzs body was found in Carbuncle Pond on Dec. 21, 2022, Dambruch said theres a clear pattern of coordination.

Phone data presented in court during trial

They were talking with each other, texting with each other, or together with each other throughout that timeframe, Dambruch explained. They were doing so with a common goal and design: to take, first to plan, the taking of the life of Leila, secondly to actually go about killing her, and then finally, an attempt to cover their tracks.

MORE: Sneaker, cellphone data examined at trial of men charged with killing pregnant woman

He also argued that Lambert turned off Google location services on his phone and kept the Jeeps lights off as he and Gromkiewicz drove around the state to dispose of evidence, including the Jeeps cargo mat, which was eventually recovered from the water by investigators.

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Dambruch concluded by saying the evidence established that Gromkiewicz and Lambert are both equally involved and responsible for the murder and they conspired together to commit the act.

Defense

Michael Lamberts attorney, Kara Manosh, countered the states argument by claiming Gromkiewicz had a plan from the start and Lambert was used as the perfect fall guy.

According to Manosh, Lambert just thought he would make some money, and didnt realize what was happening until it was too late.

Photo: Police questioning Michael Lambert

She also refuted the timeline of events presented by the state and said the absence of a crime scene in Warwick, where Da Luz was allegedly attacked, and the lack of blood in the Jeep supported the argument that Gromkiewicz acted alone.

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This was done by one person and one person only, Manosh said.

Manosh added that Lamberts actions after the fact dont prove guilt for murder, but rather the fear and panic of being framed, calling them self-preservation techniques.

She concluded by saying Lambert is not guilty and that prosecutors have brought nothing but maybe to the case, failing to connect him to the crime.

TARGET 12: Court documents provide timeline of 2022 murder of pregnant woman

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Jan. 17A jury found an Albert Lea man guilty on Thursday on all seven counts against him tied to a traffic stop in July that eventually led to the evacuation of the Freeborn County courthouse.

Adam Alan Penhollow, 48, was found guilty of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle; fifth-degree drug possession; possession of an explosive or incendiary device; dangerous weapons-sell or possess a suppressor not lawfully possessed; DWI-refuse to submit to a chemical test as required by a search warrant; possessing ammunition or a firearm after a conviction of a drug offense; and driving after revocation.

Court documents state an officer was alerted to Penhollow after observing a possible fight outside the Walmart pharmacy at 1550 Blake Ave. A male left the group and got into a gray Kia Soreno registered to Penhollow's spouse.

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The officer believed the male was Penhollow, who was driving with a revoked license, and after verifying this information with dispatchers, the officer attempted to pull over Penhollow on Sorenson Road south of Hammer Road. Before turning on his lights, the officer noted Penhollow reportedly did not properly signal his turn.

Court documents state instead of of pulling over, the vehicle accelerated, and the officer activated its siren. The vehicle reportedly accelerated before turning into Paradise Road. After the officer used the public address system in his car to address Penhollow by name, Penhollow reportedly stopped the vehicle and was arrested for driving after revocation and felony fleeing.

Another officer began an inventory of the vehicle and noticed parts of baggies with white residue in them and began a drug impairment evaluation and received a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. Officers also found a locked gun safe in the vehicle within reach of the driver. Court documents state after picking up the safe, it seemed heavy and officers thought it might contain an illegal gun so they applied for and received a search warrant to open the safe.

Police discovered one of the items seized from his vehicle, a homemade pipe bomb, in a locked gun case brought back to the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center from the search of the vehicle after the traffic stop. The device led to the evacuation of the government center complex for over three hours, and authorities called in the St. Paul Bomb Squad for removal.

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They also found a bag with over 9 grams of methamphetamine.

After receiving a search warrant for Penhollow's home, officers found a shotgun, rifle and pistol ammunition, a revolver, a stockless rifle with a sound suppressor attached to sub-legal length barrel, a CO2 container used as an explosive device, a cartridge reloading equipment, another explosive device and a partial home-built Sten submachine gun.

Sentencing is slated for March 26.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabama children with physical disabilities are being unnecessarily institutionalized in nursing homes, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, warning it would file suit against the state unless changes are made to allow more of these children to live at home.

A Justice Department investigation found Alabama is violating the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act to administer services to individuals with disabilities in the setting most appropriate to the persons needs.

Many children with physical disabilities in Alabama are unnecessarily institutionalized or are at serious risk of unnecessary institutionalization, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke wrote to state officials.

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Clarke announced the probe's findings in a letter to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Medicaid Agency and the Alabama Department of Senior Services. It listed changes the state should make to provide more community services and threatened a federal lawsuit if action isn't taken.

Alabamas Gov. Kay Iveys office referred questions to the state agencies. The Department of Human Resources did not immediately respond to an email Thursday seeking comment.

The federal investigation found that Alabama policies effectively limit community-based services, or long-term support services, which allow children with physical disabilities to live at home.

Federal officials said the state has not adequately developed its community-based workforce. The Justice Department also said Alabama fails to support foster parents who care for, or are considering caring for, children with physical disabilities.

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Alabama parents too often face a difficult choice of sending their children to nursing homes for life or quitting their jobs to become full-time caregivers, the Justice Department wrote.

Some children who could otherwise be cared for in family homes have spent their formative years growing up in nursing homes, separated from their families and communities. Others live on the brink of such institutionalization, as their families struggle physically, financially, and emotionally to keep them at home, Clarke wrote.

P.J. Alexander said he and his wife were one of those Alabama families. Their son Kyle was born with a complex set of medical issues, including genetic conditions and cerebral palsy.

We were able to keep him at home, just barely, he said.

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They had considered moving to another state that provides more resources for families caring for profoundly disabled children. Kyle passed away suddenly Nov. 25 at age 10 from cardiac failure, Alexander said.

He was such a happy boy, hed always smile. For someone who had so many struggles," Alexander said.
A man charged in the 2022 fatal shooting of a Dutch soldier in downtown Indianapolis has been found guilty, according to the Marion County Prosecutors Office.

The five-day trial ended with the jury finding Shamar Duncan guilty of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery in connection to the Aug. 27, 2022 shooting that killed 26-year-old Simmie Poetsema and injured two of the Dutch mans comrades during a night out in the downtown bar district.

Witnesses told police the Dutch soldiers were walking back to their hotel from a club along Meridian Street when they were antagonized by Duncan and two people, according to court documents.

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Duncan bumped into them as they walked past, the Dutch soldiers friends told police. Poetsema and others in the group tried to diffuse the tension but it turned into a fight. Eventually one of Duncans peers said he was going to go get a strap, an arrest affidavit said.

The groups separated with Duncans group piling into a pickup and the soldiers returning to a downtown hotel. According to an arrest affidavit, the pickup started to drive off and then made a U-turn, accelerating to the front of the hotel. Witnesses said they then heard gunshots.

Indianapolis police responding to the shooting at about 3:30 a.m. found the two injured soldiers and Poetsema shot in the head outside a hotel in the 100 block of South Meridian Street.

Using videos from bystanders and surveillance footage, detectives found the pickup and identified Duncan as the shooter, according to the affidavit.

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The soldiers were visiting Indianapolis on a day off from training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in southeast Indiana.

Duncan is scheduled to be sentenced in February.

The Poetsema family, his fellow soldiers, and the surviving victims have continued to show such grace in the face of unimaginable grief under extraordinary circumstances, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in an announcement.

Indianapolis is a world-class city, and we will not be defined by the defendants actions, but rather by our citys response in the face of tragedy. Its through that sense of collaboration and community that we were able to secure justice for Simmie.

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Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com. Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com or follow him on X @1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana man found guilty of killing Dutch soldier in Indianapolis
WASHINGTON (AP)  With Donald Trumps return to the White House only days away, Kamala Harris ' staff packed into her ceremonial office to watch her sign the desk, a tradition performed by her predecessors for decades. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, stood behind her to take a photo as she wielded her Sharpie marker.

"It is not my nature to go quietly into the night," Harris said Thursday. So don't worry about that.

But what is next for her?

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I'll keep you posted," she said.

Harris hasn't made any plans for after leaving office Monday, apart from flying home to California. It will be the first time since 2004, when she became San Francisco's district attorney, that she hasn't held elected office.

There's talk that she'll write a book and speculation that she could run for governor or maybe president again. At 60 years old, Harris is still young in a political world where the last two presidents have set records as the oldest ever elected.

Donna Brazile, a longtime leader in the Democratic Party, recalled telling Harris that she needs to take a break and learn what it's like to oversleep for a while. They both laughed, and Brazile said, "Yeah, youll never go back to being ordinary.

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Brazile was campaign manager for Al Gore, the last sitting vice president to run for the top job.

Ive had more people call me about whats next for Kamala Harris than called me about whats next for Al Gore," she said.

Harris' term was both ordinary and extraordinary. Like many of her predecessors, she spent her time tending to a portfolio of issues  migration, abortion rights and maternal health among them  and representing the country overseas. Sometimes she struggled to distinguish herself, a common challenge in a job that comes with little constitutional responsibility.

But Harris also made history as the first woman, Black person or person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. And last year, Harris was thrust into an unprecedented situation when President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed her as his successor.

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There were only 107 days left in the campaign, leaving Harris in a sprint for the presidency. She instantly reset the terms of the race against Trump, who is nearly two decades older than her, but was unable to defeat him.

Many Democrats blamed Biden for running in the first place and putting Harris in an impossible position. Harris faced her own criticism, too.

Some said she should have sent a more populist message instead of focusing on Trump's antidemocratic threats by campaigning with Liz Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman. She also failed to separate herself from Biden, who remains deeply unpopular with voters.

Minyon Moore, who chaired last year's Democratic National Convention, downplayed the criticisms by saying ifa, woulda, coulda, shoulda.

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With Harris facing such an unusual campaign, Moore said, there was no road map for what she should have done.

Harris hasn't answered questions about her loss, nor has she shared her own perspective on the election. Her public remarks have been limited to rallying cries for students and others who are disappointed by Trump's victory, especially after Democrats described him as an existential threat to the country.

No one can walk away," Harris said in one speech. "We must stay in the fight. Every one of us.

Harris hoped to close out her term with an around-the-world trip to Singapore, Bahrain and Germany, a final opportunity to showcase her role on foreign policy. But she decided to stay in Washington as wildfires spread around Los Angeles. Her own house, in the Brentwood neighborhood, has been in an evacuation zone.

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Harris didn't travel to the area because she was concerned about diverting local resources from responding to the fire, according to an official in her office who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss her planning.

Despite canceling her overseas trip, Harris has signaled her interest in remaining involved on the global stage. She's spent time in her final week in office making calls to foreign leaders including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo.

On Wednesday, she was in the Oval Office to watch Biden give his farewell address. He described her as a great partner, and they embraced after the speech.

Biden chose Harris as his running mate after her first presidential campaign stalled four years ago. After taking office, her schedule was limited by the coronavirus pandemic and her obligations on Capitol Hill. With the U.S. Senate evenly divided, she was often called on to cast tiebreaking votes, eventually setting a record as she helped advance judicial nominees and landmark legislation.

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She had to find her role," said Joel Goldstein, a historian who has studied the vice presidency. "It took some time to figure it out.

Moore remembered an Oval Office meeting with Harris and other senior advisers as Biden deliberated whom to nominate for the U.S. Supreme Court. Although it was unlikely that a liberal justice would have many opportunities to write majority opinions on a court dominated by conservatives, Moore said Harris focused on which candidate would harness the platform to issue dissenting opinions.

Harris wanted somebody who could think through the nuances of writing those dissensions, Moore said. Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson, fulfilling his promise to put a Black woman on the bench, and she's often drawn attention for her sharp dissenting opinions.

One of Harris' original tasks, reducing migration from Central America, became a political burden. Republicans described her as the border czar and blamed her for illegal crossings. However, fewer migrants came from the countries where Harris focused her efforts.

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She met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Munich shortly before the Russian invasion began three years ago, and she spent a week in Africa to lay the groundwork for renewed U.S. engagement.

Harris also traveled three times to Southeast Asia as the administration tried to reorient foreign policy to confront China's influence.

She had the perception that we could use even more of an emphasis on this occasionally overlooked part of the world," said Phil Gordon, Harris' national security adviser.

Abortion rights became a defining issue for Harris after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Biden was more hesitant on the topic, and Harris started headlining the White House's efforts.

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Lorraine Voles, Harris' chief of staff, said the court decision was a turning point" for the vice president.

That opened up a lane for her in a way that maybe wasnt there previously," she said. "People were not focused on the issue of maternal health and reproductive health until people began to see it threatened.

Nadia Brown, a Georgetown University government professor who focuses on Black women and politics, said Harris will certainly go down in the history books for breaking down racial and gender barriers in politics.

She said Harris' time as vice president helped expand the views of "everyday Americans who might have misconceptions about what a leader could be or should be.

The only question left is what Harris decides to do now.

Its not over," Brown said. "But Im not sure what that next chapter is.
Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris signed the drawer of the vice president's ceremonial desk at the White House on Thursday, during a ceremony in which she acknowledged that while she may be the face of her office's accomplishments, their work would was carried out by a whole team of dedicated public servants whom she served with.

In the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Harris signed the drawer of a desk that has been used by each subsequent vice president since Lloyd B. Johnson in the 1960s, though the tradition goes back to the 1940s.

She adds her name to the likes of Joseph Biden, Richard Cheney and Walter Mondale. As the 49th vice president, Harris was the first woman to hold the office.

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She signed the desk with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, in attendance. Once done, those in the room erupted into chants of "MVP."

In brief remarks before she put sharpie to drawer, she expressed her pride for the team she has worked with for years, acknowledging that while she is the one whom people thank for their work she is "fully aware " they are thanking all of them.

Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff attend a ceremonial desk signing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Thursday, in Washington D.C. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

"I will tell you I'm fully aware that when they are thanking me they are thanking our team for the extraordinarily commitment that you each have and as a team have to lifting up the American people, lifting up their condition, lifting up their hopes and dreams and understanding through it all the nobility of public service," she said.

"We have each taken on a life and a calling that is about doing work in the service of others and doing it in a way that is fueled, yes, with ambition. Yes, with a sense of almost stubbornness about not hearing no and knowing that we can make a difference."

A view of the ceremonial desk drawer signed by Vice President Kamala Harris after the Vice President took part in a ceremonial desk signing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Thursday, in Washington D.C. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

But I will tell you everyone here has so much to be proud of, and our work is not done."

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Concerning those whose signatures hers now joins, she said that while they may not have all agreed on policies, they share a "very common experience" of having been vice president, and that she affixes her name to the desk "with great honor and with the knowledge that our work here has mattered."

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff takes a photo of the signature of Vice President Kamala Harris after she took part in a ceremonial desk signing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Thursday, in Washington D.C. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

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"It has meaning," she said, "it has impacted people we may never meet, people who may never know our name, but who are ever forever grateful for the work that you each and we all together have done."

According to the White House, the desk was first used by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902, with several presidents also choosing to use it, before being placed in storage from December 1929 until 1945, when President Harry S. Truman chose to use it.

Vice President Kamala Harris takes part in a ceremonial desk signing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Thursday, in Washington DC. Joined by the second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

The desk has been signed not only be vice presidents, but some of the presidents who have used it.

The incoming administration of Donald Trump will be inaugurated Monday, when former Sen. JD Vance of Ohio will take over the office of the vice president.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Part of Kansas Avenue in Topeka is set to close next week as part of a larger ongoing road work project.

Joseph Harrington with the City of Topeka said in a press release that Kansas Avenue from First Street to Third Street will be shut down starting on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Workers will install a storm sewer pipe over the course of two weeks. Drivers are instructed to follow these detour routes while the project is underway:

Northbound Kansas Avenue drivers will head west on Sixth Avenue, then go north on Topeka Boulevard up to Morse Street before turning south on Quincy Street.

Drivers heading south on Kansas Avenue will turn west onto Morse Street before reaching Topeka Boulevard and turning south until they reach Sixth Street. Drivers will then head down Sixth Street until they reach Kansas Avenue.

2,600 drivers busted going 100 mph in Kansas in 2024

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Harrington said this is part of the ongoing Polk-Quincy Viaduct project which is set to enter a new construction phase in 2025. You can learn more about this project 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

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 42-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man is facing multiple charges in connection to a shooting this week that led to a multi-hour standoff.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Friday that Steve Coleman is charged with six counts of first-degree assault, six counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of first-degree harassment and third-degree assault.

Mugshot of Steve Coleman, courtesy: Jackson County Detention Center

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers responded a call for help on Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the area of East 26th Street and Montgall Avenue just after 10:10 a.m.

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When officers arrived on the scene, they knocked on the door of the residence, heard a woman screaming and then two gunshots fired inside.

Several lanes of I-435 in Overland Park closed after bicyclist hit

Officers then made forcible entry into the residence and found the victim on the ground with a gunshot injury to the face. She was taken to the hospital and per medical staff, she is not expected to survive without life support and sustained a non-survivable injury to the head.

The scene of the incident then became a standoff with the suspect and KCPD negotiators communicating to Coleman by phone.

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Around 2:30 p.m. Coleman surrendered to police without incident and was taken into custody.

A second victim in the apartment was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.

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A criminal record check of Colman revealed him to be a convicted felon in Missouri with a 2014 robbery, burglary and domestic assault conviction, according to court documents.

No bond has been set for Coleman at this time.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is proposing a $1 million investment to up security in some of the citys busiest neighborhoods.

We need to have a stopgap, before we can hire enough officers, before we can do all the other work we need to, we need to make sure we have a strong prevention presence, thats why youre seeing this commitment in addition to the many other things the city has funded, Lucas said.

The business districts include 18th and Vine, Crossroads, River Market, Country Club Plaza, Westport and Zona Rosa.

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The proposal said the funding isnt limited to these places. The Waldo neighborhood hopes thats true.

Uniform private security hired to patrol KCs River Market

Sean Anderson said if they cant get any money, they at least want to be supportive.

Every neighborhood association is going on this every business district is going to jump on this, we all want it I think, Anderson said. This is less of something for us to get upset about and more if theres a way for us to influence how the cops are used without receiving cops were still happy to do that.

Anderson said they work closely with the community improvement district, have experimented with off-duty officers and are now looking more at issuing citations but they need support for a pathway forward to prosecution.

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I dont think these are the actions of thousands, I think we are dealing with a set amount of people, Anderson said.

According to the news release, the funds would be outside and in addition to regular Kansas City Police Department budgeted funding. The ordinance will go before some councilmembers later this month.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  With the temperatures expected to drop over the weekend, it can be a very tough time for ranchers keeping their livestock warm.

27 News spoke with the Kansas Livestock Association about what precautions ranchers take with their livestock. The organization says food and water are two of the most important things animals have when it gets colder.

Scarlett Madinger, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Livestock Association, explains what ranchers can do to block out the cold.

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They will start putting down bedding like straw, hay, Madinger said. They will roll that out so there can be a layer between them and the ground when they want to lay down.

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This past winter storm has already been the first test, but some ranchers are also starting calving season.

If calves are being had, right now you wanna make sure that those calves are being kept warm, Madinger said. So if a calf is born in these temperatures, the first thing you need to do is to make sure they are warm and then get them back to their mom as soon as possible.

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The type of weather isnt new to Kansas or livestock. Madinger says ranchers try to make sure that caring for the animals is their top priority.

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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Anti-abortion demonstrators place signs inside the Statehouse ahead of the Jan. 15, 2025, State of the Judiciary address. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  A group of Kansas Republicans want to outright ban and criminalize abortions in the state despite state constitutional protections.

Two bills in the Kansas House of Representatives  one prohibiting all abortions except those needed to save the life of a mother and another making it a crime to perform abortions  were introduced Wednesday and referred to the House health and human services committee.

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The bills are largely symbolic in nature, as the right to obtain an abortion in the first 21 weeks of pregnancy is enshrined in the Kansas Constitutions right to bodily autonomy. Similar legislation filed in past sessions didnt receive a hearing.

A majority of Kansas voters in 2022 rejected an attempt to amend the states constitution to allow an abortion ban, which was put on voters ballots in response to an earlier Kansas Supreme Court decision that established the right to terminate a pregnancy. Despite the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, the Kansas Supreme Court in July 2024 affirmed abortion as a constitutional right, overturning a 2015 law, signed by then-Gov. Sam Brownback, that criminalized the method used for most second-trimester abortions.

Six Republican legislators are sponsoring House Bill 2009, which would ban most abortions, and five of them are sponsoring House Bill 2010, which would make the act of performing an abortion and the destruction of a fertilized embryo felonies.

Rep. Brett Fairchild, a farmer from St. John, Rep. Scott Hill, a farmer from Abilene, Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a school board member in Paola, Rep. Bill Rhiley, a businessman and former educator in Wellington, Rep. Kevin Schwertfeger, a cattleman and crop consultant in Reno County, and Rep. Joe Seiwert, a business owner in Reno County, are co-sponsoring the ban bill. All except Hill are co-sponsoring the crime bill.

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The crime bill was written to abolish abortion in the state of Kansas and protect the lives of unborn persons with the same criminal and civil laws protecting the lives of born persons by repealing provisions that permit willful prenatal murder or assault, the bill reads.

The ban bill also prohibits the sale or distribution of abortifacients like mifepristone, and it creates an avenue through which someone can bring a lawsuit against another person for violating the provisions of the ban.

Ashley All, president of the Kansas Coalition for Common Sense, said the Republicans time would be better spent joining Democrats in supporting families by driving down costs and making life more affordable for everyone.

Kansans already voted overwhelmingly to support reproductive rights. Republican politicians need to stop interfering in our private medical decisions and trying to ban abortion, All said.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) holds a 6-point lead over Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in a hypothetical match-up for the 2026 Georgia Senate race, according to an internal poll released Thursday by the conservative Club for Growth.

The poll, conducted by WPA Intelligence, found 46 percent of respondents chose Kemp and 40 percent chose Ossoff when asked whom respondents would choose if the Senate race were held today. Another 14 percent said they were undecided.

Interestingly, the race appeared to narrow when respondents were asked more generally if they would vote for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate in the Georgia Senate race, with 38 percent saying the GOP contender and 35 percent saying the Democrat. However, both responses fell within the polls 4.4 point margin of error.

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The polling also suggested that Kemp was the only candidate surveyed who could beat Ossoff in the race.

When respondents were asked about a hypothetical match-up between Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Ossoff, the Democrat received 45 percent support while Carter received 32 percent.

Another match-up, between Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and Ossoff, found Ossoff at 44 percent while Collins received 34 percent.

The polling showed Ossoff holding a 16-percentage point lead over a potential match-up between him and Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King (R), a 14-percentage point lead over a potential match-up with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger (R) and an 11-point led over Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.).

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Ossoff is vying for a second term in the upper chamber after defeating former Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) during the 2020 cycle, seen as a major upset, and helping deliver for Democrats a Senate majority along with Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

So far, no Republican has officially launched a campaign against Ossoff yet as Republicans wait to see what Kemp does. A source familiar previously told The Hill an announcement wasnt imminent.

Several members of the party, however, have had their names floated or expressed interest in the position, including Carter, King and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

The Club for Growth poll conducted by WPA Intelligence surveyed respondents Jan. 14-15 with 500 likely voters sampled. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

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KC Crosbie, a former Lexington council member, will succeed Lara Trump as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. (Republican Party of Kentucky)

KC Crosbie, a longtime Republican National Committee member from Kentucky, has been elected to serve as co-chair of the RNC alongside Michael Whatley.

She succeeds Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of incoming President Donald Trump.

The Republican Party of Kentucky issued a statement Friday congratulating Crosbie on earning the confidence of the president and the 168 members of the RNC in her election.

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Crosbie is a former Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government City Council member and previously ran for Kentucky state treasurer in 2011 but lost the election. She was elected to represent Kentucky on the RNC during the 2012 state convention. She has also been the RNC treasurer.

Lara Trump announced she planned to resign as RNC co-chair in December. Crosbie announced her bid for co-chair shortly after in an email to members, NBC news reported.

Trump later gave Crosbie his Complete and Total Endorsement in a Truth Social post.

Andy Westberry, a spokesperson for the RPK, said in a statement that the party is proud and excited to see KC lead the RNC to greater success, just as she did here in Kentucky.

KC has spent decades promoting and protecting conservative values in Kentucky and across the nation. As co-chair, she will bring invaluable perspectives to the RNC, Westberry said. She will also prioritize ensuring that our elections remain fair and secure. Additionally, she will work to strategically allocate RNC resources to win close races in battleground states and build on President Trumps historic electoral gains.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  On Friday, the Supreme Court voted to uphold a law requiring TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app, which set up the looming ban to take effect on Sunday.

According to the Supreme Courts findings, the justices sided with President Joe Biden and his administration, finding that the ban does not infringe on the First Amendment. The Hill previously reported that President-elect Donald Trump urged the justices to delay the deadline, which would allow him to negotiate a deal.

The Biden administration confirmed they had no intention of enforcing the law before the inauguration, which would ultimately leave the bans fate in the hands of the Trump administration.

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Using geotagging data on the social networking platform X and the hashtags #BanTikTok or #SaveTikTok, we found that Kentucky was one of 16 states favoring the TikTok ban.

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Neighboring states Missouri, Indiana, and West Virginia also sided with the Bluegrass state, while Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia favored saving TikTok, according to a map created by iGaming.

Geotagged map of the U.S. in the ban TikTok debate (iGaming)

The map shows a heavy concentration of anti-TikTok patterns prevalent in the midwest, while the rest of the U.S. opposes a TikTok ban.

According to a news release, the ban in question comes from U.S. lawmakers who believe TikTok is a security threat due to ByteDances possible ties to the Chinese government.

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Slap in the face: Lexington TikTok creator frustrated with looming TikTok ban

A small business in Lexington is feeling the effects of the looming ban, as numerous platform users have already begun posting a requiem to the video-sharing app.

Rick Paynter, owner of The Kentucky Shop in Lexington, grew his business through TikTok and expressed his frustration around the ban.

It feels like a slap in the face. It feels like youre having your community taken away from you, Paynter told FOX 56 after amassing more than 65,000 followers on TikTok.

Meanwhile, a University of Kentucky student who works as a TikTok editor for the schools independent newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel, said TikTok provides an objective viewpoint on different topics that other social media platforms fail to offer.

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Kentucky, other states sue TikTok, alleging platform is addictive, harms kids mental health

Heres the facts; heres something that happened, and heres what other people think about it. All these people that have different opinions, Bryce Towle, TikTok manager for the Kentucky Kernel, told FOX 56. So then, you as a viewer can just make your own opinion from all these other peoples thoughts on the matter.

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(Bloomberg) -- Kenya plans to reinforce policing of social media amid a vicious online onslaught chiefly targeting President William Ruto, as criticism mounts of its efforts to stifle dissent.

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Kenyans have shifted their activism to the internet after the government violently quashed anti-government protests in June that left more than 60 people dead.

Platforms operating in the country will be required to actively monitor and take action against violent, hateful, unbalanced, and unmoderated content, Kenyas interior ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

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Operators must also reassess their content access and use models, including user identification. Greater firmness is required from telcos and platform owners in addressing criminal activities online, the ministry said in the statement. The increasing trend of individuals using social media irresponsibly, disregarding the limits of free speech, demands urgent action.

In a post Thursday on X that was later deleted, the ministry said the platforms must set up local offices to ensure accountability. The subsequent statement did not repeat that demand.

Ruto has become increasingly unpopular at home for introducing punitive taxes amid a cost-of-living crisis and for failing to end corruption. This week he responded to a viral meme of his lifeless body in a casket by warning of dire consequences for the creators of such images, local broadcaster NTV reported.

The threat didnt sit right with Kenyans, especially as human rights organizations have accused the state for being behind a spate of abductions to silence criticism. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights says at least seven government critics were abducted over a span of 10 days last month, bringing to 82 people snatched since June.

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Separately, the foreign affairs ministry issued a statement on X saying theres been a concerted effort by Kenyans to discredit their own government abroad to discourage high-level visits, de-campaign Kenyas candidates for international and regional positions, while sending intimidatory messages to members of the international community.

Last month, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project said it received the most public nominations in its history from Kenyans proposing their president for the dishonor of being named its person of the year. Syrias Bashar al-Assad won the title.

Kenyans have also bombarded the African Union with messages against their countrys official backing of former Prime Minister Raila Odingas candidature to head the pan-African body. They also reportedly criticized the Dutch royal family over a planned visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to Kenya in March, Nairobi-based Business Daily reported this week.

--With assistance from David Herbling.

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KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  The tight-knit Appalachian music community plans to flock to three different cities across the bluegrass starting on Friday to rally around a man who considers them family.

Byron Roberts created a little slice of heaven down on Ross Creek in Irvine with the inception of Kickin It on the Creek. Google Maps wont direct you there, but each year, music lovers would camp out on the streets of Irvine just to get their hands on a ticket.

Our first Kickin it on the Creek was a birthday party/Tyler Childers CD benefit, and we had seven bands play for free; we cooked two hogs after we paid for everything, and we gave Tyler all the money from it to help him with his career, Roberts said in Zachary Curry and Joe Whalens Let the Mountains Ring Forever: The Kickin it on the Creek Story.

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He said he was only going to do it that one time wed built a small stage, and afterward we were sitting around talking about how well it went, and Byron said, Man, I think I want to do it one more time,' a young Tyler Childers said.

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It was history from there.

More magic happened, Roberts said. Its turned into something incredible.

Strangers became friends, and friends turned to family.

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He and his family have the innate ability to make anyone feel at home and genuinely loved the very first time you meet them, and I know hes helped facilitate positive change in many more lives than my own, John R. Miller, a West Virginia-based musician, wrote.

If more people were like Byron, Jesus wouldnt come back; he wouldnt have to, Jamie Gaddis told FOX 56.

In November 2024, the Roberts family received unimaginable news. Byron was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, a diagnosis that shook the music community to its core.

After months of organizing and booking, over 20 bands will take the stage in two cities to raise money for the man whod give them the shirt off his back.

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Theyre some of the most amazing people Ive met, Roberts said about the musicians who played his festival over the years. But I believe in all these people wholeheartedly and would help them in any way I could in their careers or lives or whatever. Its not just a festival promoter and a band; its friends and family.

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Byron Roberts is one of the kindest and most generous humans Ive ever had the honor of calling my friend, Miller said. This Friday evening Ill be participating in a concert in Lexington, KY, to help with his medical expenses, among a long list of musicians who feel the same way and want to see him get well.

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, 15 bands will take the Manchester Music Hall stage to raise money for the Roberts family. But their efforts dont stop there, because on Saturday, another six musicians will host a benefit at the Steam Engine Pizza Pub in Irvine.

(Jimbo Valentine)

(Jimbo Valentine)

Childers, an Irvine native, partnered with Steam Engine to donate a signed Martin GCPE Inception guitar to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Roberts family.

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Festival organizers in Bell County are also extending a hand, organizing a silent auction for the Roberts family at Laurel Cove Music Festivals lineup announcement party. Items include festival tickets, rare vinyl, hard-to-find posters, and more.

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As of Thursday, the Laurel Cove Music Festival has raised nearly $7,000 for the Roberts family.

FOX 56 caught up with Greg Adams with Manchester Music Hall, who helped organize the benefit.

The motivation behind the benefit is how much he has done for our little music community. When you showed up to his property on Ross Creek, he welcomed you home whether it was your first time or fourth, Adams said. We as a community stepped up and wanted to take care of him immediately like he would do for any one of us.

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Thats more important than the music to me man, Roberts said. Is some of the friendships made from this, and we consider a lot of them family.

He deserves way more than we can give him; if people come to the show on January 17, they will see and feel the love for this one individual. He created this family, Adams emphasized.

Click here for ticketing information. For those interested in donating to the Roberts family, you can find information on how to do so here.

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Michelle Obamas decision to skip President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week isnt sitting well with Kid Rock, who is set to perform at the Jan. 20 event.

Speaking with Fox News Jesse Watters on Thursday, the rock musician tore into the former first lady and implied her absence was disrespectful of Trump.

I would kindly remind her that years back when [President Barack] Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration, he said. And I played it and I went, had a good time. I went out of respect for the presidency, so I would kindly remind Ms. Michelle about that.

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Kid Rock, who has been outspoken about his conservative views, was referring to his performance at the 2009 Youth Inaugural Ball, held after Barack Obamas first swearing-in. Kanye West and Fall Out Boy were among the other music acts at that event.

Kid Rock, right, is set to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. Sean M. Haffey via Getty Images

As to why he thought Michelle Obama had opted out of Trumps swearing-in this time around, he told Watters: She seems a little angry. She might be  I dont know, if you cant say something nice...

Michelle Obamas office confirmed Tuesday that the former first lady will not attend the upcoming inauguration, but offered no further detail. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, will be present at the event, along with former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Not surprisingly, the news has angered many conservatives, who seem to have forgotten that Trump and former first lady Melania Trump were both absent from President Joe Bidens 2021 inauguration.

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A number of media reports have attempted to shed light on the circumstances that may have led to her decision.

Former first lady Michelle Obama confirmed this week that she will not attend Trump's inauguration, but did not offer a reason. Brandon Bell via Getty Images

The former first lady has no interest in hiding her disdain of the president-elect and stands by her harsh criticism of him on the campaign trail, an unnamed aide told The Hill. She campaigned the hardest against him personally, of anyone.

Citing a source familiar with her thinking, People reported that Michelle Obamas reasoning was motivated by Trumps well-documented history of verbal attacks on the Obama family, and people of color more broadly.

She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady, the source said. Youll see her when she has a project or cause to promote, but she doesnt feel the need to be a public figure anymore.

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Elsewhere in his chat with Watters, Kid Rock doubled down on his support for Trump, calling the incoming president a terrific guy.

I want somebody smart who can run this country, keep us safe, run it like a business, and make America great again, he said.

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Bob Ritchie, a.k.a. Kid Rock , sent a stern message to former first lady Michelle Obama for her decision to skip his pal Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

On the Fox News show Jesse Watters Primetime, the MAGA music star, who will be performing at the president-elects inauguration, appeared stunned that the former first lady has opted out of attending. A source close to Obama told People , that she is not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake.

Obama campaigned against Trump during his presidential campaigns in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Kid Rock has more class than Michelle Obama.

Its not about who you voted for it is about respect for the office. pic.twitter.com/oxMbdWDKxM  Big Fish (@BigFish3000) January 17, 2025

I was actually listening to your show a little bit before I got in the truck here and I heard Michelle Obamas not attending, Kid Rock said Thursday night.

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The pro-Donald Trump musician said attending an inauguration is a matter of respect for the presidency, revealing that he performed at her husbands inauguration although he didnt cast a vote for him.

I would kindly remind her that years back when [Barack] Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration. And I played it and I went, had a good time. I went for out of respect to the presidency, Kid Rock said.  So I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that.

Kid Rock told host Jesse Watters he thought Michelle Obama seems a little angry, and restrained himself from launching a more scathing attack, adding: I dont know. Cant say something nice

The exchange drew mixed reactions on social media, with many coming to Obamas defense.

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Kindly remind Kid Rock that neither Donald Trump no Melania Trump attended Joe Bidens inauguration, one commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Michelle might have a private reason, I was really shocked she didnt attend President Carters funeral and now the inauguration. I would give her the benefit of the doubt, [imo], another wrote .

Others took Rocks side, with one X user commenting : Michelle Obama has no respect for America or the presidency.

The Daily Beast contacted the Obama Foundation for comment on Friday.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will be attending the inauguration of Trump at the Capitol. Former first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also be in attendance.

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No reason has been given for Michelles absence.

Kid Rock gushed in praise of the incoming president, telling host Watters he thinks Trump is a terrific guy.

I feel like if people are finding out really what type of man that Trump is. Hes just a terrific guy, he said. I endorsed him when he came down the elevator, because I love the fact that he was not a politician. He was a businessman, and the business of America has sucked for so longlike we need someone in here making sensible decisions.
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  The City of Killeen has partnered with Friends in Crisis to open an enhanced warming center for those in need.

The Friends in Crisis shelter is located at 412 East Sprott Street, and will be open from Saturday, Jan. 18  Thursday, Jan. 23. It will open on Saturday at 8 p.m. and close on Sunday at 12 noon. It will then reopen on Sunday at 6 p.m. and remain open until Wednesday at 11 a.m. It will reopen Wednesday at 8 p.m. and remain open until Thursday at 8 a.m.

The City of Killeens policy is to open a warming center if the temperature or wind chill factor is forecasted to fall below 32 degrees. After checking with the National Weather Service, the decision is made as early as possible, and no later than 3 p.m. on the day an overnight center would be opened.

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City buildings are always open to the public and available for warming (and cooling off) during each facilitys normal business hours. Those buildings include City Hall, libraries, the Recreation Center, and Police Headquarters. The city says it requires all community members and visitors at our public facilities to adhere to a code of conduct.

Citizens who would like to donate water can drop it off at any Killeen Fire Station, as well as the North Precinct Police Station located at 402 North 2nd Street. City staff will work to distribute these donations.

For any non-water donations, you can call the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management first to see what is needed at (254) 501-7706.

The city says it relies on partnering with organizations to operate warming and cooling centers, so if organizations like churches or community groups are able and willing to open their facilities and provide volunteers during the centers operational hours, they can contact the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at (254) 501-7706.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness is announcing new behavioral health and counseling services.

KPT hired Jennifer Hodgson who earned a PhD in marriage and family therapy. The decision was based around expanding overall care. KPT wants to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Jessica Saunders, Marketing Coordinator at Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness, says the team is constantly working on expanding.

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We are constantly working on expanding our services on growth within our community and across North Carolina, said Saunders.

Saunders says Hodgson welcomes individuals of all ages and is passionate.

She welcomes individuals, couples and families into her practice. She has experience working with people of all ages. Shes very passionate about what she does, and at her core, what she really wants to do is make mental health care accessible to all people.

Hodgson starts next Tuesday and Kinetic Physical Therapy is excited to have join the team.

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DENVER (KDVR)  King Soopers and City Market met with UFCW Local 7 union representatives Thursday evening ahead of the unions labor contract extension expiration at midnight.

This would impact contracts for Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Parker and some Colorado Springs stores.

At about 11 p.m., King Soopers and City Market shared its last, best and final offer that would establish a $4.50 increase for top rate clerks, department heads and pharmacy techs over a four-year contract. Each year would amount to either a $1.50 raise or a $1 raise. The company also said it was providing industry-leading health care at an affordable price and is proposing, at the most, a mere increase of $3/week.

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Before the final offer was sent, the UFCW Local 7 representatives issued this statement:

While King Soopers parent company Kroger is working to pay Wall Street investors $7.5 Billion, its proposals to Colorado grocery store workers continue to show a level of disrespect and deception that equal its illegal bargaining tactics of three years ago.

Bareback rider seriously injured in 2024 returns to National Western rodeo to thank medical team

The union believes Kroger is trying to make up for the money it spent on the failed attempted merger with Albertsons, Safeways parent company.

On the other side, Kroger believes the union is more concerned with stall tactics and creating uncertainty.

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We care deeply about our associates and want to invest in their futures. We are putting our best foot forward to provide a strong offer that rewards our associates dedication and helps support their families, said Joe Kelley, president of King Soopers, in the companys Thursday night release. The plain truth is King Soopers and City Market have done everything possible to move the bargaining process forward and our associates deserve stronger representation and must hold their Union accountable for NOT prioritizing economic issues that directly impact their lives. Its time to demand action and ensure that their voices are heard where it matters most.

Chris Lacey, a King Soopers worker from Littleton said, The companys proposals so far are not only inadequate, they are an insult to me and my co-workers who make the stores run every day. If the Company is serious about reaching a resolution before this contract expires, then it needs to completely change its approach. Workers are fed up with the Company and its scare tactics. We will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to secure a good and fair contract.

The union said information about strike votes is coming soon. FOX31 will update this story when a decision has been reached.

UFCW Local 7 said police were called during negotiations

The union posted on Facebook at about 9 p.m. Thursday, alleging that King Soopers management for store 40, which is located on Alameda Parkway in Lakewood, called police on union representative Renae Vigil.

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This behavior is contrary to the Companys promise of being open and transparent during contract negotiations, the union stated on Facebook.

FOX31 reached out to UFCW Local 7 for comment and clarification but did not immediately receive a response on Thursday night.

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HELVETIA, W.Va. (WBOY)  Fashnacht is one of West Virginias most unique cultural festivals and routinely attracts visitors from across the country. If youve ever wanted to attend Fasnacht but always seem to miss it, keep reading so you can make the most of this years end-of-winter celebration.

The Hutte Restaurant in Helvetia, West Virginia (WBOY image)

What is Fasnacht?

Fasnacht is held every year in Helvetia, West Virginia, a small Swiss village in Randolph County that was settled in 1869 by Swiss and German immigrants.

The Fasnacht celebration is meant to signify the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Attendees will often create and wear their own masks and costumes and the night traditionally ends with an effigy burning of Old Man Winter.

When and where is it?

Fasnacht in 2025 will be held on Saturday, March 1 from noon to 10 p.m. A majority of the festivities take place around the Helvetia Historic Square or in the different town buildings around Helvetia.

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Cell service in and around Helvetia can be spotty, so bring a paper map or download GPS directions ahead of time to make sure you can find your way back home.

Tickets are required to participate in Fasnacht and the line to purchase tickets can get quite long. To save yourself some time, you can purchase your ticket online here.

What do you do there?

As mentioned above the burning of Old Man Winter is the highlight of the evening, but theres still a considerable amount of activities throughout the day before the festivities end.

Swiss Embassy recognizes West Virginia town for preserving heritage

The days events will consist of several live musical acts, two historic tours, a masquerade and Mask Judging competition, and an Alpine-Appalachian Square Dance at the Helvetia Community Hall to round out the evening.

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You can find a full schedule of events for Fasnacht 2025 here.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Longmont police officers are searching for four male robbery suspects who reportedly took over $7,000 worth of items from a Sephora in a Kohls.

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The theft occurred on Jan. 14 at about 7:40 p.m., Longmont police reported on Facebook, but they havent been able to identify the four suspects. That led to the agency posting photos of the suspects on social media, in hopes someone recognizes them.

Longmont police shared these photos of suspects in a Sephora robbery on Jan. 14. (Longmont Police Services) Longmont police shared these photos of suspects in a Sephora robbery on Jan. 14. (Longmont Police Services) Longmont police shared these photos of suspects in a Sephora robbery on Jan. 14. (Longmont Police Services)

The Sephora in Kohls that was stolen from is located at 1211 South Hover Street in southern Longmont. Police didnt say what exactly was taken, but Sephora is a retail store for beauty products and personal care items.

Police said theyre also investigating for an associated possible assault.

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Anyone who can identify the felony robbers is asked to contact Longmont police at 303-651-8555 and reference report #25-428.

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When Erin Williams Tyler and her son evacuated their home in Altadena, California, they only had about 30 minutes to grab what they could before driving away. Tyler focused on gathering pictures while her son, who is 10, grabbed a collection of his shoes. Everything else was burned in the Eaton Fire that destroyed their home as well as large swaths of their historically Black community.

After they evacuated to her uncles house in a different part of the city, Tylers son went through a phase of wanting to be hyper-informed, obsessively tracking fire updates on social media and looking up information. But Tyler could tell it was adding to his anxiety about the situation, so they started limiting his time on the internet and restricting him to websites that showed where the fires were burning without overloading him with information. She wonders how the loss of their home will impact his mental health in the long term.

I do worry about how the destabilization is going to affect him, they said. We do plan to rebuild, but it is a big trauma to lose everything that you have at 10 years old.

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Shes tried to help take his mind off the disaster, with toys and workbooks while hes out of school, which was also damaged by the fire. But hes not just processing his own loss, its also that of his friends and classmates.

In the week since the fire, they were sent a picture of their now destroyed house.

He knows it is gone, she said. I think now hes just in the process of figuring out what life is going to be now.

Tyler is one of many mothers across the Los Angeles area who are trying to figure out how to move on after the disaster while also taking care of their childrens mental and physical health.

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Children are particularly susceptible to issues with their mental health after a disaster, because they understand less about what is happening than adults and depend on others to take care of them. A recent review of the research found that they can experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety for years after living in an area that had a wildfire. According to one study that surveyed over 3,000 students affected by a 2016 wildfire in Canada, children who had directly seen the fire or lost their homes exhibited significantly higher levels of PTSD and other mental health issues than those who didnt.

Children can also exhibit other signs of stress like the inability to sleep through the night, something that Betsy Cardenas, a mom who lives around 12 miles from the Eaton Fire, said shes noticed in her 11-year-old son. While they werent directly affected, they were on a constant state of alert as fires around them continued to grow at alarming rates.

I started seeing sleep disruptions, like waking up in the middle of the night, the night the fire started, she said. He heard us talking about it and he wanted to sleep in our bed. He was scared, and frankly, so was she.

A childs scooter is melted in front of a home destroyed in the Palisades Fire, on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles, California. (Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images)

At the same time that shes trying to comfort her son, Cardenas, a born and raised Angeleno, is also grieving the losses throughout her community. She knows at least a dozen families that have lost homes, and its been a topic of conversation with her son and her husband.

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We talked about how its OK to feel sad for our friends and our neighbors, and even people we dont know who are losing their homes, she said.

Amy Tan Cangilla could see the Palisades fire from her backyard and has had to find ways to talk about the disaster with her kids, who are 4 and 11. Her familys house was in a red-flag zone, meaning it was at a high risk of fire. On a drive to school last week she tried to gently tell her son, who is 11, what was happening.

I just told him your dad and I are kind of making a plan. Were packing a go bag, she said. I think it was just too much for him. He just started crying, and I felt awful. She has since tried to be more careful with what she tells him. Hes such an empath. He really worries about the animals.

Cangillas family did not end up evacuating, but they are still experiencing overwhelm and, at times, helplessness as the tragedy continues to grow. She and her husband have looked for ways to take their minds, and their kids, off the fires. On Saturday, they were looking at the air quality and saw a pocket of beach where it looked decent and decided to drive down.

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Watching her kids play in the sand allowed her family to be in the present moment  to take a mental break. Even if it was only for an hour and a half, Cangilla was grateful she could create this sense of harmony and safety for her kids.

It was grounding, she said, to be able to handle it with so much love and care that you can be there for them even when youre confused, or youre feeling overwhelmed.

Apart from the mental health concerns, moms are also worried about the impact of air pollution on their young children. Cardenas has made her son wear a mask to school and limits how much time he spends outside until the air feels safer.

Were in a situation where we dont know the full long-term effects that this is going to have in our city, so Ive been gravely concerned, she said.

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Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous to public health because it can contain high concentrations of PM 2.5, particulate matter that is so small it can enter the lungs and the bloodstream and damage organs. Because the fires have burned thousands of structures, the air is also full of toxins from plastics, chemicals, asbestos and lead, which isnt captured in the air quality monitoring reports. Children are especially vulnerable to the smoke because their lungs are still developing. Inhaling wildfire smoke can cause chest pain, wheezing and difficulty breathing, and it is even more dangerous for kids with asthma.

Shannon Rubenstone, who has a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old, evacuated with her kids before they had orders to leave her home in Pasadena. She could smell the chemicals in the smoke that had seeped through the windows in her house.

I was like, we have to get out of here, she said. We have two small kids, and I dont want to breathe this.

They are currently staying in San Francisco, where  though she feels grateful to breathe clean air again  she feels torn about when to return. Im feeling this pull of wanting to go back and help our community and be a part of the rebuilding, she said. But the reality is she has two small kids, including one who is too young to wear a mask.

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The school Rubenstone sent her daughter to has also been impacted by the fires. One of its two campuses suffered extensive damage, while the other was impacted by debris and the toxic ash that has settled in the area. Its unclear when her daughter will be back to school.

I was heartbroken, Rubenstone said. We did so much to try to get into this school. It is a charter school, and we had really started to connect with the families.

In the Pasadena Unified School District, around 87 teachers have also lost their homes and 600,000 students in the LA area have missed class due to poor air quality or evacuations in the past week.

The daycare her youngest was enrolled in has now permanently closed. Parents are now scrambling to find other child care options before spots fill up by other displaced families.

A boy plays on the beach with the Santa Monica pier on the background with smoke from the Palisades Fire seen in the sky on January 11, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

In the meantime, she and other moms are finding ways not just to care for their own families, but for their broader communities. Despite the distance, Rubenstone has stayed connected to moms from the school in a group chat, where theyve banded together to help one mom who lost her home in the fire to help source clothing and other essentials.

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Its been really beautiful. I mean in general just to look at the response throughout the whole community, but in our really smaller community, you know how everyone kind of jumped in that way, Rubenstone said.

Tyler, who is also a community organizer, is already planning to return to her neighborhood with personal protective equipment so she can help elders sift through the ashes and look for keepsakes that might have survived the fires.

And Cardenas, who was worried about the climate crisis long before the wildfires, has a renewed sense of urgency to take action to hold elected officials accountable to what she feels is a climate emergency.

Cardenas hopes that her son will one day feel empowered to take action, too.

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One thing I tell him is lets figure out how as you grow up, you can be part of the people who are a part of the side for the better, Cardenas said. I want him to feel very much like he has a say in whats going to happen.

The post He knows it is gone: What its like to parent through the Los Angeles wildfires appeared first on The 19th.

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(Bloomberg) -- Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to be Homeland Security secretary, on Friday described what she saw as flaws with the governments cybersecurity agency and indicated the incoming administration would shrink it.

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The Cybesecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Noem said, has gotten far off mission, using their resources in ways that were never intended by playing a leading role in public awareness of misinformation and disinformation in the recent elections.

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Noem, the South Dakota governor, suggested a narrower role for the agency in the incoming administration, saying CISA needed to be much more effective, smaller and more nimble.

The focus, she added, should be to hunt and help harden our nations critical infrastructure against cyber attacks.

CISA has long been a target for Trump and his allies, who allege that its worked to censor speech online when disinformation goes viral. During his first term, Trump fired former CISA Director Chris Krebs via tweet after Krebs vouched for the security of the 2020 election.

Noem, a staunch Trump ally whom detractors have said doesnt have the right experience for the job, received a generally positive reception from the committee.

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South Dakotas two Republican senators  Majority Leader John Thune and Kevin Cramer gave introductory remarks, praising the governor as tough and a protector.

If she secures the role, the South Dakota governor will work with border czar Tom Homan, the former acting head of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, to oversee Trumps pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

In Noems introductory remarks, she focused on keeping border security as a top priority in the organization, while strengthening the capabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which falls under the sprawling Homeland Security umbrella, and ensuring life-saving services are quickly restored.

Noem pledged to shut down the CBP One app, an online point for migrants to make an appointment to apply for asylum and legal border crossings.

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She also said she would bolster security at both the northern and southern US borders, while lambasting President Joe Bidens border policies as dangerous for the country.

--With assistance from Alicia A. Caldwell.

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Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security wants to rein in a cybersecurity agency that took a high-profile public stand and refuted the Republicans false claims of a compromised 2020 election.

During a confirmation hearing on Friday, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem told the Senate the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) had gotten far off mission and needs to be much more effective, smaller, more nimble to really fulfill their mission.

CISA has long been a target of conservatives, who criticized the agencys past work liaising with social media companies about hoaxes and disinformation.

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The misinformation and disinformation that they have stubbed their toe into and meddled with should be refocused onto what their job is, and that is to support critical infrastructure  to have the resources and be prepared for those cyberattacks that they will face, Noem added during the hearing.

Prominent Republicans have gone further in recent months, suggesting CISA should be eliminated.

Id like to eliminate it, Senator Rand Paul, incoming chair of the Senates homeland security committee, told Politico in November. The First Amendment is pretty important, thats why we listed it as the First Amendment, and I would have liked to, at the very least, eliminate their ability to censor content online.

Noem wants cyber agency to abandon work counter disinformation (AP)

It wasnt always this way for the agency. It was created in 2018 during the first Trump administration, and the then-president called establishing CISA very, very important.

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Things quickly soured, though.

In 2020, the agency pushed back against Trumps claims of a rigged election, calling the contest the most secure in U.S. history.

There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised," a statement from CISA read.

Trump soon fired CISA director Chris Krebs via tweet, calling the statement highly inaccurate.

Even with Krebs gone, the agency remained a sore spot for Republicans, who argued its work through the 2022 election with social media companies resulted in censorship of right-leaning voices, as well as the limiting of information critical of Joe Biden.

Krebs, for his part, is now an outspoken Trump critic and has claimed the GOP is in a death spiral because of their fealty to him as a standard bearer.
Fridays Top Stories

Fridays Five Facts

[1] Violence against the homeless, domestic violence on the rise: APD releases 2024 homicide statistics  Albuquerque police are breaking down the numbers after a record-setting year in which they solved their highest number of homicide cases. According to APD, the city ended 2024 with 96 homicide victims, a decrease from the 99 the year prior and a drop from 2022s record of 121 victims. In 2024, APD said they solved a total of 79 homicide cases and charged a record 127 suspects. There were 89 murder cases in 2024, and 69% of them were solved. The department also cleared 18 cases from previous years, bringing their solve rate to 89% for the year. They also noted the spike in murder-suicide cases.

[2] New Mexico Department of Justice proposes legislation on hazing and cyberbullying  The New Mexico Department of Justice is asking state lawmakers to pass two bills addressing cyberbullying and hazing during the upcoming session. The proposal comes after an NMDOJ report on the New Mexico State University hazing scandal. It would give offenders a misdemeanor for harmful conduct tied to the recruitment or initiation into a student organization and up to a second-degree felony for hazing resulting in death.

[3] Higher temperatures and winds expected across New Mexico before snow  Snow is lightly falling in the Jemez Mountains to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San Mateo Mountains, the Gila National Forest, and the Sierra Blanca Range, as well as light precipitation from the Mimbres Valley to the southern Rio Grande Valley, with light rain exiting Southeast New Mexico. Cold air is present, but its once again not as cold as the morning before. Temperatures for most, but not all, are below freezing, with persistent westerly winds making it feel a bit colder, but temperatures will rise for one more day for most before our next wintry pattern changes with stronger winds during the transition.

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[4] BCSO launch its Drone as First Responder Program by unveiling new autonomous drones  The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office is asking for millions of dollars to fund a program that will help deputies scope out how dangerous a scene is before they arrive. The Drone As First Responder Program is a new fleet of drones that will help deputies get an eye on 911 calls faster.

[5] Albuquerque Comic Con expected to have record turnout  Organizers of one of the most anticipated events of the year are expecting a record-breaking turnout at Comic-Con. More than 50,000 visitors will make their way to the Albuquerque Convention Center for the annual Comic Con. Stars like Elijah Wood and Jared Padalecki are planning on coming.

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Kylie Jenners makeup brand, Kylie Cosmetics, has revealed how they are helping with LA fire relief and recovery efforts. Firefighters are progressing in containing the blazes across Southern California. However, many families remain displaced after losing everything due to the catastrophe. The region now faces the aftermath of the multiple wildfires that claimed several structures, homes, and livelihoods. Meanwhile, several people, including Jenner, are doing what they can to offer their support to the relief efforts.

Kylie Cosmetics announces donation plans in moving Instagram post

Kylie Jenner announced via a statement from her brand Kylie Cosmetics about the donation plans for LA fire relief efforts. They expressed their heartbreak over the devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles. The statement also highlighted the suffering of several displaced residents. They wrote, Watching so many people forced to evacuate and hearing the stories of those who have lost everything is deeply saddening and difficult to comprehend.

Kylie Cosmetics further noted that to show their support, they will donate to several organizations that are helping the relief effort. The statement continued, We are donating skincare, body, hair and makeup products to Baby2Baby and to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery. Kylie Cosmetics added they are so inspired by Avery [Colvert]. The statement explained Colvert set up the recovery fund Altadena Girls after her school burnt down on January 8. The aim is to help provide items that help teens in Altadena feel confident and like themselves again.

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CBS News reported that 14-year-old Avery Colvert created Altadena Girls to help her friends who lost their homes to the Eaton Fire. The recovery fund went viral and grew overnight. Now, Colvert is getting support from several big names and brands to help the wildfire victims. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections update, the Eaton Fire is 55% contained after burning 14,117 acres.

The post Heres How Kylie Jenner Is Helping With LA Fire Relief & Recovery Efforts appeared first on Mandatory.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has hired a special prosecutor for cases of police misconduct, his office announced Thursday.

Hochman previously fired his predecessors appointee shortly after taking office last month.

Michael Gennaco will be the man tasked with prosecuting law enforcement officers accused of misconduct, including police shootings.

Hochmans office described Gennaco as one of the foremost experts in civil rights and police misconduct cases in the country, with a distinguished record of successful prosecutions.

FILEL.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is seen at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Oct. 17, 2022. Hochman previously ran as a Republican in 2022 in an effort to unseat Attorney General Rob Bonta.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Gennaco is a former Chief of the Civil Rights section for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Californias Central District, the D.A.s Office said, with a decadeslong career in civil rights prosecution and investigating instances of excessive force.

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Hochman says that experience will be crucial as his office looks to reevaluate prior decisions and take a fresh look at cases involving officer-involved shootings.

Gennaco will be in charge of reexamining evidence and pursue criminal charges against law enforcement officers if deemed warranted.

District attorneys push for increased penalties for wildfire looters

Our goal is to ensure transparency and accountability while strengthening public confidence in our justice system, Hochman said in a news release. His appointment reflects our dedication to ensuring justice and fairness in all aspects of our criminal justice system.

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Hell assume a similar role as Lawrence Middleton, a special prosecutor hired by former D.A. George Gascon, whom Hochman fired within days of taking office.

Middleton was hired in 2021 to reevaluate multiple deadly police shootings that former D.A. Jackie Lacey declined to prosecute. In more than three years in the position, he failed to obtain a single conviction while billing Los Angeles County over $1 million, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Gennacos contract went into effect on Jan. 14. The terms were not disclosed.

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For years, Los Angeles city employees could communicate through Google Chat messages that were automatically deleted after 24 hours.

Even after the practice, which was sanctioned by the city, was uncovered last year by a community group and good government experts questioned whether it violated public records laws, city officials declined to stop it.

This week, after wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other communities, the city abruptly changed course. All one-on-one and group Google Chat messages will now be saved.

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The news was announced by the city's Information Technology Agency on Tuesday in an email to employees. The city enabled Google Chat history in response to user requests related to the citywide emergency, the email said, referring to the wildfires.

The email noted that those messages would now be "subject to production in legal proceedings, public records requests, and internal investigations."

Ted Ross, general manager of the technology agency, confirmed in an email to The Times that Google Chat messages will be saved "indefinitely." He said preserving the messages will help employees look back on the online dialogues they had during the fires.

Read more: Rain in the forecast could cut back on wildfire risk in Southern California

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This can be a useful feature for city of Los Angeles employees using Google Workspace to assist with emergency response activities since they can review previous messages in a threaded discussion, Ross said.

The community group Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition had challenged the city's use of disappearing messages, contending that it amounted to a secret, self-destructing communications channel for city business. Representatives of the coalition welcomed the decision but accused city officials of tying it to the fire in an attempt to escape liability for years of improperly destroying public records.

The coalition, which sued the city in 2023 challenging its approval of a single-family home in Mount Washington, first found out about the disappearing messages during the lawsuits discovery process.

Jamie T. Hall, an attorney representing the coalition, accused the city of being dishonest in linking the change to the wildfires instead of the lawsuit.

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"They don't want to have to take responsibility," he said. "They want to say that something else prompted this and not have to admit that what they were doing was wrong.

Ross, the head of the Information Technology Agency, said that "many city employees are working long hours in response to the emergency and the ability to save chats for longer than 24 hours is helpful." He said he was not familiar with the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition lawsuit.

Critics have argued that the automatically disappearing messages allow officials to skirt the California Public Records Act, which establishes a right for the public to access records related to government business, as well as the citys own document retention policies.

Read more: L.A. city officials use disappearing Google Chats. The city attorney is investigating

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City officials have not explained how the disappearing chat feature complied with the state public records law or city policies that require most records be preserved for a minimum of two years.

Google Chat is available to about 26,000 city employees and has been used in some form since the early 2010s. City officials acknowledged last month that employees had long had the ability to communicate both internally and externally with the disappearing messages.

In November, Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition threatened to file an additional lawsuit over the messages.

An agreement between the coalition and the city, signed by a judge last month, said that the city attorneys office would immediately conduct an internal investigation regarding the Citys record retention and related policies.

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City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Sotos office did not respond to requests for comment about the status of the investigation and whether turning on Google Chat history was related to the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalitions legal action.

Hall, the attorney for the coalition, said the city needs to formalize its new policy of retaining Google Chat messages. Otherwise, it could switch the chat history off again in the future, he said.

Jamie York, a member of the good government group Unrig L.A., said the city never should have been using the disappearing messages.

"Transparency is really important for an accountable government," she said. "I think that the city unfortunately becomes motivated to follow the law when its threatened by a lawsuit."

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Times staff writer Julia Wick contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Technology company and defense contractor L3Harris has been awarded a significant contract from New York State. In a press release, the company says that the contract award is valued at $150 million over 20 years.

The company is set to provide significant communication technology upgrades along the New York State thruway, mainly in terms of interoperability upgrades.

This new hardware will allow different agencies to better communicate with each other along the nearly 600 miles of thruway: particularly in high traffic and significant weather events.

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OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires is worsening concerns about the already struggling insurance market in California.

Insurance brokers in the Golden State are increasingly canceling policies as the state faces heightened wildfire risks, leaving many homeowners vulnerable to rising threats and with fewer options to choose from.

I think its $3,400. Thats with a $20,000 deductible, which we didnt have a deductible before so its more than double, said Oceanside resident Dan Oliver when describing how much he pays annually.

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Oliver and his wife depend on the California FAIR Plan as a last resort.

We had to get a difference in coverage policy on top of that because from a liability perspective were not covered on the same things, Oliver added.

Last October, American National cut their policy leaving the couple in limbo and reviving old memories of evacuating in 2017 during the Lilac Fire.

It was scary knowing that at any moment if a fire happened and we didnt have coverage we could lose everything, Kathleen Oliver said.

Its a tragic reality for thousands of people living in Los Angeles. The Olivers live up the hills right by Camp Pendleton, an area designated as a wildfire risk zone because of its proximity to dense brush and frequent fire activity.

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They arent the only ones getting turned away by insurance companies.

We have a neighborhood Facebook group and people are posting on there like almost daily over the last few months, Just lost my insurance. Just lost my insurance. What are you doing?' Kathleen Oliver explained.

Insurance brokers, such as Ken Rodriguez, are also grappling with the challenges.

If theres ceilings on what carriers can charge and their losses are more than what theyre bringing in, they just simply have to make that business decision of not to do business in that area, Rodriguez said.

The Oceanside resident has friends and family that were evacuated and lost their homes in the L.A. wildfires.

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Los Angeles to San Diego by train is about to get easier

Rodriguez warned that the California FAIR plan is also running into its own challenges.

Specifically, just being underfunded so these catastrophic events could be devastating for the California FAIR Plan and all the carriers that pool together their resources, he said. I dont see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The California FAIR Plan is more of a state association funded by all the carriers that are doing business in California, Rodriguez said.

He recommends that homeowners who get dropped from their insurance be proactive and start shopping around early for other options immediately rather than wait until the last minute. He also encourages homeowners to understand the details in their policy, maintain their home and document all property and belongings through pictures and videos.

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Meanwhile, the Olivers try to keep their home clean and green and can rest assured theyll be covered, at least through October.

We dont want to have to leave our home because we cant get coverage, but we wouldnt be able to stay if we cant be covered because thats just too big of a risk, according to Kathleen Oliver.

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Roaring flames, wind-whipped embers and the smoking remains of homes have filled newscasts, websites and social media over the last two weeks. The fires that have destroyed 12,000 structures and killed at least 25 people in the Los Angeles area are on a scale that hasnt happened in Western Washington.

Given the right circumstances, they could happen here, and our summers of increasing drought and high temperatures are upping the likelihood, say those who study wildfire behavior and ecology.

All it takes is a match and bad timing.

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Pierce County has seen several major wildfires blow into densely housed population areas in the last several years. As the climate brings hotter and drier summers to the area, should residents  even in seemingly safe urban areas  prepare for firestorms?

A firefighter stands in front of the Sumner Grade Fire blaze in September 2020.

Wind

The wildfires that leapt into housing developments both in L.A. and in Western Washington have one thing in common: wind. Dry conditions were also a common factor.

In California, winds sweep westward out of Nevadas Great Basin and Californias deserts before descending into the L.A. basin. The Santa Ana winds are dry and hot and perfect for fanning fires.

In Washington, the same phenomenon can occur with winds flowing from the drier eastern part of the state to the western side, said Brian Harvey, an associate professor at the University of Washingtons School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. It was those conditions that fed destructive fires in Pierce County in early September 2020.

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Towards the end of the summer, there is a period of time where, if those winds kick up here, there are certainly some similarities (with California fires) in the context to the kinds of fires that we can see on the west side of the Cascades, he said.

Fanning the flames

Theres probably not going to be an L.A.-sized firestorm taking out a Western Washington city anytime soon. But, if its your home that burns in a smaller fire, the heartache and loss will be the same.

We are seeing more wildfires on the western side of the state in recent years, said Thomas Kyle-Milward, a spokesperson for the state Department of Natural Resources. Two years ago, the number of west side fires exceeded those on the east side for the first time, he said. The reason: more people.

In nature, fires usually only start via lightning. People, on the other hand, build power lines that fail, toss cigarettes from cars and let campfires get out of control.

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The physical properties of fire are well understood and predictable, said Maureen Kennedy, an associate professor at UW Tacoma who studies fire ecology and forest management. Add in factors found in a landscape  fuels, topography, meteorology plus ignitions  and fire forecasting becomes nearly impossible.

You put all that together, it is infinitely more complicated and difficult to predict, she said.

Firefighters from West Pierce Fire & Rescue water down hot spots in a field along the 7100 block of 146th Street SW in Lakewood, on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. The brush fire caused multiple homes to burn down in the Jamestown Estates mobile home park adjacent to the field.

Defensible space

Washingtons DNR, like so many other agencies, offers tips on home preparation in defense of wildfires.

Studies show that as many as 80 percent of homes lost to wildland fire may have been saved if brush around the homes were cleared and defensible space created around structures, DNR says on its website.

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That would come as little comfort to the residents of Altadena, California, who had streets, sidewalks, lawns and other cleared spaces around their homes but saw entire blocks wiped out.

Once the fire gets into the residential area, particularly high-density residential areas where homes are relatively close to each other ... the fire then does spread from structure to structure, Kennedy said.

The homes and structures, if theyre built out of flammable materials, can serve as fuel just as easily for the fire as trees and shrubs around here, Harvey said.

Embers can travel from a wind-driven fire and land on homes. Residents evacuating from a fire behind them might find another in front of them.

Ken Linke watches as a helicopter drops water on a wildfire beneath the high tension power lines along 82nd Avenue South in Roy, Washington, on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Harvey cited a 2017 fire on the Oregon side of the Columbia River that sent embers across the Columbia River where they started conflagrations on that side.

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Thats a pretty big unburnable fire barrier, right? he said. Defensible space is more than just if youre living deep in the woods.

Defensible space might not keep embers off your home, but it can allow firefighters a safe area between your house and massive flames.

Whether in the country or in the city, Kyle-Milward said, homeowners can take measures to reduce the risks from wind-driven embers. Those include keeping gutters free of organic material and not piling wood or other flammable material against a house. And, he said, talk to your neighbors.

Theres strength in numbers, he said. If all the neighbors on a block follow good fire hygiene, the chances of their homes surviving as a group increases.

Fuels

In wildfire parlance, fuel refers to material that feeds fire. Forests have more than chaparral. Chaparral has more than grasslands. But its still difficult to label one more dangerous than the other. There are just too many circumstances unique to each situation.

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In Western Washington, thick forests are less likely to burn than brush because they are wetter and more removed from human interaction, Harvey said.

Brush and grass, in addition to being more flammable, also have a history of burning at regular intervals before the arrival of Europeans, Kennedy and Harvey said. Native populations would burn prairie land, and the vegetation, in turn, adapted.

Now, landscapes bear the effects of decades of fire suppression, providing them with an abundance of fuel.

The kinds of fire that you get out of those vegetation types do tend to be really hot and fast moving, and in that sense, it can be a little bit more difficult, Kennedy said. If youre living in an area thats next to that kind of vegetation, when a fire starts under high winds, that fire is going to move really fast and in sometimes unpredictable ways.

What is to blame?

If conditions are right, even the best-prepared homes and landscapes can go up in flames. Numerous homes worth tens of millions of dollars each burned in the L.A. fires. The owners had all the money they needed to harden their homes against fire.

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This was an inferno, and theres just nothing you can do but get out of Mother Natures way in those situations, Kyle-Milward said of the Los Angeles fires.

Theres a lot of hot air in California right now, and its not just coming from Santa Ana winds. Politicians and pundits are engaged in a fierce blame game over the Los Angeles fires.

Some of the arguments ignore the fact that there simply wasnt enough fire equipment, infrastructure and water to beat back Mother Nature when she decided to rampage. Water systems are designed to provide residences and the odd structure fire with water. Not fight entire blocks of homes on fire.

Graham fire crews put out a house fire in 2023.

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When a house catches fire in Tacoma, the Fire Department typically sends four engines, two ladder trucks, a medic unit and two battalion chiefs, according to department spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd. The trucks themselves carry 500 gallons of water, and fire hydrants provide the rest.

Based on Tacomas response, Los Angeles would have needed up to 50,000 fire engines during the first two days of the fires. Windy conditions prevented aircraft from flying on the first day of the fires.

Whether its in response to earthquakes, hurricanes or volcanic eruptions, the number of personnel and equipment needed to fully cover a large city in any disaster would create an astronomically high tax burden on its citizens.

Theres a massive amount of benefit to the things that you can do in terms of mitigating fire risk, Harvey said. But at some point, each of those things have their limit, and its really important to be able to recognize that, especially during these really fast, wind-driven fires, conditions can change really quickly, and its very important to get people safely out of harms way as soon as possible.

Jumping the line

A fire thats burning in brush and timber presents differing opportunities and challenges compared to urban fires.

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Humans have become very, very adept at fighting fire in urban settings at a structural level, Kyle-Milward said. Unfortunately, wildland fire is totally different. A lot of the tactics that you would use in a wildland setting are not applicable in a city.

The bulldozers and backfires crews use to stop a wildfires advance would be unthinkable in an urban setting.

In California, its chaparral  low, shrubby, dense, commercially worthless and full of dead branches  thats fueling the fires in Los Angeles.

Those same brushy plant conditions exist in Western Washington.

Brush fires

In August 2023, winds flared a human-started fire into a firestorm that overran a mobile home park in Lakewood. By the time flames were put out, nine homes had been destroyed and two men had died at Jamestown Estates.

FILE: West Pierce Fire & Rescue crews survey the damage at a mobile home park damaged by a brush fire Friday, Aug. 4, 2023

The vacant lot where the fire began that day was filled with Scotch broom and other shrubs that might have seemed innocuous. On that day, winds were blowing at 8 miles per hour, according to an official report. Combined with dry conditions, those winds soon led to 20-foot-tall flames.

In September 2020, the Sumner Grade fire near Bonney Lake destroyed two homes, burned 500 acres and forced the evacuation of hundreds. It, too, started in brush during a period of high temperatures and windy conditions after a tree was blown onto power lines.

All we could do was try and stop the forward advancements, but its difficult to do with the winds, then East Pierce Fire & Rescue Chief Bud Backer said at the time. We were playing fire whack-a-mole.

The same month, five homes burned in Graham during gusting winds that fanned a brush fire.

Ive never seen a firestorm like this come through. It advanced too quickly, Graham Fire & Rescue assistant chief Steve Richards said at the time.

Changing times

Its only going to get worse.

The hallmarks of climate change that have been researched and discussed for decades in the scientific literature are what were observing as reality now, Kennedy said. Those include more periods of drought and higher temperatures.

Western Washington is seeing periods of intense precipitation followed by long dry spells. The rainfall promotes growth of fast growing shrubs and grasses which later dry out.

Now you have a massive increase in the fuel load that is now dead and dry or has really low moisture, Kennedy said.

Urban fire departments have seen the future and are rising to the challenge.

Tacoma Fire Department added two brush trucks to its fleet in the last several years, Shepherd said. The trucks are able to access rougher areas that regular engines cant reach. The department has also increased its wildfire/brush fire training for firefighters.

Everyone, the experts say, should be paying attention to red flag (fire) warnings when they are issued.

Youre not surprised that its going to happen somewhere, but predicting exactly where and when is really difficult, Kennedy said. Fire will happen in these areas. Thats not something we can prevent.
Its a familiar trope: politicians vying for power claim to revere expertise and evidence more than their opponents. Keir Starmer has done the same. Yet, when it comes to education, Labours principles unravel.

Take Michaela Community School, a beacon of academic excellence where disadvantaged children consistently achieve extraordinary results. Its headmistress, Katherine Birbalsingh, recently warned the Education Secretary that Labours policies risk undoing years of progress for the poorest pupils. Her concerns are well founded. Slashing funding for initiatives like Latin GCSEs (saving a pittance), dismissing innovative teacher recruitment routes, and centralising control over schools betray a government distrustful of those who know what works.

In the 2010s, bold reforms challenged the status quo, shifting control from bureaucrats to teachers and parents. Academies and free schools flourished, with the freedom to hire, innovate, and pay top talent what they deserve. England rose to 7th in global maths rankings, leaving Wales and Scotland  staunch opponents of similar reforms  floundering in decline.

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Disadvantaged students in England now attend schools that rival the best private institutions in terms of university admissions. This renaissance should be celebrated.

Instead, Labour is methodically dismantling these achievements  achievements that defy its ideological mould, expose its low expectations as bigotry, and challenge its simmering class resentment. Labours selective embrace of science lies at the heart of the issue. Evidence that aligns with their dogma is gospel; evidence that doesnt is discarded. This pick-and-choose approach fuels mistrust in expertise, creating cynicism that damages every sector, especially education.

At Michaela, traditional teaching methods, high expectations, and strict discipline have transformed outcomes for inner-city pupils. Yet these proven principles are anathema to Labours allies in the unions and academia.

Their preference for a nebulous, skills-based curriculum over a knowledge-rich one undermines academic achievement and social mobility alike. This discomfort with Michaelas success was on full display last December when Bridget Phillipson refused even to acknowledge its achievements in Parliament.

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Denying disadvantaged children access to the best education is morally indefensible and socially catastrophic. Labours policies feed a culture of dependency, where aspiration is viewed with suspicion and achievement with hostility. Meanwhile, schools like Michaela stand as living proof of what is possible when ideology is set aside in favour of what works.

They expose the lie that disadvantage must equate to underachievement. This is precisely why Labour refuses to embrace themadmitting these successes would mean confronting the failure of their preferred policies: looser discipline, lower expectations, and rigid central control.

Perhaps the most damning evidence of Labours priorities is their refusal to celebrate Englands international rise in education rankings. Instead of building on these successes, theyve introduced measures to strip academies of their freedoms, weaken accountability, and impose a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

These are not policies of fairness but of ideological vengeance, and a recipe for long-lasting mediocrity. If Labour truly cared about expertise and evidence, they would look to schools like Michaela as models to replicate, not as threats to demolish. Their unwillingness to do so is not just short-sighted; its a betrayal of the disadvantaged communities they claim to serve.

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The question is not whether Labour trusts experts more than its adversaries. Its whether they can put ideology aside long enough to let expertise  tried methods and hard-won achievements  guide them and stop playing politics with childrens futures.

Until they do, their claims to champion fairness and opportunity will remain as empty as the classrooms their policies threaten to ruin.

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Labour ministers have charged the taxpayer over 74,000 in leasehold costs for their second homes while dragging their feet on reforms, The Telegraph can reveal.

In its election manifesto, the party promised to fix the feudal leasehold system and protect homeowners from spiralling service charges and ground rents.

But campaigners have accused ministers of sitting on consultations from the previous government and refusing to commit to a timeline for reform.

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Now, analysis by The Telegraph shows five ministers have expensed 74,296 in service charges and ground rents on their second homes over the past six years.

MPs  who usually have two homes in both their constituencies and in London  are entitled to expense such charges.

But campaigners said the news would likely enrage Englands 4.7 million leaseholders who are forced to cover sky-high service charges themselves.

Sebastian OKelly, of fellow campaign group Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, said: Leaseholders in desperate financial straits are going to be jaundiced by evidence that flat-owning MPs are spared the deep unfairnesses of leasehold because they can shove the service charge on expenses.

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If they [MPs] paid the service charges out of their own pocket, as ordinary mortals do, they might be more eager to press on with reforming this iniquitous and now very well-understood system.

Sir Chris Bryant, minister of state for media, tourism and creative industries, expensed the largest service charge bill of any minister on a second home  totalling 29,270 over six years.

The Labour MP for Rhondda and Ogmore, in Wales, was followed by his colleague Sir Alan Campbell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury.

Sir Alan, who is Labour MP for Tynemouth, outside Newcastle, expensed 13,655 between 2019 and 2025.

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Over the same period, Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, claimed 12,851. Mr Benn  Labour MP for Leeds South  put parliamentary questions to the previous government about leasehold reform and even attended rallies on behalf of leaseholders.

Hilary Benn, who attended leaseholder rallies while in Opposition, claimed 12,851 for second home costs - Justin Tallis/AFP

Other ministers who have expensed their service charges and ground rents are Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, and Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement. They expensed 12,538 and 5,982 respectively, between 2019 and 2025.

Campaigners have been crying out for better protections for leaseholders since 2017. At the time, experts had raised concerns about the way developers sold residential properties  prompting a government investigation.

The terms of the contracts often gave freeholders the rights to continue increasing ground rents on the properties, sometimes by as much as 100pc every 10 years.

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Leaseholders have also complained of sky-high service charges. Estate agency Hamptons estimates that flat owners now pay a collective bill of over 7bn to freeholders.

The last Tory government brought in the Leasehold and Freehold Bill 2024 but Labours housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, has since admitted that the bill needs more primary legislation. He has not yet confirmed when this will happen.

In the meantime, his department  the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government  has said it will introduce a draft of another piece of legislation, the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, at the end of this year.

John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers will be appalled to learn that Labour ministers are expensing their service charge bills.

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While the Government drags its feet on reforms to help Britons challenge unfair charges, politicians are leaving the public to fend for themselves. Ministers should lead by example, not leave hardworking taxpayers out in the cold.

Harry Scoffin, founder of the campaign group Free Leaseholders, said: Now we know its because their ministers are using taxpayers money to pay off their own service charges while leaving hapless leaseholders to empty their pockets to cover their own.

A Labour spokesman said: MPs in every party are required to work in two locations as part of their job.

For those who do not rent in their second location, the parliamentary watchdog IPSA allows MPs to claim associated living costs. This saves the taxpayer thousands of pounds against renting an additional home.

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Individual ministers and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government were also approached for comment.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Its mid-January, and the Rockford area still hasnt seen a significant snowfall this winter season. While that may be a blessing for most, those who depend on snow for their livelihood are feeling the impact.

It affects revenue, said Shanna Whitt, the operations manager at Elites Lawncare and Snow Removal in Rockford. Snow removal, especially in the Midwest, is a big part of revenue for lawn care and removal businesses. So their revenue goes down. So then we have to find other ways to get that revenue throughout the year.

Richard Steineke says his crew at RD Lawncare crews still check in on their clients, to make sure everything is tip top.

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We normally go out, I would say, almost every night. Just do a quick spot, check on sites, just make so theres nothing going, said Steineke.

Steineke said they are prepared for when a big snowstorm hits.

Within one-stop, within about 48 hours, thats when I come up with a plan of why were going to go out, he said. But, you know, it could always change because the weather changes fast around here.

At Andys Landscaping, at 4035 S Perryville Road, owner Amy Gehrke said her employees spent Friday inspecting snow trucks to be ready.

All of our employees are anxious to get out and work with the lack of snow, she said. We always want to make sure theyre ready to go when we need to go. And for the most part, all of our guys, men and women, are ready to roll.

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TUNKHANNOCK  The principal of Lackawanna Trail High School accused of failing to report allegations of a sexual relationship between a student and a teacher was admitted to the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program in Wyoming County on Jan. 8.

Mark Murphy, 42, did not tell authorities he was aware a teacher at the school was having sex with a student, according to a criminal complaint.

The district placed Murphy on administrative leave Aug. 27 following the service of a search warrant for school records related to the allegation of the sexual relationship, according to Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas.

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Murphy continues to be on unpaid, administrative leave, Rakauskas said Thursday.

State police conducted an investigation of the teacher from February through August, but did not file charges, Rakauskas said in an October email to The Times-Tribune.

The unnamed teacher returned to the classroom in August, he said in the October interview.

The ARD program is designed to rehabilitate offenders and provide a second chance. If he successfully completes the ARD program, Murphys charges can be dismissed and his record expunged.

Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters said Murphy had no special conditions required by the terms of his ARD.

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According to a criminal complaint:

Murphy did not tell authorities he was aware the teacher had been accused of having sex with a student.

On Aug. 22, state police served a search warrant for school records and retrieved 58 notebooks that Murphy stored in his closet, which contained documentation of interviews of teachers, students and parents.

Officers also seized the hard drive of a Dell computer, charges read. There was no record of reports of the alleged inappropriate activity to the Wyoming County District Attorneys office or Childline, police said.

Frank Nocito, Murphys lawyer, declined comment Thursday.
UPDATE, 1/21/25, 1 p.m.: LPSS has notified its teachers that schools will remain closed Thursday, Jan. 23 due to the ongoing effects of the snowfall and dangerously low temperatures.

Road conditions remain unsafe for travel as ice continues to pose significant risks, and local law enforcement has advised drivers to avoid traveling until conditions improve, teachers were told, in a text message. LPSS Facilities teams and administrators will use this time to inspect each campus, ensuring that all systems including water, electricity, and heating are fully operational before students return to classrooms.

ORIGINAL STORY: LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Lafayette Parish School System officials have announced that all schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to expected Arctic cold weather and the possibility of snow and/or freezing precipitation. Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr., emphasized the districts focus on safety in making this decision.

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I feel confident in making this call today to allow parents to prepare for students to be home and not subjected to the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chill, said Superintendent Touchet. Additionally, a combination of freezing temperatures and wet weather, in whatever form, could create hazardous road conditions which would make travel by any means, especially buses, dangerous.

Arctic Air and Winter Storm Threat Early Next Week for Acadiana

If conditions permit, the LPSS Facilities team and school administration will inspect campuses to assess water and heating systems on Wednesday afternoon. The district will also continue monitoring weather forecasts, temperatures, and road conditions to determine if schools can safely reopen on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Getting students back into the classroom is always the goal, Superintendent Touchet added, but I will only allow campuses to open if we are certain that its safe to do so.

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Parents, staff, and community stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed by checking the LPSS website, following the districts Facebook page, tuning into local media outlets, and enabling notifications on the J-Campus app for real-time updates.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The New Year means new blessings and one parish in Wichita Falls made sure the entire community received them through a water blessing.

Bishop John Abdalah

The Saint Benedict Orthodox Church hosted a blessing ceremony on Thursday, January 16 and a procession at Lake Wichita. It included Father Peter Kavanaugh of SBOC, visiting Lebanese Bishop John Abdalah, and Christians who followed behind.

John Tower Elementary students learn about healthy eating

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It is an ancient custom in the Orthodox Christian faith at this time of the year to pray over local bodies of water, to ask God to banish evil, sanctify the environment, and grant healing to His people, Kavanaugh said.

This ceremony was not only a blessing for Lake Wichita but also a prayer for the land, the people of Wichita Falls and those persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

A blessing like this is also done in hopes that the lakes remain filled in the new year 2025.

If you have questions, visit the Saint Benedict Orthodox Churchs website.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday a new state grant program aimed at boosting Connecticuts supply chain operations.

Gov. Ned Lamont hints at possible tax cut

The Governor, alongside the Department of Economic and Community Development, said that the $25 million effort is being set up in hopes of attracting new operations to set up shop in Connecticut, while expanding the industries that are already here.

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The old days, when we were trying to attract a business, it would be like a Chinese auction, Lamont said. Theyd go out to 10 different states, and whos going to give me the biggest incentive? whos going to pay me the most to move here? And that wasnt a winners game. This, I think, is a winners game, because theres an opportunity to play where we have strengths.

Lamont said that the strategic supply chain initiative will look at domestic and international operations as possibilities.

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Update at 11:25 a.m.

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA)  All lanes of I-57 are back open after two crashes on northbound I-57 Friday morning south of Savoy.

Some of the debris spread across I-57 as a result of the accidents appeared to be bottle caps. Feldkamps Towing provided pictures of the debris on their Facebook page while they assisted with cleanup efforts.

Courtesy: Cathy Feldkamp

Courtesy: Cathy Feldkamp

Courtesy: Cathy Feldkamp

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois State Troopers are currently on the scene of a crash on Northbound Interstate 57 near Savoy. The crash involved two semi-trucks and only one lane of the highway is open at this time.

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The crash happened just before 6:30 a.m. at the exit to County Road 1000N. Master Sergeant Tom Lillard said there are no injuries, but the right lane of the highway is closed until debris and the vehicles can be removed.

Lillard urged drivers to slow down, move over and use caution when passing the crash scene. They should also be on the lookout for workers outside their vehicles trying to clear the highway.

Police reports detail 2022 fight between Mahomet murder victim and suspect

In addition, State Police posted on Facebook that a second crash happened in the traffic backup of the initial crash. It happened two miles south of the initial crash scene and involved a Jeep and another semi-truck.

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No injuries were reported with this crash as well.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of hitting a Henderson police sergeant with a stolen car, resulting in a shooting Monday, faces charges for a similar incident from last fall involving a Las Vegas police cruiser, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Henderson police arrested Johnathan Gaston, 43, on Monday after they said he suddenly accelerated his vehicle toward [a sergeant] who was standing near the drivers side door of his patrol vehicle, documents said. The sergeant then fired five rounds at the Gaston, hitting him.

Gaston faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer, battery with a deadly weapon and other charges, records said. The sergeant was treated for a head injury and received 11 staples, police said.

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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.

On Sept. 23, Gaston allegedly accelerated a stolen car into a police cruiser, documents said. Officers responded to a report of a driver, later identified as Gaston, sleeping behind the wheel of a running car at a gas station.

I heard the engine rev prior to impact, indicating that he had hit the throttle prior to impact, an officer wrote in Gastons arrest report.

The license plate on the car did not match its VIN number, police said, adding the vehicle was stolen in August.

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After his arrest, 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.

Gaston later absconded from house arrest as early as October and failed to appear in court, records said. It was also not clear what happened to Gastons ankle monitor after he failed to appear in court.

Court records spell Gastons name as Johnathan and Jonathan.

During his initial court appearance Wednesday, a judge did not set bail due to Gastons bench warrant in his September case, records said. An arraignment was scheduled for Jan. 21.

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Jan. 17A newly passed Ohio law would allow superintendents to expel students for significantly longer than a previous law, which superintendents say is important to maintain school safety but legal advocates worry could negatively impact students of color and in poverty, as well as those with mental health issues and disabilities.

More students in the last few years have been expelled in Ohio public schools for serious situations, such as bringing a gun to school. Superintendents say the length of time it takes to fix serious mental health issues often associated with those kids is significant beyond the time that students are currently allowed to be expelled under Ohio law.

Public school students can be suspended for up to 180 days, for actions that pose "imminent and severe endangerment" to the health and safety of other students or school employees.

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Under previous law, students could be expelled from school for up to 80 days. But for serious offenses, mental health assessments and court hearings can't always be resolved in that period.

The district superintendent will have to notify the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce that the student is being expelled.

Additionally, the student and their family would be notified under the new law, and the school has 15 days to create an education plan for the student if they do not have an individual education plan (IEP) and 10 days if the student has an IEP.

Shannon Cox, the Montgomery County Educational Services Center superintendent, said the updated law still requires students to be educated while they are expelled, and the student is still expected to eventually come back to school.

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The updated law would help ensure the student isn't thrown back into a school community without a reunification process, Cox said.

"It just allows the parents and the school to sit down and have those conversations collectively," Cox said.

Just keeping kids at home without any educational abilities is considered an exclusionary practice, Cox said, because those kids are not getting the same access to education as their peers.

However, Renee Murphy, managing attorney for the Meaningful and Appropriate Education practice group within Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc, a local nonprofit that represents people in poverty, said there are no parameters around how long the expulsion could go on, meaning a student could be excluded from school from kindergarten to graduation. The additional 90 days could be renewed indefinitely under the law, she said.

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Murphy said ABLE is worried that students living in poverty, students of color, students with disabilities and those with mental health issues may not get the help they need. The new law also doesn't lay out what education has to look like while the student is suspended, which likely means the student will be home-schooled  something that doesn't work for all students.

Murphy said superintendents have been under more pressure from the community to get certain students out of the classroom.

She said ABLE supports giving students an education during their expulsion, which is a step up from previous law, and getting students the help they need. The problem is the law doesn't help students get what they need, she said.

"There's literally no boundaries in the law, introducing a ton of subjectivity," Murphy said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Law enforcement has started investigations into multiple incidents connected to places of worship in Middle Tennessee.

In one instance, a man threatened a Tennessee mosque. In a separate case Thursday, someone started a fire outside a North Nashville church.

Investigators with the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) asked the public for help after surveillance cameras caught someone set fire to trash cans at the First Apostolic Church in North Nashville.

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Man arrested after allegedly dressing to appear as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, entering Jewish community center

Having investigators out here and seeing what happened  I wont call it lucky. We were very blessed that it didnt get on the inside of the building, pastor at First Apostolic Church Dee Jay Shoulders said.

When fire crews arrived on the scene, the fire was still active and smoke was coming from the siding and insulation.

This is a person of interest after a North Nashville church trash can was set on fire. (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department)

[Its] just unfortunate that somebody wants to do something like this to a church, Shoulders added.

The NFD released multiple photos of a person of interest who was seen walking between buildings at the church, opening a trash can and setting the contents on fire. They were then seen walking away from the flames.

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It puts a resolve in my faith, Shoulders said. It means I think we must be doing something right for the enemy to think enough of us to try and burn something up.

Shoulders told News 2 crews had already been at the church working to clean up the damage.

In a separate incident, the Nashville-based American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC) released a statement thanking local and federal law enforcement for apprehending a suspect who threatened mass violence against a local mosque.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Weve had these types of threats before, but I think we felt relieved that the suspect was already in custody, AMACs executive director, Sabina Mohyuddin, said.

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According to federal documents, Gunner Fisher was arrested last month at his Stewart County home after the FBI received a tip from Meta. The criminal complaint showed photos Fisher took of himself. In one of the photos, Fisher was wearing a camouflage tactical vest and holding a rifle. During an interview with law enforcement, Fisher said he had a fascination with mass shootings.

[We] know that we need to be more vigilant in times like these, but youre always disheartened when you hear a threat like this, Mohyuddin added.

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UPDATE (WNCT)  Worsham returned to his work release location early Friday morning.



He was taken into custody and will face felony escape charges and is currently at the Central Prison in Raleigh.



TEACHEY, N.C. (WNCT)  Law enforcement officers are looking for an inmate who left a work release Thursday night, Jan. 16, 2025 in Teachey in Duplin County.

They said Kevin Worsham, 44, is a 5-foot 10-inch, 180-pound black male.

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Worsham was in minimum custody at the Carteret Correctional Center. He has a criminal record dating back to 2004, including a past sex offense that requires him to register as a sex offender.

Worsham was currently serving a sentence for failure to report an address change to the sex offender registry, breaking and entering and larceny.

He was scheduled for release in December of 2025. Anyone who sees Worsham or knows his location is asked to call 911 or (252)-223-5100.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is under fire once again from a legislator who is proposing the agency's name be changed to the Department of Corruption.

Rep. Justin Humphrey, a Republican from Lane, filed House Bill 1310, which would also change the agency director's title to "Director of the Department of Corruption" and the name of the agency board to the "State Board of Corruption." He said hes bringing more attention to problems he and others have raised about the Corrections Department.

Specific problems Humphrey mentioned include a $90,000 raise for agency Director Steven Harpe, proper approval of a new department headquarters, the number of correctional officers in the states prisons, how the department handles open records requests and alleged civil rights violations at several prisons.

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Humphrey said he won't fully pursue the bill, but the goal was to renew attention on problems, and he said people need to know whats actually going on.

Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, filed a bill that would change the name of the state corrections department to the Department of Corruption.

All I'm doing with that bill is calling out that Steven Harpe is one of the most corrupt individuals that I believe I've witnessed in all of my 35 years experience in state government, he told The Oklahoman.

The Corrections Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the legislation.

Rep. Justin Humphrey a frequent critic of Oklahoma Department of Corrections

Humphrey has been a strong critic of the department and has called for outside investigations. He also invited many former employees and family members of incarcerated people to speak during House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee meetings last year.

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During the last legislative session, former employees told legislators a culture of fear exists within the department, and inmates family members say its hard to get answers from the department.

Last fall, the department issued three news statements about improvements and changes in correctional facilities. One statement pointed to progress reducing inmate-on-inmate assaults that led to serious injury. The agency cited reforms such as managing population in a strategic way, stricter enforcement policies and enhanced technology.

Overall, the department saw a 14% reduction of such incidents from October 2023 to May 2024.

One facility that made significant improvements was the Great Plains Correctional Center in Hinton, which saw an overall reduction of 44% violent incidents between inmates from July to September.

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The department also announced it is being guided by a new mission statement: To build a stronger Oklahoma by transforming lives in a safe, rehabilitative, and compassionate environment.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma DOC would be renamed Department of Corruption under new bill
Ticktock for TikTok.

Time is running out before a federal law goes into effect banning TikTok, the video-sharing social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, from operating within the United States. On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law, though some lawmakers are trying to extend the deadline, and President Joe Biden has apparently indicated that he will not enforce the ban anyway.

But ironically, some of the very same lawmakers who voted for such an unprecedented ban are still active on an app they feel is too dangerous for the rest of us to use.

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In March 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, in a vote of 35265; it later passed the Senate by a similarly comfortable 7918.

The bill prohibits operating or hosting "a foreign adversary controlled application (e.g., TikTok)" in the United States. TikTok would have a set amount of time to either find a buyer or shut down operations within the country. The clock runs out on January 19, and unless ByteDance manages to put together a sale overnight, its U.S. servers may go dark.

While specifics remain scarce, lawmakers cite the potential national security implications of an app used by hundreds of millions of Americans that could be subject to the whims of an authoritarian surveillance state like China.

But as Jo Jorgensen, the Libertarian Party's 2020 presidential candidate, pointed out in a post on X this week, several lawmakers who voted to ban TikTok at the federal level still maintain accounts on the app.

Jorgensen lists Sens. Cory Booker (DN.J.), Bob Casey and John Fetterman (DPa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.), Ed Markey (DMass.), Patty Murray (DWash.), Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock (DGa.), then-Sen. Sherrod Brown (DOhio), and then-Rep. Jeff Jackson (DN.C.), who now serves as the attorney general of North Carolina.

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"Tell us again how dangerous it is for National Security," Jorgensen added.

(While there is a "Reverend Raphael Warnock" TikTok account, it is not verified by the platform; a member of Warnock's staff told Reason it is a "false account" that is "not operated by Team Warnock.")

After the House vote, Newsweek also compiled a list of 12 representatives who voted for the bill but maintain active, verified TikTok accounts; someincluding then-Reps. Colin Allred (DTexas), who lost a Senate bid against Ted Cruz, and Adam Schiff (DCalif.), the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee who won a U.S. Senate seat in Novembermaintain active TikTok accounts to this day.

Booker and Markey recently introduced legislation to extend the deadline by 270 days, from January to October. In an April 2024 TikTok video, Booker said he only voted for the ban because House Republicans packaged it into a larger bill that included aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

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"If this bill came to the Senate as a standalone bill, I would vote against it," Booker said. "This is not the way I think government should work. It's one of those frustrating times for me in Washington where someone sticks something that you disagree with onto a must-pass bill as a strategy to get folks to support it, even though they don't."

Not every senator was so circumspect. "We must protect Ohioans' personal information from the Chinese Communist Party," Brown said in 2023. "I have serious concerns with this company's ties to the Chinese government, and will continue to work with members of both parties to look at how we can best protect Ohioans' privacy and our national security." Brown started a TikTok account later that year while running for reelection; he lost to Republican candidate Bernie Moreno in November 2024.

Some are not frequent users of the app; Fetterman has not posted since December 2023, Gillibrand and Murray have not posted since the end of 2022, and Ossoff has not posted since 2021, before they voted for the bill, though their accounts remain active.

Jackson, meanwhile, amassed a significant following on TikTok even as he voted for a potential ban.

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"I've been a part of some briefings about this app that were genuinely alarming," Jackson said in an apology video he posted to TikTok after the vote. "When I was reading the bill, the part I agreed with was the part that tries to force a sale, because I figured this would just be a better app if we didn't have to worry about the stuff that comes with it being potentially controlled by an adversarial government."

"The part I didn't like was the part that threatens a ban," Jackson added, but "the reason I voted for it was because I genuinely believe the chance of a ban is practically zero."

Similarly, after the House passed the bill, Fetterman posted on X that "this legislation to restrict TikTok does NOT ban the app. It separates ties to the Chinese Communist Party and prevents them from accessing the data of Americansespecially our kids."

But with the deadline looming and no sign of a buyer, a ban looks increasingly likely.

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Democrats may very well secure a deadline extension, or Biden may simply choose not to enforce the ban before leaving office the following dayat which point President-elect Donald Trump could make good on his pledge to "save" the app. But it's galling for certain Democrats to vote for a bill that applies an unprecedented sell-or-die provision to a private platform, justify it as important to counter an existential threat, and then continue using the app themselves.

"It's hypocritical to prevent other people from using an app because 'It's sooooo dangerous!' and then use it yourself," Jorgensen told Reason via email. "If it's too dangerous to national security for others to use, then you shouldn't use it. Politicians are using it because they see the benefit of TikTok, just as millions of Americans have.It's just another example of politicians thinking they know how to better run our lives than we do."

The post These Lawmakers Actively Use TikTok Even After Voting To Ban It appeared first on Reason.com.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  There is an attempt to ban rodeo events in one of Pennsylvanias biggest cities.

Legislation was introduced Friday by Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Dan Deasy (D-27) to ban rodeos ahead of Pittsburghs first event within the last 30 years, a news release states.

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The release states that with the passing of the 2024-25 state budget in July, a Pittsburgh law that was in place for 30 years that essentially banned rodeos ended due to a provision that was put into the state budget deal.

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The rodeo event in Pittsburgh was scheduled shortly after the budget passed, lawmakers say.

Proposed bill would let Pennsylvania motorcyclists wear headphones while riding

People are frustrated with how government is working, and they do not like to see corporate interests buying influence and access, Senator Williams said. There was no reason for the state to override Pittsburghs ability to regulate rodeos within its own boundaries, except that it resulted in a financial windfall for a small subset of private companies. This is a clear example of the state legislature overstepping local control, and it was done with zero transparency or accountability.

In 1992, Pittsburgh banned the use of electric prods, spurs and straps in 1992 after an incident that resulted in a bull being euthanized, leading to the law that enacted what was effectively a rodeo ban.

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State Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, testifies to a legislative committee on Jan. 17, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

PIERRE  A committee of South Dakota lawmakers endorsed two resolutions Friday that would ask voters to approve a higher vote threshold for constitutional amendments and allow the state to end Medicaid expansion if federal support for it declines.

The committees 11-2 approval of both measures was the first step in the legislative process. If the measures pass the full House and Senate, theyll go to voters in 2026. The resolutions dont require the governors signature to be placed on the ballot.

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One of the resolutions would raise the threshold for amending the state constitution from a simple majority to a three-fifths vote, which equates to 60%. Constitutional amendments must go to a vote of the people.

The other resolution would end the states expansion of Medicaid eligibility if the federal funding share for the expansion falls below 90%.

Medicaid expansion amendment

Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, is the prime sponsor of the Medicaid expansion amendment. He also supported a resolution last year that voters approved in November, which will allow legislators to consider placing work requirements on Medicaid expansion enrollees if the federal government allows it.

Medicaid is a federal-state health insurance program for people with low incomes. In the past, Medicaid was not available to able-bodied adults younger than 65, unless they were below the poverty line and had young children. In 2022, South Dakota voters expanded Medicaid eligibility to adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level. The expansion is now part of the state constitution and can only be altered by voters.

State Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, testifies to a legislative committee on Jan. 17, 2025, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

States that adopt Medicaid expansion receive 90% federal funding to cover the costs for newly eligible enrollees.

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Venhuizen said that President-elect Donald Trumps administration might reduce that funding.

All along there has been an assumption that the 90-10 share is not going to go anywhere, but I no longer think thats a safe assumption, Venhuizen said. We all know that since the election, there has been a lot of talk about getting federal spending under control.

Supporters of the proposal also argued that South Dakota should safeguard its budget from potential federal funding cuts.

The most recent Medicaid data from the Legislative Research Council says there were 28,726 Medicaid expansion enrollees as of November. Total Medicaid enrollment was 148,303. The states current, total Medicaid budget is about $2 billion, with the federal government covering about $1.4 billion.

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Venhuizen said if voters approve the measure, it would remove Medicaid expansion from the constitution, but legislators could still decide to continue it.

Opponents said the Legislature declined Medicaid expansion for over a decade before voters approved it, making them skeptical legislators would keep the expansion program.

The intent of the voters was to provide affordable health care for people, said Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls.

60% amendment proposal

Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, introduced the proposal to set a 60% vote threshold for constitutional amendments. He said voters are tired of wealthy, out-of-state interest groups trying to mess with their constitution.

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The resolution follows other recent attempts to raise the approval threshold for certain ballot measures.

In 2022, voters rejected Constitutional Amendment C, which sought to require a three-fifths vote for the approval of ballot measures that would increase taxes or fees or require the state to appropriate $10 million or more in the first five fiscal years after a measures passage. The measure was defeated, with 67% voting against it.

Additionally, South Dakota voters rejected Constitutional Amendment X in 2018, which would have raised the approval requirement for constitutional amendments to 55%. It was defeated with 54% voting against it.

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Supporters of the current proposal argued that a higher threshold is necessary to protect the state constitution from frequent changes and to ensure that only amendments with broad public support are adopted.

Opponents said voters have spoken on the matter, and theres no need to ask them again.

Chase Jensen, of the family agriculture and conservation advocacy group Dakota Rural Action, noted there is already a higher barrier for constitutional amendments, in the form of a higher petition signature requirement for citizens to place them on the ballot. Last year, constitutional amendments initiated by citizens required 35,017 signatures, while while other initiated measures or referred laws required 17,508 signatures.

I find agreement with many of the facts about huge money interests flowing into our state around our constitutional amendments, Jensen said. However, I would propose the very clear and self-apparent solution to this issue would be reforming our campaign finance laws.

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Hughes told South Dakota Searchlight hes open to that, but has not seen a proposal he thinks would hold up against Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission, a landmark 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision that reversed longstanding campaign finance restrictions and enabled corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited amounts on elections.

The 11-2 votes on each resolution split along partisan lines, with all 11 yes votes from Republicans and the two no votes from Democrats.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  According to public records, several lawmakers on Capitol Hill buy and sell stocks but some members are concerned their colleagues use their positions and insider knowledge for financial gain.

Members of Congress, when we make decisions, should be making them based on what is best for the American people, not what is best for our own personal finances, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) said.

Thats why Magaziner and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas.) reintroduced a bill to ban members of Congress and their immediate families from trading stocks.

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This is a reform that is long overdue, that the American people have a right to expect from us, Magaziner said.

Theyre tired of people who come here and effectively profiteer. And its just common sense, Roy said.

The legislation would also require members of Congress to place their investments in a blind trust while in office.

What you cant do is be day trading and actively trading on the very things youre regulating and voting on, Roy said.

President Joe Biden supports the idea.

We need to ban members of Congress from trading stock while theyre in Congress, the president said.

Not all lawmakers are on board, arguing the bill may go too far.

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I just think that weve made too big of a deal about, oh no, these people only come here to make money, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) said.

Kelly said you cant have a one-size-fits-all bill for regulating stock trading by members of Congress.

I think you can have oversight. I think you have guidelines, Kelly said.

Magaziner and Roy remain optimistic more members will join them in supporting the bill.

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A Jacksonville mother has been charged with manslaughter for the death of her two-year-old son after police reported he died of a drug overdose last March.

The child had both fentanyl and another dangerous substance in his system, which is becoming increasingly common in overdose deaths.

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That drug, Xylazine, or Tranq, as its referred to on the streets, can make opioids like fentanyl even more deadly.

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43-year-old Melissa Harper has been charged with manslaughter following the death of her two-year-old son Kaden Wheeler.

Wheeler was taken to the emergency room by Harper after she found him unresponsive in bed.

According to the police report, Wheeler was dead by the time he got to the ER and toxicology reports found a combination of fentanyl, Xylazine and Narcan, the overdose-reversal drug, in his system.

Its not clear how Wheeler ingested the deadly cocktail of drugs.

While Harper has no prior arrests related to drugs in Duval County, the police report states she tested positive for fentanyl twice after her sons death.

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The other drug found in Wheelers system, Xylazine, has also become a growing concern within the illicit drug market.

I believe its in 49 or 50 states, if not all 50 states, said Mike McCormick with the Florida Poison Information Center at UF Health Jacksonville.

McCormick noted Xylazine is also a growing problem here in Florida, and said it isnt affected by opioid reversal drugs like Narcan.

Much like an opioid, the real issue here is it depresses your breathing inside your body, said McCormick.

Now, Xylazine has found itself in the crosshairs of state lawmakers.

A bill filed for the upcoming 2025 session would create mandatory minimum sentences ranging from seven to 25 years in prison for trafficking the illicit substance in Florida.

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Read: Man sentenced to 12 years for killing Creekside High School graduate in wrong-way crash

McCormack said hes not surprised the deadly drug is getting more attention given its boom in popularity over the past three to four years.

It is going to be the focus of lawmakers, law enforcement, poison control centers, hospitals as we continue to deal and kind of play whack a mole with the illicit drug supply, said McCormick.

McCormick stressed to always call 911 as soon as possible in any overdose situation.

He also encouraged people to administer Narcan to overdose victims if they have access to the life-saving overdose reversal drug.

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We still want you to use the Narcan because we need to reverse the opioid part of that overdose, but then we need to start working on the respiratory depression that happens from the Xylazine separately, said McCormick.

Read: Another hit: Organization files petition to get recreational marijuana back on Florida ballots

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(Photo by simpson33 via iStock / Getty Images Plus)

An Iowa woman who is suing a residential treatment facility, alleging an employee sent her messages of a sexual nature, is now being sued for defamation.

The woman, who initially identified herself in court documents only as Jane Doe, alleges she lived at Des Moines Orchard Place, a residential treatment facility for adolescents, from May 20, 2019, to Aug. 19, 2019. The lawsuit doesnt cite her age at the time, but indicates she was a minor receiving mental health treatment at the facility.

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The lawsuit claims Cody Lee Loew was working in the residential dorms at Orchard Place during Does stay, and that the two of them engaged in sexual and impermissible non-sexual communications through texts, phone calls and Snapchat messages.

Loew allegedly stopped communicating with Doe after she was discharged, reportedly sending her into a state of deep depression that resulted in therapy, medication and two failed semesters of high school.

The lawsuit, filed in Polk County District Court, initially claimed Orchard Place was negligent in that it failed to adequately train and supervise its employees, and allowed Loew to exploit, groom and sexually abuse Doe. At the time, attorneys for Doe told the Iowa Capital Dispatch they do not believe the abuse was physical in nature and was largely confined to grooming and cyber activities.

After the lawsuit was filed, attorneys for the defendants argued that Iowas rules of civil procedure state that every action must be prosecuted in the name of the real party and that the Iowa Legislature has not passed any laws allowing the use of pseudonyms other than in cases that deal with the disclosure of HIV-related test results.

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The defendants also cited the Iowa Capital Dispatchs story indicating the attorney for Jane Doe had acknowledged sexual abuse in the physical sense was not being alleged. They argued that because of that admission, the allegation of abuse should be stricken from the plaintiffs complaint.

Attorneys for Jane Doe have since filed an amended complaint omitting any allegation of sexual abuse and identifying their client as Hayley Heineman. The revised complaint asserts Heineman and Loew engaged in sexual and impermissible non-sexual communications through texts, phone calls, and Snapchat messages  a claim the defendants specifically deny.

Last month, Loew filed a counterclaim against Heineman for defamation and invasion of privacy, alleging the claims that he sexually abused her are untrue and libelous. Loew also alleges Heineman maliciously abused the legal process by making the allegation in a court petition in retaliation for Loews refusal to communicate with her.

The counterclaim seeks a court injunction barring Heineman from communicating to others that that Loew sexually abused her. A trial setting conference in the case is scheduled for Jan. 30.

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With regard to the original lawsuit, Orchard Place has declined to comment on the case but stated that it remains committed to the care and safety of the children it serves.

Inspection reports for Orchard Place indicate no violations related to staff behavior or sexual abuse have been cited by the state since May 2019 when Heineman was first admitted.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  Vermonts child welfare agency relied on baseless allegations about a pregnant womans mental health to secretly investigate her and win custody of her daughter before the baby was born, according to a lawsuit that alleges the state routinely targets and tracks pregnant women deemed unsuitable for parenthood.

The ACLU of Vermont and Pregnancy Justice, a national advocacy group, on Wednesday sued the Vermont Department for Children and Families, a counseling center and the hospital where the woman gave birth in February 2022. The lawsuit seeks both an end to what it calls an illegal surveillance program and unspecified monetary damages for the woman, who is identified only by her initials, A.V.

According to the complaint, the director of a homeless shelter where A.V. briefly stayed in January 2022 told the child welfare agency that she appeared to have untreated paranoia, dissociative behaviors and PTSD. The state opened an investigation and later spoke to the womans counselor, midwife and a hospital social worker, despite having no jurisdiction over fetuses and all without her knowledge.

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She was still in the dark until the moment she gave birth and her baby girl was immediately taken away, said Harrison Stark, senior staff attorney at the ACLU. She had no idea that while she was in labor, hospital officials were relaying updates to the state  including details of her cervix dilation  and had won temporary custody of the fetus. At one point, the state sought a court order forcing the woman to undergo a cesarean section, which was rendered moot because she agreed to the surgery. It took her seven months to win full custody of her daughter.

Its a horrific set of circumstances for our client, said Stark. Its also clear from what has happened that this is not the first time the agency has done this. We have learned from several confidential sources that DCF has a pattern and practice of looking into folks like our client who are pregnant, who are of interest to the agency based on a set of unofficial criteria and who the agency is tracking on what is called a high risk pregnancy docket or high risk pregnancy calendar.

Chris Winter, commissioner of the Department for Children and Families, said the agency will comment once officials have reviewed the lawsuit and investigated its claims.

We take our mission of protecting children and supporting families seriously and work hard to balance the safety and well-being of children with the rights of parents, he said in an email.

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Copley Hospital also declined to comment on the lawsuit. At Lund, the counseling center named as a defendant, the interim CEO said officials there learned of the allegations from news reports Thursday.

We take these matters very seriously and we are actively working to gather more information to understand the situation fully, Ken Schatz said in an email.

While its unclear how common such scenarios are across the country, several states allow the civil commitment of pregnant people in order to take custody of a fetus, said Kulsoom Ijaz, senior staff attorney at Pregnancy Justice.

She said what happened in Vermont highlights how pregnancy is increasingly used as a pretext to trample on peoples rights. For example, in a report released in September, the organization described an increase in women being charged with crimes related to pregnancy in the year after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most of those cases involved women charged with child abuse, neglect or endangerment, with the fetus listed as the victim, after allegations of substance use during pregnancy.

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What DCF did here is incredibly cruel. Its discriminatory. Its state sanctioned surveillance and stalking, and it violates Vermonts newly enshrined right to reproductive autonomy in its state constitution, she said. This is an opportunity for Vermont to signal to other states, as a leader and say that these rights dont just exist on paper. They exist in practice, too.

The allegations in Vermont are particularly troubling given that the state has held itself up as a haven for reproductive rights, Stark said.

To discover evidence that a state agency is essentially colluding with certain medical providers to collect information without folks knowledge or consent and expanding its jurisdiction unlawfully to investigate folks based on what are essentially decisions about their own reproductive health is incredibly alarming, he said.
Exhibits from the trial in which Christopher Prichard was convicted of murdering his estranged wife, Angela Prichard: a photo of the victim and a note she wrote shortly before her death, saying, "I think Chris is capable of anything. He told my sister he didn't care if he went to jail. He put guns all over upstairs in three different rooms." (Exhibits from Iowa District Court files)

Lawyers for the family of a woman slain by her estranged husband say the City of Bellevue deliberately concealed information about police officers alleged relationship with the killer.

Last year, the family of Angela Marie Prichard, who was shot and killed by her estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, in October 2022, sued the City of Bellevue. They claimed the citys police repeatedly failed to enforce a no-contact order and arrest warrant for Christopher Prichard in the weeks leading up to her death.

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The lawsuit claimed the killing was the result of a state-created danger caused by the malfeasance, reckless or intentional behavior of the Bellevue Police Department. It accused city police officers of showing favoritism toward Christopher Prichard, and alleged that his relationship with the police enabled and fostered his ability to murder his estranged wife.

Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the

Northern District of Iowa, C.J. Williams. (Photo courtesy of U.S. District Court)

In October, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, C.J. Williams, dismissed the familys lawsuit, writing that he was skeptical that more aggressive conduct by the officers would have changed anything.

The judge said the position of Angela Prichards family seemed to be that had the officers arrested Christopher more often, it would have prevented Angelas murder. Arguably, one could equally speculate that it was the officers arrest of Christopher for violating the no-contact order that angered him enough to kill Angela.

The judge went on to state an arrest might only have given Angela Prichard six more days of life.

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Even if officers had arrested him sooner for violations or to serve his sentence, it would have, at best, been a temporary fix, Judge Williams wrote. For his violation, Christopher was sentenced to six days in jail. If he wanted to murder Angela, he needed only wait those six days.

David OBrien, the Cedar Rapids attorney for Angela Prichards family, is now attempting to refile the lawsuit using additional information gleaned through court proceedings after the city moved to have the case dismissed.

In court filings, OBrien says the citys repeated and intentional violations of Iowa law and federal civil procedure are responsible for the information coming to light only recently. The information had been intentionally concealed by the city, he claims.

In court briefs, OBrien references what he characterizes as repeated lies and obfuscations by the city police and says officers made a number of false statements about their relationship with Christopher Prichard in the citys initial responses to written inquiries in the case. He also claims the city violated state public record laws by failing to disclose documents only recently obtained through litigation.

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Among the alleged examples:

 Two officers denied using the services of Mississippi Ridge Kennel, owned by the Prichards, and denied receiving those services on a reduced-fee basis. OBrien alleges he has uncovered receipts from the kennel showing both officers used the kennel and both received favorable pricing.

In fact, OBrien alleges, one of the officers picked up her dog at the kennel the night before Angela Prichard was murdered there. It is hard to believe that anyone would forget being at the scene of a murder the night before the murder occurred, OBrien says in one court filing.

 One officer allegedly indicated in pretrial filings that he was not concerned that Christopher Prichard was going to hurt his wife. OBrien says he now has that same officer on video tape stating these exact words to Angela Prichard: Thats my biggest fear. Thats my departments biggest fear is hes going to try to hurt you and then hurt himself.

Christopher Prichard. (Photo courtesy of Jackson County)

 One officer allegedly told Christopher Prichard before taking him to jail on a mandatory-arrest warrant, So you know, this is out of my control  Im just telling you my hands are crossed on this. When Prichard protested, the officer replied, I dont make the stipulations, dude! Prichard then told the officer exceptions to the mandatory-arrest requirement are made for women suspected of domestic violence, to which the officer replied, Well, I kind of would agree with you, almost, on that  Like I said, my hands are crossed on this. The officer then led Prichard, who wasnt handcuffed, to a patrol car, saying, You can ride up front. The officer then let Prichard call his attorney from the car, saying, I am allowing you to do that. I dont normally do that.

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 On Sept. 29, 2022, then-Jackson County Attorney Sara Davenport wrote an email to the police advising them that Christopher Prichard had until 2 p.m. the next day to report to jail. If he does not report I will be requesting a warrant, she wrote. I wanted all of you to be aware as Im afraid he might try to do something tonight. The next day, she wrote to the police, Prichard did not show for (jail) and a warrant has been issued! Eight days later, Angela Prichard was murdered.

In court filings, OBrien claims the citys intentional withholding of critical information violates Iowas public records law, and argues that dismissing the lawsuit before the newly disclosed information can be properly evaluated would reward the city for its misconduct. The court, he says, should allow him to file a newly amended lawsuit against the city.

If the defendants had not acted as protectors of Christopher Prichard, showing him favoritism, then he would have been in jail at the time he murdered Angela Prichard, OBriens proposed, amended lawsuit claims.

City: No duty to protect individual citizens

Attorneys for the City of Bellevue have argued Iowas law enforcement personnel do not owe a particularized duty to protect individuals from harm and instead owe a general duty to the public, and that the plaintiffs should not be allowed to link Christopher Prichards repeated violations of the no-contact order with Angela Prichards subsequent murder.

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The court must avoid plaintiffs efforts to conflate these events and keep its focus solely on the hours immediately leading up to Ms. Prichards death, the citys attorneys argued in its motion to dismiss the case, noting there was no evidence that Angela Prichard contacted the police immediately before she was killed  and so there was nothing to suggest that Mr. Prichard had an immediate plan to murder Ms. Prichard.

As alleged in the original lawsuit, Christopher Prichard sent threatening text messages to Angela Prichard on Aug. 23, 2022, stating, It is going to get real fing ugly. Angela Prichard notified the police, who took no action in the matter, the lawsuit alleges.

On Aug. 28, 2022, the lawsuit alleges, Christopher Prichard told Angela Prichard he intended to destroy her business, which led to another complaint to the city police that resulted in no enforcement action.

On Sept. 1, 2022, a temporary restraining order was issued to shield Angela Prichard from any further contact from her estranged husband. Over the next 13 days, Angela Prichard reported at least nine alleged violations of the order, including one that was documented with text messages, but the police took no action, the lawsuit alleges.

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Court records show that on Sept. 15, 2022, Christopher Prichard spent one night in jail for violating the order, then failed to show up for a series of court hearings, then failed to turn himself in to serve a six-day jail sentence. As a result, a warrant was issued for his arrest. The lawsuit alleges that police flat-out refused to enforce the warrant and arrest Christopher Prichard.

On the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, Christopher Prichard, armed with a shotgun, entered the Mississippi Ridge Kennels where Angela Prichard worked, and killed her. He was later convicted of murder in the first degree.
The Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules, photographed at a Jan. 12, 2023, meeting when the body voted to block an examining board's ban on conversion therapy. On Thursday the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by Gov. Tony Evers charging that the commitee's powers violate the state constitution. (Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

For an hour and a half Thursday, lawyers argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court about how much power should be conferred on executive agencies and on a single committee of the Legislature when it comes to enacting regulations.

The oral arguments were part of a lawsuit Gov. Tony Evers filed attacking the Legislatures Republican leaders legislative vetoes that have hamstrung the Democratic governor. The focus was the Legislatures Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR), which holds broad power to block rules enacted by the executive branch under its regulatory authority.

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The Evers lawsuit, filed in October 2023, cited two instances in which the committee thwarted rulemaking.

One was JCRARs vote to block a new ethics code for therapists and social workers that declared that the practice of conversion therapy to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people was unprofessional conduct.

The other was a vote to block an update to the state commercial building code that had been years in the making.

State laws give the executive branch agencies, such as the Department of Safety and Professional Services and the Department of Natural Resources, the authority to establish administrative rules in order to carry out the laws for which theyre responsible.

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A series of Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions as well as laws passed by the state Legislature have strengthened the power of the Legislatures Joint Committee for Administrative Rules (JCRAR) to intervene when rules are enacted. JCRAR can object to a rule after its promulgated, either temporarily or indefinitely.

If lawmakers introduce legislation that codifies their objection to a rule, the rule stays blocked for the rest of that two-year legislative session until the bill is vetoed by the governor. In the last several years, lawmakers have avoided a veto that would restore a rule theyre blocking by introducing the legislation and sending it to committee, where it remains dormant for the remainder of the term.

The governors case

A recurring phrase in Thursdays argument was bicameralism and presentment. Bicameralism refers to the requirement in the Wisconsin Constitution that to change the law, both houses of the Legislature must pass a bill. Presentment refers to the requirement that the bill, once passed, must go to the governor to be signed or vetoed.

Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Charlotte Gibson, arguing on behalf of Gov. Tony Evers. (Screenshot/WisEye)

The ability of state agencies to write administrative rules is executive power in the service of carrying out laws that have been enacted, said Charlotte Gibson, an assistant state attorney general arguing the governors case.

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When the JCRAR acts to block a rule, they change the law, Gibson said. They change those rights and duties of the state agency that have already been granted under state law. But, she argued, bicameralism and presentment is the very method through which the Legislature has to act when it wants to amend the law.

In addition, Gibson argued, rulemaking is a core executive power, and the way lawmakers have intervened in the process violates the doctrine that legislative, executive and judicial powers are separate from each other.

The Legislature has to act through its legislative constitutional role in making law, procedurally and substantively, Gibson said. It cant have the power to override the [executive] branchs exercise of its own constitutional role.

Gibson said that, on constitutional grounds, the Court should overturn a 1992 decision and five state statutes that together have cemented the committees power.

Defending the JCRARs power

Representing the Legislatures Republican leaders, Misha Tseytlin conceded one of the arguments that the governor has made.

Attorney Misha Tseytlin, arguing on behalf of Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature (Screenshot/WisEye)

In their brief on the governors behalf, Evers lawyers highlighted that JCRAR blocked the therapy rule twice, suspending it for a total of about three and a half years, and that the committee blocked the building code with an indefinite objection.

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Tseytlin said that the argument against allowing JCRAR to permanently suspend a rule without further action by the Legislature has some strength and could be addressed by limiting a suspensions duration. He suggested that putting a grace period limiting suspension to six months, after which a rule would take effect unless the Legislature was able to pass a bill blocking it, would address that objection.

But he defended the rules committees power otherwise. By permitting agencies to write administrative rules, the Legislature is giving away its power to the executive agencies, Tseytlin said So that if it enacts a law, that says that in giving away that power to you, we are interposing one of our committees, there is nothing offensive in the separation of powers.

Tseytlin suggested that under the original public meaning of the Constitution, administrative rulemaking was out of bounds entirely, although he added that returning to that original idea is now beyond reach.

And Im not standing here, Your Honors, saying that this Court should throw out the entire administrative state  that is water under the bridge, he said. But I think it is quite unfair to question the legitimacy of the Legislatures efforts to push back on rules.

Rulemaking as lawmaking?

Justice Rebecca Bradley (Screenshot/WisEye)

The idea that rulemaking is a delegation of the Legislatures power to enact laws, however, was sharply contested.

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Early in the arguments, Justice Rebecca Bradley described rulemaking that way, while rejecting its constitutionality.

You think that rulemaking is an executive function, but the lawmaking power, the lawmaking authority, was given by the people to the Legislature, Bradley told Gibson. Theres nothing in the Constitution giving that to the executive.

Gibson disputed that framing. When the Legislature passes a statute, they can dream up any public policy they want and make up a law that tries to address that public policy, she said. But when the executive branch promulgates a rule, all theyre trying to do is effectuate the statute that the Legislature has charged them to carry out.

Justice Rebecca Dallet (Screenshot/WisEye)

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For Justice Rebecca Dallet, however, the constitutional affront was allowing JCRAR to block rulemaking by an agency authorized to do so under the law, even temporarily. This structure is a few people who get all the power to make a decision about what happens, to what an agency does with their rulemaking, she said.

The rules themselves

For most of Thursdays session, which ran about 30 minutes over the official time limits that had been announced at the start, the lawyers arguments and the justices challenges stuck to the broad subject of the committees powers.

One exception came early, when Gibson pointed out how JCRAR stepped in and blocked the building code.

Gibson said Evers lawsuit doesnt challenge the states lengthy legal process for enacting rules  including hearings, public comment and formal approval by a designated body. The building code, for example, went through those steps and was approved by a council of experts empowered under state law for the purpose.

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So all of that is fine, Gibson said. Whats not fine is when the Legislature comes in at the end, through a committee, and says, No, actually, the rules no good. Were vetoing it.

The second exception came more than an hour in, when Justice Jill Karofsky brought up the specifics of the conversion therapy rule while Tseytlin was arguing for the Legislatures right to block a rule.

Justice Jill Karofsky (Screenshot/WisEye)

Karofsky quoted from a brief on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers. The association had initiated work on the rule banning conversion therapy, including it in a new ethics code drawn up by the state board that licenses therapists, counselors and social workers.

Although delayed for more than a year, the board reinstated the new ethics code with the conversion therapy ban in 2024 after the Legislature ended its session for the year. Gibson told justices that JCRAR could block it again, however.

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The brief describes conversion therapy as torture, Karofsky said, And I think with good reason. Conversion therapy seeks to lead LGBTQ people to abandon that identity and adopt and/or exhibit a heterosexual sexual orientation and gender identity consistent with the one assigned to them at birth.

She recited from a list of tactics included in the brief, including exorcism and corrective rape.

I was a sexual assault prosecutor for decades. I had to look up what corrective rape was, Karofsky said. It is rape perpetuated by a straight man against lesbians in order to correct or cure their homosexuality. It is basically a punishment for being gay and violating traditional gender presentation.

So under your interpretation of the statutes, she said, addressing Tseytlin, less than a handful of unchecked legislators . . . can shelve a rule that stops therapists from subjecting children to horrors like corrective rape and exorcism. Do I have that right? Because I cant even begin to wrap my head around that.

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Tseytlin replied first with a hypothetical alternative of a rule mandating those horrible things, then returned to his earlier suggestion of simply a temporary waiting period for rules.

Rebecca Bradley took a different approach to the question, however.

What is left of the rule of law if this Court makes its decisions not on the constitution, not on the law, but on our visceral, personal emotional responses to what policies the Legislature may be attempting to enact or resist? she said.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) was awarded a $200,000 Dual Language grant to promote bilingualism and biliteracy, according to the school district on Thursday, Jan. 16.

The grant was awarded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and will be distributed over the next 27 months, LCPS said.

This grant will support the celebration of student achievements, foster collaboration with community partners and elevate the importance of bilingualism within our community, LCPS said.

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According to the school district, the funds will be used to enhance professional development for teachers, provide additional resources for students, improve communication with parents and stakeholders and celebrate students dedication to bilingualism.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded LCPS $160,000 in 2022 to create and establish a clear dual language pathway for students in preschool to 12th grade, the school district said.

In total, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has invested $960,000 in LCPS to improve education in Dona Ana County in an effort to increase student learning, strengthen families and build healthier and more vibrant communities, LCPS said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A Texas man received a 17-and-a-half-year sentence in Little Rock federal court on Thursday.

Kevin Brown of Humble, Texas, was sentenced as the leader of a gang that burglarized pharmacies. He was indicted along with 41 others in July 2024.

Little Rock DEA, other agencies arrest 18 in connection with rural pharmacy pill burglaries

According to officials, the 35-year-old Brown was charged with six counts related to the burglaries and pleaded guilty in September 2024 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

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Officials said Brown worked with a drug trafficking organization operating from Houston, Texas. Investigators said they seized more than 96,000 tablets of Schedule II controlled substances from the group, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall and others, stolen from pharmacies throughout the United States, including pharmacies in the Eastern District of Arkansas. They said just the drugs stolen from Arkansas alone had a street value of close to $1.6 million.

Total thefts by the group nationally amounted to roughly $12 million in drugs, officials said.

Arkansas pharmacist reacts to pill theft ring arrests

Also seized from the group during the arrests were six guns, approximately $79,000 in U.S. currency and custom jewelry valued at roughly $330,000 retail.

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Investigators said Brown was personally involved in at least 34 pharmacy burglaries between July 24, 2021, and November 13, 2022 in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia and Florida.

Officials said Brown had previous convictions for aggravated robbery, burglary of a building with intent to commit theft, possession of codeine, burglary of a pharmacy in Texas and burglary of an Oklahoma pharmacy.

FBI, DEA investigations in gangs, drugs and guns lead to 80 AR indictments, 45 arrests

Brown was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term. He is expected to be ordered to pay restitution to the pharmacies of over $250,000. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

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The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for April 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Friday the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a very positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers on Monday to form the new government, although he did not win the backing of the Shi'ite parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"The atmosphere is more than positive among all the blocs and today from Speaker Berri," Salam said, speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, who was elected by parliament on Jan. 9.

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Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, said on Friday he held a "promising meeting" with Salam.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah and Amal had wanted the incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati to stay in the post, but a majority of lawmakers opted for Salam, who formerly served as president of the International Court of Justice.

Government formation discussions are often protracted in Lebanon, due to bartering among its sectarian factions over cabinet positions.

(Reporting by Laila Bassam; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Alex Richardson)
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WTNH)  A new legislation focused on improving nurse safety was passed this week, something that has been advocated for for years.

The legislation aims to protect visiting nurses like 63-year-old Joyce Grayson, who investigators say was killed in the basement of a home in Willimantic while at work in Oct. 2023. Michael Reese, a convicted rapist, was charged with murder and attempted sexual assault for Graysons death.

Family files wrongful death lawsuit in slain visiting nurse case

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Now, new legislation that is law is aimed at keeping visiting nurses safer.

State Sen. Saud Anwar helped write the bill as part of his role on the public health committee. He says the public outcry was too loud to ignore.

As a public health committee, we were aware this is a journey, but we took the first step of the journey moving in the right direction, Anwar said.

Heres a look at the new laws:

Requires home health care agencies to share with employees a patients history of violence against health workers in the past

If possible, share crime rates for cities and towns that nurses visit

Provide monthly safety related training for workers

Agencies need to do timely reporting of any violence, verbal threats, or sexual abuse to the state

Health care agencies are being incentivized with state money to provide escorts for visiting nurses and also a GPS-like device that workers can carry to notify police with the push of a button.

Connecticut nurse safety bill gets public hearing

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Graysons family, through their attorney Kelly Reardon, provided this statement to News 8 about the beefed-up laws:

The family encourages the state to increase and continue funding in the future, and encourages for-profit companies to prioritize the safety of employees by investing their own programming.

Tracy Wodatch, registered nurse and president of the Connecticut Association For Healthcare At Home representing visiting nurses, says the new requirements are good but the work to make visiting nursing safer goes on.

Our goal number one is protection of the staff in the field, but another one of our goals in combination with that has to ensure access to care for a patient in need in our community, Wodatch said.

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Watch the full story in the player above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Quarry lorries move materials around the Ffos-Y-Fran opencast coal mine on Nov. 17, 2009 in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. (Matt Cardy | Getty Images)

As a labor lawyer and community advocate in Southern West Virginia, I was inspired recently by visiting the coalfields in the south of Wales. Southern West Virginias experience of deindustrialization and dwindling coal reserves greatly mirrors the rural mining regions of South Wales, offering specific lessons and hope. I was honored to meet some powerful Welsh leaders  principally women  whose experience confirmed what many in West Virginia already know and are working to achieve: social inclusiveness can be a key to overcoming deindustrialization.

As Welsh coal declined, coalfield communities rallied to offer affordable child care together with degree-track classes for in-demand jobs. This made it workable for more women and men to enter new vocations, creating new wage-earners in the local economy and helping to defend working-class wealth. Especially with the advent of remote work, simply making child care available and affordable can immediately unlock new wage-earning opportunities.

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The Welsh experience demonstrates how social inclusiveness  specifically, affordable child care and broader access to higher education  is a powerful and effective economic growth strategy. We should certainly defend our traditional industries and those who wish to be homemakers. But if we fail to simultaneously invest in affordable child care everywhere, we overlook perhaps the single most reliable way of bolstering our GDP.

In Wales, economic activity among women (i.e. labor force participation) is now substantially higher than in West Virginia. Seventy-nine percent of working-age men are economically active in Wales as opposed to 73% of women. In West Virginia, only half of working-age women and 57% of men participate in the labor force. Rates are lower for racial minorities and southern coalfield counties where women comprise less than 40% of the labor force. Notably, the gap in pay rates by gender is declining in some historical Welsh coalfield districts such as Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Like the Welsh, West Virginians have the power to mitigate deindustrialization by empowering women and other historically-excluded groups to enter the workforce. In Wales, there was also a great alliance between mine workers and the lesbian and gay community as depicted in the memorable film, Pride  a story of cross-cultural support that resonates in West Virginia.

We have a great deal in common with South Wales both culturally and economically. The Welsh name for Wales is Cwmru (pronounced coom-ree). Cwm means valley, so it loosely translates as nation or people of the valleys. South Wales is about 40 years ahead of West Virginia on the bell curve of resource depletion. Welsh coal production peaked in 1913, but persisted robustly for several decades. Through the foresight of the Labor Party, Parliament nationalized the coal industry in 1947. Public management helped extend the British industry, delaying deindustrialization.

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But by 1984, the politically conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (the Iron Lady) rejected publicly-managed coal mining. The miners struck. Thatcher broke the strike. British coal production never recovered, and was privatized again in the 1990s.

By comparison, West Virginia coal production reached its natural peak in the late 1990s, and sharply tapered over the past decade. We must take every principled action in our power to increase industrial output. Both of our major political parties have made efforts to do so. Democrats enacted the thin-seam tax credit. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law unleashed billions for our industries and workers.

But like in Wales and every mining region worldwide, we cannot create thicker coal seams. God alone can do that. So, what is to be done? What they understood in Wales is the importance of child care in bolstering GDP. This is deeply empowering because it is entirely within our control. We dont need to wait on a political savior or global capital to make this happen.

Call it feminism (and South Wales indeed offers compelling examples of feminist economic leadership), or just call it cold, hard economics. The point does not seem arguable: when child care enables more people to work, public revenues and GDP will benefit. So will families.

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In 1958, the South Welsh poet Idris Davies penned famous lines about his native coalfields that eventually became a hit song for The Byrds:

What will you give me?

Say the sad bells of Rhymney.

Is there hope for the future?

Say the brown bells of Merthyr.

The beautiful bells of South Wales are ringing a resounding yes, there is hope for the future! It lies in empowering local communities to overcome social exclusion, expand the workforce through child care, and renew our way of life as a people of the valleys.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Golden Alert for Tyler Orduna has been canceled. Orduna has been located.

Previous story:

The Lexington Police Department is searching for a missing man.

On Thursday, LPD issued a Golden Alert for 24-year-old Tyler Orduna. Orduna was last seen on Jan. 16, around 8:50 a.m. in the 600 block of Estrella Drive.

Tyler Orduna (Via Lexington Police Department)

He is described as 5-foot-4, around 130 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, short facial hair, and a mustache. Police said Orduna was last seen wearing a gray zip-up hoodie and underneath a black and blue checkered flannel, khaki-colored cargo pants, and black lace-up boots.

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Orduna has a mental health condition and is believed to be walking but may use public transit.

 MISSING IN KENTUCKY

Anyone with knowledge of Tyler Ordunas whereabouts is asked to call 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM)  Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health cut the ribbon Thursday morning on its new behavioral health center on its campus.

It houses a crisis walk-in center and interventional psychiatry program.

Youll be able to walk in immediately and get assessment, get treatment, get referral for services, executive director of the center Tracey Lavallias said. Its an environment where you can get a respite so you dont necessarily have to go from one station to the next.

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The behavioral health center provides innovative treatments for patients, while including a de-escalated environment.

Theres a lot of energy in an emergency room and this will be an environment that is calm and quiet and really dedicated to the work that we want to do, Lancaster General Healths CEO John Herman said.

Former state representative Mike Sturla helped secure funding for the center to be built. He shared that his son faces behavioral health crises.

You have to meet the person in their crisis where they are, Sturla said. The minute that they are willing to be helped, if you say, well schedule an appointment for you next week to see a therapist. News for you, it doesnt work.

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Heavy amounts of stress can be put on family members and friends. The center plans on finding them comfort.

You can bring your whole family here so the whole family can come here to support the patient, Lavallias said.

Lavallias believes the center is opening at the perfect time as demand for behavioral health services are expected to grow.

All diagnoses are expected to increase and that does not take into account COVID, Lavallias said. We have a situation where we know that theres going to be a mental health explosion. We call it a behavioral health crisis.

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The National Institute of Mental Health has identified that one in four Pennsylvanians are at risk or have some form of mental health and behavioral health illness, Herman said.

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The center is expected to see around 4,000 patients per year.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Law enforcement authorities on Friday requested a court warrant to formally arrest South Koreas impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was in his third day at a detention center after his lawyers failed in a last-minute effort to secure his release.

Yoon, who was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residence, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which set off the countrys most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.

Yoons detention, authorized by a court warrant compelling him to face investigation after repeatedly ignoring summonses from law enforcement, was valid until 9:05 p.m Friday. But he will remain in custody as a Seoul court deliberates whether to put him under formal arrest.

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If Yoon is arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Attempting to break through legislative gridlock, Yoon imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices, but the standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14.

A court-ordered arrest could lead to an extended period in custody for the conservative president, who faces both criminal charges and a Constitutional Court ruling in the coming weeks that will determine whether he is dismissed or reinstated to office.

Heres what Yoon faces at a moment that could determine his political fate:

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Whats ahead?

On Friday afternoon, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, requested the Seoul Western District Court to grant a warrant for Yoons formal arrest.

The court will hold a hearing Saturday afternoon, which Yoon may or may not attend, before it decides whether to grant his arrest. That could come sometime over the weekend or early Monday.

Details of the arrest warrant request wasnt immediately available. In issuing a warrant for Yoons detention this month, the court stated that he was facing potential charges of leading a rebellion.

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After undergoing more than 10 hours of questioning on Wednesday at the anti-corruption agencys headquarters in Gwacheon, during which he exercised his right to remain silent, Yoon boycotted questioning for a second straight day on Friday as his supporters maintained that the investigation was illegal.

In a message to his supporters, conveyed through lawyers, Yoon said he was doing well in detention and thanked them for coming out to the streets in cold weather to show their fervent patriotism. Hundreds of Yoon supporters gathered near the Seoul Western District Court, shouting slogans calling for his release.

Yoons lawyers had asked the Seoul Central District Court to order his release, questioning the validity of the detention warrant issued by the Western District Court, but the Central District Court denied their petition late Thursday. The failure gave anti-corruption officials nearly 11 extra hours to keep Yoon in detention as their 48-hour clock to request an arrest warrant was on hold while the Central District Court reviewed his petition.

Yoons defense minister, police chief, and several top military commanders have already been arrested for their roles in the enforcement of martial law.

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What happens if Yoon is arrested?

If Yoon is formally arrested, that could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or possibly longer.

If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations being examined by investigators, they can possibly keep Yoon under arrest for up to six months until an initial court ruling. If the first court convicts him and issues a prison term, Yoon would serve that sentence as the case possibly moves up to the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Yoons lawyers have argued that there is no need to detain him during the investigation, saying he doesnt pose a threat to flee or destroy evidence.

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Investigators point out that Yoon ignored several requests to appear for questioning, and the presidential security service blocked an attempt to detain him on Jan. 3.

Yoon has steadfastly denied accusations that his martial law decree was an attempt at rebellion, contradicting the testimonies of military commanders who have described an attempt to shut down the legislature. Critics say this makes him a potential threat to destroy or tamper with evidence.

What key points will be contested in court?

To avoid conviction on rebellion charges, Yoon would need to support his claim that martial law was intended as a temporary and peaceful warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda and paralyzing state affairs with its legislative majority.

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Yoon and his lawyers have claimed that he had no intention of stopping the functioning of the National Assembly, stating that the deployment of troops was intended to maintain order, not prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. They have claimed that the troops sent to the assembly were unarmed and denied allegations that Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik and opposition leader Lee Jae-myung.

Military commanders, however, have described a deliberate attempt to seize the legislature that was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped lawmakers enter the assembly, and by the troops reluctance or refusal to follow Yoons orders.

Prosecutors indictment of Kim Yong Hyun, Yoons now-arrested former defense minister, states that Yoon ordered the military and police to arrest key politicians or any lawmaker attempting to enter the assembly, desperate to prevent the 300-member legislature from gathering the 150 votes necessary to overturn his martial law order. It describes Yoon as becoming impatient as lawmakers continued getting inside, placing calls to military commanders to destroy the main chambers door, and even use guns or axes if necessary, and to drag the lawmakers out.

Those details align with the legislative testimony of Kwak Jong-keun, the now-arrested commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, who said Yoon directly instructed him to have troops pull out the lawmakers but that he didnt carry out those orders.
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  A local elementary school teacher received the surprise, perhaps of her career, when the states superintendent of education presents her with a national award.

The Milken Educator Award  and $25,000 cash prize  was a surprise, presented during an assembly Friday morning. The assembly was called to receive a visit from the Illinois Superintendent of Schools. Neither the teacher nor the school administration at Lincoln Grade School knew the the high honor was coming.

They were made to wait for about 25 minutes as the Milken Family Foundation and others hyped up the students during an assembly in the gym.

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And now, drumroll please. the winner is..

That person was Jessica Wentz, a Lincoln Grade School graduate herself.

Wentz is the only Illinois educator this year to earn the coveted prize.

As initially promised, Illinois Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Sanders joined Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller for the surprise.

Jessica Wentz instills a love of learning in every endeavor, from classroom teaching to mentoring others, said Fuller, who is a 2017 Texas Milken Educator herself.

Leading engaging opportunities and interactive lessons for students, she is capturing their interest in education at a young age, setting the stage for bright futures. Her leadership on school committees and her strong relationships with peers, students families and community members demonstrate her indelible, broad impact, she said.

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Congratulations, Jessica! Your passion and commitment to the craft will make you a valuable member of the national Milken Educator Network, Fuller said.

This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 45 educators coast to coast. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken in 1987, the Milken Educator Awards represent Americas preeminent educator recognition initiative, inspiring educators, students and entire communities to Celebrate, Elevate and Activate the K-12 teaching profession, according to the foundation.

More than $75 million in individual financial prizes and more than $145 million have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, the foundation said.

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(NewsNation)  President-elect, and soon-to-be 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump has gotten in good graces with global tech leaders.

The heads of five of the top eight largest companies (by market cap) reportedly plan to attend his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Here is a list of tech moguls and billionaires on the guest list.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk greets President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives to watch SpaceXs mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP)

Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk is not a surprising guest as he will co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

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Musk, who also owns the social media platform X, has become a close acquaintance of Trump in recent years.

The most unusual past presidential inaugurations: List

Mark Zuckerberg

FILE  Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta, speaks at the SIGGRAPH 2024 conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, July 29, 2024, in Denver. Meta reports earnings on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will join in Trumps welcome to the White House and will also co-host the president alongside billionaire Republican donors at a black-tie reception before the inaugural balls on the evening of Inauguration Day.

In 2021, Zuckerberg banned Trump from Facebook, whose parent company is Meta, and Twitter, before Musk bought it and rebranded it to X.

Now, the two appear to have mended the relationship, as Zuckerberg was seen at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort for a series of recent meetings.

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Where is Michelle Obama as Trumps inauguration approaches?

Jeff Bezos

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 12, 2023, in Beverly Hills, Calif.(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Billionaire Jeff Bezos owns Amazon, the Washington Post and Blue Origin, a space company. Hes expected to sit with Musk and Zuckerberg at a table near the president-elects cabinet picks, NBC reported.

Bezos company has been part of the space race alongside Musks SpaceX, both of which have launched rockets into space.

Trump taps Voight, Gibson and Stallone as special envoys to Hollywood

TikTok CEO

FILE  TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 31, 2024. President Joe Bidens campaign is embracing TikTok to court younger voters ahead of the U.S. presidential elections, but U.S. adults seem to be split about whether the video-sharing app should even operate in the country. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in attendance, with the inauguration occurring one day after a potential ban on the video-sharing platform could take effect in the U.S.

Ivanka Trump: Politics a very dark, negative business

Google CEO

File  Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, takes part in a discussion at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. A federal court jury is expected to begin its deliberations Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in an antitrust trial focused on whether Googles efforts to thwart competition against its app store for Android smartphones has also been illegally gouging consumers and stifling innovation.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai will join the growing list of tech executives to witness Trumps swearing into office.

Reports indicate that Pichai will join Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Google, Microsoft, Uber, Apple, OpenAI and Coinbase contributed millions of dollars to fund inaugural parades and parties.

NewsNations Steven Joachim contributed to this report.

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We are living apocalyptically.

The philosopher Bruno Latour uttered those words in an interview discussing the 2018 California wildfires.

His comments ring all the more true in 2025, as residents of the Los Angeles area grapple with the horror and despair of the deadly wildfires that have razed thousands of homes and businesses and have left at least 25 people dead.

From coast to coast, from hemisphere to hemisphere, once-in-a-lifetime environmental catastrophes are now regular occurrences. Large-scale burning occurs out of season, and fires burn hotter and spread farther than ever before.

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Latour has called it living in the end times; he points to a need to find different ways to live, as extreme events that were once just the subject of dystopian films simply become a part of everyday life.

My work on how writers emotionally respond to fires shows that literature and reading have a vital role to play.

Works about fire often emphasize recovery and resolution, while also offering a space to work through complex emotions. If these are, as Latour fears, end times, literature can help readers learn how to survive, cope and keep hope alive.

A common enemy

With the pace and tone of a thriller, George R. Stewarts 1948 novel, Fire, follows a California forest fire from the moment it ignites until it is extinguished several days later.

Fire explores kinship as much as the ecological effects of wildfires. New York Review Books

Stewarts biographer, Donald M. Scott, described Fire as the first novel about fire ecology, and the environmental impact of fires is certainly an important part of the work. But Fire is also a novel that is deeply interested in how people come together in the face of disaster.

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Stewart was so committed to creating a realistic representation of a burning forest that he visited fires with a forest ranger as part of his research for the book. His burning scenes are graphic and engage with the practicalities of firefighting, as well as its human cost.

But the novel also celebrates kinship, with characters forming deep bonds as they work together to beat back the blaze. This sense of a shared experience is vital.

One of the storys central figures, the veteran forest ranger Bart Bartley, imagines the fire as an enemy, Evil, malignant, and scheming. Fire historians Tom Griffiths and Christine Hansen, who have worked with fire-affected communities, affirm Bartleys depiction, noting how fire makes its victims feel hunted down and its survivors toyed with.

Yet in grappling with this evil force, Bartley feels great human love for those working alongside him.

Renewal and regrowth

Stewarts work is also striking for its focus on renewal.

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After the flames are conquered, the novels narrator surveys the damage. At first he sees a landscape thats fatally scorched. But his despondency gives way to a more optimistic interpretation: In the next few years the still-standing older trees might re-seed the ground beneath them.

The novel, which also examines events from the perspective of animals, ends with an extraordinary vision of hope:

Smoke and cloud had vanished. Through the rain-washed air the sun shone brightly, and along the crest of the range the highest peaks were dazzling-white with snow. Moist and clean, the north-west wind from the ocean blew steadily across the long ridges, and from high-swinging cones, opened by the fiery heat, the winged seeds drifted downward to the earth.

Emphasizing that fire is a natural phenomenon, Stewart focuses on regrowth. He reminds readers that burning has an ecologically important role and that what seems like an apocalyptic present can soon transform into a regenerative future.

Living in the Pyrocene

The historian Stephen J. Pyne has called our fire-prone age the Pyrocene. So its no surprise that more writers are weaving wildfires into their stories.

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Amitav Ghoshs novel Gun Island features a wildfire in its early chapters. But Ghosh isnt content to let his fiction speak for itself; his 2016 nonfiction work The Great Derangement is an exhortation for contemporary writers to incorporate representations of natural disasters into their work to reflect the way that disaster now impinges upon everyday life.

The Altadena Public Library was destroyed by the Eaton fire in 2025. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Australian writer and Booker Prize winner Richard Flanagans 2020 novel, The Living Sea of Waking Dreams, responds to this challenge.

Unlike Stewarts novel, fire is not front and center of the work, which Flanagan has described as a rising scream. When the story, which is set in Australia, begins, bushfires rage, and it seems as if theyll be central to the plot. However, they simply smolder away in the background  just as they do in real life for many of those who arent directly affected by fire. Yet.

The novels true focus, it turns out, is on the overwhelming experience of living in a world where natural disaster succeeds natural disaster. It follows the protagonist, Anna, who seeks relief from her mothers terminal illness by scrolling through social media feeds. She finds herself inundated with endless images of climate emergencies. Her doomscrolling leaves her depressed: She no longer knew if the fires were already over even though they hadnt yet really begun.

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Through the glow of her smartphone, Anna sees Photos of ember blizzards. Smoke so thick you couldnt see across a road. Four thousand people  gathered on a beach with the firefighters forming a cordon around to protect them.

In other scenes, she views image after image of animals injured in wildfires. For Anna, Summer was frightening. Smoke was frightening  Choking was frightening. Today was frightening. Tomorrow was terrifying, if we made it that far.

However, like Stewart, Flanagan points to hope: Anna eventually connects with another character, Lisa, whose interest in environmental history and Indigenous fire practices offers an alternative to the isolating terror evoked by social media.

Flanagan ends the novel by rejecting both individualism and apocalyptic sensationalism.

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The discovery of an endangered chick transforms the story from one of misery to one of hope. Lisa, who finds the tiny bird, suddenly sees the world not as hopelessly burning but as extraordinarily alive. When the novel ends, she is not downcast nor defeated, but inspired to connect more closely with the land and its inhabitants.

Human stories dont have to end with disaster and death. Instead, catastrophes can signal the beginning of something new, and reading about them can highlight regrowth and recovery in the midst of despair.

A Little Free Library in front of an Altadena home razed by the Eaton fire in 2025. Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

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: Grace Moore, University of Otago

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Grace Moore received funding from the Australian Research Council for her work on fire between 2013 and 2017 as part of project number CE110001011.
(Bloomberg) -- Lithuania plans to increase defense spending to deter potential threats from Russia after US President-elect Donald Trump urged European allies to boost funds for the military.

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Trump has threatened to abandon NATO and demanded members of the military alliance more than double the current target for defense expenditure to the equivalent of 5% of economic output.

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Lithuania is now poised to become the first nation in the alliance to hit that goal after President Gitanas Nauseda said spending would be raised to 5-6% of gross domestic product starting from next year as it finances a new army division to be created by 2030.

The Baltic states and Poland have led the way in increasing defense spending in Europe since the Kremlins 2022 invasion of Ukraine as they share borders with Russia or its ally Belarus. Lithuania already planned expenditure of 4% of GDP this year.

The possibility of Russian military aggression remains realistic, but its not inevitable, Nauseda said after a meeting of the state defense council in Vilnius. We must significantly raise our efforts to strengthen defense, deterrence and to allocate greater resources for this goal.

With Trumps inauguration due Monday, Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has signaled that the alliance is likely to raise its spending target to at least 3% of GDP.

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NATO has placed troops and equipment in the Baltic region to deter Russia and bolster its ability to defend itself. Germany plans to expand its military deployment to Lithuania to a full brigade of 5,000 soldiers, and Rheinmetall AG is also building an ammunition plant.

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The U.S. Navy carried out a crash program last year to enable Freedom class littoral combat ships (LCS) armed with radar-guided AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles to fire those weapons against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)  in other words, drones. This came in direct response to concerns about Houthi drone threats to American warships operating in and around the Red Sea.

Hints at the new counter-drone capability from the Freedom class LCSs first emerged at the Surface Navy Associations main annual symposium earlier this week. The Navy responded to TWZs queries for more information sent on Jan. 15 by directing us to a press release put out the following day.

The USS Indianapolis is the first Freedom class LCS to get this counter-drone upgrade, which it received in the course of operations in the Middle East last fall. Indianapolis was deployed between March and November 2024, during which time it also operated in the Atlantic Ocean and around Europe. Indianapolis is also the first LCS from either the Freedom or Independence classes to receive a Combat Action Ribbon, which we will come back to later on.

A stock picture of the USS Indianapolis. USN

In Fall 2024, the [Navys Littoral Combat Ship Mission Modules] program [office] upgraded both the software and hardware of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) to enhance the ships defense posture while on deployment, according to a Navy release. This rapid deployment of C-UAS [counter-uncrewed aerial systems] capability underscores the flexibility of SSMM in addressing a range of threats, including surface, land, and aerial challenges.

Enlisted technicians from the Navy Munitions Command (NMC) Bahrain Detachment support the delivery of hardware and software upgrades aboard USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) in September 2024 while the ship was forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. USN

The main element of the SSMMs are launchers that can be loaded with up to 24 AGM-114Ls at a time. Unlike many other Hellfire variants, the Longbow Hellfire features millimeter wave radar rather than laser guidance. On LCSs, the ships radar cues the missiles to their targets and the seekers on the missile lock on and destroy their assigned targets autonomously. The SSMM reached initial operational capability on Freedom class LCSs in 2019. The same year, the Navy began testing the module on Independence class LCSs.

Recent events in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AoR) underscore the importance of equipping our warships with up-to-date C-UAS systems to keep emerging threats at bay, Navy Capt. Matthew Lehmann, head of the LCS Mission Modules program office, said in a statement. By leveraging the adaptability of proven technologies  we were able to deliver on a critical need to the Fleet. This accomplishment showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Littoral Combat Ship Mission Module Program.

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This rapid integration of C-UAS capabilities enhances our ability to project power and maintain freedom of maneuver in contested environments, Rear. Adm. Kevin Smith, program executive officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), also said in a statement. By equipping LCS with advanced, flexible systems like the SSMM, we are not only addressing immediate threats but also strengthening the Navys overall strategy for operational agility, deterrence, and sustained dominance in littoral regions.

The main purpose of the SSMM initially was to give Freedom or Independence-class LCSs additional capacity to counter swarms of small boats, crewed and uncrewed, something that remains a real threat. Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have been particular pioneers in the use of explosive-laden uncrewed kamikaze boats. However, Ukraines employment of a still-expanding array of uncrewed surface vessels, including kamikaze types, in and around the Black Sea has been responsible for fully thrusting the dangers they pose into the mainstream consciousness. In 2022, the Navy also showed that the SSMM could be used to fire Longbow Hellfires at targets on land.

Leveraging the SSMM now as a rapid pathway to giving LCSs added counter-drone capabilities makes good sense. Beyond offering an additional layer of self-defense against uncrewed aerial threats for the ships themselves, this could allow them to provide a short-range protective umbrella for other friendly vessels nearby. Its unclear what the AGM-114Ls range is when launched from the surface rather than the air. The Longbow Hellfires maximum reach in the air-launched mode is reportedly between five and five and a half miles (8,000 and 9,000 meters)

The idea, broadly, of employing AGM-114s, especially the radar-guided Longbow variant, against aerial threats is also not new. Israeli AH-64 attack helicopters have used Hellfires to down drones, and the U.S. Army is increasingly training to do the same with its Apaches. Other U.S. military helicopters might be able to employ Hellfires in the air-to-air role, as well. The Army has also explored employing AGM-114Ls as surface-to-air interceptors in the past.

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. @USArmy Soldiers engage an unmanned aerial system (UAS) from an AH-64 with upgraded Hellfire missile during Red Sands training exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. @usarmycentral pic.twitter.com/HG9ChuWxt6  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 30, 2024

At the same time, just adding the counter-drone functionality to the SSMM last year underscores how the Navy and the rest of the U.S. military are still very much playing catch-up in responding to uncrewed aerial threats. The dangers posed by drones, including lower-end kamikaze types, are not new, as TWZ regularly notes. The scale and scope of these capabilities and the underlying technologies are ever-growing and are steadily proliferating even among non-state actors like the Houthis, as well as the armed forces of nation states large and small.

How many more SSMM-equipped Freedom class LCSs now are in line to get the new counter-drone upgrades is unclear, as is when or if that capability might filter down to Independence class types. The Navy currently has 10 Freedom class LCSs in service, with another one now in the process of being fitted out. There are 16 more Independence class LCSs on the services rolls and another one of those ships on the way.

The USS Freedom, at rear, sails alongside the USS Independence, in the foreground, as an example of both types together. These two particular ships have since been decommissioned. USN The USS Freedom, at rear, sails alongside the USS Independence, in the foreground. The lead ships in both of their classes of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), these vessels were both been decommissioned in 2021. USN

The addition of counter-drone capability to the SSMM might also open up new avenues to employing Hellfires, as well as that missile successor the AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), on other Navy ships in that role, as well as against other target sets. Lockheed Martin notably had a model of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer equipped with two arrays of launchers that could be used to fire Hellfires or JAGMs on display at the Surface Navy Associations main annual symposium earlier this week.

A close-up of the Hellfire/JAGM launchers on the Arleigh Burke model on display at the 2025 Surface Navy Association symposium. Joseph Trevithick

TWZ has reached out to the Navy and Lockheed Martin for more information.

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Speaking at the Surface Navy Association symposium on Wednesday, Navy Capt. Mark Haney did say the Freedom class USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is set to receive the same counter-drone modifications to its SSMM that are now found on the USS Indianapolis. Haney, who is commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2 based in Mayport, Florida, also said that Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be the most capable Freedom class LCS deployed to date when it heads out later this year.

Full SUW [Surface Warfare] package, 30-millimeter guns, an SSMM capability that also adds the counter-UAS to it, a Romeo [MH-60R Seahawk] helicopter det[achment], as well as a new UAV [uncrewed aerial vehicle] that weve never deployed before on the LCS, and that is the Aerosonde, Haney explained. The ship will also have two 11-meter RIBs [rigid inflatable boats], [a U.S.] Coast Guard det[achment], and a U.S. Navy VBSS [visit, board, search, and seizure] capability.

Freedom class LCSs also have a 57mm gun in a turret on the bow and a 21-round launcher for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) toward the stern. RAMs provide close-in defense primarily against incoming cruise missiles, but can also be employed against other aerial threats, including drones, as well as small boats. Its worth noting here that the AGM-114L in the anti-drone role also offers a valuable lower-cost alternative to the RIM-116. Official budget documents from the Army, the lead service for Hellfire, provide only an average unit cost across all variants, pegged at between approximately $150,000 and $215,000 in recent years. The current price tag on a single RAM is around $950,000. RAM is the cheapest of U.S. Navy counter-air missiles, with longer-range weapons being a multiple of that cost.

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More firepower for Freedom class LCSs is also expected in the future in the form of launchers for Naval Strike Missile (NSM) cruise missiles and greater availability of containerized Mk 70 launchers that can fire multi-purpose Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is worth noting that the Mk 70s go on the ships stern helipad, which would severely limit, if not eliminate, its ability to embark helicopters.

Newer members of the Freedom class, including Minneapolis-Saint Paul, also have an active electronically scanned array (AESA) TRS-4D air and surface search and target acquisition radar. All Freedoms have an electronic support measure (ESM) package, as well.

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The rectangular TRS-4D radar is seen on top of the ships main mast. USN

At the same time, Haneys comments this week highlighted longer-standing issues with the Freedom and Independence class LCSs having failed to live up to expectations and continued questions about their operational utility. For instance, originally the expectation was the LCSs would be readily reconfigurable with different modules and mission packages like the SSMM to increase their flexibility. The ships are now deployed in largely static configurations.

In addition, the two classes of LCSs have also been beset by structural and technical issues over the years. Propulsion systems problems have plagued the Freedom class in particular and have contributed to the decommissioning of some of those ships well before the end of their expected service lives.

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The Navy has been pushing to get more operational use out of its LCSs, which currently represent a significant portion of its overall surface warship fleets, in recent years. This includes the first-ever deployment of a Freedom class type to the Middle East in 2022 and plans to begin forward-deploying other ships in the class to Bahrain later this year. Independence class types regularly sail in the Pacific. As earlier noted, USS Indianapolis has now become the first LCS to receive a Combat Action Ribbon, which was awarded following a Houthi attack aimed at the ship, as well as Arleigh Burke class destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, last September.

Another stock shot of the USS Indianapolis. USN

The full citation accompanying the Combat Action Ribbon, which TWZ obtained from the Navy, reads:

For outstanding service in support of military operations from 25 September 2024 to 27 September 2024. USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) effectively executed dynamic and kinetic responses to threats from Iranian-backed Houthi non-state actors emanating from the Red Sea in the Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

From 25 September 2024 to 27 September 2024, USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), and USS Spruance (DDG 111) were operating off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea conducting a northbound Bab-al-Mandeb transit when several salvos of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles were launched from Yemen, targeting the Surface Action Group (SAG). USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) provided early indications and warnings through the analysis of electronic signals, prioritizing potential threats, ensuring proper de-confliction orders across the force in the Electronic Warfare Spectrum, ensuring the SAG was prepared to respond to any hostile act in the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP) and Recognized Air Picture (RAP). In response, the SAG engaged with Standard Missiles 2 (RIM-66), Standard Missiles 6 (RIM-176), and launched chaff eliminating the threats and enabling the SAG to continue its mission.

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Still, there is notably no indication here that USS Indianapolis fired any of its own weapons in anger in this particular engagement, which also prominently highlights the lack of more robust air defense capabilities on the LCSs. Whether the ship employed any of its weapons against hostile targets in the course of the rest of its deployment is unknown.

All of this also now comes amid major delays and other issues with the Navys Constellation class frigate program. The service has been working to acquire the new frigates in no small part to provide a more capable small surface combatant than the long-underperforming LCSs.

In the meantime, the Navy continues to try to squeeze more operational value of its LCS, including now through the addition of counter-drone capability to the SSMM.

Geoff Ziezulewicz contributed to this report.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), President-elect Trumps pick to head the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is appearing for her confirmation hearing before a Senate panel Friday.

The purview of DHS involves immigration and federal emergency management  two hot-button topics. Immigration was one of Trumps signature issues and has been a top priority for Republicans in the new Congress, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which falls under DHS, has been in the spotlight since hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the Southeastern U.S. and historic fires broke out in California.

Also Friday, the Senate voted to advance the Laken Riley Act, an immigration bill that has split Democrats.

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The measure, named after a Georgia college student who was killed in February by a man who had crossed into the U.S. without permission, would mandate federal detention of immigrants without legal status accused of theft, burglary and other related crimes. It is poised to be the first bill passed by the Republican-controlled Congress, but has also earned the support of a number of Democrats in both chambers.

Follow along for live updates below.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will bid farewell Friday to the forces and personnel he has led through a tumultuous term that had three major military crises, a global pandemic and a personal brush with cancer that became a flashpoint for the way it was mishandled.

Austin, 71, spent 41 years of his life in a military uniform. He retired as a highly decorated four-star general who earned a Silver Star  an award given for gallantry in action  for leading troops from the front in the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq.

He is one of the many Pentagon leaders who have served in combat and has dust on his boots  something President-elect Donald Trumps choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has falsely claimed is his distinction and why he is needed to restore a military hollowed out by woke diversity initiatives.

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There have been a lot of narratives out there about how capable, how weak our military is, Austin said in an interview with The Associated Press. Youve just got to look at the things we have done, that we continue to do, at a moments notice.

Austin retired from the Army in 2016 only to be asked to return to the Pentagon by President Joe Biden in 2021, making history as the nations first Black defense secretary.

He took the helm of the Pentagon at the height of COVID-19 and just weeks after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a mob of Trumps supporters. His early months saw the department working through a divisive COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the force and a deep dive to determine whether there was a wider extremism problem in the ranks. More than 230 people with a military background were arrested in connection with the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection.

Austin repeatedly said he believed extremism was not a problem. Indeed, service members and veterans who radicalize make up a tiny fraction of a percentage point of the millions who have honorably served, though an Associated Press investigation last year found it was on the rise.

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But it would be the shocking collapse of the Afghan government to the Taliban that would forever mar Austins tenure. The U.S. withdrawal had been previously negotiated by Trump, and, because of that, there were only 2,500 U.S. forces in Afghanistan when Biden took office.

To this day, theres a deep sense of betrayal among some veterans over the loss of Afghanistan, which became a key part of Trumps return to office.

Bidens decision to move forward with the withdrawal led to a chaotic two weeks in August 2021, when the Air Force evacuated more than 124,000 people from Afghanistan in just 17 days.

Air Force C-17s and chartered aircraft landed at Kabul airport in a non-stop operation, but then 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans were killed by a suicide bomber just days before the last U.S. service member left.

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All the hard-won gains by women and for democracy began being dismantled by the Taliban.

There was a lot of speculation on what would happen if we left Afghanistan. The world was going to come to an end. We were going to get attacked every day, and that just hasnt happened, Austin said. Some horrible things have happened in terms of womens rights. Well just have to continue to work on those things.

The Biden administration was still reeling from the withdrawal when it began warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin was assembling hundreds of thousands of troops along Ukraines border and was preparing to invade. In response to the invasion, Austin created the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of more than 50 partner nations that have sent more than $126 billion in weapons and training to Kyiv in the three years since.

Then Hamas launched its Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

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Austin directed two aircraft carriers to sail immediately to the region, and in the year since, the widened conflict has spilled into the Red Sea, disrupting trade and engaging the U.S. Navy in the most intense running sea battle since World War II.

The Navy has engaged not only drones but also anti-ship ballistic missiles fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and ballistic missiles fired at Israel directly by Iran.

On one of Austins final days in office, the Defense Departments inspector general released a report on his mishandling of his prostate cancer diagnosis in late 2023, when he failed to inform the White House of being hospitalized and incapacitated following complications with his treatment.

Austin is known as a deeply private man, and that desire for privacy came to a head in his diagnosis and hospitalization.

I dont want my health to be a media circus, Austin texted his chief of staff while hospitalized. It became just that, and after revelations that he had not notified Congress for days that he was incapacitated, new processes were instituted to prevent the lack of notification from happening again.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Governor Kathy Hochul alongside other state leaders in Albany are considering an update to New Yorks Involuntary Commitment law. This determines when police and other first responders intervene during mental health emergencies, and when to admit an individual to psychiatric care.

Hochuls proposal, shared at the 2025 State of the State address, would expand the law to allow intervention for folks who may lack basic necessities including food, shelter and medical care.

Advocates for the local homeless population including Amy DAmico with Rochester Grants Pass Resistance say theres better alternatives.

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The question is why cant we all focus on the clear solution, which is housing? DAmico said. The answer to homelessness is housing.

Community Organizer Oscar Brewer agrees and continues to push for more resources for those who may need them.

We have to increase not just housing, but also mental health response, Brewer said. Instead of forcing people into treatment, lets find adequate resources to help them in the moment.

DAmico and Brewers strategy at addressing this concern can be categorized under the proposed Daniels Law, drafted in recognition of Daniel Prude. If passed, the law would allow advocates to respond to mental health emergencies and intervene in the moment.

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DAmico adds that Hochuls push for involuntary commitment would not be effective.

[Governor Hochul] wants to hide the problem. I think she doesnt like the look of people outside who she doesnt think should be, DAmico said.

Hochul sees her approach differently.

Critics will say this criminalizes poverty or homelessness, I say that is flat out wrong, Hochul said during the State of the State. This is about having the humanity and the compassion to help people who are incapable of helping themselves.

DAmico disagrees with this mindset.

Being involuntarily committed is the opposite of a humane response, DAmico said. Forcing people into psychiatric units and naming that a humane response is backwards.

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Rochester Grants Pass Resistance continues to work with folks in the Rochester community in need of vital resources including food and clothing. Both proposals remain as such right now, and are slated to be discussed and revised by lawmakers in the coming months.

An official statement on Hochuls proposal by Rochester Grants Pass Resistance can be found here:

Press-Release-January-16-2025-Involuntary-CommitmentDownload

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is under investigation after accepting free tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.

Khan, who has held the high-profile position in the British capital for nine years now, reportedly accepted 3000 (around $3,600) worth of Swift gig tickets when she was in London on her Eras Tour last August.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

A member of the Labour Party, Khan will be investigated by a governing body called the Greater London Authority (GLA), which has been called in at the request of the Tories to probe a potential breach of the rules (ones relating to politicians accepting gifts, often a catalyst for controversy in British politics). The standard regulation is that ministers are allowed to keep gifts, but they must declare them.

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The GLAs monitoring officer confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday that three out of four allegations against the Mayor do not justify further investigation, including his declaration of the tickets being late and inaccurate.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

But, an investigation will now take place to establish if the Mayor exercised an appropriate level of caution in deciding to accept the tickets, a spokesperson for the GLA said.

A spokesperson for Khan added: Any gift accepted by the Mayor is declared openly and transparently. In this case there was an administrative error which was corrected. The Mayor has no involvement in the procurement process for GLA events, nor in the tendering of these contracts. The Mayors office will continue to ensure all the right processes are followed, and looks forward to explaining the approach that was taken in this instance.

Swifts stop in the U.K. last year was monumental for the British economy, projected to boost it by around one billion pounds. Almost 1.2 million fans attended the 15 concerts she held in London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

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And seemingly, no one was more excited than Khan, who welcomed Swift and her Swifties to London on his social media last year.

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ATLANTA, Ga. (WRBL)  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp delivered his state of state address in Atlanta on Thursday morning.

WRBL was under the Gold Dome to hear the governor outline his priorities for his seventh year in office.

Brian Kemp has a Republican majority in the House and the Senate, and he has an aggressive legislative agenda that has litigation reform at the very top.

Kemp touched on a number of key issues in the state of the state. The governor praised the resiliency of his fellow Georgians; he applauded the work of law enforcement during the deadly school shooting at a North Georgia high school; and he was crystal clear what his top priority will be this session.

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Its litigation reform  some call it tort reform  to curb what the governor called excessive lawsuits against businesses and medical professionals.

I know this issue is complicated and it will not be an easy fix, said Kemp. There are many different stakeholders with competing ideas about how to move forward. However, doing nothing is no longer an option.

Local lawmakers were quick to react to the governors litigation reform push.

We got to be honest about it. You know, I dont know if its fair to say that insurance claims are totally up because of lawsuits when you still have these insurance companies bringing in billions of dollars. To me, thats not barely making it, said (D) Rep. Teddy Reese of Columbus. To me, thats trying to increase your profit. So I think we need to really study this and look at are they being honest with us when they say were barely keeping the doors open.

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Reese went on to say I do believe business owners are being impacted, but I just want us to get to the real issue, the real root of the problem.

This is what the other side of the political aisle had to say.

I am very excited that hes taking a very engaged and talking to the people approach to it. The roundtable meetings, said (R) Rep. Carmen Rice of Columbus. Ive sat at one of those and talking to people from all different angles and as an advocate on the maternal and infant child health issue and trying to retain and keep our OBGYNs in Georgia. And thats a very important thing that Im looking at.

Governor Kemp played the Waffle House card in his speech  he used the iconic Georgia restaurant as an example of businesses negatively impacted by litigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Heres a look at some of the events scheduled for Friday, January 17, the fourth day of the 2025 session of the South Dakota Legislature.

Bulldozing the Big Sioux

Senate Transportation at 7:45 a.m. receives a briefing from state Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt and holds hearings on three bills, including SB2 that would increase civil penalties for commercial driver violations.

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House State Affairs at 7:45 a.m. considers two resolutions for possible 2026 ballot measures and holds a hearing on HB1053 from Republican Rep. Bethany Soye that would require age verification by websites containing material hurtful to minors.

House Education at 7:45 a.m. holds hearings on four bills, including HB1002 that would require all certified educators to complete a three-hour course in South Dakota Indian studies, and HB1003 that would change some definitions in the formula for distributing state-aid to public K-12 schools.

Joint Committee on Appropriations at 8 a.m. holds budget hearings for state Department of Legislative Audit and the Legislative Research Council.

Senate Health and Human Services at 8 a.m. receives briefings from Human Services Services Secretary Shawnie Rechtenbaugh, Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff and Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt.

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Senate Taxation at 10 a.m. receives a briefing from Revenue Secretary Michael Houdyshell.

Senate State Affairs at 10 a.m. considers a joint resolution calling for a convention of the states to make amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Senate Local Government at 10 a.m. holds a hearing on one bill and receives informational briefings from the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners and the South Dakota Municipal League.

House Judiciary at 10 a.m. receives briefings from state Attorney General Marty Jackley and Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko.

House Commerce and Energy at 10 a.m. receives a briefing from Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman.

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Senate at 1 p.m. considers on its consent calendar SB30 to remove outdated provisions within the insurance code

House of Representatives at 1 p.m. considers adopting procedural rules.

As of Thursday afternoon, the House showed 69 bills, while the Senate had 78. Theyre all listed at https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bills/70.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI)  We first introduced you to Carrigan Nelson back in 2018 when she was raising money for friend Hannah Wertens, who sadly died at the young age of 15 after a three-year battle with leukemia.

It was just a year later, in a cruel twist of fate, that Carrigan was diagnosed with cancer herself. A rare bone cancer was discovered in her left knee, but Carrigans determination to beat it, even from the very beginning, was inspirational.

I just love life, she told us back then. Making me think about how I could lose my life just makes me want to fight more.

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RELATED: Portsmouth declares February 8 Carrigan Nelson Day

She says shes felt Hannah was with her every step of the way.

It kind of feels like shes by my side, Carrigan said. Like, I got you.'

She and family members have dubbed her six-year cancer journey Carrigans Climb  fitting, since Carrigan was named after a mountain in New Hampshire.

Even through countless relapses and having her leg amputated below the knee, Carrigan has never faulted in her optimism and determination, and shes never stopped using her voice for her favorite pastime, singing. She even had the opportunity to belt out the National Anthem at Fenway Park in 2021.

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ALSO READ: Cancer patient still a singing ray of light as community rises to support her

Shes also used her voice to be an advocate, documenting her cancer journey on social media, encouraging other cancer patients to keep fighting, and pushing for more federal funding for pediatric cancer. Celebrities from Jay Leno to Katy Perry have taken notice.

In September 2020, Carrigan was named Honorary Miss Rhode Island Outstanding Teen in a surprise moment captured on camera.

Over the last two years, shes been determined to check as much off her bucket list as possible, even traveling the country with her family in an Airstream.

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To add to that list, the Portsmouth town council voted this week to declare Feb. 8, Carrigans 24th birthday, Carrigan Nelson Day.

A recurring theme throughout Carrigans Instagram is her repeated use of the words blessed, thankful, and lucky. To watch this warrior climb to the highest heights, even amid the lowest lows, is a shining example of true bravery.

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Posts on social media alleged that electric car manufacturer Tesla hired foreign-born workers through the H-1B visa program to "replace" recently laid-off American workers.

In April 2024, Tesla laid off more than 6,000 workers across various sites around the United States.

Meanwhile, around the same time, the company filed about 1,300 H-1B visa applications, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

However, there was no evidence to confirm or deny the claim that Tesla filled the positions vacated by laid-off workers with new employees on H-1B visas.

Tesla had been using the country's H-1B program to hire workers years before the layoffs. However, between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024  a government fiscal year, the most recent data available and a time period that covered the layoffs  the company filed more applications than any other previous year on record.

That said, about two-thirds of the yearly total were applications for workers already employed by Tesla who were seeking a continuation of their H-1B visa status.

Between March and June 2024, the months surrounding the layoffs, Tesla submitted 1,269 applications for H-1B visas, or about 61% of the company's yearly total, government data shows.

Throughout 2024, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, attempted to increase his influence on American and global politics. In December 2024, Musk announced his support for the United States' H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty fields. But according to critics, Musk wants to maintain the program because his electric car company, Tesla, has used it to hire foreign-born workers who "replaced" American employees the company had laid off.

A Reddit post sharing the claim read (archived): "Tesla replaced laid off US workers with foreign workers using H-1B visas that Musk want to increase."

While it's true Tesla laid off more than 6,600 workers in spring 2024  around the same time labor statistics show the company filed about 1,300 H-1B visa applications  there is no solid evidence to prove, or deny, a definitive connection between the layoffs and the visa applications.

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According to financial publications like Bloomberg and Business Insider, the layoffs were likely a cost-cutting measure in light of decreasing demand for Tesla vehicles and increasing competition from other electric-car companies. The company's first-quarter delivery numbers reportedly fell below Wall Street estimates, and year-to-year sales declined for the first time since 2020.

Additionally, Tesla had been using the H-1B visa program for years before layoffs. With that said, fall 2023 to fall 2024  a period that covered the layoff announcement  was the highest year on record for new H-1B visa approvals and applications from Tesla, according to U.S. government data.

Snopes has reached out to Tesla and Musk for their responses to accusations that the company hired people with H-1B visas to "replace" employees who were laid off, and we have not received responses. We will update this article if that changes.

The rumor is impossible to confirm without information from Tesla. Specifically, the claim assumes without evidence that the layoffs affected U.S.-born workers and not H-1B visa workers, and that new H-1B visa workers were specifically hired after the layoff to fill the recently vacated positions.

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However, data from the Department of Labor shed light on Tesla's use of H-1B visas for employment. Between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, a government fiscal year and the most recent data available, the Labor Department approved 2,067 applications submitted by Tesla for H-1B visas, which is the first step in obtaining the visa (that figure was calculated by viewing spreadsheets on the department's website).

Between March and June 2024, the months surrounding the layoffs, Tesla submitted 1,269 applications for H-1B visas, or about 61% of the company's yearly total, the labor statistics show.

Musk's opinion of the H-1B program made headlines in late 2024 after he replied to a post on X  the social media platform that he owns  that called for the program's end. In his response, Musk threatened to "go to war" defending the H-1B visa program. With that position, some conservatives felt that Musk, who allied himself with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump throughout 2024, was breaking away from Trump's anti-immigration campaign promises. While Trump attempted to suspend the H-1B visa program in 2020, he told reporters less than a week after Musk's post about the program that he supported it.

The idea that employers are laying off U.S.-born workers and filling their jobs with employees on H-1B visas is not new. CBS News' "60 Minutes" covered the topic in 2017.

What Is an H-1B Visa?

According to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services, the H-1B visa allows foreign workers with at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) to come to the United States to work in positions requiring "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge."

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The program allows for a maximum of 65,000 new H-1B visas per year, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with a master's degree from a U.S. university. The visas last for three years but can be extended for up to six years.

Before a potential worker applies for an H-1B visa, however, an employer must submit documentation to the Labor Department and CIS for approval. Some information in those applications is publicly available.

How Many Tesla Workers Use H-1B Visas?

CIS compiles data for H-1B visa applications on a year-to-year basis. According to that data, Tesla had 1,767 workers on H-1B visas as of Sept. 30, 2024, the end of the government fiscal year. That total ranked 22nd among all companies with H-1B workers across the country. For comparison, Amazon, the company with the most, had 9,265.

CIS also categorizes applications in two ways: whether the applicant is applying for the first time or whether they have already received an H-1B visa and are seeking a continuation of the status. According to the data, 1,025 of Tesla's approved H-1B applications between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, were the latter, which meant the applicants were already employed by Tesla. The other 742 workers were first-time applicants.

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That was the highest number of Tesla's approved first-time applicants in any year and was more than double the second-highest: 336 in 2022. In other words, Tesla had significantly increased its use of the H-1B program in the 2024 fiscal year (742 approvals in one year is roughly 1.14% of the 65,000 visas offered nationwide).

When Did Tesla Apply for Those Visas?

Before an H-1B visa application goes to CIS, however, an employer must submit a form called the Labor Condition Application to the Labor Department. According to that agency's website, submitting the application is the second step (after determining a "prevailing wage," or amount to pay the in-question worker) in applying for the H-1B visa, as well as two other types of visas: the H-1B1 visa, which gives special allocations to citizens of Singapore and Chile, and the E-3 visa, which gives a special allocation to citizens of Australia.

While Labor Condition Applications are required to obtain H-1B visas, an employer's number of those applications does not equal the number of H-1B workers hired. A company may opt not to hire an H-1B worker even though the Labor Department has approved an application.

Each financial quarter, the Labor Department publishes a list of all Labor Condition Applications submitted by companies and when. According to that list, the Labor Department approved 2,067 applications for H-1B visas from Tesla between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, higher than totals from years prior. Of those, 322 were submitted in March, 67 in April (the month the layoff was publicly announced), 487 in May and 393 in June.

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Before the layoffs, Tesla submitted 180 applications over the course of three months in 2023 (between October and December), 78 applications in January and 107 in February.

The Layoffs

Under a U.S. law called the WARN Act, employers must report large layoffs 60 days in advance of the layoff. In a reported internal memo obtained by Business Insider, Musk announced in April 2024 that Tesla was laying off more than 10% of its 140,000 workers. Without responses from Tesla or Musk, Snopes was unable to independently corroborate that reporting.

According to April 2024 documentation required under the WARN Act, Tesla laid off 2,688 workers in Texas and 3,332 in California (6,020 between both states). The company laid off 601 more employees in California the following month, bringing the total to 6,621 across the two months.

Sources:

29 USC Ch. 23: WORKER ADJUSTMENT AND RETRAINING NOTIFICATION. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title29/chapter23&edition=prelim. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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Bose, Nandita. "Trump Sides with Elon Musk in H-1B Visa Debate, Says He's Always Been in Favor of the Program." Reuters, 29 Dec. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/elon-musk-vows-war-over-h-1b-visa-program-amid-rift-with-some-trump-supporters-2024-12-28/.

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Dow, Jameson. "Tesla Lays off 'more than 10%' of Its Global Workforce." Electrek, 15 Apr. 2024, https://electrek.co/2024/04/15/tesla-lays-off-more-than-10-of-its-global-workforce/.

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Elaws - H-1B Advisor. https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/h1b/rn2.aspx. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

"EPI Comments on DHS's 'Modernizing H-1B' Proposed Rule." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/epi-comments-on-dhss-proposed-rule-on-modernizing-h-1b-requirements-providing-flexibility-in-the-f-1-program-and-program-improvements-affecting-other-nonimmigrant-workers/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Ewing, Jack. "Tesla Will Lay Off More Than 10% of Workers." The New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/business/tesla-layoff-elon-musk.html.

H-1B Cap Season | USCIS. 23 Dec. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season.

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H-1B Specialty Occupations | USCIS. 23 Dec. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations.

"H-1B Visas and Prevailing Wage Levels: A Majority of H-1B EmployersIncluding Major U.S. Tech FirmsUse the Program to Pay Migrant Workers Well below Market Wages." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/h-1b-visas-and-prevailing-wage-levels/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Hesson, Ted. "Trump Suspends Entry of Certain Foreign Workers despite Business Opposition." Reuters, 23 June 2020. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/trump-suspends-entry-of-certain-foreign-workers-despite-business-opposition-idUSKBN23T2ZS/.

Iordache, Lora Kolodny, Ruxandra. "Tesla Will Lay off More than 10% of Global Workforce: Read the Elon Musk Memo." CNBC, 15 Apr. 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/15/tesla-shares-dip-in-premarket-trade-on-global-layoff-reports.html.

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Kay, Grace. "Inside Tesla's Chaotic Month of Brutal Layoffs." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-tesla-drama-brutal-layoffs-2024-5. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Kay, Grace, and Jyoti Mann. "Read the Memo Elon Musk Sent Tesla Staff Announcing That the Company Is Laying off More than 10% of the Workforce." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-sent-tesla-employees-email-announcing-layoffs-read-memo-2024-4. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Kolodny, Lora. "As Tesla Layoffs Continue, Here Are 600 Jobs the Company Cut in California." CNBC, 17 May 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/17/as-tesla-layoffs-continue-here-are-600-jobs-cut-in-california.html.

---. "Tesla Cutting around 2,700 Jobs in Austin and More than 3,300 in California as Part of Broad Restructuring." CNBC, 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/23/tesla-cutting-close-to-2700-jobs-in-austin-as-part-of-restructuring.html.

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Lambert, Fred. "Tesla Replaced Laid off US Workers with Foreign Workers Using H-1B Visas That Musk Want to Increase." Electrek, 30 Dec. 2024, https://electrek.co/2024/12/30/tesla-replaced-laid-off-us-workers-with-foreign-workers-using-h-1b-visas-that-musk-want-to-increase/.

Ludlow, Edward, and Dana Hull. "Elon Musk's Robotaxi Dreams Plunge Tesla Into Chaos." Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2024, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-21/tesla-tsla-cybertruck-recall-is-latest-setback-to-stock-s-rough-2024.

Metzger, Bryan. "Bernie Sanders Says Elon Musk Is Wrong about H-1B Visas: 'Low-Wage Indentured Servants.'" Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-sanders-elon-musk-wrong-reform-h1b-visa-2025-1. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Musk and Ramaswamy Are Sparking a Debate over the H-1B Visa. Here's What to Know about the Visa. - CBS News. 30 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/musk-vivek-ramaswamy-h1b-visa-maga-immigration-what-to-know/.

"New Evidence of Widespread Wage Theft in the H-1B Visa Program: Corporate Document Reveals How Tech Firms Ignore the Law and Systematically Rob Migrant Workers." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/new-evidence-widespread-wage-theft-in-the-h-1b-program/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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"Performance Data." DOL, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/performance. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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Rapier, Graham. "A Tesla Layoffs Timeline of Job Cuts and Hiring Freezes." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-layoffs. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Tan, Kwan Wei Kevin. "Elon Musk Wanted Tesla to Slash Its Headcount by 20% Because Its Quarterly Vehicle Deliveries Fell by That Much, Bloomberg Source Says." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-cut-tesla-headcount-20-percent-bloomberg-2024-4. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

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Thomas, Jim. "Tesla Faces Backlash for Replacing US Workers With H-1B Hires." Newsmax, 31 Dec. 2024, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/tesla-elon-musk-h-1b-visa/2024/12/31/id/1193500/.

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Waldersee, Victoria, and Victoria Waldersee. "Tesla Laying off More than 10% of Staff Globally as Sales Fall." Reuters, 15 Apr. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-lay-off-more-than-10-its-staff-electrek-reports-2024-04-15/.

"WARN Act Compliance Assistance." DOL, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/layoffs/warn. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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Whitaker, Bill. Are U.S. Jobs Vulnerable to Workers with H-1B Visas? - CBS News. 19 Mar. 2017, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-u-s-jobs-vulnerable-to-workers-with-h-1b-visas/.

https://www.klaskolaw.com/department-of-labor-requires-employers-to-notify-uscis-of-termination-of-h-1b-workers-in-order-to-cease-paying-wages/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Jan. 17On Wednesday, during the confirmation hearing for Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to become secretary of state, something remarkable happened.

Yes, it was political. Everything in Washington is political, whether it should be or not. Yes, it was partisan. In a narrowly divided chamber like the U.S. Senate, everything is partisan. You can't order coffee without it becoming a red-vs.-blue battle of wills.

But there was a strong statement of position offered on the future of a man from Allegheny County. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., asked the man who would be responsible for pursuing and enforcing U.S. foreign policy about bringing Oakmont history teacher Marc Fogel back from the Russian prison where he has been for three years.

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Fogel was arrested at a Russian airport in August 2021 for possession of 17 grams of medical marijuana legally dispensed in Pennsylvania. He was sentenced to 14 years in a penal colony, five years more than WNBA star Brittney Griner received for the same offense. It was a penalty closer to the 16 years given to Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, both convicted of espionage.

The State Department finally designated Fogel as wrongfully detained last year, but only after the historic prisoner swap that brought home other American prisoners in August.

Rubio has been a voice for Fogel in Congress for years. In 2022, he joined with McCormick's predecessor, Bob Casey, in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken pushing for the wrongfully detained designation, which increases support and priority for Fogel and his family. Another bipartisan and bicameral letter was sent in August, shortly after the prisoner swap.

Rubio's comments on the Fogel case were perhaps the most public made since the arrest. They are also the most pointed about both the unfairness of his situation and the danger it represents for Americans abroad.

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"This is a ridiculous case. This is an American that  clearly there was an order given at some level that if you see an American and there's anything you can charge them with, charge them and let's collect these and we can trade them in the future for something," Rubio said. "There's now an active global market for detaining Americans in Venezuela, in Russia, in China, in Iran and using them to trade for something they want in the future. I think there needs to be greater awareness of that reality."

Rubio used Fogel's case as an example of how the U.S. and Russia must forge a better working relationship.

"No one can claim, nor do they, that he's a spy. This is a case that has to be elevated and, hopefully, one that can be done through strong private diplomacy at a minimum as a goodwill gesture, because if they're not willing to do this  not to mention the broader challenges posed to us by what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is doing in Ukraine  then I think the chances for improvement in U.S.-Russian relations is impossible," he said.

Russia being moved to make a goodwill gesture seems unlikely. The Biden administration has called on Russia to release Fogel on humanitarian grounds since his arrest. Fogel has been hospitalized at least four times over the course of his incarceration.

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But Rubio has proved the most assertive voice on the importance of freeing a teacher who was in Russia working in America's interest teaching diplomats' children. He also puts a spotlight on the simple fact that Fogel is a symbol of a threat against all Americans amid precarious relationships with some countries today.

If nothing else, Rubio did what few in top government positions have done over the last three years. He said Fogel's name, spoke to his need and promised priority to his case.

Lori Falce is the Tribune-Review community engagement editor and an opinion columnist. For more than 30 years, she has covered Pennsylvania politics, Penn State, crime and communities. She joined the Trib in 2018. She can be reached at lfalce@triblive.com.
California schools and students are facing a long road to recovery as wildfires in the Los Angeles area damage dozens of school buildings and take hundreds of thousands of children out of the classroom.

Administrators have a myriad of issues ahead of them, including trauma for staff and students who have lost their homes or loved ones, destroyed facilities and lingering poor air quality.

Experts are imploring schools to be ready with mental health resources and to quickly get plans into place that will restore learning environments without more disruption to students lives.

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When trauma like this occurs, it will take a significant amount of work to put kids and teachers in the best place to support learning again, said Laura Schifter, head of This is Planet Ed at The Aspen Institute.

More than 300 schools were shut down after the fires started more than a week ago, including the entire Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the country, serving more than 500,000 students.

Whether its kids who have been evacuated and are displaced from their homes permanently because theyve lost their homes, or whether its the fact that maybe their house is still standing, but everything around their home is gone, or their school is gone, thats a significant amount of loss, Schifter said. There needs to be supports in place to help children, their families and educators cope with that loss.

The wildfires have killed at least 24 people; authorities do not yet have a count on injuries.

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While firefighters work to get blazes under control, schools are already starting the initial stages of planning for how to help their communities recover from the losses suffered.

Most LAUSD schools managed to reopen Monday, while the Pasadena Unified School District released a survey the same day to assess what the community needs for recovery.

Our top priority is to get students back to in-person learning as soon as possible. We are actively working to prepare campuses for the return of students and staff, and for temporary learning spaces for students at impacted schools, the district said, adding its buildings will remain closed until at least Friday, when it is also hosting a community event.

Pasadena schools are in the meantime providing meals, emergency child care services and mental health resources.

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As of Thursday, seven LAUSD schools that lie within evacuation zones remain closed, with classes relocated to alternate sites for the rest of this week, the district said in a press release.

But handling air quality issues and rebuilding damaged buildings could be longer-term problems.

Some individuals in the area have reported the air burning their lungs, and officials have told people to stay inside when smoke is visible in their neighborhoods.

Many schools do not have ideal infrastructure to cope with air quality like wildfire smoke, and certainly there is a need across the country for better infrastructure for indoor air quality at schools, and that funding schools is a big challenge across the country as well, said Elizabeth Bechard, the public health manager for Moms Clean Air Force.

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Items such as air filters have been reportedly sold out in stores around the city.

There are immediate impacts of disasters like these fires, but also the longer term infrastructure upgrades needed to protect students health, said Bechard.

The California Department of Education last week launched resources and a fundraising campaign to support school communities affected by wildfires. The government agency partnered with the SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund to collect and give donations to schools most affected by the disaster.

It is also reminding administrators who need to close their schools to apply for waivers so their district doesnt lose attendance-based funding.

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An important aspect of recovery is ensuring the efforts dont add more chaos to students lives.

You want to be able to take care of the things before the kids come back, so they dont come back and then get put out again for a couple of days, said Frank Worrell, professor in the School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley.

If construction or other repairs have to be done while students are at school, Worrell says its important to schedule around classes to minimize disruptions.

Its really important for [administrators] to create very strong routines for students in recovery, he added.

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While all eyes are on California right now, a spike in natural disasters nationwide has brought new awareness of the fragility of the infrastructure of schools.

During hurricanes Milton and Helene last year, dozens of schools closed, with thousands of students affected.

And high temperatures at the beginning of recent school years have closed school buildings across the country due to inability to handle the heat.

We need to see this moment as a moment to think about how we build resilience ahead.  No community is immune from the impacts of climate change, Schifter said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Pacific Palisades home burned down from the Palisade Fire in Pacific Palisades, California on January 15, 2025. Credit - Jon PutmanAnadolu/Getty Images

Thousands of personnelfirefighters, first responders, and the National Guardhave turned their attention towards stifling the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires, some of the worst California has ever seen.

The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, which continue to burn since they were first detected ten days ago, have destroyed 12,000 structures, killing at least 27 people, and burning down nearly 40,000 acres of land (when including damage from the smaller, now extinguished fires). The fires are the second and fourth most destructive in the states history.

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While experts say the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California is slightly similar to the Los Angeles fires in terms of destruction, the Los Angeles fires distinguish themselves from others due to the rapid rate of spread and the fact that it is an urban conflagrationreferring to a fire that spreads from structure to structure, with buildings and homes acting like the primary source of fuel instead of trees.

Under the wind conditions, embers are transported upwards of a mile from the fire itself, raining down in the thousands and thousands on homes and neighborhoods, igniting anything that is flammable, says Daniel Berlant, California state marshal. The 2020 August Complex Fire in Northern California for instance, burned more than 1 million acres, but it only damaged 935 structures. The 2021 Dixie Fire, also in the North, had similar acre damage and harmed just over 1,3000 structures. To date, they are the two largest California wildfires, according to CalFire.

Both the Dixie and August Complex Fires happened during the regular wildfire season, which typically runs from the spring through fall, per the Western Fire Chiefs Association. But, things have changed in the past year as climate change has extended wildfires to a year-round threat, and fuels fires when they do happen. In less than a decade, California has experienced its largest, its most damaging, its deadliest wildfires, says Berlant. Our dry matter and climate has always lent itself naturally to wildfires, but really, more recently, I'd say a confluence of issues has led to this immense wildfire crisis. A changing climate is one of those. The most-recent fires certainly lended themselves to such rapid spread due to the lack of precipitation in Southern California and Santa Ana winds that measured more than 80 miles per hour.

The state has rolled out aid for firefighters in recent years. In 2024, CalFire received an additional $2 billion, an investment that boosted their budget up by 47% from 2018. Berlant says that aid has doubled the number of personnel working for Cal Fire. Agents have focused on three main areas: fire response, community preparedness, as well as forest restoration work. The Palisades and Eaton Fire stand at 31% and 65% contained as of Friday, respectively, though winds are supposed to pick up next week that could stifle containment.

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U.S. Fire administrator Lori Moore-Merrell says that while the death count from the recent Los Angeles fires is still unclear, more lives could have been lost if officials werent already wary of the weather conditions that put them on alert. We anticipated the Santa Ana winds, the other variables, like drought. So there was a good deal of anticipation that if we had an ignition, it was going to be bad, she says. That caused early evacuation warnings, and people listened. And that is why we are not yet seeing the fatality count go up astronomically, like we saw, for example, in the Paradise Fire, or the [2023] Lahaina Maui Fire. (Paradise is a nickname for the 2018 Camp Fire.) Moore-Merrell admits, however, that there are lessons to be gleaned regarding the proper messaging mechanism for evacuation orders, and the actions that should be taken to avoid traffic jams such as the ones reported early on in the fires.

For now, state officials continue to replenish the budget needed to fight these fires. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for an increase of $2.5 billion in state funding for emergency response efforts and recovery in Los Angeles on January 13. The money would help rebuild schools, and increase the preparedness against future threats, which firefighters see as necessary given the latest trends. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rolled out some relief for impacted residents, issuing a $770 stipend for families to purchase essential items. Victims can apply for other forms of disaster assistance. They have also opened local assistance centers to aid those in most need. FEMA did not immediately respond to TIMEs request for comment.

Still, while California wildfires are a natural part of the landscape, the threat of urban conflagrations also extend past the state. Moore-Merrell says that this marks the third instance of an urban conflagration under the Biden Administration. The other two were the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, which burnt more than 6,000 acres and 1,000 homes in Boulder County, and August 2023 Lahaina Fire in Maui, which took more than 100 lives and cost about $5.5 billion in damages. The Maui Wildfire was the fifth deadliest wildland fire in U.S. history, destroying neighborhoods and historic landmarks. We are seeing a change in the baseline risk of wildfire across the nation, she says.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
In Kim Stanley Robinsons widely acclaimed, Obama-praised climate novel, The Ministry for the Future, the climate crisis is already well underway when catastrophic rains drown Los Angeles in water. Recreational kayaks and motorboats become crucial rescue vehicles, thousands die in the floods, and early projections suggest some $30 trillion in damage.

So now, the main character muses, one could imagine that the American people might support action on the climate change front. Better late than never! But no. Already it was becoming clear that LA was not popular in Texas, or on the east coast, or even in San Francisco for that matter. Despite these public sentiments, Californias government, one of the most progressive in the world, and the US federal government, one of the most reactionary in the worldboth were making efforts to help. And the devastation of a famed city shocked just enough elites to make a difference: If it could happen to LA, rich as it was, dreamy as it was, it could happen anywhere. Some deep flip in the global unconscious was making people queasy. Los Angeless disaster becomes one of the key turning points leading to a global carbon coin.

Right now, Los Angeles is burning. But so far, the incineration of over 40,000 acres in Americas second-largest city doesnt seem poised to be any kind of turning point. The Wall Street Journal published an editorial ridiculing the idea that climate change could have driven both the exceptionally wet winters in 2023 and 2024 and the recent dry spell. (While a full so-called attribution study on climate changes contribution to the fires will take time, theres already a lot of research suggesting climate change can, in fact, increase both flooding and fire risks, and early analysis out of UCLA suggests climate change did play a role here.) Georgia congresswoman and renowned random-number-generator Marjorie Taylor Greene asked why they didnt use geoengineering to dump rain on the fires. Donald Trump, days away from his second term as president, blamed the destruction on Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom and a tiny fish called the delta smelt, outlandishly claiming that policies to protect the endangered species had deliberately deprived Los Angeles of water. (This whopper was universally panned by fact-checkers.) And Trumps pick for energy secretary has previously denied that climate change has anything to do with wildfires.

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One line in Robinsons novel rings particularly true: A lot of people seem to dislike L.A.or at least a lot of right-wingers seem to dislike its image as haven for California liberals. The Journal also blamed the fires on Democrats: Newsom, the state legislature, and the mayors of Los Angeles, in that order, for spending money on climate policy that could have been spent directly on wildfire prevention (wildfire prevention also received funding). Republican Representative Warren Davidson, from Ohio, suggested on Fox Business last week that California should only get federal disaster aid if they change their policies. He was a little vague about which California policies needed to be changed. Elon Musk, right-wing actor James Woods, former Fox host Megyn Kelly, and conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings all blamed the unchecked blazes on diversity hiring within the Los Angeles Fire Department. Another favorite target has been the environmental review process, which can delay risk-reduction practices like thinning or prescribed burns. (Libertarian Reason magazinenot a typical defender of regulationwas an unexpected voice debunking the notion that environmental review was to blame.)

The fires in L.A. have thankfully not yet reached the level of devastation Robinson portrayed in his novel. But the cascading effects of this type of disaster also make the scale of the destruction larger than it might seem from any one news story: Not only have at least 24 people been killed, but the smoke hazards threaten thousands or even millions more. The damage from smoke inhalationnot just in terms of immediate respiratory problems but in terms of increased cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia riskmay only be tallied years later.

Measuring destruction in terms of the number of homes burned can also be misleading, as if the fires effect on individual people and households can be reduced to Did your home burn down or not? and Did you have insurance or not? Being displaced is expensive, particularly if it means missing work as well. Those who have homes to return to but find their workplace has burned down, or their childs school or daycare building has burned down, also face significant disruption and expense. Tap water could remain unusable for a while, multiple experts have emphasized. You cant have destruction at this scale and not face a bottleneck of builders, repair workers, and materials afterwardaffecting timelines not just for rebuilding but, most likely, unrelated repairs as well, both for renters and owners. Housing will get even more expensive than it already is. Without massive regulatory intervention, home insurance will get even patchier and less affordablein a state already plagued by sky-high premiums and cancellations. Beneath the many headlines about how celebrities or Hollywood filming schedules are faring, the reality is that any of these factors alone can spell serious disruption or even financial catastrophe for vulnerable households, and even less vulnerable ones.

Despite this massive upheaval, theres little sign that the wildfires are serving as a turning point even for policymakers who are trying to address the disaster. A one-year moratorium on insurance cancellations and nonrenewals, recently issued by the states insurance commissioner, wont help much unless state and federal policymakers use that time to come up with a more durable solution. Newsoms decision to suspend the environmental review process for homeowners and businesses trying to rebuild isnt a panacea, either.

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For many Angelenos, this is our most jarring confrontation yet with global warming, Los Angeles Times Sammy Roth wrote this week. But hundreds of millions of Americans have faced fossil-fueled disasters, and the politics of climate obstruction have hardly budged. Time will tell whether that eventually changes. For now, the turning points of Robinsons novel feel a long way off.





Good News/Bad News

Can ants help fight the crop diseases that climate change seems to be intensifying? Read Ayurella Horn-Mullers intriguing story at Grist about this new research.

While advocates have hoped that states could be a bulwark against the new administrations anticipated assault on climate policy, early signs from Maryland are not entirely encouraging, Aman Azhar reports for Inside Climate News. Governor Wes Moore has already announced his intention to cut some climate spendingparticularly in programs receiving federal support that may soon be slashed.





Stat of the Week

30%

Thats how much average homeowners insurance premiums rose nationwide between 2020 and 2023, even prior to recent catastrophes like Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires.





What Im Reading

In a First, the EPA Warns of Forever Chemicals in Sludge Fertilizer

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If you havent already read Molly Tafts remarkable story about PFAS in so-called biosolids fertilizer, made out of human wasteand the people who realized the connection and are now fighting to limit the damageread that first. Then read the striking update that came on Tuesday. Finally, the Environmental Protection Agency released a study confirming what Maine officials have been warning people about for years: that this type of fertilizer can result in crop contamination wildly exceeding EPA safety thresholds.

The E.P.A. has for decades encouraged the use of sludge from treated wastewater as inexpensive fertilizer with no limits on how much PFAS it can contain. But the agencys new draft risk assessment sets a potential new course. If finalized, it could mark what could be the first step toward regulating PFAS in the sludge used as fertilizer, which the industry calls biosolids. The agency currently regulates certain heavy metals and pathogens in sewage sludge used as fertilizer, but not PFAS.

Read Hiroko Tabuchis full report at The New York Times.

This article first appeared in Life in a Warming World, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Heather Souvaine Horn. Sign up here.
The Summary

A home in Pacific Palisades that had survived the fire was split in two by a landslide last week.

The risk of landslides rises in the months and years after wildfires because flames kill the vegetation that keeps hillsides stable.

More ground instability and landslides are therefore expected in the wake of the Southern California fires.

Stephen Edwards, a 63-year-old music composer, lost his Pacific Palisades home in the fire that has been burning through the neighborhood for the last week and a half.

Edwards thought he had a backup: A second house that he owns in the same area and ordinarily uses as a rental property.

That house had survived the blaze, which so far has burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 5,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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But around a week ago, Edwards rental house split in two because of a landslide that caused his neighbors house to slam into it.

It was a cool place to make music, to be super chill and relaxing, Edwards said of the second home. You could look at the water and listen to the waves. It was amazing.

He doesnt know whether his insurance or his neighbors will cover the damage from the incident.

Stephen Edwards' home in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday. It survived the fire  only to be severely damaged by a landslide.

The landslide that affected Edwards house is unlikely to be the only one resulting from the extreme fires in the Greater Los Angeles area, since wildfires are known to lead to ground instability.

The next monster is debris flow and landslides, said Farshid Vahedifard, a professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Tufts University.

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Vegetation, particularly plant roots, help anchor soil in place, Vahedifard said, so after that burns away, loose soil is able to move more. On top of that, as ash accumulates on the ground, it can block water from getting into the soil, which subsequently causes high volumes of runoff. Over time, the water flow creates a path that can make it easier for dirt, debris and even entire structures to slide downhill.

Vahedifard said many parts of Southern California have deep slopes comprised of loose sediment, which puts them at risk.

These conditions make the area prone to landslides and debris flows, particularly when you have external triggers like wildfires, he said.

Although its common for landslides to follow wildfires, the process usually takes several years. A situation like Edwards, which arose as the Palisades Fire was still raging, is relatively rare.

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You typically need some sort of water trigger, Vahedifard said.

Southern California has received less than one-tenth of an inch of rain since early May, but in this case, Vahedifard suggested, the firefighters fleet was the trigger.

A warning sign on Edwards' home in Pacific Palisades on Thursday.

Adam VanGerpen, a Los Angeles Fire Department captain, said future landslides in the burn scars from the recent fires are going to be a major concern once the rainy season kicks into gear.

The houses that are in the burn scar after a fire event are the most prone, most susceptible to there being a mudslide or debris flow around them, VanGerpen said.

California typically gets around 90% of its annual precipitation from October to April. However, Southern California has remained exceptionally dry so far during what should be the wet season, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor  the driest start in 44 years.

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Once rain does come, VanGerpen said, Were going to have to be vigilant. Were going to have to tell homeowners to remain alert. And were going to have to have the geologists come out and do soil samples and studies and make sure that its stable.

The department doesnt expect to see many more landslides in the immediate future, he added.

This looks like there is a lot of water thats running down through this particular spot, he said, referring to the location of Edwards house.

Vahedifard recommended that the LAFDs strategy include surveying the land to find the areas most susceptible to landslides, using vegetation and slope maps as a starting point.

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He also emphasized that any rebuilding plans should take the risk of both future wildfires and landslides into account.

If we are building in wildfire-prone areas, if we are building on steep slopes or nearest to the slopes, we have to make sure that our foundation is strong enough to carry that load, he said. We have to make sure we are applying some stabilizing measures to keep this load stable against landslides.

Despite his circumstances, Edwards remained upbeat on Thursday. He is currently staying at an Airbnb in Venice.

I mean, were lucky to be out, you know? he said. Were lucky to be safe, and my wifes safe, my daughters safe, and my dogs are safe. Thats the biggest thing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The aftermath of the Santa Ana wind-fueled wildfires that devastated the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades displaced at least 150,000 Angelenos who continue to desperately find housing, but there is help to replace immediate needs.



This weekend, Los Angeles Magazine and Sharkys Woodfire Grill in Marina del Rey are teaming up for a Fire Relief Pop-Up for those affected and in need of brand-new essentials, including new and slightly-used, in-box sneakers, clothing, toys, eyeglasses from Eyes on the Marina , T-shirts from True Classic. The event will be held at Villa Marina Marketplace Mall, 13450 Maxella Ave, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, from 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, January 18th, and Sunday, January 19th. "Bring a bag, we have you covered," Los Angeles Magazine President and Publisher Chris Gialanella said.

 Location:

Villa Marina Marketplace Mall

13450 Maxella Ave, Unit 100, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292



 Dates and Times:

 Saturday, January 18th: 9 AM  4 PM

 Sunday, January 19th: 9 AM  4 PM



 What to Expect:

 Bring a bag

 Please bring valid I.D.

Across Los Angeles, businesses are stepping up for those who have lost everything in the Palisades Fire, which devoured more than 23,000 acres and stands at 31 percent contained, and the Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, destroying more than 14,000 acres and is 65 percent contained. At least 24 victims perished in the wildfires and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating 31 missing persons cases related to the wildfires. Seven cases are related to the Palisades Fire, and the remaining 24 are from the Eaton Fire.

Among the many charitable events: Friday's long-anticipated grand opening of trendy Japanese eyewear store Jin's on Abbott Kinney in Venice will now dedicate 100 percent of its profits for the first three days its doors are open to the CalFire Benevolent Fund and GoFundMe Wildlife Relief Fund. On Friday, L.A. designer Jordan Grossman is hosting a clothing giveaway at The Ridge in Santa Monica, 2448 Main Street.
A Piece of Hollywood History

Starr Parodi on the Wizard of Oz piano.

Starr Parodi in 2007, with her then 3-year-old daughter, on her 1928 Steinway B piano that was lost, along with her familys house and all their possessions, in the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire

Id always wanted a Steinway. I just love the way they sound. I love the richness of them. Since getting my Steinway in 1993, I have played it on virtually every film score Ive written. I always heard music in my head when I sat at the keys  whenever I put my hands down, ideas always came to mind.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Every piano has a distinct personality. I felt the livingness of the wood that my Steinway was made with, and the vibes that emanated from it through the people who had played it before on the MGM Scoring Stage, including Harold Arlen, George Gershwin or Irving Berlin. On all those great musicals culminating with The Wizard of Oz. I could imagine Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow along with this piano. Until last week, it still had the MGM tag with the serial number on its leg (pictured, below right).

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O

n Tuesday morning when I woke up, it was windy, but beautiful and sunny. I sat outside with a cup of coffee. Dmitri, our dog, was sitting by my side. My husband was setting up for a vocal session in our studio that was supposed to begin at 11 oclock.

O

ur 21-year-old daughter was sick in bed getting over a bad flu.

The pianos MGM tag.

T

hen we saw this cloud coming from the Malibu area. Wed been evacuated a couple of times from fires before, so we were on edge, but we werent super alarmed. We were planning on just going on with the session. Then we saw the cloud, now made of very dark smoke, which is not good. If you know anything about fire, white smoke is good, dark smoke is not.

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A few minutes later, all our phones started ringing; it was the fire department. Evacuation. But it wasnt mandatory yet. So we started packing up our stuff  photographs, some microphones, a little bit of artwork and a couple of pieces of clothing, not thinking that we would never come back. I went down to the studio and played my piano for just a minute.

W

e are so, so blessed: Two friends had an extra house that they offered to us. All of us went over there and felt safe.

Many people said to me, Im sure that your studio is going to be OK  because its literally dug into the hill, and so much of it is made of concrete. If anythings going to withstand this fire, its going to be that building. So I had hope.

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Later, I was fortunate enough to be able to get back into the Palisades. I had to get there and see it. I got there and my worst fears were confirmed. It was gone. Everything was gone. Everything.

I have so many great memories of not only the house but the neighborhood. Im looking at pictures now  Ive been going through a lot of pictures for many reasons. For insurance purposes, as well as just memories. Its heart wrenching to me because I feel like it is such a special spot on the planet. Theres just the way the light is there, a sweet smell in the air of eucalyptus and jasmine in the summer, and the way that you can see the city and the storms coming and going over the ocean. There was so much love up there  between the neighbors and between our friends and guests that would come to our home. There was always so much love.

When the pandemic happened in 2020, my daughter got COVID literally the first week of March. Theres a lot of musicians and artists in our hillside neighborhood. So during the lockdown my daughter got her violin and we opened our studio door, she stood on the balcony and I played my piano from inside the studio and played for the neighborhood. We played everything we could think of, Elton John songs, jazz pieces, classical pieces, Vivaldi, Chopin, gospel songs. We were massively socially distanced because we were literally up on the hillside playing to the street and neighbors below who all came to the sidewalk to listen. One of the neighbors told me just a couple weeks ago that that was one of her best memories ever, because she just felt like it brought everything and everybody together. It was just such an amazing memory.

On Thursday morning, I woke up, and I just couldnt stop crying. Im hearing from so many people that are heartbroken because they knew how much the Steinway meant to me. I cant believe that piano is gone. We were a team.

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Im hoping to get another Steinway at some point. Right now Im just going between waking up in tears and then feeling strong and determined to not let this stop me, saying to myself, Well, Im going to get through this. Its funny, an old friend of ours, who is also a pianist, has been through many, many destructive hurricanes in Florida. He told me that the Chinese character for crisis is also the same character for opportunity. He said pleasant experiences and great success make life a joy, but mysteriously, only suffering leads to growth. He said You can think of this as falling upward.

I got to be a caretaker to a piece of the Wizard of Oz story, which is all about overcoming obstacles. And with the incredible losses my family and I recently experienced, that film and the piano remind us that we will overcome our current obstacles.  AS TOLD TO KEVIN CASSIDY

A Thriving Neighborhood

A Black Altadena community sees its heritage razed by the Eaton Fire.

An 'Altadena' poster on the wall of an otherwise burned down brick building

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On Jan. 9, the day fires would rage through the predominately Black middle-class Los Angeles neighborhood of Altadena, Snoop Dogg was at the home of producer and videographer Joseph Austin working on an edit of the upcoming film The Greatest, a collaboration between the rapper and Ryan Reynolds. Hours later, in the middle of the night, Austin was ushering his fiancee and their young daughters out of the home theyd just moved into six months before, black smoke and embers from the fire encroaching so rapidly, they didnt have time to grab their evacuation bags.

Everything Ive ever shot for the past 15 years is gone, says Austin, who made a career directing music videos and photographing the professional highlights of such L.A. icons as rappers Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle and Lakers superstar LeBron James. All my cameras, every lens, everything Ive ever owned, gone.

Thats the resounding refrain from Altadenians who are mourning both the loss of personal artifacts that bore witness to the richness of Black culture in the region and communal landmarks like the Lake Avenue business district made up of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, where the Greetings From Altadena mural on the side of Grocery Outlet once welcomed shoppers. The faces of former residents  artist Charles White and author Octavia E. Butler, who wrote of a wildfire sparked by climate change ravaging Los Angeles in the year 2025 in her 1993 genre novel Parable of the Sower  are painted within the letters.

Famed jazz musician Bobby Bradford, who moved to Altadena in 1964  just as the demographic of the once overwhelmingly white neighborhood was beginning to change  is among them. I lost my two cornets and all my books and films from the last 50 years, says the 90-year-old former lecturer who taught the history of jazz at Pomona College for 44 years until 2021. All that material that I had that covered Charlie Parker and the beboppers, Louis Armstrong, all the photographs, everythings gone.

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Gone also are the spaces that brought residents of the small town of 42,000 together regularly, like Altadena Community Church and Altadena Baptist Church, which once stood two blocks from Bradfords home. Theres a small community hardware store that everybody goes to a couple times a month to fix faucets or whatever, thats gone, he adds.

Actress Gillian White, whos married to fellow actor Michael Jai White, lost the childhood home she grew up in. Her parents, both 76, bought the house in 1970 for $17,250. Their down payment was a dollar, she recalls. White fondly remembers perusing the shops on Lake Avenue as a young girl and getting candy from Websters Community Pharmacy, which miraculously survived the Eaton Fire. Such was not the case for another personally beloved landmark.

The one thing that hurt my heart the most was Farnsworth Park, says White of the space that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Farnsworth Park was a block from my mothers house, and there was a little arena where they would do concerts. My friends and I would go up there when nothing was going on, put on little shows and pretend like we were singing to an audience in the stands. There are so many wonderful memories from that.

The restaurant Foxs was a personal favorite of Bob Hearts Abishola co-creator Gina Yashere, who frequently had breakfast there after she purchased her now-destroyed dream home in Altadena in 2020. Rhythms of the Village, a shop and cultural center celebrating African heritage, also was razed. I used to have clothes made there all the time, and now theyre gone, she says. Im just hoping to God that theyll come back, because these kinds of stores, if you lose those, you lose the spirit of Altadena.

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Its that possibility that gives Yashere, whos now filming Star Trek: Starfleet in Toronto, pause about the future of her neighborhood. I want to come back and rebuild, but I dont want to be surrounded by tech bros and trust fund babies. I want to be surrounded by the mix of people that made Altadena what it was, she says. Austin says he and his family, sheltering in Pasadena, will be one of the first to return when the time comes. Ill never move away from Altadena, he says. This is home.  BRANDE VICTORIAN

A Local Favorite

Jennifer Meyer on The Reel Inn.

The casual eatery has been the site of many Westside memories.

I have memories of being there from 30 years ago, so many memories. It had the freshest fish, the best vibe. Inside, it didnt matter if you were a fancy person who just wanted a delicious meal or a surfer who had just run across the street barefoot to grab a fish taco. Everyone felt great there. You just knew youd be getting a good meal from sweet people. You knew youd be taken care of at a place that had been there almost 40 years. You dont drive down PCH without wanting to read the silly puns written on the board. Every time I drove by, I would think, Wow, that was a clever one. I would try to think of what my silly pun would be, and I could never think of one. I cant believe its gone. It doesnt make sense. The Reel Inn was the best.  AS TOLD TO CHRIS GARDNER

An Architectural Masterpiece

Justin Davidson on Ray Kappes Keeler House.

Light and air dominated Ray Kappes California modern Keeler House, built in 1991 and destroyed in the Palisades fire.

Ray Kappes Keeler House was made mostly of two substances that fire cant destroy: light and air. The rough concrete walls and silky wood banisters were just the tissue wrapping, really, for the feeling of living comfortably almost outdoors. Rain battered against the vaulted skylight. The afternoon glare hammered at the glass walls. A central staircase slinked along the houses spine, connecting floors and mezzanines that stuck out into the air like a staggered stack of diving boards.

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Precariousness was part of its magic. Like so many of L.A.s modern structures, cantilevered out over plunging canyons and ocean views, it seemed to court its own spectacular demise. You could imagine it, shaken loose by a tremor or propelled by a mudslide, tobogganing down the hillside to the beach. Part of the pleasure it offered was the sheer improbability of its existence. And it lasted only 35 years, not even long enough to go out of style.

Kappe, who died in 2019 at 92, was more influential and prolific than he was famous. He sowed the city with more than 100 houses, ranging from modest modular homes to deluxe aeries. His own house is a virtuoso assemblage of warm and airy rooms slipped in among the crevices of Rustic Canyon. In 1972, he and a group of like-minded renegades rebelled against the dogma-laced training establishments and founded the Southern California Institute of Architecture, or Sci-Arc  a freewheeling institution that encouraged risk-taking and aesthetic experiments.

In his own best work, he merged two California trends. One was the hedonistic modernism of the 1960s, with its pools and decks and living rooms designed to complement the perfect martini. The other was a backwoods vernacular of redwood cabins, canyon shacks and hunting blinds. At the Keeler House, this fusion yielded an immensely livable castle, warmed by its wood finishes, dappled by all the (flammable) greenery outside, and shaped by a powerful sense of California romance.

Our Recovery Haven

W. Peter Iliff was 9 when his uncle snapped this photo of him.

W. Peter Iliff on the Palisades 12-step community.

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Our hearts are broken.

So many dear pals lost homes in the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades. Many were neighbors, Hollywood pals and friends from my 20-plus years of sobriety in the 12-step recovery community, which has had an enormous presence in the Palisades and Malibu for decades. First, let me say, my wife Ruthanne and I are safe. We moved out of the Palisades some years ago. We bought a home across from a park near downtown Culver City, but we spent 28 good years in the Palisades.

Click here to read the full story.

This story appeared in the Jan. 17 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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(Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Two members of the Louisiana Board of Ethics pushed back on their employees decision to black out the home addresses of Gov. Jeff Landrys staff members on financial disclosure forms that state law makes public.



The Legislature is the body that required the home address for certain public officials to be filed, board member Alfred Butch Speer said at the boards meeting last week. Its not up to us to expand that law or to constrict that law because we think someone has come up with a specious right of privacy.

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Board member La Koshia Roberts and Speer also questioned whether the board ever had told the ethics staff to alter the forms.



We authorized it? I thought our position was that it was not to be redacted, Roberts said.

The ethics board staff held off on posting personal financial disclosure forms for five of Gov. Jeff Landrys top aides on its website for months, even though they were required to make the documents publicly available.

When the forms were eventually posted online, the home addresses for the five Landry staff members were blacked out. The omission was made at the request of Landrys general counsels office, which said having the residences available on the documents posed a security risk.

The staff members whose forms were hidden and altered include Landrys chief of staff Kyle Ruckert, policy director Millard Mule, general counsel Angelique Freel, deputy chief of staff Andree Miller and legislative director Lance Maxwell.



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Speer served as clerk of the Louisiana House of Representatives for decades. He suggested the ethics staff had broken the law when it redacted the home addresses from the forms before making them public.



A 2008 statute requires people who hold these specific positions in the governors office sto ubmit financial disclosure forms that include their full name and residence address.



If we put something on our website that has been altered from the public document that is filed with us, then I dont see how we dont admit that we are altering public records without legal grounds to do so and that is a criminal act, Speer told the ethics board staff.



If the law requires they put their home address, then they put their home address on there, and we put that out on the web, he said.

The only people who have the power to legally allow for a redaction are state lawmakers, Speer argued. The Legislature would have to vote for a law change and remove the requirement for the home addresses.

We say this to ourselves all the time, and we say it to people who appear before us all the time: We dont make the law. Our job is to apply the law as written, he said.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A failed traffic stop followed by a pursuit ended with the arrest of a Louisiana man on multiple charges.

Ronald Dermonta Frazier, 24, of Labadieville was charged with simple kidnapping, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone, aggravated flight from an officer, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of persons under the age of 17, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, disregarded stop sign and speeding  General Speed Law.

A deputy with the Assumption Parish Sheriffs Office initiated a traffic stop after seeing a vehicle commit a traffic violation.

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Frazier drove the vehicle and it was heading south on LA 1.

He failed to stop and APSO said his vehicle reached speeds above 100 mph during an ensuing pursuit.

They said he made his way to LA 308 via the Supreme Bridge and proceeded to go south. The pursuit made its way into Lafourche Parish before ending in Thibodaux.

Frazier was captured after attempting to get away on foot.

Baton Rouge man charged with child porn, animal sex abuse after investigation

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered illegal narcotics.

APSO said a juvenile was in Fraziers vehicle during the pursuit and he did not let the child exit.

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Frazier was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The Labadieville man remains in jail pending a bond hearing, APSO said.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Louisiana and some parishes have declared a state of emergency due to a forecasted winter storm.

Louisiana will have very cold weather and a chance of a winter storm starting Monday, Jan. 20.

Governor Jeff Landry declares a State of Emergency for Louisiana

On Saturday, Landry issued a state of emergency for Louisiana as extremely cold weather and winter conditions are expected from Monday, Jan. 20, through Thursday, Jan. 23.

This declaration provides state-level support to parishes and helps protect the safety and welfare of residents, according to a news release.

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Keeping Louisianans safe is our top priority, said Landry. Im encouraging everyone to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts.

See the full list of school and office closures in the greater Baton Rouge area.

Snow possible in Louisiana next week: What to know about potential winter storm

Parishes issue local emergency declarations

East Baton Rouge Parish

On Jan. 17, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards declared a parish-wide emergency.

Use this time to prepare your families and homes for the upcoming weather conditions, Edwards said.

Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment declared a local emergency for the weather. He stressed the need to focus on residents safety during the storm. The local state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice, parish officials said.

City of Gonzales

Mayor Tim Riley also declared a local state of emergency for the City of Gonzales to prioritize public safety. City officials urge residents to follow the City of Gonzales and Ascension Parishs social media channels for updates.

Gov. Landry gives safety tips

Landry released a video to remind citizens of some winter safety tips.

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Remember the four Ps: people, pets, plants and pipes, said Landry. Make sure your loved ones and neighbors have the supplies they need and stay off the roads when its icy.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  On Friday, Jan. 17, Louisiana is remembering 25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio, a victim of the Jan. 1 attack on Bourbon Street.

Louisiana Remembers Terrence Kennedy

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a period of mourning ordering that all flags over state buildings be flown at half-staff.

Tenedorio, from Slidell, worked as a fiber optics and video professional at the Superdome and Smoothie King Center.

Matthew Tenedorio

In a Sunday news conference, Landry reported that Tenedorios mother said shell miss everything about him, his beautiful face, his laugh and how she loves him.

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Louisiana State Superintendent Cade Brumley also asked school systems to consider a moment of silence at 9 a.m. during the period of mourning.

Louisiana Remembers Nicole Perez

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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A huge earthquake has rocked Los Angeles, killing more than 20 people.

The earthquake, which measured 6.6 on the Richter scale and lasted for 40 seconds, struck at 0431 local time (1231 GMT).

More than 1,000 people have been injured and the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue to pull bodies from collapsed buildings.

Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan has declared a state of emergency and an evening curfew has been imposed.

The airport has been closed due to a lack of power and doctors are having to perform surgery in the open air because hospital buildings are severely damaged.

The area worst hit is reported to have been the San Fernando Valley where the quake is likely to have affected up to three million people.

Los Angeles emergency services are stretched to the limit and using heat detecting cameras and listening equipment to trace signs of life beneath the rubble.

One of the citys fire fighters, Grove Lumas, said it was fortunate the quake had struck during the night.

He said: If this had happened in the middle of the day we would have been stacking up the bodies.

Experts are warning of potential aftershocks and police have issued a statement warning of isolated cases of looting.

The authorities have told residents to stay home and stay calm.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The final number of dead was 60.

The number of injured was 7,707 and more than 5,000 buildings were deemed to be unsafe. Repairing the damage to the city cost around $30 billion.

The earthquake was felt as far south as San Diego 200km away and as far north as Las Vegas, 440km to the north east.

President Clinton visited the area in the week following the earthquake and immediately asked Congress to raise $6.6 billion for an emergency relief fund.

On the same date a year later and almost to the hour a massive tremor hit Kobe in Japan. Registering 7.0 on the Richter scale it killed more than 6,000 people.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana Brandon Brown announced he is stepping down ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Brown says his resignation will go into effect on Jan. 20. As he prepares to step down, he reflected on his time in office.

After President Biden was elected, I started getting calls asking if I was interested, and the rest is history, Brown recalled.

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That is how the state prosecutor from Monroe came to be a U.S. attorney nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021. Its a job Brown has taken seriously for more than three years.

I try to help protect the community and try to help stand up for those who cant protect themselves, he said.

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The Western District of Louisiana includes 42 of the states 64 parishes and geographically encompasses two-thirds of the state of Louisiana. As U.S. Attorney, Brown oversaw investigations and prosecutions of violent crime, child exploitation, human and drug trafficking, public corruption, and civil rights violations, amongst other things. Hes worked with countless agents of change.

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I was often starstruck. I go to Washington, and Im sitting in main justice at the Department of Justice with what I think, what Ive learned over the last three years, are some of the worlds best leaders, Brown added.

With a background in law enforcement, Brown is most proud of his work to bring down violent crime.

Security preparations underway ahead of Inauguration Day

We will never fully eradicate crime. It will always be here, but we have to try to take one step at a time each day that we come and walk into those doors into the Department of Justice, he said.

As the white house will soon have a new commander in chief, Brown says it was time for him to move on.

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I decided hey, Ill step aside and allow President-elect Trump to start thinking about who he wants to place in this district, Brown said. Ive had a good run. Its the best job Ill ever have. Well move on to higher heights.

Brown says he will be moving into the private sector. Alexander Van Hook will serve as the acting U.S. attorney until President-elect Trump makes his nomination.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Firefighters battling wildfires in Southern California are finally getting a break, thanks to shifting weather conditions that are bringing much-needed relief.

Emeryville clothing drive overwhelmed with goods for LA wildfire victims

For weeks, strong offshore winds and extremely low humidity have fueled dangerous fire conditions across Los Angeles County, including areas like Santa Clarita and San Fernando. On Thursday, winds weakened significantly, and even better news is on the way.

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By Thursday night, an onshore flow will return, bringing in marine air and boosting humidity levels. Some mountainous areas remain under a Red Flag Warning until 3 p.m., and that could be extended depending on conditions. However, once the onshore winds fully kick in, firefighters will see a major shift in moisture levels.

Humidity, which has been stuck in the single digits, will surge to 8090 percent overnight. Thats a game-changer for fire crews, as higher humidity helps slow fire spread and makes containment efforts more effective.

Despite challenging conditions, crews have managed to make progress in containing several active wildfires. The Palisades and Eaton fires both started on Jan. 7. The Palisades fire has ripped through 23,173 acres and the Eaton fire has burned through 14,117 acres, according to CAL FIRE. The Palisades fire is contained at 22 percent while the Eaton fire containment stands at 55 percent.

Wednesdays lighter winds allowed for some additional containment. The only downside is that another wind event is possible from Monday to Wednesday next week. While its still unclear how strong the winds will be, its something fire officials will be watching closely.

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For now, though, theres reason to be optimistic. As a low-pressure system moves away, wind speeds will continue to drop, giving fire crews some much-needed relief heading into the weekend.

Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, its all blue skies and beautiful weathera stark contrast to the fire conditions SoCal has been facing. However, you may still want to bundle up. The National Weather Service issued a frost advisory that is currently in effect through 9 a.m. Friday for inland valleys across the Bay Area and the interior Central Coast.

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LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  Lynchburg Police have made an arrest after the Hillcrest Avenue shooting that led to the death of a 16-year-old on Thursday, January 9.

LPD said a juvenile male was taken into custody on Friday, January 10, and is currently being held at the Lynchburg Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: UPDATE: LPD says teenager died from shooting on Hillcrest Ave

He is charged with the following:

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Felony Murder

Aggravated Malicious Wounding

Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

Concealing or Compounding offenses

Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle

Shooting from an Occupied Vehicle

Receiving a Stolen Firearm

Possession of a Firearm Under 21

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information or were in the area of Hillcrest and Langhorne Road around 3:40 PM on January 9 and may have witnessed the incident, please contact Detective Scott at 434-455-6174. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling (888) 798-5900, online at http://p3tips.com, via the P3 Tips mobile app, or by texting CVCS to 738477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Logansport Community School Corporation superintendent Michele Starkey didnt expect to be talking to state and national media throughout the fall of 2024 as rumors about immigration spread.

She also didnt expect to find herself standing in front of nearly 300 community members Wednesday afternoon in the Vibrant Event Center accepting the Spirit of the City award.

Starkey was one of just a handful of local leaders who were recognized Wednesday throughout the annual State of the City & County Address luncheon presented by the Cass County Chamber of Commerce.

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Logansport Mayor Chris Martin selected Starkey for the Spirit of the City Award because of the leadership she showed throughout 2024, and especially when national attention focused on the school and Haitian immigrants.

This could have been a major distraction for our students and teachersit could have made anyone involved want to stay back and hide and hope it blows over, Martin said. But Michele Starkey didnt do that. Michele doesnt do that. She led. She stood up for her students and her staff. She really stood up for her entire community.

Martin said that Starkey and her staff brought facts and competence to a situation that had tripped up political and education leaders across America.

Due to her firm leadership, care for her students and trust in her staff Logansport has come through the difficulties of last year primed to be greater than we have ever been in 2025 and beyond, he said.

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Starkey said she was shocked to receive the honor but that serving as superintendent was her calling.

I not only love our school corporation but I love our city and community, she said. Our school district has to be the beacon within our community because we have great kids coming in and out of building every single day. Im so fortunate to have great staff members. Im just the person at the top. Everyone else are the ones out there doing the work. Its my job to make sure that those people are supported to do the best they can for our kids because thats what every single one of our kids deserve. Thats what builds a great community: a great school district and we will be able to have great kids come out into community.

Mike McCord, LCSC school board president, called the honor well deserved.

Michele often says that every kid in the school is her child and shes not joking, he said. She really does care about every kid, every teacher, the whole process. She takes the job very seriously. She also knows how important the school is to our community. Shes not afraid to try new projects to help kids succeed in life. Its not just graduating from high school. You have to succeed in life and she lives that day to day.

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Tami McMahan, director of English Language Learners at LCSC, worked alongside Starkey throughout the fall as questions arose in the community about immigration.

Michele Starkeys leadership, compassion, wisdom and unwavering composure have been a cornerstone for the Logansport Community School Corporation, she said. Her steadfast principle of always prioritizing the health and safety of our students allowed her to guide our district through this past year with remarkable positivity and professionalism. Her dedication inspires confidence and ensures the success and well-being of our entire school community.

Spirit of the County

Cheryl Alcorn was awarded the Spirit of Cass County award by Cass County commissioner Ruth Baker.

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Baker said the inspiration for the award began after she and her husband returned from a trip to London and she realized Cass County had its own royalty inside the courthouse.

Alcorn has worked as an administrator for the city, two terms as an auditor for the county and is now a member of the Cass County council, Baker said. She credited Alcorn for her willingness to assist after hours, on weekends, during holidays and always being a neighborly presence.

She is worth her weight in gold, Baker said, producing a tiara and crowning Alcorn as she approached the podium to receive her award.

Im so flattered, Alcorn said. Its been an honor. I have always been so proud of Cass County and proud to serve.

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Kathy Dingo Award for the Arts

Teri and Tom Partridge, owners of the Pear Tree Gallery, 331 E. Market St., announced their retirement last April on social media. Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Chris Martin honored them for their contributions to Logansport with the Kathy Dingo Award for the Arts.

We have had Tom and Teri Partridge to thank for the many years of owning and operating Pear Tree Gallery where they continuously turned our favorite personal memories into an artform that last generations, he said.

Martin said the Partridges helped spearhead the downtown main street revitalization project that began in 2021 and saw multiple downtown businesses receive facelifts to their store fronts.

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He called the Pear Tree Gallery an enduring piece of art which would be a haven for artists and creators for generations to come.

The award honored the Partridges for all of their efforts to support the arts in Logansport over the many years and for their work to leave downtown Logansport more beautiful than they found it, the mayor said.

More honored

Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of the community, said Bill Cuppy, president of the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce and the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization, as he began to recognize local businesses and business leaders with annual awards Wednesday afternoon.

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Sycamore Drive-In, 316 20th St., was recognized as the small business of the year, having served the community for 75 years. A summer tradition, Cuppy said that when people think of Logansport they think of the drive-in and a trip into town often meant a stop for ice cream.

Security Federal Savings Bank, 314 Fourth St., was awarded large business of the year and Cuppy credited the bank for pledging an annual 10 percent of its income back into the community, citing examples such as the Dykeman Park Clubhouse, Christmas in the Park, new pavilions are Fairview Park, supporting the United Way and more. Cuppy also recognized the banks support of Cass Countys international community through the creation of the ITIN mortgage program, which

Cuppy called businessman of the year, Jason Pine, founder and president of Four Brothers, 714 Burlington Ave., a humble leader who progressed initiatives and provided positivity. Cuppy credited Pine for transforming two vacant buildings on Burlington Avenue while also increasing his employment base while growing his business on a national level.

As business woman of the year, Nikki Ellington of Horizon Bank, 2901 E. Market St., was credited for being a strong administrative executive with 27 years of banking experience. Cuppy called Ellington a passionate advocate for the community who contributes her time to the United Way (she was the 2023 volunteer of the year), the Logansport Kiwanis and a strong ambassador for the chamber of commerce.

Finally, Bill Bauman was recognized as the Chamber of Commerce ambassador of the year. Cuppy said that a chamber ambassador is its biggest advocates who attend events and share ideas while helping promote the businesses of Cass County. He called Bauman energetic and said he was always helping out the chamber while bringing life and energy to each event.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for efforts to bolster the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement during his visit to Beirut.

Speaking in the Lebanese capital, Macron stressed the need to accelerate the progress made so far, highlighting that while there have been positive developments and an Israeli withdrawal, "we need a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the full monopoly of arms by the Lebanese Army."

Macron made these remarks following meetings with newly elected President Joseph Aoun, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

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According to the Elysee Palace, the purpose of Macron's visit is to bolster Lebanons newly elected president and the emerging government.

The French president was greeted upon arrival by caretaker prime minister Nagib Mikati.

"We talked about the current situation and the need to continue supporting Lebanon at all levels, economically and in the field of reconstruction," Mikati said after meeting Macron at the airport.

The country has endured years of instability and political paralysis, compounded by the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended in November with a fragile ceasefire.

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"France supports Lebanon in its return to stability and sovereignty," Macron stated, reaffirming the historical ties between France and Lebanon as a former mandate power.

Macron announced plans to organize an international conference in Paris to support Lebanons reconstruction once President Aoun visits France in the coming weeks.

Following more than two years of political vacuum, Joseph Aoun, a former army commander, was elected president on January 9.

Aoun, in turn, called on Macron to "bear witness before the world that the Lebanese people have regained trust in their state." He added that global confidence in Lebanon must also be restored.

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During his visit the French president, whose last visit to the country was when the massive Beirut port blast took place in August 2020, toured the neighbourhood of Gemmayze in central Beirut.

"Vive La France" {Long live France} chanted a crowds of people who stood on streets waving French flags as they watched Macron sipping a cup coffee in a small coffee shop and visiting a small restaurant which were badly damaged during the blast.

The blast occurred when a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut port exploded killing more than 200 and injuring 6,000 others.
Todays edition of quick hits.

* The first indoor inauguration since 1985: President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony is moving indoors to the Capitol rotunda because of a frigid weather forecast in the nations capital Monday, the president-elect announced on social media Friday. Inauguration Day is often cold, but Monday looks to be especially brisk. The high is expected to be roughly 20 degrees, with a low of six degrees, and strong winds.

* Presidential clemency on a historic scale: President Joe Biden said Friday he is commuting the sentences of more than 2,000 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, cementing his legacy as the president who has issued the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history. Biden said in a statement that commuting the nearly 2,500 sentences would help equalize sentencing disparities.

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* Some news is predictable and mortifying at the same time: Three lawyers for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison camp just under a year ago, were sentenced to prison Friday, highlighting the risks of having any ties to the opposition in Russia, even in a professional lawyer-client relationship.

* An alliance worth watching: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a broad cooperation pact Friday as their countries deepened their partnership in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

* Im glad Biden took this step, though its largely symbolic: President Joe Biden announced Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment should be considered a ratified addition to the U.S. Constitution, making a symbolic statement thats unlikely to alter a decades-long push for gender equality ... Its unlikely that Bidens support will have any impact. On Friday, the National Archives reiterated its position by saying the underlying legal and procedural issues have not changed.

* When good journalism leads to important outcomes: The Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday that it had reached a settlement with General Motors that would ban the automaker from providing drivers behavior and geolocation data to consumer reporting agencies. The ban will last for five years. The New York Times reported last year that G.M. was collecting data about peoples driving behavior, including how often they sped or drove at night, and selling it to data brokers that generated risk profiles for insurance companies. Some drivers reported that their auto insurance rates increased as a result.

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* Id guess the odds of Trump trying to take credit for this are roughly 100%: The Biden administration on Friday released the next round of prescription drugs selected for Medicare price negotiations, including Ozempic and Wegovy  the blockbuster diabetes and weight loss drugs.

* For a Justice Department thats supposed to have been weaponized against Republicans, the Biden-era DOJ sure does prosecute a lot of Democrats: Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime partner and two local businessmen were named in an indictment unsealed Friday alleging the four conspired to funnel city business to companies owned by the men in exchange for money and benefits to Thao and her partner.

Have a safe weekend.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
After securing a second term with the gavel, House Speaker Mike Johnson managed to go two weeks without creating an avoidable and unnecessary mess for himself. Unfortunately for the Louisiana Republican, its time to reset the clock.

On Wednesday, for reasons he struggled to explain, Johnson ended Republican Rep. Mike Turners tenure as chair of the House Intelligence Committee. The speaker claimed that he wasnt acting at Donald Trumps behest, but the demoted Ohioan told CBS News that Johnson cited concerns from Mar-a-Lago when explaining the decision.

A day later, as NBC News reported, the GOP leader chose Turners successor.

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Speaker Mike Johnson said he selected Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., to serve as the next chairman of the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday, one day after Johnson made the stunning decision to oust Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, from the role. Crawford has maintained a low profile during his 14 years on Capitol Hill. In the last Congress, Crawford, a retired Army sergeant, was chairman of the Intelligence subcommittee that oversaw the Central Intelligence Agency.

As for the biggest difference between Crawford and Turner, one thing stands out: The ousted chair of House Intelligence panel championed U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, while his successor from Arkansas voted against aid to our Ukrainian allies.

Whats more, the House speaker introduced several new, Trump-friendly GOP members wholl now join the committee, including Reps. Ben Cline of Virginia, Pat Fallon of Texas, Greg Steube of Florida, Claudia Tenney of New York and Ann Wagner of Missouri.

It led Politico to describe the developments as Johnson giving the committee a MAGA makeover.

Not surprisingly, congressional Democrats were disgusted, especially in light of the fact that the Intelligence panel has traditionally been one of Capitol Hills most serious and apolitical bodies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a written statement describing the speakers moves as shameful, while Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he was totally flabbergasted by the developments.

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But the pushback was not, strictly speaking, a partisan affair. Punchbowl News Jake Sherman, an MSNBC contributor, noted that Johnsons move left him with an extraordinarily angry House Intelligence committee.

Fox News Chad Pergram added, It is hard to understate the level of anger from some House Republicans at House Speaker Mike Johnson over his handling of the matter. One GOP member said plainly that the speaker cost himself some political capital by ousting Turner from the committee without cause.

Of particular interest at this point is what the aggrieved former committee chair does in the aftermath of Johnsons decision. Given the vanishingly small GOP majority in the chamber, the speaker might come to regret treating Turner so unfairly.

I think Turner will burn the House down, one House Republican told NBC News. He will be a no vote on everything. I mean, he just got totally f-----.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Many American workplaces include some kind of maternity leave policy, but Congress isnt one of them. In U.S. history, 12 federal lawmakers have given birth during their tenures, and in each instance, they were put in a difficult situation: As The New York Times reported, these members can take time away from the office without sacrificing their pay, but they cannot vote if they are not present at the Capitol.

This is of particular interest right now because the list is poised to grow: Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen is scheduled to give birth in the coming weeks, and on Monday, the Colorado congresswoman conceded via social media, Today marks the first day I am unable to fly to [Washington, D.C.] for votes due to travel restrictions ahead of my due date.

Pettersen added, It shouldnt be this way.

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Shes not the only one whos come to this conclusion. In fact, the Democratic lawmaker is championing a measure what would change congressional rules to allow proxy voting for new parents for up to 12 weeks. While the era of bipartisan policymaking sometimes seems to be a thing of the past, in this instance, seven House Republicans have joined with 34 House Democrats in support of Pettersons reform proposal.

And why not? Its a pro-family, apolitical idea that doesnt cost anything. At face value, its seems tough to imagine why anyone would oppose such a change.

As NBC News Sahil Kapur reported, however, House Speaker Mike Johnson isnt going for it. The Louisiana Republican said:

Ive filed a brief with the United States Supreme Court asserting that proxy vote is unconstitutional. Thats been my belief as a constitutional law litigator, and I dont see any way around that. And its unfortunate. I have great sympathy, empathy for all of our young women legislators who are of birthing age. Its a real quandary. But Im afraid it doesnt fit with the language of the Constitution, and thats the inescapable truth that we have.

Theres reason to believe otherwise. In fact, lets take a stroll down memory lane.

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As regular readers may recall, as the Covid crisis started taking a severe national toll five years ago, House Democratic leaders came up with a temporary fix intended to limit lawmakers exposure. Under the plan, lawmakers who hoped to avoid the floor of the Capitol  because they were experiencing symptoms, because someone in their household was ill, etc.  could cast votes by proxy. The system ensured that many representatives could participate in the legislative process during a pandemic without endangering themselves or their colleagues.

House Republicans, at least initially, condemned the policy as an outrageous and unconstitutional abuse, and they filed a federal lawsuit in May 2020 to challenge the legality of proxy voting.

A district court rejected the litigation, concluding that it wasnt up to the judiciary to intervene in how the legislative branch established its own procedural rules. A federal appeals court unanimously agreed and threw out the case.

Making matters worse, at the same time GOP lawmakers were crying foul when Democrats created the proxy system, many Republicans also embraced the model with some enthusiasm. In fact, one GOP member ended up voting by proxy nearly 40 times.

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Im referring, of course, to Mike Johnson  the same Republican who opposes allowing new parents to vote by proxy, despite his own record of having voted the same way. (Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts published a detailed social media thread, carefully dissecting Johnsons errors of fact and judgment on the issue.)

The new Congress is just getting underway, and its possible that the House speaker will at least consider allowing the full chamber to vote on whether to make the proposed change. In the meantime, however, Colorados Pettersen is at home, waiting to give birth, and eager to vote on the major issues of the day  if only her colleagues would let her.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In the very recent past, opposition to TikTok among U.S. officials was broad and largely bipartisan. During his presidency, for example, Donald Trump tried to ban the platform, and President Joe Biden embraced effectively the same policy, signing legislation in April that would force the platforms China-based parent company to sell TikTok before a U.S.-imposed deadline or face a domestic ban.

On Capitol Hill, TikToks supporters were heavily outnumbered: The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act cleared the House on a 360-58 vote, and the 79-18 margin in the Senate was nearly as lopsided.

TikToks lawyers quickly got to work, launching a First Amendment challenge; but with just a couple of days remaining before the divest or ban policy is scheduled to take effect, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the platforms arguments and upheld the law signed by Biden.

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So, thats that? Not exactly. NBC News reported:

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that implementation of the TikTok law simply must fall to the next Administration, given that President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in on Monday. And congressional leaders who championed the law are now shying away from calling for the ban to begin Sunday. Instead, they said they want to see a delay to allow TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, more time to sell the app to a U.S. buyer.

As messy as the politics surrounding this have become, one thing is clear: The existing law mightve cleared constitutional muster, but it wont be implemented, at least not on the designated deadline. The incoming Republican administration will pick up this hot potato next week, and its not at all clear what the new White House will do.

My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation, Trump wrote in an online message after the Supreme Court ruling. Stay tuned!

As the process moves forward, however, its important to appreciate the forces motivating the president-elect and his team. Republican Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, wholl soon resign his seat to become the White House national security advisor, appeared on Fox News this week to tout TikTok as a great platform that Trump and his team have used to get his America First message out.

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That wouldnt have been especially notable were it not for the fact that Waltz, as recently as 2024, referred to TikTok CCP spyware and helped lead the charge to pass the divest or ban legislation. In 2022 and 2023, the Florida congressman not only condemned TikTok, he also publicly chastised Democrats who dared to use the platform.

A TikTok ban was necessary, Waltz said in 2020, for the safety of all Americans.

But now that Trump has used TikTok to get his America First message out, the guy who was incensed by CCP spyware on Americans phones has decided that the platform is great after all.

His soon-to-be boss has made a similar calculus. Trump was only too pleased to target TikTok during his first term, when he characterized it as a security threat. Now that he perceives the platform as advantageous to his political interests, the Republican has decided he loves it.

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Plenty of political players in both parties have struggled to remain consistent on this issue in recent months, but few have been quite so brazen as the incoming president and the man wholl soon be his national security advisor.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As last week got underway, Donald Trumps imperialistic rhetoric about acquiring Greenland took a rather unsettling turn. Asked whether he was prepared to assure the public that he would not use military coercion against the island, the president-elect demurred  suggesting that as far as the Republican was concerned, a military threat against a NATO ally was on the table.

In case that werent quite enough, Trump added, in reference to Greenlands status as a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark: People really dont even know that Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security.

The posturing continues to have reverberations. Officials in Denmark, for example, have reportedly sent back-channel messages to the president-elects team, exploring the possibility of a new agreement. On the island, meanwhile, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has made it explicitly clear that the Greenlandic people dont want to be Americans, even as Trump prepares to send Ken Howery, a venture capitalist and Elon Musk pal, to broker some kind of deal.

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As for the reaction on Capitol Hill, a group of House Republicans introduced legislation this week to empower the incoming administration to move forward with plans to acquire Greenland, while most Democrats tend to see all of this as ridiculous.

There are apparently some exceptions, however. The Daily Beast noted:

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Wednesday hes open to Donald Trumps idea that the U.S. acquire Greenland, telling reporters that its strategically a smart thing. I mean, its pretty reasonable, and I think its actually strategically a smart thing, Fetterman said, according to NBC News. CNNs Manu Raju added that Fetterman told the press that he would support the acquisition if Denmark did as well.

Those comments came on the heels of Fetterman appearing on Fox News last week and making a similar assessment. While the Pennsylvanian said he would never support taking Greenland by force, he went on to equate the possible territorial expansion with the Louisiana Purchase.

If it seems as if Fetterman has taken a variety of related steps in recent weeks, its not your imagination. In the aftermath of the 2024 elections  a cycle in which his home states voters elected a new GOP senator while backing the Trump-Vance ticket  the Democrat has:

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Its reached the point at which former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he wants to see Fetterman lead the Democratic Party.

In case this isnt obvious, in the not-too-distant past, Fetterman described himself as a progressive and backed Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign. More recently, however, the senator told NBC News, Im not a progressive.

Its difficult to say with confidence whats behind the Pennsylvanians shifts, but those hoping to see Senate Democrats maintain a united front against the incoming administration should keep this in mind: There are real differences between the old Fetterman and the new Fetterman.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
By Qabil Ashirov



In a pivotal meeting, Vusal Aslanov, the chairman of Bak? Metropoliten CJSC, met with Konstantin Limitovski, the chief investment officer of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to discuss the future development plans for the Baku Metro system.

During the meeting, detailed information was provided to AIIB representatives regarding the development prospects for the Baku Metro up to 2030. The plans include the construction of 10 new stations and several other significant projects. The strategic importance of these projects and their potential to alleviate existing challenges in urban transportation was emphasized.

The development plan for the metro system, within the context of the Baku mobility plan, was a key topic of discussion. The expansion and modernization of the Baku Metro are considered priority tasks to address the current difficulties faced in urban transportation.

The meeting also delved into the potential involvement of AIIB in financing the initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the Baku Metro. There was a comprehensive exchange of ideas on how AIIB's participation could be beneficial in the execution of these plans.

Both parties agreed on the importance of maintaining a focus on mutual cooperation and continuing discussions. The prospects for collaboration and the scheduling of future meetings were also agreed upon, underscoring the commitment to advancing the development of Baku's metro system.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve the urban transportation infrastructure in Baku, with the collaboration between Bak? Metropoliten and AIIB playing a crucial role in achieving these ambitious goals.
As the Year of the Snake gracefully unfolds, Four Seasons Macaos Zi Yat Heen proudly celebrates its esteemed Black Pearl award.

We are invited to be among the first to savor the exquisite Black Pearl And Moutai menu, a culinary masterpiece crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Anthony Ho Yam To in collaboration with KweiChow Moutai.

The 7-course tasting indulgence showcases culinary excellence with premium dishes like Steamed Lobster Fillet with egg and Kristal Caviar, Braised South African Abalone with diced chicken fried rice, paired with the Kweichow Moutai Tasting Flight.

This extraordinary occasion also marks the debut of the One Zodiac, One Moutai collection in Macau.

As the first hotel in Macau to showcase 12 Chinese Zodiac Moutai, including the unparalleled Year of the Snake Moutai, Four Seasons Hotel Macao is the premier destination for Lunar New Year celebrations.

To honor this festive season, traditional Chinese New Year puddings are available at Zi Yat Heen. The Classic Pudding with Coconut Milk delights the senses, while the Abalone and Turnip Pudding with Conpoy promises an abundance of flavor.

For families seeking authentic Lunar New Year feasts, Chef Anthony Hos artistry shines through auspicious dishes such as Stir-Fried Tiger Prawns with Salty Egg Yolk, Double- Boiled Abalone with Fish Maw, and Sauteed Lobster with Vermicelli.

Each dish reflects his mastery of umami and earthy flavors, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Xiao Ting invites guests to explore new gastronomic endeavors, featuring Flying Fried Noodles with Boston Lobster, Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Coconut, Red Date and Fish Maw, and the Snake of Fortune Afternoon Tea showcasing Lucky Choux, Golden Tartlet, Fortune and Lanternperfect for sharing with loved ones during this festive time.

The Prosperity Buffet at Belcancao presents an array of culinary highlights, including Roasted Duck Peking Style, Spicy Lobster Risotto with Caviar, and Huadiao Drunken Chicken, appealing to discerning palates.

For food enthusiasts, Ohte Abalone Jade Ramen offers a casual yet stylish dining experience, culminating in Orange Ice Cream Puffs for a refreshing finish.
About a month after winning a second term, Donald Trump appeared on NBC News Meet the Press and faced a question about an issue he rarely talks about: the federal minimum wage.

Host Kristen Welker reminded the president-elect that the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 for more than 15 years and asked whether hes prepared to raise it. Its a very low number, the Republican conceded, referring to the status quo. I will agree, its a very low number.

As the exchange continued, however, Trump, whos spent years offering confusing and contradictory positions on the issue, declared that he (a) would consider an increase; and (b) he believes having a federal minimum wage doesnt work.

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Perhaps Scott Bessent, the president-elects choice for Treasury secretary, could offer some greater clarity on the matter? As NBC News noted, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont pressed the prospective nominee on the issue during his confirmation hearing.

During an exchange with Sanders, Bessent said that the issue of the minimum wage is more of a statewide and regional issue. Sanders then asked if the federal minimum wage should be increased from $7.25 and Bessent said it shouldnt be. The last time the federal minimum wage increased was in 2009, after a 2007 measure phased in minimum wage increases over the next two years. According to the Department of Labor, thats the longest stretch in U.S. history that the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant since the Federal Labor Standards Act established the minimum wage in 1938.

In other words, those hoping for an increase to the federal minimum wage apparently should expect to wait until 2029  at the earliest.

But as notable as the exchange between Sanders and Bessent was, just as important was the would-be Cabinet secretarys comments on tax policy. CNBC reported:

In an exchange with Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Bessent repeatedly declined to say that he would be willing to raise taxes on Americas highest earners. He reiterated his support for extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from Trumps first term. Theres no income level that I dont think we should continue with the TCJA as it was, Bessent said.

The Washington Post published a much-discussed report the day after Christmas that highlighted the perspectives of several low-income voters who supported the Trump ticket in the 2024 elections. The article specifically referenced a middle-aged Pennsylvania woman who struggles to make ends meet despite receiving food stamps and Social Security benefits, who explained why she voted for the Republican ticket.

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[Trump] is more attuned to the needs of everyone instead of just the rich, the woman told the Post. I think he knows its the poor people that got him elected, so I think Trump is going to do more to help us.

A month later, the president-elect is giving jobs to billionaires, offices to billionaires, perks to billionaires and his choice to lead the Treasury Department is prioritizing tax breaks that disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

The Republican team apparently also intends to keep ignoring calls for a minimum wage hike.

Those waiting for Trump and his incoming administration to champion those struggling the most will likely be waiting a long while.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The New York Times Maggie Haberman on Thursday said that she was surprised by Donald Trumps omission of one particular person from the list of people the president-elect said he has banned from working in his second administration.

Namely, Mike Pompeo  who, during Trumps first term, served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2017 to 2018 and as secretary of state from 2018 to 2021.

Trump earlier this week wrote on his Truth Social platform that his former national security adviser, John Bolton, his former Vice President, Mike Pence, and others who have criticized him  plus their allies  were not welcome in Trump 2.0.

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Critics called it a blacklist.

Maggie Haberman said she was "surprised" that Mike Pompeo was not on a list that Donald Trump posted this week. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images

CNNs Jake Tapper noted to Haberman, who is a political analyst for the network, how Trumps post contradicted his attorney general pick Pam Bondis claim that there will be no enemies list for the incoming POTUS when he returns to the White House on Monday.

I mean, does that undermine the no enemies list? Tapper asked Haberman. That looks like something of an enemies list.

Haberman drew a sharp distinction between Trump and his allies saying were not going to hire certain people and were going to prosecute certain people.

I also would argue that Trump missed a few people who we know were on that list of his personally, she added.

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Tapper later pressed Haberman to name names.

I think Mike Pompeo was one of the people I was surprised, she replied. I dont think he considers him an enemy, but hes been, hes generally not been embracing of him and made a point of saying that he was not rejoining the administration.

Pompeo teased running for president himself following Trumps 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden and took multiple, thinly-veiledswipes at his former boss in the process.

Watch Habermans full analysis here:

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Jan. 17Maine State Police topped $10 million in overtime payouts last year, setting another record amid staffing challenges agency leaders hope will let up in the next year.

The agency paid about $8.5 million to its staff for overtime work in 2023. State data shows that the cost of overtime has been increasing for at least 10 years as troopers balance more responsibilities and staffing issues.

So the latest total isn't surprising, said Lt. Col. Brian Scott, because he expected the numbers to increase after state workers received multiple raises.

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While a recruiting push is underway, he estimates these costs won't be curbed until fiscal year 2026, when those new recruits will have enough training to take on overtime duties.

State police paid $26.54 million in general wages in 2024, compared to $22.15 million in 2023, according to data from the Office of the State Controller. Ten years ago, the agency paid its staff about $10 million less overall.

But overtime amounts more than doubled from 2015 to 2024. From 2015 to 2021, overtime accounted for about 20% to 23% of overall wages paid. That increased in 2022 when they accounted for about 26% of all wages and about 27% in 2023 and 2024.

More complicated homicide investigations and a higher demand for special units, like the tactical team, can rack up overtime costs as well, Scott said in a phone interview Thursday. The Maine State Police also employ 23 K-9 team members who earn an extra hour of overtime per day for taking care of the dogs, he said.

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Overtime is also doled out more to officers with seniority, Scott said. And because troopers earn time and a half, or double time when working on their days off, those who already have a higher base pay cost the agency more in overtime.

Over the past few years, some troopers earned over $100,000 in overtime on top of their regular paycheck, taking home about $200,000 a year in total.

The highest earner last year was Sgt. Jonathan Russell, who got promoted from corporal in July and earned about $153,000 in overtime on top of $98,991 in regular wages. This was his third straight year as the agency's top paid employee. Trooper James Anstett was the second-highest earner, taking home $206,839  60% of which came from overtime work. Anstett also appeared as the third-highest overtime earner in 2023.

The top-earning staffers shift over the years, payroll data shows, with most employees cutting back on overtime hours after about three years of being one of the top earners.

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Scott acknowledged this could be because troopers' pensions are generally calculated by taking the average of their highest three years of pay. Some of the people who earned the most overtime in 2024 also retired that year, he said.

"What I hear from folks that are working a lot of overtime is that they're trying to get their top three years in," Scott said.

While working overtime can just be a perk for troopers' paychecks, criminal justice research associate Tara Wheeler said having a system like this for their pensions will give officers security in the long run, as well as help recruit new officers.

Wheeler, who works for the University of Southern Maine's Catherine E. Cutler Institute, said in a phone interview Thursday that overtime pay is a common incentive for law enforcement agencies across the country. She said the increase within Maine State Police is in line with national trends, which show many police agencies relying on overtime to fight staffing shortages.

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Since 2020, people nationwide are showing less interest in the profession overall, Wheeler said, which is not unique to law enforcement.

"You see this in nursing, especially around the COVID pandemic, and other emergency-type professions," she said. "Overtime is an effective tool for meeting that need but also creating incentives to increase staffing levels."

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Jan. 16Maine's 2nd Congressional District was one of only 16 districts nationwide where voters elected a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from a different political party than their preferred presidential candidate, tying a 24-year low set four years ago, according to a national report.

Such ticket splitting within a single district has become increasingly rare amid the hyper-polarization of the country. A report by Sabato's Crystal Ball, a program run by the University of Virginia that provides political analysis, shows just how unusual the 2nd District is among the country's 435 congressional districts.

Rep. Jared Golden was one of 13 Democrats to win in a district carried by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who is slated to be sworn into office for his second, nonconsecutive term on Monday.

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Only three Republicans carried districts that voted for the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

"This is the first presidential election since 2008 in which Democrats won more of these crossover seats than Republicans," wrote Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball.

Golden eked out a victory in the most pro-Trump district of those that split their votes in 2024. Trump defeated Harris by 9.5 percentage points in the 2nd District in November, while Golden edged his Republican challenger, former state Representative Austin Theriault, by less than 1%.

"Among all members, Golden holds the district that is most hostile to his party, at least based on 2024 presidential voting (and Trump won the electoral vote from this district in all 3 of his elections)," Kondik wrote.

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Golden achieved his win in part by distancing himself from his own party's presidential ticket.

His first television commercial described President Joe Biden as unfit for office and highlighted ways he would work with Republicans. He penned an Op-Ed that predicted that Trump would win and Democracy would survive  a message directly in contrast with the national party line.

When Biden was replaced by Harris, Golden refused to say whom he would vote for, saying he would work with anybody to further the interests of his district.

The 2024 elections represent the fewest number of crossover districts since 2020, when nine Republicans won in Biden districts and seven Democrats, including Golden, won in Trump districts.

In the 2023 midterms, there were 23 crossover districts, 18 of which were won by Republican House candidates, he wrote.

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Jan. 16Maine's highest court has rejected a man's appeal that argued he's immune from prosecution under Maine's Good Samaritan law.

First enacted in 2019, the law was created to encourage people to call for help when they believe someone has overdosed, by providing immunity from drug-related arrests and prosecution. The law has been updated more than once, most recently in 2024 to exclude immunity for people charged with operating under the influence.

Two years before that update, a woman noticed a car had been pulled over near a highway exit for a couple of hours. She called police and told an officer that she was concerned about a "medical event."

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Police believed the driver, Billy Beaulieu, was under the influence and charged him with OUI. Beaulieu pleaded not guilty in October 2023, and then asked that his case be dismissed because he believed the Good Samaritan law applied to his situation.

Beaulieu's attorney argued that a stranger had called for help out of concern for his well-being, and suggested that if the case wasn't dismissed, it might deter others from calling for help.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court disagreed. In a ruling issued Tuesday, the justices said the phrase "medical emergency" wasn't specific enough to imply the woman suspected Beaulieu of overdosing.

"Whether or not Beaulieu actually experienced an overdose, the witness's request that the police check on Beaulieu's vehicle was based on her suspicion of a 'medical event,' a term that encompasses far too wide a range of circumstances to satisfy the threshold requirement for immunity that the call be for a suspected drug overdose," the justices wrote. "No reasonable interpretation of 'medical event' supports Beaulieu's argument that it necessarily refers to a drug overdose."

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A maintenance man has been arrested after allegedly stealing jewelry that belonged to the late owners of a home in Hollis, police say.

Hollis police had received a theft report from a North Pepperell Road residence.

According to an executor of the estate, numerous pieces of jewelry had been stolen that belonged to the previous owners, a deceased elderly couple.

While investigating, Detective Josh Hooper identified a maintenance man who worked for the couple since 2019.

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On Friday morning, police arrested 60-year-old Thomas Goode of Nashua after one of the missing pieces of jewelry was found at a pawn shop in Boston. According to the pawn shop, Goode allegedly pawned off the jewelry.

A search warrant of Goodes residence was conducted by police, where they found two watches belonging to the late couple.

Goode was charged with 3 counts of theft by unauthorized taking and was released on bail.

He is expected to be arraigned in court on February 18.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(Bloomberg) -- Malaysia plans to strengthen three-decade old anti-dumping legislation in the coming weeks to clamp down on a deluge of cheap goods from countries like China, according to a high-ranking trade official.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims administration wants to streamline the anti-dumping law of 1993 in the next one to two months, Deputy Trade Minister Liew Chin Tong said in an interview on Friday in Singapore. Once in place, the new rules will also make it easier for companies to lodge complaints, he said.

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We are just trying to strengthen the rules, he said during a visit to the city-state. Demand is weak in China, so Chinese businessmen are looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Liew mentioned the reforms in parliament in July as the government pursues ways to protect small- and medium-sized enterprises from the effects of unfair trade following the influx of cheap imported goods. Malaysia has also recently imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on some iron and steel products exported from China, India, Japan and South Korea.

The moves underscore concerns among Southeast Asian governments as they weigh whether to raise tariffs or impose caps on some imports to prevent overseas goods from undercutting local products. Indonesias garment industry, for example, may see hundreds of thousands of workers laid off this year if Chinese dumping persists.

Read: Indonesia Garment Sector Faces Massive Layoffs on China Dumping

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Liew proposed that Chinese firms enter into longterm partnerships with Malaysia and set up regional headquarters there. They can localize supply chains with us so that as many Malaysians participate in their investment, he said.

Beijing is by far Kuala Lumpurs largest trading partner with two-way trade reaching 450.84 billion ringgit ($100 billion) in 2023, according to government data, with China also accounting for 21.3% of total imports.

Experts warn that dumping from China could worsen if Donald Trump, who returns as US president on Monday, moves ahead with plans to raise tariffs on the worlds second-largest economy, whose companies may seek to offload goods elsewhere.

For now, Liew said Malaysia has no plans to take preemptive measures or respond with tariffs of its own.

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I think the first 100 days will be chaotic, he said. We will have to see what is coming out from the new administration, and then I think at some point the market will price it in and the water will find its level. It will be difficult.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  One man was arrested for allegedly ramming another vehicle.

Deputies say on January 16 at approximately 9 p.m., Daviess County Sheriffs Office (DCSO) Patrol Deputies responded to a report of an accident with injuries in the 900 Block of Pleasant Valley Road Number 1 east of Owensboro in Daviess County. Upon arrival deputies discovered three wrecked vehicles including a parked car.

Deputies say after speaking with witnesses as well as the drivers and passengers involved, and upon reviewing video from neighborhood security cameras, deputies say they determined that the wreck was the result of one of the drivers, Dion Bates, 28, of Owensboro, intentionally ramming another vehicle which caused that vehicle to lose control and strike the parked car.

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Owner of dog that attacked EPD officer facing charges

The DCSO says one of the occupants of the car that was rammed was pregnant and suffered an injury to her arm because of the crash. She was treated at the scene by an ambulance, Daviess County Fire Department and Maceo Fire Department personnel. An off-duty Owensboro Health Regional Hospital nurse also assisted at the scene.

Charges filed against man accused of shooting Terre Haute doctor

Deputies say further investigation revealed that the incident allegedly began in the parking lot of a restaurant on Highway 54 when Bates rammed the victims car for the first time. The victims then left the parking lot and were followed by Bates who again rammed them at the intersection of Highway 54 and Heartland Crossing Boulevard, the off ramp of the Wendell Ford Expressway at Highway 144, and then one final time on Pleasant Valley Road where the incident concluded.

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The DCSO says video shared with deputies shows that once the victims car was disabled Bates began aggressively searching for the driver of the car he had rammed who had sought shelter in a nearby home following the wreck, where he called for help and awaited deputies.

Deputies say following the initial investigation, Bates was charged for several violations of the law and booked into the Daviess County Detention Center. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Deputies say Bates has been charged with six counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree.

(Courtesy: Daviess County Sheriffs Office)

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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  The United States Marshals Service arrested a man wanted for murder and aggravated robbery in Cleveland Heights on Friday.

According to a press release from the United States Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, 23-year-old Amin Walker has been arrested. He was wanted by the Cleveland Heights Police Department for aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.

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According to the release, Cleveland Heights police officers were dispatched to a home on the 3500 block of Randolph Road on January 4 around 3 a.m.

At the scene, officers found 74-year-old Edith Moore with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.

At the time, officers also found an 18-year-old man who was shot in the leg. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the release.

Walker, along with a 16-year-old boy, were both identified as suspects in the fatal shooting. Warrants were issued for their arrests, the release said.

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The 16-year-old boy was arrested by the Cleveland Heights Police Department after the shooting.

Missing Canton mother and children, ages 8 and 9, found in Iceland: US Marshals

Walker was arrested Friday at a home on the 1000 block of East 77th Street in Cleveland.

This violent fugitive posed a threat to our community and our officers worked relentlessly over the past several days to arrest him and take him off the street, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in the release. The Cleveland Heights Police Department deserves credit for their great work in identifying the suspects in this case and assisting our task force with the arrest.

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Anyone with information about a wanted fugitive is asked to call the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833).

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SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  The death penalty is still an option for the man accused of killing a Kentucky deputy.

A judge denied a request to remove capital punishment in the case against Steven Sheangshang, charged in the shooting death of Scott County Deputy Caleb Conley.

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The ruling came after the defense failed to prove a history of serious mental illness.

Dr. Scott Bender, an associate professor of psychiatry, previously said an evaluation of Sheangshang showed symptoms of bipolar disorder; he had features of PTSD, and he had neurocognitive deficits.

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Sheangshang had admitted that he had been clinically diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He also confirmed he had a long history of cocaine use.

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Sheangshang has a status hearing scheduled for Friday morning.

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Albuquerque-born author Kyle Paoletta takes readers on a virtual road trip around his native region, transporting us across hundreds of years and thousands of miles in his new book American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest.

As cities worldwide grapple with drought and rising temperatures from climate change, Paoletta describes how the Southwest developed a resilience that he says other regions will need as the globe grows hotter and drier.

He introduces us to what he calls the great cities of the arid Southwest, places that already know much about survival: Las Vegas; Phoenix; Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and El Paso, Texas. Las Vegas built a destination for international visitors in the middle of a scorching desert. Phoenix has embraced widespread air conditioning to keep people alive in triple-degree heat that would otherwise kill them.

For so many Americans, he writes, it is only in recent years that the climate has begun to be understood as a hostile force. To them, I say: Welcome. We Southwesterners have never known anything different.

Paoletta then recounts the regions history and diverse culture, stretching back millennia to when Indigenous peoples adapted to the hot, arid land, building structures with the ribs of Saguaro cactus plants and digging canals to transport water for crops in the Phoenix valley.

Later, the tribes had to contend with Spanish conquistadores as much of the land in the Southwest came under the control of Spain dating back to years before the pilgrims set sail for Plymouth.

Most of the region eventually came under Mexican rule, until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of 1848 gave the United States an area that today includes California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.

Blacks in Phoenix were forced as late as the 1960s to live south of the railroad tracks by racist real estate covenants that barred them from owning property in white neighborhoods.

Latinos in Tucson suffered into the 1970s under municipal neglect that razed their barrios for highways or turned them into environmental disaster areas.

And along the U.S.-Mexico border, migrants continued to arrive in the sweltering heat in hopes of getting their own shot at the American Dream, many dying along the way. ANITA SNOW, MDT/AP
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A man accused of assaulting and robbing another man last month in Norfolk told WAVY no crime occurred. In a jailhouse interview, Siliverio Brown Jr. called it simply an altercation.

But, the incident he described, in which he admitted to putting his hands on another man, non-threateningly, seems unrelated to the event described in court documents.

Police: HRT light rail robbery suspect arrested

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On Jan. 6, Norfolk Police posted a short video and several photos showing a man on a light rail. The release asked for help identifying the man, who was a suspect in a robbery on Dec. 27. The release noted that no injuries were reported and that the incident occurred in the 3500 block of Mississippi Ave., near the Ingleside Station light rail stop.

The video shows the man holding an object. When asked if they believed the object was a knife and if the incident was captured on video  and where it occurred  a Norfolk Police Department spokesperson said the questions should be directed to the Commonwealths Attorneys Office (the office has a policy of not commenting on ongoing cases).

A criminal complaint filed two days before the public appeal from police explains that the victim was robbed of a PlayStation 5, an iPhone 15, $200 cash and various other items.

The victim stated that he was waiting at the light rail station when the victim approached him and asked what he had. The suspect then pushed the victim onto a bench and held him down. The suspect held something to the victims head and demanded he give him his property. He asked the victim if he wanted to die and took the victims backpack. Excerpt from criminal complaint

The suspect in the case, the complaint notes, was developed based on what witnesses told police and from video recovered.

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On January 4th, 2025, the victim came to the Police Operations Center and was given a photo lineup, it concludes. The victim chose Silvero Brown as the person who robbed them on the 27th.

WAVY later confirmed the correct spelling of the suspects first name is Siliverio.

On Monday, Brown told WAVY that hed previously worked for HRT for 4 1/2 years, including a year and a half as a maintenance tech in the light rail facility. He said he is friendly with a lot of the people who work there.

He also said that he hasnt committed a crime since about 2015, that hed gotten his rights restored and stayed on the straight and narrow.

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A pillar in the community, in his own words. I havent been in trouble with the law in ten years.

Brown said hed previously worked at NASA Langley and was currently employed as a private security officer. He also said he was an online college student pursuing his bachelors degree in business administration. He lives near the Ingleside light rail station.

Brown said he was first alerted about the incident by his sister, who asked what he did. He didnt know what she was talking about. Then came a flurry of online threats.

He claimed the release of the images in the press release had threatened his safety.

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According to court documents and a news release from police, he was arrested around 9:30 a.m., on Jan. 9.

The accused was cooperative with detectives and magistrate, according to court documents. Accused will be held without bond due to violent nature of these offenses and community safety.

Brown adamantly denied stabbing anyone, possessing a knife, stealing anything, drawing blood or assaulting anyone that night, during his jailhouse interview with WAVY.

For one, lets get it out the way, he started. Now, it was not a stabbing; It was not a robbery.

It was an altercation  and they cropped out the picture and made it look like it was what it was, he said, referring to the notion that he robbed the person sitting in front of him on the train in the video.

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According to Browns recollection, he got into the train car and the so-called victim was already seated. That man, he said, began making racist remarks that involved the words you people.

He was being very racist; he jumped up in my face, Brown said, adding that the non-cropped video of the incident would show this.

Brown added that he replied with something to the effect of you need to watch your mouth.

It wasnt even a fight. It was just me grabbing  I just got heated and I was kind of talking to him, because he said what he said and I grabbed him, Brown expanded later in the interview. My stop came up and I got off immediately and walked off. It was nothing; there was no blood shed, wasnt nothing like that.

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As for his claims of having not committed a crime since 2015, Brown has a pending charge in Virginia Beach for defrauding a hotel/motel, a misdemeanor. That offense is alleged to have taken place on June 5, 2024. The complaint in that case, written by the owner of the victimized business, describes a drunk man who ordered pizza to a room at the Red Roof Inn.

[H]e refused to pay and snatch[ed] the food from the driver, he assaulted her throwing wing sauce on her and a trash can, it reads.

The customer kept harassing the business by calling on the phone multiple times nonstop cursing at other employees on the phone, it continues.

Brown is due in Virginia Beach General District Court for that charge on Feb. 18. He has a bond hearing in Norfolk on Jan. 21.

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Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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Warning: Some people may find elements of this story disturbing.

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Hendersonville family is mourning the death of their beloved cat after a neighbor allegedly shot it with an arrow over the weekend.

Foster Phillips told News 2 his family adopted Zeke when he was a 6-week-old stray kitten.

For the last seven years, Zeke has been a faithful family pet as he lived with Phillips, his wife, their 3-year-old son, their 8-month-old daughter, and their dogs. In addition, Phillips said Zeke was always well-behaved and non-aggressive.

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Animal shelter asks for help after 50+ cats, kittens found in Hendersonville home

However, on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Hendersonville Police Department (HPD) said the cat was shot with an arrow in the 100 block on Allen Court.

Phillips showed News 2s Andy Cordan spots of blood in the driveway where he found Zeke Sunday afternoon.

He said he had just come home with his children and saw Zeke in the house. Phillips put his kids down for a nap and then heard a loud meowing outside the back door that had a cat door. When he opened the door, he saw his pet was stunned.

I just saw him laying there, meowing, and it looked very uncomfortable. He had an arrow sticking through him, and he was just kind of twisted, laying on the ground. It was hard for him to get up, the Hendersonville man recalled.

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According to Phillips, the cat had an arrow sticking through his chest and was bleeding badly.

Metro K-9 officer Nash retires after 7-year career

Phillips said his wife was not home at the time, but she is taking the news very hard: My wife, the first time she came out the back door, she started crying.

Phillips told News 2 he rushed Zeke to the animal hospital, where the vets initially thought they could operate and save the cat. In the end, though, they recommended he be put down.

We lost one of our fur babies, and its not fun, Zekes owner said.

A few days later, law enforcement said they arrested Richard Coomes, a 61-year-old who lives on the other side of a fence that butts up against the Phillips property.

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Phillips said Zeke enjoyed walking on that fence.

Cats can get sick with bird flu. Heres how to protect them

Cordan: Why did this happen? Phillips: I couldnt tell you. I guess some people just dont want cats on their fence or in their yard. Cordan: Had he ever come to you and said, Hey, get that cat out of here?' Phillips: Never, no.

According to HPD Cmdr. Jimmy Garrett, when police searched Coomes home on Wednesday, Jan. 15, they found a crossbow and arrows that matched the one that hit Zeke.

We took this very serious, we investigated it, we assigned it to a detective who put 100% effort into it and was able to get this man arrested, Garrett said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

When asked if Coomes said anything after his arrest, Garrett replied, You could see some remorse, the detective said, when he was talking to him and interviewing him, but he never admitted to it.

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Phillips told News 2 he has yet to talk to Coomes, but if he does have the chance, heres what he would say: I forgive you. Thats what the Lord would want me to doYou cant just shoot whatever you feel like shooting, especially with a crossbow in a neighborhood. Ive got kids. My kid plays out here. What if a crossbow came over the fence and hit my child? Itd be a whole different story. Id probably be taking matters into my own hands at that point.

According to Phillips, his family had Zeke cremated and they may sprinkle his ashes in a ceremony in the near future.

Authorities said Coomes  who had no prior criminal history  has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a class E felony. He reportedly posted his $7,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Jan. 31.

If you have any information about this case, youre asked to call the HPD at 615-822-1111 or the

Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113.

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Lamonte Brewer, who faces federal charges in the 2023 shooting at Joe Mixon's home, says Butler County Jail guards aren't protecting him from being attacked in jail.

Brewer's attorney Clyde Bennett II filed a motion Wednesday asking to transfer Brewer from the Butler County Jail in suburban Cincinnati to either the Boone or Campbell County Jail in Northern Kentucky. Bennett, who did not return The Enquirer's request for comment Thursday, said Brewer has been repeatedly attacked at the jail and guards are not protecting him. The motion did not describe the nature of these attacks.

The Butler County Sheriff's Office also did not return The Enquirer's request for comment Thursday. Brewer's plea hearing set for Friday has been canceled, according to court records.

Lamonte Brewer, charged in the 2023 shooting incident outside Joe Mixon's home, wants to be transferred out of Butler County Jail. His attorney said Brewer is being attacked at the jail and guards aren't protecting him.

Brewer charged in 2023 shooting outside Joe Mixon's home

Brewer, 36, is accused of shooting a 16-year-old boy, Joe Mixon's neighbor, who was playing with a toy gun outside the former Cincinnati Bengals running back's home in March 2023. The teen and others were playing with Nerf guns outside the home in Anderson Township.

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Mixon and Brewer said they felt threatened because Mixon had been receiving threats on social media and at his home. The two men walked outside with semi-automatic pistols and Brewer shot at the teen, hitting him in the foot. At the time, Brewer was dating Mixon's sister, Shalonda Mixon, who pleaded guilty to obstructing justice in April.

Brewer is accused of firing multiple shots and hitting a teenager in the foot outside Mixon's home in Anderson Township.

Brewer is charged with felonious assault, tampering with evidence and gun charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

According to court documents, Brewer was previously convicted of two felonies in Alameda County, California, and has been arrested on gang and multiple gun charges.

Mixon, who now plays for the Houston Texans, was not charged in the incident.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man charged in shooting at Joe Mixon's home 'attacked' in jail
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  An East Tennessee man faces multiple charges after allegedly entering a Jewish community center dressed to to appear as an orthodox Jewish Rabbi, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).

A press release from the MNPD said 31-year-old Keith Garland was wearing a fake beard, fake lock curls, a black coat and a white scarf to make him appear as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi. Police said Garland entered the Gordon Jewish Community Center at around 7:45 p.m. Monday with a cell phone in his hand and asked a front desk staff member to speak with a rabbi.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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When the security guard told Garland there was no rabbi on property, Garland reportedly ignored the staff member and continued past to a secure door that had been opened because two members entered that portion of the facility. Those staff members blocked Garland from entering.

Travis Keith Garland (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

A security guard then came to the lobby and ordered Garland to leave, but he reportedly continued to ask for a rabbi. The security guard told the MNPD Garland started eyeing his pistol, putting the security guard in fear Garland may try to take it.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Garland reportedly retreated to the parking lot and the security guard escorted him to the front gate and away from his car. A West Precinct officer with the MNPD arrived moments later; Garland allegedly told the officer he was taking part in an Internet prank. He was not armed and was allowed to leave the premises after being given a warning.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

After further investigation by detectives with MNPDs Security Threat division and in consultation with staff at the Gordon Jewish Community Center and the district attorneys office, authorities determined Garland should be charged.

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News 2 reached out to the Gordan Jewish Community Center about the incident. They sent a statement, which read in-part:

While such events can be unnerving, we are pleased with the work of our Gordon JCC Security unit in ensuring the optimal outcome. We are always committed to ensuring that our members and visitors can enjoy the Gordon JCC with complete confidence that they are safe and secure in our facility. Gordan Jewish Community Center

The MNPD said he was returned to Nashville from Maryville, Tennessee Thursday night. Garland faces criminal trespassing and assault by intimidation charges; his bond was set at $250,000.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and child endangerment after barricading himself in a residence in Oildale Thursday afternoon.

Officials with the Kern County Sheriffs Office say the man arrested was identified as 34-year-old Dalton Thessen.

Deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of Francis Street for the report of an unknown situtation regarding people screaming around 1:25 p.m. Thursday.

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Annual ADAKC Cinnamon Roll Drive to takeover Compassion Corner

Thessen allegedly fled on foot and barricaded himself, according to KCSO. Deputies were able to make entry and arrest Thessen.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Jan. 17Police arrested Trevor Allen VanRyswyk, 45, for disorderly conduct and fifth-degree possession after receiving multiple reports of a suspicious person Thursday evening downtown.

3 arrested on warrants

Police arrested Derrick Jacqueay Roberson, 46, on a Colorado warrant at 9:17 p.m. Thursday at 2222 E. Main St.

Nyaduar Thoa Gatbel, 36, turned themselves in on an arrest warrant at 5:03 a.m. Thursday at 411 S. Broadway.

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Police arrested Lawrence Depree Daniels, 36, on a DOC EOD warrant at 9 a.m. Thursday at 408 Fountain St.

Hit-and-run reported

A hit-and-run crash was reported at 7:10 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Court Street and Euclid. A juvenile female was ultimately cited for no Minnesota driver's license.

Utility cart stolen

A utility cart was reported stolen at 3:09 p.m. Thursday at 1105 S. Broadway. The theft occurred overnight.
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP)  A Springfield man is charged with 19 counts including multiple motor vehicle offenses and unlawful possession of a firearm following an incident in Ludlow, police say.

In a news release from Ludlow Police Chief Daniel Valadas, at around 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, an officer observed a gray Acura MDX traveling eastbound on Chapin Street crash into a mailbox. The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Dayne Bennett, then drove off and was allegedly found to be speeding approximately 15 miles over the areas posted speed limit.

Wanted fugitive in gruesome Springfield home invasion case arrested in Florida

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Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however Bennett was observed to be driving erratically and crashed into a Honda Pilot at the intersection of Chapin Street and Sportsmans Road. One of the occupants in the Honda was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is expected to recover.

Bennett attempted to again drive away but lost control before crashing into a cement bridge abutment on the other side of the intersection. The airbags deployed, immobilizing the vehicle.

When officers approached the vehicle Bennett was in, a firearm could be seen on the floor of the drivers seat. The gun was loaded at the time and Bennett did not have a license to carry a firearm or ammunition. His drivers license was also suspended.

Ludlow Police Department Ludlow Police Department Ludlow Police Department

Bennett was arrested and charged with the following:

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Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Failure to Stop for a Stop Sign

Failure to Stop for Police

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Possession of Ammunition Without FID Card

Improper Storage of Large Capacity Firearm

Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device

Assault on a Police Officer (two counts)

Leaving the Scene of Property Damage

Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury

Resisting Arrest

Assault

Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle

Speeding Greater than Reasonable

Marked Lanes Violation

Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License

Disorderly Conduct

Vandalize Property

When Bennett was being booked at the police station, Chief Valadas said he became aggressive toward officers which caused injury to an officer. The officer was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Bennett was arraigned in Palmer District Court and is being held on $20,000 bail.

Chief Valadas said that this is the second incident this week involving a motor vehicle pursuit. On Monday, officers stopped a stolen 2025 BMW Sedan with two people inside. After initially stopping, the driver drove away towards the Mass. Pike at an extremely high rate of speed. The pursuit was called off due to the threat to other motorists.

These serious criminal acts illustrate the daily risk and danger that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. I commend my officers involved with these cases and their perseverance in protecting our community, said Chief Valadas.

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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ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  The Arlington County Fire Departments Office of the Fire Marshal said a man was arrested for arson.

On Jan. 15. Timothy Clark Pollock was arrested and charged with three counts of arson-related offenses that took place in the 500 block of 23rd St. South.

The investigation began on Jan. 9 after a series of businesses along 23rd St. South was set on fire.

Arlington man arrested for assaulting firefighter, peeing in public while intoxicated, police say

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Officers from the Alexandria Police Department arrested Pollock on Thursday morning just before 7 a.m.

He was then transferred to the custody of Fire Marshals and the Arlington County Police Department where he is being held without bond.

Pollock is also facing more charges for other unrelated crimes still being investigated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in Macao hosted a 2025 Chinese New Year Reception yesterday, highlighting the achievements of the past year and outlining future plans for the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The event was attended by over 1,200 representatives from various sectors.

Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Macau, Zheng Xincong, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Extending his Lunar New Year greetings, Zheng highlighted the citys achievements in areas such as economic recovery, cultural development, and international exchanges, attributing these successes to the SARs unity and the steadfast support of the Central Government.

Zheng emphasized that President Xi Jinpings visit  last month  and his 2025 New Year Message reaffirmed the Central Governments commitment to the One country, two systems principle, ensuring Macaus long-term prosperity and stability.

Looking ahead, Zheng outlined key priorities for Macaus development.

He said the SAR will focus on high-quality economic growth, leveraging supportive policies from the Central Government to promote diversified industries and strengthen the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone.

Governance improvements also remain a top priority. Zheng called for adherence to the principle of Macau governed by patriots and full support for the SAR Governments efforts to deepen reforms and enhance administrative efficiency.

In the international arena, Macau is set to strengthen its role as a World Centre for Tourism and Leisure and a platform for Sino-Portuguese cooperation.

By advancing its positioning as One Centre, One Platform, and One Base, Macau seeks to contribute more significantly to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Zheng stressed the importance of attracting international talent and capital to bolster the SARs global influence and foster greater cultural and economic exchanges.

The reception also served as an opportunity to reflect on the broader progress of the nation.

Zheng noted that 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, a year characterized by steady economic growth and the advancement of Chinese-style modernization.

The accomplishments of the past year, including the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, have laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Macau and the mainland, according to the official.

Thus, the coming year presents an opportunity for Macau to build on its achievements, seize new opportunities, and play a pivotal role in the nations development strategy.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai highlighted Macaus remarkable progress over the past year across political, economic, social, and cultural sectors, as well as urban development and international exchanges.

He attributed these achievements to the support of the Central Government and the motherland, as well as the efforts of successive administrations, and the unity of all societal sectors.

Sam said the SAR government is committed to implementing President Xis guidance, focusing on upholding the principle of One country, two systems while safeguarding national security and Macaus stability.

With a governance philosophy of Strive to Move Forward and Innovate, the government aims to drive moderate economic diversification, advance public administration reforms, and enhance governance efficiency. Special attention will be given to the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone, fostering substantial progress in regional collaboration, said Sam said in Cantonese during his speech.

Efforts will also prioritize improving residents livelihoods, ensuring that development benefits the entire population, he added.

Furthermore, Macau will position itself as a key gateway for Chinas opening to the world, fostering cultural exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to the principles of Striving for Growth, Keeping Positive, and Renewing and the collective aspiration to create a brighter future for Macau and its people. Staff Reporter
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco District Attorneys Office announced Thursday that a man has been charged with multiple felonies in connection to shooting at a Muni bus in the citys Mission Bay neighborhood on Monday.

Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted by federal grand jury: report

SF DA Brooke Jenkins said Adolph Patrick Greene, 58, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and denied all allegations during his arraignment on Wednesday.

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According to court documents, on Jan. 13 at 6 a.m., Greene kept walking in the middle of the intersection at Fourth and Berry Streets after the streetlight had changed, blocking the path of an active Muni bus. When the bus attempted to drive forward and steer around him, Greene allegedly stopped in front of the bus, walked towards it then removed a revolver from his jacket.

The DA said Green fired one shot at the bus, which went through the windshield and a passenger seat then walked away. There were as many as 20 passengers on the bus when the incident occurred, said Jenkins.

I am grateful there was no loss of life or serious injury in this shocking shooting, said DA Jenkins in a news release. Public transit plays a vital role in our city and must be safe for everyone, including drivers and passengers.

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) said officers arrested Greene after locating him near the scene. SFPD Marine Unit officers said it recovered the suspected revolver from the water in Mission Creek Channel.

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DA Jenkins said Greene has been detained pending trial due to being considered a public safety risk, and no bail has been set.

The DAs office said Greene was charged with the following:

one count of discharging of a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle (PC 246)

assault with a firearm (PC 245(a)(2))

assault with a deadly weapon against a public transit employee (PC 245.2)

one count of possession of a firearm with a prior conviction (PC 29900(a)(1))

one count of possession of a firearm by felon (PC 29800(a)(1))

one count of carrying a loaded firearm by a prohibited person (PC 25850(a))

one count of carrying a concealed a firearm by a prohibited person (PC25400(a)(2))

possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)(1))

one count of destroying evidence (PC 135)

Greenes next court date is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Despite charges being filed, the DAs office said this case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with SFPD.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
ELKHART  An Elkhart man is accused of causing an infants death by inflicting severe injuries to his head and body.

Miguel Garcia, 21, is charged with murder in the death of a 20-month-old who died of devastating head injuries in December. Garcia and the infants mother brought him to the hospital on Dec. 16, claiming he fell, but an autopsy determined the death to be homicide.

Court documents accusing Garcia of murder were filed Tuesday. He was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility without bond.

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His initial court appearance is set for Jan. 23.

According to court documents:

Elkhart police officers responded to Elkhart General Hospital on Dec. 16 for a report of a 20-month-old child admitted with a skull fracture. The infant was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis due to the severity of his injuries.

A specialist in child abuse cases told investigators that the child was unresponsive with injuries including a fracture to the occipital bone in the skull, subdural bleeding on the brain and a possible traumatic brain injury. He also suffered from clotting in the sinus veins that run from the brain to the heart, retinal hemorrhaging and a low platelet count, in addition to an injury to his liver and bruising on his inner thigh possibly caused by a hand.

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The child died on Dec. 20. The Marion County Coroners Office conducted an autopsy and determined the boys manner of death to be homicide.

The pathologist told homicide detectives that the boy suffered a devastating head injury. The injury wasnt consistent with a ground-level fall, which is how his mother and Garcia claimed he was hurt.

They told police that the boy slipped and fell on Dec. 13 but seemed unaffected other than crying for a while. They claimed he was behaving normally until the evening of Dec. 16, which prompted them to bring him to the hospital.

Medical staff at Elkhart General told police they didnt believe the injuries were consistent with a fall, while the specialist at Riley Hospital said the story of a slip and fall with no immediate signs of injury was unlikely. The pathologist said the boys symptoms would have began immediately after he his injuries were inflicted.

Detectives used a warrant to search the phones belonging to Garcia and the infants mother. Police say they found a video taken on Dec. 16 at 4:25 p.m. showing the boy acting normally and another from a little over an hour later in which he appears to be unable to lift his head while lying on the floor, making pained noises.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is in custody after he is accused of chasing a tow truck driver throughout Nashville following a repo attempt.

Police said they were sent to a call regarding vehicular assault at Garfield and Nassau Streets on Thursday, Jan. 16.

According to the victim, he was attempting to repossess a blue BMW X5, which he did not know was occupied, when the driver rammed into the tow truck while he was still inside.

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Man accused of forcing himself into strangers home after leading pursuit in North Nashville

The tow truck driver told police the BMWs driver side sustained damage in the collision.

An arrest report states after the collision, the BMW driver identified as 31-year-old Vincent Johnson began chasing the tow truck, stopping multiple times threatening to blow his brains out.

The victim allegedly told officers that he never saw a weapon, but did see a lot of suspicious hand movements that appeared to indicate that Johnson was reaching for a weapon.

Officials said Johnson chased the tow truck driver all the way to mobile booking near Nissan Stadium. The victim reportedly saw police vehicles in the lot and parked there for safety, which led Johnson to stop chasing him and continue down Shelby Avenue.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Due to repossession GPS, the tow truck driver said he was able to coordinate with officers and a police helicopter to locate the BMW.

An arrest report states an officer attempted to pull Johnson over on the side of Nassau and Garfield Streets after the incident, but when he activated his blue lights, Johnson put the vehicle in gear and fled at a high rate of speed.

The officer added multiple motorists and pedestrians were in the area, which placed them at risk.

Police said the BMW was later spiked and the pursuit continued until Johnson bailed out of the vehicle, where he was then apprehended by a K-9 and taken to a local hospital.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

Inside the BMW, officers reported they found two pistols. A witness allegedly told law enforcement that they observed the BMW and tow truck past at a high rate of speed toward Nissan Stadium before both vehicles turned into mobile booking.

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Officers later learned that Johnson had a suspended drivers license. He faces a slew of charges for Thursdays incident including: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm with intent, evading arrest in a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, failure to appear, domestic assault with bodily injury and driving on a suspended license.

Johnson is being held in Metro Jail on a $24,500 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A man with Connecticut ties is among the first American hostages expected to be released as a part of a ceasefire deal, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Sagui Dekel-Chen, originally from Bloomfield, is expected to be released in the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, which includes the release of women, children, elderly and wounded hostages.

Man who grew up in Bloomfield among first Americans to be released from Gaza in first phase of ceasefire deal

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Weekly marches have been held in West Hartford, where the names of the hostages are read, and prayers are said for their release and peace.

I think the reaction across the community has been sort of, very measured, both a joy, recognizing there will be people reunited with their families, and a lot of just concern about this brings for the future, said Rabbi Tuvia Brander with the Young Israel of West Hartford.

Ari Schaffer, also of Young Israel of West Hartford, helped organize these marches.

Every week, we do a profile of one of those hostages, Schaffer said. That personal connection reminds us, these are people. Theyre not just numbers.

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How Connecticut is reacting to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Brander and Schaffer expressed cautious optimism on Thursday about the coming weeks.

Were mixed on this, Schaffer said. Were happy some hostages are coming home, but we dont know what that means for the rest of them.

David Waren, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, is flying to Israel to see firsthand what supplies and aid people need.

Weve been working since Oct. 7 to raise funds to support those in need across the country, those who lost their homes, those who are suffering, Waren said.

Other facets of this deal include a halt to fighting and gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home.

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We know the ceasefire is just one step in this cause, and in six weeks after that, we dont know whats going to happen, we dont know if itll get extended, Basel Alnajjar of We Will Return said. We dont even know if it will be honored for six weeks, so we are just pushing right now for all we can do right now from over here.

The three-phase ceasefire deal is set to take effect Sunday.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police say a 36-year-old man killed in a Northland homicide this week died during an argument. Hes also the same man involved in a murder case from 2019.

A KCPD spokesperson couldnt confirm what the victim, Colton Stock, and another man were arguing about.

Tuesdays shooting happened near NE 38th and N. Lister Avenue. Stock was found dead outside the house.

Stock was previously acquitted from a first-degree murder charge stemming from 2019. During courtroom testimony, Stock confessed to shooting Matthew Calkins, 35, but that he did it in self-defense. Prosecutors also accused Stock of dismembering Calkins body and burning the remains.

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18-year-old charged in October Kansas City homicide

Calkins loved ones say they refuse to celebrate Stocks demise, but Tuesdays shooting provides them with closure of sorts, closing a dark chapter in their own lives.

Theyre glad hes gone. They hope he rots in hell, J.D. Calkins, Matthews brother, said on Thursday. I pray for my mom. My moms gone through a lot.

Stock was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge by a Clay County jury in December 2022. However, he was convicted of two lesser charges, and sentenced to two four-year prison sentences.

This is basically closure to me. Its the end of a chapter. I wish I knew where my brothers body parts were, which would have been I love you, bro, J.D. Calkins said on Thursday.

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The only portion of Calkins body that could be recovered was his torso. In September 2023, a Missouri appeals court reduced stocks sentence to four years, crediting him for time served in jail. Stock was released from prison last September.

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I think that the closure is a little easier now because we know he cant hurt anybody else, Calkins added.

Kansas City police say another man was found in that Northland home on Tuesday and was unconscious when officers arrived. As of Thursday, hes listed in critical but stable condition.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Metro police said a man critically injured in a North Nashville shooting this weekend has died.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said 29-year-old Jonathan T. Keith of Nashville died after sustaining a gunshot wound Sunday morning. Detectives had determined Keith was involved in an argument with an acquaintance, during which he was shot.

PREVIOUS: 1 critically injured after shooting in North Nashville, police say

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The suspect then reportedly dragged Keith outside and allegedly attempted to clean up the crime scene. Authorities told News 2 Sunday morning that several people were detained in connection with the shooting. In a later press release, the MNPD added the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

MNPD added detectives with the homicide unit have continued to pursue strong leads as they work to identify the suspect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
CHICAGO  A 33-year-old man was found fatally shot inside a home on the citys South Side.

Police said the man was discovered with a gunshot wound to the chest inside a residence on the 7900 block of South East End Avenue in South Chicago around 8:30 a.m. Friday.

According to police, he was pronounced dead on the scene.

5 charged after 4-year-old Illinois girl found safe following AMBER Alert

Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation by Area Two detectives.

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FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV)  A 48-year-old man was found guilty on Thursday after pleading no contest stemming from a 2021 fentanyl overdose in Fond du Lac.

A release from Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney states that Michael J. Kimmons pleaded no contest to First Degree Reckless Homicide on January 16.

Kimmons conviction stems from a fentanyl overdose on January 5, 2021.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim was reportedly found dead inside a Fond du Lac residence. The Autopsy Protocol Report listed the cause of death as Cocaine and Fentanyl toxicity.

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Two teens arrested after vehicle thefts, police chase in Michigans Upper Peninsula

On Monday, May 21, 2021, authorities reviewed cell phone data that showed communication between Kimmons and the victim.

Judge Douglas Edelstein ordered a pre-sentence investigation report and scheduled the sentencing hearing for March 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

The Fond du Lac Police Department performed an excellent investigation that has helped take another drug dealer off the streets, said Toney. We look forward to the sentencing hearing for the defendant to be held accountable and for the victims family and friends to receive justice.

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This case was investigated by the City of Fond du Lac Police Department and prosecuted by District Attorney Eric Toney.

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HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  The Henderson County District Attorneys Office said a man was sentenced to 24 years in prison for burglary of a home in Eustace in 2022.

Man pleads guilty to killing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, gets life in prison

Christopher Thomas Powell was found guilty by a jury in the 392nd District Court on Wednesday. According to the district attorneys office, Powell was charged with burglary of a habitation after he entered a home in Eustace on March 21, 2022 and set it on fire.

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Evidence presented at trial showed that a Henderson County Sheriffs Office deputy was dispatched to a home on Allen Ranch Road after a resident reported seeing a man with a gas can loading items into a truck.

Mugshot of Christopher Powell, courtesy of the Henderson County Jail.

When the deputy arrived, they reported seeing smoke coming from a burning home. Investigators found that the truck loaded with items was registered to one of Powells relatives. Video footage recovered at the scene showed a person identified as Powell, the district attorneys office said.

A DNA warrant was issued for gloves and shoes found with Powell that resembled those shown in the video. A press release from the district attorneys office said Powells DNA was taken despite his initial resistance and it matched DNA from the gloves and shoes.

Former Mount Pleasant city manager indicted for making false record

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Powells resistance caused minor injury to [former Henderson County investigators]. The jury heard testimony that the DNA found on the clothing items matched Powell, the district attorneys office said. The jury was also able to hear Powells voice that was recorded during the DNA warrant and match it to the voice heard on the victims Ring camera.

Former Henderson County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg testified during the trial that Powell had used the fire as a deadly weapon during the burglary.

The district attorneys office mentioned several other convictions that Powell had including one at the same victims home in 2020. Powell was sentenced to 24 years in state prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine on Thursday.

I appreciate the hard work of everyone this week, Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer said. This was potentially a very dangerous crime and we are extremely thankful that Powells criminal actions didnt result in greater property destruction or injury. This type of crime is taken very seriously in our county. I am proud of the way our law enforcement, our volunteer firefighters, our prosecutors and Fire Marshall Renberg worked together to get justice for our community.

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Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Wednesday painted a dark vision of the consequences of Americas unbalanced relationship with China, echoing President-elect Donald Trumps anti-globalist rhetoric as he vies to be confirmed as his secretary of state.

While touching on issues plaguing the Middle East, Latin America and eastern Europe, Rubio focused much of his five-hour Senate confirmation hearing warning that without swift and substantive policy shifts, China will remain the biggest threat to American prosperity in the 21st Century.

If we dont change course, we are going to live in the world where much of what matters to us on a daily basis from our security to our health will be dependent on whether the Chinese allow us to have it or not, Rubio testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Asked about NATO, the 75-year-old security organization that Trump has repeatedly criticized, Rubio affirmed its value, calling it a very important alliance. But Rubio endorsed Trumps view that some European allies should be contributing more to their collective defense, adding that the U.S. must decide whether it wants a primary defense role or to be a backstop against aggression.

The 53-year-old Republican made the case against China and other U.S. adversaries to his colleagues on the Foreign Relations panel where he served for 14 years. He received a warm welcome from both sides of the aisle, making jokes about how surreal it was to be on the other side of the dais.

I hope I can earn your support, whether its because you believe I would do a good job, or because you want to get rid of me, Rubio joked as part of his opening statement.

But in between the niceties, Rubio blamed Americas vulnerability to China on the shift to globalism, which he says is now a weapon being used against us. He said the U.S. must begin placing our core national interests above all else.

Its a remarkable opening salvo from Rubio, who was born in Miami to Cuban immigrants and who, if confirmed, would become the first Latino to serve as the nations top diplomat.

The confirmation hearing begins a new chapter in the political career of the third-term senator, whose relationship with Trump has evolved over the last decade. Once rivals trading schoolyard insults as they campaigned for president in 2016, the two men became close allies as Trump campaigned for another White House term last year.

Rubio first came to Washington as part of the tea party wave in 2010 and once advocated for allowing a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally. But like other Republicans, Rubios views on immigration have shifted toward the hardline stance of Trump, who has pledged to aggressively pursue deportations once he takes office on Monday.

Unlike many of Trumps Cabinet selections, Rubio is expected to easily win confirmation, notching support not only from Republicans but also Democrats who endorse him as a responsible pick to represent the U.S. abroad. Many expect he will be among the first of Trumps Cabinet picks approved.

Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz, who served alongside Rubio on the Foreign Relations Committee, said he has high hopes that the Florida Republican will reject the isolationist approach of other Trump allies.

I think Marco is a hawk, but hes also an internationalist, and I think the challenge for him will be to maintain the long bipartisan tradition of America being indispensable in world affairs, the Hawaii lawmaker told The Associated Press. And there are people in the Trump world who want us to run away from being the leaders of the free world. And Im hoping that Marcos instincts towards American strength will win the day.

Rubios approach to foreign affairs is grounded in his years of service on the Foreign Relations committee and the Senate Intelligence panel. In his speeches and writings, hes delivered increasingly stern warnings about growing military and economic threats to the United States.

If confirmed, Rubio will become the leader of U.S. foreign policy  though his role will surely remain secondary to Trump, who relishes the global stage and frequently uses the bully pulpit against Americas allies.

Even before taking office, Trump has stirred angst in foreign capitals by threatening to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland and suggesting he will pressure Canada to become the nations 51st state.

When asked about the canal Wednesday, Rubio testified that while he hasnt looked at the legal research, he is compelled to suspect that an argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over has been violated.

But, he added, that Panama is a great partner in a lot of other issues and I hope we can resolve this issue.

A Biden administration decision to rescind Cubas designation as a state sponsor of terrorism with just days left in office is likely to have irked Rubio, who has long supported tough sanctions on the communist-run island.

When asked by Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican from Texas, if he believed Cuba should have remained on that list, Rubio replied: without a question. He also indicated that the new administration would reverse plans by the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the state of sponsor of terrorism list.

Nothing that the Biden administration has agreed to in the last 12 or 18 hours binds the next administration, which starts on Monday, Rubio said.

Secretaries of state have played a key role in formulating the foreign policy of the country since its founding, starting with the first one, Thomas Jefferson, who served in the top Cabinet position under President George Washington.

Since then, Jefferson, as well as his 19th century successors James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan, have all gone on to be elected president.

More recent secretaries of state have been less successful in their political ambitions, including John Kerry, who lost the 2004 presidential election to President George W. Bush before becoming the top diplomat, and Hillary Clinton, who lost the 2016 election to Trump.

The most successful secretaries of state have been known for their closeness to the presidents whom they serve, notably James Baker under George H.W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice under George W. Bush and, to some extent, Clinton under Barack Obama.

Like Clinton, Rubio was once a political rival to the president-elect who nominated them. However, the Clinton-Obama relationship during the 2008 Democratic primaries was not nearly as hostile as that between Trump and Rubio in the 2016 GOP primaries, which was marked by name-calling and personal insults.

Trump had an acrimonious relationship with his first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson. Trump fired him from the position via a social media post less than two years into his term. FARNOUSH AMIRI, DIDI TANG & MATTHEW LEE, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A Missouri man who drove a truck into the barriers around the White House nearly two years ago was sentenced for the attack prosecutors say intended to overthrow the U.S. government and replace it with a dictatorship fueled by Nazi ideology.

The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said 20-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula will spend eight years in federal prison for the attempted attack.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Nazi flag-bearing man who crashed a truck into barriers near the White House pleads guilty to felony

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According to court documents, Kandula flew from Missouri to the District on the afternoon of May 22, 2023. He arrived at Dulles International Airport (IAD) at about 5:20 p.m. and rented a U-Haul box truck at 6:30 p.m.

At 9:30 p.m., he drove into D.C. where he crashed into the barriers at H and 16th streets NW, which protect the White House and Presidents Park. He then drove onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians running from the scene.

After striking the barriers, Kandula reversed and then lurched forward, ramming into the metal barriers a second time, according to court documents.

The second impact disabled the U-Haul, which began smoking and leaking fluid.

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Kandula went to the back of the truck and took out a Nazi flag from a backpack.

U.S. Park Police and U.S. Secret Service officers arrested him at the scene.

According to court documents, Kandula told officers his goal was to get to the White House, seize power, and be put in charge of the nation.

When asked how he would do that, he said he would Kill the President if thats what I have to do and would hurt anyone that would stand in my way.

He had reportedly been planning the attack for six months.

Whether I got into the White House or not, my message was received, Kandula told the officers, in part.

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Crash causes vehicle to go over Arlington Memorial Bridge, plunge into Potomac River

He also told them that he admired Hitler, calling him a strong leader.

The USAO said Kandula made several attempts to get other vehicles or armed security guards for the attack. For example, in the month before the attack, he requested 25 armed guards and a convoy from a security company in Virginia. He also tried contacting several other companies to rent a large tractor-trailer truck, a dump truck or another large truck.

Kandula pleaded guilty in May 2024 to a charge of willful injury or depredation of property of the United States. He was sentenced on Jan. 16, 2024, to spend 96 months in prison for the attempted attack.

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Kandulas actions also caused $4,322 in damage to the National Park Service.

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Hospital officials are asking the public for help Friday in identifying a man who has been hospitalized in Los Angeles for more than a month.

The unidentified patient was found down and brought to Los Angeles General Medical Center on Dec. 15, the L.A. County Department of Health and Services stated.

Officials asked for help identifying a patient at Los Angeles General Medical Center. (L.A. County Department of Health Services)

No further details regarding the cause of the mans condition were provided.

The patient was described as a 25-year-old man who stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 92 pounds. He has a thin build with black hair and dark brown eyes.

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Anyone with information about the mans identity was asked to contact Clinical Social Worker Karmen Wiseman at 323-409-7715 or the Los Angeles General Medical Center Department of Social Work at 323-409-5253.

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A man is in jail, accused of robbing a series of stores in the area with a pistol.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7s Malik Patterson learned more about how Daytons flock camera system helped police catch the man.

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From Dec. 3rd to 15th, Dayton police were tracking down Timothy Farr. According to police, Farr stole hundreds of dollars from convenience store and gas station cash registers.

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Police used the citys flock cameras to track the license plate of a red Taurus. The license plate was picked up close to the locations of the crimes.

Police were able to conduct a traffic stop on a red Taurus on Dec. 16. According to police, Farr was in the passengers seat wearing the same outfit described in the robberies. Police claim Farr also had a 9mm pistol in his waistband.

Officers have indicted Farr on 24 counts, 12 counts of interfering with commerce by threats or violence and 12 counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Some Dayton residents are thankful for the flock cameras and the way they assist law enforcement.

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Thats helpful, because if they didnt have those, they wouldnt know who did it. They wouldnt catch the guys, Jeanvier Amani said.

Others are more wary of the cameras.

We dont need [any] more targets, Stefannie Hunter said. We dont need to be caught up with little tapes. We know how to obey the law.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An armed man who was shot and killed by police earlier this week inside an East Village apartment building has been identified.

Christian Engel, 26, approached officers with a knife and refused to drop the weapon when two San Diego police officers, Gavin Isa and Eric Moreno, shot the suspect, Lt. Michael Krugh with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department said in a news release Thursday.

On Monday evening, police responded to a 911 call about a suicidal man at an apartment complex at 1150 East Street.

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When officers arrived on scene, the suspects roommate told police Engel had attempted suicide using a knife.

While waiting for additional officers to arrive, the suicidal subject confronted the officers inside the apartment. The subject was holding a knife while quickly approaching the officers, Krugh said.

Man shot dead in Oceanside identified

Two officers fired their weapons after the suspect, who was continuing to move towards them, failed to drop the knife, according to authorities.

Engel was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. No officers were hurt during the shooting.

Isa and Moreno have been with San Diego Police Departments Central Division Patrol for four and a half years.

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The incident remains under investigation.

If you know anyone that needs help, they can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Those with information about the incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330/after hours at 858-868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Altadena, Calif. resident Jordan Mitchell remembers the last thing his father Anthony told him before he and Jordan's older brother Justin perished in the Eaton Fire.

Jordan told KCAL News on Wednesday, Jan. 15, that his dad, a 67-year-old amputee, was home with Justin, who has cerebral palsy, when the wildfire engulfed their house on Jan. 8. Anthony and Justin both used wheelchairs and were unable to escape.

No one deserves that, especially not my dad and brother, Jordan told the outlet.

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Best way I can describe my dad was funny and stubborn, but he loved us immensely, he added of his late father. Like, he woulda did anything for us.

Related: Father Missing a Limb and Son with Cerebral Palsy Weren't Able to Evacuate L.A. Fires in Time, Family Says

My brother Justin was the happiest boy you ever met in your life," Jordan added of his older brother.

Jordan said he was normally home to care for his loved ones, but on that particular day, he was sick in the hospital.

Hajime White Anthony Mitchell, Eaton Fire victim Anthony Mitchell, Eaton Fire victim

Thats my worst nightmare  that I wouldnt be home, I wouldnt be around them, and something would happen and someone [gets] hurt," Jordan said.

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Jordan told KCAL that his father Anthony called 9-1-1 when the Eaton Fire started, asking if first responders could help the two wheelchair-bound men evacuate. Unfortunately, help did not come.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: Death Toll Rises to 25 as Officials Say 'We Are Not Out of the Woods'

His last words were Help us,  Jordan recalled. He was trying to get him and my brother out of here.

One of Jordans sisters, Hajime White, recalled listening helplessly to one of her fathers final phone calls from Arkansas in an interview with PEOPLE.

David McNew/Getty Firefighters during the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California Firefighters during the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California

He said, 'Baby, I'm just letting you know that the fires broke out and that we're going to have to evacuate,' " she 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.'"

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Unsure of any details after that, White said she received a phone call two hours later saying both her father and her brother had died.

I lost it. I just started screaming, White said.

The wildfires began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7 after a lack of rain in the Los Angeles area, leading to dry vegetation, created the perfect situation for blazes to start. Severe winds fanned the flames, as multiple fires broke out throughout the city.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As of Thursday, Jan. 16, the Eaton Fire had burned more than 14,000 acres of land, and is now 55% contained, according to Cal Fire. Nearly 24,000 acres have burned in the Palisades.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

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POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  The Polk County District Attorneys Office said that Don Steven McDougal has pleaded guilty to the Feb. 2024 kidnapping and murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham.

Portrait in honor of Audrii Cunningham hangs at Livingston Junior High

McDougals plea agreement means he will spend the rest of his life in prison and will never be eligible for parole. The district attorneys office had originally asked for the death penalty back in August but they explained that McDougal has a documented history of intellectual and developmental disabilities that legally limit him from being executed.

Don McDougal. Photo courtesy of the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

After intense and diligent review of the law and medical records, the determination was made that Don Steven McDougal was not eligible for a death penalty sentence under the existing law. This resolution ensures that Don Steven McDougal is being punished to the fullest extent available under the existing law and spares the family the emotional toll of a prolonged trial and appeal process. Shelly Bush Sitton, Polk County District Attorney

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Audrii was the subject of a Feb. 15, 2024 Amber Alert after she never showed up to school at Creekside Elementary. The Polk County Sheriffs Office and the Trinity River Authority then found Audriis body in the Trinity River on Feb. 20 near the Polk and San Jacinto county line under State Highway 59 south.

Her body was found rope tied to a large rock after the Trinity River Authority lowered the output on the reservoir which lowered the river level, according to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons.

Courtesy of Polk County Sheriffs Office

McDougal lived in a camper on the Cunninghams property and was tasked with dropping Audrii off at the bus stop in his 2003 Chevrolet Suburban on the day she didnt show up for school.

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The rope used to tie Audrii to the rock was reportedly consistent with rope seen in McDougals vehicle during a traffic stop. Additionally, officials said cell phone data and video footage placed McDougal at three locations of interest, including at the Trinity River.

Livingston ISD announces Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship and public visitation

McDougal was charged with capital murder after officials said he had lied about his location on Feb. 15. McDougal was then indicted by a Polk County Grand Jury on two counts of capitol murder in April.

Records from the Harris County Medical Examiners Office listed Audriis cause of death as homicidal violence with blunt head trauma.

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The plea represents the culmination of months of diligent work by prosecutors, law enforcement and support staff. The Polk County District Attorneys Office would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication on this case to bring justice for Audrii. Shelly Bush Sitton, Polk County District Attorney

According to Houston-area NBC affiliate KPRC, Audriis father, aunt, grandmother and grandfather spoke in court on Friday to give victim impact statements.

She gave my family purpose, and you stole that from me, Audris father Josh Cunningham said. I hope you have a very short life sentence.

Theres no punishment severe enough for the things that you have done, Audriis aunt Julie said.

You took away the life of our little angel. Your punishment in this life will never fit the crime. Nothing will ever bring her back, and thats your fault, Audris grandmother Tabitha Munsch said. May you rot in hell.

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May you burn in the eternity and the flames of hell, Audriis grandfather Philip Munsch said.

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Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A New Orleans man has pled guilty to murder and two other charges in connection to an investigation into staged crashes which resulted in charges being filed against eight people and two law firms back in December, 2024.

According to court filings from the U.S. Department of Justice, 36-year-old Ryan Harris, aka Red, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud and causing death through the use of a firearm.

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Officials say Harris admitted to being a slammer in a scheme with alleged co-conspirators intentionally staging vehicle crashes in New Orleans. As a slammer, Harris reportedly hit 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles before fleeing the scene.

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DOJ documents report that a passenger would then falsely claim to have been the driver during the collision, submitting a false insurance claim and being represented by attorneys who were allegedly also part of the scheme.

Harris also reportedly admitted to aiding and abetting the murder of Cornelius Garrison, a slammer who was secretly cooperating with federal agents since July of 2019. Garrison was shot outside of his New Orleans home on Sept. 22, 2020.

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For the charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and wire fraud, Harris faces the following charges:

A maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Thibodaux man arrested following drug bust

For the charge of causing death through the use of a firearm, Harris faces further charges, which consist of:

A maximum term of life imprisonment or death, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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In his plea agreement, Harris and the government agreed to a sentence of 35 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23.

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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Russia will facilitate Vietnams participation in the BRICS bloc of developing economies as a partner country, the countries said in a joint statement on Wednesday after Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Russian side welcomed Vietnams active participation in BRICS events in 2024 and expressed its readiness to create favorable conditions if Vietnam joins BRICS as a partner country, the statement said.

BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa added in 2010, as a counterweight to the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations. Last year, the bloc added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied to become members, and a few others have expressed interest.

Vietnams Southeast Asian neighbor Indonesia was admitted as a full BRICS member this month.

But Vietnam remains reticent to join the bloc, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow in the Vietnam Studies Program at Singapores ISEASYusof Ishak Institute.

Hanoi is still cautious of what the Trump administration will think about BRICS and the potential consequences of becoming a full member in the worst-case scenario. Meanwhile, the benefits are not that substantial for Hanoi to take such a risk, he said.

Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defense ties.

Russia has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine.

During Mishustins visit to Hanoi, the countries agreed to expand their cooperation on nuclear power.

Russia is ready to participate in building a national nuclear power industry in Vietnam, the joint statement said. ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, HANOI, MDT/AP
DENVER (KDVR)  A man arrested in 2021 for the 1985 homicide of Roger Dean in Douglas County pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced Thursday, marking the first murder sentencing in Colorados new 23rd Judicial District.

Michael Shannel Jefferson, 66, was sentenced to serve 32 years in the Department of Corrections for the home invasion and murder of Roger Dean on Nov. 21, 1985, on Big Horn Court in Lone Tree. Jefferson pleaded guilty in August to a single count of first-degree murder and will be given just over three years for time previously served, shortening his sentence.

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Newly sworn-in 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler applauded the sentence but said, Roger deserved better: his killer deserved much worse.

Jefferson has never taken any accountability for his actions, said Roger Deans daughter, Tamara Harney. Im pleased with the sentence and feel a sense of closure, but nothing can change the fact Ive lived without a father for 39 years.

According to an arrest affidavit, both Dean and his wife Doris were at home during the invasion. Doris was tied up and blindfolded and left in the couples bedroom while Jefferson took Roger downstairs. Doris told police at the time that the home intruder was looking for jewelry, money and other items of value.

Doris also told police she heard an altercation between Roger and the suspect, according to the arrest affidavit, and then she heard several gunshots. A neighbor also reported hearing the gunshots.

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Detectives found several items of evidence at the home, including a ski mask believed to be worn by the suspect. Using genetic genealogy from DNA on the mask, investigators were able to identify Jefferson. Jefferson was extradited to Colorado from Los Angeles on April 6, 2021.

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An Okeechobee man who scoped out Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and other South Florida locations as he planned a mass shooting at his own alma mater pleaded guilty in Palm Beach County court Friday and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Henry Horton IV, 21, has already served 15 months since Jupiter police pulled him over in a traffic stop in October 2023 and found written plans to gun down 15 people at Okeechobee High School.

Appearing before Palm Beach Circuit Court Judge Christine Shepherd Friday, Horton said he understood the allegations against him and confirmed he is pleading guilty because he is guilty.

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At the time of Hortons initial arrest, Palm Beach Sheriffs detectives said Horton admitted scouting numerous South Florida locations, including El Rey Jesus, a nondenominational church in Miami-Dade, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where a mass shooter murdered 17 people and physically wounded 17 more in 2018.

They said he planned to carry out a mass stabbing at the church, though it was unclear whether he would attempt that before or after his planned attack at Okeechobee High School.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Follow him on Threads.net/@rafael.olmeda.
LEBANON, Va. (WJHL)  A man convicted of second-degree murder in a fatal Lebanon shooting has been sentenced.

According to Russell County Commonwealths Attorney Zack Stoots, Dennis Dee Gilbert was sentenced on Thursday to serve a total of 18 years on felony convictions and another year on a misdemeanor charge.

PREVIOUS: Man convicted of murder in Lebanon, Va. Walmart parking lot shooting

Gilbert, 71, was convicted by a jury in October 2024 of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Zachary Cody Boyd. Gilbert shot Boyd in the parking lot of the Lebanon Walmart in March 2024.

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Gilbert was also found guilty of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting in a public location. He later pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm as well.

He also received a suspended sentence of 20 years and will spend five years on supervised probation if he is released from incarceration, a news release from Stoots office states.

Stoots claimed that Gilbert should not be allowed back on the streets where he could commit further crimes and claimed he was a danger to public safety.

I hope the end of this court process will provide closure and begin the healing process for this wonderful family that didnt deserve such a senseless act of violence to take the life of Zachary Boyd, Stoots said in the release.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man who pleaded guilty to a deadly shooting outside of a Parkway Village grocery store back in 2022 has now been sentenced to prison.

Landon Quinton, 23, was sentenced to 23 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

On January 2022, Memphis Police say Quinton and another man walked up to two people outside of the Z Market on South Perkins Road.

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The man with Quinton is accused of pistol-whipping one of the victims before taking his cash, cellphone, an car keys. Quinton then shot the second victim.

One killed during robbery in Parkway Village

The shooting victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly afterward, Quinton was found on Cottonwood where he grabbed a handgun out of his pocket and threw it into a yard. He was taken into custody after a foot pursuit.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Officials said that a man was sentenced to prison for a series of armed robberies that targeted Brinks armored trucks in D.C.

The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) of D.C. said that 30-year-old Erin Sheffey was sentenced Wednesday to 18 years in prison.

His robberies led to over $1.2 million in losses.

A jury found Sheffey guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in September of 2024. Two co-defendants were also convicted of that charge, bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

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Oakton doctor pleads guilty to illegally distributing opioids, amphetamines to patients

Court documents stated that the three defendants were responsible for three robberies of Brinks armored trucks that happened on Oct. 6, 2021; Dec. 8, 2021; and March 2, 2022. Each robbery took place on a Wednesday around 9 a.m. and two occurred on busy city thoroughfares, causing a significant risk to the public.

Testimony said that the three men used assault rifles in the robberies.

According to the USAO, the three defendants were part of the Choppa City street crew and conspired with others to plan the robberies.

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One of Shefferys co-defendants planned the robberies for months, with the USAO saying that he learned the routes and arrival times of Brinks drivers.

The USAO said that some of the individuals showed off large sums of money they stole during the robberies and photographed themselves making high-end luxury purchases on social media.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  One man was killed in a Raleigh restaurant after a possible dispute led to a shooting Friday morning, police said.

A gunman walked into Coquette Brasserie, a French restaurant in North Hills, and fatally shot a man, then shot himself, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said at a news conference. The shooter was in critical condition and a bystander who was also struck had injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Patterson said.

The shooting appeared to stem from a dispute, although police didnt know if the men knew each other, she said. No one else was injured in the shooting, police said. All shots fired were thought to have occurred inside the restaurant, Patterson said.

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This was not a random incident," Patterson said. "This is not something that happens on a daily basis in North Hills.

Authorities said there is no longer an active shooter situation. Traffic near the shopping mall was heavily restricted and was expected to remain that way for several hours.

Several Wake County schools were initially placed on lockdown after the shooting, but they have since been lifted.
(WKBN)  A man who, according to Ohios Attorney General, fraudulently tried collecting donations to help the people of East Palestine now has a prominent position with Congressman Mike Rulli.

The person in question is Mike Peppel, who in April of 2023  two months after the train derailment in East Palestine  was sued by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for forming what Yost called a phony charity.

Now Mike Peppel is the communications director for Ohios Sixth District Congressman Mike Rulli and some people are not happy about the appointment.

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Peppels organization was known as the Ohio Clean Water Fund and claimed they were acting on behalf of Second Harvest Food Bank  a claim officials at the food bank have denied.

Yost claimed that the fund raised more than $141,000 and only $10,000 went to the food bank. Peppel later settled the lawsuit by agreeing to pay $116,000 to the food bank, a $25,000 penalty, and was permanently banned from operating a charity in Ohio.

Congressman Rulli said in a statement, In light of the dismissal of any and all civil complaints against Mr. Peppel, we are ready to move forward and focus on serving our constituents with a proven leader joining our team.

But East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway said:

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As we the citizens of East Palestine, were living a nightmare, Mr. Peppel and his fellow accomplices were scamming people on the backs of those suffering from this disaster. I find it reprehensible that Congressman Rulli would hire him in light of his actions.

Congressman Rulli also said he was happy to have Mike Peppel as part of his team, citing Peppels extraordinary work ethic, loyalty, and dedication to the people of our region.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police arrested a Keizer man suspected of robbing a Salem restaurant last month, authorities said.

Butch August Knupp, 40, is accused of committing the robbery on December 10, Salem police said.

City council seeks increasing city budget by $4.6M

Just after 9 p.m., Knupp allegedly followed an employee into the Flight Deck Restaurant and Lounge, pointed what looked to be a handgun at them and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect left with a large amount of cash, officials said.

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Violent Crimes Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Salem Police SWAT Team, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Chemawa RD N in the city of Keizer, apprehending Knupp without incident, the Salem Police Department said in a press release. Seized in the search were two firearms, a handgun and a rifle, and two replica guns.

Knupp was booked into the Marion County Jail and faces charges that include first-degree robbery and unlawful use of a weapon.

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IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A man with a violent criminal history cut off his ankle monitor after shooting another person in the stomach, according to authorities.

The Iredell County Sheriffs Office reports that on Thursday, Jan. 16, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Wiggins Road and Mount Ulla Highway.

As deputies arrived at the scene, they found a person who had been shot in the lower abdomen. The suspect, later identified as John Dexter Wines, 33, had driven away.

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Four men sentenced in Charlotte-based luxury car theft ring

The victim was transported to the hospital and after an interview deputies discovered the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. The two knew each other, they said.

Wines had reportedly followed the victims vehicle, blocked it at an intersection, and during the confrontation, shot the victim in the stomach before fleeing toward Rowan County.

Investigators discovered Wines was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor due to prior domestic violence charges but he had cut it off while fleeing.

Warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Iredell County Sheriffs Office at 704-878-3100.

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A man wanted in connection to a drug and prostitution investigation is in custody.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Miamisburg Police had a felony arrest warrant for Rolando Booker, 38.

The department announced on social media Thursday that Booker is in custody. Thanks to your tips, Mr. Booker is now in custody at Montgomery County Jail, they said.

Sgt. Jeff Muncy told News Center 7 that he turned himself in to the Montgomery County Jail.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, a significant police presence was reported in the 2400 block of Byers Ridge Drive in Miamisburg on Wednesday.

Police on the scene told News Center 7 they were executing a search warrant at a home in the block. They also confirmed that the search warrant was for narcotics and prostitution-related charges.

In a release discussing the search warrant, police said they had a warrant for Booker in connection to the case.

Booker is currently booked in the Montgomery County Jail. Miamisburg Municipal Court records show hes currently facing two counts of failure to comply.

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Hes set to have his first court appearance on Friday.

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The Court of Second Instance (TSI) has dismissed an appeal filed by a father convicted of aggravated assault against his daughter.

The man was initially sentenced by the Court of First Instance (TJB) to two months in prison, suspended for two years, after causing significant emotional and physical harm to the minor.

Between late 2019 and November 2021, the father displayed behaviors that fostered negative emotions in his daughter, ultimately leading to her need for psychiatric treatment.

On December 2, 2021, after the girl sent a distressing message to her mother requesting a divorce from her father, he attacked her.

Reports indicated that he appeared emotionally unstable, inflicting physical harm, including slapping and hair-pulling, which resulted in injuries.

As a consequence of her fathers misconduct, the daughter experienced a decline in her mental health, resulting in anxiety and distress.

This deterioration necessitated her treatment at an outpatient child psychiatry clinic. Following a clinical evaluation, she was diagnosed with physical abuse and adjustment disorders, characterized by mixed emotional disturbances of anxiety and depression.

Initially, the Public Prosecutions Office charged her father with domestic violence, but the TJB ultimately settled on a lesser charge of aggravated assault.

In his appeal, the father contended that the TJB misapplied the law, asserting that his actions were necessary for his daughters education.

However, the TSI rejected his arguments, stating that his behavior constituted aggravated assault and was not justified under any educational pretext. Victoria Chan
BEAVER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN)  A man wanted on a secret indictment for rape from Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Thursday was taken into custody following a short chase on Elton Road.

Read next: 2 missing Ohio kids found in Iceland

Matthew Nicholson, 46, of Beaver Township, was taken into custody on the indictment charging him with three counts of rape, a first-degree felony; sexual battery, a third-degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second-degree felony; and a misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property.

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Taken into custody on a charge of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a third-degree felony, was Alexander Morlan, 27, of Springfield.

Both men were booked into the Mahoning County jail. Nicholson is expected to be arraigned Tuesday for his charges in common pleas court. Morlan was arraigned Friday in Mahoning County Area Court in Canfield where his bond was set at $15,000 by Judge Molly Johnson. He is expected to have a preliminary hearing Jan. 24.

Reports said township police Thursday about 1:10 p.m. were helping members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force, who were looking for Nicholson at his home and saw a pickup truck pull out of the drive.

Marshals and police tried to pull the truck over, but it refused for almost a mile before the truck stopped at the intersection with West Pine Lake Road.

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Reports said Morlan told police and marshals that Alexander told him not to stop.

Details of the charges in the indictment are not available.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, a manatee found in the Tar River in November was released into the wild.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, SeaWorld in Orlando released Pamlico the Manatee at the Teco Manatee viewing center in Apollo Beach, Florida.

They decided to release her near Tampa because she has a history of being spotted there.

WNCT spoke to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services on what her release was like.

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There were hundreds of people there. There were just a bunch of partners from the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership that were there to help, you know, return her to the to the waters there in Tampa, Florida Manatee Recovery Lead for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Terri Calleson said. And a lot of cheering and, and, again, outpouring support.

Pamlico is the first case of a manatee being successfully rescued in North Carolina.

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Houses stand as icebergs drift by in Disko Bay on July 15, 2024 in Ilulissat, Greenland. | Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Floridas simply not large enough: As part of a growing empire, we need a bigger place.

People keep coming here, especially Canadians, clogging up the aisles in Publix, ostentatiously ordering Molson beer in bars, bragging about how they dont have to worry about going bankrupt paying for health care.

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Canada owes us big time, so its only fair they cede their territory to us. Well call it Florida North (not North Florida which, as everybody knows, is weird).

Why not? Canada doesnt do anything but sit up there being polite.

Politeness is a security risk.

Also, the Canadians have oil, which should clearly belong to us.

As the Dear Leader asserted the other day in his completely rational press conference, if the 51st-staters dont play nice, well bring them to their frostbitten knees with economic force and turn their so-called provinces into good Christian Florida counties with lousy hospitals and empty libraries.

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Governor Trudeau (what a loser) says theres not a snowballs chance in hell well get Canada.

Yeah, well, in MAGAmerica, hell is full of snowballs: We call them big, beautiful tariffs.

If the tariffs dont work, theres always the 101st Airborne.

While were at it, we might as well invade Greenland.

Maybe well give Denmark, a small loser country which claims Greenland is an autonomous territory of its kingdom, a bit of money for the place.

A place in Nuuk

This would be awesome for Florida, too.

Floridians used to dream of having a house in North Carolina to escape the Sunshine States eight months of summer, but when the U.S. gets its mitts on that big old hunk of ice in the North Atlantic, Floridians can get a place in Nuuk.

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Cheap!

Besides, as a blond lady on The Five (obviously a distinguished historian) reminded us, back in 1867 President Harry Truman offered the Danes, a people known only for pastries, $100 million for it.

They should have taken the deal.

Now the Danes (many of whom are large dogs) are being rude and nasty, and if theres anything the Dear Leader hates its rudeness and nastiness.

The so-called King of Denmark changed his coat-of arms, which used to have a tiny polar bear  the symbol of Greenland with a bunch of lions and crowns.

Now the polar bear is really big, like the king is saying Greenland isnt for sale.

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Au contraire, mein amigo: Everything is for sale.

Ask Elon Musk: He bought the presidency of the United States for a mere $250 million.

Don Jr. took a day trip to Greenland on Jan. 7, merely, you know, as a snow-loving tourist, called his father from a restaurant, and put him on speakerphone.

Anybody sitting there, innocently enjoying their seal-meat Suasaat, could hear Don Sr. hollering, You see the people and the ships sailing around and theyre not the right ships. Theyre not the ships you want to know about.

Anyway, Greenland: The place should be grateful we want to give them the benefits of our civilization:

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Real Housewives.

Unaffordable homeowners insurance.

High fructose corn syrup.

Guns.

Liquid invasion

Besides, Greenland totally owes Florida for the flood damage it continues to inflict upon us.

As the never-satirical Florida columnist Frank Cerabino points out, Greenland persists in sending giant chunks of your ice floe into the Atlantic, knowing fully that they will eventually wage a liquid invasion against the low-lying coastline of Florida.

An act, he says, of war.

Nations have been carpet-bombed for less.

If Greenlanders keep saying no, the Dear Leader warns he might resort to military force.

He doesnt like the word no.

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Its perfectly clear this God-favored nation needs both Canada and Greenland for economic security, national security, and to make America great  or at least way bigger  again.

As deep thinker and Manifest Destiny Dude Jesse Watters remarked on Fox, The fact that they dont want us to take them over makes me want to invade. I want to quench my imperialist thirst.

If the British, the Spanish, the French, the Chinese, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Belgians, the Moguls, and every-damn-body else gets to colonize, we do, too.

Were not stopping at Canada and Greenland, either: the Panama Canal is also on the list.

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So what if theres some treaty? Were imperial America. Treaties mean nothing.

Ask the Indians. They thought they had treaties, too.

Jimmy Carter gave that canal away and look what happened to him?

Sure, he got the Nobel Peace Prize, but the guy never made any money.

Loser.

While were at it, therell be a little rebranding.

The Gulf of Mexico is now the Gulf of America. Well make Mexico pay for the new maps.

And how do you like the sound of Trump International Canal

Beautiful.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
Earlier this week, we told you the heartbreaking story of an Arkansas woman mourning the loss of her wheelchair-bound relatives  father, Anthony Mitchell, and step-brother Justin Mitchell  who were killed in the Eaton Fire in Southern California. Now, Anthonys son Jordan Mitchell, who lived with and cared for his father and brother, is speaking out about the loss of his closest loved ones and their Altadena home.



In an interview with Los Angeles CBS affiliate KCAL, Jordan says he never left home without making sure there was a caretaker for his dad, who has been wheelchair-bound for a year after his leg was amputated, and his brother, who lives with cerebral palsy.

But when the fires erupted in their Altadena neighborhood on Jan.8, Jordan was in the hospital due to medical issues of his own and unable to help.

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Thats my worst nightmare  that I wouldnt be home, I wouldnt be around them, and something would happen and someone [gets] hurt, he said.



Jordan said his father called 911 when the fires started to ask for help evacuating his home, but emergency personnel couldnt get to his home in time. After waiting nearly twelve hours for help to arrive, Anthony and his son tragically died in the fire, as KCAL reports.

His last words were help us, Jordan said. He was trying to get him and my brother out of here.

Now, Jordan, who is living with relatives, says he is angry that no one was able to save his dad and brother and is trying to raise money to rebuild the home his family has lived in for decades.

Out of my immediate family, Im the only one left, he said. No one deserves that, especially not my dad and brother.

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The last time Kevin Devine's mother heard from him was Jan. 7.

He was at his apartment on Boston Street in Altadena speaking on the phone with his mother, Margaret Devine, about a present he had gotten her. The next day, she could pick it up at her local market in Michigan. But as the evening went on, Margaret kept seeing updates about fires breaking out in Los Angeles and asked her son if he was safe.

"I said, 'Kevin, you have to leave.' He said, 'Im OK, Mom,'" she recalled.

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What happened next is why Kevin Devine occupies a strange place in the Los Angeles fires  missing but not confirmed dead.

His landlord saw him outside the apartment complex in his car after 9 p.m. But no one has heard from him since. His car is not at the apartment building, so it is unlikely he returned. His family does not know where he went, or if he got caught in the fast-moving Eaton fire.

They have checked hospitals and convention centers, but they can't get any information. His mother is already speaking in the past tense.

He was an actor. He was a substitute teacher.

Margaret Devine is not alone.

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Read more: Crews improve containment on Palisades, Eaton fires as winds die down

As the fires razed homes in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena, an untold number of people were not able to make it out in time. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel are beginning to dig through the rubble and finding their remains.

Most of the people first reported missing in the fires have been found safe, but with every passing day, hopes dim. Margaret and her other children know that Kevin Devine would reach out to them if he was able.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told The Times on Thursday that 31 people are still missing  24 from the Eaton fire and seven from the Palisades fire.

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The Los Angeles Police Department's tally of those missing in the Palisades fire slightly differed, with that department saying five people were still missing instead of seven. Initially, the LAPD said 38 people were reported missing in that blaze, but 30 were found safe and three were found dead.

Read more: Firefighters boost containment of Palisades and Eaton fires amid break from destructive winds

Officials warn the number of people still missing means that the death toll from the fires will likely continue to rise, though not by a massive amount. As of Thursday, officials have confirmed 17 deaths in the Eaton fire and 10 in the Palisades fire.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Wednesday that the search and recovery of human remains is ongoing.

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They're going through ... with cadaver dogs and trying to be able to locate remains and recover them, so that we, you know, can be accountable to the families who have missing relatives, and to do it in the most respectful way possible," he said. "There will be people probably ... that weren't reported missing."

McDonnell said he expected the death toll to climb.

Cal Fire Deputy State Fire Marshal Michelle Knight inspects damage at a home destroyed in the Eaton fire in Altadena on Wednesday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

On Tuesday morning, search and rescue teams gathered by a map of Altadena at the Rose Bowl incident command center to begin another grid search of a vast zone of Altadena. The teams have been heading out into the area daily to search for bodies in the rubble, said Sgt. Bob Boese with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Across the county, others were receiving the news they dreaded.

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Miva Friedli's home was destroyed in the fire, but her niece Ruth Brown said that no one knew what happened to her.

The family reported the 86-year-old missing and agonized about her fate. They shared a hashtag, #HelpUsFindMiva, unsure if she might have made it out of the fire and was lost somewhere else, Brown said.

But on Thursday  what would have been Friedli's 87th birthday  the family confirmed that search and rescue teams had found her remains in the rubble of her home.

"It's a blessing, because we found her," Brown said. "If we can get some closure it allows us to move on."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

When schools were handed an unprecedented $129 billion in federal pandemic aid, it wasnt surprising that COVID-related equipment topped the shopping list as schools rushed to snap up hotspots, laptops, desk dividers, and air filters.

But another widespread pattern is emerging as federal officials tally up the spending: Many districts also used their one-time funding to take care of longstanding needs, like replacing aging infrastructure and outdated textbooks, that schools previously wanted to tackle but could not afford to do so.

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Around 1 in 3 school districts and charter operators nationwide, or some 5,200, used COVID relief during the 2022-23 school year to adopt new curriculum or learning materials, a report released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Education found. That made it the most common strategy to address learning loss, which schools spent $11 billion on that year.

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Schools spent some $6 billion in federal pandemic aid that same year to upgrade and maintain their facilities. That meant 1 out of every 10 COVID relief dollars spent during the 2022-23 school year went toward a school building. It was six times more than what states spent on tutoring.

And half of all COVID relief dollars schools spent that year, or just under $25 billion, were spent on staff salaries and benefits. A good chunk of that went toward paying new social workers and school nurses, which schools added to their ranks in droves with the aid.

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Now that the COVID aid is mostly gone  schools have until the end of this month to spend it, unless they seek an extension  schools are confronting big questions about how they will cover curriculum overhauls and critical building repairs going forward, as well as how many of those additional staffers will lose their jobs. Many school districts, especially those with declining enrollments, are considering closing schools or cutting programs to balance their budgets.

The report looks at how the nations roughly 16,000 school districts and charter operators spent just over $49 billion in COVID relief dollars during the 2022-23 school year. Nearly all of the first two COVID relief packages had been exhausted and schools were halfway through spending their last and largest aid package by the end of the 2022-23 school year. Schools had spent some $117 billion in pandemic aid by that point.

Investing in people and projects with the potential for long-term payoffs made sense, federal officials say, and the Biden administration encouraged this type of spending.

Federal officials also believe provisions in the COVID aid laws that required states to maintain their own school funding will help schools return to more usual levels of funding more easily than they did following the Great Recession. When stimulus packages enacted in the wake of that financial crisis expired, many states slashed education funding and schools cut hundreds of thousands of jobs, dramatically shrinking the size of the K-12 education workforce.

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There are certainly difficult decisions that are going to get made after $130 billion is fully invested, said Adam Schott, the principal deputy assistant secretary in the Education Departments Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. We are just not seeing the type of fiscal cliff that we saw 10, 12, 15 years ago.

Part of the reason for that, Schott said, is that the Biden administration urged schools to spend the pandemic aid on both immediate needs but also long-term academic goals.

To the administration, investing in school buildings  and getting rid of issues like asbestos, mold, and lead  was also crucial.

For decades, weve known that a classroom thats 90 degrees in May or in September is an impediment to in-person learning, Schott said. We saw this as really core to academic recovery.

Many schools spent on curriculum amid worrying test scores

The new data about spending on curriculum and classroom materials comes as many states and districts overhaul their approach to teaching reading and math, opting for materials that better align with the science of how children learn.

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That spending also coincides with several years of national and international test score data showing that American children are academically stagnant or falling behind their earlier counterparts. That was true even before the pandemic. But the trend is especially stark for kids who score the lowest on math and reading tests.

And while recent state test scores have shown some students are rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, We are clearly not where we ought to be, Schott said.

Now that the federal COVID aid is gone, states have to be ready to grab the baton, he added, whether thats finding new ways to spend existing federal funding, or adding money to state education budgets. Were going to keep beating that drum with every minute weve got left.

The new federal report also comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to start his second term in a few days. Its unclear how or if top education officials in his administration will push schools to continue pandemic-era programs.

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On the campaign trail, Trump and his supporters said they wanted to get rid of the federal education department or shrink its powers, and give more responsibility to state officials  who already largely control what and how kids learn.

By the 2022-23 school year, most students were back to learning in person for a second school year. The pandemic was declared officially over halfway through the school year. But many students were struggling to follow the routines of school. Student absenteeism rates were still abnormally high.

Expanded summer programming was a very common investment  though its unclear if some of these programs helped kids improve academically. About 2 in 5 school districts or charter school operators used COVID aid on summer programs that school year, reaching around 4.5 million students.

A smaller number of districts and charter operators  around 1 in 10 nationally, or around 2,100  used pandemic money to add instructional time. Researchers were a fan of that strategy, but educators often found it was difficult to pull off.

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Meanwhile, states spent $1 billion on tutoring that school year, and districts ran intensive tutoring programs that reached some 3 million kids, or around 6% of public school students. Of those students, around half were from low-income families, while 13% were students with disabilities and 14% were learning English as a new language  suggesting that many students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds did not receive tutoring.

Earlier estimates have suggested less than 10% of students were getting tutoring thanks to COVID aid  a figure researchers have already said was likely much smaller than the share of kids who needed extra academic help after the pandemics disruptions to learning.

The report points out that COVID aid helped to put more people working in Americas schools than at any time in the last decade. As of October 2024, the report notes, schools had added some 643,000 jobs since 2021, with a 43% increase in social workers and a 23% increase in school nurses.

Some school finance experts have criticized schools for adding many new staffers or programs that they couldnt afford to keep after the COVID aid ran out. Theyve said the hiring and firing is destabilizing, especially for schools that already had more staff turnover prior to the pandemic.

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Still, Schott defended that use of the money. He pointed out that some of the added spending helped to raise low teacher pay or invest in gummed-up educator pipelines. Other spending got more caring eyes on kids at a chaotic time.

You couldnt maintain consistency for kids, you couldnt deliver instruction, you couldnt get core nutrition services flowing without people, he said.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
Milwaukee property taxes for 2024 are due in just two weeks, and some owners may still be wondering why their bills went up.

A combination of factors make up your property tax bill, one of which is property tax levies for K-12 schools.

These levies rose throughout the state last year  in part spurred by a record number of school referenda put before voters, according to a recent report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum.

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The Policy Forum said Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) data used in the Dec. 10 report represented "gross property tax levies," meaning it doesn't "account for state credits that reduce net tax bills for Wisconsin residents."

"The increase of 5.7% over last Decembers gross property tax bills is the highest since 2009, but not far above last years 5.4% increase," the report said.

K-12 schools make up "just under half of all local property tax levies" in the state "in any given year," according to the Policy Forum.

Using the DOR data, the report said the increase could be attributed to a slew of factors aside from school referenda, including:

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An increase in Wisconsin's "per pupil revenue limit" enacted by Evers in the 2023-'25 state budget

An increase in "enrollment and payments for the states private choice programs"

An $80 million increase in the "school levy tax credit"

To read the Wisconsin Policy Forum's full Dec. 10 report, click here.

How many school referenda were passed in 2024?

School districts use referenda to ask voters to raise property taxes to provide more funding, exceeding caps set by the state.

Wisconsin voters approved a record number of school referenda in 2024 with 169 approvals, according to a November report from the Policy Forum. The previous record was set in 2018, when voters approved 140 measures.

In total, 241 measures were put on ballots in 2024, according to the Policy Forum.

Moreover, the Dec. 10 report said voters in "nearly two-thirds of public school districts" have approved at least one referendum since 2021.

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Ari Brown, senior research associate at the Policy Forum, said he does not expect to see a similar amount of referenda in 2025.

"Districts tend to put [referenda] on ballots when they know more voters are going to be going to the polls," he said.

How many referenda are on the ballot in 2025?

So far five referenda are slated to be on ballots throughout Wisconsin in February's spring primary and 48 are slated for the April general election as of Jan. 16, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

To see upcoming referenda, you can view Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction list here.

How did the MPS tax levy in Milwaukee increase in 2024?

For Milwaukee in particular, the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) system increased its property tax levy to $414.8 million, up from $320.2 million in 2023.

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City Comptroller Bill Christianson told the Journal Sentinel in December this 29.5% increase was the largest driver behind 2024s property tax levy.

The increase was driven by a $252 million referendum narrowly approved by voters last April, as the district was facing a projected $200 million budget shortfall.

As a result of citywide tax levies and higher property assessments, some Milwaukee property owners ended up with higher property tax bills than years prior.

The estimated tax impact of the referendum is $2.16 per $1,000 of property value. A property owner with a $200,000 home in Milwaukee, for example, could have seen a $432 increase on their 2024 property tax bill as a result.

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In response to the Journal Sentinel's request for readers' comments on the matter, many said they are concerned about MPS' financial management and transparency.

More: MPS taxpayers want to see results  and better financial management  after referendum hits property tax bills

More: Some Milwaukee residents have higher property taxes this year. Heres why

How much did property taxes rise in Wisconsin in 2024?

In general, property tax bills in Wisconsin increased by about 4% in 2024, though the report notes "the precise amount will vary throughout the state."

But, higher property tax bills throughout the state cannot be solely attributed to K-12 property tax levy increases.

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"It's really going to depend on on where you live and what your local governments are up to," Brown said.

Rory Linnane, Alec Johnson and Cleo Krejci contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why did property taxes in Wisconsin go up so much in 2024?
Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles for over a week.

Some Republican lawmakers argued that aid to California should be conditioned on policy changes.

Data shows California pays more in taxes than it receives in federal spending.

Los Angeles' wildfires spurred a political debate about whether California should continue receiving unconditional federal aid in the wake of the disaster.

Wildfires have ravaged LA for over a week, having burned through more than 40,000 acres, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and killed at least 25 people.

The scope of the damage and the severe impacts on the state's residents have prompted lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to participate in the conversation about whether the federal government should let more funds flow to help stop the wildfires.

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Some Republican lawmakers have criticized the current aid going to California and supported conditional aid hinged on policy changes in the state. GOP Rep. Warren Davidson, for example, recently told Fox News that he supports more federal aid for wildfires, but policy changes like better forest management should accompany it.

"If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies," he said. Davidson also wrote on X on January 12 that California Gov. Gavin Newsom's executive order to help wildfire victims rebuild their homes was "reasonable," but he said more action is needed on water management and fire prevention.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed a similar sentiment, telling reporters on January 13 that "there should probably be conditions" on any wildfire aid that California receives.

But despite those GOP criticisms of potential aid to California, data shows that the state has actually received less from the federal government than the taxes it paid.

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The Rockefeller Institute of Government, a public policy think tank, found that in fiscal year 2022, California's federal tax receipts per capita was $17,731 while its federal expenditures per capita, excluding temporary COVID-19 spending measures, was $14,492  or a difference of $3,239 taxes paid minus spending received. A dozen other states had higher values of taxes paid than federal spending distributed in a state per capita, including New York and Illinois.

You can hover over the map below to see what this looked like by state.

Some commentators pointed out the disparity between California's taxes and spending. Economist Paul Krugman wrote in a Substack post, which also highlighted similar data from the Rockefeller Institute, that California subsidizes states, "red states in particular, through the federal budget."

Even on the campaign trail, President-elect Trump hinted that future funding for wildfires could hinge on California's policies. "We're going to take care of your water situation, and we'll force it down his throat," Trump said of Newsom during an October campaign rally in California, referring to the state's water policies. "And we'll say: Gavin, if you don't do it, we're not giving you any of that fire money that we send you all the time for all the fire, forest fires that you have."

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Trump posted on Truth Social on January 8: "One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. It's ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!"

Newsom has pushed back on Trump and other Republican lawmakers' comments on the wildfires, recently telling CNN: "People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives, kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burning down, and this guy wanted to politicize it," referring to Trump.

The Trump transition team, along with Davidson and Johnson's offices, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

While it's too early to calculate the costs of the wildfire damage, a recent estimate from AccuWeather found the price tag could total between $250 billion and $275 billion. Local and federal governments would likely pick up some of the tab, BI previously reported, along with private and state insurers.

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President Joe Biden also said during January 14 remarks that those impacted by the wildfires will receive a one-time payment of $770 to help them quickly purchase necessities.

"Although the federal government is going to cover 100% of the cost for the next 180 days for things like firefighter overtime pay, debris removal, temporary shelters, it's going to cost tens of billions of dollars to get Los Angeles back to where it was," Biden said. "So, we're going to need Congress to step up to provide funding to get this done."

Read the original article on Business Insider
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Thirty years after her husbands murder, Margaret Rudin does not know who killed him, her attorneys said, adding a fingerprint could be the key to finding out who did.

In 2001, a Clark County jury convicted Margaret Rudin, 81  who reporters at the time dubbed The Black Widow  for the murder of her husband Ron Rudin. In 2022, a federal judge vacated her conviction, citing poor attorney representation and possible other suspects. The state and the Clark County District Attorneys Office declined to retry Rudin.

In May, Margaret Rudin filed a wrongful conviction lawsuit against the state for the more than 8,000 days she sat in prison. Newly filed court documents lay out other theories for who killed Ron Rudin.

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If Margaret Rudin didnt kill her husband who did? 8 News Now Investigator David Charns asked Margaret Rudins attorneys, Adam Breeden and Corrine Murphy.

Margaret Rudin appears in court during her 10-week murder trial in 2001. (KLAS)

Thats a great question  and Margaret doesnt know, Breeden said.

The Rudins married in 1987 after meeting in church. It was the fifth marriage for both. Ron Rudin, a real estate developer, was worth an estimated $8-$11 million at the time of his death. Several people, including Margaret, were listed as beneficiaries of his trust.

Ron Rudin disappeared in December 1994 as Margaret was preparing to open an antique store in a strip mall her husband owned steps from their home near Charleston and Decatur boulevards.

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A grand jury indicted Margaret Rudin in 1997. She then went on the run until 1999 when police arrested her in Massachusetts. Her trial lasted 10 weeks in 2001.

We kind of go on our day to day and we dont think about it, but really for 30 years this murder case has been hanging over her, Murphy said.

Has anyone apologized? Charns asked.

No one, Breeden said.

A photo of Ron Rudin before his death. A group of fishermen found his charred remains near Nelsons Landing in January 1995. (KLAS)

The jury agreed with prosecutors that Margaret Rudin shot Ron Rudin in their home, placed his body in an antique trunk, and then set it on fire near Nelsons Landing  a fishing spot on the Colorado River about an hour south of the Las Vegas valley.

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No forensic evidence nor any witnesses ever tied Margaret Rudin to Ron Rudins death, documents said. The federal judge who overturned her conviction wrote there was no evidence linking Rudin to the murder weapon, Ron Rudins abandoned car, or the suspected crime scene. He also said Margaret Rudins defense attorney, Michael Amador, who has since died, did not do enough to defend her and was more interested in celebrity.

How do you convict someone, or how do you ever try someone when theres literally nothing, its just maybe? Charns asked the attorneys.

All the facts you are laying out, I think you perhaps have just done a better opening statement than her own attorney did at the time, Murphy said.

Margaret Rudins attorneys suspect these footprints from inside Ron Rudins car show a man, or several men, killed Ron Rudin. (KLAS)

Margaret Rudin spent 8,187 days in prison.

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Since Margaret Rudins attorneys filed their wrongful conviction lawsuit, the 8 News Now Investigators have poured through hundreds of pages of grand jury evidence, crime scene photos, witness statements and other documents from the trial.

Photos the 8 News Now Investigators obtained show the inside of the Rudin home after Rudins death. After Margaret Rudin reported her husband missing, police searched it and found nothing suspicious.

Detectives later honed in on small, red spots in a bedroom  some tested positive for brain tissue.

A previous wife of Ron Rudins had killed herself in the room in the mid-1970s, documents said. In an interview with the 8 News Now Investigators in 2022, Margaret Rudin said Ron Rudin murdered that woman. In court documents, Margaret Rudins attorneys said police mistakenly thought that the womans blood was Ron Rudins. Her death was officially ruled a suicide.

Margaret Rudins attorneys want this fingerprint tested. They believe it could reveal who killed Ron Rudin. It is not clear if police tried to match the print in the 1990s or if Metro police plan to retest it. (KLAS)

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Testimony also focused on the lack of the amount of blood that would happen if a human is shot in the head, but other witnesses implied Margaret Rudin was acting suspiciously, had her home cleaned and tried to create alibis.

I think it tells you something about the quality of the evidence or the lack of quality of evidence that they ever had against Ms. Rudin because if this were a good case, the state would have elected to re-try her and do justice, Breeden said.

Her attorneys also said Margaret Rudin would not have been able to move Ron Rudins 200-pound body and put it in a chest on her own. They also said though Margaret Rudin had purchased a similar chest, hers was much smaller than the one that contained her husbands body.

In the days after Ron Rudins disappearance, police found his car parked outside the Crazy Horse Too strip club. The vehicle was covered in dust similar to the landscape in Nelsons Landing. Inside the car, someone or some people left large footprints.

Police found the murder weapon in Lake Mead after Ron Rudins death. (KLAS)

Police also located a fingerprint inside the car, which did not belong to Margaret Rudin, her attorneys said, adding it is their belief it was never tested or, if it was, never matched with a person in a crime database at the time.

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I think the evidence points to multiple male adult suspects who had some tie to organized crime, and I say this because of the fingerprint and footprint evidence that was found in Ron Rudins car, Breeden said.

A 2019 Nevada law allows a person in Margaret Rudins situation to receive up to $100,000 per year of incarceration plus reasonable housing costs should a judge agree with her argument. The proceedings would not include a jury but rather testimony relayed to the judge directly.

While Margaret Rudin did not testify in her defense in 2001, she will testify this time.

Metro police found blood spots, like this one on a bedroom ceiling, in the Rudin home, suspecting it came from Ron Rudin. They never found large amounts of blood, which Rudins attorneys said would accompany a murder. (KLAS)

The No. 1 witness will be Margaret Rudin and shes excited I think to be able to testify and tell her story, Murphy said.

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She has only maintained her innocence from Day 1, which is what an innocent person would do, Breeden said.

A judge could schedule future court dates during a brief hearing later this month.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus dismissed Rudins criminal case in December, meaning her murder charge and conviction are vacated. The state did not admit her innocence.

In an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said he did not think Margaret Rudin was innocent. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment on if it is taking any action in its investigation. Rudins attorneys have not said if they plan to sue the department.

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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.
(NewsNation)  Tech entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg and a collection of billionaire pro-sports team owners will co-host President-elect Donald Trump for a black-tie reception the evening of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, according to an invitation obtained by NewsNation.

Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, partnered with Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts and his wife Sylvie Legere, and Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson to host the event.

Fertitta is set to become the new U.S. ambassador to Italy, while Ricketts is the former Republican National Committee finance chair. Adelson is a Republican mega-donor.

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Official portraits of Donald Trump, JD Vance are released

The three-and-a-half-hour event will take place before the inaugural balls in Washington, D.C.

Zuckerberg was once at odds with Trump after banning the former president from Facebook, owned by Meta, and Twitter  before its purchase and renaming by Elon Musk  after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Recently, Zuckerberg met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort and donated $1 million to the inaugural fund. Zuckerberg also recently ended Metas fact-checking program.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraines capital yesterday with a pledge to help guarantee the countrys security for a century, days before Donald Trump is sworn in as U.S. president.

The British government says Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will sign a 100-Year Partnership treaty in Kyiv covering areas including defense, science, energy and trade.

Starmers unannounced visit is his first trip to Ukraine since he took office in July. He visited the country in 2023 when he was opposition leader, and has twice held talks with Zelenskyy in London since becoming prime minister.

On a gray and frosty morning, Starmer was greeted at Kyiv railway station by the U.K. ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, and Ukraines envoy to London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The U.K., one of Ukraines biggest military backers, has pledged 12.8 billion pounds ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago, and has trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil.

Starmer is to announce another 40 million pounds ($49 million) for Ukraines postwar economic recovery.

But the U.K.s role is dwarfed by that of the United States, and there is deep uncertainty over the fate of American support for Ukraine once Trump takes office on Jan. 20. The president-elect has balked at the cost of U.S. aid to Kyiv, says he wants to bring the war to a swift end and is planning to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, for whom he has long expressed admiration.

Kyivs allies have rushed to flood Ukraine with as much support as possible before Trumps inauguration, with the aim of putting Ukraine in the strongest position possible for any future negotiations to end the war.

Zelenskyy has said that in any peace negotiation, Ukraine would need assurances about its future protection from its much bigger neighbor.

Britain says its 100-year pledge is part of that assurance and will help ensure Ukraine is never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia, which seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and attempted a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The deal commits the two sides to cooperate on defense  especially maritime security against Russian activity in the Batlic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov  and on technology projects including drones, which have become vital weapons for both sides in the war.

The treaty also includes a system to help track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country.

Putins ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level, Starmer said ahead of the visit.

This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come. JILL LAWLESS, KYIV, MDT/AP
Mark Zuckerberg is overhauling Meta's DEI initiatives  and reportedly blaming his former COO, Sheryl Sandberg, for an old inclusivity policy.

Mark Zuckerberg is trying to shift the blame for Meta's inclusive company policies onto his former chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, as he seeks to strengthen ties with President-elect Donald Trump, the New York Times reports.

In a meeting with Trump advisor Stephen Miller late last year, the Meta chief blamed Facebook's former COO for an inclusivity initiative that encouraged staffers' self-expression at work, the Times reported, citing a person with knowledge of the meeting. Sandberg served as the company's chief operating officer for more than 14 years and later as a Meta board member, before her exit in May of last year.

During the meeting, Zuckerberg reportedly told Miller that he would do nothing to obstruct Trump's agenda, which included going to war with DEI initiatives previously embraced by corporate America. He assured Miller that upcoming layoffs and new guidelines would amount to a reset at the company, the report said.

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The new guidelines, which include an overhaul of Meta's content moderation and inclusivity initiatives, are part of an apparent effort to bring Meta's platforms into closer ideological alignment with the incoming Trump administration.

Zuckerberg appears to be trying to repair ties with Trump before the President-elect's second term. Earlier this month, Meta replaced its former president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, with prominent Republican Joel Kaplan and added Trump-ally and UFC president and CEO Dana White to its board.

He's also donated to a Trump inauguration fund and is expected to attend the event alongside Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

Meta joins the DEI rollback

Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have become increasingly controversial in the U.S.

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Billionaires, including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and Elon Musk, began attacking the initiative in late 2023. Trump has also criticized the initiatives and when he returns to office he is expected to restore and double down on his 2020 executive order that banned diversity training for government agencies and non-profits.

Firms including Walmart and McDonald's have rolled back their diversity efforts since Trump's victory in the U.S. election.

Earlier this month, Meta joined the list  formally announcing plans to end its major DEI programs. In a memo obtained by Axios, the firm linked the changes to shifts in the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States."

The memo, sent by Janelle Gale, Meta's vice president of human resources, said the term 'DEI' had "become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others."

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The company is also overhauling its content moderation in an effort to restore "free expression" to its social media platforms. Zuckerberg said last week that content moderation had gone too far on the company's platforms in a video announcing that he was ditching fact-checking for X-style community notes.

However, the announcement has prompted some backlash, reportedly leading Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth to say Meta handled some of the recent changes to its content moderation policies clumsily.

On Tuesday, Bosworth told employees that Meta's changes were pretty ham-fisted, borderline unintentional, and the firm is planning some corrections, The Information reported.

Representatives for Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune, made outside normal working hours.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
COOK COUNTY, Ill.  Since taking office in 2018, Markhams mayor has been a man on a mission.

As part of a campaign promise to clean up the town, Roger Agpawa closed nightclubs with a track record of trouble and commercial properties where drug use was allegedly rampant.

He even clashed with the owners of Couples Choice, an adult swingers club, which had been operating under the radar in Markham for decades.

Jan. 2020 | Mayhem in Markham: Mayors promised makeover isnt pleasing everyone

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April 2020 | Battle over Markhams swingers club continues

Nowadays, the mayor is confronting a new challenge.

After the housing market crash, Markham, like many towns, was left with a glut of empty homes.

We were right around 400 vacancies, easy, Agpawa said. Maybe, that number couldve even been more.

As time passed and the economy improved, many abandoned properties were purchased by investors and converted into rental housing. Those investments meant fewer empty homes, fewer eyesores and spots for squatters.

But there was a flipside, too.

Markhams homeownership rate stands at 72 percent, higher than the rates in all of Illinois and Cook County, according to U.S. Census Data. But city officials say its growing number of rental properties account for a disproportionate number of police and fire service calls, as well as code enforcement and public works problems.

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One hundred percent, Agpawa said. Were certain of that.

Ideally, Agpawa said hed like Markhams homeownership rate to touch 90 percent. That goal may be challenging to reach, but Markham still took action by recently instituting a moratorium on new rental properties.

The moratorium will last nine months, at which time officials will decide whether to keep it in place or pursue other actions to promote homeownership.

Were trying to make sure we do that equitable and do it fairly, so it works out reasonably for everyone, Agpawa said. For the people who live here and the people who come here and for the people who are already renting.

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On a personal note, Agpawa, who was convicted of felony mail fraud back in 1999, has formally asked President Joe Biden for a pardon.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

Bidens last day in office is Monday. No word yet on whether that request will be granted.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tennessee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn just started her second term, but she is already reportedly considering a run for the states highest political office.

On Jan. 3, Blackburn took her congressional oath of office, but on Jan. 14  less than a week before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration  Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, a top Republican contender for governor in 2026, said he would endorse the senator for the office if she chose to run.

She is considered by political observers one of the top candidates to succeed Gov. Bill Lee, who is term limited out. She has the money, the network, the far right conservative credentials and, most importantly for the GOP, a close relationship with Trump.

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However, if she chooses to run for governor, the campaign would become a distraction that wouldkeep her from fully being engaged in Washington, D.C.

Its not just about the 63.8% of Tennessee voters who picked her on Nov. 5, but also her chance to make a mark as Tennessees senior senator with GOP control of the White House, Senate and House. This has never happened before during her time in the Senate.

Has Blackburn tired of the Senate after just one term?

When Blackburn was elected to her first term in 2018, she entered an environment where Trump was president and the Senate was led by the GOP under then Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, but Democrats reclaimed the House with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi taking the gavel.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn speaks during her watch party at the Hilton Hotel in Cool Springs, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

The subsequent two years of divided government included Trumps first of two impeachment trials and the start of the 2020 presidential contest, which ultimately led to the election of President Joe Biden and the Democrats taking back the Senate.

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She served in the minority party for the last four years. Even so, she crafted bipartisan legislation with Democrats harboring polar opposite politics.

Among her wins: The REPORT Act sponsored with Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, which requires Big Tech companies to report sex crimes against children and the Womens Suffrage National Monument Act, sponsored with Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin.

These bills were passed by both houses of Congress and signed by Biden into law. The latter is especially significant given that Blackburn is the first female senator of Tennessee, which became the pivotal 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and enshrine womens suffrage across the U.S.

Now that she has seniority and is a member of Majority Leader John Thunes leadership team, she is in the best position she has ever been in her Senate career to pass legislation, grill judicial candidates and advance Trumps agenda.

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Opinion: Tennessee Marsha Blackburn: America needs robust, bipartisan and respectful debate

Why would she give that up?

An ambitious politician is nothing new, and perhaps it is because in the Senate, she is one of 100 voices when she could be the sole chief executive of the Volunteer State with an influential bully pulpit.

Would a Governor Blackburn face a lawmaker with similar tactics to hers?

Blackburn certainly does not rely on me for political advice, but her team should discuss whether this is about public service or about ego.

She has a track record of political wins from state senator to U.S. House of Representatives member to federal senator.

Would pursuing the governors office be another box to check or does she truly wish to govern a state with 7.1 million residents and a multibillion-dollar budget in both good and bad years, in times of disaster, and in moments in which residents need a consoler-in-chief not a partisan firebrand?

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I wrote last year that Blackburn is a political bruiser who fights hard but also has sought bipartisan consensus.

Perhaps one advantage of going for the governorship in an increasingly red state with a super majority Republican-dominated legislature is that you rarely have to negotiate with Democrats.

Just one word of caution, though, Republican legislators do not always support a GOP governor.

Radio talk show hot Phil Valentine, left, receives from State Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, her pledge to oppose a state income tax at the Legislature Plaza March 13, 2002.

Blackburn knows this better than anyone because as a state lawmaker two decades ago, she proudly helped kill Republican Gov. Don Sundquists proposal for a state income tax.

If she becomes Governor Blackburn, she may also have to deal with ambitious, assertive lawmakers who revel at trying to thwart her policies too.

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David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters.. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TNs Marsha Blackburn is powerful. Does she want more? | Opinion
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  US Marshals made two additional arrests in connection to a North Charleston murder that happened last weekend.

North Charleston police officers responded to Wales Court, which is not far from Dorchester Road, Sunday night about several calls from people saying they heard gunshots in the area.

When police arrived, they found 18-year-old Timothy Haynes mother attempting CPR in the driveway near the front door of a residence.

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RELATED: North Charleston police investigate Wales Court homicide

First responders took over life-saving measures, but Haynes did not survive.

Frank Simmons, 21, and Christopher Simmons, 20, were both apprehended on W. Robinhood Drive Thursday and charged with murder.

Both men were transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.

On Monday night, North Charleston detectives arrested 22-year-old Camryn Brown for murder.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
DETROIT  The race for Democratic National Committee chair is finally looking like a race.

Following a sleepy, weekslong opening to the campaign, Ken Martin, the leader of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, ripped into his fellow front-runner, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, at a candidate forum in Detroit on Thursday  questioning the bona fides of his counterpart across the state line.

But even as the race among a stage full of contenders to lead the party out of the wilderness started to heat up, there was little discussion of exactly how Democrats need to change to win back a majority of voters after Donald Trump knocked over the delicate multi-racial coalition that had been holding the party together for decades.

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Instead, at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit, Democrats cast about for other reasons for their devastating losses  a lack of clear messengers, the decision to spurn Joe Rogan's massive audience, and even the media. But no one wanted to lay a hand on President Joe Biden, who finishes out his only term as the oldest president ever in a few days.

Thursdays forum, co-hosted by POLITICO, was the second of four meetings scheduled in January ahead of a Feb. 1 DNC chair election, the first major decision confronting Democrats as they seek to rebuild their party in the second Trump era.

Here are five takeaways from the forum:

Martin takes the gloves off

In its opening weeks, the race between Martin and Wikler was all Midwestern nice. But on Thursday, the cold war turned scalding, with Martin going after Wikler all day as an elite who was out of touch with the working class. In a speech ahead of the forum, Martin said he was the only "card-carrying member of a union" in the race, a shot at Wikler. He also said his mother wasn't a college professor, nor was his grandfather an ambassador  both biographical boxes Wikler punches.

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Then, during the forum, Martin emphasized he didn't attend an Ivy League school (Wikler went to Harvard), but a state school in Kansas. I don't rub elbows with billionaires or Hollywood elites, he said, another contrast with Wikler, who is close to Reid Hoffman, the wealthy venture capitalist, and who has appeared with Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show."

Wikler largely ignored Martin's jabs. But their relationship appears to have soured considerably from the time when Wikler visited Martin for something of a tutorial when he first began as Wisconsin party chair.

Even the long shots at the forum were adapting to the new, more combative tone. Marianne Williamson, the twice failed presidential candidate, hopped on the opportunity to hit Wikler, without naming names, for his relationship with Hoffman. The real problem goes back to the money, Williamson said. Reid Hoffman, recognized here as the good billionaire because hes ours, he shares our values.



Dodging the Biden question

Aside from one brief mention of Bidens farewell speech on Thursday, it took 40 minutes for the sitting president to come up at all  and only after POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns pressed the chair candidates on whether hes to blame for their 2024 loss. But all the candidates avoided knifing the sitting president, with none conceding Biden should have dropped out earlier than July.

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Martin twice said he was not going to engage in this academic exercise thats not worth answering. Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley also chose not to engage in the question. And Jason Paul, a long-shot candidate from Connecticut and now living in Massachusetts, placed the blame at the feet of the media, garnering a loud round of applause from the crowd. Our problem is we trusted you all, Paul said.

He was taking a page out of the GOP playbook, and he wasnt the only one. Williamson also jumped in, saying that if she had $1 million, she would take CNN and MSNBC to court.

Trump on the horizon

Trump returns to office in four days, and the Democratic resistance is still teetering.

Martin said the party should go on offense against Trump. But Wikler asked explicitly if Democrats should fully oppose or try to work with the incoming president, calling on the party to focus on Trump when he comes for the things that Americans rely on  when they come for Social Security, when they come for our health care, when they come for education.

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OMalley said Democrats need to fight him on the things that people care most about, like economic issues. And Nate Snyder, a former Homeland Security staffer, said that while Democrats need to keep an eye on Trump  they also need to focus on the local level.

Its a marked difference in approach for a party that has spent nearly a decade running explicitly against Trump. And its one that reflects the broader recalibration occurring among Democrats across every level of government as they assess the changed political landscape between Trumps first term and his second.

Still, its clear that Trumps looming return to Washington is weighing heavily on all the candidates.

The fundamental question is what do we do now? Wikler asked. And what we need to do is unite and fight for working people against an administration that is going to try to divide us and rip us all off.

Blame the messenger, not the message

Democrats have long maintained their problem isnt what theyre selling  but how theyre selling it. Dont expect much of a change no matter whos elected chair. Instead of an overhaul of party priorities, candidates cast themselves as change agents who could spark a party rebrand.

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OMalley, a former presidential candidate, suggested the party lacked enough fight, requiring the next party leader to function more like a general going into battle.

We need a DNC chair for this wartime footing, OMalley said.



There was Martin, accusing the party of relying too heavily on celebrities to do voter outreach. We have so many  spokespeople out there that we should be tapping into, Martin said. Instead of sending celebrities out, we should send workers out to talk to workers.

And there was Wikler, saying Democrats have to show people we're on their side, and that if the party can do that it can make the Democratic Party the white-hot center of a rebirth of American progress and greatness.

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Its a diagnosis of the problem that any number of Democratic strategists recoil at, arguing the party has substantive problems that go beyond communications. But at the DNC, its still the common refrain.

Blink and its 2028

Oh, you thought we were done with the primary calendar drama after 2024? Think again.

One of the DNCs main tasks ahead of the next presidential cycle is to determine the order of the partys state primaries. Democrats acquiesced to Bidens request to elevate South Carolina, which propelled him to the nomination in 2020, to the lead-off spot in 2024, leapfrogging three states that traditionally came before it: Iowa, the first caucus, New Hampshire, the first primary, and Nevada. That set off a prolonged intraparty feud over New Hampshires place in the lineup, one that ended with the Granite State going rogue and going first and Biden winning a write-in campaign his allies waged there on his behalf  and with the states delegates being seated at the partys summer convention despite the threat of DNC sanctions.

Now Democrats are girding to fight that battle again. And, as Paul noted, New Hampshire still has a state law that requires it hold its presidential primary a week before any other state: New Hampshire is going to go first because their state law says its going to go first, and theyre just going to do that no matter what we say, he said, though he said hed like to see a different lineup afterward.

But the main contenders for chair? Martin didnt weigh in explicitly about the calendar but said whatever the order is has to battle test our nominees so we can win. And Wikler borrowed Martin's line, citing his success as the Wisconsin party chair. We should have a process that honors our traditions, our coalitions that ensures we battle test our candidates, Wikler said.
BALTIMORE  Marylands Legislative Black Caucus is prioritizing a slate of bills aimed at equity and justice reform for Maryland youth, while pushing to reverse Gov. Wes Moores proposed cuts to education funding.

Were saying yes to our children, House Judiciary Committee Vice Chair Sandy Bartlett, an Anne Arundel County Democrat, said at an Annapolis news conference Thursday.

Sponsored by Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chair Will Smith from Montgomery County and Del. Karen Toles of Prince Georges County, both Democrats, the Youth Equity and Safety, or YES, Act would end the automatic charging of children as adults for certain offenses and reduce the requirement that kids be placed in restrictive housing when they are held in Department of Juvenile Services facilities.

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The bill has yet to be introduced. A previous version of it was sponsored in 2023 by former Sen. Jill P. Carter, a Democrat from Baltimore. That legislation would have ensured that children enter the justice system through juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. The burden would have been on the local states attorney to petition that the case be waived up to the adult court system.

Currently, children who are charged as adults must petition the court to have their cases sent to juvenile court.

According to Del. Cheryl Pasteur, a Democrat from Prince Georges County, Maryland leads the nation in the incarceration of Black men. Marylands prison population is 72% Black, but the states overall population is only 31% Black. Bartlett said that the passage of the YES Act could alleviate that inequity.

The automatic charging process disproportionately affects Black and Brown children, exposing them to unsafe and traumatic experiences within the justice system, Robin Salter, the Regional Director of Youth Defense for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, said in a statement. To think, if prison is used as a punishment system for adults, then placing children  who are still developing mentally, physically, and emotionally  in the adult system is purely torturous. 

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Smith said the 2025 version of the bill will be pared down from Carters previous bill to leave out some of the more violent offenses.

I deeply believe that we need to end the practice of auto-charging. I believe that, fundamentally, he said.

Smith also said that, in any other element of government, similar actions would be seen as fiscal responsibility and efficiency measures.

Youre going to save money, youre going to get better public safety outcomes, he said, noting that kids who go through the juvenile court system are more likely to get access to services and supports they need than those who are adjudicated in criminal court. Its a better way to operate government.

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The Legislative Black Caucus is also prioritizing a bill to strike Marylands felony murder rule for children.

Felony murder is akin to guilt by association.

Under current Maryland law, people can be found guilty of murder if someone is killed during the commission of a crime, even if they did not commit the fatal act or know that someone had died. For example, if two people rob a convenience store and one of them ends up killing the clerk, both could be convicted of first-degree murder.

According to Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue, felony murder historically has resulted in mandatory life sentences for those who are convicted, and prosecutors are not required to prove that there was an intent to kill.

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Legislation to end the practice would require that the state provide evidence that the person involved in the crime committed murder.

Previous iterations of the bill, which has yet to be introduced, were sponsored in past sessions by Del. Charlotte Crutchfield, a Democrat from Montgomery County.

At a briefing on felony murder in the House Judiciary Committee Thursday, Howard County States Attorney Rich Gibson testified in favor of maintaining the policy, calling it a critical tool for ensuring public safety, deterring dangerous crimes, and delivering justice to victims and their families.

Felony murder laws provide justice to victims families. They provide fairness because they create a potential outcome that captures the harm committed by the choice of the criminal act, Gibson said. Felony murder laws recognize that when criminals act in group, they tend to enable and assist each other, and if they played a role in committing a crime where death resulted, they must face the appropriate consequences.

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Beyond juvenile justice policy, members of the Legislative Black Caucus also have their eyes set on cuts to education funding Gov. Wes Moore made in his proposed budget.

Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, a Montgomery County Democrat and the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said community schools are a key priority for the caucus when it comes to implementing the Blueprint for Marylands Future education reform plan.

Schools with a higher number of students receiving free and reduced meals can be designated as community schools. These schools offer additional personnel and wraparound services like extended learning time, school-based health services and more mental health services. They are funded through a concentration of poverty grants through the Blueprint.

Under Moores proposed budget, however, funding for community schools would be frozen at fiscal 2026 levels, which would impact hundreds of schools across the state.

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Moore is planning to make adjustments to the Blueprint, saving $2.5 billion over five years to support future investments in the education plan, according to Maryland Budget Secretary Helene Grady.

We see this as a significant step for clearing up the Blueprint funds while improving on its execution and focusing on the results for kids, she said.

The Legislative Black Caucus plans to work to reverse the cuts.

If were talking about halting, pausing, cutting funding, were talking about cutting those supports to those students and to those schools that are the most in need, Wilkins said.

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At 11 years old she was told she was going to Central Florida to visit her father. But she never went back to her native Venezuela. Now at 19 she lives in Orlando, awaiting a court date to find out if she can continue the life she has built in the U.S. or must return to a country in the midst of political turmoil and a humanitarian crisis.

The woman, who asked not to be named because she fears persecution, shared her story and her worries at a recent community meeting aimed at informing people at risk of deportation under the incoming Trump administration. For years, those like her who seek political asylum often have been allowed to remain in the U.S. pending resolution of their cases. But the backlog of unresolved asylum requests is more than a million individuals long, driving up immigrant numbers and sparking controversy. She has been waiting for a hearing for six years.

Its very suffocatingI cant leave the country or I wont be able to come back in and my elderly family members in Venezuela, we arent able to help them especially as Venezuela is going through an especially tough time right now, she said. Youre always concerned because the reality is you dont have a secure place.

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Immigrant advocacy groups like Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, which held the Thursday night meeting the woman attended, have begun working to offer solutions but much is unclear.

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to begin mass deportations quickly upon taking office, and in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis seems eager to help as he called for a special legislative session this week to aid in implementing immigration policy changes. Exactly who would be deported and how the process would work has yet to be detailed.

Whatever happens will have outsized impact in Florida, which has an estimated 1.2 million undocumented workers according to an analysis by the PEW Foundation of census information and 400,000 pending asylum cases, with the largest chunk of asylum seekers coming from Cuba. Legal residents may also need to be prepared to regularly prove their immigration status; 21 percent of Floridians were born in another country.

The Thursday training session at the Apopka center filled a room with roughly 60 mixed status Central Floridians for a nearly two-hour discussion with immigration lawyers and advocates.

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The Spanish and English-language session advised undocumented immigrants and those waiting for a court date to collect a list of documents proving how long they have lived in the U.S., to grant a legal resident a legal power of attorney to take care of their children, and to memorize phone numbers of loved ones they would need if suddenly taken into custody. Lawyers told immigrants not to open the door of their home to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, unless the agents have a warrant.

We are preparing for the worst because the worst is going to come, Marisela Zamora, the centers citizenship program manager, said at the meeting. Were here because unfortunately this is the reality we are now facing and the best thing we can do is be prepared.

Meetings similar to Thursdays will be held across the region, center Executive Director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet said.

The community is scared, Sousa-Lazaballet said. We need the immigrant community to have a plan for who will pick up their kids at school if theyre picked up at an ICE raid at work, for example.

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Other agencies are pushing a similar message.

The Hello Project by the Orlando Center for Justice, a nonprofit that provides legal services to underrepresented groups who cannot afford a lawyer, will begin hosting workshops in Kissimmee at the Buenaventura Lakes Library in February. The nonprofit worked with immigrants in 2023 after the passage of Floridas SB1718, which sought to tighten monitoring of undocumented immigrants and block their employment. Back then the nonprofit warned immigrants to stay at home during the first weeks of the law. This time, the centers co-founder, Melissa Marantes, said she worries about the mass detentions that could precede large-scale deportations, further backlogging the 250,000 cases already pending in Orlandos immigration court.

Because once a person is detained and lets say that theyre not released and they have to fight their case while theyre detained we now have a family without someone working and having to pay legal fees, Marantes said. The immigration system is not criminalso a person needs to find their own representation and be able to save up for it to afford it so thats what creates a lot of inequality.

The largest group of immigrants in Florida is from Cuba, and the largest number of undocumented immigrants hail from Mexico. Florida also has seen an onslaught of immigrants from Venezuela during the ruthless reign of Nicolas Maduro, and they comprised the second largest group of undocumented immigrants in the state at 13% or 102,000, according to an analysis of 2019 data from the American Community Survey by the Migration Policy Institute.

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However, the 19-year-old asylum seeker who spoke at the Apopka meeting is in the U.S. legally. Federal immigration laws allow those waiting for a court date on their asylum case to live and work in the U.S. Immigrants in that situation pose a particular challenge for Trumps deportation plans, since they cannot simply be returned to the country they are fleeing because they may be in danger. During Trumps first term, his administration struck a deal to keep a limited number of asylum-seekers from Spanish-speaking countries in Mexico while their U.S. cases were waiting to be heard, a practice the Biden administration continued.

Fearful of deportation, the 19-year-old woman is working part-time in social services in Central Florida helping others get food stamps, Medicaid and other resources. If she is allowed to stay in the U.S., she may pursue college here, she says.

The woman lives with her father, step-mother and brother in Orange County, but would love to see relatives in Venezuela she left with little warning eight years ago.

Until that process is done and you get the hearing and they decide if you are allowed to stay or not youre kind of in this limbo, She said. I would love to go back to Venezuela but not to live, just to visit my family.
Following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that dismantled the federal right to abortion and opened the door for state bans, leaders in some states are limiting or halting the work of committees that investigate deaths that occur during and after pregnancy. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Every state has a committee of medical and public health experts tasked with investigating deaths that occur during and after pregnancy.

But as data paints a clearer picture of the impact that state policies such as abortion bans and Medicaid expansion can have on maternal health, leaders in some states are rushing to limit their review committees work  or halt it altogether.

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In November, Georgia officials dismissed all 32 members of the states maternal mortality review committee after investigative reporters used internal committee documents to link the deaths of two women to the states six-week abortion ban. In September, Texas announced its committee would not review 2022 and 2023 maternal deaths  the two years immediately following its near-total abortion ban. And two years ago, Idaho effectively disbanded its committee when conservative groups went after members for calling on the state to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum women.

In March, Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders created her own maternal health advisory group after Arkansas maternal mortality review committee, like Idahos, recommended extending the amount of time that low-income postpartum women can qualify for Medicaid coverage  something Sanders has staunchly opposed.

The maternal mortality rate for U.S. women is far higher than in any other high-income country, and Black women are more than twice as likely to die during pregnancy or after birth than the national average. Research has shown most of these maternal deaths are preventable.

State officials have given varying reasons for their decisions.

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Sanders has called an extension of postpartum Medicaid duplicative because Arkansas has other insurance options. The maternal mortality review committee chair in Texas said the panel would skip a full review of the 2022 and 2023 deaths in order to offer analysis and recommendations based on the most recently available data. And Georgias state health officer said she dismissed committee members because they violated state law by sharing confidential information. Georgia plans to replace them with new appointees.

Charles Johnson, an Atlanta father of two whose wife, Kira, died in 2016 after a routine cesarean section and who has advocated for maternal health committees, is dubious. He said the dismissal of the Georgia panel appears to be an attempt to retaliate for exposing some of the unfortunate outcomes of Georgias laws.

The only role politicians and politics should have in this work is to support the committees and make sure they have the resources needed to do their job, said Johnson, who founded a nonprofit in his wifes memory, 4Kira4Moms, and in 2018 testified before Congress to push for a measure supporting the creation of more state committees. It was signed into federal law that year.

Maternal mortality review committee recommendations lead to change

While every state has a maternal mortality review committee, often abbreviated to MMRC, many of them were established just in the past decade, as state and federal officials focused attention on the nations high maternal death rates.

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These committees perform comprehensive, deep-dive reviews of any deaths in the state that occur during pregnancy or within the year following a pregnancy. The committees typically comprise a mix of professionals including obstetricians, nurses, public health officials, forensics experts, behavioral health providers and community advocates. They issue public reports that highlight their findings and make recommendations for how the state can prevent future deaths.

Being able to answer questions with hard data is really important for informed policymaking, said Jennifer Callaghan-Koru, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the research director at the Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative.

We want to be able to answer questions for policymakers to help with crafting legislation or regulations that are going to provide the best outcomes for mothers and babies, but also balance all the different needs of a health care system that has cost considerations.

Many states have adopted their committees recommendations. Illinois, for example, was the first state to extend Medicaid coverage to all women for one year postpartum after legislators followed the advice of its MMRC. In Washington, when the states MMRC found that pregnancy-related deaths werent always referred to the local medical examiner for autopsy, the state Legislature passed a law requiring birthing hospitals to refer those deaths to the local coroner or medical examiner, and it provided funding for the autopsies.

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In California, which in the mid-2000s became one of the first states to start formally investigating maternal deaths, expert recommendations adopted by the state and health care providers helped cut the maternal mortality rate in half by 2013.

Reports often lag a few years behind, due to the time-consuming nature of the investigations. But now that more than two years have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the federal right to abortion and opened the door for state abortion bans, MMRCs are starting to review data that could paint a clearer picture of the rulings impact on maternal health.

Investigating maternal deaths after state abortion bans

Last year, the investigative news outlet ProPublica obtained internal documents from Georgias MMRC that found two Georgia women died preventable deaths in 2022 after they couldnt access legal abortions and timely care. Georgia law prohibits abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

Dr. Kathleen Toomey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, said in November that she dismissed the committee members because confidential information provided to them was inappropriately shared with the ProPublica reporters, violating state law and the confidentiality agreement that committee members must sign.

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The states investigation never determined whether a committee member, or someone else, leaked the documents.

I am concerned that this will continue to happen in other places, said Johnson, the Atlanta father. I think that Georgia demonstrated an overreach and abuse of power that other states and other state medical directors may not have been aware they have.

Last September, Texas MMRC made headlines by announcing it wouldnt review maternal deaths from 2022 and 2023. The committee chair, Houston OB-GYN Dr. Carla Ortique, said skipping those years would help avoid a backlog of older cases so they could work on more recent deaths. The committees latest report, released that same month, covers 2020 cases. Ortique also noted that a few years ago, before the abortion ban, the committee leapfrogged records from 2014 to 2018.

But the decision also means the committee wont investigate any potential deaths that could be connected to the states abortion ban for the first two years it was in effect. ProPublicas reporting has tied the deaths of three Texas women to ban-related delays in care.

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They dont want the public to know that the policies theyre passing to hinder womens reproductive rights are having a negative impact.

 Tennessee Democratic state Sen. London Lamar

Tennessee state Sen. London Lamar, a Democrat, sponsored a bill signed into law last spring that requires the states MMRC to reserve four of its seats for community-based birth workers. She hopes the move will increase the diversity of perspectives on the committee and position it to make recommendations that address the severe racial and economic maternal health disparities in the state.

In Tennessee, as in many states, Black women die at two to three times the rate of white and Hispanic women from pregnancy-related causes, while low-income women who qualify for Medicaid are nearly three times as likely to die as their counterparts with private insurance.

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Lamar, who lost her baby at full term in 2019 due to a pregnancy-related condition, is frustrated by conservative politicians efforts to intervene in what she said should be a bipartisan issue.

When majority governments take steps to remove people because they are not pleased with recommendations that are based on their own ineffective legislating, to me thats an abuse of power, said Lamar. They dont want the public to know that the policies theyre passing to hinder womens reproductive rights are having a negative impact.

An Arkansas workaround

Arkansas is the only state in the nation that hasnt taken steps to extended its Medicaid coverage to one year postpartum for low-income women. Nationally, researchers and advocates have stressed the importance of continuing insurance coverage after birth because more than half of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. occur in the year following a pregnancy, and Medicaid covers about 40% of births.

In recent years, Arkansas maternal mortality review committee has recommended postpartum Medicaid extension as a way to reduce maternal deaths.

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But the governor remains staunchly opposed.

[W]e want to make sure that we are transitioning women to coverage that already exists in the state, Sanders said during a March 2024 news conference. I dont believe creating a duplicative program just for the sake of creating a program is actually going to fix the issue. We already have so many women who arent taking advantage of the coverage that exists.

About 40% of low-income pregnant women in Arkansas lose their Medicaid eligibility two months after they give birth.

Last March, the governor created her own maternal health working group to review and recommend solutions for improving maternal and infant health.

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The working group of more than 100 people included health care professionals, advocates and public health officials. They held meetings throughout the year, facilitated by state health department officials.

The group released its report in September. It does not include extending pregnancy Medicaid among its recommendations. Three months later, Arkansas MMRC released its latest report; for the first time since 2020, postpartum Medicaid extension wasnt among its recommendations.

Camille Richoux, health policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, was part of the governors working group. She said postpartum Medicaid extension was not included in the report even though it was brought up several times during group meetings.

We had a feeling it was not going to make it through because the governor had made that stance, but there were still people who believe it should happen, she said. But ultimately this was a really positive group with lots of great people with expertise, and some great recommendations that came out of it. Arkansas Advocates is one of many groups that continue to push for the extension.

Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Kay Chandler, who is also an OB-GYN in Little Rock, said one reason postpartum Medicaid extension was not recommended by the working group is that most Arkansans who lose their Medicaid coverage 60 days postpartum could be eligible for subsidized coverage under the states public-private insurance program called ARHOME.

A lot of people werent aware of what we already have, she told Stateline. What we are hoping is if we streamline this process and make it easier for women to get into the appropriate plan they qualify for, thats going to be a better long-term solution than just extending Medicaid for one year postpartum, she said.

As the states 2025 legislative session begins this week, Richoux said she expects several bills related to maternal health, including one for postpartum Medicaid extension. Earlier this month, Arkansas was awarded a $17 million federal grant to fund maternal health improvements. Sanders said the money will be used to increase the maternal care workforce and improve access to care.

Conservative pushback

Last March, Idaho lawmakers, led by Republican former House Majority Leader Megan Blanksma, reinstated its maternal mortality review committee.

Prior to that, Idaho was the only state without a maternal mortality review committee after lawmakers in 2023 effectively disbanded it by not renewing legislation. At the time, the Idaho Freedom Foundation and other conservative groups blasted the states MMRC for recommending postpartum Medicaid extension. State lawmakers tabled the bill in part over concerns over the cost of extending pregnancy Medicaid.

In this file photo, Idaho House Majority Leader Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, delivers remarks on the House floor at the State Capitol building in Boise on Jan. 23, 2024. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)

Two months after legislators passed a law reinstating the MMRC, Blanksma lost her Republican primary to a candidate backed by the Idaho Freedom Foundation.

Idahos newly reconstituted committee is scheduled to release a report on 2023 maternal deaths at the end of this month.

In Georgia, the state health department is interviewing candidates for a newly constituted MMRC, according to a department spokesperson. Toomey, the state health officer, also said the state will consider new procedures to ensure confidentiality, including committee oversight and a modified organizational structure.

Johnson said hes spoken with former members of the Georgia MMRC who doubt the new committee will be truly independent. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful.

Even though this has been politicized, I think [state officials] may have shot themselves in the foot, he said. Because now people are calling for more accountability, more transparency and theyre holding peoples feet to the fire.

Stateline, like the Idaho Capital Sun, 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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MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Matthews interim police chief is retiring at the end of the month.

Major Roy Sisk has filled the role twice in recent years. First when Clark Pennington retired suddenly in 2022, then again last fall, when Mike Clesceri stepped down less than one year leading the force. His last day is slated for Jan. 31.

Sisk has more than 30 years experience in law enforcement, serving in his current interim role since September.

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Matthews leaders against downtown widening project, but residents say something must be done

Roy has been an outstanding leader and a cornerstone of the Matthews Police Department throughout his 22 years of dedicated service, said Town Manager Becky Hawke. His professionalism, integrity and commitment to the community have left a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for his steady leadership through departmental transitions and his contributions as interim chief. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

Sisk has his professional roots in Union County.



It has been an honor to serve the people of Matthews alongside the dedicated officers and staff of the department, said Sisk. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that the department is well-positioned for future success.



Sisk began his law enforcement career with Wingate University in 1994. In 1995, he joined the Marshville Police Department where he served for eight years and earned the rank of sergeant. In 2003, he crossed into Mecklenburg County to join the Matthews Police Department where over the last 22 years, he served as a patrol Officer, field training officer, patrol corporal, patrol sergeant, captain, and major.



In addition to his leadership positions, Sisk has served on the Special Response Team (SRT), become a North Carolina Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, and earned a bachelors degree from Wingate University and his Master of Executive Leadership from Liberty University.

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Over the past two centuries, the global economic landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly with Asias share of world GDP.

Professor Lawrence Juen-yee Lau, a Doctor of Education honoris causa at the University of Macau (UM) and former vice-chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, shared insights on this topic during his lecture titled China in the Global Economy at UM.

In 1820, China accounted for nearly 30% of the worlds GDP, while India represented about 15%. Together, they contributed to Asias share of more than half of global GDP.

At that time, the United States was a nascent nation, contributing only about 3%. By the mid-20th century, however, the US share had surged to roughly 30%.

Chinas economic resurgence is particularly noteworthy. After a period of decline until around 1850, Chinas GDP began a remarkable recovery, achieving parity with the US in purchasing power parity in 2014.

The performance of the Chinese economy since 1949 has been most impressive, Lau noted, highlighting an average annual growth rate of 8.35% from 1949 to 2023.

The economic reforms initiated in 1978 and Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization in 2000 have been pivotal. These developments facilitated the transfer of surplus labor from agriculture to urban centers, propelling rapid industrialization.

As of now, Chinas GDP stands at approximately USD17 trillion, about two-thirds that of the US, though its per capita GDP remains significantly lower.

Meanwhile, East Asia, encompassing China, Japan, ASEAN countries, Korea, and Taiwan, now holds a larger share of global GDP than the US Japans share, however, has declined from around 18% to less than 5%.

While the euro area and Japan have experienced slowing growth, the US is growing at about 3%, with China continuing to expand robustly and India emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies.

International Trade Trends

In 1960, Chinas trade represented a minimal fraction of global trade. By 2023, it had grown to approximately 11%, matching the US share. East Asia has led this trade growth, with the US remaining Chinas largest trading partner, followed by Japan and Korea.

Conversely, China has become the largest trading partner for many countries, including all ASEAN nations, underscoring its growing influence in global trade.

Lau emphasized, East Asia actually has a higher share of GDP than the US today, and noted, China has really grown in terms of its influence in the global economy It is the most important trading partner of most countries in the world.

Manufacturing Dominance

China now leads the world in manufacturing, surpassing major economies like the United States, the European Union, Japan, and India. This dominance is a critical component of its economic strength.

Lau stated, China now has the highest share of world manufacturing East Asia has the highest share of manufacturing in the world, but mostly because of China.

In response, the US has recognized the need to revitalize its manufacturing sector, with an increasing trend toward reshoringbringing manufacturing back to the US to boost domestic production capabilities.

The US is working on reshoring to increase manufacturing inside the US itself, Lau added.

Foreign Exchange Reserves

China holds the largest foreign exchange reserves globally, totaling about $3.2 trillion, solidifying its position in international finance. Japan follows with nearly $1 trillion, while the euro area and Russia also maintain substantial reserves.

Lau stated, China today has the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world, about $3.2 trillion. Victoria Chan
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Thursday that Gavin Thornton has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulus Office of Economic Revitalization (OER). Thornton has been said to be a seasoned expert in economic policy and coalition building, will focus on expanding economic opportunities for Oahu residents.

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Gavins deep understanding of Hawaiis economic landscape makes him an excellent choice for this role, Blangiardi said. His experience developing policies that promote economic security will be invaluable as we work to create a more resilient and equitable economy for everyone on Oahu.

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Before joining the city, Thornton served as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, a nonprofit focused on policy changes to help the community thrive.

He led successful initiatives such as supporting the creation of the Hawaii Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides $80 million annually in wage supplements for working families. He also advocated for minimum wage increases aimed at improving the income of low-wage workers.

UH Manoa study reveals sad news of U.S. health care workers

Throughout my career, Ive focused on ensuring everyone has access to safe housing, good jobs, and the resources to succeed in Hawaii, Thornton said. The Office of Economic Revitalization is dedicated to improving lives on Oahu, and Im honored to join the team and contribute to that mission.

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Amy Asselbaye, Executive Director of OER, also praised Thorntons appointment. Gavin has fought for policies that make life in Hawaii more affordable, create good jobs, and support our most vulnerable residents, Asselbaye said. His leadership will help us continue our work to ensure all families in Oahu can prosper.

Thornton is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and has a long history of working in public service and advocating for economic justice, including his role at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.

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Thornton officially begins his new role with the Office of Economic Revitalization on January 16, 2025.

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Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Democrats should follow the lead of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who has openly supported some of the GOP rhetoric on immigration.

Listen to Fetterman. I mean, Fetterman should be the leader of the Democratic Party if they ever want to win the majority again, McCarthy said Thursday evening in an interview with Fox Newss Laura Ingraham.

His comments came a day after the House passed Rep. Nancy Maces (R-S.C.) bill supporting the deportation of illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes or domestic violence. More than 60 Democrats voted in favor of the measure but as a collective, McCarthy said the party is still out of touch.

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The California Republican, who retired from Congress in 2023 after being ousted as Speaker, criticized those who spoke out against the bill.

I would expect the Democrats to talk like this a year ago, before the election. Have they not heard what the voters have said? he continued. Remember, this isnt throw everyone out who came here illegally who broke the law You have to sexually assault somebody, and they still want to protect [them].

Despite the pushback, the House earlier this month passed legislation named after the slain Georgia student Laken Riley that would require detention of migrants arrested for theft. The bill, set to be voted on in the Senate Friday, honors the woman killed by a Venezuelan migrant who was arrested for shoplifting ahead of the attack and paroled in the U.S.

Fetterman has recently spoken in favor of deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

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If youre here illegally and youre committing crimes and those things, I dont know why anybody thinks that its controversial that they all need to go, Fetterman said in a separate Fox News interview.

He said Democrats who dont support similar approaches to immigration were the reason why we lost.

The Pennsylvania senator has been seemingly warm to President-elect Trumps Cabinet picks, suggesting he could support the confirmations of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as secretary of state, Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary and Kash Patel to lead the FBI.

Fetterman recently met with Trump, who has threatened mass deportations for illegal immigrants, at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, a meeting the president-elect called fascinating.

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A protester holds up a sign in the hallway at the Rhode Island State House during Gov. Dan McKee's State of the State 2025 address on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Gov. Dan McKee clearly intended to convey confidence and inclusivity in Tuesday nights State of the State speech. Too bad he undermined that message before he even stepped to the rostrum.

In a break from tradition, McKee prohibited independent television cameras in the chamber. Instead local TV-news channels were forced to rely on a broadcast feed from the state-funded and operated Capitol TV.

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Additionally, protesters who had planned to assemble in the Rotunda  a perennial rally point inside the State House  were rebuffed by barriers and a sign announcing the Department of Administration had reserved the space from 4:30 to 10 p.m. That pushed the previously-planned Peoples State of the State rally, which focused on homelessness and economic disparities, further from the House chamber into the first floors Bell Room.

If the stakes were lower, it might be sufficient to point out the irony in these moves. While delivering an hourlong speech with a theme of storytelling, McKee limited journalists ability to tell the story of the speech. In an address that emphasized collaboration across differences, McKee took steps to keep dissenting voices out of earshot. Its the people in Rhode Island who make our story special, he said at one point, while, outside the chamber, Capitol Police and Rhode Island State Police patrolled a cordoned-off public space, where a sign read DO NOT ENTER.

But McKees norm-breaking restrictions werent just a silly gaffe. And his actions received quick  and appropriate  disapproval. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi told reporters he couldnt recall a time during the tenures of former Govs. Gina Raimondo or Lincoln Chafee when similar steps had been taken. I think it breeds mistrust among the media and the advocates, he said.

Tim White, a longtime WPRI investigative reporter and a member of the New England First Amendment Coalitions board of directors, called the camera ban unacceptable and said the restriction  which limited the publics ability to see the speechs reception, including the reactions of legislators  amounted to a form of censorship.

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McKees norm-breaking restrictions werent just a silly gaffe. And his actions received quick  and appropriate  disapproval.

At one point, the Providence Journals Kathy Gregg, a veteran member of the RI press corps, asked on X if either policy had a precedent.

Early efforts to understand the governors choices did little to quell the dismay. On X, WPRI assignment manager Anita Baffoni noted that, prior to the speech, she had asked multiple people in the governors office for access to the chamber, but was told there wasnt room, which she noted was a departure from previous years. After the speech, McKees press secretary said a miscommunication resulting from a transition in staff  not a lack of space  was to blame for the camera ban. Though, as the Boston Globe noted, the governor has had the same comms director since taking office.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the governor explained that the Rotunda had simply been pre-reserved before protestors asked to use it. But the Rotunda remained conspicuously empty throughout the evening.

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Rhode Island ACLU Executive Director Steve Brown called the governors two moves very troubling from a free speech point of view, noting that the closure of the Rotunda seemed to serve no apparent reasonother than to make [a] rally more difficult.

Its customary for the opposition party to deliver an address right after the State of the State. On Tuesday evening, Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz of North Smithfield delivered a response on behalf of Rhode Island Republicans which called attention to avoidable crises like the RIBridges data breach and the Washington Bridge shutdown.

This year, it feels appropriate to add a brief, separate response on behalf of the states people and press.

First, the governors actions toward the press and protestors, which would have been ill-advised at any time, were especially tone-deaf at our current moment.

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McKee acknowledged in his speech that a new president will take office in less than a week. Surely he knows this incoming president has a track record of tear-gassing protestors for the sake of a photo op, encouraging people at his rallies to rough up protestors, and levying an endless stream of invective against the fourth estate. (Indeed, McKee has written an op-ed warning against President-elect Donald Trumps authoritarian style.) Rather than use the State of the State to affirm the value of democratic freedoms of the press and assembly, he instead took steps to curtail them.

In doing so, on Tuesday night, McKee added to his own less-than-stellar record of transparency. Before taking office, he initially refused to release the names of applicants for the lieutenant governor position he was vacating which, due to the unusual circumstances, would be filled by an appointment instead of an election. Since becoming governor, he and/or his administration have charged hefty fees for public records, scaled back access to public meetings, and opposed legislation that would strengthen the states public records laws. In the early aftermath of the Washington Bridge debacle, McKee snapped at a reporter for asking a reasonable question about the future employment of Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. He also released a salacious email about misconduct within his administration only after the Attorney Generals office forced him to. Tuesdays events seem less like innocent missteps and more like part of a disturbing pattern.

And so, at this turbulent time in both our nation and states history, I offer a reminder.Gov. McKee, engaging with journalists and protestors is not an optional part of your job. In a democracy, it comes with the gig. By taking steps to restrict both during your biggest speech of the year, you showed weakness, not strength. And you also sent an alarming message about the actual state of our state: In Rhode Island, were not as removed from the countrys antidemocratic drift as we might hope.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  On January 10, 2025, Dr. Sandra Harper retired after 11 years as the President of McMurry University. Just three days into her tenure as the universitys 11th president, Dr. Lynne Murray sat down with KTAB/KRBC for a conversation about what shes learned and what she looks forward to bringing to the university, students, and community.

McMurry University president to retire after 40+ years of leadership in higher education

When I think about Dr. Sandra Harper and what shes contributed to McMurry and this community, I first of all say thank you to her, and I say I wont let you down, Murray shared.

Murray moved to Abilene from Kansas, where she had served as the President of Baker University for 10 years. She discovered McMurry during the period when Harper announced her retirement and a national search was underway for her replacement. Murray said that when she learned more about the school, it felt like the perfect fit.

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I was looking for a change in my career, and I was looking for an institution with a great reputation, an institution that shared my values, and an institution committed to excellence because thats what I believe in, said Murray.

Building on that firm foundation, Murray shared she is excited to dive head first into the ongoing university programs as she works to grow the schools offerings, presence, and reach. The new president speaks highly of the schools recent partnerships with institutions such as the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing to transition to full McMurry ownership

My entire career has been in higher education for the most part. So Ive come up through the ranks if you will. Ive seen the evolution of higher education, and what Ive noticed is those institutions, especially private institutions, that will succeed are going to be the ones that find the partnerships, that look to Cisco College, for example, or Texas Wesleyan. These are two partnerships that McMurry has just entered into, Murray said.

Murray is also looking to broaden the impact of the schools online and dual credit programs for high school students, continue to foster school-alumni relations and expand the schools national presence. All these tasks, she says, wouldnt be possible if not for the people and ideas that came before.

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McMurry University boasts largest enrollment in schools 100-year history

I think here at McMurry, we are poised for greatness. I can say that with confidence because our enrollment is up. Weve hit record enrollment, and weve had record fundraising. Were coming off a one-hundred-year centennial celebration. I get to come in, and I get to work with the students and the faculty and staff for the next hundred years, Murray said.

Murray is looking forward to getting to know the people of Abilene, along with the students, staff, and alumni who make McMurry so special. And, of course, shes also excited to meet any prospective students down the line!

I would like to say to the Abilene community I cant wait to meet you. I think McMurry is in a great position. I want to meet you and be a partner with you, said Murray. To the students out there in high school, I would say dont overlook us. Were affordable, and were great. Just check out the website and youll see for yourselves. I chose McMurry, and I think you would too.

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RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Russell County Rep. Josh Branscum has filed a motion to rename the entirety of US Route 1-27 in the county in honor of Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps.

Phipps was killed on Sept. 16 in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a suspect.

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The resolution says that the passing of Phipps has left an indelible scar on the entire Russell County community, who collectively mourned the passing of their fallen hero.

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If passed, the road would be called Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps Memorial Highway.

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Representatives take their oath of office in the House chambers at the Oregon Capitol in Salem on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/Pool)

The Oregon House will get its first Japanese American representative after Multnomah and Washington county commissioners voted to appoint Bethany Democrat Mari Watanabe to a vacant seat in the state House.

County commissioners appointed Mari Watanabe to the state House on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Courtesy of Mari Watanabe)

Watanabe, who will replace newly appointed Sen. Lisa Reynolds in the House, is the last of 19 new faces in the state Legislature, which will begin its work in earnest on Tuesday. The 11 new representatives and eight new senators include several former legislators who are returning to Salem and family members of two Republican senators who were disqualified from running for reelection because they missed six weeks of floor sessions during a 2023 quorum-denying walkout.

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Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards described Watanabe as a powerful leader during an appointment meeting on Wednesday evening, though she also praised Watanabe for knowing when to step back and let others lead.

Watanabe has lived in the 34th House District in southeast Portland and Beaverton for two decades, working for corporations including Nike and for nonprofit organizations. She was raised in Washington by parents who were forced into internment camps during World War II, and that heritage led her to serve as executive director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and of Partners in Diversity, a nonprofit organization that champions diversity, equity and inclusion.

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, was among the speakers at the meeting who urged county commissioners to pick Watanabe. He said he met her at a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Japanese removal act and considered her a truly transformational, experienced, collaborative and thoughtful leader.

Heres a look at Oregons other new lawmakers:

House

Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland

Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland. (Provided)

Chotzen, a public defender, won a primary to replace now-Sen. Khanh Pham in the reliably Democratic 46th House District seat. He ran on fixing the states public defense crisis, which over the past few years has left thousands of Oregonians facing criminal charges while waiting for their constitutional right to representation. Chotzen was a middle school math teacher before earning his law degree and leading the misdemeanor unit at the Metropolitan Public Defender in Multnomah County. Hell be a vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee and serve on the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee and the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley

Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Dobson, a community organizer and member of the North Clackamas School Board, will replace former Rep. Janelle Bynum, a fellow Democrat elected to Congress in November. She has been involved in education advocacy since one of her children was diagnosed with autism and ran on expanding access to affordable child care and mental health care, as well as improving schools. Shes a vice chair of the House Education Committee and a member of the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade Committee and Housing and Homelessness Committee.

Rep. Christine Drazan, R-Canby

Rep. Christine Drazan, R-Canby. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

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Drazan, a former House Republican leader who resigned in late 2021 for an unsuccessful campaign for governor, surprised many when she chose to run in the primary against her replacement in the House, Rep. James Hieb in the 51st House District. Drazan won by a landslide in May and returned to her former post as minority leader before even taking her oath of office. She was a foil to Gov. Tina Kotek during Koteks tenure as House speaker and has returned to her role as Koteks chief critic.

Rep. Darcey Edwards, R-Banks

Rep. Darcey Edwards, R-Banks. (Campaign photo)

Voters in the 31st House District had minimal representation over the past two years, as former Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, barred Rep. Brian Stout, R-Columbia City, from serving on any legislative committees because of a restraining order by a former campaign volunteer against him. Stout chose not to run for reelection and endorsed Edwards, a real estate agent. Shes a member of four committees: the joint committees on Information Management and Technology and Addiction and Community Safety Response; and the House Climate, Energy and Environment, and Housing and Homelessness committees.

Rep. Lisa Fragala, D-Eugene

Rep. Lisa Fragala, D-Eugene. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Fragala, a longtime elementary school teacher and community partnership coordinator for Pacific Universitys college of education, replaced longtime Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, who retired. She experienced homelessness as a child after her mother lost her job, and she heard similar stories from students and families. Shes a vice chair of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and a member of the House Housing and Homelessness and Labor and Workplace Standards committees.

Rep. Darin Harbick, R-McKenzie Bridge

Rep. Darin Harbick, R-McKenzie Bridge. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The small business owner from rural Lane County launched a campaign to defeat Rep. Charlie Conrad, a former police officer who switched his party registration to Independent from Republican after losing in the primary. Conrad experienced the ire of his former party for voting with Democrats on a bill to expand access to abortion and gender-affirming care, as well as for supporting ranked choice voting and opposing President-elect Donald Trump. Harbicks campaign, supported by Oregon Right to Life, centered around attacking Conrad. Harbick is a vice chair of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and member of the Behavioral Health and Health Care and Education committees.

Rep. Shannon Isadore, D-Portland

Shannon Isadore addresses an Emerge Oregon fundraising event at Langdon Farms Golf Club in Aurora on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (Photo by Andie Petkus Photography)

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Isadore joined the House a few months ahead of schedule, as she was appointed to replace U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter in the 33rd House District in October. Isadore is the founder and CEO of the Oregon Change Clinic, which provides addiction and mental health treatment for people of color, and her campaign focused on addiction, mental health and housing. She replaces Bynum as the only Black woman in the House. Shes a vice chair of the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade Committee and serves on the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response and House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee.

Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis

Representative Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

McDonald replaced Rayfield, now Oregons attorney general. Shes an academic adviser at Oregon State University and former member of the Corvallis School Board who founded the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group. McDonald announced Wednesday that she learned shortly after the November election that her colon cancer is no longer in remission and shell undergo chemotherapy while serving in the Legislature. Shes a vice chair of the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water Committee and member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Rep. Lesly Munoz, D-Woodburn

Rep. Lesly Munoz, D-Woodburn. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Munozs upset victory over Republican Rep. Tracy Cramer of Gervais in Marion Countys 22nd House District gave Democrats the three-fifths supermajority needed to create taxes or increase existing ones without Republican support. Shes a longtime union organizer who ran on a platform of affordable housing, community safety and workers rights. Munoz will be a vice chair of the House Labor and Workplace Standards committee, along with serving as a member of the Behavioral Health and Health Care and Higher Education and Workforce Development committees.

Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston

Representative Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Skarlatos is new to the state House after two failed runs for Congress from southwest Oregons 4th Congressional District. Hell represent the 4th House District. Skarlatos is a real estate investor who gained international attention for helping stop a terrorist on a Paris-bound train in 2015, when he was a sniper with the Army National Guard. Hell serve on the House Economic Development, Small Business and Trade committee and the Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans committee along with the Joint Ways and Means subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

Senate

Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend

Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend. (Photo by Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

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Broadman, a tribal attorney and former Bend city councilor, gave Democrats their Senate supermajority with his election to the 27th Senate District previously represented by Republican Tim Knopp. Broadmans election, along with the reelection of Bend-area Democratic Reps. Jason Kropf and Emerson Levy, is a signal of Democrats growing power in central Oregon, long a Republican stronghold. Hell serve as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means public safety subcommittee and on the Judiciary, Housing and Development, and Ways and Means committees.

Sen. Diane Linthicum, R-Beatty

Sen. Diane Linthicum, R-Beatty. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Linthicum is new to elected office, but not to the Capitol  she was chief of staff for her husband, former Sen. Dennis Linthicum, before he was disqualified from running for reelection in the 28th Senate District. Like her husband, who lost his race for secretary of state in November, Linthicum regularly fails to respond to interview requests and ran on her opposition to abortion, vaccinations, gun control and mail voting. Shell be the vice chair of the Senate Human Services committee and a member of the Health Care and Early Childhood and Behavioral Health committees.

Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte

Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte. (Provided)

McLane is an attorney and former House Republican leader who left the Legislature in 2019 to serve as a circuit court judge. He replaced Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, in the 30th Senate District, which covers a vast swath of southeastern Oregon. McLane told the Capital Chronicle during his campaign that he hoped to use his experience to work on budget issues. Hell serve on the budget-setting Joint Ways and Means Committee and its capital construction subcommittee, as well as on the Joint Tax Expenditures Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and as vice-chair of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee.

Sen. Todd Nash, R-Enterprise

Sen. Todd Nash, R-Enterprise. (Campaign photo)

Nash, a cattle rancher and former Wallowa county commissioner, is the states first senator from the remote northeastern county. He replaced longtime legislator Bill Hansell, R-Athena, who announced his retirement before he was barred from running for reelection for participating in the 2023 walkout. Nash ran on supporting natural resource industries and is the vice chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee. Hes also a member of the Senate Human Services and Housing and Development committees.

Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland

Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

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Pham, long one of the most progressive members of the state House, replaced retiring Sen. Michael Dembow in southeast Portlands 23rd Senate District. Shell be the chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee and serve on the Senate Labor and Business and Energy and Environment committees, as well as on the Joint Transportation Committee and a joint committee on the Interstate 5 bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver. Pham is Oregons first Vietnamese American state senator.

Sen. Lisa Reynolds, D-Beaverton

Newly appointed Oregon Sen. Lisa Reynolds at her pediatrics clinic in Portland. (Rian Dundon/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Reynolds, a pediatrician, served two terms in the House and was elected to a third before winning an appointment to the Senate to finish the last two years of new Treasurer Elizabeth Steiners term in the 17th Senate District. Shes the chair of the new Senate Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee, where shell debut her package of bills aimed at improving child and maternal health care, dubbed Momnibus 2025. She also serves on the Senate Human Services and Health Care committees.

Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction

Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/pool)

Like Linthicum, Robinson isnt new to the Capitol. He was chief of staff for his father, former Sen. Art Robinson, before the elder Robinsons disqualification over the walkout. Robinson has indicated hell carry on his fathers tradition of voting no on just about everything, including being the only senator to vote against approving the appointment of the Senate secretary  despite calling the secretary excellent a few minutes later. Robinson is a member of the Senate Education and Energy and Environment committees and the Joint Information Management and Technology Committee.

Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee

Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee.(Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Starr served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2015 and narrowly lost his 2014 reelection bid. Hes returning after a decade away because former Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, was unable to run for reelection due to the 2023 GOP walkout. Starr, who worked closely on a bipartisan 2009 transportation package, will be the co-vice chair of the Joint Transportation Committee and serve on the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee and joint committees or subcommittees on the Interstate 5 bridge, tax expenditures and transportation and economic development.

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Mel Gibson is opening up about his initial reaction to learning Donald Trump had appointed him as a "special ambassador" to the incoming administration.

In case you missed it, on Thursday, the president-elect revealed that the Braveheart actor had been appointed to a new position in politics, acting as Trumps "eyes and ears" in Hollywood, which the 78-year-old called "a great but very troubled place."

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Along with Gibson, actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone were also tapped to create the "special envoy."

Trump said in a Jan. 16 post shared to his Truth Social platform that all three "will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!"

"These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!" the statement concluded.

Despite Trump's enthusiasm, it appears that The Apprentice personality never actually asked or conferred with the Hollywood stars before making such a grand gesture.

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I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised, Gibson told Variety shortly after Trump made his declaration. "Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can."

Joking, Gibson boldly added: "Any chance the position comes with an Ambassadors residence?"

As Parade previously reported, Gibson was among the countless people who lost their homes to the deadly wildfires that began raging in parts of Southern California a little over a week ago.

During a recent interview with NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Thursday, Jan. 9, the 69-year-old filmmaker revealed that he was in the process of recording a Joe Rogan podcast episode when he learned that all that was left of his Malibu home was cinders.

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"Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional," Gibson said at the time. "You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. You remember George Carlin talking about 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."

"I was doing the Rogan podcast," he continued. "And kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there. But when I got home, sure enough, it wasnt there. I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I havent got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore."

Next: Candace Cameron Bure Addresses Critics of Her LA Wildfire Donation Efforts: 'Don't Be So Judgmental'
Actor and film producer Mel Gibson said he was stunned to be appointed as a special envoy to Hollywood under the upcoming Trump administration.

I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised, Gibson said in a statement to Variety. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.

Any chance the position comes with an Ambassadors residence? he added, making the joke after his Los Angeles home fell victim to the recent deadly wildfires.

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Despite the tragedy, the actor, well-known for his role in The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, will serve as a special envoy alongside film stars Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone.

It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California, President-elect Trump wrote Thursday. They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!

These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood! he added, highlighting the need for more films to be produced on U.S. soil.

Many celebrities have seemingly warmed up to Trump in recent months, including Gibson, who openly backed the president-elect during the 2024 election after being critical of him in 2016.

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The Braveheart and The Patriot actor, after losing his home, also echoed Trumps attacks on California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and his administration in light of the Los Angeles fires.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  Actor and film producer Mel Gibson said he was stunned to be appointed a special envoy to Hollywood under the upcoming Trump administration.

I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised, Gibson said in a statement to Variety. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.

Any chance the position comes with an Ambassadors residence? he added, making the joke after his Los Angeles home fell victim to the recent deadly wildfires.

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Does Carrie Underwood signal a Trump thaw for A-list celebs?

Despite the tragedy, the actor well known for his role in The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection will serve as a special envoy alongside film stars Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone.

It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California, President-elect Donald Trump wrote Thursday. They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!

These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood! he added, highlighting the need for more films to be produced on U.S. soil.

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Many celebrities have seemingly warmed up to Trump in recent months, including Gibson. The star openly backed the president-elect during the 2024 election despite being critical of him in 2016.

The Patriot and Braveheart actor, after losing his home, also echoed Trumps attacks on California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and his administration in light of the Los Angeles fires.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Blake Lovell thinks taking his wife and young daughter to rural Oregon to pack up his dead fathers belongings is a good idea. Its a break from their urban life, might help repair his fraying marriage and reconnect them all with nature. It would be good for us, he argues.

It will not, of course, because this is a Blumhouse movie called Wolf Man. It will not be good for Blake and it will not be good for the audience. Thats because this film is a terrible misfire using a classic movie monster poorly rebooted by the modern home of horror.

Slack when it should be terrifying, Wolf Man suffers from cheap sentimentality, laughably obvious script reveals, poor continuity and a creature that is less predatory than painful. Pity comes to mind.

Christopher Abbott stars as Blake, a father and husband whose own estranged dad was a tad unstable, constantly drilling in his son a survivalist ethic. Its not hard to die. Its the easiest thing in the world, his dad says. He being officially declared dead 30 years after he disappeared into the forest starts this sludgy movie off.

The Invisible Man writer-director Leigh Whannell  who co-wrote the story with Corbett Tuck  seems to be attempting a horror movie with his new message: Being overprotective can lead to your family being assaulted by a deranged manbeast. Wait, that cant be right. Maybe its about inheritance? Its all a little muddled.

A weird human-animal hybrid lurking in the Oregon wilderness  actually New Zealand pretending to be Oregon  kicks off what is supposed to be the scary part of this movie, but so much time is spent on the domestic drama set-up that the audience will be bored by the time the supposed thrill ride shows up. When it does, the filmmakers lean on creepy sounds way too much.

Theres a Wolf Man out there and hes, well, underwhelming. He is largely unseen for most of the movie because seeing the monster is always a bad idea. At one, point, he attacks through the cabins doggie door, one of the most disappointing assaults on film.

Now infected inside their barricaded cabin, Blake goes through a body-horror transformation, which includes the sweats, enhanced hearing, uncontrolled peeing, teeth readjustment, mottled skin, being made mute and hair loss. Thats right, hair loss. This is the first Wolf Man movie that seems to endorse Rogaine.

His wife, played by Julia Garner, is left here to sniffle and shriek, going from life partner to potential dinner. That means a lot of running and panting with a flashlight in hand. Their daughter, played by Matilda Firth, earlier so precocious, now asks really stupid questions like Whats happening? and Whats wrong with Daddy?

So, outside the cabin lurks a Wolf Man. And inside is potentially another, but one still kind of trying to hold onto his humanity. Mom, he wants this to be over, the girl says of her dad-wolf. We know the feeling. MARK KENNEDY

Wolf Man, a Universal Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated R for bloody violent content, grisly images and some language. Running time: 103 minutes. 
Former Groton Town Mayor Juan Melendez Jr., a Democrat, announced Thursday he is withdrawing his candidacy for the 40th House District seat and is supporting Dan Gaiewski, a Democratic Groton town councilor.

I think Dan Gaiewski is a young and energetic public servant, Melendez said Thursday. Hes going to do the 40th District proud up in Hartford, and its easy for me to step aside when theres such a qualified alternative.

A convention to choose the Democratic candidate was scheduled for Thursday evening.

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Robert Boris, a Republican, announced he is also running for the seat.

A special election for the seat is scheduled for Feb. 25. Longtime state Rep. Christine Conley, a Democrat, resigned, as she is being nominated for an administrative judge position on the Workers Compensation Commission.

Melendez, who has served as mayor, town councilor and Representative Town Meeting member, publicly thanked his supporters in a post on his Facebook page for the unwavering support and encouragement he received.

He said he is proud to support Gaiewski.

Groton and New London are fortunate to have such a tireless public servant, Melendez wrote. I appreciate his commitment to our community and his vision for a brighter future. I am confident that Dan will be a strong and effective advocate for all of us in Hartford.

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Thank you for standing with me throughout this campaign. Now, lets come together to support Dan and work toward a stronger and more united community, Melendez added.

Gaiewski, who served as Conleys campaign treasurer and works as a constituent engagement coordinator for the House Democratic Caucus at the Connecticut General Assembly, thanked Melendez for being a candidate for the Democratic nomination.

I have known him to be an individual of values and vision, Gaiewski wrote in a statement on his Facebook page. As the campaign continues I look forward to working together with him so we can deliver for the individuals of the district. I thank him for his support as our campaign continues.

As he stated it is time for our community to become stronger and come together, he added. With the campaign moving on to the next chapter I will continue to seek future discussions with all residents of the 40th District and earn their support!

k.drelich@theday.com
President-elect Trump has won at least one battle in advance of Mondays inauguration ceremony.

Flags at the U.S. Capitol will be flown at full-staff when Trump is sworn in for the second time. Trump had previously been exasperated by the idea that flags would be flown at half-staff in commemoration of former President Carter, who died Dec. 29, aged 100.

But Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) came to Trumps aid, quashing any fear that his second inauguration would be marked by visuals of flags flying in mourning.

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Earlier this week, Johnson wrote on social media that, come Monday, 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 noted that the flags would return to half-staff in memory of Carter the following day.

The roots of the dispute lie in the practice of lowering flags to half-staff for 30 days following the death of any former president. President Biden had followed that procedure after Carters death, and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had noted he did not plan to change the regular pattern to accommodate Trump.

The president-elect, however, has been complaining about the issue for weeks  and casting the proposed flying of flags at half-staff as a mark of Democratic disrespect.

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In a Jan. 3 social media post, Trump complained that Democrats were giddy about the idea.

They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves, Trump alleged.

The incoming president added that, because of Carters death, 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.

Trumps historical claim was incorrect.

In fact, flags had been flown at half-staff during then-President Nixons second inauguration in January 1973. Former President Truman, who led the nation from 1945-53, died Dec. 26, 1972. Nixon does not appear to have objected, at least in public, to that arrangement.

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Johnsons decision regarding the Capitol is only one part of the picture, however.

Republican governors have also rallied to Trumps side, with at least eight GOP-led states announcing that flags will be fully raised for Mondays inauguration.

Those states are Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

The governors are generally casting their decision as a mark of respect for the office of the presidency, rather than as a directly pro-Trump move.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) issued a press release Tuesday in which he asserted, The official installation of a President is a historic day in the calendar of our nation and should be recognized as such. Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nations newly elected leader.

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Pillen is considered a more moderate Republican than some on the MAGA wing of the party, having defeated a Trump-endorsed GOP rival, Charles Herbster, in his 2022 primary.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who challenged Trump for the Republican nomination last year, cast his decision as reflecting an important tradition of our Republic, where Americans come together to celebrate the peaceful transition of power between presidents. It represents a season of new hope and limitless potential for Americas future.

Democrats have mostly avoided vocal displays of opposition to the decisions to fly flags at full-staff, either at the Capitol or in GOP-led states. But the dispute is becoming a proxy for broader debates about civility.

Many Democrats look askance at the Republican governors insistence on the importance of respecting the peaceful transition of power. Trump, after all, refused to concede to Biden after losing the 2020 election, trafficked in rhetoric that led to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and declined to attend Bidens inauguration later that month.

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None of that loosened his grip on the Republican Party, and it only temporarily cooled the ardor of other GOP elected officials toward him.

Now the focus has shifted to Democrats as Trumps return to power nears. Biden met with Trump at the White House soon after the latters victory, as is customary  but as Trump had declined to do for him four years previously.

Biden on that occasion offered congratulations and said he would do his best to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure youre accommodated [with] what you need.

Biden, and former Presidents Obama and Clinton  the three living Democratic presidents  are expected to attend Trumps inauguration. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend, however. She also did not attend Carters funeral, where her husband was seated beside Trump.

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the former Speaker, will also give Trumps inauguration a miss, as will progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

NBC News reported Wednesday that three former presidents  Obama, Clinton and Republican George W. Bush  would not attend the inaugural lunch that typically follows the inauguration ceremony itself.

Bush conspicuously declined to make any endorsement during last years presidential campaign.

The decision from the former presidents is one more piece of evidence of how deep the resistance toward Trump runs in some quarters.

But the incoming president can at least take some solace from the flag issue having been apparently resolved in his favor.

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The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In a farewell speech to Justice Department staffers, outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday appeared to rebuke attacks from President-elect Donald Trump and his allies who have "wrongly criticized" the department as politically motivated.

The story that has been told by some outside of this building about what has happened inside of it is wrong. You have worked to pursue justice, not politics. That is the truth and nothing can change it," Garland said.

The outgoing attorney general also emphasized the importance of the independence of his agency, amid fear from some Senate Democrats this week that Trump's pick to lead the department, Pam Bondi, will take marching orders from the next president.

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Trump has repeatedly attacked the justice system as politicized and corrupt, taking aim especially at the prosecutors, Department of Justice officials and the judges presiding over criminal cases against him.

The norms of the Justice Department, Garland said Thursday, "include our commitment to guaranteeing the independence of the Justice Department from both the White House and the Congress concerning law enforcement investigations and prosecutions."

He added, "We make that commitment not because independence is necessarily constitutionally required, but because it is the only way to ensure that our law enforcement decisions are free from partisan influence.

As is typical for him, Garland grew emotional at times during the standing-room-only speech, and several people in the audience did as well.

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Garland's remarks came a day after senators questioned Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to be the next attorney general, on whether she could maintain a Justice Department independent from the White House. Noting that Trump had fired both of the attorneys general he appointed during his first administration, Democrats pressed Bondi by asking if her client would be the American people  or Trump.

Republican and Democratic senators also sparred over what they labeled as the "weaponization" of the Justice Department, with Democrats asking whether Trump and Bondi would prosecute the president-elect's political enemies and Republicans slamming President Joe Biden and Garland as already having weaponized the department.

In response to questions from Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., Bondi said: No one will be prosecuted, investigated because they are a political opponent. Thats what weve seen for the last four years in this administration."

Garland in his speech appeared to nod at these types of criticisms, which Trump and his allies have repeated over the years. President Joe Biden, in his statement pardoning his son, also alleged that the federal prosecution against Hunter Biden was "infected" by "raw politics."

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"I know that, over the years, some have wrongly criticized you, saying that you have allowed politics to influence your decision-making," Garland told DOJ staffers. "That criticism often came from people with political views opposite from one another, each making the exact opposite points about the same set of facts."

Garland also nodded to the threats that public servants have faced in recent years. Law enforcement officers, for example, saw a spike in threats following the FBI search of Trump's Florida home.

"I know that you have faced unfounded attacks simply for doing your jobs, at the very same time you have risked your lives to protect our country from a range of foreign and domestic threats," Garland said.

He also encouraged future attorneys general to respect the roles of career officers in the department.

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Justice Department norms, Garland said, call for political appointees to ensure respect for the integrity of our career agents, lawyers and staff, who are the institutional backbone and historical memory of this Department."

Those norms also include a promise to ensure protections for journalists in law enforcement investigations, because a free press is essential to our democracy.

It is the obligation of the Attorney General to make clear that the only way for the Justice Department to do the right thing is to do it the right way. That unjust means cannot achieve just ends, Garland said.

Ahead of Garland's speech, he was lauded by outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee who said he would resign before Trump's inauguration. Trump has said he intends to nominate Kash Patel, a loyalist with a history of espousing conspiracy theories, to be the next FBI director.

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"It's not a doubt in my mind the American people are safer and better because of your time in public service," Wray told Garland.

"Last September, you addressed the entire Justice Department and told us something that you said we don't hear enough  you thanked all of us for all we do to uphold one rule of law for all Americans and today, I'm honored to say the same thing to you," he added.

Others who spoke in thanks ahead of Garlands speech included Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar and former Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.

And in a video collage, multiple other officials  including Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Director Steven M. Dettelbach, National Fraternal Order of Police Executive Director Jim Pasco, Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Colette S. Peters and multiple assistant attorneys general  gave thanks to Garland.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The grounding of Mokulele Airlines has stretched into its second day. Residents and lawmakers are hoping for more long-term solutions.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The community steps in when Molokais only passenger airline is down for maintenance inspections. Haley Cariagas boyfriend made several runs to Maui from Molokai on Thursday, Jan. 16 and often brought precious cargo.

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Mokulele fleet grounded, solution for sole airline issue left unanswered

Had someone this morning jump on another charter boat because she had surgery on Oahu, so she had to catch a boat this morning from Mala, get to Kahului just to jump on a flight so she can make it to surgery, Cariaga said.

Mokulele Airlines told KHON2 on Tuesday, Jan. 15 that passengers with medical and health concerns were prioritized, but even lawmakers were fed up with the second company grounding since August 2024.

Im just livid with the entire situation. Its frustrating. I got my 85-year-old father down there, Sen. Lynn DeCoite said. Ive asked for the federal {government} to step in with funding to expand our runway, as well as Im introducing legislation on a request of a $25 million appropriation for that.

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Mokulele Airlines grounds flights for inspection

Residents said another airline carrier that flies to Molokai has been needed for a while, but local charter captains are trying their best to fill the gap in the meantime.

When something like this happens, Molokai really gets together, Cariaga said, I think we just need more options on flights.

DeCoite said Hawaiis congressional delegation made no moves to address the situation in 2024 and she hopes a Zoom call with Sen. Mazie Hironos chief of staff goes well on Friday, Jan. 17.

Mazie has yet to try to address this, as well as Brian Schatz and I told them, I said, You guys need to help step up and work with us,' DeCoite said.

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Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The Federal Aviation Administration directed KHON2 to contact Mokulele for updates, airline officials did not respond on Thursday but Sen. DeCoite expects the company-imposed grounding to be lifted on Friday if all maintenance checks go smoothly.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Overnight code enforcement could soon come to downtown Nashville.

Council Member Joy Styles has pushed to unite the Nashville Mayors Office of Nightlife, which monitors Music Citys booming nightlife scene, with Metro Codes to create a 24/7 response time.

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The Mayors Office of Nightlife helps ensure communication between the community and the government, but they dont handle Codes issues like loud noises. The Metro Department of Codes closes at 4 p.m. on weekdays, leaving overnight requests for attention unanswered until the following day.

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Its not acceptable to just tell people, Oh, sorry, we cant handle it, but thanks for reporting it,' District 32 Council Member Joy Styles said.

A new proposal from Styles pushes for a partnership between Metro Codes and the office to create a day-and-night response operation.

These two new positions would really allow Nashville  since we are a larger city  allow us to operate on a 24/7 basis, director of the Mayors Office of Nightlife, Benton McDonough, explained.

This is just about holding people accountable and making sure that everyone has a good quality of life, Styles added.

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If passed, the partnership between Metro Codes and the Office of Nightlife would start downtown first before possibly expanding into other parts of the city. The idea would allow Metro Codes to respond to hubNashville requests or 311 calls in real-time.

Sometimes its a business beside them that has a bright light shining in through their windows  speakers that are placed outside the building, McDonough said, describing the need for the partnership.

Styles told News 2 the possible expansion into other parts of the city could look like cracking down on illegal businesses operating out of garages or bright house lights.

You have a lot of cars that are parking on the lawns at night after Codes could come through and give someone a citation or they are blocking the sidewalk, parked in a driveway, Styles added.

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McDonough said they would start small.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

[That will] allow the inspectors to get comfortable with working in the evening, and then, as time goes on, we will start to expand to other parts of the city, McDonough said.

Styles told News 2 that this idea will be presented to other Metro Councilmembers for its first hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

It doesnt matter where your ZIP code is, Styles said. When youre home, you want to be able to have peace and quiet and relax.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Weather forecasts next week are calling for an arctic freeze  literally, with a blast of below-zero arctic air hitting the state  raising safety concerns, especially for folks without homes, kids going to and from school, and pets that spend most of their time outdoors.

How bad will it get?

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in White Lake Township said temperatures are expected to dip into the single digits  above and below zero  beginning Monday and not warming up until Friday.

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In this case, however, warmer means below freezing with highs in the 20s.

With wind chill, meteorologists said, next week could feel as cold as 15 degrees below zero.

More: 9 things you shouldn't leave in your car during cold, winter weather

"Next week is essentially the coldest week of the year, in terms of the average high and low temperatures," said weather service meteorologist Kevin Kacan. So climatologically, we should be turning the corner after next week."

A lone parking attendant works at the corner of Monroe and Brush in Detroit as metro Detroiters battle freezing cold temperatures and wind on Dec. 23, 2022.

But, he added, the weather actually could be different.

In other words: There could be even colder days ahead, but history offers some hope.

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For most Michiganders, who are used to the annual rituals of winter, the deep freeze means that youll want to bundle up, crank up the heat, get out extra blankets and space heaters, and generally avoid going out.

Moreover, your best chance of clearing any lingering ice and snow on sidewalks and driveways is Friday, with highs in the mid-30s, just above freezing. And if you dont get to clearing walks by, say Sunday, you may have run out of time.

More: 'They saved me': He came to Michigan after hitting rock bottom. Then, he found a miracle.

Temps will get so low it will be hard to melt the ice and too cold to safely go outdoors.

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As for whether schools will close, there's a chance they will.

The superintendent of Ingham Intermediate School District Jason said the standard temperature threshold for Michigan is 20 degrees below zero, but other factors, like icy roads, could come into play, the Lansing State journal reported Thursday.

It also can be dangerous for kids waiting in the cold at the bus stops.

The Free Press left a message Friday with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the state's largest district with more than 53,000 students, asking whether classes will be canceled next week.

Administrators tend to agonize over whether to close. It may be extra hard to make the call now because Monday is a holiday and even the best weather forecasts made days in advance often change.

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Schools that announce closings too far in advance, and then the weather warms up, face criticism from parents. Those who wait, making the call in the early morning hours, also tend to get an angry earful.

And on top of that, when it gets this cold, some older school furnaces struggle to operate.

As an example, a Detroit TV station reported Thursday that parents and at least one teacher at a Detroit preschool on the citys west side said the heat wasn't working and students inside the building were shivering.

Pet owners will probably want to bring their animals inside. That's common sense.

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But it likely will be they worst for people without shelter. There are limited places in metro Detroit to seek shelter. They also, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless, face the real danger of frostbite and even dying from hypothermia.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit weather: Frigid air cold enough to close schools
URBANDALE, Iowa  When it comes to Joe Hayhoes Urbandale home, a hidden bar of bourbon takes you back in time.

Through this magical door opens up to the Blind Pig. There are days I come down and look at the bar and think that turned out really well, said Joe as he pushed a hidden button on his Murphy Door brand bookshelf.

Joe along with his wife Moriahs blessing, created their speakeasy during the pandemic in 2020. Moriah said, My nagging led to it a little bit. So he was bringing home a lot of whiskey bottles and they were taking up a lot of counter space.

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Gabe on the Go: Enjoying the urban oasis at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The hidden bar is a strong tribute to the historic Prohibition in America when speakeasies and bootleggers provided unlawful opportunities in secret from January 17, 1920, until 1933 when Prohibition was lifted.

Joe said, Yeah, thats thats the crazy part. Not a lot of people realize for that period of time from the 20s to the 30s, you couldnt drink booze. Like, you couldnt do it.

Artifacts are scattered throughout the bar. I found a Chicago Tribune article of when Iowa voted for dry repeal, said Joe. Pointing to a wall inside the Blind Pig Joe said, The mirror was given to me by my high school government teacher Mr. Rimmers. It was a window on a train car that sat in the train car along the Mississippi River and served as a speakeasy during prohibition.

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Moriah says even the bars name The Blind Pig, has significance. When people would want to still sell whiskey and alcohol, they would do it under the guise of selling a ticket to see this blind pig, and with a ticket you would get a drink.

Whats a secret if you cant share on social media these days? I will credit that to my wife and she said that I should have done that long before I did, said Joe.

Joes wife was right and he created a social media account on Instagram and TikTok for The Blind Pig Basement Pub. Its also my job to keep him humble, just as his wife, Moriah said.

City considers closing iconic Birdland Pool

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The initial posts of his speakeasy with the Murphy Door went viral almost instantly. Joe said, Tik Tok did. It was kind of crazy. I posted a video and I think it had a million views within 24 hours. It was wild and then it just snowballed from there.

Now armed with a smartphone, a shot of whiskey, and a few dashes of humor Joe has become a social media influencer with over 100,000 followers on Instagram and Tik Tok combined.

Joe says it has taken some time to get used to the viral fame. I think Im finally over the weirdness of people recognizing me. Like whether its in Des Moines or Kentucky or in Florida. We were at Disney World in November and two people came up to me and introduce themselves at Disney World.

Whiskey manufacturers have taken notice. Hundreds of whiskey companies are often sending unsolicited boxes to his doorstep to review. Overwhelming. I think Ive got probably 250 bottles open in the bar and then theres probably another 250 bottles in the storage room that arent open. So it just shows up. I dont ask for it, said Joe.

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Joe says the fame is certainly never enough to quit his day job as a mortgage loan originator of 13 years and it is important to never lose his honesty. I have had $20 and $30 bottles that blow away $200 or $300 bottles.

Keeping things real continues with his awareness of an issue Joe doesnt take lightly. Im also cognizant that there are people that struggle with alcoholism. Its a real condition and a real disease and its just a matter of moderation and being responsible.

A look inside a Des Moines school bus with free Wi-Fi

Whether bourbon or rye, oaked or smoked, Joe says Iowans dont have to go far for enjoyable and flavorful drinks that can rival what the rest of America has to offer. From Revelton and Templeton to The Foundry good choices can be found within driving distance.

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Cedar Ridge is knocking it out of the park right now, said Joe of the Swisher, Iowa distillery. He added, Murphy Quint and his whole team are doing something magical with everything they release. It is insane.

This blend of nostalgia and secrecy mixed with refreshing authenticity on social media has created a cocktail, that much like the drinks shared in secrecy during prohibition, has been found to be neat. Id rather be hated for who I am than hated for who Im not. Id rather be myself and if people enjoy it great and if not then just scroll. Its easy as that.

For those always on the hunt for tough-to-find or popular whiskies Joe says sometimes it is as easy as a local neighborhood store. For years many of his best picks have been found at Marshall Beer Wine Spirits in Marshalltown, Iowa.

You can keep up with Joe and The Blind Pig on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

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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 who13.com.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico and the European Union on Friday announced a revamped trade agreement that they said would substantially increase trade and investment, days before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to slap sweeping tariffs on Mexico and other trading partners.

The new Global Trade Agreement between Mexico and the 27-nation bloc would reduce Mexican tariffs of agri-food imports from Europe, remove a number of barriers that would allow European companies to more easily invest in Mexico and boost Mexican exports of raw materials like fluorspar (used in electronics) as well as antimony, copper, zinc and lead.

The updated deal, which first entered into force 25 years ago, also seeks to facilitate strategic cooperation on key geopolitical issues, the European Union said in a statement.

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We have entered a new era in our strategic partnership with Mexico today. Our upgraded agreement shows the E.U. and Mexico united for freer trade and an open global economy," said Kaja Kallas, vice president of the European Commission, in a statement.

The announcement comes days before the return to the White House of Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 25% on all Mexican imports, which could deal a sharp blow to both economies.

While an updated agreement with the E.U. could mitigate some of the potential losses from disrupted U.S.-Mexico trade, trade between Mexico and the European Union still represents only a small portion of Mexicos annual trade with the United States.

U.S.-Mexico trade netted more than $800 billion in 2023. In contrast, trade between Mexico and the European Union reached $84 billion in the same year, according to the EU.

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Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis of the local financial group Banco Base, hailed the updated agreement with the E.U. as a step towards reducing the near hegemonic power" the U.S. exerts over Mexican exports, given their strong trade ties.

This is very positive for Mexico, because it needs to diversify its exports," said Siller, noting that 80% of Mexico's exports go to the U.S. "This gives the United States all the power to demand whatever they want  and slap on tariffs.

Mexicos economy ministry has not commented on the updated agreement.

Also on Friday, Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said on the social platform X that he was in Detroit meeting with representatives of the citys automotive sector in an effort to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The day after U.S. Rep. Mike Turner was stripped of his role as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, the Miami Valley still coming to grips with the loss of one of the regions most influential cheerleaders for the military, especially Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Political science experts said that a congressman being removed as the chair of committee they oversee is highly unusual. Turner had chaired the committee since 2015.

Drone sighting shuts down WPAFB for hours Friday

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One Wright State professor said the political shift is something to keep an eye on.

While there has not been an official reason given for the removal, political scholars said the decision is in part due to Turners support of Ukraine and criticism of President-elect Donald Trump, something they said has isolated Turner from the rest of the political party.



I think the fact that he is now clearly on the outs with maybe the core of the Republican Party, said Mark Caleb Smith, director of the Center For Political Studies at Cedarville University.



Some political scientists said that this decision could cause Turner step down from his role in Congress entirely.

Trusted Traveler Program restored at Wright-Patterson AFB

We reached out to Turners office for additional comment and have not received a response.



In the Miami Valley, local businesses near the base said they do not expect the congressmans removal to significantly impact business.

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We dont think that it will affect our small business too much anyway, said restaurant manager Ashlee Wardley. Any time a political person goes in or out of, I dont know, say power, but in or out of like their position.

Turner said that he will continue to be an advocate for the military as he remains on two other special committees for armed services and government reform.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The Republican National Committee on Friday reelected Michael Whatley as chair, continuing the tenure of President-elect Donald Trumps second hand-picked leader for the GOP.

Just a year ago, the RNC, still under the leadership of Ronna McDaniel, was resisting conservative activists calls to name a new chair and to embrace the influence of grassroots MAGA-aligned groups like Turning Point USA.

As the committee met in Las Vegas last January for its annual winter meeting, McDaniel and other committee officials balked at a rival meeting being held at an adjacent casino  a gathering organized by Turning Point and its founder, Charlie Kirk, where the group criticized the RNCs voter outreach strategies. Audible cries to fire McDaniel erupted from the audience of county party chairs and other grassroots leaders at the Turning Point meeting. Whatley was among the RNC members who made an appearance at the unofficial gathering, as murmurs were underway that Trumps advisers were privately considering him for McDaniels job.

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Within days, Trump publicly said the four-term chair should step down from her post. Weeks later, Whatley was formally installed, two days after Trumps last remaining GOP rival, Nikki Haley, relented and ended her campaign for president.

In the time since, Trump clinched the Republican nomination and placed his top campaign officials in key RNC roles. Trump effectively merged the committee with his own presidential campaign, widened his coalition with working class and minority voters and won the presidential race.

His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, sat on stage at the RNCs winter meeting Friday morning, a sign of the ways he has remade the committee to be fully loyal to his brand of Republican politics. The committees few remaining Trump-skeptical members have continued to quietly exit its ranks.

McDaniel, meanwhile, has lost relevance in the Republican Party, viewed by Trump allies as insufficiently MAGA, as prominent Trump-aligned activists like Kirk are among the Republican figures who have enjoyed increased access to Trump in the weeks approaching his inauguration.

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In a speech after his uncontested reelection, Whatley railed against an extreme Democratic Party and pledged to carry out Trumps MAGA agenda.

I promised that the RNC would not be all things to all people, Whatley said, explaining that he and Lara Trump vowed three things: to host a world-class convention, get out the vote, and protect the ballot.

With Trump and House and Senate Republicans having come out victorious in November, Whatley cautioned that the committee must now focus on ensuring they hold majorities in 2026, warning that the radical left will waste no time putting the brakes on President Trumps agenda.

Its a great day to be an American, and the only thing better is to be a MAGA Republican American, said Derek Babcock, the chair of the Louisiana Republican Party, as he prepared to lead the committee in the pledge of allegiance Friday morning. RNC members gathered at the Omni Shoreham hotel in D.C. ahead of the weekends Trump inauguration festivities.

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Two years ago, when the RNC had gathered for its winter meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point, California  amid accusations from some on the committee that McDaniel had squandered party finances on luxury accommodations and events, and was not sufficiently helping Republicans win elections  McDaniel survived a challenge from California committeemember Harmeet Dhillon.

Dhillon, a prominent conservative attorney based in San Francisco, was defeated in the contentious chair race in January 2023. But Dhillon, who was at the gathering Friday, is now set to move into a key role in Trumps new administration, with Trump tapping her to lead the Department of Justices civil rights division.

The committee also elected KC Crosbie, the national committeemember from Kentucky, as co-chair. She replaces Lara Trump, who decided not to continue in her role with the RNC. Crosbie, who was endorsed for the role by Trump, in her speech called him the greatest leader of my lifetime.
President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration is on Monday, and former First Lady Michelle Obama isn't the only high-profile person to skip Inauguration Day.

Here's who won't  or can't  attend Trump's second inauguration, which was just moved indoors due to weather concerns.

Who won't be at Trump's second inauguration?

Along with former First Lady Michelle Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not attend Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Donald Trump and Dana White at the June 1, 2024 UFC evet at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Published reports indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping will send an envoy in his place, and that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans on skipping Trump's second inauguration.

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Reportedly, several living presidents will attend Trump's inauguration, including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, but each will skip the customary inaugural lunch.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will miss Inauguration Day due to a staff retreat.

And several reports indicate that neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received an invitation.

Jair Bolsonaro blocked from attending Trump's second inauguration

There is at least one former world leader who wants to attend Donald Trump's second inauguration, but is being blocked from doing so.

The Brazilian Supreme Court reportedly denied former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro's request that restrictions on his passport be lifted in order to attend Trump's inauguration.

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Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Michelle Obama not only one to skip Trump's inauguration; who else?
LANSING  A key element of Michigan's electricity law violates the constitution by hindering interstate commerce, a federal appeals court said Thursday in a ruling that could have major ramifications for consumers.

In a 2-1 ruling, a panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals stopped just short of striking down requirements under a 2016 state law that alternative energy suppliers must access some of the electricity they sell from within the state of Michigan and demonstrate security of that supply four years into the future.

Energy Michigan, an association of alternative energy suppliers and the lead plaintiff in the 2020 case, argues that requirement is intended to put alternative electricity providers out of business and protect the state's monopoly providers  DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. The Michigan Public Service Commission, whose three appointed commissioners are defendants in the case, argues that the "local clearing requirement" is essential to ensure security of supply in Michigan.

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The appeals court sent the case back to the district court and said that for the law to survive, the Michigan Public Service Commission defendants  whose interpretation of the law is in question  must clear a high bar: Show that the local clearing requirement "is the only means of achieving its goal of securing a reliable energy supply."

The appeals court said that "a state's generic interest in local energy reliability does not exempt it from Commerce Clause scrutiny" under the U.S. Constitution, or "bless a state's efforts to aid an artificial monopoly."

The case is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, as each of the two sides point to different prior high court rulings in support of their positions.

In Michigan, electricity competition is restricted to 10% of the market. There's a long waiting list of customers who want to buy from alternative energy suppliers, who mostly serve large industrial customers. Thursday's ruling wouldn't change those aspects of state law, but by potentially allowing alternative suppliers to access more of the electricity they sell in Michigan from outside the state, it could make it economically unfeasible for DTE and Consumers to invest in ensuring they always have enough power to serve the entire state, the utilities argue.

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The local clearing requirement that is at issue in the case has been on hold while the lawsuit continues.

Circuit Judge Chad Readler, appointed during the first term of President-elect Donald Trump, wrote the opinion, joined by Senior Circuit Judge Richard Fred Surhheinrich, an appointee of former President George H.W. Bush.

Circuit Judge Danny Julian Boggs, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, dissented.

The majority opinion "gives a mild nod" to the need for dependable energy, but "gives short shrift to that interest," Boggs wrote.

Tim Lundgren, a partner in the law firm representing Energy Michigan, said he is pleased the 6th Circuit agreed with the association that the MPSC order was discriminatory.

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"We believe that Michigans electricity suppliers and their customers should continue to have full access to all available sources of electricity to meet their needs in the most cost-effective and reliable manner," Lundgren said.

The MPSC declined comment on the case Friday, through spokesman Matt Helms.

Consumers Energy "is evaluating the opinion," spokeswoman Katie Carey said Friday. "We remain committed to providing reliable service to our customers and will continue to work with the MPSC, customers, and suppliers to ensure we have the power supply needed to continue to effectively power Michigans progress."

Other parties with interest in the case had no immediate comment on the ruling.

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This story will be updated.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Appeals court says Michigan electricity law appears unconstitutional
A historic uptick in migration during Joe Biden's presidency led to attacks as he ran for reelection, with Donald Trump and fellow Republicans blaming Democrats for the swelling number of people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Now, after campaigning on promises to secure the border and deport undocumented immigrants, President-elect Trump is poised to take office Monday amid a steep drop in border crossings.

Here are five key facts about migration across the U.S.-Mexico border over the last several years.

1. Arrivals at the border are the lowest theyve been since Trump left office

When Trump left office in January 2021, people were stopped at the southern border more than 78,000 times that month, according to figures from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Thats compared with roughly 96 ,000 stops last month . The highest monthly total during the Biden administration was nearly 302,000 in December 2023, and Trump's highest total was just over 144,000 in May 2019 .

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These figures include arrivals at land ports of entry, where asylum seekers wait for appointments to enter legally, as well as those caught crossing illegally elsewhere along the border. Figures from November and December showed, for the first time, more migrants being processed through ports of entry than those who were arrested after entering the U.S. illegally.

In June, the Biden administration began effectively blocking migrants from seeking asylum along the U.S. border with Mexico. The restrictions don't apply to those who enter at official ports of entry or use other legal means.

For parts of last year, San Diego became the top destination for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border for the first time in decades. The change reflects how smuggling routes, which used to be consistent for many years, have begun to shift every few months since 2021. Thats in part because of the post-pandemic increase in global migration to the U.S.

The San Diego region saw 10,117 border arrests in December  the second-highest after the Rio Grande Valley in Texas  though thats down by 70% from a year earlier.

2. There hasn't been much of an increase in border arrivals ahead of Trumps inauguration

In the weeks leading up to Trumps inauguration, most regions across the border have seen little change in arrivals of migrants. But Chief Border Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez of the Rio Grande Valley Sector in south Texas, who posts local arrest numbers on social media every week, reported 1,206 migrant stops over the final weekend of December, and 1,276 the weekend before . Thats double the number in recent weeks of fewer than 600 arrests .

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It is the first quantitative indicator of an increase in migration since the U.S. election, which raised expectations  so far unmet  that many migrants might rush to enter the United States before Election Day, Adam Isacson, director of defense oversight at the advocacy organization the Washington Office on Latin America , wrote in a recent newsletter.

That trend appeared to have waned in the new year, with Chavez reporting 669 arrests the weekend that ended Jan. 5 and 699 arrests the weekend that ended Jan. 12.

Isacson noted that in 2016, asylum seekers rushed to enter the U.S. before Trump began his first term. But border policies are different now, with Biden administration rules already preventing most people who enter illegally from qualifying for asylum.

Their only hope is to not be apprehended, he said. Some people might be trying, and if theyre successful they wont show up in the numbers.

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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with the left-leaning American Immigration Council, said tens of thousands of migrants are waiting in Mexico.

Today it is harder for migrants to make it to the border and seek asylum than at any point in modern U.S. history, he said. Despite this massively increased infrastructure at the border, the U.S. continues to remain, in the eyes of people around the world, a place of safety and security.

3. The U.S. border used to draw mostly Mexican and Central American migrants. Now people from all over the world flock here

The U.S. has historically drawn migrants from its southern neighbor. Although Mexicans still make up the highest proportion of those seeking entry, arrivals of people from other countries have shot up over time. During Trumps first term, people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador flocked to the U.S. border due to instability in their home countries.

That started to change around 2019 . Throughout Bidens presidency, greater numbers of people began to arrive from Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia. People also came from farther away  Afghanistan, Ukraine and China.

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The San Diego region has what is considered the most international border, drawing people from all over the world.

Chinese migrants in search of jobs and freedom from the repressive government there started arriving in record numbers  increasing from just 949 arrests in fiscal year 2022 to more than 37,000 last fiscal year. Republicans seized on the increase, painting it as a national security issue.

Numbers began to decrease last year after the Biden administration imposed asylum restrictions and Ecuador began requiring Chinese nationals to have a visa to fly there.

4. Immigrant detention has ramped back up since COVID-19 decreases

The government's operation for detaining people who violate immigration laws has seen wild swings in recent years. During Trumps first term, the population detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement reached historic highs of more than 55,000 people.

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As COVID-19 spread through lockups, killing detainees, courts ordered some immigrant detention centers to reduce their populations. The detention population reached a low of about 13,000 people in February 2021, the month after Biden took office. (The Adelanto ICE Detention Facility east of Los Angeles has remained under a COVID-era court order that prevented new detainees, dwindling the population of the nearly 2,000-bed facility to just two people.)

As of Dec. 29, more than 39,000 people (most of whom have no criminal record) are being held in civil immigrant detention facilities, according to TRAC, a nonpartisan data research organization. That number has remained fairly steady for the last year, generally fluctuating between 35,000 and just under 40,000 since late 2023.

Numbers are widely expected to increase again after Trump takes office, as he works to make good on his promise of mass deportations.

5. Historic arrivals under the Biden administration added to the already enormous backlog in immigration court

Immigrants placed in deportation proceedings can plead their case before an immigration judge. With historic arrivals of migrants under the Biden administration, the immigration court backlog now has more than 3.7 million pending cases, according to TRAC.

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Biden inherited an already backlogged immigration court system with 1.3 million cases. When Trump assumed office in 2017, just over 542,000 cases were pending.

In fiscal year 2024, immigration courts closed more than 900,000 cases  the most of any single year. New cases have fallen sharply as fewer immigrants are processed at the border.

Los Angeles County has nearly 115,000 cases, the second-highest after Miami-Dade County. Experts say the backlog can't be eliminated without funding hundreds more immigration judges and support staff, as well as systemic reforms.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona signed off Friday as the nation's top education official -- calling it his "dream job."

"To the students, families, educators, and education leaders I've served these last 4 years, I want to make it clear that while I will no longer be your Secretary of Education, I will still be your partner in all that we hope to achieve for America's students," Cardona wrote in a farewell post on X.

Cardona was sworn in on March 2, 2021, a year into the coronavirus pandemic, serving nearly the entire Biden presidency.

PHOTO: Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks during the Brown v. Board of Education 70th Anniversary Commemoration at the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building, May 14, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Peter G. Forest/Getty Images)

During his tenure, the former Connecticut education commissioner touted helping President Joe Biden safely reopen K-12 schools for in-person learning after monthslong closures. He also championed the Department of Education's efforts to fix the so-called broken student loan system and cancel debt for millions of borrowers. The secretary also faced right-wing attacks at every turn, including the classroom culture wars battle. He vowed to continue fighting after leaving his post.

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"Our fight for education is happening all around us in classrooms and communities across the country and it continues," he wrote. "And I'll be right there with you in the fight."

Despite returning students to school after the pandemic, the department has been blasted for lagging student achievement in reading and math.

Cardona told ABC News the administration was focused on using the roughly $190 billion from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund to prevent "further exacerbation" from interrupted literacy and numeracy learning time in the classroom.

"Those [ESSER] dollars were set up to help us recover," he said. "It was not intended to address decades of neglect in education or the normalization of failure that we have accepted in this country. It was to prevent it from being exacerbated."

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However, Cardona's tenure was mired by higher education woes. For the past 2 1/2 years, the education secretary has been criticized for the botched rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid application and for how his department's student debt relief plan was unconstitutional -- facing Supreme Court rejections in 2023.

In his capstone event on Tuesday, Cardona laid into the next administration for choosing "a billionaire donor to lead the department of education."

MORE: What are Linda McMahon's chances to be education secretary?

The Trump administration is expected to hand over the Department of Education to WWE co-founder Linda McMahon if she is confirmed by the Senate.

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McMahon, a Trump loyalist and donor, is expected to carry out the president-elect's policies, which Trump has said include shutting down the very department McMahon has been tapped to lead.

Miguel Cardona signs off as top education official originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Thursday, January 16. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

An employee shot a supervisor inside the Avantara nursing home in Milbank on Wednesday, Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a KELOLAND interview.

UPDATE: Suspect in custody in Milbank shooting

A Beresford man facing murder and manslaughter charges in the death of his three friends appeared in court Thursday via video link.

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Beresford man appears in court for 2023 deadly crash

Joshua Willis, 23, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is the man found dead Wednesday near Mickelson Trail at 66 Cliff Street, Deadwood Police said in a Thursday Facebook post.

Police identify man found dead near trail in Deadwood

Quiet conditions tonight as lows fall to the 20s.

Bitter cold coming for the weekend

Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
WASHINGTON  Argentina's chainsaw-wielding, self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist" president, Javier Milei, who says he takes most of his political advice from his dogs, became the first world leader to confirm on Friday that he would attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington on January 20, according to one of his aides.

Milei, 53, a former right-wing economist and television pundit whose combative style and embrace of conspiracy theories has drawn comparisons to Trump, previously indicated he was likely to attend the high-profile event. He was the first foreign leader to visit the president-elect at Mar-A-Lago after the November election.

Trump's top British political ally, Nigel Farage, will also attend the inauguration, he recently confirmed to USA TODAY. Farage, the leader of the Reform U.K. political party, will jet into Washington despite his very public spat in recent weeks with Elon Musk, a tech billionaire who has become tightly embedded in Trump's entourage.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Argentine President Javier Milei at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) gala at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., Nov. 14, 2024.

Milei's attendance is historically significant. It breaks with an American political tradition that has kept foreign heads of state away from participating in the American transfer of power. The U.S. Department of State says that no serving, foreign leader has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration.

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Trump has invited several sitting heads of state and government, and at least one former leader, to attend his swearing-in ceremony.

The soon-to-be president has offered tickets to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was recently indicted for allegedly launching a Jan. 6-style coup attempt after losing his 2022 bid for reelection.

Meloni could not be reached for comment. A spokesperson for Orban did not respond to multiple inquiries. Zelenskyy said this week that he expects to meet with Trump after the inauguration. A representative for the Salvadoran government could not immediately be reached.

China's foreign ministry announced Friday that it would send Vice President Han Zheng in Xi's place.

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Trump said in a social media post later on Friday that he spoke to Xi on the phone. "It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects," Trump said.

Milei has been Argentina's leader since December 2023. He is credited with inspiring Trump to establish the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting organization that will be led by Tesla CEO and X owner Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. DOGE is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin.

Trump inaugural invites: Trump loves populists and strongmen. Here's who he's invited to the inauguration

Musk criticized Farage after they diverged over the release of far-right British agitator Tommy Robinson, who is serving jail time in Britain for repeatedly making libelous remarks about a schoolboy from Syria. Musk said Robinson should be set free.

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Farage is regarded as the architect of Brexit, Britain's exit from the European Union. He is also a longstanding Trump ally who has backed all his political campaigns. The party Farage leads in Britain, polls show, is now within touching distance of being the country's most popular, behind Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ruling Labour Party.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These foreign leaders are coming to Donald Trump's inauguration
After having to evacuate his Pacific Palisades home amid the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, Ben Affleck returned to find a massive military vehicle outside the home Thursday.

Photos published by TMZ show a man dressed in military fatigues and a khaki-colored Humvee parked right outside the 52-year-old Oscar winners Brentwood estate.

The Gone Girl star was seen driving by nonchalantly, though its unclearly whether he engaged directly with anyone outside the residence, which sits toward the edge of the evacuation zone. The National Guard was deployed in the area to assist last week.

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Earlier in the week, the outlet reported FBI agents and sheriff deputies went to Afflecks house after a private drone and firefighting aircraft collided, damaging the latter.

Affleck, who settled his divorce from Jennifer Lopez earlier this month, was forced to flee his house amid the deadly fires and head to the home of ex-wife Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children: Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 12.

The Palisades Fire, currently 31% contained, has killed at least eight people and burned through nearly 24,000 acres. The Eaton Fire, which is 65% contained, has ravaged over 14,000 acres and taken the lives of at least 16.

As of Friday afternoon, at least 27 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the multiple wildfires that began devastating the L.A. area last week. On Thursday, Yale Climate Connections reported the eventual death toll is expected to be far higher, once the health effects from the toxic smoke from the fires are fully realized.
Kent Lovern being sworn in as Milwaukee County's 32nd District Attorney (Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

At Milwaukees War Memorial Center along Lake Michigan, dozens gathered in a spacious room Thursday evening to welcome Kent Lovern, who succeeded John Chisholm as Milwaukee Countys 32nd district attorney. Throughout the evening, speakers praised Lovern as compassionate to people, wherever they find themselves in the criminal justice system.

Jeff Altenburg, chief deputy at the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office, called the evening the biggest day for the DAs office in 18 years. Lovern has been at the office since 2005, rising in the ranks from assistant district attorney to chief deputy and now to district attorney, after serving under both of the countys former top prosecutors. E. Michael McCann, who was district attorney from 1969 to 2007, and John Chisholm, who was elected in 2007 and now passes the reins to Lovern, were both in the crowd.

Milwaukee County District Attorney Kent Lovern with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet. (Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

When you stepped into this office, you inherited a profound responsibility to uphold the rule of law, while ensuring that justice is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone, said Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball. As you know, this is a task that no single person should shoulder alone. Ball said that working together with law enforcement, public defenders, advocates, community leaders and other citizens is important. Together, we are not just enforcers of the law, we are builders of trust and guardians of our communitys wellbeing, said Ball. By working together, we can achieve more than any one of us can accomplish alone.

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Carmen Pitre, president and CEO of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, called Lovern a fierce advocate for providing high-quality victim services to people across the county. The Peace Center offers services and interventions for domestic violence victims, serving nearly 10,000 people a year according to the groups website. Loverns family have remained involved in the peace center, where Lovern himself has also held leadership roles. Even on our best day, Kent believed that we could do better, said Pitre, recalling that Lovern would sometimes say, we have big city problems, but were small enough to get our arms around it through relationships.

Darryl Morin, president and board chairman of Forward Latino. said his group often engages with residents who have been victimized by acts of hate, whether verbally or physically. These victims are often just terrified and extremely reluctant to report the acts that have been done upon them, for fear that those who perpetrated this crime would come back and in their own words, to finish what they started. Morin said that in other cases, there is a lack of confidence that if they did report these incidents, nothing would be done. Im so proud to say that that is not the case here in Milwaukee County, said Morin, saying that Lovern meets with these families with empathy and compassion.

The Milwaukee War Memorial Center room which hosted the swearing in of Milwaukee Countys new District Attorney Kent Lovern. (Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Joel Brennan, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, said too many people confuse vengeance and retribution with justice. Brennan said Lovern understands that the road to justice is complex, it is winding and that the lasting justice that we seek includes penalty and sanction, but also incorporates education, economic opportunity, access to mental health, rehabilitation and renewal, and standing up for the most vulnerable in our community.

Adam Procell, re-entry specialist co-founder of the Milwaukee-based consulting service Paradigm Shyft, has lived those words. When he was 15 years old, Procell said that he faced a 25-year prison sentence. I didnt believe in myself, said Procell. He recalled when he was paroled in 2008 he ran into Chisholm who, like Procell, was wearing a blue suit that day. They had a conversation, and through Chisholm Procell was introduced to Lovern, with whom he built a friendship. Nobody is beyond redemption, said Procell, you dont have to be defined by your mistakes.

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Chief Judge in Milwaukee County Carl Ashley, conducted Loverns swearing-in. When he took the stage, Lovern said, pointing to Lake Michigan outside, We live in a community of abundance. Lovern said that Milwaukee County faces a complex web of challenges, which can only be tackled if we become a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community. He added that everyone in every neighborhood in our county deserves to feel safe in their daily lives. We all need to feel a sense of security so our children can enjoy our parks and playgrounds, our children can focus better in school, and our parents can build a future for their families.

Former Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm watches Kent Lovern being sworn in. (Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

The community must have a strong sense of accountability to one another, including within the criminal justice system, he added. It must be clearly understood that a threat to safety within our community will be met with the measured response, said Lovern. In doing so, our justice system must itself demonstrate accountability to this community by acting fairly and consistently, with measured firmness in our response. Our system must always seek to uphold the rule of law, in order to protect our commonly shared values.

While Lovern referenced the importance of safety and security throughout his remarks, he also stressed the need for economic, educational, and rehabilitative opportunities for Milwaukees most underserved. Milwaukee County is among the most segregated communities in the nation, where life expectancy can vary depending on what zip code youre born into. Many who encounter our justice system have experienced trauma in their lives, and for trauma that trauma has existed for generations within families and neighborhoods, said Lovern. The work of peer supporters, therapists, and advocates, literally saves lives as they help members of our community face and treat their traumatic conditions.

Lovern called for more resources and support for Milwaukees non-profit sector, which is often on the frontlines, providing mental health and substance abuse treatment. The new district attorney also called for investment in Milwaukee, to push back the countys unacceptable levels of poverty. Violent crime does not thrive in neighborhoods with high rates of housing stability, and family-sustaining jobs. Lovern stressed that Milwaukee is an innovative community, and that everyone has a role to play. My commitment to all of you is to work tirelessly to make our community safer, said Lovern. I will respond to the actions strongly that threaten our collective safety. I will respond with appropriate compassion to those who need help. I will work with anyone  anyone  who genuinely wants to strengthen our county so that we can create the community that we aspire to be.

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Correction: This article has been edited to correct the name of E. Michael McCann, who served as Milwaukee County District Attorney from 1969 to 2007.

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Chinese premier meets Sri Lankan president

Xinhua) 08:33, January 17, 2025

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in China for a state visit, in Beijing on Thursday.

During the meeting, Li emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka, which has lasted for over a thousand years.

China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to implement the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and jointly build a community with a shared future, Li said.

"Over the past 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of international changes and has maintained a steady and healthy pace of development," Li added.

He said that China is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Sri Lanka, jointly work for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promote cooperation projects such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, expand cooperation in green development, the digital economy, agriculture and maritime sectors, and continue to enhance economic and trade exchanges to achieve more fruitful results.

China is willing to import more high-quality products from Sri Lanka, and encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka, Li said, adding that China hopes Sri Lanka will continue to optimize its business environment and provide more convenience and security for Chinese enterprises.

The two sides should continue to deepen exchanges in culture, tourism, youth, sports, media, and other areas, he added.

China is willing to work with Sri Lanka and other Asian countries to practice true multilateralism and safeguard common interests, Li said.

Dissanayake said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the well-being of the people, has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development, and has fostered state-to-state relations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.

China has made important contributions to global peace and development, which Sri Lanka deeply admires, Dissanayake added.

Sri Lanka thanks China for its valuable assistance in realizing national independence and economic and social development, Dissanayake said, adding that the Sri Lankan government attaches great importance to relations with China, always abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates and supports the three global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president.

Dissanayake said Sri Lanka is willing to learn from China's experience in poverty alleviation and industrial development, push for more substantive results in bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, energy, science and technology and infrastructure construction, strengthen communication and coordination in international multilateral affairs and write a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
By Laman Ismayilova



A meeting has been held between the chairman of the Uzbekistan Union of Journalists Halmurad Salimov and the director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent Akif Marifli.

Azernews reports that at the meeting, the chairman spoke about the work done under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to develop the media sector in the country, important tasks, achievements, and problems facing journalists.

Speaking about Uzbek-Azerbaijani fraternal relations, he recalled the presentation of the book The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev published in Baku and met with great interest by Azerbaijani intellectuals in Azerbaijan.

Director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center Akif Marifli said that thanks to the political will and close friendly relations of the presidents of the two countries, Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, political, economic, cultural and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has reached a new level.

"The mutual visits of the presidents have given impetus to the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries," Akif Marifli said

"Strengthening cultural ties is important in terms of preserving, promoting, and passing on the common Turkic heritage to future generations," he added.

The meeting discussed important issues such as the development trends of the national media space, and the sides also reached an agreement on the implementation of joint projects between the Azerbaijan Cultural Center and the Uzbekistan Union of Journalists.

Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the fields of culture, science, education, and tourism.

The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects, aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Milwaukee's mayor nominated a leader of the city's oldest civic group to the citizen oversight board for the police and fire departments this week.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson nominated Krissie Fung to the city's Fire and Police Commission on Wednesday, a press release announced. Fung, the associate director of the civic organization the Milwaukee Turners, would fill the last open seat on the nine-person committee.

Krissie Fung was nominated to Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission this week.

"I'm honored by the nomination and looking forward to getting to work, if confirmed," Fung said on Friday.

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Fung's appointment, which would fill an opening left by Fred Crouther, requires Milwaukee Common Council approval.

Fung is also a board member of the Japanese American Citizen League of Wisconsin and has worked as an election inspector in Waukesha, New Berlin and Milwaukee, according to the release. Fung's work with the Turner's has involved the Zero Youth Corrections, a program that funds groups working on advocacy and policy issues that prevent the impact of the criminal and legal system on young people.

Before the common council's decision, the city is holding a community meeting for the public to offer input on Fung's nomination.

Residents interested in providing input can attend a Jan. 28 community meeting at Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Virtual attendance is available as well, along with the option to email questions to fpc@milwaukee.gov.

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The Fire and Police Commission is one of the oldest police oversight boards in the country and handles things like recruitment for the two departments and employee discipline appeals hearings. However, in 2023 its power to develop policies for the departments was stripped due to a state funding law, Wisconsin Act 12.

David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Krissie Fung nominated to Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission
A Milwaukee woman who admitted on an episode of TV's "Judy Justice" that she sold Wisconsin FoodShare benefits must serve five days in jail, a judge ruled.

Assistant District Attorney Nicolas J. Heitman argued during a sentencing hearing on Friday Katrina Weems took advantage of some of Milwaukee's poorest and most vulnerable residents to enrich herself by selling their benefit cards.

Weems denied the claims, and said she was giving aid to desperate people who needed it or otherwise couldn't help themselves.

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Milwaukee County prosecutors charged Weems and another woman in July 2023 with multiple counts of money laundering and of misusing the benefits of FoodShare, the Wisconsin food stamp program.

A jury convicted Weems on six of the nine counts against her in November.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jorge Fragoso ordered Weems to six months behind bars, but stayed the sentence, and placed her on 12 months probation.

The judge also ordered Weems to spend five days in jail. She must surrender to authorities on or before Feb. 7 to begin serving her time.

Weems and her one-time co-defendant Java'la Elams each said, in court papers and in testimony from the stand, that selling and buying food stamps is fairly common.

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Their card-trafficking operation was well known to those within their circle, but went viral on social media when the women appeared on "Judy Justice" before Judge Judith Sheindlin.

The episode featuring Weems and Elams, which aired in 2022, opened with the women seeking to resolve a dispute over the sale of a used 2005 Toyota Camry.

Instead, however, much of it dealt with the women talking about selling and buying foods stamps to stay financially afloat, according to a transcript of the show that is quoted in the criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

"It sounded like a scam," Sheindlin is quoted as saying in the transcript, referring to the women's food stamp dealings.

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The footage drew the attention of state investigators, who later went after the pair.

What is FoodShare? And is FoodShare trafficking common?

FoodShare is the Wisconsin food stamp program; it's the state's name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Residents who are disabled, retired, living on a small fixed income or rely on low-income jobs are often eligible.

Nearly 710,000 people in Wisconsin receive FoodShare benefits, according to the most recent DHS data.

It's the Office of the Inspector General that refers the suspected misuse and trafficking of FoodShare benefits to local district attorneys for possible criminal prosecution. The OIG referred 13 cases involving "members" enrolled in the program and four involving business owners from 2020 to 2023, DHS data says.

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During that period, 10 cases ended with convictions.

Elams, 26, pleaded guilty in January 2024 to a felony charge of knowingly trafficking food stamps and testified against Weems at trial. Elams was given three days in jail.

More than a dozen letters of support for Weems, including those from family, friends, and several whom she assisted over the years, were sent to Circuit Court Judge Jorge Fragoso in the last week, asking that he show mercy.

At sentencing, Weems said she often struggles as a mother of four to stay financially afloat, but has always been drawn to assisting others who are worse off.

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Some of those she claimed to assist lived in food deserts and didn't have vehicles. Some faced eviction.

Coming to their aid, Weems said, at times, meant driving to stores and using FoodShare recipients' cards and pin numbers to pay for healthier food options for them, rather than junk food.

"I'm not ... perfect, but I know I'm a good person," said Weems, 42. "I wouldn't take advantage of anybody."

Heitman emphasized that many of Weems' crimes occurred while the nation was in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, when her victims and other Wisconsin taxpayers, many of them out of work, relied heavily on state benefits for food.

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"People were getting sick and dying," he said. "She used the situation to enrich herself."

A hearing to discuss restitution has been scheduled for Feb. 25.

Weems has 20 days to appeal the sentence.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman who appeared on 'Judy Justice' is sentenced
A Milwaukee woman is now taking responsibility for the death of 1-year-old Princess Lard five years ago.

Artesia Lockhart, 32, on Thursday changed her plea to "no contest" regarding a charge of physical abuse of a child, causing great bodily harm.

No contest is a plea that allows a defendant to accept conviction without admitting guilt.

Princess Lard

Sentencing will be Feb. 28 before Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca A. Kiefer.

Here's what prosecutors say happened to Princess Lard

Milwaukee firefighters were called to Princess' father's home on the 2500 block of North 34th Street on Dec. 28, 2019, just before 9:30 a.m. on a report about an unresponsive infant.

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The child was found with no pulse, laying on a bed on a mattress that was not appropriate for her age and size. First responders gave her three rounds of epinephrine, but were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m.

According to a criminal complaint, Lockhart and several people were in the home at the time, including Princess' father, who is Lockhart's boyfriend, and five children, ages 8 to 6 months.

A forensic pathologist later found Princess had broken ribs, bruising and a hair barrette lodged in her throat. The Milwaukee County medical examiner said she died of asphyxiation, and ruled the manner of her death an accident.

Princess Lard died at her father's home Dec. 28, 2019. Artesia Lockhart, her father's partner, pleaded 'no contest' on Jan. 16, 2025, to charges stemming from the child's death.

Here's how prosecutors say Artesia Lockhart became a suspect

Statements made later by at least one of the children who was in the home at the time Princess died cast suspicion on Lockhart; the child claimed to have witnessed Lockhart throw Princess to the ground, and "shake and choke" her "on multiple occasions," the complaint said.

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Princess' uncle also told investigators he had to intervene when he saw Lockhart hit the child three times on Christmas Day, the document said.

Rachel Lard, Princess' mother, had primary care of her daughter; Princess spent some weekends with the father. Lard told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a 2019 profile she began noticing injuries on her daughter after visits with the father the summer before Princess died.

Each time, Lard took Princess to a doctor for an examination. Lard was eventually blamed for the injuries and primary custody was given to the father.

Princess Lard died at her father's home Dec. 28, 2019. Artesia Lockhart, her father's partner, pleaded 'no contest' on Jan. 16, 2025, to charges stemming from the child's death.

It feels like Im still not getting the justice my baby deserves, Lard said in the interview.

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Lockhart also pleaded guilty to bail jumping in the case.

As part of Lockhart's deal with prosecutors, that charge will be dismissed but read into the court record for sentencing purposes.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman pleads no contest in death of 1-year-old Princess Lard
The manager and co-owner of Los Andes Latin Bistro in Minneapolis is accused of raping an underage bartender.

Prosecutors in Hennepin County this week charged Christian Quito, 45, with one count of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with the investigation.

The alleged assault took place around 2:30 a.m. after one of the victim's shifts at the West Lake Street restaurant in September.

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According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police Quito, the restaurant manager, said he needed to speak with her and she got into his vehicle.

The charge alleges Quito began touching her and refused to let her leave the vehicle, continuing to touch her as she asked him to stop.

The victim told investigators he pulled her hair and overpowered her. Then, according to the complaint, Quito pushed her into the backseat and raped her.

Afterwards, the victim threw up and Quito allegedly told her he "knew it was wrong" and said the incident needed to stay between the two of them, the charge alleges.

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Christian Quito. Hennepin County Jail.

Quito took the victim back to her vehicle and she sat in her "vehicle and cried" before later going to Children's Hospital, according to the complaint.

DNA collected during a sexual assault examination allegedly matched Quito.

Prosecutors have also noted that Quito had authority over the victim, with a city licensing report listing him as 50% owner and manager.

If convicted, Quito faces up to 15 years in prison.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing an e-cigarette manufacturer over its "stealthy" appearance as highlighters, which he alleges is designed to appeal to children.

Los Angeles-based High Light Vapes is the maker of the e-cigarette products, which the attorney's general office describes as "easily concealable and usable by school-age children."

My job as Attorney General is to protect Minnesotans  especially our children  when corporations try to harm us to make a profit. I will not allow any corporation to illegally manufacture, market, and sell dangerous and addictive e-cigarette products to Minnesota youth, Ellison said.

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The actions Im announcing today should put vaping businesses on notice: designing vaping products to appeal to young people will not be tolerated in Minnesota. Im taking action to stop unlawful practices and prevent a generation of younger Minnesotans from becoming hooked on nicotine.

A promotional photo for High Light Vapes illustrates how closely they mimic highlighters.Minnesota Attorney's General Office

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, seeks to stop High Light Vapes from being sold in the state and asks for the Ramsey County District Court to award civil penalties.

The product comes in a wide range of colors and flavors, such as "strawberry cheesecake," "blueberry raspberry," "sour apple" and "magic fruit."

Ellison has also launched an investigation into a Minnesota-based manufacturer, The Loon, to determine whether it has violated state laws against deceptive tobacco marketing, marketing vapes to children and consumer fraud.

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According to the attorney's general office, flavored disposable e-cigarette products are largely manufactured and imported illegally into the United States from China. Many of the companies who distribute these products have declined to participate in the FDA's mandated marketing order process, as the products are considered adulterated and unlawful for sale.

One of these is a highlighter and one is a vape pen.



Can you tell the difference?



Minnesota law prohibits selling e-cigarettes that imitate things like school supplies, so today I'm stepping up to protect young Minnesotans by suing the company that produces these vape pens. pic.twitter.com/zNK8ObGR6O  Attorney General Keith Ellison (@AGEllison) January 16, 2025

Despite that, the attorney's general office says the U.S. market has been flooded with flavored disposable e-cigarettes and the number of the products has gone up 1,500% since 2020.

These types of vapes are designed to appeal to younger people, featuring kid-friendly flavors, playful shapes, and bright colors.

This isn't the first time Ellison has cracked down on e-cigarettes in the state of Minnesota. The state won a $60.5 million settlement from e-cigarette maker Juul and tobacco giant Altria over deceptive vape marketing in 2023.

Bring Me The News reached out to both High Light Vape and The Loon for comment but haven't heard back.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Midland ISDs Career and Technical Education department hosted a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition earlier this month, which the district said showcased exceptional talent, with teams delivering impressive performances.

Volunteers from the district, Region 18, and Chevron Permian Basin worked to support 29 teams from the West Texas South Region in the event. The top-ranking teams included:

Robo Junkies from Legacy High School, who went 10-0-0 with a high score of 139.

Cougar Robotics from Christoval High School, who went 9-1-0 with a high score of 139.

Knight Dawgs from Midland High School, who went 9-0-1 with a high score of 107.

Bodacious Bulldogs from Midland High School, who went 6-4-0 with a high score of 104.

The competition continues through February 8, when the FIRST Tech Challenge South Area Qualifying Meet will take place at the Midland Horseshoe. STEM enthusiasts, robotics fans, and spectators are invite to attend and cheer on the competitors as they push the boundaries of innovation and teamwork.

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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 Yourbasin.
Honolulu (KHON2)  The Miss Philippines Hawaii (MPH) pageant stands as a proud celebration of Filipino heritage, culture, and the pursuit of excellence. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Filipino community, the MPH pageant has become a prestigious event that highlights the remarkable achievements of young women from Hawaii, while also fostering leadership, empowerment, and community involvement.

The Miss Philippines Hawaii pageant was founded with the mission to provide a platform for Filipino-American women to showcase their talents, intelligence, and beauty. It is more than just a beauty contestit is a celebration of the Filipino identity and a call to action for young women to embrace their role as leaders in their communities. The pageant encourages participants to use their voices for positive change, to empower others, and to represent their culture with pride.

As Miss Philippines Hawaii continues to grow, the pageant remains committed to its core values of empowerment, cultural pride, and community service. Every year, new queens emerge, ready to represent their heritage, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

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For more information about the Miss Philippines Hawaii pageant, upcoming events, and how to get involved, visit Miss Philippines Hawaii Official Website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Huntsville Police Department released new information about the Huntsville realtor who has been missing for over a month.

Ronald Dumas Jr. was last seen on December 15, 2024, and police have shed new light on the last time he was seen.

LCSO identifies man killed when Florence Police say he tried to shoot up department

His family and friends have not heard from the 37-year-old since then.

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According to the Huntsville Police Department, Dumas was last seen on security camera footage entering a liquor store on University Drive accompanied by two women shortly before 10:30 p.m. on December 15. He was later seen leaving the store with them and he did not appear to be under any distress.

The department did not identify who those women were and said they would not release the video because it could compromise the investigation.

Dumas family released these still photos of Dumas the night he was last heard from.

Courtesy: Ronald Dumas Jr Family Courtesy: Ronald Dumas Jr Family

Dumas family released a statement following Huntsville Police releasing new information:

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It is with deep respect for the truth and the memory of Ronald that we feel compelled to address

the narrative shared by the Huntsville Police Department regarding his disappearance. While we

appreciate the efforts of law enforcement, we strongly disagree with aspects of their

characterization of events and believe that more transparency and communication are crucial to

understanding what truly happened the night Ronald went missing.

Dumas car was found on I-40 in Camden, Tennessee on Dec. 16. He was placed on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Missing Persons List as a missing adult on Dec. 23.

MCSO says agencies are waiting for more info on 3 found dead after house fire

HPD said Dumas car has been searched three separate times since being found. First by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation then it was searched by HPD investigators in conjunction with TBI and the third search was conducted by HPD crime scene investigators.

Police said the most recent information indicates Dumas phone was tracked heading south from Memphis, Tennessee on Dec. 21.

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According to HPD, none of these searches revealed evidence to suggest that Dumas was forced from the car.

Police reiterated that they believe there is no reason or evidence to suggest that Dumas is in danger or has been abducted at this time

According to Blunt Force Media, the previous reward increase of $5,000 on Jan. 11 was matched by Siniard Law, LLC. The new reward stands at $10,000.

Anyone with information on Dumas whereabouts is asked to contact Investigator Stephen Gibbs at 256-427-5448. To provide an anonymous tip, call 256-532-7463 or submit information to Huntsville Area Crimestoppers at 53-CRIME.

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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 WHNT.com.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) announced $667,00 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding will be used in Mississippi to combat agricultural pests and diseases.

The USDA Plant Protection Act Section 7721 funding will support a series of Mississippi-based programs administered by the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Service and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC).

Ole Miss program selects 4 teachers for STEM leadership initiative

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Detecting and combatting plant pests and diseases is critical to the protection of agricultural production in Mississippi. Its a constant battle and this USDA funding will help our state identify and fight threats to our crops and forests, said Hyde-Smith.

FY2025 Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program awards:

MSU Invasive Insect Screening Lab  $170,000

MSU Mississippi Bug Blues/Invasive Insect Education Outreach  $122,000

MSU Bug Eyes/Volunteer Invasive Insect Searches  $63,500

MSU Mississippi Bug Blues Educator Education Boxes  $55,900

MSU Asian Defoliator Survey  $48,949

MSU Pine Pest Survey  $39,414

MDAC Exotic Bark Beetle Commodity Survey  $3,000

The MSU-Pontotoc Mississippi Sweet Potato Clean Plant Program will receive $165,000 through the National Clean Plant Network.

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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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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A trio of Missouri Congressmen have a message for the US Postal Service. Deliver the mail on time or Pony Up.

A recent audit found Kansas City had some of the slowest and worst mail service in the nation. That included mail sitting at Kansas City postal stations for as many as 13 days without being delivered.

The audit also cited late and canceled trips and low compliance with scanning requirements contributing to inaccurate data.

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Uniform private security hired to patrol KCs River Market

Congressman Mark Alford, R-4, said Thursday his office received a complaint from a constituent waiting to receive a check mailed 10 days ago to pay for his cancer medication. He also cited a hatchery that sends chicks in the mail, that loses $40,000 a month because they die before they are delivered.

Theres supposed to be a 6-day guarantee but its not happening and theres no accountability, Rep. Alford said.

Alford joins other Missouri Congressmen, Emanuel Cleaver, D-4 and Sam Graves, R-6, to introduce bipartisan legislation that calls on the post office to pony up for customers late fees.

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We need bipartisan action to ensure these costs are not levied on hardworking Americans who have no ability to prevent these delays, and Im proud to introduce the Pony Up Act with Reps. Graves and Alford to provide relief, Rep. Cleaver said.

It would require the postal service to reimburse people if there is a late charge. Whats happening now is people are sending in their checks to the mortgage company, people still do that. If those checks dont get there, they are charged a late fee sometimes it adversely affects their credit. Thats wrong.

That makes sense to me. If I get the bill late and I therefore pay the bill late, that shouldnt be on me to have to foot that bill, customer Abby Meyer said.

Missouris lieutenant governor wants to address illegal immigration, repealing abortion initiative

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According to the mail audit, most of the issues stem from employee shortages, like people not showing up to work and general oversight from supervisors and managers. Alford said hed like to see the Postmaster General go before a house oversight committee. Louis DeJoy did appear before the Senate to discuss his Delivering for America Plan.

I have my own people, 640,000 people, that need to learn to operate like FedEx and UPS thats the only way we survive, DeJoy responded to a question from Sen. Roger Marshall, R- KS.

According to the legislation reissued Thursday customers who ended up with late fees could either file for reimbursement online or by filling out a form at the post office.

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A Missouri man who crashed a rented U-Haul into the security barriers close to the White House in 2023 was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison, court documents show.

Sai Varshith Kandula slammed the rented truck around Lafayette Square near the White House in late May 2023. He then exited the vehicle and pulled out a red-and-white flag with a Nazi swastika on it before the officer jumped in, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said that Kandula wanted to destroy the U.S. government.

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The plan to execute this was to carry out an attack on the White House, acknowledging that the President would be killed in the process. He wanted to eliminate the democratic process in America and replace the government with a Nazi style dictatorship, government officials wrote, adding that Kandula specifically praised Adolf Hitler.

Apart from being sentenced to eight years in prison, District Judge Dabney Friedrich sentenced Kandula to three years of supervised release and had him pay nearly $57,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.

Kandulas defense lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, wrote that his client has schizophrenia and was diagnosed with suffering from it by two different medical professionals.

Neither expert fixed a date of onset. But both suspect the first symptoms came on during Sais early to middle high school years, Rosenblum wrote. Both also believe his illness led directly to his offense.

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He planned the attack for months. He flew on a commercial flight from St. Louis, Mo., to Washington on May 22, the same day as the incident, which happened around 9:35 p.m. local time, according to prosecutors. The ramming of the truck, which was rented in Virginia, cost the National Park Service $4,322 in damages.

Authorities at the time said that no weapons or explosives were found with the suspect, along with no injuries.

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A revised Missouri Board of Pharmacy rule aims to protect mail-order medications (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon).

If your mail-order prescription landed in a pile of snow on your doorstep last week, you may want to proceed with caution.

Pharmacists warn that extreme temperatures  cold or hot  can change the chemical makeup of medicine, often making it less effective. But medicine coming through the mail in overheated UPS trucks or ending up in frozen mailboxes has little in the way of temperature control  and not much regulatory oversight.

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A revised prescription delivery rule in Missouri, which took effect Dec. 30, aims to address that.

The new Missouri Board of Pharmacy rule gives pharmacies licensed in the state a list of requirements to follow when mailing prescriptions to patients, a practice that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, just over 4% of the countrys prescriptions were delivered by mail, according to the health care research company IQVIA. The number has declined from around 5% at the height of the pandemic.

But factors like more independent drug stores and chain pharmacies closing and online giant Amazon moving deeper into the business could drive growth in mailed prescriptions.

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Missouris rule change is a major expansion of state regulations related to pharmacy delivery. For starters, the old rule didnt mention mail  only delivery.

Under the new rule, pharmacies must attempt to contact the patient before shipping medication. The package they send also has to include information about how to contact state regulators, how to detect if medicine has been compromised in transit and what to do if it has.

In addition, Missouris new rule states that pharmacies must have policies and procedures for mailing medicine, including using proper packaging containers and materials to maintain physical integrity and stability of package contents.

Kansas does not have regulations specifically related to mailed prescriptions.

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Kimberly Grinston, executive director of the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, said the change is a response to public feedback and part of the boards routine review of rules.

The rule overall adds new requirements and new safeguards for pharmacies that are mailing medications, she said.

Anybodys best guess if medicine is safe

But critics said it doesnt go far enough to protect medications from extreme transit temperatures.

These policies and procedures should already be in place, said Loretta Boesing, a Missouri mom who founded Unite for Safe Medications after her son nearly rejected a transplanted liver when his mail-order medication arrived damaged from extreme heat.

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The problem is its not being demanded of them, she said. I guarantee you there are still patients here in Missouri, where were having temperatures below freezing, (whose) medications are still going to be shipped mostly in bags.

Boesing said regulators should require pharmacies to be sure medications stay within safe temperature ranges by doing things like shipping them with temperature sensors that could indicate if a delivery has endured extreme temperatures.

Right now, its anybodys best guess if their medications are safe, she said.

Lori Croy, a spokesperson for the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, said in an email that the board has not made a decision about temperature sensors. Their use, she said, is being considered by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the national organization that establishes standards for drug handling, and the board will continue to monitor circumstances and USP recommendations/guidance to protect Missouri patients.

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While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates many aspects of medications, states deal with pharmacies. The last mile when a medication is shipped by mail or commercial carrier directly to a consumer has had little oversight.

Regulations generally lay out temperatures required for storing drugs, but not necessarily for shipping them.

Medications that must be refrigerated have the same temperature requirements during shipping. But drugs that can be stored at room temperature have no stipulations about shipping temperatures, said Paul Abato, a pharmaceutical expert witness.

That means a prescription that should be stored at room temperature could be exposed to temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit going through the mail on summer days in Missouri.

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All bets are off when drugs that are meant to be stored at room temperature get shipped, Abato said.

No longer the prescribed dose

Experts agree that heat or cold can compromise the efficacy of medication.

If you have a drug thats exposed to temperature extremes whether hot or cold, theres a chance the drug could not be as potent, said Kendall Guthrie, a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. That could mean the drug may not be as effective.

Patients cant always tell that a medicine has been affected just by looking at it. They might think theyre taking the dose their doctor prescribed, but actually extreme temperature exposure has made the pill they got in the mail much less powerful, Guthrie said.

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Boesing, who lives in Park Hills in the eastern part of the state, had a sense that her sons medication was too warm when it arrived in the mail a few years ago. He needs it every 12 hours to prevent his body from rejecting a donated liver.

After she gave her now 14-year-old the medicine, it didnt take long for his body to begin rejecting the liver. Luckily, the worst didnt happen and her son is fine, but Boesing believes the close call wouldnt have happened at all if her sons medication had been protected from the heat. Or if her familys insurance hadnt forced her to get the drug by mail in the first place.

Thats why she dedicates so much of her time to advocating for safeguards.

People are getting hurt because the regulators fail to enact policies and rules that have teeth, Boesing said.

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Medicine coming by mail should be protected, she said. And people should always have the choice not to get medicine by mail.

Guthrie, who also serves as president of the Missouri Pharmacy Association, agreed. She said the Board of Pharmacys rule changes are a good step toward mail-order drug safety. But the more important change, she said, needs to come from lawmakers.

Legislation introduced in Jefferson City and backed by the pharmacy association would stop pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the middlemen who administer pharmacy insurance benefits, from forcing patients to use mail-order pharmacies in the first place.

PBMs, which also own mail-order pharmacies, do this by giving patients a better deal through mail order or by refusing to cover medicine dispensed by another pharmacy.

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That leaves many patients with no choice but getting their drugs through the mail, whether or not its a medication that can withstand the resulting uncertainty.

I think mail is a really good option for some patients, Guthrie said. But I think theres also a really big percentage of patients who want to use a community pharmacy.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Missouri and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev delivered a speech to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, denouncing the rule of Joseph Stalin. So unthinkable was this assault on a previous leader that some in the audience were reported to have suffered heart attacks.

Kemi Badenochs speech yesterday was less dramatic, but still marked a notable disjunction between the past 14 years of Conservative government, and the party she hopes to build.

Addressing an audience at the think tank Onward, Ms Badenoch criticised several of her predecessors policies. They had jumped into Brexit before we had a plan for growth outside the EU; they had made it the law that we would deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050 before thinking about how this would be achieved; they announced that we would lower immigration, but immigration kept going up.

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As Ms Badenoch says, Britain is getting poorer, and politicians are too used to offering dishonest quick fixes rather than the hard-to-swallow truths necessary to begin the process of rebuilding.

The Tory leader yesterday made the brave move of identifying her partys past mistakes. Now comes the hard work of changing direction.

Ms Badenoch is acutely aware of the challenges that lie before her. She has already stated that no detailed policies will be set out prior to 2027 as she attempts to rebuild trust. Nonetheless she should articulate her broad positive vision for Britain sooner than that. The task facing the Conservatives now is to build on this foundation, and provide evidence to an electorate desperate for change that they are ready to take the big decisions necessary to cure our malaise.

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The Scene

As the second inauguration of Donald Trump approaches and global leaders head to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, we at Mixed Signals want to know: what will medias role be in an increasingly unstable era? And will it bring more order or disorder for global politics? To discuss this, Ben and Max bring on political risk advisor Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group. They talk about how global leaders are engaging with new media and if digital media is shaping global politics, or vice versa. They also talk about Ians run-in with Elon Musk in 2022, and how Donald Trumps second term will influence media leaders like Zuckerberg and Bezos.

Be sure to follow Nayeemas new show, Smart Girl Dumb Questions, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your content!

Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltani

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If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

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Palm Beach County is set to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of inspiring events that celebrate his vision of equality, justice and unity. From community parades to educational forums and service projects, residents and visitors alike can participate in activities that reflect Kings enduring impact.

These events provide an opportunity to reflect on his message while fostering a sense of togetherness across diverse communities. Whether youre looking to march in solidarity, attend a moving tribute, or give back through volunteerism, theres something for everyone to honor MLKs life and contributions this year.

Palm Beach State College: 26th Annual MLK Celebration

Palm Beach State College will host its 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 23, featuring Retired Navy Capt. Gail Harris as the keynote speaker. Harris, the first woman intelligence officer in a Navy aviation squadron, served 28 years in the Navy, participating in key global conflicts from the Cold War to Kosovo, and emerging as a leader in cyber warfare. The event, themed, Turning Obstacles into Opportunities, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Duncan Theater on the Lake Worth Beach campus, and will include a Q&A session and the presentation of MLK Leadership Awards.

Riviera Beach: 41st Annual MLK Parade

The City of Riviera Beach invites the community to celebrate the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, themed, Be the Change You Want to See in the World, on Saturday, Jan. 18. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., with participants lining up at 8 a.m. along Congress Avenue and MLK Boulevard. The parade route concludes at MLK Boulevard and Avenue O, with a viewing stand located at Avenue P and MLK Boulevard, offering the best vantage point for spectators.

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This years parade will feature dynamic performances by Florida A&M Universitys Marching 100 Band and Florida Memorial Universitys ROAR Marching Band. Following the parade, attendees are encouraged to join the post-parade celebration at Dan Calloway Recreation Complex from 1-3 p.m. The festivities will include family-friendly activities and vendor row located at Avenue P and the complexs side entrance.

For more information, visit rivierabeach.org.

Lake Worth Beach: a full weekend to honor the city's 31st MLK Day celebration

Lake Worth Beach is commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of impactful events from Jan. 17-20, celebrating his legacy of equality. The celebration begins with a focus on the heroines of voting rights, honoring the women who fought for the right to vote in the U.S. A community service project will follow, providing an opportunity for residents to give back and make a difference. The festivities continue with a breakfast gathering, a sing-along to unite the community, and a candlelight march to honor Kings legacy.

Friday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Heroines of voting rights will be at St. Andrew Episcopal Church ( Lucerne Avenue and Palm Way) This music theatre piece is a joyful exploration of two women who made a difference: Ida B. Wells and Fannie Lou Hamer. Light refreshments and fellowship hour will follow the program. For more information call (561)-310-3230

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Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 a.m. The community service project will be held at the Municipal Gym (1515 Wingfield St.). This event will incorporate a neighborhood cleanup in the Osborne community organized by Healthier Lake Worth.

Monday, Jan. 20, 8 a.m. The Unity MLK Breakfast is at Barton Elementary School (1700 Barton Road). This event will consist of youth-led music, prayer and reflections on working for racial justice today.

Monday, Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m. The Civil Rights Sing-along will be held at Lake Worth Beach City Hall front steps ( Dixie Highway and Lake Avenue).

Monday, Jan. 20, 5 p.m. Candlelight March will be held at Lake Worth Beach City Hall ( Lake Avenue and Dixie Highway). March through downtown Lake Worth Beach in a tribute to the freedom marches of the Civil Rights Movement. The MLK Commemorative program will follow immediately after the march at the Cultural Plaza, downtown Lake Worth Beach (Lake Avenue and M Street).

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Monday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m. The MLK fellowship dinner will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (402 North M St.). This event will include food, fellowship and music.

Boca Raton: A breakfast, march, ceremony and celebration

The City of Boca Raton will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of free community events and celebrations on Monday, Jan. 20.

Monday, Jan. 20, 8 a.m. Community breakfast, themed Dont Give Up on the Dream, courtesy of Developing Interracial Social Change (DISC) at Ebenezer Baptist Church Hall, 200 Ruby St.

Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. March along Federal Highway from the MLK Jr. Memorial, 200 Ruby St., to the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, featuring Boca Raton High School Band and Color Guard. Trolley service is available for those requiring assistance.

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Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. Join community leaders and local organizations for a ceremony to honor the life and legacy of MLK at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Features include keynote speaker, Dr. Alisha Winn, a mayoral proclamation, speeches from community leaders, poetry, music and a Humanitarian Award presentation.

Monday, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m. Celebrate with a variety of live performances, amusement rides, games, community partner booths, a photo booth, stage performances, food and beverages, a service project, and more, at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real.

For more information, visit www.myboca.us/communityevents or call 561-367-7073.

Boynton Beach: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

The City of Boynton Beach will host a free, family-friendly celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 1-6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, at Sara Sims Park, 209 N.W. Ninth Ave. The event will feature live performances, including DJ Digital Vibez, Cande Rivers and the Frequency, and the Boynton Beach High School jazz band, drumline, dance team, and a step team showcase with members of local fraternities and sororities.

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Attendees can enjoy food from various food trucks, children's activities like face painting, yard games, carnival games, as well as a nonprofit showcase featuring organizations such as Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse and Pathways 2 Prosperity. Before the celebration, volunteers are invited to participate in a Day of Service neighborhood cleanup from 8-11 a.m. at the Carolyn Sims Center. Parking is available near Sara Sims Park, and an American Sign Language interpreter will be present.

For more details, call 561-742-6010 or email events@bbfl.us.

Spady Museum MLK events in Boynton Beach

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museums signature "I Have A Dream" Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch will take place on Monday, Jan. 20, at the Indian Spring Country Club, located at 11501 El Clair Ranch Road in Boynton Beach starting at 10 a.m.

The annual ticketed event will feature guest speaker Don Mizell, Esq., known for his work in developing the successful marketing strategy for the creation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. For more information or to RSVP, visit the Spady Museums website at www.spadymuseum.com or email info@spadymuseum.org.

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Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 2025 MLK Day events near me in Palm Beach County
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic I Have a Dream speech in 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He chose that location in part to honor President Abraham Lincoln as a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today. Now, millions of people honor King in the same way.

On the third Monday of January  close to Kings Jan. 15 birthday  federal, state and local governments, institutions and various industries recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For some, the holiday is just that  time off from work or school. But, Kings family and others carrying on his legacy of equality, justice and non-violent protest want Americans to remember that this holiday is really about helping others.

While it is now a time-honored tradition, the establishment of the holiday had a prolonged, difficult path to acceptance.

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How the idea for MLK day began

The idea to establish a national holiday for the civil rights icon arose as the nation was plunged into grief. U.S. Democratic Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, one of the longest-serving members of Congress known for his liberal stance on civil rights, proposed legislation to recognize King four days after his assassination outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

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Supporters knew it would not be easy. King, who was 39 years old at the time, was a polarizing figure to half the country even before his death, said Lerone Martin, director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. Polls conducted by the Washington Post and the New York Times indicated most Americans did not trust King or thought he was too radical because of his speeches on poverty, housing and against the Vietnam War.

People say that King is moving too fast after 1965 and basically Hey, you got the Voting Rights bill done. Thats enough, Martin said.

The Congressional Black Caucus, founded by Conyers, tried to bring the legislation up for a vote for the next 15 years. Among the Republican rebuttals  public holidays dont apply to private citizens, King was a communist or King was a womanizer. In the meantime, his widow, Coretta Scott King, kept lobbying for it. Musician Stevie Wonder even released a song, Happy Birthday, to rally support.

So, what changed?

By the 1980s, the social and cultural climate in the U.S. had shifted and the public was reflecting on racial progress, Martin said. Most Americans now were also regretting the Vietnam War. Supporters, meanwhile, were still calling for federal holiday status.

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In 1983, about 20 years after Kings I Have a Dream speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January cleared Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed it.

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States held back as activists stepped up

Reagans signing did not lead other Republicans to follow. It would be 17 more years until all 50 states observed it. Most of the foot-dragging came from the South  except for Arizona. Then in 1987, Gov. Evan Mecham rescinded his predecessors executive order enacting a state holiday in Arizona.

He said Black people dont need a holiday. Yall need jobs, recalled Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., senior pastor at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix. That started the war.

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Stewart launched a group to lead people of all colors and all persuasions, faiths and parties in protest marches. Entertainers including Wonder canceled Arizona events. Companies moved conventions. The tipping point was the loss of hosting the Super Bowl. In 1992, Arizona became the first state where voter initiative reinstated the King holiday.

Supporters took a victory lap the next MLK Day with a packed arena concert attended by Wonder and other artists. Even Rosa Parks was there. Stewart remembers speaking to the crowd.

What I said there  and it still applies today  weve won the holiday but the holiday is a symbol of liberty and justice for all and we must move from symbol to substance, he said.

South Carolina was the final holdout until 2000. But, it was without the backing of the civil rights groups because it also allowed for a Confederate Memorial Day.

A day on, not a day off

Martin Luther King Jr. Days reach has only grown in its 42 years.

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Its the only federal holiday where you take a day on, not a day off. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law Congressman John Lewis and Sen. Harris Woffords legislation making it a National Day of Service.

Just about every major city and suburb has some revelry the weekend before, including parades, street festivals and concerts. The various service projects run the gamut  community clean-up, packing food boxes, donating blood.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that deploys volunteers to serve communities around the nation, has distributed $1.5 million in grants to 200 nonprofits, faith-based groups and other organizations for projects. CEO Michael Smith estimates there have been hundreds of projects involving hundreds of thousands of people for MLK day in recent years. Engagement seems to be expanding.

You know, any given day I see another project that has nothing to do with us, said Smith, who has served in President Joe Bidens administration. Whats so important about the King holiday is not only the service thats going to happen, but how it creates a spark for people to think about how maybe theyre going to serve all year long.

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Thats something Kings daughter, the Rev. Bernice King and CEO of the King Center in Atlanta, desires as well. She wishes people would do more than quote King, which we love to do. They need to do good work and commit daily to embrace the spirit of nonviolence.

Martin also thinks its important to learn about the man himself. He finds excitement in seeing people read or hear about the Nobel Peace Prize winner. But, nothing compares to taking in Kings own writings such as his 1963 Letter from the Birmingham Jail, he added.

We can arm ourselves with his ideals, Martin said. We can continue to have a conversation with him  not just on one day but actually throughout the year.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  More than 1,500 community members gathered at Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley Friday morning to celebrate the 40th Annual MLK Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast, hosted by the San Diego YMCA.

The gathering is meant to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader whose life and achievements are honored across the country every January.

RELATED: Events honoring MLK Jr. in San Diego

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The award is given to individuals in the community who exemplify MLKs work and character through service. This year, Dr. John E. Warren and the Southeast Disaster Response Team were chosen to receive the accolade.

Dr. Warren is the president of Warren Communications, Inc., a distinguished African American-owned media group with community newspapers spanning the East and West Coasts. He is a local journalist and was a weekly commentator on the local NPR/PBS station for nearly a decade.

RELATED: Whats closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego County?

As for the Southeast Disaster Response Team, this is a coalition of eight organizations dedicated to collaboration and resilience in Southeast San Diego. The team mobilized comprehensive recovery efforts following the devastating 2024 floods.

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More information on the Dignity Award Breakfast can be found here.

The ceremony comes ahead of MLK Jr. Day, which is Monday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Over the objection of community and environmental advocates, state transportation leaders behind what could be a sweeping effort to redesign 7.5 miles of Interstate 94 from downtown St. Paul to Minneapolis are recommending not filling in the trench of the highway and reconnecting it to the street grid at grade level. They note the likely increase in cost, crashes and traffic spilling onto local roads.

Unless something changes in the next few months, 10 previously floated concepts for a redesigned I-94 will be whittled to four as Minnesota Department of Transportation engineers and design consultants work toward a general concept by spring, when it would be released for public comment.

Right now, these are preliminary recommendations about which alternatives will move forward, said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, addressing members of the Rethinking I-94 policy advisory committee during a lengthy and sometimes emotional virtual discussion on Friday.

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A public comment period at the end of the five-hour Zoom meeting drew impassioned speeches from a heavy number of climate advocates, including several who noted that the four remaining options leave no room for light rail or another mass public transit option beyond buses.

Ive been watching Los Angeles burn down over the past week, said Elizabeth Wrigley-Field, a sociologist who studies racial inequality. MnDOTs analysis pretends that climate change doesnt exist. That is climate denialism.  We could choose to live in a better way.

Remaining options

The four remaining options for reconfiguring I-94 include rebuilding the existing freeway by reducing it to three lanes or reconfiguring it so it provides four consistent lanes in each direction. Those designs also would add a managed lane in each direction for bus rapid transit and EZ Pass drivers.

Other options include more minor improvements, such as making consistent road shoulders to improve bus access, or the no build alternative, which would entail doing nothing.

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MnDOTs goal is to have a choice in hand by 2026 and designs ready by 2029, paving the way for a multi-billion dollar reconstruction of I-94 from Marion Street in St. Paul to Hiawatha Avenue/Minnesota 55 in Minneapolis in 2030 or thereafter.

MnDOT engineer Mark Lindeberg emphasized that the department has not pinned down funding or construction dates.

Elected officials left out of vote

Members of the policy advisory committee  many of them elected officials from Minneapolis and St. Paul  objected to losing the two at-grade options without a formal committee vote.

Youre constantly telling us that you value our input, and you value our communitys input, and it doesnt feel that way, said Minneapolis Council Member Robin Wonsley, during the lengthy Zoom meeting. It feels very disingenuous and very superficial.

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Those concerns were echoed by fellow committee member Mitra Jalali, president of the St. Paul City Council.

Im troubled at this stage we dont have clear mechanisms for registering where the members of this (committee) line up, said Jalali, addressing MnDOT staff. We need to look at how this body can take votes along the way and register where we stand.

Melissa Barnes, project director for the Rethinking I-94 initiative, told the policy advisory committee that filling in the freeway will slow travel times without eliminating demand to get to work, school or other destinations. The result could be decreased access to jobs for low-income communities while increasing traffic on local roads.

Traffic modeling found that replacing the interstate with either of two at-grade concepts would add some 17,800 cars per day to the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge, and 9,700 cars per day to the Washington Avenue bridge in Minneapolis, she said. Heavy traffic increases would be felt along University Avenue, Lake Street, Interstate 35E and elsewhere.

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Those land uses dont change and wont change overnight, Barnes said. (Even calculating fewer trips), we are still looking at nearly a doubling of traffic on the Lake and Marshall bridge.  The overall number of crashes would go up for both at-grade alternatives.

Preliminary estimates found that filling in the interstate trench would cost $2.4 billion to $3.2 billion, compared to $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion to reconfigure the freeway within its existing footprint.

Impassioned reaction

Russ Stark, chief resilience officer for St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carters office, expressed some reservations about the at-grade options, though he suggested not ruling them out entirely. He noted that filling in the interstate would also have some negative impacts for communities living around I-94, including reducing trips between the two cities.

My understanding is that the fill would take three years of constant trucks, Stark said. And the positive things that would follow would take decades to unfold.

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Several neighborhood district councils in St. Paul and Minneapolis have called for retaining the at-grade options, and speakers during the lengthy public comment period included members of the Summit-University Planning Council, the Hamline-Midway Coalition, the Union Park District Council, the St. Anthony Park Community Council and the West Seventh/Fort Road Federation.

Speakers noted that in 2015, Charlie Zelle, who was then the commissioner of MnDOT, issued a public apology alongside then-St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman for the manner in which I-94 construction unfolded in the 1960s, uprooting some 600 Black families in St. Pauls Old Rondo neighborhood. Zelle now chairs the Metropolitan Council planning agency, a major partner in Rethinking I-94.

Were just squandering an opportunity for urban redevelopment, said Minneapolis artist Reno Taylor. Were a city, not a parking lot.

MnDOT officials said eliminating the two at-grade options would not negatively impact a separate initiative, dubbed ReConnect Rondo, that seeks to add a highway lid over several blocks of I-94 near Lexington Parkway. Keith Baker, executive director of ReConnect Rondo, said he supported MnDOTs work to date.

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Some business advocates on Friday expressed relief that the two at-grade concepts had been dropped.

That would significantly reduce the through-put of travel and goods, said Bentley Graves, a transportation policy director with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. His concerns were echoed by John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association.

During the comment period, industry was heavily outnumbered Friday.

MnDOT needs to consider when theres this wide of a gulf between what you think and what your community thinks, said Michael Childers. This is a 60-year-old mistake that you now have the opportunity to fix.  The current systems are not sustainable.

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MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  The top teachers in Mobile County were recognized Thursday.

Milton continues search for police chief

This comes as Mobile County Public Schools announced the countywide Teachers of the Year for elementary, middle and high schools.

Each of Mobile Countys 90 schools selects a Teacher of the Year, who is then nominated for the countywide honor, a school news release said.

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The following three teachers were surprised in their classrooms today after being selected:

Krissy Brown of Gilliard Elementary, Mobile County Elementary School: She is a fourth-grade math teacher at Gilliard Elementary.

Justine Wilson of Grand Bay Middle, Mobile County Middle School: She teaches U.S. history to sixth-graders at Grand Bay Middle School.

Roseann Byrd of Citronelle High, Mobile County High School: She leads Advanced Placement courses in U.S. History, Psychology, and American Government and Politics.

Officials said the three teachers do an amazing job and that this is an accomplishment.

Krissy Brown (Mobile County Public Schools)

Justine Wilson (Mobile County Public Schools)

Rosann Byrd (Mobile County Public Schools)

These outstanding educators have done an exceptional job in the classroom and beyond, Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill said. This honor is a tangible recognition of their dedication to student achievement and success. I am very proud of them, and I congratulate them on this terrific accomplishment.

1 killed, 1 critically injured in Escambia County crash: FHP

Brown, Wilson and Byrd will have their applications sent to the state to be considered for Alabamas Teacher of the Year, according to the release.

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The Madison area has for years relied on a network of nonprofits and a small Dane County office to provide services to immigrants, a system that will be tested by an incoming Donald Trump administration that has vowed mass deportations and other strict policies, according to interviews with immigration officials, attorneys and advocates.

Madison and Dane County have pledged to respond swiftly and effectively to protect the rights of immigrants but announced no new funding or policy changes while offering few details about what the local response will look like.

Thats in contrast to leaders in places like Illinois, who have publicly clashed with the incoming Trump administration; Denver, whose mayor said he would rather lose federal funding than cooperate with deportations; and San Diego, where county officials have passed measures to make it even harder for immigration authorities to enter local jails.

No one has all the answers, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said at a Wednesday press conference at the Public Safety Building Downtown.

We realize that there will be chaos, but we are preparing ourselves and we want to make sure our community knows that, the county executive said.

The press conference came the same day as a CapTimes report that the Sheriffs Office gets reimbursed tens of thousands of dollars for, once a year, voluntarily sharing the information of undocumented people who have been convicted of crimes and have spent at least four days in the jail.

Agard was not joined by any leaders from municipalities or immigration services organizations, and her spokesperson Aaron Collins said the press conference aimed to focus on the countys response to the issue.

Underpinning any county response will be a system its relied on in the past: a patchwork of nonprofits, small legal groups and a four-person county immigration office. The office, located on the South Side, has a $1 million budget and is the only arm of any local government in the area dedicated to immigration services.

Centro Hispano debuts $18M building, a 'space of sanctuary' At 25,000 square feet, the new building has a striking facade in earthy coppers and terracotta shades, a color scheme that is carried indoors.

For years, the Madison area has been heavily reliant on nonprofits to fill gaps to help immigrants, whether it be with law enforcement, crisis response, school systems and more, Centro Hispano Executive Director Karen Menendez Coller said in an interview last month.

This is the time when this shouldnt fall on the nonprofit sector to protect the fastest growing demographic in the state, she said. Its understanding who the core should be when it comes to visioning in the city and this county that doesnt seem to happen in an intentional way ... We need to make sure that the system is stronger so that we can complement it and not be the ones that are doing the work for them.

A lack of services

Even though Dane County has limited immigration services, theres even fewer in surrounding communities, where immigrant labor bolsters the dairy industry, tourism and more.

Wisconsin generally is considered a desert for immigration services, immigration advocates and attorneys say.

Ad wars begin in closely watched Wisconsin Supreme Court race Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel faces Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford in the race for an open seat on the state's highest court April 1.

And despite having limited services to help immigrants, the state does host a facility that detains them: the Dodge Detention Facility in Juneau, which holds people facing immigration and deportation proceedings.

The states lack of immigrant services is perhaps felt most in legal representation, as theres a dearth of immigration attorneys who can take cases on pro bono.

Immigrants often have complex and varied legal statuses that might be totally different from the statuses of their family members, who might be citizens or part of programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Having an attorney greatly increases someones chance of winning relief in immigration court, said Erin Barbato, the director of UW-Madisons Immigrant Justice Clinic.

We dont have larger organizations to fill some of the need, Barbarto said. We are based on grassroots organizations, and we do not receive any money from our state or local government to support the work we do.

The immigration system is complicated by distance, too, as immigrant Wisconsinites have to trek to Chicago to reach the closest federal immigration court.

At the UW clinic, law students take on these cases to help immigrants with paperwork and representing them at court in Chicago.

Were asking people who may not speak our language, who are unfamiliar with our immigration system, to manage this on their own, Barbato said. It truly is overly complicated and confusing.

The worst of the worst

Helping recently arrived immigrants petition for asylum has become a growing responsibility of the UW clinic, but also for other legal and immigrant services organizations in Dane County.

Asylum is an internationally recognized right that says someone can seek residence in another country if theyre facing persecution or danger in their home country.

Near the end of Trumps first administration, asylum seekers became required to stay in Mexico while their claims were processed.

Under President Joe Biden, the administrations asylum policy changed multiple times. But by last June, the administration imposed stricter restrictions on who can seek asylum, including barring anyone who crossed the border illegally from petitioning for asylum once theyre in the U.S.

At the Community Immigration Law Center on Madisons Near East Side, attorneys help immigrants apply for asylum, stay on top of the paperwork and hearings, and use the building as a mailing address. Staff attorneys routinely hear from immigrants about the harrowing, violent experiences that led them to flee their homes in Central and South America.

We often hear the worst of the worst happening to the person sitting in front of us, said Aissa Olivarez, an attorney at the center. Its scary to think that its happening, but it gives us the ability to be able to create a legal claim for them so that they can hopefully find safety here.

There is limited data on how many asylum seekers now call Dane County home, but during asylum orientations organized by the center, Centro Hispano and the countys immigration office, between 30 and 50 people were attending each month last year.

Fabiola Hamdan, the supervisor for the countys immigration offices, recalls arriving to work in January 2023 to find the buildings stairwell full of people seeking help with their asylum claims. At the time, there was an influx of asylum seekers arriving to Dane County, like there was in other parts of the country, and the office had no experience navigating the asylum process.

Apart from connecting people with legal resources, Hamdans office has in its more than seven years of existence established itself as a major node in the areas immigration services. It helps where it can when it can: helping people with housing, sometimes paying for the medical exams required for immigration proceedings, and referring immigrants to job training and English classes.

As Trump returns to power, the office does have the pulse of immigration in the community. But theres still more trust to be built, and it takes resources and time to do that, Hamdan said in an interview last August.

If I had a magic wand, this could be a whole department by itself, she said. Theres no way we are going to escape providing immigration resources or services to a population thats growing.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Mobile man was sentenced to over two years in prison for illegally possessing a machinegun, according to the Department of Justice.

John McKenzie out as Vigor head football coach

The DOJ release said 20-year-old TiBiasz Tithese Houston was arrested in November 2023 when Mobile police responded to a shots-fired call in a neighborhood.

A mugshot of Tibiasz Houston (Mobile County Sheriffs Office).

Officers found Houston in a parked SUV near the scene of the incident, and after detaining him, officers searched his vehicle.

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The release said officers located marijuana and several loaded pistols equipped with extended magazines.

One of the guns taken was a Glock .40-caliber pistol equipped with a fully loaded 30-round extended magazine and a Glock switch, which turned the pistol into an automatic weapon.

A search of Houstons phone showed dozens of pictures and videos of Houston illegally possessing pistols equipped with Glock switches, including the pistol that police seized from him.

Mobile police arrest 1, seek another after Home Depot shoplifting

After prison, Houston will serve a three-year term of supervised release and will be subject to drug testing and mental health evaluations.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Mokulele Airlines passengers will to able to fly once again within the next 48 hours, according to the companys latest statement.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The airline grounded all flights on Wednesday, Jan. 15 for maintenance inspections. Louis Saint-Cyr, COO and President of Hawaii Operations, said the grounding was voluntary.

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Message to Hawaii delegation amid Mokulele grounding: Step up, work with us

Southern Airways and Mokulele Airlines took voluntary and precautionary measures to ensure the health of its fleet which resulted in the cancellation of multiple flights in Hawaii and the mainland. These proactive safety measures reflect our unwavering commitment to safety, Saint-Cyr said in a statement.

The company is working towards resuming full flight operations and said the process should be completed within the next 48 hours.

Passengers with questions about their flights should contact our customer service team.

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With Mokulele being Molokais only passenger airline, residents struggled to travel interisland. Residents and lawmakers hope for more long-term solutions.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

In the meantime, local charter captains are trying their best to fill the gap, bringing the entire Molokai community together.

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Mom of Christopher Tapp speaks after ex-congressional candidate accused in case appeals murder charge

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The mother of Christopher Tapp, the man prosecutors said was beaten to death by former congressional candidate and ex-wrestler Dan Rodimer in 2023, spoke exclusively to 8 News Now Thursday.

Rodimer, who was charged with murder, appeared in court Thursday, appealing his grand jury indictment to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Ex-Republican congressional candidate appeals murder charge to Nevada court

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Dan Rodimer is accused of punching Christopher Tapp, 47, inside Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip on Oct. 29, 2023, leading to Tapps death. Doctors pronounced Tapp dead at a Las Vegas hospital on Nov. 5, 2023.

The Clark County coroners office ruled Tapps death a homicide as a result of blunt force trauma to his head, documents said. A scan showed he suffered several brain bleeds.

My son didnt deserve what he got, Vera Tapp said of her son, Christoper.

Tapp told 8 News Now she is still dealing with the sudden loss.

Las Vegas Strip death first reported as a fall. Now a former politician is accused of murder

Las Vegas Metro police issued an arrest warrant in March for Dan Rodimer, 45, for the death of Christoper Tapp, 47. Tapp died after an incident at Resorts World on Oct. 29, 2023. A Clark County grand jury indicted Dan Rodimer on the murder charge last week. (KLAS)

Ex-congressional candidate pleads not guilty to Las Vegas hotel room murder

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Christoper Tapp was exonerated in 2019 after serving 20 years in prison for a murder he didnt commit. Vera Tapp told 8 News Now he died just four years after gaining his freedom.

This is ridiculous, she said. This should have never happened.

During Thursdays court appearance, Rodimers attorneys cited several factors behind their motion to appeal the indictment, including their claim prosecutors showed a grand jury illegal evidence and failed to properly instruct the panel when it voted.

Ex-Republican congressional candidate appeals murder charge to Nevada court

John Thomas, the Tapp Familys attorney, also spoke with 8 News Now Thursday, describing the toll this latest development is taking.

FILE  In this Feb. 11, 2020, file photo, from left, Christopher Tapp, Republican Rep. Doug Ricks and Charles Fain appeared before the Idaho House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee in Boise, Idaho, to testify in favor of legislation that would compensate the wrongly convicted. Idaho officials have approved payments of $1.4 million to Fain and $1.2 million to Tapp, who each spent decades in prison for crimes they didnt commit. Republican Gov. Brad Little and three other statewide-elected members of the Idaho Board of Examiners on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, approved the payments to Fain and Tapp. (AP Photo/Keith Ridler, File)

The delay is going to be tough for the family, Thomas said. We kind of went into this knowing there would be some delays, that there would not be some fast-track trial.

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However, Vera Tapp told 8 News Now no matter how long the process takes, she is committed to seeing it through to the end.

Race car driver failed to help dying man in Las Vegas hotel room, lawsuit alleges

Im not going away, Tapp said. Im going to continue coming and I am going to continue trying to get justice for my son.

She said Christopher Tapp should still be here with her today; and she will always protect his memory.

He was a human being, he was a kindhearted person, she concluded. All I want is for the justice system to show respect for Christopher.

Wrongly convicted mans death at Las Vegas Strip resort investigated as homicide

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Vera Tapp filed a civil lawsuit in November against professional racecar driver John Odom, his company, Odom Racing; Resorts World Las Vegas, and Vegas Nights VIP.

The complaint claims Odom, who was reportedly attending the party where Christoper Tapp was hurt, failed to help Tapp or call for medical service despite knowing he was severely injured.

Currently, John Odom, Dan Rodimers wife Sarah Rodimer, and other partygoers are not facing criminal charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A New Mexico woman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder this week after killing her daughters teenage boyfriend and then trying to pin the crime on her own son, according to authorities.

The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office said in a statement shared on social media Wednesday that Elizabeth Ortiz-Chavez shot and killed Josue Ruiz outside a downtown restaurant on March 4, 2022.

Ortiz-Chavez tried to blame her son for the murder because he's a juvenile and she believed he would face a lesser sentence, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said.

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The 49-year-old mother faces up to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty this week, the district attorneys office says, though a sentencing date has not yet been set.

Bernalillo County inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE show Ortiz-Chavez is in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Albuquerque, where shes been held without bond since May 2023.

Ruizs 2022 murder took place in an alley behind a diner, according to KRQE and local KOB4. The outlet reported that Ortiz-Chavezs son Angelo Baldonado, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, had confronted Ruiz, who was dating Baldonados sister, at the diner. The two teenage boys were getting ready to fight out in the diners back alley when gunshots rang out, KRQE reported.

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Ruiz was found dead at the scene, and Baldonado was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. After he was convicted, witnesses said that Ortiz-Chavez was actually the one who pulled the trigger, according to KRQE. The outlet reported that Baldonado then confessed to police that his mother had set him up, believing he would get less prison time because of being a juvenile.

Baldonado changed his plea in August 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and a felony assault charge, while his mother was taken into custody. The teenager is reportedly being held at the Bernalillo County Youth Detention Center and will serve out his sentence until he turns 21, according to KRQE.

Read the original article on People
Barbed wire of a prison by Getty Images.

For each of the past two years, Montanas Department of Corrections has sent 120 prisoners to a privately run prison in Arizona, operated by CoreCivic. Officials with the department told the Daily Montanan just last week that they had sent another 120 inmates there, raising the total to 364.

On Thursday, CoreCivic announced another deal with the State of Montana, this time to house an additional 240 inmates at its Tutwiler, Mississippi facility, bringing the total number of Montana inmates to 600 that are under the private management of CoreCivic, excluding the number of prisoners at the privately run Shelby, Montana facility.

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Montana DOC officials say transferring the prisoners is a necessary step to manage prison populations as well as make necessary upgrades and additions to the main state-run facility in Deer Lodge. However, some lawmakers question the practice, and civil rights groups have raised concerns about the outsourcing from a public entity to a private one with little accountability.

The Shelby Crossroads facility, operated by CoreCivic in northern Montana, houses 664 inmates, bringing the total number of Montana-based prisoners managed by the private company by the end of the first quarter in 2025 to more than 1,200.

The total daily adult prison population of Montana as of Wednesday, according to the states corrections website is 2,953.

Montana Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said that officials are working with the Legislature and the governors office to develop a long-term solution to the critical capacity challenges within Montanas prison system. He told the Daily Montanan that theyll continue to use the out-of-state services until additional infrastructure is built in Montana.

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Montana DOC officials also say that the cost is advantageous. According to information provided to the Daily Montanan, the daily cost to the state for housing inmates is $112.12 per day per prisoner, based on 2023 rates. The contract rate for CoreCivic in the Arizona facility is $90 per day per prisoner.

Officials said they determine which prisoners go out of state versus stay at in-state or state-run facilities considering a number of factors, such as custody level, proximity to parole eligibility, active participation in treatment or other programming, medical needs, mental health and safety concerns.

To minimize the need for movement to and from Arizona the DOC sends inmates who are not close to their parole eligibility dates, Gootkin said.

Transportation costs to and from the facilities are factored in the fees paid to CoreCivic, so theres no additional charges beyond what was negotiated. Of the 223 inmates at the Saguaro facility in Arizona that were taken there in 2023 and 2024, the department said, that only four total came back for reasons the department did not specify.

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Alex Rate, the legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, said that the people of Montana should be concerned about all of the residents that are being sent out of state, regardless of cost.

Weve been outsourcing our prisoners to a private, out-of-state company with no accountability to the taxpayers, he said.

He said that families and prisoners are worried about access to the legal libraries, Montana attorneys and courts, and their families when theyre hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Officials at the Department of Corrections said that prisoners have access to parole hearings remotely.

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Family and friends have a variety of communication opportunities available to them including messaging, phone calls, video visitation, and in-person visitation at the out-of-state facility, Gootkin said.

The Saguaro facility is in Eloy, Arizona, located approximately 1,170 miles from Deer Lodge, while the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility is located in Tutwiler, Mississippi, approximately 1,860 miles from Deer Lodge.
ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA)  After weeks of speculation, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio, who plans to leave his senate seat.

Moody, who is a Plant City native, spoke to a crowd in Central Florida on Thursday after she was announced as the next senator from Florida.

Judge orders Lakeland deadly hit-and-run suspect held on $550,000 bond

Governor, I want you to know I will not let you down, I will not let the citizens of Florida down, and I will not let my country down, Moody said.

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The states top cop and prosecutor also opened up about her plans while in Washington D.C.

Supporting the REINS Act, supporting any effort to rein back in our out-of-control federal agencies, make sure politics is pushed out of it, make sure we bring down spending, I am all for that, Moody said.

DeSantis said Moodys legal political record since 2018 made her his top choice to help President-elect Donald Trump enact his agenda.

Most recently, in this past year, filing lawsuits and joining lawsuits to take on the weaponization of law enforcement that targeted then-candidate Donald Trump, DeSantis said.

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The governor mentioned filing lawsuits against former Special Counsel Jack Smith who investigated Trumps role in the Capitol attack. Also suing the Biden Administration on several claims. For example, accusing officials of withholding information involving Trumps second attempted assassination.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who is also a former state agriculture commissioner, previously served alongside Moody as a cabinet member. Fried sees Moodys legal fights differently.

She has played politics with that role every single thing that she has done, whether its entering into lawsuits, whether it is going against Amendment 3 or Amendment 4, Fried said. She has done nothing for the people of this state, except to be a lackey for Ron DeSantis and being his attorney.

Sen. Rick Scott, who previously advocated for Lara Trump to be appointed before she removed her name from consideration, posted on X: Ashley has done an incredible job fighting for Floridians and keeping our communities safe as Attorney General. I have no doubt she will do an incredible job as senator!

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DeSantis said he had certain criteria for the next senator which included working to curb spending, illegal immigration, and a person who will work with the incoming president.

DeSantis also admitted Rep. Cory Mills and Rep. Kat Cammack were considered. State Sen. Jay Collins and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd were also considered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  More than 1,000 Syrian nationals have withdrawn their applications for asylum or international protection because they intend to return to their homeland, while another 500 have already gone back, a Cypriot official said Friday.

Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides said after talks with European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner that the development comes in the wake of the fall of the Assad government in Syria last month.

Cyprus has adopted tougher polices in the last few years to stem the arrival of thousands of migrants either by boat from neighboring Lebanon or Syria or from Turkey via the islands breakaway Turkish Cypriot north. Cypriot officials had said that the percentage of irregular migrants relative to the population had been as high as 6%  six times the European average.

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The tougher policies have borne fruit, according to Ioannides. Speaking earlier this week, he said some 10,000 irregular migrants left Cyprus last year, either through voluntary returns, deportations or relocations to other European nations, making the island the European Unions leader in departures relative to arrivals.

New asylum applications in 2024 amounted to 6,769  a 41% drop from the previous year and about a third of those filed in 2022.

Ioannides had said the drop in new asylum applications has enabled authorities to more quickly process outstanding applications and offer the necessary support to those who qualify for international protection.

The minister said arrivals by boat in recent months  particularly from Lebanon  have dropped to nil, thanks to increased patrols and cooperation with neighboring governments and European and international authorities.

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Last May, the EU unveiled a 1 billion euro ($1.03 billion) aid package for Lebanon to boost border control to halt the flow of asylum seekers and migrants from the country across the Mediterranean Sea to Cyprus and Italy.

But Cyprus has been called out for breaching the rights of migrants. Last October, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Cyprus violated the right of two Syrian nationals to seek asylum in the island nation after keeping them and more than two dozen other people aboard a boat at sea for two days before sending them back to Lebanon.
Editors Note: The video above about the rise in oil field theft across the Basin first aired in May of 2024.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Midland County Sheriffs Office recovered more than $300,000 in stolen property and arrested two people earlier this week in connection with the crime.

According to MCSO, on January 14, deputies were called to the 3800 block of SCR 1223  after someone used an Apple AirTag attached to their stolen goods and tracked it to the location. At the scene, investigators found multiple stolen oil field tools, vehicles, trailers, UTVs, generators, and red dyed diesel. Investigators said the stolen property had previously been reported by multiple vehicles.

Two people at the scene, identified as Yasmani Rodriguez-Bejerano and Humberto Diaz Vazquez, were arrested and charged with Theft of Property over $300,000. The investigation is ongoing.

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ISLAMABAD (AP)  More than 40 Pakistanis were feared to have drowned in the capsizing of a boat off West Africa's Atlantic coastline, which has emerged as a primary point of departure for migrants aiming to reach Europe.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the deaths and stressed the need for strict measures to curb human trafficking.

Zardari's comments in a statement late Thursday came after a Spain-based migrant rights group, Walking Borders, said that 50 people had died on their way to the Canary Islands and that 44 of them were Pakistanis. The group said that the migrants began their journey on Jan. 2.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his sorrow over the deaths.

Pakistan said it had been informed by its embassy in Morocco that a boat carrying 80 passengers, including some Pakistanis, had set off from Mauritania and capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled port city in the disputed Western Sahara.

Almost all the Pakistanis who were on the boat were from cities in the eastern Punjab province. Relatives were gathering at the homes of the victims as some of the survivors were now in contact with their families, officials say.

In Dhola, a village in Gujrat district in Punjab, Ahsan Shehzad said that his son, Sufyan Ali, died when the boat capsized. He said that his son sent a voice message to his cellphone in which he said that the boat in which they were traveling was already overcrowded and 25 other people had forcibly boarded it.

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He urged the government to make efforts to repatriate the body of his son and a nephew who also died.

Mourners also gathered in Jurah, another village in Gujrat, where Muhammad Akram said that he lost his son, Abu Bakar, in the boat capsizing. He said that he paid millions of rupees to a human trafficker to send his son abroad. He said his son went to Morocco by plane, and he didn't know that Bakar would be put in a boat for his next journey.

In Daska, a city in the Punjab, the family of two men said they had to sell property to arrange millions of rupees to pay human traffickers to send Arslan Ahmed and Mohammad Arfan to Europe in search of good jobs.

Ahmed's mother said that although she had heard from the relatives of some of the survivors that her son was alive, she was still unable to contact him. Razia Bibi, the mother of Arfan, urged authorities to trace her son and bring him back.

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Millions of people migrate to Europe each year, the vast majority using legal and regular means. Fewer than 240,000 people crossed borders into the continent without papers last year, according to the European Unions border agency Frontex.

As authorities have worked to prevent migration and smuggling from countries in the Mediterranean Sea, more dangerous routes have become increasingly used. Frontex reported more than 50,000 migrants made the journey from northwest Africa to Spains Canary Islands in 2024, including 178 Pakistanis.

Walking Borders said in a report last week that 9,757 people had died or gone missing trying to cross to the islands, calling the route the deadliest in the world.

The islands are roughly 65 miles (105 kilometers) from the closest point in Africa, but to avoid security forces, many migrants attempt longer journeys that can take days or weeks. The majority last year departed from Mauritania, which is at least 473 miles (762 kilometers) from the closest Canary Island, El Hierro.

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Pakistans Foreign Ministry said several survivors, including Pakistanis, are staying in a camp near Dakhla. Pakistans Embassy in Morocco is in touch with local authorities and officials have gone to Dakhla to help survivors, according to a ministry statement.

The ministry didn't say how many Pakistanis had died. Officials at the ministry weren't immediately available for comment on Friday.

Hundreds of Pakistanis die every year while trying to reach Europe by land and sea with the help of human smugglers.

In 2023, an estimated 350 Pakistanis were on board an overcrowded fishing boat carrying migrants that sank off Greece. Many perished in what was one of the deadliest incidents in the Mediterranean Sea.

Pakistan says it has launched a crackdown on human traffickers.

___

Sam Metz in Rabat, Morocco, and Babar Dogar in Lahore, Pakistan, contributed to this report.
More than 50 babies died at a hospital trust accused of failing to listen to patients, an investigation has found.

It comes after whistleblowers raised concerns about standards at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with one accusing it of appalling failings.

Figures show it has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the UK.

The trusts maternity units are rated good by regulators the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

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However, the watchdog has recently been criticised as being not fit for purpose  and is currently led by a man who, until recently, was the boss of the trust.

The BBC, which carried out the investigation, used a freedom of information request to obtain data which showed potentially preventable baby deaths at the trust.

It said there were at least 56 such cases between January 2019 and July 2024, including 27 stillbirths and 29 neonatal deaths  which is a death within 28 days after birth.

In each case, a trust review group identified care issues it considered may have made a difference to the outcome.

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Officials also recorded two possibly preventable maternal deaths during the same period.

The trusts maternity units are at Leeds General Infirmary and St Jamess University Hospital.

A number of gross failures of the most basic nature directly contributed to the death of Fiona Winser-Ramms daughter, Aliona, an inquest found.

Ms Winser-Ramm said: Our lives have been destroyed in every way possible. If people had just done their jobs, we wouldnt be living this nightmare.

Gross failures contributed to the death of Dan Ramm and Fiona Winser-Ramms daughter Aliona, an inquest found

The BBC said it had spoken to nearly 20 families who had raised safety concerns over allegedly inadequate and traumatic maternity care between 2019 and 2024.

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Whistleblower Lisa Elliott, who worked at the two sites in 2023, said care had been appalling and that there had been a failure to listen to patients.

She told the BBC: Thats when disasters happen, and a lot of them can be avoided.

The trust said the vast majority of births at Leeds were safe, and that the deaths of mothers and babies were very rare.

It said it cares for a higher volume of babies with complex conditions as it is one of a handful of specialist centres in the UK.

However, affected families are calling for an independent review of the trust to ensure issues are identified and lessons learnt.

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They also want an independent, judge-led public inquiry to help improve maternity safety across England amid wider concerns about the standard of care.

Sands, the baby loss charity, said the findings were very concerning and said they echoed many other reviews of maternity and neonatal services across the country.

Trust says comparisons misleading

The latest report by MBRRACE-UK  which reviews stillbirths and neonatal deaths  found the trust in Leeds had the highest neonatal mortality rate in the UK at 4.46 per 1,000 live births in 2022. The research did not examine if any of the deaths were potentially preventable.

BBC analysis of the figures, which were made public last July, showed this was an increase from 3.30 per 1,000 live births in 2017.

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The Leeds figure from 2022 is also 70 per cent higher than the average rate for comparable NHS trusts.

MBRRACE-UK grouped Leeds with 25 other trusts which it said provided a similar level of care. Specifically, they all have a level three  the highest level  neonatal intensive care unit and perform neonatal surgery. The BBC said the group was complex with different specialisms.

Prof Phil Wood, chief executive of the trust, said comparing the trust with others, even in the same specialist category, was misleading because it was one of just a handful of specialist centres across the country caring for the most poorly babies.

He added: The number of neonatal deaths recorded as potentially avoidable by the trust is very small and is in line with national rates.

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Prof Wood said the trust was sorry to hear that some of the families felt they had not been listened to. He highlighted recent surveys which found patient feedback was in line with that from other trusts on labour and birth, staff caring for patients, and care in hospital after birth.

An ultrasound image of Dan Ramm and Fiona Winser-Ramms baby

Ms Winser-Ramms baby Aliona died at Leeds General Infirmary in January 2020, 27 minutes after she was born, the BBC reported.

There had been delays in admitting Fiona after her waters broke and a delay by midwives in escalating concerns about Alionas heart rate during labour.

An inquest in 2023 found there had been a number of gross failures of the most basic nature that directly contributed to Alionas death.

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Ms Winser-Ramm and her partner Dan Ramm, who connected with other bereaved parents after setting up a Facebook group, believe there are many more affected.

They also believe the CQC regulator has failed to hold the trust accountable, despite other preventable baby deaths.

Regulator conflict of interest

The couple first raised safety concerns with the body in November 2020. The watchdog is currently being overhauled after an independent review found it was failing at the most basic levels.

In July, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, described the CQC as not fit for purpose.

Ms Winser-Ramm and Mr Ramm have also raised concerns about the independence of any investigation by the CQC.

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Sir Julian Hartley led the trust in Leeds for 10 years, until January 2023, and was in post when Aliona died. He took over the CQC in December 2024.

Theres a huge conflict of interest, Mr Ramm told the BBC.

The CQC said the regulator was independent, with robust policies in place to manage any conflict of interest.

Chris Dzikiti, CQCs interim chief inspector of healthcare, said: Maternity services provided by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have been and continue to be subject to close oversight and we monitor quality and safety on an ongoing basis using a wide range of information  including feedback and experiences shared with us by families and hospital staff.

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He added that the maternity services at the two hospitals were inspected last month in response to concerns raised by families and risks identified through our ongoing monitoring.

The findings from the inspection will be published shortly.

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Jan. 17GRAND FORKS  More B-1B Lancer bombers and the personnel attached to them have arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base in recent weeks, with plans for most of the bombers to touch down in Grand Forks by the end of the month.

Presently, four aircraft and a little more than 100 service members from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base have touched down, with several hundred more personnel expected to arrive in January.

The bombers are temporarily relocating to Grand Forks for the next 10 months while Ellsworth undergoes renovations to prepare it to host the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The air base is home to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, commanded by Col. Tim Monroe.

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Col. Derek Oakley, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, says 500 to 700 airmen will be temporarily stationed in Grand Forks at any given time over the next several months, with some planes and crew posted to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas for heavy maintenance or deployed elsewhere.

"As more of our airplanes show up, more of our people will show up," Oakley said.

The bulk of the airmen are expected to arrive before Feb. 1, when Ellsworth shuts down its runway for renovation.

More of the $415 million aircraft and their air crews will arrive in March after completing a deployment in the Pacific.

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"The first few weeks are going to be largely about getting everyone settled in on the installation  building up their office space, their workspace, familiarizing themselves with the installation," Monroe said.

People living closer to the base can expect an increase in air and ground traffic, depending on weather and maintenance on the B-1Bs. (Mechanical issues prevented two bombers from landing at the air base last week.)

Highway 2 in particular is expected to see a significant increase in traffic, said Monroe, with fuel trucks entering the base multiple times a day all days of the week to accommodate the gas-guzzling B1-Bs.

City residents can also expect an increase in military personnel in the city: all of the Ellsworth personnel will be housed off-base, in apartments and hotels located in Grand Forks.

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Air Force Civic Leader Bruce Gjovig touted the economic impact the visiting airmen would have on the community in fields like hospitality and retail.

"To compare it, if you would, to a convention or conference that typically lasts a long weekend or maybe a week, this one is 10 months," Gjovig said. "That's quite an impact on our community."

The Ellsworth airmen are expected to arrive in three tranches as service members rotate on and off the base, according to Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry Wilfahrt.

The Chamber of Commerce is planning several social events to welcome each new crop of airmen, with planned appearances by base and community leadership as well as airmen stationed in Grand Forks.

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Oakley, who is still in South Dakota, said he hadn't met with Grand Forks' civic leaders yet but his team had been impressed by how local civic leaders had responded to the temporary beddown.

"What's pretty impressive for us is most folks will be staying off the installation, and the ability for the community to take care of our airmen off-installation has been amazing," he said.

The visiting bomb wing is expected to participate in training missions throughout their stay including certifying new air crews.

Training will take place over the Air Force's Powder River training complex, some nearly-35,000 square miles of airspace over Montana, Wyoming and the western Dakotas.

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The number of training missions flown will vary based on weather conditions and maintenance on the aging aircraft; an Air Force spokesperson noted fleet B-1Bs were an average of 34 years old.

Mechanical issues prevented several bombers from completing their flight from outside Rapid City, South Dakota to Grand Forks last week.

Monroe said visiting air crews would be briefed on the air traffic above and surrounding the base, which includes manned and unmanned aircraft piloted by commercial air carriers, UND students, GrandSky tenants, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Grand Forks' base commander has said he's looking for opportunities for the 319th, which flies the unmanned RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance plane, to train alongside the 28th Bomb Wing.

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He said the two units have discussed partnering for exercises or even live flight training that would put two very different military aircraft in the same airspace.

"This will be one of the very few opportunities where we get to do detailed planning together with a different weapon system  learn about its capability, learn about their organizational culture, and use that for the benefit of tactical knowledge," Monroe said.

Oakley was less committal, saying he'd welcome any training integration between the two wings but pointing to the logistical challenges posed by having planes from both wings airborne at the same time.

"Any time you put manned and unmanned aircraft together in the same airspace takes collaboration," Oakley said, saying the two units were "still real early in the conversation."
BEIJING (AP)  A growing number of countries are confronting the dual challenges of population decline and aging, as younger generations opt to have fewer children and advances in healthcare extend life expectancy.

China said Friday that its population fell for the third straight year in 2024, falling by almost 1.4 million to 1.408 billion. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's population has been falling for 15 years, while South Korea's growth turned negative in 2021. In Italy, the number of births has fallen below 400,000 for the first time since the 19th century.

The population has peaked in 63 countries and territories, about half in Europe, the United Nations says. The U.N. projects another 48 will hit their peak over the next 30 years.

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Globally, the population of 8.2 billion people is still growing, with the U.N. projecting it will reach 10.3 billion in roughly 60 years and then start to decline.

For many countries with shrinking populations, the slow-moving but hard-to-reverse trend has prompted governments to offer financial incentives to try to encourage people to have children to help support growing numbers of elders.

Japan has shrunk by 3 million people since 2008

The Japanese governments chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, called the demographic situation critical last year, saying that the next six years will be the last chance for us to possibly reverse the trend.

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The population of Japan peaked in 2008 at 128 million people and has fallen to 125 million since then. The number of births hit a record low of 730,000 in 2023.

Surveys show that younger Japanese are increasingly reluctant to marry or have children, discouraged by bleak job prospects, a cost of living that is rising at a faster pace than salaries and a corporate culture difficult for women and working mothers.

Japans population is projected to fall to 87 million people by 2070, when four out of every 10 people will be 65 years of age or older.

One segment of the population is still growing: an 11% increase in foreign residents helped push their population above 3 million for the first time in 2023, making up nearly 3% of the total.

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In China, a higher retirement age and elderly universities

China is growing older, a trend that could sap economic growth and challenge the governments capacity to provide for a larger elderly population with fewer workers.

Some see opportunity. An elderly university in Beijing, the Chinese capital, has enrolled 150 students in dance, singing, yoga and modeling classes. The business has yet to break even but founder Liu Xiuqin believes in the markets future, given the value that retirees born in the 1960s place on quality of life and health compared to earlier generations.

The government is raising the retirement age over the next 15 years to 63 from 60 years old for men; to 55 from 50 for women in factory and other blue-collar jobs and to 58 from 55 for women in white-collar work.

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China ceded its position as the most populated country to India in 2023, after the population began to fall in 2022. Women are having fewer babies despite the easing of Chinas one-child policy to allow up to three children.

The population of 1.4 billion people  still more than 10 times that of Japan  is projected to fall to 1.3 billion by 2050.

The Pope is urging Italians to have more children

Backed by the Vatican, a succession of Italian governments have vowed to address the social, economic and cultural reasons behind one of the worlds lowest birthrates.

Pope Francis has repeatedly urged Italians to have more children to invert what he has called the demographic winter facing many industrialized countries.

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The government of Premier Giorgia Meloni has a campaign to encourage at least 500,000 births annually by 2033, a rate that demographers say is necessary to grow the wage-earning population and prevent the economy from collapsing as retirees draw on their pensions.

The number of births has fallen steadily from about 577,000 in 2008 to 380,000 in 2023, the first year since Italys unification that the number fell below 400,000.

Studies say that's due to a combination of factors, including a lack of openings for affordable child care, low salaries and a tradition of women caring for older parents.

Foreigners reverse decline in South Korea, but just barely

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South Korea's population rebounded in 2023 thanks to an influx of foreigners.

The birthrate fell again in a country where many younger people don't feel the same obligation to have children that their parents and grandparents did.

Some are put off by the high cost of raising children in a highly competitive education system and a patriarchal culture that forces women to take on most childcare duties.

The number of foreign residents rose 10% to 1.9 million people, partly because of an extension of a working visa program, the country's Yonhap news agency reported, citing the government statistics agency.

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That was enough to boost the total population ever so slightly -- by 0.2% to 51.8 million people.

Of those, 9.5 million are 65 or older. The demographic trends have sparked concern about labor shortages and strains on the government budget.

___

Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed.
More Walgreens locations have closed or are closing  including one in Florida  as part of the company's plans to shutter more than 1,000 stores.

Walgreens announced in 2024 it would be closing about 1,200 stores across the U.S. as it struggles with slumping consumer spending.

The company plans to close about 500 stores in fiscal 2025, which ends in August 2025. Seventy stores closed in its first quarter of fiscal 2025, which ended Nov. 30, 2024,

Why is Walgreens closing so many stores?

Walgreens said in October 2024 it planned to close about 1,200 underperforming stores across the U.S. to offset declining profits resulting from low drug reimbursement rates and sluggish retail sales.

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About 25% of Walgreens stores were "not currently contributing to our long-term strategy," according to Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. CEO Timothy Wentworth.

In addition to underperforming stores, Wentworth said stores that are too close to each other or experience high rates of theft are at risk of closing.

What Walgreens locations are closing soon? Tallahassee store informs customers

A Walgreens store located at 2349 N Monroe St. will be permanently closed as of Feb. 25, 2025, according to a sign alerting customers.

Walgreens did not provide a list of stores where closings are planned in coming days, but customers are passing along the information when they pop up.

A Walgreens near the Centre of Tallahassee mall will close as of Feb. 25. A sign was posted outside the door to inform customers.

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Other U.S. locations include:

one in Quincy, Massachusetts

one in Augusta, Georgia

five locations in Chicago

two in Oakland, California

one in Rockford, Illinois

a dozen locations in San Francisco

What do you do with a prescription if your Walgreens is closing?

Walgreens offered a tip sheet to customers if their pharmacy is closing:

If you refill your prescription in person or by phone, you can find a new pharmacy location here.

When refilling your prescription online or in the app, you will be asked to change your pickup location, or you can choose Rx delivery once your prescription is in your cart.

If your prescriptions are on Auto Refill and you have not already chosen a new Walgreens pharmacy, we will transfer your eligible prescriptions to a new Walgreens pharmacy nearby.

If your prescriptions are enrolled in Save a Trip Refills and you have not already chosen a new pharmacy, we will transfer your eligible prescriptions to a nearby Walgreens pharmacy.

Did your Walgreens close before you could pick up a prescription? Here's what to do

"If you were unable to pick up your filled prescription before your pharmacy closed permanently, please talk to a pharmacy team member at your new local Walgreens about getting your prescription refilled," the company said.

Can you switch to have your prescription mailed to you?

Yes, eligible prescriptions can be delivered to your home, or you may be able to request a 90-day supply.

Some prescriptions may be ineligible for this service, such as controlled substances, temperature-controlled prescriptions or prescriptions paid for by certain insurance plans or healthcare programs.

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 Learn more about prescription delivery options.

What if you have auto refills from a closed Walgreens pharmacy?

Once your store closes, auto refills will be filled at a nearby Walgreens pharmacy location. That information should be shared with you in a letter and also should be posted in the closing pharmacy, Walgreens said.

How many Walgreens are there in Florida?

Walgreens has a "significant" presence in Florida, with 801, according to data company ScrapeHero.

Counties with the most Walgreens were:

Miami-Dade County: 98

Broward County: 80

Palm Beach County: 62

To find a location near you, use the company's locator and enter your city.

How many Walgreens are there in US?

There are about 8,500 locations in the U.S., and the company has closed about 2,000 locations over the past decade, said Wentworth.

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The top five states, according to ScrapeHero are:

Florida: 801

Texas: 749

Illinois: 547

California: 540

North Carolina: 334

 See a list of Florida Walgreens locations.

Contributing: Mike Snider, USA Today

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Walgreens closing 450 stores in 2025. What to know
Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2024, told media that his administration has found a $400 million budget deficit in the state budget for fiscal year 2026. (Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch)

Sen. Jim Justice, who promised rocket ship rides and boasted big budget surpluses, has left the new Gov. Patrick Morrisey with a problem: a projected $400 million deficit beginning next year.

Morrisey, who is in his first week on the job, said that the deficit was what his administration had found as of this week.

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Were talking about what weve inherited. Its not factoring in any new spending priorities or any proposed additional tax cuts, he said Thursday at the state Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia.

These problems werent created overnight, he continued.   I can tell you that we do believe that there are significant structural problems with the budget, and Im committed to fixing it.

The Republican, who campaigned on ending big government spending, said the projected deficit doesnt mean his administration wont be able to offer another tax cut to residents or pay raises to teachers. He said theres still a possibility his administration will address rising health care costs impacting the Public Employees Insurance Agency.

Ive been very clear that I want West Virginia to be even more competitive with all the states that we touch, Morrisey said. But were going to have to look at this, and its going to take a while for anyone to go through this  I know that I remain very optimistic despite a lot of the big spending thats occurred.

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Morrisey declined to put the blame specifically on Justice, saying, Im not going to talk about any individuals. Justice, a Republican, was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, forgoing the first 10 days of his Senate term.

Justice faced a $500 million budget deficit when he took office as governor in 2017.

He consistently commented on his work turning around the states financial situation, and he regularly touted his multi-million dollar surpluses. Justice was adamant that lawmakers keep a flat budget. Meanwhile, state health leaders said they needed nearly $300 million to address pressing issues in West Virginia, like the substance abuse crisis. Education leaders said they needed $258 million to implement necessary school safety measures amid a national rise in school violence.

Last month, Justice told the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, For all I know, we do not have a hole for [fiscal year] 2026 at all  the next budget will surely depend on decisions that are made by the next folks that come in and the Legislature and on and on and on.

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This years budget bill, passed by the House and Senate on the last night of the 2024 regular legislative session, set the general revenue budget for the current fiscal year at roughly $4.9 billion, 5% less than Justices introduced version of $5.3 billion.

Morrisey said on Tuesday that there had been a lot of spending in the last few months under Justice, adding that he would be analyzing that rocket ship ride. His administration will review a number of recent economic announcements under Justice, and non finalized contracts could be eliminated as he seeks to save money.

The era of big spending is over. Its over. In West Virginia, the time for spending beyond our means is over, Morrisey said.

Already taking steps to address spending

Morrisey said that he expects the state to meet budget goals this year through June 30, the end of the current fiscal year. The shortfall in this years budget is temporarily being replaced by a one-time provider tax cash balance, he said.

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He emphasized that he already began cutting costs, including an executive order issued on Tuesday that eliminated any state dollars tied to diversity initiatives. Another executive order requires state agencies to make a plan for more efficient spending.

In an effort to save money, Morrisey said that he will work with the Legislature to consolidate the existing Department of Economic Development with the Department of Commerce and to consolidate the existing Department of Arts, Culture and History with the Department of Tourism. The considerations are an initial step toward making state government more efficient and effective, according to Morrisey.

He was unable to offer specifics about any potential job cuts in an effort to save money.

Despite the budget hole, Morrisey will push his tax cut in collaboration with the Legislature.

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I do believe that West Virginia needs to continue to emphasize a reduction in taxes to become the lowest in the region, he said.

Morrisey will present his proposed budget to lawmakers when the regular 60-day legislative session begins next month.

We will continue to try to garner every efficiency out of state government, because our taxpayers deserve nothing less, he said.

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(Bloomberg) -- Felix Sater, the controversial real estate operative who was once part of President-elect Donald Trumps inner circle, won his fight for a new trial in a Kazakh banks civil money laundering suit against him in New York.

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Saters request for a new trial was granted Wednesday by US District Judge John Koeltl in Manhattan, dealing a blow to the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and one of the countrys biggest lenders, BTA Bank. Their 2019 lawsuit accused Sater and others of helping a wealthy Kazakh man launder millions of dollars through US real estate, including condos at the Trump SoHo tower.

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Sater, who once had offices at Trump Tower, initially lost the case in June after a jury awarded Almaty and BTA $32 million in damages, including interest. But Sater argued a new trial was warranted because the jury had used incorrect dates when deciding whether the claims were too old under the statute of limitations.

This new trial is a step toward justice after years of blatant lawfare and political attacks, Sater said in a statement.

Koeltl, in a separate order, also denied BTAs request to hold Sater in contempt and to refer him to the US Attorneys Office for a perjury investigation for allegedly lying under oath. The judge said BTA and Almaty hadnt proved that Sater deliberately provided false testimony about the date of a key meeting in 2015.

Almaty and BTA claim that Sater helped Ilyas Khrapunov launder a portion of the roughly $6 billion allegedly looted from the bank by Khrapunovs father-in-law, former BTA Chairman Mukhtar Ablyazov, in the years before the financial crisis. The case is part of a global effort by BTA to recover the money, which was allegedly siphoned from the bank through a web of shell companies and bogus loans.

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Sater, who at one time handed out business cards identifying himself as a Senior Advisor to Donald Trump, denies wrongdoing.

BTA and Almaty were represented by Matthew L. Schwartz, who earlier this month assumed the top role at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in New York. Neither he nor the firm responded to a message seeking comment.

The case is City of Almaty v. Sater, 19-cv-02645, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

(Updates with detail on the allegations against Sater by a Kazakh city and bank.)

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A maritime security treaty signed this week between Ukraine and the United Kingdom drew a sharp response from the Kremlin on Friday, in particular with regard to a reference to the Azov Sea.

"That is an internal sea of Russia. There can scarcely be talk of a joint approach there by Ukraine and the United Kingdom," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said in Moscow.

Russian forces control the entire shoreline of the Sea of Azov, which lies to the east of the Crimean Peninsula, and Moscow has annexed the relevant Ukrainian regions.

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The treaty, referred to by London as a "landmark 100-year partnership," was causing concern in Moscow, Peskov said. "If one takes into consideration that the UK is a NATO member, then the deployment of its military infrastructure towards our borders is an element of considerable concern," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed on cooperation between their respective navies in a treaty signed on Thursday.

London is to assist Kiev in building up its navy to "bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression," the treaty says.
Monterey County officials declared a local emergency after a fire ignited at a power plant and one of the largest lithium battery storage facilities in the world last week, releasing a large plume of toxic smoke into the air and raising questions about the safety of the clean-energy storage industry.

Roughly 1,200 people were ordered to evacuate their homes for more than 24 hours as a section of the Moss Landing Power Plant burned. The plant is about 18 miles northeast of the city of Monterey and has been the site of three other fires since 2019.

County officials are demanding it remain closed until the cause can be investigated and corrective action taken.

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The fire, which ignited Thursday, burned for two days before starting to cool down Saturday, at which time about 80% of the building and 80% of the batteries stored inside the facility had been destroyed, said Joel Mendoza, chief of the North Monterey County Fire Protection District, at a weekend news conference.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted extensive air quality monitoring around the plant and did not detect any threat to public health during the incident.

"Results for hydrogen fluoride and particulate matter showed no risk to public health throughout the incident, and smoke from the facility has greatly diminished," the agency reported Monday.

Nevertheless, residents and politicians who represent the region remained on edge.

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The plant is a natural-gas-powered electricity generation plant near the Moss Landing Harbor in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. The lithium ion batteries stored at the site can release toxic gases if ignited. Experts say that includes heavy metals and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, which the EPA says are "widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time."

"While battery storage is essential to the future, we cannot put that above safety," Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said in a statement Tuesday. "This technology is ahead of governments ability to regulate it, and industrys ability to control it."

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Church's motion to send a letter to Texas-based Vistra Energy, which owns the plant, and to the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. requesting that they not bring the battery system online until the cause of the fire had been determined and addressed with corrective action.

Church has also said the fire raises important questions about whether the plant should be located near an environmentally sensitive area. The Elkhorn Slough estuary sanctuary is nearby.

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"I think this is best described as a worst-case scenario disaster that's happened here," Church said during a Friday morning media briefing. "This is really a lot more than just a fire  it's really a wake-up call for this industry."

During an emergency briefing at the county Board of Supervisors meeting on Friday, officials said the fire mostly burned out, but there was a plume released from the plant that contained hydrogen fluoride, a toxic compound that by evening was pushing north from the plant, according to county spokesperson Nick Pasculli.

"It appeared last night and early this morning that the plume was reaching elevations where it might not endanger the human population," Pasculli said.

Brad Watson, senior director of community affairs at Vistra Energy, apologized Friday for the effect the fire had on the community.

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"Our company takes very seriously what happened last night, and we are hurting today, because we know primarily it's impacted and disrupted the people who live around our site, our neighbors, our friends and businesses, and for that, we are sincerely sorry," Watson said during a news briefing.

The company said Friday that it planned to hire an outside consultant to check the air quality and safety.

Church compared the fire with the partial nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in 1979.

"If renewable energy is going to be the future, it really needs to rest in safe energy," he said.

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Several factors contributed to the spread of the fire and complicated the response carried out by firefighters, Mendoza said Friday.

A fire suppression system that is part of every battery rack at the plant failed to keep up with the fire.

"It was overridden, and that led to the fire overtaking the system and eventually overtaking the entire building," Mendoza said.

Firefighters arrived around 3 p.m. to find smoke coming out of a building and at least one battery on fire, according to Mendoza.

The Fire Department requested help from the county and other agencies when it confirmed that lithium batteries were on fire. But several factors hindered its response, including a camera system in the plant that was not working and superheated gases.

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Once the fire began spreading, firefighters were not able to use water, because this can trigger a violent chemical reaction in lithium ion batteries, potentially causing them to catch fire or explode.

In this particular case, we had X number of batteries that burnt, but we had some batteries that did not burn, and had we introduced water into that area  they were going to become unstable and then possibly burn, Mendoza told local news station KSBW-8.

The public was notified early on during the incident, Mendoza said, and local highways were closed. Evacuation orders were issued for residential areas near the plant around 6:30 p.m. Thursday and lifted at 6 p.m. Friday.

There were no reports of any injuries.

There's an ongoing fire at the Vistra Power Plant Moss Landing. Heat signature can be seen in satellite imagery. https://t.co/9HOW56poM7 #CAwx pic.twitter.com/sH3vGbZcVR  NWS Bay Area  (@NWSBayArea) January 17, 2025

Dustin Mulvaney, a professor of environmental studies at San Jose State University, is working on a research project about the life cycle impacts of lithium batteries and energy storage systems.

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Mulvaney is interested to know what Vistra Energy has learned from the previous fires at the plant and how that has informed its preparedness in the event of an emergency.

He agrees that the fire should be a wake-up call for the industry to work together and figure out how safety measures can be improved. But this isn't the first time a fire has forced Monterey County to respond to a potential disaster.

In 2023, the state signed into law Senate Bill 38, which requires battery storage operators to develop a plan in the event of an emergency. That was in response to a September 2022 fire at the Elkhorn Battery Storage Facility in Moss Landing.

Mulvaney doesn't expect the battery storage projects in California to slow down, but it doesn't look good for the industry.

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"The question for California is: What did we get wrong?" Mulvaney said. "How can we better regulate the design and safety of these things?"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Photos of five people were released by the Altoona Police Department in the hopes that they can be found.

Each person was on APDs most wanted list. Most notably, 53-year-old Casey Smith was still wanted by the department for felony possession with intent to deliver drugs. He was last known to be in Altoona, New York City, or the Philadelphia area, according to police.

Adam Claycomb, 51, and Tevin Hazzard, 31, are still wanted. Claycomb was wanted for possession with intent to deliver drugs while Hazzard was wanted for burglary. Claycomb was last known to be in the Claysburg area and Hazzard was last known to be in Altoona or the Wilmington, Delaware area.

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New to the list were Taj Lesane, 36, and Courtney Zimmerman, 36. Lesane was wanted for possession with intent to deliver drugs while Zimmerman was wanted for felony theft. Lesane was last known to be in the Altoona or Pittsburgh area and Zimmerman was last known to be in Altoona or the Tyrone area.

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Anyone with information about any of the wanted persons is asked to call police at (814) 949-2490, Blair County 911 at (814) 940-5950 or send a private message to the Altoona police Facebook page.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Downtown Baton Rouge bar Mothers Lounge will be raising money for the family of an employee killed in a recent shooting.

Tyesha Branaugh, 30, was killed in a Monday, Jan. 13 shooting in the 1600 block of North 15th Street. Police said a man was injured.

Mothers Lounge, located on 3rd Street, said Branaugh was a beloved member of the Mothers Lounge family in an Instagram post.

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If youve ever walked through our doors, chances are Tyesha greeted you with her warmth, genuine personality, and that unforgettable smile. She wasnt just the first face you sawshe was a part of the soul of this space, according to the post.

The bar will donate all door proceeds collected on Friday, Jan. 17, and Saturday, Jan.18.

New updates on Baton Rouge crime cameras initiative, recreation center

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  On Jan. 14, federal prosecutors told the family of Ronald Greene they would not be filing charges for the Louisiana State Troopers involved in his deadly arrest.

Mona Hardin, mother of Ronald Greene, said she wasnt surprised by the news, but felt the same way when she first learned of his death.

In 2019, Ronald Greene was beaten and stunned by Louisiana State Troopers, after a police chase in Union Parish in northern Louisiana. Body camera footage that was released two years later, shows Greene getting dragged by police and pleading for his life. He died from his injuries.

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Hardin said originally her family was told he died in a car accident.

We thought, mind you, we were told Ronnie was killed in a car accident, and we took procedures, said Hardin. We asked the funeral homes around here what the procedures are to bring Ronnie back, she said.

Earlier this week, federal prosecutors decided no charges will be filed against the five officers involved, and none will serve jail time.

Its been in our face how I saw my son being killed by these troopers, said Hardin.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the fifth officer involved, Chris Harpen, entered into a plea of no contest in court in Union Parish. He was originally sentenced to six months in prison but then changed to just probation. His attorney Eugene Cicardo, Jr. told our sister station, KTVE in Monroe that Harpen chose this to allow the case to close and bring peace to everyone.

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Chris felt that he wanted to take the high road, and because of the minor nature of the Nolo plea and the sentence, that he did take the high road, put an end to this and let everyone start the healing process, he said.

Hardin said after learning of the hearings, there will never be justice for her son.

Therell be no satisfaction. Therell be no closure. But for my son to be killed the way he was tortured or handcuffed and shackled, everyone needs to look at those details, she said.

Department of Justice finds Louisiana State Police engaged in unconstitutional use of force, calls for further reforms

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Hardin said the family is still waiting to get the results from a federal wrongful death lawsuit.

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By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former Mozambique finance minister was sentenced on Friday to 8-1/2 years in prison after being found guilty of participating in a fraud involving $2 billion in loans to three state-owned companies to develop the southern African country's marine infrastructure.

Manuel Chang, 69, was convicted in August by a Brooklyn jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in the "tuna bonds" case, following a four-week trial.

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In imposing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis said he would recommend Chang be credited for the approximately six years he had been in custody awaiting trial, meaning he would be eligible to be released from U.S. prison and deported to Mozambique after 2-1/2 years.

"The victims trusted Mr. Chang to steward their investments and his country's development in a corruption-free manner," Garaufis said at Chang's sentencing in Brooklyn federal court.

The case stemmed from $7 million prosecutors said Chang received in bribes from Emirati-Lebanese shipbuilding firm Privinvest, in exchange for his approving a Mozambique government guarantee for loans from banks including Credit Suisse to three state-backed companies.

The loans were meant to develop Mozambique's fishing industry and improve maritime security, but the projects collapsed and the state-backed companies defaulted, leaving investors - including some in the United States - with millions of dollars in losses, prosecutors said.

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Donors such as the International Monetary Fund temporarily halted support to Mozambique, triggering a currency collapse and financial turmoil.

The prosecutors had urged a sentence of 11-1/4 and 14 years in prison.

"For $7 million, he helped people loot his country," prosecutor Jonathan Siegel said at the hearing.

Chang apologized, telling the court he thought at the time that the projects would be good for Mozambique, but has since come to realize his actions were wrong.

"I deeply regret the damages that I caused," Chang said through a Portuguese interpreter.

Chang plans to appeal his conviction, his lawyer Adam Ford said after the hearing.

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Chang's lawyers had sought no prison time, in part because their client had already spent around six years in custody, including four years imprisoned in South Africa while awaiting extradition, and more than a year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

"He has been punished enough," Ford said at the hearing.

Credit Suisse, since taken over by UBS, agreed in 2021 to pay about $475 million to American and British authorities to resolve bribery and fraud charges related to the scandal. A European subsidiary pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Last month, London's High Court denied Privinvest permission to appeal its ruling that Mozambique could collect more than $825 million from Privinvest's late owner and his companies. Privinvest intends to appeal, its lawyer said.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Sam Tobin in London; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Daniel Wallis)
MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambique President Daniel Chapo on Friday appointed Carla Louveira as finance minister and Estevao Pale as mineral resources and energy minister.

Louveira was the deputy minister of economy and finance from 2020, and worked alongside co-deputy minister Amilcar Tivane from 2022. She has also held the role of director of the Office of Financial Inclusion at the Bank of Mozambique.

The economy and finance ministries have now been split into separate entities, the president said.

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Pale was appointed chairman of Mozambique's national oil company ENH in 2020 and previously held the position of national director of mines in the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy.

He is likely to play a key role in engagements with energy majors like TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil who are poised to restart mega liquefied natural gas projects in the Southern African country.

(Reporting by Custodio Cossa and Manuel Mucari; Writing by Tannur Anders; Editing by Wendell Roelf and Alex Richardson)
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  As Wilson County Schools introduces rotating metal detectors around the district, one Mt. Juliet parent is questioning the effectiveness of the new measure.

This week was Mt. Juliet High Schools turn to try out the new metal detectors, which will eventually rotate to different schools throughout the district and sporting events.

Parent Jordan Farmer is wondering why the district announced the metal detectors, saying the machines have also caused delays.

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Gov. Bill Lee calls special session on school vouchers, disaster relief

The kids let me know they were coming; theyve all known for a while. They got an email that theyre going to set off these metal detectors, and so part of me is like, If everybody knows they have them, who are you going to catch because whos going to intentionally walk through a metal detector with something?' Farmer said. She said that every spiral binder is setting them off, every three-ring binder is setting them off, all the water bottles are setting them off, and so its adding 30, 40 minutes it seems like to getting into class.

According to Wilson County Schools Public Information Officer Bart Barker, some kinks were expected this week while finding the proper sensitivity setting for the machines.

Its balancing that adjustment between the settings with the machine to common school supplies that students would be bringing through the machine, but most importantly to detect any possible weapons that would come through, Barker explained.

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Device-free schools show progress in Warren County

Barker said the machines may not always be announced in the future, but even if they are, district officials hope it will make students think twice.

Not only are the machines and the K-9s and everything we do very powerful tools and resources, they are effective and useful, but they also do provide that deterrent for things that are not permitted, Barker said.

However, Farmer feels that other measures, like adding wands at each school for more targeted checks, may be more effective.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

In my head, I dont really understand how this would catch or deter anyone when they know theyre going to be there, they have all the time in line to think about whether or not they want to walk through itI dont know, seems like a joke, Farmer said.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The relatives of a young man killed on his way to work are seeking justice for his murder.

Elvin Sejdinovic, 22, was found dead last year on Oct. 5 near Decatur Boulevard and Sobb Avenue near Sunset Road.

This has killed our entire family. This has brought so much pain and so much hurt for our entire family, Dzeneta Husic, Sejdinovics cousin, said at the lobby of the Regional Justice Center.

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Family and friends of Sejdinovic were in court on Thursday, wearing shirts and sweaters with his picture. They attended the hearing of the man accused of killing him, Keyun Watts.

Keyun Watts appears in court on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (KLAS)

We grew up out here. We have families, we have jobs. We did everything in our power to create a good life to be productive in society, and this is how we get repaid, Husic said.

Watts, 25, pleaded not guilty to 17 charges related to the murder before Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones.

Being in court wasnt easy for family and friends of Sejdinovic, whose family immigrated to the United States from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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We pretty much all died. Thats how it felt and thats how were going to feel the rest of our lives, Velmin Husic, his uncle, said.

Family members wear shirts and hold signs seeking justice for Elvin Sejdinovic, who was shot and killed on Oct. 5, 2024. (KLAS)

According to court documents, Watts admitted to officers with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department he shot Sejdinovic Oct. 5. Police arrested him in November after they obtained photos and video placing Watts at the scene.

Dashcam video from a taxicab was among the evidence Metro investigators obtained.

It shows Watts Chevrolet Camaro get close to Sejdinovics Nissan Versa. Sejdinovic then starts swerving across the road and crashes into a pole. Photos showed Sejdinovics car was riddled with bullet holes.

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Dzeneta Husic told 8 News Now they want justice for their family and other victims of homicides.

We cant do anything to bring our loved one back. But the least we can do is have the justice system help us serve justice and not let this continue to happen. Not let this be a pattern. Not to let this be another case number, Husic said. This is a human being, we are all human beings, and this is not fair and this is not right.

Watts is scheduled to return to court Jan. 21.

According to Metro, Watts told investigators he shot the 22-year-old because he felt threatened for his life. A detective said investigators did not find a gun in Sejdinovics vehicle.

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CHICAGO  A Dolton man accused in a fatal Southwest Side shooting late last year was taken into custody this week, according to Chicago police.

Police said 34-year-old Mardy Williams has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The charge stems from Williams alleged role in a deadly shooting that unfolded in the 7000 of South Ashland Avenue, in West Englewood, on Nov. 6, police said.

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An initial report by Chicago police indicated that Williams had allegedly gotten into an argument with the victim, a 36-year-old man, and during the altercation, pulled out a gun and fired two shots.

Police said 34-year-old Mardy Williams has been charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with a deadly shooting on the Southwest Side in late 2024.

Officers said the victim suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Following the shooting, officers said Williams allegedly fled the scene.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Authorities caught up with Williams on Monday in Auburn Gresham, where he was taken into custody in the 1600 block of West 79th Street.

Williams appeared in court on Thursday for a detention hearing.

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ROME (Reuters) - Elon Musk played no role in negotiations between Italy and Iran for the release of a journalist who was held in a Tehran prison, Italy's foreign minister said on Friday, dismissing a media report that the U.S. billionaire had been involved.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala returned home last week after being detained in Iran last month during a reporting trip. Shortly afterwards, Italy released an Iranian businessman who had been arrested in Milan on a U.S. warrant a few days before Sala was taken to prison.

"Musk ... has nothing to do with Cecilia Sala's case. He played no role. The case was settled by the Italian government," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told broadcaster SkyTG24.

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The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Musk had helped secure Sala's release, at the request of her boyfriend, by reaching out to Iran's ambassador to the United Nations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is a friend of Musk's, told reporters on Jan. 9 that she had no information on whether he had been involved in the case.

Musk, who was a leading supporter of President-elect Donald Trump's White House campaign and is poised to take up a role advising him on cutting government spending, said on Thursday he had "played a small role."

"I did not have any interaction with Iran. Just recommended support from the U.S. side," he wrote on his social network X.

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Sala was released three days after Meloni made a surprise visit to Florida to see Trump. The trip played a role in the reporter's release, an Italian political source said.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Sara Rossi; Editing by Gavin Jones and Frances Kerry)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A mysterious airstrip being built on a remote island in Yemen is nearing completion, satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show, one of several built in a nation mired in a stalemated war threatening to reignite.

The airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, which rises out of the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, could provide a key landing zone for military operations patrolling that waterway. That could be useful as commercial shipping through the Gulf and Red Sea  a key route for cargo and energy shipments heading to Europe  has halved under attacks by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The area also has seen weapons smuggling from Iran to the rebels.

The runway is likely built by the United Arab Emirates, which has long been suspected of expanding its military presence in the region and has backed a Saudi-led war against the Houthis.

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While the Houthis have linked their campaign to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, experts worry a ceasefire in that conflict may not be enough to see the rebels halt a campaign that's drawn them global attention. Meanwhile, the Houthis have lobbed repeated attacks at Israel, as well as U.S. warships operating in the Red Sea, raising fears that one may make it through and endanger the lives of American service members.

A battlefield miscalculation by Yemens many adversarial parties, new fatal attacks on Israel or a deadly assault on an American warship easily could shatter the countrys relative calm. And it remains unclear just how President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, will handle the emboldened rebel group.

The Houthis feed off war  war is good for them, said Wolf-Christian Paes, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies who studies Yemen. Finally they can live up to their slogan, which famously, of course, declares, Death to America, death to the Jews. They see themselves as being in this epic battle against their archenemies and from their view, they're winning.

Satellite images show airstrip nearly complete

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Satellite photos taken Jan. 7 by Planet Labs PBC for the AP show trucks and other heavy equipment on the north-south runway built into Abd al-Kuri, which is about 35 kilometers (21 miles) in length and about 5 kilometers (3 miles) at its widest point.

The runway has been paved, with the designation markings 18 and "36" to the airstrip's north and south respectively. As of Jan. 7, there was still a segment missing from the 2.4-kilometer- (1.5-mile-) long runway that's 45-meters (150-feet) wide. Trucks could be seen grading and laying asphalt over the missing 290-meter (950-foot) segment.

Once completed, the runway's length would allow private jets and other aircraft to land there, though likely not the largest commercial aircraft or heavy bombers given its length.

While within Houthi drone and missile range, the distance of Abd al-Kuri from mainland Yemen means theres no threat of the Houthis getting on a pickup truck or a technical and going to seize it," said Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report risk advisory firm.

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The United Nations' Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization, which assigns its own set of airport codes for airfields around the world, had no information about the airstrip on Abd al-Kuri, spokesman William Raillant-Clark said. Yemen, as a member state to ICAO, should provide information about the airfield to the organization. Nearby Socotra Island already has an airport declared to the ICAO.

It's not the only airfield to see an expansion in recent years. In Mocha on the Red Sea, a project to extend that city's airport now allows it to land far larger aircraft. Local officials attributed that project to the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The airfield also sits on a similar north-south path as the Abd al-Kuri airstrip and is roughly the same length.

Other satellite photos from Planet Labs show yet another unclaimed runway currently under construction just south of Mocha near Dhubab, a coastal town in Yemen's Taiz governorate. An image taken by Planet for the AP on Thursday showed the runway fully built, though no markings were painted on it.

A key location for a country riven by war

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Abd al-Kuri is part of the Socotra Archipelago, separated from Africa by only 95 kilometers (60 miles) and from Yemen by some 400 kilometers (250 miles). In the last decade of the Cold War, the archipelago occasionally hosted Soviet warships due to its strategic location.

In recent years, the island has been overseen by Yemen's Southern Transitional Council, which advocates for Yemen to again split into a separate north and south as it was during the Cold War. The UAE has backed and armed the council as part of the Saudi-led war against the Houthis, who seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The UAE, home to the massive Jebel Ali port in Dubai and the logistic firm DP World, previously built a base in Eritrea that was later dismantled and attempted to build an airstrip on Mayun, or Perim, Island, in the center of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

But unlike those efforts, the Emiratis appear likely to open the Abd al-Kuri airstrip  and have even signed their work. Just east of the runway, piles of dirt there have spelled out I LOVE UAE for months.

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An Emirati-flagged landing craft also was spotted off the coast of Abd al-Kuri in January 2024 and off Socotra multiple other times in the year, according to data analyzed by AP from MarineTraffic.com. That vessel previously has been associated with the UAE's military operations in Yemen.

The UAE, which runs a once-a-week flight to Socotra via Abu Dhabi, have long described their efforts as aimed at getting aid to the archipelago. Asked for comment about the Abd al-Kuri airfield, the UAE similarly pointed to its aid operations.

Any presence of the UAE ... is based on humanitarian grounds that is carried out in cooperation with the Yemen government and local authorities," the Emirati government said in a statement.

"The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to all international endeavors aimed at facilitating the resumption of the Yemeni political process, thereby advancing the security, stability and prosperity sought by the Yemeni populace.

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The Emirates on Friday also prominently marked the third anniversary of a 2022 Houthi missile attack on Abu Dhabi that killed three people at a fuel depot. The country's leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, wrote on the social platform X that the day is when we remember the strength, resilience and solidarity of the people of the UAE.

The Southern Transitional Council and officials with Yemen's exiled government did not respond to repeated requests for comments over the airfield. The UAE's presence on Socotra has sparked tensions in the past, something the Houthis have used to portray the Emiratis as trying to colonize the island.

This plan represents a serious violation of Yemeni sovereignty and threatens the sovereignty of several neighboring countries through the espionage and sabotage operations it is expected to carry out, the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency said in November.

Smuggling route passes by the island

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A new airport on Abd al-Kuri could provide a new, secluded landing zone for surveillance flights around Socotra Island. That could be vital to interdict weapons smuggling from Iran to the Houthis, who remain under a U.N. arms embargo.

A report to the U.N. Security Council said a January 2024 weapons seizure by the U.S. military took place off Socotra near Abd al-Kuri. That seizure, which saw two U.S. Navy SEALs lost at sea and presumed killed, involved a traditional dhow vessel that U.S. prosecutors say was involved in multiple smuggling trips on behalf of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard to the Houthis.

Disrupting that weapons route, as well as the ongoing attacks by the U.S., Israel and others on the Houthis, likely have contributed to the slowing pace of the rebels' attacks in recent months. The U.S. and its partners alone have struck the Houthis over 260 times, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Next week, Trump will be the one to decide what happens to that campaign. He has experience already with how difficult fighting in Yemen can be  his first military action in his first term in 2017 saw a Navy SEAL killed in a raid on a suspected al-Qaida compound. The raid also killed more than a dozen civilians, including an 8-year-old girl.

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Trump may reapply a foreign terrorist organization designation on the Houthis that Biden revoked, a reimposition that the UAE backs. Marco Rubio, who Trump has nominated to be secretary of state, mentioned the Houthis several times when testifying Wednesday at his Senate confirmation hearing alongside what he described as threats from Iran and its allies.

Any U.S. move could escalate the war, even with the Houthi's enigmatic supreme leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, pledging Thursday night to halt the rebels' attacks if a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza.

I dont see a way in 2025 that we have a de-escalation with the Houthis, said al-Basha, the Yemen expert. The situation in Yemen is very tense. An outbreak in the war could be a reality in the next few months. I dont foresee the status quo continuing.
Jan. 16New Mexico's high court on Thursday explained its reasons for rejecting a series of appeals by electric utilities challenging regulators' rules for a statewide community solar program.

The solar program  which promises to provide significant savings on electric bills for many low-income New Mexicans  has seen yearslong delays amid disputes by the state's three investor-owned power companies.

The New Mexico Supreme Court in March 2024 unanimously ruled in favor of the state Public Regulation Commission in the case, issuing an order hours after attorneys for the companies, as well as solar power trade and advocacy groups, had delivered oral arguments. The justices issued a 58-page opinion Thursday explaining their decision.

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"We hold that the Utilities, in their various challenges, failed to meet their burden in demonstrating that the [Community Solar] Rule is unreasonable or unlawful in light of the [Community Solar] Act," Justice Briana H. Zamora wrote in the opinion.

Spokespeople for Southwestern Public Service Company and El Paso Electric declined to comment on the ruling.

PNM spokesperson Eric Chavez wrote in an email Thursday the utility was aware of the opinion. "Our focus is to continue working towards implementing the Community Solar Program and PNM will continue to follow the rules laid out by the NMPRC in order to make that happen," he wrote.

The community solar program is intended to allow power customers  including business and nonprofit organizations  to purchase subscriptions to local solar projects and in turn receive credits for their electric bills.

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The Legislature passed a law directing the Public Regulation Commission to implement the program in 2021. Each project in the state will be required to meet a quota of 30% low-income subscribers, and the commission estimates subscribers could reduce their electric bills by an average of up to 30%.

The utilities, led by Southwestern, appealed many aspects of the program to the Supreme Court, including the calculation of solar bill credits. The companies argued they should be allowed to subtract from customers' credits the transmission costs connected with community solar projects.

The court rejected the argument, along with a handful of other objections to the program, stating in the opinion, "We hold that prohibiting the subtraction of transmission costs from the bill-credit rate is a reasonable exercise of the policy-making authority delegated" to the PRC.

The court noted in its March 2024 order the appeals had "frustrated attempts to implement the Community Solar program" and stated the commission should quickly move forward.

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Renewable energy trade groups and advocates who had intervened in the appeal in support of the PRC rules warned financing for many of the approved projects could be at risk as court appeals further delay development.

Advocates celebrated the court's ruling  and its implications for the program  Thursday.

"This ruling is significant because it upholds the method for calculating the community solar bill credit rate, outlined by the prior commission, which ensures that subscribers receive fair compensation for the solar energy they use," said Christian Casillas, executive director of Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico.

Mariel Nanasi, executive director of Santa Fe-based organization New Energy Economy, also praised the court's decision and said the utilities' appeals amounted to "grasping for straws to twist the plain meaning of the statute."

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"The utilities have been fabricating confusion and creating disputes where there aren't any," she said Thursday. "It's their modus operandi to prevent competition."

Nanasi pointed to the still-delayed development of community solar projects. "Unfortunately, the utilities have continued to erect barriers and stalling mechanisms that have frustrated actual implementation, and we now see no projects on the ground," she said.

The commission has approved dozens of projects for the first round of the community solar program but acknowledged long delays in getting it off the ground, partly due to the utilities' disputes over the rules and costs.

The state agency increased the cap for solar capacity for a second round of project bids. Still, the first round of approved projects have yet to break ground.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  An Horry County judge sentenced Lafredia Todd to 36 years in prison late Friday afternoon shortly after a jury convicted her of killing a co-worker at the Nacho Hippo restaurant in North Myrtle Beach in July 22.

Lafredia Todd, 36, was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. She shot and killed Quentin Johnson, 26, at the restaurant on July 28, 2022, and testified for several hours on Thursday before her attorneys rested their case. The jury arrived at a guilty verdict after about 40 minutes of deliberations.

News13 photo / Alec Daniels News13 photo / Alec Daniels News13 photo / Alec Daniels News13 photo / Alec Daniels News13 photo / Alec Daniels

Todd faced up to life in prison, but Judge Benjamin Culbertson sentenced her to 36 years on the murder charge and five years for the weapons charge. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning she will have to serve 36 years.

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Today, the jury upheld the rule of law with their verdict, Senior Assistant Solicitor Seth Oskin said in a news release. The evidence in this case was insurmountable and proved that the defendants act was nothing but murder. We hope this verdict gives Mr. Johnsons family a sense of justice.

While on the witness stand, Todd repeatedly testified about being afraid of Johnson because of threats he allegedly made. She said one of those threats came on the night of the shooting when Johnson threatened to shoot her in the parking lot.

Defense attorneys began calling witnesses earlier this week after prosecutors rested their case on Monday. Todd has claimed the shooting was self-defense, but after a three-day stand your ground hearing that ended on Jan. 8, the judge denied her immunity.

During Fridays closing arguments, the defense referenced the elements of self-defense. First, they argued Todd was not at fault in bringing on the difficulty. Second, they said Todd believed she was in imminent danger.

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In the prosecutions closing arguments, they said Todd did not need to kill Johnson, therefore ruling out self-defense. They then showed the jury the elements of murder.

First, is it a killing? Prosecutors said the fragments from Johnsons brain matched the fragments found on Todds gun. Second, is it the killing of another person?

Third, is it malice aforethought? Prosecutors said that basically means premeditation. They showed the jury the phone call between Todd and her brother, Joshua Bryant, on the night of the shooting.

Todds phone records showed she was on the phone with Bryant for 45 minutes before Johnson was shot. Prosecutors argued in those 45 minutes, Bryant was in Little River and Todd was off the clock, so Bryant could have picked Todd up from Nacho Hippo, or one of the two could have called the police on Johnson.

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This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

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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.

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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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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.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Terre Haute Childrens Museum is holding a special type of fundraiser for Valentines Day this year, naming a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

The Terre Haute Childrens Museum is offering a unique experience for the holiday with its Hisses and Kisses fundraiser. For a donation of $10, you can name one of the museums Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Those who do will also receive a special digital valentine for the occasion. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go back into funding the educational programs, exhibits, and conservation initiatives the museum offers. The fundraiser is ongoing and will run up until February 14.

Were thrilled to offer our community a creative way to celebrate Valentines Day while support a great cause, said Susan Turner, Executive Director of the Terre Haute Childrens Museum. Cockroaches are surprisingly fascinating creatures, and this event helps us share their unique role in the environment with kids and families.

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Those who want to can also participate in Meet the Hissers! a program where you can get up close with the insects. The program aims to teach people about the important role these insects play in ecosystems around the world. This program will take place on January 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost is included with admission.

To participate in the fundraiser visit this link or stop by the museum during its normal business hours. For more information, visit the link above or contact Lauren Tincher about the Meet the Hissers! program at 812-235-5548 ext. 227 or email at programs@thchildrensmuseum.com.

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A U.S. Forest Service team was deployed for support after the Camp Fire swept through nearby communities including Paradise, Magalia and Concow in Northern California in 2018. (Photo by Tanner Hembree/U.S. Forest Service)

One day in November of 2018 in a canyon at the Sierra Nevada foothills, one steel hook that held up a string of electrical insulators  little white discs that prevent electricity from moving between them  broke. The power line that was attached to the electrical insulators fell onto the nearby transmission tower, creating a continuous electric discharge that was estimated to reach between 5,000 and 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Molten metal fell from the tower onto the brush below, starting a fire at its base.

This was the beginning of what would later be known as the Camp fire, a more than 150,000-acre wildfire that swept through the rural California communities of Butte Creek Canyon, Concow, Magalia, and Paradise. At the time it was the deadliest U.S. wildfire of the 21st century, killing 85 people and destroying nearly 20,000 structures.

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Paradise  one of the hardest hit towns  lost an estimated two-thirds of its population because of displacement from the fire. Before the Camp fire, 26,000 people lived in the town. Afterward, fewer than 10,000 remained.

Rural California is no stranger to the gutting a wildfire can do to its population. In recent years small towns like Greenville and Berry Creek, north and south of Paradise, respectively, have been decimated by wildfires. Drive through these places and youll see the skeletal remains of a grocery store, a post office, and many, many homes. Talk to any of these wildfires survivors and youll learn about the stress of evacuating, the exhaustion of dealing with insurance companies, and the grief of losing a neighbor. The rebuilding process, theyll tell you, takes years.

Now, this reality has hit urban California.

In early January, Los Angeles caught fire. Driven by the strong Santa Ana winds that bring dry air from Nevadas Great Basin region into southern California, several different wildfires ignited in the hills and canyons of the citys wildland urban interface, the area where undeveloped land and human settlements meet. Neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Altadena and the exurb of Malibu were ablaze (as I write this, some of the fires still have not been extinguished), and an estimated 10,000 structures were destroyed. The early death count is already at 24 people.

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Many of the destroyed neighborhoods were home to celebrities and social media influencers (as you might imagine, Los Angeles has far greater entertainers per capita than smaller towns in northern California). That, in combination with Los Angeles name recognition, meant the wildfires were the dominant world news over the last week, despite other tragedies that happened around the same time like an earthquake in Tibet that killed an estimated 126 people.

While this attention is certainly deserved due to the scale of the tragedy, its notable that these fires have made such news when more rural places in northern California or southern Oregon have faced similar catastrophes but received far less attention. Mention names like Greenville or Berry Creek or Talent, Oregon, and almost anyone who lives outside the region wont know what happened there.

On the same day the Camp fire ignited in 2018, another fire, in southern California, also ignited. It was called the Woolsey fire, and it threatened many of the same neighborhoods as the ones affected by the fires raging this year. About 1,600 structures were destroyed and three people were killed  a tragedy, certainly, but one of a smaller scale than the many thousands of structures and tens of people killed in the Camp fire.

Yet, initial news reporting on the 2018 California wildfires focused on Los Angeles. When I first reported on this imbalance in media coverage, I spoke to Jennifer Anders-Gable, an attorney who helped Camp fire survivors navigate the legal processes of rebuilding.

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She told me she was frustrated by the medias focus. I remember sitting in the old Sears building in Chico, [California], talking to Camp fire survivors every day, weeks, knowing that these very low-income people are now worse off than ever before, she said. Yet we were just focusing on the celebrities in L.A.

It matters that these communities get coverage because it can affect the amount of continued support a community gets as it rebuilds. In California this is especially important because the homeowners insurance industry has dropped thousands of peoples fire coverage in recent years as the whole states fire risk has increased. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can act as a stopgap while people rebuild by providing money for essential items, temporary housing needs, and personal property losses, but people often need more than what FEMA can provide.

[Note: The FEMA application for Los Angeles wildfire survivors can be found here.]

Paradise eventually did get national attention. Pacific General & Electric was found at-fault in the Camp fire after an investigation discovered the poorly maintained power lines, and the company was required to pay billions of dollars in settlement money to the survivors. These developments took five years to accomplish, which could be why Paradise and the Camp fire have become so memorable.

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But overall, wildfires that destroy rural communities dont garner anywhere near the same attention as a fire that affects a city, even if their losses are similar in scale. Just as Los Angeles deserves news coverage, so, too, do the rural communities without the same name recognition.

This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Nashville man who went on a robbery and carjacking spree in 2021 has been sentenced to a quarter century in prison for his crimes, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday.

Jesse Jose Rucker, 35, will spend 25 years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for charges related to a series of carjackings and robberies he committed in Middle Tennessee in November of 2021 while he was already on probation for a state court felony offense, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

The DOJ said Rucker previously pleaded guilty to four counts of commercial robbery, four carjacking counts, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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PREVIOUS: Carjackings, robberies, police chase net Nashville man new charges

This prosecution again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to hold violent offenders accountable for the havoc they wreak in our community, McGuire said. This sentence ensures that Jesse Rucker will not have the chance hurt any other citizen for over two decades. Those who would do similar violence should know that we will do what it takes to ensure that they face similar punishment.

This investigation focused on armed robberies, multiple carjackings, and terrifying acts of violence within the communities that we serve, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. The ATF and our valued law enforcement partners will continue to collaborate and work collectively to take violent criminals off our streets in an effort to maintain public safety.

Accountability is essential for violent criminals who prey on innocent victims, said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. In this case, our partnership with federal law enforcement to hold Rucker accountable means that he will be 60 when he is released from prison. I deeply appreciate the U.S. Attorneys Office for working closely with us to keep Nashville safe.

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Court documents state Rucker robbed a convenience store clerk on Eatons Creek Road on Nov. 10, 2021. He reportedly asked the clerk to turn on a gas pump for him and, when she said she was unable to do so, told her, My homie was just shot, and I have to do what I have to do and showed her a gun. He left the store, pumped gas, and then returned to the store, demanding money from the register. He fled after receiving approximately $180 from the clerk.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

The next morning, Rucker carjacked a victim at the Woodspring Suites on Metroplex Drive. He parked next to the victim, pointed a gun at them and allegedly said, I want your car. A few hours later, Rucker carjacked two more victims outside their home, taking their car to a pharmacy on Harding Pike that he also robbed. Court documents state Rucker approached the counter and asked the victim for two boxes of syringes while waving a black and silver pistol.

Less than an hour later, Rucker pulled up in the second stolen car and carjacked another victim eating their lunch at an Antioch Pike business, according to officials. He then used that stolen car to drive to a Metro PCS on Nolensville Pike, where he proceeded to rob the store of iPhones and phone cases.

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Victims and witnesses inside the Metro PCS told News 2 in 2021 Rucker announced his intentions and waved his gun, cocking it and demanding the phones from the employees. He also threw money on the ground, saying he would pay for the phones he was robbing.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Within minutes of robbing the Metro PCS, authorities said Rucker entered Dubai Jewelry with the same gun, smashing the glass of a jewelry counter and grabbing four 24 carat gold rings valued at $1,450. He then fled, crashing the third stolen car into another vehicle and attempting to carjack that car. The car he crashed into was disabled by the crash, however, so Rucker fled on foot, firing at least one shot.

Rucker then carjacked yet another car at gunpoint on Murfreesboro Pike near Nashboro Village. Metro police were able to locate the vehicle and initiated a pursuit on I-40 East into Wilson County, reaching speeds of up to 126 miles per hour, according to the DOJ. Rucker then crashed the vehicle into a Wilson County Sheriffs Office car and fled on foot in Wilson County. Wilson County deputies were able to catch arrest him after a brief chase

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NEW YORK  Top officials at the nations largest health care union are spearheading an historic bid to unseat their longtime leader, setting the stage for the organizations first competitive election in decades as unions across the country gear up to fight President-elect Donald Trump.

The opposition slate at 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is taking on its president of nearly two decades, George Gresham, in an East Coast fight with national implications. Those looking to oust the ailing Gresham argue the union needs new ideas to effectively challenge Congressional Republicans over potential Medicaid cuts and Trumps deportation plans.

The outcome of the simmering showdown could impact organized labors mounting efforts to consolidate power and more broadly build a bulwark against the incoming White Houses expected attacks on collective bargaining.

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We know who's headed to the White House in the next couple of days, 1199SEIU senior executive vice president Yvonne Armstrong, who is running for president, said in an interview. We know that we have to be ready.

Armstrong and Veronica Turner-Biggs, also a senior executive vice president with 1199SEIU, are leading the Members First Unity Slate for the unions election in April.

Gresham, who is based in New York, presides over a 400,000-member union with an annual budget in excess of $200 million, overseeing operations in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida and Washington, D.C.

A former 1199SEIU organizer, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, said the effort to oust Gresham could rip the union in half.

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Gresham called his lieutenants decision to run disappointing and said it would divide the union.

I believe that an overwhelming number of 1199 members want to stay the course with experienced leadership, given the major accomplishments of my current term as president, Gresham said in a statement to POLITICO. I believe that 1199s internal elections should never be driven by personal ambition or whose 'turn' it is to be president  but rather should be solely focused on members needs. The plain fact is that the opposition slate has zero experience heading a union and zero clout with key elected officials, which puts our members' wages, benefits and jobs at risk.

Earlier this month, 1199s parent union, the Service Employees International Union, announced it would rejoin the labor federation AFL-CIO after a nearly two-decade split, forming a nationwide coalition of 15 million union members.

Historically, 1199SEIU has played a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes, leveraging its massive membership for formidable door-knocking and voter turnout campaigns, but its influence has been waning.

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Union alums told POLITICO the organization does not have the political oomph it once had, pointing to the fact that it has not had a permanent political director for years.

Armstrong said their slate will dismantle the status quo and usher in a new era of transparency and shared decision-making that will strengthen the union as it gears up to fight a federal policy agenda of Medicaid cuts and mass deportations that could devastate the health care workforce.

Their campaign portends a seismic shift for a labor organization that has long prided itself on an almost militant devotion to internal unity and loyalty. Those values were practically hammered into the unions DNA by Greshams predecessor, Dennis Rivera, who rose through the organizations ranks amid a 1980s-era inner civil war characterized by agonizing conflict and bitter division, historians Leon Fink and Brian Greenberg wrote in the book Upheaval in the Quiet Zone: 1199SEIU and the Politics of Health Care Unionism.

Rivera, who bested then-president Georgianna Johnson in the unions 1989 election, immediately orchestrated the turnaround of an organization that had recently seemed to be falling apart, the New York Times wrote that year. The union has not had a competitive presidential race since.

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Internal tensions have been rising for years but only recently burst into open view. In June, 1199SEIUs in-house staff voted to join the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, citing a climate of fear and retaliation inside their workplace.

Succession chatter has long swirled inside the union too, as Gresham dealt with health issues and swore more than once that he would not seek reelection, only to backpedal. Armstrong and Turner-Biggs said they pitched Gresham last year on a president emeritus role focusing on national political work, but he insisted on running for another three-year term.

Gresham pointed to his own rise to leadership in the 1980s, when he helped propel Rivera to the presidency as part of a movement of rank-and-file union members.

Whenever change has come to 1199, it has always come from the bottom-up, not the top down, he added in the statement.

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The odds are in Greshams favor due to his incumbency advantage and historically low turnout in 1199SEIUs elections. But first, he has to cobble together a rival slate of candidates from among his remaining allies before petitioning begins at the end of the month.

Armstrong and Turner-Biggs said their slate already includes the vast majority of the 1199SEIU executive council, the unions highest-ranking elected body, as part of a diverse coalition of 1,000 union leaders who have signed on.

Armstrong and Turner-Biggs enjoy their own name recognition as the unions topmost officers after Gresham and his second-in-command, secretary-treasurer Milly Silva. Armstrong oversees the unions fast-growing home care division in her role overseeing long-term care. Turner-Biggs got her start in 1199SEIUs Massachusetts division then moved to New York, where she now leads the unions delegates and members across downstate New York hospitals and health systems.

Despite their roles in the uppermost echelon of 1199SEIU, Armstrong and Turner-Biggs indicated they are often left out of the loop  as are other officers, staff and members. Their slates website more pointedly alludes to backroom deals, but the duo declined to elaborate.

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We are not in the room anymore when critical decisions are being made, said Turner-Biggs, who would serve as Armstrongs secretary-treasurer.

Their platform emphasizes transparency and accountability, so members feel that their voices are heard and that the union is fighting for all of them, from the nurses who work at patients bedsides to the technicians who clean surgical equipment.

Its a similar argument to the one espoused by 1199SEIUs in-house staff union, although Armstrong and Turner-Biggs called its formation unfortunate, even as they said they respect the staffers right to organize.

And both the opposition slate and the in-house staff union, depending on whos talking, have the power to make or break 1199SEIU.

We can't afford a divided membership, Turner-Biggs said, just like we can't afford to wait for new leadership.
(Reuters) - South Korea's National assembly passed a revised special counsel bill to investigate insurrection charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol, news agency Yonhap reported on Friday.

(This story has been refiled to fix the typo in the headline)

(Reporting by Devika Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Alex Richardson)
SPRINGFIELD- Springfield residents as well as folks across the United States are seeing delays in receiving mail and packages.

Wildfires and winter weather across the country could be factors into the delays but people are demanding answers.

I just want my mail. Thats all I can say, Jimmy Westmoreland said.

Westmoreland lives in north Springfield. He says he is receiving regular mail, but not his packages.

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Now Im having troubles having my packages delivered, Westmoreland said. And I just, you know, I want what I paid for.

After using his phone to track his packages for several days, Westmoreland decided to file multiple complaints to the United States Postal Service.

Ive been up there once, but Ive been online and I did it online too, Westmoreland said.

Last week, the Ozarks was hit with two rounds of winter weather which delayed mail across the region.

Last Thursday, the United States observed a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, which also put a hold on mail across the country.

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I talked to the mailman, and he says its going on all over town, Westmoreland said. I know its not his fault. And I told him its not his fault.

After not seeing any progress with the postal service, Westmoreland decided to reach out to his local congressperson, Eric Burlison.

We talked on the phone and he explained to me what was going on, and he asked me about what I was going through, Westmoreland said. And he told me that he would get back with me.

OzarksFirst also reached out to Congressman Burlison, whose office provided this statement:

These complaints include significant delays in mail delivery, lost packages, and general inefficiencies, which are affecting both residential and commercial sectors.

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I am working with Chairman James Comer and Congressman Pete Sessions to arrange a meeting with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to investigate and identify the causes of these disruptions.

The USPS must return to providing reliable and efficient mail services to all Americans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
In a bizarre incident in Tempe, Arizona, a man named Nautica Malone pulled up at a Bikini Beans Coffee drive-thru without wearing anything underneath his waist. Malone, a Central High School graduate and former varsity swimmer, received much backlash on the internet after his actions were caught on camera. However, things soon went south when the resulting criticism reportedly led Malone to tragically claim his own life.

Heres everything you need to know regarding the Bikini Beans incident involving Nautica Malone.

Heres what happened to Nautica Malone at Bikini Beans Coffee

In the said video, the Tempe resident was seen halting at the drive-thru window of a Bikini Beans Coffee establishment. Notably, the barista who filmed the snippet already had her camera rolling before Nautica Malones arrival. She immediately questioned him if he had visited the said location before.

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Just as Malone replied positively, the barista noticed he was not wearing any pants. At this point, the Bikini Beans Coffee server stated, Sir, you need to leave. Unacceptable. Nautica Malone abruptly drove his car away in the aftermath of their interaction. The aforementioned video has since gone viral online, gaining millions of views. As such, a significant faction of people called out Malone for his inappropriate behavior, berating him relentlessly.

However, the debacle ended in tragedy as Nautica Malone unfortunately took his own life three days after he visited Bikini Beans, as per TMZ. The news broke out after his family visited the coffee shop and expressed agitation over his death.

Many have also speculated that Malone could have committed similar indecent acts prior to being caught, considering the baristas question and her readiness to record his visit. As such, the discussing public has theorized that Malones decision to end his life could have come out of fear and guilt. For the time being, the exact reason behind his death remains unknown.

Nautica Malone is survived by his wife, Tori Malone, and his one-year-old infant.

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Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on ComingSoon.net.

The post Nautica Malones Bikini Beans Incident Explained appeared first on Mandatory.
A Russian court on Friday delivered years-long prison sentences to three defence lawyers for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in custody in 2024.

The court in the town of Petushki, east of Moscow, sentenced Vadim Kobzev to five and a half years, Russian media outlets reported. Kobzev was the highest-profile member of Navalny's legal team and frequently provided updates on his client to the media.

Alexei Liptser received a prison sentence of five years and Igor Sergunin three and a half years.

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They were all convicted of belonging to an extremist organization, which is a reference to the anti-corruption foundation set up by Navalny, outlets including the Sotavision channel on Telegram reported.

Judge Yulia Shilova's sentences stayed below the prosecution's requests for punishment, which had called for five and a half years in prison for Sergunin, for example.

The Mediazona news outlet reported a large crowd at the court, which held the controversial trial behind closed doors. "You are heroes! We are proud of you! You're the best people in Russia!" a supporter shouted at the lawyers, according to Mediazona.

Photos showed crowds of people in the corridors of the court.

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Sotavision reported its correspondent was briefly detained by the police on the pretext that he resembled a wanted thief. Other news outlets also reported on the harassment of people present at the court.

The trial has been going since September 2024 in the town of Petushki, east of Moscow.

The defence lawyers were arrested in October 2023, while legal proceedings against Navalny were still in progress.

The trial was widely seen as politically motivated.

Navalny's team in exile said it was probably no coincidence that the verdict against the lawyers was passed on the anniversary of the late Kremlin opponent's return to Russia.

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Navalny arrived in Russia on January 17, 2021 after being treated in Germany for a poisoning attack using the chemical agent Novichok. He died in a penal colony under unclear circumstances in February of last year.

Navalny's family and allies accused President Vladimir Putin of murder. US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders also said his blood was on Putin's hands.
A Russian court on Friday delivered years-long prison sentences to three defence lawyers for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in custody in 2024.

The court in the town of Petushki, east of Moscow, sentenced Vadim Kobzev to five and a half years, Russian media outlets reported. Kobzev was the highest-profile member of Navalny's legal team and frequently provided updates on his client to the media.

Alexei Liptser received a prison sentence of five years and Igor Sergunin three and a half years.

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They were all convicted of belonging to an extremist organization, which is a reference to the anti-corruption foundation set up by Navalny, outlets including the Sotavision channel on Telegram reported.

Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya called the lawyers "political prisoners" and demanded their immediate release.

Amnesty International's regional director Marie Struthers blasted the verdicts as "a shameful attempt to silence those who dared to defend Alexei Navalny and make his voice heard even from behind bars."

"By targeting lawyers for merely doing their job, the Russian authorities are dismantling what remains of the right to legal defence and abusing what is a criminal justice system only in name."

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Judge Yulia Shilova's sentences stayed below the prosecution's requests for punishment, which had called for five and a half years in prison for Sergunin, for example.

The Mediazona news outlet reported a large crowd at the court, which held the controversial trial behind closed doors. "You are heroes! We are proud of you! You're the best people in Russia!" a supporter shouted at the lawyers, according to Mediazona.

Photos showed crowds of people in the corridors of the court.

Sotavision reported its correspondent was briefly detained by the police on the pretext that he resembled a wanted thief. Other news outlets also reported on the harassment of people present at the court.

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The defence lawyers were arrested in October 2023, while legal proceedings against Navalny were still in progress. The trial of the three began in September 2024.

Navalny's team in exile said it was probably no coincidence that the verdict against the lawyers was passed on the anniversary of the late Kremlin opponent's return to Russia.

Navalny arrived in Russia on January 17, 2021 after being treated in Germany for a poisoning attack using the chemical agent Novichok. He died in a penal colony under unclear circumstances in February of last year.

Navalny's family and allies accused President Vladimir Putin of murder. US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders also said his blood was on Putin's hands.
A Russian court on Friday delivered years-long prison sentences to three defence lawyers for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in custody in 2024.

The court in the town of Petushki, east of Moscow, sentenced Vadim Kobzev to five and a half years, Russian media outlets reported. Kobzev was the highest-profile member of Navalny's legal team and frequently provided updates on his client to the media.

Alexei Liptser received a prison sentence of five years and Igor Sergunin three and a half years.

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They were all convicted of belonging to an extremist organization, which is a reference to the anti-corruption foundation set up by Navalny, outlets including the Sotavision channel on Telegram reported.

Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya called the lawyers "political prisoners" and demanded their immediate release.

Amnesty International's regional director Marie Struthers blasted the verdicts as "a shameful attempt to silence those who dared to defend Alexei Navalny and make his voice heard even from behind bars."

"By targeting lawyers for merely doing their job, the Russian authorities are dismantling what remains of the right to legal defence and abusing what is a criminal justice system only in name."

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Judge Yulia Shilova's sentences stayed below the prosecution's requests for punishment, which had called for five and a half years in prison for Sergunin, for example.

The Mediazona news outlet reported a large crowd at the court, which held the controversial trial behind closed doors. "You are heroes! We are proud of you! You're the best people in Russia!" a supporter shouted at the lawyers, according to Mediazona.

Photos showed crowds of people in the corridors of the court.

Sotavision reported its correspondent was briefly detained by the police on the pretext that he resembled a wanted thief. Other news outlets also reported on the harassment of people present at the court.

Advertisement Advertisement

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The defence lawyers were arrested in October 2023, while legal proceedings against Navalny were still in progress. The trial of the three began in September 2024.

Navalny's team in exile said it was probably no coincidence that the verdict against the lawyers was passed on the anniversary of the late Kremlin opponent's return to Russia.

Navalny arrived in Russia on January 17, 2021 after being treated in Germany for a poisoning attack using the chemical agent Novichok. He died in a penal colony under unclear circumstances in February of last year.

Navalny's family and allies accused President Vladimir Putin of murder. US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders also said his blood was on Putin's hands.

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The German government said the conviction was "no surprise" but "unfortunately another sad low point."

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office in Berlin said: "The politically motivated proceedings against Alexei Navalny and against numerous critics of the Russian government, as well as the inhumane prison conditions, show how brutally the Russian government and judiciary act against dissidents."
A court in Russia's Vladimir Oblast sentenced three former lawyers of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny to between three and a half and five and half years in prison, the independent news outlet Mediazona reported on Jan. 17.

Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin were sentenced after a closed-door trial on "extremism" charges over their involvement with Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. The foundation was the flagship project of Navalny, Russia's most known opposition leader, who died under unclear circumstances in a Russian prison colony in February 2024.

The news underscores Russia's increasingly harsh repressions against domestic opposition, which only escalated with the outbreak of the full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022. "Extremism" charges are widely seen as a tool to suppress and scare off voices that criticize the current leadership or Russia's war in Ukraine.

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Kobzev was sentenced to five and half years, Liptser to five years, and Sergunin to three and half years in prison. They sare also barred from practicing law for three years after the completion of their prison sentences.

The three were detained in October 2023 after being accused of "using their status" as lawyers to facilitate communication between imprisoned Navalny and his organization, labeled as "extremist" by Russian authorities, Meduza reported.

Launched in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has published investigations into suspected corruption among top Russian officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former President Dmitry Medvedev.

Russia designated the group as "extremist" and formally dissolved it in 2021. The foundation was relaunched as an international organization the following year.

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Olga Mikhailova and Alexander Fedolov, two other Navalny's ex-lawyers charged with "extremism," have left Russia and are wanted by Russian authorities.

Moscow's crackdown targets other prominent opposition figures as well. On Jan. 16, Russian law enforcement officers raided the home of oppositionist Illia Yashin's parents.

Yashin was previously sentenced to eight and half years in 2022 for denouncing Russia's war crimes in Ukraine. He was released during a large-scale prisoner exchange between Moscow and the West in August 2024 and now resides abroad.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Federal authorities have charged a Durham man with attempting to help ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Alexander Justin White, 29, was arrested Dec. 4 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport while boarding a plane to Paris, the first leg of a planned trip to Morocco, according to a federal criminal complaint. This came after several months of communications in which he professed his support for ISIS and his plans to join the militant group.

As alleged in the complaint, between May and October of 2024, White used an online account under the name Sulaiman Al-Amriki to make numerous posts supporting ISIS and the concept of violent jihad, said a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District.

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This allegedly included videos commonly used to recruit new members and to generate a passion for fighting as well as fundraising videos and several posts and reposts in reference to well-known ISIS supporters and scholars, it stated.

The arrest wasnt made public until this week while federal authorities explored if he had conspirators but they said that White acted alone, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley Jr. said at a news conference Thursday in Raleigh. White faces up to 20 years in prison and is slated to appear in federal court on Feb. 11.

US Attorney Michael Easley Jr., flanked by FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert DeWitt, center, and Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson, describes the arrest of Alexander Justin White of Durham, and his connections to ISIS and terrorism on Thursday, January 16, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

Whites online conversations showed an active effort to join ISIS overseas, federal authorities said, and that he was engaged in financial transactions to refugee camps which are well known for acting as a front to funnel money to ISIS members and their supporters. Some of his communications include texts with undercover FBI agents, the criminal complaint said.

When White was asked if he was OK killing members of the military or U.S. citizens the complaint alleges that he stated if it was a family member I would still fight back with them, Easley said at the news conference.

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White also talked about his experience with firearms and had bought and sold several, the complaint said.

He trained at a gun range, he bought specific gear for the mission to include a tactical medical kit and even military style boots which he wore here in North Carolina to break in before his trip to fight with ISIS, said FBI Special Agent Robert DeWitt, who leads the FBI in North Carolina.

Feds foiled suspects plans to leave U.S.

White, who is a U.S. citizen, sought to disguise his travel as a vacation, federal authorities said in their complaint, but ultimately planned to join ISIS members in Africa.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert DeWitt addresses the arrest of Alexander Justin White of Durham, and his connections to ISIS and terrorism on Thursday, January 16, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

The FBIs Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated after receiving information about White from an overseas source, Easley said.

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The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force put this threat to a stop. They did it through a tremendous amount of work, a massive commitment of resources and coordination like you wouldnt believe, Easley said.

Critical help came from the Morocco General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance, federal authorities said.

If the threat is international, so too will be our investigative efforts, Easley said.

He also urged the public to look out for individuals who are showing signs of gravitating toward terrorism or other violent behavior.

You may see it before we do, and we ask you, please, if you see someone sliding into a dangerous ideology, if you see someone mobilizing towards violence, speak up now, Easley said.
State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, left, talks with State Sen.-elect Jared Storm of David City. Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The age at which a Nebraska child could be detained for an alleged crime would be lowered, from 13 to 11, under a new bill expected to be in front of state lawmakers this year at the urging of Gov. Jim Pillen.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he plans to introduce the measure, which also would drop the age, from 14 to 12, at which a minor can be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies.

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The legislation was briefly outlined in Pillens proposed budget distributed Wednesday to lawmakers. Riepe said he plans soon to formally introduce the legislation, which is being refined.

Gov. Jim Pillen. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

According to the budget document, the gubernatorial initiative aims to change detention criteria to give greater authority to the courts to detain juveniles in a physically restrictive facility for the safety of juveniles and the community.

The proposed legislation calls for a court hearing and a judges review to determine juvenile placement unless waived by both parties.

Riepe told the Nebraska Examiner that his primary intent was not punitive. He believes that detaining kids who get in trouble could trigger intervention that might help them and others in the long run.

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He said the legislation was driven also by Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, whose office in the last couple of years has handled prosecutions of a few 13 year olds and, more recently, an 11 year old.

Strongly opposed

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, who has championed other juvenile and criminal justice reform efforts, said he strongly disagrees with the premise of the Pillen-Riepe initiative.

I would not support locking kids up, he said, adding that he believed such a law also would disproportionately harm youths of color.

If we think about the safety of juveniles in the community, we should be talking about why have these juveniles been neglected for so long by the system, McKinney said.

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He said many youths who wind up in the criminal justice system are wards of the state or under the watch of a state agency. Why have they dropped the ball? he asked.

Kleine said Thursday that he had not seen the bills final language, but he said a goal is to ensure that a Juvenile Court judge reviews a serious arrest involving children as young as 11 to determine whether detention is warranted. Under current law, he said, a detention hearing can be waived for that age group.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. Aug. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Unfortunately every time we think we have gotten to the youngest age, another comes along like this 11-year-old, said Kleine.

He referred to an 11-year-old Omaha boy who faced a dozen felony charges, including first-degree murder, in the fatal shooting last summer of a man returning home from his shift as an Uber driver.

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All charges were dismissed last week after the youth was found incompetent to stand trial, and the court records have been sealed, the Omaha World-Herald reported this week.

The boy, who was not the suspected shooter, is the youngest of six juveniles accused in the carjacking and fatal shooting of the 64-year-old man who was pulling into his apartment complex around midnight.

Were saying that if something like that occurs, the judge should be able to detain that person in a supervised, secure facility  until we decide what to do, Kleine said.

Kleine said he has had parents plead with him to hold their child in custody to avoid the possibility of them getting harmed.

Nebraska AG priorities

Also Thursday, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced his legislative priorities in a pair of measures led by State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Tanya Storer of Whitman.

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Legislative Bill 316, sponsored by Kauth, continues Hilgers effort to outlaw delta-8 and what he described as dangerous synthetic products masquerading as hemp that contain THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.

A similar legislative effort pushed by Hilgers stalled last year.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers speaks about his 2025 legislative priorities. He is partnering with State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Tanya Storer of Whitman, who will shepherd the bills through the Legislature. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Hilgers also has filed lawsuits against vape shops and retailers in multiple counties alleging violations of consumer protection and deceptive trade practices laws. Several stores negotiated settlements, agreeing not to sell prohibited hemp products that contain synthetic THC or or have been modified through chemical processes.

Hilgers said he is counting on the Kauth bill to finally put an end to the synthetic delta-8 crisis we have in this state.

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In 2018, Congress legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp as an agricultural commodity that could be grown under a state program, Hilgers said. He said he was among state senators at the time who voted to adopt the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act  though, he said, he was unaware it would lead to a growing market for products containing synthetic cannabinoids his office now targets.

There will always be kind of this effort called the Whac-A-Mole of bad actors coming up with ways to get around the system, said Kauth. This is a way we can best protect the citizens of Nebraska.

There will always be kind of this effort called the Whac-A-Mole of bad actors coming up with ways to get around the system.

 State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha

If the bill does not pass, Hilgers said, his office would step up his litigation campaign against retailers  which will unfortunately cost more taxpayer dollars  and create more pain for the stores themselves.

Mental health

Storers bill, yet to be introduced in the Legislature, would create a pilot program authorizing a still-to-be-determined rural Nebraska law enforcement agency to add mental health beds to its existing jail or another local facility to temporarily house a person in an active mental health crisis.

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Hilgers said the short-term stay for the civilly committed individual is not intended to be an incarcerated environment. Telehealth services would be available, Storer said.

Hilgers and Storer, a former Cherry County commissioner who worked on behavioral health matters, said the legislative effort was driven by accounts from rural law enforcement officers who said they sometimes spend hours escorting a person in emergency protective custody to the nearest available mental health facility.

The pilot program would offer a secure space  before they get to the break, or cause harm to themselves or someone else, said Hilgers.

The program would be funded with grants, perhaps through the Nebraska Crime Commission.

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Its a pilot program were hoping catches on, Storer said.

This is going to take the burden off of our small local law enforcement agencies and first and foremost put the individual in need of care as a priority in finding a safe place for them.

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NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV)  A group of 8th graders got a tour of their local police station along with some lunch and dessert during a presentation.

The Neenah Police Department shared a post on Facebook talking about their day spent with 8th-grade STRIVE 2B students from the Neenah Joint School District.

Eight Wisconsin schools, libraries selected to participate in nationwide FCC program

The STRIVE 2B program is run by the Rotary Club of Neenah for students with a focus on leadership, wise choices and encouraging success in the classroom.

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Students in attendance got to meet with officers who served walking tacos for lunch and caramel apples for dessert, with a presentation and station tour included in the activities.

Chief Aaron Olson introduced the students, and then multiple officers and talked about their respective jobs on patrols, investigations and community policing work.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted and locked a woman in a cinder block cell in his Klamath Falls home in 2023 was sentenced to life in prison on Friday.

During his federal trial in October, Negasi Zuberi was found guilty of kidnapping, transporting a victim for criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon

Man killed at Portland Fred Meyer was trying to stop robbery, police say

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Prosecutors claim Zuberi, now 30, should be sentenced to life in prison to protect other women from his plans for Operation Take Over, which included the construction of a sound-proof cell in an attempt to build an army through the assault of his female captors, according to court documents.

(FBI via AP, File) Handwritten notes found in Zuberis home detailing plans (FBI) Interior of the cinderblock cell in Negasi Zuberis house (FBI) Looking through the door of the cinderblock cell in Negasi Zuberis house (FBI) Photos of Negasi Zuberi, older photo on the left and a current photo on the right (FBI) (Washoe County Detention Facility via AP)

Negasi Zuberi will always seek another victim to assault, to imprison, to rape, to stalk, to attempt to traffic; his conduct has made that clear, prosecutors said in court documents. One thing alone will protect women and society from Negasi Zuberi, and that is removing him from society for the rest of his life.

Court documents and personal accounts from ex-roommates and neighbors show that Zuberi has been known to use the aliases Sakima, Justin Hyche and Justin Kouassi.

According to the FBI, Zuberi has lived in 10 states over the past decade, including Washington; Oregon; Colorado; Utah; Florida; New York; New Jersey; Alabama; and Nevada.

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Under these aliases, Zuberi has been linked to at least four sexual assaults in four of those states. Authorities believe there could be additional victims.

Dozens of adoptable pets fly to Portland to assist overload from LA wildfires

Zuberis federal trial found that he had traveled from his southern Oregon home to Seattle, where he approached a woman around midnight near Aurora Avenue and solicited her for prostitution in July 2023.

Investigators said Zuberi claimed to be a police officer and showed the victim a badge saying he needed to take her into custody, pointing a taser at the victim before putting her in handcuffs and leg irons and forcing her into the back of his car.

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He then drove 450 miles to Klamath Falls, Ore., where he stopped at a gas station and put a backward sweatshirt on the woman to cover her face before driving to his home at 1336 North El Dorado Ave, according to the court documents.

The woman later reported that once they arrived at the house, he put her into a makeshift cell in the garage that he had made out of cinderblocks with a metal door that could not be opened from the inside.

Oregon SNAP recipients will no longer receive federal replacements for stolen benefits

Authorities said the woman was locked in the cell for a few hours, but when Zuberi left, she escaped by punching and banging on the door several times to break the welds. Once outside the cell, the woman fled the house and flagged down someone who called 911.

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The next day, Zuberi was arrested in Reno, Nevada in a Walmart parking lot while holding one of his children in the front seat of his car and talking to his wife.

Zuberis sentencing is expected to take place at 1 p.m. Friday. This story will be updated with the sentencings outcome.

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(Bloomberg) -- Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an agreement with Hamas to pause the war in Gaza has been finalized, suggesting its on track to begin on Sunday.

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Netanyahu, in a statement early Friday, said he ordered his cabinet to meet to approve the truce, which has been backed by US President Joe Biden and incoming leader Donald Trump.

The security cabinet started meeting late morning Israel time. The first release of hostages is expected on Sunday, Netanyahus office said, pending the full cabinets approval of the deal.

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It looked at risk of collapsing on Thursday when Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on some commitments. He said his cabinet would not convene until the group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many others, accepted all elements of the agreement.

The deal was announced by Biden, Trump and key mediator Qatar on Wednesday evening. Under the terms, Hamas will release 33 of about 98 hostages still held in Gaza in the first, six-week phase of the ceasefire. Israel will withdraw troops from populated areas of the Palestinian territory and free around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Biden made clear he wants the truce to permanently end hostilities, which he says will calm the wider Middle East and help broaden Israels diplomatic ties with Arab states, including Saudi Arabia.

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Yet within Israel theres plenty of wariness, with many politicians saying the war should continue until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir have threatened to walk out the ruling coalition if a ceasefires approved. Its unclear if Netanyahu has persuaded Smotrich to drop his demand for the war to restart after the 42 days of truce come to an end.

Netanyahu, in his statement on Friday, did not mention that. Israel, he said, is committed to achieving all of the objectives of the war including the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased.

Once the ceasefire starts, Israel and Hamas will start talks over the release of the rest of the hostages and over Gazas reconstruction and future governance. While Israel wants Hamas to play no part in the latter, its unclear if any other Palestinian entity is capable or willing to take power.

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The truce is set to start a day before Trump enters the White House. His and Bidens teams have worked closely together to get a ceasefire in place by that date, something both Trump and Biden said was a key goal. That combined pressure was seen as crucial to getting Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement after months of stalled talks.

Israeli stocks have gained significantly in recent days in anticipation of a ceasefire. The main bourse in Tel Aviv rose 4.4% this week in dollar terms, one of the best performances globally.

The 15-month war began when Hamas fighters raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israels subsequent military campaign, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

--With assistance from Philip Glamann.

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(Updates with details on cabinet meeting from third paragraph.)

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Following his visit to Kyiv, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced 27 million euros ($27.8 million) in new aid for Ukraine on Jan. 16.

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the package includes 7 million euros ($7.2 million) through the Comprehensive Assistance Package, coordinated by NATO, to provide non-lethal support such as fuel, medical supplies, winter equipment, and electronic warfare systems.

An additional 20 million euros ($20.6 million) is being allocated to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to assist with critical infrastructure needs.

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The announcement came during Veldkamps meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

In Dec. 2024, The Netherlands pledged a contribution of $23 million to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems and cyber resilience. The country also previously supplied Ukraine with several Patriot air defense launchers, most recently delivering three in November.

Read also: Germany continues talks on $3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Pistorius says

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Nevada residents are rallying against a solar farm that bulldozed several Joshua trees.

Estuary Power, an energy-generation company that operates in the western U.S., closed a $340 million deal to establish a solar and storage project in Nevadas Mojave Basin. Now, several famous Joshua trees have been bulldozed to make way for the operation, and residents are angry, reported local outlet 8 News Now.

Local residents are concerned about the destruction of the Joshua trees, many of which are the species Yucca jaegeriana. Two endangered species, the desert tortoise and southwestern willow flycatcher, also live in the area  but a report from state officials says they likely wont be impacted, 8 News Now reports.

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The iconic desert trees  actually huge succulents  are cherished by many for their resiliency, and haunting shapes of shaggy trunks and spiky leaves. Theyre a critical part of the desert ecosystem, providing habitat for birds, mammals, insects and lizards.

They were named after the biblical character Joshua by early Mormon settlers who believed the plants outstretched arms guided then on their journey west.

Even though it is private property, theres 1000-year-old trees out here, an unnamed Nevadan complained about the destruction of the trees to 8 News Now. Theyre just bulldozing with no regard.

Estuary Power responded to complaints that the company is setting aside thousands of acres to protect wildlife in the area.

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Estuary Power is constructing the Escape Solar project on 900 acres of a 2,900-acre privately owned site in Lincoln County, Nevada, the company said in a statement to The Independent.

Estuary and our contractors are using best-in-class construction methodologies designed to protect and conserve all federal and state protected species on our site, in compliance with the law, our permits, and our respect for our environment and community. We are also setting aside 2000 acres of private land as undisturbed habitat for all species, the statement continued.

Another resident, James Stanfill, told 8 News Now he wants future projects to avoid areas that would impact trees and wildfire.

Id like to see better selection of sites for solar projects in the future that doesnt have ... an endangered tree, Stanfill told the outlet.

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Its sad that they picked that particular piece of property that was loaded with Joshua trees to do this, another anonymous resident told 8 News Now.

Yucca jaegeriana, however, is not endangered, according to the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a new plan late last year to protect Joshua trees in their state. The iconic trees are often threatened by wildfires, human development and climate change in the Golden State.
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11)  Tenants of 440 Washington St. in Newark have a long list of complaints about the condition of their building. The City of Newark placed a lien on the property on Monday, citing overflowing garbage and malfunctioning security cameras. Residents say thats just the start.

The ceiling ended up collapsing on my head, said 21-year-old Quajanai, a tenant of 440 Washington St. She is recovering from a concussion that she says happened Sunday when a ceiling tile in her bathroom fell on her head.

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I had a neck brace, said Quajanai. I had to get wheeled out. And then, that same day, the elevator also stopped working, so I was stuck in the elevator for about 10 minutes with EMS before I could even get taken to the hospital.

The elevators are not working, said tenant Nadirah Hodges. There is no heat. Its cold in my room.

Theres trash all over the place, said tenant Albert Torres. Garbage shoots arent working.

Torres said the buildings lobby was destroyed last month, making it even worse to wait for the only functioning elevator.

They had a sewer backed up in one of the ground floors, explained Torres. So basically, water came up from the toilet and [there was] just sewage. So the entire lobby smelled like you-know-what.

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For months, Torres and others said it has been impossible to control the heat.

When the cold season started coming around, the heat was like on all blast, so I had to turn on the air conditioner to basically bring it down, said Torres. Then, when it really actually mattered  like on a day like this  the heat doesnt work.

PIX11 News reached out to BDR Management, which owns the property, but has not yet heard back.

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HYDRO, Okla (KFOR)  A family in Hydro is getting ready for a second trip to help those displaced from Hurricane Helene.

They took their first trip the day after Christmas, delivering four campers to Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

News 4 reported on this effort, and it gained traction from across the country.

Our coverage led to one Oklahoma viewer giving a generous donation.

Got us a $25,000 donation from an anonymous person, which was able to buy these three campers and buy a pickup, said Tim Johnson, delivering campers.

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LOCAL NEWS: Airport upgrades underway ahead of international gate opening

Johnson and the rest of the crew are now making another trip to help more people in need.

Theres a staging area there where we drop the campers off, and then Nick from Wilmington Response, he checks every camper out, make sure the heater, the refrigerator, the stove, everythings working in it, said Johnson.

Once the camper is checked and good to go, its then stocked up.

With blankets, heaters, and stuff like that, which weve got some heaters, blankets, propane bottles, what have you in there already, said Johnson.

Theyre delivered to displaced families who have been sleeping in tents.

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Johnson shared a story of one family they helped the first time.

A mudslide came down, and a tree went down, and it split his house in half. He had to crawl out his bedroom window, go around the outside to the other side to get his baby out, said Johnson.

That family was given a fifth wheel camper.

Theyre real, genuine people and they are so humble and thankful, said Johnson.

The $25,000 from a News 4 viewer is the reason they were able to buy more campers and help more families.

I feel like when we got this donation, that was a godsend, said Johnson.

The story reached people beyond Oklahoma.

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One was in Georgia and I got them directly with Nick and theyre going to donate some generators and stuff like that and then there was a lady in Mississippi, she had a FEMA trailer, which theyre supposed to be coordinating or something to get that moved up there, said Johnson.

If youd like to help out they encourage you to donate to Wilmington Response, which is where they are dropping off the campers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is extending protections against price-gouging on rental housing. Los Angeles Times political writer Seema Mehta joins Chris Jansing to explain more on what this means for people looking for housing in the wake of the deadly wildfires.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took a swipe at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) Friday for his criticism over his administrations handling of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

Mr. Speaker, when Louisianans need help after hurricanes, its Californians  many of whom have been impacted by these fires  who foot the bill to help your constituents, Newsom wrote on social platform X. And they do it without playing partisan games.

Millions of your supporters are out here and they need your help, empathy, care and whatever compassion you are willing to express, he added. Do the right thing.

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Johnson on Thursday accused the Democratic governor of exploiting the wildfires in order to make clap back videos.

Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians, Johnson wrote. Youre the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it.

The Louisiana Republican joins a growing list of GOP lawmakers who have scrutinized Democrats and California officials for the flames costly damages. Capitol Hill is now bracing for what could be a contentious battle over emergency spending in light of the devastation the fires have left throughout the Los Angeles region.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said any federal aid for rebuilding should come with conditions due to years of continued mismanagement. The Speaker backed the proposal alongside many other Republican lawmakers.

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However, President Biden announced the federal government would fund 100 percent of recovery efforts for a 180-day period.

Were doing literally everything we can at a federal level, Biden said in a briefing with administration officials earlier this month.

President-elect Trump has also been highly critical of Newsoms fire management strategy for years, and some worry he could slash federal support after he returns to the White House.

The Trump-Newsom feud is nothing new, but the wildfires have exacerbated their debate over water regulations in the Golden State.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) has also been under the microscope in light of the fires.

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SACRAMENTO, California  California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a new disaster playbook to confront President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and adversaries in the information battle that erupted after the wildfires began roaring across Los Angeles.

As hes managed the states response to the fires from the ground  securing aid from President Joe Biden and appealing to Trump for help  Newsom has been calling out his critics for spreading mis- and disinformation  in interviews with new media and traditional media, on social media, and on a fact-checking website his team unveiled Saturday.

In perhaps the highest-profile example, Newsom shared a clip of Musk meeting with a member of the Los Angeles fire command team. Musk, who had written on his X platform that the immense loss of homes in LA was due to nonsensical overregulation and bad governance at the state and local level that resulted in a shortage of water, was told by the LAFD official in the video that the system was overwhelmed by the amount of water flowing through it.

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Newsom said the video was proof Musk was exposed by firefighters for his own lies. And the clip he shared racked up more than 13 million views on X and Instagram.

For Newsom, and increasingly for other Democrats in the grip of a catastrophe, fighting disasters has become a two-front conflict. During North Carolina's recent recovery from Hurricane Helene, then-Gov. Roy Cooper admonished those spreading misinformation, saying Whatever their aim, the people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help. There also was a crush of bogus claims after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

But never has a disaster been more politicized than the LA wildfires. And its playing out in a new environment  with Californias Democratic leaders preparing to act as a bulwark against Trump, an emboldened Musk on X, a diminished news media and social media companies retreating from fact-checking on their platforms.

Theres misinformation and disinformation and then theres this  depravity on some other level. What they are doing is making it harder for the state to manage the disaster and putting peoples lives at risk, said Simon Rosenberg, a longtime Democratic strategist who has written extensively about messaging.

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The torrent of misinformation about the fires is hard even for experts to get their arms around, and its coming not just from those with huge megaphones like Trump and Musk, but hundreds of other accounts. Newsoms X posts as of early Friday had garnered nearly 130 million impressions; nearly 5 million engagements and 440,000 unique views on his profile. The fact-check website, his call for a water investigation in LA and executive orders on price gouging and cutting red tape for the recovery each clocked in at between eight and nine million views, with 20 million more coming on Instagram and TikTok, according to his internal figures.

Houman David Hemmati, a Santa Monica physician who is helping organize another recall attempt of Newsom, was called out by the governor this week for contending Newsom and Democrats were tying state fire aid to money to fight Trump in court. While a Democratic state senator said early this week that the two proposals would be combined, they will appear in separate bills.

Hemmati told Playbook that Newsom was splitting hairs and said the rapid fact-checking was proof of his misplaced priorities.

Hes ignoring the fact that hes still pursuing the whole Trump thing in the midst of a fire. Its a little tone-deaf, Hemmati said.

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PolitiFact examined a Fox News fire budget story that Newsom called a "ridiculous lie" and determined that the governor was right that the budget increased, but its not a lie that money (more than $100 million) was cut.

Republicans nationally alluded to some of the misleading claims to further their arguments that California is a failed state, portraying Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as incompetent. Some of those assertions  like the water policy disagreement between Trump and Newsom hindering Los Angeles supply during the fire  have cropped up in congressional talks around conditioning federal aid.

Newsoms critics also seized on his activity to argue hes more worried about perception than fire operations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who supports conditioning the aid, implored the ambitious Democrat to get to work helping Californians.

Youre the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it, he wrote on X, responding to the governors remarks to the YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen.

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Newsom closely monitors conservative media, where hes frequently vilified. He has heard personally from people asking whether a certain rumor is true.

The fact-checking speaks to his sensitivity, but also to his political instincts that Democrats will continue to be completely snowed by Trump and other opponents if they dont adapt to the new realities. A Newsom administration official said nearly half of the press inquiries to the governors office of late were based on an obviously false narrative or seeking information to fact-check a misleading or outright spurious statement on social media.

We recognized right away that the flood of disinformation here was damaging our efforts to communicate with the public. It just added this layer of extreme anxiety for people and took resources away from managing this disaster, said Bob Salladay, a Newsom adviser. This is California being totally inundated with moronic speculation and political garbage  and we are hitting back hard because when people in power believe this trash, it damages the state.

Salladay estimated his team has quieted dozens of false or misleading narratives since Tuesday evening. Newsoms gambit also has put him in something closer to an offensive position, or one where hes fighting, which is where hes most comfortable.

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In the past, people didn't cross these lines in the middle of a disaster, Rosenberg said. But we are now in a total war.

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The Biden administration has announced the next 15 drugs chosen for Medicare negotiation, marking one of its final acts before President-elect Trumps inauguration.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had until Feb. 1 to release the list, but officials said the agency had routinely been ahead of schedule throughout the process.

Coupled with the first 10 drugs that have already been negotiated for by Medicare, the newest selection of drugs represent a third of all Medicare Part D spending. Some of the manufacturers that will have to negotiate this year were also included in last years talks.

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Today, Im proud to announce that my Administration has selected the next 15 drugs for Medicare drug price negotiation. The drugs treat conditions such as diabetes and cancer, and seniors across the country rely on them, President Biden said in a statement.

Novo Nordisk, Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb (parent company of the Celgene Corp.) will all be asked to negotiate with Medicare for a second year in a row. Manufacturers will have until Feb. 28 to sign negotiation agreements.

The conditions treated by these drugs include diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and schizophrenia.

Here are the next 15 drugs chosen for Medicare negotiations:

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Ozempic; Rybelsus; Wegovy

For treating: Diabetes, obesity

Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk



Trelegy Ellipta

For treating: COPD

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline



Xtandi

For treating: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Manufacturer: Astellas Pharma



Pomalyst

For treating: Multiple myeloma

Manufacturer: Celgene Corp.



Ibrance

For treating: Breast cancer

Manufacturer: Pfizer



Ofev

For treating: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim



Linzess

For treating: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals



Calquence

For treating: Mantle cell lymphoma

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca



Austedo; Austedo XR

For treating: Chorea associated with Huntingtons disease, tardive dyskinesia

Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals



Breo Ellipta

For treating: Airflow obstruction and for reducing exacerbations in COPD patients

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline



Tradjenta

For treating: Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim



Xifaxan

For treating: Travelers diarrhea caused by E. coli

Manufacturer: Salix Pharmaceuticals



Vraylar

For treating: Schizophrenia, manic episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder

Manufacturer: Actavis



Janumet; Janumet XR

For treating: Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Manufacturer: Merck



Otezla

For treating: Psoriatic arthritis

Manufacturer: Celgene Corp.

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(Bloomberg) -- Nigerias powerful state governors dropped their opposition to an overhaul of the nations taxes, provided that plans to cut corporate tax and raise value added tax are abandoned.

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President Bola Tinubus tax reforms, seen as essential to boosting Nigerias shaky public finances, are currently being debated by lawmakers and are expected to become law this year.

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The governors cant veto that process. But they wield considerable political influence that could sap support for the legislation, and they can also challenge it in court after it becomes law.

The leaders of the nations 36 states said in a statement that while reforms were needed to enhance fiscal stability, there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in corporate income tax at this time to maintain economic stability.

The new laws propose increasing the VAT rate to 10% this year and 15% by 2030, from the current 7.5%. It would also lower corporate tax to 25% by 2026 from an average of 30%, and lift tax on the highest earners to 25% this year.

Tinubu, who previously rejected a call from governors to withdraw the legislation, wants to double the West African nations tax take over three years from about 10% as a share of gross domestic product. That could be derailed if he bows to the governors demands.

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The current level of tax collection is one of the lowest globally, according to the World Bank, constraining Nigerias public finances and limiting how much it can invest in essential services and infrastructure.

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Jan. 16Why can't utilities charge customers for community solar the way they want to? They couldn't prove to the New Mexico Supreme Court that rules from state regulators are unreasonable or unlawful.

That's according to a written opinion the state Supreme Court published Thursday, which affirms a verbal decision that came down in March upholding community solar rules from the Public Regulation Commission.

The governor in April 2021 signed the Community Solar Act, allowing the state to roll out a program where New Mexicans, small businesses and nonprofits can get solar energy without having to install rooftop solar. Instead, energy is transmitted via existing utility power lines from small-scale solar farms.

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The PRC worked for nearly a year to establish rules for the program. Subsequently, the three utilities required to participate in the program  the Public Service Company of New Mexico, El Paso Electric and Southwestern Public Service  fought against multiple rules from the PRC.

One such rule the utilities found issues with was how billing would work.

The PRC directly barred utilities from charging community solar users  who also get bill credits for participating in the program  for transmission costs. However, the commission still received a billing proposal from SPS that would do exactly that. When commissioners wouldn't allow the billing system, utilities turned to the courts.

SPS filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court in June 2022, and PNM and EPE later joined the case.

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The legal battle ultimately turned out in the PRC's favor when the court in March upheld the state's billing rules. The written opinion released Thursday provided the reasoning for that.

"We ... defer to the commission's interpretation of (the law) unless it is unreasonable or unlawful. ... It is neither," the court wrote in its unanimous opinion.

The opinion also upheld other PRC actions, including having a third-party administrator oversee selection processes and rejecting SPS's billing plan without a hearing.
As Indiana House Republicans unveiled their 2025 legislative agenda, one item caught my attention.

No, it wasn't fiscal responsibility or more transparency regarding health care costs; it was a measure that would create a commission that would "embrace" those counties in Illinois that would want become part of Indiana.

More: 'A low-wage state': How Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker responded to Indiana's secession bill

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I grew up in Chicago (longtime south side and suffering White Sox fan) and attended Northern Illinois University outside the western Chicago suburbs. I worked in radio and government "downstate" (Bloomington and Springfield) and attended law school in St. Louis. My parents lived in the Quad Cities, in the state's northwest corner. My life is one big, long stretch of Interstate 55, with a bit of I-74, I-80 and I-39 thrown in for good measure.

So, I'm familiar with the lay of the land. And let me save everyone some time and trouble right now; it aint gonna happen. I know my fellow Illinoisians. Trust me, it ain't gonna happen.

Gov. Mike Braun speaks to the media after signing his first executive orders as Governor of Indiana, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in his office at Indiana Statehouse.

First, there are the legal ramifications: Both legislatures would have to approve, the federal government would have to approve and new lines would have to be drawn (congressional, etc). And that's just the boundaries; what about other things like real estate laws, worker's compensation (and don't forget Indiana is a Right to Work state, Illinois, not so much), gun laws (Indiana is permitless carry) and, for that matter, when do laws go into effect? It's usually July 1; in Illinois, it's Jan. 1.

And what about licensure requirements? Lawyers, law enforcement, doctors and accountants are regulated at the state level. So, whose rules will apply?

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Do you see where this is going? Exactly nowhere.

Now, I get that every so often, there is a big dust-up in Illinois. Part of the state, the part that lives south of I-80, complains that Chicago gets everything, and they want to break it off from the rest of the state.

What they tend to forget, which I have to remind them, is that 2/3rds of the state's population lives north of I-80, and 43% of the state tax revenue comes from the Chicago area. And Chicago gets less than a dollar for every dime it sends to Springfield. I remind them that Illinois without Chicago is called Wyoming.

And, no offense, Indiana. While life is good here, Indiana still has some significant issues to work out: property tax assessments, health care costs and hospital shortages, education-related issues, etc. Indiana is in a much better place to handle its challenges than it was 20-something-odd years ago, but no place is perfect.

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Like I said, I can appreciate novel legislative ideas. I can also appreciate legislation introduced to start a conversation or to send a message. I'm not sure what message this sends. If people want to come to Indiana, they can do what I did in 2004: move here.

There is no need to change state boundaries, governments and all that other stuff; just hire some movers and come on over to the Hoosier state.

You'll find it to be a very nice place. And you can still drive back to Illinois within a couple of hours. What's not to like? And if Lincoln can appreciate both worlds, we can too.

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is a broadcaster, political commentator and attorney.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Illinois secession to Indiana is going absolutely nowhere | Opinion
HINESBURG, Vt. (myCV)  Crew members from the Hinesburg Fire Department have successfully extinguished a chimney fire that broke out Thursday night.

Firefighters responded to the scene off Coyote Road at roughly 10:50 p.m. After the homeowner reported additional smoke filling their building, another alarm was requested to notify nearby departments.

First responders had to walk a quarter mile with their equipment to reach the scene due to icy roads. These conditions nearly made early trucks slide off the roadway, according to HFD.

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There are no reported injuries from this incident. Investigators believe the fire is accidental, but Vermonts Division of Fire Safety and the State Police Fire and Explosion Unit were contacted to conduct a investigation.

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Jan. 16No injuries were reported in a two-alarm fire that broke out in a barn in Franklin on Wednesday, officials said.

Fire crews in Franklin responded at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a barn fire at 916 South Main St. The call was updated moments later to a barn attached to a house with heavy black smoke showing.

The first engine arrived on scene at 4:35 p.m. and reported heavy fire showing and requested a first alarm.

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Crews deployed two hose lines on an area connecting the barn and the house. The fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, as the first crews to arrive established a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant.

Crews including Franklin firefighters, Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS and the Concord Fire Department entered the main house to make sure no occupants were trapped, and prevented the fire from entering the house, officials said.

The fire never entered the main living space, but significant smoke damage was reported in the home.

"We arrived with heavy fire and went right to work," Franklin Fire Captain Dan Chapman said in a statement. "The department is lucky to have a great turn out from our off duty and part time staff members."

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No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials said it appears to be accidental.

Franklin firefighters were assisted on scene by Bristol Fire Department, Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, Sanbornton Fire Department, Belmont Fire Department, Hill Fire Department, Boscawen Fire Department, New Hampton Fire Department, Laconia Fire Department, Gilford Fire Department, Concord Fire Department, and Lakes Regional Mutual Fire Aid.

Three additional calls were received and were handled by Andover Fire Department, Penacook Rescue Squad, and Laconia.
Sacramento County sheriffs officials in a series of social media exchanges Thursday said state law precluded the office from posting booking photos of arrested Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell.

The Sheriffs Office announced Bells arrest on its social media channels Thursday morning absent his jail photo, prompting numerous questions on the agencys Facebook page.

Responders online referred to Sheriffs Offices posting of a booking photo the previous day of a Sacramento-area church volunteer accused of underage sexual assault.

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One commenters reply was typical: Stop picking and choosing criminals you want to show pictures of, Wood wrote.

Bell has not been convicted of a crime. Fridays appearance in Sacramento Superior Court will be his first since his arrest.

California law allows law enforcement agencies to only post photos of people charged with violent offenses. The Sheriffs Office said Bell  arrested Wednesday by detectives on suspicion of possessing child pornography created by artificial intelligence  does not fall under that criteria.

The reason, officials said: Assembly Bill 994, the law governing the release of booking photos.

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Sheriffs officials referred people to the statute, which says law enforcement agencies can only post photos of people alleged to have committed non-violent offenses in special circumstances.

Otherwise, a police department or sheriffs office shall not share, on social media, booking photos of an individual arrested on suspicion of committing a nonviolent crime, the bills language reads.

The following circumstances must exist:

 The law enforcement agency must determine that the suspect is a fugitive or an imminent threat to an individual or to public safety.

 A judge orders the suspects image released or disseminated after determining that the images release furthers a legitimate law enforcement interest.

 There is an urgent law enforcement interest in releasing the suspects image.

Bell remains in Sacramento County Main Jail custody in lieu of $1 million bail ahead of his arraignment.
(NewsNation)  Some California residents are having trouble finding a new home with rents skyrocketing despite the California law that bans rental increases of more than 10% during a state of emergency. Josh Altman, of Million Dollar Listing LA says there are more than 1,500 new renters and that while its good that ordinances are changing, Californians are in uncharted waters.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Police are asking for the publics assistance as the search for a suspected serial arsonist in New York City continues.

The man is believed to have set four fires in just over an hour last Friday.

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Assistant Chief of the Detective Bureau Jason Savino told PIX11 News that police desperately want to get this man off the streets. This is an individual that is depraved and has no regard for human life.

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The first fire was started around 2:20 a.m. in front of 254 Broadway, damaging an NYPD emergency vehicle, authorities said.

The man is accused of starting three additional fires afterward. At 2:35 a.m., a fire was started in front of 14 Murray St., damaging an unoccupied vehicle, according to the NYPD.

Police say at 2:55 a.m., the man lit a paper cup on fire and threw it in a garbage can in the area of the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall train station.

Queens murder suspect owed $24K in rent money: police

Lastly, at around 3:40 a.m., the man was on a northbound J train at the Woodhaven Avenue station when he set a pile of garbage on fire next to a sleeping passenger.

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After setting that fire, Chief Savino says what makes it even worse is what the suspect did afterward. Whats perhaps most disturbing, is the subject repositioned the garbage to make sure it ignites a little better. Then he exits the train and watches what he has done.

The NYPD released the following surveillance photos of the suspect.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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Update: The three teenagers who helped police find the suspect accused of fatally setting a woman on fire in a New York City subway station will receive the reward money after all, NYPD officials said Friday. Read more here.

Original story 

NEW YORK (PIX11)  The three teens who helped police find Sebastian Zapeta, the man charged in connection with setting a woman on fire in a New York City subway station, may not get the promised reward money, sources told PIX11 News on Friday.

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The teens called 911 instead of the Crime Stoppers tip line, so they do not qualify for the $10,000 reward that was offered, the sources said. Rewards are given for tips received specifically on the Crime Stoppers hotline if they lead to the arrest and indictment of a violent felon, the NYPDs website states.

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However, a spokesperson with the NYPD said the case has not yet been reviewed.

The NYPD remains grateful to these young individuals for their support on this case. These situations are reviewed and decided on a case-by-case basis, and no one has been denied any potential reward money in this case. This will be reviewed just like every other case, the spokesperson said.

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The New York City Police Foundation, an independent nonprofit that provides resources to the NYPD, is responsible for reviewing reward cases and determining the amount of money that is granted.

The teens spotted Zapeta at the York Street station on Dec. 22, the same day he allegedly set fire to 57-year-old Debrina Kawam on an F train in Coney Island, police said. The trio recognized him based on surveillance photos released by the NYPD, according to authorities.

Zapeta pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges after being accused of setting Kawams clothes on fire with a lighter and then fanning the flames with a shirt. Kawam was so badly burned that police had said they might need dental records to identify her.

During his arraignment on Jan. 7, Zapeta said he had been heavily drinking throughout the night and had fallen asleep on the subway, but did not remember what happened next.

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I am very sorry. I didnt mean to, he told detectives. I dont know what happened, but Im very sorry for that woman.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said if Zapeta is convicted, his office will seek the maximum punishment of life in prison with no chance of parole.

This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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VALLEJO, Calif. (KRON)  There are no suspects and only limited leads in the investigation into the shooting of a 4-year-old old girl in Vallejo last weekend, according to city officials.

The child remains hospitalized as community and elected leaders met near the crime scene Thursday to push the public to help solve this crime.

For Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James, a 4-year-old girl getting shot while passing through the Crest neighborhood in Vallejo with her family Sunday night hit too close to home.

I was bathing my 4-year-old when the gunshots erupted outside of my doorsteps, James said.

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Richmond man driving fake CHP car arrested in Marin County

Supervisor James and Tinisch Hollins both live in the Crest. Hollins is also executive director of the nonprofit, Californians for Safety and Justice.

To hear those gunshots go off and know that a 4-year-old child was injured is something thats resting on my spirit and many others who are in the community, Hollins said.

James and Hollins joined by the Vallejo Police Department personnel and members of the city council at a news conference held in a shopping center Thursday near the scene of the crime.

Police did not offer any updates on the case but say its a priority.

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Our detectives have been working tirelessly to bring the person or persons, who committed this act, to justice. We will not waiver in that endeavor, said Vallejo PD Deputy Chief Bob Knight.

Mayor Andrea Sorce said she will focus on securing resources to help prevent gun violence in the community and will explore ways to bolster the police department and possibly bring in outside law enforcement to help tackle crime.

We need to make sure that we have that trust so the community can come forward, that they can feel comfortable sharing tips, and most importantly, that they can give input as we work together to build that shared vision of public safety, the mayor said.

So far, no arrests have been made. The victim is now in stable condition.

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) will cap off a packed week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Trumps Cabinet nominees when she appears Friday on Capitol Hill, just days before the inauguration kicks off Trumps second term in the Oval Office.

Noem, whos on tap to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), makes for a dozen Cabinet hopefuls questioned by senators this week on their path to joining the administration, including Trumps picks to lead the State, Justice and Defense departments.

Next week, the Senate is expected to hear from several more would-be members of the presidents Cabinet, including his nominees for United Nations ambassador, Agriculture secretary and head of Veterans Affairs.

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Heres what to know about the scheduled hearings ahead:

Friday

Kristi Noem

Noem will go before senators at 9 a.m. Friday as Trumps pick to helm the DHS. Her hearing was initially slated for Wednesday.

Noem, who has led the Mount Rushmore State since 2019, was floated as a possible running mate for Trump last year, but her prospects for the spot appeared to fizzle out after the release of her autobiography, in which she detailed killing a dog she described as untrainable.

Despite the controversy, Trump has tapped the former congresswoman to join his circle of top advisers and lead the agency tasked with protecting the U.S. from terror threats, securing American borders and enforcing immigration law.

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In his nomination announcement, Trump hailed Noem as very strong on Border Security, signaling plans for a crackdown on immigration policy in his second White House term. Noem does not represent a border state, but she has been outspoken about immigration issues and snagged headlines for sending the South Dakota National Guard to the southern border last year.

If confirmed, Noem would work closely with Tom Homan, Trumps so-called border czar, and Stephen Miller, whos on track to serve as Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy.

Tuesday

Doug Collins

Former Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) is Trumps choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is on track to appear before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee at 9 a.m. Tuesday. His hearing was initially scheduled for this week but was delayed pending an FBI background check, the committee chair said.

Collins represented Georgia in the House for nearly a decade, including a stint as vice chair of the House Republican Conference. A vocal Trump ally and defender, Collins served as counsel for Trump after the 2020 presidential election, as Trump questioned Georgias election results.

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In his nomination, Trump touted Collinss military background. The VA hopeful was a Navy chaplain in the 90s, joined the Air Force Reserve in the early aughts, and was deployed to Iraq in 2008.

If confirmed, Collins would oversee the department tasked with providing health care and other benefits to former members of the military and their families.

Elise Stefanik

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is Trumps pick to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and shes slated to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Her confirmation would elevate a person Trump called a smart America First fighter to the critical diplomatic post as the president-elect signals more aggressive foreign policy positions for his second term.

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Stefanik, who has served on the House Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee, emerged as an outspoken Trump ally in her time on Capitol Hill. She replaced former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) as House Republican Conference chair back in 2021 and was considered in the mix to become Trumps 2024 running mate.

In Trumps first term, the ambassador position was held by Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump in 2024, and later by Kelly Craft.

Coming later next week

10 a.m. Wednesday, Russell Vought, nominee for director of the Office of Management and Budget, appears for a second time before the Senate Budget Committee.

10 a.m. Thursday, Brooke Rollins, nominee for secretary of Agriculture, appears before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. is coming to Northwest Arkansas in 2026 to help advocate for more walkable, sustainable and developmental opportunities.

Congress for the New Urbanism will welcome over 1,500 architects, urban and real estate planners for workshops to help connect with local communities over ways to help keep up with the increasing population and infrastructure.

Meet members of Fayettevilles housing crisis task force

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In the past, weve had as many as 40 or 45 people from Northwest Arkansas, and the Congress is 1500 people, said Ward Davis, Congress Co-Host for the local host committee. We punch above our weight there already, but this year we want to have more than that.

Before the team makes its way to Northwest Arkansas, this years Congress will go to the Providence, Rhode Island area.

Leaders within the organization say they are already planning their trip to the Natural State.

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Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein issued an executive order Thursday that he believes will further protect reproductive health care access across the state.

The order directs Cabinet agencies to protect womens medical privacy, protect doctors providing abortions in the state and not cooperate with efforts to impose penalties, investigations or prosecutions of those seeking reproductive health care like abortion.

Our state has seen alarming attacks on womens reproductive rights over the past few years, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect womens freedoms and their privacy, Stein said in a statement.

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Under the order, state agencies are also required to review and, if necessary, revise data privacy policies related to womens reproductive health care.

The executive order comes as state lawmakers brace for further restrictions on reproductive health care access under a second Trump presidency.

Last fall, Oregons Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek announced the state had stockpiled a three-year supply of the abortion pill mifepristone ahead of President-elect Trumps return to the White House.

Earlier this week, New Jerseys Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy pledged to begin stockpiling mifepristone as well, citing concerns over the incoming presidential administration.

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Trump said on the campaign trail that he would not impose a national ban on abortion, instead leaving the future of abortion access up to individual states. He also pledged to protect access to medication abortion in an interview with Time magazine but gave himself room to break that promise noting that things change.

Stein previously served as North Carolinas attorney general and was elected governor last year. He succeeded former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who issued an executive order shortly after the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade protecting North Carolinians from extradition after receiving out-of-state abortions.

Coopers executive order also prohibited state agencies from helping other states prosecute North Carolinians from receiving out-of-state abortions.

North Carolinas law has changed since 2022, with the state enacting a 12-week abortion ban in July of 2023.

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MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  The Martinsville Police are reporting an arrest in connection to the murder of a 69-year-old woman who was stabbed on Mountain Road in September 2024.

MPD said that on Thursday, January 16, 56-year-old Sherri McGregor of Jacksonville, NC was arrested by Martinsville PD officers and law enforcement in North Carolina on First Degree Murder charges.

New details released in the Elsie Wiggington murder investigation

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According to the police, on September 22, 2024, officers arrived at an apartment on the 1000 block of Mountain Road to find 69-year-old James Carmichael with a knife wound to the chest.

Carmichael was pronounced dead at the scene from her injuries.

McGregor is being held in North Carolina without bond while she awaits extradition.

Martinsville Police said the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact Lieutenant Richard Barrow at 276-403-5458. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 276-63CRIME (276-632-7463). Crime Stoppers may offer an award of up to $2,500.00 for information resulting in a successful prosecution.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  North Charlestons first-ever Latino community meeting was held Thursday night, giving many in the community the opportunity to meet and speak with elected officials.

The meeting, held at a local barbershop, comes as the Latino community in North Charleston grows. Organizers said it was an opportunity for Latino residents to ask questions and feel more welcome.

Tonights meeting, although its termed a Latino community meeting, its actually about bridging the gap between all aspects of our community, said Pastor Thomas Dixon, one of the moderators for the meeting. There will be community representatives from our Black community here, from our white community here, no matter who it may be, all are welcome because the message is how we all come together and how we all work together.

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North Charleston and Charleston County leaders including, Mayor Reggie Burgess, Councilman Jerome Heyward, State Senator Deon Tedder, Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie, and North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho heard from their constituents during the meeting.

Oftentimes, the Latino community is left out of the conversation. So this really shows them were here to listen, to them, but also we represent everybody in our districts, so I think its important to hear from them directly to hear their wants and needs, said State Sen. Deon Tedder, who represents District 42.

Residents asked a range of questions; however, one issue that stuck out was immigration.

At the end of the day, I am going to enforce the law, and the law is to protect the community, to protect the Latino community as well, said Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie. Thats why I want to have a good transparent dialogue. At the end of the day, anything we do is to protect and make our community safe.

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Some questions included whether workers were safe in their jobs if they were following the law, what happens if someone didnt have a drivers license, and if they were undocumented, could they call the police for help.

Sheriff Ritchie and Chief Camacho said their job is to keep everyone safe: documented or undocumented. Sheriff Ritchie said if residents follow the law, they should not have concerns.

Leaders are discussing plans to make this a recurring meeting.

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To address the regions need for workforce development programs, Champlain Valley Educational Services has announced plans for a state-of-art Career and Technical

Education Center in Plattsburgh.

The $59 million project includes a 155,000-square-foot CTE center and a 12,000-square-foot accessory building. It will be built on a 17-acre site adjacent to CVESs Learning Hub Campus.

CVES says the new facility will provide cutting-edge learning environments for high school and adult students to develop skills that align with the needs of the regions employers.

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Hughes ramps up search for Plattsburghs next police chief

This exciting and dynamic facility represents a bold step forward in ensuring that all students in our region have access to the tools and career opportunities they need to succeed, said the CVES District

Superintendent, Dr. Mark Davey. By addressing space limitations to meet our growing enrollment and modernizing our infrastructure, we are building a brighter future for our students, families, and communities.

The CTE will feature 10 high-bay spaces with accompanying classrooms, 18 additional classroom and program spaces, a large dining and conference area, and a dedicated school food hub.

The project will free up space at the current CVES Plattsburgh Campus and allow for expansion of special education services and additional programs to meet community needs.

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The development of our new CTE Center represents a transformative step forward for education and workforce development in our region, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Michele Friedman said.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month with the facility ready for the 2026-2027 school year. CVES is planning a groundbreaking ceremony in spring 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore is arrested outside the Capitol soon after he deliberately violated a ban barring him from entering the House chambers. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

A right-wing Republican state senator was arrested Thursday morning while attempting to enter the House chambers to attend the State of the State address by GOP Gov. Brian Kemp.

Controversial Trenton legislator Colton Moore was handcuffed and removed from the Capitol by state police following an altercation with staff members and law enforcement as Moore made several attempts to enter the House chamber floor for the annual governors address.

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Moore was banned from entering the House chamber last year by GOP House Speaker Jon Burns after speaking ill of the late House Speaker David Ralston while the Blue Ridge Republican was being posthumously honored in the Senate. Moore took to the well and spoke about allegations that Ralston had used his position as speaker to benefit his law firm.

Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore tried to force his way into the House Chamber for the governors State of the State speech before his arrest. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

Calling the comments some of the vilest that you can make about a good man, current speaker Burns instructed the House doorkeeper not to allow Moore to set foot in the chamber.

The doorkeeper made good on that Thursday when Moore tried to enter the chamber along with his Senate colleagues for a joint session to hear from the governor.

The doorkeeper asked Moore to step aside and watch the governors speech from outside the chamber.

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Moore tried to push his way in, but was stopped by the doorkeeper and other staff.

Moore insisted he was legally and constitutionally entitled to enter the chamber, but the doorkeeper disagreed, and so did the multiple Capitol police officers stationed outside the House awaiting Moores arrival. Moore had announced on social media earlier his intention to challenge the ban.

After several minutes of pushing and shoving, Moore fell to the ground. After more arguing, officers told Moore he was under arrest, cuffed him and led him away to a squad car.

The Georgia State Patrol released a statement Thursday afternoon that said Moore was arrested on an initial charge of misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement officers after Moore created a public disturbance prior to the State of the State address. Moore was booked into the Fulton County jail before being released Thursday afternoon.

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According to the state police, Moore ignored several warnings after troopers at the Capitol tried to calm him down as he persisted in his attempts to disrupt official proceedings inside the chamber.

The disturbance escalated further when Senator Moore pushed into troopers multiple times, the statement said. The Georgia State Patrol, in an effort to maintain peace and ensure the safety of everyone involved, arrested Sen. Moore without further incident.

Several hours after his arrest Moore posted a video on X from inside Emory Midtown Hospital, where he said was being treated for injuries that included a swollen left hand.

He said he would return to the Capitol for Fridays session.

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I appreciate all of your support, all of the warm comments from all over the country, all over the state of Georgia, Moore said. Im proud to represent the people from Northwest Georgia today. They took my freedom and liberty away as I was fighting for your liberty and freedom. But I tell you what, I still have a constitutional obligation to do work. Ill still be in that legislature come tomorrow morning.

Moore has been a controversial figure in the Senate. He was previously booted from the GOP caucus after lawmakers said he posted contact information for colleagues to social media and urged people to call them to urge a special session to target Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for arresting former president, now President-elect Donald Trump.

Moore is the vice chair of the Georgia Freedom Caucus, one of several state caucuses formed in 2024 as an extension of the U.S. Congress House Freedom Caucus.

State Freedom Caucus Network President Andrew Roth sent an email blast Thursday claiming Moore was wrongfully arrested for trying to attend the governors speech.

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This move to arrest Colton was unconstitutional and wholly unnecessary and unconstitutional, but expected. Swampy Georgia Republicans dislike Colton because he continually exposes them for supporting bloated budgets and big government programs, Roth wrote in the fundraising email.

Several other legal experts and political figures have raised questions regarding the legality of Moores arrest, as well as the ethical reasoning for blocking Moore from entering the House chamber.

State Sen. Colton Moores booking photo at Fulton County jail following Jan. 16 arrest. (Photo provided by Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Georgia law prohibits legislators from being arrested during the General Assembly session, with the exceptions of felony offenses, breach of peace, and treason.

Burns released a statement calling the situation unfortunate while he defended the decision to ban Moore for breaking the rules of House decorum.

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Burns also praised state representatives for standing firm Thursday by honoring the legacy of Ralston.

Burns counterpart in the Senate disagreed with the decision to arrest Moore. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Butts County Republican, said legislators have the right to attend an official legislative session matter.

There is real work to be done this session, and the focus should be on delivering for the people of Georgia instead of personal grievances and egos, Jones said in a statement.

Majority Leader Chuck Efstration told reporters after the speech that Burns did his duty to maintain order in the House chamber.

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The senator caused a very dangerous situation today with law enforcement, doorkeepers, staff and other individuals that were present, he said. I think House members that were standing behind the doors in the chamber were focused on the governors State of the State address and the important work to be done this legislative session, and thats where the focus should be.

Democrats have been content to watch the intraparty feuding from the sidelines.

When elephants are fighting, get out of the way, House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, a Columbus Democrat, told reporters afterwards.

Moore is the third Georgia lawmaker arrested inside the Capitol in the last few years.

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U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, an Atlanta Democrat, was among a group of people arrested in 2018 while protesting the ballot counting in the 2018 governors race.

In 2021, state Rep. Park Cannon, an Atlanta Democrat, was arrested on the same charges as Williams for knocking on Kemps office doors during the signing of controversial election law overhaul Senate Bill 202.

Sen. Colton Moore struggles to enter the Georgia House. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

The charges against Williams and Cannon were dropped by prosecutors later. However, their attorneys argued at a Georgia Supreme Court hearing in May that the laws that were used to arrest them are vague, overly broad, and violate their constitutional rights as free individuals.

In November, the state Supreme Court found the arrests of Cannon and Williams were legal, but advised the Legislature to clarify the types of disruptions that are prohibited under law.

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Gerald Griggs, the president of the Georgia NAACP and Atlanta lawyer, posted a thread on X citing the Georgia Constitution which protects lawmakers from arrest during sessions except in very limited circumstances. Griggs was Cannons lawyer when Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis decided not to pursue criminal charges against Cannon for the incident that occurred a few weeks prior.

Griggs posted Thursday that Moores arrest wasnt the first time people tend to ignore the law. Griggs said that while disorderly conduct is the usual criminal charge connected to a breach of peace, Georgia law protects elected legislators from being arrested for trying to attend meetings and legislative floor sessions inside the chambers.

He also said that the Georgia Constitution holds more legal weight than House rules like the ones used to justify blocking Moore from entering the House chamber.

The Georgia Legislatures new-two year session started Monday.

Wouldnt an elected official have the right to be in a joint session of the legislature? At what point was his right taken away by an order of the court or the will of the people, Griggs wrote on X.

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NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  A North Kingstown man will spend 17 years behind bars for sexually assaulting a minor between 2019 and 2020, R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Friday.

Daniel Peckham, 36, pleaded no contest Wednesday to two counts of first-degree child molestation.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that Peckham sexually assaulted a child under the age of 14, who was known to him, multiple times in North Kingstown.

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Peckham was sentenced to 40 years, with 17 to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender, attend counseling, and remain under community supervision. Additionally, the judge issued a no-contact order between Peckham and the victim.

Far too often, victims of sexual assault suffer in silence, and perpetrators get away with their terrible crimes because they go unreported, Neronha said. Thankfully, this victim demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward. When victims feel safe to come forward, we are able to hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence and keep our communities safer.

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All of North Korea's troops in Kursk could get wiped out by April, given current losses, a think tank said.

Analysts cited casualty reports from Ukraine and South Korea, estimating 92 losses per day for Pyongyang.

Still, the estimated 12,000 troops sent by North Korea are a small fraction of its total military strength.

If North Korea's current casualty rate holds, it would take three more months for Pyongyang to lose all of its estimated 12,000 troops deployed to fight Ukraine, per an estimate by researchers from the Institute for the Study of War.

Analysts at the Washington-based think tank cited casualty reports from Ukraine and South Korea, as well as Russian military bloggers who said that North Korean troops were actively participating in significant combat in December.

"North Korean have therefore likely suffered roughly 92 casualties per day since starting to participate in significant fighting in early December 2024," they wrote in an assessment published on Thursday.

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The think tank said that "the entirety of this North Korean contingent in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in roughly 12 weeks (about mid-April 2025) should North Korean forces continue to suffer similarly high casualty rates in the future."

The analysts wrote that Pyongyang's losses will likely involve more wounded troops than those killed in action, which they said is "typical or armed conflict."

"And it is unclear if or when injured North Korean soldiers return to combat," the think tank's assessment said.

A South Korean lawmaker, Lee Sung-kwon, said on Monday that Seoul's intelligence service estimated that about 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed in action in Kursk, with another 2,700 wounded.

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Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in early January that North Korean losses in Kursk had reached up to 3,800 wounded or killed.

"12,000 has arrived. Today, 3,800 killed or wounded," he told podcaster Lex Fridman.

The US also gave its estimate for North Korean casualties in December, saying that Pyongyang likely suffered 1,000 killed or wounded in its first week of engaging in significant combat.

"We now assess that North Korean forces are conducting massed  massed, dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on December 27.

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Russia's defense ministry press team did not respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

Western and South Korean intelligence officials have said that the roughly 12,000 North Korean troops deployed in Kursk are likely from the Storm Corps.

The elite branch of soldiers is considered North Korea's version of special forces, and estimates have varied as to how many are fielded by Pyongyang. One of the highest counts, by South Korea's Defense Ministry in 2022, put the Storm Corps at up to 200,000 strong.

Questions remain as to whether Kim Jong Un may send more troops to Russia's aid if manpower on the frontline runs dry. Quantity has been vital for both Ukraine and Russia  from troops to artillery to ammo  as the war looks to drag into its fourth year.

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North Korea has an estimated 1.2 million soldiers in its armed forces, though they have barely any combat experience. Pyongyang is known to instead often rely on its troops for building infrastructure projects.

Still, Zelenskyy warned in early January of the possibility that North Korea could send up to half a million troops to aid Russia. But Pyongyang isn't giving its troops away for free  Kim is receiving food, technological expertise, and economic assistance from Russia in exchange.

Ukraine and South Korea reported in November that Russia was also paying Kim a stipend for each North Korean soldier deployed in Kursk. Seoul's intelligence said at the time that the cost was about $2,000 per man.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Today, the trial of Armenians accused of war crimes in Azerbaijan is set to begin. Azernews reports that the preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for today.

The indictment in the criminal case was approved by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 16 and sent to the Baku Military Court for consideration. The case has been assigned to Judge Zeynal Agayev, the chairman of the Baku Military Court.

The Press Service of the Prosecutor General's Office has reported that the criminal case concerning the illegal actions committed against the Republic of Azerbaijan by the so-called "nagorno-karabakh republic" and its illegal armed formations, created in the territories occupied by Armenia with the direct comprehensive support of the Republic of Armenia and its Armed Forces, has been sent to court.

According to the information, the investigation into acts of aggression, occupation, genocide, other crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing of terrorism, and numerous other crimes committed against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people, was conducted by the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It is reported that on May 2, 2024, by the decision of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 1,389 criminal cases investigated by the Prosecutor General's Office and various investigative bodies of the Republic, related to crimes committed from October 1987 to April 22, 2024, were consolidated into one proceeding. The investigation was conducted by a team led by the Prosecutor General's Office, including investigators from the State Security Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Customs Committee, and Military Prosecutor's Office.

Based on the collected substantial evidence, 15 individuals accused of crimes committed by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and illegal armed formations in 2,548 episodes have been charged. These individuals include Arkadi Arshavirovich Ghukasyan, Arayik Vladimirovich Harutyunyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, Davit Klimovich Babayan, Lyova Henrixi Mnatsakanyan, Davit Azati Manukyan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, Melikset Vladimirovich Pashayev, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyev, Gurgen Homerosi Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Vasili Ivani Beqlaryan, and Erik Roberti Ghazaryan. They have been charged under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning and conducting an aggressive war, attacking persons or organizations under international protection, genocide, extermination, enslavement, deportation or forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance, unlawful deprivation of liberty, torture, mercenarism, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military looting, intentional killing, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal organization, illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons, acts threatening aviation security, assassination of a state or public figure, seizure of power by force and retention of power by force, violent change of the constitutional order, and creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law.

The accused individuals have been provided with defense lawyers and their procedural rights, including the right to use their known language, have been ensured.

Additionally, based on the motion of the investigative body and the presentation of the prosecutor overseeing the preliminary investigation, court decisions have been made to select detention as a preventive measure for the accused.

During both the preliminary investigation and after its completion, petitions and complaints submitted by the accused were considered in accordance with the requirements of the criminal procedural legislation, and appropriate decisions were made. The accused and other participants in the criminal process were informed about the completion of the preliminary investigation and were acquainted with all the materials of the criminal case.

At the same time, the criminal case against other individuals accused of committing numerous crimes has been separated into a separate proceeding, and the preliminary investigation continues.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, considering the serious grounds that many individuals suspected and witnesses in connection with this investigation are in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, invites the relevant authorities of the Republic of Armenia to cooperate.
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- North Korea warned Friday that it would exercise its right to self-defense "more intensively" as it condemned recent trilateral air drills held by South Korea, the United States and Japan.

The North's Foreign Ministry issued the statement after U.S. B-1B strategic bombers took part in an aerial exercise Wednesday with South Korean and Japanese fighter planes over waters near the Korean Peninsula.

"From the outset of the year, the U.S. and its satellites are getting evermore undisguised in their military provocations to pose a grave challenge to the security environment of the DPRK," the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency said.

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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

The ministry blamed U.S. "political and military provocations" for raising the danger of armed conflict in the region and said North Korea would respond "more intensively" to defend itself with a growing arsenal of weapons.

North Korea has conducted a pair of missile launches ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, including a test-fire of what it claims is a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on Jan. 6. Photo by KCNA/UPI

"The DPRK's access to a more overwhelming war deterrent aimed at countering the U.S.-led hostile states' military threat is an essential requirement for maintaining the balance of forces on the Korean Peninsula and ensuring the security of the regional situation," the statement said.

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula since the beginning of the year, with North Korea firing what it claims is a new hypersonic missile as well as a salvo of short-range missiles ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration Monday.

Trump's Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth raised alarm bells during a Senate hearing this week when he referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power." Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The trilateral exercise was conducted to improve the allies' "deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea's increasingly sophisticated nuclear and missile threats, including the recent launch of hypersonic missiles," Seoul's Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

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A pair of American B-1B bombers were joined by South Korean F-15K fighter jets and Japanese F-2 fighter jets, the ministry said.

Analysts and officials have speculated whether the North's latest launches are meant to deliver a message to the incoming Trump administration. During his first term, Trump held two high-profile summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and met him briefly a third time at the DMZ.

The diplomatic outreach failed to result in a nuclear deal, however, and Pyongyang has accelerated the development of its weapons programs in the intervening years. North Korea's growing military relationship with Russia is a particular concern for Washington and its allies.

The North has sent munitions and missiles to Russia, as well as more than 12,000 troops to aid Moscow's war effort against Ukraine in the southwestern Kursk region, according to U.S. officials. Washington has warned that Russia intends to share advanced satellite and space technologies with Pyongyang in exchange.

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Trump's nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, raised eyebrows in Seoul during a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday when he referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power" in a written response to policy questions.

South Korea quickly responded to the remarks, dismissing the possibility of recognizing North Korea as a nuclear weapons state, a status granted only to five countries under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT.

"North Korea is illegally developing nuclear weapons in violation of the NPT and related U.N. Security Council resolutions," Seoul's Defense Ministry said in a statement sent to reporters Thursday.

"North Korea's status as a nuclear state cannot be recognized, and North Korea's denuclearization must continue to be pursued as a prerequisite for permanent peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also around the world," the ministry said.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), North Korean troops participating in combat operations in Russias Kursk Oblast are experiencing critically high casualty rates. If the situation remains unchanged, the entire contingent of 12,000 servicemen could be killed or wounded in action by mid-April 2025.

Source: ISW

Details: The report said North Korean troops have been suffering approximately 92 casualties per day since they were deployed to combat operations in December 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in early January 2025 that 3,800 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service, 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed and another 2,700 wounded as of 13 January 2025.

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ISW analysts noted that if the current rate of losses continues, the entire contingent of 12,000 North Korean soldiers could be killed or wounded in action within 12 weeks (by mid-April 2025).

Quote: "North Korean forces will likely continue to suffer a larger ratio of wounded to killed in action  as is typical for armed conflict  and it is unclear if or when injured North Korean soldiers return to combat."

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 16 January:

Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Voronezh Oblast and a gunpowder plant in Tambov Oblast on the night of 15-16 January.

The entire North Korean contingent of roughly 12,000 personnel currently in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in action by mid-April 2025 should North Korean forces continue to suffer from their current high loss rate in the future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a landmark "Centennial Partnership Agreement" on 16 January outlining Ukrainian-British cooperation for the next 100 years and continued UK support to Ukraine.

Russian and Transnistrian authorities are reportedly discussing Russian purchases of European gas for Transnistria through an intermediary, likely to avoid having to gain various states' permission to use the TurkStream and Trans-Balkan pipelines to supply Russian gas to the pro-Russian breakaway Moldovan republic.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast.

Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka.

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Jan. 16BEMIDJI  The Northwest Minnesota Foundation's

Eldor and Stella Omdahl Environment and Conservation Fund recently approved four grants totaling more than $60,000 to support conservation efforts throughout Northwest Minnesota.

The Omdahl Conservation Fund is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation that supports charitable, educational and scientific programs, projects and activities that benefit environmental and conservation causes, a release said.

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The projects and programs approved for funding through the 2024 fall grant round are:

* Programming support at the Agassiz Audubon Society.

* Funding for the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society's Nielsen Spearhead Center.

* Conserving the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands through The Nature Conservancy.

* White Earth Land Recovery's Pollinator Habitat project.

"The Eldor and Stella Omdahl Fund generously supports the conservation of the Northwest Minnesota natural habitat" said Dawn Ganje, senior vice president of philanthropy at NMF, in the release. "We look forward to the work these programs will complete as they support our natural places."

For more information on the Omdahl Conservation Fund, visit the NMF website,

www.nwmf.org.
In his farewell speech from the White House on Jan.15, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden took the opportunity to highlight his achievements in office in an attempt to help cement his legacy.

Yet, despite being one of the world's biggest international crises that spanned much of Biden's term in office, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine only gained a single mention.

"Ukraine is still free, and we've pulled ahead of our competition with China and so much more," Biden said as he listed his administration's accomplishments, including a stronger NATO military alliance.

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"It will take time to feel the full impact of what we've done together. But the seeds are planted, and they'll grow, and they'll bloom for decades to come," he added.

"It will take time to feel the full impact of what we've done together. But the seeds are planted, and they'll grow, and they'll bloom for decades to come."

The Biden administration provided Ukraine with $65.9 billion in military assistance since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion, making it the largest donor in absolute terms.

But how this aid was given has regularly attracted criticism, particularly over the speed of the decision-making process in the White House.

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Big ticket weapons, including heavy tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and the decision to greenlight long-range missile strikes deep inside Russian territory often only came after weeks or months of political wrangling, hampering Ukraine's ability to fight back against Russian forces.

Then there is Biden's assertion that "Ukraine is free"  Russia continues to occupy roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory while its forces are pushing forward in Donetsk Oblast.

We asked Ukrainians for their assessment of Biden's presidency, his legacy in regard to the full-scale invasion, and what he could have done more to help Ukraine.

Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

Olexiy Haran

Professor at Kyiv Mohyla Academy, and research advisor at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation

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We are thankful to the U.S. and personally to President Biden for all the support they have given to Ukraine, including military support. It was of immense importance in rebuffing Vladimir Putin of Russia.

I believe that for Biden, Ukraine became a personal issue that he took deeply into his heart.

However, all the time support was delayed and not enough. There are different reasons for that but the main one is Putin's nuclear blackmail which worked, as in the case with other Western leaders, unfortunately.

As a result we were not prepared enough for the counteroffensive in late 2022 and summer 2023. The lack of weapons and, therefore, the lack of success have decreased the levels of optimism for Ukrainian soldiers in the war of attrition and, among other reasons, created additional problems for mobilization.

U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, U.S. on Jan. 10, 2025. (Leigh Vogel / UPI / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Khrystia Vengryniuk

Author, and book publisher

At the beginning of the war, I believed that NATO would intervene, protect us, that their planes would fly and close the sky over Ukraine, and that this hell would end very quickly.

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This did not happen. And when they were destroying Mariupol, I was simply convinced, minute to minute, from day to day, they would close the sky over at least this city, where thousands of people and children were killed every day. The world knew what was happening there, but no one intervened.

"The world knew what was happening there, but no one intervened."

Now they say that 117,000 people died in Mariupol, 15,000 of them children. This can only mean one thing  everyone was afraid of Russia. They were so afraid that they could not even protect innocent civilians.

But would we have survived as a state if it were not for America and Europe? No, we would not have survived. And the fact that we still exist is indeed a very great, if not the greatest, merit of the U.S. during the Biden presidency. All the weapons, aid, and sanctions from the U.S. helped us hold out.

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We lost 20% of our territory, we lost hundreds of thousands of people, but we are here and we will be, thanks to Joe Biden first and foremost.

Read also: Ahead of Trumps inauguration, Ukraines European partners cant afford to watch and wait for Washingtons next move

Oleksandr Merezhko

the chair of the parliament's foreign affairs policy

I expected the outgoing U.S. president to devote more attention to Ukraine in his farewell speech. Ukraine was mentioned only once. I understand that it was worded very carefully, but it doesn't sound optimistic enough. It doesn't say something encouraging and certain about the future of Ukraine.

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I would like to hear from the outgoing president something more optimistic and encouraging, something like: 'The people of the U.S. will never leave Ukraine alone, and American friends of Ukraine will not allow anyone to throw Ukraine under the bus.'

This mention of Ukraine is just a statement of a fact, but it's not about our future.

Just one mention of Ukraine after three years of difficult struggle is not enough.

Biden knows that we are worried about our future in connection with the new administration, and a few more words of support and encouragement would be psychologically appropriate.

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Read also: From Bucha to Kursk: 1,000 days of Russias full-scale war (Photos)

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A city man who pleaded guilty to a bill of information in federal court to selling drugs was sentenced Friday to over four years in prison.

Hure Orr, 60, received a sentence of 54 months in federal prison by U.S. Judge Christopher A. Boyko in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

A criminal was filed Feb. 9 against Orr, who pleaded guilty April to a bill of information.

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A bill of information is often filed in a criminal case in lieu of an indictment when a defendant is expected to plead guilty. The bill that was filed Thursday charges Orr with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

An affidavit in the criminal complaint said that Orr had been the subject of an investigation into drug dealing by the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force beginning in July 2021. The affidavit said that Orr was identified as a drug distributor between July 2022 and February 2023 and that he is known to carry a gun.

A search warrant was served Feb. 2, 2023, at his Overlook Avenue home on the West Side where investigators found a 9mm pistol, a .40-caliber pistol and 10.6 grams of marijuana, the affidavit said. Orr also gave investigators a bag of cocaine, the affidavit said. One of the guns was also reported stolen, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said Orr waived his rights and talked to investigators, saying the cocaine seized at his house came from a supplier who was giving cocaine to others to sell for $25,000 a kilogram.

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The affidavit said Orr admitted to drug dealing activities and also admitted to using the guns he had to rob other drug dealers, saying: Im a different breed, man. Im not the average dope boy that be on the street. I am a killer first and foremost. Im coming to get you, dawg. Im coming to rob you. Im coming to get your dope, dawg.

Orr said there was no money in selling drugs anymore, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit also said that Orr was previously convicted of federal drug crimes in 1999.

In their sentencing memorandum, the government asked for a sentence of 54 months, saying that while Orr should not be confused with Pablo Escobar his crimes impacted the safety of the community.

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Defense attorney Ron Yarwood asked the judge for a lesser sentence in his memorandum, saying Orr had a job when he was charged and that he has accepted responsibility. He said his recommended sentence was only three months less than what the government was recommending.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 leaders of major Danish companies, including the CEO of Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk, have met with the Danish Prime Minister after being summoned to discuss the countrys ongoing spat with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump over his hopes of buying Greenland.

The head of the Confederation of Danish Business told reporters on Thursday the group was concerned about the rhetoric emanating from the U.S. over the status of Greenland, a self-ruling territory of Denmark with 57,000 people.

Trump says he wants to acquire Greenland from Denmark, claiming the territory is vital for U.S. national security.

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Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen, the CEO of Europes most valuable company, Novo Nordisk, was among the bosses in attendance at the meeting. The CEOs of several other Fortune 500 Europe companies were also in the meeting, including those of Lego, Carlsberg, and offshore wind farm group Orsted, Reuters reported.

"We are paying attention to what is happening and of course we are concerned," Lars Sandahl Sorensen, the head of the federation, told reporters after his meeting with Danish premier Mette Frederiksen.

"We're not preparing for specific things we don't know yet, but it has been hinted at from the U.S. side that there may unfortunately be a situation where we work less together than we do today."

A representative for the confederation didnt immediately respond to a request for comment, while a representative for Novo Nordisk declined to comment.

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Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on Monday, has set a massive agenda for when he takes office. The future status of Greenland has occupied a sizeable share of his geopolitical comments since winning the presidential election in November.

The territory is the source of rare earth minerals vital in telecommunications, in addition to uranium, though mining is currently outlawed in the territory. As the ice around Greenland melts, it is also set to become a vital strategic shipping route connecting the U.S., Russia, and Europe.

Trump hasnt ruled out the use of military force to seize control of Greenland, in addition to the Panama Canal. He has also threatened Denmark with tariffs if it didnt sell Greenland.

Prior to her sitdown with Denmarks corporate giants, the countrys PM met last week with party leaders to discuss Trumps comments on Greenland, as his son, Donald Trump Jr., paid a visit to the territory.

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On Tuesday, Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede told local media that the territory was ready to cooperate with the U.S.

We have the doors open in relation to mining, said Egede. This will also be the case in the coming years. We have to trade with the U.S.

Trumps rumblings will be of major concern to the countrys biggest companies, mostly consumer brands that have developed a strong U.S. customer base.

The U.S. is by far Novo Nordisks biggest as well as fastest-growing market, where it has marketed its GLP-1 drugs for weight loss purposes to huge success. In the first nine months of 2024, U.S. sales accounted for more than half of the companys overall sales.

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Its biggest competitor in the obesity market is Eli Lilly, which markets its own GLP-1, Zepbound.

As a member of the EU, Denmark will also be weary of a broader trade war unfolding between the bloc and the U.S., with Trump repeatedly threatening to implement import tariffs on European goods during his presidential election campaign.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Rescue operations have been completed in the city of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, after a Russian missile attack that killed 4 people and injured 14.

Source: National Police of Ukraine on Facebook; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Lysak said that the number of people injured in the city of Kryvyi Rih has risen to 14. Among them are four children: two boys aged 9 and 12; the youngest, an 18-month-old girl; and a 9-year-old girl who was taken to hospital. Lysak added that doctors have assessed the girl's condition as satisfactory.

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Five people injured in the attack are still in hospital, three of them in a serious condition.

Law enforcement officials said they had completed the search and rescue operation at the site of the attack in Kryvyi Rih. The police have received 47 statements from people affected by the attack concerning damage to their property.

Four people were killed in the attack.

The Russians damaged an educational institution, 4 high-rise buildings, nearly 20 houses, and around 10 cars.

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Background: Russian forces struck Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the afternoon of 17 January, leaving four people dead and damaging the premises of an educational institution and residential buildings.

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The following is an excerpt from a new title, Colossus: The Rise and Decline of US Imperialism, written by John Peterson, chief editor of The Communist  paper of the Revolutionary Communists of America. The book provides an introduction to Lenins classic writings on imperialism and war with modern figures, following the rise and relative decline of US imperialism. As revolutionaries it is our duty to study this history and arm ourselves with the theoretical weapons to overthrow capitalism in the United States and around the globe.

[Originally published at communistusa.org]

Pax Americana is finished

We are living through the death spasms of a socioeconomic system in terminal decline. American imperialisms postwar order lies in tatters, and the capitalists sit on a seething cauldron of working-class anger in every country on Earth. Neither the liberals nor the conservatives can offer a way forward, and there is no mass class-independent outlet for the distorted and deepening polarization. This explains the rise of Trumpism, the desperation of the liberals, the intensification of imperialist rivalriesand the rising interest in communism.

As the New York Times correctly noted in the aftermath of the 2024 election:

Mr. Trumps victory amounts to a public vote of no confidence in the leaders and institutions that have shaped American life since the end of the Cold War 35 years ago  If Mr. Trump and his coalition fail to create something better than what they have replaced, they will suffer the same fate theyve inflicted on the fallen Bush, Clinton and Cheney dynasties. A new force for creative destruction will emerge, possibly on the American left.

For several decades after World War II, the capitalists could afford to buy relative class peace. A prolonged economic upswing accelerated capitalist economic integration, and two mighty superpowers dominated the planet. Despite its enormous power and reach, American imperialism was counterbalanced by Russian Stalinism and the deformed workers states under its aegis.

However, with the fall of the Soviet Union, US imperialism became the unchallenged master of the New World Order. Giddy with greed, the US ruling class announced the end of history and dreamed of full-spectrum dominance and unipolar hegemony. Some even referred to the US as a crusader state.

The American bourgeois truly believed they could remake the world, not only in the image of capitalism, but in the image of the United States. With capitalism already dominating half the planet, they thought it would be childs play to impose their institutions and values on the rest of it. This arrogant optimism was reflected in Thomas Friedmans 1996 assertion that No two countries that both have a McDonalds have ever fought a war against each other.

When institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization proved insufficient, the US Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy were always held in reserve.

But everything eventually turns into its opposite. The so-called Pax Americana is finished, and the American Dream has been flushed down the toilet. The pace of history has accelerated, and the tectonic plates of world relations have shifted.

In less than thirty years, the post-Cold War order they imagined would last for centuries has unraveled. Instead of the promised peace dividend of post-Soviet prosperity, a new arms race has been unleashed and quality of life in the West has plummeted. Once the worlds biggest lender, the US is now its biggest debtor, living on borrowed money and time. In fiscal year 2024, the US federal government spent $892 billion on debt-servicing interest payments alonemore than the official military budget.

The productive forces have outgrown the artificial limits of the system and the objective conditions for building a new world are beyond rotten ripe. Due to the belated socialist revolution, many unforeseeable contradictions have been introduced to the equation and humanity has been dragged into a new epoch of war, revolution, and counterrevolution. Trade wars, cold wars, and hot wars are the new normal as China, Russia, and others attempt to expand their spheres of influence.

As the director of the CIA recently wrote:

Chinas rise and Russias revanchism pose daunting geopolitical challenges in a world of intense strategic competition in which the United States no longer enjoys uncontested primacy and in which existential climate threats are mounting. Complicating matters further is a revolution in technology even more sweeping than the Industrial Revolution or the beginning of the nuclear age.

The CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, is also pessimistic about the future:

Recent events show that conditions are treacherous and getting worse. There is significant human suffering, and the outcome of these situations could have far-reaching effects on both short-term economic outcomes and more importantly on the course of history  several critical issues remain, including large fiscal deficits, infrastructure needs, restructuring of trade, and remilitarization of the world.

And according to the analysts at Verisk-Maplecroft:

In 2024, the global risk landscape will remain locked in a process of sweeping realignment that is amplifying a complex set of systemic risks that are increasingly transcending borders and sectors.

The top risk they identify is geo-economic fragmentationa fancy word for rising protectionism and a reversal of global economic connections. Or, as some have called it, slowbalization, a process that has accelerated over the last decade. According to the World Bank: This process [of unraveling] encompasses different channels, including trade, capital, and migration flows.

After decades of increasing economic interdependence, we now have reshoring, nearshoring, and friendshoring, as the capitalists balance maximizing profits with risk exposure on their investments. This, in turn, has impacted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), part of the lifeblood of capitalist globalization. As Global Finance magazine explained:

As recent history has consistently demonstrated, there is nothing more certain than uncertainty. A pandemic, geopolitical tensions, trade frictions, and even armed conflict have complicated the landscape for global foreign direct investment, leaving business leaders with no clear signals as they set priorities and make critical investment decisions outside their borders.

85% of investors polled said rising geopolitical tensions would impact their investment decisions, with 36% saying the impact would be significant. An incredible 96% of CEOs polled have reshored already, or were considering doing so.

By some estimates, FDI fell by 12% in 2022, another 7% in 2023, and as of mid-2024, the total remained below pre-pandemic levels. There have also been significant shifts in where FDI is going, with countries like Mexico and Morocco seeing substantial increases due to their proximity to the American and European markets. The explanation is simple enough: the bourgeois invest to make money, not for the sake of it. If the risk is too high and the profits are too low, they will look for safer and more profitable alternatives.

Needless to say, the national capitalists are backed in their foreign ventures by their respective states as they seek to gain an advantage. In pursuit of this, they weaponize trade, offer incentives to friends, and impose penalties on rivals. And when push comes to shove, they rattle their sabers, dispatch assassins, or launch cruise missiles.

That being said, imperialism is neither monolithic nor consistent. While there may be an inherent bias towards the threat or use of military force at the highest levels of the US government, the bureaucracy of state is riven by conflicting interests and views on how best to navigate the fractious world confronting the bourgeoisie.

The myriad ways in which economics, war, and the class struggle relate to one anotherand US imperialisms unique role in all of thisis the focus of what follows.

Concentrated economics

As Marx explained, it is the economic and class relations of a society that determine its parameters and limits:

In the social production of their existence, people inevitably enter into definite relations, which are independent of their will, namely relations of production appropriate to a given stage in the development of their material forces of production. The totality of these relations of production constitutes the economic structure of society, the real foundation, on which arises a legal and political superstructure and to which correspond definite forms of social consciousness. The mode of production of material life conditions the general process of social, political and intellectual life. It is not the consciousness of people that determines their existence, but their social existence that determines their consciousness. At a certain stage of development, the material productive forces of society come into conflict with the existing relations of production orthis merely expresses the same thing in legal termswith the property relations within the framework of which they have operated hitherto. From forms of development of the productive forces, these relations turn into their fetters. Then begins an era of social revolution. The changes in the economic foundation lead, sooner or later, to the transformation of the whole immense superstructure.

In other words, although there is a dialectical interrelationship between many moving parts, it is ultimately the contradictions built into the capitalist economy that lie behind the rising class struggle, instability, and intensification of imperialist rivalries we see everywhere today.

Lenin concisely summed up this profound idea with the phrase, Politics is a concentrated expression of economics. For Marxists, is ultimately an expression of the class struggle. Military power is ultimately a function of economic power and the class balance of forces. As Lenin showed, it is really through finance capital, not overt military might, that imperialism dominates our lives day in and day out.

Foreign policy is merely an extension of domestic policyand vice versa. Just as individual capitalists are compelled, on pain of extinction, to expand their capital and maximize returns on their investments, every imperialist state does the same for its collective national capitalists in the world arena.

Capitalist imperialism rests upon the defense of private property of the means of production and the constant expansion of finance capital. It pursues this by any means necessary: alliances, treaties, embargoes, invasions, occupations, and annexations.

In the course of capitalist production and exchange, we see the rise, fall, and interminable changing of place of the petty and big bourgeoisie. Some small companies are transformed into giants, while former Goliaths fall into ruin. Likewise, the imperialist powers exist on a spectrum, and they jockey constantly to shift the balance of power between them. At times, these transitions occur without too much disruption; at others, they lead to all-out war.

One example is the Great Game of the mid-19th century, during which the British and Russian Empires fought for supremacy in Central Asiaa game that treated millions of people like pawns on a chessboard.

All serious imperialists understand that abstract morality has nothing to do with it. Capitalist morality is all about money, markets, and power, regardless of the human cost. As Lord Palmerston famously stated: We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow.

Lenin concisely summed up a profound idea with the phrase, Politics is a concentrated expression of economics / Image: public domain

Or, as Winston Churchill put it in 1939, I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma: but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interests.

Leonard Wood, who served as Military Governor during the US occupation of Cuba, saw the question of political stability on the island as a function of business confidence. As he wrote the US Secretary of War, When money can be borrowed at a reasonable rate of interest and when capital is willing to invest in the island, a condition of stability will have been reached.

And as the retired general-turned-anti-war activist Smedley Butler put it,

I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. In China, I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.

As Marx explained, the executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie. And as Engels added, the bodies of armed men of the state, including the police and the army, are the enforcers of those common affairs, both at home and abroad.

Concentrated economics and the fundamental unity between foreign and domestic policy are the essence of imperialism, and the US is no exception. Whether directly or indirectly, the state has played a decisive role in nurturing the development of American capitalism at every stage of its history.

Why we need a class analysis

Capitalism breeds class struggle at home and abroad; just as you cant have a revolution without counterrevolution, you cant have imperialism without anti-imperialism. But not all anti-imperialism is equal.

There are reformist anti-imperialists of various stripes who believe in a kinder, gentler capitalism without militarism. Lacking an understanding of the class basis of imperialism, they view the world through filters such as periphery versus core or Global North versus Global South.

Some, like the late Antonio Negri, explicitly deny the existence of capitalist imperialism and propose the amorphous concept of Empire instead. Instead of a world of inter- and intra-class contradictions, including rivalries between imperialist nation-states, Negri sees a decentralized network of power that encompasses the entire globe operating through global institutions, corporations, and cultural influences rather than through direct territorial control.

However, the horrors of imperialism are not due to bad people or bad policies. They flow from the class divisions endemic to capitalism, the market economy, and the nation-state. They cannot be understood in the abstract or done away with in isolation. Moreover, an analysis not rooted in class leads inevitably to class collaboration and illusions in the trap of lesser evilism.

As we have seen, the foreign policy of capitalism is imperialist. Just as you can have capitalists large and small, you can have imperialist powers at different scales in different contexts in different regions, and their relations with each other can be highly convoluted. New imperialist powers and blocs of powers can emerge while others decline, and even relatively small powers can have an imperialist policy in their near abroad.

Remember: the US was also once merely a regional power. What matters, above all, is not a countrys size, but the class content and intent of its ruling class.

During the Balkan Wars in the early 20th century, Trotsky even considered countries like Bulgaria imperialist. As he wrote in 1912,

Bulgarian imperialism is of recent origin but is all the more bellicose and reckless for that. The Bulgarian bourgeoisie came late on the scene and at once began vigorously using its elbows in order to get ahead.

At the time, Bulgaria only had a population of around 4.4 million. How much more vigorous with its elbows can a country like China be, with its 1.4 billion people, no matter how late it came onto the imperialist scene? Nowadays, even countries like Sweden and Denmark qualify as imperialist, even if they are only in 23rd and 37th place, respectively, when it comes to GDP.

New imperialist powers and blocs of powers can emerge while others decline, and even relatively small powers can have an imperialist policy in their near abroad / Image: public domain

Marxists take a class position at all times and are not obliged to choose sides when it comes to inter-imperialist conflicts, no matter what the bourgeois media or the so-called left say. As Trotsky emphasized, quoting from Lenins writings on the question:

The objective historical meaning of the war is of decisive importance for the proletariat: What class is conducting it? And for the sake of what? This is decisive, and not the subterfuges of diplomacy by means of which the enemy can always be successfully portrayed to the people as an aggressor. Just as false are the references by imperialists to the slogans of democracy and culture: The German bourgeoisie  deceives the working class and the toiling masses by vowing that the war is being waged for the sake of  freedom and culture, for the sake of freeing the peoples oppressed by Tsarism. The English and French bourgeoisies  deceive the working class and the toiling masses by vowing that they are waging war  against German militarism and despotism. A political superstructure of one kind or another cannot change the reactionary economic foundation of imperialism. On the contrary, it is the foundation that subordinates the superstructure to itself. In our day  it is silly even to think of a progressive bourgeoisie, a progressive bourgeois movement. All bourgeois democracy  has become reactionary. This appraisal of imperialist democracy constitutes the cornerstone of the entire Leninist conception.

In The Transitional Program, Trotsky elaborated further on how to apply a class analysis to war:

Imperialist war is the continuation and sharpening of the predatory politics of the bourgeoisie. The struggle of the proletariat against war is the continuation and sharpening of its class struggle. The beginning of war alters the situation and partially the means of struggle between the classes, but not the aim and basic course. The imperialist bourgeoisie dominates the world. In its basic character, the approaching war will therefore be an imperialist war. The fundamental content of the politics of the international proletariat will consequently be a struggle against imperialism and its war. In this struggle, the basic principle is: the chief enemy is in your own country or the defeat of your own (imperialist) government is the lesser evil. However, not all countries of the world are imperialist countries. On the contrary, the majority are victims of imperialism. Some of the colonial or semi-colonial countries will undoubtedly attempt to utilize the war to cast off the yoke of slavery. Their war will not be imperialist but liberating. It will be the duty of the international proletariat to aid the oppressed countries in their war against oppressors. The same duty applies in regard to aiding the USSR, or whatever other workers government might arise before the war or during the war. The defeat of every imperialist government in the struggle with the workers state or with a colonial country is the lesser evil. The workers of imperialist countries, however, cannot help an anti-imperialist country through their own government, no matter what the diplomatic and military relations between the two countries might be at a given moment. If the governments find themselves in a temporary and, by the very essence of the matter, unreliable alliance, then the proletariat of the imperialist country continues to remain in class opposition to its own government and supports the non-imperialist ally through its own methods, i.e., through the methods of the international class struggle (agitation not only against their perfidious allies but also in favor of a workers state in a colonial country; boycott, strikes, in one case; rejection of boycott and strikes in another case, etc.) In supporting the colonial country or the USSR in a war, the proletariat does not in the slightest degree solidarize either with the bourgeois government of the colonial country or with the Thermidorian bureaucracy of the USSR. On the contrary, it maintains full political independence from the one as from the other. Giving aid in a just and progressive war, the revolutionary proletariat wins the sympathy of the workers in the colonies and in the USSR, strengthens there the authority and influence of the Fourth International, and increases its ability to help overthrow the bourgeois government in the colonial country, the reactionary bureaucracy in the USSR.

In contrast to the reformists who would tinker with capitalism while leaving it fundamentally untouched, the comrades of the RCI are revolutionary anti-imperialists. We understand that only the total overthrow of capitalism through the socialist revolution can liberate humanity from this horror without end.
ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11)  January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.

PIX11 News is partnering with Goya Cares to tell the stories of survival and the community champions saving lives. There is a safe haven in Rockland County helping hundreds of survivors of human trafficking, sex assault, and domestic violence.

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Vanessa Petrossian said she feels like she got a second chance at life. Petrossian said she escaped death countless times at the hands of the person who was supposed to love her: her husband. Petrossian said she was terrified to leave, but she had to escape with her baby, and she did.

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Elizabeth Santiago is the CEO of the Center for Safety & Change in Rockland County. Petrossian said she is her hero. Santiago said her center has seen a huge increase in the number of victims, especially of human trafficking, and is in need of support.

Located between New York and New Jersey, the nonprofit is in a prime location to help.

Opening its doors in 1979, with a hotline, shelter, and a dream, it started sheltering sexual assault and domestic violence victims. They now have 15 beds that are always full. The phones were constantly ringing with people needing help.

Petrossian said its more than a shelter. They also provide critical services to victims, including education, legal representation, advocacy, and counseling.

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Bob Unanue, the CEO of Goya Foods, was on the Monica Makes It Happen Show this month to talk about their national push to fight the growing problem of human trafficking.

Santiago said partnerships with businesses like Goyas humanitarian initiative, Goya Cares, are saving the day. Santiago hopes to help even more victims.

If you are in Rockland County, the hotline is 845-634-3344.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 sheriffs office in New York is defending a pair of deputies who detained and handcuffed an 11-year-old girl, arguing their actions were reasonable because the child matched the description of a suspect.

The encounter unfolded Monday as deputies with the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office in Syracuse were on the hunt for a female who fled from a stolen gray Kia. She was among four suspects to run from the vehicle after a brief chase with law enforcement, authorities said.

Some six blocks from where the car stopped, deputies spotted an 11-year-old Black girl in a group of students walking home from Brighton Academy Middle School. The sheriffs office said she resembled one of the suspects and that she was also wearing similar clothing, prompting deputies to detain her.

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Video taken by a person at the scene shows the girl standing with her hands cuffed behind her back, then sitting and crying on the snow-covered sidewalk.

At one point, a female deputy tells her that someone wearing the exact same thing youre wearing just stole a car, causing another child to respond: We cant drive.

What do you mean? Most kids cant drive, and theyre still out here stealing cars, the deputy says.

Despite protests from her and her friends, the unidentified pre-teen remained in handcuffs for about seven minutes before deputies realized they had the wrong person.

Upon detainment, deputies diligently tried to quickly compare the juvenile with video evidence obtained via dashcam, police said in a release issued after the incident. In that comparison, it was clear that the detained juvenile was not the suspect we were seeking, and she was immediately released.

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The Onondaga County Sheriffs Office has since defended the deputies involved in the incident.

In reviewing the incident, the detainment of the juvenile was lawful and reasonable, given the juveniles proximity and clothing description, the sheriffs office said, noting that even children are routinely handcuffed to prevent them from fleeing, fighting or destroying evidence.

Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley echoed the statement, telling WCSC that the use of cuffs was simply standard procedure, especially amid what he called rampant juvenile crime.

The incident has also inspired a change in policy for detaining children during criminal investigations, the sheriffs office said. Now, deputies will have to notify a parent or guardian of any juvenile who is detained for criminal investigative purposes, no matter how brief the encounter is.

With News Wire Services
NEW YORK (PIX11)  New York Citys free 3-K and Pre-K are enrolling for the upcoming school year.

According to the NYC Public Schools website, all NYC children born in 2022 can apply for 3-K for the 2025-2026 calendar year.

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In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three, reads the program requirements. 3-K brings free, full-day, high-quality education to three-year-old children in New York City. Every school district has 3-K programs, and we make every effort to place students based on seat availability close to their home.

Fall 2025 Admissions Timeline

Wednesday, January 15, 2025: 3-K Application Opens

Friday, February 28, 2025: 3-K Application Closes

Tuesday, May 20, 2025: 3-K Offer Release

Where to apply

Families can apply to any school across the five boroughs, but children will be given priority placement next to their home district. You can find schools closest to you here.

How to apply

New York City families have three different ways to apply

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Online, click here for more information.

By phone families with children can call 718-925-2009 and get help filling out an over-the-phone application.

In person at a Family Welcome Center where enrollment counselors can assist with applying.

Through Pre-K for All, 3-K for All, and EarlyLearn, New York City provides high-quality early childhood education opportunities that offer all children and families a strong start in school and life.

For more information on what to expect, the different types of programs offered, meals, and staff, click here.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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  Mayor Eric Adams is traveling to Florida on Friday to meet with President-elect Donald Trump amid concern the incoming presidents immigration and fiscal policies could have a major impact on New Yorkers.

The meeting also comes as Trump has openly entertained pardoning Adams as he faces federal corruption charges.

In a statement late Thursday, Fabien Levy, Adams spokesman, said the mayor has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and that they plan to discuss New Yorkers priorities during their sit-down.

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Adams met privately last month with Tom Homan, Trumps incoming border czar, who has vowed to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants across the country. After that meeting, Adams said he shares Homans goal to expel immigrants who commit serious crimes from the country.

The mayors Friday jaunt also comes as New York is bracing for Trumps incoming administration to potentially strip the city of federal funds, as he has threatened to do should it not cooperate in his planned immigration crackdown.

The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward, Levy said in a statement.

Levy didnt disclose the location of meet or return a request for comment.

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But a source briefed on the mayors plans confirmed to the Daily News that the meetings expected to take place at Mar-a-Lago, the soon-to-be presidents private club and residence in Palm Beach. The New York Times first reported the meeting would take place at Mar-a-Lago.

It was not immediately clear who else, if anyone, is joining Adams.

The sit-down, set to take place just 72 hours before Trumps Monday inauguration, also comes as Trump has openly entertained the idea of pardoning the embattled mayor for his alleged corruption crimes.

Manhattan federal prosecutors indicted Adams in September on criminal charges alleging he took illegal campaign cash and bribes from Turkish government operatives in exchange for doing political favors. Adams has pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial in Manhattan Federal Court in April, just weeks before he faces multiple challengers in Junes Democratic mayoral primary.

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Trump, the first convicted felon to become president, has sympathized with Adams over his indictment, claiming that his legal troubles are political payback by the Justice Department due to the mayors criticism of President Bidens handling of the national migrant crisis.

Last month, Trump also said he would consider pardoning Adams of his alleged crimes once hes back in the Oval Office. I think he was treated pretty unfairly, Trump told reporters at a Mar-a-Lago press conference on Dec. 16.

Asked whether he would accept a pardon from Trump, Adams has said his legal team is looking at every avenue to ensure I get justice.

Adams has generally steered clear of criticizing the incoming president, angering a number of fellow Democrats. Manhattan Councilwoman Gale Brewer, a Democrat who chairs the City Councils Oversight Committee, questioned the mayors decision to meet with Trump.

New Yorkers know there is no such thing as a productive conversation with the incoming president,' Brewer wrote in a post on Bluesky.

_____
NEW YORK (PIX11)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams will be meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, a spokesperson for the mayor has confirmed.

Adams is traveling to Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss the New Yorkers priorities. According to his press team, the meeting will be closed to the press and outsiders.

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The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward, read an X post by NYC Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers  and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success.

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Adams is expected to return from Florida to New York City on Friday after his meeting.

Trump has expressed warmth for Adams. After the mayor was indicted, Trump said he suspected the charges were brought because Adams had criticized President Joe Bidens immigration policies.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has been indicted in a federal corruption investigation, is set to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday.

Adams office announced the mayors plan in a statement Thursday, touting it as a meeting that would benefit New Yorkers. Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers  and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success, his spokesperson Fabian Levy said, adding that Adams was looking forward to having a productive conversation.

Multiple outlets have reported that the meeting is slated to take place at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump has been receiving foreign leaders and corporate CEOs seeking face time with him before his inauguration. Politico, citing the mayors spokesperson, reported that Adams trip to Florida will be on the taxpayers dime.

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As my colleague Jahan Jones has pointed out, Adams and Trump have much more in common other than being New York City natives. Adams has also expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration on immigration, and in December met with Trumps incoming border czar Tom Homan.

Historically, it hasnt been uncommon for lawmakers of different political affiliations to work together. Yet the circumstances under which the two men are meeting are notable.

Adams, who is up for re-election this year, is set to go to trial on charges of bribery and campaign finance offenses in April, two months before the Democratic primary. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed that he is being targeted by federal prosecutors because he criticized the Biden administrations immigration policies  a defense that echoes Trumps attacks on the Justice Department.

Even though the mayor has denied that hes seeking a pardon from the incoming president, looming over the Friday meeting are Trumps remarks last month indicating he would consider the possibility.

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Yeah, I would  I think that he was treated pretty unfairly, Trump said about Adams at a December news conference, though he added that he didnt know the gravity of the allegations. I mean, Id have to see it, because I dont know the facts.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
NEW YORK  New York Police Department officers are looking to question Wu-Tang Clan rapper and founding member Method Man after a 28-year-old man filed a complaint accusing him of an assault at a Staten Island gym, police sources said Thursday.

According to the compliant, the 53-year-old Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Clifford Smith, got into an argument with the accuser at the Crunch Fitness location in the Travis-Chelsea neighborhood on the western shore of Staten Island around 4 p.m. Monday, police sources said.

The alleged victim was in a relationship with the rappers daughter more than a decade ago, the sources added. No charges have been filed.

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An NYPD spokesperson had no information.

The rappers agent did not immediately return a request for comment.

In videos posted to Method Mans Facebook page, the gym rat regularly shares videos of himself working out at Crunch Fitness.

In 2018, the rapper, record producer and actor was arrested after he failed to pay New York State $32,799 in income taxes between 2004 and 2007.

_____
NYPD cops are looking to question Wu-Tang Clan rapper and founding member Method Man after a 28-year-old man filed a complaint accusing him of an assault at a Staten Island gym, police sources said Thursday.

According to the complaint, the 53-year-old Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Clifford Smith, got into an argument with the accuser at the Crunch Fitness location, on West Service Rd. near Wild Ave., in the Travis-Chelsea neighborhood on the western shore of Staten Island around 4 p.m. Monday, police sources said.

The alleged victim was in a relationship with the rappers daughter more than a decade ago, the sources added. No charges have been filed.

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An NYPD spokesperson had no information.

The rappers agent did not immediately return a request for comment.

In videos posted to Method Mans Facebook page, the gym rat regularly shares videos of himself working out at Crunch Fitness.

In 2018, the rapper, record producer and actor was arrested after he failed to pay New York State $32,799 in income taxes between 2004 and 2007.
TOWN OF STOCKHOLM, N.Y. (WWTI)  The New York State Police have released the name of the snowmobiler that went missing earlier in the week in St. Lawrence County.

Police said they are searching for 69-year-old Richard Cook of Winthrop. On Thursday, January 16, the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team continued to search for Cook.

NYSP searching for missing snowmobiler in St. Lawrence County

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As daylight ended, NYSP members decided to suspend the search until river conditions improve due to the rapid current and unstable ice.

According to police, Troopers responded just before 2:10 p.m. January, 14 to County Route 49 in the town of Stockholm for a possible snowmobile operator who fell through the ice.

Anyone with information in regards to the incident can call the State Police at 315-379-0012.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

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(NewsNation)  Bill OReilly thinks Donald Trumps past dealings with the mob have prepared him for tough negotiations with foreign leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.

As a New York City real estate mogul, OReilly said Trump was willing to sit down and talk with the mob because he knew it had the power to derail his projects.

Bill OReilly: Joe Biden going out same way as Aaron Rodgers

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Trump didnt break the law, but he knew that the mob controlled the cement union workers and all this other stuff, OReilly told NewsNations Leland Vittert in an upcoming special, The United States of Trump.

Watch the full special on NewsNation this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Central.

OReilly added: Hell talk with anybody, Trump, if he can get what he wants out of them.

Bill OReilly was in a Cabinet meeting during Mar-a-lago visit

That experience could serve Trump well as he begins his second term, OReilly believes.

He has no compunctions, OReilly said. Putin is one of the worst people on earth. Trumps got a pretty good relationship with him.

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OReilly thinks Trumps willingness to have difficult conversations will lead to a deal in Ukraine fairly quickly.

Watch the full interview with Bill OReilly, who has spent countless hours with Donald Trump over three decades, on NewsNation this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Despite efforts by Botswanas authorities to tackle gender-based violence, nearly 100 women were raped and 10 were murdered in December last year, 2024, officials have reported on Wednesday January 15.

Botswana Police Service Commissioner Dinah Marathe confirmed that 10 of the 25 murders recorded between December 19 and January 2 were linked to gender-based violence. Additionally, 93 rapes were reported during this period, with 61% of all recorded crimes connected to gender-based violence.

Marathe stated that the figures reflect a wider culture of violence within the nation. Although the government introduced new laws last year, including specialised courts for gender-based violence cases and a sex offender registry, the violence persists.

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, called for a preventative approach, urging a cultural shift towards promoting mental health and gender equality in both personal and professional settings.

However, local advocacy group Feminists Alliance Botswana criticised the government for not doing enough to combat the issue. Spokeswoman Thembiso Nhlekisana said the figures highlighted a systemic failure to protect women and girls, emphasising the need for swift prosecution and harsher penalties for perpetrators.

A 2023 World Bank report revealed that over 42% of women in East and Southern Africa experience physical and sexual violence in their lifetime.
An attorney who represented the Oath Keepers was sentenced to a year in prison over her role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, at a proceeding Friday that marked one of the final riot sentencings before President-elect Trump returns to the White House.

Kellye SoRelle, a Texas woman who once served as general counsel for the right-wing extremist group, was a close confidant to founder Stewart Rhodes as he plotted to stop the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to President Biden.

But before a judge Friday, she said through tears she deeply regrets her association with both Rhodes and the Oath Keepers.

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I totally and empathetically reject any ways to change the government other than the peaceful electoral process, she said.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta acknowledged SoRelles remorse but said her role in supporting the extremist groups plan to violently overturn the election results and her subsequent efforts to help them cover it up is not something I can overlook.

He said shes quite fortunate the government did not charge her with sedition because she very well could have been.

Youve done a lot of damage to the country, Ms. SoRelle, Mehta said.

SoRelle pleaded guilty in August to entering and remaining on restricted grounds and seeking to corruptly persuade others to destroy evidence. She initially faced four criminal counts, the other two linked to an obstruction statute that was narrowed by the Supreme Court and were later dismissed as part of her plea agreement.

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During Rhodess 2022 seditious conspiracy trial, prosecutors showed evidence that SoRelle  at Rhodess apparent direction  ordered members of the group to clam up and not say a damn thing about their participation in the riot. She also urged them to get busy deleting any evidence of it.

During her plea hearing last summer, she told Mehta that she wrote at least one of the messages herself, but that Rhodes was doing his own thing after she allowed him to use her phone for the purpose of directing other Oath Keepers to destroy evidence.

Rhodes testified during his trial that the directive to delete evidence came from SoRelle, but prosecutors claimed he used her phone to distance himself from incriminating activity.

SoRelle emerged as a key link between pro-Trump and Stop the Steal groups after the 2020 election, serving as counsel to Latinos for Trump and as a member of Lawyers for Trump in addition to her role for the Oath Keepers.

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She drove to Washington with Rhodes and stood by as he purchased $20,000 worth of firearms and equipment on the way there. She was present during a parking garage meeting attended by both Rhodes and Proud Boys national chair Enrique Tarrio the day before the Capitol attack. And she joined Rhodes on Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 but stayed outside the building.

Rhodes and four other Oath Keepers were convicted of sedition for plotting to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election. Rhodes, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison, has signaled interest in a pardon from Trump, which the president-elect has neither welcomed nor ruled out.

SoRelle was among the last Oath Keepers affiliates to face charges. She was initially set to be tried alongside two others with ties to the group but was deemed not competent for trial by evaluators for both the defense and prosecution.

She spent several months in the Bureau of Prisonss custody for competency restoration before the agency determined she was fit for trial in February. She was slated to stand trial in November before taking a plea deal.

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Her attorney, Horatio Aldredge, suggested Friday that her mental health issues made her more prone to manipulation by Rhodes, whom Mehta agreed took advantage of her vulnerability.

You were under his sway, but it doesnt excuse all of it  it doesnt excuse anything, the judge said.

SoRelle is one of the final Jan. 6 defendants to be sentenced before Trump returns to the presidency.

Mehta, the judge, noted that a peaceful transfer of power was just days away but did not make any reference to the president-elects vows to pardon scores of rioters. In an offhand remark, the judge referenced the Capitol attack as an event that will hopefully not be forgotten any time soon.

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The last Jan. 6 sentencing Friday  before Trumps inauguration Monday, which falls on a federal holiday that closes the courts  is scheduled to be that of Andy Steven Oliva-Lopez, an Oregon man who pleaded guilty in September to assaulting law enforcement during the riot.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  First responders are on the southbound lanes of I-75 for a reported crash in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Regional Dispatch told 2 NEWS deputies were called at 11:38 a.m. to I-75 south near Needmore Road. The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office confirmed the two right-hand lanes of southbound traffic between Benchwood and Needmore roads are closed.

According to the MCSO, the crash involved a box truck, passenger van and Toyota Corolla.

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It is currently believed by the MCSO that the box truck driver was trying to merge into the contraflow lane when they allegedly hit the back of the nine-passenger van. The van slid, separated the contraflow lane from the right lanes and flipped multiple times.

Seven children and two adults were inside of that van, and sustained reported minor injuries, the sheriffs office said. The Corolla occupants were not injured.

Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation were conducting repairs to the attenuator damaged during the crash. As of date, the time of reopening is expected to be at least 5 p.m., according to MCSO.

Southbound drivers might experience delays, so some drivers might consider utilizing I-70 to I-675 to I-75 if you dont have to travel through downtown Dayton. Drivers could also consider using surface streets.

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BISBEE, Ariz. (AP)  An election official in a southern Arizona county where some leaders embraced voting conspiracy theories plans to resign at the end of February.

Cochise County Record David Stevens plans to step down were revealed Friday, 10 days after he was sworn in for a third term in office.

A statement released by the county said Stevens had submitted a resignation letter, but the county didn't reveal his reason for leaving. The Associated Press left phone and email messages for Stevens on Friday. His exit was first reported by the Sierra Vista Herald, quoting Stevens as saying he had recently decided to retire to prioritize my family and health.

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Stevens, a Republican who previously served four two-year terms in the Arizona House, won a third term as county recorder in November, breezing past a Democratic challenger. He was sworn in at a Jan. 7 ceremony.

Some Cochise County officials had embraced unorthodox election procedures stemming from conspiracy theories spread by President Donald Trump after his 2020 loss.

During the November 2022 election, at the urging of Republican County Supervisors Tom Crosby and Peggy Judd, Stevens was prepared to count ballots by hand until a judge stopped it. Crosby and Judd then refused to certify the county's election results, protesting what they contended were irregularities in Maricopa County that they blamed for statewide wins by Democrats. A judge eventually forced them to sign off on the election.

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes office brought criminal charges against Crosby and Judd for delaying the certification of their countys 2022 midterm election results.

In October, Judd pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to perform her duty as an election officer, leading to a sentence of probation. Crosby, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is scheduled for trial later this month. No other officials were charged in the case.
Gov. Bill Lee, photographed at a January 2025 groundbreaking event, will seek to create an immigration enforcement agency during an upcoming special legislative session. (Photo: John Partipilo)

NASHVILLE  Gov. Bill Lee issued a proclamation Friday afternoon making official his call for a special session aimed at passing his private-school voucher plan and creating a centralized immigration enforcement agency.

As Lee announced earlier this week, the session, slated to start January 27, will also seek to provide disaster aid for East Tennessee counties devastated by Hurricane Helene flood waters in September.

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But the proclamation also lays out Lees intention to create a Tennessee Transportation Funding Authority to support public and private entity financing of transportation projects. The measure is likely intended to support new toll lanes, or choice lanes, in Middle and East Tennessee.

Asked Friday if the governor believes the new bureau could run into constitutional questions, spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson issued a statement saying, Last year, Gov. Lee directed key state agencies to begin preparing for federal immigration policy implementation. In this special session, we will ensure the state is best positioned to coordinate with federal, state and local law enforcement to implement the Trump Administrations plan to enforce the federal immigration laws on the books.

She added, President Trump has made it clear that states will play a major role in partnering with his administration to make our communities safer. Tennessee is heeding the call.

Responding to the governors proclamation, Senate Democratic Caucus spokesman Brandon Puttbrese issued a statement Friday calling Gov. Lees push for an immigration bureau a cynical distraction from his failed private-school voucher scam statewide. By mirroring Donald Trumps extreme promise to deport immigrant workers, Gov. Lee is engaging in a calculated effort to divide Tennesseans in order to advance his political agenda.

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In addition to Lees proposal to create a new immigration agency and enforcement fund, he may seek to create a mechanism to levy penalties for local government officials creating sanctuary cities for undocumented residents.

Instead of focusing on the real needs of working class Tennesseans, such as cutting grocery taxes, protecting children from guns in school, or expanding health care, the governor is proposing using taxpayer resources to carry out the work of the federal government and tear families apart, said Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Immigrants are part of the fabric of our communities and these actions serve to divide us from the real issues that Tennesseans are struggling with every day in order to push his deeply unpopular voucher agenda.

The special session marks Lees latest attempt to pass universal school vouchers, which has been his signature legislation since his first election in 2018.

In 2019, the legislature passed a limited version of educational savings accounts, applicable only in Davidson and Shelby Counties, but not without discord: an FBI investigation ensued to determine if House lawmakers were offered inducements in exchange for votes to approve the measure.

A bill to expand the program statewide failed during the 2024 legislative session.

2025 voucher session proclamation

(Sam Stockard contributed to this story.)
Turbines from Dominion Energys wind project off Virginia Beach. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

The Governors Energy Office on Friday submitted its strategic plan for delivering affordable and reliable energy while meeting the states goal of 100% clean electricity by 2040. A key component of the plan, which was delivered to the Legislature, is developing offshore wind  the future of which remains in flux with the incoming administration of President Donald Trump.

Supported by a technical report, the Maine Energy Plan outlines strategies for reducing costs while highlighting investments in homegrown clean energy. The plan is predicated on Maine developing 300 megawatts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine by 2040.

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For too long, Maine has been heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels to heat our homes, run our businesses, and power our economy, said Dan Burgess, director of the Maine Governors Energy Office. This over-reliance has made our state vulnerable to steep price increases driven by global markets, as weve experienced in recent years.

The plan was unveiled days before the inauguration of Trump, who on the campaign trail, frequently vowed to end the offshore wind industry as soon as he returned to the White House. The Associated Press reported this week that the president-elect has already tasked a member of Congress with drafting an executive order to halt offshore wind development from Rhode Island to Virginia for six months so the incoming interior secretary could review how leases and permits were issued.

It is unclear if the ban will extend to the Gulf of Maine, where four offshore lease areas were sold by the U.S. Department of Interior in October to two companies, Avangrid Renewables and Invenergy NE Offshore Wind.

Together, the lease areas have the potential to power more than 2.3 million homes, according to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and are a key feature in the states energy agenda.

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In 2023, Gov. Janet Mills set the ambitious goal of having 100% clean energy by 2040. Sen. Mark Lawrence (D-York), who co-chairs the Legislatures Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, is sponsoring a bill that would enshrine that goal into law.

The technical report used to inform the strategic plan, produced by Boston-based The Brattle Group, showed that achieving the states clean energy goals is possible, but some strategies for doing so could be more cost-effective and reliable than others.

It also identified offshore wind as a key energy generation source to help meet Maines long-term energy and reliability needs. The Governors Energy Office report notes, Responsible and sustainable development of offshore wind is essential to meet Maines growing electricity demand as well as the states clean energy, climate, and economic development goals.

(Graph by The Brattle Group)

In a joint statement, Lawrence and Melanie Sachs of Freeport, who co-chair the Legislatures Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, said they look forward to diving into the details of the technical report which underpins this plan as the Energy Committee considers proposals to stabilize electricity rates, reduce emissions and grow clean jobs in Maine this session.

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WASHINGTON  House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Dayton, was abruptly fired from his role by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, prompting concerns from some members about President-elect Donald Trump's approach to intervening in Congressional affairs.

Turner, the longest-serving Republican in the Ohio delegation, told CBS News' Margaret Brennan that Johnson cited "concerns from Mar-a-Lago" when he explained why Turner needed to step down, referencing Trump's Florida estate.

"Im very proud to have served on the House Intelligence Committee and as its chairman," Turner said in a statement posted to X. "Under my leadership, we restored the integrity of the Committee and returned its mission to its core focus of national security. The threat from our adversaries is real and requires serious deliberations."

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The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, told reporters that he had confidence Turner would have stood up to Trump if needed. Turner's removal "sends a shiver down my spine," he said.

But on Wednesday night, Johnson denied that the directive came from Mar-a-Lago and was just about getting "fresh horses" into the committee.

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, questions Ambassador Kurt Volker, former special envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, a former official at the National Security Council, as they testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, during a public impeachment hearing of President Donald Trump's efforts to tie U.S. aid for Ukraine to investigations of his political opponents.

"This is not a President Trump decision, this is a House decision. This is no slight to our outgoing chairman, he's done a great job," he said. The committee "needs a fresh start and that's what this is about. Nothing else."

A spokesperson for the Trump transition did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Turner, now in his 12th term representing the Dayton-based district, had broken with Trump on several key issues: He is a vocal supporter of additional aid to Ukraine, said Trump's storage of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago was of "grave concern," and he was skeptical of Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to serve as Director of National Intelligence.

Turner's congressional district includes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio's largest single-site employer.

Turner's swift removal has stirred up anger from several House Republicans who said they are frustrated with Johnson's handling of the situation. Johnson is reportedly expected to replace Turner with Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., who voted against aid to Ukraine last year.

Trump has long been suspicious of the United States spy agencies, arguing they tried to derail his campaigns for the presidency. Intelligence officials have long argued they serve a nonpartisan role in the U.S. government. Trump's choice to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, promised during his confirmation hearing that he would not politicize the agency.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio Congressman Mike Turner fired as House Intelligence chairman
By Bo Erickson and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed his state's lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, on Friday to fill Vice President-elect JD Vance's former seat in the U.S. Senate.

The move was among several playing out as members of the party's narrow majorities in Congress prepare to join President-elect Donald Trump's new administration on Monday.

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Husted, 57, is a former speaker of the state House of Representatives who was also seen as a leading candidate to succeed the term-limited DeWine.

"We have worked to make Ohio great again, and I look forward to working with President Trump, JD Vance to make America great again," Husted told a news conference.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday named state Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace U.S. Senator Marco Rubio if the Senate confirms him as secretary of state.

Those two appointments will preserve Republicans' 53-47 Senate majority.

The party's slim House of Representatives' majority will shrink to 217-214 until April if the Senate confirms two members' appointments to cabinet posts, because House seats can only be filled through special elections.

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That will complicate Republican efforts to quickly pass Trump's agenda of tax cuts, fossil fuel production and immigration enforcement.

Vance, who had served as U.S. senator for Ohio since January 2023, resigned last week before the inauguration. It is unclear when Husted will be sworn into the Senate.

Husted will fill Vance's seat until a November 2026 special election for the right to complete the six-year term until January 2029.

RAMASWAMY TO RUN FOR OHIO GOVERNOR

Separately, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy plans to run in 2026 to succeed DeWine, according to a source familiar with his intentions.

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An Ohio native, Ramaswamy serves alongside Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk on an outside body called the Department of Governmental Efficiency tasked with finding cuts in the nation's $6.8 trillion federal budget.

Ramaswamy plans to continue on the task force, the source said.

(Reporting by David Morgan, Bo Erickson and Caitlin Webber; editing by Rami Ayyub, Scott Malone, Richard Chang and Cynthia Osterman)
BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio  AUGUST 17: Roger Davis of Grove City works to remove fan leaves from around the flowers before the marijuana plants are dried, August 17, 2023, at PharmaCann, Inc.s cultivation and processing facility in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, who just a month ago said he wanted to drastically change the states marijuana law, has seemingly had a change of heart. He has backtracked on at least some of his proposed restrictions after having meetings with the Statehouses resident marijuana enthusiast.

In November 2023, Ohio voters overwhelmingly passed Issue 2  a new law allowing adults 21 years of age and older to smoke, vape, and ingest weed. Individual Ohioans are able to grow up to six plants with up to 12 per household. Dispensaries have been able to sell recreationally since Aug. 6, 2024.

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It was a front-row seat for history on that day back in August, AJ Caraballo with Amplify Dispensary said.

We were there with him when the Coventry store opened for recreational marijuana sales. Its been a whirlwind since he said Wednesday.

Its great to see new customers coming in month over month into the regulated market here in Ohio, he said.

His store locations have had roughly 52,000 unique customers since the launch, he added. The state reports more than $265 million in adult-use sales as of Jan. 11.

But Caraballo is running into an issue. Smoke shops are stealing buyers from them  with delta-8 products that arent regulated or tested.

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Folks should be looking for the green DCC sticker on their dispensary doors so they know theyre entering into a licensed facility with that safe, tested product, he said.

Lawmakers have been trying to ban or regulate delta-8, a low-level marijuana sold at convenience stores. Huffman said its a priority to get done.

I think that all THC products should go through the dispensaries, he said Tuesday.

But other of Huffmans (R-Lima) ideas are worrying Caraballo and marijuana enthusiasts.

Huffman, who up until January was president of the Senate, hasnt been very positive about Issue 2 passing.

There were some fundamental flaws in the initiative that was introduced and passed by the voters  which you usually have when theres not a vetting from all sides, Huffman said last month. The bill that the Senate passed last December addresses many of those things.

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In December 2023, the Ohio Senate passed a bill to restrict marijuana. If signed into law, it would decrease the allowable THC content and raise the cost. Among dozens of other restrictions and changes to what the voters chose, it would ban the vast majority of vapes. It would also limit home-growing marijuana from 12 plants to six.

The amount of home growth thats happening, of course, is far beyond the use for one to two people who may be growing it in their home The only reason that someone would be growing that much marijuana is to resell it, Huffman claimed, later alleging that someone growing 12 plants would likely be participating in the illicit market.

But in recent weeks, he has backtracked.

It seems that folks are kind of talking a lot about the home growth thing, Huffman said in early January. I dont think thats really that a big deal in terms of this issue.

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He seemed more resigned about it on Tuesday, as well.

I dont think anybody realistically is suggesting that were going to repeal the legalization of marijuana, Huffman said. Im not for it. I wasnt for the casinos coming to Ohio, either. But theres lots of stuff thats part of the Constitution and the law that are there that I dont like.

State Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), who blocked Huffmans dramatic changes from passing last General Assembly, said he has been meeting with the speaker to help teach him about the drug and the current policy.

Hes come a long way  he has put a lot of time and effort into learning the industry, Callender, a marijuana enthusiast and weed expert at the Statehouse, said. Were not on exactly the same page, but I think were pretty close.

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Cautiously optimistic, the lawmaker explained that upcoming legislative changes would likely impact delta-8 and other unregulated hemp, in addition to raising THC limits of medical marijuana to the same as recreational.

He has been helping many other Republicans deal with the legalization of cannabis, he said.

Even if theyre personally opposed to the concept, they have accepted that its here and so theyve shifted their focus from blocking it to making it safe, he said.

We asked why he believed Huffmans sudden change, to which he credited education.

He has put the effort in to learn the industry and learn about it, which I dont think he was happy about having to do, Callender said. But he has realized that, unlike the Senate, the House Republican caucus has a number of members who want to defer to the voters.

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However, Callenders mentoring may stay as just that  as Huffman seemingly made a lighthearted joke referencing him.

A reporter playfully questioned if Huffman needed to find out who has the most experience with THC in the legislature to carry the bill, meaning introduce it, advocate for it, and be the face of it. Multiple reporters chimed in, saying, Jamie.

Whoever it is will not be carrying the bill  theres a lot of details, he said, referencing how stereotypical stoners tend to be spacey. Its hard to remember.

Callender thought it was funny, too.

I talked to him again this past weekend, and I do not believe I will be the one he has to carry the bill, which makes sense because we have not been exactly on the same page the whole time, he laughed. I think we need to all work together on one bill and work to make it the best we can.

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Still, Caraballo and other dispensaries are urging lawmakers to follow the will of the voters.

Customers are still learning that they have access to safe, legal products here in the state of Ohio, Caraballo said. And any changes that cause that confusion could be detrimental to the program.

A new marijuana policy will be proposed in the coming months.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

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(Bloomberg) -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday he will appoint his lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the US Senate.

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Husted will take over for Vance, who was elected to the Senate in 2022 but selected to be Donald Trumps vice president last year. The appointment runs through 2026, when a special election will be held for the final two years of Vances term.

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DeWine told Bloomberg Television in an interview on Thursday that entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was among the people he spoke to about the appointment. Ramaswamy had taken himself out of consideration after Trump announced that billionaire Elon Musk and Ramaswamy would run a new Department of Government Efficiency to help dismantle bureaucracy, reduce spending, cut regulations and restructure federal agencies.

The Ohio governor said he spoke with Trump about the appointment and wanted to select someone who can represent Ohio well and also hold onto the seat in 2026 and 2028.

Husted, 57, who had been gearing up to run for Ohio governor in 2026 to replace the term-limited DeWine, will represent the state alongside car dealer and blockchain entrepreneur Bernie Moreno. Moreno entered the Senate just this month after defeating Democratic Senate Banking Chairman Sherrod Brown in November.

Husted was elected Ohio lieutenant governor with DeWine in 2018 and reelected in 2022, after serving for two terms as Ohio secretary of state. He also served in the states Senate and House, where he was speaker from 2005-2009.

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Vance resigned from the Senate on Jan. 10 ahead of taking office with Trump on Monday.

--With assistance from Maria Luiza Rabello.

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced Friday that he is selecting Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R) to fill the Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

DeWine made the announcement at a press conference at 1 p.m. EST Friday. Earlier this week, speculation grew that he might choose Vivek Ramaswamy, the former presidential candidate and incoming co-leader of President-elect Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DeWine and Ramaswamy met last weekend to discuss the post, and Trump reportedly was urging Ramaswamy to seek the seat.

But DeWine ultimately went with Husted, who has had an extensive career in Ohio politics and served as lieutenant governor under DeWine since 2019. He previously served in the Ohio state House and state Senate and as secretary of state in Ohio for eight years.

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A longtime Republican operative previously confirmed Husteds selection to The Hill.

Ohio Lt. Gov Jon Husted (R) speaks during a news conference on Jan. 21, 2022 in Newark, Ohio. (Paul Vernon, Associated Press file)

Husted was the subject of speculation about possible Senate ambitions in 2022 to succeed retiring Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), but he decided against it to instead seek reelection as lieutenant governor. Vance won that seat and held it until he announced his resignation from the office last week ahead of his swearing in as vice president Monday.

Husted will serve in the position for at least roughly the next two years but will need to run in a special election in 2026 if he is to serve the full remainder of Vances term. If he wins that, he would then be up for election for a full term again in 2028.

That special election has already stirred speculation of possible candidates, including former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who lost to Sen. Bernie Moreno (R) for the states other Senate seat in November. Brown had previously served three terms in the Senate representing the Buckeye State and has said he wouldnt rule out running again.

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Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is set to co-lead DOGE along with Elon Musk to make recommendations to try to cut a lofty $2 trillion in government spending. He has noted an interest in possibly running for governor in 2026, once DeWines second term is over.

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Interpol, in collaboration with West African police forces, has carried out a series of successful operations targeting illegal gold and sand mining in Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal.

The operations code-named Sanu carried out in the four west African states from June to October last year led to nearly 200 arrests, seizures of harmful chemicals, explosives, and drugs, the France-based global policing agency said in a statement on Tuesday (14 January). Investigators seized 150 kg of cyanide, 325 kg of active charcoal, 14 cylinders of mercury worth more than $100,000, 20 liters of nitrite acid, 7,000 explosive devices, and two 57-liter containers of sulfuric acid, among other dangerous chemicals and equipment used in illegal mining.

While primarily targeting illegal gold mining, the operation also aimed at combating illegal sand mining for the first time in Gambia, leading to the arrest of seven people and a seizure of mining equipment. Sand extraction has become a growing threat, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems and livelihoods of residents in surrounding communities. Transnational criminal networks exploit mineral resources around the world, harming the environment, hurting national economies, weakening fragile communities, and endangering public health and safety, Interpol secretary general Valdecy Urquiza said in a statement. This operation shows the strength of international cooperation in combating these threats, he added.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted with family. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS.)

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will be moving from the Buckeye State to D.C., earning the coveted appointment to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate.

Gov. Mike DeWine, who has been interviewing candidates for months, has given the position to his second in command.

I wanted someone who knew Ohio, DeWine said. I wanted someone who had a firm grasp and understanding of the complexity of Ohio.

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He continued, Serious times demand serious people.

Husted, who was raised in Northwest Ohio but represented the Dayton area at the Ohio Statehouse, has been in politics for more than two decades. He has served in both the Ohio Senate and House, later becoming the Speaker. He was then secretary of state for two terms. After first putting his name out for governor, he decided to join DeWine for the race as a team in 2018.

We have worked to make Ohio great again, and I look forward to working with President Trump and JD Vance to make America great again, Husted said.

We were the first to report that the governor and Husted visited Mar-a-Lago to meet with President-elect Donald Trump and Vance at the end of 2024.

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Prior to the appointment, the governor gave his list of requirements for the job.

This has to be someone who really wants to do the job and do the work and who we think has the ability to do it, DeWine has said, adding that the Senate appointment would also be able to stay in the seat for a long time.

Previously, the governor said that he wanted someone who could not just win the primary and general elections of 2026 but also hold onto the seat in 2028.

Possible LG appointment

We spoke with a dozen strategists about who could be appointed to lieutenant governor. The individuals on this list were mentioned at least five times.

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Strategists believe the frontrunners for LG include RNC Committeewoman for Ohio Jane Timken, former state. Sen. Matt Dolan, former state Rep. Jay Edwards, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and state Senator Michele Reynolds.

Timken, Dolan and Edwards were all up for the Senate appointment. None responded to comment publicly on the LG question.

Mihalik and Reynolds did talk.

I love my job! Mihalik said. I am not going to disclose the content of private conversations.

Mihalik is a close ally of the governor and made it into the possible appointment list in December.

However, she seemed not to want it.

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I am focused on state government and that is where I plan to stay involved, Mihalik said last month.

She was previously the mayor of Findlay before DeWine chose her to lead the deptartment. Under her watch, Intel, Honda, GM and Ford chose to invest in the state.

Reynolds, a Republican from the further-out suburbs of Columbus, had seemingly not been aware of her popularity for LG.

This is the first that I have heard of any possible conversations about me replacing LG Jon Husted, Reynolds said previously when asked. I trust the Governor to do right by Ohio and he has my full support with whomever he decides to choose.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  An Ohio man has been sentenced to four years in prison for selling guns to children in Tampa.



Court documents reveal that on eight separate occasions between November 2022 and June 2023, Gabriel Gladman, 23, gave false information to federally licensed firearm dealers in Tampa to purchase eight guns.

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Theres no higher priority than doing everything we can to keep our kids safe, said Roger Handberg, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.



Handberg said on six separate dates, Gladman sold some of those weapons to minors. Investigators then learned some of those guns were used in violent crimes committed by these minors in Tampa.

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Dogs that mauled Florida 8-year-old to death to be euthanized

When it comes to getting guns in the hands of children, we dont care what your reason is theres no good reason for someone to lie about firearm transactions reports to get guns that end up in the hands of children, Handberg said.



The Department of Justice said Tampa police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Tampa city leaders believe their efforts are driving down gun violence among young offenders.

You cannot pull a bullet back once that trigger has been pulled, said Mayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa. Thats the end of it and so many lives are needlessly lost.

Castor said Tampa Police have lowered juvenile crime across all categories.



We have a number of programs that we have been placed to try to provide constructive outlets for our youth and use their energy and constructive ways and learn how to de-escalate situations without firearms, she said.

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Gladman was arrested in Ohio, where authorities found him to be in possession of two additional guns. Hes serving a four-year sentence in federal prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(Stock photo via Getty Images)

If more Ohio teens are forced out of the closet to families that reject them, more Ohio teens will be forced into homelessness as a result of the new law passed by Republican lawmakers and signed by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Advocates told them what would happen if young people were forced out of the closet in unsafe homes. Members of the Ohio School Psychologists Association and the Ohio School Counselor Association submitted testimony in opposition to the bill and warned that it violates the National Association of School Psychologists professional ethics standards.

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Hundreds of Ohioans submitted testimony in opposition, outnumbering supporters of the bill by a margin of over 100 to 1.

None of that mattered to Ohio Republican lawmakers or DeWine.

They felt compelled to make a political point out of victimizing LGBTQ+ people, and they dont care who they hurt or how much they hurt them to do it.

In this case, they are hurting vulnerable young people who are already facing open, vicious, relentless hostility in America right now.

Its no surprise then that crisis hotline calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio have surged.

The Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation said its crisis hotline received 579 calls from LGBTQ+ young people in Ohio on Jan. 8, the day DeWine signed the bill, WCMHs David Rees reports. That compares to an average of 284 calls from Ohio per month.

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So the per month average was nearly doubled in one day.

For a lot of LGBTQ+ youth, school is relatively safe compared to what they face at home. In fact, a 2022 survey from The Trevor Project found that 51% of trans youth consider school a safe space compared to only 32% who felt safe in their homes.

Although school was already only considered a safe space half the time, even that was intolerable for Ohio Republican lawmakers and DeWine. They have now imposed a culture of fear there too, for young people who often already feel incredibly isolated and alone and misunderstood.

Why do less than a third feel safe at home? Well, a study from Lesley University shows that half of all LGBTQ+ teens get a negative reaction from their parents when they come out to them, and more than 1 in 4 are forced to leave their homes.

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The fear of being kicked out of their homes is why many LGBTQ+ teens stay in the closet until they can safely get away from toxic, intolerant, and abusive environments.

Forcing anyone out of the closet for any reason is terrible, but to do it when their safety is at risk is a truly awful thing to do to another person, which is why all the experts speak clearly and united against laws like this.

For many LGBTQ+ teens, forcing them out of the closet eventually forces them into homelessness.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, a Williams Institute School of Law at UCLA study showed that 17% of LGBTQ people in the survey said they had experienced homelessness at some point in their life with 20% of them saying they experienced homelessness before the age of 18. The Williams Institute study also showed that 68% of LGBTQ+ respondents experienced family rejection.

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A study from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago showed LGBTQ youth are at more than double the risk of homelessness compared to non-LGBTQ peers, often the product of escalated tension inside the home over time. While the study showed opportunities for intervention, it also showed that LGBTQ+ youth who experience homelessness have twice the rate of early death.

Also, of the LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, about 64% faced discrimination from their families, 62% were physically harmed by others, 25% committed self-harm, and 38% were forced to have sex. All of those rates were much more  sometimes nearly double  that experienced by non-LGBTQ+ peers.

Do Ohio Republican lawmakers and DeWine know any of this? Do they care?

Clearly not.

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The politics of fear-mongering about LGBTQ+ people and using transphobia as a cultural wedge to drive blatant lies, propaganda, paranoia, hatred, and division at election time matters more to them than this human suffering.

When I was a reporter I interviewed LGBTQ+ young people who were kicked out of their homes by intolerant families, so this isnt theoretical to me. These are Ohioans with hopes and dreams and joy who want to live authentically without constant fear and hurt and pain and insult and intolerance and hate.

Ohio Republican lawmakers and Mike DeWine  no matter any rationalization they try to wrap themselves in  have created law that looks to cause real harm and suffering to real people in real ways that these reckless politicians have never come close to enduring themselves.

This cruelty, to invite such pain on the lives of others, to create more needless suffering in the world, they stain their own souls, and our state.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  Ohioans seeking public records from law enforcement agencies may have to pay a hefty price tag moving forward, after Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 315 into law on Jan. 2.

The new public records provisions grant police departments the discretion to charge $75 per hour of video footage, up to $750 per request. Its to offset the costs of blurring, redacting, processing, storing and distributing large video files recorded by body-worn cameras.

Missing Canton mother and children, ages 8 and 9, found in Iceland: US Marshals

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There is already a push back from Ohioans who have been impacted by police use-of-force incidents, who claim this new provision was snuck into HB 315, in Christmas Tree bill fashion.

I feel like its a slap in our face, Ashley Green said.

Green is the mother of Jazmir Tucker, a 15-year-old boy killed by Akron police on Thanksgiving night 2024. She and several other people being represented by the Cochran Firm Ohio attended a virtual press conference to discuss this new law and its pitfalls.

She said body camera footage and a medical examiners report have been critical for their push for justice after Tuckers death.

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The body cam footage  it basically clarified that my son is not a threat, and he was running away from the officer, she said. My son was gunned down with a rifle, shot in his back. Its very important because anyone can say anything. Without that, anybody could and still can make up any kind of lies that they want to.

Attorneys from the Cochran Firm are worried this change could lead to major problems when it comes to holding police accountable when mistakes are made.

Government generally will do whatever it can to shield the facts from the public, attorney Robert Gresham said. Now, make no mistake: We believe this is absolutely an attempt to prevent transparency when it comes to law enforcement and officer conduct.

DeWine said he supports the publics and the news medias right to access public records. He said House Bill 315 doesnt change that.

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Law enforcement-worn body cameras and dashboard cameras have been a major improvement for both law enforcement investigations and for accountability, DeWine said in a statement. However, I am sensitive to the fact that this changing technology has affected law enforcement by often times creating unfunded burdens on these agencies, especially when it comes to the often time consuming and labor-intensive work it takes to provide them as public records.

No enforcement agency should have to choose between diverting resources for officers on the street to move them to administrative tasks like lengthy video redaction reviews for which agencies receive no compensation  and this is especially so for when the requestor of the video is a private company seeking to make money off of these videos, DeWine added.

Marshals arrest Canton fugitive in Columbus, find dead woman in basement

The cities of Cleveland and Akron both said they will review public records policies after this change, but have no immediate plans to change policy without proper research or discussion. The city of Cleveland issued a statement to FOX 8 News:

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Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and we strongly believe in the crucial role the traditional media has in holding government accountable. As such, we have no plans to charge fees to members of the traditional press as we highly value our television, radio, print, and digital media partners. We remain committed to transparency and look forward to having further conversations with our partners in the media, ACLU, and other organizations before moving forward with any new or updated policy.

The city of Akron also issued a statement reading in part:

Until the city has completed its due diligence, however, it will maintain its current practices with respect to charges associated with body worn camera footage.

Brunswick Hills Police Chief Tim Sopkovich said smaller police departments will benefit most from this change because it is very expensive to maintain these systems, especially with smaller budgets, funded through tax levies.

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I do see it as a positive, he said. Another side note, I dont see me charging somebody $750 for, lets say, a traffic accident body cam video.

Gresham said this could have a chilling effect, deterring Ohioans from requesting records due to the high associated costs they cannot afford.

Candidly, we believe this is a bad law, Gresham said. It doesnt need to be in place. Whatever needs to take place in order for it to no longer exist, that is what were asking. Thats what we ultimately will be requesting. Thats the position that we take as civil rights lawyers in this state.

DeWine said if there are unforeseen consequences, he will work with the General Assembly to amend the language and address any legitimate concerns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma City Zoo has welcomed a rescued bobcat to its newly renovated Cat Forest habitat.

According to the Zoo, Pando, a 7-month-old female bobcat, arrived from Coalinga, California, after being found as a kitten by two California-based rescues, Pacific Wildlife Care in Morro Bay and Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Petaluma.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma City Zoo euthanizes its oldest Asian elephant

Pando the bobcat. Image courtesy OKC Zoo. Pando the bobcat. Image courtesy OKC Zoo. Pando the bobcat. Image courtesy OKC Zoo. Pando the bobcat. Image courtesy OKC Zoo.

Officials say sometimes rescued wildlife can be released back into the wild, but due to Pandos interest in people, she has become the newest resident at the Zoo.

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Unfortunately, Pando, was not considered an appropriate candidate for reintroduction due to her strong interest in people. said Tyler Boyd, OKC Zoos Curator of Carnivores. However, our hope is that this will make her an excellent participant in her own healthcare and wellbeing while at the Oklahoma City Zoo as she works with the caretaker team to learn new training behaviors.

Pando will be checked out at the Zoos Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital on January 17, pending animal participation.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes two new animals

Im very excited to welcome Pando into our animal family to inspire and inform our visitors about a very skilled and adaptable predator that is found in our own backyards here in Oklahoma, Boyd said. Bobcats play a vital role in controlling pest populations in the ecosystem, they are incredibly adaptable to changes in climate and environment, and they are extremely intelligent.

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The Zoo says guests can visit Pando, along with Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, ocelots and more in the Cat Forest habitat in the spring.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
WASHINGTON, DC (KFOR)  The Biden- Harris Administration announced on Friday the largest amount of annual federal funding provided through HUDs Continuum of Care program.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says, $3.6 billion in Continuum of Care (CoC) program awards for nearly 7,000 projects that assist people experiencing homelessness. Oklahoma has received $18,332,522 in funding. HUD noted in extending application deadlines that this will be the first reimbursement of two FY 2024 CoC award announcements.

These awards are a significant investment in resources to end homelessness. Throughout the Biden-Harris Administration, HUD has furthered its commitment to addressing homelessness through major funding advancements and through programs like this one that provide critical funding, powered by a community-centered approach, to rehouse people in need. HUD Agency Head, The Honorable Adrianne Todman

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

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As someone who has experienced childhood homelessness, its been incredible being part of an administration that is carefully investing in solving the problem. Homelessness prevention and supportive housing with available mental healthcare and job opportunities give Americans like our youth and our veterans the handup they deserve. Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela.

According to HUDs CoC Program officials, the federal grant funding source is the largest, citing nearly 400 Continuum of Care communities applied.

HUD says a new two-year CoC Prgram Notice for Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for operators is now giving further opportunities to communities while shortening the application process and administrative burden to one submission, which will be used to award funding for both FY 2024 and FY 2025. The introduction of the new program is set to deliver a first-of-its-kind adjustment to the cost of living, shifting CoC budgets to keep up with the rising costs.

The awards announced today include explicit funding for the following:

youth and survivors of domestic violence

dating violence

sexual assault

stalking

We cannot end homelessness without the thousands of providers who are committed to this work. The historic awards we are announcing today will expand community capacity to assist more people in obtaining the safety and stability of a home, along with ensuring that providers have the support that they need. Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.

To view the Continuums of Care and project awards, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has come under investigation by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for alleged violations of campaign finance rules.

The Ethics Commission on Thursday agreed, 5-0, that it is in the public interest to release subpoenas for the Republican's 2022 campaign records. Commissioners also authorized their executive director to seek compliance in court with the subpoenas.

Investigations are usually confidential.

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The Ethics Commission authorized a formal investigation on Oct. 11 "based upon a reasonable cause to believe that one or more of the Ethics Rules ... have been violated," the released records show.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission investigating Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett

The Ethics Commission also confirmed Thursday that Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett is under investigation over an "alleged conflict of interest."

Three Republican legislators complained to the Ethics Commission after Hiett allegedly groped a utility company attorney while drunk last year at a conference in Minnesota.

Hiett, also a Republican, has said he doesn't remember the incident but must have been joking. He has said he started treatment for alcohol abuse afterward.

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The legislators disclosed they had complained to the Ethics Commission when they asked to Oklahoma Supreme Court to block Hiett from voting on rate hikes. Justices in December refused.

"The Ethics Commission, not this Court, is the more appropriate forum for this disqualification request," Justice Dana Kuehn wrote in a concurring opinion.

Investigations by the Ethics Commission often are resolved by settlements. They can result in lawsuits seeking civil penalties against officials for ethics violations.

This is a developing story.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters, Todd Hiett under investigation by OK Ethics Commission
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An Oklahoma National Guardsman is celebrating another historic milestone in his career as he and 99 Guardsmen are in Washington, D.C., to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration.

The Oklahoma soldiers will be in the nations capital for 10 days, providing support with safety, securities, and other duties during the transition of power. Sgt. 1st Class Joseph English will be supporting the inauguration for a third time.

I consider it an honor to be able to do this, English said in an interview provided by the Oklahoma National Guard. This is one of the reasons I joined the Guard, is to be a citizen soldier, to serve the public; and I cant think of a better way to do it than, you know, being a part of what our constitutional republic is about.

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Oklahoma National Guard leaders say President-Elect Donald Trumps inauguration could set record numbers, and every one of the more than 8,000 additional soldiers and airmen expected from 40 states will be needed in the coming day.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma National Guard heads to 60th Presidential Inauguration

News 4 reached out to Englishs family for reaction on the big day. His wife, Shawna, told News 4 that her husband loves his country and loves serving in any capacity needed. She says assignments like the inauguration are such a special thing for them all to witness through him firsthand and that their oldest son wants to follow in his footsteps. She also says Joseph is taking it seriously.

This assignment has always been one of the most self-rewarding for him, said Shawna English.

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Both Shawna and Josephs brother, Robert English, who News 4 spoke with as well on Thursday, say its hard to do just to the amount of training Joseph put in to be able to attend multiple inauguration days. They say its a feat worth being acknowledged.

For him to be back there the third time, they must have a very high trust in him, said Robert English. It is probably the biggest honor that, you know, one would attain is going out and being able to be a part of something of this magnitude.

The big difference for Josephs third inauguration hes supporting is that it follows two credible assassination attempts made against the incoming presidents life.

The Associated Press reports law enforcement is preparing for potential demonstrations but is not anticipating any major problems. Federal law enforcement will operate in a heightened threat environment following the New Years attack in New Orleans.

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Im definitely worried about him, said Robert English. Obviously, theres always a threat, but this is a clear; you know, theyve already being making attempts, you know, on the mans life. So hes there to do his job and protect him.

Shawna says shes trying not to hyperfixate on that detail, is trusting her husbands training, and awaiting his return home.

We stay focused on the return, said Shawna English. Come home; we love you, and we are so proud of all of your accomplishments.

Robert echoed the same sentiment to his brother.

I cant express to you how much I love you, and I just, Im very proud of you, said Robert English.

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In addition to English, one of the other 99 guardsmen is also a News 4 photojournalist.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 caller prepares to dial 988, a mental health hotline for people in crisis. (Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

Ive learned so much recently about the role independent agencies and nonprofits play in utilizing research to implement successful and transformational pilot programs aimed at serving children.

But Ive also learned more about the increasing challenges that Oklahoma faces. For instance, advocates tell me that Oklahoma state safety net programs would come crashing down if they didnt receive help from mental health nonprofits.

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One reason why these nonprofits have been surprisingly successful is that they have been politically savvy, which requires them to be diplomatic when communicating with lawmakers even as multiple reports highlight the states ongoing failure to address our mental health systems weaknesses.

So, I would argue, the Legislature and governor are shirking their responsibility to tackle our states complex mental health challenges.

Were lucky that we have nonprofits willing to step in to fill the gap, but theres only so much they can do without increased legislative intervention and a candid self-assessment that something is incredibly broken.

A series of staggeringly bad statistics and recent news reports highlight just how much work our state faces to improve mental health outcomes. Its time for lawmakers to stop denying how serious the situation is and prioritize more funding for mental health programs, particularly pilot programs that have shown enormous promise.

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The Healthy Minds Policy Initiative reports that about 768,000 adult Oklahomans experience mental illness and around 584,000 suffer from a substance abuse disorder. That means nearly 1 in 4 Oklahoma adults experiences mental illness. The Healthy Minds initiative aims to help the state end substance abuse challenges and meet mental health needs.

Zack Stoycoff, the groups executive director, wrote that Oklahoma ranked 47th worst for the percentage of residents living in a mental health provider shortage area. He said a staggering 94% live in a provider desert, and in 2023, over 1 in 4 of those who wanted care couldnt access it.

The same group estimated in February 2024 that a $36.8 million investment in the states behavioral health workforce would have created $1.8 billion in taxpayer benefits for Oklahomans. Over 1 million more people could have received evidence-based mental health treatment in the next several decades, the group calculated.

Weve also recently learned that a growing number of parents are refusing to pick up children from emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals or detention centers. Those children struggle with anxiety or depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behaviors or a lack of coping skills to get through various traumas. About 12% of the over 3,300 kids who entered state custody have come because of abandonment, The Frontier reported.

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This tragedy is attributable to the patchwork of services that the state provides, as well as a shortage of providers. For instance, only 25 mental health providers in the state had the specialized training necessary to provide the mental health care needed for nearly 21,000 Oklahoma children adopted from foster care, The Frontiers reporting found.

And, now a newly released report from the U.S Department of Justice found, Oklahomas state government doesnt provide sufficient services for people with behavioral health disabilities to prevent unnecessary hospitalization.

Moreover, it said that Oklahoma Citys police department violated federal laws by engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities.

The DOJ found that while almost 30,000 Oklahoma County adults have a serious mental illness, the state only operates two crisis centers in that county with a combined total of 32 beds.

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The report found that thats well short of whats actually needed. Between September 2021 and November 2023, nearly 300 adults were admitted at least five times to private psychiatric hospitals.

The DOJ also reported that police officers on behavioral health calls were observed in a review of bodycam recordings treating people as possible criminals by checking for arrest warrants even when there was no indication the person had committed a crime, and that officers gave some people with behavioral health disabilities just seconds to comply, leading to avoidable uses of force.

While Oklahoma City leaders encouragingly said they were reviewing the findings, some top state leaders had the opposite reaction. Rather than take a hard look at themselves in the mirror, they largely rejected the report and tried to politicize our obvious shortcomings.

This is a dire situation, but it would be far worse except for the fact that Oklahoma has benefited greatly from apolitical, research-driven nonprofits and other organizations.

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We should be following our providers advice about scaling up successful pilot programs, as well as creating team efforts for tackling a range of interconnected health and mental health challenges.

Until recently, the Legislature often listened to research-based experts.

But, now, our dedicated advocates for vulnerable Oklahomans have to focus far too much on protecting the gains we have made, even as we should be empowering them to create even more comprehensive solutions.

If we cant get on track towards scaling up these programs, the results will be tragic.

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Vickie Mann Hair wept and thanked the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board after they voted to recommend release for her brother Wayne Thompson on Tuesday.

Thompson, 57, has been in prison for more than four decades for killing Mann Hairs abusive ex-husband. Thompson was 15 at the time of the crime in 1983.

Family and friends stood in support of Thompson as he appeared at the hearing in Oklahoma City via video from Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington, where he has spent much of the last 41 years.

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Thompsons sisters hugged after the hearing and talked excitedly about cooking his favorite foods for him if he is released  pecan pie, bacon, biscuits and chocolate gravy.

More: Gov. Kevin Stitt fills final spot on Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board

They were among about a dozen people gathered in the hallway after the vote, all smiling and holding back tears.

This is how many people love him, said Cindy Welch, one of Thompsons three sisters. Hes that kind of guy. I dont know of anybody thats ever disliked him.

Some Thompsons supporters included seven men who had spent time behind bars with him but have since been released. The men spoke about Thompsons dedication to bettering himself.

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Jason Sullivent, who met him in prison, said Thompson was an inspiration to them.

I think he deserves a shot to prove that he is the man that he is today, Sullivent said. Weve all watched him grow and we all want to see him go home.

Gov. Kevin Stitt will have the final say on whether to grant Thompson parole. Stitt can review a prisoners case file, watch a recording of the board hearing and talk to those involved to make his decision.

Stitt spokeswoman Abegail Cave said the process typically takes about three weeks.

Thompson has been going up for parole periodically since the mid-1990s, but he has never been successful. The last time he made it this far in the process was in 2003, but Gov. Brad Henry did not sign off on his release.

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Thompson hasnt had a chance to talk directly to the board for the past 15 years. People convicted of violent crimes only get to appear in front of the board if they pass an initial, cursory review of their case.

Thompson spoke briefly to the board about his job as a manager of a prison furniture factory and how he had participated in as many educational programs in prison as he could.

His attorney Madison Boone said Thompson would live with friends in his hometown of Chickasha if he is released. The group Project Commutation, which provides legal services to incarcerated people, would help him find a job, Boone said.

Thompsons appearance before the Pardon and Parole Board was delayed after two board members resigned late last year and the December meeting was cancelled.

The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org.

Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed M. Sean Malloy and Susan H. Stava to fill the empty seats.

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Thompsons supporters had worried changes to the board and a backlog of cases might hurt his chances.

The Pardon and Parole Board already has limited time to review hundreds of cases at each monthly meeting. This month, the number was doubled as the board worked through cases that were supposed to be heard in December on top of those slated for January. Thompsons case was one of 511 the board was scheduled to hear over three days of hearings this month.

The board voted 4 to 1 in favor of recommending Thompsons parole, with the condition he participate in a 180-day program to prepare him for release.

Malloy cast the lone no vote, due to the circumstances of the crime.

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Board member Kevin Buchanan said he believed Thompson had served enough time in prison and would not be a danger to the public.

The facts that brought him here will never change, Buchanan said. We need to stop looking at 1983 to decide our vote.

The board rarely recommends parole for people convicted of violent crimes. During a 12-month period ending in June, the board recommended parole for 11% of people convicted of violent crimes.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma man who killed sister's abusive ex recommended for release
Nigerian military authorities have announced on Thursday the death of 76 fighters from the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) groups in Borno State, underscoring the continued volatility in northeastern Nigeria.

According to a statement from Military spokesperson Major-General Edward Buba, troops conducted various offensives in the Damboa, Bama, and Chibok areas between January 7 and January 13, resulting in the elimination of 24 militants during that period alone, Reuters reported.

Buba did not comment on potential military casualties but noted that at least 72 individuals had been detained in connection with militant activities, while eight hostages were freed. Recovered weapons reportedly include assault rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices.

Borno has long been the epicenter of Nigerias insurgency, which began in 2009 when Boko Haram launched a violent campaign to establish an Islamic state. ISWAP, a splinter faction that emerged around 2016, further escalated conflict by carrying out targeted attacks on military facilities and civilians. Over the years, the insurgency has killed thousands, displaced millions, and led to a dire humanitarian situation in the broader Lake Chad region.

Despite increased military operations, the militants continue to mount raids in rural communities. Most recently, at least 40 farmers lost their lives in an attack on Dumba community. The Nigerian government maintains that sustained military campaigns remain critical to weakening insurgent strongholds and eventually restoring stability in the troubled northeast.
Around 100 members of the Oklahoma National Guard departed Thursday for Washington D.C. for the upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration on Monday.

Oklahomas troops join nearly 8,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 40 states and territories to support the D.C. National Guard.

This is a massive event and were very excited to participate, Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino said. For many years, routinely, the National Guard will provide support to the capital region for the inauguration.

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National Guard involvement in presidential inaugurations dates back to the first presidential inauguration of George Washington in New York City.

The National Mall is pictured Jan. 15 as preparations are underway for the upcoming presidential inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C.

The Oklahoma Guardsmen are scheduled to be on mission for approximately seven to ten days, according to a news release.

There have been two attempts to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump.

Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood is set to perform at Trumps inauguration, singing America the Beautiful.

According to Reuters, the National Park Service has issued a permit to Trumps inauguration committee for an estimated crowd of 250,000 people at the National Mall.

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Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK National Guard troops to provide support during Trump inauguration
Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, listens during a public hearing Friday at the Oklahoma State Department of Education over a proposed rule to check public school students' immigration status. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A proposal to require Oklahoma students to verify their immigration status while enrolling in public schools drew more than an hour of opposition during a hearing Friday.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education is expected to vote Jan. 28 on the proposed rule, along with six other suggested changes to the states administrative codes, which have the force of law once enacted.

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Critics of the immigration rule warned it could drive undocumented families away from schools, contravene federal law and unfairly exclude undocumented students from Oklahomas public education system. Several speakers deemed it discriminatory against immigrant children and a ploy to draw a lawsuit.

Oklahoma State Department of Education general counsel Michael Beason listens during a well-attended public hearing on a proposed administrative rule to check public school students immigration status Friday in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Friday was the final day members of the public could submit written comments about the suggested administrative rules. Those who wished to comment in person attended the public hearing at the Oklahoma State Department of Education headquarters in Oklahoma City.

All 19 speakers who remarked on the immigration rule said they oppose having schools conduct citizenship checks.

The proposed regulation would require families to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency when enrolling their children in Oklahoma public schools. The rule would not forbid any students from attending public schools, but districts would have to report to the state Education Department the number of undocumented children they enrolled.

Molly Bryant, senior director of immigrant and refugee services at YWCA Tulsa, speaks against a proposed rule from the Oklahoma State Department of Education that would ask students to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

The latest proposal is an unfunded mandate, an unnecessary administrative burden and effectively requires educators to act as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Molly Bryant, senior director of immigrant and refugee services at YWCA Tulsa, during the hearing. These actions are politically motivated taxes on schools and do nothing to further the mission of educating our children.

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A similar law Alabama enacted in 2011 was overturned as a result of a federal lawsuit, but it still showed an impact in classrooms. Withdrawals and absences spiked among Hispanic students after the law passed.

The federal government forbids schools from asking for students immigration status during enrollment. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1982 that states cannot deny undocumented children equal access to public education.

Oklahoma City Public Schools announced it will continue following these federal protections.

OKCPS does not, nor do we have plans to, collect the immigration status of our students or their families, Superintendent Jamie Polk said in a Dec. 20 announcement.

ACLU of Oklahoma executive director Tamya Cox-Toure hinted at a potential lawsuit if an Oklahoma State Department of Education administrative rule takes effect to require public schools to conduct citizenship checks. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Oklahomas proposal is astonishingly backwards, said Tamya Cox-Toure, executive director of the states American Civil Liberties Union affiliate. She said it would create an intolerable burden for immigrant families, especially Hispanic Oklahomans.

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Cox-Toure hinted at potential litigation if the rule passes. During the public hearing, she told the Education Departments legal staff that the ACLU of Oklahoma is prepared to support students, by evidence of the two current lawsuits we have against this department.

To protect Oklahoma students from segregated schools, to defend against anti-immigrant policies, and discharge your oath to protect and defend the laws and constitution of the United States, this department must reject this rule, Cox-Toure said.

Should the state Board of Education pass the rule, the Oklahoma Legislature will have the choice in the coming months to either approve the measure or allow Gov. Kevin Stitt to decide whether to enact it.

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said state Superintendent Ryan Walters should resign after proposing immigration checks in public school enrollment. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

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Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said the proposal is so overwhelmingly wrong that it warrants the resignation of the states top education official.

Rules like these are only causing more trauma for our kids, Alonso-Sandoval said. The state Department (of Education) should be there to protect our kids, to provide them with a quality education, not harm them and traumatize them.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who proposed the rule, said the measure would end sanctuary schools and quantify the need for English education programs, as well as other school resources necessary to serve students arriving from other countries.

Todays hearing is a great step forward in the process that will lead to new rules in place to protect Oklahoma students, Walters said in a statement. Not only do our rules serve Oklahoma taxpayers, but they will help ensure resources are directed to the students who need them most.

Lawton High School teacher Angela Baumann speaks during an Oklahoma State Department of Education public hearing Friday in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Walters did not attend the public hearings Friday. The Education Departments general counsel, Michael Beason, and staff attorney Kory Kile led the proceedings. One state Board of Education member, Kendra Wesson, attended.

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If the state Board of Education were to reject the rule, it would be its first time casting a single vote against a proposal from Walters since he took office in January 2023.

Angela Baumann, an English teacher at Lawton High School, said schools dont need to know students immigration status to educate them.

I can tell you that their citizenship makes no difference to their needs, Baumann said. They need to be loved and cared for by people that are in a safe environment with them  and they dont need to feel ostracized by a community because they may not be from here.

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It was a September morning in 2020, and Deni Seymour, an archeologist, was searching for artifacts along the Santa Cruz River near Nogales.

She had been exploring the area a few months, looking for relics left behind by the Coronado Expedition, which Spanish conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado led from what is now Mexico into the modern-day United States in 1540. Seymour's first find had come in July, and now she was systematically scouring the southern Arizona site, looking for  and finding  more.

Seymour had just started to sweep over the desert when her metal detector rang out with a hit.

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She squatted and started to dig. Whatever had set off the detector was deeper than she expected. As Seymour watched it come into view, she wasnt sure what she was seeing.

I thought it was either a church bell, or a metal canister that perhaps  who knows  had a note in it or something, she said.

It had a green hue, the mark of oxidized bronze or copper, and was partially ensnared in the roots of a mesquite tree. As she dug further, Seymour, with four decades of research under her belt, started to feel the buzz of a potentially significant find.

Youve got to see this, she yelled out to her colleague.

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The object was longer than they thought, stretching out under the dirt. The excavation took hours. Seymour was wary of damaging the object or disturbing its context, and they had to call a colleague for tools to tackle the thick mesquite roots. It was a hot fall day, the sun beating down as they worked.

Eventually, there it was: a 3.5-foot long, cast bronze cannon.

Seymour looked at in awe. She felt overwhelmed by its rarity, and its significance.

We were aware at that moment of how important it was, she said.

Seymour and historical weapons expert William P. Mapoles wrote about the find in a paper published last year by the International Journal of Historical Archeology.

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Their conclusion: the cannon was the oldest gun ever found within the continental United States.

A rare find with a compelling story behind it

The cannon is a wall or rampart gun, designed to rest on the parapet of an adobe house, a tripod in the field, or  in a pinch  the fork of a tree. It weighs about 40 pounds, heavy by todays standards, but light for the 16th century, when it could be easily carried long distances on the back of a horse or mule.

Firearms from this period are scarce. Most were made from bronze, a valuable and easily reusable material, and were often reforged into more modern shapes or different items altogether. They were also very expensive, and the Spanish explorers who carried them into the western U.S. were likely expected to bring them back.

The cannon Seymour uncovered in September 2020 didnt appear to have been fired. It was poorly forged, but not defective. Chronometric dating techniques suggested it had lain on the floor of a collapsed stone-and-adobe structure for close to 500 years.

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Why had it been left behind?

First, Seymour had to establish where it had been left behind.

The Coronado Expedition crossed from Mexico into what is now Arizona in 1540 and traveled to what would become New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Their exact route, and the location of various settlements, remains debated, as researchers continue to piece together documentary and archeological evidence. They returned to Mexico in 1542, without the riches they had hoped to find.

When Seymour first started exploring the area, she thought it was merely an overnight encampment. But then she found more artifacts, and then more. There was evidence of permanent structures. As the site swelled in size, so did the volume of artifacts: a flood of arrowheads and armor ringlets and ceramics, pieces of broken swords and daggers and fishhooks.

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An encampment might have yielded between two and 10 artifacts, Seymour said. This site had hundreds, if not thousands. Something else had been going on by the Santa Cruz River.

Seymour is certain the site was once a settlement called San Geronimo III, also known as Suya.

Once we settled on Suya, then I spent quite some time trying to rebut that idea, Seymour said. Ultimately, the evidence was overwhelming.

She has since found 11 more sites, running from Nogales up to the Gila River. Seymour said it constitutes 150 miles of a trail taken by the Spanish explorers, one that, until now, had been overlooked.

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The area in southeastern Arizona, Seymour said, is much more important to the Coronado expedition in this first series of contacts than we realized.

A troubled townsite and a dawn attack

In 1541, all was not well at San Geronimo III.

The settlement was led by Captain Diego de Alcaraz, a man broadly considered unfit to lead and who inflicted cruel and sadistic torture on the local Sobaipuri Oodham. It was also, Seymour wrote, where the expedition leaders sent weaker men: the sick, lazy and disobedient.

It initially consisted of about 40 Spanish expedition members and a range of others, including family members, slaves, servants and Native allies. It wasnt long before half the Spaniards mutinied, leaving San Geronimo III with a weakened population of about 100 people.

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What happened next, Seymour said, explained why the cannon was left behind.

She believes the Oodham struck at dawn, a blitz attack that left the Spanish explorers scrambling for their lives.

Various historical accounts suggest the Oodham were swift and efficient, killing many in their beds. Another suggests the Oodham from across the region may have united to descend on the township.

Seymour thinks the structure where the cannon was found may have been one of the first attacked.

It would have been tough to fire quickly, Seymour said. Think about it: adding gunpowder and shot and a wad of paper or grass to hold it in there, lighting a match from a fire, perhaps one down to coals, lighting the cannon, and waiting.

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That takes some time, she said. And if you're being overrun by hundreds of natives, in this case the O'odham, then you're not necessarily going to have time to load a weapon like that.

She believes the person manning the gun was either killed or fled, not stopping to grab a 40-pound cannon.

Most of the people were killed and the few that survived ran for their lives with hardly any possessions, Seymour said. I guess they had the clothes on their back, barely.

It was left discarded, and lay hidden for nearly 500 years.

A second cannon, but damaged

In 2024, Seymour found a second cannon at the same site. This one lay in an area that appears to have been where most of the fighting took place, with abundant projectiles and other artifacts.

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This one was fired in the attack, Seymour said. The side of it had blown out, possibly due to faulty construction.

What we're thinking is that they possibly did kind of a 'Hail Mary' type situation, overloaded it with powder and shot to try to keep from being overrun, she said.

Seymour said the cannons appear to have been forged in the same foundry in either Mexico or the Caribbean, due to their relatively poor quality and lack of makers mark. If true, it would make the cannons the oldest surviving firearms manufactured in the Americas.

The evidence is strong, Seymour said, but analysis to confirm it would require cutting into the cannons.

I really am opposed to damaging these specimens, she said.

Indigenous O'odham are 'central to the story'

When Seymour tells the story of the battle, she shares her view that the mutiny  the fatal weakening of San Geronimo III  was a protest against Alcarazs brutal approach to the Oodham.

Its important to highlight voices of sanity in the midst of horrendous acts, she said. Because if we remember that, then we might be more likely ourselves to stand up against injustice.

Her professional interest is in the period of first contact between Native Americans and Europeans, a topic she has studied for decades.

She continues to excavate sites in southeastern Arizona, hungry for more information about the Coronado Expedition and the Native Americans who encountered it.

It was previously thought the expedition had either bypassed the area or only traveled through rapidly, any trace of the Spanish explorers long erased. Seymours finds in southern Arizona have upended her view of what happened.

It turns out the Oodham are central to the story, she said. And they were formidable opposition for the Spaniards.

The oldest gun found in the continental U.S. makes for a great headline, and Seymour has been besieged by media since the paper was published.

The superlative attached to the cannon is of course important. But so is the tangible link it offers to the past.

To Seymour, it gives us a glimpse into the Europeans who wielded it, the Native Americans who faced it. To the ways in which these groups interacted five centuries ago.

When I show people this cannon, she said, they feel like theyre connecting to history.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Oldest gun in continental US found in southern Arizona
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems banishment from all nine tribal lands in her home state has narrowed by one.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, which is the smallest in the state, announced Wednesday that it has lifted its nearly eight-month ban imposed in the wake of her repeated claims that her states tribal leaders benefit from Mexican drug cartels.

The tribe said in a statement that its view of the Republican governors comments has changed and that it welcomes her nomination and eventual appointment as the Secretary for Homeland Security.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was banned from all nine tribal territories in her state after accusing her states tribal leaders of benefiting from Mexican drug cartels. Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Noems U.S. Senate confirmation hearing for the post in the Cabinet of President-elect Donald Trump was Friday.

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Over the past several months, we have been made aware of many circumstances relating to the comments made by the Governor; only to find out that these issues are real and pose a grave threat to the stability of our Nations and the health and well-being of all our people, the tribe said.

Anthony Reider, president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, also recognized Noems past apologies on the matter in a letter addressed to her and obtained by the Sioux Falls paper, the Argus Leader.

In several meetings before and after the resolution was passed, you not only explained your position, but apologized if the comments offended the Tribe. You additionally sought advice on how to phrase such communications moving forward, which the tribe and I appreciated, Reider said.

The first tribe to ban her accused her last year of trying to "create a bogus border crisis to appease Trump and secure the position of his running mate. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

A tribal representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

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It wasnt clear on Friday whether any of the other eight tribes will also reverse course.

The states largest tribe, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was the first to ban her in February, with its president accusing her of using Indian people and reservations  as a basis to create a bogus border crisis and to appease Trump. Noem at the time was rumored to be under consideration as Trumps vice presidential running mate.

Representatives of the Oglala Sioux Tribe also did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Related...
Authorities in North Carolina are responding to a shooting at a shopping center where at least one person has been killed.

The incident took place at the North Hills Mall, which is in an affluent area of Raleigh. While the call was initially for an active shooter, police later confirmed it was not a traditional active shooter situation, according to WRAL.

There is no word on if there are any other injuries.

Numerous Raleigh police were spotted near the mall after the shooting was reported.

This is a developing story...
From the Jan. 20, 1885 edition of The Daily Morning Astorian, here are the details of the unfortunate demise of the 154-ton British bark Dewa Gungadhur, under the command of Capt. Battersby, as told by the captain himself.

He was off the Columbia River Bar when he was driven back out to sea by a gale. So he set sail, aiming to pass by the Toke Point Lighthouse, in Washington Territory, which faced the north end of Shoalwater Bay, and was 15 miles away.

About 12 miles from Toke Point there came a dead calm, he said, and shortly after a dense fog. About three oclock, saw breakers to leeward. He set anchor to wait it out.

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When he set sail again and was abreast of Toke Point, the fog cleared a little and showed the tops of the headlands; there were heavy breakers close to leeward, and the ... ship drifted down to them. Desperate, he tried to find anchorage.

Before he could, the sea became turbulent, the fog closed in and the ship ran hard aground. I got out one boat and all hands left the ship; it kept three men busy bailing the boat out to keep her from sinking, the heavy sea filling it at every lurch. They made it to shore, and all were saved in the desperate escape. The abandoned ship was a total loss.

On. Jan. 27, 1885, the newspaper couldnt resist a snarky observation. When the Dewa Gungadhur and the Abbey Cowper laid their bones by the Broughton and Lammerlaw, it was jestingly suggested that a subscription be taken up to get a fund to build a fence across Shoalwater Bay Bar, on which should be painted in plain black letters: This is Shoalwater Bay! Look out! Keep away! (Painting: Andreas Achenbach)
Joe Biden ascended to the highest office in America with a pledge to unite the country, strengthen his party and defend democracy.

Instead, in the 82-year-olds Oval Office denouement, he leaves a nation divided, a party in tatters and the American people questioning the self-described institutionalists respect for the rule of law.

Many Democrats are blaming Biden for handing the White House to Donald Trump, criticizing the aging politician for staying in office too long and reeling after he pardoned his son. Exacerbating the frustrations, Biden recently expressed doubt about his ability to serve another four years after dismissing voters concerns about that very issue as he sought re-election.

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The president harbors similar resentment toward members of his own party. After the November election, he privately mused about the idea of pardoning Trump as a magnanimous move, according to a person directly familiar with his comments, though its not clear he seriously considered it. A White House official said to our knowledge, this was not raised. At the same time, Biden is not on speaking terms with some of his closest allies.

It is all an inglorious coda to five decades in public office.

The Joe Biden story is one of the great tragedies of American politics. I really mean that. He should be having a glorious, well deserved, highly acclaimed retirement. And hes not, veteran Democratic political strategist James Carville said. Its hard to blame anybody but him.

President Joe Biden received a medal from the Department of Defense on Thursday honoring the departing commander-in-chief.

Biden plans to write another book, providing him with the opportunity to tell his version of his presidency and its conclusion. Despite public polls showing in 2023 that Democratic voters did not want him to run again, he went forward anyway, with the backing of party insiders. He was later forced to step aside in July following a cataclysmic debate that seemed to expose his cognitive state. His late departure gave Vice President Kamala Harris just 107 days to build an ultimately unsuccessful campaign against Trump. Throughout his presidency, Biden granted fewer interviews than his recent predecessors and is ending his term the same way: He does not plan to hold the traditional final formal news conference.

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White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said Biden is proud of the number of interviews and impromptu question-and-answer sessions hes held with reporters.

In the White House, the mood feels like a morgue, according to a person who recently met with officials there. Biden leaves office feeling he contributed significant wins for the country that Americans dont appreciate. Privately, he has vacillated from feeling melancholy to resigned to angry to wistful as he reflects on his legacy, two people close to him said.

Hes totally dejected and the people around him are, as well, another person close to the president said. One White House official attributed the glum atmosphere to Trumps impending return to the Oval Office and noted that Bidens aides warmly reacted with cheers when he surprised them at a staff party earlier this week.

Another White House official depicted personnel as holding back on emotions until Jan. 20 actually arrives.

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Its hard to reflect, its hard for it to sink in that were done here  until were actually done and out the gates with our stuff, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Thats their mood  it hasnt sunk in for people who are still here yet because were working until the last minute.

A uniter's many fractured friendships

Once the elder statesman who was to serve as a bridge to the next generation of leadership, Biden departs with an array of fractured relationships. He is estranged from some of the people who were once among his most powerful allies. He harbors, along with first lady Jill Biden, a simmering resentment toward former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several former aides, including Bob Bauer and Anita Dunn, all of whom he believes either failed him or pushed him out of the 2024 race, according to several people close to him.

Biden hasnt spoken in months to Dunn, a former top adviser who was among the few notable Democrats willing to back him if he decided to mount a 2016 campaign to challenge Hillary Clinton for the partys nomination, according to multiple people familiar with the dynamic. Dunn departed the White House during the summer as part of the fallout from Bidens June debate performance.

Then-President Barack Obama walks with White House advisers David Plouffe and Anita Dunn before a debate in 2012.

Bidens relationship with Bauer, his longtime personal lawyer who is married to Dunn, also has deteriorated since the debate and tensions related to the criminal trials of his son Hunter Biden, the people familiar with the situation said. Neither Bauer nor Dunn attended a large black-tie dinner the Bidens hosted in November to thank longtime supporters. And Bauer will no longer represent Biden once he leaves office, three people familiar with the decision said.

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Asked about this deterioration of his relationship with Dunn and Bauer, a Biden aide said, Anita and Bob are well regarded and loyal to the president.

While Biden and Pelosi have crossed paths at social events since she pushed for him to end his candidacy in July, they have not had a substantive conversation, according to a Pelosi aide.

That relationship is permanently damaged, a person close to Biden said.

Biden has not expressed his frustrations with Obama directly to him, a person familiar with their conversations said.

One former top Obama aide who publicly argued after the June debate that Biden should drop out pointedly noted this week that Biden recently named aircraft carriers after former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, he has not offered any similar honor to Obama.

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Barack H. Obama did not get a f---ing personnel carrier named after him, Ben Rhodes said on the podcast Pod Save The World.

Before he left office, Obama surprised Biden by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an emotional White House ceremony.

Asked about the presidents frustrations with Pelosi and Obama, Bates, the White House spokesperson, said in a statement, President Bidens focus is squarely on making as big of a difference as he can in the lives of American families  not events from the campaign.

Family drama crashes into the White House

Throughout his term, Biden felt the tug-of-war between his White House inner circle and his family members.

Biden went back on his promise to protect the norms he said undergirded the nations stability by pardoning his Hunter Biden on federal gun and tax charges. The president blamed raw politics for his sons prosecution, saying it infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice, tapping the kind of language Trump often uses. Biden was surprised, and angered, by Democrats criticism of the pardon, according to multiple people familiar with his reaction. Dunn was among those who publicly criticized the move.

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Throughout his term, Biden felt the tug-of-war between his White House inner circle and his family members. Some of his family felt at times that the president was not being served well by his team, which has included Dunn, former top White House aide and then campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon and longtime close advisers Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon. That was particularly the case as the 2024 campaign got into full swing and Bidens approval rating continued to sag while Trump gained ground among voters.

Biden didnt make changes to his team until after he dropped out of the 2024 race. In the weeks and months after that gut-wrenching decision, anger intensified from some of his family members toward his closest aides.

Hunter Biden accompanied by first lady Jill Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, walks out of federal court on June 11, 2024, in Wilmington, Del.

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In some instances, it flowed both ways. Dunn and Bauer resented being unceremoniously cast out of the presidents inner circle and blamed two Biden family members in particular for that  Hunter Biden and Jill Biden.Aspects of the family drama could continue into the next administration. Some members of the presidents staff are bracing for possible congressional investigations into Hunter Bidens pardon and accusations, denied by the White House, that administration officials covered up the extent of Bidens mental decline.

The unsung hero

Biden has argued that he set up the country for long-term economic success after shepherding major pieces of legislation through Congress  even if Americans dont feel the benefits now. He also sees his efforts to unite U.S. allies around Ukraine after Russias invasion as a critical foreign policy achievement.

In a major development Wednesday, Israel and Hamas struck a deal for a ceasefire after 15 months of devastating war in the Gaza Strip, in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Biden worked to achieve a ceasefire deal for months, but he now shares some credit for it with Trump, given their two teams coordinated on the round of negotiations that secured the agreement.

When reporters asked Biden at a Wednesday news conference whether he or Trump deserves credit for the ceasefire, Biden turned and smiled: Is that a joke?

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the recently announced cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas while joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Bates, the White House spokesperson, said of the presidents record in office: President Biden put his unique qualification and his whole heart into delivering for the American people, and the results are the strongest record of any modern administration.Critics have relentlessly hit Biden for softening border policies early on in his administration, prompting a surge in illegal crossings. While he later tightened controls at the border, public opinion had already swung against him.

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Some Democrats said Biden missed the mark early on when it came to the economy. He should have spent more time railing against greedy corporations rather than trying to convince the public the economy really was better than it thought, said Pete Giangreco, a veteran in presidential Democratic politics.

There was always this internal struggle from the day he walked into the White House: Was he Joe from Scranton, the populist, union guy? Or is he Joe the senator from Delaware, which is corporate friendly? Giangreco said. He could never make up his mind who he was. If he had been Joe from Scranton from day one and stayed Joe from Scranton from day one, it might have been a different outcome.

Biden paid a political price for the pandemic-era policies of the last two presidencies, said Lynn Vavreck, an American politics professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Many voters became accustomed to the subsidies the Trump and the Biden administrations doled out and then watched prices go up as the subsidies ran out  a double whammy that hit when Trump was long gone from office.

They believed that they were better off financially during the Trump presidency, Vavreck said. That is probably true for very, very many people because of those government stimulus payments and all of the support for aid programs.

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But another longtime ally, prominent Democratic donor John Morgan, said that Biden is right to feel bitter by the lack of fanfare around his presidency, pointing to massive investments in infrastructure, a booming stock market, low unemployment and for having navigated the pandemic masterfully.

Biden removes his mask before speaking about the coronavirus pandemic in October 2021.

Objectively, I believe it was a great presidency. You know they believe it. You can hear it in the presidents voice, Morgan said. You look at all the statistics and its like: Why arent you all carrying me on your shoulders? In the immediate term, it has all done little to move the public. Biden is poised to leave office with a 36% approval rating, according to a CNN poll released Wednesday. Low approval numbers dogged him throughout his presidency and now hes particularly smarting over leaving office without his standing with Americans having improved, according to two people familiar with the matter.

In an alternate universe, one in which Biden would have stepped aside as the Democratic nominee in 2023, the president would have ridden waves of accolades in his final weeks, cutting ribbons at airports named in his honor or banking hundreds of millions of dollars for an Ivy League policy center in his name, Carville suggested.

Joe Biden had many successful acts in his life. Unfortunately, you get remembered for your last act, Carville said. Right now, hes remembered as the guy who stayed too long.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One person was shot in the Hampshire Hills community early Friday morning, according to the Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC).

The incident was reported sometime before 4:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. MEDIC says one person was taken to Novant Presbyterian after being shot.

Authorities have not said what led up to the incident or if anyone was arrested.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA)  One person was hurt early Friday morning in a shooting in Arcola. The Illinois State Police is assisting in the investigation.

The shooting happened around midnight in the area of Pine and Washington Streets. Arcola Police handled the initial response; officers arrived at the reported location and found a man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital; his condition is unknown at this time.

Right lane of NB I-57 closed near Savoy

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Arcola Police subsequently contacted State Police to assist in the investigation, which is ongoing at this time. State Police said there is no threat to the public, but they could not release any further information.

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Ghanaian music icon and saxophonist, Teddy Osei, has passed away at the age of 88. The founder of the Afro-rock band Osibisa died in London on Tuesday January 14, leaving behind a profound legacy in music and culture.

A statement issued following his death described him as an important voice in music and culture and expressed that he would be missed, but never forgotten. Oseis contribution to the music world, particularly as the leader of Osibisa, was immense, with his creativity and versatility as a multi-instrumentalist helping to shape the bands unique sound, which transcended genres and captivated audiences worldwide.

Born in Kumasi, Ghana, on 1 December 1937, Osei was introduced to music at an early age by his father, who was involved in prominent school bands. A gifted musician, he was particularly known for his passion for the saxophone. After moving to the UK in the early 1960s on a government scholarship to study music and drama, Osei formed a band called Cats Paw. The band combined West African highlife rhythms with rock and soul, paving the way for his later success. In 1969, he co-founded Osibisa with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh, and the band quickly became known for its groundbreaking fusion of Afrocentric sounds with rock, soul, jazz, and funk.

Osibisas music made a significant impact on the international stage, and the bands name, derived from the Fante word meaning highlife, symbolised their mission to blend African music with global sounds. Teddy Oseis leadership was central to the bands success, and under his direction, Osibisa achieved chart success in the UK with hits like Sunshine Day and Dance the Body Music. The bands electrifying live performances led to extensive tours across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including a notable performance at Zimbabwes independence celebrations in 1980 alongside Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Oseis role in advancing African music globally cannot be overstated. In a 2021 interview, he reflected on his mission to make a difference in the African music scene and highlighted the crucial role Osibisa played in paving the way for future artists, including Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. His efforts to bring African music to international audiences provided Africans with a sense of pride in their musical heritage. Oseis passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians around the world.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Ontario County Sheriffs Office is issuing a warning about the latest phone scam going around.

This time, residents are receiving calls claiming a deputy or sergeant is on the other end of the line, calling about a missed court appearance or jury duty.

The scammers are claiming you need to pay a fine via Apple Pay or PayPal.

The Sheriffs Office is advising that neither deputies, nor any court, will ask for payment over the phone, and to avoid sharing any personal information.

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Instead, recipients of such calls, should hang up and place a call of their own, to the Sheriffs Office, at 585-394-4560.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina announced on Friday it sentenced four defendants arrested during Operation SCARLET, a task force that targets thieves who steal from car dealerships.

Inside Operation SCARLET, CMPDs task force to stop high-end car theft

In 2023, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported Operation SCARLET task force worked with agencies in 11 states to recover 132 stolen cars worth more than $11 million.

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The defendants used several tactics to steal vehicles from dealerships, including posing as customers, swapping key fobs, and conducting smash and grab thefts, according to the DA. They frequently stole multiple vehicles at once, causing significant financial losses. To evade detection, they removed GPS systems, used fake tags, and altered Vehicle Identification Numbers before selling the stolen cars locally at below-market prices.

The defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and were sentenced as follows:

Dewanne Lamar White, 44, of Sumter, South Carolina, was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. White also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Kevin JaCoryen James Fields, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Fields also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

Reginald Eugene Hill, 25, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Garyka Vaughn Bost, 26, of Denver, North Carolina, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

VIDEO: Inside Operation SCARLET, CMPDs task force to stop high-end car theft
The incoming Trump administration has expressed support for a negotiated solution with Iran on all outstanding issues. When asked about a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President-elect Trump simply said, I wish him luck.

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump indicated that his Iran policy in the second term would be very different than that in his first. He rejected the regime change policy and reiterated that he wants Iran to be successful, but also that he opposes the countrys acquisition of nuclear weapons.

In September 2024, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is ready for constructive dialogue and is ready to engage with the West about nuclear power, and willingness to improve relations with the U.S.

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Nevertheless, the gaps between Washington and Tehran will be difficult to bridge. If Trump wishes to break the deadlock by negotiating with Iran, he will face fierce opposition within the U.S., in Iran, and in the region. Last month, Israels former war Cabinet member, Benny Gantz, called for Iran to be targeted directly.

Assuming Trump wants an alternative to another endless conflict, the first step must be a new nuclear agreement with Iran. It is likely that Israel will want the dismantlement of Irans enrichment capabilities. When I was the spokesperson for Irans nuclear team (2003-05), however, in a private meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei told Rouhani  then Irans top nuclear negotiator  that if Iran is to abandon its right to enrich, it will either have to happen after my death, or I will have to resign from leadership. Forcing this option would therefore likely mean the failure of negotiations, just as they failed from 2003-13.

If Trumps main objective is to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear bomb, however, he needs a plan that would permanently block the acquisition of nuclear bombs not only by Iran but also by other ambitious countries in the region. As President Biden warned, if Iran gets the bomb, then Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will follow.

Here are the elements of such a plan:

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First, as in the Obama administrations Iran nuclear deal, Iran would agree to complete transparency of its nuclear programs and the most stringent level of International Atomic Energy Agency verification measures.

Second, the key principles of the agreement would be that it applies to all the countries in the region, making it possible to make permanent the main nonproliferation limitations of the deal, including limiting uranium enrichment to below 5 percent and no separation of plutonium from spent fuel.

Third, following the implementation of a new nuclear deal, Washington and Tehran would need to engage in discussions about regional security. Both countries should temporarily suspend all threats and hostilities as a first step and goodwill gesture.

Some years ago, Robert Einhorn, then a U.S. nuclear negotiator told me that when we raise the necessity of regional talks, some Iranians mistakenly believe that we mean the dismantling of Irans missile and defense capabilities. All countries including Iran have the right to the defense capabilities they need. We understand that Iran, like us, has its own security concerns. Both sides must therefore engage in a serious and fair dialogue to address each others legitimate and lawful concerns and find a balanced solution.

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Ayatollah Khamenei is the ultimate decision-maker regarding Irans relations with the United States. On Jan. 8, 2024, he said that the U.S. is fundamentally hostile to the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic, wishing for the destruction of Iran. Based on the several decades of understanding I have of his views, I believe that the essence of his concerns regarding the relations with the U.S. can be summarized in three key points: the threat to Irans independence through interference in internal affairs, the regime change policy and the lack of respect for and recognition of Irans national interests.

On the other side, during 15 years of research at Princeton University on U.S.-Iran relations, I believe that challenging and threatening the U.S. interests in the region is the most important concern the U.S. has regarding Irans policies after the 1979 revolution.

If there is going to be a fair and balanced deal, both capitals should acknowledge each others legitimate regional interests and commit to not threatening those interests. This would require some realignment of their regional security and diplomacy strategies, especially with their key allies.

Moreover, it would require a credible and sustainable model for regional stability and peace. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the Persian Gulf, could achieve such an arrangement through a new collective security and economic framework modeled on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

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The arrangement would facilitate establishing balanced and normal relations with the Western and Eastern blocs; regional arms control arrangements including a nuclear weapons-free zone and the reduction of U.S. military forces and expenditures in the region.

The agreement could also link a cessation of military conflict between Iran and Israel with a just and durable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution as required by multiple UN resolutions.

Finally, the deal could also include significant economic cooperation between the U.S. and Iran, potentially involving projects worth hundreds of billions of dollars in sectors such as petrochemicals, aviation and clean energy. This would create major economic stakes in the agreement within both countries, making the new arrangements more robust.

On his first day in office at the White House, President Trump could agree in a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, President Pezeshkian, to have special envoys from both countries quickly initiate direct talks for such a fair, sustainable and historic agreement.

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Seyed Hossein Mousavian is Middle East security and nuclear policy specialist at Princeton University.

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A city devastated; neighbors coming to its aid; the hunt for a scapegoat: Though the Angelenos enduring wildfires today lead lives dramatically different from those of the people who survived the Halifax Explosion more than a century ago, the stories of the two disasters intermittently rhyme.

On the morning of Dec. 6, 1917, an accidental collision of two ships in Halifax Harbour set off an uncontrollable fire. One of the ships was a Belgian relief vessel; the other was the SS Mont-Blanc, a French munitions ship packed to the gills with explosives such as TNT, picric acid, benzol and guncotton. The disaster was one of the largest accidental human-caused explosions of all time, killing close to 1,800 people and destroying or damaging more than 12,000 structures in the blink of an eye.

When Boston sent Halifax a train laden with supplies and medical staff through a historic snowstorm, it marked a striking early instance of coordinated international disaster relief. So as I watched canary-yellow Canadian Super Scooper planes roar into Los Angeles to help douse the ungovernable firestorms threatening my home, my grieving Nova Scotian heart soared: reciprocity between old friends.

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But our city can also glean lessons from the Halifax Explosion  especially about the dangers of scapegoating in a time of crisis. The example of Francis Mackey, the Halifax mariner who was blamed for the disaster, is a reminder that emotionally charged finger-pointing in the aftermath of a catastrophe often finds the wrong lightning rod.

Mackey  whose story we know thanks largely to the historian Janet Maybees book Aftershock: The Halifax Explosion and the Persecution of Pilot Francis Mackey  was tasked with guiding the Mont-Blanc into the harbor, and, miraculously, he survived the blast. Facing the devastation, the public immediately sought someone to blame, and Mackey, an experienced maritime pilot, served as a convenient scapegoat for the government. He was stripped of his pilots license, arrested, imprisoned, vilified in the press and  along with the ships captain and the naval officer who oversaw the harbor  charged with manslaughter.

Ultimately, a Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice examined the facts and found Mackey innocent. But the public persecution and reputational damage were done. Mackey, cursed as a murderer in the streets, was yet another victim in a shattered city.

In the end, no single person could be held responsible for Halifaxs explosion. The answer was less exciting and more obvious: The disaster was an extraordinary accident in a country at war and a community in the blast zone of a massive arsenal.

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Similarly, Los Angeles disaster is a product of human-caused climate change colliding with an electrified city built amid combustible chaparral. While the search for answers and lessons is warranted, we would be wise to practice forbearance and refrain from casting personal blame for a little while.

Besmirching Mayor Karen Bass for traveling abroad, prematurely accusing anyone of arson or inventing conspiracy theories about who turned off our hydrants will not douse a single flame, rebuild a single home or bring a single loved one back from the dead. As in Halifax, no single individual is or ever could be to blame.

Renowned for our imagination, hustle and open-mindedness, Angelenos are called by this disaster to show magnanimity in the face of devastation. And if you look in the right places, we already are.

One hundred eight years later, no one who lived through the Halifax Explosion is left. But the Hydrostone, the Halifax neighborhood we rebuilt with American assistance, remains. And every winter since, as the anniversary of the explosion approaches, Nova Scotians send one of our finest evergreens to Boston Common: a Christmas gift and a symbol of our enduring gratitude for the citys help in our darkest hour.

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A hundred years from now, what of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires will be remembered? Those we lost  and those who helped.

Ben Proudfoot is a filmmaker and the founder of Breakwater Studios.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
President-elect Donald Trumps victory in November once again left Democrats reeling and grasping for an answer as to how this could have happened. Among the many possible culprits under scrutiny is the partys stance on immigration, one of the two issues Trump hammered the hardest during the campaign. With a disturbing vote in the Senate on Friday morning, were seeing congressional Democrats scramble to add their support to the GOPs anti-immigrant agenda in the misguided hope of warding off future defeats.

As a testament to its political salience, the newly GOP-led Congress last week moved forward as its top priority the Laken Riley Act. Riley was a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year.

In brief, the bill focuses on speeding up deportation for accused criminals. The key word there is accused, as the bill changes federal law to require federal law enforcement to detain any undocumented immigrant that is charged with, is arrested for, is convicted of, admits having committed, or admits committing acts which constitute the essential elements of any burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting offense. (Riley's killer was an undocumented migrant from Venezuela who crossed the border in 2022 and had been cited for shoplifting, leading to the provisions in the bill.)

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Lurid as the details of Riley's death are, the bill that is moving forward in her name is ripe for abuse by an administration that is determined to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Trump and others have claimed that his plans will focus on removing dangerous criminals, but the target numbers that are under discussion require a hammer, not a scalpel.

A law that empowers local law enforcement to round up and ship suspects to federal detention facilities will only add to how many innocents, including potentially American citizens, will be caught up in the dragnet. In short, this new legal impetus for detaining and potentially removing anyone even accused of a crime will certainly make it easier to justify the possible violations of due process that are likely to follow.

There are also reasons for Democrats to be skeptical about this bill that cut beyond enabling Trumps deportation sweeps. The law as written would grant new powers to state attorneys general to sue the federal government if the State or its residents experience harm, including financial harm in excess of $100. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which will be tasked with managing a new influx of detainees, said in a recent memo that the act would be impossible to execute with existing resources. Likewise, an effort to ramp up deportation of criminals known as the Safe Communities program did little to make communities safer:

A primary goal of the program was reducing crime, however, the share of those deported that had a serious criminal conviction was relatively small: 17% of those deported as part of Secure Communities were not convicted of any crime, and the most serious criminal conviction for 79% of those deported was non-violent including traffic violations and immigration offenses (such as illegal entry or re-entry or possession of fraudulent documents for 8% of those deported). Researchers have found no evidence that the implementation of Secure Communities had the effect of reducing crime.

But when the House passed its version of the bill last week, it was with more Democratic support than the one introduced last March had obtained. The Senate took up its own draft of the bill this week and its passage now seems all but guaranteed. With no chance that the bill would fail on a simple majority vote, the procedural votes to bring the bill to the floor and open debate passed easily with votes to spare. A truncated amendment process provided no changes that would hope to win over Democratic votes  as a proposed alteration from Sen. Chris Coons, D-Conn., to strip out the provisions empowering state attorneys general went down on a party line vote.

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With 53 seats in the Senate this term, Republicans need at least seven Democrats to back any legislation to overcome a potential filibuster. The bill cleared that hurdle easily on Friday morning with at least eight votes from across the aisle to move the bill to a final vote. Theres no guarantee that all of them will vote for final passage, but given the names on the list, many of whom are moderates from states that Trump won in November, a change of heart seems unlikely.

What were seeing unfold feels like the immigration version of the debate in the 1990s on crime, when Democrats were overly eager to prove that they could be tough on criminals. The resulting laws broke up communities, enabled bigoted targeting and have been looked upon harshly in hindsight. The Laken Riley Act is the debunked broken windows theory of crime prevention applied to deportation, the idea that an undocumented migrant accused of a low-level crime is inherently possible of committing more violent crimes in the future.

This rush to provide a new set of tools for the incoming administration to carry out its most extreme policies seems imprudent. Democratic support for this bill seems like it will at best help some politicians political fortunes while doing little to reduce crime. It would come at the expense of harming an untold number of people, a calculation that should have left the bill stalled out in the Senate rather than on a trajectory to Trumps desk once a final version passes in the House.

Passing a bad law wont bring Laken Riley back to life nor will it make communities safer. Democrats backing a bad law wont reverse last Novembers loss or inoculate them from further GOP attacks. It is a failure both of policy and politics for them to pretend otherwise.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
With President Trumps inauguration coming up soon and Beijing already levying new export restrictions and sanctions, 2025 promises to be an eventful year for the U.S.-China trade war. And while the impact is likely to be widespread, Beijing is explicitly targeting the American defense sector.

The actions by China are forcing a reckoning with the uncomfortable reality that America has outsourced large parts of its military supply chain to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party. Breaking this dependency will require incentivizing the private sector to find and create alternatives.

Successfully infiltrating an adversarys supply chain presents opportunities to conduct devastating acts of sabotage. Last Septembers detonation of thousands of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies by Israel is a prime example. It also enables exceptionally effective espionage. After covertly acquiring a company that sold cryptography machines, American and West German intelligence were able to read the classified communications of dozens of countries for the next half century.

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Such coups typically require significant effort and no small amount of luck. Sometimes nations inadvertently compromise themselves. Germany and Japans widespread use of forced labor during World War II gave their prisoners ample opportunity to sabotage the production of everything from munitions to aircraft and warships.

But the U.S. may be the first country to deliberately outsource its military supply chain to an adversary in exchange for cost savings.

The scale of the U.S. militarys dependence on China is staggering. Carriers, missiles, aircraft, missile defenses and tanks all rely on components or materials sourced from the Peoples Republic. China is the largest foreign supplier of critical technologies for the Department of Defense, ahead of even close allies like the U.K. and Japan. Greg Hayes, the CEO of Raytheon, has stated that it would be impossible for him to decouple from China, as his company relies on thousands of suppliers there.

This dependency gives China unprecedented leverage. It leaves critical military equipment vulnerable not only to sabotage, but also to the risk that Beijing decides to simply close the spigot, depriving American companies of the inputs they rely on. And President Xi makes no secret of his intention to wield foreign dependency as a weapon.

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Washington is attempting to unwind this risk. In 2022 the Defense Department released recommendations for securing critical supply chains and recently followed up with a National Defense Industrial Strategy. Initiatives like the CHIPS Act and Pentagon contracts awarded to American and Australian rare earth mining companies will help rebuild capacity.

These are steps in the right direction, but truly solving the problem will require more than central management from Washington. It will require incentivizing the private sector to do what it does best  develop innovative solutions in response to market demand.

The defense industry relies on Chinese suppliers for the same reason other U.S. companies do. They are frequently cheaper and, after decades of offshoring, domestic alternatives may no longer exist. When Hayes describes decoupling as impossible, what he really means is that it would be expensive and take time.

Congress and the Pentagon need to make it clear that a failure to decouple will be even more costly. Legislation should set a target date by which all weapons and equipment are free from Chinese inputs. It should include annual reduction milestones and heavy fines for failure to meet them. Sufficient pressure on their bottom line will undoubtedly inspire solutions to this impossible problem. Knowing that defense companies are required to purchase from domestic and allied suppliers will also incentivize investment by firms eager to compete for their business.

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To understand the true scope of this problem, Congress should also pass the Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act. This bipartisan legislation directs the secretary of Defense to submit reports identifying military procurement dependencies on China and plans to reduce them. Public hearings should be held. The American people deserve to know the extent of their militarys dependence on China, as well as how much of the U.S. defense budget is subsidizing Chinese industry.

By sabotaging just pagers and radios, Israel was able to inflict thousands of casualties on Hezbollah and shatter the terrorist groups ability to coordinate. Meanwhile, China has been handed indirect access to much of what the U.S. military uses. It is inconceivable that Beijing has not taken advantage of this opening to compromise the integrity of American military hardware. Nor do we have to wonder what the impact would be if President Xi follows through with his threat to halt exports. In October he fired a warning shot, sanctioning Skydio, an American drone maker whose customers include the U.S. military. The downstream impact was immediate. Within days Skydio started rationing batteries, which it sources from China.

As long as Beijing has the ability to manipulate or shut down exports upon which the American military depends, it has the power to disarm the U.S. As Trump and his national security team prepare to take office, removing this leverage must be a top priority. China must not be allowed to hold Americas national security hostage.

Dan Nidess is a former Marine captain, veteran of the war in Iraq, and former product manager at the Defense Innovation Unit. He currently works in the tech sector.

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If the pledges of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are to be believed, the incoming Trump administration will make defunding public broadcasting a priority. The Department of Government Efficiency leaders have specifically targeted the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which directs federal funds to National Public Radio and public television. Their view is in line with that of conservatives generally, who have come to see public media as a progressive bastion.

Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Pew Research Centers Project for Excellence in Journalism, has said, NPR and PBS have among the bigger partisan gaps in believability. Only 16 percent of Republicans, the Pew project has found, say they believe what they hear on NPR.

Such findings notwithstanding, defunding is no sure thing. The first Trump administration proposed zeroing out the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (which receives $535 million in federal funds) four times and failed each time. No small number of Republicans like their hometown public broadcasting stations  some of which are key sources of local news  and voted accordingly.

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It will not be conservative public opinion but the votes of members of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee which will be a key decider of fundings fate. Its Republican members include Michigan Rep. John Moolenaar, a member of the partys moderate Main Street Caucus.

But even if NPR and PBS survive the latest defunding proposal, that does not mean they should continue to operate as they have been. NPR especially must seek to understand the reasons it is regularly targeted. It should start by reflecting on its name  which includes national. It is in its mandate to serve a broad geographic and cultural cross section of America where NPR, with some 21 million weekly newscast listeners, is falling short. The ten highest-rated NPR stations are, with the exception of Anchorage, all in university towns or politically blue cities, such as Austin.

Average listener household income is more than $115,000  a plus for gaining advertisers (aka funders). NPR stations with the most significant news operations are found in similar locations  including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. Its worth noting that, even in these cities, public radio listenership has been in decline. There are some local NPR news operations south of the Mason-Dixon line (Nashville, Atlanta and Charlotte) but they have smaller audiences.

These are problems which can be fixed  but doing so will require rethinking what stories are actually included on All Things Considered and Morning Edition. To reach a wider swathe of America, these flagship programs should regularly include important stories produced not in Washington but by stations across the country.

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When listeners say they mistrust NPR, they may actually mean that they are disaffected by story selection. A persistent focus on climate change, abortion and transgender rights may seem disproportionate to many in more centrist and conservative regions, where stories about the charitable endeavors of megachurches or efforts to keep teenagers from pornographic websites might be of interest or concern.

To reach a wider audience  to be truly national, in other words  NPR, and the PBS NewsHour, as well, should look to the network of more than 1,000 public radio stations. These can be sources from which news  defined as both important and surprising  can bubble up. With so many listening posts across the country, NPR should have learned first of the opioid overdose or subprime mortgage crises.

One can imagine a nightly feature that might be dubbed The Big Story in Boise, or Birmingham, or Baton Rouge. These should not be local stories that illustrate already well-trod national themes but developments that reflect regional concerns and disputes. Inevitably, they will include voices that are politically and culturally disparate.

Public media, in other words, should seek geographic diversity  as a way to win back listeners and viewers and defuse the controversy which perennially dogs it. Indeed, this would be the right time to revise the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 to require regularly reporting to Congress on public media audiences in specific cities and states across the country.

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Public broadcasting must not succumb to the temptation of defending its current fares  such as childrens television  as proof that it deserves unquestioned ongoing funding. Instead, it needs to acknowledge, for instance, that the N in NPR now stands for niche, as in niche audience. Thats a long way from the authorizing language of the Public Broadcasting Act, signed by Lyndon Johnson, which includes the goal to encourage public telecommunications services which will be responsive to the interests of people both in particular localities and throughout the United States. Its a goal that has proven elusive but still must be sought.

If public media cant serve the American public at large, it deserves to lose its funding.

Howard Husock, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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More than 800 Americans in Northern California have now joined in a class-action lawsuit against their Democratic congressional representatives, charging them with illegally helping to provide weapons to Israel for use in committing genocide in Gaza. News of the suit has caused a stir in the Bay Area, with media coverage putting the pair, Rep. Jared Huffman and Rep. Mike Thompson, on the defensive.

Legal experts may be correct that the suit is destined to be thrown out of court. The judicial branch has rarely been willing to interfere with the foreign policy decisions of the legislative or executive branch, and issues like legal standing and the Constitutions Speech or Debate Clause have routinely shielded legislators. But harping on the steep uphill climb for the lawsuit  and others like it now being prepared by plaintiffs elsewhere in the country  misses the political point.

I decided to join the lawsuit as a plaintiff and to help publicize it because I think that even if the action loses in court, it will win in public discourse. And that will, justifiably, make the congressional defendants the losers.

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Like other plaintiffs in the Northern California case, I believe that our lawsuit is on solid ground of justice. The arms shipments to Israels military have violated the Constitution, the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide and U.S. federal laws  including the Leahy law, which prohibits the government from using funds for assistance to units of foreign security forces where there is credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights. The namesake of the law, former Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), says it is being violated.

In effect, by enabling approval of $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel last spring, 366 members of the House voted to force constituents into being complicit in genocide. No amount of rhetoric can change that overarching reality. And no amount of legalistic arguments will deflect the profound effects that moral revulsion can have on politics.

Before the winter ends, dozens of members of Congress, mostly Democrats, are likely to be facing class-action lawsuits from constituents accusing them of illegal and immoral complicity in genocide. Such lawsuits promise to spotlight what many of those lawmakers would much prefer to keep in the shadows.

Legalistic issues of standing and the like avoid far deeper questions. Anyone who contends that the federal court system is immune from an eras politics might want to ponder the difference between the Supreme Courts 1896 separate but equal ruling in Plessy vs. Ferguson and its 1954 ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education.

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Drawing media attention to congressional votes for massive arms shipments to Israel will expose lawmakers who staked out positions opposed by the majority of voters. While the defendants may triumph legally, victory will tend to be Pyrrhic  winning in federal court, but losing in the court of public opinion.

Whats more, as with the lawsuit against Huffman and Thompson, the plaintiffs will be largely organized by congressional district while pursuing community outreach strategies  a potentially ominous prospect for politicians seeking reelection. Liberal members of the House who have voted to arm Israels military would be wise to recall that entrenched liberal Democrats like former Reps. Eliot Engel, Michael Capuano and Joseph Crowley have fallen to primary challengers who were in part propelled by antiwar sentiment.

Incumbents can easily become so preoccupied with the touted pragmatism of conventional political wisdom that they dont realize how much the Capitol Hill bubble has insulated them from the moral passions emerging with political force back home. No one now in Congress is in more danger of a primary upset next year than Democrats in blue districts who pay more attention to mainstream punditry and the herd behavior of their peers than to the anguish and anger of their constituents whose pleas to help stop the war in Gaza have fallen on deaf ears.

Most House Democrats  including a majority of the Congressional Progressive Caucus  have stonewalled such pleas, causing many voters to believe that their representatives have a fortress mentality enabling atrocities against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Few members of Congress, even from the most liberal districts, have been willing to publicly affirm the conclusions reached by widely respected human rights organizations that Israel has been engaging in genocide.

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Last month, Amnesty International released a 296-page report concluding that Israel has been committing genocide brazenly, continuously and with total impunity  with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians, engaging in prohibited acts under the Genocide Convention. Weeks later, Human Rights Watch released new findings that Israeli authorities are responsible for the crime against humanity of extermination and for acts of genocide.

Few politicians up for reelection want to face a homegrown debate about whether they have aided and abetted genocide. Lawsuits such as the one filed in Northern California will make these debates part of the 2026 midterm election.

Norman Solomon is cofounder of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. His book War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine was published in 2023.

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I spent much of the past two years following and applauding the efforts of special counsel Jack Smith to bring Donald Trump to book. But I am coming around to agreeing with Trump that Smith is a lame-brain prosecutor  weak and totally ineffectual.

Trump may have been taking his characteristically exaggerated victory lap, but good prosecutors bring the right charges and make them stick.

To be sure, there are some mitigating excuses for Smith. Attorney General Merrick Garland sent Smith on a kamikaze mission, having wasted almost two years before appointing him on Nov. 18, 2022, less than two years before the 2024 presidential election. Smith arrived late to the party and had little room to turn around. He also had to deal with an ethically challenged Supreme Court, with three Trump-appointed justices who were not likely to do him any favors. But Smith knew all that  or should have known it.

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Garland appointed Smith to investigate and prosecute matters related to efforts to interfere with the 2020 presidential election, as well as classified documents found in Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence. No one has adequately explained why Garland, with his meek, from-the-bottom-up approach, waited so long to appoint a special counsel  or even why he needed to appoint a special counsel in the first place. Still, all in all, Smith could have done better before hitting the wall of Trumps reelection.

Throttled by his inability to try Trump in time, Smith had to be content with a hit-and-run 137-page report. The report is prefaced by a four-page letter from Smith to Garland, piously citing such luminaries as President John Adams, Justice Robert Jackson and Attorney General Edward H. Levi about prosecutorial independence and the rule of law.

Under our constitutional and legal structure, it is all but impossible for the government to prosecute high-ranking political figures from the party opposed to the one in power without the appearance of biased political prosecution, and all the special counsels in the world will not wash away the accusation of partisan bias if the body politic is prepared to believe it.

Smiths letter cited John Adams for the fundamental value of our democracy that we exist as a government of laws, and not of men. But our prized rule of law must inevitably be administered by men and women who are subject to being undermined by political attack.

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While Trump tried from the get-go to brand Smith as a tool of his political adversary, President Joe Biden, Smith in his letter stressed that 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. The irony is that the same could apply equally to Garland or any official of the Justice Department. So why did we need a special counsel in the first place?

The report determines that substantial evidence demonstrates that Trump  engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power. It concludes that, but for Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial. In short, Smith laments that Trump would have been convicted by a jury.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

Smiths report fails to explain adequately why he did not bring charges against Trump for insurrection under 18 USC Section 2383, noting lamely that such cases are rare and definitions of insurrection are unclear, raising concerns that such a charge would endanger the larger case. How so? Section 2383 criminalizes assisting or engaging in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the U.S. Smith concedes there are reasonable arguments to conclude Trump did just that.

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Importantly, Section 2383 carries with it a penalty not present in any of the other federal criminal statutes Smith used to bring charges against Trump. It is the only arrow in the prosecutorial quiver that provides for disqualification from holding any office under the United States. Because of this penalty, Smith may have been able to move more quickly for a trial on this charge before the election, since Trumps guilt of insurrection might have brought about his disqualification. All the evidence was there.

Smith overlooks that a Colorado trial court found as a fact that Trump actively primed the anger of his extremist supporters, and acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol. This finding of insurrection was affirmed or assumed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The report says Smith determined that there were reasonable arguments to be made that Mr. Trumps Ellipse Speech incited the violence at the Capitol on January 6 and could satisfy the Supreme Courts standard for incitement,  particularly when the speech is viewed in the context of Mr. Trumps lengthy and deceitful voter-fraud narrative that came before it.

Smith found the evidence established that the violence was foreseeable, 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.

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Smith thus gave up the ghost on insurrection. In light of the other powerful charges available and the unwarranted litigation risk of charging Trump with inciting an insurrection, he decided not to level that charge.

What lame-brained nonsense!

Smith assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction. But there was to be no trial, even though conviction was a virtual certainty  but for Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency.

The report is not even an indictment; it is only a footnote to history. But the report says something sad about Smith. Effective prosecutors dont throw in the towel so readily. Only lame-brained ones do.

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James D. Zirin, author and legal analyst, is a former federal prosecutor in New Yorks Southern District. He is also the host of the public television talk show and podcast Conversations with Jim Zirin.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Police in South Africa warn that identifying the dozens of bodies retrieved this week from a disused mine in Stilfontein will be a mammoth task. According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, at least 78 corpses have been brought to the surface since Monday, alongside more than 240 illegal miners, many of whom had reportedly been underground since November.

Authorities stepped up operations to seal the mine entrance in November, aiming to disrupt illicit mining activity by preventing supplies from reaching the extensive shaft system. Police insist the miners were always free to exit; however, some allegedly feared arrest or were coerced to remain by organized gangs that dominate the illegal mining trade.

South Africas Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe defended the governments heavy-handed measures, describing illegal mining as an attack on the economy. Rights groups and a local trade union accuse officials of inhumane tactics, citing the dire conditions discovered underground, where many miners appeared malnourished after being cut off for weeks.

Only two of the deceased have been positively identified so far, a process complicated by several factors. Many victims are believed to be undocumented migrants from neighboring Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. Brigadier Mathe noted that many of the bodies have decomposed significantly, making DNA analysis both time-consuming and challenging.

Unregulated extraction has become increasingly prevalent in South Africa, where decommissioned mines are often taken over by criminal syndicates looking to exploit remaining mineral deposits. While the government touts recent crackdowns as essential, critics argue that structural issues such as unemployment and poverty continue to push desperate people into hazardous, clandestine work underground.
The Los Angeles fires have put the states breach of the basic social contract on full, horrific display. The citizens upheld their end of the deal: they paid taxes and complied with the law in exchange for basic services like safety and functional fire hydrants. Yet Los Angeles, one of Americas great cities, is burning down before our eyes.

The Los Angeles fires have caused unprecedented devastation. As of Jan. 15, they have claimed 25 lives, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Over 12,300 structures are destroyed, including homes, businesses and vehicles. Approximately 319,000 residents have been subjected to evacuation orders and warnings to seek refuge from the advancing flames.

More than 40,000 Los Angeles acres have burned; the Palisades fire alone has consumed over 23,700 acres. To put this in perspective, all of Manhattan is 14,600 acres.

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Preliminary damage estimates days ago ranged between $250 billion and $275 billion, with the end to the damage not yet in sight. This is very likely the costliest disaster in U.S. history.

California residents endure one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, with property tax rates in Los Angeles taking 1.25 percent from residents and a state income tax rate that tops out at 13.3 percent. Based on property and income tax estimates, Pacific Palisades residents contribute over $715 million in taxes annually to the state and county. According to Zillow, the average value of a Pacific Palisades home was $3.46 million. With the total number of Palisades homes estimated at 8,892, thats $385 million in annual property taxes to the state and approximately $330 million in state income tax, based on an estimated average Palisades household income at the 10.3 percent tax rate.

In exchange for these revenues, however, Pacific Palisades got empty reservoirs, inoperable fire hydrants, deaths and injuries of neighbors, and a city that no longer exists.

In an interview with Chris Cuomo posted on Saturday, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) angrily blamed the residents of Palisades for losing their homes, claiming the failed fire response was because Palisades residents did not pay their fair taxes. Note that no Los Angeles leader has ever suggested that fire preparedness and response is fatally defective due to insufficient tax revenue. There is also no evidence that city or state leadership ever proposed higher taxes for Pacific Palisades residents to meet fire safety requirements or that those residents resisted such a proposal.

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The inescapable fact is delivery of basic services, for which government is responsible, would have substantially mitigated this disaster. The citizens of California and Los Angeles are paying a high price for the gross negligence of the state and local governments, a breach of contract with unprecedented damages.

The concept of the social contract, as articulated by political theorists, suggests a tacit agreement whereby citizens cede various rights in exchange for government services. Citizens voluntarily surrender certain freedoms and contribute taxes and resources in exchange for the states obligation to provide safety, justice and public infrastructure. This mutual agreement is the cornerstone of organized society: the state ensures order and security, while citizens comply with laws and contribute to the collective good.

On Friday, I helped evacuate my parents from our Los Angeles family home. As my nephew and I were packing up our cars, we did so knowing that America has the capability and resources to put this fire out and fast. The continuing disaster is a leadership issue. The state breached its contract before the fire and in its response after the blazes ensued.

In Los Angeles, the government has left the citizen without even functioning fire hydrants; The Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades was inexplicably drained and has been offline since February of last year. The Santa Ynez Reservoirs capacity is 117 million gallons of water. Firefighters resorted to three 1-million-gallon tanks that went dry at a critical point of the firefight. Already stretched thin, firefighters were left without essential tools to combat the infernos.

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The Los Angeles Fire Department has repeatedly warned about these systemic issues, but leadership remained arrogant and rejected their pleas.

Since the start of the fires, more than 100 fire-related arrests have been made, including two arson arrests and dozens of alleged looters. There is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsoms deliberate erosion of rule of law in California and the start of these fires. Criminals have become fully emboldened by the lack of law enforcement. Though arson investigations are active, arrests have been scarce. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has taken over investigations into the causes of the LA fires.

Political philosopher Thomas Hobbes wrote that the safety of the people is the supreme law. Californians and Angelenos are told to rely on the state for safety but are then abandoned when danger strikes. The social contract requires citizens to relinquish the right to enforce justice and use violence as vigilantes in exchange for the state providing law enforcement and public safety. But this state does not protect its citizens, leaving them to defend themselves. Then it denies them the right to protect themselves by denying their concealed carry permit applications. The system thus effectively criminalizes the human right of self-defense and the constitutionally guaranteed Second Amendment right to bear arms.

In Los Angeles, gunpoint robberies at restaurants, home burglaries and murder are now an expected part of life. Similar trends plague Democrat-run New York City and Chicago, where defunded, under-utilized or demoralized police forces struggle to maintain order. In New York City, a woman was burned alive on the subway, and a citizen acting in defense of self and of others was prosecuted. In Chicago, murder rates within various periods have exceeded casualty rates in the Iraq war.

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Criminals are completely out of control. There is no deterrence and no fear of law enforcement.

This is not governance; it is malpractice, and arguably criminal negligence.

Its time to renegotiate the social contract. That starts not just with ending the careers of Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom but terminating this criminally negligent Bass-Newsom brand of leadership.

We should reimagine governance that returns to the basics of delivering public safety, infrastructure and protecting the fundamental rights of the people. The bar is pretty low for new leadership.

It is time for California to return to being the Golden State and Los Angeles to again become the shining city on the hill. Lets re-author the social contract, before the fires consuming our cities spread irreparably to the basic fabric of our society.

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Omar Qudrat is an attorney, former U.S. Department of Defense official and counterterrorism prosecutor. He holds the rank of major in the U.S. Army Reserve. Born and raised in Los Angeles, his parents were married in their relatives Pacific Palisades home that has burned down in the LA fires.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Private prison executives look poised to pull off a multi-billion dollar cash grab at taxpayer expense via a cynical ploy to capitalize on the tragic death of a Georgia nursing student.

This week, the Senate took up debate on the Laken Riley Act, which would expand mandatory immigration detention, after it was passed by the House. Current law already grants officials sweeping authority to arrest anyone they suspect lacks legal immigration status and to imprison them thousands of miles away in isolated jails in remote parts of the country. The law also already makes detention mandatory for people who lack a legal right to admission to the U.S. and for people convicted of certain crimes, including minor theft offenses.

But the Laken Riley Act goes a step further by making immigration detention mandatory for people merely accused of theft offenses such as shoplifting  however minor those acts are considered in the jurisdiction where they occurred, however long ago they occurred and even without any evidence that they actually did occur. An adopted amendment to the bill adds additional grounds for mandatory detention based on accusations alone.

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Detention is simply a sanitized term for prison. Many detention centers are actually repurposed criminal jails and prisons that emptied out as Americas crime rate dropped to historic lows. Mandatory detention requires immigration officials to lock up people without any suspicion that they are a danger to the community or a flight risk; without any right to a hearing before a judge to request release on bond or supervision; and without any time limit to the length of incarceration.

The only way out of mandatory immigration detention is accepting deportation or winning an immigration case  even though such cases can take years to wind their way through court. Right now, over 700 people have been held for longer than a year in immigration detention, with nearly 10 percent of them held longer than two years.

Good-faith supporters of the Laken Riley Act may believe that its common sense that more mandatory detention makes immigration enforcement more efficient. But 30 years of experience demonstrates the opposite.

Since mandatory immigration detention was first signed into law in 1996 for a subset of people in deportation proceedings, it has turned into a cash bonanza for the private prison industry. In 1995, the average daily detention population was 7,475. Today, over 39,000 people a day are held in immigration detention, with over 90 percent of them in private prisons and 62 percent of them in mandatory detention. In Fiscal Year 2024, Congress appropriated $3.43 billion to immigration detention centers alone, more than was allotted for programs to eliminate homelessness, create middle-class jobs in supply chain infrastructure or replace toxic lead pipes carrying drinking water.

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Mandatory immigration detention hasnt brought efficiency. Since 2006, as mandatory detention has exploded, a removal case for a detained person now takes a median of seven times as long. It hasnt brought safety. Noncitizens have significantly lower crime rates than native-born citizens across criminal offenses, including violent, property, drug and traffic crimes. Over 60 percent of people in immigration detention have no criminal record at all, with traffic offenses being the most common conviction.

Mandatory detention hasnt brought accuracy. A six-year snapshot of Immigration and Customs Enforcement data shows erroneous detention of nearly 1,500 American citizens, with some held for years. And it certainly hasnt brought decency. As scores of lawsuits and investigations show, people in immigration detention endure serial abuse at the hands of officials, including forced labor, sexual abuse, torture and preventable deaths.

In fact, the only people who would benefit from the Laken Riley Acts proposed expansion of mandatory detention are the private prison executives reaping a bonus this year, many of them former Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials now collecting corporate salaries funded by the contracts they arranged while working for the federal government. Stock prices for the two largest private detention contractors, GeoGroup and CoreCivic, are up 74 percent and 55 percent. The COO of CoreCivic recently crowed to shareholders about the historic value proposition from these government contracts. And on cue, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have asked for an additional $3.2 billion to pass along to their prison executive cronies if the Laken Riley Act passes.

Three decades of mandatory immigration detention have wasted enough taxpayer money and inflicted enough lasting damage on the rights of American citizens and immigrants alike. The Senate should reject this blatant corporate cash grab.

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Anthony Enriquez is the vice president of U.S. advocacy and litigation at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

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Donald Trump made history this week, but not in a good way.

As far as I am aware, with the release of Jack Smiths report on Trumps criminal culpability for the events of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump is the first person in American history to be investigated by two separate special counsels.



Theres some real irony here. Robert Mueller declined to prosecute Trump because he was a sitting president. Smith did prosecute Trump but was forced to drop his case when Trump was elected president.

Trump was able to run out the clock because it took two-and-a-half years to indict him for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. But suppose Smith had also been authorized to pick up where Mueller left off and prosecute Trumps indictment-ready pre-2020 crimes that were still within the statute of limitations? If nothing else, Trumps presidential immunity claims would have been resolved much sooner and not delayed a trial on the election interference indictment.

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And what a trial it would have been. Smiths final report explains how there was plenty of admissible evidence for a conviction, even after the Supreme Courts decision granting Trump blanket criminal immunity for official acts. But that trial never happened, and thats a damning indictment of Attorney General Merrick Garland, who appointed Smith.

If Garland had been more focused on enforcing the rule of law and less focused on the political implications, the world might look very different today. It is true that the report indicates the Department of Justice was investigating Trumps involvement in the events of January 6 earlier than most people thought. But Garland had four years to prosecute a crime that the entire country watched play out on live TV. He failed. Garland hesitated because he was concerned that the precedent of prosecuting a former president would be bad for the country. Hows that working out for him now?

There is a further irony here. The report is in two parts. The first dealt with charges related to the efforts to overturn the election results. The second dealt with Trump retaining and concealing classified documents. The second part of the report wasnt released because, while Smith dropped his prosecution of Trump, the Department of Justice is still prosecuting Trumps alleged co-conspirators, Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira.

But there is zero chance that these prosecutions will continue  or that the report will be released  once Trump takes office. So Garland first frustrated the effort to hold Trump accountable by being reluctant to charge him and then frustrated the effort to hold Trump accountable by refusing to drop now-pointless charges against Trumps co-conspirators. Talk about the road to hell being paved with good intentions.

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The report itself doesnt contain a lot of new information that wasnt explored by the House January 6 committee. Perhaps the most interesting new details had to do with how the plot developed to appoint fake electors and use them to manufacture a conflict during the electoral count. Smith traces this scheme back to Trump himself and ties it together with Trumps full-court press to convince Vice President Mike Pence to sabotage the electoral vote count.

The reports bottom line is this: [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. Trump escaped being tried by a jury, but posterity will judge him guilty nonetheless.

Legally, Jack Smiths report doesnt matter. Though Smith sought to drop the charges against Trump without prejudice, meaning they could theoretically be reinstated, there is no chance of that happening. Trump cannot be prosecuted while president and, because the statute of limitations continues to run, he will not be prosecuted after 2028, either.

There is an easy, one-line fix in the law for this statute-of-limitations problem, but President Biden refused to push for it during his presidency. Had he done so, the indictment could be reinstated once Trump leaves office. This is just the first of what Im afraid will be many examples where Bidens failure to Trump-proof our democracy will come back to haunt us.

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Historically, Smiths report matters quite a lot. It is a monument to what might have been, a cautionary tale that, assuming American democracy survives sufficiently intact, may motivate some future president and some future congress to do what Joe Biden and Merrick Garland failed to do: strengthen the rule of law and rebuild the guardrails of democracy.

Yes, the Smith report is a monument. Lets hope it is a guidepost and not a gravestone.

Chris Truax is a charter member of the Society for the Rule of Law and an appellate attorney.

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Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher (update links).

Just as it appeared Donald Trumps controversial nominees were all but confirmed, it seems one of the president-elects most high-profile picks might be on the chopping block.

Thats according to Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, who chairs the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and is, among other titles, the Democratic Partys chief deputy whip. Schatz told co-host Andy Levy on the latest episode of The New Abnormal that RFK Jr., Trumps choice for health secretary, is in serious peril of losing his nomination battle.

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Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast.

Schatz noted a number of Republicans that have grave, grave reservations surrounding Kennedys role, and warned that he personally found the vaccine skeptic super, super dangerous. He added: But let me tell you what, people really will die if this person is in charge of HHS.

Plus! The New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Maree Brown joins co-host Danielle Moodie to discuss Octavia Butlers 1993 sci-fi novel, Parable of the Sower, which eerily predicted the recent L.A. firesand more.

Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher (update links).
When I started interviewing state Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, this week about his bill that would drastically lower the number of signatures needed to reach a primary ballot in Utah, I had one thought in mind.

How would Utah handle elections with all the candidates who would sign up?

One year ago, Utah Republicans faced four choices on the primary ballot to replace Mitt Romney as the partys nominee for U.S. Senate. In the race for the third congressional district, party voters faced five choices.

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With five on the ballot, someone might win with a little more than 20%. Would that be considered legitimate?

If his bill passes, I asked him, shouldnt the state adopt a runoff or ranked-choice system for declaring a winner if no one gets a decent percentage of votes (whatever that is)?

But he stopped me cold.

What other states do

This would not be a weird way to do things, he said. If we make this change, we would take Utah to the average of what the other 49 states require.

In other states, if you want to run, you run.

This is true in many states. And, somehow, they arent overwhelmed.

In Hawaii, you can run for the U.S. Senate with 25 signatures , which is a quick trip around the block. In Kentucky, you need just two, but only if youre a Republican or Democrat. Unaffiliated candidates need 5,000.

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But on the other end of the scale, Florida requires 144,419 signatures, or a $10,440 filing fee, whichever you prefer. Personally, I prefer not to have Florida-style politics.

Some states have runoff elections under certain circumstances. Others dont.

Utah right now requires candidates either to be chosen by party convention delegates or to collect 28,000 signatures for a statewide race, such as senator or governor, 7,000 for U.S. House, 2,000 for a state Senate office and 1,000 for a state House seat.

How many signatures?

Wards bill, HB193 , would lower that to 1,000 for senator or governor, 500 for U.S. House, 200 for state Senate and 100 for state House.

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His argument for this could fit on a bumper sticker: It should be difficult to win a campaign, but it should not be difficult to try.

In other words, if you have ideas that resonate with your friends and neighbors, and a desire to serve, you should be able to sign up to run. Once youre a candidate, you can see if those ideas are good enough to raise money to pay what it takes to spread your ideas. And you can see if your speeches and door-to-door campaigning resonate.

More party control?

Wards bill runs counter to the desires of some lawmakers who want more, not less, party control over who makes the ballot. Some want to re-throne the caucus/convention method as the primary means to obtaining office. In a recent op-ed to the Deseret News , several lawmakers said signature gathering overall creates an excessively cumbersome and costly nomination process, with plenty of room for error.

They refer to a performance audit of the signature verification process that found Gov. Spencer Cox might have fallen short of the number of valid signatures needed to make the ballot, even though his signatures had been verified as sufficient.

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But the cumbersome and costly process is also complicated by rules that allow voters to sign only one candidate petition per race, which requires many candidates to hire signature-gathering companies and to race to be the first in line to gather them.

Utahs dual path to the ballot was a compromise more than a decade ago that kept voters from retiring the caucus/convention system entirely through a ballot initiative.

Ward told me he thinks voters should be allowed to sign petitions for as many candidates as they want. It doesnt commit them to vote a certain way. It just expresses their belief that a person ought to be on the ballot.

He also isnt opposed to a runoff election or some other means of resolving close multiple-candidate races.

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But neither of those things is in his bill. One change at a time, he said.

I didnt want to complicate this. I have a steep enough hill to climb as it is.

That steep climb to election reform may be well-trod by the time this legislative session is done.
President-elect Trump has asked the Supreme Court to stop implementation of the bipartisan TikTok law, arguing that he, and only he, can make the law unnecessary.

Our revolutionary forefathers would be appalled.

On Dec. 13, 1774, Paul Revere rode through the night hell-bent for leather. Four months before the Battle of Lexington and Concord and his famous midnight ride, Revere sped to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to urge patriots to seize 100 barrels of gunpowder in Fort William & Mary before a British warship arrived to take the powder.

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When four hundred armed men approached on Dec. 14, Captain John Cochran and five defenders barred the forts gate, firing muskets and cannons as militia rushed forward, but no one was hit. (One suspects the five soldiers, thinking better of antagonizing 400 armed men from a run-down fort, shot a bit high.)

Cochran warned the intruders that it was treason to take the kings powder, but take it they did (and some of that powder reportedly ended up at Bunker Hill). Having seized the fort, the militia tore down a huge British flag with a cheer. King George was aghast at the very flagrant outrage.

Since no one was seriously injured, the war was averted for another four months.

With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution upon us, we should give some thought to why they fought. What motivated the men who stormed Fort William & Mary? And what does it say about todays disputes?

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Many try to encapsulate the revolution in Patrick Henrys famous cry: Give me liberty, or give me death. But Henry made it clear that it was not simply about personal liberty, but the communitys right to decide (even when he disagreed).

The problem was not taxation, but taxation without representation, laws being made in Britain where Americans had no voice. If elected, representatives had a right to our confidence, Henry explained.

Some might quote Thomas Jeffersons immortal all men are created equal for the revolutions meaning. And while the slaveowners sight was often limited to white men, his bold vision has been embraced expansively for all people. But equality means not only empowering the disenfranchised but also recognizing that the powerful are subject to laws made by elected officials.

John Adams insisted that a functioning republic is a government of laws, and not of men. Kings would not dictate here. We needed fixed laws, which the people have a voice in making.

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As a new president takes office who has said that he wants to be a dictator  he now says it was only a joke  it is worth remembering that what drove patriots was a commitment to the idea that this would be a nation of laws, and not of men.

A ruler is a tyrant if bound by no law or limitation, but his own will, Adams explained.

With TikTok, Trump has again asked the Supreme Court to bow to him rather than the law. On the merits of the case  whether national security concerns outweigh free speech interests  I take no position, but Trumps filing asks the court to hold the law in stasis because he thinks that he, and only he, can solve the problem.

He argues he alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform. One might well question his mandate with less than 50 percent of the vote and one of the smallest margins in modern history and the dealmaking of someone who would be wealthier if he had simply invested his massive inheritance, but that isnt the point.

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If the court finds the law violates the First Amendment, it should block it. Congress and a new president can change the law. But the claim that a law should be put on-hold because one man thinks that he can resolve the dispute without the law is an insult to why patriots fought.

We should stay firmly committed to the revolutionary principles: liberty for the people, all created equal, in a nation of laws, not a devotion to one person.

The men who stormed Fort William and Mary that snowy day in December 1774 did not know what was to come, but they were deeply committed to the truth that Jefferson later ensconced in the Declaration: A government must derive its just powers from the consent of the governed.

Our forefathers could not abide by the laws crafted by a distant parliament in which they had no voice or enforced by a king who was above the law.

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John A. Ragosta, Ph.D., JD. is a fellow at Virginia Humanities and former acting director of the International Center for Jefferson Studies. He is the author of For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henrys Final Political Battle.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Our power as citizens in a representative republic depends entirely on our willingness to raise our voices. We elect people who we hope will be honest and wise and who will represent our interests, but they cant do this if they dont hear from us. Our elected representatives will ultimately cast the votes, but we have a responsibility to weigh in, particularly when our own experiences or insights would increase understanding.

Such is the case with our newly elected senator, Sen. John Curtis.

Referring to the confirmation hearings during a Politico Playbook live event on Tuesday, newly sworn in Sen. Curtis said: I take very seriously the role that the Senate has in the Constitution for advice and consent.

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We should all feel grateful to hear this. With regard to President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense, Sen. Curtis has said that he met with Pete Hegseth and his wife, called the colleagues whose names Hegseth gave him and read his book.

While I appreciate these efforts, I must point out that these are hardly unbiased or impartial sources.

On Wednesday evening, Sen. Curtis made this statement: After careful consideration, I have decided to vote in favor of Pete Hegseths nomination to be Secretary of Defense.

If this is the conclusion he reached, I respectfully assert that Sen. Curtis consideration was not careful enough, and I urge him to reconsider his decision. Even the most cursory research would have revealed the numerous credible allegations against Mr. Hegseth of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking on the job and problematic statements about women in the military. Mr. Hegseths own mother sent him an email in 2018 wherein she wrote:

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Son, I have tried to keep quiet about your character and behavior, but ... I cannot stay silent. And as a woman and your mother I feel I must speak out. You are an abuser of women ... 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.

Sen. Curtis has said that character matters to him  that its a big deal. If this is true (and I believe him), then apparently his research did not uncover these deeply troubling details. Either that, or he somehow managed to minimize them. In his statement, Sen. Curtis said: While there are actions from his past that give me pause, I carefully weighed these concerns against his qualifications, leadership style and commitment to bolstering the worlds most respected military.

Wait. He weighed these concerns  concerns about the egregious mistreatment of women among other things  and they carried less import than wanting to bolster the military? As Ive said elsewhere, if we minimize the mistreatment of women, we minimize the worth of women. Period.

Sen. Curtis also mentions Mr. Hegseths qualifications and leadership style, so lets go there.

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The truth is that nothing in Mr. Hegseths past has qualified him to oversee nearly 3.4 million military and civilian personnel and an estimated $850 billion budget, and much, in fact, actively disqualifies him.

In addition to his time in the National Guard, Mr. Hegseths career experience consists of running two small nonprofits (nearly into the ground) and being a Fox News talk show host.

He has a proven track record of financial mismanagement. Tax filings show that both of the nonprofits that Mr. Hegseth led (Vets for Freedom and Concerned Vets for America) had higher expenditures than revenue. And a whistleblower report alleged that drinking, sexual impropriety and financial mismanagement led to his departure from both organizations.

The Secretary of Defense is second-in-command to the commander in chief. During the confirmation hearing, Mr. Hegseth exhibited a shocking lack of understanding and knowledge of our military alliances and basic foreign affairs. He has criticized NATO, suggested that U.S. troops should not be bound by Geneva conventions and supported illegal torture techniques. In his 2024 book, The War on Warriors, he writes:

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What do you do if your enemy does not honor the Geneva conventions? His answer is that the conventions should be ignored. Hey, Al Qaeda: if you surrender, we might spare your life. If you do not, we will rip your arms off and feed them to hogs. He then writes: If our warriors are forced to follow rules arbitrarily ... so that international tribunals feel better about themselves, arent we just better off winning our wars according to our own rules!?

This kind of chilling, anti-Christian, anti-American rhetoric should rattle us all to the core. A respect for the principles of just war theory and absolute adherence to the Geneva Conventions are essential to our survival as a humane and civilized society and must be honored by anyone holding the office of Secretary of Defense.

Of the dozens of individuals in the United States who would be eminently qualified to be Secretary of Defense, why did Trump select Hegseth? The answer seems clear. Loyalty trumps virtually everything else for, well, Trump. Our senators, though  including Sen. Curtis  must demand more.

And as his constituents, we must demand that he demand more. Its possible that Sen. Curtis simply does not fully grasp why Hegseths treatment of women or views on the Geneva conventions are so disqualifying. We cant fault him for that unless we do our part and speak up  or unless he refuses to hear us.

I, therefore, urge all of us  women and those with military backgrounds in particular  to contact Sen. Curtis immediately and share our thoughts about Mr. Hegseth so that he will have the requisite information to fulfill his duty to advise the incoming president to select a person with the necessary character, temperament and qualifications for this critical position. Its not too late for Sen. Curtis to do the right thing.
The advent of the second Trump presidency is upon us, and the vultures have come home to roost. Its a love-fest where autocrats and plutocrats get into bed together in a corporate fascist state that would have made Mussolini proud and makes The Donald jump for joy.

The titans of tech lead the parade to jump onto the new presidents bandwagon. Elon Musk, the man who would be king is clearly the corporate frontrunner for Trumps affections. The new president would be an ingrate for ignoring the man who spent a quarter billion dollars to help him win a second White House term. Trump has already included Musk in a foreign policy discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The titan of Tesla and the company formerly known as Twitter is a frequent guest at the power soirees at Mar-a-Lago. Musks power surge will increase exponentially if he is able to purchase Tik-Tok from the Chinese.

Musk is moving up the MAGA hit parade with a bullet. Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos must act quickly to move up on the Trump hit parade. They need to feast on the Trump food chain and protect the federal goodies available to their companies.

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Zuckerberg is doing his darndest to catch up to Musk and promote himself from Meta CEO to MAGA CEO. Like Amazon, Meta made a seven figure contribution to the Trump inaugural treasure chest. Zuckerberg has ended fact checking on Meta, even though a new round of MAGA lies makes accuracy on social media more vital than ever. He also bought into the Trump attack on diversity and eliminated DEI programs at the company.

Last in line is Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. A current ad for potential Post subscribers states, New administration in office. Same journalists holding power to account. The declining number of Post subscribers might disagree.

Bezos has followed the lead of his fellow moguls and added a million dollars to the Trump inaugural kitty. During the presidential campaign he did his bit by killing his papers endorsement of Kamala Harris. The Post recently backed Trumps nomination of Pam Bondi as attorney general without bothering to mention that she had acted as a lobbyist for Amazon.

The tech kings arent the only ones bringing big money to the nations capital. Several Trump appointees are what CNN describes as uber-wealthy. The nominee for Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has hundreds of millions of dollars in assets and homes stretching from North Dakota to the Bahamas.

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In his confirmation testimony, Bessent said that Trumps policies could usher in a new economic golden age. What he really meant was that bankers and billionaires would get a lot more gold now that Trump, a corporate CEO himself, holds the reins.

No member of the new administration will want for lunch money. But the recipients of grants from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will go hungry if congressional Republicans get their way and reduce funding for the program to pay for Trumps tax cuts for bankers and billionaires.

Trump ran as a populist and successfully touched the millions of voters who were fed up with the status quo. Now he is furiously courting the corporate status quo and starting to alienate the populist contingent of true believers who have struck with him through hell and high water and legal liability and conviction for felony fraud. Now Democrats need to drive a wedge between Trumps corporate and working-class constituencies

The second Trump presidency is a monument to the birth of a new Gilded Age that marked the United States of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Concentration of corporate power was the crown jewel of William McKinleys presidency. Back then, a rich industrialist, Mark Hanna was the power behind the throne. Musk could play the same role for Trump.

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The MAGA crowd and Democrats should keep in mind that McKinleys successor, the great trustbuster Teddy Roosevelt, started the campaign to bring the rotten corporate edifice down. TRs distant cousin Franklin Roosevelt finished the job.

Joe Biden has never been much of a populist, but even he was worried enough about the alarming concentration of wealth and power in the Trump regime that he used his nationally televised address on Wednesday to warn Americans about the dangers of oligarchy.

Trump will try to tear apart much of what Biden and his Democratic predecessors created. Democrats will attempt to stop these efforts, but that wont be enough to satisfy most Americans who have nothing but contempt for the status quo. Progressives must go above and beyond that standard and call for an economy that rewards all Americans, not just the ultra-wealthy corporate magnates who feast at the government trough.

Democrats must aggressively and progressively exploit this crack in Trumps armor. Joseph Geevarghese, the head of Our Revolution, put it best when he said, If were gonna win, the only path is representing regular, everyday Americans who are about to get screwed by Trump and the oligarchs.

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Truer words were never spoken.

Brad Bannon is a national Democratic strategist and CEO of Bannon Communications Research which polls for Democrats, labor unions and progressive issue groups. He hosts the popular progressive podcast on power, politics and policy, Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th president, he will have been the most dominant Republican political figure since at least 2015. When he finishes his term, hell have spent close to a decade and a half atop American politics. While I find him repugnant, we should probably put away the word normalize in discussing his effects on our democracy.

For a whole cohort of younger voters, Trump and Trumpism are how they came to politics. For some, theyre what they prefer. For others, theyre merely an unwelcome reality of American democracy. But in either case, he is their normal.

We know that political socialization in the teens and 20s is an important period in shaping a persons partisan preferences. So Trumps success is a potential foothold for MAGA-type candidates with a generation of younger, predominantly male voters who are right now developing their adult political identities.

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In terms of political socialization, it matters when and how you become an active voter. Voting, as scholars Alan S. Gerber, Donald P. Green and Ronald Shachar have argued, may be habit forming. Theres plenty of evidence that the electoral choices young voters are making now could harden into the partisan identifications they carry into their middle and late adulthoods.

Daniel A. Cox of the American Enterprise Institute, a right-leaning think tank, produced an excellent analysis of youth voting data in the 2024 election. This past cycle, 56% of young men voted for Trump, compared with 40% of young women. Whats more, 2018-24 saw men 18-29 go from D+19 to R+13. Women shifted, too, sliding from D+33 to D+18.

Still, Trumps strength was among young men. As Cox notes, per The Associated Press VoteCast Data, 55% of young men who voted held favorable views of Trump.

That should be worrying for small-l liberals given what it could mean in crucial battleground states. According to analysis from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning Engagement at Tufts University, In key battleground states like Arizona, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania, where Biden had strong double-digit youth support in 2020, Harris still won young voters but by a much smaller single-digit margin. We will have to wait some time for more complete election analysis, but the early trend lines simply dont portend a coming rejection of Trumpism and a national snap back to some vaunted normal.

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I dont believe its a short-term problem that Trump managed to turn out these young voters, especially men. Its plausible a MAGA-fied GOP could retain these voters over multiple cycles and lock in their identity as loyal partisans.

Moreover, whereas generalizations about young liberals and old conservatives miss the mark, when a person comes of age is important for political identity. As political scientist Derek Fischer writes in his analysis of generational political identities from 1976 to 2020, Partisan identities are adopted in early adulthood, stabilize quickly, and thereafter become highly resistant to more than transient change. ... Political events and personalities therefore have the greatest and most lasting influence during the stage of life when partisan identities are being formed.

Its true that Vice President Kamala Harris carried the national youth vote. But even as young voters overall rejected Trump, we have reporting to indicate theyve acclimated somewhat to this new era. When NBC News interviewed 20-somethings ahead of this election, one noted never having had an election without Trump on the ballot and stated: Its kind of hard to imagine having a normal election. I dont even know what that means anymore. Pre-election polling from the University of Chicago showed 80% of young voters said at the time that they pretty much already know what they need to know about Trump.

He isnt a mystery to them. They know him. To put a finer point on it, he is all theyve known. And hes all they can expect. There have been three consecutive elections with Trump on the ballot, and 2028 is almost certain to see Republicans compete for who will get to take up the Trumpian mantle.

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That idea brings us from the national electorate to the Republican Party and its base. Here, Trump and his style of politics arent just the new normal for young voters. Theyre wildly popular.

During the 2024 contest, young Republicans strongly preferred Trump to the offerings of a putatively return-to-normal candidate like Nikki Haley. Of the early primary states, New Hampshire boasted comparatively solid youth turnout at 16%. Trump romped in the 18- to 29-year-old demographic, carrying 58%. That tells a clear story about the kind of candidates the GOPs youth wing wants. And when we consider peer effects, the partys young voters could compound the rightward and MAGA direction of the primary electorate.

As political scientist Betsy Sinclair puts it: Politics are incredibly contagious in social networks. Shared political behaviors of an individuals social network affect both participation and political choices.

As for 2028, a December poll from Morning Consult shows Donald Trump Jr. tied with JD Vance as GOP voters top choice, at 30%.

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I take all of this to be a strong indication the party will keep nominating candidates in the Trumpian mold. This means the further normalization of a broken, extremist Republican Party, as each cycle replaces older voters with younger ones whove ever seen only this kind of presidential politics.

Over time, more American voters will come to expect a steady supply of Trumpian candidates. They will expect it because this is their normal. And many will expect it because it is what they want.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
This article was originally published in The Conversation.

A week after Hurricane Sandy flooded New York Citys streets and subways in 2012, the citys schools were back in business. But schools in rural North Carolina did not reopen until almost a month after Hurricane Helene roared through in late September 2024.

While natural disasters and health crises may have long-lasting effects on any school system, in rural areas the lack of physical, financial and organizational resources is amplified when disaster strikes.

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Fortunately, there are solutions. Based on my professional research on emergency preparedness  and my experience working in educational settings  Ive identified several strategies that may help.

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Rural schools have unique disaster challenges

Unlike urban areas, rural districts often have little access to the recreation centers, cultural institutions, university campuses and other structures that could provide temporary sites for classes after a disaster.

Access to these buildings helped schools in New York City in the response to Hurricane Sandy.

Rural areas also have greater distances between homes, fewer buildings that can be used for temporary schooling, and deteriorating infrastructure. Educational resources are often insufficient, transportation is difficult, and many areas lack access to broadband.

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Rural school districts may have weaker local funding streams. As a result, they may struggle to provide students full access to textbooks, technology and other essential materials.

Another major barrier for rural students is transportation.

In many rural communities, students rely on school buses to get to and from school. When natural disasters damage roads or disrupt transportation networks, students may be unable to attend school in person for extended periods.

Even after the immediate effects of a disaster subside, transportation issues can persist. For example, the North Carolina Department of Transportation estimated that it could take a year or more to repair road damage from Hurricane Helene.

Digital divide contributes to impact

Urban schools, with more reliable power and internet and better access to digital resources, are able to pivot quickly to online or hybrid learning when buildings are suddenly closed.

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Students in rural schools, however, may have no access to reliable internet services or little or no access to the internet at all. In addition, teachers in rural areas may have more difficulty shifting classes online, since they are more likely to lack training or experience in digital instruction than teachers in cities.

Planning for disaster

The disruptions following a natural disaster have both immediate and long-term consequences. Studies have found that the effects of natural disasters include mental health issues, learning loss, lower graduation rates and diminished opportunities for higher education or career advancement.

Due to the challenges already facing rural schools, I believe preparing for a disaster in a rural area should occur earlier and take into account the specific needs of the community.

Rural schools, even more than their urban counterparts, cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach but need to make the best of the resources available and encourage collaboration from the local community and neighboring communities.

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Here are a few strategies they could use.

Provide offline learning materials

Although it may seem intuitive, one key solution to school closures is developing learning materials that do not require internet access. I have found that many teachers focus on electronic resources, such as smartphones and Apple watches, and overlook the use of old-fashioned methods.

Instructional materials, such as workbooks and textbooks, should be available and used before a disaster occurs. This is to ensure that students can continue with their studies when they are cut off from school. These materials, which can be supplemented after a disaster, can include projects that students can work on independently or with their families.

Use mobile technology

Another approach incorporates mobile technology, such as smartphones. If service is available, students and teachers can communicate by phone.

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When internet access is unavailable, schools can use mobile learning hubs. These are vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, computers and other educational tools. These mobile hubs can travel to rural areas to provide students with access to digital resources. They serve as temporary classrooms or internet access points, bringing education directly to students.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, I worked with a community college in Tennessee that provided mobile hubs at public libraries, school parking lots and on campus. Students were able to use these resources at all hours, day and night.

Create a flexible learning environment

Schools can give students more flexibility in when and how they learn during the academic year. For example, schools can allow students to make up missed work at their own pace. Or schools can provide alternative learning hours to students who may need to help their families with recovery efforts.

After Hurricane Helene downed power lines and closed roads in Beaufort County, South Carolina, students who were without power or internet were given five days to complete their work and other considerations.

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This flexibility helps ensure students do not fall too far behind. It may even help students better manage stress and maintain their mental well-being.

Strengthen rural schools

Making rural school systems more resilient when disasters occur is essential to ensuring that students can continue learning.

Advance planning, flexible learning options and partnerships with families, community support services and local and federal government programs can help. But I believe the underlying issues of the lack of resources, transportation challenges and the digital divide should also be addressed to reduce the long-term impact of crises on rural education.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Morocco has welcomed the progress made towards halting the hostilities and attacks that have been unleashed on civilians since October 7, 2023 and called on Palestinian and Israeli parties to give peace a chance.

Two days before the Gaza ceasefire agreement comes into force, Morocco, whose Sovereign, King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee, welcomes the progress made towards halting the hostilities and attacks that have been unleashed on civilians since October 7, 2023, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

The Kingdom calls on all Palestinian and Israeli parties to give peace a chance and to demonstrate a sincere and constructive commitment, far from any short-term or opportunistic considerations, said the statement.

Morocco expressed hope that this ceasefire agreement would be fully respected, and lead to a halt of attacks on civilians, the return of displaced persons, and the free flow of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities, the statement said.

As emphasized by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, notably in his message to the latest Arab Summit, it is essential to avoid resolving one crisis to trigger another.

The ceasefire agreement should pave the way for a genuine peace process, enabling the establishment of a Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace with Israel, the statement added.
Orange County Sheriffs Office arrested 41-year-old Luis Manuel Frias Jr. on Friday Jan. 17 on multiple charges including sexual battery and kidnapping.

On Monday, Jan. 13. Frias lured a 13-year-old girl on her way to school into his vehicle, where he drove to another location and sexually battered her.

The victim, however, was able to work with detectives, which in turn helped identify Frias to make an arrest.

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Read: Kissimmee Police arrest suspect in celebratory gunfire death of local woman

Detectives are concerned that there may have been previous luring attempts from Frias in the past.

Orange County deputies arrest man accusing of luring, raping 13-year-old girl walking to school

Frias was charged with three counts of sexual battery, one count of kidnapping, three counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and one count of unlawful exposure of sexual organs.

Read: Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

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Jan. 16OREGON  The Oregon Fire Protection District is seeking a variance to expand its fire station that currently sits in the city's River Front Commercial District.

The existing station, located at 100 Washington St., is on the west bank of the Rock River next to the Route 64 bridge on the north side of the state highway.

A public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, before the regular meeting of the Oregon Plan Commission. The Plan Commission makes recommendations to the Oregon City Council, which will decide to either grant or deny the request. The Jan. 21 meeting will be held at City Hall, 115 N. Third St.

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Trustees of the Oregon Fire Protection District announced plans for the $4.1 million renovation and expansion of the current fire station last week.

According to a news release, the project is slated to begin in late spring "pending city approval and financing."

Fire district officials said the project "will significantly enhance the district's capabilities without requiring any additional property tax levy."

The existing station was built in 1984 by Charles Mongan for what was then an all-volunteer fire department.

"The current station has seen a decline in volunteers over time," according to the release. "In 2014, the district began providing ambulance services, transitioning to a combination department of paid full-time and volunteer staff. The district presently employs nine full-time members working in three shifts, with three members per shift. These shifts follow a 24-hour on, 48-hour off schedule. The station was not designed with living space, so the district has converted main floor office space into sleeping rooms.

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"Over the last 40 years, fire apparatus has increased in both height and length, and the current space does not meet the needs of modern apparatus. Two separate buildings are used to house equipment. The new addition will consolidate these into one, increasing efficiency and decreasing response times when seconds count, which can make a difference in saving lives and property."

To consolidate resources, the fire district sold the Chana Fire Station that the Canfield family donated to the district. The district also plans to sell the former ambulance building on Madison Street that was donated to the fire district by Oregon Ambulance Services, the former ambulance service.

"These donations have served the district well over the years, but the time has come to expand and consolidate all equipment into one station from which the district responds to all emergency calls. The yearly call volume exceeds 1,200, mostly ambulance calls, which averages three per day. This high demand necessitates the expansion to accommodate two advanced life support ambulances and provide housing for the full-time firefighter/paramedics," according to the release.

The expansion will almost double the size of the existing station and feature an engineered metal frame structure with a brick front designed to seamlessly integrate with the current building. Key elements of the project include four additional apparatus bays, a new office area, and living and sleeping quarters for the dedicated firefighter/paramedics.

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"Volunteers remain vital contributors to the Oregon Fire Protection District team, and the Oregon Fire Protection District encourages interested individuals to apply," according to the release.

The project requires approval of a variance from the Oregon City Council because the existing station and property owned around the station are inside the city's River Front Commercial District, which was created in 2016.

"Under this code, the current use [fire station] and the proposed addition to the structure will be considered nonconforming in the event of a major reconstruction of the station," according to the release. "Therefore, the district will seek a variance for special use as well as allowance of a nonconforming addition."

Trustees governing the Oregon Fire Protection District are President Steven Carr, Treasurer Lora Stevens McKee and Secretary Rich Rhoads. Trustees are appointed by the Ogle County Board and serve three-year terms.

Michael Knoup is Oregon's fire chief.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Were just days away from Oregon lawmakers returning to the legislature to introduce a slew of big bills in this upcoming legislative session.

At the capitol on Thursday, there were a lot of conversations about making Oregon more affordable, as well as a serious focus on tackling the states biggest crises.

Among Gov. Tina Koteks top priorities for this legislative session are housing and homelessness, mental health and addiction, as well as improving outcomes for K-12 students.

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Portland City Council lays groundwork for increasing city budget by $4.6 million via contingency funds

We have people who are living outside. We have people who cant afford the homes. We have people who need mental health and addiction treatment. And our schools just have to do a better job for our kids, she said. So Im going to keep bringing it back to why were here and try to keep the legislature focused on those top priorities, because I think theyre essential and no one disagrees that theyre essential.

She continued, We need to stay the course, continue to build progress on what weve done and make sure the investments of the budget match up with those those goals.

In reality, this means Democrats will aim to fund more permanent supportive housing for the mentally ill, expand addiction treatment capacity and build new infrastructure such as duplexes, triplexes and quads.

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Oregon attorney general files motion to preserve DACA recipients health care access

The governor and her party are focused on aggressively increasing the housing supply for everyone and providing more affordable homeownership options, alongside funding for homeless services and shelters.

Republicans also have their eye on ending the homeless crisis.

We have got to stop enabling this idea that its okay for someone to live outside, echoed House Minority Leader Christine Drazan. We should reverse our law that allows people to camp in public spaces and instead we should help people get into shelter.

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Republicans are also laser-focused on affordability, with Drazan stating Republicans will fight to lower taxes across the state, including cutting income tax and not taxing tips.

We know how hard it is right now for people to make ends meet, she said. And Id encourage Democrats and my colleagues across the aisle to join Republicans in doing things that we can control to lower the cost of living here.

If one thing is certain, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are motivated to make some sweeping changes this session.

According to Drazan, any attempt to raise costs of living or taxes for Oregonians should be dead on arrival. This could be a big point of contention with some Democratic-backed bills that are about to be introduced next week.

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So overall, there is consensus about the priorities. But there will be competing opinions of the best way to get to the finish line.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Jan. 16OREGON  An Oregon man has been banned from hunting in Ogle County or visiting any of its state parks and fined $16,000 as part of his sentence for threatening a conservation police officer, violation of the wildlife code, and theft.

Brandon S. Miller, 31, pleaded guilty to the charges Wednesday, Jan. 15, when he appeared with his attorney, Eric Morrow, in front of Judge Russell Crull.

"We have an agreement," Morrow told Crull. Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Leisten agreed.

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Miller was facing multiple charges of poaching whitetail deer in Lee and Ogle counties and in October 2024 was charged with theft and unlawful possession of a controlled substance following a search at his home.

The October 2024 charges against Miller accuse him of knowingly taking "unauthorized control" of a U.S. savings bond worth between $500 and $10,000 in order to "deprive the owner permanent use or benefit."

The charge of possessing less than 15 grams of Adderall, a controlled substance, and cannabis plants was dismissed.

Those charges followed an Oct. 3, 2024, search of Miller's home by the Ogle County Sheriff's Special Operations Unit with the assistance of the Illinois Conservation Police.

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Miller was already facing multiple charges of poaching whitetail deer in Lee and Ogle counties, including one case in which Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police accused him of illegally taking six deer from Lowell Park, a Dixon city park and nature preserve that is off limits to hunters.

And he was ticketed Sept. 13, 2024 in Ogle County for possessing a "freshly killed" male deer during closed season. In that case, conservation police said they found Miller with a "bloody knife and bloody [and] 13-point buck" at 3 p.m. on Brooks Island Road, just south of Oregon.

A violation of probation report was filed Oct. 21, 2024 stating that because of the new charges, his probation sentence for a 2022 burglary should be revoked. That charge was also dismissed Wednesday.

Miller was sentenced to 30 months probation and also ordered to surrender any firearms  including all his crossbows  to conservation police. He was also ordered to pay $16,394 in fines and costs.

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Conditions of his probation include having no contact with the conservation police officer and the theft victims and both of their families.

According to court records, Miller threatened the conservation police officer on Oct. 3, 2024, when he said "I'm going to beat you up in front of your wife" and used derogatory language about the officer and his wife.

On Wednesday, Miller told Crull he had one request  that 15 mounted deer heads taken during the search be returned to him. Morrow told him that was not part of the plea agreement. "You are not getting them back," Morrow told Miller.

The heads have a value in excess of $3,000, court records say.

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When asked by Crull if he still wanted to plead guilty Miller replied yes, telling the judge that although he could not read, he could sign his name.

Miller also "objected" to Leisten's reading of a summary of the charges he was pleading guilty to, a common procedure during sentencing hearings. "I wasn't there," Miller said when Leisten said he [Miller] was at his Oregon residence when the search warrant was executed.

"You can't object," Morrow told Miller. "There may be some differences, but the facts are there."

Crull continued with the sentence and again went over all of the conditions.

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"You can't hunt in Ogle County and you can't go to any of the parks in Ogle County," Crull told Miller.

Crull asked Miller how long it would take him to pay the $16,396 fine and court costs.

"Right now I am unemployed, but I'm going to figure it out," Miller replied.

Crull ordered Miller to start paying $300 a month starting Feb. 24.

Crull also told Miller that he had been facing "numerous serious offenses" and must adhere to all conditions of the plea agreement or face more consequences.

"This [sentence] is a very good outcome for you," Crull told Miller. "If it was me deciding, it would be much worse. It is going to be imperative that you do everything you are told to do by probation."

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Lee County charges

Miller then pleaded guilty Thursday, Jan. 16, in Lee County Circuit Court to one count of unlawful use of game, multiple violations, was sentenced to 24 months of probation, and ordered to pay $889, which includes a $200 fine.

One count of unlawful use of game was dismissed per a plea agreement.

Miller was indicted Feb. 16, 2024, in Lee County court on the charge of unlawful use of game, which is punishable by two to five years in prison.

However, because of a previous felony burglary conviction in Ogle County within the last 10 years, Miller was eligible for an enhanced sentence of two to 10 years.

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According to the indictment, Miller "knowingly possessed any animal part or parts, namely, six whitetail deer, a species that is protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code, having a value greater than $3,000."

Per statute, the value is $1,000 per whitetail deer, plus $500 per point for antlered deer up to 10 points, and $750 per point for 11 points or more.

In that case, Miller was accused of taking four does and two bucks, one with an eight-point rack and one with an 11-point rack, for a total value of $18,250.

The indictment also included one count of unlawful use of game, multiple violations, which accused Miller of knowingly violating the statute multiple times.

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The animals were taken on six occasions, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2023, conservation police said.

According to the conservation police field report, Miller was interviewed Oct. 17, 2023, by officer Randy Leannah about multiple deer takings between Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 2023. Miller initially said he took five, but Leannah learned of the sixth during the interview.

During the interview, Miller said he shot does on Sept. 27, Oct. 3, Oct. 4 and Oct. 8, 2023; the 11-point buck on Oct. 1, 2023; and the eight-point buck on Oct. 14, 2023, all with a crossbow.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Pacific Northwest has seen a drastic improvement in drought conditions since late August, data provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern reports that roughly 1% of the state is experiencing some form of drought.

Oregon snowfall to drop by 50% in the coming decades, grim climate report shows

Oregons drought has seen major improvement over the last few weeks, even with the lack of rainfall so far in January, Bayern said.

While most areas of Oregon and Washington are currently considered drought-free, the northeastern-most part of Oregon and Washingtons northern Cascades are seeing a slower recovery.

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Oregon State University Climatologist Larry ONeill told KOIN 6 News that northeastern Wallowa Countys ongoing drought is related to a below-average amount of precipitation in 2024, when the county saw its third-hottest year on record.

Oregon climatologist says severe ice storms to occur more often in future despite rising temps

This combination of warm and mildly dry conditions led to abnormally dry soil moisture and periods of low stream flows on the Minam and Grande Ronde rivers, both of which passed thresholds for moderate drought classification, ONeill said. Wallowa County received a state-level drought declaration in October 2024 in response to economic impacts from the prolonged dry conditions.

The Wallowas, meanwhile, are seeing above-average levels of snow for the year. The region has received 147% of its annual average amount of snow this season, so far. However, a prolonged period of rain and snow is needed for a full recovery.

Oregons latest snowpack update, courtesy USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

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The snowpack on the Wallowas looks great right now, and precipitation over the last 90 days in Wallowa County has been slightly above normal, ONeill said. While this has improved soil moisture in the short-term, Wallowa County will need to see continued wet and cool conditions to recover from the drought.

Washingtons current drought conditions. (U.S. Drought Monitor) Washingtons drought conditions in August of 2024. (U.S. Drought Monitor)

The drought in Washingtons northern Cascades is related to long- and short-term problems.

In the long-term, precipitation and snowpack have been below normal since last year, ONeill said. In the short-term, since last October, precipitation has been 85% of normal and snowpack is 88% of normal. Some rivers in the area, such as the Skagit River, are running extremely low for this time of year and have done so since last winter.

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The entire state of Washington was placed under a state-level drought declaration in 2024. If the current conditions continue into early March, ONeill said that Northern Washington will likely see increases in drought severity.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Aungela Spurlock, director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, has announced she is stepping down from the post.

In a letter this week to the OSBI Commission, Spurlock, who accepted the role in 2022, wrote that she is retiring effective March 1.

While I am excited to begin this next chapter, the decision to leave was not an easy one, Spurlock wrote. I will miss all those who have been part of this incredible journey. I am certain, however, that the OSBI team in place today is passionate about the agency and its service to the State of Oklahoma.

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Spurlock was the first female director in OSBIs 100-year history. She accepted the role following the retirement of Ricky Adams, who had served in the position for four years.

As the states top investigative agency, OSBI oversees some of Oklahomas most sensitive cases.

Spurlock, who joined the OSBI in 2002, has overseen several of the agencys top programs, including as a major in the investigative division and the chief polygraph examiner.

The OSBI Commission is expected to discuss Spurlocks performance during a Jan. 30 special meeting. Spurlock has faced scrutiny over accusations she suppressed internal complaints.

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NonDoc, an online news outlet, reported that Commissioner Jerry Cason, a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol chief, requested the special meeting over concerns related to Spurlocks suggestions that lawmakers diversify the appointment authority for the seven-member commission.

The governor currently appoints commissioners, who are confirmed by the Senate.

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Spurlock recommended each member be appointed by various entities, such as the Legislature, attorney generals office and District Attorneys Council, NonDoc reported.

Deputy Director Steven Carter will serve as interim director starting Friday.

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I would encourage those who will continue the OSBIs work to remain engaged, continue to foster collaborative partnerships, and be good stewards with all they are entrusted, Spurlock wrote in her letter to the Commission. Additionally, to never stop asking the tough questions and to be guided by their virtue and integrity. This will make certain that the OSBI continues to deliver excellence through innovative expertise, solutions, and services for the next 100 years.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSBI Director Angela Spurlock announces March retirement
Fire chiefs are outraged after learning they may not get state grants for safety gear they need if their town doesnt follow the new MBTA Communities Act.

No firefighter should have their life put at risk because their community doesnt have a particular housing policy, said State Senator Bruce Tarr.

Sen. Tarr says hes sending a letter to the governor, urging her to reconsider the states new requirement for Fire Safety and Equipment grants.

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To put these grants out of the reach of those communities does not seem appropriate, said Senator Tarr.

Fire chiefs across the state were notified Wednesday about a new amendment to their grant applications, which says theyre only eligible if their communities comply with the states new MBTA Communities Act.

To go through the entire process, have all our applications submitted and then have the rules changed and actually be held kind of hostage for compliance for something that we dont have a vote on, it directly affects the safety of firefighters, said Chief Antonio Marino, Fire Chief of the Wrentham Fire Department.

Chief Marino says his department relies on that state grant to fund new, essential gear.

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This year their priority is getting new ensembles to fight wildfires made without toxic PFAS chemicals.

A lot of these state-run facilities with DCR and the State Forest and the preserves are covered by communities like mine, and now were being told that the states impact on us, which isnt reimbursed, is going to cost us extra just to have the equipment to go onto their properties to be effective and safe, said Chief Marino.

The MBTA Communities Act requires towns to change their zoning to allow for more multi-family housing near public transit stops.

Voters in Needham just rejected that plan in a special election this week, joining towns like Milton, Wrentham, and Duxbury, all voting against the required changes.

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The Governors office says right now, no community has been denied a fire safety grant.

A spokesperson for the Governor released the following statement Thursday:

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to supporting local fire departments and working with communities to come into compliance with the MBTA Communities Law, which is an essential component of our efforts to make housing more affordable. We are reviewing the status of these grants in light of the recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling.

We will not build the housing we need simply by continuing to punish communities and to vilify communities, said Sen. Tarr.

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The Governors office has also extended the deadline for communities to comply with the new MBTA law within the next six months.

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More than 1,200 people have been told to evacuate after a fire broke out at a battery plant in California.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office confirmed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that evacuation orders had been issued following the blaze, which occurred at Moss Landing Power Plant at around 3 p.m. local time, per CNN.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told the outlet that the fire was not connected to the Los Angeles wildfires.

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The blaze was still burning but hadn't gone beyond the facility as of the morning of Friday, Jan. 17, Monterey County spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli told PEOPLE.

"The evacuation order is still in effect, it's affecting approximately 1200-1500 people," he said, confirming it covered around 7600 acres.

Residents in the Moss Landing, Prunedale and Elkhorn communities, the northern part of the county of Monterey, have been affected, and in addition to county and state officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is on location "doing air quality and chemical monitoring," Pasculli told PEOPLE.



Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant

The plant is owned by the Texas-based company Vistra Energy, and Pasculli told PEOPLE they have also been doing air monitoring, and are "cautiously optimistic" about the readings they're getting at the moment.

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He said that they'd been "successful in getting 100 percent support and cooperation from the residents for the evacuation," confirming that there were "no injuries or deaths," while thanking the community and their first responders.

"It's a full out effort to get this situation manageable so people can return back to their homes as quickly and safely as possible," he told PEOPLE, insisting that the "number one priority" was "the safety of the residents and first responders."

Pasculli wasn't able to provide an update on what caused the fire, insisting that will be part of the investigation.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant

Clouds of "hazardous black smoke" and "huge flames" were seen at the plant on Thursday, The Mercury News reported.

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The CAL FIRE San Mateo - Santa Cruz Unit X account posted, "From @sccounty Update at 8:45 PM on 1/16/25 - Due to an ongoing large fire in Moss Landing, Santa Cruz County Public Health officials are advising residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems."

In an 11 p.m. update on Thursday, KSBW-TV reported that the blaze had "exploded into a huge inferno" earlier that evening, but the fire appeared to have since gone down almost eight hours after it started.

Vistra Energy said in a previous news release that the power plant was the "largest of its kind in the world" following a 2023 expansion.

A company spokesperson said in a statement, per the Associated Press, Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders."

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant A photo of the flames at Moss Landing Power Plant

The facility, which is about 77 miles south of San Francisco, "contains tens of thousands of lithium batteries," according to the AP. The news agency stated that despite the batteries being "important for storing electricity from such renewable energy sources as solar energy," fires can be difficult to put out if a blaze occurs.

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The North County Fire Protection District of Monterey, Vistra Energy and the Monterey County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
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: National Institutes of Health

Individuals with sickle cell diseasea chronic illness where misshapen, sticky blood cells clump together, reducing oxygen delivery to organsare at a higher risk for stroke and resulting cognitive disability. But even in the absence of stroke, many such patients struggle with remembering, focusing, learning and problem solving, among other cognitive problems, with many facing challenges in school and in the workplace.

Now a multidisciplinary team of researchers and physicians at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has published a study that helps explain how the illness might affect cognitive performance in sickle cell patients without a history of stroke.

The researchers found such participants had brains that appeared older than expected for their age. Individuals experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, had more-aged-appearing brains, the team also found.

The study was published January 17 in JAMA Network Open.

"Our study explains how a chronic illness and low socioeconomic status can cause cognitive problems," said Andria Ford, MD, a professor of neurology and chief of the section of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases at WashU Medicine and corresponding author on the study.

"We found that such factors could impact brain development and/or aging, which ultimately affects the mental processes involved in thinking, remembering and problem solving, among others. Understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function."

More than 200 young, Black adults with and without sickle cell disease, living in St. Louis and the surrounding region in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois, participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests.

The researchersincluding Yasheng Chen, DSc, an associate professor of neurology at WashU Medicine and senior author on the studycalculated each person's brain age using a brain-age prediction tool that was developed using MRI brain scans from a diverse group of more than 14,000 healthy people of known ages. The estimated brain age was compared with the individual's actual age.

The researchers found that participants with sickle cell disease had brains that appeared an average of 14 years older than their actual age. Sickle cell participants with older-looking brains also scored lower on cognitive tests.

The study also found that socioeconomic status correlates with brain age. On average, a seven-year gap was found between the brain age and the participants' actual age in healthy individuals experiencing poverty. The more severe the economic deprivation, the older the brains of such study subjects appeared.

Healthy brains shrink as people age, while premature shrinking is characteristic of neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. But a smaller brain that appears older can also result from stunted growth early in life.

Sickle cell disease is congenital, chronically depriving the developing brain of oxygen and possibly affecting its growth from birth. Also, children exposed to long-term economic deprivation and poverty experience cognitive challenges that affect their academic performance, Ford explained.

As a part of the same study, the researchers are again performing cognitive tests and scanning the brains of the same healthy and sickle cell participants three years after their first scan to investigate if the older-looking brains aged prematurely, or if their development was stunted.

"A single brain scan helps measure the participants' brain age only in that moment," said Ford, who treats patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

"But multiple time points can help us understand if the brain is stable, initially capturing differences that were present since childhood, or prematurely aging and able to predict the trajectory of someone's cognitive decline. Identifying who is at greatest risk for future cognitive disability with a single MRI scan can be a powerful tool for helping patients with neurological conditions."

More information: Brain age modelling and cognitive outcomes in young adults with and without sickle cell anemia., JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53669 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
UPDATE, Jan. 17  According to the outage map, Little River Electric Cooperative customers in McCormick County have had their power restored.

McCORMICK COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF)  A spokesperson for the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina is providing information about a large power outage in McCormick County for customers of Little River Electric Cooperative.

Currently, there are approximately 2,595 customers of Little River Electric Cooperative without power in McCormick County, S.C., according to an outage map as of 5:54 p.m. on Thursday.

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According to the ECSC spokesperson, the outage is because of a transmission-related issue after a falling tree took down three spans of transmission line operated and maintained by New Horizon Electric Cooperative.

The spokesperson said that they are confident that power will be restored to all Little River Electric Cooperative customers experiencing this particular outage by this evening.

This outage is being addressed by Little River Electric Cooperative and working with the transmission cooperative, New Horizon, to address the outage. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has also been helping crews gain access to reach the downed powerlines due to water in the area.

A new telephone message that specifically addresses the Little River Cooperative outage is also expected to be available.

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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 WJBF.
The level of unseriousness in American politics today is astounding, and a clip on the House floor is going viral to prove it.

For those not caught up, Rep. Nancy Mace (R) recently challenged Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) to a fight during a House Oversight Committee Meeting after seemingly misunderstanding an AAVE term that Rep. Crockett used.

Rep. Nancy Mace challenged Rep. Jasmine Crockett to a fight in Congress after she said chile:I am no child, do not call me a child. Im a grown woman [] If you want to take it outside we can do that pic.twitter.com/5gtZlBJwJU  Pop Base (@PopBase) January 15, 2025

CSPAN Twitter: @PopBase

While speaking on the House floor, Rep. Crockett seemingly accused Rep. Mace of pushing the transgender issue to gin up fear and fundraise.

"Somebodys campaign coffers really are struggling right now, so she's going to keep saying 'trans, trans, trans' so that people will feel threatened. And chile, listen..."

The word 'Chile,"  an African-American Vernacular English term  is used by Black Americans when someone does something "seemingly questionable," or it can sometimes be used as a filler word.

Urban Dictorionary / Via urbandictionary.com

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In the moment, Rep. Mace seemingly misunderstood the term "Chile," taking it to literally mean "child." "I am no child! Do not call me a child," Rep. Mace shouted across the room. "Do not even start; I am a grown woman that is 47 years old. I have broken more glass ceilings than you ever will!" she continued, yelling over Rep. Crockett.

"Order, order!" the chairman said repeatedly, trying to calm the situation.

"If you want to take it outside, we can do that," Rep. Mace added.

Yikes. Here's what people are saying about this viral moment on the House floor.

"the leaders of this country are so embarrassing good lord," one user wrote.

the leaders of this country are so embarrassing good lord https://t.co/dSP0YNO2Lg  danisha carter (@danishacarterr) January 15, 2025

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CSPAN Twitter: @danishacarterr

"has Nancy Mace just never talked to a Black woman before? 'Chile' is a very weird thing to freak out about. I don't know about the rest of the country, but this is how many Black people talk in the South," this user pointed out.

has Nancy Mace just never talked to a Black woman before? "Chile" is a very weird thing to freak out about. I don't know about the rest of the country, but this is how many Black people talk in the South. https://t.co/5pJY3p9NGp  Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) January 15, 2025

CSPAN Twitter: @BriannaWu

"This whole Nancy Mace/Jasmine Crockett beef is all because 'chile' doesnt mean child. Thats both sad and hilarious," this user agreed.

This whole Nancy Mace/Jasmine Crockett beef is all because chile doesnt mean child. Thats both sad and hilarious  Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) January 16, 2025

Twitter: @Bakari_Sellers

"I'm old enough to remember two weeks ago when Nancy Mace was wearing a sling because someone shook her hand," this user wrote, referring to Nancy Mace wearing an arm sling after claiming she was "accosted" by a transperson, though witnesses claim it was a handshake.

I'm old enough to remember two weeks ago when Nancy Mace was wearing a sling because someone shook her hand https://t.co/XHP3YpssgQ  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 14, 2025

CSPAN Twitter: @atrupar

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One user pointed out the racial double standard: "Is Congresswoman Crockett would have told Congresswoman Mace to 'take it outside' we would have think pieces about her lack of decorum and how her conduct is beneath that of a member of Congress."

Is Congresswoman Crockett would have told Congresswoman Mace to take it outside we would have think pieces about her lack of decorum and how her conduct is beneath that of a member of Congress. https://t.co/JfMNJKYhOP  Symone D. Sanders Townsend (@SymoneDSanders) January 14, 2025

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CSPAN Twitter: @SymoneDSanders

Congresswoman Crockett took to her official Twitter account after the incident and wrote: "Chile..."

Chile...  Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) January 14, 2025

Twitter: @RepJasmine

She then followed up with a longer explanation on her personal account, writing: "Please explain to me how the same damn Karen that called Cap Police on a child who shook her hand wanted to act like she wanted to fight me?!"

Nancy Mace loves the uneducated as Trump calls them. Please explain to me how the same damn Karen that called Cap Police on a child who shook her hand wanted to act like she wanted to fight me?! ME the same person who has represented real killers in court. Shes an  Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) January 15, 2025

Twitter: @JasmineForUS

I'm sure we're in for even more of these moments in the next four years.
The owner of two restaurants on the North Shore of Massachusetts and one on the seacoast of New Hampshire was sentenced to prison Thursday for defrauding the Internal Revenue Service of federal employment taxes and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of state meals taxes.

John Drivas, 66, of Hampton, New Hampshire, was sentenced in federal court in Boston to one year and one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release after he failed to pay federal employment tax and state meals taxes over six years, the United States Attorneys Office announced in a news release. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,596,775 to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and $439,341 to the IRS, in addition to a $20,000 fine.

Drivas, the owner of Reds Sandwich Shop in Salem, Reds Kitchen and Tavern in Peabody, and Reds Seabrook in Seabrook paid under-the-table wages of $1,496,417 to multiple restaurant employees and did not report those wages to the IRS or pay employment taxes on them from at least January 2017 to June 2022, causing more than $439,000 in employment tax losses, according to federal investigators.

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Drivas also pocketed the state and local meals taxes paid by restaurant customers, which he failed to pay over to the state as required by law.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes owed to the IRS and four counts of wire fraud for state meals taxes he collected from restaurant customers but failed to pay to the state Department of Revenue in September 2024.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Its a good thing the heat is working this winter at the troubled Serenity Towers, because owners are behind on their power bill at the taxpayer-funded property.

Records uncovered by the WREG Investigators show, as of last month, Millennia owed MLGW in excess of $117,000.

At this time, theres no threat of power being cut off to seniors at Serenity in these dangerously cold temperatures because the City of Memphis is now footing the bill.

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The city recently took over day to day management at the property from Ohio based Millennia after being appointed receiver in Shelby County Environmental Court.

City attorney Carlissa Shaw told the NewsChannel 3 Investigators they began paying the power bill in December, but will not be making back payments owed by Millennia.

Shaw also said they intend to recoup the taxpayers funds at some point in the future.

Serenity Towers past due on MLGW, cut-off set for Dec. 4; judge allows city to appoint a receiver for property

NewsChannel 3 has also learned, according to publicly available records, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has abated its Housing Assistance Payment contract with Millennia at Serenity which means tenants will get vouchers to move.

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As previously reported by WREG, a relocation plan is already underway and attorneys representing the city say they hope to have all residents moved out by May.

Meanwhile, the documents we uncovered also reveal the trouble at Serenity means more money problems for Millennia.

According to financial disclosures, Millennias delinquent utility bill led to it defaulting on its bonds for Serenity. According to the Bank of New York Mellon, there was also a default in August of 2024 after the company failed to submit required annual financial information and other records.

Millennia sues HUD after agency reportedly demands $7M in civil penalties

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Those bonds are issued by the Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board of Memphis, which for more than a year has faced scrutiny and been under pressure from a local tenants union to rollback tax incentives provided to Millennia-owned properties due to numerous health and safety violations.

WREG has reached out to HUD, the Bank of New York Mellon and the Health Ed Board for comment and were waiting to hear back.

When asked about the exact amount on the past due utility bill, a representative for MLGW told the NewsChannel 3 Investigators to contact the city since its now serving as the receiver. We are also awaiting their response.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
KINSTON, Ala (WDHN)  Investigators in south Coffee County are trying to track down a pace car and several items stolen from the South Alabama Speedway in Kinston.

According to Kinston Police, thieves broke into the parts house at the South Alabama Speedway sometime between Monday night and early Wednesday morning.

Ariton man gets 3 life sentences after torturing girlfriends kids with blowtorch

Chief Matt Whigham tells WDHN the pace car, a white 2012 Dodge Charger with SAS decals, was stolen, along with radios, racing headsets, computer monitors, and security camera storage hard drives.

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The pace car also has a light bar on the top that flashes yellow when activated. A pacer car is a vehicle that leads racers at the start of the start of a race.

Investigators from Opp Police are assisting Kinston with the investigation. Fingerprints from the scene were taken, and officers are on the lookout for the pace car in the area.

Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews

Man burned in Dothan apartment fire

Chief Whigham says the theft at the South Alabama Speedway is similar to other recent break-ins and thefts at racetracks in the Florida panhandle. Similar items were reportedly taken from the Florida tracks.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call the Kinston Police Department at (334) 565-3114.

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The annual SAS Rattler will kick off on Thursday, March 13, and run until Saturday, March 15.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
WASHINGTON  While global transportation transitions to a cleaner future fueled by alternative power sources, North American railroads have fewer good options outside of diesel fuel.

We love diesel; we like to take showers in diesel, joked Michael Nicoletti, a partner at Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT), at Toward Zero Emissions in Rail: Lessons Learned, a panel discussion held at the Transportation Research Boards 124th annual meeting here.

Nicolettis observation underscored a fundamental truth about freight railroading as its configured in the United States: No cheap, easily produced substance packs the same power per molecule as the fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil refined for use in diesel engines.

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Thats why an estimated 42,000 locomotives compliant with Federal Railway Administration regulations, and many more non-FRA units, run on diesel.

But, theres a catch.

Emissions from diesel exhaust produced by locomotives, trucks and ships cause as many as 30,000 premature deaths each year. A decades-long global movement has succeeded in achieving substantial reductions in diesel emissions and given birth to an alternative fuel industry that is taking aim at perhaps the most problematic mode  rail.

There are virtually no current standards that exist that are directly applicable to zero-emissions (ZE) equipment on rail, said Marcin Taraskiewicz, rail and transit vehicle technology lead for HDR. While standards do exist for other applications of ZE energy sources for other industries, he said those standards arent always fully, or even partly, applicable for rail use.

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Rail standards are still years away, Taraskiewicz said, and as the technology matures as-yet-unforeseen requirements may need to be defined in the future. No current regulations exist to govern the design and use of ZE equipment; such regulations tend to be rooted in past experience that in and of itself is lacking due to the absence of its use in significant numbers. Those difficulties are compounded since regulations lean on relevant standards, which still dont exist for the technology.

Taraskiewicz said risk analysis is the main path forward to gain regulatory approval to operate ZE equipment.

Few manufacturers produce equipment such as batteries, fuel cells and hydrogen tanks for use in rail. Components are typically repurposed from marine, automotive or industrial applications for rail use. Testing and validation are required to demonstrate the suitability of these components in the rail environment covering shock and vibration, temperature extremes, duty cycles, and fire safety.

The choice of ready-to-run power is limited, confined mainly to multiple unit (MU) passenger trains and short range/yard locomotives. Major European builders Siemens, Stadler, Alstom, CAF and Talgo offer or are developing ZE MUs. Taraskiewicz said conversion of existing equipment to zero emission is an option, and that several operators have projects that are in the planning stages or fully underway. But with little operating experience with ZE on rail, the definition of requirements often falls on the operator.

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Operators are pursuing alternative fuels near zero emissions for long-range/heavy-haul fleets, said Taraskiewicz, but they dont have the needed energy-to-weight power ratios. Cleaner diesel fuels are being looked at. Diesel is a high-energy fuel.

Taraskiewicz said hydrogen and compressed natural gas are being worked on, but with no standards, development is slow. Cryogenic compressed hydrogen is another option. Alternative fuels is an ever-developing field that is moving the goal posts for technology. It could take 10-15 years as standards try to catch up. Like everything else, its going to take some time.

Development of standards and regulations will continue, said Taraskiewicz, equipment for rail-specific designs will evolve, and power sources of increased efficiency and energy density are expected as the technology matures and other energy sources, such as ammonia, which is hydrogen-dense, emerge as viable alternatives over the next 10 years. He said battery power for some locomotives is available for medium-distance runs of 200 miles round trip, but anything beyond that, youre doing diesel.

To that end, Nicoletti said IRT is testing lithium-ion batteries in rail.

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Specific customers have specific needs, he said. Let the technology flourish where it does first, then emanate across the industry.

IRTs current product placement ranges from 1,200-horsepower locomotives for Cando Rail Services in Edmonton, Canada, to 3,000-horsepower units for the U.S. Army and Grand Canyon Railway.

Battery power has been proven in the automotive sector.

Have you been in a Tesla? Have you felt the torque? Nicoletti asked. That power is on tap to give basic explanations as to how the technology works.

He said better outreach is needed from government agencies.

If you listen to railroad discussions, no one really knows which direction to go. They are waiting to be told which way to go. But the reality is, for a variety of reasons, I dont expect to see a lot of this tech on the rails in my lifetime.

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The process of concurrence by the FRA, he said, protects people from the improper deployment of technology. But [the process] is a black hole to many people. There needs to be more cooperation, and across agencies, to make it a more approachable and understood process.

Panelist Lynn Harris, senior subject matter expert with DB E.C.O. North America, said 27 trains in Germany are now operating on hydrogen and looking to expand. His company is working with North American transit agencies and operators, but the struggle is real.

The fuel and components will reach cost parity with diesel in eight to 15 years, Harris said. There are workforce issues in managing the technology. Its more expensive than stand-alone battery power but less than overhead catenary installation. Its not a one-size-fits-all solution but hydrail has a viable place. Its an evolving technology, but we dont want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. There are significant public health benefits in railyard-adjacent communities, and workforce health benefits. There will be more inclination to take the trains.

For its part, absent any regulations, the FRA maintains an Alternative Fuels Program to help evaluate risks for power sources other than diesel, or electric via catenary or third rail.

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The agency outlined the program in letters to the industry in 2013 and 2018. A 2025 letter is a work in progress, said panelist Michael Hunter, executive staff director of the FRA, while observing that the rail sector accounts for a very small segment of emissions.

But for those who may be tempted to experiment, Hunter explained that the agency derives its authority for the program from the Locomotive Inspection Act. Generally, a locomotive can be used in service only when it is in the proper condition and safe to operate, he said.

Equipment that falls under the program includes locomotives, as well as MU locomotives, that use an alternative source of energy for power. (Interpreted broadly, a locomotive is defined as a rail vehicle capable of moving other equipment. This is notable given current development of self-propelled freight cars.)

Alternative sources of energy, Hunter said, include hydrogen gas or liquid, a rechargeable battery energy storage system, or technologies that convert other chemicals to fuel. He noted that railroads have in the recent past focused on the use of compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.

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Hunter showed a slide of the FRAs risk assessment matrix guiding an evaluation of the hazards and risks associated with the use of alternative fuels.

The scenario for evaluation must be clearly defined, he said. Changes in the use case can impact the probability of a hazard occurring. Assumptions and rationale must be documented, and the analysis provided to FRA for approval.

Because there are no regulations, Hunter offered possible questions for situations that are considered on a case-by-case basis:

Does modification of a locomotives fuel source from diesel to battery mean the locomotive is remanufactured? Answer: Maybe.

Does modification of a locomotives fuel source from diesel to battery mean the locomotive has different dynamic characteristics? Answer: Maybe.

Hunter reminded attendees about other FRA safety regulations that may come into play:

Locomotive electronics, including analysis of fuel source cutoff.

Structural elements such as brakes and suspension.

Vehicle/track interaction that may be affected by a changed center of gravity or mass.

Emergency preparedness.

System safety/risk reduction.

Training regulations.

Regulatory compliance items may also weigh on the safety analysis to address identified hazards.

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Related coverage:

STB chair remains frustrated over Class I railroads lack of growth

California gives up on zero-emissions locomotive regulation

Tariff uncertainty front and center at MARS conference

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(Bloomberg) -- Paraguay President Santiago Pena called President-elect Donald Trumps incoming foreign policy team a dream come true as his nation stands to become more relevant in the next US administration.

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Its a great opportunity for us to advance very, very fast in the bilateral agenda on trade, security, rule of law and make Paraguay a much closer ally to the US, Pena said in an interview in Washington ahead of Trumps inauguration Monday. One of the biggest challenges for Paraguay was that image of an island surrounded by land, a country that was isolated and not many people know about it.

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Paraguay, a landlocked country of 6.1 million people, punches above its weight geopolitically as one of the last remaining countries that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China has steadily whittled down Taipeis allies in Latin America amid rising tensions with the US. Honduras, Panama, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic broke ties with Taiwan and switched to Beijing in recent years.

Trumps State Department stands to have some of the deepest policy experience in Latin America of any recent US administration. He tapped Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, while Mauricio Claver-Carone will return as one of the presidents top advisers on Latin America. Trump also picked Christopher Landau, a former US ambassador to Mexico, as deputy secretary of state. Mike Waltz, a Florida congressman, is set to become a national security adviser and has called for the US to counter Chinas inroads in the region.

Rubio, who visited Pena last year in Asuncion, praised Paraguay during his confirmation hearing as an example for the US to encourage in the region.

I also think its important to recognize allies in the region, like Paraguay, that have not flipped, to China, Rubio said Wednesday.

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Thats indeed music to Penas ears as hes crisscrossing the world in search of foreign investment for Paraguay, making over three dozen trips abroad since taking office a year and a half ago. Paraguay has remained one of the regions more stable nations politically and economically in recent years despite volatility in Argentina and Brazil next door.

Pena pitched his country as a destination for investments by US technology companies. He also wants the Trump administration to grant Paraguayan beef an import quota with preferential tariff treatment.

In the interview, Pena said he doesnt have a bilateral meeting planned with Rubio, who is still awaiting confirmation by the Senate, but Pena expects to attend a gala dinner Saturday night hosted by the incoming top diplomat. Pena is also campaigning for Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez to lead the Washington-based Organization of American States.

Penas neighbor, Argentine President Javier Milei, will also attend the inauguration, and is pushing for their trade bloc, Mercosur, to let Argentina independently negotiate a trade deal with the US. Pena pushed back against a bilateral US-Argentina trade agreement, as Mercosur requires all countries in the bloc to negotiate together. But he conceded that Mercosur, which Milei labeled a protectionist prison last year, needs reforms.

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We need to revitalize the bloc. Im not happy with the current situation. I think nobodys happy, Pena said, without detailing reforms he supports. Mercosur countries are better off negotiating as a bloc than individually. Either you maintain the bloc and you negotiate as a bloc or you dissolve the bloc and negotiate bilaterally.

Penas visit to Washington to attend Trumps inauguration ceremony caps a tumultuous four years for the bi-lateral relationship under President Joe Biden.

He added that during his visit he wont address US sanctions brought against his political ally, former Paraguayan president and Colorado Party chairman Horacio Cartes, who faces allegations of corruption and ties to Hezbollah. Cartes, one of Paraguays wealthiest businessmen whose patronage was key to Penas landslide victory, has denied the accusations.

Pena criticized the sanctions as motivated by false information but said it was a personal matter for Cartes.

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(Updates with comments on beef quota in paragraph 8 and Mercosur in paragraph 11.)

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The George Washington statue in the rotunda of the Virginia state Capitol. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

Republicans are ramping up opposition to Democrat-led efforts to protect abortion and contraception access, claiming the proposals undermine parental rights in minors healthcare decisions. As these measures advance in the legislature, the battle over oversight is heating up.

The legislation obliterates parental rights that would supersede any state law we have, said Del. Mark Earley, R-Chesterfield, during Tuesdays House floor debate.

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House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, who is sponsoring the resolution, dismissed the claims.

The law is the law until the court says its not, Herring said, emphasizing that current state laws governing parental consent remain intact.

Virginia law requires minors to obtain parental or guardian consent for an abortion unless they petition a judge for authorization. This judicial bypass system is already in place and would not be affected by the amendment.

University of Richmond legal professor Meredith Harbach explained that amending Virginias Constitution would not override these existing legal safeguards, underscoring that the resolution does not specifically address minors or alter parental consent laws.

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Harbach noted that numerous state and federal Supreme Court cases have upheld parental authority over minors in various situations.

While minors arent explicitly mentioned in the reproductive health bills facing Republican opposition, Democratic lawmakers argue that parental rights are already clearly defined in existing state law, making additional references unnecessary.

We do not restate current law in every single bill that we bring forward, we allow existing code to speak for itself, Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, said during a Thursday morning committee meeting, addressing similar concerns raised about her right-to-contraception bill. Her legislation seeks to fortify protections for health care providers prescribing contraceptives and for patients seeking them.

Though minors are not explicitly referenced, Jeff Caruso, director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, asserted that it does include minors.

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Under current Virginia law, minors already have the legal right to consent to contraception without needing approval from parents or guardians. Unlike abortions, which require parental, guardian or court consent, minors are legally treated as adults when it comes to consenting to contraception.

However, Caruso also expressed concern that it would allow minors to seek sterilization procedures, thus undercutting current law regarding parental consent for surgeries.

Though minors are not considered as such when obtaining contraception, they are still considered minors when it comes to sterilization or other surgeries in state law.

Price stressed the urgency of these protections amid the evolving national landscape on reproductive healthcare. She highlighted how some states have moved to limit contraception access. Federal protection efforts similar to Prices have failed.

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She also highlighted that contraception serves purposes beyond preventing pregnancy, emphasizing its use in treating conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Sharing her personal experience with the latter, Price noted that she takes such medication for her treatment.

Prices contraception bill, which cleared the legislature with bipartisan support last year, was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. On Thursday, it once again cleared the Health and Human Services Committee with bipartisan support.

Unlike Prices legislation, Herrings constitutional amendment to protect abortion access does not require the governors approval. However, the measure must pass the legislature this year and again next year before it can appear on the ballot for voters to decide in November 2026.

Herrings proposal passed the House of Delegates on Tuesday, and a similar measure sponsored by Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, is set to be considered in the Senate soon.

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Amending Virginias Constitution involves a more rigorous and lengthy process than passing legislation, but it also ensures greater permanence, less vulnerable to shifting partisan majorities in the legislature.

If approved by voters, the amendment would make Virginia party of a growing list of states  both Republican and Democratic leaning  that have enshrined abortion protections in their Constitutions in recent years.

*Editors note: This article has been updated for clarification of concerns expressed Virginia Catholic Conference executive director Jeff Caruso expressed over proposed legislation.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For children battling both congenital heart defects (CHD) and cancer, the road to recovery is far more precarious than previously understood, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The research reveals that these children face a higher risk of death within five years after a cancer diagnosis compared to their peers without CHD. Although their survival rates have improved over recent decades, lymphoma mortality remains disproportionately high.

Previous research has shown that children with CHD are at greater risk of developing cancer. For the first time, this study demonstrates that these children also face an increased risk of death within five years after a cancer diagnosis.

The study, a collaboration between researchers in Sweden and Denmark, was conducted as a large, population-based cohort study leveraging national health registers from both countries. In total, nearly 21,000 children diagnosed with cancer between 1970 and 2014 were included, of whom 397 also had a diagnosis of CHD. Researchers examined five-year survival following a cancer diagnosis, comparing outcomes between children with and without CHD.

The findings indicate that children with CHD had a nearly 50% higher risk of dying within five years of their cancer diagnosis compared to children without CHD. The survival gap was particularly pronounced for children with lymphoma and neuroblastoma.

Although survival outcomes for children with CHD improved after 1990 for most cancer types, this progress did not extend to lymphoma, where mortality remained significantly higher.

"Our findings highlight the importance of improving care for children with congenital heart defects who develop cancer," says Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi, postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet. "To improve survival for these children, effective yet less cardiotoxic cancer treatments are needed, along with tailored care strategies."

Despite considerable advances in childhood cancer care over recent decades, the study underscores persistent challenges faced by this vulnerable group, calling for continued research and targeted interventions. Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi emphasizes the need to better understand how specific factors affect survival in children with CHD who develop cancer:

"Key areas to explore include treatment regimens, the complexity of the underlying heart defect, and the child's age at cancer diagnosis. Access to larger populations and detailed clinical data will be crucial in addressing these questions."

More information: Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi et al, Mortality after cancer diagnosis among children with congenital heart disease in Denmark and Sweden, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaf010 Journal information: Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Guns in schools and communities across the nation have led to countless tragedies. Locally, Channel 2 Action News has reported on a number of incidents involving school shootings or incidents surrounding a child or teenager gaining access to a dangerous weapon.

In Cobb County, the community is praying for a middle schooler who suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot inside Lindley Middle School on Wednesday.

Last week, a teenager who crusaded against gun violence after his mother was killed tragically lost his own life after he was shot and killed while he was in Cobb County.

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Over the weekend, an adult was criminally charged, after police say he gave a Glock 19 to a 15-year-old who is accused of using the gun to fire shots behind a busy Cobb County apartment complex.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In 2024, calls for change were loud and clear after a shooting in a school parking lot, which was followed by a number of other incidents that year involving youth with weapons in different schools and outside of school.

The access to weapons has to be addressed from a policy perspective. Here at the board of education, I believe we need additional measures to ensure weapons dont make their way into our school building. We need to investigate it and move forward quickly to make sure we are providing a safe learning environment as soon as possible, said Cobb County School District Board Member Leroy Tre Hutchins.

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Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell has spoken to Hutchins several times over the past year about efforts he has taken to address the problem through school safety forums and other initiatives.

Our local PTAs have partnered with Moms Demand Action to bring gun safety lessons and protocols to our parents and students and so I would like to see some of that expanded through our PTAs here in Cobb County, said Hutchins.

A member of the Cobb County chapter of Moms Demand Action said her team has been proactive in addressing the root of the problem.

Moms Demand Action is there to prevent gun violence, however that looks, whether its peer-to-peer, self-inflicted. We have a Be Smart program that shows about securing firearm storage reminding gun owners. If you access to a gun, make sure youre responsible about it and recognizing the roles guns play in suicide, said Laura Judge who is a member of Moms Demand Action.

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Judge attended the Cobb County School District Board meeting Thursday afternoon where she expressed her concerns over the recent tragedy.

Weve got to find a way to get these guns out of childrens hands because this is becoming a health crisis. Its become an epidemic, said Jeff Hubbard who is the President of the Cobb County Association of Educators. The state legislature had a bill in the last session in which would have given rebates to parents who bought safe storage to put their guns in storage.

While Hubbard believes it is imperative to find ways to prevent children and youth from gaining access to weapons, he said it is also imperative to address a need for more mental health resources and support.

In order to try to lower the number of tragedies like weve experienced here in cobb county, weve got to provide supports in the school for students who are at risk, said Hubbard.

















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The Pasadena Unified School District will reopen campuses in phases over a two-week stretch with the goal of returning all students to in-person learning by the end of January as it begins recovery from the Eaton fire, which destroyed several schools and forced the closure of all campuses.

District officials, speaking at a board meeting Thursday night, said that an initial group of schools would reopen Jan. 23, bringing at least 3,400 students back to classrooms. Those schools include Hamilton Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, San Rafael Elementary School, Blair Middle School, Blair High School, Rose City High School, CIS Academy, and a handful of other facilities, said Supt. Elizabeth Blanco.

Before those schools  some of the least damaged in the district  can reopen, they must first pass environmental testing, she said.

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Five district-owned school properties were severely damaged or destroyed in the conflagration that began Jan. 7. Among those, three charter schools rented campus space from the district: Pasadena Rosebud Academy, Aveson School of Leaders and Odyssey Charter School.

"We are considering their needs," Blanco said at a news conference Thursday morning. "I know that they need space too  we're just not able to assess where that space might be at this current time. But they're not forgotten, and we're working on it."

Blanco, whose district includes 14,000 students  10,000 of whom were evacuated from their homes  said several factors had slowed efforts to assess damage, including an inability to access some schools within evacuation zones. Collectively, the fire-ravaged schools educate about 1,500 students.

Read more: Red flag warning in L.A. County extended to Thursday, but rain in the forecast

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In a letter Wednesday to Blanco, the heads of four local charter schools noted that state law requires public school districts to offer independent charter schools available space. They asked for immediate support to find temporary facilities for their students, among other requests.

Asked about the letter Thursday, Blanco said, "I think what they're trying to say is, 'You're not able to answer the questions that we need answered right now.'

"I would ask them to know that our hearts are with them too, and to be patient," she continued. "They are part of a bigger plan."

In addition to the charter school sites, district-run Eliot Arts Magnet was also damaged, possibly beyond repair, as was Franklin Elementary, which shuttered in 2020.

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All of the district's 24 campuses have been closed since Jan. 8. For those that survived the fire, several steps must occur before they can bring students back.

Read more: Eaton fire upends the education of thousands of students whose schooling is jolted again

The district is in the midst of a massive cleanup, deploying 1,500 workers who have removed 10 tons of debris from campuses. Sites can reopen only after testing confirms they are safe per the state Office of Emergency Services standards.

"If they don't pass the environmental testing," Blanco said, "then we will be required to clean them again."

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The superintendent said that a second phase of school reopenings would bring another 5,400 students back to classrooms; a third phase would add 5,000 more.

It's not known how many of the district's 3,000 employees lost their homes, but nearly 1,400 lived in neighborhoods that evacuated.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Patients who spend more than 12 hours in A&E are twice as likely to die in the following month compared with those facing two-hour waits, an analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found.

NHS figures show more than half a million patients endured such delays last year  with a 23-fold rise in such cases since 2019.

Earlier this week a report warned that patients were dying in hospital corridors so crowded that nurses could not reach them, with some of the dead going undiscovered for hours.

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Waits of more than 12 hours have long been associated with an increased risk of early death, with latest estimates suggesting they could be responsible for around 15,000 deaths annually.

However, the new analysis from the ONS shows how the delays impact the risk to individuals  long after they have been sent home from hospital.

On Friday, Britains most senior A&E doctor urged ministers to act, warning that the data proving that long waits were extremely dangerous was too compelling to ignore.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: This is a seminal piece of work by the ONS, the authoritative national voice of data, which validates and reinforces what we know; long waits in the emergency department are extremely dangerous and a significant threat to patient safety.

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Hundreds of deaths each week are associated with long waits in A&E  each one someones loved one  mums, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents.

There must be a point where we go beyond analysis and accept that this is a serious problem that needs urgent political action.

Longer the wait, greater the risk

The research showed that for patients who spent 12 hours or more in emergency departments, the risk of post-discharge death was 2.1 times higher than those who spent two hours or less.

Mortality was 1.9 times higher for those who spent nine hours in A&E, 1.6 times for those who spent six hours, and 1.1 times for three-hour stays, the ONS found.

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Researchers investigated the association between time spent in A&E departments in England in 2021/22 and 30-day post-discharge mortality.

The analysis included around 98 per cent of attendees but excluded those with potentially life-threatening, critical conditions.

These patients needed immediate care and were excluded from the analysis because of their high mortality rate within a short time after arriving in A&E, the ONS said.

The data was also adjusted to allow for variables including age.

Figures typically used to describe A&E waits only count the time between a decision to admit a patient and when a bed is found. An analysis by the Liberal Democrats found that these trolley waits had reached record levels, with 518,000 people experiencing delays of more than 12 hours in 2024.

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The picture is still more bleak when waiting times are measured from the point of arrival.

Provisional NHS figures show that 1.75 million people spent longer than 12 hours in departments after arriving at A&E last year.

Daniel Ayoubkhani, head of health research at the ONS, said: Todays release builds on previous research to demonstrate that time spent in A&E may be an important risk factor for dying after being discharged, and not just during the patients visit.

Our analysis of linked health records for 6.7 million individuals in England indicates that the risk of dying within 30 days of leaving A&E was more than twice as high for someone who spent 12 hours in A&E compared with two hours.

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The increase in risk was significantly higher for patients in London, those seeking care for eye problems and those who were not admitted to hospital following their visit.

The ONS cautioned that the period covered by the study, from March 2021 to April 2022, fell towards the end of the pandemic, which could have had some impact on the way departments operated. However, it also said A&E attendance numbers had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels by June 2021.

Tragedy for too many families

Dr Tim Cooksley, the former president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said the situation in A&Es had worsened since then and described it as a personal tragedy for too many families.

He said: It is impossible to over-emphasise that this number will be rising. Those waiting for 12 hours in emergency departments are increasing. The overcrowding and impacts of this will invariably have resulted in a greater number of avoidable deaths in the last 12 months.

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The lack of dignity for patients and the appalling impact on nursing colleagues was starkly and harrowingly described in the Royal College of Nursing report earlier this week.

The situation is currently worsening and the opportunity to alter the direction of travel is increasingly narrow. If government ministers arent asleep at the wheel as opposition MPs have recently suggested, they need to prove it.

Helen Morgan MP, the Lib Dem health spokesman, said: It is sickening to think that thousands of deaths could have been avoided every year. This has caused untold devastation for families as they try to cope with their unimaginable loss.

The winter crisis that we are enduring could not be a more stark reminder of the unforgivable legacy that the Conservative government left behind.

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She added: The new government has so far shown a shocking lack of action in rescuing emergency care. They failed to prepare for this winter crisis and patients are paying the price.

Instead of putting forward a plan to winter-proof the NHS, as the Liberal Democrats have been saying for months, ministers sat on their hands and let this situation develop.

Prof Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care said: We know there is a real impact when patients wait too long in A&E.

This is a result of pressure across health and social care, including record A&E and GP attendances, challenges discharging patients from hospital, and wards routinely operating at close to 100 per cent capacity.

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In response, we have rolled out a number of services including virtual wards so patients can be supported from the comfort of their home, same-day emergency care centres so patients arriving at A&E are seen quicker and discharged on the same day  while latest data shows the NHS has more beds opened than this time last year.

However more needs to be done to support patients and hard-working NHS staff, and we will work with government to develop further plans to improve urgent and emergency care, including shifting more care to community settings as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: The situation in our A&E departments is clearly unacceptable.

This government has acted decisively to protect A&E by ending the resident doctors strikes, launching the new RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine, delivering 28 million vaccinations for flu, Covid and RSV and securing an extra 26 billion in NHS funding.

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Through our Plan for Change this government is making the investment and fundamental reform needed to ease pressure on urgent care and end the cycle of winter crises.

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Former Vice President Mike Pence applauded the Supreme Courts decision Friday to uphold the ban on TiKTok, calling it a victory for privacy and security of the American people.

The Supreme Courts decision upholding the law requiring TikTok to divest from the Chinese Communist Party is a victory for the privacy and security of the American people, Pence wrote on social platform X just moments after the high court handed down its ruling.

This law was the result of a bipartisan cooperation and I commend its authors and supporters in Congress for enacting this vital law for our national security, he continued. The CCP has been put on notice that the American peoples data is no longer for the taking.

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The Supreme Courts ruling sided with the Biden administration, finding the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment just days before the ban on the video sharing platform could take effect.

Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

The ban law, which passed Congress with wide bipartisan majorities and was signed by President Biden in April 2024, gave TikTok until Sunday to either divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a ban in the U.S. amid national security concerns.

Under these circumstances, we find the Governments data collection justification sufficient to sustain the challenged provisions, the court wrote in its opinion.

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The Biden administration, however, does not plan to enforce the law ahead of inauguration, ultimately leaving the decision to President-elect Trump and seemingly keeping the app online for the time being, according to NewsNation, The Hills sister network.

Pence has been a longtime critic of TikTok for its ties to China and pushed for the law to pass through Congress last spring.

Advancing American Freedom, the conservative nonprofit advocacy group founded by Pence, filed an amicus brief last month calling on the Supreme Court to uphold the law.

The former vice president called on the incoming Trump administration to uphold the divestment law and put the privacy and security of America first.

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Trump urged the justices to delay the deadline so he could negotiate a deal and has increasingly expressed sympathy with TikTok as the ban approached.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps inauguration, and Trump is reportedly considering signing an executive order to circumvent the ban.

TikTok has fiercely fought back against the law, arguing in court earlier this month a divestment is not a feasible option.

TikToks lawyer told the justices the platform will go dark on Sunday should the ban take effect, though questions remain over what this could look like.

While TikTok has not publicly confirmed its plans, one report claimed the company intends to immediately shut off its app for U.S. users Sunday.

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Unless the Supreme Court strikes down the ban, TikTok is planning to make the app unusable for people in the U.S. once the ban takes effect, The Information reported Tuesday, citing two people familiar with TikToks plans.

Under the plan, users trying to open the TikTok app will be greeted with a message directing them to a website with information about the ban, according to The Information report. Users will be given the option to download their data but will not be able to use the app, the outlet added.

The law does not stipulate the exact actions TikTok should take, but makes it illegal for U.S. app stores  like ones operated by Google or Apple  and web-hosting services to distribute TikTok to its users.

As a result, the application will be pulled from app stores and be unavailable for new downloads. Existing downloads are not likely to be removed  at least initially  on U.S. devices, which could lead to the app becoming buggy and eventually nonfunctional, cyber experts told The Hill.

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Relationships can be fickle. Sometimes they just dont work out, even in penguins that can mate with the same partner for several years. The little penguins (Eudyptula minor) that live on Phillip Island in Australia have been found to divorce their partners and find a new mate if they dont appear to be satisfied with the number of offspring they have produced. However, this is a risky decision that can lower the success in their next breeding attempts. The findings are detailed in a study published January 11 in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

Phillip Island is home to the worlds largest colony of little penguinsalmost 40,000 birds. These sea birds are the smallest penguin species on Earth. Little penguins are slightly bigger than a standard bowling pin at about 12 to 14 inches tall and weighing roughly 3 pounds. Also called little blue or fairy penguins, these birds are found in Australia and New Zealand. The colony on Philip Island is home to a popular Penguin Parade that attracts thousands of visitors each year. People can watch them waddle home from the ocean to their burrows at dusk.

This new scientific deep dive into the love lives of little penguins was conducted over 10 years and 13 breeding seasons. Scientists were looking to determine what little penguin pairings can predict about the colonys reproductive future. According to Richard Reina, a study co-author and at Australias Monash University, not all penguins partner for life.

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In good times, they largely stick with their partners, although theres often a bit of hanky-panky happening on the side, Reina said in a statement. However, after a poor reproductive season they may try to find a new partner for the next season to increase their breeding success.

During these 13 breeding seasons, the team tracked which individuals changed partnersor divorcedfrom one season into the next.

We recorded nearly 250 penguin divorces from about a thousand pairs throughout the study, and we found that years with a lower divorce rate resulted in higher breeding success, said Reina.

The rate of divorce among the penguins appears to be a more reliable predictor of reproductive success than environmental factorslike habitat changeor behavioral traits, including the amount of time they spend looking for prey. More divorces and then re-pairings in a breeding season results in lower reproductive success across the whole colony.

[ Related: Tiny fossil reveals when penguins evolved their surprisingly useful wings. ]

The team believes that the divorce rate was a better predictor of success since it was more accurately correlated with breeding rates than the environmental or behavioral factors. Understanding these dynamics can help protect these and other species around Philip Island.

Our findings on lower divorce rates among little penguins at Phillip Island under favourable environmental conditions highlight the importance of considering social dynamics alongside environmental factors when designing strategies to protect vulnerable seabird species, Andre Chiaradia, a study co-author and Phillip Island Nature Parks Marine Scientist, said in a statement.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia) speaks at the Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls Club where joined Lt. Gov Austin Davis to announce 46 grants totaling $11.6 million, under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's (PCCD) Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) program. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Dozens of organizations across Pennsylvania will receive $56.5 million in state grants intended to reduce community violence with additional resources for afterschool programs.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquencys (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee, approved $45 million to provide Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Competitive Grants and Collaborative Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) Strategy Grants.

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An additional $11.5 million in funding is going towards Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grants, which were created through a law Gov. Josh Shapiro signed in 2024. Those grants will go towards funding after school programs.

This PCCD funding was approved as a part of the 2024-2025 state budget.

It takes a comprehensive approach to make our communities safer  we need to invest in law enforcement, but also community-based organizations that are doing the work on the ground, day in and day out, to reduce gun violence, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who serves as chairperson of the PCCD, said in a statement. Its not enough to respond to gun violence when it happens; we need to prevent it.



Our investments in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants  which received a $5 million increase in this years bipartisan state budget  are making a difference in so many communities, he added. Were making progress here in Pennsylvania to reduce gun violence, but theres still more work to be done.

The Shapiro-Davis administrations $56.5 million allotment for VIP grants is an increase from $40 million in the 2023-2024 budget.

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State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) also lauded the VIP program, saying its important to make sure those on the front lines in communities working to stop gun violence have the resources they need.

The recipients of these grants are bringing hope and life to communities and were seeing positive outcomes of that work. Theres been a 40% reduction in Philadelphia homicides, Hughes said. Their prevention efforts are one of the most effective ways to keep our communities safe and keep young people away from violence and crime.

One of the recipients of the PCCD funding is HIAS Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization in the state that supports low-income immigrants through immigration legal services and other social services.

With the support of PCCD funding, weve increased our capacity to offer more immigrant youth opportunities to thrive by helping them apply for legal status in the U.S, said Stephanie Lubert, Grant Program Manager at HIAS Pennsylvania. Our partnership with our subgrantees  La Puerta Abierta and Victim Witness Services of South Philadelphia  has allowed our services to reach vulnerable youth we otherwise may not have identified for help, such as an undocumented youth who was a victim of gun violence.

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Jamie J. Brunson, executive director of First Person Arts, said that the state funding will allow the organization to bring its unique gun violence intervention to youth in safe spaces in and out of school time.

True stories from our documentary film, Trigger  of individuals impacted by gun violence that chose to use those experiences to bring hope, help and healing to others  became a catalyst for open dialogue among youth about the many ripples of gun violence, Brunson said. Youth in areas with high gun violence and low behavioral health utilization developed and shared their own stories while exploring the journey from trauma to healing.

At the Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls Club in Philadelphia on Thursday, Davis noted the $11.6 million in grants for after school programs, adding that it takes more than police officers to make our communities safer. Mental health, quality schools and workforce development programs are part of the equation also, he said.

We need all those things so we can address the root problems of violence, Davis said.

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According to Davis, while the $11.6 million funded 46 grants in both urban and rural areas, the state received nearly 300 applications for grants that would have cost $65 million.

Davis was joined by Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia), who grew up in Frankford and attended the Boys & Girls Club. When he was 13 years old, his older brother, who had also attended the after-school program, was shot and killed.

This was a safe haven for kids like myself, Dawkins said. And its important that we talk about gun violence as one of the metrics of why we want to have this funding in place.

But Dawkins added that he would like to see even more funding in the future, citing the number of applicants that didnt receive funds.

We cant just keep saying that the youth are our future, Dawkins said. Were going to have to start writing the check to prove it.
A Pennsylvania mom is facing charges after police say she handcuffed her son to a fuel tank as a punishment for eating too many hot dogs.

NBC affiliate WGAL reports Chazzity Candelario, 33, is charged with false imprisonment, unlawful restraint and endangering the welfare of a child.

Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said this type of punishment wasnt out of the ordinary for the 11-year-old boy, WGAL said.

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WGAL reports this incident happened on Jan. 11, when Candelario woke the boy up at 5 a.m. and told him he violated a house rule about how much food the children are allowed to eat. She is then accused of taking him to the basement and handcuffing him to the fuel tank.

The child was trapped handcuffed to the fuel tank in the cold basement for hours, the district attorney told WGAL.

Hess Graf also told WGAL that the boy was able to get free from the fuel tank but re-cuffed himself to his bunk bed in his room. He went 17 hours without food, water or using the bathroom before he got a cell phone from his sibling and called 911.

Candelario being held in Lebanon County Prison. Her bail is set at $100,000.

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I will remind readers here of Williamsons First Law: Everything in life is really, really simple, provided you dont know a [expletive deleted] thing about it.

Consider the California wildfires.

About California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the wildfires currently plaguing the state, Donald Trump wrote with his trademark combination of pre-Oedipal rage and illiteracy: This is all his fault!!! Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been trying (and failing) to out-Trump Trump since 2016, has also heaped scorn on Californias elected officials: The people of southern California have every right to be angry. Their elected officials failed them greatly.

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Sen. Cruz took a rather more nuanced view of the wildfires that scorched Texas in recent years, for example by sponsoring legislation that would have taken into account whether cattle lost in the fires were pregnant when calculating compensation for ranchers. Cruz spurred other federal agencies, such as the Small Business Administration, into action, too. A single wildfire in my part of Texas, the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, burned more landabout 1 million acresthan all wildfires combined burn in California in a typical year. Was that a terrible failure of leadership in Texas?

Well, you know, its complicatedit always is when its your business.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in 2024 burned 1,654 square miles of largely rural land, an area larger than the land area of Rhode Island and nearly that of Delawaremore than three times the area of the City of Los Angeles and about 40 percent of the area of Los Angeles County. It was huge, the largest wildfire in Texas recorded history and the largest anywhere in the United States in 2024. And with all due respect to the two people who died in the fire and the many more who suffered property damage, it was a relatively minor affair.

It is not as though California does not have political problemsboy, does it. But the fundamental challenge wrapped up in these Southern California wildfires is one of geography. Los Angeles well-deserved reputation for sprawl masks the fact that it is, after New York City, the most densely populated metropolitan area in these United States. And while Los Angeles has nothing to compare to the population density of New York Citys most jam-packed census tracts, which run as high as 200,000 people per square mileit does have tracts that contain 90,000 people per square mile. The Smokehouse Creek Fire mainly affected Hutchinson, Roberts, and Hemphill counties in Texas, which have population densities per square mile of: 23, 3.7, and 2.6. Southwest of these in Loving County, conditions can get pretty dry and brushy, too, and wildfires are no doubt of real concern to the 60-odd people who live there and give it its 0.1 person per square mile population density.

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Of course theyre counting the cattle. There isnt much else to count besides rattlesnakes. There is a reason that this part of the world is known as the Big Empty.

Southern Californias climate and vegetation make it fire-prone. Whatever effect climate change is having on the fires right now, fires were in the main much larger in the 19th century, when something on the order of 4.5 million acres burned in a typical year, as opposed to the median damage from 2000-23, about 650,000 acres a year. (The mean damage is nearly 1 million acres; there have been a few big outlier years.) The wildfire story is a lot like the hurricane story: The loss of life and property damage is considerably worse today than a century ago not because of climate change but because of population change, with people moving into fire-prone or hurricane-prone areas in large numbers, with many of them building unusually expensive houses in these scenic locales. Even if one accepts the largest estimates of the effects of climate change, the most important factor in lives lost and dollars forfeited is that in the middle of the 19th century there were only 2,240 people living in El Cuidad de los Angeles, while what is today Dade County was home to all of 83 people in 1860.

You can still see the aftermath of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, if you are willing to do some driving. And if you drive in from nearby Amarillo, you can tour through the million acres that burned in the East Amarillo Complex fire in 2006. That got into more densely populated areas than the Smokehouse Creek Fire did, but nothing like Los Angeles. The Bastrop County Complex Fire in 2011 burned up 50 square miles not far from Austinonly two people died in that very costly and destructive fire (nearly 1,700 buildings were lost), but you can imagine how much worse it would have been had it reached Austin. And Texas is a lot more urban than people may assume: Of the dozen largest cities in the United States, five of themHouston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worthare in Texas. In the main, these cities are, like their California counterparts, heavily Democratic, with a very familiar kind of urban politics. (Dallas Republican mayor, Eric Not the Cliffs of Dover Guy Johnson, was elected as a Democrat and switched parties; previously, Fort Worth had been the largest Texasor U.S.city with a Republican mayor, the citys nonpartisan municipal elections being a polite fiction.) Politics in Ted Cruzs home of Houston look a lot like politics in Philadelphia or Chicago or in the city Houston most resembleswhich is, of course, Los Angeles. But Houston doesnt burn as much as it floods.

Its easy for Cruz et al. to piss on California, and it is not as though California doesnt have it coming. But when Texas burned, Sen. Cruz didnt offer those flatland farmers and ranchers a stern lecture on self-reliance and the necessity of digging fire laneshe put his hand into the federal cookie jar on their behalf, which is what senators do. And when Californians want to do the same?

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Dont be surprised if Republicans insist that is  different.

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PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The closure of a chicken processing plant will put 433 people out of work, according to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and mayor.

The Perdue Plant in Monterey will cease production on March 28, 2025, according to the company.

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Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter shared information on the closure from Perdue:

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This decision comes as part of the companys overall focus on continuous improvement and modernization of its supply chain to meet evolving consumer demands and operational needs. Changes in market demand and how the company produces and supplies its products have impacted the Monterey facility in recent years. Addressing these challenges would require substantial additional investments to maintain operations.

This was difficult news for our associates, and please know a decision like this is something we take very seriously, and one that was not made lightly. We are committed to doing everything we can to help our associates through this transition. To support affected associates, Perdue will provide severance packages, which include extended WARN protections for up to ten weeks, additional severance pay beyond the standard compensation, and job placement support to assist in their transition.

We also understand that this impacts the broader town of Monterey and its neighbors. We have been proud to be part of your community for these past years and are grateful for the relationships forged and partnerships made. Perdue corporate statement

While this decision is incredibly difficult, it is necessary to ensure Perdue remains fit for the future, said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms, in a release. We must make challenging choices today to continue to serve our customers and consumers effectively, and to continue to grow our company. This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to treating every impacted associate with dignity, respect, and care. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Monterey team for their hard work and dedication and remain proud of the contributions theyve made to our business.

The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce also released a statement, which reads:

Our hearts are with the 433 Perdue employees in Monterey who will be impacted by the plants closure. This is a challenging time for these individuals and their families. Perdue has been a valued partner to our community, and while words alone cannot ease their burden, we are committed to action.

The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber is working closely with local leaders and workforce officials to organize a career fair to connect affected employees with resources and job opportunities. Details will be announced soon.

Perdue and its local leadership have long supported our Chamber, the Highlands Economic Partnership, local schools, and nonprofits across the region. This closure is not just a loss for Montereymy hometownbut for all of Putnam County and beyond. These employees are our neighbors and friends who have contributed so much to our community. We are dedicated to helping them navigate this transition.

If your business has open positions, please post them on the Chambers website under the Jobs section so we can connect displaced workers with new opportunities. Now is the time for our community to come together and show the strength and compassion that define Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland. Amy New, President & CEO

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

President New said the chamber is committed to action and is organizing a career fair. Plus, they ask businesses to post job openings on the chambers website.

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We live in a very strong community, which I have full faith will come together and show our strength by helping our fellow citizens with job opportunities and resources, explained Mayor Porter in a statement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
By Akbar Novruz



A government delegation from Azerbaijan, headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Rafiyev, visited Ethiopia to foster deeper political, economic, and humanitarian collaboration between the two nations.

According to a statement by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Ethiopian officials, including Alem Tsehay Paulos, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers' Office, Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe, and Agriculture Minister Girme Amente. They also met with leaders of the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Investment Holding and explored industrial parks and infrastructure projects in the country.

The meetings underscored the momentum established during Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie's meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku. Both sides identified specific areas for cooperation, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and education, while agreeing to establish legal frameworks and working groups to facilitate these initiatives. Plans for mutual trade missions and business forums were also discussed.

The Ethiopian adoption of the ASAN service model, a hallmark of Azerbaijans citizen services innovation, was highlighted as a testament to the growing partnership.

Additionally, the visit included the third round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of both nations, chaired by Yalchin Rafiyev and Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga. Discussions covered bilateral and multilateral cooperation within the UN, Non-Aligned Movement, and other international platforms.

The Azerbaijani delegation comprised representatives from the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, AZPROMO, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and SOCAR, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to enhancing bilateral ties.
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:

Researchers Alexander Hoischen and Lisenka Vissers of Radboud university medical center. Credit: @radboudumc

The European consortium for Solving the Unsolved Rare Diseases has demonstrated the significance of international collaboration to address the unmet medical needs for rare diseases' diagnosis. More than 500 European patients with unknown conditions have received a diagnosis through new genetic research. This includes patients with rare neurological disorders, severe intellectual disabilities, muscle diseases, and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer.

These diagnoses were achieved through extensive European collaboration, led by researchers from the University of Tubingen, Radboud university medical center, and the National Center for Genomic Analysis in Barcelona.

A disease is considered rare in the European Union, if fewer than five out of 10,000 people have the condition. Of the 7,000 rare diseases, at least 70% have a genetic cause. Because these diseases are so rare, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause in the DNA, even when multiple members of one family have the condition.

Researchers have now been able to diagnose a number of European patients and families with their rare genetic disease. These include rare neurological disorders, malformation syndromes and intellectual disabilities, rare neuromuscular diseases, and suspected hereditary cancer risk syndromes.

In total, the researchers reanalyzed the existing genome data of 6,447 patients and 3,197 unaffected family members. Thanks to this research, 506 patients and their families received a diagnosis. For 15% of the patients, there are leads for actionability, in some including treatment; in other cases, the diagnosis provides clarity for the patients and their families.

These results have been published in Nature Medicine.

These diagnoses were made possible by Solve-RD, a large European collaboration involving 300 experts from 12 European countries and Canada. Led by researchers from the University of Tubingen, Radboud university medical center, and the National Center for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) in Barcelona, these experts conducted a thorough reanalysis of patients' genetic data. They work within European Reference Networks (ERNs) that focus on specific rare diseases.

Thanks to this framework, it no longer matters whether a patient with a rare condition is seen in the Netherlands, Germany, or France. The method for reaching a diagnosis is now the same everywhere. This did not happen easily.

The experts had to agree on the analysis method for each condition, for example, which genes and variant types needed to be examined. Logistical challenges and national legislation and regulations were also of major impact.

Blueprint

This initiative, based on the Solve-RD project's two-level expert review framework, provides a structured approach to diagnosing and potentially treating rare diseases. The framework allows analyses to be reviewed by experts from diverse fields, such as clinical genetics and data science, which increases diagnostic accuracy.

The approach is being expanded through the European Rare Disease Research Alliance (ERDERA), a new rare diseases partnership coordinated by INSERM, France, with over 180 organizations including key scientists from Solve-RD.

Further acceleration of diagnosis of rare disease patients being one of its goals. By collecting data from a broader pool of patients and collaborating with additional European medical centers, ERDERA aims to offer diagnoses to those who remain undiagnosed, thus scaling the impact of rare disease research.

Within ERDERA, the University of Tubingen leads the Clinical Research Network diagnostic stream, working again alongside teams from Radboudumc, Barcelona and others across Europe. This includes scaling up patient data reanalysis from 10,000 to over 100,000 rare disease datasets, and covering a wider range of rare genetic conditions.

The work also emphasizes the use of advanced techniques such as long-read genome sequencing, optical genome mapping, and RNA sequencing to accelerate diagnoses for unresolved rare conditions.

Holm Graessner, Solve-RD coordinator said, "The Solve-RD approach to reanalyze data from unsolved rare disease patients was successful and led to a diagnosis for more than 500 patients. This is a major step forward and a milestone for the rare disease research in Europe. We will continue and scale up this approach in ERDERA to provide a diagnosis to even more patients and families across Europe."

Lisenka Vissers, Professor of Translational Genomics and lead researcher from Radboudumc, said, "We conducted a large reanalysis of an enormous amount of patient data. This allowed us to find similarities and draw conclusions. We have now even been able to provide a diagnosis for a patient who has been ill for 20 years and has participated in many studies."

Alexander Hoischen, Professor of Genomic technologies for immune-mediated and infectious diseases and lead researcher from Radboudumcsaid, "The fact that we have achieved this is a unique example of the power of collaboration. It's a huge step forward in European cooperation, and this is just the beginning.

"Although we haven't made any new discoveries yet and these diagnoses come from existing data and analyses, we hope to be able to help many more patients in the coming years. Initially by making a diagnosis, but hopefully also with possible treatments."

More information: Genomic reanalysis of a pan-European rare-disease resource yields new diagnoses, Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03420-w Journal information: Nature Medicine
EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  A person was found dead inside a car parked at the Heritage Park Plaza in East Longmeadow on Friday.

East Longmeadow camp director honored with rising star award

East Longmeadow Police Department Chief Mark Williams said at around 10 a.m. officers located a vehicle that belonged to a person who was the the subject of a well-being check request from another police agency. The vehicle was in the northwestern corner of the parking lot near Panera Bread.

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When officers approached the vehicle, a deceased person was found inside. The death is considered not suspicious and there is no threat to the public.

East Longmeadow Police and Massachusetts State Police are investigation the circumstances of the death. The persons identity has not been released.

MAP: N Main Street in East Longmeadow

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.
Within hours of the announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire and the return of 33 Israeli hostages, Republicans were crowing that the deal had been made because of the Trump effect  political plates shifting in advance of Donald Trumps impending inauguration.

The Trump transition team put out a news release Jan. 15 that said, President Trump secures Gaza ceasefire deal. Even The Atlantic, generally no fan of the 45th and 47th president, published a piece by Yair Rosenberg that said Trump made the Gaza cease-fire happen.

Thats not how Joe Biden sees it.

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The president, when asked by a reporter who should get credit for the deal, answered Is that a joke? before turning and leaving the room. Others have also sharply shut down any talk about Trump being responsible, including columnist Sophia A. Nelson, who wrote on X, America has one president at a time.

America has one president at a time.



This ceasefire is a Biden-Harris victory. Not Trump.



It is wrong to send private envoys abroad to negotiate deals or president-elects negotiate deals-See Logan Act. America has one commander-in-chief at a time. Period.#Ceasefire  Sophia A. Nelson (@IAmSophiaNelson) January 15, 2025

In this case, however, its complicated. Both the outgoing and incoming administration were involved. More importantly, at this time, the question of who was most responsible for the deal is irrelevant, and partisan chest-beating distracts from a remarkable moment of cooperation worthy of celebration  and emulation.

Both the Trump and Biden teams were involved in negotiations, and each side acknowledged the bipartisan work. The terms largely echo a proposal laid out by Biden himself in May 2024, but the incoming president dragged the parties over the finish line, Rosenberg wrote for The Atlantic.

The factor that Biden must confront is the timing. Like the release of the Iranian hostages in 1981, minutes after Ronald Reagan took the oath of office, the planned release of 33 Israeli hostages right before Trump takes office is certainly not coincidental, particularly since Trump has been threatening all hell to pay if the hostages werent freed before he takes office. Any argument that Biden brokered this deal would have been more credible if the ceasefire had come during the summer. Even then, the claim would have been dubious amid the debate over whether Biden could remain president given his disastrous debate performance in June and questions about his competency. Even now, there are some who suggest that Biden himself isnt calling the shots.

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The ceasefire agreement is not a total victory for any of the parties involved  there are believed to be 98 hostages still held by Hamas, and its unclear how many of them are alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under fire in some quarters for agreeing to the deal. And there is a chance it could yet fall through, as Israel has continued to strike targets in Gaza and Israels vote on the deal wont take place until Friday, amid virulent pockets of opposition over Israels concessions, including the release of about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Still, there is much to be hopeful about. As The New York Times reported, when Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East envoy, met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem over the weekend, Biden adviser Brett McGurk was on the speakerphone, calling from Qatar. This is an astonishing turn of events, given that there are ordinary Americans who arent speaking to each other because of political animosity and too much coverage of Jimmy Carters funeral last week involved which political leader or spouse snubbed another one at Washington National Cathedral.

In contrast, the ceasefire deal was a vivid example of cooperation between two men representing bitter political revivals, David E. Sanger and Michael D. Shear wrote for the Times. Rarely if ever have teams of current and new presidents of different parties worked together at such a high-stakes moment, with the fate of American lives and the future of a devastating war hanging in the balance.

Equally remarkable was the fact that the collaboration emerged from Trumps meeting with Biden the week after the election  an apparently genial get-together enabled by the fact that it was Vice President Kamala Harris, not Biden, who had just lost to Trump.

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Its as if our leaders were acting as ... leaders.

Unfortunately, rather than highlighting those brief shining moments of grown-up behavior, both Biden and Trump are trying to claim credit for a ceasefire and a hostage return that has yet to happen. Common sense suggests this is not a great idea. If things fall apart spectacularly, as things are prone to do in geopolitical conflict, both the president and the president-elect may yet wish they had not been so quick to take credit.

Moreover, anything we know now about what happened behind the scenes is subject to change. For decades, the prevailing narrative about the release of the Iranian hostages was that the Carter administrations response had been ineffectual over the course of the crisis, which lasted 444 days, and that the prospect of stronger leadership under Reagan was what led to the hostages release on Inauguration Day.

In fact, whether Carter or Reagan was more responsible for the outcome is still being debated, with some arguing that it was the Carter administrations negotiations during the fall that precipitated the release, and others accusing Reagan campaign officials of actively working to delay the release until Reagan assumed office.

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In his terse exchange with the reporter who asked who should get the credit for the Israel-Hamas deal, Biden let his famous temper get the best of him. In doing so, he lost an opportunity to give the right answer, the best one.

Who should get the credit?

It doesnt matter.

What matters is that the bloodshed and destruction of the past 15 months stops and that the hostages come home.
Jan. 17A University of Maine researcher had a lightbulb moment while watching news about wildfires raging through California in 2019. James Anderson saw clips of planes dumping out water to quench the flames, but wind kept blowing it away. At the time, Anderson was exploring the capabilities of sawdust that, when ground down to a microscopic level, turns into a watery goo. He realized the material  known as cellulose nanofiber or biogel  had all the right qualities to be an effective fire extinguisher.

What if the solution to fighting fires was using the same material that was burning?

The cellulose nanofiber quickly put out flames, stuck to surfaces for a long time, was much better than water at preventing fires from reigniting and is completely natural  free of toxins or forever chemicals called PFAS that harm people and the environment. With an added cherry on top, the machinery needed to produce it already existed. Maine is the No. 1 global public supplier of the material.

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Anderson brought that idea to the University of Maine's Process Development Center, where a large warehouse is filled with equipment that makes the goo for different kinds of research and uses.

Dr. Colleen Walker, Director of the Process Development Center, recognized the ingenuity and endorsed the project as soon as Anderson brought it forward.

"I can't talk about it enough. It blew me out of the water," Walker said. "Wherever there's trees, which in Maine is everywhere, you could put very simple pieces of equipment and a tank and some pumps, and off you go to make it."

Six years later, Anderson and other researchers at the center feel a renewed sense of urgency to get the biogel into the hands of firefighters. Ongoing wildfires continue to destroy southern California and firefighters, including 20 from Maine, are struggling to put out flames amid powerful winds and abnormally dry conditions.

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In an ideal world, planes could be dumping the watery goo on the hills and houses of southern California right now. But there are two large obstacles standing in the way: the red tape of certification and the gobs of money needed to get it.

MULTI-PURPOSE MASHED POTATOES

The firefighting biogel is formed by crushing down sawdust until it's unrecognizable. It becomes gooey like mashed potatoes, 97% water with 1% sawdust that bonds the water together. It's heavy, so it can't get blown away as easily in the wind. When you add more water, it can be sprayed. It sticks to surfaces for long periods of time, so it can also be used to prevent fires before they start. It's difficult to catch on fire.

In person, it's evident that the biogel is amazing at what it does.

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Anderson and Rich Fredericks, a research scientist, put on a demonstration Tuesday morning at the Process Development Center in Orono. They gripped planks of wood and wielded propane torches. Anderson stood in front of a bucket of water, and Rich in front of a bucket of the goo.

They lifted the torches to the planks and set them on fire. Then, they dunked one in each bucket. Both fires were put out immediately. But then Anderson and Fredericks began to set the planks on fire again. Within 30 seconds, Anderson's watery plank was burning. Five minutes of torching later, there weren't any flames on the plank covered with biogel. It had a few burn marks but was otherwise unharmed.

It takes an average 11 minutes of direct exposure to fire for something covered in biogel to go ablaze, according to the research.

WHAT MAKES THE BIOGEL DIFFERENT?

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The biogel developed at UMaine is not the only fire suppressant more effective than water. Fluorinated firefighting foam became widely used after it was invented in the 1960s. It works quickly but is the most common source of forever chemical contamination in the U.S., according to the EPA.

Those fluorinated foams are a huge concern for the International Association of Fire Fighters, a labor union with members across the U.S. and Canada.

Cancer has become the leading cause of death among active firefighters.

"It's not a coincidence that PFAS is associated with some of the most severe illnesses that firefighters acquire at rates higher than that of the general public," said Neil McMillan, the director of science and research at the union.

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Some states and counties have been shifting away from using PFAS-laden extinguishing foams  and there are other options besides biogel. Maine banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of fire extinguishers with these synthetic chemicals  except for at federal airports like the Brunswick Executive Airport, where a spill in August dumped 1,450 gallons of concentrate containing PFAS mixed with 50,000 gallons of water.

But the U.S. still largely relies on these toxic firefighting foams.

The leading argument is that fluorinated foams are the only effective option to put out fires. McMillan says that's simply untrue.

"Of course, we want to have efficacious products, but we will also want products that don't result in an epidemic of cancer and other forms of illnesses within the fire service population," McMillan said.

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And, he added, firefighters with boots on the ground believe in the fluorine-free alternatives.

WHEN WILL WOOD FIGHT FIRES?

Anderson knows the path forward to put the biogel on the market, get it in portable fire extinguishers, on fire trucks and deployed from the back of planes.

The infrastructure needed to make the biogel already exists. The University of Maine has a huge facility where Anderson gets his materials. The cellulose nanofiber is also manufactured and used for medical research, food preservation and coatings. Anderson wants to fine-tune his research as much as possible, so that when the product is sent out for official tests to be used against fires, it can be certified quickly.

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But the project hinges on funding.

The Process Development Center received $150,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Products Laboratory in December to fund more research. But that won't cover the testing for certifications necessary for it to be used in commercially sold fire extinguishers. That testing can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

Then, there's an entirely separate process for getting wildfire approval. And the Process Development Center needs to conduct experiments that mimic wildfires so they only have to do the test once, which costs $150,000 and takes 18 months. Anderson anticipates the wildfire project could end up costing $500,000 from start to finish.

The PDC is making strides to acquire funding. Anderson will be attending a firefighting conference in the spring, where he hopes to get the word out with different organizations, government agencies, businesses and investors.

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On Wednesday, the federal Department of Commerce announced that the University of Maine is getting about $11 million to commercialize and test ideas for new wood products. Some of that money will support the university's biogel projects, according to Vice President Jake Ward, though it's not yet clear how much will go toward Anderson's research specifically.

Walker, the director at the Process Development Center, wishes that the material could be sent to California today.

"Sometimes, it's really frustrating. I understand there's checks and balances, yes, because we don't want, like, the situation with PFAS," Walker said. "But it's trees. It's wood and water. Why can't we go and do this, and then if it lands on somebody, it's OK."

Anderson believes the discovery is harmless enough that it could be deployed now.

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"If I was in California and I had some of this stuff I sprayed all over my house, and it could just sit there constantly ... it would probably last hours or days," Anderson said. "You spray it on, and it'll sit on top of your house like Ghostbusters guys have been through, and if an ember lands on the house (it's safe)."

Even so, Anderson is committed to following all the necessary steps, however long it takes.

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Jan. 16WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement after the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Mark Green, named him Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence (CTI) for the 119th Congress.

"From the Chinese Communist Party's malign influence to homegrown violent extremists motivated by foreign terrorist organizations, our nation faces one of the most dangerous times in its history. Millions of illegal aliens, many of which are known terrorist threats, have poured into our nation, threatening the safety of every single American. My home state of Texas has faced the brunt of President Biden's border crisis, and it is time to fulfill the mandate that the American people gave us on November 5th and bring law and order to the southern border. The Committee on Homeland Security is the most crucial in Congress when it comes to securing our border, and I am honored to serve on it for my third term. I am also proud to continue serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, where I will work tirelessly to implement President Trump's America First agenda."

Pfluger served as a member of the Committee of Homeland Security in both the 117th and 118th Congress, as well as Chairman of CTI in the 118th Congress. The committee was created in 2005 to ensure that the American people were protected from terrorist attacks, and has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security.
PHENIX CITY, Ala.  The Alabama Education Association (AEA) is filing a lawsuit against the Phenix City Board of Education. The AEA hosted a news conference Thursday to address the lawsuit.

This comes after the Board held two meetings where the public agenda included an Executive Session regarding legal matters with no further description.

Based on information and belief the Alabama Education Association says the termination of Superintendent Dr. Sherrods contract was discussed but was not disclosed to the public during those meetings.

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The Phenix City Board of Education is accused of violating the Alabama Open Meetings Act. This is a policy that all boards must be transparent when conducting public business.

According to the complaint, the board intentionally violated the law in meetings held on December 16th and January 9th.

At the news conference Thursday, a mother of a Phenix City student spoke with WRBL.

It kind of affects me. On a bad levelbecause when she was in elementary, I was president of the PTO Board, and I was more hands onBy me not being able to enter into the school like I used to do and not knowing. Its kind of putting me on the edge. Veronica Walker, parent of student in the Phenix City School District

Thursday evening, the Russell County Circuit Court entered a preliminary injunction.

Vance McCrary, a lawyer from Mobile representing the AEA says a preliminary injunction allows for a more full hearing and an opportunity for the AEA to provide more evidence to the court in their favor.

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McCrary says the AEA was originally asking the court for a temporary restraining order saying the board has to identify the subject matters in which they are meeting about.

As the name suggests, it is temporary and it expires- within most cases- it expires within ten days, McCrary explains. During those ten days lawyers then try to get a hearing on a preliminary injunction -which last longer and then try to continue the injunction that way through the preliminary injunction.

McCrary says the court is responsible for imposing financial consequences to the Phenix City Board of Education as the AEA did not request any at this time.

A hearing for a permanent injunction will be held in March.

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WRBL will keep you updated with more on this story as more 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 WRBL.
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine navy said on Friday its ships were holding drills near a contested shoal in the South China Sea, a day after Manila and Beijing agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite ongoing disputes.

The exercise around the Scarborough shoal, one of Asia's most hotly contested areas, was aimed at enhancing the navy's capability to secure what it said were Philippine waters and the country's territorial integrity, the navy said in a statement.

It described it as a "routine unilateral exercise" involving its Antonio Luna frigate and two other patrol ships operating in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The exercises would take place from Jan. 17-19, it said.

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The drills coincided with the continued radio challenges by the Philippine coast guard to the presence at the shoal of China's largest coast guard vessel, which it says is illegally patrolling in Manila's EEZ.

"If China is genuinely committed to deescalating tensions and sincerely seeks to foster mutual trust and cooperation between our nations ...the Chinese government must respect the Philippines' sovereign rights in our EEZ," the coast guard said in a statement late on Thursday.

China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

China's expansive territorial claims in the key maritime trade route overlap with the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

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A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal said Beijing's claims, based on its historic maps, have no basis under international law, a decision China does not recognise.

During Thursday's 10th round of talks under a bilateral mechanism set up to address issues in the South China Sea, China and the Philippines both agreed to boost communication and deepen dialogue, but also called each other out over recent standoffs.

They also pledged to advance coast guard and marine scientific cooperation while committing to resolving issues peacefully.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)
Firefighters from Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula are reporting back from the front lines as they support the wildfire response in Los Angeles, according to updates from local fire departments.

The four-person team drove down to Los Angeles on Jan. 9 and got their assignments from a base camp set up for first responders at Zuma Beach, according to social media updates from the Key Peninsula Fire Department and Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One. The team includes two firefighters from the Key Peninsula Fire Department, Adam Morse and Kevin Koehl, and two from Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One, Jimmy Dane and Marty Pattin.

Assigned to the Palisades fire, the team traveled down to join a larger Washington strike team including firefighters from Pierce, Kitsap and King counties, Lt. Morse told The News Tribune via phone Wednesday evening. Theyre working to protect structures in the Bel-Air area, a residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains to the east of Mandeville Canyon.

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To get to our assigned area, we drive through the Palisades area every day, and I mean the damage is really unbelievable, Morse told The News Tribune. Its not anything that Ive seen.

He remembers when the Carlton Complex wildfire took out about 300 structures in Washington state in 2014. That fire, sparked by lightning in Okanogan County, remains the largest single wildfire in the states history, with damages totaling $98 million, according to HistoryLink.org.

It doesnt hold a candle to what Ive seen here, Morse said.

Since it broke out Jan. 7, the Palisades fire has burned close to 24,000 acres in Los Angeles County as of 2:29 p.m. Thursday, according to Cal Fire. Three civilians have been injured and eight have died. The fire has destroyed almost 3,000 structures and damaged over 500.

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Its the biggest of several fires actively burning in the region and is 22% contained, Cal Fire reports. The second largest, the Eaton Fire, has burned over 14,000 acres, destroying some 5,700 structures and killing 16 civilians. It is 55% contained as of a Cal Fire update at 3:56 p.m. Thursday. An incident map of all active fires is available at fire.ca.gov/incidents.

Can the LA wildfires happen in Western WA? The answer is complicated and sobering

Lt. Morse told The News Tribune Wednesday at about 4:45 p.m. that the fire activity where the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor crew is at is minimal, but not out of danger. The crew has been placed into an area with red flag warnings, which means that if the fire activity were to pick back up, the winds could drive it into their area, according to Morse.

We are positioned to be the initial attack, he said.

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He explained that the firefighters have been going through the evacuated Bel-Air neighborhood and checking the homes to make sure no one has tried to return to them. Theyre also assessing the areas around the homes to plan how theyd respond if the fires were to approach. Other crews with wildland engines are going closer to the center of the fire to search for remaining hot spots and mitigate further spread, while others with bulldozers are working to plow through and create hard firebreaks, which are areas cleared of fuel to stop a fire from spreading.

The base camp includes firefighters from Oregon, California, Nevada, Texas and Colorado, as well as elsewhere in Washington, according to Morse. Theres also urban search-and-rescue teams, which carefully go through the debris and damaged homes, that include members of the military and a Mexican national team, he said.

Morse and Koehl were on shift last week when they learned they were being deployed to L.A.

We were sitting at the station watching the daily news and we saw everything happening down here in California and how it was just kind of growing, and we sent a message to our chief asking if we could get down here, if he was going to to deploy us, Morse said. And several hours later he called us up and said: Hey, make sure everythings packed. You guys are leaving tomorrow morning.

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Key Peninsula Fire Department spokesperson Anne Nesbit and Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One spokesperson Tom Wescott both said in separate phone calls that the team is set to stay in L.A. for at least two weeks. Thats a tentative plan, according to Wescott. The crew may be asked to extend their time there or they could be swapped out.

Nesbit said Thursday that Key Peninsula Fire doesnt know yet if firefighters will be asked to stay longer, but the department could swap out their firefighters while leaving their firetruck in L.A. if needed.

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One spokesperson Tom Wescott told The News Tribune how fire departments coordinate to send reinforcements in the event of a major emergency.

When a state has an emergency, they can send out a request for resources across state lines through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Its a national agreement to provide aid in times of disaster adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands, according to emacweb.org.

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According to Nesbit, agencies decide if they can fulfill the specific asks from the state experiencing the emergency. The state might ask for a specific type of engine or tender, for example. Key Peninsula Fire posted on Facebook that they sent their newly-acquired Rosenbauer Timberwolf, a big brush truck equipped to fight wildland fires, with their team to L.A.

The federal contract provides for firefighters compensation. Nesbit said the reimbursement will cover firefighters work time and the expenses of using their firefighting apparatus. The Key Peninsula Firefighters labor union also wrote in response to a comment on their Facebook page Jan. 10 that the reimbursement includes the cost of travel.

Asked if the deployment will affect staffing capacity on the Key Peninsula, Nesbit said staffing wont be affected. Part of the reimbursement pays for staff to cover for the deployed firefighters in their absence.

A one-day closure of Key Peninsula Fire Station No. 4 in Longbranch from the morning of Jan. 10 to the morning of Jan. 11, which Nesbit described as a brownout, was not related to the deployment of firefighters to L.A., according to Nesbit. Recent budget challenges the department has faced led to the temporary closure, she said.

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I think were all doing pretty well, Key Peninsula Fires Lt. Morse said, asked how the crew is doing. Working the 24-hour shifts  closer to 30, if you factor in the travel time to their assignment area  has been a little exhausting, he added.

Theyve been able to keep in touch with their families via text or phone call, and theres been a flood of supplies donated from businesses and individuals for first responders. He said his crew is thankful for the ability to help.

All the guys on my crew, were happy to do it, he said.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A Pittsfield resident pled guilty for his involvement in a 2022 shooting that left one person dead and a second injured.

Laquan M. Johnson, age 29, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and seven other charges connected to the April 4, 2022 killing of Stephan Curley and the shooting of Dominique Satrape.

Pittsfield man arraigned for connection with deadly shooting

According to investigators, on that date at 4:22 p.m., police were called to the area of 71 King Street after a ShotSpotter activation detected five gunshots. Police were also called to Berkshire Medical Center, where the two gunshot victims drove themselves.

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Police investigated the surrounding area and spoke with Meilani Eurquhart, Laquan Johnsons sister. She admitted to hearing shots and was found by police to be holding several spent shell casings. When police entered the home they found another casing in the hallway and Johnson freshly showered in an apartment, allegedly washing away any gun residue.

A gun, matching the one used to shoot Curley and Satrape, was found inside the residence in a safe belonging to Johnson.

During the trial Johnson admitted to the shooting, claiming self-defense. Prosecutors say just 16 seconds between video evidence shows Curley driving up to the residence and shots fired, showing that Johnson fired shots towards both victims.

Johnson was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison, above sentencing guidelines that recommend 9 to 13.5 years. The plea took place before the results of a jury verdict from a trial that began on January 8th.

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.
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:

More than one-quarter of U.S. health care providers reported meeting diagnostic criteria for psychopathology during the pandemic, but only 38 percent of these reported seeking care, according to research published in the Jan. 16 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Anthony Papa, Ph.D., from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, and colleagues studied mental health symptoms and care-seeking among U.S. health care providers during the pandemic. A total of 2,603 primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants were surveyed during September 2022 to May 2023.

The researchers found that 45.4 percent of participants reported they did not need mental health care and 20.3 percent had sought care. Overall, 25.6 percent of providers reported mental distress severe enough to meet diagnostic criteria for psychopathology; of these, 38 and 20.1 percent reported seeking care and indicated that they did not need care, respectively.

Providers reporting care-seeking had a lower average number of years in practice. Care-seeking was more likely to be reported by providers who identified as female. Difficulty getting time off from work, cost of care, and concerns about confidentiality were the most frequently reported barriers to seeking care.

Increased symptom severity was seen in association with increased pandemic-related work stressors, but these effects were mitigated by support from work supervisors.

"Organizational and governmental interventions will likely reduce stigma among health care providers by normalizing and supporting mental health care-seeking and addressing perceived negative consequences of seeking health care on medical licensing," the authors write.

More information: Anthony Papa et al, Gaps in Mental Health CareSeeking Among Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 PandemicUnited States, September 2022May 2023, MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2025). DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7402a1 Journal information: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Copyright  2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
News of the police-shooting death of Edgar Maddison Welch , the gunman whose raid on a Washington pizzeria terrorized the capital just before Donald Trumps first inauguration, is a weird reminder of something thats gone missing as the city awaits a second Trump term: the once-pervasive sense of physical danger from extremists like Welch and his fellow believers in the pizzagate conspiracy theory.

That marks quite a change.

Eight years ago, Welchs assault was a sort of cultural inflection point for the capital. A Beltway elite that never spent much time thinking about wild internet rabbit holes suddenly realized its own safety was at risk thanks to a truly deranged online conspiracy theory: According to believers, a Satan-worshipping cabal of cannibalistic Democratic insiders was holding children in a dungeon beneath a beloved Connecticut Avenue eatery.

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When pizzagate jumped from the dark fringes of the web to an actual neighborhood thick with politics-and-media insiders, it crystallized an unfamiliar new feeling of lawless, irrational menace that became a permanent aspect of D.C. life during the first Trump term and never really vanished. As recently as November, many locals told me they were thinking of getting out of town ahead of potential election violence.

Theres less of that kind of talk now  partly because Trump supporters won, but also because of a change in the nature of Internet-fueled rage, one that de-emphasizes specific accusations against specific Washington people and places. The fear of political violence remains live across America, but while no one was paying attention, the fear that your random local D.C. pizza joint could draw a bunch of online conspiracy theorists has ebbed.

Thanks in part to years of litigation against online lies  and also thanks to some less-noticed changes in the far-right ecosystem  that means the advent of the second Trump era is not accompanied by the same paranoid fury that eight years ago turned unlikely spots like Comet Ping Pong into giant targets for armed gunmen. Rather than a harbinger of a troubling new normal, pizzagate for many has come to seem kooky and vaguely historic.

Its not that politics is any less consumed by conspiracies as Washington prepares for Trumps return. Its just that the falsehoods have moved away from the type of viral lie that targets an individual election worker or implicates the family of a deceased political staffer  or, in this case, smears a longtime favorite birthday party spot in leafy upper Northwest D.C.

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According to people involved in the pushback against Welchs brand of extremism, the decline of this particular kind of conspiracy is no accident.

We are no longer seeing events like pizzagate or Unite the Right, partially because litigation like the Charlottesville case has helped fracture some of these movements and organizations, said Amy Spitalnick, who helped win $25 million in legal judgments against the organizers of the infamous Virginia far-right rally that came just months after Welchs arrest in Washington. That litigation and accountability has disincentivized specific acts of violent hate.

At the same time, the vibe has also quieted for a reason that liberals wont like: Some devotees of conspiracies like QAnon have ascended to new levels of influence that theyre anxious not to lose.

Its political expediency, said Jared Holt, who studies hate and extremist movements at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and closely follows the plans and politics of online radicals. At some point they understood that this will get me in more trouble than its worth, and moved on to other stuff.

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If you are an influencer with a conspiratorial brain and youre trying to figure out what to talk about, you know that beating up on queer people might be really advantageous to you, but talking about lizard people might isolate you, Holt added, referring to another conspiracy from the first Trump era.

Either way, the reduced air of conspiracy menace is part of why the mood in this particularly vulnerable town feels so different from the last time Trump was on the cusp of power.

Back then, the atmosphere was much more fraught. The shock of Hillary Clintons defeat was fresh; reports about viral misinformations role in the results was profoundly disorienting to a city that imagines itself as a place of facts and ideas. And then, a month later, Welch showed up, inspired by a truly deranged example of misinformation. It felt like a through-the-looking-glass moment.

In fact, by the time Welch strapped on his weapon and drove to Washington, pizzagate had been around for months. But it was largely ignored in ways that reveal a lot about the pre-Trump order.

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Will Sommer, then a writer at the alternative-weekly Washington City Paper, had actually reported on the conspiracy  one of the only journalists to do so. Even working for an outlet that prided itself on covering oddities, he said hed faced questions about why he was spending time on freak-of-the-week stuff. People would say its trolling or a 4chan prank, why take it seriously? Sommer told me.

I remember when I heard about Welchs arrest, said Sommer, now a Washington Post reporter. I was driving back to D.C. and it really hit me in the pit of my stomach like, This is really a thing happening in the world.

Plenty of bigger-time Washington players thought of themselves as somehow above having to think about nobodies who post delusional ideas on obscure message boards. They were in for the same shock  especially as it emerged that various champions of the incoming president had embraced the conspiracy. Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security advisor, had made a social media post that seemed to support the conspiracy .

Already inclined not to like the new administration, many in permanent Washington came to see it as actively importing danger into their neighborhoods  and channeled their disgust in ways that exacerbated the feeling of war between the Trump movement and the seat of government.

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The incident at Comet wasnt the only example of the new fear. Over the next four years, there was a series of frightening incidents that began in the swamps of the online right. The neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville famously transfixed the country. So did the QAnon conspiracy, another fantastical tale of alleged Washington-insider sex abuse. But there was also a conspiracy around the death in Washington of Seth Rich, the low-level Democratic staffer who online trolls claimed was murdered because he somehow knew too much about misdeeds by bigwigs.

And finally there was the January 6 riot, a violent insurrection spurred by viral falsehoods about the 2020 election.

Even after that, on the very last night of Trumps first term , far-right protesters were still out front of Comet, which by that point had spent vast sums on security thanks to the ongoing lies. Trolls had also targeted other businesses that simply happened to be located on the same block.

As Trump prepares to retake the Oval Office, theres a great deal that hasnt changed about the status of the conspiracy-mongers. QAnon promoters including Marjorie Taylor Greene are in Congress. Trump himself shared social media posts with refrains from the theory during last years campaign. Hes likely to pardon significant numbers of January 6 convicts as soon as next week. The whole spectacle has left many denizens of still-blue D.C. deeply depressed.

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But theres less attention to what we arent seeing: a glut of new delusional theories to take the place of the ones that now date back nearly a decade.

What happened? Over the past few years, lawsuits over conspiracy-theory falsehoods involving alleged 2020 election theft, the death of Seth Rich and the Sandy Hook massacre have become significant complications in the lives of conservative notables like Rudy Giuliani , Dinesh DSouza and Alex Jones . Trump himself is on the hook for millions for defaming E. Jean Carroll .

For at least some of the players in the fun-house media that amplified stories like pizzagate, it has changed the equation. Theres a lot less of an appetite in right-wing media for concocting specific theories about people because of these settlements, Sommer, who went on to write a book about QAnon, said this week.

Its those specific theories about specific people, of course, that prompt dangerous gunmen to hunt down those people where they live  a specter that was particularly terrifying in Washington, home to so many neighbors whose jobs can get them cast as some conspirators deep-state enemy of the people.

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My hunch is that the very fact of Trumps victory is also a factor in dampening the fires. Its hard to sustain mythology about a treasonous deep state when said deep states supposedly all-powerful agents cant even keep Republicans from winning an election-day trifecta.

And of course, that kind of logic may only be temporary. The laws of political gravity state that Trumps current triumphal moment will eventually be undone by the complications of governance. At that point, inevitably, someone is going to want to blame the troubles on secret string-pullers in Washington.

But for now, were in a quiet moment when it comes to real-world violence springing from online fury.

Holt and Spitalnick caution against interpreting this change to mean everything is hunky-dory on the truth front. Though the decline of what he calls the truly off-the-wall Satanic child-eating conspiracy theory stuff means fewer specific individuals for would-be vigilantes like Welch to target, its still a boom time for falsehoods that could endanger vast populations at large: Conspiracies about things like vaccines, or the great replacement theory that maligns immigrants of color, remain rampant.

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I think conspiratorial thinking is as prominent in politics today as it has ever been, Holt said. The through line is still that the elites are up to these terrible things.

As for Welch, a troubled former North Carolina warehouse employee who was shot to death this month after allegedly pulling a gun on police, Holt said he felt a degree of sadness about his story. Welch was ultimately sentenced to four years in prison for his raid on Comet, and was also disowned by fellow pizzagate devotees.

He was a guy who believed in the pizzagate conspiracy theories, and believed in them so much that he went to a restaurant thinking he was going to rescue children, Holt said. He bought the lies full tilt, and his reward for that among the people who were promoting these theories was that they accused him of being part of a deep-state, false-flag operation.
POGA, Tenn. (WJHL)  At a community meeting on Thursday, Poga residents received updates from county officials. They were able to ask questions about recovery efforts months after Hurricane Helene devastated the area.

Roadways were destroyed and bridges were completely washed away in Poga.

Many of the updates given were about bridge repairs.

We need to get a bridge back in as soon as possible, not five or ten years down the road, Bobby Trivette, Poga resident, store owner and constable said. They need to get on it, get it back in as fast as they can.

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Trivette lives in the part of Poga that was cut off for some time after Hurricane Helene due to bridges collapsing. That area is commonly referred to as Bobs Island. Its actually named after Trivette. Temporary makeshift bridges were installed by residents to help access that part of Poga.

I want to know why it took them so long to do anything up here about getting us some bridges in, Trivette said. We didnt have [a] way in or out. We put our own bridges in. Then they come in wanting to try and help nearly four months later. If we didnt put our own bridges in, we probably wouldve still been stuck up there probably.

Carter County Interim EMA Director Shannon Winters said one bridge is scheduled to be worked on next week.

That also includes the new bridge bank stabilization, concrete footers or abutments, as well as eventually after the new bridge is in, the older bridge will have to be removed from the river bank, Winters said. But that older bridge will be in place the entire time that the new bridge is being placed.

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Winters said another bridge was just completed Thursday. That one connects Ted Potter and Atley Brown roads.

The bridge was completely laid and tack was put on top of it to be able to allow for driving on because these are steel bridges, Winters said. Once that was completed, the bridge was opened up to the community. Now, of course, those bridges will stay open until the asphalt is laid. Currently, right now, theyre just waiting on the asphalt plant to open up to be able to get that down here and obviously its going to have to warm up just a little bit.

Officials also gave updates about Long Hollow Bridge, Broad Street Bridge and the stretch of Highway 321 that is still closed.

Just received information that Broad Street Bridge is estimated to be open, at least somewhat [for] travel, in May of this year, Winters said. The other bridge is the 321 bridge and that contract is set to expire in August of this year. So hope to have that work done, completed.

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Winters said Long Hollow Bridge along with two bridges in Poga was sent out for engineering to see how to replace or repair the bridges.

Some questions were asked about how the repairs are being funded.

Winters said the cost for the Poga bridges is approximately $1.2 million.

It is being leased from the bridge company by the county, but the county has already been allotted that money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], Winters said. The money has already been allotted in the portal. So basically FEMA has already allotted that money to the state. The county will be able to withdraw that money for those lease payments every month. Ultimately, Carter County doesnt make that payment, FEMA is making that payment. But it is in the countys responsibility and the county has to take care of that contract.

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Other updates given were about debris removal out of waterways and efforts for a long-term recovery group in Carter County.

The state of Tennessee, Department of Emergency Management, as well as our FEMA partners, have issued a contract out, Winters said. Theyre going to be starting waterway debris collection within the next upcoming weeks. We [wanted] to give some information because they will be coming on some properties and then having to get some right of entries.

Pamphlets with information about medical helicopter rides from Highlands Emergency Air Rescue & Transport were also given to residents.

They offer [an] insurance policy that our citizens can take advantage of, whether it be a one-year, three-year or five-year agreement, Winters said. That will allow them to basically be $0 transport through the helicopter because of the delay in transport from up here, travel has been extended somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour longer because of the delay of having to come around through Johnson County.

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Winters asks that if anyone has questions to contact the EMA office at 423-542-1888. He said to call the highway department for road concerns and the road superintendent Shannon Burchett can help.

Trivette does thank the county highway department for all the work theyve done in Poga.

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Poland is still seeking compensation for victims of the German invasion in World War II, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said in Berlin on Friday.

After attending the opening of the new Polish Embassy in the German capital, Sikorski said Germany could express its "regret at the horrible events" of the Nazi occupation by focusing on three elements.

These include a "gesture towards still-living victims," the creation of a remembrance monument in Berlin, and an "investment in common security," he argued.

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Relations between Berlin and Warsaw soured considerably over the issue of war compensation under the Polish government of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which was in power between 2015 and 2023.

While ties have improved since Prime Minister Donald Tusks return to office, his centrist administration has continued to demand reparations from Berlin.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz  who is expected to lose his position following elections on February 23  said in July 2024 that his Germany is "aware of the gravity of its guilt" and promised to provide an unspecified amount aid for surviving Polish victims of the occupation, then estimated at some 40,000.

Sikorskis comments on Friday suggest the issue remains unresolved, as does the question of a "visible sign of Germanys regret" in the shape of a planned memorial in Berlin.

The third element highlighted by Sikorski was collaboration on defence, given the threat to Baltic Sea shipping and infrastructure from Russia, and the presence of "nuclear-tipped Russian missiles" in Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.
Poland is still seeking compensation for victims of the German invasion in World War II, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said in Berlin on Friday.

After attending the opening of the new Polish Embassy in the German capital, Sikorski said Germany could express its "regret at the horrible events" of the Nazi occupation by focusing on three elements.

These include a "gesture towards still-living victims," the creation of a remembrance monument in Berlin, and an "investment in common security," he argued.

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Relations between Berlin and Warsaw soured considerably over the issue of war compensation under the Polish government of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which was in power between 2015 and 2023.

While ties have improved since Prime Minister Donald Tusks return to office, his centrist administration has continued to demand reparations from Germany.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz  who is expected to lose his position following elections on February 23  said in July 2024 that Germany is "aware of the gravity of its guilt" and promised to provide an unspecified amount aid for surviving Polish victims of the occupation, then estimated at some 40,000.

Sikorskis comments on Friday suggest the issue remains unresolved, as does the question of a "visible sign of Germanys regret" in the shape of a planned memorial in Berlin.

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The two governments agreed last summer to cooperate on the construction of a German-Polish House as a monument of remembrance and reconciliation.

Sikorski mentioned the site of the former Kroll Opera House, a building that served as the seat of the Nazi-era German parliament before it was destroyed during the war.

The location, in Berlins Tiergarten, was previously identified as suitable by a commission of experts, but it is unclear whether the project has progressed in recent months amid Germany's political crisis.

The third element highlighted by Sikorski was collaboration on defence, given the risk posed by Russia.

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"German ships and Polish ships, and German elements of infrastructure, are at risk in the Baltic. So we could do something in the Baltic together," the 61-year-old said.

Sikorski also warned of the threat from "nuclear-tipped Russian missiles based in the Kaliningrad exclave."

"We could do something in the area of missile defence," Sikorski added. "I think it would be useful and welcome in both countries."
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  An argument between two parties led to a Lancaster County man shooting another person, police said in court documents.

According to the charges filed by Columbia Borough police, 18-year-old Justin Freshwater is accused of shooting the victim twice in the area of Avenue K and South Fourth Street Wednesday afternoon.

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Police say Freshwater admitted there was an argument before he allegedly pulled the handgun from his waist and shot the man, when he was being questioned, according to police.

The man was treated at the scene for two gunshot wounds to his left arm and was then taken to the hospital, police said. Two 9mm shell casings were also found in the area of the shooting, police said.

Officers were directed to an apartment where Freshwater was found following the shooting. The charges state a witness was able to identify the shooter to police. Freshwater and a juvenile were then detained.

Dauphin Co. men arrested for possessing firearms and large quantities of drugs

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It was reported that the parties involved all know each other and have issues with each other, the charges state. Police said the juvenile and victim were arguing with each other outside, and the juvenile ran inside the apartment, and shortly after Freshwater exited the apartment and began arguing with the victim.

Freshwater faces two felony charges of aggravated assault and firearms not to be carried without a license.

Freshwater is locked up in Lancaster County Prison with bail set at $200,000 by Magisterial District Judge Miles Bixler. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.

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MIAMI (AP)  Miami police have identified the man accused of killing two homeless people and injuring two others in an unprovoked attack.

Brenton Clarke, 36, of Inwood, New York, was arrested shortly after the Thursday morning attack, officials said. He has no arrest history in Miami but does have an arrest history for minor offenses in New York, Miami police said.

A 911 call placed just after 6 a.m. Thursday alerted officials to what they say was a man in his 30s armed with a stick, beating people living on the streets.

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Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby trauma center, officials said. Miami police were working to determine the motive behind the attacks.

Miami Police Chief Manny Morales told reporters on Thursday that the suspect first beat one man near a downtown train station before heading down the street to batter another homeless man. He then attacked a homeless couple across the street, Morales said.

Officers responded within seconds of the dispatch call, Morales said, chasing down the man and taking him into custody after he tried to run away.

This is a horrible incident, Morales said. The officers on the scene and the Miami Police Department is appalled at this display of unprovoked violence.

Clarke is being held without bond at the Miami-Dade jail. He's been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery with a deadly weapon. Online court records didn't list an attorney for Clarke, and the Miami-Dade public defender's office didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Two people were killed and another was critically injured in a shooting in Colerain Township on Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses reported a man with a large assault rifle, multiple shots fired back and forth and the smell of burnt gun powder in the air. No arrests have been reported.

The shooting, first reported just before 1 p.m., drew a large police presence to the area of the Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road intersection. The police's investigation prompted temporary closures of businesses in the vicinity, including a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Walgreens, Shell gas station and Dunkin' Donuts coffee shop.

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There were two people listed on the Friday morning coroner's report as apparent homicide victims on Colerain Avenue. However, the report states their names are not known.

Here's everything that we know:

What happened during the shooting?

The shooting started in the parking lot of the Popeyes, with one of the victims found inside a blue Infiniti and the second just outside the vehicle, according to a Colerain Township spokesperson. Life-saving measures were performed on both victims when they were located but they were determined to be dead at the scene, Colerain police said in a news release.

The Infiniti had 12 gunshots through the passenger window.

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Shortly following the shooting outside the Popeyes, a third victim was then shot in the parking lot of the Walgreens, located directly across the street. The victim was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he is in "critical but stable condition," the spokesperson said.

911 caller renders aid to victim

At least seven people called 911. Multiple people reported a "shootout" in the area and white car leaving the area. One caller reported seeing a man with a "big assault rifle."

One of the victims said he was sitting in his van when he was shot in the back. He made his way inside the Walgreens. Following the 911 call taker's instructions, a woman kept pressure on his wound with a clean cloth.

"Oh god," the man said groaning with each breath. "I need an ambulance."

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From inside the Popeyes, another caller reported gunfire and someone who had banged on the windows. She said they locked the doors and were staying safe inside.

Another caller said he was pumping gas when gunfire exploded around him. He said he ran for safety but didn't see what happened.

"I could smell the powder in the air," he said.

Trustees: 'Violence of any kind is unacceptable'

"We are deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless act of violence that happened yesterday in broad daylight at the Popeye's on Springdale Road and Colerain Avenue, claiming the lives of two individuals," the Colerain Township Board of Trustees said in a statement.

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"Although this incident was a targeted and isolated act, violence of any kind is unacceptable," the statement reads.

The township urges anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Colerain Township Police Department at 513-321-2677.

Who were the victims?

All three victims in the shooting are male, the spokesperson said, but police have yet to release their identities as of Thursday evening.

The Hamilton County coroner's report released early Friday lists two victims of "apparent homicide" at Colerain Avenue on Thursday. Officials said Friday afternoon the victims have been identified, but their next of kin have yet to be notified, and their names won't be made public until that happens.

Has a suspect been located?

Police have identified one suspect, who is still at large, but have not released any information on the suspect's description, according to the spokesperson. The search for the suspect is ongoing, with police saying that it's possible there are multiple.

What was the motive behind the shooting?

Police have not released any information regarding a motive.

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The spokesperson said police believe the two victims killed near the Popeyes were targeted, but it is unclear if the victim injured near the Walgreens was also targeted. It's also unclear whether the shooting was executed in a drive-by fashion.

Police said in a news release that there was no threat to public safety.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Colerain Township fatal shooting by Popeyes, Walgreens: What we know
A Roswell SWAT officer was shot twice and a suspect was shot and killed on Friday afternoon.

NewsChopper 2 flew over the scene and saw officers and a SWAT team at the home.

Roswell Police Chief James Conroy said officers were serving a warrant at a home on Ansley Drive off Old Alabama Road.

The arrest warrant was related to an incident where the suspect fired a gun into the air on New Years Eve after being asked to leave a party.

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Because the suspect had a history of violence, Roswell police asked North Fulton SWAT to lead the arrest.

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While serving the warrant, one of the suspects ran out of the back and started firing at an officer, shooting him twice in the chest.

The officer was wearing a bulletproof vest but was injured by shrapnel. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The officer who was shot returned fire, shooting and killing the suspect.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later identified the suspect as Matthew Robert Taylor, 40, of Roswell.

The GBI has taken over the investigation. Once it is done, the case will be handed over the Fulton County District Attorneys Office for review.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Two dogs were shot by Virginia Beach police on Wednesday during an incident that injured two juveniles, police said.

An officer responded to the Studio 4 Less on Military Highway around 1:30 p.m. in reference to a dog bite. An officer arrived on scene and was met with two dogs actively fighting. Due to the dogs behavior, an officer deployed his taser as a less lethal tactic. When that failed, he deployed his gun, police said.

One dog succumbed to those injuries, the other was surrendered to Animal Control. Two juveniles were injured, one being bit in the arm while the other sustained minor injuries.

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This occurred in the courtyard area away from the residents.

Both juveniles were transported to the hospital and are in stable condition. There are no charges at this time, this is an on going investigation by Animal Control.

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Police released a man who had admitted to fatally shooting another in north Phoenix as detectives continue to investigate the death.

Sgt. Rob Scherer, a department spokesperson, said officers responded to the area of 18th Avenue and Cholla Street about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. They found 26-year-old Marcos Antonio Daniel-Elby with at least one gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives spoke with a man who admitted to his involvement in the shooting and was ultimately released from custody pending additional information, Scherer said.

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"Additional details related to this incident remain part of the ongoing investigation," Scherer said. "Once complete, this case will be submitted to be Maricopa County Attorneys Office."

Scherer did not offer any contextual information about why officers released him, such as whether the man claimed to have acted in self-defense.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police release man who admitted to fatal north Phoenix shooting
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

Lives have been lost and disrupted, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as wind-whipped wildfires continue to burn around Los Angeles a week after they began. Mental health professionals expect emotional and psychological wounds will endure long after the blazes have been extinguished.

The Gazette spoke with Karestan Koenen, an expert in psychological trauma at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who investigated the mental health impacts of the 2018 Paradise fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise, California, killed 85, and became the deadliest and costliest fire in state history. Koenen, a professor of psychiatric epidemiology, talked about what to expect in the days and weeks ahead.

In the Los Angeles fires, we have at least two dozen dead, more than 100,000 have been evacuated, more than 12,000 structures burned. That's a lot of loss and upheaval. Are you expecting mental health impacts right away or more likely later?

We would expect mental health concerns to manifest right away, but the first thing is that everyone needs to be safe. Their basic needs have to be addressed. People lost homes but also places of employment, schools, churches, community structures, support systems, and different aspects of life.

There's a lot of research that shows that one of the things that predicts poor mental health outcomes after disasters is the disruptions in things like employment, housing, etc. So, one of the best things to prevent long-term mental health consequences is to address people's basic needs for a safe place to live, for food, for work.

How much variability do you see in such a situation? I imagine there's a different impact if you just had to evacuate versus your home burning down or you know a neighbor who died.

There's a lot of variation in experience. One of the reasons the Paradise fire was so traumatic was because people had little warning. It is particularly traumatic when your life is threatened, and they were evacuating while fire was burning around them.

I've done a lot of interviews on trauma over the years and the person I did the Paradise interviews with, Dr. Roger Pitman, an expert on PTSD, said the only interviews where he saw as much trauma were in war, in combat veterans and civilian war survivors. It's because of all the losses.

When people lose their homes, it's the loss of the home itself, but they also lose their clothing, stuffed animals, family photos, heirlooms, boxes of their kids' newborn stuff. And pets. Losing a pet can have a really big impact. Pets often run away when there's a fire, and their owners experience guilt that they were not able to save them.

Is it different for firefighters versus people who are victims and being evacuated?

Yes. Firefighters and first responders are trained in how to deal with the situation. Being prepared, having rehearsed what to do will reduce the chance of having negative outcomes.

Firefighters and first responders can still experience trauma, especially if their lives are threatened, but they have a purpose. They're doing something to help. One of the hardest things to handle in a disaster is the feeling of helplessness, that loss of control.

If you're evacuated, you don't know where you're goingmaybe to temporary housingand you don't control when you can go back to your house. So, when we talk about trauma, we talk about losses and things that are out of your control, that are threatening and unpredictable. Fires are all of those things.

Are there some people who, under the same circumstances, are unaffected, and can we predict who that will be?

We can't predict that very well, but there are things that make people more or less vulnerable. People with a history of mental disorders, depression, or physical health problems might be more vulnerable. People who don't have good supports, don't have stable employment, don't have insurance, they would be more vulnerable, under more stress after the fires.

Then there's the exposure itself, whether you saw your home burn or someone die versus being safely evacuated. Maybe bad things happened, but you didn't witness them. There's a lot of evidence that how kids feel will be influenced a lot by how their parents respond to what's going on. Kids are vulnerable but can be buffered by their parents and other supports, like the school still being open, so they can still go even though they've been evacuated. That's a better situation, because then they at least still have a normal school day.

So if you're a parent, you should try to kind of act as if things are under control, even if that's not what you feel?

No, I'm not saying that. Rather, it's an argument for parents to make sure they're attending to the things they need, like when you're on an airplane: Put on your own oxygen mask first, before you put on your kid's oxygen mask. If parents can do things that help them feel better, it will trickle down. Supporting parents and caretakers is one of the best ways to support kids.

Is there an ideal time frame after we take care of basic needs that mental health assessments and care interventions should start?

After fires like this, a lot of people will show distress. That might look like being hypervigilant, on guard, being tense, feeling anxious, worrying, being reactive to things in the news about a fire, for example. They could be depressed, sad, have trouble sleeping, or trouble concentrating. It'd be normal to experience those things after what happened.

But many people heal on their own, even with pretty extreme trauma. A lot of people go through a natural recovery process, talking to friends, speaking with people in the community. In a few weeks to a monthafter the fires are out and things are stablepeople should be feeling better, their anxiety should be going down.

If it's persisting or getting worse, that might be a time to get some help. Another thing to watch for is avoidance, isolating, or using substances to cope. Keep in mind too that the things you used to like to do, like exercising and going outside to enjoy natureactivities interrupted by the firesthere's evidence that they help people's mental health. So as soon as possible, take some time to do things you enjoyed.

How do you know when it's time to seek professional help?

When the things I mentionedanxiety, feeling sad most of the time, problems sleeping, problems concentratingstart interfering with things like work: You are back, but you can't get your work done; you can't concentrate. Also, if they're interfering with relationships: You find yourself avoiding people you normally like spending time with or you're losing your temper a lot more, in an extreme way. If you're feeling bad, it's not getting better, and it's interfering with your life, that's definitely time to get help.

Is there anything you learned from the Paradise experience that might be helpful in the aftermath of the fires in L.A.?

We already talked about the importance of attending to people's basic needsa safe place to live, food, etc. But there's also the importance of rebuilding the community. In Paradise, the loss of a community as well as individual homes was what made it even worse for people because they lost their way of connecting with people. So, if there are ways to connect people, provide places to gather and connect, that's important. We often focus on the basic needs, like food, shelter, clothingwhich totally makes sensebut we also need to focus on the community connection.

So if you belong to a church that burned down, maybe get people together somehow?

It should probably be others, leaders or relief organizations, who facilitate that. If people are overwhelmed, dealing with their own basic needs, they're not going to have a lot of extra energy to organize things.

One thing with the L.A. fire is it seemed to affect people with different socioeconomic statuses, including superstars. My hope is that those with more resources will be able to help those with fewer. Negative mental health consequences of disasters, like the L.A. fires, are common but they can be mitigated and even prevented if the right supports are in place and the community comes together.

Provided by Harvard Gazette

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA)  New documents WCIA obtained reveal more details behind a 2022 fight between two college roommates, and explain their unstable relationship which could be linked to Decembers triple murder in Mahomet.

On Dec. 18, 2024, Janis Mason and her two children, Sara and Caleb, were shot and killed at their home in Mahomet. Police later identified John Lyons, Calebs former roommate, as the man suspected of killing them.

READ MORE: Mahomet PD continue to investigate triple homicide

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Documents from the Champaign County Circuit Court revealed that Lyons filed a lawsuit against Caleb Mason on June 14, 2024. The lawsuit, filed without the help of a lawyer, was created two years after he said he and Caleb got into a fight in their college apartment near Third and Armory on the University of Illinois campus.

Lyons was suing Caleb for large sums of money after suffering pain and anguish, both in mind and body, as a result of their fight. Lyons claimed the injuries he sustained in the fight prevented him from attending to his usual duties, and forced him to spend money on medical care.

According to court documents, Lyons filed for money damages from $15,000 to $50,000. It all happened on June 18, 2022 when Lyons returned to the University of Illinois campus. He said he went to the apartment to retrieve his personal property.

While he did that, police reports explained there was a brief verbal disagreement between him and Caleb.

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Things then escalated and became more physical.

In the lawsuit, Lyons said he attempted to leave the apartment when Caleb grabbed him and shoved him. Lyons said Caleb choked him and kicked him in the stomach.

Mahomet community remembers the Masons following triple homicide

According to a police report filed with the Champaign Police Department and obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, officers responded to Caleb and Lyons apartment after the fight.

Lyons had come back to the apartment to move some things out. When he went to his room, he noticed the door was unlocked and damaged. The police reports also said that Lyons accused his roommate of stealing multiple items from his room, including a computer monitor, a Bluetooth speaker and some tide pods.

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Caleb denied stealing anything from Lyons and invited him into his room to look around. Thats when documents show the argument turned into a much bigger fight.

According to the responding officers, at one point the roommates were yelling at and choking each other.

The two roommates had conflicting views on who started the fight. But, tensions seemed to rise when Lyons could not find his belongings and allegedly told Caleb he was one of the worst roommates he had ever had. Officers noted that both roommates had injuries from the fight.

Far-right commentator Fuentes claims Mahomet homicide suspect attempted assassination against him

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After the fight, Lyons left the apartment, and his father was waiting outside. His dad called 911, and an ambulance took Lyons to the hospital.

In the police report, officers said that no arrests were made because of a lack of witnesses and conflicting statements.

WCIA reached out to the Mahomet Police Department for an update in the investigation but has not received a response back yet. Michael Metzler, the police chief, previously told WCIA that the timelines in investigations like this can vary, especially when multiple jurisdictions are involved. He expected many loose ends to be tied up by the end of January.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Police are looking for the gunman who shot up a northwest Atlanta home early Thursday morning and left a teenage girl with a fractured skull.

Neighbors dont think the girl was the target, but theyre afraid someone else in the home was and the shooters might come back.

My youngest son is three months, so it was really scary, said a neighbor who doesnt want her name published.

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She was up at 3:00 a.m. on Thursday feeding her newborn when she heard dozens of shots on Eleanor Terrace in NW Atlanta.

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It was about 50 shots at the end of the street. Then all of a sudden it stopped, and then it came again. They came right in front of my house and 50 more shots, and just all over the ground casings everywhere, said a neighbor.

The father in the home told Channel 2 Action News that his teenage daughter is now at Grady Memorial Hospital, recovering from a fractured skull..

He said she was hit during the second round of shots.

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Police told Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes that the shooters were specifically aiming for the second-floor windows where a bunch of boys usually hang out.

Im tired of it. Im just ready to go, Im ready to go. Ive never dealt with this over here before, but I guess its just this young crowd. Its just a lot, said a neighbor.

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Neighbors said the drive by shooters looked like kids.

According to the father, there were a total of 10 kids in the house when the shooting happened.

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Two men were arrested after entering a residence and threatening a victim with a knife Wednesday night, the Terre Haute police said.

Graylon D. Bell, 58, of Terre Haute, was booked on charges of residential entry, intimidation, and an outstanding warrant for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Taiwan D. Richards, 49, of Terre Haute, was booked on a charge of residential entry, as well as having an outstanding warrant for false informing.

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About 8 p.m., officers responded to a call on the 1400 block of Spruce Street regarding two individuals with whom police were familiar. They were said to be entering a residence with knife.

Officers arrived, confirmed the suspects' identities and located their vehicle near an address in the 100 block of North 22nd Street, THPD said.

A search led to the discovery of the two suspects hiding, one in a closet and the other under a pile of clothes. Both were taken into custody without further incident.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Winnebago County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Bryan Deal, 30, for allegedly attempting to elude authorities in a stolen SUV.

On Jan. 15, around 4 p.m., deputies were on patrol when they saw a GMC Terrain that had been stolen in the 4400 block of Harrison Avenue.

Officials later found the SUV parked in a driveway in the 1900 block of Paradise Boulevard, but the suspect fled at a high rate of speed, according to court records.

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Authorities reported that the SUV reached speeds of 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.

The suspect then crashed into a Chevrolet sedan at the intersection of North Rockton Avenue and West Riverside Boulevard, according to court records.

Deputies reported that Deal was seen running from the scene and was taken into custody in the parking lot of a Circle K gas station on West Riverside.

When officials searched Deal, they found a hypodermic needle, according to court documents.

Deal also had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear in court.

Deal is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a hypodermic needle, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, driving with a revoked license and resisting an officer.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski on Friday said Europe is "under assault from Russia," with hybrid attacks ranging from political murders and cyberwarfare to acts of sabotage and arson.

At a press conference in Berlin, Sikorski said that Polands term holding the rotating EU presidency would be focused on security, with the country feeling vindicated that its repeated warnings of the threat emanating from Moscow having proved correct.

Almost three years on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sikorski highlighted the multifaceted attacks being perpetrated by Russia on European soil, including a notorious 2019 assassination in Berlin and political murders in the United Kingdom.

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In other countries, there are acts of sabotage: in the Czech Republic, in Lithuania, in Poland, Sikorski said, referring to instances of arson, threats, and disruption to infrastructure that have caused alarm across Eastern Europe in recent years.

The events can be directly linked to Russias GRU intelligence service, argued the 61-year-old, who previously served as Polands defence minister. We have caught the people who were recruited by the GRU, and instructed and paid money for setting places ablaze.

Russias assaults on European security have also been taking place online for many years, Sikorski said.

European countries are under constant cyberattacks, he warned, while further mentioning meddling in the Brexit referendum.

Events in Romania  which saw the first round of its presidential election annulled in December after the unexpected victory of a little-known pro-Russian candidate - must serve as a wake-up call, Sikorski underlined.
A Polish general was dismissed last week by the nations defense minister after reportedly misplacing a batch of anti-tank mines that were later found in an Ikea warehouse, according to Polish news outlet Onet.

Maj. Gen. Artur Kepczynski was fired Jan. 9 for reasons that were not specified by Polish military officials, though numerous local reports suggested the missing explosives were  naturally  the catalyst for his dismissal.

In June 2024, a train carrying more than 1,000 tons of explosives was improperly unloaded by Polish troops, the report said, who mistakenly left the anti-tank mines to continue their rail-bound journey around the country until they were eventually offloaded in the furniture behemoths warehouse.

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Kepczynski, meanwhile, reportedly kept the mishap from his superiors while furnishing subsequent supply reports that featured false numbers.

That approach appeared to have worked  at least until an Ikea warehouse representative telephoned military officials and inquired about when they would collect their mines, according to one report.

The Polish defense ministry posted on X confirming the dismissal of Kepczynski, who was reportedly a lead figure in the services logistics support element. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, the report said.

Though the story is indeed eccentric, Ikea, which was once exposed for using horse meat in over a dozen countries to craft their delectable Swedish meatballs, is no stranger to outlandish episodes. The furniture stores cavernous confines, surpassed only by Moria when it comes to mine-hosting capacity, has playing host to all manner of stranger-than-fiction tales.

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In 2012, for instance, a Japanese macaque monkey named Darwin escaped his Ontario-based owners crate and was later seen galavanting through an Ikea store wearing a sheepskin coat and diaper.

The following year, New Jersey-based couple Rashid Smith and Shirley Stewart were married in the same Ikea where theyd met eight years prior. Its a Jersey thing.

And who could forget 12-year-old Peng Yijian of China, who in 2014 ran away and hid for six days in a Shanghai Ikea before he was found by local police.

Classic Peng.

Whether Kepczynski will face further punishment remains to be seen, though the sheer humiliation of the ordeal may offer retribution enough.

It is, after all, an incident come to life out of every veterans nightmares, those unique post-service cerebral ticks that yield Here I am deployed to combat, but Ive forgotten my rifle terrors.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

Now heres something you dont see every day. Quote:

Mike Turner is a serious, security-focused lawmaker dedicated at his core to the national security of the United States and to the thoughtful oversight of the Intelligence Community. The removal of Chairman Turner makes our nation less secure and is a terrible portent for whats to come. The Constitution demands that Congress function as a check and balance to the Executive Branch, not cater to its demands.

That statement was released Wednesday by Rep. Jim Himes a few hours after Speaker Mike Johnson ousted Turner as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Himes is a Democrat, representing a D+13 district in indigo-blue Connecticut. Turner is a Republican who hails from blood-red Ohio.

Its remarkable to see a liberal ride to the defense of a conservative in modern Washington but really remarkable to see it happen on the House Intelligence Committee. During Donald Trumps first term, that panel routinely devolved into bitter squabbling between Republican Rep. Devin Nunes and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff. It became the most infamously fractious committee in Congress, particularly after it took up the matter of Trumps attempted quid pro quo with Ukraine.

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Fast-forward a few years and the current Democratic ranking member is so heartbroken at seeing the Republican chairman removed that he feels obliged to say so publicly. Trump isnt even president yet and already hes bringing the two parties together!

According to Johnson, he fired Turner for, well, no particular reason. There was no problem with his leadership, the speaker assured reporters, claiming he had nothing but praise for the now-former chairman and congratulating him for having done a great job  under very difficult circumstances. Its just that the intelligence community has been controversial over the last few years and so Johnson thought the committee would benefit from a reset.

Its a new day in Washington, he said, a new era. Boy, is it ever.

If you believe Turner himself, though, Johnson was more explicit about his reasoning when the two met. Supposedly concerns from Mar-a-Lago about his chairmanship forced the speakers hand, Turner told CBS News. A source confirmed that for the Daily Beast, alleging that Trump personally got involved and believes that Turner is basically an intel community sycophant.

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The most powerful figure in the executive branch wanted the most powerful figure in the legislative branch to do his bidding and the latter complied. The members of the House Intelligence Committee are extraordinarily angry about it, reportedly.

Im conflicted.

Two motives.

The problem with analyzing Trumps bullying of other government officials is that two things are simultaneously true.

One: Hes the duly elected president (as of Monday). He and his allies are entitled to try to implement his agenda by using their political leverage to remove obstacles to it.

Two: Hes a corrupt authoritarian nutbag.

When he strongarms someone like Turner, is he acting pursuant to the first motive or the second?

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Conceivably its the firstand, in a way, who can blame him? Certain people inside the government went to genuinely shocking lengths to thwart Trump during his first term. Gary Cohn, his top economic adviser, allegedly stole papers off his desk (twice!) to prevent him from withdrawing from trade agreements with allies. A U.S. diplomat admitted that his team routinely misled senior Trump advisers about the number of American troops in Syria. Shortly before and after the 2020 election, Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley phoned his Chinese counterpart to assure him that the U.S. wasnt planning an attack and promised to warn him if Trump issued such an order.

The proper course of action for a deputy who disagrees with the presidents policies is to resign, not to undermine them via secret insubordination.

One can view the purging of Mike Turner through that frame. Turner is an old-school hawk, an ardent supporter of aid to Ukraine and a defender of Section 702 surveillance authority entitling U.S. intelligence to harvest the communications of foreign citizens. Key Trump Cabinet nominees are (or were) skeptical of both. If Mike Johnson, Trumps top ally in Congress, believes a Reaganite like Turner would be an impediment on the intelligence committee to the new administrations victorious America First agenda, why is it wrong for him to remove that impediment?

Earlier this month a Trump-friendly report in Tablet magazine alleged that Turner had been overheard boasting that he was taking over Trumps IC [intelligence community]. Supposedly he was referring to one of his top deputies on the House Intelligence Committee being lined up to serve as senior director of intelligence for Trumps new National Security Committee. Turner, and by extension the deep state with which hes aligned, would soon have hidden influence inside the Trump White House, potentially enabling him to undermine the presidents agenda from within.

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If thats true (big if!), you can understand why Trump and Mike Johnson might want to scale back Turners influence over U.S. intelligence.

But here we inevitably circle back to the second motive I described. Did Trumpworld want Turner out of the way because he hoped to sabotage the new presidents isolationist foreign policy or because he hoped to sabotage the new presidents corrupt authoritarian nutbaggery?

Is there even a meaningful difference between the two?

Honor and corruption.

Consider again the example of Milley, a man whom Trump despises so intensely that in 2023 he wondered whether he should be executed for treason.

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The grounds ostensibly were those phone calls with the Chinese general but the reality, assuredly, is that Trump hates Milley for the same reasons he hates anyone. Milley told him no and made him look bad in the process.

It was Milley, allegedly, who refused Trumps demands to shoot at protesters during the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020. It was also Milley who appears to have told The Atlantic about the then-presidents superficial, callous, and, at the deepest human level, repugnant views of U.S. soldiers: Why do you bring people like that here? No one wants to see that, the wounded.

Even the context for Milleys chats with China is inconvenient for Trump. The president was manifestly out of his gourd by the time of the generals second phone call, deep in the grip of rigged election mania, and Milley worriedjustifiablythat he might do something catastrophically rash in his addled state. In phoning his counterpart, he was less Benedict Arnold than Stanislav Petrov.

Mike Turner was poised to play a similar role as head of the House Intelligence Committee in Trumps coming term. In 2019, when the rest of the party was circling the wagons, he criticized Trump for squeezing Ukraine for dirt on Joe Biden. He showed backbone again on January 6 when he split with most of his Republican colleagues by voting to certify Bidens victory in the House. And last year he spoke bracingly about Russian propaganda infecting elements of his party, which was truer than perhaps he realized at the time.

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Its unthinkable that a Republican House would ever move to impeach Trump, no matter how corruptly he behaved. But I can imagine a Turner-led intel committee asking tough questions about Tulsi Gabbards sympathies as director of national intelligence, say, or Kash Patels enemies list at the FBI. Or even demanding answers the next time Trumps scummier deputies resolve to engage in a drug deal abroad on his behalf.

Ousting Turner as chairman isnt a simple matter of facilitating Trumps foreign policy agenda, in other words. Its a matter of sidelining a rare Republican whos demonstrated greater loyalty to his ideology than to his partys leaderretribution, one might call itand who might therefore insist on meaningful oversight of the new administration to force it to keep its nose clean. A presidency that was born unaccountable will naturally abhor having the Houses deep state committee led by someone who might demand accountability.

I thought of Turners political demise this morning when I read the latest news about Mondays inauguration.

As it turns out, not only will the top executive at Americas favorite Chinese spy app attendat the very moment that a ban with bipartisan support is scheduled to take effectbut, according to the Times, hes been invited to sit in a position of honor on the dais, where former presidents, family members and other important guests traditionally are seated.

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Thats what peak Trump looks like. The soon-to-be presidents strange, selfish, sleazy turnabout on banning TikTok is exactly the sort of alarming security risk that might have plausibly drawn the attention of a serious hawk like Turner. And so, within 24 hours, Turner has been stripped of his position of honor atop the House intelligence committee while a mouthpiece for Chinas surveillance state has been granted one among American dignitaries during next weeks swearing-in.

No wonder Jim Himes feels a shiver down my spine.

Common thread.

Admittedly, trying to understand Turners removal by neatly dividing Trumps motives into implementing an agenda and engaging in rampant corruption might be too complex. Trump only ever really has one motive, on policy and in life: He wants to be able to do whatever he wants to do whenever he wants to do it and resents anyone who might interfere.

The hardline talk about the CCP etc is so disconnected from Trumps transactionalism, Politico columnist Jonathan Martin said on Thursday. He invited Xi [Jinping] to his [inauguration], how unsubtle does he have to be? Trump just wants to do big, beautiful deals [with] whoever will do em. Not sure when this will dawn on his party.

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I think it has dawned on his party! Look how many hawkish Republicans who talk tough about China and seem sincere about it have accommodated themselves to Trumps government-by-whim. By next week, Sen. Marco Rubio will be in charge of his State Department. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Tom Cotton, two of the most bellicose members in either chamber, have been close allies of the new president for years. Cotton, in fact, recently became chairman ofta dathe Senate Intelligence Committee, the upper chambers counterpart to the panel Turner led in the House. Trump raised no objection to his appointment.

America First has plenty of room for earnest hawks provided that they dont get in Trumps way. Turners problem, I think, is that he wasnt a trusted MAGA insider the way the others Ive named are. If Trump wants to do a big, beautiful deal with Xi in which the U.S. agrees to implant TikTok chips in American kids brains in exchange for the right to build a Trump Hotel in Beijing or whatever, he knows Graham, Cotton, and certainly Rubio wont make trouble for him even if they politely disagree. Turner hasnt proved his loyalty as convincingly, though, which made having him in an influential watchdog position risky. He had to go.

Ultimately one cant help but laugh at what one Republican lawmaker (anonymously, of course!) told the Daily Beast about the now-former chairmans ouster. Trump making demands to fire Turner just fractured the conference, he complained. It undermines his whole reconciliation agenda. Dumb move. We are a big tent or we are not. Looks like we are not.

There is no tent. Trump is the tent. The only thing the new, unruly, possibly unstable Republican coalition seems to agree on is that Trump is awesome and career politicians in Washington should stop getting in his way. Its weird that Mitt Romney understands that while officeholders less militantly opposed to a MAGA restoration persist in delusion.

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And so in the end Im grudgingly fine with Mike Johnson purging Mike Turner. If Trump is the tent then it stands to reason that those whom he distrusts should be expelled from it. If that ends up making American government more corrupt and less competent on balance, so be it. A lousy population deserves lousy representation.

Having said that, though, it sure would be nice if Johnson and figures like Joni Ernst in the Senate dropped any pretense that theyve behaving independently when they capitulate to the new president.

I meant what I said last month. If members of Congress are going to let themselves be intimidated into doing Trumps bidding against their better judgment, whether by elevating unserious figures like Pete Hegseth or demoting serious ones like Mike Turner, transparency about their cowardice would be a small saving grace. Instead of confirming Hegseth, the Senate could brazenly forfeit its advice-and-consent power by adjourning and letting Trump recess-appoint him instead. Instead of lying about Trump having had nothing to do with Turners ouster, Johnson could have told the press frankly, Sorry, my boss wanted him out.

The only thing more pitiful than a government in which checks and balances no longer meaningfully exist is that government pretending that its still operating according to the constitutional scheme, more or less. If Republicans like Mike Johnson are intent on forfeiting the honor of the positions they hold by engineering their branchs submission to the executive, they should do so forthrightly. Even in disgrace, theres a bit of dignity in honesty.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Peter Hancock

Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Nearly two centuries after losing its reservation in Illinois in a land sale that most people now concede was illegal, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation could soon get its land back.

In the final hours of a lame duck session Tuesday, the Illinois House gave final approval to a bill authorizing the state to hand over to the tribe a 1,500-acre state park in DeKalb County, land that largely overlaps the tribe's original reservation.

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"You know, this has been a struggle," tribal Chairman Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick said in an interview in the Statehouse rotunda while waiting for the House to take up the bill.

Senate Bill 867 is the culmination of nearly 20 years of negotiations between the tribe and the state. It authorizes the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to deliver a quitclaim deed to the tribe for land that currently makes up Shabbona Lake and State Park.

The transfer of land, however, would be contingent on the state and tribe executing a land management agreement under which the park would continue to be operated as a park and open to the public.

"If there's no agreement, there's no transfer," Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, the bill's chief House sponsor, said during floor debate. "The land does not get transferred with the passage of this bill. It is pending a land management agreement to keep the park a park."

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The Potawatomi Indians once occupied much of the Great Lakes region, but they were gradually displaced by growing European settlements. In 1829, the Treaty of Prairie du Chien granted the Prairie Band Potawatomi two square miles, or 1,280 acres, in what is now DeKalb County.

According to Rupnick, Chief Shab-eh-nay - after whom the park is named - and several members of his extended family lived on that reservation. But after passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, many other tribal members left Illinois, eventually settling in northeast Kansas, where the tribe is now headquartered.

But around 1849, Shab-eh-nay traveled west to Kansas to check on the status of tribal members there. While he was gone, the federal government declared the reservation land abandoned and sold it at public auction.

The legality of that sale, however, has always been in doubt because under federal law, tribal land cannot be sold except by an act of Congress. And since Congress never authorized that sale, and the tribe has never relinquished its claim to the land, all deeds and titles to that land have been legally clouded.

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Most of the original reservation is now part of the state park, which the state acquired in the 1960s. But some portions of the original reservation are now occupied by private owners.

Rupnick said the tribe's efforts to reestablish a reservation in Illinois began in 2006 when it purchased about 130 acres of farm land that had once been part of the original reservation. It also began petitioning the U.S. Department of Interior to take the land into trust as reservation property, which the agency finally did in April 2024.

"Once we started meeting with lawmakers down here (in Springfield), they realized that a majority of the original reservation was a part of the state park," Rupnick said. "So DNR at that time said, "Well, since this is part of the reservation, what would you guys do if we said, let's turn it over to you?" And I said, "Well, we'll take it.""

Rupnick said the state legislation will go a long way toward permanently satisfying the tribe's land claims in Illinois. In addition to pushing for SB 867, which now awaits Gov. JB Pritzker's signature, the Prairie Band Potawatomi are also seeking federal legislation that would settle the tribe's claims to remaining land on the original reservation site in exchange for a cash payment that would allow them to repurchase land currently in private hands.

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Speaking on the House floor, Guzzardi said passage of the bill would be a small step toward correcting a historic injustice committed in America 175 years ago.

"I firmly believe that for all of our problems, America is the greatest country on Earth, and I'm proud to be American," he said. "But I also don't think that the answer is to turn a blind eye to the violence and the ugliness of our past, to rewrite the history books, to gloss over the unpleasant parts. I think the answer is to look our past square in the eye, the good stuff and the bad stuff, and when we recognize that we've done wrong as a nation, to see it, to own it, and to find some way where we can make it right."

This story is provided as a service of the Institute for Nonprofit News' On the Ground news wire. The Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) is a network of more than 475 independent, nonprofit newsrooms serving communities throughout the US, Canada, and globally. On the Ground is a service of INN, which aggregates the best of its members' elections and political content, and provides it free for republication. Read more about INN here: https://inn.org/.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Health care unions have long lobbied hospitals for higher wages and staff-to-patient ratios. But a new feature is likely to take up a prominent place in contract talks with health systems: hospitals' adoption of AI-based technology.

In efforts to keep up with competitors and reduce burdens on staff, health systems across the country have begun to explore AI-based tools like chatbots for patients and employees, and programs that write up appointment notes. The California Nurses Association held a "day of action" on Thursday that was aimed, in part, at calling for safeguards against new technologies.

"Nurses are not against AI," said Kathy Dennis, a nurse at Dignity Health's Mercy General Hospital who serves on the California Nurses Association board. "Technology can help. But technology can't take over a nurse's judgment, a nurse's knowledge and assessment."

About 100 people gathered outside Dignity Health Methodist Hospital on Thursday morning, including nurses who marched there from nearby Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Nurses described some early programs adopted by local hospitals.

"This technology is coming at us fast and furious," said Cathy Kennedy, a registered nurse and a president of the California Nurses Association. "We're really saying, "Stop for a minute and bring us to the table so we can talk about this.'"

Kennedy, who works at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, said her hospital uses a program to predict how many nurses are needed to staff a given unit. But she said the system depends on information reported by the nurses on patients' chartsif they can't chart the information in time, it's left out of the equation.

Dennis said nurses at her hospital receive pop-ups on their computers alerting them when they are late to a task, like administering a medication. But sometimes, she said, the nurse is still discussing the issue with a doctor.

"If you're not confident in your nursing skills, you might just do it because the computer tells you," she said.

Dignity Health did not directly address questions about the alerts, but said in a statement that it respects its employees' rights to participate in the demonstration.

Kaiser Permanente released a statement saying that the health system has "consistently invested in and embraced technology that enables nurses to work more effectively." That technology, the statement said, improves patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction, and does not make medical decisions on health care workers' behalf.

2025 The Sacramento Bee. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An attorney representing President-elect Donald Trumps case in Georgia filed a response to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

The Georgia Court of Appeals last month ruled that Willis and her office could not continue to prosecute the case because of an appearance of impropriety created by a romantic relationship she had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the case.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Willis filed an appeal on Jan. 9. Trumps attorneys filed their response on Friday.

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President Trump has filed a compelling response in opposition to DA Fani Willis request that the Georgia Supreme Court review the GA Court of Appeals ruling disqualifying Willis. The response persuasively argues that discretionary review is legally unwarranted under the particular circumstances of this case, attorney Steve Sadow said in a statement.

Read the court filings below.

Trump Response to Willis Appeal by WSB-TV Assignment Desk on Scribd

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams is meeting President-elect Donald Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago, according to officials.

Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers  and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success, the mayors office said in a statement.

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The meeting comes amid Adams federal indictment on corruption charges. Trump has voiced his support for the mayor, saying he would consider pardoning him.

I think that he was treated pretty unfairly, the president said on Dec. 16 at a press conference. I would certainly look at it.

No one else from the Adams administration is attending the meeting, sources told PIX11 News. The city is paying for the trip, according to sources.

Adams arrived in Florida on Thursday and is scheduled to meet with Trump at 1 p.m., sources said.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander called on Adams to state that he would not seek a pardon from Trump.

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New Yorkers deserve to know that their Mayor is putting their interests ahead of his ownand whether our tax dollars, or Turkish Airlines, will be financing his trip to Florida, Lander wrote on X.

More News: PIX on Politics

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie also released a statement about the upcoming Adams-Trump meeting, saying, Pardon me? The Trump agenda is not going to help move our city or the country forward. This pilgrimage is clearly about something else.

Adams previously met with Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan, and both have said they share the same desire to go after undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes in the city.

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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.
PRESIDIO, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Students at the Presidio Elementary School were placed into a shelter in place protocol Friday morning after officers responded to reports of gunshot sounds in the area.

According to the Presidio ISD Police Department, at about 9:49 am on Friday, January 17, officers responded to reports of gunshots being heard west of the Elementary campus. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed in a shelter in place protocol until law enforcement identified the source of the gunshots.

PISD Police Presidio Police, and the Presidio County Sheriffs Office searched and identified the source to be from a local gun range, with no threat to the school or students. Officials believe the sounds carried further than normal due to the clear weather and calm environment.

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Thank you for your concern, understanding and support for safe schools in Presidio and thank you to our local Police Officers and Sheriffs Deputies for a quick response, said PISD Chief of Police Services Joel Nunez, Jr., in a statement released on Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Republicans in the House of Delegates Thursday said the chamber should avoid scaled back meetings known as pro forma sessions, but the rest of the House disagreed. (File photo by Bruce DePuyt/Maryland Matters)

A Thursday vote to set a Friday session of the House of Delegates was anything but pro forma.

House Republicans ramped up objections to meeting in a scaled-down floor session  a pro forma session  planned for Friday and forced a debate and vote on whether every delegate should attend, even though little work is likely to be done.

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Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County), the lawmaker who mounted the challenge, said the pro forma sessions reduce the workweek for lawmakers to three days.

In todays challenging times with all the issues facing our state, it doesnt send the right message, Szeliga said after Thursdays meeting of the full House of Delegates.

Republicans raised the issue earlier in the week, but Szeliga said they felt we were dismissed by Democrats. So Szeliga, backed by Republican colleagues, mounted a challenge to a plan for a three-delegate House session on Friday.

Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) speaks on the floor of the House of Delegates. (File photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

What followed was a 15-minute debate that doubled the length of Thursdays floor session.

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In a State House steeped in history and tradition, the pro forma session is a modern creation in Annapolis with roots in the 2021 pandemic session.

Along with masks and distancing, the House and Senate adopted rules that allowed the chambers to conduct some business with a minimal number of legislators.

Aside from health concerns, the sessions were meant to keep the legislature from running afoul of meeting requirements during the pandemic era legislative sessions.

Under the rules, the House and Senate can meet with three people  the presiding officer and the majority and minority leader or their designees. The trio are limited in the business that can be conducted and cannot pass bills.

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The meetings have remained in the rules post-pandemic. Each chamber adopts those rules at the start of each 90-day session.

In the first full week of the 2025 legislative session, the House and Senate both have used the largely administrative pro forma meetings to free up time for committee briefings and other work.

Republicans said it makes it more difficult for the public to come to Annapolis to interact and gives lawmakers permission to cut out early or come to Annapolis late.

Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Baltimore City) wasnt buying it.

Theres a lot of ways people can reach you if you want to be reached, Smith said. So, I suggest everyone connect with their constituents and well continue to do the work. Just because someone says the work only happens in here [in the House chamber], that is more of a reflection of their perception of the work than the reality of yours.

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Now, as during the pandemic, pro forma sessions are used more often at the start of the 90-day session when the floor sessions are relegated to introducing and assigning bills to committees.

Any member of this body is free to be here on Monday and Friday  as I am every Monday and Friday  whether we have a pro forma or regular session, said Del. Sheila Ruth (D-Baltimore County).

But I also appreciate and I am grateful that I dont have to be here when theres not business I need to consider, because it gives me more time to serve my constituents, Ruth said.

The House voted 99 to 35 along mostly party lines to keep the pro forma session as scheduled Friday. Two Republicans  Dels. Christopher Eric Bouchat (Frederick and Carroll) and Kevin B. Hornberger (Cecil)  voted with the Democratic majority.

Its not clear that the vote ended the issue.

Well see where it goes, Szeliga said.
Maskot

The author of this op-ed remains anonymous to protect them from threats and harassment. The author graduated in 2023 from Jackson-Reed High School in Washington, DC, where they were a member and co-leader of the Arab Student Union. The author is now a freshman at a public university.

If someone had told me at the beginning of my senior year of high school that I would sue my school for censorship, I wouldnt have believed them. I was ready to spend my last year hanging out with friends, making art, and finishing up schoolwork. But as my senior year was getting started in 2023, the Palestinian people of Gaza began to experience the latest devastating onslaught on their lives, homes, and culture. And my friends and I couldnt turn away.

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I was a member of the Arab Student Union at Jackson-Reed High School, a public school in Washington, DC. Our club had been a space to share our cultures and perspectives with one another and the school community. Like other student clubs, we met at lunch and sometimes hosted school-wide events and activities.

After Israel retaliated for Hamass October 7 attack by launching a siege on Gaza, Palestine was all we talked about at our club meetings. At the same time, I noticed an unusual silence about Gaza in our classrooms. In classes like social studies, I felt like we normally discussed current affairs, and had even discussed Palestine and Israel before. But this time it seemed teachers and administrators were actively avoiding even mentioning Gaza.

This kind of silence felt uncommon to me at Jackson-Reed, a school that prides itself on cultivating active citizenship among its students. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, I remember us having active conversations in our classes about that conflict.

Our Arab Student Union decided it was up to us to start the conversation. We planned to screen the documentary The Occupation of the American Mind split between two lunch-hour club meetings. As we say in our lawsuit, two of the films central claims are that the Israeli government has engaged in a successful but misleading public relations campaign in the US and that people are attacked as antisemitic or terrorists for speaking up about Palestine. We put posters up around the school, and we prepared to start this important dialogue.

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In our complaint, we detail what happened next: A parent visiting the school removed a poster and complained to the administration. The principal then canceled the film screening and set up the first of many barriers to pro-Palestinian activism that the Arab Student Union would have to fight for months. Unlike any other club, as far as I know, suddenly we had to get permission from the school administration before showing any film related to Israel and Palestine.

We were surprised, but nonetheless submitted four alternative films to watch, only to not get a final answer about any of them, as we state in our lawsuit. We were disappointed and confused about why the school wouldnt let us discuss something many of us found so devastating. Ultimately, we became convinced that it wasnt a problem with any specific movie, but with the subject of Palestine.

For months we tried to raise awareness and spark conversation about Palestine, but Jackson-Reed's administration blocked us from doing so. They canceled our Palestinian culture night, censored Palestinian cultural symbols from literature we planned to hand out, and prevented us from distributing certain pro-Palestinian stickers. Unlike other clubs, to my knowledge, we had to meet with administrators for multiple Palestine-related events we had planned. Even something as simple as an info table at lunch required meeting with the administration to review every detail.

Those days were exhausting. We felt like the powerful people who were supposed to help us learn and grow were the very people violating our most fundamental right to free expression. It was also intimidating to keep challenging our principal in front of everyone in our school community. Often I worried that students, teachers, and administrators were judging me and my friends for overdoing it.

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But we felt confident that the administration was treating us and our activities differently than how it treated other clubs and activities  and that the administration was wrong. We were also moved by the fact that while we were safe in DC, Palestinians were losing their lives, loved ones, and homes in Gaza. And we were in it together  with each other, with our club sponsor, our families, and our communities.

The school administration agreed to let us host a heavily revised version of our Palestinian Culture Night. The joy of that celebration was so full, its almost impossible to describe. It was beautiful. The early evening light filtered into the schools atrium; people read poetry; there was dancing, singing, and art; and our whole community of supporters came together to celebrate Palestinian culture.

Still, we felt more action was necessary. After months of pushing, we connected with the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia. The civil rights and liberties lawyers there agreed with our conclusion that the school was violating our rights under the First Amendment, Equal Access Act, and the DC Student Bill of Rights. The ACLU-DC believed, as we allege in our complaint, that our public school was censoring us because they did not like our point of view.

Represented by the ACLU-DC, we sued DC and Jackson-Reeds principal. Our lawsuit to protect the rights of DC students is still ongoing today, with settlement negotiations continuing; but just two weeks after we filed our lawsuit, we reached a legal agreement with the city. The principal finally allowed us to host a movie screening, and we also agreed on a final form of our clubs planned handouts.

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After the school year came to a close, I realized how exhausted I was from the constant hurdles, the constant fighting, and the constant undercurrent of worry I felt about being judged by people I knew and being harassed by people I didnt. Im writing this anonymously, and members of the Arab Student Union sued the school anonymously, because of the very legitimate fear of being targeted for our pro-Palestinian views.

Almost one year on, though, I can say the exhaustion and fear has been worth it. Our First Amendment right to express ourselves and advocate for change is the foundation all of our other rights  including the right to vote  are built on. And these rights dont disappear when you enter your public school. Fighting for this fundamental right and supporting the Palestinian people continue to fill my body and spirit with deep meaning.

As the school year ramps up, a new presidential administration prepares to take power, and the onslaught in Gaza continues. You might, like me, find yourself in a situation you cannot turn away from. If you have to fight for your rights, I can offer you three lessons from my own experience:

First, remember that you are fighting for what you believe in. By exercising and defending your right to free speech, you are setting a precedent that can help other people in the future speak up as well. If your public school tries to block you from expressing your views and advocating for change, know that you have rights and you can exercise those rights. The First Amendment prohibits public schools from censoring or discriminating against speech based on point of view.

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Next, make sure you are part of a community of people who will struggle together, lift up one another, and celebrate the joys of winning and persevering collectively. This community can include friends, family, students, teachers, supporters of all ages and backgrounds, and even lawyers and advocates.

Finally, stay focused on your goal. When I worried about people judging or possibly even harassing me, I would also consider how, in the long run, those worries would not matter. But supporting what I believe in will always matter. Now in my freshman year of college, I can say that this perspective has kept me going. As I continue to support our lawsuit from my new campus, I am energized, motivated, and comforted every day by the knowledge that our club fought for our rights and supported the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people.

Editor's note: In an email to Teen Vogue, the press secretary for DC Public Schools said, DC Public Schools remains committed to fostering environments where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging to engage in diverse and respectful learning experiences free from discrimination." Jackson-Reed administrators did not respond to a request for comment.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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Sam Sanchez, a Chicago-based restaurateur, hadnt planned to get involved in politics until he realized that his voice was a platform that many of his undocumented employees didnt have.

When recently arrived migrants from mostly Venezuela received expedited work permits from the Biden administration, he noticed the anger and disappointment that some of his undocumented workers from Mexico  who had been in the country for decades  felt.

A lot of the people that are struggling and who have been waiting for a job permit for years got passed over and it made a lot of people mad. Theres a lot of resentment and I see my employees struggle, said Sanchez, who owns Moes Cantina and other Chicago restaurants and is on the board of the National Restaurant Association.

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So Sanchez headed to the White House to advocate for them. All we wanted was job permits, he said. But that didnt happen. As a result, Sanchez and other like-minded Latinos backed a different choice in Novembers election and gave their support, and votes, to Donald Trump despite the threats of mass deportations. They blame the Democratic Party for failing to provide a comprehensive immigration reform, which has been in debate by both political parties for decades.

Now, he and other Mexican American and Latino business leaders across the nation who support Trump are forming a coalition focused on advocating for bipartisan immigration reform, prioritizing border security, and providing legal status for law-abiding Dreamers, young adults brought to the country as children, and long-term undocumented workers in all industries.

Sanchez said that the Comite de 100, as the group is called, had been in the works since before the election. It is an organization made up of both Democrat and Republican Latino and Mexican American-owned businesses. They represent agriculture, hospitality, construction and health care, industries that depend on immigrant laborers, and are determined to work with the incoming Republican-majority Congress to reach a deal.

A plea to Biden from longtime undocumented immigrants in Chicago: Please dont forget about us, we need job permits too

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While activists and political leaders in the Chicago area have centered the conversation on how to protect the undocumented community from potential mass deportations, the business leaders intend to instead work with the new administration toward legalizing those who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protection and then their parents.

Not working with the federal government is not an option because we dont want them (immigration authorities) knocking on doors. If they have to knock on doors, theyre going to take grandma and grandpa also, which we dont want, said Sanchez, who met with Tom Homan on his visit to Chicago in December, in which the so-called border czar said that Chicago would be an epicenter for a mass deportation targeting violent criminals.

But Comite de 100, mostly made up of Mexican American business owners, will advocate for a pathway to legalization for long-standing members of the Mexican immigrant community. They say they are at the highest risk of being deported despite the many who have built lives here, including having citizen children and becoming an essential part of the workforce, said Lou Sandoval, CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Mexicans make up more than 60% of Latinos in the U.S., and are the heart of the construction, hospitality and manufacturing industries, even without being lawfully allowed to work in the country. Other countries, such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba, have access to other programs like Temporary Protected Status.

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Our contributions have been completely overlooked, said Sandoval, whose grandfather was part of the Bracero program, a government-sponsored agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that allowed Mexican workers to temporarily work in the U.S. from 1942 to 1964.

Research shows that undocumented Mexican immigrants pay $42.6 billion in taxes, often with an individual taxpayer identification number, but receive no public benefits. The Latino GDP is $3.6 trillion, with Mexican Americans contributing $2.16 trillion  60% of that total, said Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition.

ABIC employers are thrilled about the launch of Comite 100, a new platform giving a much-needed voice to Mexican business leaders, entrepreneurs, and workers who power industries like landscaping, hospitality, construction, manufacturing and agriculture, Shi said.

For the first time, theyre calling on President Trump to deliver for these hardworking, long-term contributors. The momentum is real, and change is coming.

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George Carillo, the CEO of Hispanic Constriction Council, based in Oregon, considers the returning Trump administration an opportunity to shape the future of the country.

For the first time in history, Hispanics were the deciding force in an election, and the people have chosen Trump. This is his moment to lead a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals who can rise above political division and build a stronger future for all Americans, Carillo said.

In Chicago, the Republican president-elect had significant gains in predominantly Mexican American communities.

In precincts within Little Village, the support for Trump appeared to have more than doubled  from 13% in 2020 to 32% in 2024, according to an analysis of unofficial results. That type of swing mirrors national data that suggests the Latino vote helped Trump get into office despite his use of rhetoric during the campaign that his opponents decried as racist and anti-immigrant.

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Carillo, who was born and raised in Chicago, said the support for Trump, from many Latinos who perhaps live in mixed-status families, is telling of what longtime undocumented people want.

The group is asking Congress to pass initiatives such as the Dignity Act and say they will advocate for better language in the Laken Riley Act to focus on convicted violent criminals, which they believe could balance the need for secure borders with pathways that allow essential immigrant workers and families to stay in the country legally. For now, pro-immigrant advocates say the policy would diminish access to due process for undocumented immigrants, minors and DACA recipients, and that it would further criminalize the community for minor crimes.

They also want to advocate for the creation of a voluntary departure program.

This program would provide vital social support in countries of origin, giving families the dignity to prepare for departure while keeping the door open for the possibility of lawful future return, Carillo said.

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Sandoval said he has employed workers who are undocumented and has sponsored their work visas, sometimes even paying for it himself. But even that system is broken, he said, pointing out that some of his workers are still waiting while new migrants received their work permit within months.

I think this provides a voice for those who cant speak for themselves and I would say from having spoken with some politicians in Washington, they recognize the generational shift that has occurred in the Latino community with their voting habits since the last election, said Sandoval, who hosted two listening groups, one in Little Village and one in Chinatown, before the election.

Both groups agreed that they were tired of being brutalized, the cost of labor had gone up, they didnt feel they were being listened to by the Democrats and they didnt see a pathway to any resolution for them, he said.

Although Sanchez and many of the other business leaders also sense the fear that some of his employees feel at the threats of deportation, they are also tired of unfulfilled promises by Democrats, Sanchez said. His way to ensure they will have a chance to lawfully stay in the country and continue working at his restaurant is by helping to spearhead this movement, he said.

I have to take this on, and believe it or not, it is not an easy thing to do because being a registered Democrat for the past 43 years in the city of Chicago, Im putting a target on my back, going to D.C. to work with the Republican Party. But I dont have a choice, Sanchez said. The Republican Party has control of the House, the Senate and the Presidency, and listening to this mass deportations, my employees, family and friends are scared.
NEW YORK (AP)  The Democratic Party's left wing has warned for decades that America is moving toward an oligarchy in which a handful of billionaires controls much of the nation's wealth and political power.

President Joe Biden elevated such concerns from the Oval Office for the first time this week, just before he leaves office. In the hours that followed Biden's farewell address, progressives responded with a combination of appreciation, bemusement and frustration.

Now he tells us, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., wrote on X, referring also to Biden's ideas for the U.S. Supreme Court. Biden speaks out against dark money, for climate action, and for SCOTUS term limits. I pressed four years for this speech.

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For much of the last four years, progressives were among Biden's biggest cheerleaders. And many remain supportive. But for others, the Democratic president's words were too little and far too late as the leader of a political party that has increasingly welcomed big-dollar donors even as it railed against President-elect Donald Trump's cozy relationships with others, tech titan Elon Musk chief among them.

The debate over the influence of billionaires in U.S. politics could have major implications for the policies that come out of Washington and the political landscape in future elections.

While Trump has cast himself as a fighter for the working class, the incoming Republican president is set to assemble the wealthiest presidential administration in history. He has tapped more than a dozen billionaires to take government posts, including Musk, the world's richest man, with a net worth exceeding $400 billion.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is co-hosting a reception with billionaire Republican donors next week for Trumps inauguration, the latest sign of the Facebook founders embrace of the president-elect.

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Democrats hope to undermine Trump's appeal with working-class voters by casting him as beholden to the billionaire class and trying to tie him to Musk, who once backed Biden and his Democratic predecessor, President Barack Obama.

According to the White House archives, Biden had not uttered the word oligarchy in the context of American politics until this week. And yet he made the influence of billionaires in U.S. politics a major focus of his final scheduled Oval Office address.

Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead, Biden said with Vice President Kamala Harris and his family looking on. He pointed to a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few ultra-wealthy people and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked.

Few Democratic members of Congress criticized the outgoing president publicly, as Whitehouse did, but key figures in the party's far-left wing  especially those close to independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders  were less cautious.

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Its cowardly that after representing the oligarchs for 50 years in office, he calls out this threat to our nation with just days left in his presidency, said Nina Turner, a national co-chair for Sanders' last presidential campaign. (Biden) enabled, benefited from and emboldened the system that threatens us all, while he will ride off into the sunset and wont feel the harms of whats been built.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates pushed back against such criticism, noting that many party leaders praised the speech.

President Bidens call to action resonated with a wide range of Democrats and others because it is in line with the values that, over these last four years, led to the most significant breakthroughs for working Americans since the New Deal," Bates said. "Like he said (on Wednesday), its crucial to keep that flame lit and continue working against abuse of power by rich special interests and billionaires who want to profit ant the expense of American taxpayers.

Tiffany Muller, executive director of End Citizens United, a Democratic-aligned organization fighting to eliminate big money from politics, penned an op-ed Thursday describing Trumps inauguration next week as the beginning of an oligarchy thats been 15 years in the making.

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She acknowledged that the trend, enabled by the 2010 Supreme Court ruling for which her group is named that allowed wealthy donors to bypass political donation limits, is not exclusive to Trumps party.

To be clear, Citizens United has allowed both parties to raise money from the billionaire class and large corporations. And Vice President Kamala Harris pulled in more total donations in the 2024 presidential race than her opponent did, Muller wrote. But Trump is elevating his donors to major positions within the federal government.

Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist who has warned of a rising oligarchy in the United States for decades, thanked Biden for his choice of words. The Vermont senator cited the president again during a confirmation hearing for Trumps pick for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a billionaire himself.

What Biden said last night is that were moving toward an oligarchy, Sanders said as he questioned Bessent. Do you think that when so few people have so much wealth and so much political power that that is an oligarchic form of society?

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Bessent pushed back: Well, I would note that President Biden gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to two people who I think would qualify for his oligarchs.

Bessent was not wrong.

Biden earlier this month awarded the nation's highest civilian honor to Democratic megadonor George Soros and billionaire fashion magnate Ralph Lauren. And in the closing days of the presidential election, Harris' campaign elevated Mark Cuban, the billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, as a top surrogate, though Cuban was not critical to her campaign the same way Musk was to Trump's with his advocacy on his X social media platform and his funding of pro-Trump super PACs.

Jeff Hauser, executive director of the Revolving Door Project, described a sense of whiplash, suggesting that Biden is desperate to placate some billionaires while condemning others. Hauser said he wished that Biden's team and its allies on the center-left were as pugnacious over the last two years.

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Faiz Shakir, a former Sanders campaign chief who launched a bid for Democratic National Committee chair earlier this week, said in an interview that Trump delivered a more compelling message to working-class voters in the last election at times. Shakir was critical of Cuban's role in the closing days of the election as well.

Marianne Williamson, who ran a long-shot presidential primary campaign against Biden and is now running for DNC chair, declined to give Biden credit for his latest remarks.

This is news? she said of the outgoing president's assessment. She added that America has been ruled by an oligarchy for years and called tech billionaires like Musk Oligarchy 2.0.

Neither Shakir nor Williamson is considered a front-runner in the DNC chair's race. And those who are have been less critical of the influence of money in Democratic politics.

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Elsewhere in the progressive movement, there was some appreciation that Biden raised concerns about oligarchy in American politics at all.

Eisenhowers military-industrial complex warning gave language to an idea that has been referenced ever since, said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Bidens warning about oligarchs, calling on Americans to stand guard, is a call to action that will be felt for years.

___

Cooper reported from Phoenix. AP writer Isabella Volmert in Detroit contributed.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Nurses, lawmakers and community leaders locked arms at the State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 6 to emphasize the need for reforms to improve patient care and strengthen the states healthcare system.

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The Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals and the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii voiced their concerns for safer staffing statewide.

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As of now, Hawaii does not require mandated patient-to-nurse ratios. Representative Sean Quinlan looks to change that, introducing legislation called the Hawaii Safe Staffing Proposal which would establish enforceable patient-to-nurse ratios.

UH Manoa study reveals sad news of U.S. health care workers

This legislation is a game-changer for patient care in Hawaii. By addressing the root causes of burnout and staffing shortages, we are ensuring that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve, said Rosalee Agas-Yuu, HNA president.

Patients also shared their personal experiences at the rally, emphasizing the importance of nurses having a manageable workload to get the care they need.

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If my son was in distress, it took a while before a nurse was able to come in and check on him, therefore, we as parents who are not nurses, who dont have any medical background, learned how to care for him in both the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, said Jodi Hirayama, patient. So please put yourself in our shoes, protect our nurses and the patients they care for.

If Quinlans legislation is passed, it would also lead to improved nurse retention, reduce nurse burnout and establish safety committees to protect patients and healthcare workers.

My support for this legislation goes beyond my duties as a Representative. As a father and a community member, I believe that every patient in Hawaii deserves the same standard of care. That is why I am sponsoring this legislation to create a safer and more supportive environment in our healthcare system, Rep. Quinlan added.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

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The rally comes as the three-day nurses strike at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai wraps up. The nurses are scheduled to return to work on Friday, Jan. 17 morning.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The City of Pueblo is debating raising taxes to help close an $ 8.6 million budget gap. With reserve money running out, City Council and the Mayors office say all options are on the table.

I want the community to grow and I want Pueblo to prosper and the only way that were going to be able to do that is if we continue with the times, Mayor Heather Graham said.

City Council and the Mayors office are looking for money-making alternatives to the 3.7% city sales tax rate, which currently makes up 70% of the citys revenue.

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.5 goes to the Pueblo Economic Development Corp (PEDCO) and .2 goes to the Pueblo Police Department, Mayor Graham explained. The city really runs on 3%. Thats three pennies for every dollar thats spent in the community. Thats not a lot of money.

This chart shows the City of Pueblos current sales tax.

Mayor Graham told FOX21 News that Pueblo has some of the lowest sales tax rates in the state. Which is why she wants to increase it for the first time in decades.

Sales tax in the city has not been raised in like 60 years, so I think that this has kind of been a long time coming, Mayor Graham said.

An increase of between .05% and .50% could result in an additional 30 cents to 1$ for every $200 spent by consumers.

This chart shows the potential sales tax increase.

Another option the city is considering is a small tax on grocery items, or a food consumption tax, which Mayor Graham said is already in place in many other Colorado cities.

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The reason I like taxing the food is that it doesnt affect the low-income people on food stamps, they will not be taxed, Mayor Graham explained.

This chart shows the impact of a proposed food consumption tax in the City of Pueblo

The proposed grocery tax could add anywhere from $1 to $7.40 to an average $200 grocery bill, but not everyone is on board.

We can put another $15 million in the bank just by the simple act of raising taxes, which obviously City Council cant do what the voters can do, but in reality, the economic well-being of the community can be directly tied to their development, their residential development, commercial development, which in turn grows the economy, increases the tax base and all of a sudden we have enough money to do the things that we need to do on infrastructure, explained President Mark Aliff, City Council Representative at Large. So do we have this dire need to raise taxes or do we have this dire need to finally tear down all the barriers that are standing in the way of this community moving forward to positive growth.

President Aliff is not the only council member interested in exploring other options.

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Im not going back to my constituents asking for more money, and Im not supporting any raise increases on taxes at all, said Roger Gomez, City Council District 4 Representative.

Meanwhile, City Council Representative at Large Dennis Flores is proposing a tourism tax.

I really think we should be going after tourism, Councilman Flores explained. Anytime a tourist stops in Pueblo, Colorado, what do they do, rent a hotel room, but thats money that is normally not within our control. Thats where I think we have the greatest opportunity, get people off of I-25 and Highway 50 and come to spend their money here.

Mayor Graham thinks the city should focus on both growing development and finding other ways to boost revenue like raising taxes. If they do decide to go that route, voters need to approve it and the city must have the ballot language ready by August.

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Pueblo has $21 million in reserve funds and should be okay through 2026. After that, Mayor Heather Graham told FOX21 News that if they do not start looking at other revenue sources, the city will be in big trouble.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow on Jan. 17, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

Moscow and Tehran have long ties but their cooperation only intensified after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.

Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities, as well as short-range ballistic missiles.



The document, signed during an official ceremony in the Kremlin, establishes Moscow and Tehran as strategic partners. The agreement covers various areas, including energy, finance, transportation, agriculture, culture, science, technology, and counterterrorism.

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Russia and Iran have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in security and defense. According to the agreement, if one of the parties is subjected to aggression, the other will not provide any assistance to the aggressor.

Moscow and Tehran will also deepen partnerships between their special services, and will assist each other in the event of natural, and man-made disasters.

The strategic agreement between Russia and Iran is concluded for 20 years with automatic extension for subsequent 5-year periods.

With Iran's assistance, Russia has begun producing its own variants of Shahed drones called Geran-2.

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Iran and Russia have also been at the forefront of confronting what they see as the Western-led global order, with namely Tehran sponsoring militant groups in the Middle East attacking the West's allies.

Last June, Putin signed a similar partnership agreement with North Korea, under which both parties agreed to military support each other in case of an armed attack.

Months after the deal was signed, North Korea dispatched up to 12,000 troops to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Partners, not allies: What to expect from Russia-Iran agreement set to be signed on Jan. 17

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Source: Russian service of Radio Liberty

Details: It is reported that Putin signed a similar document with Kim Jong-un in North Korea back in 2023. The parties to such agreements are obliged to support each other politically, economically and militarily.

In particular, North Korea has already sent its military to Russias Kursk Oblast under the same agreement.

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At the same time, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the agreement with Russia does not include a clause on military protection. In Russia, it is believed that Iran will not send its soldiers to the front. In addition, Iran has been weakened by the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the defeat of the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, and the energy crisis.

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The manager of a closed used-car dealership in Puyallup was charged this week with felony theft for allegedly keeping more than $131,000 of retail-sales taxes collected through vehicle sales that should have been remitted to the Department of Revenue.

The state Attorney Generals Office accused Stanley J. Stevens of first-degree theft in Pierce County Superior Court for failing to remit the funds between 2019 and 2022 while operating Puyallup Truck & RV Sales. Instead, charges allege that Stevens pocketed the money by depositing funds into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife.

Stevens, 41, was convicted in 2011 of conspiracy to commit odometer fraud in federal court, and, according to charging documents, investigators suspect he recruited his nephew to act as a straw owner to get a dealership license. The nephew was 19 years old when he became the business owner in 2016.

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A summons was issued Tuesday for Stevens to appear for arraignment and enter a plea in the case Jan. 31. An attorney for the defendant was not yet listed in court records. A phone number for the business appeared to be disconnected Thursday.

An investigator in the Attorney Generals Offices major economic crimes unit began looking at Puyallup Truck & RV Sales in 2021 following an audit by the Department of Revenue that found the business was under-reporting its revenue. In 2017, the dealerships revenue was more than $1.2 million, according to court documents, but it reported only $6,500 in gross revenue to the state.

Stanley told an auditor he relied on sales jacket file folders for each sale to report the gross income and that about 174 of the files were stolen from the car of the dealerships sales clerk when she was transporting them to a storage facility.

When an auditor requested copies of the business federal income tax returns for 2017 to 2020, Stevens reportedly said he didnt file any returns with the Internal Revenue Service during those years because the owner, his nephew, didnt think the business made enough money to file.

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Puyallup Truck & RV Sales, which did business at 15317 Meridian E., Puyallup, shut down permanently in 2022 when the Department of Licensing revoked its dealership license following its own investigation. That inquiry reportedly found numerous instances of lack of compliance with DOL regulations and other mandatory business practices.

Further investigation into the business determined that $1,897,460.00 of funds collected through vehicle transactions were deposited into bank accounts for Stevens or his wife between 2019 and 2022, but the dealership only reported $27,000 in revenue to the DOR in that time, records show.

Stevens allegedly retained $131,678 in sales-tax funds collected through the transactions, and only $2,758 was remitted to the DOR.

An investigator interviewed more than 30 of the business customers and learned that a majority of them found the vehicle for sale on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and paid in cash. The business accepted credit cards, the investigator wrote in court records, but some customers were told the service fee would be as much as 30 percent.

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The business also routinely charged a 10 percent sales tax even though the actual retail sales tax in Puyallup was 9.9 percent from 2018 through June 2021.

Several customers reported that they wrote separate checks for the sales tax that were made out to 161 Auto & RV Sales. According to the probable cause document, its an LLC that was not licensed with DOL or registered with DOR, and it did not report income or pay taxes. The business owner was another of Stevens nephews.

Both DOL and I concluded that PTRS was aware they going to have their dealership license revoked and began migrating their business identity over to 161 Auto & RV Sales company, the investigator wrote in court records.

A search warrant was executed at the dealership in February 2022. Inside, investigators found financial documents for bank accounts that were not reported to DOR and hundreds of sales jackets among other evidence. A large number of them were found in a white plastic garbage bag under several boxes.

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The PTRS sales jacket filing system was non-existent, the investigator wrote in the probable cause document.

Although Stevens nephew was the business owner, investigators found he did not control the finances or overall management of the dealership.

The nephew signed a rental agreement for the business office and signed business-creation documents, records state. But it was Stevens who signed checks for the landlord and the DOL for title fees, and he signed all but a few vehicle title documents. He also reportedly used his personal CashApp and Venmo accounts to accept deposits or issue refunds to customers.
By Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. secretary of state and the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan are expected to meet in Washington on Tuesday, the day after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, people familiar with the matter said.

Experts said the meeting, the first major diplomatic event of the Trump presidency, would send a strong signal of continuity for the "Quad", a grouping formed amid shared concerns about China's growing power.

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Trump will be sworn in for a second term on Monday, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar are expected to attend the ceremony.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio appears on track for confirmation as Trump's secretary of state on Monday, clearing the way for the Quad meeting the following day, persons familiar with the matter said.

Analysts said a meeting so early in the new administration was unlikely to produce new initiatives but would send a strong message from a grouping that aims to show that Indo-Pacific democracies offer an attractive alternative to China.

"What they're going to be doing is getting to know each other, reviewing where the Quad is, signaling continuity and beginning to sketch ideas of where they want to take the conversation," said Charles Edel, an Indo-Pacific expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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The transition team for the Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment.

The ministers are also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Rubio.

Wong will likely be looking for assurances that the massive AUKUS defense project launched by Australia, the United States and Britain - about which Trump has not commented on publicly - will continue as planned.

Iwaya said on Friday he would highlight the economic and national security value that Japan offers the U.S.

India wants to discuss how the grouping could improve cooperation in technology and green energy, said an Indian foreign ministry official, adding that the Quad was neither an anti-China alliance nor a new NATO, as China maintains.

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Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke by telephone on Friday.

Trump said they had a good discussion on issues including trade, fentanyl and TikTok, adding that "it is my expectation that we will solve many problems together."

Xi said he and Trump both hoped for a positive start to relations during the president-elect's new term, Chinese media reported.

At his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Rubio spoke strongly about the need to confront Beijing and said the U.S. must change course to avoid becoming more reliant on China.

John Lee, a former Australian official now with Washington's conservative Hudson Institute, said the visiting ministers would want to allay concerns that the second Trump administration signals a more isolationist United States.

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"(It is) a chance for the other members to ensure the 2nd term Trump administration continues to see the Quad as one of the key arrangements in the Indo-Pacific to advance ... a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi, Tim Kelly in Tokyo and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Toby Chopra)
HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  With the presidential inauguration just days away, many people will be making the trip down to Washington, D.C. to witness, including a Quinnipiac University student.

Symbol of global peace: Quinnipiac University professor recalls meeting Jimmy Carter

Alan McNeely, a Quinnipiac junior majoring in journalism and political science, will be traveling to witness the inauguration, saying he wants to witness the historic event.

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The reason why I came out to the inauguration is because this election and the results from it was going to be historic no matter who was going to win, McNeely said. Either we were going to see the first female president or we were going to see non-consecutive presidential term since Grover Cleveland and that is historic no matter where you view it politically.

The inauguration will be streaming on News 8, with special coverage starting at 7 a.m. on Good Morning America.

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Failed presidential candidate and Trump disciple Vivek Ramaswamy is planning to run for governor of Ohio, according to The Washington Post.

Ramaswamy, who is set to co-lead Trumps Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, apparently plans to work with the group for a year before setting out on the campaign trail in Ohio. Viveks base plan remains [the] same: to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly, a source familiar with the matter told the Post.

Ohio will have gubernatorial elections in 2026, and current Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited. Ramaswamy is from Cincinnati.

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This surprising news comes after Ramaswamy went on a wild rant last month criticizing what he saw as a lazy, anti-intellectual white American culture, in an apparent defense of H-1B visas. He was eviscerated by the MAGA right for his views, and the DOGE co-lead has been relatively silent online since then. His only post on X in recent weeks has been a reference to Trumps upcoming inauguration. Its hard not to speculate that this sudden move may have something to do with that internal rift he helped fuel between tech MAGA and base MAGA.

Elsewhere in Ohio news, DeWine on Friday announced his Lieutenant Governor John Husted will replace JD Vance as one of Ohios senators.
Police are asking the public for help in their search for a man described as a rape suspect who attacked two women in Long Beach earlier this week.

The first assault took place around 1 a.m. Wednesday as the victim was walking near an alley in the area of West 10th Street and Pacific Avenue.

She was approached by the male adult suspect, who sexually assaulted her, the Long Beach Police Department stated in a news release.

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No further details about the attack were provided but police said the suspect was on foot when he fled northbound on Pacific Avenue.

Later that morning at around 9 a.m., police believe the same suspect approached another woman in the 1200 block of Long Beach Boulevard and struck her in the upper body.

The attacker was described as a Black man between 25 and 30 years old standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. Police said he had medium-length dreads and facial hair.

The Police Department provided the following safety tips for residents:

Be alert and aware of your surroundings

Trust your instincts. Always See Something, Say Something

Call Police Dispatch at 562-435-6711 to report suspicious activity

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies and to report crimes in progress

When walking at night, walk in well-lit and populated areas, when possible

If possible, dont walk alone; walk with another person

Anyone with information about the assaults was asked to call the Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368. Anonymous tips can be made by calling L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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NEW YORK (AP)  Rapper Busta Rhymes has been accused of repeatedly punching another man in the face, police said Friday.

Police said Rhymes, whose legal name is Trevor Smith, was issued a desk appearance ticket for third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, on Tuesday related to an incident in Brooklyn, New York, on Jan. 10.

Police officers responding to a 911 call in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood that evening said a 50-year-old man told them he was arguing with another man who punched him in the face multiple times. The victim was taken to the hospital with swelling on the left side of his face, according to police.

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The Brooklyn district attorney's office said Smith was due in court on Feb. 3, but had no further information.

Rhymes, 52, is known for songs that include Break Ya Neck, Touch It and Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.

An email seeking comment was sent to a person believed to be Rhymes' publicist.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  Rapper Method Man, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, was accused of attacking a man on Staten Island on Tuesday, sources told PIX11 News Friday morning.

Police officers were called to 300 West Service Rd. around 3:10 p.m., according to authorities. An argument between two men had gotten physical, police said.

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A 28-year-old man was punched in the face by another man who was not on the scene when officers arrived, according to authorities. Sources said Method Man was accused in the assault.

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No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing, police said. A representative for Method Man denied the allegations against the rapper in a statement to the New York Post.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
It may not feel like the end of winter is near, but, rest assured readers, spring is just around the corner.

In March, millions of Americans turn their clocks forward, marking the start of daylight saving time in 2025. The controversial practice of "springing forward" and "falling back" has been observed in most states for decades.

Under the current daylight saving period, most Americans lose an hour of sleep on the second Sunday of March and gain an hour on the first Sunday of November.

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Here's what to know about the annual practice and why we observe it.

When does daylight saving time start in 2025?

Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

In the spring, participating states turn clocks forward one hour on the second Sunday of March, causing us to spring forward and lose an hour of sleep.

When does daylight saving time end in 2025?

Clocks "fall back" Sunday, Nov. 2. Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year.

Is it daylight saving time now?

No, daylight saving time ended Nov. 3, 2024, and will not start again until March. When daylight saving time ends, clocks are set back one hour to standard time.

Why do we lose an hour in March?

We spring forward, losing an hour, in March to add more hours of daylight in summer evenings.

Which states don't have daylight saving time?

Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation  which spans across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico  does observe the time change, making it the lone participant in Arizona.

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The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time.

What's the point of daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which was meant to lower fuel costs during the First World War. The law also established a standard time and allowed the federal government to create five time zones.

The government stopped observing daylight saving time after World War I ended but reimplemented it during World War II. Congress decided to make daylight saving time permanent for two years from 1973 to 1975, extending the hours of daily sunlight year-round to conserve energy during the oil embargo crisis. However, the law was repealed in 1974 for being unpopular and ineffective.

In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing the length of daylight saving time. The dates we use to observe daylight saving time today  starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November  were established in 2005 when Congress amended the Act.

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According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.

Is it daylight savings time or daylight saving time?

While it's common to hear "daylight savings" with an "s," the correct term is "daylight saving time," since the practice saves daylight.

Is daylight saving time ending permanently?

Not yet. According to The Arizona Republic, there have been discussions about abolishing the semiannual time changes, and President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and others support it. But any permanent change would require congressional approval.

While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight saving time, any changes require federal action. Until the Uniform Time Act is repealed or a new federal bill is passed, the time changes will still occur in 2025.

Is Ohio considering getting rid of daylight saving time?

No state can adopt permanent daylight saving time unless the U.S. Congress passes a law to authorize it first, USA TODAY reports.

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However, Ohio's House State and Local Government Committee passed House Concurrent Resolution 7 in October 2023, urging Congress to enact the Sunshine Uniformity Act. This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks.

State representatives Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, and Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, sponsored the bill.

Under this resolution, passed by the Ohio House, switching to permanent daylight saving time would increase the hours of sunlight in the evenings during the winter months, which helps combat mental health issues, Creech said.

The bill was adopted by the House and referred to a Senate committee in December 2023.

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Contributing: Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When does daylight saving time start in Ohio? When to change clocks
Over the past 50 years, astronomers have made dozens of major discoveries that help explain the nature and origins of the universe. Theyve measured the cosmic microwave background, or leftover radiation from the Big Bang, with extremely high precision to help paint a picture of the first nanoseconds of the universe. They realized that the way galaxies were moving was being influenced by something invisible called dark matter that makes up roughly a quarter of the universe. And they discovered a new ghostly particle that passes through matter without much of a trace called the neutrino.

Scientists have continued to chip away at some of the fundamental questions about how the universe and its multitudes of parts work together, but they havent really gotten close to answering the most basic and elusive question that has been pursued by philosophers and scientists alike since human consciousness came to be: Why us, why here, and why now?

Or, as the late physicist Dr. John Wheeler said in an interview with Discover Magazine in 2002: How come existence?

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Id be willing to have this arm cut off if I could understand how come the quantum? If I could understand how existence comes about, Wheeler once said in a past interview. I think it's a thing which is outside the bailiwick of lots of people, and yet I think it stands the most chance of giving a really dynamic impulse to the whole scientific enterprise.

Wheeler was an ideological leader in developing quantum cosmology and is memorialized by his many contributions to the field, including coining the term black holes.

He was also known for his tendency to push the boundaries of what was possible in physics with creative ideas. A lover of poetry and philosophy, who was acutely aware of the power of words to shape ideas, wrote Richard Webb in a 2008 biographical piece published in Nature, Wheeler was wont to write lectures on the blackboard simultaneously with both hands.

One of his ideas, which he called the participatory universe, posits that our own observations could actually be what is creating our physical reality.

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The idea could be depicted in a drawing of the letter U, where an observer stands on one column of the letter looking backward at the past history of the universe, said Dr. Bob Wald, a theoretical physicist at the University of Chicago who was Wheelers student at Princeton University between 1968 and 1972.

He was very taken with the thought that no phenomenon becomes a true phenomena until it has been observed, Wald told Salon in a video call. The idea is that the past history of the universe has become definite when someone or people now are observing things about the past universe.

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Wheeler was a legendary scientist that studied under Niels Bohr, who created the most widely recognized model for the atom called the Bohr model. Wheeler also worked closely with Albert Einstein, helping center his theory of general relativity. Known as a physicists physicist who worked on ideas of ideas, Wheeler inspired countless students over his nearly 50 years of teaching and encouraged their monumental discoveries. One of his students, Hugh Everett III, introduced the many worlds idea that suggests an infinite number of parallel universes exist.

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In Everett's mathematical formulation, these possibilities were coexisting and could come together and be extinguished, Wheeler said in a past interview. It was only when one got to the point where one had an irreversible act of observation that one of these became materialized  If there's anything designed to confuse somebody about what quantum mechanics is all about, this does it.

Wheelers idea of the participatory universe is rooted in quantum mechanics, which allows a particle to be in two places at once by being in what is called a superposition state. This situation is demonstrated, for example, by the famous theoretical Schrodinger's Cat experiment, in which a cat is placed in a box with radioactive materials that could kill it. In this hypothetical example, the scientist observing the experiment wouldnt know whether the cat lived or died until they opened the box. Therefore, two realities coexisted: The cat lived, and the cat died.

The famous two-slit experiment, demonstrated something similar but with photons. It found that these particles, which can either act like a particle or wave, acted as waves passing through both slits in the experiment when they were unobserved. However, when observed, they acted like particles passing through one slit or the other.

Wheeler also proposed his own delayed choice experiment. Whereas the two-slit experiment shows that observations before or during the experiment influenced its outcome, Wheelers experiment showed that delayed observations influenced the results of the experiment after the particles had already passed through the slits.

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One can decide, at the quantum level, whether an object shall go two routes to get to its final point or just one route, Wheeler once said in an interview. You can make the decision after it has already made the trip. That sounds like a contradiction, but it works.

To put this idea into more tangible terms, said Dr. Andrei Linde, a professor emeritus at Stanford University who is one of the authors of the theory of the multiverse, recommends imagining opening the box with the Schrodinger's Cat with a three-day delay. The cat inside will either be dead or alive, making it seem like the outcome of the experiment was determined three days ago as expected and the observer registers the fact of what happened in the past, Linde said.

However, to be consistent with the many-world interpretation of quantum mechanics, one would need to ascribe certain reality to both outcomes and understand that the universe consisted of these two branches: one universe with a dead cat and one with a live cat.

"By observing the cat, we are learning in which one do we live," Linde said.

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Wheelers idea of the participatory universe was initially seen as being a little too far out and was not pursued by the scientific community when he proposed it in the 1970s, said Dr. Alexei Nesteruk, a visiting lecturer and researcher in the philosophy of cosmology and quantum physics at the University of Portsmouth, England.

Many physicists did not like it because they called it impalpable and a little bit mystical, Nesteruk told Salon in a phone interview. They didnt share his optimism that physics will be able to actually produce any theory of intelligibility and consciousness which is responsible for the physical picture of the world.

After all, it changes the way we traditionally think about the way time works. Instead of the past causing the present, which causes the future, Wheelers idea flips this on its head to suggest that the future "determines" the past.

This past becomes a construct of the human mind [working in the direction of] the future, Nesteruk said. This is a really interesting idea because it completely breaks down a naive physical understanding of the past of the universe as the past of itself. It's not the past in itself. It's the past for us.

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However, the fields initial rejection of the idea has started to change. In fact, an idea like the participatory universe that accounts for the role of the observer in determining somethings quantum state could help explain some mathematical conundrums that have appeared in quantum physics, Linde said.

The question is really whether the unobserved universe makes any sense in physics if you would not include this consciousness, Linde told Salon in a phone interview. That is a far cry from what standard physicists would study, but Wheeler was not just any physicist.
Just two months after an effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida failed, a new push has begun.

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Smart & Safe Florida has gone back to the drawing board and put forth a renewed effort to legalize recreational cannabis in 2026.

The new language addresses many of the concerns raised by opponents last year by allowing the legislature to set time, place, and manner restrictions and opening the door for home growth and more businesses to enter the marketplace.

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Theyre all welcome changes in the eyes of marijuana advocates like Jodi James, President of the Florida Cannabis Action Network.

Its very obvious that the folks who wrote Smart & Safe 2.0 were really listening to the concerns of the Governor and the legislature, said James.

But the renewed push comes as the Governor is seeking to crack down on the citizen initiative process.

Making sure that these signatures are verified, either through the mail or if someone is bringing it in person, is really, really significant, said Governor Ron DeSantis in a recent press conference.

According to a memo from the governors office, changes could include requiring voters to request petitions directly from and return them to election supervisors.

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Power to write fiscal impact statements could also be given solely to appointees chosen by the Governor, and private citizens could be given the ability to challenge the certification of initiatives.

State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) argued the changes would be a death blow to the citizen initiative process.

This is clearly another power grab by Governor Ron DeSantis to squash the will of the voters and make it impossible for us to engage in direct democracy to amend out state constitution, said Eskamani.

The Governor has called on legislators to take up the issue in the upcoming special session set for January 27th.

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Republican lawmakers like State Representative Dean Black (R-Yulee) told Action News Jax they still need to see actual legislation before weighing in, but generally agree more restrictions on the initiative process should be considered.

This is an example of wealthy corporations bypassing the peoples elected representatives and using their money to try to buy themselves an amendment in the Florida Constitution, said Black. Thats wrong. That should change.

Its still not clear whether lawmakers will go along with the Governors special session call, as the House Speaker and Senate President have suggested it is unnecessary and premature.

Smart & Safe Florida has roughly two years to collect just shy of 900,000 signatures to get its proposal on the ballot.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Lets take you through The Food and Drug Administrations ban of a dye called Red 3 from the products U.S. consumers eat and drink. A local doctor we spoke with says there are absolutely no benefits, so he thinks this ban is a good thing.

This decision comes decades after the colorant was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. So, when kids consume the dye in candy, baked goods, dairy, or fruit products, there are risks.

Steven Schulz a pediatrician with Rochester Regional Health says red dyes, like Red 3 and Red 40, have the potential to cause neural behavioral concerns like ADHD and hyperactivity, along with issues like allergic reactions.

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I think that theres enough potential risk factors out there from the research that has been done that banning it will have some potential benefits to kids, now and in the future, said Schulz. Theres really no need to give kids juice. theres certainly no need to give them any other sugary drinks, but thats especially true over the first few years of life.

However, he doesnt want people to worry too much. Just dont make consuming red dyes a habit. If you have given your kid red dye 40 or 3, I wouldnt be too worried about it. Its more about ensuring this doesnt become a problem for folks down the road.

Ultimately, Schulz says there are no benefits to red dye, and when they cause harm theres no point in keeping them around.

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By Jonathan Saul and Helen Reid

LONDON (Reuters) - Companies transporting their products around the world are not ready to return to the Red Sea trade route in the wake of a Gaza ceasefire deal because of uncertainty over whether Yemen's Houthis will continue to attack shipping, industry executives said.

The leader of Yemen's Houthis said on Thursday that the Iran-aligned group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached.

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The Houthi militia has carried out more than 100 attacks on ships since November 2023 and has sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The intensity of the attacks has disrupted global shipping and prompted route changes.

Executives from shipping, insurance and retail industries told Reuters the risks remained too high to resume voyages through the Bab al-Mandab strait in the Red Sea through which exports to Western markets from the Gulf and Asia must pass before entering the Suez Canal.

"There is no way I'm putting any of my merchandise on a boat that's going to go through the Red Sea for some time to come," said Jay Foreman, CEO of U.S.-based Basic Fun, which supplies toys to major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Amazon.com.

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"I'll spend the extra money, and I'll send everything around the tip of Africa... It's just not worth taking a chance."

TRIAL RUNS

Matt Castle, vice president of global forwarding with logistics group C.H. Robinson, said: "Its not likely the industry will see a large shift back to the Suez Canal in the short term."

He said this was due to the challenges related to securing cargo insurance given perceived high risks and time constraints, as it would take weeks or months to implement a new ocean shipping plan.

If the Houthis do halt the attacks, retailers may have to wait until the second quarter for shipping lines to fully shift their routes, said Craig Poole, managing director at Cardinal Global Logistics, whose clients include B&M Retail and Pets At Home.

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"It'll definitely be a case of trialing the route, making sure that the ceasefire is genuine."

Maritime security sources said companies would treat any pledge by the Houthis to halt attacks with caution and would opt for test voyages to assess the risk environment.

For larger ships, such as tankers carrying liquefied natural gas, any resumption would take longer due to bigger risks if such a ship carrying a flammable cargo was hit.

Norwegian shipper Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which transports vehicles by ship, said it would not resume sailing through the Red Sea "until it is safe".

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Swedish fashion retailer H&M, which uses sea freight to transport most of its products from factories in Asia to Europe, said it was monitoring the situation.

Tailwind Shipping Lines, a shipping firm owned by German supermarket chain Lidl, said the security of crew, ships and cargo was a top priority.

The European Union's naval force in the Red Sea said its "threat assessment remains unchanged".

WAR RISK

Higher war risk insurance premiums, paid when vessels sail through the Red Sea, have meant additional costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a seven-day voyage for any ships still sailing through the area.

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Insurance sources said on Friday that additional war risk premiums were quoted between 0.6% and up to 2% of the value of the vessel if a ship had any links to Israel or the U.S. and were broadly unchanged in recent months.

(Reporting by Jonathan Saul, Helen Reid and Carolyn Cohn in London, Renee Maltezou in Athens, Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Agnieszka Olenska in Gdansk. Editing by Jane Merriman)
Missouri, Kansas and Idaho can press forward with their lawsuit to restrict access to the abortion drug mifepristone, a federal judge ruled Thursday, months after the US Supreme Court had rejected an earlier version of the legal challenge.

The decision by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of President-elect Donald Trump, will allow the GOP-led states to pick up where a lawsuit brought by private anti-abortion activists left off, after the Supreme Court said last year that those activists lacked standing to bring the legal challenge.

In the amended complaint green-lit by Kacsmaryk, the states argued that certain moves by the US Food and Drug Administration have facilitated the flow of mifepristone across their borders, undermining their own abortion restrictions.

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Idaho, for instance, bans abortion in most circumstances, while some restrictions on medication abortion remain in Kansas and Missouri even after voters approved ballot initiatives protecting abortion rights.

Theyre challenging FDA rules that have allowed for the drug to be obtained by the mail without an in-person doctors visit, as well as the FDAs approval of the generic version of the drug and other changes in the last several years for how the drug can be prescribed.

In the new order, Kacsmaryk waved away the arguments of the FDAs defenders who said his Amarillo, Texas, courtroom was an inappropriate venue for the case because the states claims lacked any tie to his court district. The judge said hed give those arguments a fuller review at the next phase in the case, when defenders of the regulations, including the mifepristone manufacturer Danco, will have the opportunity to seek the lawsuits dismissal.

The timing of Kacsmaryks order, just days before the inauguration, means that it will be the Trump Justice Department, and not the current administration, that decides how to handle that next step of the case. The Biden administration had defended the FDAs regulatory approach to mifepristone at the Supreme Court last year.

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The Trump transition team did not respond to a CNN inquiry about the case.

Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, when asked about DOJs policy of defending the FDAs regulations at her Senate confirmation hearing this week, said that she would need to do more research. She also vowed not to let her personal anti-abortion views influence her actions leading the department.

The move by the anti-abortion activists to file the original case in Amarillo drew judge-shopping accusations because nearly all cases filed there are assigned to Kacsmaryk, who, before joining the bench, worked for a legal advocacy organization focused on social conservative causes. In a 2023 ruling later reversed by higher courts, Kacsmaryk said that the FDAs decades-old approval of drug should be wiped away entirely.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Leaders with El Paso County and the State of Chihuahua are eying upgrades and investments to the Tornillo Port of Entry and the surrounding area to support a portion of the Borderland regions commercial-vehicle traffic as the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) is set to eliminate all commercial cargo operations with impending renovations.

Feds moving forward with no-commercial traffic option on BOTA project

Were making some investments in the (Tornillo) port of entry, and were looking at the area around the port of entry to see what type of infrastructure may be needed. So, at the County, were doing whatever we can to make sure that the port of entry therein Tornillo is prepared to handle additional commercial traffic once the Bridge of the Americas stops accepting that traffic, El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguin said after a press conference Thursday afternoon, Jan. 16.

Holguin, whose precinct includes the Tornillo area, said theyre initiating these efforts now so that the region is prepared to handle the change in commercial traffic once renovations to BOTA are completed.

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We dont want that day to come and neither the County nor any of our partners are prepared to handle that projected increase in commercial traffic, Holguin said. We know that once commercial traffic is removed from the Bridge of the Americas in the next couple of years, theres going to be a need for additional commercial crossings. We have the port of entry in Tornillo, which was built to handle exactly that type of traffic, but it isnt utilized as much as some of the other ports of entry just because it is a little bit further away.

This is the first of several meetings both sides plan to have as they move along in the process.

Currently, El Paso County is conducting studies of the Tornillo area to determine what resources have to be poured in to maximize its capabilities to handle increased commercial traffic.

Were trying to learn the needs of some of the Mexican industry that may be using the Tornillo Port of Entry. So, weve asked the secretary of Economic Development for the State of Chihuahua to help us as we reach out to some of those Mexican companies, Holguin said.

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Ulises Fernandez Gamboa, the State of Chihuahuas cabinet secretary of Economic Development, said they will be supporting El Paso County in their efforts and highlighted the importance of maintaining the region as a leader in commercial exchange.

The State of Chihuahua is the largest exporter in Mexico and also one of the top five FDI (foreign direct investment) destinations for different industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, Gamboa said. So, were expecting that in the coming years, the investment and the cargo that well be exporting from Chihuahua will be duplicated. Therefore, in order to maintain our competitiveness, it is quite important to reinforce the infrastructure at the different crossings that we have with Texas mainly.

Holguin said that theyre trying to gather input from all stakeholders who would be affected by these changes and said that shes heard that the people of Tornillo welcome the economic development that could flourish in the area as a result of the investments.

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The Biden administration has come to an end not with a bang, nor a whimperbut with a frenzied rush of new regulations, lawsuits, and executive orders.

Some are likely to be quickly reversed when the Trump presidency begins next week. Many others will not.

The latest in that string of last-second executive actions was a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday against Deere & Company, the manufacturer of John Deere tractors and other farm equipment. The lawsuit alleges that Deere has used proprietary software to ensure that only the company's authorized dealers can conduct repairs on the computer systems that run much of modern farm equipment.

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The lawsuit is a potentially big showdown for the so-called right-to-repair movement, which is seeking laws and court opinions that prevent companies from using those sorts of restrictive software components to force consumers into using certain repair services. Despite much of the FTC's track record over the past four years, this might actually be a useful and consumer-friendly development.

But the process matters, and rushing this lawsuit out the door in the final days of the Biden administration is likely to harm its chances of succeeding. As Deere noted in a statement, the lawsuit seems to misrepresent some basic facts about what repair services customers can do on their own. In a dissenting statement, FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson (who will become chairman of the agency after Donald Trump is sworn in) condemned the effort as "the result of brazen partisanshiptaken in haste to beat President Trump into office."

In other words, this looks more like a performative final flourish by outgoing FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan rather than a serious attempt at improving consumer welfare.

You might say the same thing about many of the Biden administration's lame-duck activitiesand there have been a lot of them.

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In just the past 15 days, President Joe Biden or his appointees have blocked the sale of U.S. Steel, forbidden oil drilling in a huge swath of coastal waters, banned mining on federal lands in California, and restricted American companies' sales of advanced computer chips. Each of those actions will directly (in the case of U.S. Steel) or indirectly harm American businesses by limiting how and where they engage in commerce.

Biden's team has also meddled with prices and personal finances. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued new rules forbidding medical debt from being taken into account when credit scores are calculated. Biden ordered another round of student loan forgiveness, and he signed a bill boosting Social Security payments to some retired public workers.

The CFPB's maneuver is simply a price control that will make credit scores a less reliable signal in the marketplace, while the other two actions are direct handouts to groups (college grads, retirees getting pensions) that by and large don't need the help.

Health regulators have been busy too. The surgeon general issued a call for new warning labels on alcohol, based on an unscientific reading of the data. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meanwhile, banned a common dye used in processed foods and outlined plans to require lower nicotine levels in cigarettes.

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In fairness, this flurry of activity has resulted in a few positive policy changes too. After years of abuse, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is finally changing its airport policies to limit forfeitures of travelers' legal property. And the FDA gave a long-awaited thumbs-up to Zyn nicotine patches, which are a healthier way to get that buzz than sucking on a cigarette.

For obvious reasons, it's difficult to compare Biden's busy lame-duck session with other outgoing administrations in any sort of objective way.

In part, that's because we haven't seen a transition like this one in quite some time. Most recent presidents have served two terms, which provides a much longer runway for the completion of ongoing administrative and regulatory projects. When President Barack Obama won reelection in 2012, everyone working for him knew they had exactly four more years ahead.

The only one-term presidency in recent history was Donald Trump's, and the final weeks of that administration included a light policymaking schedule punctuated by a very different kind of chaos: a riot, an impeachment, and so on. Even so, Trump and his underlings found the time to order a half-dozen executions, appoint a clutch of new judges, and pardon some of the president's friends.

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Biden's lame-duck period seems different because the various bureaucrats and regulators only learned in early November that their work would have to get wrapped up in a matter of weeks, rather than years. That's probably the best explanation for the rushed manner of, say, the FTC's recent action against Deere & Company.

Neil Chilson, a former lawyer for the FTC who was at the commission during the transition from the Obama administration to the first Trump one, underlined the unusual nature of the Deere lawsuit in a post on X. During that earlier transition, "the majority pushed through settlements at the very end. Some were controversial. But I get why they wanted to close out cases," Chilson wrote. "But slamming out the filing of NEW LAWSUIT on a partisan 3-2 vote in the waning days is silly."

The same could be said about a bunch of other things Biden has done this month. Why should an unpopular president, heading into retirement on the back of an electoral defeat by his hand-picked successor, get to decide the fate of U.S. Steel, prohibit future energy projects, make credit scores less reliable, or hand out special favors to Democratic constituencies like college grads and public workers?

This all probably points to the need to shorten the time between Election Day and the inauguration of a new president. That period has already been shortened once: In 1933, the 20th Amendment moved Inauguration Day from March 4 to January 20, in large part because the then-four-month lame-duck period was seen as being far too long (especially once modern means of communication and travel over long distances were developed).

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These days, there's no good reason why a new president shouldn't be inaugurated the day after Congress counts the electoral votes. That would trim two weeks off the lame-duck periodbut don't hold your breath for any changes.

Instead, we're left with the bizarre sight of an outgoing administration, one rejected by the American people, issuing costly regulations and filing "silly" lawsuits while the clock (eventually) runs out on its time in power.

The post Regulation, Prohibition, and Litigation: Joe Biden's Busy Lame-Duck Period appeared first on Reason.com.
Photo: Getty Images

Los Angeless rental market can be challenging to navigate in even the best of times. And, in addition to low rental inventory and dearth of affordable housing, residents displaced by the Eaton and Palisades fires are finding that some available apartments now cost thousands more than they did last week. With the influx of demand, some tenant activists have seen landlords raise prices up to 300%. Its a move thats not only unethical, but illegal. However, there are things consumers can do to fight back.

What is rent gouging?

Rent gouging is understood as the practice of setting rent prices too high or raising rent to an unconscionable price. According to the State of California Department of Justice, Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services.

The state of rent gouging in California

When California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on January 7, the declaration included a ban on price gouging on essentials such as gas, hotel rooms, and rental housing. For any rentals that have been on the market, you cant increase [the price by] more than 10%, says Silke Fernald, a broker associate at ACME Real Estate. Properties that were listed after the start of the state of emergency and havent been on the market in the past year can only charge 160% of the fair market rent established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Death toll rises to 25 amid new Los Angeles warnings Photo: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images

While many local brokers and real estate agencies banded together to help compile lists of available housing to help displaced residents, there are still plenty of bad actors. Were seeing listings with rents that have been increased by 30 to 300% after [January 7], says Chelsea Kirk, a member of the Los Angeles Tenants Union and director of policy and advocacy at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. Kirk has also seen homes that have been off the market for years, possibly used as short-term rentals like Airbnbs, suddenly get listed after the fires started. We need the people running short-term rentals to make them available to people in need of housing, but youre seeing these high price tags.

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These inflated prices are also being driven up further by bidding wars. Some [potential tenants] offer an absurd amount of money, Fernald says. They want to get something into place, and they dont want to necessarily [move from the] area where they live in. But these high offers are also illegal. You, as a landlord, cannot accept more [than 10%], and as a tenant you also cannot offer more, says Fernald.

While the anti-price-gouging statute normally lasts for 30 days, Newsom extended the order to last until March 8. Landlords caught price gouging can face one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman cautioned those who might look to profit off the crisis. Not only are you going to be looking at criminal penalties, youll be looking at civil penalties, and, as importantly, your name will get out there, Hochman said in a press conference on Wednesday. You will be publicly shamed.

How can you fight back against rent gouging?

But the onus falls on renters to report violations. While sheltering in place, Kirk started looking at rentals in her neighborhood on Zillow and found a three-bedroom home going for $12,000a high price for her area. I scrolled down, and the price history has an over 50% increase since January 7, she said. In her off hours, she began tracking listings in a public Google Sheet that quickly went viral as internet detectives near and far started tracking down listings and submitting them. The project, which has over 1,200 submissions, has evolved to include an army of volunteers who scrape data from Zillow and report violations to the citys 311 hotline, the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, and the state Attorney Generals office.

Powerful Winds Fuel Multiple Fires Across Los Angeles Area Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The crowdsourced effort to combat rent gouging is just another way the LA community and people worldwide have come together to help residents impacted by the fires. I want people to know that they shouldnt navigate this alone, Kirk says. There are a lot of organizations who want to offer support right now. Join an organization, join the tenants union, and be in community in this moment. And if a renter does sign a price-gouging lease? Its still illegal, Kirk says. The landlord can still be penalized for it and have to roll the rent back.

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Kirk believes the spreadsheet is working. You see quite a few listings where the rent shot up well above the 10% cap, and then you see that it was brought down right below 10% in the days after the spreadsheet or this effort, she says. Fernald adds that agents are also working to educate their clients on what is ethical and legal to do during the state of emergency. Its just not good business practice, Fernald says. And besides that, its bad karma, right?

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Coverage of the LA Fires
Jan. 16Maine Republicans are bringing forward a proposal to repeal the 72-hour waiting period on firearms purchases that was put in place last spring in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston and is the subject of a federal lawsuit brought by opponents.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, is sponsoring a bill to repeal the law, which was approved by narrow margins in the House of Representatives and Senate, and which Democratic Gov. Janet Mills allowed to become law without her signature.

"We were very disappointed when that bill went into law without the governor's signature," Faulkingham said. "It doesn't align with our sporting heritage and tradition of gun ownership here in Maine. It's not aligned with our values. I don't think it will stand up in court, but I thought it was still important to put in a bill to repeal it."

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The proposal, LD 208, is co-sponsored by six other Republican lawmakers and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Gun safety legislation was a major topic for the Legislature last year in the wake of the mass shooting. And two national gun safety groups have upgraded their rankings of Maine's laws following changes passed last year, including the 72-hour waiting period, expanded background checks to include private, advertised sales, and updates to the yellow flag law.

While there hasn't been as much discussion so far this year about specific gun safety proposals, the bill repealing the waiting period is likely to be among several dealing with firearms this session.

Gun Owners of Maine, the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine and other supporters of gun rights opposed the waiting period last session, arguing that it was an unconstitutional infringement on the rights of lawful gun owners.

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"We're fully on board and hope it passes," Laura Whitcomb, president of Gun Owners of Maine, said of the repeal proposal.

Opponents of the waiting period have argued that it wouldn't have stopped the Lewiston mass shooting because the weapons used were all purchased in July of that year or earlier.

"In the wake of Lewiston there was a lot of pressure and politicization on the whole gun rights issue," Faulkingham said. "I just don't think (the waiting period) would have gotten through if it hadn't been in the wake of that tragedy. Things have settled down now, there's been an investigation into what happened and it's clear this law wouldn't have done anything to affect that."

Supporters of the waiting period argued last year that it would provide an important "cooling off" period to prevent people from acting on suicidal or homicidal impulses.

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"Waiting periods are a lifesaving tool to give someone time to get the help they need if they're in a suicidal crisis," Maine Gun Safety Coalition Executive Director Nacole Palmer said in an email. "Suicide is the leading cause of firearm death in Maine, especially for men. These buffers, even though they're brief, can literally mean the difference between life and death and don't inhibit any Mainers' right to purchase and own firearms.

"I'm confident lawmakers in Augusta will remember that the people of Maine have called on our leaders to pass commonsense gun safety laws, and will prioritize saving Maine lives over the demands of the gun lobby."

Faulkingham said he is hoping to pull some Democratic support for his bill.

Last year's measure passed by extremely narrow margins in both the Democrat-controlled House and Senate  including by one vote in the final Senate tally  with a handful of Democrats in both chambers joining Republicans to oppose the waiting period.

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This year, Democrats have a 75-73 majority in the House, with one seat open and two seats held by independents who defeated Republicans to get elected. Democrats have a 20-15 majority in the Senate.

Spokespeople for Mills did not respond to inquiries asking if she would support the repeal effort. Mills allowed the bill to become law without her signature last spring, saying she was "deeply conflicted" about the measure and that such laws have been challenged in other states, including Vermont.

The repeal bill comes as gun rights advocates have filed a federal lawsuit in Maine seeking to overturn the new law, which went into effect in August, on grounds it is unnecessary and unconstitutional.

The plaintiffs, who include Rep. Jim White, R-Guilford, and his business, J. White Gunsmithing, a self-defense business and two other firearms shops, have asked the court hearing the case to put the law on hold while its adjudicated, while the Office of the Maine Attorney General asked for that request to be denied. The court has yet to rule on the request.

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Lawmakers will take up hundreds, if not thousands, of bills this session, the text for many of which has not yet been published. But advocates on both sides of gun legislation issues say there are several areas where they anticipate debates coming up.

Gun Owners of Maine has been in discussions with lawmakers about proposals to repeal last year's expansion of background checks and to shorten the time frame for a judicial hearing to be held after weapons are confiscated under the state's yellow flag law.

The Maine Gun Safety Coalition is finishing up a signature-gathering campaign to try and get a red flag law to go to referendum. A red-flag law would remove the need for a mental health evaluation needed under yellow-flag before family members, in addition to police, could initiate the process of restricting access to weapons for a person in crisis.

The coalition has also been advocating for a ban on bump stocks, a ban on untraceable "ghost" guns and a new secure storage law to prevent firearm accidents and teen suicides.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Republican House Representative Jim Olsen (R-Roland) has written a bill that would drop the legal age limit to carry guns from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.

In the state of Oklahoma, anyone 21 years and older can carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit.

Democratic House Representative Forrest Bennett (D-Oklahoma City) spoke with News 4 Thursday about his concerns with the proposed bill.

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Where there are weapons present, the likelihood of violence and death is much higher, Bennett said.

Rep. Bennett said he isnt surprised at the proposed legislation, and will be voting no.

OKLAHOMA POLITICS: Bill to force school board elections to November ballots once again introduced in Oklahoma legislature

I look forward to asking him questions and I hope to get good answers from him about why he thinks this is necessary, Rep. Bennett said.

News 4 reached out to Rep. Olsen Wednesday and Thursday to ask questions about the bill and he declined to comment.

However, two years ago, when Olsen filed a similar bill, he said every adult should have the freedom to exercise their constitutional rights.

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In 2022, Olsen told News 4, People that are 18 to 20 should have the same rights as the rest of us. They vote, they can get married.

That particular bill didnt make it past committee.

This new bill states the age limit for carrying guns in a car would also drop to 18-years-old.

Rep. Bennett says he believes having a law like this goes beyond protecting Second Amendment rights.

I am not an anti-Second Amendment guy. Im a fifth generation Oklahoman and I appreciate the value that they bring. All it is, is everyone should have access to firearms, and anyone who says otherwise is a Second Amendment enemy of the state. I think thats a really dangerous way to discuss the issue, Rep Bennett said.

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Legislative session begins February 3.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
On Thursday, a large crowd packed a meeting of the House Education Committee, passionately supporting or opposed to House Bill 115, which would make EFAs universal. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin)

Gabrielle Jette is aware of the education freedom account program. She just doesnt qualify for it.

The Manchester resident sends two of her three children, 6 and 4, to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a private Catholic school in Litchfield. The school, which features small class sizes and outdoor time, has proven highly effective for her 6-year-old son, she testified to lawmakers Thursday. But her and her husbands income puts Jette just above the threshold to qualify for the program  $132,775 for a family of five  and means she cannot receive upwards of $4,000 per child in state funds toward tuition.

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We do pay out of pocket for all of the childrens education expenses, and we are able to make it work, she said. But its not easy.  Every single month, my husband and I are budgeting to (understand) where can we cut things, because the education is expensive.

In an interview, Jette estimated her family was within $10,000 in annual income of qualifying for the program.

Its a situation for which state Republicans have a simple solution: Remove all income caps and make education freedom accounts available to everyone. On Thursday, hundreds showed up to a packed House Education Committee meeting, passionately supporting or opposed to House Bill 115, which would make EFAs universal.

But despite Republican legislative majorities, passing universal education freedom accounts  an idea strongly opposed by Democrats  is no guarantee. And even Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte is pumping the brakes slightly.

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As a candidate, Ayotte endorsed the idea of extending the program to families of all income levels. But in her first week as governor, she has indicated that the state might not hit that goal this year.

I support every family having the opportunity, Ayotte said at a press gaggle Wednesday. But she added that it remains to be worked out how we get there in expanding it, making sure that were doing that in a way that makes sense so that we can administer the program properly.

Ill work with the Legislature on that as the ultimate goal, she added, speaking on universal EFAs. And what we do over this biennium: I think that we will be, regardless of whether we get to universal or not, well be expanding those opportunities.

Rapid expansion

New Hampshires education freedom account program has existed since 2021. Since then it has swiftly grown.

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The program, which allows any family under the income limit to receive the states per-pupil adequacy aid  generally between $4,000 and $8,000 per student  had 1,635 students enrolled in its first full school year, 2021-2022.

In the current school year, 5,321 students were enrolled as of Sept. 1, according to the Department of Education. The Legislature raised the income limit in 2023, opening EFAs to more families.

Democrats say the rapid increase in participation is a reason for the Legislature to stop raising the income cap. In the 2024-2025 school year, the state is expected to spend $27.7 million; in the first year, it spent $8.1 million. All students whose families meet the income limits in their first year of the EFA are eligible to stay in the program even if their family income surpasses the cap, meaning many who qualify continue to use them.

A Jan. 8 analysis by the pro-public education research organization Reaching Higher New Hampshire found that if every New Hampshire student currently enrolled in private school or home-schooling were to apply for an EFA, the state would pay about $101.9 million per year.

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Voting against the HB 115 is one of the most fiscally responsible actions you can take for the New Hampshire taxpayers, said Rep. Wendy Thomas, a Merrimack Democrat, referring to the bill.

The bill has drawn many opponents: 3,247 people have submitted online testimony opposing it so far, while 770 have registered their support, according to the New Hampshire General Court website.

But Republicans say the program is providing meaningful alternatives to public school for families, and is making those private school or home-school costs financially manageable. And they argue the cost concerns are overblown, noting that the Education Trust Fund  which pays for the states portion of public schools  is projected to take in $1.2 billion in revenue in 2025.

I do think its only a modest request that every child has an education that meets their needs, said Rep. Valerie McDonnell, a Salem Republican and the prime sponsor of the bill. I dont think thats asking for too much for a student.

Republicans split

While Republicans support the EFA program  a program that was created by Republicans and nearly universally opposed by Democrats  Republican lawmakers have not all supported increasing the income limit.

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When passed in 2021, the program was capped at families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level  $96,450 for a family of four in 2025 dollars. Republican lawmakers raised it to 350 percent of the federal poverty level in 2023  $112,525 in 2025 dollars for a family of four.

But when House Republicans attempted to raise the income cap again in 2024, to 500 percent, the Republican-led Senate balked at the increase and ultimately killed that effort, with Republicans joining Democrats. Before the bill fell apart, Senate Republicans had attempted to compromise with an increase to 400 percent  $128,600 for a family of four  which House Republicans rejected as too modest.

The median household income for a family in the state in 2023 was $116,546, according to the 2023 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In 2024, Senate Republican leaders said it would not be responsible to pass an expansion that could affect the states Education Trust Fund in a year that was not a budget year.

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This year is a budget year, but underwhelming business tax revenues have led to calls for reductions in state spending, which could make passing universal EFAs difficult.

At a Jan. 6 press conference outlining a list of major legislative priorities for the year, Senate Republicans did not mention education freedom accounts.

And during her inaugural address to lawmakers Jan. 9, Ayotte did not advocate for universal EFAs. Were going to work  and I look forward to working with all of you  on strengthening and expanding the program to ensure that more families have the freedom to put their children in the learning environment that is best for them to reach their full potential, she said then. She did not say all families.

Rep. Joe Sweeney, a Salem Republican and the House Republican deputy majority leader, says House Republican leadership supports the removal of income limits, but acknowledged that budget realities could change how that looks in the end.

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For House Republicans, we campaigned on expanding education freedom accounts, and so I can guarantee you that somehow this year, education freedom accounts will be expanded, said Sweeney, a co-sponsor of McDonnells bill, said in an interview Thursday.

As for the financial impact of any proposal to make the program universal, Sweeney said that will be discussed if the bill is passed by the House and makes it to the House Finance Committee  and as the overall budget is crafted. He said some Republicans are discussing cutting the ghost payments  the payments made by the state to public schools in the years following a students departure for an EFA  as a way to improve the financial picture.

Theres still a lot of moving pieces, but were excited about Rep. McDonnells bill and were going to continue tracking it, he said.

To Jette, increasing the limit would be a boon to one fixture in her family life: the spreadsheet she and her husband use to keep their finances in line to help pay for tuition. And she said she rejects the idea that people making above the current 350 percent cap are from wealthy families.

I dont know who those families are, because all the families Im going to school with, theyre rubbing the pennies together to make it happen, she said in an interview.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  Residents of a motel in Norman are being forced to look elsewhere for somewhere to live after they found out that the property serving as affordable housing in town had been sold. Their date to move out is February 1.

It was a mostly empty parking lot at the OU Motel in Norman Thursday morning. Those that were there were either packing up to move out, or stuck trying to figure out whats next.

LOCAL NEWS: Bill to force school board elections to November ballots once again introduced in Oklahoma legislature

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A lot of us dont have a lot of options, Stacey Matthews said. A resident of the motel for 9 years.

Here we are starting all over again, Bryan Poindexter said. A motel resident for about 5 months.

It was New Years Day when residents like Poindexter and Matthews were told they needed to find somewhere else to go due to the sale.

Im a grown man. I live by myself. So, I mean, it sucks, but theres little kids out there, Poindexter said.

Poindexter said he was homeless before he moved there in October. Now, he has nowhere to go.

Everybody wants you to make three times as much rent, Poindexter said.

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We made some of the best friends weve ever had here, Matthews said. This is it. We became a family.

Matthews moved there 9 years ago with her mom. Now alone since her mom passed, she might get an apartment with her neighbor for the time being.

It is a very big concern to me what happens to them, Ward 7 City Councilman Stephen Tyler Holman said.

LOCAL NEWS: UPDATE: NWOSU gives all clear after questionable substance found on campus

Holman said affordable housing in Norman and elsewhere is a big problem.

We dont have enough shelter beds for them, he said.

The buyers plan is to turn the motel into apartments for students and a current Norman affordable housing development wont be done until 2026. For now, things are left up in the air for those being told to leave.

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Some of those people, I dont know what theyre going to do, Matthews said.

We reached out to the current owner selling the property but we have not heard back. We also reached out to the property buyer, who is out of Dallas. They declined an on camera interview with it still being early in the buying process.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
With fire containment improving and winds dying down, some residents are being allowed back into neighborhoods devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires, though checkpoints still remained in other places.

One day earlier, when evacuation orders in the neighborhood were lifted after more than a week, a line of cars stretched half a mile long north to Mulholland Drive, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

He estimated 2,000 cars had entered the checkpoint during his shift, with the CHP and the National Guard carefully verifying proof of residency before allowing people to drive in.

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That meant that although Carl Rheuban, 75, returned home Thursday, his sons partner, who doesnt live with them, was a victim of bad timing as she was denied access.

Even as a passenger, they wont let her up, Rheuban said Friday morning before the checkpoint was removed. I have another son who lives in Woodland Hills  they wont let him in. He cant come up to help me; weve got three freezers full of food that spoiled that I have to throw out.

Read more: 12 hours of fire that decimated Altadena: Im going to lose half of my town'

Evacuated residents can now freely enter the northern part of the Topanga area from Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Cezanne Avenue, after officials late Friday morning removed the security checkpoint that had been set up there.

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Farther south on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, a checkpoint at Viewridge Road was still in place as of 1 p.m. Friday, with only residents who live south of the intersection permitted to enter.

Los Angeles County officials say as many as 11,000 people will be able to return home as crews continue to get a handle on fires that started during an extreme wind event on Jan. 7.

David Combs, 63, was one of the first residents to make it through the checkpoint Thursday. He ignored evacuation orders for the first two days after the Palisades fire broke out, remaining inside his home of 24 years at the Woodland Park Mobile Estates.

Read more: Eaton fire: Areas reopened to residents, shelters, resource centers

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But with no electricity and the fire raging, he left the complex on Jan. 9.

Hotels were gouging me, so I ended up sleeping in a big van that I have, Combs, a construction project manager, said outside his three-bedroom home Friday.

It was rough.

He was desperate to get back home right away.

When he evacuated, Combs had taken the ashes of his parents and put them in a storage unit for safekeeping, which he said tormented him.

It was the first thing I grabbed, he said. I didn't want to carry them around in case something happened. And it just broke my heart to think of my mom and dad in a storage unit.

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The fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including many homes, making them two of the most destructive  and deadliest  wildfires in California history. More than 8,600 firefighters from around the world are working the blazes, with the focus over the next several days on constructing containment lines and extinguishing hot spots to prevent the fires from spreading.

As the weather has begun to cooperate, firefighters have become more aggressive to get it under control before winds return next week.

"Every day we're getting aggressive. We know what's coming and the impact this fire has had on the community already," said Colin Noyes, an information officer on the Palisades fire.

Read more: Palisades fire: Areas reopened to residents, evacuation areas, shelters, more

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In the first days of last week's firestorm, crews were on the defensive as extreme winds blew red-hot firebrand and embers across the landscape, starting fires faster than they could be put out. Firefighters were swarming into the region as the fire marched into neighborhoods and areas of dry, unburned brush in the foothills and rugged canyons.

Over the weekend, crews established perimeters around both the Eaton and Palisades fires, corralling them in. Since then, firefighters have been turning the tide on the blazes bit by bit.

"We go 300 feet in from the perimeter and put out any hot spots, and any smoke we see," Noyes said.

Officials said on Friday they don't expect either fire to grow in acreage.

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Jim Hudson, an operations chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on the Palisades fire, told community members Thursday night at Sinai Temple in Westwood that they've kept the fire from growing for several days and haven't seen it spread since Saturday.

"That is a testament to the hard work of the firefighters that have been on the line, working around the clock multiple shifts, and their dedication to all of you," he told the audience.

Read more: Teams being deployed to prevent, prosecute insurance fraud after fires

He said they expect containment to continue to grow in the coming days. In addition, they are using infrared aerial imaging to make sure this thing is completely cooled off.

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Despite the progress, some fire experts expressed remorse.

Joe Everett, assistant Los Angeles fire chief and incident commander when Pacific Palisades burned, wished more could have been done quicker to spare the loss of thousands of homes and at least the deaths of 10 in the area.

Its extremely, extremely hard for me to look you in the eye, knowing that, quite honestly, I feel like I failed you in some respect, Everett, a third-generation firefighter, said at that community meeting in Westwood.

His candor garnered a round of applause, while some residents yelled, Why couldn't you save our homes?!

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In the Palisades fire area, officials reopened the areas north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south of Mulholland Drive; north of Old Topanga Canyon Road and south of Summit to Summit Motorway; north of Mulholland Highway and south of Stokes Canyon Road and north of Red Rock Road and south of Calabasas Peak Motorway.

In the Eaton fire area, residents that live along Canyon Crest Road into the Meadows community east of El Prieto Road were allowed to return beginning at 3 p.m.

A soft closure means the area is closed to the general public, the L.A. County Sheriffs Department said in a statement. It is still open to disaster crews, public safety personnel, and residents with identification only. Only residents with valid proof of residence  drivers license, registration, utility bills, etc.  are allowed to enter and exit the soft closure area.

Read more: Rain in the forecast could cut back on wildfire risk in Southern California

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The following zones are now open to residents only:

City of Los Angeles



LOS-Q0765: North of Mulholland Drive and south of Adlon Road

LOS-Q1118: North of Mulholland Drive and south of Hayvenhurst Drive

LOS-Q0798: South of Mulholland Drive

LOS-Q0782-B: South of Mission Dump Road

LOS-Q0778-A: East of Canyonback Road

LOS-Q0781-A: East of Canyonback Road near Mountaingate Drive

LOS-Q0782-A: Area east of Mt. Saint Marys Fire Road

LOS-Q0780: Area east of North Kenter Avenue

Los Angeles County



DRY-U026-A: North of Mulholland Highway and south of Stokes Canyon Road

RRC-U027-A: North of Red Rock Road and south of Calabasas Peak Motorway

TOP-U002: North of Old Topanga Canyon Road and south of Summit to Summit Motorway

TOP-U001: North of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south of Mulholland Drive

On Friday, officials announced additional zones in the Palisades fire area would reopen to residents:



MTN-U028-B: North of Piuma Road and south of Mulholland Highway

SDP-U029-B: North of Mildas Drive/Loma Metisse Road and south of Baynes Road/Stunt Road

RRC-U027-B: North of Topanga Ridge Motorway and south of Sylvan Glen Road

TOP-U005: North of Old Topanga Canyon Road and south of Topanga Skyline Drive

TOP-U008-A: North of West Hillcrest Drive and South of Hondo Canyon Road

TOP-U009-B: North of Sischo Drive and south of Valley View Drive

TOP-U007-B: North of South Topanga Canyon Boulevard/Summit Drive and south of North Topanga Canyon Boulevard

TOP-U006: North of Robinson Road/North Topanga Canyon Boulevard/Harlan Motorway and south of Hillside Drive

TOP-U003: North of Hillside Drive/North Topanga Canyon Boulevard/Greenleaf Canyon Road and south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard

TOP-U004: North of Hillside Drive and south of Mendenhall Court/Santa Maria Road/Benkerdt Road

DRY-U026C: North of Saddle Peak Trail and south of Mulholland Highway

For the Eaton fire, Altadena residents who live along Canyon Crest Road into the Meadows east of El Prieto Road can also reenter the area with identification. Effective 3 p.m. Friday, officials also lifted the evacuation order that had been in place in the area southwest of Altadena Drive, north of New York Drive and east of Allen Avenue.

In addition, a soft closure is in effect for several other evacuated zones with access available to residents, including east of Lake Avenue and south of Mendocino Lane; and south of Church Canyon Place, east of Old Toll Road and west of Sunset Ridge Road, officials said.

The specific zones are as follows:



ALD-MIDLOTHIAN

ALD-MEADOWS

ALD-MILARD B

ALD-MILARD C

ALD-MILLARD A

ALD-MENDOCINO B

Entry and exit points will be at the intersections of Canyon Crest Road and Lincoln Avenue, New York Drive and Allen Avenue, New York Drive and Lake Avenue and La Vina Lane and Lincoln Avenue.

Read more: L.A. wildfire resource guide: How to stay safe, what to do and how to help

Winds are expected to continue dissipating this week, but its shaping up to be a short reprieve for the region. Theres growing risk that significant fire weather could return to Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting early next week. The region is also facing continued danger from extreme dry conditions and lack of rain.

The Eaton fire, which burned though Altadana and surrounding neighborhoods, was 65% contained as of Friday morning. The fire has not grown in size since Jan. 10 when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection listed it as 14,117 acres. Since then, crews have been working to surround the fire, secure defenses and keep it from growing past their lines.

Similarly, the Palisades fire's size has remained listed at 23,713 acres since Sunday as crews from far and wide have flowed into the fire zone and constructed a perimeter around it. The fire's containment has increased from 11% on Sunday to 31% as of Friday morning, meaning firefighters are confident that nearly a third of the fire's perimeter won't go past their defenses.

As the search through the rubble continues, the number of confirmed deaths in the fires climbed to at least 27.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MARION, Ark.  Some Marion, Arkansas, apartment residents forced to go without heat for weeks say they are concerned about a drastic temperature drop over the next few days.

Henriette Flanagan has lived at the Four Seasons Apartments for about five years and said no one in the complex has had central heat since early December.

The 65-year-old said she has been wearing a coat and ski cap inside her home and relying on two space heaters to stay warm.

Henriette Flanagan uses two space heaters to stay warm in her Marion apartment. WREG photo

I am anemic, Im diabetic type 1. Sometimes, I have to take shots, and I get really cold in here, you know? Flanagan said, The rest of the people do not have heat. We need some heat up here.

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Another Arctic blast coming. Is wintry weather possible again?

Flanagan said the managers of her apartment complex loaned her one of the space heaters, but shes afraid to use it at night. She said she had to stay at her nieces house during last weeks snowstorm.

We all wear two shirts to keep warm, and sometimes we sleep with our clothes on, Flanagan said. Its too cold to get undressed and put your pajamas on.

A neighbor who did not want to be identified said she has three space heaters running in her apartment. She said she recently suffered a stroke and has trouble moving the heaters from room to room and wants the problem fixed.

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They say they are waiting on the owners, she said.

Henriette Flanagan uses space heaters to stay warm in her Marion apartment. (WREG photos) Henriette Flanagan uses space heaters to stay warm in her Marion apartment. Henriette Flanagan said she relies on thick blankets to keep her warm at night. Four Season apartments Henriette Flanagan uses space heaters to stay warm in her Marion apartment. WREG photo Four Season apartments

No one was in the apartment complexs leasing office on Thursday. A sign on the door said the office closed at 3:30 p.m. The only phone number listed for the complex was connected to a fax machine.

Flanagan said it doesnt appear the heat will be back on anytime soon.

There is supposed to be a man coming and taking the old pipes out so another man can come and put the new pipes in so we can get some heat, and theyve been saying that and saying that and saying that, said Flanagan.

Teen charged with murder in MS town square shooting

WREG contacted the City of Marion about the problem. Mayor Tracy Brick said she had just learned about the issues at the Four Seasons Apartments and was told a city inspector was investigating the matter.

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This is a private company and private landlord. So, its in no way affiliated with the city. So our jurisdiction on it would be if it was a code enforcement issue, but I dont know all the details at the point, said Mayor Brick. Once I speak to the inspector, Ill know what to do next.

Flanagan doesnt like to leave her home, but she is already making arrangements to stay with family or friends when temperatures drop into the teens over the weekend.

Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather

Weather forecasters are showing overnight lows in the teens starting late this weekend and into early next week for the area.

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An evacuation order has been lifted after a lithium-ion battery fire broke out at a power plant facility in Central California Thursday night, officials said Friday.

In an abundance of caution, Monterey County Health Officials are advising residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office said Friday evening.

Monterey County officials said in a briefing they are aware there was a plume of materials, including toxic hydrogen fluoride, released Thursday night from the Moss Landing Power Plant, which serves as a battery storage site. The EPA and Vistra Energy, which owns the plant, have air quality monitoring equipment on site, which has not picked up reportable levels of hydrogen fluoride gas, according to North County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Joel Mendoza.

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It appeared last night and early this morning that plume was reaching elevations where it might not endanger the human population, but thats something that were monitoring constantly, Monterey County spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli said at the briefing on Friday morning.

The facility remains offline as officials work to understand the cause of the incident, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said Friday. This event really needs a full investigation at all levels of government. If this is going to be the future of energy, we need to be proactive, Church said.

The fire had affected 50,000 to 100,000 people in the area, Church said Friday afternoon. The EPA has conducted air quality monitoring and deemed it safe, officials said.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto earlier said the county would be able to lift the evacuation order once more advanced monitoring systems are brought on site and the county is comfortable.

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Firefighters worked to contain the fire so it would burn out as quickly as possible, and now there are few active flames and very little release of combustion byproducts, according to Mendoza.

There have been flare-ups as different batteries start to catch on fire, Addis said. The safest route with lithium-ion is to allow the fire to burn out, she said.

Mendoza noted there had been no injuries to civilians, plant personnel, or first responders.

Monterey County had proclaimed a local emergency, and will continue to support our evacuees, as well as the first responders, until such time that the evacuation orders can be lifted, Kelsey Scanlon, director of emergency management for Monterey County, said.

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All North Monterey County Unified School District schools and offices were closed on Friday due to the ongoing fire at the battery plant, according to a statement. The district serves more than 4,500 K-12 students, and covers a 70 square-mile area, including neighborhoods in Castroville, Prunedale, Moss Landing, Aromas and parts of Salinas, its website says.

The fire erupted at the facility around 3 p.m. Thursday, and evacuation orders were issued around 6:30 p.m. due to concerns over hazardous materials and potential chemical releases, Rosas said without detailing which materials were causing concern. More than 2,000 people were told to evacuate.

Vistra Energy personnel had called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished, the company said.

Our company takes very seriously what happened last night, and we are hurting today, because we know primarily its impacted and disrupted the people who live around our site, our neighbors, our friends and businesses, and for that, we are sincerely sorry, Brad Watson, a senior director of community affairs at Vistra Energy, said Friday.

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Our first unit on scene arrived and found that there was smoke (coming) out of the building and we did find at least one battery on fire, Mendoza said. Due to the intensity of fire, and smoke and superheated gasses, roughly about an hour and a half into the incident, conditions change drastically. A fire suppression system was overridden and led to the fire overtaking the system and eventually overtaking the entire building, the fire chief said.

The sheriffs office deployed drones to assess the severity of the situation and monitor air quality, Pasculli with Monterey County told CNN. Emergency services, including sheriffs deputies and medical teams, were dispatched, Pasculli added.

Drone footage revealed approximately 40% of the building housing lithium-ion batteries on the property had been consumed by flames, Sheriffs Commander Andres Rosas said.

Vistra Energy branded the facility as the largest of its kind in the world, boasting a capacity of 750 megawatts and 3,000 megawatt-hours following its 2023 expansion. It plays a critical role in stabilizing Californias energy grid, the company said.

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The Moss Landing Power Plant, about 77 miles south of San Francisco, houses tens of thousands of lithium batteries. While the US Department of Energy states these batteries play a crucial role in storing electricity generated from renewable sources like solar power, the US Fire Administration warns firefighters should be cautious of potential chemical exposure during firefighting operations as lithium-ion batteries contain volatile electrolytes, and when exposed to high temperatures or physical damage can release flammable gases.

Flames from a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant are seen Thursday night. - AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego

The incident comes about three years after a previous fire at the same facility, though the sheriffs office spokesperson said he doesnt consider it to be related.

On September 4, 2021, a malfunction at Moss Landing caused some battery damage. An investigation revealed the heat suppression system was accidentally triggered by low smoke from a faulty component, leading to water spraying on the battery storage areas and damaging about 7% of the batteries. There were no injuries, and the situation was managed without outside assistance, Vistra said in a 2022 statement on its investigative findings.

In October 2023, following a fire at a different battery plant owned by another company, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill mandating battery storage facilities to implement safety and communication protocols to enhance safety measures.

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The area is adjacent to major ecosystems, including the Moss Landing Wildlife Area, Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve and Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

I think this is basically best described as a worst-case scenario of a disaster thats happened here, Church said. Its really a wake-up call for this industry and if were going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have  safe battery systems in place.

We cannot see another battery and energy storage fire ever in the future in California, and we need to absolutely make sure that never happens again here at Moss Landing, Addis said Friday.

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A voter fills out a ballot at the Hillside Aquatic Complex in Bismarck on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Ballot measures to amend the North Dakota Constitution could have a steeper climb in the future.

Members of the House Government and Veteran Affairs Committee held a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 3003 Thursday that would raise the bar for future ballot initiated changes to the state constitution from a simple majority vote to a 60% vote threshold.

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Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, called it a very simple resolution.

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All it does is amend the constitution to say that it takes a 60% vote to amend the constitution, Weisz said. Thats all it does.

He added it wouldnt change any signature requirements or require multiple votes, like Ballot Measure 2, which failed with 56% of North Dakota voters opposed to the measure in November. It also doesnt include a single-subject rule.

Weisz told lawmakers he holds the state constitution in the same regard as the U.S. Constitution  as a sacred document that should require more than a simple majority to change.

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And while he values individuals and the states ability to bring forth ballot measures to change the states preeminent document, Weisz said it should be difficult.

Speaker of the House Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, prepares to gavel the House into session on Jan. 16, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said the purpose of the constitution is to protect the rights of the minority and he supports the measure.

Is the will of the people more important than the rights of the minority? Vetter said. Most states that have the initiated process to change the constitution, they have a little more stricter rules.

He added changing the U.S Constitution requires ratification from three-quarters of all the states, which is a strong protection for the rights guaranteed to every American, and much stronger than even a 60% vote threshold.

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Testifying in opposition, Dustin Gawrylow, managing director for the North Dakota Watchdog Network, said Article III of the state constitution refers to powers reserved to the people, which protects the publics right to change the states governing document.

We hear about how the constitution is sacred. Which parts though? Gawrylow said. Is it all sacred? Or is it just some of it sacred?

He added some people want to change the threshold for passage to limit out-of-state influence behind ballot measures in the state. Gawrylow suggested that lawmakers can pass laws that govern out-of-state money in state politics without changing approval threshold.

If were really concerned about the out-of-state money issue, why dont we do something about it? he said.

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The League of Women Voters of North Dakota submitted testimony opposing the increase in vote threshold for constitutional measures.

Carol Sawicki, a member of the Leagues board, wrote the current initiated measure process should be protected because it promotes civic engagement, increases government accountability, and provides a channel for North Dakotans to elevate an issue that might otherwise not be addressed.

No action was taken by the committee after the public hearing.

Even if the resolution is approved by lawmakers, the proposal would still go to voters for approval.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A retired K9 from the Springfield Police Department is receiving national recognition for his service.

The sadness, Springfield native speaks on California rebuilding efforts

March 11th will be a very big day for the Springfield Police Departments now-retired K9, Mr. Warner. Mr. Warner has been selected as a 2025 Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medalist. He will be heading to Washington, D.C. for the fifth annual Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony with his partner Officer Eric Blair to receive this medal.

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These dogs are unsung heroes. I mean, they go out there to give everything they can. They sacrifice their bodies for us and the community. And, you know, theyre just great assets of any department, said Officer Blair.

This award is presented to animals distinguished by their exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility, whether on the home front or war front.

Mr. Warner was with the police department for seven years, from 2014 to 2021, assisting with over 100 arrests and narcotic searches. Mr. Warner most commendable achievement was the last night he worked. Him and Officer Blair were first to respond to an armed home invasion on Lowell Street in December 2021.

He was able to lead our officers to, you know, a weapon toting suspect and also help recover the firearm that was used in the crime, said Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department.

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Even though Mr. Warner retired three years ago, he is also still active in the community. Once the Neros law passed, Mr. Warner and Officer Blair came in and trained over 300 AMR employees to help them feel ready in treating canines at crime incidents.

Theyve done so many sessions of good hands on time. Mr. Warner is just so helpful to all of us and like really ease that comfort for our providers to work with these animals, said Kim DAngelo, Operations Manager of AMR Springfield.

Warners efforts in the community setting up an example for seven other canines in the police department. Warner will be among three other canines to be honored in Washington, D.C.

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Reykdal was first elected to the job in 2016. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation to cover the cost of basic education and faces the very serious possibility of landing back in front of the state Supreme Court to explain why.

Seven years ago, in the landmark case known as McCleary, justices ruled the state had complied with the courts order to ensure ample funding for basic education. But the states been backsliding since, Reykdal said, and no longer provides enough money to local school districts to keep pace with rising costs.

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The court didnt say youre done. Our fiscal situation is getting perilous in a lot of places, he said, adding it is a very serious possibility the state could be hauled into court again for not meeting its school funding obligations.

Jared Kink, president of the Everett Education Association, a unit of the Washington Education Association, agreed a courtroom reckoning looms if the Legislature and governor dont step up.

The McCleary decision on funding wasnt a static number. The Legislature has not adapted to the increasing costs that educators are experiencing in schools, he said.

Reykdal made his comments Thursday as he provided a status check on Washingtons 1.1 million-student public school system that hes overseen since 2017.

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He spoke about trends in student enrollment and academic achievement but he devoted a large portion of his 45-minute talk to the need to tackle major cost-drivers districts face: special education, transportation, and materials, supplies and operating costs, also known as MSOC.

Reykdal estimated it would take $2 billion in the next budget to collectively cover the gap between what the state now provides districts for each of those areas and the actual amount they spend.

About half is for special education and would enable lifting a cap on state funding for special education programs and covering these services for those up to age 22. Reykdal also wants to track increases in enrollment of students in need of special services.

Close to $140 million is needed to provide reliable transportation to and from school for all students, including those with special needs, those who are homeless, and those in foster care.

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Materials, supplies and operating costs are up due to spiking prices, including insurance premiums, natural gas rates and utility charges.

But pumping more money toward schools is a big ask for lawmakers and Gov. Bob Ferguson who will be focused on filling a large budget hole.

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I understand people talk about this is a tough year. Every year is a tough year, Reykdal said. We do not want to find ourselves back in court.

The challenge, he continued, is to make sure Democrats and Republicans consider long-term goals in education investment not just the crisis of the moment in their budget.

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In the current two-year operating budget, Washington is spending roughly $30.6 billion of the general fund  the cache of state tax dollars used to fund day-to-day operations  on public schools, he said. That works out to roughly 43%, down from the high-water mark of over 50% in 2019, the year after McCleary was resolved.

Setting a goal like 50% again, gives us something measurable to shoot for, and I think its tangible, Reykdal said.

Ferguson has called the 43% level unacceptable and vowed to boost the percentage in the next budget. He has not said how. And he has been silent on what increases he might support for special education, MSOC and transportation.

He has endorsed spending $240 million to provide free breakfast and lunch for students. Ferguson also endorsed former governor Jay Inslees proposal to save $250 million by not paying bonuses to teachers earning National Board certification.

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Also Thursday, Reykdal called on lawmakers to allow local school districts to raise greater amounts of money from voter-approved local levies, also known as enrichment levies.

The cap on how much districts could seek from voters was cut nearly in half following the McCleary decision. Lawmakers reasoned that if the state provides more funding, districts should not be able to collect as much from local taxpayers.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  On Thursday, over 400 doctors across North Carolina are urged Sen. Thom Tillis to not confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tillis serves on the Senate Finance Committee and would be part of Kennedys confirmation.

The full list of doctors is not being released because of privacy concerns, but some held a meeting on Thursday outlining their strong concerns. Dr. Rachel Brown is among the doctors who signed a letter to Tillis with their worries.

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RFK Jr. is bad medicine for Americas health and the Senate must reject his nomination, Brown said.

RFK Jr. advocates the use of raw milk, she said. This unpasteurized product puts people at risk for food borne illness and may also put them at risk for bird flu.

Guys with pro wrestling dreams learn the ropes in Lincolntons school of hard bumps

Dr. Samantha Breen said, RFK Jr. has zero real experience in any area of the medical field.

Said Dr. Frank Spence, RFK is a leading anti-vaccine activist who has spent years spreading false claims about vaccine safety.

The doctors pointed out a number of preventable diseases theyre concerned would make a comeback if Kennedy leads the department. Theyre urging Tillis to do what they say is best to protect Americas health by voting against the confirmation.

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If RFK Jr. becomes DHHS Secretary, we fear vaccination rates would plummet even further, leading to a resurgence in preventable diseases like measles and polio, Spence said.

Said Breen, We should be focusing on increasing healthcare access and improving outcomes of our diverse North Carolina community, but Mr. Kennedy could take us back to times when diseases like polio ran rampant.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island saw a surge in home sales last month, marking the states most significant year-over-year upswing in a quarter-century.

The Rhode Island Association of Realtors announced Thursday that the states housing market saw a 30.3% rise in home sales in December. The spike marks the states largest annual gain in sales since January 1999.

New data reveals that the median price of a single-family home in Rhode Island also rose to $470,000, which is 10% higher than it was the same time last year.

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Despite the surge in home sales, the number of closings and houses under contract dropped by nearly 3% in December.

The anticipation of further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve seems to have lit a fire in our housing market in December, R.I. Association of Realtors 2025 President Chris Whitten said. When compared to the end of 2023, when sales were particularly low due to mortgage rates climbing toward 8%, its easy to see why sales were so much higher this year.

Though the national housing shortage appears to be correcting itself, the Ocean State remains primarily in the grips of a sellers market, according to the R.I. Association of Realtors.

Though the number of homes listed for sale rose nearly 7% last month, the sharp uptick purchases continued to drain the states housing supply.

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At the current rate of sales, if no new listings were to come on the market, the states housing inventory would be depleted in less than two months. (In order to have a balanced market, the state needs to have five to six months worth of housing inventory.)

The Fed is expected to stall its rate cuts, so mortgage rates may not continue the downward trend that we anticipated last year, Whitten said. That could pull some potential buyers back out of the market, helping to build the supply of homes for sale.

Whitten noted that the severe drought of new construction units, paired with those from out-of-state, particularly Massachusetts, looking at Rhode Island as a more affordable option, are preventing the states market from cooling along with the rest of the country.

Many housing market experts have their eyes on Rhode Island as one of the nations hottest housing markets here in 2025, Whitten said.

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The number of multi-family home sales held steady in December, rising just 1.5% from the year prior. However, last months median sales price of $545,000 represented a 13.5% hike.

Whitten explained that multi-family homes are popular for investors and families whose income relies on collecting rent.

If you have a multi-family, a lot of Rhode Islanders consider that gold, he said, adding that new multi-family homes arent being built at the same frequency as single-family homes are.

The R.I. Association of Realtors also noted that condominium sales rose 23% in December, while the median price fell to $345,000.

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo.  A rideshare driver accused of sexually abusing two passengers this month in St. Charles County is now behind bars on criminal charges.

The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Ahmad Rayahi, 37, with first-degree harassment, second-degree sexual assault and third-degree kidnapping amid the investigation.

Rayahi is linked to two alleged incidents of sexual abuse on Jan. 9 and Jan. 14, according to a news release Thursday from the St. Charles Police Department.

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Jefferson County Asst. Prosecutors license suspended for prank

On Jan. 9, investigators say an 18-year-old victim requested transportation via the Lyft rideshare app. The driver allegedly sexually abused the victim in St. Charles, who later escaped and contact law enforcement.

On Jan. 14, investigators say a 34-year-old victim requested transportation via the UberX service. The driver allegedly deviated from the intended destination and committed acts of sexual abuse at a different location in Lake St. Louis. The victim was able to contact a friend, and later escaped after someone else confronted the driver.

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The St. Charles Police Department identified Rayahi as the driver accused in both cases. He was arrested on Wednesday and jailed in St. Charles County on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

St. Charles police say Rayahi was in the United States on a tourist visa, which has since expired, according to the news release.

The St. Charles Police Department is investigating the possibility of additional victims. St. Charles police ask anyone with relevant information on Rayahi to contact their detective bureau at 636-949-3320.

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Democrats may need to help Republicans raise the debt ceiling this year.

If that happens, Democrats aren't going to do it for free. They'll likely demand concessions.

Rep. Ro Khanna, a Silicon Valley Democrat, says his party should demand a federal minimum wage hike.

At some point in the next few months, Congress will have to raise the debt ceiling.

For now, Republicans are planning to do it on their own. But if past is prologue, they'll probably need votes from across the aisle  and Democrats are likely to demand something in return.

Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat who represents Silicon Valley, told Business Insider this week that he believes the price should be an increase in the federal minimum wage.

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"We should force Republicans to vote on it," the California Democrat told BI.

Khanna did not specify a particular level at which he'd like to raise the wage, but Democrats generally support a $15 per hour federal minimum wage. Some, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, have proposed pushing it even higher, to $17 per hour.

Democrats should demand we give Americans a raise in exchange for voting to raise the debt limit. Let's force a vote on increasing the minimum wage which the vast majority of Americans want.  Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 14, 2025

President-elect Donald Trump said in December that he would "consider" raising the minimum wage, but several Republican lawmakers later told BI that they opposed the idea.

Scott Bessent, Trump's nominee for secretary of the treasury, said at a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday that he does not believe the current $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage should change.

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It's not clear if Democrats will follow Khanna's lead, though he told BI that he would "make the case to the caucus."

Minimum wage increases tend to be popular among both Democratic and Republican voters  in November, several Republican-leaning states passed minimum wage hikes via ballot measures.

Democrats still have to figure out their price for helping Republicans

As of now, Republicans want to avoid handing any leverage to Democrats in the first few months of Trump's presidency. They plan to include a debt ceiling hike in a broader party-line "reconciliation" bill containing a smattering of Trump's priorities on energy, immigration, border security, and taxes.

But there's a good chance that won't work, given some hardline Republicans' deep reservations about raising the debt ceiling without dramatic spending cuts. Some Republicans have never voted to raise the debt ceiling before, and in December, dozens of them openly defied Trump's call to raise the debt ceiling after Elon Musk helped tank a government funding bill.

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If Republicans can't do it themselves, Democrats will have the chance to make demands, lest the country breach the debt ceiling and trigger a fiscal crisis.

"I'm not a cheap date," Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts told BI. "The idea that we're just going to help them out when they can't get their own members to cooperate, those days are gone."

Of the several House Democrats that BI spoke to, only Khanna was willing to name a specific price. Others demurred, saying they were waiting to see what negotiations would look like in the coming months, and underscoring that Democrats would have to decide on their approach collectively.

"The sentiment from our caucus is: If you need our help on anything, you're going to have to help us," Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York told BI. "All of this, I think, is subject to many of our internal conversations."

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Democrats could also use their leverage to try to halt the deep cuts to federal government spending that Republicans may pursue in the coming months, rather than making an affirmative policy demand.

"There's clearly a whole host of things that I think the caucus would have as priorities," Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle of New York told BI.

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The Rock Hill Police Department is investigating a robbery outside of a Bank of America Thursday evening.

It happened just before 4:45 p.m. on Heckle Boulevard.

The victim told police that she was leaving the bank, after making a withdrawal, when a male walked up to her.

ALSO READ: CMPD investigates attempted armed robbery at South End light rail station

She said he assaulted her before taking her money. He then left the scene in a white Dodge Charger, according to police.

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According to the victim, the male was wearing a black mask, a grey top, and black pants.

The vehicle connected to this incident had a hood scoop, black spoiler, black rims, and a license plate cover.

It was last seen traveling north on Interstate 77, according to police.

VIDEO: CMPD investigates attempted armed robbery at South End light rail station
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce hosted its first legislative breakfast Thursday morning.

Held at the Riverside Convention Center, the event is meant to give chamber members an opportunity to engage with local lawmakers and elected officials.

The Chamber of Commerce also discussed its 2025 advocacy agenda, outlining its priorities for the legislative session ahead.

The Chamber of Commerce plans to make the legislative breakfast an annual event.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Migrant advocates in Rockford are issuing warnings that the area will likely see greater activity from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the incoming Trump administration.

We certainly know better what to expect with this incoming administration, and unfortunately, I think what were going to see is a lot of increased ICE activity in the Chicago area and, likely, the Rockford area, immigration lawyer Sara Dady said. Certainly, that puts people in a panic.

Dady spoke at a question and answer session at the Nordloff Center on Thursday night, which was hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford Immigration Committee, in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Rockford Public Library.

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The presentation, called A Changing Immigration Matrix, sought to answer the question: Why is it so hard for people to immigrate the right way to the U.S.?

A note on the RPL website encouraged the public to Attend the presentation to find out why the immigration system Americans think we have, isnt actually the system we have.

Dady said, with the Trump administration set to take office on Monday, January 20th, she feels it is important the public understands what the laws of the country are concerning immigration, adding that current laws were written in 1965 and havent been updated in more than 30 years.

That actually explains most of the problems that we have, especially at the border, Dady said. Our laws have not kept up with 21st-century needs. There are fewer lanes, theyre narrow, and theyre full of potholes. Because if you dont maintain a road for 50 years, very few people are gonna be able to drive it.

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Trump has promised to begin mass deportations on day one of his administration, beginning with migrants with criminal records.

Tom Homan will be the federal governments border czar, who said his operation will reinstitute the Remain in Mexico policy, which forces people applying for asylum to wait in Mexico until its approved. Homan told Bradley the administration will detain and deport parents, even if their children are U.S. citizens.

Homan has also indicated the Trump administration could bring back workplace raids, looking for people here illegally.

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Romania scrambled its fighter jets because of a Russian drone attack on Ukrainian settlements along the Danube River on the night of 16-17 January. One of the drones may have crashed on the Romanian coast.

Source: Digi24, a Romanian TV channel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: An air-raid warning was issued for residents of Romanian villages along the Danube River at 01:46, and explosions were heard from the Ukrainian side.

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The Ministry of Defence of Romania later reported that it had scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to be ready to respond to a potential threat. The jets returned to the base about two hours later.

The ministry also reported that a "possible drone crash scene" had been discovered near the village of Plauru, opposite the Ukrainian city of Izmail. Experts are working at the scene to collect evidence for further investigation.

"The Ministry of National Defence sends a strong message of condemnation of these Russian attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure in Ukraine, which are unjustified and seriously contradict international law," the Ministry of Defence noted, adding that it had informed NATO about the incident.

Background:

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This is only the latest in a series of similar incidents over the years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On 29 September 2024, NATO began additional surveillance of Romanian airspace by deploying an additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

Russian UAVs have repeatedly flown into the territory of Moldova. Also, in early September 2024, a Russian Shahed drone flew into Latvia for the first time through Belarus and crashed there.

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Community is woven into the very fabric of Trinidad3. Since its founding eight years ago by U.S. Marine Corps veteran and FIDM alum Trinidad Garcia III, the Southern California-based denim brand has dedicated itself to supporting veteran organizations, advancing adaptive design, and championing Made in USA production.

Much of Trinidad3s enduring success can be attributed to the strong ties Garcia has cultivated with the L.A. community. What began as grassroots effortspop-up shops, a stall at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and road trips across California in a 1968 Airstream trailer to connect with customershas blossomed into a loyal local following. This support paved the way for Trinidad3s first flagship store, which opened last December in Camarillo, Calif.

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Housed in a former department store, the 1,600-square-foot store offers Trinidad3s mens denim and tees, a new womens collection, and an exclusive black label of luxury streetwear. Its important to be able to tell your brands story in its own way, and to be able to offer that brand experience [to customers] in its own way, Garcia told Rivet.

Now, more than ever, the community needs Trinidad3. In the wake of the recent wildfires that ravaged Camarillo and surrounding areas, Garcia and his team stepped up with both urgency and compassion. In November and December, Garcia delivered over 500 pairs of jeans to those impacted by the fires, while also volunteering with the Salvation Army to provide warm meals to fire victims.

Sorting product at the new Trinidad3 store.

Trinidad3s response didnt stop there. The brand recently donated 1,300 pairs of jeans to residents affected by the Los Angeles County fires. We sent 800 pairs to Altadena and were sending over 500 pairs to Pacific Palisades American Legion. I have found that first quality, locally made jeans make a tremendous impact and are a start in restoring dignity during a time of need, Garcia said.

In addition, Garcia and his team have donated 300 shirts and 250 sweatshirts, leveraging their network of customers and partnerships with organizations like the Sabot Foundation to ensure these items reach those in need.

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Trinidad3 is one of several L.A. based denim brands providing new clothing to people impacted by the fires. Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Ace Rivington, AG, Joes Jeans, Hudson and more have coordinating clothing deliveries and drives to get new merchandise into the hands of people displaced by the fires.

Packing up product for delivery.

Garcia emphasizes the importance of donating new clothing, rather than second-hand items, as many fire victims still need to dress for work or meetings with insurance companies.

Were in the fashion industry, and we know the power of fashion of looking and feeling good, and during these times, their dignity is distraught. They just lost everything that they worked hard for, he said. When you give them something new, it gives them hope.

Through his experience working with veterans, Garcia also understands the value of meeting face-to-face with people during their lowest moments. You have to get up and go out to shake hands and meet people, hear their storiesyou know, be a resource to them. Sometimes they just need to be heard, he said. They need a vent.
According to the states annual report on the microbusiness program released last month, 68 designated contacts appeared on multiple applications, making up 74% of the 2,083 applications received in April (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).

Missouri cannabis consultant John Payne appeared on 329 social-equity license applications last year as the designated contact  the person who handles all communications with state regulators.

Amanda Kilroe, an attorney with the Michigan-based group CannaZoned, was listed on another 94.

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Arizona-based cannabis investor Michael Halow is associated with at least a dozen designated contacts that were listed on about 600 applications last year.

The designated-contact role was envisioned as a way to ensure clear communication between the state and licensees.

Instead, state regulators believe many designated contacts have kept the actual eligible applicants in the dark about business and license dealings. Applicants get locked into agreements that limit their voting power and profits in the business, calling into question who actually stands to reap the rewards of the booming industry.

The Division of Cannabis Regulation labeled these arrangements predatory and set out to root them out of the program. Among its main weapons is a set of proposed new rules around who can be listed as a designated contact.

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These revisions are intended to ensure microbusiness licenses are issued to eligible individuals and to address the trend of predatory arrangements in microbusiness licensing, the division said in a press release announcing the proposed changes. Specifically, these draft rule revisions should mitigate the ongoing efforts of ineligible entities to acquire licenses by taking advantage of eligible individuals.

(Department of Health and Senior Services)

According to the states annual report on the microbusiness program released last month, 68 designated contacts appeared on multiple applications, making up 74% of the 2,083 applications received in April.

Applicants must provide a designated contact, and currently its not required to be an individual in the ownership structure. It could be an attorney, consultant or any other responsible person.

The state wants to change that.

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Among the new proposed cannabis rules include a requirement that the designated contact for a microbusiness applicant be an eligible individual contributing to the majority ownership of the microbusiness license.

Additionally, any entity who was the designated contact for a license that was previously revoked for failure to comply with the ownership and operation requirements will no longer be allowed to be involved in any capacity in a future microbusiness application.

Payne did not respond to The Independents request for comment.

Jeffrey Yatooma, president of CannaZonedMLS, said the proposed changes reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the support that some social-equity applicants need.

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The assertion that these partnerships are somehow predatory mischaracterizes the reality of the situation, Yatooma said in an email to The Independent last week.

Halow said that he provides assistance to applicants who need it most because he has the resources, knowledge and expertise to do so.

These are often people without generational wealth or experience as an entrepreneur, he said, in an email to The Independent last week. They open businesses in neighborhoods in need of jobs and economic opportunity. They have the drive. We have the resources to provide a path to prosperity. These arent the acts of a predator.

Ever Eco LLC

When Destiny Brown won a microbusiness license in 2023, she initially didnt have any contact at all with Missouris cannabis regulators.

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Phoenix-based cannabis consultant Maxime Kot did  a woman Brown says she never met nor spoke with.

Thats what Brown told cannabis regulators in a March interview, right before they revoked her license.

Brown learned about Missouris microbusiness program from a website organized by Halow, where she stated shed like to run a dispensary to help veterans like herself.

She told regulators that Halows brother responded by calling and requesting documents, including her drivers license and veterans disability paperwork. He asked her to sign several agreements that she thought were outlining how the business would be run and that she would be paid $200,000 to do it.

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She didnt realize that the documents would give away ownership of the company to Halow after the license was issued.

She also didnt know about Ever Eco LLC, which is the business the microbusiness application was filed under.

According to the states response to Browns appeal in April of the license revocation, Ever Eco is an Arizona limited liability company formed on July 23, 2023. At the time of filing, Halow was listed as the sole member and manager of Ever Eco.

A month later, and after the application was submitted, Ever Ecos articles of organization were amended to remove Halow as the sole owner and operator, replacing him with Brown.

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Kot was listed as the designated contact for the license, as she was for more than 400 other microbusiness applications that year and that are associated with Halow.

Five licenses were awarded last year, and each was eventually revoked.

According to documents filed in these license appeal cases, the state found the purported owners  who met the programs eligibility requirements  had limited to no knowledge or understanding of details within the agreements or operations of the license.

While owning and operating a license may include contracting for management services or consulting services, the lack of knowledge, control, agency, or decision-making demonstrated by the individual used to meet eligibility does not meet even the most liberal understanding of owning and operating a business, according to the states responses in the five licenses appeals.

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These revoked licenses  Potluck THC, Joke Smoke SE LLC, Herbal Home LLC, High Aroma LLC and Cannarooted LLC  are making their way through the Administrative Hearing Commissions appeal process. A hearing is expected later this year.

Ever Ecos appeal was dismissed in October because Brown wasnt able to obtain a Missouri attorney to represent her.

The state is scheduled to question representatives from the five licenses connected to Halow under oath on Feb. 7 regarding nearly 20 topics of the business arrangements and ownership structure.

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Theres a bit of a mystery surrounding who may have offered the financial backing for Rudy Giuliani to settle with a pair of 2020 election workers from Georgia that he repeatedly defamed.

Under the agreement, Donald Trumps former personal attorney gets to keep his New York and Florida apartments, as well as other valuables, in exchange for a payment to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss. The amount of the payment, and its source, is undisclosed.

Giuliani was ordered in December 2023 to pay the pair $148 million, but in the following months he was regularly uncooperative when it came to turning over his assets, having recently been held in contempt not only in New York but in a Washington, D.C., courtroom as well. His reported net worth is about $10 million.

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Joseph Cammarata, one of the former New York City mayors lawyers, told reporters outside the courthouse Thursday that the agreement was negotiated over the last 72 hours. He was mum on the settlement amountor who might have provided the financing.

Reporters, it seems, havent yet been able to make much headway on that front, either.

On CNNs OutFront, anchor Erin Burnett spoke with senior crime and justice reporter Katelyn Polantz about the big mystery, asking bluntly: Who the heck bailed him out?

Ive been asking many people, both sides involved in this case, andnothing, Polantz replied. Nobody will say anything about how this happened, how it came about, if there is money that Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are getting."

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Hanging over all of this, she explained later, is this question: Did Donald Trump or anyone connected to Trump help him in some way?

There was a close friend of Giuliani that was on another station just a few days ago saying somebody around Trump should help, she continued. Then Trump posts online, Save Rudy!...and then this settlement comes into being on this trial.

On that point, Burnetts next guest, criminal defense attorney and ex-prosecutor Randy Zelin, suggested that that was likely.

There is no question that a betting person would say thats someone who is very interested in spending time in a warmer climate at Mar-a-Lago, he said.

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And to your point in your earlier segment: Look whos showing up at the inauguration, he continued, alluding to billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos who have donated hefty sums to Trumps inaugural committee.

People, whether they like it or not, understand that the next four years are going to be Trumpworld, and you can be part of it, or you can get out of the way of it, or you can get hit by it, he said. And I think, yes, it is entirely plausible, and well never know. But someone decided to be that benevolent benefactor who will get something out of this.
If confirmed again as White House budget director, Russell Vought would likely do more than oversee spending, policy and regulations.

Vought, a co-author of Project 2025 who served as budget director in Donald Trump's first term, has signaled he will take a more aggressive approach to helping the president-elect carry out his agenda of shrinking the federal government.

A Senate committee questioned Vought this week on his previous tenure as director of the Office of Management and Budget, which included withholding military aid to Ukraine, an issue that led to Trump's first impeachment. The Government Accountability Office in 2020 concluded that OMB violated the law.

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Vought declined to say whether he withhold aid to Ukraine in the future, The Associated Press reported.

Im not going to get ahead of the policy response of the incoming administration, he said.

He said he would "always commit to upholding the law" but later noted Trumps desire to overturn the 1974 Impoundment Control Act that requires congressional approval to rescind spending.

"No, I dont believe its constitutional," Vought said. "The president ran on that view. Thats his view, and I agree with it."

I am astonished and aghast that someone in this responsible of a position would in effect say that the president is above the law, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut.

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Vought joined the first Trump administration as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and was confirmed as director in July 2020, according to the Trump White House website.

After Trump's defeat, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a conservative think tank. In speeches he made in 2023 and 2024, Vought described how he helped create legal justifications to prevent military leaders and government lawyers from obstructing Trump's executive actions, ProPublica reported.

Vought previously worked for groups including Heritage Action for America, which promises to "renew a consensus of America as a nation under God, according to its website.

Notwithstanding policy victories on tax policy, welfare, and the right to life in the last several decades, the conservative movements efforts had largely failed to turn back the tide of progressive liberalism, the website said.

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The policy opinions published on the website take aim at green energy provisions, and promote eliminating renewable subsidies as a way to reduct federal debt.

He "has reportedly crafted plans to defund the EPA and to deploy the military against protesters, and he has also claimed that the president can cut spending programs without Congress approval and should take more control over the Justice Department, an agency Trump routinely attempted to politicize during his first term," the government watchdog American Oversight said in a recent report.
A French military aircraft conducting a reconnaissance flight as part of NATOs operation in response to Russia's suspected damage to underwater cables has been targeted with an "attempted jamming" and "illumination by a fire-control radar". ["Illumination" is military parlance for using radar to target an object  ed.]

Source: Le Figaro, citing a statement from the French Armed Forces, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The newspaper, citing military sources, said that a journalist from the AFP agency was aboard the French Navy aircraft.

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The French military stated that the aircraft, conducting a surveillance flight as part of NATO's deployment in response to suspicions that Russia had damaged underwater cables, was subjected to an "attempted jamming" and "illumination by a fire-control radar".

Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces, described the incident as an "aggressive act".

Quote: "The use of radar to 'illuminate' our aircraft in international waters is an aggressive act," he said.

He added that such actions "are not exceptional in this area" and "means that Russia is not staying passive".

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Vernet also noted that the professionalism of the French crew had prevented any escalation.

Quote: "The Russian military, however, was not inclined to carry out its threat, because an attack on an Alliance aircraft could have triggered a sudden and serious escalation in relations with NATO."

Background:

This week, NATO launched a new monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea, deploying patrol ships and aircraft to prevent any attempts to target underwater infrastructure in the region.

In addition, eight NATO member states with access to the Baltic Sea have announced their action plans in response to recent suspicious incidents involving damage to underwater infrastructure.

NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer stated at a press conference in Brussels on 16 January that there are no indications Russia is preparing for peace. As a result, NATO member states must strengthen military cooperation with partners and enhance support for Ukraine.

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(Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian signed a new strategic cooperation pact as the two countries brace for the return of US President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

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The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement inked at a Kremlin ceremony on Friday seeks to deepen political and economic ties between Russia and Iran as they grapple with sanctions imposed by the US and its allies.

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Its important because it allows us to add fresh momentum practically to the whole range of our cooperation, Putin said in televised comments at the start of the meeting. He described the accord as a breakthrough in relations at a joint press conference with Pezeshkian after the summit.

Todays agreement has opened a new era in the relationship between Iran and Russia, Pezeshkian said.

With Iran facing a domestic energy crisis and unable to meet record levels of demand for natural gas and electricity, Putin held out the prospect of energy from Russia, though he offered no timetable.

Russia could supply gas to Iran with exports starting at 2 billion cubic meters per year and rising to as much as 55 billion cubic meters in the future, Putin said, when asked about the progress of a gas pipeline project to the Islamic Republic. Still, many questions, including on price parameters, need to be resolved, he said.

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Russia and Iran have drawn closer since Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered sweeping sanctions and Moscows most serious confrontation with the West since the Cold War. Russia is building a trade route with Tehran connecting to India to try to weaken the impact of sanctions, and officials have discussed boosting financial and banking cooperation as Moscow seeks to learn from Tehrans experience of decades in isolation.

What Close Russia-Iran Ties Mean for Ukraine, Mideast: QuickTake

Russia was previously cautious about describing ties with Iran as strategic to avoid antagonizing key regional players like Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and even the West, said Nicole Grajewski, who focuses on Russia and Iran as a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Now, Russia is reliant on Iran for its war, she said.

Trump, who takes office on Monday, has vowed to bring a swift end to the war in Ukraine, though its unclear how hell achieve a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv. His pick for national security adviser has threatened a return to the maximum pressure policy toward Iran that Trump adopted in his first term as president. Still, Trump has also suggested he wants to stabilize the relationship with Tehran.

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The treaty will formalize commitments to closer defense cooperation with Iran, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. There isnt a mutual-defense clause of the kind included in Russias recent accord with North Korea, Irans ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, told the state-run Tass news service on Thursday.

Russia and Iran agreed not to provide military or other assistance to any state that acted as an aggressor toward the other, according to the text of the treaty published on the Kremlins website.

Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of attack drones since the start of the war that have been used to strike Ukraine, and has also sent ballistic missiles to aid Putin, according to the US and European nations. Tehran denies shipping weapons to Russia.

Why Putin Forged New Ties With Iran and North Korea: QuickTake

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Iran is seeking Russias S-400 advanced air-defense system to try to better protect assets including its nuclear facilities against attack. Its also asking Russia to provide Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to help transform an aging Iranian air force thats been sanctioned for decades.

The two countries are in the same trench in the fight against the West, said Nikolay Kozhanov, a former Russian diplomat in Iran whos now an associate professor at Qatar Universitys Gulf Studies Center. It is not the treaty itself that is important, but the timing. Putin and Pezeshkian need to understand how they can stand up to Trump.

--With assistance from Golnar Motevalli and Patrick Sykes.

(Updates with signing of agreement, presidents comments from the third paragraph.)

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive 20-year cooperation agreement in Moscow on Friday, deepening military and economic cooperation between their two countries.

The signing ceremony was shown live on Iranian state television in an indication of its significance to Tehran.

Observers see the deal as a reaction to the growing political isolation of the two countries, which has increased since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began nearly three years ago.

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Both countries are subject to stringent economic and financial sanctions.

The two leaders made only brief mention of Ukraine, with both stressing that regional problems should be solved by those directly involved and without outside interference.

Cooperation planned in defence, trade, education

Iranian media reported that the agreement contained 47 articles covering defence, politics, commerce, research, education and culture.

It comes amid political realignment in the Middle East and days before the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war in Ukraine and is expected to impose further sanctions on Iran.

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Last year, Russia reached a strategic partnership with North Korea, another country under stringent international sanction. That deal included mutual military support in the event of an attack.

According to Russian state media, Iran indicated that it would take care of its own security and that a similar clause was not needed in the current agreement. The two countries are nevertheless expected to expand military cooperation.

Common interests strengthened by Western sanctions

Tehran has been delivering drones to Moscow, despite official denials by the Iranian government of direct military assistance to Russia.

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The two countries are also pushing a north-south rail link to promote trade.

Putin described the trade and business links as two of the most important aspects of the agreement, while acknowledging that much work needed to be done.

According to Russian media, trade between the two countries, which do not share a land border but both border the Caspian Sea, is running at $4 billion a year. Russia has much more trade with other neighbours, Putin noted.

While a gas pipeline is planned, the two sides are unable to agree on price.

Gas pipeline still up in the air

According to Putin, the pipeline could carry 50 billion cubic metres per year when complete. Conflict over price has also held back a gas pipeline project between Russia and China.

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Russia has lost the lucrative European market for its gas, and Iran is interested, despite having reserves in the Persian Gulf.

Ageing infrastructure, hampered by sanctions, has held back exploitation, with the result that Iran is unable to cover its own needs.

The two countries last year linked their payment systems in an effort to circumvent international financial sanctions.

Increasing cooperation has, however, encountered opposition among Iranians, many of whom would prefer rapprochement with the West.

Tehran's power in the Middle East waning

Both countries have had recent setbacks in the Middle East.

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Tehran lost an ally in Bashar al-Assad when his regime was toppled, cutting a direct link to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

Russia supported al-Assad during the Syrian civil war, setting up military bases with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, which served as a hub for its operations in Africa.

With its attacks on Iran itself and on its allies in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, Israel has also weakened the position of its archenemy in the region.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Iranian counterpart Friday for the signing of a broad pact between Moscow and Tehran.

The Kremlin says the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will take their cooperation to a new level.

What to know about the relationship between Russia and Iran:

Historic rivals become allies

Russia and Iran fought wars in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Russian Empire capturing broad territories in the Caucasus and the Caspian region previously controlled by Persian rulers. In the early 20th century, Russian troops occupied large parts of northern Iran, but the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution ended their presence. In World War II, the Soviet Union and Britain invaded Iran, which still evokes painful memories in Tehran.

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Tensions ran high in the Cold War, when Tehran was a U.S. ally under the Shah of Iran. After his ouster in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini castigated the U.S. as the Great Satan, and denounced the USSR as the Lesser Satan.

Russia-Iran ties warmed after the USSR's demise in 1991. Moscow became an important trade partner and a key supplier of weapons and high tech to Iran, which faced isolation from sweeping international sanctions.

Russia built Irans first nuclear power plant in the port of Bushehr that became operational in 2013. The next year, Moscow signed a contract to build two more nuclear reactors.

Russia was part of the 2015 deal between Iran and six nuclear powers offering sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbing its atomic program and opening it to broader international scrutiny. Moscow offered political support to Iran when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during President Donald Trumps first term.

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Allies in Syrian civil war in bolstering Assad

After a civil war in Syria erupted in 2011, Russia and Iran pooled efforts to shore up Bashar Assad's government against Turkey-backed rebels seeking his ouster. In 2015, Russia launched a military campaign in Syria, joining Iran and its proxies, that helped Assad re-establish control in most of the country.

With Moscow preoccupied with fighting in Ukraine, and Iran facing challenges from Israel, they failed to prevent a swift collapse of Assads rule last month after a lightning opposition offensive, and he fled with his family to Russia.

How Russia and Iran cooperate

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The West alleges that in 2022, Russia and Iran signed a $1.7 billion deal for Shahed drones after Putin sent troops into Ukraine, and the U.S. also believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles, but neither Moscow nor Tehran ever acknowledged the actions.

Iranian leaders give strong political support to Putin, echoing his arguments for justifying the conflict.

Tehran likely hopes to secure financial and defense promises from Moscow for its tattered economy after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and amid increasing pressure in the Middle East.

Assads downfall was a major blow to Tehran's self-described Axis of Resistance in the region after Israels punishing offensives against two militant groups backed by Iran - Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel attacked Iran directly twice, and Israeli officials claimed the raids took out Tehran's Russia-supplied S-300 air defense systems.

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Iran wants Russian long-range air defense systems and other weapons. It has hoped to get Russia's advanced Su-35 fighter jets to upgrade its aging fleet hobbled by sanctions, but Moscow only provided a few Yak-130 trainer jets in 2023.

Trump's policy of maximum pressure on Iran heralds more trouble for Tehran as he prepares to start his second term on Monday. This month, he left open the possibility of the U.S. preemptive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, but some officials increasingly suggest it could pursue atomic weapons.

Deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran

Putin described the deal as a real breakthrough" while Pezeshkian praised it as a new chapter of strategic relations helping expand trade ties and boost the level of security cooperation.

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The 20-year treaty that could be extended further covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture. It doesn't envisage mutual assistance in case of aggression, but obliges both countries not to offer any military or other assistance to an aggressor attacking one of them.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV that while the pact covers defense and security cooperation, this is a complete and comprehensive treaty, not one focused on a specific purpose, such as a military alliance.

Healing rifts, lifting suspicions

Despite the official rhetoric, the nations' troubled history makes many Iranians suspicious about Russia. Kremlin efforts to balance courting Tehran while staying friendly with Israel adds to the uneasiness.

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There are signs of growing discontent about Russia within Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Last week, an audio recording leaked in Iranian media with a Guard general blaming Russia for woes Iran suffered in Syria.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Amir Vahdat in Tehran contributed.
Russia has lost 1,670 Russian soldiers killed and wounded and over 200 pieces of Russian weapons and military equipment in the past 24 hours.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 17 January 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 815,820 (+1,670) military personnel;

9,803 (+12) tanks;

20,381 (+13) armoured combat vehicles;

22,019 (+4) artillery systems;

1,262 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

1,046 (+0) air defence systems;

369 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

331 (+0) helicopters;

22,566 (+63) tactical and strategic UAVs;

3,049 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

34,256 (+124) vehicles and fuel tankers;

3,699 (+2) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ukraine launched an attack on Russia's Belgorod region with six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles on Thursday, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Friday.

It said that Russia would retaliate, but that all the missiles had been intercepted, resulting in no casualties or damage.

Moscow has said it will respond every time Ukraine fires ATACMS or British-supplies Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia.

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Ukraine first used those weapons to strike at Russian territory in November after obtaining permission from Washington and London. Russia replied by firing a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, and has said it may do so again.

The defence ministry said that over the past week, Russia shot down 12 ATACMS, eight Storm Shadows, 48 U.S. HIMARS rockets, seven French-made Hammer guided bombs and 747 drones. Reuters could not verify those figures.

It reported for the first time that Russian forces had captured the village of Slovianka in eastern Ukraine, one of eight Ukrainian settlements it said had been taken in the past week.

The statement said Russia had carried out eight major strikes in the past week on parts of Ukraine's gas and energy infrastructure that it said were supporting military facilities and the Ukrainian defence industry.

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Ukrainian officials said a Russian missile attack killed at least four people and partially destroyed an educational facility in the city of Kryvyi Rih in southern-central Ukraine on Friday. At least seven others were hurt, some of them seriously, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov, Writing by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Russia's seaborne exports of petroleum products declined by 9.1% to 113.7 million metric tons in 2024, reflecting mounting challenges to its fossil fuel industry, Reuters reported on Jan. 17.

Ukraine has targeted Russia's fossil fuel infrastructure as part of its strategy to undermine a key funding source for Russia's war effort. Drone strikes on refineries in Tuapse, Ilyich, and Novoshakhtinsk have led to reductions or suspensions in operations.

Russian refineries reportedly processed approximately 267 million metric tons of oil in 2024, the lowest since 2012, as rising production costs, falling prices, and an export ban on gasoline strained operations.

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Exports through Baltic ports fell by 9% to 61.96 million tons, while shipments via Black and Azov Sea ports dropped 10% to 42.75 million tons.

Notably, exports from Tuapse plummeted by a third to 9.1 million tons, largely due to drone attacks and operational disruptions at state-owned Rosneft refineries. Exports from Novorossiysk increased by 4% to 19 million tons.

Arctic ports, including Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, saw a 14% decline in exports to 1.01 million tons, while Far Eastern ports experienced a 3% drop to 7.97 million tons.

Despite the overall annual decline, marine exports of petroleum products rose 10.8% in December to 10.37 million tons.

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Sanctions from the Biden administration and the U.K., announced on Jan. 10, have further pressured Russia's oil sector.

These measures target nearly 200 vessels in the "shadow fleet," key oil companies, and associated entities.

The sanctions have driven Brent crude prices up by nearly $5 per barrel. G7 nations are reportedly considering tightening the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil.

Read also: Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment in Belgorod Oblast, military claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Maxime Corday, director of research at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), one of France's most influential think tanks, published an article in early January entitled "France's Loss of Influence in European Defense: why is a strategic Leap necessary?"

In the article, the author tried to analyze the reasons why France, which dominated the European space a few years ago, is now turning into "one of many" countries. Paris once dictated fashion not only in clothes, but also in politics, but today it is no longer listened to, its opinion is ignored.

Many researchers in Europe and France state that France has lost its influence in Europe. They don't listen to her as they used to, and they don't set her up as an example when it comes to defense. In his first term, Emmanuel Macron showed success, but after the start of his second term in 2022, the country went into recession. She is no longer considered the flagship of European defense, and her ambition is now more annoying than inspiring and setting an example.

In France, as noted in Corday's article, decadent sentiments are observed. Some French officials dealing with European issues have become depressed because they do not see the point in their work.

It should be noted that the possibilities of the European project have been questioned for several years. More and more analysts are inclined to believe that Europe is stable and self-confident only as long as it remains in the shadow of the United States. The United States is the dominant force in US-European relations. Recent statements, threats and warnings from the newly elected President Trump clearly show how vulnerable the independence of the European Union is. Without the United States and NATO, the EU will not be able to counter hypothetical threats.

In this context, France, as once the leading EU country that dictated the rules and whose word was law, looks very pale today. Maxim Korde tries to explain this in his research through the failures of the European security strategy.

After the start of the war in Ukraine, Europe was really scared, realizing that they would not be able to withstand the threats. The concept of European Strategic Autonomy (ESA) has ceased to be the main goal. Macron made an attempt to inspire confidence in her by suggesting that Sweden and Finland, which have announced their desire to join NATO, apply Article 42-7 of the EU Charter (providing collective support to an EU member state under attack). According to France's idea, these countries can be supported if Russia attacks them before their official accession to NATO. However, it ended with words. According to Korde, even if specific proposals have been prepared on this topic, no practical steps have been taken other than verbal assurances and joint statements.

It should be noted that the term "strategic autonomy" was first mentioned in the French White Paper on Defense in 1994 and referred to the creation of conditions for reducing dependence on NATO and the concept of nuclear deterrence. France aimed to strengthen Europe's position and break its dependence on the United States in terms of defense and security. Paris was supposed to be at the forefront of this process. Since 2016, strategic autonomy has become one of the goals of the EU's Global Foreign and Security Policy Strategy. The concept envisioned a stable neighborhood, a joint response to regional challenges, and so on. Macron has previously stated that Europe can become the third pole in relation to the United States and China and that strategic autonomy is the key to not becoming vassals. The application was ambitious, but Paris lacked the will and authority to promote it and turn it into a pan-European goal. France did not have enough strength and support from the EU to resist the policy of the United States and Great Britain to limit ESA. These powers promoted the Euro-Atlantic agenda. According to experts, the inclusion of the phrase "transatlantic cooperation" in the Declaration of the Washington NATO Summit in July 2024 was a defeat for France.

On the intra-European track, France also suffers loss after loss. Her voice is no longer decisive, and the remnants of her authority are unable to influence the advancement of certain issues. Researcher Maxim Korde believes that the reason for the decline in Paris' image was the different approaches to existing instruments in the EU - Strengthening the European defense industry through the Joint Procurement Act (EDIPRA), the Law in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), the European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP). The fact is that France advocates the use of tools and equipment of European origin, but cannot prevent their opening to non-European industrialists. Most EU member states, Korde writes in his article, are able to respond to the urgency of these instruments in the Ukrainian context. This means the supply of military equipment to Ukraine, regardless of its origin.

And then, once again, the United States looms on the horizon.

The controversy over the above issue culminated in discussions around the financing of American Patriot missiles manufactured in Germany through EDIP.

Recall that a year ago, NATO announced that its procurement agency would support a group of member countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, by signing a contract for the purchase of up to 1,000 Patriot anti-aircraft missiles. The $5.5 billion contract was awarded to COMLOG, a joint American-German venture. The large volume of the order is expected to contribute to the creation of production of these missiles in Germany.

In principle, there are no unsolvable issues. The biggest problem why nothing can be solved is that France wants to play first fiddle everywhere. Thus, Paris, as the French researcher writes, does not support the leading role of the EU as an organization in defense issues, but advocates intergovernmental cooperation between member states.

In other words, Paris does not want to give the reins of power in matters of European defense to the European Union, but plans to leave the solution of these issues at the level of agreements between individual states. Perhaps the reason is that France has the largest military-industrial complex in Europe.

France's arrogance also prevents them from convincing the Europeans. Maxim Korde notes this feature in his article.

Let's add it. that the arrogance with which Paris is trying to conduct policy not only hinders the resolution of European security issues, but also creates problems in the diplomatic field. The days of Napoleon are long gone, and the current authorities are still mentally out there somewhere, not wanting to notice how much the world has changed.

The French government is ineffective not only at the pan-European level, but also within its own country. There is a big difference between spoken speeches and actual actions, Korde writes. Sometimes statements are made at the highest level, and local executive bodies have to substantiate these statements. In other words, France adheres to "defense demagoguery." In other words, the country has ambitious security proposals, but they are not being implemented.

This is not an encouraging picture written by a French researcher who tried to figure out why France lost its position on the European defense and security track. Maxim Korde doesn't say that, but it suggests that the only way to change the situation is to replace Macron with some more far-sighted and reasonable politician who will take into account modern realities and stop considering himself the navel of the earth.
Russia launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on Jan. 17, killling four people and leaving 14 others injured, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

The rescue and search operations were completed around 5 p.m. Five of the nine victims were hospitalized, while the rest were treated at the scene.

Four children were among the victims of the attack. Two boys, aged 9 and 12, and a girl, aged 1.5, were injured. Another 9-year-old girl was hospitalized.

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Five people remain in hospital as of 7:30 p.m., three of them in serious condition.

The attack damaged four high-rise buildings, 17 houses, and nearly 10 cars. The educational institution was damaged as well, according to Lysak.

Among the victims are four civilians: three women aged 61, 50, and 43, as well as a 20-year-old man, according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's military administration.

The Ukrainian Air Force had earlier warned of a ballistic missile threat and detected a high-speed target heading toward the city.

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Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskys hometown, is a frequent target of Russian missile strikes.

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With a population of approximately 660,000, it is the second-largest city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and lies about 70 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of the nearest front-line zone.

Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 1, injure 16 over past day

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Russian attacks against Ukraine killed one person and injured at least 16 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Jan. 17.

Ukrainian forces downed 33 out of the 50 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Another nine were "lost," and one more drone flew in the direction of Romania, according to the statement.

Fallen wreckage from the downed drones injured a 12-year-old boy in Kyiv Oblast, said Mykola Kalashnyk, acting head of the regional military administration.

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The debris caused a fire in a cafe and the adjacent boiler room. The fire, which covered an area of around 200 square meters, has now been contained. The blast broke windows in a nearby building.

Russian drones also targeted port infrastructure near the town of Izmail in Odesa Oblast, Governor Oleh Kiper said. The residential building was damaged. No casualties were reported.

A Russian Molniya-1 drone hit the roadway in the city of Kharkiv, injuring three men aged 44, 46, and 48, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. Five cars were damaged.

In Sumy Oblast, three people suffered injuries as a result of a Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone attack, according to the region's military administration. The attack also damaged an apartment building and a car.

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Two people were injured in the town of Rodynske in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 37 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. Seven people were injured over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

A Russian drone also attacked a bus stop in the village of Antonivka in Kherson Oblast, killing a man on the morning of Jan. 17, Prokudin said.

Read also: How Ukraine captured a North Korean POW, told by the soldiers who took part

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Russia launched a drone attack against Kyiv Oblast the evening of Jan. 16, causing a fire and injuring a child, Mykola Kalashnyk, acting head of the regional military administration, reported.

Air defense units intercepted targets over an unnamed town in Kyiv Oblast, Kalashnyk said. Falling wreckage from the downed drones injured a 12-year-old boy.

The boy has been hospitalized and is receiving medical attention, Kalashnyk said. No other casualties were reported.

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The falling debris also caused a fire to break out in a cafe and the attached boiler room. The fire, which covered an area of around 200 square meters, has now been contained. The blast broke windows in a nearby building.

Russian drone attacks against Kyiv Oblast and the city of Kyiv surged in late fall 2024. Drone strikes have targeted residential areas and critical energy infrastructure in the region.

As Moscow intensifies strikes, it also aims to ramp up domestic drone production, with plans to manufacture 6,000 Shahed-style attack drones per year at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.

Read also: Ukrainian military releases footage of rare Russian reconnaissance drone downing

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The Russian hacker group Star Blizzard launched a spear phishing campaign in November via the messaging platform WhatsApp, marking a change in longstanding tactics, Microsoft reported in a blog post on Jan. 16.

Phishing messages use social engineering tactics to manipulate recipients, exploiting emotions to trick targets into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

Star Blizzard sent invitations to join a WhatsApp group to current and former officials in government and diplomacy, international relations and defense researchers, and people and organizations offering assistance to Ukraine amid Russia's full-scale war, according to Microsoft.

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This is the first time the hacker group has been observed using this tactic.

The shift to WhatsApp may be related to successful cybersecurity efforts exposing Star Blizzard's techniques, Microsoft said.

In the most recent campaign, Star Blizzard hackers impersonated U.S. government officials in emails directing recipients to join a WhatsApp group via QR code. The WhatsApp group claimed to focus on "the latest non-governmental initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine NGOs."

The purpose of the campaign was to gain access to targets' WhatsApp accounts and extract their data.

While the campaign seemed to subside in late November 2024, Microsoft warned that the shift in tactics signals Star Blizzard's versatility and "tenacity in continuing spear phishing campaigns to gain access to sensitive information."

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Russian hacker groups have engaged in various forms of cyber warfare throughout the full-scale war, including cyberattacks against Ukraine, hacks of civilian infrastructure in Europe, and interference in foreign elections.

Read also: How Ukraine captured a North Korean POW, told by the soldiers who took part

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The Kombinat Kristal oil depot in Engels in Russias Saratov Oblast is ablaze for the fourth day in a row, having been re-attacked by Ukrainian drones on the night of 13-14 January. In addition, a fire at the oil depot in Liski in Russias Voronezh Oblast, which was also hit by Ukrainian drones, has intensified.

Source: Roman Busargin, the governor of Saratov Oblast; Alexander Gusev, the governor of Voronezh Oblast, on Telegram; RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet

Details: Busargin said that the area of the fire at the Engels plant had "significantly decreased".

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"The appropriate services and technicians are continuing their work at the scene and doing everything necessary to extinguish the fire," Busargin added.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency has been introduced in the Liski district of Voronezh Oblast because of a fire at the oil depot.

The area of the fire at the Liski oil depot has grown to 2,800 square metres and is being extinguished at the highest level of complexity, the Russian emergency services told RIA Novosti.

Nevertheless, Gusev stressed that there was "no threat to civilians and the infrastructure of companies nearby".

Gusev then called on local residents to "refrain from taking photos and videos of the emergency response and to plan routes of travel without approaching the oil depot".

Background:

On the night of 13-14 January, the Ukrainian defence forces carried out a large-scale attack on Russian military facilities at a distance of 200 to 1,100 kilometres inside Russia.

Targets in Russias Bryansk, Saratov and Tula oblasts and the Republic of Tatarstan were hit.

In particular, the Kombinat Kristal oil storage facility in Engels, Saratov Oblast, was attacked again. A fire that had lasted for five days after the previous attack had just been extinguished. Units from the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine successfully set the depot on fire again.

On the night of 15-16 January, units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully attacked the Liski oil depot in Russias Voronezh Oblast. A large-scale fire broke out there.

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Marharyta Potapova, a journalist for the Ukrainian Witness project, and cameraman Oleksandr Davydenko were travelling on the Zaporizhzhia front when their vehicle was attacked by a Russian drone.

Source: Detector Media, citing a report by Ukrainian Witness

Quote from Potapova: "We arrived at the positions of the mortar crew of the 3rd Operational (Spartan) Brigade. The guys said the drone had been tracking us from a certain point on the journey. It dropped a VOG [a fragmentation munition  ed.], and I was slightly deafened, while the press officer was hit by fragments, but were alive. We came to film the soldiers work and find out if there were assaults happening on the Zaporizhzhia front."

Details: Ukrainian Witness said the team had heard the sound of a drone as they were driving. Initially they were unconcerned, as drones operated by Ukrainian troops usually accompany travel between positions. But this one was a Russian drone, and it dropped a VOG munition on the car as the soldiers and journalists were getting out, damaging the vehicle's electronic warfare system.

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Following the initial attack, the team took cover in a forested area, which shielded them from a second strike. A mortarman who goes by the alias Chornyi provided first aid to the injured press officer in a trench.

Shortly afterwards, the Ukrainian Witness team said, the Russians started to shell the positions with targeted mortar fire.

Quote from Potapova: "The shells were landing very close; I was terrified. Not for myself, but for the others. Later, the soldiers said they were surprised I didn't scream. Ill take that as a compliment.

The return trip was even scarier because we were still under enemy observation, despite taking a different route. I could hear the sound of a drone the whole time, but when youre worried for others rather than yourself, the fear fades. After we got out, the soldiers admitted theyd been scared too. But the fact that we had a fighter with us, Fartovyi [Lucky ed.], also helped us to stay alive."

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Russian troops are trying to capture Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast. They are trying to block the road from Zelene Pole and capture the settlement without fighting in the urban part of Velyka Novosilka.

Source: DeepState analytical project

Quote: "The enemy's plan to capture Velyka Novosilka without engaging in fighting in the urban area is becoming more and more obvious. The enemy will try to improve their position to the north and south of Novyi Komar, cutting the road from Zelene Pole and reaching the gully in the north.

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The enemy has captured Neskuchne over the past three days and is currently conducting a final clearing of Vremivka. The latter is almost lost, although even if we still have an observation post in the village, it will not matter.

While in the middle of the day on 15 January, there was still information that the Ukrainian defence forces were resisting in Neskuchne, by nightfall, the Russians were already in the centre of Vremivka.

We still don't know how two whole villages became empty in three days."

Background:

The Russian military, which has been advancing near and trying to encircle Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast since autumn 2024, was reported to be preparing to assault the village.

On 16 January, DeepState analysts reported that the Russians occupied Neskuchne and advanced in a number of settlements in Donetsk Oblast.

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(FOX40.COM)  A woman was killed and a 10-year-old girl was injured after a Sacramento man caused a five-vehicle crash that occurred in Lassen County on Tuesday morning.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the incident occurred on Highway 36, eastbound west of Highway 395 around 7:47 a.m.

The suspect was speeding at a high rate and was unable to stop or slow down before the front of the vehicle impacted the other vehicles, said CHP.

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CHP said in a press release that a 47-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lassen County Coroner and a 10-year-old girl in the same vehicle was transported by a helicopter to Renown Medical Center to be treated for major injuries.

Calaveras County deputies fatally shoot theft suspect following standoff

Other victims who were involved in the crash sustained minor injuries but were not transported to the hospital, officials said.

According to officials, CHP arrested a 49-year-old man for multiple charges that included Driving Under the Influence and has been booked into the Lassen County Jail. At this time, no bail amount has been released.

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CHP said that the other charges included gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of drugs causing death, murder, and driving while addicted to a drug.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Days after West High Principal Dr. Jared Wright was suddenly placed on leave, the Salt Lake City School District addressed rumors and speculation.

On Monday, Jan. 13, a spokesperson with the Salt Lake City School District confirmed with ABC4.com that Assistant Principal Wayne Culley had been named Acting Principal at West High. The spokesperson said the school was in good hands but did not elaborate further.

The school district said they are required by board policy and state and federal laws to provide employees with due process and to protect the integrity of those processes. In a statement released on Friday, Jan. 17, the school district said any further comments about Dr. Wrights leave would be inappropriate.

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The sudden change in leadership without more details, however, led to speculation and rumors. Among those rumors was that Wright was reportedly placed on leave due to concerns he and others reportedly shared related to school safety at West High.

USU student in custody after hours-long dorm evacuation

The Salt Lake City School District emphasized that the two were unrelated and hoped to dispel the misinformation.

We take the safety of our West High School community  and all of our school communities  very seriously, the district said in its statement. We are fully in support of our employees bringing forward their safety concerns, as we all share the same goal of having our students and employees learn and work in the safest environments possible.

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The school district said it will continue to work alongside the West High School administration and staff to address any safety concerns that have been raised.

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OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman clapped back at two Democratic senators inquiry into his $1 million personal donation to President-elect Trumps inaugural fund, quipping Friday he was not subject to the same scrutiny for his past donations to Democrats.

[F]unny, they never sent me one of these for contributing to democrats Altman wrote Friday on social platform X, adding it was a personal contribution as you state; i am confused about the questions given that my company did not make a decision.

Altman, a longtime Democratic donor, attached photos of what appears to be a letter he received Friday from Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who pressed the tech CEO on the $1 million donation he made last month to Trumps inaugural fund.

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The Hill reached out to Warrens and Bennets offices to confirm the letters details.

The senators referenced OpenAI as one of the several technology companies that have made a million-dollar gift to Trump, though the donation came from Altmans personal funds and not on behalf of the company. This differed from other major technology companies like Meta, Amazon and Google, which each donated $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund last month as individual companies.

The senators later acknowledged this was Altmans personal donation but listed various questions about the companys decisionmaking process, prompting Altman to affirm his company was not behind the decision.

In the two months since the election, Big Tech companies including OpenAI have made million-dollar gifts to President-elect Donald Trumps inaugural fund in what appears to be an effort to influence and sway the actions and policies of the incoming administration, the senators wrote.

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We are concerned that your company and other Big Tech donors are using your massive contributions to the inaugural fund to cozy up to the incoming Trump administration in an effort to avoid scrutiny, limit regulation, and buy favor, they wrote.

Warren and Bennet referenced the various legal challenges facing leading technology companies, from antitrust lawsuits to allegations of violated privacy. They listed companies like Amazon, Google and Meta  all of which donated $1 million  and the investigations into these companies.

It is critical that federal regulators continue to evenhandedly apply competition, consumer protection, anti-discrimination laws and any other rule or law that applies to your company, the letter stated. But the industrys efforts suggest that Big Tech companies are trying to curry favor and skirt the rules.

The senators requested Altman answer five questions by the end of the month about the rationale for his contributions and whether OpenAIs board or shareholders were informed about his plans.

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The other questions characterized Altmans donation as a company one, stating, when and under what circumstances OpenAI decided to make the contribution, which individuals within the company played a role in the decision and whether company officials communicated with Trumps transition team.

Democrats have fiercely pushed back on the emerging dynamics between the tech industry and Trump, who spent years hammering the companies in the traditionally deep blue Silicon Valley.

In his farewell speech this week, President Biden voiced concerns of an oligarchy  of extreme wealth, power and influence forming in America. He did not directly name Trump or his billionaire allies but went on to call out technology companies like Meta for ending its fact-checking program amid the threat of misinformation and disinformation.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) quipped the billionaires are in charge.

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People who want to addict our kids to their technology, control what we think and do, destroy small businesses so they own everything, he wrote on X this week. Thats what you will see on Monday.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  A ribbon cutting was held Thursday celebrating a new look for Mission Texarkana.

The non-profit ministry works to provide meals and supplies to those in need.

The rebranding was done in order to create cohesion with their Humble Troll Coffee brand, which provides jobs and support for the areas homeless.

Texas High Tiger Band to play at presidential inauguration

It also helps to spread awareness about their mission as they continue to expand their services in downtown Texarkana.

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Were going to offer a little bit more, trying to offer more job training, and focusing a little bit deeper on community development, but thats just kind of the direction were going in 2025, but the rebranding is kind of be the going to be the catalyst of that. said Caleb Maloney, Executive Director of Mission Texarkana.

Mission Texarkana says they served 70,000 meals last year and the need is only growing.

They are always in need of community support whether thats money, food or winter clothing and they are especially in need of volunteers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Fun and learning go hand in hand at Sand Hill Elementary, a National Blue Ribbon School.

The Dorchester School District Two School offers a rigorous and engaging academic experience  and this week they received the News 2 Cool School award.

There is no shortage of fun at Sand Hill Elementary, a school with more than 1,200 students, rigorous academics always take center stage. SHES was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, one of only four schools in South Carolina to receive this honor last year.

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The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that have students who perform at high levels or show significant academic improvement.

Principal Vincent Joy says its all thanks to hard work and a positive school culture.

Congratulations Sand Hill Sandpipers!

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Jan. 16On the other side of the Turquoise Trail from Eldorado, another solar project is drawing heated opposition.

Residents of eastern Sandoval County have packed meeting rooms in recent months to assail a sprawling solar and battery storage development proposed for an area east of Placitas by a company headquartered in Argentina. In many ways, the dynamic is similar to what is playing out in Santa Fe County with the Rancho Viejo Solar proposal: organized and fervent opposition to a large clean energy development, as boosters of the projects stress the need to slow the worsening impacts of climate change while neighbors worry about fire risk and other possible impacts to their homes.

The Diamond Tail solar and storage project would generate 220 megawatts of power from solar and 110 megawatts of battery storage on a 1,833-acre site, according to a summary of the project prepared by Sandoval County Planning and Zoning. The site is about 20 miles northeast of Albuquerque and 30 miles south of Santa Fe and positioned right on the Santa Fe County border, about 5 miles northwest of Golden, a presentation for the project indicates. As a result, it has stirred some discussion in Santa Fe County.

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What the simultaneity of these twin land-use matters underscores is that, while many in blue-leaning New Mexico support the need for more green energy generation, such projects often face challenges as public utilities seek to meet clean energy targets set by the state.

Facing off against Diamond Tail, the East Mountains Protection Action Coalition has made its presence known. It's no different in Santa Fe County, where groups like the Clean Energy Coalition of Santa Fe County have sought to defeat the Rancho Viejo project.

"I see that both communities are very concerned about fire protection associated with incredibly large industrial lithium battery storage facilities," said Dennis Kellogg, a spokesperson for the East Mountains coalition.

The projects have support as well, with some expressing dismay about the the pushback the proposals have received.

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"If you look across the country actually, there are a number of projects being opposed at any given time, and it all seems to level the same misinformation, and if you know anything about the technology, it's really quite blatant that it is misinformation," said Daniel Baker, a Santa Fe County resident who said he has professional experience working for solar companies.

The projects have drawn the attention of state lawmakers. Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, who heads the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, said he is considering a bill that would add an additional layer of government oversight for large-scale solar and battery storage projects.

"We've asked for a bill to be drafted that would direct the [Public Regulation Commission] to prepare rules dealing with appropriate siting of battery installation, solar installation and transmission lines," McQueen said.

McQueen said that under the bill, large-scale solar and battery storage developments would still require approval from local governments but it would also give the Public Regulation Commission, which is responsible for regulating public utilities, oversight over the projects based on certain regulations that would have to be created.

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"I'm not divesting local authority of that control but I'm adding another layer of review," McQueen said.

Diamond Tail solar

The project, proposed by PCR Investments, would generate a power output that would be more than the entire annual residential load of Sandoval County and Santa Fe County, according to an October presentation from the company.

That would make the project larger than the Rancho Viejo Solar proposal, which would be capable of powering Santa Fe's residential load, according to officials with AES Corp., the Virginia-based energy giant behind the project near Eldorado.

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Both projects are in areas strategically located near PNM substations, with the Diamond Tail site about 6 miles southeast of the existing Diamond Tail Substation PNM owns.

After a contentious meeting, the Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Commission in December recommended county commissioners give the project, which requires a zoning change to move forward, the green light. A date has not been set for that hearing, according to county Planning and Zoning Director Daniel Beaman.

The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition claims the potential impacts and challenges include fire risks, the use of an "already dwindling" water supply, environmental impacts such as pollution from chemicals in solar panels and batteries and visual impacts which could decrease property values. PCR disputes this.

"A project that would not be considered safe would never get the financing nor the insurance needed to make it to construction, wrote Mariano Brandi, a PCR official, in an email. "In the event of a fire, although unlikely, the project would still be safe for the community. The distance towards the closest residence is enough for an event not to be a risk for any neighbor."

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According to its website, PNM is on track for 100% carbon-free energy by 2040. The New Mexico Energy Transition Act of 2019 requires electric utilities to generate 50% of their power from renewable sources by 2030 and 80% by 2040. Investor-owned utilities must reach 100% renewable sources by 2045 and rural electric cooperatives by 2050.

"Right project, wrong location," Kellogg said. "New Mexico is the fifth-largest land mass state. There are abundant brownfields that are available for these kinds of industrial installations where there is a risk.

"My group and I personally support the use of wind and solar," Kellogg said. "But it needs to go in the right location. We are not just sitting back and saying 'Not in my backyard.' "

Santa Fe County residents look on

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Santa Fe County Commissioner Camilla Bustamante mentioned the Sandoval County project at a commission meeting Tuesday, bringing up something some Diamond Tail opponents maintain was said by a PCR official at a community meeting held to discuss the project in late October.

"It was stated in public forum that, if there was any type of breach to that system, the question was where would the smoke and the trail of those impacts go? And the answer was to Santa Fe," Bustamante said. "And that made everybody in Sandoval County feel a lot better."

Kellogg on Wednesday maintained the statement was heard by a large crowd present at the October meeting.

"He [the PCR official] was asked the question, if there is [a fire], how will it impact the East Mountains community? And to our surprise, his response was our risk management assessment and insurance believes the lithium plume would gravitate toward Santa Fe," Kellogg said. "It kind of quieted the room, to be frank."

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In an email, Brandi wrote he was unsure "if the reference of Santa Fe is for Santa Fe County or Santa Fe city. The short answer is ... in the event of fire on one of the Batteries, due to the distance to the closest residences from the project, fumes would not be a risk to any residents."

In a telephone interview, Bustamante said she supports state regulations that identify or disallow locations for "utility-scale" energy storage.

"This is not about one specific project. This is about the ability to address this at the statewide level, not just one specific project," said Bustamante.

Lee Zlotoff, who leads the Clean Energy Coalition of Santa Fe County, also believes there are parallels between Rancho Viejo Solar and Diamond Tail. Zlotoff also wants the Legislature to look at how large solar and battery storage development projects are sited.

"This seems to be part of the new gold rush out here, which is 'Let's see if we can put in these massive solar/battery facilities,' " Zlotoff said.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  A sanitary sewer overflow on Thursday resulted in about 25,000 gallons of wastewater overflowing in Satsuma, according to the Mobile County Health Department.

Family of missing woman found in Chickasaw Creek speaks out for the first time

Officials with the Satsuma Water and Sewer Board reported the overflow on Jan. 16.

According to an MCHD news release, the overflow was located at Old Highway 43, north of Steele Creek. As a result of the failure, around 25,000 gallons overflowed into Steele Creek.

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The overflow was reportedly caused by operator and equipment failure.

Downtown Mobiles Mardi Gras Tree is now lit

Health officials advise that residents in the area take precautions, like washing hands, to avoid getting sick from the untreated sewage that resulted from the overflow.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 16The father of a 24-year-old woman whose death is under investigation by police will not be granted a furlough from jail to attend her funeral.

Hector Gabriel Rascon  who is being held without bond until his trial in two cases accusing him of drug trafficking  appeared by video from the Santa Fe County jail Thursday morning to ask the court for leave to attend services for Magdalena Rascon, whose body was found in December in a lot off Airport Road.

State District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied his request, and said the best she could offer him was an opportunity to appear by video at his daughter's vigil and funeral Mass.

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"I'm not unsympathetic," the judge said. "But I see this as problematic. You're on pretrial detention in two cases."

Police classified Magdalena Rascon's death as "suspicious" when her body was found Dec. 13 in an empty lot at the intersection of Camino Juliana and Camino Vista Verde  not far from a south-side property listed as her address in public records. But officers stopped short of classifying the death as a homicide.

She had been reported missing a week before her body was found, according to previous reports.

An investigation into her death is still active, Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Thomas Grundler wrote in an email.

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"There is no obvious trauma to the body," Grundler wrote. "Investigations is currently working with the Office of the Medical Investigator to determine the toxicology results, which could take up to 6 months."

The city has not yet provided The New Mexican with an initial report on the young woman's death in response to a written request submitted last month.

Hector Rascon, 46, was in jail when he learned of his daughter's death, according to online court records.

Family members have been holding off on finalizing her funeral arrangements in hopes he would be able to attend, Rascon told the court.

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"They are just waiting on me to figure out what is going to happen," he said.

Attempts to reach other family members were unsuccessful Thursday.

Rascon's attorney, Gwenivere Shaw, argued in favor of his release Thursday, noting he was born and raised in Santa Fe, has ties to the community and is not a flight risk.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias opposed the furlough, however, under a District Attorney's Office policy and pointed to Rascon's extensive criminal record  which includes dozens of cases over the past three decades  and his history of failing to appear in court.

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In one of his pending cases, Rascon is accused of being in possession of more than 2,600 fentanyl pills, according to prosecutors' motion seeking pretrial detention. In the other case, the motion says, police found more than 17,000 pills in the home of a family member that are believed to belong to Rascon.

Rascon had also been implicated in a federal drug trafficking case in which police alleged they found a half-pound of cocaine and about 36,000 fentanyl pills in his Santa Fe home, according to previous reports.

The U.S. Attorney's Office dismissed the case due to the involvement of former Santa Fe County sheriff's Deputy Patrick Ficke, who had been accused of misconduct, calling his credibility into question.

Community members have mourned Magdalena Rascon in social media posts, and an online GoFundMe campaign launched by a relative seeks to raise money for her funeral service. It had raised close to $2,500 of a $5,000 goal as of Thursday.

"Our beautiful Maggie, You will be Deeply Missed, such a Caring, Loving and Kind Girl. So Full of Life," one contributor wrote on the page. "May God Bless You and Our Family. Rest Easy Baby Girl."
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  Santa Fe police have released a video of a recent chase followed by the arrest of a suspected car thief. On Saturday, January 11 police say they got a tip about a stolen vehicle seen posted on social media.

Story continues below

Officers found the car with the suspect in it at a home on North Platee Rd. After a chase, the suspect, was able to get away.

On Wednesday, police were called about a suspicious vehicle parked near Rufina Street and Joshua Ln. The car was idling and the suspect was asleep in the drivers seat.

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Police asked him to open the door, but were forced to break the window. Police later arrested 35-year-old Omar Aguirre. He is now facing charges including vehicle theft and evading an officer.

At this time, police are searching for the white Hyundai Sonata from the initial chase.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 16As freezing temperatures are expected to hit much of New Mexico this weekend, city officials and charitable groups are once again ramping up emergency operations to support the city's homeless people.

However, plans for an emergency shelter to keep the homeless out of the bitter cold have been complicated by uncertainty about whether one of the biggest nonprofits can continue to take part.

In a special weather briefing Wednesday, meteorologist Brian Guyer with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque wrote the "coldest weather in several years" is expected to enter Eastern New Mexico over the weekend and spread across more of the state Monday and Tuesday.

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"Please advise that folks should take this weather system seriously as significant impacts to daily routines are possible," he wrote.

The city is preparing to have a five-day "Code Blue"  a citywide protocol to get homeless people into shelters that is triggered when overnight temperatures are at or below 15 degrees  from Saturday through Wednesday.

"Unfortunately the number of people in need has outgrown our shelter system, and we are working to close gaps and support our unhoused neighbors," Community Health and Safety Director Henri Hammond-Paul said in a text message Thursday.

This includes an emergency overflow shelter with 40 additional beds to be open Saturday through Wednesday nights. The overflow shelter was launched last week as a rotating shelter hosted by several faith groups and staffed overnight by Red Cross volunteers. However, Red Cross officials are evaluating whether the organization can continue to participate, and it was not in operation Monday and Tuesday.

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Hammond-Paul said because the Red Cross does not work specifically with the homeless, the organization's leadership is looking into whether it will be able to continue providing staff. He noted the city does not have a litmus test for providing shelter to people who say they are homeless and need assistance finding a bed.

Katherine Segura Salas, executive director for the Red Cross New Mexico chapter, did not respond to requests for comment Thursday afternoon.

According to the weather service, there is a slight chance of snow in Santa Fe beginning Saturday night and through Sunday, rising to a 40% chance on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. High temperatures will be in the 20s and 30s during the weekend, with overnight temperatures as low at 10 degrees Saturday and 9 degrees Monday.

The Interfaith Community Shelter has been operating under its winter weather protocols for much of the last several weeks, which allow people to stay inside the shelter for most of the day and to arrive throughout the night instead of only until 11 p.m.

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For the upcoming week, Hammond-Paul said the city will be working with two local organizations to host and staff the overflow shelter. People who need shelter should still go to the Interfaith Community Shelter, 2801 Cerrillos Road, where they may be transported to another location.

Ismael Gutierrez, corps officer and pastor with the Salvation Army, 525 W. Alameda St., said the organization will host the emergency overflow shelter for several nights during the Code Blue event.

Gutierrez said he was disappointed the Red Cross may not be able to continue to help, but he acknowledged the organization has to follow its policies.

"It's frustrating, but it's understandable," he said.

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The Salvation Army has a day warming center which Gutierrez said will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Since last week, it has had a significant number of guests, he said, with an average of 45 per day.

He said volunteers recently encountered a man outside the Salvation Army building who was showing signs of hypothermia.

"He was really cold, unresponsive, incoherent," Gutierrez said. "Thank God we were able to get him the help he needed and get him warm."

That kind of situation is "what we're trying to prevent" with the warming center, he said.

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During the cold snap, the weather service encourages people to dress in warm clothing and limit time outdoors, prepare generators and fuel resources for potential power outages and to prepare vehicles for poor road conditions.

In a Thursday interview, Mayor Alan Webber encouraged residents to check on their neighbors who may be particularly vulnerable and to make sure pets don't spend too much time outside once the cold weather hits.

"This is going to be a very bitter cold snap, and we have to take care of each other," he said.

Webber also asked residents who encounter outdoor fires, which may be started by people living on the streets during cold weather, to call the police, either through 911 or nonemergency dispatch. Even during winter, fires can quickly turn catastrophic, he said, referencing the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.

"These fires can get out of control, and then the next thing you know, we've got a serious problem," Webber said, urging people without a place to stay to go to a shelter. "It's safer to be inside than to be out in the cold with a handmade fire."
Belarus has constructed new fortifications near the border with Lithuania, which are likely part of a "resistance hub" announced for Hrodna Oblast a year ago, according to satellite imagery.

Source: European Pravda, citing Belarusian service of Radio Liberty, which published the images

Details: The fortifications have been built on the edge of the Hosky military training ground near the city of Hrodna, six kilometers from the Belarusian-Lithuanian border and the "Privalka-Raigardas" border crossing.

Fortifications on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border

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Photo: Belarusian service of Radio Liberty

The fortifications appear to be part of one of three "resistance hubs" the Belarusian Defence Ministry pledged to establish in Hrodna Oblast a year ago.

Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier said during a visit to similar facilities near the Polish border that they were created to "prepare in advance to defend our homeland in areas of potential strikes".

A satellite image taken by Planet Labs on 14 December 2024 shows new fortifications near the northwestern part of the training ground. East of the road leading to the Privalka checkpoint, a 340-meter-long trench, 5 to 7 meters wide, appeared in late November 2024. Its size is sufficient for tank movement. The area where the trench was dug is not officially part of the training ground, according to cadastral records. West of the road, infantry trenches nearly 200 meters long and scattered fortifications were observed.

Satellite image of trenches east of the road at the Privalka-Raigardas border crossing

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Photo: Belarusian service of Radio Liberty

The area is under environmental protection and is part of the Horadnyanska Pushcha landscape reserve, considered one of Belarus' most environmentally pristine locations. The specific site of the fortifications had suffered a fire in 2019, leading to vegetation clearance.

Satellite imagery indicates that active trench digging in the reserve began at the end of 2022 and early 2023.

Background: Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has declared that Belarusian troops' engagement in the war against Ukraine is "100% impossible," citing a lack of public support for participation in the conflict.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  A Savannah resident has been named in a recently returned indictment in the Southern District of Georgia. The indictment includes charges alleging felons illegally possessed firearms.

Removing guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them is a vital part of this offices effort to fight violent crime, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Our law enforcement partners continue their valiant efforts to identify individuals who illegally possess weapons in our communities.

Those indicted in January include:

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Natravien Reshawn Landry , 25, of Abbeville, Louisiana, charged with Premeditated Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence for the Dec. 14, 2024, fatal shooting of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr. at Fort Eisenhower in a case under investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Also,

Fitz Kenney Williams , 33, of Augusta, charged with Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment;

Ruben Alejandro Reyna-Mendoza , 47, of Ridgeland, South Carolina, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,

Jarvis Jerrell Giles, 36, of Savannah, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Further, it is illegal to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.

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For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Pictured in June 2023, students at Abbot-Downing School in Concord help to plant trees donated by the states Division of Forests and Lands. (Courtesy of NH Division of Forests & Lands)

Last year, a state program helped plant 43 trees at 18 schools. Now, its seeking applicants for another year of plantings.

When we started this program in 2023, our hope was not only to provide trees to schools that needed them, but also to get students thinking about how trees benefit their lives every day, said A.J. Dupere, an urban forester at the Division of Forests and Lands, in a press release. What weve experienced far exceeded our goals, with students really taking ownership of the process and saying how they look forward to visiting their trees in years to come.

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The Schoolyard Canopy Enhancement Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Forest Service, with no cost to the schools. It is run in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

Interested schools must submit an application by March 7, laying out who will participate in planting and maintaining the trees. Information sessions for the program will be held Jan. 22 and Feb. 13. The division directed interested parties to contact community forester Liz McKinley through email at elizabeth.c.mckinley@dncr.nh.gov for more information.

Plantings must take place by mid-June, so that students can be involved in the process and develop a relationship with their trees, the division said. Schools can receive two to six trees if selected for the program, and will have assistance with the planting from Urban Forestry Center staff members.

In past years plantings, students have gotten their hands dirty while learning more about the value of trees in one of the countrys most forested states.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Schools, offices and businesses in the Baton Rouge area announced closures due to a Louisiana winter storm.

See below for a list of schools, offices and businesses that have announced closures. This article will be updated.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry gives update on winter weather; state offices closed Thursday

School closures in, near Baton Rouge

Ascension Public Schools

Schools will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

School officials said no new assignments will be distributed during this time and students are encouraged to focus on completing previously assigned work.

Assumption Parish Schools

The school system confirmed that all Assumption Parish Schools and offices remain closed until Monday, Jan. 27.

City of Baker School System

The City of Baker School System will remain closed throughout the week and reopen on Monday, Jan. 27.

Baton Rouge Community College

All Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) educational sites will stay closed on Thursday, Jan. 23.

Central Community School System

All Central Community School System schools will have a virtual learning day on Friday, Jan. 24.

Diocese of Baton Rouge

Schools will stay closed Thursday, Jan. 23. Parents and students should check their local schools website and social media pages for more information about each location.

The Dunham School

The Dunham School campus will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24. Students should complete

e-assignments.

East Baton Rouge Schools

All EBR Schools will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

East Feliciana Public Schools

East Feliciana Public Schools will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 24, and reopen on Monday, Jan. 27.

Episcopal School of Baton Rouge

The school will stay closed on Thursday, Jan. 23.

FranU

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University will extend remote operations through Friday, Jan. 24.

Helix Community Schools

All schools in the Helix Community Schools network will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24 and operate virtually. Schools will re-open on Monday, Jan. 27.

Hosanna Christian Academy

Hosanna Christian Academy will stay closed through Thursday, Jan. 23.

Iberville Parish School District

All Iberville Parish public schools and offices will be closed on Friday, Jan. 24. Officials said schools and buildings are being checked to ensure a safe return for students and staff on Monday, Jan. 27.

IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools are closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy

The school will stay closed through Thursday, Jan. 23. School officials said field trips scheduled for Thursday and Friday were canceled but will be rescheduled.

Louisiana State University

LSUs physical campus will reopen on Friday, Jan. 24. The University Laboratory School and the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool will remain closed.

Livingston Parish Public Schools

All Livingston Parish public schools and the Central Office will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

Louisiana School for the Deaf and Blind

Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Blind will be closed on Friday, Jan. 24. Students will participate in virtual learning.

Parkview Baptist School

Due to anticipated winter weather conditions, Parkview Baptist School will stay closed on on Friday, Jan. 24.

Pointe Coupee Parish School District

Pointe Coupee public schools and the school systems district office will be closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

Southern University

Southerns Baton Rouge campus will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24, and reopen on Monday, Jan. 27.

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The university said classes and offices will continue remote operations. The closure includes the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Southern University Law Center and Southern University and A&M College.

St. Helena Parish School District

All schools in the St. Helena Parish School District will stay closed on Thursday, Jan. 23. Schools will reopen on Monday, Jan. 27.

St. Josephs Academy

St. Josephs Academy will stay closed on Thursday, Jan. 23, and Friday, Jan. 24.

West Baton Rouge Schools

All West Baton Rouge public schools and school district offices will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

West Feliciana Parish Schools

West Feliciana Parish public schools will stay closed Thursday, Jan. 23.

Zachary Community School District

Zachary schools will stay closed on Friday, Jan. 24. All after-school activities and events, including the Extended Day services, are canceled.

Local and parish government office closures

Ascension Parish Government offices

Government offices in the parish will be closed through Friday, Jan. 24. Regular operating hours are scheduled to resume on Monday, Jan. 27.

Baton Rouge City Court

Baton Rouge City Court will stay closed to the public on Thursday, Jan. 23.

East Baton Rouge City-Parish offices

All City-Parish offices will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 24.

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Courts office

The office will remain closed on Thursday, Jan. 23.

East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court

East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court will be extending its Closure Order and will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 23.

19th Judicial District Courthouse

The 19th JDC will remain closed on Thursday, Jan. 23, and reopen on Friday, Jan. 24.

Gonzales City Hall

City Hall and offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 23.

West Baton Rouge Parish government offices

West Baton Rouge Parish governmental offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 23. Parish officials said roads, drainage, and utilities field crews will be on standby to respond to any issues during the weather.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
By Julia Payne

GEMBLOUX, Belgium (Reuters) - A Belgian research scientist is working with the federal police to create a scent that mimics the smell of dried human bones to help sniffer dogs find long lost remains.

Clement Martin has already isolated the smell of decomposing human flesh and that is now used to train Belgium's cadaver dogs.

But once the soft tissue has disappeared, the scent molecules of the remaining bones become significantly fewer, scientific researcher Martin told Reuters.

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"Bones smell different over the years too. A 3-year-old bone will smell different to a 10-year-old one and even 20 years," he said.

Skeletal remains are porous too and absorb smells from the surrounding environment, from the soil to pine trees.

"In the situation of cold cases, there was a gap. Our dogs were not able to find dried bones," Kris Cardoen, head of federal police dog training, told Reuters.

At a police training centre outside Brussels, inspector Kristof Van Langenhove and his springer spaniel Bones demonstrated part of the training with Martin's corpse scent.

Cardoen hid some tissues between cinder blocks and only contaminated a few. The dog then barked when he found the smell.

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"The scent of death is one of the three tools we use during the basic training of our human remains dog," Cardoen said.

Cadaver dogs require 1,000 hours of training and the country only ever has four at any one time.

Martin is using different samples of dried bones to develop the smell, including those of an unidentified man found in a suitcase, which are kept in a glass cylinder to allow the molecules to permeate an enclosed space ready for extraction.

"It's a bit like a perfumer developing his perfume, he's going to mix different aromas," Martin said.

(Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Alison Williams)
ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of the popular social media app TikTok, was dealt a defeat by the Supreme Court on Friday. The justices ruled 90 that a forced sale of TikTok can proceed. If ByteDance does not agree to sell the app to an American buyer by Sunday, TikTok will be banned on U.S. smartphones.

The justices upheld Congress's forced sale of TikTok, writing in their per curiam opinion that the law is constitutional because it narrowly addresses a national security concernthe Chinese government's acquisition of American users' datain a speech-neutral way. Even so, the decision expresses some concerns about whether this is actually the case, repeatedly noting that the Court had just a limited time frame to consider the case, which involves the application of cherished First Amendment norms to new technologies.

"As Justice Frankfurter advised 80 years ago in considering the application of established legal rules to the 'totally new problems' raised by the airplane and radio, we should take care not to 'embarrass the future,'" wrote the justices. "That caution is heightened in these cases, given the expedited time allowed for our consideration. Our analysis must be understood to be narrowly focused in light of these circumstances."

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Justice Neil Gorsuch's concurring opinion expresses even larger qualms.

"Given just a handful of days after oral argument to issue an opinion, I cannot profess the kind of certainty I would like to have about the arguments and record before us," writes Gorsuch, who also notes that the Chinese government may simply use an alternative social media app to achieve the same results.

Indeed, the news that TikTok may very well go dark this weekend has already prompted millions of users to flee to other platforms, including Xiaohongshu and Lemon8; while it's not clear whether these apps pose the same national security concerns, a migration of U.S. users to them certainly appears to defeat the entire purpose of banning TikTok.

It may have dawned on some in Congress that this course of action represents a massive mistake. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) now favors pausing the implementation of the ban so that ByteDance can have more time to find an American buyer. (Of course, it remains to be seen whether the company is even willing to sell.) President Joe Biden has said that he will not enforce the ban, given that the incoming administrationPresident-Elect Donald Trumpno longer supports it. Trump discussed a potential sale of TikTok with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday. In the meantime, Biden's stated refusal to enforce the ban means that owners of U.S. smartphone app stores, such as Apple and Google, might decide to leave TikTok alone.

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In other words, TikTok's status is very much up in the air. The few consistent, dissenting political figures who considered the banning of TikTok to be an attack on free speechnotably Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.)can claim at least a limited tactical victory. However, even the supporters of banning TikTok now realize that this hasty course of action may very well prove counterproductive.

The post SCOTUS Rules in Favor of TikTok Ban as Some Supporters Realize It's a Bad Idea appeared first on Reason.com.
A group of students at Scranton High School will see what they are learning about in school play out before them and see Donald Trump take the oath of office.

History teachers Jerry Skotleski and Sean Curry are bringing 31 juniors and seniors to Washington, D.C. to see Mondays inauguration of the 47th president and various sites in and around the nations capital. The group will depart the school early Saturday morning and will return Tuesday night.

Mondays inauguration will be the fifth Curry and Skotleski have taken students to, having brought groups since the second inauguration of George W. Bush in 2005. They have lead groups at both of Barack Obamas inaugurations in 2009 and 2012 and Trumps first inauguration in 2017. They didnt get to Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021 because of crowd restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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This is the most students they are bringing on the trip and the first time juniors are allowed to come, having previously only allowed seniors to go. Curry said they opened it to juniors and seniors in order to make the bus trip more affordable. With more people going, the less expensive it is, he said.

Because its an inauguration and only happens every four years, we figured lets give two classes an opportunity and be able to afford a bus, Curry said.

Skotleski and Curry opened signups for the trip last school year to any incoming juniors or seniors, before the 2024 presidential election cycle got underway. They are thrilled so many students chose to go.

Curry said there was some concern about whether the outcome of the election would lead families to not to have their students attend. He said they let them decide if their child wanted to come after the November election and two students decided not to attend and one student signed up.

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The kids really want to go, Curry said.

Skotleski and Curry, who both teach government classes and are co-advisers for the high schools political science club, said attending the inauguration isnt about who is taking the oath but witnessing a historic moment in United States history.

Its out of respect for the office of the president of the United States and the ceremony itself, Curry said. Its not because of a political party or affiliation.

Skotleski said although the group is seeing the same man take the oath of office they saw sworn in back in 2017, each ceremony is different.

Just because its the same guy doesnt mean its going to be the same experience, he said.

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Trump announced on his Truth Social platform Friday he would take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday due to intense cold weather in the forecast for Monday. Curry said in a text Friday the group is planning to watch the ceremony on the jumbotrons set up on the National Mall but wont stay as long.

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History teachers Sean Curry and Jerry Skotleski discuss their upcoming trip to the presidenital inaugaration with students Zachary Jordan, Thomas Bartlebaugh, Karla Gonzalez and Laurelee Ayala. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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History teachers Sean Curry and Jerry Skotleski discuss their upcoming trip to the presidenital inaugaration with students Zachary Jordan, Thomas Bartlebaugh, Karla Gonzalez and Laurelee Ayala. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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History teachers Sean Curry and Jerry Skotleski stand with students who are going to the presidential inaugaration in Washington D.C.,, from left, Laurelee Ayala, Karla Gonzalez, Thomas Bartlebaugh, Henry Bartlebaugh, Zachary Jordan, Joshua Leonori and Aaron Juarez at Scranton High School in Scranton Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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History teachers Sean Curry and Jerry Skotleski discuss their upcoming trip to the presidenital inaugaration with students Zachary Jordan, Thomas Bartlebaugh, Karla Gonzalez and Laurelee Ayala. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Seniors Zachary Jordan and Thomas Bartlebaugh said the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an inauguration.

You only get one chance to see the inauguration and Ive waited since the end of the school year, Thomas said. Ive been very excited to see everything and the president.

Zachary is particularly thrilled to go as his three aunts, Casey Vescovi, Lindsey Jordan and Carly Jordan went on the last three trips to the inauguration with Curry and Skotleski. He said they are excited he gets to go and told him its a great experience.

I was glad that the years align for me to go, Zachary said.

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Hes looking forward to seeing different types of people at the inauguration.

Im sure there will be a diverse crowd there, Zachary said.

For some of the students, the four-day trip will be their first time visiting Washington, D.C. Junior Karla Gonzalez, who has only travelled to one state outside Pennsylvania, is excited to see buildings shes seen in photographs in person.

Seeing photos, its not enough, I need to go there and see the full thing, she said. Me and my mom are very excited for me to go.

Fellow junior Laurelee Ayala, who is also visiting Washington for the first time, is looking forward to visiting museums shes seen on social media. She is also looking forward to seeing the Pentagon City Mall, while Zachary and Thomas excited to see museums, particularly the International Spy Museum.

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In addition to seeing the inauguration, the group will also visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the International Spy Museum, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum , will tour monuments and will see a magic show. The trip will conclude with meetings with U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-8, Dallas Twp. and a tour of the United States Capitol Building.

To raise money for the trip, students accepted donations and had baked goods and drinks available outside different polling locations in Scranton on Election Day. It not only raised $3,000 for the trip, but allowed students to see the voting process in action ahead of the trip.

Skotleski said while the inauguration is an important component of the trip, the trip is also about teaching students the history of the sites in Washington.

To get the students there and to give them the history of the district, to show them around  to get them to those places around the district and see how much the district has to offer is worth all of this, he said.

Curry said its a chance for them to connect what they have learned in school about history and government with whats in front of them.

Its nice to do this outside a classroom, he said.
SCRANTON  A West Side man will spend at least seven years in jail after being convicted of killing a friend at his Rock Street home, days after the two had returned from a drug rehabilitation center.

William Auriemma, 53, of 1127 Rock St., was sentenced to a minimum of seven and maximum of 20 years in jail after he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Richard Hazelton Jr., 51, in an October jury trial.

Auriemma is also required to pay about $12,000 in restitution and costs of prosecution.

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The jury came back with not guilty verdicts on counts of first- and third-degree murder.

Reporting an intruder

On Oct. 18, 2023, Auriemma called 911, reported an intruder and implored police to respond quickly, according to court documents.

Please I need help, I cant take him alone, Auriemma told the dispatcher. I have him in the bathtub stuffed, we fought, I smashed him with stuff, just please get here.

While still on the phone with 911, Auriemma yelled, apparently at Hazelton, Dont you dare move that right hand again, I swear Ill break the back of your neck.

Scranton police investigate outside of 1127 Rock Street in West Scranton Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.(TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE)

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He told police no one else was in the home when they arrived, but police soon found Hazelton dead in a blood-covered bathroom.

During the weeklong trial, a string of witnesses including police officers and mental health professionals took the stand, first for the prosecution and then for the defense.

The prosecution said that Auriemma should be held accountable for his actions, while the defense argued that he didnt have an understanding of his actions at the time of his friends death.

Auriemma first denied knowing Hazelton, but then admitted Hazelton had been at his home over the course of three days after the two had returned from Pyramid Healthcare facility in Stroudsburg.

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Police body camera footage depicted the Rock Street residence filled with debris, including used needles and other drug paraphernalia strewn through the house.

In her closing argument, Deputy District Attorney Sara Varela told jurors Auriemma had strangled Hazelton for seven minutes, enough time for premeditation and specific intent.

She asked the jury to find Auriemma guilty of first-degree murder.

In his closing, defense attorney Paul Walker said Auriemma had gone for three days without sleep, taken mind-altering drugs and was also struggling with diabetes.

Walker asked jurors to come back with a verdict of voluntary manslaughter, which best described the death, he said.
HAMPTON  A Hampton man who owned restaurants in Massachusetts and Seabrook was sentenced to one year and one day in jail for defrauding the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue over six years.

John Drivas, 66, of Hampton, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court on five counts of failure to collect and pay employment taxes owed to the IRS and four counts of wire fraud for state meals taxes he collected from restaurant customers but failed to pay to the state Department of Revenue.

In addition to the jail sentence, Drivas was also ordered to pay restitution of just under $1.6 million to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, $439,341 to the IRS, and a $20,000 fine.

John Drivas, 66, of Hampton, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court on five counts of failure to collect and pay employment taxes owed to the IRS and four counts of wire fraud.

According to the U.S. attorney's office, Drivas was the owner and operator of three restaurants  Reds Sandwich Shop in Salem, Massachusetts, Reds Kitchen and Tavern in Peabody, Massachusetts, and Reds Seabrook in Seabrook  between January 2016 to October 2022.

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Drivas was the sole shareholder of the Salem restaurant until he sold it to an employee in September 2022. He was the 100% owner of the Peabody restaurant with his wife and the 52% owner of the Seabrook restaurant with his children.

Prosecutors said from at least January 2017 to June 2022, Drivas paid under-the-table wages of $1,496,417 to multiple restaurant employees and did not report those wages to the IRS or pay employment taxes on them. Federal tax law requires employers to withhold from any employee wages an amount for income taxes and other amounts for Social Security and Medicare taxes. Drivas caused more than $439,000 in employment tax losses.

Drivas also collected the state and local meals taxes paid by restaurant customers, which he failed to pay over to the state as required by law. In Massachusetts, all owners and operators of restaurants and bars are required to collect 6.25% sales taxes on meals. Salem and Peabody also require restaurants and bars to collect an additional 0.75% local option meals excise tax. Although Drivas collected the taxes from restaurant customers, he intentionally withheld $1,596,775 of those taxes from monthly reports and payments owed to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Drivas's attorney, William Lovett, argued for a sentence of home confinement due to his client's acceptance of responsibility for the crimes and the "catastrophic impact that incarceration would have on his many employees."

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Lovett stated once Drivas learned the government was investigating him, following IRS agents executing search warrants at his home and businesses on May 5, 2022, he "immediately consented to interviews and cooperated with the government."

Lovett noted Drivas pleaded guilty and also made an advanced restitution payment of $439,341.88 toward the payroll taxes owed to the IRS and related state taxes.

"Mr. Drivas committed that conduct as a restaurant owner trying to keep his businesses operating on extraordinarily slim and in some years negative margins who was overextended and overwhelmed by expenses," stated Lovett in his sentencing memorandum to the judge. "He did not commit the offenses out of greed, or a desire to enrich himself by taking advantage of others, but to keep his business going and employees employed day by day and week to week."

Prosecutors objected to home confinement or no jail time, seeking a sentence of two years in prison as well as restitution. They noted that Drivas initially did not cooperate with the investigation and lied to IRS agents. He also continued his meals tax scheme for several months even after the IRS executed the search warrants on his businesses, prosecutors allege.

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Assistant U.S.Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seabrook Red's restaurant owner sentenced for tax fraud scheme
ATLANTA (AP)  A Georgia man suffering a mental health crisis wandered into a Sealy Mattress facility, and his body was found locked inside the back of a truck there about a week later, his family says in a wrongful death lawsuit filed this week.

Relatives had been frantically searching for Joshua Armour late into the night after he disappeared in October. Location data from his phone showed he was somewhere on the property in Conyers, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta.

After the family told a supervisor at Sealy that Armour appeared to be there, employees were instructed to close and lock all the trailers out of concern that someone was on the property, the lawsuit states. The 27-year-old's brother and sister say they were told to leave and were not allowed to search the area.

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Once the trailers were locked, they could not be opened from the inside, and Sealy did absolutely nothing to locate or protect Joshua, the lawsuit says.

Tragically, Sealy chose to act only to protect its own property, while consciously choosing to disregard the life of Joshua and the pleas of his family, the lawsuit states.

In a statement Friday, Tempur Sealy International said it is saddened by the incident and our deepest sympathies are with the victim's family and loved ones.

We have been conducting a thorough investigation to understand all the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and have fully cooperated with local authorities, the company said.

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The company had video of an unidentified person on the property, but the supervisor who met with Armour's relatives that night refused to let them see it to confirm it was their brother, said Mark Johnson, one of the family's lawyers.

We have reached out to Sealy by letter and asked for all video and havent received a response, nothing, Johnson said.

Gov. Brian Kemp has made limiting the ability of people to sue businesses one of his key legislative priorities this year, saying civil lawsuits with big payouts harm the state's economy. He provided few details in his annual State of the State address to lawmakers on Thursday. Opponents say new limits would make it harder for injured parties to find justice.

Johnson said he thinks this lawsuit would certainly survive any such effort in the legislature.

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The family of Armour, who had two children, is requesting a jury trial.

Defendants in the lawsuit include the Sealy Mattress Manufacturing Co. LLC; Tempur-Pedic North America LLC; and Tempur Sealy International Inc. The family is represented by the Atlanta law firm Sinton Scott Minock & Kerew; and Kenneth S. Nugent P.C.

Armour's fiancee, Jasmine Jennings, described him as an amazing person, very selfless, always smiling, happy.

He was the life of the party, the jokester, she said in an interview. And he was very aspirational  he wanted to do a lot of big things.

He had been doing plumbing work for large building projects, and wanted to become a civil engineer or work in economic development, but he never got the opportunity to get more training, she said.

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This story has been corrected to reflect that Joshua Armour was 27, not 38 as originally appeared in a sheriff's report.
A second group of resident physicians and fellows in Rhode Island has voted to join a union to bargain for better pay, along with improved working conditions and patient care.

House staff for Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital and Butler Hospital, representing some 230 doctors, announced Wednesday that they voted to join the Committee of Interns and Residents, the largest such union in the country, with more than 37,000 members.

Their vote comes a week after residents and interns for Brown University Health, formerly Lifespan, voted to join the union.

Members of the Rhode Island Hospital-Brown University Health and Care New England organizing committees pose for a photograph.

With the National Labor Relations Board union elections, "almost 1,000 of the doctors at the center of care in Rhode Island have officially unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents, becoming the first house staff to do so in the state," said Rachel Nass, lead communications coordinator for the Committee of Interns and Residents.

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"Now, the physicians are all calling for their employers to come to the bargaining table as soon as possible to begin negotiations for living wages, strong benefits, and other essential support for their well-being and patient care," Nass said.

Care New England, which operates the three hospitals in the recent vote, issued the following statement: "Medical residents, interns, and fellows play a crucial role in the care of our communities and are an important part of our teams. We will work in good faith with the Committee of Interns and Residents to ensure these talented professionals have a positive learning experience and continue to provide outstanding care."

More: Residents, interns at Rhode Island Hospital are first doctors in RI to join a union

Resident doctors are medical school graduates who continue their training in hospitals, medical centers and doctor's offices. Residencies typically run for three to seven years. First-year residents are typically called interns. Fellows are those who have continued to study a subspecialty after completing a residency. The residency and fellowship programs are sponsored mostly by Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School.

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Doctors in residencies say they regularly work 80 hours a week for first-year pay that can amount to as little as $15 per hour. The combination of demanding schedules and inadequate pay has a ripple effect that challenges their ability to treat patients, doctors say. They claim the conditions weaken the overall health care system and contribute to the shortage of primary care doctors in Rhode Island.

The high cost of medical school contributes to the financial challenges for nascent doctors. Many of the doctors owe well over $250,000 in student loan debt, according to the union.

"The reason why we wanted to unionize is to ensure that were all able to properly care for our patients and continue to give 100%, while also being able to take care of ourselves," Dr. Natalie Duke, a third-year psychiatry resident, said. "Were blessed to work with each other and with our patients, so winning our election is so meaningful for us as members of this community and as physicians.

More: He's working to preserve RI's labor union history. Here's what he wants people to know.

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As a psychiatrist, I see the impact of financial stress on our patients, and so we understand that when we experience that stress, its harder to be present with our patients, and it makes it harder to convince medical students that they should come here, she said.

Nass said, "Since both groups of doctors work at crucial safety net hospitals for people across the state, they say this union victory will allow them ultimately to advocate for and make a tremendous impact on Rhode Island's health, especially amid an ongoing primary care physician shortage."

The vote by Care New England doctors passed 147-39. Last week's vote by Brown University Health doctors passed 464-27. Some interns and residents didn't vote. All interns and residents would be covered by any union-negotiated contract.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Second group of doctors in RI votes to join union
Interior of the holding cell inside the "Death House" located at the main prison complex in Florence, some 80 miles southeast of Phoenix. Within 24 hours prior to an execution, the inmate is moved to this cell, where he will be under constant supervision until his execution. The Death House consists of a gas chamber and a lethal injection room. Photo by Mike Fiala | AFP/Getty Images

In a locked and alarm-equipped refrigerator at an Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry facility in Florence are eight unmarked glass containers that resemble Mason jars. Inside the jars is a white substance that the agency claims is pentobarbital salt, the active pharmacological ingredient in the drug used to execute Arizona Death Row prisoners.

Its enough poison to kill every Death Row prisoner in the United States and then some, according to a legal declaration obtained by a federal public defender who interviewed the manufacturer.

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And how long its sat in that refrigerator is a question that ADCCR staff wont answer, because state law forbids divulging details about execution sources and executioners themselves. Its also unclear if the drug has an expiration date.

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The current Arizona Corrections administration did not procure the drug. Instead, it was purchased by the administration of former Gov. Doug Ducey. The invoice from the manufacturer is dated October 2020, and the drug was used in three executions in 2022.

Now it sits, unmarked in a refrigerator, ostensibly waiting for the next execution, which is being discussed in the Arizona Supreme Court. Aaron Gunches, who killed a man in 2002, has asked to be put to death, and Gov. Katie Hobbs is trying to accommodate him.

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But there are questions.

Im flabbergasted that a medical doctor would draw anything from an unmarked container and put it into people, said David Duncan, the retired federal magistrate judge who Hobbs hired in 2023 to investigate the states lethal injection protocols. Duncan was unceremoniously fired late last year by Hobbs, who he has never met, before he could finish a report that promised to be scathing.

While certainly possible in theory, lethal injection is not a viable method of execution in actual practice, he wrote in a summary before he was canned.

Duncan was told by ADCRR personnel that the pentobarbital salt can last forever. But Kelley Henry, a federal defender in Tennessee, claims she was told by the drug manufacturer, Absolute Standards, that the salt is unstable, needs to be refrigerated and has a shelf life of 2 1/2 years.

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So, whether it was delivered to Arizona at the end of 2020, as suggested by the purchase invoice, or sometime in 2021 before the executions, it may well be at its limit.

Duncan is not the only one raising concerns.

On Jan. 15, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland withdrew the federal execution protocol using pentobarbital because of the likelihood that the drug, once thought to be the most humane form of execution, in fact causes a painful death by pulmonary edema that has been likened to drowning or waterboarding torture. Earlier this month, a Virginia law professor tried to file a friend of the court brief in the Arizona Supreme Court in the Gunches case on the exact same grounds.

So, can Arizona go forward with any executions using the pentobarbital in those unmarked jars in Florence?

Snuffing out an independent investigation

Duncan, who sat on the federal bench in Phoenix for 17 years, was appointed by Hobbs in early 2023 to study the states execution protocol and suggest ways to move forward with executions. There had been a long history of problems, some associated with the drugs used. In 2010, for example, the corrections department side-stepped federal laws and FDA and DEA regulations to import a drug from the United Kingdom, and later, in 2015, tried to import it from India.

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Then, in 2014, Arizona used a questionable cocktail that took 15 injections and nearly two hours to kill the prisoner as he panted and gasped on the execution gurney.

And there were repeated problems getting doctors and other medical staff competent enough to set the catheter lines in the condemned mens arms and legs. Consequently, there were no executions between the 2014 botch and 2022, when then-Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed death warrants for three death row prisoners. All three were executed and the problems setting lines persisted.

Brnovich also obtained a death warrant for Gunches, but not in time to carry out the execution before his term ended. Hobbs and the newly elected Arizona attorney general, Kris Mayes, decided not to, and instead appointed Duncan to do an independent review of the process.

Im flabbergasted that a medical doctor would draw anything from an unmarked container and put it into people.

 David Duncan, a retired federal magistrate judge who had been hired by Gov. Katie Hobbs to examine Arizona's death penalty procedures

Duncan pored over thousands of documents, conducted numerous interviews and uncovered some unsettling facts, including how prison staff had to consult Wikipedia at the last minute before one of the executions to estimate a fatal dose of pentobarbital. He also was concerned that the drugs were delivered by the manufacturer in unmarked containers to a private residence.

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Until the very end, I thought they were open to every question I had, he said. He was supposed to make recommendations of best practices, after all.

At the end, it completely shifted.

Duncan wanted to watch a rehearsal of the process, and the department refused on grounds of confidentiality. The medical staff did not want to be seen, for fear that, if outed, they would lose their respective medical licenses.

They said its against the law to reveal their identities, Duncan recalled.

He was incensed at the insinuation.

To sit across from a federal judge and suggest that the retired federal judge is going to violate the law is a ridiculous notion. And I said, I cant accept that. Then they said I could not watch a dry run for the same reason  that I would create a risk.

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Duncan took issue with the things that they were rehearsing: parking, crowd control, where to seat journalists, how to walk the prisoner from his cell to the death chamber. While the pomp and circumstance were rehearsed, the actual execution  how to set the lines and administer the drugs  wasnt, even though the current medical team has never participated in a lethal injection.

His contact at ADCRR volunteered to me that there was no expiration date on pentobarbital, the base chemical. And I said, How do you know that? And she said, Because I checked with the manufacturer.

In the course of his research, Duncan didnt recall seeing any documentation of a phone call with the manufacturer saying there was no expiration date. His source said those records had been thrown away.

I found it hard to believe that the documents showing provenance and vitality and potency of the medication, that you would just throw them away. That was a step away from transparency, he said.

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One pharmaceutical company that used to make pentobarbital sodium salt says on its product page that the drug has a shelf life of three years.

Duncan concluded that lethal injection was too prone to error and suggested the state should consider firing squad, which, though shocking to witnesses, had a lesser chance of being botched.

Then politics raised its ugly head. The Arizona Attorney Generals Office was in a pitched battle with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell over who had legal authority to request death warrants for execution. And Donald Trump, who is a booster of capital punishment was reelected, and Republicans won up and down the November 2024 ballot.

It was not a good time for a Democratic governor hoping to boost her reelection chances in a state that just shifted to the right to issue a scathing review of execution practices. The mood changed.

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Hobbs fired Duncan and turned to an in-house review of execution protocol by the Corrections Department, which concluded that all problems were resolved and executions were ready to resume.

Sourcing execution drugs

In April 2022, Henry, an assistant federal public defender from Tennessee, and an investigator in her office showed up at the Connecticut offices of the only domestic supplier of pentobarbital salt, Absolute Standards, to ask questions.

Because of a 2015 U.S Supreme Court decision, defendants about to be executed were required to find the drugs to do so if they didnt like the executing states decision. Pentobarbital was thought at the time to be the most humane alternative.

Although the drug is used in clinical settings under its trade name, Nembutal, its European manufacturer refused to allow its use in executions, forcing state corrections departments to buy the raw materials and then find a compounding pharmacy to turn it into something that could be injected into the condemned prisoner.

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Absolute Standards saw a hole in the market and filled it. Furthermore, the company owner assured Henry that his company was the only domestic source of the drugs raw material, known in technical parlance as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. He told her his company had supplied the drug to the federal government and to Arizona and other states. (The company said in 2024 that it stopped producing the drug for executions at the end of 2020. It did not respond to a request for comment from the Arizona Mirror.)

Henry and the investigator were told that the price was $1.5 million  the same price that Arizona paid in 2020  and that it would take a year to produce. The reason for the time and the high price was that, in order to be of adequate quality and stability, it had to be made in batches of at least one kilogram, and the process was time-consuming.

They very specifically said it has a shelf life, Henry told Arizona Mirror, raising questions as to whether the Arizona supply is still viable.

And now the feds have renounced the use of pentobarbital altogether in federal executions.

Having assessed the risk of pain and suffering associated with the use of pentobarbital, the review concluded that there is significant uncertainty about whether the use of pentobarbital as a single-drug lethal injection for execution treats individuals humanely and avoids unnecessary pain and suffering, Garland wrote in his order ending the use of the drug by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Because it cannot be said with reasonable confidence that the current execution protocol not only afford[s] the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States but also treat[s] individuals [being executed] fairly and humanely,  that protocol should be rescinded, and not reinstated unless and until that uncertainty is resolved. In the face of such uncertainty, the Department should err on the side of treating individuals humanely and avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering.

What the incoming presidential administration decides remains to be seen.

The Governors Office, the Attorney Generals Office and the Department of Corrections did not respond to inquiries before this story was published. Several hours after publication, a spokeswoman for Hobbs said the governor was committed to upholding strict protocols and ensuring lethal injection drugs are thoroughly tested before use.

Our office is currently reviewing the DOJ report, and we have no further information to share at this time, spokeswoman Liliana Soto told the Mirror.

***UPDATE: This story has been updated with a comment from the Governors Office.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Kiwanis Park on Southwest Parkway is expanding as University Kiwanis Club members break ground on a new addition.

On Thursday afternoon, January 16, club members got the ball rolling on a second, larger zipline meant for older children, adding to the 60-acre park.

6th Night to Shine event to be biggest party in Wichita Falls

The $69,000 project is part one of a three-part expansion in which club members plan to add a climbing wall, an 11-foot spinner and more activities for kids.

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The city is providing the installation on the zip line, which is slated for completion this February, weather permitting, according to University Kiwanis officials.

Construction on the other equipment will begin once the club receives additional funds. If youd like to help the University Kiwanis Club speed up that process, visit their website to donate.

To see what the completed zipline will look like, click here.

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Selena Gomez is giving back amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

In a series of Instagram Stories she posted on Thursday (Jan. 16), Gomez is seen volunteering by helping separate and distribute sandwiches to those who have been displaced by the tragedy. Grateful for these individuals, she wrote over one of the clips, which featured a group of police officers. See her Instagram Stories here.

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Earlier in the week, the Only Murders in the Building stars cosmetics company, Rare Beauty, shared how they are helping the community during its time of crisis. We have spent the last few days focused on ensuring the safety of our Los Angeles team and friends who have been impacted, and we are working with local organizations on additional product donations and volunteering efforts, a statement posted to Instagram reads. To all the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and organizations on the ground meeting the ongoing needs of our community, we are forever grateful for your bravery, selflessness, and commitment.

The statement continues, Together, we assembled emergency care kits with essentials for evacuation centers and have made donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and World Central Kitchen, who are on the ground providing immediate aid. We continue to support the Rare Impact Funds non-profit partners, providing mental health support to young peopleensuring that now, more than ever, they have the resources they need. We know this will be a long journey of healing and grieving for the place we call home, so we encourage you to keep the momentum in supporting our community to rebuild.

See Rare Beautys statement here.

The California wildfires first broke out Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades, rapidly spreading through L.A. faster than first responders could subdue the flames. More blazes later broke out in other areas of the city, with CNN reporting that at least 25 people have died so far in the destruction.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  A semi driver from Michigan accused of hitting and killing a tow-truck driver in 2023 was sentenced to prison on Thursday.

On the night of November 12, 2023 Dmytro Prysich, 55, was driving a semi on Interstate 80 near the 86th Street exit in Urbandale when he struck a tow-truck driver who was in the process of towing another vehicle. The tow-truck driver, identified as 45-year-old Joshua Villa of Adel, died from his injuries at the scene.

DSM man receives 17-year sentence for supplying fentanyl that killed 1-year-old

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Prysich was later charged with homicide by vehicle  OWI, leaving the scene of a deadly accident, and failure to change lane upon approach to emergency stationary vehicles  death. In October 2024 a Polk County jury found Prysich guilty of vehicular homicide while under the influence, but acquitted him of leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

On Thursday a Polk County judge sentenced Prysich to up to 25 years in prison and ordered him to pay $150,000 in restitution to Villas estate and to participate in a victim-offender dialogue if the victims family chooses to do so.

Metro News:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns announced Friday afternoon, that with the blessing of former Speaker David Ralstons family, State Sen. Colton Moore will be allowed back into the House chamber.

Capitol police arrested Moore on Thursday while he tried to enter the chamber for the 2025 State of the State address.

Officers stopped Moore, which led to a shoving match and Moore hitting the ground before Georgia State Patrol arrested him.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Video shot at the scene by Channel 2s Richard Elliot showed how events unfolded before Moore was escorted from the State Capitol in handcuffs. Moore said he was being prevented from performing his duties.

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I have an obligation to be in that room, Moore said Thursday. I represent 200,000 people in Northwest Georgia who duly elected me to be here today and you are hindering that.

Previously, Moore was banned from entering the House chamber after making disparaging remarks about former House Speaker David Ralston, who died in 2022. As reported by the Associated Press, Ralston was being honored when Moores comments were made, leading to his eventual ban from the chamber.

TRENDING STORIES:

Now, Burns says the Freedom Caucus member will be allowed to participate in joint sessions of the General Assembly.

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In his statement, Burns thanked state troopers who stepped in to take the necessary action required to de-escalate the situation and our doorkeepers and staff for their dedication to defending the integrity of the House Chamber.

The House Speaker added that while the Senators actions were despicable and hurtful to all who knew, respected and loved former Speaker David Ralstonwe know that Speaker Ralstons first priority was always to serve the people of our great state, and he wouldnt want that important work to be hindered and that the Ralston family has expressed to their family here in the House that they desire for our Chamber to resume business as normalwith all members of the General Assembly presentfor any future joint sessions with or without the apology they and the House deserve.

Online Thursday, the state senator thanked his supporters and said he would be back in the legislature tomorrow.

With the statement from Burns, that return is now officially confirmed.

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After Moores arrest Thursday for willfully obstructing members of law enforcement, Lt. Gov. Jon Burns, who leads the Georgia Senate, said that all of Georgias elected lawmakers should be able to perform their duties. Moore was granted a $1,000 surety bond.

It is not clear if the charge against Moore will be dropped.

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Utahs newest GOP senator John Curtis praised President Donald Trumps nominee to serve as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asserting Lee Zeldin has a reputation for working across the aisle to get important environmental legislation done.

Zeldin, a former GOP member from the House, was tapped by Trump to lead the agency charged with enforcing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Many GOP-led states, including Utah, have railed against the EPA and filed litigation over rules they say will stymie economic growth and thwart a stable energy landscape.

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But in a Thursday hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Curtis said there is room for optimism with Trumps pick.

In Utah, were pretty proud of our beauty, of our natural resources. It really would be hard to find a more spectacular place in the United States, everything from five national parks, arches and monuments and ski resorts. And I think because of that, Utahns have this inherent desire to take care of it, to leave it better than we found it to, to make sure that were not polluting, Curtis said.

He continued, I can find total agreement in Utah that less pollution is better than more pollution. Less emissions is better than more emissions, and that we want to leave the earth better than we found it. And you and I had the benefit of working together in the House, and I just want to use this opportunity to thank you for your support of my work in talking about climate, talking about some of these issues that are being addressed this morning.

Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, speaks during a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein

Curtis was joined by other colleagues who complained the EPA has unfairly targeted them for pollution that is from out of state  or country  for which there is no control.

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The new Utah senator pointed to the geography bowl of the Wasatch Front, while Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, complained of the northerly drift of pollution that comes from Mexico into his state.

The EPA, Curtis said, has granted little acknowledgement to these outside factors when it comes to state pollution plans aimed at combatting emissions.

When you were in my office, we talked specifically about the Uinta basin where 80% of the methane that is registered in the basin doesnt come from traditional fossil fuel sources. It comes from ground sources. It comes from air that comes into the region, and yet theyre judged and measured on that whole 100% not the 20% that they emit.

With its mission to protect human health and the environment, the committee chair, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia, said the EPA could spend its money more wisely.

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When the EPA focuses on what it does best, it doesnt just benefit the environment, it benefits our economic growth. For example, the agency should prioritize cleaning up brownfields and Superfund sites to facilitate new economic development of those locations, many of those of which are located in rural and distressed areas, she said.

While a House representative, Zeldin worked on legislation to reign in PFAS, or forever chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases and under questioning said climate change is real.

Some Democratic members on the committee wondered if donations from the oil and gas industry would shape how Zeldin would run the agency.

There is no dollar, large or small, that can influence the decisions that I make, who has access to me and how I am ruling in my obligations under the law, he responded.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of defense, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee this week for a high-stakes and at many times contentious confirmation hearing.

Many Democrats focused on Hegseths personal controversies and past allegations of misconduct, which he vigorously denied, or his past comments opposing women serving in combat, which he backtracked on.

But some of the most striking and revealing exchanges were with Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Iraq War veteran who served in combat as a helicopter pilot. When asked by Duckworth to name one of the agreements the secretary of defense personally negotiates, he couldnt name one. He also couldnt name a country in ASEAN, an intergovernmental association of 10 Southeast Asian countries that includes key U.S. military allies.

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He also talked at length about not lowering the standards for anybody else. And yet, as far as I could tell, that hearing was all about him asking us to lower the standards for him, Duckworth said in an interview with The 19th.

Many criticisms of Hegseth have surrounded a confidential settlement he paid to a woman who accused him of raping her in 2017 and past accusations of mismanagement of a veterans nonprofit. At the hearing, Hegseth said he was falsely accused of assault in an encounter he said was consensual and dismissed other allegations as anonymous smears.

After the hearing, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who has worked to combat sexual assault in the military and a closely watched vote on Hegseth, came out for his confirmation. Republicans control the Senate, and the Armed Services Committee plans to vote Monday on Hegseths confirmation, setting him up to become defense secretary as soon as the middle of next week.

Duckworth said she went into the hearing perhaps most concerned about Hegseths qualifications and knowledge base. She said in a floor speech Thursday that she doesnt oppose his nomination on partisan grounds: she supported past Trump picks to lead the Pentagon, including Gen. James Mattis and Mark Esper, because she believed they were qualified.

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Hegseth lacks the traditional management experience of past Defense Department leaders, a job that entails overseeing a roughly $850 billion budget and 3.4 million personnel. Hegseth, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard, has most recently been a co-host on Fox & Friends weekends. At Tuesdays hearing, Hegseth pitched himself as an outsider and a force for much-needed change, ready to shake things up. In his opening statement, Hegseth said that he would bring the warrior culture back to the Pentagon and would make up for his lack of experience by hiring people smarter and more capable than me to work under him.

As this is going along, Im thinking, Why dont we just hire some guy whos smarter than you to do the job at all? If youre going to have to hire all these other people smarter than you to help you do the job, lets just cut the middle man, Duckworth said.

Duckworth asked Hegseth about things the secretary of defense cant delegate to someone else and has to personally negotiate and sign off on: status of forces agreements, acquisition and cross-serving agreements, and defense trade cooperation treaties. Shes traditionally led the congressional delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual Asia-Pacific defense summit, and seen other secretaries negotiate in real time.

Ive watched Mattis, and Ive watched [current Secretary of Defense Lloyd] Austin, and Ive watched Esper go toe-to-toe with the Chinese defense secretary at these international forums, she said. And I was like, This man cant go toe-to-toe with the communist Chinese defense secretary, hell be eaten alive.

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Duckworth asked Hegseth about the highest level of international security negotiation hed been involved in, and he responded that he hadnt been in government since his military service. She then asked him to name one of the three main types of such agreements.

If youre talking about defense arrangements, NATO might be one, he said.

Status of forces agreement would be one of them, she said.

Ive been a part of teaching about status of forces agreements in Afghanistan, he said.

But you dont think to mention it? she replied. Youre not qualified, Mr. Hegseth.

This is basic, 101 stuff for someone who wants to be secretary of defense, and he couldnt answer any of them, Duckworth said later. So thats how I got to my line of questioning. It wasnt actually anything that I was planning ahead of time. It was just really being prompted by his answers and his statements.

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Her question on ASEAN also came from Hegseths own statements in the hearing. He referenced the 2018 National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of ASEAN to Trumps first-term strategy for the Indo-Pacific region, a key sphere of influence for the United States in countering China and a subject Duckworth had hoped to discuss in her allotted seven minutes of questioning.

So she asked Hegseth to name the importance of at least the nations in ASEAN and what type of agreement the U.S. has with them and how many nations are in ASEAN.

I couldnt tell you the exact number, Hegseth said, instead listing other key U.S. military allies like South Korea and Japan and the AUKUS agreement the United States has with the United Kingdom and Australia.

Mr. Hegseth, none of those three countries that you mentioned are in ASEAN, she said. I suggest you do a little bit of homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations.

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Clips of Duckworths exchanges with Hegseth gained traction online following the hearing. Her questions werent meant to create a viral or a gotcha, moment, she said, but to press Hegseth on basic but crucial aspects of the job.

I think thats why it resonated because it became very clear that this man is not qualified to do the job, she said. And it became very, very clear around the world that this man is not qualified to do the job. When you cant name a major treaty ally, like the Philippines, where weve had base agreements on and off; when you cant name Thailand, our oldest treaty ally of 190 years; when you cant name Singapore where we have an air base, are you kidding me?

Her questioning received plaudits across the board. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump White House official turned Trump critic and current co-host of ABCs The View, said she believed Duckworth had the best approach out of all the Democrats on the panel.

I thought that Tammy Duckworth was the most effective because she challenged him on the facts and duties of the job, and he came up short, Griffin said on the show Wednesday. I have been to the ASEAN summit, I can name the countries that are in it, and I am woefully unqualified to be the secretary of defense.

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In her floor speech on Thursday and in the hearing, Duckworth spoke in front of a copy of the Soldiers Creed, which she said hangs over her desk in the Senate and hung over her desk at Walter Reed Medical Center when she was treated for injuries she sustained in combat, including the loss of both of her legs and some mobility in her right arm after Iraqi insurgents hit her Black Hawk helicopter with a grenade in 2004.

Part of being a leader is knowing when youre not competent enough to do the job, she said on the floor. Well, Mr. Hegseth, you are not technically proficient. You are not tactically proficient. And your nomination is an insult to those brave enough to be serving our nation. So you, sir, are a no-go at this station.

The post Sen. Tammy Duckworth is a combat veteran. She came prepared to question Hegseth. appeared first on The 19th.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Photo: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

President-elect Trumps nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary  Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  is an interesting fellow whos sometimes espoused good ideas. Though he often contradicts himself, Kennedy has generally defended reproductive freedom and has long blasted giant food and chemical corporations for endangering public health.

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But as thousands of physicians across the country  including more than 400 here in North Carolina  pointed out in an open letter to senators this week, Kennedy is also a delusional conspiracy theorist. Not only does he spread dangerous misinformation on many topics  most notably on the value of vaccinations against disease  hes also bizarrely pledged to dismantle much of the nations vitally important public health infrastructure.

The bottom line: As the letter notes: quote This appointment is a slap in the face to every health care professional who has spent their lives working to protect patients from preventable illness and death. Senator Thom Tillis, who sits on a committee charged with reviewing Kennedys nomination, should heed the physicians plea and vote to oppose it.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
The Senate voted Friday to advance the Laken Riley Act, putting Republicans a step closer to sending the first bill of the 119th Congress to President-elect Trump for his signature next week and giving him an early win on one of his key issues.

Senators voted 61-35 to end debate on the bill, with 10 Democrats voting with every Republican; 60 votes were needed.

Democrats who voted aye were Sens. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Mark Warner (Va.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.). Gallego and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who did not vote, were co-sponsors of the legislation.

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The vote tees up final passage of the immigration-related bill in the upper chamber early next week. It will need to head to the House for approval once again before Trump can sign it.

The legislation would mandate federal detention of immigrants without legal status who are accused of theft, burglary and assaulting a law enforcement officer, among other things.

This bill is a small but critical step to resolving the Biden border crisis  the first of many I might add, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on the floor Friday morning ahead of the vote.

The bill is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia college student who was killed almost a year ago by a Venezuelan migrant who had been arrested for shoplifting ahead of the attack and paroled in the U.S.

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A pair of procedural votes earlier this week were overwhelmingly backed by Democrats; 48 Democrats also voted to pass the bill in the House earlier this month.

However, while a number of those Democrats have said they would support final passage of the bill, others said they were only voting to open debate to facilitate an amendment process.

Fridays vote was not nearly as large, after that amendment process did not bear the kind of fruit Democrats had hoped for.

The upper chamber only voted on two amendments, one of which  proposed by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) that added the assault of a law enforcement officer provision  was adopted.

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The other  offered by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and defeated along party lines  would have nixed part of the bill that hands state attorneys general authority to sue federal immigration officials over detentions.

Democrats raised numerous concerns about the bill in recent weeks, including the lack of funds available to deal with the detainments that will result from the bill. The Department of Homeland Security estimated it would cost nearly $27 billion to implement the law during the first year and that it would be impossible for [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] to execute within existing resources.

Other worries stem from the detainment of migrants upon arrest rather than conviction, and the issue surrounding state attorneys general that Coonss amendment would have addressed.

Ahead of Fridays cloture vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who had earlier voted to open debate on the bill, lamented that more amendment votes were not brought to the floor.

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We voted on two amendments  and no more, Schumer said. Unfortunately without more changes  to address deficiencies, Ill be voting no.

While I do not support this particular bill, I stand ready to work with both sides to pass smart, effective, tough and commonsense legislation to secure our borders and reform our immigration system, Schumer added.

A number of Democrats voted for the bill only months after the party was decimated at the ballot box, with border security and immigration playing a key role as Republicans repeatedly panned Democrats for being too soft on those issues.

Democrats tried to blame Republicans for problems at the border for much of last year, especially after Trump and conservatives tanked a bipartisan border package. That argument, however, did not stick, as record crossings remained tethered to the Biden administration.

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Unfortunately, it seems that even a simple and straightforward bill to detain criminal illegal immigrants is too much for some on the left, Thune said. Some of our Democrat colleagues have been searching for a reason  any reason  to justify voting against this bill.

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Legislation that would require the deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes like shoplifting is quickly advancing through Congress, even as advocates for victims of domestic violence say the bill could lead to the wrongful detention and deportation of immigrants in abusive situations, who are overwhelmingly women.

The legislation will move forward without a series of amendments introduced Thursday by Sen. Mazie Hinoro of Hawaii that sought to shield victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Final passage is expected on Monday, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

The expansive piece of legislation cleared the House last week and advanced through the Senate on Friday with support from 10 Democrats, giving Trump bipartisan support to deliver on his promise to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

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The measure was introduced by Republicans and named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was killed last February by an immigrant who had been previously arrested for shoplifting. Rileys death became a lightning rod for Trumps anti-immigrant message during the presidential campaign, and the bills sponsors say the legislation is meant to prevent another such tragedy.

Immigrants rights groups have widely condemned the bill, which could result in the mass deportation of immigrants who are not guilty of the crimes they are accused of. A coalition of advocates for victims of domestic violence say that the lack of due process  immigrants could be detained and deported without being convicted  could wrongfully ensnare people facing domestic violence or human trafficking by offering little to no recourse for such victims to lay out their circumstances to law enforcement or a judge.

Victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, these advocates say, are often threatened with false accusations and separation from their children, and also sometimes coerced to commit crimes. For immigrant victims fearful of deportation, the legislation could create a new tool for coercive control, said Casey Carter Swegman, director of public policy at the Tahirih Justice Center, a nonprofit that advocates for immigrant survivors of gender-based violence.

The Tahirih Justice Center is leading a coalition of advocacy groups urging lawmakers to oppose the bill, arguing that it is an inadequate response to Rileys death and that lawmakers response should be anchored in laws that meaningfully address gender-based violence  not potentially further it. The coalition includes the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Battered Womens Justice Project and the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors.

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We are trying to really educate folks on this tool of power and control that is very unique to immigrant survivors, which is abusers who threaten to have them deported, separated from their children, leaving their children in the hands of a single parent who does use violence  this has an incredible chilling effect on victims separating from abusers or reporting them to law enforcement, Carter Swegman said.

Under the current legal system, someone accused of shoplifting, for example, might lay out their circumstances before a judge during a bail hearing. If the proposed law goes into effect, victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and other gender-based abuse would have to make their case in the immigration detention system, which advocates sometimes refer to as a black box for how difficult it can be to reach people inside.

Survivors that are detained are going to end up often far from their community, their families, their resources, such as attorneys, and in detention centers that might be in locations where theres limited or really difficult access to counsel  pro bono counsel, said Hannah Shapiro, an attorney with the DV Immigration Project at the Legal Aid Society of New York.

Theyre going to have a hard time getting an attorney to represent them and to help prove to a judge that theyre a victim of domestic violence. Theyre set up for failure.

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Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, introduced a series of amendments late Thursday meant to help shield victims of domestic violence or human trafficking from detention and deportation. The amendments would have exempted immigrants who are part of an active investigation into human trafficking or domestic violence, who make a credible claim that theyre a victim of either crime or who federal, state and local law enforcement identify as a possible victim of these crimes. The amendments also would have shielded immigrants who have pending petitions under visa programs meant to protect victims of these crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.

Domestic violence and trafficking abusers often threaten to report their victims for fictitious crimes as a way of maintaining control, or threaten to report their victims for crimes they were coerced into committing, Hirono said in a statement Thursday. As it is currently written, the Laken Riley Act would provide abusers with another tool to use against their victims.

Last week, Hirono was among the nine Democrats who voted against bringing the bill to the Senate floor for debate and amendments, a vote that cleared the path for Republicans to push the bill forward. Many of those Democrats said they were hoping for an amendments process that would yield a better bill, but ultimately, the bill was only amended to add assault of a law enforcement officer to the list of relevant offenses. On Friday, the Senate voted 61-35 to advance the bill without a hearing on dozens of amendments.

The post Senate advances Laken Riley Act without added protections for victims of domestic violence appeared first on The 19th.

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The Senate on Friday voted 61-35 to break the filibuster and end debate on the Laken Riley Act, advancing a contentious bill that would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain and potentially deport undocumented immigrants arrested for  but not necessarily convicted of  various crimes, including burglary, shoplifting and theft. The bill would also empower state attorneys general to sue the federal government over immigration-related decisions and block visas being issued to citizens of certain countries.

Ten Democrats voted to invoke cloture, aiding Republicans in their hope of delivering soon-to-be President Donald Trump his first legislative victory next week. Four Senators, including Vice-President-elect JD Vance, who resigned from office last week, and cosponsor Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., did not vote. Friday's vote offers a glimpse at the likely partisan breakdown of the bill's final passage, which is slated for Jan. 20, the day Trump takes office.

According to the Senate Periodical Press Gallery, senators who voted to invoke cloture include: Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; John Kelly, D-Ariz.; Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.; Gary Peters, D-Mich.; Jacky Rosen, D-Nev.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.; and Mark Warner, D-Va.

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In remarks ahead of Friday's cloture vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he would revoke his prior support for allowing the bill to proceed, citing Republicans' inability to agree to amendments Democratic officials filed that would address its "deficiencies."

"We told Republicans we wanted to have a serious and productive and fruitful debate on this legislation with the chance to vote on amendments to modify the bill," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "Democrats filed many amendments to the bill, but unfortunately, our Republican colleagues and the Republican leader didn't reach an agreement with us."

Critics of the measure say it will further empower Trump to pursue his agenda of mass deportations at a significant cost, the bill alone potentially requiring a massive increase in ICE's detention capacity.

Given that some Democrats, like Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said they would not back final passage unless the Senate adopted some amendments to the bill, it was initially unclear whether Friday's vote would garner enough support to end debate. The Senate needed to secure 60 votes to invoke cloture.

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On Wednesday, with significant Democratic support, the Senate passed an amendment to the bill 70-25 that would also require ICE to detain any undocumented immigrant accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer. Another amendment, proposed by Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, Del., would have stricken the section of the bill that empowered state attorneys general to sue the federal government over detention policy. That amendment was voted down along party lines, 46-49.

The Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia college student who was murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant who had previously been arrested and paroled for shoplifting, passed the House last week with 48 Democratic votes. Should the bill pass the Senate, it will return to the House for another vote.
House conservative proposals to raise corporate taxes to offset the cost of President-elect Trumps tax package are going over like lead balloons in the Senate, where Republicans are warning their House counterparts to back off.

The Senate GOP argues that hiking corporate taxes could dampen economic activity, lead to foreign takeovers of U.S. corporations and result in job loss.

Absolutely not, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said of proposals to raise the corporate tax rate.

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We were trying to be competitive on the world stage when we dropped it to 21 percent, he said. To raise that is not the way to get an economy going.

Some conservatives, notably Rep. Chip Roy (Texas), have floated the idea of raising the corporate tax rate by a few percentage points to ensure the budget reconciliation package Congress plans to pass later this year doesnt add to the deficit.

More recently, the House Freedom Caucus has floated a proposal to offset the cost of raising the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions for individuals and families by restricting state and local tax deductions for corporations.

Mullin and other GOP senators are also pouring cold water on that idea.

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To offset SALT, we dont raise corporate taxes to do that. Thats not how we do that. Corporate taxes is the people that employ individuals. It doesnt just affect large corporations;  50 percent of those employed around the [United States] and 75 percent of those inside Oklahoma is employed by small corporations, he said.

Roy said last year he would be open to raising the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 25 percent to help pay for tax relief for individuals and small businesses.

The Texan told The Hill in an interview last week that corporate tax increases should be on the table as possible pay-fors to keep Trumps legislation agenda from adding to the nations ballooning debt.

Im on the record as saying everything should be on the table, and Im on the record of having said, Why should we just allow corporate taxes to stay in place, or think about lowering them, if  were not doing what we need to do on the individual tax rate side or if were not balancing the budget or being deficit neutral? he said.

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Some Republican senators say they are willing to listen to House colleagues who advocate for higher corporate taxes.

Personally, I think in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we went overboard in terms of the tax relief we gave to [corporations], Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said, referring to the Trump tax-cut bill from 2017.

The effective rate for large corporations now is 10.8 percent, for small corporations is 14.8 percent. When we started this in 2017, the effective rate was 21.8 percent. We were competitive with the OECD average back then, he said. There was a reason I was resistant to voting for that back then.

I want a complete rethinking of our tax system, added Johnson, who said the present system gives corporations an advantage over 95 percent of American businesses.

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But other Senate Republicans warn that raising corporate taxes will face strong opposition, questioning what Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) can get out of his razor-thin majority.

There is an argument to be made that maybe we went too far [in cutting corporate taxes] in 2017, but I dont know how Speaker Johnson makes that work, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said. I dont know how you get people to vote for a corporate tax increase, but thats something hell have to deal with.

Senate Republicans arent on board with raising the SALT cap generally, arguing that doing so requires low-tax states to subsidize what they call the bad tax policies of California, New Jersey, New York and other high-cost blue states.

Im going to try to get to yes, but people need to understand its very personal to me on the SALT side, said Tillis, who worked as Speaker of the North Carolina House to phase out SALT deductions in his home state.

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Everybody needs to understand what theyre advocating for is subsidizing bad tax policy in their states, Tillis said of Republican lawmakers who want to increase how much constituents can deduct in state and local taxes.

I understand politically why theyre doing it.  Theyre saying, Look, were a high-tax state. The Legislature and the governor keep on taxing and taxing us. We need federal dollars from other states to subsidize us so its not as harmful, he said. It better come with a lot of really good pro-growth policy to make me swallow it, because that is a bitter pill.

Republican senators say raising corporate taxes is going in the wrong direction.

Were in a competition with other countries to attract capital. Countries like Ireland and others have reduced their corporate tax rate and benefited tremendously, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of the Finance Committee.

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The Texas senator argued that while low corporate taxes is good economic policy, allowing people in high-cost, typically Democratic states to deduct more of their state and local taxes is unfair to rest of the country.

I realize that Speaker Johnson has got a problem with getting the votes for anything, and I know hes going to have to deal with the SALT issue, but I dont know why Texas taxpayers should have to subsidize these high-tax jurisdictions like New York and California, which is what raising the deduction would do, he said.

Its going to be a Rubiks cube, he said of the complex challenge Johnson faces in marshaling nearly his entire Republican caucus to support a tax package.

Johnsons majority may be as small as one, two or three seats when the budget reconciliation bill finally comes to the House floor, which means just a few GOP lawmakers will be able to wield tremendous leverage over the outcome.

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The razor-thin House majority has given extraordinary power to lawmakers calling for higher corporate taxes and a higher cap on SALT deductions.

Senate Republicans are trying to quash talk of raising corporate taxes before it gains more momentum in the Capitol.

Im not a guy whos in favor of raising any tax rates, Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso (Wyo.) said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders addresses Arkansas' 95th General Assembly for her State of the State Address on Jan. 14, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

The 95th General Assembly began Monday with much pomp and circumstance at the Arkansas Capitol in Little Rock.

The days festivities featured the swearing in of lawmakers, some of whom were surrounded by family members and holding young children. Others had loved ones loudly cheering them on from the public galleries upstairs.

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The House of Representatives welcomed 13 new members  a dozen true freshmen plus former state lawmaker Tracy Steele, whos returning to the Capitol after some time away. Steele previously served in the state Legislature from 1999 to 2013.

The Arkansas House also welcomed its newest speaker, Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot. He succeeds Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, who was the longest-serving House speaker in state history, having held the post for six years.

In a speech from the House floor Monday, Evans lamented his late father was not there to witness the moment, and called on his colleagues to focus on sacrifice over self.

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, he said.

House Speaker Brian Evans and Lieutenant Gov. Leslie Rutledge preside over a joint session of the Arkansas House and Senate on Jan. 14, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

On the south side of the Capitol, the Senate welcomed its sole new member, Rep. Jamie Scott, D-Little Rock, who moved from the House to the upper chamber to replace Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, who retired.

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The main attraction of the sessions first week was Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders State of the State address Tuesday. There were no major surprises as she cited higher education, public safety, immigration and childrens mental health as her policy priorities for the session.

Arkansas has the worst food insecurity in the nation, according to a 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, so Sanders proposal to use revenue from the states medical marijuana industry to make a federal summer nutrition program and schools free lunch and breakfast programs financially sustainable, and make school breakfast services completely free for any student that chooses to participate, was generally well-received.

Meanwhile, an element of her expected proposal for higher education  which she dubbed Arkansas ACCESS  that would allow for the firing of college and university instructors who waste time indoctrinating students during class time received less universal praise.

Arkansas students go to our colleges and universities to be educated, not to be bombarded with anti-American, historically illiterate woke nonsense, she said.

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Arkansas Democrats responded to the speech with a press conference during which party leaders said they would work with the governor on policies on which they agree, but push back against those that are deemed harmful.

Sen. Fred Love, D-Mabelvale, responds to the governors State of the State Address during a press conference afterwards on Jan. 14, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Sanders supported a wide-ranging education bill called the LEARNS Act in 2023 that, among other things, bans indoctrination in K-12 schools, but doesnt define the term. A federal lawsuit challenging that portion of the law is working its way through the courts, and a judge issued a preliminary injunction in the case last year.

Much of the rest of the week featured organizational meetings for committees, where lawmakers discussed rules and procedures for the session.

Legislators approved a resolution that permits them to recess for four days (they can recess for three with no action). At the start of the session, lawmakers generally dont work on Fridays and regularly enjoy three-day weekends. As noted in the Senate Wednesday, the resolution will allow for the honoring of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as well as the presidential inauguration, which some Arkansas lawmakers will attend.

Proposed legislation

Bill filing began in November, but the pace of filing increased this week with the official launch of the session. Much of the proposed legislation was appropriation bills, which give state agencies the authority to approve the funding allocated to them during last years fiscal session.

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Lawmakers convene for the legislative session in odd-numbered years and the fiscal session in even years. Regular sessions last 60-75 days while fiscal sessions are limited to 30 days. They can be extended by votes of the legislators. Committee meetings are held periodically between sessions.

In addition to these standard finance-related bills, other legislation of note filed this week include:

House Bills 1082 and 1083 by Rep. Andrew Collins, D-Little Rock, aim to protect childrens safety and privacy online. The connection between social media use and kids mental health has been a focus for the governor, who called on lawmakers during her State of the State address to ban students use of cellphones during school hours.

Senate Bill 59 by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, would provide a free breakfast each school day to Arkansas students regardless of their eligibility for the federal free or reduced meal program.

Senate Bill 60 by Sen. Ricky Hill, R-Cabot, would amend state law to prohibit a digital asset mining business from being located within a 30-mile radius of a military facility. This bill continues an ongoing conversation around cryptocurrency mining. The spread of the industry around Arkansas has caused issues for some communities. Legislators attempted to address a few of those problems by approving a pair of laws regulating the industry during last years fiscal session.

House Bill 1150 by Rep. Jeremiah Moore, R- Clarendon, would prohibit a healthcare payor or pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) from obtaining certain pharmacy permits. PBMs are another controversial issue that lawmakers have long tried to address. The proposed bill aims to minimize conflicts of interest by stopping PBMs and healthcare payors from being a fox guarding the henhouse by being both the price setter and price taker.

The 2025 legislative session will resume Tuesday, when both the Senate and House are scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. in their respective chambers.

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A former doctor indicted on rape charges after investigators say he sexually assaulted women at a Massachusetts hospital faced a judge on Friday.

Dr. Derrick Todd, who practiced at several locations, was arraigned in Woburns Middlesex Superior Court on two counts of rape, less than a day after a Middlesex County grand jury returned the indictment against him. Todd pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Caroline Evans alleged in court that Todd assaulted two women who were his patients at Framingham Hospital. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker said the alleged incidents occurred in December of 2022 and in June of 2023 during medical examinations.

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They [the victims] went in for medical appointments and ultimately received some form of pelvic exam or pap smear tests, Evans said in court. On both of those occasions, the tests extended beyond what was normal.

Evans added, In one case, the victim was in such pain that she screamed, stop, and yet the exam continued after she continually repeated stop multiple times. On another occasion, the victim stated that she didnt wish for this type of exam. It proceeded, it happened anyway, and during it, she again reiterated her lack of consent.

Todd, a Wayland resident who lives with his wife of 25 years and two children, attended UMass Chan Medical School, his attorney Ingrid Martin told the court.

Todd, most recently a rheumatologist at Brigham and Womens Rheumatology Center at Faulkner Hospital, forced at least one of his patients to strip naked in front of him before groping and fondling her body during phony breast and vaginal exams, a lawsuit filed in 2023 alleged.

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Brigham and Womens received anonymous complaints about Todd in April 2023 and launched its own investigation.

In a statement shared with Boston 25 News on Friday, Brigham and Womens Hospital said, We first reported Dr. Todd to law enforcement during our investigation, following the receipt of two anonymous complaints, and we continued to work closely with them throughout their investigation. We also reached out to patients who were seen by Dr. Todd and offered extensive support for follow-up medical care, as well as assistance if they wanted to report their experience to law enforcement.

The hospital added, We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously. We are deeply distressed to learn of the depth and breadth of harm that Dr. Todd is accused of having caused. We will continue to provide support and respond to our patients needs during this challenging time. We recognize the incredible courage it has taken for all patients who have come forward to ensure that this conduct was exposed.

Todd also previously practiced at Charles River Medical Associates, Ryan and Baker said.

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More than 200 women and several men have accused Todd in a consolidated lawsuit of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations over a period of more than a decade.

The Commonwealth asked that Todd be held on $25,000, but the judge presiding over the hearing set his bail at $10,000 after Martin repeatedly cited her clients lack of a criminal history.

Because of those allegations, he voluntarily entered into an agreement not to practice medicine, Martin explained as she stressed to the court that her client isnt a flight risk. He has been in agreement with the Board of Medicine not to practice medicine since the fall of 2023. He has remained here nevertheless...He has remained in Massachusetts the entire time.

Todd was also ordered to surrender his passport, stay away from his alleged victims, and refrain from practicing medicine if hes able to post bail.

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Anyone with information that could help detectives with their ongoing investigation is urged to contact Framingham police at 508-532-5924.

Todd is due back in court for a conference on February 11.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 31-year-old man has been arrested and is facing a charge of possession of child pornography, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said.

After an investigation by its Majors Crimes Unit, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said it obtained an arrest warrant for Stephen Roder. Roder was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Tuesday, Jan. 14, under a charge of possession of child pornography/depicting or video. He was booked under a $100,000 bond, the Sheriffs Office said.

The investigation initially started back in December when deputies were called out to the El Paso Multi-Use Facility, 1650 Horizon Blvd, about a report of someone possessing child pornography. Deputies met with the reporting party, who told them a person had been found in possession of explicit images on his cell phone.

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The case was then transferred to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office Major Crimes Unit for further investigation. Through their efforts, detectives determined that the subject, later identified as Roder, was in possession of over 50 illicit images. Based on these findings, the Majors Crimes Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Roder.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office is dedicated to investigating and addressing crimes involving the exploitation of children. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details will be available at this time, the Sheriffs Office said in its news release.

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A Northern Kentucky pawn shop was the latest victim of a smash-and-grab-style burglary in which a group used a car to crash through the storefront and steal firearms, according to the Boone County Sheriff's Office.

The burglary happened early Thursday morning at Goodies Pawn in Hebron when a stolen Hyundai Elantra breached the pawn shop's front doors, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

Video from inside the business showed two suspects enter the building and steal multiple guns from a display case before they fled the scene in another vehicle parked outside.

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Investigators said there were at least five suspects involved, including the two who entered the shop, two more who stood lookout outside and another driving the getaway vehicle.

A still image from surveillance video of a burglary that happened at a Hebron pawn shop on Thursday.

The sheriff's office said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation and anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call investigators at 859-334-8487.

Last year, the ATF warned of dozens of firearms left unaccounted for after a string of similar burglaries at gun stores in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio. Many of the suspects arrested in those burglaries were juveniles ages 13 to 16.

Officials haven't offered any information about arrests or possible suspects in the most recent burglary. In a video of the incident, the perpetrators' faces were largely concealed by hoods.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Northern Kentucky gun theft: Pawn shop latest victim of smash-and-grab
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating a shooting on N. Acadian Thruway that left one woman hurt.

According to the police, officers responded to a reported shooting near a local convenience store on N. Acadian Thruway around 3 p.m. Thursday.

The woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials confirmed.

Further details about the victim or the shooting were not immediately available. This story will be updated.

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Anyone with information about this shooting is urged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department at 225-389-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 225-389-7867 (STOP).

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Cross and Company, a developer attempting to build a residential project on the Simmers property in and near Thurmont, is suing 36 defendants  mostly residents  to remove an abandoned stormwater management facility from the property.

Cross and Company plans to develop a residential community on about 24.5 acres between Apples Church Road and Graceham Road, also known as the Simmers property.

The company is petitioning Thurmont to annex the 16.7 acres of the property that are outside town limits into the town.

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The Thurmont Board of Commissioners approved a previous annexation the company requested for a denser project on the same property. But it was overturned by residents in a referendum vote in 2023.

In a lawsuit filed in May 2024, Cross and Company is asking for a declaratory ruling to force the defendants to remove from the Simmers property a deserted stormwater management facility that was built nearly 30 years ago.

The defendants include the town of Thurmont, Frederick County, dozens of residents and several residential associations for the Albert Courts community in Thurmont.

Cross and Company alleges that the existence of the facility presents a substantial obstacle and impairment for [the companys] development plans, according to the complaint.

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Daniel Cross, principal of Cross and Company, said on Thursday the company declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.

Whats in the lawsuit

In 1993, Kenneth Simmers, the former owner of the Simmers property, granted a temporary stormwater drainage and management easement and a right-of-way across the property to Gateway Enterprises, according to the complaint.

Gateway Enterprises owned land south of the property and needed a temporary stormwater management facility for its nearby planned residential development, which is the present-day Albert Courts community.

The agreement that Simmers provided to Gateway was non-exclusive.

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On the same day it received an easement on the property, Gateway provided a temporary stormwater drainage and management easement to the town of Thurmont across its own easement.

Both agreements state that once the Albert Courts condominiums and other parts of the development are completed and other stormwater management facilities are found, Gateway and Thurmont will terminate their easements and return the Simmers property to its original condition.

Under the agreements, Gateway and Thurmont must also maintain, repair and operate the facilities in the easements. Additionally, their successors and assignees ... and subsequent owners of the property identified are bound to the agreements, the complaint said.

Gateway built a temporary stormwater management facility in 1996 on the Simmers property. A portion of this facility was within Gateway and Thurmonts easements  but another portion was constructed outside them, according to the complaint.

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In 1994, Gateway finished building the first Albert Courts condominiums. By 1997, the company had finished building the Albert Courts second condominium development and townhouse development.

These residences are overseen by Albert Courts Condominium, Albert Courts II Condominium and Albert Courts Townhouse Association, which Cross and Company said are the successors of the easement agreements and are included in the lawsuit.

In the complaint, Cross and Company alleges that although Gateway completed the Albert Courts development, it completely failed to develop and construct any additional temporary stormwater management facilities to serve the development, as mandated by the easement agreements.

The company alleges that Frederick County failed in its responsibility to require that Gateway, the Albert Courts associations and the Albert Courts residents find and construct other permanent stormwater management facilities.

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Cross and Company alleges that the facility on the Simmers property has been abandoned and left in a derelict condition by Defendants, and overflow of stormwater from the facility has damaged crops there.

The company sent a letter to the Albert Courts associations, the town of Thurmont, Gateway and Frederick County in May 2023 terminating the land easements the facility is on and asking for the easements to stop being used by June 2023.

None of the Defendants ceased using the ... Easements on or before June 17, 2023, and, as of the date this Complaint was filed, Defendants have all rejected Plaintiffs demands, the complaint said.

Unless the ... Easements are determined to be terminated, and Defendants are restrained from using those easements and rights of way, Plaintiff will continue to suffer substantial harm in connection with Plaintiffs efforts to develop the Simmers Property.

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The complaint requests include:

A declaratory judgment to terminate the Gateway and Thurmont easements on the Simmers property, remove the temporary stormwater management facility and build permanent stormwater management facilities for the Albert Courts community elsewhere

Compensatory damages of at least $75,000 from each Albert Courts resident who is a defendant in the lawsuit

A specific court order to require Frederick County to force permanent facilities be built by the other defendants

Since the complaint was first filed in May, dozens of summonses have been issued, as well as answers to the complaint from some of the residents, the town of Thurmont and Gateway.

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A scheduling conference is slated for Feb. 13 at 9 a.m. in Frederick County Circuit Court.

On Dec. 17, Ian Bartman, an attorney representing Cross and Company, sent a 60-day notice to the town of Thurmont and Frederick County about its intent to file a lawsuit against those entities for state environmental violations related to stormwater.

Impact on defendants

Out of the 36 defendants in the complaint, 30 are residents in the Albert Courts community.

Alicia Kuchinsky, who lives in one of the Albert Courts townhouses, said some residents have lived in the community for several years, while others moved in as recently as 2024.

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Kuchinsky has lived in Albert Courts since 2001. She said on Thursday that she didnt know anything about the stormwater facility until 2023, when she and many of her neighbors were served a cease and desist order for trespassing.

Although the residents didnt know what it meant, she said, they felt like something was brewing, since Cross and Companys initial annexation petition for the Simmers property was voted down by Thurmont residents that year.

When we got sued ... in my opinion, this was retaliatory for the company not getting what they wanted, she said.

Kuchinsky said the neighbors in the lawsuit met to discuss their plan. Some residents agreed to be represented by the same attorney while others found their own legal representation.

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Not only is being a defendant in the lawsuit stressful, she said, but she sees how its also putting her neighbors lives on pause, like people who wanted to sell their homes but cant due to the pending litigation.

She said that not everyone in the Albert Courts community is being sued, and it feels random which defendants were chosen. To her, Cross and Companys target is Frederick County and the town of Thurmont, and were just collateral damage in this.

If I had done something wrong and Im paying for it, thats one other thing. I havent done anything wrong, and neither have my neighbors, Kuchinsky said.

... Honestly, Im angry. Im angry that if I did want to sell my home, or if I needed to sell my home, I cant because a construction company who wants to build what they want to build and is peeved that they didnt get what they want decided to throw lawsuits at a whole bunch of people.

Thurmonts town attorney, Leslie Powell, said on Wednesday that the town opposes the lawsuit and doesnt believe that Cross and Company is entitled to the relief its asking for.

Scott Clabaugh, who is listed as the resident agent for Gateway in the complaint, did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Tracie Clabaugh, the attorney representing Gateway in the lawsuit, declined to comment.

Brian Barkley, the attorney representing Albert Courts Condominium and Albert Courts II Condominium, said Thursday that his clients feel like they are stuck in a dispute between Cross and Company, Thurmont and the county.

They want those three entities to figure out a resolution and not include the residents in a problem they didnt create, Barkley said.

He said the county essentially told his clients that this is not the countys problem to solve.

In a statement emailed to The Frederick News-Post on Thursday, county attorney Bryon Black said that while Frederick County has no responsibility for the storm water facility on the property Mr. Cross is purchasing, we take the case very seriously and are pursuing all available defenses.

It is unfortunate that so many residents in the area have been drawn into the case, but the County is working alongside the Town of Thurmont to resolve this matter, he said.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux City man is facing federal charges after being accused of creating AI-generated pornography involving people he knew, including minors.

Keith Havener, 60, was arrested and charged with two counts sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He allegedly had sexually explicit content depicting relatives and co-workers engaged in sexual acts, some of which involved juvenile females.

63-year-old Norfolk man hospitalized in critical condition after highway accident

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According to court documents, the FBI got a tip on Dec. 30, 2024 that an underage girl had been seen on an online ad for prostitution. However, she said she had not created it. Officials learned that the ad had allegedly been created by Havener. He had also been harassing the girls family through text and received pornographic photos of her and another underage girl, court documents say.

The Sioux City Police Department had also been told earlier that month that Havener was making AI porn involving relatives. He allegedly placed their faces onto naked photographs.

Officials would then learn that Havener was creating porn of his coworkers at a Sioux City business in a similar manner, according to court documents. He had worked there for 17 years, but would ultimately be let go from his position.

After a search of Haveners work laptop, officials say they found sexually explicit images using the superimposed faces of juvenile females related to him. According to documents, at least two identifiable minors are portrayed in the images.

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No merit: Judge strikes down Jason Jones renewed motion to quash death penalty

Also found on the laptop were messages sent by email addresses connected to Havener. He was allegedly messaging another person about letting them have sex with a 14-year-old girl in his basement, promising that she will not tell anyone.

Havener will be detained until further action is taken by the court. There are not currently any more hearings scheduled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
After weeks of pressure from Elon Musk and others, the Government on Thursday at last begrudgingly made some small concessions to those calling for an inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, promising 5 million for five local inquiries across the country and a rapid audit to establish the current scale of abuse.

This is at best woefully inadequate, and at worst has the potential to constitute a whitewash. To say the least, a great many locations where gangs are suspected or known to have operated would be excluded by their sheer number.

Then there is the point that the funds available are a pittance next to what would be required for a proper investigation in five separate locations; as Rotherham MP Sarah Champion noted in Parliament, the Telford inquiry alone cost some 8 million.

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Moreover, the model apparently being suggested would lack the powers to compel witnesses to give evidence, limiting its utility in uncovering wrongdoing. There are also concerns about the ability of local inquiries to investigate wrongdoing on the part of state bodies, and that such siloed endeavours may miss links between locations.

Given these concerns, Sir Keir Starmers apparent obstinacy on this issue is hard to explain. Cynics have alleged that the Prime Minister is acting out of concern over the implications an inquiry would have for the number of seats held by his party; whatever the reason, Sir Keir has managed to find himself taking a clear side on an issue in opposition to that taken by the overwhelming majority of the British public.

In other cases, his apparent lack of political antennae is easier to explain. The attempt to bribe Mauritius with billions of pounds in taxpayer money into accepting the gift of the strategically vital Chagos Islands was rooted not in any convoluted diplomatic scheme to muster support for Ukraine or to otherwise improve Britains national security, but instead in a deeply ideological approach to governance.

Sir Keir, a former human rights lawyer, and a close friend of the British lawyer Philippe Sands acting as counsel to Mauritius on this matter, has put a rigid, gold-plated adherence to the letter and spirit of the law at the centre of his short time in office. Speaking last year, the Attorney General Lord Hermer  another friend of Sir Keirs, this time given a peerage in order to appoint him to the role of chief legal adviser  set out the new administrations approach to the rule of law.

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At the core of this speech was honouring Britains obligations under international law. Reaching a deal with Mauritius to settle the historic sovereignty claims over the Chagos Islands was cited as one of the steps taken to uphold these obligations and demonstrate our deep commitment to international law. Nevermind that there was no binding legal ruling that dictated that Britain must hand over these islands, or that our strategic interests clearly dictated their retention; a legal argument had been constructed, and Sir Keir felt obligated to obey it.

A similar process appears to have played out in Sir Keirs decision to repeal Troubles legislation denying compensation to Gerry Adams and others for their detention in prison for suspected involvement in terrorism. Nevermind that Parliament had passed a law indicating its clear will in the matter, or that victims of the IRA strongly oppose the move, noting that they were never offered compensation; Sir Keir wishes to repeal the law as the High Court in Northern Ireland deemed it incompatible with human rights laws, and the Government, in the words of Hilary Benn, has an absolute commitment to these. Lord Hermer, who represented Mr Adams in court in 2023, has refused to say whether he was involved in the decision.

From these cases, it is possible to just about see the image of Britain Sir Keir wishes to portray: a responsible, grown-up country, shorn of the Johnsonian instinct to play fast and loose with the rules, or the desire to bend them to our advantage, a partner with whom one can do business. The actual image conveyed, however, is a country tying itself in knots, ready to be parted from its riches.

The whole endeavour has a little of Nero fiddling to it. At 0.1 per cent, our latest growth figures fell well short of forecasts. Rather than devoting his efforts to compliance with ever more arcane interpretations of the legal code, Sir Keir would do better to consider lessening the burden of regulation upon this country.

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Jan. 16Background Randy Moore, CEO of sir Technologies, said sir used to be called ZAF Energy Systems but that in 2021, ZAF spun off sir Technologies to build advanced energy storage for the aerospace, defense, medical and critical infrastructure markets. Moore said ZAF still exists as an intellectual property holding company and licenses sir to use the nickel-zinc battery intellectual property it holds.

Joplin battery producer sir Technologies Inc. has secured a contract from the U.S. Navy to increase its capacity to manufacture battery packs for submarines.

CEO Randy Moore said it could mean job growth in the future for the Joplin company.

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Moore said the $15.8 million contract with BlueForge Alliance will build and partially equip a 17,000-square-foot expansion of the company's plant at 8125 E. 26th St. in the Crossroads Business and Industrial Park.

BlueForge is a Texas-based organization that works with the U.S. Navy on its submarines.

"We are honored to be selected by the Navy to increase our production capacity for this critical technology," Moore said. "This expansion will not only benefit the Navy but also position sir as an industry leader in advanced Nickel-Zinc battery solutions."

The company said the contract is built around its advanced nickel-zinc battery that provides improved high-rate performance and long cycle life, intended for use in underwater naval applications.

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To accommodate this growth, sir will obtain state-of-the-art equipment and expand its Joplin manufacturing operation.

The company said it also will undergo a rigorous qualification process to ensure that the large-format nickel-zinc battery cells produced with the new equipment will meet the standards of the U.S. Navy.

Moore said the Navy is working on a future contract that could be between $25 million and $30 million and would expand sir's capacity from building one "ship-set" of batteries per year to eight ship-sets a year.

He said the the company has about 50 employees now, but it could expand to between 250 and 300 employees when it reaches full capacity.

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"Submarines currently use lead-acid batteries," Moore said. "The advantage of nickel-zinc over lead-acid is they last about twice as long and they're more energy-dense, so you can increase the power in them by about twofold or threefold in the same space. The same size battery with three times the power, that's part of the reason they're looking at a new kind of battery."

Moore said the company has other contracts with the military and provides batteries for the U.S. Air Force's Minuteman III ballistic missile program and the U.S. Army's upgraded M1 Abrams tank program.

In addition to military programs, sir is working to move into providing batteries for commercial airliners, replacing the now-standard nickel-cadmium batteries with nickel-zinc batteries with more capacity and reliability.

Moore said the company is also working to provide battery backup power for data centers and AI computing centers.
A delegation of Slovak opposition politicians has arrived in Kyiv to support friendly relations with Ukraine amidst the ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Source: Aktuality, a Slovak media outlet, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The delegation includes Michal Simecka, leader of the social-liberal Progressive Slovakia party, former foreign minister Ivan Korcok and three other party members.

Quote: "Our goal is very clear  to reopen the doors slammed shut by Robert Fico with his aggressive attacks. Slovakia and Ukraine are close partners and can help each other significantly."

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More details: He jokingly added that the opposition members visited Kyiv on the very day President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Robert Fico to the city: "Its Friday, the day we were supposed to come. So, here we are," Simecka remarked.

The report notes that a delegation from the coalition party Voice, which includes current Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, had also planned to visit Kyiv but postponed the trip due to security concerns.

Lawmakers Jan Ferencak, Samuel Migal, and Radomir Salitros intended to use the visit to signal their support for Slovakia's pro-Western orientation.

Background:

Slovak pro-Western opposition parties are preparing to initiate a vote of no confidence against Robert Ficos government.

Last Friday, protests against the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico erupted in several Slovak cities.

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A Slovak delegation headed by pro-Western opposition leader Michal Simecka of Progressive Slovakia party arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 17, he said on social media.

"Our goal is clear  to reopen the door that Robert Fico slammed with his aggressive outbursts," Simecka wrote, who in turn initiated a confidence vote set for next week.

His visit comes days after President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Fico to visit Kyiv on Jan. 17 amid the Slovak prime minister's threats to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut off electricity supplies due to the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe.

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Fico said on Jan. 16 he may meet with Zelensky in the "next few days."

According to the opposition leader, the Slovak delegation is planning to hold "important talks" with a Ukrainian side.

"Slovakia and Ukraine are close partners and can help each other a great deal," he said.

Ukraine did not renew a pre-war agreement to transit Russian gas to Europe via Ukrainian territory, instead allowing the deal to expire on Jan. 1. Kyiv warned repeatedly that it would not extend the deal in order to stop financing Russia's full-scale war.

Fico and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban have been among some of the most vocal opponents of Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit.

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Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orban and Fico have continued to maintain friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with him, and promoting pro-Russian narratives in Europe.

On Jan. 14, Slovakia's opposition parties announced plans to initiate a vote of no confidence in Fico's government, citing concerns over his governance and foreign policy direction.

Read also: You were shot. Why didnt you forgive? Zelensky tells Fico, drawing parallels to Russian aggression

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A recent news story gave the anti-self-driving car pearl-clutchers some ammunition, although it was more comical than tragic. In West Hollywood last month, a goofy sidewalk-delivery robot collided with a robotaxi at around 4 miles per hour. There obviously were no injuries and neither vehicle was damaged, although writers had a field day depicting this as a preview of the coming dystopian war between robots.

Critics of autonomous vehicles, or AVs, can fixate on nonsense if they choose, but widespread legislative efforts to limit the development of these vehicles actually endanger us given that robots are much better drivers than human beings. They're not chatting on cellphones, fussing with the radio, or distracted by crying children. They are more attuned to surrounding trafficand can "see" much farther ahead than the average driver. But fear of the unknown often drives policy.

Granted, I used to share the "isn't that cool, but I'm not getting into one of those" view as I've watched Waymo robotaxis covered with futuristic-looking cameras and lidar sensors zip around San Francisco. Then I grabbed a ride in one in Phoenix and was shocked by the non-shocking nature of the experience. It was like taking any taxiexcept the car was a nice Jaguar, I could play my own music and I didn't have to listen to the driver's political theories.

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The taxi ride from my hotel to tour Waymo's operations center south of downtown actually was a bigger ordeal as the human driver got lost and took me miles out of the way. The robotaxi drove carefully. I'm not saying things can't go wrong, but they can go wrong when riding in any vehicle. Accidents in traditional taxis and other human-piloted vehicles aren't exactly an unusual occurrence.

News reports also made a big deal out of a minor robotaxi accident in San Francisco, even though there were scores of human-related car accidents the same day. The latest peer-reviewed research from Swiss Reinsurance Co. found that robotaxis "significantly outperformedthe overall driving population" with an 88-percent drop in property-damage claims and a 92-percent drop in bodily-injury claims. Insurance research tends to be extremely reliable as insurers need to know the risks as they set rates.

Nevertheless, lawmakers and regulators continually try to slow the adoption of self-driving vehicles. One key reason is unions, which fear the loss of jobsespecially when it comes to the trucking industry, taxi businesses, and transit systems. Beyond raw protectionism, the key stated concern is safety. In that case, the data doesn't support the call for onerous regulation. Foes of these vehicles are trying to gin up unrealistic safety concerns to limit a life-saving advancement.

For instance, many states are pushing "driver-in" laws that require a human driver in the driver's seat, which defeats the purpose of the technology. It's as if early 20th-century legislators required a horse to be yoked to the front of emerging automobiles just in case. Others ban AVs for interstate commerce. This restricts the industry's expansion, forcing companies to spend time lobbying rather than creating a new industry.

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In the new legislative session, California lawmakers are expected to revive a bill (Senate Bill 915) that would let larger municipalities impose their own limits on AVs. These include permitting rules, caps on the numbers of such vehicles, and mandatory inspections. The state Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission already regulate AVs, so don't buy the nonsense that they are somehow unregulated. This measure is pernicious given that vehicles would have to comply with vastly different laws as they crossed city lines.

This regulatory situation reminds me of debates about the federal Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for approving medicine and medical devices. Obviously, the nation needs some regulation to protect against dangerous products, but the FDA is known for its excruciatingly slow approval process. If the agency approves a drug too quickly and it leads to ill results, that means bad headlines and congressional inquiries.

Therefore, in bureaucracies, the incentive structure is to go slowly and impose myriad impediments to new developments. With the FDA, that has meant years of delay of life-enhancing drugs. As others have noted, the victims of this delay do not know why they can't access these treatments. These downsides are unseen, but they cost thousands of lives.

Back to vehicles, more than 42,000 Americans die in collisions every year. Based on the above-mentioned research, AVs have dramatically lower bodily-injury rates. If governments slow approval of self-driving carsor give local governments the ability to stop their use based on anecdotes and irrational fearsthen we'll likely have more deaths and injuries. And no one will know why.

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So, sure, it might be funny to think about dueling robots on L.A. streets, but let's not let minor foibles cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture.

This was first published in The Orange County Register.

The post The Slow Approval of Self-Driving Cars Is Costing Lives appeared first on Reason.com.
Some residents from fire affected areas of Los Angeles started to return home on Thursday, as the death toll from the devastating blazes rose to 27.

Dangerous strong Santa Ana winds winds have finally died down across the Greater Los Angeles area, allowing progress in the fight against the fires to continue.

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which claimed 17 of the 27 fatalities confirmed by local authorities so far, was 55% contained as of Thursday afternoon.

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The Palisades fire, which burned across a wide area on the western edge of Los Angeles, was 27% contained.

The two fires combined have so far burned through more than 15,600 hectares and accounted for all the confirmed deaths.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that some residents would be allowed to return to some areas affected by the Palisades Fire as of Thursday afternoon.

However, it will take at least another week before evacuation orders for larger evacuation zones affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires can be lifted, said County Sheriff Robert Luna in a news conference.

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"Our search and rescue efforts continue," Luna said. "There are areas we are holding because we believe there may be deceased victims there."

"Please be patient with us," Luna said.

According to initial estimates, more than 12,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged in the area.

A Firefighter battles the fire in Mandeville Canyon neighborhood in Los Angeles, as the Palisades fires rage through the area. Jill Connelly/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek has passionately defended his support for President William Rutos re-election, urging Kenyans to exercise patience with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

During a TV interview on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Kiborek emphasized that the government needs more time to deliver its promises and responsibilities.

The outspoken lawmaker confidently predicted a landslide victory for Ruto in the 2027 elections. He argued that if the government is given another year or two, it will achieve significant progress, leading to widespread rejoicing.

Kenyans have not given this government enough time. If allowed another year or two, people will be singing hallelujah for this government, and in 2027, Ruto will be re-elected, he stated.

The MP argued that it is a longstanding tradition for Kenyan presidents to serve more than one term, regardless of public opinion. He cited historical precedents to back his claim.

No leadership has ever been elected and failed to complete a term after just three years. They called Mois term a single term, and it became 24 years. Kibakis was called one term, and it turned into 10 years. Uhurus was labeled one term, and it became 10 years. Kenyattas one term turned into 15 years. Why would Rutos term end after just one? he questioned.
David Smith has long been the director of legislative services for Daviess Fiscal Court.

But less known has been Smiths longtime involvement behind the scenes with the countys parks department.

Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said that history made him the logical choice to take on the role of parks director, which was recently announced, in addition to his legislative work.

David has always loved our parks, and he always worked very closely with Ross Leigh when he was in that role, and he worked close with Jordan (Rowe) when he was in that role, so he has a long history of being very involved behind the scenes with our parks department at the courthouse level, said Castlen, who isnt sure if its a permanent move. I dont know quite honestly at the moment if David will be long-term or short-term.

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I know he stepped in when I needed somebody to take over for Jordan, and I think hes very comfortable with his role right now. It may be long-term. Only time will tell.

Smith takes over for Rowe, who is also the countys communications coordinator.

It worked better for Jordan to go back to his other role, and I have told Jordan repeatedly that his stepping back to his other role should not be viewed with anything other than, Hey, I stepped in when the county needed help, and I helped out tremendously, and he should be very pleased with what he accomplished in his tenure in that role.

Commissioner Larry Conder said its a possibility Fiscal Court may need to look at hiring a person for the role if Smith finds its too much to juggle both positions.

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Right now, David is trying to get his feet underneath him, especially with the current big capital projects that we have in the budget for 2023-24, and what is going to be done this coming spring and moving into 2024-25, he said. Well see if hes able to handle it, because for 20 years our parks have needed a lot of renovations and repairs, and were about to really explode on these projects that need to be addressed, that have needed to be addressed for a long period of time.

Whether or not David can handle it, well find out.

Commissioner Chris Castlen said hes confident Smith will be able to balance the roles, with parks having already become his primary focus.

David is spending most of his time concentrating on parks, he said. Hes still doing research for the judge, but he is really more focused on the parks than anything else. I dont think we need a different person. But for David, that is his primary responsibility, and it needs to be, because our parks are such a big part of our community, to have those public spaces, the events have been outstanding and well attended, and they need that continued support of the director who can help make sure these things happen while the other people do the work to make it happen.

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Its a small group, but it takes a director and leadership.

Charlie Castlen seconded Chris Castlens assessment that Smith is devoted to the parks.

I would argue he is full-time (parks director), Castlen said, because he spends almost all of his time out there at the parks now.
The Smyrna Police Department say they arrested as suspect accused of breaking into vehicles after a call came in to their 911 communications center.

Police said they got a phone call from a caller saying her vehicle was actively getting broken into. Police got there and arrested the suspect.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As they investigated, police learned the suspect broke into several vehicles.

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While searching the suspects vehicle, police say they found the callers belongings inside, along with stolen items from several theft from autos across other municipalities.

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Police credited the work done by their night shift officers in arresting someone who was wanted across multiple jurisdictions in several theft from auto cases.

As a reminder, Smyrna police encourage neighbors that if they see something, say something by calling 911. Also, be sure to lock your vehicle and remove all valuables.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has issued another warning about a scam targeting people receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits.

ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder is warning people to be on the lookout for skimming devices placed over card readers by criminals. These devices scan and steal card information.

Criminals continue to prey on vulnerable Ohioans who rely on food assistance to supplement their monthly grocery costs, said Damschroder. SNAP recipients should be vigilant in protecting their benefits by looking for signs of skimming, protecting their EBT card number and PIN, and using tools such as the ConnectEBT app and its Lock Everywhere feature to avoid becoming victims.

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Could SNAP benefits become more restrictive?

There are ways people receiving SNAP can protect themselves and reduce their chance of being a victim of this scam.

Use the ConnectEBT app on your phone or tablet, which can be used to lock and unlock your card before purchases.

Make sure your card pin is difficult for others to guess and change it monthly before the deposit.

Never share your card or pin number and remember no one from ODJFS will ever ask for either.

Look at the card reader before using your card and check for a skimmer device.

Use your hand to block the keypad from the view of others as you enter your pin.

Alert the cashier if something seems wrong with the scanner.

Visit the ODJFS website to learn more safety tips.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
SNYDER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  When news broke that Snyder ISD was closing due to a threat, with little to no details about the nature of the threat, the Scurry County Youth Center also decided to close for the day as a precaution.

On Thursday morning, Snyder ISD announced the closure of its campuses in response to a threat made against the district. According to officials, the decision happened after school board members received an email containing the threat at approximately 11:00 p.m. the previous night.

ALL CLEAR: Snyder ISD reopens following threat investigation, increased security in place

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The details of the threat were not disclosed to the public, prompting Heather James, a parent and the director of the Scurry County Youth Center, to close her facility. James explained that, without specific information, she felt compelled to make the best decision to ensure the safety of the children.

It had really no details. It was just saying that there was a threat. That was at 11:00 p.m. or later, and they didnt have time to do an all-clear. So, with them not having any information, Im not knowing the severity of the situation and the circumstances or what the threat even is, James explained.

Local authorities were immediately notified once the threat was known and conducted thorough searches of the campuses. However, the all clear was not issued in time for the school day to begin, leading to the closure announcement. Heather James stated that she preferred dealing with the inconvenience over risking a potential safety issue.

I know that its very frustrating to be shutting down, especially at the last minute, but what [would be] even more frustrating is if they had known about the threat, we send our kids to school, and then something happens, James shared. Weve seen the tragedies on the news and how once tragedy strikes, its so fast, and everything is so chaotic. Theres nothing that we can do at that point.

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The police are continuing to investigate the situation and have identified an out-of-state person of interest. Meanwhile, normal school operations resumed Thursday night, and increased law enforcement will remain at the school in the following days as an ongoing precaution. The Scurry County Youth Center will return to its normal operations on Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Southern California Edison says its cooperating with investigations as some allege that its equipment ignited what became one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles County history.

The accusations, which sparked lawsuits filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court last week, claim that negligence on the part of SCE led to the fire as equipment allegedly wasnt properly secured or inspected as hurricane-force winds barreled toward the area.

Attorney Richard Bridgford, who represents a homeowner for one of the suits, said his firms own investigation has led them to believe that the fire was ignited because of SCEs failure to de-energize its overhead wires which traverse Eaton Canyondespite a red flag [particularly dangerous situation] wind warning.

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In an interview with KTLAs Annie Rose Ramos on Friday morning, SCE spokesperson David Eisenhauer said the company hasnt been able to assess the area that the fire allegedly started at yet, but they are cooperating with investigators.

Its important to understand that the fire investigating agencies are still investigating the fire, so they havent announced a cause yet, he said. We are cooperating with them.

LOS ANGELES, CA  JANUARY 14: The death toll has risen to 25, according to the Los Angeles medical examiners in Los Angeles, California, United States on January 14, 2025. The latest victim, the 25th, died in the Eaton Fire, which has already claimed 17 lives. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Eisenhauer pushed back on allegations that the towers werent inspected regularly, saying that particular tower was inspected twice in 2024.

He added that the conditions the area were facing that day, despite wind gusts topping 60 miles per hour and low humidity, didnt reach the threshold that would require SCE to shut down power lines.

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Our weather sensors in that area did not detect winds that reached the criteria to shut off those lines, Eisenhauer said, adding that SCE is looking into the possibility that the sensors were wrong.

While the lawsuits allege that SCE was responsible and an investigation is opened, no fire agencies have publicly stated a cause for the Eaton Fire.

Travis Schlepp 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 KTLA.
An Australian social media influencer was arrested on Thursday and accused of poisoning and torturing a 1-year-old girl in order to receive thousands of dollars in donations from her followers.

The 34-year-old woman from the Sunshine Coast region was unnamed, but Queensland police say that between Aug. 6 and Oct. 15 of last year, she obtained prescription medicine and administered it without a doctors approval to a 1-year-old girl, according to a press release issued on Thursday. Authorities did not specify the relationship between the woman and the child.

Social media influencer accused of torturing infant via Queensland Police Queensland Police

Police say the woman filmed and posted videos of the girl as she was being subject to immense distress and pain, according to the release. She allegedly used the videos to garner donations from her online followers.

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The influencer raised approximately $60,000 Australian dollars  $37,000 USD  through GoFundMe, according to the BBC. The platform is currently working on refunding donors following the womans arrest.

Medical staff contacted police on Oct. 15 after the child was taken to the hospital with severe emotional and physical distress and harm, according to the outlet.

On Jan. 7, police said the child tested positive for unauthorized medicines.

The influencer was charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.

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There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival, Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said in the release.

The woman appeared in court on Friday with her attorney, Mathew Cuskelly, who asked for her to be put in protective custody, The Guardian reported.

There is some publicity with regards to this matter and I am concerned with regard to the safety of my client, Cuskelly told the court.

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Jerry Wheeldon taking picture

Jerry Wheeldon, right, takes a picture of his grandson, Brannen Wheeldon, who sat in on his first City Council meeting on Monday.

The new year means new faces on the Somerset City Council, and Mondays meeting saw all three of those new faces welcomed by their fellow councilors.

Even before the meeting began, a focus was being put on the three  Brannen Wheeldon, Margaret Dick and Phyllis Lawson. Wheeldon was elected to the seat recently held by his grandfather, Jerry Wheeldon.

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The elder Wheeldon attended Mondays council meeting in person, so he had a first-hand look at how his grandson did on his first night on the job.

All three new councilors also had the opportunity to greet the public, with all three saying some variation of Im excited to be here and get started.

Brannen and Jerry Wheeldon

Brannen Wheeldon, seated at the Somerset City Council desk, was congratulated by his grandfather, Jerry Wheeldon, who previously sat in that chair.

Additionally, Wheeldon and Dick paid tribute to the citys employees who had helped them through the transition into their new positions  or, as other councilors pointed out during their discussions, kept the city running during the weekends winter weather event.

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Lawson, likewise, offered a thanks to those who had reached out to me to give me support and guidance, with one particular name perhaps coming as a surprise to some.

Lawson made a special effort to thank former Council Member Robin Daughetee, whom Lawson ran against in the November election.

He has gone above and beyond making me feel comfortable.  I praise him and I appreciate everything hes done for me, Lawson said of her former opponent.

Somerset Mayor Alan Keck joined the veteran council members in welcoming the new ones. Im excited to serve alongside of you. ... Its an interesting opportunity when you develop relationships with folks that are outgoing, but can equally be excited about new members that have the community at heart, and I think both of those can be true.

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In other council personnel business, Keck informed the public how the position of mayor pro tem would be handled for the next two years.

The mayor pro tem  short for pro tempore  is a person that is designated to run city council meetings in the event that the mayor is unavailable. For Somerset, that position is decided by the voters. Whichever council member out of the 12 wards who receives the highest number of votes takes on the role.

However, in the November election, there was an actual tie for that top spot. Both Amanda Bean Bullock and Brian Dalton both received 2,888 votes.

For Kentucky politics, ties are decided by a literal coin flip. But in the case of Bullock and Dalton, Keck said the two worked out a system without resorting to the need for there to be only one winner.

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Bullock will be the mayor pro tem on odd-numbered months, while Dalton will hold the position on even-numbered months, Keck said.

Not that Keck is planning on either needing to be called on, he said. I dont intend to miss any city meetings, so hopefully their services are not needed, he said.

Dick and Lawson

New Councilors Margaret Dick, left, and Phyllis Lawson, right, discuss business before Mondays City Council meeting.

Also at Mondays meeting, council members heard the first readings for four annexation requests, two for privately-owned businesses and two for the utility rights-of-way that would get city lines to those businesses.

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The first business that requested to be annexed was the Shell gas station and store on Raleigh Road, also known as D&D Shell.

City Attorney John Adams described the gas station as being located right outside of Science Hill, which drew questions from several council members who were concerned that the property was already in Science Hills city limits.

Adams assured council members that the property in question was not already part of a city limits.

The second business requesting annexation is the American Legion building on Enterprise Drive, behind the Somerset Mall.

Keck reminded the public that due to state law there is a 45-day waiting period for any annexation requests to allow time for county government to review. Because of that, Keck said the second reading of those requests would not be made until the end of February or first meeting of March.

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Also at the meeting, Meghan Gilmore informed the public that the Somerset Sleep Out was scheduled to take place on January 24 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Ferguson Baptist Church.

The Sleep Out is an event meant to raise awareness and show solidarity for those who are unhoused.

Gilmore said there has not been a Sleep Out since before the pandemic.

The event is hosted by the Somerset-Pulaski Counter Interagency & Partnering Agencies.

More information can be found at the SOS-Sleep Out Somerset Facebook page.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  New details are being uncovered into the disappearance of Huntsville realtor Ronald Dumas Jr. and while law enforcement believes hes not in danger, his loved ones think otherwise.

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) said Thursday that Dumas was last seen on a surveillance camera leaving a liquor store in Huntsville with two women.

Missing Huntsville realtor was last seen leaving liquor store with 2 women

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Whats most troubling for his family is the unidentified women and they say the two could potentially provide investigators with valuable information.

Something is wrong, said Shakeria Samples, the mother of Dumas son.

Some of the new information being learned is that Dumas phone was tracked heading south from Memphis.

Loved ones last heard from him on December 15. Dumas car was found abandoned in Tennessee on Interstate 40 the next day and his phone pinged 60 miles west off a cell phone tower near Jackson, Tennessee leading them to believe he had made it at least that far.

Now, authorities say they have records of his phone moving five days later south of Memphis on December 21. Samples said the travel to Tennessee is beyond abnormal.

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The traveling to Tennessee without notifying any family or friends, the abandoning of the vehicle on the side of the road, those things are just extremely abnormal, Samples told News 19. Hes not going to abandon his kids. Hes got three kids they love and adore him, he wouldnt walk away from them.

Authorities said Dumas car has gone through three separate searches done by a combination of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and HPD investigators.

Investigators said nothing in those examinations led any of the agencies to believe Dumas was forcibly removed from his car, and they have no reason to believe hes in danger at this time.



However, Dumas family believes otherwise.

Samples told News 19 there were no signs in the days leading up to Dumas disappearance that would lead her to believe that he was in the process of abandoning his family.

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Weve all discussed amongst ourselves if we saw signs of him being stressed or under the weather or anything that wouldve caused concern for his mental health. This is not a mental health break, Samples explained.

His loved ones are calling on those two women last seen with Dumas to come forward.

The family urges you to come forward were just looking for answers, Samples said. If you know anything that can assist authorities or the family with locating Ronny, we just want the truth.

We asked HPD if they would be releasing the footage from when he was last seen, but investigators said they wouldnt, explaining that doing so would interfere with the investigation.

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Weve also asked about the name of that liquor store and have yet to hear back. Anyone with any information on Dumas whereabouts is asked to contact HPD.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to uphold a law that forces TikTok to divest its Chinese ownership to avert a nationwide ban set to take effect on Sunday, in an opinion issued Friday.

Ting Shen / AFP via Getty Images

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the opinion reads.

But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights, it continues.

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HuffPost has reached out to TikTok for comment on the decision.

All nine justices had appeared skeptical of TikToks argument that the law violates the First Amendment rights of the platform and its user base of over 170 million Americans during the hearing last week.

Are we supposed to ignore the fact that the ultimate parent is, in fact, subject to doing intelligence work for the Chinese government? Chief Justice John Roberts asked.

TikTok has faced scrutiny for years over its ties to China despite its efforts to dampen concerns.

President Joe Biden in April signed the law that required ByteDance to sell the U.S. assets of TikTok or see the platform be removed from app stores in the U.S. on Jan. 19, a day ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps Inauguration. However, Biden this week signaled he will not enforce the ban, handing over the issue to Trump.

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared to confirm Bidens position.

Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, she said in a statement.

In call with CNNs Pamela Brown following the release of the opinion, Trump recognized he will have a say in TikToks fate but did not share any further details on his plan for the platforms future in the U.S.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, he told Brown.

The president-elect has reportedly already been exploring possible ways to undo the legislation, including via an executive order, according to The Washington Post. The move, though, would stand on shaky legal ground, the outlet explained.

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Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term in office, has since had a change of heart and recently called on the Supreme Court to stay implementation of a potential ban to allow him to pursue a political resolution to the issue at hand.

But TikToks prospects in the U.S. have looked dim for some time now.

TikTok sued the U.S. federal government shortly after Biden signed the legislation into law, describing it as unconstitutional.

A federal appeals court last month ruled against TikTok, and later also denied the companys request to delay enforcement of the legislation, before the Supreme Court announced it would review the case.

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The Supreme Courts opinion upheld that federal appeals court decision by rejecting arguments made by TikTok and content creators on the platform that the law violated their First Amendment right to free speech.

Much of the ruling centered on whether the law forcing a TikTok sale from ByteDance directly impinged on the free speech rights of the company and users. The high court determined that, while the law did prompt free speech concerns, it ultimately could stand because it targeted speech in a content-neutral manner and provided non-content-based rationales.

The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images

It is not clear that the Act itself directly regulates protected expressive activity, or conduct with an expressive component, the court said. Indeed, the Act does not regulate the creator petitioners at all. And it directly regulates ByteDance Ltd. and TikTok Inc. only through the divestiture requirement.

Crucially, legislators backing the law cited data protection and national security as their chief rationales for supporting it.

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Data collection and analysis is a common practice in this digital age, the high court said. But TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the Governments national security concerns.

The U.S. government argued that the Chinese government has a long history of obtaining extensive information on U.S. citizens through illegal means  including hacks of the Office of Personnel Management and the credit-scoring company Equifax  and that TikToks data collection practices presented China with another opportunity to build detailed profiles of U.S. citizens that could be used for espionage, blackmail or recruitment in the future.

ByteDance has long said it has no plans to sell the U.S. assets of the platform despite the fact that at least one U.S. buyer has formally declared interest.

Project Liberty, an organization founded by billionaire Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and its partners, including Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary, have made a formal bid to acquire the U.S. assets of the platform.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.This article, with reporting by Paul Blumenthal, originally appeared on HuffPost.
Have you ever wondered what a meteorite hitting Earth sounds like?

Last July, Joe Velaidum and Laura Kelly, residents of Prince Edward Island in Canada, returned home from walking their dogs to find a pile of debris outside their home, according to The National Post and the Canadian Press.

We had no idea what it was," Velaidum told The National Post.



When they checked their doorbell camera, a video showed a cloud of dust arising from the impact of what appeared to be a medium-sized rock, accompanied by the sound of it breaking.

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Related: Loud Boom That 'Created Panic' in Texas Was Caused by Meteorite: 'We've Solved the Mystery,' Officials Say

The footage also showed that just minutes earlier, Velaidum was standing exactly where the meteorite landed.

"I never stop in that spot," Velaidum told The National Post. "And in retrospect, if I had stayed in that spot for just two minutes longer, I would have been hit by that meteorite."

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Kelly's dad, who lived close by, felt certain that the object was a meteorite before everyone else. After the family saw the video, Kelly's father got a powerful magnet and collected bits of the rock for an expert to examine.

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Chris Herd, curator of the University of Alberta's meteorite collection, later confirmed that it was in fact, a meteorite. Specifically, he said, it's an "ordinary chondrite," the most common kind of meteorite.

Still, Herd told the Canadian Press that "its remarkable because its never really been heard before," commenting that it's believed this marked "the first time weve ever had a recorded fall of a meteorite hitting the surface of the Earth with sound included."

Related: Rare 4.5-Billion-Year-Old Meteorite Crashes Into New Jersey Home: 'It Penetrated The Roof'

As for the space rock itself, Herd told the National Post that "it comes from the asteroid belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter."



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So a fragment of an asteroid broke off at some point  it could have been millions of years ago  made its way around the sun and then crossed the Earths orbit, late afternoon Atlantic time, last July 25th," he continued.

Herd added that when the meteorite, which likely weighed around one kilogram, first entered the atmosphere, it was traveling about 50 times the speed of sound, or 60,000 kilometers per hour. But by the time it reached Velaidum's driveway, its speed had decreased to roughly 200 kilometers per hour and about 90% of its material would have burned away.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

As for Velaidum, he told the Canadian Press that what happened as a reminder that "the lives that we lead are just a small part of this celestial drama thats so much bigger than we could possibly imagine.

Read the original article on People
The Ministry of Treasury has proposed a series of measures to address the persistent issue of ghost workers, a challenge that has long plagued the Kenyan government.

In the 2025 Draft Budget Policy Statement (BPS) released on Wednesday, the Ministry outlined plans to introduce the Unified Personal Identification (UPI) system for all public sector employees this year, pending Parliaments approval.

The proposed UPI system aims to streamline human resource management across all government sectors. It will be implemented for personnel in all arms of government, including constitutional commissions. The goal is to eliminate payroll fraud, commonly associated with ghost workers, at all levels of government.

The Ministry also highlighted that the UPI system would enhance the governments ability to improve the welfare of its employees once implemented.

Additionally, the government plans to extend the UPI system to all police officers across the country. Along with the issuance of passports, this will modernize services within the security sector and improve accessibility for both officers and the public.

The government will also prioritize the digitization of police stations and services, as well as the modernization of security products and services, including national IDs, unique personal identifiers, and passports to enhance access to services, the policy document added.

The BPS also confirmed that the vetting process for all public officers, initiated under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, will continue. The key findings and recommendations from this vetting process will be stored in a centralized system for effective monitoring and management.

The government will introduce a legal and institutional framework for the mandatory and continuous vetting of all public officers, alongside a repository of wealth declarations under one office, the draft policy elaborated.

Prepared in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act of 2012, the BPS outlines the governments strategic priorities and provides a macro-fiscal outlook, laying the foundation for the FY 2025/26 budget.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A South Carolina inmate who has spent more than half his life on death row has chosen to die by lethal injection instead of by electric chair or firing squad later this month.

Marion Bowman Jr., 44, is the third inmate set to die since the state was able to restart executions after a 13-year pause last year. All three have chosen lethal injection over the electric chair or a firing squad, which was created when the state feared it might never be able to obtain drugs for lethal injections again.

Three more inmates also have had all their regular appeals rejected by the courts. The state Supreme Court is allowing executions to take place every five weeks.

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Bowman is scheduled to die at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia.

Marion has spent decades fighting to prove his innocence in this capital case in a state that has disproportionally applied the death penalty to young men of color. We will continue to support him and hope that South Carolina does not execute another innocent man," Bowman's attorney Lindsey Vann said in a statement.

A law allowing secrecy for executions has allowed the state to buy the pentobarbital it uses for lethal injections without revealing the drug's supplier.

On Thursday, the federal government announced it was rescinding its protocol for executions with pentobarbital after a government review raised concerns about the potential for unnecessary pain and suffering.

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State prison officials, who have said South Carolina's procedures for lethal injection are similar to the federal government, did not comment on the decision, which could be changed again next week when Donald Trump is sworn in as president.

Bowman's lawyers are asking a federal judge to require prison officials give them more information about the lethal injection drug. They said the state told the doctor performing an autopsy of Richard Moore that he was given pentobarbital through an IV twice  once as the execution started and again 11 minutes later when he was killed Nov. 1.

The initial dose of pentobarbital, if administered correctly, was such an extremely high dose that his breathing should have stopped in a minute without a need for a second dose, Dr. David B. Waisel, an anesthesiologist at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, wrote in court papers for the defense.

Fluid was also found in Moore's lungs and Waisel wrote it appears likely that during Mr. Moores execution, he consciously experienced feelings of drowning and suffocation during the 23 minutes that it took to bring about his death.

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Wasiel also said he fears South Carolina's protocols don't take into account Bowman's weight, listed as 389 pounds (176 kilograms) in prison records. It can be difficult to properly get an IV into a blood vessel and determine the dose of the drugs needed in people with obesity.

Bowman was convicted of murder in the shooting of a friend whose burned body was found in the trunk of her burned out car in Dorchester County in 2001. Much of the evidence against Bowman at his trial came from friends and family members who testified against him as part of plea deals.

Bowman has insisted he did not kill 21-year-old Kandee Martin. He did not testify at his trial, but released a statement last month through his lawyer with his story about what happened around the time Martin was killed.

When Bowman was arrested, he had Martin's watch, but said she gave it to him as collateral when she didn't have the money to buy crack cocaine.

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Bowman said his lawyers did a poor job representing him at trial, failing to show jurors a video from a nearby store around the time Martin was shot, which captured another man buying a container of gasoline and voices on the tape talking about killing a woman.

The prosecutor offered a plea deal for a life sentence, but Bowman said he refused to take it because he didn't kill anyone. One of his lawyers encouraged him to take it too, saying a jury might hold his race against him.

The attorney came to the jail and said, son, you need to plead guilty. You are charged with killing a white girl and you and your family are Black, Bowman wrote.

On Thursday, the South Carolina Supreme Court rejected a request from Bowman's current lawyers to postpone his execution so new evidence could be reviewed over what they said was the poor performance of Bowman's trial lawyers and one of them sympathizing more with the victim because she was white.

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The justices called the arguments meritless and said they were based on comments taken out of context.

Bowman's last chance to spare his life may lie with asking Gov. Henry McMaster to reduce his sentence to life without parole.

Bowman's attorneys said he has been a model prisoner during his more than two decades on death row. They have sworn statements from several former nurses and other death row workers who say Bowman is a gentle giant who has a knack for helping inmates with mental problems cooperate with psychologists and take their medication. He also acted for years as the official intermediary between death row inmates and prison officials.

South Carolina has executed 45 inmates since the death penalty was reinstated about 50 years ago. No governor has ever offered clemency, including McMaster for the two inmates executed in 2024. McMaster will announce his decision minutes before Bowman's execution is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31.

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Bowman said he regrets selling his friend drugs that led to her addiction.

I have done some things in life I regret. I regret the role I had in dealing to Kandee and know that her addiction probably led to her death. But I did not do this, Bowman wrote. I am so sorry for Kandee and her family, but I did not do it.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  One of the biggest conversation topics recently in South Carolina was the mystery $1.8 billion, reported to be found in a state account.

Former Comptroller General, Richard Eckstrom, resigned from office after the accounting error was discovered.

After months of investigations and testimonies, a financial consulting firms report shows the errored $1.8 billion never fully existed.

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The forensic accounting report from financial consulting firm Alix Partners shows that $245 million was the only reportable, investable cash. The other $1.6 billion was accounting errors.

7NEWS sat down with State Treasurer Curtis Loftis in a one-on-one interview.

He said the error happened when the state switched over to a new accounting system.

Its hard for the average person to understand how big this software conversion was, Loftis said. It was under the leadership of the comptroller generals office because hes the states accountant, but we had the cash. We were moving the cash to the accounting system that took four different agencies and have a dozen subcontractors and other contractors.

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Loftis said the report showed there was no mysterious bank account with $1.8 billion dollars in it.

He said that he knows where every penny is, at all times.

I get a report every morning at 9 oclock is either in the bank or being invested, so we know all of that. Its the other accounting thats the problem and I dont run that. I run the bank I am the banker, Im not the states accountant, Loftis said.

Not everyone agrees with Loftis.

At the news conference Thursday, Representative Heather Bauer asked for Treasurer Loftis to step down and said he should have reported the errors and believes he covered them up.

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The money is not safe with Curtis Loftis, we deserve better, and we deserve it now. I tried to do something last year and it was put aside in hopes of maybe things coming out looking better but they certainly do not according to this report, Bauer said.

Loftis was asked about representative Bauers concerns, specifically her wanting his impeachment or resignation.

Im, Im not interested, he said.

In the report, the consulting firm recommended several corrective measures to address the root causes that contributed to the error and how to prevent it from happening again.

Governor McMaster said hes confident the recommendations will be embraced by the parties and the general assembly.

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PIERRE, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight)  The state of South Dakota has received notice that it could be sued by McCook Lake property owners, who say their community suffered catastrophic damage as a direct result of flood diversion efforts carried out by state and local officials, South Dakota Searchlight reports.

In June, record rainfall fueled a record flood that destroyed or damaged dozens of homes in McCook Lake. It also carved deep scars in the land, uprooted trees and disrupted utilities.

Some residents said they were blindsided by the results of a temporary levee that the state helped local authorities construct across Interstate 29 to divert Big Sioux River water toward the lake. The temporary levee connected with permanent levees as part of a system designed to send overflow water into the lake, where it could drain toward the Missouri River. The plan had been executed before, but never with so much water coming down the Big Sioux.

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Some state and local authorities have defended the action as necessary to prevent a bigger catastrophe in nearby and more-populated North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes.

McCook Lake flooding victims can still apply for local aid

Hunter Roberts, secretary of the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, mentioned the potential litigation Thursday while appearing before a legislative committee at the Capitol.

State Sen. Kevin Jensen, R-Canton, asked Roberts about allegations that the state decided to sacrifice the McCook Lake area to save North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes.

The state is going to get sued over this, Roberts said. So, I dont think its in our best interest to go into the weeds on this.

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Roberts said modeling indicated that the levee added 8 inches of water to McCook Lake, but was not responsible for all of the 8-plus feet of water that went through there. He added that local officials made the decision to build the temporary levee.

North Sioux is the one that made that final determination, Roberts said. We executed.

Some residents said they were not properly warned of the severity of the flooding, and didnt realize floodwaters were being diverted toward them or what the impact would be.

On the afternoon of the June 23 nighttime flood, local, state and federal authorities held a press conference in North Sioux City. None of the authorities in attendance clearly explained that the temporary levee was intended to direct Big Sioux River floodwaters toward McCook Lake.

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When somebody in the audience asked what McCook Lake residents should do, Gov. Kristi Noem said they should protect their personal property, because we do anticipate that they will take in water.

Thats what were preparing for, Noem said during the press conference. If we dont, then thats wonderful that they dont have an impact, but they could see water flowing into McCook Lake.

Noem flew out to a political fundraiser in Tennessee that evening. While she was there, water suddenly swamped homes around McCook Lake, causing residents to frantically flee and triggering rescue efforts by emergency responders.

Noem declined to call out the National Guard for the flood preparation or response, saying it would be extremely expensive and that the Guard should only be used for a very crisis situation.

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McCook Lake resident Morgan Speichinger, whose house was inundated, said the flood was devastating.

So, the community down here got together and are filing a lawsuit, she said Thursday.

Dakota Dunes officials give update on Big Sioux River levee repair

South Dakota Searchlight obtained a copy of the formal notice of claim sent to the state. The notice is a procedural step that provides the defendant in a potential lawsuit the opportunity to investigate and respond to the claim prior to litigation.

The notice attributes the execution of the flood diversion plan to the state departments of Transportation, Public Safety and Emergency Management, as well as Union County and its Department of Emergency Management, and North Sioux City.

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Noem defended the handling of the flood Tuesday during her State of the State address.

We know that planning can only go so far in preparing for a 1,000-year flood, she said.

She also announced a group of state and local officials who responded to the flood as recipients of her Governors Award for Heroism.

On Friday, Noem will appear in Washington, D.C., for a hearing on her nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The department includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known by the acronym FEMA.

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: stupper@southdakotasearchlight.com. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and Bluesky.

This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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(Bloomberg) -- South Korea may consider a plan to increase US food imports to help reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries should it emerge as a point of tension with Donald Trumps incoming administration, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The idea is part of contingency plans Seoul has been crafting as it prepares for Trumps return to the White House next week. During his election campaign, Trump vowed to narrow trade deficits with other countries through tariffs, particularly targeting China. South Korea ranks eighth among economies holding the biggest trade surpluses with the US.

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South Korea relies heavily on food and energy imports to sustain its 52 million population and is a key buyer of US agricultural products such as beef, wheat, corn and fruit. The US is the nations biggest overseas supplier of food items.

Seoul is already considering a plan to raise imports of US oil and gas should Trump increase pressure on trading partners, Bloomberg News reported in November.

Any increase in agricultural imports would be limited in size compared with any ramped-up energy purchases because the scale of food purchases is smaller, the people said. The government is also wary of possible opposition from local interest groups including farmers, they said. South Korea already has some restrictions on meat imports, buying only US beef derived from animals less than 30 months old.

South Koreas Trade Ministry said it has not discussed expanding US agricultural imports.

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said in a separate statement that South Korea is not considering the expansion of the import of agri-food products from the US.

Currently, the new administration has not announced a detailed trade policy in the field of agriculture, and thus there is uncertainty, the ministry said, referring to Trumps incoming government. However, the MAFRA is discussing possible responses, in diverse ways, to cope with the situations that may take place with the inauguration of the new administration of the US.

Trump comes into office for his second term just as South Koreas government is undergoing its biggest turmoil in years. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from power by parliament in December for his brief imposition of martial law and was arrested on Wednesday. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is serving as the nations second acting president since then, after the first stand-in leader was also impeached.

Discussion of contingency plans is an indication that policymakers in Seoul are keen to prevent the political instability putting South Korea on the back foot in dealing with the Trump administration. In a sign of efforts to shore up the trade relationship with the US ahead of Trumps return, Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun visited the US last week to meet with policymakers.

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Ahn said this week that South Korea was weighing buying more US oil and gas to diversify its energy sources and potentially head off the threat of Trumps proposed tariffs.

For agricultural imports, the government could expedite talks on certain pending imports or temporarily reduce or suspend duties to encourage greater purchases, the people said.

South Korea is now the sixth largest destination for US exports of agricultural products since a free trade deal took effect in 2012. South Korea is also a top importer of US beef after public fears eased over potential mad-cow infections in the late 2000s, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Tariffs envisioned by Trump pose a key concern for South Korean policymakers as they could hurt trade ties that have strengthened over the years as Washington realigns global supply chains away from China and strengthens its technology cooperation with Seoul.

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While China remains South Koreas largest trade partner and its biggest market, the US comes a close second as an export destination with the gap narrowing markedly in recent years.

South Korean companies play an integral role in technology that the US relies on, including memory semiconductors, automobiles and rechargeable batteries. The security alliance between the two countries is also a foundation on which Washington and Seoul are dealing with North Korea as it develops nuclear arms while aiding Russias war on Ukraine.

Trump is set to take office on Jan. 20 and has yet to make comments specifically touching on the trade imbalance with South Korea or the political turbulence surrounding Yoon. During his campaign, he referred to South Korea as a money machine that should shoulder more of the upkeep for American troops stationed in the country.

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(Bloomberg) -- South Korean investigators sought a new warrant to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated martial law declaration, following his arrest earlier this week.

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The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials asked the Seoul Western District Court on Friday for the warrant that would allow investigators to detain Yoon for up to 20 days after the expiration of the initial 48-hour detention period.

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President Yoon is planning to attend a hearing to review the warrant that is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Seoul court, his lawyer Yoon Kab-keun said in a text message. Yoon decided to defend himself before the judge and explain the justification of the martial law, the lawyer said.

Yoons appearance in court would be the first time he has left a detention center near Seoul since his arrest on Wednesday. The decision was made after Yoons lawyers visited the facility to persuade the president to attend the hearing.

Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. If the court rejects the warrant request, the president will be released.

Extending the detention period would give investigators more time to try to question Yoon and to strengthen their case for investigating the allegations of insurrection against the president. Yoon has repeatedly questioned the validity of the CIOs investigation and has refused to answer questions.

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On Thursday, a court rejected Yoons request to be released.

We respect the court decision, but its regrettable that we could not persuade it on not only the illegality but also the injustice and inappropriateness of the CIOs arrest of a sitting president on insurrection allegations even by violating the constitution and law, Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoons lawyers, said in a text message to reporters following the rejection of Yoons request to be released.

As the probe and the separate impeachment proceedings continue, an opinion poll Friday showed support edging up for Yoons party.

Yoon shocked the nation and the world by briefly imposing martial law in early December, plunging South Korea into its worst constitutional crisis in decades. He was suspended from his duties after the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him on Dec. 14.

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The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to uphold the parliaments decision and remove him from office. A ruling in favor of impeachment would trigger a presidential election within 60 days.

Yoon was arrested on Wednesday when investigators, backed by thousands of police officers, made their second attempt to bring him into custody for questioning over the martial-law decree. The president defied earlier summons to appear for questioning.

Although its a bit uncomfortable, I am doing well at the detention center, Yoon said in a letter released by his lawyer on Friday.

A former star prosecutor, Yoon has been drawing on his own experience to block and delay efforts to investigate him. He was one of the prosecutors who led the probe into former President Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office in 2017 and later imprisoned.

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Slowing down progress in the investigation and an impeachment trial may buy time for the ruling party to rebuild support should an election be triggered by the crisis.

The support rate for Yoons People Power Party rose to 39% in a weekly poll released by Gallup Korea on Friday, up 5 percentage points from the previous survey. Thats higher than the support rate of 36% for the opposition Democratic Party, which has been leading the impeachment campaign against Yoon.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung still has a clear lead among possible candidates to become the next president, but his support edged down for a second week to 31%, from 32%.

The latest survey showed 57% respondents support Yoons impeachment, while 36% said they were against it. The poll was conducted among 1,001 respondents across the country and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, Gallup Korea said.

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--With assistance from Sohee Kim.

(Updates with comments from Yoons lawyers from the third paragraph)

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By Ju-min Park and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean investigators probing President Yoon Suk Yeol for alleged insurrection asked a Seoul court on Friday to extend his detention as the embattled leader again refused to be questioned.

On Wednesday, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, in a criminal probe related to his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December. He is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre.

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In order to hold Yoon in custody for longer, investigators at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) need a court to approve a detention warrant for up to 20 days.

A CIO official told a briefing on Friday that investigators had made the request due to "the gravity of the crime". Seoul Western District Court will review the request on Saturday afternoon, Yonhap News Agency reported.

In a statement disseminated by his lawyer, Yoon said the jail cell where he is being held was "a little uncomfortable" but that he was doing well.

He also thanked his supporters, hundreds of whom gathered outside the prison in chilly conditions, saying: "I am grateful for the people's burning patriotism."

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Yoon has stonewalled efforts by the CIO to interrogate him while his party has capitalised on political polarisation to improve its approval ratings since his arrest, polling showed.

"He has fully stated his basic position on the first day (of the arrest), and we believe there is no reason or need to answer the Q&A style back-and-forth," Yoon's lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, said in a statement.

The suspended president's legal team has denied Yoon masterminded an insurrection, a crime in South Korea punishable by life imprisonment or even, technically, the death penalty. The Seoul Central District Court struck down a challenge on Thursday from Yoon's lawyers over the legality of his arrest.

South Korea is grappling with its worst political crisis in decades, sparked by Yoon's attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3 that stunned the nation and was swiftly voted down by parliament.

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Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and he faces a Constitutional Court trial that started this week to decide whether to permanently suspend his powers or return him to office.

SUPPORT FOR RULING PARTY UP

Opinion polls have shown most South Koreans support his impeachment, but Yoon's legal plight and defiance over his arrest appear to have fired up some of his supporters.

The approval rating for Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) was 39% in a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, up from 34% a week ago and overtaking the main opposition Democratic Party for the first time since August which stood at 36%.

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Gallup Korea said Yoon and his party's constant messaging toward supporters appeared to have had an impact when political divisions deepened around his arrest.

His supporters gathered outside the jail on Friday welcomed the uptick in PPPs approval rating.

"People are now waking up to the fact that our country is at risk," said Noh Eun-sook, 57, who was wearing a woolly hat and chanting for Yoon's release.

Yoon was arrested after a weeks-long standoff when more than 3,000 police officers swooped on his residence. A previous attempt to arrest him on Jan. 3 failed after Yoon's personal security blocked investigators.

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Kim Sung-hoon, acting chief of the Presidential Security Service, was arrested on Friday for thwarting investigators' initial attempt, Yonhap said.

Speaking to reporters, Kim said he was carrying out his "legitimate security duties" and denied allegations by some opposition lawmakers that Yoon ordered guards to use weapons against investigators trying to arrest him.

While key ally Washington has criticised Yoon's declaration of martial law, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned last week there was a risk that nuclear-armed North Korea could try to exploit the political situation in South Korea.

North Korea has largely avoided public comment on the situation in Seoul, but Yoon's arrest was reported in state media on Friday, two days after the event.

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The Rodong Sinmun newspaper cited foreign media to say it was the first arrest of an incumbent president in South Korea.

"Yoon Suk Yeol is not following legal procedures at the expense of the national order for individual interests," Rodong Sinmun said.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park, Joyce Lee, Hyonhee Shin, and Hyunsu Yim; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Sonali Paul, Leslie Adler, Saad Sayeed and Gareth Jones)
JUBA (Reuters) -South Sudan's police imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Friday after a night of deadly rioting in the capital over the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by the army and allied groups in neighbouring Sudan.

In a broadcast on state television, police chief Abraham Peter Manyuat said the curfew would continue until further notice from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily to try to restore security and prevent the destruction of property.

"The police will not tolerate any violations," he said.

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The police said in a statement that at least three people had been killed and seven wounded on Thursday night in South Sudan's capital Juba, some by bullets and machetes, when youths in several suburbs looted and vandalised shops of Sudanese people.

In Aweil, near the border with Sudan, three houses belonging to Sudanese people were burned, the police added.

On Friday, shops in many Juba suburbs were closed as police and other security forces tried to relocate Sudanese people to safer areas due to fears they could be attacked by rioters.

The riots follow the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by members of Sudan's military and allied groups in the city of Wad Madani in Sudan's El Gezira region.

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On Tuesday the Sudanese army condemned what it called "individual violations" in El Gezira after human rights groups blamed it and its allies for ethnically-targeted attacks against civilians accused of supporting the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudan's military has been battling RSF fighters in a near two-year civil war.

South Sudan's foreign ministry summoned Sudan's ambassador over the alleged killings earlier this week, and President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm.

"It is crucial that we do not allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country," his office said in a statement.

(Reporting by Denis Elamu; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Alexander Winning)
JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  South Sudanese authorities have imposed a countrywide dusk-to-dawn curfew after a night of violence during which businesses run by Sudanese traders in the capital were looted.

Police chief Gen. Abraham Manyuat said Friday that the curfew will commence from 6 p.m. local time to dawn to curb looting incidents reported in Juba and other major towns.

Businesses are now required to close by 5 p.m. as part of measures to enhance security. We will protect all the markets, said Manyuat, speaking on state-run television.

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The violence targeting Sudanese nationals is believed to have been provoked by alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals by militia groups in remote parts of Sudan earlier this week.

Several stores in Juba and elsewhere remained closed Friday.

Speaking of the alleged targeting of South Sudanese people in areas such as the state of Gezira, a press secretary for the presidency urged restraint. We mustn't allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country, said Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel.

Civil war in Sudan has created a widening famine and the worlds largest displacement crisis. Fighting between forces loyal to rival military leaders exploded in the capital, Khartoum, in April 2023 and spread to other areas.

The conflict has been marked by atrocities, including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the U.N. and rights groups.
As devastating wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles metropolitan region, local officials are warning of potential floods, landslides and toxic debris flows in the weeks and months ahead.

The properties have been damaged beyond belief, Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said at a joint LA County and city press conference Thursday.

They are full of sediment, debris, silt and hazardous materials, added Pestrella, referring to burn scar sites in the vicinities of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

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The Palisades Fire, which has destroyed the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, is now 23,713 acres and only 31 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire, burning north of Pasadena, is 14,117 acres and 65 percent contained.

Both areas suffered watershed damage, burned to such a significance that we expect massive debris-laden flows when it rains, Pestrella said.

In an event that we have major rain, we do expect that all of the street areas and all the communities will be impacted by debris flows that could be hazardous to human health, he warned.

To address this looming threat, Pestrella said that he and his teams are developing plans to both capture and hold back debris as much as possible during a heavy precipitation event.

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We do expect the window to open for rain in the later part of this month, and so we are already pre-deploying labor forces into the area, he added.

Asked at the press conference to address why a specific spot in Pacific Palisades had already undergone a hillside collapse, Pestrella explained that this occurrence was due to a geophysical process called dry ravel.

The phrase dry ravel refers to the rolling or sliding of particles down a slope in steep, arid landscapes, according to scientists. During wildfires, such particles can move via the collapse of sediment chunks that have amassed behind vegetation.

It is a landslide  debris into the streets and into properties, Pestrella said. Some of this material is supporting some of the structures that have remained behind.

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He also noted a certain amount of water inundation, due to the amount of the resource that was used during firefighting efforts, as well as some destruction of water and gas lines.

A warning to all the residents, no matter where you live in LA County, if you have slopes behind your homes, or if youre located on top of a slope, these slopes have become fragile, he said.

The soil that is supporting your home have all become fragile and damaged, if you will, due to the events that weve had, wind included, Pestrella added, stressing that debris flow hazards exist even when its not raining.

Regarding the toxic nature of the debris flow, Pestrella noted that the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with local partners to clear properties of hazardous substances.

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Tara Fitzgerald, an EPA on-scene coordinator, explained that the agency has been tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with conducting a household hazardous materials removal in the burn footprint.

That removal, which she said began Thursday, involves eliminating the most immediate risk to public health and workers.

Among the targeted materials for removal are pesticides, lithium-ion and other batteries, fuel and other items that would typically be sent to a household hazardous waste management landfill, according to Fitzgerald.

We are working quickly to ramp up and look forward to being able to support this recovery effort, she added.

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As for possible flooding in the upcoming weeks and months, Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, expressed some trepidation about what might be in store at a webinar earlier this week.

While forecasts do not indicate that such a deluge is imminently on the horizon, Swain noted that major rain is still quite possible in February or March or even April.

And if such an event occurs, he warned that there will be major concern regarding the potential for flash floods and debris flows in and downstream of all of these areas.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Ministry of Interior has intensified efforts to combat the growing misuse of social media in Kenya.

In a statement released on Thursday, January 16, Interior PS Raymond Omollo announced that he had convened a meeting with representatives from social media platforms and telecommunications companies. The discussions focused on tackling the escalating issues of misinformation, hate speech, and online harassment.

PS Omollo expressed the governments concern over the increasing misuse of social platforms, describing recent cases of incitement to violence and other criminal activities as alarming. He directed all social media companies operating in Kenya to establish physical offices within the country to ensure greater accountability.

To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations must have a physical presence within our jurisdiction, the Ministrys statement read.

The government also called for stricter compliance with laws regulating digital platforms.

PS Omollo urged telecommunications providers and platform owners to take decisive actions against criminal activities online, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.
The Southern California wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and tens of thousands of people remain under evacuation orders as of Friday, prompting many social media users to speculate whether the current level of federal disaster relief aid is sufficient.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently providing wildfire victims with $770 in Serious Needs Assistance, a one-time payment sent to aid victims in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Posts questioning whether the $770 one-time payment is enough to help disaster victims are missing important context: There are other forms of federal assistance available.

JUST IN: Biden just announced California fire victims are being given $770, tweeted Nick Sortor, a self-described independent journalist. Barely a FEW NIGHTS in a hotel out here in LA. Why are Americans given pennies while foreigners are given blank checks?!

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Biden announced hes giving these peoplewho lost their homes in a fire$770, Terrence Williams, a right-wing comedian, said in a video message shared to Facebook, X, and Instagram. This is disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful. Straight-up pure insanity. Williams added, Thats not even enough money to clean up the ashes.

Right-wing radio host and Newsmax anchor Todd Starnes tweeted, Biden announces a one time payment of $770 for wildfire victims. Biden stressed its a one time paymentbecause you folks in Pacific Palisades arent Ukraine.

Right-wing social media commentator David Freeman, known on X as Gunther Eagleman, falsely tweeted that the $770 is the maximum amount disaster victims can receive. $0.00  $770.00 for an American suffering from a natural disaster, he tweeted. See the problem yet?

Its true that while speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Biden did announce that wildfire victims would receive a one-time payment of $770, but there are other forms of federal aid made available in addition to the $770. Biden said:

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People impacted by these fires are going to receive [a] one-time payment of $770. One-time payment, so they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, and prescriptions. So far, nearly 6,000 survivors have registered to do just that and $5.1 million has gone out. And I encourage everyone, everyone who has been impacted to get assistance.

The Serious Needs Assistance program provides stopgap funds for immediate relief. FEMA updates the amount available every fiscal year and, for disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024, the amount increased from $750 to $770. As an earlier Dispatch Fact Check noted in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene:

FEMAs Serious Needs Assistance program provides eligible applicants with a one-time payment of $750 per household, designed to cover immediate emergency expenses. The $750 payment is not intended to cover the full extent of disaster expenses. Rather, it ensures some federal aid assistance is made quickly available to disaster victims while the federal agency can process applications for additional funding under other various FEMA programs.

Determining how much federal assistance a disaster victim might need is not a quick or simple process. In many cases, evaluating the total amount a particular victim qualifies for will require an in-person inspection. Plus, a victims insurance coverage can make a final determination of relief aid eligibility a time-intensive endeavor. FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your FEMA application to make sure you are not receiving funding for the same damage twice, the federal agency explains on its website. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers.

Additional programs FEMA administers can cover victims incurred costs for needs including medical bills for disaster-caused injuries or illnesses, child care, and funeral expenses. Personal property that was damaged, such as owned vehicles, furniture, computers, moving and storage fees, and other critical needs belongings may also be covered by a FEMA disaster relief program.

Victims who have lost their homes, or whose homes have otherwise become uninhabitable, may also receive support from FEMAs Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which provides government-funded temporary housing in various motels and hotels. As FEMA explains on its website,

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TSA is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible because of the disaster and are not covered by insurance additional living expenses or loss of use. Eligible applicants sign a terms and conditions document confirming their eligibility end date when they check into a participating hotel. Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental.

Motels and hotels choose to participate in this government program voluntarily. However, in the case where all participating motel and hotel rooms are unavailable, FEMA has available alternative emergency shelter programssuch as the Displacement Assistance and Rental Assistance programsunder which victims can pay out-of-pocket for temporary housing and later be reimbursed by FEMA for the full amount.

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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SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Police at a Georgia airport arrested an airline pilot on a DUI charge as he was making pre-flight checks aboard a Southwest Airlines flight with bloodshot eyes and reeking of what smelled like alcohol, according to a police report.

Passengers had boarded the Southwest Airlines flight from Savannah to Chicago and were awaiting takeoff Wednesday morning when police boarded the plane and took the pilot away in handcuffs.

Officers tracked down the 52-year-old pilot after an airport security officer reported that he smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated while checking in at a flight crew screening lane Wednesday morning, the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement.

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An officer found the pilot seated in the cockpit performing pre-flight checks," the incident report by airport police said. It said the pilot gave off a strong odor of what seemed to be alcohol" and had bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion.

Police reported that the pilot said the odor came from nicotine patches. He told an officer that he had a few light beers to drink the night before.

The pilot was arrested after taking a field sobriety test that showed he had trouble staying balanced and other signs of intoxication, the police report said. He was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after refusing a blood-alcohol test.

Southwest said in a statement that the pilot has been removed from duty.

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Customers were accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans, the airline's statement said.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit pilots from flying within eight hours of consuming any amount of alcohol. Pilots also can't fly if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 or higher. That's half the legal limit for driving a car in Georgia.

The pilot was booked at the Chatham County jail in Savannah and released on a $3,500 bond. A phone number listed for him in New Hampshire was not in service Thursday. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney.
A pilot on a Southwest Airlines flight was walked off the flight by police officers and arrested for allegedly showing up for the flight intoxicated.

David Paul Allsop, 52, was arrested by airport police in Savannah just before he was supposed to pilot a Southwest flight from Savannah/Hilton Head Airport in Georgia to Chicago-Midway on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Administration told the Daily Beast that one of their agents at the airport was the one who noticed Allsop appeared intoxicated and alerted police.

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Upon encountering an individual in the crew screening lane who smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated, the TSA officer contacted local law enforcement who then engaged the individual directly, the TSA said in a statement. The TSA workforce is vigilant and always maintains heightened awareness in their efforts to secure our transportation systems and keep the traveling public safe.

Federal regulations prohibit crew members on aircraft from consuming alcohol 8 hours before flight, or have a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.04. Allsop allegedly refused to undergo a blood test, according to booking documents obtained by ABC News .

The same documents said the pilot had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol, and failed a field sobriety test. His flight was scheduled for takeoff just after 6 a.m., and he reportedly told the arresting officers he was drinking light beers the night before.

Allsop was arrested by the Savanna Airport Police Department and held at Chatham County Jail and released on bail set at $3,500, according to jail records viewed by the Daily Beast. He was charged with driving under the influence.

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A spokesperson for Southwest told the Daily Beast that Allsop has been removed from duty following the scene. Customers were accommodated on other flights, and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans, the airline added.
A Southwest Airlines pilot was charged with driving under the influence as he prepared to fly.

David Paul Allsop was going through pre-flight checks when police entered the cockpit.

A TSA agent contacted police after screening him, saying he smelled of alcohol and seemed intoxicated.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested shortly before takeoff on Wednesday.

David Paul Allsop, 52, was charged with driving under the influence after the incident in Savannah, Georgia, according to Chatham County Sherriff's Office records.

He was due to fly from Savannah to Chicago Midway Airport before airport police boarded the plane.

A Transportation Security Administration officer contacted law enforcement after "encountering an individual in the crew screening lane who smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated," an agency spokesperson told Business Insider.

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"TSA always reminds passengers that if you see something, say something, and that is exactly what our Transportation Security Officer at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport did when they saw something out of the norm," it said.

Allsop was performing pre-flight checks in the cockpit when the police asked him to step out for questioning, per an incident report seen by CNN and the New York Times.

CNN reported that the responding officer said there was a "noticeable odor emanating" from Allsop, who he described as having "bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion."

He told police he drank a "few light beers" the night before, the Times reported.

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Allsop failed a field sobriety test and declined to take a blood test, the arrest report said, per CNN.

Data from Flightradar24 shows the Boeing 737 landed in Chicago nearly five hours later than scheduled.

In a statement shared with the outlets, Southwest said the "employee involved in the situation on Flight 3772 Wednesday morning from Savannah has been removed from duty."

"Customers were accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans," it added.

Allsop was released after posting a $3,500 bond, the sheriff's office records show.

Chatham County Sherriff's Office, the TSA, and Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by Business Insider outside US working hours.

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This isn't the first time an airline pilot has been arrested after being suspected of being under the influence.

Last March, a Delta Air Lines captain pleaded guilty to reporting for duty as a pilot while being impaired through drink or drugs, after Airport security officers found two bottles of Jagermeister in his luggage.

And in 2023, a United Airlines pilot was given a six-month suspended prison sentence after showing up to work more than six times over the legal alcohol limit for pilots.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SpaceX sent up its first test flight of the year for its Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Texas, catching the booster for just the second time back at the launch site, but suffering a loss of the upper stage.

The seventh test flight overall for the 396-foot-tall combined rocket lifted off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, at 5:37 p.m. Eastern time.

We do believe that we have lost the ship during its ascent phase, said SpaceX commentator Kate Tice. It successfully separated from the Super Heavy booster, but during that ascent phase, a couple of the engines dropped out, and then shortly thereafter we lost communication with the vehicle.

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The booster recovery at least was a repeat of the spectacle SpaceX achieved on its fifth test flight last year, nailing a recovery back at the launch tower using what the company calls the towers chopsticks, which swivel in to grab hold of the booster as it makes a powered, hovering descent.

The sixth test flight last November skipped the attempt because of some sensor damage done to the tower on liftoff, but SpaceX was able to make the most controlled landing yet of its Starship upper stage over the ocean.

For Thursdays successful recapture, the launch tower had been outfitted with radar sensors, aiming to increase accuracy measuring distance between the chopsticks and the booster as it came in for the catch. Of note, one of the 33 engines on this flight flew previously on the fifth test flight, marking the first reuse of a Raptor engine. The tower sensors also featured more protection to avoid the damage seen on the sixth test flight, giving SpaceX a better chance at nailing the capture.

If safety parameters had not been met as the booster made its way back to the pad, the flight director would have ordered it to veer off for a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico as it did on the sixth test flight.

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For the lost upper stage, though, SpaceX will have to revisit its plans on a future flight. This lost vehicle was what SpaceX called a new generation upper-stage ship, and the mission was going to attempt its first payload deployment test.

We are obviously bummed out about the ship. It looked like we lost contact with it a little under eight and a half minutes into flight. Thats roughly when you start to get to that main engine cutoff, said fellow commentator Dan Huot.

Designers continue to experiment with its shape, such as moving the location and size of its forward flaps, while also trying out various heat shield solutions.

SpaceX was not yet ready to try a recovery landing of the upper stage, though, and it was going to try a splashdown again a little more than an hour after launch.

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On board were 10 Starlink-size simulators that were to be deployed and follow Starships trajectory so they also would have splashed down in the ocean. The flight plan also called once again for a relighting of a single one of the upper stages six Raptor engines.

Plans for this years spate of test flights do include sticking the upper stage landing as well as performing a propellant transfer in space, something that will be needed when Starship is used for NASAs Artemis moon missions.

The Super Heavy booster powered by 33 Raptor engines produces up to 16.7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, making it the most powerful rocket in history to reach space, although so far all the test flights have been suborbital, with the upper Starship stage only traveling partway around the Earth with target splashdown landings in the Indian Ocean near Australia.

The seventh flight had been aiming to take the same path, but ultimately fell short.

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We obviously need to go through all the data. Its going to take some time in the next hours, days, were going to figure out exactly what happened, come back, fly the next one, getting farther, Huot said. Reminder, its a test. Its a flight test. Its an experimental vehicle. So well figure out what ended our day today and make sure it doesnt end our day tomorrow.

All test flights to date have taken place from Texas, but SpaceX has two launch sites planned from the Space Coast in Florida. Its already building out a tower at Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39-A, adjacent to where it launches Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions. Its also aiming to build out a tower at neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, taking over Space Launch Complex 37, which had been the home for United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavys final launches.

Environmental impact studies for both sites were started in 2024, but expected to be complete this year.

SpaceXs plans are to build up infrastructure in Florida and potentially other launch sites to get to hundreds and eventually thousands of Starship launches a year, part of Musks goal of creating a colony on Mars.

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NASA, though, is awaiting a working version of Starship to act as the human landing system for its Artemis III mission, which is aiming to fly as early as mid-2027, and would mark the first time humans, including the first woman, will have set foot on the moon since the end of the Apollo program in 1972.

NASA requires SpaceX to perform a successful uncrewed flight of Starship landing on the moon ahead of that mission as well.

_____
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday said it would require SpaceX to issue a mishap investigation after its Starship mega-rocket broke up after launch.

A mishap investigation requires SpaceX to identify what caused the incident and figure out how to prevent it from reoccurring. The FAA has to approve SpaceXs final report, including fixes, before Starship can have its eighth test.

SpaceX held its latest test of the 400-foot-tall, reusable rocket on Thursday afternoon from its Starbase facility in southern Texas, successfully launching and catching the Super Heavy booster. However, Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn, the company said.

Just saw the most insane #spacedebris #meteorshower right now in Turks and Caicos @elonmusk what is it?? pic.twitter.com/a7f4MbEB8Q  Dean Olson (@deankolson87) January 16, 2025

Teams will continue to review data from todays flight test to better understand root cause. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will help us improve Starships reliability, SpaceX said in a statement.

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After the rocket lost communication, videos were posted across social media showing what appeared to be debris falling near the Caribbean islands. SpaceX said the debris should have fallen into its defined hazard area.

The FAA at the time issued a notice warning pilots of falling debris and activated a debris response area, which only occurs when debris falls outside of identified hazard areas. Commercial jets operated by JetBlue Airways (JBLU) and American Airlines (AAL) were forced to divert their flights.

The regulator on Friday said that no injuries have been reported as a result of the debris. Its also working with SpaceX to confirm reports of property damage in Turks and Caicos. SpaceX says that people should not attempt to directly handle the debris, but instead contact a hotline posted to its website.

The booster flight was a success, the ship flight was 1/4 successful, hence cup being ~5/8 full, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, calling any issues barely a bump in the road.

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The FAA has also ordered Jeff Bezos Blue Origin to conduct a mishap investigation into an anomaly that occurred during the debut launch of its New Glenn mega-rocket. No injuries or property damage have been reported, the agency said.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SpaceX launched its huge Super Heavy-Starship mega rocket on its seventh test flight Thursday, successfully "catching" the first stage booster back at its firing stand but losing its new-generation Starship upper stage spacecraft, which apparently broke up as it was reaching space. Falling debris from the destroyed Starship briefly delayed airline traffic out of Miami, Florida, federal officials said.

Telemetry from the Starship froze eight minutes and 27 seconds after launch following unexpected engine shutdowns or failures. SpaceX later confirmed the ship's destruction in a posting on X, using a tongue-in-cheek description:

"Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today's flight will help us improve Starship's reliability."

A Super Heavy-Starship - the most powerful rocket ever built - blasts off from SpaceX's Gulf Coast manufacturing and flight test facility. / Credit: SpaceX

"We (lost) all communications with the ship," a SpaceX launch commentator said of the Starship. "That is essentially telling us we had an anomaly with the upper stage." A moment later, he confirmed: "We did lose the upper stage."

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The Federal Aviation Administration also reported that airline traffic at Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports was delayed up to an hour due to what it described as a "rocket launch anomaly."

The FAA in a statement said it "briefly slowed and diverted aircraft around the area where space vehicle debris was falling." It said normal operations had resumed.

"The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX Starship Flight 7 mission that launched from Boca Chica, Texas, on Jan. 16," the agency said in a follow-up statement, adding that it is "assessing the operation."

Video posted to social media and verified by CBS News showed debris from the Starship falling in the area of Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

SpaceX's billionaire owner Elon Musk later hinted at a possible cause, posting to his X platform: "Preliminary indication is that we had an oxygen/fuel leak in the cavity above the ship engine firewall that was large enough to build pressure in excess of the vent capacity. Apart from obviously double-checking for leaks, we will add fire suppression to that volume and probably increase vent area."

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In a news release, SpaceX said that "initial data indicates a fire developed in the aft section of the ship, leading to a rapid unscheduled disassembly with debris falling into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas."

SpaceX said that anyone who finds what they think is debris should call local authorities or the company's debris hotline at 1-866-623-0234.

The gargantuan rocket blasted off from SpaceX's Boca Chica, Texas, manufacturing and flight test facility on the Gulf Coast at 5:37 p.m. Eastern Time, firing up 33 methane-burning Raptor engines generating up to 16 million pounds of thrust.

Gulping 40,000 pounds of propellant per second, the booster climbed away from its launch stand and gracefully arced over to the east atop a long jet of flaming exhaust visible for dozens of miles around.

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Two minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff, the Super Heavy fell away and the Starship continued the climb to space on the power of its six Raptor engines.

A camera on the Starship upper stage captures first stage separation and its flip maneuver to head back to the launch pad for capture. / Credit: SpaceX

The booster, meanwhile, flipped around, re-ignited several engines to reverse course and headed back toward Boca Chica where the unique mechanical arms on the rocket's launch gantry were open and waiting.

Plummeting tail first back to Earth, the Super Heavy re-ignited its engines, tilting as they steered it to the pad, and then settled straight down between the chopsticks, which smoothly closed to capture their quarry in mid air.

The first such catch last October was successful, a jaw-dropping sight to thousands of cheering residents and tourists. But the Super Heavy used for the next such flight a month later was diverted to a Gulf of Mexico splashdown because of launch damage to sensors on the tower that were needed to help guide the descending booster into position.

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New sensors with have more robust shielding were put in place to eliminate such damage and SpaceX engineers are optimistic they'll soon be recovering Super Heavy boosters with the same regularity they've demonstrated with the company's workhorse Falcon 9 rockets, a key element in SpaceX's drive to lower launch costs.

In keeping with the reusability theme, the Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines included one that flew on a previous test flight to demonstrate its ability to fly multiple missions.

The bulk of the upgrades tested Thursday were built into what SpaceX called a "new generation" Starship. Two minutes after the booster "landed," the upper stage reached space.

/ Credit: SpaceX

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In a spectacular sight, the first stage is captured by giant mechanical arms back at the launch pad after boosting the Starship upper stage out of the lower atmosphere. / Credit: SpaceX

But the loss of telemetry left flight controllers in the dark about what might have happened in the final stages of the ascent.

For these initial test flights, the Starships do not attempt to reach orbit. Instead, they loop halfway around the planet and descend belly-first through a hellish blaze of atmospheric friction before flipping nose up for a tail-first, rocket-powered splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

For Thursday's flight, major test objectives included restarting a Raptor engine in space and the deployment of 10 dummy Starlink mockups to test a new satellite delivery system that works a bit like a Pez candy dispenser. Starships are expected to launch thousands of Starlinks after the rocket is operational.

Among the other upgrades were smaller stabilizing fins, repositioned to reduce their exposure to re-entry heating, an improved propulsion avionics system, redesigned fuel feed lines and a 25% increase in propellant volume to improve performance.

A pre-launch view of the Starship upper stage between the open mechanical arms, or

The redesigned avionics system includes a more powerful flight computer, new antennas that combine signals from Starlink and GPS navigation satellites, "smart batteries" and power units to drive two dozen high-voltage actuators and redesigned navigation sensors.

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SpaceX also added additional cameras, with more than 30 on board to provide direct views of critical systems using operational Starlink satellites to stream real-time video and data to the ground.

While the spacecraft is designed to be fully reusable, SpaceX has not yet made any attempts to capture a returning Starship or, for that matter, a Falcon 9 upper stage.

But Thursday's test flight featured multiple experiments to test a variety of heat shield improvements, including metallic tiles and one with active cooling, along with dummy Starship catch fittings, to learn more about how they will respond to re-entry heating.

"This new year will be transformational for Starship," SpaceX said on its website, "with the goal of bringing reuse of the entire system online and flying increasingly ambitious missions as we iterate towards being able to send humans and cargo to Earth orbit, the moon, and Mars."

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Getting the Super Heavy-Starship flying on a regular basis is critical to NASA's Artemis moon program. NASA is paying SpaceX to develop a variant of the Starship upper stage to carry astronauts down to the lunar surface in the 2027 timeframe.

To send a Starship to the moon, SpaceX must first launch it to low-Earth orbit where a succession of other Starship "tankers" will have to rendezvous, dock and autonomously refuel the moon-bound ship so it can blast out of Earth orbit and head for deep space.

Astronauts launched in an Orion capsule atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket then will rendezvous with the Starship in orbit around the moon for the descent to the surface.

NASA's contract requires one unpiloted lunar landing test flight before astronauts can be cleared to ride one down to the surface. The ongoing test program will determine when that might be possible.

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MADRID (AP)  Spains foreign ministry says that a Spanish man has been kidnapped in an unspecified northern African country, while Spanish media report that the man is being held by a jihadist group.

Spanish state news agency EFE and newspaper El Pais both report that the man was captured in southern Algeria and then taken into Mali by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.

The foreign ministry would neither confirm the details of the media reports nor reveal the location of the kidnapping when asked by The Associated Press.

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Reliable sources confirm that a Spanish citizen is presently being held against his will in northern Africa, the ministry's statement read. The government is actively working to clarify and resolve the situation.

Algerian authorities have not yet commented on the reported abduction. Kidnappings have rarely been reported in Algeria in recent years, however a decade ago, militant groups in the region routinely used kidnapping and ransom to finance their operations.

On Sunday, Austria's Foreign Ministry said unnamed gunmen had kidnapped an Austrian aid worker in Agadez, Niger, roughly 280 miles (450 kilometers) from the largely porous desert border with Algeria. The ministry said it had informed Algeria.

Algeria, Africa's largest country by area, has worked to clamp down on instability and terrorism in the vast Sahara, however the kidnapping comes months after a Swiss tourist traveling in the desert was killed.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The scenes are gruesome, tragic, and often preventable.

On December 11, the frigid breeze wasnt what sent chills through those who witnessed what happened in South Memphis.

When it hit him, it sounded like it hit another car, witness Shelia Haynes said. It went boom! Debris was all over our car. It hit so bad.

It was lunchtime outside a gas station on East Mallory near Latham. A car reportedly hit a man crossing the street. It threw him 100 feet. He didnt survive.

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It hit him so hard, it knocked his pants off, Haynes said. The hood was messed up. The windshield and all of that.

The car was seen on security camera footage. It never stopped.

Courtesy: Memphis Police Dept.

Memphis Police Colonel Marcus Worthy heads the unit called to investigate.

We are already in the process of trying to identify the individual, he said.

The Special Traffic Investigations Squad investigates crashes resulting in critical injuries or fatalities that typically lead to criminal charges.

Unlike homicides and sex crimes, these guys handle their stuff from beginning to end. They take their own photos and measurements, Worthy said.

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Worthy let WREG Investigators tag along with him to get a closer look at what the unit does and see, so the public can better understand whats happening on our roads.

In the case of the fatal hit-and-run, Worthy stated, The distance [the pedestrian] went down the road indicates speed.

Thats what witnesses also stated.

They had to have been going about 100 mph, Haynes said. It had to have been.

Speeding, reckless, and distracted driving are among the leading causes of crashes the STIS responds to.

Alarming trends have also been seen across the country since the onset of the pandemic.

MPD says in 2021, they got a reckless driving call on average almost every day.

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There are theories as to why the roads became more reckless when COVID-19 hit. Some cite boredom and behavioral changes. More research is being conducted.

Whats clear, according to the state, Shelby County started to see an increase in fatal crashes during that same time.

They are deformed. Their bodies are twisted in all kinds of ways, Worthy said.

The scenes are painful and tragic. Too gruesome for the public to see. Yet, STIS officers are up close. The sounds and sights stick with them.

Youve got an arm, leg missing. The body is twisted the wrong way, and they are still alive. They have to see that and watch that, but still work through it, Worthy explained. We have mechanisms in place to make sure the officers mind is okay and everything, but sometimes you reach a breaking point. We had one guy leave the unit because he said he couldnt take seeing any more kids getting hurt.

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Just hours before the fatal hit-and-run crash last month, the STIS was called to a critical crash in East Memphis.

Security camera footage WREG Investigators obtained from a nearby business shows a motorcyclist going east on Poplar, locking up, and sliding into the red car turning left.

Worthy said the car never stopped, and the man on the bike was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

This summer, the Tennessee Highway Patrol agreed to designate around 50 troopers to the Memphis district.

This after repeated calls for help as data showed in Shelby County, there were more fatal crashes in 2023 compared to the totals of past years.

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MPD said those extra patrols, task forces, and more public awareness have helped. They report a dip in reckless driving calls, interstate shootings, and critical and fatal crashes.

Our criticals and fatalities are down this year. We are down 64 from last year, which is great. I wish we didnt have any of them, Worthy said.

We continue to ask MPD for last years number of fatal and critical crashes to get a better comparison of past years. We will let you know if and when we get those totals.

MPD did report they have not released the victims name and have yet to find the driver in the hit-and-run crash that killed the pedestrian.

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Weeks later, countless cars pass by the spot. They are oblivious to the life cut short, loved ones forever impacted, and the witnesses who will never forget.

Shelia Haynes and her husband

He just kept going. He has no heart, Haynes said.

If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

 DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? WREG Investigators want to hear from you! Call our tip line at 901-543-2378. You can also send an email to wreginvestigators@nexstar.tv.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
As President-elect Donald Trump digs in on his proposal to expand U.S. control over Greenland, many of his allies in the MAGA movement have defended the move in conventional foreign policy terms. According to a common variation of this argument, gaining a greater degree of control over Greenland  either by buying it, annexing it or striking a new deal with its government  would serve Americas immediate geopolitical and economic interests, given the island nations proximity to key shipping routes, its geostrategic importance for controlling the Arctic and its extensive reserves of critical minerals.

But in the corner of the conservative movement known as the New Right, where Trumps hardline American nationalism co-exists alongside a strong strain of techno-utopianism, Trumps defenders are making a less conventional  though no less influential  case for taking Greenland. In the eyes of many of the New Right, taking Greenland isnt just in Americas material and strategic interests; its also key to Americas spiritual wellbeing.

Versions of this argument vary from the Wild West-y to the genuinely wacky: Some on the New Right argue that acquiring Greenland would represent the opening of a new American frontier, reviving the frontier mentality and settler spirit that imbued the American pioneers largely of the 19th century. Others argue that Greenland could serve as a sort of spiritual and technological staging ground for more ambitious feats of American expansion, including the eventual settlement of Mars. Despite differences in emphasis and scope, many of these arguments start from the premise that Trumps reelection has brought America to the threshold of a spiritual revival  and that territorial expansion could serve as a necessary catalyst for that transformation.



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I think having a frontier is very healthy, said Joe Lonsdale, a Trump mega-donor and Peter Thiels co-founder at Palantir, in a recent interview with the BBC. Its a frontier mindset  its taking new possibilities, its creating new things.

So far, these arguments have been ricocheting around a small  and very online  cadre of conservatives, many of whom have ties to Silicon Valleys emerging tech right. But they could find a powerful and potentially sympathetic audience in the new Trump administration. Chief among those potential allies is Ken Howery, Trumps pick for ambassador to Denmark, which currently controls Greenland and will be instrumental to deciding its fate. An original member of Silicon Valleys PayPal mafia and Trumps former ambassador to Sweden, Howery is close to both Elon Musk and Thiel, who is a seminal figure on the New Right.

In many cases, conservatives are taking their cues from a concept that Americans may be familiar with from their high school history classes: Frederick Jackson Turners frontier thesis. First outlined by Turner in 1893, the theory argues that the settling of Americas Western frontier had played a major role in shaping the countrys emerging culture and political ethic  and that the subsequent closing of the frontier in the 1890s posed a major threat to the countrys self-conception.

More contemporary historians have challenged Turners thesis, but Trumps allies have nevertheless sounded distinctly Turnerian notes in their defenses of Trumps proposal. In December, the magazine IM-1776, which has become something of a mouthpiece for the most assertively nationalistic flank of the New Right, published an article by an anonymous writer arguing that settling Greenland would represent the opening up of a new territory for Western men to enter, a frontier that would forge, in time, a new people, conditioned by the cold climate and the harsh terrain.

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More mainstream conservatives have sounded a similar chord as well. This week, Eric Teetsel, an executive vice president at the Trump-aligned think tank Center for Renewing America, published an op-ed situating Trumps proposal for Greenland in the tradition of explorers defying long odds in pursuit of their dream of a better life, from Plymouth Rock to Lewis and Clark, the Sooners to the 49ers.

For 100 years, Americas domestic and foreign policy was dictated by the mandate to control our destiny from sea to shining sea, Teetsel wrote. President-elect Trump is reviving a sense of that spirit.

None of this rhetoric is entirely unprecedented for the tech right. In recent years, Thiel and other members have dabbled in various exit projects designed to allow libertarian-minded individuals to escape the strictures of liberal democracies. Recent proposals range from living off the grid in the Mountain West to seasteading, or building autonomous communities on floating platforms in international waters.

Unsurprisingly, some on the tech right see Trumps plans for Greenland as a potential opportunity to exit from mainstream American society. Greenland represents the reopening of the frontier, wrote Dryden Brown, the founder of a company called Praxis that is trying to build an autonomous network state supported by cryptocurrency. (The project has secured the backing of a number of investors in Thiels circle.) Earlier this year, Brown has said, he visited Greenland as a possible site for a new privatized charter state  the project has not come to fruition  which he hypothesized could serve as a prototype for a self-sustaining colony on Mars. In his post explaining his proposal, he tagged Elon Musk.

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There are signs, though, that the MAGA vanguard isnt uniformly behind the tech rights grandiose plans for a new super colony in Greenland. On a recent episode of his War Room podcast, Steve Bannon  who has broadly endorsed Trumps plan to acquire Greenland  distanced himself from what he called the tech rights transhumanist vision for Greenland, opening up a new front in his ongoing feud with Musk and the tech right.

I certainly hope Greenland is not whats being proposed by these guys, Bannon said.

Intellectual quibbling aside, Trumps plans for Greenland  as well as his proposal to regain control over the Panama Canal and potentially claim parts of Canada for the U.S.  are responding to what many on the populist-nationalist right see as a real geostrategic challenge for the U.S. With the rise of China and the decline of American military and economic hegemony, many conservatives believe the post-Cold War unipolar moment is coming to a close  and imperial jockeying between major powers is ramping up.

We have already seen that we are in an era of new imperialism, said the conservative foreign policy analyst Sumantra Maitra, pointing to Russias moves in Ukraine, Chinas designs in Sri Lanka and Africa, and Israeli and Turkish maneuvering in Syria. With the collapse of the multipolar global order well underway, he said,the U.S. is starting to act like a normal great power, which is used to [defending] its own set of interests.

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Nevertheless, Maitra said, he remains somewhat skeptical of the spiritual case for expansion, given that the structural and material justifications for claiming Greenland are strong enough on their own. But he sees the utility of the argument.

If it leads to more competition and more innovation, thats fine by me.
A Kenyan on Twitter(X) has filed a lawsuit against the microblogging platform, accusing it of permitting harmful content such as hate speech, incitement to violence, and pornography. Felix Kibet also claims that X(formerly Twitter) allows content that undermines the rights and reputations of individuals.

In his petition, Kibet argues that Xs actions or lack of action have led to violations of constitutional rights, the erosion of public values, and a decline in morality in Kenyan society. He contends that the platforms content threatens the very fabric of society.

The petitioner asserts that X, by allowing, encouraging, or promoting content that disrespects the rights and reputation of others, violates Articles 10 and 19 (3) of the Constitution, reads the petition.

Kibet is seeking an order to compel Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor to take necessary action and ensure that social media platforms in Kenya adhere to constitutional standards and provide a safe environment for users. He also highlights that the Elon Musk-owned platform allows users to create accounts under aliases, unofficial names, or even other peoples identities and photos.

The plaintiff further criticizes Xs Spaces feature, which enables users to host unregulated live-streamed audio conversations on any topic, at any time, with the potential for vulgar and obscene language.

Additionally, Kibet claims that X has allowed posts revealing private information about Kenyans, including sensitive family details, without consent.

The social media user is seeking an order to compel X to delete the harmful content he has highlighted and to either delete or suspend accounts using names other than those officially registered in government records.

Kibet also accuses the Attorney-General, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the Kenya Film Classification Board, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of failing to fulfill their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, thus enabling Xs illegal and unconstitutional activities.

On Monday, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye certified the case as urgent and instructed Kibet to serve all parties named in the petition ahead of the hearing on January 17.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  With the deadline for filing unemployment benefits at the end of the month, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) says it will waive any penalties incurred from sporadic technical issues with the departments website.

27 News reached out to the KDOL on Jan. 17 to see if technical difficulties with its website would impact businesses in the state. KDOL reported that it is having technical issues with its Employer Portal. The department said the problems could impact businesses trying to file but recommends people be patient as it works to solve the issues.

With tax season approaching, the deadline for employers to file wage statements and forms for independent contractors with the government is Jan. 31. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), penalties for not filing range from $60 to $660 depending on how late it is.

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If delays in submitting your reports are due to system-related issues, we will review each situation carefully, said KDOL Communications Director Becky Shaffer. Any late penalties resulting from these delays will be waived once the cause is confirmed to be system-related.

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KDOL said if you experience any issues to document them and contact the agency at 785-296-5027 or KDOL.UITax@ks.gov.

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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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A retired K9 from the Springfield Police Department is receiving national recognition for his service.

On March 11th, it will be a very big day for the Springfield Police Departments now-retired K9, Mr. Warner. Mr. Warner has been selected as a 2025 Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medalist. He will be heading to Washington DC for the fifth annual Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony with his partner Officer Eric Blair to receive this medal.

These dogs are unsung heroes. I mean, they go out there to give everything they can. They sacrifice their bodies for us and the community. And, you know, theyre just great assets of any department, said Springfield Police Department Officer Eric Blair.

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This award is presented to animals distinguished by their exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility whether on the home front or war front. Mr. Warner was with the police department for seven years, from 2014 to 2021, assisting with over 100 arrests and narcotic searches.

Mr. Warner most commendable achievement was the last night he worked. Him and Officer Blair were first to respond to an armed home invasion on Lowell Street in December 2021. He was able to lead our officers to, you know, a weapon toting suspect and also help recover the firearm that was used in the crime, said Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence Akers.

Even though Mr.Warner retired three years ago, he is also still active in the community. Once the Neros law passed, Mr. Warner and Officer Blair came in and trained over 300 AMR employees to help them feel ready in treating canines at crime scenes.

Theyve done so many sessions of good hands on time. Mr. Warner is just so helpful to all of us and like really ease that comfort for our providers to work with these animals, said Operations Manager, AMR Springfield, Kim DAngelo.

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Warners efforts in the community setting up an example for 7 other canines in the police department.

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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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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The St. Helens School District has announced it is seeking community feedback on a preliminary corrective action plan after a series of listening sessions were held following a sex abuse scandal involving school staff members.

The corrective action plan draft, released Thursday, comes after a school board meeting held the night before included parents calling for the resignation of board members. The board meeting was held virtually  instead of in person  after the school district said it received threats of doxing and gun-related implications.

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During the meeting, parents called into question recent leadership decisions, including that St. Helens School District Interim Superintendent Steven Webb would be closing out his term earlier than expected.

We need to be able to trust you guys, to be able to bring in a good super. Its not necessarily the characteristics that I wish to see. Because we all know what characteristics we choose, one parent said during the meeting. But what it really comes down to is who is in charge of the hiring and thats you guys.

The St. Helens School District has been plagued with scandal since a current and former teacher had been arrested on allegations of sex abuse in mid-November. St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner was also arrested for allegedly failing to report the abuse.

Several more staff members have joined the list of teachers and administrators under investigation for sexual misconduct or failing to report these crimes. Among those accused of failing to report was Scot Stockwell, the former St. Helens superintendent.

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Since then, acting Superintendent Steven Webb has stepped forward to fill the role while the district recovers from the aftershock of these incidents. However, on Tuesday, Webb announced he would be leaving his role early.

Webb said his time at the district would end on Jan. 31, 2025  more than a month earlier than the 90 days he had signed up for.

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The St. Helens School District said the sudden departure is due to Webb having fulfilled his assigned duties, including: launching an internal investigation, hiring an acting high school principal, holding school listening sessions and developing a preliminary corrective action plan.

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The district finally released that preliminary corrective action plan on Thursday. It includes plans to convene several community advisory councils related to the district, including creating one for students. Quarterly community listening sessions are also part of the plan.

The school district also plans to re-establish school resource officers with the St. Helens Police Department, arrange for monthly meetings with the chief of police and provide additional training to staff on mandatory reporting duties when it comes to sexual abuse claims brought to staff, among other measures.

St. Helens School District Director of Communications Stacey Mendoza released a letter to students, staff and families on Thursday, saying in part that the corrective action plan underscores our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

The plan was formed from community input gathered during five listening sessions under the auspices of Interim Superintendent Webb, the summaries of which were also released by the district.

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The school district said it is inviting the community to review the corrective action plan draft and share feedback before its finalized version is released.

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Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the final corrective action plan, Mendoza said.

The entire preliminary corrective action plan can be viewed below.

English:

Spanish:

Submit feedback via an online survey for the preliminary corrective action plan in English and Spanish via this link.

Once a new superintendent is hired, they will assume their role on Feb. 3 and stay on until the end of the school year, according to the district.

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ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis County man was convicted on Thursday in the murder-for-hire of a New Jersey man in 2022 while in St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Missouri, Moreion Lindsey, 35, was hired by a man in New Jersey to kill another New Jersey man, Titus Armstead, in St. Louiss Penrose Park on April 21, 2022.

Lindseys trial began on Monday and showed evidence that he fatally shot Armstead after he was hired by Jerome Williams, 52, at the order of another man, Ray Bradley, 46, in New Jersey, for the murder.

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Bradley had trafficked cocaine and marijuana to St. Louis from other cities, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Armstead had counted drug proceeds and was responsible for Bradleys stash house.

Bradley blamed Armstead for stealing drugs and millions of dollars in cash from the stash house.

In response, Bradley arranged for Armstead to fly to St. Louis, and while Armstead was told it was for his safety, Williams told Bradley that Lindsey could kill Armstead while in St. Louis.

Lindsey picked Armstead up from the airport around 9 p.m. on April 21, 2022, and immediately drove him to Penrose Park, where he fatally shot Armstead.

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Lindsey took a photo of Armsteads body using a prepaid burner phone to provide proof to Williams and Bradley of his death.

Lindsey was paid $15,000 by Williams and disposed of the evidence, including the burner phone and Armsteads Social Security card and belongings. Lindsey reported the SUV he drove to the park with Armstead stolen and used $5,000 of the money to buy a Chevorlet Suburban.

Lindsey was found guilty of one count each of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24. The U.S. Attorneys Office said these crimes carry a mandatory life sentence in prison.

Bradley pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in JUne to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison back in September.

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Williams pleaded guilty in December to a charge of destruction of evidence to obstruct a federal investigation.

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A St. Paul woman has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the fentanyl overdose death of her 1-year-old daughter.

Tessa Jean Vorlicky, 21, entered the plea Thursday in Ramsey County District Court after reaching an agreement with the prosecution. The plea deal calls for Vorlicky to receive a four-year prison term at sentencing, which is scheduled for March 31.

MiVida Vorlicky ingested the drug on Dec. 1, 2023, and died four days later at Childrens Hospital in Minneapolis, according to the charges.

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The childs father, 27-year-old Derrick Marshawn Harrison, was charged with child endangerment. He failed to appear at a hearing last week, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

St. Paul police were sent to a home in the 300 block of Toronto Street in the citys West Seventh area around 7:30 p.m. on a report of a 1-year-old who was not breathing and occasionally gasping, according to the charges, which were filed in May. Medics were on scene when officers arrived.

Vorlickys mother, who had called 911, told police at the scene that her daughter, MiVida and Harrison stay in an upstairs bedroom. She said she frequently finds drug residue, straws and burnt tin foil around the house, the charges say.

MiVida was transported to Childrens Hospital in St. Paul. She was given Narcan, but did not regain consciousness. She was later transported to Childrens Hospital in Minneapolis, where doctors believed she was unlikely to survive.

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In the bedroom, police found a baggie of methamphetamine, burnt tin foil on top of a dresser and nasal Narcan, the charges say. A bag with tin foil and suspected drugs were in a storage tote in the closet.

Vorlicky told police she smoked fentanyl the morning of Dec. 1 in a hallway with tin foil, which she then threw away.

Harrison told police he doesnt stay at the home, but goes over there three or four days a week to check on MiVida, who had begun to crawl. He accepted responsibility for not being there for her and getting her into a better situation, the charges say.

MiVida was declared brain dead on Dec. 5, and an autopsy concluded the baby died of acute fentanyl toxicity and revealed she had a fragment of tin foil in her colon.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico  A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico indicted a St. Peters, Missouri, woman on Thursday for starting a fire that destroyed a bar in Cabo Rojo earlier this month.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Puerto Rico said Danielle Bertothy, 36, was visiting Puerto Rico on Jan. 2 when she set fire to a commercial building housing a retailer, a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel. Hotel guests had to be evacuated due to the fire.

Online videos and other claims from Puerto Rican authorities said Bertothy was kicked out of the bar and then returned later with a gas can.

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Food Network picks the most iconic foods and drinks of St. Louis

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms served a search warrant at Bertothys home on Bramblewood Drive in St. Peters last week.

Bertothy was charged with the use of fire to destroy any building affecting interstate commerce (arson).

Bertothy is scheduled to appear in federal court in downtown St. Louis on Friday, Jan. 17.

If convicted, she faces between 5 and 20 years in federal prison.

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If there is a leader in the aerospace industry, SpaceX is it. The companys Crew Dragon and Cargo Dragon spacecrafts are the current go-to vehicles to deliver astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station.

NASA contracts awarded to SpaceX through 2030 alone are worth nearly US$5 billion and include research and development for the Artemis mission to return astronauts to the Moon.

Over the past decade, SpaceX has also emerged as a key vendor to the U.S. Department of Defense, seen most recently with a $733.5 million contract for projects such as launching defense satellite networks and contributing to other national security space objectives.

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As a human geographer, Im interested in how commercial space and defense companies affect the local communities where they conduct launches and tests.

For instance, I spent over two years in Kazakhstan researching the privatization of the Soviet space program and the beginning of a global commercial space industry.

Elon Musk and SpaceXs influence

Politically, SpaceX is an enormous boon to the United States.

As a U.S.-based defense supplier and contractor, the companys technology has helped to nearly end an almost two-decade dependency on the Russian Federation for access to the International Space Station. Its billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, has even expressed plans to colonize Mars.

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Musks decision to spend $250 million helping Donald Trump win the 2024 presidential election is expected to lead to more support for SpaceX.

In the new administration, Musk is poised to lead a newly created advisory agency called the Department of Government Efficiency, which could lead to benefits for his business and widen his space ambitions.

Boca Chica, Texas, is home to SpaceXs flagship assembly and test installation, Starbase. Since 2021, I have been conducting research with environmental groups and multigenerational community members of Latino and Indigenous descent in south Texas who see space exploration as a landscape-altering industry that affects their well-being.

After watching Starbases development proceed since 2014, locals there told me that there is much unseen and unsaid about what happens on the ground while an aerospace giant shoots for the stars.

Breaking eggs to make an omelet

Starbase is an industrial installation built by SpaceX to fabricate and test a number of the companys rocket types.

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The area around it is a unique and delicate ecosystem that includes estuaries and coastal grasslands, mud flats and more, where falcons, hawks, ravens, gulls and songbirds live.

Since construction began, SpaceX engineers have had to drain water-logged soils, level them and pour concrete to support ground tracking stations, assembly buildings, engine test stands, a nearly 500-foot (152-meter) launch tower and onsite fuel mixing and storage.

In a lengthy response to local environmental groups claims of environmental abuses, the company maintains that it is dedicated to environmental stewardship.

But developing rockets is a dangerous and messy business. Sites chosen for this kind of work are often, though not always, remote and highly secured installations.

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Fiery explosions on the ground or in the air arent unheard of over the past several years. Rocket tests in Scotland, China and Japan have all ended in accidents.

In April 2023, one of SpaceXs prototype Starship rockets exploded over the Gulf of Mexico shortly after liftoff.

This is not the only time that a rocket has exploded at places where SpaceX operates.

SpaceX runs a compact though growing operation at Boca Chica that has transformed the area. The hamlet was previously known as Kopernik Shores, and SpaceX purchased nearly all of the approximately 35 ranch homes in the area. Some residents have reported pressure to sell their property for suboptimal prices following rumors that the county would use eminent domain to seize their residences.

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I spoke to Rebekah Hinojosa, a local activist and member of the Carrizo-Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, while researching in the area. To many locals, including Hinojosa, it seems like Musk is so well connected that SpaceX is insulated from public criticism.

In a 2018 press conference, Musk said, Weve got a lot of land with no one around, and so if it blows up, its cool, referring to a rocket he planned to test at Starbase.

Changes to the landscape

An installation the size of Starbase cannot avoid disturbing the wildlife in the four distinct state and federal wildlife protection areas that surround it.

If you walk through the protected areas you may see shrapnel, segments of rocket chassis and other random debris from any number of explosions  that is, if someone else hasnt picked them up first.

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In December 2022, I visited a luxury campground near Starbase. It displayed various fragments of rocket debris, which they called memorabilia to the new space age, throughout the site.

Within SpaceX, as well as NASA, the explosion of 2023 was celebrated as a crucial step in developing the Starship rocket. The event did produce valuable data on the rockets performance  it has done little to tarnish the companys reputation.

There is tremendous support for SpaceX in Texas. The company has promised to drive high-tech industry jobs into a region ranked among the countrys poorest.

SpaceX has created about 2,100 jobs. However, reporting shows that local and state politicians have seen more personal gains in their real estate holdings and campaign budgets than the regions economy has overall.

A mural of Elon Musk in Brownsville, Texas. Robert Kopack

A laboratory near the community

At the end of the day, to develop a rocket, you need a place to test your design.

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Our local beach is the laboratory, local activist Hinojosa told me.

Resident coalitions of Indigenous, Latino and Chicano people as well as conservation groups are suing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Federal Aviation Administration and others to combat SpaceX.

These groups argue that SpaceX misled state and federal regulators about Starbases operations. They claim SpaceX changed how frequently it planned to launch tests and built new facilities for several rocket types, which rendered the companys original environmental impact statement for the area inaccurate.

Some key issues these groups are fighting against include a bid to expand Starbase into more protected areas. Another point of contention is the deluge system, which creates thousands of gallons of toxic wastewater to cool launch pads and rocket engines after testing.

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While the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have notified SpaceX about violations of the Clean Water Act, claimants in a recent lawsuit contend that these agencies have not held the company accountable for breaking the law. The company has denied any wrongdoing and refutes claims of environmental harms.

As we have built up capacity to launch and developed new sites across the country, we have always been committed to public safety and mitigating impacts to the environment, a SpaceX statement reads. The list of measures we take just for operations in Texas is over two hundred items long, including constant monitoring and sampling of the short and long-term health of local flora and fauna. The narrative that we operate free of, or in defiance of, environmental regulation is demonstrably false.

So, what does the future hold? Many people from conservation agencies, activist groups and Indigenous communities in Texas want the company out. Given the high public support for space exploration in the U.S. and the burgeoning friendship between Musk and Trump, a SpaceX evacuation from the area seems unlikely.

While it may take difficult negotiations that require concessions from each party, I hope that somewhere there is a middle ground on which space exploration and environmental protections can coexist.

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This article was updated on Jan. 17, 2024 to reflect the amount of money Musk spent helping Trump win the 2024 election as $250 million and the correct speed of light.

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: Robert A. Kopack, University of South Carolina

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Robert A. Kopack 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.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday visited the Nazi German extermination camp at Auschwitz, voicing his sheer horror at what he saw there, before holding talks with Poland's leaders on stepping up European defense and tightening Britain's ties with the European Union.

Starmer visited the Auschwitz memorial in southern Poland  an area under German occupation during World War II  and vowed that he would fight the growing antisemitism which is causing fears to rise among Jews including in Britain. He made the stop after a visit to Ukraine on Thursday.

Starmer later traveled to Warsaw to meet with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk for talks on strengthening cooperation in the area of European security and defense and countering illegal migration.

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Poland, which borders war-stricken Ukraine, has made security the main focus as it currently holds the rotating presidency in the EU.

Starmer told a news conference after talks with Tusk that he was determined to deepen our security collaboration. Both with the EU and of course bilaterally.

He also said they talked about how we can strengthen our economic ties, boosting a trade relationship that is already worth 30 billion, how can we do more together on energy security and climate, and how can we deepen our cooperation on migration aiming to smash the vile gangs that operate across Europe illegally driving migrants across European borders.

Tusk said his dream was to see Breturn or Britain's return to the 27-member EU and that Poland's presidency will work to make the relations tighter. He said he had asked the decision making body, the European Council, to hold an informal summit with Britain.

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Both vowed to work toward very close transatlantic ties with the U.S., where President-elect Donald Trump is to take office on Monday, and with Canada.

Earlier on Friday, a statement was released following Starmer's visit to the Auschwitz memorial with his wife Victoria, who is Jewish.

Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing," Starmer's statement said. The mounds of hair, the shoes, the suitcases, the names and details, everything that was so meticulously kept, except for human life.

His visit came before the 80th anniversary of the camp's liberation on Jan. 27, 1945. King Charles III will be among the dignitaries attending a somber ceremony where the spotlight will be on the dwindling number of survivors of the Nazi atrocities.

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From 1940-45, around 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, but also Poles, Roma and Sinti, Russian prisoners of war and others, were killed in the gas chambers or died of starvation, hard labor and disease at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The complex of concentration, forced labor and death camps has become the most notorious of Germany's sites of mass killing in wartime occupied Europe. About 90% of the victims were Jewish.

Starmer's statement noted the antisemitism that has been growing since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Time and again we condemn this hatred, and we boldly say never again.' But where is never again, when we see the poison of antisemitism rising around the world in aftermath of Oct. 7? Where is never again, when the pulse of fear is beating in our own Jewish community, as people are despicably targeted once again for the very same reason, because they are Jewish," he said.

The Starmers laid a wreath at the Execution Wall at Auschwitz I, paying tribute to all the victims of the camp, and lit a candle at a monument at Birkenau, where most of the Jews were murdered.

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Starmers center-left Labour Party has struggled with accusations of antisemitism. In 2020, the U.K. equalities watchdog in a scathing report found that Labour officials failed to stamp out antisemitism and committed unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination under Starmers predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn.

When Starmer became leader in 2020, he vowed to root out prejudice and restore relations between Labour and the Jewish community. Corbyn, who refused to accept the reports findings of antisemitism, was barred from standing as a Labour candidate in the 2024 election and now sits in Parliament as an independent.

Reports of antisemitic incidents have risen sharply in the U.K., according to the Community Security Trust, a Jewish safety organization. It logged 1,978 self-reported incidents in the first half of 2024, an increase of 105% over the same period in 2023.
SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE)  Western New Mexico University is facing even more scrutiny over a nearly $2 million payout to its outgoing president. It comes weeks after the State Attorney General announced an investigation. Now, the State Auditor is looking into the deal as well.

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In November, the State Auditor uncovered more than $360,000 in improper spending by the former university board and president, prompting the president to step down. Now the Auditor is looking into the deal he got when he resigned.

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Ive never seen anything like this in terms of an egregious lack of adherence to policies and procedures, said Joseph Maestas, NM State Auditor.

New Mexico State Auditor Joseph Maestas said he was appalled by the actions of some Western New Mexico University leaders. An initial audit by Maestas office back in November uncovered thousands in inappropriate spending by the universitys former President Joseph Shepard on travel and furniture. On Thursday, they announced theyre launching another audit.

Theres been a lot of developments that have occurred even since we completed our initial investigation into the travel and procurement violations of the universitys policies and procedures and as many of you know it totaled to over $360,000, said Joseph Maestas, NM State Auditor.

Since their initial investigation, the president resigned, followed by the board, amid outcry over their decision to give Shepard a $1.9 million severance payment.

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Since theres a lack of leadership in the presidents office and in the board, we felt the need to step in and designate the university. That way we can have direct oversight of that special audit, said Auditor Maestas.

Last month, the Attorney Generals Office announced its investigation into that payout.

But we understand the actions being taken by the Attorney General, which are legal in nature, but ours are financial in nature. In investigating the payout, the circumstances surrounding the payout, and whether or not any policies and procedures and even laws have been broken, said Auditor Maestas.

Auditor Maestas said while the two investigations are separate, their special audit could also potentially benefit the AGs investigation. Im also sending a message out there to not just the higher education institutions but other public entities that they really need to assess their policies and procedures, and they need to make sure that they adhere to them to the letter, said Auditor Maestas.

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The special audit also takes over an audit that the university was originally supposed to conduct itself, into potential fraud, waste, and abuse under the previous leadership. The State Auditor says theyre hoping to complete the special audit by the end of spring. However, they said the information wont be immediately available to the public.

The State Auditors office said insider tips are their number one source for uncovering fraud. They encourage the public to report tips to their website.

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Seven state employees have been fired for improperly accessing  and in some cases, stealing money from  accounts of thousands of Texans who receive Medicaid, food stamps and other public assistance, The Texas Tribune has confirmed.

Four of those employees were fired in December in what is believed to be the largest data breach in the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions history after officials say they had accessed the personal account information of 61,104 Texans without a clear business reason.

In separate cases earlier last year, one employee was fired after officials said she illegally possessed information on the public assistance accounts of 3,392 people and another two were fired after $270,000 was stolen from some 500 food stamp accounts, according to the health agencys watchdog arm, the states Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The office has referred those three individuals to local district attorneys offices for prosecution.

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The seven firings, from four separate incidents in the past year, are remarkable because Texas entire apparatus for investigating fraud in public assistance programs in the gargantuan $93.4 billion Texas Health and Human Services Commission was built to focus on outside actors, such as providers or retailers and clients themselves. These cases, however, show threats from within the agency, impacting the public benefits of several low-income and disabled adults and children who live in Texas.

First reported publicly by the Texas Attorney Generals Office on Jan. 6, the most recent breach impacted 61,104 account holders who had either applied or received assistance between June 2021 and December 2024 from the states Medicaid, Childrens Health Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, that is commonly referred to as food stamps.

On Friday, the social services agency will begin notifying all 61,104 individuals by first-class mail of the breach and that the state will be offering two years of free credit monitoring to them. Those who believe they were affected by the breach can call 866-362-1773 with questions and use the reference number B138648.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is notifying recipients of agency services that their protected health, personal identifying or sensitive personal information may have been inappropriately accessed, used or disclosed, according to a draft of the news release the agency plans to publish Friday. HHSC recommends that affected individuals carefully review their accounts and health care provider, insurance company, and financial institution statements to make sure their account activity is correct.

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So far, officials have not offered a price tag on the cost of this breach.

Because the investigation is ongoing, officials have not released the names of the fired employees and would not confirm on Friday if any personal information of the 61,104 was leaked to the public or if any of their funds were stolen.

Collectively, the cases are the latest reminder of how large of a target to criminals the states database of personal data involving its poorest residents is and raises new questions about TIERS, the decades old computer system where employee-accessed information was stored. The system houses applications for Medicaid, food stamps and other public assistance programs.

The agency has asked the Texas Legislature for $300 million to update its eligibility and enrollment processes, including to the TIERS system, which was also at the center of problems during the resumption of Medicaid health insurance enrollment rules after the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. Texas removed, sometimes erroneously, more than 2 million individuals, mostly children, from the program once the emergency was declared over and the federal government resumed requirements that clients renew their Medicaid applications.

How the latest breach was detected

Nearly all  8,386  of the 9,500 staffers who work in the agencys access and eligibility services division have access to personal account information, including dates of birth, home addresses, income and health information of people enrolled in various public assistance programs. But in all four major incidents that resulted in the seven firings, these division employees violated agency rules when they were caught either accessing client information without a legitimate business reason, state officials confirmed.

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In the breach affecting the 61,104 Texans, a private contractor alerted agency officials on Nov. 21 of potential suspicious activity. Officials later connected the activity to eligibility division employees.

The case surfaced publicly on Jan. 6 when the agency, by law, notified the Texas attorney generals office that a data breach had occurred. While the initial report to the attorney generals office had indicated the private information of at least 250 beneficiaries had occurred, the agency updated that figure on Friday to 61,104.

Going forward, the agency insisted it is strengthening internal security controls and working to implement additional fraud prevention measures, including enhanced monitoring and alerts to detect suspicious activity, per its news release.

The agencys office of inspector general continues to investigate the latest breach.

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Created in 2003, the inspector generals office is designed to concentrate on rooting out nefarious activities from outsiders. While it conducts internal affairs investigations of employees, the office has never been set up to focus primarily on state employees involved in security breaches that could result in fraud, according to the inspector generals office.

The office also relies mostly on referrals from the public and agencies and while it has methods to investigate data activity, the office does not monitor various state databases on a daily basis to check whether state employees are properly handling data.

Stolen food stamp money

While agency employees have historically been investigated for violation of rules, three incidents last year have now alerted the inspector generals office to focus more deeply at data-handling that has the potential to turn into public assistance fraud.

On Jan. 31, a member of the public reported that an employee in the eligibility division was changing personal identifying numbers, or PINs, on clients cards and selling the cards for half their worth in cash. Investigators found that the employee had changed PINs on 211 food stamp cards, leading to $81,638 stolen. The employee was fired and the case referred to local prosecutors.

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Then in March, an internal investigation found that another division employee had emailed to her personal account a spreadsheet of people in the states community care program, which pays for attendant care for older and disabled Texans, a violation of the agencys data-handling rules. She was fired and the case was referred to local prosecutors because the use or possession of such information is illegal in Texas.

Then last summer, the inspector generals office found another division employee who had changed the PINs on 391 food stamp cards, using the benefits for illegal purchases resulting in a loss of $190,518. The employee was fired and the matter referred to a local district attorney.

With the latest large breach, the agency is warning all public assistance recipients to carefully examine their account activity, especially those with food stamp benefits.

SNAP recipients, specifically, are being advised to check their Lone Star card transactions for potential fraudulent activity at YourTexasBenefits.com, the agency release states. Anyone who suspects they are a victim of fraud should call 2-1-1 and choose option 3 to report the fraud, contact law enforcement and visit a local agency office to have benefits replaced.

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The agency release also hinted that more employee terminations could be coming.

As the agencys internal review continues, additional affected individuals identified will be notified, the release noted. Employees involved in similar inappropriate and illegal conduct will be terminated and referred to the appropriate authorities.

How welfare fraud schemes operate and Texas investigates

Texas Health and Human Services Commission accounts for nearly a third of the states budget, according to its latest strategic plan. About 91% of the agencys expenses is for grants and client services.

The commission is one of two agencies under the health services umbrella. The other is the Department of State Health Services. Together the two employ about 50,000 people.

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Of all the public assistance programs that the commission manages for Texans, the food stamp program is a frequent criminal target. In the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, the agency distributed more than $7 billion to Texans who qualified for grocery assistance, which can amount to roughly $200 to $1,500 per family depending on family size. In December, 3.6 million Texans received food assistance.

Food stamp assistance is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State dollars are used to pay for half of the state agencys costs to administer the food stamp program and the other half is paid for by the federal government.

In its latest strategic plan, the agency lists as a goal to reduce waste in the food stamp program by 10% by focusing on employees more diligently evaluating applications. It does not mention employee-generated breaches or fraud, but instead focuses on impropriety among contractors of services.

The OIG focus on high-risk providers protects against fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds and ensures that Texans receive the services they need, the plans section on accountability states.

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The most common fraud schemes the health agencys inspector generals office investigates involves clients selling their food stamp card balances to a small store or food truck in exchange for cash, according to the investigative agencys December report. A retailer typically gives cash to the (cardholder) at a discounted rate in exchange for their benefits. Then, the retailer uses the full amount of the benefits to buy inventory for their business.

In the fiscal year ending in August, the inspector generals office completed 17,075 investigations of retailers and clients, recovering $54.4 million. They referred 100 cases for criminal prosecution.
By Akbar Novruz



Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Azerbaijan on January 17 for a working visit, strengthening ties between the neighboring nations.

As reported by Azernews, a guard of honor welcomed Prime Minister Kobakhidze at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the national flags of Georgia and Azerbaijan were prominently displayed.

Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov, along with other officials, greeted the Georgian Prime Minister upon his arrival, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic visit.

Adding to the significance of this visit, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, speaking to journalists in Baku, highlighted the importance of the 10th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

According to Bochorishvili, the meeting, chaired by the prime ministers of both nations, serves as a vital platform to discuss and advance cooperation across various sectors.

Members of the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan will participate in the meeting of the commission. Of course, we will discuss all issues existing in the relations between the two countries, especially the strategic partnership in various sectors that unite us with Azerbaijan. Of course, the meetings will be held at the highest level, the Prime Minister of Georgia will meet with the President of Azerbaijan, and all important issues necessary for the further deepening of our relations will be discussed in this format, the minister stated.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations has stepped in to address the recent trend of nominees declining presidential appointments.

In its latest report on the vetting process for diplomatic nominees, the committee revealed that two individuals, former West Mugirango MP Vincent Mogaka and former ICT CS Margaret Nyambura, had turned down President William Rutos offers for diplomatic positions in Ghana.

It is extremely embarrassing that for the second time, a nominee to the High commission of Ghana has decline. As a committee we do not take that very lightly, Committee chairman Nelson Koech said.

He added, The picking of names of individuals who probably may not have been consulted or have no interest to represent our country is not only an embarrassment to the country but an embarrassment to the President.

Mogaka, who was nominated in 2024, declined the offer, citing family reasons for his decision not to represent Kenya in Ghana.

Similarly, in January 2025, Nyambura also turned down the position, stating personal reasons for her refusal. In a letter to the committee, Nyambura explained, I wish to inform you that I would not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing. This has been compelled by my personal and family matters, which, after careful consideration, would not allow me to take up the position as the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto.

In response to these rejections, the committee expressed concern and called for improvements in the vetting process.

We want to put on notice that this exercise of dropping names of individuals not interested in being diplomats should stop and we should be more cautious and intentional in looking for people who have interest to serve the country and to represent the President, Koech stated.

The report highlighted a potential lapse in due diligence by authorities responsible for recommending candidates for appointments.

To address this issue, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, alongside the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, enhance their due diligence processes.

It is imperative for this committee that we put notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of Public Service that they should do their due diligence in future when doing this appointment, the Committee said.

The committee emphasized the need to ensure that nominees are fully consulted, in agreement with their appointments, and prepared to serve the country to prevent future rejections.
(FOX40.COM)  California State Prison, Sacramento officials are investigating the death of an inmate after he was attacked by two other incarcerated persons on Wednesday, the California Department of Corrects and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said.

According to prison officials, two inmates attacked the victim in the exercise yard around 5 p.m. and ended by staff with the use of a chemical agent.

Student arrested for carrying loaded firearm at Elk Grove High School

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The victim was taken to a medical facility outside the prison where he later died, CDCR said.

According to the agency, investigating officers found three improvised weapons.

The two suspects were placed in restricted housing while the incident is under investigation, prison officials said.

Both suspects are serving life sentences with the possibility of parole and have previously been separately convicted of first-degree murder.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Jan. 17Maine State Police have canceled a silver alert for a 64-year-old Portland man who went missing on Thursday evening.

The man, who suffers from cognitive issues, left the Portland Center Center for Assisted Living on Devonshire Street on foot around 5:30 p.m.

He was located safely Friday morning, according to state police.

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The California Public Utilities Commission approved Southern California Edisons wildfire mitigation plan Thursday, rejecting calls to delay action until more is known about what ignited the devastating Eaton fire.

Investigators are now looking into whether Edisons equipment sparked the Eaton fire, which has killed at least 17 people and destroyed thousands of homes and other structures. The companys transmission equipment may have also sparked the smaller Hurst fire, investigators say.

Michael Backstrom, Edisons vice president of regulatory affairs, said Thursday that there were no conclusions yet about the cause of either fire. He said the companys preliminary analysis of the Eaton fire found no anomalies that would suggest its equipment sparked the blaze.

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At the meeting, William Abrams, a survivor of the North Bay wildfires of 2017, told the commission it would be imprudent to approve the wildfire mitigation plans of the states three biggest for-profit utilities  Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric  without knowing what ignited the deadly fires last week.

The commission didn't address Abrams' concerns or those of other speakers who asked officials to do more to keep the utilities accountable for safely maintaining their electric lines, approving the three companies' wildfires plans on a 5-0 vote without comment.

No one is adequately policing this, Peggy Ludington, a Southern California resident, told the commissioners. She pointed to some of the 11 areas of concern that safety regulators had detailed in their October approval of the companys wildfire prevention plan.

Ludington noted that safety regulators had asked Edison last year for information on the problems they had found in the splices used to repair transmission lines.

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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 told regulators 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.

Edison said this week that it had been doing more work to prevent wildfires than the state has required.

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.

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Backstrom said that delaying the approval of the companys wildfire prevention plan until the causes of the fire are determined was not the right decision.

He said work that the company has done each year under the guidance of its plan has reduced the risk that its equipment will spark a wildfire by more than 85% than what it had been before 2018.

Its not right to freeze practices right now, he said. We need to execute.

Alice Reynolds, president of the commission, spoke about the wildfires at the meetings start.

California has worked extensively to significantly reduce utility-involved wildfires, she said, calling the three utilities wildfire mitigation plans the most comprehensive in the country.

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These measures come at a cost that is added to utility bills, she said. We can ask whether they are enough and if the utilities can do more or do better. This week we can see they are necessary.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
More than 100 representatives of a group attempting to pass a ballot measure to expand abortion rights in Florida committed crimes related to gathering petitions, a new report from the state says.

The Office of Election Crimes and Securitys annual report, released Thursday, focuses heavily on petition gathering fraud. It comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to pass new laws severely restricting the gathering of petitions to put an amendment to the state constitution on the ballot.

Based on the preliminary results of an investigation into Floridians Protecting Freedom, the abortion rights group behind Amendment 4, the number of FPF paid circulators who have committed criminal activity in connection with (the amendment) has now grown to well over 100, affecting many thousands of Floridians, the report says.

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Specifically, gatherers for Amendment 4 and other proposals submitted the names and information of more than 50 dead people, submitted petitions that werent signed in their presence and committed bulk identity theft, using personal information gleaned from the internet to post into petition forms and forge the signatures of registered voters.

Moreover, the groups paid people based on the number of petitions gathered, in violation of a 2019 law that banned the practice, according to the report.

Under the state constitution, a proposed amendment can be placed on the ballot  assuming it gets an OK by the Florida Supreme Court  after receiving petitions from at least 8% of the voters in the last presidential election. For the current election cycle, that means 891,523 petitions.

But petition gatherers for FPF and other groups supporting amendments to legalize recreational marijuana and to limit casino gambling submitted thousands of fraudulent petitions, the report states.

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Attempts to reach FPF chair Sara Latshaw were unsuccessful Friday. Amendment 4 received 57% support from voters, 3% shy of the threshold needed to pass.

Petition fraud investigations stymied, state says

The report notes that while 17 arrests have been made by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement over petition fraud since the OECS was formed in 2022, the investigations into petition fraud have been difficult because contractors and subcontractors often are based outside Florida and ignore subpoenas.

These challenges made it incredibly difficult for investigators and law enforcement to investigate and prosecute subcontractors perpetuating petition fraud, the report states.

DeSantis on Monday called a special session, set to begin Jan. 27, to impose new illegal immigration enforcement laws, but also to increase requirements for petition verification.

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After spending millions in taxpayer funds on public service announcements to successfully combat Amendment 4 and Amendment 3, the recreational marijuana measure, DeSantis wants new laws to guard against petition fraud.

In calling for the special session, DeSantis argued the new petition laws couldnt wait until the March 4 regular legislative session.

If were going to do this then we should just have the (election) cycle go under one set of rules, DeSantis said. Why would you want to have part of the cycle under one set of rules and then another under a different set? So it just makes sense whatever youre going to do, do it sooner rather than later.

DeSantis lays out program to combat petition fraud

But Smart and Safe Florida, the group behind the recreational marijuana measure, filed another proposal this week, aiming to get on the 2026 ballot. Amendment 3 received 56% of the vote, 4% short of passage. The group will have to restart collecting petitions, but could be able to do so under current laws.

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In addition to stricter verification, DeSantis wants to ban third-party collection of petitions, require them to be presented in person or by mail, allow the Secretary of State to decertify ballot measures if enough fraudulent petitions are discovered, grant the Florida Supreme Court greater leeway to reject ballot measures and require the Attorney General to write a disclosure of the legal effects of the measure.

Democrats are leery of DeSantis' push on petitions, seeing a series of bills that would effectively block citizen petition initiatives outright.

This would prohibit any type of petition collection  all petitions would have to be mailed in by the individual voter, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, posted on X this week. This proposal would kill any and all future ballot initiatives in Florida!

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 Tallahassee Democrat: State report highlights petition fraud as DeSantis seeks crackdown
Feel the excitement. (Photo: Richard Bednarski for Nevada Current)

In 2022, Gov. Joe Lombardo observed during his state of the state speech Wednesday, Nevada voters elected a sheriff to be their governor.

And then in 2024 Nevada voters elected as president someone found liable of sexual abuse by one jury and guilty of 34 felonies by another for covering up hush money payments to a porn star; a man who four years earlier had illegally tried to nullify a majority of Nevadas presidential votes; and a man who is supported by their gallant lawman-turned governor anyway.

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Well, Lombardos regard for law and order can be situational.

The inconsistencies in his thinking, and in his state of the state address, dont end there .

The Nevada Way: Coddling developers

Lombardo said the root cause of unaffordable housing in Nevada is the federal governments reluctance to release the land we need for housing.

And yet despite his frequent assertions that federal land release is the one and only solution to the housing crisis, Lombardo on Wednesday claimed he will be creating a route for housing attainability for all merely by lifting regulations and fees on developers and providing them with publicly facilitated financing.

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First, attainable housing is not housing for all and is not to be confused with affordable. The term attainable generally applies to housing for middle income earners with a measure of household financial stability.

Which is great. Those folks have been getting hammered by housing costs too. And an increased supply of attainable housing could lead to additional affordable housing, over several years.

But the more pressing and immediate housing crisis in Nevada is the one crushing people working in Nevadas most common jobs, including retail and food services. Lombardos speech didnt say anything about the hundreds of thousands of working Nevadans on the lower ends of the pay scale, with respect to housing or anything else.

Second, Lombardo says that his talks with Donald Trump convinced him that Trump knows how important it is that more federal land be released.

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But Lombardo also acknowledges that the development industry wont be jumping with joy over a bunch of federal land going on the market for cheap any time soon.

So if the root cause of the housing crisis is, as Lombardo perpetually claims, the lack of available federal land, where might Lombardos freshly deregulated developer friends with shiny new publicly assisted financing be developing their additional housing?

Lombardo didnt say.

Fortunately, researchers recently released a report identifying where housing could be built. And its not on federal land too far out on the edge of town to be much use to people with jobs in town, but via infill development on vacant or underused land within already developed areas.

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Perhaps that research combined with the very existence of his own housing proposal can convince Lombardo that locked-up federal land is not, repeat not, the root cause of housing unaffordability and that developer-coddling urban sprawl is not a solution, but part of the problem.

And hopefully the Lombardo palm will go to the Lombardo forehead and hell sign legislation reforming Nevadas tenant-hostile laws and policies, instead of vetoing reforms like he did in 2023.

More bureaucracy, less filling

Lombardo also proposes to split up the Department of Health and Human Services and create a new department called the Nevada Health Authority and a new agency within that called the Office of Mental Health.

During his speech Lombardo repeatedly invoked the virtue of government efficiency, perhaps in an homage to Elon Musks branding prowess.

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It seems in our brave new world the path to government efficiency will be lined with new government agencies.

Relatedly, Lombardo proudly announced that instead of increasing spending on programs and services, he would rather sock money away to collect earnings (and dust) in the states Rainy Day account.

If and as the administrative rearrangement of health services moves along, hopefully someone can persuade Lombardo that whatever the virtues of increasing the bureaucracy, increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health care also requires significantly increased spending on Nevadas infamously underfunded and inadequate care.

Cmon everybody! Jump in and  tread water.

His housing and health care initiatives, along with other legislative proposals outlined in Lombardos speech (his default tough-on-crime schtick, some light tinkering on the edges of economic development and education, a Republican red meat broadside against voting by mail) amount to thin gruel, agenda-wise.

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Its as if he decided that since Democrats control both houses of the Legislature  but not with veto-proof supermajorities  neither he nor they can really do much.

Why bother to promote big base-satisifying ideas (a half billion dollars of public money for private religious schools, like Lombardo proposed during the last legislative session) just to let Democrats humiliate him in the eyes of Republican voters by dismissively swatting away his proposals, again.

Whats the point of that?

So maybe Lombardos taking a new persona for a spin, the kinder, gentler Lombardo, who hopes to win reelection not by being all manly-man and, as he likes to say, getting shit stuff done, but by being Mr. Nice Guy.

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(And maybe thatll get him a priMAGAry challenger, ha ha.)

When it comes to policy, its as if the governor, and legislative Democrats too, however much noise they make, have jointly thrown up their hands and resigned themselves to just treading water.

On the bright side Given the promised shock and awe attack of atrocities to be launched in earnest in Washington D.C. Monday, coupled with the impulse in red states to shock and awe on their own, treading water (assuming well have some) isnt the worst thing that could happen in Nevada.

Credit where credits due

At the top of his state of the state address Lombardo ticked off several achievements  We emerged from a brutal pandemic stronger and healthier, a record number of visitors to the Silver State, robust job creation, over 2 billion dollars in new funding for Nevada students and schools.

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All true.

And none of it was made possible by anything done by Lombardo  or by Nevada legislative Democrats, for that matter.

All of it was made possible by the historically aggressive measures taken to pull the national economy out of the pandemic much more quickly and powerfully than anyone thought possible in January 2021.

In other words, theres one line that was not in Lombardos speech but definitely should have been: Thanks, President Joe Biden.
MADISONVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Tyler J. Morgan has been apprehended and is being lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center.

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State police are asking for help from the public to find a man wanted in four counties who was last seen in the Nebo area of Hopkins County.

According to the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), Tyler James Morgan, 30, is wanted out of Hopkins, Caldwell, Webster, and Union County, as well as Vanderburgh County in Indiana.

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Winter storms in Kentucky took the lives of 6 people, Gov. Beshear reports ahead of warning for more cold

Troopers said Morgans warrants include:

25 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals

Multiple traffic violations

3 counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of property

First-degree unlawful access to a computer

Third-degree fleeing or evading police

Fraud/theft in Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Morgan also reportedly has criminal summons, which include theft by deception, including cold checks, and theft by failure to make the required disposition of property.

Tyler James Morgan, 30, was last seen in the area of Frazer Lane in Nebo. (Kentucky State Police)

KSP said Morgan is a white man who is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes and was last seen near Frazer Lane in Nebo.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Anyone who may have information about Morgan is asked to call KSP Post 2 at (270) 676-3313. Anonymous tips can be submitted to law enforcement through the KSP Website Tip Form.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  KansasWorks announced that the next statewide virtual job fair will happen on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

The virtual job fair portal features information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

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Crews monitor fire at Sherwin-Williams plant in Andover

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Individuals with disabilities may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 before the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

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.
Jan. 16A federal judge has extended a stay in a federal lawsuit filed by an Eastern Oklahoma Tribal Nation against the City of Tulsa over the jurisdiction to ticket Native Americans to allow settlement discussions to continue.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Oklahoma in November 2023 claiming the city of Tulsa "is deliberately and unlawfully prosecuting tribal citizens for conduct occurring within the Nation's Reservation boundaries despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma."

Tulsa maintains it has the authority to prosecute municipal violations committed by Native Americans through Section 14 of the Curtis Act, a law from 1898 that predates Oklahoma's statehood despite the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruling in Hooper v. Tulsa the city does not have the authority.

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Attorneys for both sides filed a joint motion to stay proceedings stating the parties have "recently engaged in active settlement discussions in an effort to resolve this matter by agreement between the parties."

U.S. District Judge John D. Russell originally granted the stay to last until Jan. 17, 2025. A new order filed Wednesday states the stay will now be in effect through March 18, 2025.

Tulsa asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed because the case interferes with "pending Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals proceedings where a decision is imminent" and gave three examples of cases currently pending with OCCA.

One such case involves Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's brother, Marvin Stitt, who was ticketed for aggravated speeding in 2021 by the Tulsa Police Department. Similar to Hooper, a municipal judge denied the motion to dismiss the speeding ticket with attorneys filing an appeal with OCCA that is now awaiting decision.

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"This Court should dismiss the claims and requested relief against all parties under the abstention and Colorado River doctrines because there are presently numerous other lawsuits pending on this same question that could render this case moot once decided," Tulsa argues. "In the alternative, this case should be stayed pending the OCCA's decision in Stitt which would be instructive, if not decisive on this case."

The tribal nation said in a statement after the filing it agreed with Tulsa's now former Mayor G.T. Bynum's statement made during his State of the City speech in November 2023 saying litigation was not the preferable means to resolve the issues.

"The Nation fully agrees; however, Tulsa is presently asserting criminal jurisdiction over individual Indians in the state and municipal courts, and aggressively so, notwithstanding clear and binding precedent against its practices," the tribal nation states. "Tulsa cannot reasonably expect the Nation to stay on the sidelines while Tulsa attacks its sovereignty within the Nation's Reservation in cases to which the Nation is not even a party."

Tulsa's new mayor Monroe Nichols and his administration are making efforts to conduct good-faith negotiations with the city's tribal nations.

"The City of Tulsa and our tribal partners have been meeting frequently since I took office earlier this month, and our respective teams are working together on a path forward," Nichols said in a statement to KOSU in December. "The City of Tulsa remains committed to co-governing with the Cherokee, Muscogee Creek, and Osage nations to create a strong direction for our governments and Tulsa collectively."
For decades, U.S. steel plants have been a lifeline for families, providing jobs and economic stability. But a recent report from nonprofit Industrious Labs analyzing Environmental Protection Agency data highlights the environmental and human toll of production.

What's happening?

Industrious Labs' report reveals that steel and coke plants in America contribute to 892 premature deaths and nearly 100,000 missed school and work days each year. Data was collected from 17 facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia. In these states, the manufacturing plants were linked to roughly 250,500 cases of asthma symptoms, amounting to $13.2 billion in healthcare costs annually because of pollution.

"This report quantifies just how devastating and far-reaching the consequences are," Industrious Labs steel director Hilary Lewis wrote in a release, adding that the EPA has "consistently failed" to protect those communities.

Do you feel like the air quality is safe where you live? Always Usually Not in the summer  Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Beverly Lewis, a Gary, Indiana, resident who lives near a steel plant, has seen these impacts firsthand: her brother died from an asthma attack at 12 years old. Lewis believes her brother's asthma was exacerbated by pollution from nearby steel plants. Many in her community, including herself and her daughters, suffer from chronic respiratory issues like allergies.

Why is this concerning?

Steel is a critical material used to build infrastructure like cars, bridges, and buildings, but producing it is dirty. That's because manufacturers use large amounts of coke, a coal product that turns iron ore into steel, releasing large amounts of toxic air pollutants. Those include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and chemicals like benzene and lead.

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These chemicals can pollute air and water, jeopardizing the health of neighboring communities. Long-term exposure to pollutants from facilities has been linked to lung and heart ailments, cancer, and premature death.

In Gary and other communities neighboring steel plants, the health burdens disproportionately affect low-income and minority residents who may lack resources to relocate. The dual pressures of making a living from steel jobs and mounting health challenges leave families feeling stuck.

"The community is asking for new investments," Lewis told WFYI.

What's being done about it?

Groups like Industrious Labs are pushing for a transition to green steel production methods, such as direct reduced iron and electric arc furnaces powered by green hydrogen. These technologies promise a drastic reduction in emissions compared to traditional coal-based blast furnaces, especially for the auto manufacturing industry.

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On a systemic level, the EPA is reviewing Industrious Labs' report and may develop a plan to address these environmental health impacts, WFYI reported. People can also support policies and organizations advocating for clean energy transitions.

Together, these efforts can ensure steel remains a backbone of local economies without sacrificing community well-being.

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.








Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, who is an attorney, will no longer serve as chair of the House Judiciary Committee this session after an incident involving him allegedly drunkenly handling guns last month. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, will no longer serve as chair of the House Judiciary Committee this session, according to a statement released Friday by House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay.

Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, who was announced earlier this month to be the vice chair, will now chair the major committee while Del. Jordan Maynor, R-Raleigh, will serve as vice chair.

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Del. Akers has acclimated quickly to the legislative process and has shown a thoughtful approach to consensus-building that will serve us well, Hanshaw said in an emailed statement.

Hanshaw said his decision followed a recent conversation with Steele, who recognized he needed to spend more time focused on matters outside the Capitol building, according to Hanshaws statement.

Del. Jordan Maynor, R-Raleigh

Notably, the changeup comes after recordings of 911 calls placed in December by Steeles wife were sent to media and legislative leadership on Jan. 7  the same day Steele was named to head the Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee can be tasked with vetting bills impacting the criminal justice system, including penalties for domestic violence.

In those 911 calls, Brianne Steele told a 911 operator that her husband, Brandon Steele, was drunkenly handling assault rifles and screaming at people in their neighborhood on Dec. 23.

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She said he was extremely agitated and very, very drunk and that their three children, who were home at the time of the incident, were terrified.

According to a police report from the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office, officers arrived at Steeles residence following Brianne Steeles second call. No arrests were made.

Brandon Steele, a lawyer by trade, told police that he was worried about possible threats regarding trials that he is working and admitted that he did approach two vehicles driving in front of their house while carrying AR-15 style rifles. The occupants in the first vehicle said they were looking at Christmas lights while those in the second quickly drove away, Brandon Steele told police.

Brianne Steele said she didnt see any cars in front of their home that night. She did see her husband walk in and out of the house while carrying the guns and screaming. She told law enforcement that she believed her husband to be extremely paranoid and a severe alcoholic, though at no time did he threaten her or the children.

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When asked about the incident  which has been verified through both a police report and recordings of two individual 911 calls  Brandon Steele told West Virginia Watch that the rumors being spread around it were vicious and disheartening.

In a joint interview with MetroNews, both Brianne and Brandon Steele spoke about the events on Dec. 23, 2024, where they agreed that Brandons behavior was poor but noted that he was not arrested for his actions.

As much as I regret the 23rd, I wasnt arrested. I wasnt charged with anything. This getting spun into some domestic incident  that didnt happen, Brandon Steele said. I felt threatened and approached a threat. Did I do it in the best way? Absolutely not. I really wish I could take that back, but I cant. Ive got to own it.

The 2025 regular legislative session will start Feb. 12.

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Starting February 2025, consumers in Kenya are likely to experience higher sugar prices due to the implementation of a new tax on both domestic and imported sugar.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially gazetted the Sugar Development Levy Order, 2025, imposing a 4% levy on sugar.

This move follows the enactment of the Sugar Act of 2024, signed into law by President William Ruto in November last year to revitalize Kenyas struggling sugar industry. The levy is expected to raise sugar prices, with the cost increase likely being passed on to consumers.

Duale explained that the levy, in accordance with Section 40 (1) of the Sugar Act, 2024, applies a 4% rate on the value of domestic sugar and the CIF (Cost of Insurance and Freight) value on imported sugar.

Local sugar millers are required to remit the levy to the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), which has been re-established as an independent parastatal. The KSB will also collect the levy directly from sugar importers or their appointed agents.

The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary further clarified that the levy must be remitted to the board no later than the 10th day of the month following the month it becomes due.

The allocation of the funds collected from the levy will be as follows: 15% will be used for factory development and rehabilitation, another 15% will be allocated to infrastructure development in sugar-producing regions based on production capacity, and 10% will be directed toward the administration of the KSB.

Furthermore, 5% will benefit sugarcane farmers organizations, 15% will go to the Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute, and 40% will be allocated to directly support farmers.

The Kenya Sugar Board has invited public comments on the proposed Sugar Development Levy Order, 2025, with the deadline set for Tuesday, January 21st. The new levy is set to take effect on February 1st.
With just days to go before TikTok could be banned from being distributed in the United States, many social media users have been left with tons of questions about what could actually happen on Sunday, Jan. 19  and beyond.

Will the app immediately shut down? And if that happens, how long could it last  and will people still be able to use the app?

While there are still plenty of uncertainties as Sunday's deadline looms, here are several possibilities.



The Supreme Court could still intervene

The bipartisan law that aims to ban TikTok  which passed in Congress and was signed by President Joe Biden in 2024  would require the Chinese company that owns TikTok, ByteDance, to sell it.

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Last week, Supreme Court justices heard arguments about whether to step in and temporarily pause the measure or let the ban go forward.

Supporters of the bill fear that China's government could use data from the app to manipulate or harm Americans, while TikTok argues that the ban is a violation of free speech for its tens of millions of American users.

On Jan. 10, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government, said that TikTok could operate as normal, but only if ByteDance would sell.

All the act is doing is trying to surgically remove the ability of a foreign adversary nation to get our data and to be able to exercise control over the platform," she said, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett echoed the the same argument, saying, The law doesn't say 'shut down' [TikTok]. It says ByteDance must divest. If it did that, we wouldn't be here."

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However, Justice Neil Gorsuch sounded more skeptical and noted that TikTok would accept a disclaimer about China.

ABC News, CNN and The New York Times previously reported that a majority of the justices appeared inclined to let the ban proceed, but a decision has yet to materialize  and although the court has indicated that justices will announce at least one decision on Friday, Jan. 17, they did not confirm if it would involve TikTok.

Still, given the looming deadline, the news led to speculation  and for some, hope  that a decision on the fate of the app is on the way.

Related: What to Know About RedNote  the Chinese Platform Gaining Popularity Ahead of Possible TikTok Ban

Could the Biden administration still stop the ban?

Amid swirling reports about what actions Biden might take in his final days in office, a White House official said that given the timing of when the ban is set to go into effect  just one day before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration  "it will be up to the next administration to implement."

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ABC News and NBC News reported that this signals that the Biden administration effectively doesn't plan to enforce the law during the last hours of his term.



getty "Foreign media reports that ByteDance is exploring the sale of TikTok are untrue," the company has said. "ByteDance doesnt have any plan to sell TikTok."

Will someone buy TikTok?

TikTok and ByteDance have been candid about not wanting to sell their app, despite a number of formal offers to purchase the social media giant.

In April 2024, soon after Biden signed the bill that would force the company to sell or shut down, ByteDance denied rumors that it was considering a sale. "Foreign media reports that ByteDance is exploring the sale of TikTok are untrue," the company said at the time, per CNN. "ByteDance doesnt have any plan to sell TikTok."

Additionally, in a filing to the Supreme Court, TikTok further confirmed that it had no plans to sell when its lawyers wrote that the law "will take effect on January 19, 2025, shutting down TikTok for its more than 170 million monthly American users."

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.

Although TikTok can't be sold without ByteDance's permission, as all parties involved would have to agree to a sale, that hasn't stopped a number of high-profile figures from showing interest in purchasing TikTok, including billionaire and Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary.

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O'Leary and his business partner in the proposed deal, former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his organization Project Liberty, said that they were "excited" about what they saw as an opportunity to purchase the app. According to CNN, they did not disclose how much they formally offered to pay for the app.

This isnt just about buying TikToks U.S. assets. Its about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users. Its about empowering creators and small businesses. And its about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms, McCourt wrote on X.

Influencer and social media personality Jimmy Donaldson, known mostly as MrBeast, also said he was considering trying to purchase the app in a post to X on Monday: "Okay fine, I'll buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned."

Donaldson shared another post on Tuesday, Jan. 14, writing: "Unironically, Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this. Lets see if we can pull this off."

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Tesla and X owner Elon Musk's name has also come up as a potential buyer, according to several outlets. However, a TikTok representative denied the rumors, telling PEOPLE in a statement: "We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction."



Related: TikTok Just Got Closer to Being Banned. Here's What It Means for You

Will TikTok stop working?

Attorneys for TikTok have said in court that the app will "go dark" if the law goes into effect on Sunday, although it remains unclear exactly what that means.

If implemented, the law would force the app to be removed from app stores (like through Apple or Google cell phones) and make it inaccessible through internet browsers in America  and violations could mean giant financial penalties.

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Additionally, new users would not be able to access or download TikTok, although people who still have TikTok as an app on their phone could potentially access its content after Sunday, but the app would not be updated over time and would be expected to become more difficult to use.

However, speaking before the Supreme Court last week, TikTok attorney Noel Francisco said that going dark meant that "essentially, the platform shuts down"  and Reuters has reported that if the ban goes into effect, any users attempting to open the app on their phone will see a message about how the app is no longer available in their country.



TikTok did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment about their plans on Thursday, Jan. 16.

File: Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa/Getty I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, Trump said last month.

What will the Trump administration do?

Although Trump did try to ban TikTok during his first term, saying at the time that he viewed the app as a national security threat, he has seemingly changed his mind.

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On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Washington Post reported that he was considering issuing an executive order once he takes office that would suspend enforcement of the ban for somewhere between 60 to 90 days. The months-long period would give Trump time to help broker a sale of the company or offer another solution.

I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, Trump said last month, per the newspaper. The outlet also reported that the Singapore-based CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, visited Trump as his Mar-A-Lago club in December 2024, and according to the New York Times, the businessman is expected to attend Trump inauguration.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

The newspaper also reported that Trump could tell his pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, not to enforce the ban  effectively ignoring it (meaning that they wouldn't receive financial or other penalties) and allowing app stores and internet browsers or service providers to ignore the ban, too.



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Bondi recently declined to say whether she would commit to enforcing the law during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday.



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Police arrested a Leesburg High School student after a K9 sniffed out a gun in his backpack during an unannounced check, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

Unannounced school checks are routinely conducted to search students for contraband, said a Leesburg School Resource Officer.

On Thursday, K9 Samba alerted his handler to a backpack, which contained a vape pen, in a classroom which was absent of any students at the time.

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Read: Weekend warmup followed by cold snap in Central Florida

Officers searched the backpack and found a stolen loaded Glock 9mm handgun was found in the backpack.

Police tracked the backpack to a 9th-grade student who was arrested for felony gun possession, deputies said.

Read: Tatum, Celtics take on the Magic

LCSO said in addition to finding the gun, Samba also found three vapes and a cigar in other backpacks.

Just one week ago, Florida Attorney General Ashly Moody honored Samba with the Back the Blue Award for Sambas outstanding performance in detecting vapes and THC in Lake County schools.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Health officials confirmed Thursday that a stomach bug is circulating among people at the wildfire evacuation center in Pasadena.

Manuel Carmona, Pasadena's acting director of Public Health, said that his department and health officials from the American Red Cross, which is overseeing medical care at the Pasadena Convention Center, are "seeing people who are experiencing illness, but you know, we're providing appropriate medical treatment and making sure that they're not affecting others."

Carmona was unable to determine the cause of the illness  whether it was a norovirus, rotovirus, or some other virus or parasite  but said that "anytime you have a congregate shelter, you can expect that there's going to be illness spreading among the people who are using the facility."

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Norovirus, a common source of gastrointestinal distress, is circulating throughout the wider Los Angeles County population.

According to data collected by WastewaterScan  an infectious disease monitoring network led by researchers at Stanford and Emory universities with lab testing partner Verily, Alphabet Inc.s life sciences organization  although levels of the virus detected in Los Angeles County's wastewater have steadily been decreasing since December, they are still twice as high as they were this same time last year.

Read more: Firefighters boost containment of Palisades and Eaton fires amid break from destructive winds

The virus causes gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms generally appear from 12 to 24 hours after exposure and typically last 24 to 72 hours. It is highly contagious, and people can continue spreading the virus for two days after symptoms resolve.

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It is most commonly spread via droplets on surfaces, such as counters, hand railings and doorknobs, and food. The virus can also linger for days and weeks if not cleaned up and sanitized.

Research also shows the virus can be acquired via breathing in aerosols from fresh vomit and toilet spray. Public health officials recommend shutting the toilet lid while flushing, if possible.

Carmona said his department and the American Red Cross are taking standard and "extraordinary measures to make sure, if any illness is detected, that we're isolating individuals and making sure that they're being provided the appropriate medical attention."

He said medical teams from Kaiser Permanente and AltaMed are also at the center providing appropriate medical care.

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"I think, at this point in time, we're happy with how the convention center is being run by the American Red Cross," he said, "and we think that all the resources are there in order to prevent spread."

The American Red Cross didn't have specifics on a stomach bug outbreak  neither what might be spreading nor where.

Stephanie Fox, the organization's media relations lead, said spread of the illness has been minimal due to the Red Cross mitigation efforts.

Fox said hand sanitizer was readily available at all fire evacuation sites and that all volunteers handling food must wear gloves.

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Residents who do feel ill are placed away from others to limit exposure, according to Fox.

The health and wellbeing of residents in our care is a top priority, she said.

Although norovirus symptoms are exceedingly unpleasant, the virus rarely causes life-threatening symptoms or death. Most severe cases result from dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.

The virus is notoriously difficult to get rid of in the environment. Studies have shown it can hang out on hard and soft surfaces for weeks. And most hand sanitizers wont destroy it. Hand washing with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent infection and spread.

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In 2018, another series of wildfires burned a large swath of the state  including the Woolsey fire, which affected residents in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Outbreaks of norovirus occurred at several evacuation sites.

At the time, the California Department of Public Health put together guidelines for preventing the virus' spread.

"Preventing and controlling outbreaks of norovirus-like illnesses can be challenging in evacuation centers/shelters," wrote the state's health director, Karen Smith, in an introduction to the agency's 2018 guidelines. "The risk for person-to-person transmission may be higher due to community dining and shared bathroom facilities and sleeping quarters."

The list included directives such as encouraging handwashing and personal hygiene.

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"Proper handwashing includes covering all parts of the hands, including fingernails, with soap; rubbing lathered hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds; thoroughly rinsing hands with water; and drying hands with a paper towel," wrote the state's public health officer. "Of note, hand sanitizers are not an acceptable substitute for handwashing because they are usually not effective against norovirus."

In addition, the state recommended separate bathrooms for those who had symptoms, asking staff with symptoms to remain home for at least 48 hours after they had diarrhea and vomiting, and placing sick people in places where the floor could easily be cleaned and disinfected.

It is not clear if there are similar outbreaks at evacuation centers other than the one in Pasadena.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Residents in the Keller school district who spoke at a special school board meeting Thursday overwhelmingly opposed a proposal to split the district in two.

Heritage resident Paul Serrell puts his head down in frustration during a heated discussion in a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Concerns from some of the 121 who signed up to speak included questions over how the districts buildings, resources, funding and student body would be divided. Many also expressed anger at a lack of transparency on the part of the board in the process.

After more than two hours of heated public comments, and the superintendent saying she was prepared to resign over the issue, the board took no action, and its president said the community and committees would study the proposal further and schedule a meeting later in January.

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Many who spoke Thursday described the split as a move to cut out students who live on the wrong side of the tracks, referring to the rail line along Denton Highway that serves as the border between Keller and Fort Worth, saying the board intended to racially segregate schools in the district. They also said they were blindsided by how the idea was made public.

Keller ISD Board Member Chelsea Kelly looks on at her fellow board members in a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Two school board trustees said on social media on Jan. 9 that they did not know about the plan until it was discussed during a closed session by three of the colleagues at a Dec. 19 meeting.

Fort Worth city council member Charles Lauersdorf told the Star-Telegram last week that he spoke to a school board member who said members didnt want to disclose the plan publicly because they didnt want to create a public outcry before discussing it.

The lack of transparency was the source of anger for many who came to speak.

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Stop the secrecy, said Tamara Masters, a Fort Worth resident, retired Keller ISD teacher and regional director of the United Educators Association. I come before you today with a simple letter to request please stop all this drama. Start valuing the very people who make the district work for teachers, your staff, and the students they serve. Its deeply alarming that youre moving forward with a plan to abolish a significant portion of the district.

The five people who ran from Keller never ran on a platform of dividing this district, said Joe Macaluso, a resident of the far north Fort Worth neighborhood of Heritage, in an interview after speaking to trustees. It is because these candidates needed the support of neighborhoods like Park Glen and mine, Heritage, to win. If their true intent was revealed, they would have had no chance of victory, none.

The members of the Keller school board begin to listen to public comment during a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

An unabashed conservative, Macaluso voted for the board members who are now trying to cut his neighborhood out of the district.

If you look at the maps after the election results, it revealed that these subdivisions supported these conservative candidates, and now theyre the ones fighting the hardest to protect their property values, he said.

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Standing out in the chilly evening after not arriving in time to sign up to speak, Fort Worth resident Jihan Jackson watched the meeting on her phone alongside her daughter, Kalyn Harvey, a sophomore at Fossil Ridge High School.

Jackson, who is Black, said she saw the choice to split the school district along demographic lines.

I have to say it on the west side, thats where most of your minorities are going to lie, Jackson said. Fossil Ridge has the highest minority percentage of all high schools all over the entire district.

Cutting Fossil Ridge out of the district would also mean her daughter wouldnt be able to swim anymore, as the districts natatorium is in Keller.

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I dont think it should happen, Harvey said. I wouldnt be able to swim anymore.

Alison Kaygood taught choir in the district three decades. She stood with a group of friends outside to watch the meeting on their phones.

Theyre trying to split the district, all right, with the haves and the haves nots  so that they can have a district that they can do every single thing they want to do without anyone contradicting them, which was the design of those more people on the board, she said. And its not the way districts should run.

Kaygood, who lives in Keller, wondered what would happen to her taxes if the business-heavy Alliance area west of U.S. 377 were cut out of the district.

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She also disagreed with the lack of transparency in the process, saying that she disapproves of the boards plan to avoid a public vote on the split by passing a resolution, rather than getting a petition signed by at least 10% of the registered voters in the district.

Parents suspected this tactic from the beginning, and Tarrant County Commissioner for Precinct 3 Matt Krause said he interpreted the law this way.

When asked what she thought was behind the move to split the district, Kaygood said: Christian Nationalism. How about church and state? How about the fact that (Texas Governor Greg) Abbott and the rest of the idiots think that the Ten Commandments should be in every classroom?

Keller ISD President Charles Randklev listens to attendees during public comment in a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

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Board president Charles Randklev, vice president John Birt and trustee Micah Young discussed the proposed plan to split the Keller school district during a Dec. 19 executive session. The topic was not listed on the meeting agenda as required by law.

Trustees Joni Smith and Chelsea Kelly, who live in Fort Worth, said they oppose the plan and were blindsided when they first learned about it.

Both trustees said the discussions to split the school district need to include the public.

Trustees havent provided specific details of the plan to split the Keller district, which is the fourth largest in Tarrant County with over 34,000 students in Keller, Fort Worth, Colleyville, Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Watauga and Westlake.

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However, parents provided detailed posts on social media which stated that the district will be split at the Union Pacific Railroad line along Denton Highway, which is the Keller Fort Worth border, which puts 27 of the 42 schools in Fort Worth. The The new district would be known as Alliance.

All campuses in Keller, Southlake and Colleyville received an A rating from the state in 2022, as did three Fort Worth schools in the Keller district.

Either a school board resolution or a petition signed by at least 10% of the districts registered voters can initiate a split, according to Texas Education Code.

A public election is required if commissioners accept a petition, but the relevant statute does not mention a resolution.

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Some parents believe the district could try to use this as a loophole to avoid an election, but education lawyers have interpreted the law as requiring an election in either scenario. Bypassing the election process would be a shift from the norm and set a new precedent, education lawyers said.

Meeting attendees stand and cheer following board member Chelsea Kellys remarks during a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Attendees not allowed in meeting with empty seats in auditorium

After about an hour of public comments, Randklev called a recess, drawing vociferous disapproval from those in attendance. Board members Joni Shaw Smith and Chelsea Kelly and Superintendent Tracy Johnson stayed in the auditorium, for which they received a round of applause and shouts of gratitude and support.

During the recess, people who had not been able to come in the building when the auditorium was full were not allowed inside, despite several attendees having left empty seats inside. After reporters put cameras on the attendees speaking to security guards at the locked door, school district officials allowed them to enter.

When the meeting reconvened one parent addressed the board members with a joke: In case you dont know me, my name is Laney Hawes.

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A resident of Fort Worth, Hawes is a co-founder of the advocacy nonprofit Keller ISD Families for Public Education and a regular at school board meetings.

After the laughter died down, she got serious, expressing skepticism about the board attempting to carry out the detachment process in good faith.

We dont believe that you didnt do this in secret, she said. We dont believe that this wasnt planned to benefit yourselves and further your political agenda. None of us believe there wasnt collusion. The proof lies in your utter disregard for the law. You clearly violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Keller ISD President Charles Randklev gets in heated debate with the event attendees during a special meeting regarding the possible split of the Keller Independent School District at the Keller ISD Education Center in Keller on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Lawyers specializing in the Texas Open Meetings Act have told the Star-Telegram the board likely did violate the law when they discussed the split at the Dec. 19 meeting. On Thursday, Jan. 16, concerned parent Andrew Sternke asked Keller police to investigate the school board for the possible violation.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  There will be street closures across Manhattan on Saturday for the Peoples March.

The event kicks off in Foley Square at 9 a.m., where attendees will march their way to Washington Square Park in support of racial justice, womens rights, trans and queer youth and more.

Things To Do Around NYC

Heres where roads will shut down:

6th Avenue Cross Streets (while marchers are crossing)

Northbound 6th Avenue (Main to Main)

West 4th Street, from 6th Avenue to Washington Square Park

The closures will be made at the discretion of the NYPD. For more information on the march, 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.

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(FOX40.COM)  Sacramento County Deputies and Elk Grove Police responded to Elk Grove High School for a possible student carrying a firearm on Thursday morning.

According to a post on X by the Sacramento County Sheriff, a 16-year-old student was being escorted to the front office with school staff when he started to resist and pull away from officers who were trying to handcuff him.

Sacramento man arrested for DUI and manslaughter after fatal crash

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After a search, officials said that they found a loaded gun located in the students backpack.

Sacramento Sheriff said the student has been taken into custody and booked into Juvenile Hall for several charges as well as having an unserialized firearm on campus grounds.

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BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Tens of thousands of protesters led by university students held a noisy rally Friday outside Serbias state television headquarters in Belgrade to protest what they called the broadcaster's pro-government bias.

The rally came a day after one student was seriously injured when a driver rammed his car into a protesting crowd.

The demonstration, one of the biggest in years against alleged pro-government bias by the RTS television station, is part of wider protests that erupted after the fall of a concrete canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad last November, killing 15 people.

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Blowing whistles, booing and jeering, the protesters said they are angry that state television is reporting President Aleksandar Vucics accusations that the students were paid by foreign secret services with an intention to overthrow him and his populist government by force.

The protesters went silent for 15 minutes in memory of each of the rail station canopy collapse victims. They also chanted demands for a general strike throughout the Balkan country.

Many in Serbia blame the deadly collapse on rampant corruption in the country that led to sloppy renovation work on the station building in Novi Sad  part of a wider deal with Chinese state companies involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the Balkan country.

The canopy collapse has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with the presidents growingly autocratic rule, reflecting public demands for democratic changes.

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The daily protests have been held since the deadly canopy collapse on Nov. 1 in Novy Sad as well as Belgrade and other cities throughout the country, which sometimes turned violent.

On Thursday, a car driver fled the scene in downtown Belgrade after the young woman he struck was thrown onto his car roof and then to the ground with bleeding head injuries.

Police said they detained the driver and that he was charged with attempted murder. Several such incidents have been reported during the protests and traffic blockages since they started, but this was the first time there was a serious injury.

Tensions have risen since the incident, including a threat against the protesters in Novi Sad on Friday by a man who wielded a knife against them. Separately, riot police evicted a group of opposition politicians from the town's City Hall after they took over the building in support of the student protesters.

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Vucic called the opposition officials hoodlums and again pledged they would never come to power by force.

He has sided with people who are against the daily street protests saying their freedom of movement has been jeopardized by the daily blockades of traffic. His opponents say that Vucic has created an atmosphere of violence in the country with his fiery anti-protester rhetoric.
Brazil's luscious landscape has been ravaged by deforestation for over a half-century. And while President Silva has led efforts to end deforestation by 2030, the fight to meet this goal is far from over. Mongabay recently reported "weak laws on native seeds undermine Brazil reforestation efforts," as suggested in a study by Brazilian researchers.

What's happening?

Brazil suffers the most deforestation of any country, as reported by Global Forest Watch. The country's plan to combat deforestation, Planaveg 2.0, relies heavily on native seeds to meet their goal of reforesting 30 million acres over the next five years.

Brazil doesn't currently have laws and regulations that can sustainably support the native seed market and appease the reforestation goals. And while other countries have formal government processes and institutions to aid them in their own reforestation efforts, Brazil has a completely grassroots program. This translates to "poor legislation and lack of long-term support."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Furthermore, Brazil has only 11 labs that are able to test seeds for quality control and reliability. Many of these issues are bottlenecks that could be better managed with clearer legislation, accessibility, and resources.

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Aurelio Padovezi, a researcher at the University of Padova, explains that, "Without seeds, there is no restoration. It's that simple."

Why is Brazil's reforestation important?

It can't be overstated how important Brazil's ecosystem is to the planet as a whole  Brazil is home to about 60% of the Amazon Rainforest, also known as the "lungs of the planet" due to its vital role in Earth's oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles. Additionally, it accounts for 15-18% of the world's known species, making it a beacon of biodiversity.

The Amazon produces 20% of the world's oxygen and 16% of its freshwater. It has a critical part in regulating the world's climate and is one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, which means it "removes more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than it emits." Yet all of this is threatened with the alarming rates of deforestation over the past decades.

The country's reforestation efforts are imperative to replenishing not only the Amazon and Brazil's green natural state, but the planet's health overall. And having ample native seed supply is a key piece to the puzzle in the Planaveg 2.0 initiative to restore the degraded land.

What's being done about reforestation?

Researchers and the Brazilian government are working together to come up with potential solutions.

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Rodrigo Dutra-Silva, the lead author on the study, suggests that, "Brazil needs to build a legal structure to support seed collectors, including policy changes and reliable demand from government-backed projects."

Claudia Araujo, a forest engineer and socio-biodiversity coordinator, concurs with Dutra-Silva and notes, "The government creates some targeted projects, but accessing them is very difficult, especially considering our size. It should be less bureaucratic, with fewer barriers."

By studying how other countries are approaching similar issues and securing accessibility to these vital seeds, Brazil will mitigate bottlenecks and be on track to fostering a greener landscape and healthier world.

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.




Although it might seem a little out of the norm to see people smoking cigarettes instead of e-cigarettes or vapes these days, there were over 49 million cigarette smokers in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While cigarette smoking has declined in recent years, it is still the leading cause of preventable illnesses and deaths in the world. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke accounts for 490,000 deaths in the U.S.

In 1964, it was proven that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, and accounts for nearly 90% of lung cancer deaths, according to the ALA. Since then, it has been linked to several other health diseases such as blindness, gum disease, Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer.

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But cigarette smoking doesnt only affect your health, it also has a major impact on your finances.

According to the ALA, cigarette smoking costs the U.S. nearly $600 billion every year, with more than $241 billion in medical care alone.

A recent study by Wallethub analyzed the the cost of smoking in all of the 50 states and the District of Columbia and ranked each state from the costliest states for smoking to the least costly. The study analyzed and calculated the monetary losses including the annual cost of a pack of cigarettes per day and health care expenses caused by smoking to determine the true cost of smoking.

Washington was among the top 10 costliest states for smoking, according to the study.

Which state costs the most for smokers?

The study analyzed the financial impact that smoking tobacco has on people in a single year as well as over a lifetime. To calculate the cost of smoking, Wallethub looked at out-of-pocket cost of smoking, financial opportunity cost, health care cost per smoker, income loss per smoker and other costs such as homeowners insurance.

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The 10 costliest states for smoking in America, according to the study, are:

No. 1 - New York - $5.42 million

No. 2 - District of Columbia - $5.37 million

No. 3 - Maryland - $5.34 million

No. 4 -Massachusetts - $5.14 million

No. 5 - Rhode Island - $5.09 million

No. 6 - Connecticut - $5.03 million

No. 7 - Minnesota - $4.73 million

No. 8 - Hawaii - $4.65 million

No. 9 - Alaska - $4.57 million

No. 10 - Washington - $4.54 million

Chip Lupo, an analyst at Wallethub, stated in the study that people who buy cigarettes over the span of their adult lifetime can spend hundred of thousands of dollars, but that doesnt compare to the hidden costs of smoking.

Over a lifetime, smokers lose out on millions of dollars they could have made if theyd invested the money they spent on tobacco, Lupo said. Smokers also tend to have lower wages, higher health care costs and higher home insurance premiums.

The total lifetime cost individual smokers in the state of Washington is $4.54 million, but how much does that average out per year and how much income do Washington smokers miss out on?

Cost of smoking in Washington

The study ranks Washington as the 10th-costliest state for the the lifetime cost of smoking and in cost of smoking per year.

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According to the study, smoking in Washington costs a person $94,644 every year.

In 2022, about 10% of adults in Washington and about 2.2% of high schoolers reported smoking cigarettes, according to the ALA.

Lupo told the News Tribune in an email that, of the total lifetime cost of smoking cigarettes, $196,399 is spent on out-of-pocket expenses for purchasing cigarettes. While this is a large financial loss, the cost of not investing this money and healthcare related costs is even greater.

Out-of-pocket expenses for cigarettes alone amount to $196,399, while the cost of not investing that money totals $3,328,092, Lupo said. Additionally, smoking-related healthcare expenses add $221,788, and health issues linked to smoking reduce lifetime earnings by $732,812.

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Lupo added that while smoking costs may vary across the country, one thing hasnt changed: Quitting smoking is both a life-saving and financially transformative decision.

Resources to quit smoking

Quitting smoking may be challenging, but the state of Washington offers several resources to help kick the habit.

According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the process of quitting tobacco is easier if you make a plan. TPCHD suggests on their website to include the following in your plan:

Choose a date to quit that is within the following seven days.

Decide if you will slowly quit or if you will quit all at once.

Decide of you need counseling, medications, a healthcare provider or a support group to help you quit.

Prepare ways to help deal with cravings on your quit day.

Quit on your quit date.

In Washington and under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans cover tobacco dependence treatment that include free resources for two attempts per year. The resources included are four counseling sessions that can be conducted in person, over the phone or in a group setting as well as a 90-day supply of prescription medication for tobacco dependence that is approved by the FDA, according to the TPCHD.

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The state also has a hotline to help people quit smoking that has counselors available every day, 24 hours a day except on Thanksgiving, Independence Day and Christmas Day. Those interested can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 200-400 to receive free counseling and nicotine patches or gum.

There is also the 2Morrow Health app that is intended to help people learn new ways to deal with their cravings and urges, and allows users to track their progress along the way. There two versions of this app, one is meant to help people quit smoking and tobacco and the other version is meant to help people stop vaping.

For a full list of resources, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.
(Bloomberg) -- The US imposed sanctions Thursday against Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, on the grounds that he has destabilized the country and undermined moves toward democracy.

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Under the penalties announced by the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, any property or interests owned or controlled by Al-Burhan are blocked.

Burhans SAF has committed lethal attacks on civilians, including airstrikes against protected infrastructure including schools, markets and hospitals, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. The SAF is also responsible for the routine and intentional denial of humanitarian access, using food deprivation as a war tactic.

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On Jan. 7, the US imposed sanctions on Hamdan Dagalo Mousa, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have engaged in a power struggle with the Sudanese Armed Forces that turned into a full-blown civil war in 2023. Thousands of people have been killed and millions have fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the worlds biggest displacement crisis.

Sudan Ravaged by a Civil War the World Has Overlooked: QuickTake

The new sanctions come more than a year after Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that members of the armed forces had committed war crimes. Since then, members of the SAF, under Al-Burhans leadership, have continued to commit atrocities, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and executing civilians, Blinken said in a statement Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, the New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, reported that Al-Burhans troops had deployed chemical weapons against the Rapid Support Forces on at least two occasions. Officials told the newspaper that those assaults occurred in relatively unpopulated areas, but that new attacks could occur in cities, even Khartoum, the capital.

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Mousa joined Al-Burhan in leading an October 2021 military coup against the countrys civilian-led transitional government before they turned on one another.

Taken together, these sanctions underscore the US view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan, Blinken said in the statement.

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Cuban officials on Thursday freed a prominent opposition activist, a last-minute diplomatic change in fortunes for the Biden administration which had sought his release but long seemed unable to influence events on the island.

Jose Daniel Ferrer, the leader of one of the largest banned anti-government groups in Cuba, was released two days after a surprise flurry of diplomatic activity involving the communist-run island in the waning days of the Biden administration.

On Tuesday, State Department officials announced the removal of Cuba from a US list of countries that support terrorism, also saying that Cuban officials had agreed to a Vatican request to free Cubans jailed for anti-government activity among other crimes.

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Cuban officials said they would gradually free 553 prisoners, although they cautioned that they were not issuing an amnesty and that those being selected for release could be forced to complete their sentences if they didnt exhibit good social behavior.

For more than three years, US officials in particular had called on the Cuban government to release Ferrer, who was convicted of participating in the July 11, 2021 protests, the most wide spread demonstrations to take place on the island since Fidel Castros 1959 revolution.

Dont be afraid to fight for a free, prosperous and just Cuba, Ferrer said in a telephone interview following his release Thursday with Radio Marti, a US government-funded radio station that Cuban officials have long accused of trying to destabilize the island.

While the fiery comments by Ferrer, whom the Cuban government calls a mercenary in the employ of the US, are likely to make officials in Havana grit their teeth, for years their top priority has been to convince US officials to remove them from the list of countries that support terrorism, which incurs devastating economic penalties.

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Upon taking office, Biden seemed poised to do that until the 2021 protests that led to more than a thousand Cubans convicted in mass trials for rising up against the government.

Following the protests, State Department officials conditioned any improvement in relations on the release of the protestors while Cuban officials said they had received no concrete guarantees that economic sanctions would actually be lifted and that the US should stay out of the islands internal affairs.

Even visits by Vatican representatives to the island to press for the release of the protestors were unable to break the deadlock until the final days of the Biden administration.

But even as governments across the region applaud the surprise diplomatic breakthrough this week, it looks unlikely that the incoming Trump administration will build upon the brief thaw in relations.

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On Wednesday, Sen. Marco Rubio, Trumps pick for Secretary of State and one of the most hardline opponents to Cubas government, blasted their removal from the terrorism list and lifting of other sanctions.

There is zero doubt in my mind that they meet all the qualifications for being a state sponsor of terrorism, Rubio said during his confirmation hearing.

While Rubio said during that hearing that any policy changes would be decided by President Trump, he seemed confident of the incoming administrations position on Cuba.

I think people know my feelings and I think they know what the presidents feelings have been about these issues when he was president previously, he said. And nothing that the Biden administration has agreed to in the last 12 or 18 hours binds the next administration, which starts on Monday.

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But ramping up pressure on Cuba again after more than 60 years of US economic sanctions was unlikely to force the government to adopt political reforms said Peter Kornbluh, the co-author of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana.

Biden got some results, he said. He has reminded the world of the model of diplomacy and backchannel efforts to advance US interests. Trump and Rubio represent a model of coercion: sticks versus Bidens carrots.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said if the incoming Trump administration did place Cuba back on the list of countries that support terrorism, it would prove his governments point that the list had become political tool rather than a deterrent.

If another president came and included Cuba on the list again, we would have to ask ourselves what the reasons are, what the agencies of the US government would say, where the credibility of the government would be, he said.

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Sumy Oblast Defence Council has intensified the evacuation of residents from hromadas in Sumy Oblast where there is a risk of sabotage group activity. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration

Details: The council focused on the operational situation along the border during its recent meeting.

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Military reports indicate that while the situation is challenging, it remains stable and under control. Attempts by sabotage and reconnaissance groups to infiltrate the region continue to be recorded. However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in coordination with security and defence forces, are effectively countering and neutralising these threats.

Quote: "The defence council approved the military's proposal to ramp up evacuation efforts in communities at risk of sabotage group activity. All necessary evacuation resources and accommodation facilities have already been prepared."

Details: Sumy Oblast Military Administration said residents of 38 settlements located within and beyond a 5-kilometre zone from the state border with Russia have been evacuated.

Background:

On 10 December, analysts from DeepState reported that the Russians had seized around 2 kilometres of territory in Sumy Oblast near the village of Oleksandriia, as well as part of Kursk Oblast along the Sudzha front.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine stated that no incursions by Russian forces into Sumy Oblast had been detected. Later, Andrii Demchenko, the spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, confirmed that there were no border breaches on any section that day.

Volodymyr Artiukh, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, emphasised that there was no information from the military indicating any change in the border situation, saying that it remains under control.

The Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian military explained that on 10 December, a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group attempted to enter Sumy Oblast but was destroyed, while Russian propaganda presented it as a "breakthrough" of the border.

Sumy Oblast remains one of the most active frontline regions, with Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups continuing their operations.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, Dr. Sonia Dinnall, delivered a State of the Schools address to discuss the future of education.

Dr. Dinall brought together educators, district leaders, elected officials, and Mayor Sarno, to asses the profound work being done in the Springfield Public School system. The address centered on the theme Educating to Empower, a concept foundation to her leadership that Dinall says shell continue to lean on.

That concept emphasizes four priorities: early literacy, middle school transformation, college & career readiness, and post-secondary success.

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Dinall began with a celebration of the gains made over the last year, recognizing schools that performed exceptionally well on the MCAS test. She then assured many of both the past and present systems that have produced educational excellence will remain.

Were still going to continue to just tweak what weve been doing so we can continue to make those gains, Dr. Dinnall said.

She cherishes meaningful interactions with students, like 5th grader and assistant emcee Jayvien Dejesus, and Brianna, Levi, and Aiyanna, three high school students who embody the greatness a Springfield student can achieve.

Interacting with them reinforces what Ive known all along, Dinall said. That we truly have the best and brightest students in the state of Massachusetts.

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Mayor Sarno also took to the podium, and since he took office as Mayor, Springfield public schools graduation rate has increased from just over 50% to the current 86%.

By embracing the present while honoring the past, Dr. Dinall hopes to maintain and even surpass this rate, promising her students will make the future brighter.

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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The publisher of a prominent blog about the Supreme Court was indicted Thursday in a multimillion-dollar scheme to evade federal income taxes and use money from his law firm to cover gambling debts from high-stakes poker games.

SCOTUSblog publisher Tom Goldstein, who also has argued 44 cases before the high court, took part in poker games in Beverly Hills, Asia and elsewhere involving millions of dollars, hid winnings, concealed losses and misrepresented expenses, according to the 22-count indictment filed in federal court in Maryland.

Prosecutors said Goldstein, 54, also submitted false applications to two lenders when seeking a mortgage for a $2.6 million house in Washington, omitting from one more than $14 million he owed at the time. He also had his firm pay salaries and health insurance premiums for women with whom he had personal relationships, but who did little or no work for the firm, according to the indictment.

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The allegations in the indictment span seven years, from 2016 to 2022, a period in which Goldstein was regularly appearing in front of the nations highest court.

In 2016, for example, Goldstein understated his gambling winnings by $3.9 million, the indictment said.

Two years later, he returned from Macau to a Washington-area airport with nearly $1 million in cash in a duffel bag. Although he acknowledged to a customs officer that the cash represented gambling winnings, he failed to report the money on his tax return for that year, the indictment said.

In 2020 and 2021, he denied on his tax filings making any trades in cryptocurrency, despite more than $10 million in such transactions, according to the indictment.

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Goldstein did not immediately respond to an email sent to his law firm. An email sent to SCOTUSblog bounced back.

A biography on the blogs website notes that Goldstein retired from appellate advocacy in 2023. He has taught Supreme Court advocacy at Harvards and Stanfords law schools.


The Supreme Court has signaled it will release at least one opinion Friday, a hastily scheduled announcement that comes as TikToks divest-or-ban deadline approaches Sunday.

The justices indicate in advance when they will hand down opinions, but Thursdays update was highly unusual. It came with short notice and indicated the justices wont read their opinions aloud in the courtroom, as is typical.

The Court may announce opinions on the homepage beginning at 10 a.m. The Court will not take the Bench, the update to the courts homepage read.

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Normally, the court signals its opinion announcements a few days in advance. It did so for Friday with just roughly 18 hours notice.

Last term, the court only gave similarly short notice once, when it raced to hand down its decision keeping President-elect Trump on Colorados ballot after he was disqualified under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban.

The Supreme Court last Friday heard oral arguments in TikToks fight to save the platform from a new federal law requiring it to divest from its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, by Sunday or face a nationwide ban.

The video-sharing platform, which boasts more than 170 million U.S. users, has asserted the law violates the First Amendment and that it effectively will go dark if the ban takes effect.

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The justices are hearing the case on a highly expedited schedule, leading to expectations that the court may rule before Sundays deadline passes.

At oral arguments, a majority appeared inclined to uphold the ban, siding with the governments national security interest.

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WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a blow to TikTok by upholding a law that could lead to a ban on the video-sharing social media platform in the United States.

In an unsigned opinion with no dissents, the justices rejected a free speech challenge filed by the company, meaning the law is set to go into effect on Sunday as planned.

The bipartisan law requires China-based TikTok owner ByteDance to divest itself of the company by Sunday, the day before President-elect Donald Trump is to take office. If no sale takes place, the platform used by millions of Americans will in theory be banned.

Opponents to a TikTok ban demonstrate on Capitol Hill on March 22, 2023.

In what is a fast-changing situation, it is unclear what will happen at that point, as there are signs that Trump may seek to keep the app available. The Biden administration has also signaled it will not take any action to enforce the law on Sunday.

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In a statement Friday evening, TikTok indicated it would go dark on Sunday if the Biden administration cannot provide "a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement."

"The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikToks availability to over 170 million Americans," TikTok said in the statement, posted to X.

The anti-TikTok sentiment that led Congress to pass the law, driven by the concern about the level of control the Chinese government has over the company, has rapidly dissipated in some quarters.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement saying that TikTok should remain available to Americans but that the national security issues should be addressed.

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Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, she added.

Trump responded on Truth Social, although he did not explain exactly what he plans to do.

The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! he said.

Earlier, Trump said in another post that he had discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a Friday call.

In response to the ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Chew posted a video on the app praising Trump and expressing hope for "a solution that keeps TikTok available."

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The Justice Department had raised two key issues in defending the law: that the Chinese government could exert control over what content users see in order to influence public opinion, and that it could collect sensitive data on millions of American users.

In the ruling, the court acknowledged that the national security rationale affected its analysis of whether there was a free speech violation under the Constitutions First Amendment, with the justices focusing on the data collection issue.

The court concluded that the reasons for enacting the law are decidedly content agnostic, meaning they have nothing to do with restricting certain speech.

TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the governments national security concerns, the court said.

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The challenged provisions further an important government interest unrelated to the suppression of free expression and do not burden substantially more speech than necessary to further that interest, the court added.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed skepticism about the governments content manipulation argument, saying that journalists, publishers and others routinely make less-than-transparent judgments about what stories to tell and how to tell them.

Trump had filed an unusual amicus brief at the court urging it to put the law on hold in the hope that he could pursue a political resolution on the issue once in the White House.

During his first term in office, Trump himself tried to ban TikTok, but he has since changed his tune. He recently said he had a warm spot in his heart for the platform and met with the companys CEO.

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One of Trumps options would be to grant a 90-day extension for TikTok to find an American buyer by citing a provision in the law aimed at forcing a sale. There has been speculation about potential buyers, but ByteDance has said it will not approve a sale.

Trump could also vow not to enforce the law, but that might not be enough to convince companies that could face legal exposure, such as Apple and Google, which currently allow people to access TikTok in their app stores. The law imposes civil penalties on companies that help the company distribute, maintain or update its services, including those that operate app stores. Those penalties could be sought up to five years after the alleged violation, including after Trump leaves office.

During the Supreme Court oral arguments, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar cast doubt on some of TikToks pronouncements, suggesting it may be playing a game of chicken and might abruptly change course if the law goes into effect.

If TikTok were to go dark, as its lawyer told the Supreme Court it would if the law is not blocked, content creators would have to move to alternative platforms that have sought to compete with the app by launching features focusing on the sharing of short-form videos, such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit previously upheld the law.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Supreme Court on Friday upheld Congresss ban on TikTok, marking the end of the popular video-sharing platforms presence in the United States.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court wrote in its per curiam. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch added that while the cases expedited timeframe had left him less than certain about its details and its outcome, the question we face today is not the laws wisdom, only its constitutionality.

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Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know, Gorsuch wrote. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another. As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear.

TikTok is reportedly prepared to shut down its app on Sunday, when the ban is scheduled to take effect, though the actual language of the law technically only mandates that the social media platform be taken off of app stores to prevent new users from downloading it.

On Thursday, U.S. officials revealed that President Joe Biden would not enforce the ban through the end of his presidency, handing the responsibility of interpreting the law to President-elect Donald Trump.

Experts have said the app will not disappear from users phones, though it will be restricted from the app store, and new updates will no longer be availableeventually rendering the app unusable, reported the Associated Press.

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In oral arguments before the court, TikTok said that the law banning its presence in the U.S. was a violation of the companys First Amendment rights. The government claimed the apps erasure from the American market was a matter of national security, arguing that its parent company, Beijing-based ByteDance, could share data with the Chinese government or spread Chinese propaganda to American consumers. But that concern belies the fact that TikTok, which is headquartered in California and Singapore, has never operated in mainland China. (A sister app to the platform, Douyin, has captured the attention of the Chinese market.)

Justices on both sides of the ideological spectrum appeared skeptical of TikToks arguments, pointing out that the law did not target free expression on the app itself but rather ByteDances foreign ownership and the residual implications of a powerful foreign algorithm in the U.S.

At one point during the proceedings, Justice Elena Kagan pressed the government on what it meant by labeling TikToks manipulations as covert, pointing out that the content algorithms fueling all social media companies are a little bit of a black box, and something that wouldnt differentiate it from any other tech company operating in America.

Some members of the court acknowledged the ban was a draconian approach to firewalling information from a foreign government.

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Trump has pledged to save the platform, though its unclear how his team intends to do so. The incoming 47th president filed a brief with the court last month, urging the bench to pass on ruling on the ban until he takes office, when his lawyers argue he could pursue a political resolution that could obviate the Courts need to decide these constitutionally significant questions.

Once inaugurated, Trump could issue a 90-day pause on the ban so long as a sale is in progress. But that could be difficult, as Chinese law restricts the sale of TikToks proprietary algorithm, according to Bytedances attorneys. And Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogarwho represented the Biden administration in the casetold the court last week that the 90-day respite isnt a guarantee.

But Trump has not always been on TikToks side. Before he left office in 2020, Trump attempted to eradicate TikTok via an executive order. He claimed that the video-sharing platform [threatened] the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

ByteDance announced shortly after President Joe Biden signed the banwhich gave TikTok an ultimatum to either sell its IP to an American owner or stop operating within the U.S.that the company didnt have any plans to sell. But that may have changed since the law passed at the start of the year. Last month, James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told NPR that China could be willing to trade off TikTok and its proprietary algorithm to American investors in exchange for a better deal from Trump on his massive tariff proposal.

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Some of Trumps allies could be waiting in the wings for that to happen. Major Republican donor Jeff Yass reportedly owns a 15 percent stake in TikTok. Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort has business ties to the Chinese media industry, and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin revealed his own plans to acquire the social media company via an investor group just a day after the ban passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House.

But other options remain, should TikTok never return. When the Indian government pulled the plug on the social media app due to a violent feud with China on their shared border, TikTok dropped its 200 million users. In the apps wake, companies with format competitors to TikTok, including Youtube and Instagram, absorbed many of TikToks influencers onto their own platforms.

This story has been updated.
The Supreme Court upheld a law on Friday that could cause TikTok to go dark in the US.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned whether the law would be effective.

"Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know," Gorsuch wrote.

The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that could soon ban TikTok.

While its decision  that the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment rights of TikTok or its users  was unanimous, Justice Neil Gorsuch offered his own view in a concurring opinion, raising doubts about whether the law would be effective.

"Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another," Gorsuch wrote. "As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear."

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"But the question we face today is not the law's wisdom, only its constitutionality," the justice wrote.

Gorsuch said that since the court was given just a handful of days to issue an opinion in the high-stakes matter, "I cannot profess the kind of certainty I would like to have about the arguments and record before us."

"All I can say is that, at this time and under these constraints, the problem appears real and the response to it not unconstitutional," he wrote.

In his opinion, Gorsuch said the court was right to refrain from "endorsing the government's asserted interest in preventing 'the covert manipulation of content' as a justification for the law before us."

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"One man's 'covert content manipulation' is another's 'editorial discretion,'" he wrote.

"Journalists, publishers, and speakers of all kinds routinely make less-than-transparent judgments about what stories to tell and how to tell them," he added. "Without question, the First Amendment has much to say about the right to make those choices. It makes no difference that Americans (like TikTok Inc. and many of its users) may wish to make decisions about what they say in concert with a foreign adversary."

TikTok has fought to overturn the law, which was framed around national security concerns and signed last year by President Joe Biden. It gave TikTok's Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, until January 19 to sell its US operations of the popular social media platform to a non-Chinese company or be booted from app stores.

In oral arguments before the Supreme Court last week, a lawyer for TikTok said the platform would likely "go dark" in the United States if the Supreme Court failed to extend the divestment deadline.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Supreme Court on Friday took up its second religious freedom case of the current term, agreeing to hear a battle over the use of books on LGBTQ issues in public schools.

The case, called Mahmoud v. Taylor, was brought by parents from a variety of religious backgrounds after they realized that their Maryland school district was not keeping them updated about classroom discussions on sensitive topics like gender identity.

The parents argued that by not giving them a chance to opt their kids out of the discussions, the school district was violating the First Amendments free exercise clause.

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District officials, on the other hand, said the lessons on LGBTQ issues did not implicate religious liberty rights.

The parents lost in front of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which said the school district did not need to allow religious families to opt out.

They then appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the justices needed to clarify how religious freedom law applies to the public school setting.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists were among the faith groups that called on the Supreme Court to take up the case.

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In their own Supreme Court brief, which was filed ahead of Fridays announcement, school officials argued that the 4th Circuits ruling should stand.

Petitioners seek to unsettle a decades-old consensus that parents who choose to send their children to public school are not deprived of their right to freely exercise their religion simply because their children are exposed to curricular materials the parents find offensive, officials said.

The justices are expected to hear Mahmoud v. Taylor sometime this spring.

The case will likely spark debates about not just the Supreme Courts approach to religious freedom, but also its precedent on parental rights.
The Supreme Court has paved the way for TikTok to be banned in the U.S. on Sunday.

The high court on Friday unanimously upheld a new law that requires the social media app's Chinese owner to sell off TikTok's U.S. business or face a nationwide ban.

"Given just a handful of days after oral argument to issue an opinion, I cannot profess the kind of certainty I would like to have about the arguments and record before us," Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote. "All I can say is that, at this time and under these constraints, the problem appears real and the response to it not unconstitutional."

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The future of the popular short-form video app has been precarious since 2020, when then-President Trump moved to shut it down because of national security concerns. Trump and others raised the prospect that TikTok owner ByteDance could assist the Chinese government by sharing the data it collects from its roughly 170 million American users, embedding malicious software in the app or helping to spread disinformation.

After President Biden signed the law in April, which set a Jan. 19 deadline for the ban to take effect, TikTok responded by suing the U.S. government. The company said a ban would violate 1st Amendment rights and argued that there was no support for the idea that its Chinese ownership posed national security risks.

What will happen over the next few days is murky. Current administration officials have said Biden won't enforce the ban and would leave the app's fate to Trump, who takes office Monday.

Late Friday, TikTok said the White House and the Department of Justice had "failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance" that it would not penalize TikTok's service providers if they continued to make the app available Sunday.

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"Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement," the company said, "unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on Jan. 19."

Was the decision expected?

Pretty much. The Supreme Court justices sounded highly skeptical of TikToks free-speech defense during oral arguments on Jan. 10, signaling they were not likely to strike down the law.

The justices, both conservative and liberal, said Congress was concerned about the threat to national security because TikTok's owner, ByteDance, is headquartered in China. They said the law in question was not an effort to restrict freedom of speech.

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Congress doesnt care about whats on TikTok, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said. Congress is not fine with a foreign adversary gathering all this data on 170 million Americans.

Can I still download the app?

As of Sunday, it will be illegal for app stores such as Apple and Google Play to distribute TikTok or issue updates to the social media app. Companies that don't abide face civil penalties of $5,000 per user.

You won't be able to access TikTok from your browser, either.

What if I already have TikTok?

You'll still have the app on your mobile device, but TikTok is now saying that it plans to immediately shut it down in the U.S. on Sunday.

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Read more: 'TikTok refugees' unexpectedly turn to Chinese alternative as ban looms

What is Trump's position now?

Trump has reversed course on TikTok since his first term, joining the social media app in June during his presidential election and posting, "Those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump."

In recent weeks, the president-elect has been trying to prevent the app from being banned in the U.S., submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court and asking it to delay the Jan. 19 deadline. He also met with TikTok Chief Executive Shou Chew at Mar-a-Lago last month.

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Shortly after the Supreme Court decision was released, Trump posted on his Truth Social account: "The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!"

Then on Saturday Trump told NBC News that he most likely would grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve on Monday.

In a TikTok video posted Friday morning, Chew said: I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. This is a strong stand for the 1st Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.

Could Trump stop the ban from going into effect?

The timing of the ban  the day before Trump's inauguration on Monday  makes things tricky. Only the sitting president can issue a 90-day stay on the ban and can do so only if a buyer has taken concrete steps toward a purchase.

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On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Chew is planning to attend Trump's inauguration and will be seated on the dais.

Is a last-minute sale of TikTok possible?

It could happen, but ByteDance's priority had been to get the law struck down and maintain ownership of the app. The company has signaled that it does not want to sell.

Are there any serious bidders out there for TikToks U.S. business?

On Jan. 8, an investor group spearheaded by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt submitted an offer to ByteDance, the group said. The group is calling itself the People's Bid for TikTok and includes Kevin OLeary , one of the investors from the reality television show Shark Tank.

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Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

What is the Peoples Bid for TikTok pledging to do with the app?

If its offer is successful, the group would rebuild the platform in a way that prioritizes the privacy of TikTok users, said Tomicah Tillemann, president of Project Liberty, a New York-based organization that assembled the bid.

What we are focused on is providing a clear path forward that will allow for the preservation of the dynamic, vibrant community that is TikTok under American ownership, he said.

"Our vision for TikTok is grounded in the idea that people should have a choice in how their data is used, a voice in the way platforms operate and a stake in the economic value that they create online."

Anyone else?

On Monday, social media personality MrBeast wrote on X: "Okay fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned." He later followed up and said he'd had "so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let's see if we can pull this off."

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The same day, Bloomberg reported that the Chinese government was considering selling the U.S. arm of TikTok to Elon Musk. But in a statement to The Times, a spokesperson for TikTok called the report pure fiction.

How are TikTok influencers feeling?

Los Angeles is a major hub for content creators, who say they've been preparing for this moment for years.

Nathan Kehn, 35, joined TikTok about four years ago, posting cat videos and other funny content. He said he was disappointed that the government could just come through and wipe out peoples livelihoods like that.

Its super unfair, he said of the ban. A lot of my friends are all TikTok and this is about to ruin a lot of peoples lives.

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Kehn, who lives in Sherman Oaks and has about 800,000 TikTok followers, started planning ahead by growing his Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat accounts just in case TikTok was forced to shut down.

Part of being a social media content creator is Ive never put my eggs in one basket because I dont know how long any of its ever going to last, he said. I learned a long time ago, you cant trust one platform.

What would happen to TikTok's employees locally?

TikTok has a significant presence in Culver City, employing roughly 440 people there, according to city estimates. The company has been an important tool for video creators, small businesses, music artists and Hollywood studios.

In an internal memo obtained by The Verge this week, employees were told that TikToks offices would stay open regardless.

The bill is not written in a way that impacts the entities through which you are employed, only the US user experience [of TikTok], the memo said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a federal law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese company by Sunday or face a ban in the U.S.

President Joe Biden doesn't plan to enforce the ban, set to take effect a day before he leaves office. That leaves TikTok's fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who once tried to ban the app but more recently has pledged to save it.

TikTok had argued the law violated free speech rights, but justices sided with the U.S. government, which said the law aims to regulate a foreign-owned app that can track and collect user data.

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A flurry of activity to try to save TikTok, or at least delay its departure, preceded the ruling. The Chinese government reportedly considered selling the app's U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk as an option. A group formed by billionaire Frank McCourt and backed by investor Kevin OLeary offered to buy the app, CNN reported.

Lawmakers in Congress debated delaying the ban, and Trump was mulling an executive order to save the app, The New York Times reported Thursday.

ByteDance has been reluctant to sell, and TikTokers have begun migrating to other apps.

What to expect

Experts have said a TikTok ban means the app won't be available to download on Google or Apple. Existing users would likely still be able to access it, but the app won't be updated, eventually making it obsolete. TikTok users could see a pop-up window with a link to find more information on the ban, according to Reuters.

Can Trump save TikTok?

Trump is exploring options to preserve TikTok, according to his incoming national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz. He told Fox News the federal law that could ban TikTok also allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table. Another possible option: Trump could direct the Justice Department to not enforce the ban, The Associated Press reported.

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Trump's embrace of TikTok is a turnaround from 2020, when he said it presented a national security risk and issued an executive order barring it. It was struck down by a judge who said he had overreached.

Trump changed his mind last year as he used the app to court younger voters. Late last year he asked the Supreme Court to delay a ban.

His reversal came after meeting with Jeff Yass, a Republican megadonor who owns a significant share of ByteDance, media outlets reported. Trump has said they did not discuss the company, per The New York Times.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew has a front-row seat reserved at Trumps inauguration, The New York Times reported.

Economic impact

A ban would affect more than 7 million Americans who use TikTok for business, according to the company. It estimates small businesses would miss out on more than $1 billion in revenue, while creators would lose $300 million per month.

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"I expect to lose about six figures worth of income in one year from the brand partnerships I have on TikTok, the creator fund and the advertising income derived from TikTok users visiting my website," said Yumna Jawad, content creator at Feel Good Foodie who has 2.1 million followers.

"Fortunately, because Im diversified with other social media platforms, my website, my cookbook and my product Oath, this will not affect my business or the dozen contractors I employ in my business," she said.

Why TikTok is key to success for creators

The algorithm. TikTok made it easier for creators to find their audience, thanks to its hyper-focused and specific algorithm. They said it helped them reach the masses and obtain a colossal number of views, while other apps fall short.

"What's gonna hurt TikTokers the most is losing the 'For You' page's power. Sure, every social network's got their own version of an interest-based algorithm now, but none have come close to TikTok. That algorithmic precision is why so many TikTokers saw major virality at times  their content always got to the right audience. That doesn't feel true of the other platforms, including Instagram," said Jack Appleby, social consultant and creator at Future Social.

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"The algorithm of other platforms is not the same as TikTok's, so content that gets half a million

views on TikTok could struggle to break 1,000 views elsewhere," said Jen Ruiz, founder of Jen on a Jet Plane and a creator with 268,200 followers on TikTok.

More DIY, less aesthetics. TikTok democratized the creation process by focusing more on do-it-yourself content, creators said. "TikTok prioritized substance over aesthetics. Instagram is still all about aesthetics," Ruiz said.

"YouTube favors long-form content for monetization, which provides barriers to entry in regards to editing required, time to film, etc.," Ruiz added. "On TikTok, you could film a 60-second clip as is from your kitchen imparting value and it would perform well."

Jawad agreed, saying the food videos she creates "are not polished or perfect, but they can teach you easy delicious recipes in under a minute without even knowing you were looking to learn a new recipe."

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"Thats whats great about TikTok  its the algorithm programmed for discoverability in a way that feels enjoyable and not forced," she said.

Where creators are going

Many TikTokers are heading to RedNote, a platform also based in China. According to reports on Reuters, RedNote has welcomed 700,000 so-called "TikTok refugees."

But some TikTok creators remain skeptical they will flourish there, even if the algorithm is similar.

I dont think theres a likelihood of making money on there because its unlikely marketing departments would want to put money behind partnerships on a foreign country app. Id say Neptune and YouTube seem like the best bets, said Polina Meshkova, content creator and influencer with 91,500 followers on TikTok. I think being some of the first users and creators on an app like Neptune will actually have its advantages  similar to getting started on TikTok in 2020 or 2021.

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"Ill be relying on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Hook to post my music content following any potential ban," said Tristan Olson, a producer and DJ remixer with 3.7 million followers on TikTok.

While other platforms have copied some of TikTok's features, the results arent the same, Olson said.

"TikTok provided a creator-friendly environment that was ideal for artist discovery," Olson said. The 'original sound' feature made it so easy to create moments and build community for artists. Instagram and YouTube have these features as well, but the ability to be discovered and have viral moments is significantly more difficult."

Platforms like Instagram are more challenging because of how they started, creators said, and those who cross over will need to work harder to find followers.

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"Because Instagram's origins come from following friends, there's a deeper expectation of interaction and fan appreciation. Convincing viewers to follow you matters a whole lot more on Instagram," Appleby said.

Meshkova said this has been an important lesson for creators. They should try to create something that is solely theirs, such as a brand or a website or a newsletter that will always be there regardless of the social media accounts that technically dont belong to us but are just a part of an app."
(Bloomberg) -- The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law that threatens to shut down the wildly popular TikTok social media platform in the US as soon as Sunday, ruling that free speech rights must yield to concerns that Chinese control of the app creates a national-security risk.

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The high court said Friday Congress well-supported concerns about Chinese data collection justified a law that singled out TikTok. The measure requires ByteDance Ltd. to sell the American version of the video-sharing app by Jan. 19 or face a ban.

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TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the governments national-security concerns, the court said in an unsigned opinion.

The decision opens an uncertain chapter for TikTok and its 170 million US users. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to save TikTok and could choose to suspend enforcement of the new law once he takes office on Monday.

But the impact of that move would depend on the response of the tech companies that host and distribute TikTok, including Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. Under the law, those companies would face the prospect of massive fines for continuing to support TikTok, and they would have to decide whether assurances from the Trump administration provide sufficient legal cover.

My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation, Trump said Friday in a social media post.

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Trumps incoming national security adviser, Michael Waltz, said Thursday on Fox News that the administration will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark. But TikTok may be preparing to shut the platform on Sunday, according to reports this week in The Information and Reuters.

In a video posted after the ruling, TikTok Chief Executive Shou Chew thanked Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. He said the company was fighting to protect the constitutional right to free speech for the more than 170 million Americans who use our platform every day to connect, create, discover and achieve their dreams.

Possible Sale

ByteDance has insisted it wont consider a sale, though the imminence of the ban could prompt the company to reconsider. Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok, Bloomberg News has reported.

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Any sale would require approval from Trump, who would have to determine whether the deal would remove the app from Chinese control. The law also says the president can put the ban on hold if he certifies to Congress that ByteDance has agreed to a qualifying sale. Trump once supported a ban but now says he opposes one.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed TikTok Friday as part of a pre-inauguration conversation.

Biden administration officials have indicated they are unlikely to enforce the law before Trumps inauguration on Monday. President Joe Biden signed the measure into law in April after it won approval from a bipartisan majority in Congress.

The courts decision enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine Americas national security, said Attorney General Merrick Garland said in an emailed statement after the ruling.

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National Security

At the Supreme Court, the Biden administration defended the law as a national security imperative, saying that continuing Chinese control of TikTok will let a foreign adversary spread propaganda, covertly manipulate the platform and collect Americans data for espionage or blackmail purposes.

The companies contended that foreign influence concerns are unfounded, arguing that TikTok Inc. is an American company incorporated and headquartered in California.

A group of content creators also urged the court to strike down the law, saying a ban would strip millions of Americans of their ability to speak to and hear from communities they have come to value.

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The court said those interests werent enough to override the national-security concerns.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court said. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national-security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

The Jan. 10 argument strongly suggested the court would uphold the law. Justice Neil Gorsuch was the only member to suggest skepticism during that session, and even he voted to uphold the measure, though he didnt join the full courts reasoning Friday.

At this time and under these constraints, the problem appears real and the response to it not unconstitutional, Gorsuch wrote.

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The Supreme Court put the case on a fast track after TikTok and the content creators asked for the ban to be put on hold temporarily. The justices instead scheduled a special session that gave them time to issue a definitive ruling on the laws constitutionality before Jan. 19.

The cases are TikTok v. Garland, 24-656, and Firebaugh v. Garland, 24-657.

--With assistance from Alexandra S. Levine, Emily Birnbaum and Kurt Wagner.

(Updates with TikTok CEO comment in eighth paragraph.)

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TikTok could fade to black in the U.S. in a matter of days after the Supreme Court rejected its appeal to halt a law that will ban the popular video app as of Jan. 19 unless Chinese parent ByteDance sells its stake.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the Supreme Court wrote in its unanimous opinion in the case issued Friday morning. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

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The court said that we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court affirmed the Dec. 6 judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which found that the national security risks presented by TikToks Chinese ownership justified the divest-or-ban law.

Reps for TikTok did not immediately provide comment on the court ruling.

ByteDance has not publicly indicated any willingness to sell its TikTok stake. TikTok has told employees that they will still have jobs regardless of the Supreme Court ruling.

In the event of an unfavorable Supreme Court ruling, TikTok has been planning to shut down the app in the U.S. on Sunday, Jan. 19. At that point, TikTok users will see a pop-up message linking to a site with information about the ban. TikTokers also will have the option to download their personal data.

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There still could be wiggle room for TikTok to avoid an immediate shutdown. The Biden administration is leaving the question of what to do about TikTok to President-elect Donald Trump, set to be sworn into office Jan. 20. Trump is trying to position himself to be seen as TikToks savior: He is considering issuing an executive order to suspend enforcement of the law for 60-90 days while he tries to hammer out a resolution to keep TikTok available, as first reported by the Washington Post  although its questionable whether Trump has the legal authority to pause the divest-or-ban law, called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

Trump may also instruct the government to not enforce the ban. But given that the law imposes fines of $5,000 per user on companies that distribute or host the TikTok app, tech companies like Apple, Google and Oracle (which has an agreement to host TikTok user data in the U.S.) may be reluctant to flout the ban.

On Friday, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that he spoke with Chinese president Xi Jinping and discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Meanwhile, Trump has invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to attend the incoming presidents Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington, D.C., and to sit in a position of honor on the dais, per the New York Times.

The shutdown of the TikTok app in the United States would be a boon to rival platforms including Metas Instagram, Googles YouTube and Snapchat. Amid the looming threat of the TikTok ban, Chinese-owned social app Xiaohongshu (aka Red Note) has soared in popularity this past week.

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In May 2024, TikTok and ByteDance sued the U.S. government over the divest-or-ban law, arguing the legislation violates the First Amendment rights of its U.S. users. In addition, two groups of TikTok users and creators filed petitions for review in the D. C. Circuit, challenging the constitutionality of the law. But the Supreme Court sided with the laws backers, who have claimed TikTok represents a national security threat because Beijing-based ByteDance is subject to oversight by the Chinese Communist Party.

It is not clear that the Act itself directly regulates protected expressive activity, or conduct with an expressive component, the Supreme Court said in the opinion. Indeed, the Act does not regulate the creator petitioners at all. And it directly regulates ByteDance Ltd.and TikTok Inc. only through the divestiture requirement.

American lawmakers who backed the legislation have claimed it is not technically a ban because it offers ByteDance a choice: to divest TikToks U.S. business or to have the app shut down. TikTok and ByteDance, in their lawsuit, argued that in reality, there is no choice, saying the forced divestiture required by the law in order for TikTok to be allowed to continue operating in the country is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.

Chinese officials reportedly have been exploring the potential for ByteDance to sell its stake to tech mogul Elon Musk. A TikTok spokesperson called that pure fiction. ByteDance has said 60% of its ownership is represented by global institutional investors including Blackrock, General Atlantic and Susquehanna International Group.

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Last year, the TikTok divest-or-ban legislation passed Congress with bipartisan support. It was signed into law by President Biden in April 2024. U.S. lawmakers have voiced concern about TikToks Chinese ownership, suggesting the Chinese communist regime could use the app to spy on Americans or use it to spread pro-China propaganda  despite providing no public evidence that the Chinese government has demand TikTok turn over user data or promote specific content.

The law doesnt mandate the shutdown of TikTok per se. Rather, it prohibits Apple and Googles app stores and web hosting services from distributing TikTok in the U.S. (under penalty of monetary fines) unless ByteDance sells its ownership stake in the app to an entity based in a country that is not designated a foreign adversary of the United States.

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The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law requiring TikToks China-based parent company to divest from the app, teeing up a ban set to take effect Sunday.

The justices sided with the Biden administration, finding the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment just three days before President-elect Trump is set to take office. Trump had urged the justices to delay the deadline so he could negotiate a deal, but the court instead acted with breakneck speed.

However, the Biden administration does not plan to enforce the law ahead of inauguration, ultimately leaving the decision to Trump and seemingly allowing the app to stay online for the time being.

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There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court said in its opinion. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

The court was unanimous in its judgment, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch filed separate concurrences.

The law, which was passed by wide bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed by President Biden last April, gave TikToks parent company ByteDance 270 days to divest from the app or face a ban from U.S. app stores.

TikTok has argued divestment is not a feasible option and that it will go dark as of Sunday. It contended the impending ban infringes on the First Amendment rights of both the company and its 170 million American users.

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The court rejected those arguments, instead ruling in favor of the government. The Biden administration asserted that any free speech concerns are superseded by a national security interest over the apps ties to China, raising alarm that the Chinese government could access Americans data or covertly manipulate TikToks content algorithm.

Under these circumstances, we find the Governments data collection justification sufficient to sustain the challenged provisions, the courts opinion reads.

In his concurrence, Gorsuch said the court was right to not rely on the covert content manipulation rationale and also not rely on secret evidence from the government.

Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another. As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear, Gorsuch wrote.

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Sotomayor, meanwhile, briefly wrote separately to criticize the court for not firmly deciding the First Amendment applies, only assuming it does, saying our precedent leaves no doubt that it does.

Following Fridays decision, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the Biden administration believes TikTok should remain available to Americans, just not under its current ownership.

President Bidens position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the Presidents desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law, Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

However, she noted that given the sheer fact of timing, implementation simply must fall to the next Administration.

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The courts decision deals a significant blow to Trump, who argued in a friend-of-the-court brief that the Supreme Court should put the Jan. 19 deadline on hold so he could attempt to negotiate a deal once in office.

Trump has increasingly expressed sympathy with TikTok as the ban approached. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps inauguration, and Trump is reportedly considering signing an executive order to circumvent the ban. The president-elect said Friday that he discussed the fate of TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a call.

With the Biden administrations confirmation it will leave enforcement to Trump, the president-elect said Friday that hell be making the decision.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told CNN, adding, Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision.

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Jacob Huebert, president of the Liberty Justice Center and part of the team representing several TikTok creators in the case, said they were disappointed by the courts decision to uphold such a sweeping restriction on Americans right to free speech.

President Trump has recognized the dangerous precedent this ban sets, and we hope he will follow through with his stated intention to reach a deal to save the platform, Huebert added.

The video-sharing platform has also gained an ally in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who on Thursday called for postponing Sundays deadline.

Rather than delay the deadline, the court instead acted remarkably fast to resolve TikToks lawsuit at every stage. It agreed to take up the case on Dec. 19, and on Friday issued its full opinion just a week after hearing oral arguments.

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Its a faster timeline than even other cases the court recently expedited, including when it carved out broad criminal immunity for Trump and former presidents in July, and months earlier, when the justices rejected an effort to kick Trump off Colorados ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban.

Though the app would not automatically disappear for users who already downloaded it, TikTok is expected to eventually become unworkable, as the law blocks app stores from distributing the app or providing updates.

However, the platform is reportedly also considering shutting down the app entirely if the ban goes into effect Sunday.

Apple and Google did not immediately respond to questions about whether they plan to keep TikTok on their app stores in light of the Biden administrations decision not to enforce law.

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ByteDance could reverse course and agree to divest, though it has insisted doing so is not realistic. Several investors have expressed interest in buying TikTok, with billionaire Frank McCourts Project Liberty making a formal offer to ByteDance last week.

If divestment is underway, Biden, with only three days left in office, has the authority to grant a 90-day delay. Even if he doesnt, TikTok could resume normal operations once a sale is complete.

Updated at 11:09 a.m. EST

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law requiring TikToks China-based parent company to divest from the app, teeing up a ban set to take effect Sunday.

The justices sided with the Biden administration, finding the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment just three days before President-elect Trump is set to take office. Trump had urged the justices to delay the deadline so he could negotiate a deal, but the court instead acted with breakneck speed.

However, the Biden administration does not plan to enforce the law ahead of inauguration, ultimately leaving the decision to Trump and seemingly allowing the app to stay online for the time being.

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There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court said in its opinion. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

The court was unanimous in its judgment, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch filed separate concurrences.

The law, which was passed by wide bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed by President Biden last April, gave TikToks parent company ByteDance 270 days to divest from the app or face a ban from U.S. app stores.

TikTok has argued divestment is not a feasible option and that it will go dark as of Sunday. It contended the impending ban infringes on the First Amendment rights of both the company and its 170 million American users.

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The court rejected those arguments, instead ruling in favor of the government. The Biden administration asserted that any free speech concerns are superseded by a national security interest over the apps ties to China, raising alarm that the Chinese government could access Americans data or covertly manipulate TikToks content algorithm.

Under these circumstances, we find the Governments data collection justification sufficient to sustain the challenged provisions, the courts opinion reads.

In his concurrence, Gorsuch said the court was right to not rely on the covert content manipulation rationale and also not rely on secret evidence from the government.

Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another. As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear, Gorsuch wrote.

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Sotomayor, meanwhile, briefly wrote separately to criticize the court for not firmly deciding the First Amendment applies, only assuming it does, saying our precedent leaves no doubt that it does.

Following Fridays decision, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the Biden administration believes TikTok should remain available to Americans, just not under its current ownership.

President Bidens position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the Presidents desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law, Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

However, she noted that given the sheer fact of timing, implementation simply must fall to the next Administration.

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The courts decision deals a significant blow to Trump, who argued in a friend-of-the-court brief that the Supreme Court should put the Jan. 19 deadline on hold so he could attempt to negotiate a deal once in office.

Trump has increasingly expressed sympathy with TikTok as the ban approached. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps inauguration, and Trump is reportedly considering signing an executive order to circumvent the ban. The president-elect said Friday that he discussed the fate of TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a call.

With the Biden administrations confirmation it will leave enforcement to Trump, the president-elect said Friday that hell be making the decision.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told CNN, adding, Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision.

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Jacob Huebert, president of the Liberty Justice Center and part of the team representing several TikTok creators in the case, said they were disappointed by the courts decision to uphold such a sweeping restriction on Americans right to free speech.

President Trump has recognized the dangerous precedent this ban sets, and we hope he will follow through with his stated intention to reach a deal to save the platform, Huebert added.

The video-sharing platform has also gained an ally in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who on Thursday called for postponing Sundays deadline.

Rather than delay the deadline, the court instead acted remarkably fast to resolve TikToks lawsuit at every stage. It agreed to take up the case on Dec. 19, and on Friday issued its full opinion just a week after hearing oral arguments.

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Its a faster timeline than even other cases the court recently expedited, including when it carved out broad criminal immunity for Trump and former presidents in July, and months earlier, when the justices rejected an effort to kick Trump off Colorados ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban.

Though the app would not automatically disappear for users who already downloaded it, TikTok is expected to eventually become unworkable, as the law blocks app stores from distributing the app or providing updates.

However, the platform is reportedly also considering shutting down the app entirely if the ban goes into effect Sunday.

Apple and Google did not immediately respond to questions about whether they plan to keep TikTok on their app stores in light of the Biden administrations decision not to enforce law.

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ByteDance could reverse course and agree to divest, though it has insisted doing so is not realistic. Several investors have expressed interest in buying TikTok, with billionaire Frank McCourts Project Liberty making a formal offer to ByteDance last week.

If divestment is underway, Biden, with only three days left in office, has the authority to grant a 90-day delay. Even if he doesnt, TikTok could resume normal operations once a sale is complete.

Updated at 11:09 a.m. EST

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The Supreme Court ruled against TikTok on its challenge against a divest-or-ban law.

TikTok's owner, ByteDance, has until Sunday to divest from its US app or face a shutdown.

President-elect Donald Trump may still try to rescue TikTok once in office.

The Supreme Court decided not to rescue TikTok from a divest-or-ban law.

The justices said on Friday in a unanimous decision that the law did not violate the First Amendment rights of TikTok and its creators. The law requires ByteDance to divest from TikTok in the US by Sunday or effectively stop operating in the country.

As a result, TikTok is likely to "go dark" in the US on Sunday as app stores and other business partners sever ties with the company to comply with the law.

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However, the Biden administration said Friday that it would leave it to President-elect Donald Trump to implement the law after he takes office on Monday "given the sheer fact of timing."

Trump, who recently said he opposed a TikTok ban, wrote in a social media post on Friday that he would make a decision on the app soon after reviewing the situation. TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked Trump in a video on Friday for the "opportunity to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States."

TikTok may still shut down the app on its own accord in the US on Sunday, The Information and Reuters reported earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the company assured US TikTok employees that they would still have jobs even if the app was banned.

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The Supreme Court's decision was largely expected. Legal analysts told Business Insider last week that the court would likely rule against TikTok in deference to Congress' authority over national security concerns.

There's no doubt that TikTok "offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression," the court wrote in its decision, "but Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

Addressing concerns by a group of TikTok users who petitioned to save the app, the court said the law did not regulate creators' free speech but rather focused on a foreign adversary's control of the app.

The law imposes "TikTok-specific prohibitions due to a foreign adversary's control over the platform," the court wrote. "It does not "target particular speech based upon its content" or "regulate speech based on its function or purpose," it added.

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TikTok's appeal arrived in the Supreme Court after it lost its legal challenge to the divest-or-ban law in the DC Circuit in December.

The platform was a primary target of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which passed in April and sought to curb the influence of social platforms with foreign-adversary owners.

Having worn out its legal options, TikTok is banking on a different path to survival: the return of Trump, who's scheduled to be inaugurated on Monday. Chew plans to attend the inauguration alongside other tech CEOs.

Trump pledged to try to save TikTok once in office, saying during a December 16 press conference that he had "a warm spot in my heart for TikTok." On December 27, he filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court asking for a stay on TikTok's divestment deadline so he could work out a political resolution.

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"President Trump opposes banning TikTok in the United States at this juncture, and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office," the brief said.

Trump wrote on Truth Social before the court ruling on Friday that he had recently spoken with China's leader, Xi Jinping, about several topics, including TikTok.

"My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation," he wrote in a post after the court ruling.

If TikTok shuts down, the effects could be felt across several industries, including the creator economy, e-commerce, and book publishing.



Some sellers on TikTok Shop, the app's e-commerce arm, previously told BI that a TikTok shutdown could be a major blow to their businesses and the broader live-shopping market.



TikTok may not be the only app under threat either.

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ByteDance owns several other apps, such as the video-editing tool CapCut and the Pinterest-like app Lemon8 , that are also subject to the divest-or-ban law.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Supreme Court ruled against TikTok on Friday, rejecting a First Amendment challenge to the law that would ban its U.S. operations, though the apps future remains uncertain as Donald Trump is set to take office on Monday.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the court wrote in an unsigned per curiam opinion on behalf of the court. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the opinion went on in rejecting the constitutional challenge.

TikTok and creators who use the popular social media app raised First Amendment arguments against the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The federal law would ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesnt sell the app by Sunday, the day before Donald Trumps presidential inauguration.

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The court emphasized that it was reviewing the laws constitutionality specifically as to the challengers in this case. As applied to petitioners, the Act is sufficiently tailored to address the Governments interest in preventing a foreign adversary from collecting vast swaths of sensitive data about the 170 million U. S. persons who use TikTok, the court wrote.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch added concurring opinions, with Gorsuch writing that the question in the case is not the laws wisdom, only its constitutionality. He questioned whether the law would achieve its goal, noting that [a] determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another.

Though not a party to the case, Trump himself weighed in to urge the justices to consider blocking the Jan. 19 divestment deadline so that his incoming administration can pursue a political resolution to the dispute. Trumps impending return to the White House on Monday adds uncertainty to the situation, including questions of whether his administration would seek to enforce any ban.

And NBC News reported ahead of the Supreme Court ruling that the Biden administration did not plan to fine companies that allow access to TikTok in the U.S. if the ban went into effect on Sunday. The administration has decided to defer implementation of the law banning TikTok in the U.S. to the incoming Trump administration, the officials said, effectively not enforcing it during the final 36 hours of President Joe Bidens term, NBC News reported, citing administration officials.

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The White House confirmed that position after the ruling on Friday, stating, in part, Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.

Last weeks oral arguments suggested that the justices were leaning toward ruling against TikTok.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 17, 2025, upheld a law requiring TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the video app by Jan. 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban on the app. In a unanimous decision, the court rejected TikToks claim that the law violates its First Amendment rights.

The courts ruling is the latest development in a lengthy saga over the fate of an app that is widely popular, especially among young Americans, but that many politicians in Washington say is a security risk.

The ruling is unlikely to be the end of the story. President Joe Biden said that he will not enforce the law in the waning hours of his administration. President-elect Donald Trump said he will reverse the ban and is reportedly considering an executive order to do so.

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But why is TikTok controversial? Are the claims of it being a national security risk valid? And what will the case mean for free speech? The Conversations contributors have been on hand to answer these questions.

1. An agent of the Chinese state?

Politicians who wanted to ban TikTok, or at least sever its links to China, fear that the app provides a way for the Chinese Communist Party to influence Americans or use their data for malicious purposes. But how much influence does the Chinese government have on TikTok? That question is addressed by Shaomin Li, a scholar of Chinas political economy and business at Old Dominion University.

Li explains that the relationship between TikTok, ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party is nuanced  it isnt simply a matter of officials in Beijing telling ByteDance to jump and the parent company dictating how high its subsidiary will leap. Rather, as with all companies in China, employees are under certain obligations when it comes to advancing national interests. In China, private enterprises, such as ByteDance, operate as joint ventures with the state.

Regardless of whether ByteDance has formal ties with the party, there will be the tacit understanding that the management is working for two bosses: the investors of the company and, more importantly, their political overseers that represent the party, Li writes. But most importantly, when the interests of the two bosses conflict, the party trumps.

Read more: Is TikTok's parent company an agent of the Chinese state? In China Inc., it's a little more complicated

2. Exploiting user data

The risks TikTok poses to U.S. users are similar to the risks posed by many popular apps, principally that the app collects data about you. That data, which includes contact information and website tracking, plus all data you post and messages you send through the app, is available to use or misuse by ByteDance and any other entity that has or gains access to it.

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Iowa State University cybersecurity researcher Doug Jacobson writes that U.S. officials and lawmakers are concerned that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok user data to spy on U.S. citizens. Government hackers could use the TikTok data to trick users into revealing more personal information.

But if the goal is to counter Chinese hackers, banning TikTok is likely to prove too little, too late. By some estimates, the Chinese government has already collected personal information on at least 80% of the U.S. population via various means, Jacobson writes. The Chinese government  along with anyone else with money  also has access to the large market for personal data.

Read more: Should governments ban TikTok? Can they? A cybersecurity expert explains the risks the app poses and the challenges to blocking it

3. The security risks of a ban

Banning TikTok could also make U.S. users more vulnerable to hackers of all stripes. Rochester Institute of Technology computer security expert Robert Olson writes that many of the 170 million U.S. TikTok users could try to get around a ban on the app, with negative consequences for their digital safety.

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If TikTok ends up banned from Apples and Googles app stores, users could try to access the app elsewhere via sideloading. This practice of getting around the Apple and Google app stores leaves users vulnerable to malware posing as the TikTok app. TikTok users might also be motivated to circumvent Apple and Google security controls in order to keep the app installed, a move that would make users phones more vulnerable.

I find it unlikely that a TikTok ban (is) technologically enforceable, Olson writes. This  legislation  aimed at improving cybersecurity  could motivate users to engage in riskier digital behavior.

Read more: Banning TikTok could weaken personal cybersecurity

4. First Amendment concerns

In its legal challenge to the U.S. government, ByteDance claimed the government is violating its First Amendment rights. Technology law scholars Anupam Chander of Georgetown University and Gautam Hans of Cornell University write that ByteDance had grounds for its claim, and that the implications go beyond this case.

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TikTok is a publisher  an online publisher of users videos. Forcing ByteDance to divest TikTok is a form of prior restraint  the government preventing speech before it occurs, Chander and Hans write.

By forcing the sale of TikTok to an entity without ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Congress intent with the law is to change the nature of the platform, they write. That kind of government action implicates the core concerns that the First Amendment was designed to protect against: government interference in the speech of private parties.

Read more: TikTok law threatening a ban if the app isn't sold raises First Amendment concerns

5. What about the others?

Security and legal issues aside, the forced sale to a U.S.-based company or ban of TikTok in the United States is a questionable approach to solving the problems the law aims to address: potential Chinese government influence in the U.S., harm to teens and data privacy violations, writes Arizona State media scholar Sarah Florini.

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The Chinese government  and other U.S. adversaries  have long used social media apps owned by U.S. companies to attempt to influence American public opinion. TikTok is hardly alone in posing harm to teens, as the Facebook whistleblower case amply demonstrated. And vast amounts of Americans personal data are already available to any buyer on the open and black markets.

Concerns about TikTok are not unfounded, but they are also not unique. Each threat posed by TikTok has also been posed by U.S.-based social media for over a decade, Florini writes.

Read more: Banning TikTok won't solve social media's foreign influence, teen harm and data privacy problems

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Sept. 16, 2024.
Friday morning (Jan. 17), the United States Supreme Court unanimously voted to uphold a ban on TikTok which is set to take immediate effect on Sunday, the last day of President Joe Bidens term and the day before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration for his second term in office.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community, the decision was explained via the New York Times. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

President-Elect Donald Trump reacts during his meeting with Prince William, Prince of Wales at the Embassy of the United Kingdoms Residence on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France. Donald Trump was among the wave of foreign dignitaries descending on Paris this weekend to attend a reopening ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral, more than five years after it was damaged in a major fire.

President Biden initially signed the law last spring after it passed in Congress with bipartisan support, citing national security concerns due to the app being owned by foreign entities in China at ByteDance. According to the Associated Press, Biden will not enforce the law on his final day, leaving the fate of the popular social media platform to Trump.

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The courts decision enables the justice department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine Americas national security. Authoritarian regimes should not have unfettered access to millions of Americans sensitive data. The courts decision affirms that this act protects the national security of the United States in a manner that is consistent with the constitution, stated outgoing attorney general Merrick Garland, per The Guardian.

Participants hold signs in support of TikTok outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives will vote Wednesday on whether to ban TikTok in the United States due to concerns over personal privacy and national security unless the Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance sells the popular video app within the next six months.

In the past, Trump was on board for a TikTok ban, however the President-elect recently shifted his position.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, detailed Trump to CNN following the decision. Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision, noting that he had a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday morning, where TikTok was discussed.

He also elaborated on the news on his app, Truth Social, writing The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! according to The Hill.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew prepares to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 23, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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TikTok itself is a fantastic platform, exclaimed incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, per The Hill. I wish I could have it on my phone. The algorithm is amazing. Were going to find a way to preserve it but protect peoples data. And thats the deal that will be in front of us.

The outlet reported that TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps inauguration, which is set for next Monday. According to NPR, China announced it will send Vice President Han Zheng to attend the inauguration, as well.

For now, users of TikTok can expect to be greeted by a pop-up message directing them to a website with information about the ban, per Reuters.

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The Supreme Court agreed Friday to review whether schools may read LGBTQ+ books to elementary school students without giving parents the ability to opt their children out on religious grounds.

The lawsuit over a Maryland school districts policy landed at the Supreme Court amid raging culture war fights about transgender rights and how much control parents should have over school curriculum.

A group of mostly Muslim and Ethiopian Orthodox parents sued Montgomery County schools over the policy, arguing that it violated their First Amendment religious rights, and were seeking an injunction that would block the policy while courts considered their underlying First Amendment challenge.

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Lower federal courts have that request. A divided 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that denying opt-outs does not require the students to change their religious beliefs or conduct, and therefore did not infringe on the parents religious freedom. The appeals court said that because the case was in an early stage, it didnt yet know enough about how the books are being used to block the policys implementation.

The Montgomery County school board approved a group of LGBTQ-Inclusive books as part of the English curriculum in 2022. Initially, the board allowed parents to opt out, but it then reversed course. The school board said that decisions about how the books would be implemented in the classroom would be left to a teachers discretion.

But the policy drew pushback from several people, including some teachers and principals concerned about whether the material was appropriate for elementary school students, according to court records.

The parents who sued are not seeking to ban the books but rather the policy of denying them the opportunity to opt their children out of their reading.

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New government-imposed orthodoxy about what children are supposed to think about gender and sexuality is not a constitutional basis to sideline a childs own parents, the parents said in their appeal.

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Scientists are unraveling the mystery of what triggers Huntingtons disease, a devastating and fatal hereditary disorder that strikes in the prime of life, causing nerve cells in parts of the brain to break down and die.

The genetic mutation linked to Huntingtons has long been known, but scientists havent understood how people could have the mutation from birth, but not develop any problems until later in life.

New research shows that the mutation is, surprisingly, harmless for decades. But it quietly grows into a larger mutation  until it eventually crosses a threshold, generates toxic proteins, and kills the cells it has expanded in.

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The conundrum in our field has been: Why do you have a genetic disorder that manifests later in life if the gene is present at conception? said Dr. Mark Mehler, who directs the Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was not involved in the research. He called the research a landmark study and said it addresses a lot of the issues that have plagued the field for a long time.

The brain cell death eventually leads to problems with movement, thinking and behavior. Huntingtons symptoms  which include involuntary movement, unsteady gait, personality changes and impaired judgment  typically begin between the ages of 30 and 50, gradually worsening over 10 to 25 years.

Scientists at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McLean Hospital in Massachusetts and Harvard Medical School studied brain tissue donated by 53 people with Huntingtons and 50 without it, analyzing half a million cells.

They focused on the Huntingtons mutation, which involves a stretch of DNA in a particular gene where a three-letter sequence  CAG  is repeated at least 40 times. In people without the disease this sequence is repeated just 15 to 35 times. They discovered that DNA tracts with 40 or more such repeats expand over time until they are hundreds of CAGs long. Once CAGs reach a threshold of about 150, certain types of neurons sicken and die.

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The findings were really surprising, even to us, said Steve McCarroll, a Broad member and co-senior author of the study, which was published Thursday in the journal Cell. The study was partly funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, an organization that also supports The Associated Press Health and Science department.

The research team estimated that repeat tracts grow slowly during the first two decades of life, then the rate accelerates dramatically when they reach about 80 CAGs.

The longer the repeats, the earlier in life the onset will happen, said neuroscience researcher Sabina Berretta, one of the studys senior authors.

Researchers acknowledged that some scientists were initially skeptical when results were shared at conferences, since previous work found that repeat expansions in the range of 30 to 100 CAGs were necessary  but not sufficient  to cause Huntingtons. McCarroll agreed that 100 or fewer CAGs are not sufficient to trigger the disease, but said his study found that expansions with at least 150 CAGs are.

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Researchers hope their findings can help scientists come up with ways to delay or prevent the incurable condition, which afflicts about 41,000 Americans and is now treated with medications to manage the symptoms.

Recently, experimental drugs designed to lower levels of the protein produced by the mutated Huntingtons gene have struggled in trials. The new findings suggest thats because few cells have the toxic version of the protein at any given time.

Slowing or stopping the expansion of DNA repeats may be a better way to target the disease, researchers said.

Though there are no guarantees this would stave off Huntingtons, McCarroll said many companies are starting or expanding programs to try to do this.

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Jan. 16LIBERTY, Texas  Gabriel Burress, 37, of Rye, Texas, was arrested Wednesday, Jan.15, in Liberty County for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber valued between $500  $20,000, a state jail felony.

Burress was arrested by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department after a warrant was issued by Judge Cody Parrish, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Jan. 14.

The victims in this case are the landowners of approximately 1/2 acre, among a series of 1/2- acre tracts, in Liberty County who do not permanently reside on this property. The landowners' property, along with adjoining properties, was harvested while they were not present. A timber theft tip was submitted to the Texas A&M Forest Service Timber Theft Hotline by several concerned neighboring landowners.

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A formal investigation into the suspicious timber harvesting began Dec. 17, 2024, by the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department. This investigation revealed that Burress had no authorization from the landowners to harvest timber.

"Through the diligent work by Investigator Marshall Odom and with the help of Liberty County Sheriff's Office, we were able to locate and arrest Burress without incident," said Josh Mizrany, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer. "Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works to protect Texas timberland owners and their natural resource assets."

While Burress was arrested for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber, additional charges will be filed against him due to new implications of HB1772 (Timber Asset Protection Act) that took effect Sept. 1, 2023.

"Marshall Odom, Texas A&M Forest Service's investigator, did an excellent job of finding the suspect that hauled the logs, interviewing him and providing me with probable cause to sign this warrant," said Judge Parrish. "Timber theft in the north end of Liberty County needs to be decreased."

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Burress' hearing will be held in district court at a later date. If convicted, Burress could face up to two years in a state jail facility and/or a $10,000 fine.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are asking that any landowners in the Big Thicket Lake Estates area to visit their property to inspect for any unauthorized timber removal.

To prevent timber theft, landowners should:  Visit their property frequently.  Have someone they know and trust report any cutting on their land immediately.  Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.  Insist on getting bids for their timber.  Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on theirs.  Utilize trail/deer cameras on their property that can record suspicious activity or individuals.  Always hold their timber contractor to the agreed upon term.

Landowners who are unfamiliar with selling their timber are urged to contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Texas A&M Forest Service field staff assists landowners with the process of securing the services of a professional resources manager to help select trees for harvest, estimate values and find potential buyers.

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To report suspected timber theft or suspicious activity, call the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Timber Theft Hotline at 1-800-364-3470. The Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works with local officials to help bring those responsible for timber theft and other violations of the natural resources code to justice.

To contact a Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigator your area, please visit https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/Home/LE_Map.pdf.
(FOX40.COM)  An hours-long standoff at a Natomas-area apartment complex ended Friday morning and the suspect who had barricaded themself inside of a residence was found dead, Sacramento Police said.

Officers worked overnight Thursday into Friday to try to get a man who barricaded himself in a Natomas apartment complex to turn himself in.

Police said they responded on Thursday around 8:30 p.m. to a domestic violence call at the complex near Orchard Lane and West El Camino Avenue.

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Police spokesperson Anthony Gambel said that officers believe the suspect was armed with a rifle, and that the possible victim in the case was able to walk away from the apartment.

Throughout the night, more officers arrived and were heard attempting to talk to a person inside of a residence.

Several residents had to leave their homes and head to the clubhouse while law enforcement continued to try to speak with the man.

A resident who spoke with FOX40 said some residents could not return to their homes for hours.

Police said that the suspect was found dead inside of the residence he refused to leave, and that officers were clearing the scene around 10 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
A "confrontation" during rush hour on Interstate 10 led to a man's death, police said.

On Wednesday around 8 a.m., officers responded to a shooting on I-10 near 75th Avenue, shutting down traffic in the westbound lanes. Once there, officers found that Department of Public Safety troopers had detained a man, who called 911 acknowledging his involvement in the shooting, police said.

The man who was shot at, 26-year-old Erian Sandoval, crashed his car into the median barrier of the freeway. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Phoenix fire personnel.

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It was unclear if Sandoval was shot, and a cause of death was not released.

In a police interview, the unidentified shooter said that he and Sandoval were driving west and got into a "confrontation," leading to Sandoval's death.

Phoenix police released the shooter after the interview. Charges were possible pending the investigation.

Further information was not available.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rush hour 'confrontation' on I-10 leads to shooting, death in Phoenix
A suspect in a deadly shooting of a Cleveland rapper was arrested in Pennsylvania.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Carlos Banks, 28, was shot and killed on the 5100 block of Broadway Avenue in Cleveland at 4 a.m. on Dec. 29.

Banks was an up-and-coming rapper who performed under the name KashBankx.

Police say Devon Jones, 25, is a suspect in this shooting.

He was arrested by the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Indiana County Sheriffs Office, Indiana County District Attorneys Office and Pennsylvania State Police in Indiana County Thursday night.

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Jones was found at a house on the 200 block of Washington Street in the city of Indiana.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, Our Marshals Service counterparts in western Pennsylvania responded swiftly to locate and arrest this Cleveland homicide suspect. Now, the grieving family of the victim in this case is one step closer to getting the justice they deserve.

Illegal narcotics were found when Jones was arrested, police said. He will be charged with felony drug possession in Indiana County.

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Phoenix police shot a suspect Friday morning near Cesar Chavez Park, officials announced.

At about 11 a.m., officers responded to a "neighborhood complaint" and approached a home in the area of 35th Avenue and Baseline Road when a suspect pointed a handgun at them, which led to the police shooting, according to Phoenix Police spokesman Sgt. Rob Scherer.

The suspect was taken to a hospital, according to police.

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No officers were injured, police said.

Scherer advised the public to avoid the area, as 35th Avenue would be closed in both directions north of Baseline Road.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suspect taken to hospital in Phoenix police shooting
German police on Friday were called in to investigate a suspicious letter sent to the US consulate in Berlin but gave the all-clear after part of the building was evacuated.

"It was a completely harmless object," a police spokesman said after the two-hour operation, without giving further details.

The consulate's mailroom had been closed and experts from the Forensic Institute of the Berlin State Office of Criminal Investigation examined the letter, according to police.

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Police were informed about the suspicious letter at around 11:55 am (1055 GMT).

Employees were ordered to evacuate from the mailroom and the part of the building where it is located was cordoned off.

Otherwise, business at the consulate continued as usual, police said.

The US embassy in Germany is located in central Berlin right next to the iconic Brandenburg Gate landmark, but consular services are situated in an annex in the south-western Dahlem neighbourhood.
ROSWELL, Ga. (AP)  A bulletproof vest saved a SWAT police officers life just before he returned fire and killed a fleeing man Friday in an Atlanta suburb, the police chief said.

A SWAT team in Roswell was serving arrest and search warrants when a man ran out the back of a house and encountered an officer, said Police Chief James Conroy at a news conference. The fleeing man fired a handgun, twice striking the officer in the chest, before the officer shot back and killed the man, Conroy said.

The chief said the officer was hit by shrapnel but protected from more serious wounds by his bulletproof vest.

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It appears the vest has saved his life, but he did suffer injuries from the incident," Conroy said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now leading the inquiry into the shooting by the officer, as is typical in Georgia.

Officers came to the house looking to arrest a man accused of firing a gun into the air on New Years Eve after being asked to leave a party. Conroy said that after officers investigated, they found the man had a violent criminal history.

That's when police decided to call in the SWAT team jointly operated by four cities in northern Fulton County to serve warrants, Conroy said. Those were for reckless conduct, firing a gun on someone else's property and being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.

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Conroy couldn't confirm that the man who died was the person police were trying to arrest. He said the four other adults in the house were cooperating with police.

Conroy declined to identify the wounded officer or say which police department he worked for.
MILAN  Sweden has unveiled a cluster of swarming aerial drones envisioned to equip ground and air units of the Swedish Armed Forces for intelligence and surveillance applications.

The project was announced by Swedish Minister for Defense Pal Jonson during a Jan. 15 press conference.

In a demonstration video shared with Defense News, a formation of 10 quadcopters is seen taking off and relaying footage of their flight trajectory above snowy forests to ground operators.

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A Swedish voice-over explains that the drones high-resolution imagery and artificial intelligence-driven analyses enable commanders to have immediate and actionable insights for faster decision-making  military lingo describing the advantage of having flying eyes and ears for securing a perimeter.

The initiative has involved the participation of the Swedish aerospace company Saab in cooperation with the Swedish military, the Swedish Defense Material Administration and the Swedish Defense Research Agency.

While Saab does not provide the drones themselves, for now, it worked alongside the other agencies to design a software for their command and control.

The individual UAVs in the swarm are equipped with different capabilities, such as varying sensors, payload, and communication capacities  the swarms are controlled by a single operator who can assign  tasks to one or more swarms, for instance via a mobile phone, a Saab spokesperson told Defense News in an email statement.

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The Saab representative added that the drone swarm technology was developed in a very short period, and that additional NATO countries have already expressed interest in it.

The Scandinavian country borders the Baltic Sea, where NATO recently launched a maritime patrol mission, following a series of sabotage incidents against underwater infrastructure.

The interest in drone swarms is not new, as militaries around the world have examined both the opportunities and threats they present. In a recent publication for the U.S.-based Atlantic Council think-tank, the head of the Ukrainian defense-technology hub Brave1 listed drone swarms as a top priority for Kyiv in 2025.

Ukrainian drone units are already moving beyond the initial concept of one drone, one operator and looking to transition towards drone swarms this year, she wrote.

A key challenge swarms have presented is that they are typically composed of relatively small, short-range drones, which implies that their flight time is highly limited to around 30 minutes.
President Joe Biden stated Friday that he believes the Equal Rights Amendment, which guarantees equal rights for women, to be "the law of the land." The surprising announcement came at the eleventh hour of his presidency and sparked celebration among the amendment's backers.

"It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people. In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex," Biden said in a statement Friday.

There's just one caveat: Biden's declaration does not have any formal effect because the executive branch does not have a direct role in the amendment process.

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In order for the ERA to go into effect, it would have to be formally published or certified by the National Archivist. Per NPR, the White House told reporters on a conference call that Biden will not be ordering the archivist to certify and publish the ERA. A senior administration official said that the archivist's role is "purely ministerial," and the archivist is required to publish the amendment once it is ratified.

The Equal Rights Amendment, passed by Congress in 1972, prohibits federal and state governments from denying rights on the basis of sex. The Constitution requires that amendments take effect when three-quarters of the states ratify them. Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment in 2020, but that came long after the 1982 deadline set by Congress.

Last month, the archivist's office said in a statement that it could not legally certify and publish the amendment because the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel has twice affirmed that the 1982 ratification deadline Congress established for the ERA is valid and enforceable.

Congress or the courts would need to take new action to extend or renew the deadline for ratification for the archivist to publish the amendment, the archivist said.

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Biden's move follows appeals from activists and Democratic lawmakers, including New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who argued the amendment could be an avenue for protecting abortion rights. Gillibrand lauded Biden's declaration in a statement Friday.

"This is an incredible moment for reproductive freedom, and a historic day for equality  especially with Americans facing the further degradation of reproductive freedom as the incoming administration takes power," she wrote.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Busy hallways are the goal of the Syracuse City School District. As of November, the district had 53% satisfactory attendance, up from 36% at the same time last year. Part of the reason for their success is Yanetta Mathis and the Impact Team she is part of.

I literally go up and knock on the door and say, Hey, its Ms. Mathis, just checking in. Your student didnt come to school today,' Mathis, a social worker for Syracuse STEM at Blodgett, explained.

If a student is missing school, the first line of defense is the school staff reaching out to make contact with the family or guardian by phone. If a student has 10 absences, the Impact Team is called in.

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Its a team made up of teachers, social workers, guidance counselors and psychologists. They will go out before or after school for home visits to talk with families about why their students arent showing up and how the district can help to make it happen.

Do they need support with extra food, coats, or connected to different resources? They are appreciative because they see that I care, Mathis said.

The Impact Team works to bridge the gap between school and community, making face-to-face connections with parents and guardians to build trust between the two.

The Impact Team has found kids dont show up to school for a variety of reasons.

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If its really cold outside, a lot of our kids walk or catch the bus but they have to be outside certain times, so if its freezing cold, their parents just wont send them, Mathis said.

Another reason might be a kid sleeping through their alarm clock and their parents have already left for work.

Or could be an issue as severe as Im getting evicted and I cant get my kids to school right now because thats not my priority, Mathis explained.

It is the Impact Teams job to relay the information back to the school so they can then figure out how to best assist families.

The Impact Team knows its working when they see students attendance improving and them back in the classroom.

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It allows me to know  oh okay Im making an impact! I am helping. They did hear me, Mathis said.

Most schools in the Syracuse City School District this year have hit 90% attendance and are hoping to keep it up through this second half of the year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  As Syria begins recovering from 50 years of autocratic rule by the Assad family, an international envoy says Christians and other religious groups expect their rights and freedoms to be preserved under a new constitutional settlement.

Salina Shambos, a senior Cypriot diplomat and the newly appointed special envoy for religious freedom and protection of minorities in the Middle East, said on Friday that religious leaders in Syria expressed a strong sense of patriotism and are now free to hope that their country will be more inclusive and a respected member of the international community.

Many Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population before Syrias civil war began in 2011, either fled the country or supported ousted president Bashar Assad out of fear of Islamist insurgents.

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The interim government has urged reconciliation among the countrys different ethnic factions and mutual respect among its religious groups. Three-quarters of Syrias 23 million citizens are Sunnis, one-tenth are Alawites, and the rest are a mix of Christians, Ismaili Shiites and Druze.

Shambos said the situation inside Syria remains in flux and as such, has raised concern among the different religious groups over the protection of their rights under any future government.

Were talking about religious leaders and also a civil society that want to ensure that theres going to be safeguards in a constitutional process that is inclusive, Shambos told The Associated Press in an interview.

These are people that feel very strongly about the country. These are patriots, she added. And they are relieved that we have the brutal regime gone. Theyre concerned but they hope.

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Shambos said the early signs from Syrias transitional government are encouraging but concerns remain.

The leadership is talking the talk. We hope ... that they will walk the walk, Shambos said.

In Lebanon, Shambos said religious leaders expressed their absolute belief that theyre not minorities because they feel the term diminishes their contribution to their countries social, cultural and political firmament.

Shambos visited both Lebanon and Syria over three days earlier this month for talks with Christian leaders from Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian and Armenian evangelical communities. It was her first trip under her new role to gain a clearer understanding of the hopes and expectations of the two countries array of religious groups.

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"Preserving the identity of these communities, Christian and otherwise, in the context of Syria and beyond, be it in Iraq, be it anywhere is essential ... for decreasing the toxicity and essential for the stability and the security of the region and the security of our partners in general, said Shambos.

Her appointment was part of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides initiative for the small island nation to act as the link between Middle Eastern countries and the European Union as the blocs closest member to the region. Cyprus' Greek Orthodox Church maintains strong bonds with other Orthodox Christian churches in the Middle East and is home to Armenian, Latin and Maronite Christians. The Turkish Cypriot community in the breakaway north of the ethnically-divided island nation is primarily Sunni Muslim.

Shambos said officials both in Syria and Lebanon expressed gratitude for Cyprus involvement.

Cyprus is ideally positioned to act as an intermediary between the Middle East and Europe not only because of its proximity to the region, but also because of the many cultural, religious and social attributes it shares with neighboring countries that enable it to better transmit regional insights, according to Shambos.

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Shambos underscored that a reborn Syria must be a Syrian-led process but that Syrias religious leaders seek support from the EU to ensure the country protects all its minorities under an inclusive constitution.

Whatever takes place in the Middle East is almost internal for us," said Shambos, referring to Cyprus' proximity to the region. "Whatever takes place in the Middle East is directly applicable to our own security and the security of Europe.
(KRON)  Congresswoman Barbara Lee officially announced she is running for Oakland mayor in Aprils special election. A 13-term member of Congress, Lee is known as a leading progressive voice with years of experience in public service. But whoever wins the mayorship faces a slew of challenges: from a massive budget deficit to concerns over homelessness and violent crime.

KRON4s Stephanie Lin sat down with Lee to discuss the congresswomans campaign, her perspective on some of Oaklands biggest issues, and why shes choosing to run now at the age of 78, after nearly three decades in Washington, D.C.

Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted by federal grand jury: report

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The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

KRON4: Congresswoman, thank you so much for joining us here today. We appreciate it.

Lee: Really happy to be with you.

KRON4: You just announced your bid for mayor of Oakland. Now, this can be a challenging position. Are you ready?

Lee: Very challenging. But let me tell you. I didnt just announce it. It took two months to try to figure out if this was something that I wanted to do. Right now, at this moment in our citys history, the city needs leadership. You can insist on accountability and transparency  hopefully someone who has experience. I think that if you look at my record, and I hope people understand, I have been working for them and want to work for them and want to earn their vote. I think this is the time for me.

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KRON4: Whats the first thing you plan to do if you are elected to the office?

Lee: The first thing I plan to do is bring people together and say, let me listen to you. Let me hear what you think your priorities are. Of course, I know Im going to have to look at immediately looking at how we, restore the fire stations, given the fire threats, and I think Oakland is really more prepared than most communities because I was in the legislature during the 1991 fire, and I knew what took place the trauma, the terrible devastation. So I want to make sure public safety, which includes fire safety, is addressed immediately.

KRON4: The City of Oakland is facing a pretty large budget issue, a $130M problem. Back in December, we know the city council approved those budget cuts impacting public safety. So what do you see as the solution to fixing the financial problems facing the City of Oakland?

Lee: Theres not one solution, quite frankly, and Im very pleased that the county has unanimously passed the Coliseum framework to move forward with the Coliseum deal, which was tied to the city budget, but also sales tax revenue, and increasing our revenue is extremely important. Thats not the only method measure of addressing the budget. We have to look at private investment. And often times there are resources that we dont even know about. So I want to make sure we have a good audit, that we know where the current resources are, and we know how to move forward to increase revenue and to increase investment.

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5 arrested after theft at Oakland Walgreens set to close next month

KRON4: Is it possible to balance the citys budget without severely compromising public safety?

Lee: We have to have public safety. Everyone wants public safety, and I dont believe we are going to compromise public safety. We have to do this right and do it better. I believe in, violence interrupters. I believe in preventing crime. I believe in ceasefire. And they are doing phenomenal work. And they do work closely with the police department and the crime rate is beginning to come down. Well, we have a good trajectory right now. Weve got to take that to scale. And we cant just keep policing as the only way to address public safety. We have to prevent crimes from taking place. And so Im looking for new ways to do that, on a regional basis.

KRON4: And so on that topic, how do you apply your progressive values? Because you are seen as a pillar of progressivism on the national level as well as the state level. How do you apply those progressive values when it comes to addressing issues like violent crime, which is a big one in Oakland?

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Lee: Well, these are Oakland values. I dont know, one progressive, person who doesnt care about keeping their neighborhoods safe, who cares who doesnt care about their children being able to go to school and not worry about, school violence. I dont know any progressive, moderate conservative. I dont know anyone, so I dont believe that we should be, looking at public safety and most issues through, a lens that, is defined by a political perspective because we have to look at Oakland values, and we have to look at what Oakland residents live and want. And I believe the same thing.

KRON4: When we think about things through, for example, a progressive approach, Im sure that can shape the approach to policing or drug treatment or helping somebody who might be on the streets unhoused.

Lee: Well, look, you have to have every point of view considered. I mean, I never Ive never uttered defund the police. I never was there. Some were, some werent. But thats okay. I wasnt. Some said it was only progressives who were, doing the right thing for police reform. And believe you me, Ive been out there on police accountability and police reform. Thats me. But, believe you me, I understand the need for public safety for everyone. I dont believe anyone has to compromise their values if they know their bottom lines and they are working for people.

KRON4: As you know, the city of Oakland has a severe issue that comes to understaffing with the police department. There is that crime issue. So how would you navigate all of that?

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Lee: Id want to work with the police chief and the police union to talk to them about that, how we do it because I know that were not going to get to the number of police officers that, we deserve and need. But I also know that maybe there are some efficiencies in the police department itself or within the city, that we can help make sure that police officers are doing their job on the beat. Community policing is extremely important. People want to interact with their police officers. They want safety. So we have to look at if we dont have a budget that will allow for or a system that will allow for the hiring of more police officers where we need to be, that we have to look at what we can do inside of our city government.

KRON4: The citys police department has been under federal oversight for more than two decades. So how would you work with the top brass to bring the department into compliance?

Lee: We have to look at what I believe that one or two tests that have not been met yet. I want to know why. Because thats an awful long time. But believe me, we need a police force that is accountable. We need a police force that is trained, that loves their jobs and wants to stay in Oakland. And we need a police force who will uphold the rule of law. So we have to look at what has taken place and what is taking place to not allow this to close. And so Ive got to look at that and, well understand and evaluate it if the good people of Oakland elect me as their mayor.

KRON4: The number of homeless people increased about 9% between 2022 and 2024. We heard from Governor Gavin Newsom saying that would threaten to withhold state funding from local cities, local governments if they didnt follow through with encampment sweeps. Would you follow through with that directive?

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Lee: Well, we have directives. We have to understand, how to, manage directives in a humane way. First of all, we need to make sure that, people who are unsheltered, have a place to live. And the first part of this is making sure people who, unfortunately, are unsheltered, we find places transitional housing and mental health services. Hopefully, a job and a job training so that they can get into permanent housing right away. We cant let this happen and let people stay on the streets.

Its a moral disgrace. First of all, we shouldnt even have to have a directive. Its a moral disgrace. Its inhumane; its wrong. And people living on the streets, you know, are there for many reasons. Some have been evicted, some just dont have any place to go because of because of the cost of living. There are many reasons, but whatever the reasons are, they shouldnt be living on the street.

KRON4: But, of course, all of this is going to cost money, right? So where do you think thats going to come from?

Lee: Weve got to raise revenue. Thats one strategy. Secondly, we have to look at efficiencies within the government where is waste occurring. I dont know. Lets look and see where we could capture or have resources that are not being spent, for example, that can be used for, the city. We need private investment. Im one. Ive had a business for 11 years, so I dont shy away from business.

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I think businesses can create good-paying union jobs for workers, for employees. So lets talk to businesses and create an environment, in Oakland, where businesses want to come to Oakland to create these jobs and economic opportunity.

KRON4: You opposed the recall of Mayor Sheng Thao. Do you still stand by that?

Lee: Listen, I voted the way and spoke out against that recall. But the people who conducted the recall, they won. So I got to accept the will of the voters. Thats what voters decided. That was the will of the people. Now Im running for mayor, and, I hope Ive worked to earn everyones vote.

KRON4: Given the recall, given a number of events that have happened politically in the city of Oakland, theres quite a bit of distrust involved in city government. How would you go to rebuild that trust of Oakland voters?

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Lee: The lack of hope, is a real issue Im grappling with and want to grapple with, if Im elected because people have to have hope, they have to believe in their city. They have to believe in their leadership. So Im hands-on, and Ill go into the communities. You cant make false promises. So I hope people know me. If they dont, I want this campaign to be a campaign where they get to know me and know what I have done.

Im not making a lot of promises in this campaign, you know. If Im elected, were going to look at what promises were going to make together and deliver on them.

KRON4: I would like to ask you too about the subject of age. This has been something thats been under the spotlight, especially recently during the last presidential election. Some of your opponents in this race have mentioned that its time for a new generation of leadership. Do you agree with that?

Lee: Listen, you know, its nothing I can do about my age. Well, all I can say is, I believe that my leadership, my history, my ability to bring people together to solve problems is something the voters will have to decide if they trust me to be able to do that. Ive never worked at city hall so believe me, I have a lot of fresh ideas for the city. Ive never worked there.

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Actually, as a federal and state official, I have supported my city and my congressional district in my state legislative district in ways that have helped with the quality of life. And so, if I havent worked to earn, voters vote, then they wont vote for me.

So I hope they know though that I have, a lot of experience, and experience matters. I think at this point in time in Oakland history and also being able to use my leverage, from everywhere, because Ive delivered and Ive helped a lot of people around the country, around the world, and I would want to be able to now, cash in on that.

KRON4: Do you think there should be a maximum age limit for elected officials?

Lee: No, I dont. You know, that takes away a persons fundamental right to vote for who they want to vote for. And if they believe that someone is too young or too old or not experienced or has been there too long. Voters are very smart, especially voters in Oakland, they wont vote for them.

KRON4: How would you apply that experience from being in Congress to running a local city?

Lee: Well, I know budgets and I know how to appropriate money. I know how to look at values and where the gaps are and what people need, in terms of their daily lives, in terms of prioritizing our budget and hard-earned tax dollars. Ive been doing that for years. Now, hands-on in Oakland to be able to deliver services, to be able to try to, you know, deal with potholes. Yeah, and to deal with the daily, problems of the city and want to just help people, in their neighborhoods be the type of neighborhoods that everyone deserves.

KRON4: Thank you so much Congresswoman for your time, we appreciate it.

Lee: Nice to be with 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 KRON4.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan carried out its first execution in five years late on Thursday, upsetting both rights groups and the European Union which called on the government to maintain its de facto moratorium on the death penalty.

Despite Taiwan's reputation as Asia's most liberal democracy, the death penalty remains broadly popular according to opinion polls, though in recent years it has only rarely been carried out and violent crime is relatively low.

In September, Taiwan's constitutional court ruled that the death penalty is constitutional but only for the most serious crimes with the most rigorous legal scrutiny, after considering a petition brought by 37 people who were then on death row.

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Taiwan's Justice Ministry said in a statement that Huang Lin-kai had been executed at the Taipei Detention Centre, having been sentenced to death in 2017 for the 2013 murder of his ex-girlfriend and her mother. He also raped his ex-girlfriend.

The ministry said Huang's execution was consistent with the intention of the constitutional court's September ruling and that the nature of his crime was "obviously inhumane and extremely vicious".

Taiwan last put someone to death in April 2020, which also drew censure from the EU days after the bloc had publicly thanked Taipei for donating face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EU's diplomatic service said in reaction to Huang's execution that it "calls on Taiwan to apply and maintain a de facto moratorium, and to pursue a consistent policy towards the full abolition of the death penalty in Taiwan", noting its unequivocal opposition to the death penalty.

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While Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang voiced its support for capital punishment, rights groups expressed dismay.

"This execution is a shocking and brutal development," said E-Ling Chiu, the Taiwan director of rights group Amnesty International.

The Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty, in a joint statement with three other rights groups, said executions would "only make society more bloodthirsty".

Its Facebook page was then flooded with comments in support of the death penalty.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A resolution to investigate and possibly oust Shelby Countys district attorney from office passed the state Senate in its first vote Thursday.

Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) filed Senate Joint Resolution 26 in the Tennessee General Assembly on Wednesday.

The resolution would appoint a five-member committee to consider the removal of D.A. Steve Mulroy.

The clock is ticking on Interim DA Mulroy, Taylor wrote on social media.

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Mulroy is a frequent target of Taylor, who believes the D.A. is soft on criminals and has committed serious ethical violations and abused his authority by pursuing a personal and partisan agenda, according to the proposed language of the bill.

Sen. Taylor lays out his case for district attorneys ouster

Mulroy has countered Taylors claims, noting that recent data showed crime was down across the city during his two years in office, and boasting of his offices prosecution of the Young Dolph and Eliza Fletcher cases.

Senator Taylor has been critical of me before I even took office, and has continually raised his profile by attacking me. His claims are untrue and vague, serving only to distract from the real issues facing Shelby County, Mulroy said on social media.

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Mulroy says no Tennessee D.A. has ever been removed under this provision. He won his first term in 2022 ocver incumbent Amy Weirich with 56% of the vote.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) spoke with News Channel 11 on Thursday about increasing potholes and road conditions in the region.

TDOT Regional Communications Officer Mark Nagi said that winter weather and damage sustained from Hurricane Helene have led to poor road conditions, including the formation of potholes. Several of those have formed on Interstate 26.

Nagi said TDOT crews are working to restore roadways to pre-Helene conditions. He noted that 42 of the 49 roadways closed during the floods have reopened, leaving seven, including State Route 81, that still need repairs.

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Woman crochets 525 hats for Mountain View Elementary students

State Route 81 is a connection between Washington and Unicoi County, Nagi said. And theres an area there that received heavy damage due to Hurricane Helene. Crews have been working on that to rebuild that roadway and also make sure that [weve] got our utility infrastructure in place, as well. That work has been going on over the last few months, and we anticipate that work being complete by the end of May.

With more winter weather on the way, Nagi stressed the importance of staying home during poor conditions for personal safety and to help protect the road. He said driving on top of frozen roads can create more damage.

Well, this is the time of year when all you will see [are] potholes on our interstates and state routes across the region, Nagi said. When you have that freezing-thawing cycle, all that precipitation and vehicles going over these roadways time and time again, thats when potholes can form. So, we want the public to let us know what theyre seeing in their region.

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Nagi said Tennesseeans can report potholes and other road damage by completing a maintenance request on TDOTs website or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
THE MEMO HAS CLEARLY GONE OUT: The phrase the incoming Trump administration is using to describe its opening days is shock and awe. Tom Homan, the incoming designated border czar, when asked during an interview on ABC what illegal immigrants should expect, repeated Shock and awe twice, with a smile. Sen. John Barrasso said the new president would initiate a blizzard of executive orders on the economy and border security, creating shock and awe. Fox News host Bret Baier said the administrations strategy had been described to him as shock and awe. Each time I hear that phrase, I suppress a smileor maybe a grimace. I remember the first time I heard it, and I know well the experiences of those in the military who had to execute that concept. To put it diplomatically: Initial intensity without long-term planning and coordination will likely not result in desired outcomes. Its easy to talk about, harder to execute.

In 1997, I was a student at the National War College just across the Potomac River from Reagan National Airport. It was there that our class was introduced to the 1996 book Shock and Awe: Achieving Rapid Dominance by Harlan Ullman, a career naval officer and 1963 graduate of the Naval Academy, now a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council, and the late James Wade, a career Army officer, West Point class of 1953, and later a noted military writer. Building on lessons learned from the military victories in Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, Ullman and Wade described a concept they claimed would result in success on any future battlefield. The technological revolution in warfareprecision munitions, stealth technology, night vision, digital information sharingwas offering young officers like my classmates and me a new way of warfare. The concept of shock and aweor rapid dominance, as it was formally knownbecame a touchstone.

Shock and awe is partially about intimidation. We refuse to be intimidated. If you do, too, consider joining Bulwark+.

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The key to rapid dominance is to gain advantage over an adversary through overwhelming firepower, precise maneuver, unrelenting speed, continuous situational awareness of both friendly and enemy forces, and brilliance in execution. The concepts defining characteristic: paralyze the enemys decision-making process and force immediate surrender by delivering such overwhelming force that resistance is futile.

Rapid dominance had four key components. First, for victory, a commander and his troops would need absolute knowledge about the enemy and the environment in which they were fighting, while also having complete self-awareness of their strengths, vulnerabilities, capabilities, and decision-making abilities. Second, the commander would have complete control of operational tempo while also perfectly synchronizing their forces actions. If those first two requirements werent challenging enough, the next component tasked the battlefield commander with precisely monitoring every action on an ever-changing battlefield. And for the fourth component, the professor describing this concept to our class said that joint (and potentially multinational) forces and their commanders must continuously demonstrate operational brilliance in planning and execution while also controlling the entire operational environment: terrain, intelligence, actions of the enemy, weather, and maneuver. Thats the expectation of future leaders, the lecturer said in closing. Doing all this would impose on any enemy a desired state of helplessness and a lack of will to continue the fight.

I dont remember which professor gave the lecture, but I do remember a Marine sitting next to me leaning over to whisper, perhaps this professor whos never worn the uniform doesnt understand how tough it really is in combat. Having recently fought in Desert Storm and experienced the fog of war and how chance, a lack of situational awareness, and poor intelligence play a part in battle, I couldnt help but agree.

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UNLIKE HOMAN, BARRASSO, and other members of Trumps team and party, I have never been involved in electoral politics or domestic policy. But I think the point stands: If your plan calls for your side being all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect in execution, and immune to surprisewhen youre working with human beings and you presume your enemy is stupid, weak, and all but inanimatethe plan probably isnt worth all that much.

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The rest of that war college year, we studied and debated rapid dominance as an operational concept, citing its strengths but also noting its potential weakness. It was certainly a model that commanders might use to strive for excellence and attain victory on the battlefield. But none of us knew just how challenging it might be. That is, until a few years later. I next heard the term shock and awe in 2003, during a planning session at the Pentagon. General Tommy Franks, the commander of Central Command, had his team working on the plan for the invasion of Iraq. In a sidebar during his guidance, he made his thoughts on using the term shock and awe crystal clear. He was never fond of that phrase, he explained, because it was too simplistic and it didnt accurately capture the difficulties facing his forcewith some saltier language thrown in for emphasis.

He was right. In March 2003, during the first hours of Operational Iraqi Freedom, the predicted shock and awe seemed apparent as cable news feeds from Baghdad showed massive and simultaneous strikes against scores of key targets in and around the city. The Iraqi military and governmental command and control seemed crippled, the Iraqi army appeared confused and dysfunctional, and the will of the Iraqi citizens and governmental leaders all seemed weakened by the early blows. Even though there were also notable failures, like the Dora Farms strike, it seemed impressive. But that didnt last long.

While the early strikes reflected rapid dominance, the ground operations toward Baghdad were soon filled with surprises as well as challenges in coordination and synchronization, plus the fog of war all military campaigns experience. And over the next decade, American and coalition forcesof which I was a part on several occasionsshifted from a conventional fight against a totalitarian state to an asymmetric one against a complex counterinsurgency with political and social challenges, then to a counterterrorism fight against myriad groups from al Qaeda to ISIS. The costs to the United States were significant: a financial burden exceeding $2 trillion, growing domestic distrust of the government, declining public support for the war, strained international alliances, and greater regional instabilityin addition to more than 4,000 combat deaths, more than 31,000 wounded, and untold numbers of suicides related to combats emotional trauma.

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SHOCK AND AWE HAS NOW BEEN ASSOCIATED, metaphorically, to describe the political strategies aimed at achieving rapid and transformative change in government, bold rhetoric and dramatic initiatives to overwhelm political opponents, capture public attention, and consolidate power. A flurry of executive orders, proposed radical policy changes, or contested high-profile appointments to signal decisiveness may create party momentum, attempt to overwhelm the opposition, and establish a dominant messaging narrative. Just using the term shock and awe before implementing it can create a sense of omnipotence and inevitability.

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But Id suggest these political activities and the rumored actions of a new administration might become fraught with the same kinds of results we found during military operations. Because war and government actions are both always complex and fraught with human interactions. Both often rely on the element of surprise and overwhelming force to achieve objectives. Both may aim to disorient and demoralize opponents while consolidating power or control. Yet, both also face challenges, including underestimating the complexity of the environment, a rapidly adapting enemy (or opposing political party, or other elements of the population), and a huge potential for unintended consequences. Whether on the battlefield or in the political arena, the success of shock and awe depends not only on the seemingly overwhelming initial action but also on the ability to navigate the long-term implications of rapid and desired transformative actions.

In other words, in combatliteral or metaphoricalwith a determined opponent, shock and awe is tougher than it looks to execute and manage, and it by no means erases the potential for losing battles or suffering setbacks, strong reactions, and complications.

So youll forgive me if, based on experiences on the battlefield, I have to suppress a smile when I hear shock and awe being used by those in the political arena.

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AUGUSTA, Kan. (KSNW)  Two teenagers charged with killing a 93-year-old Augusta woman are not going to be charged as adults.

On Thursday, a Butler County judge denied the prosecutors request to do so. The judge cited age and state law when issuing his ruling. The State has reserved the right to appeal.

On Sept. 6, 2023, Joanne Johnson was found dead in her home in the 1700 block of Robbins St. Authorities believe she was killed between the evening of Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, and the evening of Sept. 3, 2023.

Nearly a year later, on Aug. 15, 2024, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said that two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested. They were both charged two weeks later with first-degree murder.

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Because they are juveniles, the court did not release their names. Pleas of not guilty were entered for both girls. The judge also denied a motion to release the affidavit and charging documents, so other details about the case will not be released.

Four charged in weekend robbery, standoff in west Wichita

In December 2024, the assistant county attorney made the motion to prosecute the juveniles as adults, which was denied on Thursday.

A motion hearing is scheduled for April 18 and jury trials have been set for the weeks of May 5 and June 16.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
As Southern California continues to burn, people are displaced and losing everything, new fires igniting and entire communities in ruin, Tehama County first responders are doing their part to help.

An Operational Area Task Force consisting of personnel from the Tehama County Fire Department, Red Bluff Fire Department, and the Corning Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the Eaton Incident originally, but are now assigned to the Palisades Incident, according to CVFD Assistant Chief Jeff Nelson.

In addition, the task force consists of an engine and task force leader from Red Bluff Fire Department and an engine from the Corning Volunteer Fire Department. The Tehama County Fire Department engines and personnel are from Tehama County Fire stations 14-Dibble Creek, 9-El Camino, 12-Corning, 2-Lake California, and 3-Bowman.

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Nelson said the firefighters from the CVFD are Daymon Schlereth, Ricky Lockhart and Raul Miron.

The Task Force is on a 14 day commitment. At the end of that 14 days that crew will return home and another sent out if needed, he added.

Nelson said the area where CVFD firefighters are currently serving are his old stomping grounds from his high school years.

That exact area is where myself and my friends used to hang out during the summer months and where I once worked, he added.

CalFire resources and personnel from the Tehama-Glenn Unit have also been sent to Southern California incidents and strategic prepositions over the past week.

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The resources include one CalFire helicopter from the Vina Helitack Base, one fire engine from Paskenta Fire Station and multiple CalFire Units, two Fire Crew Strike Teams; one each from Ishi and Salt Creek Conservation Camps, and a Firefighter 1 Fire Crew and Battalion Chief/Strike Team Leader from Valley View Fire Center. That team has formed up with a Firefighter 1 Fire Crew from the Ponderosa Fire Center from CalFire AEU.

In addition to these resources, several overhead personnel have also responded as part of CalFire Incident Management Teams and to support the incidents.

Not only have firefighters, equipment and leadership responded to help in the dire circumstances of the Los Angeles area, All American Emergency Services in Corning, owned by James and Teresa Lamb, have responded to the emergency with tents, generators, equipment for laundry services, portable showers and other supplies have been trucked down to the site.

The company has sent 18 tents to house firefighters and to be used as organizational centers. They have responded with equipment to two different fires so far, the Eaton and Palisades.

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In addition, more than a dozen of the companys employees have traveled to Southern California to set-up, oversee and operate the equipment.

This isnt the first fire-related emergency All American has responded to in California. The company has sent equipment to nearly every major wildfire the state, and other states, have suffered over the past decade.

L.A. Fires

Santa Ana winds continue to batter the weary and worn fight against the L.A. area fires, which started on Jan. 7. More than 24 people have reportedly died as a result of the ongoing wildfires.

At least 40,000 acres have been torched in the Greater L.A. area, destroying entire communities and more than 12,300 structures, according to reports.

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The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 23,000 acres and was only 14 percent contained as it threatened Brentwood, Encino and Westwood as of Monday, Jan. 13.

However, firefighting efforts could be aided with cooler temperatures expected, a rise in humidity and a hopeful ease to the Santa Ana winds.

Evacuation orders are in effect for 92,000 L.A. residents, and 89,000 are in evacuation warning zones, which means they may need to leave at a moments notice.

Several arson arrests have been made in relation to the fires, as well as arrests for other crimes, such as looting.
Merely singing about shooting a sheriff would not convict Bob Marley of murder, no more than writing about burying a man under the floorboards would convict Edgar Allen Poe.

But rapping about "a bloody murder scene, it's killing season," did help convict William Britton of second-degree murder in 2022, attorney David Raybin argued. Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille McMullen agreed.

In an opinion filed Tuesday, McMullen overturned Britton's conviction and remanded the case back to a Davidson County courtroom for a new trial after she found evidence  rap lyrics and screen shots of music videos presented during the trial were highly prejudicial.

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"Given the inflammatory nature of the Defendants rap lyrics/videos, we conclude that their admission raised a significant risk that the jury convicted the Defendant of second degree murder on improper grounds," McMullen wrote in the opinion.

Britton is currently serving 18 years at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center.

A spokesman for the District Attorney's Office said Thursday their office and the Tennessee Attorney General's office are having conversations about appealing the case to the Tennessee Supreme Court, though no decision has been made.

Raybin said he, and his client's family, were overjoyed to get the opinion Tuesday.

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"This decision is based on cases from all over the country. It is the correct decision," Raybin said by phone Thursday. "This particular issue has nothing to do with the defendant and it's all about their art. They're being punished for being rappers. First Amendment art cannot be used to convict him."

Raybin said he thinks this case will set a new precedent.

"We set this wonderful precedent here in Music City," he said. "It will have far reaching effects across the state and stop this insidious practice of punishing people for their music. It not only helps this young man but will help other people. It helps move the law forward in a good way."

Nine gunshots on Herman Street

Britton was charged with criminal homicide in May 2020 after 20-year-old Kendall Ostine was gunned down near the intersection of Herman and Blank Streets at the Andrew Jackson Apartments.

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Three separate video cameras captured pieces of the shooting, according to the appeals court opinion.

One video had no audio and "had "glitched" at the time of the shooting causing the footage to skip in time, according to testimony during trial. A second camera captured the sound of nine gunshots and showed Britton on one side of the road and the victim on the other side before there was gunfire. The third video captured only audio and detectives could hear talking prior to the shooting but it was difficult to decipher what was being said.

Metro Nashville Police Detective Charles Duke testified that the video quality was not great, and it was difficult to see what, if anything, was in Ostine's hand at the time of the shooting.

Detective Duke acknowledged that he did not know who started the conversation between the defendant and the victim," according to the opinion. "He said that because there was not a lot of distance between the defendant and the victim, the defendant should have been able to tell whether the victim had a weapon in his hand. Detective Duke agreed that the defendant walked across the street toward the victim during the incident.

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Britton, who did not live at the complex, was there with family who did. The group was getting ready to celebrate another family member's release from jail when Ostine came upon them walking down Herman Street, according to testimony.

Britton and his half-brother testified they were sitting on a rock wall when Ostine approached on the opposite side of the road and began instigating a fight. They both testified Ostine used profane language and called them a racial slur.

"The Defendant said the victim then reached for his waistband 'like he had a weapon' which made the Defendant pull out his weapon because he was 'scared,'" the opinion said.

A knife with a red handle was found with Ostine's body.

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Britton fired nine rounds. The first a warning shot, he testified, and the rest because Ostine wouldn't stop reaching for his waistband. Ostine suffered seven gunshot wounds to his chest, the front right arm, the back, the right buttock, the left thigh and two shots to the right leg, according to testimony.

Rap lyrics and Britton's intent

Britton supplemented his income by performing as a rapper under the name "Lil Will." He wrote music that glorified gun culture and homicides. All of that was written and recorded before Ostine was killed.

Despite the music being published before the killing, Assistant District Attorney Amy Hunter argued the lyrics spoke to his state of mind.

"Your Honor, the State has evidence...that shows that the Defendant doesn't just carry a gun when he's scared or when it's situational, that this is an event  that killing somebody is something that he's thought a lot about," Hunter said during trial. "He is obsessed with guns. He is obsessed with wanting to use them. He's obsessed with murder scenes. And he's so obsessed with them that he writes songs about them, and he sings about them."

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Attorney Caleb Cassell, who represented Britton at trial, staunchly disagreed with Hunter's premise for admitting the lyrics into evidence.

"This is artistic expression," Cassell said. "This junk [is not] real...If this were the case, then what the State's case would be is that [for] every rapper in the history of the world, [the State's] got probable cause to believe that they're going to commit a murder because they all talk about it. That's not probable cause."

Ultimately, Davidson County Judge Mark Fishburn allowed Hunter to cross-examine Britton about the rap lyrics.

When questioned, Britton said, its just a song.

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That dont mean thats how I am. Thats how I make money, and thats what this youth want to hear about," Britton said.

Hunter, in her closing arguments, again brought up the lyrics.

"Not every single person who's a rap artist is a murderer even if they rap about things like that, but this Defendant is," Hunter said. "And sometimes life imitates art, and sometimes art imitates life."

Ultimately, the jury didn't buy the state's argument of premeditation and instead of finding Britton guilty of frist-degree murder, he was found guilty of the lesser second-degree murder.

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Regardless, McMullen found the usage of the rap lyrics improper.

"The trial court abused its discretion in admitting evidence of the Defendant's rap lyrics/videos, and this error was not harmless," McMullen wrote in the opinion.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Rap lyrics helped convict Nashville man, Tenn. judge grants new trial
By Niket Nishant and Ross Kerber

(Reuters) -Asset manager BlackRock agreed to new disclosure requirements about its use of sustainable-investment factors as part of a legal settlement with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, his office said on Friday.

The resolution is the latest step by New York-based BlackRock and by other firms to move away from environmental, social or governance measures. An anti-ESG backlash has gathered force among Skrmetti and other Republican politicians including incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

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Skrmetti sued BlackRock late in 2023, alleging it did not adequately disclose its use of ESG factors and that it overstated their financial benefits. Although BlackRock did not admit to wrongdoing or pay fines as part of the deal, Skrmetti told Reuters in an interview that the agreement was significant as a mark of the times.

"BlackRock was at the heart of this, the biggest asset manager in the world, and their willingness to undertake this settlement speaks to the end of the ESG moment," he said. The company's steps like quitting an investor climate group on Jan. 9 "certainly helped solidify" the agreement, he said.

BlackRock, with some $11.6 trillion under management, said it was pleased to resolve the dispute with Tennessee. "BlackRock has consistently acted in the best interests of our clients, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that fact through even greater transparency about our practices," the company said in a statement sent by a representative.

Among other things, BlackRock agreed to disclosure requirements such as giving quarterly, not annual, details about votes it cast, and to provide a rationale when its non-ESG funds cast proxy votes against management recommendations on environmental or social matters.

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BlackRock already provides many such details on its website. Skrmetti said the formalization of the disclosures creates a "comprehensive compliance regime" and that the lack of financial penalties helped speed the deal.

ESG investing enjoyed a run as a hot area of finance but investors pulled back in recent years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine surged energy prices and hurt the relative performance of technology-heavy ESG funds that often avoid fossil fuel stocks.

Meanwhile Republicans, often from energy-producing states, have increased pressure on BlackRock and rivals like Vanguard and State Street over the issue. Fink said in 2023 that he had stopped using the term ESG as it had become too politicized.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and by Ross Kerber in Boston; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and David Gregorio)
Packages of Mifepristone tablets are displayed at a family planning clinic on April 13, 2023 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo illustration by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE  More than two years after Tennessee enacted one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation, lawmakers are poised to take up a handful of competing bills that could preserve  or further limit and punish  access to remaining reproductive care.

The measures introduced thus far include a proposed law from Republican lawmakers to give family members of women and girls who used abortion-inducing medication the right to file $5 million lawsuits against the drug manufacturers, sellers and distributors.

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A bill by Democratic lawmakers would codify into law that neither contraceptives nor in vitro fertilization meet the definition of abortion in Tennessee and are protected from the states ban.

A separate bill by a Chattanooga Democrat seeks to insert explicit exceptions to Tennessees abortion ban for victims of sexual assault and incest, and to protect maternal physical and mental health. And a largely symbolic bill from Nashville Democrats seeks to restore abortion rights entirely.

In a year in which other contentious policy issues are poised to take center stage  among them Gov. Bill Lees push for school vouchers, disaster aid to northeast Tennessee and immigration policies that conform with President-elect Donald Trumps goals  the bills highlight the continued reverberations of the Supreme Courts 2022 landmark abortion decision that left it to states, rather than the federal government, to decide abortion rights.

Since Dobbs, people genuinely want clarity, Rep. Harold Love, a Nashville Democrat, said. These (bills) wont rise to the level of school vouchers but I hope my colleagues will join us in support.

Bill seeks protections for IVF, birth control

Love has joined Memphis Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat, in resurrecting a bill (SB3/HB14) from last year to clarify contraceptives and the disposal of embryos resulting from fertility treatments are not included in the states definition of criminal abortion  a Class C felony in Tennessee.

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Akbari said she first filed the bill last year in response to a 2024 Alabama Supreme Court decision that found embryos created through IVF are considered children under that states wrongful death laws.

Prior to the Alabama courts decision, the Tennessee Attorney General had already issued an opinion that concluded the practice of discarding IVF-created embryos does not constitute abortion.

But, Akbari said, soon after the Alabama decision she started getting calls and messages from women in and out of her district concerned about the potential of Tennessee GOP lawmakers to enact legislation to ban IVF and limit or ban forms of birth control in the future.

This years bill has been clarified in an effort to satisfy Republican concerns, explicitly limiting IVF protections to unimplanted embryos, an edit Akbari hopes will draw the support of her colleagues.

GOP takes renewed aim at medication abortion

A bill by Rep. Gino Bulso and Sen. Joey Hensley  Republicans from Brentwood and Hohenwald respectively  targets medication abortion.

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Medication abortion, pills that can induce abortions early in a pregnancy, have been illegal to prescribe in Tennessee since the Dobbs decision. Since 2022, it has been illegal to distribute the medication via courier, delivery, or mail service.

The bill, titled the Unborn Child Protection Act of 2025 (SB194/HB26), would add an additional right to file suit against a manufacturer, distributor, seller, or reseller of an abortion-inducing drug who mailed or delivered abortion pills to the state.

Those rights would extend to family members of women and girls who terminated their pregnancies using abortion medication, who could file civil suits for $5 million in damages  up to five years after a family members pregnancy was terminated.

Bulso, the bills chief sponsor, did not respond to a requests for comment about the bill that were left with his office and the Republican House Caucus.

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Ashley Coffield, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, said the bill would have a chilling effect on access to the medications for still-legal uses  and on manufacturers who supply the medication to Tennessee hospitals for non-abortion services.

Misoprostol, one component of an abortion-inducing drug regimen, is used in the treatment of miscarriage, to induce labor and treat postpartum hemorrhaging  a potential treatment tool for serious medical emergencies a state court ruled last year are exceptions to the states strict abortion ban.

Its a failure in the bill to not include these exceptions, Coffield said, noting that manufacturers, distributors and package delivery services such as UPS and FedEx arent in a position to distinguish whether the medication is being shipped for legal or illegal uses.

Manufacturers of misoprostol could refuse to ship it at all to Tennessee, she said.

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Coffield also criticized the bills other chilling effect  the ability of a family member to file suit on his or own behalf as a result of a terminated pregnancy  calling it this idea you can turn other people in and get damages for someone else having an abortion.

Two other reproductive rights bills have also been filed thus far, ahead of a legislative deadline to submit new bills.

HB179 by Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, a Chattanooga Democrat, seeks to add new exceptions to Tennessees abortion ban to protect life of the mother and for victims of sexual assault.

And Rep. Aftyn Behn, a Nashville Democrat, and Sen. London Lamar, a Memphis Democrat, filed a largely symbolic bill (SB187/HB27) to restore abortion rights to Tennessee.

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BELGRADE (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters in Belgrade on Friday stood in silence in front of the state television RTS building for 15 minutes to commemorate victims of a railway station roof collapse for which they blame Serbian authorities.

The protest was organised and led by students of the Belgrade state university who are demanding that those responsible for the roof collapse that killed more than a dozen people are brought to justice.

Twin brothers, Lazar and Luka Stojakovic, activists at the Faculty of Organisational Science at the Belgrade University, had been identified by a pro-government daily Vecernje Novosti as protest leaders paid by Croatia's secret service.

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Their passports, pictures and personal details had been published in the daily. But Lazar and Luka did not get scared and continued with protests. They were among protesters in front of the RTS on Friday.

"Corruption entered every single layer of our society and it is the main cause of roof collapse and killing of 15 people," Luka Stojakovic said, explaining why they protest.

"The main problem is there is no system here, one man makes all decisions," Lazar Stojakovic said.

The students blame the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Aleksandar Vucic for corruption and nepotism, which he and the party deny.

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Students at state universities in Belgrade, Kragujevac and Nis have been blockading classes for weeks to demand the release of all documents relevant to the renovation of the station, as well as criminal prosecution of officials responsible for the disaster.

Every day they block traffic in front of their faculties for 15 minutes to commemorate the 15 victims.

The concrete awning of the recently renovated roof of Novi Sad station caved in on Nov. 1, killing 14 and injuring three. One of the injured died later.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Diane Craft)
Terryon Thomas, better known as Mr. Prada to his 8,000,000 followers, is now at the center of a murder case. A grand jury has formally indicted the famed TikToker on first-degree murder charges in connection with the September 2024 killing of Baton Rouge therapist, William Abraham.

The indictment, announced on Thursday (Jan. 16), will play out on trial, where Thomas could face the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have also charged him with aggravated criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

According to the Tribune, investigators believe the brutal murder took place in Thomas Baton Rouge apartment, as witnesses reportedly saw the influencer struggling to move a blue tarplater confirmed to be holding Abrahams lifeless body. A search of Thomas residence uncovered sharp objects, weapons, and what officials described as a large amount of blood.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker called the crime a very physical, very violent death and the coroner determined that Abraham died from blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and shoulders.

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Abrahams body was discovered wrapped in a tarp and dumped along a highway in Tangipahoa Parish. Authorities say Thomas was later arrested in Dallas, Texas, allegedly attempting to flee in Abrahams car.

The case has sent shockwaves through social media, with many of Thomas followers whispering about a shift change they noticed in him months leading up to the murder. Some say he seemed more withdrawn, alluding to feeling lonely and even made drastic changes to his appearance, including shaving his head and eyebrows.

While the motive behind the killing remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that Abraham had faced past accusations of inappropriate behavior during a therapy session. However, that case was dropped years ago, and officials have not linked it to the murder.

His attorney, Jarrett Ambeau, expressed devastation over his clients tragic death. Im absolutely devastated and completely surprised that something like this could have happened to a man who I believed to be so tender, so gentle, and have such a servants heart.

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Thomas remains in custody without bond as he awaits trial. No court date has been set, but the case is receiving widespread attention as one of the most shocking crimes to emerge from the world of social media influencers.

Take a look at some of Mr, Pradas TikToks below.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  After months of hard work the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) is nearly ready to expand their impact on the community.

To get to this point, it has taken a lot of luck, a lot of patience, and a lot of kindness from several in the community. says Gary Gathright, Board Member and Facilities Chairman for TRAHC.

TRAHCs second art space is nearing the end of an extensive renovation process.

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Its a wonderful addition to our downtown renovation. Its a wonderful extension of TRAHCs reach into the community. Its a extension of TRAHCs ability to be self sustaining. says Gathright.

Same goals, new branding for Mission Texarkana

One key benefit the new building will have over their old one will be the space available for any and all events that TRAHC or the community want to hold.

Over there we kind of had to share the classroom space with event space, so think weddings, parties, stuff like that. It was kind of hard to always program classes around those things. Over here were going to have designated spaces for all of those. says Marcus Zwiebel, Visual Arts Coordinator for TRAHC.

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So they will have more space to hold classes for all ages and skill levels and even introduce some new artistic mediums to local art enthusiasts.

We have a couple like weekly mainstays like mosaics, quilting, stuff like that thats going to be pretty active once they start their semester back up and then certain classes that are like kit based, so we offer certain ceramics and clay classes. says Zwiebel.

There is still some work and some fundraising that needs to be done before the vision is finally realized.

We also have naming opportunities so we have quite a few community members who stepped up and they have made a generous gift and will have their names on or their business names or the name of a loved one on a room so we do still have a few of those rooms available. says Jennifer Unger, Executive Director for TRAHC.

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They will kick off a few of their classes next week, and hold a grand opening for the community February 9th.

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WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  An appellate court has upheld the landmark fentanyl-related murder conviction of Jasinto Jimenez, the first of its kind in the state of Texas.

PREVIOUS STORY: Precedent-setting fentanyl murder conviction in Texas

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the justices of the Second Court of Appeals returned their memorandum opinion on Jimenezs appeal, overruling his objections and affirming the judgment of the 30th District Court.

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Jimenez, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison in Wichita Countys 30th District Court in September 2023 for selling two pills containing fentanyl to Leigha Smith, one of which was later ingested by Andres Diaz in July 2022, ultimately leading to his death.

The trial and conviction of Jimenez was the first of its kind in Texas following the passage of House Bill 6, a law that expanded the definition of conduct constituting murder to include those who knowingly make and distribute the deadly drug fentanyl.

Jimenez argued on appeal that evidence introduced during his trial wasnt sufficient to prove that delivering fentanyl is objectively dangerous to human life, nor that Jimenez caused the death of Diaz since it was not Jimenez who gave Diaz the pill containing fentanyl.

PREVIOUS STORY: Appeal challenges first fentanyl murder convention in Texas

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Prosecutors countered the arguments made by Jimenez, asserting that causation didnt end with Jimenez just because he didnt sell the fentanyl-laced pills directly to Diaz.

Had Jimenez sold pizza that he laced with arsenic, he would hardly be able to escape criminal responsibility for a resulting death merely because the pizza was eaten away from the point of sale, the states reply brief said. Here, he sold an illicit poison while knowing it would likely be consumed elsewhere.

In the memorandum opinion released by the Second Court of Appeals on Thursday, the justices asserted that the evidence presented in the trial showed that fentanyl was deadly and that its lethality was foreseeable.

The opinion also said that a rational jury could have found that Jimenezs sale and delivery of fentanyl was clearly dangerous to human life.

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READ MORE: Prosecutors argue to uphold landmark fentanyl murder conviction

The appellate courts opinion also argued with Jimenezs second issue, stating that the prosecution presented uncontroverted evidence that Diazs only source of fentanyl was from the drugs that Jimenez had sold.

But for Jimenezs selling of fentanyl, the memorandum opinion said, Diaz would not have overdosed on fentanyl.

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When Democratic lawmakers cast their votes for speaker of the Texas House on Tuesday, the vast majority of them saw a clear choice between two Republicans.

On the one hand was Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, a known entity they had grappled with for years. Much of Burrows support came from moderate and establishment Republicans who Democrats had worked with in the past to gain small victories for their districts  and limit what they saw as the most extreme elements of certain GOP bills.

On the other was Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, a newer member who was backed by the chambers rightmost flank and GOP activists who routinely blasted House leadership for any perceived compromise with Democrats. Though viewed as an affable colleague and middle-of-the-road conservative, Cook had pledged to box the minority party out of leadership positions and stymie their ability to pass legislation.

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Given that binary choice, the decision was easy.

Forty-nine of the 62 Democrats ended up supporting Burrows, handing the six-term lawmaker the speakers gavel and one of the most influential roles in Texas government. Cook, who courted Democratic support despite his vows to limit their influence, wound up with just three Democratic votes.

Burrows was an odd bedfellow for Democrats. Two years ago, he spearheaded the passage of a sweeping law that kneecapped the power of cities and counties to pass progressive policies, a signature accomplishment of his decade in the Legislature. He had supported stricter abortion laws, thwarted stricter gun laws, and played a lead role in lowering how much property tax revenue local governments can collect.

He was also a supporter of Gov. Greg Abbotts school voucher legislation last session, which Democrats had worked with some Republicans to kill. Abbott wiped out many of those GOP lawmakers in last years primaries and has made passing that bill his top priority this session.

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And though Cook had said he would end the chambers bipartisan tradition of appointing members of the minority party to lead committees, Burrows had not made pronouncements either way, saying he would leave it to a vote of the Republican-led chamber.

So why had Democrats gotten behind him?

State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat who leads the House Democratic Caucus, said that in Democrats talks with Burrows, it became clear that he was intent on protecting at least a modicum of the chambers bipartisan traditions and ethos  while Cook had agreed to a litany of changes that would virtually shut Democrats out of the legislative process.

Many members came to the obvious conclusion that we must have a speaker who would not simply trample all over the minority and take a pledge that says, we will not pass any of your bills  we won't even work on your bills  until we pass every single one of our bills, Wu said, referring to Cooks vow to ensure that GOP bills reached the floor before any Democratic measures.

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Since 2019, when he became chair of the House Republican Caucus, Burrows has been an antagonist to House Democrats. That year, then-speaker Dennis Bonnen also elevated him to lead the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.

From those two posts, Burrows was a key GOP lieutenant pushing for property tax legislation that Democrats opposed. He also backed unsuccessful attempts to prevent cities and counties from hiring lobbyists to advocate for them in Austin  an issue that Burrows counterpart in the Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, has named as a priority this year.

Burrows reputation among his colleagues took a hit after the 2019 session, when it was revealed that he and Bonnen urged a right-wing activist to target 10 GOP members in the upcoming primary.

To Burrows colleagues, the actions  captured in an audio recording that was released to the public  amounted to a shocking betrayal, especially after Bonnen had threatened consequences for any incumbents who campaigned against fellow members. Burrows resigned as chair of the House GOP Caucus and retreated from the spotlight, though he quickly found his footing when Rep. Dade Phelan of Beaumont won the race to succeed Bonnen  who had retired  and put Burrows in charge of the powerful Calendars Committee.

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Democrats who supported his bid for speaker said the episode changed Burrows by teaching him the value of keeping his word to fellow lawmakers. Since then, he has worked with several of them to pass bipartisan legislation.

Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, said he had worked with Burrows to include language in Republicans 2021 election overhaul bill that would have spared Crystal Mason from incarceration. Mason is a Fort Worth woman convicted of illegal voting in 2016 while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. She had always maintained she did not know she was casting a vote illegally. The law change made it necessary to prove that a person knowingly tries to cast an unlawful vote.

The Senate, which wanted the strictest version of the election bill passed, stripped out the language aimed at protecting people like Mason. Bucy said Burrows, who was part of the House team that negotiated the bill with the Senate, fought to keep the language in the bill but ultimately lost.

Burrows then came back to the House and authored a resolution affirming the chambers view that a person who unknowingly tries to cast an illegal vote should not be criminally punished. That resolution was cited by an appeals court last year when they overturned Masons conviction.

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Thats the kind of character we need in a speaker, Bucy said.

Rep. Chris Turner, a Grand Prairie Democrat who was Burrows counterpart in 2019 as leader of the House Democratic Caucus, said he has gone toe-to-toe with Burrows and often disagrees with him on policy. That experience convinced him to support his frequent Republican foe in the race for speaker.

Ive found him to be honest and reasonable and if he makes an agreement he keeps his word, Turner said.

But some Democrats argued that the minority partys best bet would be to stay on the sidelines and force the GOP candidates to earn their votes through specific concessions  or produce a stalemate that could bring a new, more palatable candidate into the mix.

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The 150-member House is made up of 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. Heading into Tuesdays vote, Cook had more than 50 Republicans and one Democrat in his camp  well short of the 76 needed to claim the gavel. Burrows, too, needed Democrats: even if every remaining Republican broke his way, he would need support from a majority of the opposing partys caucus.

Some Democrats held out until the end. Twenty-three sided with Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos of Richardson, their partys lone speaker candidate, in the first round of voting Tuesday. When Ramos was eliminated after that first ballot, 12 Democrats who had supported her switched to Burrows in his head-to-head runoff with Cook  the decisive push to win him the speakership. Burrows won with 85 votes: 49 Democrats and 36 Republicans.

Still, nine Democrats marked themselves present without voting for either option and another, Rep. Yvonne Davis of Dallas, was marked as absent.

One Democratic holdout, Rep. Christina Morales of Houston, said she could not bring herself to vote for Cook or Burrows because both supported school vouchers and had voted for recently enacted laws banning abortion and restricting the LGBTQ+ communitys rights. And they had each supported GOP bills cracking down on border security in ways that Morales argued would harm her predominantly Latino district.

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We should have held out longer, said Morales, who voted for Ramos in the first round after supporting her in a floor speech. I think we could have been more strategic, because I clearly don't understand the concessions that we, or some, may have gotten. I still don't know.

Bucy pushed back against the idea that a third, more moderate Republican candidate was going to ride in and save the day for Democrats. He said those in Burrows voting bloc had explored other potential candidates but that holding out longer would not have made a difference.

It hasnt just been the last weeks, weve been making phone calls for months, he said. I dont know whos saying that but I think they need to put down the paper and count votes.

Democrats are being tight-lipped about what, if any concessions, they got from Burrows. But his supporters say that the new speaker had pledged to continue the chambers bipartisan traditions  a veiled suggestion that they might keep Democratic chairs. An early test will be the Houses vote on allowing Democrats to lead committees, which is scheduled for next week.

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Cook had promised to ban them in a nod to calls from conservative activists. But some Democrats believe they have a chance to continue the practice under Burrows despite the pressure that conservative activists are putting on the Houses 88 Republicans to vote against it.

Im not giving up on it, said Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, who backed Burrows on the second ballot after supporting Ramos. 88 Republicans had pressure that they should not elect Dustin Burrows and 36 of them elected Dustin Burrows. In this scenario, you only need 14.

Several members of Burrows voting bloc also said that Cooks commitment to the Contract With Texas drafted by Republican lawmakers as a sort of purity test for GOP speaker candidates was disqualifying. Beyond the Democratic chair ban, the document also calls for passing all GOP priorities before taking up Democratic bills and preventing Democrats from using procedural tactics to kill or delay conservative legislation.

Some pro-Burrows Democrats also framed the race as a choice between continuing the Houses independence as a body or bowing to Patrick, who leads the Senate, and West Texas billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, who had driven the House to the right by funding Republican primary challenges.

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Rep. Mihaela Plesa, a Dallas Democrat who gave one of Burrows nominating speeches, put her caucus decision bluntly.

This time around we had a bad choice and a stupid choice, she said. And I didnt have to make a stupid choice.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  It is no secret most in the Texas Republican Party and state Republican leaders did not want Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, to win the election for Speaker of the House on Tuesday. In the month run-up to the Speaker vote, relationships were tested within the Republican party.

Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Texas Republican Party Chair Abraham George were vocal on social media that House Republicans should vote for the House GOP Caucus nominee, Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield. Cook won the nomination during a closed-door meeting of the caucus on Dec. 7. On the same day, Burrows declared victory after he and other Republican members walked out of the meeting.

Burrows ended up winning the Speaker race after getting 85 votes to Cooks 55. Burrows only needed 36 votes from his own party and was able to secure the win by getting a majority of votes from the Democratic House members.

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George, the Texas Republican Chair, said it is not the result the party was hoping for, but they hope Burrows will work to pass conservative legislation and fulfill the partys top priorities. However, George did say he would not be surprised if some of the county Republican parties decide to censure members who voted for Burrows.

I believe we need to hold them accountable personally, and I also believe the party will do that, George said. There had always been a threat of censure in the lead-up to the vote. The Republican party of Texas had actually run attack ads in Burrows district, and Attorney General Paxton and George did a two-day, four-city tour to talk about the Speaker race in districts of Republicans who had not come out in support of Cook.

The Texas GOP website also ran a banner at the top of its page that is linked to a list of House Republicans who were not in support of Cook.

The rules of the party say a member can be censured if they violate Republican principles at least three times in a two-year span. If a member is penalized by a county party, then the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) will review the censure and recommend penalties to George. One of those penalties would remove the member from the ballot and not allow them to run as a Republican in the next cycle, George said.

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But is that legal? Can a political party decide to not allow someone to run as a Republican or Democrat in a primary election? It is a question that became more prevalent as the Speaker race started heating up with threats of censuring members.

David Luther is the president of the Texas Republican County Chairmens Association and it is his job to provide education and training to County Party chairs across the state. As soon as someone becomes a chair of the County Party they automatically become a member of the association, Luther explained.

He said he knew the legality of the party rules could possibly come up depending on how the Speaker race ended. He reached out to a Texas law firm, Scanes, Yelverton, and Talbert, to ask them about the legality of removing someone from the ballot.

Luther said the law firm had already been studying case law on the subject and was able to send him a memo of its findings and analysis. The front page of the memo says, The Texas Election Code does not permit political parties to restrict ballot access with additional obligations like Rule 44(e); instead, a party chair has a mandatory duty to accept and certify ballot applications complying with the Election Code.

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The memo went on to say, to insist that the partys own procedures must prevail over election law, the party would have to argue that the Texas Election Codes provision violates the partys

First Amendment freedom of association rights. Such a challenge is unlikely to succeed. Under existing law, the better answer is that Rule 44(e) cannot override Texas election law.

Luther took the memo and posted it to his X account and shared it with the county chairs in case they had questions about the legality of party rules.

George said he expects there to be a legal battle if the party decides to impose that sort of penalty. The SREC is expected to meet sometime in the next two weeks, but George said there is no resolution on the table currently to censure anyone.

Were going to keep our word. If that means spending millions of dollars in court, were going to do that, George said.

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The last member to be censured was former Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont. The censure resolution against Phelan listed five actions as grounds for censure. Part of the reasons listed included the impeachment of Paxton and appointing House Democratic members to chair committees.

One of the penalties listed in Phelans censure resolution said Phelan is discouraged from participating in the 2024 Republican primary. Phelan did participate and won a close run-off election.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Texas man has been indicted for escaping from federal custody in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger announced this week that Ismael Benavidez, 48, is facing charges for walking from from a Volunteers of America Residential Reentry Center in the Twin Cities.

Volunteers of America offers transitional custody and programs for people towards the end of their prison sentences, providing support as they prepare to reenter the community.

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Luger says that Benavidez was serving an initial sentence for 40 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens in October 2018 in the Western District of Texas.

At his arraignment hearing in U.S. District Court, a judge ordered Benavidez be detained pending further hearings.

There are currently two Volunteers of America Residential Reentry Centers in Minnesota: on East Lake Street in Minneapolis and on Kent Street in Roseville.
A recent study from pest-control company Terminix suggests that many Texans have a bug and rodent problem. In a list of 50 metro areas in the country, several Texas cities made the list for bug-infested cities.

Here is a look at the ranking.

Top 50 'buggiest' US cities in 2025

According to the Terminix study, five Texas cities made the list for pest infestation, such as cockroaches, flies and rodents. The study's methodology involved collecting data between October 2023 and September 2024 and identifying cities where businesses most often used their commercial pest control services within designated market areas.

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Here's the full list:

Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA Atlanta, GA San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA Honolulu, HI New York, NY Tampa-St. Pete, FL Columbus, OH Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, FL Philadelphia, PA Indianapolis, IN Cleveland-Akron, OH Cincinnati, OH Washington, DC Denver, CO Memphis, TN Jacksonville, FL Boston, MA Detroit, MI Louisville, KY Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA Pittsburgh, PA Las Vegas, NV Baltimore, MD San Antonio, TX Oklahoma City, OK Chicago, IL West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, FL St. Louis, MO Nashville, TN Birmingham, AL Dayton, OH Salt Lake City, UT Toledo, OH Portland, OR Lexington, KY Corpus Christi, TX Harlingen, TX Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR Palm Springs, CA Fresno-Visalia, CA Seattle-Tacoma, WA Hartford-New Haven, CT Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA Richmond, VA Minneapolis, MN Ft. Myers-Naples, FL

How to prevent bugs from entering your home

Here are some suggestions from Southern Living to keep roaches, flies, ants and other infestations from claiming your home as their new residence.

Maintain cleanliness : Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and debris that attract bugs.

Proper storage: Keep food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Seal entry points : Fill in cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. Bugs can enter through the tiniest openings.

Natural remedies : Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils can deter insects. Mix with water and spray around entry points.

Seek professional help: If you have a persistent problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: This Texas city is No.1 on top 50 most pest-infested US cities
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office has issued a warning to the public regarding a recent scam that involves scammers impersonating agency members and claiming that targeted individuals owe thousands of dollars in jury fees.

According to the sheriffs office, the agency received information of citizens receiving calls or voice mails from an individual claiming to be from the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office needing to speak to them. Those targeted by the scam who returned the call were then told that they owe thousands of dollars in jury fees.

Downtown San Angelo banner project nears completion

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The sheriffs office stated that scammers may attempt to use several tactics to seem credible to to their targets. These tactics include providing information such as the badge numbers and names of real law enforcement members and spoofing their phone numbers to appear as though they were a government agency on their caller IDs.

The Sheriffs Office WILL NOT SOLICIT funds or payment over the phone, TGSO said.

The agency stated that citizens should not give any personal information to others over the phone. It also advised targets of scam calls to hang up the phone and block the phone number of the caller.

The sheriffs office asks citizens who have fallen victim to scam calls to contact the agency at (325)-655-8111.

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One week after hearing arguments from TikTok, ByteDance and the U.S. government, the Supreme Court has decided to uphold the law that will ban TikTok on Sunday, Jan. 19, if its parent company, ByteDance, does not take steps to sell the app before then.

The law passed in April 2024 with bipartisan support and was signed by President Biden. It was upheld by a Washington, D.C., federal court in December following a challenge from TikTok and ByteDance, which argued that the ban violated the apps First Amendment right to free speech.

The federal government argued that the problem is that parent-company ByteDance is based in China and therefore a potential threat to national security.

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On Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the issues surrounding TikTok are now the Trump administration's responsibility.

"TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law," she said in a statement. "Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday."

President-elect Donald Trump said the Supreme Court's decision was "expected," and added that he'll be making a decision on the fate of TikTok "in the not too distant future."

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked Trump in a TikTok video posted Friday afternoon and called Trump's "commitment" to keeping the app in the U.S. "a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship."

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Throughout a Jan. 10 hearing at the Supreme Court, the justices reiterated that the law would allow TikTok to keep operating in the United States if it separated itself from ByteDance.

"The law doesn't say TikTok has to shut down, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said during the hearing. It says ByteDance has to divest. Justice Brett Kavanaugh also pointed to another federal law, enacted in 1934, that prevents foreign countries from being involved in U.S. communications infrastructure.

In light of the Supreme Courts decision, and ByteDances repeated indications that it has no plans to sell TikTok, the ban on the popular app with over 170 million users in the U.S. is now set to take effect on Jan. 19.

Why did the Supreme Court uphold the law banning TikTok?

On Jan. 17, the Supreme Court wrote in its response to TikTok v. Garland that the judgment of the D.C. Circuit is affirmed and the TikTok ban should be upheld unless ByteDance sells it. The decision is per curiam, which means that the court ruling is not attributed to any specific judge but to the justices as a whole.

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There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the justices wrote. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.  We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights.

Read more from Yahoo News: Key takeaways from the Supreme Court hearing on the TikTok ban

Why wouldnt ByteDance sell TikTok to stop the ban?

The only way to avoid a full ban on TikTok in the United States is if ByteDance either sells the app or at least proves its trying to divest from the app.

Multiple American companies and entrepreneurs have offered to buy TikTok from ByteDance, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner and Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt, who in December pulled together a group of investors. One of those investors is Kevin OLeary, a Shark Tank host, who told Yahoo Finance that the group is willing to pay up to $20 billion for the app. Project Liberty announced last week that it had formally submitted a proposal to ByteDance to buy TikTok.

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YouTubes famous creator Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, posted on Jan. 15 that he had met with several billionaires and had an offer ready to buy TikTok. He did not share much information on who he was meeting with or what the plan looked like.

Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Chinese government officials allegedly discussed selling TikTok to Elon Musk, who also owns X. Musk has not commented on the reports but has publicly slammed the TikTok ban and said it was contrary to freedom of speech and expression.

Companies like Oracle, Walmart and Microsoft expressed interest in buying TikTok in 2020.

However, ByteDance has made it clear since April that it has no intention of selling TikTok, despite the U.S. ban.

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TikTok has repeatedly argued that it is not possible to separate from ByteDance because that would separate the app from all the technologies that have contributed to TikToks success, such as its algorithm. Even though TikTok could develop its own algorithm independent of ByteDance, TikToks attorney Noel Francisco argued to the Supreme Court on Jan. 10 that the platform's principals think it would be an incredibly bad business decision for them to abandon this algorithm.

What's going to happen to the TikTok app once its banned?

If you do not have TikTok on your phone by Jan. 19, you will not be able to download it once the ban takes effect. On Dec. 13, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Community Party wrote letters to Apple and Google  which own the two main mobile app stores  reiterating that they must remove TikTok from their stores when the ban takes effect.

The Department of Justice has stated that the ban will not directly prohibit the continued use of TikTok and wont immediately eliminate the app from individuals phones. Instead, over time, without updates or technical help from TikTok, the app will slowly become unworkable.

However, Reuters reported on Wednesday, Jan. 15, that TikTok planned to shut down the app fully on Jan. 19. TikTok has not responded to Yahoo News request for comment.

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In response to the news, the Biden administration is considering ways to prevent TikTok from being suddenly banned on Sunday in the U.S., an official told NBC News. The administrations goal is for the ban to go into effect on app stores on Jan. 19 but not immediately impact downloaded apps from functioning.

India had about 200 million TikTok users before it banned the platform and dozens of other Chinese-owned apps four years ago, following a military clash along the India-China border. In response to the ban, Indias former TikTok users instead migrated to platforms like Googles YouTube Shorts and Instagrams Reels.

Read more from Yahoo News: Will the TikTok ban take effect Sunday? Could Trump save it? Here's where things stand on the app shutting down

Could you still use TikTok even if its banned?

In addition to the mobile app, TikTok is also watchable as a website, and its not entirely clear whether internet providers are expected to block access to TikToks website in the United States on Jan. 19.

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For the app specifically, there is also the possibility users can download VPNs  a virtual private network  to make it seem like theyre operating in countries outside of the U.S. where TikTok is still available.

Usually, users circumvent bans of certain applications by changing locations with a VPN and reaching restricted websites, Laura Tyrylyte, head of public relations at NordVPN, told PCMag. However, the VPN tactic would work only for people who downloaded the app before Jan. 19.

Could Trump reverse the ban?

On Thursday, just days before the ban was set to take effect, the Biden administration said the current president had no plans to enforce the law in his final days in office. An official told the Associated Press the administration was leaving the fate of the app to Trump.

The day after the ban is scheduled to take place, Trump will be inaugurated  with Chew expected to be in attendance. Trump has reportedly considered issuing an executive order that would halt the TikTok ban for up to 90 days so that his administration could either negotiate a sale or another solution to protect the app from being banned in the United States.

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However, its not clear whether issuing an executive order would counteract a law that Congress and the Supreme Court approved.

Trump has taken varying positions on TikTok over the years. When he was president in August 2020, he threatened to ban the app if ByteDance didnt sell it, but multiple federal judges blocked his attempts at the time.

But while running for reelection in 2024, Trump launched his own TikTok account and told followers he would save TikTok in America if he won the election.

The law does include a provision that allows the president to pause the TikTok ban for 90 days if ByteDance proves it is in the process of selling the app, Forbes reported. Trump could try to pause the ban himself for the first 90 days of his administration, but without evidence that ByteDance is actively working to divest from TikTok, his decision could be challenged in court.

Another option would be for Trump to ask his Justice Department and attorney general not to enforce the ban, Alan Z. Rozenshtein, an associate law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School wrote at Lawfare Media. However, in that case, most companies and individual users would probably be discouraged from using the app, since doing so would still technically be considered breaking the law.
Australian volunteer soldier Oscar Jenkins has the status of a prisoner of war (POW) and there is no confirmation of his death, a Ukrainian investigative journalism outlet Slidstvo.Info reported on Jan. 17, citing the Prosecutor General's Office.

The news comes after reports that the body of Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher from Melbourne whose capture was reported in December, has been found. He was believed to have been executed by his Russian captors.

Some media outlets and Telegram channels published a video purporting to show bodies of soldiers, claiming that Jenkins was among them.

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Slidstvo.Info verified that footage was published four years ago on an Iranian website. The description says that it was filmed in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the original video is in Armenian instead of Russian.

Jenkins is serving in the 402nd Separate Rifle Battalion, which is part of Ukraine's 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the outlet wrote. He went missing on Dec. 16 in 2024 while being on a combat mission near the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine's Ground Forces Command told Slidstvo.Info.

"There has been no transfer of the body (of Oscar Jenkins)," the military said.

The Kyiv Independent has contacted the Australian Embassy in Kyiv and the Ukrainian authorities but has not received a response at the time of publication.

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The Geneva Conventions mandate all warring parties to treat POW with respect and dignity, while executing POWs is considered a gross violation of international law and a war crime. Russia has been repeatedly accused of summarily executing Ukrainian POWs throughout the war.

Moscow calls foreign volunteers "mercenaries" and claims they are not entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged the "strongest action possible" if reports of an Australian national captured while fighting for Ukraine being executed by Russian forces are confirmed.

Australia's Foreign Ministry has also summoned the Russian ambassador on Jan. 15 to demand information and stress compliance with international law.

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Read also: He wanted to live  How Ukraine captured a North Korean POW, told by the soldiers who took part

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A longtime detective in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments anti-gang unit has admitted to violating the civil rights of multiple victims through intimidation, illegal search warrants and other abuses of power, according to plea agreements filed this week.

Eric Chase Saavedra, an L.A. County deputy and former federal task force officer, agreed this week to plead guilty to conspiracy and tax crimes tied to his role in carrying out the criminal bidding of Adam Iza, a crypto mogul known as "The Godfather," officials said. Saavedra faces up to 13 years in prison.

Iza, 24, has agreed to plead guilty to similar charges, in addition to wire fraud. He faces up to 35 years in prison, though the plea deal is likely to lighten his sentence. Iza has been in custody since September and last month was transported to Las Vegas for surgery to remove rods from a leg-lengthening surgery that prosecutors say he paid for with money hidden from tax collectors.

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As far back as 2021, Iza paid Saavedras private security company  a business he ran on the side in addition to working as a deputy  $100,000 per month for round-the-clock bodyguards, court filings say. The hired muscle protected Iza and sometimes committed crimes for him, according to Saavedras plea agreement. For each 12-hour shift, Saavedra admitted, he picked two from a roster of 20 to 25 active deputies, paying them $750 cash. Even though it wasnt official department work, some of the deputies often carried firearms and flashed their LASD badges, according to the agreement.

Saavedra, 41, also admitted to illegally using his department credentials to access sensitive law enforcement databases and obtain personal identifiable information about people Iza had personal or business disputes with, as well as their associates and family members.

In one case, Saavedra created a fake search warrant that he used to intimidate someone, according to the agreement. In another, the deputy admitted, he misled a narcotics detective, resulting in a drug raid on the home of a man Iza had previously extorted. In a third case, Saavedra said he lied to get a warrant, falsely claiming he needed to track a mans cellphone as part of a firearms investigation.

After he got the warrant and discovered the victims location, he gave that information to Iza  and later three people with guns tried to break into the man's home.

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Mr. Izas and Mr. Saavedras relationship was little more than a thuggish partnership between a thief and a crooked cop, said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher. "The public should be able to trust members of law enforcement, but Mr. Saavedra violated his oath for a payday."

Both Iza and Saavedra's plea agreements describe an array of criminal acts involving Saavedra and other unnamed sheriffs deputies, who allegedly harassed and threatened people to further Izas criminal aims. So far, at least six deputies have been relieved of duty in connection with the case, as The Times reported last year . The Sheriffs Department confirmed Friday afternoon that Saavedra was among them, saying he'd been relieved of duty as of Sept. 23.

"This deplorable behavior is a direct violation of Department standards, betrays public trust, and tarnishes the reputation of all deputies and the entire Department," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement. "Those who misuse their badge to exploit their power for personal gain through illegal activities have no place in law enforcement and must be held accountable. They have no place in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department."

Read more: Crypto 'godfather' of Bel-Air: Probe widens into L.A. deputies' alleged links to mogul

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In a statement, Iza's attorney, Josef Sadat, referred to his client as "one of the smartest individuals I have ever met."

"Hopefully, others involved in this, whose actions were more morally reprehensible than that of Mr. Iza given their comparative age and societal positions, will follow his path sooner than later since truth leads to redemption," Sadat said.

Brian Gurwitz, the attorney representing Saavedra, offered a short response early Friday.

"Mr. Saavedra recognizes the breach of trust his actions represent and deeply regrets the harm they have caused to the community he dedicated decades to serving," Gurwitz said. "To respect the Department of Justices ongoing investigation, he will not make further public comments at this time."

Start of a payday

Saavedra said in his plea that he first learned of Iza around August 2021, through fellow deputies who had recently worked security for the crypto mogul at his Bel-Air mansion. That same month, Iza hired Saavedra's company to provide security services.

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The deputy had a lengthy history in the department and in 2018 got a tattoo on his left ankle of the unofficial logo of the Lakewood sheriff's station, which was a spade with the number 13 inside of it, according to his plea agreement.

Saavedra admitted to recruiting around 20 to 25 deputies and others to accompany Iza 24/7. At times, Saavedra worked the shifts himself.

According to his plea agreement, Saavedra regularly used his LASD credentials to access confidential databases to get information for Iza. Sometimes, he had fellow deputies working for his company do the same.

Saavedra said he and the other deputies gave the crypto mogul personal information relating to several people, including three victims  identified in the agreement as R.C., E.Z. and D.D.  with whom Iza had disputes.

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One of the earliest incidents prosecutors described in court filings last year took place during an August 2021 party at Izas Bel-Air mansion. Iza wasnt happy with the party and wanted the party planner  R.C.  to reimburse him for half the cost, prosecutors said.

Last year, prosecutors alleged in an indictment that two of Izas bodyguards held R.C. at gunpoint and forced him to transfer back $25,000 hed been paid for his services.

In this weeks plea agreement, Saavedra admitted he knew the bodyguards  both of whom are deputies  had held someone at gunpoint. One of Iza's associates claimed R.C. was a major fentanyl and cocaine dealer, leading Saavedra to pass the information along to a narcotics detectives, according to the court filings.

Soon after, the narcotics detective told Saavedra that they had obtained a warrant but did not find any illegal drugs in R.C.s home, according to Saavedra's agreement.

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Iza also admitted that in October 2022, sheriff's deputies in his employ illegally detained yet another victim  identified by the initials L.A. According to his plea, Iza held the victim at gunpoint and forced him to transfer $127,000 into a bank account he controlled.

A $100-million laptop

In late 2021, Saavedra said he learned of a dispute between Iza and E.Z. regarding a laptop believed to hold more than $100 million in cryptocurrency. Through court records and interviews, The Times was able to identify E.Z. as Enzo Zelocchi, a self-described actor, producer and innovator.

Iza told Saavedra the laptop was stolen and that he wanted it so he could access and convert the cryptocurrency, court filings show. In a previous interview with The Times, Zelocchi said the laptop belonged to him.

Iza later told Saavedra that he thought Zelocchis associate, D.D., might have the laptop. In December 2021, Saavedra, Iza and two others  including another deputy  went to D.D.s Orange County home to confront him, according to Saavedra's agreement, but D.D. refused to open the door and spoke to them through a window.

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Saavedra admitted in his plea agreement that he identified himself as law enforcement, showed his badge and told D.D. that a stolen laptop was pinging in his home. D.D. denied having a stolen laptop and after police arrived, the group departed.

Iza later told Saavedra hed hired a private investigator and was spending large sums of money to locate Zelocchi and the laptop with no success, according to Saavedra's agreement. Iza said he was frustrated by the private investigators lack of progress, prompting Saavedra to offer a solution: a search warrant for GPS location information associated with Zelocchis phone.

Read more: Deputies warned to decontaminate clothes after lead, asbestos found in air near Eaton fire

Saavedra admitted that in January 2022, he applied for and obtained a search warrant for several phone numbers, including Zelocchis. According to his plea agreement, Saavedra lied in a sworn affidavit, stating that Zelocchis number was tied to a suspect in a firearms investigation.

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After getting the illegally-obtained warrant, court records show Saavedra began receiving pings for Zelocchis phone, identifying the approximate location. Soon after, Saavedra admitted to traveling to an L.A. neighborhood where the phone was pinging and spotting Zelocchi outside a residence in an apartment complex.

According to court filings, Saavedra told Iza that he had found Zelocchi and the two surveilled the apartment complex and residence.

Iza admitted that he gave orders that led three people to try to force open the door of Zelocchis residence, but the effort failed when Zelocchi fired in their direction and they fled.

Fake search warrant

In 2022, Iza told Saavedra that one of his business associates  identified in court records as Client 1  had been involved in stealing large amounts of cryptocurrency, and was interested in hiring private security. According to Saavedra's plea agreement, Iza told Saavedra he could get the clients business if Client 1 thought there was something to worry about.

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To do that, Iza allegedly suggested scaring Client 1 with a made-up investigation. So Saavedra created a fake search warrant, using the official Sheriffs Department template to make it look legitimate.

After writing up the false document, which mentioned cryptocurrency and digital services, Saavedra arranged to have another deputy share it with Iza, who showed it to the potential client, court filings say.

Read more: Altadena had soul, solitude and community. Can those qualities survive devastating firestorm?

Not long afterward, Client 1 hired Saavedras company for security.

Saavedra and his company provided services to Iza from August 2021 until around March 2022, when Iza left for Dubai, according to the plea agreement. When Iza returned to L.A. in July 2024, those services resumed until Izas arrest in September.

Iza also admitted in his plea to stealing more than $37 million by fraudulently gaining access to Meta Platforms Inc. business manager accounts and their associated lines of credit from 2020 to 2022.

Both Iza and Saavedra also admitted to federal tax crimes. Iza avoided the assessment of nearly $7 million in federal income tax due for 2021. Saavedra received approximately $373,146 in unreported income and subscribed to a false tax return for 2021.

As part of his plea agreement, Saavedra said he would pay restitution to his victims, and pay his back taxes with interest. He also agreed to forfeit dozens of designer bags and shoes as well as a money counting machine, all of which prosecutors said were either ill-gotten gains or goods used to further criminal activity.

From the steps of the federal courthouse, U.S. Atty. E. Martin Estrada addressed reporters on Friday morning  his last day in office. He referred to Iza as a "massive cyber fraudster" who used deputies as his "enforcers," and said that he and Saavedra both "profited handsomely from their criminal scheme."

He thanked Sheriff Robert Luna for cooperating with federal authorities to ensure justice, and hinted at the possibility of more to come, saying the investigation is "very much ongoing."

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.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and House Speaker Mike Johnson sparred online throughout Thursday, as Congress considers attaching conditions to future wildfire aid for California.

Things began with the release of an interview between Newsom and left-leaning political content creator Bryan Tyler Cohen.

In the video, Newsom took Johnson and his allies to task for potentially mixing politics and disaster aid, arguing California never does that with other states, despite its large contributing to the federal budget.

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Never in California, did we question, whether we or not we, as taxpayers, in the largest state in the union, should support the people of Louisiana at a time of emergency and need, Newsom said. Wed never condition it.

Newsom added that limiting future aid to California would harm millions of Republicans, too.

Millions of your supporters are out here, they need your help, the governor continued. They need your empathy. They need your care. Whatever compassion you can express, as opposed to condemnation and divisive language that has aided and abetted nothing except mis- and disinformation that has flamed fear and flamed a lot anxiety for folks that are simply trying to recover.

Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians, Johnson responded on X. Youre the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it.

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The back-and-forth continued, with Newsom writing that Johnson needs to do the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, when Louisianans need help after hurricanes, its Californians  many of whom have been impacted by these fires  who foot the bill to help your constituents, Newsom wrote on X. And they do it without playing partisan games.

The argument came as Johnson suggested this week that Congress should put conditions on future wildfire aid to California, which is struggling with devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles.

I think were going to have a serious conversation about that, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. 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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However, as The Independent has reported, some in Congress oppose tying wildfire aid to upcoming spending negotiations. And many point to the impact of climate change, with southern California suffering is second-driest season in at least 150 years.

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.

What we dont want to do is politicize this issue right now, and what we should be doing is lets get the crisis over with, added newly elected Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio. But theres very, very legitimate concerns about what California has done, what they need to do to fix it.

President Biden said last week the federal government would pay for 100 percent of the states disaster response costs for the next 180 days.

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California lawmakers have been girding themselves for wildfire aid to become entangled with the politics of the incoming administration.

Even if we nominally secure some of these things, the money wont flow until Trump is president. And hes just such a wild card, theres reason for worry, California Rep. Jared Huffman told Politico.

Trump has threatened to withhold aid in the past for partisan reasons, and often speaks inaccurately about wildfires in the state.

Last week, Trump claimed California Gavin Newsom refused to sign a water restoration declaration that wouldve freed up millions of additional gallons of water, a claim the governors office said was pure fiction.
By Ricardo Brito

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Thirteen people have died in gang violence in the past four days in Porto Velho, the capital of Rondonia state in the Brazilian Amazon, where gang members have clashed with police, raising concerns about the growing power of gangs in the region.

Eight people were killed in attacks by criminal gangs and another five died in clashes with the police since Tuesday morning, according to Rondonia's security department.

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Criminals set fire to 20 buses, most of them belonging to schools, likely to protest police retaliation. The attacks prompted authorities to limit the hours when public transportation is available and assign police escorts to city buses.

The crisis led the federal government to send national public security force troops to Rondonia to help the state police contain the wave of violence for at least 90 days.

Porto Velho police claim that the attacks are a retaliation by the Comando Vermelho criminal faction against police operations in a housing complex that the gang controls in the city, according to G1 news portal.

Though the Comando Vermelho was created in the state of Rio de Janeiro, thousands of miles away, it has become the most powerful gang in the Amazon region in recent years.

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A recent report by Brazilian Public Security Forum, a think tank, showed crime rates are rising fast in the Amazon, home of the world's largest rainforest. In 2023, the region registered 34 homicides for every 100,000 people, almost twice the national rate.

While Brazil's Amazon region has for decades struggled with conflicts over land as farms expanded into the forest, the more recent violence is connected to disputes among gangs to control key drug trade routes that connect cocaine producers to consumers, said Renato Sergio de Lima, the think tank's president.

Rondonia borders Bolivia, a key cocaine producer, and has recently become a key drug trade route, police investigations show. In the last decade, police seized 20 tons of cocaine in the state, one of the largest volumes in the country.

The Amazon is a perfect environment for crime. The gangs control the territory and define the rules, Lima said. "Eventually, the police show up."

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Pedro Fonseca, Manuela Andreoni and Alistair Bell)
THOMASVILLE, Mo.  A volunteer firefighter from Thomasville was killed after a crash on Thursday night on Highway 160 in Oregon County.

According to Highway Patrol Troop G spokesperson Eddie Young, the 72-year-old man was a passenger in a Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department pumper truck.

The pumper truck ran off the right side of the roadway and overcorrected before traveling off the left side of the roadway, striking a ditch and overturning.

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The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The 66-year-old female driver, who is also with the volunteer fire department, was transported to a hospital in Memphis with serious injuries.

Oregon County Sheriff Eric King says the pumper truck was responding to a fire when the accident occurred.

This is the second fatality in Troop G in 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
By Mark Trevelyan

LONDON (Reuters) -Three lawyers for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny were found guilty by a Russian court on Friday of belonging to an extremist group and sentenced to years in a penal colony.

Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser and Vadim Kobzev were arrested in October 2023 and added the following month to an official list of "terrorists and extremists".

They were sentenced respectively to 3-1/2, 5 and 5-1/2 years after a trial held behind closed doors in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow.

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"Vadim, Alexei and Igor are political prisoners and must be released immediately," Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late politician, posted on X.

Human rights activists say the prosecution of lawyers who defend people speaking out against the authorities and the war in Ukraine crosses a new threshold in the repression of dissent under President Vladimir Putin.

"Lawyers cannot be persecuted for their work. Pressure on defence lawyers risks destroying the little that remains of the rule of law, whose appearance the Russian authorities are still trying to maintain," rights group OVD-Info said in a statement.

It said Navalny's lawyers were being prosecuted "only because the letter of the law still matters to them and they did not leave the man alone with the repressive machine".

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The United States condemned the sentencing of lawyers "who were simply doing their jobs to ensure a political prisoner was afforded his right to legal representation," the State Department said.

Navalny, who died suddenly aged 47 in an Arctic penal colony in February last year, was himself convicted of extremism and other charges, all of which he said were trumped up by the authorities to silence his criticism of Putin.

The Kremlin says it does not comment on individual court cases. Authorities have long cast Navalny and his supporters as Western-backed traitors seeking to destabilise Russia.

APPLAUSE IN COURT

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Despite his imprisonment, Navalny was able via his lawyers to post on social media and file frequent lawsuits over his treatment in prison, using the resulting legal hearings as a chance to keep speaking out against the government and the war.

The lawyers were accused of enabling him to continue to function as the leader of an "extremist group", even from behind bars, by passing his messages to the outside world.

In court, a woman shouted "Boys, you are heroes" and supporters applauded the three men, standing together in a barred cage for the defendants, after their sentencing.

Yulia Navalnaya last month published video of secretly recorded meetings between Navalny and the lawyers in prison, something she said was illegal because an accused person has the right to confer privately with a lawyer. Russia's federal prison service did not reply to a request for comment.

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Navalnaya said the recordings were made by the authorities and handed to her team after it offered a reward for people to come forward with information about Navalny's death.

She alleges her husband was murdered on Putin's orders, an accusation that the Kremlin has strongly denied. Navalnaya herself is wanted in Russia for alleged extremist activity but has said she hopes to return to the country one day and run for president.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Philippa Fletcher and Diane Craft)
The Petushinsky court in Russias Vladimir Oblast has sentenced Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin to terms of three and a half to five and a half years in prison for participation in a so-called extremist community. These three men are former lawyers of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in February 2024.

Source: Russian news outlets Mediazona and Meduza; Radio Liberty Russian service

Details: Kobzev was reportedly sentenced to five and a half years in prison, Liptser to five years, and Sergunin to three and a half years. They will also be banned from practising law for three years after serving their sentences.

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The trial was held behind closed doors, and the final arguments in the court were presented on 24 December 2024. The men made their final statement on 10 January 2025.

Kobzev, Liptser and Sergunin were detained in Moscow in October 2023 and have been in pre-trial custody since then. According to the Russian investigation, Navalny's lawyers "used their status" to pass on Navalny's letters from the penal colony where he was imprisoned to his associates. In this way, they supposedly "ensured the regular transfer of information between the leaders and members of the extremist community". Back in June 2021, the Russian authorities declared Alexei Navalny's entities, including the Anti-Corruption Foundation, to be such a "community".

The men were supposed to be sentenced on 10 January, but this was postponed to 17 January.

"The verdict against Navalny's lawyers will be returned on 17 January at 10:00. The day Navalny came back to Russia and was imprisoned [in 2021  ed.]. And tell me that's a coincidence, yeah," said Ivan Zhdanov, director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation.

Background:

On the afternoon of 16 February 2024, Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at Correctional Facility No. 3 in the town of Kharp in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, northwestern Siberia.

Alexei Navalny had been imprisoned since early 2021. The Moscow City Court sentenced him to 19 years in prison in a special-regime colony for "extremism" in August 2023.

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Shirley Sneve

ICT

On the surface, the acclaimed new film, Tiger, is about an Indigenous familys T-shirt business. But it goes far beyond the family business.

The short documentary, which premieres Jan. 25 at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of artist Dana Tiger and her family as they forge ahead through grief after the deaths of their father, artist Jerome Tiger.

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Sundance describes the film as a portrait of award-winning, internationally acclaimed Indigenous artist and elder Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger T-shirt company.

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Director and screenwriter Loren Waters met Tiger while serving as the background casting director for the hit TV series, Reservation Dogs, and the two women developed a lasting friendship.

Related: Sundance announces Indigenous film lineup

Waters, Cherokee and Kiowa, and Tiger, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who is also of Seminole and Cherokee descent, are co-producers of the film.

This film follows Dana through an experimental and dreamy way of her grief and also how she finds resilience through her art and surviving through many things that have happened to her and her family,  Waters told ICT.

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This film is definitely more than just about the T-shirts, Waters said. I think that it is a symbol of the culture and the art that everyone knows and speaks to this story. And I think that with Dana's father passing when she was young, when she was five years old, and then her family starting this business, they were able to sustain themselves and be really successful just through their art, which was very rare at the time, in the 80s.

The film is now an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival. Tickets are available for the in-person screenings at the festival in Park City, Utah, and are also available to screen the film online from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.

Family struggles

Dana Tigers father was an up-and-coming visual artist, who died when she was a young child.

In an effort to provide an income for the family, Danas mother started the Tiger Art Gallery and the T-shirt business, celebrating her fathers artwork. She and her siblings all worked in the business.

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After her brother was murdered in 1990, however, the family struggled and eventually closed the gallery and T-shirt business.

The gallery was dark for about 30 years until just a few years ago. The first day that Waters came to Dana Tigers house to film was the day the family dusted off the silkscreen and printed T-shirts for the first time in three decades. The Tiger Art Gallery has also reopened.

We explore her and her family's journey through those events, [with] the T-shirt business being something that is foundational to who they are, and then returning to that, which is really special, Waters said.

By then, Dana Tiger had become an artist in her own right, with guidance from her uncle, painter Johnny Tiger Jr. She is perhaps best known for her watercolor and acrylic paintings that reflect the strength of Native women.

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Her works now hang in galleries, universities and other institutions, and she was inducted into the Oklahoma Womens Hall of Fame in 2001. Her daughter, Christie, studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her younger brother, Lisan, is an award-winning sculptor, according to her website.

She and her husband, Don Blair, and family also now manage the Tiger Art Gallery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, which features her work.

A deeper spiritual level

Waters is well-known in the Oklahoma Native film community, working on Reservation Dogs, Fancy Dance and Killers of the Flower Moon. She was chosen for the 2025 Forbes 30 under 30 list for her film work.

Learning that I was on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in the media category was definitely a shocker when I woke up and got an email congratulating me, Waters said. I'm just honored and I hope that this recognition really gives our community a boost  just showing that being able to work on these projects like Rez Dogs and Fancy Dance really allows community members to shine in the best way. And that's really what this award and recognition is about for me.

Acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter Loren Waters, Cherokee and Kiowa, and Tiger, directed and co-wrote the film, "Tiger," which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025. The film tells the story of artist Dana Tiger, citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who is also of Seminole and Cherokee descent, and her family's struggles through grief with their art and business. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Institute)

She also shares her success with her team on Tiger, including Robert Hunter, Blackfeet and Shoshone Paiute, who is the director of photography. Trevor Kowalski created the soundtrack for the film.

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Waters said the music and sound are integral to the film.

Our score and our sound design was very intentional, Waters said. When you watch this film, you'll hear Dana whispering, you'll hear different notes of the music that were carefully crafted.

And you'll also hear some, a song by Witko Long, who is a Muscogee elder, and it's a Muscogee hymn, Waters said. Its actually about two siblings, sisters, that are missing each other on the Trail of Tears. The whispering is actually all the names of her family members and the names of the T-shirts that they printed. So while we may not know that that's what she's saying, I feel like those little built-in intentional pieces really make it special in a deeper spiritual level.

She continued, The music really just matches the mood that takes you through these really sad and deep moments, and then also really uplifts you.

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Shirley Sneve, Ponca/Sicangu Lakota, is the senior producer for the ICT Newscast. She is based in Nebraska.

Ebonye Delaney is the Executive Producer for the ICT Newscast. Email: ebonye@ictnews.org

Paris Wise, Zia and Laguna Pueblo, is a producer for the ICT Newscast. Email: paris@ictnews.org.

Stewart Huntington is a producer for the ICT Newscast.

Daniel Herrera Carbajal is a video editor for the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @daniulherrrera

Pauly Denetclaw, Dine, is a political correspondent for ICT. Email: pauly@ictnews.org

ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization  and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo says it will soon be getting back its Pohwith Winter Drum and six other items that it called sacred and culturally significant after more than 140 years in the hands of the Dutch government and the Dutch Museum of World Cultures.

The Tiguas made the announcement on Friday, Jan. 17.

The Winter Drum, perhaps the Pueblos most important spiritual icon, will now soon be reunited with its brother, the Summer Drum, and used in full celebration of our Winter rituals and traditions for the first time since 1882, the Pueblo said in a news release.

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The Pueblo said the Dutch minister of education, culture and science confirmed on Tuesday, Jan. 14 that that the Dutch government would return these cherished antiquities to the Pueblo as soon as practicable.

The exact return date is yet to be determined between the Dutch government, the U.S. government, and the Pueblo, but the items could be returned as soon as March, the Tiguas said.

Dutch anthropologist and explorer Herman F.C. Ten Kate traveled through West Texas in 1882 and obtained the Winter Drum and other items through very dubious means, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Gov. Michael Silvas said.

Ten Kate took our treasures back to the Netherlands, so they could be placed in museums, where they remain to this day, Silvas said. Since 1882, we have prayed for their return and petitioned the Dutch for their return. Our antiquities are part of our every-day spiritual life, and they were taken away from us to hang in a museum. Thankfully, our prayers have been answered, and these religious icons will, once again, be returned to our people so that we can only strengthen and continue to practice our culture and faith.

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The Pueblo says it has tried numerous times for nearly 60 years to get the items returned.

Fortunately, the Dutch government recently expressed a willingness to repatriate sacred works of indigenous peoples held in their museums, the tribe said in its news release.

The Pueblo said it approached members of the Texas and New Mexico congressional delegation for help and also got help and support from the White House, State Department and Department of the Interior.

The Pohwith Winter Drum and its Brother Summer Drum are living entities to be birthed, fed, blessed, cared for, and prayed for. The drums are more than 350 years old and are hewn from the same tree from a forest near the Pueblos ancestral home in Isleta, New Mexico. They will soon be reunited for the first time since 1882, along with the return of a shield, another smaller drum and drum stick, moccasins, and rattles, the Pueblo said in its news release.

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We want to offer sincere thanks the Dutch government, the Museum of World Cultures, and the Dutch Colonial Collections Committee for working with the Pueblo and the U.S. government on a successful return of these objects of great significance to our community. They changed their minds, which is not a common occurrence so that we can now be reunited with our Winter Drum and more, Silvas said.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, called the return of the Pueblos items an historic and momentous day.

Here is his full statement: Today is a historic and momentous day for the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe. After much effort by many stakeholders, myself included, the Netherlands has agreed to return several sacred artifacts back home to the Pueblo where they belong. These sacred objects are of deep cultural significance to Tigua heritage, traditions, ceremonies, and identity. I want to thank everyone who partnered on making this possible, including Gov. Michael Silvas and Lt. Gov. Adam Torres for their leadership. I look forward to working with the Pueblo to see to it that these objects finally come home.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, said the return of the artifacts to the Pueblo rectifies a long injustice for our community.

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My team and I have tirelessly worked to return these precious artifacts for over a year, Escobar said. I join everyone from the Pueblo tribe in rejoicing that these artifacts and their history will be preserved for generations to come. Im grateful to the Dutch Government for their willingness to right this wrong and to the State Department in their help bringing such sacred objects back to their rightful home

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UPDATEJanuary 19, 2025: After the app briefly stopped functioning in the United States on January 18, TikTok is already backfor now.

In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, TikTok shared in a statement. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.

Despite the fact that Trump announced plans to ban TikTok back in 2020, it seems hes had a change of heart. On January 18, Trump told reporters hed most likely grant the company a 90-day extension from the ban after his inauguration. Its appropriate, he said, per NBC News. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation.

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UPDATEJanuary 17, 2025: On January 17, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of a federal law banning TikTok in the US.

The courts ruling means that TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has until January 19 to sell the company in the US. If it does not do so, the app will be removed from stores. Users will be unable to update the app, which over time will render it unusable. Lawmakers who supported the law said that TikToks Chinese ownership made it a national security threat.

It doesnt seem likely the app will sell, and its future remains in question. Outgoing president Joe Biden has said he wont enforce the ban, and incoming president Donald Trump has said he plans to work on negotiations to figure out the issue.

In 2023, Glamour spoke to creators about what a potential ban would mean for their livelihoods. That original story is below.

ORIGINAL STORY: TikTok cant seem to catch a break. For years the app has operated under the distant threat of a nationwide ban or forced sale. Now mounting security and privacy concerns are prompting lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to debate its future.

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Last week the short-form video platform with 150 million active users in the US made headlines amid a highly publicized congressional hearing that brought TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew face-to-face with some of his toughest critics. Five palpably tense hours of questioning illuminated very little about what, if anything, Chew can do to quell lawmakers fears. Earlier this month the Biden administration reportedly delivered an ultimatum to the apps Chinese parent company, ByteDance: Sell their shares in TikTok to an American company or accept the ban as punishment. Multiple pieces of legislation empowering Biden to enact such a ban have been introduced.

The implication, of course, is that Chinese ownership poses an existential threat to American democracy by putting our personal data and our recommendation algorithms within the Chinese governments grasp. ByteDance has been credibly accused of surveilling at least two American journalists last year. But having an American tech company handle your data doesnt inherently make it safer. Facebook brought one of the biggest tech scandals of the 2010s stateside by allowing a British political consulting firm to intercede in the 2016 presidential election.

TikTok is in the regulatory hot seat right now. The app is already banned from all government-issued devices as well as state-owned devices in more than half of the country. Several universities have gone so far as to block TikTok from campus Wi-Fi networks, and a host of other countries are enforcing partial or total bans of their own.

But the platform has the tide of public favor to buoy it. As Congress grilled and interrupted Chew throughout his testimony, the internet mocked lawmakers for being out of touch. Tweets confessing to feeling thirsty for the embattled CEO went viral. Dozens of creators gathered on Capitol Hill in a show of support for the platform. And Janette Ok, the lifestyle influencer behind @inmyseams, was among them.

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Each of these platforms has magic to them, Ok tells Glamour. And the magic of TikTok is the ability to create community and to feel seen and heard by those that you dont even know. More than any other social media platform, TikTok gives the user the opportunity to become the creator. No other app allows the creator to film a video, chop it up, add music, make transitions, but do all that stuff within the single app. That revolutionized social media as a whole landscape.

That doesnt mean TikTok is irreplaceable, Ok says. At the end of the day, shes not a TikTok creator; shes a content creator. But TikTok, with its built-in editing software and extensive audio library, had a special way of convincing regular people to experiment with and participate in creator culture.

What were going to lose is the opportunity to be curious, Ok says. When I started on TikTok, I felt like I was following a formula for my Instagram feed. I was literally planning my grid. I was planning a neutral aesthetic. I was using the same filters. I was really trying to gain a following by copying somebody elses aesthetics. On TikTok it really challenged me to figure out what it meant to be myself.

V Spehar, the TikTok creator behind Under the Desk News, says that, after attending the hearing, they feel more confident now than ever that a ban is not on the table. But the bill Biden is very in favor of passingalso known as the Restrict Actcould set a dangerous precedent for government overreach and censorship. (Which are, ironically, the very threats to national security lawmakers hope to mitigate with this measure.)

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Congress is trying to use fear of a potential for an adversary to convince the American public to hand over a huge amount of control of all of their privacy to the government, Spehar says. Theyre going to give themselves the power to ban any technology or any potential threat that they deem vaguely unsafe. Theyre using this TikTok ban and xenophobia as a Trojan horse to get this bill across the line here, which just gives them incredible power. They dont care about TikTok because they dont understand it.

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez is one of a scant number lawmakers who have chosen to support TikTok. In a post, the progressive Democrat warned against taking drastic measures without evidence that theyre necessary. Members of Congress, she says, have not been briefed on any national security threats stemming from the platform.

To shut down a platform where five million businesses are on, where churches are on, where people are doing personal health work, the place where the LGBTQ and Black communities and Hispanic communities have more clout and followership than we do anywhere elsethats an egregious attack on marginalized communities, says Spehar. To shut down the app that we happen to thrive on.

Understandably, some creators are taking precautions in light of the potential ban, such as backing up their content and sending followers to congregate on other platforms. Beauty creator Whitney Madueke has been directing her followers to sign up for her email newsletter and find her on Instagram and YouTube. Its taken a decade for Madueke to establish herself online, and for the last six years creating content has been her full-time job. TikTok is where her following has grown the fastest, and the app has come to represent an important stream of income for her as well.

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TikTok has given so many Americans the opportunity to earn more through the communities they create online, Madueke adds. This definitely affects everyone beyond just being a TikTok ban.

Spehar, however, says fellow creators shouldnt panic and migrate their following yet.

I will not be doing that, and I advise all other big creators to also not fall into that trap, Spehar says. Just keep creating and spending time with our communities and writing to the White House, writing our congresspeople, writing Senate, reading the new drafts of the bills as they come out and exposing them for exactly what is in the billwhat is written on the page and not the narrative of Oh, well, its a TikTok ban because its dangerous and its hurting your kids.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
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It is 2020. The United States government threatens to forbid access to TikTok within national borders unless the Chinese-owned app sells its America-based operations to an American company. The push loses steam, and a new president shrugs it off.

It is 2023. The United States government threatens to forbid access to TikTok within national borders unless the Chinese-owned app sells its America-based operations to an American company. The push loses steam, and the president shrugs it off.

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It is 2024. The United States government threatens to forbid access to TikTok within national borders unless the Chinese-owned app sells its America-based operations to an American company. This time, it passes a law mandating such a process, setting the deadline for parent company ByteDance to sell off TikTok by Jan. 19, 2025. The president, who now has a TikTok account for his reelection campaign, doesnt talk much about that whole thing after signing the bill; neither do his partys supporters, who at this point believe this anti-TikTok push will lose steam just like the others.

It is 2025. The United States government has realized the time has come to forbid access to TikTok within national borders, because the Chinese-owned app has not yet sold its America-based operations to an American company. The push to carry through with this thing is losing steam, even as the Supreme Court upholds its constitutionality.

So now, in hilariously pathetic fashion, the politicians responsible for this state of affairs are finally beginning to rethink some things, just days before TikTok U.S. is set to go bye-bye.

On Thursday night, after dropping public hints that Americans shouldnt expect to see TikTok suddenly banned on Sunday, the Biden administration officially announced that it would not enforce the TikTok ban, whose deadline just so happened to fall on its last day in office. (Mind you, Biden himself is responsible for this law coming into effect.) For what may well end up being his last official act as head of state, Biden is all but granting TikTok a special pardon.

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This is likely in part because powerful Democrats, some of whom voted for this very outcome, have been expressing their jitters all week. Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey introduced a bill on Tuesday to grant ByteDance another 270 days to find a willing stateside buyer for its prized video app; that effort, co-signed by Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden fell flat the very next day thanks to the objections of two Republican senators. (Markey also unsuccessfully petitioned SCOTUS to overturn the measure.)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whod helped make the TikTok ultimatum a congressional priority, reportedly spoke to Biden earlier this week and urged him to extend ByteDances deadline by 90 days, according to Reuters. The president, however, demurred on that decision, even after Booker and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (whod originally voted in favor of this deadline) wrote a letter to Biden claiming that your administration represents the last chance to avoid a TikTok shutdown on Sunday. In a social media post that earned ample opprobrium from TikTok fans and haters alike, Schumer added that its clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer for TikTok and that we will continue working to keep TikTok alive, which is why he will work with the Trump Admin to find a solution.

Yes, that would be the same Donald Trump who kicked off this whole TikTok panic during the last year of his first presidential term, and has also been rethinking that prior stance. Mainly because one of the GOPs most generous donors, Pennsylvanian billionaire Jeff Yass, chatted with Trump while the congressional bill made its way through Congress and likely made mention of the fact that his private-equity firm, Susquehanna International Group, has a 15 percent stake in ByteDance. (This means Yass company has far more monetarily invested in ByteDance than even the Chinese Communist Party, which holds a 1 percent stake in the company as well as a seat on the board.) That led to a nice little campaign pivot as Trump himself launched a TikTok account and grew chummy with the types of bro-y podcasters whose clips get a lot of traction on the video app.

As for what hes been saying postelection, now that hell once again be president? Well, hes apparently been chatting with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the whole matter, and hes invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chewonce the subject of a bipartisan tongue-lashing in Congressto attend his Monday inauguration. Following the SCOTUS ruling, Chew shared a video from TikToks verified account thanking Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.

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And just what will this commitment from Trump look like, anyway? Would Trump dare defy his own Supreme Court, which has blessed him with so many other favors and carried out the dirty work of overturning Roe v. Wade and affirmative action to his benefit? His pick for national security adviser, former GOP Rep. Mike Waltz, has pointed out that the legislation SCOTUS upheld allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table. And there certainly has been no shortage of wealthy Trump pals offering themselves up for service, like Shark Tanks own Kevin OLeary. (Even MrBeast has put himself in the running.) But it remains to be determined just how viable any of those offers are, since so many other billionaires, including exTreasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, have explored the option and never followed through.

Perhaps they were hobbled by the multibillion-dollar price tag (up to $50 billion, to be exact) or by the other ultimate obstaclethat ByteDance itself has said, repeatedly, that it doesnt want to sell TikTok, which is quite the flush cash generator for the multinational corporation.

With Biden making it clear hes leaving this to be Trumps problem, the other proposed solutions also feel like plates being thrown at a wall. Per the Washington Post: Maybe hell add a legally questionable deadline delay to his ever-piling list of planned executive orders, or just demand that ByteDance sell certain parts of TikToks business to American businesses instead of divesting from the whole thing, or just tell his attorney general pick, Pam Bondi, to act like the law doesnt exist. (During her confirmation hearings, Bondi declined to confirm whether she would enforce a TikTok ban.)

What weve learned here is that our lawmakers are as spineless and skittish as everyone suspects them to be, backing down from tackling a supposedly sketchy app they frequently screeched about (often for good reason) over the past five years. All it seemingly takes to get our coming president to change his mind on something is to offer him a big wad of cash, and also our aged Congress is indeed helplessly out of touch with the younger generations. Well have at least a limited amount of time to discuss this on the other Chinese-owned video apps zooming up the app-store charts. Congrats to everyone involved.
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States by Jan. 19 unless its sold by Chinese parent company ByteDance.

There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community, the Supreme Court majority opinion said. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights.

Early in arguments that lasted more than two and a half hours, Chief Justice John Roberts identified his main concern: TikToks ownership by China-based ByteDance and the parent companys requirement to cooperate with the Chinese governments intelligence operations.

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While Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch filed short separate opinions noting some reservations about the courts decision, both agreed with the final outcome.

Without doubt, the remedy Congress and the President chose here is dramatic, Gorsuch wrote. Still, he said he was persuaded by the argument that China could get access to vast troves of personal information about tens of millions of Americans.

Biden, Trump on bans

President Joe Biden said this week he would not enforce a ban if it was upheld.

In a statement shortly after the Supreme Court decision was released, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Bidens position on TikTok is that it should remain available to Americans, but under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress.

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Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, Jean-Pierre said.

President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the decision was expected, and must be respected.

My decision on TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future, but I must have time to review the situation, he said. Stay tuned!

On Friday, Trump discussed TikTok, among other topics, during a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

What happens to your TikTok account?

TikTok users who already have the app on their phones will continue to have access to it. But new users wont 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.

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ByteDance and TikTok have been saying that divestment is not feasible, and that if the ban is allowed to go into effect, the app will effectively go dark.

What happens if ByteDance cant find a buyer?

If TikTok isnt sold to an approved buyer, 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.

Why was TikTok facing a ban?

President Joe Biden signed a law last April stating that ByteDance, which owns TikTok and is based in China, had a Jan. 19 deadline to sell the platform to an approved buyer or face being banned in the U.S.

U.S. officials argued 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 were also 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.

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TikTok, which sued the government last year over the law, has long denied it could be used as a tool of Beijing.

The law came under a larger foreign aid package called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

TikTok has been fighting the law ever since.

What did Tiktok say about the ban?

TikTok and ByteDance  along with some content creators and users  argued the law violates constitutionally protected free speech rights.

Rarely if ever has the court confronted a free speech case that matters to so many people, lawyers for the users and content creators wrote.

TikTok said in previous court briefs that a ban 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.

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The platform also contends it operates separately from its Chinese parent company and will not be subject to pressure from the American adversary.

TikTok embattled in legal challenges all over the world

With billions of users spanning the globe, concerns around TikTok have sparked in several countries.

The company faces outright or partial bans in at least 20 nations, The New York Times reported.

India banned the app in 2020 as tense relations with China exploded into combat along their shared border, the Times reported. Nepal took TikTok offline for nearly a year for not shutting down content the government described as hate speech, according to the Times.

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NewsNations Kellie Meyer, Safia Samee Ali and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
TikTok is likely seeing its final days in the U.S. after the Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law banning the social media app starting on Sunday if its Chinese parent company does not sell it.

President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan measure in April requiring China-based ByteDance to either sell the app to a U.S. buyer or face a ban. ByteDance has said it will not sell the video sharing platform.

U.S. lawmakers have raised national security concerns over TikToks ties to China, arguing that the app could be pressured to share user data with the Chinese government, and that it could be influenced to show certain types of content to U.S.-based users.

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TikTok, which counts more than 170 million U.S.-based monthly users, filed a lawsuit arguing that the law  the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act  violated its First Amendment rights. But the law was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in December, which agreed that the Chinese-owned app is a potential threat to national security.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments from TikTok and ByteDance earlier this month, and upheld the appeals courts ruling ahead of the Sunday deadline.

Under the law, TikTok will be made unavailable for download from the Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) app stores, and network providers will have to block access to the website. The requirements will eventually make the app unworkable over time without support and updates, according to the Justice Department.

The website The Information reported earlier this week that TikTok will shut off the app for U.S. users as soon as the ban is in effect.

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The law also allowed for a 90-day pause in banning the app if progress was made toward a sale before the effective date. However, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who defended the bill before the Supreme Court on behalf of the Biden administration, told justices that its unclear if the pause can be applied after the ban is implemented, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, an unnamed official told the Associated Press on Thursday that the outgoing Biden administration will not enforce the TikTok ban before he leaves office. That would make incoming President Donald Trump responsible for implementing the ban. Trump said in December that he has a warm spot in his heart for TikTok, which he credited for delivering support from younger voters.

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Did you know theres a section in your phone thatll tell you how much time you spend on certain apps? File it under information that no one needs about themselves, but I couldnt resist checking it anyway. Most of my top-used apps make sense: Chrome (a daily average of two hours), iMessage (90 minutes), Spotify (30 minutes). But also tucked among my most used appswhere I perform mature tasks like Googling tortilla cherry tomato gochujang what make dinner and texting important things like if I put gochujang on a tortilla is that dinneris one of my biggest time-sucks. At a daily average of 33 minutes, TikTok is perhaps the least essential of all the services my phone can provide, but its still the one I open every time I have a few spare seconds.

By Sunday, however, thatll change. After TikToks Chinese parent company rebuffed efforts by American lawmakers to force a sale to a government-approved buyer, the app will officially be banned stateside this weekend. The risk of leaving TikTok active in the U.S. was, ostensibly, that the Chinese government could access user data through the app, as if no American tech company has ever done that. Despite hue and cry from TikTokkers hoping to keep their enormous revenue stream alive, barring any last-ditch efforts by the White House or Congress to halt the ban, this is the final week that the app will work for the 170 million American users who stare at it on the toilet every day, multiple times a day.

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Its hard to argue that this is a particular loss. Its a website! Like most websites, it was plumb full of fun things to watch and mimic, but also the same boring racism and sexism that all websites become burdened with. Plus, TikTok had a reputation as a time-wasterso much so that if you spent enough time endlessly scrolling, youd get a TikTok-branded ad telling you to maybe put your phone down and go to bed. TikTok, my dad has grumbled a few times over the past few years, whenever he catches both 33-year-old me and my 14-year-old niece staring at our phones, together but separately. What are you even watching?

I assume my For You page was pretty representative of what everyone was getting across the app: recipes, pranks, homemade dances, girls pushing their pastel headbands into their hair while saying, Get ready with me for my Tarte brand trip to Mykonos! There, I watched the earliest seeds of eventual internet memes get plantedI heard the refrain very mindful, very demure before any brand even conceived of using it to sell, I dont know, yogurt. I gawked at my feed, my brain turned all the way off, when I was too tired to read, and when my attention span couldnt even keep up with a 22-minute network sitcom. Im a little older than the stereotypical TikTok user, but I quickly became a daily viewer despite my total disinterest in posting much myself. A 45-minute airport delay became nothing to me so long as I had a phone charger and a little corner to sit in while I watched my seconds-long stories.

Now that the death of TikTok is nigh, Im trying to take stock of all the time I spent on the app. Was it worth it? Did it have a point at all? What was the value of the hours and hours I spent staring at other people, looking into their lives and briefly getting influenced into whatever blush they were always trying to sell me? It was easy to brush TikTok off as another young-person website, something designed to split our attention toward unimportant matters, a productivity-killer, another tool to further alienate ourselves from each other in person.

But when I think of TikTok, its most enduring element is best described by the one comment I used to see across all kinds of videos, on content published in different languages, from different countries, by different people. The post could have been designed to elicit a laugh, a cry, a choked sob of hope, an anxiety attackall with the same impact in mind. No matter what I was watching, I always read the same comment in every corner of TikTok: All I do on this app is cry for strangers.

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Crying for strangers is an important distinction here. Not at strangers, not over strangers. The tears a TikTok video could dredge up were for someone, an offering at the altar of vulnerability and cringe and hope. I always read the comment in the replies of videos that were already making me cry, ones that had knocked over the rubble in my ribcage from the very first second. Soldiers coming home from service, teenagers being gifted their first car, babies being named after a late uncle. Bleaker, more gut-wrenching videos had this comment, too: videos of orphaned children in Gaza with their arms or legs missing, bodies shaking with a fear theyll never lose. I read the same comment on TikToks featuring people who lost their homes in the Eaton fire, on that now-viral video of that L.A. resident finding his dog still alive in the rubble of his home. Its on videos of people sitting alone at their birthday parties because no one came, clips of little kids doing their first somersaults, footage of an elderly woman returning to the house that she used to own, now bombed and decimated.

For years, through the pandemic and through both the 2020 and 2024 elections and through coups and the falls of empires and famines and miscarriage and death, TikTok offered me a vehicle to weep in transmuted grief. But there was a lot of beauty on the app, too. I liked feeling like I could walk into a strangers life and see them on the best day they ever had: a graduation, a birth, an engagement, successfully moving their ex-boyfriend out by throwing all his shit in the yard. Whatever a good day meant to these strangers, I got to witness a little piece of it, usually from the comfort of my own bed, late at night while I ran away from sleep. What was I hoping for in those moments? To borrow others feelings to amplify my own. If I felt sorrow, TikTok unlocked even more of it for me so I could muscle through it with a cleansing cry. If I felt joy, TikTok showed me all the other shapes of joy being made around the world. That made me cry, too. I watched one video on a steady loop, of a man reuniting with his parents, 20 years after emigrating away from them. All I do on this app is cry for strangers, I read in the comments, while I cried, while I listened to him wail in anguish for the years with his mother that he had lost.

More than any other app Ive used, TikTok tethered me to the brutality and the beauty of being a person in the world. Its algorithm seemed to want to make me sob, by whatever means necessary, and so I watched war and death and grief and pain from afar, at the same clip that I watched birth and joy and unions and friendship. It would not let me look away, and never let me get comfortable in any one portrayal of humanity. For every glimpse of pure euphoriaa woman announcing her breast cancer is in remissionI was given a sliver of someones despairbaby shoes, never worn. No other social media app opened the world like this portal did. Other visual interfaces like Instagram or YouTube lack the intimacy and immediacy that TikTok has. Text-based services like Bluesky or X (just know that calling it that makes me sick) could never fully convey how dissonant and chaotic humanity continues to be.

It doesnt feel like a mistake that one of the last songs to go viral on the American side of TikTok was Bad Bunnys DtMF, a nostalgic ode to Puerto Rico. In response, TikTokkers have been posting photos of their families, along with the saddest lyrics from the song, sometimes translated: I should have taken more photos when I had you.

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Jools Lebron, the TikTokker who went viral in 2024 for her very demure, very mindful video, posted a few weeks later that, thanks to the popularity of the meme she sparked, she was able to get a better apartment and help her friend get out of her unsafe living situation. The success of her videos also allowed her to finance the rest of her gender-affirming transition; now, after having worked in retail pre-fame, she has become an internet and television fixture. Shes just one example of many; in the final few weeks of TikToks functionality, Ive grown fixated on a creator who posted a viral acoustic cover of an A.I.-generated song that cribs voices from SpongeBob SquarePants. Shes recently been evicted; TikTok seemed to have been the place where she had the most hope, and where she could have found the most help. On TikTok, you could watch someones fate change overnight, just because they were talented or funny or clever or because they were a woman finally leaving her terrible husband. Those who were deserving (and, fine, many who were not) could be elevated and rewarded by the platform.

There will be some version of TikTok to rise in its absence; Instagram Reels, though abundantly uncool, is still attempting to fill the gap that its competitor will leave. There are always more websites, and always more places where people will flock. But TikTok did give us some humanity back. It helped, for a little while, remind us how much we needed each other, and how close we can actually get to each others best and worst days.

The expected ceasefire in Gaza lands on the same day that TikTok is scheduled to go dark in the U.S. I wonder what the app will look like all over the world, American-free, on a day that feels designed for global mourning and celebration. I wish I could watch it even through the prism of an app, because it feels like a necessary duty to witness both grief and triumph in Palestine. I saw footage of so much carnage, and I know more is coming even if Im not always an eyewitness; I hope theres joy there, too, even if itll no longer be served to me on the app I once thought was wasting my time. I burned hours of my life on it, weeping in recognition of everything that hurt, and everything that healed. All I ever did on TikTok was cry for strangers; I cant think of a better use of all that time.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously ruled in favor of upholding the federal law banning TikTok unless its sold by its Chinese-based parent company on or before Jan. 19. Amid uncertainty surrounding the apps future, company officials allegedly confirmed U.S. employees jobs are secure, according to an internal memo accessed and reported by The Verge Tuesday.

Those U.S. employees include workers at TikToks Austin office. TikTok funded a nearly $12 million construction project to revamp two levels at the 300 Colorado Tower in downtown Austin, according to documents from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

RELATED: Well-known Austin TikToker reacts to potential ban

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That project kicked off in April and wrapped in early October, according to TDLR documents.

As of Friday morning, TikTok had 33 openings available on Indeed based at its Austin office, ranging from advertising account managers to technical product specialists and content quality assurance team members. The apps Austin location is one of several internationally, including global offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul and Toyko, per the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce confirmed to KXAN Friday it doesnt have any intel into the companys employment figures here in the Texas capital. TikTok has approximately 7,000 employees based in the U.S., according to reporting from Forbes.

In a video statement shared on TikTok Friday, CEO Shou Zi Chew shared his thanks to President-elect Donald Trump, who previously outlined his commitment toward finding a solution to TikToks U.S. operations.

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This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, Chew said in a denouncement of Fridays ruling. As weve said, TikTok is a place where people can create communities, discover new interests and express themselves.

ICYMI: Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

On Friday night, TikTok provided the following statement:

The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikToks availability to over 170 million Americans. Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19. TikTok

App leadership previously said a ban would result in a $1 billion revenue loss for small businesses that sell their products on TikTok, and that content creators would lose roughly $300 billion in just one month with a ban in place. More than 170 million Americans use the app in the U.S. alone.

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Fridays ruling from the Supreme Court isnt the first time the app has been challenged nationally or even in the state of Texas. During Trumps first term, he issued executive orders in August 2020 to try and place a ban on both TikTok and Chinese-owned app WeChat.

In February 2023, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott outlined requirements as part of a statewide model security plan that prohibited TikTok on state-issued devices and networks. That mandate followed a previous ban Abbott issued in December 2022, which banned the app on state-issued devices at public universities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TikTok's CEO is expected to attend president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, according to multiple US media outlets, as some Democratic lawmakers and the incoming administration try to help the Chinese-owned app avert a ban in the US.

Chew Shou Zi, who held a private meeting with Trump on December 16, will join several other technology executives who have confirmed their attendance, including X's Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg.

The TikTok CEO will have a front-row seat at the inauguration next to Trump's family and former senior American officials, according to The New York Times.

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The ceremony is scheduled a day after the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest its US operations to a third non-Chinese party. If no such sale transpires by then, the ban would take effect.

The law requiring the platform to either sell or face a ban was passed by the US Congress and signed by US President Joe Biden in April, owing to concerns that the Chinese government could collect Americans' data or manipulate content on the app.

TikTok supporters live stream outside the US Supreme Court during oral arguments in the case in Washington on Friday. Photo: Getty Images/TNS alt=TikTok supporters live stream outside the US Supreme Court during oral arguments in the case in Washington on Friday. Photo: Getty Images/TNS>

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TikTok awaits a ruling by the US Supreme Court on the ban's constitutionality. The platform and some content creators argued that the law violates the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. TikTok boasts more than 170 million users in the US.

The Supreme Court was expected to release its ruling on Tuesday this week, but none came.

"Given the extraordinary nature of this case - the expedited hearing and briefing schedule, the impending statutory deadline and so on - I would not be surprised if the court dropped an opinion online any time before the ban takes effect," said Mark Jia, a Georgetown University law professor.

During last week's oral arguments at America's highest court, a majority of the nine justices posed questions focusing on US national security tied to foreign ownership rather than voiced concerns about free speech.

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If the court does not intervene by Saturday, the app is scheduled to go dark on Sunday.

Trump has promised to save TikTok, which he said held a "warm spot" in his heart. In an amicus brief submitted to the court, the president-elect argued the ban should be halted so that he could find a resolution through "political means".

Meanwhile, Chew plans to attend a "victory rally" for Trump in Washington's Capital One Arena on Sunday ahead of the swearing-in, The Washington Post reported.

TikTok did not immediately reply to a request for confirmation that its CEO would attend the inauguration.

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Trump's invitation to Chew lays bare a split within the Republican Party over whether TikTok should continue to remain in business in the US without severing its ties to its Chinese parent.

US congressman Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican whom Trump has nominated to serve as the next national security adviser, told Fox News on Thursday that his team "will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark ... as long as a viable deal is on the table".

Such a move would buy "Trump time to keep TikTok going", said Waltz.

Trump was even considering issuing an executive order to suspend the ban-or-sale law for 60 to 90 days and allow his administration time to develop a solution, according to The Washington Post on Wednesday.

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A group of Democratic lawmakers, led by US senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, has emerged to support extending Sunday's deadline and working with Trump officials on the matter.

Earlier this week, Markey introduced a bill to extend the deadline for the forced sale by 270 days. However, the effort was killed on Wednesday by Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton when brought for consideration for unanimous consent on the Senate floor.

"Let me be crystal clear: there will be no extensions, no concessions and no compromises for TikTok," Cotton said. "TikTok is a harmful app that endangers our national security and poisons our children."

Markey, joined by fellow senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, sent a letter to Biden on Thursday asking him to trigger a 90-day extension as allowed in the statute forcing the app's sale.

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Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Massachusetts senator repeatedly stated that the US intelligence community had "no information" that ByteDance had manipulated content on TikTok to support the Chinese government.

Chew's presence in Washington on Monday would be helpful in putting a "human face" on the impact of the app being gone, Markey added.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also came out on Thursday in support of an extension, explaining he was not opposed to TikTok itself but rather "a Chinese company that is in cahoots with the Chinese Communist Party owning" it.

"Unfortunately, TikTok as it exists today has too many security risks that cannot be ignored," he said.

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Despite those reservations, Schumer believed "it's clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers".

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.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump on Friday for his commitment to find a solution that keeps the app available in the U.S., after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring the platform to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban.

On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States, Chew said in a video post to the app.

This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, he continued.

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The Supreme Court on Friday rejected TikToks argument that the divest-or-ban law violates the First Amendment, finding that the governments national security concerns about TikToks ties to China justified the measure.

The Biden administration has expressed concerns about Chinas access to American user data on TikTok and the possibility that it could manipulate the content users see on the app.

Despite the courts decision Friday, the White House has said it does not plan to enforce the law, which is set to take effect the day before Trump takes office.

Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

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Trump, who vowed to save TikTok during his campaign, had asked the Supreme Court to delay the law so he could negotiate a deal once in office. He said Friday that he would make a decision on TikTok in the not too distant future but emphasized he needed time to review the situation.

Chew, who visited the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida last month, is set to attend Trumps inauguration Monday.

We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform, one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process, Chew added.

The TikTok CEO vowed Friday to do everything in our power to keep the platform available for its American users.

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To all American users, thank you for making our TikTok community such rich and vibrant states for surprising and delighting us every day, he said. Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to ensure our platform thrives as your online home for limitless creativity and discovery, as well as a source of inspiration and joy for years to come.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Big changes could be coming for TikTok influencers in the next few days.

U.S.-based creators, many of whom make their living on the popular social media app, have been preparing for the possibility of a ban. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected TikToks challenge to a bill signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year, targeting the company while citing national security concerns.

Influencers with major followings on TikTok spoke to HuffPost about how they feel about the possibility of a ban as other platforms vie to replace it, while also describing the profound role TikTok has had on their lives so far.

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Alexis Androulakis, who operates the @thelipsticklesbians account with her wife, Christina Basias Androulakis, said TikTok saved them from bankruptcy.

Its a really special platform, Androulakis said. Going from looking and talking to bankruptcy lawyers, and then within six months, being able to monetize through TikTok itself and sustain a livelihood. There was no other platform that offered that to us in our time of our deepest economic need as American citizens.

But how did we reach a point where a platform with a user base of 170 million Americans could be banned within days?

Why was the option of a ban put on the table?

The bill signed by Biden in April would prevent app stores from carrying TikTok or rolling out updates to the platform unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, sells the apps U.S. assets to an entity not controlled by the laws of a foreign adversary country by Sunday.

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The law was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday. TikTok had reportedly decided the platform would go dark in the U.S. on Sunday if the court ruled against the company, barring any surprise developments. Users who access the app from Jan. 19 onward would get a pop-up message that would take them to a separate website explaining the ban, according to Reuters. Users would also be given the option to download their data, the news agency added.

Meanwhile, Biden is now signaling he wont enforce a potential ban, leaving the apps fate to President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who previously tried to ban TikTok in 2020 but has since pivoted his stance on the platform, is reportedly already looking into ways to undo the law, according to The Washington Post.

Ahead of the courts decision, Trump said he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday about a range of issues, including TikTok.

2020 was a wake-up call.

Benjamin de Almeida, who is known as @benoftheweek on social media, said the previous efforts to ban TikTok under the Trump administration served as a wake-up call for him.

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The possibility pushed de Almeida  who lived in Canada at the time but has since moved to the U.S.  and some of his fellow creators to start prioritizing other platforms.

Weve kind of known that TikTok isnt going to be there forever, or at least its not a guaranteed thing to exist, de Almeida told HuffPost.

Achieng Agutu, the creator behind the @noordinarynoire TikTok handle, said the fact that a ban did not materialize in 2020, though, made her downplay the possibility of the platform going away this time around.

But Agutu said she still has hope that the U.S. government will understand the significant impact a ban could have both on the American economy and the community in the country.

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TikTok has completely changed my life for the better. Im a better woman because of the community and platform Ive created there, she said. I hope that the government sees and knows that I am one of many people in this space who feel that sentiment deeply, and that my hope is that we can still continue to have a platform where we feel seen and excited and heard.

What is so special about TikTok?

Androulakis described what sets TikTok apart from other existing platforms.

Theres never been a more organic engine for reach and accessibility to virality, again, organic reach of community, ever before TikTok existed, she said. Its why theres so many people out there with a TikTok made me famous story.

The two creators behind @thelipsticklesbians explained that posts they make on TikTok sometimes get four times the views that the same content would get on other apps they use, including Instagram and YouTube.

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I think its going to be difficult to achieve the same consistent levels of virality, because its hard to predict these other platforms, Basias Androulakis said.

Beyond virality, Golloria George, also known as @golloria on TikTok, who has used her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry, said the app has been a powerful tool for [her] to amplify voices that are often overlooked in that space.

The idea of a ban is disheartening because its not just about losing a platform but losing a space where diverse voices have flourished, George told HuffPost in an email.

George added that TikTok has offered her the opportunity to speak to audiences who may not otherwise encounter content celebrating dark-skin beauty.

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TikTok gives marginalized voices a way to break through in ways other platforms often dont, George said.

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Agutu, who was born and raised in Kenya but now lives in New York, echoed George, telling HuffPost that TikTok has enabled her to reach userswho deeply resonate with her content.

It has helped me find people who look like me and talk like me and have the same life experiences like me way more easily, she said.

Yet, de Almeida pointed out that TikTok can also be a harder platform to monetize content on compared with other social media apps. He said YouTube is the main wheelhouse for him and part of the reason a potential ban would have a minimal effect on his business.

But I know thats, like, not the case for so many creators, he added.

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Still, TikTok offers brands and advertisers massive reach, making it an attractive place for them to spend money, Agutu said.

George conceded that losing TikTok would mean rethinking the way I collaborate with brands, as many partnerships are tied to the platforms unique audience. Still, she expressed confidence that her community will find her on her other social media accounts.

Can existing platforms replace TikTok?

As the clock is ticking on TikTok, the platform has been reportedly urging users to migrate to another app owned by ByteDance, Lemon8. Others have also been downloading another Chinese app called RedNote, which purports to offer a similar user experience to TikTok and Instagram.

However, de Almeida said hes not too interested in joining those, predicting that more established apps like YouTube and Instagram will be where audiences flock to if TikTok goes away.

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Still, Androulakis noted that many of their followers have expressed distaste for Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, and YouTube within their comment section.

We will go where our community will go and where community can find us. However, that said, and really importantly, there is no one way to prepare for this, she added.

Agutu conceded that while there will be efforts to recreate the TikTok experience elsewhere, she believes the platform has offered something unique to creators and users alike.

I have personally not made the migration to other platforms, she said. I think TikTok cannot be replicated, and thats the truth.

Related...
Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S., what becomes of Utahs lawsuit against the social media giant?

The Friday ruling highlighted security concerns as substantial grounds to sever ties with TikTok due to its Chinese-based parent company ByteDance Ltd.

In the last few years, negotiations have tried to be made between U.S. leaders and TikTok ownership, yet Executive Branch officials ultimately determined, however, that ByteDance Ltd.s proposed agreement did not adequately mitigate the risks posed to U. S. national security interests, per Fridays ruling.

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ByteDance Ltd. is subject to Chinese laws that require it to assist or cooperate with the Chinese Governments intelligence work and to ensure that the Chinese Government has the power to access and control private data the company holds.

The Supreme Court decision does not mean TikTok will inevitably be banned.

President-elect Trumps national security adviser pick, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told Fox News on Wednesday that Trump gives significant credit to the social media app in spreading his message during his presidential campaign, which inevitably led to him to winning the White House last November.

Trump has vocalized his desire to keep TikTok operating in the U.S., but Waltz added the incoming president is going to protect their (Americans) data. Hes a dealmaker. I dont want to get ahead of our executive orders, but were going to create this space to put that deal in place.

Utahs lawsuit remains ongoing

Utahs lawsuit may still be upheld if a deal is brokered and TikTok remains for the millions of U.S. users who communicate via video on its platform.

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Attorney General Derek Brown said his office is pleased with the Supreme Court ruling and that Utah will continue to hold TikTok accountable for harming our children.

The states lawsuit, filed last June, focuses on allegations of emotional, financial and sexual exploitation of children by criminals and predators using the app, as well as accusations that the company profits from such abuse.

Congress found the same thing Utah has found  the enmeshment between TikTok and its parent company ByteDance pose significant national security concerns, and that TikTok has known for some time that their activities harm our children but did nothing to stop those harms. As a state, we will continue our litigation against TikTok to hold them accountable for harming our children, Brown said.

Earlier this month, the Utah Department of Commerces Division of Consumer Protections, represented by the Utah Attorney Generals Office, detailed previously redacted information surrounding the original lawsuit against TikTok, Inc.

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According to internal TikTok employee communications and compliance reports, the unredacted complaint revealed that TikTok became aware of the child exploitation risks associated with its live stream feature through a series of internal reviews.

One investigation, Project Meramec, found in early 2022 that hundreds of thousands of minors bypassed the minimum age restrictions for live stream content.

If a new owner obtained TikTok, it is likely that Utahs leadership will demand measures be implemented to ensure a policy blocking predators and criminals from exploiting users, especially children, is put in place.

The revelations in this complaint are not just allegations of negligence  they are evidence of a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over the safety and well-being of our children, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in the press release. TikTok knew the harm its platform was causing, yet chose to look the other way, allowing predators to exploit minors in unconscionable ways. Utah will not stand idly by while social media companies endanger our kids for financial gain.
The U.S. Supreme Court voted Friday to uphold the law that would ban TikTok in the country on Sunday, siding with the government's national security concerns over the First Amendment rights of the company and its 170 million TikTok users.

Here's what we know.

People are also reading: Supreme Court upholds law that could ban TikTok in the U.S., leaving the matter to Trump

Did the TikTok ban get extended? Supreme Court decision to keep TikTok ban in place

In a Friday ruling, Supreme Court justices dismissed a challenge arguing the ban of the popular social media video app is a violation of free speech. With the law in place, TikTok will be banned in the U.S. on Sunday  if the app's owner, Beijing-based ByteDance, doesn't sell it to a U.S. company by Jan. 19, 2025.

Why are they banning TikTok? What to know about the SCOTUS ruling

The U.S. Department of Justice says TikTok has access to American data and is sharing it with the Chinese government, and could manipulate the content on the app to shape American opinions. Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company by Jan. 19, 2025.

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TikTok attempted to block the ban, saying the government has yet to prove that such a security risk has ever happened and that a ban would violate First Amendment rights and threaten the voices of millions of Americans. The lower court's decision to uphold the law was unanimous from judges appointed by both Democrat and Republican presidents, and the ruling has just been reinforced by the Supreme Court.

What is RedNote? Who owns it? What to know about the TikTok alternative

How much does TikTok cost? See app's net worth

Before TikTok could be purchased, ByteDance would need to agree to sell the app. Any potential buyers would be faced with spending between $40 and $50 billion just for TikTok's U.S. operations, according to an estimate by CFRA Research Senior Vice President Angelo Zino. CNBC reports, "Zino based his valuation on estimates of TikToks U.S. user base and revenue in comparison to rival apps."

Did MrBeast buy Tiktok?

No, MrBeast has not purchased TikTok.

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YouTube creator James "Jimmy" Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, posted to X on Monday: "Okay fine, I'll buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned." What may have been an offhand, humorous comment had garnered more than 32 million views as of Wednesday.

In response, Donaldson shared another post on Tuesday: "Unironically, Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this. Lets see if we can pull this off."

It is unclear if Donaldson's intentions are serious. The YouTuber hadn't shared further information as of Thursday morning. His team did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by USA TODAY on Wednesday.

Chinese law prevents companies from selling their software algorithm, like the one at the forefront of TikToks technology, and the government must approve a sale that includes TikToks software.

Is Elon Musk buying TikTok?

If Texas billionaire Elon Musk bought the app, his social media platform X would take over TikTok, with the two businesses running together, people close to the situation told Bloomberg.

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By merging the two, Musk would garner access to large amounts of data from TikTok, which could potentially feed into his separate artificial intelligence company, xAI.

Who could buy TikTok to avoid ban? Newest name being shared: Elon Musk

Musk  the worlds wealthiest person  purchased Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion and is still paying off sizable loans. Musk later rebranded Twitter into X, and the sale has since caused large controversy as Musk reinstated the accounts of several previously banned people, including President-elect Donald Trump.

Deliberations within the Chinese government are still preliminary, Bloomberg reported, and it is unclear if Musk and ByteDance have ever been in conversations about a potential sale.

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Shortly before Biden signed a bipartisan bill giving ByteDance a Jan. 19 deadline to divest its U.S. assets  including the sale of TikTok  or face a ban, Elon Musk posted on X that he supported TikTok remaining available in the U.S., citing free speech.

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

Musks many businesses, including Tesla, have footholds in both the U.S. and China. Teslas Shanghai factory, built in 2019, has helped to expand the companys market share in China and built goodwill among Chinese government officials.

Could President-elect Donald Trump save TikTok?

Maybe?

Minutes before the court released its decision, Trump said on social media hed just spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok and other issues.

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It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, Trump posted.

At the end of last year, he asked the Supreme Court to pause any bans on the app so that his administration, which will begin the day after the deadline when he formally takes office on Inauguration Day, to pursue a negotiated resolution.

At a December press conference, Trump  who currently has nearly 15 million followers on the app  told reporters, "TikTok has a 'warm spot in my heart' and credited the app for growing his relationship with young voters. He also posted his support for the app on Truth Social, writing, "Why would I want to ban TikTok?"

But he was against it before he was for it.

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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.

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.

How to request a copy of your TikTok account

In TikTok, go to your profile page and tap the 3-line menu at the top right.

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Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Select your data to download (all info or just select data) and the file format (easy-to-read text or JSON, which allows other services to import your file)

Tap Request data

You'll be notified in the app when the file is ready. It may take a few days to prepare the file, depending on how many videos you've uploaded and how many other people are doing the same thing.

To download your TikTok data:

Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Tap Download data to see if your request is ready and tap Download if it is.

Your file will be available for up to four days. However, you will not get videos in the download, you'll get links to them on TikTok. To get those...

How to download videos from TikTok

TikTok does not have a built-in option to bulk-download all your videos. To save a few videos you uploaded:

In the app Go to your Profile page, select a clip. Then either: Tap on the three-dot menu Tap on Save video to download it to your device, or Tap the arrow-shaped Share button ion the lower right side of the screen Tap the option that says Save Video After it is processed, you'll get options to email it to yourself or upload it to a cloud service such as Google Drive. Swipe to the end and tap More to get the option to download the movie.

On the website Go to your Profile page, select a clip Right-click on the video, click on Download video



If it's a photo post, go to the post, tap the Share button, and tap Save Photo. If there are more than one, you can "Select all" or choose the ones you want.

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Note that videos downloaded from TikTok will have a faint TikTok logo in the corner.

There are third-party options to help save your videos, such as the Chrome extensions MyFaveTT or TikTok Video Keeper (search TikTok Downloader for a wide variety of them). However, some browser extensions may have security risks or violate TikTok's terms of service.

Can I upload my TikTok videos to YouTube or Instagram Reels?

If you have copies of your videos before they were uploaded, yes. You can upload any short videos to other sites, provided they do not include copyrighted material, including music or clips from other people's videos. A host of TikTokkers even provide tips and instructions on getting your TikTok videos into YouTube Shorts.

In 2021, Instagram warned creators that videos "visibly recycled from other apps (i.e., contains logos or watermarks)" would not be recommended as much to people who do not already follow you there. Instagram's algorithm already makes it hard to be seen, there's no reason to give them a reason to bury you.

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If you can, upload your original videos without TikTok logos or music and add music from Instagram Reels instead.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is TikTok getting banned? Supreme Court rules in favor of Sunday ban
The US Supreme Court on Friday rejected a last-minute appeal by TikTok to block a law banning the short-video app in the United States unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.

The judges rejected TikTok's argument that the law violated free speech protections in the Constitution.

That was in line with a lower court's ruling that the law complies with long-standing regulatory practices and that the US Congress did not intend to suppress specific topics of speech.

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The popular platform with 170 million users in the US could now be removed from app stores in the country on Sunday, a day before Donald Trump returns to the presidency, although the next steps remain unclear.

President Joe Biden signed the ban-or-sale law into effect last April after it was approved in Congress on national security grounds.

Lawmakers fear that Chinese government could gain access to vast amounts of personal data and use the platform to exert political influence.

The law gave China's ByteDance until January 19 to divest from its US operations or face a nationwide blackout from Google and Apple's app stores.

However, both the current White House and the incoming Trump administration have sent signals they could use a provision of the law to give ByteDance a 90-day reprieve, meaning the app would remain in stores for the time being.
The Supreme Court upheld a law that will ban social media app TikTok in the U.S. as of Sunday, yet it will reportedly fall to Trump to enforce the banor not.

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law that will ban social media app TikTok from the U.S. on Sunday just as president-elect Donald Trump is set to take office.

The Friday decision comes after Congress passed a law last year that was signed by President Joe Biden, giving TikTok parent ByteDance a Jan. 19 deadline to divest the company or face a ban in the country.

The justices ruled that the law furthers the interest of national security and that banning TikTok doesnt burden "substantially more speech than necessary" to accomplish this.

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The Acts prohibitions and divestiture requirement are designed to prevent Chinaa designated foreign adversaryfrom leveraging its control over ByteDance Ltd. to capture the personal data of U. S. TikTok users, the ruling read. This objective qualifies as an important Government interest under intermediate scrutiny.

Yet while Biden signed the act that established the impending TikTok ban, he will not implement the law, the Associated Press reported, citing an anonymous U.S. official. Instead, he will leave the decision on whether to enforce the ban to Trump, who is set to be inaugurated as president on Monday, a day after the ban is to take place.

The incoming president previously supported a TikTok ban and tried to pass a law banning the app during his first term. Yet he changed his stance during the campaign.

On his social media website Truth Social, Trump said a decision on TikTok would come soon. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team directed Fortune to the president-elect's post.

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"The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned," Trump wrote in the Friday post.

Trumps incoming national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, meanwhile, said this week that the president-elect would not let the ban take effect.

"We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark, Waltz told Fox News.

He added that the law allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table. The 90-day extension triggered by a viable deal could offer TikTok a reprieve, but its unclear whether it would apply if the deadline passes.

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Its unclear as well whether TikTok is seriously considering any deal. A group of investors including Frank McCourt, the executive chairman of McCourt Global, and Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary made a formal offer last week to buy TikTok. Chinese officials have also reportedly considered selling to Elon Musk, Bloomberg reported, although TikTok called the idea of selling to Musk "pure fiction."

The fact that the Chinese government would also need to approve any sale of TikTok further complicates finding a deal to sell off TikToks U.S. assets.

TikTok did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

Experts have said once the ban takes effect Sunday, the app will no longer be available on third-party app stores for download. But the app wont disappear from smartphones that have already downloaded it. Using a VPN (virtual private network) could also let U.S. users get around the ban.

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Still, ByteDance has threatened to shut down the app down, and third-party providers may not want to risk supporting TikTok when the ban takes effect, despite Biden signaling he won't enforce it.

And without updates or maintenance, TikTok will likely become useless or dangerous for those that continue to use the app they have on their phone following the ban.

Potentially, vulnerabilities will become known in the app, and hackers will take advantage of those vulnerabilities to compromise your account or your device, Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told CNN.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(Bloomberg) -- The US Supreme Court has ended TikToks nine-month legal battle, forcing leaders both within the company and in Beijing to consider a dwindling set of alternatives for keeping the popular video-sharing app alive.

Most Read from Bloomberg

TikToks China-based parent, ByteDance Ltd., can agree to sell the apps US operations  a path the company has said it has no interest in pursuing  or wait to see if President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his promise to orchestrate a solution. No matter the scenario, Trump promises to be at the center of the process, either by successfully stalling the ban set to take effect Sunday or approving a deal that addresses the US governments national security concerns.

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The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it, Trump wrote Friday in a social media post. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation.

Trumps potential role in any plan to save TikTok remains both intriguing and complicated. The ban is set to take effect just one day before his inauguration, and while it has been reported that President Joe Biden wont enforce the ban on day one, the decision on what to do long-term will become Trumps problem almost immediately.

If the new president is hoping to find a buyer, doing so will be a challenge, and not just because ByteDance has balked at the idea of selling. The expected price tag is also a barrier. Few companies or individuals could likely afford TikTok, which is estimated to be worth $40 billion to $50 billion.

Perhaps TikTok will find a billionaire acquirer, like Elon Musk  whom the Chinese government is already evaluating as a potential new owner  or a team of investors, like Frank McCourt and Kevin OLeary, who have been publicly trumpeting their desire to take control of the app. TikTok could also strike a deal with an American tech giant like Oracle Corp. or Amazon.com Inc., both of which TikTok already does business with. Many of the other logical buyers, like Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google, are already mired in antitrust litigation, making them unlikely suitors.

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After the high courts ruling, TikTok said it will be forced to go dark in the US on Sunday unless there is a clear statement from the Biden administration to service providers that are maintaining its availability.

Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew posted a video to the service a few hours after the Supreme Court ruling. I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States, he said. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.

Geopolitical Rivalry

ByteDance can also let the ban take effect and leave the market rather than accept a deal, further complicating an already fierce geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. It can wait to see if Trump will step in to save the app, though its hard to predict what levers the new president will have at his disposal.

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Failing to do anything could mean watching TikTok gradually deteriorate for its 170 million American users until it eventually fades away, as people become unable to download software updates. The service could also disappear overnight if TikTok elects to remove it entirely rather than watch the app slowly falter.

This is a pretty unprecedented case, TikTok lawyer Noel Francisco told the Supreme Court justices last week in a packed courtroom that included ByteDance Chief Financial Officer Julie Gao, TikTok top lobbyist Michael Beckerman, and communications chief Zenia Mucha. Im not aware of any time in American history where the Congress has tried to shut down a major speech platform.

TikTok has transformed the way we shop, build businesses, consume news, search for information and dive down internet rabbit holes. Still, two presidents, Congress, federal regulators and now the Supreme Court have warned about the apps potential for abuse. There is fear the Chinese government could use TikTok to manipulate public discourse and undermine democracy, or collect sensitive data on generations of Americans that could be used for espionage or blackmail.

Whether this law will succeed in achieving its ends, I do not know, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion. A determined foreign adversary may just seek to replace one lost surveillance application with another. As time passes and threats evolve, less dramatic and more effective solutions may emerge. Even what might happen next to TikTok remains unclear.

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Trumps Role

One question floated during the Supreme Court hearing was whether Trump can extend the sale deadline or put the law on hold after taking office, perhaps with an executive order. Trump could certify that a qualified divestiture is in motion to grant a 90-day extension, but that could take time: Hed need to prove to Congress that theres a viable path forward, that significant progress has been made and that legal agreements are in place to close a deal with ByteDance in that new time frame.

It was also speculated during the Supreme Court hearing that Trump could direct his Justice Department not to enforce the law, though that scenario poses its own issues. Technology companies charged with implementing the ban, including Apple Inc., Google and Oracle, which must stop hosting and distributing TikTok on their app stores or servers, will need to decide if they trust Trumps order. As the law is written, companies that fail to enforce the ban risk heavy fines that could climb into the billions. Apple and Google didnt respond to requests for comment.

See More: TikTok Ban Thrusts Apple, Google Into US-China Geopolitical Fray

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If those companies follow the law as written, people in the US will no longer be able to download TikTok from Apple and Googles app stores come Jan. 19. Those who already have the app installed will no longer be able to update it. In that scenario, TikTok wouldnt instantly disappear off peoples phones; it would still be usable for some time until software bugs start to pile up. But TikTok may shut the service off on its own on the day of the deadline, according to a report in The Information, a move aimed at mobilizing users to push Trump to resuscitate the app.

Of course, TikTok could still come back online if ByteDance agrees to a divestiture deal after the deadline has passed. Theres nothing permanent or irrevocable that happens on Jan. 19, the Biden administrations top Supreme Court lawyer, US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, told the justices last week.

In the meantime, TikTokers are scrambling to find workarounds that will keep TikTok alive, even if just temporarily. Creators have spent weeks teaching their audiences how to try to circumvent a ban, recommending they change their phone settings or get VPNs to make it appear as though theyre logging in from countries where TikTok is permitted. Theyve also suggested using TikTok on a web browser, or downloading TikTok from outside Apple and Googles official app stores. None of these attempts at sidestepping the blockage are guaranteed to work, though individual citizens wont get in legal trouble for trying.

Some content creators are mobilizing to pressure Trump to deliver on his campaign rhetoric to save TikTok. The company is hosting an inauguration party Sunday headlined by conservative influencers.

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ByteDances American investors are also eager for a resolution, but the fortunes theyve committed to TikToks parent company are unlikely to take a major hit even if US TikTok goes away. Most of ByteDances profits come from its business in China  namely TikToks counterpart there, Douyin  so while the outcome for shareholders would no doubt be better with US TikTok, they may simply want some closure no matter the outcome.

(Updates with comment from TikTok in the seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Texans may be enjoying their last days of TikTok, the wildly popular social media video app used by 170 million Americans. Among pending federal and state lawsuits, the app's fate in the U.S. now lies with the Supreme Court.

When could TikTok be banned, and how can you download your favorite videos before they're gone? Here's what we know.

What is RedNote? Who owns it? What to know about the TikTok alternative

When is the TikTok Supreme Court hearing? Why is TikTok being banned?

Last Friday,the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments about the fate of TikTok, the ruling of which could result in a ban in mere days and a cease to endless scrolling.

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The U.S. Department of Justice says TikTok, whose owner, ByteDance, based in Beijing, has access to American data and is sharing it with the Chinese government, and could manipulate the content on the app to shape American opinions. Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company by Jan. 19, 2025.

TikTok says the government has yet to prove that such a security risk has ever happened and is arguing the ban violates First Amendment rights and threatens the voices of millions of Americans. They have an uphill battle. The lower court's decision to uphold the law was unanimous from judges appointed by both Democrat and Republican presidents.

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.

If the Supreme Court does not act against the law this week, TikTok's ban in the U.S. will go through as planned.

When is TikTok getting banned in 2025?

If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, the law says it will be banned in the U.S. ByteDance would need to sell the app to an American owner, according to the law.

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Another possibility for avoiding the Jan. 19 ban would involve the Supreme Court siding with the app and allowing it to stay open for distribution. This would rely on a majority vote from the 9-person Court.

Who owns TikTok?

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a private global company founded by Chinese entrepreneurs. According to TikTok, about 60% of the parent company is owned by global institutional investors, 20% by the companys founders and 20% by employees.

The apps CEO is Shou Zi Chew, a Singaporean businessman.

Read more: Parent company ByteDance in spotlight amid possible US ban.

What happens if TikTok is banned? Will the TikTok app still work?

If ByteDance does not sell TikTok to someone less adversarial than a Chinese company, the app will be removed from American app stores and U.S. internet service providers will be instructed to block access to the site.

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If you have the app on your phone, it won't go away, but services may be limited or unavailable, and no further updates will be forthcoming. It's unclear if you'll be able to add new content. Some users have discussed using a VPN, a service that allows your device to simulate being in a different location, to get around the regional ban, but it's unclear how well that will work.

If you wish to keep a copy of your activity on the app, you may want to do that now. In case the Supreme Court does not pause the ban and TikTok can't or won't sell in time, here's what you need to know to get your content back while you can.

How much is it to buy TikTok?

Before TikTok could be purchased, ByteDance would need to agree to sell the app. Any potential buyers would be faced with spending between $40 and $50 billion just for TikTok's U.S. operations, according to an estimate by CFRA Research Senior Vice President Angelo Zino. CNBC reports, "Zino based his valuation on estimates of TikToks U.S. user base and revenue in comparison to rival apps."

Is MrBeast buying TikTok?

YouTube creator James "Jimmy" Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, posted to X on Monday: "Okay fine, I'll buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned." What may have been an offhand, humorous comment had garnered more than 32 million views as of Wednesday.

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In response, Donaldson shared another post on Tuesday: "Unironically, Ive had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this. Lets see if we can pull this off."

It is unclear if Donaldson's intentions are serious. The YouTuber hadn't shared further information as of Thursday morning. His team did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by USA TODAY on Wednesday.

Chinese law prevents companies from selling their software algorithm, like the one at the forefront of TikToks technology, and the government must approve a sale that includes TikToks software.

Is Elon Musk going to buy TikTok?

If Texas billionaire Elon Musk bought the app, his social media platform X would take over TikTok, with the two businesses running together, people close to the situation told Bloomberg.

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By merging the two, Musk would garner access to large amounts of data from TikTok, which could potentially feed into his separate artificial intelligence company, xAI.

Who could buy TikTok to avoid ban? Newest name being shared: Elon Musk

Musk  the worlds wealthiest person  purchased Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion and is still paying off sizable loans. Musk later rebranded Twitter into X, and the sale has since caused large controversy as Musk reinstated the accounts of several previously banned people, including President-elect Donald Trump.

Deliberations within the Chinese government are still preliminary, Bloomberg reported, and it is unclear if Musk and ByteDance have ever been in conversations about a potential sale.

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Shortly before Biden signed a bipartisan bill giving ByteDance a Jan. 19 deadline to divest its U.S. assets  including the sale of TikTok  or face a ban, Elon Musk posted on X that he supported TikTok remaining available in the U.S., citing free speech.

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

Musks many businesses, including Tesla, have footholds in both the U.S. and China. Teslas Shanghai factory, built in 2019, has helped to expand the companys market share in China and built goodwill among Chinese government officials.

How to request a copy of your TikTok account

In TikTok, go to your profile page and tap the 3-line menu at the top right.

Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Select your data to download (all info or just select data) and the file format (easy-to-read text or JSON, which allows other services to import your file)

Tap Request data

You'll be notified in the app when the file is ready. It may take a few days to prepare the file, depending on how many videos you've uploaded and how many other people are doing the same thing.

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To download your TikTok data:

Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Tap Download data to see if your request is ready and tap Download if it is.

Your file will be available for up to four days. However, you will not get videos in the download, you'll get links to them on TikTok. To get those...

How to download videos from TikTok

TikTok does not have a built-in option to bulk-download all your videos. To save a few videos you uploaded:

In the app Go to your Profile page, select a clip. Then either: Tap on the three-dot menu Tap on Save video to download it to your device, or Tap the arrow-shaped Share button ion the lower right side of the screen Tap the option that says Save Video After it is processed, you'll get options to email it to yourself or upload it to a cloud service such as Google Drive. Swipe to the end and tap More to get the option to download the movie.

On the website Go to your Profile page, select a clip Right-click on the video, click on Download video



If it's a photo post, go to the post, tap the Share button, and tap Save Photo. If there are more than one, you can "Select all" or choose the ones you want.

Note that videos downloaded from TikTok will have a faint TikTok logo in the corner.

There are third-party options to help save your videos, such as the Chrome extensions MyFaveTT or TikTok Video Keeper (search TikTok Downloader for a wide variety of them). However, some browser extensions may have security risks or violate TikTok's terms of service.

Can I upload my TikTok videos to YouTube or Instagram Reels?

If you have copies of your videos before they were uploaded, yes. You can upload any short videos to other sites, provided they do not include copyrighted material, including music or clips from other people's videos. A host of TikTokkers even provide tips and instructions on getting your TikTok videos into YouTube Shorts.

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In 2021, Instagram warned creators that videos "visibly recycled from other apps (i.e., contains logos or watermarks)" would not be recommended as much to people who do not already follow you there. Instagram's algorithm already makes it hard to be seen, there's no reason to give them a reason to bury you.

If you can, upload your original videos without TikTok logos or music and add music from Instagram Reels instead.

Could President-elect Donald Trump save TikTok?

Maybe? At the end of last year, he asked the Supreme Court to pause any bans on the app so that his administration, which will begin the day after the deadline when he formally takes office on Inauguration Day, to pursue a negotiated resolution.

At a December press conference, Trump  who currently has nearly 15 million followers on the app  told reporters, "TikTok has a 'warm spot in my heart' and credited the app for growing his relationship with young voters. He also posted his support for the app on Truth Social, writing, "Why would I want to ban TikTok?"

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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.

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 contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: TikTok ban: How much is it to buy? How to save videos, account info
Small businesses and content creators are bracing for impact if TikTok goes dark this weekend after the Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law banning the app unless it is sold by its China-based parent company.

Jessica Simon, the founder of Mississippi Candle Company, on Friday said she was "grieving" over what she expects to be a steep decline in sales if TikTok is banned from app stores in the U.S. as early as Sunday. She said that between 90% and 98% of her company's sales come either directly or indirectly from TikTok.

"That much of our business comes from people seeing our products on TikTok and buying it through our TikTok shop, or coming to our website," Simon told CBS MoneyWatch. "I am still processing the news."

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Simon, who first started making candles on her stovetop, said the TikTok shop she launched in 2023 "changed our lives."

Despite such concerns, the nation's highest court declined to block or delay the potential ban if TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, fails to divest the platform. The Justice Department, which had supported the law, applauded the ruling.

"The Court's decision enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine America's national security," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "Authoritarian regimes should not have unfettered access to millions of Americans' sensitive data."

Jeffrey Fisher, a lawyer who represented TikTok content creators in the app's case before the Supreme Court, also urged President Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland in a letter on Friday to delay implementation of the law.

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"The law is scheduled to go into effect literally on the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Trump, who recently asked the Supreme Court for the same relief because he wants to work on this issue directly," Fisher wrote. "He should be given that chance. Otherwise, the Act would significantly burden the speech rights of over 170 million Americans and would cause substantial and avoidable disruption to the third-party providers that may be subject to severe penalties if they continue to provide TikTok to its millions of users."

In a statement late Friday, TikTok said the White House and Justice Department have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok's availability to over 170 million Americans."

"Unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," the company added.

The power of TikTok

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With 170 million monthly active users, TikTok is a significant moneymaker for millions of small businesses. For Simon, her company's reach on the platform generated enough sales to allow her to build a 2,100 square foot warehouse and to hire a team of employees to help make the company's products. Mississippi Candle surpassed six figures in sales for the first time in November, and again in December, she told CBS MoneyWatch.

"I am heartbroken for my staff," she said. "I won't be able to make up for that traffic or sales anywhere else," she said. Simon's company has 50,000 followers on TikTok, compared with 7,700 on Facebook and 3,100 on Instagram.

"So we won't be able to make up that income. We'll have to completely rebuild our community somewhere else, and it will take a lot longer than it did on TikTok," Simon added.

Who wins if TikTok exits the U.S.?

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Morgan Stanley analysts say that Facebook and Instagram owner Meta stands to benefit from TikTok users migrating to other platforms, writing that the roughly 32 billion hours of annual U.S. consumer time spent on TikTok could soon be up for grabs.

"Meta remains the largest fundamental winner of any TikTok ban given its already leading user base, data set and distribution," the analysts said in a research note. Alphabet-owned YouTube also could benefit as it also lets users create short-form videos.

Still, experts say that none of those apps come close to TikTok in its ability to generate income for brands, advertisers and creators.

"A ton of people are already flocking to other apps, but there is going to be a ton of damage and loss of revenue," Edward Klaris, managing partner at Klaris law, told CBS MoneyWatch. "There are going to have to find alternative means of speaking, and this ban reduces their presence on a platform where they are already well-established."

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The parties that stand to lose from TikTok's U.S. operations shutting down range from independent content creators to businesses and advertisers. In the case of companies, TikTok allows them to establish accounts that reach users organically, as well with paid-ads. And popular influencers can make a lucrative living, with brands paying them to hawk their products.

"Advertisers are engaging in commercial speech to send out messages, influencers are doing commercial speech and businesses are also sharing information. Therefore there is a lot of spend going on," Klaris explained.

He agreed that a ban could be good news for competitors like RedNote, another Chinese-owned app.

The ramifications of shutting down TikTok in the U.S. would be wide-reaching for diverse users, according to Jessica Rauchberg, assistant professor of communication technologies at Seton Hall University.

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"It really concerns me for everyday creators, particularly marginalized ones, who might have a disability and not be able to work in person," she said. "TikTok is a great space for users to supplement their incomes with content creation, and when you lose that, where do you go? You can't just rebuild on another platform."

"It's a great way to reach customers, because a lot of younger people use it as a search engine and place to find a great local restaurant or craftsperson who is making special items you can't find at a Target or Walmart," Rauchberg added. "It'll hurt consumers, and for small businesses it's a big tool for outreach. That's why they are scared."

Saturday Sessions: Yola performs "Temporary"

Saturday Sessions: Yola performs "Future Enemies"

Saturday Sessions: Yola performs "Symphony"
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Biden administration is considering ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S. if the Supreme Court allows a ban to go into effect Sunday.

Last week, the Biden administration argued on behalf of the ban before the Supreme Court but this week sources say the president is evaluating ways to keep it running Sunday, leaving the door open for the Trump administration to find a long-term solution after hes sworn in on Monday.

The outgoing Biden administration says it will be up to the next administration to implement the federal law. It mandates TikTok sell to a U.S. owner or be banned in the U.S. on January 19th.

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Incoming president Donald Trump says hes exploring ways to preserve the app and is extending an olive branch.

TikToks CEO confirms he will be at Trumps inauguration Monday.

I agree with Donald Trump. Give it more time, said Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

Democratic Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, like the vast majority of Congress, originally backed the ban but is now making a last-ditch effort to give TikTok a 270-day extension to sell.

Its time for Congress to acknowledge that the rush passage of this law was a mistake, said Markey.

The effort failed.

Let me be clear: there will be no extensions, no concessions, and no compromises for TikTok, said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

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Republicans, led by Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, say TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, had ample time to find a new buyer.

We didnt pull the rug out from under TikTok, said Cotton.

Thursday, Markey called on the president to enact a 90-day extension. The law allows for a one-time extension.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says for the sake of TikToks 170 million users, I will work with the Trump administration and with both parties to keep TikTok alive while protecting our national security.

The Supreme Court is deliberating whether to uphold the ban or potentially allow a delay. The justices are expected to rule on the case any day now.

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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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  As the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, U.S. TikTok users are flocking to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, also called RedNote  making it the top downloaded app in the U.S.

Some of the TikTok refugees, as they call themselves, say the TikTok alternative, a Chinese app, is being chosen in protest of the TikTok ban. Here's what you need to know about Xiaohongshu.

What is Xiaohongshu, the Chinese app that TikTok refugees poured to?

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It is a lifestyle social media app which allows users to post short videos, photos and texts, and it also includes functions like live-streaming and shopping.

A rare wave of U.S.-China camaraderie broke out online in recent days as refugees from the popular short video platform TikTok poured onto a Chinese social media platform to protest a likely ban on the service.

They were met with surprise, curiosity and in-jokes on Xiaohongshu  literally, Little Red Book  whose users saw English-language posts take over feeds almost overnight.

Americans introduced themselves with hashtag TikTok refugees, ask me anything attitude and posting photos of their pets to pay their hosts cat tax. Parents swapped stories about raising kids and Swifties from both countries, of course, quickly found each other.

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Its a rare moment of direct contact between two online worlds that are usually kept apart by language, corporate boundaries, and Chinas strict system of online censorship that blocks access to nearly all international media and social media services.

Why are Americans downloading a Chinese app?

Chinese and American users rarely find themselves in the same online spaces, in large part because Chinas Great Firewall blocks internationally popular platforms like Instagram and X. Even TikTok blocks users in China, directing them to its onshore sister platform Douyin.

But as the deadline approached for a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company, some began migrating to Xiaohongshu.

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When they tell us you cant have a Chinese app anymore, we go straight to another Chinese app, said Katie Lawson, a farmer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who has posted videos of her chickens and saved many recipes from the app. Were going to go explore that country and their values ourselves. Were going to go straight to the source.

Whats the difference between TikTok and Xiaohongshu?

Although TikTok is owned by a Chinese parent company, the short video platform popular with Generation Z is an international app whose content and users are walled off from those of the Chinese version, Douyin.

Xiaohongshus 300 million monthly active users are overwhelmingly Chinese  so much so that parts of its interface have no English-language version. They skew heavily female, often addressing strangers simply as sister.

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Known for a friendly atmosphere that focuses on user reviews and peer-to-peer advice, its one of Chinas fastest-growing apps. Foreign celebrities  including Mariah Carey and Elon Musks mother Maye Musk -- are longtime users. Kim Kardashian joined the app back in 2018.

How many Americans have joined Xiaohongshu?

The company hasnt released official data, but the app has reached No. 1 in free downloads on both iOS and Android, remaining in that spot for days.

On the platform, two versions of the TikTok refugee hashtag have over 24 million posts, with related posts appearing at the top of many users feeds.

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What are users talking about?

A large number of American users say theyve received a warm welcome from the community, with #TikTokrefugee. Welcome the global villagers remains the top one trending topic on Xiaohongshu, with 8.9 million views on Thursday.

Users from both countries are comparing notes on grocery prices, rent, health insurance, medical bills and the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Parents talk about what the kids learn in school in two countries. Some have already joined book clubs and are building up a community.

American users asked how Chinese see the LGBTQ community and got warned that it was among sensitive topics, Chinese users taught Americans what are sensitive topics and key words to avoid censorship on the app. Chinese students pulled out their English homework, looking for help.

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How is the Chinese government responding?

Chinese state media, which have long dismissed U.S. allegations against TikTok, have welcomed the protest against the ban.

Peoples Daily, Chinas biggest national newspaper, said in an op-ed about TikTok refugees on Thursday that says the TikTok refugees found a new home, and openness, communication, and mutual learning are the unchanging themes of mankind and the heartfelt desires of people from all countries.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs didnt respond immediately to APs interview request.

___

Cohen reported from Bangkok.
The News

Gen Z is prepping for their own social doomsday. The US Supreme Court today unanimously upheld the law forcing TikTok to part from its Chinese parent company or face a ban on US soil. With only two days until that law takes effect, users are finding creative ways to protest the governments sanctions and bypass the impending firewall.

If TikTok shuts down its US services on Sunday, some Americans will likely turn to virtual private networks, or VPNs, which replace a devices IP address with one from another location. Internet searches that include the words TikTok and VPN have skyrocketed in the last week, Google Trends shows. The hope is that logging into TikTok, which Washington sees as a national security threat because of its Chinese ownership, from an IP address associated with another country would allow users to access their content.

TikTok would probably allow that, said Karrie Karahalios, who teaches computer science at the University of Illinois. They want people to look at the content regardless of where they are.



TikTok is part of the popular culture right now, she added. If the people you talk to every day use TikTok, if you get your news from there, its hard to walk away.

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In an effort largely seen to poke fun at the US government, TikTokers have also flocked to another social media app with even closer ties to the Chinese government. Xiaohongshu  which translates to little red book  is considered the Chinese equivalent of Instagram and has topped Apples US App Store charts all week. The upshot  TikTok users are fighting tooth and nail to keep their beloved app, and it might work.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to save the platform and will be sworn into office a day after the ban takes effect, with TikToks chief executive watching from the wings. Trump has floated ways to keep TikTok going while the Biden administration wont enforce the ban, making it less likely that Americans will actually lose access to the social media app.

Step Back

While Sunday is TikToks deadline, it might not be the end of the road. Ross Cooper, a business law professor at Georgetown, expects that when Trump takes office on Monday, he will ask the Justice Department to pause enforcement of the law so he can work out a deal with TikTok.

In such a scenario, the new administration could reexamine TikToks plan to address US national security concerns through Project Texas, the initiative that led Austin-based Oracle to handle the apps US user data. If Trump deems this a qualified divestiture, which means the app no longer operates under or with a relationship to a foreign adversary, TikTok could remain in the US under the statute. Trump is also exploring an executive order intended to save the app, but it is unclear how that would measure up against the law.

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If Trump is unable to stop the TikTok ban, the ramifications will be global as other countries may follow suit, said Tammy Madsen, who teaches strategic management at Santa Clara University. In 2023, France and Great Britain followed the USs lead in banning the use of TikTok on government devices due to concerns over its connections with China.

Know More

At the heart of the court case and the issues around a sale is the value of an algorithm. The ability for TikTok to quickly deliver relatable content, and do so better than its competitors, is the special sauce that captivated half of America.

During the Supreme Court hearing, TikTok argued the algorithm is an editorial expression and therefore protected speech  an argument that didnt hold weight in the end. ByteDance, TikToks parent company, has said it will not sell TikTok with its proprietary algorithm, leaving buyers with a shell of an app. A new owner would have to implement their own algorithm, but it is unclear if users would continue returning to the app without the level of curated content they once received.

Rachyls view

Concerns around TikTok cropped up in 2019, centered around data privacy. Trump got involved, then Biden, and Congress, and Trump again. Whats gotten lost in the politics of it all is that original concern about data privacy.

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Sure, its a phrase thats been hammered to death by Congress and pundits in recent years, but more so in connection to China stealing Americans data like some scary, masked burglar. Whats at the core is a valid concern  that information about people, their habits, routines, political affiliation, financial status, and health is valuable. We havent yet totally fathomed all that bad actors can do with it.

China isnt the only problem here. Theres room to educate consumers, question lawmakers, and pay closer attention to what American companies do with that information as well.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged Brussels to lift sanctions and mend ties with Russia. He has also commended Hungary's performance during the previous EU presidency.

Source: European Pravda, citing Orban in an interview with Hungarian news portal Telex

Details: Orban claimed that Hungary's primary goal during its six-month EU presidency was to bring peace to the forefront of discussions. He emphasised that "significant progress has been made," noting that "everyone is now talking about peace."

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"It's high time we threw sanctions out the window and established sanctions-free relations with Russia," he said.

The Hungarian prime minister believes it may take time, but Brussels will eventually "sober up," as he described them as currently going on a "binge".

Orban stated that peace is essential to achieving Hungary's economic policy goals, adding that "we will then need to deal with Ukraine, which we currently view only through the 'lens of war'."

He claimed that Ukraine poses a serious economic threat to Europe and vowed to implement stringent protective measures to safeguard, among other things, the Hungarian and Polish agricultural sectors.

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"We're talking about a country that can't stand on its own two feet and today, without Western money, it's not a country," Orban added.

Background:

This week, reports emerged that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Russia, designed to bypass vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.

On 16 January, Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs Janos Boka stated that Budapest believes the EU should defer decisions on extending sanctions against Russia until after consultations with the new US administration.

The Financial Times reported that EU officials are exploring additional measures, including the application of an 81-year-old law involving the Belgian king, to safeguard sanctions against Russia following Hungary's threat to veto their extension.

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President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to take the oath of office once again, marking the beginning of his second term as the nation's leader.

This historic occasion makes Trump the first president since Grover Cleveland  who served as both the 22nd and 24th president in the late 19th century  to hold non-consecutive terms in office.

Since the Nov. 5 general election, the 78-year-old has been focused on assembling his administration for his return to the White House. He has already announced most of his Cabinet nominees, along with several other key White House appointments.

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More: Will flags be at half-staff for Trump's inauguration? Abbott orders Texas to raise flags

When and where is Donald Trump's Inauguration?

The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. CT at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., USA TODAY reported. Other key events during the day include the presidents room signing ceremony, inaugural luncheon, review of the troops, presidential parade and reception and inaugural balls.

How to watch 2025 inauguration: See major TV networks' broadcast plans.

Various news organizations will broadcast the 2025 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. USA TODAY will also provide a live stream of the swearing-in ceremony.

Watch live: USA TODAY Stream

CNN

While CNN has not yet announced its Inauguration Day coverage plans, the channel's broadcast schedule says coverage will begin at 11 p.m. CT Sunday and go on until 3 a.m. the next morning.

NBC and MSNBC

NBC's coverage is set to begin with a special edition of the "Today" show, live from Washington, D.C. at 6 a.m. CT. Then, Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie are scheduled to anchor live coverage beginning at 9 a.m. CT.

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On MSNBC, Ali Vitali kicks off coverage beginning at 5 a.m. ET with "Way Too Early," followed by Morning Joe at 5 a.m. CT, co-hosted by Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist. Rachel Maddow anchors live coverage of the inauguration beginning at 9 a.m. CT, joined by pundits including Joy Reid, Chris Hayes and Jen Psaki. Then, at 1 p.m. CT, Hayes and Alex Wagner take over live coverage with co-hosts of "The Weekend," Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders Townsend, and Michael Steele., the network announced.

NBC News NOW will begin streaming live coverage at 6 a.m. CT. It can be accessed via multiple streaming platforms, including Peacock, YouTube, Samsung TV Plus, the Roku Channel and via NBCNews.com and the NBC News app, which will also feature a live blog.

ABC

ABC News kicks off its Inauguration Day coverage with a special edition of Good Morning America at 6 a.m. CT, followed by a day-long report beginning at 8 a.m. CT, led by anchor David Muir from Washington, D.C. The special will include Trumps visit to Capitol Hill, the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address, the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, and the inauguration parade, as per ABC.

Viewers will be able to watch it on ABC and its 24/7 streaming news channel ABC News Live.

Fox News

Fox News coverage starts at 4 a.m. ET with "Fox & Friends First," followed by "Fox & Friends" at 5 a.m. CT with Brian Kilmeade, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones. "Americas Newsroom" airs at 8 a.m. ET, followed by "The Faulkner Focus at 11 a.m. ET.

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Then the network turns things over to the "Inauguration of Donald Trump," from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.

Anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum "will helm the special as the 47th president and vice president of the United States are sworn into office," Fox News said in a news release.

The inauguration ceremony will be preceded by "The Faulkner Focus" with Harris Faulkner at 10 a.m. CT and followed by "The Five" at 4 p.m. CT.

CBS

CBS has not yet announced its schedule for Inauguration Day coverage.

NewsNation

NewsNations Inauguration Day coverage will begin at 8 a.m. CT with a two-hour live report anchored by The Hills Blake Burman.

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The broadcast of the swearing-in ceremony, co-anchored by Chris Cuomo, Chris Stirewalt, Elizabeth Vargas, and Leland Vittert in Washington, D.C., will air from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT on the channel.

NewsNation viewers can also watch the Inauguration live via the NewsNation app and get updates and in-depth analysis on NewsNationNow.com.

Contributing: Anika Reed, Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What time is the inauguration on Monday? How to watch on TV, streaming
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  January 18, 2025, will mark one year since the public learned about federal agents raiding the homes of Albuquerque police officers. It was part of an FBI investigation into a public corruption scheme involving officers accused of taking money to get DWI cases dismissed.

Its a case the KRQE Investigates team has been following since the beginning. Now, theres a new piece of information revealing a detailed account of how officers appeared to rope accused drunk drivers into the scheme.

Related Coverage:

A newly uncovered document titled Possible Corruption Involving an Albuquerque Police Department Officer and an Attorneys Office in Albuquerque reveals details of what was passed along to the feds back in April 2022.

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The day they came in, I let the FBI know, and I didnt contact APD because they obviously have a conflict, Albuquerque Attorney Daymon Ely told KRQE News 13 during an interview last year. Ely explained how two people who didnt know each other came to him with similar stories  allegations of a corruption scheme involving APD officers.

Ely said he passed along the info to the FBI, but wouldnt go into details during his interview with News 13. I have to be careful about what Im saying in terms of  because there hasnt even been an indictment yet, Ely explained.

That is still true. No one has been criminally charged. But in combing through public records attached to a lawsuit filed in District Court, KRQE Investigates learned more about Elys tip to the feds nearly three years ago. It shows the person who told Ely about it was arrested for DWI by APD in April 2022.

The unnamed tipster notes an APD officer Montano pulled him aside, calling him lucky an officer found mushrooms on him and said he would not get charged for them.

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The tip states, Montano then told {the person} he could expect a call after he got out. The tipster said his drivers license was then confiscated by police.

I was really proud of these people coming forward because I think it takes real courage to do it, Ely told KRQE.

The unnamed tipster stated Rick Mendez did call, inviting him to attorney Tom Clears office, a place News 13 would later learn was raided by federal agents in January 2024 as part of a corruption investigation. It was in that office the person claims Mendez, Clears paralegal, had his confiscated drivers license and said hed return it for a price: $10,000 in exchange for charges against him dropped.

The tip states Mendez even offered a payment plan, $5,000 up front with monthly payments of $1,000. The tip goes on to state, Clear was in and out of the room while Mendez had this conversation

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Clear came in and showed {the person} the mushrooms {hed} been caught with were a controlled substance to demonstrate to {him} he could still be charged, the tip states. Its a similar M.O. to the story KRQE Investigates reported on last year when a man named Carlos Smith came forward.

A similar story reported

I knew something wasnt right, Smith told KRQE Investigates during an interview last year. He too was called by APD officer Joshua Montano after a DWI arrest.

I knew from that moment I needed to document everything, and I did, Smith explained. A voicemail to Smith from Officer Montano reveals the apparent collateral in his case; Smiths bracelet he was told he could retrieve at Attorney Clears office.

Hey Carlos, this is Officer Montano with APD, the officers voice is heard on Smiths voice message inbox. I was just giving you a call because I  I dont know if you realize, but Im sure you do that some of your jewelry was missing from the property from Sunday evening. And it looks like the PTC officers didnt put that in your bag, but I have it, he added.

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Smith also hit record during an interaction he said he had with Mendez at Clears office where he too claims he was offered a guarantee for a price. Below is a transcript of a portion of that interaction Smith said he had with Mendez:

Paralegal: Were not the cheapest.

Smith: Okay.

Paralegal: So we charge $8,500 and you could do it in payments.

Smith: And with you representing me, that would guarantee that this doesnt go on my record?

Paralegal: Yes.

Smith and the ACLU are now suing APD for civil rights violations, along with nine now former officers, including Joshua Montano, the City of Albuquerque, Chief Harold Medina,

Attorney Clear, and his paralegal, Mendez.

They are taking peoples belongings and forcing them to have interactions with private attorneys in order to facilitate obtaining money for the scheme, explained Taylor Smith, an ACLU attorney for Smiths case. And so it all comes down to, this is essentially a mob-like practice thats being perpetrated by our officers.

Smiths case along with roughly 200 other DWI cases were later dismissed by the Bernalillo County District Attorneys office due to officer credibility issues. Today, nearly one year since news broke of a federal investigation, Smith, the ACLU, and the community are waiting on word from the feds about its findings  waiting for closure and accountability.

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This is damaging to our legal system as a whole, said Leon Howard, Deputy Director for ACLU New Mexico. And without that type of accountability, theres not going to be any trust or faith that people truly get due process in our state.

So far, no one has been criminally charged in the public corruption scandal. At least eight officers, including Montano, have resigned or retired rather than be interviewed by internal affairs. One APD commander was fired by APD, and another officer remains on leave.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The year 2025 is a Year of Jubilee: an event held every quarter-century that calls Catholics around the world to embark on a holy journey of faith and repentance.

For some, that journey is a literal pilgrimage; for others, it is an opportunity to embrace humility and nurture hope. The yearlong celebration is filled with events and activities centered on seeking forgiveness.

In early January, Catholic news outlets released a reminder that Catholics are eligible for special indulgences this year. Indulgences are pardons believed to eliminate earthly suffering or time in purgatory  where the Catholic Church teaches that people who have confessed their sins are purified before entering heaven.

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Among the traditional religious activities that can earn one an indulgence  such as pilgrimage to holy sites, acts of charity and saying special prayers  Pope Francis introduced a new option: a call to fast from the internet and social media. His official decree suggests individuals abstain in a spirit of penance, at least for one day of the week from futile distractions (real but also virtual distractions, for example, the use of the media and/or social networks).

As a scholar who studies how religious groups use and respond to new technologies, I find it notable that the pope frames the internet as a spiritual distraction. This announcement may seem like a departure from the Catholic Churchs previous approach to digital media, especially since not long ago the church embraced online tools to keep congregations connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This highlights an evolving and complex technological landscape Catholic leaders have had to negotiate over the past century, each time new forms of media emerge. Many clergy see technology as both a valuable resource for the church and a potential harm or interference.

Sacred selfie

The church has long embraced communication media to advance its mission. In the early 20th century, Pope Pius XI acknowledged that movies could be important tools for teaching about faith and values, even though he decried many films for their portrayal of sin and vice. For decades, American Bishop Fulton Sheen embraced radio and television for preaching and even won Emmy Awards for his shows.

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As pope from 1978-2005, John Paul II saw the rise of the internet and was quick to see its potential for church communication. In 2002, he announced that the internet should be seen as a new forum for proclaiming the Gospel if used with competence and a clear awareness of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pope Benedict XVI, who became pontiff in 2005, encouraged the creation of a papal profile on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. He praised social networks and apps that can enable reflection and authentic questioning.

When Francis papacy began in 2013, his succinct and candid communication style made him easily quotable, earning him a reputation for being media-savvy and publicly engaged. News reports of his first selfie, taken in 2013 with a group of young tourists at St. Peters Basilica, also earned him the nickname the digital pope.

This photo went viral and presented Francis as fan of social media. That impression was further promoted by his 2014 sermon on the Churchs World Communications Day, when he described the internet as a gift of God, enabling the church to evangelize around the world.

Pope Francis connects with crew aboard the International Space Station in 2017. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, made the first papal phone call to space in 2011. L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP

Like Francis other early statements about technology, this sermon emphasized established Catholic teachings on social communication and media, set out after the Second Vatican council. The resulting document, Communio et Progressio, advised clergy that mass media such as TV, radio and newspapers should be seen as tools to promote unity and understanding between people.

From hearts to machines

While Francis has continued to advocate for using digital media in ministry, the tone of his statements over the past decade have grown more cautious and sometimes even critical. In fact, as I have noted in my research, he communicates a much more cautious view of digital media than the two popes before him.

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In his 2023 World Social Communications Day message, for example, Francis spoke about the ways social media often promotes and exploits false images and ideas, and he emphasized the need to return to the basics of speaking with the heart. Francis presented direct, person-to-person communication as the ideal, while criticizing the negative interactions we experience especially on social media.

The following year, Francis spoke pointedly about AI, expressing strong concerns that the current generation of technology must be regulated so that it is not used to spread disinformation or distort the wisdom of the heart.

Such wisdom cannot be sought from machines, he added, but comes from communication centered on God and human compassion.

Participants in the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops follow Pope Francis on monitors at the Vatican on Oct. 4, 2023. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

The Jubilee call to Catholics to consider technology abstinence as a mark of spiritual devotion is very much in line with the popes move toward becoming more vocal and critical in his views about how technology is affecting society.

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To be clear, Francis does not deny that technology can offer benefits in communication and community building for the church. The Vatican has indeed described technology as a digital door to the Jubilee. Also in December 2024, officials launched an AI-powered digital twin of St. Peters Basilica, created through a partnership with Microsoft, for people who cannot make a pilgrimage in person.

Nevertheless, my research shows that Francis is notably more conservative in his views about digital media than can be seen in the messages and initiative of John Paul II and Benedict before him. Through his papacy, Francis has shifted focus from stressing opportunities offered by digital tools to highlighting concerns created by digital environments where many of us spend more and more of our everyday lives.

This article has been updated to correct the name of Pope Pius XI.

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: Heidi A. Campbell, Texas A&M University

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Read more:



Heidi A. Campbell has received funding from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to study technology in churches, but this funding is not connected to the research presented in this article.
SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WSAV)  After several people were killed at a busy intersection in Effingham County, county commissioners voted to put in a new traffic light in hopes of preventing another tragedy.

Laura Devisscher was killed in a crash last June at the intersection of Highway 21 and McCall Road in Springfield, but she isnt the first victim.

The Effingham County Sheriffs Office said that while they dont have an exact number, there have been a number of crashes and several deaths at the intersection.

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The accident happened more than one time, an Effingham County resident who lives near the intersection, said. It just had for one person to get killed, two people, whatever the case was. Its just bad, and they need to do something about it. If they do that, if they put a light up here, thatll kill a lot of accidents.

A little over a week ago, the Effingham County Commission voted to approve a contract award to an electric company that will put up a light at McCall and 21.

You have traffic from this corner, youve got traffic all the way down to Courthouse Road, Im talking about way around, the resident said. They just need to do a little better for Effingham.

Some locals said a light wont necessarily solve everything.



I dont think itll be helpful until they find another avenue to alleviate some of the traffic on 21 and maybe deter some of these trucks from here, it may less some, but not enough that its going to completely stop the accidents from happening, Angela Holloway, who works nearby, said.

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Effingham County Manager Timothy Callahan said in a statement, Ensuring public safety is our top priority. He added that the county plans to install left turn lanes in the future.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will be involved as well. They said the GDOT will supply the signal components for the intersection improvements while Effingham County will oversee construction.

According to the contract for construction of the new traffic light, it will be up within 90 days of the contractors receipt of notice to proceed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TALLAHASSEE  Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the power to suspend or criminally charge local officials who dont train at least 10% of their law enforcement staff to detain and deport undocumented immigrants or follow other tough new immigration rules hes proposed.

In a 4-page memo to legislative leaders, DeSantis said he wants to make it mandatory for all law enforcement agencies and local governments to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security to help enforce federal immigration law. It is now voluntary.

That includes training at least 10% of state and local law enforcement staff to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement round up, detain and deport immigrants who entered the country illegally.

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Elected officials and law enforcement officers who refuse to cooperate would face criminal charges and possible suspension.

The memo details the governors proposals for the upcoming special session of the Florida Legislature hes scheduled for the week of Jan. 27 and was obtained by the Orlando Sentinel late Thursday. DeSantis provided some details Wednesday, but the memo offers a clearer look at what he wants lawmakers to approve later this month.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, was outraged by some of them, especially the suggestion to suspend or charge local officials if they fail to take actions that arent even part of their core duties.

Its one thing to update someones job description, Smith said. Its another thing to say if you dont meet this job description and perform said activities you will be slapped with a felony and thrown in prison.

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During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump called for the mass deportation of undocumented people in the United States, estimated at about 11 million. About 1.2 million undocumented immigrants live in Florida, the third largest undocumented population in the country, according to The Pew Research Center.

DeSantis wants state lawmakers in the special session to pass measures to help with Trumps plans.

Some Florida sheriffs  Broward County Sheriff Tony Gregory, a DeSantis appointee, and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, for example  have said they wouldnt participate in Trumps deportation roundups, worrying that it would distract them from their duties and generate distrust in the community.

Others are taking a wait-and-see attitude.

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We will see what the Legislature decides to do with the Governors proposals and proceed from there as an agency, said Bob Kealing, a spokesman for the Seminole County Sheriffs Office. Until we see the Legislatures direction and policy outcomes, these are all hypothetical questions that are too premature to answer at this time.

DeSantis wants to require all local governments to participate in what is currently a voluntary federal program that has been on the books since 1996. It allows the Department of Homeland Security to deputize state and local law enforcement officers to enforce immigration laws.

A related proposal would require law enforcement agencies to identify noncitizens who are charged with a crime and subject to deportation.

Failure to comply with the new mandates could lead to first degree misdemeanor charges for sworn officers and third degree felony charges for elected officials.

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DeSantis also wants to create a statewide immigration enforcement officer who would coordinate with federal immigration officials and oversee the states undocumented immigrant relocation program, which would be amended to include flights to other countries.

Undocumented immigrants would also be denied bail upon arrest under the assumption that they are a flight risk. Immigrants sending money to families in their home country would need to show identification or face a 25% penalty  an effort to make working in Florida less desirable.

Smith questioned the legality of those proposals and said they could divert limited resources meant to protect citizens from violent crimes.

Local law enforcement officers are here to protect us, not enforce immigration laws, Smith said. What critical law enforcement will be cast aside to be part of the immigrant deportation force?

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The proposals could also hurt local budgets if those governments had to set up detention camps across the state, Smith added.

DeSantis said Thursday the state would make sure they had enough money.

He also said the state would be willing to help with building new facilities. Were going to coordinate I dont anticipate youre going to see the locals necessarily doing that. It may be temporary and then immediate transfer to the feds or to the state.

DeSantis called the special session on Monday after meeting with Trump and other governors last week at Mar-a-Lago. Trump endorsed DeSantis action Tuesday on social media and urged other governors to follow suit.

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Given the urgency of the issue and that so many Republicans campaigned on immigration, DeSantis said he was honestly surprised by a critical letter from fellow Republicans Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez several hours after his announcement.

Albritton and Perez have said for months that immigration is a federal issue and that the call for a special session a week after Trump is sworn in as President premature and irresponsible, and could potentially interfere with whatever action Trump takes on the issue.

Of course the governor wants to rush this through without looking at what anyone is asking of us, Smith said. He is so hellbent on rushing through proposals where they wont get proper attention, scrutiny or public input. He is expressing his intent to obscure what hes doing from the public.
The counters for the refreshed Graze Food Hall continue to take shape.

On Thursday, Travail announced that Umami by Travail will open on Jan. 20. It's the first new opening revealed for the North Loop food hall since Travail announced in November that it was taking over the space.

One of Travail's oldest concepts, Umami's first iteration arrived in 2013. It took up residence in North Minneapolis, off Broadway and Lyndale, as the group was building a new home for Travail. The oft-revisited pop-up will take on new life at Graze, serving Asian street food from Travail and dumplings from Saturday Dumpling Co.

Graze Food HallCourtesy of Travail

That menu will include egg rolls, choose-your-sushi oshizushi bites, fried rice, and pineapple upside-down cake, Travail says in its announcement.

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"This menu is all about enjoying the foods we love that are full of Umami flavor, like dumplings, kimchi, fermented cabbage, pickles, and rich miso dishes," says Bob Gerken, Chef-Owner at Travail.

Simultaneously, Travail revealed that Tixtli by Nixta, a previously announced new concept from Chef Gustavo Romero, will open on Graze's second floor in early February.

Caja Fried Chicken, a chicken counter from the owners of Alma and Brasa, which was announced earlier this week, will open in mid-February.

Related: Brasa owners launching a fried chicken counter at Graze Food Hall
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Senate Finance Committee grilled President-elect Donald Trumps choice for Treasury Secretary Thursday.

Scott Bessent, a South Carolina billionaire hedge fund manager, wasted no time getting to the crux of his confirmation hearing: the expiring Trump tax cuts.

This is the single most important economic issue of the day, Bessent told the committee.

Bessent warned if Congress does not extend the tax cuts, the middle class would see a major tax increase.

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As always with financial instability, that falls on the middle and working class people, he said.

Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) argued everyday Americans never felt the benefits of the cuts anyway.

The distribution of it was deeply, deeply, deeply unfair, Bennet said. While the benefit went to the richest people in America, the cost is being borne by the children of working people.

Democrats also questioned Bessent about Trumps tariff threats against Canada, Mexico, China and Europe.

It clobbers people of modest means, said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Wyden said workers and small businesses would have to pay more taxes.

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All through the campaign, we heard they werent, that foreign countries were going to pay it. I think thats bologna!, Wyden said.

Bessent disagreed, saying foreign countries will continue cutting prices to maintain market share.

Democrats also accused Bessent of avoiding paying roughly $1 million in taxes related to his hedge fund. Bessent told the committee its a lower number, and the matter is currently in litigation.

If confirmed, Ive agreed to shutter my firm, Bessent said.

Republicans signaled theyre ready to support his confirmation.

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Parents dont need one more thing to do. Theyre already too busy packing lunches, checking school work and taxiing their children from one activity to the next. Not to mention teaching them about the real-world dangers of the internet  and that includes social media.

A bill introduced by the Indiana General Assembly seeks to further restrict Hoosiers under age 16 from creating social media accounts without verified parental permission.

Indiana Senate Bill 11, authored by Republican Sen. Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores, would require a social media operator like Facebook or TikTok to restrict a minor from accessing the site if they did not receive verifiable parental consent from the minors parent, according to reporting by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

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The bill was heard Jan. 8 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Chairwoman Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, said the bill is expected to be amended and voted on by the committee this week.

You can likely hear the collective sigh from parents around the state.

Now, dont get us wrong. Were all for protecting our children. But the fact of the matter is if they want to view something on the internet  social media in this case  theyre going to find a way to do it, with or without their parents consent.

Does that mean there shouldnt be safeguards available to parents? Not at all, but this specific bill is destined to fail from the beginning.

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Theres already the argument the bill interferes with the free speech rights of those under 16. At least 10 states have passed laws requiring childrens access to social media be restricted or parental consent gained, and several states laws are currently on hold, according to the Capital Chronicle story.

Chris Daley, representing the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, spoke in opposition.

He said the bill clearly infringes on the First Amendment rights of Hoosiers 15 and down, to the degree that those rights attach at certain ages.

Daley pointed to similar laws in Arkansas and Ohio that judges have put on hold amid ongoing legal challenges. I think we all know that this bill will be challenged, he said.

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In addition, enforcement of such a law would be nearly impossible, especially on a state level.

Parents already play a key role in supporting healthy social media usage. They are cognizant of what can be viewed on a social media platform and talk to their kids about what they might encounter. Parents teach their children from an early age what is appropriate and what is dangerous. Adding one more thing to their to-do list is going to hinder, not help.

Lawmakers in Indianapolis may have pure intentions, and a law like this may put in place safeguards for those parents who arent as involved in their childrens lives. However, efforts would be better spent on bills that could expand education on the dangers of social media and provide tools for our youths mental health. Armed with information and support, when a child encounters something on social media thats questionable, they will have the means to confront it in a healthy way.

In the meantime, lets give parents the benefit of the doubt. They can handle their childrens social media accounts without help from the government that likely wont deter viewing of content in the first place. Lawmakers should concentrate on other worthy causes and drop this bill.
(TRINIDAD, Colo.)  A 22-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly chased the President of Trinidad State College and her husband with an axe over a missing cat.

According to an incident report from the Trinidad Police Department (TPD), officers responded shortly before 3 p.m. to the Boulevard Loop Trailhead in Trinidad on a report of a man threatening people with an axe. When officers arrived, they contacted the two people who had been threatened, who were later identified as the President of Trinidad State College, Rhonda Epper, and her husband.

Epper told police that she and her husband had been walking on the trail when a man approached them with an axe, yelling and asking where his cat was. The man, identified as 22-year-old Jeremy Ross, allegedly charged at the two, threatening that he would kill them if they had taken his cat.

Courtesy: Trinidad Police Department

After threatening Epper and her husband, Ross reportedly ran away across a bridge while hitting the bars of the bridge with the axe. According to police, multiple other people called TPD stating a man was throwing rocks at traffic near the I-25 southbound off-ramp and yelling about a cat, and he was identified as Ross.

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Once in custody, Ross told police that it had been a miscommunication about his cat that had lead to him threatening Epper and her husband, and that he was emotionally upset about his cat. He stated he did not mean to threaten their lives specifically and asked if he could talk to them to apologize.

Ross also informed TPD that he had found the axe before the incident, and that he dropped it near the I-25 off-ramp. The axe was recovered by police.

Ross was booked into the Las Animas County Detention Center on menacing charges.

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South Fulton residents are questioning some of the things their mayor has purchased over the last few months, including a trip to Africa.

Its a trip to Africa South Fulton resident Reshard Snellings says he questions if it was on the citys dime.

Resident Reshard Snellings told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln that the Mayor of South Fulton Khalid Kamau, who now goes by the name Mayor Kobi, documented his 20-day December trip to Ghana on Instagram.

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Snellings is questioning if that trip was on the citys dime.

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I wanted to find out if taxpayers paid for this trip, Reshard Snellings said. We should not be asked to go without something so that our elected officials can travel all over the globe.

Bank records from a city-issued credit card show nearly $26,000 spent between October and December on unauthorized travel, food and other expenses.

Lincoln asked Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis if South Fulton was doing any business in Africa.

Not to my knowledge, that isnt even a priority, Willis told Lincoln.

Councilwoman Wills says this week the council has been investigating the purpose of the mayors trip and his spending.

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We need more economic development here and we dont need to go to Africa in order for the city to have a multi-business deal, she said.

Channel 2 Action News went through documents and discovered multiple plane tickets totaling more than $5,000, including an Air Kenya flight worth more than $1,500.

Theres also a purchase for a $1,300 drone. According to documents, the mayor also made multiple purchases from Amazon, with one purchase totaling more than $1,800.

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Willis says the mayor has violated the citys charter and several policies by not getting approval for multiple purchases, but also purchasing items that are not approved for spending.

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According to the citys P-Card policy, employees are required to obtain written authorization from the Purchasing Director and City Manager. Willis says the mayor did not do that for these purchases. The policy also indicates individual meals and beverages not associated with approved travel and electronics are prohibited purchases.

We have an approval form that we submit to the city manager for her to approve, that wasnt done, said Willis.

Lincoln spoke with Mayor Kobi briefly. He told her he did nothing wrong and the criticism is politically motivated.

Its really a smear campaign. You will see in the meetings, the people who are talking the most are running for mayor in 2025, the mayor said.

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Mayor Kobi would not answer why he hasnt submitted 112 outstanding receipts for multiple purchases. City of South Fulton policy states receipts must be submitted within 72 hours after a purchase.

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SAN ANTONIO (AP)  Truck driver in Texas smuggling attempt that ended in the deaths of 53 migrants pleads guilty to federal charges.
A Texas truck driver charged in the deaths of 53 migrants who rode in a sweltering tractor-trailer with no air conditioning pleaded guilty Thursday over the 2022 tragedy that became the nation's deadliest smuggling attempt across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Homero Zamorano Jr. pleaded guilty in federal court in San Antonio to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death, causing serious bodily injury, and placing lives in jeopardy; one count of transportation of aliens resulting in death; and one count of transportation of aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy.

The 48-year-old could face a maximum sentence of life in prison, the Justice Department announced. Zamorano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24.

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Mark Stevens, Zamoranos attorney, said in an email that he was unable to comment on a pending case.

Authorities say Zamorano, who drove the truck, and other men charged in the smuggling attempt were aware that the trailers air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning and would not blow cool air to the migrants trapped inside during the sweltering, three-hour ride from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio.

Temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) while migrants screamed and banged the walls of the trailer for help or tried to claw their way out, investigators said.

The truck had been packed with 67 people, and the dead included 27 from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador, according to Mexican authorities. Prosecutors have said migrants paid up to $15,000 each to be taken across the U.S. border.

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The incident happened on a remote San Antonio back road on June 27, 2022. Police officers detained Zamorano after spotting him hiding in nearby brush, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office. A search of Zamoranos cellphone showed calls concerning the smuggling run.

Surveillance video of the 18-wheeler passing through a Border Patrol checkpoint showed the driver matched Zamoranos description, according to the indictment.

Also charged previously in the tragedy was Christian Martinez, also of Texas, who with Zamorano was arrested shortly after the migrants were found. Martinez has since pleaded guilty to smuggling-related charges.

Four Mexican nationals were also arrested in the case in 2023. And in August, a suspect arrested in Guatemala was charged with helping coordinate the smuggling attempt. U.S. authorities said they would seek the extradition of Rigoberto Roman Miranda Orozco, who is charged with six counts of migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious injury. Authorities alleged he is connected to four Guatemalan migrants in the trailer, three of whom died, and faces up to life in prison if convicted.

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According to the indictment against Miranda Orozco, the smugglers had forced the migrants to give up their cellphones before getting inside the trailer, leaving them no way to call for help. An unknown powder was spread around the trailer to prevent the smell of human cargo from being detected by patrol dogs at border inspection stations.

When the trailer was opened in San Antonio, 48 migrants were already dead. Another 16 were taken to hospitals, where five more died. President Joe Biden called the tragedy horrifying and heartbreaking.

Those who died were seeking better lives. News of the trailer full of bodies was met with horror in cities and villages accustomed to seeing their young people leave, trying to flee poverty or violence in Central America and Mexico.

Authorities allege that the men worked with human smuggling operations in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, and shared routes, guides, stash houses, trucks and trailers, some of which were stored at a private parking lot in San Antonio.

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Migrants paid the organization up to $15,000 each to be taken across the border. The fee would cover up to three attempts to get into the U.S.

The incident is the deadliest among tragedies that have claimed thousands of lives in recent decades as people attempt to cross the U.S. border from Mexico. Ten migrants died in 2017 after they were trapped inside a truck parked at a Walmart in San Antonio. In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck southeast of San Antonio.

___

Weber reported from Austin and Baumann from Bellingham, Washington.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Gov. Dan McKees new budget proposal includes millions of dollars in new revenue from truck tolls, which state officials now say will have no special carveout for local companies following a recent court decision.

While state budget officials wouldnt say exactly when the tolls would turn on again, they expect it will happen sometime during the fiscal year that begins July 1. They project collecting $10 million in the first fiscal year, when tolls will only be on for part of the year, and $40 million the next, their first full year back in operation.

Im not going to speak to a particular timeline, but when we discussed $10 million [the R.I. Department of Transportation] thought that was achievable, said Brian Daniels, director of the R.I. Office of Management and Budget, during a budget briefing with reporters.

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The revenue projections were outlined in McKees proposed $14.2 billion tax-and-spending plan unveiled Thursday. The state is currently preparing to resume tolling on large trucks after a nearly three-year hiatus caused by legal challenges from the trucking industry, which argued the tolls were unconstitutional.

Last year, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state, allowing Rhode Island to turn the tolls back on. Tolling had been halted by a court-ordered injunction in 2022.

But the appellate court last year ruled the initial law  which provided a discount for local companies over out-of-state truckers  wasnt allowed under the Constitution. State officials said the goal now is to remain compliant with that ruling, so there wasnt any break proposed for local truckers.

The cap, as you know, was ruled unconstitutional  we dont have anything in the budget on that, Daniels said, although he noted that that the full-year projection of $40 million matches what the state had been collecting from its multi-tiered rates before the tolls stopped.

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Theoretically, without the discount, revenue would increase. But Daniels said keeping the assumptions level gives the state wiggle room in case officials want to charge lower rates for all trucks.

One thing we need to be careful about the court decision is not disproportionately benefiting one group over another, but this gives us some opportunity to figure out whats the best way to do it in an equitable way, Daniels said.

Rhode Island first implemented truck tolls in 2016 as part of the RhodeWorks infrastructure program under then-Gov. Gina Raimondo. Rhode Island spent about $603,000 on outside legal counsel to fight the trucking industry, according to a state spokesperson.

Daniels said RIDOT is currently working to inspect tolling equipment, some of which needs to be upgraded. The state is also working on some back-end system upgrades and software contracts, which need to be put into place before the tolls can resume.

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McKee and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi previously have not provided a specific timeline for when the tolls will resume.

Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says if push comes to shove Canada is ready.

Ottawa has a set of retaliatory measures set to drop on Monday if Trump takes action, a senior federal source told POLITICO on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details publicly.

The exact dollar figures that could be involved are fluid because Ottawa will peg its retaliation to the value of any tariffs that Trump may announce, the source said.

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We will not hesitate to act, Trudeau said Friday morning in Toronto. We will respond, and I will say it again, everything is on the table.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to make Canada a target of his first-day actions. As one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,he announced on Truth Social in November.

The prime minister warned that Trumps measures would raise costs across the continent and put collective security at risk.

The decision to impose tariffs on Canada will hurt Americans, Trudeau said off the top of the inaugural meeting of the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, a group that includes voices from politics, business, labor and industry.

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The United States imported more than $400 billion worth of oil, autos, auto parts and other goods from Canada in 2024 and more than $500 billion from Mexico. Together, the North American neighbors account for more than 25 percent of U.S. imports and exports.

Trudeau has appeared on multiple U.S. news networks to warn Canadas neighbors that their pocketbooks are at risk of becoming collateral damage in Trumps trade war. Anything an American president does to hurt the Canadian economy will also hurt American consumers and American workers and American growth, he told CNNs Jake Tapper last week.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly was on Capitol Hill this week sharing the same message with anyone who would listen. And she found that while the tariff threat is top of mind in Canada, it has barely registered in Washington.

A lot of senators have never heard about this Trump tariff tax, she told reporters on Friday morning. A lot of them are understanding a bit more what would be their impact on their own constituency.

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The foreign minister said that when she discussed the impact of Trump tariffs on Americans with lawmakers, they're not only surprised, theyre very worried. Theres a level of disorganization that is happening in any transition.

For now, Joly said Ottawa is focused on the first phase of its response: to prevent tariffs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford estimated earlier this week that in a trade war with the U.S. as many as 500,000 workers in his province could lose their jobs.

Joly would not get into details, but said she has seen numbers that forecast devastation.

We're taking these tariff threats very, very seriously, because we know that the impacts on Canadians would be really, really, really difficult, she said.

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If Trump makes good on his promise, hed be basically starting a trade war, she added.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark has warned that imposing an across-the-board tariff would damage the U.S. economy.

Blanket tariffs would worsen the cost-of-living crisis, forcing Americans to pay even more for daily essentials like groceries, gas, furniture, appliances, and clothing, Clark said Thursday in the Chambers annual State of American Business speech, which was held this year in Dallas.

Retaliation by our trading partners will hit our farmers and manufacturers hard, with ripple effects across the economy, she added. The bottom line is this: Tariffs are a tax paid by Americans, and their broad and indiscriminate use would stifle growth at the worst possible time.
One of the Trump administration's first foreign policy acts will be a meeting with foreign ministers of the Quad alliance  Japan, India and Australia  on Tuesday, according to four people familiar with the planning.

The meeting shows an early emphasis on strengthening regional partnerships that outgoing President Joe Biden championed to counter Chinas growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, despite Biden and Trumps vastly different world views.

Japanese media had previously reported that negotiations for such a meeting were in the works, but it has now been confirmed and scheduled, according to the four individuals  one of whom is a U.S. official said. All were granted anonymity because they werent authorized to publicly discuss diplomatic matters.

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Trumps pick for secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), is expected to helm the meeting  assuming he is confirmed Monday as expected. If Rubio isnt confirmed by Tuesday, its unclear who would helm the Quad meeting.

While Biden has stressed the need for U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific as a counterbalance to China, Trump has focused more on antagonizing some allies over threats of tariffs and rebuking them for economic imbalances with the United States.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend the inauguration and then segue to the meeting with Trump administration officials the following day.

The meeting is intended to signal that the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific wont change under the new administration, said one of the people.

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The meeting could produce new agreements on security and economic cooperation, the person added. That reassurance would be welcome amid concerns that Trumps America First agenda would cast aside traditional alliance and partnership structures that Washington has set up in the Indo-Pacific.

Such alliances also include AUKUS, the U.S. nuclear submarine and technology pact with the United Kingdom and Australia  and two trilaterals  with Japan and South Korea and Japan and the Philippines, respectively.

Trump has heightened concerns about the direction of his foreign policy by expressing skepticism about his willingness to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression and rattling U.S. allies by musing about acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Both Rubio and incoming national security adviser Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fl.) are prominent China hawks and have rebuked the outgoing Biden administration for not doing enough to counter Beijing. And both men have expressed support for bolstering the network of partnerships and alliances initiated by the outgoing Biden administration.

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A spokesperson for the Trump transition did not respond to a request for comment.

The Quad is a two-decade old grouping mostly focused on regional cooperation in areas including climate, health and infrastructure development.

Despite Biden administration denials, in recent years the Quad has become a tacit counter to Beijings growing economic, diplomatic and military footprint in the Indo-Pacific. China was the top agenda item when Biden convened Quad leaders in Delaware in September for a summit that resulted in an agreement for the four countries coast guards to begin joint patrols this year.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has declared the grouping a tool the U.S. uses to contain China and perpetuate U.S. hegemony. 

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Theres been a growing nervousness in Washington in recent months that Quad partners concerns about the incoming Trump administrations foreign policy settings have prompted them to try to reduce tensions with Beijing.

A group of Japanese lawmakers concluded a three-day visit to China on Wednesday. That followed Foreign Minister Iwayas trip to Beijing last month that resulted in a deal to start Japan-China security talks. Chinas leader Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged in October to ease frictions over their disputed border and restore normal diplomatic contact. And Chinese Premier Li Qiang ended seven years of diplomatic frostiness with Canberra by traveling to Australia in June as China rolled back punishing trade curbs on Australian imports.
(NewsNation)  Mick Mulvaney, former chief of staff for the Trump administration, says his old boss might have as many as 100 executive orders on the first day of his presidency.

Mulvaney and NewsNation Washington Correspondent Kellie Meyer join The Hill on NewsNation to discuss the latest with four days until President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

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Among the resumes of President-elect Donald Trumps picks for key Pentagon posts, aspiring Air Force secretary Troy Meinks stands out.

As a Defense Department insider with deep acquisition and technology-development experience, Meink would bring to the job a government background unlike that of Trumps other DOD nominees. And his specialization in space could upend the priorities of a service typically dominated by Air Force interests.

Todd Harrison, a senior defense policy fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said choosing a space expert like Meink to lead the Air Force is consequential and indicates that space will be a high priority under the Trump administration.

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He is solidly from a space background, unlike any other secretary of the Air Force, Harrison told Defense News. I think that it must be intended to send a message that the Trump administration means business when it comes to the Space Force and the prioritization of the Space Force.

In Meinks current role as deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, or NRO, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the spy agency, which provides space-based intelligence to the military. Throughout his career, hes held positions in the Air Force space community, including stints at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and in the office of the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space.

If confirmed, Meink will lead the Air Force and the Space Force at a time when both services face important decisions about the size and shape of their future force. For the Air Force, that means designing a next-generation fighter fleet, modernizing two legs of the nuclear triad and determining how to integrate more autonomy and uncrewed aircraft across its portfolio.

Meanwhile, the Space Force  which was created five years ago under the first Trump administration  is looking to double or triple its budget in the coming years to get after growing threats and new missions alike.

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The next Air Force secretary will decide how resources are distributed between the two services, and a leader with Meinks space expertise could shift more funding toward the Space Force, whose $30 billion budget for fiscal 2025 is a fraction of the Air Forces $188 billion request.

Securing US space assets is busting the Air Force budget, Kendall says

The airpower advocates out there are probably very worried about this pick because were in an era where the budget is not growing, Harrison said. If the Space Force is going to grow in priority and grow in funding, that may very well come at the expense of the Air Force.

Harrison noted that Meink will also inherit decisions around how to transition missions, such as moving target indication  typically performed from the air  to space sensors and satellites.

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I think he will bring, perhaps, a preference or a healthy kind of new perspective on the trade-offs between air and space, he said. There are a number of mission areas that are ripe to move from the Air Force side to the Space Force side. Some of thats already starting to happen, some of it could be accelerated.

During Meinks tenure at the NRO, the largely classified agencys public-facing successes have included launching more than 100 ISR satellites as part of a proliferated constellation in low Earth orbit and partnering more closely with commercial companies for satellite imagery and other services.

Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and principal deputy undersecretary for intelligence during Trumps first term, said Meink has been at the leading edge of advancing data processing and analytic capabilities  an expertise that will serve both the Air Force and the Space Force well.

He grounds himself in technical facts and analysis, she said. Whether its a space issue or an air issue, hes going to approach it thoughtfully and substantively.

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Meinks NRO background also will likely inform his perspective on the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Space Force and the intelligence community  a sometimes heated topic as the service takes on new missions. The first Trump administration pushed for greater collaboration between the organizations and even proposed consolidating the NRO under the Space Force.

Doug Loverro, a former Pentagon space policy official, said Meinks experience could help smooth out some of those discussions.

This helps make that process work better because now youll have somebody who understands both sides equally well, he said.
(Bloomberg) -- Nigel Farage denied being anti-immigration and advocated for market-friendly fiscal policies in a bid to show that his insurgent Reform UK was ready to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour Party for power.

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Farage  the populist architect of Brexit and a friend of incoming US President Donald Trump  told Bloombergs UK Politics podcast that he accepted that his partys economic plans came with a big initial cost. But he denied they would spark the same sort of market havoc as seen during former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss disastrous seven weeks in office in 2022.

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He also used the half-hour interview his renew an offer to help Starmers government manage relations with Trump. He hailed Tesla boss Elon Musk  who recently called for Farages ouster as Reform leader  as a hero for buying the social media platform X and promoting free speech.

The remarks represented Farages latest attempt to put a more moderate face on the right-wing Reform UK, which is threatening to overtake Labour in opinion polls after edging past the Conservatives. That surge  buoyed by Trumps election and the potential for Musks financial support  has made Farage, 60, a bookmakers favorite to succeed Starmer as prime minister, even though Reform only won five seats in the last election and another one doesnt need to be held until 2029.

Those familiar with the Brexit architects long history of campaigning against European Union membership, and the free movement of people that went with it, will see his remarks on immigration as a softening. He denied Reform was anti-immigration, saying instead it was pro-control.

We are not putting up the barriers entirely, Farage said. If we want the City of London  where were sitting right now  if we want our tech sector to be a world leader, if we want to turn this place into one of the crypto-trading centers of the world  all those things  theres a lot we can do with British people, but we will need some highly-skilled people from other parts of the world.

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The remarks contrast with Farages campaigning during Britains referendum on leaving the European Union in 2016. Then, he drew criticism for suggesting continued EU membership would allow 75 million Turkish citizens to travel freely to Britain, and was accused of stoking anti-immigrant hostility with a poster showing a queue of largely non-white migrants under the slogan BREAKING POINT.

Farage again made immigration a focal point in last years vote, calling it an immigration election, tying economic and social problems to an influx of people from abroad.

Farage stressed Reform was non-sectarian, non-racist and would never have dealings with far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson  whose release from prison Musk has repeatedly called for this year.

UK policy needs to ensure theres no overall population explosion due to immigration, Farage said, referring to official data showing net migration soared to an all-time high of 906,000 in the year to June 2023. Nevertheless, he said theres still plenty of room for people to come on either work visas or in some cases come to settle. He didnt address how lower migration would affect the health and social care sectors, which are currently staffed by large numbers of low-paid workers from overseas.

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Farage smells an opportunity to finally make a dent in what he describes as a uni-party that has dominated British politics for decades. After making inroads into the Tory vote in the general election in July, hes said hes now coming for Labour, promising a political revolution.

Britains first-past-the-post electoral system doesnt help. Reforms five seats came on 14.3% of the vote, compared with the 72 seats taken by the centrist Liberal Democrats on 12.2%, reflecting of that partys more strategic targeting of constituencies. With Reform placing second in 98 constituencies, Farage has vowed to professionalize his party.

Farage has been helped by his relationship with Trump, an old friend who singled him out at a rally in the final days of the presidential campaign. Farage reiterated an offer to act as a go-between.

If they need help with the relationship  particularly in terms of negotiating tariffs or maybe sectoral free trade agreements, which I do believe are possible with the Trump regime  I, of course, would help because that is in the national interest, he said. He added that Trump would likely be amenable to strike deals on products such as whisky, motorbikes and financial services, but that one on agriculture might be too hard.

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Farage declined to say if hed spoken to Labour grandee Peter Mandelson  who advised the government to swallow its pride and make use of Farage in its dealings with Trump  since he was named ambassador to Washington. He called Mandelson bright, clever, wily, but said Trump worked better with entrepreneurs and that the UK could do better. He also warned that Starmers pursuit of deeper EU ties could alienate the incoming US administration.

And while he offered some praise for Musk, he also warned it was important for the worlds richest man not to be seen to be dictating policy to the US Treasury Department.

Domestically, Reforms election performance was built on its so-called contract with voters, in which the party vowed to boost growth by slashing taxes, migration and wasteful government spending.

Headline policies included saving 50 billion ($61 billion) a year through cuts in bureaucracy and wasteful spending; raising the level at which workers should start paying income tax to 20,000 from 12,570, and ending interest payments made by the Bank of England to commercial banks on reserves created through quantitative easing, which it said would save 35 billion a year.

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But Reforms manifesto has been criticized by Tax Policy Associates Dan Neidle and the Institute for Fiscal Studies for vagueness and faulty projections. With the UKs tax collector, His Majestys Revenue and Customs, saying each 100 increase in the income tax threshold costs 1 billion, the tax promise alone could cost more than 70 billion a year.

The contract set out our vision broadly of where we want to go, Farage said. Were now in a completely different place, and I fully accept that between now and the next election, weve got to be more specific.

Farage said he realized he wouldnt be able to make all his promised tax cuts at once  a nod to the market turmoil triggered by Truss unfunded package of tax cuts.

Were being much more cautious, Farage said. Liz Truss was going for Big Bang, right? Everything at once and clearly way too much at once without corresponding initial spending cuts.

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The Reform leader also emphasized his desire to push jobless Britons, and those who claim welfare benefits, back into work with a carrot and stick approach. Lower taxation would be the carrot to attract Britons currently stuck in a welfare trap into working more, Farage said.

The stick would include welfare cuts and curbs to rights such as working from home and four-day weeks, he said. What Im trying to do is give people a way out of poverty by making work pay.

--With assistance from James Woolcock.

(Updates with Trump ties in second paragraph.)

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At the Senate confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, faced questions from Democrats on Trumps plans for mass deportations and whether she would attach political strings to California.

During Friday's hearing, Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., asked whether Noem or Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, would be calling the shots on border policy, with Kim noting that Homan is not subject to Senate confirmation.

Who's going to be in charge of the border?" Kim asked. If he is going to be making decisions, then he should come before this committee as well.

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Noem responded that Trump himself would ultimately be calling the shots.

"Well, the president will be in charge of the border. It's a national security issue and the president is in charge of this," Noem said. At the same time, she continued: "I obviously will be, if nominated and confirmed and put into the position of being the Department of Homeland Security secretary and responsible for the authorities that we have and the authorities that we have and the actions that we take."

Noem went on to refer to Homan, who has advocated mass deportations and high-profile immigration raids in Democratic cities, as an incredible human being." She declined to clarify whether he would be directly issuing orders to institutions like Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

At the hearing, Noem was also asked whether there would be political bias when it comes to disaster relief, a reference to Trumps threat to withhold aid from California and suggestions from Trumps allies that aid should be provided in return for votes to raise the debt ceiling or changes to the the states climate policies.

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Noem claimed that she would not allow political bias to impact her decisions when it comes to disaster relief.

Under my leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, there will be no political bias to how disaster relief is delivered to the American people, Noem said.
The FBI shut down its DEI office. And Donald Trump is  mad?

As The Hill reported, the FBI closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion last month, seemingly succumbing to the conservatives who have portrayed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as an affront to straight white men or some kind of impediment to the agencys success.

Local law enforcement agencies have highlighted various benefits that DEI initiatives bring to their departments and the communities they serve. Nonetheless, Trump said during his campaign that he would root out anti-white feeling if elected president. And he even vowed to award restitution to students he described as victims of illegal and unjust DEI policies. So with the closure of this FBI office, one might say the agency essentially bent the knee to Trump and the Republican Party before he returned to power.

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And how did the president-elect respond? With a petulant social media post, saying:

We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI OfficeNever should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that theyre closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!

This is Trumpian incoherence at its worst.

Hes essentially raging at the FBI for doing what he and Republicans wanted  to abandon, or at least appear to abandon, DEI efforts  and saying that the agency should have acquiesced  sooner? In some ways, its a perfect distillation of Trumps character: a whiny and power-hungry gripe rooted in bigotry.

It would be easy to dismiss this as just the latest drop in what seems like an endless stream of diatribes from Trump. But his demand that FBI officials preserve documents is noteworthy  and suggests he has more planned on this front.

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As I see it, Trump may want to do one of two things. One option is for his administration to use the documents to wage some sort of legal war against officials who led the office or carried out its policies, as he has threatened to do with other political foes. Another option could be for his administration to cherry-pick data from these documents to establish some sort of pretext saying the office constituted some form of government waste, which could then be used to cut similar offices at other agencies.

Republicans are already busy on this front. For example, The Washington Post reports that conservatives working for Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamys Department of Government Efficiency are using a study from a right-wing nonprofit called the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, which has led multiple lawsuits accusing programs of anti-white discrimination, to map out $125 billion in cuts to federal programs theyve categorized as DEI.

Its unclear what, exactly, Trump wants to do with the FBI documents hes demanding. But its entirely clear he doesnt want to let the closure of the agencys DEI office to be the end of this story, even if it was a concession to him and his bigotry-fueled movement.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Updated Jan 22: As of Jan 21, the Department of Homeland Security has suspended its sensitive locations policy, allowing immigration raids where children gather including schools, hospitals and churches.

Parents showing their children where passports and other important legal documents are hidden at home.

Mothers and fathers signing affidavits outlining who their childrens caregiver would be.

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Guardians making arrangements with schools for dismissal in the event they have been picked up by federal agents in a deportation sweep.

These are the daily conversations and heartbreaking realities mixed-status families  where not all kids, parents or grandparents hold American citizenship or legal status to reside in the U.S.  are rehearsing in case children come home to an empty house.

An immigrant family crosses into the U.S. from Mexico through an abandoned railroad on June 28, 2024 in Jacumba Hot Springs, San Diego, California. (Qian Weizhong/Getty)

With Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan pledging to operate the largest deportation operation in American history in just days, parents, advocates, lawyers, and educators nationwide are working nonstop to protect and prepare families and school staff.

Students cant focus on learning when theyre worried about whether their parents will come home at the end of the day, when they see themselves dehumanized in the press, or when representatives of the federal government come to their city to say, Youll be first in line for removal, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said last month. The union has rolled out a three-part Sanctuary Training Series for staff and parents on how to protect kids from federal raids.

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The 74 interviewed dozens of people working with some of the nearly six million families facing ongoing dehumanization and threat of separation to understand how deportation plans are affecting schools and students.

School leaders throughout the country have begun sharing best practices: Ensuring bus drivers and front office staff are trained on legal policies; providing simple scripts for what to say when interacting with federal law enforcement; explaining whats next if the worst happens and families are separated and need to seek reunification.

A woman takes notes during an Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly known as CAIR Coalition) presentation on immigration enforcement at a school in Washington, DC on January 10, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty)

Educators, like healthcare workers, are sharing tips on TikTok for interacting with federal agents. Immigrant coalitions and parents are leading Know Your Rights trainings in schools. Some schools are increasing mental health offerings as widespread fear and anxiety increases along with anti-immigrant hate.

We need to let you know, if you are a student who is undocumented or a family who is undocumented, we will take care of you, former teacher and board member Scott Esserman vowed at a Denver school board meeting in November. Thats our responsibility.

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When pressed on what the Trump administrations plans would mean for millions of families with young children, officials have advised deported parents to take their American citizen children with them. If their home countries wont accept them, the administration has reportedly identified several countries where they will be permanently displaced  places where they may have no cultural, linguistic connection to.

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Oakland Enrolls  and Graduates  Older, Immigrant Students Many Districts Deny

Immigration enforcement operations will start in Chicago, Illinois and Aurora, Colorado, just outside of Denver, Trump administration officials have said.

In response, school districts including Oakland, Denver, Des Moines, Portland, and Chicago have reiterated sanctuary-esque resolutions passed during Trumps first term and are training staff on how to protect families privacy in any interactions with immigration enforcement.

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New York City Schools, the nations largest, has a clear cut policy: If immigration enforcement officers do arrive at a school building, staff must keep them outside, notifying the districts legal counsel to first verify any warrants or subpoenas.

Protecting immigrant students in and around school is not only moral  its the law, said Alejandra Vazquez Baur, co-founder of the National Newcomer Network and fellow at The Century Foundation. Accessing free education, regardless of immigration status, has been protected as a constitutional right for 42 years.

And like hospitals, schools, afterschool programs and chldrens bus stops have long been considered sensitive locations, protected from federal immigration raids without appropriate approval. Dozens of families sought refuge in churches while immigration arrests spread during the last Trump administration.

Today, advocates are preparing for a different ballgame. The Trump administrations plans include scrapping the Homeland Securitys sensitive locations policy, a move legal experts expect would be challenged.

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Los Angeles Schools Prepare for Trumps Immigration Crackdown

We dont want people with contagious diseases too scared to go to the hospital or children going uneducated because of poorly considered deportation policies, Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union told NBC.

While the legal logistical challenges to operate mass deportations are predictable and being planned for  Texas, for instance, has pledged over 1,400 acres for deportation centers  immigration law scholar Hiroshi Motomura expects a wildcard: the publics political will.

When you have the rhetoric and focus on the wall and on the border, its easy to stick with this idea that immigration law is to protect us from them, Motomura told The 74.

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But it really is different when you start depriving employees of their families, and kids see their classmates deported, he said. It completely shifts the political vulnerability and whats going on here.

(Frederic J. Brown/Getty)

The 74 spoke with school staff, advocates and lawyers in states with the highest volume of mixed-status families about what they expect and how theyre preparing for the Trump administrations mass deportation plans:

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Priscilla Monico Marin

Executive Director of the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children

Reality set in for Marin and her New Jersey-based team over the summer: Trumps second presidency was a distinct possibility. To reach as many immigrant youth as quickly as they could, they started brainstorming, identifying a new district partner, Jersey City Public Schools.

Marin felt called to support families like her own when anti-immigrant rhetoric resurged, swapping her career as a bilingual teacher to become an immigration lawyer.

No one wants to be defined by your hardest day, she said, adding too often undocumented students are not defined by their humor, their curiosity, or their strength, but instead their status and trauma.

Her team leads workshops and shares resources for classes of multilingual learners, so that they can secure immigration case support, access to social services and help others work past barriers to school enrollment.

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The current situation has created a sense of urgency to what Marin and her team do.

After she leaves the schools, older students start calling their hotline for assistance to secure visas and more stable immigration statuses, and to ask, Im undocumented. How do I enroll in healthcare?, while some navigate the web of government bureaucracy as the only bilingual person in their families.

Prerna Arora

Columbia Teachers College Faculty, New York

Arora  a professor who studies the mental and physical health impacts of immigration on children  is witnessing a culture of fear and pain thats limiting learning as fears of deportation loom.

Working with 100 immigrant youth and asylum seekers throughout New York City, she has seen more hesitance and skepticism to share their emails or names in recent months than ever before.

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Many expressed feeling underestimated People may expect them not to have any language skills or fewer than they have. Arora said. A lot of them spoke up to say, we want people to know that we actually do want to try, we do care.

In addition, several noted bias, hate and harassment from both children and adult K-12 school staff. Maybe its a comment in passing that nobody realized how harmful it was. Students are especially hurt when teachers say nothing at all after an incident.

Particularly to curb absenteeism, Arora emphasized schools need to focus on providing several tiers of mental health supports, ranging from school-wide workshops to small group and individual counseling, and establishing a sense of safety so that parents and kids feel like the school can be trusted.

Miguel Bocanegra

Immigration Lawyer with Cornell Universitys Path2Papers Program, California

A small team of lawyers have held over 500 free consultations since launching one year ago, quickly mobilizing to move as many working DACA recipients toward more permanent legal residency before the Supreme Court or Trumps administration upends the programs fate.

Their approach is offensive as opposed to defensive  to assist people in getting visas, to move in a positive direction that would not keep them in permanent limbo, said Bocanegra, who has been practicing immigration law for over two decades.

Bocanegra anticipates the Supreme Court may put an end to DACA as soon as late 2025, though it survived a challenge in Trumps first term. The Obama-era policy has enabled more than 700,000 dreamers brought to the country as children to attain temporary legal status and work authorization.

Today, he hosts confidential consultations with teachers and school staff on campuses and over Zoom, helping them and their employers secure sponsorship and more permanent statuses like H-1B visas.

Roughly 82% of the people theyve worked with are eligible for more stable statuses via employment or humanitarian visas.

Were advising employers to educate themselves and make decisions one way or the other about whether they can move forward with these visa options while theres still some time.

Alejandra Vazquez Baur

Co-founder of National Newcomer Network, New York

A former south Florida teacher who grew up in a mixed status household, Vazquez Baur has witnessed generations of kids live with fears of deportation that often led to school absenteeism.

While the incoming administrations agenda seems more willing to target families and threaten kids right to education, she urged school leaders to remember, the law is still the law, nothing has changed yet.

The fear school staff may experience when encountering federal law enforcement is only mitigated by knowing what to do. Some schools have begun printing out flow charts and language that front office staff, bus drivers and security agents can use: We follow district policy and cannot provide any information without consulting legal counsel.

Maribel Sainez

Aspire Public Schools Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement, California

Sainez, who also grew up in a mixed-status household, is urgently spreading a resource she recently learned of: California counties local response network hotlines, where families can report if theyve seen ICE agents, inquire about sightings in a given area, or get support after an interaction with the agency.

She and her charter network that serves many undocumented students are partnering with local organizations to offer Know Your Rights trainings, which include exercises for families on how to interact with federal agents.

I constantly draw on my own lived experiences, said Sainez.  How can we counter that fear and panic and really promote a sense of solidarity, awareness, and power building?



In Los Angeles, citizenship expert Motomura has analyzed decades of policy, and resistance to change it. Hes among thousands advocating for reforms to the immigration system, stuck in congressional limbo year after year.

The world has changed, the economy has changed, Motomura said. The only way were going to get out of it is to make it not about how high the border wall is, but ask ourselves why there are 11 million people in the country who are without papers.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Donald Trumps pick for secretary of homeland security, got some heat for rattling off dubious statistics during her Senate confirmation hearing Friday.

Michigan Senator Gary Peters noted that the hearing had considered a fair amount of political theater, and reminded those listening that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee endeavored to be a fact-based committee.

Weve heard a lot of numbers being thrown around here. And I dont have time to go through and challenge those numbers; some of them we dont even know where they came from, Peters said. I dont think thats helpful to the very important mission of confirm that youre gonna be dealing with.

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So, I hope that in the future that were actually dealing with facts. Youve mentioned many times that you want to deal with facts, and real data. And again, weve heard a lot here thats not real data. And we should not operate that way, Peters said.

Peterss comment, though not directed at any particular person, seemed to be a way to chastise those present for providing sourceless numbers about immigrationincluding Noem.

President Trump was elected with a clear mandate, Noem said in her opening statement. He needs to achieve this mission because two-thirds of Americans support his immigration and border policies, including the majority of Hispanic Americans.

But a postelection survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that just 26 percent of Americans agreed that the U.S. military should put undocumented immigrants into internment camps until they can be deported, which is exactly Trumps plan. Not even two-thirds of Republicans support such an extreme plot, only 46 percent. Not exactly a mandate.

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Noem also rattled off a slate of numbers about immigration that didnt seem totally sound, either.

Over 13,000 murderers loose in this country that have come over that border. We have had almost 16,000 rapists and sexual assault perpetrators that are loose in this country right now. Four hundred eighty-five thousandplus people have criminal convictions that are here in this country, she insisted

Noem appears to have gotten her numbers from DHSs Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but she is misstating some of the facts. In July, ICE reported that there were 13,000 immigrants who have been convicted of homicide, either in their home country or in the U.S., and 16,000 who are convicted of sexual assault but who were not currently in ICE detention. While Noem suggested that these individuals are loose, she failed to provide the essential caveat that they could already be in jail for their crimes or not prioritized for detention by ICE itself.

The ICE report also stated that there were 425,431 undocumented immigrants outside of ICE detention who were convicted criminals, and an additional 222,141 with pending criminal chargesnot 485,000-plus.

Much of Noems hearing revolved around so-called migrant crime, as she insisted that undocumented immigrants had been allowed to get away with rape and murder under the Biden administrationsomething that is simply not true.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the billionaire biotech entrepreneur joining Elon Musk to recommend drastic cuts to federal spending in Donald Trumps administration, reportedly plans to run for governor of Ohio.

Ramaswamy  who was reportedly considering a run for J.D. Vances open U.S. Senate seat, with Trumps encouragement  is expected to announce a campaign to replace the states term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, according toThe Washington Post.

On Friday, DeWine tapped the states Lt. Gov Jon Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat instead, after Vances resignation to serve as vice president under Trump.

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Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native who now lives in the Columbus area, is working with Musk and members of Congress with Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, a newly created outside advisory group, which is expected to recommend mass firings and slashed federal budgets to the new administration.

Vivek Ramaswamy is expected to announce a run for governor of Ohio after he was passed over for filling the states open Senate seat previously held by J.D. Vance. (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump has said the groups work must be completed by no later than July 4, 2026, ahead of a November 2026 election for the next governor of Ohio.

Ramaswamy, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination as a Trump booster, has never held public office.

The Independent has requested comment from Ramaswamy.

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Husted, a Republican, will join Ohios congressional delegation alongside recently elected GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, who entered office earlier this month after defeating Ohios incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in November. Husteds interim term ends in 2026, after which there will be an election to determine who holds the seat.

I believe and know that Jon is prepared to be United States senator from the state of Ohio, DeWine said Friday. The U.S. Senate rewards hard workers. It rewards those who master the facts. It rewards those who focus on getting things done.

Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is expected to compete for the GOP nomination for governor against state attorney general Dave Yost, who has notably fought to defend the states six-week anti-abortion law. Former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton recently announced her campaign to run as the Democratic nominee.

Ramaswamys expected announcement also follows his ignition of inter-party outrage over immigrant visas, after he bizarrely argued that ubiquitous 1990s sitcom tropes about high school nerdiness only venerated mediocrity and produced fewer American engineers.

His comments amplified a schism between Trumps anti-immigrant allies and Silicon Valley Republicans, with Trump eventually saying he always liked the H-1B visa program, despite restricting them during his first term and calling the program very bad when he first ran for office in 2016.
(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Brett Shumate to lead the US Department of Justices Civil Division, choosing a veteran litigator to run an office that will defend the incoming administrations agenda in court, according to people familiar with the situation.

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Shumate is a partner at Jones Day in Washington, a law firm that has served as a pipeline for conservative lawyers to government posts and judgeships. During the first Trump administration, Shumate was a senior official in the Civil Divisions Federal Programs Branch, and handled some of the biggest legal fights of Trumps first term.

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Shumate and a Jones Day spokesperson did not immediately requests for comment on Thursday. A Trump transition team spokesperson declined to comment.

If nominated, Shumate would need confirmation from the Senate before assuming office.

This week, Shumate filed notices in court withdrawing from cases he was involved in and alerting judges that he was leaving Jones Day as of Jan. 17, but he didnt specify his new position. His planned return to the Civil Division was confirmed by people who werent authorized to speak publicly about administration hires before theyre announced.

The Civil Division is the Justice Departments largest litigating section. In addition to defending the US government when agencies or officials are sued, the office also brings cases to enforce US laws and regulations.

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Shumate handled some of the highest-profile litigation brought against Trump and his administration. Shumate argued against claims that Trumps refusal to divest from his business interests violated sections of the US Constitution that bar officeholders from accepting certain things of value or benefits, referred to as emoluments, from foreign and domestic government entities.

Other cases that Shumate argued or worked on included fights over the administrations efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program offering legal protections for young non-US citizens, replace the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and put a citizenship question on the 2020 census.

Shumate left the Justice Department for Jones Day in the summer of 2019, where he joined the government regulation practice led by Trumps first White House counsel, Don McGahn.

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Kevin OLeary, the Canadian Shark Tank investor who has been palling around with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks, complained at length on Fox News about former first lady Michelle Obamas decision to skip the president-elects inauguration.

On the Fox News midday show Outnumbered, OLeary reacted to Obamas decision, which, a source close to her told People, came because she is not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake.

This tradition has gone on for over a hundred years. This is what presidents doand their wiveson inauguration day, OLeary claimed, adding later that it was wrong for Trump to choose not to attend President Joe Bidens swearing-in four years ago.

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This is the holiest day of politics. It is the transition of power. You have to respect it, he went on, glossing over Trumps efforts to thwart the results of the 2020 election and his refusal to concede. I dont like what shes doing here. Im against it. I think its wrong.

The history between the Obamas and Trump goes back more than a decade, after Trump spent years pushing the racist birther conspiracy theory that her husband wasnt born in the United States.

Still, to OLeary, Obamas absence is wrong because it runs counter to the nations ethos.

It takes away from the institution of freedom and what the signal to the world is, he said, before talking up what he believed Americas number one export to be.

I say this over and over again. Its not energy. Its not technology. The number one expert is the American Dream. Thats why people come here. This messes with that, OLeary insisted, implying that potential immigrants could actually be dissuaded from coming to the U.S. simply by the former first lady not being at the Capitol for a few hours next week.
The incoming forty-seventh president doesnt seem to believe he needs to abide by the law when it comes to following through on banning TikTok.

Moments after the Supreme Court upheld Congresss ban Friday on the popular video-sharing app, Trump claimed he would be making a decision regarding its future in the American market, potentially sidestepping two branches of the U.S. government.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told CNNs Pamela Brown. Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision.

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Trump did not provide more details on what exactly that would look like.

On Thursday, U.S. officials revealed that President Joe Biden would not enforce the ban through the end of his presidency, handing the responsibility of interpreting the law to Trump.

Experts have said the app will not disappear from users phones, though it will be restricted from the app store, and new updates will no longer be availableeventually rendering the app unusable, reported the Associated Press.

Trump claimed he spoke on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in part discussing the future of TikTok, minutes before the Supreme Court released its opinion.

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I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China, Trump posted on Truth Social Friday morning. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!

Trump has pledged to save the platform, though its unclear how his team intends to do so. Once inaugurated, Trump could issue a 90-day pause on the ban so long as a sale is in progress, per the terms of the law. But that could be difficult, as Chinese law restricts the sale of TikToks proprietary algorithm, according to Bytedances attorneys. And Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogarwho represented the Biden administration in the casetold the nations highest court last week that even the 90-day respite isnt a guarantee.
President-elect Trump said Friday he would weigh the future of TikTok once his administration takes over the White House after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring the apps China-based parent company to divest or face a ban starting Sunday.

It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, Trump told CNN after the ruling was announced.

Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision, Trump added.

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Later on his Truth Social social media platform, Trump said the Supreme Courts decision must be respected and that he would review the situation.

The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! Trump said.

The justices earlier Friday unanimously sided with the Biden administration, finding that the divest-or-ban law does not violate the First Amendment. Trump had urged the justices to delay the deadline so he could negotiate a deal, but the court instead acted with breakneck speed.

The White House in its statement following the courts opinion said it would not enforce a ban on Bidens last day in office, and instead leave that decision to Trumps incoming administration.

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Trump signed an executive order in 2020, during his first term, effectively banning TikTok over data privacy concerns because of its parent company, ByteDance. While the order was never enacted after legal challenges, Trump has in the past year become an outspoken fan of TikTok, citing his popularity on the app during his campaign.

Some of Trumps top advisers in recent days said he will act upon taking office Monday to preserve access to the app while addressing data privacy concerns.

TikTok itself is a fantastic platform, incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Fox News. I wish I could have it on my phone. The algorithm is amazing. Were going to find a way to preserve it but protect peoples data. And thats the deal that will be in front of us.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trumps inauguration and sit on the dais with other tech leaders. The president-elect said Friday that he discussed the fate of TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a call.

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Updated 11:23 a.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem struggled to commit to giving disaster relief to all Americans during her confirmation hearing Friday, because it wasnt exactly what Donald Trump had said.

Senator Richard Blumenthal pressed Noem on Trumps recent statements threatening to withhold disaster relief from California as it suffers from devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.

I am really disappointed with some of the statements that President-elect Trump has made, Blumenthal said. He cited the president-elects own words when he claimed that if California Governor Gavin Newsom failed to reinstate Trump-era policies in his state, we wont give him money to put out all his fires, and we dont give him the money to put out his fires. Hes got problems.

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The spectre is there of potential discrimination based on politics, Blumenthal explained. Withholding money from California or other states. Its not an unfounded fear. In the last administration there were public reports about President Trump withholding money from the state of Washington because of his disagreements with Governor Inslee.

Blumenthal said he was also concerned about his own Democratic-led state, Connecticut, which had suffered from intense floods, noting that these natural disasters are going to become more frequent.

I assume you will agree with me that withholding disaster relief, by President Trump or any other chief executive of the United States, is a violation of his duty, and of law? Blumenthal asked, testing to see if Noem was willing to speak against Trump.

She was not.

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Well Senator, leadership has consequences, and looking at the tragedy thats happening in California is Noem started.

I want to ask you, uh yes or no, with all due respect. Its an easy Blumenthal interjected.

Whats happening in California is the ramification of many decisions over many years, Noem continued, though it is still unclear what amount of the destruction was the result of alleged government and resource mismanagement. But under my leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, there will be no political bias to how disaster relief is delivered to the American people.

Blumenthal then asked whether Noem would stand up to Trump if he decided he didnt want to allocate money because he didnt like the governor or the politics of that state, such as Connecticut.

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Senator, in three days President Trump will take an oath to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law in this country, and Ill be glad to have him back, Noem said. I dont speak to hypotheticals, which is what youre asking me to do. But what I will tell you is as secretary, I will do the same, I will deliver the programs as the laws dictate

Well, its more than a hypothetical, with all due respect, Blumenthal said, before apologizing for interrupting her.

Its more than a hypothetical. Its based on experience with President Trump withholding money from Washington state and elsewhere. I need to know from you, will you stand up to the president and say no? Blumenthal pressed, asking about the fate of the hundred billion dollars that had been appropriated for disaster relief during the last session of Congress. Would you say no to the president if he withholds that money?

Sir, I dont know about the scenarios that youre referencing with President Trump, but I will tell you is that if given the chance to be secretary of homeland security that I will deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias, Noem said.

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So you pledge to allocate and distribute that hundred billion dollars? Blumenthal asked.

According to how the program is written with no political bias, Noem confirmed. Every American deserves to be there and have disaster relief the same as their neighbors.

Blumenthal confirmed that this was basically following the law.
Oregon's Democratic leaders say they'll protect Oregon values but don't want to respond to everything President-elect Donald Trump says or does. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Days before President-elect Donald Trump was set to take office, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that he joined other Democratic states in court filings to preserve federal gun control rules.

Rayfield and other attorneys general also intervened to protect the ability for some undocumented immigrants to enroll in health care plans through the Affordable Care Act and weeks after the new attorney general convened a group of advisers and named a top Justice Department lawyer to lead federal litigation.

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All of those actions, as well as Gov. Tina Koteks announcement in November that the state added to its stockpile of the abortion drug mifepristone, are among Oregons preparations for a new Donald Trump presidency.

Oregons five Democratic statewide elected officials  Kotek, Rayfield, Secretary of State Tobias Read, Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner and Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson  as well as House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner and their staffs, began regular meetings last year to discuss what to expect from the incoming administration and how to react. In individual interviews and in public speeches since the election, those officials and other top Democrats in Oregon have stressed that theyre trying to identify specific threats and not waste time planning how to respond to vague statements.

Fahey, D-Eugene, was elected to the House in 2016, the same as Trump. Shes now among a small cohort of lawmakers who served during the first Trump administration, and in the days immediately following the election, she told the Capital Chronicle, she spent a lot of time talking to newer colleagues about everything Oregon legislators did to respond to his first term.

In 2017, they passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which codified the right to an abortion in Oregon and required that abortion and other reproductive health services be provided at no cost to patients.

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They passed the Oregon Environmental Protection Act in 2019, codifying the decades-old federal protections of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in state law.

They strengthened state laws around hate crimes and the right to organize in labor unions. But they couldnt spend those four years focused on the federal government, Fahey said. The Legislature also worked on instituting paid family leave, investing $1 billion in schools through the Student Success Act and expanding access to pre-school during Trumps first term.

We were responsive to what was happening out of the federal level to try and insulate Oregonians from the most harmful things, but at the same time, it was really important that we continue to govern the state, Fahey said.

Strategic responses

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, agreed with Fahey during a recent meeting of the Willamette Women Democrats.

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We are not going to be responding to every ridiculous thing the president says, Bowman said.

That means, he explained, that Oregons Democratic legislators wont spend time writing statements about how they disagree with the idea of using military force to take over Greenland, but they will work on legislation and funding.

Just because youre not seeing press releases and tweets from us does not mean that we are not working really hard behind the scenes to pass the policy infrastructure, to pass the budgets, through our Department of Justice with our new attorney general, Dan Rayfield, to make sure we have the tools and resources in place to stand up and fight back when we need to, Bowman said. This isnt about having a platform and getting into a big fight. Its about doing what needs to be done for Oregonians.

Other Democratic lawmakers have said theyre focused on defending Oregonians rights and values from potential threats, though they have yet to share specific proposals. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, said Thursday protecting Oregonians from chaos and confusion in Washington, D.C., is among four top priorities for Senate Democrats, though he did not have details to share about what they could do that they havent already done.

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We really dont know what is in the pipeline, Jama said Thursday. I think we have some ideas (of) what the administration said that they plan to do about immigration, about health care issues. I think the question for us would be, how do we prepare for that and make sure that our attorney general is taking the lead in terms of that protection, and make sure Oregonians are feeling that their rights have been protected.

Few of the nearly 2,300 bills lawmakers have introduced include details. Jamas Senate Bill 149, a placeholder bill that now just directs the Oregon Department of Human Services to study immigration, is a likely vehicle for legislation addressing any loopholes in Oregons sanctuary laws that prohibit public resources from being used to help enforce federal immigration law.

Republican plans

Legislative Republicans have been more explicit about their plans. For instance, GOP lawmakers introduced several bills, including Senate Bill 11, Senate Bill 486, Senate Bill 491, House Bill 2191 and House Bill 2192, to repeal the states prohibition on state and local governments cooperating with federal immigration authorities or require local law enforcement to ask about citizenship and inform immigration authorities each time someone is arrested on certain crimes.

And House Bill 2303, introduced by Reps. Kevin Mannix, R-Salem, and Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, would go further by directing courts to declare any state agency rule invalid if it conflicts with federal law or regulations.

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None of those Republican proposals are expected to progress in the Legislature, where Democrats hold a supermajority in both the House and the Senate.

Republicans have also dismissed Democratic politicians stated concerns as political posturing. Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, recalled seeing a press release from Fahey, then the House majority leader, shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the national right to an abortion, reassuring Oregonians that their legislators had protected abortion rights in state statute and they didnt need to fear. But a few months later, as the 2022 election heated up, campaign ads warned that electing Republicans would result in losing those rights and Oregonians should fear.

Weve codified in Oregon the things that Oregonians expect us to have in law and the threat from the federal government is a little bit of just  I dont believe theres a there there, Bonham said.

Bonham has just two years left in the Senate because he and nine other Republicans lost their chance to run for reelection by participating in a six-week walkout in 2023, spurred in large part by their opposition to a bill that sought to expand and protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. Hell attend Trumps inauguration on Monday.

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To pretend like somehow the boogeyman of Donald Trump is coming for us, Im just not sold, Bonham said.

Koteks $39.3 billion budget proposal, which lawmakers will start parsing when they begin their legislative work Tuesday, includes millions of dollars for reproductive health, climate change and federal lawsuits. She wants the legislators to give Rayfield an extra $2 million during the next two years to defend state laws on reproductive health care, immigrant protections and environmental standards and another $2 million to grow the Department of Justices Bias Response Hotline.

She also asked for $7 million to help immigrants living in Oregon navigate the immigration system and find legal representation. A group of Democratic legislators, as well as Rep. Greg Smith, a Heppner Republican whose eastern Oregon district includes a large share of immigrants with and without proof of legal status, introduced Senate Bill 703 to provide $6 million in grants to help noncitizens become citizens or permanent residents.

Koteks budget proposal also included $2.5 million in grants to expand access to reproductive health services and another $2.5 million to backfill any decline in federal funding for reproductive health care.

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Fahey, the House speaker who started during Trumps first term, said Oregonians who are scared about the incoming administration should feel confident in their state leadership.

There are rational people with a steady hand at the wheel in charge in Oregon, Fahey said. We are ready to respond to anything that might come out of the federal level, as we did in his first administration, and were ready to keep governing and to keep addressing challenges, and thats I think thats true in state legislatures around the country.

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Charlottes Department of Homeland Security office saw a long line Thursday, days before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office.

Trump has promised to mass deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the country  a prospect that experts say could be difficult and costly to the economy, including in North Carolina.

One report on social media described the scene Thursday as chaos. But the situation at the office was orderly and quiet, with people chatting amongst themselves. Some waited in line for appointments that had long been scheduled, others tried to get a walk-in meeting.

People wait outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement takes walk-ins, though it prioritizes people with appointments. Charlottes DHS office is off Tyvola Center Drive. ICE is the DHS main investigative arm, and often initiates deportations.

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There is usually a line, said Marco Ruiz, a Charlotte business owner who was there with his wife for her scheduled check-in. Thursdays wait was especially long, though. They got in line around 8 a.m., he said, and were still not in the building by noon.

I guess the uncertainty of whats going to happen gets people a little rattled, he said, referencing Trumps return to the White House.

A woman, whom The Charlotte Observer agreed not to name, said she came by because shes worried about what might happen after Trumps inauguration next week.

She came to the United States from Honduras, she said.

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Shes had routine appointments with ICE for eight years, first in Nevada and later in North Carolina, she told a reporter with the help of a translator.

Her daughter, born in the United States, is 21 and studying medicine in Honduras, she said. She is worried for her, too, she said.

Asked for comment Thursday, ICE said in a statement: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Enforcement and Removal Operations is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.

The agency makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law and DHS policy, the statement said. ICE officers apply prosecutorial discretion in a responsible manner.

People wait outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

People wait outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

People wait outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

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Ryan Oehrli covers criminal justice in the Charlotte region for The Charlotte Observer. His work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
As he prepares to take office, President-elect Donald Trump says he hope to meet with Russias Vladimir Putin very quickly in pursuit of a speedy end to the war in Ukraine. Trump has suggested he believes Putin will be open to compromise, as the Russian president surely cannot be too thrilled about the way [the war has] gone.

While the Kremlin has expressed readiness to talk, the incoming administration must not be fooled. Moscow views these potential negotiations as a way to achieve its longstanding objective of subjugating Ukraine, not to reach a genuine compromise. The Kremlin seeks to use American eagerness for peace to help it achieve that objective. If this ploy works, it will succeed not so much because of Putins ability to deceive us but because we deceived ourselves.

Even as Moscow says it desires peace, the Kremlin continues to make maximalist demands. In recent months, Putin has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine must cede territory and abandon all hope of joining NATO. The Russian leader asserts that any deal should be based on a draft agreement negotiated in Istanbul in the spring of 2022, which fell apart after Russian forces withdrew from Kyivs outskirts, allowing the world to discover the atrocities the Russians had inflicted upon Ukrainian civilians there. Such a deal would circumscribe Ukrainian sovereignty, including by restricting the size of its military.

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In short, the Kremlin seeks to lock in its own battlefield gains while leaving Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression. Russia would then be free to bully its smaller neighbour, including in a potential follow-up war.

Putins goal of dominating Ukraine isnt going to change. He sees it as fundamental to Russias place in the world and to his own legacy as a modern-day tsar. In order to anticipate Putins next steps, Washington must understand how he thinks.

Whereas American diplomats are reminded daily of the benefits of trade and cooperation, Putin  trained as a KGB operative  thinks in zero-sum terms. Theres an old Russian joke that illustrates this mindset perfectly: A peasant lives between two houses that each have a cow, and he complains to God that he doesnt have his own. When God offers to provide him with one, the peasant replies, No, Id prefer that you just kill my neighbours cows.

Furthermore, whereas Americans think in four-year election cycles, Putin has the luxury of envisioning a longer horizon  the centuries required to actualise his imperial ambitions. He has said that the fall of the Soviet empire was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century, and therefore his primary goal is to restore Russias power, undermine NATO, and replace the American-led world order with a multipolar one.

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The Kremlin does not believe that Trumps ascension to power will lead to any radical change in Washingtons supposed hostility toward Russia. However, Moscow understands that Trump wants to be perceived as a deal maker who managed to end a conflict his predecessor failed to resolve.

Russia seeks to exploit this desire to close the deal to entice Washington into accepting Russias supposed right to suzerainty over Ukraine and pressuring Kyiv into one-sided concessions. The Kremlin has already some success in getting Trump to accept its framing of the conflict as catalysed by NATOs expansion attempts rather than Russias. Sergey Lavrov, for example, praised Trump this month for a comment sympathising with Russias opposition to having NATO right on their doorstep.

In the meantime, Putin is looking to strengthen his leverage by grinding forward on the battlefield, where he believes his forces currently have the upper hand. The Kremlin likely intends to press its advantage until Kyiv capitulates or Russia simply has no option but to pause the fighting. Even then, any ceasefire may just be an interlude before another war.

The incoming American president would be wise to focus on steps to increase U.S. and Ukrainian leverage. He should impose more sanctions on Russia and provide Ukraine with more weapons. Trump must not fall for Moscows deceptions. No dialogue, vodka, or peace through trade will alter Putins ambitions.

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President-elect Trump on Thursday named Troy Meink, a top spy chief who has previously served as a missile engineer, as his pick for secretary of the Air Force.

Trump said in a statement on Truth Social that Meink would work with his Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth to ensure that our Nations Air Force is the most effective and deadly force in the World, as we secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.

Meink is the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency in charge of building and maintaining U.S. spy satellites.

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He has served in the position since 2020, when Trump was in his first term. Meink was first appointed in 2017 during Trumps first term to director of geospatial intelligence systems acquisition at the NRO.

Meink, from Lemmon, S.D., entered the Air Force in 1988 through the college program Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) before becoming a KC-135 tanker navigator and then a lead test engineer for ballistic missile tests at the Missile Defense Agency.

Meink has also served in previous roles as undersecretary of the Air Force for space and the director, executive agent for space staff and assistant director of national intelligence for systems and resource analyses at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

If confirmed by the Senate, Meink will oversee critical programs for the Air Force, including the Sentinel program modernizing the land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system. The program has ballooned in costs, but the Air Force considers it a national security priority.

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The Air Force is also working on critical programs for artificial intelligence drones and for next-generation aircraft.

Trumps new Department of Government Efficiency, helmed by entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and billionaire Elon Musk, are also considering steep cuts to Pentagon waste. Musk has specifically called out the F-35 fighter jet program.

Trump named his pick for the Navy as businessman John Phelan 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 The Hill.
At noon on Monday, President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated in the Capitol rotunda where four years earlier, a wayward supporter named Brian Kelly meandered amid the Jan. 6 mob.

Kelly filmed a horrific scene: Rioters seeking to prevent the transfer of power to President Joe Biden clashing with Capitol police and vandalizing artwork and statues, as the halls of Congress choked with tear gas.

On Friday, Kelly was one of a handful of Jan. 6 defendants sentenced for his role in a riot that Trump has made clear he hopes to erase from history  while federal judges plead with the world to never forget it.

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I only wish the rest of the country could see some of the things I see, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said before sentencing Kelly to 10 days in prison. This may be, based on what happens outside these courthouse walls, the last one of these. I dont know.

Chutkan said she had never been in the Capitol until she visited to pay her respects to President Jimmy Carter earlier this month. Her visit, she said, after presiding over so many Jan. 6 cases, was a reminder that people came in and desecrated that beautiful space.

Like Chutkan, judges across the federal courthouse in Washington on Friday openly grappled with how to mete out punishment for what they describe as a dangerous assault on American democracy. Meanwhile, the man who helped stoke it is about to return to power  and promises to pardon an untold number of the perpetrators. Chutkan, who would have presided over the criminal trial of Trump himself for his attempt to subvert the 2020 election, noted that Kelly  and many other Jan. 6 defendants  may never serve a day of their sentences.

Down the hall, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich took the measure of Lewis Snoots, who participated in some of the most vicious assaults on police that day, including on D.C. officer Michael Fanone, who attended Snoots sentencing. On Jan. 6, Fanone was dragged into the crowd at the mouth of the Capitols Lower West Terrace Tunnel  the corridor presidents typically traverse before taking the oath of office  where he was beaten, tased and left with permanent physical and emotional trauma.

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Friedrich sentenced Snoots to about six years in jail  the steep punishment prosecutors, and Fanone, asked for  but to Fanone, Trumps escape from criminal accountability for the attack has left him feeling hollow.

I no longer have faith in any of our institutions, said Fanone, gripping the podium while addressing the judge. Our justice system has proven feckless to hold those truly responsible for Jan. 6 to account.

Sentence him to whatever the hell the government is asking, Fanone added of Snoots, because its nothing compared to what my family and I have endured, and will most likely endure for the rest of our lives.

In some ways, it was a typical day at the courthouse for the post-Jan. 6 era, which has seen nearly 1,600 arrested for their role in the mob. In other courtrooms Friday, a woman faced sentencing for smashing a Capitol window with an ice ax, two brothers were sentenced for police assault, and a former FBI official who joined the attack prepared to face a jurys verdict.

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But in other ways, it was a day unlike any other: The final business day before Trump takes office and promises to erase large swaths of the Jan. 6 prosecutions with his pardon pen and reorient the Justice Departments treatment of the attack.

Judges repeatedly referenced their uncertainty and the challenge of continuing to administer justice against that backdrop.

Jan. 6 exposed  serious cracks in our democracy, Chutkan said. We have not reached an understanding of what really happened that day. Anyone who ever thinks of doing something like that again has to understand there will be consequences.

Trump has not clarified how many Jan. 6 defendants he intends to pardon  whether clemency will extend only to nonviolent members of the mob or how he will treat the most serious offenders convicted of seditious conspiracy. Defense attorneys have said they are hopeful their clients receive pardons but are mindful that campaign promises dont always translate into action.

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He promised three wives hed be faithful, Kellys defense lawyer Gregory Hunter said to Chutkan.

Dont go there, the judge fired back.

Still, judges made clear they were mindful of the significance of Trumps imminent return to power and what it might mean for their dockets, which have been crammed with Jan. 6 cases for the past four years.

And if anyone needed a reminder, all they had to do was look out the courthouse window, which faces the west front of the Capitol  today, draped in American flags and inauguration regalia for Trumps swearing in. Layers of high metal fencing, bike racks and security towers served as a reminder of potential dangers.

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Inside the courtrooms, judges replayed videos depicting the same turf shrouded in smoke, rioters scaling Bidens inaugural platform and battering police at the foot of the building.

Youve done a lot of damage to the country, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said as he sentenced Kellye Sorelle, a lawyer who advised some of the most serious Jan. 6 offenders to delete evidence in the days after the attack.

Mehta called her conduct a coda to the events of Jan. 6 that hopefully will not be forgotten anytime soon.
The incoming Trump administration will be in a position to broker a "good" and "strong" peace deal in Ukraine, provided that Kyiv agrees, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press briefing on Jan. 16.

"So I believe that the incoming administration is in a position where, if the Ukrainians so desire and so choose, it can help to negotiate a good deal," Blinken said after commenting that thanks to the Biden administration and international partners, Russia has failed to subdue Ukraine.

"And President (Donald) Trump talks about having good, strong deals. I think theres an opportunity to get one."

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Trump, taking office on Jan. 20, has pledged to swiftly push for a peace settlement in the Russia-Ukraine war after taking office, prompting fears he might pressure Kyiv toward painful concessions.

His team signaled that the new administration would seek to preserve Ukraine's independence, though Blinken's expected successor, Marco Rubio, said that both Kyiv and Moscow would have to make concessions to achieve a peace deal.

Since invading Ukraine in 2014 and escalating its war of aggression in 2022, Russia has occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory, imposing repressive measures on the local population and prohibiting any expressions of Ukrainian identity. Ukraine has repeatedly said it would not recognize its territory currently under Moscow's control as Russian.

Blinken noted that any potential ceasefire must be enduring and not simply a pause that will give Russian President Vladimir Putin a chance to "rest, refit, and then when he deems the moment right, re-attack."

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"So you have to have built into any ceasefire the effective deterrence necessary so that he doesnt re-attack. That is, I think, a necessary part of any good, strong deal for Ukraine," the chief U.S. diplomat said.

The secretary of state also highlighted the Biden administration's efforts to put Ukraine into the strongest possible position in any potential talks, noting that Russia suffered massive battlefield losses and faces mounting economic difficulties.

"The losses that Russia has incurred are almost unimaginable  I think, by some assessments, 700,000-800,000 casualties. That includes those killed and those wounded," Blinken said.

The Biden administration ramped up its support for Ukraine since Trump's reelection, announcing several major security assistance packages, easing restrictions on long-range strikes inside Russia, and imposing sweeping sanctions on the Russian energy sector.

Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The new Panamanian ambassador was given strict instructions as he prepared to meet then-President Donald Trump one day in 2019: Do not engage him in any substantive discussion of critical issues.

This was meant to be a carefully choreographed photo op, nothing more but a brief stop on the diplomatic conveyor belt as foreign ambassadors lined up in the West Wing to formalize their positions atop embassies across Washington.

But the instructions left Juan De Dianous unprepared for the brief interaction with Trump that followed. As he went to shake Trumps hand, the president mentioned that in his experience there were a lot of crooks in Panama.

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De Dianous died in 2021 and never sought to publicize or draw attention to the moment. But the story was relayed or confirmed to CNN by several former Panamanian government officials, who, like the rest of the world, are now grappling to divine Trumps views on the Central American nation of 4 million people.

Through a series of social media posts and then most prominently during a press conference last week where he repeatedly railed against former President Jimmy Carters decision to give the Panama Canal over to Panama, Trump has set off a global guessing game about his intentions. His decision not to rule out the use of military force to retake the critical waterway escalated a dispute that seemingly appeared out of thin air.

Current and former government officials, senior canal officials and residents in Panama are now left with plenty of questions, but few answers.

What prompted the latest outburst? Would Trump really green-light a US military invasion to retake the Panama Canal? Are his attacks intended as a broader brushback to China in an escalating battle over hemispheric influence?

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Or perhaps, as some in Panama speculate, did some shipping magnate pal complain to Trump about rising canal tolls over dinner at Mar-a-Lago recently?

Interviews with more than a dozen people in Washington, Mar-a-Lago and during several days of reporting on the ground in Panama suggest Trumps skeptical views of the country stretch back decades.

Trump expressed disdain for the 1977 deal to hand over the canal long before he entered politics, but his opinion of Panama was also forged by his personal experiences there. Those began with the 2003 Trump-owned Miss Universe contest held in Panama City and then as the public name and face of a high-end hotel and resort development that would become buried in litigation and long-running disputes.

In this 1977 photo, demonstrators, many with signs and banners protesting a treaty to return control of the Panama Canal to Panama, are gathered on the steps of the east entrance of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC. - Warren K Leffler/US News & World Report Magazine Collection/PhotoQuest/Getty Images

Trumps salvos prompted a swift response from Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who aggressively pushed back on social media and in local media interviews.

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Mulino has since appeared to recalibrate as part of an intentional strategy to direct discussions through proper diplomatic channels once Trump officially takes office. There have been no signs of an emergency trip to Mar-a-Lago to curry favor with the president-elect.

Trumps advisers point to plans for a more aggressive posture toward Beijings growing influence in Latin America as the driving force behind Trumps comments.

But the truth for Panamanian officials is that in the absence of direct communications with the incoming administration or fact-based explanation from Trump himself, a vacuum has been created  left to be filled by any number of theories.

Deciphering intent from threats

Hes like a magician, Jorge Quijano said of Trump as he raised his left hand and started waving. You know, he wants you to look at this, this hand, and then hes doing something else with the other. So really, his purpose  I dont know what it is.

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Quijano, the Panama Canal Authority Administrator from 2012 to 2019, didnt frame his point in a critical or pejorative manner. In fact, its one echoed repeatedly by current and former Panamanian officials who spoke to CNN. There is no dismissal of Trumps social media posts, nor is there mockery or derision.

Trumps words, whatever the platform, are taken seriously in the sense that there is a widespread belief that theyre signaling  something.

Weve communicated that wed welcome conversations with the president-elects team, one senior Panamanian government official told CNN. There hasnt been a reciprocal desire on that front to this point, the official said.

A tugboat assists a ship as it navigates the Chagres River while it transiting through the Panama Canal on September 20, 2023, in Gamboa, Panama. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

As Quijano weighed Trumps recent comments, he sat on a hotel balcony overlooking Panama Bay. Massive cargo ships were visible in the distance, waiting for their respective schedule times to traverse the locks on their 51-mile journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

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The US built and operated the canal and its surrounding canal zone from its opening in 1914 until its official handover to the Panamanian government in 1999. One of the worlds busiest shipping passageways, roughly 4 percent of the worlds maritime trade and more than 40 percent of US container traffic traverse the 51-mile route across the Isthmus of Panama.

The canal has defined Quijanos adult life. He started working there in 1975, two years before President Carter and Panamanian Leader Gen. Omar Torrijos signed treaties that would lead to its eventual handover.

Quijano makes clear hes no politician, but he has a keen understanding of the political consequences of the deal Carter put in motion.

Jimmy Carter lost because of what he did, Quijano said referring to the Ronald Reagans 1980 presidential campaign, which was punctuated by sharp criticism of the treaties.

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Quijano was sitting just off the main floor of the JW Marriott Panama, the same hotel that used to bear Trumps name.

I fell in love with the place

Trump first crossed paths with Panama in 2003. Back then, Trump owned the Miss Universe contest and that year the pageant was held in Panama City.

My interest in Panama really began when we had the Miss Universe contest in Panama, Trump said in a 2009 promotional video for a new hotel development.

I was there for quite a bit of time with the Miss Universe and I fell in love with the place.

Even then, Trump viewed Carters deal to hand over the canal as a mistake, according to two people who worked with the pageants operations and had regular interactions with Trump.

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He said more than once that the US got ripped off, one of the people said. It wasnt a grand statement, just an observation he wasnt shy about sharing.

Trumps specific views on the Panama Canal tracked with his long-standing contention that the US was being ripped off by foreign countries, largely due to poor negotiations and weakness in the ranks of government officials.

That view landed Trump in hot water as he toyed with a 2012 run for president at the same time he prepared for the grand opening of the Trump Ocean Club, the Trump licensed and Trump Organization-managed hotel.

A man walks next to the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel in Panama City on February 27, 2018. - Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images

Finished in 2011, the soaring 70-story, glass-facade resort remains the tallest building in Central America and marked Trumps first major international property licensing deal.

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But when Trump was quoted in a 2011 CNN story at the time saying the US stupidly returned the canal to Panama in exchange for nothing, the comments sparked local outrage and led Panama Citys municipal council to vote unanimously to declare Trump persona non grata.

Trump moved quickly to clarify, in an interview with the Panamanian newspaper La Prensa, that his comments had been respectful of Panamanians for the excellent deal they closed and that U.S. negotiators, led by Jimmy Carter, did an extremely poor job.

Trump continued in the days that followed to attack Carter and the treaties that led to the handover in a Fox News interview and would host the grand opening of the Trump Ocean Club a few months after that.

Panamas president at the time, Ricardo Martinelli, attended the festivities.

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The soap opera-like roller coaster that consumed the years that followed the building could fill several file cabinets based on the legal filings alone, but the short version is that by 2018, the Trump name was being theatrically chiseled off the hotels signage in a very public manner.

The hotel has since been rebranded the JW Marriott Panama.

Why now?

As Jorge Eduardo Ritter arrived at the hotel for a Saturday morning meeting, the former foreign minister of Panama noted the irony of the location.

Like so many here, Ritter was primarily interested in figuring out what it was, exactly, Trump was angling for in his social media attacks.

A lot of people just think that there are those remarks that have no fundamental truth in it, so they disregard it, Ritter said. I dont like to disregard what President Trump says, because when he says something, he might not mean exactly what he is saying, but he is looking for something.

Ritter didnt want to entertain the possibility that Trumps private business experience played a role in his current fixation on the Panama Canal. Trump, he noted, has a far longer history attacking the handover agreement.

But he did view Trumps remarks as a clear, and potentially ominous, signal.

This fixation with Panama  I sense that something is going to happen, Ritter said. I dont think its going to be a military invasion or he will take over the canal, but something is going to happen.

The irony of the current tension, several Panamanian current and former officials noted, is that despite Trumps personal experiences and long-standing fixation on the canals handover, he paid little attention to the country in his first term.

Trump never nominated an ambassador to the country in his four years, relying instead on a holdover from the Obama administration and then career officials to fill the job on an acting basis.

Chinese ties with Panama also strengthened significantly during Trumps first term in office. Panama severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan in an overt shift to bolster ties with Beijing in 2017 and joined Chinas Belt and Road initiative a year later.

Trumps concerns about Beijings influence over the canal center on two ports, situated at either end of the canal, that are operated by CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company that first secured those rights in 1997  two decades before he entered the White House.

Ilya Espinosa de Marottas first thought when she saw Trumps initial social media attacks on the Panama Canals operations was one of confusion.

Why now? the Panama Canal Authoritys deputy administrator recalled to CNN.

Hong Kong has been here since 97. Weve been running the canal for 25 years. Weve been very transparent  you can know this is run 100 percent by Panamanians, so why now? It puzzles me.

Cargo ships wait to transit the Panama Canal in Panama City, on June 28, 2024. - Matias Delacroix/AP/File

Still, the Hong Kong-connected seaports have drawn scrutiny and national security concerns from US officials and were cited by Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, Trumps pick for secretary of state, during his confirmation hearing this week as evidence that the terms of the treaty agreements that require neutrality in the canals operations may have been violated.

Yet those concerns come at a moment where the Panamanian governments posture appears sharply different than it was during Trumps first term.

President Mulino made stemming the flow of migrants through the Darien Gap, the treacherous jungle stretch that links Colombia to Panama where hundreds of thousands of migrants have trekked in recent years, a top priority. Upon his inauguration last year, Mulino immediately took action on a deal with the Biden administration to deliver on that pledge.

Thats not a true statement

Since Trumps election, Mulino has made clear his desire to partner with the incoming Trump team on its long-standing top priority.

That Mulino was put in the position of having to fire back at Trump on social media and in a video statement defending the sovereignty of the Panama Canal has left Panamanian officials CNN spoke to, for lack of a better term, flummoxed.

Asked if there was any validity to Trumps claim that US cargo ships and US Navy vessels were paying higher rates than those from other nations, Marotta, the canals deputy administrator, didnt hesitate.

No  thats not  thats not a true statement, she said, quickly batting down the idea of cutting the rates for US vessels as a way of placating Trump. Its not a possible option, Marotta told CNN. Because of the treaties.

The treaties signed by Torrijos and Carter in 1977 continue to dictate the operational rules, regulations and infrastructure followed by the Panama Canal Authority to this day. In this case, the treaties bind Panama to ensuring tolls and related charges for transit are just, reasonable, equitable, and consistent with international law.

President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader General Omar Torrijos embrace each other after signing the Panama Canal Treaty in Washington, DC, on September 7, 1977. - UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Marotta was the engineer who led the Panama Canal Expansion Project, the $5.2 billion undertaking that opened in 2016 and dramatically expanded the canals operations and capacity to move far larger cargo ships through the waterway.

The US governments role in that effort? As far as financially? None, Marotta said.

According to Quijano, the former canal administrator, not only are Trumps allegations of exorbitant tolls on US ships not true, the question was never brought up during Trumps first four years in office.

I was the administrator in a period where I raised tolls as well, especially after the expansion was completed, Quijano told CNN. We raised the tolls and he was president during those years. I never heard from him any complaints about the canal or about anything.

The canals original 1914 locks can handle ships carrying up to 5,000 containers. The expansion can handle ships carrying more than triple that amount  and the resulting revenue has transformed the financial standing of the canal.

The canal authority returned $2.4 billion to the Panamanian government in the last fiscal year.

There are major geopolitical, economic and climate issues the authority has grappled with over the last several years, and that have created acute problems Marotta and her colleagues are intensely focused on trying to navigate on a day-to-day basis.

The canal, after all, is not a public utility. It is a business  and an absolutely critical one for Panamas economy and people, with a workforce of 8,500 and the source of potable water for 50 percent of the countrys population.

To us, this is a revenue provider for the country, Marotta, who started working at the canal in 1985 and witnessed the transformed approach after the handover. So we look at the business model and not the government break-even model  that in itself is a big change.

No Chinese soldiers anywhere

On a sweltering January day in the first weeks of Panamas dry season, the political storm coursing around the canal seemed peripheral at best.

Tourists packed the grandstands just outside the operational perimeter of the Miraflores Locks. Kids wandered through a large outdoor playground. Inside the visitor center, the souvenir shops and concession stands were full, as the voice of Morgan Freeman greeted tourists ahead of the IMAX documentary the Oscar-winning actor narrates at the start of every tour.

Yet beneath the business-as-usual sheen of normalcy, signs of a nations struggle to reclaim its sovereignty arent hard to find.

Marotta spoke to CNN less than two weeks after Panamas celebration of 25 years operating the canal, where Mulino said, Rest assured, it will stay in our control forever.

The Panama Canal Administration Building Marotta walks into for work each day was, until the 1999 handover, inside the US-operated Panama Canal Zone.

Just four days prior, Mulino had been couple of hundred yards away from where she spoke, laying a wreath at the eternal flame that marks the memorial to the Panamanians killed in 1964 protesting American control of the canal and the zone surrounding its operations.

Martyrs Day is commemorated on January 9 each year  a visceral reminder of a nations experience that runs far deeper than its cornerstone engineering marvel.

People focus on the canal, the canal, the canal, Marotta says. But what made the country of Panama  the people of Panama  wanting the canal to be transferred to Panama wasnt just the canal. This was like a US territory inside a country. So there were barriers. There was US police, there were US schools. It was a completely other country within our country, and there were many military bases.

Quijano grew animated talking about Trumps threats to seize the canal by force.

Thats not going to happen, Quijano said. Ill be on the streets myself defending our sovereignty because the canal is over sovereign land.

One canal employee casually noted that passengers on a cruise ship that came through the locks earlier in the week held up signs apologizing for Trumps recent antagonism. He seemed to get a kick out of it.

Walking into the operations center in between the two passageways, another pointed out the critical functions a handful of personnel toward the back of the room were intensely focused on carrying out.

Then he paused.

See? All Panamanian. No Chinese soldiers anywhere.

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump is planning to release an executive order elevating crypto as a policy priority and giving industry insiders a voice within his administration, according to people familiar with the plans.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The order is expected to name crypto as a national imperative or priority  strategic wording intended to guide government agencies to work with the industry, according to people familiar with the matter. It is also slated to create a crypto advisory council to advocate for the industrys policy priorities, said the people who requested anonymity to discuss an executive order that is not yet public.

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Trump has enjoyed strong support from the crypto industry, which has a powerful presence in Washington, backed by well-funded political action committees. A slew of companies, including Coinbase and Ripple, have donated to Trumps inaugural committee in recent months. On Friday, days before the inauguration, the industry is hosting an Inaugural Crypto Ball in support of Trump.

The executive order would mark a sea change for crypto, which has been a target for investigations during President Joe Bidens administration following a spate of high-profile fraud cases, including the bankruptcy of the FTX exchange. Federal agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission filed more than 100 enforcement actions against the sector in recent years, and banking regulators made it difficult for crypto companies to work with financial institutions.

Still under discussion for inclusion in the executive order is a directive for all government agencies to review policies about digital assets and possibly pause any litigation involving crypto, the people said. Stopping legal actions that have targeted a range of companies from Binance Holdings Ltd., the worlds biggest crypto exchange, to startup Ripple Labs Inc. is a top priority for the industry.

Explainer: How Trump Came Around to Cryptoand What Crypto Wants in Return

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Also under consideration is the creation of a national Bitcoin stockpile, which would encompass the governments existing holdings of the worlds biggest cryptocurrency, the people said. The US government currently holds nearly $20 billion worth of Bitcoin, confiscated as part of various investigations, according to analytics company Arkham. Bitcoin has rallied more than 50% since the November election in part on hopes that such a stockpile would be created. The token more than doubled in price in 2024. It was trading up almost 5% at $104,691 as of 11:20 a.m. Friday morning New York time.

The people cautioned that the executive order, which could come as soon as Monday, is not final and could change before it is made public. A representative for Trump did not immediately respond to a request to comment.

Trump has vowed to issue a bevy of executive orders across a range of disparate industries and issues within his first few days back in office.

What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry, said Kara Calvert, vice president for US policy at Coinbase Global Inc., the countrys biggest cryptocurrency exchange. What its signaling to other countries is be careful, or you wont keep up.

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Despite regulatory setbacks under Biden, crypto in the US expanded, with major financial companies including the worlds largest asset manager, BlackRock Inc., launching spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds last year. BNY has been working to expand its crypto custody effort, and Cantor Fitzgerald announced plans to launch a Bitcoin financing business.

Trump embraced the crypto industry during the presidential campaign last year. In July, he headlined a Bitcoin conference, where he promised to make the US the crypto capital of the world. Trump-branded collections of nonfungible tokens have been coming out for several years, and last year he and his sons announced a crypto effort called World Liberty Financial, which is supposed to let people earn and borrow crypto, but has yet to provide those services.

(Updates Bitcoin price in 6th paragraph.)

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Donald Trump has a set of executive orders to carry out his disturbing plans ready to go as soon as he is sworn in as president on Monday.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump is ready to bypass Congress with orders on the border, tariffs, and other agenda items. In a meeting with Senate Republicans that lasted two hours, Trump said he had already prepared about 100 executive orders that push the limits of presidential authority.

Its a worrying prospect, considering Trumps actions during his first presidential term, which included instituting a Muslim ban on immigration or rolling back close to 100 environment rules. This time, Trump has set the stage for even worse with the extreme promises he made on the 2024 campaign trail, from mass deportations to taking on birthright citizenship.

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trump administration used Title 42, a public emergency order, to close the southern U.S. border. During his second term, his aides are actually looking for the threat of a new disease to justify closing the border. As for the tariffs, Trump has already proposed creating a new, unnecessary External Revenue Service to handle their collection and is already preparing plans to tailor the tariffs to target critical imports.

All of these plans, even if they are successfully implemented via executive order and survive legal challenges, will have unforeseen consequences to the economy and to American life. But Trump has been emboldened by his election victory, and believes he has a mandate to force his agenda forward. If things dont work out the way he wants, he will find someone else to blame and claim the opposite is what he wanted all along.


Ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, Minneapolis Police Department has reaffirmed its longstanding policy of keeping immigration enforcement at arm's length, leaving it up to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On Thursday, Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian OHara announced that the departments policy around immigration enforcement had been updated. The policy  which means that while MPD will not interfere with MPD investigations, it will not be involved in the enforcement of federal immigration law  has already been in practice for more than 20 years.

The updated policy includes language explicitly stating that the department does not operate with the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. It also prohibits officers from questioning any person about their immigration status.

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OHara said the announcement comes at a time when community concerns are particularly prominent," with the incoming presidency having pledge mass deportations shortly after retaking office.

I recognize that the fear of deportation prevents some people from calling police in times of need or to report crime," O'Hara said in a statement.

I want to be clear that enforcement of civil immigration laws falls exclusively with the federal government  it is not the job of the MPD. Any participation in immigration enforcement would have a chilling effect on our commitment to bias-free, community-oriented policing. I also want to be clear that the MPD will continue to address any criminal behavior that threatens the safety or wellbeing of others regardless of immigration status."

Courtesy of the Minneapolis Police Department on Facebook.

Trump, who promised mass deportations throughout his campaign, is set to be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday. Trump went so far as to call for military force to carry out deportations.

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According to the Migration Policy Institute, Minnesota is home to around 81,000 undocumented immigrants.

In a statement to WCCO, a spokesperson with the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office mirrored OHaras sentiments, stating that the office is not involved in civil immigration enforcement because "that is the role of the federal government, not Hennepin County.

Per WCCO, ICE considers Anoka, Hennepin, Dakota and Ramsey counties to be "sanctuary counties," meaning the county wont hold non-citizens on detainer in order for ICE to then intervene.
Ross Ulbricht was arrested at 29. Now, he's 40. He faces a double life sentence plus 40 years with no possibility of parole for creating the Silk Road, a dark web drug marketplace that facilitated $1.2 billion in bitcoin-denominated transactions.

"I'll spend the next few decades in this cage. Then, sometime later this century, I'll grow old and die. I'll finally leave prison, but I'll be in a body bag," he told an interviewer at a 2021 virtual blockchain conference.

But a second chance might be coming for Ulbricht, from an unlikely savior.

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"If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht," Donald Trump told a crowd of attendees at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention.

Trump made a deal with the Libertarian Party. And now, Ulbricht might not have to spend his middle and old age behind bars. He might not have to leave in a body bag if Trump makes good on his promise.

Will he?

In the coming months, career FBI officers and Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys may dredge up lies about Ulbricht so that Trump will change his mind. They may appeal to some of his draconian instincts. They may try to pin on Ulbricht some of the disastrous outcomes of the drug war.

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But Trump should ignore the saboteurs and keep his promise to free Ulbricht. Here's why:

Ulbricht's arrest on October 1, 2013, at the Glen Park Branch of the San Francisco Public Library was like a scene from an action movie. As he was downloading an interview with Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, he was simultaneously administering the Silk Road in another browser window.

Undercover FBI agents staged a physical fight behind him. When he turned his head to observe the commotion, another agent snatched his laptop before he could close the cover, which would have encrypted the contents of its hard drive.

The FBI keeps a picture of the computer on display as a trophy from the hunt.

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But Ulbricht was no Walter White, the frustrated high school chemistry teacher who transforms into a violent drug kingpin in Gilligan's series, driven by his lust for power and retribution. Ulbricht was an Eagle Scout, who majored in materials science and engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas on a full scholarship. He was passionate about libertarian philosophy and Austrian economics, and read Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard.

He wrote on LinkedIn that he wanted to use economic theory "as a means to abolish the use of coercion and aggression amongst mankind" and create "an economic simulation to give people a first-hand experience of what it would be like to live in a world without the systemic use of force."

"I was trying to do something good," said Ulbricht in a 2021 jailhouse interview. "I was trying to help us move forward."

And he did. Ulbricht created an underground e-commerce website called the Silk Road. He was its first vendor, selling homegrown psilocybin mushrooms. The Silk Road became the eBay of drugs, with trusted sellers earning higher ratings, and the message boards filled with tips for safer drug use. It established an ethical code of conduct: No fake degrees, no child porn, no stolen goods. "Our basic rules are to treat others as you would wish to be treated and don't do anything to hurt or scam someone else."

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"I was trying to help us move toward a freer and more equitable world," said Ulbricht.

At the same time, the Obama administration's justice department was pressuring banks and credit card companies to stop servicing gun shops, adult websites, and payday lenders, even though what they were doing was completely legal.

The Silk Road demonstrated that, with bitcoin, you could buy things on the internet by circumventing payment rails that the government controlled. Online trade had become virtually unstoppable.

"Back then, bitcoin made me feel like anything was possible," Ulbricht says in his jailhouse interview.

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Ulbricht became a hero to libertarians. But others say he got exactly what he deserved.

"Life in prison without parole. Anybody else? Any other wise guys want to do it? That's what you'll get," gloated Bill O'Reilly on Fox News at the time of the sentencing.

For his part, Ulbricht is remorseful and regretful, telling his interviewer from the jailhouse that "we all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and now here I am. I'm in hell."

Does he deserve this fate? As Ulbricht became paranoid that he'd be caught, did he stray from his high-minded ideals and "break bad" like Walter White? And does that mean Trump should think twice before freeing him?

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Ulbricht's friends were shocked at his arrest. They described him as "sweet-natured," "loyal," and "guileless and nonaggressive." He comes across as poetic and sensitive in his artwork and an online interview with a friend posted before his arrest, where they each muse about their first love and plans for the future.

But many who oppose freeing Ulbricht say that he was also a contract killer, pointing to uncharged allegations that he tried to hire hit men to take out digital bandits during his tenure at the Silk Road.

But when you look closer, things get murky. Here's what we know:

When building their case, prosecutors drew on chat logs from a moment of crisis at the Silk Road. The site's top administrator, Curtis Green, had just been arrested. It looks like he might have stolen about $350,000 worth of bitcoin.

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"Nob," a participant on the Silk Road, was chatting with the site's top administrator, who called himself the "Dread Pirate Roberts." He told Nob, "This will be the first time I have had to call on my muscle," and asked that Green be "beat up, then forced to send the bitcoins he stole back."

Later that day, the Dread Pirate Roberts messaged Nob again: Can you change the order to execute rather than torture?

Nob sent the Dread Pirate Roberts pictures of what looked like Curtis Green being tortured and killed.

It turns out that Nob was DEA agent Carl Force, one of two investigators on the case who went to prison for embezzling bitcoin during the investigation. He had staged Green's murder as part of a sting operation.

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But Ulbricht's defenders say that the Dread Pirate Roberts who was chatting with the corrupt undercover agent who set up a fake hit wasn't actually Ross Ulbricht.

After all, the name was inspired by the film The Princess Bride to describe a character inhabited over and over by different individuals through many generations.

When the Dread Pirate Roberts granted an interview to Forbes two months before Ulbricht's arrest, he insisted that he was not the site's founder.

"I didn't start the Silk Road, my predecessor did," he told the Forbes journalist, who pressed to ask if he wrote the comments in the Silk Road forums. "The most I am willing to reveal is that I am not the first administrator of Silk Road," replied the Dread Pirate Roberts.

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The jury never saw this interview. Green, the man targeted for the fake hit, has said there were "multiple" people with access to the account, including himself.

Green told Ulbricht's mother that he doesn't believe Ulbricht was the one who put out the hit and claims the undercover agent, Carl Force (aka Nob), also had access to the Dread Pirate Roberts' account.

There were other hits also ordered by the Dread Pirate Roberts that didn't lead to any actual known murders.

Federal prosecutors never charged Ulbricht with attempted murder, but the federal judge who sentenced him to two life sentences plus 40 years with no possibility of parole nonetheless referenced these episodes in her decision.

She also said that Ulbricht should serve as a public example for acting as though he "was better than the laws of this country."

Well, maybe he is. The drug war is the real villain in his story. It has cost $1 trillion while fueling decades of black market crime and violenceall as U.S. overdose deaths increased.

Black markets often become violent because there are no legal mechanisms for contract enforcement, and their participants become desperate to avoid being caught, which is what happened to the Silk Road.

It's ironic that Trump, the man who openly admires China and Singapore's death penalty for drug dealers, might be the one to free the founder of the world's first major dark web drug market.

But if there's one thing Trump likes, it's a good deal.

One of his most audacious deals of the 2024 campaign was with the Libertarian Party, which never wins but sometimes covers the spread in close presidential elections.

Trump showed up at their convention and proclaimed himself something of a Libertarian himself, to which he was met with a chorus of boos.

But behind the scenes, something else was going on. Trump had struck an agreement with the Libertarian Party leadership: Don't spoil this election for me, and I'll free your boy Ross.

Libertarian National Committee chair Angela McArdle told Reason that Trump's former Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell set up a meeting between her and the president at Mar-a-Lago during the 2024 campaign.

"Rick [Grenell] is like, 'Well, President Trump is a deal-maker,'" says McArdle. "'You ask for the world. You ask for whatever you think you can get, and it'll probably land in the middle. He likes making deals.' I was anxious to ask too much and have Ross fall by the wayside. So I really hit it home like, 'We just want you to free Ross Ulbricht. Like, it's the most important thing.' And he said, 'I love freeing people. I'll do that.'"

After the party's nominating convention, McArdle vowed that the party would only back its own candidateChase Oliverin noncompetitive states favoring the Democrats. Trump won by thin margins in several swing states while the Libertarian Party finished with its lowest vote share in 16 years.

"It was sort of this like a glorious miracle, the way things unfolded with Chase [Oliver]," says McArdle. "It couldn't have been better for making sure that Donald Trump was incentivized to stick to his promises and felt like secure in it and that he wasn't going to get screwed over in this deal."

So now it's time for Trump to keep his end of the bargain.

The Silk Road began as Ulbricht's idealistic attempt to make the black market just a little safer by creating a place where people could vet buyers, avoid risky in-person transactions, find untainted drugs, and share safety information.

That it ultimately seems to have fallen prey to some of the same violent forces as has every other black market in history only shows how hard it is to fix the problems prohibition causeswhether it's violence or increasingly dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl, which is driving the overdose epidemic and has only grown worse since Silk Road's shutdown.

Unless, and until, the government wises up and takes a different approach to drugs, our choices are places like the Silk Road and its many imitators since, or the cartels.

While Trump has vowed to "take down the cartels, just as we took down the ISIS caliphate," history has shown that's easier said than done. America tried "decapitating" the cartels in the early 2010s, and it led to an even bloodier situation in Mexico.

The last war on the cartels created a power vacuum enabling the rise of the notorious "El Chapo." Once he was arrested, others took his place, and the cartel transformed into a more decentralized and resilient "umbrella" structure. The new leadership increased the fentanyl flow, with seizures nearly doubling between 2021 and 2023.

As long as there is a strong demand for drugs in America, it seems that there will be willing suppliers. Drug prohibition has failed, and no amount of bluster about executing dealers or going to war in Mexico is likely to change that.

But even if you disagree and think Trump can somehow finally win the drug war, it still doesn't justify keeping Ulbricht locked up through his 40s.

He has served his time and expressed remorse.

"I'm sorry to the extent that my actions led to drug abuse and addiction," he said in his 2021 jailhouse interview.

He's been a model prisoner, pursuing his master's degree in psychology, teaching and serving as a conflict mediator on the inside, and collecting over 150 signatures of support for his release from fellow inmates.

On all counts, this certainly would be a far more defensible intervention than President Joe Biden's self-serving pardoning of his son Hunter for all potential crimes covering more than a decade.

Ulbricht, a first-time offender, has suffered enough. Donald Trump made a deal, and many of Ulbricht's supporters voted for himor at least not against himbecause of that deal.

It might not be pretty, but it's politics in 21st-century America. Trump got what he wanted. Now it's time to set Ulbricht free.

*CORRECTION: This post previously included incorrect information about a plea deal offer.

The post Why Donald Trump Made a Deal To Free Ross Ulbricht appeared first on Reason.com.
During his presidential campaign, President Donald Trump promised to launch the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America, using the U.S. military and a 1798 law known as the Alien Enemies Act  a statute that gives the president the power to detain immigrants during times of war.

Trump hasnt elaborated on his plan, but immigration attorneys, immigrant rights advocates and criminology professors say the Trump administration wouldnt have to conduct large workplace raids or round up immigrants in the streets. Instead, it could begin immediately targeting the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.  including 1.6 million in Texas  by using the current deportation apparatus used by local police, jails and federal agents.

All immigrants  even if they have legal status  can face deportation if theyre accused of serious crimes like murder, domestic violence, drunk driving, sexual assault, or murder. Congress is now considering a bill that would let officials deport immigrants for less serious crimes like shoplifting.

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[Trump praises Abbott at inauguration, promises to militarize border and build wall]

In the past decade, at least 70% of arrests by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement, or ICE  the federal agency in charge of deporting immigrants  have been handoffs by local police or federal prisons, according to an analysis by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a nonprofit that provides legal training to people who work with immigrants.

It is therefore states, and their internal law enforcement and criminal legal systems that power the mass detention and mass deportation system, the group said in its analysis.

Heres what you need to know about how deportations work in the U.S.:

How federal immigration laws have evolved

Since the 1980s, Congress began to focus on deporting immigrants accused of crimes, passing a series of laws that expanded the U.S. governments authority to detain immigrants as part of the Reagan administrations war on drugs, according to Immigration Detention as Punishment, a legal article by Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez, an immigration attorney and law professor at Ohio State University.

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Congress at the time created what has become a central part of immigration enforcement, known as a detainer  when federal agents check the immigration status of a person being held in a local jail or federal prison and decide to take custody of them for deportation. Federal agents initially issued detainers for immigrants accused of drug-related crimes but have since expanded the types of crimes that can result in a detainer.

In 1986, President Reagan also signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which provided amnesty to an estimated 1 million undocumented immigrants but also made it illegal for employers to hire immigrants who didnt have legal permission to work in the U.S. That provision allows federal agents to raid worksites and ask employees to prove their immigration status.

During the Clinton administration, Congress expanded the list of deportable crimes for both undocumented and legal immigrants. That law created the 287(g) program that lets ICE deputize local police to question jail inmates about their immigration status and train some local police to serve immigration-related warrants.

As of December 2024, ICE had 287(g) agreements with 135 police departments, sheriffs offices and jails in 21 states, including 26 in Texas, according to ICEs website.

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Under the George W. Bush administration, ICE piloted a program known as Secure Communities, starting in Harris County. The data-sharing program allowed local police to send the fingerprints of anyone they arrested to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to check their immigration status. ICE would then decide whether to issue a detainer if agents believed the inmate was deportable.

The Obama administration expanded the program to all 50 states, according to the ICE website. President Obama would earn the sobriquet the deporter-in-chief for deporting the largest number of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history. About 34% of the more than 9 million deportations recorded between 1892 and 2022 happened during the Obama administration, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Since the early 90s, there's been a series of shifts that have gotten more punitive toward immigrants  and more restrictive  that has led to increased deportation, said Charis E. Kubrin, a professor of criminology at the University of California, Irvine.

Texas efforts could become a blueprint for mass deportations

Texas could serve as a model for how states could help Trumps deportation efforts by finding ways to arrest more immigrants, said Setareh Ghandehari, the advocacy director at Detention Watch Network.

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In the past four years, Texas has allocated over $3 billion to immigration enforcement by sending state police and the National Guard to different parts of the Texas-Mexico border to arrest, detain and prosecute people crossing the Rio Grande  many of whom say they are seeking political asylum in the U.S.

The state has also prosecuted thousands of migrants for misdemeanors such as trespassing, then handed them over to the federal government for deportation.

In 2017, Texas lawmakers passed a law to punish local and state government entities and college campuses that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials or enforce immigration laws. And in 2023 passed Senate Bill 4, which would make illegally entering the country a state crime. That law is currently on hold after the U.S. Department of Justice sued to overturn it.

Whats going on in Texas could become a model around the country, like the way that they have weaponized the criminal justice system in Texas to target immigrants, Ghandehari said.

Who could be targeted first?

Immigration attorneys said that among the people most vulnerable to deportation are those who currently have an order to leave the country and those with pending immigration cases.

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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, immigration judges ordered the deportation of 2.3 million people between fiscal years 2015 and 2024. About 35% of those cases were people who didnt appear in court when a judge issued a deportation order, making them likely targets for Trumps deportation efforts.

Roughly 3.5 million immigration cases were pending at the end of fiscal year 2024.

Some immigrants are seeking asylum; others seek to remain in the country on other grounds, such as having U.S. citizen family members who economically depend on them. Most did not have a lawyer to help them navigate the complex federal immigration system.

Currently, nearly 3 million people have legal permission to work and live in the U.S. under various federal programs that dont provide a path to permanent legal status or citizenship. The programs can be renewed or scrapped at the discretion of each new presidential administration.

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For example, as of now, more than 1.1 million immigrants from 17 countries are enrolled in Temporary Protected Status, a program Congress created in 1990 that allows immigrants from countries struck by natural disasters or deemed too dangerous by the government to live and work in the U.S. This program has been renewed by each president since then and protects people from countries like Haiti, Ukraine, Honduras, Nepal, Syria and Venezuela  which has the largest share of enrollees with nearly 600,000.

Immigrant rights advocates worry that Trump will cancel the program, making the people enrolled easy targets for deportation because the federal government already has their personal information.

But not every immigrant is deportable, even if theyre in the country illegally or lose legal protection. An immigrants home country must have diplomatic relations with the U.S. and be willing to accept deportees. Currently, Venezuela doesnt have diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Still, Tom Homan, a Trump immigration adviser with the unofficial title of border czar, said the Trump administration will overcome that challenge.

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We're hoping that President Trump will work with Venezuela, like he did with Mexico and El Salvador, and get these countries to take them back, Homan said during a Sunday morning news show in early January. If they don't, they're still gonna be deported. They're just gonna be deported to a different country.

The Laken Riley Act

Congress is currently debating the Laken Riley Act, which would require ICE to detain undocumented immigrants accused of less serious crimes such as burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting  and would significantly widen the deportation pipeline.

The bill is named after a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student killed in February 2024 by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan man who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through El Paso in 2022. Months before the killing, Ibarra was arrested on a shoplifting charge at a Georgia Walmart but was later released.

The case received a lot of public attention, with many conservative lawmakers pointing to the case as an example of why the country needs to adopt even stricter immigration laws.

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Its unclear how many people could be deported if the act is passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump.

But its just the latest example of Congress expanding the criminal justice system to enforce immigration laws, said Rocio Paez Ritter, a sociology and criminology associate professor at the University of Arkansas. Paez Ritter said many studies show immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than U.S.-born citizens.

But unfortunately, the public believes otherwise, she said.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on Dec. 16, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Under President Joe Biden, enrollment in Medicaid hit a record high and the uninsured rate reached a record low.

Donald Trumps return to the White House  along with a GOP-controlled Senate and House of Representatives  is expected to change that.

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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 Childrens Health Insurance Program, serves about 79 million mostly low-income or disabled Americans.

The proposals include rolling back the Affordable Care Acts 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.

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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 Universitys Center for Children and Families. An existential fight about Medicaids future likely lies ahead.

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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 unwindings 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 entities  state governments, managed-care organizations, long-term care providers, and everyone under the sun who wants to do well by doing good  wants 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.

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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 laws 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. Thats not right.

Lowering federal matching funds. Since Medicaid began, the federal match rate has been based on the relative wealth of a states population, with poorer states receiving a higher rate and no state receiving less than a 50% match. Ten states get the base rate  all 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 doesnt 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 whats called continuous eligibility, whereby people stay enrolled for years without having to renew their coverage. That policys 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 GOPs 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 dont 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 shouldnt 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.

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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.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Donald Trump will rule on the future of the Chagos Islands after his team directly intervened in the British Governments deal.

The Telegraph understands that Mr Trumps team demanded Britain delay its decision to hand back the strategic islands to Mauritius until he was back in the White House.

Mr Trump is expected to review the deal after he retakes office on Monday and is fully briefed on security concerns surrounding Chinese influence over the territory.

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Senior members of the Trump team, including Marco Rubio, the incoming secretary of state, and Mike Waltz, White House national security adviser, have said giving away the islands to Mauritius could help Chinas military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Trump will be presented with classified intelligence about the Diego Garcia air base and briefings on the legal question of the islands ownership after taking back the Oval Office, sources said.

On Friday, a UK government source confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer had delayed the announcement of a deal over the Chagos Islands after direct intervention from Mr Trumps team.

Weve had conversations with the incoming Trump administration, the source said.

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Its only right that they look at it, and we look forward to having those conversations about a range of details in the deal after the inauguration.

Sir Keir told the Financial Times on Friday: I think its right that he scrutinises [the deal].

Downing Street confirmed earlier this week that Mr Trumps officials would look over the deal, abandoning the Governments plan to force it through before he took office.

A call about the talks is understood to have come from Mr Trumps inner circle, and has bolstered concerns among some officials that the incoming president will block the deal entirely.

No deal behind the back

Mauritius, which claims the islands were stolen by the UK, conceded that Mr Trump would now have the final say.

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Dhananjay Ramful, the Mauritian foreign minister, told The Telegraph: You cant reach a deal behind the back of a new government.

John Kennedy, a Republican senator who has publicly opposed the deal, met with Lord Godson, the influential director of the London think tank Policy Exchange, to discuss the Chagos islands this week.

The Trump team are sensing a great deal of concern from the GOP caucus in the House and the Senate about the relentless legal maximalism of the UK Government, Lord Godson told The Telegraph.

It is filtering up to incoming executive officials.

The first few weeks of Mr Trumps presidency are set to be dominated by relations with China

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On Friday, he had what he described as a very good telephone conversation with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president.

It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, he said, adding: President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!

The pair discussed trade relations and the future of Chinese-owned social media company TikTok, after the Supreme Court upheld a ban imposed by the Biden administration on Friday. The decision will be reviewed once Mr Trump takes office.

Diego Garcia is home to a US air base - AFP via Getty Images

However, the president-elect has taken a hard line on Beijing, pledging new tariffs on Chinese-made imports. Mr Rubio has described the country as the largest, most advanced adversary America has ever faced.

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It comes amid indications that the British Government may be cooling on its support for closer Chinese relations in a bid to woo Mr Trump.

On Friday, Lord Mandelson, the incoming UK ambassador to the US, warned that Beijing directly challenges Western governments and values.

The Labour grandee had previously urged Britain to strengthen economic ties with Beijing and had accused Mr Trump of being a bully towards the country.

Chinese aggression

But in an article he wrote on Friday on the website of Fox News  the incoming presidents favourite news channel  he decried China as having become more aggressive abroad over the past two decades.

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He said: The Chinese government I have observed intensively over the past 20 years is more aggressive abroad and controlling at home and in many sectors, now directly challenges Western governments and our values.

Britain has been seeking closer relations with China, and Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, flew to the country last week for trade negotiations.

But on Friday, Sir Keir declined to say whether he believed Mr Trump would be happy with the rapprochement between the UK and China.

In an interview with the FT, he replied: Lets see. The US is our closest ally. Its usually best not to get ahead of ourselves.

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A government official denied the UK was climbing down over its relations with China, claiming ministers were following a three Cs approach of challenge, compete and co-operate.

The deal over the Chagos Islands follows decades of dispute over their ownership. They remained under British control after Mauritius was granted independence in 1956.

The tiny archipelago has hosted an American air base since the early 1970s.

The International Court of Justice has ruled that native Chagossians were unlawfully expelled by the UK to make way for the base, and that the islands should be handed to Mauritius.

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Under the terms of the deal, which was first mooted by the previous Conservative government, Mauritius will be given sovereignty over the islands but they will be leased back to the UK at a cost of 9 billion over a decade.

The new Mauritian government, which took office in November, is now pushing for further concessions including a larger Chagos fund to pay for infrastructure development in Mauritius.

Mr Trumps allies have said the deal would threaten US interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and could give China a foothold on the strategically placed archipelago.

Downing Street denies that there are any security risks to either the US or the UK posed by its deal.

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By Dan Peleschuk and Max Hunder

DNIPRO, Ukraine (Reuters) - "Why is everyone putting their hopes in Trump?"

Liudmyla Parybus isn't holding her breath for the incoming U.S. president to end the war in Ukraine.

"I don't put any hope in him," the 20-year-old student told Reuters in Kyiv city centre. "In the end it depends on us."

Her sense of scepticism is shared by many Ukrainians who have scant faith in Donald Trump's promises to swiftly strike a peace deal after he enters the White House on Monday.

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"Our fate is in our own hands," said Marharyta Deputat, a 29-year-old sales manager. "We can't rely on anyone else."

Hanna Horbachova, 55, isn't pinning her family's future on a negotiated end to the conflict, which has ground on for almost three years since Russia's full-scale invasion.

The owner of a thriving bakery business was forced to flee her home in the Donetsk region a decade ago after fighting erupted between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed militias in eastern Ukraine and two internationally brokered peace deals subsequently collapsed.

She doesn't rule out abandoning her new home of Dnipro if Vladimir Putin's large Russian army continues to creep towards the southeastern city.

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"He will not stop in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia or Dniptopetrovsk region," she told Reuters amid the crackling of fried dough in her bakery. "He will go further."

While sceptical about the chances of a deal, she nonetheless believes the new American president has an outside chance to become a global peace icon if he delivers on his pledges.

"Trump has the opportunity to go down in history as a saviour of a huge nation," Horbachova said.

Indeed, not everyone dismisses the prospect of Trump helping speed a ceasefire; following his election, more than a third of Ukrainians believe the war will end by the close of 2025, according to a poll of around 1,100 people by research company Gradus Research in December, up from about a quarter six months earlier.

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That poll found that 31% of respondents expected the war to go on "for years" and another 31% said it was difficult to say.

Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, also said Trump could cement his legacy by bringing peace and security to Ukraine.

"Ukraine needs to become a success story for Trump," Merezhko told Reuters. "He can enter history as a winner."

The negotiating positions of the two warring sides remain far apart, though. Advisers to Trump now concede that the Ukraine war will take months or even longer to resolve, a sharp reality check on his biggest foreign policy promise to strike a peace deal on his first day in office.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pushed hard for an invitation to NATO as the best way of deterring future Russian aggression; he and other officials fear any agreement falling short of an iron-clad alliance from Washington would allow the Kremlin to bide its time and eventually strike back.

"They will build up their military capabilities to come back," Oleksii Reznikov, a former defence minister and peace negotiator with Russia, told Reuters. "They will want to continue what they started in 2014 and continued in 2022."

While Putin has said he is open to discussing a ceasefire deal with Trump, he rules out making any major territorial concessions and insists Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO, five sources told Reuters in November.

'A NEW MILITARY ADVENTURE'

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The ultimate failure of the two ceasefire deals that spurred Horbachova's flight from her original home a decade ago - which Ukraine blames partly on the absence of robust Western military support - point to the perils and pitfalls of any peace pact.

Those agreements, known as the Minsk accords after the Belarusian capital where they were signed in 2014-15, quickly collapsed amid accusations from both sides of breaches. While large-scale fighting subsided after 2015, creating the contours of a frozen conflict, clashes flared up sporadically before Russia's invasion three years ago.

Horbachova's family left Horlivka 10 years ago due to the fighting and re-settled in Toretsk where they started their food business. After full-scale war broke out in 2022 they moved again, leaving Toretsk shortly before Russian shelling damaged their bakery. The town is now on the verge of capture by Russian forces.

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who signed the Minsk accords while in power and is now a political opponent of Zelenskiy's, agreed with the current leader's view that NATO membership for Ukraine was pivotal.

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"We've been there before and thus know that nothing would work as efficiently and surely this time around and in the future as Ukraine being invited and joining NATO," he told Reuters. "This alone would avert a new military adventure by Russia and make peace, not force, reign."

On the battlefield, both sides are pushing to improve their positions ahead of any peace talks, with Ukraine's outmanned military struggling to hold back Russian advances in the east while fighting to maintain a toehold in Russia's Kursk region.

Even if a deal to end hostilities is agreed, making it stick could be a major challenge, according to Samir Puri, research director at the Centre for Global Governance and Security at London think-tank Chatham House. He said it remained an open question who would monitor and enforce a ceasefire.

Roman Kostenko, a lawmaker who commanded special forces units on the front lines until his election to parliament in 2019, said that in his experience little could be done if one side opened fire on the battlefield and the other responded.

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"I am someone who has lived through dozens of ceasefires, perhaps 20," he added. "Every one of these ceasefires with Russia didn't last more than five minutes."

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk reported in Dnipro and Max Hunder in London; Additional reporting by Andriy Pryimachenko, Pavel Polityuk and Yurii Kovalenko in Kyiv, Mykhailo Moskalenko in Dnipro and Tom Balmforth in London; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Pravin Char)
Russias aggression in Europe and beyond spurred most Nato members to reach their commitment of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence, but once and future US President Donald Trump prefers to credit his foreign policy strategy of lambasting allies. Even with his limited effect on Nato spending, his approach is destructive to a robust security alliance. Instead, threats of punishment should be both proportional and commensurate to alliance failures.

It matters both why and how Trump pressures others to contribute more to alliance spending. Even if meant rhetorically, threatening to leave Nato and encouraging others to attack delinquent members with impunity entices the alliances adversaries to test its strength.

Crucially, Trump threatened this not because he wanted to augment Nato capacity, but because he sees Europe as parasitic on the United States. He aims to reduce free-riding on the US rather than bolster the alliance.

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One might ask what difference this makes: after all, Nato members spending more on defence increases the alliances security capabilities. But not all spending is alike. How increases are directed within and across member militaries matters.

It also matters why the US pressures partners to increase spending. As the dominant partner (politically, financially, and militarily), it should help to coordinate spending so that each country complements the others and enhances the alliances capabilities as a whole. Few members could comprehensively defend against a major threat alone  hence Natos mandate requiring members to act in concert for self-defence. But a dominant partner uninterested in the collectives well-being would be similarly disinterested in that planning and coordination.

Nato has ambitions beyond defeating external military threats: it promotes constituents shared interests as a liberal democratic collective. How one incentivises delinquent alliance partners impacts the alliances well-being and effectiveness.

Viewing Nato through the lens of a marital relationship clarifies this dynamic. Imagine if one spouse free-rides off the others greater conscientiousness by shirking their share of childcare duties and financial chores. In a frustrated outburst, the conscientious spouse might try to encourage the free-rider to do their part by threatening to stand idly by if a drunken neighbour breaks into and ransacks their home.

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While this might spur the free-rider into action, the nature of that threat damages the relationship. Instead of compliance, it could eventually lead to divorce. Proportionality is not the only consideration in punishment; commensurability matters as well.

Article 5s mutual protection component makes Nato less like a trade association and more like a marriage, in which parties should have at least some shared interests in the collectives well-being. Shared interests strengthen associations, and Nato can be effective not merely because its members all have the same enemy but because their shared values as liberal democracies offer a reason to defend each other beyond explicit treaty agreements.

These shared values of rule of law, due process, constitutional checks and balances, democratic representation, and judicial independence make possible the complex coordination necessary for a robust security alliance. Autocratic countries, meanwhile, must settle for fragile trade associations or security treaties born of pure self-interest.

In attending to Nato, the US (not only the executive but also Congress) should wield both carrots and sticks. Threats of departure can address free-riding problems in the short term, but they impair the partnership in the long term. Even public shaming and pressure would be less harmful.

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More effective would be institutional incentives that improve the alliance by playing to the strengths, and weaknesses, of each member. For example, the US could offer matching grants to increase lagging members spending, organise alliance-wide training, and coordinate defence expenditures between countries so that force design and strategic capabilities across Nato complement each other.

The US militarys comparative advantages allow it to offer assistance in crucial areas. For example, the US could make available global troop and materiel transport for other members, provide select components to expand Nato missile defence capabilities across more countries, and supply critical components of the kill chain for strategic targets. In each case, the US can provide essential capabilities while allies shoulder the rest of the burden. By creating jointly-managed systems but contributing only some of the interlocking inputs, the US would generate more commitment and punishment devices than threats of departure ever could.

The spectre of a renewed Russian threat is an opportune environment for the US and Europe to overcome their wariness about committing to alliance-specific capabilities. This cuts against the grain of Americas typical strategic approach, but is necessary to enhance Natos capabilities as an alliance.

Properly motivating the collective defence of fellow societies founded on principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law was easier during the more obvious and rigid context of the Cold War, and it requires playing a more dexterous hand in todays more complex and ambiguous geopolitical landscape.

Yvonne Chiu is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an Associate Professor of Strategy & Policy at the US Naval War College. Views are her own and do not represent anyone elses.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Thanks to frigid low temperatures incoming president Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony is moving indoors.

People all across the country have traveled to Washington, D.C., to see President-elect Trumps inauguration.

Preparations have been underway for weeks.

The stage was all set, but now an arctic blast sweeping the nation is forcing President-elect Trumps swearing in indoors.

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Donald Eymann in town from Colorado plans to make the best of the news.

I think its just really awesome to support Trump, said Eymann.

Marta Miltiades traveled from Georgia.

Im fine with it cause I want him to be safe because hes going to be our presidenthes amazing, said Miltiades.

Temperatures with the wind chill could plunge into single digits in Washington on Monday.

On Truth Social Trump says hes moving his inauguration ceremony into the Capitol Rotunda because he does not want his supporters or law enforcement to get hurt.

Former President Ronald Reagan made the same decision 40 years ago when temperatures dipped to seven degrees the day of his second inauguration.

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Trump is encouraging supporters to gather at the nearby Capital One arena for a viewing party and much anticipated parade.

Trump says he will join the crowd at the arena after his swearing in.

Capital One arena holds just over 20,000 people.

Roughly 250,000 guests are ticketed for Trumps inauguration on the National Mall and tens of thousands more were expected to line the streets.

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President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose tariffs when he takes office. We saw this movie eight years ago. My question to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers: What is the plan this time? You have had eight years to figure it out.

In 2017, Donald Trump imposed large tariffs on certain Canadian goods entering the United States. In retaliation, the Canadians imposed huge tariffs on American agricultural products, produced in the U.S. but sold in Canada. As a result, American farmers and ranchers were decimated. They had billions of dollars worth of cattle, pigs, chickens, wheat, barley, corn they could not sell. Those products are the lifeblood of the small farmer.

In 2018, because the initial tariffs boomeranged and crushed the agricultural community, our government felt a little guilty and issued what amounted to welfare checks to farmers and ranchers. The story was told on these pages: Thousands of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers receive Trump trade war payments, by Justin Wingerter, Dec. 3, 2018.

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Rodd Moesel, then president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, was asked in 2018 about the compensation program. He replied, Our folks dont really want this program, they want free and open trade. Moesel advised the agricultural community to get in line and take the payments, as this is better than nothing and helps soften the blow. ... But they dont want the world to become a world where this is normal, and this is an ongoing thing.

I fear we are facing a new normal.

Some magic formula determined the amounts to be paid to injured farmers and ranchers in 2018: six cents per pound of cotton, eight dollars per hog, 14 cents per bushel of wheat. Reading those pitiful amounts is damn sad, when you consider the sweat and tears and up-before-dawn effort required to produce that bounty. A powerful lot of pride-swallowing to stand in line for a check from the government that screwed you.

Opinion: Putting America first starts with protecting Oklahoma farmers and ranchers

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So we are going to play big shot and impose tariffs early in the new administration, though they are totally unnecessary and counterproductive. We have seen this movie before. The sequel is never as good. I hope the Trump administration has been in contact with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other farm-ranch groups to plan and avoid as much hurt as possible.

China imports millions of pounds of pork, finding uses for parts of the animal that would be trashed here. You suddenly close the door to that lucrative market, and you have millions of little piggies with nowhere to go.

Our world is chaotic. Delicately balanced. The central problem with the current tariff system is that politics infect the decision to impose them. Are we imposing the tariff because the Canadian steel industry is actually cheating, not playing by the rules? Or is the tariff imposed simply to pick up a few thousand votes in Michigan and Pennsylvania?

It is not the initial tariffs that harm Americans. It is the retaliatory tariffs that boomerang and smash our farmers and ranchers. Trade relationships that have taken decades to develop can be severed in one day.

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A legislative update to the tariff system is warranted. We are living in a world the size of a ping-pong ball. I can punch a couple of buttons on my computer and see and speak to someone in Moscow or Singapore immediately. Tariff by whim can be catastrophic.

The president should be able to propose tariffs, and provide objective analysis of why the proposed tariff is warranted. Approval by a majority in Congress should then be required before the tariff is imposed. We owe it to our farmers and ranchers.

Like a slow moving mammoth freight train, you can see the potential catastrophe coming right at us. Whats the plan for all the excess? Festive Washington barbecues with Elon and Donald?

Joe Angus

Joe Angus is a retired attorney who lives in Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trumps tariffs didnt work last time. OK should brace | Opinion
President-elect Trumps legal team submitted a written opposition Friday to the Georgia Supreme Court over Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss request to have the states high court review her removal from the former presidents 2020 election interference case.

Trumps lawyers argue a review from the high court is not a right and should only be granted in cases of great concern, gravity, or importance to the public, according to court filings.

They cited the majority opinion from the states court of appeals on Willis, which said the appearance of impropriety was significant and an odor of mendacity stands.

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In a Wednesday petition, Willis argued that the lower court overreached in their ruling.

She was disqualified from the case after it was revealed that she had a relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired on to the case.

No Georgia court has ever disqualified a district attorney for the mere appearance of impropriety without the existence of an actual conflict of interest, her team declared.

And no Georgia court has ever reversed a trial courts order declining to disqualify a prosecutor based solely on an appearance of impropriety.

The appeals court ruling reversed Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfees decision to allow the district attorney to stay on the case if Wade stepped aside, which he did.

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Donald Trumps team is finalizing an aggressive slate of immigration executive orders that are expected to be released only hours after the president-elect is sworn in, kicking off an immigration crackdown that will have implications for people nationwide, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

The package of actions amounts to a dramatic shift in immigration policy that will affect immigrants already residing in the United States and migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border.

The planning includes US Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in major metropolitan areas, sending more Pentagon resources to the US southern border, placing additional restrictions on who is eligible to enter the US, along with rolling back Biden-era policies.

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Youll see removal planes, reports of arrests occurring, ICE action in sanctuary jurisdictions, one source told CNN, referring to the incoming administrations deportation plans. As you get into 30 days and first 100 days, thats where youll see a consistent drumbeat.

Sources maintain that the incoming administration will, at least initially, be focused on undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds who are eligible for removal in major metropolitan areas, like Washington, DC, Denver, and Chicago. But others who are encountered over the course of those operations could also be taken into custody, according to a source.

The main players on Trumps key agenda item include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whose confirmation hearing is slated for Friday, as homeland security secretary, Tom Homan as border czar and Stephen Miller, incoming deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.

You cannot be a safe or secure country until the border is protected and defended, Miller said on Fox Thursday, stating that all relevant federal agencies will be given the assignment and the mission to interdict all contraband, to use all financial resources to strangle the cartels, and to end all illegal immigration into this country as a top national security.

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Trump will be inheriting a relatively quiet US southern border, but his team is teeing up actions to double down on border security and roll out policies that would overhaul the US immigration system.

The authorities that Trump is expected to invoke upon taking office are familiar and a call back to his first term, while other unprecedented actions remain under consideration. Trumps team, for example, continues to assess multiple options to end birthright citizenship, and is reviewing the applicability of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

Early actions include a national emergency declaration to surge additional Pentagon resources to the US southern border, issuing a proclamation to suspend the entry of certain people at the US southern border and putting in place a travel ban. Discussions are ongoing on who the travel ban will include, according to a source, who said its expected to emulate the prior iteration and be rooted in vetting concerns.

The Trump team also plans to do away with a humanitarian parole program designed to provide a legal pathway to the US for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans  potentially placing hundreds of thousands of recent migrant arrivals who are currently able to temporarily work and live in the US in limbo.

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President Trump 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, said Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman, in a statement.

Interior enforcement at the forefront

This time, Trump officials are hyper focused on interior enforcement  placing a spotlight on immigration raids in Democratic-led cities, according to multiple sources.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement  the immigration enforcement arm under the Department of Homeland Security  has been arresting and removing immigrants under the Biden administration. In the last fiscal year, the agency deported 271,484 immigrants, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014, according to federal data.

Multiple sources who spoke to CNN caution that plans to ramp up ICE operations will take time to execute and hinge on additional funding from Congress.

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One of the key targets for the incoming administration are so-called sanctuary cities. The term is broadly applied to jurisdictions that have policies in place designed to limit cooperation with or involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions. How such policies are enforced can vary.

Homan has repeatedly criticized those cities, arguing that they hamper ICEs ability to arrest threats to the community. Homan has maintained that his priority remains public safety and national security threats.

Ill send a whole bunch of agents into your community, and well find the bad guy, and when we find the bad guy, hes probably going to be with others, others that arent a priority apprehension. But guess what? Theyre getting arrested too. So, youll get exactly what you dont want: more arrests in your communities, Homan said last month.

There will also be an emphasis on jurisdictions that do cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The 287G program, as its known, allows ICE to partner with state and local law enforcement, serving as a tool to bolster immigration enforcement in a given area.

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There is a concerted effort to issue 287G agreements with a very large number of willing partners, one of the sources said.

One of the key elements of any plan to deport immigrants is detention space, which Democratic and Republican administrations have grappled with because of limited resources.

In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Homan said he would need a minimum of 100,000 beds to detain undocumented immigrants  more than doubling the 40,000 detention beds ICE is currently funded for  and would require more ICE agents.

Multiple companies, including commercial real estate companies, have been reaching out to lobbyists and former Homeland Security officials to express interest in getting involved in detention, according to multiple sources.

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One of the sources described the first days as putting the structure in place to have a sustained high level of removal operations. Key to that, however, will be shoring up enough federal funds.

Border executive orders

When Trump is sworn in next week, hell inherit a border with fewer crossings than when he left office  and he plans to use an authority recently invoked by President Joe Biden.

In December, the last full month of the Biden administration, US Border Patrol recorded 47,300 migrant encounters, a slight increase from November but marking the lowest daily average for a month since July 2020.

Migrant crossings along the US-Mexico border plummeted last year in the wake of executive action by Biden cracking down on asylum. Homeland Security officials have cited that action, which used an authority known as 212f, as contributing to the drop in crossings.

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In 2018, Trump also tried to use 212f, which gives the president broad authority to implement immigration restrictions to restrict border crossings. But ultimately, a federal appeals court ruled that the authority conflicts with asylum law and the 212f authority doesnt override it.

Trump is expected to invoke that authority as he did in his first term, applying it to the southern border.

His Day One executive orders also include launching negotiations for the return of the program informally known as Remain in Mexico, which required migrants to stay in Mexico while they went through immigration proceedings in the US.

His team is also preparing to launch negotiations to re-implement what was previously known as Asylum Cooperative Agreements, sources said.

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The agreements  initiated during Trumps first term  marked a significant shift in US asylum policy as migrants who may have legitimate claims for asylum could be sent to other countries to make their cases.

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If anyone was expecting moderate Republicans in Congress to temper Donald Trumps more extreme plans on immigration and tariffs, the president-elect doesnt plan to give them the chance, Trump told lawmakers this week.

During a two-hour meeting with Senate Republicans, Trump said he plans to immediately enact his MAGA vision instead of waiting for Congress to act, according to a new report in the Wall Street Journal. He has already prepared about 100 executive orders, and he has no qualms testing the legal limits of presidential authority, he said.

For months, Trumps aides have been looking at obscure laws passed about 50 years ago that he can invoke to unilaterally carry out his plans and bypass congressional funding limits. Instead of feeling preemptively constrained by constitutional checks and balances, he plans to do what he wants and take his chances with the courts, the Journal reported.

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The American people can bank on President Trump using his executive power on day one to deliver on the promises he made to them on the campaign trail. Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Beast in a statement.

For example, to help pay for his mass deportations, he plans to use the 1976 National Emergencies Act, which he also used to fund parts of his border wall during his first term. Previous presidents used the act to fund things like the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacksnot to fund something Congress had explicitly declined to pay for, the Journal noted.

Trump is also eyeing a provision in the 1944 Public Health Service Act called Title 42 that lets the government expel migrants coming from countries with communicable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used it to lock border entry during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, Trump is disease-shopping to find a new excuse to invoke it.

Donald Trump flanked by, from left to right, Vice President-elect JD Vance and Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). / Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

He also reportedly plans to issue an executive order limiting birthright citizenship, even though the 14th Amendment to the Constitution explicitly says, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.

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Instead of taking on the near-impossible task of changing the Constitution, he apparently wants to issue an executive order and then argue to the Supreme Court that the 14th Amendment doesnt actually guarantee birthright citizenship.

Meanwhile, on the tariff front, Trump is reportedly intrigued by the idea of using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Actwhich lets the president impose tariffs and economic sanctions during times of war or another national emergencyor the 1974 Trade Act, which allows tariffs to be used to address national security concerns.

In theory, those laws dont just give the president unchecked power, though. The Supreme Court has held that any time a federal agency tries to enact a policy with vast economic and political significance, the courts have to scrutinize the law in question to determine whether Congress actually intended to give the agency that power.

The Supreme Court used this so-called major questions doctrine, to strike down two of President Joe Bidens key policies in 2022 and 2023. It remains to be seen whether the justices will hold Trumpwho appointed three of them to the benchto the same standard.

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This week, Trump announced he planned to create an external revenue service to collect tariffs, duties and all revenue that come from foreign sources, which in theory would need to be approved by Congress.

The announcement obscures the fact that tariff is just a fancy word for an American tax paid by American businesses on imported goods, with the added costs typically passed on to American consumers.

In November, Trump proposed a 25 percent tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada and a 10 percent tariff on products from China. That would amount to about $272 billion in taxes, economists told CNN at the time, which would in turn drive up prices.

Business groups are already lobbying the president for tariff exceptions and carve-outs, the Journal reported. That might explain in part why so many of Americas billionaireswhose companies rely on Chinese manufacturingare flocking to Washington, D.C., for Trumps inauguration on Monday.
President-elect Trumps talk of taking over or acquiring Greenland is highlighting bipartisan talks about the need to increase security around the Arctic island and boost defenses in the region.

The GOP views Trumps desire for Greenland as a negotiating point for enhanced Arctic security linked to his strategy on confronting China. Trump has also discussed taking back the Panama Canal, where China controls two of five ports.

Democrats agree there is room to bolster security in Greenland and the high north, even if they disapprove of Trumps suggestion he could use military force to take over a nation home to some 55,000 people.

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Theres no question that Russia is much more present up there and Chinas now raising their game, and theyre acquiring property in Iceland, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) said.

That part of the world is going to be increasingly important, added Courtney, ranking member of the House Armed Services seapower subcommittee.

The Arctic is becoming more contested as climate change melts ice sheets and opens up new sea paths. China, which describes itself as a near-Arctic power, and Russia, considered an Arctic power along with the U.S., are ramping up activity to compete in the region with American and NATO forces.

Greenland is a strategic island in the northern frontier overseen by NATO ally Denmark that also has rich minerals for critical technology like electric vehicles, a market that China now dominates. Greenland has also seen heavy investment from China in several industries, while Denmark has been criticized for neglecting the islands security.

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Trump, who said he wanted to buy Greenland during his first term, has reiterated his desire to acquire the country and did not rule out using military force to fulfill his aim.

We need Greenland for national security purposes. Ive been told that for a long time, long before I even ran, he said at a press conference earlier this month.

Republicans have supported the broad idea to increase Arctic security, though they have deflected from the question of using military force to seize the worlds largest island.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), a former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Trumps comments should not be taken at face value.

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What hes saying is, like, Look, we got a base there. There are a lot of natural resources. And the Arctic is getting exploited by Russia and China, said McCaul, who agreed that one way to boost Arctic defenses is to get Denmark to pay more for security.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is set to be Trumps next secretary of State, said at his confirmation hearing that Trumps Greenland comments were about strategic posture.

Putting aside all the things that are going on in the media, I think we need to understand that Greenlands been strategically important to the United States and to the West for a very long time, Rubio said.

I think now we have the opportunity to see it for what it is, and that is one, if not the most important, one of the most critical parts of the world over the next 50 to 100 years will be whether theres going to be freedom of navigation in the Arctic and what that will mean for global trade and commerce, he added.

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The U.S. maintains one military installation in Greenland, Pituffik Space Base, which was built in 1951.

It contains Americas northernmost deep-water port, a 10,000-foot runway and is operated by the 821st Space Base Group, which works on force projection, space superiority, and scientific research in the Arctic region.

The Pentagon, which has an Arctic and Global Resilience Office, released its latest Arctic strategy last summer that largely focuses on improving cooperation with northern allies, increasing training efforts and accelerating communication and intelligence investment.

Experts argue that despite the commitments, the resources have not been put into the Arctic.

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A December Center for European Policy Analysis report faulted the U.S. for persistent gaps with cold weather gear, radar coverage and aerial domain awareness.

It also said NATO has not properly addressed a strategy in the region, even as the number of Arctic nations in the alliance increased to seven with the recent accession of Finland and Sweden.

A genuine Arctic awakening within NATO structures still awaits., the report said. NATO needs an operational roadmap for the Arctic.

The U.S. is also aiming to build more icebreaker ships under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact with Finland and Canada. The Coast Guard, which operates icebreakers, has 12 of the ships, but only two are able to operate in the Arctic. By comparison, Russia has 41 and China has five.

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Courtney said the U.S. has dropped the ball in terms of icebreaker recapitalization but disagreed with Trumps approach to the situation.

The ICE Pact between Canada, Finland and the U.S. is the best way to really address the high north, rather than talking about taking Greenland, the Democrat said.

Trumps push for Greenland comes as the country, which is self-governed outside of Denmarks control over security and foreign policy, is moving toward independence.

Copenhagen has said Greenland must make its own decisions on independence and has pushed back against Trumps desire to buy the island.

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Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said he was willing to work with the U.S. on defense and trade but on their own terms.

This is the first time Greenland has been listened to in an intense way. We need to be calm and take advantage of things and stand together, he said at a press conference this week.

Troy Bouffard, director of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, led a November report with other researchers that said Greenland wants a bigger say in foreign policy and defense even if it doesnt become immediately independent.

The report explained there was a widening opportunity for more U.S. investment to counter historically strong Chinese investment.

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On Capitol Hill, lawmakers believe there is a serious opportunity to invest more in the Arctic and work with Denmark to boost Greenland.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Armed Services panel, said the U.S. can work just fine with Denmark or with Greenland if it becomes independent.

I think it is important. Russia and China certainly are involved in many strategic [areas], Smith said, but cautioned against threatening Denmark over Greenland. I dont think owning Greenland is a strategic necessity, but certainly being engaged in that part of the world is important.

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Scott Bessent, President-elect Trumps Treasury secretary nominee, said Thursday that he would not support raising the minimum wage.

Bessent, if confirmed, would not have the authority to raise wages, which would require an act of Congress. But Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who introduced a bill in the 117th Congress to raise the minimum wage to $15, asked Bessent, a hedge fund manager, to work with him and other lawmakers who want to implement a living wage.

I believe that the minimum wage is more of a statewide and regional issue, Bessent said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

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So you dont think we should change the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour? Sanders asked.

No, sir, Bessent responded.

The national minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009, although 30 states and dozens of cities, including the District of Columbia, have increased the effective minimum wage, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

About 30 million Americans were paid less than $15 per hour in May 2022, just more than a quarter of the nations workforce, according to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Another 22.8 percent, or 33.8 million workers, made between $15 and $19.99 per hour.

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Trump said in a December interview with Meet the Press that he would consider raising the federal minimum wage, although he did not commit to a specific figure. He also warned that raising the minimum wage too much could hurt businesses.

The other thing that is very complicated about minimum wage is places are so different, he said. Mississippi and Alabama and great places are very different than New York or California in terms of the cost of living and other things.

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President-elect Trump said he wants to preserve records from the FBIs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office after officials announced its closure in December.

We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office, Trump wrote Friday in a Truth Social post. Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago.

He added, Why is it that theyre closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!

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Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) accused the agency of prioritizing diversity over safety in a letter addressed to outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray.

I am deeply concerned thatunder your leadershipthe Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people, Blackburn wrote in the letter, as reported by Mediaite.

Her words echo the sentiments of Trumps Cabinet picks who have harshly criticized DEI initiatives, which they refer to as wokeness.

Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth also said he would rid the armed forces of similar policies if confirmed by the Senate to lead the Pentagon.

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A slew of businesses followed suit, including Meta, Walmart, McDonalds and Lowes, which have rolled back diversity efforts in recent months. Democratic lawmakers and local governments alike have urged the companies to reconsider.

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President-elect Trump said Friday he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders discussing trade and the fate of the popular video-sharing app TikTok.

The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, Trump posted Friday on Truth Social.

We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects, he added. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!

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Chinas Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, said that the two leaders agreed to set up a channel on strategic communication to keep in regular touch on major issues of shared interest.

President Xi expressed his readiness to secure greater progress in China-US relations from a new starting point, Xie wrote in a post on the social media site X.

Trump had a frequently adversarial relationship with China during his first term, with the two sides engaging in tit-for-tat tariffs and with the president-elect raging against Beijing over the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he has in recent weeks signaled he may take a friendlier approach to the nation in his upcoming second term, even as he floats additional tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Trump has referred to Xi as a friend and invited him to his inauguration; Beijing is sending its vice president instead. China typically sends an ambassador to the U.S. inauguration.

The president-elect has also expressed fondness for TikTok, the Chinese-owned app that Republicans had for years warned was a national security threat. Top Trump aides have signaled the incoming administration will take action to preserve the app for users in the United States, despite a looming ban.

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that the ban, set to go into effect Sunday would be upheld, but reports indicate President Biden will not enforce it on the final day.

 Updated at 3:12 p.m. EST

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President-elect Donald Trump held what he described as a very good call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday that touched on some of the most vexing issues in the U.S.-China relationship.

The two leaders discussed balancing trade, fentanyl and TikTok and many other subjects, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump gave no details but the timing of the call came just hours ahead of the Supreme Courts decision to uphold a law that will impose a ban on the social media app starting Sunday. Trump could, however, issue an executive order to allow TikTok to continue operations for up to 90 days while he tries to broker a deal to save it, per the Washington Post.

Despite Trumps repeated threats to impose a sharp increase in tariffs on Chinese imports after he takes office on Monday, he expressed optimism about the trajectory of U.S.-China ties in his second administration. He and Xi will solve many problems together, starting immediatelyPresident Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe, Trump said in his post.

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A Chinese Foreign Ministry readout of the call didnt mention TikTok but said the two leaders discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine. The statement said that Xi and Biden expressed hopes for a good start to U.S.-China relations and said that Trump wants a meeting with Xi as soon as possible. The Trump transition team didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump had made such a request.

Both leaders are willing to push China-U.S. relations to make greater progress from a new starting point, Beijing said.

That messaging puts a happy face on a U.S.-China relationship severely strained by tensions over trade and perceptions of Chinas threat to U.S. national security. In recent days, the Biden administration has ramped up export restrictions designed to reduce the flow of AI-related computer chips into China that could benefit the countrys military industrial complex.

Chinas state news agency Xinhua confirmed the call took place but provided no details on what the two leaders discussed.

The call came just hours after Beijing confirmed that Xi will dispatch Vice President Han Zheng to Trumps inauguration on Monday. Xi declined an invitation to attend last month.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the new White House administration, headed by Donald Trump, has the necessary prerequisites to help Ukraine conclude a good deal to end the Russo-Ukrainian war and establish a lasting peace.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Blinken's press conference

Quote from Blinken: "So I believe that the incoming administration is in a position where, if the Ukrainians so desire and so choose [to negotiate  ed.], it can help to negotiate a good deal."

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Details: Blinken stressed that a good deal requires a sustainable and long-lasting ceasefire that does not allow Putin the opportunity to rest, rearm, and return to aggression.

"So you have to have built into any ceasefire the effective deterrence necessary so that he [Putin  ed.] doesnt re-attack," Blinken said.

He noted that there are many ways to do this, and the current administration has discussed them with European partners and shared them with the incoming Trump administration.

Blinken stressed that Joe Biden's administration has helped Ukraine to ensure that "Putins intent, desire, and plan to erase Ukraine from the map, to subsume it into Russia, to realise his imperial designs" does not come to fruition.

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He also added that the impact on the Russian economy is already noticeable and that "theres a heavier and heavier weight bearing down".

"Ukraine is standing, and thats the most important thing of all," Blinken said.

In conclusion, he expressed his hope that the next US administration would be able to build on all the previous achievements in this area and ensure that Ukraine not only survives but actually thrives.

Background:

Trump has previously pointed out that he would not abandon Ukraine in his attempts to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Recently, Ukraine's European allies have expressed cautious optimism that Trump will not force Kyiv into premature negotiations with Russia.

In his farewell speech, Biden mentioned Ukraine in the context of his foreign policy achievements and how he had strengthened NATO.

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Since launching in 2021, America First Policy Institute has been known colloquially around Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump's "cabinet in waiting" should the former president return to office. And now, as Trump's second administration takes shape, AFPI seems poised to live up to its reputation.

Financial disclosure forms released over the past week show how people aligned with AFPI and its political arm, America First Works, are flooding into the upper echelons of Trump's new administration.

MORE: Why most of Trump's Cabinet picks will get confirmed by the Senate

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Several Cabinet-level officials, including the incoming secretaries of education, agriculture, veterans affairs and housing, have worked for AFPI. Trump tapped the group's president, Brooke Rollins, to lead the Department of Agriculture, and the chairwoman of its board, Linda McMahon, to run the Department of Education.

Rollins reported earning more than $1 million from AFPI in 2024, according to financial disclosures, and earned $560,000 the previous year. McMahon has not yet released her financial disclosures.

PHOTO: Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ben Curtis/AP)

Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, reported earning $520,000 from the group last year. John Ratcliffe and Kash Patel, Trump's incoming directors of the CIA and FBI, respectively, served as members of the group's American Security Team.

Ratcliffe has reported earning $180,000 from AFPI in financial disclosures.

PHOTO: John Ratcliffe testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his nomination to be CIA director, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 15, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Other incoming administration officials aligned with AFPI are Lee Zeldin, selected to run the Environmental Protection Agency; Scott Turner, tapped for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; Doug Collins, picked for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matthew Whitaker, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to NATO.

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MORE: Group with close ties to Trump presumed to have been attacked by Chinese hackers

All told, according to financial records disclosed so far -- and many remain outstanding -- AFPI doled out nearly $2.6 million to incoming Trump administration officials in recent years.

In its first years of operation, AFPI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, emerged as a fundraising behemoth. According to its most recent tax forms, filed in November, the group raised roughly $30 million in 2023 and spent $23 million of that.

PHOTO: Lee Zeldin testifies before a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on his nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 16, 2025. (Ting Shen/AFP via Getty Images)

The Texas-based group regularly hosts forums and issues policy directives in line with the first Trump administration's vision on foreign policy, national security, economic policy, justice reform and education. It also reportedly hosted training sessions last year for aspiring public servants in a second Trump administration.

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At a women's event hosted by AFPI in April 2024, Rollins revealed that the group has "298 executive orders drafted and ready for day one of the next president."

Here's a partial list of AFPI-affiliated picks and their recent earnings based on disclosure forms:

Brooke Rollins, Department of Agriculture: $1,610,000 (two years)

Pam Bondi, Department of Justice: $520,000 (one year)

Kash Patel, FBI: (Not filed)

Linda McMahon, Department of Education: (Not filed)

John Ratcliffe, CIA: $180,000 (two years)

Matthew Whitaker, NATO: (Not filed)

Doug Collins, Department of Veterans Affairs: $104,000 (two years)

Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency: $144,999 (two years)

Scott Turner, Department of Housing and Urban Development: $24,000 (one year)

How Trump's 'cabinet in waiting' has lived up to its reputation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
It happened 40 years ago, and it's happening again Monday, Jan. 20.

The inauguration ceremony of Donald J. Trump will be moved indoors Monday due to the extreme cold, the president-elect announced in a statement Friday.

"The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured in any way."

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"It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).

"Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather."

Reagan 1985 inauguration was held indoors

The second inauguration of Ronald Reagan on Jan. 20, 1985, was forced indoors due to intense cold. As USA TODAY noted that day, "The USA's 50th inauguration today moves indoors  a victim of bone-chilling temperatures that threatened 350,000 invited guests and parade watchers."

How cold was it in January 1985 in Washington, D.C.? An overnight low of minus 3 degrees only climbed to a high of 17 degrees at 4:45 pm, USA TODAY reported.

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This year, the threat is again bitter cold, with wind chill temperatures expected in the single digits.

What's the forecast on inauguration day on Jan. 20?

This Monday, the high temperature will be around 20 degrees, with wind gusts up to 30 mph creating bitterly cold wind chills in the single digits all day and falling below zero at night, the National Weather Service said.

The current forecast high for Inauguration Day would break the record for the coldest Inauguration to take place on that date, according to Weather.com meteorologist Sara Tonks.

What is typical inaugural weather?

The average afternoon high temperature in Washington on Jan. 20 is 45 degrees, based on weather data from 1991 to 2020, the weather service said. The average low is 30 degrees, which is usually about dawn. On average, the temperature at noon, when the oath is given, is 37 degrees.

What happened in 1985 at President Reagan's inauguration?

As reported in the L.A. Times, President Reagan said that medical and military authorities had warned that exposed flesh can freeze within five to 10 minutes in the conditions expected, triggering considerable danger to many of the parade and ceremony participants, spectators and the general public.

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The health and safety of those attending and working at these outdoor events must come before any celebrations, he said.

"It was wise of the president to cancel it," corps director Peter LaFlamme of the Spartan Drum and Bugle Corps from New Hampshire told USA TODAY in 1985, speaking of the parade.

"It wasn't human to have it."

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Inauguration day: Trump ceremony moved indoors due to extreme cold
Although some major political figures will notably be absent from President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, some of the world's most prominent business leaders are scheduled to attend his swearing-in.

Top technology company CEOs, whose companies have collectively donated millions to Trump's Presidential Inaugural Committee, are expected to have a conspicuous presence at the ceremony. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to attend, sources told CBS News this week; the online retailer was among the companies that donated $1 million to the fund.

Other chief executives set to attend Trump's inauguration include Google's Sundar Pichai; Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, whose company also contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund; and TikTok CEO Shou Chew, whose company could go dark in the U.S. as soon as Sunday after the Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that could lead to a ban.

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Not surprisingly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whom Trump has tapped along with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to explore ways to cut federal spending, will also appear at the inauguration, CBS News has confirmed. Musk said on his social media platform, X, this week that he felt "honored" to sit alongside Bezos and Zuckerberg on the inauguration dais, where Cabinet members, nominees and elected officials are placed.

Bloomberg reported that Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, OpenAI's Sam Altman and Apple's Tim Cook also are scheduled to appear. The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Seating arrangements at the inauguration ceremony could change after Trump announced it is being moved indoors due to frigid temperatures. The event will now be held under the Capitol dome, which is typically used for congressional ceremonies and celebrations.

Forecasters said temperatures during the noon event could fall to around 22 degrees, the chilliest since Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in January of 1985, when the mercury plummeted to 7 degrees.

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CNN first reported that the inauguration would be moved indoors.

Trump also said Capital One arena in Washington, D.C., which can accommodate roughly 20,000 people, would be open for people to watch the ceremony live, and he will join the crowd after he is sworn in.

Roughly 250,000 guests have tickets to watch the inauguration from around the Capitol grounds, according to the Associated Press.

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WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony is moving indoors to the Capitol rotunda because of a frigid weather forecast in the nation's capital Monday, the president-elect announced on social media Friday.

Inauguration Day is often cold, but Monday looks to be especially brisk. The high is expected to be roughly 20 degrees, with a low of six degrees, and strong winds.

The last time the ceremony was held indoors was Ronald Reagan's second inauguration when it was only seven degrees; the parade was also canceled that year. Former President Barack Obamas first inauguration in 2009 was the only other sub-freezing high on inauguration day.

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"I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather," Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social. "The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!"

"There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," he added. "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!)."

The change will deprive Trump of the chance to draw a big crowd on the National Mall to see him sworn in  no doubt something of a disappointment for a man who is obsessed with crowd sizes.

Trump will be holding an indoor rally Sunday at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.

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In his Truth Social post Friday, he also announced that supporters will be able to watch the inauguration ceremony from the arena on Monday as well.

"We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade," he posted. "I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In."

The arena holds a maximum of 20,000 people, which is far less than the National Mall. Permits submitted for the inauguration estimated that there would be roughly 30,000 people in the ticketed area, and 250,000 people in the public, non-ticketed area.

The chance for spectators to view any of the inauguration from the National Mall on Monday appeared increasingly unlikely, a senior administration official with direct knowledge of the situation told NBC News on Friday evening.

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Sections of fencing started being dismantled after Trump's announcement, and officials do not plan to broadcast any inauguration events on screens at the National Mall, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Trump was informed about the potential harm that the cold temperatures could have on law enforcement's horses, according to a person directly involved in inauguration planning. Law enforcement often uses horses to help patrol large events because navigating vehicles in crowded areas can prove difficult.

Trump alluded to the potentially dangerous conditions for horses in his Truth Social post announcing the venue change.

Several Trump supporters already in Washington ahead of the inauguration told NBC News Friday that they were disappointed to hear the news.

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"We made all of the plans and all of the arrangements to come up and be a part of this event," Jose Granado, who traveled from Miami, told NBC News.

"Were prepared for the weather, its not a problem," his friend George Gonzalez said.

We might as well stay at home and watch it on TV. Im kind of disappointed, to be honest with you, Ken Robinson, who traveled from Oklahoma, said. We came here to watch it in person. We dont really care to watch it on a Jumbotron.

Cold ain't gonna hurt nobody, said Harry Troyer, who traveled with Robinson. We have farms, and we dont get to not feed the cows 'cause its cold."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
For all the media folderol about Donald Trump's triumphant return to the White House, new polling shows that most Americans are actually feeling pretty meh about the prospects for any of his grandiose plans.

The AP-Norc poll shows that Trump's 41% approval rating is only a few points higher than it was when he was ignominiously rejected four years ago and most people don't have any confidence that he'll be able to accomplish most of what he's promised. For a man who erroneously insists that he won a landslide and claims that he's been given a mandate for massive change, it doesn't appear that most Americans actually support his agenda (other than eliminating taxes on tips) either:

Members of both parties say they want compromise but considering recent history it's pretty clear that the Republican Party simply is no longer organized to do that. They are in the grip of an extremist faction, led by Trump himself, that is immune to any kind of concession. From all the reports coming out of the new Congress, nothing has changed on that count.

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Trump and his crony oligarchs have been soaking up all the attention over the past couple of weeks, raising expectations that, in the words of his former adviser now internet influencer and activist Steve Bannon, he will enter the White House and immediately begin a campaign of "shock and awe" which will immediately upend the country and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.

No doubt Trump will issue a bunch of executive orders reversing all of those Joe Biden put in place and then claim that his actions immediately turned the economy around and fixed the border within the first week. (His allies are already saying it.) And it's likely that he'll very quickly issue pardons for the Jan. 6 rioters, the only question being if he'll let off those who assaulted police officers and planned an insurrection. (I'm betting he will  the MAGA faithful will be livid if he doesn't.) All that is to be expected.

However, there is actual governing to be done and from the looks of it, that's not going to be quite as easy as everyone wants to believe. First of all, as quickly as they are attempting to move on the Cabinet, Trump's goal of getting them confirmed immediately is unlikely, although, so far, unless something unexpected happens, it appears they'll all make it through the process eventually.

Other than that, the Republican-controlled Congress is a total mess. We already experienced its extreme dysfunction with the circus around Mike Johnson's election to speaker and the chaos that erupted when Elon Musk activated the MAGA trolls to put sand in the gears of the budget and almost shut down the government just days before Christmas. It's only getting messier.

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Generally speaking, when a party controls both branches of government they would have mapped out their legislative strategy long before they will have sworn in the new Congress. In 2017 when Trump was inaugurated the first time, then-Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had plans for their budget resolution hammered out a week beforehand. The Democrats did the same in 2021 (and they had to contend with a violent insurrection.) But for all of the Trumpers' bluster, Republicans aren't even close to figuring out how they plan to proceed and they are facing an imminent debt ceiling, an expiring continuing resolution and before too long, the expiration of the tax cuts Trump signed into law back in 2017.

There are several roadblocks. The first is that they simply can't agree on whether they should pass their dream agenda in "one big beautiful bill," as Trump wants them to do, or break it up into two. This must be done using the reconciliation process in order to circumvent the filibuster in the Senate, which new Majority Leader John Thune has already said they will continue to honor. He is on record preferring that they break up the massive agenda which includes a very expensive border bill, energy legislation and more tax cuts, wisely understanding that the prospect of getting everything they want with such a small margin in the House is minimal so they need to prioritize. Johnson, naturally, wants to follow Trump's orders and also knows that passing two reconciliation bills in one year is difficult and hasn't been done since 2006.

According to Politico, despite being publicly polite to one another, it's clear the Thune and Johnson are at odds and Trump has reportedly left it in their hands to work it out, saying that he'll accept whatever they decide even though he's made his preference clear. He has come up with one brilliant new strategy he thinks will force the Democrats to vote for his draconian policies. He wants the debt ceiling raised in the reconciliation bill and he wants to force Democrats to vote for it:

Trump tells Dan Bongino he wants to hold Los Angeles wildfire disaster aid hostage to get his agenda passed. 



There is no bottom. pic.twitter.com/pUbpsmeTIp  The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) January 16, 2025

It's entirely predictable that Donald Trump would tell Californians in the midst of an epic disaster that they will have to vote for mass deportation and tax cuts for billionaires if they want the federal help that's routinely given to any other state. I won't be surprised if they try it but it won't work because the Democrats will not agree to do it and there's even a fair chance that the Senate will balk at such a cretinous move. It would just delay the negotiations and they'll have to go back to the drawing board anyway. (Regardless, there's going to be a big battle over aid to California one way or another. Many Republicans are demanding that the state capitulate to Trump and the climate deniers' delusional demands.)

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Politico reports that they are so far behind that there's almost no way they can get anything passed in the House before the end of February and it's likely to take much longer than that. And that's assuming these Republicans can come up with even one reconciliation bill that meets all of their standards. They have pledged that anything they spend will have to be paid for and that includes raising the debt ceiling as Trump adamantly demands and the House Freedom Caucus is already throwing its weight around. The kind of cuts that would be called for to do that will cause a firestorm and will probably start to fracture their coalition. And even if they can keep it together, they'll have to deal with the Senate parliamentarian who will decide whether their bills meet the criteria for reconciliation packages. Thune has pledged to abide by that decision, whatever it is.

And who knows what Elon Musk and his DOGE commissars are going to do? He already killed Trump's honeymoon before it even started. If he decides to meddle again, he might just blow the whole thing up. It will not be surprising if we're sitting here next year at this time with Trump's agenda sitting in a smoldering pile on the House floor. From the looks of the polling, the American people don't particularly want or expect anything different.
Trump says his second inauguration will be held in the Capitol rotunda.

The ceremony is usually outside, but is being held indoors due to freezing temperatures.

It's the first time this has happened since Ronald Reagan's 2nd inauguration in 1985.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that his second inauguration will be moved indoors due to expected freezing temperatures.

"The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way."

Presidential swearing-in ceremonies are typically held outdoors on a platform in front of the United States Capitol, allowing crowds to view the event from the National Mall. However, Trump said on Friday that the ceremonies would instead take place inside the Capitol Rotunda.

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It's not the first time an American president has been sworn in beneath the rotunda.

President Ronald Reagan was also sworn in under the Capitol rotunda in 1985, when he was inaugurated for his second term, also after freezing temperatures prompted organizers to make a last-minute change of plans.

Reagan was sworn in for a second term beneath the rotunda in 1985. Consolidated News Pictures/AFP via Getty Images

Trump referenced Reagan's 1985 inauguration in his Friday Truth Social post, adding that the "various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol." Several business and tech CEOs are expected to be in attendance.

The president-elect also said that the presidential parade would be moved to Capital One arena, where a live viewing will also take place. Trump said he would travel to the arena after he's sworn in.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Through most of its history, America was not an imperial power, at least not in the same sense as European powers that colonized and governed noncontiguous areas in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, and large swaths of Asia and Africa.

The original 13 colonies had expanded westward to the Pacific Coast to the dismay of indigenous Native Americans who disputed what John L. OSullivan had described as white Americas manifest destiny.

In most cases, Americans had not only conquered such territories in military confrontations with Native Americans, but they had also secured title to such land both through treaties with the tribes and by purchases from European powers who claimed to own them.

Four presidents on Mount Rushmore is more than enough

Each of the four presidents whose visages are carved into Mount Rushmore was associated in some way with American expansionism.

Mount Rushmore

George Washington had secured the independence of the 13 original colonies, whose westward expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains Britain had sought to contain.

Thomas Jefferson had overseen the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France.

Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act of 1862, which opened the West to further settlement, and his Secretary of State negotiated the purchase of Alaska (Sewards folly) during Andrew Johnsons Administration.

Theodore Roosevelt recognized Panamanian Independence from Colombia and oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal.

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Although President William McKinley is not portrayed on Mount Rushmore, he waged a war with Spain that resulted in freedom for Cuba and the U.S. acquisition of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. To the delight of American businesses, he also took possession of Hawaii, which in time became the 50th state.

If newly elected President Donald J. Trump has his way, the U.S. may be on the verge of still further territorial expansion, some into noncontiguous land areas.

Trump wasn't the first U.S. leader to vie for Greenland

Although the suggestion seems more of a taunt to leverage better trading terms than a true threat, Trump has recently suggested that Justin Trudeau might be the governor of the 51st state of Canada. In the unlikely event that Canada agreed, this would presumably end tariffs between the two entities. If this arrangement proved successful, it might also be applied to Mexico, or what we rename as lower Texas.

Trump has renewed discussion, which began in his first presidential term, of purchasing the large island of Greenland from Denmark (an idea earlier floated by President Andrew Johnson and Harry Truman), although Denmark has expressed no desire to sell it.

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Charging that Panama is charging too much to U.S. vessels, Trump has also threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal. The U.S. ceded the Canal back to Panama as a result of a treaty negotiated by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 that returned complete administration of the Canal to Panama in 2000.

In addition, with a tip of the hat to a former expansionist president, Trump has proposed renaming Mt. Denali in Alaska as Mt. McKinley, its official name from 1917 to 2015.

Will Trump go the route of 25th President William McKinley?

If Trump were to broaden his vision, he might further seek to incorporate the one-time colony of the Philippines into the U.S. where we could continue McKinleys professed desire to Christianize its people, who are largely Roman Catholic. We would simultaneously be making a clear statement to the Peoples Republic of China that we will not tolerate its further expansion in this region.

We might further offer to incorporate Cuba into the U.S. in return for turning its lights back on and revitalizing its tourist industry.

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Commentators continue to debate why voters selected Donald Trump over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Did the people vote chiefly on the basis of social issues, economic issues, concern over illegal immigration, or other factors?

John Vile

None of these issues seems directly connected to Trumps real or feigned interest in foreign expansionism. Moreover, none of the issue of which he ran is as likely to get Trumps visage added to Mt. Rushmore as the prospect of further national territorial expansion.

At a time when it is common to conflate the word greater with bigger, we might by the end of Trumps second term, be thanking him not simply for making America Great Again, but for Making America Greater Again!

Dr. John R. Vile is a professor of political science and dean of the University Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump expanionist push for Greenland is so 19th century | Opinion
Scott Bessent, Donald Trump's nominee for US Treasury Secretary, has stated that he would fully support tightening sanctions on Russia to help pave the way for negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Source: Bessent during his testimony at the US Senate Finance Committee hearings on his nomination, as reported by CNBC

Quote: "I think if any officials in the Russian Federation are watching this confirmation hearing, they should know that if I'm confirmed, and if President Trump requests as part of his strategy to end the Ukraine war, that I will be 100% on board with taking sanctions up," Bessent said.

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Details: He specifically pointed out that this would apply to Russia's oil giants, with sanctions being ramped up to a level that would compel Russia to engage in negotiations.

Bessent also expressed his belief that the sanctions imposed on Russia under the previous U.S. administration were not tough enough.

Background: Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump are crafting a broad sanctions strategy to help secure a diplomatic agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the coming months while also increasing pressure on Iran and Venezuela.

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TRUMBULL CO., Ohio (WKBN)  The Warren Township Trustees are asking the Trumbull County Commissioners to totally defund the MetroParks Board of Commissioners because of its decision to demolish the Leavittsburg Dam.

The request was made at Wednesdays Trumbull County Commissioners meeting, during which it was also revealed that officials with the Ohio EPA would be willing to talk about alternatives to demolition.

The Trumbull County Commissioners heard from Jason Minor the assistant fiscal officer from Warren Township  who asked that Trumbull MetroParks Board of Commissioners be stripped of all its funding because of its instance to demolish the Leavittsburg dam.

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What theyre going to do with that money is going to continue to pursue removal of the dam, removal of the dam is dangerous, said Minor.

We can hold up on that as far as the board goes, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy.

Commissioner Malloy has strongly supported finding alternatives to saving the dam but said defunding the MetroParks would not happen yet because the Deputy Director of the Ohio EPA has agreed to a virtual meeting to discuss what else could be done.

There are options that would cost the county zero dollars, that would cost the MetroParks zero dollars, that would cost Warren Township zero dollars. There is a way to reverse course that would cost the taxpayers nothing, said Malloy.



Malloy was told that even if there were additional costs for alternative plans, they could apply for additional money.



They did state that they had no interest in whether the dam was removed or stayed, Malloy said.



Malloy said he contacted several members of the MetroParks Board and hopes if there is a meeting that they would be part of it.



I consider that a win as far as getting the facts out and thats what the park board asked for, he said.



It was mentioned that Warren Township could take ownership of the dam from the MetroParks but trustee Rick Hernandez didnt think that would be feasible.



And I can guarantee you the insurance to insure that dam  I really dont think the township, that would be affordable, Hernandez said.

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MetroParks Board Chairman Randy Fabrizio had no comment on defunding the MetroParks or what Malloy had to say. No date for the virtual meeting with the EPA had been set.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TUCSON  An $86.7 million agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation has put Tucson on track to build a plant to treat wastewater to drinking water standards by late 2031.

The federal agency will pay for constructing an advanced water purification facility northwest of the city in exchange for Tucson leaving 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water behind Lake Mead over the next 10 years.

"This project is not about infrastructure, it's about protecting a shared resource," said Councilwoman Nikki McMillen Lee who represented the mayor and council as the bureau and city officials signed the agreement Wednesday at Sweetwater Wetlands Park.

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Overallocated and gripped by drought, the Colorado River system is under strain, and its shrinking flow threatens the everyday water and energy supply of seven states and 30 tribes, as well as the health of the basins' ecosystems.

The agreement was part of a larger $257.6 million investment in Arizona from the Department of Interior's Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

On Wednesday, the Town of Gilbert also signed a nearly $17 million agreement for investments in 27,943 advanced metering infrastructure radios and structures to increase aquifer recharge at the town's riparian reserve with reclaimed water. They will conserve 8,500 acre-feet of water over the next 10 years.

"These meters will provide real-time data that allows us to pinpoint and address leaks much faster than current technology does, and thus reduce water loss," Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson said Wednesday. "In 2023 alone, within a portion of our service area, Gilbert saved 43 million gallons by alerting customers to leaks thanks to AMI data."

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Tucson's treatment plant would stretch the city's water resources. Treating sewage and purifying it to drinking water standards is already done on a large scale in California, Texas and Colorado, as well as cities around the world like Abu Dhabi and Singapore.

"Tucson won't be unique in the journey. We have the city of Phoenix and Scottsdale already moving towards advanced water purification programs and now Tucson will join them over the next couple of years," said Tucson Water Director John Kmiec. "This is the next step in our water resource planning and water reliability for the community."

The initiative to build the plant was part of Tucson's recycled water strategy and the city's One Water plan, which considers surface water, recycled water, groundwater and stormwater as equally important in Tucson's water portfolio.

Brownfield to wetlands: Pima county officials plan green future for contaminated facility

New technology is already in use

Arizona has already gone through a long process to make advanced water purification, also known as direct potable reuse, a reality. Two years ago, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality began creating a regulatory framework and issued the draft rules last year. They haven't been finalized and adopted yet.

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Phoenix has two projects that could treat reclaimed water to potable standards. The city is working on rehabilitating the Cave Creek Water Reclamation plant, which will treat 8 million gallons of wastewater per day. The city expects to finish construction of the reclamation facility in early 2027 and could add new technologies and processes the year after to make the water drinkable for human use.

Phoenix is also in the early planning stages of a plant that could purify 80 million gallons per day and serve other cities like Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Gilbert. The city is still working with partners on a feasibility study and water exchange agreements. Construction of the 91st Avenue Regional Advanced Water Treatment facility, southwest of downtown, is anticipated to start in five years, according to a spokesperson for the Phoenix Water Services Department.

Scottsdale was the first to build a pilot program for advanced water purification at its advanced water treatment facility, which treats 20 million gallons of recycled water a day to potable quality using ozonation, membrane ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection. The city is not sending the purified water to customers yet.

Until ADEQ regulations are official, water utilities cannot apply for permits to send water from these plants directly to customers as drinking water.

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Tucson will also have to go through a yearslong process to design, build and get permits for the plant.

The plant will be built near the Tres Rios water reclamation facility, which currently releases about 30 million gallons of highly treated effluent into the Santa Cruz River, reviving the river ecosystem. Tucson Water will take a portion of what is now being discharged into the river and purify it to supplement the drinking water system with about 2.5 million gallons a day.

"All the technology is essentially already developed because there is advanced water purification happening around the world," said Kmiec. "But what we will be doing in the planning stages for the next couple of years with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is we will be looking at the current recycled water quality that Pima County's Tres Rios produces and then we will be designing a purification process around that."

The new water source will support demands northwest of the city, where the utility had to shut down dozens of wells due to contamination by PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The 2.5 million gallons a day coming from the plant will help offset those impacts with a "reliable supply of high-purity water," Kmiec said.

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Winter snow: Colorado River snowpack offers little hope to end water cutbacks in Arizona in 2026

Less river water to bank on

Starting in 2026 Tucson will be ordering less Colorado River water. The city will decide how much it reduces its order every year to achieve a reduction of 56,000 acre-feet of water by 2035.

If evenly split across a decade, these reductions would amount to less than 4% of the Colorado River water Tucson receives in a year.

"The city's current Colorado River water allotment is at 144,199 acre-feet, but our community only consumes about 100,000 acre-feet a year," said Kmiec.

"We've been in an excess pattern where we've been banking water for the future in Avra Valley, in our recharge facilities, so making these small cuts into our allotment still doesn't dip into the annual use of the water supply for Tucsonans," Kmiec said. "It's just a little less water that we're putting in the aquifer for future use."

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Two years ago the city made a bigger voluntary reduction, compensated at $400 per acre-foot. Amendments to that agreement for 2026 will bring Tucson's conservation effort to a total of 160,000 acre-feet of water.

The reductions also barely dip into the Colorado River's increasing conservation needs. Seven states and 30 tribes in the Colorado River basin are stuck in negotiations over how they will split painful water reductions in the future, as the shortage-sharing guidelines that allowed for past water cuts come closer to expiration.

The term of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton is coming to an end on Monday, but the agency is on track to meet the deadline, she said Wednesday in Tucson.

"We've been in active discussions and the Bureau of Reclamation will continue to be in active discussions with the basin states, with the 30 tribes, as well as parallel agreements with the country of Mexico," she said.

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"There needs to be an agreement by August of 2026," Touton said. "We've put in the steps to ensure that we meet that deadline and I know that all of the groups, all of the states are talking to ensure we meet those operating criteria. By when we need them."

Clara Migoya covers agriculture and water issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to clara.migoya@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Federal funds will help Tucson treat wastewater to drinking standards
ANKARA (Reuters) - Authorities in Turkey arrested a mayor from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) early on Friday, after prosecutors accused him of rigging public tenders, an accusation his party dismisses as politically motivated.

Riza Akpolat, the mayor of Istanbul's central Besiktas district, has been detained by police since Monday in an investigation into an alleged criminal organisation suspected of rigging public tenders by bribing public officials.

Akpolat denies the accusations. The CHP said there was no concrete proof to justify the arrest and the jailing was politically motivated. In a post on X after the arrest, party leader Ozgur Ozel called it an attempt to defame the party.

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Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, also a CHP member who is seen as a potential future challenger to President Tayyip Erdogan, said the leader of the organisation concerned won many public tenders including some from municipalities led by the ruling AK Party.

Imamoglu flagged the possibility that he could be targeted in the investigation.

"If Istanbul municipality and I are the target here, you don't need to make my friends suffer. My file for the political ban is in the appeals court, just approve it," he said in a protest against Wednesday's detention of the mayor.

In 2022, Imamoglu himself was sentenced to 31 months in prison for insulting public officials in 2019, when he criticised a decision to cancel the first round of municipal elections, in which he beat Erdogan's AK Party, which had held power for 25 years.

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He has appealed against that verdict, which if upheld by a higher court, would see him banned from politics for five years.

Another mayor of an Istanbul district, also a CHP member, has been under arrest on terrorism-related charges since October.

Critics say Turkey's judiciary has been bent to Erdogan's will to punish his critics. The government says the judges are independent.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) came out swinging on Thursday in the wake of news that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had removed the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), and replaced him with a MAGA loyalist.

In a statement, Jeffries called the move shameful.

Mike Turner is a serious, thoughtful and highly-principled leader, whose work as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee has been extremely impactful. Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Chairman Turner has upheld his oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies and championed our national security interests. Mike Turner has robustly promoted the safety of the American people and the Free World and his unjustified ouster is likely being applauded by our adversaries in Russia and China. Shameful.

But the odds of Turner holding on to such a power post during the 119th Congress with Donald Trump in the White House were, perhaps, always low  and not just because of his reputation as a foreign policy hawk. While Johnson denies it, the New York Times reports that Johnsons decision to boot Turner was just another Trump fealty test: according to the Times, Johnson told Turner as much.

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Turner has been vocal about the U.S. preserving its relationships with NATO allies and supporting Ukraine during Russias ongoing invasion of the country, the latter of which has made him an outsider among MAGA Republicans.

Johnson replaced Turner with a Trump loyalist, Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), and maintains that the decision was just part of a 119th Congress fresh start.

Its a new Congress, Johnson told reporters Thursday. We just need fresh horses in some of these places.

Theres another reason Turner may be out of favor with the president-elect: He was among the minority of Republicans who went against Trump in January 2021 and voted to certify the results of the 2020 election  a member of a disintegrating class of Republicans within the current Congress. Many of those who bucked Trump in favor of the Constitution have since left, some forced out in the face of more MAGA primary challenges. Many of those who remain have strived in the years since to burnish their MAGA credentials.

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I am appalled at what is occurring in the U.S. Capitol right now, Turner tweeted on Jan. 6 during the Capitol attack. President Trump needs to call for an end to this violence and permit Congress to facilitate a peaceful transition of power.

Turner would later go on to criticize and vote against Trumps second impeachment, calling it a snap impeachment  perhaps in his own bid to get back in Trumps good graces.

If so, it was apparently not enough. Whether he chooses to stick around in Congress, where Republicans have control by margins that are verging on historically tight, remains to be seen.

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DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Two locals have been arrested for alleged molestation of a juvenile under 13 and rape that occured in a hotel room within Bossier Parish on Wednesday.

According to the Bossier Sheriffs Office, detectives recovered multiple media files from the suspects electronic devices that contained Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

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The detectives arrested 33-years-old, Brenica Smith and 34-year-old Spencer Millage Jr. both Shreveport residents.

BPSO detailed their arrests:

Brenica Smith was charged with one count of pornography involving juveniles, six counts of molestation of a juvenile under 13, two counts of aggravated crimes against nature. Smiths bond was set at $2,525,000.00.

Specher Millage Jr. was charged with one count of pornography involving juveniles, ten counts of molestation of a juvenile under 13, one count of first degree rape, one count of attempted first degree rape, and one count of molestation of a juvenile under 13. Millage Jr.s bond was set at $10,725,000.

Local tabloid writer and former attorney arrested, again

BPSO note that Smiths last known address was in the 4000 block of Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Millages last known address was in the 1400 block of Joanna Drive, Shreveport.

The investigation was in collaboration with the Caddo Parish Sheriffs detectives, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, Bossier Sheriffs detectives.

Detectives state they were arrested and booked into Bossier Max. The investigation is still ongoing.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  On December 4, 2024, the Panama City Police Department received information from the internal security division of a package delivery service, regarding the theft of four firearms that were intended to be delivered to a local licensed firearms dealer.

Panama City Police Department said the stolen firearms were taken on November 20 and were valued at $1,285.

Once detectives recovered CCTV footage and interviewed the involved parties, they arrested Jasmine Williams for grand theft of firearms, forgery, and dealing in stolen property on December 11.

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Wanted fugitive, illegal alien arrested in Panama City Beach

PCPD said Williams had already sold the stolen firearms, with the suspected purchaser identified as 24-year-old Aliyah Thomas. Officials were also able to link Thomas and Williams to additional stolen property.

Detectives also began investigating an incident that involved empty packages being delivered to a local jewelry store. Officials said on November 14 and 20, empty packages arrived that were supposed to contain diamonds and jewelry with an estimated value of $135,500.

Authorities said they later confirmed Williams was the delivery driver for those packages as well.

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On December 19, an officer was dispatched to a local music store regarding stolen property. The complainant revealed that on December 16 one of their employees located a guitar at a local pawn shop, this guitar was confirmed to be the same one that had been missing from a delivery of goods received on October 14.

Detectives confirmed that Williams was the person who pawned the stolen guitar on the same date it was supposed to have been delivered to the music store, authorities wrote.

DeFuniak Springs cold weather shelter opens

On January 15, the Street Crimes Unit and the United States Marshal Service arrested Williams for the theft of diamonds, jewelry, and the guitar. PCPD said Thomas was also arrested later that day for grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

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PCPD recovered the stolen diamonds which have a combined value of over $124,000, as well as the stolen firearms.

This is an ongoing case, if you have any additional information call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.

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LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Limestone County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) says two men were arrested and charged with various drug-related charges after a traffic stop in West Limestone on Tuesday.

LCSO said Gary Lorenzo Hill II, 33, of Huntsville, was charged with drug trafficking -methamphetamine and Roderick Tyrone Massey, 32, of Huntsville, was charged with drug trafficking  methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute  fentanyl and promoting prison contraband  drugs after a drug operation on Tuesday.

Missing Huntsville realtor was last seen leaving liquor store with 2 women

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The sheriffs office said the arrests come after the Limestone County Narcotics Unit, along with the Athens Police Narcotics Unit and the Madison County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit conducted a drug seizure operation on Jan. 14 in West Limestone. Authorities said during that operation, officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Hill and Massey.

Gary Hill II (Limestone County Sheriffs Office) Roderick Massey (Limestone County Sheriffs Office)

LCSO said during the stop a K-9 unit was alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and both Massey and Hill were searched. Officers found a small amount of fentanyl and marijuana during the search and both men were placed under arrest and taken to the Limestone County Jail, according to the sheriffs office. Both men were on parole at the time of the arrest.

Authorities said when at the jail Massey exhibited suspicious behavior and was given a full body search. LCSO said deputies found 10,02 ounces of meth concealed on Massey.

The sheriffs office said Hill was released on Wednesday after posting a $500,000 bond while Massey remains in custody on a $500,000 bond.

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Two Champaign residents were arrested on Wednesday for their involvement in the burglaries of two vehicles at the University of Illinois.

Michelle Burns, 37 of Champaign, and Joel Ford, 46 of Champaign, were both taken into custody early Wednesday morning. Burns was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle and possession of burglary tools and Ford on a possession of stolen property charge.

2024 in review: Champaign Police report increased gun crimes

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At 1:23 a.m. on Jan. 16. officers responded to Talbot Laboratory in Urbana for reports of a burglary in progress. Officers saw two people trying to flee the area.

Burns then complied with officers commands to stop, but Ford continued running. Officers found items from the burglarized vehicles in Burns possession.

More officers were later dispatched to locate Ford, who was then found in the 200 block of E. Clark St. in Champaign. Items taken from the vehicles were in Fords possession as well as additional items that did not belong to either victim.

Champaign, Urbana School Districts looking for mentorship program volunteers

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A Public Safety telecommunicator helped confirm Burns and Fords involvement after reviewing security camera footage of the burglaries. Another Public Safety employee found security footage of Burns and Ford leaving a parking garage in the 600 block of E. Stoughton St. in Champaign, which happened before their interaction with police.

An officer traveled to 610 E. Stoughton St. after reviewing the video, where he found two opened and discarded boxes in a parking spot. It was then determined that the additional items Ford possessed came from those boxes, which were addressed to other people and did not belong to him.

Burns and Ford were later taken to the Champaign County Jail, where they remain as of Thursday morning.

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Jan. 17Boone County Commissioner Tim Beyer wants to stop the county's $1.9 million fueling station project. And Commissioners President Scott Pell voiced support for halting it but tabled action while he seeks more information.

Pell was attending his first commissioners meeting Monday after his election in the fall. Commissioners typically reorganize during their first yearly meeting, and Beyer nominated Pell as president, while Pell nominated Beyer as vice president. Commissioner Don Lawson agreed on both accounts.

Beyer asked to add to the agenda four topics that he wanted to revisit from previous meetings when Lawson and then Commissioner Jeff Wolfe voted against him.

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Beyer asked to ratify a contract he signed in December with a company to perform an information technology, IT, assessment for the county. Only one vendor bid for the right, although another bid came in after the deadline. Lawson believed the companies were not given the proper information to form their bids and that the process should be done again with companies given specific parameters. Pell and Beyer voted to ratify the bid, while Lawson opposed.

Beyer asked again for county employee health information to supply information to a broker that wants to analyze the county's self-funded health insurance costs and offer a savings, if possible. He's been denied that information in the past.

County employees feared their personal health information would be released to the broker, but Beyer and county Human Resources Director Megan Smith said that only aggregate information would be released, such as how many colonoscopies in total county employees had. No individual claims would be released.

Boone County Councilman Kevin Van Horn urged commissioners to first speak with Councilman Dan Lamar, who has been an insurance agent for decades. Van Horn said the county would be sued if the wrong information is shared.

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Lawson suggested the information be provided to other brokers who may also want to offer the county a package, but Beyer objected to that.

Pell said he sees both sides of the argument and asked to table a decision until their next meeting. He said he will speak with Lamar before that meeting.

Beyer also objected to a partial compensation study commissioners approved last year. The county paid $90,000 for a compensation study in 2022. It paid for an update in 2024 and has contracted for an update on 19 key positions in 2025. Beyer said the county should not pay again for something it has already paid for. He and Pell voted to cancel this year's update. Lawson opposed.

Finally, Beyer wanted to discuss reversing the commissioners' approval last month of a project to build a fueling station on the site of the Boone County Justice Center at 1905 Indianapolis Ave., Lebanon.

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Lawson and Wolfe approved the project last month against Beyer's objections after he asked them to wait until he could get further information. He also wanted them to wait for Pell to join the commissioners in January. Wolfe and Lawson twice tabled a decision for Beyer to study the particulars but eventually voted yes. Beyer voted no.

Beyer got more estimates regarding possible savings if the county buys fuel by the tanker, instead of smaller amounts. And he disputes figures the other two commissioners presented on savings and on how long it will take for the station to pay for itself.

"The best case scenario ... based on some pretty optimistic estimates," he said, is that it will take 20 to 50 years of savings to pay for the station.

Beyer also believes the county could ask fuel providers to sell the county fuel at the discounted tanker rate without delivering a full tanker and to bid on shorter periods to allow the county more flexibility on costs.

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But Lawson said only one fuel company will bid in the way Beyer asks, and that would end competitive pricing.

Lawson reiterated the way he reached his savings estimates, based on the county's actual fuel use and his experience of buying fuel by the tanker for his farming operation.

Max Mendenhall, the county's director of capital investments, said the county is now paying pump prices for its gasoline. The county would take bids for each tanker it would buy for the new fueling station, he said.

"We can play the market a little bit," Mendenhall said. "When prices drop, we can buy 10,000 gallons and ride it out a bit."

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The county uses an estimated 200,000 gallons of fuel per year.

"I'm 100% for this fueling station," Lawson said. "We've been working on it for the last 10 years."

Lawson reminded Beyer that the contract is already signed and the contractor has already ordered the tanks and awning. Holding the project up will cost more because prices for those materials will change, and ending the contract would result in a penalty, he added.

Attorney Bob Clutter represents commissioners and did not immediately know how much it would cost the county to end the contract but said it would be "substantial." Clutter intended to call the builder after the meeting to learn just how much it would cost to end the contract.

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Pell said several voters told him they oppose the fueling station. He said the Co-Alliance Coop had provided reliable fuel to the county for years and he didn't know why the county wants to go into the business of providing fuel.

He said the county may be taking a $1.9 million gamble and could "lose huge," to "save marginally."

Pell then huddled a moment with Clutter and asked to table a decision, which they did.

Commissioners next meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in the Connie Lamar Meeting Room of the Boone County Annex building, 116 W. Washington St., Lebanon.

Commissioners also tabled until Monday a decision on renewing its annual contract agreement with the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, pending Pell's having time to study information provided by the EDC.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  News 4 has confirmed one of the leaders in question is State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

The Ethics Commission says its looking into possible allegations he violated campaign finance rules.

According to a subpoena obtained by News 4, the Ethics Commission authorized a formal investigation in October 2024 based upon reasonable cause to believe that one or more ethics rules had been violated.

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Subpoena 1Download

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Response to Subpoena Issued to Walters for State Superintendent 2022Download

The other official under investigation is Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

LOCAL NEWS: State Supreme Court justices hear arguments in case against Todd Hiett

According to the Ethics Commission, its for an alleged conflict of interest.

Hiett made headlines recently over accusations he groped a man while he was drunk at a conference in Minnesota in June 2024.

Hiett has said he does not remember the incident but that he would take steps to deal with his alcohol abuse.

Late last year, the State Supreme Court denied a request by three Republican lawmakers who sought to have Hiett barred from voting on cases before the Corporation Commission.

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Justice Dana Kuehn said the Ethics Commission would be a better forum to make a request for disqualifying Hiett.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation updated the public on two of their major projects to curb crime.

Baton Rouge resident Renauta McClay said she lives two blocks away from where the new Inspiration Center at Howell Park is taking shape.

As they put stuff together, I hope it lightens up the mood in the neighborhood, said McClay. I know its chaotic around here at night.



The center is part of a more than $8 million project community leaders are pouring into to help an area that is said to need it the most.

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Anthony Kimble with Kimble Properties, and others like him, said theyre excited to contribute to the project, which will offer things like mentoring by the Boys and Girls Club, sports, swimming, technology, music, a video game arena, meeting spaces and a podcast center.

I started high school at Istrouma High, down the street from where the center would be, and I understand the need there, said Kimble.



This is a model based off of The Promise Center in Atlanta and as Chairman Young said, this is modeled after that, said Alex Byo, of Thirty-Three Strategies. Theyve seen a correlation between filling voids in the lives of youth, with something positive.



Kimble said its planned to open this fall.

Meanwhile, police said crime cameras from the Page/Rice Public Safety Initiative helped find the suspects from the Christmas parade shooting.

Authorities plan to bolster this type of technology moving forward to keep our streets safer.

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McClay appreciates their efforts.



Its more helpful for the community, to have things going on, she said. It brings more people together, they can do more activities. Kids have places to go, people have places to calm down.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  FBI agents raided the homes of two prominent South Florida dog fighters on Tuesday, finding over 40 caged dogs, many of them wounded, according to federal complaints.

Alex Eugene Benefield, of Deerfield Beach, is now facing charges of conspiracy and running an animal fighting venture, while Tramaine Marvin Randall, of Pompano Beach, is charged with running an animal fighting venture, court records show.

To investigate the two men and the dog fighting underworld, the FBI used an anonymous source who has known them both for many years and was previously a dog fighter who worked with Randall beginning more than a decade ago, the complaints said.

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The FBI source secretly recorded conversations with both Benefield and Randall as early as February 2023, according to the complaints. The source attended at least one recent dog fight at a home in Deerfield Beach with Randall that was also recorded. In one recorded conversation in 2023, Benefield showed the confidential FBI source a video of one of his dogs killing and eating another one in his backyard.

Thats the fifth one he killed, Benefield told the source. He done killed five.

Training and secret locations

The special agent who investigated Benefield and Randall, a member of the FBI Miami Transnational Organized Crime squad, said in the complaints that dog fights typically involve pitbulls or similar types and dont end until someone removes their animal to forfeit a match or until one or both dogs die. The arranged location is often a guarded secret until shortly before the fight.

Those who train and fight dogs often have a goal for the animals to achieve champion or grand champion status, by winning three or five fights respectively, the complaints said. The network of dog fighters is expansive, spanning across the country in order to earn substantial income from betting on the fights and from breeding and selling the champion dogs.

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Trainers use treadmills, weighted chains and pulling devices, poles to increase jaw strength, and legal and illegal drugs, including steroids, to prepare the animals for fights. They often try to give medical care themselves to the dogs, to avoid making veterinarians suspicious of the injuries, the complaints said.

Benefield was top dog trainer, fighter

Benefield had been consistently involved in the dog fighting world since at least 2014, the criminal complaint said, and was known as one of the top dog fighting trainers and dog fighters in South Florida. The confidential FBI source had known Benefield since they were both teenagers.

The source met with Benefield at his home in Deerfield Beach in February 2023 where Benefield talked and bragged about training animals for other well-known dog fighters. Benefield showed the source the video of a dog killing and eating another animal in his yard at a second meeting a month later, according to the complaint, along with another video of two female dogs fighting.

At another meeting at Benefields home in December 2024, Benefield said he had just participated in a fight in Broward County days earlier and withdrew the dog because it was getting too badly injured. He showed the source the injured dog and said, she too weak to do anything.

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The source could hear many dogs barking and crying in Benefields backyard, according to the complaint. At one of the meetings, Benefield described losing a dog fight to Randall.

Randall was sources former dog fighting partner

Randall and the source had been dog fighting partners from 2014 to 2017, according to the complaint. Last July, the FBI told the source to go to a dog fight in Deerfield Beach, which the source recorded. The recording showed men including Randall gathered around the dog fight, blood on the carpet.

In October, Randall sent the source videos from another fight, men could be heard cheering things like I didnt come to fight, I came to kill and Its going to be a bloodbath, according to the complaint.

On Tuesday, FBI agents raided both Benefield and Randalls homes. At Benefields home, they found at least 34 dogs in cages in the back yard, according to the complaint, many with scarring and injuries. At Randalls, agents found 11 dogs, also with scarring and injuries. One of the dogs was actively bleeding. In the mens homes, agents also found slat mills and treadmills, weighted vests and medications used to treat injuries.

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Two Rhode Island state troopers have been fired after sharing a video that shows a man being fatally struck by a car and laughing at that man's tragic final moments. NBC News' Valerie Castro spoke to the victim's grandmother about her outrage at the state troopers' behavior.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI)  A pair of school districts in St. Lawrence County are getting donations of shoes thanks to a number of north country organizations.

Both the Hermon-DeKalb and Edwards-Knox Central School districts were given around 100 pairs of shoes. These were distributed to the students after they got their feet measured and looked for the perfect pair.

Harrisville CSD using snow day to combat illness

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The event was put on by the United Way of Northern New York, Fuccillo Subaru and Operation Warm. This initiative helped a number of families in need.

According to the United Way of NNY,  about 100 or so pairs of shoes left over from the event, the school districts will be distributing them to other students, and United Way is sharing a number of pairs with other community partners to spread the love and continue to work to make a lasting impact through this gift.

The event also had a hot chocolate and cookie station for a snack. There was also time for coloring sheets, signing the Subaru sign, and picking up a UWNNY goodie bag.

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(Courtesy of United Way of Northern New York)

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Two suspects accused of selling fentanyl around small children in Abilene have been arrested.

Juan Ramon Rodriguez and Precillia Hope Mayorga were both taken into custody for Child Endangerment Thursday in connection to the allegations.

A press release from the Taylor County Sheriffs Office states deputies initially contacted the suspects when they went to an apartment on West Lake Road Thursday to arrest Rodriguez on an outstanding robbery warrant from Dallas County.

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Rodriguez arrived at the scene in a vehicle driven by Mayorga, which was also occupied by small children, according to the press release.

When Rodriguez was taken into custody, the press release states he was found to be in possession of over 100 fentanyl pills and a large around of cash.

The investigation into Rodriguez involved both the Sheriffs Office and Child Protective Services because the allegations involved child endangerment.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that illegal drugs had been sold in the presence of the small children, the press release explains.

In addition to child endangerment, Rodriguez was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of Fentanyl, Possession of Mushrooms, Possession of Dangerous Drug, Possession of Marijuana, and Child Endangerment.

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Rodriguez remains held in the Taylor County Jail on bonds totaling more than $80,000, and Mayorga is being held on a $7,500 bond.

No further information is available at this time.

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LONE TREE, Colo. (KDVR)  Lone Tree Police are crediting a quick response Tuesday after two suspects attempted to steal from Dillards at Park Meadows mall for quick cash.

He stole a $600 vacuum, Commander Brett Callahan with the Lone Tree Police Department said.

2 arrested on theft charges after reportedly shoplifting $600 item, rolling getaway car

Callahan said that employees within Dillards notified the Lone Tree Mall Unit of the suspect, 32-year-old Fernando Gilbert-Olivarez, fleeing the west side of the store with the vacuum. The police substation at the mall is right next to the Dillards, which enabled police to respond and see the suspect fleeing within a few seconds.

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He ran across the street and forcefully removed a woman from a vehicle, which at the time officers thought it was a carjacking, Callahan said.

Since police originally thought it was theft and a carjacking, they pulled out all the stops to capture Gilbert-Olivarez.

Officers laid down spike strips and a short pursuit happened and we captured him about a mile away from the mall, Callahan said.

Gilbert-Olivarez was charged with theft, motor vehicle theft and eluding and was also booked in on a warrant for a previous eluding charge, according to police.

They arent stealing these vacuums for themselves they are stealing them to sell for drugs or other things, Callahan said.

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The other person involved in all of this was 37-year-old Lisa Ann Dolobacs, from Thornton. She was the woman Gilbert-Olivarez pulled out of the vehicle and originally tried to play it off to police that she was the victim of a carjacking.

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She had warrants, Callahan said. In the beginning, she pretended to be a victim of a carjacking, so that is false reporting. Then drugs, she stored some in another store we located.

Dolobacs was charged with theft, false reporting to authorities, possession of drug paraphernalia, and also had several outstanding warrants according to police.

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So, she didnt tell us the whole truth, Callahan said. These two had just met three hours before, she drove him to the mall.

The car the suspects arrived at the mall in was flagged as stolen.

Retail spots are hot spots for crime because its an easy way they can steal things to buy drugs, Callahan said.

The vacuum was recovered in the parking lot of the mall.

I think at one point he dropped it, and we recovered it, Callahan said. So, he never got away with the vacuum.

According to LTPD, no one was injured during this incident, and they would like to thank the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office for their assistance.

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Lone Tree is a safe place and we are doing everything we can to prevent crimes, Callahan said.

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A Russian decoy drone was engaged by Ukrainian air defenses over Kyiv today, close to where President Volodymyr Zelensky was meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leader of one of Ukraines staunchest allies. The drones presence further underscores the threat posed to Ukraine by long-range Russian uncrewed aerial vehicles, including unarmed ones intended to stimulate and confuse Ukrainian air defenses. The incident also coincided with Starmer announcing that the United Kingdom would provide Kyiv with additional mobile air defense systems, of undisclosed type.

The drone, apparently a Russian Parodiya decoy type, was seen above the Mariinskyi Palace, the presidential residence on the right bank of the Dnipro River. Multiple accounts state that local air defenses tried to bring the drone down and detonations could be heard. At least one account suggests a drone was brought down, adding that, according to eyewitnesses, there were at least two drones over the capital.

The "Parodiya" decoy drone that overflew Kyiv during the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier today and triggered an air defence response.



It is an unarmed and relatively simple UAV designed to probe Ukrainian air defences and expend air defence interceptors. pic.twitter.com/DKNxWyNCai  Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) January 16, 2025

City officials said there had been no casualties from the incident, but that falling debris had damaged a car, also suggesting at least one drone was shot down or badly damaged.

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The Parodiya is among a number of different types of Russian decoy drones that have begun to appear in increasing numbers in the conflict in recent months. These also include the Gerbera drone, which you can read about here, which seems to be used primarily in support of attacks by Geran/Shahed-series long-range one-way attack drones.

Russian Parodiya decoy drone spotted over the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, today.Those cheap, unsophisticated drones are employed during strikes with Shahed OWA-UAVs to distract Ukrainian air defenses.  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@archer83able.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T12:51:50.454Z

Looking at the Parodiya specifically, this is a relatively simple decoy drone, of mainly lightweight wooden construction, albeit still offering long range. It is powered by a piston engine driving a propeller in the nose. Like the Gerbera, the Parodiya is reportedly primarily intended to mimic the Geran/Shahed attack drones, using a radar-reflective Luneburg lens for this purpose.

Wreckage of Parodiya drones reveals the internal Luneburg lenses. GUR

In this way, the decoy will appear to Ukrainian air defenses as if its an attack drone, prompting them to try and engage it and increasing the likelihood that attack drones will make it to their target. Even if no attack drones are present, these decoys can suck up hugely valuable interceptors which are prized and not easily replenished. A drone like this that costs maybe $10,000 can be brought down by a missile that costs $1 million at least, leaving less of them for real threats.

A Parodiya decoy drone that came down somewhere in Ukraine. GUR

According to the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the Parodiya also contains a significant number of components produced by Western companies, which has been a recurring motif in Russian high-end weapons. Other components in the drone were sourced from China, the GUR claims.

Electroncis inside a Parodiya decoy drone. Ukrainian Police

In November last year, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat told CNN that the Parodiya and other types of decoy drones accounted for up to half of all drones used by Russia in its large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

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The sound of anti-aircraft fire over Kyiv today was highly symbolic, as Zelensky and Starmer met ahead of a press conference at the presidential palace. This was the U.K. prime ministers first official trip to Ukraine since taking office.

Starmer said the drone was a reminder of what Ukrainians experienced every day. It makes it real for us, he said. Its an everyday threat Ukraine is facing with incredible resolve and determination.

U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is guided by Ukrainian officials as he inspects a damaged vehicle along a street in Kyiv, during his visit to Ukraine to sign a new long-term partnership deal with Volodymyr Zelensky, on January 16, 2025. Photo by Carl Court/PA Images via Getty Images Carl Court  PA Images

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While its unclear whether the Parodiya was accompanied by attack drones, todays incident over Kyiv is not the first possible close call during a visit to Ukraine by a Western leader.

In March last year, we reported on how President Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were in the vicinity of a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The Greek prime minister later described the incident as intense. The timing, location, and weapon used in the strike led some to suggest that it was a decapitation attempt by Russia.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Odesa came under attack from Russian Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), one of which may have landed as close as 220 yards from the two leaders.

President Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in March 2024. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine/Anadolu via Getty Images

Russia may have even timed the use of these non-lethal drones to coincide with the Prime Minsters visit.

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Returning to todays events, the drone incident came as Starmer announced a closer than ever partnership with Ukraine, a statement of commitment that comes just days before Donald Trump returns to the White House, bringing uncertainty about the nature of future U.S. military support to Ukraine.

Today, the Ukrainian and British leaders announced a new defense partnership including additional military assistance for Ukraine.

The power of our long-term friendships [must not be] underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russias barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future is vital to this governments foundation of security and our plan for change, Starmer said.

There have been reports that the two leaders may have also discussed the possibility of British troops being deployed in Ukraine as part of a postwar peacekeeping force. Accounts in the British media today suggested that this might be one of several options being discussed that would involve British and French soldiers being sent to Ukraine following a potential peace deal.

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The United Kingdom has been at the forefront of delivering military aid to Ukraine, especially when it comes to weapons that were previously considered off the table due to their assumed potential for escalating tensions between Russia and the West.

The United Kingdom was quick to send shoulder-launched anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine and was the first to announce it would begin training Ukrainian pilots to operate modern NATO-standard fighter jets.

When, in 2023, the United Kingdom said it would send 14 of its Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, it kickstarted a broader international effort to get similar equipment to Ukraine, with the British tanks being followed by German-made Leopard 2s and U.S.-made M1 Abrams.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade operate a British-supplied Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region, in February 2024. Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP GENYA SAVILOV

Perhaps most prominently, the United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, which have been used in multiple high-profile attacks on Russian targets both in occupied Ukraine and, more recently, within Russias own borders, in the Kursk region.

A Storm Shadow missile, emblazoned with a British flag, under the wing of a Ukrainian Su-24 Fencer strike aircraft. Via X Twitter screencap

The next tranche of British military support for Kyiv will include undisclosed mobile air defense systems, additional training for Ukrainian soldiers, as well as 150 artillery barrels. This is part of a wider pledge to provide 3 billion (around $3.67 billion) of British support a year, to be continued indefinitely.

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Whatever comes next for Ukraine, British military support looks to be a given for the time being.

With new air defense systems now headed from the United Kingdom to Ukraine, the drone incident over Kyiv today was a very timely reminder of the continued threat from Russian attacks of this kind, and the continued need for air defense equipment, a demand that is only further driven by the growing presence of decoy drones like the Parodiya.

Update, January 17: The U.K. government has provided a few more details of the new air defense equipment it will provide to Ukraine.

Gravehawk, a U.K.-designed air defense system, has been rapidly developed to meet Ukrainian needs on the battlefield. The project has been jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, the British government said in a statement released yesterday.

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The innovative system, which is the size of a shipping container, is able to retrofit air-air missiles for ground-based air defense, meaning it can use Ukrainian missiles already in their Armed Forces possession. This would suggest that the system can be armed with one or more of the AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile), AIM-9 Sidewinder, or IRIS-T air-air missiles provided to Ukraine by Western allies, or with the Soviet-era R-73 (AA-11 Archer)  which has also been adapted by Ukraine for surface launch.

With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraines air defenses, allowing them to defend their cities, troops, and critical infrastructure, the statement adds.

Two prototypes of the new system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will follow this year.

Its unclear what relationship Gravehawk has with the U.K.-provided mobile ground-based air defense system that combines the ASRAAM and a 66 Supacat all-terrain truck chassis, with a twin-rail launcher mounted at the rear. However, this first broke cover in August 2023 and was seen in use in Ukraine in October of the same year, suggesting that it is a different  but possibly related  system.

The British-supplied mobile air defense system centered on the AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or ASRAAM, which has been fielded by Ukraine. via X

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Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
A Mexican flag held strong during the relentless Friday afternoon wind as about 200 students at U.S. Grant High School staged a demonstration against a policy that could force Oklahoma City Public Schools to report the number of its undocumented students.

Students carried signs, blared Latin music and spoke out against the Oklahoma State Department of Education's proposed administrative rules that, just hours before, were subject to a public hearing where teachers, civil rights advocates and opponents of the rules spoke against them.

After the walkout, a couple students told The Oklahoman that while the proposed rule wouldn't affect them directly, they've seen how anti-immigrant rhetoric from state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and President-elect Donald Trump has taken a toll on their classmates.

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More: Oklahoma teachers, students grapple with fears of deportation under Trump

"It's really messed up, and I feel like, why them out of everybody to pick on?" one student said. "If you're going to pick on someone, pick on everybody. I don't know why they're picking on them, but it's just not right."

Walters called undocumented students a burden on Oklahoma schools in a recent post, but the students who spoke to The Oklahoman said they don't feel this way about their classmates.

U.S. Grant High School students walk out of class Friday in Oklahoma City in protest of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters' attempts to require school districts to report the number of undocumented students on their campuses.

"It doesn't affect me as much as they make it seem like it does," a student said.

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In a statement, OKCPS spokesperson Crystal Raymond said the district supports its students' rights to peaceful assembly and their freedom of expression.

"We have worked closely with students and student groups who wished to assemble today so we could provide them with a safe space to express themselves regarding an issue they are passionate about," Raymond said. "Our top priority is always to support the academic and social emotional needs of our students while maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment for all."

Previously, OKCPS Superintendent Jamie Polk told parents and teachers that the district does not, nor has plans to, collect students' immigration status.

Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, was a teacher at U.S. Grant High School and now represents the House district that encompasses it. In a statement to The Oklahoman, the representative characterized Walters' recent actions regarding undocumented students as a distraction  a descriptor several elected officials and advocates have used to describe the superintendent's efforts.

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"If school districts refuse to comply with Walters' proposal, as seen with his Trump Bible mandate, will the OSDE threaten their accreditation or deploy the few remaining employees to physically count undocumented students and families in Oklahoma public schools?" Dollens asked.

The walkout at U.S. Grant High School occurred just hours after the public hearing on the department of education's proposed administrative rules.

Proposed rules could require Oklahoma schools to report number of undocumented students

Proposed rules

The proposed section would 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.

More: Ryan Walters sues Homeland Security, ICE leaders for immigration impacts on Oklahoma schools

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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.

The section stipulates its language shall not be construed to inhibit any student from receiving the education theyre entitled to under state and federal law. It also prohibits the data outlined in the proposed section be used to record an individual students citizenship or legal immigration status.

It is illegal to ask about the citizenship status of a public school student, and undocumented students are guaranteed education by the 1982 Plyler v. Doe U.S. Supreme Court decision. Walters has been vocal in recent months about documenting how much it costs Oklahoma school districts to educate undocumented students.

Walters sues U.S. immigration agencies

Earlier this week, the superintendent revealed he's suing Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security, and Peter Flores, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deputy director, seeking compensation for the "financial and operational strain" that their border polices have placed on the state's schools.

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The $474 million lawsuit is an attempt to "recoup illegal immigration impacts on Oklahoma schools."

The lawsuit amount mirrors the number the the superintendent sent in a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris in November, demanding she send $474.9 million to reimburse Oklahoma taxpayers for paying to educate children whose parents are undocumented.

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 and the recent lawsuit, 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.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma students protest Ryan Walters' proposed rules
The British government has unveiled a 60 million ($73 million) package to support growth across the creative sectors, being announced at Fridays Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is presenting the funding plan to more than 250 creative businesses and cultural leaders at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

More from Variety

The package includes $48.7 million allocated for the next fiscal year, targeting film exports, video game startups, grassroots music venues, and creative enterprises outside London. The British Business Bank will increase its support for the sector, which currently contributes more than $150 billion to the U.K. economy.

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The funding includes $19.8 million for the Create Growth Program, $6.7 million for the U.K. Games Fund, $8.5 million for the U.K. Global Screen Fund, and $1.9 million for the Music Export Growth Scheme. Four cultural projects will share $19.7 million from the Cultural Development Fund.

The government has designated 11 priority regions for creative development, including Greater London, Greater Manchester, and the Edinburgh-Dundee corridor. Six Mayoral Combined Authorities will receive additional funding, with amounts to be determined in the upcoming Spending Review.

Representatives from Netflix, Spotify, Warner Bros., the National Theatre and British Museum are at the summit, which marks the first step toward delivering the Creative Industries Sector Plan, part of the U.K.s modern industrial strategy.

From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Governments mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the U.K., Nandy said. Our 60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.

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Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: Our number one mission is to grow the economy and our creative industries are a British success story with a big part to play. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a new Soft Power Council to promote British culture abroad and drive investment.

Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission, said: U.K. film and TV is globally adored, as well as being a key sector driving UK economic growth. Were delighted to hear DCMSs growth plan for the creative industries, and the recognition by government of the value of film and TV to the U.K. economy. We particularly welcome confirmation of 1 million funding support for the British Film Commission.

The complete Creative Industries Sector Plan is expected to be published this spring, with additional policy announcements planned in the coming months.

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Rochester, N.Y. (WROC)  Like with all cases involving a violent crime, police investigating the burning of a Rochester woman in 2019 on Augustine Street began looking for a suspect.

After attention turned to the victims husband, David Johnson, though, the case took an unusual turn.

It was pretty apparent in the initial investigation that he fled Rochester, where to they didnt know but they did know, said Charles Salina of the U.S. Marhsal Service of Western New York.

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Local police called in the U.S. Marshal Service.

They, along with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, and other agencies began the process of tracking Johnson.

That effort took them to Jamaica.

They came up with an alias that he had gotten, got a fake ID and at that point once they leave the country, we have to get our international branch involved. You have to work with the state department diplomatic security services and you have to feed information to the Department of Justice, the Monroe County District Attorneys Office, Salina said.

Coming up dry in Jamaica, Salina says they pieced together Johnsons next destination: Uganda.

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Five years later, U.S. law enforcement fed police in Uganda information as to Johnsons whereabouts.

The deputy marshal who was originally assigned the case was able to fly over to Uganda with two other U.S. marshals and they extradited him back last weekend, Salina said. So hes back here in Monroe County and arraigned on the warrant and held at the Monroe County Jail.

Hes been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and attempted arson in the third degree.

He is being held in jail without 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 RochesterFirst.
Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Supreme Court of the United States has upheld a federal law that will ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance Ltd., initiates a sale by this Sunday, January 19, The Associated Press reports. The court unanimously approved the law, ruling that the apparent risk to national security outweighed concerns regarding First Amendment rights. While the ban is not expected to mandate removal of the app from phones, experts say new downloads and updates will likely be blocked, eventually rendering it unusable. The restrictions may be paused if ByteDance finds a buyer by Sunday, but no such sale appears to be imminent, according to The AP.

The court made its decision in spite of opposition from party leaders wary of alienating its 170 million American users. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law after it overwhelmingly passed Congress, but has said he would not enforce it on Sunday; and President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has nearly 15 million followers on the app, has said he wants to resolve the issue.

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The prospective ban went to the Supreme Court after TikTok sued the U.S. government, in 2024, calling it an extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights. The court countered, in its unsigned opinion, Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.

Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
The News

Gulf countries may be best known for exporting oil and gas, but these days their expertise in developing huge renewable energy projects is also in high demand.

A case in point: Abu Dhabis renewables giant Masdar has signed a $15 billion deal to develop up to 1 gigawatts of clean energy in the Philippines between now and 2030.

The deal covers solar and wind power plants, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS) to ensure that electrons will still be flowing even if the sun isnt shining and the wind isnt blowing.

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A second case in point: Masdar is also backing an ambitious $1 billion wind and solar power project in Europe, with clean energy being generated in Albania and then sent across the Adriatic via a subsea cable to Italy.

The deal should see electricity transmitted by 2028. Its not clear just how much power will be involved, but the partners are talking about a gigawatt-scale program.

Masdar signed a preliminary agreement with the Albania Power Corp. in November, but the Italian connection is a new element.

Know More

Masdar already has a presence in both Asia and Europe: it has a large floating solar PV plant in Indonesia and is developing 10 gigawatts of projects in Malaysia. It hopes to have a global portfolio of 100 gigawatts by the time the Philippines project is complete.

Projects are also underway in Greece and Serbia, involving more than 6 gigawatts of power by 2029.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A recent study showed health care workers across the U.S. have long faced high levels of stress, burnout, and mental distress, a situation that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

New research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa highlights a troubling trend: despite experiencing significant mental health challenges, many health care providers are not seeking care, raising concerns about the readiness of the workforce and potential impacts on patient care.

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The study, which surveyed over 2,600 primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants from September 2022 to May 2023, reveals that 26% of respondents reported symptoms meeting the criteria for a mental health disorder.

Single mom of 2 receives special surprise from Oahu organizations

Yet, only 20% of those affected sought treatment in the past year. Researchers said these numbers are a sign that more needs to be done to address mental health care access for health care professionals.

From nurses striking for better conditions to those who rushed to help after the New Years fireworks tragedy, Hawaiis health care workers are carrying immense loads, said lead author Anthony Papa, an associate professor at UH Manoas College of Social Sciences. Prioritizing their mental health is essential to building a resilient health care system, especially for our island communities.

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The study also found that younger, female providers were more likely to seek mental health services than their male counterparts or those with more years in the field.

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Papa emphasized that addressing these barriers to care is crucial for ensuring the well-being of health care workers and, by extension, the quality of care for patients.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The UK is sending Ukraine a new air defense system, the Gravehawk.

The mobile system has been retrofitted to fire air-to-air missiles from the ground.

Having the systems will help Ukraine avoid running out of interceptor missiles, a military expert said.

The UK is sending Ukraine a new mobile air defense system that could help address one of its thorniest  and most expensive  issues.

Designed in the UK but part-funded by Denmark, Gravehawk can modify air-to-air missiles to be fired from the ground, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The MOD didn't specify which missiles it uses, but said they were already in Ukraine's possession.

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Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine has struggled to have enough air defense systems to counter Russia's air bombardments.

Allies have sent it advanced systems like the US-made Patriot air-defense system, but these are expensive and are mainly used to defend cities and power stations from cruise and ballistic missile attacks.

A Patriot missile costs about $4 million to fire, and Ukraine has repeatedly asked for more of them.

Gravehawk, a shipping-container-sized device announced Thursday as part of a new $5.5 billion military aid package, could go toward addressing this gap.

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Justin Bronk, an air power analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, told Business Insider that Gravehawk provides Ukraine "a means to use more plentiful and affordable ammunition sources" than the handful of purpose-built but hugely expensive air defense batteries it has.

Having more air defenses like this "will help Ukraine avoid running out of interceptor missiles for those more expensive systems that are critical for defending against higher-end threats like ballistic and cruise missiles," he added.

"At a more basic level, it's also just adding additional air defense assets," he said. "Ukraine is an enormous country."

The UK MOD said that two Gravehawk prototypes were tested in Ukraine in September and that 15 more would follow this year.

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"'Gravehawk likely builds on previous experience," Bronk said.

Ukraine has already fielded a makeshift air defense system that fires modified AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or ASRAAMs, from a Supacat truck chassis.

According to Bronk, this was used to shoot down Russian Orlan-10 and Zala-series reconnaissance drones, as well as Shahed-136 exploding drones.

Defense Express, a Ukrainian military news site, suggested that this setup was a precursor to Gravehawk.

Business Insider was unable to independently verify this.

The UK is also sending Ukraine drones and other equipment.

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"This new package of support will help strengthen Ukraine's position on the battlefield or at any negotiating table," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.

The need for more air defenses was amply demonstrated this week when Russia sent an attack drone close to the presidential palace in Kyiv during a visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The drone was "a reminder of what Ukraine is facing every day," Starmer said at a press conference.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The United Kingdom will play its "full part" in supporting efforts to maintain an enduring peace in Ukraine, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News on Jan. 16.

Starmer's remarks followed his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, where the leaders signed a historic 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and the U.K.

When asked if the U.K. was prepared to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire, Starmer said he had discussed the matter with Zelensky during his visit.

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"I've been discussing this with a number of allies ... including President Zelensky here today," Starmer said in an interview with Sky News.

"But we will play our full part. We have always been one of the leading countries in relation to the defense of Ukraine, so you can read into that that we will be playing our full part."

Bloomberg reported on Jan. 10 that Starmer was expected to discuss the possible peacekeeping mission with Zelensky during his visit.

Starmer said he did not want to "get ahead of ourselves" in terms of specific plans but said the U.K. was committed to taking a leading role in ensuring a lasting peace in Ukraine.

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"Because this isn't just about sovereignty in Ukraine ... If Russia succeeds in its aggression, it will impact us for a very long time," he said.

London and Paris have already begun discussing the possibility of deploying French and U.K. troops to monitor a ceasefire along the front line in Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported in December. Starmer on Jan. 16 confirmed that he and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed the issue.

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.

Trump reportedly supports the idea and told Zelensky and Macron during their trilateral meeting on Dec. 7 that he wants European troops to monitor a future ceasefire.

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Ahead of Zelensky's meeting with Starmer, the president spoke with Macron on Jan. 14 regarding "practical steps" for implementing such a plan.

Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit Warsaw on Friday, 17 January for talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Following the discussions, the two countries will begin work on a new defence and security treaty.

Source: UK government website, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The agreement will promote closer military cooperation between the two nations to protect Europe from Russian aggression, combat disinformation and address hybrid threats.

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The two countries will also cooperate to stop human trafficking networks, secure energy supplies and protect critical infrastructure.

Starmer emphasised the need to "take our partnership to the next level" in light of the "ever-increasing threats to Europes security", ranging from Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's aggression to the activities of "vile people-smuggling gangs".

Background:

On 16 January, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a historic agreement on a 100-year partnership to enhance security ties and strengthen cooperation for future generations.

Regarding migration, it is worth noting that the Polish government approved a migration strategy for 20252030 on 15 October 2024. This strategy includes suspending the right to asylum for migrants and implementing mechanisms to encourage the return of foreigners to their country of origin.

On 18 October, EU leaders expressed solidarity with Poland in countering illegal migration and reinforced their commitment to effective control of the EU's external borders.

On 9 January 2025, it was announced that the UK would establish a new sanctions regime targeting the leaders of networks responsible for illegally bringing tens of thousands of people into the country each year.

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Just because UK residents are allowed to purchase an imported Cybertruck doesnt mean they can drive it on public roads. Choosing to take the risk opens them up to a police stop. Case in point, as spotted on Bluesky by Adam Tranter: Authorities stopped the driver of one of Teslas Cyberbeast limited editions in the Greater Manchester area on Wednesday evening local timethen promptly seized it.

Officers from #GMPTransportUnit stopped this Tesla Cybertruck in #Whitefield last night, the official Greater Manchester Police Bury Division posted to Facebook on January 16th.

Authorities explained that while the driver was a permanent UK resident, their vehicle was registered and insured abroad. From there, cops confiscated the nearly $100,000 EV and told the alleged violator that they must provide proof of ownership and proper insurance before they can reclaim it.

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The Cybertruck may worry some critics and regulators in the US, but its still perfectly legal to cruise through the country in one of the over-18-foot-long, 6,800 lbs stainless steel EVs. The luxury ride thats popular with both Chechen warlords and local law enforcement, however, still lacks the UKs required certificate of conformity ensuring it meets the countrys safety standards. And unless Tesla applies for one, Cybertrucks remain banned from British streets for the conceivable future.

The Tesla Cybertruck is not road legal in the UK and does not hold a certificate of conformity, the police explained. Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck.

Teslas entire line of EVs have received numerous recalls over the years from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ranging from software glitches, to camera issues, to safety worries related to the companys Full Self-Driving Mode. In October 2024, Tesla released a Cybertruck over-the-air software update to fix a camera system that regulators deemed illegally slow. The NHTSA issued another recall notice earlier in the year for nearly every Cybertruck over a potentially faulty accelerator pedal. According to the announcement at the time, the problem stemmed from makers accidentally using soap instead of lubricant on many brake pads.

We are just being very cautious, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the time regarding his favorite car.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on European countries to increase military support for Ukraine in order to strengthen its position in negotiations with Russia.

Source: Starmer in an interview with Politico

Details: Starmer emphasised the need for European countries to strengthen their support for Ukraine, especially in light of expected changes in US policy following Donald Trumps return to the White House.

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He stressed that the UK is ready to play a leading role in peace initiatives, including the possibility of a peacekeeping mission involving British troops. Starmer also underscored the importance of increasing military aid to Ukraine from all European nations, as this would enable President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia from a position of strength.

Quote: "Yes, I think collectively we do need to do more. I think that is recognised across Europe."

He added that now is the time for European countries to demonstrate responsibility towards Ukraine and show unity in opposing aggression.

While Starmer noted that he doesn't want to dictate what other countries should or shouldn't do, he described himself as a "political collaborator" and stressed that the global context regarding conflicts has shifted.

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The UK prime minister also voiced concern over potential changes in US policy under Donald Trump, particularly after Marco Rubio, Trumps nominee for Secretary of State, suggested that both sides of the war would need to compromise.

Background:

During a press conference in Kyiv on 16 January, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK had already committed 3 billion (around US$3.6 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year.

Ukraine and the UK signed a historic agreement on a 100-year partnership to enhance security ties and strengthen partnership for future generations.

On 9 January, it was announced that the UK, in cooperation with its NATO allies, would provide Ukraine with 30,000 new drones.

On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Starmer at the UK prime ministers country residence, with Ukraine being the main focus of their discussion.

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Ukraine produced more than 30,000 bomber drones in 2024, Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said on Jan. 16, as unmanned systems become an increasingly vital capability in the war with Russia.

The bomber drones were created during Russia's full-scale invasion and operate mainly at night. They can also remotely disperse mines or transport ammunition, food, and medicine to Ukrainian positions.

Due to their ability to strike at night, Russian soldiers reportedly dub these drones "Baba Yaga," after a mythical witch.

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"There are already dozens of bomber drones in Ukraine, and more than 30,000 pieces were produced last year," Smetanin said.

These, as well as several other reconnaissance drones, were presented to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the latter's visit to Kyiv on Jan. 16.

According to Smetanin, Kyiv and London also developed a carrier platform for first-person-view (FPV) drones.

Various aerial, naval, and ground drones have been developed and often successfully used for reconnaissance, combat, and other tasks by Ukrainian troops.

Kyiv delivered more than 200,000 domestically-produced drones to front-line units as of the end of 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

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Read also: Ukrainian military releases footage of rare Russian reconnaissance drone downing

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Ukraine is ready for dialogue on energy security with Slovakia and can help it achieve energy stability, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 17 at a meeting with a delegation of the Progressive Slovakia political party, which is led by Michal Simecka.

Zelensky's statement follows Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit via its territory, including supplies to Slovakia. Slovak Prime Minister Robet Fico has threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut off electricity supplies due to the termination of Russian gas transit.

Earlier on Jan. 17, pro-Western opposition leader Simecka arrived in Kyiv. The Slovak politician's visit comes a few days after Zelensky invited Fico to Ukraine's capital to discuss the energy situation.

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"We are ready to help the Slovak people in ensuring their energy stability and security," Zelensky said.

"It is very important for us to hear a signal from the Slovak people that you will also support Ukrainians on our path to the European Union and NATO. This is a key issue for us because of the war, because of the security guarantees that are very important for us."

Zelensky added that the visit of the Slovak delegation "is a signal" that Slovakia will continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. The president also reminded that he had invited Fico to Kyiv.

"We were ready to host the leader of our friends from Slovakia but another leader arrived," Zelensky said.

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Ukraine did not renew a pre-war agreement to transit Russian gas to Europe via Ukrainian territory, instead allowing the deal to expire on Jan. 1. Kyiv warned repeatedly that it would not extend the deal in order to stop financing Russia's full-scale war.

Fico and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban have been among some of the most vocal opponents of Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit.

Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orban and Fico have continued to maintain friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with him and promoting pro-Russian narratives in Europe.

On Jan. 14, Slovakia's opposition parties announced plans to initiate a vote of no confidence in Fico's government, citing concerns over his governance and foreign policy direction.

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Read also: As Russia cuts Transnistria from gas, stranded locals search for someone to blame

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Key developments on Jan. 17:

Putin, Pezeshkian sign strategic Russia-Iran partnership agreement in Moscow

Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment in Belgorod Oblast, military claims

Biden administration secretly funded Ukraine's drone industry, NYT reports

US assured Putin no nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Biden says

There's no evidence that Australian fighter was executed by Russia, prosecutors told media

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow on Jan. 17, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

Moscow and Tehran have long ties but their cooperation only intensified after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.

Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities, as well as short-range ballistic missiles.



The document, signed during an official ceremony in the Kremlin, establishes Moscow and Tehran as strategic partners. The agreement covers various areas, including energy, finance, transportation, agriculture, culture, science, technology, and counterterrorism.

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Russia and Iran have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in security and defense. According to the agreement, if one of the parties is subjected to aggression, the other will not provide any assistance to the aggressor.

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Moscow and Tehran will also deepen partnerships between their special services, and will assist each other in the event of natural, and man-made disasters.

The strategic agreement between Russia and Iran is concluded for 20 years with automatic extension for subsequent 5-year periods.

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With Iran's assistance, Russia has begun producing its own variants of Shahed drones called Geran-2.

Iran and Russia have also been at the forefront of confronting what they see as the Western-led global order, with namely Tehran sponsoring militant groups in the Middle East attacking the West's allies.

Last June, Putin signed a similar partnership agreement with North Korea, under which both parties agreed to military support each other in case of an armed attack.

Months after the deal was signed, North Korea dispatched up to 12,000 troops to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast.

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Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine mount, Putin faces devastating demographic timebomb

Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 radar equipment in Belgorod Oblast, military claims

Ukrainian forces struck radar equipment of an advanced S-400 air defense system in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff reported on Jan. 17.

According to the military, the positions of Russia's anti-aircraft missile division of the 568th regiment came under a "long-range fire" on Jan. 16.

"The termination of the 92H6 radar station of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system was recorded, which indicates a successful hit on the target," the statement read.

Ukrainian forces also attacked positions of the radar company of Russia's radio engineering battalion of the 336th regiment in Belgorod Oblast.

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Damage to vehicles and equipment was recorded, the military said.

Moscow has not yet commented on the statement. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Belgorod Oblast lies at the border with Ukraine and is regularly targeted in cross-border drone strikes.

Ukraine also struck the Liskinskaya oil depot in Russia's Voronezh Oblast with drones overnight on Jan. 16, the General Staff claimed. Also, a drone strike reportedly targeted a Russian gunpowder factory in the village of Kuzmino-Gat in Tambov Oblast the same night.

Read also: Absurd phenomenon  The manpower issue threatening to weaken Ukraines Air Force

Biden administration secretly funded Ukraine's drone industry, NYT reports

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has declassified previously undisclosed efforts to support Ukraine's drone industry, including $1.5 billion funding sent in September 2024, The New York Times reported on Jan. 17, citing anonymous officials.

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Ukrainian drones have been utilized for reconnaissance, combat, and other missions, showcasing their versatility and impact in countering Russian forces.

U.S. intelligence officers reportedly assisted in advancing Ukraine's drone capabilities, helping to design a new generation of drones intended to revolutionize modern warfare.

While much of the U.S. aid for Ukraine has been publicly disclosed  covering missiles, air defense systems, tanks, and training  support for the drone sector has largely remained secret.

The declassified data reveals that the U.S. allocated funds for drone manufacturing and facilitated partnerships between U.S. tech companies and Ukrainian drone producers.

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These efforts intensified during preparations for Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive, which struggled to achieve significant territorial gains, reportedly due to Russia's extensive drone use. In response, the U.S. accelerated aid to Ukraine's drone sector.

Officials reportedly believe this investment has made Ukrainian drones more effective and deadly. Ukrainian maritime drones, credited with destroying 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and aerial drones deployed on the front lines have slowed Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.

By the end of 2024, Ukraine had delivered over 200,000 domestically produced drones to frontline units, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in December.

US assured Putin it won't deploy nukes in Ukraine, Biden says

The United States has assured Russian President Vladimir Putin it would not deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said in a Jan. 17 interview with MSNBC.

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"Tactical nuclear in Europe scares the hell out of everybody, including the Russians," he said.

Biden recounted conversations with Putin, during which the Russian leader emphasized demands to keep nuclear weapons out of Ukraine and block Ukraine's NATO membership.

"I said, '(Nuclear weapons are) not a problem. We've already taken the nuclear weapons out. There's none there. We're not gonna put them back in,'" Biden responded, without provided the date when such a conversation had occurred.

The U.S. president further criticized Putin's ambitions: "All he wants to do is re-establish the Warsaw Pact. I can't let that happen. This guy is not a good guy."

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These discussions reflect long-standing tensions over Ukraine's security, which were central to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Under the agreement, Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal  the world's third-largest  in exchange for assurances from the U.S., U.K., and Russia not to use force or economic coercion against Ukraine.

Despite these commitments, Russia launched a war against Ukraine and has repeatedly issued nuclear threats against Ukraine and its allies.

In November, Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine, which snow allows Moscow to use nuclear arms against non-nuclear states. Russia later launched the intermediate-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik," designed for nuclear weapons.

A November survey by Russia's independent Levada Center revealed that 39% of Russians believe nuclear weapons use could be justified in the ongoing war against Ukraine, reflecting the domestic impact of Kremlin rhetoric.

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Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

There's no evidence that Australian fighter was executed by Russia, prosecutors say

Australian volunteer soldier Oscar Jenkins has the status of a prisoner of war (POW) and there is no confirmation of his death, Ukrainian investigative journalism outlet Slidstvo.Info reported on Jan. 17, citing the Prosecutor General's Office.

The news comes after reports that the body of Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher from Melbourne whose capture was reported in December, has been found. He was believed to have been executed by his Russian captors.

Some media outlets and Telegram channels published a video purporting to show bodies of soldiers, claiming that Jenkins was among them.

Slidstvo.Info verified that footage was published four years ago on an Iranian website. The description says that it was filmed in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the original video is in Armenian instead of Russian.

Jenkins is serving in the 402nd Separate Rifle Battalion, which is part of Ukraine's 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the outlet wrote. He went missing on Dec. 16 in 2024 while being on a combat mission near the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine's Ground Forces Command told Slidstvo.Info.

"There has been no transfer of the body (of Oscar Jenkins)," the military said.

The Kyiv Independent has contacted the Australian Embassy in Kyiv and the Ukrainian authorities but has not received a response at the time of publication.

The Geneva Conventions mandate all warring parties to treat POW with respect and dignity, while executing POWs is considered a gross violation of international law and a war crime. Russia has been repeatedly accused of summarily executing Ukrainian POWs throughout the war.

Moscow calls foreign volunteers "mercenaries" and claims they are not entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged the "strongest action possible" if reports of an Australian national captured while fighting for Ukraine being executed by Russian forces are confirmed.

Australia's Foreign Ministry has also summoned the Russian ambassador on Jan. 15 to demand information and stress compliance with international law.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraines defence forces hit Russian radar equipment in Russias Belgorod Oblast on 16 January.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: On Thursday afternoon, units from Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, working in coordination with other components of Ukraines defence forces, delivered high-precision strikes on Russian military targets in Belgorod Oblast. These operations were part of a long-range fire mission.

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The strikes successfully hit positions of the 568th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of Russian forces. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the 92N6 radar station of an S-400 missile system was disabled, confirming the target was successfully destroyed.

Ukrainian missile forces also struck the radar company of the 336th Radio Engineering Battalion of the Russian 336th Radio Engineering Regiment. Damage to the unit's equipment and machinery has been confirmed.

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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) tracked down Russian soldiers who had executed two captured Ukrainian servicemen. Some of the Russians were killed and three were captured; they are now providing testimony.

Source: SOF press service

Quote: "Russian forces executed two members of Ukraines Territorial Defence Forces whom they had taken prisoner a few days earlier on one of the fronts. They thought their crime would go unpunished.

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Meanwhile, a unit of the Special Operations Forces carefully planned an operation to eliminate this enemy group and recover the bodies of the Ukrainian soldiers.

During the special mission, SOF operators eliminated part of the group responsible for the execution and forced the remaining members to surrender."

Details: The captured Russians were identified as marines from the 40th Arctic Brigade. During interrogation, they admitted to capturing two Ukrainian Territorial Defence soldiers and reporting this to their company commander.

The company commander ordered the execution of the Ukrainian POWs via radio. Upon hearing the order, the Ukrainian Territorial Defence soldiers tried to escape but were immediately shot by Russian soldiers that went by the aliases Yaryy, Lebed, Boom i Belyy.

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Three of them  Lebed, Boom, and Belyy  were killed during the special operation, while Yaryy and two others were captured and are now providing testimony.

All the captured soldiers were identified as contract servicemen who had been serving in the Russian army for just one and a half months.

The SOF emphasised that the execution of POWs is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and constitutes a war crime.

Quote: "Each perpetrator of war crimes against Ukraine will face deserved punishment. We will continue our work."

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Russian forces attacked Ukraine with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 50 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones on the night of 16-17 January 2025. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 33 Russian drones in an anti-aircraft operation.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force Command

Quote: "As of 09:00, 33 Shahed attack UAVs and other types of drones are confirmed to have been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts."

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Details: Russian drones reportedly struck business premises in Odesa Oblast, while buildings belonging to institutions, a business and households in Kharkiv, Cherkasy and Kyiv oblasts were damaged by wreckage from downed Russian UAVs.

Nine Russian decoy drones disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects) and another UAV left Ukrainian airspace in the direction of Romania.

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Ukrainian soldiers from the 79th Separate Tavrian Air Assault Brigade have taken seven Russian soldiers prisoner on the Novopavlivka front.

Source: 79th Separate Tavrian Air Assault Brigade on Telegram

Quote: "After an extended drone attack that forced the occupiers to retreat into a dugout, an assault group from the 79th made their advance. Their mission was to infiltrate the occupiers' 'hole' undetected.

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As planned, the enemys dugout became their trap. The cornered occupiers faced two choices: to die under the paratroopers' fire or surrender. After a brief hesitation, they chose the latter."

Details: The Ukrainian assault troops escorted the captives to the rear and provided medical assistance to those who needed it.

Background: Earlier, Ukraines Special Operations Forces reported that they had tracked down the Russian soldiers who executed two Ukrainian POWs. Some of the Russian soldiers were killed, while three were captured.

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that peacekeepers have uncovered over 100 weapons caches since the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel came into force.

"The presence of armed personnel, assets and weapons that do not belong to the Lebanese government or UNIFIL between the Blue Line and the Litani River constitutes a flagrant violation of resolution 1701 and undermines the stability of Lebanon," Guterres was quoted as saying by state news agency NNA.

The UN chief, who arrived in Beirut on Thursday, urged during a visit to UNIFIL headquarters in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura that all sides comply with UN Resolution 1701 to ensure a durable peace for Lebanon and Israel.

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The secretary general also addressed ongoing violations, including Israeli military actions within Lebanese territory, which he described as breaches of Resolution 1701 that jeopardize the safety of peacekeepers.

Attacks against UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable. They violate international law and international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime," Guterres was quoted as saying.

Several UN peacekeepers were wounded when their convoy or bases were hit during the Hezbollah-Israeli war, which was halted when a ceasefire deal went into effect on November 27.

He also reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, describing them "as Lebanon's sole guarantor of security."

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The pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia and Israel agreed to a ceasefire after more than a year of mutual attacks. Nevertheless, there have been repeated violations, some which resulted in deaths.

The agreement stipulates, among other things, that Hezbollah withdraws behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel's ground troops are to be gradually withdrawn from Lebanon within 60 days. The Lebanese army is supposed to monitor compliance with the agreement.
The conflict in Sudan is becoming increasingly lethal for the civilian population, UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk said in Geneva on Friday.

Turk pointed to reports that dozens had been killed in ethnically targeted attacks in the south-eastern state of al-Jazirah and to an imminent battle for control of Khartoum.

"The situation for civilians in Sudan is already desperate, and there is evidence of the commission of war crimes and other atrocity crimes. I fear the situation is now taking a further, even more dangerous turn," he said.

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Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by de facto ruler Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has escalated significantly in recent weeks, Turk said.

The army achieved a major success recently by retaking Wad Madani in al-Jazirah, and a battle for control of Khartoum is reported to be imminent.

Turk said his office had documented at least 21 deaths in just two attacks in al-Jazirah state, with the actual number of attacks directed at civilians and of civilians killed likely to be higher.

Retaliatory attacks of shocking brutality on entire communities based on ethnic identity were on the rise, as was incitement to violence, he said, calling for this to be stopped.

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He noted drone attacks on Monday on Omdurman to the immediate west of Khartoum, with some 120 civilians reportedly killed and more than 150 injured.

The attacks had allegedly been launched by the army on a market in the Ombada Dar es Salam square, an RSF-controlled area.
The conflict in Sudan is becoming increasingly lethal for the civilian population, UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk said in Geneva on Friday.

Turk pointed to reports that dozens had been killed in ethnically targeted attacks in the south-eastern state of al-Jazirah and to an imminent battle for control of Khartoum.

"The situation for civilians in Sudan is already desperate, and there is evidence of the commission of war crimes and other atrocity crimes. I fear the situation is now taking a further, even more dangerous turn," he said.

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Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by de facto ruler Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has escalated significantly in recent weeks, Turk said.

The army achieved a major success recently by retaking Wad Madani in al-Jazirah, and a battle for control of Khartoum is reported to be imminent.

Turk said his office had documented at least 21 deaths in just two attacks in al-Jazirah state, with the actual number of attacks directed at civilians and of civilians killed likely to be higher.

Retaliatory attacks of shocking brutality on entire communities based on ethnic identity were on the rise, as was incitement to violence, he said, calling for this to be stopped.

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He noted drone attacks on Monday on Omdurman to the immediate west of Khartoum, with some 120 civilians reportedly killed and more than 150 injured.

The attacks had allegedly been launched by the army on a market in the Ombada Dar es Salam square, an RSF-controlled area.

The United States has imposed sanctions on both al-Burhan and Daglo, who joined forces to seize power but then fell out.

Conflict between the two since April 2023 has displaced around 12 million people, causing the largest movement of refugees in the world, according to UN figures.
A new analysis from the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification reveals over three-quarters of the land on Earth has experienced a drier climate in recent decades compared to the 30-year period ending in 1990. Researchers warn the percentage will jump another 3% by the end of this century if the world doesn't curb carbon pollution.

What's happening?

The landmark report warns of an alarming trend on our planet. Compared to the preceding three decades, almost 78% of Earth's land experienced drier conditions in the 30 years leading up to 2020. During the same period, our planet's drylands expanded by roughly 1.6 million square miles. That is an area almost a third larger than India, the world's seventh-largest country. Drylands currently cover nearly 41% of the Earth's land surface (barring Antarctica)

"For decades, the world's scientists have signalled that our growing greenhouse gas emissions are behind global warming," UNCCD chief scientist Barron Orr said in the report.

"Now, for the first time, a U.N. scientific body is warning that burning fossil fuels is causing permanent drying across much of the world, too  with potentially catastrophic impacts affecting access to water that could push people and nature even closer to disastrous tipping points. As large tracts of the world's land become more arid, the consequences of inaction grow increasingly dire and adaptation is no longer optional  it is imperative."

Why is Earth's drying out important?

Most of the regions analyzed in the UNCCD report have transformed from humid landscapes to drylands. This drying trend spells trouble for agriculture, wildlife, and people who live in affected areas.

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"For the first time, scientists within UNCCD Science-Policy Interface have clearly documented current and future drying trends and impacts, a global, existential peril previously shrouded by a fog of scientific uncertainty," reads the report titled "The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections." It continues, "Its name is aridity  the climatic and enduring condition of too little life-supporting moisture  and its effects threaten the lives and livelihoods of billions across almost every region of the globe."

The report listed some "aridification hotspots," which included portions of the western United States and Brazil, where water scarcity and wildfires have become perennial hazards. Central Africa and parts of Asia, the Mediterranean, and Southern Europe were also mentioned. Many species are endangered in these regions amid desertification and ecosystem degradation.

What's being done about the increase in aridity on our planet?

The report offers some recommendations on how to deal with rising aridity, emphasizing mitigation and adaptation. The recommendations include better aridity monitoring, improving land use practices, investing in technologies that enhance water efficiency, and building up resilience in vulnerable communities.

Ultimately, cooling off our planet is the most comprehensive way to tackle increasing aridity. This means a major move away from burning dirty fuels  which produce heat-trapping gases  and toward cleaner, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Starting Thursday night at 10 p.m., the River Market will have a strong and visible security force.

Along with it, there will also be a new phone number to call for assistance.

Anyone is encouraged to call (816) 421-5243 day or night, if they witness suspicious activity, are involved in a crime, have a noise complaint, get locked out of their apartment, need a safety escort from their building or car or see disorderly conduct, the Downtown Council of Kansas City shared.

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This new effort is in partnership with nearly all the major property owners representing about thirty properties in the River Market. The River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID) has contracted with Signal Security for these services.

Thieves hit metro Public Storage unit for nearly $100k worth of items

The RMCID says within its analysis of reported crimes, in the River Market, over the last year, there has been a steady increase in theft, from auto crimes to burglaries, and most of the reported crimes happened in the hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

They are 5-minute smash-and-grabs, and those things are awfully hard to defend against, Sean OBryne, the Executive Director of the River Market Community Improvement District said.

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OByrne says the Community Improvement District is an entity created to provide a clean and attractive environment.

In the 32-block area, the security officers will be checking in on all parking lots and other areas.

Two officers will be in marked cars and one will be patrolling on foot. Their hours of patrolling will be from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. CID Ambassadors for the area work the area starting at 6 a.m. and finish by 10. This will be the other side of the 24-hour security.

We worked with a majority of the property owners, that own residential buildings, and shops, and worked together to really consolidate the security dollars they were spending, and put it into a targeted effort, which will provide basically a nighttime police force to work with the police department, OByrne shared.

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Im thankful for ownership of this area taking it upon themselves through the CID to increase the amount of security we have, in the time of which it is needed, Business Owner Matt Shatto, of Betty Raes, shared with FOX4 Thursday.

Betty Raes, here in the River Market, was hit twice in 2024, November and December.

There were just 45 days in between those two instances, Shatto shared.

Ever since we got broken into the first time, we have been calling for the City specifically to be more proactive to help stop crime, not reactive to the idea once it occurs, Shatto said.

FOX4 informed Shatto Thursday about Mayor Quinton Lucas proposal for additional funding for similar efforts as well. Mayor Lucas is presenting a $1 million investment.

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The proposal is for additional off-duty law enforcement to support Kansas City businesses. The Mayors Office says Ordinance 250044 would fund extra security services in City business districts through collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies. Areas for additional enforcement, the Mayors Office says, will include:

18th & Vine

Central Business Districts (Downtown, Crossroads, and River Market)

Country Club Plaza

Westport

Zona Rosa

FOX4 learned from the Mayors Office that the funds would be outside and in addition to regular Kansas City Polie Department budgeted funding.

Shatto invites Mayor Lucas to the River Market to discuss the crime thats happened there.

I hope that what he (Mayor Lucas) says (his 1-mil proposal) is something he is willing to get behind and push, Shatto said.

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We will protect small businesses in Kansas City and this is one step in that regard, Mayor Lucas shared.

KC man pleads guilty to calling in false threat at government building

Mayor Lucas says he knows there is a real property crime issue.

I know our police department right now is working its best to address those issues. There are always staffing challenges, but we need to make sure we address those issues, Mayor Lucas said Thursday.

Our preference, as a City, is that we typically hire licensed officers in the state of Missouri that will continue to be what our focus is. We think that uniform is very important, with respect to all of our private security partners and a lot of Community Improvement Districts do that work, but for us, I think this is us saying we need to have a stop gap. Before we can hire up enough officers, before we can do all the other work we need to, we need to make sure we have a strong prevention presence. Thats why you are seeing this commitment, in addition to the many other things the City has funded.

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The City says, Ordinance 250044, would approve funding and authorize the City Manager to negotiate security services agreements for the use of off-duty police officers and sheriffs deputies.



Ordinance 250044 is scheduled to be heard Tuesday, January 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Union County Sheriffs Office says students are being released from school early because of a water outage.

Officials say schools, as well as the entire city, will not have water for an extended period of time today due to the citys main water line being struck in front of the Water Tower.

Repairs are underway.

Students were held at school for pickup until 12 p.m., but are being relocated to Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs. Thats at 3915 Main Street.

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Bus riders who have not been picked up during the day will be transported home on their bus as normal. All others will remain at the off-site location for pick-up.

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Those who walk home will be brought back to their school to return home normally. All other students will need to be picked up from the off-site location no later than 3:30 pm.

Teachers and Administrators will remain with students until all students have been picked up or taken home by bus.

Parents or guardians with questions are asked to contact their childs school.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - United Airlines said on Friday it is donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural committee and said CEO Scott Kirby plans to attend various events over the long holiday weekend.

Kirby will attend dinners on Saturday and Sunday but not the actual inauguration itself that was moved inside due to extreme cold forecasted.

Other major companies donating $1 million to the Trump inaugural fund include Delta Air Lines, Hyundai Motor U.S. unit, Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing, General Motors, Ford Motor, Microsoft, Amazon.com, Alphabet and Facebook-parent Meta.

Many major tech CEOs are also attending inaugural events this weekend.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft)
The post United States Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban appeared first on Consequence.

The United States Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which requires TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company by Sunday or face a nationwide ban.

After overwhelmingly passing both chambers of congress, the PAFFCAA was signed into law by Joe Biden last April. The law sought to pressure TikTok into cutting ties with its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance, threatening to ban the service if ByteDance failed to divest. The bills supporters cited national security concerns.

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ByteDance has so far refused to sell or divest from TikTok, though that could change. Figures like Kevin OLeary expressed interest in buying the platform, while Chinese government officials have reportedly explored the possibility of selling the platform to Elon Musk.

All the while, President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that he may be interested in finding a political resolution to avoid or reverse the ban. While Trump previously advocated for a TikTok ban during his first term, his success on the platform during his most recent presidential campaign has changed his views on the app. The PAFFCAA does grant Trump the authority to delay the ban for 90 days if TikTok demonstrates progress in separating from ByteDance. He could also opt not to enforce the law or refrain from collecting fines from US app stores that continue to make TikTok accessible. However, both options are legally questionable, particularly if TikTok shows no intention of divesting, and would likely face court challenges.

As of now, its unclear how long TikTok will continue to function for US users. Earlier this week, The Information reported that, in the event of a ban, TikTok was preparing to fully shut down access to the app on Sunday.

For a deeper dive into the arguments surrounding the TikTok debate, read our breakdown. Then, check out our thoughts on how the ban will affect the music industry.

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United States Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban

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(WIVT/WBGH)  The famous yogurt producer, Chobani, announced its annual recipients of the Community Impact Fund grants to fuel hunger relief efforts which includes two Greater Binghamton organizations.

Chobani announced the grants, totaling over $100,000, on Friday, Jan. 17, to six organizations in the South Central New York area.

United Way of Mid Rural is set to receive $20,000 to support the Chenango County Hunger Partnership and the Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, The Place, will receive the same to support the teen center.

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Other grants given include $20,000 to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, $20,000 to the Rural Health Network SCNY, $16,000 to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry, and $8,000 to the SUNY Oneonta Foundation Corporation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Jan. 16A packed house of friends and foes of Education Freedom Accounts battled Thursday over legislation to allow even the super-wealthy to receive taxpayer-paid scholarships to send their children to private, religious, alternative public or home-school programs.

Gabrielle Jette of Manchester, holding daughter, Gracie, and son, Henry, on her lap, said she and her husband are just above the income cap to qualify for an EFA.

They are able to send all three of their children to St. Francis of Assisi School in Litchfield, but she said EFA support would be a great help.

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"We are able to make it work but it is difficult," Jette told the House Education Funding Committee during a public hearing on legislation (HB 115) to give universal eligibility to families regardless of income.

"We want to give them the best opportunities, but it's a struggle."

But Micaela Demeter, a member of the Dover School Board, said dramatically increasing EFA spending would hurt families such as hers that have children with special needs.

"This is a spending decision that the state simply cannot afford to make," Demeter said.

Former Gov. Chris Sununu convinced lawmakers last year to raise the income eligibility limit from 300% to 350% of the federal poverty level; 350% amounts to a household income of $109,200 for a family of four.

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There are now 5,321 students in the EFA program at an annual cost of $24 million.

The legislation to eliminate the income limit attracted a flood of attention Thursday, so much that committee Chairman Rick Ladd, R-Haverhill, had to open two other double committee room suites to accommodate the overflow crowd that couldn't fit into the room where testimony was taken.

Online, 3,700 people registered against the bill while nearly 800 supported it.

The state Department of Education estimates if EFAs were open to all the average grant would be about $4,400.

Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut announced Wednesday new figures confirmed the average cost per public-school student across the state is $21,500.

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Rep. Valerie McDonnell, R-Salem, the bill's prime author, said having students leave public schools for other options would mean a significant savings for local property taxpayers.

"I do think it is a modest request to allow all families to have access to the education that their child needs," she said.

Pushback on costs

Rep. David Luneau of Hopkinton, the ranking Democrat on the panel, pointed out more than 75% of families that have received EFAs already have their children enrolled in private schools, overwhelmingly in parochial schools.

"To say this is a slight change to existing law would be hyperbole," Luneau said. "This would make these vouchers available to families making well above the median family income."

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Reaching Higher NH, an advocacy group for public school spending, has warned that making EFAs available to everyone could raise the total price tag by $100 million a year.

Several opponents on Thursday cited the tight fiscal climate as a reason to scale back or abandon the proposal.

"We know what builds student success: smaller class sizes, more one-on-one attention for students, and increased salaries to address the teacher and staff shortages in New Hampshire schools. These goals can't be achieved if the state takes more taxpayer funds from public schools and gives them to private institutions with no accountability measures," said Megan Tuttle, president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire.

"Now is the time for New Hampshire lawmakers to address critical funding issues like educator shortages and funding special education costs, rather than divert more taxpayer money to private schools."

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Ayotte's support

During her campaign for governor, Republican Kelly Ayotte embraced the cause of opening EFAs to everyone.

During her first detailed comments on the topic Wednesday, Ayotte said she's not wedded to specific language and will work with lawmakers to come up with the best compromise.

"I do support giving every family that opportunity. We will be looking at how we approach that and over what time period," said Ayotte, whose husband, Joe Daley, teaches elementary math at a Catholic school in Nashua.

"I will work with the Legislature with that as the ultimate goal," Ayotte said. "Regardless of whether we get to universal or not we will be expanding those opportunities."

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"We are also going to make sure we are supporting public education and teachers in particular,"she said.

With expanded GOP numbers, the bill appears headed for swift approval in the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, split the education panel into two and put four conservative members of the House Finance Committee and EFA supporters to serve on the education funding group.

Some Republican state senators have not yet signed onto the proposal and privately expressed some concern over giving EFAs to the very wealthy who could already be sending their children to exclusive, expensive private programs like Phillips Exeter Academy.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
Murray State University is seeking approval to begin training veterinarians. (Murray State photo)

Kentucky could have two new medical schools  one for people, one for animals  along with more doctoral programs under Republican-backed bills filed in the House.

The legislation would remove barriers in state law to plans for an osteopathic medicine college at Eastern Kentucky University, up to five research doctoral programs at Western Kentucky University and a veterinary medicine college at Murray State University.

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The bills have each gained multiple co-sponsors in the first four days of the 2025 General Assembly, which is on break until lawmakers return to the Capitol Feb. 4 to finish the 30-day session.

The universities proposals were reviewed by Deloitte Consulting in a study the General Assembly authorized last year. The EKU and Murray State proposals gained House approval last year before stalling in the Senate.

Deloitte also studied a proposal by Kentucky State University to offer a doctoral program in Integrated Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. No bill has been introduced to clear the way for that program. A KSU spokesperson did not return an emailed request for comment.

Travis Powell (CPE photo)

Under Kentucky laws governing higher education, the states six comprehensive universities offer undergraduate and masters degrees but are not allowed to offer professional degrees in medical areas and architecture or degrees beyond the masters level with the exception of in education. That could change.

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Travis Powell, vice president and general counsel of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), said in an interview with the Kentucky Lantern he would not be surprised by a bill thats a little more broadly applied to comprehensive universities, allowing them to offer PhD programs, which could cover KSUs request.

If the General Assembly greenlights the new programs, CPE would eventually review them as it approves all academic programs in Kentucky.

We dont currently have a process in place for professional programs at public institutions, because at comprehensive universities  its really not allowed, Powell said. But wed have to add new parameters to account for these new types of programs.

Homegrown talent pipeline could ease physician shortage, says EKU supporters

The universities are supportive of the legislation and have been working for some time on the proposals.

House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade (LRC Public Information)

EKU, located in Richmond, aims to open the second college of osteopathic medicine in Kentucky should House Bill 56 pass this session. (The University of Pikeville is home to the states first osteopathic medicine school.) Sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford, the bill would allow the university to offer doctorates of osteopathic medicine degrees for professional practice and licensure.

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The states other medical schools are at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville.

Meade said EKUs proposal would help ease Kentuckys shortage of primary care providers by creating a grow your own talent pipeline and that the Deloitte study confirmed that EKU has the capacity to run an osteopathic medicine school.

More than 90% of Kentucky counties have a physician shortage, Meade said in a statement to the Lantern, and Kentuckys three existing medical schools can only accommodate a fraction of students eligible for enrollment. He said access to quality health care is fundamental to improving the states quality of life.

Meade carried a bill for a college of osteopathic medicine last year, which passed with bipartisan support in the House, but did not get a committee hearing in the Senate. The 2025 version already has 16 Republican co-sponsors.

EKU President David McFaddin. (EKU photo)

EKU President David McFaddin said in an interview that establishing a fourth medical school, and one that is dedicated to osteopathic medicine,is going to help address some of the biggest challenges that were dealing with statewide, such as lack of access to health care and a shortage of primary care physicians in rural communities.

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McFaddin said that if the bill becomes law, EKU will then have to win other approvals at the university level and the Council on Postsecondary Education. It must also seek pre-accreditation for the programs from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). McFaddin is optimistic, saying were not hearing anything negative in conversations with lawmakers.

EKU aims to welcome its first medical students in the fall of 2028, meaning the first graduating class would be in the spring of 2032, McFaddin said. After that, EKU can seek full accreditation with COCA.

Were seeing chronic issues not being addressed, not just for people who are sick, but its the preventative care, McFaddin said. If you dont have a physician in those communities, the ability to get those checkups and to do those check-ins are hard, and if you think about great communities and building communities where people want to live and work and raise their families, they want to be in a community where they have access to good health care. I dont know whos going to raise their family in a community where they dont have a pediatrician.

According to the Deloitte study, EKU would need about $48.75 million in reserves until the first class graduates to meet accreditation requirements and the university plans to ask the legislature for funding.

Western would start with data sciences doctoral program

Lawmakers who are the primary sponsors for House Bill 118 for WKU doctoral programs and House Bill 153 for Murray States veterinary school did not return a request for comment.

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WKU, in Bowling Green, is seeking to offer one or more doctoral research programs in order to rise in rank  to R2  among research universities. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education defines R2 as having a high level of research activity. Currently, Kentucky has no R2 institutions. The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville have R1 designations, meaning a very high level of research activity.

WKU plans to first create a doctoral program in data sciences if the bill is approved, according to the Deloitte study, .

Jace Lux, a spokesperson for WKU, said in an email that while its not the universitys practice to comment on proposed legislation, research remains a cornerstone of the WKU experience, and a differentiator for our students.

Additionally, the university constantly assesses its programs to ensure that the degrees we offer are meeting the workforce demands of our state and region, Lux said. We are thankful for Representative (Michael) Merediths support, and we look forward to tracking the progress of this bill throughout the legislative session.

50 year quest for veterinary school at Murray, says president

Murray State President Bob Jackson

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As for Murray States proposal, President Bob Jackson said in a statement that the university is in full support of the bill and appreciates Rep. Mary Beth Imes, R-Murray, and Republican Floor Leader Steven Rudy, of Paducah, for sponsoring the legislation.

Murray State University has been trying to obtain statutory approval to offer a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine for over 50 years in order to help serve the needs of our states animal agricultural economy, particularly regarding the ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural Kentucky, Jackson said.

If approved, Murray State would be home to the first veterinary school in Kentucky. According to the Deloitte study, Murray State aims to address a shortage of veterinarians in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas. According to 2023 data cited in the Deloitte study, 70 Kentucky counties are in rural areas with a low ratio of practicing veterinarians compared to the livestock population, and 10 counties have been identified as a county with a veterinary shortage.

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said in a statement to the Lantern that Kentuckys shortage of veterinarians is a significant challenge affecting animal health, agriculture, and rural communities.

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This proposal represents a promising step forward in addressing the issue, Shell said. Expanding in-state veterinary education could build a pipeline of skilled professionals uniquely suited to meet Kentuckys needs. Supporting initiatives like this ensures our farmers, animal owners, and agricultural community have access to the care and resources they depend on.

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Students sit on blankets on Florida State University's Landis Green on Dec. 31, 2024, with Landis Hall in the background. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

The ACLU of Florida filed suit this week against a 2023 law it argues curtails academic freedom and violates First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of professors whose careers have been disrupted as a result of SB 266, a law mandating Florida schools not spend state or federal funds to promote or maintain programs that advocate for DEI or promote or engage in political or social activism.

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One of the professors, Sharon Austin, who teaches political science at the University of Florida, complains she was denied funding to present at a 2024 conference hosted by Diversity Abroad, which the school had funded her to present at in 2023. The school specifically cited SB 266 in refusing to pay for her to appear subsequently, the suit alleges.

Austin had hoped to present and receive feedback on a book she is writing focused on academic freedom and restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the United States, according to the suit.

The regulations definitions are ambiguous, inconsistent, and far too broad to provide any real guidance other than indicating the Legislatures and the BOGs intent to disfavor certain speech, the plaintiffs argued in the 66-page complaint.

The lawsuit names the Board of Governors and boards of trustees at University of Florida, Florida State University, and Florida International University as defendants.

Without clarity

The plaintiffs allege viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment, that the law is over-broad, and violates Floridas Campus Free Expression Act. Attorneys for the ACLU of Florida argue the law should be void for vagueness, too.

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The suit argues that professors have altered course titles and descriptions to comply with the statute without clarity on how to comply with the law.

The Legislature left it up to the Board of Governors to define diversity, equity, and inclusion; political or social activism; and social issues.

The definitions, the plaintiffs argue, have been interpreted by the Board of Governors and university trustees to align with Governor DeSantiss viewpoints.

The governor holds the power to appoint members to the Board of Governors and to university boards of trustees.

Together, S.B. 266 and the regulations have left instructors and students fearful for the future of not only education, but also free thought and democracy in Florida, plaintiffs argue.

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The ACLU argues that the law undermines the exchange of ideas by restricting or eliminating courses, cutting funding for DEI initiatives, impeding academic research, and stifling student voices.

Given the vague and overbroad prohibitions in S.B. 266, professors at Floridas colleges and universities fear how their ordinary conduct, potentially violative of S.B. 266, may impact their ability to retain their jobs at all, the lawsuit argues, pointing out that tenure is now challenged by post-tenure review, another action taken by the Board of Governors.

As part of the regulations created by the board, courses like Principles of Sociology and Politics of Race no longer satisfy the general education requirement, the plaintiffs argue, which reduces enrollment in the courses, causing departments to lose enrollment-based funding.

This lawsuit is a critical part of our effort to protect the cornerstone of democracy  free expression, Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said in a news release.

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We stand united to ensure that Floridas universities remain spaces where ideas can flourish, truths can be pursued, and diverse voices can be heard without fear of political interference or reprisal, Jackson continued.

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The states preferred view

The lawsuit points out that the state funds the Hamilton Center, a UF academic center devoted to research and teaching on Western civilization. Plaintiffs argue that the topics at the Hamilton Center fall within the States preferred view of the Western Canon and related speech  although they also arguably fall within political or social activism but have not been targeted.

Through this lawsuit, we are fighting to protect the rights of educators and students to engage in open, uninhibited dialogue without the looming threat of state interference, ACLU attorney Jerry Edwards said in a news release.

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Allowing this law to stand continues a dangerous precedent, emboldening other states to adopt similar measures and casting a chilling effect on academic inquiry nationwide, Edwards continued. The future of intellectual freedom in American universities is at stake, and we must act now to defend it.

Plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction against the law, declaration that the law is unconstitutional, and attorney fees.

Student activity fee

The suit argues student organizations funded by student activity fees operations have been chilled, including student journalists.

[State regulations] vague definition of social issues could affect hundreds of student organizations in Floridas public universities  those deemed by Defendants as drivers of political or social activism, advocating for change to government policies or actions, or promoting topics that are polarizing or divide society, the lawsuit argues.

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The Tallahassee Democrat published an opinion column Thursday by Owen Girard, a self-described liberal-turned-conservative Gen Z student activist, titled, Florida still funding DEI programs at public universities, despite states stand.

The columnist, a senior at FSU, argues one of the easiest ways universities have worked around the state law is through the student governments, which operate using activity and service fees.

The 2023 law contains an exception for organizations funded by student fees.

Alan Levine, vice chair of the Florida Board of Governors, replied to a post about the column on X Thursday, saying This is not ok. I plan to inquire.

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Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

He sees them nearly every day, Michael Durney said  news articles about companies and their chief executive officers either making or walking back a controversial stance on topical issues.

These stances can touch on anything from gun control to climate change to immigration, but they generally dont connect to the businesss operations. Durney, a University of Iowa researcher and assistant professor in accounting, said business leaders who express their personal views on social and political issues are an increasingly vocal minority.

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He and other researchers have studied the impacts that statements like these have on investors for more than three years, and recently published their findings in the academic journal Contemporary Accounting Research.

The results of their study found that a CEO staying silent on issues garnered the same positive response from investors as when the CEO put out a stance that they would agree with, with a statement going out investors dont agree with prompting a negative reaction.

Im not saying that a CEO coming out and taking a stance on a controversial issue is positive or negative, but its certainly a growing trend, Durney said. And then, since the CEO is saying something thats in the realm of accounting, because its a reporting choice theyre making, how does it affect investors? Thats sort of the natural question that we decided to ask, because we saw the growing trend.

In order to learn about responses to different stances CEOs could take on well-known issues, or no stance at all, Durney said the team set up different groups of people in hypothetical situations where they had already invested $10,000 in a fake company and had $10,000 more to invest. Using gun control as a topic, each group was told that the CEO had either posted on social media supporting it, expressing a lack of support, or not commenting on it at all and then were asked how attractive the company was as an investment opportunity.

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While they expected the decreased interest in investing after the CEO made a statement they didnt agree with, Durney said the response to seeing nothing from the CEO on the topic was surprising. They found that people responded positively to not seeing the CEO express their views, even when prompted to do so online, just like how they responded to a view they agreed with.

University of Iowa Assistant Professor of Accounting Michael Durney. (Photo courtesy of University of Iowa)

Its pretty astounding that, if all you care about is investor reactions, the best choice, to say it bluntly, is just for the CEOs to just shut up and manage, Durney said.

However, Durney said business leaders shouldnt take these results as a directive to never express their views. Investors are only one part of a company that is influenced by its employees, the consumers of their product or service, the general public and more. CEOs should voice what they believe in if there is a change they truly want to make or an issue they think their perspective would aid in, he said.

The takeaway shouldnt be, dont take stances on controversial issues, Durney said. I dont want that to be the takeaway, because this is just one small piece of the puzzle.

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Two real-world examples Durney gave of the issues his research focused on is Elon Musk and the views hes expressed on X, formerly known as Twitter, and when Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, halted the newspapers political endorsement in the 2024 presidential election.

Social media has amplified public figures voices when it comes to their personal views, Durney said, when before social media became popular there werent as many ways for people to share their thoughts on issues with a large, public audience.

This study came from the curiosity Durney and his fellow researchers had on a trend they saw growing, he said, and he didnt have any goals for the research beyond the results it gave.

I think its an interesting, surprising result, Durney said. The intellectual curiosity is enough for me, but I also think it helps people make more informed decisions, to the extent that they ever read these results, right? It helps people in companies who are coming out and taking controversial stances, theyll make more informed decisions regarding how investors will react.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepared to take office on Jan. 20, 2025, Snopes received numerous queries from readers about tickets to the events of inauguration weekend, which starts on Jan. 18. One claim on Reddit (archived) stated: "Pay-to-pray: Trump reportedly charging supporters $100,000 to attend church service with him."

(Reddit)

Many other posts and articles said Trump was offering a "pay-to-pray" deal to donors who gave $100,000, which included a ticket to the church service. A YouTube video claimed: "Donald Trump's blasphemous 100k 'Pay to Pray' Church scam where he is charging people thousands of dollars to pray with him before his inauguration! These idiots will buy anything from [sic] this grifter!"

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One X user posted: "Trump charging people $100,000 to attend church with him is the most anti-Jesus thing I have ever heard."

(X user @DeaconBlues0)

The New York Times, The Hill and Axios reported that the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee was indeed offering this to donors, though the Sunday church service was one of many perks that came with a $100,000 donation. Snopes has not yet been able to independently confirm this, but we have reached out to the Trump transition team for access to a copy of the benefits prospectus and will update this story accordingly.

According to The New York Times, a flyer titled "Trump Vance Inaugural Committee Benefits" listed perks for donations up to $1 million and fundraising of up to $2 million. Axios shared a copy of a page in a Dec. 4, 2024, newsletter.

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According to the document, a donation of $100,000 or fundraising of $200,000 would get a donor two tickets to a victory rally, a cabinet reception, the Sunday church service, the swearing-in ceremony, the parade, the "Starlight Ball" and booking for two rooms at a selected hotel.

(Axios)

According to The Hill, the "One America, One Light Sunday Service" will be an interfaith service involving U.S. military bands. It is unknown where this service will be held. The schedule was released to donors in early December 2024, with a Jan. 10 deadline to R.S.V.P.

However, the official inauguration website does not list a "One America, One Light Sunday Service" that was referenced in media reports. It features a church service on Jan. 20  a Monday, not a Sunday  and a "National Prayer Service" the following day.

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The most expensive package includes six tickets to the victory rally, Cabinet reception, church service, candlelight dinner with the Trumps, swearing-in ceremony, parade and ball, and two tickets to dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance.

This is not the first time Trump has fundraised large sums for his inauguration. His first inaugural committee raised $107 million and was investigated by federal prosecutors for illegal foreign donations, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence for one donor.

This year, top tech companies including Meta, Amazon, Uber and OpenAI have donated at least $1 million each to Trump's inaugural fund.

We found no evidence of a church service being referenced as part of the donor perks in either President Joe Biden's or former President Barack Obama's inaugurations. Trump's last inauguration also did not include a church service among its perks.

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Inaugural committees are allowed to receive money from almost anyone (excluding foreign nationals), including corporations.

U.S. President Joe Biden also had big donors ahead of his 2021 inauguration. Biden's inauguration committee brought in around $62 million in total from donors including Bill and Melinda Gates and corporations like Google, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Pfizer, Bank of America, PepsiCo and Uber between November 2020 and April 2021.

The Biden committee offered big donor perks in 2020, even though inauguration celebrations were mostly virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. Packages included invitations to a "virtual concert during inauguration week" and the virtual inauguration as well as virtual briefings with inaugural committee leaders.

Similarly, in 2012, Obama's inauguration committee raised around $43 million. According to a 2012 report in The New York Times, donor perks for Obama's second inauguration included "tickets to a 'benefactors reception,' a children's concert, a candlelight celebration at the National Building Museum, two reserved parade bleacher seats and four tickets to the president's official inaugural ball." The celebrations were toned down from Obama's first inauguration in 2009, though at that time he refused corporate donations entirely.

Sources:

"Inauguration Packages up to $1M+." Axios, 4 Dec. 2024, https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-am-e467ee50-b1b8-11ef-8048-7978f0c1a10a.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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"Corporations Hoping to Get on Trump's Good Side Are Donating Big Bucks to His Inauguration." MSNBC.Com, 26 Dec. 2024, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-inauguration-donations-corporations-rcna185478. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

"Funding Inaugural Committee Activities." FEC.Gov, https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/presidential-transition-and-inauguration/funding-inaugural-committee-activities/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Gangitano, Alex. "Trump Team Outlines Inauguration Benefits for Donors." The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5020239-trump-team-outlines-inauguration-benefits-for-donors/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Greenwood, Max. "Biden Inaugural Committee Raised $62M with Big Sums from Billionaires, Corporations." The Hill, 21 Apr. 2021, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/549476-biden-inaugural-committee-raised-61m-with-big-sums-from-billionaires/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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INAUGURATION TRUMP 11 29 2016. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3227450-INAUGURATION-TRUMP-11-29-2016/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee Is Offering VIP Donor Packages For As Much as $1M for Corporations & $500k for Individuals. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20428535-joe-bidens-inaugural-committee-is-offering-vip-donor-packages-for-as-much-as-1m-for-corporations-500k-for-individuals/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

"Pay-to-Pray": Trump Reportedly Charges Supporters $100K to Attend Church Service with Him - Raw Story. https://www.rawstory.com/rs-exclusive/pay-to-pray-trump-reportedly-charging-supporters-100000-to-attend-church-service-with/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Presidential Inauguration Committee Donation Form. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/536326-picdonationformv8/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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Schleifer, Theodore. "Trump Donors Who Give at Least $1 Million or Raise $2 Million Get Inaugural Access." The New York Times, 4 Dec. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/us/politics/trump-donors-inauguration-access.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Schouten, Fredreka. "Corporate Interests Commit Millions to Celebrate Trump's Inauguration | CNN Politics." CNN, 26 Dec. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/26/politics/trump-inauguration-corporate-donors/index.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. "For Corporate Donors, Inauguration Details." The New York Times, 8 Dec. 2012. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/us/politics/obama-team-outlines-four-corporate-donor-packages-for-inauguration.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Vogel, Kenneth P., and Eric Lipton. "Despite Scaled-Back Plans, Biden Inauguration Offers Perks to Major Donors." The New York Times, 16 Dec. 2020. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/us/despite-scaled-back-plans-biden-inauguration-offers-perks-to-major-donors.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Updates:

Jan. 15, 2025: The story was updated to include the official inauguration website.
In a classroom at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Rockford, Illinois, a group of seventh graders are busy at work on a unique solar project. They're not just building a model or completing an assignment  they're contributing to a good cause.

Marshall Middle School's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program provides students with hands-on experience that addresses real-world challenges.

The STEM initiative is introducing students to fundamental electrical concepts, including positive and negative charges, current (amps), voltage, and the practical skills required for wiring. Interestingly, this initiative is actually going to help people in Uganda.

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These students are building 12-volt DC We Share Solar Suitcases. These portable power systems will bring much-needed electricity to 40 schools in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in northwestern Uganda. These schools provide education to over 12,000 refugees.

Reportedly, the Bidi Bidi settlement is the second-largest refugee settlement globally, offering refuge to over 250,000 South Sudanese refugees.

Weve learned many things like positives and negatives, amps, volts, all that stuff, and how to wire stuff together, Pratham Mehta, seventh grader, told local Rockford media, WIFR.

Were taking all this stuff for granted, and other countries dont have all this stuff, like electricity, Mehta added.

STEM teacher giving guiding students. Marshall School/FB

Solar suitcases for students

The "Solar Solutionary Program" is an initiative where students in Illinois, including those at Marshall Middle School in Rockford, are building solar-powered suitcases. These suitcases will be sent to Africa to provide electricity to schools that lack access to a reliable power source.

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The Bidi Bidi settlement faces many challenges, including a lack of reliable electricity.

These solar suitcases are designed to be easily transported and set up, making them ideal for off-grid locations. These panels collect sunlight, which is then stored in a built-in battery. It can provide power to up to five light bulbs for 50 to 60 hours each week.

Depending on the system's capacity, it might also power small electronics like phones or radios.

It could improve the educational experience for thousands of refugee children.

Valuable learning opportunity

The organization "We Share Solar" will distribute the solar suitcases to the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement.

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STEM teacher Stacy Wallace guided and mentored the students throughout the project.

The students were just really wowed by the fact [of] how cramped the classroom was and that theyre sitting on benches with little bitty tables with not a lot of supplies. So, I think just realizing that something as little as light can make a lot of difference, Wallace told My State Line.

This collaborative project provides students with a valuable learning opportunity that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction.

By building the solar suitcases, students are directly applying scientific and engineering principles. They are learning about electricity, circuitry, and problem-solving in a practical setting.

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While Uganda is making progress in expanding electricity access, it still faces challenges in providing electricity to its entire population. As of 2021, only 42 percent of the population had access to electricity.

Despite this challenge, Uganda has a strong foundation for sustainable energy development. As per Energy Transition, an impressive 98 percent of its electricity is generated from renewable sources, primarily hydropower.
The US Army is working on improving its Black Hawk helicopters with new technology.

It is partnering with Skyryse to make aircraft easier to fly, with or without a pilot.

There have been other efforts to deliver autonomous Black Hawk capabilities.

The US Army is partnering with aerospace company Skyryse on tech solutions that could be used to make its workhorse Black Hawk helicopters easier to fly, with or without a pilot.

It's part of an effort to increase the safety and effectiveness of aircraft like the Black Hawk. This helicopter is heavily used but has also been involved in deadly accidents. Increased autonomy and ease of use could reduce those risks for the numerous operators worldwide using these aircraft.

Skyryse and the Army announced the plan earlier this week. It focuses on Skyryse's signature SkyOS program, which the company described as the world's first universal flight operating system.

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The partnership will "develop solutions to reduce time to train for pilots, increase interoperability between aircraft, and deliver optionally-piloted capability which could be applied" to the Army's 2,400 Black Hawks and other aircraft, Skyryse said.

The pilotless element of this cooperation follows previous efforts exploring autonomous Black Hawk flight options.

One of the stated goals of the partnership between the Army and Skyryse is to make the Black Hawk safer and simpler to fly while maintaining its mission flexibility. The Black Hawk has long been a premiere platform for the US military, as well as global militaries, seeing combat across the world.

The Black Hawk is known for its versatility and lethality. US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht

Black Hawk helicopters have been used in a range of locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, the war in Ukraine, and other places and have supported a variety of missions.

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Highly modified Black Hawks were, for instance, used during the assassination of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011. It first entered service in 1978 and has been upgraded several times.

The Black Hawk, which comes in several variants, is operated by three dozen countries and has been used by the US Army for over 40 years. It is known for its versatility, conducting air assaults, transporting troops and supplies, evacuating injured soldiers, and serving as a command and control center.

But there have been safety concerns about the aircraft after decades of crashes and malfunctions. In 2023, US Army data reviewed by Military.com revealed 60 deaths had occurred in Black Hawk-related training incidents. And there have been many operational accidents as well.

Through the new partnership, Skyryse and the Army aim to use SkyOS to simplify pilot operations, improve safety features, employ autonomy, and explore the ability to fly with or without a pilot.

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Skyryse and the US Army did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the cooperation.

Dr. Mark Groden, CEO of Skyryse, said in a statement on the partnership that "by combining the Army's operational expertise with Skyryse's leadership in rotorcraft flight controls and automation, we have a unique opportunity to make flying simple and safe enough that any serviceperson can fly any aircraft."

The US Army has been working on autonomous systems in its Black Hawks for over a decade. REUTERS/US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes

Autonomy efforts involving the Black Hawk date back a decade, when the Army successfully tested an uncrewed Black Hawk picking up and delivering an autonomous amphibious all-terrain vehicle. More recent examples in this space include a demonstration in October 2022 of a Black Hawk flying autonomously to perform internal and external cargo resupply missions, as well as rescue operations.

And in October 2024, the Army and aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company that produces the Black Hawk and other helicopter models, showed how the latter's MATRIX autonomy system can employ a Black Hawk to receive remote mission commands in real-time and then carry out said operations without remote control.

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Two months later, in December, Lockheed announced that Sikorsky had been selected by the Marines to showcase the autonomous capabilities of the Black Hawk helicopter in demonstrations intended to show "how autonomous aircraft can keep future Marine forces supplied, whether operating from Navy ships or expeditionary bases ashore."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The United States assured Russian President Vladimir Putin it would not deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said in a Jan. 17 interview with MSNBC.

"Tactical nuclear in Europe scares the hell out of everybody, including the Russians," he said.

Biden recounted conversations with Putin, during which the Russian leader emphasized demands to keep nuclear weapons out of Ukraine and block Ukraine's NATO membership.

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"I said, '(Nuclear weapons are) not a problem. We've already taken the nuclear weapons out. There's none there. We're not gonna put them back in,'" Biden responded, without provided the date when such a conversation had occurred.

The U.S. president further criticized Putin's ambitions: "All he wants to do is re-establish the Warsaw Pact. I can't let that happen. This guy is not a good guy."

These discussions reflect long-standing tensions over Ukraine's security, which were central to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Under the agreement, Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal  the world's third-largest  in exchange for assurances from the U.S., U.K., and Russia not to use force or economic coercion against Ukraine.

Despite these commitments, Russia launched a war against Ukraine and has repeatedly issued nuclear threats against Ukraine and its allies.

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In November, Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine, which snow allows Moscow to use nuclear arms against non-nuclear states. Russia later launched the intermediate-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik," designed for nuclear weapons.

A November survey by Russia's independent Levada Center revealed that 39% of Russians believe nuclear weapons use could be justified in the ongoing war against Ukraine, reflecting the domestic impact of Kremlin rhetoric.

Read also: Trump has opportunity to negotiate a good deal in Ukraine, Blinken says

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(Reuters) - The U.S. auto safety regulator closed its probe into 6,971 Fisker Ocean SUVs on Friday over inadvertent activation of the automatic emergency braking system, as it does not expect to get further information from the bankrupt EV maker.

Fisker filed for bankruptcy protection in June, citing a hyper-competitive EV market and operational challenges that hurt its ability to stem cash burn and raise additional funds.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the company's employees it was in touch with said late last month that all of the startup's workers had been dismissed.

"The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist," the regulator said, but it has no new information to take the probe further.

The regulator said it had received complaints alleging the automatic emergency braking system was triggered without an obstacle in the vehicle's path, resulting in the car suddenly slowing down or coming to a halt, risking a crash.

Fisker has recalled thousands of its vehicles to resolve other issues, however, it has not taken a similar action to fix the issue related to this probe.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been put in effect as of Jan. 8, 2025. The U.K. has introduced the ETA, which will be required for entry through the U.K. stated by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K..

Passports alone wont cut it for U.S., Canadian or other non-European residents hoping to enter the United Kingdom.

This new policy adds an extra step to the travel preparation, but is necessary for those planning a trip across the pond. Here is everything you need to know.

Do your travel plans require an ETA?

If youre traveling to the U.K. for a short-term stay of up to six months, youll need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), according to Harvard.

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This requirement applies to visitors coming for tourism, business or short-term study abroad, and is mandatory for travelers of all ages.

Its important to note that even if the U.K. is not your final destination, a connecting flight through the country still requires an ETA. Travelers transiting through the U.K. must ensure they meet new entry requirements, regardless of their layover duration reported by The Washington Post.

For those planning a longer stay, a visa is still required.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K. clarified, One does not need an ETA if they already have a visa, and exempt vignette or have a British or Irish Passport.

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Beginning April 2. 2025, ETAs will be required to most European countries. The application process will open to them March 5, 2025 for trips planned on or after April 2, 2025.

How to apply

To apply for an ETA, travelers must complete an online application. The process requires submitting a photo, passport information and a fee of $13.

According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K., the ETA can take up to three business days to process. Once approved, the ETA will be digitally linked to your passport. It is valid for up to two years, unless your passport expires sooner.

Be sure to apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

ETIAS is coming in 2025

Keep your eyes open for yet another travel authorization, as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to take also effect in 2025, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

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Conde Nast Traveler said, The European Commission first introduced the idea of a new pre-entry requirement to tighten border security in 2016. Since then, the timeline has been adjusted on multiple occasions due to technological needs required to roll out the new system.

The European Union said that ETIAS will be required for entry into 30 different European countries.

This system will allow travelers to stay for short-term visits of 90 to 180 days.

While the application process is not open yet, be prepared for this new requirement to ensure a smooth entry into Europe when the time comes.
The Scoop

An influential US-China subcommittee in the US House of Representatives is calling for the State Department to open a representative office in Somaliland, the breakaway state in Somalia, to counter rising Chinese influence in the region.

Such a move is critical for advancing US strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and countering the growing influence of China, wrote John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a letter dated Jan. 15 and addressed to outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Without US engagement, [China] may succeed in shifting Somalilands interests in its favor, further consolidating its influence in the Red Sea and beyond, it said.

The United States, along with the rest of the international community, does not recognize Somaliland as a country. Last month Semafor reported that Somaliland will be much closer to being recognized by the US as the worlds newest country when Donald Trump returns to the White House.

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The committee chair stressed that the establishment of an office in Somalilands capital city of Hargeisa need not conflict with the United States current recognition of the government of Somalia. It pointed to other nations, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan, who maintain offices there without formally recognizing Somalilands sovereignty.

While foreign affairs committees often send letters to the State Department, this one has significance because it has moved discussions around the future of Somaliland into the much more potent US-China sphere, said Cameron Hudson, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. If the Somaliland issue is embraced by China-hawks to push back against Chinas influence then that is a serious departure from past discussions and increases the likelihood that it will be actively pursued, he said.

Know More

Map showing the breakaway region of Somalialand.

The call comes as Somalilanders, who declared independence in 1991, are hoping that the incoming Trump administration will greatly improve their chances of international recognition with support from the US. Several of Trumps incoming Africa officials have been publicly much more willing to consider some form of recognition for the state of 4 million people.

Somaliland is strategically located in geopolitical and trade terms with key global military and shipping interests in the region that could help the US counter China. In particular, the Bab-el Mandeb strait in the Gulf of Aden between Somalilands Berbera port, Djibouti, and Yemen is widely seen as a critical shipping choke point for moving goods and military wares in the sub-region.
Six Russian oil tankers still under construction at the Russian shipyard Zvezda have been hit by US sanctions imposed last week.

Source: Reuters

Details: It is noted that this is the first time that Washington has banned tankers before they have even gone to sea, let alone transported sanctioned cargo.

The sanctions imposed last week sent oil prices soaring and tanker shipping costs soaring as the outgoing Biden administration took steps to hurt Russia's oil exports and thwart Moscow's attempts to build its own fleet.

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Six tankers under construction at the Zvezda shipyard were among the 183 vessels hit. They are the Nursultan Nazarbayev, Alexander Beggrov, Alexey Bogolyubov and three other vessels, the names of which have not yet been revealed: Zvezda 131080, Zvezda 131060 and Zvezda 131040.

According to the text of the sanctions, the buyer of the Alexander Begrov and Alexey Bogolyubov vessels is the Russian company Sovcomflot, and the buyer of the other four is Rosneft's shipping division Rosnefteflot. Both buyers are also subject to US sanctions.

Background:

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on two of Russia's largest oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as ship insurance providers Ingosstrakh and AlfaStrakhovanie.

According to the Financial Times, the measures include the blacklisting of 183 ships of the "shadow fleet" involved in exports from Russia.

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Six Russian oil tankers still under construction at Russia's Zvezda shipyard have been targeted by U.S. sanctions imposed last week, Reuters reported on Jan. 17.

The latest sanctions targeted over 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.

For the first time, Washington imposed a ban on the use of tankers even before they went to sea or transported sanctioned cargo.

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The sanctions will impact named vessels including the Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Alexander Beggrov, the Alexey Bogolyubov, as well as three yet to be named vessels listed as Zvezda 131080, Zvezda 131060, and Zvezda 131040, according to Reuters.

The Alexander Beggrov and Alexey Bogolyubov were purchased by the Russian company Sovcomflot. The other four tankers were bought by Rosneft's shipping division Rosnefteflot. Both buyers of the vessels are under sanctions.

Experts cited by Reuters said the latest measures drove up prices of tankers as demand for non-sanctioned vessels grew.

The outgoing Biden administration has taken steps to undermine Russian oil exports, which are one of the key fuels of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

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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.

Read also: Will Transnistrias gas crisis lead to its collapse and reintegration into Moldova?

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(Bloomberg) -- A US government investigation concluded that Chinese subsidies unfairly benefit the nations shipbuilding industry and harm American competitors, a decision that likely sets the stage for tariffs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

China uses policies that unfairly depress costs or provide advantages to develop dominance in specific sectors, according to the US Trade Representatives office.

The pursuit of dominance in shipbuilding was unreasonable because it displaces foreign firms, deprives market-oriented businesses and their workers of commercial opportunities, and lessens competition and creates dependencies, heightening risk and hurting supply chain resilience, USTR said in a statement on Thursday in Washington.

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Enterprises in the Chinese shipbuilding supply chain benefit from Chinas lack of effective labor rights and the use of forced or compulsory labor, it said. Likewise, Chinas non-market excess capacity in inputs, such as steel, advantage downstream Chinese enterprises.

Due to Chinese policies aimed at boosting demand, ships were retired prematurely in order to artificially heighten demand, the USTR said in the report.

The investigation began in March after a petition by a group of labor unions. The so-called Section 301 probe is similar to the one used in President-elect Donald Trumps first term to impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in annual imports from China for alleged intellectual property theft.

In response, one of the labor unions that had petitioned the USTR welcomed the report.

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Swift and Bold

Chinas unfair trade practices have decimated the US shipbuilding and maritime industry, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Brian Bryant said in an emailed statement. It is well past time to take swift and bold action to restore U.S. shipbuilding to a position of strength.

China rejected the conclusion, with the Ministry of Commerce saying it was rooted in unilateralism and protectionism. China would take steps to safeguard the rights and interests of its industry, according to a statement.

It will now be up to Trump, who returns to office on Monday, to decide what to do with the latest findings.

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American companies buy very few ships directly from Chinese yards, so if the Trump administration were to impose tariffs in response then it would likely have to apply them to other goods. Since 2017, China has only exported about 10 cargo ships directly to the US, according to Chinese customs data compiled by Bloomberg.

Shipbuilding is emerging as a new front in the US-China trade conflict, which has ensnared products and industries ranging from solar panels and semiconductors to electric cars.

Strains eased somewhat in late 2023 after a meeting in California between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping that resulted in some agreements to better manage potential flareups. Yet the two sides remain at odds over economic, military and cybersecurity issues.

(Updates with reaction from China, labor union.)

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It may seem hard to believe, but by the middle of January, we're already halfway through winter  meteorological winter, that is.

So we thought it was a good time to examine how the country's snowfall has been so far, relative to an average season's pace since the first flakes of fall or early winter flew.

We'll highlight those locations that have been much snowier than average and those that are way behind.

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This February is the 40th anniversary of the release of the "Brat Pack" film "The Breakfast Club," a movie about five high school students from various cliques serving a Saturday detention together.

Just for fun, we thought we'd use some of the movie's characters in our midterm report card.

Think of the snowiest cities as the honor students and those much less snowy than usual as in danger of failing the class. We'll also highlight major cities that are a bit behind the pace, like the unfortunate peer pressure faced by some high school students.

If you're not a fan of snow, just flip the grades around.

(Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days  only available on our Premium Pro experience.)

The Honor Students

In the movie, Anthony Michael Hall played the brainy student, Brian Johnson, shown in the center of the poster above.

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There are several parts of the country that have moved to the head of the class for snowfall so far this season.

Lake-Effect Leaders

Erie, Pennsylvania's, 88.6 inches is 3 feet ahead of their average pace. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has already topped 100 inches (106.8), almost 44 inches more than average. That's not necessarily the case throughout the entire Great Lakes snowbelts, but these two cities clearly have shined so far.

Scholastic South

Thanks to Winter Storm Cora in the first full week of January, Atlanta (2.1 inches) had its heaviest snowfall in seven years. Dallas-Fort Worth (2.6 inches) and Little Rock, Arkansas (9 inches), had their heaviest snowfalls since the February 2021 cold outbreak.

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Midwest, But Not Where You Expect

Areas from Kansas to the Ohio Valley were hit not just by Cora, but also by Winter Storm Blair just a few days earlier.

Blair was Kansas City's heaviest snowstorm (11 inches) in almost 32 years. Cincinnati (19.5 inches) and Louisville (14.8 inches) also have large seasonal surpluses of over 10 inches thanks to those twin winter storms.

Parts of the West

Colorado Springs (28.7 inches) has almost doubled its average pace, largely from early November's Winter Storm Anya. Snowpack in the Siskiyous of Northern California and southern Oregon was running over 50% of average for mid-January, according to the USDA's SNOTEL network.

Popular Students Under Peer Pressure

Molly Ringwald played the part of Claire Standish, a popular student. Emilio Estevez played the part of Andrew Clark, a student-athlete. Each faced considerable pressure at school and home.

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Some major cities for which snowstorms are almost a brand name are a bit behind the curve so far. These include:

Boston: 7.5 inches; a 9-inch season-to-date deficit

Chicago: 9 inches; a 5.6-inch deficit

New York City: 4.2 inches; a 4.9-inch deficit

There's still time to turn that around, especially considering we're headed into prime time for major Northeast winter storms.

The 'Benders'

Perhaps the most iconic character from the movie was John Bender, a trouble-making rebel played by Judd Nelson. Several areas of the country are in danger of flunking out at snow so far.

Parts Of New England

Concord, New Hampshire (7.5 inches), Windsor Locks, Connecticut (4.9 inches), and Portland, Maine (7.1 inches), have each picked up less snow all season than previously mentioned Little Rock, Arkansas. Season-to-date deficits in Concord and Portland are 18 to 19 inches.

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The Upper Midwest

Fargo, North Dakota (12.5 inches), Minneapolis-St. Paul (9.8 inches), and Sioux Falls, South Dakota (5.3 inches), each have snowfall deficits of over a foot. Duluth, Minnesota, is 22 inches behind their average pace.

Partially due to this, as well as the previous January winter storms, a strange snow cover hole was over parts of the Midwest in mid-January, as the map below shows.

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The West

Among cities with at least a one-foot snow deficit are Cheyenne, Wyoming (14.9-inch deficit), Salt Lake City (20-inch deficit) and Spokane, Washington (14.5-inch deficit). Boise, Idaho (2.3 inches), and Reno, Nevada (0.9 inches) also have paltry season totals.

The Biggest Offenders

A pair of cities should spend the most time in Saturday detention for an extreme lack of snow.

Omaha, Nebraska, has only picked up 1 inch of snow this season, their least in any season though mid-January in 71 years. That's 10 inches behind their average pace and less snow than parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina have picked up.

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And despite the desert reputation, Flagstaff, Arizona, at an elevation of 7,000 feet, is typically a snowy place. But they've picked up less than 3 inches of snow, a 3-foot deficit through mid-January.

There is still plenty of opportunity for these snowless places to turn themselves around. Some of these cities typically have their snowiest months in February, March and even April.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
By Richard Cowan and Bo Erickson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ten U.S. Senate Democrats provided the votes needed on Friday to advance a bill requiring authorities to detain migrants who entered the country illegally if they are suspected of theft.

Days before President-elect Donald Trump returns to power, the Senate voted 61-35 to limit debate on the "Laken Riley Act," named after a Georgia college student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man previously arrested for shoplifting who entered the country illegally. With 10 Democrats voting in favor, allowing the bill to clear the Senate's 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation.

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The vote sets the stage for passage as soon as next week.

Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration and "migrant crime." A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans.

Nonetheless, immigration and border security were top issues on voters' minds in last November's presidential and congressional elections.

Of the 10 Democrats who voted to advance the legislation, four are up for re-election in 2026, with two from states Trump won last November. They are Gary Peters of Michigan and Jon Ossoff of Georgia.

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All four Democratic senators from Arizona and Nevada, which also voted for Trump in 2024, supported the measure. Immigration concerns are particularly heightened in the southwest border state of Arizona.

Several Democrats who tried to stop the bill expressed concerns that immigrants suspected of a crime but never charged could fall victim, as well as U.S.-born children of immigrant parents. Those children are U.S. citizens.

On Jan. 9, the House of Representatives voted 264-159 to pass the bill, with 48 Democrats supporting it.

Figures from Immigration and Customs Enforcement released on Thursday estimated the legislation would require 110,000 additional beds beyond the 41,500 funded in the last fiscal year. When counting additional transportation, staffing and other expenditures, it would cost $26.9 million annually at its peak.

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This is the first step in Republicans' immigration and border security efforts. A far broader set of changes to existing law is expected to be unveiled sometime this year.

It remained unclear whether Republicans would try to advance a wide-ranging bill unilaterally or with some Democratic support.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said there was a possibility of such bipartisanship on immigration and border security. But Republicans might seek a measure far stricter than Democrats could embrace. If so, they would attempt to use a special procedure to circumvent the need for supermajority support in the Senate.

Trump has talked about mass deportations of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, while some of his supporters have espoused the eventual elimination of all immigration into the U.S.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone, Jamie Freed and David Gregorio)
A growing number of states are waging a campaign against big agriculture to force them to clean up their act and take responsibility for the mammoth waste they produce.

What's happening?

A growing number of states, including Washington and Oregon, want farmers to take responsibility for the waste they pump into the environment, as reported by The New Lede. Pollutants from the farms are washing off the land and polluting various water sources, which puts the health of people drinking the water at risk.

Regulators and citizen groups across the U.S are working to get crop and livestock producers to document and reduce the pollution associated with the industry and enforce tighter regulations. These groups have also pushed to take legal action against producers not complying with these limits.

"There is a lot of new energy around this problem," Salini Sasidharan, assistant professor of groundwater management at Oregon State University, told The New Lede.

Why is agricultural runoff concerning?

Agricultural runoff, especially from animal farms, can have a number of negative impacts on human health and the environment. It contains pollutants such as nitrates, which are particularly problematic. Nitrates can cause health issues for babies and may also be carcinogenic. But just how high are these nitrate levels, and should we be worried?

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Well, research has shown that nitrate levels in some areas are well above the safe limits set by the federal government. For example, in Yakima Valley in Washington state, nitrate levels were well over federal limits in one out of every five drinking wells.

In addition to human health concerns, high nitrate levels also harm fish, amphibians, and other aquatic wildlife. The Threatened Species Recovery Hub found that high levels of nitrates in the water can impact the growth of aquatic animals and reduce their tolerance of other stressors, such as high temperatures.

Agricultural runoff can also contain other pollutants, such as organic nitrogen and phosphorus. An excess of these nutrients can lead to rapid algal growth in the water known as an algal bloom. This causes a depletion of oxygen, which can lead to mass fish deaths.

What's being done about agricultural runoff?

In addition to the campaign, the Environmental Protection Agency has also taken action against several dairy farms that haven't made enough of an effort to reduce their pollution.

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Additionally, regulators across the country have introduced plans to control the pollution and reduce the amount of nitrates leaching into the ground. For example, Oregon introduced the Nitrate Reduction Plan for the Umatilla Basin. The Michigan Supreme Court, meanwhile, has introduced a groundbreaking new ruling that aims to tighten the requirements on farm waste management.

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.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday it has filed a lawsuit against Houston County, Georgia, to challenge the county's at-large method of electing its board of commissioners, alleging the process violates Black voters' rights.

The at-large method results in Black citizens having less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of choice, which violates the Voting Rights Act, the Justice Department said.

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The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, seeks a court order implementing a new method of electing the Board of Commissioners, the Justice Department said.

"For example, by electing commissioners from fairly drawn single-member districts rather than countywide, Black voters would have an equal opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to the Board," the Justice Department said.

Black residents make up more than 31% of the county's voting-age population, the department said, adding that Houston County has elected just one Black commissioner since the end of the Civil War.

Houston County is home to 163,000 people and countywide elections fill each of its five commission seats.

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The Houston County Board of Commissioners said the U.S. Justice Department notified the county of its multi-year investigation and the two sides had held discussions.

"If we agree with DOJ regarding a possible violation of the Voting Rights Act after reviewing all of the documents and evidence, we will take appropriate action at that time," the commissioners said in a statement cited by an NBC News affiliate.

The Houston County commissioners criticized the timing of the Justice Department's actions ahead of the new administration coming in next week in Washington, when Democratic President Joe hands over to Republican President-elect Donald Trump.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
In yet another consequence of the impending US ban on short-video app TikTok, rival Chinese platform RedNote is seeing a spike in users based in other countries, mirroring the migration of American self-styled "TikTok refugees".

The app - also known as Xiaohongshu, which means "little red book" - was ranked as the No. 1 free-to-use platform in Britain and Canada, as well as EU countries like Ireland and Italy, by the Apple Store on Thursday.

The exact number of downloads is unknown, but the app - launched in 2013 as China's answer to Instagram - has also cracked the top three in Apple's charts in countries like El Salvador, France, Portugal, and Spain.

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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.

According to third-party data analytics firm SensorTower, a similar trend is occurring on Google Play, with countries from Australia to Sweden seeing RedNote at the top of their downloads lists this week.

"Hello from Portugal, I came here with friends from another app," said one new user identified as Mfp Mfp, who was commenting in Chinese on a video of a young boy introducing his life in China.

"I've always been fascinated by your culture but did not know about this platform," the user said, adding that she hopes to learn Chinese so that she will no longer need to use translation software to make similar posts.

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In the comments section of the same video, another new user - identified as Mina - shared an image of a motorway and a note that read: "Hello from the UK. It is very depressing."

Similar exchanges have proliferated this week across the Shanghai-based RedNote.

Since its launch in 2013, the platform has evolved into a de facto search engine for everything from travel recommendations to college application tips, reaching nearly 300 million active users as of December 2023, with 50 per cent aged 15 to 28.

Unlike many Chinese social media apps, which have been split into domestic and international versions because of China's moderation rules, there is just one version of RedNote.

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This has allowed Chinese and foreign online users to connect more openly and directly than they normally do. Popular international social media apps like Facebook and Instagram are inaccessible in mainland China without access to a virtual private network (VPN).

It is unclear whether this period of openness will last, or if it will quickly fade like the audio-based social networking platform Clubhouse, which for a few days in 2021 allowed uncensored, wide-ranging dialogue between Chinese and international users.

When asked this week whether Beijing would strengthen censorship on content by overseas users on RedNote, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun signalled government support, saying "we encourage and support people-to-people exchanges".

Meanwhile, US lawmakers, who have repeatedly raised national security concerns about TikTok, are yet to make up their minds on what the phenomenon means for their policy on Chinese-owned social media platforms.

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Asked on Thursday if the US Congress should consider a more comprehensive approach towards foreign apps, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey said the migration to RedNote "is a very good example of the law of unintended consequences, which the Congress right now doesn't know anything about".

Reports of RedNote topping US app charts began circulating on Monday, initially driven by US users protesting against a looming ban on TikTok, which is due to come into effect on January 19 if China-based owner ByteDance does not divest.

Citing a source close to RedNote, Reuters reported that more than 700,000 new users had joined the app in just two days, but it is unclear whether the figure referred only to US-based downloads.

TikTok is waiting for a US Supreme Court ruling on the forced sale, which supporters argue is necessary because of concerns that the Chinese government could collect the data of American citizens or manipulate content on the app.

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The surge in RedNote users is occurring in other countries where similar concerns about TikTok's ownership have been raised.

In Canada for example, the government in November ordered the dissolution of ByteDance's operations there after a national security review of the company, but did not block Canadians' access to TikTok.

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.
VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV)  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) signed a record of decision, which marks a milestone in the efforts to address flooding and environmental challenges in the region.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Peeples, commander of the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Record of Decision for the 2024 Yazoo Backwater Study Area water management plan on Thursday, January 16.

Jackson leaders discuss winter weather preparations

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The Yazoo Backwater area has faced long-standing flooding issues, particularly during high stages of the Mississippi River, leading to significant impacts on local communities, environmental habitat, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. According to the USACE, the plan improves the safety, security, and quality of life for the communities in the Yazoo Backwater area.

The plan includes:

The installation of high-volume pumps at the Steele Bayou Water Control Structure

Managing water levels to the 90-foot elevation mark during the crop season (March 25  October 15) and the 93-foot elevation mark during the non-crop season (October 16  March 24)

A nonstructural feature will be implemented to address flood impacts on properties in impacted areas, which includes a voluntary acquisition program for affected structures and agricultural lands, along with options for floodproofing or raising structures

Reaching this milestone is a testament to the technical expertise, dedication, and collaboration of our team. This record of decision reflects our shared commitment to serving the Yazoo Backwater community and to finding solutions to a longstanding issue that has affected our Mississippi Delta communities for decades, said Col. Jeremiah Gipson, commander of the USACE Vicksburg District. Im incredibly proud of what weve accomplished together, and this marks an important step forward as we continue to address this challenge and work toward lasting solutions.

More winter weather on the way for Mississippi. Heres how to stay safe

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Three Memorandums of Agreement will guide future collaboration between USACE, USEPA, and USFWS, ensuring the projects long-term success:

Memorandum #1: Pump and Water Control Structure Operations Plans will ensure agency coordination prior to changes to the pump operations and water control structure operations plans.

Memorandum #2: Compensatory Mitigation Plan will ensure the environmental compensatory mitigation for the project is fulfilled.

Memorandum #3: Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan will ensure appropriate monitoring occurs to determine whether the project impacts identified were correctly assessed and the water management plan is working as intended.

USACE will now move into the pre-construction engineering and design phase, and the mitigation phase.

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Louisville's biggest employer, UPS, might have a few more packages after the United States Postal Service contract to deliver UPS SurePost parcels ended.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union representing UPS delivery drivers, confirmed the negotiated service agreement's expiration in a Facebook post last week.

"Millions of packages moved away from SurePost and the United States Postal Service and returned to UPS package cars this month, now being sorted and delivered by hardworking UPS Teamsters." the social media post reads.

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In a statement to USA TODAY, UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer said, "SurePost is a dependable economy service for less urgent packages offered by UPS to business shippers... UPS now handles SurePost packages door-to-door entirely within our own network, with the reliability were known for."

USA TODAY contacted USPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Thursday but has not received a response.

UPS employs thousands in Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the largest sorting and logistics facility in America and the UPS Airlines headquarters. The facility delivers millions of packages daily, and it's the only air hub to provide service to all of the countries and territories served globally across the company.

UPS employs more than 25,000 people in Louisville, according to the Greater Louisville Chamber of commerce.

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UPS in Louisville: How the new $100M UPS Labport will help you get test results from your doctor quicker

How will the USPS, UPS SurePost contract ending affect my deliveries?

With UPS and USPS's contract ending, people and businesses in the U.S. will receive their SurePost packages possibly a day earlier as the transit time decreases from two to seven days to two to six days, according to the parcel service.

SurePost will no longer be available for those who are living in U.S. Territories, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, according to Supply Chain Dive, which cited the previous overview of UPS SurePost. Also, the SurePost service will not be available for PO Box and Military APO/FPO deliveries, the outlet added.

Other UPS delivery services, such as Ground, Second Day Air and Next Day Air, will continue to be available for people in U.S. Territories, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

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"There is no impact or change to UPSs primary delivery services, including UPS Ground, UPS Second Day Air and UPS Next Day Air," according to UPS's statement.

Consumers who have SurePost packages in transit that are expected to be delivered to a PO box can have them redirected to a street address by signing up for UPS MyChoice, Mayer said.

What does the contract mean for UPS drivers?

With the contract ending, drivers will see an increase in volume which "provides more delivery opportunities and access to overtime for rank-and-file UPS Teamsters," according to the Facebook post.

"Improved guardrails around SurePost, which saw smaller packages routed off UPS package cars to be delivered by the USPS, were a critical gain for UPS Teamsters during record contract negotiations in 2023," the Facebook post reads. "Contract enhancements helped ensure UPS Teamsters were delivering more packages."

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With "millions" of SurePost packages going back on UPS trucks, thousands of new regular package car driver jobs can be created, Teamsters' Facebook post says.

Others are reading: Brown-Forman choice to shutter Louisville cooperage isn't surprising, expert says. Here's why

What is UPS SurePost?

According to UPS, SurePost is "an economy service for your less urgent, lower value shipments."

SurePost deliveries can be shipped to 48 U.S. states and have an estimated transit time of two to six days. UPS said the ideal weight for SurePost packages is less than 10 pounds.

Before the contract expiration, SurePost packages could be delivered by UPS or USPS to the 48 US states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, all U.S. Territories, PO Boxes and Military APO/FPO Destinations, Supply Chain Dive reported. The transit time for these deliveries was an estimated two to seven days within the U.S., and longer for other destinations.

What did USPS say about the contract's expiration?

In a statement obtained by Supply Chain Drive, a USPS spokesperson said, "Some businesses negotiated new agreements with us, and some have not.

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Prior agreements failed to reflect operational and financial realities, the evolving postal network, or the enhancements to our portfolio of product offerings, the spokesperson added.

USPS had a contract with FedEx for domestic air transportation services, but it expired on Sept. 29, 2024. The government agency later chose UPS for its new air cargo contract.

"FedEx and the United States Postal Service have had a long and productive relationship for more than 20 years," FedEx said in a statement in March. "Over time, our respective strategies have shifted as we transform our networks and operations for the future."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: USPS, UPS contract for SurePost packages ends. What it means
The U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR) office is taking China to task for what it calls an unreasonable dominance of the global maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors that is severely disadvantaging U.S. companies, workers and the U.S. economy.

Concluding a nearly nine-month investigation, the USTR determined that Chinas practices are therefore actionable under U.S. Section 301 trade laws.

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Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the U.S. to penalize foreign countries that engage in acts that are unjustifiable or unreasonable, or burden U.S. commerce. Both President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have leveraged the law to impose tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods since 2018.

Chinas targeting of these sectors for dominance is enabled by policies that unfairly depress costs or provide advantages, the report said. For example, enterprises in the Chinese shipbuilding supply chain benefit from Chinas lack of effective labor rights and the use of forced or compulsory labor. Likewise, Chinas non-market excess capacity in inputs, such as steel, advantage downstream Chinese enterprises.

Among the allegations listed, the USTR report said China displaces foreign firms in existing markets and prevents them from thriving in new markets, namely since they cannot compete with the countrys state-owned and -subsidized resources. This, the U.S. alleges, has enabled China to secure a dominant position as a provider of chassis, containers and cranes, as well as an owner and operator of overseas port terminals.

The report accuses China of increasing dependence on the country due to diminished choices, thus elevating potential supply chain risks and reducing supply chain resilience. It also alleges the country leverages extraordinary control over its economic actors by mandating them to adhere to state industrial targets.

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In a statement, Ambassador Katherine Tai illustrated the massive gap in current shipbuilding activity between the two countries, highlighting that the U.S. ranks 19th in the world in commercial shipbuilding.

While the U.S. builds less than five ships each year, China is building more than 1,700 ships, she said. Compare that to 1975, when the U.S. ranked No. 1 and built more than 70 ships per year.

Beijings targeted dominance of these sectors undermines fair, market-oriented competition, increases economic security risks and is the greatest barrier to revitalization of U.S. industries, as well as the communities that rely on them, Ambassador Tai said in a statement. These findings under Section 301 set the stage for urgent action to invest in America and strengthen our supply chains.

Chinas Ministry of Commerce said Friday it was strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes the probe, adding that its conclusions were full of false accusations against China.

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The findings of the 170-page probe did not include a specific recommendation of penalties against Beijing, but it opens the door for more Section 301 penalties to be enacted by President-elect Trump, who takes office on Monday.

Trump, who is expected to levy additional tariffs on Chinese goods upon his return to the presidency, spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping early Friday. Balancing trade was one of the topics in their discussion, per Trumps Truth Social account.

Arnav Rao, transportation policy analyst at Open Markets Institute, a think tank focused on antitrust law and competition policy, said the probes findings pave the way for remedies like port fees for Chinese vessels, that will counter the effects of Chinese overcapacity.

Rao called for bold action to address the decades-long slump in U.S. maritime capacity, saying the country can ill-afford to continue its laissez-faire approach to maritime policy.

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The U.S. Department of Defense already appears to be prepping for heightened trade tensions, slapping a military designation on Chinese container shipping giant Cosco Shipping, as well as air cargo company China Cargo Airlines and two of the countrys chief shipbuilders.

The probe was launched at the request of the United Steelworkers and four other U.S. unions, who alleged that that China gave its domestic maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors unfair advantages by mandating the purchase and use of Chinese ships by Chinese state-owned shipping enterprises and state-owned oil companies.

China has warped the global market to its advantage for decades, Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul said in a statement Thursday. These actions have undermined the opportunity for Americas shipyards and factories to compete, harming the hardworking men and women who keep our country strong.

Paul testified before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party last June, recommending that the U.S. should curb the countrys practices by reforming de minimis policy, revoking its permanent normal trade relations status, vigorously enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, screening outbound investment of U.S. companies in China and increasing oversight of Chinese investment in the U.S.

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As concerns over the shipbuilding gap emerge in Washington, four lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation last month to bolster the U.S. shipbuilding industry, reduce reliance on foreign vessels and ultimately place more China-to-U.S. cargo on American vessels.

Although the SHIPS for America Act is primarily a national security and maritime policy bill, passing of the legislation in Congress would impact supply chains. That bill would require that within 15 years, 10 percent of all cargo imported into the U.S. from China must be imported on U.S.-flagged vessels that are also and built in the U.S. and staffed by American crews.
LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  A Utah State University student has been taken into custody after prompting an evacuation at the Mountain View Tower dorms on campus on Thursday night.

Joshua Peter Jager, 20, was charged with misdemeanor causing a catastrophe recklessly and disorderly conduct.

USU police responded to Mountain View Tower around 8 p.m. due to a ventilation issue. The building was evacuated shortly after and a full hazmat response was requested.

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Vail Resorts to provide credits to those affected by Park City ski patrol strike

According to court documents, Jager had produced hydrochloric acid in gaseous form after mixing chemicals in his dorm room. Hazmat crews determined that the clouds of gas had contaminated the entire first floor of Mountain View Tower, prompting the building to be evacuated into subzero temperatures for several hours.

The National Library of Medicine says hydrochloric acid is a colorless to slightly yellow corrosive and nonflammable gas. It is considered to be toxic and poisonous if inhaled and could cause severe skin burns, serious eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation.

Jager allegedly admitted to setting off the fire alarm, telling investigators that he had mixed the chemicals in an attempt to neutralize them.

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Police had reportedly been to Jagers dorm after he set off the fire alarm just three days prior. Officers had discovered a large amount inside as well as various machinery and tools. Jager was questioned about the findings but he denied any wrongdoing, later agreeing to alert authorities should he find any more chemicals in his dorm.

Police estimate the cost of clean up and restoration to the Mountain View Tower dorm to be anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000, while the cost of labor  yet to be determined  would be substantial.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Eboni Freeman, a 2018 graduate of Goizueta Business School, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow and co-founder of advocacy organization Ability Enabled, has been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar for graduate study in China next year.

Freeman, who earned her bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree in strategy and management consulting from Goizueta, is among 150 remarkable scholars drawn from nearly 5,000 applicants for the highly selective program.

As Emorys 11th Schwarzman recipient since the program began a decade ago, Freeman will enroll in a one-year masters program from Tsinghua University, beginning next fall. She will earn her masters degree in global affairs, with electives in a wide array of disciplines. Her time there will also include while receiving exposure to Chinese culture, global business networks and leaders.

This years admissions process was our most competitive yet, and the admitted members of the tenth cohort have already accomplished so much, said Cordel Faulk, director of global admissions for Schwarzman Scholars. We are all very excited to welcome these 150 young leaders into the Schwarzman Scholars community and look forward to seeing what contributions they make in the next year and beyond.

The Schwarzman Scholars program launched in 2015, inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship to promote international understanding and peace through intensive study and leadership. The program also includes cultural immersion, personal and professional development, and career resources designed to help scholars lead in various fields upon graduation.

At Tsinghua University, Freeman looks forward to immersing herself in interdisciplinary research by volunteering at three different Tsinghua institutions: the School of Information Science and Technology, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences and the Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence.

By engaging with these cutting-edge institutes, Freeman will explore diverse approaches to innovation and contribute her unique perspective to transformative research initiatives.

Being selected as a Schwarzman Scholar represents a critical step along my path to becoming a global leader who shapes the future of equitable technology through international collaboration, Freeman shares of the honor. After completing her fellowship, she hopes to join another creative and intellectually ambitious community where she can continue to advance innovation and foster impactful change.

At Emory, Freeman distinguished herself as an advocate for equity and inclusion, co-founding Ability Enabled, an organization dedicated to improving access and opportunities for people with disabilities. Motivated by her own experience navigating life with lupus, Freemans work sought to break down barriers and create systemic change.

She also served as a strategic advisor to the Disability Studies Initiative, helping to shape the university's efforts to address disability inclusion in education and research. As an Interdisciplinary Exploration and Scholarship (IDEAS) Fellow, Freeman contributed to interdisciplinary projects aimed at solving global challenges through creative problem-solving and collaboration. Additionally, she worked as a student advisor to the director of entrepreneurship, supporting initiatives that empowered students to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures.

Freemans academic excellence was matched by her professional pursuits. During her time at Emory, she completed an internship with Google, where she then landed a consulting position following graduation. Freemans dedication to public service next led her to serve as vice chair of the city of Boulders Arts and Culture Commission, workshop facilitator for Boulder Startup Week and as a member of the Art Collection Committee at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Reflecting on her time in Boulder, Freeman shares, It was an incredible honor to serve the city of Boulder along my journey to serving our nation.

Most recently, she was named a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow, a prestigious senior advisor role that has allowed her to collaborate on transformative federal initiatives with more than five government agencies across health care, engineering research and beyond.

Students and recent alumni interested in learning more about the Schwarzman Scholars program and other prestigious awards that might fit with their long-term goals should schedule an appointment through Emorys National Scholarships and Fellowships Program website.
Two federal agencies recently approved the resource management plan for Bears Ears National Monument, even as one freshman lawmaker from Utah wants to strip presidential authority to create monuments.

Congress, not the executive branch, has jurisdiction to make decisions on public land, said Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah. Congress trusted presidents with a narrow authority to declare national monuments in the Antiquities Act. Unfortunately, presidents have continued to abuse that narrow authority to designate millions of acres of land in Utah and across the West without proper congressional oversight. My bill aims to rebalance the powers between Congress and the executive branch and restore transparency and accountability to these designations.

The plan approved for Bears Ears came from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, which controls the 1.35 million acres set aside the land for protection of cultural artifacts in southeast Utah.

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Bears Ears National Monument encompasses vast and diverse objects of historical and scientific interest. Were honored to care for this landscape alongside Tribal Nations, the Bears Ears Commission, the monument advisory committee, the USDA Forest Service, state and local governments, neighboring communities, other partners and stakeholders, and the public, said acting BLM Utah State Director Matt Preston. This new plan will allow anyone who has a connection to the monument to enjoy the landscape while ensuring respect for the monument and the unique values it embodies.

But Maloy, along with Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., introduced their legislation Thursday to reform the Antiquities Act of 1906. The legislation, called the Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act, would strip presidential authority to unilaterally designate national monuments and give that authority to Congress by striking a section from the act granting that executive power.

My home state of Nevada, along with other Western states, has long been burned by executive actions on public lands and monument designations that bypass input from Congress and local governments. I am a firm believer that the best lands policy is generated by the local communities who actually live off of these lands, not Washington bureaucrats, said Amodei.

This legislation overturns years of a one-sided approach on major land management decisions and ensures Western communities are given a seat at the table for any future monument designations.

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But Barbara Van Alstine, forest supervisor of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, said the Bears Ears plan comes in consultation with tribes and local communities with an eye toward protecting the landscape and its cultural resources.

As a forest (district), we are humbled to have the distinct privilege of supporting the informed management of Bears Ears National Monument through this resource management plan to encourage visitors, land stewards, and future generations to enjoy the area while appreciating the cultural significance of the landscape.

The presidential proclamation establishing the monument called for tribal co-stewardship of the monument and established the Bears Ears Commission, comprised of representatives from five tribes whose ancestral homelands are in part encompassed by the monument. The approved plan emphasizes resource protection.

Within the approved plan, other uses are protected, including cattle grazing, recreation and traditional gathering of firewood and plants.

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The Western Watersheds Project expressed its disappointment that the plan leaves grazing untouched. The group said the plan could have called for conducting land health surveys on grazing allotments within a 10-year time frame. Instead, the group said, the plan only requires land health evaluations for a handful of allotments, leaving the rest without timely evaluations.

The Center for Western Priorities blasted Maloys legislation.

The presidential power to protect public lands is widely supported by Western voters, who know that Congress is too gridlocked to get the job done, said deputy director Aaron Weiss: The Antiquities Act is one of the best tools we have to preserve Americas natural resources. Anyone who signs on to Rep. Maloys bill will unleash the ire of Americas hunters, anglers, the outdoor industry, and Tribal nations.

The designations of both the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments, however, have sparked the ire of many local officials in the affected counties as well as Utahs GOP delegation.

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In 1996, President Bill Clinton created the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument with pen and paper at a table in neighboring Arizona. The designation came as a harsh surprise to Utah political leaders who asserted they were blindsided by the move.

Two decades later, after a visit by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, the Bears Ears Monument was designated at 1.35 million acres by President Barack Obama.

Following a visit by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on behalf of the Trump administration, both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase were reduced in size in 2017.

Under President Joe Bidens direction, a third Interior secretary, Deb Haaland, revisited both monuments and restored them to their original size.

If Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Interior, Doug Burgum gets confirmed, will yet another Interior secretary visit the monuments? It remains to be seen, but hes already received an invitation to come to Utah by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who heads up the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The Fallen Roof Ruins are pictured at Cedar Mesa in Bears Ears National Monument. (Photo by Sumiko Scott/Getty Images)

Testifying before a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior appeared to share the concerns Utah politicians have with how the federal government manages public land, including the designation of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was tapped by Trump to lead the department in November. If approved, hell take the helm of an office that employs some 70,000 people and oversees the U.S. bureaus of Indian Affairs, Land Management, and Reclamation, as well as the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Doug Burgum as the pick for Interior was probably the single best decision that Donald Trump has made, in his previous administration or this current one, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday. I talk to him regularly, and I think hes going to be a great help when it comes to the public lands issues, permitting reform, the things that we need to happen to continue to protect the environment, to save our most beautiful landscapes, but also to unleash the ingenuity that exists in America.

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The department plays a key role in a number of hot button issues involving Utah, like management of the Colorado River, energy production, permitting, infrastructure projects and public land decisions, which includes the future of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments.

On the latter, it appears Utahs politicians have an ally in Burgum. Though he didnt say it explicitly, he hinted at the incoming administrations willingness to shrink the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

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The monuments, which cover a combined 3.2 million acres in southern Utah, were cut down by Trump in 2017, then reestablished by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Utah is challenging Bidens decision in federal appeals court, taking issue with the Antiquities Act, which was passed in 1906 and allows presidents to establish national monuments. It was used to designate what eventually became some of the countrys most iconic landscapes, like Grand Canyon and Olympic national parks. Twelve of Utahs monuments and national parks were created using the Antiquities Act, including Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.

The state argues the act directs the president to create the smallest possible boundary, while still protecting cultural artifacts  Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are too big, according to the states interpretation.

Burgum seemed to agree with that argument on Thursday when responding to a question from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee, who asked if the former governor was willing to try to fix that current mess.

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The Antiquities Act states very clearly that the smallest possible area to protect those objects, be protected. Its original intention really was to protect antiquities, areas like, I would say, Indiana Jones-type archeological protections, Burgum said. I would look forward to working with you, and particularly on the area of local consultation, because when the federal government overreaches into a state like yours  its got tremendous impact on tribes, on local communities.

Burgum also fielded a question from Hawaii Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, who asked if Trump planned on ramping up oil production at Bears Ears, and whether that would violate federal law.

He wants to drill in that monument, Hirono said, which Burgum dismissed.

I have not heard anything about President Trump wanting to do anything other than advancing energy production for the benefit of the American people, Burgum said.

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Lee, later in the hearing, called the idea that Trump wants to drill for oil in Bears Ears a paranoid fantasy.

Theres no oil there, Lee said.

However, reporting from The New York Times suggests potential oil and gas development motivated Trump to rescind Bears Ears in 2017. The area also plays a big role in the American uranium industry, with several companies recently opening exploratory mines near the monuments boundary.

Thats what often prompts concerns from tribes and environmental groups. Bears Ears is of rich cultural significance for the regions tribes, which successfully lobbied the Obama administration to declare the area a national monument. Now, with the future of those protections in question, several environmental groups have come out staunchly opposed to Burgums confirmation.

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During todays hearing Gov. Burgum made it clear that if confirmed, the scales will be wildly tipped in favor of extractive industry and fossil fuels, said Lauren Hainsworth, a legislative advocate with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, an environmental nonprofit. Utahs red rock country and wildest places are national treasures and should be conserved, not exploited.

The Center for Western Priorities, a conservation and advocacy nonprofit, also had concerns over Burgums statements on the Antiquities Act. The groups executive director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement that the former governor displayed a worrisome unfamiliarity with the law.

Far from being an Indiana Jones law, Teddy Roosevelt himself used the Antiquities Act to protect 800,000 acres in and around the Grand Canyon. As a would-be Roosevelt historian, Doug Burgum should know that the Act has been used to protect treasured American landscapes for more than a century, Rokala said. Governor Burgum clearly supports oil and gas drilling. He appears eager to use Americas public lands to exacerbate the climate crisis.

When announcing Burgum as his pick to lead the Interior department in November, Trump also revealed Burgum would head a new National Energy Council, seen as a signal of the administrations focus on energy production, including fossil fuels.

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Recent polling points to Utah voters largely supporting the monument designations. In a survey commissioned by the environmental group Grand Canyon Trust, about 75% of Utah voters support a presidents ability to protect public lands as national monuments, while 67% of respondents say the Biden administrations restoration of both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in 2021 was more of a good thing.

More challenges to the Antiquities Act

Utah GOP Rep. Celeste Maloy unveiled a bill on Thursday that would remove the presidents authority to designate national monuments, instead shifting the authority to Congress.

If passed, the law would mark a major change to how national monuments have been established, a system thats been in place for more than a century.

Let us know what you think...

Maloy said the law would rebalance the powers between Congress and the executive branch and restore transparency and accountability to these designations.

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Congress trusted Presidents with a narrow authority to declare national monuments in the Antiquities Act. Unfortunately, Presidents have continued to abuse that narrow authority to designate millions of acres of land in Utah and across the West without proper Congressional oversight, Maloy said in a statement.

The news drew swift backlash from environmental groups.

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance called it a short-sighted bill that goes against the wishes of voters, both Democrat and Republican; the Center for Western Priorities said any lawmaker that signs Maloys bill will unleash the ire of Americas hunters, anglers, the outdoor industry, and Tribal nations; the Wilderness Society claimed the law was an attempt to revoke our beloved national monuments, then sell off the newly undesignated land; and Earthjustice said the bill would open the floodgates for polluting industries to carve up beloved and sacred protected spaces for the sake of profit.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $2.8 million grant to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) researchers to explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind drug-taking behaviors and addiction, the university announced in a news release.

Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind drug-taking behaviors and addiction. The research team includes (from left to right): Travis Moschak, Ph.D., assistant professor and co-principal investigator; Alexis Salcido and Neftali Reyes, doctoral students in biosciences; and Alexander Friedman, Ph.D., the grants principal investigator and assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso.

UTEP said the study will focus on striosomes, clusters of cells within the brain that play a pivotal role in decision-making.

The study will also seek to address a critical issue: understanding how drugs of abuse impact decision-making processes and how these changes can drive costly and self-destructive behaviors, UTEP said.

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Striosomes appear to act as a gating mechanism for cortical signals related to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is closely linked with reward-motivated behavior, explained Alexander Friedman, Ph.D., the grants principal investigator and assistant professor in UTEPs Department of Biological Sciences. In individuals with substance use disorders, we believe this gating function is disrupted, which may explain why they continue pursuing drugs despite high costs.

Substance use disorders remain a pressing public health crisis in the U.S., with overdoses continuing to rank among the leading causes of death among adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

UTEP said a hallmark of these disorders is the persistent pursuit of drugs, regardless of the often significant personal, financial, and social costs involved.

While existing computational models have provided valuable insights into drug consumption and craving, they have largely ignored the role of cost in decision-making  an omission this project aims to rectify, Friedman said.

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UTEP said the study combines experimental work using animal models with the development of an advanced computational neurobiological model.

Such models allow researchers to simulate and test hypotheses about how neurological processes influence behavior, offering tools to better understand the intricate relationship between drug use, decision-making, and neural activity, UTEP said.

This study is a synthesis of behavioral neuroscience and computational biology. Were not only exploring how drugs affect brain activity but also how this activity translates into real-world behaviors. Its a critical step toward bridging basic science and practical applications, Travis Moschak, Ph.D., assistant professor and co-principal investigator, said.

UTEP said the project will involve extensive collaboration and student engagement: Friedman leads one of the largest research teams at UTEP, including 10 graduate students. Moschaks lab will contribute an additional three graduate students, all of whom will be funded through the NIH grant.

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This grant represents an incredible opportunity for our students to contribute to groundbreaking research while gaining hands-on experience in the lab, Friedman said. Many of them are already deeply involved in the experimental and computational aspects of this study, and their contributions are invaluable.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Friedman, Dr. Moschak, and their teams for securing this prestigious grant, Robert A. Kirken, Ph.D., dean of UTEPs College of Science, said. Their work exemplifies the impactful research happening at UTEP, and it aligns perfectly with our mission of serving the community. This study has the potential to transform lives, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts.

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SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT)  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a new clinic in Sheffield, ready to serve the veterans living in north Alabama.

The new VA clinic, located on Cox Boulevard, officially opened to the public Thursday. It will replace the facility next door.

Arrest made in 2020 Colbert County cold case

Theres been a lot of growth of veterans in the northern part of the state, said Dr. Ladi Kukoyi, the Birmingham VA Healthcare System CEO.

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The over 16,000 square foot clinic more than doubles the space doctors previously had to treat their patients. Former U.S. Army Captain Preston Settle said he expects treatment wait times to decrease.

They think our healthcare is important, and this is proof theyre here to help us, said Settle.

Settle now serves as a Veteran Services Officer in Lauderdale County. He said veterans will now be able to have their vision and hearing checked in Sheffield.

They wont have to drive to Huntsville or Birmingham for those services anymore, Settle said. They can be handled here locally.

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In addition to receiving hearing aids or glasses, veteran patients will have access to a bigger network of doctors in other parts of the state.

They can get access to some world-class specialty services through telehealth, so they can see doctors in Birmingham who are experts that work with the VA and UAB, Kukoyi said.

The new clinic will still offer primary care, mental health and womens health. The clinics services are available to any veteran who qualifies for VA treatment.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One person has been transported to the hospital following vacant house fire on Laser Street Thursday night.

According to the Rochester Fire Department, crews responded around 9:28 p.m. and found smoke coming from the vacant home.

RFD said there was one person found inside of the home. That person was evaluated by EMS at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital. Their condition is currently unknown.

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The road was taped off at Joseph Avenue near Pardee Street and has since re-opened. AMR and Rochester Fire Department both responded to the scene.

RFD has yet to release the cause of the fire, or further details on the person found inside the home. Although vacant, the home is now deemed uninhabitable. There were no more injuries reported as a result of the fire.

This is a developing story. You can check back here for updates.

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PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4)  Vail Resorts, the operating company for Park City Mountain Ski Resort, is offering 50% per-day credits for guests impacted by the recent ski patrollers strike that impacted the resorts operations for two weeks.

The credits are available to anyone who skied or snowboarded at Park City Mountain with a pass or lift ticket during the patrol strike and be used toward the purchase of a 2025/26 pass. The actual amount of the credits will be based on the price of each guests pass, product types, and number of days skied between Dec. 27 and Jan. 8.

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association went on strike after months of meetings with Vail Resorts over wages, benefits, and education packages. During the strike, guests told ABC4.com they experienced hours-long wait times for lifts and partial mountain closures.

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We deeply value the trust and loyalty of our guests, and while Park City Mountain was open during the patrol strike, it was not the experience we wanted to provide, said Deirdra Walsh, the chief operating officer of Park City Mountain. We have heard our guests feedback and are providing credits to those who skied and snowboarded at Park City Mountain during that time.

Walsh said Park City Mountain was committed to rebuilding trust and loyalty with its guests this season. In a letter penned to affected skiers and snowboarders, Walsh said she hopes the customized credits for passes help demonstrate the ski resorts commitment to pass holders.

I am confident that our teams collective passion for Park City Mountain, our guests, and our community is strong, and that we will provide the experience you expect, this season and into the future, said Walsh.

Eligible pass holders can expect to receive a specific credit and promotion code in a personalized email in March 2025. For more information, visit Park City Mountains Frequently Asked Questions page, here.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Tackling the housing crisis across the Mahoning Valley is no easy task, and accomplishing the mission will take a group effort.

Local leaders got a glimpse Thursday of a plan more than a year in the making, addressing the areas problems and how to fix them.

Jobs without housing dont make for much of a community, but the Mahoning Valley and its partners are trying to fix that.

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The area is really prime for development. The employers, the businesses, the site selectors that come here, the first question they ask is where are our employees going to live, said Jim Kinnick, executive director of the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.

The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments rolled out the Mahoning Valley Regional Housing Strategy. Its a plan to stabilize and strengthen the housing market across Mahoning and Trumbull counties, exploring everything from the luxury market to housing that serves the regions most vulnerable populations.

We talked to over 100 or 125 different people. Some of those folks were community leaders, but we did also talk to folks who are on the ground living in these neighborhoods, said Alison Goebel, executive director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

The plan takes aim at policy, program and funding adjustments  things like incentivizing employers to offer down payment assistance for home buyers or streamlining the building process for developers.



The permitting process for builders is expensive and long. So, the concept of something like pre-plans, where the community adopts a pre-plan and the builder agrees to use the pre-plan, said Guy Coviello with the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber.

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The study also revealed more about the current housing infrastructure, where its lacking and where there is excess.

It was helpful to know that we have an overstock of three- and four-bedroom [houses], Coviello said.

From here, they will break down into focus groups, hoping to implement some of the elements of the plan throughout the year.

Well spend this year bringing everything together, identifying what those are so hopefully by the end of the year or throughout the course of the year, well roll out some of these programs, Coviello said.

Eastgate says the problems facing the area arent unique but no less challenging.

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The model is easy to write down but to get the results needs cooperation, Kinnick said.

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(FOX40.COM)  A van crashed into an apartment complex in the Sacramento County neighborhood of Arden-Arcade Thursday, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said.

According to the fire department, the collision happened around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Robertson Avenue and Eastern Avenue.

(IMAGE: Sacramento Metro Fire)

The agency said when crews arrived the van was all the way into the two-story building.

Two apartments were affected by the crash. No injuries were reported, the fire department said.

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Jan. 16WASHINGTON, D.C.  Vice President-Elect JD Vance announced his resignation as Ohio's U.S. senator on Thursday.

Vance, who was elected in November on the Republican ticket with Donald Trump, issued a statement regarding his resignation.

"To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate," he said. "When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I've made sure to live by that promise every single day."

Vance turned in a resignation letter to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The governor will appoint a successor to fill the seat.

Vance's resignation became effective at midnight Friday.
Faculty string quartet to perform: Faculty members from SIU Carbondale and Bucknell University will perform Saturday, Jan. 25, at the SIU Old Baptist Foundation, along with pianist Doreen Lee. Performing are (from left) violinist Frank Lakatos, violist Rossana Cauti, violinist Michael Barta and cellist William Cernota. (Photo provided)

SIU Chamber Music Society concert is Jan. 25

CARBONDALE, Ill.  A string quartet, comprising faculty from Southern Illinois University Carbondales School of Music and featuring pianist Doreen Lee, will perform Saturday, Jan. 25.

SIU faculty Michael Barta and Rossana Cauti will be joined by William Cernota, who has taught SIU students; Frank Lakatos, an SIU alumnus and visiting assistant professor of music at Bucknell University, and Lee, a visiting assistant professor in collaborative piano with the University of Iowas School of Music.

The concert is at 7 p.m. at the SIU Old Baptist Foundation. The concert is free for SIU faculty, staff and students; general admission tickets for the public are $15 for adults and $5 for students. The performance is presented by the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society and the SIU Strings Festival. Contact Cernota at bactocello@gmail.com to receive an advance PDF of the program, notes and song texts.

The performance will include string quartet in A minor, Op. 29 D 804 Rosamunde by Austrian composer Franz Schubert and piano quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44 by German composer Robert Schumann.

Violinist Barta, a professor of violin and chamber music at SIU, has performed in 32 countries and regularly teaches master classes at conservatories throughout Europe. Co-founder of the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society, Barta is assistant concertmaster with the Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and concertmaster with the Sinfonia da Camera chamber orchestra at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois.

Violist Cauti, upper strings faculty director of strings orchestras at SIU, is an active soloist, chamber musician and a dedicated and frequent orchestral performer, an assistant principal viola with the Pensacola Symphony and Northwest Florida Symphony orchestras. Chair of the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society, Cauti, who was born in Italy, studied with Barta, primarily on viola, while earning a Master of Music from SIU. She has toured Europe, Asia and South America with several orchestras and is the executive and artistic director of Suoni d Abruzzo, the International Chamber Music Festival in Italy.

Cellist Cernota has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra since 1982. From 1982 to 1996, he was a substitute cellist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has held principal cello positions and appeared as soloist with several orchestras in Chicago and the Southern Illinois Music Festival and performed in annual Chicago-based WFMT broadcast recitals with pianist Eric Weimer since 2011.

Lakatos studied with Barta from 2018 to 2022 and earned a Master of Music degree in violin performance from SIU. Both Lakatos and Barta are Hungarian by birth, and each immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. Lakatos also has extensive orchestral experience as a violinist and violist.

In addition to her work at the University of Iowa, Lee has performed in both the United States and internationally and is the pianist of the du Toit/Lee Duo, with flutist Cobus du Toit. She has also taught at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder.
FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS)  Towards the end of 2024, vandals graffitied the end of the Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Crime Stoppers of West Virginia asks for publics help solving New River Gorge National Park and Preserve vandalism case

The community is up in arms over the bright red spray paint and an investigation into the perpetrators in underway.

Over a dozen trees and many rocks at the end of the Long Point Trail were covered in bright red spray paint.

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A variety of phrases and sayings were sprayed across the trail with most being vulgar in nature.

Much of the graffiti on the rocks is covered in a layer of ice and snow, not visible when hiking the trail.

Dave Bieri, District Supervisor for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, said getting the trail back to normal is going to be a long process.

Theres going to be quite a bit of money to try to clean this up and to fix it. Its something that we cant just leave there. Like I said, its one of the more popular places in the park and its just not the way we want people to see West Virginia and our national park here. As soon as things get warm we are going to try to get out there and get this cleaned up, said Bieri.

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Bieri said its not safe to have park staff and volunteers out there to begin cleaning up at the moment due to the icy conditions on the trail.

Teddy Queen, a member of the Friends of NRGNPP, said the Friends were especially hurt by the act of vandalism.

It makes everybody feel bad because they volunteer time and effort to clean up the park with trash pickups and the beautification process of other areas. When someone comes in and damages it, its just really sad, said Queen.

Queen said the Friends will devote further time and resources to helping the park cleanup the graffiti when the weather warms up.

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Bieri said the act of vandalism is still under investigation, but the park is working with West Virginia Crimestoppers to find who did it.

Temporary trail closure planned in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Queen says the Friends of the NRGNPP are accepting new members all the time, so if you want to assist with the cleanup of the park, they would be happy to have you.

If you have any information on this act of vandalism, please contact West Virginia Crimestoppers at (304) 255-7867 or online.

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New administrative rules proposed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education would violate constitutional principles that ensure all children have equal access to public education, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, a researcher said while speaking Friday in a public forum held by the agency.

The state agency, led by Republican state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, held seven separate hearings to allow members of the public to address Walters proposals, which include striking a section of rules involving civil rights, forcing schools to inquire about citizenship status of students and making changes to how the agency follows the Oklahoma Open Records Act, among others.

About 200 students at U.S. Grant High School staged a demonstration Friday against the state superintendent's proposed administrative rule concerning citizenship verification.

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Students at the high school, which serves a largely Hispanic population, held signs, the Mexican flag and blared Latin music as they spoke out against the proposed rule that could force Oklahoma City Public Schools to report the number of its undocumented students.

Across town, more than 30 speakers spoke Friday at the public forum held at the Oliver Hodge Building against the various proposed rules, including 19 who specifically opposed the one concerning the gathering of citizenship information. One of those speakers was state Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, who said Walters should step down: The state should be there to protect our kids, to provide them a quality education, not harm them and traumatize, so again, I call for the resignation of Ryan Walters, Alonso-Sandoval said.

U.S. Grant High School students walk out of class Friday in Oklahoma City in protest of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters' attempts to require school districts to report the number of undocumented students on their campuses.

During the first six hearings, the only rule proposal anyone spoke in favor of was one that would require Oklahoma school districts to immediately report to the state Education Department when an employee resigns or is not reemployed due, in whole or in part, to suspicion of abuse or neglect of a student under the age of 18.

Four people spoke in support of that idea. Sheena Martin, an advocate for sexual abuse survivors and a frequent critic of Walters, said the proposed rule  had it been in place  might have prevented one of their former teachers from abusing Martin. Martin spoke against most of the other rule proposals.

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The hearings are required by law and are part of the process of approving new administrative rule proposals. After public comment, the agency will bring them before the Oklahoma State Board of Education, which has yet to have one member cast a vote opposite of Walters during his two years in office.

From there, they will move on to the Legislature for consideration, and then the governor. The Legislature chose not to vote, in either the full House or the Senate, on Walters rules proposals last year, instead defaulting to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who signed them into law.

Walters was not in the small board meeting room during the hearings, something noted by multiple speakers. The law did not require him to be there. The agency was represented by its general counsel, Michael Beason, along with a legal intern, Kory Kile. Kendra Wesson, a member of the state Board of Education, was in the room for most of the day. A handful of other agency employees came in and out, including communications employees Dan Isett and Grace Kim.

Former Tulsa teacher Mike Howe speaks on Friday during public hearings concerning new administrative rules proposals from state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Second hearing draws many speakers

The second hearing  regarding the citizenship rule  was the most active. Teachers, both active and retired, spoke, along with multiple representatives from the YWCA of Tulsa, which provides services for immigrants and refugees. Multiple employees of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center For Law and Justice also spoke, as well as Nicole McAfee, the executive director of Freedom Oklahoma  an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization  and Tamya Cox-Toure, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma.

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One of those teachers was Mike Howe, of Tulsa, who frequently attends monthly meetings of the state Board of Education. He referenced the growing number of lawsuits filed against Walters, who is or has been a defendant in at least 18 cases.

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We need to think about our children and how precious they are, Howe said. I think the Supreme Court made it clear everyone is guaranteed the right (to an education). So please, this is going to be another lawsuit. And you know again, this building is supposed to be about the education of our children. Not finding some way to keep our lawyers busy.

In her comments, Cox-Toure mentioned the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits schools from discriminating either intentionally or effectively on the basis of race, national origin or immigration status. She said if the proposed rule was adopted, it would jeopardize and reverse those efforts.

Oklahoma state Board of Education member Kendra Wesson and Michael Beason, the general counsel for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, listen to speakers on Friday during public hearings concerning new administrative rules proposals from state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters.

But even if the rule was amended to ensure that schools could not deny enrollment for failure to provide a required proof, it still would impose a burden or undocumented students that no other student has  to be clear that no other student would have to bear  based solely on their immigration status, Cox-Toure said.

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David Blatt, the director of research and strategic impact for Oklahoma Appleseed, spoke from an eight-page document submitted by the organization opposing the rule proposal. He cited a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, in which the court said all students had the right to enroll in public schools without regard to the immigration status of themselves or their parents or guardians.

There can be no doubt that imposing enrollment requirements that involve determining citizenship and immigration status, as proposed by this rule, would create a chilling effect on access to public schools, Blatt said, noting a similar provision Alabama lawmakers approved was blocked by a federal appeals court.

Tamya Cox-Toure, executive director of the ACLU of Oklahoma, speaks on Friday during public hearings concerning new administrative rules proposals from state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters.

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Blatt said delegating the responsibility for determining legal immigration status of students to local school officials raises serious constitutional due process concerns, increases schools liability, and provides schools with powers they should not have and do not want.

Walters issued a statement after six of the seven hearings had concluded.

Todays hearing is a great step forward in the process that will lead to new rules in place to protect Oklahoma students," he said. "Not only do our rules serve Oklahoma taxpayers, but they will help ensure resources are directed to the students who need them most.

"Because of the Biden administrations yearslong failure at the border, hardworking Oklahomans deserve to know how much they are spending to comply with the federal governments unfunded mandates. Additionally, our new rules require reporting on any school employee that resigns or is not re-employed due to suspicion of abuse of a student. ... I am excited to continue moving these rules through the process of gaining legislative approval and I am confident the Legislature will agree with our common sense approach.

Contributing: Staff writer Alexia Aston

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters' rules on immigration, others face intense opposition
DES MOINES, Iowa  A vehicle crashed into the Basic Bird restaurant in Des Moines Thursday afternoon.

Tim McGraw headlining concert at Field of Dreams in August

According to a post on Facebook, a vehicle crashed through the front of the restaurant located in the 2600 block of Beaver Avenue. The vehicle smashed the front window and caused damage to the brick wall. No injuries were reported.

The restaurant said it would be closed the rest of Thursday and would update patrons on when they would reopen on their social media pages.

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CLOVIS, N.M. (KRQE)  Police in Clovis are searching for a suspect after a train collided with a car on the tracks on Wednesday.

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On Wednesday, at about 11:44 p.m., a Clovis police officer tried to pull over a car near Prince and McDonald Ave for a traffic stop. Thats when they say the car fled by driving through a field.

The officer did not chase the car but instead set up a perimeter of the area with the help of other officers. They say they noticed a person running on foot but were unable to find them.

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Later, they were sent to a collision between the car they had pulled over and a train near the Norris Street railroad crossing. When they arrived no one was in the vehicle.

Police are now asking that anyone with information on the incident call their non-emergency line at 575-769-1921.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Police are one step closer to solving the case involving three suspects accused of participating in a shooting, vehicle break-ins and an attempted burglary in Westminster.

On Thursday, the agency shared that the suspect vehicle in the case was recovered. The vehicle, a gold Kia Sedona minivan, was found abandoned and was previously reported stolen, the Westminster Police Department shared.

3 teens arrested after armed Lakewood carjacking, Arvada car chase

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The vehicle was involved in a Jan. 11 morning crime spree that started in the area of Winona Court and 72nd Avenue. The area is a couple blocks east of Sheridan Boulevard.

Police said a resident called and reported someone breaking into their vehicle in the area, and a short time later, a business owner called about confronting someone attempting to break into their business near 70th Avenue and Raleigh Street.

One of three suspects wanted in a shooting and vehicle break-in in Westminster. The suspected vehicle, a gold Kia Sedona minivan is also pictured. (Westminster Police Department) A drivers car was hit by bullet following a shooting in Westminster (Westminster Police Department)

Three suspects are wanted in connection to these break-ins. Police said the trio took off in the now-recovered minivan at a high rate of speed. One suspect fired several rounds at a vehicle with one person inside near the intersection of 76th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, striking the windshield but not injuring the driver.

The trio of suspects were described as males wearing puffer jackets and face masks. At least one suspect was armed with a firearm. On Thursday, police said they are working to develop more suspect information and that the investigation is ongoing.

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Anyone who sees the suspects is asked to not approach, but instead call the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4360.

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Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who is seen by many countries as the winner of the recent presidential election, plans to attend the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump on Monday, his team announced.

The 75-year-old former diplomat will "use every opportunity to defend the will of the Venezuelans," according to a statement.

After the presidential election in July, opposition candidate Gonzalez claimed victory, and he was recognized by the US, Canada and several Latin American countries as the winner.

However, the election authority declared Nicolas Maduro, the authoritarian head of state who has been in power for almost 12 years, the winner of the election. Maduro was sworn in a week ago for a further term of office until 2031.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakota voters could get the chance in 2026 to decide whether they want to let state lawmakers take away expanded eligibility for Medicaid benefits.

Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen is the House sponsor of HJR5001. It would potentially open the door to reversing what South Dakota voters decided in 2022.

New era dawning for tribes, SD governors office?

They approved  192,057 to 149,616  amending the state constitution to make Medicaid benefits available to people with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

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Venhuizens proposal would open the door for legislators to take Medicaid eligibility back to the 100% poverty level.

The federal government pays 90% of the cost for the expanded-benefits recipients. State government is responsible for the other 10%.

Venhuizen wants voters to give the decision back to the Legislature if the federal cost-share ever drops below 90%.

The Legislature could then decide whether the expanded eligibility would continue.

The House State Affairs Committee heard testimony from both sides on Friday and voted 11-2 to send it to the South Dakota House of Representatives for action.

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The House vote could come as early as Tuesday. If the resolution wins support from a majority of representatives, it would next move to the Senate for further consideration. The lead sponsor there is Republican Sen. Casey Crabtree.

Last year, Crabtree and Venhuizen sponsored a resolution allowing work requirements for most recipients of expanded Medicaid benefits. Voters approved Amendment F 236,410 to 184,829.

In South Dakota, the governor has no ability to sign or veto a resolution. Nonetheless, Republican Gov. Kristi Noem supports the current proposal from Venhuizen and Crabtree. Her deputy finance commissioner, Steven Kohler, testified for it Friday.

I believe this is a financially prudent resolution. It allows the Legislature to determine the best path forward, should the federal government change what the voters originally agreed to, Kohler said.

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Venhuizen is a member of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Appropriations that assembles state governments budget each year. He served eight years as a senior aide to the previous governor, Republican Dennis Daugaard, including four years as chief of staff. Venhuizen later served for a time as chief of staff for Gov. Noem, before winning election to the House in 2022.

Venhuizen told the House committee on Friday that state governments tight finances are a reason to support putting the potential repeal on the ballot.

We know the budget situation were in. Imagine if they (the federal government) went from 90 percent to 60 percent, more like traditional Medicaid. Wed have to come up with another 60 million dollars this year. Were already underwater in our budget. It would be terrible, Venhuizen said.

South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations was part of the coalition that gathered signatures and put Medicaid expansion on the ballot three years ago. SDAHO president Tim Rave, a former legislator, asked the House committee to reject the Venhuizen resolution.

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Rave said that people in the Medicaid-expansion niche would be left without health insurance if Medicaid expansion would be repealed.

They still have health care in this state. They go to the hospitals and they get taken care of  to the tune of 133 million dollars of free health care last year. The hospitals are just eating that. What this (Medicaid expansion) does is help take the edge off of that a little bit. Not all that money that we make from Medicaid expansion goes to the hospitals, it goes to every Medicaid provider in this state, Rave said.

The state Legislative Research Council tracks Medicaid numbers on a monthly basis. The most current report shows a total Medicaid enrollment of 148,303, including 28,726 adults who have enrolled under the expanded eligibility. Of $140.7 million spent for Medicaid services in November, $27.4 million was spent on expanded eligibility enrollees  $956 apiece.

The Legislature had 14 opportunities to approve Medicaid expansion prior to the 2022 vote. Republican lawmakers refused 14 times to pass it.

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The Legislature cant change the state constitution. On Medicaid expansion, House Democratic leader Erin Healy doesnt want state lawmakers to give voters a chance to let lawmakers repeal it.

It makes me really nervous to put this in the hands of the Legislature, when the Legislature already made it very clear that this is something they dont want, Healy said.

Democratic Rep. Eric Emery joined her in voting against the resolution Friday. The committees 11 Republicans voted for it.

I dont understand why theyre afraid of a vote, Republican Rep. Leslie Heinemann said.

In other action Friday, the House committee:

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Voted 11-2 to forward HJR5003 to the full House, after its sponsor, Republican Rep. John Hughes, amended the proposal so that any future amendment to the state constitution would require at least 60% to pass. Currently the constitution can be amended with a simple majority of 50% plus one. If lawmakers put Hughes resolution on the ballot, voters would decide whether it should pass or fail in the 2026 general election.

Voted 11-2 to send HB1053 to the full House. The proposal would require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors. Its sponsor, Republican Rep. Bethany Soye, tried to pass similar legislation last year but couldnt get Senate support. The deadlock led to appointment of a study committee that generated a somewhat different proposal for this year, SB18. Soye served on the study and is listed as a co-sponsor of the panels legislation, but she told the House committee Friday that she didnt vote for the changes in it.

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JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  A Johnston family is beginning to see a glimmer of hope after losing everything in a house fire late last year.

Iraq War veteran Jack Teixeira, his wife and their children were left displaced when their home was destroyed on Dec. 28, 2024.

On Thursday, Teixeira finally had reason to smile as Tiverton VFW and American Veteran Nation members presented his family with two checks to help with recovery costs.

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Honestly grateful, Teixeira said. Im a little shocked at, you know, people trying to reach out to help. Its not something Id typically ask for, but its definitely helpful. When you realize you dont have anything and all the stuff you need all of a sudden, bills add up really quick.

ALSO READ: RI Veterans Home hiring more staffers so it can take in more vets

The fundraising effort was coordinated in just a matter of days, with both organizations stepping up to assist a fellow veteran in need.

Stephan Greenwood, junior vice commander of VFW Post 5392 and vice president of American Veteran Nation, said it was a simple decision to help.

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When we heard this story we immediately went into action, took a vote, and hands down unanimously we provided what we could for Jack, American Veteran Nation President Shawn Willis said.

Teixeira said his family is overall stable and currently staying in a hotel as they search for temporary housing. He expects the rebuilding process to take six months to a year.

The family is still waiting to hear what it will cost to rebuild their home.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 32 years in prison on multiple charges.

Laron Evans was sentenced for conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and health care fraud; money laundering; aggravated identity theft; mail fraud; and contempt of court. He was also ordered to pay $1,917,231.26 in restitution to the victims in the case.

According to court documents, Evans conspired with co-defendant Travious Quinshad Jackson and others to execute a health care fraud scheme involving Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) using interstate wire communications and the U.S. postal system. The scheme used interstate wire communication via the Internet to send Personal Identification Information (PII) of 57 actual people, pretending that they were employees of an imaginary company, to a third-party administrator company located in Maryland.

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Prosecutors said the third-party administrator company used the stolen PII to create individualized HSA accounts, and corresponding debit cards, for all 57 employee names, and sent debit cards for each employee name in the mail to Vicksburg addresses. The third-party administrator advanced and credited funds to each HSA account created for the supposed employees, which money could then be spent through the debit card at designated retail stores.

Man sentenced for dragging woman while stealing her car in Ridgeland

According to prosecutors, Evans, assisted by Jackson and others, spent the debit cards in various stores throughout April and May 2018, buying gift cards, debit cards, and other consumer goods to deplete the HSA accounts. The third-party administrator in the meantime had learned that there was no money in the bank account that Evans had identified for his fake company when the company sought reimbursement for the HSA accounts.

On July 10, 2018, using proceeds gained from the health care fraud scheme, Evans bought a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban SUV in Forrest County, Mississippi, for $44,335 in cash plus a trade-in vehicle.

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On February 13, 2019, Evans appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson for his initial appearance and arraignment in this case. Anderson entered an Order permitting Evans to be released on bond pending trial, subject to conditions forbidding travel without prior permission of the court before leaving the Southern District of Mississippi.

Laron Evans (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center)

In April 2019, Evans travelled outside the State of Mississippi without permission of the court. While outside the state and on his return to Vicksburg, prosecutors said Evans continued to execute health care fraud schemes using the Internet and the U.S. Mail. Evans falsely represented himself as leader and manager of an Orlando, Florida, business, seeking to establish health care benefits including HSA accounts for its purported employees. Evans submitted over the Internet to a third-party administrator company located in Minnesota, bank account information for drawing reimbursement, plus employee information for creation of HSA debit cards. The Minnesota company sent some of the debit cards, during the period April 16-25, 2019, to Evans at his Vicksburg home address through the U.S. Mail. Evans had requested that the Minnesota administrator fund those HSA accounts up to $91,000.

Evans pled guilty on August 1, 2019, to conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and health care fraud; money laundering; aggravated identity theft; mail fraud; and contempt of court.

Co-defendant Jackson pled guilty on June 18, 2019, to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to two years in prison. He was also ordered to pay $302,099.34 in restitution.

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The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Vicksburg Police Department, and Warren County Sheriffs Office.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A man in the ballpark neighborhood of Salt Lake City has been hospitalized in critical condition following an aggravated assault on Thursday night.

The Salt Lake City Police Department said the assault happened just after 8:30 p.m. near 1500 South State Street. Officers arrived and found the victim, who has not been identified, with a critical injury to the stomach.

Court documents reveal the man was found lying near the sidewalk with a significant laceration on his stomach.

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Officers began life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived and could take over. The man was eventually taken to the hospital. Investigators were able to locate and detain a suspect, identified as Nathaniel David Ferguson, 24.

Vail Resorts to provide credits to those affected by Park City ski patrol strike

Ferguson allegedly admitted to hurting the victim, saying the victim had requested to be stabbed, according to court documents. Police said Ferguson seemed unfazed by the incident and the severity of the victims injury.

Ferguson stated he obtained the knife from a different location, claiming he uses the knife for personal protection, court documents say. He then returned to the scene and stabbed the victim in the abdomen one or two times.

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The circumstances of the alleged stabbing remain under investigation as detectives continue to review evidence, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. SLCPD officials said the stabbing was an isolated incident and claimed in arresting documents that Ferguson had stabbed the victim without provocation.

Ferguson was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of second-degree felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor possession of a dangerous weapon. Court records show he has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Virginia's attorney general has dropped a case against a former school superintendent who was accused of firing a teacher because she spoke out about a student inappropriately touching her.

The former teacher, Erin Brooks, wanted to put the matter behind her and recently resolved a lawsuit against the former superintendent and the Loudoun County Public Schools, the attorney general's office said in a court filing Thursday.

Words cannot express how grateful I am to the office of and the Attorney General himself, for the unwavering support and dedication to this case," Brooks said in a statement released by Attorney General Jason Miyares.

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The former superintendent, Scott Ziegler, maintained his stance that the case was politically motivated. Ziegler also said in a statement that new evidence would have demonstrated that I acted in the best interest of Loudoun Countys most vulnerable students.

The attorney general's office was pursuing a conviction against Ziegler for the second time. He was convicted in 2023 on a misdemeanor count of violating Virginia's conflict of interest laws for retaliating against Brooks.

A judge ruled last year that faulty jury instructions rendered the conviction illegitimate, even though there was ample evidence" to support a jurys conclusion of retaliation. A new trial was supposed to start next month.

Brooks had worked as a special education teacher in Loudoun County, which is outside of Washington. She spoke to a special grand jury that was investigating the school system for its handling of sexual assaults.

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Brooks told the grand jury and school system critics about her difficulties dealing with a special needs student in elementary school who had been touching her inappropriately.

Prosecutors said Zieglers efforts to ensure Brooks teaching contract was not renewed amounted to retaliation for her speaking out on a matter of public interest.

Ziegler argued at trial that the teachers dismissal was unrelated to her speaking out. His lawyers also argued that the prosecution was politically motivated.

Miyares, a Republican, and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin had criticized Loudoun school system administrators during their successful 2021 campaigns for office.

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They claimed that school leadership ignored parent concerns about the handling of transgender students, as well as the school systems handling of a student who sexually assaulted classmates at two different high schools that year.

The case received outsized attention because the boy who was convicted in both attacks wore a skirt in one of them, assaulting a girl in the womens bathroom. It played into a national debate over how schools should treat transgender students and whether they should be allowed to use restrooms different to their biological sex.

Miyares had convened the special grand jury at Youngkins request in January 2022. A scathing report that December accused the school system of mishandling the high school assaults, the superintendent of lying to the public, and authorities of ignoring multiple warning signs.

In his statement Thursday, Ziegler said prosecutors in his case disregarded facts and wasted taxpayer money.

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At its core, this effort was designed to sway voters in Northern Virginia, prioritizing political gain over truth and justice, he said.

In his news release, Miyares said he would "protect the rights of teachers and parents without hesitation.

Sometimes it takes the courage of one person to stand firm to create change, Miyares said. Today, the entire national narrative has changed thanks to Erins resilience. Erins demand to be respected was upheld by a jury of her own peers."
Ohio entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will announce a bid for Ohio governor "shortly," a source close to Ramaswamy confirmed.

President-elect Donald Trump had urged Ramaswamy, 39, to consider replacing Trump's running mate JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. However, Gov. Mike DeWine chose Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for the position on Friday.

Ramaswamy, who grew up in the Cincinnati area and lives in suburban Columbus, emerged as a late contender for the Senate seat after withdrawing himself from consideration two months ago. Trump tapped Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Elon Musk.

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at a post-election conference hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in Columbus in November.

Ultimately, Ramaswamy sees himself as an executive and plans to run for Ohio governor in 2026, according to a source close to Ramaswamy. DeWine cannot run for reelection because of term limits.

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With Trump's expected support, Ramaswamy could have an edge in a GOP primary. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will formally announce his gubernatorial bid in late February after seeing a "groundswell of support" for his candidacy, spokeswoman Amy Natoce said. Husted's departure from the race clears at least one person from the field.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton recently announced she would run for governor as a Democrat.

Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?

Ramaswamy graduated as valedictorian from St. Xavier High School, a private all-boys Jesuit-run school just west of Cincinnati. After earning degrees from Harvard and Yale Law School  where he studied with Vance  Ramaswamy founded a pharmaceutical company and asset management firm.

During his unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for president in 2024, Ramaswamy called for shutting down the Department of Education, FBI and other government agencies. He also generated headlines for unconventional ideas such as raising the voting age to 25, unless people serve in the military or pass a civics test.

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Ramaswamy's appointment came weeks after he faced blowback for a social media post blaming American "mediocrity" for technology companies that prefer to hire immigrants. The normally active X user went on a brief hiatus this month after Trumps team urged Cabinet nominees not to use social media without the OK from incoming White House counsel.

Haley BeMiller and Jessie Balmert cover state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vivek Ramaswamy will announce run for Ohio governor 'shortly'
Vivek Ramaswamy looks set to miss out on the Senate seat vacated by JD Vance, even after Donald Trump reportedly urged the DOGE co-star to go for it, NBC News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The biotech entrepreneur, who was raised in Cincinnati, found himself in the mix for the seat even after he took himself out of consideration in November to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, according to The Washington Post. JD Vance is of course vacating his seat to become Vice President of the U.S.

Vance is leading the seat for sunnier climes. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Politico stated that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine met with Ramaswamy last weekend, but NBC now reports that he has been overlooked, in favor of the states Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Two sources told the publication that DeWine has called a press conference to confirm the news at 1 p.m. (EST) Friday.

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The new Ohio senator will serve until an election in 2026, and one of DeWines main considerations when picking a candidate was that they must be seen as able to win a Republican primary next year.

Ramaswamy floated the idea of running for Ohio governor in September last year, and the Washington Post reported Friday he will announce his candidacy soon.

Its unclear how an appointment to the Senate would affect his role at DOGE, an advisory body tasked with cutting government spending, but both Trump and Musk were reportedly in favor of the idea.

 #BREAKING: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will select his Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, as the next U.S. Senator from Ohio - Signal Cleveland pic.twitter.com/XLxkJxVEyK  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 17, 2025

But despite the WaPo report that Trump nudged Ramaswamy towards the vacant seat, it is believed that the president-elect hosted both DeWine and Husted at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the possibility of endorsing the latter, the NBC sources said on condition of anonymity.

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Husteds designs on replacing DeWine as governor next year were also discussed, the title reported. However, the MAGA chief reportedly made no commitment to any individual regarding the Senate or otherwise.

Under Ohio law, a new senator is needed to stand in for Vance for two years whilst he ascends to the V.P. role, before a special election will dictate who takes on the term until its expiry in 2029.
LONDON (AP)  It's called the Voice of America  a storied news outlet that has promised the truth since it first broadcast stories about democracy into Nazi Germany during World War II. Now, its the voice of a country in which a majority of voters chose incomin presidentDonald Trump, a man famous for insistingthe truth is what he says it is.

What VOA will tell the world about the United States and democracy during a second Trump administration depends heavily on the once and future president. Trump has jolted foreign leaders with statements about somehow adding Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal to the United States. He wants to project America  and himself  as dominant. And fighting independent reporting that conflicts with this goal  what he considers fake news  is one of Trump's signatures.

During the first Trump administration, his targets included Voice of America in an uglychapter that included firings, a lawsuit, whistleblowers and a federal investigation. Media experts and current and former VOA journalists see this history potentially repeating itself in a landscape of creepingautocracy, rampant misinformation and Russian propaganda..

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I expect that VOA will be put under intense pressure to promote the USA. This seems likely to involve ... only selecting news that paints the country in a positive light, Kate Wright, associate professor of media and politics at the University of Edinburgh, wrote in an email. Trump, she predicted, will try to correct supposedly liberal bias at VOA. The risk is that this will push journalists to create false balance  treating perspectives or statements as equally valid when they are not.

This time, Trump knows where the levers of power lie. He is poised to test Voice of America's statutory firewall that protects its editorial operations from interference by any government official. Trump and Kari Lake, his choice to lead the newsgathering organization, have been clear about their intent to reform the media in a series of statements that have rattled many of VOA's 2,000 employees and delighted Trump's fans.

Lake said in an interview published Thursday that her job won't be to turn VOA into Trump TV.

But its also not our job to go in there and unduly criticize President Trump, she told The Epoch Times. I just want to see fair coverage. I think thats what he wants.

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The identity of a renowned news outlet is at stake

Already, Trump's nomination of Lake has resurrected a question that has shadowed Voice of America from its founding: Can a $260 million, government-funded news outlet ever really operate independently?

The law sets it up that way. President Gerald Ford signed VOA's charter in 1976. Congress tightened its editorial protections in 1994 and did so again in 2020, after a federal judge ruled that a Trump appointee had infringed on the editorial independence and First Amendment rights of VOA journalists.

That was the clear intent from the first words anyone ever heard from the outlet, when the voice of William Harlan Hale beamed a message into Nazi Germany in 1942.

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The news may be good. The news may be bad, Hale announced, in German. We shall tell you the truth.

That approach carried the outlet through World War II. It survived Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who convened hearings in 1953 on allegations that VOA journalists were communist sympathizers.

Unlike Soviet broadcasts, the Voice of America is not only committed to telling its countrys story, but also remains faithful to those standards of journalism that will not compromise the truth, President Ronald Reagan said at VOA's 40th anniversary celebration in 1982. Within a decade, Voice of America was broadcasting inside Russia 24-7 and had enough people to produce a fresh 10-minute newscast each hour. Some featured Russian writers who had been expelled but were willing to talk to their countrymen.

If you were interested in hearing something different from propaganda, you would seek out these voices, said Mark Pomar, the head of the Russian Service for VOA in the 1980s and the author of Cold War Radio.

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Trump and Lake, a former Arizona broadcast journalist and a denier of multiple elections, have described a different approach.

Under my leadership, Lake posted in December, the VOA will excel in its mission: chronicling Americas achievements worldwide.

VOA's actual mission is representing America, not propaganda

Lake's mission statement is a far cry from what VOA's charter says  but Trump has made his name upending tradition, undermining institutions and seeking to unravel the so-called deep state. He views the Voice of America as disgraceful. And he's tried to control the flow of information through VOA's global audience of 350 million before.

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Its not fake news for you to broadcast that this is the greatest nation the world has ever known, Trump's then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during an interview at VOA in 2021.

Under the charter signed into law by Ford, the Voice of America will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. It will be accurate, objective and comprehensive.

It goes on: VOA will represent America, not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

And finally, the broadcaster will present the policies of the US clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussions and opinion on these policies. So by law, Voice of America must broadcast editorials. They are clearly marked as such and labeled as U.S. policy, but typically are pretty bland, diplomatic videos.

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There, Wright and others say, lie some potential opportunities for Trump. Leading VOA from the news side of the firewall," Lake could have wide latitude to appear on-air herself, for example, or to steer coverage to topics the administration favors.

The laws intended to protect VOA's editorial independence, Wright said, are hard to enforce.

Together, those are some of the factors that could open the door to what's known as government capture" of an independent agency, in which a government controls what is broadcast to domestic audiences. VOA is legally set up to broadcast news to international audiences, but in reality, anyone can access it. That leaves VOA open to transforming into a news-like organization that operates more like the Voice of Trump and speaks to his American constituency.

These provisions always risked opening the door to any administration which wanted to turn the network into a mouthpiece, said Wright, the co-author of the 2024 book Capturing News, Capturing Democracy: Trump and the Voice of America."

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The newly named VOA chief called media reform her pet project

Lake was a broadcast journalist in Arizona for decades, winning two Emmys for her team's coverage of landmine recovery in Cambodia, a Fox News spokeswoman said. Then Lake quit and ran for governor. She's falsely denied two election losses  Trump's loss to Joe Biden in 2020 and her own for governor in 2022. Last year, she ran for Senate in Arizona and lost.

Throughout, Lake built a national profile as an unflinching Trump ally with a relentless focus on unsubstantiated claims of election fraud and tough talk about securing the U.S.-Mexico border with force. Her showy on-camera clashes with mainstream reporters  monsters, she said  got plaudits online and apparently Trump's attention as well.

At a Trump rally just days before the election last year, Lake, then still a Senate candidate, declared the subject of her pet project.

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Reforming the fake news into some real honest press, she told a cheering crowd. The days of the fake news are numbered. Were going to get some real journalists once again."

Current and former VOA journalists who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation said there was a sense of resignation that under Trump, Lake could clean house. Many are thought to be looking for other jobs.

Spokespersons for Lake and for Trump's transition did not reply to queries about her plans for VOA, including whether Lake intends to appear on-air at VOA herself. Trump must first appoint a CEO of the outlet's parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media. That person would be subject to Senate confirmation.

Lake told Breitbart in an interview last month that she wants to return Voice of America to its glory days, of when we could bring down communism (and) change hearts and minds across the globe without having to fire a single bullet.

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That phrasing is often used to describe Reagan's triumph over the Soviet Union and the fall of communism. Here's what he had to say about truth in 1982 to the Voice of America and its role during the Cold War.

I know theres a great deal of discussion about the truth, as if there are degrees to truth. Well, no, truth can be told," he said, adding later: It remains the ultimate weapon in the arsenal of democracy."

___

David Bauder covers media for The Associated Press and reported from New York. Laurie Kellman has reported for the AP from Washington, Israel and London for 27 years. Follow her at http://www.x.com/APLaurieKellman
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The 2024 impact report from the Walton Arts Center and the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion shows the two venues had a total economic impact of $68.2 million in event-related spending and supported more than 1,000 jobs.

According to Talk Business and Politics, the 2024 Community Impact Report for the venues included showed more than 514,000 people attended a performance, event or school show at the venues during the 2024 season.

Tacarra Williams coming to Walton Arts Centers Comedy Zone

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The Walton Arts Center and the AMP hosted 270 shows and events.

The report shows that 3,243 tickets were donated to 37 agencies or nonprofits serving Northwest Arkansas residents. It also showed the Walton Arts Centers arts education initiatives served more than 26,000 students and teachers during the 2024 season.

Thomas Rhett coming to Walmart AMP in 2025

The numbers in the report for the Walton Arts Center were taken from July 2023 to June 2024. The numbers for the AMP were from April 2024 to March 2025.

The full report can be found on Talk Business and Politics.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Our son kept letting his learners permit expire.

Three times my wife or I had to take him to the driver license center before he took his driver exam.

PennDOTs driver license center in Shillington Shopping Center in Cumru Township is only about a 10-minute drive from our home, so it should have been no big deal to accomplish this task.

But as legions of Berks Countians can attest, it took way longer than one would reasonably expect. You would expect to be in and out faster than a Law and Order episode, but it ended up being more like an Oppenheimer-length wait.

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The economic principle of supply and demand didnt seem to apply to 500 E. Lancaster Ave.

It was plain to see that there was too little supply  space and personnel, which are interdependent resources  for the demand for services.

Depending on when you went, which was most of the time, there would be a line for customers to get a placeholder number. Then you would wait for who knows how long in a seat, if you could find one, for that number to be called.

The Lancaster Avenue location was the only driver license center in Berks County. Population growth fueled in part by immigration from Caribbean countries placed a lot of pressure on the center for issuance of Pennsylvania photo identification cards as well as drivers licenses.

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To avoid the crowds, many Berks Countians drove 30 miles or farther to the next closest driver license center in adjacent counties. After our son let his permit lapse a second time, I made it known I was done with the process.

My wife took him to the driver center in Schuylkill Haven, where the demand for services was far lower. They were in and out in 30 minutes.

As you can imagine, the inadequacy of Berks Countys only driver license center didnt go unnoticed by state and county elected leaders. Along with hearing complaints from their constituents, they experienced it themselves every four years when they had to get a photo for their license.

State Sen. Judy Schwank and her staff pressed the case with PennDOT officials in Harrisburg. In October 2022 PennDOT announced it was planning a new driver license center in Exeter Township.

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Most of us probably forgot about that announcement or thought the plan fell through.

The newly opened driver license center at 4365 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Township will provide additional space and is one of only 15 PennDOT facilities designed for same-day REAL ID service. (BILL UHRICH  READING EAGLE)

On Dec. 17, my editor forwarded me an advisory from PennDOT for a media event he wanted to cover two days later.

Just shy of a week before Christmas, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, along with Schwank and a cohort of state House members or members-elect, gathered outside the new center at 4365 Perkiomen Ave., in the same shopping center as the Boscovs Outlet Center.

Carrying expressions of joy, they presented a tangible gift to their constituents: a spacious, sparkling services center that had begun serving its first customers 30 minutes earlier.
Friday, January 17th, 2025

Summary: A wind advisory from 12pm to 8 pm due to strong westerly winds between 25-35 gusting to 40 mph at times. We start off with plenty of cloud cover and some lingering mist/drizzle that will push east behind a dry-line that will clear the skies and allow temperatures to rise. This could present a chance for wildfire danger, then heading into this weekend temperatures will plummet. Models yesterday indicated a chance at some snow flurries but have backed off this morning. I still think that based off of trends we have a low chance to see some snowflakes in our northern and central counties by late Saturday into early Sunday. Thats considering the well doesnt run dry as it pushes down south. Then a coastal low pulls moisture into the gulf of Mexico pushing moisture into the Texas coast line, that with a second push of Arctic air could bring a chance for some snow into Tuesday. One thing that has been more consistent, the cold. Wind chills in the single digits and even some reaching the negatives by mid week.

Today: Mostly cloudy some mist and drizzle with breezy winds and above average temperatures. High Temperature: 73 Winds: SSW 15-25 G 40 MPH

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Tonight: Clear night with the Arctic front making its arrival late tonight with winds calming down behind it. Low Temperature: 34 Winds: WSW>N 10-25 G 30 MPH

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Jan. 16WAPAKONETA  A Wapakoneta woman charged with third-degree felony counts of intimidation of a witness and extortion, in addition to a fifth-degree felony count of identity fraud, entered guilty pleas to lesser charges Wednesday in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court.

Heather VanVoorhis, 29, entered into an agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to the identity fraud charge as well as an amended count of attempted extortion, a felony of the fourth degree. In exchange, the state dismissed the intimidation charge and will dismiss a charge of obstructing official business in separate case if and when VanVoorhis completes any community control sentence she may receive.

Judge Fredrick Pepple ordered a pre-sentence investigation and did not set a sentencing date on Wednesday.

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According to prosecutors, the charges against VanVoorhis resulted after she attempted to contact a co-defendant in a separate case after being ordered by the court not to do so. The person in question was in the Auglaize County jail at the time, and VanVoorhis reportedly used the identity of a third person to set up a fake text account at the jail.

She also allegedly threatened to report one of the men involved in the scheme to law enforcement on rape charges to get him to recant his testimony in the identity fraud case but later admitted the rape allegations were not true.

Bond for VanVoorhis was continued pending sentencing.

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Today has continues the warming trend across the state. Tomorrow will reach the peak high temperatures for the week.

A high pressure has continues to stretch over the Rocky Mountains this afternoon. The result is sinking air over the state of New Mexico. When you sink air it heats up. This has led to New Mexico seeing warmer temperatures today compared to yesterday. But this warming trend isnt over just yet.

An upper level disturbance will move overtop New Mexico late tonight and very early Friday morning. This disturbance will bring a band of light rain and snow to western New Mexico. The precipitation will mainly be falling in the Gila. Throughout the very early morning on Friday the rain and snow will move northeast into Central New Mexico. Areas across central New Mexico including the Albuquerque Metro have a chance of seeing snow flurries in the morning hours of Friday.

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The upper air disturbance will leave New Mexico by Friday afternoon. As the disturbance moves out, upper level winds will increase over New Mexico. This will result in windy conditions across the state Friday afternoon. Gusts upwards of 50 mph are possible across southeastern New Mexico. 30-40 mph gusts are possible across central and northern New Mexico. Due to the anticipated wind gusts a Wind Advisory and a High Wind Warning are in place for portions of southeastern New Mexico tomorrow January 17th.

The increasing upper level winds wont just bring a gusty afternoon, but a warm one. New Mexico has been steadily increasing in temperatures since Wednesday. Friday will be the warmest day of the week. Temperatures are forecasted to hit the 50s across Central New Mexico and the lower 60s in southern New Mexico.

Saturday marks the beginning of the weekend winter storm. A weak low pressure system will dive into northern New Mexico Saturday afternoon. Along with the low, the first blast of artic air will be brought into the state. Round one of snowfall will be throughout the day on Saturday. Snowfall is expected in northern and eastern New Mexico. The heaviest snowfall is expected in northeast New Mexico. Sundays snowfall will be much lighter than Saturday.

A second and much stronger blast of artic air will move into New Mexico on Monday. This blast will bring heavier snowfall to New Mexico. Northern and northeastern New Mexico have a high forecast confidence for seeing snowfall on Monday. Central New Mexico has a lower forecast confidence. However, there is still a chance for central New Mexico and the Albuquerque Metro seeing isolated snow on Monday.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Dozens of Hawaiian Airlines employees are being let go in the next two months.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the carrier issued 61 non-contract team members WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices.

According to a Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson, the employees are nearing the end of their six-month interim role on March 17.

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73 Hawaiian Airlines employees to lose jobs by end of year

These layoffs follow the acquisition of Hawaiian by Alaska Airlines, which now employs nearly 28,000 people, 7,000 of which live in Hawaii.

These employees have done important work to integrate our airlines in the initial stages of our combination, and we are supporting them in their career transition.

All workers are being offered a retention and severance package, as well as job placement services.

The airline added about 1,300 Hawaiian Airlines non-contract employees received a permanent or interim position based in Hawaii.

The more than 6,000 unionized positions at Hawaiian Airlines are unaffected, and we are committed to maintaining and growing union-represented jobs  which comprise more than 80% of Hawaiians employee base.

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Hawaiian said they plan on hiring hundreds of Hawaii-based positions in 2025, including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and more.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Employees are encouraged to apply for these jobs at Alaska or Hawaiian.

We may also extend some interim positions between now and March.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
An investigation is underway after a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded after its launch, causing a large debris field to come crashing back to Earth.

People in Haiti and Turks and Caicos said it looked like shooting stars as the Starships debris burned during reentry.

The explosion happened around 8 minutes into the launch as Starship flew from the Gulf of Mexico and over the Caribbean.

Watch the full launch video here:

SpaceX said the debris from the rocket explosion fell into the Atlantic Ocean.

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The Federal Aviation Administration slowed flights in parts of Florida Thursday evening due to concerns over the rocket debris.

Photos: SpaceX Starship 7 rocket launch ends in explosion

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Over 75 flights were delayed or canceled at Orlando International Airport after the rocket explosion.

Despite the unplanned detonation, SpaceX also saw success in Thursdays launch.

Watch: SpaceXs latest Starship test ends as ship explodes over Atlantic Ocean

SpaceX was able to catch its Super Heavy rocket booster back at the launch pad.

A rocket launch tower using so-called chopstick arms to grab the reusable booster out of the air as it returned to the launch site.

Read: NASA selects SpaceX to develop spacecraft to deorbit International Space Station

SpaceX hopes to use Starship and Super Heavy rocket to one day carry people to the moon and Mars.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will bid farewell in a speech Friday morning, just days before President-elect Trump is set to return to the White House.

During his four years helming the Pentagon, the nations first Black Defense secretary was confronted with at least three major global conflicts. Austin also faced scrutiny over his lack of transparency about a cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospital visits.

Austin spent more than 40 years in uniform, retiring as a four-star Army general. He helmed the Pentagon throughout the Biden administration.

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The Defense chiefs remarks come after President Biden gave his final remarks Thursday to U.S. service members, touting his defense record while praising the military and urging them to remember their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

When introducing Biden, Austin said, We salute your service to the republic that we defend. And we are deeply grateful for your love of our troops.

The farewell speech from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, near the Pentagon in northern Virginia, is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. EST.

Watch the live video above.

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the Senate replacement for Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday afternoon.

With just days left until President-elect Trump returns to the Oval Office, Vance officially resigned from Congress a week ago. DeWines replacement will serve until 2026.

Two of the names floated were Trumps former primary rival Vivek Ramaswamy  who was tapped to serve in an administration role  and Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R). Per DeWines announcement, the position will go to the sitting lieutenant governor.

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Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is now poised to become a leading candidate for governor of Ohio, a role DeWine is required to vacate because of term limits.

While Republicans took control of the upper chamber in the 2024 election, delivering the GOP full control of government, their majorities remain slim.

Watch DeWines announcement above.

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Credit: Fox News

Michelle Obama has been urged by Kid Rock to change her mind about not attending Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday.

The 54-year-old rapper and musician urged the former first lady to put politics aside  saying that he did when performing at Barack Obamas inauguration.

I would kindly remind her that years back when Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration, and I played it and I went, he said on Fox News.

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So, I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that, he added, admitting he was puzzled by her decision to snub the ceremony. I dont know, she seems a little angry.

Kid Rock is puzzled about Michelle Obamas decision to snub the ceremony - Frank Micelotta/Getty

Kid Rock is a vocal Trump supporter and has performed at several of his rallies. He tried to run for Senate in 2018.

We need someone in here making sensible decisions, he said, adding: We are not electing the deacon of a church here. I want somebody smart who can run this country, keep us safe, run it like a business, and make America great again.

Mrs Obama, 61, did attend the first Trump inauguration in 2017.

But she also did not attend Jimmy Carters state funeral last week, with a spokesman attributing her absence to a scheduling conflict.

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Mr Obama did attend the funeral and raised eyebrows by engaging in friendly conversation with Mr Trump.

Former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush will attend the inauguration, as will Joe and Jill Biden.

While no reason has been given for Mrs Obamas absence, she has made little secret of her disdain for Mr Trump, accusing him of racism at last years Democratic National Convention.

Barack and Michelle Obama welcome the Trumps to the White House in 2017 - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty

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For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us, Mrs Obama said.

See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happen to be black.

Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, has also decided to skip Mondays ceremony, reflecting the legacy of ill-will between some Democrats and the president-elect.

Mrs Obamas snub is not unprecedented. Both Mr Trump, who refused to accept his election defeat in 2020, and his wife Melania were absent from Mr Bidens inauguration four years ago.

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Jan. 17City leaders on Wednesday said Lodi has undertaken a number of mitigation efforts to help prevent disaster in the wake of large-scale wildfires like those ravaging Southern California.

"The best way to fight those fires is to prevent those fires," Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson told the Lodi City Council during its Wednesday meeting.

"When we talk about cleanups around your property, getting down limb materials or leaves from your gutters, moving tree limbs from over your property, those fuels that can commute fire from one property to another, those mitigation efforts matter," Johnson said.

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City Manager Scott Carney asked Johnson and Lodi Electric Utility director Jeff Berkheimer to describe what plans their departments have in place should events like the Palisades and Eaton fires happen here.

Johnson said while a fire like the Palisades  which has burned nearly 24,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,600 structures  could happen in Lodi, he assured the city council and residents that his department is staffed every day with four engines, one truck and 15 personnel to handle emergencies.

In addition, San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services provides the department with an apparatus to use in large-scale incidents.

"No fire department in California is ready for something like what just happened in Southern California," he said. "It takes all of us to respond and make that happen."

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That OES apparatus, Johnson said, was sent to the Palisades and Eaton fires last week along with 44 crew members from the various departments and districts within San Joaquin County.

More than 500 firefighters from across the region  San Joaquin, Sacramento, Calaveras, Amador and Stanislaus, among other counties  have responded to the blazes, he said.

Some of the factors that exacerbated the Southern California situation, Johnson said, included thick forested areas that had not been deforested in about a decade, the dry 100-mile-an-hour Santa Ana winds, the mountainous topography and the stressed or inoperable water systems.

The Los Angeles city and county fire departments were overrun and overworked, he added, as the number of citizens needing rescue limited suppression efforts. The strong winds also hindered air attacks, which in turn made it difficult for ground crews to fight the blazes.

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"I know Southern California and the Sierra Nevadas have fires every year," Johnson said. "But the way these events took place is historic. We will study these fires for decades to come. This is not going to be a short fire campaign. We are going to be supporting these efforts for weeks to come."

One of the ways the city has mitigated wildfire risk here at home has been to deforest the Lodi Lake Nature Preserve, after the atmospheric river events of 2023, which downed all the 300-year-old oak trees in the park.

"Christina (Jaromay, parks director), Charlie (Swimley, public works director) and I created a plan to take some of that downed timber and some of that fuel loading on the ground, and created some fire suppression so we'd have the ability to fight fires like that if we were faced with those wind conditions," he said.

Johnson also noted that his department has a mutual aid agreement with several other departments and districts in the region that aids in fighting major incidents, such as the Pacific Coast Producers blaze last August.

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Some 17 fire trucks from the Stockton Fire Department, and the Woodbridge, Liberty, Mokelumne and Cosumnes fire districts responded to the blaze.

Johnson said his department also has the ability to call off-duty personnel to respond in times of major events.

Berkheimer said Lodi's location makes the city a low-risk region for wildfires. However, he said that doesn't mean there aren't risks to operating the Lodi Electric Utility system.

That being said, his staff has removed 400,000 feet of overhead copper conductor and conduit over the last five years.

"That has a very serious history of falling, breaking and coming down in storms to cause fires," he said. "As of 10 months ago, we have none of that left in our system. A lot of other utilities have millions of circuit feet of that stuff, and that's going to be a concern as we move forward."

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Berkheimer said his staff has replaced 638 sets of line fuses and has conducted more than 6,000 tests on wood poles over the last three years. In addition, new equipment has recently been purchased to perform more intensive tests to identify any deteriorated poles that may be susceptible to fire, he said.

The utility has spent more than $2 million a year on vegetation management, he said, which included trimming nearly 1,500 trees and and removing 200 that were in danger of falling into power lines.

While no official cause of any of the five fires in Southern California have been determined, Berkheimer said there are indications that electric utility companies in the region may be responsible.

"The utility industry as a whole is going to be taking a step further toward risk mitigation than we have in the past," he said. "Even though it is very unlikely we see 100-mile-an-hour wind gusts with drought conditions and the Santa Ana-type scenario, we're going to do everything we can to make sure there is nothing we could have done, or that we overlooked in years to come."

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Mayor Cameron Bregman thanked the Lodi Fire Department for deploying personnel to Southern California, but wanted to differentiate between the incidents that occurred in town last summer, and what is currently being fought.

He also called for a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the fires this past week.

"In an industrial area, it's a work environment," he said. "Things are burnt up that can be replaced. But in these fires, people's homes are being burnt. Heirlooms, history, family photos, things that are irreplaceable... I think all of Lodi's hearts go out to those in LA right now."
Hours after Monroe Drive was shut down for a water main break on Friday, the water is flowing again, but the road is still closed.

Channel 2s Bryan Mims was near the water main break, where theres a big hole still visible on Monroe Drive, just outside of Ansley Mall.

The traffic issues are causing delays and backups on Piedmont Avenue too.

The repairs Friday forced some businesses to close for the afternoon because they had no water, including a Starbucks at the mall.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The hole in the road was two or three feet wide and had water rushing beneath it.

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Atlanta police had to shut down Monroe Drive between Piedmont Avenue and the entrance to Ansley Mall.

Workers from the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management used jackhammers and backhoes to dig away the pavement where the hole had opened up so they could reach the damaged pie, but the water still had to turn off to make repairs.

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Evan Romeo, a restaurant manager at Brooklyn Bagel and Deli said it was lucky the water was turned off in the afternoon, and not the morning.

At the deli, Romeo said the water stopped just in time for lunch and that he got an early warning it might happen.

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Our waters gonna be turned off halfway through the day, so we had to close down our drink station, had to close down our bathrooms, Rome said, though he was able to keep the business open the rest of the day. Its a pretty big inconvenience, its a little bit better that it happened midday. If ith happened this morning, we wouldnt be able open right now.

The water main break on Monroe is only about six miles from the large water main break that happened on Clairmont Road in Brookhaven and impacted residents for days.

In that case, it was an aging pipe, and the recent cold weather, that was to blame for the break.

That could be the case on Monroe Drive, too.

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Thousands of households have been left without water for up to four days in north Wales after a mains burst.

Water was lost in up to 40,000 homes after the mains burst in Conwy on Thursday, and will not be fully restored until Sunday, Welsh Water said.

Darren Millar, the Welsh Conservative leader, said the situation was rapidly becoming a humanitarian crisis on Friday and criticised the water companys contingency plans.

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Mums with babies have no access to sterilised water, a number of care homes have received no deliveries of bottled water for the vulnerable people in their care, and domiciliary carers and district nurses are unable to wash people or change wounds, he said.

More than 20 schools had to be shut, and households forced to queue up at distribution points to pick up water, with vulnerable residents complaining they could not access supplies.

Images from the burst water main at the Bryn Cowlyd water treatment works showed a pipe with a fist-sized hole caused by a rock that had moved within the river bed, according to the BBC.

Welsh Water said it had fixed the problem by Thursday, but that it would take another 48 hours to fully refill the network.

Residents have been forced to rely on emergency drinking water - ITV

Janet Finch-Saunders, the Welsh Conservatives climate change and environment representative, told the BBC that the response from Welsh Water had been confusing and the situation was chaotic.

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Residents have been understandably frustrated by large queues at water collection centres and older residents have been left confused by the lack of clear communication outside of social media from Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water), she said.

Welsh Water secured the lowest rating in last years rankings from regulator Ofwat, classed as lagging behind in its league table.

It was one of three worst-performing companies across the country for supply outage for the second consecutive year, and underperformed on mains repairs.

In May 2023, a burst main at its Tongwynlais service reservoir left 10,000 homes around Cardiff without water.

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In a statement, the water company said: We can confirm that the repair work for the burst water main at our Bryn Cowlyd water treatment works, Dolgarrog, was completed at lunchtime. We are now refilling the network.

Water supplies will still not be fully restored to all affected customers for up to 48 hours.

This is a high-pressure water main, and we are at a very precarious stage of the process.

We need to refill the water main and wider water network very carefully to avoid further bursts.

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WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  Waterbury police Friday say theyre conducting an investigation related to an apparent explosion and fire that left one person dead over the weekend.

The investigation took place on Wightman Place, police said around 10:50 a.m. Friday.

Man dies after apparent explosion, fire in Waterbury

News 8 crews observed emergency crews in the area of Baldwin and Post Streets.

Authorities said there is no current danger to the public.

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Hopeville Elementary School went into a shelter-in-place at the suggestion of police, due to their proximity to the investigation. It was lifted the same afternoon.

The investigation is in connection to an incident on Sunday, when police said a fire happened just before 6 p.m. at a home on the 200 block of Horseshoe Drive.

Crews reported finding 56-year-old Thomas Cianciola inside the house. He was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

6 seriously injured after crash on Route 72 in New Britain

Preliminary investigations indicate that an unknown explosion occurred inside the residence, which led to the fire, police said on Sunday. The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is under active investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.

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The Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit was scheduled to conduct a controlled detonation at the scene on Monday.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.

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This article has been revised to reflect the following clarification: McKinely is an Early Childhood Center in Watertown.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Watertown teacher has been arrested for what school officials called a simple assault on a student at McKinley Early Childhood Center, according to a letter from Watertown Superintendent Jeff Danielsen.

Polar plunge starts today; -20s and -30s for wind chills ahead

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Danielsen said in the letter, dated Thursday, the Watertown Police Department let school officials know a teacher was arrested for a simple assault that involved a bruise on a student at McKinley.

Danielsen said the teacher has been placed on administrative leave for an internal investigation and completion of the legal process.

Watertown-letterDownload

The identify of the teacher has not been released.

No other students are believed to be involved and Danielsen stressed the school district takes student safety very seriously.

According to court documents, the teacher was cited a ticket for the misdemeanor crime. Police responded to complaint about finding a large bruise on a right upper arm. Police said the bruise is approximately two inches in length and an inch width.

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Police said during an interview with the victim, the victim said the teacher pinched him with her fingers and pinched him really hard.

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President-elect Donald Trump. (Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

This story was originally published by The 19th

President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration will restore sweeping power to anti-abortion activists staunchest ally, who many in the movement once deemed the most pro-life president in the nations history.

Four years after Trump left office the first time, the state of access looks radically different. Since the 2022 fall of Roe v. Wade, voters across the political spectrum have repeatedly shown they favor reproductive rights, even while voting for GOP lawmakers. Its deterred some Republicans, Trump among them, from at least publicly endorsing restrictions that could be politically toxic.

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Still, once in office, Trump and his administration would have substantial power to further restrict abortion. And with Roe overturned, the avenues to do so are larger than they were last time.

Theres so many levers he could press, said Greer Donley, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who tracks abortion policy. Despite his recent wavering, she added, Theres no world in which I think hes not going to do anything.

Trumps previous actions offer some clues as to what he could do this term, even without help from Congress.

Medication abortion

Abortion opponents have urged Trump to impose new restrictions on mifepristone, one of the medications used in most abortions. The Food and Drug Administration, a subsidiary of HHS, has approved mifepristone for use in abortion and has said it can be prescribed over telemedicine and taken from home, decisions grounded in a large body of medical research.

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The FDA has historically acted with political independence. But that could change. Abortion opponents argue that the agency should be leveraged to limit when and how mifepristone can be used  rescinding its telemedicine approval, or even moving to take the drug off the market. Such decisions would go against scientific evidence. Though medical abortion is still possible without mifepristone, using larger doses of a drug called misoprostol, that one-medication regimen is slightly less safe and effective.

Some health care providers have said they are unsure if they would continue offering medication abortion without mifepristone. Telehealth abortions using medication now make up about 1 in 5 abortions in the country  including many prescribed and provided across state lines, with health care providers in abortion-friendly states sending medication to those in states with bans.

When asked about whether he would direct the FDA to revoke mifepristones approval, Trump has been unclear.

The Comstock Act

Some of the most extreme anti-abortion activists also want the new administration to revive an 1873 anti-vice law known as the Comstock Act, which prohibits the mailing of materials that can be used or applied for producing abortion, or for any indecent or immoral purpose.

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The law was never repealed, but has not been enforced for decades. Some abortion opponents believe it could be leveraged now to ban the distribution of all abortion medications, or even all abortions entirely. The Biden administrations DOJ has rejected this interpretation.

In August, Trump said he would not enforce Comstock. But others in his orbit, including contributors to the conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025, have endorsed that approach.

Planned Parenthood and Title X

During his last presidency, Trump worked to boot clinics, including Planned Parenthood  the nations largest provider of reproductive health care  from a federal program that supports family planning clinics for low-income people.

The program, Title X, does not directly fund abortion; the money supports health care services such as contraception, cancer screenings and testing for sexually transmitted infections. But the reproductive health clinics supported through the program sometimes may refer patients for abortion. Planned Parenthood, a frequent target of abortion opponents, operates the bulk of clinics that qualify for Title X funds.

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Trumps previous administration forbade Title X clinics from telling patients about abortion options, even if they did not provide the service themselves. The rule resulted in more than 400 Planned Parenthood clinics losing federal funding, along with more than 600 clinics outside of the organization. The Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy, estimates that the change cut the Title X programs capacity in half, affecting about 1.6 million patients. The Biden administration reversed that policy.

Trumps first administration also moved to let anti-abortion centers  mostly non-medical facilities that focus on discouraging people from getting abortions  apply for and receive Title X funds, another policy the Biden administration undid.

On the 2024 campaign trail, Vice President-elect JD Vance said that once in office, Trump would support defunding Planned Parenthood  suggesting he might bring back the rule upon returning to the White House.

Medicaid

By law, Medicaid, the public insurance program for low-income Americans, is not allowed to discriminate against qualified family planning providers, meaning beneficiaries should be allowed to use that coverage at Planned Parenthood clinics. Medicaid is jointly funded and run by the federal government and individual states, so it can only cover abortion when the state government has specifically put money toward doing so.

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During Trumps previous presidency, HHS authorized states to have greater flexibility in determining which providers could participate in the program, a move that some interpreted as easing the way for states to bar Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. In 2024, the Biden administration issued guidance remaining states that they were required to let Medicaid-covered patients choose their family planning provider, and that they could not prohibit a qualified clinic from participating in the program.

Currently, two states  Arkansas and Missouri  have actively enforced laws that prevent local Planned Parenthood clinics from participating in Medicaid. Similar laws in other states have been blocked by courts.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case weighing whether states can in fact kick Planned Parenthood out of their Medicaid programs, even when the insurance plan is not being used to cover abortion. The case concerns a 2018 executive order issued by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who sought to stop Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood.

The Justice Department

The Biden administration has actively defended abortion rights in multiple cases.

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One, concerning whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act protects abortion access in particular medical emergencies, is pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Another, concerning the legality of medication abortion, is making its way through the federal courts as well.

After the transition, Trumps Justice Department could drop those cases, or similarly decline to defend abortion rights in court. The new DOJ could also eliminate abortion rights initiatives, such as its Reproductive Rights Task Force, which was established after Roes overturn and monitored state anti-abortion policies that could violate federal law .

The incoming administration could take an opposite approach to the DOJ under Biden  filing lawsuits that challenge state laws protecting abortion rights, rather than suing states with particular restrictions.

Abortion for immigrants

The Trump administration sought to deny abortions to pregnant immigrant minors in U.S. custody. That effort was led by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, a subsidiary of Health and Human Services (HHS). E. Scott Lloyd, who headed the office under Trump, personally worked to discourage detained teenagers from getting abortions.

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In one such case, a 17-year-old woman sought an abortion while detained in Texas. The Trump administration attempted to deny her access, prompting a lawsuit from the ACLU. The young woman received her abortion after a federal appeals court ruling almost two months later.

The global gag rule

Trumps previous administration said recipients of American foreign aid could not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning, a rule that weakened reproductive health providers well beyond the nations borders. The global gag rule applied to organizations that received money from government agencies  such as the U.S. Agency for International Development  to work in other countries.

A version of that policy, which was swiftly reversed by President Joe Biden, had been enforced under previous Republican presidents; Democratic administrations have consistently undone it. The Trump administration took a more sweeping approach in preventing global aid providers from talking about abortion. Under previous GOP administrations, the gag rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, had applied to organizations receiving funding related to family planning. During the Trump presidency, it affected all global health funding disbursed by the United States.

The rules broad reach meant it affected about $12 billion and that covered work in contraception, HIV treatment, child nutrition, water sanitation, malaria and tuberculosis. The State Department under Trumps first term also expanded the policy to include subcontractors who worked with organizations that got American funding, even if they had not received any aid dollars individually.

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Research shows that implementing the global gag rule typically results in family planning clinics shutting down, a decrease in contraceptive use and an increase in abortion. It is not clear whether the broader-reaching Trump rule increased the policys impact.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  An ongoing major film production will close several roads in the Chinatown and Kakaako areas from Saturday, Jan. 18 to Sunday, Jan. 19.

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The Honolulu Film Office said the closures are necessary for safety, due to some scenes requiring the use of the roadway.

Lanikai parking restrictions in place until mid-March

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Officials advise all drivers to steer clear of the area and find alternate routes if possible.

Maunakea Street between Beretania & Pauahi

The road will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drivers should use Pauahi Street in the meantime, accessible through River Street, Bethel Street and Nuuanu Avenue.

Maunakea Street between Pauahi & Hotel

Crews will shift to a separate part of Maunakea Street from 2 p.m. to about 10 p.m. on Saturday. Officials said one lane will remain open with intermittent holds for traffic to access the remainder of Maunakea.

Pauahi Street will remain open to traverse the area, also with intermittent traffic holds.

The road will also be closed on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 4 p.m. to around midnight. Only local traffic will be allowed through Maunakea at that time.

Queen Street between Auahi & Ala Moana

Officials said the road will be closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to film a scene between the IBM Building and the Hokua condominium complex.

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Drivers cannot turn onto Queen Street from Ala Moana Boulevard and will be asked to use Auahi Street to access the mauka side of Queen Street.

Intermittent traffic control will be conducted for one to three minutes at a time.

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The producers of this film project extend their thanks to the community for their support and kokua. More than 500 people, including extras, have been hired to work behind and in front of the camera on this film project.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The Weeknd is the latest celeb to pledge their support to wildfire relief efforts in Southern California.

Through his XO Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Program USA, the 4x Grammy winner (whose real name is Abel Tesfaye) has donated $1 million to the LAFD Foundation, GoFundMes Wildfire Relief Fund and LA Regional Food Bank.

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He announced his donation after postponing the release party for his sixth studio album Hurry Up Tomorrow to Jan. 31 at Pasadenas Rose Bowl out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County. Much of the city was impacted by the Eaton Fire.

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This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time, wrote Tesfaye in a statement. My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.

His donation comes after Beyonce previously pledged $2.5 million to wildfire relief, with Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Garner, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and more also making donations.

Los Angeles Fire Fighters and Sacramento Fire Fighters Urban Search & Rescue team inspect a burned house from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Jan. 16, 2025. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, stars like Hilton, Milo Ventimiglia, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester and Billy Crystal have lost their homes in the wildfires, which broke out in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, Malibu, the Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a life-threatening and destructive windstorm that picked up last week.

As of Wednesday, at least 25 people have died in the Southern California wildfires. Meanwhile, more than 105,000 people received mandatory evacuation orders, which have begun lifting. Since the fires started, officers have made 44 arrests across the impacted areas, including for arson, burglary, breaking curfew and other violations.

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President Joe Biden, who extended his Los Angeles trip last week to visit first responders and those affected, declared the fires a major disaster and directed the federal government to cover 100% of costs for disaster assistance.

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The Weeknd is opening his wallet for wildfire relief.

The global superstar has committed $1 million for efforts, funds that will be spread across the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMes Wildfire Relief Fund and the L.A. Regional Food Bank in partnership with World Food Program USA and The Weeknds XO Humanitarian Fund. The donations are meant to support firefighters and efforts to help displaced residents in the wake of catastrophic blazes across the city, the most devastating of which were the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.

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The news comes on the heels of The Weeknd postponing a planned album release on Jan. 24 for Hurry Up Tomorrow and subsequent concert at the famed Rose Bowl stadium. The stadium concert, which was set for Jan. 25 in Pasadena, Calif., had been billed as a unique experience with a stage that took over the entire floor of the stadium. The move was well received in the wake of such tragedy, and it would have been impossible for The Weeknd to take the stage just miles from devastation while performing the lead single from that album, titled Dancing in the Flames.

The music superstar is the latest in a line of high-profile celebrities that have donated to relief efforts in recent days. Beyonce donated $2.5 million (and delayed a high-profile Jan. 14 announcement), Jamie Lee Curtis and filmmaker husband Christopher Guest donated $1 million, Eva Longoria offered up $1 million, Leonard DiCaprio committed $1 million in partnership with his his Re:wild organization and Taylor Swift donated an unknown sum to a variety of organizations, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Disney donated $15 million and Warner Bros. Discovery committed $15 million for relief efforts while Amazon, Comcast and Netflix directed $10 million apiece and Sony pledged an additional $5 million. Paramount Global and Fox Corp added $1 million. YouTube and Google announced that the companies had committed $15 million in addition to opening up studio space for creators that have been impacted by the disaster.

A long list of other ways people can help with services and donations can be found here.

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  A temporary change to the drawbridge operating schedule for the Ray Nitschke Bridge in Green Bay has been announced, including lane closures for the weeks-long maintenance activities.

A Green Bay Public Works Department release states that maintenance work on the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge for Dousman and Main Streets will begin on January 27 and run through February 21.

During that time, city officials said the bridge would be secured to masted navigation, with vehicle traffic moving down to single-lane closures, which may cause backups. Ships able to pass under the bridge will continue to be able to pass under during the partial closure.

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Law enforcement into the home stretch of planning 2025 NFL Draft security

The single-lane closures, in effect along each direction on Main Street, will occur from North Broadway to North Washington Street. No detour will be posted as access to residences and business will be maintained.

On January 8, Wisconsin State Senator Eric Wimberger announced that $1.2 million in state funding will officially be used to fix the Ray Nitschke Bridge, saying the money was secured during the 2023-24 State Budget to end the bridges frequent closures.

All lane and work operations are weather-dependent and subject to change.

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The truth behind Wendy Williams' conservatorship remains unclear, with the TV veteran's legal rep siding with her caretakers.

The former host of "The Wendy Williams Show" recently slammed her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, for mistreatment and isolation in a NYC care facility. She painted a dire picture, implying she was being held "hostage" by her conservator.

However, Wendy Williams' attorney did not support her lucid claims or address her alleged poor treatment. Instead, the legal rep claimed the entertainer had good and bad days amid her battle with frontal lobe dementia, a neurological disease with no cure.

Wendy Williams' Lawyer Tells Fans To Dismiss Her Recent Interview

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Williams' attorney, Roberta Kaplan, dismissed her employer's claims about not being "cognitively impaired." She argued that her clarity during a recent interview should not be considered evidence of her overall health as she experienced lucid and non-lucid days.

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Kaplan stressed that Williams would require care for the rest of her life because of the degenerative nature of her disease. Since there was no cure for frontal lobe dementia, the former talk show host needed all the help she could get.

The legal rep noted that Williams' health was the reason a New York state court found her unable to make independent legal and financial decisions. Nonetheless, Kaplan agreed the entertainer had days when she was normal and lucid, like her bombshell interview with "The Breakfast Club" on Thursday morning.

While Williams went on the show to vent about her conservatorship and push for independence, Kaplan argued that she needed help and told fans not to let her brief lucid state fool them.

As for her conservator, Morrissey, TMZ noted that, per court orders, she was prohibited from commenting about the TV personality or her condition.

Fans Rally In Support Of The Broadcast Veteran's Independence

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Despite the attorney's arguments about Williams' health, many found her actions suspicious and believed more was happening behind the scenes. These concerned fans shared their suspicions on X, with someone declaring:

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"IDGAF what her lawyer says. WENDY SHOULD BE WITH HER FAMILY! These people are pure scum! #FreeWendy."

Another echoed similar sentiments, suspecting Williams' attorney and her conservator were lying and working together to steal her money. A third noted that even if the media personality suffered from dementia, why couldn't her lawyer support her wish to live in Miami with her family?

"If she needs someone to oversee her care and finances, it should be one of her family. Her son is now a college graduate. Wendy should be allowed to live in Miami with her family. She wants to see her 94 y.o. Dad! #FreeWendy #FreeWendyWilliams," a supporter added.

What Did The 'Wendy's Got the Heat' Author Say About Her Conservatorship?

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The renewed attention on Williams' conservatorship began after her bombshell revelations. The Blast covered the story, reporting she aired her concerns over the phone because she could not leave her care facility. She described the place as a "luxury prison," saying:

"I am not cognitively impaired, you know what I'm saying? But I feel like I'm in prison. I'm in this place where the people are in their 90s and, their 80s, and 70s  There's something wrong with these people here on this floor."

Williams' niece, Alex, joined the call and echoed similar sentiments about the care facility. She claimed her aunt was stuck in a small room with the bare minimum, including a single window that barely provided enough sunlight.

The Former Talk Show Host Is Isolated From Her Loved Ones

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Williams doubled down on the care facility not being her cup of tea, claiming she was isolated from her family. She had one-way phone access, noting she could call loved ones, but they could not reach her. She could not scroll on her phone, nor did she have an iPad or a laptop.

The concerning allegations continued with Williams noting the few interactions she had with other people were when the "nursemaids" delivered unknown pills to her room. This revelation caught host Charlamagne tha God's attention, and he advised her not to take those suspicious pills.

Williams confirmed that she had only taken two pills so far before bashing her conservatorship experience as "emotional abuse."

She lamented the possibility of missing her father's 94th birthday because her guardian controlled her movement and finances. She described Morrissey as "that person that you talk about who is holding me hostage."

Friends Of Wendy Williams' Family Launch GoFundMe For Her Independence

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Before Williams' shocking interview, The Blast shared that a GoFundMe account had been created on behalf of her family. Friends of her loved ones launched the page on January 15 to raise funds for her independence.

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These concerned pals hoped to hit a $50,000 goal and had raised $8,954 at the time of the report. The fundraiser's description explained that the money would support the legal expenses required to help Williams fight for her independence.

"For far too long, Wendy has faced the challenges of being unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated, despite her strong will and determination to live her life independently," the statement read.

The pals of Williams' family noted their goal would see her returned to her rightful home in Florida.

Will the cries for Wendy Williams' independence guarantee the end of her conservatorship?
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 17: Kaushalya Logistics Limited (NSE: KLL), a diversified conglomerate specializing in logistic support to the cement industry, is pleased to announce the opening of new depots for Ambuja Cement, part of the Adani Cement Group, in Kurukshetra and Bhiwani, Haryana. This expansion comes after receiving approval from ACC&Ambuja Cement (Adani Cement Group) to establish operations at key strategic locations across Haryana, including Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Fatehabad, and Bhiwani. The new depots in Kurukshetra and Bhiwani are the first phase of this initiative, aimed at enhancing service capabilities and logistical reach in the region. The depots in Haryana are under their regular "Logistics and Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) services," catering to both ACC and Ambuja Cement, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering efficient and scalable logistics solutions. As a trusted logistics partner for leading cement manufacturers, including Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited and Adani Cement, the newly established depots will further strengthen inventory management, reduce transit times, and improve connectivity across key industrial hubs in the region. Commenting on this Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director, Kaushalya Logistics Limited said, "We are pleased to expand our partnership with Ambuja Cement by opening new depots in Kurukshetra and Bhiwani. This expansion is a significant milestone in enhancing our logistics infrastructure and service capabilities in Haryana. With approval for additional locations, we are confident that these depots will strengthen our ability to meet the increasing demand for cement in the region, further solidifying our role as a reliable logistics partner in the cement industry. This initiative underscores our commitment to operational excellence and our continued support for the industry's growth." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
This story has been updated to include new information.

An Arctic surge expected to make temperatures as low as 20 below zero early next week still likely won't come close to producing the coldest temperatures in Michigan history.

On Feb. 9, 1934, Vanderbilt, in Otsego County, recorded the all-time coldest temperature in Michigan  minus 51 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

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As a polar air mass known as a Siberian Express spreads southward across the U.S. and Michigan, temperatures Sunday through Tuesday area expected to fall into the single digits and even below zero in many areas.

Parts of the Upper Peninsula, including Ironwood, could see temperatures as low at minus 20, the National Weather Service said. In the Lower Peninsula, temperatures will be below zero at times, but won't approach 20 below.

Even though records may not be broken, the Michigan State Police said people should take precautions.

"With temperatures dropping below zero and dangerously cold wind chills on the way, its important to take extra steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP/EMHSD. "Dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on your neighbors who might need extra help. Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference during extreme weather like this."

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Many Michigan cities and villages have gotten downright frigid during past winters. Here's what we know.

Where in Michigan does it get coldest in the winter?

While Michigan hasn't seen 20 below zero in a while, it's not uncommon. Here's a look at some records for January, according to the National Weather Service.

Lansing

1981: Minus 29

1984, 1976: Minus 25

Detroit

1976: Minus 25

1994: Minus 22

Saginaw

1994: Minus 22

Grand Rapids

1994, 1951: Minus 22

Marquette

1977: Minus 32

1963: Minus 30

Ironwood

1977: Minus 40

1972: Minus 39

1912: Minus 37

Houghton and Hancock

1951: Minus 29

Bergland

1912: Minus 45

1915: Minus 40

Sault Ste. Marie

1981, 1927: Minus 32

Gaylord

1984: Minus 31

1981: Minus 30

What is the coldest month in Michigan?

January is the coldest month in Michigan. Statewide, the average high is 31 degrees and the low 18.

Where in Michigan gets the most snow?

The highest recorded snowfall in a 24-hour period took place in Herman, southeast of L'Anse in the UP, which received 32 inches of snow on Dec. 2, 1985.

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The Keweenaw is known for its prodigious snow totals.

The Keweenaw Snow Gauge, alongside U.S. 41 between Mohawk and Phoenix, is an iconic destination for travelers visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Visit Keweenaw notes.

The Keweenaw's record snowfall was set during the winter of 1978-79 when the Keweenaw received 390.4 inches of snow between November and April.

So far, more than 153 inches of snow has fallen in the area this year.

Contact Sarah Moore @smoorelsj.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Where does it get coldest in Michigan? How cold does it get?
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Police say a wheelchair user was hospitalized Thursday after being hit by a vehicle.

The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) report that officers were called to the scene of an injury crash around 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the corner of Leavenworth Street and North Fourth Street. Police arriving at the scene found a 50-year-old Manhattan man was crossing the street in a wheelchair when it hit some ice and tipped over.

The 50-year-old was then hit by a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old from Fort Riley who was approaching the intersection at the same time. An ambulance transported the 50-year-old to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

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Driver busted going 165 mph in Kansas by state troopers in biggest speeding violation of 2024

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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U.S. hospitals are feeling the strain of this flu season, with many announcing visitor restrictions as cases remain elevated nationwide.

Minnesota hospitals are leaning on triage systems to deal with the influx of patients and hospitals in North Carolina and South Carolina have prohibited visits from children and teenagers.

Hospital visitors in Indiana have been strongly encouraged to wear face masks, and Washington state health officials reported that local emergency departments are seeing five times the threshold of flu visits that would alert officials to increased transmission.

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As we see more and more children in the hospital and more and more in the community, it becomes necessary to limit the number of visitors at the bedside both to help prevent the spread of these infections but also for logistics of taking care of patients when were this crowded, Corewell Healths Dr. Matthew Denenberg told FOX 2 Detroit last week.

There have been more than 9 million illnesses recorded across the U.S. this flu season. Cases are spiking in several states, forcing hospitals to issue restrictions (Getty Images/iStock)

Weve been raging for several weeks now, at very high levels, Dr. Fred Lopez, an LSU Health New Orleans infectious diseases specialist, told WVUE on Tuesday.

In fact, more than 80% of the country has high-to-very high levels of flu-like illness being reported in their areas of the country. So, we know its very high here. Its been high for weeks, he said.

The latest data from federal health officials estimates that there have been at least 9.1 million illnesses and 110,000 hospitalizations thus far this flu season. Emergency room visits are now very high.

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There have also been 4,700 deaths, including 16 children who have died.

A map of the U.S. shows states where flu is surging this month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data highlights, Oregon, New Mexico, Tennessee and Louisiana as states with very high activity level (CDC)

A national map shows the highest level of infections in Oregon, New Mexico, Louisiana and Tennessee. Although, several other states are listed as places with very high levels of infection.

While it remains unclear how this year will compare to previous flu seasons, elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu tends to peak between December and February. The agency recommends that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot.

To help avoid catching the flu, people can protect themselves from infection by washing their hands with soap. If theres no soap or water, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is also effective. Cleaning surfaces is also crucial to stop viral spread.

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Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffed up nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

We have a really long way to go with this flu season, Dr. David Janz, director of medical critical care service at University Medical Center in New Orleans, told TODAY.com on Wednesday. We arent even halfway up (last years) curve of influenza hospitalizations. ... Were maybe 25 percent.
(KTLA)  Authorities are asking the public for help in their search for several Altadena residents who remain unaccounted for after the deadly Eaton Fire burned thousands of homes.

Kevin Joseph Devine

My dear friend Kevin Devine, whose home and neighborhood was destroyed in the Altadena CA fires last week, has been missing since 1/7, Laurie Kessler posted on Facebook Wednesday. He was last seen by his landlord out front of his house that evening, in his car, seemingly ready to evacuate, but no one has heard from him since.

Kevin Devine was last seen on Jan. 7, 2024. (Image via Facebook/Laurie Kessler)

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Missing Persons Unit stated that Devine, 54, was in the 900 block of Boston Street when he was last contacted.

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He was described as a White man standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Kessler said that Devine was in a gray Dodge Charger with license plate 6FSB419.

Martha Ann Howard

The Sheriffs Department is also searching for 86-year-old Martha Ann Howard who was last seen in the 200 block of Mariposa Street.

Martha Ann Howard is seen in an image provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Investigators said a family friend may have picked her up but that is unconfirmed and she may be displaced.

Howard has a heart condition that requires medication and her family is concerned for her well-being and asking the public for help, the Sheriffs Department said.

Howard was described as a Black woman standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes.

Timothy George Hanley

The public is also being asked for help locating 88-year-old Timothy George Hanley who was last seen on Jan. 10.

Timothy George Hanley is seen in an image provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Hanley is believed to have been displaced from his home on the 1000 block of East Palm Street.

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Timothy is on dialysis and requires medication. His family is concerned for his well-being, the Sheriffs Department stated.

Hanley was described as a White man standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds with gray hair and hazel eyes.

The Eaton Fire began on Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive before growing to more than 14,000 acres as of Thursday morning. Damage estimates indicate over 7,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed.

Anyone with information about the missing individuals was asked to contact the Sheriffs Departments Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.

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Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-8477 or by going to lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A white accounting executive who was excluded from meetings by her Indian boss has won 40k in compensation after claiming she was discriminated against.

Nicola Blackwell alleged that Varsha Kapoor had targeted her by not including her in Microsoft Teams meetings and by speaking about her to a colleague in Hindi, a tribunal heard.

She has now been awarded 41,000 in compensation after an employment judge ruled she lost her job because of her complaints.

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The tribunal heard Ms Blackwell joined Smart Tax & Accountancy as a payroll executive in August 2021 and often worked remotely from her home in Manchester.

After three months of employment, Ms Blackwell met virtually with Ashwin Juneja, who effectively ran the company, and was told she had passed her probation.

But during the conversation, she complained about Ms Kapoors manner and said she could be quite abrupt with her  without knowing that Mr Juneja was actually her son.

The hearing was told that Ms Blackwell had then been shut out of Teams calls.

Motivation behind dismissal was personality clash

In November, she logged an informal grievance and said she believed her treatment was race-related. In a meeting the following month, Mr Juneja told her that racial discrimination is an extremely bold statement to make.

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The tribunal heard that from the start of 2022, Ms Blackwells relationship with Ms Kapoor came under strain and in one January meeting, she switched from English to Hindi when talking about her.

The hearing was told that Ms Blackwell had been recording Teams calls and Ms Kapoor was cautious about discussing her for fear the remarks could be used against her.

In February, the executive submitted a formal grievance but this was dismissed and she was sacked two months later.

Bosses told her that she was fired because of a lack of due care and attention in her work, but the tribunal noted that they found this excuse to be unconvincing.

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Employment Judge Callum Cowx said that Ms Blackwell was treated less favourably than her colleagues but that this was not because she was white British.

He added: The motivation behind [Ms Blackwells] dismissal was the personality clash between herself and [Ms Kapoor], and the complaints made by [Ms Blackwell] about [Ms Kapoor], he said.

In a small, family-run business it was inevitable that [her] position would become precarious, if not untenable, once she had made accusations of the kind she did against [Ms Kapoor].

But the judge concluded she was subjected to victimisation in the aftermath of the accusations and awarded her 41,181.58 in compensation.

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Photo: The North Carolina Beat (Instagram)

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. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Photo: Axios/Getty Images (Getty Images)

White celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, James Woods and Sarah Michelle Gellar have lashed out against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass because of the Palisades fire. However, the Black people who were affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena havent garnered nearly as much media attention. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Facebook, Macomb County Sheriffs Office

A Michigan family was unable to joyfully bring in the New Year due to the sudden vanishing of 30-year-old mother Ashley Elkins. As investigators probe potential foul play in her disappearance, they settled on one person as a suspect: her ex-boyfriend. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Screenshot: YouTube

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In the year of our Lord 2025, seeing a Black man traveling with his white wife shouldnt even make you bat an eye. But believe it or not, some people still arent ok with interracial relationships. For that reason, what was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon getaway for an Arizona couple went all the way wrong. Now, a Black man is taking legal action against American Airlines, alleging he was racially profiled on his flight. - Angela Johnson Read More

Screenshot: NBC News

The greater Los Angeles wildfires continue to ravage families, like that of Dalyce Curry: The 95-year-old grandmothers remains were found just days after her Altadena home was burned to the ground. It was confirmed by a coroner on Sunday that the remains belonged to Dalyce Curry, a retired actress who appeared in several movies in the mid-20th Century including the Blues Brothers, The 10 Commandments and Lady Sings the Blues, according to KABC. - Noah A. McGee Read More

Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez (Getty Images)

Last week was not easy for actor Deon Cole, as he may have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires more than any other Black celebrity.

The drama for the comedian began Thursday when Cole decided to cancel his birthday party, writing on Instagram, Due to the fires in Los Angeles we are postponing our party tonight at the well. Thoughts and prayers to those that have lost. - Noah A. McGee Read More

Photo: Facebook

When a Chicago-area judge was caught sending around a racist meme, some could have believed it would have been grounds for termination. Though that was not the case. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Photo: Al Pereira (Getty Images)

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Rapper and actor Method Man has reportedly been involved in a shocking assault. According to The New York Post, law enforcement officials confirmed that the incident took place at Crunch Fitness gym on Staten Island. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle (Getty Images)

In a recent interview with Texas State Representative Gene Wu, the politician talked about the strained relationship between Asian and Black Americans. Amidst his commentary, he made a weighty remark about how Asian Americans have gained from the backs of Black Americans. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, joins California Governor Gavin Newsom, left, and State Senator Alex Padilla while surveying damage during the Palisades Fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, CA. - Photo: Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group (Getty Images)

Some of Los Angeles richest and most prominent celebritieslike Khloe Kardashianare coming for Mayor Karen Bass over the citys response to the wildfires that have left thousands displaced. - Candace McDuffie Read More

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her proposal for the state's Fiscal Year 2025 budget on Feb. 7, 2024. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed 16 bills aimed at achieving a variety of goals, including expanding access to apprenticeship programs, affordable housing options, and eligibility for the MiABLE savings program, which assists Michiganders with disabilities.

With Thursdays signatures, Whitmers office says she has now signed a record 1,443 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

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I am proud to sign these commonsense, bipartisan bills into law that will help Michiganders keep more money in their pockets so they can stay warm and safe, said Whitmer. From supporting affordable housing initiatives to ensuring Michiganders can take advantage of apprenticeship programs, these bills will build on our work to lower costs and ensure everyone has the support they need to make it in Michigan.

Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.) on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Among the bills signed into law was House Bill 5783, sponsored by state Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.), which will support Michiganders pursuing apprenticeships by ensuring the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) allows withdrawal amounts to be used to make student loan payments as well cover expenses for fees, books, supplies, and other equipment required for an apprenticeship program.

House Bill 5781, sponsored by state Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), updates the Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience (MiABLE) savings program by providing tax-free rollovers from 529 educational plans to MiABLE accounts, allowing users to fund costs associated with their education, housing, transportation, and more. The change will increase eligibility for 500,000 disabled individuals and their families.

Several bills were directed toward expanding affordable housing options, including House Bill 5030, sponsored by state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), which gives the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) more flexibility to respond to market conditions by giving the authority the discretion to cancel its own debt rather than being required to do so upon purchasing it. That is expected to streamline MSHDAs operations, allowing the authority to better use its resources to address Michigans accessible housing shortage.

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House Bill 5031, sponsored by House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), will allow for better representation within MSHDA by amending the scope of participation of the designated resident member of MSHDA, which the Whitmer administration says bolsters its commitment to expanding affordable housing for all Michiganders. The goal is, along with HB 5030, the bills will help save potentially millions of dollars that will go towards supporting affordable housing.

House Bill 5032, sponsored by state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), is also aimed at expanding affordable housing options for Michiganders across the state by removing outdated caps and increases the maximum purchase price or maximum appraised value for loans made by MSHDA for eligible purchasers while also increasing the allowable purchase price of property if unexpected costs arose during construction from $3,500 to $10,000 for property used by disabled individuals.

Also signed were House Bills 4062 and 4063, sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor) and Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), respectively, which are part of package of bills that expand access to affordable housing by preventing landlords, with five or more rental units, from denying a tenant housing based on their source of income.

Specifically, the bills allow for legal recourse for individuals who suffered a loss because of a landlords source of income discrimination. The changes are expected to help more than 34,000 families afford a roof over their heads and will create more affordable housing options for Michiganders across the state. These bills complement Senate Bills 205, 206 and 207 which Gov. Whitmer signed in December.

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The Senate bills had previously been approved by both chambers, but were tie-barred to the two House bills, which passed the upper chamber during the lame duck session.

Expanding affordable housing options is also at the heart of House Bills 4675 and 4679, both sponsored by state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), which exempt land bank authorities from state and local governments special assessments and user fees, ensuring affordable housing options remain available to individuals and communities in need.

Other bills include House Bill 5594, sponsored by state Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids), which strengthens child labor laws by transferring the work permit authorization system for minors from schools to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), streamlining the process and lifting the administrative burden off of schools, ensuring minors are properly accounted for when they enter the workforce.

House Bill 5736, sponsored by state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), will help Michigan veterans obtain services and resources by requiring employers to have a workplace posting with information on veterans benefits and services in the state.

State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) in 2022. | Ken Coleman

House Bill 6075, sponsored by state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), will require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to notify Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) participants of their eligibility for other services, including energy waste reduction products. The additional savings are expected to better allow Michiganders to pay bills and make their homes energy efficient all year round. The bills complement Senate Bills 353, 880 and 881, which Whitmer signed in December.

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House Bills 5060 and 5523, sponsored by state Reps. Amos ONeal (D-Saginaw) and Carol Glanville (D-Walker), respectively, replace and update the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act to benefit low-income Michiganders by ensuring the state can continue receiving federal funding from the Community Services Block Grant program intended to alleviate poverty and support low-income individuals.

House Bill 5922, sponsored by state Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), maintains historic road funding for Macomb and Kent counties by changing the local population ranges used in distributing funding for road projects that alleviate traffic congestion. These projects improve local infrastructure, maintaining road safety, and protecting residents wallets from costly repairs.

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  South Africa's president is facing calls to order an inquiry into a police operation that was meant to combat illegal mining but ended up leaving 87 miners to die underground as authorities attempted to force them to surrender during a monthslong standoff.

The tragedy at the abandoned gold mine near the town of Stilfontein began to unfold in August, when police cut off food supplies for a period of time to the miners working illegally in the mine's tunnels.

The tactic was apparently meant to force them out but instead caused dozens to die of starvation or dehydration, according to groups representing the miners.

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A court ordered a rescue operation that was launched on Monday and more than 240 survivors were hauled out this week in small groups in a metal cage, some of them badly emaciated after more than five months below the surface. All the survivors were arrested, police said.

Here's how the events unfolded:

Operation Close the Hole

South African authorities have for years struggled to stop groups of miners from going into some of the gold-rich country's 6,000 abandoned or closed mines to search for leftover deposits. According to officials, South Africa lost more than $3 billion in gold to the illicit trade last year.

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Police forces launched an operation  dubbed "Close the Hole"  in late 2023 to clamp down on illegal mining by surrounding several mines and cutting off supplies that were being sent down by other members of the groups on the surface, so the miners would come out on their own and be arrested.

The Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, the scene of the disaster, became a police target in August but it was only in November that the miners' situation drew the attention of rights groups. Activists warned that hundreds of miners were trapped up to 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) underground and desperately needed food, water and other supplies.

A Cabinet minister laughed when she was asked if the authorities would send supplies.

We are not sending help to criminals, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said, adding that "criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted.

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Starvation as a weapon

Trade unions and rights groups say authorities used starvation as a weapon at Buffelsfontein. A group representing the miners said that not only did police cut off food for a time, they and the mine owners also dismantled a rope and pulley system that was used to get into the mine and send down supplies.

Police have denied any responsibility for the deaths and insisted the miners were not trapped but were able to escape through several shafts in the mine.

More than 1,500 did, police said, but others stayed put out of fear they would be arrested.

But rights groups say hundreds of miners were trapped inside the mine too far away from the shafts they could leave through or too weak to make the dangerous climb out.

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Activists are saying authorities are also to blame for the long delay in launching a rescue operation, which only started on Monday after a court ordered the government to rescue the miners.

Who are the miners?

The miners, known as zama zamas  hustlers or chancers in the Zulu language  are usually armed and part of criminal syndicates, the government says.

They are often undocumented foreign nationals and authorities said that the vast majority who came out of the Buffelsfontein mine were from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, and were in South Africa illegally.

Police said they seized gold, explosives, firearms and more than $2 million in cash from the miners and have defended their hard-line approach.

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Appeals for the president to order an inquiry

South Africa's second biggest political party, which is part of a government coalition, has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to order an inquiry into what happened at the Buffelsfontein mine.

The investigation should also determine whether police are prepared to use vengeance and punishment as acceptable ways of fighting illegal mining," the Democratic Alliance party said.

Others have questioned if the extraordinarily harsh action by authorities was because most of the miners at Buffelsfontein were not South Africans, but undocumented migrants.

Ramaphosa has not commented on the disaster.

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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
VMPL Kottakkal (Kerala) [India], January 17: In a remarkable journey that spans four decades, Classy Furniture, one of Kerala's most trusted names in the furniture industry, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The brand, known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, has announced a bold new chapter in its legacy: the launch of Kerala's first government-approved private industrial furniture estate in August 2025. This milestone marks not just a celebration of the company's heritage but also its forward-thinking vision to redefine the state's furniture manufacturing landscape. A Journey Rooted in Vision and Quality The story of Classy Furniture began in 1985 when entrepreneur Adattil Mohammed founded Kottakkal Wood Industries to address a growing demand for reliable and durable contemporary furniture. At a time when Kerala's market was saturated with substandard products, the company pioneered the concept of quality assurance, detailing every product's specifications, including wood type, on customer invoices. The company's approach revolutionized the local furniture market, earning it a reputation for reliability that families across Kerala could trust. As demand for its products grew, Kottakkal Wood Industries transitioned into Classy Furniture in 2000, opening showrooms across Kottakkal, Kochi, and Kozhikode. A 40-Year Milestone Classy Furniture has consistently balanced tradition and technology. From intricate hand-carved wooden cots and luxury sofas to adopting global-standard wood-drying methods that significantly enhance product durability, the brand has stayed ahead of the curve. Despite growing competition from imported contemporary furniture, Classy Furniture's focus on craftsmanship, durability, and customer trust has allowed it to retain its stronghold in Kerala's market. Classy Furniture has marked several key achievements throughout its journey. In the 1990s, the company introduced internationally recognized wood-drying techniques to Kerala, revolutionizing local production methods. It also made the first what can be called an experiment of employing migrant carpenters in the region. For its efforts and services for the industry, the company was most recently awarded the Best Entrepreneur Award by the government of Kerala. Upcoming Industrial Estate: A Visionary Leap Forward Classy Furniture Company recently planned to open its great dream Classy Industrial Factory in its 40th year in Paang. Planned for August 2025, this hi-tech facility would be the first in its region in Kerala aimed at increasing the private sector investment in furniture manufacturing. Classy Furniture secured two of these prime locations, which are part of Kerala's goal of developing 30 industrial estates. The industrial estate promises to accelerate economic growth and job creation. Providing cutting-edge infrastructure for contemporary furniture manufacturing and offering opportunities for smaller businesses to utilize advanced equipment. "Kerala has long been known for its inventiveness and business spirit. This project aligns with the state's vision to foster private-sector-driven growth," said a company spokesperson. The Philosophy Behind the Success This immensely makes Classy Furniture stand as a trusted and quality furniture brand amidst evolving customer trends and market complexities. Their deep-rooted philosophy and strong work ethic of passing on from one generation to the next, and their modern approach, have helped them become that elegant, unique furniture stop for Keralites. This anniversary is not only to commemorate a tradition but also to affirm the direction of Classy Furniture and, even more importantly, the company's commitment to make a positive impact on the economic and industrial future of Kerala. As it looks forward, the brand also maintains a commitment to innovation as a core value of its identity. After opening the Classy Industrial Factory, the company has all the potential to be a model for others in Kerala's journey to industrial sufficiency and quality furniture production. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Passengers flying over the Caribbean on Thursday night were met with a spectacular sight. Fiery trails shooting through the sky that were visible from the cockpits and cabins of commercial aircraft and private jets transpired not to be a natural phenomenon, but debris from a SpaceX rocket.

Elon Musks latest Starship launch ended early with the explosion of its vehicle in a rapid unscheduled disassembly eight minutes after it blasted off from Boca Chica in Texas.

The launch has had knock-on effects for air passengers, airports and carriers throughout the region, forcing groundings and diverting dozens of planes to avoid the area. Departures from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports in Florida were delayed by around 45 minutes.

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The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it had briefly slowed and diverted aircraft around the area where space vehicle debris was falling and warned pilots of a dangerous area for falling debris. Well heres an FAA delay note you dont see every day, FlightRadar, a site which tracks air traffic, said in a post on X.

One JetBlue flight, from Florida to Puerto Rico, was forced to return to the US mainland almost two hours into its flight, according to tracking data. Others, including transatlantic flights, were forced into holding patterns above the Caribbean, delaying their approach.

Having a holiday delayed by a rocketry mishap might be something of a novelty  rather than the more typical and infuriating air traffic control strike.

Yet delays and disruption from the space industry are proving to be a growing issue for commercial airlines as they are forced to grapple with an exponential rise in launches from Musks SpaceX and other rocket companies.

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The surge in rocket launches, particularly from companies like SpaceX, is undeniably disrupting flight paths, says Alex Macheras, an aviation analyst and consultant.

Temporary airspace closures, vital for safety, are forcing airlines to reroute flights  adding time, causing flight delays, adding to costs, and increasing emissions.

Two decades ago, in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, there were just 50 rocket launches from Earth  the lowest number since the start of the space race.

Last year, however, there were 261 launch attempts, a 17pc increase compared to 2023, dominated by SpaceX and its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This year, at least 300 missions are expected.

SpaceXs Falcon 9 rockets are now launched as frequently as once per week. Musk, meanwhile, has talked of a future where its superheavy Starship launches three times every day as he endeavours to send humans to Mars.

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All these missions need to be relayed to airlines, which is done via the global NOTAM system, an ageing messaging network that provides alerts of potential hazards. The coordinates of these at-risk areas are then included when flight paths are planned.

Debris response area

When SpaceXs rocket exploded over the Caribbean, there was very little danger to aircraft. Its Starship was miles above the height of commercial aircraft when it broke up and a warning zone had already been flagged for planes in the area.

Credit: Marcus Haworth @marcusahaworth / @sentdefender

Still, the destruction of the launcher forced some planes to divert their journeys to mitigate any risk, however small.

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Officials were prompted to activate a debris response area over concerns pieces of the rocket may fall outside of the identified closed aircraft hazard areas. The FAA directed aircraft to exit the zone. SpaceX said its rocket had flown within its planned launch corridor and any debris would have fallen in its designated hazard area.

One industry source said the disruption to commercial aircraft would leave regulators such as the FAA deeply worried.

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Thursdays mission is, however, not the first time Musks rockets have caused delays for commercial aviation.

In 2018, when the company launched its Superheavy rocket, a 1,000 mile airspace closure caused 563 flight delays, totalling 77 hours of holdups.

A report from the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University estimated that launches from Cape Canaveral could end up costing airlines from $10,000 (8,200) to $30,000 per launch in extra fuel to avoid airspace closures from rocket missions.

There is also the hazard of debris falling from space, which can be harder to plan for.

Debris from SpaceX rocket, launched in Texas, spotted over Turks and Caicos Islands - Marcus Haworth/via Reuters

In 2022, Spain closed swathes of its airspace, leading to more than 300 flight delays, when a large part of a Chinese Long March 5B rocket careened back down to Earth before crashing in the Gulf of Mexico.

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More recently, on the other side of the world, Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, has complained it has been forced to repeatedly delay flights from Sydney to Johannesburg to avoid falling rocket debris from SpaceX missions.

South African Airlines is also said to have been impacted. Many rockets splash down in the vast and almost empty Indian Ocean.

Ben Holland, head of Qantass operations centre, said earlier this week the company had been required to delay several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney due to advice received from the US Government regarding the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an extensive area of the Southern Indian Ocean.

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, he said.

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Were in contact with SpaceX to see if they can refine the areas and time windows for the rocket re-entries to minimise future disruption to our passengers.

The UK is planning to host rocket missions blasting off from Scotland. The Civil Aviation Authority is required to manage any potential disruption to commercial aircraft, although the UKs main planned rocket base on the Shetland Islands is in an area with limited flight activity.

SaxaVord, a rocket base in the Shetland Islands, hopes to launch multiple orbital and suborbital missions - SaxaVord

Other innovations, such as autonomous drones, raise similar worries that the worlds airspace is becoming ever more crowded.

Still, the ongoing airspace closures have been a bugbear for airlines.

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Macheras, the aviation analyst, says: The aviation industry has raised legitimate concerns about the unpredictability and frequency of these closures, which highlight the urgent need for smarter, more dynamic airspace management to balance the demands of both aviation and space operations. Its a conversation thats started in aviation regulatory circles, but its early days.

While the danger posed by space debris is minimal, the chance your Caribbean getaway could be held up by one billionaires obsession with Mars is only set to grow.

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The Little Blackfoot River on April 14, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Montanans are witnessing an inexplicably vicious attack on the ruling by the states Supreme Court that the plain language of the constitution guarantees a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.

What we havent heard is why a dirty and unhealthful environment is good for anybody  or the future of our state.

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Truly, why would anyone think they or their kids or grandkids would be better off with a degraded and toxic environment? Yet, the courts decision has sparked a misguided rebellion against the environmental laws that protect all Montanans  and an attack on the judiciary as if its some kind of enemy of the people.

But it seems pretty clear that enemies of the people dont rule to protect the people. And ensuring that the laws passed by the Legislature comply with the Montana Constitution is the primary job of the Montana Supreme Court. Its the foundational checks-and-balances upon which our system of government relies to ensure the executive and legislative branches stay within constitutional mandates to preserve the rights of the people.

Making war on the environment is a dead-end street  which were increasingly finding out as the tragedies driven by atmospheric pollution stack up along with the hundreds of billions of dollars to deal with the aftermath. So, wheres the wisdom in deciding to protect polluters at the cost to the rest of the populace?

How about this little truth: Pollution does not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats, nor Independents, Libertarians, or any other organizational clusters regardless of what they call themselves. Nor does polluted air or water recognize any boundaries  we all need clean air and water, which is not only a shared resource, but a shared responsibility to provide those vital necessities to nourish, not poison, our people.

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The fact is, we have many good environmental and conservation laws on the books that serve all our people well. Theres simply no good reason why one political party or another should be against those laws, none at all.

Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes of the environmental movement was attaching itself at the hip with the Democratic Party. Yet, in Montanas history, it has often been Democrat governors who have been responsible for some of the worst environmental decisions.

In the mid-1980s, Democrat Gov. Ted Schwinden cut the coal severance tax in half to supposedly make Montana competitive with Wyoming. He succeeded in losing hundreds of millions of dollars for the Coal Tax Trust Fund, but it didnt save the coal industry because distance to market was the deciding factor.

Democrat Gov. Brian Schweitzer morphed into the Coal Cowboy within one year of taking office. His mission? Save the coal industry by peddling economically ridiculous proposals for coal-to-liquids when fracking was producing record amounts of cheap oil and gas.

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Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock allowed radioactive waste from the Bakken fracking operations to be disposed of in Montanas landfills  because its illegal to do so in North Dakota.

Of course Republicans have their own rogues list of bad decisions and policies  but theres not room in one column to cover all those.

Theres absolutely no reason whatsoever why a clean environment should be partisan. The great attractions of Montana are our clean rivers, our blue skies, and an abundance of fish and wildlife that are the envy of the nation and world. The Constitution plainly states: The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana  and thats a legacy worth upholding.
A lot of hardware destined for space went to pieces this week, but to hear the rocket companies responsible for the messes tell it, little untoward happened at all. We did it! Orbital. Great night for Team Blue, David Limp, the CEO of Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin posted on X, after the Jan. 14 maiden launch of the companys New Glenn rocket ended with an upper stage payload successfully reaching orbit. The first stage, which was supposed to land gently on a downrange barge, however, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

Elon Musks SpaceX, meanwhile got cheeky two days later after the launch of its giant Starship rocket on Jan. 16 flipped that script. The rockets first stage was successfully recovered between a giant pair of chopstick-like tongs on the Texas launch pad but the second stage was lost in a massive explosion eight minutes and 27 seconds into flight. Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly, the company euphemistically posted on X.

It was the second part of both those X posts, however, that told the real story of the imperfect flights. On to spring and trying again on the landing, Limp wrote of Blue Origins plans for a second launch in just a few months. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause, SpaceX wrote. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and todays flight will help us improve Starships reliability.

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Rocket science has always been an exceedingly iterative process, one in which a whole lot of launches have to come to ruin before the engineers get things right. During NASAs early days, nearly half of the Atlas boosters that lofted the Mercury astronauts into space failed their test flights before they were finally rated safe to carry men. The Titan missiles that launched the two-man Gemini crews practically shook themselves to pieces in their first uncrewed flights. And as for the celebrated Saturn 5, the magnificent machine that launched the Apollo astronauts to the moon?

This was a disaster, Chris Kraft, NASAs director of flight crew operations, told the press in 1968 after the final uncrewed flight of the Saturn 5 almost ended in a crash landing in the ocean. I want to emphasize that. It was a disaster.

But the Atlases flew and the Titans flew and the Saturns flew, and if space history is any guide, the New Glenns and the Starships will fly toobut not without a lot of work.

Of the two new rockets that had their try-outs this week, it was the New Glenn that had the most to prove. Blue Origin, founded in 2000, is the brainchild of Amazon CEO Bezos who envisions the company as a regular provider of space transport for both cargo and crew and a major player in making humanity both an on-world and off-world species, with millions of people eventually living in space. While the company has successfully launched 28 of its small New Shepard rockets on pop-gun suborbital missionsnine with passengers on boardit had never before placed any payload in orbit. Thats compared to a staggering 423 successful launches of SpaceXs workhorse Falcon 9 rocket and 11 of its bigger Falcon Heavy. Starship, still very much experimental, has flown seven times.

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New Glenn, which has been in development for a decade and was expected to have its first launch in 2020, has had nowhere near the breakneck R&D of the Falcons. But by many measures it has been worth the wait. The first stage is powered by seven methane-burning BE-4 enginesa cleaner fuel than the kerosene used in the Falcon 9. Together the engines put out 3.85 million pounds of thrustabout half of what the Saturn 5 produced, and just under the 5 million pounds of the Falcon Heavy. But New Glenn still counts as a muscle-bound missile.

A single BE-4 turbopump can fit in the backseat of a car, wrote Limp on X. [But] when all seven pump fuel and oxygen from the BE-4's common shaft, they produce enough horsepower to propel two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers at full tilt.

This weeks failure to stick the first stage landing notwithstanding, the New Glenn is designed for reusabilitywith each rocket built for up to 25 flightsand is intended to carry both cargo and crew. With SpaceX already dominating the commercial launch field, Blue Origin would seem something of an afterthoughtbut its not. If the long drought between crewed launches from U.S. soil after NASAs shuttles stood down in 2011 and before the first crewed Falcon 9 flew in 2020 proved anything, its that it is never a good idea for a country or an industry to be dependent on just a single launch system.

Most satellite providers want to have at least two options for dissimilar redundancy, says Scott Pace, the director of George Washington Universitys Space Policy Institute.

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This is truer than its ever been now that NASA has gotten largely out of the launch business, ceding that work to the private sector. The closest thing the space agency has today to the Saturn 5 is the Space Launch System (SLS), the massive rocket designed to be used in the Artemis program, which aims to have American astronauts back on the moon by the end of this decade. With 8.8 million pounds of thrust, the SLS is the most powerful rocket NASA has ever launched, though it still puts out just over half as much muscle as the 16 million pounds produced by the Starship. Still, SLS is a boutique machine: It has flown just once, uncrewed, in 2022, costs over $2 billion per launch, and is not set to fly again until the crewed, circumlunar mission of Artemis II in April, 2026.

SLS operates in a hardware-poor environment, says Pace. Youve only got one or two of these things. The great advantage that SpaceX has and hopefully New Glenn will have is that they operate in a hardware-rich environment. They have lots and lots of [rockets] to work with.

Starship is proving that already. SpaceX could afford its flippancy on X because the company has always operated with a fly-fast, fail-fast, fly-again metabolism. The seven Starship launches since 2023 easily beat the poky pace of the SLS, and NASA has enough faith in the rocket that it tapped the upper stage of the Starship to serve as the Human Landing Systemthe 21st century version of the Apollo era lunar modulefor the Artemis III lunar landing mission. Much of the work the Falcon 9 does today involves carrying cargo and crew to the International Space Station. After the station is deorbited in 2030, however, the rationale for the Falcon 9 might go with it, especially if Starship is in the flight rotation by then.

Thereve been rumors that at the end of the space station program SpaceX doesnt really intend to keep flying Falcon 9s, says Pace. So a high flight-rate Starship environment is what the New Glenn will be looking at.

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That environment, with both Starship and New Glenn flying regularly both to Earth orbit and, eventually, to the moon and beyond, will be a good one for the commercial launch sector and the U.S. in particularespecially with other countries boosters not viable options for American and other western customers. We dont use Chinese launch vehicles, says Pace. Russian launch vehicles are largely gone because of sanctions. Japans H3 booster and the Europeans Ariane 6 would, meantime, welcome U.S. business but they are not now competitive with SpaceX in terms of price and likely wont be with New Glenn either.

Even as the debris from this weeks problem-plagued launches was still hissing into the ocean, both SpaceX and Blue Origin were thus ginning up for their next flights. Space launches have always been equal parts high adventure and bruising business, and the two companies are aiming to play both bracing games.

Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com.
Congress figured out how to adapt during the pandemic. Proxy votingaka remote votinglet lawmakers cast votes without being in D.C., all to keep things moving while protecting their health. But now, that flexibility is gone. And for pregnant or postpartum lawmakers, thats a serious problem.

Take Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), whos about to have a baby. Airlines dont let women fly late in pregnancy (for obvious reasons), so when her due date got close, she had no way to get to D.C. to vote. After the baby arrives, its more of the same: many new moms stay home for the first six weeks until their babies get key vaccinations. But current House rules dont care. They force new moms to choose between their job and their babys health.

Related: Is better postpartum support possible in America? Yesheres what it looks like

Today marks the first day I am unable to fly to DC for votes due to travel restrictions ahead of my due date.



It shouldn't be this way. Congress must pass my bipartisan resolution to allow Members who are new parents to vote remotely. pic.twitter.com/VyTcYpNhqS  U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen (@RepPettersen) January 13, 2025

Heres the frustrating part: Congress already proved it can make exceptions when it wants to. During COVID, remote voting worked just fine. So why not extend that same logic to pregnant and postpartum lawmakers?

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The argument against proxy voting is that its unfair or gives people an advantage. But fairness isnt about pretending everyone has the same circumstances. Its about making the system work for all lawmakers, whether theyre recovering from childbirth, taking care of a newborn, or dealing with something else entirely.

Related: These under-the-radar-issues are all too common during postpartum recovery

The bigger issue? Americas political system wasnt built with mothers in mind. From no paid parental leave to grueling travel schedules, the message to women has always been: make it workor dont bother. Refusing to allow remote voting for new moms is just another example of how the system shuts mothers out.

If we want more women in Congressand the policies they championwe have to make political life doable for moms. Remote voting isnt a nice-to-have. Its a practical, modern solution for lawmakers who shouldnt have to choose between their baby and their job.

Congress adapted for a pandemic. Its time they adapt for motherhood, too.
By Gabriella Borter, Stephanie Kelly and Allende Miglietta

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Caroline Waterman, a 59-year-old artist in Charlotte, North Carolina, joined her local 'Women's March' the day after Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017 and found a political home, becoming a poll greeter and taking on responsibility for canvassing on behalf of local Democrats.

This year, Waterman said she is so demoralized and ashamed of her fellow white women who voted for Trump that she cannot bring herself to join a planned anti-Trump march this Saturday.

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"It feels like were out there complaining constantly but we just cant seem to do anything about it, she said. Im just feeling hopeless at the moment and Im not sure a march is going to fix it.

Millions of American women, angry about Donald Trumps ascendance to the presidency, staged the largest single-day protest in U.S. history on Jan. 21, 2017, flooding Washington with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators and filling streets in state capitals around the country.

While the 'Womens March' organization is coordinating another protest this Saturday, it is now dubbed the 'People's March' and just 25,000 are expected in Washington, compared to an estimated 500,000 in 2017. Dozens of cities around the country are also holding demonstrations, but they are expected to be low-key.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem and musicians Madonna and Alicia Keys were among the 2017 stars, but the Washington Peoples March doesn't have any big headliners. Steinem made the hard decision not to attend as the 90-year-old scales back on her travels, a representative said.

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The crushing defeat of Kamala Harris, the second Democratic woman to challenge Donald Trump to the presidency and lose, has left liberal women exhausted and laid bare racial divides in the women's rights movements that will take some time to heal, more than a dozen activists and organizers told Reuters.

Despite Trump's role in restricting abortion rights and a court finding him liable for sexual assault, more white women voted for him in 2024 than in 2016, some 53% compared to 52%. Only 7% of Black women voted for Trump.

Rachel Noerdlinger is a senior advisor with Win With Black Women, a group of thousands of Black political advisers, fundraisers and strategists who poured money and organizing muscle into getting Harris elected. She said the women's movement was fractured: "We've got some tough conversations to be had, and we have to recognize we have commonalities and we have differences."

PEOPLES MARCH PLANS

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Organizers are billing Saturdays rally as a day of joyful resistance, and dozens of groups are participating to promote causes including climate justice, Palestinian rights, immigration rights and abortion rights.

I would love to say that a womens march, an effectively run march, could completely unify all women in the country. The truth is that its just not that simple, said Rachel Carmona, Executive Director of Womens March, who was not involved in organizing the 2017 protest. Theres no silver bullet solution thats going to come and happen and take the place of down and dirty, back to basics, on the ground organizing and mobilizing.

Womens March Managing Director Tamika Middleton said organizers are trying to use Saturdays march as a way to recruit social activists for the long haul, focusing on sign-up tables and political skills training, and hosting a mass mobilization call the week after the march.

Rona Kaufman, 49, a law professor who attended the 2017 Women's March in Washington with her kids, may give a window into how tough it might be to recruit some former marchers. This time, she said, she voted for Trump, even though she is still critical of his character, because she prefers Republicans' policies on Israel and parents' rights, among other reasons. She noted that she had also supported Democratic President Bill Clinton based on policy, despite sexual misconduct claims against him.

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"The reality is, unfortunately, in the world we live in, sexual assault and sexual harassment and demeaning of women, and misogyny and sexism are ever prevalent," said Kaufman. "And the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, they both have plenty of sexist, misogynist rapists amongst their leaders. So I voted on policy and not on character."

US FEMINISM'S DIVIDED ROOTS

Mainstream feminism in the U.S. has notably never benefited all women equally; the 19th amendment guaranteeing womens right to vote was ratified in 1920, but Black women were not assured the right until 1965.

In December, a group of women activists organized by Rhonda Foxx, who headed women's outreach for the Harris campaign, met at Steinem's Upper East Side home to try to figure out how liberal women could move forward together.

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"The women's coalition will persist," Foxx said, adding the movement was ready to mobilize and organize in a new political era.

Women need to speak to their neighbors and friends about the effects a Trump administration could have on women's rights, said A'shanti Gholar, president of Emerge, an organization that recruits women to run for office. "I want that woman who has 80 Instagram followers because those are her family, her friends, her cousins," Gholar said.

Drilling down to local-level politics, from talking to neighbors to attending school board meetings and writing to state legislators, could be the best hope for the womens rights movement to rise above virtue signaling and finger-pointing, activists said.

Several Black activists told Reuters they felt betrayed by white women.

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"They do need to interrogate why they tend to align with the patriarchy, why their allegiance to their race supersedes their allegiance to their gender," said Amara Enyia, interim co-executive director for the Movement for Black Lives.

The era of the fun, symbolic "Womens March" with its quippy posters and pink "pussyhats" is over, many activists said. A brief post-2024 election social media trend of liberal white women wearing blue bracelets to signal that they had voted for Harris quickly faded away.

"We cannot pink hat and blue bracelet our way out of systemic oppression," said Jordan Williams, a lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Black content creator. "This is not an arts and crafts project.

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter, Stephanie Kelly and Allende Miglietta, additional reporting by Bianca Flowers; editing by Heather Timmons, Kat Stafford and Claudia Parsons)
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A man with several previous assault charges who at one time was ruled incompetent to stand trial is heading to prison after pleading guilty to stabbing a relative in downtown Wichita Falls during the spring of 2023.

Cedric Chatman during a plea hearing in the 30th District Court (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Cedric Leon Chatman, 32, of Wichita Falls, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon during a scheduled pre-trial conference on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in the 30th District Court, with Judge Jim Hogan presiding.

Judge Hogan sentenced Chatman to eight years in prison. According to Joseph Vrechek, a prosecutor with the Wichita County District Attorneys Office, the victim is a relative of Chatman and requested a sentence on the low end of the possible punishment range.

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PREVIOUS STORY: Austin Street stabbing suspect arrested

We spoke with the victim yesterday, Vrechek said during Thursdays hearing. This plea recommendation is consistent with his wishes but possibly not as much grace as the victim would like to give the defendant. They are family.

Cedric Chatman during a plea hearing in the 30th District Court (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The charges stem from April 2023, when police responded to a possible stabbing at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Austin Street.

Officers said they found a trail of blood leading up the stairs and found the victim at the top of the stairway with multiple stab wounds to the front and back of his torso.

Police began setting up a perimeter around the apartments and then saw a Black male walking down the alley of the apartments. He was detained and identified as Chatman, who lived in the complex.

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LOCAL NEWS: Colorado murder suspect arrested in Archer County

Police said a search of the suspect uncovered a silver kitchen knife in his waistband that had blood on it, and Chatman also had blood on his hands.

Cedric Chatman during a plea hearing in the 30th District Court (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Chatman has been behind bars since his initial arrest in April 2023. In October 2023, while the charges against him were still pending, Chatman was declared incompetent to stand trial and ordered to be committed to the North Texas State Hospital.

Though a trial date for Chatman had not yet been set at the time of his plea on Thursday morning, a search of court documents revealed that prosecutors intended to introduce several of Chatmans prior convictions during the trial, including multiple drug charges and several assault charges:

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In June 2022, Chatman was sentenced to 5 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was credited with almost 4.5 years of time already served in jail

Chatman was convicted of assault of a public servant in 2013 and sentenced to 5 years in prison

LOCAL NEWS: Man heads to prison for Scotland Park fatal shooting

Court documents also revealed that prosecutors were seeking to enhance the punishment range if Chatman was found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon due to his previous convictions for assault.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichitas police force just got a lot stronger.

Twenty-two men and women graduated from the Wichita Police Department Academy after months of rigorous training.

They will now go through four months of field training with senior officers before they can patrol the streets on their own.

I know everybodys a little bit nervous just because we want to prove ourselves, we want to do our job well, and we want to reflect well on the training staff and on the department, said Paul Terpstra, a WPD academy graduate.

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WPD received over $360k to help address violence

The Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said the department is still about 40 officers short, but he is encouraged by the increase in recruiting and the quality of the new officers.

These 22 young men and women have a lot to be proud of that they have been tested quite severely, and they have come out ahead, theyve made the grade, and theyve earned the right to wear our badge, said Chief Sullivan.

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.
Wifes affair, abortion offers motive for brutal Las Vegas murder, prosecutors say

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man facing the death penalty brutally killed his then-wifes former lover because she had an affair and got pregnant while he was in prison, infuriating the man who then forced the woman to have an abortion, prosecutors alleged in court Thursday.

Anthony Newton, 45, is accused of killing Ulisys Cesar Molina and then decapitating him around Christmas 2016, dumping his body in a vacant lot in the northeast valley and setting his remains on fire. If the Clark County jury hearing Newtons case convicts him, it will then determine whether to sentence Newton to death.

Prosecutors and Newtons attorneys argued Thursday about whether the jury should hear evidence of the womans abortion.

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Paternity has never been established, ever, Josh Tomsheck, Newtons attorney told district court judge Jacqueline Bluth. That is a huge stretch.

Tomsheck admitted the woman had a medical procedure at the time, but insisted there was no proof Newton demanded she get an abortion.

Bluth ruled that abortion was too controversial a topic, and that it might affect the jurys ability to consider it and still treat Newton fairly.

I have some major questions about the prejudicial effect, Bluth told the lawyers.

Prosecutors, though, argued the womans pregnancy and abortion were part of their overall theory of Molinas murder.

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That she got pregnant as a result of this affair makes the affair more painful and more upsetting [to Newton], Pamela Weckerly, chief deputy district attorney, said.

She continued: To me, it would explain why youd be really mad.

Certain of Molinas body parts  severed from his body at the time of his murder  were never found, prosecutors say, until a woman in Henderson reported finding a hand in her mailbox in 2018 while Newton was awaiting trial at Clark County Detention Center.

Thursday a crime scene analyst testified that she examined the hand as it was recovered from the mailbox, which she also dusted for fingerprints. Police have not determined who placed the hand in the mailbox.

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The jury will hear the attorneys closing arguments in the case on Tuesday.



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A wife was killed and her husband left injured after three pit bulls attacked the couple and their pets at their Missouri home, officials said.

Officers rushed to the scene in St Louis after shots were reported fired and found 62-year-old Gladys Anthony severely injured and her 73-year-old husband injured after they were set on by the dogs, police said.

According to local reports, the incident started after Anthony got home from work and let her familys own dogs into the backyard. She had just let one dog back into the house when she turned and saw her other dog being attacked.

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The womans 9-year-old grandson witnessed the incident and tried to help. The grandchild did not suffer injuries. The dog was injured but is expected to survive.

The man had attempted to fight the dogs off with a broom and had fired shots in their direction to distract them but the gun later jammed. Officers deployed pepper spray after encountering the animals, forcing the dogs to flee the area.

The woman was bleeding heavily when officers arrived and was described as being barely conscious, according to Fox News. Responders brought the woman inside the home and rendered aid by applying tourniquets until EMS could respond.

Her daughter, Keshia Anthony, described the horrific incident.

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It wasnt nothing that could stop them dogs... It was nothing that could be done to stop those damn dogs from touching her. Its a problem. Why would you let some vicious dogs like that loose? she told KSDK.

The victim was transported to the hospital but later pronounced deceased while in surgery. She was just days away from celebrating her birthday. Anthonys husband suffered bites to his arms and legs and chose to receive treatment later.

Police were able to determine where the dogs resided after spotting them entering a neighboring yard. Animal control seized the dogs. The owner, a 54-year-old man, is cooperating with police, officials said, according to the outlet.

The animals will remain with animal control until further notice.

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St Louis Environmental Health Bureau Chief Justin Hauser told local media officials had responded to the home of the dogs involved twice before the incident.

Its not clear if the dog owner will face criminal charges.
In recent weeks, wildfire names like Palisades, Eaton and Auto have become all too familiar as wind-fueled infernos scorched thousands of acres in Southern California. As wildfire incidents become more frequent and intense, understanding the naming process of these events is crucial for effective tracking and communication.

Wildfires are named by the agencies that discover them, typically the local fire department or relevant land management agency. This naming process is essential for clear communication and coordination among the various teams involved in firefighting efforts.

An Avenue sign stands among burned homes in Southern California on January 10, 2025. The California wildfires have collectively scorched nearly 38,000 acres, with Governor Gavin Newsom describing them as among the most severe in U.S. history. (Photo by Sahab Zaribaf / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP)

The names are picked quickly by the first firefighter on the scene and can occasionally be obtuse. Some examples include the Dad Fire that started on Father's Day in 2012, the Not Creative Fire in 2015 in Idaho and the Dump Fire in 2015, which started near a local trash dump in Utah. In Fresno County, California, in 2024, lightning started three fires near each other, which were named the Bolt Fire, the Flash Fire and the Strike Fire.

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Most wildfires are named after geographical locations. This is typically a road, but could also be the nearest town, a neighborhood, a notable landmark or a natural feature such as a mountain, river or creek.

For instance, the infamous Camp Fire in California in 2018 was named after Camp Creek Road, where it originated. That's also true for the Carr Fire in the same year, which started near Carr Powerhouse Road. The recent Auto Fire was named after Auto Center Drive in the city of Ventura, about 60 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

An aerial view of repair vehicles at sunset passing near beachfront homes that burned in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 15, 2025 in Malibu, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Agencies strive to choose unique names that are unlikely to be repeated within the same year to avoid confusion, especially when multiple fires are burning simultaneously in the same region. This practice is similar to the way hurricanes are named, ensuring each event has a distinct identifier. However, with thousands of agencies naming tens of thousands of wildfires each year, names are bound to get reused.

Wildfire names are generally short, often one word only, and easy to spell, speak and remember, which aids in quick identification and communication. This simplicity is particularly important during broadcasts and updates throughout the fire season.

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In some cases, the names of wildfires may reflect historical or cultural significance. However, the primary focus remains to ensure that the name is relevant to the location and is easy to communicate.

Naming wildfires is a critical component of effective wildfire management and communication. As these events continue to occur, staying informed about their progress and impact is essential.
Mediawire New Delhi [India], January 17: There's a part of India where blooming green forests stretch as far as the eye can see, where waterfalls cascade in harmony, and ancient temples stand silent witnesses to history. This is Jharkhand, a state that remains one of India's most beautiful, yet often overlooked, gems. In the new travel documentary Jharkhand: The Hidden Heart of India, actress and model Simone Singh takes viewers on an intimate, first-hand journey through this enchanting region. She serves as the host and guide, walking through the heart of the state, uncovering its secrets with a sense of awe and reverence. Premiering on January 18th, this show captures Jharkhand's stunning landscapes and its vibrant culture through Singh's explorations. As she treks through dense pine forests, stands in awe of the towering waterfalls, and navigates bustling local markets, the audience is transported alongside her. It's an experience that feels deeply personal - Simone's reflections on the places she visits offer not just facts, but genuine moments of wonder, making Jharkhand's beauty and history come alive on screen. For Tanaz Mehta, Business Head at Warner Bros. Discovery, the partnership with Jharkhand Tourism for this series goes beyond producing just another travel show. It represents a shared vision to showcase a state that remains largely undiscovered to a wider audience. "Our collaboration with Jharkhand Tourism has allowed us to create something truly special," says Mehta. "Jharkhand offers a kind of untouched, authentic beauty that's increasingly rare in today's world. With Simone Singh leading the way, we wanted to highlight that raw charm and invite viewers to uncover the state's treasures as she experiences them.'' In the first episode, viewers journey through the peaceful hills of Netarhat to the shimmering waters of Patratu Lake, experiencing Jharkhand's raw, untamed beauty creating moments of serene reflection. Stepping into Jharkhand's remarkable wildlife, Simone ventures into the Ormanjhi Zoo, showcasing the state's rich biodiversity. The series is as much about Jharkhand's cultural roots as it is about its natural splendour. In the second episode, it weaves in the state's cultural soul, depicting devotion, architecture, and some finger-licking food, with a respectful nod to Jharkhand's deep-rooted history and vibrant traditions. Each stop on her journey highlights the perfect harmony between the state's untamed landscapes and its age-old traditions. Whether she's sampling local cuisine like Dhuska Chhola or admiring the intricate artistry of Dokra metalwork, Simone's experience feels like a love letter to Jharkhand's heritage. Anjali Yadav, Director of Jharkhand Tourism, views the partnership with WBD as pivotal in showcasing the state's unique allure. "Collaborating with WBD allows us to showcase Jharkhand's untouched beauty and give viewers a firsthand experience of the state." With Jharkhand: The Hidden Heart of India, Simone Singh takes us on a soulful journey through a state where every corner holds a story waiting to be told. Simone Singh reflects on her journey, saying, "Filming this project with Warner Bros. Discovery has been an absolute joy. Jharkhand has been a revelation. Having left Jamshedpur as a young teen, returning to experience its vibrant art, rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty has been both emotional and enlightening." Whether standing at the edge of a thundering waterfall or wandering through the markets filled with vibrant local crafts, Singh's curiosity and warmth make the audience feel like a companion on this unforgettable adventure. Tune in to Jharkhand: The Hidden Heart of India on Discovery Channel and discovery+ to discover this hidden gem of India through Simone Singh's journey, premiering on 18th January, 5pm. https://youtu.be/kWfbCRHgC1M?si=VbYx2D-CsX94a20z (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  City officials have given an update after online systems have remained disrupted for nearly three weeks in one Triad city.

At the end of December, online services in Winston-Salem were impacted by a cyber event. On Friday afternoon, they held a press conference updating the public about their progress in resolving this issue.

City Manager Patrick Pate thanked the city employees for the hard work theyve put into restoring the system.

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According to Pate, the event occurred on Dec. 24. He describes it as an unauthorized access by an unauthorized user, which prompted the city to take certain online services completely offline in order to prevent further access.

They say theyve made a great amount of progress in resolving the issues, and they are still working to make sure all of our systems are completely safe before they turn them back on. Pate reemphasized that this outage has not impacted emergency services, and planning services is still operational.

An incident with PowerSchools did impact WS/FCS but is unrelated to the incident with the city.

We do not want to rush our recovery efforts.

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They also reiterated that they are not aware of any identity theft or fraud resulting from this incident and they thank the public for their patience.

The timeline for when those systems will officially be back online is still undetermined.

A lot of the citys work has gone offline. Pate said a lot is being done manually. Residents are also paying utility bills in person. When they do, they get an old-fashioned written receipt.

Background

On Thursday, Dec. 26, officials said in a conference that they were working to investigate the source of the event with state and local agencies. They were also working to confirm the full impact on city systems.

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Investigators do not believe any personal information was compromised, but certain city computer systems have been taken offline. There have been no disruptions to the fire departments and police departments abilities to respond to calls, according to officials.

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Utilities customers were assured they would not experience utilities/service interruptions, and there would be no late fees or penalties charged to accounts that couldnt make payments due to the outage.

The North Carolina National Guard, the North Carolina Local Government System Association Strike Team, the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management, the FBI and two divisions of the Department of Homeland Security are working to help investigate the cyber event.

All we know is that there was an abnormality that occurred within our network and because of that we initiated an investigation, Ben Rowe said.

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While online payments may be disabled, in-person cash or checks can be made at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building at 101 E. First St.

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  A minor is in the hospital in life-threatening condition after a water rescue in Winston-Salem, according to the Winston-Salem Fire Department.

Officials were told around 5 p.m. about three minors playing on a frozen pond in the area of 4000 Duck Pond Court, according to WSFD Assistant Chief Andrew Gray.

Two minors were taken out of the pond by a water rescue team and taken to the hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time.

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The third minor was taken to a hospital in life-threatening condition.

The High Point Fire Departments dive team helped with the rescue.

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OWINGSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Students in Fayette County made their return to in-person learning Thursday after an extended winter break due to the effects of winter storm Blair.

But many other districts, including Bath County schools, are keeping students home through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

When I spoke with Bath County Superintendent Steven Evans Wednesday, he had just gotten the chance to ride along some of the bus routes in the county.

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He and his team concluded that although there has been improvement in road conditions in some spots, theres still a lot of room for improvement.

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Evans said many streets are still covered in sheets of ice and snow that have now been compressed, making it harder to remove.

Aside from the slickness the ice creates, Evans said Bath County is very mountainous and several bus routes are on narrow, gravel roads.

While some districts may be able to implement an alternate bus route plan, Evans said it would be too much to ask of families Additionally, from a financial standpoint, trying to have some kids come to school in person, the numbers dont add up.

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What happens is you end up having very, very low attendance days, which hurts you financially and its not worth the low attendance. Those kids arent coming to school anyway. You lose funding. Its just better to do the NTI day or to just have a traditional snow day.

These NTI days the district used on Thursday and Friday were their seventh and eighth NTI days of the school year. Districts are only allotted ten for the entire school year.

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This prolonged closure of schools has had an impact on students and families in many ways, one of which is that the resources students rely on from their school, such as meals and after-school programs, cant be utilized if theyre not in the classroom.

Evans said its a challenge to provide the various resources the district provides to families when staff is not in the building, but district officials are doing everything they can.

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Staff members are expected to be in the building Thursday and Friday, assuming its safe for them to do so, which Evans said will help students and their families get some of those resources.

One is the districts family resource center, which has had several people reach out.

Winter storms in Kentucky took the lives of 6 people, Gov. Beshear reports ahead of warning for more cold

Evans said the district is taking requests for help on a case-by-case basis to try to fill whatever gaps there may be, making sure they use every tool available to help.

I know that weve taken groceries to families that are trapped and cant get out. Were doing the things we cant, Evans explained. But on that major scale, its just really more an individual basis. So, people want to call and see what we can offer. Well be glad to reach out, and if not, well try to get in contact with other communities, programs to see what they could do to assist. Were here for them, but were also very limited in what we can do.

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Evans is hopeful the rain over the weekend and the day off for MLK Day will be enough to make conditions safe enough for students to return to class on Tuesday.

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DANVILLE, Ill. (WFRV)  A registered sex offender who authorities in Wisconsin have been searching for for months was recently apprehended in eastern Illinois while living under an alias.

According to a release from the Waushara County Sheriffs Office, David Ryan Thurber was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed in Danville, Illinois on the morning of January 16.

Thurber was arrested on his Department of Corrections and Waushara County felony warrants.

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Man found guilty stemming from 2021 fentanyl overdose in Fond du Lac

On October 5, 2024, deputies were notified by the Department of Corrections that Thurbers GPS device had allegedly been tampered with. Authorities stated that they believed his device had been cut off. A search then began through rural northeast Waushara County for Thurber.

Deputies found Thurbers GPS device in a field near Tri County Road.

Over several months during the investigation, authorities determined that Thurber was living somewhere in Illinois under an alias.

Air-powered rifle shooting in Fond du Lac leads to traffic stop & arrest, victim shot at 3 times

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The release notes that when Thurber was arrested he was allegedly in possession of methamphetamines and cell phones contrary to his sex offender registry.

The Waushara County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the following agencies:

Danville Police Department

US Marshals Service

Vermillion County Sheriffs Office

Waupaca County Sheriffs Office

Wautoma Police Department

Weyauwega Police Department

No additional information was provided.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday rejected an attempt by a conservative activist to obtain guardianship records in an effort to find ineligible voters, but the case could return.

The court did not rule on the merits of the case, instead saying in its 5-2 decision that a lower appeals court did not follow proper procedure when it issued a ruling saying the records should be released.

Here's what to know:

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Conservative activist brought the case

The case tested the line between protecting personal privacy rights and ensuring that ineligible people cant vote.

Former travel executive Ron Heuer and a group he leads, the Wisconsin Voter Alliance, allege that the number of ineligible voters doesnt match the count on Wisconsins voter registration list. Heuer asked the state Supreme Court to rule that counties must release records filed when a judge determines that someone isnt competent to vote so that those names can be compared to the voter registration list.

Justices lean on technicality to reject the case

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The justices said the District II appeals court, based in Waukesha, was wrong to overturn a Walworth County Circuit Court ruling denying access to the records. In a nearly identical lawsuit, the District IV appeals court, based in Madison, had denied access to the records saying they were not subject to disclosure under the state public records law.

Justice Janet Protasiewicz, writing for the majority, said that the District II appeals court could have sent the case to the Supreme Court, explaining why the other appeals court ruling was incorrect.

If it follows the proper procedure for doing that, the case could end up right back before the Supreme Court again. In the meantime, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the appeals court for further action.

All four liberal justices were joined by conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn in the majority. He said the different branches of the appeals court must be unified in their actions.

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Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and Justice Rebecca Bradley, both conservatives, dissented, saying the court leaves unresolved issues of great importance to voters, election officials, and people from whom courts have removed the right to vote due to incompetency."

Sam Hall, the attorney for Walworth County, praised the ruling.

We all agree that election integrity is fundamental and our citizens must have confidence in our elective process, while also respecting the dignity of those individuals subject to guardianship orders, he said.

A court has the power to remove the right to vote from a person under a guardianship order if the person is determined to be unable to understand the objective of the election process.

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The attorney for Heuer did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Case was one of several targeting 2020 election

The case was an attempt by those who questioned the outcome of the 2020 presidential race to cast doubt on the integrity of elections in the presidential swing state. Heuer and the WVA filed lawsuits in 13 Wisconsin counties in 2022 seeking guardianship records.

The District II appeals court in 2023 overturned a circuit court ruling dismissing the case and found that the records are public. It ordered Walworth County to release them with birthdates and case numbers redacted.

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Heuer and the WVA have pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election in a failed attempt to overturn President Joe Bidens win in Wisconsin. Heuer was hired as an investigator in the discredited 2020 election probe led by former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman that found no evidence of fraud or abuse that would have changed the election results.

The WVA also filed two unsuccessful lawsuits that sought to overturn Bidens win in Wisconsin.

Trump won Wisconsin in 2024 after losing in 2020

Biden defeated Donald Trump by nearly 21,000 votes in Wisconsin in 2020, a result that has withstood independent and partisan audits and reviews, as well as lawsuits and the recounts Trump requested. Trump won Wisconsin in 2024 by about 29,000 votes.

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There are no pending lawsuits challenging the results of the 2024 election or calls to investigate the outcome.

___

This story was first published on Jan. 17. It was updated on Jan. 21 to correct that Ron Heuer is a former travel executive, not a former travel agent.
A courtroom and a judge's gavel. (Getty Images creative)

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday denied a request for records of voters identified as ineligible due to incompetence, overturning an appeals court opinion that had opened the door to releasing the list.

The lower court ruling, issued in December 2023, contradicted an appeals court opinion from another district holding that the records sought were confidential.

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The Supreme Court returned the case to the appeals court on procedural grounds, ordering the judges to follow instructions laid down previously for conflicting appeals court rulings.

The Supreme Court acted in a case brought by the Wisconsin Voter Alliance. WVAs president, Ron Heuer, has promoted unfounded claims about fraud in the states electronic voting system.

WVA had sought records from Walworth County identifying recipients of a Notice of Voting Eligibility from the county. The notice is issued when a court has found a person incompetent to vote or has restored a persons right to register or vote. The Wisconsin Elections Commission sends the names of disqualified voters to local elections officers.

WVA has aired claims that people found incompetent might remain on voting rolls. It has made the same request for Notice of Voting Eligibility recipients in 13 Wisconsin counties.

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In a November 2023 opinion, the 4th District Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that denied WVAs request to Juneau County. That appeals court upheld a circuit court ruling finding that the records are confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

A request to Walworth County was denied by a Walworth County circuit judge, who ruled that voting eligibility forms were confidential under the state law that declares records relating to incompetency proceedings to be closed. The association lacked a legal right to the information, the judge ruled.

In the 2nd District 2-1 ruling, lead author Judge Maria Lazar, a conservative, wrote that the confidentiality requirement is expressly outweighed by the Legislatures mandate that voting ineligibility determinations are to be publicly communicated to the local officials or agencies through the elections commission. She was joined by Judge Shelley Grogan, also a conservative.

In dissent, Judge Lisa Neubauer pointed to the 4th District ruling from seven weeks earlier and wrote that the eligibility forms are exempt from disclosure and not subject to the 2nd District majoritys balancing test.

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Fridays 5-2 Supreme Court opinion was authored by Justice Janet Protasiewicz. Asked to decide whether the 4th District ruling was binding on the 2nd District judges, the majority demurred. Instead, they ruled that the 2nd District judges had failed to follow a procedure that an earlier Supreme Court ruling laid down for appeals courts rulings that contradict previous opinions.

When the court of appeals disagrees with a prior published court of appeals opinion, it has two and only two options, Protasiewicz wrote. It may certify the appeal to this court and explain why it believes the prior opinion is wrong. Or it may decide the appeal, adhering to the prior opinion, and explain why it believes the prior opinion is wrong.

The 2nd District judges failed to follow that procedure, instead drawing fine distinctions between arguments and assuming additional or different facts  an effort to skirt the established procedure, Protasiewicz wrote.

Justice Rebecca Bradley and Chief Justice Annette Ziegler dissented, criticizing the majority for taking briefs and holding oral arguments, then issuing a ruling that didnt address the merits of the appeal. They argued that given the procedural basis for the ruling, it should have been issued summarily.

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A nearly 90-year-old Altadena woman who lost her home to the Eaton Fire is going viral for pragmatism and positivity in the face of so much adversity.

Ruth Judkins, a mother and grandmother, lived in her home for 48 years. While she has seen many wildfires in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, she said nothing really prepared her for the firestorm that kicked off on Jan. 7.

We were a street of 12 houses, Judkins told KTLAs John Fenoglio. Six survived, six burned.

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As the flames approached, ultimately destroying her home, she escaped with only a single change of clothes and her beloved 10-year-old dog named Louie.

He means the world to me, she said of her pup. My children and grandchildren dont need me as much. He is like my little child.

At almost 90 years old, the grandmother of four is coping with devastating fire better than most, it would appear.

I know I dont need all those things, Judkins explained. Everything is going to be downsized. I dont need two closets full of clothes. I need one.

Ruth Judkins, 89, and her dog Louie. (KTLA) Ruth Judkins dog Louie, 10. (KTLA)

Her humble take on the loss she experienced has resonated with millions of other people after her granddaughter posted a video on social media.

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Im going to be simplifying my life because I dont need all this stuff, she says in the video.

Not only has she remained positive, but Judkins also says shes determined to rebuild her home and do it in a sustainable way.

Everybody who builds a new house should be making sure everything is sustainable and cost-effective, she explained. We have to think sustainably. We have to be in the 21st century. No matter how old you are, you should be doing that.

As death toll rises, 31 people still missing in Southern California as result of Eaton, Palisades fires: sheriff

Now a role model to many, she explained that she has what she needs and thats more than enough.

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Im a very positive person. I think the best of people. I just think that way and figure things out, she said. Warriors dont worry. They figure it out.

A month shy of her 90th birthday, she said living simpler and helping others is the most important thing.

Im just going to do what I can for others around me who have less and still have fun, she said.

A GoFundMe has been organized by her granddaughter to help Judkins and her sister rebuild after the deadly fires.

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CHICAGO  A Park Forest Woman was accused of fatally shooting a man on the citys South Side last year has been extradited to Chicago after authorities tracked her down in North Carolina.

Chicago police said 23-year-old Makayla Mitchell has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder and one felony count of murder with a strong probability of death or injury.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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The charges stem from Mitchells alleged role in a deadly shooting that unfolded in the 7300 block of South Greenwood Avenue in Greater Grand Crossing on Oct. 13, 2024.

Chicago police said 23-year-old Makayla Mitchell has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder and one felony count of murder with a strong probability of death or injury in connection with a deadly shooting on the city;s South Side in late 2024.

According to police, Mitchell allegedly shot a 23-year-old man multiple times in the early morning hours.

The victim then took themself to the hospital, where they later died.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Mitchell allegedly evaded capture for several months but was eventually tracked down in North Carolina. She was extradited to Chicago this week, where she was subsequently taken into custody and charged.

It is unclear what led to the alleged shooting and authorities have not yet identified the victim killed.

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A Connecticut man and woman are accused of manslaughter in connection with the death of a 24-year-old man who was hit by a car in July.

Kevin Gangell died after being struck by a vehicle outside of his home in Harwinton, Conn., on July 28, according to reports from NBC Connecticut, WFSB and CT Insider.

The outlets report that Logan Diaz-Lopardo, 21, is charged with first-degree manslaughter, while Abbigale Whipple, 20, is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree manslaughter.

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According to a police report cited by the outlets, Gangell and Whipple had been in a relationship but had gotten into an argument the day before his death, and he ultimately blocked her number.

Police reportedly claim that Whipple went to Diaz-Lopardo, her friend who did not like Gangell, according to NBC, WFSB and the Insider.

Police allege that minutes before Gangell was struck by the car, which authorities allege was driven by Diaz-Lopardo, Whipple allegedly texted her ex, I warned you, according to the three outlets.

NBC reported, citing police, that Diaz-Lopardo had allegedly spoken to Gangell over the phone before the crash, saying, Oh you mad cause I got ya girl now?

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The victim reportedly replied by telling Diaz-Lopardo, pull up, I got something for you, NBC reported, citing police.

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It became apparent very quickly that this was no accident, and it was actually an intentional act, state police Sgt. Luke Davis said, according to NBC.

WFSB and NBC both reported that Gangell was thrown 70 feet when he was struck by the car.

It is not immediately clear if either Diaz-Lopardo or Whipple has entered a plea.

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According to his obituary, Gangell was a lifelong Connecticut resident.

Kevin had a kind heart and was a dreamer, the obituary reads. 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.

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.

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A woman who died on an Air France flight has been identified as a member of the Kansas Air National Guard, authorities said.

Air France said in a news release that the customer was taken ill during a flight from Paris to Boston on Tuesday, Jan. 14, according to NBC News.

Detectives with the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit and the Crime Scene Services Section responded to the scene at Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE.

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Despite the assistance of a doctor on board, the customer couldnt be rescued, Air France said in its statement.

MSP has identified the woman as 53-year-old Barbara Dipoli of Topeka, Kan.

Related: Cause of Death Revealed for 8-Year-Old Girl Who Died After Mid-Flight Medical Emergency

Dipoli was a member of the Kansas Air National Guard, according to NBC Boston and The Boston Globe.

State police said the womans death appeared to result from a medical episode during the flight.

DiPoli served approximately 22 months in Iraq over two deployments, according to a statement from the Kansas Air National Guard from 2015, the same year she began a new role with the agency.

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The exact cause and manner of Dipolis death have not been disclosed. State police describe the situation as an unattended death.

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We offer our condolences to her family and loved ones, MSP said in its statement.

Air France regrets this sad event and expresses its sincere condolences, the airline said, per NBC News.

Air France did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Air France said crew members on its flights are regularly trained to handle these kinds of situations, according to NBC News.



Read the original article on People
An eight-member delegation led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos to attract more investments to the state, sources said. Chandrababu Naidu and State Minister Nara Lokesh had launched a major initiative to attract more investments after their success in getting over 2 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh by the centre. The Andhra Pradesh government is aiming to attract more investments through an Economic Investment Board. Nara Lokesh is personally monitoring the recruitment process for the Economic Investment Board. Andhra Pradesh government under Naidu is actively working on making Amaravati a complete city. Situated in a well-connected region along India's east coast, Amaravati will be part of a broader metropolitan region that includes two cities, Vijayawada and Guntur. The World Bank and ADB recently approved loan for the development of ambitious Amaravati city. The annual WEF meeting 2025 in Davos takes place from 20 - 24 January. The meeting brings together government, business and civil society leaders to set the year's agenda for how leaders can make the world a better place for all. Davos 2025 convenes under the theme, 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. The 2025 meeting is being organized under five areas: reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust. More than 350 governmental leaders are expected to participate this year, including 60 heads of state and government. Earlier on January 12, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister had shared his vision and ideas on the zero poverty initiative, emphasising the P4 (Public-Private-People Partnership) model to reduce economic inequalities and improve the standard of living for all. CM Naidu said, "We have introduced the "Golden Andhra 2047 Vision," a ten-point agenda aimed at making the Telugu community the best in the world. Among these points, the foremost priority is achieving Zero Poverty. The P4 model (Public-Private-People Partnership) has been envisioned to realize this goal," Naidu reflected on the success of the P3 (Public-Private Partnership) model and said that it played a "pivotal role" in creating employment and wealth. He urged that the P3 model should be expanded to the P4 model to improve education, employment, and skills among underprivileged families. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police said a person of interest was in custody after a woman was killed in a stabbing in Northwest on Friday afternoon.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), just before 11:30 a.m., officers went to the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue to conduct a welfare check.

WATCH: Crash causes truck to go off Arlington Memorial Bridge, into Potomac River

There, police found a woman who had been stabbed multiple times.

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D.C. police said medics tried to save her but she died at the scene. Her name has not been released, as of Friday afternoon.

MPD is encouraging anyone with information about the case to call 202-727-9099 or text MPD at 50411.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A Connecticut woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer and three other vehicles on Route 287 North in Mahwah, authorities said.

Lauren Kopko, 40, of Stratford, Connecticut, sustained fatal injuries in the crash, which occurred at milepost 66.3 at approximately 5:42 p.m. Thursday, according to the New Jersey State Police.

A preliminary investigation found that a Freightliner tractor-trailer struck the rear of Kopkos Honda Civic, triggering a chain-reaction collision with an Audi S5 and a Ford F-350, police said. The driver of the Audi sustained minor injuries, while no other injuries were reported.

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The crash remains under investigation, and no additional details were immediately available, said Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police.

I-287 North was closed for several hours following the crash as authorities worked to clear the scene.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Woman killed in Mahwah Route 287 crash involving multiple vehicles
More than $15,000 in Apple products were stolen in an elaborate statewide scheme, including at several Pittsburgh-area Target stores.

The Attorney Generals office says Angelita Rodriguez posed as an Apple vendor and stole the merchandise so she could resell it.

She is accused of entering several stores across Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland and requesting access to the Apple displays inside, claiming that her key did not work.

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Once she had access to the displays, investigators say Rodriguez rearranged and replaced items in these displays, making it look like she belonged there. She would then leave the stores with the stolen Apple products, including iPads, iPhones and MacBooks.

Police said Rodriguez did this at Target stores in East Liberty, Harmar, Ohio Township, North Huntingdon and Greensburg.

Law enforcement worked closely with the Target loss prevention team, who observed several incidents involving Rodriguez on video.

Police searched her rental car and found several items, including several iPhone 16s, a target visitor badge in the center console and a clipboard with instructions on how to remove displays.

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Investigators also found records of transactions between August 2023 and December 2024 that revealed Rodriguez had pawned numerous cell phones and iPads in the Reading area.

Rodriguez was arrested at the Target in East Liberty.

Investigators are still working to determine the exact value of all of the stolen items.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Former Wood Construction & Remodeling owner Leighton Joe Wood  whos admitted to defrauding homeowners of more than $1.4 million  avoided any prison time at his sentencing hearing on federal wire fraud charges Thursday.

Wood, who U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker could have sentenced to up to 10 months in prison according to the terms of a proposed plea deal that also includes full financial restitution, will instead spend 10 months on electronically monitored home detention.

Theres not going to be full restitution, Corker acknowledged.

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Whats the value of anxiety for two years, he said, referring to the time that victims who were left left high and dry in 2020 and 2021 (News Channel 11 broke the story on the issue) waited for a resolution. Whats the compensation for sleepless nights for someone you thought was trustworthy but turned out not to be.

ORIGINAL STORY: Clients say Tri-Cities contracting company abandons projects after receiving thousands of dollars

Corker took Wood to task for his actions and said he empathized with victims that the 36-year-olds company had defrauded. Wood often took 40% deposits and then performed no work, or performed limited and shoddy work that victims had to spend even more money to get repaired later.

But the judge said the up-front provision of $1.4 million  this money is actually in the coffers of the court and will be restored to the victims  and the apparent fact that Wood didnt spend the money on lavish vacations or move it offshore  came into play in his choice of a sentence.

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Its hard to strike a real balance here, Corker said after hearing impact statements from several victims, along with Woods statement and arguments by his attorney and prosecutor Mac Heavener.

Mr. Wood, I hope you can appreciate the level of significant emotional trauma these people felt, Corker said. He said the victims were hard-working people who trusted a contracting company to perform important work at their homes.

This was a sacred places for making memories in the future, Corker said, adding that many dreams were shattered because of what Mr. Wood did. He cited a letter written by one victim before he died in November for its insights

Wood, 36, left the courtroom a convicted felon whose rights to vote and carry a firearm are forfeited. Prosecutor Mac Heavener and defense attorney Lynette Byrd had struck a deal in mid-2024. It was predicated on the money being deposited, and as Heavener said Thursday, hes got friends and family that have ponied up the money.

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Wood did apologize in a statement he read at the podium.

The suffering Ive put your families through weighs heavily on me, but I hope to use my poor judgment and the devastating consequences of this case as a lesson and move forward in a productive manner, he said.

Heavener equivocated a bit when it came to his recommendation on jail time. Acknowledging losses that restitution doesnt address, including loss of trust  one victim said she gets upset just seeing a construction vehicle drive by her still-unremodeled house  Heavener said, those are harms that the guidelines just dont capture, and thats why we included the incarceration provision.

Wood Construction customer would like for him to go to jail

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Asked by Corker if he recommended jail time, Heavener eventually said, I think that 10 months is appropriate in this case  but its just the courts call.

A facade designed to lure veterans into his scheme

Victims who made direct statements went by their initials. One, whose family needed essential home improvements during COVID-19 to accommodate home schooling and work, said her husband is a 70% disabled veteran and that she, as a proud member of a family with deep military roots, was attracted by Woods seeming commitment to veterans.

A veteran himself, Wood had received public praise in the media for an effort to provide a bathroom remodel for a disabled veteran.

Joe Wood and his sales team used this trust and the values of the veteran community as a weapon to exploit families like mine, the woman said. His claims of integrity and service were nothing more than a facade designed to lure veterans into his scheme.

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Her family wound up paying not just the up front 40%  itself an amount higher than that allowed by law  but another 40% before theyd begin demolition. The company did that demolition, then never finished, leaving the family in a situation she described as akin to camping indoors during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.

Another victim described researching thoroughly to get work done on a house that had been in her family for several generations. Not only did they see no red flags as Wood rose above three other companies, they too gave extra weight to his service.

We have so many family members who are veterans, and that struck a very strong chord with us, she said. Unfortunately, they used that connection as a weapon against us.

The woman said the family was two years from paying off a house that had been the center of our lives for generations, and that even today, we have not been able to afford the repairs that are still desperately needed.

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Corker took that into full account when he addressed Wood at length, saying something that would normally be a mitigating factor in sentencing, could actually be an aggravating factor in this case.

We never would think those who are willing to die for their country would be willing to steal from their countrymen, and yet thats what we have here, Corker said.

Wood and Byrd, conversely, suggested that it was his very military ethic that kept Wood from waving the white flag when his business was clearly going under. Instead, as court documents show, Wood continued to seek and garner contracts knowing he was using the deposits simply to fund operating expenses  another ethical no-no.

Families hopeful now that TN AG has sued Wood Construction

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Byrd, who acknowledged victims had been very patient and its been a long time theyve had unanswered questions, added that it was always Mr. Woods intention to accept responsibility and to accept consequences.

She said after paying salespeople 10 to 15% commissions for jobs that they then clearly underbid  quickly putting the business in jeopardy  Wood sought legal advice. That lawyer, she said, told him he could use deposits for ongoing expenses instead of holding them for the actual work as long as that was explicitly mentioned.

He thinks hes got a solution, a legal one, and it isnt, she said.

While saying that lawyer should have told him those contracts violated Tennessee law, Byrd admitted Woods acceptance of what should have been a fishy claim amounted to deliberate ignorance, which helped make his actions criminal.

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Even in the context of bad advice, there was a point at which Joe should have realized the boat was taking on too much water, Byrd said.

She acknowledged victims probably wouldnt agree, but said Woods vision was to help people, and that they marketed the company as veteran owned with veteran values because thats truly who he is. Its not a piece of information that was used to trick consumers into trusting him.

In his statement, Wood said that growing up in a military family and serving himself meant giving up was never an option.

That mindset served me well in many ways, but it also blinded me, Wood said. I became consumed with fixing everything, relentlessly battling obstacles without taking the time to address issues at their roots.

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Unfortunately, that approach caused my customers to suffer, and for that, no apology will ever feel sufficient. But I want to say it anyway: I am deeply sorry for the pain and hardship I caused.

This is the first time Ive had trouble with forgiveness

Sarah Fogle, who also provided a victim impact statement, lost almost $80,000 when Wood Construction and Remodeling failed to rebuild her fire-destroyed home in 2021.

The single mother described leaving a bad relationship in 2014, getting her nursing degree and buying her own home in 2016. She had just gotten it enlarged to five bedrooms and seen her son, daughter-in-law and grandchild move in when the home burned.

Shell get her $78,900 back, but the mortgage company took the rest. She spoke to News Channel 11 after the hearing.

I would have loved to have seen him walk out at least in some shackles. That would have felt better, not that that would have helped anything, she said. But having the restitution does at least give some sort of Band-Aid over a big gash.

She said she appreciated Judge Corkers probing questions and lengthy explanation of his decision-making process.

I was very surprised when I seen him sit there and really chew on it and really give (Wood) a lot of different perspectives that if he hadnt thought of, he has now, Fogle said. So that felt really good. It felt like we were heard finally.

Fogle said shes learned a lot about other victims through a social media group established several years ago and from phone conferences with Heavener and Thursdays hearing.

Weve all got something in common. But all of our stories are so different and so each person is so captivating and heartbreaking at the same time.

She said Woods being a convicted felon and having to surrender some basic American rights is a just punishment she thinks will be difficult even without jail time.

He done what he done and now its time to deal with the repercussions, just like anyone would. But I feel like hes not getting them as bad as most would.

She said shed love a direct apology some day.

Ive never had trouble with forgiveness. This is the first time, and Im working on it. Im not there yet but Im working on it.

Wood has to begin his sentence within 30 days. Victims should have their funds deposited within several weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Woodbury County Emergency Management is currently planning two disaster survival trainings.

The goal of these trainings is to help prepare Woodbury County residents for when disasters strike. They will teach participants knowledge and skills that will help them respond during emergencies.

Serving Siouxland: Local woman reflects on 30 years of helping people in need

Topics at the trainings will include preparedness and prevention strategies, ensuring you have sufficient food, water and shelter supplies, and putting together an emergency kit.

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Preparedness is a shared responsibility, Woodbury County Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Montino said. Through these trainings, we aim to empower community members to take proactive steps in protecting themselves and their loved ones during a disaster.

The first of the two trainings will be at City Hall in Correctionville on Jan. 29 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The second will be on Feb. 19 at the Woodbury County Emergency Services building at 121 Deer Run Trail from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The disaster survival trainings are open to all Woodbury County residents.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WMBD)  A Germantown Hills native is now the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood made the announcement Thursday on his Facebook page, saying he was thrilled that Kevin McCumber was appointed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

McCumber has been the acting House Clerk since June 2023, according to LaHoods office.

Kevin grew up in Woodford County, in Illinois 16th Congressional District. From a young age, Mr. McCumber showed a faithful commitment to our country, the Dunlap Republican said. In 1996, he was nominated to participate in the United States House of Representatives Page program for high school students.

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It was Darin LaHoods father, Ray LaHood, who had nominated McCumber, a Metamora Township High School graduate, for the program.

He returned to Woodford County where he worked for the sheriffs office as a dispatcher before going back to Washington for another seven-year stint in the House Clerks office.

He then went to the University of Colorado and worked for the Lakewood Police Department which is just outside of Denver. In 2012, he returned to the House Clerks office where he has been since.

After a combined 20 years on Capitol Hill serving in the Clerks office, I have no doubt he has the experience and skill set required to serve the House of Representatives in this role. I am proud and honored to have a native son of Central Illinois selected for this very important position, LaHood said.

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House Clerks prepare and print the House Journal after each session of Congress, certify the passage of all bills and joint resolutions, and receive messages from the President of the United States when the House is not in session.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Monterey County authorities issued evacuation orders Thursday night after a fire broke out at a battery storage facility along the Central Coast that the company claims is the largest in the world.

Vistra Energy, which owns the natural gas-fueled Moss Landing Power Plant and adjoining lithium-ion battery facility on the Monterey County coast, confirmed in an email a fire had broken out in one of its battery facilities Thursday afternoon and that it had evacuated on-site personnel.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished, said spokesperson Jenny Lyon.

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The Monterey County Sheriff had earlier told nearby residents to close windows out of an abundance of caution. The California Highway Patrol also closed Highway 1 around the plant.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat representing the area, said in a social media post on Thursday that she was "deeply concerned" about the safety of the battery storage plant.

"I will be looking for transparency and a accountability for why this happened again at Moss Landing," she wrote. "I am exploring all options for preventing future battery energy storage fires from ever occurring again on the Central Coast."

The Texas-based Vistra finished its most recent phase of construction on the energy storage facility in 2023 as part of Californias efforts to bolster its grid with clean energy. It stores 750 megawatts, enough power for roughly 562,000 homes for up to four hours. California projects it will need 52,000 MW of energy storage, three times what it has now, by 2045 to meet energy needs while reaching its net-zero emissions goal.

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Vistras Moss Landing battery complex suffered damage from a malfunctioning heat detector in 2021. A small fire also broke out in 2022 at an adjoining battery plant owned by Pacific Gas & Electric and supplied by Tesla.

Safety concerns fueled a ballot measure last year further down the coast in Morro Bay aimed at blocking Vistra from getting local permits to construct a battery facility near a power plant there. The measure passed in November, but will do little to stop the project, which is instead going through a fast-tracked state permitting process.
Romanian military and law enforcement officials have identified two sites with the wreckage of Russian drones after an investigation of the border area following a Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of 16-17 January.

Source: European Pravda citing the Romanian Ministry of Defence

Details: An interagency group, which included representatives of the Romanian Ministry of Defence, identified two crash zones for the wreckage of Russian-made Geranium 1/2 attack UAVs, otherwise known as Shahed drones.

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One crash site is located between the settlements of Ceatalchioi (Tulcea County) and Tudor-Vladimirescu (Botosani County), and the other is south of Chilia Veche (Tulcea County).

Quote: "The fall of the drone's wreckage did not damage the infrastructure, no material damage was recorded."

Details: The Romanian Ministry of Defence has once again condemned Russia's attacks against Ukrainian civilian buildings and infrastructure, which are unjustified and seriously contradict international law.

Background:

On the night of 16-17 January, residents of Romanian villages above the Danube received an air-raid warning due to an attack by Russian UAVs on Ukrainian ports above the Danube.

In the morning, the Romanian Ministry of Defence reported that fighter jets had been scrambled in response and that a suspected UAV crash site had been discovered in the area opposite Ukraine's Izmail.

This is only the latest in a series of similar incidents over the years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On 29 September 2024, NATO began additional surveillance of Romanian airspace by deploying an additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

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A family-owned Wyoming trucking company has agreed to pay $124,000 to settle a federal lawsuit stemming from allegations that the companys owner had sexually harassed two female truck drivers over several years.

As part of the agreement reached Wednesday with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Norman Waller, owner of Wallers Trucking of Big Piney, Wyoming, must issue a letter of apology to his victims, revise the carriers anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies, post a notice informing employees of the settlement, and provide specialized training to the carriers supervisors and employees.

Owner harassment is a particularly harmful form of harassment because employees often feel they have no recourse or way to complain, said Mary Jo ONeill, regional attorney for the EEOCs Phoenix District, in a statement.

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FreightWaves has reached out to Wallers Truckings attorneys Mandy M. Gundlach Good and Susan Stubson of Crowley Fleck PLLP for comment.

According to the EEOC complaint, which was filed on Sept. 30, 2024, Wallers Trucking hired Lizabeth Porter as a truck driver in February 2017, and she was directly supervised by Norman Waller. The company hauls oilfield equipment.

[Norman] Waller began to sexually harass Porter soon after she started her employment, the complaint states. Waller subjected her to near-daily inappropriate, unwelcome and offensive sexual comments and conduct.

He also frequently made sexually harassing comments in front of Porters colleagues and other drivers, in person, and over the companys CB radio, FreightWaves previously reported in an article about the EEOC lawsuit against Wallers Trucking.

Read related article here: Wyoming trucking company faces EEOC lawsuit alleging sexual harassment

The suit alleged that Waller made the following comments, among others:

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Too bad youre not wearing a skirt with no panties.

Make sure you wear a tank top so your boobies show.

You need to wear booby shirts so I can get more business.

Court filings stated that Waller made sexual propositions toward Porter, including saying he would cut a hole in the wall if they did not have adjoining rooms when working as team drivers and asked her for a good morning kiss. Porter claimed that she feared for her safety and took some of Wallers comments as sexual threats.

According to the suit, Waller publicly referred to Porter as a lot lizard in a June 2019 company safety meeting, which is a derogatory term for a sex worker found at truck stops.

On more than one occasion, Wallers behavior prompted a male employee to speak up for Porter, stating that he couldnt speak to her in a sexually harassing manner, the suit claims. However, Waller allegedly replied, Im 72 years old. I can say whatever the hell.

He is now 77 years old.

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Despite receiving complaints and having knowledge of Wallers sexually inappropriate conduct, [Wallers Trucking] failed to take adequate actions to stop, prevent or remedy the sexual harassment of Porter and other aggrieved female employees, according to the EEOC suit.

Court filings stated that when Porter reported the incidents to Wallers wife, Paulette Waller, who served as treasurer, secretary and human resources representative for the small trucking company, she simply laughed.

Porter quit her job in September 2019, according to court documents, when she asked for the day off to attend her teenage daughters graduation from a trade school. In response, Norman Waller messaged Porter, asking her how much he should include as a gift in a card to her daughter, adding that he would send her daughter a lace nightgown as a gift but would probably get the pee slapped out of me, the suit says.

The EEOC complaint states that Porter replied to Wallers text message with a message stating, I will endure your unsolicited sexual remarks and advances no longer. I quit.

Waller didnt deny sending Porter the text messages in his response to the EEOC suit, according to court filings.

Second victim comes forward

Another female employee, who was not named in court filings, also accused Norman Waller of sexual harassment. The suit claimed that he instructed her, along with other female employees, to wear booby shirts to attract more business.

After the female employee spoke with Waller in private  and on another occasion publicly  about the alleged sexual harassment, she claimed that Waller scheduled her for half as many shifts as other workers at Wallers Trucking. She quit her job in October 2019.

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Wallers Trucking has 10 power units and six drivers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations SAFER website. The companys contract carrier authority was originally granted in April 1997 but was involuntarily revoked in December 2000. FMCSA data stated that its contract carrier authority was reinstated in May 2005 and revoked again in January 2010 before being reinstated later that month.

As part of the settlement, Wallers Trucking also agreed to provide the EEOC with periodic reports regarding any future complaints of sexual harassment or retaliation, including a description of each employees allegations and the companys response.

The EEOC welcomes the opportunity to work with employers who seek to ensure their workers are free from a sexually hostile work environment, ONeill said.

Do you have a news tip or story to share? Send Clarissa Hawes an email or message @cage_writer on X, formerly known as Twitter. Your name will not be used without your permission.

Read more articles here:

New Hampshire man created fake trucking, ag businesses to collect COVID funds

St. Louis trucking company, affiliate file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The post Wyoming trucking company pays $124,000 to settle sexual harassment suit appeared first on FreightWaves.
DENVER (KDVR)  With below-zero temperatures just days away, Xcel Energy is prepping to serve millions of customers with electricity and gas.

Our infrastructure is built to withstand a number of different degrees of temperature, whether thats extreme heat or extreme cold, we have industry standards that we adhere to, Xcels Andrew Holder said. We have a great operations and maintenance schedule to keep our infrastructure up to date and routinely repaired. But one of the things that when you see extreme cold is damage to facilities due to road traffic, that is one of the bigger percentages of what causes outages, trucks slipping off the road.

Temperatures will reach below zero this weekend. Wind chill will make it worse

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Xcel tells FOX31 teams have been monitoring this cold weather event for the last week, planning to strategically place crews around the state to respond to any possible outages.

Holder said Xcel employees are looking out for potential impacts that they plan to communicate if need be to customers.

If we do see a natural gas spike because of the extreme weather, were going to make sure that our customers know if there is a potential increase in natural gas, Holder said. We have a number of mechanisms to smooth out higher natural gas spikes that came out of some of the legislation that happened in this previous session.

Xcel is also working to get warnings and messaging out to customers to prepare and prevent emergencies at home, asking customers to make sure the contact information on their account is up to date. Xcel Energys phone numbers are 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for businesses.

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If you just find yourself in that crisis with your energy bill or youre facing disconnection, then just give us a call, Energy Outreach Colorados Chelsea Rosty said.

The non-profit Energy Outreach Colorado assists people with multiple heat problems.

Our energy assistance program is available to folks who may be low on fuel, Rosty said. Maybe they use wood or other types of fuel sources. We provide for that as well. Or theyre overdue on their energy bills.

Things to do inside in Denver amid arctic blast over MLK Jr. Day weekend

Theres also the federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance program, known as LEAP.

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LEAP is a one-time heating assistance program and the benefit ranges anywhere from $200 being the minimum up to $1,000, LEAP Program Coordinator Vannesa Pena said. I would encourage everyone to apply. We do have an income requirement to qualify, but it is set up at 60% of the state medium income. So, for example, for a household of two people, we are looking at an income limit of $53,076. So our incomes are set up a little bit higher than most programs.

Xcel Energy offers a range of energy efficiency programs to help customers lower their energy use, and bills, available online at Xcel Energy Energy Efficiency Programs and Rebates.

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In a landmark move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday launched a suite of citizen-focused initiatives. Key highlights of the event included the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App,National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the inauguration of the Intra Circle Roaming facility at DBN Funded 4G Mobile Sites. The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is a user-friendly platform designed to fortify telecom security and empower citizens. While launching the Mobile Application, the Minister highlighted, "This initiative not only provides access to opportunities but also ensures a secure environment for all users." He emphasized that the Sanchar Saathi App is committed to maintaining the security, safety, and trustworthiness of telecom networks for everyone. The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, available for both Android and iOS platforms, provides users with critical tools to secure their telecom resources and combat telecom frauds. Key features include: Chakshu - Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspected calls and SMS using app and directly from mobile phone logs; Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: Citizens can identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, ensuring no unauthorized usage; Blocking Your Lost/ Stolen Mobile Handset: Lost or stolen mobile devices can be swiftly blocked, traced and recovered; and Know Mobile Handset Genuineness: The app offers an easy way to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring users purchase genuine devices. With over 90 crore smart phone users in the country, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App aims to ensure that every individual has access to these vital services with just a few taps on their smartphone. The Union Minister launched the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 by unveiling its vision document. JyotiradityaScindia highlighted that NBM 2.0 builds on the success of NBM 1.0, under which nearly 8 lakh towers were established. He remarked, "Broadband subscriptions have increased from 66 crore to 94 crore. This growth serves as the fulcrum, the foundation, and the basis for the launch of NBM 2.0." He emphasized that the primary objective of NBM 2.0 is to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages across the country and to achieve ambitious milestones. "Our goal is to ensure that at least 60 out of every 100 rural households have access to broadband connectivity. Additionally, we aim to achieve a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps, creating a robust digital infrastructure for rural India," he added. Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), earlier known as USOF, has undertaken an important role in bridging the telecom gap across rural and remote areas through its extensive mobile tower projects. The telecom towers funded by DBN in such difficult areas are catering to the subscribers of the specific TSP who has installed the mobile tower with DBN funding. So far, Subscribers of other TSPs do not get the benefit of the DBN funded tower. During the event, the Union Minister also inaugurated Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. He emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "This is a crucial pillar, with three of our TSPs - BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance - joining forces to leverage each other's infrastructure at all DBN-funded sites. With nearly 27,836 such sites, we are ensuring not only connectivity but also providing customers across the country with the freedom of choice." (ANI)
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will skip US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday but will send Vice President Han Zheng instead, the countrys Foreign Ministry said.

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An announcement Friday from an unnamed ministry spokesperson confirming Hans participation said China wanted a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the US and was ready to work with the new American government to find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other.

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The decision brings to end weeks of speculation over who Beijing would send. In December, US-based CBS reported that Trump invited Xi to attend the ceremony  a move that would be highly unusual historically and which was broadly seen as unlikely to actually take place.

US presidential inaugurations are typically witnessed by ambassadors in addition to American lawmakers and the general public. No foreign head of state has attended an inaugural in at least a century, according to State Department records going back to 1874.

But in the latest sign that Trumps second inauguration will break with tradition, some senior officials  including Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya  have said theyll attend.

Trump Extended Xi Longshot Invitation to Inauguration, CBS Says

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In addition, key tech company leaders, including Meta Platform Inc.s Mark Zuckerberg and Shou Chew, the Singaporean CEO of Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, will be in attendance.

The participation of Han will likely be seen as an olive branch to the incoming administration. Ties between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated in recent years over issues from trade to the South China Sea and could get worse in the years ahead. During his campaign, Trump threatened to put tariffs of as much as 60% on Chinese goods, a level that Bloomberg Economics said will decimate trade between the worlds biggest economies.

China sent its then-ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, to the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021.

China will also be watching carefully to see who will attend Mondays ceremony from Taiwan. Due to Taiwans sensitive status  Beijing considers the self-governed island part of its territory  its delegations for such events normally comprise lawmakers or mayors instead of officials from the central government.

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This time, the island will send a party consisting of eight lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu.

In 2021, Taiwans then-representative to the US and the incumbent vice president, Hsiao Bi-khim, attended the inauguration, marking the first time in decades that a Taiwanese diplomat received an official invitation for such an event.

--With assistance from Yian Lee and Jing Li.

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Chinas vice president will attend President-elect Trumps inauguration, according to a Thursday statement from the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson.

At U.S. invitation, President Xi Jinpings special representative, Vice President Han Zheng, will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, D.C., the statement read.

China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to send a high-level representative to the 60th inaugural ceremony last Friday.

We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other, the announcement continued.

China has been designated a foreign adversary, and President Biden has heavily sanctioned the East Asian countrys electric vehicle exports, among other products, as its global sales swell.

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President-elect Donald Trump and senior advisers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-chairs of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, have grand plans for slashing federal spending. As part of that agenda they have raised the possibility of simply not spending congressionally enacted appropriations. Instead, they would impound the monies and, in doing so, would challenge the constitutionality of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This is the statute that allows the president to withhold spending funds he has specifically identified for up to 45 days but then obligates him to release those funds if Congress has not affirmatively approved the presidents impoundment decision.

Trump and his team will argue that past presidents have exercised this prerogative and have not had to gain the okay of the Congress to do so. They will say that the presidents authority rests on his general constitutional duty as the nations chief executive to see to the sound and fiscally responsible administration of the government. Like any CEO, the argument will go, it is his obligation to faithfully execute the Office of President and see that monies are not wasted.

The earliest example of a president impounding monies occurred in 1803, when Thomas Jefferson told Congress he would not be spending the $50,000 the Senate and the House had appropriated for acquiring gunboats to be deployed on the Mississippi River. The purchase of the Louisiana Territory and the resulting unimpeded access from the river to the Gulf of Mexico rendered an immediate execution of that law unnecessary given the favorable and peaceable turn of affairs. And while Jefferson went ahead the following year with acquiring the gunboats, he clearly thought that the statutory appropriations for the program were not mandatory and that he had an inherent authority to judge whether spending the monies was appropriate.

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Jefferson was hardly the last president to impound congressionally directed monies. President Ulysses S. Grant signed a public works bill in 1876 but, in his signing message, said he would not expend any of the public money for projects that were in his estimation for local interest, [and] in no sense national. Not surprisingly, the frequency of impoundments and threats of impoundment rose as the size of the federal government increased and the role of the presidency expanded. Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson refused to spend appropriated monies, typically for fiscal and defense-related reasons, with the most controversial impoundments occurring when a president refused to go forward with specific weapon programs that Congress had put in the defense budget.

These impoundments certainly aggravated Congress, with members believing their core constitutional power over the budget was being tested. Yet, impoundments were not so regular as to keep Congress continually frustrated. And, not infrequently, an administration and the relevant committees would reach some accommodation, averting a constitutional crisis.

Like so many other things having to do with powers exercised by the White House, presidential impoundments became a major dispute between the political branches during the Nixon presidency. In a January 1973 news conference that took place shortly after he was sworn in for a second term, Nixon asserted he had a constitutional right not to spend money appropriated by Congress if the Congress overspends. Expanding the notion of what it meant to be the countrys chief executive, Nixon proceeded to cut funds for a host of domestic programs having to do with urban renewal, clean water, health, and Model Cities. But the administration was all-in on spending on projects like a manned landing on Mars, supersonic transport, anti-ballistic missile defenses, enlarging the merchant fleet, and general revenue sharing with the states. In short, it wasnt difficult for Congress to read Nixons assertion of a constitutional prerogative to refuse to spend duly appropriated monies as largely a cover for prioritizing his preferred policies.

Taking advantage of a Watergate-imperiled presidency, Congress passed and Nixon signed into law the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act in July 1974. The law seemed a reasonable compromise; it gave the president discretion to impound funds and required him to justify his doing so in a message to Congress. At the same time, it preserved Congress power over the public purse by giving members the final say over whether a particular impoundment would stand. Indeed, in some ways, the statute seemed to be a victory of sorts for the presidency. Congress recognized some limited form of impoundment authority and, through the other measures in the lawcreation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and a new congressional budget resolutionprocessseemed to accept Nixons argument that Congress had been insufficiently serious about public spending.

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In practice, the act has had two positive results. First, since its enactment, presidents have stopped making expansive impoundment decisions. Second, by establishing the CBO, and having it run in a professional and largely nonpartisan manner, Congress and the public now have serious cost estimates for proposed legislation and an alternative analysis of proposed administration budgets impact on the economy and the federal budget. Given the positive spin both Congress and the White House typically put on proposed budgets, spending bills, and tax measures, having the CBO analyses is often a useful reality check.

However, if the acts principal goals were to give the president a statutory tool to be an effective administrator of the publics monies and, in turn, make the Congress a more responsible actor regarding the federal budget, it cant be said to have succeeded. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congress accepted just a little more than a quarter of presidential proposed impoundments from the time the law was enacted through 2020, with savings amounting to some $25 billion. Thats not nothing. However, given the number of years and the immense size of the federal budget, that is far less than what might have been expected or could be justified.

In turn, it would be hard to argue that the budget process outlined in the act has made Congress a better steward of the public purse. Appropriation bills are rarely enacted before the end of the fiscal year, with the result that stopgap continuing resolutions (CRs) are now routine, averaging five a year for the past quarter-century. Indeed, CRs were actually used to fund the government for the whole year in three different years. Nor has the acts budget process helped control deficits. Congress episodic efforts on that front have been a product of unique laws, such as the 2011 Budget Control Act, that mandated spending caps.

All of which is to say, Congress has given the incoming Trump White House the policy high ground for making the case for presidential impoundments. Wasteful spending has to stop, or so his team will argue, selectively picking, like Nixon, what it considers to be wasteful and conveniently ignoring Trumps own role in increasing the deficits in his first term in office. Indeed, given the likely deficits produced by candidate Trumps spending plans and promised tax and tariff measures, he will want to use impoundment not only to divest government programs he doesnt like but also, and with no irony whatsoever, to claim impoundments are necessary to control federal spending.

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To meet Trumps challenge at least to a degree, Congress could begin by amending the 1974 statute and mandate that, once it receives notice of an impoundment from the White House, it must vote to approve or disapprove of the presidents decision. This contrasts with the current situation, in which the Congress can reject an impoundment by simply not voting on it. Making that change would presumably force more give-and-take between the branches.

But, admittedly, give-and-take is not something Trump is known for. More likely he will insist that, as the nations chief executive, he has an absolute authority to impound funds.

In theory, in protecting its authority over the public purse, Congress should have the upper hand. If a president insists on impounding monies for this or that program, Congress can threaten not to fund favored administration programs or even offices within the White House. But this would require Senate and House leadership to take their institutional privileges more seriously than we have seen in recent years. With Republicans presently in the majority in both chambers, one wonders how much they might resist President Trump if or when he decides to ignore an appropriation in the name of the nations fiscal health.

In all likelihood, the default position will be to look to the Supreme Court to decide the matter. To date, the court has not considered whether the president has an inherent power to impound funds as part of his duties to faithfully execute his office and, in turn, whether the 1974 law is constitutional.

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The only impoundment case of note to make it to the Supreme Court was Train v. City of New York (1975), which arose before the enactment of the Budget Control and Impoundment Act. The issue before the court was whether the Nixon administration had discretion not to fully spend funds Congress had appropriated for the states and local authorities to tackle water pollution. In its oral argument, the government said that it was resting the administrations case on an interpretation of the underlying statute, and was not in this instance asserting a broader constitutional privilege. The administration lost, in a unanimous decision finding the president did not have that discretion as a matter of statutory construction.

The courts decision seems to imply that the more specific Congress is in its spending language, the more ministerial the execution of the law, the less discretion the president has to withhold funds. Yet, pushed to the extreme, this view would suggest Congress could legitimately attempt to direct the actions of administrative officers so thoroughly by appropriations language that it would challenge whether the president, as the office vested with the executive power, actually controls his administration. This would largely vitiate one of the principal reasons the framers of the Constitution in 1787 crafted an independent executive.

There is no getting around that the Constitution contains two potentially contending authorities: Congress having the power to direct federal resources and the president having the power to administer the daily functioning of government. If either authority is carried to an extreme, one can undermine the other.

The circle to be squared is preserving Congress power over the purse while still providing for a limited level of presidential discretion to see to it that the resources of the federal government are spent properly and efficiently. The rub comes when presidents want to use that discretion for broader policy purposes.

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Drawing a line that makes sense of the potentially competing principles without undermining either will be no easy task if the justices are faced with an impoundment case. The danger is a decision by the court that creates a hard and fast rule about something better left to the two political branches to sort out politically and prudentially. But Congress has too often abdicated its side of the fight in a system that Federalist 51 famously described as ambition countering ambition. Though not to be expected, one might hope that the court would force Congress to stand up for itself by refusing to settle the matter. Exercising an institutional muscle that has atrophied would be good for it and, in turn, the constitutional system as a whole.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Donald Trump on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida, amid speculation that the president-elect could pardon him on federal corruption charges.

Adams said after the meeting that they discussed "a number of issues" but that the topics did not include his indictment.

"To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldnt meet with the incoming president to discuss our citys priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because were from different parties clearly care more about politics than people," Adams said in a statement.

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A Trump transition spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening about the meeting.

Adams spokesperson Fabien Levy wrote in a post on X Thursday that the mayor has made clear his "willingness" to work with Trump and his incoming administration "and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York Citys success."

The New York City mayor has signaled that he wants to work with the Trump administration, especially on immigration and border security, after his city struggled to address an influx of migrants in recent years. Adams met with incoming border czar Tom Homan in December.

His goal is the same goal I have, Adams said at a press conference following his meeting with Homan. We cannot allow dangerous individuals to commit repeated violent acts of violence in our cities across America.

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A few days after that meeting, Trump suggested that he would be willing to pardon Adams, who was charged by the federal government in September with bribery and wire fraud as part of a scheme that spanned nearly 10 years.

Yeah, I would, I think that he was treated pretty unfairly, Trump said, adding that he didn't know the gravity of the case but that the allegations didn't seem fair. I mean, Id have to see it, because I dont know the facts.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The mayor told NY1 last week that he would like to attend Trump's inauguration, which takes place Monday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NEW YORK (AP)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Friday, another friendly overture to the president-elect by a Democrat awaiting trial on federal corruption charges.

The purpose of the talk is to discuss New Yorkers priorities, the mayor's spokesperson, Fabien Levy, said in a short statement Thursday. "The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward, he said.

Adams left New York City for Florida on Thursday, according to his public schedule.

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It isn't unusual to see such fence-mending or unity-seeking meetings during presidential transitions, but Adams' outreach to Trump has been scrutinized by critics who see it as an act of self-preservation.

The Democrat is scheduled to go on trial in April on charges that he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for corrupt acts.

As president, Trump would have the power to pardon Adams. He could also potentially pressure the Justice Department to drop the charges. Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, has indicated that he is open to accepting a pardon.

Even before the election, Adams began voicing a desire to work with Trump, arguing that the federal government and the city have to work together even if there are differing political views.

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Trump has also expressed warmth for Adams. After the mayor was indicted, Trump said he suspected the charges were brought because Adams had criticized President Joe Biden's immigration policies.

Trump himself was convicted last year in state court in New York of falsifying records at his business, though a judge declined to impose any punishment at sentencing, citing constitutional hurdles.

Some of Adams' likely opponents in this year's mayoral Democratic primary criticized the upcoming meeting.

Pardon me? The Trump agenda is not going to help move our city or the country forward. This pilgrimage is clearly about something else," State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said on X.

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New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, another candidate for mayor, said Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump.

New Yorkers deserve to know that their Mayor is putting their interests ahead of his own  and whether our tax dollars, or Turkish Airlines, will be financing his trip to Florida, Lander wrote on X.

Adams and Trump are partially aligned, politically, on some immigration matters. Adams has said he is in favor of doing more to deport immigrants accused of crimes.

In December, Adams met with Trumps incoming Border Czar Tom Homan. Adams has long been critical of New York City ordinances that limit cooperation between city law enforcement officials and federal immigration enforcement agencies.
NEW YORK (AP)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams said his meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Friday included discussions of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the city and the Gaza ceasefire deal  but not the mayors federal bribery case.

In a statement released Friday evening following the visit in Florida earlier in the day, the Democratic mayor said he and Trump had a productive conversation about New Yorks needs and whats best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers.

To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, he added.

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The mayors visit to see Trump had been castigated by several of his potential opponents in this years Democratic mayoral primary, who accused Adams of cozying up to Trump in an effort to get a presidential pardon.

Adams hit back in the statement, saying that those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldnt meet with the incoming president to discuss our citys priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because were from different parties clearly care more about politics than people.

A federal grand jury indicted Adams in September on charges that he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish diplomatic officials resolve issues with fire safety inspectors at a diplomatic building in Manhattan. He is scheduled to go on trial in April and has pleaded not guilty.

Trump said in December that he was open to giving Adams a pardon and has criticized the case against him.

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During Adams' visit with Trump on Friday, he also saw Sylvester Stallone and told the actor how much I love his Rocky series," he recalled to a New York Times reporter, who posted some brief video of their exchange to X.

Asked if they spoke about the new $9 toll for most drivers entering Manhattan that Trump has said he will block when he returns to office, Adams said he would have more to say later.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Concerning scenes like this have become normalized for so many subway riders.

I just look at my phone and try to ignore it, said Ryan, who spoke with PIX11 News while riding in a subway car next to a loud and seemingly mentally ill passenger on a 6 train.

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But weve seen how quickly the routine can turn tragic  when someone experiencing severe mental illness becomes the suspect in a high-profile, unprovoked crime.

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Governor Kathy Hochul says the answer  at least in the short term is the immediate deployment of 2 police officers on board every overnight train in the city.

There are 147 trains running overnight  for a total of 300 additional cops.

Thats on top of 750 newly assigned officers to subway stations and train platforms.

And all of that is in addition to the 2,500 transit officers and National Guard soldiers who are already on patrol.

People want to see police officers in the stations and on the trains, said Gov. Hochul. Go out and ask people, do they feel better when they see someone in uniform who can protect them in advance of someone trying to do harm to them  or certainly being there in the aftermath.

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NYC subway turnstiles getting spikey fins: Heres why

Behind the numbers, however  are the stark realities of a sprawling subway system  and limited resources.

It doesnt seem like enough for everything that goes on at night, said Ryan.

Each overnight train has an average of 9 cars and with only two officers on board each train, that means at any given moment, a majority, or almost 78 percent of overnight train cars would not see a police presence.

I believe it is helpful 110%, said Charles, another subway rider.

Still, this subway rider says the new deployment is a good start but wants to see social workers accompany the police officers.

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They know how to serve and protect but you need social workers to understand the mentally ill, said Charles.

Hochul says the total cost of the overnight officer deployment will be $77 million in overtime, which will be funded from the states existing budget. She added the 300 overnight cops will not be accompanied by any social workers.

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YUKON, Okla. (KFOR)  A new scathing audit was released this week that alleges past staff misspending thousands of dollars, pornography through emails, and more.

Its unbelievable, said Mayor Brian Pillmore.

The audit was conducted by Michael Breon and prepared by North American Forensic Accounting. He said that it looked back decades within city staff, including those who dont work at City Hall anymore.

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This is one of the worst examples Ive seen in my thirty years, said Breon.

One of the things found and alleged was that possible sexual encounters on city property and during city time werent reported by the then-Mayor Shelli Selby, who is now a councilwoman.

There was a complaint against me that something had happened years past. They (then-Mayor Selby) looked at it, couldnt find any substance to it, and I think she mentioned that at the council meeting, said Jim Crosby, who is now the City Manager for Chickasha.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Governor Stitt wants state militia reinstated

When the allegations were happening, he was said to have been the city manager for Yukon.

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Crosbys statement to News 4 was not in line with the audits report. Breon stated that a lot of folks knew about this and about this taking place on city property and on city time.

On city time, in city facilities, sexual activities were occurring between a supervisor and a subordinate. Its unacceptable; its sexual harassment, said Mayor Pillmore.

Another red flag included with those allegations was a memo sent by then-Mayor Selby, who said she conducted a pre-investigation review and decided not to conduct a full investigation.

For a mayor to decide or not decide on an investigation is unacceptable, said Mayor Pillmore.

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Another issue within the audit reported examples of city staff members sending hardcore pornography to each other at one point. Another point was an overpayment of nearly $35,000 in vacation benefits to a former city manager at the heart of the examination.

There was a complete lack of leadership and a breakdown of leadership that painted the city for quite some time, said Breon.

Another included around $185,000 of diverted funds from the city to a non-profit called the Yukon Community Support Foundation (YCSF).

Breon said that thousands of dollars that came from INTEGRIS being able to advertise on the water tower shouldve gone to city funds but instead went to YCSF.

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I was surprised by particular findings, but I wasnt surprised by what was found, said Pillmore. That came between the 2018-2019 timeline. Unacceptable that the prior city manager wouldve authorized the transfer of funds that were rightfully the city of Yukons. Those funds belong in the city of Yukons pockets.

Crosby, who was the city manager at the time, denies any wrongdoing.

But he has the checks and deposits that it was diverted from the city to the non-profit, though.

Everything we did, whatever our financial people did, everything went through the council. They approved everything. I cant think of anything we did that was illegal, said Crosby. I dont know who transferred it without being approved. To my knowledge, everything we did goes through the council.

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Crosby said that he anticipates speaking at the next city council meeting in Yukon on these matters.

All Im saying is, they need to look into what theyre doing. This is a mudslinging campaign. Youre saying an audit is done for a few months. They cant cover twenty-odd years in that time. They can make all the allegations they want to, but nothing happened, said Crosby.

Did you have sexual relations with a subordinate employee?

Did you just hear what I said? Nothing happened, said Crosby.

Mayor Pillmore told News 4 that federal and state agencies are aware of the allegations in the report, that a criminal investigation could follow, and that his staff would be more than happy to help if needed.

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For the $185,000 in funds diverted, he said they are working on actions to return the money to the people.

There is much more in the reports pages, which you can find here.

NAFA-Yukon-Forensic-Report-1-13-25-1Download

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(Bloomberg) -- New Zealand is urging Canadas next prime minister to respond to claims from rival dairy exporters that it is dumping low-price milk products on world markets.

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The dairy industry has raised important issues and the government shares their concerns, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said in an emailed response to questions Friday in Wellington. With the impending change of prime minister in Canada their government now has the opportunity to address our concerns and stop these harmful dairy practices. I urge them to do so.

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Industry groups from New Zealand, Australia and the US have written to their trade and agriculture ministers and officials expressing concern over the impact of Canadas trade practices. They claim Canada under-prices surplus milk protein that it dumps on world markets, giving its exporters an unfair advantage.

McClay said he has previously raised objections with Canada on behalf of New Zealand farmers and has now instructed his officials to engage with their counterparts in Australia and the US on Canadas practices.

We will be exploring what action we might take jointly, in particular with the new administration in the US, against harmful Canadian dairy trade practices, he said.

The dairy industry action comes as the world braces for potential trade tariffs when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday. Canada is one of the countries singled out by Trump. Meanwhile Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will step down once his governing Liberal Party has selected a new leader in coming weeks.

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PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 17: Microland, a leading Global Digital Transformation Company, has been recognized as a Leader in the US region in the Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) quadrant of the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 for Intelligent Automation Services. The ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 highlights the comprehensive automation strategies offered by Intelligent Automation Service Providers, integrating evolving technological capabilities with the potential of scaling across entire organizations. The study emphasizes the importance of customer-centric design, purpose-built automation, and business experience in building distinguished performance metrics. Microland's AIOps platform, Intelligeni delivers AI-driven automation for IT operations and real-time analytics, enhancing hybrid IT management, streamlining incident resolution, and improving scalability. The company's innovative Automated Ops model based on the Intelligeni platform, builds resilient IT environments that can adapt to changes without disruption. Intelligeni provides full-stack integration with a diverse range of monitoring sources through its comprehensive observability platform, offering accurate health assessments and holistic visibility into IT operations. "We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 for Intelligent Automation Services," said Satish Sukumar, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Platforms at Microland. "This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering unfaltering experiences and driving business growth for our clients through our innovative AI-powered solutions that drive IT resilience and efficiency." "This recognition underscores our relentless focus on empowering enterprises with intelligent, AI-driven solutions that not only optimize IT operations but also lay the foundation for sustainable and scalable digital transformation. It's a proud moment for us as we continue to enable our clients to navigate complexity and achieve resilience with confidence," said Sam Mathew, President, Microland. "Microland provides a complete suite of platforms and guidance for clients implementing AIOps, providing end-to-end insights into their IT infrastructure," said Ashwin Gaidhani, the lead author of this research. The ISG Providers Lens Study 2024 serves as an important decision-making basis for business and IT decision-makers, offering transparency on the strengths and weaknesses of relevant providers, differentiated positioning by segments, and focus on different markets, including the U.S. and Europe. The study also provides insights into the high demand for multimodal talent and the importance of responsible automation practices. For more information about Microland's AIOps solutions and the ISG Providers Lens Study 2024, please visit https://www.microland.com/analyst-insights/isg-provider-lens-study-intelligent-automation-services-2024. About Microland Microland is a pioneering IT Infrastructure services and consulting company headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with a proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes for 35 years. Today, as enterprises recognize that networks underpin the functionality and efficiency of modern digital systems and support innovation, we provide next-generation technologies such as AI, automated operations, and platform-driven solutions - which drive operational excellence, agility, and productivity for organizations worldwide. Our team of over 4,600 experts delivers services in over 100 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, offering cutting-edge solutions in networks, cloud, data centers, cybersecurity, services management, applications, and automation. Recognized by leading industry analysts for our innovative strategies, Microland is committed to strong governance, environmental sustainability, and fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talent thrives. When businesses work with Microland, they connect with the best talent, technologies, and solutions to create unparalleled value. For more information, visit www.microland.com Media contact: sobia.sahar@microland.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599676/ISG_Providers_Lens.jpgPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599677/IT_Operations_AIOps.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2483706/Microland_Logo.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)
By Yuliia Dysa

(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed energy security with Slovakia's opposition leader in Kyiv on Friday, amid a row with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico who has threatened to cut aid to Ukraine.

Fico is angry with Kyiv over its decision not to extend a deal on the transit of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, saying the move had damaged Slovakia's economy. His leftist-nationalist coalition is looking shakier and faces a no-confidence vote.

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Zelenskiy had invited Fico to visit Kyiv for talks on Friday, an invitation he alluded to as he announced his meeting with Michal Simecka, the head of Progressive Slovakia, the country's biggest opposition party.

"Friday. Expected one Slovak leader, but met another. I had a good meeting with Slovak parliamentarians, led by @MSimecka," Zelenskiy wrote on X.

"We are ready for an open and mutually beneficial dialogue on all issues, particularly in the energy sector. This dialogue must strengthen our nations  Ukraine and Slovakia  not Moscow," Zelenskiy said in his statement after meeting Simecka.

Simecka said in a separate statement that he believed Ukraine was ready to negotiate over the issue, adding: "That is exactly what I am calling on Robert Fico to do now".

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Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine ended at the start of the year after the transit agreement between Kyiv and Moscow expired. Kyiv refused to extend the deal to reduce revenue streams supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

The overall gas situation has remained stable in Slovakia, but Fico says the end of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine has resulted in higher gas prices and a loss of transit fees. He has insisted on the need to restore flows, something Kyiv rejects.

THREATS

Zelenskiy and Fico have since exchanged mutual accusations.

If the gas transit problem is not resolved, Fico has threatened to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, reduce aid for its refugees in Slovakia or to use its veto right on European Union decisions relating to Kyiv.

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Zelenskiy has said Fico's lack of desire to reduce his country's dependence on Russian natural resources threatens both Slovakia and Europe.

On Monday, Fico proposed he and Zelenskiy meet on the Slovakian-Ukrainian border to discuss the gas situation. Zelenskiy said Fico should instead come to Kyiv for the talks.

Fico said on Thursday that he was looking for a date to meet Zelenskiy, which could happen in the "nearest days", according to Slovak media.

He did not give details, but both leaders are scheduled to attend the Davos forum in Switzerland in the coming week.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa, additional reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Gareth Jones)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on 17 January to discuss the production of drones, the missile programme, technological components for the army and robotic systems.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening video address

Quote: "Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. The topics were varied, but overall focused on achieving independence in armaments. We discussed drone production, the missile programme, and technological components for our army, including robotic systems.

We are working on expanding procurements and ramping up production within Ukraine. I am grateful to all the partners who are helping us."

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President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in Kyiv on Jan. 16 to discuss Italy's ongoing military assistance to Ukraine.

Crosetto's arrival in Kyiv was announced earlier on Jan. 16, the same day that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Zelensky.

Zelensky and Crosetto discussed defense support and security guarantees for Ukraine, the presidential office said. Topics addressed included bolstering air defense systems, training Ukrainian personnel in Italy, and joint defense production. The president highlighted the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry, particularly drone production.

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Ukraine's future NATO membership as "the most effective" security guarantee possible, one that would advance "a just and lasting peace for all Europe."

The leaders also discussed plans for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled to take place in Rome July 10-11.

Zelensky thanked Crosetto and the Italian government for the country's 10th military aid package to Ukraine, approved last month. Crosetto said Italy remains committed to supporting Ukraine's defense needs and that the focus is now on the next round of military aid to Kyiv.

"I came here to discuss the 11th support package, as the 10th has already been approved," Crosetto said.

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"As we have already discussed, now is the moment  perhaps the most critical moment in the past three years  to increase support."

Crosetto's visit comes mere days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. The transition of power in Washington is expected to significantly disrupt the balance of Western support for Ukraine amid the full-scale war. European countries are preparing to play a greater role in addressing Ukraine's defense priorities if the U.S. shifts its focus from aid to negotiations.

Italy's 10 military aid packages to Ukraine have included advanced weapons systems like the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense units. The country's cabinet approved a decree on Dec. 23 extending the supply of military aid to Kyiv through the end of 2025.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, UK sign 100-year partnership agreement

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to senior soldier Dmytro Maslovskyi of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of Ukraine.

Source: a decree on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "Dmytro's last battle, the battle that occurred in Donetsk Oblast, was seen by millions of Ukrainians. The bravery of our man is exemplary. Ukraine will always remember this bravery. I have presented the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to our soldiers mother."

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Details: The Office released a video of the awarding ceremony on 17 January.

Dmytro Maslovskyi, a 30-year-old paratrooper who went by the alias Cobra, was killed during a hand-to-hand combat with a Russian soldier near the village of Trudove in Donetsk Oblast in November 2024. He was buried in his native village in Odesa Oblast.

A video of the combat, capturing Dmytros last moments, appeared online in January 2025.

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Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Michal Simecka, the leader of Progressive Slovakia, the main Slovak opposition party, who arrived in Kyiv on Friday, 17 January.

Source: Ukrinform, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy and Simecka discussed bilateral relations and energy security.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Everything you have done for our people, your attitude, is very important to us. Thank you for supporting our sovereignty and our people. Your [Simeckas  ed.] visit is a sign that you will continue to support our sovereignty, our independence."

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Details: The president also told Simecka that it was important for Ukraine "to see a sign from the Slovak people that you too will support the Ukrainian people on our path to the EU and NATO, because this is crucial for us."

Zelenskyy also mentioned that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had been invited to Ukraine for negotiations, "but another leader has come".

Background:

A delegation of Slovak opposition politicians has arrived in Kyiv to support friendly relations with Ukraine amidst the ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Slovakias pro-Western opposition parties intend to propose a vote of no confidence in Ficos government in the near future.

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Mark Zuckerberg has blamed his long-time lieutenant Sheryl Sandberg for masterminding Facebooks diversity projects as the billionaire seeks to repair ties with Donald Trump.

In a meeting with Stephen Miller, one of Mr Trumps most senior advisers, Mr Zuckerberg claimed Ms Sandberg had been behind Metas programmes that encouraged employees self-expression at work, the New York Times reported.

Ms Sandberg, who until 2022 was the technology giants chief operating officer, is a long-standing supporter of the Democrats and last year endorsed Kamala Harriss campaign.

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Mr Zuckerbergs comments come as the billionaire Facebook founder seeks to build ties with Mr Trumps incoming White House administration, four years after he suspended the Republicans account following the Capitol Hill riots on Jan 6 2021.

Last week, Mr Zuckerberg announced a series of sweeping changes to Facebooks moderation policies, confirming the company would be getting rid of a number of restrictions on topics like immigration, gender identity and gender and are the subject of frequent political discourse.

Republicans have long accused the tech giant of biased moderation against conservative views.

Mr Zuckerberg also said on a podcast that companies had been culturally neutered by diversity initiatives, adding that Facebook would be embracing masculine energy.

Sheryl Sandberg is known for her progressive politics and acted as a former mentor to Mark Zuckerberg - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

In an internal memo last week, Facebook confirmed it would be scrapping its diversity, equity and inclusion team. A company executive said that the term had become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.

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A former Google executive, Ms Sandberg joined Facebook in 2008 and served as Mr Zuckerbergs mentor in key business decisions.

At 15 years his senior, Ms Sandberg handled many of the operations, finance and lobbying decisions at the business, while Mr Zuckerberg pursued its technical aims.

The executive has long been known for her progressive politics, in 2013 writing the business book Lean In to encourage women to be more assertive in the workplace. She stepped down as a Facebook executive in 2022, giving $3m (2.5m) to the American Civil Liberties Union to campaign for abortion rights.

Despite her close ties to Democratic politicians, including Hilary Clinton, Facebook came under fierce criticism from progressive politicians throughout her tenure, with Facebook blamed for failing to stop fake news and disinformation in 2016. Democrats accused Facebook of enabling the rise of Mr Trump and empowering his supporters.

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While they routinely met twice each week, Ms Sandberg and Mr Zuckerbergs relations reportedly cooled in the later years of her tenure at Facebook.

Facebook was contacted for comment.

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Mark Zuckerberg reportedly blamed one of his former executives, Sheryl Sandberg, for Metas recent culture issues during a meeting with President-elect Donald Trumpdespite the fact that she has not been with the company for more than two years.

The Facebook founder is accused of playing the blame game at a November meeting at Mar-a-Lago, where The New York Times reports he also made assurances to not stand in Donald Trumps way after he returns to office next week.

The newspaper reported that high-level discussions occurred between Zuckerberg and top Trump advisersincluding Stephen Millerand that crackdowns on immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts were all topics of discussion.

Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg smile as they walk together in 2021. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Zuckerberg, 40, was reportedly amenable to the president-elects plans.

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According to the newspaper, Miller told him he had an opportunity to help reform America. Zuckerberg responded to Miller he would do nothing to obstruct the Trump agenda and would focus solely on building tech products.

[Zuckerberg] said new guidelines and a series of layoffs amounted to a reset and that more changes were coming, the Times reported, citing someone with knowledge of the meeting.

The Times amended its story on Thursday afternoon to add that Zuckerbergs alleged displeasure with Sandberg was specifically over an inclusivity initiative at Facebook that encouraged employees self-expression in the workplace. The article did not say why Zuckerberg would take issue with such an initiative.

Sandberg, 55, resigned from Facebook in 2022. She remained a board member at its parent company, Meta, but left that role last year. She did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Beast on Thursday.

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There were no public signs of bad blood between the executives at the time of Sandbergs resignation. Zuckerberg went as far as typing a lengthy post to Facebook during Sandbergs final month where he praised his business partner of 14 years.

The front portion of Mark Zuckerbergs post after Sheryl Sandberg stepped down as Facebooks COO in 2022. / Facebook

Its unusual for a business partnership like ours to last so long, he wrote. I think ours did because Sheryl is such an amazing person, leader, partner, and friend. She cares deeply about the people in her life and she is generous about nurturing relationships and helping you grow as a person.

He added that Sandbergs position would not be filled because he was not sure that would be possible since shes a superstar.

Im sad that the day is coming when I wont get to work as closely with Sheryl, he said. But more than anything, Im grateful for everything she has done to build Meta. She has done so much for me, for our community, and for the worldand were all better off for it.

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Their relationship continued into 2024, when Zuckerberg told MorningBrew that Sandberg raised him like a parent almost and they remain pretty close friends.

Zuckerberg is expected to join tech billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in sitting front and center at Trumps inauguration on Monday.

Elon Musk emerged as one of Trumps closest and most powerful allies last summer. Now other tech billionaires are courting the president-elect. / Brandon Bell / Getty Images

That prominent place on Trumps big day comes after Meta donated $1 million to the president-elects inaugural fund and after he brought about sweeping changes to its brands earlier this month.

Metas new era will see it loosen speech restrictions on topics like immigration, gender, and sexuality. Its fact-checking department has been nixed, and it will now insert more political content into peoples feeds after years of suppressing that very material.

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Also eliminated are Metas D.E.I. policies and its position of chief diversity officer. The company will no longer have diversity hiring goals for women and minorities, and it will no longer prioritize minority-owned businesses when hiring vendors, the Times reported earlier this month.

Sources told the paper that Zuckerberg himself was the driving force behind these changes, with him springing into action after his Mar-a-Lago meeting on Nov. 27.

Mark Zuckerberg rolled out sweeping changes to Meta after meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November. / Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

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Zuckerberg, who used to rarely discusses politics, even went on Joe Rogans podcast this month to discuss the changes and disparage Joe Bidens advisers, who he claimed cursed and screamed at his employees at Meta.

They pushed us super hard to take down things that honestly were true, he alleged to Rogan.

Zuckerbergs MAGA transformation reached new heights after he agreed this week to host a black-tie inaugural ball for Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and all of their wealthy GOP pals.
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His visit is going to be very important in bringing more investment to Maharashtra, which attracts the most foreign investment and is full of aspirations.

Earlier, Devendra Fadnavis participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos three times during his first tenure as the chief minister.

Maharashtra has moved from the fifth position to the first position in terms of industrial development during that period.

Magnetic Maharashtra was organized twice in the state during that period.

Even now, in this tour, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will have a lot of programs in his Davos tour. He will also meet many world leaders. Industries Minister Uday Samant, as well as a delegation of MIDC, MMRDA, CIDCO officials will accompany him on this tour.

A large number of MoUs are expected to be signed during the tour in areas such as data centers, automobiles, semiconductors, EVs, electronics, steel, food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

The tour will be an attempt to bring massive investment to the state to make Maharashtra a USD 1 trillion economy.

The annual WEF meeting 2025 in Davos takes place from 20 - 24 January. The meeting brings together government, business and civil society leaders to set the year's agenda for how leaders can make the world a better place for all.

Davos 2025 convenes under the theme, 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. The 2025 meeting is being organized under five areas: reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust. More than 350 governmental leaders are expected to participate this year, including 60 heads of state and government. (ANI)
New Rep. Gloria Mendoza of Grandview wasted no time getting to work in Olympia this week, delivering the Republican response to Gov. Bob Ferguson's inaugural speech on Wednesday.

It was an opportunity for the freshman representative and former Grandview mayor to introduce herself to the Legislature, which convened for its 105-day session on Monday.

It hasnt always been easy. Being a farmworker isnt easy, running a business isnt easy, and being a single mother isnt easy. There were times that I struggled, but I kept on fighting, Mendoza said in the speech.

Eventually, we built our own American dream. I am proud to live in Washington state, she said.

Mendoza outlined many problems facing the state, related to affordability, public safety and education and cast doubt on the efficacy of 40-years of Democrats in the governor's office. She said Washington is the fourth most expensive state in the nation, and has among the highest prices of gas, groceries and housing.

"We want to eliminate taxes on diapers and other essentials for babies and moms. We want to eliminate taxes on food," she said. "Finally, we want to make our schools the best in the nation."

Mendoza said that Washington ranked third for states with the highest crime rate and third for largest homeless population.

She spoke out against any new tax proposals, in light of a potential $10 billion budget deficit.

Mendoza said the state ranked first for retail theft and second for vehicle theft in the nation, and that state Republicans have a plan to toughen penalties.

We need to make Washington safe again, she said.

Mendoza also said that the state Republicans have a plan to end the fentanyl crisis, by toughening penalties on manufacturers and dealers and increasing the number of drug treatment facilities. The plan also includes removing children from homes where fentanyl is abused, she said.

She said the party is calling for more funding and staffing of police.

After the destructive defund the police movement, it is time to finally fund the police, Mendoza said.

Mendoza said that the partys plan would benefit Washingtonians in measurable ways.

Dont let Olympia politicians distract you with their discussion of President Trump and national politics. Yes, national issues matter, but your governor and legislators were elected to fix the problems in this Washington, not the other one.

In a news release, Mendoza said that she was told it was rare for a freshman member of the Legislature to make the speech, and that she was honored to be able to give it.

State Republicans react to Fergusons speech

Ferguson distanced himself from former Gov. Jay Inslee in his speech, and said he is not in favor of new taxes to address a projected $12 billion to $16 billion budget deficit over the next four years.

He announced an executive order to reform the states permitting process and his desire to work with Republicans to reform the governors emergency powers.

He said he wants to hire more law enforcement officers in the state and make school lunches free for all students.

During a news conference, Washington State Republican leaders said that they were largely in agreement with Gov. Fergusons inaugural speech, particularly about the problems facing Washington.

Gov. Ferguson was honest, and I appreciate that, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary. He opened his speech by talking about all the ways Washington is failing, and many of the areas he identified were the same ones Republicans have been talking about for years.

Stokesbary said he believes that Republicans took to his speech even more than Democrats in the chamber.

State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima said he believes that budget issues can be addressed without raising taxes or creating new ones. He said state Republicans dont play into party politics, and will support good ideas no matter where they come from.

I was honestly confused because I was waiting to find something I would really be upset about  but no, were here to help. These are really good, bold ideas weve been talking about for a long time, he said.

Mendoza said that Ferguson must have gotten his ideas from listening to people across the state, as he campaigned through each county last year.

Im hoping that he keeps to his promise and that he follows through, Mendoza said. Were very optimistic.

Yakima-area state legislators sworn in

Lawmakers elected in 2024 to the state House and Senate were sworn in on Monday.

In the 14th District, Mendoza and Deb Manjarrez, a certified public accountant and farmer from Wapato, took their seats in the House. State Sen. Curtis King began his fifth term representing the district in the Senate.

In the 15th District, Chris Corry of Yakima and Jeremie Dufault of Selah were sworn in. Both are returning to Olympia following redistricting. Corry was originally elected in the 14th, and ran in the 15th. Dufault stepped down in 2022 after boundaries moved his residence outside of the 15th, but was elected after another round of redistricting changes. State Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco is partway through her term.

All six legislators in the 14th and 15th districts are Republicans.
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], January 17: Transjovan Capital, a premier global M&A advisory firm with offices in New Delhi, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Dubai has shared its outlook on the next big investable segment in the Indian Fintech space, that is, Surety bonds. India is on a path to supercharged economic growth with substantial emphasis on developing the infrastructure sectors - roads & highways, power, railways, and water management. The Government of India has planned an investment of USD 1.4 Tn over 5 years on infrastructure projects as per the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Given the long-term nature of these projects, contractors are required to furnish guarantees to the contract awarding bodies to mitigate the risks of non-delivery and quality as per the pre-agreed terms. Until 2022, bank guarantees, which have limited supply, were the only instruments to service the demand for guarantees in India. Furthermore, they use up a significant portion of the working capital, given they require huge cash margins and collaterals to be placed with the banks. Even considering banks non-fund credit CAGR of 22.7%, there will still be a significant deficit of non-fund credit in India over the next 3-5 years as India continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. Bank guarantees are equipped to meet only 40% of India's demand over the next 3-5 years. This creates a shortfall in the system that poses a significant bottleneck to infrastructure development in core sectors like Construction (Road & Railways), Energy, Aviation, and Telecom. Surety bonds were introduced in the Budget of 2022 as a substitute for bank guarantees. Issued by insurance companies, these bonds fall under the purview of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and are charged a premium as a percentage of the amount guaranteed. Importantly, surety bonds generally do not require any cash margins or collaterals. While still nascent in India, surety bonds are widely used as guarantees globally. The penetration of Surety bonds is higher than BGs in most developed economies. In fact, it is no coincidence that the top 40 countries in the rankings for 'Ease of Doing business' have significantly higher rates of Surety Bonds acceptance. The global industry size of surety bonds is estimated at USD 21 Bn in gross written premiums (GWP), with USA at USD 10 Bn and Europe at USD 5 Bn, respectively. In spite of being one of the largest economies in the world, India is highly underpenetrated with only around USD 10 Mn GWP underwritten to date (almost 3 years since the first notification of acceptance). That is where the opportunity lies. Gaurav Asthana, Managing Partner at Transjovan Capital, opines, "Surety bonds have historically shown the lowest loss ratios in the Insurance sector, averaging to only 18-25% globally in comparison to other insurance LOBs where loss ratios have touched high 90%s. We are optimistic about the growth potential of surety bonds in India, fuelled by its huge infrastructure requirements. It is currently a white space opportunity and I won't be surprised if a unicorn emerges from this category in the next 3 years." Surety bonds are an insurance product that rely heavily on a robust underwriting ecosystem. This is where the role of a surety bond specialist provider (broker, MGA, surety insurer) has become highly critical in bringing together different players within the ecosystem - reinsurers, insurance companies and clients. Today, there are only a few such surety providers in India. For example, Surety Seven, a technology provider for Surety bonds (non-fund credit) assessment, holds a lion's share of the market catering to B2B infrastructure clients, while a few others focus on B2C rental bonds or SME working capital financing bonds. Surety Seven has powered Surety bonds through its technology working along with multiple surety insurers and brokers in India. Pranjal Aneja, founder of Surety Seven notes, "We have seen this category built from scratch in India and have developed a robust underwriting technology platform to address the prevailing need gap. There is a huge dearth of non-fund credit in India, Surety Bonds are the only mechanism to fill that void." He further states "Technology has been the cornerstone of all of India's successes in the recent times, why should Surety market be any different? The current pie is large enough for multiple providers like surety insurers, brokers etc. to peacefully coexist. This market will grow about 100 times in the next 18-24 months." Transjovan Capital is assisting Surety Seven in raising growth capital. The future of the surety bond industry in India looks incredibly promising with a potential to exceed USD 7-8 Bn in GWP underwriting within the next 5 years. About Surety Seven Surety Seven is a technology provider for Surety bond assessment, underwriting & facilitation. Surety Seven's proprietary technology streamlines the Surety Bond process enabling all stakeholders like reinsurers, insurers, intermediaries, & clients (contractors large and SME). Surety Seven since its inception in 2023 has powered through its technology over INR 3600 crores of Surety bonds in India. Company's promoters, Pranjal Aneja and Uditt Lamba, are Computer Engineers from Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering) and bring in a combined 15 years of experience in the software industry. Pranjal Aneja's prior experience in building Surety Bonds programs as a financial consultant in the EU has guided the company's growth over the last 2 years. The firm is a leader in powering, through its technology, Surety Bonds and associated credit insurance risks in India and for Indian interest abroad. In the short span of 1.5 years, Surety Seven has powered more than 50% of India's Surety industry for sectors like Construction (Railways & Roads), Energy, Telecom, Aviation and more. For any business queries related to Surety Seven, write to: support@suretyseven.com. About Transjovan Capital Transjovan Capital is a premier global M&A advisory firm with offices in New Delhi, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Dubai. Since its inception in 2011, the firm has advised 200+ clientele on cumulative transactions worth over USD 7 Bn, spread across 10+ countries globally. It is focused on providing advisory services to clients pertaining to Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Equity Capital-raising, Corporate Strategy and Board Advisory. The firm is sector agnostic and has worked across traditional sectors (Industrials, Infrastructure, Consumer, Chemicals, Education, Engineering, Logistics, Media, Manufacturing, and Financial Services) as well as new-age sectors (Enterprise SaaS, Fintech, Deeptech, AI, D2C, Agritech, IoT, Healthtech, Logistic tech, and Edtech). For any business queries related to Transjovan Capital, write to: marketing@transjovancap.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2539450/TJC_Logo.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)
Thursday morning brought shocking news as the country woke up to reports of an attack on popular Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan in his Bandra residence during a suspected burglary attempt, where he sustained several major stab wounds. The 'Hum Tum' star was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in the wee hours of Thursday. He underwent surgery there and is currently recovering in the ICU. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder who stabbed Saif. Here are all the details about the unfortunate incident that happened at the house of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan: Attack on Saif in the wee hours of Thursday Saif was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif undergoes surgery at Lilavati Hospital Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'. While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU, where he is currently recovering Police update on attack Mumbai Police is currently investigating the matter. Dixit Gedam, DCP Zone 9 of Mumbai Police, who is part of the team investigating an attack on Saif, said that the incident was a "robbery attempt" and the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. Gedam said, "Last night, the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. It appears to be a robbery attempt. We working to arrest the accused. 10 Detection teams are working on the case. An offence has been registered in Bandra Police Station." Saif's PR team confirms the attack Hours after the shocking incident, Saif's PR team issued a statement requesting privacy from fans and media. "There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khan's residence during which he was attacked and has suffered some injuries. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter We will keep you updated on the situation," the statement read Family and friends visit hospital to meet Saif In no time, Saif's family members and close friends gathered at Lilavati Hospital after learning about the shocking incident. From Saif's wife Kareena, sister Soha Ali Khan, brother-in-law Kunal Kemmu to children Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim, all his close ones visited the hospital to check on the actor's health. On Thursday evening, Saif's mother and veteran actor Sharmila Tagore was also spotted visiting the hospital. Police record statements of staff members from Saif's residence Mumbai police registered an FIR regarding the attack on the actor and recorded the statement of the complainant, who is the maid employed by the actor. In the complaint, it is alleged that the attacker demanded one crore rupees from the family. According to the complainant, the intruder attacked the maid allegedly with a hexa blade, which hit both her hands. "He ran towards me with something like wood in his left hand and a long thin hexa blade in his right hand, during the scuffle, he tried to attack me with the blade, when I tried to protect myself by moving my hand forward, something like a knife hit my wrist near both my hands and the middle finger of my left hand. At that time, I asked him "What do you want" Then he said, "I need money, I asked how much." Then he said in English 'One crore'," the statement read. In the recorded statement, the house help mentioned that the incident happened at 2 AM on January 16. "When I looked again I saw a shadow at the bathroom door, and as I bent down to see who might be inside, one person came out and went towards their (Saif Ali Khan's) son," the statement added. It added, "He attacked Saif with a wooden object in her hand and a hexa blade... We all ran out of the room and pulled the door and then we all ran towards him. Hearing the sound, Ramesh, Hari, Ramu and Paswan who were sleeping came out. When we took him to the room again, the door of the room was open." Kareena's first official statement After hours of the incident, Saif's wife and actor Kareena Kapoor released a public statement on Instagram, addressing the incident and the media coverage that followed. Kareena described the day as "incredibly challenging" for her family. She requested requested members of the media to respect their privacy during this difficult period. "We are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from relentless speculation and coverage," Kareena said. "While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time," the statement further said. Mumbai Police form 20 teams to track attacker In a major development, Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams to track the assailant who intruded into the actor's residence and attacked him. (ANI)
A debate will be held in the European Parliament next Tuesday on suspected Hungarian surveillance of EU officials.

According to the agenda, representatives of the European Commission and Council of Europe will be heard.



Investigative website Direkt36 reported in December that, under the guidance of Janos Lazar, the Information Office spied on detectives from the EU anti-fraud office OLAF when they were in Hungary investigating suspicious tenders related to the Elios public lighting company.



Several EU officials confirmed to Direkt36 that the EU institutions had received reports of illicit surveillance of other staff members in Hungary.



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Actor Konkona SenSharma has called for media sensitivity and privacy for Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan's family following an attack on him by an intruder at his home in Mumbai in the wee hours of Thursday. Soon after the shocking incident, paps and members of the media in big numbers lined up outside the Lilavati Hospital and Saif's residence to click photographs of the actor's family and friends who visited him. This behaviour of paps has irked several celebrities including Konkona. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "Please leave them alone! We don't need to see them enter and exit the hospital." Earlier, on Thursday night, Saif's wife Kareena also issued a statement urging fans and media to respect the family's privacy in difficult time. "It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage," Kareena stated. She further emphasized the overwhelming nature of the constant scrutiny. "While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time," the statement read. Saif was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. He was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'. While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU, where he is currently recovering. (ANI)
Like in past years, the lower Danube embankment road on the Pest side of the capital city will be opened to pedestrians, bicyclists and users of scooters and roller skates every weekend this summer, the mayor of Budapest said.

Gergely Karacsony said in a post on Facebook that the road's full width will be free of cars and lorries from spring to autumn every weekend between March 15 and October 26 and during public holidays.



At the same time, the viaduct next to the Jane Haining embankment and several other sections along the river bank may be renovated starting this year or in 2026, he said.



The central section of the embankment will be fully opened to pedestrians from June 21, after the end of the school year, until mid-August, when preparations will begin for the August 20 national holiday.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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Something happened at Paks II, a local source informed, but the statements are contradictory: the developer of the new power plant said that a wall has shifted in the work pit.

The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) claims that they prevented further shifting. Rosatom, the Russian partner providing nuclear technology denies that anything happened and the German contractor is silent.



Apparently, Rosatom is not paying Bauer for all their items, so the German company has halted work until their payments are settled, the source wrote.



And the slope wall, around 10 to 15 meters high, in the partially excavated pool for Block 5, has tilted. As a result, a massive amount of soil has been placed there. Its only a matter of days before this becomes widely known - every local worker has seen it or knows about it  independent PM Akos Hadhazy wrote this on his Facebook page in January.



Hadhazy was referring to the ongoing work at the Paks nuclear power plant, where a second block for the plant is currently being built. Workers have been busy with the excavation of the work pit, soil removal, soil stabilization, and the construction of so-called diaphragm walls.



The purpose of these walls is to prevent groundwater from seeping into the work pit, which is necessary not only for the work pit itself but also for the protection of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant operating in the immediate vicinity.



The stakes are high



If the groundwater level drops by even a few centimetres or decimetres under one side of a building  which weighs hundreds of thousands of tons  it could cause the building to shift. In this case, the nearest block - Block IV - would be at risk, Geophysicist Dr. Gabor Timar, a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), explained to Atlatszo.



The bulk of the ground preparation work is being carried out by the German-owned Bauer Magyarorszag Specialis Melyepito Kft. In 2020, the company won Rosatoms tender with an initial contract value of 179 million, according to the plans at the time. A review of Rosatoms tender database, based on available documents, reveals that the projects cost has increased significantly over time.



The final contract value after modifications now stands at nearly 524 million, equivalent to approximately 215 billion HUF at current exchange rates. The original planned budget for the entire Paks II project was 12.5 billion  so they are now at more than that.



According to the tender documentation, Bauer is also responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and preparing the technical plans for ground preparation. According to the schedule, soil stabilization for Block V should have been done by June 15, 20204, and by December 31, 2024, for Block VI. The rest was planned for a deadline in June 2025.



Bauer Magyarorszag Kft., established in 1990, has experienced significant growth over the last five years. Its revenue increased from 5.99 billion HUF to 26 billion HUF, and its pre-tax profit rose from 313 million HUF to 1.8 billion HUF between 2019 and 2023.



The number of employees grew from 50 to 329. According to financial reports, the companys sole owner, German Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH, last withdrew dividends from the Hungarian subsidiary in 2019, amounting to 343 million HUF.



Did the wall really tilt?



Following Akos Hadhazys post about movements along the wall, we requested information from Bauer Magyarorszag Kft., Paks II Zrt., Rosatom, and the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH).



In response to our inquiry, Paks II Zrt. stated that soil stabilization work in the areas of the nuclear islands for both Blocks V and VI has been completed, and that construction continues with adherence to and enforcement of regulations, under the continuous supervision of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH).



The OAH informed Atlatszo that the media reports about the tilting slope wall were not confirmed by monitoring system data, on-site inspections, or the information provided by Paks II Zrt.



However, they acknowledged that Paks II Zrt. independently took measures to support the southern wall of the excavation for Block V as a precautionary measure to prevent potential movement.



According to the nuclear authority, Paks II Zrt. operates a monitoring system that is updated multiple times daily, to which OAH has direct access. This system continuously measures the state of the excavation for Block V, including soil movement. Notification, intervention, and halt thresholds have been established to address potential risks as promptly as possible.



The OAH emphasized that, so far, no deviations or non-compliances requiring OAHs direct intervention have occurred during site preparation activities.



The authority also stated that it conducts inspections at least weekly and systematically organizes site visits at middle and senior management levels. Additionally, targeted inspections are carried out as needed. However, managing risks that arise during construction primarily falls under the responsibility of Paks II Zrt., according to the OAH.



The following day, Vilaggazdasag quoted a statement from Paks II Zrt that explicitly mentioned movement. Based on data from the monitoring system, the degree of movement did not reach the intervention threshold  as previously determined in the plans.



However, as a precautionary measure  and considering the reduced availability of personnel during the holidays  they decided to reinforce the section of the wall.



We asked Rosatom what necessitated the walls reinforcement, whether it was due to construction or design flaws, and when the contractor would address the issue. We also inquired about the alleged accounting dispute, the amount in question, and the reasons for withholding payment.



Rosatom did not provide substantive answers



They referred us to their earlier statement published in Portfolio.hu, which noted that Bauer Magyarorszag Specialis Melyepito Kft. completed the soil stabilization under the future nuclear islands of Blocks V and VI of the Paks II nuclear power plant in accordance with the implementation schedule.



Remaining works aimed at constructing auxiliary facilities are to be carried out by Bauer Kft. in the second and third quarters of 2025. (This is no longer the June 2025 deadline we saw earlier in the schedule).



We reached out to Bauer Hungaria Kft for comment but received no response. Over the phone, they informed us that they would not respond to any inquiries and would shortly issue a statement on the matter. The statement has yet to emerge as of this articles publication.



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New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India on Friday unveiled its first battery electric vehicle eVITARA, which will be exported to over 100 countries. Speaking at the unveiling of the model at the Auto Expo, held as part of the Bharat Mobility Show, Suzuki Motor Corporation representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki said the electric SUV would be exported to various regions, including Europe and Japan.

Suzuki Motor Corporation, which has around 58 per cent stake in Maruti Suzuki India, plans to make India a global production hub for the model. "We plan to begin production of the eVITARA" in the coming few months at Maruti Suzuki's Gujarat plant. From here, we will export to more than 100 countries, including Europe and Japan," Suzuki said.

In India, the automaker will utilise all its resources to build a BEV ecosystem to offer customers an experience with total peace of mind, he stated. This will ensure that customers feel very comfortable and confident when making the BEV choice, Suzuki said. e VITARA is Suzuki's first global strategic battery electric vehicle, which has been long-awaited in India and many parts of the world, he added.

Speaking at the launch, Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said, "We have invested more than Rs 2,100 crore for manufacturing eVITARA in India, which includes a dedicated EV production line". The company is looking to create electric eco solutions for the customers through the "e for me" initiative, he added.

Maruti Suzuki will offer smart home chargers, along with installation support, ensuring convenience for its customers, Suzuki said. "We will leverage our vast network to provide fast charging support to our customers in the top 100 cities in the first phase and then expand further. The idea is that, within these cities, every 5 to 10 kilometres a customer finds a charging point by Maruti Suzuki," he added.

Moreover, he said, "We are preparing over 1,500 EV-enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities. These workshops will have specially trained manpower and special equipment to provide all EV-related support, including charging".

e VITARA is going to feature two battery options -- 49kWh and 61kWh, with a driving range of around 500 kms on a single charge.
New Delhi: Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh is all set to begin the next shooting schedule for the much-anticipated sequel De De Pyaar De 2. Known for her captivating presence and effortless charm, Rakul's performances always leave a lasting impact, and her portrayal of Ayesha in the first De De Pyaar De was no exception. Fans have been eagerly waiting for her return to the big screen in the sequel, and now, the wait is almost over.

According to an independent industry source, "Rakul Preet Singh is scheduled to begin shooting for De De Pyaar De 2 from January 18. The shoot is expected to continue until the start of the February month. Fans are thrilled to see her back on screen in this long-awaited sequel."

This time, both Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet will be seen with the exciting addition of R. Madhavan to the sequel.

In addition to De De Pyaar De 2, Rakul has a promising lineup of upcoming films, including an untitled comedy with Neena Gupta and Mere Husband Ki Biwi alongside Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. Fans can look forward to seeing Rakul in a variety of roles in the near future.
New Delhi: The much-anticipated trailer of 'Deva', starring Shahid Kapoor, was unveiled on Friday, generating a wave of excitement among fans. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, 'Deva' promises to be a high-octane action thriller, with Shahid Kapoor taking on the role of a fearless and rebellious cop who is deeply driven by a sense of justice.

The over two-minute-long trailer introduces Shahid as a police officer with anger management issues, who is forced to confront his internal struggles while solving a complex, high-profile case. The trailer showcases intense action sequences and a gripping narrative that hints at a deep conspiracy. Shahid's character is seen battling not only external enemies but also his personal demons as he navigates the world of crime and corruption.

In addition to Shahid Kapoor, the film features a strong ensemble cast, including Pooja Hegde, who plays a pivotal role as a journalist, contributing to the unravelling of the gripping story. The trailer also introduces the talents of Pavail Gulati, Pravessh Rana, and Kubbra Sait, all of whom bring significant contributions to the films multi-dimensional characters.

Watch The Trailer Here:

Set against the backdrop of intense suspense and danger, 'Deva' explores themes of betrayal, deceit, and the undercurrents of a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the peace of the nation. The tension builds as Shahids character uncovers shocking revelations that not only challenge his belief in justice but also put his life at risk.

Produced by Zee Studios, 'Deva' is slated to hit cinemas on January 31, 2025.
CBSE Exams 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a notification asking schools to upload students' internal assessment, practical, and project marks for the 2025 board exams on the CBSE portal by February 14, 2025. Schools have also been advised to carefully check and verify the data before uploading to ensure the accuracy of the internal grades. "The Board 'Examinations - 2024-25 related activities are in full swing with most schools conducting the practical/project/ internal assessment and uploading of marks for the same. In continuation of the same, the portal for uploading of internal grades will remain active w.e.f. January 15, 2025 to February 14, 2025 for uploading the internal grades of class 12 candidates,"reads the official notice.

The board has requested all schools to thoroughly verify the data before uploading to ensure the accuracy of internal grades. Once the marks or grades for practicals, internal assessments, and projects are uploaded, they will be final, and no changes will be allowed.

The CBSE began the practical exams, internal assessments, and projects for Class 10 and Class 12 for the 2024-25 session on January 1, 2025. These exams will continue within the designated time frame, from January 1 to February 14, 2025. CBSE has also stated that any assessments conducted using an external examiner not appointed by the board will be considered invalid.

CBSE issues notice to 29 schools

CBSE has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools across India after conducting surprise inspections in December 2024. These inspections, held on December 18 and 19, were conducted to evaluate the schools' adherence to CBSE affiliation rules and guidelines.

On December 18, schools in Delhi were inspected, while those in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) were inspected on December 19. Based on the inspection reports, CBSE identified significant violations in several schools.
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Thursday that it has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools in Delhi and five other states for alleged violations related to enrollment irregularities and failure to meet academic and infrastructural standards. The showcase notices were severed after surprise inspections in schools across multiple locations on December 18 and 19, 2024. The inspections revealed violations of CBSE's Affiliation Bye-Laws, particularly concerning student enrollment practices and non-compliance with academic and infrastructural standards, CBSE said in a statement on Thursday.

The inspections took place in Delhi on December 18 and in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) on December 19. "Upon careful examination of the reports submitted by the inspection teams, it was observed that a majority of these schools had violated CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws. Key violations identified include Enrollment Irregularities and non-compliance with Academic and Infrastructural Norms," the statement read.

Several schools were found to have enrolled students beyond their actual attendance records, thereby endorsing "non-attending" enrollments. Additionally, numerous schools were found to be flouting CBSE guidelines regarding academic standards and infrastructure. The schools involved have now been issued show-cause notices by CBSE, with a directive to submit their replies within 30 days.

"Each school has been provided with a copy of the respective inspection report and has been directed to submit their replies within 30 days," the statement read. "CBSE remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of education and will continue to take stringent measures against any violations of its regulations," a statement from the board read.

The list of schools that have been issued show-cause notices includes a range of institutions across the country. In Delhi, schools such as Hope Hall Foundation School, Jagriti Public School, Oxford Public School, JN Int School, and Nav Gian Deep Public School were among those found in violation. Others include S D Memorial Vidya Mandir, Navyug Convent School, and C R Oasis Convent School.

In Bengaluru, Sri Chaitanya Techno School and Narayana Olympiad School were inspected. Patna's Satyam International and Eklavya Educational Complex were also found to be non-compliant with CBSE standards. In Varanasi, Raj English School, Happy Model School, and St K C Memorial English School were scrutinized, while in Ahmedabad, Nirman High School and The New Tulip International School faced similar issues. In Bilaspur, both Modern Educational Academy and Intelligent Public School were inspected.
Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called the ongoing protest against the release of her film 'Emergency' a "complete harassment of art and the artist." The protest is spearheaded by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an apex governing body which manages historic gurudwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Kangana who is also serving as a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh labelled the ongoing protest in Punjab as propaganda to tarnish her image and harm her film 'Emergency.' Replying to a tweet from MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira calling fpr an immediate ban on the film Emergency, Kangana wrote, "This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency" https://x.com/KanganaTeam/status/1880158716315758954https://x.com/KanganaTeam/status/1880158716315758954 MLA from Bholath constituency, Kapurthala district of Punjab supported the ongoing protest by SGPC regarding the immediate ban on the Kangana Ranaut directorial and starred film 'Emergency' in theatres. He tweeted, "I support the demand of @SGPCAmritsar to ban the film Emergency directed by @KanganaTeam a known critic of farmers & Sikhs without knowing their contribution towards our country. SGPC is our elected representative body and @BhagwantMann should take immediate steps to ban the film that depicts Sikhs in bad light and brings defamation to our state of Punjab and its people," Khaira posted on X. https://x.com/SukhpalKhaira/status/1880123124295029243 Amid protest over the release of the film 'Emergency' in Punjab, Station House Officer (SHO) Baljinder Singh Aulakh on Friday said that security arrangements have been increased at the cinema halls in Amritsar. "We received a call from SGPC that the Emergency film shouldn't be screened (at the cinema hall). Accordingly, security has been heightened here. We also connected with the manager of the cinema hall, he has said that there is no show scheduled for the film. We are here to maintain the Law and Order," SHO Amritsar Aulakh told ANI. This film delves into the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for 21 months from 1975 to 1977, and its aftermath. It stars Kangana in the lead role. Apart from her, the film also stars Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade in the lead roles. (ANI)
The repatriation of three Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), including Waheed Ahmad Shah, from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to the Home Department has raised serious concerns about the governments commitment to tackling corruption in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the decision, accusing the government of targeting officials who expose corruption.

In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti stated, The removal of Abdul Wahid & his colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) highlights the risks faced by officials who challenge corruption. It exposes nexus between the corrupt & most powerful. This action of punishing the whistleblower has revealed the government's true intentions behind using various agencies including ACB to raid properties of Kashmiris under the guise of corruption investigations. Raises questions about the government's commitment to justice and accountability.

The repatriation comes amidst an ongoing ACB investigation into corruption allegations related to the Srinagar Smart City Limited project. The probe, led by the then SSP ACB Waheed Ahmad Shah, had recently uncovered significant irregularities. Executive Engineer Zahoor Dar and Chief Financial Officer Sajid Yousuf Bhat of Srinagar Smart City Limited have been booked on corruption charges, with allegations of substandard work under the ambitious Smart City initiative and amassing wealth disproportionate to their income.

During a recent press conference in Jammu, Waheed Ahmad Shah highlighted the scale of the alleged corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public projects. However, the repatriation of Shah and his colleagues has raised suspicions about whether the government is genuinely committed to supporting anti-corruption efforts or attempting to suppress them, Mehbooba said.

Social media reactions have been mixed. While some argue that the reassignment of officers is a routine administrative move, others view it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the independence of the ACB.

This decision sends a chilling message to honest officers striving to root out corruption, remarked a senior advocate in Srinagar. It also casts doubt on the credibility of the governments anti-corruption narrative.

The ACBs investigation into the Smart City project has drawn significant public attention, as it involves high-profile individuals and substantial public funds. Observers fear that the sudden removal of key officers could slow down or derail ongoing investigations.
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident: The intruder behind the stabbing incident that unfolded inside actor Saif Ali Khans house in Mumbais Bandra West in the wee hours of Thursday went to the room of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoors youngest son, Jehangir, where he was first spotted by the house help. In a police complaint, the house help, Eliyama Philip (56), shared the chilling details pertaining to the attack. She also informed that the man demanded Rs 1 crore.

In the attack inside Saif Ali Khans house, three people, including the actor, the nurse, and another staffer, sustained injuries. Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times, resulting in injuries to his spinal cord. Following the incident, he was rushed to the city's Lilavati Hospital by his son Ibrahim in an auto-rickshaw.

Here Are Top Updates

1. In the police complaint, the house help Philip, who first spotted the intruder, revealed that she fed and put Khan's youngest son, Jehangir, alias Jaybaba, 4, to bed at around 11 pm on January 15, according to news agency PTI.

2. Later, she, along with her colleague, settled in for the night. The house help further informed that she was woken up by two noises at around 2 AM, and she sat upright. She noticed the bathroom door was open with the light on, assuming Kareena Ma'am had come to see Jeh Baba.

3. Later, as Philip leaned over to check who was in the bathroom, a person emerged from inside and headed towards Jeh Baba's bed, as per the PTI report. She was alarmed by the intruder, and she quickly approached Jeh Baba. The attacker then gestured towards her, saying, Koi aawaz nahi (dont make any noise).

4. The events that unfolded inside the room woke Junu, Jeh baba's nanny. The intruder warned her not to make noise. According to the house help, the man was holding a stick in his left hand and wielding a long, thin, blade-like object in his right hand.

5. The house help intervened to save Saifs youngest son. She was attacked by the man with the blade, leaving both her hands injured. "What do you want? How much money do you want?" she asked him. "Rs 1 crore," he replied.

6. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have formed as many as 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder and are tapping their network of informers to locate him, officials said.

7. Police are examining the CCTV footage of the building showing the intruder, who was armed with a wooden stick and a long Hexa blade, fleeing after the attack, which took place during a "burglary attempt" in the apartment housed in the `Satguru Sharan' building, they said.

8. The footage, captured at 2:33 am, clearly showed the young suspect's face. He is seen wearing a brown collared T-shirt and red scarf, or `gamcha,' while descending the stairs on the sixth floor of the building. The 54-year-old actor lives on the 12th floor.

9. Based on details gathered from the footage and other clues, police have launched a search for the attacker. Investigators believe the intruder may have changed his clothes before fleeing the spot, he said.

10. Police have recorded statements of nurse Philip, house helps, and the guard of the building and questioned some persons, the official informed. "Police have formed 20 teams and launched a search for the accused," he said, adding they are trying to find out if he has a previous criminal record. Probe teams are also taking the help of informers and relying on technical support to nab the attacker, another official said.

(With PTI Inputs)
New Delhi: "Women are at the heart of our welfare measures," declared Union Minister JP Nadda today as he unveiled the BJP's manifesto for the February 5 Delhi elections. During the address Nadda assured that the BJP will continue all public welfare schemes in the capital and accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of widespread corruption.

The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' promises Rs 21,000 in one-time financial assistance for pregnant women, six nutritional kits, Rs 5,000 for the first child, and Rs 6,000 for the second child, signaling a strong focus on women's well-being. The manifesto also includes a financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month to every eligible woman under Mahila Smriddhi Yojana.

Nadda pledged to implement the Centre's Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi during the BJP's first cabinet meeting, if the party wins the upcoming elections. The assurance comes amid the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's consistent opposition to the scheme, citing Delhi's superior existing health initiatives.

"The BJP will give LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder will be given each on Holi and Diwali," he added.

During the manifesto launch, BJP president accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to deliver on its 2021 promise of providing 1,000 to women, claiming the commitment remains unmet in both Punjab and Delhi.

Launching a sharp attack on the AAP, Nadda announced that all corruption allegations linked to Delhi's public welfare schemes will be thoroughly investigated if the BJP assumes power in the capital.

Calling AAPs mohalla clinics a den of corruption, Union Minister JP Nadda unveiled BJPs plans to provide an additional Rs 5 lakh health cover for senior citizens, raising their total coverage to Rs 10 lakh.

Nadda also announced a new pension scheme for the elderly, offering Rs 2,000- Rs 2,500 for those aged 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those above 70. Additionally, financial assistance for persons with disabilities and widows will be increased to Rs 3,000.

The BJP further promised to set up Atal Canteens in every slum, where residents can access a full meal for just Rs 5.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing a blitzkrieg campaign against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi polls. From the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the saffron party has put all hands on deck to secure a clear mandate in Delhi. Meetings have begun in full swing to tackle the forthcoming challenges, with a primary focus on the 68 assembly seats where candidates have already been announced

WATCH: Today's Episode of DNA

BJPs Blueprint For Triumph

The BJP has divided the 68 assembly seats in Delhi into four groups to chalk out its election strategy. In Category A, there are 8-12 seats where the party expects to win easily. Category B includes seats where the BJP has a good chance of winning. It also focuses on 32 seats where RSS workers will play a key role in helping the party. Category C includes 25-30 seats where the BJP is likely to face strong competition. Finally, Category D consists of seats where the BJP has very little to no chance of securing a victory.

The Sangh's blueprint for securing victory focuses heavily on 30 seats with the largest number of Dalit voters, aiming to concentrate efforts in these key areas to maximize support.

Yogi vs Kejriwal

The battle for Delhi is now set between two heavyweights: former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This direct face-off is expected to shake up the political landscape of the capital.

Yogi's ability to turn a single slogan into an election game-changer is well-known. Kejriwal has already targeted this strength, marking the start of this political clash. Now, Yogi is expected to respond in round two. His name is on the list of BJP's star campaigners, and he is likely to join the campaign soon. Once he does, the result of this election may well be decided.

The real fight for Delhis political future is about to begin. Yogi, famous for leading BJP to victories in Haryana and Maharashtra with the slogan Bantenge toh Katenge, faces a tougher challenge in Delhi, where Kejriwal is fully prepared for the combat.
New Delhi: The race to woo women voters in Delhi Assembly elections got hotter on Friday with the BJP manifesto unveiling many attractive welfare schemes for the 71.74 lakh women electors, who also figure in key poll promises made by the ruling AAP and the Congress.

The clout of women voters in Delhi elections can be gauged from the fact that in 31 seats of the 70 Assembly segments, women voter turnout was higher than men in 2020. In 28 of these 31 seats, the AAP emerged victorious  largely because of free travel on public buses announced by the Arvind Kejriwal government just one year before the Assembly election.

The trend of attracting Delhi's women voters through poll promises was started in 2008 by the then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who launched the 'Ladli' scheme under which Rs 10,000 was deposited in the bank for the education of every girl child born in a family with an annual income less than Rs 1 lakh.

For the current Assembly election on February 5, the AAP took the lead in attracting women voters by promising Rs 2,100 to women under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana to women whose family income is less than Rs 3 lakh per annum. The scheme's enrolment was also launched, however, the process ran into legal trouble with the Delhi government disowning it through public notices.

The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra', released by National President J.P. Nadda on Friday, promised Rs 2,500 monthly monetary assistance to women, matching the amount that the Delhi Congress has guaranteed to poor women.

The BJP has called the monthly assistance for women Mahila Smriddhi Yojana and the Congress has named it Pyari Didi Yojana.

In the run-up to the voting day on February 5, BJP leaders are making efforts to convince voters that it is their party which will honour the promise given to women. As proof, they are citing the monthly financial assistance being given in BJP-ruled states like  Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Kejriwal claims that the free travel for women in public transport buses is a scheme which he has pioneered in the country. This scheme had a huge impact on the outcome of the 2020 election in which the AAP came to power for the third time.

On Friday, Kejriwal sought to expand the scheme to attract young voters by offering free bus travel to students and proposing a 50 per cent discount on Metro rail fare.

The BJP also wants to remain in the good books of poor women voters, and it has announced that all public welfare schemes in Delhi, including free bus travel, will continue if its party forms the next government after the February 5 election.

We will make the schemes free of corruption and strengthen them, said Nadda on Friday, without specifically mentioning the free water and power schemes that both the AAP and Congress have highlighted repeatedly.

The BJP's manifesto has also promised one-time financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutritional kits to pregnant women, besides Rs 5,000 for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child. These promises appear to be on the lines of the benefits offered in the rest of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  which was not available in the city.

Health insurance benefit is another welfare scheme that has been offered by all three parties in the Capital but with differing coverage.

On Friday, Nadda announced on behalf of the BJP that citizens will get an insurance health cover of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The health cover will increase the total health cover given to the elderly to Rs 10 lakh.

The Congress has announced Rs 25 lakh health insurance for all Delhiites  without any age bar.

Kejriwal's Sanjeevani Yojana aims to provide free treatment to Delhi's residents aged over 60 at private and government hospitals.

Nadda also announced a pension scheme under which senior citizens will receive Rs 2,000-2,500 in the 60-70 age group and Rs 3,000 for those above 70. For the Divyang and widow, the assistance will be increased to Rs 3,000.

Under the Puja Granthi Samman Yojana, the AAP has also announced a Rs 18,000 monthly allowance to Hindu temple priests and Gurdwara granthis.

The Delhi Congress has promised to ease women's monthly household spending by offering a free monthly ration kit.

A monthly ration kit containing 5 kg rice, 2 kg sugar, 1-litre cooking oil, 6 kg pulses and 250 gm tea will be given free to all the poor, said Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav.

Yadav said that nearly 17 lakh families in Delhi will benefit from the promised Rs 500 LPG cylinder every month.

The party has also guaranteed Rs 8,500 monthly financial internship-cum-assistance to educated, jobless youth for a period of one month.

On the subsidised food front, the BJP has announced the Atal Canteens will be set up in every slum where a full meal will be offered at just Rs 5.

The BJP has promised that its government will provide a Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, along with two free cylinders on Diwali and Holi.
Delhi Weather: As the national capital reels under bone-chilling cold, residents in Delhi woke up to cold waves on Friday morning with fog shrouding many parts of the city. In view of the foggy conditions and persisting fog, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a yellow alert for the city till Sunday predicting dense to very dense fog.

#WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of fog covers the city amid the cold wave.



(Visuals from Niti Marg) pic.twitter.com/vohhZX9cVQ January 17, 2025

In its Friday morning bulletin, the weather office also predicted rain in Delhi besides fog, suggesting no relief for Delhiites from biting cold in the coming days. The minimum temperature is likely to hover around 6 to 7 degrees in the national capital.

Several flights and trains to and from the national capital have been delayed due to dense fog and cold waves. A few flights are delayed at the IGI Airport, and as many as 27 trains originating from several stations are delayed.

Delhi | 27 trains originating from various stations in Delhi are running late due to dense fog. pic.twitter.com/u69slqLNzv January 17, 2025

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital continued in the 'poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was recorded at 294 in Delhi today at 7 am.

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Mundka, recorded an AQI of 324; Narela reached 320, Nehru Nagar hit 360, and Patparganj registered an AQI of 377. Additionally, Okhla Phase-2 reported an AQI of 351, while Sonia Vihar stood at 323.

#WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of fog envelops the National Capital.



(Visuals from Chanakya Puri) pic.twitter.com/bvSD7ngsF5  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Notably, Vivek Vihar had the highest reading at 390. Other areas like R K Puram (344), Rohini (343), and Najafgarh (221) also exhibited unhealthy air quality. However, data from Punjabi Bagh remained insufficient in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, areas such as Mandir Marg (144) and Sri Aurobindo Marg (156) showed relatively lower but still moderate AQI levels.

Visuals from the AIIMS night shelter depicted individuals resting comfortably despite the ongoing air quality concerns in the city. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good, 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently visited Delhi along with his cabinet colleagues K J George, M C Sudhakar, Bhairathi Suresh and political secretary Govindaraju, Legal Advisor Ponnanna and Legislator Ashok Pathan. The visit came amid the leadership change buzz as state Congress leaders kept adding fuel to the fire with their remarks. Siddaramaiah's visit also came days after his 'sacrifice' remark during a crucial meeting chaired by General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala at Bharat Jodo Bhavan in Bengaluru.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete the two-and-a-half-year term as the CM in November this year. Sources stated that Shivakumar has begun staking his claim for the post of CM. Miffed with this development, CM Siddaramaiah's camp has started demanding the replacement of Shivakumar as the state party president.

What Is The Buzz About?

Karnataka Congress has remained divided into two factions - one led by DK Shivakumar and another by Siddaramaiah. While there have been calls to replace DK as state Congress president as he is a minister in the government as well, those supporting him have been demanding to make him the Chief Minister, as per a purported seat-sharing formula agreed during the government formation. As per the formula, Siddaramaiah and DK were to share the CM post for 2.5 years each. However, there has never been any official confirmation.

Supporters of Siddaramaiah are actively working to consolidate his faction in an effort to ensure he serves his full term, while Shivakumar's allies continue to stir unrest. According to sources, Siddaramaiah recently confronted Shivakumar directly, firmly rejecting any possibility of a leadership change. Additionally, Siddaramaiah's faction has intensified calls for Shivakumar to resign as PCC chief, arguing that he holds a ministerial position as well.

Does DK Stand A Chance As CM?

Shivakumars supporters comprise a segment of influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat MLAs, along with a few ministers and legislators from the North Karnataka region. Reports from the latter half of 2024 suggest that the Deputy Chief Minister had been working to strengthen his support base among MLAs. However, Shivakumars bargaining position has been undermined by the Congress partys underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite securing nine out of 28 seatsan improvement of eight from 2019the party failed to gain traction in the Vokkaliga-dominated areas of South Karnataka, including Shivakumars own stronghold. On the other hand, Siddaramaiah not only commands patronage from the Congress high command but also from a majority of the MLAs, sufficient enough for him to complete his term. BJP claims that despite the purported understanding over power sharing, Siddaramaiah wants to continue as CM.

Never Pursued Any Position: DKS

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has stated that he never pursued any position. I have never chased any position. These positions are not sought; they are offered. Positions are granted based on leadership skills and organisational capacities within our party....The party will address these issues, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who hails from Karnataka, is well aware of the situation, he added.

Surjewala Downplays Rumours

Congress national General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has ruled out any change in the state party's leadership. This means, while D.K. Shivakuma will continue as the Dy CM along with the state Congress chief, Siddaramaiah will remain at the helm of the government. Surjewala also said there was no infighting in the state unit.

While both factions continue to woo MLAs to garner support, the Congress high command will hold the key in this power tussle. (With agency inputs)
The recent repatriation of three Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to the Home Department has raised serious questions about the governments dedication to combating corruption in Jammu and Kashmir. Among the officers removed is Waheed Ahmad Shah, who was leading a critical investigation into alleged corruption within the Srinagar Smart City Limited project.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been vocal in her criticism of the move, accusing the government of targeting officials who dare to expose corruption.

In a post on X, Mufti stated, The removal of Abdul Wahid and his colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) highlights the risks faced by officials who challenge corruption. It exposes the nexus between the corrupt and the most powerful. This action of punishing the whistleblower has revealed the government's true intentions behind using various agencies including ACB to raid properties of Kashmiris under the guise of corruption investigations. This raises questions about the government's commitment to justice and accountability.

The repatriation comes at a time when the ACB was intensifying its probe into corruption allegations surrounding the Srinagar Smart City Limited project. Led by Waheed Ahmad Shah, the investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the execution of the ambitious initiative.

Key figures implicated in the case include Executive Engineer Zahoor Dar and Chief Financial Officer Sajid Yousuf Bhat, who have been booked on charges of corruption and amassing disproportionate wealth. Allegations point to substandard work and financial misconduct under the Smart City project, which involves substantial public funds.

During a recent press conference in Jammu, Waheed Ahmad Shah highlighted the extent of the alleged corruption, calling for greater transparency and accountability in public projects. His removal, however, has cast a shadow over the continuity and credibility of the investigation.

The decision to reassign Shah and his colleagues has sparked a heated debate on social media and among the legal community. While some argue that the reassignment is a routine administrative matter, others view it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the independence of the ACB.

This decision sends a chilling message to honest officers who are striving to root out corruption, said a senior advocate in Srinagar. It also casts a shadow on the credibility of the governments anti-corruption narrative.

Observers fear that the sudden removal of key officers could derail the ongoing probe into the Smart City project. With high-profile individuals and substantial public funds involved, the investigation had gained significant public and media attention.

Critics argue that the governments move undermines its stated commitment to justice and accountability. Mehbooba Muftis remarks reflect a broader sentiment that the removal of these officers may discourage others from taking a firm stand against corruption.

The situation has highlighted the precarious position of anti-corruption agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns about their autonomy and effectiveness. If officers investigating corruption are not protected, how can we expect any real progress in fighting corruption? an observer noted.
A group of 101 farmers will make a fourth attempt to reach Delhi by crossing the Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana) on January 21, aiming to press for their demands, which include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops.

The group, known as "Marjeevdas" (those willing to sacrifice their lives), has previously attempted to march to Delhi three times but faced resistance from authorities.

Previous Attempts and Setbacks

The farmers' earlier efforts to march to Delhi on December 6, 8, and 14 last year were thwarted by the Haryana Police and paramilitary forces. These forces used tactics such as tear gas, water cannons, and pepper sprays to disperse the protesters.

As a result, nearly 50 farmers were injured during these confrontations. Despite the challenges, the farmers have remained steadfast in their demands.

This new "Delhi Chalo" march, which is set for January 21, has been announced jointly by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), both non-political farmer organizations.

KMM convener Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the group does not believe the Union government is willing to engage in meaningful discussions. It is now up to the government to either fulfil our demands or kill us, he said, reaffirming the urgency of their cause.

Pandher also clarified that despite earlier promises by BJP leaders allowing farmers to march on foot to Delhi (as opposed to using tractors), the farmers were still obstructed by the Haryana Police and central authorities. He has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to permit peaceful protests, allowing the farmers to continue their fight for a legal guarantee on MSP.

Leadership and Support

The upcoming march will be led by farmer leaders Manjit Singh Rai and Balwant Singh Behramke, both prominent figures in the movement. Their commitment to the cause remains unwavering, as they join the group of 101 "Marjeevdas" ready to risk their lives for their demands.

The decision to proceed with the January 21 march follows closely after another significant protest action. A group of 111 farmers initiated a fast-unto-death near Khanauri, located on the Haryana side of the border, to show solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 52 days as of Thursday, with his health reportedly deteriorating and concerns mounting over the risk of organ failure.

Increased Security Measures

In anticipation of the renewed protests, Haryana Police has significantly ramped up security at the Khanauri border. Authorities have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which bans gatherings of five or more people. Farmers are expressing grave concern about Dallewal's health and his ongoing fast.

Ongoing Protest at Shambhu and Khanauri Borders

The farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 of the previous year, following a government crackdown that prevented them from marching to Delhi. Their protest has been centered around securing a legal guarantee for MSP for crops, a demand that continues to be central to their fight.
New Delhi: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday slammed the BJPs Delhi election manifesto, calling it 'Kejriwal Patra.' He accused the BJP of copying AAPs welfare ideas and endorsing its governance model.

The manifesto offers nothing new. It promises to continue the initiatives we have already launched. Why should people vote for the BJP to replicate what AAP is already doing? Kejriwal said reacting to the election manifesto launched by Bharatiya Janata Party earlier in the day.

Kejriwal further slammed the manifesto for lacking originality and vision. He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his past remarks on 'free ki revris' (freebies). Looking at the BJPs promises, PM Modi should now admit his rebuttal of freebies was misplaced. Such welfare measures benefit the country, he said.

Speaking at a press conference after BJP President J P Nadda released the manifesto, Kejriwal said, The BJP has repeatedly criticised me for offering free handouts. Now, their manifesto mirrors what the AAP has already implemented in Delhi. This clearly shows our governance model works.

He accused the BJP of hypocrisy, highlighting PM Modis earlier condemnation of Delhis welfare schemes. If the BJP is now promising the same schemes, the PM must admit he was wrong. These 'revris' are a blessing for the people, he said.

They should also accept free handouts are not wrong. They are a gift from God and good for the country. Modi ji should come forward and acknowledge he agrees with these promises, Kejriwal added.

He alleged that the BJP plans to shut down mohalla clinics, one of AAPs flagship initiatives. We will ask people across Delhi if they want mohalla clinics. Those who support them should vote for AAP, while those who oppose them can vote for the BJP, he said.

Kejriwal alleged that the BJP manifesto ignores key issues like law and order, housing for slum dwellers, and unauthorised colonies. He called the document a bundle of lies.

Kejriwal also welcomed the Supreme Courts stay on a High Court order regarding the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. He called the scheme the biggest scam.

Delhi elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.

(With PTI inputs)
Hollywood is in shock after the critically acclaimed director David Lynch passed away at the age of 78 on Thursday. The Cannes Film Festival has paid tribute to director David Lynch who was a long-time habitue, winning it Palme d'Or prize for Wild at Heart in 1990 and serving as jury president in 2002, reported Deadline. Mourning the loss of a visionary director, the statement of the Cannes Festival on Instagram read, "It is with infinite sadness that we learn of the passing of David Lynch, a unique and visionary artist whose work has influenced cinema like few others. Winner of the Palme d'Or at the Festival de Cannes in 1990 for Sailor and Lula (Wild At Heart), then the Prix de la mise en scene (Best Director) in 2001 for Mulholland Drive, he elegantly presided over the Jury in 2002," it continued. "He leaves behind a rare and timeless body of work, whose films will continue to nourish our imagination and inspire all those who see cinema as an art capable of revealing the unspeakable." read the statement as quoted by Deadline. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE69F_8Acgt/ The filmmaker's family announced the passing of the director through a Facebook post on Thursday, reported Variety. Lynch revealed in 2024 that he was diagnosed with emphysema after a lifetime of smoking and would likely not be able to leave his house to direct any longer. His family announced his death in a Facebook post, writing, "It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There's a big hole in the world now that he's no longer with us. But, as he would say, 'Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.' It's a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way." David Lynch was born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana. His father was a research scientist for the Department of Agriculture, and his peripatetic family lived in the plains states, the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast before settling in Alexandria, Virginia, where Lynch attended high school, reported Variety. Lynch is a four-time Oscar nominee and received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2020. (ANI)
Delhi Election 2025: On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched its manifesto for the Delhi Elections, putting in all its effort to counter the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. While AAP has announced several welfare initiatives and freebies to woo the voters who are already benefitting from the free electricity, power and bus rides, the Congress followed suit by announcing similar freebies. Now the BJP has also done the same.

While Congress promised free health insurance worth up to Rs 25 lakh, the AAP promised Sanjeevani Yojana free treatment for senior citizens while saying that Delhi government hospitals already offer free treatment for every age group. Now, the BJP has promised to bring Ayushman Bharat Yojana of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh while promising additional free health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh by the state government, thus a coverage totalling Rs 10 lakh.

Both the BJP and the Congress have promised LPG cylinders for Rs 500 each for the poor, the AAP is also likely to announce the same.

The reflection of the popular Ladali Behan Yojana is already visible in Delhi with both the Congress and the BJP promising Rs 2,500 each for women while the Aam Aadmi Party has promised Rs 2,100 under Mahila Samman Yojana for the women.

Just like the Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP has also announced an increase in the senior citizens' pension from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 while that of widows, citizens aged over 70 and abandoned single women to Rs 3,000 from earlier Rs 2,500.

The BJP also announced Rs 21,000 in financial aid besides nutrition kits for pregnant women. The saffron party also promised Atal Canteens in JJ colonies to provide cheap food at Rs 5 per plate, similar to Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu and Indira Canteens in Karnataka.
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India and Canada's relations hit a new low under Justin Trudeau's Prime Ministership. While Canada under Trudeau accused India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India termed the accusations baseless while demanding evidence. External Affairs Minister S Jahishankar had once said that Canada is turning safe heaven for Khalistani terrorists.

The tensions between the two nations reached a point where both nations expelled diplomats, marking the lowest point in the ties of decades. While Canada used multiple forums to pressure India but New Delhi didn't bow down while maintaining that Ottawa must produce evidence to substantiate its claim.

However, weeks after Trudeau's exit as PM, New Delhi appears to looking for the return of normalcy in ties. When asked about political developments in Canada, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the two countries share a close bond.

"A lot of political developments are going on in Canada. We are keeping a close eye on them. India and Canada enjoy a very deep relationship with each other. There are many Indian Origin people and students there. We also have cooperation at different levels. We hope that the relationship will remain strong and India will be ready to take any step in this direction..." said Jaiswal.

Jaiswal's statement hints at a softening of tone towards Canada after Justin Trudeau's exit. India has been vocal in criticising Canada for supporting anti-India forces in the garb of free speeches. However, things seem to be changing now.

Recently, a Canadian court granted bail to all the accused arrested in the Nijar murder case. This also affirms India's claim that the allegations were baseless and there is no concrete proof.
Kerala Lottery Results Friday 17-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-415" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-415, January 17, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Nirmal NR-415" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Nirmal NR-415 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-415 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 17-01-2025 January: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR NIRMAL NR-415 Draw

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: NN 873570

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1) NN 524429

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NO 873570

NP 873570

NR 873570

NS 873570

NT 873570

NU 873570

NV 873570

NW 873570

NX 873570

NY 873570

NZ 873570

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 1481 2182 2860 4478 4587 4830 5188 6578 6963 7439 7451 7454 7462 7862 8268 8700 8836 9426

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0317 0416 0473 0518 0671 0960 1071 1714 1922 1990 2379 2524 2593 3203 3747 3893 4269 4366 4662 5063 5688 5876 6080 6440 6993 7544 7695 7809 7814 7841 8394 8992 9011 9391 9799 9991

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0459 0460 0581 1281 1569 1580 1718 1753 1950 1954 1974 2169 2194 2553 2927 3104 3125 3136 3216 3311 3425 3433 3478 3512 3655 3866 3867 3870 3877 4016 4859 5055 5062 5283 5354 5466 5624 5760 5988 6028 6059 6068 6085 6089 6161 6172 6215 6417 6607 6660 6712 6961 7035 7203 7404 7438 7479 7659 7894 7962 8129 8425 8447 8495 8827 8840 8926 8951 9155 9182 9200 9224 9238 9274 9343 9358 9698 9791 9990

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0104 0165 0192 0342 0501 0570 0767 0990 1024 1068 1116 1148 1164 1225 1358 1540 1550 1572 1744 1770 1875 1938 2131 2217 2315 2320 2362 2369 2500 2564 2581 2704 2999 3012 3117 3121 3318 3363 3384 3652 3749 3786 3821 3879 4121 4195 4279 4314 4387 4502 4569 4691 4698 4701 4785 4829 4972 5006 5036 5070 5123 5181 5272 5403 5517 5626 5750 5797 5866 6156 6169 6174 6179 6225 6324 6407 6456 6616 6697 6786 6799 6809 6821 6983 7062 7216 7290 7354 7427 7464 7586 7605 7621 7633 7642 7722 7723 7822 7844 7856 8101 8169 8183 8332 8440 8456 8552 8786 8810 8898 8922 9074 9127 9183 9321 9324 9386 9430 9592 9643 9727 9893

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 17-01-2025 January: NIRMAL NR-415 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000

4th Prize: Rs. 2,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 200

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
Delhi Elections 2025 Live: The national capital is set to go to polls on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

In the Assembly elections, Delhi is set to witness a three-cornered contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with all parties going out all guns blazing against each other in the race to the CM's chair.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP eyeing a third term will go to the public, boosting its 'performance' in education and the health sector. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections, and BJP secured eight seats.

On Thursday, the BJP named nine more candidates for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly, fielding Shikha Rai and Anil Vashishth against from Greater Kailash and Babarpur, respectively. While Rai is pitted against Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, Vashishth will battle it out against Gopal Rai, also a minister in the AAP government.

With its latest and the fourth list, the BJP has named 68 candidates. Soon after the BJP announced the nine names, its ally JD(U) declared Shailendra Kumar as its candidate from the Burari constituency. In the 2020 polls, the JD(U) contested two seats -- Burari and Sangam Vihar -- in alliance with the BJP.

BJP sources said the other seat -- Deoli (reserved) -- where the BJP has not announced a candidate may likely go to NDA ally Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The party was given the Seemapuri seat in the previous Assembly poll.

Stay tuned to ZEE News for all the Live Updates on Delhi Assembly Elections
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday said the state government and police department responded quickly to the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, emphasising that Mumbai is the safest city in the country. Khan (54) suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th-floor flat in Bandra in the early hours of Thursday. The actor, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent emergency surgery and is doing well, according to doctors.

Following the attack, leaders from the opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), said the attack on Khan showed that not even celebrities are safe in the state, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, has failed to maintain law and order.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said the government took such incidents seriously, and the chief minister had stated that the government and police took cognisance of the attack and quickly responded.

"We have seen how the then government responded to the incident that took place near Ambani ji's residence (industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Antilia). We don't want to compare these incidents. But Mumbai is a safe place and the safest city in the country. The Mumbai and Maharashtra police are alert, and it is important how they respond when such incidents occur. Our home minister is taking proper action," he said.

Bawakule, who is also the state BJP chief, said the decision on assigning guardian ministers to districts will be made in two to three days and informed that instalments for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme will be disbursed before January 26.
Actor Saif Ali Khan Attack Case: Fresh details have surfaced in the case pertaining to the stabbing incident that took place inside actor Saif Ali Khan's house in Mumbai's Bandra during the wee hours on Thursday. Amid the investigation in the case, the Mumbai police have been making rigorous efforts to trace the accused. According to police, the attacker was last seen near the Bandra Railway Station.

Police suspect that he caught the first local train in the morning to go towards Vasai-Virar after the incident. Based on the suspicion, Mumbai Police teams are carrying out searches in the Vasai, Nallasopara, and Virar areas.

Actor Saif Ali Khan attack case | The accused was last seen near the Bandra Railway Station. Police suspect that the suspect caught the first local train in the morning to go towards Vasai-Virar after the incident. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nallasopara and Virar  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

In the attack inside Saif Ali Khans house, three people, including the actor, the nurse, and another staffer, sustained injuries. The actor was stabbed six times, resulting in injuries to his spinal cord. Following the incident, he was rushed to the city's Lilavati Hospital by his son Ibrahim in an auto-rickshaw.

Earlier, Mumbai Police said that they have taken possession of a portion of the blade extracted from Saif's back, while efforts to recover the remaining part are still underway. Meanwhile, the Lilavati Hospital said that the actor's family and the doctors will decide on moving the actor to a normal ward from the ICU later in the day.

Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds.

More than 30 hours have passed but the Mumbai police have yet to arrest the accused, an official said on Friday. The city police have formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder and are tapping their network of informers to locate him, officials have said.

(With agencies inputs)
Pune, a city that blends tradition with modernity, has always been a center for spiritual and intellectual pursuits. In such a vibrant atmosphere, astrology plays a key role in guiding individuals towards better decisions, offering insights into their personal and professional lives.

If you're seeking clarity and guidance, here are the top 5 astrologers in Pune, with Acharya Indravarman leading the pack.

1. Acharya Indravarman

Acharya Indravarman: A Renowned Vedic Astrologer

Best astrologer in Pune Acharya Indravarman is a distinguished Vedic astrologer and Tantrik adept, celebrated for his precise predictions, profound spiritual insights, and transformative remedies. With years of experience and a deep connection to ancient traditions, he has become a trusted guide for individuals across the globe seeking clarity and solutions to lifes challenges.

An Esteemed Family Legacy

Acharya Indravarman comes from a lineage of spiritual scholars and practitioners who dedicated their lives to the study of Vedic astrology and Tantra. Raised in an environment steeped in spiritual knowledge, he imbibed the wisdom of sacred scriptures and ritualistic practices from an early age. This deep-rooted tradition laid the foundation for his mastery in astrology and Tantrik practices, shaping him into a modern-day spiritual mentor.

Vedic Astrology Expertise

Acharya Indravarmans proficiency in Vedic astrology allows him to provide unparalleled guidance in all aspects of life. His expertise includes:

Birth Chart Analysis: Offering a detailed understanding of an individuals strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Dasha Predictions: Interpreting planetary periods to accurately forecast life events and turning points. Nakshatra Insights: Exploring the influence of lunar constellations for personalized guidance. Compatibility Assessments: Providing in-depth compatibility readings for harmonious relationships.

Acharya Indravarmans precise predictions and thoughtful interpretations have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Devotion to Hindu Goddesses

A significant aspect of Acharya Indravarmans practice is his unwavering devotion to Hindu Goddesses such as Maa Bagalamukhi and others in Dasa Maha Vidya. His spiritual practices are deeply rooted in invoking the blessings of these divine energies to provide protection, prosperity, and healing to his clients. His rituals reflect his deep faith and spiritual discipline, making his remedies highly effective and spiritually empowering.

Mastery in Tantric Practices

Famous astrologer in Pune Acharya Indravarman is a seasoned Tantrik master, known for his ability to harness the power of Tantra to address complex challenges. His skills include:

Energy Cleansing: Removing negative energies and obstacles from an individuals life.

Removing negative energies and obstacles from an individuals life. Prosperity Rituals: Attracting abundance, wealth, and success through Tantric techniques.

Attracting abundance, wealth, and success through Tantric techniques. Protection Practices: Safeguarding individuals from harmful influences and adversities.

Safeguarding individuals from harmful influences and adversities. Spiritual Empowerment: Guiding clients toward self-realization and inner peace through advanced Tantric practices.

Remedies and Practical Solutions

Acharya Indravarman is known for his personalized and effective remedies that are tailored to the unique needs of his clients. His solutions include:

Mantras: Specific chants to align planetary energies and bring peace.

Specific chants to align planetary energies and bring peace. Yantras: Energized sacred diagrams to attract positive outcomes.

Energized sacred diagrams to attract positive outcomes. Gemstones: Astrological recommendations for balancing cosmic influences.

Astrological recommendations for balancing cosmic influences. Rituals and Pujas: Powerful spiritual ceremonies to remove obstacles and invite divine blessings.

Powerful spiritual ceremonies to remove obstacles and invite divine blessings. Lifestyle Guidance: Practical tips on fasting, meditation, and spiritual practices to enhance harmony and success.

Solutions for Lifes Challenges

Best Online astrologer in Pune Acharya Indravarman offers guidance and remedies for a wide array of concerns, including:

Marriage and Relationships: Helping with delays in marriage, resolving conflicts, and fostering relationship harmony.

Helping with delays in marriage, resolving conflicts, and fostering relationship harmony. Career Growth: Providing solutions to overcome stagnation and achieve professional success.

Providing solutions to overcome stagnation and achieve professional success. Business Development: Guiding entrepreneurs to expand their ventures and achieve financial stability.

Guiding entrepreneurs to expand their ventures and achieve financial stability. Health and Fertility: Addressing chronic health issues and offering remedies for fertility challenges.

Addressing chronic health issues and offering remedies for fertility challenges. Financial Troubles: Offering spiritual solutions to reduce debt and improve financial well-being.

Global Reach with Proficiency in English

Best astrologer Acharya Indravarmans fluency in English ensures clear communication with clients worldwide. His ability to explain intricate concepts in simple terms makes his guidance accessible to people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Online Consultation Services

To cater to a global audience, Acharya Indravarman offers online consultation services, allowing individuals from any corner of the world to benefit from his wisdom. His services include:

Audio Consultations: Personalized sessions for in-depth discussions and tailored solutions.

Personalized sessions for in-depth discussions and tailored solutions. Detailed Suggestions: Comprehensive birth chart readings and remedial guidance delivered online.

Comprehensive birth chart readings and remedial guidance delivered online. Follow-Up Support: Ensuring ongoing assistance to help clients achieve their goals.

Why Choose Acharya Indravarman?

Accurate Predictions: His forecasts are rooted in deep knowledge and years of experience.

His forecasts are rooted in deep knowledge and years of experience. Holistic Solutions: Combining Vedic astrology, Tantra, and spiritual remedies for well-rounded guidance.

Combining Vedic astrology, Tantra, and spiritual remedies for well-rounded guidance. Ethical Practice: Honest, compassionate, and client-focused services.

Honest, compassionate, and client-focused services. Global Accessibility: Easily accessible through online platforms, breaking geographical barriers.

Transforming Lives with Wisdom and Compassion

Top astrologer in Pune Acharya Indravarmans blend of traditional expertise, spiritual devotion, and modern adaptability has helped countless individuals find clarity and solutions to their life challenges. Whether its navigating personal struggles, achieving career milestones, or overcoming financial hurdles, his guidance empowers individuals to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.

With his deep knowledge of Vedic astrology and Tantra, Acharya Indravarman stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for those seeking divine guidance and practical solutions.

2. Abhay Godse

Abhay Godse is an experienced astrologer in Pune, known for his ability to provide precise and accurate predictions. With his deep understanding of astrology and planetary influences, he offers practical solutions to personal, financial, and career-related issues. His expertise has helped countless individuals align their lives with their true potential, making him a top astrologer in Pune.

3. Niranjan Mittal

Niranjan Mittal is a highly regarded astrologer in Pune, known for his detailed and accurate horoscope analysis. His insights into planetary influences and their effect on different aspects of life make him one of the famous astrologers in Pune. Whether it's love, career, or health, his advice is always clear, actionable, and insightful.

4. Aradhye Guruji

Aradhye Guruji has gained a reputation for his spiritual and astrological guidance, helping individuals find balance in their lives. Known for his spiritual healing alongside astrology, Gurujis approach focuses on helping clients achieve inner peace and harmony while navigating lifes challenges.

5. Vedant Sharma

Vedant Sharma is a trusted astrologer in Pune who offers practical insights into lifes complex situations. His expertise in Vedic astrology and palmistry allows him to provide accurate readings and remedies. Whether it's for career or personal growth, Vedant Sharma is known for helping people move forward with confidence.

Conclusion

Pune's rich spiritual atmosphere has fostered a thriving astrology community, and the astrologers mentioned here are among the best in the region. Each brings their unique expertise and approach to astrology, helping clients find clarity and direction in their lives. Acharya Indravarman, with his deep knowledge of Vedic astrology, remains a top choice for those seeking expert guidance in Pune.

Disclaimer-

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
AMARAVATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister posted on X that during the Cabinet meeting, it was decided to provide equity support of over Rs 10,000 crore for the plant.

This has been done understanding the importance of the steel sector in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said. Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Prime Minister approved a revival package worth Rs 11,440 crore for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. In the overall package of Rs 11440, fresh equity infusion would be worth Rs 10,300 crore and the conversion of working capital loan into preferred share capital of Rs 1,140 crore.

The Union Minister told reporters in Delhi that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a very important steel company in the overall steel sector of the country. He hoped that with this revival package, many of the historical legacy problems that RINL used to face would be resolved. Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan thanked Prime Minister Modi for the financial package.

"The sacrifice of Amruta Rao garu and countless others who gave their lives for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in 1966 burns eternal in our hearts. Their blood and tears laid the foundation for what stands today not just as a factory, but as the pride and identity of Telugu people, Pawan Kalyan said in his post on X.

Today, the NDA government's decision of providing a financial package of ?11,440 crores for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant isn't merely a number - it represents renewed hope for thousands of families: every worker whose hands have shaped steel, every employee who has dedicated years of service, and every contractor who has stood by this plant through its challenges, said the actor-politician.

The Jana Sena leader thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of the state for 'steadfast commitment to our state's development, your vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat finds one of its strongest pillars in our Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.' Pawan Kalyan also thanked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy for their 'unwavering support strengthens not just a plant, but the dreams of millions of Telugu people'.

We assure the people of the country that our government in the State led by our Hon'ble Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu garu shall ensure that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant will not just survive - it will thrive and stand as a testament to Telugu pride in building Viksit Bharat 2047. This is not just a financial revival - but the fulfilment of a promise written in the sacrifices of 1966. The spirit of Visakhapatnam Steel lives on!, the Deputy Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu thanked Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the revival package. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader said this fulfilled their election promise. He thanked the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for their 'unwavering support in halting the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and ensuring it resumes full-fledged production.'

Under your visionary leadership, Andhra Pradesh is set to achieve greater heights of progress and prosperity, he said. Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani also hailed the revival package. He stated that Rs 11,440 crore financial assistance from the Centre to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a landmark investment in Andhra Pradesh's industrial sector.

He thanked Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy for their relentless efforts in advocating for this transformative support. This step strengthens the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and boosts regional development, he said.
Mumbai: The shocking knife attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence has left Bollywood and fans deeply shaken. Actor Kartik Aaryan, while speaking to Screen on Thursday, expressed his shock and concern over the incident, calling it both scary and sad.

Sharing his thoughts, Kartik said, It is scary, it is sad. This puts everyone in a very vulnerable state. This incident has shocked everyone. I hope he is doing well. I will pray for him and his family. I wish him a speedy recovery.

Although Kartik has not worked with Saif Ali Khan, he shares a connection with Saifs daughter, Sara Ali Khan, having worked together in Imtiaz Alis Love Aaj Kal. The two were also rumoured to have dated, though neither confirmed the speculation.

Following the attack, Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his son Ibrahim Ali Khan in an autorickshaw, as no driver was available at the time. Saif underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors and was later moved to the ICU. His team confirmed on Thursday afternoon that he was out of danger and in stable condition.

Later in the evening, Saifs wife Kareena Kapoor Khan issued an emotional statement, requesting privacy during this difficult time. She said, It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage.

The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of public figures and high-profile individuals. Many celebrities, including Raveena Tandon, have voiced their alarm over the deteriorating security in Bandra, which was once considered a safe residential area.

Kartiks reaction echoes the sentiments of the entire industry, which has come together to wish Saif a speedy recovery and show solidarity with his family during this challenging time. Fans, too, have flooded social media with prayers and messages of support for the actor and his loved ones.

As Saif recovers, the focus remains on strengthening security measures to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of celebrities and citizens alike.
Nicolas Cage paid tribute to 'Wild at Heart' director David Lynch, who passed away at the age of 78. He said that he "was a singular genius in cinema, one of the greatest artists of this or any time." "He was brave, brilliant, and a maverick with a joyful sense of humour," Cage added, "I never had more fun on a film set than working with David Lynch. He will always be solid gold," reported Deadline. In the movie, which was shot in New Orleans and Louisiana, Cage plays an Elvis-like character, Sailor, an ex-con, recently from prison who reunites with the love of his life, Lula, played by Laura Dern, who broke out in Lynch's 'Blue Velvet'. The problem in their lives remains Lula's notorious mother (played by Dern's real-life mom Diane Ladd) who sends hitman and detectives on Sailor and Lula's road strip to get them back. The film also features Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Harry Dean Stanton, Blue Velvet actress and former Lynch partner Isabella Rossellini, and Twin Peaks thespians Sherilyn Fenn and Gracie Zabriskie, as per Deadline. 'Wild at Heart' received one Oscar nomination for Diane Ladd (Dern's mother) in Supporting Actress. The Cannes Film Festival has paid tribute to director David Lynch who was a long-time habitue, winning it Palme d'Or prize for Wild at Heart in 1990 and serving as jury president in 2002, reported Deadline. Mourning the loss of a visionary director, the statement of the Cannes Festival on Instagram read,"It is with infinite sadness that we learn of the passing of David Lynch, a unique and visionary artist whose work has influenced cinema like few others. Winner of the Palme d'Or at the Festival de Cannes in 1990 for Sailor and Lula (Wild At Heart), then the Prix de la mise en scene (Best Director) in 2001 for Mulholland Drive, he elegantly presided over the Jury in 2002." "He leaves behind a rare and timeless body of work, whose films will continue to nourish our imagination and inspire all those who see cinema as an art capable of revealing the unspeakable." read the statement, reported Deadline. The filmmaker's family announced the passing of the director through a Facebook post on Thursday. (ANI)
Mumbai: The shocking knife attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home has left not just the industry but also those close to the family deeply shaken. Saif, who was injured while reportedly protecting his young sons Taimur and Jeh during the intrusion, is currently recovering in the hospital. Amid the chaos, Taimurs former nanny, Lalita Dsilva, expressed her worry about how the traumatic incident might have affected the children.



In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Lalita, who served as Taimurs nanny from 2016 to 2023, shared her concern. I am feeling very bad. It is unbearable for me to imagine how Taimur and Jeh will be feeling at this point, especially Jeh. They must have got really scared, she said.

She further added, I am feeling very anxious about this whole incident and firmly believe that the culprits must be punished. I havent been able to speak to anyone from the family yet, but I wish and pray that they are all safe.

Saif Ali Khan has been hailed as a brave man for standing up to the intruder, who reportedly entered the house late at night and demanded Rs. 1 crore. The burglar made his way to Jehs bedroom before being confronted by Saif, leading to a violent altercation. Saif was stabbed six times before the assailant fled the scene.



The Bandra Police are actively investigating the case and have identified the suspect. An FIR has been filed, and authorities are working to ensure the culprit is brought to justice.

The attack has raised serious concerns about safety and security, even in affluent areas like Bandra. Many in the industry have called for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

As Saif continues to recover, fans and loved ones hope for peace and strength for the family, especially Taimur and Jeh, who may have been deeply impacted by the frightening ordeal.
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was brutally attacked with a knife at his Bandra residence, is currently recovering at Lilavati Hospital. The actors doctors have described him as a hero for his bravery and composure during the traumatic incident. Saif arrived at the hospital covered in blood but is now out of danger and showing significant signs of recovery.

Dr. Niraj Uttamani, COO of Lilavati Hospital, addressed the media, emphasizing how fortunate Saif was to have narrowly escaped a severe spinal injury. He is doing very well presently. His parameters have improved, and he is being shifted from the ICU to a special room for him. Saif was very fortunate. The knife injury was just 2 mm away from his spinal cord. If it had gone in deeper, the spinal cord could have been damaged. He is very, very fortunate.

Dr. Uttamani also highlighted that Saifs quick medical attention played a crucial role in his recovery.

Neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange: Saif Is Doing Excellent

Dr. Nitin Dange, the neurosurgeon who operated on Saif, provided more details about the actors condition. He is doing excellent. We even made him walk a little, and he can walk well without much pain or any other symptoms. Looking at his parameters, reports, and all the injuries, he is safe to be shifted out of the ICU to a special room.

However, Dr Dange added a note of caution, He needs to take rest for some time, especially because of the wounds on his back, which have a potential risk of infection. Movements are restricted for a week, and visitors will be limited to ensure faster recovery.

The doctor assured fans that there are no signs of paralysis and that Saifs injuries have been successfully treated.

Saifs bravery during the attack has been widely praised, with hospital staff calling him a hero. The actor was stabbed multiple times while reportedly protecting his sons Taimur and Jeh from the intruder. Despite his severe injuries, he maintained composure, allowing for swift medical intervention.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saifs wife, has been by his side throughout his recovery. In a recent statement, she urged fans and the media to respect their privacy during this challenging time. Social media has been flooded with prayers and messages of support for Saif, with fans hailing him as a real-life hero.

While Saif is on the mend, his doctors have stressed the importance of rest and limited movement to ensure proper healing.
New Delhi: In yet another twist to the shocking incident of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan getting injured by an attacker at his Bandra residence in an attempted burglary case, the cops have now clarified over detention of one person. Mumbai police stated that the person held for questioning earlier in the day is not related to Saif's case.

SAIF ALI KHAN STABBING CASE: ATTACKER NOT ARRESTED

ANI quoted the Mumbai police: The person brought to Bandra police station for questioning is not related to the Saif Ali Khan Attack Case. No one is detained in Saif Ali Khan Attack Case of now."

Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | The person brought to Bandra police station for questioning is not related to the Saif Ali Khan Attack Case. No one is detained in Saif Ali Khan Attack Case of now: Mumbai police https://t.co/1pZBX0rgl2 pic.twitter.com/vG8WnpTauk  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Earlier, Mumbai police said the accused was last seen near Bandra railway station and that the search is on to nab him, an official told ANI. Police suspect that after the incident, the suspect caught the first local train in the morning and headed towards Vasai Virar. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar areas, an official said.

Maharashtra Junior Minister for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam on Friday said that there was no involvement of any gang in the incident. "It was an attempt of theft only and there is no gang involved in this incident...police are further probing the case," the minister said, adding, "Saif Ali Khan never asked for any Security. This attack was not part of any gang. The accused had entered the house with the motive of theft only. A scuffle broke out between Saif Ali Khan and the suspect in which the actor got injured."

SAIF ALI KHAN STABBING CASE: TIMELINE

Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds.

Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'. While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU. Today, he has been moved from ICU to a special room for recovery.

Mumbai police registered an FIR regarding the attack on the actor and recorded the statement of the complainant, who is the maid employed by the actor.

In the complaint, it is alleged that the attacker demanded one crore rupees from the family. According to the complainant, the intruder attacked the maid allegedly with a hexa blade, which hit both her hands.

Gedam said, "Last night, the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. It appears to be a robbery attempt. We working to arrest the accused. 10 Detection teams are working on the case. An offence has been registered in Bandra Police Station."

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: A day after Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked in his Bandra house by an intruder, in an attempted burglary, the Mumbai police on Friday nabbed down the alleged 'attacker'. According to the visual shared by ANI on Twitter, one person has been detained for questioning.

SAIF ALI KHAN'S ATTACKER ARRESTED?

The suspect has been brought to the Bandra police station for further questioning. However, the cops later clarified that he is not related to the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case and no person has been detained in connection to the incident so far.

#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | Mumbai Police bring one person to Bandra Police station for questioning.



Latest Visuals pic.twitter.com/fuJX9WY7W0  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Earlier, Mumbai police said the accused was last seen near Bandra railway station and that the search is on to nab him, an official told ANI. Police suspect that after the incident, the suspect caught the first local train in the morning and headed towards Vasai Virar. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar areas, an official said.

SAIF ALI KHAN AT LILAWATI HOSPITAL

The Lilavati Hospital said that the actor's family and the doctors will decide on moving the actor to a normal ward from the ICU later in the day.

SAIF ALI KHAN STABBING CASE: WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY

Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds.

Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'. While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU, where he is currently recovering.

Mumbai police registered an FIR regarding the attack on the actor and recorded the statement of the complainant, who is the maid employed by the actor.

In the complaint, it is alleged that the attacker demanded one crore rupees from the family. According to the complainant, the intruder attacked the maid allegedly with a hexa blade, which hit both her hands.

Gedam said, "Last night, the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. It appears to be a robbery attempt. We working to arrest the accused. 10 Detection teams are working on the case. An offence has been registered in Bandra Police Station."

(With ANI inputs)
Mumbai: For the family of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Thursday started with a violent commotion. The actor, who was woken up during the wee hours of Thursday, was in for a shock when he found that a robber had barged in his house through the room of the youngest member of the family, his son, Jeh.

What he saw was enough to set his adrenaline pumping to fight off the assailant, who brandished a knife. In an attempt to save his house help, and his family, Saif dove head first and unarmed into a scuffle with the robber. The physical confrontation with the robber came with its consequences as the actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which would send his family into panic mode, with the knife inserted roughly 2.5 inches into the wound, Saif managed to fight off the assailant with bare hands as the latter ran off from the scene.

With one trouble out of the window, the Khan family now had a bigger trouble to cater to, a heavily injured Saif with two stab wounds near his spinal cord.

The actor was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital in the Bandra area of Mumbai by his domestic staff, as per a source.

His wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, who had returned from a girls party prior to the scuffle, held the fort at their residence, Satguru Sharan, as her husband went to the hospital.

The actor was taken to the operation theatre for an emergency surgery to remove the foreign object from his body.

By 8:30 am, the actors manager issued a statement about his condition, as the manager said, There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khans residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation.

The next few hours at the Lilavati Hospital witnessed media personnel coming out in droves to get minute to minute updates on the actor. The preliminary probe set in motion by Mumbai police stated that the intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's 12th floor flat in the actors residence but possibly sneaked in at some point earlier in the night.

By 9:30 am, Kareenas team shared a statement with the media urging the fraternity to not speculate further and wait for the police probe.

A statement issued by the actresss team, said, There was an attempted burglary in Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khans residence last night. Saif had an injury on his arm for which he is in hospital, undergoing a procedure. The rest of the family is doing fine. We request the media and fans to be patient and not speculate any further as the Police are already doing their due investigations. Thank you all for your concern. Team Kareena Kapoor Khan.

As the day progressed, Saif was pronounced out of danger and was said to be stable and on his path to recovery. As the actor was monitored closely by a team of medical professionals, they said, Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery and the doctors are monitoring his progress. All family members are safe and the police are investigating the incident.

Doctor Nitin Dange, who was part of the surgery, told the media, Saif Ali Khan was admitted in at 2:00 am. He sustained major injury to the spinal cord, in the thoracic spinal cord due to the lodged knife in the spine. Surgery was performed to remove the knife and also repair the leaking spinal fluid. Two other deep wounds on his left hand and neck were repaired by the plastic surgery team. He is completely stable now and recovering well.

However, the incident sparked a political debate with the opposition targeting the ruling Maha Yuti alliance over the law and order situation in the state capital as this was the second instance of an attack on a celebrity after politician Baba Siddique was gunned down in October last year incidentally in the Bandra area of Mumbai.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, It shows that the law and order situation in Maharashtra is deteriorating. Recently, a person was killed in the same area and now this incident. All these things are worrisome. UBT leader Sanjay Raut and Cong leader Varsha Gaikwaid also expressed shock over the incident and raised question over law and order under Maha Yuti aliance.

The cops later identified the assailant after rummaging through the CCTV footage of the building. The case, classified as an attempted robbery, has prompted an extensive investigation involving 10 police teams. Mumbai police have also released the picture of the attacker captured in the CCTV footage to help nab the attacker through the help of local people.

Later, in the evening when Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis was asked to comment on the law and order situation in the city, and the attack on the actor, he called it a serious incident but asserted that it would be wrong to label Mumbai as unsafe. The CM assured the media that police were taking action and the government would implement measures to enhance the safety of the nation's financial capital.

He said, Mumbais image is tarnished by such remarks. However, the government is committed to making the city safer.

With further developments awaited on the case, it's safe to say that the day was packed with intrigue, action and political drama for the city dwellers and the fans of the actor.

In the FIR lodged at the Bandra Police Station, the caretaker who works at the actor's house revealed some chilling details about the incident to the police. She revealed that she heard some noises around 2:00 am, when she went to check, a man came out of the bathroom and started going towards Jeh's bed. As she went to pick up Jeh, he ran towards her with something like wood. When she asked him "what do you want?", he replied, "I need money". When asked how much, he said, "one crore".

Upon hearing the commotion, Saif rushed to Jeh's room, where he was attacked by the robber wielding a wooden object and a hexa blade.
Mumbai: Shahid Kapoor has expressed his shock and concern over the recent knife attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. The incident, which occurred during an attempted robbery, left Saif injured with multiple stab wounds and has shaken the Bollywood fraternity.

Speaking about the attack, Shahid who was present at the trailer launch of his film Deva, said,  It is a very sad incident and everyone in the fraternity is concerned right. Its very shocking to hear about something like this happening to Saif, especially in such a personal and secure space. Its difficult to absorb that this could happen in Mumbai, a city we proudly consider one of the safest. We always say that we can walk freely in the city at any time, especially women. This incident is truly shocking.

Shahid went on to express his hopes for Saifs recovery, saying, I hope Saifs health is better now. Were all praying for him and his family during this difficult time.

Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after sustaining six stab wounds during the attack. While the injuries required surgery, the actor is now out of danger and recovering well. The Mumbai Police have since arrested the intruder responsible for the attack and right now he is being interrogated about the entire incident.

Shahid joins a growing list of Bollywood celebrities who have spoken out about the incident, expressing concern over the safety of public figures and urging stricter security measures. Fans across social media have extended their support to Saif and his family, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Zee News English has also learnt exclusively that Bebo will stop papparrzi coverage completley outside her house and it will be no surprise to the shutterbugs after the incident.
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Islamabad: In a landmark judgment on Friday, a Pakistan anti-corruption court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 14 and 7 years in prison respectively, in connection with the 190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict at a makeshift court within Adiala Jail, marking a significant turn in the high-profile investigation.

The verdict had been delayed thrice, most recently on January 13, before finally being delivered. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed the case in December 2023, accusing Khan, 72, Bibi, 50, and six others of causing a loss of approximately 190 million (PKR 50 billion) to Pakistan's treasury.

The allegations stem from a settlement between the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and a prominent property tycoon, in which 190 million was returned to Pakistan. Instead of being deposited into the national treasury, the funds were allegedly redirected for the personal benefit of the businessman, who reportedly assisted Khan and Bibi in establishing Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.

Bushra Bibi, a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of acquiring 458 kanals of land for the university as part of the deal. Prosecutors argue that the couple misused the funds meant for the public treasury, funneling them into personal projects.

The property tycoon and other individuals named in the case were not prosecuted as they are currently out of the country. This has raised questions about accountability and the broader implications of the case on Pakistan's global reputation.

The case has sparked widespread debate in Pakistan, with supporters of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party alleging political victimization. Critics argue that the verdict underscores the need for transparency and accountability in high-level corruption cases. Legal analysts have noted the unusual pace of the trial and its implications for the justice system.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that an agreement has been reached for the release of hostages held in Gaza. This development follows weeks of discussions and some last-minute delays in finalizing a ceasefire, aimed at pausing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has raged for over 15 months.

Netanyahu announced that he would convene his security Cabinet later on Friday, followed by a government meeting to approve the long-awaited deal. According to a statement from his office, Israel remains committed to fulfilling all the objectives of the war, including securing the return of all hostages, whether they are dead or alive.

The deal would see dozens of hostages held by Hamas released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, it would facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, which have been devastated during the conflict.

Conflict Details

The war began on October 7, 2023, when militants from Gaza launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 Israeli civilians and taking hundreds hostage. In response, Israel's military has conducted a series of airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians.

Amid the violence, multiple human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing war crimes, a claim the Israeli government rejects.

Obstacles to the Agreement

Despite the announcement, the deal has faced significant obstacles, including disputes over specific terms. Netanyahu's office had earlier indicated that Hamas was attempting to extract further concessions, although the details of these demands remained unclear.

In a Thursday briefing, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer mentioned that Hamas new demands involved the deployment of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi corridor, a region bordering Egypt that Israel seized in May.

Hamas, however, rejected these claims. Senior official Izzat al-Rishq reaffirmed the group's commitment to the ceasefire agreement, which had been brokered by key international mediators, including the United States and Qatar.

Internal Israeli Political Resistance

The ceasefire and hostage deal have also sparked fierce opposition within Netanyahus right-wing coalition government. Some members of the far-right factions, crucial to Netanyahu's political survival, have voiced strong opposition to the agreement.

On Thursday, Israels hardline National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to leave the government if the ceasefire deal was approved, signaling the deep political divisions within the ruling coalition.

Continuing Violence in Gaza

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing negotiations, violence in Gaza continues. On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 72 people, as the war-ravaged region continues to bear the brunt of the conflict.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, held talks in the Kremlin on Friday before signing a broad cooperation pact to deepen their partnership amid stinging Western sanctions.

Their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covers all areas - from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture, the Kremlin said.

Pezeshkian's visit comes ahead of Monday's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran, which is grappling with growing economic problems and other challenges, including military setbacks in its sphere of influence across the Middle East. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Trumps inauguration, saying the signing had been planned long ago.

Welcoming Pezeshkian as they sat down for talks, Putin said the new treaty will give an additional impulse to practically all areas of our cooperation.

Pezeshkian, who met Putin for the third time since coming to power in July, said the documents form a solid foundation for our forward movement and emphasized the strategic importance of ties with Moscow.

The Iranian president emphasized that countries in the region should resolve their own problems themselves.

The presence of extra-regional forces will only exacerbate tensions and destabilize the situation, Pezeshkian said, an apparent reference to the U.S.

Russias ties with Iran have grown closer after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine and the West have accused Tehran of providing Moscow with hundreds of drones for use to attack Ukraine, which Moscow and Tehran have denied.

Last year, Iran joined the BRICS bloc of developing economies and Pezeshkian attended its summit, which was hosted by Russia in Kazan.

Russia and Iran, which had troubled relations in the past, developed cordial ties after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with Moscow emerging as a key trade partner and supplier of weapons and technologies for Tehran, which has faced bruising international sanctions. Russia built Irans first nuclear plant that was launched in 2013 and is building two more nuclear reactors there.

Russia was part of the 2015 deal between Iran and six nuclear powers offering sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbing its atomic program, and the Kremlin offered political support to Iran when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during Trumps first term.

Russia and Iran also pooled their efforts to shore up Bashar Assads government during Syrias civil war, but failed to prevent his downfall last month after a lightning offensive by the opposition. Assad and his family fled to Russia.

His ouster dealt another blow to Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance across the region, which had already been pummeled by Israels offensives against two militant groups backed by Iran - Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel also attacked Iran directly on two occasions.

Tehran increasingly needs Moscows assistance as it faces economic woes and stinging setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East. The troubles could deepen after Trump returns to the White House with his policy of maximum pressure on Iran. In particular, Iran wants sophisticated Russian weapons like long-range air defense systems and fighter jets to help fend off possible attacks by Israel.
The Telugu original comedy-drama series 'Sivarapalli' which is a remake of the popular series Panchayat, is set to release on Prime Video on January 24. The makers on Friday took to their X account to announce the release date and shared the trailer of the series. Sivarapalli follows the story of Shyam, an engineering graduate from Hyderabad, who reluctantly becomes a Panchayat Secretary in a remote Telangana village. The series is a light-hearted tale of his struggles, misadventures, and his journey to adapt to the quirks of rural life. The eight-episode series is produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), directed by Bhaskhar Maurya, and written by Shanmukha Prashanth. It features Rag Mayur, Muralidhar Goud, Rupa Lakshmi, Uday Gurrala, Sunny Palle, and Pavani Karanam. In a statement shared by the team, Prime Video's Director of Content Licensing, Manish Menghani, said, "Our diverse audience's evolving preferences inspire us to expand our local language content with authentic and compelling stories." "We are excited to collaborate once again with our trusted partners, TVF, who share our vision for fresh and innovative storytelling. We are thrilled to present the Telugu Original comedy-drama Sivarapalli to our audiences. This series seamlessly blends old-world charm, humor, and quirky characters into a simple yet captivating narrative that reflects the unique cultural and social essence of the small-town village of Sivarapalli," he added. 'Sivarapalli' will be available in Telugu with English subtitles and will stream in over 240 countries and territories. The original Hindi version, which stars Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghuvir Yadav, returned for Season 3 in 2024. Season 4 is already being made, but the release date is yet to be announced. Panchayat Season 4, produced under the banner of The Viral Fever (TVF), is created by Deepak Kumar Mishra, written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya. The Tamil version of the series, 'Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam', featuring Abishek Kumar, Chetan, and Devadarshini in lead roles, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in September 2024. (ANI)
US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone late Friday, reported AP citing Chinas Foreign Ministry. The call took place just days before Trumps inauguration on Monday. The US-China relationship is expected to be a major focus of Trump's second term, with rising tensions in trade, technology, and over Taiwan.

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He described the call as a very good one for both China and the USA. Trump said the discussion covered topics like trade, fentanyl, and TikTok.

President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Trump added.

Xi Jinping will not attend Trumps inauguration. Instead, China will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng.

Trump has threatened to impose a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports to the US. However, he has also praised his relationship with Xi and suggested China could help mediate international issues, like the war in Ukraine.

In a December interview on Meet the Press, Trump said he had been in contact with Xi since his election win. He added that he has a very good relationship with Chinas leader.
A case has been registered by Tirupati Police against a group of fans of actor Nandamuri Balakrishna after a goat was killed outside Pratap Theatre in Tata Nagar, Tirupati, to celebrate the release of his film 'Daaku Maharaaj'. The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage on social media. Following a complaint from PETA India, an FIR was registered against five people under sections 325 and 270, read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; sections 4 and 5, read with 6 and 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1950; and sections 3, 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. PETA India, in its complaint, stated that animal sacrifice is prohibited under Section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, which bans the participation or assistance with such acts in public or religious congregations. Section 5 forbids sacrificing animals at public places of worship, and Section 6 provides penalties for violations. Tirupati DSP Venkata Narayana, confirmed the arrest of five people and said that others will also be identified very soon. "At around 3:30 am, fans of Balakrishna sacrificed a goat in a public place. This incident was videographed by different people and posted on various social media platforms. We received the information, and upon inquiry, it was revealed that the incident had occurred. A complaint was filed by Mr. Madan Mohan Naidu, a head constable, and a case was registered," DSP Narayana told ANI. "The case is under investigation. Five individuals have been identified and arrested, and the remaining people will be identified very soon," he added. According to Supreme Court ruling, animals can be slaughtered only in licensed slaughterhouses and that municipal authorities must ensure compliance with this ruling Andhra Pradesh and several other states, including Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala, have specific laws prohibiting the religious sacrifice of animals in temples or their precincts. In September last year, a similar video did rounds on social media during the release of Balakrishna's nephew Jr NTR's film Devara: Part 1. (ANI)
A team of researchers led by the University of California, San Diego, and Stanford University has discovered a noninvasive approach for monitoring electrical activity inside cardiac muscle cells from the outside, without physically penetrating the cells. The method is based on capturing electrical signals from outside the cells and using AI to reconstruct the signals within the cells with high precision. The electrical signals inside heart muscle cells provide insights into how the heart functions, how its cells communicate and how they respond to drugs. However capturing these signals typically involves puncturing the cells with tiny electrodes, which can damage them and make large-scale testing complicated. Now, researchers have found a way to peer inside the cells without actually going in. The key lies in extracting the relationship between the signals inside the cells (intracellular signals) and those recorded on their surface (extracellular signals). "We discovered that extracellular signals hold the information we need to unlock the intracellular features that we''re interested in," said Zeinab Jahed, a professor in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering at UC San Diego, who is one of the study''s senior authors. Keivan Rahmani, a nanoengineering Ph.D. student in Jahed''s lab, is the first author of the study. While extracellular signals can be captured with less invasive methods, they do not provide much detail about the cell''s electrical activity. "It is like listening to a conversation through a wall-you can detect that communication is happening, but you miss the specific details," explained Jahed. "In contrast, intracellular signals offer the details, making you feel like you are sitting inside the room hearing every word clearly, but they can only be captured by invasive and more technically challenging methods." Using AI, Jahed, Rahmani and colleagues developed a method to correlate extracellular signals with specific intracellular signals. To develop the new method, the team first engineered an array of nanoscale, needle-shaped electrodes. These electrodes, each up to 200 times smaller than a single heart muscle cell, are made of silica-coated with platinum. Heart muscle cells, derived from stem cells, were grown and then placed on the electrode array. The researchers collected a massive dataset--thousands of pairs of electrical signals--each pair linking an extracellular recording with its corresponding intracellular signal. The data included how the cells responded when exposed to various drugs. This offered a rich library of data on how heart muscle cells behave under different conditions. When analyzing these pairs, researchers identified patterns between the extracellular and intracellular signals. They then trained a deep learning model to predict what the intracellular signals looked like based solely on the extracellular recordings. In tests, their model created accurate and complete reconstructions of the intracellular signals. This work has important applications in drug screening, said Jahed. Every new pharmaceutical must undergo rigorous testing to ensure it does not adversely affect the heart--a process known as cardiotoxicity testing. Part of this process involves collecting detailed intracellular data from heart cells. Subtle changes in these electrical signals can provide clues about a drug''s effects on the heart, which can help drug developers assess the safety of new medications. "Currently, this is a lengthy and costly process. It typically starts with tests on animal models, which don''t always predict human outcomes," said Jahed. By using the new AI-driven approach in this study, researchers can screen drugs directly on human heart cells. This can offer a more accurate picture of how a drug will behave in the human body and potentially bypass the need for early-stage animal testing. "This could dramatically reduce the time and cost of drug development," said Jahed. "And because the cells used in these tests are derived from human stem cells, it also opens the door to personalized medicine. Drugs could be screened on patient-specific cells to predict how an individual might respond to these treatments." While the current study focused on heart muscle cells, the researchers are already working to expand their method to other types of cells, including neurons. Their goal is to apply this technology to better understand a wide array of cellular activities in different tissues. (ANI)
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi to meet patients waiting for treatment. He also interacted with them and listened to their problems. Govind Lal, a patient said, "He asked me about my stay here. He also asked about the treatment of my daughters." "He asked me for my phone number, and said that his team will contact me and help me as much as possible....", another patient, Pawan Kumar said. He added, "My daughter is 13 years old and is a blood cancer patient. We arrived here on 3 December and there has not been proper treatment since then." Asha Devi, the girl's mother, said, "Rahul Gandhi promised to provide cash support for the treatment of my daughter." In a post on X, Congress said, "Waiting for months for treatment, inconvenience and insensitivity of the government - this is the reality of Delhi AIIMS today. The situation is such that people who have come from far-off places bearing the burden of illness of their loved ones are forced to sleep on footpaths and subways in this cold." Earlier, Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party inaugurated the new Congress headquarters 'Indira Bhawan' in a cherished moment for the party that was founded in 1885. Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation of the building as Congress president on December 28, 2009, on the occasion of the 125th foundation day of the party. Congratulating the party workers and leaders Gandhi said everybody in this room is under severe assault defending the ideas of the Congress party. "Sometimes we forget it. But these people in this room are facing systematic attack and assault on their lives because they are in the Congress party, and they are not surrendering to the BJP and the RSS. You'll see that the only party capable of stopping them is the Congress party, and that's because we are an ideological party, he said. "That is why, in the same way, this building has emerged from the soil of our country, from the blood of our leaders and our workers. The idea behind this building must also reach every corner of our country," he added. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visited Munambam in Kochi to express his solidarity with the ongoing hunger strike led by the Munambam Land Protection Council. The hunger strike, which has been in progress for 96 days, is a protest against a land dispute between the natives and the Waqf Board. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor emphasized that the hunger strike was not a political rally or a Dharna, but a cry for justice from the affected individuals. "I am here in Munambam to express my solidarity with the victims of this unfortunate situation. We have seen a large number of ordinary citizens of our country, poor fishermen for the most part, on a hunger strike for 96 days already. This is going to continue until a solution is found to their plight," Tharoor said. Tharoor highlighted that these individuals possess documentary evidence that proves their claims to the land, stating, "In many cases, these are people who for generations have been living on this land and who have had documentary support for their claims that they have bought the land, they have paid for it." "Until three years ago this dispute arose. I think the problem is that, frankly reaching an unnecessary extreme human rights and an important consideration here. We are looking at ordinary human beings who have rights that are not being respected. especially when you think of people whose families have been, in generations, in their own homes. For them, to suddenly be told that the land is not theirs when they have papers saying it is theirs is not at all something that we can accept," he said. He appealed to the state government not to delay in establishing the facts and to expedite the judicial process so that the residents could return to their lives in peace. "My appeal today is that no one should wait much longer. The State Govt should not delay in establishing the facts on file as to what has happened and whatever judicial process has already begun should be expeditiously concluded so that these people can get on with their lives in peace and quiet...I was also very anxious that this should not become a Muslim-Christian issue. It is not a Muslim-Christian issue, it is a technical issue that needs to be resolved in that way...Let us not make it a communal conflict, let us see it as an administrative, legal, confusion which should be clarified at the earliest possible moment so that these residents can get on with their lives." (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Jangpura, Manish Sisodia's assets have risen significantly over the past five years. This was revealed after Sisodia filed his nomination papers on Thursday for the Assembly elections in the city-state. According to the affidavit filed during his nomination, Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's movable assets have seen a significant rise over the past five years. Sisodia's movable assets are now valued at Rs 34.43 lakh, up from Rs 4.74 lakh in the 2020 election affidavit. His wife Seema Sisodia's movable assets have also increased from Rs 2.66 lakh to Rs 12.87 lakh during the same period. Sisodia's property value has risen by approximately Rs 30 lakh in the last five years, while his wife's property has increased by around Rs 10 lakh. Despite this increase in assets, the family currently has an outstanding education loan of Rs 1.5 crore. Sisodia, who is facing six criminal cases, has denied any charges as none of them have been proven so far. Additionally, Sisodia owns a flat worth Rs 23 lakh in Ghaziabad, while Seema Sisodia owns a flat worth Rs 70 lakh in Mayur Vihar. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress. Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. (ANI)
The film is being released today, January 17, which has invited strong opposition from the SGPC, where the committee has demanded that the film be banned in Punjab. SPGC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing the film of being "politically motivated with an aim to defame Sikh community". "In a letter to Chief Secretary of the Punjab Government, it was clearly stated that ''Emergency'' film will not be allowed to be shown in Punjab, as it remains politically motivated with the aim to defame Sikhs," the letter read. In a video posted by the committee''s handle on X, SGPC chief Dhami said that they have submitted a demand letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, requesting him to stop the release of the film that "incorrectly" portrays Sikh characters. "The role of Sikh characters, especially Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in this film has been portrayed incorrectly. It always happens that the government often play with the emotions of Sikhs. This is why, we had registered objections earlier before the government to not release the film. However, with the release of the film scheduled in Punjab, we have submitted a letter to DC requesting him to stop the release," Meanwhile, the woman member of SGPC in the video says, "After the trailer of the film was released, many registered their objections that history was being presented wrongly and it can hurt sentiments of the Sikhs. However, this film is still being released. SGPC submitted a letter to DC (Amritsar). Meanwhile, SPGC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami has written a letter to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding that the film should not be released in Punjab at least." The letter reads that if the film is released, SGPC will protest against the same, she added. As this happened, Rekha Sharma, a guard of a cinema hall in Amritsar, told ANI, "I am not sure about the reasons, but the screening of this film (Emergency) will not take place here (at the cinema hall)." (ANI)
A Delhi Court on Thursday pronounced charges against Religare promoters Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivender Mohan Singh for cheating and criminal conspiracy. The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police had registered a case of alleged siphoning off funds against Religare Finvest Limited (RFL) in 2019. As per the chargesheet, RFL had a corporate loan book since 2008 and it is alleged that siphoning of funds took place from 2016 onwards and the loans taken were never returned. The allegations are in connection with 19 entities. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan of Saket District Court on Thursday pronounced charges against accused Malvinder Mohan Singh, Shivinder Mohan Singh, Rajender Prasad Aggarwal, Krishnan Subramanium, for the offences punishable under section 420 (Cheating), 120B (Criminal Conspiracy) IPC. "Now to come up for framing of charge on April 5, 2025, against accused Malvinder Mohan Singh, Shivinder Mohan Singh, Rajender Prasad Aggarwal, Krishnan Subramanium, for the offences punishable under section 420/120B IPC, " The court ordered on January 16. The court discharged other accused persons and said, "Accused persons namely Sunil Godhwani, Kavi Arora, Anil Saxena, Maninder Singh, Pankaj Sharma, Sunil Garg, Harpal Singh, Rashi Dhir, AC Mahajan and Narender Kumar Goushal, are discharged as no offence is made out against them." The court has also pronounced charges against companies charge-sheeted in this case. The court said authorised representatives of companies namely M/s A&A Capital Services, M/s Modland Wears P Ltd, M/s Platinum Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and M/s Fern Healthcare Pvt Ltd are also directed to appear personally on the next date of hearing for framing of charge. The remaining accused companies shall be proceeded under Section 305 CrPC, the court said. The court said, "It is made out that both accused Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivender Mohan Singh in conspiracy with each other created the corporate loan book (CLB) since the beginning of RFL business primarily for utilizing funds at their disposal. This was done through loan products primarily unsecured and also through investment routes in a systematic manner. The modus- operandi had been to give inter-corporate loans to various companies under the control of the accused being the promoters either directly or indirectly to the companies owned and controlled by them and being the ultimate beneficiaries." A complaint was made by the complainant company Religare Finvest Limited (RFL) to the EOW, which resulted in the FIR in question against the accused persons, for allegedly misappropriating, siphoning off and diverting through a labyrinth of financial transactions, the funds of RFL. During the investigation, it was revealed that a high amount of shareholder's funds of REL was invested in RFL. In this manner, the diversion of funds from RFL caused a direct loss to the shareholders of REL for the reason REL owned 85.64 per cent equity share capital in RFL, the management of RFL is under the control of REL and REL is accountable for the actions taken by the management of RFL. It was also found that the Corporate Loan Book (CLB) was created at the beginning of RFL business to utilize funds at the disposal of Promoters. It is alleged that this was done through loan products unsecured and also through investment routes in a systematic manner. In the present matter, both accused Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivender Mohan Singh have been alleged to have siphoned off the funds to the tune of Rs 1260 crore by playing fraud upon the complainant company. The court noted, "From the evidence available on record, the SEBI report, the statements of the witnesses cited by the prosecution, it is also clear that the accused Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh in criminal conspiracy with each other and having dishonest intention, gained wrongfully by transferring the funds to RHC Holdings through 19 entities (being the accused companies herein) by misusing their influence and caused wrongful loss to the complainant company being the subsidiary of the RHC Holdings." Also, during the said period, accused Malvinder and Shivender having influence and control over the complainant company diverted the amount of Rs 1260 crore through 19 entities which were under their control and management directly or indirectly, the court noted. "Therefore, both accused Malvinder Mohan Singh and accused Shivinder Mohan Singh are liable to be charged for the offences punishable under section 420/120B IPC, " the court ordered on Thursday. It was argued that the allegations against the accused are various inter-corporate loans that were disbursed by RFL to companies under the direct/indirect control of the promoters. These loans were eventually utilised by RHC Holdings Pvt Ltd (owned and controlled by the promoters) through a process of complex transactions among 19 entities. The present case originates from the complaint of December 18, 2018, filed by the complainant that the complainant is a non-banking financial company. Complainant company Religare Finvest Limited (RFL) is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is licensed to undertake the business of financial services as a non-deposit-taking/lending Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). It operates as a small and medium enterprise (SME) financing-focused NBFC and is in the business of extending SME working capital loans, securing SME business expansion, loans, short-term trade finance and other loans to various entities. The accused Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh, the accused in the FIR in question, were the Promoters along with the entities controlled by them and with persons acting in concert with them, owned the majority shareholding of REL till June 2017 and were as such classified as the Promoter of REL. They both continued to control REL till February 2018, the time they remained on the Board of Directors of REL and thereby, since the complainant company was a subsidiary of REL, they also controlled the complainant company i.e. RFL. Thus, both the aforesaid accused allegedly played a significant role in the management and conduct of affairs of the complainant- company and exercised deep and pervasive control over its management, it is alleged. It has been alleged that the accused Singh brothers, in conspiracy with Sunil Godhwani, being in control of the Complainant Company, caused it to give unsecured, high-value purported loans to shell companies and related/known entities of the accused. The loans were given by the Complainant Company on the sole and express basis that these entities were known to accused persons. Thus, as and when and pursuant to the instructions received from them or accused Sunil Godhwani or their agents/nominees/associates, sums to the tune of hundreds of crores were disbursed by RFL at very short notice and at times without adequate documentation for the same (in many instances the documentation was created only subsequently). Senior advocate Manu Sharma and advocate Arjun Kakkar argued on behalf of accused Malvinder Mohan Singh that ingredients of Section 420 are not made out as the manner in which the complainant company was working with regard to corporate loan book was within the prior knowledge of the complainant. It was also argued that the accused Malvinder Mohan Singh was never on the board of RFL and was the Non-Executive Chairman of REL from December 13, 2004, to April 6, 2010, and July 29, 2016 to November 14, 2017. He was also a Non-Executive Director of REL from November 14, 2017, to February 14, 2018. On behalf of accused Shivender Mohan Singh, it was argued that the investigation of the present matter is biased and motivated. The prosecution case reeks of outright malice as the EOW acted under the pressure of RFL and conducted a completely one-sided investigation with a pre-determined mindset to implicate him amongst others. During arguments, Counsels for accused persons had also discussed the concept of vicarious liability and had stated that the same is missing from the criminal law and the accused persons cannot be made liable vicariously for the offences committed by the Directors of the company, the Promoters or the Company itself. The counsel argued, that the accused persons cannot be charged for the offence punishable under section 120B IPC. It has been alleged by the prosecution that the modus operandi adopted for the siphoning off was evergreening of unsecured loans which were rotated via circuitous transactions through shell entities which only existed on paper but had no business. (ANI)
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday took a jibe at Congress saying that Congress is in a 'situationship' with the Samajwadi Party as Samajwadi Party takes Congress' support in Milkipur but gives them Triple-Talaq in Delhi and takes AAP's support. Poonawalla also claimed that in the INDIA alliance leaders' hands are joined for the photos but hearts are not connected. Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "Congress is in a 'situationship' with Samajwadi Party... Samajwadi Party takes Congress' support in Milkipur but gives them Triple-Talaq in Delhi and takes AAP's support. INDI Alliance has become a 'situationship'. Hands are joined for the photos but hearts are not connected. The Congress has also realised that it has become a burden for everyone. Rahul Gandhi is also a burden for his alliance. A no-confidence motion against Rahul Gandhi and Congress is first passed by the public, then by their alliance parties. Samajwadi Party has left them (Congress) in Delhi." The Milkipur bypoll is scheduled for February 5 and votes will be counted on February 8. The Samajwadi Party has fielded Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad's son Ajit Prasad for the by-poll to the seat. Ajit Prasad will be contesting against BJP's Chandrabhan Paswan. Congress meanwhile has decided not to field its candidate and instead support the nominee of the Samajwadi Party (SP), a constituent of the INDIA bloc. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that AAP is stronger than the Congress in Delhi so his party has decided to stand with AAP. Speaking to ANI, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by the leaders of the INDIA alliance. AAP and Congress are fighting against each other in Delhi. AAP is strong and we have decided to stand with them. The question is about Delhi and our goal is that the BJP gets defeated. Congress and AAP have the same goal too." After the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also extended its support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Delhi elections. 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 ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already announced its candidates for all 70 assembly seats. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its candidates for 59 seats. 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 Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1880104763968397587

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote 'I pay homage to Thiru MGR on his birth anniversary. We are greatly inspired by his efforts to empower the poor and build a better society.'

Along, with the post he posted a short video in honour of AIADMK's founder, depicting his political journey.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai also paid tribute to the former Chief Minister, "Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Bharat Ratna recipient and revolutionary leader MGR is on his birthday today. He focused on the advancement of the marginalized people. He implemented visionary projects that improved the entire Tamil community, such as healthcare, vocational training programs, self-employment programs, educational infrastructure, women's development, and nutritious meals for school students. He held the World Tamil Conference and made Tamil proud. We pay tribute to Dr. MGR, a great nationalist who worked for the advancement of the socially and economically backward people."

In its official message the AIADMK said, " The wisdom that laid out public welfare plans, A great heart that beat for the poor. Happy 108th birthday to MGR who will live in our hearts then, today, and forever."

MGR was born Marudur Gopala Menon Ramachandran on January 17, 1917, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama, who were Nairs from Kerala.

The actor-turned-politician MGR founded his party AIADMK after a feud with DMK chief M Karunanidhi in 1972.

MG Ramachandran, founder of AIADMK served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for ten years between 1977 and 1987. MGR was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1988.

MG Ramachandran made his acting debut in the 1936 film 'Sathi Leelavathi,' directed by Ellis R. Dungan. He gained popularity with the 1954 picture 'Malaikkallan.' He also won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film 'Rickshawkaran' in 1972.

He received Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Actor for the film 'Adimaippenn.' (ANI)
Mumbai Police on Friday said that the accused involved in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was last seen near Bandra railway station and that the search is on to nab him, an official said. Police suspect that after the incident, the suspect caught the first local train in the morning and headed towards Vasai Virar. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar areas, an official said. Earlier today, Mumbai Police said that they have taken possession of a portion of the blade extracted from Saif's back, while efforts to recover the remaining part are still underway. Meanwhile, the Lilavati Hospital said that the actor's family and the doctors will decide on moving the actor to a normal ward from the ICU later in the day. Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'. While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU, where he is currently recovering. Mumbai police registered an FIR regarding the attack on the actor and recorded the statement of the complainant, who is the maid employed by the actor. In the complaint, it is alleged that the attacker demanded one crore rupees from the family. According to the complainant, the intruder attacked the maid allegedly with a hexa blade, which hit both her hands. "He ran towards me with something like wood in his left hand and a long thin hexa blade in his right hand, during the scuffle, he tried to attack me with the blade, when I tried to protect myself by moving my hand forward, something like a knife hit my wrist near both my hands and the middle finger of my left hand. At that time, I asked him "What do you want" Then he said, "I need money, I asked how much." Then he said in English 'One crore'," the statement read. In the recorded statement, the house help mentioned that the incident happened at 2 AM on January 16. "When I looked again I saw a shadow at the bathroom door, and as I bent down to see who might be inside, one person came out and went towards their (Saif Ali Khan's) son," the statement added. She further said, "He attacked Saif with a wooden object in her hand and a hexa blade... We all ran out of the room and pulled the door and then we all ran towards him. Hearing the sound, Ramesh, Hari, Ramu and Paswan who were sleeping came out. When we took him to the room again, the door of the room was open." Mumbai Police is currently investigating the matter and have formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder who stabbed Saif. Dixit Gedam, DCP Zone 9 of Mumbai Police, who is part of the team investigating an attack on Saif, said that the incident was a "robbery attempt" and the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. Gedam said, "Last night, the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan's house. It appears to be a robbery attempt. We working to arrest the accused. 10 Detection teams are working on the case. An offence has been registered in Bandra Police Station." (ANI)
Two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans sustained injuries after Naxals set off an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The incident happened when in the morning when a BSF road-opening party was being deployed up between Camp Garpa and Garpa village, added the police official. The incident has been confirmed by Narayanpur SP Prabhat Kumar and detailed information will be shared by the officials later in the day. On Thursday, two CRPF jawans were injured in a pressure IED blast planted by Naxalites near Putkel village under the Basaguda police station in Bijapur district on Thursday morning. The injured jawans were evacuated and are now in a condition is stable, the police added. The blast comes amid the security forces intensifying anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur. On January 12, five Naxalites including two women were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur. Several automatic and other weapons and explosives were recovered from the forests under the National Park area of the Bijapur district. The recovered weapons included one SLR rifle, one 12-bore rifle, two single-shot rifles, one BGL launcher, and one locally made Bharmar gun, along with explosives, Maoist literature, and other Naxal materials. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai saluted the courage of the security forces after the encounter. Speaking to ANI, Sai had said, "We salute the courage of our security forces. Our security forces have been fighting strongly against Naxalism for the last year and have also been succeeding which has been praised by everyone. Our Prime Minister is working on ending Naxalism by 2026 and his mission will definitely be achieved." Earlier on January 11, a CRPF jawan was injured as an IED laid down by the Naxalites exploded in Bijapur. This happened after a team of CRPF from 196 Battalion Mahadev Ghat left for the forest to carry out area domination in the morning. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme to property owners in over 50000 villages in more than 230 districts across 10 States and 2 Union territories, according to an official statement. According to the release, PM Modi will launch the distribution of property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme on 18th January at around 12:30 PM through video conferencing. SVAMITVA scheme was launched by the Prime Minister with a vision to enhance the economic progress of rural India by providing a 'Record of Rights' to households owning houses in inhabited areas in villages through the latest drone technology for surveying. The scheme has marked a milestone in India's rural empowerment and governance journey. The scheme also helps facilitate the monetization of properties and enables institutional credit through bank loans; reducing property-related disputes; facilitating better assessment of properties and property tax in rural areas and enabling comprehensive village-level planning. Drone survey has been completed in over 3.17 lakh villages, which covers 92% of the targeted villages. So far, nearly 2.25 crore property cards have been prepared for over 1.53 lakh villages. The scheme has reached full saturation in Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Goa, Uttarakhand and Haryana. Drone surveys have been completed in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh and also in several Union Territories. The scheme was launched on April 24, 2020 (On National Panchayati Raj Day) by Prime Minister Modi, and aimed to provide a "Record of Rights" to property owners in rural Abadi areas using drone and GIS technology. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister virtually distributed the first set of Property Cards on October 11, 2020. Earlier on Thursday, PM Narendra Modi celebrated the 9th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, highlighting its transformative impact on the country's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. In a social media post, PM Modi expressed pride in the program's achievements and its role in empowering India's youth. The PM emphasized that the initiative has turned countless innovative ideas into successful startups over the past nine years. From technological advancements to rural innovations, healthcare breakthroughs to clean energy solutions, Indian startups are addressing global challenges while also creating jobs and advancing the vision of self-reliance, or Aatmanirbhar Bharat. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday denied bail to E Abubacker, former chairman of the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), who sought his release on medical grounds in a case registered against him under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A bench of Justices Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal said it was not inclined to grant bail on medical grounds at this stage and granted liberty to him to approach the trial court. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the National Investigation Agency, argued that all the medical conditions raised by Abubacker have been optimised through various treatments and hence, he cannot be granted bail. Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022, by the NIA during a massive crackdown on PFI. The government banned the PFI and several of its associate organisations on September 28, 2022, for five years under the stringent anti-terror law, accusing them of having links with global terror groups like ISIS. He approached the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court's May 28, 2024 order which denied him bail. Abubacker said that he was in his seventies and suffering from Parkinson's disease and that he had undergone surgery for treatment of cancer. Among the allegations against Abubacker is that he was earlier associated with SIMI, a banned organisation and later he became an integral part of the PFI. He was also an authorised signatory with respect to the bank accounts of PFI. (ANI)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Uttarakhand and the Icelandic company Varkis Consulting Engineers at Secretariat in the virtual presence of Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami Dhami and Icelandic Ambassador, Dr Benedict Hoskulsson regarding exploration and development of geothermal energy in Uttarakhand, said a statement from CM office on Friday. Through his virtual presence, CM Dhami described this MoU as a milestone in the field of energy security and sustainable development of Uttarakhand as well as the country. The CM said that through this MoU of geothermal energy, not only the goal of clean and renewable energy will be achieved but the path of inclusive development will also be paved while ensuring environmental security, added the statement. He said that Iceland is a leading country in the field of geothermal energy and with their technical cooperation and experience, Uttarakhand will emerge as an important state in the field of geothermal energy. The Uttarakhand CM added that no objection has also been received from three important ministries of the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of External Affairs. While the expenditure burden of studying the feasibility of geothermal energy in the state will be borne by the Government of Iceland, read the statement from CM office. It is to be noted that as per the assessment done by Geological Survey of India and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, about 40 geothermal sites have been identified in the state of Uttarakhand, where geothermal energy can be exploited. As per the statement, Varkis Consulting Engineers is a 'leading' company of Iceland having 'global' expertise in the field of geothermal energy. Their technical capabilities and experience will help in developing geothermal projects in Uttarakhand quickly and efficiently. (ANI)
Kerala's Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan on Friday asked the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state to withdraw its decision to allow a global liquor major to establish manufacturing units in Palakkad district, terming it a violation of the existing policy. "The day before yesterday, the Kerala government's Cabinet made a decision to provide a license for the India-made foreign liquor bottling plant and to produce the brewery brandy, wine and other India-made foreign liquors. This is a violation of the policy which has been in existence for the last 25 years," Satheesan told ANI. He warned of agitation if the government does not revoke the decision. "Without consulting anybody, the government deviated from the policy which has been taken for the last 25 years...So, we demand that the government withdraw this decision. Otherwise, we will start agitation," he said. The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) is expected to raise the issue in the Budget session of the State Assembly which began on Friday with a policy address by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Finance Minister KN Balagopal will present the State Budget on February 7. The Assembly will meet for 27 days of sittings in its 13th session. The discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the Governor's address will be held from January 20 to January 22. The State Budget will be presented on February 7, followed by a general discussion on it from February 11 to February 13. The final batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the 2024-25 fiscal will be considered on February 13. The Assembly will take a break from February 14 to March 2. During this period, Subject Committees will scrutinise the demands for grants. Once the session resumes on March 4, the Assembly will take up the demands for grants for the 2025-26 fiscal. Before the session winds up on March 28, the House will pass two Appropriation Bills concerning the final supplementary demands for grants for the 2024-25 fiscal and the 2025-26 State Budget. (ANI)
Consistent progress seen in environmental protection

08:36, January 17, 2025 By Hou Liqiang ( Chinadaily.com.cn

An aerial drone photo taken on May 8, 2024, shows boats touring Baiyangdian Lake in Xiong'an New Area, North China's Hebei province. (Photo/Xinhua)

Despite facing challenges in environmental protection amid efforts to boost its economic recovery, China has made consistent progress over the past year, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said.

In 2024, the average density of PM2.5 particulate matter in the country's 339 major cities was 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, down 2.7 percent year-on-year, the ministry said in a statement issued after its annual work conference that was held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This means the concentration of the air pollutants that can penetrate deeply into the lungs has remained below China's interim national standard of 35 mcg/cubic meters for five straight years, it said.

The ministry also revealed that the proportion of days with fairly good air quality  considered to be below 100 on a 0-500 air quality index scale  in the country reached 87.2 percent last year, up 1.7 percentage points from the previous year.

The accomplishment was attributed to a series of initiatives implemented by the ministry to advance efforts to ensure blue skies.

Roughly 2 million rural households in northern China, for example, said farewell to coal as a heating source in 2024, the statement said. Approximately 80 percent of the nation's crude steel production capacity has undergone either comprehensive ultra-low emission transformations or targeted upgrades in key segments of their production processes.

The statement also noted unprecedented improvements in the quality of the country's surface water. About 90.4 percent of surface water nationwide was reported to be of fairly good quality last year, a 1 percentage point increase from 2023, the ministry stated.

It was the first time that the proportion of fair good quality water across the country exceeded 90 percent.

China has a five-tier quality system for surface water, with Grade I being the best.

The country has seen black and odorous water bodies essentially eradicated in urban areas of cities at and above the prefecture level, the ministry said. In the nation's county seats, 80 percent of heavily polluted water bodies have been treated.

The ministry pledged a series of measures to forge ahead with the country's "Beautiful China" initiative.

A priority for the ministry in 2025 is to further deepen the reform of the country's mechanisms to work towards the realization of an ecological civilization.

The ministry also aims to spearhead technological innovation in environmental protection and bolster the nation's environmental monitoring system.

It said initiatives will be implemented to facilitate the intelligent evolution of the national environmental monitoring network and establish a space-air-ground-sea integrated monitoring network.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
At the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, which was among the few initial centres established in 1875, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh discussed the journey undertaken by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). He was here on a visit for one day. "IMD has completed 150 years today. Shimla is one of the two centres initially established. The journey started when the first cyclone in Northeast India led to the realization of the need to monitor natural calamities. Shimla remained the National Headquarters for a long time due to its geographical and topographical importance. This centre has always held more significance than others," Singh told ANI. Singh praised India's advancements in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, comparing the nation's capabilities with those of other leading countries. He remarked, "It is a matter of satisfaction for us that our forecasting and disaster preparedness capabilities are on par with other countries and, in some aspects, even better. We are also sharing our expertise with other nations. The priority given to this department by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is evident from the initiatives taken during his tenure, including the launch of 'Mission Mausam'." On Future Goals, he said the country will have an Indian Space Station by 2035. Highlighting India's ambitions in space technology, Singh stated, "According to the calendar we have devised, India will have its own space station by 2035, named the Indian Space Station. This will enhance our capabilities, especially in missions requiring satellite deployments. Establishing a space station will simplify operations, provide communication ease, and ensure preparedness for emergencies." Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh IMD head, Kuldeep Srivastava told ANI, provided a detailed briefing on the progress and plans for improving meteorological facilities in the region. Speaking of the 150th-anniversary celebrations, he stated, "During the visit of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, we presented the developments across various sections, including climate forecasting and general meteorology. We also discussed how we could improve these facilities further." Srivastava revealed plans to enhance radar coverage in Himachal Pradesh, saying, "We have proposed two additional radars for Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, which, once approved and installed, will ensure full radar coverage for the entire state. We also briefed the minister on proposed instruments and facilities for the region he said. Furthermore, Srivastava noted, "We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Disaster Management Authority for a 48-hour advance forecasting model. This is expected to be implemented within one to two years." (ANI)
Justice Dharmesh Sharma had Convicted and sentenced Sengar when he was a session judge at Tis Hazari. Sengar has already challenged the trial court order before the High Court in 2018.

A division bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh listed the matter before another bench subject to the order of the bench of chief justice on January 27.

Meanwhile, the High Court on Friday refused to extend the interim bail of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and asked him to surrender on January 20.

He was granted medical bail in December 2024, by the division bench of the High Court till January 20.

Advocate Kanhaiya Singhal pressed that Sengar is to undergo a cataract surgery at AIIMS on January 24. The bench said that first, you surrender. Thereafter we will see.

He was granted medical bail in the victim's father's custodial death case by the single-judge bench of the High Court. In this case, he is serving a ten-year jail sentence. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in a review meeting on implementation of New Criminal Laws in Madhya Pradesh chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah held in North Block in New Delhi on Friday. "With the help of New Criminal Laws, the police will save its time in the judicial process. We have made great progress towards fully implementing the laws. I am happy that after implementing these three new criminal laws, it will be beneficial to provide justice as soon as possible in a short time," CM Yadav told reporters. He further added, "Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states to use the e-summon. The Union Home Minister also appreciated our progress in improving this new law system and directed some other reforms to implement, such as recruitment of forensic science and training of other police officials. We have also described a time-bound on the basis of which Madhya Pradesh will be integrated into good states." The CM also said that he assured the Home Minister that he would review the implementation of the laws every month and the Chief Secretary would review in 15 days so that these arrangements reached to the ground level and the state would get good progress. The new criminal laws are Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023. These were implemented nationwide on July 1 last year, aiming to make India's legal system more transparent, efficient, and adaptable to the needs of contemporary society. These landmark reforms represent a historic overhaul of India's criminal justice system, bringing in new frameworks to tackle modern-day challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime and ensuring justice for victims of various offences. Earlier on Thursday, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister attended the seventh Regional Industry Conclave held in Shahdol district and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India would again become the Golden bird through entrepreneurship. CM Yadav also remarked that religiously significant regions like Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria, which were previously underdeveloped, would now witness comprehensive growth. The seventh Regional Industries Conclave, themed "Land of Infinite Possibilities", was organized in Shahdol to promote balanced development. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, slammed the NDA government, accusing them of betraying Karnataka. He pointed out that out of Rs1,73,030 crore allocated to states, said Karnataka received only Rs6,310 crore, a significant drop from previous allocations, as he stated in his official release. Siddaramaiah termed this as a shocking injustice that mocks the hard work of people in Karnataka. "The NDA government's betrayal of Karnataka continues in full swing. Of the Rs1,73,030 crore allocated to states, Karnataka has been given a mere Rs6,310 crore--a shocking drop from previous instalments. This injustice mocks every hardworking Kannadiga," he said. He highlighted Karnataka's share of the Union Budget has stagnated. According to his release, In 2018-19, the state received Rs46,288 crores, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs44,485crorese, with an additional Rs15,299 crore in grants. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Photo/ANI) "Despite making up only 5% of India's population, Karnataka contributes 8.4% to the nation's GDP. We rank second in GST collection and lead the nation in GST growth with an impressive 17% increase. However, despite Karnataka's significant contributions, the Union Budget has doubled from Rs24.42 lakh crore in 2018-19 to Rs48.20 lakh crore in 2024-25, yet Karnataka's share has stagnated. In 2018-19, Karnataka received Rs46,288 crore, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs44,485 crore, with an additional Rs15,299 crore in grants. Karnataka, contributing so much, should receive at least Rs1 lakh crore annually but continues to be denied its rightful share," he said. He further questioned that despite contributing Rs4.5 lakh crore annually, the state received only Rs45,000 crore in tax share and Rs15,000 crore in grants. "Why should Karnataka, contributing Rs4.5 lakh crore annually to the national exchequer, receive only Rs45,000 crore in tax share and Rs15,000 crore in grants--a mere 13 paise for every rupee we contribute?," he said. "The 15th Finance Commission reduced Karnataka's tax share from 4.713% to 3.647%, costing us Rs79,770 crore over five years. Even the recommended special grant of Rs5,495 crore to compensate for these losses was denied by the Modi government," he added. Siddaramiah emphasized that Karnataka deserves a fair share of its tax contributions and demands justice for the state. He urged all Kannadigas to unite and fight for their rights, regardless of caste, religion, or politics. "Karnataka, despite its unparalleled contributions, is left to fend for itself. While our tax money builds the coffers of BJP leaders in UP, Bihar and MP, our people suffer during floods, droughts, and other crises. This injustice demands an answer: "Our Tax, Our Right" Karnataka will not tolerate this bias any longer. We call upon every Kannadiga, cutting across caste, religion, and politics, to rise against this discrimination. Let's fight for what is rightfully ours!" (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan attacked Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday over his remarks about the Maha Kumbh, saying that the ideology of Sanatana Dharma has risen, which is why they are hurt by it. Speaking to ANI, Ravi Kishan said, "The ideology of Sanatana Dharma has risen, so they are hurt by this. I would tell the opposition to fight in the election, this is a gathering of Sanatana Dharma, why are you counting data here? The media is here. You are capturing the live visuals from here. There is nothing to hide. People from every caste, community and religion are coming here and taking a holy dip. Their (Samajwadi Party's) PDA has been shattered, so it is natural for them to be frustrated." Earlier today VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal also condemned Akhilesh Yadav's remarks saying it has become a nature of the opposition to malign anything in the nation. Bansal attacked the Samajwadi Party supremo saying "They just know how to abuse Hindutva, please Islamists, nurture terrorists, release them from jail and keep them in their cabinet." "It has become a nature of the opposition to malign anything in the nation. Akhilesh Yadav should say what data he has, he should share it. He does not have any data with him. Currently, he is standing with those who create a mess. I have heard that he has a good bond with the leader of Delhi who is very good at creating a mess. They just know how to abuse Hindutva, please Islamists, nurture terrorists, release them from jail and keep them in their cabinet. He should apologise for his statements," Bansal said. On Wednesday, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the numbers being given by the state government regarding Maha Kumbh were "fake". He said that the trains were going empty. "All the figures of the government are fake. Some trains are going empty. We heard that the train going from Gorakhpur was empty. All the figures of BJP are fake," Yadav said. (ANI)
Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Friday took cognizance of the charge sheet filed in a murder case of a Delhi police constable. The police constable was dragged to death by a car in Nangloi area on September 29, 2024. Delhi Police have recently filed a charge sheet against 4 persons accused in the hit and drag case. The police constable Sandeep Malik was allegedly crushed to death by a car driver. Judicial Magistrate Akanksha after taking the cognizance listed the matter for scrutiny of documents on February 2. A copy of the charge sheet has been directed to supply to the accused persons. A 400-page charge sheet was filed on December 27, 2024, before a Duty Magistrate Shubham Devadiya against accused Rajnish and Dharmendra for the alleged offences of Murder and other offences under sections 221, 132, 103, 249, 3(5)Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Two other accused namely Jitendra and Manoj have been charged sheeted for the alleged offence of harbouring the the main accused persons. The matter has been listed for hearing before the concerned judge on opening of the court. As per Delhi Police on the night of September 29, 2024 constable Sandeep Malik was on night duty in civil dress. He saw Rajanish and Dharmendra consuming alcohol in the car. He stopped them from drinking. Thereafter an altercation ensued. It is alleged that the accused persons hit the bike of the constable and dragged him upto 10 metres. It caused him grievous injury in the head and other parts. It is alleged that Dharmendra was driving the car. He allegedly fled to Himachal Pradesh, police had added. Delhi Police sought remand of accused Rajnish on the ground that he is to be taken to Jhajjar Haryana and Ponta Sahib Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressed a gathering during the commemoration of the Year of Naval Civilians, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and cyber security in safeguarding India's interests. The event, held at the DRDO, recognized the contribution of naval civilians and emphasized their critical role in India's defence and security strategies. Highlighting the growing challenges posed to national security in an increasingly complex global environment, the Defence Minister said, "Cyber security is equally important for maritime security." He further emphasized, "India's economic prosperity is linked to the maritime security of this country. To achieve this, our territorial waters must be protected, Freedom of Navigation is ensured, and our Sea Routes, which are our maritime highways, are kept safe." Reflecting on the changing security landscape, Singh remarked, "The complexities of our forces are increasing with time. But why is this happening? This is happening because the defence-security environment across the world is becoming increasingly tense. If we assess the entire decade we are in from a Defence and security perspective, then after almost half a decade has passed, we can say that it has been a volatile decade. We are witnessing many conflicts and wars in different regions across the world." "Our armed forces are moving forward today with a larger mandate and a more complex structure. In this, our civilian colleagues provide crucial administrative and technical support to our forces. If the Indian Navy is progressing so much in the field of innovation today, it is because the work of research and development is being carried out collectively by everyone. Similarly, there are many other tasks in which your important role remains significant," he added. Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of planning and a consultative approach, specifically highlighting the crucial role of naval civilians in this process. "Planning is very important in all this. There should also be a consultative approach in this planning process, in which we consult all the stakeholders. I believe that in this planning process, our Naval civilians have a very important role," he said. The Defence Minister also emphasized the need for strengthening India's defensive and offensive capabilities. "We have to increase our Critical Capability, and in the coming times, we will have to focus on strengthening both our offensive and defensive responses," he said. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Friday said that the two jawans injured inthe Bijapur Naxal attack are out of danger and in a healthy condition. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the jawans are from Assam and Ladakh and are expected to recover soon. He mentioned that one of them sustained a leg injury, while the other suffered an eye injury and had surgery the previous day. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Sharma said, "Both the jawans are now healthy and out of danger. One is from Assam and the other is from Ladakh and they will recover soon. One jawan has suffered a leg injury and doctors have said he will recover soon. The other has suffered an eye injury and underwent surgery yesterday. It was a difficult area and a major operation was carried out by the jawans." The Deputy CM further said that the jawans have had communication with their families and that he has also spoken to them. Earlier on Thursday, had termed the Bijapur Naxal attack as a cowardly act. "This is a cowardly act of Naxals. They have placed IEDs everywhere. Security personnel, civilians and animals are also getting killed in it. Yesterday, 2 security personnel were hit by an IED. Both have been admitted to the hospital and both are safe," he told ANI. Two jawans were injured in a pressure IED blast planted by Naxalites near Putkel village under the Basaguda police station area on Thursday morning, according to Bijapur Police. The injured jawans were evacuated and their condition was said to be stable and out of danger, the police added. The blast came amid the security forces intensifying anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur. On January 12, five Naxalites including two women were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur. Several automatic and other weapons and explosives were recovered from the forests under the National Park area of the Bijapur district. The recovered weapons included one SLR rifle, one 12-bore rifle, two single-shot rifles, one BGL launcher, and one locally made Bharmar gun, along with explosives, Maoist literature, and other Naxal materials. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai saluted the courage of the security forces after the encounter. (ANI)
India's economic prosperity is linked to its maritime security, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. He was addressing senior Navy officers and other civilian staff of the Indian Navy during the celebration of the 'Year of Naval Civilians' event at Dr DS Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan. The ceremony showcased the remarkable achievements and contributions of Naval Civilians. "It is necessary to protect our territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and keep our sea routes, which are our maritime highways, safe," he said. He added that in recent years American and other European naval powers had reduced their presence in the IOR region while the Indian Navy had increased it, but despite this, there is a possibility of increased threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries. In view of this, the Indian Navy is working towards increasing its presence further. "Cyber Security has now also become a very important part of Maritime Security. Given the speed at which cyber attacks are increasing, ignoring them can prove fatal. I believe that there is a need to run a special awareness campaign about cyber security in the armed forces," he added. Most people know India as a subcontinent due to its vast land boundaries, but if it look carefully, India is no less important as an island nation, he added. "We have to increase our Critical Capability, and in the coming times, we will have to focus on strengthening both our offensive and defensive responses and to achieve this planning is very important. And there should also be a consultative approach in this planning process, in which we consult all the stakeholders including Naval civilians have a very important role," he added. In view of India's strategic location and its geopolitical situation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Defence Ministerh reiterated the resolve of the Government, to strengthen the Navy, terming it as a necessity in today's times. "India's economic prosperity is linked to maritime security. It is, therefore, necessary to protect our territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and keep sea routes, which are our maritime highways, safe. In recent years, major naval powers have reduced their presence in IOR, while the Indian Navy has increased it. There is a possibility of increase in threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries. In view of this, the Indian Navy is working towards increasing its presence further," he said. (ANI)
Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary launched solar mobile van training units in the national capital on Friday with the aim to provide financial and digital literacy in rural parts of the country. This transformative initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Learning Links Foundation, Dell Technologies, and local stakeholders. Jayant Singh Chaudhary said, "We are here to announce an initiative. This is the 4th year and we are flagging off two buses, the special thing about these buses is that they are empowered with the latest in technology and are solar-powered. They are going to rural communities across a variety of states, regions and districts in India. This has been running for the last 4 years. In the previous financial year, this program was running in 11 districts, now 7 (districts) more will be chosen and a variety of states will be covered." He said that the goal is to reach out to the communities at their doorstep and to provide them latest skills on financial literacy, digital literacy and new emerging technologies. "People want to skill themselves. I congratulate Dell, Learning Links Foundation and NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) for this great initiative," he added. The Solar Community Hubs are state-of-the-art mobile training units powered by solar energy, designed to deliver impactful skilling solutions to underserved communities. The event marks the beginning of a nationwide deployment of these hubs, with seven vans set to operate across districts in Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. In FY25, the programme will extend to seven new districts and is expected to impact an additional 5.8 million beneficiaries, including community youth, students, women, and veterans. Equipped with advanced facilities such as laptops, portable furniture, GPS systems, MiFi routers, panic buttons, and Bluetooth-enabled speakers, these hubs offer training on diverse topics, including digital and financial literacy, technical expertise, cybersecurity, and an introduction to Generative AI. Developed through a collaborative effort, the program aligns with the goals of the Skill India Mission. By integrating technology and innovation, the initiative exemplifies Dell Technologies' commitment to fostering digital inclusion and driving sustainable development through meaningful partnerships. The event was also attended by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE); and Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a state-level program of the "Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan" (Constitution Pride Campaign) in Shimla on Friday, highlighting the importance of Dr B R Ambedkar's contribution to the nation and the constitution. Union Minister Jitendra Singh while addressing the gathering said that the Congress exploits Ambedkar's legacy for vote bank politics. He stated, "The Congress leaders, who have always neglected Dr Ambedkar socially and politically, are now pretending to embrace his ideals merely to secure their vote bank. To further their political agenda, Congress and its 'toolkit gang' are distorting statements of senior BJP leaders to create division in society. The Congress, desperate due to repeated electoral defeats, has stopped tarnishing even the sanctity of democratic institutions for their divisive and hateful politics. Such actions by Rahul Gandhi and his associates are condemnable." "Dr. Ambedkar played a monumental role in making the Indian Constitution inclusive, ensuring justice for the backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and the marginalized. Every BJP worker deeply respects Dr Ambedkar's principles and ideals." Singh remarked. Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also took a dig at the Congress, reflecting on its historical policies. He said, "If anyone forcefully raised the voice for Dalits, it was Dr Ambedkar. However, the Congress-led central government of that time sidelined Dalits and prioritized Muslims for political appeasement." Thakur cited Dr Ambedkar's opposition to Congress' Kashmir policy, saying, "Dr Ambedkar had explicitly warned that the policies Congress was formulating regarding Kashmir would fail to resolve the issue and instead exacerbate it into a major problem for the nation. He predicted that such policies would lead to challenges that future generations would have to face. Dr Ambedkar opposed these policies and was critical of the Congress' approach under Nehru, who lacked commitment towards Hindus--a stance that was both unfortunate and regrettable." "There are numerous instances where Dr Ambedkar vehemently opposed Congress policies. While he gave us the Constitution, the Congress has repeatedly insulted both him and the Constitution," he further added. The program emphasised Dr Ambedkar's significant contributions to empowering marginalised communities, strengthening democracy, and ensuring inclusivity in the Constitution. The speakers reiterated the BJP's commitment to upholding his principles and fostering a society based on equality and justice. The event also saw the participation of BJP State President Dr Rajeev Bindal, MP Dr Sikandar Kumar, and State Organization General Secretary Siddharthan, who echoed the sentiments of the key speakers and lauded Dr Ambedkar's role in shaping modern India. The "Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan" served as a platform for the BJP to reaffirm its ideological connection with Dr Ambedkar's vision while drawing a stark contrast with Congress' historical and current policies. The program resonated with the theme of safeguarding the Constitution and honouring its architect, Dr B R Ambedkar. (ANI)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested the fifth accused, Jaspreet Singh Bagga in the Birfa IT case that involves the illegal sending of foreign remittances worth Rs 4,817 crore against bogus and forged invoices for making compensatory payments for under invoiced imports made from China and Hong Kong. ED's Delhi unit arrested Jaspreet under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. He was produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Dwarka, which has remanded the accused to one day ED custody till tomorrow. The four accused arrested earlier namely: Manideep Mago, Sanjay Sethi, Mayank Dang and Tushar Dang were arrested by the ED. ED said that Jaspreet is in the business of opticals and is a close associate of Sanjay Sethi and Mayank Dang and is a key member of the syndicate involved in under-invoiced imports and sending compensatory payments through Hawala Channels. "Jaspreet's shop was an epicentre of cash collection and acted as a hub for unaccounted cash collection from numerous importers. He used to carry daily cash collection to his home at Kirti Nagar which was further collected by cash handlers of Manideep Mago and was eventually remitted illegally abroad through companies of Manideep Mago and Sanjay Sethi using fake and forged invoices," said the ED. The investigation revealed that Jaspreet handled around Rs 250 crore of cash for Manideep Mago and Sanjay Sethi. "This cash was layered through various bank accounts operated by the accused persons before being remitted abroad to make compensatory payments to Chinese exporters." ED initiated an investigation into the financial affairs of Birfa IT based on the information that this entity had sold huge amount of crypto assets and encashed Rs 1,858 crore from an Indian crypto-exchange. "Enquiries revealed that it had not bought any crypto assets in India. Such a situation indicated a dangerous scenario of International Hawala using crypto transactions," said the ED in a statement. Therefore, the agency said, a search under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) conducted in this case, revealed evidences that Manideep Mago has been making illegal foreign remittances using fake and forged documents. "On the basis of findings unearthed during the search, a complaint was made by ED to Crime Branch, Delhi and an FIR under various section of IPC,1860 was registered. Since the FIR contained Scheduled offences, the case was taken up for detailed investigation under PMLA by ED." (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched the party's 'Sankalp Patra' for the Delhi assembly elections with a key focus on improving healthcare, empowering women, supporting senior citizens, and ensuring better access to essential services. The party pledged to roll out new schemes and enhance existing ones to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the people of Delhi. Bharatiya Janata Party's National President and Union Minister JP Nadda launched the party's Delhi Assembly election manifesto on Friday. Among the major promises, the BJP announced a series of welfare initiatives for women, starting with the provision of six nutritional kits and Rs 21,000 in financial assistance under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, the BJP has proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi, aimed at empowering them economically. To support low-income families, the BJP promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from such households. The party also committed to offering one free cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Deepawali. The manifesto also highlighted the party's focus on healthcare, with a promise to implement the central government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi, providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The state government would add another Rs 5 lakh cover for low-income households, ensuring comprehensive medical care. For senior citizens, the BJP promised to introduce several initiatives, including free OPD and diagnostic services for all individuals aged 70 and above. Additionally, the party will provide Rs 10 lakh health cover and increase the Senior Citizen's Pension from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 for those aged 60-70. Senior citizens, widows, specially abled, and destitute aged over 70 years will see a pension increase from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. In a step towards improving the quality of life in underserved areas, the BJP proposed the launch of Atal Canteens in JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals for just Rs 5. The BJP also reassured that once in power, the party would continue existing welfare schemes while making them more efficient and transparent, eliminating corruption from the process. These initiatives aim to enhance the welfare of Delhi's residents, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable groups, signalling the BJP's commitment to social welfare and development in the national capital. As per the BJP, these initiatives aim to enhance the welfare of Delhi's residents, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable groups, signalling the party's commitment to social welfare and development in the national capital. Speaking about the central government's flagship health scheme, the BJP national chief JP Nadda promised to implement Ayushman Bharat for 51 lakh people getting health insurance coverage for Rs 5 lakh from the first cabinet meeting itself. "After forming the govt in Delhi, we will implement the Central government's Ayushman Bharat for 51 lakh people, who were deprived of its benefits under AAP, in the first Cabinet meeting. Besides, we will provide additional cover of Rs 5 lakh," he added. Nadda has called the manifesto a 'foundation for a developed Delhi,' expressing confidence in winning the upcoming assembly election.BJP national president said that the 'Sankalp Patra' has been made after receiving mass feedback after holding thousands of meetings and getting ideas from constituents."We have received approximately 1 lakh 80 thousand feedbacks. Discussions were held through 12 thousand small and big meetings and ideas were collected through 41 LED Vans," he said while addressing a press conference. Nadda further hit out at the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying that a BJP government will investigate AAP's alleged corruption. "Their (AAP's) Mohalla clinic is a den of corruption and a programme to hoodwink people. Fraud lab tests have been conducted in his mohalla clinic and a scam of Rs 300 crore has taken place. When our government comes, all these will be thoroughly investigated," Nadda said. He further criticised the other promises that Delhi's ruling party has failed to give, claiming that they were not able to fulfil their promise of giving Rs 2100 in Punjab too. Calling it 'AAPda's track record, he added, "Let me shed some light on AAPda's track record. They promised to give Rs 2100 per month in 2021. They neither gave it here in Delhi nor Punjab. In 2024, they promised to give Rs 1000 per month. As expected, they did not provide it here in Delhi or Punjab. They failed to give subsidy on LPG." The Delhi Assembly elections are going to be held in a single phase on February 5, with counting to be done on February 8. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress. Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. (ANI)
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian along with MLA Kulwant Singh laid the foundation stone of Saneta's new grain market in Mohali on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Punjab Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said, "The grain market in Mohali's Saneta has been inaugurated today. It's important to ensure that farmers' crops are stored properly after being harvested, so they don't get spoilt." The Punjab Agriculture Minister also spoke about the farmer's protest and said, "The farmers have been trying to go to Delhi for a while, but the central government has been preventing them. They have been seeking to have their demands addressed for a long time, and the central government should agree to their requests." Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court sought from the Punjab government complete comparative medical reports of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, to obtain an opinion from the medical board of AIIMS. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Punjab government, told the bench that there is now a medical facility just 10 meters near the protest site and that Dallewal's parameters are "improving". The top court was hearing a contempt petition filed against the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab for not complying with the December 20 order of providing medical aid and hospitalisation to Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death since November 26. 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 fast unto death. The apex court also heard a fresh petition filed by advocate Guninder Kaur Gill which stated that on December 9, 2021, farmers had suspended their year-long agitation with the assurance of the Central government that their demands would be met. The petition sought direction from the Centre to comply with its proposal of December 9, 2021. The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Union government, to take instruction from the Centre on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on January 29. (ANI)
Following the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan said that it was a tragic incident. He said that Mumbai is a safe place and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is taking the concern over safety very seriously. Ravi Kishan who is also an actor, took a holy dip at Triveni Ghat on Friday. Ravi Kishan further said, "It is a tragic incident. We have worked together. Saif has been a friend of mine since 1993. I pray for his recovery. The security arrangements have been made in the building. The administration is looking into this matter. Strict actions will be taken against the culprit once caught. Mumbai is a safe place. CM Devendra Fadnavis is taking the issue seriously. CM takes responsibility for safety of everyone from celebrity to common man." Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital under the supervision of a team of doctors. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his 'leaking spinal fluid'.While Saif is "out of danger", doctors are continuing to monitor him. The Mumbai Police on Friday clarified that no person related to the case of actor Saif Ali Khan had been detained so far. Earlier it was reported that one person had been brought to the Bandra Police station for questioning, however, the Police have now ruled out that possibility saying that the person is not related to the Saif Ali Khan assault case. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Junior Minister for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam on Friday said that there was no involvement of any gang in the incident. "It was an attempt of theft only and there is no gang involved in this incident...police are further probing the case," the minister said, adding, "Saif Ali Khan never asked for any Security. This attack was not part of any gang. The accused had entered the house with the motive of theft only. A scuffle broke out between Saif Ali Khan and the suspect in which the actor got injured." (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday flagged off a special train for senior citizens under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana and said that the scheme has been launched by the state government to fulfil the spiritual and religious aspirations of the economically backward and below-poverty-line senior citizens in the state. "I flagged off the pilgrimage train for Shirdi and Nashik under the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme at Bhubaneswar Railway Station. The Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme has been launched by the state government to fulfil the spiritual and religious aspirations of the economically backward and below-poverty-line senior citizens in the state. Today, 775 senior citizens from six districts--Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Dhenkanal--embarked on a journey to visit the famous pilgrimage destinations of Maharashtra, Sirsi and Nashik. This year, arrangements have been made for 8,000 senior citizens of the state to visit pilgrimage sites like Sirsi, Nashik, Suja Kali (Kolkata), Kamakhya, Ayodhya, Varanasi, etc. in 10 phases," the Chief Minister posted on X. "The pilgrimage train will depart from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rayagada and Balasore stations in the state in two phases. The government has provided transportation facilities to all the pilgrims from their villages to the railway station where they start their journey. Arrangements have also been made for accommodation, transportation from the railway station to the pilgrimage site, and food and drink for all the pilgrims during the journey. Respecting the religious and spiritual sentiments of the citizens of the state, the state government has recently arranged for 4 modern bus services for the world-famous Mahakumbh Mela. In addition, 7 special trains are also running from Odisha for the Mahakumbh Mela," he further wrote on X. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that this step will boost cultural and spiritual tourism for the poor. "... Under The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, the first train was inaugurated by CM Mohan Charan Majhi today... People aged 60 to 75 are travelling in this from 4 districts... This is a boost to cultural and spiritual tourism for the poor as well, who can visit Nasik, Shirdi, Varanasi, Ayodhya... More trains might be needed for Mahakumbh; therefore, the tourism department is in talks with the railway department to initiate one or two more trains from the state apart from those started by the Centre," she said while speaking to ANI. (ANI)
A 42-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur district, a police officer said on Friday. The accused is a neighbour of the minor girl and the incident took place on Wednesday evening at around 8:30 when the victim went to play at the accused's house, the police added. When the victim's mother came to know about the incident, she approached the Hanumantal police station with her daughter and lodged an FIR against the accused. Hanumantal police station Sub Inspector (SI) Sangeeta Chaudhary told ANI, "On January 16, a complainant along with her five-year-old daughter came to the police station with a written application and lodged a complaint. She told the police that a 42-year-old man, Mohammad Islam, living in her locality exploited her daughter at his house." "At around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, the minor girl went to the accused house to play as she had a friendship with the granddaughter of the accused. The granddaughter of the accused was not at home on the incident day following which, the accused assaulted the minor girl," SI Chaudhary said. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections and the police arrested the accused and sent him to jail. The accused lived in the neighbourhood of the victim and both the families knew each other. Further investigation into the matter is underway, she added. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party's national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, claiming that the latter has 'openly accepted' that the AAP government is running various welfare schemes for the people. "BJP has openly accepted that Kejriwal is running many welfare schemes in Delhi which are benefiting the families of BJP members also," a post by Arvind Kejriwal's X account read. https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1880208225725014052 The post further read that the work of AAP is such that even their "opponents praise it." "We don't know how to do politics, we know how to work. And we do such work that even our opponents praise it," the post added. His remarks come after the Bharatiya Janata Party's national president and union minister JP Nadda announced the first part of their manifesto, the 'Sankalp Patra.' The party pledged to roll out new schemes and enhance existing ones to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the people of Delhi. Among the major promises, the BJP announced a series of welfare initiatives for women, starting with the provision of six nutritional kits and Rs 21,000 in financial assistance under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, the BJP has proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi, aimed at empowering them economically. Meanwhile, AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticised BJP for not being confident of presenting a Chief Minister candidate. He also hit back at the BJP with a jibe over their 'AAPda' (calamity) attack and said his party is clearly an "AAPda" (calamity) for them. "There is an 'Aapda' in front of the BJP regarding who is credible enough to be put up against Arvind Kejriwal, there is no one...what will they give Delhi? In Haryana and UP, it is your govt, tell us if you have improved the schools there," Sisodia told ANI. The Delhi Assembly elections are going to be held in a single phase on February 5, with counting to be done on February 8. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday commenced his 10-day winter sojourn in Kangra district from Dharamshala. Due to inclement weather, his visit began a day late, and he reached Dharamshala at around 12:45 pm by helicopter from Shimla. During his sojourn, which will last until January 25, the Chief Minister will dedicate various development projects around Rs 675 crore for Kangra district. On the first day, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for five projects worth Rs 19.55 crore for the Dharamshala Assembly constituency. He inaugurated a 750 KW solar power plant on-grid built at a cost of Rs 4.74 crore in Kand Uparli, a new women's police station building constructed for Rs 4.83 crore, Zila Parishad building built with a cost of Rs 3.16 crore and a newly constructed hostel of the Regional Mountaineering Centre worth Rs 3.42 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for the Dhauladhar food street market, which will be built at a cost of Rs 3.40 crore. Interacting with the media at Dharamshala, the Chief Minister stated that the development of Kangra district was a priority for the government, and such visits to the region were essential to accelerate the pace of development. By visiting various areas, the government gains insights into people's problems and works towards finding their solutions. He said that during this visit, the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art milk processing unit worth approximately Rs 250 crore will be laid at Dhangwar, which will boost the rural economy. Strengthening the rural economy was a key focus of the state government, and continuous steps were being taken in this direction. The Chief Minister said that the government was procuring cow's milk at Rs 45 per litre and buffalo's milk at Rs 55 per litre. Additionally, maize grown using natural farming techniques was being purchased at Rs 30 per kilogram, and wheat at Rs 40 per kilogram. This year, the state government has procured 4,000 metric tons of natural maize, he added. Sukhu said that the daily wage under MGNREGA had been historically increased by Rs 60, raising it from Rs 240 to Rs 300. He said that more measures would be taken in the future to further strengthen the rural economy. Earlier, on his arrival at Dharamshala, the Congress workers and local residents warmly welcomed the Chief Minister. He also listened to the public grievances and gave necessary directions to the officers to resolve them on priority. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Chairman, HPTDC R.S. Bali, Vice Chairman, State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Ashish Butail, Principal Advisor to CM (IT and innovations) Gokul Butail, Chairman, HP State Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Sanjay Chauhan, Chairman, Kangra Co-operative Primary Agriculture & Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, Congress leader Devendra Jaggi, Mayor MC Dharamshala Neena Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, SP Shalini Agnihotri and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
An art and craft exhibition showcasing paintings and artworks by police personnel was inaugurated on Friday at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan premises in Agartala, marking the Police Week celebrations. The event features a total of 252 pieces created by the state's police force. The event was inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan. The exhibition highlights the creative talents of police personnel, offering a unique glimpse into their artistic side beyond their official duties. In a post on X, CM Manik Saha said, "Today, paid a visit to Art & Craft Exhibition organised as part of Tripura Police Week 2025 at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala. The vibrant exhibition, brought to life by creative artworks, is captivating." The exhibition is expected to run for several days, attracting visitors from all walks of life to witness the artistic expressions of the state's law enforcement officers. Earlier, CM Saha had addressed Sharad Samman 2024 in Agartala. In a post on X, CM Saha said, "Today, I had the honour of attending the Sharad Samman 2024 ceremony, organised by the Agartala Municipal Corporation at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan. On this colourful programme, handed over awards to the winning clubs/organisations and puja committees in various categories, in the presence of a packed audience, and the resonant sounds of traditional Dhak. It was an unforgettable evening." CM Saha also paid tribute to the memory of His Holiness the Pujya Maharaj by attending a special ceremony organised at the closing ceremony of the year-long Diamond Jubilee celebration and addressed students and teachers present at Bardowali Shankaracharya Vidyayatan Girls' Higher Secondary School, established in 1965 by Brahmin Swami Vishnupuri Maharaj. (ANI)
Iraq Retrieves Assyrian Panel From Britain

Baghdad (Xinhua) -- Iraq's Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities announced Friday the recovery of an ancient Assyrian panel from Britain.

The artifact was formally handed over to the Iraqi embassy in London during a ceremony, the ministry said in a statement.

The panel, believed to date from between 883 and 859 BC, is a roughly square stone weighing 333 kg. It measures 1.15 meters on one side and 1.1 meters on the other, is 1.1 meters wide, and is between 11 and 12 cm thick, the statement added.

This recovery is part of the Iraqi government's ongoing efforts to repatriate smuggled antiquities.

Many Iraqi antiquities and archaeological sites were looted or destroyed following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
During the last round of talks held with China in October, the Indian Army used the Sambhav smartphones which have now been given in large numbers to the officers in the force. Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi in his annual press conference had stated that the Sambhav phone was used for secure communication. Around 30,000 of these Sambhav phones have been given to officers for secure communication and have been provided with their own applications which can be used for sharing critical information as well, defence sources told ANI. The project was launched last year. The handsets used for the project have applications like M-Sigma which is seen as an equivalent of the popular WhatsApp application for messaging and sharing documents, pictures and videos. The Army is also hoping that the internal smartphones which can be used on Airtel and Jio mobile networks, will help in curbing the leakage of important documents in public. A number of Indian Army officials had been using WhatsApp and other similar applications for sharing information and documents and almost all of them were getting leaked in the public domain. The phones also have the numbers of all important functionaries and the officials don't need to save the numbers, the sources said. The Indian Army has indigenously developed the "end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem" to provide secure communication with instant connectivity. The SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) -- functions on contemporary 5G technology and is fully encrypted. (ANI)
"In our country, development is touching the lives of people like the sun touches every part of the earth", he added.

Speaking at a public function at Panchayat Stage at Agatti Island in Lakshadweep today, the Vice-President said, "My visit is no less than a journey for discovery and personal growth."

Appreciating the pristine beauty and recent development works in Lakshadweep, Dhankhar said, "Lakshadweep, the size may be small, but the heart is very, very large. The Bangaram Island Tent City Resort is a tourist revolution. 17,500 square meter world-class hospitality. It is heaven for tourists....Lakshadweep is more than a group of islands. It defines our culture, unity in diversity and what we mean by good environment".

Earlier, the Vice-President was received at the airport by Praful Patel, Administrator Union Territory of Lakshadweep and other dignitaries.

The Vice-President and Sudesh Dhankhar were also welcomed by the Girl student band at the Agatti airport.

Praful Patel, Administrator, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed, Member of Lok Sabha and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the plea of Lakshay Vij, who is a charge-sheeted accused in the Trans Cyber cheating case. Vij has challenged an order passed by the trial court rejecting his plea seeking the opportunity to be heard on the point of cognizance in terms of proviso to Section 223, BNSS, 2023. Justice Vikas Mahajan issued a notice to ED and sought a response. The matter has been listed on January 22 for further hearing. Lakshay Vij has moved an application through advocate Prabhav Ralli against the order of January 4, 2025, passed by the special judge at Rouse Avenue Courts. ED has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Vij. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa and advocate Prabhav Ralli appeared for Lakshay Vij. It was submitted by the counsel that after the filing of the prosecution complaint on September 19, 2024, Vij had filed an application seeking the opportunity to be heard on the point of cognizance in terms of the proviso to Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023. The same was rejected by the court. It is also submitted that as per provisions of Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023 to PMLA, 2002, it is the sacrosanct right of the accused, in cases instituted upon a complaint, to be heard at the time of cognizance. The Enforcement Directorate had registered a case in the matter on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI. The plea has mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation, International Operations Division, registered on July 4, 2023 for the commission of alleged offences under 120-B read with 419 and 420 of IPC. It is pertinent to mention that the applicant was not named in the aforesaid FIR. It is also mentioned that the ED had recorded an ECIR on December 4, 2023, under sections 3 and 4 of PMLA. The petitioner was arrested by the ED on July 7, 2024, and the prosecution complaint was filed on September 9, 2024. It is submitted that on January 5, the trial court rejected the plea of the petitioner while holding that the proviso to Sec. 223, BNSS, 2023 would not apply to a complaint under the PMLA, 2002, and proceeded to list the matter for arguments on cognizance from the side of the prosecution on January 18. (ANI)
Two accused were arrested by Assam Rifles. The apprehended individuals are Chingsen, (age 36 years) from Churachandpur District and L Pausuanlal Simte, age 38 years resident of Bible Hill Renkai, Churachandpur District.

The operation was conducted based on credible input and further corroborated by own sources, indicating the movement of contrabands from Myanmar towards the general area of Mata Village, approximately five kilometres south of Headquarters Veng, Churachandpur.

"A column of Assam Rifles deployed at Headquarters Veng established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post at the general area Mata Village around 11.30 pm on January 15. At around, 4.30 am, a suspected vehicle was stopped by the MVCP. Upon frisking, two individuals confessed about carrying contraband items which includes Brown sugar and Yaba Tablets," Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) further said.

The recovered items from the individuals include two hundred eight (208) soap cases of Brown Sugar worth approximately Rs 12 crores, Approximately 2 lakhs tablets of Yaba Tablets worth approximately Rs 50 crores, cash Rs 3,37,500, Four smartphones with six Indian SIM cards, one Burmese SIM card (MPT) and a car.

The seized items and apprehended individuals have been handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation. This significant seizure is a testament to the relentless efforts of Assam Rifles in combating the illicit drug trade and maintaining security in the region. (ANI)
BJP National Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda on Friday hailed the announcement of key promises of party's manifesto for the Delhi Assembly Elections and said that the 'Sankalp Patra' has had a significant impact on the people of the national capital. Panda assured that ongoing welfare schemes would continue and said that "99 per cent" of the promises made by the central government have been fulfilled, highlighting the BJP's strong track record. Speaking to ANI, Panda said, "Today the announcements made by the BJP chief JP Nadda have made a great impact. For a long time, the people of Delhi have been expecting this and today it has been fulfilled. The people's welfare schemes that are going on currently won't be stopped. It was a rumour spread by people of 'Aapda'. 99 per cent of the promises made by the central government have been fulfilled. That is our track record." BJP National Vice President Panda also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government for 'failing' to deliver on its promises, particularly regarding financial assistance to women in Punjab and Delhi, which he claimed remains unfulfilled. He also accused the AAP government of depriving lakhs of Delhi residents of the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to its non-implementation and assured that the BJP would fulfil these promises and effectively implement welfare schemes in Delhi if elected. "The 'Aapda' govt here spread lies, they said that would give financial assistance to Punjab women, it has been 3 years and that promise hasn't been fulfilled yet. In Delhi, also they promised the same but is yet to be fulfilled. Lakhs of people in Delhi were deprived of the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme because the 'Aapda' govt did not implement it. We will implement all these schemes in Delhi," said Panda. Panda further slammed the Delhi government for failing to clean the Yamuna River and providing clean water, stating that the people of Delhi are fed up with the AAP's "fake promises" and are ready for change after a decade of misgovernance. "People of Delhi are fed up with fake promises of cleaning Yamuna River, clean water. they have made up their mind to change the 'Aapda' they have been enduring for the last 10 years. BJP has demonstrated the world's biggest health programme. These people (AAP) are not implementing it, these people should be shown the condition of Mohalla clinic. None of the people's welfare schemes will be stopped," he added. The BJP on Friday launched the party's 'Sankalp Patra' for the Delhi assembly elections with a key focus on improving healthcare, empowering women, supporting senior citizens, and ensuring better access to essential services. The party pledged to roll out new schemes and enhance existing ones to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the people of Delhi. Bharatiya Janata Party's National President and Union Minister JP Nadda launched the party's Delhi Assembly election manifesto on Friday. Among the major promises, the BJP announced a series of welfare initiatives for women, starting with the provision of six nutritional kits and Rs 21,000 in financial assistance under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, the BJP has proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi, aimed at empowering them economically. Nadda has called the manifesto a 'foundation for a developed Delhi,' expressing confidence in winning the upcoming assembly election. Nadda further hit out at the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying that a BJP government will investigate AAP's alleged corruption. "Their (AAP's) Mohalla clinic is a den of corruption and a programme to hoodwink people. Fraud lab tests have been conducted in his mohalla clinic and a scam of Rs 300 crore has taken place. When our government comes, all these will be thoroughly investigated," Nadda said. He further criticised the other promises that Delhi's ruling party has failed to give, claiming that they were not able to fulfil their promise of giving Rs 2100 in Punjab too. Calling it 'AAPda's track record, he added, "Let me shed some light on AAPda's track record. They promised to give Rs 2100 per month in 2021. They neither gave it here in Delhi nor Punjab. In 2024, they promised to give Rs 1000 per month. As expected, they did not provide it here in Delhi or Punjab. They failed to give subsidy on LPG." AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal also hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party after the latter released its poll manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections, and alleged that the ruling party has "no ideas or vision" and is only following 'Kejriwal's' governance model'. Addressing a press conference on Friday, the former Delhi Chief Minister took a dig at the BJP, saying that both BJP President JP Nadda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are saying that all schemes of the Delhi government will continue. "Nadda ji has now said that all schemes of Kejriwal will be continued. He said this in their sankalp patra. PM Modi is saying the same in his ads...Nadda ji announced in the sankalp patra that Mohalla clinics in Delhi will be shut down. I am pained. We will go across Delhi today and ask whether they want Mohalla clinics or not. Those who are in favour of mohalla clinics vote for AAP," Kejriwal said. He further claimed that the Mohalla clinics will be demolished if the BJP comes to power in Delhi. "Those who want mohalla clinics to be demolished, vote for BJP...If they (BJP) have to do all of what Kejriwal does, why should the BJP be brought in? Kejriwal will do Kejriwal's work better because he knows it. Even the public is telling them that if you have to do Kejriwal's work, then why should we bring you (BJP)?" he added. "If I have to summarise their manifesto in one sentence, it is - what Kejriwal is doing is very good, BJP appreciates Kejriwal's work and if the people of Delhi give us an opportunity we will continue Kejriwal's work...They have no planning. They want to contest the election on our manifesto, on our guarantees. What can be more unfortunate than this? Never in my life have I seen a party with a vision shallower than this," the AAP leader said. Kejriwal said that earlier the BJP used to attack him for distributing "free ki revri" but now the BJP has itself announced to follow the same practice. Notably, Delhi's 70 assembly seats will go to polls on February 5 and results will be announced on February 8. (ANI)
In his address, the Defence Secretary commended the cadets for their hard work in putting up a spectacular show that represented the creative and youthful energy of the nation. He also remarked that the performances of the cadets in this month-long camp showcase their commitment to excellence and the values learned will help the cadets in all walks of life.

The Defence Secretary also appreciated the achievements of NCC such as digitising the enrolment process, electronic transfer of entitled dress allowance, organisation of camps in various border & coastal regions and performances in various sports, shooting and adventure activities.

He also applauded the steadfast dedication of the cadets towards their rigorous training regimes and numerous social service activities.

The Defence Secretary concluded his address by ensuring the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to continuously support and encourage NCC cadets in their future endeavours.

He congratulated the cadets and the leadership for their unwavering dedication and stellar performance throughout the year.

Earlier, after being received by DG NCC Lt. Gen Gurbirpal Singh, the Defence Secretary visited the 'Flag Area' which was meticulously prepared using sand models, giving cadets a chance to demonstrate their creativity and deep understanding of various social awareness themes.

The Defence Secretary also visited the 'Hall of Fame' where he was briefed about the rich history of NCC and the training & achievements of cadets.

He also witnessed a captivating cultural programme featuring group dance and songs. The visit culminated with the exhibition of various projects on 'Idea and Innovation' undertaken by the brilliant cadets of all State Directorates. (ANI)
The CM-led 'Telangana Rising' official delegation kick-started the Singapore tour by holding a meeting with the world-famous Institute of Technical Education's (ITE) officials.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Telangana's IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, Special Chief Secretary to Industries and Commerce Department Jayesh Ranjan, TGIIC MD Vishnuvardhan, Special Secretary to CM Ajith Reddy, and Young India Skill University Vice Chancellor VLV SS Subbarao, the release stated.

The 'Telangana Rising' delegation visited the Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE) campus and inspected the skill development courses and advanced facilities which have been provided in the institute.

The CM delegation interacted with experts from about 20 fields and college staff who are providing training in the famous institute.

The Chief Minister's team held fruitful discussions with the ITE top officials and requested them to extend cooperation to the Young India Skill University established in the Fourth City in Hyderabad.

In the high-level delegation meeting, Industry Minister D Sridhar Babu elaborated on the various courses introduced in the Skill University to provide skill development training to the youth and to meet the market demand for skilled workforce in different sectors.

The ITE delegation responded positively to the CM's request and came forward to work together with Skill University. In a move to strengthen the ties further, the ITE and Skill University authorities entered an MoU for mutual cooperation in skill development.

The agreement was signed by Skill University Vice Chancellor Subba Rao Deputy Director of Academics and Administration Services Parvinder Singh, and Deputy Director of IT Education Services Fabian Chiang on behalf of the Singapore ITE delegation.

The ITE officials also expressed their readiness to visit Hyderabad soon. (ANI)
Israel's Minister of National Security and far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly criticised the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it "reckless." He said that the deal would undermine the achievements of the war and emphasised that if the deal is approved, his party, Otzma Yehudit, will quit the government. In a rough translation of a post on X, he wrote, "The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal. It includes the release of hundreds of murderous terrorists, the return of thousands of terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip, a withdrawal from the Philadelphia axis, and a cessation of fighting, and thus the deal will effectively erase the achievements of the war." He added, "Not only that, it does not lead to the release of all the hostages, it leaves the fate of the remaining hostages who are not included in the deal uncertain, and it will lead to an end to the war when Hamas has not yet been defeated, with a significant ability to rebuild itself. Therefore, if this reckless deal is approved and implemented, the Otzma Yehudit party will not be part of the government and will withdraw from it." If the war on Hamas is renewed with force in order to decide and realize the war's unachieved goals, we will return to the government. He further said, "I also call on members of the Religious Zionist Party, as well as the ideological Knesset members in the Likud, to act similarly, and together with us to prevent the implementation of the reckless surrender deal." Earlier on Wednesday, Qatar, Egypt, and the US, in a joint statement, confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal that is likely to take effect on January 19. The Qatar Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, said that both parties have reached an agreement to release hostages in exchange for hostages and prisoners. US President Joe Biden also announced the successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, ending over 15 months of conflict. The deal, structured in three phases, includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans, in the first phase. Biden also highlighted the diplomatic effort involved, noting the pressure from Israel and US support, as well as a coalition of 20 countries that stood against attacks from the Houthis. Following the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. (ANI)
Bhakt Narasimha Swami, a spiritual devotee from Johannesburg, South Africa, arrived in Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. While speaking with ANI, Bhakt Narasimha Swami said that although he had heard about the Kumbh Mela for years, he never had the chance to attend. "I have come here to attend Kumbh Mela. I heard about it many years ago, but I was unable to come here. Kumbh Mela is a festival where a lot of saints and sadhus come together to get the nectar that's dropped here. I was a young man, but I had a lot of questions. One of the questions was, why do bad things happen to good people like myself," he told ANI. Narasimha Swami further said that through his exploration of Sanatana Dharma, he discovered the concepts of karma, reincarnation, and samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth). He said, "When I came to Sanatana Dharma, I got to know about karma and reincarnation, and how life is a continuous journey and then as we come to this life, we bring our past karma to finish off in this life. So we are in a cycle, samsara. So then, as I was studying, I wanted to know how to come out of this samsara." Notably, Narasimha Swami was born in 1959. He is the first South African Sannyasi of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He Joined ISKCON in 1986. According to ISKCON, he served as a book distributor in the early 90's in Birmingham, UK. He also served in South African Temples including Durban and Cape Town in the mid 90's and was in East Africa, Kenya and Uganda from the late 1990's till 2003. He became a sannyasa candidate in 2005 and was initiated into the sannyasa ashrama in 2008. According to the data released, by 6 pm on Thursday, over three million people visited the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip at the Sangam, with more than one million Kalpvasis and two million additional pilgrims. Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal but said that while ceasefires have occurred in the past, they were often short-lived. He also emphasised the importance of continuing releases, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and working towards rebuilding Gaza. While speaking with ANI, Tharoor said, "I think everyone would welcome the ceasefire. We will have to see if it sticks long, if it lasts. We have seen brief ceasefires before, including when hostages were released. We also know that in those circumstances the fighting resumed very quickly. What we all want to see is a durable peace, we want to see that after this ceasefire and once it has lasted for the initial 33 days that has been announced, but beyond that, it should be extended and prolonged." He added, "There should be further releases and the matter should be resolved so that rebuilding of Gaza can begin because there are far too many victims' conflicts for anyone to want to see any victims anymore. Let us now try and turn the page in some way towards rebuilding, reconstruction and new hope for the survivors. But no one can bring back the lives that have been lost. We definitely do not want to ever see this war come back." Earlier on Wednesday, Qatar, Egypt, and the US, in a joint statement, confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal that is likely to take effect on January 19. The Qatar Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, said that both parties have reached an agreement to release hostages in exchange for hostages and prisoners. US President Joe Biden also announced the successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, ending over 15 months of conflict. The deal, structured in three phases, includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans, in the first phase. Biden also highlighted the diplomatic effort involved, noting the pressure from Israel and US support, as well as a coalition of 20 countries that stood against attacks from the Houthis. Following the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. (ANI)
The US National Security Advisor (NSA), Jake Sullivan addressed the Board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on his recent visit to India, as per an official statement by the USISPF. Sullivan briefed the Board on the productive dialogue he had with Prime Minister Modi, his counterpart, the Indian NSA, Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar. Sullivan touched on the comprehensive India-US partnership and the landmark initiatives launched during the Biden Administration, and how he prioritized an India visit in his limited time in the new year. NSA Sullivan underscored a broad array of initiatives spanning defense, technology, cyber and maritime security, and economic collaboration to enhance mutual interests and contribute to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the press statement noted. Sullivan's leadership has been particularly pivotal in strengthening the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) launched in 2022 at the direction of the US President Biden and Prime Minister Modi. Under iCET, the defense partnership continues to strengthen, with the launch of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), which further expands defense synergy with the private sector, VCs, and defense innovation ecosystems, as per the press statement. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of USISPF, remarked, "Jake Sullivan has been a champion in charting the course for robust US-India relations. His leadership and collaborative spirit have propelled significant advancements--from iCET initiatives to joint endeavors in technology and defense cooperation. He's been a fine ambassador to the relationship and has fructified the partnership to the apex it is presently at. We extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to deepening our strategic ties and wish him every success in his future endeavors." During the discussion, Sullivan underscored the Administration is leaving the India-US relationship in a very strong position and emphasized that the incoming team has an opportunity to continue work on this important agenda. The Board thanked Sullivan for his time in office and for strengthening the cooperation between the United States and India. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is committed to creating the most powerful partnership between the United States and India. As the only independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening the India-US partnership in Washington DC., and in New Delhi, USISPF is the trusted partner for businesses, non-profit organizations, the diaspora, and the governments of India and the United States, the press statement described. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti for the opening of the US Consulate in Bangalore. Hailing the step as an important moment in the India-US ties, Jaishankar also announced that India will soon be opening its consulate in Los Angeles. "Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time...It has been something long in waiting...I told him (US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done and I'll get you Los Angeles done, which is his hometown. So we will be opening our consulate in Los Angeles also. A consulate serves many purposes. A big part of it is to facilitate travel," the EAM said. While addressing the gathering, Jaishankar highlighted several aspects of the India-US ties and said that the opening of the consulate was long due. "Today it is within our grasp, within the realm of possibility, that we realise the potential of India-US relations. It is important that Bengaluru too, realise its potential in the relationship. As a country, today we are encouraging the opening of more embassies in the capital. It's part of our deeper engagement with the world. But along with that, we are also encouraging more embassies to open consulates. I hope that there will be more occasions where more countries will open more consulates in Bengaluru. It would serve India's interests, Karnataka's interests and Bengaluru's interests better", Jaishankar said. Speaking about the expanse of the India-US ties, Jaishankar remarked, "Today, when we look at all the possibilities before us in an era of AI, EVs, space and drones, our relationships will be heavily based on technology, even more so than before. It will have a much bigger space component because the space domain is just beginning to open up. Defence is a crucial area. Two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in our inventory, very little defence collaboration. Today we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, the Apaches." He also highlighted the importance of the education and research sector between the two countries. "I hope to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in this region. Today, the formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history". (ANI)
As the US gears up for a new administration, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Under Secretary Uzra Zeya. According to CTA, in a heartfelt letter, Sikyong acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Biden administration, especially under Zeya's leadership, in advancing Tibet's cause. Sikyong commended President Biden's quick appointment of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and praised the U.S. government for its adept handling of global political developments, which have positively impacted Tibet's plight. He specifically thanked Zeya for her vital role in strengthening US-Tibet relations, emphasising her frequent engagements with Dalai Lama, CTA leadership, and visits to Dharamshala, which provided hope and momentum for Tibet's peaceful struggle. The letter also highlighted the enactment of the Resolve Tibet Act, which was signed into law by President Biden and garnered broad bipartisan support in Congress. Sikyong noted that the passage of this Act marked a pivotal moment in galvanizing international efforts to adopt similar stances toward Tibet. Additionally, Sikyong expressed his gratitude to former Under Secretaries Richard Verma and Kurt Campbell for their commitment to Tibet. He also recognised the ongoing support from the US Department of State and USAID in lobbying for Tibet's cause. In closing, Sikyong reiterated the importance of continued international support for Tibet, stating, "Every Tibetan inside and outside Tibet knows what the governments and people of India and the US mean for us. We need this consistency until we find a solution to save this civilization worth saving." Earlier, on January 8, Under Secretary Zeya sent a letter thanking Sikyong for his cooperation during her tenure, assuring continued support for Tibet's cause in the future. Meanwhile, Tibetan Government in-Exile President had earlier announced that they plan to compose a book and map with original names of Tibetan counties. He spoke about China's policy of changing the names of places and occupying areas. He said that the Tibetan Government in-exile is working to draft a new map of Tibet while composing of a book on old Tibetan names in its original format to counter claims made by China. Recently China used the term 'Xizang' for Tibet during the recent earthquake reports and Tibetans have expressed their resentment against it. The Tibetan people in exile expressed dismay over China's use of 'Xizang' term for Tibet to gain global recognition in the wake of the recent earthquake in the region. Tibetans in exile believe that China and some media houses are using mournful events to downplay the name Tibet which is disheartening. (ANI)
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti on Friday attended the inauguration ceremony of US Consulate office in Bengaluru. Speaking at the occasion, Garcetti said that it was not a new presence of the US in India, but they are rather expanding their presence. "We are not beginning a new presence here. In Karnataka, but we are expanding our existing presence here, a commitment that America makes to this great state and city in this amazing nation as well. And thank you to all of our honourable dignitaries," he said. Garcetti said that it was Jaishankar's idea to build a Consulate in Bengaluru, and the promise was kept. "But today we fulfil a commitment made by our leaders during Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Washington last year. And it was actually in one of the preparatory meetings we had when the Secretary of State came here before G20 that we were at Hyderabad House in Delhi, and Minister Jaishankar took me aside and said, hey, we want you to open up more consulates here. And ever since, the Indian government has been pushing and pushing, and we've had a bureaucracy in America too, but President Biden put in the leader's statement with Prime Minister Modi that this would happen, and today a promise made is a promise kept. And this tangible expansion of our partnership is based on so much that we already have here," he said. Garcetti said that it was his honour to share the stage with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the occasion of his last speech in the office. "It's also a great honour that my last public speech as United States Ambassador that I get to share the stage with somebody who has been a friend, a mentor, somebody who used the word Deputy Chief Minister tycoon. He is a tycoon of diplomacy. He is somebody who is a thinker. He is a facilitator. I think more world leaders know him as a friend. He'll be representing this nation at the swearing in of our next president, but I want to thank Dr Jaishankar for the work he has done. Over decades, not only as somebody who has roots here in this city, but to push this day forward and to push a friendship that is a defining relationship in the world today between the United States and India," he said. Garcetti said that as people call Bengaluru the 'Silicon Valley' of India, he called Silicon Valley is the Bengaluru of America. "In some ways, Bengaluru is the most American of Indian cities, and Karnatakans are one of the most, if not the most vibrant Indian communities in America. So this is not a new bridge, but it's a bridge that will be strengthened today. It'll be a bridge that will be widened today. And this is a bridge that will be more beautiful today because in commerce and diplomacy, in culture, in finance, in technology and the future, we say that this is a place for two great nations to expand that friendship and to see the future of that engagement. We have two sister cities in America. I spoke with the mayor of Cleveland, Ohio this morning who sends his congratulations, and the new mayor of San Francisco- in my home state. And San Francisco is such a great match because as people say, this is the Silicon Valley of India. I think increasingly people say Silicon Valley is the Bengaluru of America, but we see from semiconductors to space, our defence sector, and in health, people who have pushed forward the boundaries of what human beings can make and do together. This consulate is going to play a pivotal role in supporting those collaborations for our economies, for science, for technology, education, cultural engagement," he said. Garcetti highlighted the history of India-US relations, saying that the US opened its second-ever consulate in India ever since US independence in Kolkata. He hoped that the Bengaluru Consulate office would further deepened their friendship. "We've been talking about this for a long, long time, right? We start together to make sure this beginning plants a seed that will flower for decades to come. You know our relationship in India is not new. In fact, many Americans don't know, and very few Indians know that our second consulate in the world was here in India. First after the independence of a new America in 1776, we opened a consulate in Lyon, France, and then the second was in Kolkata, showing back then the importance of India to a new American nation. Since then, we have built to 5 posts, 7 if you count our commercial offices including here and an Ahemdabad, and this is now the 2nd largest mission of America anywhere in the world. It produces the 2nd most visas, the most students. We're breaking records every single year, record employees, record visas, record students, record military exercises, record engagement from the seabed to space," he said. Garcetti said that visa services will not be offered right away, but they will soon start the services in Bengaluru. He said he hoped to see more students and tourists in the US. "While visa services will not be offered at the beginning, we will eventually bring visa services here. So I know everybody's been waiting a long time. It is everybody's favourite topic with an ambassador. We want to see more tourists. We want to see more students. We want to see more businessmen and women coming, but initially this will not be offering visas, but we will be working on that to bring that as soon as possible, also something that we promised here today. We also know that this is a critical first step, not a last one, and dedication ceremonies like this are a way to celebrate our future. We've been here for 30 years, as Consul General Hodges mentioned. We have had a commercial service office here which has helped more than 700 companies from America come here. That is a staggering statistic," he said. Garcetti, in his last speech highlighted his age-old history with India. He said that he visited India as a 14-year-old boy and went on to become the US Ambassador to India. He narrated the journey of his travels to Indian states. "You know, when I first got here to India, I had first come to this country when I was 14 years old. My parents brought my sister and I here on a trip. And immediately India captured my heart. When I went to university, I had to study a foreign language, so I chose Hindi and Urdu. People said, why are you studying an Indian language? And then my college roommate randomly assigned to me. His father became the United States ambassador to India when I was 19 years old and I returned, spending 2 nights in the residence of the United States ambassador in Delhi. I never would have dreamed that my life would bring me to that same place, that I would be in this position to be able to help along with Jaishankar, our leaders and our people, to put forward what is really a light and an example to our world of when two great democracies, two diverse populations based on the values that hold us together, have a vision to make this a better world. I've had chai with soldiers in the heights of Ladakh at 17,000 ft. I bathe in the warm waters of Kanyakumari alongside Indian friends as the sun rises over the statue of Vivekananda. I've talked with students, girls on the edge of the desert in Rajasthan, who were the first in their family to ever go to school, who dream of being a biotech tycoon when they grow up. And I've been in the jungles of Nagaland where entrepreneurs are bringing their incredible artisanship to global economies and stores around the world," he said. Garcetti said that the hopes and dreams of Indians have never been as strong as they are now, and that the doors of the consulate will always be open. "I've seen the hopes and dreams of Indians never as strong in the many decades I've come here as right now, so I want to say thank you to India. Because I'll tell you, so much has changed a country that you're building a new, a Bengaluru that is an international capital, a Karnataka that is a place of innovation, and an India that always looks at tomorrow differently than today. But one thing that has never changed is the soul of this place. It's warmth, it's welcome, and the way that it's captured my heart, and I can think of no better last act as your ambassador from the United States than to make sure this consulate site is open," he said. (ANI)
As US, under the incoming administration led by President-elect Donald Trump, and India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term look to navigate a transformative era, the potential for collaboration between two nations has never been greater, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati wrote in his opinion column in The Baltimore Sun. Shashi Shekhar Vempati, who is a member of the Advanced Television Systems Committee's Business Advisory Council, in his article noted that, understanding the transformation of India under PM Modi is critical for American policymakers, opinion leaders and citizens. India and US, with deep roots in the principles of freedom and democracy, face shared challenges like safeguarding free speech, combating misinformation and ensuring that technological advances bolster instead of undermine democratic institutions, he argued. Vempati stated that India under PM Modi's governance focused on digital inclusion, has shown the world the role technology can play as a democratizing force. In line with US' strategic interests, the two nations can together lead the way in harnessing media, technology and governance innovations to uphold and advance democratic values. PM Modi, since taking office in 2014, has redefined governance in India by using technology to drive inclusivity and efficiency. Initiatives like Digital India, the Unified Payments Interface and the Open Network for Digital Commerce have revolutionized how citizens people access public services and interact with the economy. According to the author, PM Modi's 2047 roadmap for India aims to propel India into a leadership role in the global democratic order. PM Modi's third term builds on these successes with a focus on resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure. This rapid transformation is happening amid global challenges like the erosion of media integrity, the rise of authoritarian regimes and the weaponization of misinformation. In order to combat these threats, India has been investing in technologies that secure its democratic foundations while positioning itself as a model for the Global South. India and the US have already collaborated on technological projects, with a focus on supply chain resilience through the bilateral Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies and emerging technologies through partnership in the Quad which includes four nations - India, US, Australia and Japan. However, India and the US still have more opportunities for collaboration. According to Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the new Trump administration gives hope to yet another point of technological convergence between India and the US with the potential to strengthen democracy. Direct-to-mobile broadcasting, or D2M, is a new technology using the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, is a case in point on geo-political convergence through transformative technologies for democracy, The Baltimore Sun reported. ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is an advanced global broadcast standard that joins broadcast and internet technologies, delivers high-quality content and data to devices directly with greater interactivity. D2M, pioneered in India, shares multimedia content directly to devices without the requirement of an internet connection, making it an ideal tool for regions which have limited connectivity, according to Vempati's article in The Baltimore Sun. These technologies have the ability to tranform not only communication but also the relationship between governments, media and citizens. By allowing authenticated, real-time broadcasting, ATSC 3.0 and D2M can serve as reliable channels for sharing accurate information and countering the spread of fake news. They can allow resilience against disruptions at the time of crisis like natural disasters, cyberattacks or geopolitical tensions by ensuring uninterrupted access to information while succeeding in dealing with the internet-dependent vulnerabilities, according to the author. Furthermore, they can promote free speech through decentralized, direct broadcasting reducing dependence on monopolized platforms. By enhancing accessibility, these technologies democratize digital access by reaching underserved communities and bridging the divide between urban and rural areas. For democracies like India and the US, these tools can be transformative in informing people and safeguarding public discourse. The ongoing standards and technology development will further improve D2M, driving progress in emergency and disaster management, advanced agricultural techniques, augmentation of satellite positioning and timing, remote education, service resilience, vehicular communications and AI-based applications for broadcasting and datacasting. This assures that broadcast applications and broadcast spectrum becoming part of the road map for 6G. As democratic partners, India and the US have shared interest in media resilience and integrity. The digital age has increased the risks posed by misinformation, deepfakes and algorithmic biases. By using ATSC 3.0 and D2M into the media ecosystems, the two nations can lead the fight against these threats. A joint task force focused on media resilience could create ethical standards and make tools to ensure authenticity and integrity of content in the face of disinformation from foreign actors. India's expertise in digital public goods and US innovation in frontier technologies make a natural synergy. Both nations together can lead global efforts to defend democracy against foreign interference through secure broadcasting and misinformation detection, according to The Baltimore Sun report. By supporting democratic technology ecosystems, the partnership between India and the US can offer developing nations alternatives to digital authoritarianism. India under PM Modi's leadership, serves as a role model for Global South, playing a significant geo-strategic role in counterbalancing authoritarian regimes and shaping the norms and institutions that govern the digital age. Vempati emphasised that the recent G20 resolution on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance demonstrates the role India can play as a leader and as a role model on the transformative role of technology in the lives of people, as a result, renewing their faith in vibrant democratic principles. India's use of open technologies in line with US' vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Joint investments in emerging technologies such as AI driven communication system, hybrid broadcasting and next-gen connectivity can secure leadership in the global innovation race. By making resilient and inclusive communication tools together, India and the US can set benchmarks for the democracies of the world. As Donald Trump is set to begin his respective term on January 20, the potential for collaboration between India and US is unprecedented. By use of technologies like ATSC 3.0 and D2M, India and the US can address shared challenges while emphasising their commitment to free speech, digital accessibility and the resilience of democratic institutions. Shashi Shekhar Vempati stated that the convergence of interests between India under PM Modi's leadership and US under Trump's administration is more than a strategic alignment. According to him, it is an opportunity to lead by example in redefining democracy for the 21st century, creating a shared vision of democratic and technological leadership. The two nations can build a world where democracy thrives, technology uplifts and freedom endures. (ANI)
Orphanage-style boarding schools for Uyghur children whose parents were detained by Xinjiang authorities remain open and are even expanding, Radio Free Asia reported. According to reports, these schools, which have been operational since the mass detentions began in 2017, are meant to house children of Uyghurs held in internment camps, despite the Chinese government's claims that these camps, often referred to as "re-education" facilities, have been closed. However, evidence provided by local police officers and teachers confirms that these schools are still active and growing, particularly in regions like Yarkand, Kashgar, Aksu, and Hotan. At least six such schools are currently in operation across these regions. One police officer from Yarkand county detailed how she has been assigned to transport children, whose parents were arrested, to various school locations, describing the facilities as dormitory-style buildings where children are isolated from their families, Radio Free Asia reported. Despite the Chinese government's assertion that these camps were for vocational training, numerous reports from human rights groups and former detainees reveal these schools to be indoctrination centers, designed to strip Uyghur children of their cultural identity and beliefs. The so-called "Little Angels" schools, as described by Radio Free Asia, have been set up to "protect" children whose parents were detained. These schools are part of a broader scheme to monitor and indoctrinate these children, with police officers working alongside teachers to track the psychological and ideological state of each child. Records are kept on every child, noting their emotional responses and any signs of resistance to the Chinese state narrative. These children, often traumatized by the sudden removal of their parents, are subjected to a strict regime meant to sever their connection to their heritage and culture. In some cases, these schools are guarded with barbed wire and police officers patrol the gates, as detailed by a police officer from Yarkand county. The children, though reported to be well-fed, are held in an environment that starkly resembles a detention facility rather than an educational institution. The mass incarceration of Uyghur adults and the forcible separation of children has led to the scattering of around 500,000 Uyghur children in state-run boarding schools, orphanages, and other institutions. This systematic effort to erase Uyghur culture and identity is a clear violation of human rights, and it highlights China's ongoing campaign of cultural genocide, as noted by a 2021 report from the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy. Radio Free Asia's investigation paints a chilling picture of the state's control over Uyghur children, offering a glimpse into the continued efforts to forcibly assimilate the Uyghur population. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya hailed the opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru. Speaking to ANI about the inauguration of the consulate, DK Shivakumar expressed pleasure and said, "India is seen through Bengaluru. This is a very great moment for all of us.". Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, while speaking to ANI noted, "This is a remarkable day, a very important day for Bengaluru. This opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru is an important, significant step. It's a very important step for India-US relationship and the relationship of Bengaluru with the United States. This was a very long pending demand." He said that it was only natural that as India's technology capital, the city that contributes so much to India's GDP, the city that is the hub for space, innovation, EV, emerging technologies, which houses more than 650 American companies, and which also has a large student population that studies in the United States that the city has the American consulate. "It was a very natural case for the city to have the US consulate. This long pending demand has been fulfilled by the efforts of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. This is going to significantly ease the life of a lot of citizens, Bengalurians, people of Karnataka who otherwise had to travel to multiple cities for their visa needs. I'm sure that the visa operations will also begin, like Ambassador Garcetti has said very soon. We are confident that this is a very important and a significant milestone in further strengthening and deepening India-United States relationship", Tejasvi Surya further added. Earlier during the inauguration ceremony, EAM S Jaishankar had hailed the step as an important moment in the India-US ties, Jaishankar also announced that India will soon be opening its consulate in Los Angeles. "Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time...It has been something long in waiting...I told him (US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done and I'll get you Los Angeles done, which is his hometown. So we will be opening our consulate in Los Angeles also. A consulate serves many purposes. A big part of it is to facilitate travel," the EAM said. US Envoy to India Eric Garcetti said that it was Jaishankar's idea to build a Consulate in Bengaluru, and the promise was kept. "Today we fulfil a commitment made by our leaders during Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Washington last year. And it was actually in one of the preparatory meetings we had when the Secretary of State came here before G20 that we were at Hyderabad House in Delhi, and Minister Jaishankar took me aside and said, hey, we want you to open up more consulates here. And ever since, the Indian government has been pushing and pushing, and we've had a bureaucracy in America too, but President Biden put in the leader's statement with Prime Minister Modi that this would happen, and today a promise made is a promise kept. And this tangible expansion of our partnership is based on so much that we already have here," he said. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to mark February 8 as a 'Black Day' in protest against the deprivation of its mandate, Dawn reported. Pakistan held its 12th national general election on February 8 last year, amid allegations of rigging and the shutdown of cellular and internet services. The PTI dominated the election results, with the highest number of successful candidates in the elections. However, the party has alleged rigging in the polls. In a statement, PTI's Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram announced that the party has started preparations to mark the first anniversary of the "mother of all poll robberies" as a 'Black Day' which had allowed the "power-greedy" and "self-serving" to illegitimately take hold of the power, making mockery of democracy, according to Dawn report. Akram said that all Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) were asked to make preparations to hold large demonstrations in various parts of Pakistan to send a strong message to the power usurpers that the people of the nation would rest until reclaiming the "stolen" mandate and ensuring constitutions supremacy and rule of law. He pointed out to the surprising turn of events that on one hand Shehbaz Sharif was nominated as Pakistan's Prime Minister on the very day when the court was set to sentence him and his son in corruption cases, while on the other hand, he facilitated the deal to ensure home-coming of his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, Dawn reported. On the Al-Qadir Trust case, Sheikh Waqqa Akram said that PTI founder Imran Khan had faced all politically motivated cases in the court and expressed hope that the result of this case would not be different. Earlier on January 15, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that no deal has been offered to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) founder Imran Khan, ARY News reported. Asif said on Tuesday that the government could not strike any deals with Imran Khan, emphasizing that decisions will be made by the courts, as per ARY News. Khawaja Asif remarked that if PTI genuinely sought fruitful dialogue, it must end its "sideshows". He added that the actions witnessed in the National Assembly raised serious questions about PTI's commitment and intentions toward negotiations. (ANI)
The court on Friday convicted former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the 190 milllion pound Al-Qadir Trust case with the PTI founder being sentenced to 14 years in prison while seven year jail term has been handed over to his wife, Dawn reported. The verdict, delayed three times previously, was announced by Judge Nasir Javed Rana in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail. The court asked Imran Khan and his wife to pay a fine of amounting to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1million and PKR 500,000, respectively. Failure to pay the fines would cause six months in jail. The judge announced the verdict amid tight security outside Adiala Jail. Following the announcement of the verdict, Bushra Bibi was arrested from the courtroom. The couple was indicted in the case on February 27 last year, shortly after the elections were held on February 8. Before the hearing, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, while speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, had said, "You can guess the injustice that have occurred over the last two years." He said, "If a fair decision is made, Imran and Bushra will be acquitted." The case alleges that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising PKR 50 billion that was identified and returned to Pakistan by the UK during the PTI government, Dawn reported. On December 23, when the verdict was supposed to be announced, an Islamabad accountability court postponed the verdict in the case till January 6 due to winter vacations. On January 6, the verdict was not announced as Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who has been hearing the case, was on leave. During the hearing on January 13, the judge said that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's absence in the accountability court at the Adiala Jail was the reason for the delay in announcing the verdict. In 2023, PTI founder was arrested in various legal claims, which he has termed "politically motivated." In 2024, he was acquitted in the cypher and Iddat cases. However, he was charged in the Toshakhana 2 case. In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had registered a corruption case against Imran Khan and seven others, including his wife, in relation to the Al-Qadir University Trust, Dawn reported. The case filed by NAB alleged that Imran Khan, who is currently in prison, played a "pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi." It claimed that despite given multiple opportunities to share information, the accused intentionally did not provide information on one pretext or another. The suspects in the case include property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mirza Shehzad Akbar, and Zulfi Bukhari. However, instead of joining the investigation, they absconded and were subsequently declared proclaimed offenders (PO), Dawn reported. Bushra Bibi's close friend Farhat Shahzadi and Ziaul Mustafa Nasim, a legal expert for the PTI government's Assets Recovery Unit, were also declared POs. Subsequently, the properties of all six accused had been frozen. According to the case, Riaz's son transferred 240 kanals of land to Shahzadi, while Bukhari obtained land under a trust, which NAB stated did not exist at the time of the transfer. According to the prosecution, the trust was formed only after the adjustment of 190 million pound, raising doubts regarding its purpose and legitimacy. In July 2024, Pervez Khattak, a PTI leader back then who left the party in 2023 after the May 9 riots, said in court, that he also attended the meeting in December 2019, where then-accountability adviser Mirza Shahzad Akbar presented a confidential deed in a sealed envelope for cabinet approval. Khattak said that when he asked details regarding the document, Akbar said that it was an agreement between the Pakistani government and UK's National Crime Agency for the refund of crime proceeds, as per the report. Days later, Imran Khan's then-principal secretary, Azam Khan, testified that Akbar brought a note to ask for Imran Khan's approval to present the confidential deed in the cabinet meeting. Pakistan's then-minister of defence production, Zubaida Jalal, in the court, said that ministers were "kept in the dark" on the transfer of "crime proceeds" to Malik Riaz. (ANI)
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) marked the 11th anniversary of the unjust detention of Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur professor who has been enduring a life sentence for his peaceful advocacy for Uyghur human rights. A post shared on X by HRF highlighted the atrocities he endured, including wrist and ankle shackling, prolonged solitary confinement, denial of adequate medical care and food, and political indoctrination. HRF condemned the unjust nature of Ilham Tohti's arrest, trial, and the severity of his sentence. The foundation demanded his immediate and unconditional release and called for an end to the Chinese regime's ongoing repression of Uyghurs. https://x.com/HRF/status/1880001877372465630 https://x.com/HRF/status/1880001879079571466 https://x.com/HRF/status/1880001882028175510 HRF's mission involves eradicating the broader struggle for democracy and human rights under authoritarian regimes around the world. While marking Ilham Tohti's 11th anniversary of Ilham Tohti's arrest HRF shared a video of Tohti's daughter Jewher Ilham who spoke powerfully about her father's situation, stating, "I am Jewher Ilham. My father, Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur scholar, was sentenced to life in prison for his beliefs and for championing the rights of the Uyghur people. Today, I do not know if my father has been transferred to another prison, a factory, or to a camp. My story is one of shedding light on the oppression faced by the Uyghurs under the Chinese government and explaining how the clothes on your back, the solar panels on your roof, and even the food on your plate may be supporting a system built upon the internment of Uyghurs like me." https://x.com/HRF/status/1880004075959279812 According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Ilham Tohti, a renowned professor of economics, has long represented the Uyghur minority. After conducting a raid on his residence and confiscating his laptop and books, authorities took him into custody on January 15, 2014. The USCIRF stated that he was found guilty of "separatism" in September 2014 and sentenced to life in prison. He was accused of advocating for Xinjiang's independence via his website, Uighur Online, which he established to promote mutual understanding between Han Chinese and Uyghurs. Tohti's assets were blocked, and he has been incommunicado since 2017. The USCIRF highlighted that China has a longstanding history of targeting Tohti. He was forcibly disappeared in 2009 after being accused of inciting the July 2009 Urumqi Riots through his website but was later released. According to USCIRF, his case has garnered a meeting on July 17, 2019, between then-President Donald Trump and Tohti's daughter, Jewher Tohti. (ANI)
Rupert Lowe, a Member of Parliament called Labour Party's allotment of 10 million Euros to investigate the rape gangs as 'pathetic'. Lowe called for 'full, free and fair' national inquiry on the operation of these gangs. As per Lowe, 10 million Euros for this cause was not enough. "Let's be clear on what happened yesterday - Labour announced a 10 million package to investigate the rape gangs. 10 million. It's pathetic, it's insulting. Why have they done this? Politics. Labour know their position couldn't work, so they've had to give just enough to look like they're doing something. It means nothing and nothing has changed. Don't fall for it," he posted on X. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1880148872145625461 "There needs to be a FULL, FREE, and FAIR national inquiry. And we need DATA. I asked in Parliament yesterday, again. On court transcripts, deportations, nationality breakdown, reoffences, releases and more. How many answers? ZERO." Tesla CEO Elon Musk too echoed Lowe and backed him when he said he didn't want such 'degenerates' in Britain. "If I'm a far-right racist for wanting to deport every single foreign rapist, without question, then so be it. I don't want these degenerates in our country, and I'm certain that every single decent Brit agrees with me," Lowe posted on X. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1880007778955325584 https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1880123686667317334 To this, Musk said, "It's a no-brainer". In the British Parliament on Thursday, Lowe demanded for court transcripts of the alleged rape gangs' trial. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879930330422947959 Musk called the case as "horrific". https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1879931240201252875 "I have been pushing the Ministry of Justice for data on the following. How many Pakistani or other foreign rapists have been deported, are still in prison, did not serve a custodial sentence, are back in the same community as their victims, had previous convictions, have re-offended, full nationality breakdown of those involved in the gangs? The response. essentially identified in the data systems relevant to these questions. Now if this was a state inquiry into the private sector that would they be accused of negligence," Lowe said. Lowe demanded transparency in the case and asked what took so long to begin this trial. "Now my view on this Madam Deputy Speaker is that we firstly need a full national inquiry. This is a rotting stain on our country and it needs to be exercised in full. It cannot continue to be kicked into the long grass. The British public want transparency and they want to know the reason why this has taken so long to be dealt with," he said. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879997376796225572 https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879922235173134464 https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879949855214432654 Lowe demanded immediate changes in the gathering of data, and ethnicity of the perpetrators. "Well, I would say to the Honourable Member that we do believe that better data needs to be collected, more comprehensive data. That's why I've said the overall data on child sexual abuse needs to be overhauled, including our making immediate changes to the gathering of data on ethnicity on both perpetrators and victims, because the system that we inherited from the previous government simply isn't strong enough. But we will need further changes as well," he said. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879912212107776346 https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1879860631513530687 Lowe said that foreign national offenders who have committed serious crimes must be deported. He said that the government has 'rightly' increased deportations of foreign offenders by 20 per cent after elections. "And on the issue around the foreign national offenders, where people have committed serious, where foreign citizens have committed sexual offenses in this country, they have no right to stay in this country and we have to increase returns. And that is why, rightly, this government has increased returns of foreign national offenders by over 20 per cent since the election," he said. Earlier on January 8, United Kingdom Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips said that "nothing is off the table" in connection with the grooming gangs scandal, and they won't shy away from national inquiry if victims want one, Sky News reported. This comes amid rising concerns over the multiple incidents of crimes against children and young girls, by the 'sexual-grooming gangs'. Hindu Council UK (HCUK) on January 7 demanded a national public inquiry into sexual-grooming gangs across the United Kingdom, condemning the "heinous crimes" committed against children and young girls. (ANI)
In a significant development, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed a 100-year partnership agreement, details of which were shared on Thursday. As per the statement released by the UK PM's office, the statement highlighted "Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, with NATO membership being the best guarantee of its security and the UK being dedicated to supporting Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO membership". The agreement gave a call for Ukraine's recovery and committed towards fostering technological innovation and promoting trade and collaboration across key sectors to ensure that a century from now, "the UK and Ukraine will have flourishing ties across all sectors". The agreement gave a call to strengthen conditions for investment and trade in both of their nations, and cooperate across a range of sectors, including but not limited to transport, infrastructure, and energy to make both of their economies more modern, resilient, and prosperous. The details were also shared in a series of posts on X by the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy. "Today was a busy and productive day filled with important international meetings. I welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Kyiv. Together, we signed a One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement, marking a new format of relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. I also met with Italy's Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, to discuss strengthening air defense, joint production, and creating new opportunities for jobs and technological development in Europe. Later, I held a meeting with the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kaspar Veldkamp. The Netherlands remains one of Ukraine's most principled partners, supporting our NATO and EU aspirations and pursuing accountability for Russia's aggression. Finally, I met with the UN representatives, focusing on support for internally displaced Ukrainians, rebuilding destroyed homes, and financial assistance. Thank you to everyone who supports Ukraine." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1880010041035464719 In another post, he remarked, "Bomber drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and FPV drone carriers - manufactured by Ukrainian companies and in collaboration with British partners. Today, together with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer, we met with drone manufacturers and reviewed innovations that are helping our defenders protect against Russian forces." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1879952096646320360 "Today, together with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, @Keir_Starmer, we signed a One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement. I thank the teams from Ukraine and the United Kingdom for all the work they have done to prepare this Agreement. This comprehensive Agreement builds upon our existing partnerships and establishes real collaboration in the spheres of technology, social issues, education, and science. The world we knew before this war is gone. The influence of international institutions has significantly diminished, while technological development, particularly in warfare, is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Methods of destabilizing societies are becoming significantly simpler. This demands a response across all spheres. Moreover, it requires active efforts to strengthen our societies. Together, we must strengthen education for our children. We must also defend the right to stable lives for our people and our partner nations. And together, we should invest in our ability to stay ahead in technological advancement. Through the One Hundred Year Agreement, Ukraine and the United Kingdom set a vital example of forward-thinking and rational relations that will benefit our nations for generations to come", Zelenskyy wrote on X. (ANI)
The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan questioned the evidentiary processes used in convictions and asked for comprehensive records of civilian-military courts from the military. On appeals against civilian trials under the Army Act, a seven-member constitutional bench heard the case. SC examined how the evidence was assessed in these cases, as reported by The Nation. SC questioned whether the accused were permitted to call witnesses and whether the standard of evidence used in the trials complied with legal norms, raising questions about the military courts' transparency. The nation reported the court had been denied access to military trial records previously. The SC emphasised whether military courts adhered to these requirements, cited by The Nation. This new development came after Pakistan's trial was questioned following international criticism from various organisations. According to reports the military court sentenced several people to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for targeting military installations during protests which erupted after former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested in May last year. Many international organisations condemned these convictions held last year. The European Union voiced concerns over the sentencing of several people. In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels said, "The European Union notes with concern the sentencing of 25 civilians by a military court on December 21 in Pakistan." The European Union had stated that the verdicts were perceived as inconsistent with Pakistan's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Following the EU, the US Department of State had expressed concern over the sentencing of Pakistani civilians by a military tribunal and urged Pakistani authorities to uphold the right to a fair trial and due process. Moreover, the UK had highlighted the absence of independent scrutiny and transparency in such trials. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had remarked that, while the UK respected Pakistan's sovereignty over its legal proceedings, the practice of trying civilians in military courts lacked transparency, and independent oversight, and undermined the right to a fair trial. (ANI)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have condemned the conviction of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the 190 million pound Al Qadir Trust, labelling the ruling "politically motivated" and vowed to challenge the decision of the judge in higher courts, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking to reporters, Opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, called the decision a "dark day" in Pakistan's judicial history, according to The Express Tribune report. He raised questions over the relation between the funds involved and the PTI leadership, stressing that the Supreme Court received the money and not former Pakistan PM or his wife. PTI's senior leader, Shibli Faraz, said that Imran Khan and his wife did not gain any benefit from the alleged transactions. He stressed that the couple was being punished for founding Al-Qadir University, which aimed to promote the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), The Express Tribune reported. Slamming the system, Faraz said, "Those who looted the country walk free, while sincere leaders face jail." He expressed PTI's commitment to challenge the verdict and pursue justice. Imran Khan-founded party has said that the case is part of a broader effort to undermine PTI's leadership through politically motivated charges. Earlier in the day, the court convicted Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the 190 milllion pound Al-Qadir Trust case with the PTI founder being sentenced to 14 years in prison while seven year jail term has been handed over to his wife, Dawn reported. The verdict, delayed three times previously, was announced by Judge Nasir Javed Rana in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail. The court asked Imran Khan and his wife to pay a fine of amounting to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1million and PKR 500,000, respectively. Failure to pay the fines would cause six months in jail. The judge announced the verdict amid tight security outside Adiala Jail. Following the announcement of the verdict, Bushra Bibi was arrested from the courtroom. The couple was indicted in the case on February 27 last year, shortly after the elections were held on February 8. The case alleges that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising PKR 50 billion that was identified and returned to Pakistan by the UK during the PTI government, Dawn reported. On December 23, when the verdict was supposed to be announced, an Islamabad accountability court postponed the verdict in the case till January 6 due to winter vacations. On January 6, the verdict was not announced as Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who has been hearing the case, was on leave. During the hearing on January 13, the judge said that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's absence in the accountability court at the Adiala Jail was the reason for the delay in announcing the verdict. Earlier in 2023, PTI founder was arrested in various legal claims, which he has termed "politically motivated." In 2024, he was acquitted in the cypher and Iddat cases. However, he was charged in the Toshakhana 2 case. In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had registered a corruption case against Imran Khan and seven others, including his wife, in relation to the Al-Qadir University Trust, Dawn reported. The case filed by NAB alleged that Imran Khan, who is currently in prison, played a "pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi." It claimed that despite given multiple opportunities to share information, the accused intentionally did not provide information on one pretext or another. The suspects in the case include property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mirza Shehzad Akbar, and Zulfi Bukhari. However, instead of joining the investigation, they absconded and were subsequently declared proclaimed offenders (PO), Dawn reported. Bushra Bibi's close friend Farhat Shahzadi and Ziaul Mustafa Nasim, a legal expert for the PTI government's Assets Recovery Unit, were also declared POs. Subsequently, the properties of all six accused had been frozen. According to the case, Riaz's son transferred 240 kanals of land to Shahzadi, while Bukhari obtained land under a trust, which NAB stated did not exist at the time of the transfer. According to the prosecution, the trust was formed only after the adjustment of 190 million pound, raising doubts regarding its purpose and legitimacy. In July 2024, Pervez Khattak, a PTI leader back then who left the party in 2023 after the May 9 riots, said in court, that he also attended the meeting in December 2019, where then-accountability adviser Mirza Shahzad Akbar presented a confidential deed in a sealed envelope for cabinet approval. Khattak said that when he asked details regarding the document, Akbar said that it was an agreement between the Pakistani government and UK's National Crime Agency for the refund of crime proceeds, as per the report. Days later, Imran Khan's then-principal secretary, Azam Khan, testified that Akbar brought a note to ask for Imran Khan's approval to present the confidential deed in the cabinet meeting. Pakistan's then-minister of defence production, Zubaida Jalal, in the court, said that ministers were "kept in the dark" on the transfer of "crime proceeds" to Malik Riaz. (ANI)
As a part of India's commitment towards strengthening international partnerships for peacekeeping, the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi conducted an online training capsule for the Kyrgyzstan Armed Forces on January 15 and 16. The details were shared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army on X. In the post it was noted that the two-day program was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of UN peacekeeping operations. "Training #Kyrgyzstan Armed Forces for #UN Peacekeeping As part of India's commitment to strengthening international partnerships for peacekeeping, the Centre for #UN Peacekeeping, #NewDelhi conducted the second edition of an online training capsule for the Kyrgyzstan Armed Forces on 15 and 16 January 2025. This two-day program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of UN peacekeeping operations, addressing the nuances and challenges faced in volatile global hotspots where troops operate under the UN flag", the post noted. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1879921570719682645 Following the independence of Kyrgyzstan on August 31 1991, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties on March 18, 1992. The resident mission of India was set up on 23 May 1994, according to MEA. India and Kyrgyzstan marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022.Bound by historical and civilisational links, political ties between India and Kyrgyzstan have traditionally been warm and friendly. India and Kyrgyzstan are strategic partners. Kyrgyz Republic supported India in securing full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and has also supported the bid of India for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. In recent times, India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. Both countries also share common concerns on threat of terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking. In recent times, the ties between India and Kyrgyzstan have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. (ANI)
Amid repeated assertions from US President-elect Donald Trump over the territory of Greenland, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told him that "only Greenland" should decide on its future, Politico reported. The two leaders held a phone call on Wednesday, during which Frederiksen reiterated to Trump, Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede's assertion that "Greenland is not for sale," a press release from Denmark PM's office stated. Frederiksen told Danish media that their conversation "confirmed" that "there is great American interest in Greenland." The call did not appear to bring the issue to a conclusion, with both leaders agreeing to continued dialogue. Trump recently expressed a desire to buy the mineral-rich island, and even said he would not rule out military action in the region, as per Politico. Trump did not speak about the call but posted the results of a 2019 poll on social media that found that 68 per cent of Greenlanders supported independence from Denmark. During their 45-minute conversation, Frederiksen also "emphasized the importance of strengthening security in the Arctic" and reminded Trump of the strong trade relationship between the two countries and between the US and EU more broadly, Politico reported. As per Politico, the two leaders also spoke about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as relations with China. Earlier, Trump refused to rule out using military force in his attempt to get Greenland under US Control. The remarks came during a lengthy news conference by the President-elect at his residence Mar-a-Lago. According to a CBS News report when Trump was asked whether he could assure the world that as the US tries to get control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, it was not going to use military or economic coercion? He replied, "I can't assure you, you're talking about Panama and Greenland...No, I can't assure you on either of those two. But I can say this -- we need them for economic security." According to the Danish Government website, Greenland is officially the world's largest island that is not a continent. Home to 56,000 people, Greenland has its own extensive local government, but it is also part of the Realm of Denmark. Greenland has around 56,000 inhabitants. They mostly live in the 20 per cent of the country that is not covered by ice and snow. (ANI)
Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaideep Mazumdar, said on Friday, that Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a four-day state visit to India. He said that Singapore President and his delegation will be visiting Odisha today and a number of MoUs are expected to be signed during his visit. While addressing a special briefing on Singapore President's visit to India, Mazumdar said that Shanmugaratnam had expressed desire to visit eastern part of India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September last year. He said that Singapore President is keenly awaited by the Odisha government. Speaking about Singapore President's visit to Odisha, Jaideep Mazumdar said, "Today, President and his delegation travelling to Odisha. This is a significant, he's taking with him a large and senior business delegation. He had expressed his interest to travel to the eastern part of India during Prime Minister's visit to Singapore in September last year and Prime Minister had encouraged him to do so. It fits in with Prime Minister's Purvodaya's...,which is the development of the Eastern region and a number of MoUs are expected to be signed during the visit of the President of Singapore to Odisha. These are in areas of green hydrogen, green shipping, industrial park, petrochemical complexes and overall in skill development especially in the semiconductor sphere and in other skill development areas." "So, this will be a visit to Odisha which is very keenly awaited by the Odisha government. The Chief Minister of Odisha will also be hosting a banquet, in his honor, the Governor will also be having a meeting with the President and there will be other business meetings as well. The president will also go to Konark to visit the Sun Temple as well as an artist's Village. So, all in all this is a fitting visit to commemorate 60 years of our diplomatic relations and on this occasion both the President of India and the president of Singapore jointly released a logo to commemorate the year-long observance of this important anniversary," he added. MEA Secretary noted that Singapore President's visit takes off from where PM Modi's visit built on in September latest year where the two nations upgraded ties to comprehensive strategic partnership." "The visit takes off from where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji's visit built on in September last year when we upgraded our relations with Singapore to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership and the various areas of emphasis in the various areas of cooperation that we identified during that time are also going to find their reflection during this visit. At that time, if you recall the India-Singapore ministerial Roundtable had identified some areas of emphasis, whether it is in semiconductors, the digital economy, in health, and skill development, semiconductor ecosystem development which were prioritized by those round tables, both the first and the second and the results of this particular visit will see the actualization of those," he said. Elaborating on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit to India, he said that his state visit commemorates the 60 years of diplomatic ties. Mazumdar said that Shanmugaratnam takes great interest in India-Singapore ties and India's economic development. Mazumdar said, "President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, is on a four-day state visit to India. This is his first state visit to India after being elected the President of Singapore in September 2023. He is of course no stranger to India. In fact, he knows India very well. He takes great interest in Indo-Singapore relationship as well as in India's economic development. He has had very close relations with our leadership. If you recall, in 2016 Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi had invited him to deliver the opening, the inaugural address, Niti Aayog speech on transforming India, where the entire cabinet and the senior bureaucracy of India was present. And over the years he has been to India many times. So in a way this was a culmination of his association with India and that too on the 60th year of our diplomatic relations." "So, the President is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Jane Itoge, as well as two ministers and three members of parliament and also senior officials and a business delegation. As I said, this is the state visit to commemorate 60 years of our diplomatic relations. It was in 1965, that Singapore was born as an independent nation and India was one of the first countries to have recognised Singapore, a fact that is acknowledged very much by the Singaporean leadership," he added. During his visit to India, Singapore President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President of India Droupadi Murmu. Mazumdar said that five cabinet ministers called on Singapore President on Thursday. "During this visit, the President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India, as well as the Prime Minister, and members of the Cabinet were present and senior officials. He then proceeded to lay a wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Then, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on his Excellency yesterday. There was also a series of meetings that he had with several ministers, as many as five Cabinet Ministers called on him, ministers in different fields, Minister for IT, Minister for Roads and Highways, Finance Minister, Minister for Skill Development and others and of course Minister for Commerce and Industry," he said. On talks between Singapore President and PM Modi, President Murmu, Mazumdar said, "This was followed in the evening by talks between the President, Smt Droupadi Murmu and the visiting President, where they covered a wide swath of bilateral areas of interest and cooperation, and a meeting with the Prime Minister where they discussed India's development and Singapore's development and how India and ASEAN countries provide the growth engine for Asia and in many respects for the world and how our bilateral cooperation with countries of ASEAN can really be a growth engine for the world. A banquet was hosted by Her Excellency, Smt Droupadi Murmu, the honourable President of India." Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Tuesday arrived in India on a State Visit. He was warmly received by the Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada at the airport, according to MEA. (ANI)
Highlighting the "tremendous" potential of employment generation and value addition in the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) sector, the Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that India can emerge as a "hub" of MRO, adding that it is looking forward to work with Singapore in the area. "Maintenance, repair of aircraft is gaining a lot of importance for us... A tremendous amount of employment can be generated and value addition can be made. India could become a hub of MRO for others as well. Singapore is itself a very strong MRO centre. They too are looking forward to working with us, and we are also looking forward to working with them," MEA secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said in a press briefing on Friday. The MEA Secy also emphasised ongoing collaborations in energy and data sectors between India and Singapore. He said that both nations would sign an MOU in the direction "There is already some work going on in terms of the energy corridor which is Energy Corridor hydrogen between India and Singapore along the eastern part of India...You will also see an MOU being signed on it, during this particular visit on that," he said. Regarding the data corridor, he said, "The data corridor is also an important area between Gujarat (GIFT City) and Singapore, which is also being discussed." Being asked about Myanmar, Mazmumdar said that India is working closely with all the ASEAN nations, and discussions were also held regarding Myanmar. "We work very closely with the ASEAN countries... Since Myanmar is both a neighbour of India and ASEAN and BIMSTEC member... There was a discussion on the current situation in Myanmar," he said. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The leaders discussed advanced sectors such as semiconductors, digitalisation, skilling, and connectivity. Highlighting the conversation, PM Modi stated on X, "Earlier this evening, met the President of Singapore, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam. We discussed the full range of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We talked about futuristic sectors like semiconductors, digitalisation, skilling, connectivity and more. We also spoke on ways to improve cooperation in industry, infrastructure and culture." Notably, the situation in Myanmar has remained tense, ever since the military seized power in in a coup three years ago. Several incidents of violence and clashes have been reported, leading to security concerns in the region. India has always called for dialogue and restoration of democracy in the crisis-hit nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meetings with leaders at East Asia Summit in Laos, emphasised the inclusion of Myanmar and said it should not be isolated. He also stressed the importance of restoration of democracy in the crisis-hit nation, and urged all nations to work for it together. (ANI)
During the conference, Ghobash took part in the roundtable meeting for ministers responsible for mining affairs. He discussed with his counterparts from various countries ways to enhance international cooperation in the mining sector and exchanged expertise and modern technologies for mineral exploration and development.

He also attended the opening of the conference's accompanying exhibition, where he reviewed the latest innovations and technologies in mining, reflecting the ministry's commitment to adopting best practices and technologies to advance the UAE's mining sector.

On the sidelines of the conference, Ghobash met Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser in Bangladeshi Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, as well as Kimberly D. Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy in the United States.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in energy and mining, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable development. (ANI/WAM)
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 17 (ANI/TPS): Yitzhak Wasserlauf, who serves as the Minister for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev, and the Galilee, said he will resign from the government after it passes the ceasefire agreement. The other day I went to the house of one of the parents of the kidnapped women who will be released in this deal. I knocked on the door, and my heartbeat was also beating fast. He opened it, and I just hugged him. We sat together and cried. I told him I was going to oppose the deal that would bring his daughter back. I explained to him how unbearable the decision was. I also explained to him how much I wanted his daughter home. Don't envy us," the Otzma Yehudit lawmaker said. "This deal, as described, is not in line with a conscientious imperative," Wasserlauf added. "Its long-term meaning is disastrous, which God forbid will cost us a lot of blood." The Cabinet is due to ratify the ceasefire agreement on Saturday night. (ANI/TPS)
The US and Indian governments today dedicated a new US consulate site in Bengaluru, an official statement by the US Embassy said. Together, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti dedicated the site of the US consulate, which is intended to become the fifth US consulate in India. The consulate will expand on the more than thirty-year presence of the US government in Bengaluru by increasing our diplomatic engagement on economic and political issues, conducting public diplomacy and people-to-people engagements, and augmenting existing US and Foreign Commercial Service capabilities. Initially, consular services will continue to be performed at the US Consulate in Chennai and other US diplomatic posts in India, the statement added. Garcetti and Jaishankar, joined by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, announced their efforts to fulfill a commitment made by US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's State Visit to Washington, DC, in June 2023. The initiative to expand the US presence in Bengaluru will broaden and deepen the long-standing ties between the United States and the state of Karnataka and build upon long-standing diplomatic engagement and strategic partnership in Karnataka, as per the statement. The state is home to nearly 700 US companies and tens of thousands of US citizens who live, visit, study, and work in Karnataka - creating jobs in both the United States and India. It is also the center of rapidly expanding collaboration in space, highlighted by the planned launches this year of the jointly developed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite and of a US mission to bring NASA-trained Indian astronauts to the International Space Station. Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Garcetti said, "Our relationship truly extends from the seabed to the stars and nowhere is that truer than here in Bengaluru. The innovation and entrepreneurship of this state - from semiconductors to space - is matched only by Silicon Valley in my home state of California. I'm so proud to dedicate our new consulate site and announce the expansion of the collaboration between the American people and the citizens of Karnataka." Expressing optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship, Minister for External Affairs, Jaishankar stated, "I do believe today it is within our grasp, within the realm of possibility that we realize more fully the potential of India -US relationship... I see a great future for India and the United States, and I think, in that future, obviously Bengaluru will also have a salient part," as per the statement. While speaking at the event, the statement said, Shivakumar shared his perspective saying, "This is not just an opening of the diplomatic mission, but a powerful symbol of the ties between the United States and India, particularly with Karnataka, a state that has been long at the heart of India's growth and innovation." Bengaluru is the sister city of San Francisco, California, and Cleveland, Ohio, and a key link with US defence, technology, and aerospace companies. The US government first established an office in Bengaluru in 1993 with the opening of its Commercial Service post in the city. (ANI)
The official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting is expected to take place in Washington DC for the inauguration of US President-Elect Donald Trump. Jaiswal during his weekly media briefing said that further details will be shared later. Jaiswal said, "The Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting is expected to be in Washington, DC for the inaugural ceremony of President Trump...We will share the further details," he said. Japan's government has been arranging with the US, Australia and India to hold a Quad foreign ministers meeting next week after the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump, Japan-based NHK World reported on January 13. During NHK's debate programme on Sunday, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said that he will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Trump administration on January 20. According to sources, Japanese officials have been arranging a foreign ministers meeting of the Quad framework at the time of Iwaya's US visit, NHK World reported. Japan expressed hope to confirm with the new US administration the importance of maintaining and strengthening cooperation among the four nations to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Japanese government is planning to arrange a meeting between Iwaya and his US counterpart. Notably, Trump has chosen Marco Rubio as the US Secretary of State. The top diplomats are likely to try to build relationship of trust between Japan and the US to further bolster the alliance. They are expected to arrange a meeting between the leaders of the two nations at an early date. The Japanese government plans to take a final decision on the matter by analysing US Senate procedures for the approval of the Cabinet lineup, NHK World reported. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the Indian government at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th US President. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs mourned the demise of Binil Babu, the Indian national killed while serving in the Russian Army in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine, and said India is in touch with the Russian authorities to ensure the return of the deceased's mortal remains to India. He also informed that another Indian national has sustained injuries during the conflict and is getting treatment. He is expected to come back to India soon. "The death of Binil Babu is extremely unfortunate. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities so that his mortal remains could come back to India as soon as possible. Another person who was injured is receiving treatment in Moscow...Hopefully, he will also be returning to India soon after his treatment is completed," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. MEA also confirmed that as many as 12 Indian nationals have been killed while serving for the Russian Army in the Ukraine conflict, while 16 more are missing. There were a total of 126 cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army, and India is seeking an "early release" of those who are still there, the spokesperson said. "As of today, there have been 126 cases (of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army). Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces. 18 Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain and out of them the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known. The Russian side has categorised them as missing," Jaiswal said. He added, "We are seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain...12 Indian nationals have died who were serving in the Russian Army." Notably, several Indian nationals were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs. Last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone. Talking about Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, Jaiswal said that India will be hosting the annual summit between the two nations this year and the dates will be worked out later. "This year we have to host the annual summit in India...Each year we have annual summits with Russia...The dates will be worked out through diplomatic channels," he said. Notably, the Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India this year, the dates for which are yet to be announced. This will be Putin's first visit to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving conflict between Ukraine and Russia.Putin and PM Modi remain in regular contact, holding talks over phone-call once every couple of months, according to Russian Embassy in India. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings. In 2024, the two leaders met twice as PM Modi in July travelled to Moscow to participate in the 22nd Russia-India summit. PM Modi's official visit to Russia in July marked his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time. PM Modi was also conferred with Russia's highest national award "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle" for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. From a warm hug to driving an electric car for 'dost' PM Modi, the chemistry between the leaders hogged the limelight. During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting and an informal meeting with Putin. The two leaders also visited the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow. Later in October, PM Modi visited Russia's Kazan for a two-day visit to attend the BRICS Summit. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia and their government for their hospitality. PM Modi took to X to share glimpses of his visit to Russia. (ANI)
Religious and political parties in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have launched a movement to grant constitutional status to the area. Both the opposition and the administration urged the federal government to resolve the issue at an earliest, Dawn reported. These demands were made during a discussion titled 'Important Political Issues of PoGB and Their Solutions' held at Islamabad's National Press Club on Thursday. The event was organised by several political parties. A joint statement issued at the end of the event stating that all political and religious parties were in consensus that the biggest issue of PoGB people was its constitutional status and identity, Dawn reported. The declaration said there had been a lack of collective efforts by local parties for PoGB's constitutional rights. All political and religious parties will work jointly for the political rights of the region, as reported by Dawn. The speakers expressed that the financial issues of the region required urgent attention for which stakeholders needed to make "sincere efforts beyond political differences". The declaration demanded the implementation of proposals for the provisional constitutional province status of PoGB. Other speakers also urged the federal government to settle the constitutional status of the region. Recently, Lawyers in the PoGB region demanded equal rights and access to basic facilities, such as healthcare and specialized courts, which are available to their counterparts in other parts of Pakistan. They highlighted the absence of dedicated courts in PoGB, leading to significant delays in delivering justice to the local population. The lawyers' protest came amidst growing frustration among the legal community, which had led to calls for urgent reforms. The ongoing protest signifies that the PoGB people are voicing against the exploitation of the district's resources, worsening financial mismanagement and atrocities which they face every day. Despite repeated protests and demands from the people of PoGB, their voices continue to fall on deaf ears, with no concrete action taken to address their grievances. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India's firm position against terrorism, and said the menace in whichever form, needs to be fought "tooth and nail". In a veiled attack on Pakistan, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has called out countries who promote cross-border terrorism. Asked about Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the presence of terrorist training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Jaiswal said, "On cross-border terrorism, we are very clear what our position has been. We have been conveying even in the last presser we talked about it. We are very firm that terrorism in whatever way it exists, wherever it exists, it needs to be fought tooth and nail and we have clearly called out countries who promote cross-border terrorism." Earlier on January 14, Rajnath Singh said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is being used to operate terrorism and terrorist training camps still operate there. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. While addressing veterans during the celebration of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, he said, "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." The Defence Minister said that the people living in PoK are being deprived of a dignified life. He said that efforts are being made by the rulers of Pakistan to mislead and incite them against India in the name of religion. "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. In October last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised Pakistan for fuelling cross-border terrorism in South Asia, which he believes is the primary reason for the struggles faced by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He also cited cross-border terrorism as the key obstacle to SAARC's progress, pointing to one member state's practice of cross-border terrorism at least against one more member. While delivering the Sardar Patel Lecture on Governance organised by the IC Centre for Governance in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, "At the moment, SAARC is not moving forward, we haven't had a meeting of SAARC for a very simple reason - there is one member of SAARC who is practicing cross-border terrorism at least against one more member of SAARC, maybe more... Terrorism is something which is unacceptable and despite a global view of it, if one of our neighbours continues to do it - there cannot be business as usual in SAARC. That's the reason why the SAARC meeting has not happened in recent years - but it doesn't mean that the regional activities have stopped." He added, "In fact, in the last 5-6 years, we have seen far more regional integration in the Indian subcontinent and we have seen since the participation of India. If you look today with Bangladesh, with Nepal, with Bhutan, with Myanmar, with Sri Lanka... you have roads being rebuilt... you have ferries, you have fertiliser supplies...So I would actually say that what is happening in the neighbourhood, it is happening because of the Neighbourhood First policy." (ANI)
Polish Charge d'affaires to India, Sebastian Domzalski, emphasised the urgency of ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which he said is in a very "serious situation," adding that the sooner the conflict ends, the better. "We all hope that this war will end soon because innocent people are dying on the battlefield at the moment. So this is a very serious situation, and the sooner the conflict ends, the better," Domzalski told ANI. He emphasised that the solution to the conflict could be 'simple' if Russian President Putin withdraws troops from Ukraine and returns the prisoners of war. "There is a very simple solution (to the war) Russian President Putin should withdraw his troops from Ukraine and return the prisoners of war, but let's see what we can achieve," he added. The Polish diplomat also commented on Poland's strong relationship with the United States during the first presidency of Donald Trump, expressing hope for the continuation of such ties in his second administration. "We (Poland) had very good relations with the US during Trump 1.0, and we hope that this relation will continue," Domzalski said. He highlighted Poland's efforts to stay engaged with the incoming US Republican administration, stressing the importance of strengthening transatlantic relations. "We maintain close contact with the incoming Republican administration and we also, as a part of our EU presidency, prioritise transatlantic ties in the sense of maintaining unity and strengthening cooperation because of the global situation, regional conflicts, and the Russian aggression against Ukraine," the Polish Charge d'affaires added. Domzalski further discussed Poland's defence priorities, noting the country's commitment to increasing defence spending. "We are the biggest spender in terms of defence, as you rightly mentioned, it's almost exceeding 4 per cent, and we hope to increase it almost to 5 per cent because of our security," he stated, while also urging other European Union and NATO members to prioritise their security. "We also hope that other EU members, other NATO members will prioritise their security," he added. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the removal of three Indian entities from the US Entity List, and said this will lead to greater collaboration between New Delhi and Washington in the fields of nuclear energy, clean energy, and critical minerals. This comes after the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three entities--Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)--from the US Entity List. "It is a welcome step. These have been on the entity list of the US for several years. This action by the US government will lead to greater collaboration between India and the United States in the fields of nuclear energy, clean energy, and also in the field of critical minerals. Some of these elements are also part of the iCET conversation that we have had with the United States, so it's a welcome step, and we look forward to doing more with the US in these areas," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. On the recent sanctions announced by the US against entities in the Russian energy sector, the MEA said that India is in touch with the US authorities to clarify issues pertaining to the impact on Indian entities. MEA also reiterated that India's oil purchases have always been guided by country's own energy security requirements along with prevailing global circumstances and market conditions. "These sanctions were announced on January 10 last week, if I recollect properly. The additional sanctions that have been announced pertain to several entities and individuals in the Russian energy sector. We are in touch with the US authorities to clarify issues pertaining to the impact on Indian entities. We are working with all relevant departments and agencies to sensitise all Indian companies on application, as also to inform them on legal measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies on certain circumstances," Jaiswal said. He added, "Our oil purchases, have been and always are guided by our own energy security requirements along with prevailing global circumstances and market conditions. That is how we look at the scenario." The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) outlined the significance of the removals, citing their role in advancing clean energy and critical minerals cooperation. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Matthew Borman stated, "The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains." (ANI)
Charge d'affaires of Poland to India, Sebastian Domzalski, highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Poland following Prime Minister Modi's recent visit, and said they look forward to further growing the cooperation between the two nations. Speaking to ANI, Domzalski said, "We witnessed the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Poland. Both countries elevated their relations, bilateral relations to strategic partnership level and there is an ambitious action plan that we are now trying to implement and working closely." Speaking on the Raisina Dialogue which is likely to take place in March, the Polish envoy called it an "important event" and said they are hopeful of high representations from Poland at the event. "The Raisina Dialogue will be happening in March, and this is an important event that we hope to have high representations from Poland," he added. The Polish envoy, further spoke on Poland chairing the European Union and emphasised that Warsaw's priority will be security situation amid the current geopolitical situation and ongoing Russia-Ukarine conflict. He added that supporting Ukraine will be one of their main goals. Calling India an "important and growing economy" and a "very important international player", Domzalski said that Warsaw will look forward to growing cooperation with New Delhi. "It is a pleasure to be chairing the European Union for the next 6 months...The main priority will be security given the current geopolitical situation, the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in our neighbourhood, various conflicts around the world, the Middle East and various threats," the envoy said. He added, "Supporting Ukraine will be one of the main goals and India being a very important and growing economy, a very important international player, regional and global player, we look forward to growing cooperation with India" Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024 marked a significant moment in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The visit resulted in the upgrade of bilateral relations to a "Strategic Partnership," opening up new opportunities for cooperation in diverse sectors. These include food processing, defence and security, AI, green energy, e-vehicle technologies, and cultural exchanges. (ANI)
The Israeli security cabinet approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said on Friday. The full cabinet convened minutes before the start of Shabbat for a discussion and vote, with the meeting extending into the Jewish day of rest, Times of Israel reported. The full cabinet is expected to approve it by a large majority, following a meeting that extended into Shabbat. The full cabinet is expected to vote by a large majority to approve the deal, which was signed overnight in Qatar and is set to take effect on Sunday. The recommendation by the forum of top ministers was made "after examining all diplomatic, security and humanitarian" aspects of the agreement, with the understanding that the deal "supports the achievement of the war's goals," the PMO said. The deal is set to take effect on Sunday at 12:15 pm, with the first three female hostages expected to be freed by 4 pm that day. Israel Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voted against the deal at the security cabinet but were in the minority. "Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework," the Israel PM Office stated in a post on X. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1880242715277033805 Before the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in a security assessment to discuss the deal's implementation with the negotiating team. The full cabinet meeting was scheduled for 3:30 pm on Friday, moved up due to Shabbat considerations, with ministers stressing the urgency of a life-saving matter. The Israel government's hostages and missing persons coordination unit on Friday notified the families of the 33 Israeli hostages expected to be set free in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel has not been told how many of the 33 are alive, though it expects the majority are. Israel will receive a full status report on all those on the list seven days into the ceasefire. The order of release is not yet known. The identities of those set to return are expected to be provided 24 hours before each release, as reported by Times of Israel. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea, who returned from Qatar, reportedly urged ministers to approve the deal quickly, warning that any delay risked endangering the hostages. Netanyahu reportedly told ministers that Israel has "received 'definitive guarantees' from both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, that "if the negotiations on phase two of the deal fail, and Hamas does not accept our security demands, we will resume intensive fighting with the backing of the United States.'" After far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to leave the coalition over the deal, Netanyahu's Likud party made a statement on Thursday night, asserting key points. "Contrary to Ben Gvir's comments, the existing deal allows Israel to return to fighting under American guarantees, receive the weapons and means of warfare it needs, maximise the number of living hostages that will be released, maintain full control of the Philadelphi Route [on the Egyptian border] and the security buffer that surrounds the entire Gaza Strip, and achieve dramatic security achievements that will ensure Israel's security for generations," Likud said. Beyond the 33 hostages set for release in phase one, Israel says 65 more hostages are currently held in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead by the IDF. As the first phase progresses, talks will focus on the release of remaining hostages, ending the war, and Gaza's future reconstruction. Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies have pressured him not to agree to end the fighting, with families of the remaining 65 hostages fearing the second phase may never happen, and their loved ones could remain in terrorists' hands. Ahead of the cabinet meeting, Ben Gvir issued a last-minute plea for ministers to vote against the deal. "Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again," he said. "I call on my friends in Likud and in Religious Zionism, it is not yet too late, we still have the cabinet meeting, we can stop this deal, join me, we can stop it." On Thursday night, Ben Gvir said his Otzma Yehudit party would quit the government if the deal is approved. However, he added, "If the IDF resumes fighting Hamas after a pause to free hostages, my party will offer to return." Any opposition from Netanyahu's far-right allies is not expected to affect the cabinet votes, according to Times of Israel. Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams signed the deal in Doha early Friday after clearing the final hurdles. Both the US and Qatar, who mediated the negotiations, announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to end the 15-month war in Gaza triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1200 civilians and holding over 250 as hostages, of which around 100 are still in captivity. In response, Israel launched a massive counter-attack targeting Hamas units in the Gaza Strip. The reponse, however, has also drawn criticism from several humanitarian groups over the high number of civilian killings. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 45,000 people have been killed in Gaza, over half of whom are women and children. (ANI)
The rally took place on the birth anniversary of GM Syed, the founder of the Sindhudesh movement, and called for global solidarity with the Sindhi people. Protesters carried flags of various countries, including India, urging foreign intervention for Sindhudesh's freedom.

Shafi Burfat, the exiled chairman of JSMM and a leading advocate for Sindhudesh's independence, emphasised the urgency of prioritising human rights and the freedom of historic nations.

"The liberation of Sindhudesh, along with the freedom of other historical nations, and the protection of human rights must be prioritised as the most pressing global agenda," Burfat declared.

Burfat described Pakistan as a "fanatical religious state" that oppresses historic nations. "Pakistan, an unnatural and fanatical religious state, has enslaved historic nations, including Sindhudesh. Pakistan's conspiracies of religious extremism and terrorism will remain unchecked in the region," he asserted.

He strongly condemned Pakistan's military establishment, labelling it as corrupt and exploitative. "The Pakistani military establishment is deeply entrenched in corruption and functions like a mafia, and it has long supported and sponsored Islamic extremism and terrorism," Burfat stated.

He also criticised Pakistan's governance, accusing the military of exploiting resources from Sindh and Balochistan for its own benefit.

Burfat called on the international community, particularly the United States, to take decisive action. "We call on all civilised nations of the world, particularly the United States, to immediately cease all financial and military assistance to Pakistan," he urged.

He also demanded international oversight of Pakistan's nuclear and missile systems, highlighting their risks to global security. "We demand international supervision of Pakistan's nuclear and missile systems to ensure they do not pose a threat to world peace," he emphasised. (ANI)
Nepal on Friday welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal, calling it a step towards lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The Himalayan nation also urged the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage by Hamas. "The Government of Nepal has been closely observing the unfolding of events in the Middle East since October 7, 2023. We welcome the recent announcement of the 'Agreement for the Release of Hostages and Ceasefire in Gaza.' We hope that this will usher the parties concerned towards the path of lasting peace and stability while ensuring uninterrupted supply of humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza," Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The Ministry also reiterated its call for the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity. Joshi, an agriculture student from Nepal, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while he was in Israel under the "learn and earn scheme." In addition to Joshi's abduction, a total of 10 Nepali students were killed when Hamas attacked their shelter. Following the assault, dozens of Nepali citizens were evacuated from Israel. Despite multiple opportunities for hostage release, there has been no update regarding Joshi's condition or whereabouts. The release from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated, "Government of Nepal has consistently urged for the release of all hostages including Mr Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen. We express our sincere appreciation to the efforts of all those involved in mediation to bring the parties to the agreement." Earlier this week, Hamas agreed on a deal with Israel for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israel's security cabinet approved the deal on Friday evening, and it awaits endorsement from the wider government cabinet, expected to convene within hours. While the full details of the agreement have not been officially disclosed, the ceasefire is expected to unfold in three phases, beginning with a six-week truce set to take effect on Sunday. In the first phase, hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel are to be released. Displaced Palestinians in Gaza will be allowed to start returning to their homes. According to US President Joe Biden, Israeli troops will withdraw from "all" populated areas in Gaza, and aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip will increase significantly. Biden described the second phase as aiming for a permanent end to the war, with negotiations starting on the 16th day. This stage would involve releasing the remaining hostages, including men, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. It would also see a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The third phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza--a process that could take years--and the return of any deceased hostages' remains. As the Israeli cabinet prepares to make further decisions on the ceasefire deal, Israel's health ministry expressed its readiness to assist the hostages upon their return. The ministry noted, "Previous hostage releases have taught us that freed captives will require immediate evaluation and treatment in hospital." It emphasised that long-term care, including psychological and social support, would be necessary, while ensuring the privacy of the individuals. Israeli media reports that health officials recommend a minimum four-day hospital stay for released hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the hostage release could begin as early as Sunday. (ANI)
The US Supreme Court ruled Friday that a proposed ban on TikTok, citing national security concerns due to its ties to China, may proceed this weekend. This decision rejected an appeal from TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which argued that the ban violated the First Amendment. The court's unsigned opinion, issued without dissent, sets the stage for an unprecedented government action against a major social media platform, as reported by CNN. The ruling was driven by warnings from the Biden administration, which deemed TikTok a "grave" threat to national security. The administration's concerns center on TikTok's extensive data collection practices and its connections to the Chinese government. In its opinion, the court highlighted the platform's widespread use in the United States, acknowledging that for 170 million Americans, TikTok serves as "a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community." However, national security considerations ultimately outweighed these factors. The court emphasised, "Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary." These concerns stem from fears that TikTok could allow the Chinese government to access users' personal information or manipulate content to advance its geopolitical agenda. The White House reiterated the Biden administration's stance on TikTok, emphasizing that the app should remain accessible to Americans but simply under American ownership. "The Administration, like the rest of the country, has awaited the decision just made by the US Supreme Court on the TikTok matter. President Biden's position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the President's desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday," the White House said in a statement. US President-elect Donald Trump also reacted to the court ruling in an interview with CNN, said it is "up to him" on the matter after he takes over the presidency. Adding to the complexity, the ruling shifts attention to President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on Monday. In an interview with CNN's Pamela Brown after the decision, Trump stated, "It ultimately goes up to me, so you're going to see what I'm going to do." While he has not committed to reversing the ban, Trump hinted at the possibility, saying, "Congress has given me the decision, so I'll be making the decision." He also confirmed having spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok, describing their discussion as "a great talk about TikTok and a great talk about many other subjects." "The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113844584193010573 Despite the looming deadline for the ban, TikTok's future remains uncertain. The Biden administration has signalled that enforcement of the ban will be left to Trump, who will assume office just one day after the ban is set to take effect, according to CNN. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has resisted selling the app, complicating efforts to find a buyer that satisfies national security concerns. The law allows the president to extend the deadline by 90 days if significant progress is made toward a sale, but ByteDance has not indicated any movement on this front. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration alongside other tech leaders, signalling potential discussions about the app's fate under the new administration. Meanwhile, some members of Congress have suggested that TikTok may need more time to secure a buyer, potentially delaying the ban. The court's decision underscores the national security implications of TikTok's data practices, which it described as "extensive." It noted, "The platform collects extensive personal information from and about its users," and emphasised the government's "important and well-grounded interest in preventing China from collecting the personal data of tens of millions of U.S. TikTok users." The court added, "Data collection and analysis is a common practice in this digital age. But TikTok's scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the Government's national security concerns." Justice Neil Gorsuch, in a concurrence, expressed "serious reservations" about the level of scrutiny applied to the law but concluded that even under a stricter standard, the government had met its burden. "Speaking with and in favor of a foreign adversary is one thing. Allowing a foreign adversary to spy on Americans is another," Gorsuch wrote. Justice Sonia Sotomayor also wrote separately, agreeing with the court's decision but expressing concern over its handling of the First Amendment implications. She argued, "The court's line of cases dealing with the First Amendment leaves no doubt that it does," CNN reported. The ruling's narrow focus on TikTok's specific circumstances leaves room for different outcomes in future cases involving other platforms or technologies. The court acknowledged the transformative nature of new technologies, referencing an 80-year-old precedent to caution against impeding future developments. "We should take care not to 'embarrass the future,'" the justices wrote. (ANI)
The port is a key component of the India-assisted Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Corridor (KMMTTC) Project, an official press release by the Indian Embassy in Myanmar stated.

Accompanied by officials from the Indian Embassy in Yangon, the Consulate General in Sittwe, and the India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), Ambassador Thakur also met with local leadership to discuss bilateral development initiatives and community-focused programs.

"Ambassador Abhay Thakur visited Sittwe Port of Kaladan Project, accompanied by MD IPGL, yesterday, to review ongoing operations. He met CM Rakhine U Htein Lin to discuss local community support program and future growth in connectivity. Also met PIOs and visited Consulate General of India in Sittwe, Myanmar's premises," the Indian Embassy stated in a post on X.

https://x.com/IndiainMyanmar/status/1880169499032514591

The visit included a comprehensive review of Sittwe Port, which has handled over 150 vessels since its inauguration in May 2023. These vessels transported a variety of cargo, including food, agricultural commodities, medicines, fuel, vehicles, and construction materials.

Ambassador Thakur emphasised the port's strategic importance as an "India-Myanmar Friendship Project," highlighting its role in boosting coastal, regional, and international connectivity, as well as travel and tourism.

During a meeting with the Chief Minister of Rakhine State, U Htein Lin, Ambassador Thakur discussed bilateral development cooperation, capacity building, and humanitarian initiatives under the Rakhine State Development Program. Both sides underscored the importance of aligning development projects with local needs to benefit the people of Rakhine. Ambassador Thakur also stressed the significance of "early return to peace and stability," necessary for maximising the Kaladan Project's potential.

The Ambassador further visited the Sri Sri Moha Dev Bari Temple, where he engaged with members of the Indian-origin community, discussing consular services and initiatives to strengthen their ties with India. Concluding his visit, Ambassador Thakur reviewed the premises of the Consulate General of India in Sittwe, underscoring India's commitment to fostering people-to-people connections and cultural linkages with Myanmar. (ANI)
The Government of Odisha's Electronics and IT Department and Singapore's Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) signed an MoU to establish a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneshwar to foster FinTech collaboration, with a focus on developing an inclusive and sustainable InsureTech and related areas. The MoU was signed during the official visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha on Friday, according to a press release by GFTN. Tharman is on the State Visit to India from January 14 to 18. The initiative marks another positive step commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore in 2025. Commenting on the MoU, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, Odisha aims to leverage GFTN's global expertise and resources to drive innovation and create tailored Fintech solutions in the state. "Odisha has emerged as a leader in India's IT sector and now aims to diversify its services sector. The state is fostering innovation and supporting startups to position itself as a hub for FinTech advancements. In collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Odisha aims to leverage global expertise and resources to drive innovation and create tailored Fintech solutions. It is establishing incubation centres, promoting collaborations with academia and industry, and enhancing financial accessibility. These efforts aim to position Odisha as a key player in the global FinTech landscape," the CM said. The MoU aims to support India's national vision of "Insurance for All" by 2047, where every citizen will have appropriate life, health, and property insurance coverage. States like Odisha are taking strides in implementing the new policy to ensure the regulatory architecture is aligned with the market dynamics and innovation is turbocharged while mainstreaming technology for financial inclusion, the GFTN said in the press release. "GFTN's partnership with the Government of Odisha to build a Global Competency Centre in InsureTech aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision which aims to deliver impactful financial inclusion and sustainable economic empowerment. By harnessing Odisha's enormous talent and entrepreneurial potential, the Hub will accelerate the growth of the state's digital economy," said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO Designate of GFTN. Principal Secretary Electronics & IT, Odisha, Vishal Dev, added, "Odisha is a state with immense potential, and the government is committed to transforming it into one of India's preeminent FinTech Hubs. The state offers generous policy incentives and has the talent pool to succeed in the sector. With a focus on fostering innovation and promoting global collaborations, Odisha is building a robust ecosystem to support startups and drive technological advancements in the FinTech space." Principal Secretary of Finance, Odisha, Saswata Mishra said, "Financial inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the Government of Odisha's developmental agenda, and a robust FinTech ecosystem will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision." Notably, eight MoUs were exchanged between Odisha and various Singaporean entities on Friday to strengthen collaboration in key sectors in the presence of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Earlier, Singapore President Tharman visited the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Singapore and the State of Odisha. The President was welcomed by CM Majhi. The Chief Minister expressed enthusiasm for the deepening ties, stating, "There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha." A detailed briefing was presented by Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary of Odisha, covering key themes such as skill development, industrial parks, master planning, ports and Paradip, renewable energy, semiconductors, information technology, data centres, culture, and connectivity. The presentation highlighted Odisha's initiatives and opportunities for collaboration with Singapore in these crucial sectors. During the visit, the Singaporean President toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center and interacted with students and instructors. (ANI)
A blast of arctic air will bring temperatures in Vermont as low as double digits below zero early next week, according the National Weather Service of Burlington.

We're going to get a shot of arctic air that's going to transition into the region during the day Monday. So it's going to be very cold as we start Tuesday morning, and then still very cold again on Wednesday morning, said Robert Haynes, a lead meteorologist at NWS Burlington. Tuesday is probably our coldest day in this event.

More: Vermont to get a dusting of snow amid higher temperatures and strong winds: What to know

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Vermonts weather will be part of a trend across the country as most of the United States will be afflicted with the frigid air by Tuesday.

After the weekend's winter weather, "dangerously cold temperatures" will move in Monday and stay for much of early next week.

How cold is it going to get?

From Monday to Wednesday, Haynes said the NWS expects all of Vermont to be near to below zero.

The coldest areas of Vermont, like Island Pond, could be in the double digits below zero before adding wind chill. Burlington is expected to see wind chill values around 10 to 15 degrees below zero.

These will be "dangerously cold temperatures" according to the NWS, cold enough to cause conditions like frost bite and hypothermia if one is exposed for 30 minutes.

The coldest conditions will be during the overnight hours. During the day, temperatures should warm back to the single digits or low teens.

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More: A cold Monday in DC? Here's Donald Trump's Inauguration Day weather forecast

How to prepare for the cold

With still a few days before the cold hits, Haynes recommends preparing for the cold now.

Now is the best time to check on things like making sure that your windows are securely shut, he said. If you have any questions about your heating systems, go ahead and check those things and make sure that everything's functioning to help prepare for the cold.

He also recommends dressing in layers and keeping a winter kit with blankets and extra cold gear ready in your car.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VT Weather: Arctic blast to bring below 0 temperatures. Here's when
A Code Blue alert has been issued by the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services to start Sunday because of decreasing temperatures.

The alert will start Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. and is set to end Friday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. A Code Blue Alert is issued when the forecasted winter weather conditions pose an unusually high risk of severe or life-threatening exposure-related injuries.

Bob Dowd, director of the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, said the Weather Service is predicting extremely cold temperatures, with wind chills dropping below zero at times during the alert period.

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Lebanon County Department of Emergencies Services monitors weather conditions and issues a Code Blue Alert after consulting with community partners. Dowd said situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but in general, some or all of the following criteria are met:

The temperature is predicted to fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for an unusually long period of time.

The wind chill is predicted to be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for an unusually long period of time.

Sustained temperatures below freezing with predictions estimating greater than 12 inches of snow accumulation in a relatively short period of time.

Any other winter weather condition that may pose an unusually high amount of risk.

During the alert, individuals and families who are unsheltered are encouraged to contact the entities below for assistance in finding temporary overnight accommodations:

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am  4:30 pm Lebanon County Community Action Partnership220 E. Lehman St.,Lebanon717-273-9328

All other hours Lebanon County Crisis Intervention209 Hathaway Park,Lebanon717-274-3363

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Officials said the shelters and services available during a Code Blue Alert are not affiliated with the Lebanon County Department Emergency Services.

Please check back with the Lebanon Daily News for updates.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Code Blue alert issued for Lebanon County starting Sunday, Jan. 19
As Columbus officials report a dramatic increase in homicides stemming from domestic violence in 2024, domestic violence organizations in Ohio say they've seen a similar increase in need for assistance.

Franklin County's only emergency domestic violence shelter, CHOICES, said it served 975 people in the 2024 fiscal year, which runs from July to June. Executive Director Maria Houston-Beck said that in just the first two quarters of the 2025 fiscal year, it had already served 557 people, and more than half were children.

"If we keep with this trend, we will certainly well surpass the 970 we served last year," Houston-Beck said.

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Maria York, policy director for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said preliminary data shows a 34% increase in calls, texts and other requests for assistance to Ohio domestic violence programs from 2023 to 2024.

"It's been a steady uptick since COVID-19," York said. "I think people just were not seeking help because they were essentially trapped at home. And so, from 2021 through now, we're seeing this large spike."

Columbus reported a roughly 17% drop in homicides in 2024, but more were related to domestic violence, city and police officials said at a Jan. 7 news conference. In 2024, police attributed 23 homicides, or 19%, to domestic violence. In 2023, 17% were related to domestic violence, and in 2022, just 5% were.

The city also saw all domestic violence cases jump from 733 in 2023 to 825 in 2024.

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Houston-Beck said a lack of affordable housing, the state of the economy, more people moving to the area and untreated mental health and substance abuse issues could all be contributing to a rise in the need for services in Franklin County.

CHOICES assistant Vice President Sue Villilo shows off a building expansion to the domestic violence shelter on March 30, 2021. Domestic violence advocates at CHOICES and elsewhere say a spike in domestic violence homicides last year coincided with an increase in requests for service in Ohio.

York said she doesn't know whether domestic violence advocates in other states are also seeing increased requests for assistance, but surrounding states, including Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Michigan, have requested and received additional state funding to tackle the increased need.

York said the Ohio Domestic Violence Network received $20 million from the state to fund 76 domestic violence programs across Ohio for two years, but the money is "putting band-aids over the holes." The funding amounts to 85 cents per Ohioan while neighboring Kentucky gets $3.06 per capita.

"They're able to do more with the money that they're getting, increase their bed space, increase their services," York said. "We're just trying to keep our shelters open."

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About 45% of people seeking shelter from domestic violence in Ohio are turned away, York said. That's true for Franklin County as well.

York said the area is of particular concern because early data shows about 26% of domestic violence fatalities tracked by the network in 2024 happened in Franklin County, outpacing other metro areas.

"We have survivors that are going out of county for shelter, just because there isn't enough bed space in Columbus," York said. "But then, even the out-of-county shelters are at full capacity."

That those people who've been turned away could become victims of homicide is "a very real worry," York said.

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So far, Franklin County has had two domestic violence homicides in 2025. Columbus police allege that on Jan. 7, Gage Smith, 28, shot and killed his girlfriend, 32-year-old Autumn Ward. Smith was charged with murder.

On Monday night, a male victim was shot and killed in Whitehall, and two relatives were charged with murder. Whitehall police said the shooting stemmed from a family argument. The victim has not been identified.

How do domestic violence shelters help?

Houston-Beck said workers at CHOICES are constantly aware of the threat death people escaping domestic violence are under.

When someone calls the domestic violence hotline but isn't ready to leave an abusive relationship just yet, staff members worry for their safety, Houston-Becks said. Shelter employees work to ensure the location of the shelter remains confidential.

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People living in the shelter are asked to turn off their locations on their phones and other devices. They aren't allowed to share the shelter address except with certain trusted people. Photos aren't allowed on-site. Some families choose to change their children's schools or day cares to avoid an abuser finding them.

Houston-Beck said the shelter is usually at capacity, but it never turns away people considered high-risk for domestic violence and often places them in hotels.

"Our need has always been great," Houston-Beck said. "We typically are always at or above capacity here in the shelter."

A number of factors determine who's at the highest risk for homicide at the hands of their abuser, Houston-Beck said. One is whether the abuser has a gun. Staff also ask whether the abuser has threatened the person's life, whether they have choked them and whether police have been involved.

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Houston-Beck said the most important thing a friend or family member can do to help someone in an abusive relationship is believe them, even if the accused abuser seems kind and charismatic in public.

"If it is your family member or friend, please believe them," Houston-Beck said. "And then also be flexible and give them grace."

It often takes multiple attempts for someone to leave an abusive relationship. Family and friends often grow frustrated and withdraw support, leaving someone experiencing abuse even more isolated and dependent on their abuser, Houston-Beck said.

Friends and family can also help someone experiencing abuse plan for safety. They could create a "safe word" that the victim can use to alert family and friends to call the police without the abuser knowing or keep a bag of belongings in the trunk of someone's car so the victim can flee faster.

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At the community level, York said more money is needed to help people escape domestic violence  lack of housing is a significant factor keeping people in abusive relationships. That problem can't be addressed without money.

"As much light as we can expose this with the better because there's victims out there that truly believe they're alone in this," Houston-Beck said. "We want to get the messaging out to them that they're not alone and there is help available to them, and they deserve to live."

bagallion@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Domestic violence spikes in Columbus: What Columbus shelters see
The 2025 legislative session has officially begun, and Georgias multibillion dollar budget surplus could mean big things for communities across the state.

During his Thursday State of the State address, Gov. Brian Kemp outlined his priorities to the Georgia General Assembly, with a series of proposals aimed at continuing to provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene, investing in public safety initiatives and reforming the states legal landscape.

As we begin a new year with some new colleagues under this Gold Dome, and as we reflect on the past successes and challenges of prior years, I am reminded again and again that no matter what, Georgians outlast the tough times and achieve new heights of success, Kemp said during his address.

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The state of our state is not only strong, it is resilient! Kemp added.

The budget must ultimately be passed by the state legislature, but with Republican control of both the legislative and executive branches of Georgias state government, his recommendations are likely a bellwether for the finalized version. Passing the state budget is the only thing the general assembly is constitutionally required to accomplish during the legislative session.

Kemps recommendations for the amended fiscal year 2025 fiscal year 2026 budgets include big-ticket proposals as well as several locally-targeted investments in communities across the state. Heres what his budget recommendations have in store this year for Athens, Augusta and Savannah.

Education

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Expanding higher education throughout the state of Georgia continues to be top of mind for the governor. Kemps amended fiscal year 2025 budget proposal outlines nearly $100 million for the design and construction of a new medical research building at Augusta University. It also sets aside $3 million towards law school programs at both the University of Georgia and Georgia State University.

Infrastructure

Savannahs rapid expansion has led to an increased need for infrastructure projects in the area, particularly when it comes to housing and water supply. Under Kemps budget proposal, over $501 million would be allocated to fund the construction of surface water infrastructure throughout Coastal Georgia.

Public Safety

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Law enforcement can also expect a boost in both the amended fiscal year 2025 budget and the fiscal year 2026 budget. Kemps recommendations include $187,000 in the amended 2025 budget and $748,000 in the 2026 budget to expand the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit to Macon and Augusta.

The Attorney Generals office will also receive nearly $537,000 to expand its Gang Prosecution Unit to Savannah.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah to get $501 million surface water project, Augusta a medical research building
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Recent geopolitical shifts in the troubled Middle East, highlighted by the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Iran's dwindling influence, present a rare opportunity for Lebanon to emerge from 50 years of lawlessness and regain control of its own fate.

In just five days, Lebanon's political scene turned upside down: Army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun was elected president Jan. 9 after 26 months of presidential vacuum. On Monday, Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice, was named the new prime minister.

The Aoun-Salam combination took everyone by surprise. It was not what the Shiite allies, Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Amal Movement led by House Speaker Nabih Berri wanted or even expected. Faced by the fait accompli, they reacted with dismay and anger, saying there was an attempt to exclude them.

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The Shiite duo voted for Aoun reportedly as part of a deal under which incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whom they support, was to be named again as prime minister.

Their ability to impose their will on the country's other political components has clearly diminished after the once-powerful Hezbollah emerged weak from 14 months of a destructive war with Israel.

Aoun and Salam, known for their integrity, clean hands and trusted personalities with successful records, revived new hopes for crises-ridden and corruption-plagued Lebanon.

The parliament's selection of Salam as prime minister, who was opposed by Hezbollah and incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's team, "is another political earthquake" that occurred after the "landmark election" of Aoun as president, Firas Maksad, senior fellow and director of strategic outreach at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

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To Najat Saliba, who was among 84 legislators in the 128-member parliament who named Salam to the prime minister post, it was "the will of the people calling for reform" that won this time.

Saliba explained that it was "a cumulative effort by so many people" boosted by "a snowball effect" once Salam was suggested as a candidate at the last minute.

"The stars were aligning,' she told UPI, citing the collapse of the Assad regime, the weakening of Iran and its proxies, and the fresh interest of the international community in Lebanon as factors that led to the huge change in the country.

But what really made "this breakthrough" was the will of the people, who did not want Mikati back in power and supported change and reform, she maintained.

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This is what Hezbollah and Amal failed to capture, thinking they can carry on with "business as usual" despite the shift in the Middle East balance of power.

The Shiite duo, however, is left with only two options: either to accept the new reality and join the new cabinet or to stay out at the risk of further losing its political influence, according to observers.

Lebanon under Aoun and Salam is to adopt financial and political reforms, as well as handle the reconstruction of large parts of Beirut's southern suburbs and eastern and southern Lebanon, which were badly damaged during the Hezbollah-Israel war. Without having a Hezbollah-Amal blessing and consent, that would be hard to achieve.

The new president and prime minister tried to assure both groups, which widely represent the Shiite community, stressing that there was no intention to exclude them from the new process in the country.

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But the most pressing issue and main assuring element is to secure Israel's full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan, 27 in line with the U.S.-brokered cease-fire agreement that ended the Hezbollah-Israel war last November.

"The best and only way to get the Israelis out is for Lebanon to fully implement its part of this accord," Sami Nader, Middle Eastern affairs analyst and director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs, told UPI.

Lebanon, Nader said, will have to "prove to the world and provide the evidence that its army is the only force present in the south."

Under the Nov. 27 cease-fire deal, Hezbollah should withdraw to south of the Litani River, and Israel should pull out its troops completely so that the Lebanese Army takes control of the border area.

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Hezbollah, moreover, would not be allowed to rebuild its military infrastructure. While it agreed to relinquish its weapons in southern Lebanon, the Iran-backed militant group strongly rejects an Israeli condition to be fully disarmed.

Only a full Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon would eventually convince Hezbollah to drop arms as part of a new "defense strategy" that President Aoun pledged to implement.

Such a strategy would enable the Lebanese authorities to end Israel's occupation of parts of south Lebanon and "deter its aggression." The Lebanese Army would then become the only armed force in the country.

"It is not going to be easy, but the new president is known for his integrity, competence, courage and boldness," Hisham Jaber, a Lebanese military expert and former army general who knows Aoun personally, told UPI.

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Hezbollah, Jaber said, is "obliged to change and accept a comprehensive national strategy whereby its fighters could regroup as paramilitary forces within the Lebanese Army."

Rebuilding a just state and a modern economy, adopting a policy of "positive neutrality," fighting widespread corruption, "mafias," drug smuggling and money-laundering, reactivating the judiciary and introducing necessary reforms were some of the promises Aoun and Salam made.

"There is a chance [to fulfill these promises] because the major impediment for state building was the great influence Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, had on the ground and on the Lebanese institutions," Nader said.

He explained that the momentum created by the geopolitical shits in the region "offers an opportunity" for Lebanon to "return to the state, return to the constitution and return to the Arab family and the international community, as well."

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"This road to real sovereign state and good governance cannot be done overnight, with a magic stick," he cautioned, expecting "some real difficulties in passing radical reforms, forming governance and getting out of the prevailing quota system."

Lebanon has been facing a deep, compounded crisis since October 2019 that resulted in soaring poverty and unemployment, with the Lebanese pound losing 90% of its value and bank depositors stripped of their savings.

The country's financial collapse was due to decades of corruption and mismanagement by the ruling elite.
Warrick County and the Town of Newburgh are offering residents storm debris collection services without charge.

County storm debris collection will begin Tuesday and end on Feb. 3. The county asks interested residents to bring their debris to Warrick County Solid Waste at 1111 S. Pelzer Road with proof of residency, such as a driver's license or other government-issued ID that must be displayed at drop-off.

Out-of-county and in-county contractors will be charged the standard commercial rates, according to Warrick County Solid Waste.

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The Town of Newburgh announced it has contracted with Renewable Resources to place dumpsters for tree, limb and bush debris drop-off at four locations until Jan. 24. The Town's announcement says nothing about proof of residency, but it does say the services are available to "those who live within the Town limits."

The dumpster locations are:

Aurand Trailhead at 715 Indiana 662

Lou Dennis Community Park at 402 Park Drive

Kiwanis Community Park at 524 Filmore St.

Old Lock and Dam Park at 525 Indiana 662.

The Town of Newburgh issued a statement which asks residents not to stack debris on top of filled dumpsters and to go to other dumpsters if some are full.

"If all dumpsters are full, please know that Renewable Resources has been notified and is on their way to remove the full dumpster and replace it with a new emptied dumpster," the statement said. "Please do not leave debris next to the dumpster, this hinders the dumpsters from being picked up."

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Newburgh, Warrick County offering storm debris collection
Sandy McMerty, deputy secretary of state, speaks during committee hearing on Jan. 17, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Artificial intelligence used for political purposes would require a disclaimer under a bill proposed in the North Dakota Legislature.

The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing Friday on House Bill 1167 that would require a prominent disclaimer on any political communication or political advertisement created wholly or in part by artificial intelligence tools.

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The disclaimer must read: This content generated by artificial intelligence.

Bill sponsor Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton, said he expects AI use in political communications to become a much bigger issue in the future.

Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton, speaks during a committee hearing on Jan. 17, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

There are other states taking action on this to provide some protections in place, and I think the overall theme is very sound, Warrey said.

He added the bill was crafted through consultation with the Secretary of States Office and creates a new provision under the Corrupt Practices section of North Dakota Century Code, making any violation punishable by a Class A misdemeanor.

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Deputy Secretary of State Sandy McMerty testified in support of the bill. She said AI can be used to help create graphics, write a newsletter and other communication.

However, if AI is used in political communication, she said the public should be informed. McMerty likened the new policy to statements politicians are already required to attach to their political ads that say who paid for the ad.

Terry Effertz, executive director of advocacy group TechND, testified against the bill, telling lawmakers the proposal is too broad.

The bill, to be honest, is a reaction to hypothetical concerns, rather than a solution to documented harm, Effertz said. AI is evolving and hasty legislation in this area could inhibit legitimate uses while failing to address the actual risks.

Terry Effertz, executive director of TechND, speaks during a committee hearing on Jan. 17, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Because AI has become widely embedded in digital content and software, it could lead to disclosure overload, she said.

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Really what we need to focus on is the fact that deepfakes are the real threat here, Effertz said.

A separate proposal, House Bill 1320, would outlaw the fraudulent use of deepfake videos and images in North Dakota.

Deepfakes, or videos, images or recordings manipulated by generative AI, have caused concerns about spreading misinformation. The bill would make the creation, possession and release of deepfake videos and images, without the consent of the person featured, a Class A misdemeanor.

Rep. Josh Christy, R-Fargo, the prime sponsor of the bill, said deepfakes are a threat to North Dakotans because its become more difficult to determine what is real and what is fake.

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He said the intent of his bill is to prevent someone from using someone elses likeness without permission. The bill is not limited to deepfakes used for political purposes.

If Im able to take a video of you, upload it to a service, and then be able to represent you in a way that you dont want, its not a good thing, Christy said.

More 2025 legislative session coverage

A public hearing on the bill is at 11 a.m. Monday in Room 327B at the Capitol. Christy said he plans to play a video of himself reading a portion of the Gettysburg Address in Russian, German and from a female avatar that he programmed though software.

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He said he doesnt want to cross any lines with satire or First Amendment concerns and hopes to get some feedback during the hearing.

I dont know where that line is, he said. Hopefully the Attorney Generals Office or others will come out for testimony on this and help clarify any amendments.

The committee did not take immediate action on the bill related to disclosures of AI in political ads. Written testimony on the bill addressing deepfakes can be submitted online until 8 a.m. Monday.

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All of the roughly 12,000 North Korean troops fighting with Russian forces may be dead or wounded by mid-April, a leading war monitor has said.

North Korean troops have suffered an estimated 92 casualties every day since significant fighting in Russias border Kursk region began in early December, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in early January that 3,800 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in Kursk, where Russia is trying to reclaim territory following Kyivs lightning offensive last August and a second push late last year.

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"The entire North Korean contingent of roughly 12,000 personnel currently in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in action by mid-April 2025 should North Korean forces continue to suffer from their current high loss rate in the future, the ISW said.

Images of two North Korean troops captured by Ukrainian forces were recently released (X/ @ZelenskyyUa)

South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) said at the start of this week that 300 North Koreans have been killed and 2,700 wounded in Kursk.

North Korean forces will likely continue to suffer a larger ratio of wounded to killed in action  as is typical for armed conflict  and it is unclear if or when injured North Korean soldiers return to combat, the ISW said.

Although Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov said in November North Korean troops were engaged only in small-scale clashes in Kursk, Russian military bloggers have since claimed they are participating in significant combat operations.

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Moscows defence ministry claimed on Friday that its forces have retaken 63.2 per cent of the territory captured by Ukraine in Kursk. Russian forces captured four settlements in the first two weeks of January, it claimed, but the reports have not been independently verified.

Thousands of North Korean troops are fighting in Russias Kursk region (AP)

Meanwhile, the French defense minister accused Russia of intimidation after its S400 ground-to-air defense system locked onto a French sea patrol plane.

The plane was patrolling in international airspace on Wednesday when it was locked onto by the radar of the defence system, Sebastien Lecornu said.

This aggressive Russian action is not acceptable. Our armies will continue to act to defend freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces, Mr Lecornu said on X.

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Russian air attacks continued on Friday, with Ukrainian air defences downing 33 out of the 50 drones launched overnight, Kyivs air force said.

At least four people have been killed in a Russian strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih, Mr Zelenskys hometown in southern-central Ukraine, the regional governor said.

Another three people are in a serious condition in hospital and at least two others were injured in the attack, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram.

Two five-storey buildings were damaged, including a residential building and an educational facility, and one caught fire, Mr Lysak added. Russia has not commented on reports.

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It came after a Thursday drone attack on Kyiv, as British prime minister Keir Starmer visited to sign a 100-year security deal with Mr Zelensky, and discuss the prospect of sending British peacekeeper troops to Ukraine.

Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky attend a presentation of Ukrainian military drones on Thursday (Getty Images)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Moscow would study the details of the agreement, adding that the idea of British military bases in Ukraine was worrying.

Given that Britain is a Nato country, the advancement of its military infrastructure towards our borders is certainly a rather worrying element," Peskov said.

Elsewhere, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian travelled to Moscow and, alongside Putin, signed a strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow, state media reported. Iran has long been accused by the West of supplying drones to support Russias war effort in Ukraine - which Tehran has denied.
The brief detention of Maria Corina Machado on Jan. 9, 2025, could have easily ended in tragedy. Often called the Iron Lady of Venezuelas opposition, Machado was seized by security forces while leading protests against Nicolas Maduro. Her swift release was a small victory, but her abduction underscored the dangers for Venezuelas democratic leaders. It also marked a pivotal moment for U.S. policy toward Venezuela, showing how far the Biden administration has come in the past eight months  from naive diplomacy to a pragmatic, strategic and muscular approach.

In his final days in office, Biden has a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Latin America.

His administrations early approach to Venezuela was rooted in wishful thinking. The White House believed partial sanctions relief and dialogue with Maduro could lead to democratic reforms. This approach assumed Maduro could be coaxed into holding free and fair elections. Predictably, Maduro responded by ramping up repression, attacking opposition figures like Machado, and either ignoring or only partially fulfilling agreements such as the Barbados Accord.

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Washingtons mistakes were clear. Biden offered concessions without securing real commitments and underestimating Maduros brutality. The initial approach allowed Maduro to strengthen his grip on power while mocking U.S. efforts to promote democracy.

But something changed eight months ago. After realizing Maduro would not honor diplomatic agreements, the administration pivoted to a more pragmatic strategy. In April 2024, the U.S. allowed a temporary license authorizing oil transactions, except for Chevrons, with Venezuelas state-owned PDVSA to expire after Maduro failed to meet commitments for free and fair elections under the Barbados Agreement. The non-renewal of this license marked a shift toward stricter enforcement and sent a clear message that economic incentives would not be granted without meaningful progress.

In his final days in office, Biden has taken steps to impose new sanctions on Maduros inner circle, including key members of the security forces. The Department of the Treasury has sanctioned dozens of individuals for their roles in repression, in addition to the visa restrictions placed on nearly 2,000 Maduro-aligned individuals. The State Department also increased bounties for the arrests of Maduro, Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino Lopez, offering up to $25 million each for Maduro and Cabello, with a new $15 million reward for Padrino Lopez, signaling that accountability would be pursued aggressively.

The administration also prioritized humanitarian relief. The Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status for 600,000 Venezuelans through Oct. 2, 2026, allowing eligible nationals to live and work in the U.S. The extension, coupled with automatic renewal of work authorization documents, provided vital protections for those fleeing Maduros repression. This move not only addressed a pressing humanitarian need but also reinforced U.S. support for the Venezuelan people.

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Bidens policy shift culminated in a meeting between Biden and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia during a Washington blizzard on Jan. 6. His recognition of Gonzalez as Venezuelas rightful president following his victory in the contested 2024 election demonstrated the administrations renewed commitment to support the oppositions push for a peaceful democratic transition. These measures marked a clear break from earlier naivety and highlighted a deliberate, strategic approach to Venezuela.

Gonzalezs safety and ability to assume the presidency will be a critical test of whether Maduros regime continues to act with impunity  or whether international pressure can help the opposition crack the dictatorship.

Both Maduro and President-elect Trump face dilemmas. Maduro seeks a deal with Trump to ease sanctions and stabilize Venezuelas economy. But imprisoning opposition leaders like Machado or Gonzalez would destroy any chance of engagement.

For Trump, Maduros defiance presents an early test of strength. Will he confront a defiant authoritarian in the Americas, or allow Maduro to cling to power, undermining U.S. influence? Trump cannot afford to appear weak, but his broader agenda  repatriating millions of undocumented immigrants, reviewing the Panama Canal Treaty, and floating ideas like acquiring Greenland or even turning Canada into the 51st state  suggests that Venezuela may not remain a priority.

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For Biden, the stakes couldnt be clearer. In his final days in office, his pivot toward a more pragmatic, strategic policy has helped to create an opening for democratic change in Venezuela. His efforts to impose stronger sanctions, extend humanitarian protections, and recognize opposition leaders have laid the groundwork for Trump. The situation remains fluid, but Bidens most important legacy may be the credibility he built by proving that U.S. support for Venezuelas democracy was more than symbolic.

Carl Meacham, former senior Republican staff member for the Western Hemisphere on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an international consultant.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will not be attending Donald Trumps second inauguration as U.S. President, KRON4.com has confirmed. Pelosi joins former first lady Michelle Obama as the second high-profile figure on the Democratic side to announce they will be skipping next Mondays ceremony.

FBI serves warrant at home of San Leandro councilmember

Pelosi, notably, did attend Trumps first inauguration, but maintained a fractious relationship with the president-elect during his previous term in office. In 2020, she tore up a copy of Trumps State of the Union speech while seated directly behind him.

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A Pelosi spokesperson declined to elaborate on why the former Speaker of the House was skipping the inauguration this time. Since breaking her hip on an international trip to Luxembourg late last year, Pelosi has been seen on the floor of the House meeting with fellow lawmakers to certify the results of the 2024 election, although she was using a walker at the time.

On Wednesday, Pelosi released a statement calling outgoing President Joe Biden one of the most consequential presidents in American history.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Just three days before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, Russia and Iran have finally signed a comprehensive partnership agreement  a deal that had been in the works for months.

The move refocuses attention on a partnership that has shaped the battlefield in Ukraine, and which remains committed to challenging the US-led international order - even as the new US administration promises greater engagement with Russia.

Russian and Iran share a complicated past, peppered with conflict, and even now tread a fine line between cooperation and mistrust. And yet, the war in Ukraine has pulled Moscow and Tehran closer.

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That idea of having the United States not just as an adversary but as a strategic objective of all of their foreign policy has brought them together, Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington, D.C., told CNN. Its brought them together on the battlefields of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the new agreement and welcomed the chance to discuss the burgeoning strategic partnership. His Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, said the relationship between the nations was growing day by day.

Unlike Russias security pact with North Korea, the deal with Iran does not require the two countries to come to the others defense if one is attacked; merely not to provide military or other assistance to the attacker.

In July 2022, five months into his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin visited Tehran, his first wartime trip outside the former Soviet sphere.

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Behind the photo ops and handshakes, his special military operation was not going to plan. His army had lost a lot of its initial gains as it was pushed out of the Kyiv region - and would go on to lose more later that year in two further successful Ukrainian counteroffensives.

Turning to Tehran bore fruit for Russia. Thanks to a deal inked following that visit, Russia is now churning out thousands of Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones, at a factory in Tatarstan. A CNN investigation in December found production rates at the facility had more than doubled in 2024.

Those drones have formed the backbone of Moscows attritional war, swarms of them  targeting civilian areas and energy infrastructure in an effort to break the resolve of Ukraines people and deplete its air defenses.

Russia deployed over 11,000 in Ukraine last year, according to a CNN tally of air force reports, more than four times the estimate of just over 2,500 in 2023, provided by CNNs sources in Ukraines defense intelligence.

Firefighters extinguish a fire at an oil depot following a Russian kamikaze drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine, in February 2024. - Viacheslav Mavrychev/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images

Moscow has also, according to the US, taken delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles  and while no evidence of their alleged deployment has surfaced yet, that news alone sent a strong signal to Ukraines allies that Putin was willing to escalate.

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Less desirably for Moscow, it was also one factor that helped shift the debate around providing Ukraine with permission to fire Western-supplied long-range missiles at military targets in Russia. Several prominent Russian military bloggers claimed in early January, without providing evidence, that Iranian missile launchers and other equipment were being delivered to Russian military training grounds ahead of the deals signing.

Two-and-a-half years on from Putins Tehran visit, the dynamic has markedly shifted for both sides. Russia now has the advantage in Ukraine. It is gaining territory on the eastern front, and with the help of North Korean soldiers, slowly pushing Ukraine back in the Russian region of Kursk. The incoming Trump administration, to Moscows barely concealed glee, wants to start talks, and is making noises about letting Russia keep the territory it occupies, and stalling Ukraines bid for NATO membership.

Fridays meeting between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered Moscow a welcome opportunity to burnish its self-image as a superpower. Russia sees this relationship as asymmetric, Jean-Loup Samaan, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told CNN. They still consider themselves as the bigger partner here, and Iran as a regional partner.

Iran, meanwhile, is feeling decidedly less secure. Nikita Smagin, an independent expert on Russia and Iran, who worked for Russian state media in Tehran before the invasion of Ukraine, says the Pezeshkian administration is rushing to get this treaty signed with Russia amid multiple threats to its security.

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They are frightened by the Trump administration, they are frightened by Israel, they are frightened by the collapse of Assad, the collapse of Hezbollah, he said, explaining that Iran is looking for a show of support.

Moscow may look to exploit this. The Russians have a great nose for somebody in trouble, said Alterman, and may be thinking we can help them a little bit, but we can get them where we need them and extract more from them that we want.

What more Russia wants is less clear. It has now indigenized Shahed production on Russian soil - and having paid its dues to Iran under an initial franchise deal to manufacture them, is now doing so with much less direct Iranian involvement.

Russias recent battlefield gains have come at a huge cost to its troops - so while its manpower issues are nowhere near the level of Ukraines, it could use more boots on the ground. But experts are skeptical Iran would be as amenable in this regard as North Korea, which has deployed around 11,000 of its troops in Russias Kursk region, according to Ukrainian and Western assessments.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelev in Tehran, Iran, in December. - Wana News Agency/Reuters

Even when Iran is fighting their wars outside Iran, they are not willing to sacrifice their soldiers, said Smagin, and when were talking about Iran and Russia there is a very big background of distrust from the Iranian side to Russia. And Russia may be wary of any mutual defense pact, given the more immediate threat to Iran from Israel.

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I think this is partly intended as a message to the Trump administration that we each have options, said Alterman. I think the Iranians are looking for tools they can use with the Americans and theres a sense that this gives them something to trade or something to talk about.

Iran, facing the prospect of a possible revival of UN sanctions that were lifted under its 2015 nuclear deal, is urgently looking for ways to persuade the US to rejoin that deal, which Trump exited in 2018 - or restart negotiations.

For Russia, the new treaty with Iran  a country which might be closer than ever to being capable of producing a nuclear weapon  may be partly about dangling the specter of further escalation before a new US administration that it sees as less committed to Ukraine.

The Iranians certainly have some worrying capabilities, the Russians certainly have demonstrated a willingness to use worrying capabilities, Alterman said.

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When Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., was slated to become House speaker in 2023, a reporter from ABC News asked about his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. At least, she tried until she was shouted down by legislators in attendance.

Shut up! an older woman yelled from Johnsons left. Shut up!

That legislator, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., was rewarded for her loyalty to Johnson and President-elect Donald Trump this week when she was selected to lead one of the most important committees in Congress, the House Rules Committee.

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Foxx, 81, was my representative for most of my childhood; she still represents my parents. Her egregious missteps since her election to the House in 2004 are why shes unfit for this role. Theyre also probably the reason that she got the job.

How being Donald Trump's biggest fan is a career move

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., is appointed on Jan. 14, 2025, as the new chairwoman of the House Rules Committee.

Foxx has been a fervent supporter of Trump since he first ran for office and has stood by his side. Clearly, she is now reaping the benefits of her faithfulness.

In 2020, Foxx voted against impeaching the president. In 2021, she was one of seven North Carolina legislators to vote against certifying the presidential election results, going along with the big lie that Trump was the countrys rightful leader. She voted against impeaching him a second time days later.

Opinion: Bet you thought the election was over. Not for Republicans in North Carolina.

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I know that Trump, despite two impeachments, a criminal sentencing and a sexual abuse case, is still in control of the Republican Party and will be in the White House. It is still horrifying to see the erasure of his attempt to overthrow a presidential election.

If Foxx and her fellow Republicans have their way, Jan. 6, 2021, will be wiped from our collective conscience. But that's not the only reason her appointment is concerning.

Foxx has made her hate for LGBTQ+ people clear

Matthew Shepard

For years, Foxx has been an antagonist to LGBTQ+ rights, both in North Carolina and nationally.

In 2009, she referred to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard as a hoax, alleging that the gay 21-year-old was targeted because of a robbery, not because of his sexual orientation. Shepard died days after being beaten and tied to a fence by two men because he was gay. Shepards mother was in attendance the day Foxx made her claim at a congressional hearing.

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Foxx later apologized for the comment, saying hoax was a poor choice of words. Shepards mother, Judy, did not accept the apology, saying the lawmaker was apologizing for semantics but not her sentiment, her insensitivity or her ignorance.

Opinion: Pete Hegseth is apparently the best Republicans have to offer. Wow.

Foxx opposed repealing the military's dont ask, dont tell policy on LGBTQ+ troops, and sought to add a provision in 2011 that prevented appropriations bill funding from violating the countrys gay marriage ban. Four years later, she opposed the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which legalized gay marriage nationwide.

Foxx also aided in the 2023 effort to ban transgender girls from playing womens sports. During the hearing for said bill, she claimed she didnt know what a trans girl is.

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Again, I grew up in Foxxs district. Throughout my childhood, I was told that being gay was sinful. Gender norms were strictly enforced.

It is painful knowing that the adults around me voted a person into office who didnt believe in my rights as a queer person. Her promotion shows just how committed Republicans are to denying LGBTQ+ people the right to exist and live the way their straight counterparts can.

Then there is the history of racism that MAGA requires

In 2017, Rep. Virginia Foxx, in blue, cheers with others as President Donald Trump signs an executive order.

Foxx has a history of racist comments and actions:

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In 2009, she used a racial epithet on the House floor when describing a piece of Democratic legislation.

She fed into the movement against critical race theory in 2021.

In 2023, she interrupted Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., as he was discussing racism during a committee hearing.

Last year, she asked for the words of Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., to be taken down when he criticized certain white folks.

As chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Foxx introduced bipartisan legislation to withhold student aid from colleges that met pro-Palestinian student demands and divested from Israel.

Foxx has also stood against womens rights over the years. Shes staunchly pro-life and once introduced legislation to defund Planned Parenthood. In 2021, she voted against a domestic violence prevention bill after lamenting the rise of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic on the House floor.

I'll be honest: I'm terrified by the thought of Foxx leading such a crucial panel as the House Rules Committee. She said she and the Republican majority "will deliver upon President Trumps agenda with diligence and expediency."

Her appointment signals that Trump and congressional Republicans will push the most radical versions of their agenda and will likely succeed because not enough people in that party have any interest in stopping it.

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If that's the case, Democrats need to prepare for four years of Republican chaos and begin preparing for the midterm elections now.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter: @sara__pequeno

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This NC lawmaker shows Trump loyalty is all GOP cares about | Opinion
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Luke Lindberg, president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, as his pick for United States Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, according to a post on Truth Social.

Luke will work to make sure American Farmers and Ranchers get the smart Trade Deals that they deserve, Trump said in the post.

Lindberg founded the public-private partnership South Dakota Trade in 2023, according to documents from the South Dakota Secretary of State.

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The nonprofit administers South Dakotas State Trade Expansion Program, facilitates trade missions, and consults on exports with South Dakotan companies, according to its website. Outside of the nonprofit, Lindberg is a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, according to the website.

He holds board positions at the Childrens Home Society, the National Association of District Export Councils, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy. He has previously served as the chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Lindberg is the son-in-law of South Dakota Sen. John Thune. Lindberg married Thunes daughter, Brittany, in 2014.

In a response to his nomination posted on X, Lindberg thanked Trump for the opportunity to serve our farmers and ranchers.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to serve our farmers and ranchers. Rural Americans are staring down the largest agricultural trade deficit on record, and were going to fix it! America will once again feed the world! pic.twitter.com/ggGeBPpk7l  Luke J. Lindberg (@TheUSA) January 16, 2025

Rural Americans are staring down the largest agricultural trade deficit on record, and were going to fix it! Lindberg said in the post.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Luke Lindberg chosen as Trump's pick for USDA trade under secretary
Lebanon police this week reported to council members that there were more than 1,100 calls for service at the local Walmart in 2024, which has led to some initial steps and planned discussions to address store safety moving forward.

The retail giants superstore anchors the Cedar Square shopping center on South Cumberland Street.

Walmart has just completed repairs to its parking lot lighting, according to a spokesperson. The repairs came after Lebanon Police Chief Mike Justice told city council members earlier in January that calls averaging approximately three per day were a drain on department resources that need some attention.

Walmart in Lebanon

This is very taxing on our resources as these calls can tie up multiple officers for extended amounts of time, taking away our ability to proactively serve our citizens in other needed areas in our community, Lebanon Police Department spokesperson Zach Patton said.

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The police department has reached out to Walmart management to schedule a meeting with Justice and city administration, Patton said.

Walmart issued a statement.

The safety of our customers and associates is always important to us. We value our partnership with Lebanon city leadership and will continue working closely with them to improve the overall experience in stores.

About 25% of calls at the Walmart are related to shoplifting, Patton said. Disorderly conduct, suspicious or unwanted persons, wrecks, welfare checks and investigations are also service calls. Police said calls related to other stores in Cedar Square were considered separate and not included in the totals. He also didn't include stops police made while conducting extra patrols in the area.

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Most recently, police arrested one person after a shots fired call was received at Walmart in early January.

Walmart leases the property at Cedar Square, according to the company.

The retailer is the citys leading sales tax producer, Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell said.

I appreciate Walmart working to (repair) lighting in the parking lot, Bell said. This will undoubtedly help with safety concerns for everyone who shops at that center. Walmart is... a valuable part of our local economy. They draw shoppers not only from Lebanon but also from neighboring communities. Anything they can do to make the experience better is a plus for everyone.

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Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Police, Walmart to address safety concerns raised at Lebanon store
TOKYO, Jan 17 (News On Japan) - Nintendo announced on January 16th that it will release the successor to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2, sometime in 2025.

A teaser video released by Nintendo highlights that the Nintendo Switch 2 retains the detachable console and controller design of its predecessor while showcasing updates to its design and functionality.

The new console will be compatible with existing Nintendo Switch software and will support both physical game cartridges and digital downloads.

Details such as pricing and performance remain undisclosed, with more information set to be released on April 2nd.

Nintendo also plans to host an event in April at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, where attendees will have an early opportunity to experience the Nintendo Switch 2 firsthand.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) - A Japan Airlines (JAL) international flight faced a major delay after one of its pilots was found to have consumed alcohol exceeding the allowable limits the night before departure. Investigations by FNN have revealed conflicting accounts between JAL and the pilot involved regarding the decision to proceed with the flight.

On December 1, 2024, the flight in questionJAL774, traveling from Melbourne, Australia, to Narita, Japanwas delayed by three hours and eleven minutes. The pilot (59) and co-pilot (56) reportedly consumed three bottles of red wine the night before. On the day of the flight, alcohol was detected during pre-flight checks, leading to the delay.

JAL had previously stated that the flight's co-pilot claimed the alcohol detection was a "false positive," which influenced their decision to allow the flight to proceed. However, subsequent investigations revealed that during hearings with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, the co-pilot denied ever making such claims.

JAL acknowledged this discrepancy, stating, "It is possible that the facts were not fully verified."

Further reports indicate that the co-pilot vomited aboard the aircraft, prompting cabin crew to express concerns to headquarters about the co-pilot's ability to operate the flight safely. Despite multiple warnings from crew members, JAL proceeded with the flight, exposing shortcomings in its decision-making processes.

This incident has raised serious questions about JALs operational protocols and the apparent dismissal of on-the-ground safety concerns, emphasizing the need for stricter alcohol policies and comprehensive pre-flight checks.

Source: FNN
In todays fast-paced world, stress seems like an unwelcome companion, trailing us through every twist and turn of life. Yet, nestled within age-old traditions and cultures are gems of wisdom  methods that combat stress and promote overall well-being. Lets explore some remarkable relaxation techniques that have stood the test of time.

Ancient Techniques for Modern Stress Relief

Aromatherapy: Natures Healing Scent

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional health. Inhaling the soothing fragrances of lavender, chamomile, or rose can help alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, and uplift mood. Research suggests that certain scents communicate with the brains limbic system, which controls emotions and memories, eliciting calming effects.

Breath Control: The Gateway to Calm

Breath control, or pranayama in yoga, is a technique that emphasizes deliberate inhalation and exhalation. By focusing on rhythmic breathing, you can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Techniques such as the 4-7-8 breathing method  inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight  have been found to lower heart rates and encourage mental tranquility.

Tai Chi: Movement as Meditation

Originating in China, Tai Chi is a form of exercise known for its slow, deliberate movements combined with deep breathing. This practice improves physical agility and balance and provides mental clarity and peace. Studies have shown that Tai Chi helps reduce stress, enhances mood, and boosts immune function. Its benefits extend to people of all ages, making it a versatile relaxation tool.

The Power of Touch: Therapeutic Massages

The human touch has profound healing powers. Massages have long been recognized for their ability to soothe sore muscles and alleviate stress. Scientific evidence suggests that massages promote circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage, and trigger the release of endorphins  the bodys natural painkillers.

Swedish Massage: The Classic

Swedish massage is one of the most popular and widely practiced techniques worldwide. It involves long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial muscle layers using massage oil or lotion. This method enhances circulation, increases flexibility, relieves tension, and promotes relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage: Reach the Deep Muscles

For those experiencing chronic muscle tension, deep-tissue massage might be the answer. This technique targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue through slow strokes and firm pressure. By breaking down adhesions (tightly packed muscle fibers), deep tissue massage can effectively relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Quiet Retreats for Inner Peace

Creating a personal sanctuary or retreat space can be instrumental in reducing stress. Whether through meditation, reading, or simply enjoying nature, dedicating time to peaceful activities can rejuvenate the mind.

Meditation: Silence as Strength

Meditation requires little to no equipment, making it accessible to everyone. By dedicating a few minutes each day to sitting quietly and focusing on your breath or a calming word, you can significantly reduce anxiety and build resilience against future stressors. Numerous studies support meditations role in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving cognition and emotional health.

Cultural Practices with Global Appeal

Japanese Forest Bathing: Connecting with Nature

The practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing in Japan involves spending intentional time in natural environments, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. This practice has proven benefits, including reducing stress hormones, stabilizing blood pressure, and enhancing mood. Walking amidst trees not only capitalizes on the tranquility of nature but also fosters a feeling of oneness with the surroundings.

Scandinavian Hygge: Embracing Cozy Contentment

Hygge, a Danish concept, involves creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Its characterized by a general coziness complemented by warm lighting, comfortable fabrics, and heartening meals. Embracing hygge provides emotional comfort and fosters satisfaction and happiness.

Scientific Validation of Age-Old Methods

Many traditional relaxation practices are now backed by scientific research. Studies confirm the physiological and psychological benefits of methods like meditation, Tai Chi, and massage. These practices lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being. Through peer-reviewed studies, modern science continues to validate the effectiveness of these time-tested techniques.

Indulge in a Personalized Relaxation Experience

Finding the relaxation technique that resonates with you is highly personal. What works for one person might not work for another. Exploring different traditions and practices allows you to create a personalized relaxation plan best suited to your lifestyle and preferences. Integrating elements from various techniques can lead to a more comprehensive and satisfying relaxation experience.

Consider experiences such as a massage St George where the ambiance and expertise can offer a retreat from lifes stresses. Such practices are not just about the physical release but also about offering a spiritual and emotional escape.

A Lasting Retreat from Stress

Incorporating ancient relaxation traditions into daily life can provide a sanctuary from the stressors of modern living. By embracing techniques that resonate with your personal preference, you not only enhance your well-being but also cultivate a lifelong practice that fosters peace and tranquility. With this blend of history and science, you can unlock timeless wisdom and experience serenity any time you desire.
By Efosa Taiwo

Many Nigerians are reportedly being hired as prison officers in the United Kingdom, UK as the British government seeks to address staffing shortages in overcrowded prisons.

According to The Telegraph, the UK prison service is now sponsoring skilled worker visas for the first time, as a result of a rule change that allows them to recruit from abroad.

Prison governors disclosed that many of the new recruits come from Nigeria, with some skilled workers switching to the role from other visa routes.

However, many of these workers soon arrive in the UK only to encounter accommodation challenges, upon realizing that their job offers did not include any provision for housing.

Reports reveal that some have resorted to camping or even sleeping in their cars as a cost-saving measure.

Mark Fairhurst, president of the Prison Officers Association (POA), shared an example of one foreign recruit who commuted 70 miles daily from Huddersfield to Nottingham but later decided to sleep in his car outside the prison to save costs.

At another prison, recruits camped in a wooded area near their workplace after discovering no housing was provided.

We have got problems with people who turn up at the gates with cases in tow and with their families saying to the staff: Where is the accommodation? said Mr. Fairhurst.

The recruitment drive follows changes in visa rules in October 2023, which added prison officers to the list of skilled workers eligible for sponsorship.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) sources estimate that about 250 foreign nationals have been sponsored to join the prison service so far, completing Zoom interviews and vetting processes.

Prison governors report a high interest in these roles, with many applicants coming from Africa.

In one month last year, two-thirds of 3,500 applicants were from the continent.

Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors Association (PGA), believes online word-of-mouth among the Nigerian expat community has fueled the demand.

This influx has created challenges in some prisons, particularly in remote rural areas, where integration into local communities and communication issues have surfaced.

Its turned into an approach that has been promoted online by the expat Nigerian community, Wheatley noted.

Despite these challenges, the Prison Service maintains that all recruits undergo thorough assessments and training.

In October 2023, changes were made to the skilled worker visa scheme which has allowed the prison service to sponsor visa applications for foreign nationals, said a spokesperson. All staff  regardless of nationality  undergo robust assessments and training before they work in prisons. Our strengthened vetting process roots out those who fall below our high standards.

However, Mr. Fairhurst has criticised the recruitment process, particularly the reliance on Zoom interviews and six weeks of training.

He argued that this system is inadequate for preparing recruits to manage prisoners effectively.

The process is simply not fit for purpose, he said, warning that it risks recruiting under-qualified or corrupt officers.
The one of three lawyers who used to represent the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny: Vadim Kobzev, is accused of participating in an extremist organisation. (Photo by TATYANA MAKEYEVA / AFP)

Russia on Friday sentenced three lawyers who had defended Alexei Navalny to several years in prison for bringing messages from the late opposition leader from prison to the outside world.

The case, which comes amid a massive crackdown on dissent during the Ukraine offensive, has alarmed rights groups who fear Moscow will ramp up trials against legal representatives in addition to jailing their clients.

The Kremlin has sought to punish Navalnys associates even after his unexplained death in an Arctic prison colony last February.

Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin were found guilty of participating in an extremist organisation by a court in the town of Petushki.

Kobzev, the most high-profile member of Navalnys legal team, was given five and a half years, while Liptser was handed five and Sergunin three and a half years.

They were almost the only people visiting Navalny in prison while he served his 19-year sentence.

Navalny, Putins main political opponent, communicated with the world by transmitting messages through his lawyers, which his team then published on social media.

Passing letters and messages through lawyers is a normal practice in Russian prisons.

Navalnys exiled widow Yulia Navalnaya said the lawyers were political prisoners and should be freed immediately.

Navalnys team has accused prison authorities of having secretly filmed Navalnys meetings with his lawyers, which are meant to be confidential. His team published footage of the meetings on social media to support their claim.

New low point

The Netherlands said that pursuing the lawyers marked a new low point in the already dire human rights situation in Russia. Germany said that even those meant to defend others before the law face harsh persecution.

Britains foreign minister David Lammy posted on X: Nearly a year on from Navalnys death, the Russian authorities continue to crush any dissent

The UK and our partners are clear: the Kremlin must release all political prisoners.

The men were sentenced after a closed-door trial in the town of Petushki  a town about 115 kilometres (72 miles) east of Moscow  near the Pokrov prison where Navalny was held before he was moved to a remote colony above the Arctic Circle.

We are on trial for passing Navalnys thoughts to other people, Kobzev said in court last week, Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported.

A statement from the court said they had used their status as lawyers while visiting convict Navalny to ensure the regular transfer of information between the members of the extremist community, including those wanted and hiding outside the Russian Federation, and Navalny.

It said this allowed Navalny to plan crimes with an extremist character from his maximum-security prison.

In his messages to the outside world, Navalny denounced the Kremlins Ukraine offensive as criminal and told supporters not to give up.

Navalny was himself a lawyer and was known for his tongue-and-cheek speeches in court, attempts to sue officials and long legal tirades defying prosecutors.

He had denounced the arrest of his lawyers in October 2023 as an attempt to further isolate him.

Kobzev last week compared Moscows current crackdown on dissent to Stalin-era mass repression.

Eighty years have passed and in the Petushki court, people are once again on trial for discrediting officials and the state agencies, he said.

Dangerous precedent

The OVD rights group that monitors political repression in Russia said Friday that the sentences showed Moscow was now intent on making defending political prisoners  a practice that is still allowed but becoming more difficult  outright dangerous.

The authorities are now essentially outlawing the defence of politically persecuted people, the group said.

Pressure on defence lawyers risks destroying what little is left of the rule of law  the semblance of which the Russian authorities are still trying to maintain.

The UIA International Lawyers Association has also warned the trial raises questions about the future of the profession in Russia.

The trial sets a dangerous precedent in potentially deterring lawyers from defending clients in sensitive cases, it said.

Last week, Navalnaya said Russia had refused to remove her husband from its list of terrorists and extremists despite his death.

She published a December letter from Russias financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring addressed to Navalnys mother that said the late opposition leader was still being investigated for money laundering and financing terrorism.

Why does Putin need this? Obviously not to stop Alexei from opening a bank account, Navalnaya said.

Putin is doing this to scare you.
By Udeme Akpan

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced an upward review of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, commonly referred to as petrol, in response to escalating global crude oil prices.

The refinery announced the new pricing structure in a statement released on Friday, setting the new bulk purchase rate at N955 per litre for customers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres.

According to the statement, bulk buyers acquiring 5 million litres or more will now pay N950 per litre.

This price adjustment reflects a 6.17% increase, or N55.5 per litre, compared to the discounted rate of N899.50 per litre offered during December 2024s holiday period.

The statement added that the new rates are set to take effect from 5:30 PM today, impacting all unsold stock balances and pending orders.

In a notice titled Communication on PMS Price Review, the refinery informed its customers of the price revision, attributing the change to rising global oil prices.

Checks by Vanguard indicated that many motorists and other buyers rushed to buy the product from filling stations in Lagos and its environs while some smart filling stations also raised prices.

Meanwhile, the price of crude oil, including Nigerias Bonny Light rose by 5.1 per cent to $82 per barrel, from $78 per barrel in the global market, yesterday, indicating that refiners now pay more for it than before.

According to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, the development was driven by market instability and uncertainties, expected to continue in 2025.

However, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on Thursday insisted that fluctuations in the pump price of petrol would be determined by the price of crude oil in the international market.

Lokpobiri who spoke in Abuja at the the inaugural meeting of the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum, PISF, in Abuja, noted that the downstream sector is now fully deregulated with the government no longer involved in setting prices.

The governments position followed the recent hike in the price of petrol from N909 per litre to N970 per litre by depot owners, fueling fears of possible rise in pump price at filling stations to over N1,000 per litre.

He said: The whole essence of deregulation is for price to find its level. Before now you will agree with me that every day you were hearing negative news about petrol subsidies. Today, you journalists have no negative news about petrol subsidies because it is completely regulated, and price will find its level.

As oil price goes up, petrol price will go up and as oil price comes down, price will come up. During the Christmas season, I was in Bayelsa, and I tried to go around different filling stations. Some filling stations were selling N1,020, others were selling N999, while others were selling N1,015.

What we are concerned about, and Ive always had that discussion with you, with the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, is that the government is more interested in quality control. Government is more interested in availability and what the government is particularly interested in is dispensation of the right quantity.

If you are buying 10 litres of PMS, let it be that you are not short changed by the retail filling station. That is where we have issues. And once there is competition, people have a choice, and thats why you dont see any queues.

The Minister explained that the PISF which is modeled after the Bankers Fommittee meetings will afford leaders in the oil and gas industry the opportunity of addressing industry issues, amicably.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, Mr. Huub Stockman explained that although petrol pump price is affected by crude oil price, this may not be immediate.

Mr. Stockman said: This is because crude and product prices dont always directly relate. And its not always that when the crude price changes, immediately all other products that are derivatives from it change. But I think normally there is a correlation, but I think its too early to say when or what impact it would have.
Malawi reaffirmed, on Thursday in Rabat, its support for Moroccos territorial integrity, and for the Kingdoms sovereignty over all its territory, including the Moroccan Sahara region, and praised King Mohammed VIs initiatives for Africa.

The position was expressed in a joint statement that crowned talk held Thursday in Rabat between visiting Malawian Foreign Minister, Nancy Tembo, and her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

In the statement, Tembo also welcomed the growing international consensus and momentum in favor of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, describing the plan as the only credible, serious and realistic solution to the Sahara issue.

She likewise welcomed the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical and lasting solution to the Sahara regional dispute.

The Malawian Foreign Minister also hailed the Atlantic and Sahel initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI for a stable and prosperous Africa.

She stressed in this connection that President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi has described the royal initiative to promote access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel States as an enlightened initiative and an opportunity for intra-African cooperation.

During their talks, the two Foreign Ministers vowed to further strengthen cooperation between Morocco and Malawi at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

At the bilateral level, they committed to further strengthening cooperation, mainly in food security, as the Kingdom is set to support Malawi in developing sustainable agriculture.

At the multilateral level, Bourita and Tembo stressed the importance of further harmonizing their positions within regional, continental, and international institutions, such as the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), says the joint statement.
Chinese Academy of Sciences honors pioneers in science and technology

Xinhua) 08:40, January 17, 2025

Chen Liquan from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is pictured in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced the 2024 Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize on Thursday, recognizing two scientists and 14 scientific achievements.

Chen Liquan from the Institute of Physics at the CAS and Chen Xianhui from the University of Science and Technology of China were honored with the Individual Achievement Award.

Chen Liquan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has dedicated over four decades to lithium battery research since 1976. He established the field of solid-state ionics in China and spearheaded the country's early efforts in lithium battery research and development. His contributions have laid the foundation and paved the way for the continuous advancement of China's lithium battery industry.

Chen Xianhui, an academician of the CAS, has made significant strides in the frontier fields of quantum materials, including Kagome superconductors, interface superconductivity, and magnetic topological insulators. His pioneering work has established a solid physical foundation for the technological advancement of quantum materials, driving the progress of cutting-edge research in the field.

Four projects, including studies on the early formation and evolution of the Milky Way and the multi-timescale environmental evolution of Mars, were awarded the Basic Research Award.

Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics and the National Astronomical Observatories of the CAS conducted groundbreaking multidisciplinary research on Mars' environmental evolution. They achieved major breakthroughs in understanding multi-timescale water activity on Mars.

For the first time, they discovered fine structural layering and lateral variations in Mars' shallow subsurface, offering new insights into the planet's long-term water activity and environmental changes. Their findings have greatly advanced the understanding of water activity on Mars and provided fresh perspectives on the long-term coevolution of the planet's paleomagnetic field and paleoenvironment.

Five projects, including the development and application of large-scale compressed air energy storage technology, received the Technology Invention Award.

A team from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of CAS invented an advanced compressed air energy storage system that operates without fossil fuels and is not reliant on specific geographical conditions. They have developed the world's first 10MW, 100MW, and 300MW demonstration systems, consistently setting new international performance records.

Five projects, including one using key technologies to mitigate farmland degradation and improve fertility in black soils, were honored with the Science and Technology Breakthrough Award.

Researchers from the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, CAS, and other institutions have focused on the conservation and utilization of black soils. Their achievements include the creation of China's first 10-meter high-resolution map of black soil organic matter and the publication of the country's first white paper on black soils. Through transdisciplinary collaborative research, they have contributed to the implementation of the national food security strategy.

The Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize of CAS, established in 2002, recognizes individuals or research groups who have made significant contributions to major achievements within the past five years. Nominations and reviews are conducted every two years.

Researchers Du Aimin, Chen Ling, Qin Xiaoguang, Zhang Jinhai (from L to R) of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), are pictured in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Researcher Chen Haisheng of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is pictured in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
An exhibition opened at the China Art Museum, Shanghai (Shanghai Art Museum) on New Year's Eve to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Wu Changshuo's birth.

Wu (1844-1927), a key Chinese artist of the 20th century born in today's Anji county in Huzhou of Zhejiang province, was a painter, calligrapher and seal carver. He is widely recognized as a leading figure of the Shanghai School of Art, or haipai, an artistic style and character typical of Shanghai during the early 20th century.

He began learning seal engraving at age 14 with the help of his father and "never spent a day without it through the rest of his life", according to Wu's official biography compiled by Anji county.

Wang Qisen, artistic director of the exhibition, chose to focus the exhibition on Wu's creations from 1912 when the artist moved to Shanghai and settled in the city until his death in 1927.

"Coinciding with Wu's settlement in Shanghai in 1912, the city's art scene entered a flourishing period when prominent artists emerged and great talents gathered in the city," Wang says.

The year 1912 saw an important turning point in Chinese history when the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was overthrown by the Republic of China and Sun Yat-sen took office as the first president. A number of former high-ranking officials and renowned scholars moved to Shanghai, joining the city's art community.

It was during his later years when Wu achieved his most significant breakthrough as an artist, Wang believes.

"His calligraphy was inspired by the inscriptions on ancient rock drums, bronze cauldrons and rock steles in the Han (206 BC-AD 220) and Jin (265-420) dynasties," Wang says. "His later works were even bolder, sharper and more magnificent  he integrated classical calligraphic strokes into his paintings and developed a distinctive style deriving from traditional techniques fused with the refined literati aesthetics and values for righteousness and inner strength.

"Wu brought out an unprecedented new look in Chinese ink art and his style continues to have wide and enduring impact today."

Wu traveled extensively in the Yangtze Delta region as a young man, learning calligraphy and seal engraving while building a strong network with fellow artists and intellectuals.

He played a leading role in Shanghai's art community, serving as the founding director of the Xiling Yin She, or Xiling Seals Society. As the head of a number of artistic groups, he led art sales for charity fundraising, compiled poetry collections and played an active role in the establishment of an operative art market.

In 2024, several exhibitions and events at home and abroad celebrated his life and art. The ongoing exhibition at the China Art Museum, Shanghai, is the largest and most comprehensive, displaying 140 of his original artworks along with about 40 works by his friends, students and contemporaries.

Among the exhibits is a painting of peony blossoms created during his brief stay in Shanghai's Pudong area.

"He supported the founding of the Pudong Middle School, the Shanghai East Hospital and collaborated with Qian Hui'an to establish the Yuyuan Calligraphy and Painting Charity Society. These three institutions are still thriving," says Wu Yue, a great-grandson of Wu Changshuo who serves as executive director of the Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall in Shanghai. "Wu Changshuo had a great love for Pudong and Shanghai where he achieved his artistic peak, inspired and influenced by the city.

"The city nurtured him, turning him into a leading figure in the establishment and development of the Shanghai School of Art," he continues. "He also taught many excellent students, such as Pan Tianshou and Liu Haisu, and influenced important artists such as Qi Baishi and Mei Lanfang. Several of these people became cultural pillars of our country."

Wang Yichuan, executive director of the China Art Museum, Shanghai, says the exhibition aims to "not only look back at the glorious history of previous masters and show the cultural heritage of the city but also draw attention to their pursuit for innovation while keeping faith in tradition".

"I believe their approach and principles can still inspire new generations in search of creativity and innovation," Wang Yichuan says.

The exhibition runs until March 31.
As many as 50 migrants who recently attempted to reach Spain via boat from West Africa drowned, according to the migrant rights organization Walking Borders, whose new report also found that over 10,457 migrants lost their lives last year while attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach Canary Islands.

Walking Borders reported on Thursday (16 January) that in a recent incident, a boat with migrants trying to make this treacherous journey sank, resulting in the deaths of 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis. Moroccan authorities managed to rescue 36 individuals from the boat involved in the tragedy, which had departed from Mauritania on 2 January with 86 migrants on board, including 66 Pakistanis, according to the Madrid and Navarra-based group. Its new report also states that a record 10,457 migrants died last year while attempting to reach Canary Islands, including many from West African countries like Mauritania and Senegal.

Walking Borders claims to have alerted authorities from all countries involved about the missing boat days before the actual rescue operation was finally launched. Alarm Phone, an organization that helps migrants in distress at sea, also contacted Spains maritime rescue service for assistance that, however, responded by saying it did not have any information about the boat. In response to this tragedy, incumbent president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo Batlle, urged Spain and the European Union to take action in order to prevent further loss of life, stressing that the Atlantic cannot continue to be the graveyard of Africa. Experts say that this high number of recorded deaths confirms once again that the Africa to Canary Islands migration route remains the worlds deadliest.
Farhat Bengdara, the head of Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC), has resigned due to health concerns, and Masoud Sulaiman has been appointed as the acting chief, the state-owned company confirmed on Thursday January 16.

The resignation was accepted by Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, head of the Government of National Unity, with Sulaiman now overseeing operations until a new Board of directors is established at the next Cabinet meeting.

Bengdara, who took on the role in July 2022, replacing long-time NOC chief Mustafa Sanallah, had previously submitted his resignation three times over the past year. According to sources from Bengdaras office, his resignation was prompted by the need for back surgery, which required a lengthy recovery period that could not be postponed.

The NOC is responsible for Libyas oil and gas production, overseeing the technical sector and various subsidiaries in the country. As the third-largest oil producer in North Africa and an OPEC member, Libyas oil industry plays a crucial role in its economy. However, since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the countrys oil production has frequently been disrupted by various groups blocking facilities, either to demand material compensation or to pursue broader political goals.

Meanwhile, on the global front, oil prices dropped on Thursday as investors digested strong retail data from the United States and awaited news on Yemens Houthi militia, which is expected to halt attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The United States has imposed sanctions on January 16 on General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudans army and de facto President, accusing him of destabilizing the country, his decision to choose war over good-faith negotiation and de-escalation, and of undermining transition to democracy, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

Burhans army has been heavily involved in the 21-month civil war, which has led to significant civilian suffering, including the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of over 12 million people. The sanctions follow recent reports of civilian deaths in the central city of Wad Madani, although these incidents were not directly mentioned in the US statement.

The conflict between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has led to widespread violence, with both sides accused of committing serious human rights violations.

Last week, Washington also slapped sanctions against the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, whom the White House accused of being behind a wave of renewed ethnic cleansing, rape, and systematic atrocities. The US has also sanctioned Dagalos RSF for its involvement in genocide during the conflict.

The US government alleges that Burhans forces have carried out lethal attacks on civilians, targeting vital infrastructure such as schools, markets, and hospitals, and using food deprivation as a weapon of war.

In a recent statement, outgoing US secretary of state Antony Blinken said Taken together, these sanctions underscore the US view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan.

In addition to the military-led violence, civilian areas such as Gezira state have seen retaliatory attacks, with a rights group accusing Sudanese forces of killing at least 13 people in the village of Camp Taiba. The UN has expressed concern over these abuses, particularly regarding ethnic and affiliation-based attacks. South Sudan has also expressed alarm, reporting the deaths of its citizens, who were non-combatants, during the ongoing conflict. Despite his orders to investigate the allegations, Burhan has not commented on concerns raised by South Sudan regarding the broader scope of atrocities in Gezira.

The conflict has seen numerous atrocities from both sides, with disturbing videos circulating on social media showing the aftermath of violent incidents, including the deaths of civilians. The Sudanese army has condemned what it calls individual violations but has pledged to hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, the RSF has faced similar accusations of retaliatory violence, particularly after the defection of a key commander. As the war continues, both sides remain embroiled in a cycle of violence, with little sign of an end to the suffering of Sudans civilian population.
Morocco is more than ever a country with potential for French Small and Medium-sized enterprises, highlights the French economic and financial daily Les Echos.

Amid the rapid acceleration of its major infrastructure and energy transition projects, Morocco is attracting foreign companies, especially French ones, the newspaper notes, adding that, beyond local initiatives, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a gateway to Africa.

Among the major projects, the French newspaper mentions the extension of the high-speed rail line between Tangier and Casablanca, inaugurated in 2018, to Marrakech, with the completion expected in 2030, and the highway connecting Tiznit to Dakhla, completed in 2024.

The French newspaper also cites the iconic Tanger Med port, at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, which will soon be complemented by two new port infrastructure: one a few kilometers from Dakhla, on the Atlantic coast of Moroccan Sahara, and the other in Nador, facing the Mediterranean.

While the local market shows promise, the country is also regarded as a gateway to Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Its strategic geographical location and robust business network present significant opportunities to some small and medium-sized entreprises, the publication notes.

The French economic publication points out that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, established in 2018nearly twenty years after the signing of the free trade agreements between Morocco and the European Unionwould also benefit French companies.

At the same time, Moroccan higher education is growing in strength, the daily says, noting that in 2024, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), which has a branch in France, was ranked in the Top 500 of the Times Higher Education university rankings.
Moroccos commitment to Africas development was formalized by the signing of two agreements between the kingdom and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).

The agreements, namely a headquarters agreement for the establishment of the AUDA-NEPAD National Office in Morocco and a framework cooperation agreement for the promotion of development projects of common interest, were signed Thursday in Rabat by visiting AUDA-NEPAD Chief, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

In a statement to the media following the signing ceremony, Bekele-Thomas praised the vision of King Mohammed VI and Moroccos commitment to African integration, as well as the Kingdoms continued support for the Agencys activities.

She also emphasized that the signing of these two agreements reflects the Royal vision for Africa and Moroccos commitment to the African Union and the AU Development Agency.

The framework cooperation agreement illustrates Moroccos support for the development of the African continent, she underlined, adding that ADUA-NEPAD will work in coordination with the Kingdom to implement the AUs Agenda 2063.

CEO of the African Union Development Agency held a separate meeting with Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka during which the two sides vowed to strengthen partnership in water sectors.

Baraka told the media after the meeting that talks with the head of ADUA-NEPAD provided an opportunity to examine ways of strengthening partnerships between Morocco and African countries, particularly in the water sector, and to share our countrys expertise and successful experiences with sub-Saharan African countries within the framework of South-South cooperation.

This cooperation could focus on water conservation methods, desalination using renewable energies, and integrated water management methods, among others, he added.

The Minister surveyed the structuring projects underway, and underlined the Kingdoms pioneering experience in the development of port infrastructure, such as the Mediterranean port of Tanger Med, the port of Nador and the port of Dakhla.

For her part, Bekele-Thomas stressed the importance of this meeting in bringing to fruition the discussions begun in 2022 on strategic projects for the continent, particularly in the water sector.

Morocco is a key player thanks to its recognized expertise in water management and its innovative solutions, particularly in terms of redistributing water resources between regions, she said.

She also praised the vision of King Mohammed VI and Moroccos commitment to African integration, and hailed the Kingdoms socio-economic achievements and development momentum, mainly in the water sector.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between Morocco and ADUA-NEPAD, while deepening consultation on issues of common interest.

The mandate of the African Union Development Agency focuses on coordinating the continents development activities and mobilizing the resources needed to implement its projects.
Morocco has voiced its readiness to share with Sahel countries its successful experience in drone warfare as an effective military tool of counter-terrorism. The unmanned aerial systems and technology have enabled Moroccan army to thwart attacks of Polisario separatist militias supported by the Algerian regime.

The North African Kingdom has offered to help Sahel countries during an international conference held lately in Rabat on counter-terrorism & maritime security along Africas Atlantic coasts. The event was organized by Moroccos Foreign ministry in collaboration with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).

Over 50 officials and experts in counter-terrorism from member countries of the Rabat Process initiative on African Atlantic States (PEAA), as well as officials from regional and international organizations took part in the conference which looked into ways of countering terror threat in the Atlantic African region.

Participants voiced serious concern that the Sahel region has become a global magnet for terrorism undermining peace and stability of Atlantic African countries. Several intelligence reports have warned against the shift of the terrorist threat from the Sahel to Atlantic coastal countries.

Experts say that terrorism, which has become highly elusive and adaptive, must be smitten down pervasively and aggressively. In order to do so, Sahel countries as well as Atlantic African countries must identify the threat and eliminate the threat.

The drone contributes to the counterterrorism mission by providing pervasive intelligence and aggressive strike capabilities. Both of these capabilities, combined and unified in a single aircraft platform, hinder the operational capacity of the terrorist organization by eliciting fear, fracturing communication, and decimating command and control.

The Rabat conference was an opportunity to discuss the huge possibilities offered by new technologies, notably unmanned aerial systems to address terrorist threats. However, experts warn that drones can also pose a huge challenge if they are acquired and used by terrorist organizations.

Morocco stands ready to support Sahel countries and Atlantic African countries in their efforts engaged to counter terrorism as the North African Kingdom has made major strides in the industry of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions.

The Moroccan initiative has made the Algerian junta extremely anxious as they realize that their influence is waning after years of hegemony and tyranny.
Two days before the Gaza ceasefire agreement comes into force, Morocco, whose Sovereign, King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee, welcomed the progress made towards halting the hostilities and attacks that have been unleashed on civilians since October 7, 2023.

The Kingdom calls on all Palestinian and Israeli parties to give peace a chance and to demonstrate a sincere and constructive commitment, far from any short-term or opportunistic considerations, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Morocco expressed hope that this ceasefire agreement would be fully respected, and lead to a halt of attacks on civilians, the return of displaced persons, and the free flow of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities, the statement said.

As emphasized by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, notably in his message to the latest Arab Summit, it is essential to avoid resolving one crisis to trigger another.

The ceasefire agreement should pave the way for a genuine peace process, enabling the establishment of a Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace with Israel, the statement added.
Morocco and Cape Verde are finalizing an agreement on military cooperation meant to enhance expertise sharing in the military field and enshrine the solid ties of friendship and mutual respect linking the two countries.

The military cooperation agreement which is being finalized was brought up at a meeting in Rabat Friday between Minister in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, and Cabo Verdes State Minister of Defense Janine Tatiana Santos Lelis.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, the visiting ministers high-ranking accompanying delegation, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, FAR Inspector General and Commander of the South Zone.

The two parties explored ways to upgrade their cooperation in areas of common interest, particularly in sharing expertise in the military field, and expressed their shared ambition to strengthen relations through the forthcoming signature of the agreement on military cooperation.

Loudyi underlined Moroccos efforts to foster regional stability and security, and highlighted the royal initiative launched by King Mohammed VI to transform Africas Atlantic seaboard into a hub for economic integration, peace and prosperity, involving all Atlantic and Sahel countries.

For her part, the Cabo Verdean minister emphasized the high priority of the partnership with the Kingdom, and voiced her admiration for the various South-South and regional cooperation initiatives benefiting the African continent, launched under the leadership of the King of Morocco.
Pro-ERA protesters at the National Archives before Biden declared it ratified. Photo: Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images

In one of those why the hell not? gestures open to a president down to his last weekend in office, Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment ratified and thus the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

A host of feminists and Democratic politicians have been urging this step from the moment Biden took office, based on three recent state ratifications (Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2018, and Virginia in 2020) executed in defiance of a 1982 congressional deadline that ERA proponents failed to meet (35 of the 38 required ratifications had happened by then). Indeed, the House formally repealed the ratification deadline in 2021 and dismissed as legally ineffectual actions by five conservative state legislatures to rescind prior ratifications. But the Senate never acted, leaving the whole question in legal limbo.

From a technical point of view, the national archivist has the power to recognize ratified constitutional amendments by officially publishing them, and Biden urged this obscure official to do that with the ERA. But in December, anticipating this action, the archivist denied she had the power to do so. She cited prior legal precedents suggesting the 1982 deadline was indeed valid, not to mention ongoing litigation over the Virginia ratification. Thats not likely to change, particularly since Biden didnt formally order the archivist to bend the knee, as the New York Times observes:

Aides said that Mr. Biden was not ordering the archivist, Colleen Shogan, to reverse her position and publish the amendment, as advocates have urged him to do. Asked for comment on Friday, the archivists office referred back to previous statements refusing to publish the amendment, indicating that she would not change her stance.

Even so, advocates maintained that Mr. Bidens imprimatur gives the amendment additional credibility for any future court battle over whether it actually has the force of law. In effect, Mr. Biden and his allies are daring opponents to go to court to argue that women do not have equal rights.

While there have already been rallies at the National Archives to dramatize the issue, theres every indication that the whole controversy will wind up at the Supreme Court, whose conservative majority is not terribly likely to redeem the decadeslong push for an ERA. But Bidens action will revive the topic and all the underlying issues of long-postponed equality until such time as the Supreme Court acts.

Its also something of a vindication for the junior U.S. senator from New York, notes CNN:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, has been making a major push for certification, saying in a memo to interested parties that it would give Biden a way to codify womens freedom and equality without needing anything from a bitterly divided and broken Congress in the aftermath of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade 

Gillibrand pressed her case to the presidents top aides and outside allies, including an appeal to Biden and the first lady during a holiday party photo line, according to a source familiar with the interaction. She was in contact with the White House counsels office, the Gender Policy Council and other officials involved in the matter.

If the ERA ever does become recognized as the law of the land, Biden can add his small role in its revival to his legacy.
Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

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As far as Pete Hegseths nomination for secretary of Defense goes, Senator Joni Ernst was the ball game, and it was over in the second inning. Given her years of advocacy on behalf of women in the military and against sexual assault, Ernst was understood to be the only roadblock to Hegseths confirmation, and she capitulated instantly. She did not even bother to playact rigor in her questioning of Hegseth, who has been accused of rape and creating a hostile work environment for women and has called for women to be banned from combat roles in the military. There was no acknowledgment that this mans record was an affront to the issues she has built her reputation on; instead, after the hearing, she and a Des Moines radio reporter joked about breaking news that she would vote for Hegseth.

Hegseths glide path to the top of the Pentagon, despite his being hideously unfit for the office, has contributed to a sense of inevitability in Washington, D.C., as it prepares for a week of inauguration festivities, replete with a Crypto Ball and billionaires from across various industries paying tribute to Donald Trump. Among them will be Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, who has recently spoken of the need for more masculine energy in corporate America, a sentiment that was everywhere in Hegseths hearing as well. There was a steady drumbeat from Hegseth and his committee supporters on the physical differences between men and women and how difficult it is for women to carry heavy loads and run long distances. The vision of a soldier  or war fighter, as Hegseth relentlessly referred to them  was clearly masculine, and one of the final questions he got was how many push-ups he could do. Hed done five sets of 47 that morning, he replied proudly, an obsequious nod to the 47th president of the United States, the improbable Uralpha male atop MAGAs mountain of alpha males.

All this peacocking was a show of domination meant to quell dissent, to make people give up, to get them to show Trump anticipatory obedience, as residual denizens of the resistance have described the various systems folding to his rule. Which is why it was notable, heartening even, that the Democrats showed up on Tuesday unwilling to submit, even as they faced an all but hopeless task.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, in particular, went after Hegseth hard, seemingly laying the groundwork for anyone out there who might still be brave enough to step forward to challenge this formidable pantomime of unchecked brawn. Kaine quizzed Hegseth about his history of infidelity, which is not a crime or an impediment to holding high office. But as he laid out his carefully constructed set of questions, it became clear that Kaine was teasing out a pattern of dishonesty. It was perhaps the only time that Hegseth appeared a little rattled, as Kaine pressed him on whether he had committed sexual assault, whether he had broken marriage vows, whether he had ever been violent toward a spouse, whether he would release his first and second wives from nondisclosure agreements, and whether he had come clean to Trump about his alleged previous transgressions.

His evasive responses to Kaine  as well as to other Democrats on the committee, whose questions about alleged assault and public drunkenness and financial mismanagement he brushed aside with indignant yelps of Anonymous smear!  mean that if a colleague or an ex or accuser did come forward with allegations about impropriety or violent behavior, it would put a human face to those anonymous or NDAd claims, put Hegseths opacity on display, and perhaps force Republicans to revisit these questions. It could also provide the impetus for further FBI investigation.

An aide from a senators office told me that the FBI check could be extended for the sake of the FBIs client, in this case Trumps transition team. If there are major problems in an individuals background, they said, they can get blackmailed by China, Russia. Thats a national security threat. Its one thing if the transition team learns the information and says, Thats okay, we want to take that risk. But for them to continue to be in the dark, you dont want to keep finding little surprises.

In the hours after the hearing, Senator Mark Kelly told me, Maybe some people watched this hearing. Maybe they were the person that carried him out of the party bus, and when he gave a nonanswer, they might put their hand up and say, Hey, that was me. I did that. Hes not being transparent. I think thats a possibility. Multiple people attached to the Armed Services Committee told me that there has been contact with some people the FBI elected not to follow up with.

Still, Kelly guessed that there was a 95 percent chance that Hegseth will get confirmed. And it is very unlikely that anyone will come forward in the days before the full Senate votes on Hegseths nomination, because after Christine Blasey Ford, the anxiety for civilians to speak up is that much higher, exacerbated by an atmosphere in which Trump, Elon Musk, and right-wing media figures feel comfortable openly threatening Republican politicians who fail to back his nominees. Its really terrifying, the environment theyre trying to create to prevent people from coming forward, one Senate aide told me. Its so tough for people who think this is someone who will fundamentally endanger this country because hes so unqualified but are also worried about getting doxxed, getting threats. We are creating a system where we have no real protections.

The undercurrents of menace at the hearing were largely ignored by Washingtons pundits, many of whom are recalibrating their position toward Trump and encouraging people to accept the new reality he represents. David Brooks of the New York Times complained that Democrats failed to focus on life-or-death issues surrounding counterterrorism and warfare, instead choosing to play culture war games. He added, With Democrats having failed to defeat Donald Trump with this strategy, I admire their capacity for persistent losing.

Abdication is, of course, what Trump and Hegseth wanted from the hearing, which was full of not-so-veiled threats and intimidation. Take, for example, Hegseths refusal to answer whether he would carry out an order from the president to shoot protesters in the legs. Sounds to me like you would shoot protesters in the legs, Senator Mazie Hirono commented drily in response to his stonewalling. Whether or not Hegseth would in fact give such a command is almost beside the point: The implication that he might is what is meant to put a shiver down the spine of those who would protest this administration or any of its heavies.

Hegseth bucked against the very idea that there should be any restrictions on men like him, whether those restrictions protected against racial or gendered inequality, obligated the nominee to meet with Democratic members of the committee that was vetting him, or punished war fighters for illegal behaviors like waterboarding. Senator Angus King, an independent, cited a passage from one of his books in which Hegseth argued that soldiers should not fight by rules written by dignified men in mahogany rooms 80 years ago, a seeming reference to the Geneva Conventions, which banned torture and classified certain kinds of military violations as war crimes. Hegseths mission, he repeated regularly, was to restore a warrior ethos to the military.

Men and women in air-conditioned offices like to point fingers at people in dark and dangerous places, Hegseth said during his testimony, part of an effort undertaken by the nominee and his Republican cheerleaders to portray anything that smacked of inclusion or diversity  not just reviled DEI initiatives but the very notion that those who are not straight white men might have a right to participate equally in realms where they had once been unwelcome  as effeminate, enfeebling. Hegseth cast himself, in contrast, as someone with dust on his boots, a reference to his military service, which does not in fact set him apart from many of the people who have both upheld and been protected by the Geneva Conventions or who were challenging him from the Democratic side of the dais. But that didnt matter. Perhaps unsurprisingly for someone who views gay and female and trans servicemembers as threats, any rule or repercussion that would limit a mans abilities to act as he pleases was cast as weak and woke. This is not academic for me, Hegseth said at one point. This is my life.

Yet for all this flaunting of their might, Hegseth and his Republican backers also cast themselves as the helpless victims of this effete mob. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska described being freed from the Biden woke yoke, while Hegseth said that the troops would rejoice upon being liberated from diversity-and-inclusion requirements. The very fact that Democrats were asking Hegseth questions was portrayed as persecution. Im sorry for what has been happening to you, said Senator Kevin Cramer. Particularly that you should have to sit there and answer hypothetical potential, in somebodys imagination, crimes that may take place at some point and wouldnt that disqualify you if you were a murderer, or if you were a rapist  unfair, unfair. And Im embarrassed for this behavior.

Underneath all the bravado was a bright seam of fear. When Hegseth refused to answer Senator Elissa Slotkins question of whether he would stand in the breach against a president who ordered him to betray the Constitution, she shot at him, What are you scared of? He responded, Im not scared of anything, Senator. But this was just another lie. Hegseth is scared  not only of Donald Trump but of losing his job over revelations about the alleged rape, of living in a world where men like him cannot act with impunity.

As we head into this next administration, millions of people feel exactly what Trump and his party want them to feel: petrified and helpless. That is why Trump nominated such an embarrassing candidate for Defense  to make a spectacle of his power, of his ability to ram Hegseth through anyway. Why is this pageant so necessary? After all, if the Republicans really do own the libs now, they wouldnt have to work so hard to show it.

Consider that, alongside its victories, the right has suffered big defeats too. Powerful men who thought themselves invincible lost jobs and reputations during Me Too. Anti-abortion activists have lost referendum after referendum. Trump himself lost an election in 2020, and Republicans lost big in 2018 and 2022. Go back further, and you have the very losses of power they are fighting so strenuously to reverse, victories extracted by the movements for civil rights and womens rights and gay rights. Decades later, rich white patriarchs are still building entire psychodramas around the degree to which they have been wounded by those defeats.

And for all their blustering showmanship, they are scared they might lose again. Republicans want their opponents to believe that resistance is futile. They want to break the rules in order to break the spirit of the opposition, not just on foreign battlefields, but here at home. Because what the right understands is something that the left is going to have to relearn in coming weeks and months and years: It is only if we dont fight that they truly win.
This photo taken on Aug. 12, 2023 shows an exhibit at Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. Museums in Henan Province have witnessed a large amount of visitors since the beginning of summer vacation this year. (Xinhua/Lu Peng)

More than 65 years after its discovery, the Erlitou site in the heart of the Central China Plains, continues to yield new clues about the grand picture of early-stage Chinese civilization.



Best known for its bronze and turquoise artifacts, the site, spread across some 3 square kilometers in Luoyang, Henan province, was first found in 1959. Recent findings of architectural remains, road networks and other infrastructure indicate that the site, which dates to between 3,750 to 3,520 years ago according to carbon dating results, was the location of the capital city of the Xia Dynasty (c. 21st-16th century BC) during its late period.

It is the first central dynasty with extensive territory recorded in Chinese history.

Physical proof has popped up all over the Erlitou site that ushers the dynasty in from the realm of legend. In 2024, major breakthroughs were made around the core palace area, archaeologists recently revealed.

Walled sections are confirmed to have been unearthed on the crossroads by the palace area, according to Zhao Haitao, an associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Archaeology who leads excavations at Erlitou.

Previously unearthed crossroads are located to the west and south of the palace area, dividing the area into four subregions. Following the discovery of roadside walls in the three other subregions, Zhao's team speculated the remaining southwest section would have the same structure.

In 2024, that speculation was confirmed as the northeast corner of the wall in this zone was revealed. The remaining wall is about 2 meters across at its widest, and its discovery reveals for the first time the layout of the four subregional walls at the intersection of the crossroads.

"This discovery will significantly help the exploration of important issues such as the formation and development of the network-style layout of Erlitou urban centers, the content, characteristics and relationships of each subregion," Zhao explains.

"The strict and orderly multigrid layout of the city indicates the existence of a mature and developed system of governance and institutions at the time," he adds. "It's a key indicator for determining the transition of the city of Erlitou into a dynastic state."

Similar walled blocks, known as lifang, are noticeable elements of urban layout in the later history of China, particularly in the then capital of Chang'an (present-day Xi'an, Shaanxi province) during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, over 2,000 years after Erlitou.

"Each walled area corresponded to a unit of daily life with various functions," Wang Wei, a veteran archaeologist with CASS, says. "New findings at Erlitou could indicate this was the prototype of such structures."

According to Lei Xingshan, an archaeology professor at Beijing Union University, "it's also crucial inspiration for other prehistoric city ruins elsewhere in China".

"Such multigrid urban layouts could be a benchmark for conducting other studies throughout a lineage," Lei says.

A complex composed of foundations has also recently been excavated in the palace area. Coded D17("No 17 palace"), it includes two groups of row-house-style buildings, both built on rammed earth terraces, according to Zhao.

The row-house building on the north side, for example, has five rooms on its facade. It is one room deep, and 40 meters wide in an east-west orientation, and covers an area of about 310 square meters.

"It's the widest single-row building in terms of facade found at the Erlitou site so far," Zhao says.

Before this discovery, archaeologists had wondered whether the area was a central square, and the layout of previously discovered ruins nearby also confused researchers.

Expanding work beyond Eritou per se sometimes helps demonstrate its core status. Other than the palace area, interesting discoveries were made last year at the Guchengcun site, which is across the river from the Erlitou core zone. Long considered an independent archaeological site, three newly unearthed moats and a rammed wall are now giving pause for thought.

The No 1 section of the moat spans over 1,700 meters. It is nearly 10 meters wide and 2 meters deep. The direction of No 2 and 3 moats parallel the main roads and ruins in Erlitou.

"They also embrace the Erlitou site from its north and east," Zhao says. "They probably functioned as the outer boundary of the city."

If this hypothesis is proved correct in follow-up research, it would mean that the Erlitou site was larger than 3 sq km in size.

"If so, the Erlitou site could be far larger than other archaeological ruins of its time in China," Wang says. "This would further demonstrate its core status in a state."

Only an area of 59,500 sq m has been excavated at Erlitou in the 60-some years since its discovery, and many questions await to be answered.

Construction of a new national-level archaeological research center focusing on the Xia and the following Shang Dynasty (c. 16th-11th century BC) began in September in Luoyang. It will be equipped with research labs, restoration facilities and warehouses for archaeological materials. It is expected to become a new hub for international cooperation on Xia-Shang studies.
President-elect Donald Trump greets actor Sylvester Stallone onstage at the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Mar-a-Lago on November 14, 2024. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Donald Trumps primary response to the California wildfires has been to blame and taunt the states Democratic leaders on Truth Social. But is there a way he can be even more monstrous to the Americans suffering in Southern California right now? Turns out there is!

On Thursday afternoon, Trump announced on social media that he is appointing Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California:

There is no reason to think that Trump genuinely wants to help the U.S. film industry, which has rejected and mocked him since he entered politics.

First, this is not a real position. Trump doesnt even use a consistent title for Voight, Gibson, and Stallone, calling them both Special Ambassadors and Special Envoys. And its not clear what it means to be Trumps eyes and ears in the film industry, unless hes trying to conjure fears about another Red Scare.

Second, there are the three people Trump selected for this made-up role. Generally, his ambassadors havent been selected for their diplomatic skills; his picks have been about brazenly rewarding allies (e.g., Kimberly Guilfoyle and various billionaire pals) or simple retribution (e.g., Ivankas ex-con father-in-law, Charles Kushner). Stallone and Voight fall into the former category: They are among the few open Trump supporters in Hollywood. Gibson is in the latter category; including him seems like a thumb in the eye to the industry. For years, he was virtually shut out in Hollywood for making racist and antisemitic comments. Though hes working again, he remains incredibly controversial. After losing his home in the Los Angeles wildfires last week, he spread conspiracy theories on Fox News and The Joe Rogan Experience, suggesting that people may have been commissioned to start the devastating fires.

Finally, theres the underlying idea that Trump needs to appoint ambassadors to Hollywood, like its not part of the United States. He underscores this by calling it a great but very troubled place. Referring to Hollywood as a location, not just an industry, and describing it as troubled make it impossible not to think of the wildfires.

Maybe Trump had this dig planned for months, but dropping it while so many people who work in Hollywood  not just major celebrities, but the many average Americans who are employed by the film industry  have lost their homes and possibly loved ones is truly appalling.
Ohio governor Mike DeWine and his lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, who has now been appointed to J.D. Vances Senate seat. Photo: Paul Sancya/APPhoto

Donald Trump produced two red-state Senate vacancies in and immediately after his 2024 presidential victory. The first was his own running mate J.D. Vances Ohio seat, which he had occupied for just two years before getting lifted into MAGA Valhalla by Trump last summer. And the second belonged to his secretary of State nominee, Marco Rubio of Florida, who is likely to be the one Trump Cabinet member to get confirmed on the first day of his presidency.

Being the universally acknowledged Supreme Leader of the Republican Party, with any significant opposition to his leadership being all but stamped out, Trump could not let the governors of Florida and Ohio fill these vacancies without a nudge from Mar-a-Lago.

For Florida, he dropped a lot of hints that Ron DeSantis should consider choosing his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump and very briefly co-chair of the Republican National Committee after what the Washington Post called a nepotism hire. Her residence in Florida, which began in 2022, was almost as brief as her resume. Thats not to say she didnt keep herself busy, as my colleague Margaret Hartmann noted recently:

Lara regularly posts videos of her workouts on social media, and in November she became the latest Trump to slap their name on a clothing brand. Lara Trump Collection is a line of American-made activewear. Actually, scratch that: According to Lara, The LT Brand by Lara Trump Collection isnt just activewear  its a celebration of strength, resilience, and patriotism.

All righty then.

Theres no clear evidence that Laras father-in-law asked DeSantis to give her the Senate gig, even when he was considering DeSantis as a possible backup Pentagon nominee if Pete Hegseths appointment went totally sideways. But there was some lobbying from Trump-family intimates, as Hartmann noted:

Various Trump allies  including Florida senator Rick Scott, Elon Musk, and Elon Musks mom  pushed for Lara Trump to get Rubios seat. On December 9, The Wall Street Journal reported that Donald Trump spoke with DeSantis to put in a good word for Lara.

Lara added fuel to the rumors when she resigned from her RNC role on December 9, and told the Associated Press that a Senate appointment is something I would seriously consider.

Lara Trump ultimately disclaimed interest in becoming the junior senator from Florida but, apparently, because an appointment was not forthcoming. This week DeSantis appointed Florida attorney general Ashley Moody to the Rubio seat, which she will have to defend in a 2026 special election before serving out the last two years of his term.

Meanwhile, the president-elect involved himself in the Ohio vacancy being filled by Governor Mike DeWine  a former senator himself and not the Trumpiest of Buckeye State Republicans  rather late, with public and private exhortations that his former very friendly rival Vivek Ramaswamy would be a good choice, as the Washington Post reported:

President-elect Donald Trump has encouraged billionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to consider filling Ohios vacant Senate seat should the post be offered to him, according to two people with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private deliberations.

Ramaswamy publicly withdrew his name from consideration for the post in November, after Trump chose him to lead the Department of Government Efficiency panel along with billionaire executive Elon Musk. But the Ohio native has reemerged in recent days as one of the leading contenders for the Senate seat and is in advanced discussions with GOP leaders about the position, the people said.

Despite the shove, and a Mar-a-Lago meeting between Trump and DeWine, the Ohioan instead went with his lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, who will have to defend the seat in 2026, then (if he wins) again in 2028. It now appears that Ramaswamy  after he pauses to inflict as much damage on the federal government as possible via DOGE  will run to succeed the term-limited DeWine in 2026 as well.

So should we discern from two Senate seats being filled without Trump dictating the identities of the senators that hes less powerful than we thought? Probably not. Senate vacancies are precious gubernatorial resources with enormous ripple effects through a states politics. DeWine doesnt owe much of anything to Trump, and DeSantis famously performed extremely well last time he faced Florida voters in 2022. We dont know that Trump came even close to going to the mats for Lara Trump or for Ramaswamy; both of these worthies clearly had their own fish to fry; and in the final analysis Jon Husted and Ashley Moody are very likely to become obedient MAGA vassals in the Senate. If Trump had gone wild on Truth Social about these positions, then been ignored by the governors, wed have reason to wonder if his power had greater limits than imagined. But for now, his 0-for-2 record in senatorial kibitzing looks like a passing fancy from which he moved on.
50 items in this article 2 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun, Lunar New Year which is typically celebrated in Asian countries including China, Vietnam, and South Korea  falls on January 29 this year (though festivities can last for several weeks, with lion dances, feasts, fireworks, and more). According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2025 is the Year of the Snake; Ive already spotted plenty of brands drawing scaly inspiration from the mysterious and oft-misunderstood creature, which symbolizes wisdom, renewal, and transformation. Ive rounded up all the new serpent-themed launches below, as well as some general decor and accessories to help usher in the celebrations  but definitely dont dillydally, as many of these releases are limited edition and are likely to slither away soon.

Food and drink

Lady M 2025 Year of the Snake Lunar New Year Gift Set $88 Lady Ms Lunar New Year set includes 32 crepe biscuits in four flavors: raspberry, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate orange. The packaging can be even be rearranged in the shape of a snake, the perfect centerpiece for a celebratory dinner. $88 at Goldbelly Buy

Upton Tea Imports Lunar Snake Tea Pet $16 $16 Crafted from purple clay, tea pets sit on the tray during tea ceremonies and are rinsed with tea, allowing them to develop a patina over time. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with this scaly tea pet from Upton Tea Imports, which can stand watch while you serve black tea that the brand sourced specially for Lunar New Year. $16 at Upton Tea Buy

MiLa Braised Beef Noodles $20 for 2 $20 for 2 MiLa just dropped Cantonese-inspired braised beef noodles  a dish that normally takes several hours to prepare  to help streamline your Lunar New Year dinner prep. The beef is braised in a savory blend of oyster sauce, chu hou sauce, soy sauces, and aromatic spices  simply cook the noodles, heat the sauce, and enjoy. $20 for 2 at MiLa Buy

Home

Hedley & Bennett x Fly by Jing Essential Apron Foodie $96 $96 Hedley & Bennett and Fly by Jing have teamed up to release a special Lunar New Year apron. Its decorated with a cheerful bao illustrated by artist Nhi Nguyen, as well as a special Year of the Snake label inspired by traditional red envelopes. If you want to take the festivities even further, you can purchase a gift bundle that includes the apron, a jar of Fly by Jings signature Sichuan chile crisp, and a recipe book written by founder Jing Gao. $96 at Hedley & Bennett Buy

Craftspring Jungle Snake Ornament $34 $34 A fun departure from the typical red-and-gold palette, Craftsprings jungle-snake ornament features an emerald-green serpent curled up amid trailing vines and monstera leaves. $34 at Craftspring Buy

LEGO Lucky Cat $30 $30 Lego has done it again with its Lunar New Year releases. There are three sets to choose from: a lucky fan, an intricate trotting lantern, and this smiling maneki neko with a paw that waves. [Editors note: The Lego Lucky Cat will ship by February 13.] $30 at Lego Buy

Ruggable Year of The Snake Estate Doormat $219 $219 Welcome luck and prosperity into your home with Ruggables Year of the Snake doormat. It depicts a golden snake against a rich crimson background and highlights the Chinese character fu, which translates to auspiciousness and the blessings of the holiday. $219 at Ruggable Buy

Marshall Emberton III Lunar New Year Edition 2025 - Woodsnake $190 $190 Marshalls portable Emberton III speaker has undergone a limited-edition serpentine redesign. Its wrapped in opulent green leather with pink and orange detailing and comes accompanied by psychedelic Woodstock-inspired packaging designed by Chinese artist DARK QUESTION. $190 at Marshall Buy

Fashion and accessories

Forever 21 Hello Kitty Lunar New Year Tee $20 $20 Forever 21 and Sanrio have teamed up to release a very kawaii Lunar New Year collection spotlighting beloved characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll. This baby tee features Hello Kitty celebrating with a cute snake pal. $20 at Forever21 Buy

Love, Bonito Lace Round Neck Fit & Flare Top $69 $69 Fashion brand Love, Bonito is tailored to suit the style and build of Asian shoppers and often mixes traditional silhouettes with modern fabrics and details. Im especially enamored with this intricate lace button-down top in a festive red. $69 at Love, Bonito Buy

PVCS Global NYC Edition Oversized Long-sleeve Tee $95 $95 Seoul-based fashion brand PVCS is celebrating Lunar New Year (and its recent launch in the States) with special merch. This looks like a plain white long-sleeve tee from the front, but the back has a fun snake graphic that says No Time for Fake People. $95 at PVCS Global Buy

Strathberry Silk Skinny Scarf $105 $105 Strathberrys Lunar New Year snake pattern features a charming pink-and-raspberry color palette. The brand has also adorned a cardholder and a trifold wallet with the design, but my favorite item is this silk skinny scarf that can be looped around the handle of your favorite handbag. $105 at Strathberry Limited Buy

Zenni Luminous Frames $46 $46 My favorite pair of glasses from Zennis Year of the Snake collection are these bold red frames with a sinuous snake slithering along the rim. $46 at Zenni Buy

Koio Capri - Lunar New Year Snake $288 $288 The Lunar New Year version of Koios Capri sneakers is only slightly tweaked from the original, making them eminently wearable long past the holiday. They feature a strip of festive red, some gold piping, and a cute snake cartoon drawn by artist Dahan Chung. $288 at KOIO Buy

Cole Haan Mens GrandPr Crossover Sneakers $190 $190 Cole Haans Year of the Wood Snake sneaker collection wraps the brands bestselling GrandPr silhouette in full-grain-leather uppers embossed with a scaly snake motif, plus a deep-burgundy insole. $190 at Cole Haan Buy

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag Year of the Snake $295 $295 Stauds Tommy bag underwent a Lunar New Year transformation  the stylish shoulder bag is now available with an intricate snake mosaic pattern made of glass beads. $295 at Staud Buy

Satechi Vegan-Leather Magnetic Wallet Stand - Chinese New Year $40 $40 Satechi just launched its magnetic wallet stand in a scarlet red vegan leather, embellished with a gold snake in the bottom corner. It conveniently holds four cards and snaps to your iPhone with MagSafe technology. $40 at Satechi Buy

Ming Yu Wang Snake Bracelet $138 $138 To welcome in the New Year, Ming Yu Wang introduced this handwoven bracelet with an elegantly coiled snake charm. Opt for the classic red-and-gold colorway or this more subtle black-and-silver combo. $138 at Ming Yu Wang Buy

Beauty

Tubby Todd Lunar New Year Hair + Body Wash $46 $46 Tubby Todds Lunar New Year hair-and-body wash comes with a lucky red label featuring cultural iconography like lanterns, noodles, and fireworks, all illustrated by artist Sophia Chang. It has a lovely, seasonal Pomegranate Pear scent, and promises to soften, clean, and moisturize from head to toe. $46 at Tubby Todd Buy

Oribe Lunar New Year Hair Alchemy Shampoo & Conditioner Liter Set $290 $290 Oribe has tapped Australian Chinese artist Chris Chun to design custom Lunar New Year packaging that pays homage to the mystic knot, which is thought to usher in luck, prosperity and abundance. This Alchemy set contains bulk-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner that use ingredients like chia seed and honeysuckle extract to help strengthen and reinforce fragile hair. $290 at Sephora Buy

Lush Serpentine Celebration Lunar New Year Set $23 $23 Lushs Lunar New Year gift set includes a snake-shaped bath bomb scented with wild orange and lime, plus an uplifting shower gel with a zesty citrus aroma. $23 at Lush.com Buy

ESW Beauty Year of the Glow Skincare Essentials Lunar New Year Set $25 $25 AAPI-founded beauty brand ESW Beauty just dropped this playfully-packaged set to ensure you have a glowing year. It contains several of the brands hydrating masks, depuffing eye patches, and a smoothing lip treatment, plus some extra goodies like red envelopes and a zodiac fortune card. $25 at ESW Beauty Buy

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I am just absolutely STARVED for clever, thoughtful, or at the very least heartfelt statements from public people. Good on Guy.

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Fr, we need more celebs who just cut through the bullshit. Guy has a fan for life in me now

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"Article mentions he lives in Amsterdam to be near his son with Carice van Houten but doesn't mention whether they're still partners [SIDENOTE: He does wear a ring in some photos.]"



I follow Carice, and her IG has been Pro-Palestine 24/7 - 365 days.



"Mentions a shift in the Australian acting scene "where Australian actors would go, 'Im going to go to theater school so that I can get an American agent."



Makes me think of Margot Robbie, although I don't think she went to theater school? I remember reading that as soon as her 3-year contract with Neighbors was up she immediately set out for Hollywood, but it did work in her case!



Good for him to speaking up. I noticed Ayo Edibiri had the red ceasefire pin at the GGs.

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I think he and Ayo were the only GG attendees who wore an Artists4Ceasefire pin.



ETA: And Steve Way who stars in Ramy!



Edited at 2025-01-17 04:26 am (UTC)

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and several photos of them had the pins edited out, despite the fact guy called them out for doing the same thing last year.

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I respect that cause a lot of the time these movements become fads or the popular thing but when the "trend" stops, so does the support. So stuff like shows who's supportive regardless of popularity.

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That's how I remember it re: Margot Robbie. I think the joke used to be you get on Neighbours or Home & Away to try to make it to Hollywood lol.

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I knew him as a teenager (not well) and he was always pretty nice then. My father worked in the finance department of the organisation that runs the home his sister lives in, and he said that Guy paid for a big Christmas party for all the residents every year. He seems like a good egg.

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Im being rude, but I gotta know if he smelled nice OR if you remember any lil deets like that

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Hahaha, I dont recall, but it was the 80s so he probably smelled like Old Soice or something.



I dont remember him ever smelling bad, so thats a good thing.

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This is so wholesome and sweet.



I often wonder if my faves smell nice too. I would be devastated if I heard a fave of mine smelled bad.

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I totally understand the smells nice thing. I met Clive Owen before he hit Hollywood (he was in a play I saw) and besides being very friendly I remember him smelling really good.

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I can imagine then that that home is probably one of the very few nice ones for his sister to be in. I live in terror every day about the eventuality of my nephews being in homes.

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my longstanding crush on guy since la confidential never wavering, love it

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I know people hated his straight-laced character but he absolutely nailed that role.

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that kind of character was absolutely needed since everyone else was a fucking mess

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He is a breath of fresh air in an industry where people clearly have no integrity. Being quiet about injustice didn't stop the government from persecuting entertainers in the past and silence won't stop them now.

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Being quiet about injustice didn't stop the government from persecuting entertainers



especially now, with trump saying sylvester stallone, mel gibson and jon voight as his "hollywood ambassadors"



Trump said the three actors will be his "special envoys" and report back to him with on-the-ground knowledge of the industry to bring Hollywood back "bigger, better and stronger than ever before."



"These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest," Trump wrote in a post Thursday on his Truth Social platform, calling Hollywood a "great but very troubled place." "It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!"

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My god. Trump is an idiot using the same playbook from before and Hollywood has learned nothing from the McCarthy era.

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I hope they all get completely shunned.

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At least the taste level is garbage, like those 3 are gonna get one coherent sentence out of them combined, also theyre gonna battle it out amongst themselves and just get aneurysms/strokes over it





I gotta have hope

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Thankfully none of them really have relevant careers

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I must have been asleep when Sly Stallone came out as a Trump supporter? i guess I shouldn't be surprised.



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Did she really asked him if it's important for him to have thoughts ? Like what? Girl 

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good on ya jack irish. i was very nervous coming into this post lol.

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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/16/israeli-attacks-kill-30-palestinians-in-gaza-after-ceasefire-deal-announced



https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-01-16-24/index.html



Israeli strikes have killed 86 and injured 258 since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson from Gazas Civil Defense. The daily death toll in the period immediately after the ceasefire announcement is the highest in over a week.



The dead include 23 children, spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said in his Thursday press release.

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Kills me especially to think of how many of the victims probably celebrated the ceasefire news.

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People had said this would happen, that Israel would try to kill as many as they could.

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I'm not a political expert but if you eliminated hamas but killed my whole family in the process my first move would be to start hamas 2 https://t.co/rido89KXYd  Honest question, (@InternetHippo) October 28, 2023



i think this is truly the biggest reason. like maybe at first they were aiming for displacement to achieve their colonization goals, but then they realized "oh hey all those people we murdered have families! what if those families want justice/revenge?" so they're just killing and killing and killing until their rancid behinds feel safe.



the second biggest reason being that every country on earth is LETTING them. i think this is truly the biggest reason. like maybe at first they were aiming for displacement to achieve their colonization goals, but then they realized "oh hey all those people we murdered have families! what if those families want justice/revenge?" so they're just killing and killing and killing until their rancid behinds feel safe.the second biggest reason being that every country on earth is LETTING them.

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Lifelong crush VALIDATED



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The way he delivered that comment sounded exactly like Richard Ayoade as Maurice Moss in the IT Crowd.



I got exactly what he was saying and literally went ha-HA! and then got sad as I realized she missed his commentary. Sigh.



Ive been an emotional mess watching Palestinians celebrate. Im so happy for them, but I know this wont last long. This is what Israel does. Even after agreeing to a ceasefire, theyve managed to murder dozens and dozens of Palestinians in the last couple of days. Israelis are calling the CHILDREN who are celebrating the ceasefire savages who celebrated Oct 7.



I dont know how someone can have such hatred in their hearts.

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He was so handsome in The Count of Monte Cristo.

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He's always been hot to me. Guy with long hair is hot sex.

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Spot on, my Guy.

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I dont think the reporter missed the sarcasm. I do think she was expecting a pr-friendly sound bite. Instead, she got hit with the full force of his statement and thats the reason she fumbled the follow-up so badly.

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Mfte she was so caught off guard. Very poor journalism. "Important to you I guess, having an opinion, having thoughts?" What the hell does that mean.

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OSHA Cites Soap Manufacturer for Putting Workers at Risk After Hazardous Gas Release

A hazardous gas release at soap manufacturer AFCO hospitalized 12 workers, leading to OSHA citations and over $161,310 in penalties.

A Chambersburg, Pennsylvania-based soap and detergent manufacturer is facing $161,310 in penalties after an OSHA investigation revealed safety failures surrounding a hazardous chemical release in July 2024.

According to a recent release, the agency determined that AFCO, a manufacturing subsidiary of Atlanta-based Zep Inc., violated multiple safety protocols after a nitrogen dioxide gas release hospitalized 12 employees. Two workers required extended medical care. The incident, triggered by a chemical reaction during processing, prompted OSHA's inspection after a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency report.

Investigators found that AFCO did not immediately assess the impact of the gas release or evacuate workers swiftly, exposing employees to dangerous nitrogen dioxide levels. OSHA's inspection uncovered lapses, such as the absence of an emergency response plan and inadequate respiratory protection and hazard communication programs. AFCO was cited for one repeat violation, nine serious and two other-than-serious violations.

"AFCO's lack of urgency in addressing the hazardous conditions put employees at serious risk," OSHA Area Director Kevin T. Chambers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said in a statement. "Employers have a legal responsibility to identify workplace hazards and take immediate action to protect their employees from harm."

This is not the first time Zep Inc. has faced scrutiny over chemical safety. Since 2022, OSHA has cited the company for four serious violations at its Emerson, Georgia, facility. Zep Inc. has 15 business days to respond to the citations by complying, requesting an informal conference or contesting the findings.
Washington L&I Fines Business Owners for Asbestos Removal Violations

Two Vancouver house flippers face $116,300 in fines for improper asbestos removal during a renovation project.

Two Vancouver-based business owners have been fined a total of $116,300 by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for mishandling asbestos removal at a house renovation site.

According to a recent release, the penalties were issued following a referral from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that alleged the falsification of lab results to improperly dispose of hazardous materials. Asbestos exposure is linked to serious health risks, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Washington state regulations require certified asbestos abatement professionals to perform any removal work.

The owner of NW Quality Flooring LLC received fines totaling $108,200 for four willful serious violations after presenting a falsified asbestos test result to a local disposal facility and misleading L&I inspectors. According to officials, he altered test results from a previous job to claim the current property was asbestos-free.

"[The owner of NW Quality Flooring] put anyone who walks into this house at risk, including other contractors and the next homeowner. Were always going to take that very seriously, Cari Anderson, deputy assistant director for L&Is Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said in a statement.

Russ Tile Work LLC, the partner company in the home-flipping project, was fined $8,100 for four serious violations. Inspectors found no evidence that the company's owner was aware of the fraudulent actions by his business partner.

Despite the appeals filed by both companies, NW Quality Flooring has since hired a certified contractor to safely complete the asbestos cleanup. L&I has referred the case to the state Attorney Generals Environmental Protection Division for possible criminal prosecution.
Another year, another set of challenges and dilemmas for OPEC+. The group is set to start unwinding its oil production cuts, but it will have to contend  once again  with many uncertainties and be ready to react to unpredictable events in 2025.

From demand concerns to supply uncertainties, OPEC+ has its work cut out for this year, too.

The alliance of OPEC and a dozen non-OPEC producers led by Russia will closely watch several major factors for global oil markets this year. These include whether Chinas oil demand will rebound in 2025 following lackluster consumption and imports last year, how the incoming U.S. Administration will tackle China, Russia, and Iran, and whether incoming President Donald Trump will choose to impose tariffs not only on China but on major trade partners and allies, too.

All these are outside OPEC+s control. But there is something the group can  or at least should  control: the level of compliance with its own oil production ceilings.

Elusive Compliance

Rather than targeting a specific price of oil (preferably above $80 per barrel) or market share to recoup from non-OPEC+ producers, the key consideration for OPEC+ in both 2025 and 2026 is full compliance and compensation for historical overproduction, according to Bassam Fattouh, the Director of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES), and Andreas Economou from OIES.

These criteria are essential for the groups cohesion and for the agreement to have its desired effects on market balances and shaping market expectations, Fattouh and Economou wrote in an analysis this month.

Related: TotalEnergies Expects Better LNG Trading in Q4

Achieving these criteria will also provide OPEC+ with more flexibility to navigate the current market uncertainties, they added.

OPEC+, in early December, decided to delay the start of the easing of the 2.2 million bpd cuts to April 2025, from January 2025. The group also extended the period in which it would unwind all these cuts into the following year, until September 2026.

The alliance reiterated the importance of compliance with the cuts and the timely compensation for those producers who havent adhered to their assigned quotas.

The OPEC+ overproducers  OPECs Iraq and non-OPEC+s Russia and Kazakhstan  still have work to do to fall in line. All three have pledged to compensate for previous overproduction with deeper cuts.

Russia, Iraq, and Kazakhstan submitted in July 2024 their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024.

The cumulative overproduction in these six months was about 1.184 million bpd for Iraq, 620,000 bpd for Kazakhstan, and 480,000 bpd for Russia, OPEC said back then.

Russias plan envisages Moscow mostly compensating for its overproduction in the months of March to September due to the more challenging conditions in the winter.

Now the compensation period is also being extended until the end of June 2026.

Supply and Demand Uncertainties

This change in compliance and compensation timelines could alter market balances at a time when many other factors are at play.

Due to the OPEC+ decision to delay the start of supply additions to April 2025, the market surplus in 2025 may not be as large as previously feared, but a surplus we will see, analysts say.

The next OPEC+ moves will depend on a variety of market movers. OPEC and the wider OPEC+ group pride themselves on being proactive in managing oil market balances, but they may have to be reactive once again this year.

Supply from Russia and Iraq is already coming under pressure. On its way out, the Biden Administration just sanctioned Russias oil exports, traders, and tankers with the heaviest set of sanctions yet. This sent oil prices rallying above $80 per barrel in just two days.

The Trump Administration begins formally its term in office at the start of next week and more expansive sanctions from Trump on Iran are widely expected to follow soon.

India and China are already looking to source alternative supply as they are reluctant to deal with tankers, traders, and insurers explicitly sanctioned by the U.S.

If Russian and Iranian supply drops materially, the other OPEC+ producers could opt to return more barrels sooner rather than later.

However, non-OPEC+ supply is set to grow this year, too, led by the U.S., Brazil, Guyana, Canada, and Argentina. This growth could be enough to meet the expected growth in global oil demand, and the market could find itself in a surplus with additional OPEC+ barrels.

Moreover, the Trump Administrations trade policies (read: tariffs) could slow economic growth in China, the U.S., and other major economies, potentially denting global oil demand growth in the near and medium term.

Geopolitics and the foreign and trade policy choices of the new U.S. administration will impact the world order and economy, and OPEC+ will have to carefully navigate through all these to remain a relevant force in the oil market.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Oil prices have stopped rallying as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas could lead to the end of the Houthi bombardments of the Red Sea, but prices are still set to end the week with a gain.

The recent relentless oil price rally that saw Brent break $82 appears to have slowed, but backwardation continues to expand in both Dubai and Brent futures. A potential de-escalation between Israel and Hamas, leading to the Houthis ending their maritime warfare in the Red Sea, could bring flat prices lower from next week onwards, but this week remains firmly in bullish territory.

BP Pledges Massive Layoffs and Cost-Cutting. Embattled UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) confirmed this week that it would cut 5% of its global workforce, reducing headcount by around 4,700 positions, citing the need to simplify and refocus the company after some 30 projects were halted since June last year.

The Ouster of Libyas Top Oil Executive Raises Disruption Risks. According to media reports, the head of Libyas National Oil Corporation Farhat Bengdara has left his post after three years at the helm of the state oil firm, blighted by repeated shutdowns, militia interference, and haggling over revenue allocation.

US Subsidizes Utilities Infrastructure Buildout. The US Energy Department announced $22.92 billion in financing for utility companies across 12 states to develop aging grid infrastructure, most notably two Detroit-based firms that received $8.8 billion to reduce gas leaks and add renewable capacity.

Canada Threatens Tariffs on Critical Minerals. Canadas Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson could include critical minerals in its list of potential US retaliatory tariffs, potentially imposing countermeasures on up to $105 billion worth of trade.

Secretary Rubio Eyes Venezuela Sanction Snapback. Donald Trumps Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio stated at his confirmation hearing that the US will need to re-examine the 2022 sanctions waiver that enabled Chevron (NYSE:CVX) to expand operations in Venezuela, producing some 200,000 b/d.

Chevrons Namibia Wells Disappoint Again. Failing to expand on the success of TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) multi-billion Venus prospect, US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) stated it did not discover any commercial hydrocarbon reserves with its Kapana-1X exploration well in Namibias Orange Basin.

Singapore Bunker Sales Boom in 2024. The worlds largest bunkering hub in Singapore posted record-beating numbers in 2024 as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have buoyed Asias bunkering demand even further with sales totaling 54.92 million metric tonnes, up 6% compared to 2023.

Asian Freight Rates Spiral Out of Control. Freight rates for giant VLCC tankers soared on the back of the US crackdown on Russias shadow fleet, with rates on the Persian Gulf-China route rising by 53% since the beginning of the year at $15 per metric tonne as Asian refiners scramble for available oil.

Saudi Oil Firms Seek Lithium Expansion. Saudi Arabia unveiled a new mining partnership that would see oil giant Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) team up with mining firm Maaden in a bid to extract lithium, building on a 2024 breakthrough in extracting lithium directly from oilfield brine in Aramco-run fields.

Mining Giants Mull Biggest Ever M&A Deal. Catching the mining universe by surprise, two of the worlds largest miners, Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) and Glencore (LON:GLEN), were reported to be in early-stage merger talks, potentially marking the biggest ever mining M&A deal with a market value of $158 billion.

Mexico Promises to Settle Debt with Drillers Soon. Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum promised that the arrears of state oil firm Pemex vis-a-vis oil service companies, assessed around $5.1 billion, will be paid off in March, potentially lifting the upstream capex freeze currently in place.

Iran Ready to Sign Nuclear Pact with Russia. Irans President traveled to Moscow to sign an extended partnership pact with Russia, finalizing commercial terms on the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Iran, potentially the fourth nuclear object to be developed by Russias Rosatom.

Azerbaijan Turns Fashionable Again. US oil giants ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) have revisited their stance towards Azerbaijan, with the former no longer selling its stake in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli fields and the former holding talks with state oil firm SOCAR to use its Baku-Supsa pipeline.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

When people mark Chinese New Year on January 29 it will be the first time after the festival and social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year were included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.



The State Council issued a notice on Monday declaring further optimization of tourism policies, including the orderly expansion of the visa-exempt countries list. During the recent New Year holiday, the number of foreign nationals entering China increased by nearly 34 percent compared to last year. A travel platform even predicted that during this year's Spring Festival, the number of travel orders from foreign tourists to China will increase by 203 percent over last year.

China can use the favorable visa policies to showcase the intangible cultural connotations of Spring Festival with the world, enhancing the economic vitality of the festival.

The reason why Spring Festival has become such a notable representative of Chinese culture is because of the rich cultural connotations and widespread public participation. The evolution from ancient practices to today's Chinese New Year reflects how Chinese traditions are passed on from generation to generation. But it is not only a unique festival for the Chinese people, it has also been gradually accepted and celebrated around the world, becoming a global cultural event.

Over time, Spring Festival has been innovating itself while preserving traditions. Spring Festival's connotations and functions are rich and diverse. Apart from participating in the various activities related to Spring Festival, young people should also share knowledge about the festival with others.

As a large number of foreign tourists pour in, this year's Spring Festival could see increased footfall at museums and cultural heritage sites. Also, with the integration of culture and tourism and the empowerment of digitalization, people may use technologies such as blockchain to create digital assets to send as blessings. We look forward to this year's Spring Festival becoming a model for inheriting and promoting China's intangible cultural heritage and culture.
Shenzhen's Yantian Port in southern China plans to increase its LNG bunkering capacity to 450,000 cubic meters this year as it attempts to enhance its LNG infrastructure and support the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels. The expansion is expected to strengthen Yantian Port's position as a key LNG bunkering hub in the region.

Israel agreed to a hostage deal in the early morning hours of Friday. Hamas will release hostages being held in Gaza, and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire deal and hostage exchange is expected to begin on Sunday, with a 42-day first phase that will also see the Israeli Defense Forces withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor and retreating to 700 meters from the border. Another occupied corridor will also see a troop reduction.

The new Iranian president (Masoud Pezeshkian) met with Putin on Friday when the two countries signed a pact for a comprehensive strategic partnership. There is a high-level element of showmanship in this pact, which comes at a sort of crossroads for Russia-Iran relations. Neither ally came to Assads aid in Syria, and there have been some intelligence indications of miscommunications between the two over Assads fate. There is also the fact that Moscow maintains good relations with Israel, which will prevent Tehran from much deeper cooperation unless absolutely necessary.

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict

The new Iranian president (Masoud Pezeshkian) met with Putin on Friday when the two countries signed a pact for a comprehensive strategic partnership. There is a high-level element of showmanship in this pact, which comes at a sort of crossroads for Russia-Iran relations. Neither ally came to Assads aid in Syria, and there have been some intelligence indications of miscommunications between the two over Assads fate. There is also the fact that Moscow maintains good relations with Israel, which will prevent Tehran from much deeper cooperation unless absolutely necessary.

Israel agreed to a hostage deal in the early morning hours of Friday. Hamas will release hostages being held in Gaza, and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire deal and hostage exchange is expected to begin on Sunday, with a 42-day first phase that will also see the Israeli Defense Forces withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor and retreating to 700 meters from the border. Another occupied corridor will also see a troop reduction.

Discovery & Development

Shenzhen's Yantian Port in southern China plans to increase its LNG bunkering capacity to 450,000 cubic meters this year as it attempts to enhance its LNG infrastructure and support the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels. The expansion is expected to strengthen Yantian Port's position as a key LNG bunkering hub in the region.

Italy's Eni is set to shutter its Brindisi steam cracker by April 2025 and is also moving forward with plans to close its Priolo cracker and polyethylene production at Ragusa. The closures are part of Eni's 2 billion restructuring strategy to pivot from basic chemicals to advanced platforms, including an 800-900 million biorefinery at Priolo. Trade union Filctem CGIL has warned the moves could endanger 20,000 jobs and severely impact Italy's chemicals sector. Eni, over 30% state-owned, attributes the decision to a decline in Europe's basic chemicals market, which it deems structurally unsustainable.

Chevrons exploration well Kapana 1X in Namibias Orange Basin OEK90 block has yielded no commercially viable oil or gas reserves. Shell recently faced a similar setback, writing down $400 million on an unviable Namibian offshore oil discovery. Chevron said it would continue exploring in Namibia.

Rwanda has officially announced its first oil discovery in Lake Kivu, identifying 13 reservoirs with significant hydrocarbon potential. The discovery marks a transformative step for Rwanda, currently dependent on imports for all petroleum products, as it eyes joining Africas oil-producing nations alongside Algeria and Nigeria. With extractive industries contributing only 2% to GDP, Rwandas existing global impactaccounting for 31% of tungsten and 14% of tin exports in 2022could grow substantially through oil production. The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board is seeking industry partners to advance exploration and development, bolstered by regional discoveries in Uganda and the DRC.

Talos Energy (TALO) announced a significant oil and gas discovery at its second exploration well in the Katmai West field in the Gulf of Mexico's Ewing Bank area. The Katmai West #2 well, drilled ahead of schedule and under budget to ~27,000 ft, revealed over 400 ft of gross hydrocarbon pay with excellent rock properties. The well is expected to produce 15,00020,000 boe/day later this year, bolstering the field's output. Combined with the success of Katmai West #1, the field's proved estimated ultimate recovery has nearly doubled to 50M boe, affirming its 100M boe resource potential.

Norway has granted stakes in 53 offshore oil and gas exploration licenses to 20 companies to ensure stable production. Norway is intensifying its exploration efforts to better meet Europes demand after cutting ties with Russian energy. Significant discoveries like DNO ASAs 120230M boe Carmen gas find and Aker BPs 4090M boe Yggdrasil oil discovery highlight the region's resource potential.

Murphy Oil Corp. has announced a successful oil discovery at its Hai Su Vang-1X well in Vietnam's Cuu Long Basin, located 40 miles offshore. Drilled to a depth of 13,124 feet in 149 feet of water, the well encountered approximately 370 feet of net oil pay. The discovery underscores Murphy Oil's exploration success in the region and its potential for further development. This adds to Vietnam's growing energy prospects within its offshore basins.

Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions

Civitas Resources is considering selling its Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin assets, which could fetch over $4 billion, as part of a strategic review. The DJ Basin assets currently produce 160,000 boepd and a full or partial sale would allow Civitas to reduce its $4.8 billion debt and fund acquisitions. The companys Permian Basin holdings remain a key strength, bolstered by a $4.7 billion acquisition in 2022. This move reflects broader trends among midsize shale firms optimizing portfolios amidst consolidation and regulatory pressures in regions like Colorado.

Africa Oil Corp. has increased its stake in South Africa's Block 3B/4B in the Orange Basin to 18%, acquiring an additional 1% from Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas. The deal involved Africa Oil relinquishing equity rights in Eco, and canceling shares and warrants worth CAD 11.5M ($7.99M). Block 3B/4B has gained momentum with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy farming into the block, acquiring 33% and 24% stakes, respectively, while Ricocures ownership was reduced to 19.75%. Spanning 17,581 sq. km with significant seismic data and lying on trend with major discoveries like Venus, the block holds substantial exploration potential, supported by a recently granted environmental permit for up to five exploration wells.

GeoPark has terminated its $530M deal to acquire Repsol's Colombian oil and gas assets after partners in the projects exercised preemptive rights to buy the stakes. The assets included a 25% interest in SierraCol Energia Arauca and a 45% stake in the CPO-9 block, both with a combined production capacity of 16,000 boe/day net to Repsol. Colombias Ecopetrol and SierraCol leveraged their rights to retain ownership, prompting the deals cancellation. GeoParks shares dipped nearly 1% following the announcement, reflecting market reaction to the halted acquisition.

Langford Energy Partners (LEP) has acquired 8,000 net acres in the Midland Basin from Murchison Oil and Gas, bolstering its operational presence in Texas. The assets, located in Howard, Borden, and Midland Counties, include 63 operated horizontal wells producing 7,200 boe/d (72% oil), with significant drilling potential and infrastructure support. The acquisition was funded by LEPs flagship fund and a credit facility led by Texas Capital Bank.
The top 10 taxpayers, mostly from the energy and mining sectors, contribute 57% of the total corporate tax revenue.

State-connected energy and mining companies dominate the list of top tax-paying enterprises in Uzbekistan, according to data released January 15 by the countrys State Tax Committee. Overall, the government collected roughly 123.3 trillion Uzbek soums (about $9.5 billion) in corporate tax revenue from 949 major taxpayers in 2024, the committee reported.

The top 10 highest paying entities contributed roughly 57 percent of the corporate tax revenue collected by the state. The top three tax-payers were the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant, the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant, and uranium producer and exporter Navoiyuran. Ranking fourth, fifth and sixth on the list were the oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz, gas distribution company Khududgastaminot, and the state gas import-export firm UzGasTrade. The automaker UzAuto Motors, which produces cars under the licensed Chevrolet brand, ranked seventh.

Among privately held enterprises, tobacco concerns, UZBAT and Tashkent Tobacco, were the top two contributors in terms of tax payments. The fact that tobacco companies generate a significant amount of revenue for the state may help explain why the Uzbek parliament recently initiated a legislative drive to ban e-cigarettes in the country.

The Uzbek government has been running a budget deficit. During the first six months of 2024, the Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that state expenditures totaled 149.8 trillion soums (about $11.6 billion), of which roughly 50 percent went to social spending. The ministry added that state budget revenue rose over 18 percent during the first half of 2024 compared with the same period the previous year.

By Eurasianet.org

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, when oil prices fell to a record low, millions of oil and gas jobs were cut worldwide. This was owing to a decrease in oil and gas operations due to work and movement restrictions, as well as many companies going bankrupt. During this time, several oil and gas companies sought to automate operations by investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other digitalisation efforts. As oil and gas operations have become more automated in the past half a decade, oil companies are finding they can produce more oil with fewer workers, as oil and gas jobs continue to fall into decline even in the face of rising production.

Last year it was reported that while the U.S. was breaking records for its high crude output, employment figures fell during five of the first six months of 2024 due to improved operational efficiencies. U.S. oil companies now need fewer rigs and workers to pump the same amount of oil as before the pandemic when employment figures were much higher. In June last year, the Texas Workforce Commission said that the number of jobs had fallen by 2,000 compared to May. Meanwhile, Baker Hughes stated that the U.S. rig count decreased by about 14 percent between June 2023 and June 2024.

Industry experts worry that this trend will continue as oil and gas companies across the U.S. invest heavily in digitalisation and automation. Greater advances in AI, machine learning, robotics, and other innovative technologies are expected to help boost efficiency in the sector and reduce the need for workers in certain roles. Hundreds of thousands of workers are still employed in oil and gas in the U.S. but most companies are not creating any new jobs and are reducing the number of employees in their operations. In 2014, it took over 600,000 workers to produce oil and gas in the U.S. By August of last year, this figure had fallen to around 380,000, while oil companies were producing around 45 percent more gas and 47 percent more crude.

Patrick Jankowski, the senior vice president for research at the business group Greater Houston Partnership, stated, In the first boom, the oil and gas industry over-hired and overpaid. Jankowski explained, now companies have rigs that get up and walk. Before, workers had to disassemble and reassemble rigs each time they moved, now you just press a button. This has led companies to cut some of the positions that oil and gas workers once filled.

In addition to improving efficiency and automation, some companies are now outsourcing jobs. For example, Exxon Mobil and Chevron are just two of the companies to hire engineers and geologists in India because of the cheaper labour available. These employees are able to work on projects remotely at a lower cost.

According to a New York Times analysis of federal data, companies that extract, transport, and process oil and gas employ around 25 percent fewer workers than they did around a decade ago when they produced less. With an oil glut expected in 2025, producers are cutting costs, with spending expected to decline by around 3 percent in North America this year, which will likely mean more job cuts.

This trend has previously been seen in the coal industry, with several regions of the U.S. falling into an economic depression as thousands of workers in coal-rich regions lost their jobs. While the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector is continuing to grow year on year, an employment rebound in the oil and gas sector seems unlikely.

Chris Wright, the CEO of oil field services company Liberty Energy and expected head of the Energy Department under President-elect Donald Trump, stated, You wont see a lot of job growth in just the basic act of producing oil and natural gas. Wright added that the industry is on a trend now of flat to maybe gradually declining employment.

Another concern for oil and gas workers is the decrease in pay and benefits. As fossil fuel companies look to boost efficiency, many firms are no longer paying employees as well as they once were. Average pay before the pandemic stood at around 60 percent more than that of jobs in manufacturing, construction and other related industries. By late 2024, this figure declined to just over 30 percent.

Despite the sharp rise in U.S. oil and gas production in the post-pandemic period, the number of jobs in the sector has fallen significantly, a trend that is set to continue. Greater automation and efficiency, the outsourcing of labour, and cost-cutting have led to a sharp decline in oil and gas jobs, as well as a wage reduction across the industry.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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- Physical trading activity in the benchmark JKM futures contract saw a declining activity as trading houses completed their purchases for early 2025 in advance of the holidays, seeing the quotes dip below $14 per mmBtu for the

- Europes natural gas futures continue to trade dangerously close to the 50 per MWh mark, a trend aggravated by the strong dollar, but Asian prices have started to ease as China prepares for its Lunar New Year celebrations.

- President Trumps threat of slapping a 25% tariff on Canadian crude would be particularly painful for US refiners as approximately 55% of all crude imports to the country, some 4.5 million b/d, flow in from Canada.

- The EIA predicts that 2025 will finally see a return to US consumption rates seen before the COVID pandemic with total liquids demand expected to add another 200,000 b/d year-over-year and reach 20.54 million b/d.

- Despite US refinery utilization holding up at a robust 90.3% in Q4 2024, analysts have lowered expectations for their EBIT by 24% since the start of the quarter, with a coinciding slide in stock value.

- Following two years of bumper profits, US refiners are bracing for a tougher period ahead as gradually weakening fuel demand growth across the country and potential tariff woes are set to lower downstream profitability.

US Refiners Face 2025 Headwinds as Cracks Fall and Geopolitics Complicate Outlook

- Following two years of bumper profits, US refiners are bracing for a tougher period ahead as gradually weakening fuel demand growth across the country and potential tariff woes are set to lower downstream profitability.

- Despite US refinery utilization holding up at a robust 90.3% in Q4 2024, analysts have lowered expectations for their EBIT by 24% since the start of the quarter, with a coinciding slide in stock value.

- The EIA predicts that 2025 will finally see a return to US consumption rates seen before the COVID pandemic with total liquids demand expected to add another 200,000 b/d year-over-year and reach 20.54 million b/d.

- President Trumps threat of slapping a 25% tariff on Canadian crude would be particularly painful for US refiners as approximately 55% of all crude imports to the country, some 4.5 million b/d, flow in from Canada.

Asian LNG Prices Weaken as High Stocks Limit Buying

- Europes natural gas futures continue to trade dangerously close to the 50 per MWh mark, a trend aggravated by the strong dollar, but Asian prices have started to ease as China prepares for its Lunar New Year celebrations.

- Physical trading activity in the benchmark JKM futures contract saw a declining activity as trading houses completed their purchases for early 2025 in advance of the holidays, seeing the quotes dip below $14 per mmBtu for the first time this year.

- LNG imports to Asian countries are expected to fall off after reaching an annual high of 25.5 million tonnes according to Kpler data, with predicted January imports only hitting 23.7 million tonnes amidst high inventories across the region.

- The Israel-Gaza ceasefire, if implemented, could help alleviate the regional differences between Europe and Asia as LNG freight costs would be lowered; over the past 16 months, only Russian LNG carriers risked transiting the Suez Canal.

Freight Rates Soar on Russian Shadow Fleet Sanctions

- The freight market has been set ablaze by the eleventh-hour package of sanctions on Russias tanker fleet, the last of the Biden administration, as 183 ships were put on the OFAC list, of which almost 160 were carrying oil or products.

- US sanctions on Russias shadow fleet had the most tangible impact on Russian exports, with costs of chartering ESPO Blend crude quadrupling to more than $6 million, with shipowners still continuing to raise their offers.

- The total cost of sending US crude aboard a VLCC tanker to China moved up by 2 million to $8.7 million in just two days of trading, whilst the Middle East-China route rose by 20% to more than $4 million.

- Freight derivative contracts ballooned this week as well, with 30,000 FFAs traded in the week, the highest amount since at least 2014 when the Baltic Exchange started tracking daily traded volumes.

Diesel Is the Big Winner of Geopolitical Disputes

- Diesel has become the largely unexpected leader amongst all oil products, defying predictions of lower consumption amidst EV penetration and European recession, witnessing another spike in the wake of the most recent US sanctions package on Russia.

- The premium of front-month ICE gasoil futures contract to that six months later soared to $50 per metric tonne this week, a 10-month high as steep backwardation normally indicates tight supply.

- The sanctioning of Russian tankers led to skyrocketing freight rates and the scrambling of refiners for prompt cargoes that would not be Russian also lifted the differentials of crude cargoes purchased, with both reflected in diesel prices.

- Further buoyed by the upcoming start of seasonal maintenance across the US Gulf Coast, US diesel cracks strengthened beyond $20 per barrel, the highest theyve been since March 2024.

Lithium Producers Eye February-March for Long-Awaited Price Recovery

- Chinas post-Lunar New Year demand recovery coupled with seasonal refinery maintenance as many converters in Sichuan province go offline is set to buoy lithium prices globally, but carbonate and hydroxide pricing movements could diverge.

- Chinese lithium carbonate prices have been relatively rangebound in Q4 2024, with the benchmark Guangzhou Exchange futures contract trading in the range of $10,000-11,500 per metric tonne.

- Since lithium carbonate can be used in both nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, lithium converters across China have been switching their capacity to focus solely on carbonate.

- Missing supply volumes of lithium hydroxide are expected to trigger a strong upward movement for LiOH, which at times traded at a $10,000/mt discount to carbonate over the course of 2024.

La Nina Brings Joy to Panama Canal, Raises Concerns for Australian Mining

- After a year of El Nino, the Southern Oscillation phenomenon that makes the northern US and Canada dryer and warmer than usual whilst the US Gulf gets notably more precipitation, meteorologists see a La Nina emerging in the equatorial Pacific.

- The impact of the oscillation change might be relatively short-lived as the US Climate Prediction Center expects La Nina to fade by May, but it could nevertheless impact 2025 harvests and mining.

- La Nina historically brings dryer weather into the southern US as well as the crop-growing areas of Brazil and Argentina, potentially a bullish sign for soybeans and coffee, whilst Australias mining operations see increased risks of flooding.

- The emergence of a La Nina, albeit weaker than in 2020-2023, is a positive sign for Panama Canal and the Gatun Lake, as this would most probably mean large storms and heavy precipitation in the countrys rainy season that starts in May.

Sanction Panic Makes Middle Eastern Oil Super Expensive

- Backwardation in the Dubai futures contract spiraled out of control, mirroring frenzied buying of Middle Eastern medium sour crudes as the Asian markets assess the impact of US sanctions on Russia.

- The Dubai cash-to-futures spread, setting the background for Middle Eastern formula prices, skyrocketed to $4.60 per barrel by January 17, quadrupling since the beginning of the year.

- Indian refiners were particularly active in the spot market with state-owned IOC issuing a sour crude import tender for the first time since 2022 whilst its peer HPCL bought Iraqi Basrah Medium from Lukoil in a separate tender.

- Robust buying sent VLCC freight rates spiraling, as was discussed above, with this week seeing at least five supergiant tankers fixed for a China delivery (three of those were coming from Shell), with another two set for India.
The European Union and Mexico have agreed to a revamped free-trade agreement days before Trump begins a second term. Mexico, in particular, has been working to revamp the trade deal with the EU ahead of Trumps inauguration as a way to show strength before the review of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, known as USMCA. The U.S. is, by far, Mexicos biggest trade partner, accounting for 83% of Mexicos trade relationship. Trump has criticized the EUs trade practices and said he would impose duties on exports by the bloc. Hes also said hed impose 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico.

This landmark deal proves that open, rules-based trade can deliver for our prosperity and economic security, as well as climate action and sustainable development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

Back in 2018, the Trump administration imposed a 25 percent levy on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, arguing that cheap imports were a national security threat and were decimating whole communities. The former president called the tariffs a big win for the country, saying they had helped revive U.S. steel and aluminum industries and created thousands of new jobs. Yet, evidence for the same was tenuous or mixed at best.

American steel manufacturers did receive an initial boost, with the New York Times reporting that dozens of steel companies had re-opened or made new investments courtesy of the tariffs. However, the bounty was only short-lived, with steel prices rapidly falling back to pre-tariff levels. Shares of steel companies were beaten up pretty badly during the time Trump was president. The one thing the tariffs undoubtedly achieved was a deterioration in relations between America and its closest neighbors and trade partners.

However, after months of games of high-stakes brinkmanship, Trump finally ended tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the former president backed down on protection once it had been imposed. Trump is not known to be this charitable, with a reworked trade deal with South Korea in the previous year resulting in tariffs being replaced with quotas which were just as punitive. Washington was actually pushing for a similar quotas-for-tariffs swap with Canada and Mexico, but they stood their ground.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Indian Oil Corp, the state major, is buying Middle Eastern and African crude to replace Russian volumes affected by U.S. sanctions, including a cargo of Abu Dhabi Murban crude, which IOC does not normally buy, Reuters has reported, citing trading sources.

The Murban cargo fetched a premium of $5 per barrel above the Dubai benchmark, the sources told Reuters.

In addition to the rare Murban cargo, which totaled 2 million barrels, Indian Oil Corp. also bought 3 million barrels of Nigerian crude, a million barrels of Gabonese crude, and a cargo of Angolan crude in the past few days.

The outgoing U.S. administration last Friday slapped the most severe sanctions on Russias oil yet, designating two major Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels, dozens of oil traders, oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and energy officials.

The sanctions on the oil companies are the first direct designations against Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which were sanctioned by the UK on the same day, too, as the profits from these 2 companies are lining Putins war chest and facilitating the war, as the UK government said.

The latest sanctions also cut off Russias access to U.S. services related to the extraction and production of crude oil and other petroleum products.

According to analysts, the sanction package could reduce the supply of Russian oil globally by between 700,000 and 800,000 barrels dailya volume sufficient to keep the benchmarks higher.

As a result, Russias biggest clients in Asia are in a rush to secure the volumes they need, and they are driving a higher premium for these barrels. Earlier this week, Reuters again reported Indian Oil Corp. had organized its first sour crude import tender in three years, seeking high-sulfur crude from spot market suppliers. The company has also organized a tender for sweet crude, to be delivered between mid-February and mid-March.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Diesel prices in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. jumped this week as the latest U.S. sanctions on Russias oil industry added to colder winter weather to boost futures prices and margins amid expectations of reduced diesel and crude supply from Russia.

On January 10, the outgoing U.S. Administration imposed the most aggressive sanctions on Russias oil yet, designating two major Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels, dozens of oil traders, oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and energy officials.

In the week following the sanctions, the benchmark diesel contract in Europe deepened the backwardation structure to a 10-month high, according to data by LSEG quoted by Reuters.

The backwardation futures market structure signals tight supplies or market deficit, and in it, prices for front-month contracts are higher than the ones further out in time.

Diesel refining margins hit their highest level in more than five months at $20 per barrel on Thursday.

Margins in Asia also surged by 8% on Monday, the first trading day after the U.S. sanctions were announced last Friday, before giving up some gains by the end of this week.

Diesel futures prices in the United States have also rallied, although cold winter weather was a bigger factor than the sanctions on Russia.

The direct sanctions on Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which operate refineries in Russia, are expected to disrupt fuel product exports of these two companies.

At least 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russias diesel exports, courtesy of these firms, are at risk, according to estimates by consultancy Energy Aspects.

Diesel [profit margins] are up following news on the sanctions, and we expect meaningful disruptions to Russian diesel exports, Energy Aspects analyst Natalia Losada told Reuters.

The sanctions are set to increase costs for crude supply to Asia, where refiners profits could be constrained by the higher-priced oil, analysts say.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Consumption of natural gas in the EUs third-largest economy, Italy, dropped by 2.5% in 2024 to its lowest level in more than 15 years, power market manager GME said on Friday.

Demand fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, due to higher prices compared to the pre-energy crisis levels, the market manager said in a monthly newsletter.

Gas consumption in power generation fell by 1.6% last year from a year earlier, while residential consumption and the industry saw slight increases in consumption, up by 1.8% and 1.3%, respectively.

As a result of lower demand, Italys natural gas imports fell to the lowest level since 2015, with reduced imports both via pipeline and LNG, according to the data.

Europe remains vulnerable to possible shocks in natural gas supply as its exposure to LNG trading and supply has grown, Stefano Venier, CEO of one of Europes biggest gas grid operators, Italys Snam, said at the end of last year.

Early this year, Italy called for a much lower EU cap on natural gas prices.

The EU needs to extend the cap on natural gas prices but set the cap at a much lower level, to avoid fresh shocks in energy bills, Italian Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin told a local radio station in early January.

The European Union set at the start of 2023 an emergency cap on natural gas prices. This cap expires at the end of January 2025.

The cap on gas prices, the so-called market correction mechanism, will be triggered if the month-ahead price on the Title Transfer Facility (TTF), Europes key benchmark, exceeds $185 (180 euros) per MWh for three working days, and the month-ahead TTF price is $36 (35 euros) higher than a reference price for LNG on global markets for the same three working days.

According to the Italian minister, the cap on natural gas prices needs to be lowered to $51-$62 (50-60 euros) per MWh.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Brazils state-owned oil and gas multinational Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (NYSE:PBR), aka Petrobras, saw output from its refineries hit an all-time high in 2024 thanks to record production of gasoline and S-10 diesel. Petrobras reported that gasoline output totaled 24.4 billion liters, eclipsing the previous record of 24.2 billion liters posted in 2014 while diesel production reached 26.3 billion liters. The companys annual refinery utilization rate was 93.2% last year, up from 92% in 2023.

Last year, Petrobras lowered capital expenditure (capex) for 2025 to $17 billion from an earlier estimate of $21 billion. According to the company, the lower capex is more realistic and in line with its financial wherewithal. In its latest strategic plan, Petrobras plans to invest $102 billion in the 2024-2028 period, good for a 31% increase over the previous plan amid pressure from Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the firm to ramp up investments in a bid to prop the country's economy and generate local jobs.

Previously, global research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie predicted that Brazils private oil companies will increase oil production by 75% from 1.221Mb/d to 2.123Mb/d by 2030. According to WoodMac, international oil companies such as Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL), Equinor ASA, (NYSE:EQNR), TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), Repsol Sinopec Brasil S.A. and Petrogal will be among the top producers thanks to their partnership with Petrobras in the pre-salt and fields under development. Brazil's oil and gas production has hit the highest level ever, with oil output increasing 18.6%Y/Y to 3.51 million barrels per day while natural gas production grew 13.6%Y/Y to 154.08 million cubic meters per day.

Last August, Petrobras and Colombias integrated energy company Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) confirmed a large natural gas discovery at the Uchuva-2 well off Colombia's coast. Uchuva-2 is a deepwater well with natural gas previously discovered in the nearby Uchuva-1 well, drilled in 2022.

According to a Petrobras official, the promising area off Colombia's coast could justify a large project to supply natural gas to the Andean country and for exports.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Mining giant Rio Tinto and commodity major Glencore last year discussed a possible tie-up of their business, unnamed sources told Bloomberg, adding that the talks never yielded a deal.

The report noted that a deal may still be on the table but it is unclear if the two are still in contact about a possible tie-up.

A deal of this size would rank among the biggest in the mining industry, the Financial Times commented in a report on the news, noting that Rio Tinto had a market cap of some $103 billion and Glencore was worth around $55 billion.

The publication also suggested the talks may have been prompted by the bid that BHP made for Anglo American last year, offering to take over the company for $49 billion. The bid eventually failed as Anglos leadership rejected a call to offload its South African iron ore business to clear the way for the merger. However, a recent report in The Times suggests the prospective buyer may have prepared a new bid for Anglo American.

The focus of the BHP-Anglo deal was on copper, as demand prospects for the basic metal remain extremely bright amid the energy transition push. Copper would be a key consideration for a potential tie-up between Rio and Glencore as well, with majors angling for access to more of the transition metal.

According to the FT, however, A potential deal with Glencore would be complicated by the Swiss-based companys heavy exposure to thermal coal, a commodity Rio has abandoned in recent years.

Last year, Glencore refused to ditch its coal business, seeing as it was making the commodity trader some pretty good money. In addition, many Glencore shareholders also expressed skepticism that a potential remaining business of metals would only raise the companys valuation.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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China's Commerce Ministry said Thursday it would launch a probe into U.S. exports of foundational semiconductors, also known as legacy or mature node semiconductors.

In response to a question about the impact of low-priced imported legacy chips from the United States on China's domestic chip industry, a ministry spokesperson said there have been concerns within the sector regarding significant subsidies provided by the Biden administration to the U.S. semiconductor industry.

Citing complaints from the domestic chip industry, the spokesperson said U.S. companies have gained an unfair competitive advantage from the subsidies and have been exporting low-priced chips to China, undermining the legitimate interests of China's domestic chip industry.

It is quite normal for China's domestic industry to express concerns and they have the right to request trade remedy investigations, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson stressed that relevant authorities will review applications and requests from the domestic industry in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, as well as World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and will initiate investigations based on legal procedures.

Following the ministry's announcement, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products and the China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) issued statements, voicing support for the sector in China, including both domestic and foreign semiconductor enterprises operating in the country, in defending their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with related laws and rules.

Both industrial bodies highlighted that the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry relies on a market environment of fair competition and expressed hope that the probe would contribute to fostering a level playing field.

The CSIA also encouraged enterprises to leverage continuous technological innovation, strengthen industrial chain collaboration, and actively engage in international cooperation to lay a solid foundation for the prosperous development of the global semiconductor industry.
Russias exports of refined oil products by sea declined by 9.1% in 2024 from a year earlier, due to low processing rates, drone attacks knocking out refineries, and export bans, Reuters reported on Friday, citing industry data.

Russia shipped a total of 113.7 million metric tons of refined petroleum products last year, while its domestic refining slumped to a multi-year low level of 267 million tons in 2024, the lowest since 2012.

The refining rates fell amid weak margins, unplanned refinery outages, and the export bans that Russia introduced for several periods in 2024.

Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged several major refineries in Russia, knocking out some of these for weeks after the drone strikes.

Energy installations have been key targets in the conflict by both sides.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure have become a fixture, with drones the weapon of choice for conducting the strikes.

Ukraine continues to target refineries in Russia and some of these attacks have affected further product supply from Russian refineries.

In recent months, Russia has seen higher-than-expected maintenance and repairs at its refineries after Ukraine stepped up its drone attacks early this year on the Russian refining capacity. In addition to unplanned repairs to fix damages from the drones, some refineries have been undergoing planned maintenance.

As a result of a damaged refinery, Russias oil products exports from the Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse plunged by one third, to 9.1 million tons, last year, due to outages after drone attacks, market sources told Reuters this week.

The Tuapse oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, the biggest Russian crude processing facility on the Black Sea, was damaged in two separate Ukrainian drone attacks last year alone.

Rosneft-owned Tuapse refinery, which has a capacity to process 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, has been a target of several drone attacks from Ukraine since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State says he decided to create four new emirates in the state in order to take it to the next level, Premium Times reports.

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday initiated and passed a bill splitting Kano Emirate into five emirates.

Mr Ganduje signed the bill into law on the same day.

Many believe Mr Ganduje created the new emirates in order to reduce the power and influence of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, over political differences.

However, speaking to State House correspondents Mr Ganduje said people condemning the decision are entitled to their own opinion but we are taking Kano to the next level and we need the active participation of the traditional system, especially in the areas of education, security, agriculture.

The conversation was on the sidelines of the ongoing Progressive Governors Forum Award Ceremony holding at the State House conference centre, Abuja.

He said the emirate was balkanised because Kano State needs the effectiveness of the traditional rulers.

By decentralising it, we are following history. Years back even before the 800 years you are referring to, the situation was not that.

So if something developed 800 years ago, things are also developing now and there will be another 800 years. So look at the history.

So, it is not vendetta, I am not against him. In fact, he is supposed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



It is the local government chairman that is supposed to discuss issues with him, not the governor, he said.

Mr Ganduje also said the people of Kano are celebrating the decision, adding we will make sure that the new emirate councils are effective in terms of developing Kano State.
In a bid to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says effective from Monday 23rd March to 23rd April, 2020, the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja will be closed to all international flights.

In a statement issued by the agency and made available to National Daily, said the new directives is in addition to the closure of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Port-Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa effective Saturday, 21st of March.

The statement signed by the Director General/CEO of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, explained that with the latest closure, all airports in Nigeria are closed to all incoming international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights.

Captain Nuhu however, said domestic flights will continue normal operations at all airports, and are required to submit passenger manifest to Port Health Authorities prior to arrival of a flights into Nigeria.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) would direct Oregon police to seek citizenship information during an arrest involving gun possessions. SB 11 helps inform Federal authorities of the arrest. This would apply to such situations as everyday crimes with gun possessions to high stakes busts such as the one featured above showing how Portland Police discovered during a crime raid a huge stash of 19 guns, drugs, body armor and $13,000 cash.

This bill is sponsored by Oregon State Senator Kim Thatcher, Oregon State Senator Suzanne Weber and Oregon State Representative Ed Diehl, three lawmakers know for their efforts at fighting crime in Oregon.

Senate Bill 11 summary reads, Directs an arresting officer to inquire about citizenship when the officer arrests a person for a crime and the person is in possession of a firearm. Directs the arresting officer to notify federal immigration authorities if the person is not a citizen.

Here was a police bust that just happened at a traffic stop just a few weeks ago.
The Global Mayors Dialogue  Nanning event in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Jan. 16, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

The Global Mayors DialogueNanning event opened on Jan. 16 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, with the signing of 14 cooperation projects amounting to over 3.3 billion yuan ($450 million) in investment.

Themed "Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation," the event brought together attendees from seven ASEAN countries, including Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The signed projects span intergovernmental collaboration, trade, logistics, tourism and education. These initiatives are expected to drive industrial growth in Nanning and ASEAN countries, fostering economic development and optimizing regional industrial structures.

Trade between China and ASEAN countries continues to thrive. Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that the trade volume reached 6.99 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 9%, accounting for 15.9% of China's total foreign trade. Additionally, the substantial conclusion of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) upgrade negotiations in October highlights the shared commitment to a rules-based trading environment, deepened economic integration and accelerated post-pandemic recovery.

Nanning Mayor Hou Gang emphasized the city's strengthened connectivity with ASEAN countries, particularly through a four-hour air logistics circle that enhances trade and tourism. Platforms for products such as new energy vehicles and cellphones have also been established, enabling seamless transactions and delivery for consumers in both regions.

Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, Laos, praised China's openness in promoting regional economic integration. He noted that the recent launch of direct flights between Nanning and Vientiane has significantly boosted the flow of goods and tourists, accelerating economic growth in both cities.

Ho Quang Huy, chairman of the People's Committee of Mong Cai, Vietnam, highlighted the importance of the Dongxing and Mong Cai border ports in facilitating cross-border trade and tourism. Dongxing in Guangxi, which is separated from Mong Cai by only a river, serves as a hub for close interaction between residents of China and Vietnam. With border resident certificates, individuals can travel back and forth within a day.

Wong Chia Zhen, member of Malaysia's Kedah State Executive Council, introduced the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, an advanced industrial zone in Malaysia. The park has attracted substantial foreign investment, including from Chinese lithium battery enterprise EVE Energy, showcasing the growing industrial collaboration between the two nations.

The event also witnessed the release of the Nanning Initiative, which calls for stronger urban exchanges, enhanced economic and trade cooperation, and deeper people-to-people bonds between China and ASEAN countries.
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An image of the spiral galaxy NGC 1068 obtained by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT). The galaxy has a distance of 47 million light-years and is one of the nearest galaxies with an active galactic nucleus. Credit: European Southern Observatory

Active galactic nuclei are supermassive black holes at the center of certain galaxies. As matter falls into these black holes, enormous amounts of energy are released, making active galactic nuclei, or AGN, one of the most energetic phenomena that can be observed in space.

University of Arizona astronomers have now produced the highest resolution direct images ever taken of an AGN in the infrared, using the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany were also involved in the study. The findings are published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

"The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer can be considered the first extremely large telescope, so it's very exciting to prove this is possible," said Jacob Isbell, a postdoctoral research associate at the U of A Steward Observatory and lead author of the paper.

Every galaxy has a supermassive black hole at the center. Some of them are considered active while others are inactive, depending on how quickly material is falling onto them, Isbell said. There's a disk around the black hole that glows more brightly the more material there is. If this accretion disk glows brightly enough, it's called an active supermassive black hole. The AGN that exists in galaxy NGC 1068, which neighbors the Milky Way, is one of the nearest ones that is considered active.

The Large Binocular Telescope is located on Mount Graham northeast of Tucson. It operates its two 8.4-meter mirrors independently, essentially functioning as two separate telescopes mounted side by side.

The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer combines the light from both mirrors, allowing for much higher resolution observations than would be possible with each mirror on its own. This imaging technique has been successfully used in the past to study volcanoes on the surface of Jupiter's moon Io. The Jupiter results encouraged the researchers to use the interferometer to look at an AGN.

"The AGN within the galaxy NGC 1068 is especially bright, so it was the perfect opportunity to test this method," Isbell said. "These are the highest resolution direct images of an AGN taken so far."

The Large Binocular Interferometer Team is led by Steve Ertel, associate astronomer of Steward Observatory. Through the interferometer, the team was able to observe several cosmic phenomena going on simultaneously in the AGN.

The bright disk around the supermassive black hole releases a lot of light, which pushes dust away like many tiny sails, a phenomenon known as radiation pressure.

The images revealed a dusty, outflowing wind caused by radiation pressure. Simultaneously, farther out, there was a lot of material that was way brighter than it should have been, considering it was illuminated only by the bright accretion disk.

By comparing the new images to past observations, the researchers were able to tie this finding to a radio jet that's blasting through the galaxy, hitting and heating up clouds of molecular gas and dust. Radio jet feedback is the interaction between powerful jets of radiation and particles emitted from supermassive black holes and their surrounding environment.

Direct imaging with extremely large telescopes such as the Larger Binocular Telescope Interferometer and the upcoming 83.5 feet Giant Magellan Telescope located in Chile makes it possible to distinguish feedback from the radio jet and dusty wind simultaneously. Previously, the various processes were blended due to low resolution, but now it is possible to view their individual impact, Isbell said.

The study shows that the environments of AGN can be complex, and the new findings help better understand AGN's interaction with their host galaxies.

"This type of imaging can be used on any astronomical object," Isbell said. "We've already started looking at disks around stars or very large, evolved stars, which have dusty envelopes around them."

More information: Direct imaging of active galactic nucleus outflows and their origin with the 23 m Large Binocular Telescope, Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02461-y Journal information: Nature Astronomy
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Some snails have a unique curve in the shell called a stromboid notch which allows them to use both of their eyes. Credit: David Massemin and MNHN

Snails have a reputation for being slow, with poor eyes that can barely see the world around them.

But conch snails defy these expectations with eyesight as good as some vertebrates. These marine snails combine exceptional vision, protective shells, and acrobatic leaping to evade deadly predators.

Snails with the largest eyes are keeping a lookout for predators, new research suggests.

While the basic eyes of most snails look like small black dots, conch snails known as strombids have eyes that are up to 10 times bigger than any of their relatives. These mobile, stalked eyes can peer in all directions and help these snails detect predators in their tropical shallow-water habitats.

A new study, led by Dr. Alison Irwin during her Ph.D. research at the Natural History Museum, sheds light on how these remarkable eyes support the snails' unique escape strategies.

"Large, high-resolution eyes are normally a characteristic of predators that rely on vision to hunt prey," Alison explains, who is now based at the University of Copenhagen. "Given their significant evolutionary cost, we only expect to find such eyes in animals where they are vital for survival."

"That means it's really strange to find conch snails with such good eyesight. They're algae-grazers, not predators, so they must be using their excellent vision for something else."

The findings of Alison and her co-authors suggest that the vision of strombids and their large-eyed relatives evolved in parallel with their ability to move quickly. While most snails crawl, conch snails possess an exceptionally large foot that allows them to make sudden leaps along the seabed.

Dr. Suzanne Williams, who supervised Alison's Ph.D., suggests that the combination of excellent vision and agility allows them to avoid becoming prey to slow-moving predators like cone snails.

"Cone snails are a famous marine predator with really toxic venom," she says. "They fire venom in darts at their prey, which can include worms, fish and some conch snails."

"Cone snails are, however, notoriously slow. This marriage of good vision and high speed allows these conch snails to dart out of danger and live to graze another day."

The findings of the study were published in the journal Systematic Biology.

The benefits and drawbacks of vision

Vision is one of the most important senses, as it allows animals to detect changes in light, find food and navigate the world around them. However, vision comes at a cost. Large eyes require significant energy to develop and maintain.

This balance in cost and benefit means that only animals which really depend on eyesight have evolved it.

But even for the animals which do rely on vision, there is another trade-off they have to make between seeing in greater detail or seeing more contrast. For the conch snails, the researchers found those species which were more active during the day in shallower waters tended to favor resolution over sensitivity to spot predators.

There is a way to get around this trade-off by making the eyes bigger. However, this also increases the amount of energy that the eyes need, which brings the evolutionary dilemma full circle.

Keeping an eye out

Stromboidea sea snails provide some of the best examples of nature's different approaches to eyesight. While some members of the group, like the strombids, have well-developed eyes at the end of long, mobile eyestalks, others have small ones on tiny eyestalks that are tucked under their oral tentacles.

As part of her Ph.D. Alison wanted to investigate how the differences between the conch snails and their smaller-eyed relatives had come about. The work was co-supervised by Professor Nicholas Roberts at the University of Bristol and Professor Elizabeth Harper at the University of Cambridge.

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"Unlike the big, colorful eyes of the conch snails, their smaller-eyed relatives have a reduced lens and disorganized retina while their eyes are at the base of the tentacles rather than at the tipsall of which limits vision," Alison says.

"We wanted to find out when large eyes evolved in this wider group of snails, how many times it's happened in their evolutionary history and what factors were linked to that."

Using the DNA of snails loaned from museums around the world, such as the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris, the researchers assembled a family tree of these snails.

They found that this tree had two main branchesone containing large-eyed snails, including the conch snails, and one representing smaller-eyed snails. This suggested that large eyes evolved only once, with only a single shift from being at the base of the tentacles to their tips.

"It seems that the group of large-eyed snails inherited their large eyes from a common ancestor," Alison says. "These then got even bigger on two further occasions within the conch snail family."

The evolutionary push for better eyesight likely coincided with increasing pressure from predators during the Mesozoic Era. At this point snail-eating predators were becoming more prominent in shallow, tropical marine habitats, so large eyes would have been useful to spy escape routes to leap away from danger.

This may have also coincided with the evolution of another interesting characteristic, a unique curve in the shell called a "stromboid notch."

"Both eyes can peer out from underneath the notch, giving a greater view of their surroundings while still partially shielded by the shell," Suzanne says. "This means they are able to quickly retract into their shell if they spot a predator that they can't leap away from."

The researchers hope to continue investigating these animals to get a deeper insight into how senses have helped to shape the animal kingdom.

"These are a fascinating group of animals, and there's a lot more we'd like to investigate," Suzanne says. "We're currently working on a deep-sea group of snails that are losing their vision as they move into deeper water. We want to investigate which genes are lost and how their loss affects the morphology of the eye."

"I'm looking forward to working with more students to carry on this research."

More information: Alison R Irwin et al, Evolution of Large Eyes in Stromboidea (Gastropoda): Impact of Photic Environment and Life History Traits, Systematic Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syae063 Journal information: Systematic Biology

This story is republished courtesy of Natural History Museum. Read the original story here.
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Map showing the location of Medano hot spring located in the Andean Mountains in the Maule region, Chile, and photographs of the study site. On the right, the maximum likelihood phylogeny of isolate Med1 (marked with red arrow) shows similarity with Pseudomonas alcaligenes. On top right corner SEM micrograph demonstrating the morphology of the isolated Med1. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74830-6

An article published in the journal Scientific Reports describes how researchers analyzed biofilm produced by bacteria found in the El Medano hot springs, located in Chile in the central Andes, and concluded that one of its key ingredients can be used to develop natural additives for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

The biofilm ingredient in question is an exopolysaccharide (EPS), a cluster of extracellular carbohydrate polymers produced by the thermotolerant Med1 strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes, which grows in the 3444 C temperature range. The EPS protects the bacterium's cells in the inhospitable environment of its habitat, characterized by high temperatures, acidic pH values, and elevated concentrations of metals.

With the demand for natural bioactive compounds growing in several industries, research on EPSs has intensified owing to structural and functional properties that offer valuable alternatives to synthetic additives. Microbial EPSs also have several advantages over plant-derived polysaccharides, including a much wider array of physicochemical properties and biological activities.

These include antiviral, antitumor, immunoregulatory, antioxidant and emulsifying effects. The EPSs are also good at flocculationfacilitating the aggregation of small particles in a liquid or solution to form larger clusters. Given all these benefits, the EPSs receive ample attention from the food, cosmetics, biomedical, biomaterials and wastewater treatment industries.

Studying structures derived from extremophilic bacteria (able to thrive under environmental conditions that are extreme for most living beings, in terms of pressure, acidity, salinity, heat etc.) is a way to understand them better and create opportunities to derive novel resources from these substances with biotechnological applications.

"We chose to study the hot springs in the central Chilean region of Maule because they are relatively unexplored in terms of biotechnological aspects of the value-added bioactive compounds produced by bacteria as part of their resistance to the stress caused by factors in the environment they inhabit," said Joao Paulo Fabi, a professor in the Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition at the University of Sao Paulo's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF-USP) in Brazil, and a co-author of the article.

The first part of the studyconducted in partnership by Brazilian, Chilean, American and Iraqi researchersconsisted of isolating the bacterium from a water sample collected from the hot springs, sequencing its genome, and experimenting with optimization of EPS production at a high temperature to confirm its thermotolerance.

The isolated strain was found to tolerate 44 C, with an optimum growth temperature of 37 C. This is good news, according to the researchers, because unwanted microorganisms cannot grow at this high temperature during the EPS production process.

The second part of the study comprised physical and chemical characterization of the EPS and a functional analysis with a view to its technological application by the food and pharmaceutical industries. As part of this stage, Aparna Banerjee, a professor at the Autonomous University of Chile, visited Fabi's lab with the support of Chile's National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (Fondecyt).

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"The study concluded that the EPS produced by P. alcaligenes Med1 has unique structural properties and thermal stability, as well as exhibiting significant antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity, making it suitable for potential applications by the food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural additive," Fabi said.

The exclusive structural data obtained via genome sequencing and analytical studies also provides a basis for exploring other extremophilic bacterial EPSs with similar applications.

"Although more tests and regulatory approvals are needed for commercial use, this EPS displays strong potential as a natural alternative to synthetic additives, especially in applications that require thermal stability and biocompatibility," he said.

Also, according to Fabi, the results of the research also offer a model for optimizing EPS production and new perspectives on the bioactivity of this compound, potentially leading to the development of sustainable or ecofriendly additives for various sectors, including the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

More information: Shrabana Sarkar et al, Unveiling a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 isolated from a Chilean hot spring as biotechnological additive, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74830-6 Journal information: Scientific Reports

Provided by FAPESP
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Spheres represent cells swimming down an electric sea. Credit: Julien Marcetteau for the Barriga Lab/PoL

As an embryo grows, there is a continuous stream of communication between cells to form tissues and organs. Cells need to read numerous cues from their environment, and these may be chemical or mechanical in nature. However, these alone cannot explain collective cell migration, and a large body of evidence suggests that movement may also happen in response to embryonic electrical fields. How and where these fields are established within embryos was unclear until now.

"We have characterized an endogenous bioelectric current pattern, which resembles an electric field during development, and demonstrated that this current can guide migration of a cell population known as the neural crest," highlights Dr. Elias H. Barriga, the corresponding author who led the study published in Nature Materials.

Initially, Dr. Barriga and his team began research on the neural crest at the former Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC) in Oeiras, Portugal before continuing research in Dresden, establishing a group at the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life.

The neural crest is an essential part of the embryo, and this region of cells forms the bones of our face and neck, as well as parts of the nervous system. Dr. Barriga and colleagues found that cells of the neural crest are directed by internal electric fields during development, much like drivers follow the signals of a traffic warden.

The group discovered that through this process, known as electrotaxis, cells can sense direction from electric fields generated inside the embryo and move accordingly. This observation had been previously limited mostly to the study of cultured cells, but has now been demonstrated within a developing embryo. But an important question remained unanswered: How are the cells interpreting these currents and translating them into directional movement?

Neural crest cells migrate towards the anode of electric fields ex vivo. Representative time-lapse images of neural crest clusters in the absence (top panel) or presence (bottom panel) of electric fields (EFs) for ~7 h. The cluster in the bottom panel was exposed to EFs of 100 mV mm1 for ~3.5 h, with polarity reversal for another ~3.5 h. Time-lapse setting was 1 picture every 5 min. Note how cells within the cluster spread in the absence of EFs and the consistent anodal migration in the presence of EFs. Neural crest tagged with nuclear RFP (magenta) and membrane GFP (cyan). Scale bar, 100 m. Credit: Nature Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-02060-2

To answer this question, Dr. Barriga and his team identified an enzyme known as voltage-sensitive phosphatase 1 (Vsp1) found in neural crest cells. Due to the versatile structure of Vsp1, it seemed capable of both sensing and transducing electrical signals. To confirm that Vsp1 is required for electrotaxis, the researchers created a defective version of the enzyme and showed that collective electrotaxis was impaired in cells injected with this copy.

"For me, applying tools I developed to target gene expression in the context of bioelectricity was highly rewarding, and I look forward to its potential being fully exploited," highlighted Dr. Sofia Moreira, a postdoctoral scientist who worked on the study.

Contrary to expectations, Vsp1 did not appear to be relevant for movement itself, but instead could specifically convert electric current gradients into directional and collective migration. This is a unique observation, as most enzyme sensors are required for movement itself, making it difficult to study their role in guiding direction.

Going one step further, the authors also proposed how the electric fields may form: through mechanical stretching of a region known as the neural fold. As the cells in this region stretch, this causes activation of specific ion channels, resulting in a voltage gradient. Then, when cells encounter this gradient, Vsp1 transforms the electrical signals into a directional cue, telling the cells which way to go, and collective cell migration results.

Vsp1 is required for neural crest directional response to electric fields. Credit: Nature Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-02060-2

This is the first experimental evidence to suggest that electric fields emerge along the path where neural crest cells migrate, and to explain their mechanism of origin. These discoveries highlight a valuable contribution that bioelectricity provides during embryonic development. By advancing our knowledge of electrotaxis within a living animal, this research opens new possibilities for mimicking developmental processes in the lab, with accuracy greater than ever before.

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The first author of the study, postdoctoral scientist Dr. Fernando Ferreira notes, "This paper bridges an important, decades-old gap in bioelectricity research, and it is deeply rewarding to be part of the ongoing renaissance in developmental bioelectricity." However, research into the mechanisms of electrotaxis is still ongoing.

"In a broader perspective, we have now introduced another player into the intricate process of tissue morphogenesis" says Dr. Barriga. "The question is now, how does this fit into already established frameworks of mechanical and chemical cues during embryogenesis?".

Beyond development, similar mechanisms might also exist during wound healing and cancer progression. Understanding how electric fields guide cell migration could even inspire potential novel strategies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, further research is required to expand on the role of electric fields in cellular behavior, and increase our understanding of the physics behind living systems.

More information: Fernando Ferreira et al, Stretch-induced endogenous electric fields drive directed collective cell migration in vivo, Nature Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-02060-2. www.nature.com/articles/s41563-024-02060-2 Journal information: Nature Materials
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Lois Martin and Monza collecting truffles in a North American truffle orchard. Credit: Michigan State University

Michigan State University researchersalong with colleagues at the University of Florida, citizen scientists and their "truffle dogs"have discovered two new species of truffle. The research was published in the journal Mycologia and featured on its cover.

Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the "dog-found" truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs and Monza, the dog who discovered it with her trainer Lois Martin. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found by Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog, Luca.

T. canirevelatum did not look or smell like anything known to grow in North America so, curious to know what it was, Martin mailed it to the lab of Gregory Bonito, associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Bonito and his undergraduate research student, Alassane Sow, lead author on the study, used DNA analyses to identify the two truffles and to place them in the tree of life.

"Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible European truffles Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum," Sow said. "We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species."

Due to their rarity, truffles are expensive and highly prized in the culinary world. According to Bonito, both these new truffle species have economic potential. "In international markets, fresh truffles are sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars per kilogram," Bonito said.

Although T. cumberlandense has been harvested in truffle orchards and in woodlands and has been sold under various names, the analysis showed that it is a distinct and previously undescribed species native to North America, Bonito said.

Currently, efforts are underway in Kentucky to cultivate this native truffle by the distiller Maker's Mark.

"This particular species enjoys a symbiotic relationship with their host, white oaks, growing from their roots and providing nutrition to the trees," Bonito said. "Maker's Mark is interested in cultivating T. cumberlandense because they store their whiskey in white oak barrels. They will be reforesting their land in Kentucky with white oaks for the barrels and hope one day to harvest truffles as well; perhaps they will even create truffle-infused whiskey."

Tuber cumberlandense, sp. nov. A. Ascoma and gleba. B. Gleba and peridium. C. Peridium stained with Congo red, composed of an ectal excipulum (layer of inflated cells) and medullary excipulum (layer of interwoven hyphae). D. Ascoma. E. Ectal excipulum composed of large swollen cells. F. Medullary excipulum composed of interwoven hyphae and small swollen cells. G. Ascus with the most common number of ascospores. H. Ascospore. Bars: A = 10 mm; B = 1 mm; C = 20 m; D = 5 mm; F = 50 m; G = 20 m; H = 10 m. Credit: Mycologia (2024). DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755

Historically, the attention has been on cultivating and selling European truffle species, but there is growing interest in cultivating, wild-harvesting and selling species of truffles native to North America.

Bonito said more and more people are trying to grow truffles, which means more truffle dogs are needed for sniffing out these fungal fruits since they grow underground.

"If you have $20,000 of truffles growing underground, you need to find them before they perish, so the dogs are very important," Bonito said.

Bonito, along with Matthew Smith from the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida, has been surveying and identifying native North American truffles since before 2010.

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Benjamin Lemmond, a member of the Smith lab in Florida, said, "Truffles are some of the most mysterious and alluring fungi on the planet. They live their lives underground, out of sight, but people all around the world are eager to find them and enjoy their unique culinary qualities. This study shows that there are still undiscovered truffles right under our nose, so to speak, and that without the help of dogs (and their incredible noses) we might never find them."

In addition to naming and describing these new species, Bonito said that each species of truffle produces a unique aroma, which is the basis for the culinary potential of truffles and, therefore, their value.

Bonito and Sow worked with MSU's Randy Beaudry, professor in the Department of Horticulture, to qualify and characterize the volatiles using gas chromatography. Volatiles are the chemical compounds that create a truffle's aroma.

"This instrument allowed us to measure the volatile organic compounds released by a truffle," Sow said. "We found that T. canirevelatum was enriched in compounds such as dimethyl sulfide and methyl 1-propenyl sulfide, which contribute to the truffle's savory garlic aroma. In T. cumberlandense, we found the compounds dimethyl sulfide (found in the Perigord black truffle and the Piedmont white truffle) and 2,4-dithiapentane (commonly used when making synthetic truffle products)."

"Our research reinforces the importance of using trained truffle dogs in tuber research and truffle farming," Bonito said. "We suspect many native tuber species remain to be discovered and described. This task will be enhanced through the continued collaboration between mycologistsscientists who study fungithe public and trained truffle dogs."

More information: Alassane Sow et al, Tuber cumberlandense and T. canirevelatum , two new edible Tuber species from eastern North America discovered by truffle-hunting dogs, Mycologia (2024). DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755 Journal information: Mycologia
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Bluetongue virus is particularly deadly for sheep.

The EU's medicines watchdog on Friday gave the thumbs up to two new vaccines against the bluetongue virus which struck parts of Europe from late 2023, infecting thousands of sheep, goats and cattle.

Bluetongue, a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease that affects ruminants such as cows and sheep, has been spreading across Europe for more than a year.

The disease, also known as catarrhal fever, is difficult to control once it takes hold but is not a risk to humans.

The European Medicines Agency has "recommended the approval of the vaccines Bluevac-3 and Syvazul BTV 3 to protect sheep against bluetongue disease. Bluevac-3 is also approved for use in cattle," it said.

"These vaccines are shown to protect against the newly emerged serotype-3 bluetongue virus (BTV3), responsible for recent outbreaks in Europe, and against which vaccines currently approved at EU wide-level show little protection," the Amsterdam-based agency said.

The BTV-3 strain of the virus was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023, before spreading to Germany the following month.

Cases have been recorded across Europe, including in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Bluetongue is transmitted by biting midges. Symptoms in infected animals include high fevers, mouth ulcers and swollen heads.

It can lead to weakness and the loss of offspring for pregnant animals and is particularly deadly for sheep.

Climate change has worsened the spread of the virus, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as global warming impacts midge populations.

Both the new vaccines contained an inactivated form of BTV3, which could not cause the disease, but triggered an immune response protecting the vaccinated animal, the EMA said.

Both were available as ready-to-use suspensions for injection, the agency added, saying it did not pose a risk to human or animal health.

The EMA's recommendation will now be sent to the European Commission to adopt a decision for EU-wide marketing authorization.

 2025 AFP
The Chinese mainland will soon resume group tour services for residents of Fujian and Shanghai to Taiwan, said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.

The move aims to restore normal interactions between people across the Taiwan Strait and facilitate their regular exchanges in various fields, the ministry said in an announcement released on its official website.

It is also to address the high expectations of the general public and the tourism industry in Taiwan and enhance the well-being of people across the Strait, added the ministry.

Preparations for this resumption are well underway, said the ministry, expressing the hope that tourism industries on both sides of the Strait would strengthen communication to provide quality services and products for mainland tour groups to Taiwan.
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An artist's illustration of the red dwarf star Wolf 359, with a small orbiting planet in the distance. An inset image is included at our lower right. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/S.Wolk, et al.; Illustration: NASA/CXC/SAO/M.Weiss; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk

Planets around other stars need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, according to a new study from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's (European Space Agency's) XMM-Newton that examined the effects of X-rays on potential planets around the most common type of stars.

Astronomers found that only a planet with greenhouse gases in its atmosphere like Earth and at a relatively large distance away from the star they studied would have a chance to support life as we know it around a nearby star.

Wolf 359 is a red dwarf with a mass about a tenth that of the sun. Red dwarf stars are the most common stars in the universe and live for billions of years, providing ample time for life to develop. At a distance of only 7.8 light-years away, Wolf 359 is also one of the closest stars to the solar system.

"Wolf 359 can help us unlock the secrets around stars and habitability," said Scott Wolk of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), who led the study. "It's so close and it belongs to such an important class of starsit's a great combination."

Because red dwarfs are the most prevalent types of stars, astronomers have looked hard to find exoplanets around them. Astronomers have found some evidence for two planets in orbit around Wolf 359 using optical telescopes, but those conclusions have been challenged by other scientists.

Credit: Chandra X-ray Center

"While we don't have proof of planets around Wolf 359 yet, it seems very possible that it hosts multiple planets," Wolk added. "This makes it an excellent test bed to look at what planets would experience around this kind of star."

Wolk and his colleagues used Chandra and XMM to study the amounts of steady X-rays and extreme ultraviolet (UV) radiationthe most energetic type of UV radiationthat Wolf 359 would unleash on the possible planets around it.

They found that Wolf 359 is producing enough damaging radiation that only a planet with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in its atmosphereand located at a relatively large distance from the starwould likely be able to sustain life.

"Just being far enough away from the star's harmful radiation wouldn't be enough to make it habitable," said co-author Vinay Kashyap, also of CfA. "A planet around Wolf 359 would also need to be blanketed in greenhouse gases like Earth is."

To study the effects of energetic radiation on the habitability of the planet candidates, the team considered the star's habitable zonethe region around a star where liquid water could exist on a planet's surface.

The outer limit of the habitable zone for Wolf 359 is about 15% of the distance between Earth and the sun, because the red dwarf is much less bright than the sun. Neither of the planet candidates for this system is located in Wolf 359's habitable zone, with one too close to the star and the other too far out.

"If the inner planet is there, the X-ray and extreme UV radiation it is subjected to would destroy the atmosphere of this planet in only about a million years," said co-author Ignazio Pillitteri of CfA and the National Institute for Astrophysics in Palermo, Italy.

Animation of a Sun & Planet System. Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/A.Jubett

The team also considered the effects of radiation on as-yet undetected planets within the habitable zone. They concluded that a planet like the Earth in the middle of the habitable zone should be able to sustain an atmosphere for almost two billion years, while one near the outer edge could last indefinitely, helped by the warming effects of greenhouse gases.

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Another big danger for planets orbiting stars like Wolf 359 is from X-ray flares, or occasional bright bursts of X-rays, on top of the steady, everyday output from the star. Combining observations made with Chandra and XMM-Newton resulted in the discovery of 18 X-ray flares from Wolf 359 over 3.5 days.

Extrapolating from these observed flares, the team expects that much more powerful and damaging flares would occur over longer periods of time. The combined effects of the steady X-ray and UV radiation and the flares mean that any planet located in the habitable zone is unlikely to have a significant atmosphere long enough for multicellular life, as we know it on Earth, to form and survive. The exception is the habitable zone's outer edge if the planet has a significant greenhouse effect.

These results were presented at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in National Harbor, Maryland, and are being prepared for publication in a journal. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
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Illustration of convection origin for Mars's hemispheric dichotomy, based upon seismic wave attenuation from marsquakes. Credit: Sun and Tkalcic, 2024.

Mars has northern and southern hemispheres like Earth, but their defining characteristics are markedly different, a phenomenon known as Martian dichotomy. The Southern Highlands are older, higher in elevation and more cratered than the Northern Lowlands. The elevated terrain of the former acts as a natural barrier to airflow, resulting in varied wind patterns and contributing to localized weather phenomena.

Explanations for the origin of this dichotomy primarily surround giant impactors (~2,000 kilometers in diameter) from space and large-scale convective movements of the mantle caused by differences in its temperature and density.

Research published in Geophysical Research Letters has attempted to further unravel this origin story through study of Martian earthquakes, or marsquakes. Much like on Earth, this seismic activity can be used to explore driving mechanisms beneath Mars's surface.

"Earth and Mars are often considered sister planets and were formed in the same period (4.5 billion years ago), both located within the habitable zone of our solar system. Why is Earth teeming with life, while Mars appears so silent and devoid of life at present?" Professor Sun, of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, says.

"We believe that the contrast between the two planets stems from differences in their internal structures and processes. Considering the dichotomy is one of the most striking features of surface elevation and internal structures on Mars, we hope to find answers to this question by investigating the causes of the dichotomy, and attempt to solve a puzzle that has intrigued scientists for 50 years."

"While the picture of the Earth's deep interior is getting less blurry, we still don't understand the interiors of other terrestrial planets," Professor Tkalcic, of The Australian National University, further explains the project's significance. "In this study, we probed the interior of Mars using the waves from marsquakes recorded by the InSight seismometer in very much the same way we do on Earth via earthquakes.

"Understanding the solar system is dependent upon our knowledge of the Earth, and vice versaunderstanding our planetary neighbor will allow us to explore the Earth's past, present and future."

To investigate this, Professors Sun and Tkalcic used low-frequency marsquake data recorded during NASA's InSight mission that took place between 2018 and 2022, which aimed to study Mars's crust, mantle and core.

Obtaining the necessary data proved somewhat challenging considering Mars has "a single seismometer that recorded marsquakes and impacts for a limited time window, while on Earth, we have thousands of seismometers that continuously record the ground motion."

Professor Sun says, "Mars exhibits significantly less tectonic activity compared to Earth, resulting in fewer and generally lower-magnitude marsquakes. Moreover, the seismometer's surface location exposes it to diurnal winds, which, despite protective shielding, contribute to a significantly low signal-to-noise ratio."

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After improving the signal-to-noise ratio through employing state-of-the-art techniques, the researchers identified a new cluster of six marsquakes in the Terra Cimmeria region of the Southern Highlands and compared them to 16 previously-known marsquakes from Cerberus Fossae in the Northern Lowlands, based upon how the seismic waves move from these marsquakes to the InSight seismometer.

Subsequently, the scientists determined the quality factor for each set, which is a physical measure of how much a seismic wave weakens as it travels through Mars's interior and surface. With Terra Cimmeria having a lower quality factor (meaning more seismic wave weakening) than Cerberus Fossae, the researchers determined a pattern of southern-northern seismic attenuation.

Therefore, they conclude that the southern mantle experiences higher temperatures and lower viscosity. This is also supported by the thicker southern hemisphere crust slowing heat loss from the interior, making it more fluid and consequently experiencing more vigorous convection.

"Experimental data correlating seismic quality factor with temperature suggests that the mantle beneath the Southern Highlands could reach temperatures of approximately 1,000C, compared to around 800C or slightly higher beneath the Northern Lowlands," Professor Sun notes.

Overall, Professors Sun and Tkalcic determine that mantle convection is the primary cause of Mars's unusual dichotomy, not giant impacts as the alternative hypothesis suggests.

But their research continues, as Professor Sun explains the next two-pronged approach to understanding the significant differences between present-day Mars and Earth.

"First, continuing our exploration of Mars's internal structure in comparison to Earth's, the crust at the InSight landing site is estimated to be roughly 50 kilometers thick, notably thicker than Earth's average continental crust (approximately 35 kilometers) and oceanic crust (approximately 10 kilometers or smaller). Therefore, we will explore why Mars, despite being nearly half the size of Earth, possesses such a thicker crust.

"Second, we will seek liquid water on Mars. It is well-known that water is essential for sustaining life. Evidence suggests that Mars once possessed vast oceans; however, much of its liquid water might have escaped into space or been sequestered within the crust. To examine this, we aim to employ seismological techniques to determine if liquid water persists within the Martian crust.

"Investigating these two features may help us understand the divergent evolutionary paths taken by Mars and Earth, and could offer clues about the potential future and ultimate fate of our own planet."

More information: Weijia Sun et al, Constraints on the Origin of the Martian Dichotomy From Southern Highlands Marsquakes, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024GL110921 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters

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Coastal permafrost in Muostakh Island, Siberia. Credit: David Nielsen/MPI-M

The Arctic is heating up particularly fast as a result of global warmingwith serious consequences. The widespread permafrost in this region, where soils currently store twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, is thawing. Scientists are using increasingly detailed climate models to investigate what this means for the global climate and which striking feedbacks need to be taken into account.

In 1827, the Russian merchant Fyodor Shergin tried to dig a well in the backyard of his house in Yakutsk, Siberia. But instead of liquid water, all he found was frozen ground. Shergin gave up at a depth of 15 meters. A while later, scientists became interested and persuaded Shergin to keep digging. After ten years, the mine had reached its present depth of 116 meters, and Yakutsk became known as the cradle of permafrost science.

Permanently frozen ground, or permafrost, is a relic of the last ice ages. The temperature of these soils is below freezing point for at least two consecutive yearsregardless of whether they consist of peat, coarse or fine-grained rock, or whether or not they contain ice.

Most permafrost is found in the northern hemisphere, where it covers around a quarter of the land surface, mainly north of the Arctic Circle. In Scandinavia, it reaches a depth of 20 meters, up to several hundred meters in Alaska and up to 1500 meters in Siberiaexplaining all too well why Shergin had such trouble finding liquid water in his yard.

On the surface of the permafrost lies the so-called active layer, which thaws in summer and allows plants to grow: grasslands, forests, or wetlands with ponds and lakes. In some areas, the landscape resembles a mosaic, as if countless polygons had been painstakingly laid together. This structure is created from the depths during the cold Arctic winter, when the frozen ground contracts and cracks. These cracks fill with meltwater during springtime, which then freezes to form ice wedges, creating the fascinating geometric pattern on the surface.

From the ice ages to global warming

These landscapes are changing: Measurements show that in recent decades, the Arctic has warmed significantly faster than the Earth on average. As a result, the permafrost is beginning to thaw down to deeper layers. The consequences include subsidence and erosion.

Many lakes are disappearing because the water can now drain, while new ponds form in the depressions left behind by the sinking ground, and others merge to form lakes because the limiting ice is missing. The landscape criss-crossed by bodies of water and sagging permafrost is known among experts as Thermokarstthe first part of the word describes the cause, the second the jagged appearance of these structures.

The thawing of the permafrost not only changes the face of the Arctic, it also has an impact on Earth's climate. This is because permafrost stores huge amounts of carbonthe soils in the permafrost region hold around twice as much as the atmosphere. It is fixed in the form of dead plants, whose decomposition is prevented by the low temperatures and low oxygen.

When the permafrost thaws, microorganisms begin to break down the material. This produces greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) or methane, which has about 28 times the warming effect of CO 2 on a time horizon of 100 years. These gases also escape from the ponds and lakes, where a lot of carbon is decomposed as well.

Climate researchers are therefore trying to understand how the Arctic will react to rising temperatures: Will it release its large carbon deposits into the atmosphere, and if so, when and in what form? At the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M), researchers are investigating the processes in the Arctic.

Victor Brovkin, who was born and raised in Yakutsk, not far from Shergin's mine, leads the "Climate-Biosphere interactions" working group at MPI-M and is co-chair of the "Carbon Dynamics in the Arctic" working group of the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change and Society (CLICCS) at the University of Hamburg. His group's latest work is published in Geophysical Research Letters, Nature Climate Change, and Environmental Research Letters.

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Drier or wetter: Both have consequences

Until recently, researchers have been concerned with the question of whether the carbon stored in the soil will escape in the form of CO 2 or in the form of methane, which has an even stronger warming potential. The answer depends, among other things, on whether the Arctic becomes wetter or drier in the future. This is because in dry soils, microorganisms decompose plant material with the help of oxygen, producing CO 2 in the process. In waterlogged soils, on the other hand, oxygen is rare or absent, so that methane is produced when the organic material decomposes.

However, it is not yet clear whether the Arctic is becoming drier or wetter. Simulations with Earth system models (ESMs) show increasing precipitation for this region in the futurewhich may lead to wetter conditions at the surface and help maintain the high density of surface water bodies and areas with waterlogged soils.

Nevertheless, there are also arguments in favor of a future drying of permafrost landscapes. According to this, the thawing of the permafrost would lower the water table and allow water to drain away more easily, causing the soil to dry out in the long term.

MPI-M researcher Philipp de Vrese and his colleagues used the coupled climate model MPI-ESM to show what this could mean for methane emissions in the Arctic. According to their findings, in a wetter Arctic with an extensive wetland cover, more methane would actually be emitted in some placesbut not everywhere. This is because the evaporation of water from the moist soils cools the land surface, which inhibits plant productivity and methane production.

Conversely, less soil moisture results in fewer clouds. As a consequence, more solar radiation reaches the land surface, amplifying local warming. Plant growth is stimulated and more substrate becomes available for the microorganisms, increasing methane production. CLICCS scientists recently showed that this is also the reason for rising methane emissions from ponds. Therefore, the simple logic that methane fluxes increase in a wet Arctic and decrease in a dry Arctic is not necessarily correct.

Qualitative comparison between the simulated hydrological cycle in the dry and wet model set-ups, following the degradation of the near-surface permafrost. Large symbols indicate strong resistance to a certain process, small symbols denote small resistance. The resultant thin and thick arrows symbolize small and large fluxes, respectively. CC BY 4.0 de Vrese et al. Nature Climate Change 13, 832839 (2023).

Understanding the global effects

What all this means for the global climate can only be understood if, in addition to the carbon cycle, direct interactions with the atmosphere are taken into account: If cloud cover over the Arctic were to actually decrease and if the high latitudes were to heat up, the temperature gradient between the tropics and the Arctic would decrease.

According to the simulations, this could affect precipitation patterns near the equator, hence methane emissions from tropical wetlands. These are already the largest natural source of methane today and could release even more into the atmosphere in the future.

"It is truly astonishing that a spatially limited process would have such far-reaching consequences," says Philipp de Vrese.

The scientists owe it to their models that these consequences have been uncovered. "Earth system modeling provides answers to global questions. It allows us to compare different scenarios and make projections for the future," says group leader Victor Brovkin.

Modeling also revealed the future evolution of coastal permafrost erosion, as work done in the MPI-M working group "Ocean Biogeochemistry" shows: On the Arctic coast, waves and increasing temperatures are removing material from the thawing permafrostcurrently around half a meter of coast retraction per year, which is likely to double or triple by the end of the century according to calculations.

This not only threatens coastal communities, but also has a further impact on the ocean carbon cycle: The carbon contained in the eroded material ends up in the ocean, where it is decomposed. As a result, the CO 2 content in the ocean surface increases, which slows down the oceanic uptake of CO 2 from the atmosphere.

"The Arctic Ocean absorbs relatively large amounts of CO 2 compared to its size," says CLICCS climate researcher David Nielsen. "But Earth system models haven't yet been able to simulate this carbon sink quite right."

If the impact of coastal permafrost erosion is considered, the inner Arctic Ocean could absorb between nine and 19 percent less CO 2 . The increasing CO 2 content in seawater due to erosion also makes the ocean more acidic, threatening the health of marine ecosystems.

Challenges for modeling

Whether, when and in what form the Arctic will release its large carbon deposits into the atmosphere, and what effects this will have, are therefore complex questions that can only be understood with Earth system models. But: "There is currently a gap between the spatial scale on which the relevant processes take place and the resolution of the Earth system models," says Victor Brovkin.

This is because in models the grid placed over the Earth's surface, hence, the simulated variables, such as temperature, precipitation or carbon fluxes, is on a kilometer to 100-km scale. However, many relevant landscape characteristics are heterogeneous on much finer, sometimes meter scales.

In order to account for the rich diversity of Arctic environments, the MPI-M has joined forces with the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena and the Austrian company b.geos in the "Q-Arctic" project. The team collects observational data on sites and by satellites in order to identify relevant landscape properties.

At the same time, they are working on ways to make use of this information in the ICON Earth system model: Characteristic landscape features can be defined within each grid element, based on topography, soil properties and vegetation distribution. This, for example, allows the model to determine what percentage of a grid cell is covered by wetlands under the simulated climate. The first results obtained with this approach are promising: the representation of small-scale surface water bodies and waterlogged soils in the grid cell already improves the modeling results.

But just like Shergin once did, scientists are still seeking to dig deeper. The approach of treating sub-grid scale heterogeneity is currently limited to the physical processes at and below the land surface. The next step is to represent the biogeochemical and biophysical processes at the same level of detail.

Up until now, a lot of the research on the permafrost region has been centered on the carbon emissions from thawing soils. With their research, Brovkin's group aims to broaden this focus and thereby deepen their understanding of how biogeochemical and biogeophysical feedbacks in permafrost landscapes work together to influence Earth's climate.
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At the back of a million-dollar mansion under construction in Miami Beach, contractors are installing what may be the future first line of coastal defense from erosion and climate-driven sea-rise.

It's a seawall but not your old-school plain poured concrete installation. This is a "living seawall" and it's cutting-edge in both its design and how it is made.

For one thing, the wall developed by a Miami-based tech start-up called KindDesignsis produced in large sections by what is billed as the fastest 3D printer in the world. Its robot arm can sculpt a 10-foot long segment out of concrete in just an hour that can be installed in pieces.

But perhaps more important, it features raised areas inspired by mangrove roots that are intended to both provide nooks and crannies for fish and crabs and other marine creatures and also better absorb some of the impact from waves and storm surges.

"We wanted to build something that would be awesome for the environment and the whole marine ecosystem," said Anya Freeman, the founder of KindDesigns. "And there's no green premium, the environmental benefits don't have this huge added cost."

A green premium means climate-friendly stuff usually costs more. This system is roughly similar in cost to traditional sea wall construction.

3D printed seawall is being installed in Miami Beach.

The Miami Beach living sea wall is the first one that KindDesigns has installed in the county. The seawall is the same strength as the ones that have gone in the water for the last century, Freeman said, but uses half the rip rap, or boulder rocks, that are required in front of the older designs. The company has tapped advice from high-profile experts and attracted big-name investors.

"We've brought in some concrete experts Elon Musk was working with at the Boring Company to help us maximize our material for strength and speed," Freeman said.

As a member of Miami's ClimateReady Tech Hub a county-backed incubator that connects local startups with academic researchersKindDesigns has access to a University of Miami's Olympic-sized pool that simulates Category 5 hurricanes. They're running a test this month to determine what happens when waves break on the structure.

"I anticipate that it should perform well, I'll be able to quantify that after the testing," said Brian Haus, a professor and department chair of ocean sciences at the University of Miami.

A typical sea wall is a mirror to the waves that just bounce off it. Haus said that can create problems:

"Even though it does protect the property behind it, it can lead to more waves in the canal and cause problems for other boaters, or property owners."

A year ago, KindDesigns brought in $6M. They bought a warehouse, grew the team and got three cutting-edge 3D printers.

"It's faster, less expensive and greenits a win, win, win," Murphy said. "If we're going to be serious about climate change, which is something I'm passionate about, the construction industry is a big piece of that that flies under the radar."

Murphy underlined data points that point to the industry being responsible for more than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions.

"Growing up you ignore seawalls and now they can be art and appealingand better for the environment" Murphy said.

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Better for the fish

As our natural reefs are under increasing threat, artificial structures like living seawalls may become key to maintaining marine life, said Alastair Harborne, a coral reef and fish ecologist from Florida International University.

"Sea level rise means that defenses and seawalls are going to be really important going forward and just putting a flat concrete block does not provide a lot of habitat for fish and other organisms," Harborne said.

Harborne and his graduate student will monitor the living sea wall installed on a home off the Venetian Causeway in Miami Beach for a year to see what life settles on it.

For fish to use it for sanctuary, he said the structure is more important than it is for it to be alive. But the wall's rough texture is expected to encourage animals like coral, crustaceans and snails to attach to it.

Meets code, ready to scale

Troy Wilson, the contractor installing the wall, said KindDesigns ends up costing roughly the same price for the property owners to install as a typical concrete seawall.

For a 10-foot tall seawall, that would run about $1,500 to $1,600 a foot, not including the rip rap rock. Both are cheaper than another alternative of steel panels, which he said can run about $3,000 a linear foot.

While it needs half the amount of rock and does not require the excavation and form construction to pour the concrete on site, the living seawall does cost more to transport. That, he said, makes it a "wash."

"So it's maybe a little bit cheaper but pretty comparable to the regular concrete walls," Wilson said.

His client's appeal to them so far has been the different and unique look, but he said it's "still very fresh" on the market.

"Some people are a little bit nervous because they're not out there so they question how will they hold up in the environment over the years," Wilson said. "I think some of these higher-end builders will go to it because they're looking for new products. And, you know, who wants to look that ugly sea wall? Well, we don't think it's ugly because that's what pays our check."

While KindDesigns focuses on residential properties, they won government contracts on the West Coast in Longboat Key and Bay Harbor Islands in Miami Beach. In Bay Harbor, the plan is to design 25 coral reef structures with six of them sculpted into famous Floridians. There's no word on who the busts will be yet, but the site will be visible by plane.

Now that the new and approved seawall is on the market, Freeman is ready to scale the operation.

"I wanted to start KindDesigns to first find a solution for my home, this beautiful city. But number two to create something that can be scaled and duplicated so that we can bring this technology to every coastal city at risk globally," Freeman said.

2025 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Leiden University

How can chimpanzees, so closely related to humans, have almost no sense of rhythm? Behavioral biologist Michelle Spierings and two students demonstrated that chimps can actually drum and move rhythmicallyeach following their own unique beat.

Chimpanzees dislike the cold, and so do most humans, but biology students Veerle Hovenkamp and Bas van der Vleuten didn't let that stop them. From the chilly early days of spring to the wet autumn of 2023, they spent countless hours observing chimpanzeessix weeks at Beekse Bergen in spring and later at Burgers' Zoo in autumn, with cameras and microphones capturing the chimps' behaviors.

What started as a bachelor's project culminated in a scientific publication in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences in December. The research focused on rhythmic movements, known as "display behaviors," of our closest living relatives. These displays include drumming on hollow tree trunks for up to 10 secondssometimes to express tension, resolve conflicts, or even as a show of power. Chimps in the wild use such displays to communicate within groups.

Hovenkamp explains, "We documented 132 displays from 29 individuals during 90 hours of observation. Many of the unguided displays occurred against iron doors in their enclosures, likely because they produced the loudest sound." Analysis of all these displays showed that each chimp has its own rhythm, though interactions with others often deviated from those individual patterns.

Research leader Michelle Spierings is excited about these new findings. She studies language perception in various animal species, including budgerigars, zebra finches, and parrots, focusing on their communication and learning processes. Alongside her work in Leiden, she runs a lab in Vienna studying common marmosets. She explains, "Primates are fascinating because they are closely related to us in evolutionary terms, while birds are intriguing because their abilitiessuch as singing rhythmically and learning from othersmirror some of our own."

Although primates are so closely related to humans, they differ significantly in language and rhythm perception. "Primates aren't particularly strong auditory learners. Chimpanzees struggle to recognize rhythm," Spierings says. By contrast, human babies display brain responses to unexpected rhythmic changes just days after birth.

This study shows that chimpanzees do use rhythm in their communication, though the reason remains unclear. "Perhaps rhythmic sounds or movements are simply the most energy-efficient way to make noise," she suggests.

When the students started their internship at Beekse Bergen, Spierings called them "two of the best students ever." Their work even laid the foundation for a scientific publication. Spierings notes, "For that to happen, it was crucial to study another group of chimpanzees." This led to a follow-up research at Burger's Zoo.

Reflecting on the experience, Van der Vleuten says, "Getting to know these animals was truly special. Over time, you see the bonds between the chimps and the unique personality of each individual."

Taking their first steps into research proved inspiring for the students. Hovenkamp recalls, "The highlight was presenting at a conference of the Dutch Society for Behavioral Biology. For the first time, we weren't just students listeningothers genuinely cared about our findings."

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Van der Vleuten adds, "Capturing the first major display on film or seeing the initial results come in were moments that stayed with me, as did the first and last times seeing the animals."

Interest in animal language is growing. For example, last year it was discovered that elephants call each other by name, while lions yawn together before collectively moving to a new resting spot.

Spierings says, "It's only in the past two decades that we've seriously studied language perception in animals. It's a challenging fieldobserving and analyzing takes a lot of time, and there's always the risk of anthropomorphism, interpreting animals in overly human terms." She hopes this growing recognition of similarities between humans and animals will lead to better protection for wildlife.

The two students have been captivated by their research. They are now pursuing master's degrees in Environmental Biology at Utrecht University, specializing in behavioral ecology. Hovenkamp says, "In February, I'll be heading to Zambia to observe even more chimpanzee behavior for my master's research on the origins of culture. I'm incredibly excited!"

More information: B. J. R. van der Vleuten et al, Context-dependent rhythmicity in chimpanzee displays, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2200 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
An aerial drone photo shows the construction of makeshift houses in Chamco township, Dingri county in Shigatse, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, Jan 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The survivors of the earthquake in the Xizang autonomous region are being provided with transitional housing, according to Wei Jun, deputy director of the region's emergency management department. Wei spoke at a news conference in the regional capital, Lhasa, on Thursday.

Since the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, 13,000 sets of prefabricated houses have been collected. Of these, 6,135 have already been delivered to the disaster areas, and 5,152 have been set up and are now occupied. The remaining units are in transport, Wei reported.

The regional Party committee and government are focusing on ensuring the resettlement and safety of those affected by the disaster. Detailed inspections are underway to identify safety risks and protect the properties of those impacted.

Wei also noted that authorities have quickly assessed disaster losses and are taking measures to ensure the well-being of the community during the winter months.

To address the challenges posed by the high altitude and low temperatures in the earthquake-stricken areas, the region's earthquake relief headquarters has rapidly transported and distributed various relief materials.

The latest statistics from the department show that the donated supplies include 9,525 electric stoves, over 40,000 electric blankets, 759 metric tons of fuel, more than 259,700 blankets, over 180,000 cotton clothes, and 560 tons of reserved food and oil.

Relevant departments have acted swiftly to inspect safety risks in the disaster areas. The region's department of natural resources has completed emergency geological hazard inspections in 76 towns across seven quake-affected counties: Dingri, Dinggye, Lhaze, Sa'kya, Ngamring, Gampa and Saga. These inspections revealed 1,851 geological hazard points.

Additionally, the region's housing and urban-rural development department organized 123 professional institutions with 557 experts and technicians to inspect and assess 30,057 rural and public buildings.

The fire and rescue corps has conducted 1,418 mobile fire inspections at resettlement sites, identifying 2,206 fire hazards. Workers have already rectified 1,901 of the problems, with the remaining hazards under correction.

Transportation units have inspected 900 bridges, 47 tunnels and 4,468 culverts, while patrolling 5,596 kilometers of roads. The region's water resources departments have inspected 14 reservoirs, five of which showed localized cracks and other issues.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the PLA and armed police rescue forces have recovered over 464,100 yuan ($63,000) in cash, 1,640 valuable items and 29,466 other items. The region's public security department has salvaged more than 34,600 items and 2.25 million yuan in cash. Firefighters and rescue personnel have also cleared 750 post-earthquake debris sites, salvaging over 60,000 items and 3.24 million yuan in cash.

As of Wednesday, the region's civil affairs department reported that 1.64 billion yuan in donations had been received from various sectors of society, including 1.53 billion yuan in funds and other material donations.
You are here: China

China's population on the mainland stood at 1.40828 billion by the end of 2024, a decrease of 1.39 million over that at the end of 2023, data from the National Bureau of Stat 24 istics showed Friday.
Defense attorney Tom Barbour said it was the missed opportunities that prompted him to run for Richmond commonwealths attorney.

Weve seen it in a homicide clearance rate hovering around 50%, Barbour said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in which he announced his second bid for the office in as many election cycles. Weve also seen it with these inspector general investigations.

Virginia Department of Elections filings show Barbour raised $98,620 in 2024, $10,800 of which came from himself. McEachin did not raise money last year.

A University of Virginia graduate and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Barbour worked under Michael Herring in the Richmond commonwealths attorneys office before departing in 2018 to start a private practice as a defense attorney.

McEachin has worked in the commonwealths attorneys office for over two decades.

We deserve better, Barbour said of his opponent. Our city government just is not working as well as it should be.

Barbour pledges to investigate Balmer, Floyd

The missed opportunities, according to Barbour, include cases like that of former Richmond General Registrar Keith Balmer and 6th District City Council candidate Tavares Floyd.

Balmer resigned in December after an inspector generals report faulted him for mismanagement of city funds and the submission of fraudulent reimbursement documents. Floyd, meanwhile, came under scrutiny in October, when multiple donors listed in his finance reports denied contributing to his campaign.

Neither Balmer nor Floyd, to this point, has been charged by McEachins office. Asked for comment, McEachin said she could not confirm the existence  or lack thereof  of probes into either man.

It is ethically inappropriate to publicize the existence of a criminal investigation and tarnish an individuals name and reputation when the possibility exists (that) ... there was no criminal conduct, said McEachin, adding that her office also wants to avoid influencing a potential jury pool.

My office does not employ investigators, said McEachin, arguing that the investigatory process is in the hands of state and local police forces.

But that explanation does not satisfy Barbour, who said McEachin has misled the public regarding her obligation and ability to prosecute the cases.

Under state code, the commonwealths attorney is empowered to empanel special grand juries to investigate ... any condition that involves or tends to promote criminal activity, and consider ... indictment.

In those cases, the commonwealths attorney may examine any witness called to testify or produce evidence, according to state code.

Failing to use that process is negligent, as far as Barbour is concerned.

We cannot have a perception in Richmond that city government is unfit or unethical, he said. It is as simple as coming out publicly and saying this matters for the integrity of Richmonds elections.

Public safety, traffic deaths a priority

Barbour also faulted McEachin for declining to present charges to a grand jury in the death of Shawn Soares, a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate student who was killed in May 2023 when a car crash on West Main Street spilled onto the sidewalk.

One driver in the crash was cited for speeding, and the other was cited for making an improper turn. One of those citations was dismissed by a judge, while the other was dismissed after the driver completed mandated driving school.

Neither faced criminal charges in the incident.

Barbour said that case should have been presented to a Richmond (grand) jury  the members of which could have made a decision on whether prosecution was warranted.

Instead, what (McEachins) office did was insert themselves into that decision-making process and say were not even going to attempt to bring charges, Barbour said.

McEachin pushed back on Barbours assessment. She said her office was not look(ing) for opportunities to conduct jury trials but, rather, deferred to the investigation conducted by Richmond police.

This is not a publicity-seeking competition, she said.

But to Barbour, the process was evidence that public safety is not a high enough priority for city officials.

Weve had pedestrian deaths and traffic violence increase over the last few years, he told The Times-Dispatch. Part of that is because we dont have a commonwealths attorney that is going to ... at least try to prosecute these cases.

McEachins office did prosecute Shanthi Bhagat, the driver who hit and killed VCU student Mahrokh Khan in January 2023. But a jury returned a not guilty verdict on the charge of involuntary manslaughter, and convicted Bhagat only on lesser charges of reckless driving and failure to obey a traffic signal.

Bhagat was sentenced to 12 behind bars.

Barbour: Prosecutors must curb gun violence

Barbours other priorities include utilization of Virginias red flag law, which allows the commonwealths attorney or a police officer to go before a judge and ask the court to prohibit a person from purchasing or possessing firearms.

Under code, the commonwealths attorney is empowered to act on reports submitted by concerned family members, friends and other parties. If approved by a judge, the 14-day order is meant to take guns out of the hands of people who may be a threat to themselves or others.

That 14-day emergency order can then be extended indefinitely for periods of six months.

In 2022, WRIC-TV reported the 2020 law had not yet been used in Richmond, despite being used over 250 times statewide.

Thats a serious problem, Barbour said, because the red flag law is a tool that can be used to prevent events like the Huguenot High School graduation shooting, during which two people were killed in an exchange of gunfire outside the Altria Theater on June 6, 2023.

We knew about that threat, Barbour said. But in many cases, threats like the ones that preceded the graduation shooting go unreported due to the lack of a clear red flag mechanism and community training on how to respond, he argued.

McEachin disputed the contention that a red flag petition could have prevented the shooting.

As you may recall from the facts presented during the almost weeklong trial, both the defendant ... and ... the stepfather of the victim armed themselves after the graduation ceremony, she said. Prior to that moment, there was no evidence (of) a substantial risk.

Barbour says he will resist Trumps policies

Like Mayor Danny Avula, Barbour said that, if elected, he intends to work against the agenda of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday.

Commonwealths attorneys offices have prosecutorial discretion, Barbour said. I am committed to not prosecuting any criminalization of fundamental rights Richmonders have enjoyed, like the fundamental right to reproductive freedom or the fundamental right to equality for our LGBTQ+ community.

Asked whether that prosecutorial discretion could be considered a vulnerability in Virginias legal system  or even a threat to democracy  Barbour said yes.

You are describing Attorney General Jason Miyares, he said. He is trying to pass legislation to give his office more control over local prosecutions so that he can insert an extreme and radical discretional way of thinking into communities.

And we need a commonwealths attorney in Richmond whos going to leverage discretion to protect democracy, not undermine it, Barbour said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Zoran Milanovic on his reelection as Croatian president.

In the message, Xi said that China and Croatia enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and the two countries are good friends and good partners of mutual respect and trust.

In recent years, the two sides have carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and promoted cooperation in various fields with openness, mutual benefit and win-win results, which demonstrated the vitality of bilateral relations, he said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Croatia relations and stands ready to work with Milanovic to push the two countries to advance hand in hand on their respective modernization paths, and open a new chapter in China-Croatia comprehensive cooperative partnership.
It took more than a dozen years from the time members of Petersburgs Tabernacle Baptist Church first thought the 12 acres the church owned next to its sanctuary could help solve a pressing issue  a lack of affordable housing  until the first shovelful of dirt turned.

But with 47 units that opened in 2011, the Rev. Robert Diggs and the congregation are trying to tackle the affordable housing challenge. They hope to build 58 more units next to their Claiborne Square development.

They think some tweaks to state law could help address some of the hurdles and roadblocks that slowed their first effort.

Affordable housing is one of the hottest topics before the 2025 General Assembly. Legislators are wrestling with the often-fractious issues that swirl around local zoning and land use and a growing concern that buying a home or renting an apartment is beyond the reach of too many Virginians.

The congregation is proud of everything that weve done, Diggs said. Our churches in the hood ... basically we have changed the landscape of Petersburg.

A lot of work needed to happen first: streets, sidewalks, and water and sewer connections, and those have been major roadblocks for several projects. Diggs said it took federal funds and ground clearing help from the National Guard to prepare the Claiborne Square site for construction. The bill for the second project the worshippers at Tabernacle would like to do looks like it will total $900,000.

Senate Bill 1178 proposed by state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, and House Bill 2153 proposed by Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, would open a door for localities interested in helping religious groups develop their buildings or land for affordable housing. It would help them seek state Department of Housing and Community Development funds for infrastructure work.

The legislation would also let localities set up faith and housing programs. They would create expedited or simplified zoning and permitting processes for religious organizations or property tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to develop or use their lands or facilities for affordable housing.

Zoning and permitting are challenges several congregations interested in developing housing have faced  as did Charlottesvilles Hinton Avenue Methodist Church when it wanted to build a 15-unit home for people with developmental disabilities. Neighbors said there were already too many apartments in the area. Despite initial approval of the idea, when it turned out that renovating an existing structure would not work and that a new building was required, which would have required more than 15 units to be financially viable, the increase was more than the City Council would accept.

There is a crisis in affordable housing throughout Virginia, with a shortage of 200,000 plus units ... there is also a crisis within many faith communities with declining membership and exacerbated financial hardship, said Sheila Herlihy Hennessee, director of faith organizing for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

These factors have led congregations around Virginia to consider how their property can be used in a mission-oriented way to address the affordable housing crisis, she said.

Hashmi and Carrs bills would allow but not require programs or zoning charges.

In this way, they differ from a bill that would require localities to approve accessory dwelling units  granny flats  in areas zoned for residential use. That measure, House Bill 1832, was reintroduced this year after a House of Delegates committee sidelined similar measures last year. Senate Bill 839 from Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, would also require zoning changes  it would automatically allow multifamily apartment buildings in commercial districts.

Zoning and site plan approval, as Hinton Avenue Methodist found, can quickly raise NIMBY  not in my backyard  concerns. These can also be an issue for recovery residences, the group homes that offer a haven for people struggling with addictions.

That  along with her visits to see that these homes actually work  prompted Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, to introduce House Bill 2289. It says zoning ordinances must allow certified recovery residences, with no more than eight residents, in areas zoned for single-family residences, with no more restrictions than are imposed on such homes.

People struggling with substance abuse can need to be where they can stay clean and are surrounded by people trying to stay clean, Coyner said. I met one man living in Henrico, in recovery residence, who was really from Chesterfield, who told me he couldnt go home because of all the triggers and people hed run into there.

Virginia law already says group homes for up to eight people with disabilities are allowed in residential areas. Coyners bill covers recovery residences that meet standards set by national regulatory bodies and says the homes are not allowed to provide medical care.

Federal fair housing law covers this, but some local officials have a different interpretation or arent aware, said Sarah Scarbrough, founder and director of REAL LIFE. The Richmond nonprofit helps people recovering from substance abuse. Among other things, it has 11 recovery houses with 131 beds.

Many participants were previously homeless or come from jail. For many, its simply a question of being away for a few months from the places and people they knew as they were taking drugs or drinking.

Some people find they need to get away from where they lived, so they can live a different life, Scarbrough said.

Other lawmakers are proposing affordable housing ideas. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, introduced House Bill 1973 that would give localities a first right of refusal on houses and apartments where federal rent subsidies support a landlords income. That first right of refusal would kick in if the landlord wants to sell the property. Rent subsidies help low- and moderate-income families hold down their out-of-pocket costs for rent to 30% of income by making up the difference between what they can afford and the market rate for rent.

She said more than 7,000 affordable rental units in Virginia are at risk of dropping participation in public support programs during the next five years. That number is projected to increase to nearly 30,000 in the next 10 years.

We have an affordable housing crisis with these units and cannot afford to lose them, she added.

State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, and Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, have bills that would cap increases in rent to the Consumer Price Index or 7%, whichever is less. These are Senate Bill 1136 and House Bill 2175.

Reports of hedge funds and other big investors snapping up single-family homes and of mobile home parks boosting rents and requiring people to move prompted state Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, to introduce Senate Bill 1140, which would limit such purchases.

VanValkenburg, meanwhile, wants to set a target for localities to expand their housing stock. Under his Senate Bill 975, if they do not make a good-faith effort through zoning or other measures to hit a 1.5% average increase in housing units over the next five years, the state, instead of city councils or county boards of supervisors, could step in to clear the way for multifamily projects.

Other housing bills include:

Senate Bill 832, filed by state Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, which would set up a pilot program to provide state rent subsidies for families with children under 16, and with income below 50% of the area median.

House Bill 1718, filed by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, which would authorize localities to sue slumlords to enforce health and safety requirements in the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

House Bill 2229, filed by Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, would end a requirement that tenants be current in rent when suing to force a landlord to repair defects that affect health and safety.

House Bill 2047, filed by Del. Bonita G. Anthony, D-Norfolk, would ban landlords from using algorithmic device services, blamed for forcing rents higher in several communities, to set rent amounts.
Government recruits new Imoveqroo head from neighboring state of Yucatan

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The government of Quintana Roo has announced a new head for the states Imoveqroo. As of Febuary1, 2025, Rafael Hernandez Kotasek, the former head of the Yucatan Transportation Agency, will take over the position.

Rafael Hernandez Kotasek

In compliance with the commitment to consolidate the transformation of the State and strengthen mobility as a strategic axis of development, the Government of Quintana Roo announces the appointment of Rafael Hernandez Kotasek as the new head of the Mobility Institute of the State of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo).

In a press release, the Government of Quintana Roo said they appreciate the work of Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia, who headed the Institute for two years. The government did not provide a reason for the change.

Rafael Hernandez Kotasek will take over the position as General Director of Instituto de Movilidad del Estado de Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) from its current head, Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia February 1.

Hernandez Kotasek has been recruited from the neighboring state of Yucatan where he held previous positions as Technical Secretary of Planning and Evaluation of the State of Yucatan, Undersecretary of Social Development in Nuevo Leon, and National Coordinator of States and Municipalities in the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement (Conamer).

Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia

In the field of mobility, Hernandez Kotasek has served as General Director of the Institute of Mobility and Urban Territorial Development and, more recently, as head of the Yucatan Transportation Agency.

Aside from issuing state drivers licenses to the general public, Instituto de Movilidad del Estado de Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) is also responsible for sanctions against taxi drivers found breaking the law.
Mexico returns wanted fugitive to U.S. to face charges for 2006 murder

Mexico City, Mexico  A Mexican national wanted in California for the 2006 murder of a citizen has been extradited. On Thursday, the government of Mexico handed Jose R over to U.S. marshals for his return to California.

According to the State Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), his return was in compliance with the Extradition Treaty signed between Mexico and the United States.

According to the FGR, they extradited a fugitive of Mexican nationality wanted by the Superior Court of the State of California, in Sacramento County, for the crime of homicide.

Jose R took the life of a person in Sacramento in 2006. After the FGRs efforts, the Mexican Government granted his extradition to the United States Government.

He was handed over at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to U.S. agents for his transfer back to that country to face criminal charges.
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Implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal seen as key

08:41, January 17, 2025 By Jan Yumul, Cui Haipei, Zhao Jia ( China Daily

The international community has welcomed a much-awaited ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that involves the release of some hostages and an Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The deal, which will be implemented in three phases, will take effect on Sunday.

An agreement was reached on Wednesday following months of strenuous mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Though pending the approval of Israeli authorities, the deal is set to begin with an initial 42-day phase in which fighting will halt and the Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas to the outskirts of Gaza.

Humanitarian aid is expected to enter Gaza, with 600 trucks arriving daily to bring things including fuel to restore electricity, Israel's State-owned Kan TV news reported.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in Beijing on Thursday that China welcomes the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas.

China hopes that the agreement can be effectively implemented to achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Guo said at a regular daily news briefing.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting and has worked to cool down the situation, protect civilians, and carry out humanitarian relief efforts, Guo said.

"China supports the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and will continue to make active efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support post-war reconstruction in Gaza," he added.

Many Palestinians in Gaza celebrated, hoping that the 15-month ordeal would soon be over.

"I'm having mixed feelings right now, because when you are trying to survive, you don't really feel grief and now that we are less stressed the grief starts," Fatma Jamal Muhaisen, a nutritionist at Al Helou International Hospital in Gaza City, told China Daily via WhatsApp. "But there were some tears of joy, thankfully. We can't believe it is over, we really can't believe it."

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stressed that such an agreement must lead to the cessation of Israeli aggression and a guarantee that it would not be repeated. He made the remarks in a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held up a Cabinet vote on the ceasefire deal that was scheduled for Thursday, accusing Hamas of making last-minute demands. It was unclear what impact the delay would have on the deal. However, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying, "There is no basis to Netanyahu's claims about the movement backtracking from terms in the ceasefire agreement."

Meanwhile, Israel stepped up attacks on the Gaza Strip after the announcement, killing at least 73 Palestinians, according to Gaza authorities. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for the deal to be completed.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among those who welcomed the ceasefire agreement, commending Egypt, Qatar, and the US, and calling for all to "uphold their commitments and ensure the full implementation of the deal".

In a post on X, Guterres urged the parties and relevant partners "to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region".

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also welcomed the deal, with Hissein Brahim Taha, its secretary-general, saying the ceasefire should lead to a permanent cessation of Israeli aggression, the return of the displaced, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement the need to adhere to the agreement, saying that it hoped the deal "will permanently end this brutal Israeli war".

In a post on X, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, "Our work has not ended; this is merely a step forward."

He added that they would continue to work "until all terms of the agreement are applied, until we have achieved peace and are able to turn the last page of war".

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for accelerating the entry of urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza "to confront the current catastrophic humanitarian situation, without any obstacles".

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a post on X that the ceasefire agreement is a valuable step for justice and humanity.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
 Flash

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to crack down on cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, when meeting with diplomatic envoys from 10 ASEAN countries in Beijing on Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with diplomatic envoys of 10 ASEAN countries in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the recent vicious cases of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border have threatened and harmed the vital interests of citizens of China and other countries, a situation that demands a great deal of attention.

Wang said it is hoped that the relevant countries will take responsibility and strong measures to resolutely crack down on these crimes, safeguard people's safety and property, and never allow criminals to evade punishment.

China is willing to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on law enforcement and security with ASEAN countries to provide a safe environment for people-to-people exchanges and sound order of cooperation among neighboring countries, said Wang.
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Elon Musk is riding high in Washington.

After boosting Donld Trump through extreme sycophancy, turning Twitter into the red-pilled X, and dousing the once-and-future president with $239 million in campaign contributions, Musk earned himself a starring role in Trumps second administration. But he didnt want to be a secretary of anything; rather, he wanted DOGE.

The Department of Government Efficiency, named after Musks favorite meme of a Shiba Inu and its shitcoin cryptocurrency Dogecoin, will be led by Musk and fellow billionaire businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. The department is tasked with trimming the fat in Washington, reducing bureaucracy, and making the whole sprawling enterprise run like a well-oiled machine.

In other words, Trump is adding bureaucracy in order to reduce bureaucracy. The execution promises to be even worse: DOGE is reportedly considering recommendations from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a right-wing nonprofit, that claims it can cut $120 billion from the federal budget through eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

While DOGE is clearly a recipe for disaster, any good student of civics knows theres a need for better efficiency in government. However, it was clear this week that Musk has been a direct beneficiary of the sluggishness of government.

On Tueday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the primary federal regulator of Wall Street, sued Musk. In the lawsuit, filed in federal district court in D.C., the agency claims that Musk violated a key provision of federal securities law when he failed to file proper disclosures in buying up shares of Twitter. When an investor accumulates more than 5 percent of a companys stock, theyre required to file reports with the SEC, an important transparency measure.

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When Musk finally disclosed his stake on April 4, 202211 days latethe stock shot up 27 percent in a day. Because Musk failed to timely disclose his beneficial ownership, he was able to make these purchases from the unsuspecting public at artificially low prices, the SEC wrote in its complaint, alleging that Musk underpaid Twitter investors $150 million in stock transactions during this timeand anyone that sold during that time was deprived of the true value of their shares.

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Musk has a long history with the SEC. After Musk tweeted that he was considering taking Tesla private in 2018, the SEC sued him alleging fraud. That ended in a settlement in which Musk paid $20 million and stepped down as company chairman. I do not respect the SEC, he told 60 Minutes later in 2018. I do not respect them.

In the Twitter case, Musk had an unfair advantage when he proposed buying the company for $54.20 per share on April 14, 2022, an offer that the Twitter board eventually accepted (perhaps to Musks surprise since he sued to get out of the deal, dropping it only when it was obvious that he would lose at trial). And even with his cheaply bought stock, Musk still couldnt afford to buy Twitter and pay the $44 billion price tag without $13 billion in loans and $7 billion in equity investment, making it one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history.

Related From Slate Trumps Biggest Political Liability Is Hiding in Plain Sight Read More

So, if youre keeping a detailed chronology, yes, the SEC took nearly three years to sue Musk over the Twitter deal. And it came just as Trump is set to take office, with SEC Chair Gary Gensler departing the agency. Trump will likely ask whoever replaces Gensler to drop the charges against his good friend Musk.

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With Twitter, the company that Musk wanted, and then didnt, and then bought anyway because he kind of had to, Musk paved paradise (a typically toxic social media platform) and put up a parking lot (a MAGA haven full of white supremacists, vaccine deniers, and conspiracy theorists). He turned Twitter into X, which has failed at being a successful social media platform and succeeded immeasurably in boosting the political fortunes of Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

If the government were, in fact, efficient, maybe it would have the power to stop illegal stock acquisitions in their tracks before the offer was on the table, or before the deal closed, or even soon after Musk took over.

Now, we begin the era of unbridled oligarchy. If the government couldnt stop Musk before he took control, how could it possibly stop him in the future?
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On Monday, Jan. 6, my best friend left on a road trip to Texas. As he later told me, he had a strange, intrusive thought as he locked the door and turned to leave: Id be OK if all this burned to the ground.

The next day, entire swaths of Los Angeles did exactly that. Fueled by unusually high winds and a fatally dry winter, a fire broke out in the coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, causing mass evacuations and a billowing cloud of noxious smoke that made daytime look like dusk. Later that evening, across the city, flames erupted in Altadena, a serene neighborhood nestled at the base of the mountains. Embers from these fires sparked a number of smaller blazes that perforated the city like a spreading rash. Evacuation warnings began to whine on peoples phones, seconded only by the distressed text messages we began receiving from family and friends. The energy felt suddenly, terribly, off.

Like many Angelenos, I left the city on the night of Jan. 7. My house in Highland Park, though not in an evacuation zone, was choked with smoke. Ash and debris pelted my windows, catapulted from miles away by the raging winds. Nearby in Altadena, friends homes were beginning to burn. When my dads apartment in Pasadena was placed under an evacuation warning, I decided I wasnt going to stick around and see what happened to mine. I found a motel in Orange County, packed a bag, loaded my dad and cat in my car, and got out. As I drove, flames engulfed the city. By morning, we would wake up to a different L.A.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, I went back to my house to collect a few things. The sun was a violent, rageful red, glowing like a stop sign through the murky haze. Toxic ash rained down, blanketing the pathway to my house like snow. Even through my N95, the smoke was overpowering. With a pang, I realized I was inhaling the remains of other peoples homes. Their Christmas decorations, their favorite mugs, the walls on which they hung their family photosit was now all hanging, confused, in the air. I tried to hold my breath as I fumbled for my keys, but the impulse for oxygen prevailed. I inhaled. The sharpness of the air singed my throat.

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Over a week later, the air in L.A. feels still like a knife. You feel it enter and push deeper into your body, leaving the lining of your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs alive with irritation. Your tongue feels swollen. Your eyes feel radioactive. A metallic taste lingers in your mouth. Your body cries out in protestwhy are you breathing this? But your eyes see something different. Outside, the sky is blue. The day is clear. There are stars at night. In most places, it doesnt smell like smoke. It doesnt smell like anything at all. On apps like Watch Duty and PurpleAir, little green circles hover over neighborhoods, boasting healthy-seeming numbers like 18 and 27. The air quality is good.

But the air quality is not good. Standard air quality meters dont read for the kinds of materials released during structural fires. Theyre not calibrated to measure the Jurassic, often condemned materials used to construct suburban areas. They quantify thingsmuch smaller thingsthat are ordinarily present in urban environments, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, dust, and humidity. What they dont measure is asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide gas, aerosolized phthalates, hydrochloric acid, dioxins, furans, and a host of unknowable materials released from burning cars, insulation, couches, and machinery that can cause cancer, asthma, respiratory issues, headaches, cognitive impairment, heart problems, birth defects, and other serious health effects. They dont measure the poisonous ash that settles on the ground, below the meters, where dogs, cats, and other animals sniff and roll as if none of this ever happened. During a Zoom call last night hosted by Coalition for Clean Air, it was estimated that it will take a minimum of two years to clean up this dust and ash. In the meantime, the water supply is likely to be affected, the soil will be contaminated, and its unclear whether local produce will be safe to eat.

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Its for this reason that in L.A., the fires arent over. The flames may have subsided (at least in some urban areas; at least for now), but the long-term effects of the fire on our health, mental well-being, sense of safety, economy, and community are just beginning. For now, this week, Im just figuring out how to breathe.

As I write this, I have a HEPA air purifier sitting 2 feet away. I can still feel the sinuses in my forehead and the tubes in my lungs swell and burn. My lips sting, and my brain feels like sludge. I wring my hands constantly about the effects of this airnot just on my health, but on my home. My home is L.A. My house is in Highland Park. What if neither is safe anymore? What if the place I rely on for safety, identity, and community is no longer livable?

Every time I ask myself these questions, I feel ashamed. At least I have a home to worry about. At least I have the means and privilege to leave. Right now, tens of thousands of adults, children, and animals do not.

For those of us who are staying, I worry about our air. But for many people, this is simply not an issue they can worry about. Maybe, as was the case with COVID, theyre uninterested in succumbing to fear. Maybe they cant see or smell chemicals in the air, so they believe theyre not there. They walk outside, mask-free. They drive with the windows down. Theyre going to live their lives. They have to live their lives.

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But I know the consequences could be dire. My own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year after surviving the Marshall fire in Superior, Colorado, in 2022. She has no genetic predisposition to cancer. She lives a healthy lifestyle. She exercises. She doesnt smoke or drink (except for the occasional glass of wineor, Im told, a pomegranate martini). Nothing in her environment would predispose her to cancer, except for being in close proximity to the fires. Sure, its impossible to definitively prove the causation, but during an appointment with one of her cancer doctors, he remarked that hed never seen so much breast cancer in young women as he had in the year or two after the fire. Two recent studies about the Marshall fireboth of which focused on the lingering carcinogens and contaminants it released into the surrounding neighborhoodsconfirm as much.

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And that risk isnt the only one. Nearly every person Ive spoken with who survived the Marshall fire has symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that worsen when the winds pick up. When theyre really strong, my mom has a trauma response. Sometimes, she shakes, her heart rate skyrockets, and she feels faint. Her cortisol goes through the roof. Memories of the fire come flooding back as if they happened yesterday. She puts her go-bag near the door. She starts planning and checking the news. Shes looking for a way to gain control over the uncontrollable; to feel safe amid a seemingly unending threat. The fire itself died out two years ago. The feeling of it is just as fresh as ever.

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You take snapshots of things your brain has never seen before, she told me. Fire has a mind of its own. It eats things at its own pace and its own intensity. There is no language to deal with it. All you can do is run.

One image in particular sticks in her mindof the fire morphing into an actual being. When you see it for the first time, and you realize you have no power over it, and you see it consume houses, animals, and trees in such a quick and thoughtless way, it looks like an animal, she remarked. Even just mentioning fire is enough to reawaken the beast.

Even years after a traumatic event, bodies still feel devastation and losseven if it wasnt their own. My moms house is still standing, but she can easily imagine what it would feel like to lose it. Its a completely unique experience that lives inside of you forever, she told me. Travis, another friend of mine who survived the Marshall fire, told me what happens to him when the winds increase. I start smelling the air for smoke, looking on the horizon for smoke, and checking local news for any breaking fire updates, he said. If I smell a firepit or woodstove or chimney that I dont know where it is coming from, I get concerned and start thinking about what I need to do if I need to evacuate. As long as it is dry, windy, or any kind of fire weather, these feelings are now a persistent part of my mental state. I go into a hypervigilance mode that I never experienced before. Even with years between him and the fire, Travis spends an inordinate amount of time considering how to fire-proof his house, and what hed take and leave if he had to run.

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Serena, a friend of mine who survived Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2022, has similar feelings whenever hurricanes start roiling in the Atlantic. It was very surreal driving around and surveying the damage after, she explained. The thrill and fear and anxiety action sort of fades into depression as rebuilding slowly starts and the news cycle forgets about you within moments. You realize the insurance nightmare everyone is dealing with. The loss of life and property sinks in. Thats hard to come back from. Unlike many people, Serena and her husband didnt lose everythinghis childhood house just flooded under 6 feet of water. It was devastating, but they recovered faster than those who lost everything. For those people, the shock of having a homeand then suddenly having only a keyis unlikely to fade away.

Another friend of mine in L.A., who Ill call Jen, wonders what all this means for the city itself. L.A.s film industry is already slowly dying, and housing prices have driven scores of people away. I feel like this place is already on its last legs, she said to me the other night as we looked out of my living room window at the city lights twinkling in the distance. And this disaster stuffits probably going to keep happening. Were due for a huge earthquake. There will probably be more fires. Whatll be left?

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We were silent for a moment before she spoke again. I love it here, she said. Its so fucking beautiful. Jen lives eight blocks away from me. Too afraid of the air, shed driven to my house. We said goodbye, joking that maybe soonmonths? years?shed be able to walk home without a mask.

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The problem is that the whole point of living in L.A. is to go outside. Yes, we know its a vast and unknowable tangle of strip malls and highways. We know its commercial. We know that the plastic veneer of Hollywood gives parts of the city, and aspects of life here, a certain superficiality. But the people who live here also know that L.A. is a lush and perennially vibrant paradise in close proximity to every terrain and environment a person could want (minus icebergs). Do you want desert? Do you want mountains? Do you want ocean? Stars? Tropical plants? National parks? Endless expanses of shady parks where families picnic with frolicking dogs? Fields of poppies that bloom in the spring? You can have it. Its all within a two-hour drive.

We move here for the weather, the sun, the hiking trails, the outdoor movies, the swimming pools, the taco stands, and the patios that you rarely need more than a sweater to enjoy. During COVID lockdowns, we nearly kissed the ground knowing that while most of the country was cooped up inside during long, cold winters, we were outside, together. We had Thanksgiving dinners and birthday parties outside. We felt safe breathing the air. Right now, thats not the case. In the span of a few days, L.A. has become an interior city. Its closed windows, shuttered doors, and a fear of the things that drew us here in the first place. Every breath feels like one you might regret.

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Yet, most of us will stay. This is our home. This is where we grew up, fell in love, drove down Sunset with the windows down, watched the fireworks explode over Dodger Stadium. This place is in our cellsits who we are. And we wont give that up so easily.

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Nilo, a friend of mine who lives about half a mile away from me in Highland Parkand who sheltered in place during the worst of the Eaton firewouldnt dream of leaving. Yes, her job is here, and no, she cant work from home, but to her, leaving the cityeven briefly, for some fresh airis to admit defeat. Im not going to let the fire win, she told me defiantly. L.A. is who I am. Chelsea, her wife, agreed. Ill die here if I have to, she said, half jokinghalf not.
Early on in The Straight Story, the 1999 drama that David Lynch called his most experimental film, a doctor tells 73-year-old Alvin Straight that he likely has emphysema and that if he doesnt make some lifestyle changes, there will be consequences. In the next shot, Alvin, played by Richard Farnsworth, lights up a Swisher Sweet and puffs away with satisfaction.

David Lynch, too, loved smokingthe message he posted in August announcing his own emphysema was an ode to the pleasures of tobacco, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them. Lynch died Thursday, a week after being evacuated from his home in the Hollywood Hills in the midst of the Los Angeles wildfires. He was 78, and his love of smoking was not the only thing he shared with Alvin Straight. The Straight Story might seem like a minor film in Lynchs oeuvrein the wake of the directors death, its Blue Velvet, Mulholland Dr., and the many iterations of Twin Peaks that Lynch lovers keep returning tobut in its departures from his usual tone its a striking entry point into his work, a modest masterpiece that reveals more each time you watch it.

Based on the true story of an elderly Iowan who drove his riding lawn mower across the Mississippi to visit his ailing brother, The Straight Story is a leisurely road movie touching on familiar Lynchian themes of regret, experience, and fate. The script, written by Lynchs longtime partner Mary Sweeney with John Roach, puts Straight, puttering across the plains on his John Deere, in conversation with a collection of loners and kind souls. (In his trailer, Alvin keeps two folding chairsone for him, and one just in case someone wants to stop by his campfire and chat.) In The Straight Story, as in many other Lynch stories, rural America is full of weirdos, but here theyre quieter, sadder, and more endearingnot nitrous-sucking murderers but a desperate woman who cant stop hitting deer with her car, or bickering twin mechanics played by Chris Farleys younger brothers.

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Lynch took The Straight Story to 1999s Cannes film festival, where in perhaps the greatest year ever for American independent film, he sold his movie to Disney. (Its still streaming on Disney+.) He laughed, later, when it received a G rating from the MPAAsurely that would never happen again, he cracked. Yet he was obviously fond of this placid film. I felt its yearning for pure, intense feeling represented something that was in the air, he said. I dont know whether whats in the air is also a desire to have a break from sex and violence or, rather, a yearning for more tender, more direct storytelling.

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The movies most tender, direct scene is a campfire interaction between Alvin and a young runaway, played by Anastasia Webb, whos certain her family hates her, and will hate her even more when they find out shes pregnant. When his kids were little, Alvin tells her, he would give each of them a stick and tell them to break it. Then hed tell them to tie all the sticks together and try to break them. Thats family, he says, that unbreakable bundle of sticks. Critics at the time took issue with the scene for its alleged pro-life undertones, but watching it now, it feels not conservative but mournful, the declaration of a man who, after all, is traveling hundreds of miles on a lawn mower to apologize to his estranged brother before they both die.

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Because above all, The Straight Story is a movie about mortality, about a man facing the end of his life with thoughtfulness and dignity. Lynch shot the film in sequence in the fall along the Iowa roads the real Alvin Straight rode, and as the movie goes on, the trees glow orange with autumn, and Farnsworth, the sturdy character actor given a lead, gets ever more haggard and exhausted. Farnsworth was dying of cancer when he took the rolehe isnt feigning Alvin Straights leg paralysis, his need for two canes to get around. Yet he carries the movie, embracing Alvins crankiness but also his tenderness towards his daughter (Sissy Spacek), the strangers he encounters, and even the long, straight Midwestern roads he putters along at 5 mph. Lynch found the journey they went on together unusually moving. In the editing room I cried like mad, he said.

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We know, through the entire film, that Alvin Straight, despite every hardship he endures, must make it to Wisconsin, must arrive at the home of his brother Lyle. What we dont know is what will happen when he gets there. When the movies end arrives, its a scene of cosmic beauty, accompanied by Angelo Badalamentis ethereal scorepure cinematic liftoff, a triumph of writing, direction, acting, casting, all the things that make a movie take flight. Its also bittersweet. How could it not be, with its iconoclastic hero finishing his long journey, his failing body framed by the wide-open American sky?
This article contains spoilers for the first episode of Severance Season 2.

In the opening scene of Severances first episode, Helly R. (Britt Lower) awakens face-down on a conference-room table, struggling to get her bearings as a disembodied voice asks a question that recurs throughout the shows first season: Who are you? Hellys co-workers in the Macrodata Refinement department of Lumon Industries seem more or less content with their lot, spending eight hours a day in a windowless room sorting encoded numbers into virtual bucketsnever mind that they have no idea what the purpose of their job is, or that because their minds have been surgically disconnected from the people they are outside of Lumon, they only exist as conscious individuals while theyre at work. Their outies, the ones who signed them up for this gig, reap the benefits of their severed selves labor: They draw a salary and live in company-subsidized housing, their minds blissfully unclouded by whatever it is their bodies are doing from 9 to 5. (You cant take your work home with you if you dont remember it.) But the innies arent mindless drones. They have thoughts and feelings, even if the company carefully controls the information theyre allowed to absorb. And while her colleagues have learned to be satisfied with and even excited about the trinkets Lumon doles out as incentivesa portrait etched inside a Lucite cube, a deviled-egg bar that one co-worker observes is coveted as fuckHelly refuses to accept this circumscribed existence as the entirety of her life. She begs her outie to resign, and when that doesnt work, she tries coercion, threatening to cut off her fingers and hanging herself from a noose inside the elevator that acts as a portal between Lumons severed floor and the rest of the world. But Hellys outie coldly rejects her attempts at self-determination. I am a person, she explains in a video message recorded for her subterranean self. You are not.

Severances second season begins in much the same way as the first, only this time its Mark S. (Adam Scott) coming to while inside Lumons endless corridors. Its been five months since what Lumon now calls the Macrodat Uprising, where Helly, Mark, and their severed co-worker Irving B. (John Turturro) found a way to awaken their inside selves in the outside world, with the intention of sounding the alarm about the terrible treatment innies receive.

(In addition to being denied free will, they are subject to psychological torture when they violate company rules; the severed floors break room exists for the purpose of breaking them.) When the first season ended, it seemed as if their small-scale revolt had been a failure. Mark took so much time trying to figure out who he could trust that he never got around to spilling the beans. Irving spent his time above ground seeking out a co-worker hed fallen in love with. And although Helly managed to get the word out, she did it in front of the least receptive audience imaginable: a meeting of Lumon allies and investors. (Her outie, it turns out, is the heir apparent to the companyquite a conflict of interest.) But, Mark is told, the plan worked anyway. Mark and his MDR colleagueseven Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), who stayed behind to work the machinery that let the innies consciousness take over their outies bodieshave become a cause celebre, the face of severance reform. Given that the only source of this information is a redacted article from the Kier Times, the paper named for Lumons founder, its hardly a reliable source. But then, almost nothing on Severance can be taken at face value.

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Fittingly for a story about dual selves, Severance is essentially two shows in one: a darkly surrealist comedy about workplace alienation and an elaborate, puzzle-box conspiracy thriller about a sinister, all-encompassing corporation. And like the innies and their outies, those two shows sometimes work in concert and at others feel like theyre at cross-purposes. The apparent meaninglessness of MDRs repetitive task feels like a childs understanding of what their parents do for work, and fits the underlying notion that the innies are effectively born the instant they arrive on Lumons severed floor. (When Marks outie tells a former Lumon employee that hes been severed for two years, she responds, So your innie is still just a baby.) In the new season, Mark gets a new manager, Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), and is taken aback to discover that shes a mere teenager. But because only rank-and-file workers undergo severance, she is, in an experiential sense, several years his senior.

Although Scott still has a boyish impetuousness that can make him seem younger than his 51 years, Severance is at pains to make him look as worn-out as possible. (Among other things, he has what may be the least flattering haircut in television history.) Mark is a star workerand, the new season hints, may be far more integral to Lumons game plan than his superiors would ever allow him to knowand yet there is, both figuratively and literally, nowhere for him to go. Ben Stiller directed most of Severances episodes, and there are faint echoes of Reality Bites, Stillers directorial debut, in its underlying suggestion that working for the man will inevitably corrode your soul, whether or not that man happens to be Kier Eagan. Severing his consciousness is outie Marks way of insulating himself from the deadening effects of corporate servitude. (It does not seem incidental that Lumon was founded in 1865, the year the 13th Amendment abolished slavery.) And yet, as one Lumon escapee tells him, theres no escaping the damage it does. You carry the hurt with you.  You just dont know what it is.

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Lumons baroque internal mythology includes worshipping its founder as a secular prophet; because its employees have no idea what tasks theyre carrying out, theyre taught that their ultimate responsibility is simply to serve Kier. (Im very good at what I do here, Dylan crows in the new season, whatever it is.) Its a satirical take on the very idea of corporate culture, the notion that a workplace ought to have sway over not just what you do but what you believe. Severance demands a kind of faith from its viewers, too. The first season piled up clues about Lumons real purpose, but theyre so opaque and disconnected they feel designed more to spark online fan theories than to lead viewers toward the truth. What does hand-feeding baby goats have to do with manufacturing watering cans, and what does any of that have to do with MDRs numbers? Its anybodys, or everybodys, guess.

Not every mystery needs an explanation, and it would be truer to the siloed nature of 21st century labor if Severance never provided one. (Do any of us really understand everything our employers and co-workers do?) But its easier to keep an audience engaged if you just keep baiting the hook, so the show keeps holding out the promise that this will all add up if we just watch long enough. Not too fast, though. And the longer the mystery stretches out, the less engrossing it becomes, the more remote the chance of a satisfying resolution. Still, as anyone whos stayed in a bad job too long can attest, sometimes you stick around just because you like the people youre with.

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Because the immaculate vibe of Lumons underground prison is central to the shows appeal, it has a classic TV problem: Every episode is built around the characters attempts to escape the environment that has forced them together, but the instant they do, its all over. (Its the Gilligans Island conundrum, Lost without an escape hatch.) When Mark returns to the office after the Macrodat Uprising, his team has been replaced by a trio of newcomers, but by the end of the episode, the gang is back together, and as the episode ends, the camera swirls around them as the music swells, conveying a sense of triumph rather than defeat. Were thrilled to see them reunited, even though that means theyre back in hell. Its not Lumon thats keeping them trapped. Its us.
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The allegations against Neil Gaiman are plentiful, detailed, and horrifying. First reported last summer in a podcast from Tortoise Media and expanded in a monster New York magazine cover story this week, they include stories of sexual assault and coercion from multiple women across several decades and continents. Together, they paint a picture of a man who reportedly used his fame and good-guy reputation to earn the trust of people hed go on to mercilessly abuse.

This image of Gaiman, an English writer beloved for his fantasy novels and comic books, contradicts the public persona his fans have grown to cherish. Once highly active on Twitter, he called himself a feminist, spoke out in support of trans people, and exhorted followers to believe survivors and fight for women at the ballot box & with art & by listening. His outspoken feminist wife, Amanda Palmer, would loudly congratulate Gaiman on social media and in the press for being a committed co-parent, partner, and champion of women. (The couple are now estranged.)

With his writing, too, Gaiman seemed the picture of a well-meaning ally. His workswhich include The Sandman, Good Omens, Coraline, and American Godsoften contain storylines of empowerment for marginalized people. He stood out in the notoriously male world of comic book writing for his empathetic depictions of complex, intrepid women sometimes grappling with abuse from men. In one novel, magic is the sole province of women; two literary scholars published a whole book of essays parsing the feminist themes of his oeuvre.

Through representatives, Gaiman has denied the claims of misconduct and described any sexual activity between him and his accusers as consensual. But their allegations are similarseveral women say he pushed past their protests of sexual pain, demanded they perform degrading acts of submission without their explicit consent, and occasionally pressed them into sexual contact in the presence of his young son. Multiple women received payments from Gaiman after they confronted him about his behavior.

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And so Gaiman joins an ignominious crew of famous men whose work and statements seemed to align with women against sexist oppression in public, even as they allegedly assaulted, harassed, or otherwise mistreated women in private. This pathway is now so well trodden as to have become a trope: the male feminist who deeply, appallingly wasnt.

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At the height of #MeToo, these guys were everywhere. There was Louis C.K., who made searching, seemingly self-aware work that scrutinized gender relations and male sexual entitlement. And yet, several women have said that he masturbated in front of them without their permission or otherwise sexually harassed them. There was Aziz Ansari, who made sensitive, thoughtful comedy about heterosexual datingand reportedly tried to pressure a woman into sexual contact with unceasing persistence after she repeatedly resisted. Then there was Eric Schneiderman, the New York attorney general who sued Harvey Weinsteins company for creating a toxic environment. Months later, four women accused Schneiderman of physical violence, often during sex. (Schneiderman, like Gaiman, said he was practicing consensual BDSM.)

The fallen male feminist category includes plenty of lesser-known entries toolike comedian and podcast host Jamie Kilstein, once applauded by Feministing for telling actually-funny rape jokes before multiple women came out with allegations of sexual and emotional abuse, and sociologist Michael Kimmel, who literally wrote the book on male privilege before he was accused of sexual harassment by former students.

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The unmasking has continued over the years. Many former romantic partners of Joss Whedon, another fantasy storyteller who made works (like Buffy the Vampire Slayer) about underestimated women showing the world their power, have accused him of lying, cheating, and manipulating them. People have also said he was verbally abusive on sets, making sexist and demeaning comments toward women. And just this year, Justin Baldoni, the actor and director who famously gave a TED talk on redefining masculinity and hosted a podcast about challenging rigid gender roles, was sued by his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively for a litany of sexist misdeeds, including pressuring her to be fully nude in a scene, making sexual comments about her clothing, improvising sexual behavior in front of the camera, and telling her about his pornography addiction. These events reportedly all occurred during filming for a movie that was specifically about ending gender-based violence.

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When a man who seems generally enlightened in public is alleged to have mistreated women in private, there is a sense among his fans of having been duped. The reaction to such allegations is often accompanied by a question: Were his feminist bona fides part of the reason his accusers trusted him in the first place? No matter how many men like Gaiman are hit with troubling allegations, its still hard for supporters of male feminist creators to internalize that speaking out against gender inequities doesnt preclude a man from being a jerkor even a serial rapist.

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Through a certain lens, the hypocrisy of a male feminist abuser seems even more repugnant than the abuses of an unrepentant sexist. One of these men is at least honest about who he is, adorning himself in red flags that read caveat emptor. The other uses his knowledge of feminist discourse to lure people closer with the intent of using them. Its almost a secondary violation to have the language and narratives of a social movement co-opted in service of a pattern of abuse.

There seem to be two psychoanalyses of male feminists accused of misconduct. One is that he was evangelizing for gender equity as a deliberate fraud, in a ploy to camouflage the self-interested cruelty at his core. The other is that he truly believes he is one of the good guys, convinced that forcing a woman into sexual humiliation is harmless adult fun and any hurt feelings are a misunderstanding.

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To me, these debates are pointless. The damage is done either way. A more productive question would turn the focus inward: Why are feminists so entranced by male allies in the first place?

Any progress toward gender equity requires the buy-in of men. But the extent to which advocates for women have been eager to celebrate any minor artistic or political contribution from men has long struck me as extreme. I have attended at least three major events centered on womens health and rights at which the presenters have stopped and asked for a round of applause to recognize the few men in attendance. Some organizations that promote womens interests, like Vital Voices, offer specific awards for men. (Vital Voices gave its award to Baldoni in December, then rescinded it a few weeks later, after the lawsuit was filed against him.)

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Maybe its a practical strategy to keep men in the movement who might leave if they dont feel adequately coddled, or a reflection of the idea that men are doing something uniquely brave when they reject sexism, or a symptom of the internalized self-hatred that leads marginalized groups to overvalue approval from those outside the community. (See also: GLAADs consistent fawning over straight people who support LGBTQ+ rights.) Whatever it is, it is insulting to give men special credit for advocating for women when women do it all the time, and often suffer for doing so.

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The adulation of male feminists has quieted a bit over the past several years, partly due to the rising intensity of threats to womens lives in the Trump era. (Hearing a man say that women deserve equal treatment just doesnt hit like it used to.) The label of feminist itself has also lost some of its currency. For a time, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was an fixation on getting celebrities to say whether they were feminists. Their answers could power entire news cycles. That black-and-white framing has, thankfully, mostly evaporated in popular discourse. Trumps rise showed many progressive white women the error in approaching feminism as a narrow, single-issue movement having to do with gender alone. And the term began losing the thread when right-wing conservatives who oppose abortion access and promote traditional gender roles began calling themselves feminists.

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But even though we know that people betray their professed values with self-interested actions all the time, and even though we have seen this happen with supposedly feminist men again and again, the assumption that men who talk the talk also walk the walk remains stubbornly hard to shake. There is a kind of desperation to the search for men who might vindicate their gender through thoughtful art or decent behavior. Its as if theres a hope that the accumulation of enough pro-woman men could be a bulwark against the broader anti-woman thrust of the political and social tides.

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But that hope is so often a road to disappointment. On her Patreon, the writer Ella Dawson wrote about being captivated by Baldonis TED talk and taking his side against Blake Lively in her initial social media posts, then feeling sickened when she realized, after reading about the smear campaign Baldoni had orchestrated against Lively, that she may have been mistaken about the man shed admired. It wasnt just the extent of Baldonis alleged misbehavior that upset herit was the feeling that she herself had done wrong by supporting him.

Per the Milkshake Duck meme and the admonition to never meet your idols, there is a broad understanding in adult society that human beings (and ducks) are complicated. They often hurt otherssome number of them hurt others in particularly monstrous ways. The male feminist, as a figure of wish fulfillment in the search for a better world, has circumvented the natural skepticism people might otherwise have about public figures. Fan culture plays into this too: The world of comic cons and fan sites that Gaiman inhabits encourages obsessive parasocial relationships with media creators. In that milieu, it can be hard to remember that the public image of a celebrity is just a carefully crafted facade designed for maximum monetary gain. No matter what they post or how they write, we dont really know these people at all.
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On Friday morning, the Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on TikTok, allowing the government to effectively shutter the social media app when the law takes effect on Sunday. The court rejected an argument, raised by the company and multiple content creators, that the ban violates the First Amendment by suppressing their freedom of speech and association. It ruled, unanimously, that Congress acted within its constitutional authority to prevent the Chinese government from accessing massive amounts of personal data that TikTok collects from Americans.

This conclusion will disappoint the apps 170 million users in the United States. But it reflects eminently reasonable deference to the judgment of the political branch, which held compelling, fact-based concerns about TikToks detrimental impact on national security. Congress gathered a voluminous record demonstrating that the app could expose an unthinkable volume of highly sensitive user data to a foreign adversary. It then took reasonable steps to limit this threat. Unelected judges should not lightly overrule these democratic determinations. Put simply, the Supreme Court was right to stay in its lane.

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As the court explained in its unsigned majority opinion on Friday, the fundamental problem with TikTok is that its owned by a Chinese parent company called ByteDance. Under Chinese law, the Chinese Communist Party can demand access to all data held and owned by ByteDance, which includes TikTok user data. And the information that TikTok collects from users is vast: It includes age, phone number, precise location, internet address, device used, phone contacts, social network connections, and content of private messages, as well as data stored in the users contact list, including names, contact information, contact photos, job titles, and notes. Congress worried that this data would enable China to track the locations of federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. TikTok could, in short, be easily transformed into an espionage tool, permitting the Chinese Communist Party to spy on 170 million Americans.

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Congress therefore gave TikTok two options: divest from ByteDance or face a ban in the U.S. But ByteDance adamantly refused to sell the company, compelling TikTok to battle for its existence in the courts. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the law in December, holding that it passed First Amendment muster. TikTok then asked the Supreme Court to halt the impending ban; the justices fast-tracked the case to rush out a final decision before the law takes effect on Jan. 19.

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Their ruling rests on an important distinction that minimizes potential damage to broader First Amendment protections. The government defended the ban with two very different justifications: First, a fear that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on Americans; and second, a concern that China could manipulate videos on TikTok to sow discord in America and further the Chinese Communist Partys aims. This second rationale is discomfiting because it appears to target speech on the basis of its content, which is rarely permitted under the First Amendment. But the Supreme Court wisely declined to endorse it. Instead, the court explained that the record before us adequately supports the conclusion that Congress would have passed the challenged provisions based on the data collection justification alone. And so it rested its decision exclusively on that rationale.

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That choice made the courts job much easier. Congress fear about data security, it explained, is content-neutral. It undoubtedly burdens speech by shutting down TikTok. Its purpose, though, is to keep data out of an adversarys hands, not to censor expression on the basis of its content. The court therefore subjected the law to intermediate scrutiny rather than the more demanding strict scrutiny. And it found that Congress had satisfied its burden of sufficiently tailored to address the governments interest in preventing a foreign adversary from collecting vast swaths of sensitive data about the 170 million U. S. persons who use TikTok.

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By taking this route, the court avoided difficult questions about the Constitutions application to both social media and foreign propaganda. As both Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch explained in concurrences, the manipulation of content on a social media platform constitutes editorial discretion thats protected by the First Amendment. An American company similar to TikTok may well have a constitutional right to promote Chinese propaganda on its platform, just as any social media company has a right to promote or suppress certain speech by altering its algorithm. Journalists, publishers, and speakers of all kinds, Gorsuch wrote, routinely make less-than-transparent judgments about what stories to tell and how to tell them. And under the First Amendment, they are free to make decisions about what they say in concert with a foreign adversary. Congress cannot censor these editorial decisions out of concern that they are exposing Americans to dangerous ideas. It can, however, target a company whose app permits a foreign adversary to spy on Americans.

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Fridays ruling means that, in theory, app stores may no longer carry TikTok on Jan. 19, and the app itself may simply shut down. But it is unclear whether the government, having prevailed in its battle against TikTok, will actually enforce the ban: Outgoing President Joe Biden has indicated that he wont block the app during his final hours in office, while incoming President Donald Trump has strongly suggested that he wont, either. Congress is also considering legislation that would delay the ban for another 270 days.

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It is curious to see the same lawmakers who enacted the TikTok ban suddenly backtrack now that the apps demise is imminent; perhaps some of them assumed that the Supreme Court would block the law, allowing them to look hawkish on national security without incurring too much wrath from TikTok users. The court, though, is not and should not be the final arbiter of every major controversy in American life; it has no business bailing out elected officials whove gotten cold feet about the ban. The political branches own this law, for better or worse. And SCOTUS has done its job by stepping out of their way.
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Now that the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively bans TikTok unless its sold to a U.S. owner by Jan. 19, what will happen to other Chinese apps that Americans have been flocking to as an alternative, like RedNote?

Because of the law, come Sunday, TikTok will no longer be offered in U.S. mobile app stores. While the law doesnt take TikTok off of existing users phones, the company told Reuters it plans to shut its U.S. operations on Sunday, making the app go dark for U.S. users.

As the high court signaled it was inclined to uphold the law during oral arguments earlier this month, U.S. TikTok users started moving to Xiaohongshu, nicknamed RedNote. Its a Chinese-owned lifestyle platform where users can upload photos and videos, and its one of Chinas most popular apps, with over 300 million users. This week, the app gained nearly 3 million U.S. users, Reuters reported, citing data analytics firm Similarweb. As of Friday, its No. 1 on Apples free app chart. Lemon8 is another Chinese-owned app thats gaining traction in the U.S., though its also owned by TikTok owner ByteDance.

However, RedNote could likely face the same fate as TikTok here in the U.S. because it holds the very same characteristics that turned Congress against TikTok. One U.S. official told CBS News, This appears to be the kind of app that the statute would apply to and could face the same restrictions as TikTok if its not divested.

Under the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, an app has to meet a few criteria in order to be considered unlawful. Firstly, the app has to be controlled by a foreign adversary, like China, Russia, or Iran, that the president determines presents a significant threat to national security. RedNote is Chinese-owned and is headquartered in Shanghai, plus its shareholders include Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.

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Secondly, if the app is primarily meant for users to post product reviews, business reviews, or travel information then it would be exempt from the law. Unfortunately, that is not Rednote, as the apps interface is similar to TikToks, and its designed for posting pictures and videos of ones everyday life.

Lastly, the app has to have more than 1 million monthly active usersRedNote gained 3 million U.S. users this week alone.

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But the law does not automatically ban RedNote. Trump, or future U.S. presidents, would first have to indicate they believe RedNote threatens the countrys national security. Trump would be required to submit a report to Congress detailing the specific national security concern involved and how the app would need to divest its ownership. The president would then make a final determination within 30 days of handing over that report. If Trump decides RedNote should be banned, then the company would have 270 days to divest its Chinese owners. It could also challenge the law, like TikTok tried tothough the Supreme Court is likely to rule in favor of Congress again.

With Fridays decision, the Supreme Court basically got out of lawmakers way and said the ball is in their court to decide what to do with Chinese-owned appswhich means lawmakers could also change TikToks fate. Trump indicated he may still try to save TikTok in the U.S. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! he said on Truth Social after the courts decision.
Scott Marshall Colvin passed on to eternal life at age 68 on January 14, 2025. He was surrounded by family and pets and was blessed to be able to spend his last years on earth in his childhood home in Valley Lee.



Scott was born on July 18, 1956 to Jerry Marshall Colvin and Alice Ritchie Colvin of Valley Lee. Scott has been married to the love of his life, Camille (Greco) Colvin, for 44 years. Together they shared a wonderful life making fun and happy memories with children, numerous pets, travel, and music. Scott was an alumnus and golden grad of Great Mills High School and a proud graduate of West Virginia University. Scott enjoyed his time as a member of the marching band of both of those schools and he enjoyed music throughout his life. Scott was an avid pilot of RC Airplanes and other models and lived the dream of owning and operating his own toy store, "Flying Circus Hobbies and Toys". He had a great career starting off working as an accountant for his father, then moving to a DoD Civilian job with Navy Audit, and proudly finishing his career in the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Postal Service. Scott was an active member of Leonardtown Baptist Church and previously served for many years as chairman of the Stewardship Committee.



In addition to his wife, Scott is survived by his five children; Eric (Joanna), Brandon (Polly Anna Olsen), Kelsey, Nick, and Carly and two grandchildren; Sidney Marshall Colvin and Blake Ritchie Colvin. He is also survived by his sister Tracy Colvin North (Jim).



A visitation will be held at Leonardtown Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 21st at 1 pm followed by a celebration of life service at 2 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend. Pallbearers will be Eric Colvin, Nick Colvin, Jim North, Adam Osborne, Jim McCue, Dan Mixson, Ryan Fields, and Alex Krasnokutsky. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charlie Reynolds and Sidney Colvin. A private interment will follow the service.



In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Valley Lee or the COSMIC Symphony.
 Flash

At the invitation of the U.S. side, President Xi Jinping's special representative, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Friday.

China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States, the spokesperson said.

"We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other," the spokesperson added.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/denmark-to-build-military-airbase-in-greenland-to-strengthen-arctic-defense--reports-1121441869.html

Denmark to Build Military Airbase in Greenland to Strengthen Arctic Defense  Reports

Denmark to Build Military Airbase in Greenland to Strengthen Arctic Defense  Reports

Sputnik International

Denmark is planning to establish a military airbase in western Greenland to demonstrate its strength and enhance the countrys defense capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, Danish state broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing a confidential Danish armed forces report.

2025-01-17T04:57+0000

2025-01-17T04:57+0000

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military

europe

denmark

greenland

arctic

donald trump

us

airbase

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The 22-page document, which was drafted in September 2024, outlined plans to expand the country's military capabilities, including the construction of the airbase in the settlement of Kangerlussuaq. The cost of new aircraft for this base is estimated to exceed $150,000, and the base will accommodate up to 94 personnel, the report read. It is expected to bolster the protection of critical Greenlandic infrastructure, such as undersea cables, power plants, oil storage facilities, and other vulnerable assets, media reported. Additionally, the broadcaster reported about plans to establish a mobile military base in Greenland, which could be moved using transport aircraft. The Danish armed forces also aim to expand the Arctic Command headquarters in the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk by adding approximately 58 personnel to its current staff of about 70, the report read. The Danish armed forces' report also described Denmarks current capabilities as limited in terms of identifying, recognizing, and reacting to threats in the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea, TV2 reported. In December, US President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to assume office on January 20, has called it an "absolute necessity" for the United States to own Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, responded by saying that the island was not for sale.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250116/greenland-is-absolutely-not-for-sale-former-prime-minister-1121438977.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/iran-russia-partnership-game-changer-for-security-trade-and-education-1121441643.html

Iran-Russia Partnership: Game-Changer for Security, Trade and Education

Iran-Russia Partnership: Game-Changer for Security, Trade and Education

Sputnik International

The agreement on comprehensive strategic cooperation between Russia and Iran will affect the cooperation between the two countries in the security sphere in the Middle East, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told Sputnik.

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2025-01-17T04:50+0000

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russia

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"It will undoubtedly affect [it], because Iran is a strong and influential country in the region, and Russia is a large and strong country. Therefore, it is natural that we and Russia have concentrated and will concentrate all our capabilities to maintain stability and security in the region," Jalali said. According to Jalali, the deal, which also includes a clause on respect for territorial integrity, consists of 47 articles and an introduction and will be implemented to ensure balanced cooperation between the two countries. The procedure for Iran's ratification of the document envisions the government submitting it to parliament for approval.A comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Tehran and Moscow will contribute to the expansion and deepening of bilateral relations, Kazem Jalali said.Moscow and Tehran could break the record for bilateral trade this year thanks to a new partnership agreement, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told Sputnik."I think this [achieving a new record in trade] will happen for several reasons. We are currently working seriously with each other in a number of areas in the economic sphere. One of them is that we are currently signing a strategic [partnership] agreement, and this agreement can facilitate and accelerate part [of the processes in] our economic relations, the second is our cooperation in BRICS, the third is our cooperation in the SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organization], but the most important is the free trade agreement that we signed with the countries of the Eurasian [Economic] Union and... the Russian economy is the largest economy in the Eurasian Union... Now there is potential that from 2025 we will develop our economic relations in these several areas that I have mentioned," the ambassador said.During the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow, the authorities of Iran and Russia will sign only a strategic partnership agreement, Iranian Ambassador to Russia said.Trade between Iran and Russia in 2024, according to forecasts from Tehran, will top $4 billion, Kazem Jalali said."We have not yet received the results of trade turnover for 2024, but, according to our forecasts, the volume of trade turnover will exceed $4 billion, and, of course, we must wait for the publication of statistics by the Russian Customs Service," the Iranian diplomat said.The partnership agreement between Iran and Russia contains clauses on strengthening ties in education and cultural exchange, Jalali said."This agreement, since it is comprehensive, by the way, includes issues on cultural cooperation... In particular, cooperation in the sphere of education, exchange of students and teachers, cooperation in the field of technology, especially new - all this is envisioned in this agreement," the Iranian diplomat said.Earlier, Russia and Iran agreed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. According to Jalali, the deal, which also includes a clause on respect for territorial integrity, consists of 47 articles and an introduction and will be implemented to ensure balanced cooperation between the two countries. The procedure for Iran's ratification of the document envisions the government submitting it to parliament for approval.The Kremlin has said talks between Russian and Iranian presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will be held on January 17. The leaders plan to discuss the prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and current regional and international issues. After the talks, the presidents will sign a comprehensive strategic partnership deal between Russia and Iran, and will also make statements for the press. The new agreement is to replace the current bilateral document on the foundations of relations and principles of cooperation, signed in Moscow back in 2001.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/russia-iran-strategic-partnership-agreement-not-targeted-against-anybody---lavrov-1121426569.html

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iran-russia partnership, comprehensive strategic cooperation, iranian ambassador to russia, cooperation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/iranian-official-highlights-growing-role-of-brics-and-sco-in-neutralizing-sanctions-1121444336.html

Iranian Official Highlights Growing Role of BRICS and SCO in Neutralizing Sanctions

Iranian Official Highlights Growing Role of BRICS and SCO in Neutralizing Sanctions

Sputnik International

The importance of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grows daily, these associations will not only reduce the impact of Western sanctions and neutralize the sanctions themselves, but will also contribute to the regulation of international relations, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Sputnik on Friday.

2025-01-17T09:39+0000

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world

iran

moscow

shanghai cooperation organisation (sco)

brics

masoud pezeshkian

cooperation

russia

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"BRICS and the SCO are two important associations with practical functions in the sphere of economics, politics and security, the importance [of these associations] is growing every day, and [they] will not only effectively reduce the economic and political influence [of sanctions] and even effectively neutralize ... Western sanctions, but will also contribute to the regulation and adjustment of international relations," Baghaei said.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived in Moscow on an official visit, may discuss Iran's nuclear issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Esmail Baghaei said."I think it is absolutely natural that the two presidents use this opportunity to discuss the latest developments regarding Iran's nuclear issue ... Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and one of the parties to the nuclear deal, played an important role in shaping this diplomatic achievement [referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] ... Russia's constructive and important role in this area will be key in the future," Baghaei said.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian plans to discuss developments in Syria and the Gaza Strip, among other issues, during his visit to Moscow, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.Earlier in the day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on an official visit to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders plan to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, as well as current regional and international issues. After the talks, the presidents will sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran and also make statements to the press. The new agreement will replace the current bilateral document on the foundations of relations and principles of cooperation signed in Moscow in 2001.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/multipolarity-and-brics-trade-ethics-are-key-to-wto-reboot-1121325033.html

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growing role of brics and sco, western sanctions, iranian foreign ministry spokesman esmail baghaei
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/israeli-cabinet-approves-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-for-gaza-1121448073.html

Israeli Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal With Hamas for Gaza

Israeli Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal With Hamas for Gaza

Sputnik International

The Israeli military-political cabinet has approved the agreement with the Palestinian movement Hamas on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

2025-01-17T13:37+0000

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middle east

palestinians

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hamas

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"After considering all aspects  political, security and humanitarian  and based on the understanding that the proposed deal contributes to achieving the goals of the war, the ministerial committee on national security (the political-military cabinet) recommended that the government approve the proposed plan," the statement said. Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, agreed on January 15 to a 42-day ceasefire and declared their intention to finally end the hostilities that have claimed the lives of 46,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis over 15 months, spreading to Lebanon and Yemen and provoking an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. A government meeting to approve the agreement will be held later on Friday, the prime minister's office said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/netanyahus-office-confirms-signing-of-gaza-deal-by-israel-hamas-us-qatar---reports-1121442854.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/los-angeles-fire-victim-firefighters-arrived-to-extinguish-fire-in-my-house-without-water-1121444490.html

Los Angeles Fire Victim: Firefighters Arrived to Extinguish Fire in My House Without Water

Los Angeles Fire Victim: Firefighters Arrived to Extinguish Fire in My House Without Water

Sputnik International

Aaron Miller, a Los Angeles County resident whose house burned to the ground during the massive wildfires, told Sputnik that firefighters were unable to extinguish the fire in his home because there was no water in the fire hydrants.

2025-01-17T09:42+0000

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beyond politics

california

los angeles county

los angeles

wildfires

firefighters

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You see, no water, Aaron said, showing a video of his house engulfed in flames. "You see he has the hose there. The firefighter was standing... with the hose in his hand, no water. He said we ran out." There is literally nothing left of Aaron's house: the remains of a brick fireplace and walls, a burnt-out frame of a washing machine, and a melted fence. From the remaining charred pieces of wood, it is difficult to tell where the kitchen once was, and where the bedroom was. Aaron added that he and his family were still lucky despite losing their home and all their belongings: "You see that house? That was my neighbor. Died." There are many like Aaron in the area - the most powerful fires in California history have already destroyed more than 12,300 structures. Local residents have complained about dry fire hydrants, which the media has been writing about since the very start of the disaster. Los Angeles residents have already filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) due to a lack of water to extinguish fires. Multiple wildfires have broken out in California since January 7, killing at least 25 people, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands. According to US weather forecasting service AccuWeather estimates, damage and economic loss from the wildfires may reach between $250 billion and $275 billion.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/los-angeles-mayor-cut-fire-department-budget-by-49mln-shortly-before-wildfires---reports-1121405667.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/netanyahus-office-confirms-signing-of-gaza-deal-by-israel-hamas-us-qatar---reports-1121442854.html

Netanyahu's Office Confirms Signing of Gaza Deal by Israel, Hamas, US, Qatar - Reports

Netanyahu's Office Confirms Signing of Gaza Deal by Israel, Hamas, US, Qatar - Reports

Sputnik International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has confirmed that Israel, Palestinian movement Hamas, the United States and Qatar have signed a deal on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported on Friday, citing the office.

2025-01-17T06:09+0000

2025-01-17T06:09+0000

2025-01-17T06:09+0000

world

benjamin netanyahu

middle east

israel

qatar

palestinians

hamas

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The prime minister gave instructions to convene the security cabinet and then hold a government meeting to approve the deal, the report added. On Thursday, media reported, citing an Israeli official, that the Israeli security cabinet will meet to vote on the ceasefire deal on Friday, while the Israeli government is expected to vote on the agreement on Saturday. Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, agreed on January 15 to a 42-day ceasefire and declared their intention to finally end the hostilities that have claimed the lives of 46,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis over 15 months, spreading to Lebanon and Yemen and provoking an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. The first stage provides for a partial exchange of prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the Gaza borders and humanitarian aid. The second and third stages are yet to be agreed upon. Under the deal, the guarantors of the agreement  Qatar, Egypt and the United States  will establish a coordination center in Cairo.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250116/global-leaders-and-top-officials-hail-gaza-ceasefire-agreement-1121435209.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/russophobia-erases-polands-memory-of-soviet-sacrifice-in-wwii-1121449106.html

Russophobia Erases Polands Memory of Soviet Sacrifice in WWII

Russophobia Erases Polands Memory of Soviet Sacrifice in WWII

Sputnik International

January 17 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Warsaw from Nazi invaders by the Red Army during WWII.

2025-01-17T14:03+0000

2025-01-17T14:03+0000

2025-01-17T14:03+0000

world

poland

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wwii

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As Poland and the Baltic States tear down monuments to Soviet WWII liberators while pushing the Russia threat narrative, lets revisit some historical facts to refresh Warsaws memory.Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, employing a Blitzkrieg military campaign that allowed it to occupy most of the country within weeks.To liberate the country, Soviet troops carried out several major military operations: Lvov-Sandomierz Offensive (July-August 1944) The operation, led by Marshal Ivan Konev and the 1st Ukrainian Front, liberated Lvov and established a bridgehead at the Vistula River for future offensives. The Red Army liberated Majdanek, a Nazi concentration camp in Lublin, where an estimated 360,000 Soviet PoWs, Jews, and Poles were killed. Vistula-Oder Offensive (January-February 1945) This campaign pushed from the Vistula to the Oder River, involving a massive force of approximately 2,203,000 soldiers, 4,529 tanks, 2,513 self-propelled guns, and 13,763 artillery pieces. Key participants included the 1st Ukrainian Front (led by Marshal Ivan Konev), the 1st Belorussian Front (led by Marshal Georgy Zhukov), and the 1st Polish Army. 3. Warsaw-Poznan operation (January-February 1945) Encirclement, surprise attacks, and direct assaults allowed Soviet troops to fully liberate Warsaw by January 17, 1945, with the 47th Army and 2nd Guards Tank Army playing a crucial role. The occupation of Warsaw cost the lives of approximately 200,000 civilians, and around 85% of the city was destroyed. The Red Army suffered an estimated 600,000 casualties in the liberation of Poland, paving the way for the final offensive against Berlin.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230510/kremlin-on-warsaws-hostile-actions-poland-been-hating-russians-for-centuries-1110236450.html

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january 17 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of warsaw from nazi invaders by the red army during wwii, who liberated poland in wwii, who liberated warsaw in wwii, when was warsaw liberated from nazi invaders, how was poland liberated from the nazis
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/scoop-greenlandic-lawmaker-reveals-five-possible-options-in-status-referendum-1121447669.html

Scoop: Greenlandic Lawmaker Reveals Five Possible Options in Status Referendum

Scoop: Greenlandic Lawmaker Reveals Five Possible Options in Status Referendum

Sputnik International

Greenland has captivated the world's attention amid Donald Trump's remarks about acquiring the island, and statements by authorities in Nuuk and Copenhagen that Greenland is "not for sale." Sputnik reached out to a top pro-sovereignty MP in Prime Minister Mute Egede's coalition to learn more about what Greenland wants, and how it plans to get it.

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2025-01-17T14:59+0000

analysis

europe

donald trump

greenland

denmark

copenhagen

sovereignty

independence referendum

independence

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Denmark de facto annexed Greenland in 1951 and lied to Brussels about the existence of the island's Inuit peoples, and it will be up to Greenlanders to choose their future in a referendum with up to five possible options, Kuno Fencker, a pro-independence Siumut Party lawmaker in Prime Minister Egedes ruling coalition government, told Sputnik.Greenland is absolutely are aware that we cant be fully independent, Fencker said. We are looking positively in regards to how can we become a sovereign state that can cooperate with other states, he noted, emphasizing that in todays world, even Denmark itself isn't independent from the political, economic and defense institutions its engaged in.Status Quo Won't DoThe current relationship with Denmark doesn't suit Greenlanders, Fencker stressed, pointing out that Trump's recent threats to use tariffs to pressure Copenhagen into submission on the question of Greenland "is actually not that much different [from] from what Denmark is doing to us."Greenland "has always been an important geopolitical factor, and it's always been important" to the US with its Pituffik Space Base in the island's northwest, Fencker said."With the melting ice of Greenland, we absolutely are aware" that the US will seek to shore up its military and intelligence capabilities. An independent Greenland will therefore "require payment for any military presence in Greenland," the lawmaker said.Ultimately, Greenland's "value" in relations with partners "is not something you can put money on, but we are absolutely open for business and open for negotiations on how we as a sovereign state can cooperate with the other states on equal terms," Fencker emphasized.President-elect Trump's talk of acquiring Greenland from Denmark has reignited pro-independence passions on the island ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for April. Polling in 2016 and 2019 found that up to two thirds of Greenlanders support independence, although a 2017 survey found that the majority is not ready to sacrifice living standards for the sake of independence.The question of whether Copenhagen gets more back from Greenland than it pays in the form of subsidies has been hotly debated. Despite being ruled by Denmark from the early 18th century, Greenland's living standards and quality of life measures remain significantly lower than those of Denmark, with the island suffering higher unemployment, higher poverty levels, and average lifespan that's nearly 8 years shorter.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/denmark-to-build-military-airbase-in-greenland-to-strengthen-arctic-defense--reports-1121441869.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/house-republicans-draft-bill-authorizing-trump-to-negotiate-greenland-purchase-1121424359.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250110/is-greenland-the-new-arctic-battleground-for-us-and-china-1121403227.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250117/ukrainian-forces-burn-soldiers-bodies-to-avoid-paying-families---pow-1121442354.html

Ukrainian Forces Burn Soldiers' Bodies to Avoid Paying Families - PoW

Ukrainian Forces Burn Soldiers' Bodies to Avoid Paying Families - PoW

Sputnik International

The Kiev regime is burning the bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers to avoid paying their families, and the number of dead is so high that even in Kharkov the local crematorium does not have enough capacity, so mobile cremation units have been brought into the city, a captured Ukrainian border guard told Russian security forces.

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A group of six Ukrainian State Border Service officers surrendered to Russia on January 6 on the border between the Belgorod region and Kharkov, a source in Russia's security services told Sputnik earlier. Among the captives is Private Ivan Kuts, born 1996, an inspector in the Ukrainian Border Service."They also burn foreign mercenaries to hide the presence of their contingent in Ukraine," he added.The Russian Defense Ministry has consistently asserted that the Kiev regime employs foreign mercenaries as expendable resources, vowing to continue their elimination throughout Ukraine.

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People attend a rally supporting the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A South Korean court on Thursday rejected arrested President Yoon Suk-yeol's request for release, according to multiple media outlets.

The Seoul Central District Court reviewed the legality of Yoon's arrest at the request of his defense counsel, refusing to accept it as there was "no reason" to call for the legality review.

Yoon's counsel claimed that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has no jurisdiction over Yoon's case while the arrest warrant should be issued by the Seoul Central District Court, not by the Seoul Western District Court.

Yoon did not appear in the closed-door hearing for security issues, but his lawyers defended on his behalf.

During the court review, Yoon's 48-hour arrest period had been put on hold from about 2:00 p.m. local time (0500 GMT) when the joint investigation unit submitted relevant documents to the court.

Yoon was arrested in presidential residence Wednesday, becoming the country's first sitting president to be arrested.

After being questioned at the anti-corruption agency's office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, Yoon was taken into custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just five km away from the office.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced measures to promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and local currencies for cross-border transactions, including updates to FEMA regulations. Initiatives include the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA), introduced in 2022, and MOUs with central banks in the UAE, Indonesia, and Maldives for local currency transactions. Revised Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations, effective 2025, allow Authorized Dealer bank branches overseas to open INR accounts for non-residents to settle permissible transactions with Indian residents. Non-residents can now use balances in repatriable INR accounts, such as SRVA, for transactions with other non-residents, foreign investments, and FDI in non-debt instruments. Additionally, Indian exporters are permitted to open accounts in any foreign currency abroad for trade settlements, including receiving export proceeds and using these for import payments. These changes aim to streamline cross-border transactions, reduce dependency on third-party currencies, and strengthen INRs role in global trade.

Reserve Bank of India

Steps to encourage use of Indian Rupee and local / national currencies for settlement of cross border transactions  Liberalization of FEMA regulations

To encourage greater use of Indian Rupee (INR) for trade transactions, in July 2022, an additional arrangement in the form of Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) was introduced. Several foreign banks have since opened SRVAs with banks in India. The Reserve Bank has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central banks of the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Maldives, to encourage cross-border transactions in local currencies. Further, in December 2023 the Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations were revised to enable cross border transactions in all foreign currencies (including local currencies of trading partner countries) and INR.

In order to promote cross border transactions in INR and local / national currencies, a further review of the existing regulations issued under FEMA, 1999 has been undertaken by the Reserve Bank in consultation with the Central Government. Accordingly, the following changes have been made in the extant FEMA regulations:

a. Overseas branches of Authorized Dealer banks will be able to open INR accounts for a person resident outside India for settlement of all permissible current account and capital account transactions with a person resident in India.

b. Persons resident outside India will be able to settle bona fide transactions with other persons resident outside India using the balances in their repatriable INR accounts such as Special Non-resident Rupee account and SRVA.

c. Persons resident outside India will be able to use their balances held in repatriable INR accounts for foreign investment, including FDI, in non-debt instruments.

d. Indian exporters will be able to open accounts in any foreign currency overseas for settlement of trade transactions, including receiving export proceeds and using these proceeds to pay for imports.

The revised Regulations1 and Directions to effect these changes have been issued.

(Puneet Pancholy)

Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/1940

1 Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Currency Accounts by a person resident in India) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non- Debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025
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In its early days, the quirky tech startup known as Google adopted a visionary corporate credo: "Don't be evil." That later evolved into the motto: "Do the right thing," reflecting the idealistic ambitions of the company's founders that its technology could be a force for good.

Google's pioneering search technology would transform the internet and its home in Silicon Valley.

But more than two decades later, Google is confronting a starkly different view of its values and conduct, one that has been shaped by federal prosecutors who've depicted the tech giant as an "industry behemoth" that has "corrupted legitimate competition."

"Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," said Amit P. Mehta, a judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in a landmark ruling in August that could reshape the future of search.

The decision represented a big legal blow for one of California's most successful technology brands, challenging its influence over how people find and consume information online.

Now the Mountain View, California-based company is at a pivotal point in its nearly 30-year history as it tries to fend off scrutiny over its practices. Among the proposed fixes: The government wants the judge to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and share data with rivals.

"The scope of potential penalty is greater than anything Google has ever faced," said Damian Rollison, director of market insights at marketing platform SOCi. "It'll either undermine Google's ability to maintain its position as the market leader in online advertising  or open up the field to more competition."

The closely watched showdown could have a lasting effect on more than just Google, affecting the government's attempts to rein in the power of Amazon, Apple and Meta, experts said. Although some analysts are skeptical that Google will be broken up, many expect the incoming Trump administration to tackle antitrust issues.

For its part, Google plans to appeal the ruling and has accused the Department of Justice of pushing a "radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America's global technology leadership." The company proposed solutions that would make its contracts with wireless carriers and mobile device makers less restrictive. The judge is expected to hold a trial in April.

Google declined to comment for this article but cited earlier public comments.

Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, said in a blog post that the company achieved success through innovating, building the best search engine and making smart business moves, such as investing early in mobile.

"People don't use Google because they have tothey use it because they want to," she said.

Meanwhile, Google faces a separate antitrust lawsuit accusing it of monopolizing digital ad technology that publishers and advertisers rely on to make money.

A potentially greater threat comes from emerging artificial intelligence tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT search, which can quickly summarize information and could disrupt the way people search and businesses attract new customers.

Google released an AI-powered chatbot called Gemini and includes AI-generated summaries in its search results.

"They're not going to just ... lie down and let themselves be marched over by these new companies," Rollison said.

The federal government has stepped in to try to spur more competition and protect consumers when powerful companies grow rapidly and rivals emerge.

In the 1950s, the U.S. government barred AT&T from entering the computing business, citing its domination of telecommunications. Three decades later, AT&T agreed to break up "Ma Bell" into smaller independent regional companies.

Then there was Microsoft, which was forced to give up control over the internet after a federal judge ruled in the 2000s that it abused its monopoly power in personal computer operating systems. The judge ordered that Microsoft be broken up, but an appeals court overturned that decision and the software giant agreed to alter its business practices.

"The goal of all of this antitrust enforcement is to have a level playing field and get the best provider of the next technology rather than the last guy," said Fiona Scott Morton, a professor of economics at Yale University.

The rise of a tech giant

Google got its start in 1995 when founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin met at Stanford University and started building a search engine called Backrub in their dorm rooms.

The duo renamed Backrub to Google, a play on the mathematical term Googol used to describe a large number. Google was founded three years later with a mission "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."

Like many Silicon Valley startups, Google had humble beginnings. Its first office was a cluttered garage in Menlo Park, Calif., the students rented from the late Susan Wojcicki, who would become the chief executive of Google-owned YouTube.

"They seemed nice. Their idea sounded kind of crazy," Wojcicki said at a commencement speech in 2014 at Johns Hopkins University.

This quixotic idea eventually ballooned into one of the world's most valuable and powerful publicly traded tech companies.

From the home, office and everywhere in between, Google's products became more intertwined with people's daily lives. Google runs a popular web browser, email, navigation app, news aggregator, virtual assistant and productivity tools that allow people to write, crunch numbers and video chat.

"Google was earning the goodwill of the consumer during that phase of its development by creating these tools and giving them away for free. Not only were they free, but they were the best," Rollison said. "Eventually you realize ... if the service is free, then it turns out you're the product."

Today, Google's parent company Alphabet has a market capitalization of more than $2 trillion. It has become an advertising powerhouse, leveraging the trove of valuable data it gathers from people who use Google's products. The tech colossus has grown even bigger, purchasing valuable platforms including YouTube, Android, Waze, FitBit and DoubleClick.

In the third quarter, Alphabet reported revenue of $88.3 billion, up 15% from the previous year, virtually all of it from Google. Net income rose 34% to $26.3 billion during the period. Alphabet's stock price has jumped nearly 40% in the last year, closing Thursday at $192.90 per share.

"Google's become a victim of their own success," said Daniel Ives, a managing director at Wedbush Securities. "They created a product and an algorithm that's untouchable, and in the views of the street, they shouldn't be penalized because they created something that's changed consumer habits globally."

Google declared a 'monopolist'

As Google grew, so did questions about its market dominance.

The U.S. government, eager to curb the power of Big Tech and restore competition, honed in on business tactics Google used to shut out potential rivals. The DOJ and multiple states sued Google in 2020, alleging it illegally operated as a monopoly.

By then, nearly 90% of U.S. search queries went through Google and it was higher on mobile devices, the judge said. Microsoft's Bing trailed far behind Google, making up roughly 6% of all search queries.

The DOJ alleged in its lawsuit this lack of competition left consumers with fewer choices that could include more benefits such as privacy protections. Advertisers and small businesses also suffered because of higher advertising prices, officials said.

In his nearly 300-page decision, Mehta acknowledges the skilled engineers, innovation and business strategy that propelled Google's success. But he also points to exclusive agreements struck with Apple, Samsung, AT&T and others to be the default search engine on web browsers and mobile devices, giving Google a "major, largely unseen advantage over its rivals."

As Google gained users, it drew more advertisers, fueling its revenue growth and making it harder for rivals to compete.

Google's revenue share payment to Apple, which runs web browser Safari, totaled an estimated $20 billion in 2022, according to the judge's decision.

Microsoft, which owns and operates the search engine Bing, tried to get Apple to replace Google as the default search engine but it failed, despite offering to share 100% of its Bing revenue with Apple or even sell the search engine, the judge stated.

To Apple, sticking with Google as the default search engine was more of a "sure thing" when it came to revenue sharing, Apple's senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, testified in September in a federal court in Washington.

"They have the best search engine, they know how to advertise, and they're monetizing really well," Cue said.

Apple estimated it would gain about $40 billion from Google in the next five years if it continued its agreementmuch higher than the $20 billion Microsoft would pay Apple over five years.

Ultimately, the judge ruled that Google violated federal antitrust law by maintaining a monopoly on general search services.

Google has disputed the claim.

"Since the trial ended over a year ago, AI has already rapidly reshaped the industry, with new entrants and new ways of finding information, making it even more competitive," Mulholland wrote in a blog post.

The court ruling could give a significant boost to DuckDuckGo, which was founded in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg in a basement outside Philadelphia. He wanted to create a rival search engine that would have fewer ads and not collect any user data.

"It could signal the beginning of a new era in search," said Kamyl Bazbaz, senior vice president of public affairs for DuckDuckGo. "The government proposed a comprehensive package of remedies that is meant to unravel the overlapping grip that Google has had on the search market for more than a decade."

A battle with publishers

Rival search engines aren't the only ones hoping to benefit from the possible breakup of Google.

Danielle Coffey, president and chief executive of the News/Media Alliance, a nonprofit representing media organizations, contends Google has abused its power at the expense of content creators, changing how their websites rank in search results and giving them less money.

"We just want a fair shot at monetizing that content," she said. "Right now, our distributor is reaping all the benefits, and they're allowed to because of their size."

As Google became the dominant search engine, news publishers increasingly relinquished control to the tech giant to drive traffic to their websites.

And as Google captured more online advertising dollars, publishers worried they weren't being compensated enough for their content. They have endured massive layoffs and budget cuts.

The separate 2023 lawsuit filed by the DOJ, which a judge hasn't ruled on yet, accuses Google of monopolizing digital ad technologies and harming online publishers and advertisers that rely on these tools. This allegedly included buying rivals such as ad company DoubleClick and forcing publishers to use its tools.

Google has countered in blog posts that the ad tech industry is competitive, publishers and advertisers have control over how ads are bought and sold, and ad buyers and sellers use their tools because they're simple, affordable and effective.

The company's influence over the news industry attracted the attention of California lawmakers, who proposed a bill that would have required Google to pay news outlets for distributing their content.

But Google aggressively lobbied against the bill, known as the California Journalism Preservation Act, in the summer.

"It was very hard to pass this legislation in Google's backyard," Julie Makinen, chair of the California News Publishers Association, the bill's lead sponsor, said last year, noting Gov. Gavin Newsom's long-standing ties to the company's founders. A Newsom representative disputed the claim, saying the governor had worked to balance imposing regulations with encouraging innovation.

The Los Angeles Times, which supported the bill, is a member of the News/Media Alliance and the California News Publishers Association. Makinen also worked at the newspaper as a former editor and reporter.

Google said it helps drive traffic to publishers and the bill would have put "small publishers at a disadvantage and limit consumers' access to a diverse local media ecosystem." It has also argued that it supports journalism in other ways, such as the Google News Initiative, which provides funding, resources and training.

In August, California lawmakers agreed to shelve the bill after striking a controversial and nonbinding deal with Google and a news industry trade group to fund newsrooms. Google, taxpayers and other private donors would contribute nearly $250 million over five years to fund news outlets and an "AI accelerator" so journalists could experiment with the technology.

While AI can help journalists with tedious tasks such as analyzing data and transcribing interviews, reporters fear these tools could generate false information or eliminate jobs.

Additionally, news publishers are concerned AI used to summarize news articles in Google search results could cause traffic to plummet because people might not click through to their websites. The DOJ has suggested publishers should be allowed to opt out of having their content displayed as AI-generated content or used to train AI models capable of summarizing text.

The Trump effect

It's unclear what President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House will mean for antitrust enforcement. Trump has signaled he's wary about breaking up Google, but has also been critical of Big Tech.

"It's a very dangerous thing because we want to have great companieswe don't want China to have these companies," he said in an interview with Bloomberg in October. "Right now, China is afraid of Google."

William Kovacic, a George Washington University law professor and former Federal Trade Commission chairman, said Democrats and Republicans are skeptical of powerful tech companies for different reasons. Republicans such as Trump have accused Google of suppressing conservative speech and being politically biased, which it has denied.

Moreover, it was under the Trump administration that the DOJ sued Google, Kovacic noted.

"In many ways," Kovacic said, "it's in the judges' hands now, but I don't see the Justice Department backing off."

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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While other social media apps have seen their relative market shares remain stable over the past four years, TikTok has grown significantly. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Social media is widely viewed as dynamic, innovative and driven by the ethos to "move fast and break things."

But new research from Northeastern University shows that the social media landscape has been relatively stable for the last four years, with one main exceptionan exception that is about to be banned in the United States.

"For all the thinking about technological dynamism and so on, there's been little change to the relative market shares of the platforms for the last four years, except mainly TikTok," says David Lazer, Northeastern University distinguished professor of political science and computer science. "Now it sort of does feel like the one platform that is really challenging the big incumbents is being shut down."

The research, as well as an interactive graphic allowing one to analyze the user demographics of different social media and instant messaging platforms, is the latest result of data gathered by the Civic Health and Institutions Project (CHIP50).

This 50-state survey effort that polls Americans on opinions and behaviors has been asking large samples of Americans about their social media useincluding both which apps they use and how frequently they use themsince late 2020.

The latest report answering these questions comes at a critical time.

Citing national security concerns, Congress passed a law requiring that TikTokowned by parent company ByteDancebe divested from Chinese ownership by Jan. 19 or it will be banned in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court and the incoming presidential administration of Donald J. Trump could change this, however.

Credit: Northeastern University

TikTok users in the United Statesespecially those in the "influencer economy"are nevertheless nervous.

So who are these users and how prevalent are they?

The researchers found that TikTok users skew far younger than for most other social media. Compared with its peers, TikTok is used more by non-white respondents; people with a high-school or less education; and "moderately, if consistently," by more women than men and by more Democrats than Republicans.

Researchers also looked at how dominant different social media platforms were in terms of commanding users' attention.

Researchers found that Metawhich owns Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger and WhatsAppis the dominant social media/instant messaging company, controlling 48% of social media users' attention on a weekly basis.

Alphabet (YouTube) has the second-largest share, capturing 19% of users' attention each week.

TikTok is thirdwith 10% of users' attention.

And looking at overall usage, researchers found the number of users for most social media platforms have not significantly changed since December 2020.

There are exceptions, of courseThreads did not exist four years ago, but is now used by 8% of the public, according to the research. Reddit increased from being used by about 16% of the public in late 2020 to almost 24% of the public today. X decreased from usage by about 35% of the public to 29% over the four years, according to the research.

But the biggest exception is TikTok.

Twenty-two percent of the public reported using the app in 2020; 41% use it now, according to the research. Moreover, while Instagram has significantly more users than TikTok, the total time spent on both platforms is roughly the same, indicating that TikTok is more "sticky" and brings users back more regularly.

Now TikTok is possibly going to be banned.

"You're killing a medium that almost half the population uses and that two-thirds of the young people use, and we're turning it off," Lazer says.

There are some caveatsTikTok usage remains smaller than that of Instagram (50% of the public) and much smaller than Facebook (80% of the public). And TikTok's U.S. growth appears to have plateaued over the last year or so, researchers note. (The legislation banning TikTok was signed into law in April.)

But this data tells us something about the social media landscape.

"It tells us that TikTok is hugely usedand used a comparable amount by young people as other giant platformsand it's the one major place of dynamism and change in the social media landscape over the last four or five years," Lazer says. "I think what's happening with TikTok may be a reflection of that larger dynamic of loss of innovation and a system that is really preserving the incumbents rather than facilitating new challengers."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday signed a 100-year partnership agreement between their countries in Kiev, the presidential press service reported.

The deal stipulates that the UK will provide Ukraine with annual military assistance of at least 3.6 billion U.S. dollars for "as long as needed," according to the statement on the presidential website.

It envisages deepening defense cooperation, building partnership in maritime security, and boosting economic and trade collaboration between the two nations.

Under the deal, the UK plans to expand its contribution to the modern fighter jet coalition for Ukraine, increasing training efforts and assisting with the supply of aircraft used by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states.

The agreement also lays grounds for enhanced cooperation on long-range weaponry, and investment in Ukrainian defense industry, including drones and artillery production.

Additionally, the deal includes provisions for building consensus on Ukraine's potential membership in NATO, alongside strengthening partnership in energy, justice, science, migration, and other key sectors.

Starmer arrived in Ukraine earlier in the day for his first visit since assuming the office.
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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy speech at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Jan. 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The French lawmakers on Thursday voted against a no-confidence vote against French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.

According to the results announced by Yael Braun-Pivet, speaker of the French National Assembly, only 131 deputies voted in favor of the no-confidence vote, far below the 289 votes requested.

This is the first no-confidence vote that Bayrou has faced after the formation of his government on Dec. 23, 2024.

Following his general policy speech on Tuesday, the French hard left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) submitted a no-confidence vote against Bayrou.

But the Socialist Party (PS) announced earlier Thursday afternoon that it wouldn't support the no-confidence vote launched by its left-wing ally, which, according to Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the LFI, would "divide" the left-wing party alliance New Popular Front (NFP).

French President Emmanuel Macron nominated Bayrou as France's new prime minister on Dec. 13 after Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote.
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Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Thursday that his party will quit the government if the newly announced Gaza ceasefire agreement is approved.

In a televised statement, flanked by his party's six ministers and lawmakers, Ben-Gvir described the agreement, announced on Wednesday by Qatar, as "surrendering" to Hamas.

He said the party opposes ending the fighting in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, calling for continued military action until Hamas is "defeated."

The threat from Ben-Gvir, a key far-right partner in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, increases pressure on Netanyahu to reject the deal, as another far-right leader, Bezalel Smotrich, demanded earlier in the day "guarantees" that Israel will renew its assault on Gaza after the first phase of the deal is implemented.

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said on Wednesday.

The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase, during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt, and 33 hostages held in Gaza will be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
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Chinese diplomats on cyber affairs, in conversation with their United States counterparts, have firmly rejected U.S. allegations of cyberattacks, sources said.

The allegations made by the U.S. "lack evidence", the sources told China Daily.

The Chinese diplomats "have expressed concerns about the U.S. targeting China by rolling out large-scale cyber espionage and moves jeopardizing critical information infrastructure", the sources added.

In recent months, some leading U.S. media organizations, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, have claimed that Chinese hackers, as part of a "Chinese government-affiliated group" or campaign that U.S. investigators and researchers have dubbed "Salt Typhoon", intercepted phone calls of U.S. political figures and collected audio recordings.

Even U.S. government officials publicly joined the verbal attacks on China in this regard.

However, cyber affairs experts and policy observers in China pointed out that the U.S. media reports, while falsely linking China to such alleged attacks, also shed light on the scandalous side of U.S. espionage missions by federal agencies, including massive wiretaps.

A report by The Washington Post on Oct 27 said the so-called "Salt Typhoon" group is thought to have targeted "the system that tracks lawful requests for wiretaps made by the federal government of carriers".

Beijing has made public rebuttals against Washington's similar allegations that label China as the perpetrator of cyberattacks against the U.S.

Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai and a leading expert on cyberspace governance studies, said, "U.S. intelligence agencies have a typical behavioral pattern in hyping cybersecurity governance and national security issues, which is fabricating facts using false and inaccurate information, and fabricating so-called cyberattacks by other countries."

The objective is to hype security threats and create anxiety, Shen added.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned a Beijing-based cybersecurity company, accusing it of helping Chinese hackers infiltrate U.S. telecommunication systems and conduct surveillance.

At a recent news conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: "We urge the U.S. to stop using the issue of cybersecurity to vilify and smear China. For quite some time, the U.S. has been trumpeting so-called 'Chinese hacking' and even using it to impose illegal and unilateral sanctions on China."
Xior Student Housing NV (OTCMKTS:XIORF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 54,500 shares, a decrease of 15.0% from the December 15th total of 64,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days.

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OTCMKTS:XIORF opened at C$29.33 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$28.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$28.52. Xior Student Housing has a fifty-two week low of C$27.10 and a fifty-two week high of C$31.67.

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Xior Student Housing NV is the first Belgian public regulated real estate company (RREC) specialising in the student housing segment in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Denmark and Sweden. Within this property segment, Xior Student Housing offers a variety of accommodation, ranging from rooms with shared facilities to en-suite rooms and fully equipped studios.

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FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Participants Selected

The Federal Communications Commission has officially selected the participants for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot, the three-year program exploring the use of Universal Service funds to improve school and library defenses against cyber attacks. A total of 707 participants  645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia  will receive up to $200 million to help offset the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, as well as provide the FCC with data to better understand the funding's use and efficacy.

The $200 million budget uses reserved, unused universal service funds to ensure that gains in enhanced cybersecurity do not come at the cost of undermining E-Rate success in promoting digital opportunities for all and basic connectivity, the FCC emphasized in a news announcement. Pilot participants represent all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and several Tribal lands. They also come from a diverse set of large and small, and urban and rural schools, libraries, and consortia from various geographic areas with differing cybersecurity experiences and needs, the FCC said.

A complete list of participants is available on the FCC site here.

Participants will be required to conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process for the eligible services and equipment to be funded by the pilot. They will also provide additional cybersecurity information to serve as a baseline for evaluating the pilot's performance goals, as well as extensive reporting on their cybersecurity readiness before, during, and after their participation in the program.

"Making sure our students have access to all the opportunities of the digital world has been a cornerstone of my time at the Commission. It is also vitally important that this access is cybersecure," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in a statement. "This issue touches every state in every region of our country, including on Tribal lands, and that range of experience is reflected in the participants announced today. Through this program, we will be able to provide our federal, state, and local government partners with actionable data about the most effective and coordinated way to address the growing cyber needs of schools and libraries."
Balliceux, which remains undeveloped and uninhabited, was the site of one of historys worst genocides perpetrated by the British government.

"Whether by negotiated purchase or acquisition, the island of Balliceaux will return to the Vincentian people in 2025.





So said Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves during his 2025 Budget presentation on January 13.





Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had announced in January 2024 that his Unity Labour Party government would begin the process of either purchasing or acquiring the privately-owned 320-acre island, after it had been advertised for sale in 2023, at a price of US$30 million.





The Prime Minister said then that that he had instructed the Chief Surveyor to provide a valuation of the island, to inform the offer to the owners.





He said further that should the purchasing agreement fail; the government would invoke the law relating to acquisition and take the matter to a tribunal.





Finance Minister Gonsalves updated the governments position first saying, "In the past, our efforts focussed on defining the acceptable uses of the island and indicating that we would not approve an aliens landholding license to any investor that sought to use the island in a manner that diminished its cultural and historical significance,





He continued: "By indicating an intent to buy the island ourselves, the Prime Minister effectively moved from defence to offence in our ongoing engagement with the (purported) owners.





According to Gonsalves, the situation as it existed today regarding Balliceaux was that the heroism and genocide of the Garifuna people have been reduced to a chronology of dates, and the mass grave of the Garifuna victims marketed as a potential playground for rich foreign investors.





However, he projected that would no longer exist soon, once Balliceaux is either purchased or acquired by the government.





Balliceaux holds historical and religious significance for the Garifuna people.





Following the capitulation of the Garifuna forces by the marauding British by 1795, 5,000 Garifuna people were exiled to the uninhabited island.





In early 1797, the survivors were shipped 1,700 miles away to the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras. Only 2,026 remained of a population that two years earlier had been estimated at between 8,000 and 9,000.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known to the Garifuna as Yurumein, is seen as their spiritual homeland, while Baliceaux is revered as a sacred space representing the death and rebirth of their culture.
Pastor Al Blake not only stressed the importance and power of prayer but led the gathering in prayer as well.

The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation will be pleased with Pastor Al Blakes handling of their theme: Reflect, Rejoice, Give thanks; Rising above the storm, for their Annual Church Service.





Blake, Senior Pastor of the High Point Church, Arnos Vale, delivered the sermon at the Faith Temple, Thursday January 9.





Blake made it clear that any sense, well-being "only happens when we rest in Gods peace.





His interpretation is that peace "encompasses a sense of wholeness. For the High Point Pastor, it is Gods peace that "can sustain us through all circumstances.





Salvation, sanctification, and service are measures towards not simply happiness but joy, Blake insisted.





The joy he ascribed to a "deep and abiding confidence, that despite my circumstance, all is well between me and the Lord.





For Blake, "joy and peace are entwined, and ultimate joy enlists a "relationship with Jesus.





His wish was that mankind would commit to "holy living. He was mindful of his current situation and called upon the foundation he knows.





He highlighted the power of prayer which he considered, "breeds passion. And while he looked at it as "hard work, he urged that you "connect with God through prayer.





He urged listeners to bring families into their prayer life, and spoke to staff and students about praying together regularly.





"Commit to this practice, transform not only the classroom, but the nation, Blake beseeched.





"You dont have to be in the spotlight, because you have the light of Christ in you, Blake declares.





"Gods people are victorious. True service is rooted in humility and love. You are called to persevere. Dont be wary of doing good, the Pastor implored.





Pastor Blakes presentation came after performances of dance and music recitals.





A dance routine by a female duo from Lowmans Leeward Anglican School was well received.





Dexter Bacchus from the Ministry, displayed his skills on the saxophone, which students and staff enjoyed.





An ensemble of students from the Intermediate High School aroused a sense of nostalgia with their rendition on recorders. And the mixed choir from Sandy Bay Government School Choir showed talent with a rendition which stirred the audience.





There were melodic and timely presentations with a Praise and Worship team that included Maxine Coombs, Ronnie Richardson, and Colin Sam.
Government has paid over EC$4.7 million to Marcus De Freitas, former Minister of Government under the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration and Managing Director of De Freitas Investment Holdings Ltd (DIHL).





According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, there was no final court decision nor was there any judgement handed down by the court in the matter as it relates to the acquisition of property at Beachmont from De Freitas, property on which Trans Caribbean Traders Ltd, a subsidiary of DIHL, operated a hardware.





To date, EC$4,743,785 has been paid to De Freitas, Gonsalves said in response to a question in Parliament by Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, Fitzgerald Bramble on January 9.





But the government was not obligated to pay the quantity of money, Gonsalves contended.





In 2004, the property concerned was acquired by the government, and according to Gonsalves, De Freitas was dissatisfied with the amount recommended to be paid as compensation.





That amount as was presented by the government valuer at the time was in the sum of EC$1,743,785 and De Freitas asked for the matter to go before the Board of Assessment, as is allowed under the Land Acquisition Act.





The Board of Assessment comprised then of former High Court Judge, Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle (chairman), John Thompson representing the government and Greg MacLeod who represented De Freitas, increased the money to be paid by EC$200,000.





In October 2008, the Board of Assessment ordered the government to pay De Freitas EC$4,140,000 plus $20,000 cost and the assessment which they gave was to attract a 5 percent interest on the entire judgment.

But the government appealed this decision, Gonsalves said, and the matter was heard at the Court of Appeal in November 2010, when it was remitted back to the Board of Assessment for a new assessment.





A chairman and government representative were subsequently appointed to the Board, however De Freitas did not appoint a representative.





"We could have gone with the names selected, but the government decided that it did not want to proceed like that, Gonsalves said.





Retired Judge, Justice Gertel Thom who was appointed as chairman of the Board, was elevated during the interim to serve at the Court of Appeal, and she was replaced as chairman. The government representative was also changed but no one was ever appointed by De Freitas.





"In the meanwhile, we are elaborating our plans to build the hall of justice. I said to my colleagues, I said this thing is going on too long and I would like to bring closure to this thing before we do anything up there either with the parliament or the hall of justice, Gonsalves told the Parliament.





And money was paid over to De Freitas in 2021, 2022 and 2024, amounting to EC$4,743,785.





The last amount paid by the government amounted to EC$500,000 and was collected by De Freitas in February 2024, Gonsalves disclosed.





"Until I told you this, you would not have known...but I did not have to pay any of this, Gonsalves reiterated.




Not for the first time, Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday sought to highlight flaws in the this country Annual Budget presentation.

Legislators approved the 2025 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on January 10 which amounted to EC$1,849,341,997, representing a 14.4% increase over the approved budget for 2024, when lawmakers approved a budget of EC$1.6 billion.





Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, in presenting the 2025 Estimates, explained that the Recurrent Expenditure, inclusive of Amortization and Sinking Fund contributions amounted to EC$1,150,713,466 with Capital Expenditure EC$690,628,531.





The 2025 Budget will be financed from Current Revenue of EC$907,729,320 and Capital Receipts of EC$943,612,687. The revenue side of the Budget anticipates an additional EC$104.7 million or 10% in tax receipts.





The Budget, however, is another deficit budget with the overall deficit being $639.9 million.





Fictitious





Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition NDP said in his response to the 2025 Budget presentation in Parliament on January 14 that the opposition had heard and debated on various budget presentations over the years, and that government continues to present what the NDP termed a fictitious budget.





" what we have come to expect is that what is in the Estimates or Budget is that we cannot take the Minister (of Finance) at his word, Friday told members of Parliament, and reiterated that "the fiction that is presented in the Estimates and the promises made in the Budget, we cannot trust the government to mean what they say.





Other Receipts





The country has been through a lot, the opposition leader said, through the experiences of natural disasters, qualifying his admission with the observation that those disasters have been compounded by a lot of man-made errors, particularly from the government.





Among the flaws presented over the years was that there is a big hole in the budget which was captured in the Capital Receipts item called Other Receipts.





According to Friday, in the summary there is the revenue that the government intends to collect over the course of the year, the expenditure, Current Revenue and the Capital Revenue.





But, Friday contended, there was a situation where there the amount in the Other Receipts column amounted to EC$280.5 million in 2025 which accounts for 15 percent of the total expenditure, and the government does not know where the money is coming from.





And if it was put as a percentage of Capital Expenditure, it accounts for 40 percent, he added.





"They will never collect much of this money. As represented, it is a gaping hole within the budget, he asserted.





The opposition has asked for the finance minister to explain where he expects to get the money from, but according to Friday, he usually ignored the question.





He said that he was not being critical of the Estimates and Budget presentations to be negative, but it was the oppositions job to uncover mistakes in the governments approach.





"The objective is not to embarrass the government, its not to call them out but it is to hold them accountable, Friday said.
Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro (R) and President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali shake hands at the end of their meeting in Argyle, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dec.14, 2023.

Guyana said on Thursday, 9th January 2025 that it will seek help from the United Nations top court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - to deter plans by neighboring Venezuela to elect a governor to rule its western Essequibo region, an area rich in resources long claimed by Venezuela as its own.





Guyanas foreign ministry said in a statement that Venezuelas plan violates a December 2022 agreement between the two countries to not trigger conflict or escalate tensions over the mineral and oil-rich region comprising two-thirds of Guyanas land mass.





This also flies in the face of the 2024 Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela, agreed by the two countries, after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro threatened to annex the region by force, following a referendum in which he claimed Venezuelan voters backed turning the Essequibo into a Venezuelan state.





But Caribbean leaders, Brazil and the U.N. organized an emergency summit between the presidents of both nations on Caricom country St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they agreed to resolve the dispute though peaceful means, and to avoid taking actions that would raise tensions.





Guyanas foreign ministry said it would ask The Netherlands-based ICJ to stop Venezuela in its tracks if it goes ahead with plans to elect a governor of Essequibo.





Venezuela has always considered Essequibo as its own because the region was within its boundaries during the Spanish colonial period. It has long dismissed the border drawn by international arbitrators in 1899, when Guyana was still a British colony.





After years of fruitless mediation, Guyana went to the world court in 2018, asking judges to rule that the 1899 border decision is valid and binding. Venezuela argues that a 1966 agreement to resolve the dispute effectively nullified the original arbitration.





Venezuela was given until late August to reply to arguments made by Guyana.





Venezuela, with the largest oil reserves worldwide, focused interest on the Essequibo region after massive quantities of oil and gas were discovered off Guyanas coast in 2015.





The latest dispute between the two countries comes just weeks after Guyana objected to the completion of a bridge by Venezuelas military on Guyanas side of the bordering Ankoko Island, calling it a breach of the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.





Tensions between the two had eased for most of last year, especially after Guyana allowed the U.S. military to fly fighter jets over the capital, Georgetown, in May in a show of support for Guyana. (Source: AP)




Nicolas Maduro accepts the peoples applause as he prepares to be sworn in as President of Venezuela for a third term.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose nearly 12 years in office have been marked by deep economic and social crisis, whether induced or not by foreign pressure, was sworn in for a third term, January 10, 2025.





His swearing-in came in the midst of a six-month-long election dispute and an increase in the US reward for his capture.





Maduro, president since 2013, was declared the winner of Julys election by both Venezuelas electoral authority and top court, though his tallies supporting his victory have never been published.





So much so, the Venezuelas opposition says ballot box-level tallies show a landslide win for its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently fled the country for Spain in September 2024.





The government, which has accused the opposition of fomenting fascist plots against it, has said Gonzalez will be arrested if he returns and offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture.





And in similar vein the outgoing Biden administration in the USA increased its reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro on drug trafficking charges to $25 million, from a previous $15 million.





It also issued a $25 million reward for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and a $15 million reward for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, as well as new sanctions against eight other officials of The Maduro government.





The Maduro government has, as expected, rejected all sanctions old and new, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war designed to cripple Venezuela.





"The outgoing government of the United States doesnt know how to take revenge on us, Maduro said during his inauguration speech.





Maduro was sworn in at the national assembly in Caracas and said he was taking his oath in the name of sixteenth-century Indigenous leader Guaicaipuro and late President Hugo Chavez, his mentor, among others.

"May this new presidential term be a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy, Maduro said, adding he would convene a commission dedicated to constitutional reform.





"This act is possible because Venezuela is peaceful, in full exercise of its national sovereignty, of its popular sovereignty, of its national independence, Maduro said.




ndecision over what to do with the iconic Grimble Hall delayed work on the Girls High School.

It is not clear how much longer students at the Girls High School (GHS) and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) will continue to be housed at the temporary location at the decommissioned airport at Arnos Vale.





However, it has been announced that work on the original sites of the GHS and the TSSS is expected to commence this year.





According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, some rehabilitative work had already been completed on the GHS but further work has been delayed.





He attributed the delays to disputes and issues relating to redesigns on Grimble Hall.





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said back in 2023 that the engineers had recommended that the existing structure be demolished and a new one built. He noted then, this would increase the projected cost for the overall repairs.





"The numbers are going to jump very high is the Girls High School...where that was looking at $3 million plus rehabilitation, it looks s though we have to do a further $6 million or thereabouts, because we basically now have to do a new building at Grimble Hall, the Prime Minister said.





Amidst disputes between conservationists wanting to preserve the building and architects and engineers who determined that the layout was not fit for mere repairs, a first design was deemed too expensive prompting a new design, and those designs were now completed and accepted paving the way for work to commence this year.





There were similar challenges affecting progress on the TSSS site.





According to PM Gonsalves, the consultants did not do the job of assessing the work to be done as well as they ought to.





It has been hinted, he disclosed, that the entire building housing the TSSS would have to be demolished and rebuilt rather than repaired.





Designs for a new building have been submitted and approve and work is expected to begin some time this year.





Overall, some EC$40m was allocated in the 2025 Budget for the construction, enhancing and the equipping of educational facilities, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves told parliament.





Seventy percent of the funds allocated is sourced through soft loans from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
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Wasalt, an advanced digital real estate platform specialising in real estate services, has recorded a significant growth in usage, boasting more than 750,000 registered users, and 100,000 monthly leads.

With an anticipated five-fold increase in revenue from 2025 to 2028, Wasalt has emerged as a transformative leader in Saudi Arabias PropTech landscape within a short period of four years, redefining the real estate ecosystem with cutting-edge technology, AI-driven solutions, and the recent launch of its innovative digital auction platform licensed by Infath, the Kingdoms entrustment and liquidation centre, the company said.

Furthermore, through its new auction platform, it has transformed the traditional auction process, providing a seamless and secure experience for buying and selling properties.

Wasalt also offers transparency with AI-driven verification protocols and an innovative valuation tool, enhancing user confidence. These tools allow users to create personalised property descriptions, generate social media content, access real-time property valuations, predict ROI, and receive quality leads within Saudi Arabias booming $1.25 trillion real estate market.

Ziad El Chaar, Chairman of Wasalt, said: With the kingdom's population surging and requiring 1.5 million new homes, Wasalt was established to modernise the real estate industry. Our rapid growth within four years of launch speaks volumes of our success in addressing the limitations of traditional real estate practices. This also reflects the platforms ability to deliver value and convenience to the Saudi real estate community which enables brokers, developers, and buyers to focus on what truly matters  closing deals and growing their businesses. Simplifying the complexities of the real estate market by leveraging data analytics and providing users with tools for informed decision-making will be critical as the country braces for homeownership to increase from 47 per cent to 70 per cent by 2030.

As Wasalt continues to evolve, the company has introduced verification and quality assurance measures to proactively address market gaps, ensuring that listings remain continuously updated and free from inaccuracies, while rolling out new features and services to strengthen the real estate landscape in Saudi Arabia. - TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company  Masdar, the UAEs clean energy leader, on Friday announced preferred suppliers and contractors for the worlds first large-scale round the clock gigascale renewable project planned in Abu dhabi.

Larsen & Toubro and Powerchina have been selected as preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for the project, which will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage to deliver uninterrupted renewable energy.

JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the world's largest PV module suppliers, and CATL, the worlds largest battery manufacturer and a leading battery energy storage system (BESS) supplier, are preferred suppliers for the project, Masdar announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

Letters of Award for the EPC contractors were signed on Friday in a special ceremony at the Masdar Pavilion at ADSW, with Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, signing both. Yu Feng, President of HDEC International, signed for Powerchina, with Gao Fei, Vice President of Powerchina MENA Headquarter, witnessing.

The Letter of Award for Larsen & Toubro was signed by A Ravindran, Senior Vice President & Head - Renewables IC, with T Madhavadas, Whole Time Director & Senior Executive Vice President (Utilities), witnessing.

Masdar, in collaboration with EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), announced at ADSW that it is developing the gigascale project, capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, making it the largest solar and BESS project in the world.

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, said: The record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transformation, overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewables and enabling the dispatch of clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As Masdars largest and most ambitious project to date, we made sure we are working with the best possible partners that will deliver to the highest standards. I look forward to working with these preferred suppliers in setting a new global benchmark in clean energy innovation.

Jinko Solar and JA Solar are preferred suppliers for PV modules amounting to 2.6GW capacity each, with both companies utilising the latest TopCon technology with optimised parameters for maximum efficiency and production for 30 years.

CATL, as preferred supplier for the BESS, would supply its leading TENER technology for the total capacity of 19GWh, which features all-round safety, a long service life, and a high level of integration, ensuring the reliable, stable operation and high efficiency of the entire project lifetime.

The solar PV and BESS facility will provide unparalleled stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency of renewable energy. The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid. This initiative also supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the facility will play a transformative role in energy systems, ensuring the UAE continues to lead by example in delivering towards the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.

Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAEs vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030 and to become a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. - TradeArabia News Service